It is believed that Range Rover is developing an all-electric version of its high end luxury SUV. The idea comes as Range Rover believes there is a gap in the market for high end luxurious electric cars that has not been garnered yet.
Electric Range Rover to have its own look
It is rumoured that the Electric Range Rover will have a slightly different look as pointed out by design Chief Gerry McGovern, who mentioned that a new range of incredibly luxurious, low-slung Range Rover models could make it to production.
Range anxiety is a major problem with electric cars and thats often why those seeking to improve their green image often opt for hybrid cars that still run on fuel but give off the right impression. Currently Teslas all-electric Model S is the best of the bunch with a claimed range of around 420km. The electric Range Rover would do well to aim for the same sort of range as a target.
The South Korean automaker has officially unveiled the Hyundai HB20 R-Spec concept during the 2014 Sao Paulo Motor Show in Brazil, hinting at its future styling language.
HB20 R-Spec Concept hints at new styling language
Created especially for the motor show by South Korean designers, the HB20 R-Spec concept features a matte-blue exterior paint with an aero kit that includes redesigned bumpers with new air intakes at the front and R-Spec badge on the radiator grille.
The vehicle further benefits from new headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, a carbon fibre roof spoiler, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The cabin has been spiffed up with sports leather seats and dashboard with gloss black trimmings, a flat bottom steering wheel and gearshift knob with new design and finish.
The Hyundai HB20 R-Spec concept is apparently not intended for production, but will provide future models (such as the rumoured global compact sports car model said to be positioned below the Veloster) with its funky and sporty styling.
BMW X5 M and X6 M Pack 423 kW
The BMW X5 M and X6 M were teased in a video last week that poked fun at spy photographers but have now been officially revealed along with power details. The pair of beastly M models have also been caked with aggressive body parts and a lower, more purposeful stance. The pair are set to be launched at the LA motor show next month (November 2014).
X5 M and X6 M Details
Exterior design modifications to the X models include large air intakes at the front end, side gills with a model badge and air breathers, signature M exterior mirrors in twin-stalk style, a typically M four-tailpipe exhaust system and a rear spoiler (for the BMW X6 M) give them a standalone look M fans will immediately recognize. Those wheels are 21-inches of lightweight M specific design as well.
Performance meets Luxury inside
The M instrument cluster, M leather steering wheel with aluminium gearshift paddles, an M drivers footrest and the optional head-up display are all unique touches to the beasties. In addition to the standard information on the head-up display, it also includes an M-specific display with gear indicator, rev counter and gear shift lights.
Big Numbers
We were expecting power to be around 412 kW but BMW exceeded our expectations by delivering the X5 M and X6 M with 423 kW and a whopping 750 Nm of torque from the 4.4-Litre twin-turbo V8. That shunts the pair of X fighters to 100kph in a miraculous 4.2 seconds before they top out at a limited 250kph. The gearbox has also been changed from the previous models and now features BMWs eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. The gear shifts are more rapid and the extra two gears in the box improve fuel economy.
Handling remains a key focus of the crew at BMW M and the X5 M and X6 M have a special version of the X Drive all-wheel drive system. The system can send 100 percent of the drive to either the front wheels or rear wheels depending on the situation. This ensures the best possible traction at all times and on all surfaces. In regular driving situation the X5 M and X6 M have a rear drive bias however.
Coming to SA soon
We got word this morning from BMW SAs communication manager Edward Makwana that the X5 M and X6 M are to be available in SA from April 2015.
The Dacia Duster Oroch Concept has been officially presented to the public, in a world premiere, during the 2014 Sao Paulo Motor Show in Brazil.
Dacia Duster Oroch Concept a possible double cab Duster bakkie
According to Renault, the Duster Oroch concept is a styling exercise for a five-seat recreational pick-up truck featuring the robust looks of a true SUV. The vehicle is adorned in a satin white exterior with orange accents and plastic body cladding. The concept is also fitted with skid plates, a panoramic glass sunroof and rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the concept offers a dark charcoal interior which is livened up by fluorescent orange upholstery, which looks similar to the material used on neoprene wetsuits.
