A decade after BMW revealed its first M-Division SUVs, the company has now expanded its portfolio of very quick gravel travellers.
Details of the X3 and X4 M SUVs have finally been made public, ahead of their scheduled debut at the Geneva auto show, in March. Although the SUV configuration might still be bothersome to true BMW M-Division traditionalists, the technical expertise that Munich’s finest mechanical engineers have applied to these cars are deeply impressive.
Both the X3 and X4 M-cars will be powered by the familiar BMW 3-litre in-line six, boosted by a twin-turbocharged set-up. Interestingly, two grades of the 3-litre turbo will be available, either a ‘standard’ 353 kW/600 Nm configuration, or an even more potent Competition option, surging peak power to 375 kW.
Power is predictably sent to all four wheels, via an eight-speed automatic transmission – with no dual-clutch drivetrain option. Those power numbers and all-wheel traction combine to deliver very keen acceleration numbers: 0-100kph in 4.2 seconds (4.1 sec for the Competition derivatives) and a top speed of 280 kph for X3/4 Ms with the optional Drivers’ Package.
If you require an additional 5 kph of top end, paring a Driver’s Package delimiter to the any of the Competition X3/4 M models will raise maximum speed potential to 285 kph. A dual-branch exhaust system with active flaps and 100 mm piping diameter should guarantee that these six-cylinder M-Division SUVs sound the part too. Selectable transmission shift patterns, suspension settings and styling trinkets are all familiar M-Division fare.
Technology abounds, with BMW’s engineers calculating that the cornering performance and higher SUV centre of gravity would possibly render lubrication issues, and therefore the sump is separated in two chambers, enabling a suction channel in between for optimal oil circulation. The X3/4 M cylinder heads also feature intricate 3D printed shapes, which allow for incredible geometric precision, optimising pre-combustion swirl and efficiency.
Following the trend in high-performance automotive marketing, BMW will first debut the more powerful Competition models, which should arrive in South African during the third quarter of this year. The ‘less powerful’ 353 kW options will follow later.
BMW M has made some of the best performance engines for attainable sportscars and sports sedans, but which ones stand out and gain legendary status?
BMW has built a reputation over the years for designing and building some of the most inspirational and visceral engines on the planet. A brief perusal of its product portfolio will reveal a decorated history – both in terms of its motorsport and production stock. And of all these offerings only a handful stand out for various reasons, the most notable of which are those that have been breathed on by BMW’s M division.
These very badges have become quasi-religious symbols in their own right – harbingers of the pulsing performance lurking beneath their tempered bonnets. And while their blueprints may have changed over the years to accommodate the slew of contemporary environmental laws 1 thing still remains: the emotional connection they share with those brave enough to tame them.
BMW S85
Manufactured between 2005-2010 the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V10 that powered the E60/61 M5 and E63/64 M6 is the first and only 10-cylinder series-produced BMW engine. It was inspired by the Munich-based manufacturer's involvement as an engine supplier (and later a works team) in F1. Naturally, it wore an appreciably unique engine code – 80 – to differentiate it from the 60 and 70 designations of the respective V8 and V12 variety. It was a frighteningly feral thing both in terms of its performance, a fact underscored by its colossal (and peaky!) power and torque outputs of 373 kW and 520 Nm. Armed with a lofty 7 750 rpm redline (8 250 rpm on the clocks) the 10-cylinder symphony belted out by its quad-pipe exhaust arrangement was intense and haunting – thanks largely to 10 individual throttle bodies and a performance exhaust system.
The V10 gave the M5 supercar performance and drama; it imbued the 5 Series flagship with a Jekyll-and-Hyde personality. Even when pootling around town at low speeds, its anxious and edgy demeanour would constantly goad the driver to free the M5 from the shackles of economy. Strangely all manual versions were sold in the US (the land of the automatic). The rest of the world had to make do with a clunky SMG transmission.
