JAGUAR XF 2.2 DIESEL: SLOWEST SIPPING PUSSY OF ALL

A British team has crossed North America, from New York to Los Angeles, in an XF 2.2 Diesel averaging an incredible 4.49 litres/100 km over 4 641 kilometres – making it the most efficient Jaguar ever created.

PORSCHE PANAMERA GTS STEPS UP

Panamera’s GTS has come out guns blazing at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show. Panned between the 4S and the Turbo versions, the GTS features the same 4.8-litre V8 engine with natural aspiration. Not only that, but also a few special décor pieces that make sure it stands out from the usual crowd.

TWILIGHT SAGA: EDWARD UNVEILS HIS VOLVO S60 R-DESIGN

All you suckers out there, pay attention! Your favourite couple from your favourite vampire saga are about to get married, and they are once again driving around in a Volvo. With the first Twilight, we saw Edward (Robert Pattinson) scooting around town in a compact C30. In both later movies he drove an XC60 SUV. This time it’s the turn of the stylish, naughty S60 T6 R-Design.

BOMBASTIC BEETLE R BLOWS L.A.

Beetle part 3 is on its way to Mzansi. Exactly which month in 2012 is still unknown, but certainly this is a very welcome new addition to the mix. Could there be a high-performance version later? Perhaps. The LA Auto Show saw Volkswagen unveil this Beetle R Concept, a very sporty kind of a Beetle.

VOLVO DESIGNER QUITS, JOINS GEELY

Peter Horbury, the British vice president of design of Volvo Cars, is to take up the role of senior vice president of design at Geely, Volvo’s corporate owner under the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

INFINITI TEASES NEW ELECTRIC SPORTS CAR

A highly advanced, range-extending electric sports car concept is under development at Infiniti. Set to emerge at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012, this vehicle is being created to extend the potential for high performance, low emission electric cars.

FORD KILLS BANTAM BAKKIE

With its rugged features and hard working aptitude the trusty Ford Bantam has epitomised the Built Ford Tough ethos for nearly three decades. The Bantam, known as the Bakkie that built the nation developed and built by South Africans, for South Africans, in South Africa – was the product of home-grown expertise purpose-designed to suit local operating environments. 

MIKKO HIRVONEN JOINS

After an exceptional 2011 season with ten victories, the seventh manufacturers’ title for the Citroën Total World Rally Team and Sébastien Loeb’s / Daniel Elena’s eighth drivers’ title*, Citroën Racing is already turning its attention to 2012 with the arrival of a new crew for next season.
 

TOYOTA INNOVA FOR THE PEOPLE

With Innova, Toyota South Africa has once again expanded its people carrying portfolio, and possibly unwittingly opened up a new taxi industry. Just as it did with Venture and Condor before, the company has launched a very attractive proposition for those who seek to carry more than the usual five people.

SPEEDY BIKER FINED R44 000

According to Gauteng Traffic Police, Brain Ely (32) was fined R44,000  by the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court today (16 November 2011), after he was arrested earlier in the day for travelling at 206km/h in a 120km/h zone on his Kawasaki superbike on the N14 between Muldersdrift and Zwartkops. He was sentenced to a fine of R44 000 or 90 days imprisonment, of which half was suspended for three years.

2012 ML 63 AMG BREAKS LOOSE

On the same year that Mercedes-Benz unveiled the all-new ML-Class, the company now announces its latest high-performance rendition. Welcome the ML 63 AMG, the most powerful ML ever mass produced. Wish I could say we’ll see it in Mzansi in 2012 for sure, but I don’t know. However, indications are strong that we will.

IACOSKI RENDERS NEXT BMW M3 / M4 COUPE

Thanks to the talent abundant of one Jacek Kolodziejczyk, we have these amazing renderings of the upcoming BMW M3 Coupe (or is it going to be called an M4?). Iacoski, his nickname since his school days, loves rendering cars, especially racing ones. Rare is a time when he renders a road car and this is one of his best works.

FORD SHOWS NEW 1.0-LITRE TURBO

With Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBoost Focus ST engine pushing out 184kW, you’d expect half that engine to make 92kW. Incidentally it does. Introducing the turbocharged, direct injection 1.0-litre EcoBoost, scheduled for a 2012 debut. First car to get it will be the Focus, not the Fiesta strange enough. Of course at some point it will make its way to Mzansi as well.

CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER: COMING TO MZANSI IN 2012

Chevrolet South Africa has confirmed it will import the all-new TrailBlazer SUV, a nameplate not previously officially available within these shores. Bigger than the Captiva, the TrailBlazer will occupy a higher price segment, competing with the likes of Toyota Prado. Chevy says it is just as good on tar as it is on hard gravel.