BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car Announced

BMW is a regularly sponsor of the MotoGP racing series and supplies vehicles in the form of safety cars for the season. 2015 is no different, and as the new season is about to start, BMW has revealed its M4 MotoGP Safety Car.

I think the M4 MotoGP Safety Car looks menacing and there’s no doubting its capability as a track performer. As BMW states: the six-cylinder inline engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, a high-rev concept and distinct racing genes contributes significantly to the high-performance character of the overall concept. What this means is that this 317 kW and 500 Nm coupe has more than enough performance for its role as a safety car in the 2015 Moto GP World Championship.

M4 MotoGP Safety Car Details

While there’s not much mechanically different to the road-going BMW M4, this safety car gains a revolutionary water injection system which is claimed to increase performance. According to BMW, water injection means it’s now possible to up the performance limits and bypass normal heat restrictions. This system is also claimed to reduce consumption and emissions. The tank for the water injection system is located in the boot, and is about five litres in capacity.

For those who are technically minded, the official description from BMW says: “Water is injected into the intake module’s collector as a fine spray, thus significantly cooling the exhaust air during vaporisation. This lowers the discharge temperature in the combustion chamber and thus reduces the tendency for knocking. The turbo engine can thus be operated with a higher charging pressure and an earlier ignition point.”

Driving hard on a race track means there’s a lot of demand on the M4 MotoGP Safety Car’s cooling systems, and BMW has fitted additional radiators as well as an extra electric water pump to help keep the electronics, gearbox and turbocharger cool.

The BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car also gains a number of visual upgrades including a DTM-style wing, M performance aerodynamic kit, titanium exhaust system, Recaro racing seats with Schroth harnesses as well the usual flashing lights associated with an emergency vehicle. Remove the BMW branding, change the emergency lights from red to blue and you could potentially have the most badass-looking police car in the world…

Mitsubishi Reveals its Face of the Future

Mitsubishi has dragged an old 2013 concept from a dark storage room and presented it to the crowds at the 2015 Chicago Motor Show. The Mitsubishi GC-PHEV Concept is and Grand Cruiser plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that will lead the way forward for Mitsubishi in terms of styling and technology.

Mitsubishi GC-PHEV Futuristic Styling

The front end styling is particularly aggressive and angular with narrow headlights perched atop daytime running lamps, positioned as high as possible for maximum effectiveness and visibility. It looks as though Mitsubishi has also adopted the square front end matched with a sloping coupe roofline similar to that found on a Range Rover Evoque.

Under the bonnet it features a supercharged V6 engine paired with a high-output electric motor/high-capacity lithium-ion battery, an 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive for more treacherous terrain and road conditions. This eco-friendly PHEV drivetrain offers high performance 250 kW and should provide good fuel economy because of its electric mode capabilities.

We brought the Concept GC-PHEV to Chicago because it showcases into our future technology and design themes,” said USA Executive Vice President, Don Swearingen. “The Concept showcases aggressive styling and a level of refinement that will be coming to Mitsubishi vehicles. All of our 2016 model year vehicles will be refreshed with our new brand identity, starting with the 2016 Outlander, which will make its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in April. The Concept GC-PHEV continues to tell the story we started telling at the LA Auto Show, and we think you’re going to like what is to come.”

Tech Features

Additional technological features of the Mitsubishi GC-PHEV include advanced safety systems such as Connected Car Technology a system that connects the car to the internet. Information received includes traffic within the area, the status of the traffic signal ahead (currently red, yellow or green), and other information to help the driver operate their car more economically and efficiently. Theres also an Augmented Reality Windshield, Pedestrian Collision Mitigating Auto-braking, Rearward Blind Spot Vehicle Warning, Unintentional Vehicle Move Off Control, Driver Monitor and more.

Top Safety Rating For The 2015 Ford Mustang

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has awarded the 2015 Ford Mustang with top safety marks.

The supercar received an overall five-star rating after running through the NHTSAs New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). In all the categories, including side and front crash tests along with rollover testing, the Mustang earned five stars.

Safety features on the Mustang include inflatable airbag restraints, crash sensors all around and adaptive cruise control. The model is additionally equipped with double the amount of airbags as the previous car, a robust package of peripheral crash sensors and enhanced exterior lighting.

