BRAND NEW CHEVROLET UTILITY BAKKIE FOR JIMS

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While its public launch is scheduled for some time at the end of the year, Chevrolet’s new Utility is being shown at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) anyway. That’s to whet all your appetites and get you interested. The little bakkie that could, in itscurrent form, is still leading its segment in sales, which it’s done for the past 6 and a half years. When it was first launched it was called the Opel Corsa Utility.

Customers interested in the new Ute may be overwhelmed by a choice of around 10 models, including petrol and diesel variants. Three specs, Base, Club and Sport will make up part of that lineup.

GM, along with other manufacturers, aims to up its annual production capacity to over 50 000 a year in order to benefit from the new Automotive Production Development Programme (APDP) which comes into effect in 2013. APDP is targeting a total market of 1.2 million vehicles by 2020, compared to the almost 600 000 expected this year.

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SAUDI KING STOPS WOMAN DRIVER BEATING

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Saudi Arabia king Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saudhas overturned a court decision that would have seen a woman lashed/ whipped10 times for driving. The king’s decision to stop the lashing was quite a surprise and will surely have far-reachingimplications for all the Saudi women who want to start driving cars themselves.

Interestingly it was only a few days ago that king Abdullah announced he was giving his country’s women the right to vote, for the first time ever. They will even be able to stand as candidates at the next municipal elections in 2015! Perhaps there is a different broom sweeping the oil-rich Middle Eastern country?

*Picture courtesy of Jeddah

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MAZDA5 WOWS WOMEN

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Women on Wheels, published by Associated Magazines, named the Mazda5 the best MPV in SA as part of its 2011 WOW Women’s Car of the Year Awards. More than 5 000 women voted via SMS and on-line voting. Readers’ votes and those of the expert judging panel decided the eventual winners.

“We’re extremely proud to receive this award,” says Doreen Mashinini, Mazda Marketing Manager. “The Mazda5 has clearly struck a chord with the female market thanks to its style, versatility and value for money.” 

The ‘6+1’ packaging concept with the versatile ‘+1’ functions includes a: walk-through passageway, the hidden Karakuri seventh seat, Karakuri utility box and the diversity of seating arrangements. 

The new Mazda5 also features large sliding doors on both sides. The doors operate effortlessly even on narrow streets and in confined parking spaces, providing easy access to the second and third-row seats and allowing for easier loading and unloading of luggage. 

Now in its eight year, WOW has established itself as one of South Africa’s premier female motoring supplements. The handbag-sized annual was distributed with the July issues of Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, House and Leisure and O, The Oprah Magazine.

The judging panel for this year’s award saw Charleen Clarke joined by Driving In Heels editor Vuyi Jabavu, award-winning motoring journalist Peta Lee, Motor Mania editor Mabuyane Kekana, Janine-Lee Gordon from City Press, highly-experienced rally queen and motoring journalist Heléne Griffiths as well as Lindsay Vine from DSTV’s Ignition.

“Because the judging panel was made up of both expert motoring media and the general public the view was very balanced and demonstrated that the Mazda5 offers mass appeal while maintaining critical acclaim,” concludes Mashinini.  

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CHINA-MADE TUNLAND BAKKIE FOR JIMS 2011

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The Tunland high end one-ton bakkie, which is coming to South Africa next year, will be previewed on the Foton stand at the Johannesburg International Motor Show that takes place at Expo Centre, Nasrec, from October 8 - 16. 

Production of the left-hand drive Tunland starts in Beijing, China, in November, with right hand versions for export starting to come off line in February 2012. The Tunland will reach South Africa in the first half of 2012, where it will be distributed by Foton South Africa, passenger car division,  which is a joint venture between the Imperial and Bidvest  Groups. 

The Tunland, which was code-named P201, claims to be the largest one-ton pick-up on the market with a cab that offers the spaciousness of a large SUV. The chassis frame is claimed to be particularly rigid for outstanding on/off road durability. Prototypes have already passed stringent European-type crash tests with a projected four-star Euro NCAP rating.

Power comes from a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine developed in conjunction with Cummins of the United States. It develops 120kW of power and 360Nm of torque. There will also be the option of a 2.4-litre 100kW petrol engine by the end of 2012.

