New Renault Clio 4 coming to South Africa

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The new Renault Clio 4 has been officially unveiled to the public today at the Paris Motor Show. The new Clio 4 is the embodiment of Renault’s new design identity which is simple, sensuous and warm. The new Renault Clio 4 will be launched in South Africa in the first half of 2013, with the Clio 4 R.S. 200 EDC becoming available later in 2013.

For more information on the Renault Clio 4 click here.

News Source: Cars.co.za

Jaguar F-Type unveiled at Paris Motor Show

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The all-new and highly anticipated Jaguar F-TYPE has been officially unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The two-seat convertible sports car focused on performance, agility and driver involvement is offered in three models namely the F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and the F-TYPE V8 S. The front engine, rear-wheel drive F-TYPE is constructed with Jaguar’s fourth generation lightweight aluminium architecture.

For more details on the new Jaguar F-TYPE click here.

News Source: Cars.co.za

Merc Concept B-Class Electric Drive to be shown in Paris

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 Mercedes-Benz will be showing its latest electric vehicle, the Concept B-Class Electric Drive at the 2012 Paris Motor Show next week. The new battery powered vehicle will be one of the first models to carry the ‘Electric Drive’ name on its boot lid along with all other future battery-powered electric passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG and Smart.

Using a 100kW electric motor that produces 310Nm of torque, the Concept B-Class Electric Drive offers attractive driving dynamics over a range of 200km and is suitable for everyday use. To charge the battery, you can use any standard household 230V power outlet, or alternatively, with rapid charging function, you can use a 400V high voltage terminal.

The so-called Energy Space in the floor still offers the same space as with current series production models and is the safe home of the powerful lithium-ion battery.

The family-friendly electric car from Mercedes-Benz is almost ready for series production, with the market launch already planned for 2014.

News Source: Mercedes-Benz

McLaren P1 Supercar on the cards

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McLaren's new P1 concept supercar will be shown at the Paris Motor Show and if the McLaren MP4-12C is anything to go by, which it is, the P1 will very well be on its way to become the greatest supercar ever built when the production model becomes available at the end of 2013.

The McLaren P1 plans ‘to be the best driver’s car in the world on road and track’. Mclaren has not released performance figures but McLaren MD Anthony Sherrif said that “Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed but to be the quickest and most rewarding series production road car on a circuit. It is the true test of a supercar's all round ability and a much more important technical statement. It will be the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made.”

McLaren has indicated that the P1 will be placed above the 12C and 12C Spider in terms of price and performance. More details will be revealed next week at the Paris Motor Show.

News Source: IOL Motoring

Lexus LF-CC to be shown at Paris Motor Show

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You can’t miss Lexus’ L-finesse design language or it’s new gaping ‘spindle grille’ as seen on the LF-CC concept that will be shown at the 2012 Paris Motor Show at the end of this month.

The full hybrid coupe concept is fitted with an efficient 2.5-litre DOHC petrol engine with D-4S direct injection technology. The engine is used in combination with Lexus’ Hybrid Drive powertrain that includes a compact, high-output, water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor, generator, high performance battery, power split device and a compact power unit. The LF-CC emits less than 100g/km of CO2 and Lexus will be introducing this efficient powertrain into its range in the near future.

For more details on the Lexus LF-CC check out Lexus LF-CCfor Paris Motor Show.

What do you think of the Lexus LF-CC?

News Source:  Cars.co.za

Smart ForStars Concept heads for Paris

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You either like it or you don’t, either way you must take your hat off to the people who designed the Smart ForStars. It may be perceived as something a little over the top but it is a concept after all and there’s nothing wrong with a bit of experimentation.

This zero-emission, two-seater city dweller is electrically driven and its drive system is based on the Smart ForTwo BRABUS electric drive. Using a magneto-electric motor and a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 17.6kWh, the system develops 60kW and 135Nm of torque, not too shabby for a small car. The ForStars can also cruise at 130km/h, which means it has enough power to drive comfortably on most city roads. It gets its name partly from its glass roof which gives  its passengers a clear view of the sky above.

The bonnet is interesting as its home to an integrated video projector which can project videos onto a smooth surface using an iPhone, now that’s something I’ve never seen before.

