Aston Martin Valkyrie: Power Numbers Confirmed

Aston Martin has finally confirmed outputs for its F1-inspired road car and it's mega!

In a market with no shortage of current or pending hypercars, the Aston Martin Valkyrie is notable for its purity of execution.

Whereas rival hypercars feature forced-induction and hybridization, Aston Martin’s engineers have forsaken the allure of boost – and kept it all atmospheric. The 6.5-litre V12 engine powering Valkyrie is remarkable not only for its enormous size, but also the absence of turbocharging.

Without boost or any back-pressure issues to manage, Aston Martin has been claiming some amazing engine-speed parameters for the Valkyrie’s V12, such as an 11 100 rpm crank speed ceiling – unrivalled by any other production car. But how much power does it produce?

With Cosworth being responsible for the Valkyrie’s internal-combustion V12, Aston has had to wait for official confirmation of power figures. Why? Because the Valkyrie adds an energy harvesting KERS-type system and onboard battery pack to boost power beyond what the V12 engine could achieve in isolation.

The numbers which Aston have confirmed are deeply impressive, with the Valkyrie’s combustion powertrain element delivering 746 kW and 740 Nm of torque. Aston has also noted that 119 kW and 280 Nm of additional battery generated power and torque will augment the V12’s numbers at peak throttle loads.

That battery-pack is not Aston’s own work but has rather been outsourced to Croatian electric vehicle specialist, Rimac. The entire powertrain, in fact, is outsourced – with Aston being responsible for harmonising all the bits into a final hypercar application.

Total system output for the Valkyrie is rounded-off to 865kW, which should make it incomprehensibly quick. What could enable a rather unique driving experience with Valkyrie, as opposed to many other hybridized hypercars, is the appeal of a traditional large-capacity V12 engine, blended with batteries. Very impressive indeed…

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Toyota Corolla Hatch (2019) Specs & Price

The new Toyota Corolla hatchback launches in South Africa this week. Take a look at specification and pricing details below!

The eagerly-anticipated new Toyota Corolla Hatch(back) is here! With its eye-catching styling and sophisticated packaging, this important C-segment contender now has a distinctly different personality to its sedan sibling. Here's what you can expect from the new range:

The new Corolla Hatch is built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture platform, which also underpins the Prius hybrid and C-HR compact family car. So, apart from having a lower centre of gravity, a new multi-link rear suspension, 60% stiffer body and improved weight balance, the new Corolla is 40 mm longer, 30 mm wider (therefore generally more spacious) and 25 mm lower than its predecessor.

The standard 6-speed manual ‘box is said to feature rev-matching technology, while the automatic option will be a new Direct Shift continuously variable transmission that offers a 10-speed sequential shift mode, a mechanical launch gear and 3 driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport.

In terms of trim, there will be 3 derivatives, with one engine across the range. It's a 1.2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor producing 85 kW and 185 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels via the option of either a manual gearbox or CVT. There will be 2 levels of trim: XS and XR. All models offer a specification level including LED headlamps and DRLs, smart entry, sports seats, dual-zone climate control and Vehicle Stability Control (with hill-assist function).

We are driving the Toyota Corolla on local soil this week, so look out for our launch review soon.

2019 Toyota Corolla Price in South Africa (February 2019)

Corolla Hatch 1.2T XS R336 800

Corolla Hatch 1.2T XS CVT R347 400

Corolla Hatch 1.2T XR CVT R367 100

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Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster Revealed

The Mercedes-AMG GT family continues to grow. The latest addition to the range is a convertible version of the range-topping GT R.

The topless GT R Roadster will makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show this week and it will pack the same powerful twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 as its coupe sibling with 430 kW and 700 Nm of torque driving the rear wheels. It will also borrow the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with revised ratios to improve acceleration response.

While you might expect the GT R Roadster to lose a degree of performance ability due to its increased weight, this is not the case, and it actually retains the same claimed sprint time from zero to 100 kph in 3.6 seconds while reaching a top speed of 317 kph, only 1 kph less than the GT R Coupe. Rear-wheel steering is also adopted in the GT R Roadster to improve cornering agility at speeds up to 100 kph.

Only 750 examples will be offered worldwide and it’s likely to arrive in South Africa in the first half of 2020 in limited numbers.

Buy a new or used Mercedes-AMG GT R on Cars.co.za

New Car Sales in SA – February 2019

February 2019 was yet another disappointing month for new car sales in South Africa according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA). See sales summary below…

The downward new car sales trend continued during the month of February 2019 but was somewhat buoyed by strong sales performance in the commercial vehicle sector while exports registered substantial gains.

Ghana Msibi, WesBank Executive Head of Motor commented, “While we expect first-half sales to be slow, the market was no doubt rattled by the week-long impact of load-shedding at the beginning of the month, which impacted consumer and business confidence. Reassuringly, however, February sales were up on January despite fewer selling days.”

New Car Sales Summary: February 2019

Aggregate new car sales of 43 251 units down by 6.5% (-3 016 units) compared with February 2018.
New passenger car sales of 27 000 units down by 13.3% (-4 139 units) compared with February 2018.
Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales of 14 123 units up by 7.1% (+932 units) compared with February 2018.
Export sales of 27 529 units up by 22.5% (+6 202 units) compared with February 2018.

