Maserati has introduced a hardcore version of its Levante SUV. Now featuring a biturbo V8 engine, the Levante Trofeo promises the ultimate performance from its SUV range.
The headline numbers make for great reading. The engine is a 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 motor, made by Ferrari in Maranello and it pushes out 440 kW and 730 Nm. It's enough to see the Maserati Levante Trofeo hit 100 kph in a claimed 3.9 seconds and it boasts a top speed of over 300 kph.
Maserati claims this engine "boasts the highest output per litre (156 hp/litre) of any Maserati powerplant ever produced." Under the skin, the Maserati Levante Trofeo's chassis has been tuned to cope with the additional power, while not sacrificing ride comfort. All that power goes to the Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system via an automatic transmission.
The new Maserati Levante Trofeo features forged 22-inch alloys, which are available in both polished and matte finishes, carbon fibre detailing both in and out as well as full matrix LED headlights. The cabin boasts leather sculpted sports seats, matte carbon fibre trim, Trofeo badges dotted around the cabin and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system. The Levante Trofeo is produced at the Maserati factory in Mirafiori, Turin, Italy.
BMW South Africa marked the local market introduction of its latest M car – the F90-generation M5 – with a track session on the Kyalami circuit. We were there to sample the super sedan and get a taste of what it’s like.
What’s new?
It’s an all-new BMW M5, so obviously it’s new from the ground up and based on the latest 5 Series platform. BMW made sure that this newest model was more powerful, even lighter and featured more adjustable driving programmes than ever before. There’s still a 4.4-litre V8 under the bonnet with twin turbos nestled in between the V (the gap between the engine's pair of cylinder banks) delivering the added shove. The roof is made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic in order to lighten the considerable heft of the M5… to an extent.
Drive is sent to all wheels via an automatic (not dual-clutch) 8-speed transmission. All-wheel-drive isn’t entirely new for the M5 as the previous model was available with xDrive (4wd) in some markets. The all-wheel-drive system is adjustable in 3 modes, which rank from all-wheel drive, mostly all-wheel-drive but with a little slidey action and rear-wheel drive only – which is only available with the traction control off.
The new M5 still looks understated and restrained. The perfect sleeper.
The cabin differs from all other M cars as there are distinct additions to the transmission lever – it’s a square lever has the gearbox ferocity settings atop. Then there’s the rather out-of-place red M1 and M2 switches. I say out of place because they feel like gubbins an M4 DTM or track-focused car might have; steering wheel-mounted metallic red thumb switches seem very "boy racer" for a premium super sedan.
I happen to have driven the latest Mercedes-AMG E63 and E63 S so was looking forward to a bit of comparison, albeit not a perfect back-to-back but good enough to get a feel for the status of this new M car.
What’s it like to drive?
I can only give you a quick impression of what it’s like on the brilliantly smooth surface of Kyalami, a real-world road test will have to wait until we test the M5 on our local roads.
To begin my stint behind the wheel, I built pace gradually. I started with the M5 in Sport mode and was requested not to fiddle with the traction control settings. When I stomped on the sedan's throttle pedal it didn’t provoke the loud bark of excitement from the exhaust I was expecting, but the Bimmer appeared to gather speed with alacrity.
The new M5 feels a little tame to me, having driven the previous generation in just about every form, I was expecting to be hurled back into my seat and sent on a wild ride. With 441 kW and 750 Nm of torque from the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, I was preparing for a ballistic missile. Its power is linear and never brutal, the numbers on the speedo evolve astonishingly quickly but the actual feel is smooth and undramatic.
With a 2WD mode, you can execute these sort of long drifts, but it requires more provoking than in previous versions.
The same goes with the handling in 4WD modes. The nose tucks in quickly and it's alarmingly agile for a 2-tonne sedan, especially in the esses, where it flip-flops from maximum load on one side to maximum load on the other side within tenths of a second. That sort of manoeuvre in the old car would have had you sliding and fighting to keep it all under control.
Gone is the wild rear end when you power out of a corner, the all-wheel drive, combined with a more linear power delivery allows for amazing traction and corner exit speeds.
When you select 4WD Sport, you can provoke the M5's rear end into a bit of power on oversteer, but it’s pulled straight by the differential before it gets to an advanced slide.
What's more, the shifts from the new torque converter automatic are less brutal than those of the outgoing car's M-DCT and deal with the 750 Nm of torque better than the rather viscous and jerky dual-clutch 'box. It will definitely be an improvement in everyday conditions. In fact, it doesn’t feel out of place on track either, shifting seamlessly up and down with swift execution.
Those red levers for the M1 and M2 programmable settings look a little out of place in an otherwise superb cabin. Note the new square gear lever.