The interior colours include ‘mother-of-pearl’ white combined with ‘Alubeam Rouge’ which is also used as the exterior colour. The seats are covered mostly in a soft fabric with graphics and red tones while also using ‘white bag leather’ trim with white piping. The steering wheel has two spokes and is open at the top.

Instead of using a conventional mirror, the ForStars uses an iPhone instead, with the help of an integrated camera. The iPhone also serves as a control unit for that video projector on the bonnet. The Smart ForStars concept will be on show at the 2012 Paris Motor Show which kicks off at the end of next week.

News Source: Cars.co.za

Hyundai i30 to Show Three-Door in Paris

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The 2012 Paris Motor Show is days away and automakers are readying themselves for the big showdown come end of September. Korean automaker, Hyundai is planning on showcasing its new Hyundai i30 three-door hatch at the show, which is a good looking car to say the least.

With a choice of four engines and a 6-speed manual and automatic transmission on offer and style to boot, the i30 three-door is set to be a popular choice for customers. The 1.6-litre diesel engine is the highlight in the range producing 94kW with a CO2emissions figure of only 97g/km.

The i30 three-door displays Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design with its hexagonal grille with a new black finished grille insert and central bar. The i30 gets a revised bumper in the front and rear as well as fog lamp clusters with LED Daytime Running Lights. The rear fog lights are horizontally positioned for extra appeal. 16-inch alloy wheels provide stability on the road. It is not known when the i30 three door will make its way to South Africa, but if it does, it should do pretty well considering its priced correctly.

What do you think of the new Hyundai i30 three-door? 

News Source: Cars.co.za

Peugeot RCZ gets Sweet Makeover

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Peugoet’s RCZ sports coupé was never ugly, in fact it was quite the opposite, but the RCZ has a big date at the end of the month at the Paris Motor Show and has received a facelift that will turn heads around every corner.

Changes have come mostly in terms of design, particularly to the front-end which features a revised grille and the lower air intake has been stretched outwards to accommodate ‘claw shaped’ LED lights. You may be pleased to know that the engine options are same as the current RCZ but Peugeot is planning a 194kW version fitted with a 1.6-litre THP 260 engine for next year which will make it Peugeot’s most powerful production model, ever.

Another plus for customers is that the new RCZ comes with a long list of customisation options to make your RCZ unique and stand out from the rest. I suggest you read Peugeot RCZ gets Facelift to get the finer details of what looks like a bombshell of a car. Also, if you are interested in buying the new RCZ you will have to wait until next year sometime when it becomes available in South Africa.

What do you think of the new Peugeot RCZ?

News Source: Cars.co.za

MINI John Cooper Works GP heads for Paris Motor Show

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This is the MINI John Cooper Works GP and it’s the fastest MINI production model ever built. The MINI JCW will be shown at the 2012 Paris Motor Show at the end of this month. The bad news is that only 2000 units will be made worldwide and only a very limited number will grace South Africa, so it may be time to ready that cash and hope for the best.

If you manage to get your hands on a MINI JCW GP you will be entertained with its turbocharged 1.6-litre four cylinder engine that kicks out 160kW and 260Nm of torque. Put your foot down from standstill and you will reach 100km/h 6.3 seconds later and go on to clock 242km/h, just make sure no one is watching. The MINI JCW GP sips fuel at a rate of 7.1-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 165g/km.

17-inch alloys with sport tyres offer a much needed grip when cornering at high speeds but standard tyres are available as an option. The individually adjustable coilover suspension lowers the vehicle by as much as 20mm which further enhances handling.

Inside, two Recaro race seats await the driver and ‘co-driver’ and feature special GP stitching. There is no rear bench but there is a cargo guard to prevent cargo from sliding forward while you race your way to happiness. The thick-rimmed steering wheel offers comfort while driving and the interior is finished off in Piano black and the roof liner, rev counter and speedometer are finished in anthracite.

News Source: Cars.co.za

Nissan TeRRA SUV Concept for Paris Motor Show

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At first glance the Nissan TeRRA SUV concept looks like something rather alien, more like a Martian cruiser or something similar. Either way you look at it, there is lots to admire in the TeRRA concept that will be making its debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

The first thing to like is that it aims to be a zero emission SUV, which in this day and age, is respectable. The TeRRA SUV concept uses the same electric propulsion system as the Nissan LEAF to power the front wheels while each rear wheel features an in-wheel electric motor based on prototypes featured in three successive PIVO concepts. Under the bonnet lies Nissan’s hydrogen fuel cell stack which boasts world-leading power density of 2.5kW/L.

