LEAKED: ALL-NEW AUDI A6!

Autoblog.nl have in their possession, and now you have in yours, leaked pictures of the all-new Audi A6. Audi is launching the new A6 in Europe early next year, followed by other markets, including South Africa. Mind you, this is not a facelift but a brand new car. Look at the pictures and tell me if Audi has applied its best foot in designing it.



The new A8 has also come under heavy fire for its lack of design imagination on the exterior. Rightly so too. When I drove the car I thought it was one of the class-leaders and the interior is quite awesome. But hell, to get a potential customer to experience what I did you’d have to cover it up or blindfold them until they are inside. I’ve been worried that when it came to A6 time, Audi would stick to its boring new ways which began with the current A4. Sadly my fears have come to fruition.


Expect engines to include the highly acclaimed 3.0-litre TDI worth 184kW and 550Nm. Also expect the 2.0T to make 155kW and 3.0-litre supercharged petrol to produce over 230kW. Yes, there will be an RS 6, hopefully sooner rather than later. It should hit over 450kW using either a supercharged or a twin turbo V8 displacing less than 5.0-litre V10.


THANKS TO AUTOBLOG.NL FOR THE PICTURES

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CONFIRMED: PORSCHE MAKING SMALL AUDI Q5-BASED CAJUN SUV

Here’s a very short but precise statement released by Porsche earlier today: “During its meeting today, the Supervisory Board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, laid the foundations for continuous and successful growth of the company. The Supervisory Board instructed the Board of Management to drive forward the development of a further model series up to series production. Under the working name
"Cajun", this efficient and sporty model will further expand the world's most successful Porsche segment in the SUV sector. In addition to the new Cayenne, which has clearly consolidated its market position as the most successful sporty SUV in the premium segment, the "Cajun" will also have a very positive impact with its typical Porsche features such as light weight, ease of handling and agility. As an attractive entry model in the Porsche world, the "Cajun" will attract new and even younger customers to the premium brand along with the Boxster, the market leader in the segment of two-seater, mid-size sports cars.”



So there you have it, confirmation that Porsche is introducing another Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to its lineup of already varied cars. The baby, currently referred to as the Cajun, is second to the Cayenne and will share its underpinnings with similarly-sized Volkswagen Group stablemate the Audi Q5.


Furthermore powertrains and engines will be shared between the two, including the 3.0 TDI diesel with over 550Nm of torque and a Hybrid. This being Porsche, we also expect a more performance-oriented Cajun to go after a possible BMW X3 M, if not the normal 225kW xDrive35i being launched in Mzansi this week.


How interesting that a company that used to be known for selling sports cars now sells more SUVs than the iconic 911, and wants to sell even more SUVs!


NOTE: pictured are two 2011 Cayenne examples

HISTORY MADE AS NISSAN LEAF TAKES 2011 EUROPEAN CAR OF THE YEAR TITLE

In a historic moment for Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and zero emission vehicles, the 100% electric Nissan LEAF was awarded 2011 European Car of the Year.

The world’s first mass-marketed, affordable, zero-emission vehicle for the global market beat 40 contenders to win motoring’s most important accolade. This is the first time in the 47-year history of the annual competition that
the award has gone to an electric vehicle. Nissan LEAF’s rivals included vehicles from brands such as Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, Opel/Vauxhall and Volvo. The jury included 57 leading motoring journalists from 23 European countries.

“The jury acknowledged today that the Nissan LEAF is a breakthrough for electric cars. Nissan LEAF is the first EV that can match conventional cars in many respects,” said Håkan Matson, President of the Jury, Car of the Year.

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.’s President and CEO Carlos Ghosn said: “This award recognizes the pioneering zero-emission Nissan LEAF as competitive to conventional cars in terms of safety, performance, spaciousness and handling. It also reflects Nissan’s standing as an innovative and exciting brand with a clear vision of the future of transportation, which we call sustainable mobility. With three other electric vehicles in the pipeline from Nissan – and with the imminent market introduction of four additional electric vehicles from our Alliance partner Renault – Nissan LEAF represents a significant first step toward a zero-emission future.”

Nissan LEAF is powered by a compact electric motor in the front of the car, which drives the front wheels. The AC motor develops 80 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of 145 km/h (90 mph). The electric motor is powered by a Nissan-developed laminated lithium-ion battery with an output of more than 90 kW. The car has a range of 175 km (New European Driving Cycle) between charges making it a practical proposition for many urban drivers.