An advanced four-wheel drive transmission system, with rear differential lock, is optional while a 6-speed ZF automatic will be offered in the future. 

The Tunland will be joined on the Foton stand by the Thunda single- and double-cab bakkies. 

Foton, a leading Chinese commercial vehicle brand, arrived in South Africa in August 2007 with the launch of a range of View minibus taxis and panel vans. Subsequently, in 2010, the one-ton Thunda bakkies were added to the range.

The tough Thunda pick-ups, with attractive styling and a high level of standard equipment, are aimed at a wide spectrum of local buyers, being well suited for both commercial and recreational use. 

There is a choice of petrol or diesel engines, with the fuel-injected 2.2-litre petrol power unit developing 76kW and 193Nm of torque, while the 2.8-litre turbo diesel produces 68kW of power and 202Nm of torque. Both have been developed to provide strong pulling power together with low fuel consumption. They drive the rear wheels through a five-speed gearbox.

STORY BY TUNLAND

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TOYOTA PLANS MORE EXCITING FUTURE DESIGNS

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New head of designat Toyota Motor Corporation Akihiro Nagaya, has vowed to tackle his company’s “boring” design reputation head-on. The 50 year old, also known as Dezi, admits Toyota hasn’t quite lived up to its sales status in the design department, having chosen the middle-to-mediocre ground when it comes to styling.

No more. In Dezi and CEO Akio Toyoda san, Toyota has found a pair of new dancing shoes and is aiming at waltzing right past recent shooting stars in the game, namely Kia and Hyundai. Indeed even the Lexus brand has been out of the design loop for years, choosing to be rather conservative than controversial.

With Toyoda san promising more sporty, fun-to-drive and powerful models, Dezi’s vision should be the cherry that returns Toyota to the sweet top of both the sales and desirability mountains. Possibly the first of these cars was the Lexus LFA. Soon the new Lexus GS will follow, and then the Toyota FT-86. By the year 2015 a very fresh new look would have swept into those stiff corridors at Toyota City.

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FERRARI 458 ITALIA SPIDER PRICED

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When it comes to the world of cars, life outside of Mzansi appears very cheap. Evidence presented is enormous, and Ferrari isn’t saying the opposite either. Just look at the sticker price for the 458 Italia Spider. In Europe, the rich will be able to buy this sweet machine of desire for the sweet price of a Porsche 911 GT3.

As a Euro aficionado, you can pick up a brand new example of the topless Italian for the equivalent of R1.7 million in today’s prices. One pays R200 000 more for an AudiR8 V10 in Mzansi! But of course for SA, Ferrari importers Viglietti Motors will charge their premium, and so will the state. In the end if you are up for hair raising performance with looks to thrill, expect to part with close on R4 million. That’s more than twice what they pay north of the Mediterranean!

The Ferrari 458 Italia Spider has a 4.5-litre V8 engine spewing out 419kW and 540Nm of torque. They say it can go from standstill to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds.

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KIA OPTIMA COMES TO SA IN 2012

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Kia South Africa is riding high on the back of successful products like the Picanto, Sorentoand Sportage. With the new Optima it hopes to keep the wave 9 metreshigh. To kick off, the four-door sedan will launch at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS 2011).

Optima was first brought into the public’s attention at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Three models are available in other countries; a 2.4-litre GDI, 2.0-litre and a hybrid. The 2.4-litre is naturally aspirated and switches on 149kW, while the 2.0-litre GDI turbo has enough to stick out 204kW. There’s either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. Kia SA hasn’t confirmed which of these will come here in 2012.

“With the all-new Optima, our global design team, under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, has created a truly unique vehicle with distinctive dimensions and proportions to challenge the D-segment. The Optima will challenge German brands currently dominating this segment, and provide consumers with an alternative, when shopping for a luxurious, mid-size sedan”, said Kia SA National Marketing Manager David Sieff.

