2013 SHELBY GT500 IS BOSS

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Official word from Fordsays the next edition of the Shelby GT500will be well-endowed. In fact so endowed will the mad Mustang that it will come fitted with “the most powerful series production V8 in the world”, according to a statement from Ford North America. Quite a dare this is.

So what exactly are we working with here? Well, as the brochure will clearly state, this is a 5.8-litresupercharged V8 engine pulling out 494kWof thrust and 855Nm of raw torque.  There are no performance figures but we reckon such numbers suggest a 0 – 100km/h dash well within the 3 seconds.

Jamal Hameedi, Chief Engineer at Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) Division had this to say about the beast: “Our goal is to create outstanding all-around performance cars, not just stoplight-to-stoplight sprinters. We've backed up this amazing powerplant with a more refined chassis tuning that helps keep the rubber on the pavement without punishing the driver's spine and six-pot Brembo brakes that dissipate speed with ease stop after stop.”

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HONDA RECLAIMS PRECIOUS METALS

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In a joint announcement, Honda Motor Company and the Japan Metals & Chemicals Company have confirmed the establishment of the world's first process to extract rare earth metals from various used parts in Honda products.
 

Rather than an experimental procedure, the process is in an actual mass-production method conducted at a recycling plant. The newly established process is further proof of Honda’s commitment to pursuing the recycling of precious resources.

Honda and Japan Metals & Chemicals will begin extracting rare earth metals from used nickel-metal hydride batteries before the end of April. The batteries will be collected from Honda hybrid vehicles at Honda dealers inside and outside of Japan.

The new operation will be the first in the world to extract rare earth metals as part of a mass-production process at a recycling plant.

Honda has already been applying a heat treatment to used nickel-metal hydride batteries,  as well as recycling nickel-containing scrap as a raw material of stainless steel. However, the successful stabilisation of the extraction process at the Japan Metals & Chemicals plant has made it possible to extract rare earth metals with a purity as high as that of newly mined and refined metals in a mass-production process.

The newly established process enables the extraction of more than 80 percent of rare earth metals contained in used nickel-metal hydride batteries. Honda is planning to use the extracted rare earth metals for nickel-metal hydride batteries, as well as for a wide range of Honda products.

The new process will also allow Honda to expand the recycling of rare earth metals beyond nickel-metal hydride batteries. This is in line with the company’s long-established commitment to the so-called 3R approach: reduce, reuse and recycle.

Honda was the first Japanese automaker to begin sales of recycled parts and to collect and recycle oil filters and replaced bumpers. The company is intent on further strengthening its network which allows the reuse and recycling of resources.

STORY BY HONDA

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AUDI CONFIRMS S6, S7 SPORTBACK AND S8 FOR MZANSI

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Audi has detailed its upcoming S6, S7 Sportback and S8 sedan during an international launch. The cars are powered by the same engine, but it puts out a different power output for the big S8. The new twin turbo V8 petrol essentially replaces the old naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10.

In terms of the S6 and S7 Sportback, the 4.0-litre motor with two turbos delivers a strong 309kW and a massive 550Nm of torque. Although it’s 11kW short on the V10, in Gautengit would outgun the old geezer, no thanks to the high altitude that robs naturally aspirated engines of up to 17% of their stated power. As a result the S6 – which is 16mm longer than the normal A6 – is said to galavant from standstill to 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds, with top speed limited to 250km/h. They say it will return 9.7 litres per 100km on average, placing 226 g/km of C02s into the atmosphere.

S7 Sportback meanwhile, does 0 – 100km/h in 4.7 seconds, returns the same fuel average and C02 emissions.

The big S8 at the top end is also fitted with the same engine. But like cousin Bentley Continental GT V8, it is elevated to 382kW and 650Nm of torque, thus thrusting it from 0 – 100km/h in 4.2 seconds, also limited to the obligatory 250km/h. The S8’s closest competitor is the Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG with a 5.5-litre twin turbo engine and 400kW.

Innovative technology used to curb excessive fuel consumption in these tough times of high petrol prices include the recuperation and start-stop systems, and also a new “cylinder on demand” cylinder management system which deactivates four of the engine’s eight cylinders under part load. Something called the Active Noise Cancellation(or ANC, awkwardly) system broadcasts antiphase sound via four cabin-mounted speakers to largely suppress external noise intrusion into the cabin.