 The second thing to like is the unique instrument cluster that can be removed and used separately, like a modern day tablet. The tablet is docked upon entering the car and provides navigation, communication and entertainment, as well as key performance indicators.

The TeRRA SUV concept also features a unique seating arrangement where the driver is positioned more centrally with passengers positioned over the driver’s shoulders, creating a unique passenger experience. Nissan has made it clear that it’s ready to mass produce fuel cell electric vehicles when hydrogen becomes widely available.

Read more about the TeRRA SUV concept by clicking on the following link: Nissan TeRRA SUV Concept Revealed.

Do you like the Nissan TeRRA SUV Concept?

News Source: Cars.co.za

Peugeot 208 GTi to break cover at Paris Motor Show

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Now here’s a nice one from Peugeot, the 208 GTi, a three-door hatch with styling and performance to boot. The 208 GTi will make it’s global debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of the month and is expected in South Africa some time in 2013.

This sexy hatch is fitted with a 1.6-litre turbo petrol unit that produces 147kW and 275Nm of torque and is coupled with a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox. The 208 GTi accelerates to 100km/h in less than 7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 225km/h. CO2 emissions are rated at 145g/km.

The 208 GTi is light too and weighs only 1160kg which makes it agile and nimble on its feet. The 208 GTi gets new halogen headlamps while LED technology is incorporated into the indicator signals and Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). The gloss black grille with chrome inserts enhance the 208 GTi’s look and imitates a 3D chequered flag. 17-inch diamond carbon wheels with Storm paint and matt finish complete the sporty exterior design.

Inside, the 208 GTi features a sporty interior with Club Nappa Leather and Caro Weave cloth upholstery with red line details. Colours used in the interior include red, black, satin chrome and red GTi overstitching can be seen throughout. The standard Peugeot 208 will be available in South Africa in October 2012. Do you like the new Peugeot 208 GTi?

News Source:  Cars.co.za

Video: The New 2014 Mazda6

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Check out this debut video for the new 2014 Mazda6 that is currently on show at the Moscow Motor Show. The Mazda 6 will also be on show at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September 2012 and will be available in South Africa in the first quarter of 2013. Read more about the Mazda6 by clicking on the following link, All-new Mazda6 debuts at Moscow Motor Show.

Video Source: Youtube

Volkswagen Golf 7, what to expect

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Although the finer details remain under wraps for now, the new VW Golf 7 is set to make its global debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September and will be built on VW’s new MQB modular platform, which will also service 40 other small to mid-sided models across VW’s brands.

Here’s what has been revealed though. We now know that the new Golf 7 will be 110kg lighter than the outgoing model. The weight loss is attributed to the fact that stronger steel is used in the construction while cutting down on metal use. Good news on the petrol front is that the new Golf 7 will also consume up to 32% less fuel according to VW. The shared platform will also shave manufacturing time by 30% and production costs by 20% and the savings will be used to upgrade entertainment systems for the car.

The new Golf 7 will also be larger and lower than the outgoing model and will feature comprehensive safety features such as Multi collision brake, Electronic differential lock, Adaptive Cruise Control with Emergency brake assist, Lane change assist, Fatigue and traffic sign detection and Overhead Parking System.

On the engine front we can expect a turbocharged 1.4-litre direct injection petrol unit putting out 103kW along with a dual-clutch 7-speed transmission. Fuel consumption for this engine is estimated at 4.0-litres/100km and will emit CO2 at a rate of 112g/km. We can also expect a turbocharged 1.6-litre common rail diesel engine that develops 78kW while sipping fuel at a rate of 4.0-litres/100km and spewing CO2 at 99g/km.

The new Golf 7 GTI will also be showing its face at the Paris Motor Show and will be driven by a 165kW 2.0-litre direct injection turbo petrol engine. The new Golf 7 is expected in South Africa in the first quarter of 2013.

We can all agree that the VW Golf has come a long way from the picture you see below, and there is a reason why the VW Golf is so loved around the world, because it’s simply a great car that keeps evolving and never gets old. That’s my opinion anyway…share your thoughts below.  