What Sieff is saying, is that Kia is headed for a head-on with the usual suspects; Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

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MAZDA BT-50 IS ONE FOR JIMS 2011

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Mazda’s following quite closely on the heels of sibling Ford by confirming it will unveil the all-new BT-50 bakkie (pickup) at JIMS 2011 next week. The big utility will go on sale locally sometime in 2012, and will offer two new diesel engines, according to Mazda.

“We are very excited to be unveiling the new BT-50 for the first time at the Johannesburg International Motor Show,” says Doreen Mashinini, Mazda Marketing Manager. “The dynamic new design combined with increased interior space, longer wheelbaseand greater power ensures all the comfort of a passenger car, alongside the versatility of a pickup.”

It’s going to be a tough act to try and take down class leaders like Toyota Hilux, Isuzu KB and Nissan NP300. And of course, in-house competition from the new Ranger. 

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LEXUS IS 350 PLANNED FOR SA DEBUT

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Lexus will add another IS model when it launches the IS 350 to the Mzansi market later next month. The car will also be shown at JIMS 2011. It comes at a time when the IS is etching towards the end of its lifecycle. A replacement should appear within the next 18 months.

The IS 350 fills the gap between the V8-powered IS-F and the lesser IS 250 cars. It is powered by 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6. Maximum thrust is 228kW, matched to 375Nm of torque. Its’ certainly one of the most powerful cars in its segment. Matched to it is a 6-speedautomatic gearbox sending all power to the rear wheels.

Lexus is really good at packing their cars full of some very expensive options, for no price at all. For the IS 350 that includes things like LED daytime running lights, keyless engine start, satellite navigation, a premium sound system and reversing camera.

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2012 BMW 1 SERIES HATCH: WE GOT PRICES!

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Prices pertaining to the all-new BMW 1 Series hatch are now out, well before the car’s official media launch in October. All three variants will have turbocharged engines, including both petrols. Available from the word go are the 116i, 118i and 120d.

The cheapest 116i will cost R268 500. It delivers 100kWand 220Nm from its 1.6-litre turbo engine, and includes a 6-speed manual gearbox, automatic start/stop, 16-inch wheels, cloth upholstery (leather is a R12 100 option), air conditioning, onboard computer and remote key among others. As per usual from BMW, all the really good stuff will have to be paid for extra.

At R287 500, the 118i is the second-most expensive/ cheapest, depending on your outlook in life. Same engine, but 125kW and 250Nm this time. Lastly is the 120d turbo diesel making 135kW in conjunction with 380Nm of torque, all to the rear wheels of course. BMW will be offering an 8-speed automatic across the 1 Series range. 

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TOYOTA FORTUNER FACELIFT OUT!

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Mzansi’s most popular SUV just got its midlife facelift. Toyota Fortuner, the runaway SUVsuccess, is now proudly the wearer of a new face plus a new engine. Currently it holds about 35% of the total SUV market, which is exceptional. The new one aims to keep this going, or even surpass it.

We took turns driving the facelift Fortuner over 400km of Zambian roads, diverse as the 72 languages spoken there. From SA-classtar roads, to secondary pot-holed filled b-roads, to gravel and off-road adventures. Toyota’s mandate was to show us the media that their car is a crowned all-rounder, a jack of every trade in the book and a nice guy to boot.

The new front grille is more aggressive strange enough, despite being smoother and perhaps more upmarket in appearance. Headlights are new too, and so are the side indicators on the mirrors, again signalling a sort of upmarket turn for the product. A new design 17-inch alloy wheel becomes available too. These wheels are surrounded by 265/65 R17 7.5J tyres, and are pretty useful when negotiating a tough uphill climb on the side of a steep mountain, as we often did along the route. A thick “Fortuner” marking was moved from the left rear to the centre where it’s more visible and shinier. To stand out somewhat among the 35% crowd, buyers will be able to choose from one of 7 exterior colours, including the two new ones called Silky Gold and Dark Steel Mica.

