Covers Lifted Off The Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SV
Lamborghini has finally lifted the covers off its new Aventador LP 750-4 SV at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
A new dimension in performance and driving dynamics
As mentioned previously, the SV model benefits from a 6.5-litre V-12 delivering 552 kW and 690 Nm of torque. The weight has been further reduced by 50 kg through enhanced lightweight engineering including significant use of carbon fiber. This setup further enables the supercar to achieve a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 2.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 350 km/h.
In the Superveloce Lamborghini’s expertise in lightweight engineering is clearly evident. With technological features which combined with design, quality standards and craftsmanship, the Superveloce results in the most exclusive, pure and emotional production model in the history of our brand, says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.
Optimised aerodynamic balance
Apart from the increase in power, the Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SV benefits from aerodynamic bodywork which has been made 150% more efficient, giving the SV 170 % more downforce than the standard Aventador.
Also new is a large racing-style rear wing which improves aerodynamic efficiency and generates additional downforce. It can be manually adjusted to three different positions to suit a driving style.
The completely redesigned front end is opened up more, redirecting air through the new wider breathing cavity with two front wings: one central body colour, and the other, a black lower lip.
Inside, an instrument cluster is entirely new, so is the TFT screen which is dominated by the colour yellow, with an RPM shifting indicator in light blue, and a G-force indicator in the lower part of the cluster similar to racing cars.
The launch colour of the Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 is the specially developed Rosso Bia, with black Alcantara in the interior. Five further colours are available with owners able to specify their cars to their own individual tastes, with virtually unlimited options under Lamborghini’s Ad Personam personalization program.
Lamborghini has announced sales of the Aventador LP 750-4 SV will kick off later this year.
New Vehicle Sales in South Africa for February 2015
The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) has reported modest overall growth in February on par with expectations, compared to the same period last year. Vehicle Exports recorded strong growth during the month. Top sellers in South Africa were dominated by the popular Hilux and Ranger models. Here is a new vehicle sales breakdown for the month of February 2015.
New Vehicle Sales Summary February 2015
52 368 aggregate new vehicle sales up by 1.1% (+584 units) compared to February 2015.
29 760 export sales up by 35 .6% (+7 819 units) compared to February 2015.
34 909 passenger car sales up by 1.5% (525 units) compared to February 2015.
15 139 light commercial vehicle sales up by 1.8% (268 units) compared to February 2015.
Top Selling Car Brands in South Africa February 2015
Brand
Total Sales
Market Penetration %
1. Toyota
10 147 (-1 044))
19.4%
2. Volkswagen
8 367 (+25)
16.0%
3. Ford Motor Company
6 358 (+686)
12.1%
4. GMSA
4 772 (+405)
9.1%
5. Nissan
3 916 (-527)
7.5%
Top Selling New Cars in South Africa February 2015
Marginal volume growth in domestic sales is expected over the duration of 2015 amidst projected improvements in economic growth (2%), relative stability in the automotive industry, regulating consumer price inflation and stable interest rates and credit ratings. Challenges remain however and these are centered the security and stability of electricity supply.
Cars.co.za Announces iPhone 6 Winner
Cars.co.za has announced the winner of the iPhone 6 competition held in February 2015.
This competition ran over Facebook and Twitter, and had thousands of entrants.
The winner is: Thapelo Moetsi , who is from the Northern Cape. Congratulations!
Thank you for entering. We’re running more competitions soon, so keep your eyes open for more chances to win with Cars.co.za.
Honda Civic Type R Breaks Nurburgring Lap Record (Video)
Update: Civic Type R Breaks Nurburgring Lap Record
Honda announced that a development car had achieved a 7 minutes 50.63 seconds lap time of the 20.8 km/12.9 mile Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany.
This time is unmatched by any other front-wheel drive performance hatchback.
The lap time was achieved during the final phase of pre-production testing in May 2014 by a Civic Type R development car. The development car was in a standard state of engine tune, with suspension, drivetrain, exhaust, brakes and the aerodynamic package identical to those of the production Civic Type R.
The removal of equipment such as air conditioning, the front passenger seat and audio equipment offset the additional weight of a full roll cage (installed specifically for safety reasons and not to add rigidity).
During the test cycle, the development car used production-specification high-rigidity 19-inch alloy wheels. these were fitted with 235/35R19 road tyres being developed in conjunction with a major European tyre manufacturer especially for the new Civic Type R. The test cycle during which the 7 minutes 50.63 seconds lap time was achieved was part of the tyres development and testing process.
Honda has now vowed to follow up this achievement by sending a production Civic Type R around the Nürburgring Nordschleife later this year with the aim of setting a new lap record for a front-wheel drive production car.
The 2015 Civic Type R
Dubbed as a race car for the road,” the Civic Type R will take on the new Focus RS with its powerful turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 228 kW and 400 Nm of torque. It is connected to a six-speed manual transmission which enables the car to sprint from 0-100 kph in 5.7 seconds before hitting a top speed of 270 kph. The rev limiter is set at 7000 rpm.
The styling changes that are unique to the Civic Type R include a new front bumper with larger air intakes, a front splitter, ventilated front fenders, extended side skirts and flat underbody panels that channel air to the rear diffuser. The car is also equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/35R19 tyres, a prominent rear wing, and a four-tailpipe exhaust system.
Inside, theres a pair of high-backed suede seats with red contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, aluminium gear knob and roof lining trimmed in black fabric.
An all-new GT Pack offers further enhancements such as red exterior accents as well as front and rear parking sensors, dusk sensing headlamps, rain sensing wipers and power folding door mirrors. Other notable features include a premium audio system, GPS navigation, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
New suspension technologies
The Civic Type R has a Dual Axis Strut Front Suspension that helps to reduce torque steer by 50 percent – compared to the standard Civic suspension. Theres also a rear “crushed pipe” that improves rear roll rigidity by 180 percent. In addition, the car has a four-point Adaptive Damper System and a Brembo front braking system with four-piston callipers and 350mm drilled discs, as well as a Dual Pinion Electric Power Steering system which promises to deliver “rapid yet linear steering response and abundant feel.”
The all-new Honda Civic Type R is said to go on sale across Europe sometime this year. South African availability is confirmed and we’ll see it on our roads in 2015.
Race car for the road
Hyundai ix20 Facelift Hits Geneva
Hyundai has revealed a refreshed ix20 at the Geneva motor show. The compact MPV may not have made it to SA, but I can tell you that the big wigs at Hyundai SA have thought long and hard over the decision. The facelifted ix20 claims not to have changed the essence of the ix20 whilst improving on the design and tech. The Hyundai ix20 is a very European spec car so much of the improvements have been focused on them.
Raf van Nuffel, Head of Product Management at Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: New ix20 retains the versatility and roominess of the original model, while refreshing its design and adding technological enhancements, increasing appeal to a wider range of buyers in Europe.
IX20 Design Update
The ix20 facelift includes newly-designed bi-function headlamps and LED rear lamps and a new hexagonal front grille- there are two versions on offer a mesh- or bars-type with chrome finishing. There is a new 15-inch wheel cover design and new 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel options.
Interior Updates
Loading space is impressive with a 440-litre boot (seats up) increased versatility comes from sliding dive and fold rear seats allowing up to 1 486 litres luggage capacity. A heated steering wheel and a new generation audio system with iPod connectivity and 1GB on-board storage as well as Bluetooth connectivity and a USB and AUX connection are available. Customers also benefit six airbags, ESP, ABS and EBD all fitted as standard.
New Six-Speed Auto and Engine Upgrades
A new six-speed automatic transmission, as well as power and torque upgrades to the overall Euro6 emissions-compliant engine line-up brings even better drivability, with lower fuel consumption and emissions.
The two diesel engines have been enhanced to provide more torque 240 Nm (1.4-litre) and 260 Nm (1.6-litre) from 1 500 rpm.
The Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol units have both had efficiency boosted, with the 1.6-litre now available with a six-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous four-speed unit and delivering improved real-world fuel economy.
New Porsche 911 GT3 RS Has 368kW (Video)
The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS has been revealed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
It features an aluminium body along with a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic hood and magnesium roof. These lightweight materials have helped the Porsche 911 GT3 RS lose 10kg in comparison to the standard GT3. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS now weighs 1 420kg, which is about the same as a normal Volkswagen Golf 7.
The body also gains some extra vents to help keep things cool as well as a massive spoiler to help provide valuable downforce at high speed. You will also notice the updated front wings with air ducts and a prominent splitter.
The big news is the engine of the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS. It’s a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat six which pushes out 368kW and Nm. This translates into 3.3 seconds for the 0-100kph run, and 10.9 seconds for the 0-200kph dash. Top speed is rated at 322kph with the power reaching the rear wheels through Porsche’s brilliant PDK 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. There’s also a fully variable locking differential benefiting from torque vectoring, meaning this is a proper driving machine.
The interior of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS still retains many elements from the GT3, but there’s now a white rev counter, body-coloured upholstery and stitching, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel as well as some carbon fiber details on the dash and door panels.
For those who are interested, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS lapped the Nurburgring in 7:20, making it one of the fastest road-legal cars. It’ll go on sale in a few months time and its European price is £131,296 in the UK and 181,690 in Germany, meaning you’re looking at around R3-million.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS Video
Suzuki Celerio (2015) Review
Just when you thought Suzuki couldnt cram another vehicle into the entry-level hatchback market its gone and done it with the new Celerio. This now means that if you want a small Suzuki you have a choice between the Celerio, Splash and Swift, all of which you can buy for around R130 000. So should you save a bit of money and buy the Celerio instead of the other two? We spent a week with it to find out.
What is a Celerio?
The Suzuki Celerio falls in under the Splash as a slightly smaller four-door hatch at a slightly lower price point. The Celerio gets a smaller engine, the proportions are marginally smaller and the boot size is pretty much the same size as other Suzukis.
One-Litre Three-Cylinders
As mentioned the Celerio has a smaller engine and that comes in at one-litre with 50 kW and 90 Nm, which is quite similar to what German rival the VW up puts out. Despite the lack of power the Celerio hasnt got much weight to lug around, the gear ratios are quite tight so the Celerio stays on the boil the whole way to fifth gear. On the freeway the short ratios dont really help as it sits at 4000rpm at 120kph, thats not good for fuel economy or your ears as the Celerio plays quite a noisy tune at that rpm.
Whats Inside?
Suzuki has done a good job of getting all the modern day essentials packed into the Celerio. For starters front airbags for driver and passenger are standard, so is ABS and EBD making it a pretty safe car for this segment. Moving on to the nicer things to have in your car, theres electric windows, CD player, a USB and Aux port, steering wheel mounted controls for the radio and Bluetooth. So youre pretty well catered for inside, but everything feels a bit low rent. The plastics are scratchy and hard and the seats dont offer great lateral support.
The soundproofing isnt great either as the three-cylinder growl intrudes into the cabin in more of an irritating manner than an inspiring or exciting way. While the price point is lower than many of its rivals, it shows it in the quality of the materials used. Space inside is particularly generous for front and rear passengers, and the boot is quite large for an entry-level hatch at 235-Litres.
On the Go
While its a bit noisy to drive around in the Celerio is relatively comfortable on the road, theres a bit of lean in the corners but nothing too scary. The springs are quite soft in the suspension so it deals with potholes and bumps in a soft cushiony way rather than ironing them out. The steering is made for city driving where turns are abundant as the wheel is super light and can be swung with the lightest of touches. Out on the open road though it could do with more weight to it, in strong winds the Celerio gets buffeted around a bit and the light steering doesnt inspire much confidence.
Verdict
The Suzuki Celerio offers good value at its price point, its equipped with reasonable safety features and ticks the right boxes on the gadgets list for a modern city driver. It lacks the build quality and refinement of its sibling the Swift and the new Volkswagen up! If you can stretch your budget just a little bit the Swift is the vehicle you want from Suzuki.
Suzuki Celerio – Price
Pricing for the Suzuki Celerio starts at R109 900. Our model on test was the GL spec that comes in at R124 900. There is also the option of an automatic GL that costs R135 900.
Second Opinion
The Suzuki Celerio is a car that’s jam-packed with specification, gadgets and offers generous interior space. However its lacking a little refinement and I suspect the engine may be slightly underpowered with four people onboard. Still, for the price and value, it’s fair. – David Taylor
We Like: Interior space, safety and value
We Don’t Like: Not great build quality, noisy, lacks fun factor
Also Consider: Volkswagen up! Kia Picanto, Chev Spark
The 2015 Geneva Motor Show is underway and the first model to reach us is this Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 concept. Claimed to be the British interpretation of a high performance two-seat sportscar which uses modern car design, skilled craftsmanship using the finest materials as well as offering advanced performance technology.
Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 details
Bentley has massive motorsport heritage and the company claims its inspired by this history in the design of the EXP 10 Speed 6. There’s no mistaking its a Bentley as it has the stereotypical big grille and round headlights.
Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, said: “EXP 10 Speed 6 is one vision for Bentley’s future – a powerful, exquisite and individual concept. The showcar has the potential to be the new pinnacle luxury two-seat sports car. It offers thrilling, driver-oriented performance, complete with trademark modern Bentley luxury and effortlessness.”
The interior is excessively elegant and features two quilted sports seats which are positioned either side of the narrow centre console which houses driver controls and an intuitive 12-inch touch screen. Through extensive use of copper, leather and wood, the cabin of the Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 is very unique and extremely luxurious. The Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 still retains some practicality in the form of two compartments which are designed to house Bentley-branded four-piece luggage set.
It remains a concept for now, but lets keep tabs on this design as I’m sure elements of the Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 will appear on future models. We reviewed the flagship Bentley Continental GT Speed 12, read about it here.
Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 details video
Ferrari California T Goes On Sale in SA
The new California T is Ferraris first turbo model since the immortal F40 and it launched to the South African market this week. Stuart Johnston was there.
Ferraristi who have signed up for the dramatic new California T will have bragging rights that few other Ferrari owners can lay claim to. This new Ferrari was announced to the media officially at the new Scuderia South Africa facility facing onto William Nichol, Bryanston, Jhb on Friday last week.
All New Engine in the California T
The new engine in the best-selling Ferrari model is the first turbocharged production powerplant the company has released for general consumption since the immortal F40 which was produced between 1987 to 1990. And like that engine, the new unit is also a downsized V8.
The new turbocharged engine in the California is mounted ahead of the driver, unlike in the F40 where it was a mid-engined device. But this is no hardship, as many fans feel that front-engined Ferraris are still the real deal. And indeed, the styling upgrades to the new California T have made the car more svelte, and yet edgier than before.
The new turbocharged powerplant has no doubt already increased demand for the California. The T now boasts a smaller-capacity direct-injection V8, down from 4.3-litres to 3.8-litres. Thanks to turbos, power has increased from 360 to 412kW and torque is up to an impressive 755Nm. This will mean a 0-100 kph time of just 3.6 seconds using the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to its optimum and a top speed of 316 kph. Yet fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are down by around 15% , which of course is generally the whole idea behind downsizing in capacity and going the turbo route.
Ferrari were concerned that the turbocharging system would muffle the exhaust note and consequently much work was done to ensure that the distinctive V8 sound is retained.
Dimensionally the car is almost identical to the California that was introduced in 2008, but it is ever-so-slightly wider and longer by a few mm either way. Despite having extra turbo hardware, dry weight has been reduced ever so slightly, to 1 625 kg. However that figure remains impressive as the California T retains its folding-metal roof coupe-convertible configuration.
What Else is New?
Initially, the T is recognised by a new bolder, sleeker grill and new headlight clusters, as well as detailed styling refinements all around the car. There have also been small, but significant updates to the interior of the car.
The suspension too, has been revised, the California T employing new springs and the latest-generation Magnaride dampers, which vary compression and rebound rates by electronically manipulating traffic of minute metal particles in the damping system. There are also body-attitude sensors which varies suspension settings to reduce pitch and roll, and the new car has a revised, quicker steering system.
On the braking front, the latest carbon-ceramic CCM3 braking, and 100 kph to standstill is said to be achievable in just 34 metres.
Scuderia Dealership
Seeing the car pull up into a cleared space in a banquet era of the new multi-story Scuderia showroom and workshop facility for its media unveil, perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of the car was the brilliantly short space of time (apparently 14 seconds) it took to convert the car from coupe to convertible, in a totally slick manner no clanking or electric motor whirring, or hydraulic moaning, just an exercise in efficiency of which Maranello can be proud.
Talking of Maranello, the factory in Italy was expanded especially for the initial California production, and output levels have been as high as 27 cars per day, or 6 000 units a year, making the California the best-selling Ferrari of its era.
The Scuderia South Africa company has been formed with new investors,and the existing branches in Durban and Cape Town will now also be known as Scuderia South Africa. However, in a surprise move, it was announced at the function that Scuderia South Africa would no longer be associated with the Maserati brand in South Africa. However, in the immediate future, Scuderia South Africa would continue the servicing of Maserati product.
Ferrari California T Price in South Africa
Price of the new California T (for now) is set at R3.68-million. Scuderia South Africa has replaced the Viglietti Motors name as the official distributor in South Africa. CEO Mervin Eagles paid tribute to the Viglietti name in his speech at the media launch. For the past few decades, Viglietti was the official Ferrari distributor here, succeeding TAK Motors, which imported Ferraris and Lancias in the 1970s, 1980s and the early part of the 1990s.
Jaguar F-Type R Coupe Breaks SA Land Speed Record
The Jaguar F-Type R Coupe has been revealed as the fastest production car in South Africa.
Jaguar F-Type R Coupe the fastest production vehicle in South Africa
The record, which has stood for 13 years, was broken by the Jaguar F-Type R Coupe. The 405 kW supercharged V8 coupe came very close to speeds in excess of 300kph on the 4900 metre runway at Upington Airport.
Driven by Dawie Olivier, National Aftersales Manger at Jaguar Land Rover, the coupe completed two runs in both directions for the record to be official. On the uphill section of the F-Types record-setting run it achieved a speed of 288.33kph, while the returning downhill run saw it reach 300kph mark with an officially-measured speed of 301.03kph.
The official land speed record now sits at 294.68kph, beating the previous record of 287.63kph set in 2002 by Mike Griffiths driving the Porsche 911 GT2.
The F-Type R Coupe is limited to 300kph, but we chose not to remove the speed limiter, even though the regulations make provision for us to legally do so. The car that we used is exactly as customers can buy it off the showroom floor, said Richard Gouverneur, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa.
Ultimately, we ran out of space to go even faster however this was the safest venue to illustrate the potential of this vehicle.
