http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1300
Building a new crude oil refinery would be in the best interests of South Africa, state-owned oil company PetroSA said on Thursday.
"Although we recognise that BP may not be comfortable with fresh competition, building a new crude oil refinery would certainly be in the best interests of South Africa," PetroSA president and chief executive officer Sipho Mkhize said in a statement.
Last week, BP called for all options to be considered before PetroSA built the new 400 000 barrel-a-day oil refinery - known as Mthombo - at Coega, in the Eastern Cape.
"Disaster" fuel shortages
Mkhize said the new refinery was in line with the government's energy security master plan introduced in 2007 "after South Africa experienced a near-disaster in fuel supply shortages during December 2005".
At the time, the cost to the country was estimated at R1 billion a day, he said.
"Project Mthombo also fits perfectly with government's recently announced Industrial Policy Action Plan strategy that calls for efforts to scale up endeavours to expand production in value-added sectors by replacing imports and create growth and employment opportunities," Mkhize said.
PetroSA's business proposal to develop Project Mthombo had not been a product of haste, he said.
"The pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, undertaken in participation with several world-class specialists, have been executed over a period of three years during which time issues such as the choice of Coega as the preferred location, configuration design, crude selection, supply and demand, commerciality, project financing etc. have been thoroughly challenged."
End phase one in 2012
He said the feasibility study confirmed that Project Mthombo was strategically important, technically feasible and commercially viable.
"The project is now ready to proceed into the front end engineering design phase.
"This process will take a further 15 months and will include several key decision 'gates' during which progress and developments will be rigorously re-examined."
Mkhize said upon completion of the front end phase in early 2012, a recommendation would be made for the final investment decision.
He emphasised that the motivation for a new refinery was built on commercial and strategic considerations.
"Although, clearly, the refinery will be commercially competitive, it addresses several of South Africa's pressing needs that are just not considered by BP," he said.
A new refinery would provide thousands of new jobs and contribute significantly to the economic upliftment of the Eastern Cape region, Mkhize said.
The refinery was a catalyst for introducing clean fuels in South Africa, and would play a major role in the transformation of the oil industry.
BP resistance
Mkhize said it was "understandable" why BP would prefer Mthombo not to become a reality.
"It would mean that South Africa would remain increasingly reliant on imported product, leveraging the global assets and trading activities of BP.
"It also means that profit generated in the regulated South African market is not re-invested, to any major extent, in the country."
He added that this was clearly not in South Africa's best interests.
"Project Mthombo's development has been an open, transparent and inclusive initiative during which PetroSA has, on numerous occasions publicly invited the local IOCs [International Oil Companies] to participate in the venture.
"A few, unfortunately not BP, have shown interest in this invitation that includes exploring synergies between Mthombo and the existing local refineries," he said.
BP officials referred Sapa's questions to their CEO Sipho Maseko who was not immediately available for comment.
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Petrol price hiked further
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The price of all grades of petrol will rise by 6c a litre next week, the energy department said on Friday.
The wholesale price of diesel with a 0.05% sulphur content will increase by 4c a litre.
Diesel with a 0.005% sulphur content will also go up by 4c a litre.
However, both the wholesale price of illuminating paraffin and the single maximum national retail price for illuminating paraffin will drop by 2c a litre.
Petrol in Gauteng will cost R8.10 a litre from R8.04 before, and R7.87 at the coast from R7.81 before.
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Driver packs 100 kids into bus
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An 18-seater school bus was impounded and the driver arrested after it was spotted travelling through Mitchell's Plain packed with 102 children, Cape Town traffic services said on Friday.
Spokesperson Merle Lourens said the bus had a false licence plate, its back brakes were not working, its safety windows had been replaced with perspex and wooden benches were fitted inside for extra seats.
"Officers found scholars aged between five and 13 years sitting on the floor and on each other's laps," she said.
The 49-year-old driver was arrested and faces several charges, including driving without a licence and a professional driving permit.
The Western Cape government last year launched an intensive campaign to crack down on unsafe buses.
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Novitec Rosso 848 RACE Based on Ferrari 599 GTB
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The Novitec Rosso Race 848 will make its world debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show where it will surely be one of the most powerful cars on display. With only three examples planned for production it should also be one of the most exclusive. Based on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, the car has been modified to gain performance in every area possible.
That powerful 6.0-litre V12 is induced with a twin-compressor system and was upgraded in a number of mechanical ways while its electronics were reprogrammed. Some of the improvements listed include a custom-developed intake manifold, high-performance injectors and a sport air filter.