The Mustang is expected in SA in the latter part of 2015, read more about it here.

BMW X6 (2015) First Drive

The second generation BMW X6 has been launched onto the South African market, and we attended its local launch in Mpumalanga.
The BMW X6 is something of an oddity in the motoring world. Despite its quirky looks, the vehicle has been popular with around 250 000 units sold globally since 2008. The new model is now here, and is being targeted at the Chinese, US and European markets mainly.

What’s New?

Visually the new BMW X6 is differentiated by sportier lines, a more aggressive front and re-designed tail lights being the stand out features. There’s no shortage of sportiness as the standard wheel size is 19″, with optional 20″ units certainly looking the part.

In terms of engineering and technology, the new BMW X6 features revised aerodynamics, an automatic tailgate as well as an embedded SIM card for BMW-related communication like servicing and roadside assist. This forms part of the innovative BMW ConnectedDrive package. The new BMW X6 also benefits from all the latest technology seen on BMW models, such as Driving Assist Plus, Surround View and so on. The xDrive50i’s engine receives some tweaks which claimed to improve economy by as much as 22%.

The interior gains a number of improvements, such as the increased list of standard features as well as an all-new rear seat setup. Things like leather trim, bi-xenon headlights, automatic tailgate, 8-speed Steptronic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles, two-zone climate control and BMW ConnectedDrive are fitted as standard equipment.

The Range

There are four models to choose from. The new BMW X6 range starts with the xDrive35i, with the tried-and-tested six-cylinder turbo petrol engine. That engine’s good for 225 kW and 400 Nm. Then there’s first of the diesels – the xDrive40d which has 230 kW and 630 Nm. Having sampled this engine in the BMW X5 40d, I can say this is probably the pick of the range, if you’re a sensible person that is.

The BMW X6 is not about sensible though. The owner of the X6 is an extrovert and wants to show off, and there are two engines for that. How does a 4.4-litre twin turbocharged V8 petrol grab you? With 330 kW and 650 Nm, the xDrive50i is a monster which is capable of 0-100kph in under 5 seconds. That’s properly fast. The next engine is the flagship diesel M50d. It has three turbochargers and despite its capacity of just 3.0-litres, it’s still able to perform admirably well. There’s 280 kW and 740 Nm to play with, making it a spirited performer, but not at the expense of economy.

The Launch

The launch of the BMW X6 took us into the heart of Mpumalanga. We arrived in Nelspruit and set off in the direction of Graskop/Hazyview and Hoedspruit. The open roads with the typical fast, sweeping curves were in fairly good nick and the two X6 models on offer handled surprisingly well. The two models available to sample were the xDrive50i and the M50d, and I opted for the petrol model first. The 50i makes overtaking a simple affair, and if you’re up for it, provides a very entertaining drive. It’s difficult to imagine a two-ton sports SUV being driven aggressively, but the X6 is deceptively agile. The M50d is no less entertaining and all that torque turns overtaking and in-gear acceleration into a grin-inducing event.

Our launch route also included some thickish sand and gravel, and while some two-wheel drive vehicles would have battled, the X6 with its xDrive all-wheel drive system acquitted itself well. xDrive is clever and the system sends power to the axle which has the most grip meaning offroad excursions in the X6 are possible.

BMW X6 Price in South Africa

The BMW X6 range consists of four models. These are base prices and the X6, like all BMW products, can be customised to suit your needs.

X6 xDrive35i R947 500
X6 xDrive40d R1 052 500
X6 xDrive50i R1 163 000
xDriveM50d R1 327 000

Ford Ranger Now Offered With Sync Technology

Ford South Africa has expanded the smart technologies offered in the Ranger bakkie line-up with the addition of its award-winning Sync with Bluetooth and voice control.

Ford Ranger now even smarter with addition of SYNC

Using the innovative hands-free technology of SYNC, customers are able to connect almost any mobile phone or digital media player to the vehicle’s multimedia system via Bluetooth or USB connection.

Simply using voice commands or the controls mounted on the steering wheel, drivers are able to manage the systems wide range of features, from selecting phone contacts and making calls to choosing an artist or track and even listening to text messages.

The system is also available across most models in the current Ford line-up including the Fiesta, Focus, Kuga, Fusion, Transit and Tourneo.