Top 5 Best-Selling Car Brands in SA

Toyota: 10 412 units
Volkswagen: 7 529 units
Nissan: 4 715 units
Ford: 4 487 units
Hyundai: 2 809 units

Top 5 Best-Selling New Cars in SA

Toyota Hilux: 3 504 units
Volkswagen Polo Vivo: 2 692 units
Ford Ranger: 2 578 units
Nissan NP200: 1 999 units
Volkswagen Polo: 1 605 units

Sales Outlook

New car sales in South Africa are expected to remain under considerable pressure as the market continues to be affected by a subdued macro-economic environment and increasing pressure on household disposable income. Improvements in economic growth after the general elections are expected to be realised and domestic sales should see an uptick in the second half of 2019. Solid growth in exports is expected to continue during 2019.

Nonetheless, Ghana Msibi says that affordability and increased pressure on disposable income will continue to impact on new car purchasing decisions, “Extended contract periods, increasing numbers of balloon payment options within finance contracts, and a continued shift from new to used all indicate the overall picture of household budgets under pressure. When consumers hold on to their cars for longer, there are fewer and fewer late model, low mileage used cars in the market. This will naturally force customers back into new vehicles over time, which is positive news for dealers and new vehicle sales.”

Buy a new or used car on Cars.co.za

Extreme Limited Edition Mercedes-AMG S65 Final Edition Revealed

Mercedes-AMG has revealed the S65 Final Edition which will comprise just 130 vehicles. Check it out.

This exclusive limited-edition model from Mercedes-AMG is aimed at collectors and will comprise just 130 units. Featuring some standout visual features and comprehensive levels of spec, the S65 Final Edition looks magnificent.

The 6.0 V12 biturbo engine from AMG is a masterpiece. Assembled by hand in Affalterbach, the S65's engine produces 463 kW and 1000 Nm. Not only is it smooth, but it's also mind-bendingly fast. The AMG Driver's package is fitted as standard and this means a top speed of 300 kph is possible.

The vehicle is available in one colour only: high-gloss obsidian black paint and rides on upmarket 20-inch multi-spoke wheels. There are classy matte bronze touches across the bodywork and an AMG emblem located on the C-pillar. The exhaust tips have been coated in high-gloss black paint too. Inside, the cabin is covered in Exclusive black Nappa leather with the same bronze colour stitching. There's extensive use of carbon fibre too.

The cabin of the Mercedes-AMG S65 Final Edition

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan (2019) Prices Announced

Pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan has turned up on the local arm's website. Here's how much this compact sedan costs.

Not to be confused with the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA, the A-Class sedan will be arriving locally soon. Ahead of its launch, we've managed to secure pricing and which engines will be available.

Kicking off the range is the Mercedes-Benz A200, featuring a 1.3-litre turbocharged motor with 120 kW and 250 Nm. Fuel consumption is claimed to sit between 5.2 L/100 km and 5.4 L/100 km.

The next model in the line-up is the Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport, which features a substantially more powerful engine. With 165 kW and 350 Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo motor, it's going to be quite a fast drive. Mercedes-Benz claims a sub-7 second sprint time to 100 kph. It's a tad thirstier than its A200 sibling and is claimed to consume between 6.1 L/100 km and 6.3 L/100 km.

While the standard specification is likely to be revealed closer to the launch, we've managed to secure pricing for some of the optional packages. The A200 can be optioned with additional safety such as the Lane Tracking package (R12 500) and Driving Assistance Package (R30 000). For those wanting a sportier bodykit, the AMG Line is your port of call for R25 000. Leather is available for R20 500 and you can get Keyless-Go for R9 500. The A250, on the other hand, gets the AMG Line package as standard, but you should look at the Engineering package (R44 000) which gives you adjustable dampers, keyless go, and more potent LED headlights.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Price in South Africa

Mercedes-Benz A200 R533 780

Mercedes-Benz 250 Sport R606 950

Mercedes-AMG A35 R766 566

New Ford Kuga ST Line Review – What does that ST badge mean?

This ST Line is now the range-topper in South Africa, replacing the Titanium variant. It's priced at just under R550 000 and for your money, you get the coveted ST badge on your car. But what does that actually mean?

In this video, we take a look at the upgrades that are included in the package, as well as the performance of the model and what you can expect from the 2.0-litre turbopetrol 4-cylinder motor.

We also take a look at the boot space and a detailed look at the interior, including the SYNC3 infotainment system. Presenter Ciro De Siena also takes us through the car's rivals – or lack thereof.

Stunning Lamborghini Miura SV restored – with SA heritage

The latest car to be restored by Lamborghini's Polo Storico division is quite a special one. It's red Miura SV, owned by none other than Jean Todt, the current President of the FIA. But that's not the topic of interest for us… This car has a South African history!

This Miura, chassis number #3673, was born on 11 November 1972, using the chassis number of a 1968 Miura S that had been destroyed in an accident. This was apparently not particularly rare in those days as there were several financial motives to do so, the most important one likely being to protect the buyer from high import taxes on new vehicles in certain countries.

