Audi Prologue Concept Revealed in LA

Audi has taken the wrapping paper off its new Prologue concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Audi Prologue concept is said to be a preview the upcoming A8 luxury sedan.

Audi Prologue Design

The exterior of the Audi Prologue features a massive front grille incorporating the four rings of Audi in the centre. The whole design is very smooth a fuss-free with the front end sitting very low as the bonnet dips down to meet the grille. The headlights feature Matrix Laser technology that Audi says will allow for new innovation in lighting. Audi has made sure there are some neat links back to its motorsport heritage like the frontal air intakes that look like dive planes from its race cars. The rear wheel arch is flared outwards and looks characteristically Quattro.

Feast of Tech

The interior looks very clean and clinical, distinctly Audi traits but is steeped with loads of awesome tech. The entire front dash becomes three separate touchscreens. The driver-oriented display to the left of the steering wheel is used to control functions for lighting and assistance systems. The unit to the right contains media controls. The front passenger faces a widescreen display that is integrated into the full surface of the instrument panel; it is used to individually and conveniently control entertainment features.

The new type of front passenger display enables digital interaction between the driver and front passenger for the first time. A wiping movement by the passenger will send pre-configured routes to the driver’s display and input them into the Audi virtual cockpit future.

Mild Hybrid System

The Audi Prologue Concept is powered by biturbo 4.0 TFSI motor, it produces 445 kW and 700 Nm of torque; in overboost mode, which the driver can call up for around 15 seconds, a boosted torque of 750 Nm is available. The biturbo V8 accelerates the Audi Prologue from 0 to 100kph in 3.7 seconds.

Audi reckons the Prologue will consume just 8.6L/100 kilometres. One contributor to this high fuel consumption is a new 48-volt electrical system – this is technology that will soon be introduced to production cars at Audi. The 48-volt system is supplied by a powerful belt starter generator, which turns the powertrain into a mild hybrid and has an energy recovery output of up to 12 kW during braking. An eight-speed tiptronic directs engine power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which works closely with torque vectoring.

New VW Golf R Variant Revealed

The the new VW Golf R Variant has been revealed at the LA Auto Show. This is the first time in the history of the Golf R that a station wagon version will be produced.

Sporty Practicality and Performance Merge

The VW Golf R variant is able to seat five passengers and offer lots of space thanks to a large boot and flat-folding rear seats, making it suitable for families and people with active lifestyles.

In terms of performance, the VW Golf Variant features the same 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine which offers up 221 kW (206 kW in SA) of power and 380 Nm of torque. A six-speed DSG dual clutch automatic transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive system results in a limited top speed of 250kph and a 0-100 kph sprint time of 5.1 seconds while only consuming 7L/100 km.

VW Golf R Variant – Exterior Styling

The VW Golf R Variant features a lowered sports suspension, 0.8 inches lower than the standard Golf R hatchback. Exterior features include a new R-design bumper, high-gloss black diffuser, four chrome exhaust tips ‘aero flaps’ on the D pillars, cherry-red tail-lights and LED lighting for the number plate.

Up front, the VW Golf Variant features an R-specific  bumper with large air intakes, grille with R logo and Bi-Xenon headlights with integrated Daytime Running Lights (DRLs).

The VW Golf R Variant rides on 18-inch Cadiz aluminum-alloy wheels with black brake calipers with 19-inch Cadiz and Pretoria aluminium-alloy wheels being option.

Interior Styling

Sports seats with a mix of fabric and Alcantara can be found inside with stitching in crystal grey and with the “R” logo on the backrests.  Other features include blue ambient lighting, automatic air conditioning and a Composition Touch infotainment system while a Nappa Carbon leather package is available as an option. The “R” design three-spoke sport steering wheel is wrapped in leather and features a “R” logo in the lower cross bar with contrasting stitching in crystal grey.

The VW Golf Variant will go on sale in Europe in 2015.

