BMW evens out their M coupe range

The BMW M4 which replaces the M3 Coupe, is the first model in the new even M Powered coupe range : Photo BMW Blog

 Sthembiso Lebuso

BMW`s decision to even out their M range baffled me when I saw a headline reading "BMW Kills the M3 Coupe" my heart literally stopped, as the M3 generation has been with us since the legendary E30 M3. 

The last E92 M3 coupe model BMW built is a engineering masterpiece, offering all that one could possibly expect from the Bavarian quality sport rides that offer performance and the best handling in their range.

Luckily for us petrol heads BMW announced the M4. The M4 is all part of BMW's new plan, that will see every M powered coupe wearing an even number on its rear end. In explanation, the latest addition to the M breed the BMW 1 series coupe changes to the 2 series coupe, its sibling the 3 series coupe makes way for the 4 series and there will be the 6 series coupe.

BMW promises that the M4 will carry the same DNA as the M3 ensuring that it will have all the elements that make the M3 a beast. BMW has not given out the exact information about the engine on the M4, but however they have mentioned that it will be a turbocharged engine. BMW enthusiast do not like that M cars are being turbocharged but the folks at BMW have made a valid “power point’ in pointing out the M5 as an example of why they have gone the turbo route.

BMW purists were not happy that the M5 lost its beasty V10 for a smaller V8 but losing two cylinders and slapping on a turbocharger has made an impeccable power impression, proving that size does not necessarily matter.

Though smaller the V8 produces more power and provides needed torque at low revs. I strongly believe that BMW are going to turbo charge their treasured straight six engines. Turbochargers are not the only mechanisms that have work wonders for the M5 and M6, intelligent aerodynamics and the clever use of materials such as carbon-fibre make the cars light which help engine in power delivery.

BMW is focusing on making their cars lightweight and the M4 will shed about 100kg from its predecessor the M3 coupe and with an estimated 336kw, the difference will be shown when you drag race your pals in their M3 coupes.

BMW did not deny the chances of there being a M3 saloon, giving optimism that the M name will not die completely.

Mercedes-Benz reveals brute S63 AMG

Thapelo Tshule

Mercedes Benz has divulged the 2014 S63 AMG 4MATIC, which will be powered by the most commanding V8 engine to come out of the AMG power plant, it promises to be a high-performance luxury sedan that will offer top class driving capabilities in its segment.

Piloting the elegant S 63 is set to expose buyers to top notch driving dynamics, which are constructed for efficiency using the lightweight construction based on the ‘AMG LIGHTWEIGHT PERFORMANCE’ philosophy.  Materials used for the 2014 S63 AMG 4MATIC make it 100kg lighter than its predecessor. Weight saving is archived thanks to the use of AMG forged light-wheels, a lightweight lithium-ion battery and a weight saving AMG two-piece brake system. Furthermore, aluminum paneled outer skin and a carbon fibre spare wheel carrier are some of the ways Mercedes managed shed some weight of the luxurious sedan.  

In terms of efficiency, maximum output and fuel consumption figures of the AMG 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo engine remains impressive making it the most efficient V8 its class. According to Mercedes fuel consumption figures of 10,1 l/100km for the two-wheel-drive versions and 10,3 l/100 km for the 4Matic. The fuel consumption of this new S63 AMG 4MATIC is lower than its predecessor despite the 36kW power increase.

Brute Power comes from the AMG 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo engine, the most powerful member of the M157 engine family.  Power outputs are listed at 430kW and 900Nm of torque is available from 2250-3750 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 IS estimated to take about 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h is electronically limited. A new standard feature that will be available on the 2014 model is the AMG all-wheel-drive 4matic system, which enhances driving dynamics whilst delivering effortless superior performance.

Powerful and sophisticated looks of the S63 AMG 4MATIC makes a visual impression. The high-performance sedan’s design is defined by the impressive blend of sensual Mercedes characteristics. A large, upright three-dimensional radiator grille underlines the special status of the S-class , with a rather exciting front apron with three large air dams. The large AMG  forged alloys are another trademark of the AMG feature. They give us a clear view of the AMG high performance brake system. The ‘V8 BI-TURBO’ badge is sleekly places on the front fenders, identifying the top-of-the-range eight-cylinder model. The new lettering also appears on the boot lid of the S63 AMG. The design is drawn to a conclusion by a black diffuser insert, with a silver trim shadow that’s coupled with quad chrome tailpipes.

