VOLKSWAGEN PROFITS ALMOST QUADRUPLE IN Q1

Volkswagen AG posted a profit of €1.71 billion (R16.8 billion) in the first quarter of 2011. That is up from €473 million (R4.6 billion) during the same period in 2010. It’s all at the back of revenues amounting to €37.5 billion (R368.2 billion). China seems to be the driving force behind VW’s success, along with former BRIC countries. South Africa recently joined the group to form BRICS.

In the first 3 months of the year, the German company sold 1.97 million vehicles globally. Sales are coming from all fronts, including the Polo, Tiguan, Audi A1 and Audi Q5.

It wasn’t all rose beds though as Bentley and Seat still experienced losses, albeit on a much smaller scale than last year. The super luxury brand posted €25 million (R245.4 million) negative numbers, while Seat, which pulled out of Mzansi in 2008, lost €12 million (R117.8 million), down from €110 million (R1 billion) in 2010.

NEW PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS 4.0 BURSTS OPEN

Porsche has announced that only 600 of its brand new 911 GT3 RS 4.0 will come off the production line. Track-inspired and featuring the most powerful naturally aspirated 911 of all time, the GT3 RS 4.0 features a flat-six engine displacing, you guessed it, 4.0-litres and pushing out 368kW past the centrally-mounted twin exhaust pipes.

Porsche saw it fit to connect it to a 6-speed manual gearbox which sends power and torque exclusively to the rear wheels. The result is said to be a 0 – 100km/h sprint of 3.9 seconds and is claimed to lap the famed Nürburgring’s Nordschleife in a devastating 7 minutes and 27 seconds. Straight line top end is about 308km/h.

Emphasising its sporting prowess are bits like carbon fibre front fenders, a wide track, low suspension, air deflection vanes on either side, a large rear wing and carbon fibre bucket seats.

In the US the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 will cost US$185 000 (about R1.27 million) when it launches later on in the year. Porsche Centre Johannesburg should price it around the R2.6 million mark.

DR DRE "CRASHES" FERRARI 360 MODENA IN MUSIC VIDEO

West Coast hip-hop godfather Dr Dre (born Andre Young) shot the video for his new single “I Need A Doctor” featuring protege Eminem, off his new CD Detox a while ago. Part of the video’s antics included crashing a Ferrari 360 Modena, and that’s exactly what the stuntman did, as you will see on the video.

What’s a little concerning, or even scary about it, is how close the car got to thrashing the good Doctor himself, here shown as a bystander to the whole thing. Of course in the video it’s Dre himself driving along a beautiful snaking coastal road, and his life keeps flashing right before his very eyes. Eventually he loses control of the car and it flips, goes airborne and crashes spectacularly on the road. You can get a good example of this car for about R1.7 million today.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLIP

OPEL GTC: NEW RENDERINGS REVEALED

Opel’s GTC Concept car, unveiled at the 2010 Paris International Motor Show, is well on its production way. These renderings are just a short reminder of that. They are officially from Opel itself, but as you can see, the badging is Vauxhall which is the UK version of Opel. The GTC is based on the new Astra and is placed beneath the OPC model and it faces off with hot hatches like the VW Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST, Renault Megane RS and Mazda3 MPS.

We already know how much power the GTC is wielding from that 2.0-litre turbo engine. In case you missed it, it is 213kW sent to the front wheels. What that means for the OPC is anyone’s guess, but I will wager on something close on 240kW for that snort-ripper. 

KENNY KUNENE'S ZAR PARTNER GAYTON MCKENZIE SURVIVES HORROR CRASH

It was a mega roadtrip this weekend with several of the ZAR sports cars heading to East London and Umtata for the Zuma-Sambudla weddings, but it was on the way home from Umthatha that disaster struck, about 40km from the town, between Umtata and Ncgobo. Gayton McKenzie, the Chairman of the ZAR brand, was passing a truck on a bumpy road, when the bumps turned into ditches in the road. The white, V10 R8 Spyder began to lose control.

Gayton, an enormously experienced driver, realised the car was going to leave the road and did his best to steer it from the right hand side, where there was a row of trees. He managed to veer left, in front of the truck he’d just passed, then narrowly missed a telephone pole, crashed through the roadside fencing, driving on two wheels for part of the way. The car went through a ditch and crashed into an electricity pylon, catching fire. In the car with him was Moloko McKenzie, former Miss SA teen, who was now knocked unconscious. Gayton, in a rush of adrenaline, managed to free himself from the totaled sports car, pulled Moloko free of the seat and carried her to safety, rolling into a ditch as he was convinced the car might explode. It was only then that he realised he had a broken foot.

