Max Auto Updates - 13/10/2009

Lamborghini LP 640 JB-R by JB Car Design



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JB Design could not get better motivation than the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640. The tuner's version called the LP 640 JB-R looks to be a proper menace with the correct credentials. Sporting a limited-edition paint job that's only available through JB Design, the car already starts off exclusively.

Those 20-inch Schmidt aluminium rims are wrapped in Michelin wide base tyres sizes 265/30-20 and 335/30-20 front and rear respectively. The aerodynamic kit includes a front spoiler, front air intake, side skirts, a rear spoiler and a rear diffuser. The sport exhaust system can have its sound volume changed while in motion through the mere push of a button. The underbody has been streamlined to help offer the highest level of performance in both handling and top speed situations.

Under the bonnet lies the V12 engine whose power is upped to 525kW in Power Level I and 552kW in the second level. An F1-style steering rocker switch changes gears and assists the LP 640 JB-R to attain top velocity of 370km/h.

Interior luxury appointments include dark red ultra suede and black smooth leather, carbon fibre inserts and all-round tinted windows.

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B&B Tunes Audi Q7 6.0 V12 TDI facelift



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The range topping Q7 6.0 V12 TDI (368 kW and 1000 Nm of torque) can be equipped with a Stage 2 package that features revised electronics, a modified turbo (it increases boost pressure 0.2 bar), and various other upgrades. Thanks to these tweaks, the engine produces 416 kW and 1220 Nm of torque. If that isn't powerful enough for you, the company can add a recalibrated ECU which enables the engine to turn out 438 kW and 1270 Nm of torque.

For the Q7 4.2 TDI, B&B offers two different performance choices. The Stage 1 package boasts 276 kW and 850 Nm of torque, while the Stage 2 upgrade features 294 kW and 900 Nm of torque. Models equipped with the latter package can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6 seconds, before topping out at speeds above 250 km/h.

Finally, the Q7 3.0 TDI can be equipped with a Stage 3 package that produces 206 kW and 585 Nm of torque, a pure "electronic performance optimization" with 221 kW and 600 Nm of torque, or a hardcore package which produces 239 kW and 640 Nm of torque.

In terms of styling, B&B offers a variety of wheels (available in 20, 22 and 23 inches), a sport suspension that lowers the ride height by up to 50mm, and a 13-piece body kit from Caractere.

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Manuel gets R1.2 million BMW

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Trevor Manuel and Blade Nzimande seem to differ on quite a few things, economic policy in particular, but they do agree on one thing: a BMW.

Manuel's ministry has joined the ranks of the higher education minister, and Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda, and acquired a BMW 750i as his official car.

This luxury car cost the tax payer R1 091 450, slightly less than Nzimande and Nyanda's cars. The vehicle was fitted with accessories - "standard extras" apparently - worth R99 200.

In a written response to a question by DA MP Greg Krumbock, Manuel said his planning ministry is a new one, and thus he hadn't inherited a vehicle.

The vehicle was bought when the service plan of Manuel's previous official car expired, which would have made it too expensive to maintain.

The DA sent questions regarding the purchase of new vehicles for ministers to all government departments.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga spent R1.7 million on two vehicles, while Deputy Police Minister Fikile Mbalula spent R1.6 million on two vehicles, of which one is a new BMW 7 series worth R832 700.

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Car thief killed by mob

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A suspected car thief was beaten to death by mob in Kagiso on Monday morning, Johannesburg police said.

Inspector Solomon Sibiya said a second man was in a critical condition at hospital.

It was believed that the pair attempted to steal a car from a driveway and the car owner alerted residents.

"The two suspects were cornered and severely beaten up. The police were called and they were taken to hospital, where one was certified dead on arrival," said Sibiya.

A case of theft and murder was being investigated.

No arrests were made.