In the end the supercar develops 624kW at 7,900rpm and 842Nm at 6,300rpm. It makes use of a six-speed F1-Superfast transmission actuated through shift paddles. At its fastest it will go from 0 - 100km/h in 3.4 seconds, 0 - 200km/h in 9.6 seconds and 0 - 300km/h in 23.7 seconds. Top speed is 345km/h.
As far as visuals and aerodynamics are concerned, Novitec has installed a front spoiler lip to help reduce frontal lift, an upgrade of the rear apron, a custom rear wing for more downforce and a rear diffuser. The air flow between the front and rear wheel arches is calmed by Novitec Rosso rocker panels whose air ducts also optimise the supply of cooling air for the rear brakes. Speaking of which, the latter were provided by one of the biggest names in performance brake technology, Brembo.
Cosmetic changes include a matte-white aluminium body that contrasts with grey accents in places such as the roof, black side masks, LED backup lights and black tail lights.
The company will customise each car's interior to customers' specifications.
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One-Off Pagani Zonda Tricolore Announced
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Pagani has released pictures of the Zonda Tricolore, a car based on the Zonda Cinque but with some marked differences. Only one Tricolore will be built and presumably it will be the same unit unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Its purpose is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Italian equivalent of the British Red Arrows Display team which is known as the ‘Frecce Tricolori'.
Its tub is also made from carbon fibre weaved with titanium wire while the exterior is just carbon fibre. The front end features special LED lights that look like the tail fin of an airplane. Instead of the Cinque's air intake snorkel, the Tricolore has a small vertical fin on top of the engine cover whose nature and purpose will be fully revealed at Geneva. The transmission is an automated paddle-shift type.
A clear blue lacquer (polish) coating and Frecce Tricori-mimicking strips running on the sides of the car complete the impressive body look.
This once-off Zonda Tricolore will be priced at an eye-watering €1.3 million (US$1.76 million).
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LUMMA CLR 700 GT based on Porsche Panamera Turbo
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Back in October Lumma Design announced a comprehensive tuning package for the Porsche Panamera was in development and provided us with a few design sketches. Now, Lumma has followed through with the announcement of its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2.
With a heavy dose of carbon fiber and Kevlar, the GT from Zuffenhausen is equipped with a full widebody aero kit consisting of a front bumper fascia with integrated LED wings, upper and lower fender extensions, two-tone side skirts, rear door wheel-house extensions, quarter panel extensions, rear lid spoiler with aluminum mounting arms and rear bumper fascia with rear diffuser all made of carbon fiber.
Forged three-piece Racing Edition wheels with stainless steel outer rim measure 10.5x21 inches with 265/30 tires at the front and 12x21 inches with 305/30-21 tires at the rear. A lowering module, which reduces ride height by 35mm, and a high performance braking system are also included.
Lumma's "Sportsound" rear muffler contains four stainless steel tips measuring 100 millimetres in diameter.
As the name implies, the CLR 700 GT puts out 515 kW. Unfortunately, Lumma hasn't given the details yet, but shows the engine with a bright red engine cover with the Lumma coat of arms logo.
Lumma has bathed the interior in red leather and ultra-suede with silver stitching. Aluminum pedals are found on the floor above the velour floor mats while the door sills are illuminated with "CLR 700 GT" lettering. Each vehicle is branded with an identification plate displaying the consecutive serial number.
Look for more information to be released when Lumma officially unveils the CLR 700 GT in Geneva in four days.
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Rieger Tuning Announces Audi R8 V10 Styling for V8
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German tuner Rieger has released few details and many pictures about its new Audi R8 styling package. Keeping it simple, the Rieger kit is basically a V10 conversion kit for the V8 equipped R8s. It includes a front lip spoiler, side skirts, V10 grille and V10 rear bumper fascia with oval exhaust tips. Rieger is also offering a KW coilover suspension, exclusive wheels in 20 or 21-inches plus a body lift system for those curb scraping situations. Obviously, if you already have an R8 5.2 V10 then the grille and rear bumper won't be necessary. Seek medical treatment if you buy them anyway.
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Koenigsegg Agera Pre-Geneva Reveal
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Just when we thought the Geneva Motor Show couldn't get any more insane with all of these pre-releases, the team at GTSpirit have pounced on the interwebz with these first photos of Koenigsegg's newest creation, the Agera.
Still Swedish, still hypercar, the Agera is supposedly an all new model. However, when compared to the outgoing CCX, the two are almost identical aside from the styling details. A closer look at the dimensions show the length, height and width are exactly the same as the CCX.
Also kept the same is the powerplant, a 4.7-liter V8 producing 669 kW at 6850 rpm and 1100 Nm at 5100rpm. With a dry weight of 1290kg, sprint to 100 km/h transpires in 3.1 seconds, 200 km/h in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 390+ km/h.