The vehicle is fully equipped with features such as regenerating braking, air conditioning, satellite navigation, parking camera and advanced on-board IT and telematics systems. Innovative connectivity will allow an owner to set charging functions to monitor the car's current state of charge and the remaining battery capacity, as well as to heat or cool the interior of the car remotely via mobile phone or computer. The Nissan LEAF will be available in five colors in Europe - blue metallic and pearl, white pearl, silver metallic, black solid and red pearl. The single option is a solar panel mounted in the rear spoiler that supports charging of the car's 12V battery used for powering accessories.

Deliveries in Japan and the United States begin this December. In Europe, deliveries start in early 2011 to Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands. The zero-emission car is currently being built in Japan, but will also be produced in North America and Europe when new manufacturing facilities open in late 2012 and early 2013.

Nissan’s innovative thinking extends beyond zero-emission mobility. Under the PURE DRIVE label, Nissan manufactures an extended line-up of environmentally friendly, internal combustion engine vehicles offering class-leading fuel efficiency supported by advanced green technologies. In Europe, the company will soon launch an advanced petrol-electric hybrid luxury sedan wearing the Infiniti badge, while hugely popular crossover vehicles, such as Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Juke, have created new and exciting vehicle segments dominated by Nissan. Next year will also see the arrival of the fourth generation Nissan Micra powered by a supercharged version of an all-new 1.2-litre three cylinder direct injection petrol engine with an Idling Stop system to offer spirited performance and CO2 emissions of just 95g/km.

Nissan has won the CoTY award in Europe before. In 1993, the UK-built Nissan Micra became the first car from a Japanese automaker to win the accolade and started Europe’s love affair with the little car that continues today with the recent launch of the newest Nissan Micra model.

ONE DA CUNHA TAKES PODIUM AT KHAYALAMI

Despite things not going their way brothers Marco and Paulo da Cunha emerged third and fourth overall respectively in the final round of the 2010 Bridgestone Production Car Championship at Kyalami on Sunday.
 

The weekend did not get off to a promising start with Marco’s #22 Tubular/Exa Motors Nissan 350Z needing a gearbox change between Saturday’s final free practice and qualifying.  He battled with a stiff gearchange in qualifying and a problematic clutch and had to settle for a disappointing eighth place on the starting grid for Sunday’s first six-lap sprint race.  Paulo qualified 11th in the SAM Racing team’s #23 Tubular/Exa Motors 350Z.

An off-track excursion on the opening lap of race one saw Marco forced to play catch-up after dropping to 11th, while Paulo made up two places to ninth.  At half distance Paulo had moved up to eighth with Marco ninth.

While Hennie Groenewald (Subaru Impreza) headed for the first win of the day from pole position, Marco caught and passed Paulo on lap four and went on to finish eighth with his younger brother ninth.

Starting the second of the back-to-back sprint races in the order in which they finished the first one, the two brothers were sixth and ninth after the opening lap, with Marco in front of Paulo.  A spin on lap two dropped the older Da Cunha to ninth on lap two, two places behind Paulo.  By half distance they were seventh and eighth, then sixth and seventh on the next lap before Marco again passed his brother and went on to finish fifth behind race winner Reghardt Roets (BMW 335i) with Paulo sixth.

The 12-lap feature race saw Marco eighth on the grid and Paulo 10th.  By half distance Marco was up to seventh and Paulo eighth, with Roets heading for a second win from pole position.  A late battle with former outgoing class A champion Johan Fourie (Audi A4 quattro) saw the pair swop positions a couple of times before Marco made his final move stick and crossed the finish line in a satisfying fourth place ahead of Fourie, race one winner Groenewald and brother Paulo.

Paulo enjoyed a late tussle with Melvill Priest (BMW 335i) which finally went in his favour as he took the chequered flag seventh.

So a frustrating season of ups and downs in an outdated Nissan 350Z (which is to be replaced by a new Nissan 370Z in 2011) saw Marco finish a disappointed seventh in the championship, although a lone sprint race win at Killarney in round two in March was a highlight.

Paulo was pleased to score points in his maiden Bridgestone production car appearance and also looks forward to the possibility of a new 370Z next season.
 

