Missed this week’s motoring news? Not to worry, here’s the recap of what you need to know about the past week in motoring …
Mercedes EQE SUV and AMG EQE SUV debuted
This week started with Mercedes-Benz making the motoring news headlines when the Three-pointed Star brand and its performance arm, AMG, revealed the EQE and AMG EQE — the German marque’s first-ever performance SUV — models.
Kicking off the model line-up is the 215 kW/565 Nm 350+. This rear-wheel-driven model has a claimed range of 480 to 590 km. Next is the all-wheel-drive (215 kW/765 Nm) 350 4Matic with an electric range of up to 558 km. The 500 4Matic’s twin electric motor arrangement produces 300 kW and 858 Nm. This variant’s battery needs to be replenished after travelling up to 547 km.
Affalterbach’s first-ever performance SUV line-up starts with the 43 4Matic. This derivative’s two permanently excited synchronous electric motors produce 350 kW and 858 Nm of torque for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h. Benz claims an electric range of 431 to 488 km.
The flagship 53 4Matic+ boasts 460 kW (505 kW with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package) and 950 Nm. The firm claims this variant sprints to the three-figure marker from a standstill in 3.5 seconds when equipped with the package mentioned above. The top speed is rated at 220 km/h (240 km/h with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package). This model has a claimed electric range of 375 to 470 km.
New Porsche 911 Carrera T breaks cover
A lightweight Neunelfer for purists, the 992-generation 911 Carrera T is bookended by the 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera S in Porsche’s rear-wheel-drive 911 coupé line-up. Based on the former model, the (1 470 kg, thanks to several weight-saving measures, including ditching the rear seats) T-badged variant’s 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six produces 283 kW and 450 Nm for a claimed sprint time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 291 km/h. As standard, the engine is coupled with a seven-speed manual gearbox. However, an eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is also available.
In addition, following the global reveal this week, we unearthed pricing, spec and options for the latest 911 Carrera T. See pricing and spec here.
Rolls-Royce reveals the Spectre, the firm’s first-ever electric vehicle
This week, Rolls-Royce made the motoring news headlines when lifting the wraps off its first-ever electric vehicle, the Spectre. Dubbed the world’s first “ultra-luxury” electric super coupé, the British luxury marque says the Spectre is the “most perfect product it has ever created.
Rolls-Royce says the final power, acceleration and range figures of the (2 975 kg) EV are still being refined. However, preliminary data has shown a power and torque output of 430 kW and 900 Nm, a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.5 seconds, and an “expected” range of 520 km.
Limited-edition Audi RS3 performance unveiled with more power
Another week, another special-edition model from Ingolstadt (remember the RS Q3 edition 10 years?) Not that we mind. Not at all! Developed for maximum performance, meet the RS3 performance edition.
Bar the several exterior and exterior fitments to this limited edition (only 300 examples will be made); the most notable change is the increased power output, top speed, and enhanced five-cylinder soundtrack. The RS3 performance edition’s 2.5-litre turbocharged engine produces 299 kW (5 kW up from its standard stablemate). The torque output remains the same at 500 Nm. The top speed has been increased to 300 km/h (the standard variants have a top speed of 250 km/h or 290 km/h when specifying the RS Dynamic package Plus).
In addition, the standard RS sports exhaust system has been “slightly” adapted for the RS3 performance edition. Featuring fully variable exhaust flap control, which broadens the sound spectrum, the exhaust sound is “even more present”.
Fresh-faced Hyundai Venue launches in SA
This week, the refreshed Hyundai Venue launched on local shores. (Read our launch review here.)
The revised line-up comprises six derivatives, starting with the entry-level Motion model (R294 900). The previous range-topper, the Glide, has been ditched, making way for a new top-tier variant, the sportier-looking N Line (R449 900).
Two engine options are available, with the (61 kW/115 Nm) 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-pot reserved for the entry-level Motion with a five-speed manual transmission. From there, all models feature Hyundai’s (88 kW/172 Nm) 1.0-litre turbo-triple, available with a six-speed manual ‘box or seven-speed dual-clutch in the remaining Motion variants and mid-spec Fluid models. The N Line is exclusively equipped with the DCT.
See full pricing and spec here.
Toyota RAV4 handed the GR Sport treatment
Toyota has whipped the wraps off the RAV4 GR Sport, with the Japanese automaker saying the latest addition to the RAV4 line-up makes a bold style statement with its Gazoo Racing-inspired exterior package complemented by suspension enhancements.
Starting with the exterior, this RAV4 features several model-specific trim elements. These include a new front spoiler and piano black finishes for the wheel arches. “GR” badging is also present. The sporty aesthetics are carried over to the interior. Here, GR-specific trim is also present.
Mechanical upgrades include enhancements to the suspension set-up. The RAV4 GR Sport features stiffer springs and shock absorbers to give it a “handling boost” and offer a “more engaging” driving experience.
Renault 4EVER Trophy unveiled as “adventure-ready” concept
A modern, electrified version of the iconic Renault 4, the French firm has unwrapped the 4EVER Trophy, a “rugged” and “adventure-ready” show car, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 4L Trophy humanitarian rally. The concept also reflects a future production model.
“To bring 4EVER Trophy into the modern era, we have infused its streamlined shape with technological sophistication. All these ingredients have been carefully crafted so that the design resonates with those who are familiar with the 4L and its illustrious history and with younger generations,” said Gilles Vidal, VP of Renault Brand, Design.
Jeep unboxes the Avenger, the firm’s first electric vehicle
This week, not only Rolls-Royce revealed its first-ever EV. Over in the US, Jeep made the global motoring news headlines when revealing its first battery-powered model, the Avenger.
“The Avenger packs the Jeep DNA into a compact SUV with a unique combination of capability, style, functionality, and technology to satisfy the needs of ever-connected customers,” said the company. The Avenger has a “new-generation” 400 V electric system and a 54 kWh battery, allowing an all-electric range of 400 km on the WLTP cycle.
Maserati premieres the Levante FTributo and Ghibli FTributo special editions
Celebrating Maria Teresa De Filippis, the first woman to qualify for a Formula One Grand Prix (having done so in a Maserati 250F), Maserati made the motoring news headlines when unveiling the FTributo Special Edition Levante and Ghibli.
“The tenacious spirit of Maria Teresa De Filippis and the timeless reference to the racing world of the Trident have inspired the new FTributo Special Edition, a limited series available for the Ghibli and Levante,” said the Italian luxury marque. According to the Modena-based manufacturer, the special-edition variants raise sportiness to a new level thanks to their “eye-catching” details and “sporty” aesthetics.