As befitting to cars of their stature, the S6 and S7 Sportback come with a list of niceties, some standard, some you fork out extra for. On the menu are items like the new in-car WiFi introduced in Mzansi with the new facelift A4, which turns the cars into mobile WiFi Hotspots, 360° top view/ bird’s eye view camera, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, S and V8 T badges, aluminium side mirrors, LED headlights, four tailpipes each and others.

We will see the brand new S6, S7 Sportback and S8 models in South Africa before the end of 2012.

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NEW SMOKIN' ENGINES FROM JAGUAR

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Jaguar has announced three brand new engines, probably as a precursor to the arrival of the F-Type Roadster. The two are supercharged V6s, while the other one is smaller four-cylinder turbochargedmotor. All these petrol engines will not be confined to the F-Type, but will be widely used in other models.

As far as details go, the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder looks to be delivering the same amount of power as the Range Rover Evoque, which is 177kWat 5500rpm and 340Nm between 1800rpm and 4000rpm. When used in the XF and XJ it helps them accelerate from 0 – 100km/h in 7.6 seconds.

Then comes the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol that kicks out 250kW at 6500rpm, as well as 450Nm of torque between 1800rpm and 4000rpm. It will compare quite well to BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-litre, which currently goes up to 250kW in the Z4 sDrive35is, Volvo’s V6 T6 Polestar (245kW) as well as Audi’s 245kW supercharged V6 as found in the S4. Once again, Mercedes-Benz is lagging in this regard. Regardless, in the XF and the XJ, Jaguar claims a 0 – 100km/h time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 249 km/h.

Lastly the same V6 has been tuned to 279kW at 6500rpm, while peak torque is 460Nm between 1800rpm and 4000rpm. This is slightly less than the 283kW currently being procured by the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8. Jaguar says only the F-Type will be fitted with this gem, but we say don’t discount other future uses, including perhaps even Evoque.

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LAND ROVER SA SUPPORTS FIGHT AGAINST MALARIA

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Humanitarian adventurer Kingsley Holgate is using adventure to combat malaria and improve and save lives throughout Africa. His humanitarian adventures – many of which are world firsts – have seen him criss-crossing Africa by Land Rover in a series of spectacular expeditions, all the while helping those in need.

Holgate and his team, in a convoy of two Land Rover Discovery's and a Defender 130, known as the United Against Malaria ‘mothership’, are currently undertaking the Great African Rift Valley Expedition. One of its primary objectives is combating one of the biggest killers in the world: malaria.

As the world commemorates World Malaria Day on 25 April, Holgate’s team is well into their 12 month, nine chapter odyssey to malaria-stricken countries throughout Africa. Globally, 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are at risk of malaria and 655 000 deaths are claimed by malaria each year according to the latest statistics, 90% of which occur on African soil.

While the statics are dire, malaria is a treatable and preventable disease. Simple tools like treated mosquito nets, effective medicines and safe indoor spraying can save lives.

“I know what it is like, I’ve had malaria well over 40 times,” explains Holgate. “It’s like a thud to the heart when you get to a village and a mother is screaming, not knowing what to do, her child dying from malaria – two days by dugout to the nearest clinic. And to think these lives can be saved by a simple mosquito net.”

Malaria disproportionately affects the poor and vulnerable. Primarily, young children and pregnant women in Africa are more likely to be exposed to infection due to lower immunity levels and limited access to malaria prevention, treatment, and control measures.

The clear objective of the Great African Rift Valley expedition is to use adventure to improve and save lives through a continued link to the United Against Malaria partnership. Holgate’s convoy of Land Rovers moves from the northern point in Djibouti on the Horn of Africa through Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Malawi, to its most southern point near Gorongosa in Mozambique. The chapter by chapter malaria-prevention activities include:

· Soccer-themed United Against Malaria Trophy Challenge events.

· Malaria prevention education together with the careful distribution of long-lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets to pregnant mothers and to mothers with children under the age of five years.

· A United Against Malaria prevention education initiative to schools that includes colouring-in books and posters.

· United Against Malaria research and report back forms include community details, GPS co-ordinates, names of community leaders, numbers of nets distributed, details of malaria risk and closest clinics or hospitals ensuring sustainability and follow-up.

· United Against Malaria prevention Land Rovers are fitted with PA systems and trained local malaria prevention educators are used to inform and educate communities.

“In Africa, malaria deaths have been reduced by more than 30%, but still a child dies every minute of every day from the bloodsucking bite of the Anopheles mosquito. That’s why World Malaria Day is so important. We need to sustain the gains, keep on saving lives and continue to invest in malaria control, so as to achieve the millennium development goals of near zero deaths from malaria by 2015. But we can only achieve this if we all take up the fight against this silent killer,” concludes Holgate.