The accident was witnessed by several in the ZAR convoy. Kenny Kunene was following the R8 in his black Lamborghini convertible and, when phoned for comment, was inconsolably emotional, as were all the others at the scene.

Gayton, on the other hand, was simply happy to be alive. Realising Moloko was all right and that he had emerged from the incident barely hurt, he was on top form, even joking with the paramedics. The instant rumours of his death, which even reached his mom, are, as Mark Twain put it, greatly exaggerated.

So, to all Gayton’s friends, fans and family, the good news is that the big man is still alive. To all you haters, the bad news is that he’s still alive.

ZAR people, take care on the roads, wear those seatbelts and get home safely. It can happen to the best of us, so appreciate every moment.

We asked Gayton what car he would get to replace the R8. “Something slower,” he said. “Maybe time for that Maybach.”

WATCH A TRACTOR PULL IT AWAY ON THIS VIDEO.

STORY AND PICTURES COURTESY OF ZAR 

JAPAN TSUNAMI: FORD SHUTS DOWN SA PLANT

Ford South Africa is one of three of the company’s plants around the world which shut down this week because of shortages of parts from earthquake-hit Japan. The plants are located in South Africa (Silverton, Pretoria), Taiwan and China. The SA outfit builds the current Focus, Bantam bakkie (pickup), Ranger and Mazda BT-50 bakkies.

A number of car makers have been and are still affected by the earthquake which turned into a tsunami on the 11^th of March. Ford’s Taiwan factory builds cars like the Mondeo, Mazda3 and Mazda5, while in China they make the Fiesta, Mazda2 sedan and Mazda3.

NEW NISSAN MICRA SECRET PRICING OUT!

Nissan South Africa launches the all-new Micra 5-door hatch in May. We have some exclusive indicative pricing for the small car. The cheapest one will come in at R108 000 while the most expensive is R143 000. Three engine models will be on offer, according to our secret sources.

Two of these engines are petrol while the one is a turbo diesel. Previous-generation Micra also came in a highly capable and exceptional diesel but was unfortunately overlooked by the market. The new one will be a 1.5 dCi also and cost R143 000. The two petrols consist of the same 1.2-litre 3-cylinder, one naturally aspirated and the other supercharged. The former does 59kW while the latter kicks out 72kW and 142Nm. At these prices you are certainly getting more car for your money than the model it replaces.

VOLVO NORTH AMERICA BOOSTS R-DESIGN ENGINE POWER

Volvo North America has made our dreams come true by not only adding aerodynamic and cosmetic bits to its S60 and XC60 R-Design lines, but also bumping up power. In Mzansi, Volvo recently announced its R-Design models for the S60 and V60. However, no power ups were involved in that exercise.

Specifically for the T6 engine, power has been increased from the standard 224kW to 242kW, making it the most powerful standard mass-production engine ever to come out of the Swedish-Chinese automaker’s factory. Maximum torque is also up from 440Nm right up to 479Nm. There were no figures mentioned but this should be enough to claim a 0 – 100km/h sprinter of 6 seconds flat.

Of course R-Design isn’t just about that but also about suspension tweaks and chassis changes. The cars are without a doubt the most dynamic Volvo created.

“The jump in performance will re-define these two R-Design models,” said Doug Speck, president and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America. “Along with styling and suspension features that set them apart from other versions, our two newest R-Design models will have a higher 'fun-to-drive' quotient. I see that as a positive thing, and so will car buyers.”

CITROËN SA LAUNCHES MASSIVE FACEBOOK SEARCH FOR CELEBRITY AMBASSADOR

We’ve all seen and heard about them  -  celebrities that represent various brands, and we’ve questioned how the affiliation between certain ambassadors and the brand they represent came about.

Citroën has come up with an innovative and exciting facebook application where the member can vote for a celebrity which he thinks should represent the innovative brand.
 

This is how it works: The profiles of 8 potential ambassadors have been placed on Citroën’s facebook page.  These are young, experienced achievers in the entertainment industry, including TV, music, radio and sport. Voters will be asked to match each celebrity with a Citroën vehicle based on their profiles.

This highly interactive process, a local industry first, will see the Celebrity with the most facebook votes become the next ambassador and of course drive the vehicle of their choice.  Voters will also go into a draw in which the ultimate prize is a day spent with the winner! and there are plenty more amazing spot prizes to snatch.

On the other hand, in the true spirit of an election, the celebrities themselves are encouraged to drum up potential voters to support them in obtaining this much sort after prize.

The chosen celebrity will sip on massive exposure. He or she will be photographed arriving at selected functions, attending high profile events and generally enjoying a chic lifestyle in their stylish new Citroën.