Rear-wheel drive is available if you want to get the M5's back-end out of shape or slide around, but the sedan needs to be provoked through hamfisted steering and blunt throttle inputs to get truly loose, it’s not a naturally edgy performance machine, at least not judging by its performance at Kyalami. Long, well-controlled drifts are relatively easy to hold and throttle adjustments keep the rear end dancing to whatever you tune you prefer. It’s probably this "ease of operation" that explains why the M5 now holds the Guinness World Record for the longest drift ever completed in 8 hours at some 235 miles (374 km)
Final thoughts
With the addition of 4WD, it seems the M5 has lost some of that killer instinct and hard-edged feel about it. Its abilities feel accessible; piloting the sedan at heady velocities is not something that you need to build up to and prove yourself before earning. The BMW handles with supreme confidence allowing the driver to take charge and turn in hard and, similarly, power out hard on corner exits.
These aren’t really the traits I’ve become accustomed to in BMW M cars, however. To me it just doesn’t feel as rewarding to push the latest M5 and see where its limits are. The engine is near perfect in terms of the linear acceleration it delivers, but because of that, the acceleration feel isn’t as exciting nor as noticeable as you’d expect, unless you gaze down at the speedo. The Mercedes-AMG E63 S driven on track was more involving and entertaining to drive and had more character to it. It was hard to bond with the M5 despite its unbelievable performance.
In actual fact, it feels very much like a modern quattro Audi RS, and not like a BMW M car. That’s either the perfect attempt to steal all Audi’s RS6 sales or, it could backfire and have the opposite effect.
Pricing
Only 5 of these First Edition models came to SA and have already been snaffled.
A standard BMW M5 is priced at R1 762 806 and is immediately available. The First Edition models, of which there are only 5 in the country, have all been sold for R2 024 006. The First Edition models are notable by the Frozen Dark Red Metallic paint scheme.
Volvo has bagged its first overall World Car of the Year title with the XC60, which will be introduced in South Africa in mid-2018. We recently travelled to the global launch of the new generation Executive SUV in Barcelona, Spain, for a test drive of this eagerly anticipated model.
The XC60, which defeated the Mazda CX-5 and Range Rover Velar to the title, is due to arrive in South Africa around June 2018, following the introduction of the XC40 family car. Pricing has not been released yet for our market. However, we expect it to be pitched competitively against key rivals – the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Porsche Macan.
"Of the 3 finalists, the new XC60 was my preferred candidate for the overall win," comments Cars.co.za Consumer Experience Manager Hannes Oosthuizen. "It probably is the best example of all that is good about Volvo at the moment – great design inside and out, quality finishes and a strong performance/efficiency balance, without sacrificing the practicality and safety aspects the brand is so famous for."
In our first drive we mostly tried to stay out of trouble while driving on the wrong side of the road, but in between those moments Ciro De Siena takes us through the new offering from the Swedish brand, and what we can expect when the SUV finally arrives on our roads.
Subaru has used the New York Motor Show to showcase its new fifth-generation Forester SUV. Take a look at what the new Forester has to offer…
The new Forester has arrived in New York with a larger footprint, new technology and an updated 2.5-litre Boxer engine.
The revised 2.5-litre Boxer engine now offers 136 kW (previously 126 kW) and 236 Nm of torque (previously 235 Nm) and is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT on high-spec variants will feature a manual mode with a 7-speed manual transmission using the steering wheel paddles to change gears.
The standard SI-Drive will offer drive modes including Intelligent (optimises efficiency) and Sport (optimises performance). The familiar X-Mode with Hill Descent Control is fitted to assist in traversing various terrain and high-spec models will offer additional modes such as Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Dirt for tougher terrain.
More comfort and improved practicality
A larger load bay and flatter floor improve the Forester's practicality. The load bay opening is wider too…
The new Forester is built on Subaru Global Platform (SGP) and is larger than the model it replaces, resulting in a roomier cabin. Rear legroom has improved as well as headroom, hip and shoulder room. The rear doors now also open wider than before which will make ingress and egress easier.
Practicality has improved too with a bigger load bay, a flatter floor with the 60:40 split seats folded down and a wider load bay opening that will make loading of bulky items easier. A power tailgate will be standard on select derivatives and roof rails are standard on all but the base derivative.
In terms of styling, the Forester’s look has been tweaked to conform to the rest of the Subaru range and gains new LED headlights set alongside the brand’s hexagonal grille. Prominent wheel arches allude to its symmetrical all-wheel drive capability and front, side and rear underguards give the Forester added rugged appeal. The Forester will also be offered with new exterior colours including Jasper Green Metallic, Horizon Blue Pearl and Crimson Red Pearl.
