Range Rover RS300 Cosworth Edition by Kahn Design in Bali Blue

GTspirit

A.Kahn Design’s latest creation, the Range Rover RS300 Cosworth Edition finish in Bali Blue improves upon an already extremely impressive platform and boasts a multitude of upgrades the hood, as well as in the cabin on the exterior of the car.

Starting on the outside, the RS300 Cosworth features a complete ten-piece wide body kit, increasing the already impressive stance of the Range Rover. It also includes an extended front lower lip spoiler, exhaust side vents, RS front grille with 3Dmesh, quad stainless steel exhaust system, custom door handles, LED lights strips on the front wheel arches, tinted glass and a selection of Cosworth logos throughout. On the side, the Cosworth 300 Edition features a selection of bespoke components which can be modified by customers. These include perforated leather décor with silver stitching, a clock bezel with Swartovski diamonds, custom Cosworth instruments cluster, vented aluminium foot pedals and quilted centre glovebox

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Significant upgrades can found in the engine bay, as Cosworth was able to extract an extra 300hp from the Range Rover’sV8, through alterations to the supercharger and ECU programming. The car then sits on Kahn Cosworth RS wheels measuring 9.5x22 on the front and 10x22 at the rear.

Images courtesy of GTspirit site.

Audi RS & S goes for wagon choice

Bruce Mbingeleli

If you’re a family who’s in love with performance cars, that looks fierce and kicks out mighty power and the need to place your pets, groceries and children in the vehicle, then this car will show a sense of relief. Thanks to Audi who have revealed the hot and super hot S4 and RS4 to South African buyers. The RS4 gives your family a dinner outing of 331kW kick while the S4 is much appreciated with 245kW. Both vehicles will be available in local dealerships in February 2013

Images courtesy of Audi site.

M-Performance package adorns BMW M135i

Bruce Mbingeleli

BMW is set to give its second-generation 1- Series a performance-based shot in the engine, albeit in concept form, unveiling its M135i concept ahead of this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

According to BMW M performance figures of this apex 1 series comes with a twin-turbo 3.0 liter inline-six developing in a maximum of 240kW and maximum kick of 440Nm of torque.  The weight is around 1500kg; the M135i could potentially crack the 0-110km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Reports suggested that the M135i will not only be offered in rear-wheel-drive coupe guise, but also a five-door hatchback with all-wheel-drive, now that’s something you don’t see everyday from automotive manufactures.The M135i will roll on a set of lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels framing uprated brakes with discs measuring 360mm up front and 350mm in the rear according to the brochure. An aggressive body kit with a deeper chin spoiler, wider sills and a revised rear valance with twin exhaust pipes will feature on the concept along with LED-supplemented headlamps and body decals finished in traditional M division colours which emphasizes quality, reliability of relevance in the mini-supercar segment of 2013

According to Carmag, a production version is said to be in the wings with a tentative late-2012 release date and will meet the likes of the Audi RS3 head-on as part of BMW’s recently announced M Performance line-up (M550d xDrive saloon and touring X5 M50d and X6 M50d).

Images of courtesy of BMW site.

 

GTI fury, ready for the Fast lane

 

Bruce Mbingeleli

Volkswagen lives up to its German engineering, the New Polo GTI 1.4TSI delivers a thrilling performance, agility, power and sex-appeal taken from the DNA of the legendary GTI.

This is probably the best performing hot hatch in its class, the GTI kicks to 100km/h in a mere 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 229km/h. the Polo GTI achieves this by being powered with a 1.4TSI petrol direct injection plus turbo and supercharger. Under the hood it generates a lot of joyful thoughts with 132kW of power output and reaches an impressive torque of 250Nm.

An exceptional level of agility into the quick front-wheel drive car in all situations and at all engine speed. The Polo GTI is the most fuel efficient and lowest emitting GTI of all time, with a combined fuel consumption of just 5.9 litres per 100km. sporty performance is balanced with economy, thanks to the 7-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) which comes standard to the Polo GTI.

The new Range Rover Sport

The 2013 edition of the Land Rover Range Rover Sport has arrived in South Africa. The 2013 Range Sport is a four-door, five-passenger luxury sport-utility available in two trims, the HSE and the Supercharged.