Cabin enhancementsare also quite evident if you’ve been following the Fortuner over the past few years. There is a new Optitron meter design laced with blue lighting, fresh new wood grain inserts, again for a more luxurious feel. I liked the new steering wheel as it felt of higher build quality. For the higher-specced models a rear-view reverse camera makes parking easier. The dashboard itself is now decorated with a new music system terminal. While it has a navigation button, Toyota SA currently has no supplier to make sat nav functional in their cars, so the button is merely decorative in this instance. The USB and auxiliary holes work well though. All Fortuners offer seating for up to 7 passengers, but the rearmost seats are still clumsilyconfigured against the side walls when they are up, rather than the more modern underfloor setup we see elsewhere.

New to the engine bay is a 2.5-litre D-4D turbo diesel engine. Peak power output is 106kW, while a very useful 343Nm of torque can be called upon pretty early in the rev range. Its best buddy is a 5-speed manual gearbox actuated through the typically-Toyota long gear stick. For now there is no AWD available for this engine, so it stays as a rear-wheel-drive (RWD). Nevertheless this should quickly become the best-seller on the list.

The rest remain the same. That is to say, the 3.0-litre D-4D is kept at 120kW and also 343Nm of torque. You can have it in either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Another strange choice in a new world of eco-friendlier 6, 7 or even 8-speed transmissions. Toyota really needs to get up to speed with the rest of the industry now. The only petrol is the 24-valve VVTi 4.0-litre V6 kicking out 175kW and 376Nm of torque. Models with AWD feature a heavy duty transfer case and a lockable rear differential, with a Torsenlimited slip centre differential (LSD). With these in its box of goodies, the Fortuner becomes an outstanding bush baby, able to tackle mud just as well as sand and rock.

The Fortuner range is sold with a 5 year / 90 000 km service plan and a 3 year / 100 000 km warranty. The service plan can be extended to 7 years or 220 000 km and the warranty to 6 years or 220 000 km. The warranty also includes a ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance Programme that is applicable in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland and Lesotho.

Competitors who sell cars like the Ford Everest, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento are always scratching their heads wondering what exactly Toyota is doing right in order to sell upwards of 500 unitsof this car every month. It just seems good value and a very capable vehicle, as well as that vast support networkare quite key. Nothing looks to change in the near future either.

2011 Toyota Fortuner Pricing

2.5D-4D 4x2 manual (R325 500)

3.0D-4D 4x2 manual (R395 000)

3.0D-4D 4x4 manual (R439 800)

3.0D-4D 4x2 automatic (R406 300)

3.0D-4D 4x4 automatic (R451 200)

4.0 V6 4x2 automatic (R422 300)

4.0 V6 4x4 automatic (R466 900)

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MZANSI RENAULT SPORT (RS) TAKES PODIUM SPOT

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It seems Renault Sport is now very much a part of the South African psyche, as the country is now the third most popular spot within the Asia-Africa region to sell RS-badgedcars. Japan is the biggest seller of these vehicles, followed by Australia, and then Mzansi.

At this point in time, 13% of all Meganes sold are RS variants, while at Clio, RS is represented by 12% of the mix. Twingo RS fans number 16% of that model’s range. All South African Renault Sport buyers are entitled to a free advanced driving course with their purchase, so if you weren’t offered this potentially life-saving gig, go and complain at your dealership.

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VOLKSWAGEN GOLF CABRIOLET, BEETLE FOR JIMS

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Volkswagen is presenting the all-new Beetle and the GolfCabriolet at JIMS next month. These two new cars will probably not light up the sales fireworks, but they certainly bring panache into the VW brand, in the same way as halo cars like the Golf R and Scirocco R.

“This is the most anticipatedmotor show in the history of the event and Volkswagen has gone all out to ensure that visitors to our stand are not disappointed. We will present fascinating products that show Volkswagen’s innovative and emotional side,” said Sales and Marketing Director Mike Glendinning.

Topless Golf features a soft roof that opens in less than 10 seconds and can be operated at up to 30km/h. It will have a similar engine lineup to the Golf hatchback, depending on which model VW SA decides to bring. Beetle on the other hand, also has a new motor menu, including a 1.4 TSI with 118kW and a 147kW 2.0-litre TSI.

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BMW PREPARING A NEW SUV, THE X4 COUPE

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Reports emanating from Europe suggest that BMW is getting ready for yet another SUV in the form of an X4 compact crossover. X4 will obviously follow the same design philosophy as the X6 in that it will be a coupe SUV, possibly with 5 and 3-door options. Its main rival would be the new Range Rover Evoque.

