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2010 Porsche 911 Speedster Hauls (Gigantic) Ass

When I first saw this modern incarnation of the 1989 911 Speedster, I thought I was in love. The Fuchs style wheels, the matte black vinyl ahead of the rear wheel wells... Unfortunately, the girl's got a huge ass.

The view above shows just how different the proportions of the current 911 are from the original - the 997's butt in much higher, and capping off the rear seats in the Speedster style fairing only exaggerates it. And makes the Boxter Speedster look that much better.

2010 Paris Motor Show, Day 1: Nissan Townpod

I’m amazed. Day one of the 2010 Paris Motor Show is surprisingly restrained and fugly free. The French have been remarkably toned down this year, with concept cars that pale in comparison to previous years. Although some would claim that the Lamborgini Sesto Elemento Concept should take home the title of “Ugliest Car in Paris, Day 1”, I’m giving this designation to the Nissan Townpod Concept.

Looking like a cross between a Scion, Lightning McQueen, and a refrigerator, the hefty-looking white EV is described by Nissan as the following: “The innovative position of the headlights also allows a coupe-esque bonnet line, not dissimilar to Nissan Z, which feeds in to a visor-like wraparound, blue tinted glass house, reminiscent of Nissan Cube, while the galls to body proportions hark back to the rat-rods of the fifties.” Yeah, I don’t get that either. Bonus point for a the organic fluorescent yellow-green front passenger area, which I imagine feels like driving the car sitting inside an infected sinus cavity.

*PS: I'm not limiting my show coverage to one car per day. I just didn't happen to think there was anything else worth posting. I actually like the controversial Sexto Elemento (although I admit it's trying a bit too hard)...

PEUGEOT'S HR1 CONCEPT IN PARIS

With the HR1, Peugeot once again reshuffles the pack in terms of the individual car segments. The HR1 is an exclusive and innovative urban concept car that blends together a number of genres (city run-around, coupé, SUV …). It is targeted at active young city dwellers smitten with design and innovation that are in search of a vehicle that matches their profile. 
Hyper-connectivity, adaptable and compact the HR1 breaks new ground with new trends in hyper connectivity, modularity and responsiveness, and offers an entirely new driving experience:
 

The original door system facilitates access to a novel passenger compartment which can be totally transformed to offer either two seats and a large load area or four seating positions.


The interior with its movement recognition interface is simple and intuitive and very innovative. Agile, reactive and responsible, the HR1 features HYbrid4 technology, with a new three cylinder 1.2 litre THP petrol engine at the front and a rear electric motor for: reduced CO2 emissions (80 g/km or Zero in electric mode), a maximum power (110kW) and four wheel drive.


STORY BY PEUGEOT

GMSA ADDS SPARK TO PORT ELIZABETH PLANT

General Motors South Africa announced today that it will be building the new Chevrolet Spark at its Struandale Plant in Port Elizabeth.   
This trendy entry level vehicle will become the third vehicle platform, in addition to the class leading Chevrolet Corsa Utility and the very successful Isuzu KB.  The vehicle will initially be produced for the local market as well as for markets in Australia, New Zealand and other Asia Pacific right hand drive markets.   