You can show your support by purchasing a United Against Malaria bracelet from your nearest Cape Union Mart store, Nandos outlet or participating Exclusive Books stores. 

STORY BY LAND ROVER

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ULTRA-POSH MERCEDES-BENZ VIANO BUS FOR CHINA

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Mercedes-Benz will be presenting its Viano VISION DIAMOND superlative show car at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show (April 25 - May 2, 2012). This chauffeured vehicle makes a big impression right from the start with its black radiator grille, chromed grille louvers, and two-tone exterior paint job. A fine, shimmering gold line painted by hand separates the two body colours of black and diamond white, and a painted diamond adorns the B-pillar. The two-tone effect is repeated in the rims of the five-spoke wheels, and the brakes feature the words “Mercedes-Benz” in gold.

The interior underscores the extravagant nature of the model as well. Luxurious appointments in the rear include a special innovative multimedia unit that allows passengers to choose between a business setting or a comfortable ambience for relaxing.

The windows of the passenger compartment, as well as the rear window and the glass partition between the chauffeur and the passenger compartment, are all equipped with the Magic Sky Control system, which enables passengers to change the interior lighting conditions with just the push of a button.

This changes the colour of the windows, an effect that is made possible by a liquid in the window glass that reacts to differences in electric current. The chauffeur’s area is completely black in colour, the seats and door panelling are covered in the finest nappa leather, and leather also covers the instrument panel, the steering wheel, the gearshift, and the A- and B-pillars. The passenger compartment is entirely in porcelain white, from the carpet and the seats to the safety belts and the ceiling.

The passenger compartment features two top-of-the-line seating accommodations equipped with heating, cooling, and massage features as well as calf benches and footrests. Between the seats are cup holders and Champagne glass holders for the model’s silver Champagne flutes, which appear at the push of a button. The side panelling has five bottle holders as well. The Champagne bottle retainer is equipped with a cooling system. Eight diamonds embedded in the interior trim refer to the lucky Chinese number eight and underscore the vehicle’s luxurious atmosphere.

Additional equipment features include the Bang & Olufsen “BeoLiving Viano” high-end sound system, which can be conveniently operated via two iPad2 or iPhone4 devices. The mobile communication devices can also regulate the interior lighting and control the sound system for the model’s 40-inch screen, which can be used for everything from watching television to surfing the Internet and participating in video conferences.
A special app was developed exclusively for this control feature; the devices are secured in a docking station in the centre console.

The screen itself has a black aluminium frame and is situated behind the chauffeur area. The push of a button is all it takes to lower the screen and the partition. An intercom is available for communication between the cockpit and the passenger compartment. The vehicle is equipped with a W-LAN system that enables Web videoconferencing, among other things. 

STORY BY MERCEDES-BENZ

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VOLKSWAGEN SA ANNOUNCES ECONOMY PARTS FOR OLDER CARS

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The Group Parts Division of the Volkswagen Group South Africa has introduced a range of affordable parts for its Volkswagen models that are older than five years.

‘Economy Parts’ as they are branded, have been specifically designed for Volkswagen and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles models whose warranty period has expired.
 

These parts have been available to customers in Germany and some other key markets for some time and this offering is now available to customers in South Africa.

“Economy Parts still maintain and offer Volkswagen quality standards that are found in Genuine Parts. There is no compromise in the safety, performance and durability of the parts even though they are more affordable than the Genuine Parts currently available to our customers of these older models,” explained Richard Longe, General Manager: Group Parts, Volkswagen Group South Africa. “The current range of parts will still be available should customers choose to fit these.”

“The design of certain of the Economy Parts has been simplified and some are made out of alternative materials allowing us to retail them at a reduced price. Economies of scale also contribute to the affordability of these parts which have been through an intensive and rigorous development as well as testing programme that meets our international Group standards,” added Longe.

“Customers will now be able to enjoy the benefit and peace of mind of having approved Volkswagen parts fitted to their older vehicles at a more affordable cost. These parts will of course also appeal to the Independent and Franchised Aftermarket  Workshops and DIY Customer, though it is still recommended that especially safety related parts be fitted by an authorised Volkswagen Dealer Workshop,” concluded Longe


The Economy Parts that are currently available are Economy Brake Pads and Economy Brake Discs, Economy Batteries, Economy Shocks Absorbers, Economy CV Joints, Economy Wiper Blades and Economy Spark Plugs. This range will be continually expanded through 2012 and into the future.