At the centre of its concept would be the idea of four seats for only four passengers, just like the original X6. Supposedly it would sit on the same platform as the X3 and share some of its engines too, including the new 2.0-litre turbo petrol of 180kW. Indeed we would then expect an M versionpowered by a very strong engine, possibly a twin turbo worth over 300kW.

Speculation is that an X4 could come to market in 2013 or 2014following its unveiling as a concept car at some of the major international motor shows.

*X6 picture used

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OVER 3000 SA-BUILT C-CLASS UNITS HEAD FOR US SOIL

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On 21 September East London witnessed the loading of the largest consignment of 3 168 locally built new-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class cars, destined for the United States of America on the Liberty Ace vessel.  The consignment of vehicles will be off-loaded in Baltimore, Brunswick and Long Beach in the USA.

Rainer Ruess, vice-president responsible for manufacturing at the East London plant of Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) said that this shipment reaffirms that USA customers remain extremely satisfied with the consistent manufacturing quality from the South African plant. As recently as July J. D. Power and Associates presented a second Gold Award for Initial Quality to the MBSA plant (following a similar award in 2009). In 2010 this SA-based plant won the world’s most coveted Platinum Award for the best quality plant anywhere on the globe supplying cars to the USA market.  These J.D. Power Awards result from USA surveys conducted among over 80 000 new car owners annually. 

Eugene Theron, East London Acting Port Manager of Transnet National Ports Authority was delighted with the smooth and quick loading of this consignment, making full use of the car terminal expansion project which was commissioned specially to accommodate these large consignments. Later this week, East London will see the arrival of the largest car carrier to ever call at the port. The 231-metre-long Tijuca will dock to handle a consignment of vehicles for the South African market.

STORY BY MERCEDES-BENZ

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KIA CONFIRMS NEW RIO FOR MZANSI AND JIMS

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After making its World Debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the all new Kia Rio 5-door hatchback is about to make its first appearance to the South African public at this year’s Johannesburg International Motor Show. “We are very excited about this new model, and we are confident that it will be one of our best sellers”, comments Ray Levin, CEO: Kia Motors SA.

Kia’s fourth-generation Rio is a revolution, not an evolution of its predecessor.  It boasts a bold and distinctive personality, bringing the latest model into line with Kia’s design-led product range.  New Rio combines European finesse with Korean spice to create a form language that also communicates Latin flair, for a truly global appeal. 

Longer, wider and lower, new Rio is set to completely redefine its position as one of the most competitive vehicles in one of the most competitive sectors – the B-segment.  The five-door has a length of 4 045mm and features an extended wheelbase by 70mm (to 2 570mm) – greatly enhancing passenger space and cargo capacity. 
 
To complement the striking exterior, Rio’s interior design has also been transformed to give the car genuine premium feel, along with unprecedented spaciousness in the B-segment.

The new Kia Rio 5-door hatchback will be launched to the local South African public towards the end of the year, upon time which final specification levels will be confirmed.

STORY BY KIA

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TOYOTA KARTING PRODIGIES SCORE BIG

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Toyota’s young kart star Morgan McColl is on the verge achieving a lifetime ambition of racing in Europe. 

It is hard to believe that the softly spoken, almost shy, 15-year old Klerksdorp resident has been racing for almost a decade. When Toyota and long-time motor sport partners Castrol started the successful Castrol/Toyota Development programme in 2004 Morgan was one of the first drivers to be signed. 

Since those early days in the Cadet class he has worked his way to the front of very competitive fields and always flown the flag proudly no matter what the result. Entertaining and hard fought victories have been celebrated with enthusiasm, so much so that he’s become a celebrity in his hometown.

Currently leading the Northern Regions Junior Rok championship by a narrow seven point margin, he has been invited to compete in the Rok World Cup in Italy. 

The event takes place at Lonato, Italy from 12-16 October and the Junior Rok class is regarded as one of the most competitive classes of kart racing and he will be up against 96 other hopefuls. Toyota’s former kart world champion and multiple South African motorsport champion Leeroy Poulter will accompany him to Italy.