Mercedes-Benz AMG Performance Drive

Some days this job has it perks, though if I’m honest sitting here at Red Star Raceway in Mpumalanga, listening to the sound of four-cylinder AMGs whizzing around the circuit, today is one of the better ones. We got a chance to see what the CLA, GLA and A45 AMG are all about in an environment that tests their very limits.

AMG with a Difference

This range of AMG cars is the start of a new era for the performance arm of Mercedes-Benz. To start with the engine is the first AMG to feature a four-cylinder layout and is simultaneously the most powerful 2-Litre series production engine in the world. It puts out 265 kW combined with 450 Nm and in pure AMG style carries the one-man, one-engine philosophy. That means if an engine builder is sick for a few days then that engine is not touched while he/she is away.

There is a lot to like about these 4-Matic (all-wheel drive) AMGs, the exhausts have been designed to bark angrily, especially on up and downshifts. It’s something we’ve come to love about AMG products and the typical exhaust sound definitely sets it apart. With AMG targeting younger people, the CLA, GLA and A45 AMG have adapted the design strategy a bit, offering ways to uniquely style or individualise your car. The Edition One is just one way of doing that, and adds some serious bite to the visual appeal both inside and out. You can add a rear wing, bumpers, bits of exterior trim, red brake callipers and 20-inch rims. The interior gains some serious race seats and a different level of trim with red stitching everywhere.

Track Driving

At track pace the AMG feels more alive, it’s able to reach speeds it was born to go and with the dual clutch gearbox in manual mode you can start to wring its neck. You can feel the all-wheel drive system shifting power to the rear when trying to accelerate out of a corner, where a regular front wheel drive car would understeer wide here, the 4Matic system helps it hold a tighter line on exit. Under braking, despite the firm suspension setup, it tends to dive on the front end and the brakes don’t give much back in the way of feel. If you’re off the power mid corner, it can feel like a regular front wheel drive hatchback and you find yourself having to test the throttle to see if the front end is ready to deal with the extra workload.

As far as track cars go, the CLA, GLA and A45 AMG offer up loads of fun until you start to push the car’s limits, don’t expect to blow everyone away though as they aren’t as agile as you’d expect. Out on the road where these cars will spend almost all their existence though, and where they garner oodles of attention from onlookers (especially the Edition 1 models) you’re in for an experience and a half.

Pricing:

GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC  ‘Edition 1’  R740 100

A 45 AMG:                                           R 629 900

CLA 45 AMG:                                      R708 600

2015 Mitsubishi Triton Unveiled In Thailand

The all-new 2015 Mitsubishi Triton developed to be the “Ultimate Sport Utility Truck” has been officially unveiled in Thailand.

All about the 2015 Mitsubishi Triton

The fifth-generation model slated for release in South Africa hopefully sometime next year, was previewed by the GR-HEV concept from the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Featuring a few styling bits of the concept, the refreshed Triton comes with a new front fascia with a prominent grille flanked by LED-infused headlights, a uniquely shaped bed and a curvaceous body work, as well as distinctive taillights.

The cars is also larger than before, with the double cab sitting at 5280mm in length (up 70mm), 1815 in width (up 15mm) and is 1780mm tall. Ground clearance is rated at 205mm across all variants.

Inside, the Triton features leather upholstery, gloss black trim and metallic accents. Mitsubishi says generous interior space has been achieved across all the three available body styles – single cab, double cab and club cab body, while the strategic placement of sound insulation, absorption and vibration damping materials delivering significantly improved cabin quietness.

In addition, the cabin is fitted with a three-spoke steering, a rotary four-wheel drive controller and an infotainment system with a seven-inch display. Mitsubishi also promised the vehicle will be equipped with more comfortable seats that have longer and wider cushions.