Together with the new Spark programme, the new generation Isuzu KB and Corsa Utility will represent an investment of over R1 billion. “This investment reinforces our commitment to doing business in South Africa and continues a key player in motor industry” said Edgar Lourencon, president and Managing Director of GM Africa.
“This decision was based on the Spark success in the global market and to support GM South Africa’s objective to assemble over 50 000 vehicles per annum in line with the government’s Automotive Production Development Plan (APDP) which replaces the Motor Industry Development Plan (MIDP) in 2013.”
Lourencon said the Spark is well suited to the South African market, with customers having placed over 1800 orders for this product during the first month of sales. “We therefore have no doubt that the new Spark is going to be a volume player here.”  
The Spark, which was launched in South Africa in August this year, is currently imported from Korea. Local production is set to commence during the first quarter of 2012 creating about 500 direct new jobs in GMSA. GM South Africa will assemble around 15 000 Sparks per annum with half of this destined for export markets.
He said the South African government is an important stakeholder to its business and expressed his gratitude towards them. “We want to thank government for the support the industry receives via the APDP. Without these levels of support, we would not be able to make these investments in the South African automotive industry.” 
Over and above this, GM South Africa also announced that it had reached an agreement with Isuzu Motors Limited of Japan to expand exports of its Isuzu light commercial vehicles in Sub-Sahara Africa. This agreement will provide export opportunities beyond the current export markets of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Mauritius.  
The Isuzu export contract together with the new Spark export contract is valued at over R1.5 billion per annum.
Lourencon said that there were opportunities in the short to medium term to expand export markets for new Spark and Isuzu KB. “The expansion of export markets for these two vehicle programmes is however dependent upon the ability of the South African motor industry to improve its overall competitiveness. The recent labour disruptions in the automotive and components industry and the associated increases above the rate of inflation, will require that a concerted and joint effort is undertaken by industry, the union and government to significantly improve productivity levels in order to reverse the current very negative trend. We are confident the necessary work will be done and we are committed to do the best we can to help grow the automotive industry in SA."



STORY BY GM

CLASSIC AUDI QUATTRO UPDATED?

As part of celebrating 30 years of the quattro AWD system, Audi unveiled this brave quattro Concept car at the 2010 Paris International Motor Show. Based on the RS 5, the concept car comes powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with 5 cylinders. It is worth 300kW in power and 480Nm in torques. Audi says it will accelerate from 0 – 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.




The interior is basic but equipped enough to feel comfortable, apparently. At 4.3m long, 1.9m wide and 1.3m tall, the quattro Concept is slightly smaller and therefore lighter. In fact, it weighs in at 1300kg which is just about the same as the original Ur-quattro from the year 1984!


Of course the actual quattro AWD system is standard and now features a crown-gear centre diff which varies power between the front and rear axles with much greater accuracy and flexibility.


Some might dish this car aside and say it’s just a nostalgic project but I would wager that Audi is seriously considering putting it into production as a direct competitor to the BMW M3 GTS. Watch this space.

PARIS 2010: JAGUAR'S ELECTRIFYING SUPER C-X75

Jaguar has stunned the 2010 Paris International Motor Show by unveiling the C-X75 Concept car. The British marque is famous for going to auto shows and revealing concept cars with names starting with a C. A couple of years later we see these cars on the roads. I expect the same of this electric supercar.




Electric? Yes, the C-X75 runs on four electric motors, each of which is located near the four wheels. Therefore the supercar uses an AWD system. Each motor makes 145kW, meaning a total system output of 580kW. If that doesn’t crank up your motor, then how about the maximum torque figure of 1600Nm?


Jaguar claims a 0 – 100km/h time of 3.4 seconds for the C-X75, which is very low by electric car standards, but high by present-day supercar measures. Nevertheless it can reach 330km/h too, which is quite lovely if you live out in Upington or Dubai.


The key figure here I suppose is the range which is said to be about 900km. Quite remarkable really, any way you slice it. Slower, much less powerful electric cars don’t even promise half that range.


Let’s hope Jaguar sticks to recent tradition and builds this thing. It would compete with cars like the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics and Audi e-Tron.

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2010 OPEL ASTRA ARRIVES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Turbo power is delivered in a linear fashion, very little drama, no theatrics. Each road curve reminds me that this is not a sports hatch, let alone a sports car. It is in fact, a family car. The all-new Opel Astra is poised and composed, moving neither left nor right. Straight on then as the road dips through yet another magnificent mountain pass in Mpumalanga.