What makes McColl’s achievement particularly remarkable is the amount of dedication he and his father Robbie have shown over the years. Living in Klerksdorp means there are very few testing opportunities as a visit to his nearest track means a round trip of some 300km.

Other drivers in the Castrol/Toyota Development squad have also had good results.

Aged only six Goitsimang Ramogale is the youngest driver in the team and currently holds second place in the Cadet class of the Northern Regions kart championships. His elder brother, Lehlohonolo aka ‘Lucky’ recently stepped up to the Mini Rok class from the Junior GP ranks and despite the fact that he’s up against established stars, he’s acquitted himself well and is already looking for a top 10 position.

Now in its eighth year, the Castrol/Toyota Development programme is regarded as the most successful in South African motorsport. 

STORY BY TOYOTA

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NEW JENSEN INTERCEPTOR COMING

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An all-new Jensen Interceptor will be launched next year, after CPP Global Holdings was appointed to engineer, develop and build the new car by the brands' owners, Healey Sports Cars Switzerland Ltd (HSCS).

CPP, the British specialist automotive group, will finalise the new car's development in Coventry and manufacture it at a new production facility on Browns Lane from 2014. A team of Coventry-based design consultants employed by HSCS has completed the design of the new Interceptor, which has already gained significant customer interest.

The new Jensen Interceptor - echoing the four-seat grand tourer layout of the much-loved original built between 1966 and 1976 - is based on an all-new aluminium chassis and handcrafted aluminium body. The public unveiling of the Interceptor is planned for late 2012, with deliveries to customers beginning in 2014. Annual production numbers and pricing are yet to be confirmed, but will be fixed to ensure ultra-exclusivity.

Brendan O'Toole, founder and co-owner of CPP, said: “I started my career by restoring bodies and components for classic British sports cars, so for CPP to take the lead role in reviving this iconic brand is very exciting for the business, and for me personally. The Jensen design team has respected and honoured the great heritage and attributes of the original Interceptor, while injecting a contemporary edge and advanced technologies that will ensure it appeals to the passionate, discerning motoring enthusiast of today.

“This work is at an advanced stage, and married to CPP's expert coachbuilding, craftsmanship and engineering skills, the new Interceptor will be an exceptional example of British automotive excellence,” he said.

Liam Cardiff, director of Healey Sports Cars Switzerland, said: “CPP is the perfect partner to revive the iconic Jensen Interceptor. With the Jensen design team integrated into an organisation with much greater resources and broader expertise, our dream of seeing the Jensen and Interceptor badges once again adorning the bonnets of beautiful, modern, British-built GT cars has come closer to reality.”

HSCS owns all assets, intellectual property, designs, and brand rights for the Jensen and Interceptor brands.

STORY BY CPP

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VOLVO TO KILL V6, V8 ENGINES

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Due to escalating emissionsrules around the developed as well as the developing countries, Volvo Cars has decided to drop its bigger enginesfor smaller units over the next 10 years. In a chat with Europe’s Automotive News, the brand’s Research and Development Head said his company’s future engine bay looks compact.

Peter Mertens was quoted as saying future Volvo engines will only have up to 4 cylinders, in contrast to the V6s and V8s currently found in a few of its top-end models like the XC 90 and S60. The new engines, expected to debut in 2013, will be more powerful, up and to 90kg lighter than their current counterparts, while delivering improved fuel consumption figures of up to 35%.

Volvo, now owned by Geely of China, wants to sell up to 800 000 cars by 2020. Not very ambitious of them truth be told, considering that the premium global leader BMW sold 1.2 million cars in 2010 alone, excluding MINI and Rolls-Roycebrands.

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MERCEDES-BENZ CLS PRICES ANNOUNCED

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Mercedes-Benz launches the all-new CLS range in South Africa later this week. We have definitive pricing. The base car will be a CLS 350, followed by the CLS 500, then closed by the CLS 63 AMG with the new 5.5-litretwin turbo V8 engine. The CLS 350 starts at R793 000 without all the optional extras.

