http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=860
South Africa is hardly a week into the review period for the next fuel-price adjustment and there is already an average over-recovery of 10c/litre on petrol and 5.8c/litre on diesel.
Friday's over-recovery was a good 43c/litre on petrol and 42c/litre on diesel. If this is sustained over the rest of the review period leading up to October 1, a sizeable fuel-price reduction can be expected on October 7.
According to SA Fuel Retailers Association director Peter Noke, the expected price reduction will be a bonus for motorists and the economy, but bad news for stock management at filling stations.
In the days before fuel prices fall sharply motorists become reluctant to fill up, and filling station owners are in a quandary because they want to sell as little as possible of the stock purchased at a high price for the new, lower price.
Because they want to be "caught" with as little high-priced stock as possible, they try to postpone ordering until after the price comes down, but they then face the danger of being without fuel if the wholesalers cannot deliver in time.
Fuel wholesalers, on the other hand, want to sell filling stations as much as possible at the higher prices.
The latest available figures from the Department of Energy cover the period from August 28 to September 4, when the rand strengthened from R7.76 to R7.59/dollar, and the price of crude oil fell from about $72 to $68.
The oil markets are looking ahead to Wednesday's meeting of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) in Vienna, Austria, for further signals. Bloomberg reports that analysts expect Opec to maintain its production quotas at current levels. Opec produces 40%-odd of the world's oil.
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695 Tributo Ferrari based on Fiat 500
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=861
The urban stylishness of the Fiat 500 combined with the pure performance know-how of Ferrari? That just may be the proverbial match made in an Italian automotive heaven that will appeal to many, many people.
Unfortunately, there may not be enough of such a car to go around. Ferrari and Fiat's performance division Abarth have partnered for a limited edition series based on the Fiat 500 - to be called the 695 Tributo Ferrari.
But the car definitely aims to bring new meaning to the term hot hatch. For starters, the 695 will come in the traditional Ferrari color of Scuderia Red.
Performance will be boosted by means of a 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol/gasoline engine dialed up to 132kW coupled to an F1-style 6-speed transmission with paddle-shift function. Suspension tuning will compliment the increase in power and a set of red Brembo brakes will sit behind the 17-inch alloy wheels made special for the occasion, referencing classic Ferrari design.
The interior cabin gets carbon fiber seats dressed in black leather while the steering wheel trim comes with red inserts to make for a true Ferrari color contrast of red on black.
More details such as pricing and the number of models to be produced are sure to follow when the 695 Tributo Ferrari debuts at the Frankfurt motor show next week.
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Audi RS3 Frankfurt Debut Rumors Getting Stronger
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=862
More chatter is emerging about a possible premiere for an Audi RS3 at the Frankfurt motor show next Tuesday (when the show begins for two press days before being open to the public on September 17).
This tip comes from an Audi dealer in Cape Town, South Africa care of Jalopnik and GermanCarBlog.
Here is the quote:
"Looking forward to the unveiling of the new Audi RS3. 2.5L five-cylinder turbocharged engine, 4WD & 250kW. See it at Frankfurt Motor Show."
We have previously reported on the rumor/speculation of an RS3 debut for Frankfurt and what that dealer quote says seems to be in tune with what Auto, Motor & Sport Sweden had gleamed from their source in Ingolstadt.
Namely, that is, that the RS3 will be an all-wheel drive (Quattro) fitted with the 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder turbocharged engine with 250 kW and 450 Nm of torque from the TT RS.
We will definitely know the scoop soon.
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Carlsson E-CK63 RS with 430kW
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=863
German tuner Carlsson has an even more powerful version of the E 63 AMG out now.
The E-CK63 RS, as Carlsson has christened it, boasts a hefty improvement in horsepower over the standard E 63 AMG. Power ratings on the 6.3 liter (6,208cc) V8 engine are dialed up from 386 kW to 430 kW while maximum torque goes from 630 to 695 Nm. Carlsson claims to have accomplished the considerable rise in power through a "re-engineering" of the engine. That includes changes to the engine management and exhaust systems.
Carlsson also provides an aerodynamic package made out of polyurethane (PU-RIM) which includes front and rear skirts, extended wings and side moldings. New wheels are also added - 20-inch 1/5 REVO rims in a 5 double-spoke design.
The new wheels, the tinkering under the hood and the aerodynamic paneling help shave off 3/10ths of a second off the 0 to 100 km/h sprint, now done in 4.5 seconds.
On the inside come some cabin upgrades to take the E 63 AMG to a complimentary level of luxury to go with its near 440kW. The illuminated floor mats with the Carlsson logo are probably what will stand out the most. But there is also a leather and ultra-suede finish that adorns the seats, steering wheel and the inside of the doors.
No price on the Carlsson E-CK63 RS is yet available.
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Kicherer unveils the C 63 Supersport
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=864
Kicherer has unveiled the new C 63 Supersport.
Based on the Mercedes C 63 AMG, the Supersport features carbon fiber pieces added to the grille, front bumper, mirrors, and engine cover. Other styling updates include aggressive side sills, LED daytime driving lights, and a carbon fiber rear diffuser.
Inside, the cabin receives minor updates in the form of new floormats and an ergonomic sports steering wheel with carbon fiber inserts.
