http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1255
Toyota Motor Corp said on Wednesday it would add a brake-override system, which cuts engine power when the accelerator and brake pedals are applied at the same time, to all future vehicles worldwide.
President Akio Toyoda also said Toyota would also appoint a chief quality officer to each major geographical region to serve on Toyota's newly established "Special Committee for Global Quality."
The committee, which will be headed by President Toyoda, will hold its first meeting on March 30, Toyota said in a statement.
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Fuel price hike ahead for April 2010
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Motorists will be forking out more for a tank of petrol with Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan's announcement of a 25.5c per litre increase in the levy on petrol and diesel with effect from April 7.
The increase comprises a general fuel levy increase of 10c per litre, as well as an additional levy of 7.5c per litre to help fund the new multi-product petroleum pipeline between Durban and Gauteng.
Then there is also an 8c per litre increase in the Road Accident Fund levy on petrol and diesel.
This means the total levy on 93 octane petrol will be about R2.44 (or 32%) of the R7.85c per litre pump price, and R2.29 (or 33%) of the R7.01 per litre pump price for diesel.
Gordhan also proposed that the ad valorem emissions tax on new passenger cars be converted into a flat rate emissions tax, effective from September 2010.
Gordhan said, "The more fuel efficient your car is, the less tax you will pay."
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2011 VW Polo GTI - First Photos Details Revealed
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The first photos and details have been released of the new 2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI. The fifth generation hot hatch will appear as both a three- and five-door when it gets its official unveiling in Geneva next month.
Engineers used both the twin-charged 1.4-liter TSI engine and seven-speed DSG transmission from the Seat Ibiza Cupra. With steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters on the GTI, like the Spanish car, the engine utilizes a supercharger from idle to 3,000 rpm at which point the turbocharger kicks in providing 132 kW at 6,200 rpm and 249 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm.
0-100 km/h arrives in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 229 km/h. Ride height has been dropped by 15mm, so the 17-inch wheels will look a bit snug. Stiffer springs make the suspension tighter and the car will feature the same XDS differential as the Cupra, which electronically replicates a limited slip diff.
Like the Golf GTI, the Polo GTI has a black honeycomb grille ringed in red, dual tailpipes, flat-bottom steering wheel, and plaid cloth. To be fair, the Polo's tailpipes are conjoined on the left side, instead of on opposite sides. This car looks to also make use of LED daytime lights.
We know many of you have been waiting for this car for quite some time. The question is, with the mild styling, similar Golf GTI features in and out, and near-identical specs to the Ibiza Cupra, did VW miss the mark?
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2011 Porsche Cayenne Spotted on German Website
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Deliberate or not, Porsche has posted on their European car configurator an image of what appears to be the all-new second generation 2011 Porsche Cayenne. Apparently, the image has since been removed and restored with the current Cayenne. Nonetheless, some keen eyed visitors took screenshots and now the news is buzzing around the World Wide Net.
Coincidentally (or not), another recent teaser with the 2011 Cayenne also originated from Porsche's German site in which the Cayenne was in silhouette behind the 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car.
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Toyota investigating Corolla steering claims
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While details are limited, Toyota's executive in charge of quality, Shinichi Sasaki, said drivers may experience a loss of control. The company hasn't identified the cause, but they believe it may be related to the braking system or tires. Sasaki stated he was unsure if a recall is necessary, but Toyota is considering it anyways.
As you may recall (no pun intended), Toyota has been besieged by quality problems. After several cases of unintended acceleration, the company blamed the floor mats and issued a recall. When that failed to stop the problem, Toyota recalled millions of vehicles to fix sticky accelerator pedals. More recently, the company confirmed there was a braking problem with the Prius and issued yet another recall.
The fiasco has caught the attention of the U.S. Congress, which is investing whether or not Toyota properly informed consumers and safety officials. Toyota's President, Akio Toyoda, recently stated he would not make an appearance at the investigation hearing unless he was summoned. According to Toyoda, "I trust that our officials in the U.S. will amply answer the questions. We are sending the best people to the hearing, and I hope to back up the efforts from headquarters." He added, "We are not covering up anything, and we are not running away from anything."
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Jaguar XKR Speed Pack and Black Pack
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Jaguar will introduce two new packages for the Jaguar XKR Coupe, the company confirmed yesterday.
The two kits will only be available on the XKR Coupe.
When customers purchase the Speed kit, they will get a car with an electronically limited top speed of 280 km/h instead of 249 km/h. The company states that a "revised front aerodynamic splitter and larger rear spoiler" are needed to guarantee stability with the new top speed. At higher speeds, the car will be a bit less responsive to steering wheel movements.
Also included are 20-inch Kasuga alloys with red brake callipers visible from outside. Chrome lines ring the windows, grille, exterior vents, and trunk. The rear diffuser and side sills are also painted in body colour, including Kyanite Blue, Liquid Silver, Lunar Grey, Polaris White, Salsa Red, Spectrum Blue, and Ultimate Black.
A little more gets you glossy black 20-inch alloys from Kalimnos as part of the Black upgrade. In addition, front and back spoilers, and boot lid finisher are also body colour. Sadly, only three collors are available when buying both Speed and Black kits: Polaris White, Salsa Red, and Ultimate Black. XKR Side Graphics may also be applied. Inside, Charcoal-colored leather in several grains with a choice of contrast stitching is also included. Dark Mesh Aluminum, Dark Oak, and Piano Black are the available trims.
The car with the Speed and Black Packs will be shown off at Geneva next month.
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BMW X1 by AC Schnitzer
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1261
German tuners AC Schnitzer have completed their first kit for the BMW X1. The firm will bring their X1 to the Geneva Motor Show in two weeks.
Engineers worked on all three diesel engines offered on the X1. The 1.8-liter unit was boosted to 126 kW, while the 2.0-liter engine was pushed up to 154 kW. These changes are made for both xDrive and sDrive models. Also, the twin-turbo 2.3-liter diesel is cranked up to 177 kW from 150 kW.
In a press release, AC Schnitzer does not address performance upgrades for the 190 kW 2.8-liter straight-six petrol BMW uses on the X1 xDrive28i. They do say that this model will receive a rear silencer and chrome tailpipes.
The X1 now rides on 19-inch double-spoke Type VIII wheel, though 18- and 20-inch rims are also available. Aerodynamic changes include extensions to the front spoiler and rear skirt. New ventilation has also been placed on the hood. Inside, the owner will find aluminum gear knob available with a digital display, aluminum cover for the i-Drive controller, aluminum parking brake and pedals, and a carbon fiber trim.
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