Upon introduction, the HSE is equipped with a standard 5.0-liter V8 that pushes 276kW engine that achieves 18,09 litres per 100km in the city and 13,07 litres per 100km on the highway. The supercharged is equipped with a standard 5.0-liter V8 pushing 375kW supercharged engine that achieves 19.06 litres per 100km in the city and 13,84 litres per 100km on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

The 2013 Range Rover Sport is a carryover from 2012.

 

Audi RS3 Sportback, Honoured with the British “International Engine of the Year 2010” in the “2-litre to 2.5-litre" category.



Five-cylinder plus Turbo, super production at its best.

Bruce Mbingeleli

Audi revealed the first-generation of the Audi RS3 at the Geneva Motor Show last year. It’s complete with the genes of the original Quattro, and enhanced by innovative technology.

Interestingly, this vehicle also gives visual expression to its performance, with its Audi singleframe with matte aluminum look frame and high-gloss anthracite grille with diamond styling.  The exterior is certainly endemic of Audi’s growing self-confidence, sporting LED running headlights and newly-designed bumpers with large air intakes at the front, distinctive diffuser insert at the rear. Added with a sporty roof edge spoiler, which provides more downforce at the rear, providing its intent, the fenders are made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) to keep weight down pretty impressive, it defiantly rounds off the appearance of the RS3.

Petrol power comes courtesy of a 2.5-litre TFSI five-cylinder engine, packing 250kW of power and provides a full 450Nm of torque and a modest 212g/km of C02 outputs. Equipped with the usual all-wheel-drive system ensures a high degree of directional stability, excellent traction and effortless acceleration.  The RS3 kicks from 0-110km/h in just 4.6 seconds, with a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox transmission.

Merc’s answer to luxury, the Maybach

For a sophisticated look, go for the Maybach 57 left and 62 right

Bruce Mbingeleli

Many people will think having a luxury car, its all about status, and recognition well in this case it is. Owning such a car means you’re rich or you’re wealthy, either way but for others are all in the name of collection.

We take a journey back to 1997, when Mercedes-Benz show cased a striking concept car during the Tokyo motor show. It can only be the Merc’s double M. the Maybach has gone to its high end in luxury saloon with added sparkle and with significant extended high-class equipment and individualization options.

The standard equipment includes electronically controlled air suspension with variable ride height, stability control with traction control, 19-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, bi-xenon high intensity headlights, SmartKey remote entry, multi-contour heated power front and rear seats with memory, hand-fitted leather seat trim, hand-polished wood and leather trim on nearly every surface, Bose sound system with 21 speakers, rear audiovisual system with dual video monitors and DVD player, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation system, Parktronic assist with rear camera. The Maybach 57 is available in two: Base and S. the base model is equipped with a 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine capable of 399kW and 899Nm of maximum torque. The S model is powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine that 456kW (up 16Kw from 2010) and 999Nm of maximum torque.

The S trim features touring-tuned suspension with thicker stabilizer bars, montone paint, carbon fiber and piano black interior trim and 20-inch alloy wheels.  Options include three-place rear seating, ventilated front seats, a solar module for the cabin ventilation system, and customer-specified paint schemes and interior materials. The facelift versions of the Maybach saloons are even more self-confident and effortlessly superior, their charisma even more than before. The exceptional status they enjoy finds its main emphasis in the new dominant chrome radiator grille, which is meticulously produced in two different variants.

In the Maybach 57 and 62 models it has 20 fine longitudinal bars, and in the 57S and 62S models its has twelve solid double louvers and a “shadow strut” flag up the vehicle’s tremendous power. Although the Maybach developers have increased the outputs of the 57S and 62S by 13kW to 463kW, they were able to reduce the consumption figures from 16.4 to 15.8 l/100km and the C02 outputs from 390 to 368g/km. the outputs of the 57 and the 62 model remain unchanged, whilst consumption figures are at 15.0 as opposed to 15.9 l/100km and C02 outputs is at 350 as opposed 383g/km was also cut here.

Mercedes Benz G 6.3 AMG by Brabus

GTspirit.com

The German tuning specialist Brabus has released their new program for the 2013 Mercedes- Benz G63 AMG. The power SUV received a performance upgrade and a set of new wheels.