Citroën has one of the freshest and most exciting model line-ups on the market today, some of which have already won major international awards. Just this April the sporty performance-geared Citroën DS3 took home another coveted and internationally-acclaimed award by winning the 2011 Women’s World Car of the Year

So go ahead,visit the Citroën FaceBook page and place your vote.

[THE CELEBRITIES]
AKA
AKA’s hit single ‘VictoryLap’ has so far garnered a staggering over 24000 views on You Tube. The voice over artist/ music producer was named MTV Base New Artist of the month for December 2010.

Azania Ndoro
MetroFM presenter Azania has captured listeners since 2001.Later she became the first woman to host a breakfast show on a major commercial radio station in Mzansi. She now presents the very popular 9-12am Mid-morning show.

Hip Hop Pantsula “HHP”
Multi-platinum recording artist, TV presenter, award winner, lyricist and rapper HHP’s list of achievements keeps growing. This hip-hop artist has had so much success in SA that he’s shared the stage with acts like Snoop Dogg and Jamie Cullum, and has performed at the World Cup 2010 opening ceremony.

DJ Lea
As one of SA’s top female DJs, Lady Lea has been spinning decks since the tender age of 14, and now successfully runs her own record label named Beat Boutique. Under this label she has released the highly successful Divas on Decks album range, which features up and coming female DJs from South Africa and gives them the exposure the need.

LoyisoBala
LoyisoBala was trained at the prestigious Drakensberg Boys Choir, and went on to release his first solo CD “Wine Woman and Song” in 2003, after featuring in the TKZee Family CD. These and follow-up CDs solidified Loyiso’s reputation as South Africa’s king of R&B. He has won numerous awards over the last few years and has had performances alongside acts like Alicia Keys, Shakira, the Black Eyed Peas and John Legend.

Minenhle“Minnie” Dlamini
Live co-presenter Minenhle Dlamini is a Durban born young lady with a lot of spunk and zest for life. A simple girl that loves people, a good time and embraces humility. She went to school in Durban and moved to UCT to obtain a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, which did not materialise as she had to leave Cape Town when she won the Live Presenter Search competition.

Sifiso ‘Skizo’ Nhlapo
Gaining three South African championship titles and a second place in last year’s Elite Men 20-inch World Championships has cemented Soweto-born Skizo’s reputation as one of the best BMX bikers in the world. In 2008, he was taken to a global level, which lead to him also winning a wildcard entry as South Africa’s only BMX representative in the Beijing Olympics.

Lulo Café
Lulo Café’s journey started back in 2003 when he created a live on air mix in Bloemfontein that resulted in a birth of a DJ whose mind is set on telling a story behind the decks. His sets vary from downtempo lounge music to funky selections, this has seen him featuring at infamous clubs and travelling around the country and neighbouring countries.

[THE CARS]
DS3
An instant icon, the DS3 already seems destined for legendary status. Creating a class of its own that is fresh, original and technologically advanced, the driving experience is truly like no other, with innovation just about everywhere you look. The CitroënDS3 is a clear expression and celebration of CrèativeTechnologie. Features include a Gear Efficiency Indicator, sport suspension and an auxiliary music player socket.

C5
Quietly sophisticated, C5 redefines comfort, aesthetics, performance and protection. It comes with two new engines, including an efficient 2.0 HDi turbo diesel. With interior comforts like heated seats in some models, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, the C5 is the ultimate urban vehicle that has the style and power to get your heart racing, with the control and technology to keep your mind at ease.

C4
The new C4 is strong on style and its robust design provides masses of usable space: it’s effortlessly practical in every sense of the word. A combination of responsive handling, precise steering, ride comfort and intelligently placed controls enhance every trip. The new C4’s striking
exterior is assertive, elegant and compact, making it everything you might need. Standard features include a trip computer, CD/radio combo and front seats with a massage function in some models.

C1
Small where it matters, big where it counts. The new C1 is designed to be the ultimate urban vehicle, with attributes such as air conditioning, height adjustable steering wheel and a radio/ CD player. Made for easy maneuverability and dealing with tight spaces, while not compromising with comfort. Stylish, safe and economical, the C1 is a true city vehicle.

C3
A journey for your senses. The new C3 offers you driving satisfaction with the ultimate in new technology, giving you everything you need exactly where you need it to be. The new Citroën C3 is sleek and stylish on the outside and light and spacious on the inside, offering you a Zenith Windscreen that gives great all-round visibility and brightness. Other sweet features are the scented air freshener and on-board trip computer indicating fuel consumption etc.

C3 Picasso
The C3 Picasso is a box full of curves and fun. It was made for space and visibility. Experience it to the full with the panoramic windscreen. With adjustable and foldable seats, the storage capacity has seemingly endless capabilities. Efficient, economical and enjoyable. Everything you need in one car, including ABS, cruise control with speed limiter, automatic wipers and steering controls for the music.

