UNIQUE LEXUS LFA CONVERTIBLE DROPS IN

This once-off Lexus LFA Convertible was spotted during a drifting event in Japan. The proud owner showed up to show off his unique creation to the clapping crowds. There is no convertible LFA in official Lexus books, and the company hasn’t said anything about building one either. Remember, only 500 LFAs were scheduled for the global release and Mzansi only got 3 of those.

BMW M PERFORMANCE AUTOMOBILES ANNOUNCED

“In spring 2012, BMW M GmbH will unveil a new product range for drivers seeking a particularly sporty driving experience, yet who also value the familiar comfort and practicality of BMW models” is how the information pack begins. Confused? You aren’t alone. Except if you continue reading you’ll start to understand better.

MERCEDES-BENZ SA POSTS GREAT RESULTS, PROMISES BOLD NEW PRODUCTS

Although Mercedes-Benz South Africa has stopped giving out its sales information to its peers, as most of them do, through National Automobile Association of South Africa (NAAMSA), it has been kind enough to let us know how it did in December, as well as the whole of 2011. A summary of its sales figures follows.

SUZUKI UPBEAT DESPITE TOUGH YEAR

Despite the impact of severe stock shortages following the earthquake-induced tsunami disaster in Japan, Suzuki Auto South Africa managed to increase its total vehicles sales tally during 2011, compared to the previous year.
 

OFFICIAL: BMW WILL BUILD X4 SUV IN AMERICA

BMW is investing about US$900 million (nearly R7.3 billion) in its Spartanburg factory in South Carolina, United States, over the next three years. Around 300 jobs will consequently be created by the end of this year. Great news for the region. Better news for consumers and fans of the brand is the X4 compact sporty SUV is finally coming to life.

FASTEST CORVETTE 427 CONVERTIBLE ANNOUNCED

Chevrolet is bidding its C6 Corvette sports car farewell, at the same time marking almost 60 years of Corvette production. In order to commemorate, two special models will be launched this coming winter (summer in North America). The first ever Corvettes rolled off the production line in June of 1953. Hence the name of the second special model, the 60^th Anniversary Package.

PEUGEOT 508 IS SPAIN'S BEST CAR OF THE YEAR

Launched in February 2011, the Peugeot 508, the Brand's latest large touring car model, has picked up the prestigious "Best Car of the Year" award in Spain, joining Peugeot's six other models which are past winners.
 

NEW 2013 PORSCHE BOXSTER BREAKS COVER!

Porsche’s all-new Boxster roadster has broken cover. Born in 1996, the Boxster was meant to increase Porsche sales by “dumming” the brand down a little, while maintain acceptable performance levels and expected quality. It did well yes, but not enough to for best-seller status. That accolade belongs to the Cayenne.

EXPENSIVE FIAT ABARTH 695 TRIBUTO FERRARI NOW HERE

Fiat South Africa has launched the 500 Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari. It’s a car launched in Europe two years ago and one that’s dedicated to highlighting the link between Fiat and its illustrious racing baby Ferrari. In a way this is Fiat’s tribute to Ferrari, or as some might see it, it’s one way of leveraging Ferrari’s heritage to lure buyers into a performance Fiat.

CRAZY BMW PRODUCT ORGY FOR 2012

BMW South Africa, despite losing the crown of best-selling compact sedan to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, managed to lift the best-selling premium brand trophy for 2011. Sales were up 10.4% on 2010 figures for the mother brand, while MINI went up 42.4%. Rolls-Royce, distributed here by the Daytona Group, sold 21 cars, compared to the 28 sold in 2010.

MASERATI KUBANG SUV BANGS OUT

With Maserati following in the tyre tracks of Porsche by being a sports car maker which branched off into other body types (Cayenne, Panamera, soon smaller Cajun), the scene is set for a mild bloodbath. The Maserati Kubang has been unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

MERCEDES-BENZ LEAVES RIVALS IN THE DARK

Sometime later today we’ll publish sales figures of the top-selling cars in Mzansi, as we do every month. Unfortunately there won’t be anything from Mercedes-Benz South Africa because the company has withdrawn from reporting its sales figures for the time being.

AMERICANS TURN EVOQUE INTO A TRUCK...

The Range Rover Evoque has been named the 2012 North American Truck of the Year. The announcement, which was made at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, saw the Evoque triumph over tough competition from the BMW X3 and the Honda CR-V. The judging panel of senior US automotive journalists chose the Evoque as the winner after reviewing it against its competitors in six key categories: value for the dollar, innovation, handling, performance, safety and driver satisfaction.

NEXT AUDI A3 INTERIOR REVEALED

Instead of the Detroit Motor Show, Audi chose the glitz and glam of Las Vegas to unveil the interior of its upcoming A3 hatch. The 2012 Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas is currently wrapping up and Audi took the stage to show off some new technologies to be found in their compact car.

OPEL MOKKA SMALL CROSSOVER DEBUTS

General Motors continues with its badge-engineering by announcing the new Opel Mokka compact SUV. It’s exactly the same (apart from the badges) as the Buick Encore and Vauxhall Mokka. We in South Africa are only interested in the Opel of course, and hope the local operation seriously considers bringing it over here.

TOYOTA YARIS HSD HYBRID ON ITS WAY TO MZANSI

Toyota South Africa confirmed it will start selling the smallest hybrid in the company during the year sometime. The Yaris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) uses similar components to the Prius in order to go forward.