While the Astra has been redesigned from the ground up, there is something familiar about it. Lines borrowed from other cars perhaps? Or was it the fact that I felt so at home in the car that it felt like I’d driven it before? This is a good thing by the way, for the segment in which the Astra plays is full and cut-throat. Mention the name Golf and the reaction is immediate, if not favourable. Mention other names like RunX/ Auris X, Mazda3, Civic, Megane…do you see the point? Life is tough out there and considering the whole segment fares less than sedan sales, Astra has its work cut out.


But that familiarity thing is a huge positive. Buyers rarely mingle with something they don’t understand. They will fully understand the Astra. Because power delivery is so linear, as I said earlier, the Astra is able to keep the cabin comfortable for all passengers. No scary moments here, this is a real family car for everyone. Of course I’m referring to the two most powerful engines in the Mzansi range.


That will be a 1.4-litre petrol turbo and a 1.6-litre petrol turbo. Opel will also offer a baseline 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine, however, unless you are in the rental fleet business I strongly suggest you stray far from it. I found out the hard way when, time and time again, it turned into an asthmatic running a marathon. Down changes were not only needed, they were urgently required. Even then its 85kW of power and 155Nm of torque could not be accessed as needed.


Not so the 1.4-litre turbo. Our little zappy four-cylinder was equal to the task of wringing out 103kW and 200Nm between 1850rpm and 4900rpm. Notice it kicks out the same amount of power as the Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 LT. Difference is, the 1.4T has most of its power available even at high altitude places like Limpopo or Gauteng. The differences are quite clear when planting the right foot in search of an uphill challenge. Again, it’s not a hot hatch, just a normal family hatch that performs to expectations. No less, no more. Opel says it will go from 0 – 100km/h in 9.7 seconds and achieve a fuel consumption figure of 5.9 litres per 100km.


Top of the heap is the 1.6-litre Turbo whose 132kW at 5500rpm underscores just where Opel is placing the new Astra. While other manufactures would boast of such figures and refer to the model as a performance model, Opel has held back, describing it only as “developed for customers focused on dynamic driving characteristics”. The 230Nm of torque made between 2200rpm and 5400rpm can be boosted to 266Nm in overtaking for up to five seconds. There is obviously more urge from this unit than the others. But it is controlled urge, not boy racer stuff. Linear yet again.


I asked if one of the three diesels available in Europe would come to South Africa. I was told yes, the possibility does exist but in this segment diesel only counts for a very small percentage of sales. But with the advent of our new C02 tax I reckon Opel will make a plan. The most likely candidate is the new 1.7 CDTI with 82kW.


A 6-speed manual transmission (5-speed on the weak 1.6 Essentia) runs front wheels to good effect. Its heady gear lever is very sporting for such normal cars. It’s akin to the one found in the old Astra OPC, but without the excessive stitching. I liked the feel of it when changing gears; smooth and short.


Basic Astra amenities include air conditioning, power steering, satellite controls on the steering wheel, electric windows all around, an onboard information computer, ABS and ESP. Unlike its competition, the Astra does not feature satellite navigation, even as an option.


As one climbs up the ladder, so do features and their corresponding prices. The 1.4 Enjoy Plus for instance, comes with a lowered sports chassis, bi-xenon headlights and the FlexRide adaptive suspension system. Activating FlexRide changes the character of driving using the McPherson strut lay-out and a compound crank rear axle with a cleverly positioned Watt’s link. What this patented combo does is to offer great ride comfort without the heavily bumpy feeling of a typical hot hatch. Opel was first to market with an adaptive suspension for this segment with the previous-generation Astra.


Additional kit found in the 1.6 Sport (the one with the turbo) includes 18-inch wheels with 235/45 R18 tyres, a lower suspension, a sports steering wheel, rear park assist, leather trim and Hill Start Assist. Conspicuously missing in the entire 2010 Astra range is a proper USB port for playing music. This is a gross oversight on the part of GM SA as the USB port has become part and parcel of any self-respecting audio entertainment system. Even very small Korean cars come fitted with this device now. In fact, GM’s own Chevrolet Spark has one, albeit without a certain cable.