NISSAN LEAF TAKES 2011 WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR CROWN

Winners of the World Car of the Year Awards were announced today at the 2011 New York Auto Show. The Nissan LEAF took the big prize and was named overall 2011 World Car of the Year. It piped fellow finalists the Audi A8 and the BMW 5 Series. LEAF is an all-electric family hatch, the first to be mass-produced, and is also the reigning European Car of the Year.

Other winners were the Ferrari 458 Italia which won World Performance Car of the Year, beating the Porsche 911 Turbo and our fastest car ever, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Previous winners in this category include the Nissan GT-R and the Audi R8. On the aesthetic side, the Aston Martin Rapide won World Design of the Year.

EASTER TIME. COPS ARE OUT IN FULL FORCE!

Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has urged road users to do the right thing and obey all road rules this Easter.

"From Thursday, 21 April until 2 May 2011, traffic volumes on the country's roads will increase as South Africans celebrate Easter, Freedom Day and Workers Day. We call upon all road users to do the right thing and obey all road rules. Driving with the headlights on during the day has proven to reduce vehicle crashes. We therefore urge motorists to drive with their headlights on at all times and make our roads safe.

"As part of the Arrive Alive-Make Roads Safe campaign, Law Enforcement Officers will be out in full force along major arterial routes and identified hazardous locations. Law enforcement operations will be conducted across the country in accordance with the National Rolling Enforcement Plan (NREP). The newly-established National Traffic Police will also bolster enforcement on vehicle roadworthiness, public passenger transport vehicles, speeds too high for circumstances, driving under the influence of alcohol and moving violations. Our Traffic Officers must be commended for their renewed dedication and commitment towards the NREP. We encourage motorists to take regular breaks and report bad driving to 0861 400 800. Pedestrians must ensure that they are visible in the dark, do not drink and walk, jaywalk or walk on freeways.

"Last Thursday (14 April), we returned from the launch of the 'Make Roads Safe, Time for Action' report of the Commission for Global Road Safety in London where the Zenani Mandela Road Safety Scholarship was announced. As government, we are going all out in South Africa to ensure that any person who commits any traffic offence faces the consequences of their actions, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Through the Arrive Alive-Make Roads Safe campaign and NREP, we are progressing well towards a unified, consistent and harmonised approach to traffic law enforcement in order to make a meaningful impact on road crashes and deaths. This is in line with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020, to be officially launched world-wide on 11 May 2011," said Minister Ndebele.

On 10 September 2010 Minister Ndebele committed that, as of 1 October 2010, Traffic Law Enforcement Officers across the country will stop and check no less than one million vehicles and drivers every month, as part of South Africa's Arrive Alive-Make Roads Safe campaign and new NREP.

From 1 October 2010 to 31 March 2011, over 7.5 million vehicles and drivers have been checked, 3.2 million fines issued for various traffic offences, 12 344 drunk drivers arrested and 30 824 un-roadworthy vehicles discontinued from use.

During March 2011, 1 013 886 vehicles and drivers were stopped and checked and 530 735 fines issued for various traffic offences, with most checks (198 341) in KwaZulu-Natal. Thousands of motorists were arrested including 1,341 for drunk driving, with the majority (629) arrested in the Western Cape. Other arrests included reckless and/or negligent driving (83); excessive speed (412); passenger overloading (40); goods overloading (50); warrants of arrest (2 155); public transport permits (196); false documentation (35); no driver's licence (349); other offences (315) and 3 700 un-roadworthy motor vehicles discontinued from use.

In February 2011, 941 870 vehicles and drivers were stopped and checked; 318 828 fines issued; 1 099 drunk driving arrests and 2 751 unroadworthy motor vehicles discontinued from use.

During January 2011, 1 105 545 vehicles and drivers were stopped and checked; 715 721 fines issued; 1 665 drunk driving arrests and 3 788 un-roadworthy motor vehicles discontinued from use.

In December 2010, 1 608 548 vehicles and drivers were stopped and checked; 553 189 fines issued; 3 412 drunk driving arrests and 5 822 vehicles discontinued from use.

During November 2010, 1 493 574 vehicles and drivers were stopped and checked; 684 739 fines issued; 2 571 drunk driving arrests and 10 282 vehicles discontinued from use.

In October 2010, 1 385 521 vehicles and drivers were stopped and checked; 408 650 fines issued; 2 256 drunk driving arrests and 4 481 vehicles discontinued from use.

NISSAN RACERS TO WELCOME NEW SUPERCHARGED 370 Z

Former national Formula GTi Challenge champion Marco da Cunha has mixed feelings about the upcoming round three of the Bridgestone Production Car Championship at Port Elizabeth’s Aldo Scribante circuit on April 30.
 