BMW S65
Ah yes, the S65 powerplant. What a truly superb work of craftsmanship. The boisterous 4.0-litre V8 configuration gave rise to one of the most splendid- and aggressive-sounding BMW M cars ever: the E92 M3. It’s often regarded as one of BMW’s finest engines and shares such attributes as bore and stroke, variable valve timing system and a 12.0:1 compression ratio with the aforementioned (S85) V10 engine employed by the M5/M6. That's why it's commonly believed that the E92 M3's wailing V8 was essentially a truncated version of its V10 brother…
With 309 kW and 400 Nm of twist going to the rear wheels, this particular M3 was full of emotion and often gave its owner heart palpitations owing to its propensity to lose traction and pirouette like an Olympic dancer at the limits of its performance envelope. Most owners however, knew very well to keep things civilised and never tinker (too much) with the DSC settings. What makes the S65 engine all the more special is the fact that it was the last of the naturally aspirated V8 M cars and has become a collector’s piece as a consequence. It was never officially replaced; rather the onset of stricter emissions laws and environmental taxes brought about its demise, after which BMW looked to turbocharging for a replacement.
BMW M88
Ranked number 44 in the Cars.co.za Top 100 Coolest Cars of all Time, the BMW M1 supercar was the fastest German road car of its era and the progenitor of the brand's M car far. Endowed with both an achingly beautiful wedge-like appearance and well-endowed spec sheet, its dry-sump, mid-mounted 3.5-litre 24-valve straight 6 mill was a masterstroke and emitted one of the most sonorous soundtracks imaginable. Produced between 1978-1989 it was largely based on the DOHC version of the BMW M49 engine, which did duty in the BMW 3.0CSi racing rigs of the time.
In M88 trim it produced 204 kW and 330 Nm of torque and was good for a top speed of 265 kph – not very quick by today’s standards, but was mighty impressive in the 1980s. The M88 blueprint formed the cornerstone for future BMW legends and was modified for use in applications such as the E28 M5 (the world’s first super sedan), unique-to-Mzansi BMW 745i and the E34 M5 (in which its capacity ultimately grew to 3.8 litres)
BMW S14
Yes, South Africa might have never received the E30 M3, but we were lucky enough to benefit from our very own special editions such as the 333i and 325iS Evo 1 and 2. However, as special as these 2 models were they ultimately lacked the "mark of the beast", you know, that fabled M3 badge… The revvy E30 M3 2.3-litre (later 2.5-litre) 4-cylinder engine was a sort of Frankensteinian creation; a combination of M10's (from the 2002 Turbo) bottom end and the M88’s head (but with 2 fewer cylinders, it was a 4-pot). It would go on to dominate touring car racing for many years.
Production spanned nearly eight years (1985-1992), in which time four distinct iterations were available with power outputs ranging from 143 kW, 158 kW and 162 kW while the 2.5-litre Sport Evolution model (often referred to as the Evo 3) produced a rather impressive 175 kW and 240 Nm. There was no real successor to the S14 engine as BMW opted to utilise a straight-6 unit (the S50) for the next-generation M3, the E36.
BMW S54
In 2000, when BMW has preparing to unleash the E46 M3, the M Division replaced the S50 motor (which powered the E36 M3, including the sedan version that was sold in South Africa) with the masterful S54, which is considered one of the firm’s most sophisticated powerplants ever produced. With its relatively low-weight construction and super-revvy inline 6-cylinder engine, it embodied all the attributes that made the iconic E46 M3 such a success. The 3.2-litre was hard, ear-piercing (many likened it to the sound of a coke tin rolling down the street) in character and full of pitch, which backed its aggressive-looking packaging. It conjured up 252 kW at a dizzying 8 000 rpm while torque was pegged at 365 Nm. The 24-valve motor was also utilised to power late versions of the Z3 M Roadster and M Coupe, as well as the Z4 M Roadster and M Coupe…
In CSL (Coupe Sport Lightweight) guise, this particular engine left a legacy of which many enthusiasts still speak of today – at 110 kg lighter than the standard M3 and with power turned up to 265 kW thanks to a host of trick bits it was able to dispatch the 0-100 kph benchmark in 4.9 seconds.
They've only gone and updated the Mitsubishi ASX – again.
Mitsubishi has done the unthinkable and revealed a facelifted of its ASX crossover, only two months after releasing a Limited Edition version locally late last year.
