Video: Hot Wheels sets Double Loop Dare World Record

Hot Wheel's drivers Tanner Foust and Greg Tracy have set the Guinness World Record for racing two cars through a six-storey vertical double loop at the X Games San Francisco 2012. Check out the video to see how this amazing stunt was completed.

Video Source: Youtube

BMW M6 Convertible a powerful beast

BMW fans will be drooling over the new M6 Convertible that is now available in South Africa, not only because it looks so damn good but more because of what it’s capable of doing on the road. The new M6 displays 10% higher power output and 30% higher torque when compared to the previous model, enough to get the heart pumping at a ridiculous rate.

So what’s the big deal then? Well the fact that the new M6 Convertible is fitted with an aggressive 4.4-litre V8 with TwinPower Turbo technology is where this story begins. Producing 412kW between 6000 and 7000rpm and with a maximum torque figure of a mammoth 680Nm on tap from 1 500 to 7 200rpm, you can just imagine. The M6 Convertible is a savage beast on the road and will clock 100km/h in only 4.3 seconds. 200km/h is achieved in 13.1 seconds and the M6 will reach a governed speed of 250km/h. However, the M Driver’s package allows that top speed to reach 305km/h. Unfortunately the M Driver’s package is not available in South Africa and for good reason.

There’s also some good news in terms of fuel consumption and the M6 Convertible displays a 30% improvement on the previous model with a fuel consumption figure of 10.3-litres/100km. Its V8 engine is mated with a seven-speed M Double Clutch transmission with Drivelogic, which contributes to this reduction.

As we’d expect from BMW, the M6 Convertible is fitted with the latest technology and the interior is equally impressive in terms of luxury. Buying a M6 Convertible is where the crunch comes and you can expect to pay in the region of R1 485 500 to drive this marvellous car. If you wish to read more about it, click on the following link: New BMW M6 Convertible available in South Africa  

 News Source: Cars.co.za

The new Infiniti G Cabrio now available in South Africa

If driving cars with the top down and impressing onlookers with your fancy car is your cup of tea then you might want to take a look at the new Infiniti G Cabrio as an option. This elegant little number is available only as the G37 GT Premium and forms part of Infiniti’s latest luxury offerings in South Africa.

The G Cabrio is powered by Infiniti’s 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine and is capable of producing 235kW at 7 000rpm. More than this, the G Cabrio has a maximum torque figure of 360Nm available from 5 200rpm. Acceleration to 100km/h is achieved in 6.4 seconds and the G Cabrio can reach a top speed of 250km/h. fuel consumption is slightly on the thirsty side with a average fuel consumption of 11.4-litres/100km and a CO2 emissions figure of 268g/km. The engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

 To complement its engine setup, the G Cabrio is not short of style and comes fitted with a three-piece ‘clamshell’ metal roof and noise compensation technology to deal with the effects of driving with the wind your hair. The interior is sporty and classy with maple wood finishes completed with aluminium detailing. Monaco Red Leather and a metallic paint finish can be ordered as extras to give the G Cabrio a unique touch.

What does a G Cabrio cost? Well, you can expect to pay in the region of 699 000 to drive a G Cabrio, style does not come cheap.

Do you like the G Cabrio?

News Source: Infiniti

Hot News: Next Bugatti Veyron will be Powered by Hybrid Engine

Bugatti is already working on a successor to the Veyron, and it could be a hybrid. It will also be lighter, faster and is likely to bear the Veyron badge again – as Auto Express exclusively predicted way back in 2011.

“We are working on the next super-sports car,” Bugatti’s chief vehicle engineer, Jens Schulenburg, told us. The next Bugatti is still expected to be the 1,000bhp-plus four-door Galibier, which appeared as a concept in 2009 and could go on sale in 2014 – to coincide with the end of the current Veyron’s production run.

The Veyron successor will remain the flagship, though, and debut the very latest technology and materials available. “The big challenge on the next car will be reducing weight – we are looking at some incredible technologies, such as wheels made entirely from carbon fibre. Hybrids are definitely something we’re looking at, too,” Schulenburg said.

