Missed this week’s motoring news? Not to worry, here’s the breakdown of what you need to know about this week in motoring …
NEW FORD MUSTANG BREAKS COVER
This week, Ford made the global motoring news headlines when the Blue Oval brand revealed the new-generation Mustang. Billed as the most exhilarating and visceral Mustang yet, the seventh iteration boasts an “edgier yet timeless” design language and a “fighter jet-inspired” digitalised cockpit. Available in Fastback and cabriolet format, the latest Mustang can be had with Ford’s 5.0-litre naturally aspirated Coyote V8 engine and 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol motor.
Ford says, “The way [it] looks, drives and sounds are key to the experience that makes customers want to get in the driver’s seat and hit the road. The all-new model delivers an even more exciting drive experience with new and advanced engine technologies.”
TOYOTA HILUX GR-SPORT ARRIVES IN SA
The announcement of a brand-new GR-Sport model in Toyota’s local Hilux line-up dominated the local motoring news headlines. Priced at R865 400, the GR-S is equipped with the Japanese automaker’s familiar 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, uprated to produce 165 kW and 550 Nm of torque. The oil-burner is exclusively coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. See full specification here.
NEW KIA SPORTAGE LAUNCHES IN SA
This week, the box-fresh Kia Sportage touched down on local shores. Comprising five derivatives, the South African line-up is priced from R539 995 for the entry-level LX model to R734 995 for the range-topping GT-Line S derivative. All models employ a 1.6-litre T-GDi engine equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The turbocharged four-pot produces 132 kW and 265 Nm of torque. Kia claims an average fuel consumption figure of 6.5 L/100 km. See full pricing and spec here.
NEW AUDI RS3 SPORTBACK & SEDAN LAUNCHES IN SA
Priced from R1 215 000 for the Sportback derivative and R1 245 000 for the sedan, the new RS3 siblings have finally launched in South Africa. The apex A3 models are equipped with the German marque’s award-winning 2.5-litre turbocharged five-pot. The sonorous five-cylinder produces 294 kW and, for the latest iterations, 500 Nm of torque (20 Nm more than their forebears). As a result, Audi says the new models are 0.3 seconds quicker to 100 km/h from a standstill than the previous-generation variants. The claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time is now 3.8 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h (290 km/h when specifying the optional RS Dynamic package Plus).
Among the various standard features are Audi’s Black styling package, an RS sports exhaust system and 19-inch alloy wheels. The interior features Audi’s RS virtual cockpit and smartphone interface. A Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound is also present.
FERRARI UNLEASHES THE PUROSANGUE
This week, Ferrari made the global motoring news headlines when the Maranello-based manufacturer finally whipped the wraps off the Purosangue, the first-ever four-door four-seater from the Prancing Horse brand’s stable.
The Ferrari Purosangue is equipped with Ferrari’s V12 engine. The mid-front-mounted 6.5-litre unit produces 533 kW and 716 Nm of torque (available from 7 750 r/min and 6 250 r/min, respectively), making it 13 kW more powerful than the Aston Martin’s DBX707, which, until now, was the most powerful luxury SUV in the world (if you consider the Purosangue as an SUV). However, for reference, the pinnacle DBX produces 900 Nm.
The Italian marque says the Purosangue sprints to the three-figure marker from a standstill in 3.3 seconds. The 0-200 km/h time comes at 10.6 seconds. The top speed is rated at more than 310 km/h.
NEW VOLKSWAGEN POLO SEDAN ARRIVES IN SA
The box-fresh Volkswagen Polo sedan has arrived in South Africa. According to VW SA, “The new Polo sedan is set to redefine the A0 Sedan segment in South Africa by fulfilling the mobility needs of customers.”
The local line-up comprises three variants, starting with the entry-level Polo sedan 1.6 81 kW manual. This model is priced at R318 300. Life level of specification can be had with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. The former model is priced at R345 600, while the latter variant is priced at R365 500. Full spec here.
PAGANI UNVEILS THE UTOPIA
The release of a new Pagani is sure to make motoring news headlines. The reveal of the Utopia was no different. Horacio Pagani’s latest creation was built as a hypercar representing simplicity, lightness and driving pleasure. It took six years to develop the firm’s latest model.
The Utopia is equipped with a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 6.0-litre V12 that produces 635 kW and 1 100 Nm of torque. The twin-turbocharged unit is coupled with an X-Trac seven-speed transversal automated manual transmission (AMT) or “pure” manual gearbox with a similar number of cogs.
Stopping power for the 1 280 kg (dry) Utopia is provided by Brembo ventilated carbon-ceramic discs. The front (six-piston) items measure 410 mm. The rear (four-piston) brakes measure 390 mm. The brakes are housed in front 21-inch and rear 22-inch forged aluminium wheels, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa rubber measuring 265/35 (fore) and 325/30 (aft).
JEEP REVEALS THREE UPCOMING ELECTRIC SUVs
Jeep has whipped the wraps off a trio of upcoming battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), signifying the next phase of the US manufacturer’s all-electric product offensive to become the global leader in zero-emission SUVs. The three SUVs are the Avenger, Recon and the Wagoneer S.
Scheduled to make its European debut in 2023, Jeep’s first fully-electric model, the Avenger, is a compact SUV that will be positioned under the Renegade. The automaker says the Avenger has a (targeted) range of 400 km. The manufacturer further says it will offer “impressive” ground clearance and approach and break-over angles. The Avenger’s “advanced” interior will feature modern tech and oodles of space.
One of the company’s first all-electric SUVs scheduled to launch in North America, the Recon, “is aimed at those who love to explore extreme adventures in near silence with a rugged, fully-electric vehicle package”. Designed from the ground up, the Recon features the US brand’s Selec-Terrain traction management system, e-locker rear axle tech, underbody protection, tow hooks and “aggressive” off-road tyres.
Scheduled to go into production in 2024, the Wagoneer S is Jeep’s entry into the all-electric, luxury-SUV segment. The automaker claims the battery-powered Wagoneer will have a (targeted) range of 644 km. The power output and 0-96 km/h sprint time are a (targeted) 441 kW and 3.5 seconds, respectively.
LAND ROVER REVEALS DEFENDER 75th LIMITED EDITION
Marking the anniversary of the introduction of the Series 1, Land Rover has revealed the Defender 75th Limited Edition. The company says, “The uniqueness of the 75th Limited Edition ensures its place as a highly collectable Defender.”
The celebratory edition is available in 90 and 110 body styles. Each model features an “exclusive” exterior design theme with “unique” detailing. The Defender 75th Limited Edition variants’ bodywork is finished in Grasmere Green. The “iconic” hue has also been applied to the 20-inch alloy wheels. The latter items are wrapped in all-terrain tyres. The 75th Limited Edition derivatives’ exterior further features Ceres Silver bumpers, privacy glass and a “unique” “75 Years” graphic.
The Grasmere Green colour scheme is carried over to the interior. The ‘Cross Car Beam’ is finished in this hue. Laser-etched “75 Years” detailing is also present. The seats are finished in black.