The ASX occupies a curious position in Mitsubishi’s product portfolio. Despite the shared platform – which also originally underpinned Peugeot’s 4008 and Citroen’s C4 Aircross – being nearly a decade old, the ASX remains credibly popular in certain global markets.
When Mitsubishi’s sales were totaled for last year, ASX tallied as its third most popular product. So, what’s new about this latest ASX, due for its official debut at the Geneva auto who in early March? The styling is now closer to the latest Triton bakkie and Pajero Sport, with shiny grille details and inserts around the headlamps dominating the ASX’s front aspect. A pseudo skidplate underscores the redesigned front bumper.
ASX’s illumination is now powered by improved LEDs both front and rear, whilst there is greater overall colour coding harmonising the seven available hues.
The only notable change inside this refreshed ASX concerns its infotainment interface, which grows from 7- to 8-inches while retaining convergence with the popular Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Smartphone mirroring functions whilst on the move. Sophisticated TomTom navigation with real-time traffic awareness will be factory fitted to the higher grades of these new ASXs.
We'll have more details when the vehicle is officially unveiled at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.
Fancy a Renault Duster Single-Cab Bakkie? [w/Video]
The prototype you see here is a Dacia Duster single-cab bakkie built by Romanian coachbuilder, Romturingia. Recent comments by Renault Commercial Vehicle Romania chief, Hakim Boutehra suggest that it's nearly production ready
Some two years down the line from the double-cab Duster Oroch international launch, we are still waiting for the go-ahead to be given to a South African model. We have however, come across this Duster-based single cab bakkie prototype, which looks rather good. It was built by a Romanian company called Romturingia, who also built 500 single-cab bakkies based on the first generation Duster (2014).
This latest build is based on the second generation Duster and was shown at the IAA Hannover Commercial Vehicle Show. The model retains the new Duster’s styling but adds a load bay. This Duster bakkie is powered by an 81 kW 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine and comes equipped with an on-demand all-wheel-drive system.
We think that a Renault Duster single-cab bakkie would sell well in South Africa and provide some competition to the ageing Nissan NP200 that currently dominates the 1-tonne bakkie market.
Do you think Renault should produce this single-cab Duster bakkie? If Renault can secure right-hand drive production for this single-cab bakkie and the Oroch, we think it'll be sold in South Africa.
The alternative BMW 'M7' has just gotten a bit better and faster for 2019.
Alpina, recognized as an independent manufacturer by German authorities, has released the latest version of its B7, a fastest 7-Series you can buy.
With BMW having shown what its next-generation limousine will look like last month, this latest Alpina’s B7 is based on the new 7-Series, with its massive grille. For those who desire what BMW refuses to deliver – an M7 – the B7 is a very compelling alternative.
Although it is powered by a 4.4-litre turbocharged BMW V8, which produces series production output numbers of 447kW and 800Nm, Alpina’s technicians have fabricated some custom bits for the B7 engine. The turbocharger impellers are 4mm larger than BMW’s factory specification units and Alpina adds an intercooler circuit of its own design, in addition to custom engine management software.
Beyond the engine, Alpina’s also updated the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission's mapping to ensure the most urgent throttle response available. Although 0-100kph acceleration improves by a marginal tenth of a second (down to only 3.6 sec), the B7’s top speed has ballooned to a ridiculous 330kph.
Any limousine with a true top speed of 330kph would need some trick aerodynamics to keep it stable and the B7 benefits from a sophisticated collection of air-suspension components carried over from its base 7-Series architecture, and some clever bits from Alpina’s parts-bin.
The slimline headlights and new bumper might look like a fashionable bodykit but there are aerodynamic merits to it all, including a rear diffuser and spoiler combination which claim to induce zero-lift characteristics to the rear axle at speed.
Best of all? Well, those classic multispoke Alpina alloy wheels and the subtle touches, such as 5mm thicker window and windscreen glass, which ensure that even at 330kph, this B7 cruises with the serenity you’d expect from a 7-Series.
Pricing for the facelifted Mercedes-AMG C63 has been announced. Expect to see the newcomer arrive in South Africa shortly!