With the current car weighing two tonnes, it would not be a problem to incorporate a set of batteries and motors, plus an engine – as long as the power output beats the current engine’s 1,183bhp. If it does, the 2010 Veyron Super Sport’s 268mph top speed could be surpassed. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2013 Mazda Flairwagon

Japan is world renowned for producing things that are cute, and here’s one more. Introducing the Mazda Flairwagon, a micro-mini tall wagon that’s being sold only in Japan. It’s essentially a rebadged Suzuki Palette, and the vehicle is also rebadged by Nissan as the Roox.

Anyway, the Flairwagon is 1,365 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,070 mm. It seats four comfortably with plenty of headroom to spare. The power sliding rear doors adds more comfort and convenience when getting in and out of this vehicle. The rear seats can be folded almost flat that frees up a space enough for a standard 27 inch bicycle.

The Flairwagon comes in four trims – LS, XS, TS and IS Limited. Except for the TS, which is powered by a 660 cc DOHC Turbo, the rest have 660 cc DOHC VVT in the bay. No mention of official power or performance figures in the press release. The MPV comes with either a FWD or Full-time 4WD. All engines are mated to a CVT. The IS Limited is further equipped with idling stop system with hill hold control function.

As for fuel economy, it ranges from 17.2 km/l for the TS Turbo right up to 22.2 km/l for the IS Limited VVT. Pricing starts from 1.21 million Yen right up to 1.5 million Yen for the TS Turbo.

Thanks to: Paultan

New Concept Car: Jaguar XJ_e

The Jaguar XJ_e, on display in the FoS-TECH pavilion at Goodwood, has been created to show that a plug-in hybrid system which can improve both performance and efficiency can be incorporated into Jaguar Land Rover products.

Following on from the Limo Green and Range_e concepts, the XJ_e uses the 237bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine from the Range Rover Evoque in place of the usual 5.0-litre V8 petrol unit. It is mated to a special eight-speed automatic transmission and hybrid system consisting of a 93bhp electric motor and a 12.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The XJ_e can crack 0-62mph in less than 6.5sec and reach a top speed limited to 150mph. The impressive performance is not at the expense of CO2 emissions, as the concept boasts a figure of “less than 75g/km” along with combined economy of 87mpg.

The parallel hybrid system means the concept can travel on petrol power, electric power or a combination of both. It can travel on electric power alone for up to 25 miles, and the claimed range of electric and petrol power combined is 679 miles.

Like Limo Green and Range_e before it, the concept has been in part created using money from the Technology Strategy Board’s REEVolution project.

JLR’s engineering director Bob Joyce said the concept showed we could “expect some exciting low-carbon products in the future” from JLR.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: Hyundai Plans to Release Luxury Crossover/SUV

Hyundai’s next target to continue increasing U.S. market share may be the large, premium crossover segment, WardsAuto reports. The Hyundai Veracruz was the automaker’s first attempt at a premium, three-row crossover, but it never reached Hyundai’s sales goals and is to be discontinued.

Hyundai Motor America CEO Jon Krafcik told WardsAuto to “stay tuned for future details on a potential premium crossover,” and called the segment “an intriguing space.”

Although Hyundai spokesman Miles Johnson tells us he can’t comment on future product, the automaker has expanded the Santa Fe line for 2013, renaming the two-row the Santa Fe Sport and adding a third-row to the extended-wheelbase Santa Fe, so in the short-term, former Veracruz owners will be covered in the Hyundai lineup.

The three-row 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe shares its transverse, 3.3-liter V-6 engine with the front-drive Azera sedan, but the crossover gets the automaker’s new all-wheel-drive system, which can distribute torque to each individual wheel as needed to control understeer or oversteer. It also features a new Driver Selectable Steering Mode system that provides three levels of steering effort adjustment.

Other premium amenities available on the 2013 Santa Fe and two-row Santa Fe Sport include a panoramic sunroof, blind-spot monitoring system, and heated steering wheel.

A large, premium Hyundai crossover could potentially use the rear-drive Genesis sedan architecture as well as the sedan’s 3.8-liter V-6 and 5.0-liter V-8 engines. The theoretical crossover could compete with other three-row vehicles such as the Infiniti JX, Acura MDX, and Buick Enclave as well as loaded versions of the mainstream crossovers like the Ford Explorer.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition

70th Anniversary, Altitude, Arctic, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3, Islander, and Mountain. What do all of those have in common? They’re names of special-edition Jeep Wranglers, and they’re about to accept a new model into their ranks: the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition.