Powered by a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6, the CLS 350 makes a basic 225kW and 370Nm of torque. Next to the CLS 350 is of course the CLS 500 producing 300kW and 600Nm. CLS 500 comes in at R996 000. Top of the pops is the puffed up CLS 63 AMG costing R1 319 500. The Mercedes-Benz website says it gives 386kW, but the European-spec model serves up a complete 400kW. We’ll confirm either of these figures later this week.

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FORD KUGA FINALLY CONFIRMED FOR MZANSI DEBUT

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Ford is finally bringing the Kuga crossover SUV to Mzansi, three years after it launched in Europe. Better late than never we suppose. Thing is though, there’s a facelift Kuga out there, so maybe that’s what we are getting. We’ll see when it gets unwrapped at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS 2011).

Kuga competes in the reasonably-pricedsoft-roader family SUV category being run by the likes of Hyundai ix35, Chevrolet Captiva and Kia Sportage. Overseas it comes with a choice of three powerplants, which are the 2.5-litre Duratecturbo with 147kW, and two diesels in the 2.0-litre Duratorq worth 100kW and 120kW. We’ll only know which one Ford SA is bringing at JIMS.

“We are very excited to showcase the Kuga at JIMS for the first time in South Africa, and are looking forward to launch it to the local South African market,” says Ford Marketing Manager Ben Pillay. “The Kuga joins a highly acclaimed and successful vehicle portfolio that is recognised for its safety standards, quality and performance.”

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MERCEDES-BENZ WILL RULE AGAIN! - CEO

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Automotive News Europe recently had a very interesting interview with Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche, in which he spells out a few of the company’s future plans regarding growth, product and global expansion. Daimler owns the three car brands Mercedes-Benz, smart and Maybach - which they might sell.

Zetsche said he sees the next decade becoming the “Mercedes decade”, in which his company leads in every sphere as far as its segment is concerned. One of the ways in which they plan to achieve this is by introducing 10 new models over the coming four years. The lower compact segment comprising cars like the A and B-Class will see no fewer than 5 new models aimed at young people with money. No clarity on whether these are all-new or if they are derivatives of existing ones.

At the same time the upper crust will also get fresh product, including yet another Mercedes-Benz SUV to add to the ML and GL ranges. We can only guess that it’s a BMW X6 rival. S-Class will be expanded too, although we aren’t quite sure how. The elegantly spacious CLS Shooting Brake (pictured here) was confirmed though.

Mercedes-Benz wants to sell 1.6 million cars by 2015. In 2010 they sold 1.17 million cars.

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FRANKFURT 2011: SUPER SUV ETERNITI HEMERA FROM BRITAIN

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Eterniti Hemera. There’s a name. While it might sound a little Mars, with a mix of Ukraine, it is in fact, British. Based in London, Eterniti Motors says its Hemera SUV will be the first luxury super SUV ever, boasting a V8 engine and massive power. Yet we couldn’t help but notice how “old” pretty much everything about the Hemera is.

For one, externally it looks like an evolution of the old Porsche Cayenne, with bits of Volkswagen Touareg thrown in. Wait a minute, Hemera says the car “will be based on the most dynamic version of VW Group's latest-generation large SUV platform, the best in the industry”, meaning Cayenne and Touareg. And the engine is a 4.8-litre V8 twin turbo. Wait a minute, doesn’t Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo use a 4.8-litre V8 twin turbo? Except this time it’s headed for 460kW or more.

What the company also says is that these cars will be bespoke, in other words customers can personalise and individualise just about anything they wish, from leather types to colour combinations. As a basic target, Eterniti is placing upcoming SUVs from Bentley, Aston Martin and Maserati top of the bullseye. At a proposed minimum price of £150 000 (R1.76 million), it sure won’t be cheap. Of course if anyone in Mzansi wishes to purchase one, they’d probably have to part with well over R2.5 million.

Maintenance and service would be conducted in London, but if you live elsewhere a “flying doctor” facility will exist where a technician will be flown over to your country to perform full service duties at your chosen premises. 

At some point Eterniti wants to start developing supercars like Lamborghinis. Included is an initial sketch of such a car.

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