It was then delivered in late 1972 to its first owner, a certain Mr. Mecin, in South Africa, painted Rosso Corsa (red), with a lower gold band and interiors in black leather, and this is exactly to the condition that it has been restored now, 47 years later, following the work of the Polo Storico technicians.

The Miura SV's 4.0L V12 engine pumped out around 285kW.

The nuts-and-bolts restoration by Lamborghini's in-house Polo Storico heritage division took 13 months and also involved verification of its conformity with the notes in the assembly books stored in the Lamborghini archives.

Today it is believed that there are only 2 Miuras left in South Africa. It's a car often regarded as the first true supercar and is regularly listed as the most beautiful car of all time. It was penned by the legendary designer Marcello Gandini. SV versions, such as this one, lacked the distinctive "eyelashes" of other Miuras. Around 150 SVs were built.

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Toyota Unveils Lukewarm Corolla GR Sport

Ahead of the 2019 Geneva Motor Show next week, Toyota has released some teaser images of its Corolla GR Sport.

Now before everyone expresses disappointment that this sporty-looking hybrid is not a hot hatch at all, we have to remember the pillars of Toyota's performance brand. GR Parts is purely cosmetic, GR Sport focuses on suspension, GR boasts more power and finally, GR MN is your fully-fledged Toyota performer.

Essentially, then, you're looking at a sportier Corolla which features GR 18-inch alloy wheels, a more aggressive front grille, some nice skirts, and a sportier rear diffuser. There are also some subtle Gazoo Racing badges. Under the skin, there are some mechanical changes to the suspension in the form of firmer dampers, which should make for a more direct feel when cornering. The engine is unchanged and as you can see from the photos, is a hybrid. The package is then rounded off with contrasting 2-tone paint.

While fans of hardcore performance Toyota products are left underwhelmed by the Corolla GR Sport, you can consider this the warm-up act to the maximum-attack Corolla GRMN hot hatch, which should be revealed in 2020. If the Toyota Yaris GRMN was anything to go by, we should be in for a treat.

The Corolla GR Sport is the warm-up act to the Corolla GRMN

First Levante V8s Limited to 100 Units

Big hoops and Italian fashion house sourced leather seats for Maserati's first V8 powered SUV.

Imitating the profit motive of German brands with their launch edition performance cars, Maserati will do the same with its new Levante V8.

Limited to a mere 100 units, the Levante Trofeo Launch Edition is exactly what it purports to be: styling trinkets and strange colours, at a premium price, for customers who wish to be amongst the first to own a Ferrari powered SUV.

Distinguishing the Launch Edition Levante are carbon-fibre bumper bits, side skirts, bonnet inserts and its 22-inch Orione design alloy wheels. Exterior colour is a big differentiator too, with Blu Emozione Matte blue, Giallo Modenese yellow and Rosso Magma red the customer options.

Inside you’ll be seated on plush Pieno Fiore leather, with the Trofeo logo stitched into the headrests and a 1280-watt sound system by Bowers & Wilkins providing orchestral sound quality through its 17-speakers. A special note to the Trofeo Launch Edition’s leather seats is that they are upholstered in a leather produced and refined by renowned Italian fashion brand, Ermenegildo Zegna.

As mentioned, the Levante V8 is Ferrari-powered, although Maranello would prefer most to use the classification of its 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged engine as a design joint-venture, instead of referring to it as an authentic Ferrari powerplant. Outputs are impressive, boosting 440 kW and 730 Nm.

An eight-speed automatic transmission from German supplier, ZF, splits that power between the front and rear axles. The Levante V8 is a very rapid luxury SUV, capable of running a 4.1-sec benchmark 0-100 kph sprint, before closing in on a top speed of 300 kph.

To keep the big SUV rolling safely at those speeds, Maserati partnered with Continental, who provide a version of its SportContact 6 tyre specifically tailored for the Levante application. Levante Trofeo Launch Edition also becomes the first volume production Maserati to be factory fitted with 22-inch wheels.

Aston Martin Valkyrie: Power Numbers Confirmed

Aston Martin has finally confirmed outputs for its F1-inspired road car and it's mega!

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Toyota Corolla Hatch (2019) Specs & Price

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New Car Sales in SA – February 2019

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Extreme Limited Edition Mercedes-AMG S65 Final Edition Revealed

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan (2019) Prices Announced

Pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan has turned up on the local arm's website. Here's how much this compact sedan costs.

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New Ford Kuga ST Line Review – What does that ST badge mean?

This ST Line is now the range-topper in South Africa, replacing the Titanium variant. It's priced at just under R550 000 and for your money, you get the coveted ST badge on your car. But what does that actually mean?

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Stunning Lamborghini Miura SV restored – with SA heritage

The latest car to be restored by Lamborghini's Polo Storico division is quite a special one. It's red Miura SV, owned by none other than Jean Todt, the current President of the FIA. But that's not the topic of interest for us… This car has a South African history!

You may also be interested in;

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First Levante V8s Limited to 100 Units

Big hoops and Italian fashion house sourced leather seats for Maserati's first V8 powered SUV.

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