Like all other Wrangler special-edition trims, the Wrangler Freedom Edition is no more than a badge and trim job, with no mechanical changes. The Wrangler Freedom Edition pays tribute to U.S. military servicemen and women, while also paying respect to the brand’s World War II military heritage.

The Wrangler Freedom Edition will be available in three colors on the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited: Deep Cherry Red, Bright White, and True Blue, the last of which is exclusive to the Freedom Edition for 2012. The Wrangler Freedom Edition also comes with a star decal on the hood and right rear quarter panel, and an “Oscar Mike” (military jargon for “on the move”) star badge similar to the U.S. Air Force’s roundel, mounted on the fender. Other exterior touches include 17-inch Mineral Gray wheels from the Wrangler Rubicon, a matching grille, and body-color wheel arches.

Inside the Wrangler Freedom Edition gets black seats with silver stitching, “Oscar Mike” logos stitched on the seats, and silver accents.

Jeep was mum on just how many 2012 Wrangler Freedom Editions would be built, but told us it’s safe to say at least a couple thousand will be built. The Wrangler Freedom Edition will cost $29,065 for two-door versions, and $31,570 for four-door Unlimited versions. Both prices include destination. Jeep will donate $250 from each Wrangler Freedom Edition to the Fisher House Foundation and the I Support Foundation military charities. The Wrangler Freedom Edition is available now at Jeep dealers.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Recall Up Date: 2010 Lexus RX

The Problem: Toyota and Lexus discovered in 2009 that the accelerator pedal in certain cars could interfere with the floor mats. That potentially means the accelerator would be held open, causing the “unintended acceleration” events that made news headlines three years ago.

The Fix: Lexus will replace or reshape the accelerator pedal in affected vehicles, and replace the floor mats, in order to prevent any interference between the two. Recall notices will be sent to owners in August.

Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 131,800 2010 Lexus RX 350 models, 22,200 2010 Lexus RX 450h models.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2013 Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake

Mercedes-Benz has finally launched a spin-off we’ve long known was coming, the new CLS Shooting Brake. The Shooting Brake is a long-roof wagon variant of the company’s swoopy CLS “four-door coupe,” so Benz naturally refers to this five-door as a coupe, too. We’ll now point out that this new CLS wag—er, coupe-with-a-liftgate, is neither a proper Shooting Brake nor a coupe by any definition. But the thing is so damn handsome that we feel strangely compelled to let the linguistic infractions slide.

Based as it is on an existing model, the story of the Shooting Brake reads largely the same as the CLS sedan’s. The Brake’s uniqueness is concentrated around its tuchus. (A description that applies to us, too.) An enlarged cargo area accessible via a power-operated hatch replaces the sedan’s rear window and trunk. Mercedes stretched the roof to meet a steeply raked rear window, and the result is a pretty steamy profile. From the B-pillar forward, the Shooting Brake’s bodywork is identical to that of the four-door CLS. It even carries over the frameless side windows.

If you’re already swooning over the exterior, get ready for what lies inside. Not the passenger compartment, however—it’s as posh and classy as the CLS’s people bin—but rather the cargo area. A carpeted floor flanked by leather-wrapped (!) side panels is included at no cost, and optional aluminum tie-down rails can be fitted for a dash of glitz and practicality. Here’s where things get shmancy: A fully wood-lined load floor is available through Benz’s Designo personalization catalog, and it ain’t no slab of pressboard. The floor starts with a cherry-wood base into which Benz’s craftspeople inlay bits of smoked oak, before streaking the whole shebang with aluminum strips that have rubber inserts to help keep cargo in place. So, yeah, the CLS Shooting Brake’s optional cargo-hold lining is nicer than the flooring in our houses.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Cell Phone bylaw to reduce Western Cape Death Toll

A new bylaw prohibiting motorists from using their cell phones while driving has come into effect today in the Western Cape as part of a provincial campaign to reduce road deaths by half come 2014.

Motorists who are caught using their cell phones while driving, including talking or texting, will face a hefty fine of R5 000 or have their cell phones confiscated for 24 hours.