Improved cabin
Comfort and durability are major focus areas inside the new Forester. A 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard.
The new Forester will be offered with 5 trim levels including Standard, Premium, Limited, Touring and a new Sport trim.
The new Forester is said to offer a quieter cabin than before and has been designed to offer more comfort and improved durability. Some key features include new front seats, electronic parking brake, automatic and dual-zone climate control, 3-stage heated seats and rear seat heating on the high-spec Touring derivative.
A 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard offering Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A high-resolution 8-inch system with navigation is offered on higher spec derivatives.
All new Forester’s are equipped with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology which includes Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision Throttle Management and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. Features such as Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert will also be offered. A total of 7 airbags are standard.
Subaru South Africa has confirmed that the new Forester will arrive in SA in Q1 of 2019 and local specification and pricing has yet to be confirmed. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
The Volvo XC60 has been named the 2018 World Car of the Year with the announcement taking place at the New York Auto Show this week.
The Volvo XC60 was chosen from an initial entry list of 34 vehicles from all over the world. The vehicles were then whittled down to a short list of 10 and then reduced to 3 finalists announced in Geneva earlier this month: the Mazda CX-5, the Range Rover Velar and the Volvo XC60.
To be eligible for the overall World Car Award, the candidates must become available for sale on at least two continents during the period beginning 1 January 2017 and ending 31 May 2018.
This year, vehicles were selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprised of 82 top-level automotive journalists from 24 countries, including Cars.co.za Consumer Experience Manager, Hannes Oosthuizen, South Africa’s sole representative on the panel.
"Of the 3 finalists, the new XC60 was my preferred candidate for the overall win. It’s probably the best example of all that is good about Volvo at the moment – great design inside and out, quality finishes and a strong performance/efficiency balance, without sacrificing the practicality and safety aspects the brand is so famous for" says Oosthuizen.
Previous World Car of the Year winners were the Jaguar F-PACE (2017), Mazda MX-5 (2016), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2015), the Audi A3 (2014), the Volkswagen Golf (2013), the Volkswagen Up! (2012), the Nissan Leaf (2011), the Volkswagen Polo (2010, the Volkswagen Golf (2009), the Mazda2 / Mazda Demio (2008), the Lexus LS460 (2007), the BMW 3-Series (2006), and the Audi A6 (2005).
This year is the 6th time that the company has won a World Car award. Volkswagen AG has previously won top "World Car of the Year" honours a total of four times: in 2013 (Golf), 2012 (Up!), 2010 (Polo) and 2009 (Golf VI).
This year's winner was chosen from an initial entry list of 8 cars from all over the world, then a short list of 3 finalists as announced in Geneva earlier this month: the Ford Fiesta, the Suzuki Swift and the Volkswagen Polo.
The World Urban Car award was introduced last year because it's an award whose time has come. World Car vice-chairman, Mike Rutherford, commented, "Everyday cars in many – perhaps most – parts of the world will have to become smaller if road and parking space is to be found for them in increasingly packed towns and cities whose populations are swelling annually." Last year's inaugural World Urban Car winner was the BMW i3 (94Ah).
2018 marks the 9th time that AUDI AG has won a World Car award. The company previously won World Car of the Year in 2014 (Audi A3) and the very first World Car of the Year award in 2005 (Audi A6).
Audi has also won four World Performance Car titles: 2016 (Audi R8 Coupé), 2010 (Audi R8 V10), 2008 (Audi R8) and 2007 (Audi RS 4). The company also captured the World Car Design of the Year award in 2007 and 2008.
This year’s winner was chosen from an initial entry list of 5 prestigious cars from all over the world, then a short list of three finalists as announced in Geneva earlier this month: the Audi A8, the Porsche Cayenne and the Porsche Panamera.
Previous World Luxury Car winners were the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2017), the BMW 7 Series (2016), the Mercedes-Benz S Coupé (2015) and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2014). The award was first created in 2014 to acknowledge higher-priced premium models selling in more limited numbers worldwide.
This is the 7th time that a BMW has won a World Car award. Previously, the company won the inaugural World Urban Car award in 2017 (BMW i3); the 2016 World Luxury Car award (BMW 7 series); two back-to-back World Green Car awards (BMW i8 – 2015, BMW i3 – 2014) as well as another World Green Car win in 2008 (BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics). In 2006, the BMW 3-Series captured top honours as the World Car of the Year.
The BMW M5 was chosen from an initial entry list of 11 cars from all over the world then a short list three finalists as announced Geneva earlier this month: the BMW M5, the Honda Civic Type R and the Lexus LC 500.