Further, SYNC responds to and recognises up to 150 different voice commands, can store up to 12 phones and hold up to 1 000 contacts per paired phone – all of which can be dialled by voice once the phonebook is downloaded to the system, without the need to record voice tags for each contact as is the case with the current system.

“By introducing SYNC to the Ranger XLS, XLT and Wildtrak models at no additional cost to the customer, we are making the technology more accessible and ensuring that the Ranger stands out even further from the competition,” says Tracey Delate, Ford Marketing Manager.

“The system also makes an important contribution to driving safety by allowing the driver to focus on the road while using voice commands for a vast range of functions.”

Ford Ranger models with Ford SYNC

Single Cab
Ranger 2.2 (110kW) XLS Hi-Rider 6MT	R314 900
Ranger 2.2 (110kW) XLS 4×4 6MT	R369 900
Ranger 3.2 XLS Hi-Rider 6MT	R358 938
Ranger 3.2 XLS 4×4 6MT	R412 900
Super Cab
Ranger 3.2 XLS Hi-Rider 6MT	R386 900
Ranger 3.2 XLS 4×4 6MT	R435 900
Ranger 3.2 XLS 4×4 6AT	R449 900
Double Cab
Ranger 2.2 (110kW) XLS 6MT	R401 900
Ranger 2.2 (110kW) XLS 4×4 6MT	R454 900
Ranger 3.2 XLT Hi-Rider 6MT	R456 900
Ranger 3.2 XLT Hi-Rider 6AT	R469 900
Ranger 3.2 XLT 4×4 6MT	R504 900
Ranger 3.2 XLT 4×4 6AT	R515 900
Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak 4×2 6MT	R484 900
Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak 4×2 6AT	R494 900
Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak 4×4 6AT	R551 900

2016 Honda Pilot Teased (Update, First Official Pics)

The 2016 Honda Pilot has been teased ahead of its scheduled premiere set to take place in February at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show.

Reengineered and redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot

According to Honda, the all-new third generation eight-passenger Pilot SUV is going to be completely reengineered and redesigned, as well as raise the stakes in the mainstream three-row SUV segment with new technology, advanced safety, and class-leading fuel economy.

Honda is not saying much about the model at this point, however its mentioned that the new Pilot will be more appealing than the outgoing model, promising a dramatic shift in design also remaining true to its family-friendly approach.

Rumours have suggested that the SUV will be fitted with a V6 3.5-litre direct-injection engine with the latest array of Earth Dreams technologies and an estimated output of 231 kW.

Just like the outgoing model, the 2016 Honda Pilot has been developed by Honda R&D Americas in Los Angeles and Ohio, and will be manufactured in Lincoln, Alabama and is set to go on sale this summer.

Expect more details when it finally debuts on February 12 at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show.

New BMW 2-Series Gran Tourer Revealed

The BMW 2-Series Gran Tourer has officially been unveiled as the worlds first premium compact model to offer up to seven seats, and is the second front-wheel drive vehicle from BMW built on the new UKL architecture.

Powerful presence and significant increase in space

Acting as a larger sister model to the recently introduced 2-Series Active Tourer, the Gran Tourer offers ample space and a generous luggage compartment that can be extended to 805 litres from 645 litres. This rises to an impressive 1905 litres of load space with the rear-seat backrests folded down. The standard-fitted fore-aft sliding rear seat bench ensures maximum variability with a 40:20:40-split backrest that folds down at the press of a button which allows three child seats to be fitted.

Five newly developed turbo engines

The 2-Series Gran Tourer will be available with five newly developed turbo engines with three and four-cylinders, as well as a standard six-speed manual and optional eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Petrol units include a 1.5-litre three cylinder producing 100 kW and 220 Nm in the 218i and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 141 kW and 280 Nm in the 220i. While the diesel range includes a 1.5-litre three cylinder delivering 85 kW and 270 Nm in the 216d and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that serves up 110 kW and 330 Nm in the 218d and 140 kW and 400 Nm in the four-wheel drive 220d xDrive, which is available in automatic guise only.

In addition, the 2-Series Gran Tourer lineup will feature a full range of advanced technology systems including BMWs EfficientDynamics and ConnectedDrive systems. Also available will be Traffic Jam Assistant that assists the driver in accelerating, braking and staying in the lane in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Honda Civic Type R First Official Pics

Honda has revealed a few pre-launch images of the upcoming Civic Type R that is set to be launched at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show this March.