The Exa Nissan Dealer Team driver will be making his final appearance in the Tubular/R&A Cellular Nissan 350Z, which has spearheaded the team’s challenge in the championship since 2007. Round four at Welkom’s Phakisa Freeway in the Free State on June 4 should see the debut of a radical new contender from Exa Nissan, a supercharged Nissan 370Z.

“I can’t wait to get my hands on the steering wheel of the new 370Z,” admitted Marco with evident enthusiasm. “While the 350Z has been a fantastic car to race, it has long ago been superceded by the latest versions of our BMW, Audi and Subaru rivals and we have had our backs to the wall on just about every circuit in the country. With the 370Z we will finally have a car in which we can compete on equal terms.

“Because we’ve been at a distinct disadvantage to the forced induction and four-wheel drive cars we’ve had to concentrate on developing a car that really handles well and makes the most of what power it has. Right now, the 350Z probably handles better than any other car and we’ve been able to put this to good use whenever we’ve found ourselves on the front row of the grid, thanks to the reverse grid rule that applies in production car racing.

“I’ve developed a soft spot for this car in the four years I have been driving it and I’ve really enjoyed the two wins I’ve had at Killarney (in 2010 and most recently in round two on April 2).    

Team principal Grant van Schalkwyk confirms that the all-new 370Z should be ready for action in the Free State in a month’s time.  “It’s a radical design and we’ll be setting a trend, thanks to the foresight of the series controllers,” said the reigning South African land speed record holder.

“The decision to allow superchargers to be fitted to normally aspirated production cars in class A has opened up the series to manufacturers who don’t have standard production forced induction cars.  It’s good for the sport and presents a great marketing opportunity to attract new entrants.”

Returning to the job at hand, Van Schalkwyk said the team had put in a lot of time and effort preparing the two Tubular/R&A Cellular 350Zs for Marco and younger brother Paulo for the Port Elizabeth races.  Paulo, who has been driving the second 350Z since late last year, will continue with his car until the team is able to build a second 370Z.

“While we’ll again be on the back foot this weekend in terms of sheer pace, we will be looking to maximise our handling advantage and our ability to manage tyre wear better than most on the traditionally abrasive Aldo Scribante circuit.  As Marco has shown twice in the last 12 months at Killarney, starting from the front row of the grid in a short sprint we have every chance of bagging a victory.”

STORY COURTESY OF PETER BURROUGHES COMMUNICATIONS

OH DEAR! BMW AND CITROEN TAKE JOINT WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR AWARD!

Oh dear. Just when we thought we were special, there goes the rest of the world. It seems the Women’s World Car of the Year committee has chosen not one, but two cars as their winners! The Citroen DS3 and BMW 5 Series were named joint winners of the WWCOTY 2011.

Audited by accounting firm Grant Thornton, the results are said to have been dead centre for both cars, making it impossible to separate. Remember in March the SA Car of the Year was also in the same situation after having to name two winners, the BMW 530d and Volkswagen Polo 1.6 TDI.

“Each judge voted according to her specialist knowledge and not all judges voted similarly,” said Grant Thornton director Paul McCormick. “While some judges voted strongly in one segment this was tempered by a slightly lower vote in another.

“It was so very close between the top contenders and whatever way the voting is viewed, both the BMW 5 Series and the Citroen DS3 could not be separated – and for different reasons – and this, of course, shows the democratic nature of the voting system.”

A total of 16 international female motoring journalists voted at this year’s competition, including highly experienced South Africans Charlene Clarke and Helene Griffiths. Next year an additional two judges, one from Australia and the other from China, will be included.

MANIAC AUDI R8 GT HEADS FOR MZANSI. AT A PRICE...

Audi South Africa is introducing the Audi R8 GT to the South African market in the third quarter of 2011. This new member of the R8 family is a limited-production version of Audi’s high-performance sports car; the GT is more dynamic, lighter, more powerful and faster.
 

The output of its 5.2-liter V10 engine has been increased to 412 kW while vehicle weight has been reduced by 100 kilograms. The R8 GT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 320 km/h. The R8 GT Coupe shows an improvement on the performance of the R8 V10 Coupe which launches from 0 to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds to a top speed of 316 km/h with an output of 386 kW. The efficient direct-injection engine consumes only 13.9 litres of fuel per 100 km on average

Audi engineers have reduced the weight of the Audi R8 GT drastically when compared to the R8 5.2 FSI quattro. Including quattro permanent all-wheel drive, the Audi high-performance sports car tips the scales at just 1,525 kilograms, for a power-to-weight ratio of only 2.72 kilograms. In addition to the aluminium Audi Space Frame body, a number of new components made of carbon fibre composite play a decisive role in the car’s reduced weight.

