http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1158
The heavily anticipated 311-kW Lexus IS-F touches down in South Africa.
Bearing the F nomenclature specific to Lexus performance models, this IS is the result of hours of exhaustive development conducted on Japan's Fuji Speedway.
Based on the IS250 sedan, the IS-F makes substantial changes in its metamorphosis into a proper sports sedan.
It is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine developing 311kW at 6 600 r/min and a peak torque figure of 505Nm of torque at 5 200 r/min. The powerplant is mated to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift (SDS) transmission.
Lexus claims this 'box's ability to shift gears in tenth of a second makes it - bar an F1 version - the fastest gear change in the world. Using these rapid shifts to full effect, IS-F will sprint to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds before hitting a top end of 270 km/h.
IS-Fs destined for South Africa also gain the benefits of kit added in a recent facelift. Most prominent of these, perhaps, would be the addition of a limited slip differential that should see a marked increase in traction and stability through high-speed corners.
"We are thrilled to be able to offer the IS-F in South Africa with a comprehensive performance specification that includes a limited slip diff, something we have been waiting to secure,” said Kevin Flynn, General Manager of Lexus SA.
“Our South African customers have been very patient waiting on the arrival of this car. But their wait has been worthwhile because we can offer them the very best IS-F possible, one that features all the upgrades recently announced for the 2010 model year car," Flynn continued.
South Africans willing to part with R776 900 will enjoy the privilege of housing an IS-F in their garages.
The car is covered by Lexus' four year/100 000km maintenance plan and manufacturer warranty.
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VW Passat CC Now Available as Five-Seater
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1159
Originally available only as a four seater, the Passat CC will now offer an optional rear bench due to consumer demand. Volkswagen says the move will "give the Passat CC even greater everyday utility by adding a seating position."
The rear bench features three head restraints, a center three-point seat belt, and an asymmetrically split folding backrest.
As you may recall, the Passat CC is available with a wide variety of engine. Options include a 2.0-liter TSI with 147 kW, a 3.6-liter V6 FSI with 206 kW and a 2.0-liter TDI with 103 kW.
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Gran, 91, caught speeding
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1160
Daleen Moll has received her first speeding fine - at the age of 91!
She was trapped doing 113km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N12 near Harrismith on December 15.
Moll, a former social worker from Kempton Park, said she'd been driving a little faster than she perhaps should have to get to Port Shepstone for a holiday.
"It was hot and we wanted to get to the sea," Moll said on Sunday.
She said while the long trip wasn't a problem for her, she didn't like driving on her own.
Her granddaughter, Juanita Kotzé, 21, was in the car with her and they'd taken turns driving. The other one had to be on the "lookout".
Moll said she would be paying the fine at the end of the month.
The 91-year-old got two traffic fines on the same day in the 1990s, but she was let off the hook after writing to the traffic department.
Moll said she was very "blessed" that she could still drive at her age.
"I renewed my licence in 2008. I even passed the eye test. But there are no fingerprints - they said I was too old."
Moll said she wouldn't be renewing her licence in 2013.
"I'm scared they'll tell me I'm too old to drive.
"I drive fast, but safely."
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Facelifted Auris here soon
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1161
Toyota’s revised Auris range has been released in the UK (where it is assembled) and changes to Toyota’s Golf rival have been subtle. The only perceptible exterior cue to the Auris facelift is its new, family Verso-themed styling.
Among the changes are integrated fog lamps seated in a deeper front bumper arrangement. Auris gains a revised bonnet profile (featuring stronger crease lines) and a new grille, bringing it inline with the latest generation Verso.
All new Auris models see additional indicator illumination integrated into the side mirrors too.
Redesigned 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels round off the styling changes.
Bye-bye orange dials - finally
Cabin architecture remains relatively untouched, with some added functionality – primarily in terms of infotainment where changes have been made to the USB port and aux-in socket adaptability.
Mercifully those horrid orange hued optitron instruments have been toned down to a more palatable white tint. Drivers keen on a performance look can now option Toyota’s new flat-bottomed leather steering wheel…
Mechanically the new Auris has seen revisions to the car’s suspension and power-steering to usher in more secure high-speed stability.
Drivetrain options (for the UK market) include Toyota’s 1.33l Dual VVT-I engine (featuring stop/start functionality) and either 1.6l Valvetronic or 1.4 D-4D compression ignition power, both driving through either manual or MultiMode transmission.
Expect the new Auris (minus most of the UK spec engines) to be available locally during the first quarter.
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