STORY BY VOLKSWAGEN

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LAMBORGHINI URUS SUV BREAKS COVER

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Lamborghini has finally delivered on its threats to unveil an SUV concept, which could be produced within the next two years. The Urus concept will debut in China at 2012 Auto China in Beijing and is named after the Aurochs bull. You can Google that if you like.

So basically, this is a serious study for Lambo as it continues to investigate ways of increasing global sales and profits. Seeing that China is the new driver (yes, that is a pun) of car sales around the world, especially SUVs, it’s quite appropriate that it’s unveiledthere.

The car features an undetailedengine that apparently produces around 440kWof power, is mated to a double-clutchgearbox and sends torque to all four wheels. This would be the most powerful SUV in the world, if it came to life.

Inside we see lots of carbon fibre, leather seats, touchscreeninfotainment and others. Outside there is a strong resemblance to other Lambos, including the strong front end with those big sharp eyes, bending metal, large air dams, a kinky side profile, 24-inch wheels, four chrome tailpipes and others.

The car would really be quite peerless as Ferrari, its most direct and famous rival, does not have an SUV in its plans. At least not yet anyway.

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NASSER SALEH AL-ATTIYAH TAKES VICTORY IN SA-BUILT HILUX V8

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The Qatari Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah and his Spanish co-driver Lucas Cruz Senra on Saturday scored a crushing victory for the Belgian Overdrive Racing Team in the 2012 Sealine Cross-Country Rally, round three of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies.

With a massive lead of 46min 09sec heading into the final 208km special stage, the Toyota Hilux duo did not need to take any risks, but still recorded the fastest time to take victory by a convincing margin of 49min 23sec. 

The Argentineans Lucio Alvarez and Ronnie Graue confirmed the South African developed and built Hilux V8’s dominance by finishing second overall – precisely one week after the Castrol Toyota Hilux off-road team of Duncan Vos/Rob Howie and Anthony Taylor/Chris Birkin scored a 1-2 overall result in the Toyota Dealer 400 event in the Lydenburg, Mpumalanga region in South Africa.

Not only did the triumph in Qatar marked Al-Attiyah’s fourth successive victory in this event (2004, 2005, 2011 and 2012), it is also the first victory for Toyota in a long-distance round of the championship anywhere in the world. It also is the best result in the history of Overdrive Racing.
 
““This was a proper cross-country event. The stages were rough, challenging and never easy and that makes it so fantastic to win here,” said Al-Attiyah. “The Hilux was impressive, so much so that I would like to continue in the championship when it does not clash with my other racing commitments.”

Alvarez and Graue began the final day in second position, defending a slender 48-second lead over the title-chasing Emirati Khalifa Al-Mutaiwei. When the Mini driver was delayed shortly after the start with navigational problems, Alvarez was able to drive in a measured pace to conserve a superb runner-up spot – his best career result to date. 

“It was a great race for us coming from Argentina and, only having raced in South America, it was a big challenge. Ronnie did a great job and the car ran perfectly. My mechanics have been with me since the Dakar and they kept ‘Duma’ – as my Hilux is called – in top shape. A big thanks to the Overdrive team for this great result,” said Alvarez.

Qatar’s Faisal Al-Attiya and French navigator Matthieu Baumel finished the final stage in a solid fifth position overall. It was a superb performance by the inexperienced Al-Attiya, who was making his first appearance in an FIA World Cup event of this stature.

‘We could not have asked for a better result, scoring Toyota’s first FIA T1 win with the Hilux in its first long distance FIA race,” said Overdrive team director Jean-Marc Fortin. “Nasser and Lucas were superb and they drove the Hiluxes to the maximum. Lucio again proved that he is a talent for the future with his second place and Faisal did a great job on his first event. 

“My team have been working flat out since we started the Toyota project and this result proves that they have done a great job, but we still have some development to do with our indispensable partners, Toyota Motorsport South Africa and Hallspeed,” said Fortin.


STORY BY TOYOTA

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MERCEDES-BENZ G 63 AMG AND G 65 AMG BLOW COVER

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Mercedes-Benz’s march into the realm of motor madness continues with the announcement that the company is launching new G63 AMGand G65 AMG models. You’ll remember the G-Class as the march-over-it-all luxurySUV with bankable off-road credentials and S-Class comfort ambience. The two brothers AMG replace the outgoing G 55 AMG.