The Audi R8 GT is fitted with the R tronic transmission, which can be controlled via gear shift paddles on the steering wheel. The automated manual transmission offers the advantage of a manual gearbox with high efficiency, compact dimensions and low weight. The R tronic also features the “Launch Control” program, which enables the R8 GT to spring into action in spectacular style.

With its longitudinally mounted mid-engine, the Audi R8 GT has a weight distribution of 43:57, and its quattro powertrain accordingly sends a majority of
the power to the rear axle.

The series is limited to 333 units globally with a total of seven units allocated to the South African market. Orders have been secured for all seven units. The exclusively rare Audi R8 GT will be on display at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show in October.

STORY BY AUDI

MORE POWERFUL JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE STR8 REVEALED

The more powerful all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 entered the 2011 New York Auto Show yesterday. It is dubbed the fastest Jeep ever made as Jeep parent Chrysler goes after the super German SUVs. Sadly the Yank comes in underpowered against its rivals, no thanks to the new naturally aspirated 6.4-litre HEMI V8.

Maximum power is rated at 347kW and it is said to be able to go from 0 – 100km/h in 4.9 seconds, with top speed governed at 250km/h. IN4RIDE got a significantly slower time during our test of the old car.Jeep says despite the power jump from 317kW to 347kW, fuel economy has improved. In fact, the US car is apparently able to go for about 724km on a single tank. Can’t wait to test that in good ole’ Gauteng.

We should be able to see it at JIMS in October, along with another new SRT8 car perhaps?

NEW VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GOES UPMARKET

Volkswagen’s all-new Passat has a long road to travel before Mzansi consumers begin to accept it as a genuine premium contender. That’s thanks to the car’s previous life as a cheap family hatch back in the 1980s. Although a couple of other, more upmarket versions were produced, locally VW only restarted the Passat programme with the 1996 B5 model in the late 1990s. Highly respected by those in the know, and deeply loved by its owners, that Passat was largely overlooked by a market steadily going premium with the likes of Audi A4. What about the new one then?

Walter Maria da Silva has infused the car with the company’s new face, a bare four-blade front grille broken by the large VW badge and kinky headlights. A sweeping line cuts through the middle from headlights to rear lights, slightly intruding into the uncomplicated rear lights cluster. Two tailpipes are visible in the petrol model.

Passat is really about comfort, space and practicality for the whole family, and as such is the largest VW sedan we’ll find in the country. Remember the Phaeton isn’t available here. Total length is 4.77 metres, width is 1.8m, height is 1.47m and the wheelbase is some 2.7m. So interior space is abundant, legroom a dime-a-dozen, luxury adequate. Materials used are typically VW, similar to the Golf but a little more upmarket than the current Jetta and outgoing Passat. There’s even a special transparent plastic sandwiched within the windscreen, to help keep exterior noise at bay. Company representatives expect to poach some buyers from A4, 3 Series, C-Class and S60, but all that black interior plastic will not quite make their case. Nice to experience the seat-cooling air conditioning through the touch of a button on the side of the seat.

For our benefit VW SA is only importing two engines at this point, both persuaded by some force-feeding mechanism. At the petrol end is a 1.8-litre TSI with a turbo, producing 118kW between 5000rpm and 6200rpm, and max torque of 250Nm between 1500rpm and 4200rpm. It can be mated either to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG. A 0 – 100km/h time of 8.5 seconds can be expected from both versions, with top speed of 220km/h slated. My co-driver and I didn’t get to explore fully the top end but were suitably satisfied with the car’s handling, despite its understeering front-wheel-drive layout. The manual consumes 6.9 litres per 100km and interestingly the DSG pledges 7 litres per 100km of fuel, according to VW.

When it comes to diesel, only one motor is available, also with a choice of manual or DSG, but this time it’s the 6-speed DSG and not the 7-speed. Peak power from the 2.0-litre TDI is 103kW at 4200rpm, max torque is 320Nm between 1750 and 2500rpm. Although these figures are very good, I can’t help but wonder why VW has been left behind while competitors are currently putting out more power from their 2.0-litre turbo diesels. Fuel consumption is expectedly straw-like at a combined 5.6 litres per 100km and 6.4 litres per 100km for the 6-speed manual and DSG respectively.

Passengers will never feel short-changed, thanks to a long list of standard and optional interior features. Happiness is the feeling that swoops a driver when he/ she realises that they can experience a different climate to their front passenger, thanks to the dual-zone climatic control system. Other sweet touches include a 3-spoke steering wheel with height/ reach adjustability, a trip computer, CD/radio with navigation, park distance control (with camera), cruise control and electric sunroof.