A lights package provides up to nine, yes nine, different light configurations, literally for all seasons. You get cornering lights, dipping lights, rain lights, country road lights daytime running lights with LED technology and all sorts of others. It’s a first for this segment, and indeed for much more higher and expensive segments too.


Opel might not say it explicitly but the all-new Astra has definitely moved up the ranks in terms of virtually everything. Quality is much improved over the old car and the interior is a marked climb up the premium ladder. Will the market respond accordingly then? I don’t see why not, especially recalling what a good following its predecessors such as the Kadett had.




2010 Opel Astra Pricing
1.6 Essentia (R218 000)
1.4T Enjoy (R236 900)


1.4T Enjoy Plus (R263 400)
1.6T Sport (R280 300)

NO FINES FOR RUNNING EMPTY

Rob Handfield-Jones, MD of driving skills company, driving.co.za, has issued a rebuttal to JMPD spokesperson, Wayne Minaar, who has claimed it is an offence to run out of fuel and that a fine of between R500 and R1 000 will be issued in addition to towing and recovery costs. A 'special team' is said to have been formed by the JMPD to deal with the issue.




Handfield - Jones said that he had confirmed with the SABS that there is no requirement for a vehicle to be fitted with a fuel gauge. "I do not regard it as sensible to allow one's vehicle to run out of fuel, but to claim that doing so should expose one to the possibility of a criminal record is absurd," he commented. He advised any motorist issued with such a ticket to contact an attorney and contest the matter vigorously. 


"The law makes no provision for the offence of running out of fuel, and I see no basis for motorists to be fined for not reading an instrument which their vehicle is not required to have. Whether it has it or not is irrelevant - the law does not require it, much less that one take any notice of it, or that it be calibrated to any specific standard." 


Handfield-Jones said that the RTMC's own figures show that 98.6% of JMPD fines are issued for speed, and that the department served no other purpose than money-making.  "I would like to see the traffic statistics that prove that running out of fuel is such a dangerous act as to justify its own enforcement unit. I would suggest that Minaar instead focus on ensuring that all his officers wear seatbelts," he said. "Thereafter, they might wish to enforce laws that save lives, rather than ones which simply make money," he concluded.




STORY AND PICTURE COURTESY OF WWW.DRIVING.CO.ZA

OFFICIAL: BMW WILL SUPPLY ENGINES TO SAAB

The BMW Group has received a major order from Swedish automobile manufacturer Saab to provide petrol engines. The contract for delivery of the engines as of 2012 was signed on Wednesday by Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing, and the CEO of Saab Automobile, Jan Åke Jonsson, in Trollhättan in Sweden. The 4-cylinder engine with latest fuel savings technologies is intended for a new Saab model series. Both companies have agreed not to disclose any financial or contract volume details. 

“We are continuing to expand our powertrain system sales business worldwide as planned as part of our Strategy Number ONE. Today’s agreement marks another important milestone along this route,” explained Robertson. “We are delighted to support Saab with our engine expertise. Our engines have a clear lead over the competition when it comes to fuel consumption, emissions and performance,” Robertson added.

“It gives me great pleasure to confirm this exciting new relationship. BMW Group’s engines and their fuel savings innovations are widely regarded as a benchmark in the premium segment. We look forward to integrating this technology into our next-generation vehicles in a true Saab way,” noted Jonsson.

The engine, which will feature Start-Stop and other measures designed to reduce emissions and fuel consumption, will be assembled at the BMW Group’s Hams Hall engine plant in the UK.

Engine development and construction are among the BMW Group’s core competences and have shaped the company since it was founded in 1916. Today, the BMW Group has a strong network with a total of 24 production facilities in 13 countries, including three engine plants in Steyr, Austria; Munich, Germany; and Hams Hall, UK.