The most prominent visual change is the now standard Panamericana grille which beefs up the appearance significantly. The outer air inlets and front bumper have been designed while the rear twin tailpipes with high-gloss chrome trim and rear diffuser have also been reworked. As for the interior, a host of new trim and equipment will be offered on the AMG C63 range. The model benefits from a new flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather and fitted with new Touch control buttons. A fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster will be available as an option as well as heated and climatised AMG performance seats.
The biturbo 4.0-litre V8 engine continues to do service under the bonnet and outputs remain the same as before. In the AMG C63, it will offer 350 kW and 650 Nm while the more powerful C63 S will pack 375 kW and 700 Nm. The big news, however, is that the previous 7-speed automatic is now replaced with a new 9-speed, wet clutch automatic. Acceleration performance remains the same with the C63 sprinting from zero to 100 kph in 4.1 seconds and the C63 S being slightly quicker at 4.0 seconds.
Track fanatics should be very excited by the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S. The driver has been prioritised in the slight redesign of the cabin, and the first adornments you're likely to notice on the new steering wheel are a pair of rotary controllers located under its spokes. These are programmable and instead of having to glance over to the centre stack to change your drive modes, gearbox and suspension settings, you can keep your hands on the wheel and do everything there instead.
The new steering wheel controls bring added control and driver-focused performance to the C63 S
2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Price in South Africa
We'll have a final confirmation on specifications and features when the vehicle officially launches.
C63 S Sedan R1 546 600
C63 S Coupe R1 609 100
C63 S Cabriolet R1 728 700
Ford South Africa has officially begun building the facelifted Ranger bakkie, with the first unit rolling off the line recently. The newcomer brings numerous updates and refinements as it tries to set the bar for leisure bakkies.
The plant, located in Silverton, Pretoria has been churning out Rangers and Everests, and this is set to continue with both the facelifted Ranger, Ranger Raptor and forthcoming facelifted Everest. The first of the facelifted Rangers recently rolled off the line and will be going on sale in the coming months.
"Following the investment of over R3-billion in our local operations and extensive upgrades to our plants over the past 18 months, we are delighted to see the first of the new Ford Ranger models coming off our production line," says Neale Hill, Managing Director, Ford Motor Company Sub-Saharan Africa Region. "This is an extremely important and exciting year for the Ford Ranger, which will also see the launch of the first-ever Ranger Raptor that is undoubtedly one of this year's most highly anticipated new models," Hill adds.
The 2019 Ford Ranger features new engines, yet is more fuel efficient and boasts improved refinement and impressive technology. One of the new engines is a 2.0 Bi-Turbo diesel which is assembled at Ford's engine plant in Port Elizabeth. It produces 157 kW and 500 Nm, which interestingly is up 10 kW and 30 Nm when compared to the current 3.2-litre 5-cylinder. Ford is claiming a 9% improvement in fuel economy when this engine is mated to an all-new 10-speed automatic gearbox.
There will be a single turbo version of this engine and that produces 132 kW and 420 Nm, and is also available with a 10-speed automatic transmission. For those who were fans of the 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre, you can relax as those powertrains aren't going anywhere and will be carried over. The facelifted Ford Ranger lineup will comprise Single Cab, Super Cab and Double Cab body styles. The new Ranger is set to be launched locally in the first half of 2019, to find out more on the new Ranger here's what you can expect.
BMW will honour the end of its unique rear-wheel drive hatchback offering with a special edition M140i.
Since its debut in 2015, the M140i has offered something different from all other hot hatchback rivals, which are either front- or all-wheel drive. By remaining true to BMW’s traditional engineering principles of a longitudinally mounted in-line six engine up front, and drive sent to the rear, M140i offers a purist driving experience – combined with the practicality of a hatchback.
The next generation 1-Series will forego its segment USP by using a shared Mini front/all-wheel-drive platform, therefore drawing the curtain on BMW’s legacy of rear-wheel drive hatchbacks. BMW is honouring the poignancy of this inevitable product evolution, with special edition M140i called, rather unoriginally, the Finale Edition.