While the Passat does not yet feel like a full-on premium car, it’s coming ever-closer to that goal. Certainly cars like the Mazda6 and Hyundai Sonata should feel a little worried, although the latter reportedly sells well over 300 units every month. VW has plenty of work ahead convincing the market that a Passat is better than an A4. The local marketing outfit is convinced it can, spurred on by the 15 million worldwide sales the badge has collected over 6 generations. It will just take a bit of time that’s all.




2011 Volkswagen Passat Pricing

1.8 TSI Comfortline (R294 000)
1.8 TSI Comfortline DSG (R309 000)
2.0 TDI Comfortline (R309 500)
2.0 TDI Comfortline DSG (R324 500)

MERCEDES-BENZ E 63 AMG GETS TURBO BOOST

We always knew Mercedes-Benz would pluck that new 5.5-litre twin turbo V8 into the E 63 AMG, but we always assumed it would be later, you know, at facelift time. But E-Class facelift time is still some 18 months or so away. Yet, in Germany the E 63 AMG now sports this frothing engine. Could the upcoming BMW M5 have been a catalyst perhaps? Or was it always the plan to cut into the car’s life cycle with this engine?

Whatever the case, the engine replaces the old naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 with 386kW but apparently keeps the same power figure in normal configuration, although fuel efficiency is reportedly better at a claimed 9.8 litres per 100km. However, the optional AMG performance package perks things up to 410kW, which is very sweet in any language.

SOURCE: WCF VIA AUTOBILD

FIAT 500 GOES ARTY IN MOZAMBIQUE

To celebrate the official opening of Mozambique’s premier Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealership in Maputo on the 5th April, a very special Fiat 500 was revealed – a car designed and painted by award-winning Mozambican artist, Malangatana Valente Ngwenya. The work, entitled “The Italian Woman” quite literally takes Malangatana’s artistic vision from the gallery and onto the street. Somewhat poignantly, the Malangatana 500 was the last piece ever crafted by the artist as he sadly passed away on the 5th January 2011. 

The mobile masterpiece was unveiled at the dealership’s inauguration by relatives of Malangatana and the Ferreira Dos Santos family, the latter of course being the owners of the Maputo dealership and the patrons of this shared initiative. 

The idea was conceived in the middle of 2010 when Malangatana met with the Ferreira Dos Santos family and it was decided to invest in a project of artistic and cultural import that would at the same time have a major beneficial social spin-off.  

A brand-new Fiat 500 1.4 and all the art materials donated by Técnica Industrial, the company owned by the Ferreira Dos Santos family, served as the inspirational canvas for the artist’s imagination. Malangatana named the vehicle which he worked on in his final month of life in Maputo, “The Italian”. Day after day, on his way to the dealership, where he worked under cover, he would announce that he had a meeting with his “Italian Woman”. The result is a striking fusion of Italian design and evocative African symbolism. The flanks of the 500 are adorned with mesmerising nature-inspired imagery; a unique touch embellishing the rear and the dashboard is Malangatana’s characteristically flamboyant signature embossed in aluminium.

“The Italian Woman” will go on show to the entire world on the www.sapo.mz portal from the 5th May till the 6th June, by means of a virtual auction run by Sapo Mozambique, the media and technology partner for this initiative. All proceeds from the sale will go to the Malangatana Foundation, a charity which raises funds for needy Mozambicans.

According to a spokesperson for the Malangatana Foundation: “The recent death of Malangatana did not allow him to personally introduce his “Italian Woman” to the world. That task instead fell to those of us that were closely involved with the project and, in a small way, allowed us to pay homage to an all-time great Africa artist, an icon in the Mozambican cultural landscape and, above all, an extraordinary human being. “The Italian Woman” is a crowning tribute to a memorable artist’s fruitful life and serves to commemorate and perpetuate his name in space and time.”

STORY BY FIAT

NAVTEQ HOOKS UP WITH GARMIN

NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world, has announced that Garmin Distribution Africa has chosen NAVTEQ maps for South Africa and enhanced content for its new nüvi devices. 

Garmin has access to NAVTEQ map data worldwide (currently available in 84 countries and territories), through a long-term global contract between the two companies, and is further extending its reach with the implementation of coverage in South Africa.

Dawn Ramsay, General Manager Garmin (Europe) Ltd commented, “Garmin has utilised NAVTEQ maps and content for the majority of the countries we serve over the last 10 years. This agreement has led to world firsts, such as individual lane guidance and improved junction views, helping our customers navigate with accuracy and ease. The integration of the NAVTEQ map for South Africa will continue to make sure that our consumers receive the best navigational experience available on the market today.”