Like the exterior design, the treatment in the cabin of the S63 AMG interior appears to be a special place. The newly developed AMG sports seats with electric adjustment, memory function and seat heating offer the driver and passenger more support. Fine AMG designed leather seats, with stitched AMG logos stitched on to the front and back seats, creates a muscular atmosphere on board.

The S63 AMG 4MATIC sets new standards in active and passive safety, as what began with PRE-SAFE ten years ago and continued with DISTRONIC PLUS, is now leading to a new dimension in driving. Comfort and safety have blended into one and Mercedes-Benz calls it ‘INTELLIGENT DRIVE’. The S-class is known to be one of the safest cars in the market but this new system makes the S-class even safer.

Jaguar Project 7 Concept

Photo sourced from Autoblog.com

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

Jaguars F-Type roadster, is one of the British manufacturer`s  latest models to receive a full high performance treatment in the aim of paying tribute to a record of Jaguar`s  7 successful wins during the 1951 -1990 24 Hour Le Mans race seasons. 

  

The F-Type provided a perfect platform for the Project 7, largely due to the aluminium architecture that makes it possible for Jaguar to tweak and modify it into a superb performance roadster. Exterior changes from the standard F-type include a massive flaring located just behind the driver`s seat,  restyled bumpers with larger air intakes, front splitter, aluminium wing mirrors , 20-inch alloy wheels and a lowered windshield which is set to clear higher wind disturbance.

 Muscular stance at a 14 degree angle through a fixed rear spoiler gives the seven, a unique touch which is complimented by the legendary blue paint job and number 7 on both sides of the roadster. A full racing feel has been explored in the interior which has lost the passenger seat, in exchange of a helmet holder and racing style seat fitted with a harness to keep the driver from being thrown around by all the power hidden within the hood. Carbon fiber sits on the rest of the interior, mostly on the center console and the sports shift leaver.

In producing a high performance car, how it performs is the most important and crucial part of the whole project.  Power comes from 5.0 litter V8 engine which produces 450kW at 6500 rpm, 680Nm of torque hails from 2500 rpm to 5000 rpm. All of this is driven through a 8 speed quick shift auto transmission to the rear wheels. The power increase of 40kW and 55Nm of torque assists the seven in reaching a 0-100 km/h sprint time in 4.1 seconds.

In addition to the performance of the roadster a free flow exhaust system has been added to fine tune the sound track of the project seven, which will be broadcasted through four exhaust tips out of the aggressive looking rear end. The Project 7 F-Type roadster will make its official world debut at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed in Britain 

Horse power Sunday at classic car show

The South African favourite Ford Cotina were some of the classic cars that were exhibited at the Classic Car & Bike Show 2013

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

Over 2800 cars were exhibited at the Classic Car & Bike Show that took place on the 7th of July at the Narec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.

Walking in from Gate 2 , car fans were welcomed by the sight of two Ford Contina models a 3.0 GLS and the South African loved XR6 model which were both in mint condition, featuring all original parts from the interior right up to the engine parts in the hood.

Inside exhibition hall 6, vehicles from different classic car era`s featured from paintings and drawings of the various classics that were going for a selling price of a second car to their moving models which packed the area.  A long list of cars and bikes from the different classic car era`s including the 1912-1929 Vintage era, Pre- War (1930-1944), Post War (1949-1980) and the Modern era of the last 25 years represented . The most dominant era which featured on the day was the Post War era with a wide selection of vintage, hot rods, exotics, and muscle cars.

Deep and rough baritone sounds which came from the V8 engine of a 1960 Mustang Shelby Fastback, attracted large crowds who did not seem to have a problem with the noise level and vibrations caused by the classic muscle car.  The show also provided a platform for various brands to show case their auto products and customisation services, as well as a park and sell platform. Classic car owners also enjoyed having the opportunity to swop motor parts and meet other classic car enthusiasts, while exchanging various ideas on how to keep their classics running with the younger generation. 

