2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E 63 AMG BLASTS IN

In typical Mercedes-Benz fashion we didn’t have to wait years and years to see the high-performance E 63 AMG. The car is based on the new E-Class which was unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. E-Class sedan comes into Mzansi this July.

Sporting the same 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8, the E 63 AMG now has slightly more power. Merc says the engine is now a 6.3-litre but I'll wait for the technical specs to confirm this. Anyway, the car itself goes from 378kW to 386kW but maximum torque stays at 630Nm. The 0 – 100km/h time is dispatched in a claimed 4.5 seconds and top speed remains at 250km/h.

Mercedes-Benz has opted to fit the 7-speed MCT gearbox found in the SL 63 AMG, which is a good idea considering that the ‘box in manual mode changes faster than automatic and human drivers using a manual with a clutch. Standard wheels are 18-inch in size but optional 19-inchers are available on request.

Those LED daytime running lights are standard. The front bumper features a honey-comb mash lower grille with side vents. On the side are wide side skirts and the words “6.3 AMG”. The rear is quite plain I must say, with only the four pipes indicating anything of significance.

Inside we see an even sportier car than the one it replaces. Gearshift peddles behind the steering wheel, a short stubby gear changer, alloy foot pedals and a sports steering wheel are just some of the features.

The new E 63 AMG will be revealed live at the 2009 New York International Auto Show next week. It should arrive in Mzansi during the first quarter of 2010 at a price of about R1.2 million.

At that time its direct competitors will be the Audi RS 6 (426kW), BMW M5 (373kW) and Jaguar XF-R (380kW).

BMW BUYS CADILLAC FROM GENERAL MOTORS

While many reports have been harping on about a possible merger between premium segment rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz, it now appears that smoke was all there was. Both companies announced this morning that they will not be entering into any agreement whatsoever. No fire here, let’s move on.

The smoke on the other hand, burns on the other side of the Atlantic where BMW is getting ready to swallow up General Motors’ Cadillac business. According to officials, the two companies have been locked in serious meetings over the past two days discussing the future of Cadillac. It’s understood that BMW will pay off all the US brand’s debt (estimated at over US$1 billion) in exchange for full equity. Cadillacs will then be rebadged as BMWs in markets like Mexico, the US and Canada.

The future of SAAB, the other beleaguered sporty GM brand, is still not known although Hyundai of South Korea had expressed interest. A South African group led by respected business tycoon and car enthusiast Lolly Jackson is also in the running to buy SAAB Automotive.

With BMW working hard on its small 2.2-litre petrol turbo engine Cadillac will benefit as well. Any April fool can see that emissions are becoming quite the important thing in the automotive world and big daddy Caddy will be keen to get rid of its gas-guzzling engines like the 4.6-litre V8 and 3.6-litre V6. BMW has solutions for both in the new 4.4-litre twin turbo and 3.0-litre twin turbo. Cars like the CTS will share a new 1.6-litre turbo (115kW) with models such as the upcoming 716i.

FORD REFRESHES BANTAM RANGE, ADDS TURBO DIESEL

Ford South Africa has launched an additional derivative to the highly-successful Bantam bakkie. The new 1.4-litre turbo diesel joins existing 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre petrol versions. Producing 55kW at 4000rpm and maximum torque of 160Nm at 2000rpm, the newcomer seems to be ready for a good showdown with all the mielie and cement bags around the country. Even the mandatory passengers in the loadbox (you know which ones – they stare at you when you drive behind the bakkie on the roads) will surely feel a bit more surge in motion.

Exterior changes have been made to the effect of a redesigned front bumper and bonnet, new front and rear lights, as well as 14-inch alloy wheels. Inside the improvements include a fresher interior and new instrument cluster.

Thankfully the basic XL model features air conditioning and a CD player, front fog lamps, colour-coded side mirrors and power windows.

“An extended range of models as well as some key enhancements to the range make the Bantam an even more competitive offering for South African buyers who are looking for a capable yet well equipped and comfortable light commercial vehicle,” states Ford Marketing Manager Ben Pillay.

The small LCV is priced as follows and includes a 4-year/ 120 000km warranty, a 3-year/unlimited km roadside assistance plan and 15 000km service intervals:

1.4 TDCi R141 251
1.4 TDCi A/C R148 100
1.4 TDCi XLT R171 750

OPEL CORSA SPORT BREAKS COVER

A new turbocharged pocket rocket has hit the streets of Mzansi. General Motors South Africa is making the Opel Corsa Sport available for sale to the public at a price not yet disclosed.* Using the same 1.6-litre engine found in the Corsa OPC, the Corsa Sport makes 110kW (150hp) and 210Nm of torque. GM says it will run from 0 – 100km/h in 8.1 seconds and show a top velocity of 210km/h. These claimed figures augur well for the Corsa Sport which effectively now competes with the similarly-powered VW Polo GTI.

Looks are paramount in this market and the difference between the 17-inch alloys you get and something less is like the difference between Keith Sweat and Ne-Yo. Even the cosmetics make a statement. These include colour-coded side sills, chrome sport exhaust pipes, front fog lamps, a rear apron lip and spoiler as well as a front lip spoiler. Five paint colours are offered, all with exotic-sounding names; Star Silver, Silver Lightning, Magma Red, Black Sapphire and Casablanca White.

Inside buyer will be greeted by a leather-covered sports steering wheel with red inserts and height/ reach adjustability, sport contoured seats and a leather gear knob. Comfort creatures in the package are a CD/Radio/MP3 with 7 speakers and auxiliary input for things like iPods and air conditioning.

Safety is not left only to the driver. The Corsa Sport comes with four airbags, ABS with EBD and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

* Pricing for the Corsa Sport has subsequently been confirmed as R219 990.

B&B TUNES VW EOS TO 368KW

German tuner B&B has unveiled a stupidly powerful version of the Volkswagen Eos. The hard-top convertible Eos is usually powered by a 2.0-litre turbo engine worth 147kW. But now B&B says this is child’s play. Instead it will offer tuning packages of different power levels.

The first one is a 265kW version which is actually more powerful than the recently-announced Audi TT RS. Next up is a 294kW pack (about the same as the previous generation BMW M5). Then it’s a power figure of 331kW and finally 368kW. The 368kW B&B Eos is able, according to B&B, dash from 0 – 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds. Its top speed is said to be 308km/h.

A choice of 18-inch or 19-inch wheels can be fitted to the car as well as an adjustable suspension system. The body kit comes from another design/ tuning company called Caractere.

The most power we've heard of from a tuned Eos is 195kW by a VW dealer in Gauteng.