In the meat of things for the G 63 AMG is the new 5.5-litre twin turbo V8, as found in the E 63 AMG, CL 63 AMG and S 63 AMGamong others. Its main claim to fame is that it produces 400kW and 760Nm of torque. To show just how serious it is, the 0 – 100km/h sprint is done in a claimed 5.4 seconds, while average fuel consumption comes in at 13.8 litres per 100km, which is really like saying the DA is quickly catching up to the ANC in voter numbers.

As if that wasn’t enough, a new peak has been reached with the G 65 AMG. Just as in the S 65 AMG and new SL 65 AMG, the 6.0-litre V12bi-turbo motor brings out 450kW, as well as 1000Nmof torque. They say it will hurry off into the 100km/h distance in just 5.3 seconds and never stop accelerating until 230km/h.

We are pretty sure the G 63 AMG will be sold in South Africa this or next year. But the G 65 AMG? Who knows.

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VOLKSWAGEN SA RECORDS LEADING Q1 SALES

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Volkswagen Group South Africa delivered 27 958 (24 861 vehicles: January to March 2011) vehicles in the first quarter of 2012, a 12.5% increase when compared to the same period in 2011.The positive start to 2012 has given Volkswagen Group South Africa a 17.8 % market share in the South African total car market.

Polo Vivo was the top selling brand in the passenger car market with 8 461 units.

“We are pleased with our performance in the first quarter of 2012. All our three Brands – Volkswagen Passenger, Audi and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles - performed well in their respective segments. We hope to maintain this positive trend into the next quarter,” said Mike Glendinning, Director: Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen Group South Africa.

Internationally, Volkswagen Group delivered 2.16 million (1.97 million in January to March 2011) vehicles between January and March 2012, a 9.6% increase compared to the same period in 2011. This was the first time that Volkswagen Group surpassed a two million mark in the first quarter of the year. During March 2012, the Group also reported record deliveries of 862 700 (767 100 in March 2011, 12.5% increase) vehicles.

Christian Klingler, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group for Sales said: “The Volkswagen Group developed very well in the first quarter. We produced another strong performance in North America, China and Russia. However, uncertainty continues particularly on the markets in Western Europe.”

STORY BY VOLKSWAGEN

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SA-BUILT TOYOTA HILUX RULES DESERT RACE

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The three South African built Overdrive Racing Toyota Hiluxes yesterday completed the first true desert stage of the 2012 Sealine Cross-Country Rally in first, second and fourth positions and hold first, third and fourth in the overall standings.
 

Nasser Al-Attiyah and Spanish co-driver Lucas Cruz Senra trounced the opposition on this stage, the second of the third round of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies. The Qatari utilised his local knowledge to the full and his Hilux never missed a beat.

The former Dakar winner now has a massive 11min 07sec lead for the second of four long desert stages today. “It was a good start to the rally. I wanted to push to see the real pace of the Toyota. The Hilux performed perfectly on the difficult stage. There is still a long way to go in the rally and Lucas and I look forward to the next couple of days,” said Al-Attiyah.

The Argentinean duo of Lucio Alvarez and Ronnie Graue finished the stage in second position to hold third in the overall standings. They passed control point 1 in a virtual fifth place and enjoyed a useful run from then on to hold second at control point 2 and second through the third and fourth passage controls.

Qatar’s Faisal Al-Attiyah and French co-driver Matthieu Baumel started 10th, climbed to seventh at the first passage control and moved up to fifth at the next one. “All the teams really did a great job today, said Overdrive team director Jean-Marc Fortin. “Nasser and Lucas showed why they are considered one of the top crews in cross-country. Lucio also showed great pace today, further proving that his recent fifth place on the Dakar was no fluke.
 
“For me, the big surprise of the day was Faisal and Matthieu. Their fourth place on the stage was impressive when you take into account that they suffered a puncture en route. But we still have a long way to go,” he added.

The Hiluxes of Nasser Al-Attiyah, Lucio Alvarez and Faisal Al-Attiyah had completed the opening 4.2km super special stage in first, fourth and sixth positions on Tuesday afternoon, and started the first 330.51km desert stage from first, ninth and 10th in the running order, with priority given to points’ scorers in the FIA World Cup thus far.

Today (Thursday) the competitors tackle a repeat of the 330.51km loop stage through the southern extremities of Qatar.