Although mechanically no different from any M140i which has gone before, the Finale Edition adds a selection of BMW options into a single package. Wheels are grey 18-inchers featuring a dual-spoke design, with the option of black or bi-colour alloys.
Special edition badging confirms that you have in fact purchased a Finale Edition while other external styling add-ons are high-gloss finishing on the kidney grille, darkened light clusters front and rear, with a black chrome tailpipe finish.
Inside, Finale Edition customers benefit from factory fitted wireless Smartphone charging and an electric sunroof.
Any future rear-wheel-drive hatchback from BMW will be powered by batteries, instead of an in-line six combusting 95 unleaded. So, if you desire the novelty of a 250 kW six-cylinder powered hot hatch, with rear-wheel drive dynamics and agility, these Finale Edition M140is are literally your last opportunity to own something of that configuration. Unfortunately, the Finale is an Australian-only model and costs an extra R30 000 over the regular 140i. As its life comes to an end, there may be South African version with similar tweaks in order to help leftover stock out of the dealership floor.
Is the new Toyota Supra too demure for your liking? Well, maybe the Supra TRD will get your attention…
The Supra nameplate has been resurrected and Toyota’s latest rear-wheel-drive creation is expected to hit South African shores in June or July 2019. However, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) has gone to work to create this Supra TRD Concept in an effort to showcase its modification potential.
The Supra TRD Concept is fitted with a carbon fibre front splitter to increase downforce while also reducing lift at high speed. The concept is also equipped with carbon side skirts as well as rear carbon spats and a carbon spoiler mounted on the boot lid. The doors also gain additional aerodynamic garnish to enhance airflow towards the rear. The concept rides on lightweight 19-inch forged aluminium wheels with a mesh spoke design.
While the visual treatment gives the Supra a wider and more aggressive stance, its engine remains unchanged. The Supra TRD Concept is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged 6-cylinder engine with 250 kW and 495 Nm of torque which is directed to the rear wheels using an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Do you like the look of the Toyota Supra TRD Concept? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Lexus is launching its new luxury compact UX crossover in South Africa this week. Herewith specification and pricing details…
The Lexus UX is the new kid on the block in the compact crossover segment and it will rival the likes of the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3 and the Volvo XC40.
The new Lexus UX is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine with 126 kW and 205 Nm of torque and mated with a CVT driving the front wheels. This engine will be offered in the entry-level EX grade as well as in range-topping F Sport guise. Fuel consumption for both these derivatives is claimed at 6.1 L/100km.
The UX 250h SE hybrid derivative sits in the middle of the range and it also makes use of a 2.0-litre petrol engine in conjunction with an electric motor to develop total outputs of 107 kW and 180 Nm of torque and is equipped with a specially-designed CVT. Fuel consumption for the UX 250h SE is rated at 4.5 L/100km.
Standard Features
The Lexus UX will be offered with generous specification as standard. Look out for our impressions this week!
Standard specification appears to be generous, even for the base-spec UX 200 EX. Key features include LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, electric/heated side mirrors, 2-way adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual zone climate control air conditioning, wireless smartphone charger, cruise control, 10.3-inch infotainment system with integrated navigation and Bluetooth functionality, an 8-speaker sound system and front and rear park distance control with a reverse camera, to name but a few.
The UX 200 F Sport gains LED Adaptive High Beam headlights, 18-inch F Sport alloy wheels, F Sport scuff plates, a 3-spoke F Sport steering wheel, F Sport leather seats with 8-way adjustment, 13-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system, remote touch interface, F-Sport instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control and a surround view camera. This derivative also adds Blind Spot Monitor and Lane Keeping Assist. The UX 250h SE follows the specification of the UX F Sport but minus the F Sport-specific details.
The UX is equipped with 8 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, stability control with traction control and tyre pressure monitoring. Load capacity is claimed at 272 litres.
We will be driving the new Lexus UX at its launch in Cape Town this week, so look out for our impressions coming your way soon. See pricing details below.
Lexus UX – Price in South Africa
UX 200 EX – R599 000
UX 250h SE – R699 000
UX200 F Sport – R726 200
The Lexus UX is sold with a 7-year/105 000 km warranty and a 7-year/105 000 km maintenance plan.