STORY BY BMW

EX F1 STARS TO DESCEND ON KHAYALAMI

Among the 17 entries expected for the final round of the international Superstars Series for 373KW (500 bhp) V8 production saloon cars, to be held at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand on November 28, are several drivers who have already made their names in other motor racing categories and who have previous experience of South Africa’s premier motor racing circuit.
 

There are four ex-Formula One drivers – Italians Gianni Morbidelli and Emanuele Naspetti, Swiss Andrea Chiesa and Johnny Herbert of Great Britain – all of whom drove in the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.  Morbidelli has won the last three Superstars championships and, together with Chiesa, was here for last year’s inaugural Kyalami round. Naspetti and Herbert are making their first appearance in the series.

Superstars returns to Kyalami courtesy of Blue IQ and the Gauteng provincial government and will share a three-day feast of top class motor racing with the final round of the WesBank Super Series.

Gianni Morbidelli, 42, is from Pesaro in Italy and drives a Team BMW Italia BMW M3.  He won his third successive Superstars Series championship in 2009.  He competed in 70 Formula One Grands Prix from 1990 to 1997 for Dallara, Minardi, Ferrari, Footwork and Sauber, achieving one podium.  He drove for Minardi in the 1992 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.  He started his racing career in karting in 1982, was both Italian and European F3 champion in 1989 and between 1998 and 2006 he competed in the British, European and World Touring car championships for Volvo, BMW, Seat and Alfa Romeo.  He was third in the ETCC in a BMW 320i in 2000.   

Johnny Herbert, 46, born in Romford, England, is in his first year in Superstars, driving a Motorzone Chevrolet Lumina CR8.  A former Formula Ford Festival winner (1985) and British F3 champion (1987), he was in Formula One between 1989 and 2000 with Benetton, Tyrrell, Lotus, Ligier, Sauber, Stewart and Jaguar.  His best year was 1995 when he was fourth in the World Championship in a Benetton, winning the British, Italian and European GPs.  He competed in a Lotus in the 1992 and 1993 SA GPs at Kyalami.  Since retiring from F1 he has concentrated on sports car racing (he won the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1991 in a Mazda 787) and won the 2004 Le Mans Series in an Audi R8.

Emanuele Naspetti, 42, born in Ancona, Italy, is a member of the Rangoni Motorsport Mercedes C63 AMG team.  Like many top drivers, he started his career in karting, in 1980, and graduated to Formula One via Italian Formula Three (where he was champion in 1988) and Formula 3000.  He drove an F1 March in 1992 and was with the Sasol Jordan team in 1993, competing in the South African GP at Kyalami in both years.  After F1 he contested the Italian Super Touring Car Championship for seven years (winning in 1997 and finishing runner-up on three occasions), the American Le Mans series and FIA GT (in a 550 and 575 Ferrari Maranello).  This is his first year in Superstars.

Andrea Chiesa, 45, born in Milan, Italy, is resident in Switzerland and is competing in his second season of Superstars in a Swiss Team Maserati Quattroporte.  He drove in 10 grands prix in 1992 for Fondmetal (including the South African GP at Kyalami, where he made his F1 debut).  He started his racing career in karting in 1982, won the Swiss kart championship in 1983, was second in Italian F3 in 1987 and moved up to F3000 from 1988 to 1991.  After his year in F1 he competed in IndyCars in the US, FIA GT, World Sports Cars, ISRS and won his class in the Spa-Francorchamps 24 Hours in 2002 in a Ferrari 360.  He was Italian GT champion in a Ferrari in 2003 and 2004 and finished second in the Sebring 12 Hours in the US in 2003 in a Porsche GT3 RSR.

The weekend’s entertainment will include the final races in the WesBank Super Series of national championships for Bridgestone Production Cars, WesBank V8 Supercars, Engen Volkswagen Polo Cup, Formula Volkswagen and Interfile Superbikes and Supersport.   