The upgrade includes an increase in performance to 456kW and 820Nm of torque from the 5.5litre twin turbo V8 engine. An additional intercooler and optimized ECU software deliver the power upgrade. Brabus Monoblock F wheels were fitted sizing 21 inch in diameter.

Lamborghini Cabrera to replace Gallardo

Bruce Mbingeleli

The Italian manufacturers have throttled up a plan of introducing a new flagship in the super car segment.  The Lamborghini Gallardo is finally coming to an end, it's final production intends to be replaced by the new Cabrera (groovie name I might add).

The design is being called a “revolution and not an evolution” so one can think that the body/shape of the car will be significantly different to the Gallardo. The Cabrera will have the same V10 engine as the Gallardo, but possibly have a supercharger fitted to pump up the car 441kW, with an additional dual-clutch automatic transmission. Believe me, when I say this; it’s definitely going to be a rear-wheel drive with the possibilities of it coming in as an all-wheel drive.

The Cabrera will be 0.2 seconds quicker to 100km/h than the current Gallardo. Debut of the Lamborghini Cabrera LP 600 – 4 is expected next year.

Kingz of Sosha at it again



Tshepang “Isla Bonita” Mkhoza gave himself a timely birthday present with a dazzling party celebration at Soshanguve Spinning Palace at Soshanguve Block F this past weekend.

Bruce Mbingeleli

One of the most Epic spinning birthday celebrations was held this past weekend at the famous Soshanguve Spinning Palace (SSP) at Soshanguve Block F.

My motive was, if you’re looking for a new challenge in spinning, drifting then frankly the SSP is the right place to be. Petrol-heads enthusiasts descended to the Palace with greatest of ease, to support the Soshanguve Spin Kingz (SSK).

One of the most exciting spinning and drifting events hosted in Soshanguve a small township in Pretoria. This event which was attended by spinners and drifters from Mabopane, Ga-Rankuwa, Hammanskraal, Memoledi, Soweto, Rustenburg, Limpopo, this is when spinners battled it out on the spinning pitch in celebration of Tshepang “Isla Bonita” member and Co-founder of the Soshanguve Spinning Kingz. The support keeps on increasing after each and every event hosted at SSP, due to the different line-up of spinners and drifters. Billal Chaya friend of Mkhoza was very pleased with the outcome of the spinning celebration.

 “It's an honour be to part en parcel in the celebration of Tshepang’s birthday I really enjoyed myself”, said owner of Design Ridez Billal Chaya.

The masses were so amazed by Y & Sons with the stunts they show cased at the spinning pitch, hanging on windows and jumping onto a moving vehicle for dare life, now that’s what we call a stunt of a lifetime. All and above, the crowd enjoyed the spinners and drifter who attended the event at Soshanguve Spinning Palace, Y & Sons went an extra mile to ensure that the  crowd  had a good time.

Honda reports surging profit, but chops FY outlook

Source by: AFP

TOKOYO – Japan’s Honda Motor said Monday that first-half net profit more than doubled to $2.7 billion, but the market of the Accord and Civic warned its full-year results would be much weaker than forecast.

The automaker said its net profit of 213.96 billion yen ($2.7 billion) was up from 92.23 billion yen in the same period a year ago, while sales were 4.71 trillion yen, up from 3.60 trillion yen. Honda also cut its full-year profit forecast by 20 percent, saying a strong yen and lower sales would hit its results.

The company now expect to earn 375 billion yen in its fiscal year to March 2013, down from an earlier 470 billion yen forecast, with sales also tipped to fall to 9.8 trillion yen, down from 10.3 trillion yen.

“We expect earnings to come below the estimates announced on April 27 2012, due to a decrease in sales volume amid the changing business environment and the impact of currency exchange rates,” Honda said in a statement.

The company credited its rosy first-half results largely to a rebound following last year’s quake-tsunami disaster.

Japanese automakers saw extensive damage to their supply chains as a result of the twin disasters in Japan and flooding in Thailand in the autumn.

A high yen also ate into exporters’ sales and profits.

The country’s automakers have come under pressure from the value of the currency, which last year hit record highs against the dollar and remains strong, making exports relatively more expensive overseas and cutting the value of repatriated earnings.