Distracted driving and cell phone use while driving in particular, is proving to be a major contributing factor to road deaths on South African roads. In 2011 1 321 road deaths occurred in the Western Cape alone.

Distracted driving is a major problem in South Africa and should be taken seriously by motorists who engage in cell phone use while driving. The bylaw will also hopefully set the precedent for the rest of the country’s provinces to enforce stricter laws regarding distracted driving with the aim to reduce deaths on our roads.

What are your thoughts on the matter? Do you think that cell phone use should be banned altogether while driving? Share your thoughts in the comment box below…

News Source: News24

F1 2012 Lotus unveils

Lotus unveils  F1 2012

Lotus F1 Team unveiled its 2012 F1 car early this morning. It’s called the E20 and, as you can see, it features the “alligator” style nose we’ve seen already on the Caterham, Ferrari and Force India. We’re not sure if it’s because we’re now getting used to these noses, but the E20′s design doesn’t look too bad.There’s a new name and two new drivers, Kimi Raikonnen and Romain Grosjean. Technical Director, James Allison said: “Romain put in two very promising sessions at the end of last season, having not driven an F1 can for more than a year.

Pagani Huayra 2013 first drive

Pagani Huayra 2013 first drive


Huayra is the follow-up to the Zonda, the debut model from self-taught supercar auteur Horacio Pagani. It features an all-new chassis with a central monocoque made from titanium-infused carbon fiber, and the wheelbase has been stretched 2.75 inches over the Zonda. The suspension is pure race car stuff: double wishbones milled from billets of a copper-rich aluminum alloy called Avional, with pushrod-actuated Ohlins shocks.There was some wrangling over the new engine's configuration. Horacio Pagani didn't like the idea of turbos, and didn't like the naturally aspirated V-8 AMG first proposed as a replacement for the Zonda's 7.3. He wanted a V-12, but AMG engineers were insistent that to meet emissions and fuel consumption standards through the next decade, the engine had to have forced induction. AMG clearly knew what it was talking about. At cruising speeds, the Huayra is one of the most fuel-efficient supercars in the business, says Pagani, brandishing figures fresh from the test lab showing it has achieved 21 mpg (U.S.) on the Euro highway cycle.
Nailing the gas in the Huayra is like lighting the afterburners on an F-15, though. The new V-12, codenamed M158 in AMG-speak, will pull cleanly and smoothly from as little as 1000 rpm, but once the tach needle swings past the 2500 mark and the turbos get into their comfort zone, the thrust is epic and utterly relentless all the way to 6000 rpm. I didn't go past 160 mph more than once on the bumpy, busy autostrada near Bologna, but the Huayra got there without breaking sweat; a casual canter en route to its claimed 230 mph top speed.

Lexus' New LF-LC Hybrid Review

Lexus' New LF-LC Hybrid Review

Based on the press about the new LF-LC Hybrid Review.

"Lexus’s big debut ride at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show was the smoking hot LF-LC hybrid sports coupe concept, which was meant to show off the future design direction of the Lexus brand. The hybrid coupe concept not only gave us a glimpse at future Lexus models, but it also displayed the automaker’s vision of what a premium sport coupe would look like through their eyes."

South African Fuel Price to drop in July 2012

Good news for South African motorists is that the price of 93 octane will drop by 89 cents per litre next week Wednesday.

A litre of 95 octane will cost Gauteng motorists R10.82 while the price at coast will be R10.47.  A litre of 93 octane will cost R10.1097 in Gauteng and the coastal price will be R9.8627. The price of diesel with 0.05% sulphur content will drop by 62.58 cents and diesel with 0.005% sulphur will drop by 61.58 cents.

The average international prices for petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin decreased in the month of June. 

News Source: News24

Meet the Infiniti FX SUV now in South Africa

Looking for a new car? This is the new Infiniti FX SUV currently available in South Africa. It’s offered in three models, the FX30d, FX37 and the range topping FX50. Infiniti will seek to get a foot-hold in the South African car market with its impressive range on offer and could very well become a household name for South African car buyers in the near future.