Same as the CCX again, the top is removable and stores away under the bonnet. The body structure is still pre-impregnated carbon fibre/kevlar with a flat floor tray containing Venturi tunnels towards the rear. The chassis also remains aluminum honeycomb reinforced carbon fiber with an adjustable suspension.
One thing different with the body is the all-new carbon fibre center console and tunnel assembly. A new lighting system which uses "invisible nanotubes" is used for buttom illumination.
No price has been revealed yet. According to GTSpirit Koenigsegg plans to build 16 to 20 units per year. Order books open at the Geneva Motor Show in four days. At that time hopefully we'll have some clarity whether the Agera is a heavily upgraded CCX or an all new model.
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Alfa Romeo Giulietta Further Details Released
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The all-new Alfa Romeo Giulietta goes on sale in Europe this May. Before that it will be shown to the public at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show next week. Giulietta is a name synonymous with Alfa performance. Its resurrection is quite welcome.
The car is designed to compete in the premium hatch segment and is said to embody all that is good about Alfa and Italian design in general. It features the brand's trademark triangular grills, a brand new interpretation of the classic shield, LED daytime running lights and rear LEDs as well. It was pencilled with coupe-like side windows and concealed rear door handles.
Measurements are: 4.35 metres in length, 1.46m in height, 1.8m in width and with a wheelbase of 2.63m. Boot space is rated at 350 litres.
Alfa borrowed the 8C Competizione's dashboard commands and then grouped the main ones together in the centre. Satellite navigation is accessed through a pop-up display unit and interior equipment includes dual zone automatic climate control, leather steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, and other options like Blue&Me.
There will be four engines at launch, half of them petrol the other half diesel. Bottom of the range is the 88kW 1.4TB, followed by the 125kW 1.4TB MultiAir with 250Nm. The 1.4TB produces 134 g/km of C02 emissions and returns 4.6 litres per 100km in the extra-urban cycle.
The two diesels are the 1.6 JTDM with 77kW and 320Nm of torque at 1,750rpm. It returns 3.7 l/100 km on the extra-urban cycle. Lastly a 125kW 2.0 JTDM producing 350Nm and 124 g/km of CO2 completes the initial range. All engines come with a 6-speed manual while the MultiAir and 125 kW 2.0 JTDM can be mated with a dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Later the 1750 TBi Quadrifoglio Verde model kicking out 173kW and 340Nm will join top range. It features a turbo, direct fuel injection, two continuously variable valve timing units and a scavenging control system that promises to get rid of turbo lag.
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LUMMA CLR X 650 M Based on BMW X6 M
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Lumma Design wants to turn heads when it takes the wraps off this stunning CLR X 650 M at the Geneva Motor Show. The beast is based on the BMW X6 M but with vast underlying differences.
Using the same twin turbo V8 found in the 408kW factory vehicle, Lumma engineers managed to pull out 478kW and mammoth torque of 830Nm. The top speed also increased with power to 312km/h.
Lumma Design credits the improvements to "catalyst replacement pipes," a sports exhaust system with four tailpipes, and extra work on the engine electronics. Grip is provided by wide ultra high-performance Michelin tyres running on 23-inch Blackline Monoblock wheels. The suspension has been lowered by 40 millimetres.
The aerodynamic kit is made up of pieces like a front fascia with the LED daytime running lights, wheel house extensions, side skirts, a new rear spoiler and rear fascia.
Interior appointments include a leather/ ultra-suede covered sports steering wheel, aluminium pedals and foot rests, as well as a Lumma speedometer that reads up to 360km/h.
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Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe Receives MUGEN Styling
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The Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe is getting cosmetic and aerodynamic treatment from Honda's in-house tuner. Mugen will install kit such as front aprons, a new front grille with LED daytime running lights, a large roof-mounted wing and side skirts. A rear diffuser forms part of the package. Although a contradiction in terms for a vehicle intended to be economical, performance-improving parts have yet to be fitted to the powerplant.
Other equipment includes a sport exhaust system, air filters and a sport suspension system. Customers will have a choice of different-looking 17-inch alloy wheels to pick from.
The interior is dressed up with items like unique gear lever knobs and floor mats, additional gauges, and a carbon fibre mirror.
Hopefully at some point a high-performance "R" model will be developed from this sophisticated hybrid system. At the moment the car's 1.5-litre petrol engine produces 84kW at 6,000rpm and peak torque is 145Nm at 4,800rpm while the electric motor gives out 10kW at 1,500rpm and 78Nm at 1,000 rpm according to a brochure leaked last December.
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