Missed this week’s motoring news? Not to worry, here’s what you need to know about this week in motoring …
BMW unveils the new-generation 3.0 CSL
The ‘Batmobile’ has made its return. This week, BMW made the global motoring news headlines when the German marque whipped the wraps off what is arguably its last special-edition model for its 50th anniversary — the new 3.0 CSL, the most exclusive special edition the firm has ever produced and the most powerful six-cylinder BMW ever created.
Billed as a masterpiece of engineering embodying the essence of racing passion, the 3.0 CSL’s 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six produces 412 kW and 550 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear axle via a six-speed manual transmission.
Only 50 examples will be made. Unfortunately, the local arm of the Bavarian brand has announced that not one of these will make its way to South Africa.
Alfa Romeo Tonale launches in SA
This week, Alfa Romeo made the local motoring news headlines when the Tonale finally made its South African debut (read our launch review here). The three-strong line-up kicks off with the R739 900 Ti derivative. The range-topping Veloce costs R819 900 (full local pricing and spec for the Tonale here.)
One engine option is employed across the range — a mild-hybrid power unit comprising a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol incorporating a 15 kW/55 Nm 48 V electric motor. The powertrain produces 118 kW and 240 Nm of torque, exclusively directed to the front axle via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Alfa Romeo claims a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 8.8 seconds, a top speed of 210 km/h and an average fuel consumption of 5.7 L/100 km.
New Audi S8 arrives in SA
The box-fresh S8 has touched down on South African shores, with the local arm of the German automaker revealing pricing and spec for its flagship luxury saloon. Pricing starts at R2 759 000.
As a reminder, the S8 is powered by the Ingolstadt-based brand’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine. The TFSI unit produces 420 kW and 800 Nm of torque, sent to all four corners via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Audi claims the luxury saloon completes the obligatory 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds.
Updated Kia Seltos makes official debut
The updated Kia Seltos has made its official debut, with the thoroughly refreshed model boasting more striking design language, a revised cabin and upgraded tech. The most notable exterior updates come in the shape of redesigned headlamps, complete with new LED daytime-running lights (DRLs), flanking a larger version of the company’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ front grille.
The interior sports significant upgrades. These include a dual-display cluster. Measuring 10.25 inches each, the first one displays the digital instruments. The other (touch-enabled) screen is for operating the infotainment. Ambient lighting is present, too. A rotary switch is used to select gears.
Abarth 500e revealed as electric pocket rocket
Abarth has whipped the wraps off the 500e, a fully electric compact hot hatch the Italian brand bills as the most responsive and exciting Abarth in urban driving and the fastest and most enjoyable in suburban driving. The 500e has a 42 kWh battery and a “powerful” electric motor producing 113.7 kW and 220 Nm of torque. The firm says the 500e sprints to 100 km/h from a standstill in 7.0 seconds and performs overtaking manoeuvres quicker than its petrol-powered sibling.