Honda and rivals Nissan and Toyota have also been hurt by territorial tensions between Tokyo and Beijing, with the trio’s September sales in China, the world’s biggest vehicle market, plunging.

Honda sales dropped 40.5 percent to 33, 931 units, and it said earlier, but made no mention of the spat in its earnings announcement on Monday.

The two counties have been locked in a festering row over the islands in the East China Sea, controlled by Japan but claimed by China.  

Insane Storm Hits Ekurhuleni

Bruce Mbingeleli

Johannesburg – A disastrous hail storm caused pain and misery to vehicle owners of Vosloorus in the East Rand, on the 20^th  has left many cars with smashed windscreens, windows and damaged bodywork. The sizes of the hail stones are bigger than anything I have ever seen in my life and could quite possible kill a person if they were hit on that head. This was a SERIOUS storm that only took less than thirty minutes to cause so much havoc.

Images courtesy of Ntokozo Nkosi.

Accident of the Week – 22nd October 2012

Horrific day it turned out be, burnt Ferrari 430

By: Zero 2 Turbo

So another case of too much power with too little experience. A father purchased this F430 for his 18year-old son only one week ago. Of course he ended up crashing it at high speed in the early hours of the morning. Him and his 21 year-old passengers were critically injured and over 80% of the bodies were badly burnt.

A tow-truck takes what’s left of the F430

Mother City’s Sensational Exotic Motoring style

Mercedes-Benz W113, 1967 280SL Coupé automatic sadly it’s not a gull-wing

Bruce Mbingeleli

A person can think twice going to the Cape in a bus, hoping if you pull up in a luxurious car you would praised and adored by the masses of the Cape.  Well, this time around I realized it not all about what type of vehicle you have or drive, all that matters is how you as an individual take care of your vehicle. As they as; “the beauty lies in the beholder”.

On my way to the beautiful city, while I was travelling with my colleagues we were so amazes by the view of the mother city and the epic atmosphere of the beautiful surroundings of beaches and vineyards can be, it's the rugged wilderness of Tabel Mountain, coated in a unique flora, which grabs everyone's attention. The view that stood out the most is the beautiful dealerships which were the Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz and the Lamborghini. These dealerships showcase and their showrooms offer dedicated and unique sales and services experiences, in line the leading global Aston Martin dealerships. All of the dealerships are manned by highly skilled and experienced staff with knowledge.

I’m more of a Vintage car fan and I must say though, that the mother city goes an extra mile to show off its exotic vintage cars. What I saw at the sea-point was really amazing, wonderful must have vintage cars, on my way to the SABC I came across on three beauty vintages the 1979 Jaguar XJ Series III, the 1987 E30 323i and the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 280SL. Out of all the cars I saw and only one that captured my heart was the Mercedes-Benz 280SL, it was a shame that it wasn’t a gull-wing though, but it had that SLS feeling which might not be on a person’s December shopping list any time soon, but it does represent the car that many one-per centers have been loving from Mercedes.

The 280 SL was welcomed in December 1967 and continued in production through 23 February 1971, when the W 113 was replaced by its successor, the new and substantially heavier R107 350 SL. Over the years, the W 113 evolved from a sports car into a comfortable grand tourer, and US models were by then usually equipped with the 4-speed automatic transmission and air conditioning. Manual transmission models came with the standard 4-speed or the optional ZF 5-speed, which was ordered for only 882 cars and thus today is a highly sought-after original option. In Europe, manual transmissions without air conditioning were still the predominant choice. Of the 23,885 280 SLs produced, more than half were sold in the US, and in Africa I’m really not sure but one thing for sure we have glorified vintage cars.

According to Mercedes Benz M130 Engine was the last and largest of the ‘mid-sized’ Single Over Head Camshaft (SOHC) straight-6 cylinder (inline) engines produced by Mercedes Benz. The ‘mid-sized six’ started life as the 2.2 liter M180 which was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor show in September 1951 alongside the new 3.0 liter M186 ‘big’ Straight-6. The SL main change was an upgrade to the 2.8litre engine that pushes a serious 130 kW of maximum power and 244 Nm maximum torque; this is mighty adequate power from the W 113.