The five-seat interior based on the standard model is additionally equipped with two rear-mounted cameras which can be operated from a rotary knob on the centre console.
Performance details on the Dacia Duster Oroch concept are yet to be announced. Certain Dacia products are sold as Renaults in South Africa (Sandero and Duster) and according to the rumour mill, we can expect the company to launch a double cab bakkie version of the concept sometime in the near future.
Dacia Duster Oroch Concept video
Citroen AirCross Lunar Concept Makes Its Debut In Brazil
Citroen has lifted the covers off its AirCross Lunar concept at the Salon de Sao Paulo in Brazil.
The AirCross Lunar concept illustrating Citroen creativity
The company didnt reveal much about the car but based slightly on the C3, the AirCross Lunar concept features a rugged exterior with plastic body cladding like on the C4 Cactus which has been confirmed for South African release, side ‘air bumps’ and small alloy wheels with off-road tyres.
The model comes complete with tinted glass, light blue chevron accents and revised lighting units, as well as a rear-mounted luggage case in place of the spare wheel.
Speaking at the Sao Paulo show, Linda Jackson, Managing Director of Citroen, said: “Our stand Salon de Sao Paulo alone reflects what is at stake for us in Latin America: a priority area in the heart of our internationalization strategy. We make here the new positioning of Citroën meeting concrete and optimistic expectations of Brazilian clients today. The latest creations from our local centre Style or specific technologies that we present are perfect illustrations. “
Fiat FCC4 Concept Boggles the Mind
Possibly the strangest concept seen this year will be revealed at the Sao Paulo motor show next Month. The Fiat FCC4 Concept is a mash up of almost every vehicle we can think of as the Italian brand seems to have combined a bakkie, coupe, an SUV and an American Rallyfighter.
Fiat FCC4 Concept Mash Up
Fiat claims the FCC4 is a design exercise developed by the Fiat Design Centre and, more than adopting a specific typology for a car, it treads hybrid paths, has generous dimensions and raised floor height, immediately placing it in a new world. The adventure DNA of the brand is combined with the luxury and internal space of a large sedan.
Brazil is a particularly large market for the Fiat brand so its no surprise they have chosen the Sao Paulo motor show as the location for the reveal. Interestingly the boot seems to have its own set of asymmetrical doors which, possibly indicates to two rear storage bays. The advantages of this arent really clear but Fiat seems to be thinking outside of the box with this
Whilst its just a concept right now, if Fiat goes ahead with this four-door coupe/bakkie it would be interesting to see how they tone it down for production – it has potential.
Volkswagen Street Up! Revealed
Volkswagen has expanded its model offering with its smallest car yet – the special edition Volkswagen Street Up!
Volkswagens super compact four-seater
Distinguished by sporty features, the Street Up! has a distinctive exterior with a sporty foil on the hood, roof, doors and side panels. The car also has special graphics on the doors as well as contrasting mirror caps, a sport-tuned suspension, chrome fog light surrounds and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The sporty theme is continued inside where you will find special upholstery with yellow contrast stitching. The car is additionally packed with air conditioning, an independent steering wheel trim and door sills with Up! lettering, an RCD 215 radio and a unique gear knob.
The engine range for the Volkswagen Street Up! include 44 kW to 55 kW units with BlueMotion Technology available.
Audi R8 Competition is most powerful Audi
Audi will fully reveal its most powerful production car ever the Audi R8 Competition during Novembers LA Auto Show. The new R8 is said to be the closest thing it can build to its all-conquering R8 LMS car.
R8 Competition Packs 425 kW
The 5.2-Litre V10 has been tuned to deliver 425 kW via the seven-speed S-Tronic gearbox, that makes it the most powerful production Audi it has ever made. Audi says the R8 has an improved 0-100kph sprint time that now takes just 3.2 seconds. Top speed is 320kph and falls just one-mph short of the magical 200mph mark.
The limited-edition Audi R8 competition is the closest road car to our R8 LMS ultra race car that has won virtually every race around the world, said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. It is designed for the driving enthusiast and were excited to bring 60 units as a limited-edition to the U.S.
