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 …
Toyota GR86 blasts into South Africa
This week, Toyota made the local motoring news headlines when the highly-anticipated GR86 finally launched in South Africa (be sure to keep an eye on APEX for our launch review). However, before the launch, the local arm of the Japanese automaker listed the latest iteration on its website, revealing pricing and spec for the model line-up.
The range comprises two variants, one equipped with a six-speed manual ‘box and the other with a self-shifter with the same number of cogs. The gearboxes are coupled with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder boxer motor. The petrol unit produces 174 kW and 250 Nm for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 6.4 seconds (manual) and 6.8 seconds (automatic). The top speeds are 226 km/h (manual) and 216 km/h (automatic).
The manual model is priced at R698 100. The automatic derivative is priced at R733 700. Full spec here.
Audi Q8 e-tron revealed as Ingolstadt’s flagship electric SUV
“Building on the success story of the e-tron”, the Q8 e-tron has made its global debut as Audi’s flagship emissions-free SUV. The Q8 e-tron is available in SUV and Sportback body styles, both of which are available with one of three drivetrains. These are the 50, 55 and SQ8 e-tron.
The Q8 e-tron 50 is equipped with an 89 kWh (usable) battery pack and two electric motors producing 250 kW and 664 Nm of torque. Audi claims a range of “up to” 452 km (SUV) and 467 km (Sportback). The 55-badged models’ two electric motors are coupled with a 106 kWh (net) battery. The 55 produces 300 kW and 664 Nm. The claimed electric range is 531 km (SUV) and 552 km (Sportback). The SQ8 e-tron variants’ 106 kWh battery packs are linked to three electric motors producing 370 kW and 973 Nm. The claimed range for the SUV is 457 km, and 475 km for the Sportback.
Volvo EX90 unveiled
This week, it was not only Audi that revealed its flagship electric SUV. Over in Sweden, Volvo made the global motoring news headlines when it whipped the wraps off its flagship e-SUV, the EX90. Signifying the start of something new for the brand, the EX90 will initially be available in twin-motor all-wheel-drive guise. Coupled with a 111 kWh battery, the two permanent magnet electric motors produce 380 kW and 910 Nm of torque.
Refreshed Citroën C5 Across launches in South Africa
This week, Citroën made the local motoring news headlines when the local arm of the French firm launched the revised C5 Aircross in South Africa (be sure to keep an eye on APEX for our launch review.)
The most notable mid-cycle updates come in the shape of several exterior design enhancements and upgraded interior tech. The engine-transmission combination remains, with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol directing 121 kW/240 Nm to the front axle via a six-speed auto transmission.
The two-strong range kicks off with the Feel (R633 900). The top-spec Shine is priced at R683 900. Pricing includes a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and warranty of similar duration and distance. Full spec here.
Lexus IS line-up handed spec changes
Lexus South Africa has announced that the IS line-up has received several spec changes. Priced from R924 200 for the EX to R1 007 300 for the F Sport, for the IS 300h line-up, the company has removed the hybrid badge and blue logo. The engine start/stop button, previously featuring the latter hue, is now gun metallic. Finally, the F Sport model has gained a sunroof. See full spec here.
As a reminder, the range employs one engine option, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid unit. The petrol-electric arrangement produces 164 kW and 221 Nm of torque. Coupled with a CVT, the powertrain sips a claimed 5.2 L/100 km. Lexus claims a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h.
911 Dakar confirmed as Porsche’s off-road-ready sports car
This week, Porsche made the motoring news headlines when the German firm confirmed that the 911 Dakar will make its global debut at the LA Auto Show next week.
As a reminder, the Porsche 911 Dakar was named in honour of the firm’s first overall victory in the Paris-Dakar rally in 1984 in a modified, all-wheel-drive 911. Porsche said, “In testing the car, the development engineers around general project Manager Achim Lamparter didn’t only restrict themselves to intensive use of the off-road proving grounds in Weissach.” Indeed, the 911 Dakar was tested worldwide under “extreme” conditions.
The 911 Dakar completed more than 500 000 km, including 10 000 km of off-road testing. The Porsche 911 Dakar was put through its paces (by Porsche works driver Romain Dumas) at the Château de Lastours test track in southern France and by two-time world rally champion Walter Röhrl on snow and ice at the Arjeplog testing grounds in Sweden.
Mercedes-AMG One sets new Nürburgring lap record
The Mercedes-AMG One has claimed the Nürburgring lap record for road-legal production cars, with the Affalterbach-based automaker’s F1-inspired hypercar completing a lap of the Green Hell in 6 minutes and 35.183 seconds. As a reminder, the precious record-holder was the Porsche 911 GT2 RS by Manthey Racing, with a time of 6 minutes and 43.300 seconds. Watch the onboard footage here.