From the details emerging, the Civic Type Rs design is heavily sculpted by aerodynamic pieces that enhance its high speed stability and develop high levels of downforce. Honda says it did extensive testing both on computer simulation and in the wind tunnel.

Civic Type R will hit 270kph

The Civic Type Rs 2.0 litre direct injection VTEC TURBO engine, enables the car to achieve a top speed of 270kph, comparatively impressive in the hot hatch segment.

A new, almost completely flat underside aids airflow under the vehicle and combines with a rear diffuser to optimise downforce effectively sucking the car onto the road. A bespoke rear wing gives the car enhanced visual presence and delivers powerful additional downforce.

A wide front splitter and deep side skirts also manage airflow and reduce lift, while the front bumper has been shaped specifically to inhibit air turbulence around the front wheels.

Big Brembo Brakes

The Civic Type R is equipped with a high performance Brembo brake package for the front wheels, developed specifically for the car. At the front, four-piston callipers apply braking force to 350 mm drilled discs. New 19-inch alloy wheels, unique to the Type R, complement the visual changes, filling the wheel arches and accommodating the larger brakes.

Heat management was another major focus for the design team, influencing several prominent external design modifications. Enlarged upper and lower grilles in the front bumper, vents above the wheels on the front quarter panels and vents at the trailing edges of the front wheel arches combine to provide greater cooling and ventilation for the high-output engine.

The Civic Type R will be unveiled in Championship White a colour shared with successive generations of iconic Type R vehicles.

World Car of the Year Finalists Announced

The World Car of the Year jury has revealed its finalists for the coveted award in all five award categories. The finalists are chosen from a global pool of models so many of the cars that make the list are not sold in SA. In 2014 the overall award win went the the Audi A3.

The countdown is now on for the 2015 World Car Awards prize-giving ceremony to be hosted by the New York International Auto Show on Thursday, 2 April 2015.

A jury of 75 international motoring journalists selected the following finalists in the World Car of the Year, World Luxury Car and World Performance Car categories by secret ballot, based on their experience with each candidate as part of their professional work.

The 2015 World Car of the Year finalists:

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
Citroën C4 Cactus
Ford Mustang
Hyundai Genesis
Jeep Renegade
Mazda2
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
MINI 5 door / MINI 4 door
Nissan Qashqai
Volkswagen Passat

The 2015 World Luxury Car finalists:

BMW i8
BMW X6
Cadillac ATS Coupe
Cadillac Escalade / ESV
Kia K900
Lexus NX
Lexus RC
Lincoln MKC
Mercedes-Benz S Coupe
Range Rover Autobiography Black LWB

The 2015 World Performance Car finalists:

Audi S1
Audi S3
Audi TT / TTS
Bentley Continental GT Speed
BMW M4 Coupe / M3 Sedan
Corvette Z06
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
Jaguar F-TYPE R Coupe
Lexus RC-F
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

The 2015 World Green Car category is handled differently. Five experts in green technology were appointed by the World Car Awards Steering Committee to extensively review all documentation and specs associated with each candidate on the list of nominees. The experts then create a short-list of finalists for review by the 75 jurors in their second round of voting this month. The finalists for 2015 are:

BMW i8
Hyundai x35 / Tucson Fuel Cell
Kia Soul EV
Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine
Volkswagen Golf GTE

January 2015 Highlights in Numbers – Infographic

January 2015 got off to a busy start at the Cars.co.za office with many exciting cars revealed both internationally (Detroit Motor Show) and locally, providing a taste of things to come in 2015.

We have compiled an infographic showing the highlights for January 2015 and every month we will choose a ‘Car of the Month’. For January, the Opel Adam took the spotlight because it’s such an impressionable car with cheeky good looks and a funky personality. The Adam is also a fresh offering to the market and is well priced, making it our top choice for the month.

It’s quite interesting to note that many of you like the thought of Hyundai moving into the Bakkie segment with the Santa Cruz Concept. BMW made waves with its 1-Series facelift as did the third Cross Coupe Concept from Volkswagen. The Mercs were also popular with the reveal of the X6 M rival in the form of the GLE 63 AMG and the Autonomous driving car- F 105.

Here’s our infographic on Januray’s motoring happenings.