STORY COURTESY OF PETER BURROUGHES COMMUNICATIONS

MERCEDES-BENZ IS BEST EXPORTER

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has once again come out ahead of the competition, winning the Gauteng Exporter Award for 2010 against a host of entrants.


The awards are sponsored by industry heavyweights First National Bank, the Department of Trade and Industry, Credit Guarantee, Glenrand MIB, Safcor Panalpina and Intertek. The annual event, attended by some 200 senior executives engaged in international trade and government officials, provided an exciting opportunity to recognise the 2009 achievements of the province’s exporters.




The 10th anniversary of the JCCI - FNB Gauteng Exporter of the Year Awards showcased companies whose tenacity, resilience and perseverance enabled them, against all odds, to maintain and even grow their markets overseas in a global recession, which posed a significant downside risk for exporters and all parties involved in the trading cycle. For the province’s exporters, being situated at the tip of Africa means that they must deal with the challenge of the high cost of transport, infrastructural deficiencies and complex distribution channels.


"The winner of the 2010 Exporter Awards, MBSA, which exports C-Class cars and automotive components, exemplifies how minute attention to detail, technological excellence and stringent quality standards deliver a product that holds its own against competitors around the world," said the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) in a statement.


"The importance of exports for GDP growth and job creation cannot be overestimated. The Exporter Awards celebration provides an opportunity to identify successful role-models in international trade and contributes to creating an export-orientation in the Gauteng business community.


"The finalists would be regarded as success stories anywhere in the world and they prove that South African companies are able to compete with the best on innovation, technology and service," concluded the JCCI.


STORY BY MERCEDES-BENZ

SA-BUILT TOYOTA HILUX CONQUERS ANTARCTICA

The first Arctic Truck (AT) Hilux built in the Sandton workshop of Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) earlier this week reached the South Pole after an arduous journey of more than 2 000 km over the icy expanses of the Antarctica.

The red AT44, built for the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR) by a team from Arctic Trucks with assistance from TSAM, is one of six AT Hilux vehicles built in South Africa for expeditions and duty in the Antarctica. 


The vehicle reached the Pole on Sunday (21 November) – eight days after the expedition set off from the Novolazarevskaya (Novo) air base and research station located in the Schirmacher Oasis in Queen Maud Land, about 75 km from the Antarctic coast.

The team of scientists in the South African built AT Hilux, accompanied by three other AT Hilux vehicles that have been in Antarctica since 2008, were the first overland expedition to reach the South Pole this year – in extremely challenging conditions as the temperature at some stages dropped to -58°C!

The primary objective of the expedition is to conduct research for the Indian NCAOR, but the secondary aim was to identify a location in the vicinity of South Pole for a fuel drop. This was successfully accomplished.

The group was due to start their journey on 10 November, but was delayed because of the late arrival of spare parts and a rescue operation where a member of another group’s life was saved by using the crane and pulley on the AT Hilux to winch him out after he fell into a crevasse.

During the first three days, with the Hiluxes operating in power sapping altitudes of nearly 3 000 meters on the high plateau, the group covered over 700 km. At this altitude the cold was so severe that the big tyres stiffened to the extent that it could not provide flotation or grip until they warmed up, and some of the group members suffered from altitude sickness.

The group arrived at the first fuel depot – 800 km from the Pole – on 18 November and one vehicle’s radiator was replaced after it started leaking because of the wrong mix of antifreeze in the extremely cold conditions. Shortly after leaving the depot the next day another vehicle suffered a rear axle problem due to a broken bearing, but this was replaced within 30 minutes.

As one of the AT crewmembers reported, the team was impressed with their progress: “The last two days we drove almost 900 kilometres at an average speed of around 40-50 km/h.  We are extremely happy and proud of how the cars are coping in the difficult situation.”  

After another 18 hours of non-stop driving the expedition reached the South Pole. They completed their ice odyssey at a higher than expected average speed, and will start their return journey of 2 400 km back to Novo as soon as some running repairs to the vehicles have been done.



STORY BY TOYOTA

FACELIFT OPEL CORSA REVEALED

Just like I mentioned previously, Opel will be releasing the facelifted Corsa sometime in 2011. This is what it looks like in 3-door format. The car takes most of its looks from siblings like the Insignia and the new Astra.




