Looks like Netcarshow.com has snagged official pictures of the new Jaguar XJ, just a day before it’s unveiled by Jaguar Cars MD Mike O’Driscoll in London. The XJ continues to primarily rival the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Of course there are no details available yet but we think it will use, among others, the new 3.0-litre twin turbo diesel that makes 202kW (275hp) and 600Nm of torque. Other choices available should be the normally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 that produces 283kW and the supercharged 5.0-litre good for 380kW. I do suspect though that the latter will tip over the 400kW mark in order to take on the BMW 760i in its own territory. Either that or a completely new engine, probably a 6.0-litre V12 as well, will be used, in which case you are looking at at least 420kW.
I must say, to me the rear is the most interesting part, maybe even disappointing. It looks to have been “borrowed” from the old Audi A6 (C5 1998 to 2004) and the current Citroën C6. Those striped taillights look out of place and the boot lid is too Korean, no offence to the Koreans. Other than that it looks really cool, especially the front grille and the sort of glass roof.
There will be OFFICIAL pictures and extensive details up tomorrow around the same time so keep in touch.
South Africa has joined other countries in Europe and elsewhere by saying “ciao” to the new Alfa Romeo MiTo compact hatch. MiTo is named after two of Italy’s foremost cities in fashion and design, that is Milan and Torino (Turin). The MiTo’s looks are inspired by the exclusive 8C Competizione, a V8 two-door Alfa that was built as a halo car for the brand. Those big beady eyes dominate the upper side of the front end while the front grille drops to the lower end. Smooth sheet metal characterises the side panels while the rear landscape shows its Fiat lineage as well with the round lights. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear foglights, rear LED taillights and follow-me-home headlights.
In pictures such as these we have here some of the finer design details of the MiTo might probably be lost. That is not to say these pictures are of bad quality; it’s simply that the car looks a whole lot better in the metal. Trust me, I know exactly what I’m talking about having spent a few hours behind the wheel and following a few on the open road.
Alfa has subtly positioned the MiTo as a rival to the MINI Cooper range, yet it is considerably longer than the Brit. Measuring a lengthy 4.06 metres (159.8 inches) and 1.72 metres (67.7 inches) in width the MiTo literally stands head and shoulders above the MINI. While I didn’t exactly measure rear end space, from the driver and passenger’s seats the space at the back looks ample and comfortable enough for four.
Fiat Auto South Africa has only made available the 1.4-litre turbo engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox as its mate. It produces a marvelous 114kW of power at 5500rpm and 230Nm of torque achieved at 3000rpm. This is quite an impressive powerplant whose power is highly accessible. The gearbox is sporty and nimble, and brings a certain joy to the left hand as you go through the gears. It is said the MiTo will take off from 0 – 100km/h in 8 seconds and reach a top velocity of 215km/h. I must admit this speed didn’t look beyond the car’s abilities at all.
Gauteng is not known as a province with the best twisty roads, the type of roads desired for testing the agility and dynamism of the suspension system. So we headed out to the North West side of things where at least some of the tarmac is of snaking nature. Here the MiTo felt confident around bends but at times showed some restraint. Understandably so too since the front piece is a McPherson strut system and the rear uses torsion beams. That gives it a handling compromise that says “comfortable enough when needed but stiff under tight conditions”. Remember that it’s a front-wheel-drive as well so torque steer is expected. Not much of that could be induced meaning the MiTo blends safe FWD with fun handling.
Drivers can choose between three driving modes; Dynamic, Normal or All-weather (DNA), all of which are engaged through a stylish knob in the centre. Each mode suits a different type of road situation and driving style.
Frankly I was not keeping a close tab on the fuel gauge but it seemed our MiTo was a bit on the thirsty side. Granted a number of times my driving partner and I exceeded the speed limit on the launch, which might explain the alcoholism. Anyway, official figures say the 45 litre tank will return an average of 6.5 litres per 100km and emit 153g/km of C02 gases.
The MiTo is safe with a EURO NCAP rating of five stars under the new rating system. It has ABS brakes with EBD as well as air bags. The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system assists the car in keeping in touch with the road by detecting slip and helping to restore grip when lost. The VDC, which is Alfa’s ESP, cannot be switched off.
One of the MiTo’s most appealing features is the personalisation basket which gives owners freedom to choose interior colour combinations that will separate their cars from others. Comfort creatures include automatic dual-zone climate control, power steering (height and reach-adjustable steering wheel), and a radio/ CD/ MP3 player. The optional Blue&Me music port allows for music to be played straight from a USB device like a memory stick. It should be quite a combination when coupled with the optional Bose sound system.
The MiTo is certainly a worthy competitor in this segment and it’s very well-priced against its main rival. Should the snobbish South African market open its eyes and ears and try something new the sales will be good as well.
Alfa Romeo MiTo Pricing
R228 500
A three-year 100 000 km warranty (three years on paintwork and five years on rust anti-perforation) as well as a 6 year/ 90 000 km service plan are standard.
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The new models are covered by the AA Fleetcare roadside assistance for 12 months. The service is active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is available by calling the dedicated toll-free number.
Here’s a somewhat soothing picture of a fleet of Rolls-Royce Phantoms being guided through procession over at the Forest Lawn Cemetary in Los Angeles. The cars are transporting mourners, mostly the family of Michael Jackson.
We know MJ had a lot of nice cars even though he wasn’t a petrolhead as such. And even though it’s too late it’s comforting to know that what is probably the most luxurious car in the world was involved in sending him to his final home.
The Phantom was launched in 2003 after BMW and Volkswagen finally agreed on how to split Rolls with Bentley, with the former going to BMW and the latter to VW. It measures 5.8 metres, stands at 1.6m high and has a wheelbase of 3.6m.
Go is provided by a 6.75-litre V12 naturally aspirated engine that makes 338kW (460hp) and 720Nm of torque. They say it will run from 0 – 100km/h in 5.8 seconds has a top speed of 240km/h.
RR gave it the finest leather upholstery, cashmere trim and the highest levels of equipment possible. One of the highlights for lucky owners is the electronically-retractable Spirit of Ecstacy which has symbolised super luxury car making since RR came into being.
If the King of Pop was to be accompanied in this final journey in a manner fitting of his historical significance then the Rolls-Royce should certainly be the one to drive by his side.
FIAT SAYS: Fiat Group and Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd. (GAC Group) today signed a Framework Agreement to establish a 50/50 joint venture for the production of cars and engines for the Chinese market.
The agreement was signed in Rome by Zhang Fangyou, Chairman of GAC Group, and Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Group, in the presence of the President of the People’s Republic of China, Hu Jintao, and the Prime Minister of Italy, Silvio Berlusconi.
Plans call for the construction of a new plant with a more than 700 000 square metre production area.
Upon completion of the first phase of development, the joint venture will have production capacity of 140 000 cars and 220 000 engines per year. Plant capacity could subsequently be increased to a maximum of 250 000 cars and 300 000 engines per year.
Production is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2011.
The models produced will be equipped with the latest in engine and transmission technology in response to the Chinese government’s requirement to develop fuel-efficient, low emission vehicles.
The first model to be launched will be the C-segment Linea sedan. The first engines will be the Fire 1.4i 88kW and 110kW T-Jet engine.
The plant will be located in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province, a major road and rail hub in the heart of south central China, approximately 600 kilometres north of Guangzhou to which it will be connected within a couple of years by high-speed rail link.
This industrial project is also eligible to receive support from the development plan recently established by the Chinese government to promote new investment in six provinces in central China.