Candidates eligible for World Performance Car must be produced in volumes of at least 2,000 units/year, must be overtly performance focused in nature, and must be available for sale on at least two continents during the period beginning January 1, 2017 and ending May 31, 2018.
Previous World Performance Car winners were the Porsche Boxster Cayman (2017), the Audi R8 Coupe (2016), the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT (2015), then three Porsche wins in a row: the 911 GTE in 2014, the Boxster/Cayman in 2013, and the 911 in 2012. Ferrari won the 2011 World Performance title for the 458 Italia while the Audi R8 V10 won in 2010, the Nissan GT-R in 2009, the Audi R8 in 2008, the Audi RS4 in 2007 and the Porsche Cayman S in 2006.
The new Range Rover Velar won the World Car Design of the Year Award. The World Car Design of the Year category, and the corresponding award are meant to highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries. This year, the cars eligible for the 2018 World Car Design of the Year award encompassed all the contenders competing in the other 5 award categories. As announced in Geneva earlier this month, the 82 jurors voted the Lexus LC 500, the Range Rover Velar and the Volvo XC60 as the “Top 3 in The World” finalists for this category.
The Nissan Leaf was chosen from an initial entry list of 4 new vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of 3 finalists as announced in Geneva earlier this month: the BMW 530e iPerformance, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and Nissan LEAF. The Nissan LEAF won the overall World Car of the Year title in 2011 while the Nissan GT-R won the 2009 World Performance Car award.
To be eligible for the 2018 World Green Car award, a vehicle had to be all-new, or substantially revised, in production and introduced for sale or lease to the public in quantities of at least 10 in at least one major market during the period beginning January 1, 2017 and ending May 31, 2018. Tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption, and use of a major advanced power plant technology (beyond engine componentry), aimed specifically at increasing the vehicle's environmental responsibility, were all taken into consideration.
Previous World Green Car winners were: the Toyota Prius Prime (2017), the Toyota Mirai (2016), the BMWi8 (2015) and the BMW i3 (2014), then the Tesla Model S (2013), the Mercedes-Benz S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (2012), the Chevrolet Volt (2011), the Volkswagen BlueMotion (2010), the Honda FCX Clarity (2009), the BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics (2008), the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec (2007) and the Honda Civic Hybrid (2006).
Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Concept unveiled at New York Auto Show
Volkswagen has shown off a bakkie concept based on its big Atlas SUV. While it's not scheduled to be produced, Volkswagen is using the New York auto show to gauge response and feedback, especially since the US is a massive bakkie market. Should Volkswagen make a big bakkie?
The Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak pickup truck concept is the first bakkie based on Volkswagen's MQB platform. It's powered by a 3.6 V6 petrol engine pushing out 205 kW and features an eight-speed automatic gearbox and 4Motion all-wheel drive. The use of MQB is fascinating as it underpins everything from a Polo, to a Tiguan and numerous Audi products too. It proves the theory that MQB can be stretched out for even more products. By American standards, the Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak is classified as a large midsize truck, which makes it bigger than the Amarok. Inside, the Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak concept has been designed as a spacious five-seater bakkie. The dashboard is based on the US-only Atlas SUV, but has been heavily redesigned.
It is purely a concept for now and given how large the US (and South African) markets are in terms of bakkies, we'd be surprised if a version didn't eventually make its way to production. Watch this space.
The F90 BMW M5 has officially landed in South Africa and we're driving it this week. In the meantime, here are the specifications and pricing for this German four-door 'bahnstormer.
The sixth-generation BMW M5 goes on sale this week and while our tame racing driver Ashley Oldfield gets to grips with the Bavarian newcomer, here are some key details you need to know about this new vehicle. It's a new chapter for the BMW M5 as it's being offered with a newly-developed M xDrive (all-wheel drive). Interestingly, BMW says you can deactivate the front axle and send all the power to the rear wheels, making for spectacular burnouts or drifts as you can see in the photos. The primary advantage of all-wheel drive, however, is traction and with power going to all four wheels, ballistic acceleration is possible.
In terms of acceleration, the new BMW M5 is claimed to hit 100 kph from standstill in just 3.4 seconds, making it fearsomely fast. What's even more impressive is the fact that in 11 seconds, it'll be at 200 kph. Top speed is limited to 250 kph, but if you select an option, the limiter can be moved to 305 kph. The engine doing all the work is a revised example of the 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo motor, however, in the latest application, it produces 441 kW and 750 Nm. The transmission is new and is an 8-speed M Steptronic unit with Drivelogic. Despite its ballistic performance, BMW says its new M5 will consume an average of 10.5 L/100 km.