News Source: Wheels24, Carmag

Video: Porsche 911 Carrera 4

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The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 has officially been unveiled and will make its first appearance at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September 2012. The new 911 Carrera 4 will go on sale in Europe at the end of 2012 and can be expected in South Africa early in 2013. Check out this video to get an idea of what the new Porsche 911 Carrera has to offer.

Video Source: Youtube

Porsche unveils the new 911 Carrera 4

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There’s something about a Porsche that’s just outright gorgeous. You may or may not agree. The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 is no exception and is set to make its debut at the Paris Motor show at the end of September 2012 and will go on sale in Europe towards the end of the year. Rumour has it that it will be available in South Africa early in 2013.

The new 911 Carrera 4 will be available in four versions, the 4 and the 4S and both in Coupé and Cabriolet form.  This time round, the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 incorporates Porsche Traction Management (PTM) which distributes power to all four corners and the rear wheel arches have been extended outwards by 22mm and the tyre width sees an increase of 10mm for extra road hugging capability. The engine, lightweight body design and gearboxes are identical to its rear-wheel drive family members.

Customers can choose between a 257kW 3.4-litre engine for the 4 and a 294kW 3.8-litre engine for the 4S. All models are fitted with a 7-speed manual gearbox as standard with a 7-speed PDK double-clutch gearbox as an option.

The new 911 Carrera 4 is now 64kg lighter and sips 16% less fuel and introduces Adaptive Cruise Control across the range as well as a sliding glass sunroof for the Coupé variants. this is no doubt another impressive car from Porsche but I suggest you read about it a little more by clicking here: New Porsche 911 Carrera 4 to debut at Paris Motor Show.

News Source: Cars.co.za

2013 Toyota Auris coming to SA

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Toyota has revealed the new 2013 Auris which is set to make its debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September 2012 and will look to take on the likes of the Ford Focus and VW Golf. The new Auris has been stylistically revised for an enhanced look and handling has been sharpened for a more responsive drive.

The 2013 Auris takes on a road-hugging approach and sits about 55mm lower than the previous model and is a tad longer too. More high tensile steel is used for the body work, which has resulted in 40kg weight loss and has increased tensile strength by 10%. The reduced height and lower centre of gravity coupled with new suspension and steering should make for a thrilling ride, more so than the previous model.

A sharper, more refined design approach can be seen at the front-end which incorporates a sleek grille and well shaped headlights offering a sharp and assertive feel.

Although details of what engines will be offered in South Africa remain sketchy at this point, we can expect revised versions of the entry level 1.3-litre petrol engine, a 1.6–litre petrol and a 1.4-litre diesel engine to begin with. The Auris Hybrid is also likely to show its face and will still use the 1.8-litre engine coupled with an electric motor utilising a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. 

The new Toyota Auris will be available in South Africa sometime in the first quarter of 2013.

 New Source: Carmag

Kia Carens to Debut at Paris Motor Show

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Kia has released teaser computer images of its new generation Carens MPV that is set to debut at the 2012 Paris Motor show on 27 September 2012. It was just a couple of days ago when Kia teased us with images of the new 2013 Kia Cerato sedan, and like the Cerato, not much detail has been revealed just yet.

However, we do know that the Kia Carens will be lower and sleeker than the current model. It also has a longer wheelbase and a lower roofline which adds to its sporty look. Engine options are up in the air at this point but we can expect a 1.6-litre diesel engine that produces 94kW and 260Nm or even Kia’s 99kW 1.6-litre petrol engine that produces 164Nm. Who knows? We’ll just have to wait and see.

News Source: IOL Motoring

New Mazda6 Shows Face

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The new Mazda6 has finally shown its face to the world and is set to make its world debut at the Moscow International Motor Show at the end of August 2012.

The Mazda6 that will be seen in Moscow will be fitted with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre petrol engine and mated to a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda6 fully incorporates Mazda's SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and will also feature the worlds first capacitor-based regenerative braking system called the 'i-ELOOP' or 'Intelligent Energy Loop' which helps improve fuel economy by up to 10%.

The complete Mazda6 range will make make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012 and details regarding models and markets will also be made available. Good news for South Africans though is that Mazda SA has alluded to the possibility of the Mazda6 being available in South Africa in the first half of 2013. Do you want one?

News Source: Cars.co.za