Made available this week on the Garmin nüvi 2200, 2300, 2360LT, 2460LT, 3760LT and 3790LT, the NAVTEQ map for South Africa includes the country’s entire 554,361 kilometres of road network - stretching from the Kruger National Park in the North down to Cape Town on the Southern tip.  There are also over 180,000 Points of Interest in 71 different categories featuring destinations such as fuel stations, restaurants, banks and ATMs, hotels and tourist attractions, more.

The Garmin nuvï devices also feature a range of pre-loaded South African content and services including a subset of NAVTEQ’s Tracks4Africa: Off-Road Guide, which is a subset of the full product version. The Tracks4Africa: Off-Road Guide content enables turn-by-turn navigation off the beaten path; waypoint information; and guidance on biking and hiking trails. Other NAVTEQ content features 3D Landmarks, generic displays of road signs and junctions, information to support Lane Assist functionality, speed limits and a broad range of road conditions which all help guide drivers efficiently and effectively on the road network.

“The new nüvi 3700 series  moves navigation forward in leaps and bounds. This multi-award winning GPS is the thinnest device available today and draws its intelligence from the data available within the information supplied by NAVTEQ. More live services are expected to launch later this year in South Africa with the Introduction of nuLink connected devices, helping to keep users up-to-date with the latest lifestyle information available through Garmin’s extensive live services,” added Walter Mech, Group Sales and Marketing Director, Garmin Distribution Africa (Pty) Ltd.

NAVTEQ digital map data is built on the roads of the world by over one thousand NAVTEQ geographic analysts who drive millions of kilometres every year collecting and verifying data.  They all work with the same technology and processes, combined with local knowledge and sources, to produce a single global specification for a database which currently features over 32 million kilometres of roadway.  The company is also continually developing the exciting new content expected by today’s demanding consumers.

"With comprehensive NAVTEQ maps and location content, Garmin will continue to deliver the quality navigation experience South African drivers expect”, concluded Yiannis Moissidis, vice president, Sales Middle-East, Africa, Russia & Balkans. "We are delighted to support Garmin's leadership by strengthening our relationship even further and extending our collaboration into new regions.  The result is a great value add for consumers in South Africa and around the world.”


STORY B Y NAVTEQ

VOLVO UNIVERSE CONCEPT BREAKS INTO SHANGHAI

At this year's Shanghai Auto Show in April, Volvo Car Corporation will unveil the Concept Universe - a large, luxurious sedan with a new human-centric design language that honours the beautiful lines of classic Volvo models.
 

"The Concept Universe offers the world a sneak preview of what people can expect from our next top-of-the-line sedan," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

Volvo Car Corporation's long-term strategy is to be a successful, truly global company with products designed around our customers' needs and lifestyles.

Scandinavian Design is about understanding and caring about people and Volvo Car Corporation aims to be the brand that best interprets what buyers of modern luxury cars want.

The Concept Universe has been designed to spark a subconscious desire and a feeling of eternal beauty. It moves towards the future with its coupé-like roofline and contemporary, solid rear, but it also echoes Volvo's proud heritage by borrowing design cues from classic models of the past.

"Just like fine luxury goods, this design feels handcrafted and durable enough to stand the test of time," says Peter Horbury, Vice President Design at Volvo Car Corporation. "We will compete with the best with our special kind of Scandinavian Design. It is unmatched in performance and technology, but without superficiality or complication."

The interior of the Concept Universe is a comfortable, cultivated environment that is also user-focused and refreshingly uncomplicated. It is driver-orientated in the front and comfortably relaxed in the rear.

The in-command driver environment has intuitive controls and a touch-screen that approaches the hand when the driver reaches towards it - with everything operated from a seat that is inspired by ultra-comfortable chairs.

Passengers in the rear seat are embraced by pure comfort as the interior moulds into the rear seat and becomes part of the seating environment.

The dynamic feel and the dark colour scheme of the front seats fades seamlessly towards the rear until it fully transforms into a light rear seat haven of calmness. Concept Universe is full of classic forms, materials and textures, used with a twist to create a special contemporary luxury experience.

"The Concept Universe is exceptionally refined, yet with all the simplistic assets that make Volvo champions of the uncomplicated. There is a growing appreciation for this ingenious blend of design and technology among modern luxury car buyers. This trend paves the way for our success. We are convinced that our special brand of luxury has a great future," Peter Horbury concludes.

"Our aim is to be the brand that best understands what buyers of modern luxury cars want. We are eager to hear what the most demanding Chinese customers think of this luxurious concept. Later, we will show the design in Europe and the United States in order to bring it into the global context that we are aiming for with all our car models," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

STORY BY VOLVO