What Opel has done is to revise the front end by adding a new wider front grille, different headlights and new fog lamps. The rear end features the new Opel Blitz on the tailgate. Side views are enhanced by 17-inch wheels in the Colour Edition, which in Europe is to be available widely. One of the pictures you see here has stripes running over it. This is the Linea pack which also has colour-coordinated wheels and side mirror caps.


Inside Opel is going for the big guns in the segment with niceties and sweet gadgets to hold the target audience’s attention for long. We are talking about a new colour touch-screen interface, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and USB/iPod connection. Opel also says it has improved the build materials used for the interior and they are now softer and more plush to touch.


Engines are to include a 1.3 CDTI turbo diesel worth 70kW and 190Nm of torque between 1750rpm and 3250rpm. It comes with a diesel particulate filter and start/stop technology as standard. Average fuel consumption is claimed at 3.5 litres per 100km for the 3-door, and 4.2 litres per 100km for the 5-door equivalent. There will of course be other engines, including 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre types.

CHEVROLET CRUZE TAKES WTCC CHAMPIONSHIP

Chevrolet won the Manufacturers’ World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) title in Macau on Sunday 21 November 2010, while Yvan Muller was officially declared Drivers’ WTCC Champion. This double success, the first of Chevrolet and GM in a FIA-sanctioned world championship, seals a perfect finale to the outstanding campaign of the Cruze throughout the season.




"It’s fantastic to conquer the title in my first year with Chevrolet. It’s never easy to be competitive straight away with a new car and a new team, but integration into this wonderful team has been easy, as I received a lot of support from every member of the team. I have no words to express my appreciation and my gratitude to them. It is my second WTCC title, I am really very happy, I want to enjoy every single second of this success and share it with all the people that made it possible. Moments like this are so rare in life that one has really to take the chance to savour and enjoy them fully!” said an elated Yvan Muller.


The championships were conquered with bravura, as Rob Huff and Yvan Muller took a double win in Race 1, after a faultless flag-to-flag performance. In Race 2, the Chevrolet duo had to fight hard to pass Farfus, finishing 3rd and 4th, which means that Chevrolet has been on the podium in 21 of the 22 races this year. Unfortunately, this was not enough for Huff to take the runner-up position in the championship, as he finished tied in points with Tarquini, declared vice-champion only on number of wins.


Alain Menu had a more difficult week-end but showed again his tremendous team spirit and personal bravery, having to cope with the sad news of his dad’s death. The Swiss finished Race 1 in 7th position, after a contact with the wall in lap 1, but could not take advantage from the first row position in Race 2, as a mechanical problem got him stuck on the grid. 


 “What a great car and what a great team we have. Congratulations to Yvan, he drove beautifully throughout the season and fully deserves the title. The team has done a terrific job in putting all the pieces of the puzzle together to achieve this great result. I am proud of being part of such a team and grateful of the trust that Chevrolet and RML put on me since day one. I had some cracking results throughout this season, although I couldn’t be in a position to fight for the title due to some race incidents out of my control, but I really look forward to next year,” said Rob Huff who finishes the 2010 WTCC in 3rd place behind Muller and Tarquini.


As “We are the Champions!” was being sung in the Chevrolet garage after the race, amid accolades, toasts and some tears, the RML team was preparing for a long night of well-deserved celebrations. Once back in Europe, work will resume, with a new challenge in sight: getting the new Cruze 1.6 turbo as competitive as the current race car in 2011. 


STORY BY GENERAL MOTORS

AUDI RANGE MORE FUEL EFFICIENT

Efficiency is standard in every Audi. This remains the simple philosophy behind Audi’s continued development in the area of reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions across its model range.

Many of these benefits have already been introduced to the South African market in 2010, including three Audi models that are free of CO2 taxation. This, combined with Start-Stop technology, energy recuperation and the innovative
Driver Information System with Efficiency programme already standard on most models, will allow Audi SA to offer many more models in 2011 that are below 140g of C02.

And, since 2008, most Audi models offered in South Africa already met European EU5 emissions legislation.

Currently, the Audi A3 1.6 TDI S tronic (3-door and Sportback) as well as the A4 2.0 TDI Efficiency remain the only models in the premium segment to fall below the government’s capped 120 g of CO2  legislation.

With the introduction of the new Audi A1 early in 2011, four additional models will fall below this mark. Noteworthy is the A1 1.6 TDI that produces a mere 103 g of CO2 per km. All A1 models will feature Start-Stop technology as standard equipment.