STORY COURTESY OF PETER BURROUGHES COMMUNICATIONS

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SAAB / SPYKER IN TALKS WITH BMW

Spyker cars released a statement yesterday to the effect that it’s talking to the BMW Group about “a possible supply relationship”. That could mean a number of things which we can speculate about. Spyker is an automaker based in Holland, which produces mainly high-end sports cars. But it also now owns SAAB Cars, which are famous for their 9-5 and 9-3 premium vehicles.




What kind of relationship would the two be talking about then? First prize for Spyker would probably be BMW engines, including those used by its MINI brand. Secondly a common platform is a possibility. SAAB is wanting to revive itself and drag itself out of misery. To that effect more product is needed, such as a new compact 9-3 and even a smaller 9-1.

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OPEL ASTRA GTC REVEALS POWER

Opel will release the most powerful Astra ever made at the 2010 Paris Motor Show this week. The new Astra GTC is powered by a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with direct injection and 213kW on tap. Drive is provided by the front wheels which are connected to a limited slip differential.




One of the more interesting things about the GTC is that soon after the old GM’s bankruptcy two years ago, the company closed shop with its OPC high-performance division. But judging from the fact that a new Insignia OPC struts its stuff around Europe, it is still possible that an even more powerful Astra OPC will be made. Possible, but not probable.


Have a look at the interior. Surely you agree it looks like one of the best in its class, if not the best. Chrome, leather and other highlights, as well as the red colours bring out a fiery interior. I hope it’s kept as is for the production model, or at least be offered as an option.


The big question then: can we expect the GTC on SA shores in 2011? I say we can, at prices to rival its most direct competitors, including the Renault Megane RS and Volkswagen Scirocco R.

PEUGEOT 308 GTI ANNOUNCED

It’s not just Volkswagen who boast the GTI moniker. Even Peugeot, the French automaker, has a relatively proud history with the famous badge. Of course it’s not as proud as VW’s but it certainly has its place. And that place is being renewed with the announcement of a new 308 GTI performance hatch.




The 308 GTI is powered by the BMW-developed, Peugeot/Citroen-manufactured 1.6-litre THP turbo petrol engine with four cylinders. It’s a Euro-5 engine, which means it’s very fuel efficient. The bare figures read thus: 147kW between 5800rpm and 6800rpm, and 275Nm of torque between 1700rpm and 4500rpm. Peugeot claims a 7.7 second 0 – 100km/h sprint time, which is in the ball park area for such a car. Average fuel consumption is claimed at 6.9 litres per 100km, with corresponding C02 emissions at 159g/km. For the latter it means a C02 tax penalty of R3 334.50 over the listed price.


A short-shift 6-speed manual is fitted for changes, and if it’s anything like the one I experienced with the 308 CC and the new RCZ, then we are in for a real treat as far as the fun-o-metre goes. The front wheels do the pulling. Top speed is rated at 237km/h.


From a visual point of view, the GTI differentiates itself by using a lower front bumper, a restyled rear apron with a rear diffuser, a rear roof spoiler and two chromed tailpipes. Running shoes are 18-inch wheels with 225/40 R18 tyres.


Inside the changes will include a fascia with piano black inserts, an aluminium foot rest, an aluminium gearshift knob, a leather-trimmed sports steering wheel with a squared-off lower rim and aluminium detailing. Interior features include a USB and auxiliary ports, half-leather upholstery with contoured seats, cruise control, park sensors and rain sensors.


ESP stability control is standard, and includes dynamic stability control (CDS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA). The CDS, ASR (traction control) and EBA functions can be switched off simultaneously to allow demanding and experienced drivers to fully enjoy the car’s capacities.


The Peugeot 308 GTI is available immediately at Peugeot dealers nationwide. Price includes a five-year/90 000 km service plan, and a three-year/100 000 km warranty.




Peugeot 308 GTI Pricing
308 GTI 5-door (R293 335 including C02 tax)