Engine line-up

The all-new 2015 Mitsubishi Triton is available with a four-engine line-up, which includes:

A 2.4-litre petrol with 94 kW and 194 Nm of torque

A 2.4-litre turbodiesel with 133 kW and 430 Nm of torque

A 2.5-litre turbodiesel with 94 kW and 240 Nm of torque

A 2.5-litre turbodiesel with 131 kW and 400 Nm of torque

These engines can be connected to a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The 2015 Mitsubishi Triton is currently on sale in Thailand, but according to the company it will eventually be sold in approximately 150 other countries including Africa (most likely including South Africa too).

Bentley Grand Convertible Unveiled Ahead Of LA Debut

The covers have been pulled off early on the Bentley Grand Convertible concept, which is said to redefine the luxury of open-air driving.

Bentley Grand Convertible redefines the luxury of open-air driving

The concept is scheduled to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show alongside the new Mulsanne Speed sedan. Dubbed as the “ultimate expression of British automotive luxury”, the “sophisticated open-top car” features an extravagant Sequin Blue exterior finish complimented by a silver “liquid metal” finish on the hood and windscreen frame.

The classy styling continues in the cabin sized for four adults, with 14 naturally tanned leather hides merged together with progressive-diamond quilting, with the shape of the pattern changing over the seats and doors.

To further highlight the luxurious cabin, Sequin Blue thread cross-stitched by hand can be found on the leather along with bright blue highlights throughout. The convertible also boasts a mirror-finished, dark-stained Burr Walnut cover and is the “largest piece of wood veneer ever applied to a Bentley.”

Power

Power comes from the same 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine fitted in the Mulsanne and Mulsanne Speed that develops 395 kW and 1100 Nm of torque. The company declined to release detailed specifications, however, it was mentioned that the convertible will have “effortless performance to match its unparalleled style.”

“This concept demonstrates Bentley’s ability to create a pinnacle convertible Grand Tourer, while embodying elegance beyond compare. With this car we combine the opulent Mulsanne experience with the full sensory indulgence of open-air touring, continuing to unite luxury and performance in new ways,” said Bentley CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer in a statement.

“We are eagerly awaiting the response of our customers to this car. We will ensure that this car – if it reaches the roads – will be a highly exclusive, extremely limited collector’s piece.”

Mercedes-Benz Autonomous Driving Concept Previewed

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the first sketches of the interior of its upcoming autonomous concept car developed at its research and development centre in California and will be unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Mercedes-Benz autonomous driving to revolutionise interior design

Mercedes-Benz has provided a virtual preview of what the future holds with an innovative interior concept for an autonomous luxury vehicle. The concept is said to be a mobile living room fitted with four rotating comfort-oriented “lounge” chairs that allow a face-to-face seat configuration. This enables the front passengers to turn around and talk directly to the other passengers while on the move.

The concept is further equipped with a central table, a huge dashboard with a full-length infotainment system, an extended steering wheel, a glass roof, wood floors and premium leather upholstery.

Mercedes-Benz has already impressively demonstrated its vision of autonomous driving with the S-Class, the S 500 Intelligent Drive, and the autonomous Future Truck 2025, based on the Actros 1845.

“We are convinced that autonomous driving will be a central factor on the way to comfortable, accident-free driving,” said Daimler’s Head of Corporate Research and Sustainability and Chief Environmental Officer, Professor Doctor Herbert Kohler.

“Autonomous driving relieves pressure and stress in driving situations usually regarded as tedious, for example in tailbacks, in inner-city areas or on long journeys.

“At the same time, autonomous driving opens up new ways in which people can make the best use of their time on the road.”

 

GWM Introduces ‘Price Busting’ H6 City In SA

GWM has added an entry-level “price-busting” H6 City to its H6 SUV line-up.

Spacious luxurious H6 City SUV

Following the recently launched full-size SUV H5 City, the upmarket GWM H6 City also boasts 17-inch alloy wheels, comprehensive colour coding, daylight running lamps and rear privacy glass as standard. The model additionally comes with a unibody platform and front-wheel drive, and measures 4640 mm in length and rides on a 2680 mm wheelbase.