All FX models in the range use a seven-speed automatic gearbox to transfer power to the road. The FX30d diesel variant is powered by a turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 175kW at 3 750rpm that will accomplish 100km/h in 8.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 212km/h. Fuel consumption sits at 9-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 238g/km.

The petrol version FX37 comes fitted with a 3.7-litre V6 engine that kicks out 235kW at 7 000rpm and will do 100km/h in 6.8 while reaching a top speed of 233km/h. fuel consumption for this model is 12.1-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions rating of 291g/km.

The range-topping FX50 will only take 5.8 seconds to reach 100km/h and will press on to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. This is achieved with the use of a 5-litre V8 petrol unit that produces 287kW at 6 500rpm and with 500Nm of torque on tap. Fuel consumption for this model is rated at 13.1-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 312g/km.

All the models are fitted with the latest safety technology and offer high quality finishes in a luxurious interior. The pictures kind of speak for themselves. In terms of price, you are looking at paying anywhere from R676 000 for the FX37 GT model to R856 000 for the top of the range FX50 S Premium model. Something to consider?

News Source: Infiniti

Vantage GT3

Vantage GT3

2012 Aston Martin Sports Cars Vantage GT3 will be equipped with a race semi-automatic paddle shift Xtrac gearbox and the latest race-developed ABS and traction control systems. Aston Martin plans to deliver around 600 horsepower and 516 lbs-ft (700 Nm) of maximum torque in the GT3, with the 2012 Aston Martin Sports Cars Vantage GT3 weighing only 2,755 lbs (1250 kg)

BMW Latest Luxury 2012

BMW Latest Luxury 2012
A 3 Series is a benchmark for both luxury and performance in its class, and BMW seems to outdo itself with each new generation of the car. Now entering its sixth generation, the 2012 BMW 3 Series gets a new design for the sedan body style, which arrives February 2012. Redesigned coupe and convertible models will follow, but could be badged as 4 Series models as part of a move by BMW to expand its range and further differentiate the 3 Series sedan from the coupe. For the 2012 model year though, coupe and convertible models from the previous generation will carry over and fill the gap until the new ones arrive.

BMW Latest Luxury 2012

BMW Latest Luxury 2012
A 3 Series is a benchmark for both luxury and performance in its class, and BMW seems to outdo itself with each new generation of the car. Now entering its sixth generation, the 2012 BMW 3 Series gets a new design for the sedan body style, which arrives February 2012. Redesigned coupe and convertible models will follow, but could be badged as 4 Series models as part of a move by BMW to expand its range and further differentiate the 3 Series sedan from the coupe. For the 2012 model year though, coupe and convertible models from the previous generation will carry over and fill the gap until the new ones arrive.

New Infiniti M Sedan in South Africa

It seems Infiniti is out to impress with its latest M sedan that takes inspiration from the 2009 Infiniti Essence supercar. The M Sedan will be competing in the highly competitive luxury executive sedan market to the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz and is now available in the form of the M30d and the M37 that will make an appearance later in 2012.  Both models are available in four grades, GT, GT Premium, S, and Premium S.

The M30d is powered by a piezo-injected, turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel unit that produces 175kW at 3 750rpm. Maximum torque for this model is at 550Nm at 1750rpm that translates into an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h and a 0-100km/h dash in 6.9 seconds. Fuel consumption is 7.5-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 199g/km.

The forthcoming M37 will be powered by a 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine that will deliver 235kW at 7 000rpm providing a maximum torque figure of 360Nm at 5 200rpm. It will take the M37 6.2 seconds to clock 100km/h with a identical electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Fuel consumption for this model will be in the range of 10.2-litres/100km.

Both models will transfer power via seven-speed automatic gearbox with Adaptive Shift control.

The entry-level M7 GT retails for R671 000 while the top-end M30d S Premium sells for R752 305. Do you like what you see? 

 News Source: Infiniti

BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe now available in South Africa

BMW fans have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe in South Africa and it has finally arrived. Offering luxury and comfort to the extreme, the 6-Series Gran Coupe aims to please in every way possible and is the first four-door coupe to roll out of the BMW stable.

The 6-Series Gran Coupe makes use of straight-six TwinPower Turbo engines that produce a bang of power on the go. Three derivatives are available in the 640i, 640d and the 650i which will be available later in 2012.