Differentiating the Audi R8 competitions design are matte carbon exterior elements consisting of a fixed rear spoiler, engine bay, mirror housings, side blades, front spoiler and rear diffuser. The combination of the carbon elements lower the weight of the R8 competition and also provide greater downforce.
Gloss black wheels and ceramic brakes with anodized red brake callipers provide contrast to the matte carbon fibre elements. Inside, drivers will find yet more matte carbon fibre treatment surrounding the centre console and illuminated R8 competition door sill inlays. The R8 competition is an Audi exclusive line vehicle, which allows the driver to pair a variety of interior and exterior colours and choose from a selection of wheel finishes for a unique look.
Updated Mitsubishi Pajero – Specs and Pricing
The Mitsubishi Pajero has received a number of updates and the new model is now on sale in South Africa.
Specification details
The 2015 model year Pajero range includes short wheelbase and long wheelbase vehicles, and all powered by Mitsubishi’s proven 3.2-litre DI-D turbocharged diesel engine. The 3.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine makes 140 kW and 441 Nm with power going to the wheels via a five-speed automatic gearbox with manual override option. The vehicle can also run on 500 ppm diesel when necessary, meaning you really can take it into the wild.
There’s a new front end design which incorporates LED daytime running lights. Note the new bumper design does not impact on the class-leading approach and departure angles. There are new alloy wheels as well as a newly designed and sturdier new spare wheel cover on the LWB derivatives now.
Interior
The interior now receives a rear-view camera which now displays its picture on the infotainment screen, and automatic headlight dimming is now available on all derivatives. The Pajero comes well equipped and you get leather upholstery, electric and heated front seats, the rear view camera, rear parking sensors, variable intermittent windscreen wipers, front and rear fog lights, the LED daytime running lights, black roof rails, a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth, voice control, cruise control, automatic climate control, rear air conditioning control (LWB only), and a radio/CD/MP3 touch screen audio system with USB and aux support as standard equipment.
The top-of-the-range LWB GLS Exceed model adds a 12-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system, HID xenon headlights with washers, 18-inch alloy wheels, an electric sliding/tilting panoramic sunroof and a wood/leather combination steering wheel for an added touch of luxury.
The vehicle is safe too, with the Pajero receiving a 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating.
4×4 Ability
All Pajeros come with the Super Select 4WD system with four drive modes. 2H mode is best for town driving, 4H mode can be engaged at speeds up to 100 km/h and all four wheels are engaged in a 34% (front) and 66% (rear) split. When road surfaces worsen, the 4HLc mode comes into play and the traction control system and the centre diff lock are engaged for enhanced control in tougher circumstances.
Finally, the 4LLc engages low-range and deactivates the traction control system for ultimate control in even the stickiest of situations. The rear diff lock can be engaged manually by means of a switch, according to driver needs and environment demands.
2014 Mitsubishi Pajero Price in South Africa
All Pajero models are sold as standard with a 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/ 100 000 km maintenance plan, with service intervals every 10 000 km.
The Nissan Kicks Concept will debut at the Sao Paulo motor show during November 2014 and adds yet another SUV derivative to the Nissan brand. The Kicks concept was teased earlier this month (October 2014) and could be sold as a cheaper alternative to the Nissan Juke.
Kicks Built for Brazil Vibe
This concept is a product of global collaboration, but it was inspired by the streets of Brazil and designed for its people, said Mamoru Aoki, Executive Design Director of Nissans Global Design Strategy Department.
The main inspiration for this concept was the contrast that we saw in the grey tones of the urban settings in São Paulo and the bright natural colours that we saw near our studio in Rio, said Robert Bauer, Chief Designer at the Rio studio. ‘How to combine these two, the more grey urban tones with the bright sunset orange that we would see this combination we thought was really uniquely Brazilian.
The vehicle is not purely for Brazil but has been designed for its marketplace. With the likes of the Juke and Fords Ecosport selling in strong numbers locally and the Opel Mokka being introduced in 2015, there may still be a spot for it in our local market. The dimensions of the Kicks concept reveal that it is 4300mm long, 1800mm wide and 1600mm tall, which actually makes it slightly bigger than a Juke.
