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-AMG unveils ‘exclusive’ C63 S E Performance ‘F1 Edition’
Sporting several “exclusive” design items, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance “F1 Edition” will be available for only one year (from the start of sales, that is). As a reminder, the standard variant of the new-generation C63 S is scheduled to go on sale in South Africa during the first quarter of 2023.
So, what sets this model apart from its standard stablemate? For starters, the “F1 Edition” is dressed in MANUFAKTUR alpine grey uni exterior paintwork, features grey-to-black gradient foiling (with the “AMG” logo) on the flanks, and red trim lines all around. The red accents can be found on the front and rear aprons, side skirts and the wheels’ rims. The 20-inch alloys are finished in matte black.
New BMW M2 handed M Performance Parts
This week, BMW made the motoring news headlines when the company unboxed its latest M Performance Parts for the new M2. According to the German marque, the model-specific items accentuate the race-inspired character of its compact sports car.
So, what does the M2’s M Performance Parts catalogue include? Among several other items, the “wide variety” includes carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) add-ons for the front, sides and rear, a large boot-mounted rear wing, and a new exhaust system.
Toyota bZ3 electric sedan announced with ‘over’ 600 km of range
This week, Toyota announced the second model in its bZ series of electric vehicles, the bZ3. Based on an “all-new” platform, the battery-electric sedan, Toyota says, “Offers customers a novel automotive experience based on three keywords: electrified, dynamic, and enjoyable.”
The bZ3 is underpinned by the company’s e-TNGA platform “to achieve more pleasant driving, including more responsive performance, with a low centre of gravity and excellent handling stability”. The bZ3 features an “advanced” electrification system comprising Toyota’s “extensive” technologies honed through long-standing HEV development. The firm says the bZ3 can travel “over” 600 km before the batteries need recharging.
Maserati unwrapped Barbie-inspired Grecale
Billed as an “unprecedented” collaboration, Maserati and Mattle Inc.’s Barbie brand have joined forces to create an “ultra-limited” Grecale, inspired by the Barbiecore phenomenon, to showcase the unique flair of both brands. Limited to only two examples, the Barbie-inspired Fuoriserie Grecale takes inspiration from Barbie’s “multi-faceted lifestyle ranging from a business meeting to a glamourous event”.
The exterior is adorned with Barbie logos, sealed with an iridescent topcoat revealing an “incredible” rainbow effect. The interior is trimmed in black leather upholstery. The headrests feature the “unique” “B” badge.
Ford says farewell to the Fiesta with an emotional video
Although not available in South Africa for the last several years, the Ford Fiesta has been a staple in the compact-hatchback segment, locally and worldwide. The Blue Oval brand has officially announced that, come June 2023, production of the popular hatch will end after 47 years, making way for the firm’s upcoming electric vehicles in its electrified future. Ford has released an emotional video to bid the Fiesta farewell, with the company saying, “Goodnight, Fiesta”.
Hennessey Performance unleashes (886 kW!) Venom 1200 Mustang GT500
Hennessey Performance has whipped the wraps off the Venom 1200 Mustang GT500, with the Texas-based high-performance-vehicle company saying that, with its latest Mustang-based model, it has elevated the performance of the Blue Oval brand’s pony car to supercar levels.
Limited to only 66 units, for the Venom 1200 Mustang GT500, Hennessey has handed the donor car’s engine several “wide-ranging” improvements. These include a higher capacity (3.8-litre) supercharger, a high-flow induction system, new fuel rails and injectors, and an air/oil separation system. The standard 5.2-litre supercharged V8 now produces a whopping 886 kW and 1 223 Nm, directed to the rear wheels via a recalibrated dual-clutch transmission.