The Start-Stop system is already standard equipment on the following Audi models: All A4 sedan and Avant manual models with 2.0 T FSI and 2.0 TDI engines, all A5 Coupé and Cabriolet 2.0T FSI manual models, the Q5 2.0 T FSI and 2.0 TDI manual models, and the Q7 3.0 TDI quattro tiptronic.


During 2011, this innovative system will be rolled out accordingly: A1 range, A3 range (excluding S3 models), A7 Sportback range, A8 3.0 TDI and the new Audi A6 range.

As part of the 2011 model year changes, all Audi models (excluding the current A6 sedan and R8 range) have been fitted as standard with a DIS (Driver Information System) trip computer featuring an Efficiency Programme.

This system is aimed at assisting the driver by providing handy economy driving tips according to the prevailing driving conditions. The system can advise the driver if additional drag is created by a window or sunroof left open while driving. It can also detect if seat heating is turned on without an occupant.

The system gives gear change suggestions on manual models, with subtle text reminders to shift up if the driver ignore these requests. Should the driver choose however, the DIS system can be set to bypass the Efficiency Programme.

In August, Audi SA introduced the first sub 120 g premium B segment car for sale in South Africa. The A4 2.0 TDI Efficiency sedan model replaced the previous 2.0 TDI manual at no additional cost.

Further enhancements to the engine now sees the CO2 level drop from 119 g/km to only 115 g/km. Average fuel consumption drops from 4.6 l/100 km in the combined cycle to 4.4 l/100 km. Performance remains unchanged.

This enhanced A4 2.0 TDI model is now available to order at Audi dealers across South Africa and the pricing remains as per the current model at R350 000.

Internationally, Audi’s holistic approach to Efficiency extends to more than a mere marketing slogan. Engine concepts, transmission technology, light weight construction and innovative electronic systems all combine to support the Brand claim of Vorsprung durch Technik.

A key developmental goal is to improve efficiency even further by utilising new technology and ideas for T FSI and TDI models, as well as the future implementation of the E tron range - Audi’s answer to alternative drive trains.

PEUGEOT PROVES ITS METTLE AT QUALITY AWARDS

The Peugeot brand has emerged from the 2010 Synovate Quality Awards survey into the initial vehicle ownership experience with its reputation as a top quality brand enhanced.

In the last three SynovatePP100 reports, which measures the number of problems experienced in the first 90 days with a new vehicle, Peugeot owners have reported fewer and fewer problems with their vehicles. The 2010 Synovate survey shows that on average, all Peugeot passenger vehicles surveyed (including 107, 207 and 308) experienced 63 problems per 100 vehicles – or put another way, just over half a problem per vehicle.
 

This made Peugeot the joint winner along with Toyota of the Volume Passenger Car category, with no statistical difference in the performance of the two brands. In 2009 Peugeot was second in the category, the latest report proving that Peugeot continues to move in the right direction.

“This result is particularly heartening, as it gives impetus to our efforts to enhance the Peugeot ownership on all levels,” says Peugeot South Africa’s Managing Director, Jean Francois Bacos. “At the beginning of the year we talked about how improved customer satisfaction would be a key part of our strategy in 2010 and ending the year with this kind of success it is an endorsement of that approach.”

The latest survey shows that the overall quality of Peugeot vehicles sold in South Africa continues to improve, with a drop from 127 problems per 100 vehicles in 2007 to 81 problems per 100 vehicles in 2008 and finally a figure of 63 in 2009,  therefore significantly better than the market average.
“It is hard to argue with the results obtained by Synovate, and it shows that we’re doing something right! If you want a quality car with loads of features, a high level of safety, and a design which is the epitome of chic, then there really is no reason to look any further than a Peugeot,” concluded Bacos.



STORY BY PEUGEOT

HONDA INSIGHT HYBRID PRICED R100 000 LESS THAN PRIUS!

Honda South Africa has added a second hybrid model to its passenger car offering. The Insight, an established hybrid car in Europe and the US, joins the CR-Z hybrid sports coupé, which made its local debut earlier this year.

The Insight is a five-door family hatchback powered by Honda’s innovative IMA drivetrain – an efficient hybrid powertrain that combines a frugal, efficient petrol engine with a compact, lightweight electric assistance motor.


The combination allows good all-round performance while delivering excellent fuel economy and low CO2 exhaust emissions.