The 640i Gran Coupe delivers 235kW of power on command at between 5 800 and 6 000rpm while the 640d delivers 230kW. Both models will dash to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h. The flagship 650i Gran Coupe, with its more efficient V8 engine will put out 330kW at 5 500rpm with a maximum torque figure of 650Nm. The 650i will clock 100km/h in 4.6 seconds while reaching a top speed of 250km/h. All the engines are fitted with an 8-speed automatic Sport transmission.

What the 6-Series Gran Coupe lacks in speed, it makes up for in style offering a seriously luxurious and comfy interior that will keep any driver and passenger happy for years. The Gran Coupe is also fitted with a wide range of safety technology that will help keep it on the road. To cut a long story short I suggest you click on the following link to read more about the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe in South Africa, and to find out how much this baby costs.

News Source: Cars.co.za 

Infiniti EX SUV launched in South Africa

June is the month that will mark Infiniti’s launch on South African soil and by the looks of it, Infiniti will be around for a long time to come. Infiniti is a Japanese luxury car brand that will provide some serious competition for the European heavyweights like BMW and Mercedes-Benz and only time will reveal how successful Infiniti will become in the South African luxury car market.

Infiniti currently offers five options in its range namely the EX compact SUV, the FX luxury SUV, the G Cabrio, the G Coupe and the M Sedan. Let’s take a quick look at the EX Compact SUV.

Infiniti offers both diesel and petrol variants for the EX. The diesel EX30d is available in three models, the EX, EX GT and the EX GT Premium and is powered by a 175kW 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine capable of 550Nm at 1 750rpm. 100km/h is reached in 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 221km/h.

The EX30d’s fuel consumption is rated at 8.5 litres/100km that will be reduced to 7.2 litres/100km once you hit the open road. CO2 emission is rated at 224g/km for this model.

On the petrol side of things, two variants are available namely the EX37 GT and the EX GT Premium. Both are fitted with a powerful 235kW 3.7-litre V6 that displays a maximum torque figure of 360Nm available at 5 200rpm. This model is slightly quicker than the diesel version and will do 100km/h in 6.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 240km/h. The petrol version is a bit thirstier though and will consume petrol at a rate of 11.3-litres/100km and has a CO2 emissions figure of 288g/km.

The EX compact SUV also comes fitted with a wide range of safety features which is to be expected from a luxury vehicle. The interior is well kitted out offering a comfy ride. More than this though, the EX compact SUV is also pleasant to look at which will certainly make owners that much happier to drive one.

It will be interesting to see how the South African public will respond to Infiniti’s offerings going forward, what are your thoughts on the new Infiniti EX compact SUV? For more information visit Infiniti South Africa

 

News Source: Infiniti

Spied: 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe

GM’s body-on-frame full-size SUVs have been around for a while. The Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade have gone largely unchanged since their debut in 2007 – nearly an eternity as far as vehicle life cycles go. With the competition stepping their game up, GM’s hard at work on replacements for the Tahoe, Yukon, and Escalade, and our spy photographers recently caught proof of that hard work in the form of a 2014 Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon test mule roaming around the outskirts of GM’s Milford Proving Grounds.

Despite what the blacked-out oval mounted in the grille may have you thinking, this tester’s other design cues reveal it’s clearly the work of the Bowtie boys. Up front, the next-gen Tahoe gets a grille that looks influenced slightly by the 2014 Impala, with the addition of a strong horizontal bar slashing though the center, similar to the design element that has adorned Tahoe and Suburbans as far back as the early 1970s. Some other styling cues we can pick up from this heavily camouflaged mule include a completely new front bumper, the return of the prominent tow hooks, and the presence of front (and rear) parking sensors on this tester. One thing this Tahoe mule doesn’t reveal, though, is its headlights. Although it wears pre-production stand-in headlights, the 2014 Tahoe’s headlights will probably be smaller and likely featured LED running lamps.

From its side and rear profiles, we can tell the next-gen Tahoe will be boxier and more sharply styled than its somewhat-rounded predecessors. The 2014 Tahoe will get a new rear spoiler with an LED center-mounted stop light, and a tailgate that’s more square-cut than before. A glimpse at the rear also reveals this body-on-frame behemoth will likely retain its solid-rear axle.

Though details on the 2014 Tahoe’s powertrain remain scarce, the Tahoe will remain available in two- or four-wheel drive, and more than likely have a six-speed automatic transmission, with an eight-speed automatic transmission available sometime after launch. Engine options will more than likely include a direct-injected version of GM’s 6.2-liter V-8, as well as a 5.3-liter or 5.5-liter direct-injected V-8. The Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac will all ride on a shortened version of the 2014 Silverado/Sierra chassis, codenamed “K2UC” for the Chevy, and “K2UG” for the GMC. The Cadillac’s codename isn’t yet known.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Spied: 2015 Mini Traveller

That red Mini Countryman in the photos isn’t just another four- or five-seat all-wheel drive Mini — it’s a mule built on top of the redesigned platform that will carry the long-rumored Traveller minivan.

With the Clubman-based Clubvan going on sale late this year and the three-door Mini Countryman Coupe sure to follow, it’s about time for Mini to cook up another vehicle for its stable. It looks like the next car in the lineup will be a minivan of sorts.

Our spy shots show what we’ve been hearing for some time: the Traveller will sit atop a slightly wider, longer Mini platform (as evidenced by the flared wheel wells with the front wheels pushed forward). We also hear the Traveller will have an uncharacteristically low roofline, designed to stand out against the crowd of other people movers. To keep costs down, however, the Traveller will get four front-hinged doors

The tester’s powertrain doesn’t appear to be different from the standard Countryman, but we do hear that the standard, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine currently under the Countryman’s hood could be replaced with a turbocharged three-cylinder powerplant in certain markets.

Expect to see more on Mini’s minvan in the coming year: the car should be previewed by a concept called the Mini Spacebox in the run up to the production launch of the 2014 Mini Traveller.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2012 Mazda MX-5 Kuro

Mazda will continue to celebrate its famous roadster, the MX-5 Miata, by launching yet another special version of the car in the U.K. Called the MX-5 Kuro, the latest model has a unique new color scheme and several sportier body parts.

The Kuro’s roof is painted black, as are the mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The only paint choices are red, white, and black. In that respect, the MX-5 Kuro is somewhat similar to the special-edition car that Mazda introduced for the American market at the Chicago auto show. The Kuro goes one step further, however, adding a new rear fascia with built-in diffuser, a larger exhaust tip, racing stripes along each side of the car, black foglight housings, and special Kuro badges. The interior scores aluminum pedals, gray leather heated seats, and gray leather door panels with red stitching.

Just 600 copies will be sold in the U.K., of which 200 are soft tops and 400 have the MX-5′s power-folding hardtop. To help entice customers to buy the cars, Mazda is even offering special low interest-rate financing for the MX-5 Kuro.

Mazda has been busy rolling out special version of the MX-5: in addition to the American-market Miata Special Edition and supercharged, 241-hp MX-5 Yusho prototype, Mazda this week showed off the MX-5 GT concept. The latter is designed to be a road-legal car for track day enthusiasts, complete with a more powerful engine, slick tires and stiffer suspension, and Recaro bucket seats. Unlike the other special-edition models, Mazda hasn’t yet decided whether it will produce the MX-5 GT.

All these vamped-up cars are meant to pay tribute to the fact that the MX-5 has sold over 900,000 copies globally since its launch in 1989. They also will serve as a sort of swan-song: Mazda will likely introduce a new version of the MX-5 in the next few years, the basis of which will be used to build a new Alfa Romeo Spider.

A Mazda spokesman said the MX-5 lends itself to special edition models particularly well because it’s an enthusiast’s car: the company wouldn’t make special versions of the Mazda 2 subcompact or CX-5 crossover, for instance. Showing off unique cars at auto shows helps draw attention to the design and customization possibilities of the roadster. The spokesman told us that there will be more special editions of the MX-5 in the U.S. — but it’s unlikely they’ll resemble the hotted-up MX-5 GT concept, or even the Yushi. Here’s hoping they somehow manage to build that spectacular Super20.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

New 2.0-litre Kia Soul in SA

Kia fans will be pleased to know that Kia South Africa has launched the new Kia 2.0-litre Soul in South Africa, adding to the current 1.6-litre variant. The compact crossover Soul comes with some new enhancements both on the outside and on the inside.