Under the hood, Kicherer removes the "senseless" electronic limiters which allow the engine to produce 405 kW and 630 Nm of torque. More importantly, the company adds an adjustable coil over suspension and a high performance limited slip differential.
To keep the car glued to the road, Kicherer equips Supersport with 20-inch RS-1 forged wheels (that measure 245 front and 275 rear) and an advanced Brembo braking system.
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Heffner Performance Murcielago with 809kW
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=865
Heffner Performance has unveiled a specially tuned Lamborghini Murcielago with over 809kW.
In order to achieve this insane figure, Heffner added twin-turbochargers to the Lamborghini's 427kW V12 engine. The end result is astonishing, as over 1114 hp is delivered to the rear wheels.
While Heffner failed to provide typical performance data, they stated "In 90 degree heat the car pulled off a 5.10 second 100-200 (km/h) at around 699kW at the rear wheels. For reference a stock 427kW Murcielago takes around 9.5 seconds to make the leap from 100 to 200 km/h." When the full 809kW is dialed in, the company expects the time to drop into the 4 second range.
Look for more information to be released when Heffner finalizes the performance package.
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Audi and Mercedes Styled Grilles by AK Car-Design
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=866
Adolf Koch has been working in the field of tuning for 30 years. He reckons that a growing number of automakers are designing cars that tend to look similar despite investing lots of money in expensive styling departments.
For Koch the front end represents the face of a motor company and for him, Audi and Mercedes-Benz cars all look too similar respectively. That is to say for example an A3 looks like an A4, which looks like an A6 and so on. Koch's company AK Car-Design aims to change this first by giving these two brands new updated front grilles and fresh overall body looks. They are calling this planned renaissance "the second face". Installing the grille inserts is possible without making any modifications to the cars.
The new E-Class is one potential subject that goes one step further by providing a fully restyled body kit. In addition to special front grille insert options, the tuner has developed a spoiler, side skirts and a rear valance with special exhaust tailpipes.
Other candidates include most of the Audis which Koch promises to turn into unique masterpieces.
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Abt Upgrades Audi TT-RS to 309kW
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=867
ABT Sportsline now has its own interpretation of the iconic Audi ur-Quattro which is based on the new Audi TT RS coupe and Roadster range. That car made not only history but headlines around the world when it took on opponents on the rally circuit and proved itself a more than capable competitor. After 50 years of tuning cars, ABT Sportsline General Manager Hans-Jürgen Abt makes a link between the legend and his company's newest creation.
"Our ur-Quattro is a big banger," he says, "a sports machine which played in the Champions league. Quattro technology and performance are in perfect harmony. The TT RS brings this magical combination back on the road."
The TT RS uses the 5-cylinder layout made famous by the ur-Quattro. What ABT has done is to take it from its standard 250kW to 309kW by utilising a charge air cooler and optimising the engine electronics. Its 0 - 100km/h time is 4.3 seconds and it can go all the way up to 282km/h.
ABT is confident that the combination of quattro AWD and its power package gives the compact car exceptional agility and handling abilities.
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Cop bust driving stolen car
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=868
A metro police officer who was caught driving a stolen vehicle on Monday night, alleged that the car had been lent to him by McCarthy Motors in Silver Lakes, east of Pretoria.
The suspect has served in the metro police for 23 years, and said he didn't know the vehicle had been stolen.
Gerrit van der Merwe, 41, manager of the car dealership from which the vehicle went missing, said he couldn't believe his eyes when he saw the metro police officer driving the silver VW Polo Classic in Ryneveld Street in Pierre van Ryneveld.
According to him, the car disappeared from the showroom floor a week ago.
Theft charge
"I laid a charge of vehicle theft at the Boschkop police station and thought I'd never see that vehicle again.
"It was a great shock when I saw the car with the same number plate on Sunday night.
"The man who was driving the vehicle, dropped two women off at a house.
"Just when he was about to drive off, I parked him in with my 4X4 and asked where he got the car. He said he had borrowed it from McCarthy," said Van der Merwe.
Van der Merwe contacted Pierre van Ryneveld's community policing forum to come and help him.
Metro police
"I also phoned the metro police. Four metro police vehicles showed up and two men came to talk to me. They gave the number on the vehicle's number plate to their control room, who said the vehicle was not stolen.
"One of the metro police officers, a certain Mr Malan, told his colleague: 'Just get in the car and fuck off'. I said it doesn't work that way, and took the vehicle's keys from the ignition.
"Another metro police officer, a certain Mr Grobler, said according to their control room, the car was not stolen, and that the case number and the SMS that say the police are looking for the vehicle 'mean fuck-all'," said Van der Merwe.
Van der Merwe said when the police finally showed up on the scene, they confirmed that the vehicle was indeed stolen, after which the metro police officers "suddenly sang a different tune".
Van der Merwe said the driver told the police he received the vehicle from a McCarthy employee, for him to use while his car was there to be serviced.
Arrest
The police immediately went to that employee's home, and he was arrested on the charge of vehicle theft.
Police spokesperson, Marinda Stoltz, confirmed that the police are investigating the case.
"Meanwhile, the metro policeman has been set free and has become a witness for the State," said Stoltz.
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