At the same time, the Insight’s sleek, aerodynamic hatchback offers spacious, versatile and practical accommodation, with flexible seating and an exceptional cargo compartment with 400 litres of loading space.

While the Insight was conceived to bring the benefits of hybrid technology to a broader motoring audience, with affordability and practicality as key attributes, it is comprehensively equipped, with a long list of standard comfort, convenience and safety features.

“The arrival of the Insight in SA has been eagerly anticipated for some time,” says Graham Eagle, director of sales and marketing at Honda SA.

“Its debut here is in line with Honda’s commitment to launch products reflecting cutting-edge technology and driving enjoyment, without losing sight of the need for value-added, eco-friendly motoring solutions.

“The launch of the Insight is the second hybrid car on offer by Honda SA. The highly positive reaction to the CR-Z proves that local motorists already acknowledge the compelling benefits of hybrid cars, and we’re proud to make that technology more accessible than ever before.”

Eagle says that while the current-generation Insight has been on sale in Europe since 2009, the version due for launch locally at the end of this year reflects some key updates introduced at last month’s Paris Motor Show.

“Due to the high demand internationally, we were obliged to delay the launch of the Insight in SA. Local motorists now benefit from the latest updates to the Insight, including improvements to the suspension, and a fresher interior. The result is the best iteration of the Insight to date, and a car that will surprise and delight South Africans on many levels.

Fluid, efficient exterior design
The design of the Insight was created to fuse the requirements of efficient aerodynamics, interior space, and aesthetic appeal into a single package. The five-door hatchback is also unmistakably Honda, and draws on some aspects of the FCX Clarity for its distinctive, wedged shape.

The front-end treatment combines a typical Honda ‘face’ with a narrow grille and slim headlights. The tapered profile acknowledges the car’s low drag coefficient, with the top half of the body tapering towards the rear, further boosting aerodynamic efficiency without compromising practicality.

The rear features a steep, distinctive tailgate – again determined by both practical and aerodynamic considerations – while the bright, eye-catching LED tail lights increase safety and visibility.

Spacious, flexible interior 
The spacious, inviting interior of the Insight proves that compact cars don’t have to be cramped inside. It offers full seating for five occupants, while there’s more than 400 litres of cargo space, despite the presence of the battery pack.  A split rear bench seat and a configurable boot floor add versatility.

The spacious, user-friendly cabin features a compelling sense of space, while also embracing the driver in a cockpit where ergonomics take centre stage. Excellent visibility is ensured by the slim A-pillars, and the overall cabin-forward configuration.

Rear vision is afforded via the integrated rear window below the traditional bootline, which ensures good low rearward visibility.

The comprehensive standard specification includes, electric windows, remote central locking, a six-speaker sound system with MP3/WMA playback capability and an iPod/USB port, climate control, cruise control, and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors.

Safety is comprehensively addressed via front, side and curtain airbags, together with ISOFIX child seat mountings, active head restraints, and inertia reel seatbelts.

High-tech hybrid drivetrain 
The Insight will be offered in a single, high-specification derivative, powered by Honda’s established 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine with IMA (Integrated Motor Assist). The 1 339 cc four-cylinder unit has a power output of 65kW at 5 800rpm, with a torque peak of 121Nm at 4 500rpm.

The IMA electric motor is a slim and compact unit that is mounted between the engine and the Insight’s Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT) gearbox. It has a maximum output of 10.3 kW at 1 500rpm, together with 78.4 Nm of torque at 1 000rpm.

Combined, the petrol engine and electric motor deliver 73kW at 5 800rpm and 167Nm between 1 000 and 1 500rpm – figures that are comparable with a larger petrol engine, while achieving exceptional efficiency, with very low fuel consumption and emissions.

As a result, the Insight accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.5 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 182 km/h. Fuel consumption is just 4.6 litres/100 km in the combined cycle, and – astonishingly – needs only 4.7 l/100 km in urban driving environments. Equally impressive is the CO2 emissions rating of only 108 g/km.

Proven chassis components 
The Insight chassis is cleverly designed allowing for more interior space, and improved packaging for the battery pack. The Insight comes with front MacPherson struts, an H-shaped rear torsion beam, and ABS-controlled disc brakes all round.

The Insight is equipped with Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) as standard. The system is designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during cornering, acceleration and sudden manoeuvres by applying braking to the right or left hand wheels as necessary and managing the engine torque systems.

