http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1066
Mercedes-Benz SA will unleash a number of C63 AMG Edition 63 models in the country from January 2010.
Adding zing to the already-intoxicating standard C63, the limited Edition 63 model has an exterior that is similar to that of the garden-variety AMG, yet it gains bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels and a choice of three special paint finishes.
Its cabin is made more appealing with black designo leather for the armrest on the centre console, the upper dash and door trim. Mercedes-Benz's media interface, which allows for the connection of mobile audio devices such as iPods or USBs, is also standard on the special edition.
Dynamically, the Edition 63 comes standard with the AMG driver's package that includes an upgraded braking system, improved engine cooling and a limiter that - invitingly - only kicks in at 280 km/h.
The range-topping C-Class makes use of the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine common to AMG products. It produces 336 kW and 600 Nm of torque and shoves the C63 from 0 - 100 km/h in a mere 4.5 seconds.
But how would you identify this model, you ask? Well, look out for the "one of 63" markings in the outline of the map of South Africa on the gearshift lever… Neat.
The C63 AMG Limited Edition, when it arrives in January 2010, will cost R930 000 and come standard with the MobiloDrive 120 maintenance plan (120 000 km or 6 years), together with a two-year warranty.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alfa Romeo Giulietta Revealed
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1067
Alfa Romeo announces that it will showcase the brand new Alfa Romeo Giulietta at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Alfa arrived at the Giulietta name with some difficulty. The first known name was the 148 followed by Milano. After complaints from Milan based Alfa employees upon the company moving to Turin, the 147 replacement finally settled on Giulietta. The name goes back to the 1950s where it represented high levels of style, performance and comfort at reasonable prices. In the front three-quarter photo the Milano name is edited out from the license plate. (Edit: photo has been updated with newer version showing Giulietta name)
The new car, targeted to the almightly VW Golf, is a coupe-shaped sports hatch featuring the latest in engineering, technology and safety systems that Alfa can offer. It is 4.35 metres long, 1.46m high, 1.8m wide and has a wheelbase of 2.63m. Alfa hopes the Giulietta will be their best selling Alfa to date.
Four engines, all of them turbocharged, will be available at launch. The 1.4TB is the baby with 88kW, followed by the 1.4TB MultiAir making 125kW. The other two are diesel-powered. One is a 1.6 JTDM producing 77kW while the more powerful 2.0 JTDM is good for 125kW. An exclusive 173kW petrol Quadrifoglio Verde model will be sold at a later stage.
Alfa has fitted the car with its DNA (Dynamic, Normal and All Weather) system which gives the driver three varying options for different driving situations. It has a Q2 electronic differential and a stability control system (VDC).
Style and design have always been Alfa Romeo's strong points and the Giulietta seems to keep that perception alive. The front end has what they call a "trilobe shape" with the Alfa grille set into the front bumper and suspended between the two air intakes. LED daytime running lights are included for both front and rear lights clusters. Similar to the old 156 sedan, the rear door handles are concealed as a matter of flair thus enhancing its coupe-like exterior.
The interior features rocker controls like the 8C Competizione as well as aluminium accents on the dashboard. Alfa says it paid a great deal of attention to detail and used high quality materials.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2011 Ford Fiesta Officially Revealed
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1068
Hours before it will be debuted to the public, Ford has sent out the official word on the North American version of the 2011 Ford Fiesta. The Fiesta is already the highest volume sales Ford in Europe, something Ford will be looking to replicate in the US and Canada.
NA purchasers will not be able to choose from six different low-powered engine options, like European customers can. Instead, the vehicle comes with a 1.6-liter, four cylinder DOHC engine that generates 88kW and up to 148Nm of torque. With this engine, the automaker anticipates a fuel economy rating of 7.1l/100km on the highway.
Although this is better than the Ford Focus' 8.1l/100km estimate, the power available to the Fiesta driver is substantially lower.
A five-speed manual transmission will come standard, but the company will offer their dual dry-clutch six-speed automatic transmission as an option. The American automaker claims this transmission will rival the manual gearbox in fuel conservation.
Yesterday, we told you about the NA vehicle's exterior difference when compared to the Euro version. A few changes were also made inside. It appears the colored door inserts and matching dashboard cover are gone, with dull grey used in its place. Swapping the fake-looking brushed aluminum-toned door handles for black does look better against the new inserts. The only apparent change to the center console is the addition of a passenger airbag indicator placed above the HVAC controls. Although Ford is still using bucket seats, the company looks to have eliminated bi-color seating choices.
Despite these changes, Ford did not significantly redesign this car for the North American market. As the company searches for a global hit, only time will tell if the 2011 Ford Fiesta will be an American success.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spyker makes bid for Saab
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1069
With the sudden resignation of GM CEO Fritz Henderson, the Board of Directors has begun accepting new bids for Saab. Led by interim CEO Ed Whitacre, the company is believed to be weighing offers from as many as four different investment groups.
One such offer was submitted yesterday by Dutch supercar manufacturer Spyker Cars, and its Russian parent, Converse Bank. The bid is for the entire Saab brand, including the 9-4X crossover, which Spyker management says is, "extremely viable," according to Automotive News.
If successful, Spyker may be able to use some of Saab's technology on the Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris crossover, which is said to still be under development.
In addition to accepting Henderson's resignation at their meeting, members of GM's board were slated to discuss the Spyker bid, as well as offers from Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co., Merbanco Inc., and Renco Group Inc. BAIH is said to have only been interested in the 9-3 and 9-5 models. One can only suspect that Koenigsegg may be coaxed back into the picture with the management change at GM.
Saab, fully owned by GM since 2000, has not delivered a profit in seven years. They are also expected to post a loss for 2009.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment