There’s another variation of the McLaren 650S / McLaren MP4-12C out. This is the McLaren 675LT and is regarded as the most track-focused model in the range. Set to be debuted at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, this performer offers brutal performance and ultimate levels of driver engagement.
McLaren 675LT Details
The 0-100kph time has been cut to 2.9 seconds, but I find the 0-200kph time of 7.9 seconds far more impressive. Top speed is rated at 330kph. The 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged motor has received a few tweaks and McLaren claims that 50% of parts in the motor have been changed. These upgrades include new, more efficient turbos, changes to the cylinder heads and exhaust manifolds, new camshaft and lightweight connecting rods, and a faster-flowing fuel pump and delivery system. These changes are so extreme the engine receives a new engine code, which is M838TL.
Other changes included a more aggressive front, bigger titanium exhaust popues as well as additional cooling vents. Most obvious is the active Longtail airbrake, which is 50% bigger, yet lighter than the 650S unit. Overall, weight of the McLaren 675LT has been reduced to 1 230kg.
So with a bit more power, less weight and even smarter aerodynamics, the McLaren 675LT looks like it can offer brutal performance. The car is offered in five specifications which include four new colours: Silica White, Delta Red, Napier Green and Chicane Grey.
Aston Martin Vulcan – The British Supercar Bombshell
British luxury car manufacturer, Aston Martin, has spilled some beans on its latest creation, the Vulcan supercar. After teasing us with vague images and cheeky videos, we knew the Vulcan was something special, and judging by these images, it really is. Aston Martin describes the Vulcan as its “most intense and exhilarating creation to date.”
Track-Only Vulcan Goes Extreme
Apart from its intriguing styling, the Aston Martin Vulcan promises extreme performance. An all-carbon-fibre monocoque and body, coupled with the brute force of its 7.0-litre V12 petrol engine, will offer more than 596 kW of power for its driver to enjoy on the track.
Andy Palmer, Aston Martin CEO said, Aston Martin Vulcan is, by its very nature, a rare and thrilling supercar. Designed and engineered to deliver a genuinely bespoke driving experience that draws on our rich heritage, this car tailors its power and handling to both the capabilities of the driver and the characteristics of the track.”
The front mid-engined, rear-wheel drive Vulcan makes use of a Xtrac six-speed sequential shift gearbox to put all that power onto the tarmac. The track focused pushrod suspension features anti-dive geometry and is complemented by Multimatic’s Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) adjustable dampers.
Unique Track Experience for Vulcan Owners
Only 24 examples of the Aston Martin Vulcan will be available worldwide and will offer owners a unique track experience. Before taking ownership of their Vulcan, owners will take part in extensive track driver training. Owners will by guided through their learning experience alongside Darren Turner (Aston Martin Racing Le Mans winner) and will have the chance to hone their track driving skills in the V12 Vantage S, One-77 and the GT4 race car before applying their driving skills in their Vulcan. Owners can also spend time in Darren Turner’s Base Performance Simulators to further improve their skills.
Additional details will be revealed when the Aston Martin Vulcan is officially shown at the Geneva Motor Show from 3 March 2015.
BMW i3 and i8 First Drive
The gradual transition towards electric cars is happening, albeit at a slower pace than the green activists would like. The BMW i3 and i8 are two different ways of implementing electrically-powered vehicles. The i3 is the typical everyday city car that grinds through traffic, while the i8 takes the performance sports car to another place using a small capacity engine paired with electric power for added shunt.
Two Versions of i3
The i3 has landed in SA in two formats, the first being a pure electric model and the second with the addition of a petrol engine used as a generator to charge the batteries. The pure electric model claims a range of around 130-160km on a single charge. There are three driving modes to choose from that obviously affect the range, ECO Pro Plus is the most efficient mode, ECO Pro the middle mode and Comfort mode gives you all the power you want and doesnt skimp on ancillaries like the air conditioner.
Our drive in the pure electric model showed that the i3 is a step ahead of the Nissan Leaf in terms of power delivery and feel. Its quite rapid as well with 125 kW and 250 Nm of torque. You really feel that instant shove electric vehicles give as all the torque is available from the moment you touch the throttle. The electric motor is responsive and will cruise at 120kph with ease on the freeway. The range will drop dramatically on the freeway however as the i3 recoups a fair amount of charge from coasting and braking so its more suited to city driving where it is constantly recharging under braking.
The Range extender model, called REX is able to nearly double the range of the i3 to 300km thanks to a 650cc two-cylinder engine that keeps the batteries charged as you drive along. The petrol engine is equipped with a tiny nine-litre fuel tank that gives it the boost in range.
How to Charge
As for charging the i3 you have three choices. First theres the DC fast charging method that BMW has installed at various dealerships around the country, these will fully charge an i3 in 30 minutes. The second option is a home charging unit that BMW will install at your house for about R25k that will charge the battery in three hours. The final method is a standard wall socket charge from any plug you can find, but this charge takes around eight hours to charge fully.
The i3 is a fun car to drive, it overtakes rapidly thanks to the instantaneous torque, has loads of gadgets to play with and is surprisingly spacious in the front, rear and boot. In keeping with the green theme, much of the i3 is built from sustainable materials and recycled products to give the owner more guilt-free driving pleasure.
BMW i8
The BMW i8 is an amazing looking car, its been ages since something that looks this much like a concept has made it to production. BMW doesnt really do supercar design like Mercedes AMG or Audi does with the R8 so this is a step in the right direction for a new line of sportscar design for them.
Dual Power
The i8 subscribes to the philosophy of pumping up the power on a small capacity petrol engine in this case, the 1.5-Litre three-cylinder petrol and then harnessing the electric motor to deal with the low down grunt. Its a fantastic idea and it works so well on the i8. The 1.5-Litre petrol pumps out 170 kW and 320 Nm of torque while the electric engine helps with a further 96 kW and 250 Nm. The total power works out at 266 kW and 320 Nm in a car that will set you back R1 755 000.
Ride and Drive
With the figures cast away into the back of my mind I decided it was time to unleash the power of the i8 over some of the best passes in the Cape. Youre seated low in the i8, but not so low that you have to stretch to see obstacles out of the window. Its extremely easy to drive at low speed and the ride is plush over bumps unlike many hard-sprung sportscars. Wind up the revs and the augmented sound fires back through the speakers, despite it being a synthetic or manipulated roar, it still gives you a thrill.
The i8 holds on in the bends brilliantly, theres so much grip and the balance is sweet so it never feels on edge. The power is delivered instantaneously, but once you start to push on a bit harder youre left wanting more power, under 100kph it has great acceleration, but after that it tapers off and leaves you wanting more. I began to wish that BMW had used the Minis 2-Litre turbo motor instead as that would have given the added power I was craving.
In a car that looks this amazing you almost expect it to come with supercar credentials and terrifying performance figures but it doesnt. For the price you can get all those thrills in an R8 or Nissan GT-R, but neither will turn as many heads or claim to be the future of the sportscar that the i8 can.
Pricing:
BMW i3 BEV (full electric) R525 000
BMW i3 REX (range Extender) R595 000
BMW i8 R1 755 000
Renault Clio GT-Line (2015) Review
The Renault Clio range in South Africa has been bolstered by the arrival of the GT-Line model, aimed at bridging the gap between the Dynamique and the fiery RenaultSport. We had a seven day romance with a very blue Clio GT-Line and here’s how it performed.
I get the idea behind Renault’s GT-Line. The base model offers adequate performance, but you’re after something that looks the part and you either don’t want/ or can’t stretch the budget to the performance RenaultSport model. Enter the GT-Line. It has all the features of the normal model, while visually it looks racy.
What’s Different?
The new Renault Clio GT-Line is different to lesser Renault Clios mostly in the visual department. For starters, there’s that lovely blue paint. There’s also a new 17-inch alloy wheel design, and a more aggressive front end bumper.
This redesigned bumper has moved the daytime running LEDs to the bottom edges as opposed to the near centre LEDs in the other models. It also gets a rear diffuser. This makes it look like a RenaultSport model, which is not the worst thing in the world! Finally, the exhaust receives a redesigned chrome tip.
The engine gets a very mild tweak, but don’t get too excited. Despite its RenaultSport scuffplates and sporty bodykit, performance is orientated towards economy. Renault SA claims its 0.9-litre turbocharged three cylinder gains an overboost function that gives it a little bit more grunt. Power is still rated at 66kW and 135Nm, but when in Overboost Mode (2nd & 3rd gear) the Clio GT-Line gains 4kW and 15Nm for 40 seconds.
Features
Renault really hasn’t skimped on the features of the Clio range, and the GT-Line is no exception. There are very few cars in this class that are as well specced for this amount of money. Cruise control, speed limiter, satnav, touchscreen infotainment system, auto wipers, auto head lights, hands-free access and start, eco mode as well as a start/stop function are all standard.
It’s very safe too, thanks to numerous airbags as well as ABS/ EBD/ ASC. We at Cars.co.za rate the Renault Clio highly in terms of safety and it ranked No 2 in our list of safest cars in SA.
How Does It Drive?
Despite the marketing material saying it’s got a touch more power and torque, I’d be lying if I said I could feel a difference. I even resorted to phoning a mate with a normal Clio Dynamique and drove both cars back to back, and didn’t notice the overboost in action. Does this bother me? Not in the slightest.
The Renault Clio is a fun city car which offers reasonable performance along with dashing good looks. It’s so stylish, and in GT-Line guise even more so. It makes the Volkswagen Polo look positively ancient in comparison. Sadly, that’s where the goodness ends as the flaws of the standard Clio I reviewed in 2013 are still apparent.
See, while I can appreciate the downsized engine in the name of economy and emissions, it requires patience and skills if you’re to get anywhere near the claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.5L/100km.
In reality and driving like Joe Average in traffic I was averaging 6.1L/100km, even in Eco Mode. I suspect it’s the little turbo engine working hard to shift the Clio GT-Line about. The moment you start hurrying about, the consumption figure will rise quickly.
Renault Clio GT-Line Price in SA
The Renault Clio GT-Line retails for R224 900. The price includes a service plan of 3 years/ 45 000km as well as a 5 year/ 150 000km warranty.
Verdict
The Renault Clio GT-Line is not vastly different from the lesser Clio models, but it’s light years away from the RenaultSport model in terms of performance. I’ve heard rumours of the 1.2 turbo Clio EDC making its way to SA with considerably more power, but I feel pricing will be a little on the high side, so this GT-Line will have to do for now.
I give the Clio GT-Line full marks for looking even more handsome than the standard model, if that’s even possible. It does the fundamental basics right with European dashing good looks, class-leading specification and top notch safety features. I have my doubts over the fuel consumption figures, but I’d fork over the extra R7 000 on top of the Clio Dynamique’s R217 900 just for the looks alone.
Second Opinion
The Clio has been a remarkable performer for Renault SA, showing that French cars can sell well here, they just have to look amazing and undercut the competition with way more kit. The Clio GT-Line’s slight power increase is probably not enough to be noticeable to the everyday driver but the spec is impressive and the styling makes it an eye catching hatch. The increase in pricing does move it quite close to the even more popular Polo however. -Ashley Oldfield
We Like: Beautiful looks, generous specification, top class safety
We Dont Like: Performance increase is hardly noticeable, fuel economy is nowhere near claimed
With the 2015 Geneva Auto Show about a week away, Audi has released official photos of its Prologue Avant concept. Audi previously had shown off some teaser sketches in the second week of February 2015, but now we have more photos and more details to share.
Prologue Avant Concept
Audi calls it a ‘design with dynamic elegance and the latest high end technologies’. Back in November 2014, Audi showed off its Prologue concept at the LA Motor Show and this version expands on what that concept offered. The length has grown to just over 5 metres and its almost 2 metres wide.
Being an Audi and being a concept, you can bet your money the interior is top dollar. Audi claims the dashboard consists of three touch displays and the driver + three passengers have access to OLED display units. There are slim, detachable OLED displays in the rear and these are similar to the new Audi tablet which does duty in the new Audi Q7.
Powering this concept is an engine which Audi claims is almost ready for mainstream production. This powerplant is a plug-in hybrid from the q7 e-tron quattro pushing out 335 kW and 750 Nm from a combination of a 3.0-litre TDI and an electric motor. Sprint time is claimed to be 5.1 seconds, but importantly, Audi is claiming a pure electric range of 54km. Other engineering tech included is adaptive air suspension, Matrix laser headlights and all-wheel drive steering.
I think we’ll see many of the styling cues from the Prologue Avant Concept in future generations of Audi A6, A7 and A8.
Nissan Sway Concept Teased
Nissan is set to unveil a new concept car at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, which may preview a future production model for the European market.
The Nissan Sway Concept will supposedly preview the next generation Micra supermini in European specification. The teaser image itself doesnt give much away, except that we can see a U-shaped grille and the sharp-looking headlights with boomerang-shaped DRLs, as well as hints of Nissans new styling principles.
In its press release Nissan confirms that the Sway Concept is a glimpse at how a future generation of small Nissan models could look if the companys striking new design language was applied to a European hatchback.
More details to follow once the car debuts in Geneva.
2015 Subaru Forester Gets New Engine
The 2015 Subaru Forester will now benefit from a new engine and an upgraded interior for the 2015 model year.
2015 model-year updates
The new 2.0-litre Boxer diesel engine is connected to a Lineartronic CVT (continuously-variable transmission) gearbox and an all-wheel drive system, both designed to handle the engine’s 108 kW and 350 Nm of torque.
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes just 9.2 seconds, while fuel consumption is rated at 6.1-litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of 158 g/km.
According to Subaru, “characteristics of the transmission have been improved with additional soundproofing, while a manual mode provides drivers with seven pre-set ‘gears’ for greater control of the engine”.
Theres also new glow plugs, new common-rail injection system, updated turbocharger settings, new radiator, oil cooler and radiator fans.
In addition, Subaru engineers have introduced a number of improvements to the interior of the car, which now comes with a new factory-fit 7-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system, piano black accents and metallic highlights, revised climate controls and an additional USB input.
The exterior of the 2015 Subaru Forester remains largely unchanged, with the exception of a new shark-fin antenna which replaces the pole antenna found on pre-2015 models.
Comparison: Isuzu KB vs GWM Steed 5E
The bakkie market is one of the most competitive in Southern Africa. I can understand why, bakkies tick most of the boxes in terms of workhorse capability, offroad ability and there’s a nice lifestyle outdoors element thrown in. The market has been dominated by the likes of the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, Volkswagen Amarok and Isuzu KB series. All of these bakkies are good in their own way and there’s a good chance that regardless of what you buy, you will be satisfied with your purchase. However, we’re in a period where the Chinese have got their act together and are starting to produce products that should have the established brands a tad worried based on pricing alone. I can recall driving my first Great Wall Motors, GoNow, Foton and JMC bakkies back in 2010, and despite some serious flaws, I could see the potential. Fast forward to 2015 and Great Wall Motors could be considered the strongest Chinese brand in South Africa. Its Steed, now in versions 5E and 6, is proving reasonably popular.
Acid Test
How about throwing the Steed 5E into the deep-end by putting it head to head against the locally-built Isuzu KB300 double cab? Pictured here is the KB300 Dteq 4×4. Looks-wise, there’s not much in it, and GWM benefits from plenty of European and American designers that were head-hunted by the brand. Servicing is an issue which many have raised. 'Can we trust Chinese vehicles?' is a question I'm often asked. The answer is a simple yes. GWM is unlikely to pack up overnight. The Steed 5E comes with a 5 year/100 000km warranty and a 10 year Waxoyl Corrosion Warranty. Servicing plans are optional and this is a 5 year/60 000km service plan. It's interesting to note the single-cab GWMs have a 3 year/100 000km warranty. The Isuzu on the other hand, comes with a 5 year/120 000km warranty & roadside assistance, 5 year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty, 5 year/90 000km service plan with services every 15 000km.
Engines
Powering the Isuzu is a powerful 3.0 turbo diesel motor with 130 kW and 380 Nm, while the GWM Steed 5E gets by with 2.0-litre turbo diesel motor with 105 kW and 305 Nm. While there's one litre difference in capacity between the two, both engines feel a little similar although the true test would be evaluating performance with the load bay full of cargo. Isuzu claims 7.9L/100km as a fuel consumption average, while GWM claims a surprising 8.3L/100km figure. Advantage to the Isuzu then.
Cabin and features
The interior of the GWM Steed 5E is vastly improved when compared to its predecessors. The older version was a dreary place to be, with function taking priority over form. Having had a sneak peek into the interior of a Steed 6, I can tell you that’s even better. Leather upholstery is standard, which is a pleasant surprise. The Chinese have kitted out the Steed 5E well and it features nice things like climate control, power steering, steering wheel controls, tyre pressure sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, aux input, USB input, SD card support, electric windows all round, fog lamps both front and back as well as safety features in the form of two airbags and ABS with EBD. The GWM also features an automatic mechanical locking diff which deactivates above 30kph. Its a useful thing to have when you're bundu bashing. The Isuzu KB has to be well equipped to justify its price tag, and it is. Cruise control, multi function steering wheel, trip computer, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, aux input, USB input, front fog lights and one of the more practical things: rear parking sensors. Leather is an option, and the Isuzu comes standard with cloth upholstery. I also noted that the Isuzu KB has the slightly larger load bay.
Isuzu KB300 vs GWM Steed 5E – Verdict and Summary
While it’s much of a muchness between the two bakkies, the GWM simply blows the Isuzu KB out the water when it comes to price. This particular Isuzu in the photos is the 4×4 version, and that retails for almost R500 000. The GWM Steed 5E 4×2 with automatic rear differential lock sells for R284 900, making it superb value for money for those budget-conscious buyers! So now the question to be asked is, do you go for one of the tried-and-trusted models which are loved, admired and respected in South Africa, or do you go for the relatively unproven newcomer which is substantially cheaper than its competition? After sale service and resale will likely count in favour of the Isuzu, but GWM is arguably the best of the Chinese manufacturers and has a lot going for it. It's a victory for the GWM Steed 5E in my opinion, as the bakkie is on par with its Isuzu rival, but it's an awful lot cheaper. You can check out a detailed comparison between the Isuzu KB 300 and the GWM Steed 5E here.
Isuzu KB 300D-Teq D/C LX
GWM Steed 5E 2.0VGT D/C
Price
R439 100
R284 900
Engine
3.0-Litre turbodiesel
2.0-Litre turbodiesel
Power
130 kW
105 kW
Torque
380 Nm
305 Nm
Diff lock
Yes, Rear (switch on dashboard)
Yes, Rear (automatic)
Fuel tank capacity
80L
70L
Fuel consumption
7.8L/100km
6.5L/100km
Gearbox
Five-speed manual
Six-speed manual
2015 Toyota Auris Facelift Revealed
The upcoming Geneva Motor Show will see the launch of the facelifted 2015 Toyota Auris which will debut alongside the Touring Sports Wagon and new Avensis.
2015 Toyota Auris Facelift coming to SA
The 2015 Toyota Auris is said to benefit from a number of aesthetic modifications which include a revised front end, an upgraded cabin, as well as new comfort and safety features.
Interior enhancements include a new infotainment system, some glossy black accents on the dashboard and an old-school clock thats been moved to the right of the larger touchscreen display.
In addition, Toyota says the 2015 Auris facelift hatchback will be equipped with new and improved petrol and diesel engines, developed with a focus on efficiency and performance.
The hatchback will supposedly make its way to South Africa sometime later this year. More details to follow once it is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.
Near Production Mercedes-Benz G 500 4×4² Detailed
Following a preview sometime last week, Mercedes-Benz has released new details about the G 500 4×4² which is set to debut in near production form at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
Mercedes-Benz G 500 4×4² concept detailed
The new addition to the G-Class model family highlights the superlative-rich history of the G-Class and blends all the advantages of the model series with an AMG front bumper, carbon fibre flares and integral LED light strips above the windscreen.
As mentioned previously, the car also rides on some massive 22-inch wheels with off-road tyres, and features a side exiting exhaust and stainless steel underbody guards.
Inside, the G 500 4×4² offers a designo Exclusive package featuring seat bolsters and head restraints, dashboard, centre console and armrests all covered in black leather with white contrasting topstitching. The seat surfaces, door panels and headliner will be furnished in DINAMICA microfiber with diamond design quilting.
New engine offers V8 biturbo power
The twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine delivers 310 kW and adopts the all-wheel drive system with portal axles from the 6×6 and uses a seven-speed G-tronic automatic gearbox with a separate transfer case and high/low ratio gearing. We suspect this is the same engine used in the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz C63 sedan and AMG-GT supercar.
Also new are the portal axles and a returned suspension with two spring/damper struts per wheel. According to Mercedes, one spring/damper strut works conventionally with set damper characteristics, while the other has electronically controlled adjustable damping that can be changed from Comfort to Sport in just 15 milliseconds.
Compared to the regular models 210 mm, the ground clearance on the G 500 4×4² has risen to 450 mm, while the driving depth sits at 1000 mm.
Mercedes-Benz says the decision on series production of the G 500 4×4² will be dependent on the reaction which the near-series show car receives.
Mercedes G 500 4×4² concept tackles mountainous terrain