Thanks to tech such as a lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof and a weight-minimised exhaust system, the new BMW is lighter than the outgoing model. You'll be able to spot the new BMW M5 thanks to its big bumpers which are functional as they funnel cold air into the engine, transmission and brakes, and take hot air out. Blue painted 6-piston brakes are on duty for big stopping power, but for real high-performance anchors, then best you look to the M carbon ceramic brakes which are lighter than the standard units and will provide the serious braking force.
In terms of cabin features, the BMW M5 is generously specced and comes standard with M seats for the front two people. Leather upholstery is standard too. Being a BMW, you can go to town on the options and customise your M5 to your heart's delight. There are some matte paint finishes, for example.
We look forward to putting the newcomer through its paces soon! Check back for an in-depth driving impression in the coming days.
BMW M5 Price in South Africa
BMW M5 R1 762 806 (includes 15% VAT and CO2 tax).
The exclusively equipped First Edition costs R2,008,700 (includes 15% VAT and CO2 tax). There are five in South Africa and all have been sold.
In other news, Audi has confirmed that the RS5 Sportback will be coming to South Africa towards the end of 2018 and the new model will be on display at the New York Motor Show this week.
The RS5 Sportback is more practical than the coupe version but still offers notable performance.
The RS5 Sportback features the same powertrain as its coupe sibling with power generated by a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine that produces 331 kW and 600 Nm of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive will ensure brisk acceleration which should see zero to 100 kph completed in about 3.9 seconds.
The interior is finished in black with ample seating for 5 passengers and is equipped with RS sports seats which can be had with an optional honeycomb pattern in Nappa leather. A flat-bottomed leather RS sports steering wheel with contrasting red stitching is also fitted along with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit.
The load bay offers 480 litres of space which increases to 1 300 litres with the rear 40:20:40 split rear seats folded down. Perfect for those who play golf or ride a mountain bike.
The RS5 Sportback is slightly larger than the RS5 Coupe and sits some 7 mm lower than the S5 Sportback. The Sonoma Green Metallic paintwork seen here will be offered as an exclusive option.
We will keep you updated as soon as local specification and pricing for the RS5 Sportback becomes available.
Toyota showcases all-new RAV4 SUV at New York Auto Show
Toyota has used the New York Motor Show to showcase its new 2019 RAV4 SUV. Now in its 5th generation, the all-new Toyota RAV4 ushers in a complete design overhaul, new cabin styles and new technology. The big news is that it's confirmed for South African market introduction around the middle of 2019.
Toyota's RAV4 has been a popular model for the brand and it sells well both locally and internationally. This new model will be built on the new TNGA platform, which offers a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks. For those who want to venture off the road, the front and rear overhangs are shorter. This new chassis is 57% more rigid than its predecessor and the ground clearance has been increased.
Internationally, 2 engines are available, but we'll let you know which models we'll get in South Africa. The first is a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre 4-cylinder which is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The second is the same engine but paired with the Toyota Hybrid System II. This second engine is paired to a continuously-variable transmission. The new Toyota RAV4 also features Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive, which can send 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels as well as distributing it to the left or right rear wheel for improved handling.
Inside, space is increased and Toyota claims that "rear seat passengers will appreciate the spacious back cabin and legroom." The big boot also features a 60/40 split for those who surf or ride mountain bikes. International-spec RAV4s feature Entune 3.0 multimedia including Wi-Fi Connect powered by Verizon, hands-free access to Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay compatibility. There's a 7-inch touchscreen available, with an 8-inch touchscreen available as an option. The new RAV4 can be had with up to 5 USB ports and an optional wireless charging tray.
We'll have more details on the South African-spec Toyota RAV4 units soon.
Jaguar's luxury F-Pace has received the SVR treatment and the result is one very quick SUV. It is confirmed for South Africa too! Here are some details.
As it stands, the current flagship Jaguar F-Pace makes do with a supercharged V6 engine. However, in SVR application, a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 with 405 kW and 680 Nm is fitted, which gives it enough grunt to hit 100 kph in a claimed 4.3 seconds and it'll go on to a top speed of 283 kph.
In terms of visual appeal, there are bigger air intakes at the front and numerous vents to draw hot air out of the engine bay. The rear features a unique spoiler as well as 4 fat exhausts. They're of the Active Exhaust variety, meaning you can switch from quiet and subtle to wake-the-neighbours levels of noise. There are new lightweight 21- and 22-inch forged alloy wheels too. In the cabin, there are performance seats with embossed SVR logos and an SVR-branded steering wheel.
It is coming to South Africa and Jaguar confirmed its F-Pace SVR will touchdown in the second half of 2018.
