http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1500
A Free State traffic cop was killed near Odendaalsrus when she tried to stop a speeding vehicle near Monyakeng, police said on Tuesday.
Police spokesman Captain Stephen Thakeng said the woman was monitoring motorists for speeding at Allanridge road next to Monyakeng, where the speed limit was 80 kilometre per hour.
"There was a vehicle travelling from Bothaville towards Welkom and the speed trap showed the speeding driver was travelling 146 km per hour."
Thakeng said the traffic officer, 35, indicated to the driver that he should stop however she was hit by the speeding motorist.
The 34-year-old driver was arrested for culpable homicide and speeding.
He was expected to appear in the Odendaalrus Magistrate's Court soon.
Police said the name of the traffic officer would be released soon after her next of kin had been informed.
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Porsche 911 GT2 RS up close
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1501
Here is a new and better look at the upcoming Porsche 911 GT2 RS.
We can spot in these photos the new carbon bonnet and side intakes, we also get a peek inside the Alcantara interior. Is that a roll cage bar near we see?
The 911 GT2 RS is a stripped-down race version of the already powerful GT2 405 kW, likely featuring a roll cage and active suspension, and will come with 462 kW according to reports. It will weigh about 90 kg less than the 997.1 iteration GT2. Limited to 300 units, the GT2 RS makes the 0 to 100 km/h run in 3.2 seconds.
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Toyota posts $2.2 billion profit
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Toyota posted a surprisingly large 209.4 billion yen ($2.2 billion) profit for their fiscal year, which concluded on March 31. The amount was a massive improvement over their previous annual net total, a 437 billion yen loss.
Despite the profit, vehicle sales fell by 4.36% to 7.24 million. Even though the company sold 330,000 less units, company officials still expect the next fiscal year's income to improve by 48%, totaling 310 billion yen.
The profit is nothing short of a triumph for Toyota, dogged by the aftermath of several recall scandals that affected at least nine million vehicles worldwide. Toyota is under fire in the U.S. where government agencies are investigating how the automaker announces recalls, and the timeliness of their actions. U.S. law stipulates that automakers must make notifications of safety problems in their vehicles within five days of discovering the issue.
Many of Toyota's most popular vehicles have been the center of attention due to accusations of malfunctioning acceleration, braking, and steering mechanisms. Several lawsuits have already been filed against the company by consumers and shareholders, while the automaker has had to pay a $16.4 million fine levied by the U.S. government.
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Consumer Reports removes GX460 'Don't Buy' rating
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Consumer Reports magazine prompted a recall of 9,400 Lexus GX 460 models sold in the US last month. The influential publication had rated the SUV as a "Don't Buy" after testing it and finding its ESP to be grossly inadequate. Lexus has since supplied a software fix for the problem and made it available to dealerships nationwide.
A new, more favourable rating has now been issued after Consumer Reports anonymously had its GX 460 fixed. New tests were conducted and the results were enough to change the previous overwhelmingly negative rating.
However, two of its competitors are still being recommended above the big Lexus. "Overall, there are better choices if you're looking for a seven-passenger SUV," said the magazine, "including the Acura MDX and Buick Enclave."
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BMW to consolidate design language
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1504
BMW is looking to consolidate its design language and make its various model stylings "more harmonious," according to the brand's new design director Adrian Van Hooydonk.
Van Hooydonk took over the design reigns at BMW last year when legendary designer Christopher Bangle quit in what was a shocking move. Bangle's designs were known for causing stirs and criticisms, although BMW enjoyed a successful series of new model launches under his tenure.
At the recent Beijing auto show, Van Hooydonk said that, "[c]onsolidation is good for the brand because it gives a clearer image of what BMW is." He pointed to the new 5-Series sedan and the Gran Coupe concept as examples, saying they exhibited a "more subtle use of the concave and convex," whatever that means.
Well, we think it means that the designs don't curve and bulge as much. Some may say that's an improvement. But German automakers in general have often been accused of being too conservative in design and inviting that worst of critiques - being called boring.
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TechArt Aerodynamic Kit II for Porsche 911 Turbo
German tuners TechArt have released an updated, functional aesthetics package for the facelifted Porsche 911 Turbo. The Aerodynamic Kit II is meant to provide a more unique look to the 911, with an emphasis on "the stretched side line of the car."
New parts seen on the model include a front spoiler with a "multifunctional daytime running light system," comprised of the adjustable-brightness DRLs, turn signals, parking light, and position light housed in one unit. The front and rear aprons combine to improve airflow to the brakes, intercooler, and radiator, while reducing lift at the front and increasing downforce at the back.
Parts for the Aerodynamic Kit II were made from carbon fiber and polyurethane-RIM. The full kit may be combined with TechArt's two engine packages, that boost power output by either 52 or 89 kW.
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Lexus prices LFA Nurburgring Edition package
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1506
We know Lexus will sell a limited edition of the already-limited production LFA. What we did not know, until now, is the price tag. According to the automaker, the LFA Nürburgring Package will cost R530000 on top of the R2.84 million potential customers are expected to part with. A matt black exterior can be had for an extra R152000.
Only 50 units of the 500 planned for global production will be set aside for the Nürburgring Package, making this 4.8-litre V10-powered supercar even more exclusive. An additional 10 horses have been added along with a sport-tuned suspension, high-grip tyres, a larger front spoiler and a fixed rear wing among others.
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