The experience of having the presence of classic cars was educational to the 19000 visitors attending the event who were exposed to cars that show us how the motoring industry has progressed, from steel bodies of the 90`s to the more recently dramatically stilled fibre glass bodies and various technologies that are used. 

 

The atmosphere at the biggest Classic Car & Bike Show in Johannesburg, was perfect for a lesson in classic motoring history on a Sunday afternoon. 

 












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Ample power increase for Golf 7 GTI

VW`s latest Golf MK7 GTI in the three most favourable colours, photo source : Kingston VW

Contribution by Thapelo Tshule

The much anticipated GTI has reached South African markets, with local pricing announced at a starting price of R368 300 for the GTI 2,0 TSI MT and R382 800 for the 2.0 TSI DSG unit.

With the Golf 6 phasing out and the Golf 7 in our markets, Golf enthusiasts are now posed with the predecessor vs. successor question: is the MK7 any better than the previous generation MK6 GTI?

The golf 7 has been fitted with a turbocharged, direct injection four-cylinder 2.0l TSI turbo petrol engine, that pushes 162kW from the 4 500 to 6 200 rpm rev range and 350 Nm of torque is available from 1 500 to 4 400 rpm. Recent reports of the performance edition not hitting South African shores have now been updated with the confirmation that the performer will be available at a later stage. The performance model will feature a plus 7 kW increase and will add to the GTI line up at an unconfirmed stint.   

The base model comes standard with a 6 speed manual transmission that will transmit it to a top speed of 246km/h while pacing the 0-100km\h distance in 6.5 seconds. VolksWagen claims a 0.1 second faster 0-100kh\h and a 264km top speed for the DSG model. Compared to its predecessor the MK7 is slightly quicker than the Golf 6, the MK7 is 42kg lighter, making it 0.4 seconds quicker in the 0-100km\h sprint and a torque improvement from 280Nm to 350Nm. Other improvements in the 15 mm lower GTI include an 18% lower fuel economy, improved suspension with the XDS+ electronic differential lock

Building a fully speced GTI will see customers pay anything in between R850 00 – R18 350 for the variety of available features, which may be worth it for those who are will to dig deep into their pocket for the full GTI treatment. Optional features include Metallic/Pearlescent Paint, Panoramic Sunroof (Tilt & Slide), Manually Foldable Tow bar, Bi-Xenon headlights package, Keyless entry, High beam assist “Light Assist”, Park Distance Control (Front & Rear), Parallel parking assistant “Park Assist” with PDC, “Rear Assist”, Adaptive chassis control including driving profile selection, Mobile device interface, Media-In with iPod/iPhone adapter cable, “Discover Pro” Radio with Satellite Navigation, USB & Bluetooth, a DynAudio 300W Excite system and a rear view camera for those who would like to see their predecessors follow.

On the looks, the car is far from ugly, but It may be time for VW to re-think the design of the GTI and offer customers a new look. The current design which is almost refreshed from model to model is a bit tired. Motoring journos have dubbed the GTI 7 as the “fresh-faced” GTI, which tells us that changes have been made but more could have been done.

Customers will appreciate the integration of the single red lip running into the head lights as well as the five-spoke 18-inch Austin alloys which are unique from the two model old, ninja star-aping Detroit wheels. Sporty exterior changes can also be spotted starting from the front bumper and headlights right up to the more detailed rear which features an integrated roof spoiler, air diffusers, smoked LED taillights and two 80 mm chrome exhaust tips which will be enjoyed by those walking the streets as the DSG model shifts along the streets.

Maybe with the Golf 8 we might see what VW have up their sleeves, but from what has been brought to us seems to be well on its way of selling its expected 65000 models to loyal South Africans.

VolksWaggen means “the peoples car” in German and with the correct price tag it will surely stick to its meaning in our market. That is what the Golf 7 will be, as without a doubt the Golf GTI is a favourite in the South African market.

So with the arrival of the latest GTI, be sure to see links of Junkmail, Gumtree and those who will be selling it on the OLX market pop-up when you search for the Golf 6 GTI!

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