STORY BY TOYOTA

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RANGE ROVER EVOQUE WINS WOMEN'S WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR

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A panel of femalemotoring journalists from 12 countries, including South Africa, have chosen the 2012 Women’s World Car of the Year. The extremely successful Range Rover Evoque took the accolade after beating the new BMW 3 Series and Audi Q3into second and third place respectively. The judges vote within four categories and the winner is the one with the highest score overall.

Two of Mzansi’smost experienced motoring scribes, Charlene Clarke and Helene Griffiths, took part in the voting. Surprisingly, cars normally associated with women, such as the MINI, Peugeot 207, Renault Clio and Citroen DS4 did not make top-3 spot in any category. Even more curious is the absence of an MPV category, given that these types of vehicles are usually referred to as “mama cars” or soccer moms’ cars.

These are the different category winners:

Family Car

1^st – BMW 3 Series (built in Mzansi!)

2^nd – Audi Q3

3^rd – Ford Focus

Luxury Car

1^st – Range Rover Evoque

2^nd – Jaguar XJ

3^rd – Audi A6

Sports Car

1^st – Porsche 911

2^nd – Jaguar XKR

3^rd – Mercedes-Benz SLK

Economy Car

1^st – Honda Civic

2^nd – Volkswagen Up!

3^rd – Ford Fiesta

Overall Standings

1^st – Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

2^nd – BMW 3 Series

3^rd – Audi Q3

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POTENT AUDI RS Q3 CONCEPT HEADS FOR BEIJING

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A new performance study by Audi is making an appearance at the 2012 Auto China in Beijing next week. The car is called RS Q3 and is of course, based on the Q3 small SUV/ crossover. This is the same car Audi is launching in South Africa tomorrow. Q3 is targeted at the BMW X1 and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz small SUV.

The conceptshowcases Audi’s use of a material called carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) which is very light but also strong. CFRP forms the basis for parts like the front spoiler, parts of the front bumper, door mirror casings, rear diffuser, indicator stalks and others.

The interior is a combination of CFRP, nappa leather, Alcantara, normal leather and velvet, as well as some brushed aluminium, all meshed with a sporty blue hue. Paying homage to its hosts, the RS Q3 features some Chinesecharacters on the speedo.

Thrust is supplied by a 2.5-litre5-cylinder turbo engine – presumably the same as RS 3 Sportback and TT RS– which pulls out more power than those two. At its peak it makes 265kW of power, sends it all to the four wheels (8.5Jx20 with 255/30 rubber) through quattro, and goes from 0 – 100km/h in 5.2 seconds.

Since BMW does not have an X1 M, this car would be the first of its kind. That’s if Audi fans like it enough to persuade the big bosses they want it and will pay the asking price for it.

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BABY MERCEDES-BENZ CLS PICS LEAKED

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Some pictures of the upcoming baby Mercedes-Benz CLS, which could be called anything from CLAto CLC to Concept Style Coupe or CSC, have spread into the interweb. The car will be based on the C-Class platform and feature coupe-like styling, but at the same time retaining its four doors and only four seats.

While this is just a concept car for now, we know that Merc is readying the car for production. In fact, we believe it will be in South Africa by the end of 2013. But first it must show up at an international motor show, such as the Beijing Auto Show that’s coming up next week on the 23^rd for instance.

The engine list will merely mimic most of those of the C-Class, including the 1.8-litre twin turbowith 150kW, the 3.0-litre turbo diesel kicking out 165kW and a 63 AMGversion. Actually, this could be the first car in the range to use turbo technology in the smaller AMG cars.

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PORSCHE SUPER DIESEL IN THE WORKS?

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According to the US magazine Car & Driver, Porscheis preparing to enter the world of super diesel-powered SUVs. A reported Cayenne S Diesel is being mooted as the next derivativein the Cayenne lineup. Exactly what kind of machine it will be, and what engine can be expected, is unknown at this point.

What we do know however, is that sister brand Audi already has a stonking super SUV diesel in the mould of a Q7 V12 TDI. That mad motor develops 368kW and a creamy 1000Nm of torque. IN4RIDE tested it at Gauteng altitude back in 2010 and returned a 0 – 100km/h of 5.6 seconds.

A newer engine also exists in the VW Group. The V8 TDI found in the Touareg and A8 pulls out 258kW and 800Nm. Both would be quite suitable we reckon, although Porsche might want to add extra power on them. Depending on the final configuration, its direct rivals could either be the aforementioned VW stablemates, or the new BMW X5 M50dwith 280kW and 740Nm.

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