Pricing, availability and warranty
The new Honda Insight goes on sale in December 2010, and will be offered at a recommended retail price of R259 900 through Honda’s national passenger car dealer network. The price includes a three-year/100 000 km warranty, and a five-year/90 000 km service plan. Scheduled services are at 15 000 km intervals with no additional service requirements for the hybrid components.

SPECIAL EDITION CORSA ADDS SOME COLOUR

The new Opel Corsa Colour Edition is now available to youthful fans of the Opel marque.  Based on the 3-door Corsa which it replaces, the Colour Edition is really a goodbye kiss to the current Corsa which gets facelifted in 2011. Several changes have been made in order to create a special experience for potential buyers.




First off, five exterior colours are part of the package, including ones called Black Sapphire and Sunny Melon. Then they have tinted the windows so the little people trying to peep into your cool car aren’t able to see who the driver is. The roof is also in matching glossy black. You can also choose between black or silver wheels that measure 17 inches in diameter with matching 215/45 R17 tyres.


The interior comes with a charcoal piano finish, similar to the one found in the Corsa OPC. Instrumentation features a black background, while things like air conditioning, a radio/ CD player with MP3 compatibility and remote access to the doors are all standard.


Under the bonnet is the 1.4-litre naturally aspirated (why not the Turbo unit?) four-cylinder petrol engine making 74kW at 6000rpm and 130Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Ok, so it’s not going to light up the streets with your molten rubber, but at least you’ll look cool trying.


Opel Corsa Colour Edition Pricing
R180 750

TOYOTA'S ELECTRIC RAV4

The Toyota ‘RAV4 EV’ concept, an electric vehicle jointly developed with Tesla, last week made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. 

A total of 35 vehicles will be built for a demonstration and evaluation program through 2011 with the introduction of a final production model in the US in 2012. The production vehicle will have a target range of 160 km in actual road driving patterns in a wide range of climates and conditions.


The RAV4 EV concept is based on the current Toyota RAV4 compact SUV body and fitted with a Tesla electric powertrain. Led by the Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America (TEMA) Technical Centre in Michigan, the new development model helped reduce development time without compromising product quality. 

Tesla was responsible for building and supplying the battery, as well as other related parts, that met specific Toyota engineering specifications in performance, quality and durability. Toyota was responsible for development and manufacturing leadership and the seamless integration of the powertrain. 

A large part of the team’s focus on the customer experience targeted driveability. In this case, the end goal is a vehicle with driveability characteristics as close to the conventional RAV4 as possible. For example, the demonstration vehicle weighs approximately 100kg more than the current RAV4 V6 (US model), yet it will accelerate from 0 to 100km/h nearly as quickly. 

The added weight factor required significant retuning of major components and a prioritised focus on weight distribution. Not only were suspension and steering modified significantly, major components needed to be relocated to better balance the increased mass of the battery pack. 

The demonstration vehicle Toyota currently tested is powered by a lithium metal oxide battery with useable output rated in the mid-30kWh range. However, many decisions regarding both the product, as well as the business model, have not been finalised. Battery size and final output ratings, as well as pricing and volume projections of the vehicle Toyota plans to bring to market in 2012 have not been decided. 

The basic vehicle will continue to be built at its Canadian production facility in Woodstock, Ontario while Tesla will build the battery and related parts and components at its new facility in Palo Alto, California. The method and installation location of the Tesla components into the vehicle is being discussed. 

The RAV4 EV received several distinct exterior styling changes including a new front bumper, grille, fog lamps and head lamps. New EV badging and the custom “mutually exclusive” paint colour, completed the transformation. The interior received custom seat trim, multimedia dash displays, push-button gearshift and dashboard meters. No cargo space was lost in the RAV4’s conversion to an electric powertrain. 

Toyota brought the first-generation RAV4 EV to market in 1997 in response to the California zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, and was the first manufacturer to meet the mandate’s Memo of Agreement on volume sales. Powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, the vehicle had a range of 130-210km on a single charge. From 1998 to 2003 only 1484 vehicles were sold or leased in the U.S. 746 first-generation RAV4 EVs are still on the road. 

RAV4 EV is a further example of Toyota’s efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuels and cut CO2 emissions by developing more efficient and alternative powertrain technologies. It has led the industry in the development of hybrid petrol-electric systems, as deployed in Prius, Auris hybrid and other models in markets worldwide. 