The exterior styling features a new bonnet along with new front and rear bumpers to enhance and modernise the Soul’s look. Lighting has changed with new projector headlamps and LED Daytime Running Lights. On the rear end, LED tail-lights have also been included. The new 2.0-litre Soul will drive on 18” alloy wheels.

In the engine room, the 2.0-litre engine produces 122kW at 6 500rpm with a maximum torque figure of 4 800rpm. Transmission comes in the form of either a six-speed manual or automatic. The new 2.0-litre Soul will reach 100km/h in 9.2 seconds while going on to reach a top speed of 186km/h. Fuel consumption is rated in the region of 7 litres/100km with a CO2 emissions rating of about 165g/km.

The 2.0-litre Soul offers a spacious interior that features leather trimmed seats, climate control, cruise control, rear-view camera, electric windows, CD player with MP3, auxiliary and USB connectivity as well as Bluetooth. Foldable rear seats along with 14 storage zones offer more than enough space for luggage and other objects that may be of interest to you.

The 2.0-litre Soul is also big on safety features and these include dual front, side and curtain airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). That’s not all because the Soul also includes Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).

All of this culminates into a pretty comprehensive offering from Kia, so if you want prices and more information click on the following link: New Kia Soul Launches in South Africa

News Source: Cars.co.za

Nissan Leaf EV to set reverse World Record

Nissan will attempt to set a Guinness World record for the quickest 1-mile (1.6km) run in reverse in a Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The attempt will be made possible due to the fact that the Nissan Leaf’s direct drive will allow it to reverse as fast as it’s able to move forward. The challenge will be made harder because it will be attempted on the Goodwood hillclimb that features many turns and obstacles.

The mad man behind the wheel is professional stunt driver Terry Grant, the same guy who drove a Nissan Juke on two wheels up the hillclimb last year. Well, good luck to him.

News Source: IOL Motoring

Mitsubishi Mirage better and available in Cheapest Prices

Mitsubishi Mirage better
Mitsubishi Mirage in a small or compact car that offers an economical price. First production version of the Mirage was presented at the Tokyo Motor Show 2011. Mirage rates between 380-550 thousand baht.

It started on Friday (03.02), producing the first challenge in March Nissan and Honda began production Brio Mitsubishi Motors Thailand (MMT) in Bangkok. Mirage will be the star in the Bangkok International Motor Show 2012, held later this month.
Mitsubishi Mirage began to produce for markets in Thailand and other countries. This car is offered as an environmentally friendly vehicle for a small, inexpensive car, "said Nobuyuki Hashimi Moura, president of MMT.



With 1 liter of gasoline can be at a distance of 30 km. Although small, this car has five passenger carrying capacity and the ability to maneuver on the road is guaranteed.


Mirage has a length of 3710 mm, width 1665 mm, height 1490 mm?, With 2WD and CVT system. The road behind the hood is a 1.2 liter engine.



Mitsubishi in Indonesia has confirmed that Salein the country. Expected to emerge in Indonesia International Motor Show (IIM) in September 2012.

Novitec Rosso Ferrari 599 SA Aperta

Novitec Rosso Ferrari 599 SA Aperta

The body of the Ferrari SA APERTA is refined by Novitec Rosso details.Together a few with F1 Superfast six-speed transmission of the Novitec Rosso bi-compressor version offers exceptional performance. The rest of the race car at 62 h in only 3.1 seconds.





Top speed is above 211 for the increase in power from 218 hp to 888 hp at 8400 rpm mph.The means that the tandem-now offers power that is so superlative that its maximum torque of 636 new lb / ft at 6600 rpm, a gain of 178 lb / ft of production on his brothers.

Lexus has launched its first super car

Lexus has launched its first supercar, the LFA in 2009, provided that only 500 were produced. Even with an estimated production run in December,







 these spy photos from Nurburgring reveal what some have suggested that a "Final Edition" makeup of the vehicle. 



Finished in a blue paint job and fresh, the prototype is reminiscent of last year's Nurburgring Edition, but with a number of minor changes: an additional air intake on the hood, trunk aerodynamic diffuser back slightly bottom with two new dual exhaust ports under each taillight