People were so star struck by the car, especially the nice fresh paintwork that’s what surprised me. The interior it still looks good, fresh and elegant and well kept like it was just bought last night. Comparing the motoring life of the two cities, I would seriously go for the Cape it portrays an all new versatile frame when it comes to classic cars.

Images courtesy of Journomotortainment

Mercedes Drive Electrified for Power

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive will be on the international market next June, pushing 552Kw and 1000Nm of torque.

Bruce Mbingeleli

Mercedes–Benz has released the all-new SLS AMG electric drive, the next generation of emission-less efficient vehicles in the world to make its debut in at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. According to the brochure the SLS is fitted with four synchronized electric motors producing 552Kw and a maximum torque of 1000Nm, with an acceleration of 0-100Km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h. This makes it the fastest electrical driven series in the world. The new design features a vibration-free engine and motors that provide maximum torque in an instant. 

According to the brochure the liquid-cooled high voltage lithium ion battery contains 12 modules of 72 lithium ion cells each, with an energy content of 60Kw/h and an electric load potential of 600Kw, the best there is currently in the automotive industry.  A convenient quick-charge feature allows the driver to recharge the vehicle in a very short time from the comfort of their home, and a sight-stage safety design constantly checks and re-checks the entire electrical system.

Aluminium space frame contributes to its light-weight character, with an improved weight distribution and lower centre of gravity, not only focusing on its ability to increase its speed, ceramic composite brakes provide the vehicle with a perfect even deceleration.

As for when this super beauty will land the shores of South Africa that’s still to be confirmed, on the arrival of the Electric Drive next year.

Specifications

Top speed: 250 km/h (governed)

Max output: 552 Kw

Max torque: 1000 Nm

0-100 km/h: 3.9 seconds

Range: 250 km

Battery voltage: 400 volts

Battery weight: 548 kg

Battery energy content: 60Kw/h

Images courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

Magic of luxury Audi A8

Super luxury, the Audi A8L W12 Quattro.

Audi A8

One can say “No other model manifests the care of The “Vosprung durch Technik” brand as well as the Audi A8”.

Well, this flagship for the Audi brand, the A8 creates an impression of strength, sophistication and superiority in its segment. The clear and progressive design language is characterised by powerful proportion and timeless quality in a super luxury car.

The beautiful and flowing lines resemble the fluidity of a remarkable piece of art, making it quite simple the art of progress. 
Compared with other V8-powered super luxury cars, the Audi A8's 273Kw and 445Nm of maximum torque, with a 4.2-liter V8 is a little short on power. Some reviewers think this is a problem, while others rave that the excellent eight-speed transmission, light weight and Quattro all-wheel-drive helps the A8 accelerate quickly enough to remain competitive.

The Audi A8 Range

Model	Kilowatts	Torque    Nm/rpm	Top Speed km/h	Acceleration 0-100 km/h	Fuel consumption	C02   g/km
4.2 FSI Quattro Tiptronic	273	445/3500	250	5.7	9.5	219
4.2 FSI Quattro Tiptronic	258	800/1750	250	5.5	7.6	199
3.0 FSI Quattro Tiptronic	213	420/3500	250	6.1	9.1	213
3.0 FSI Quattro Tiptronic	184	550/1500	250	6.1	6.6	174

Audi A8L

Witness the powerful sovereignty of the long-wheel base derivatives of the Audi A8 range. With an outstanding degree of comfort in the rear, the Audi A8L welcomes you to your very own sphere of relaxation and comfort.

An interior that exudes quality craftsmanship, from the finest leather to the highest quality wood.

The powerful engines on offer provide spectacular performance to make driving easier and more enjoyable in what could be your new executive boardroom. According to the brochure it’s a new alpha model, the Audi A8L W12 is powered by a smooth yet engine. The 6.3liter 12 cylinder engine produces 368Kw and 625Nm of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive that pushes 0-100 km/h in time of 4.4 seconds pretty impressive for an enormous super car.

The Audi A8L Range
Model	Kilowatts	Torque Nm/rpm	Top speed km/h	Acceleration 0-100 km/h	Fuel consumption	C02   g/km
6.3 W12 FSI Quattro Tiptronic	368	625/4750	250	4.9	12.4	290
4.2 TDI Quattro Tiptronic	258	800/1750	250	6.0	7.8	204

 Bruce Mbingeleli