“The H6’s key dimensions actually allow it to offer rear legroom and boot space similar to vehicles that are significantly bigger (and more expensive) than its perceived rivals,” explains brand manager Hannes Oosthuizen.

Furthermore, the SUV is equipped with power-assisted-steering, power windows all-round, and side mirrors, rear parking radar, two air bags, anti-lock brakes with electronic pressure distribution and IsoFix child-seat anchors. There’s also air con and a radio/CD/USB/aux audio system.

Power

Under the hood, the H5 City is fitted with the company’s recently introduced GW4G15B unit delivering 105 kW at 5600 rpm and 210 Nm of torque from 2200 rpm to 4500 rpm, and is connected to a six-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.5-litres/100 km.

GWM H6 City price in South Africa

GWM H6 1.5T City – R259 900

The H6 City is backed by a comprehensive five-year/100 000 km warranty and comes standard with two-year/24-hour AA roadside assistance and a five-year/60 000 km service plan.

Ken Block Gymkhana Seven

Ken Block is back with the latest sequel in his YouTube sensation series of Gymkhana films.

No longer in a rally inspired Subaru Impreza or Ford Fiesta rally car, he is now terrorising the streets in a 630 kW all-wheel drive Mustang. According to the video, it’s the first ever performance Mustang that drives all four wheels. It’s called the Hoonigan and it’s built for smoke, theatre and bad-ass drifts.

Unlike Gymkhana 6 where they used a closed course to create the ultimate Gymkhana track, Block has returned to laying rubber on the streets, this time of Los Angeles. Keen spotters may notice a recreation of the Gone in 60 Seconds car chase scene.

Without harping on too much, here’s the video of Gymkhana Seven

Ken Block Gymkhana Seven

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series Updated Pricing for 2015

Toyota has introduced a number of 2015 updates to its Land Cruiser 70 Series range.

Spec upgrade for 2015

The revised Land Cruiser 79 Double Cab now comes with rear over fenders and 16-inch alloy wheels. All the models also get a Lights-On reminder warning sound, while 79 Single Cabs, 79 Double Cabs and 76 Station Wagons with V8 diesels now have auto-locking free-wheel hubs, which means that you no longer have to get out of the vehicle to lock the hubs.

Furthermore, the Land Cruiser 76 V8 diesel station wagon now comes standard with a spare-wheel cover, while all 79 V8 diesel single and double cabs are now fitted with a spare -wheel lock.

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series price in South Africa

Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Single Cab

4.0 V6 petrol – R459 600

4.2 diesel – R489 000

4.5 V8 diesel – R559 400

Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Double Cab

4.0 V6 petrol – R519 700

4.2 diesel – R545 100

4.5 V8 diesel – R612 100

Toyota Land Cruiser 78 Wagon

4.2 diesel – R532 500

Toyota Land Cruiser 76 Station Wagon

4.2 diesel – R557 500

4.5 V8 diesel – R626 000

Honda FCV Concept Debuts In Japan

The Honda FCV Concept has been introduced in Japan ahead of the arrival of the production version scheduled to go on sale in Japan by the end of March 2016.

A concept car for an all-new fuel-cell vehicle (FCV)

Honda unveiled a similar fuel cell concept vehicle at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. The FCV concept is a successor of the FCX Clarity but with a 33 percent smaller fuel-cell stack and an output of more than 100 kW. According to Honda the overall performance has increased by around 60 percent compared to the previous version of the fuel-cell stack.

The Honda FCV concept is also equipped with a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen storage tank that provides a cruising range of more than 700 km. The tank can be refilled in approximately three minutes, which is just about the same as a regular petrol/diesel refill.

In addition, the concept features an external power feeding function which can be combined with an external power feeding device transforming the Honda FCV concept into a mobile power plant, generating and providing electricity to the community in times of disaster or other events.

Striving to make a contribution to the “hydrogen energy society” like its Japanese competitor Toyota, Honda says it will continue taking on new challenges in the area of hydrogen technologies including the Smart Hydrogen Station, FCVs and external power feeding devices.