STORY BY TOYOTA

OFFICIAL! AUDI RS3 BREAKS COVER!

Audi is throwing the challenge straight to the upcoming BMW 1 Series M Coupe with the announcement of the new RS 3 Sportback. After years of denying plans for such a car, Audi has come out rockets blazing in order to show how serious the company is as far as attracting younger performance enthusiasts is. The RS 3 is currently the baby of the RS range, with an RS 1 also rumoured for the A1 range.




So what details can we gather? Well from the looks of it Audi has mixed conservatism with splashes of brash around the styling bits. We see those xenon plus headlights surrounding that RS grille with its diamond shapes, as well as LED daytime running lights. We also see large air intakes, sill panels, flared front fenders, matt aluminium side mirrors, a big roof spoiler and a high-gloss black diffusor for rear downforce. And for looking awesome too! Sadly, I guess for acoustic purposes, Audi chose two pair up its small oval tailpipes rather than place them one on each side, like other RS cars.


Inside the buyer is treated to sporting eloquence not yet seen in this class of car. Bucket seats (optional) with silver stitching, piano black finish, matt aluminium, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a special gear lever are just some of the features. If you are paying over R500 000 for a car, which I think the RS 3 will cost when it lands here in the first half of 2011, you expect things like climate control, power steering, a top end sound system, electric stuff and the rest. And with this car you get it too.


It shares its engine with the TT RS. That can only mean good things. The 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged petrol motor with FSI direct injection produces 250kW and maximum torque of 450Nm between 1600rpm and 5300rpm. The gearbox is a 7-speed double-clutch which can be actuated either through paddles behind the steering wheel or the gear lever itself. Power and torque go to all wheels via the quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system which sends torque to the axle that needs it the most at any point in time. The 0 – 100km/h is therefore dispatched in a claimed 4.6 seconds, making this the fastest car in its class and one that even serious sports cars will have no answer to.


To enhance performance the suspension has been lowered by 25mm in relation to a normal A3, and the car runs on 19-inch wheels with 235/35 tyres at the front and 225/35 types at the rear.


While Audi South Africa says it’s still investigating the possibility of bringing the RS 3 to Mzansi, you can bet my last tyre-shredding doughnut that the only outstanding issue in that matter is pricing. As I said, expect to part with the better half of R550 000, possibly even touching the R600 000 mark.

V8 CHAMP AUBY LEADS LOCAL SUPER V8 CHARGE

South African WesBank V8 Supercar champion Brandon Auby is a lone representative of the host country among 16 entrants in the final round of the International Superstars Series for V8 production cars at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit on Saturday and Sunday.
 

The Italian-based series for 500 bhp (368kW-plus) four-door production-based saloon cars returns to Kyalami for the second year in a row for its season finale courtesy of the Gauteng provincial government, Blue IQ and event sponsor NEO Africa.  It will share top billing this weekend with the final round of the WesBank Super Series of national circuit racing championships.

Race fans can expect a no-holds-barred battle between BMW and Mercedes for top honours in what will be the seventh round of this popular international series.  Heading the list of entries are current championship leader Thomas Biagi of Italy in a Team BMW Italia M3 and countryman Luigi Ferrara (CAAL Racing Mercedes C63 AMG), who is second and 41 points in arrears with 43 on offer.

The two main contenders will be facing some tough competition for the final event of 2010 from British former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert in a Motorzone Race Car Chevrolet Lumina CR8 (currently ninth in the championship) and former Superstars champion Max Pigoli in a Romeo Ferraris Mercedes C63 AMG (third in the points’ standings and just nine behind Ferrara).

Strong challenges will also come from youngster Ivan Tramontozzi, who replaces Stefano Gabellini in a works Team BMW Italia M3, by the father-son duo of Federico and Marco Bonamico (sharing a Motorzone Race Car Chev Lumina) and by Superstars rookie Riccardo Bossi in an Audi RS4.

Auby, who will be at the wheel of a Motorzone Race Car Chevrolet alongside Herbert and the Bonamicos, will have home track advantage.  His debut appearance in the Superstars Series follows a successful test with the Gregg Murphy Racing Team in an Australian V8 Championship Series Holden at the Winton Raceway near Melbourne.



STORY COURTESY OF PETER BURROUGHES COMMUNICATIONS