Archive for September, 2009

LAND ROVER FREELANDER 2 TD4 E… Stop. Start. Intelligently!

Land Rover has launched the world’s first production sports utility vehicle (SUV) with fuel-saving, emissions-lowering intelligent stop-start technology in South Africa.

The Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e, launched in SA this week, combines the British manufacturer’s proven 2,2-litre TD4 turbodiesel engine and slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox with elements of the company’s aptly named e_Terrain technologies, of which an advanced stop-start system is the key component.

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NEW RENAULT MÉGANE COUPÉ

•    Dynamic styling highlights sporting heritage, elegance and exclusivity
•    Advanced design and construction for maximum robustness and quality
•    Impressive interior space with seating for three adults at the rear
•    High-tech features: Bluetooth connectivity, integrated Carminat TomTom navigation and custom-developed 3D Sound by Arkamys
•    Exemplary driving involvement from sports chassis and latest petrol engines
•    Strong safety and environmental credentials

The launch of Renault’s aspirational New Mégane Coupé embodies the dynamic verve of the Renault brand and its segment-defining New Mégane model range.

“New Mégane Coupé represents the state of the art, from the use of cutting edge all-digital technology as part of its design and development process, through to the sporting pedigree of its styling and driving characteristics,” explains Renault SA Managing Director, Xavier Gobille.

“It serves as an important image builder for Renault in South Africa, and will undoubtedly appeal to discerning motorists who demand uncompromising quality, contemporary style and a focus on pure driving enjoyment,” he says.

Sporting elegance

New Mégane Coupé focuses on providing motoring pleasure and performance, matched to exceptional looks and everyday practicality.

Derived from the Mégane Coupé Concept unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the sleek new two-door coupé bears all the hallmarks of a future classic. A dazzling array of powerful visual elements combine to endow the New Mégane Coupé with an air of exclusivity and sporting agility.

Most notable among these are the prominent front air scoops, the sculpted headlamps and the flowing crease lines, together with the car’s muscular haunches, smoothly raked windscreen, sloping roofline and the air diffuser incorporated in the rear bumper.

Echoing the sophisticated interior of the New Mégane Hatch, it benefits from sportier, more supportive front seats. Yet the car remains thoroughly practical as a five-seater by using the same rear seat as the mainstream five-door Mégane. It also tops its segment with an outstanding luggage capacity of 377 dm3.

Adding to the tangible sense of quality, the cabin is characterised by the use of durable soft-touch dashboard materials, as well as a selection of interior trim that enhances comfort while creating a dark ambience with a distinctly sporty feel.

High-tech highlights

In line with its exclusive status, New Mégane Coupé offers an exceptional level of standard equipment. Certainly one of its most impressive features is the advanced 3D Sound by Arkamys audio system, custom-developed for the Mégane by digital sound processing specialist Arkamys. The impressive system boasts a peak output of 140 watts, powering a total of eight loudspeakers.

Connectivity also features prominently with the inclusion of RCA and USB slots for MP3 playback, while Bluetooth integration ensures safe cellphone communication on the move. Further practical items include dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, as well as rain and light sensors.

The range-topping Mégane Coupé 1.4 TCe (due in January 2010) is also equipped with the integrated Carminat TomTom navigation system, linked to an ergonomically placed joystick controller.

An involving drive

Initially New Mégane Coupé is available with an updated version of the accomplished 1,6-litre 16-valve engine. The normally aspirated unit has benefit from numerous refinements, and delivers improved performance at low and high revs, along with cushioned engine acoustics.

Maximum power is rated at 83 kW at 6 000 r/min, matched to a torque peak of 151 Nm at
4 250 r/min. It achieves an average fuel consumption of 6,9 l/100 km, and a CO2 emissions figure of 163 g/km.

Joining the line-up in January 2010, the sophisticated new-generation 1,4-litre turbocharged petrol unit employs Renault’s Turbo Control efficiency (TCe) to achieve the optimal mix between performance and frugality.

The advanced powerplant is rated at respective maximum power and torque outputs of 96 kW and 190 Nm, while consuming an average of just 6,5 litres/100 km and producing 156 g of CO2/km.

Both models feature six-speed manual transmissions, but the ratios have been shortened in the Coupé 1.4 TCe, compared to the equivalent Hatch, for more spirited driving and performance.

New Mégane Coupé is equipped with a sports chassis configuration derived from the standard set-up used in the five-door hatchback. Incorporating stiffer springs and dampers, a 30 mm lower front roll centre height and a 12 mm lower centre of gravity, it conspires to deliver even greater handling poise and control.

Safety and environmental credibility

Built on the same platform as the New Mégane Hatch, the Coupé shares the class-leading safety attributes that enabled it to achieve a benchmark five-star Euro NCAP rating.

The newcomer benefits from the same complement of six airbags, but gains an additional Pelvis Restraint Cushion (PRC) anti-submarining airbag on both front seats.

This is reinforced by twin side-impact sensors, dual seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters and new-generation head restraints.

ABS and Emergency Brake Assist are standard, while Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with understeer control is available as an option.

Aside from the fuel low consumption and emissions, the entire New Mégane family is 95 percent end-of-life recoverable by weight, while almost 12 percent of the plastics used are sourced from recycling.

New Mégane Coupé – Pricing:

The recommended retail pricing for the New Mégane Coupé range is as follows:

1.6 16v Dynamique     – R220 000
1.4 TCe        – R245 000 (available January 2010)

The pricing includes a three-year/100 000 km warranty, and a five-year/100 000 km service plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.

HYUNDAI TAKES NUMBER ONE IN UK

.    Hyundai outsells Ford to top retail sales charts in August
.    Record market share; sales up 323%
.    i10 overtakes Corsa to become third best seller in UK

Official car sales figures released today are set to send shockwaves
through the industry. Hyundai sold more cars to retail customers in
August than any other brand, overtaking Ford and Vauxhall.
The figures, which would have seemed inconceivable a few months ago,
show that Hyundai’s overall sales for the month rose 323% compared to
August last year to 3,737. It gives Hyundai a record overall market
share of 5.6%.

The i10 city car has been the company’s biggest success, with 2,431
finding homes in August. This makes it Britain’s third best selling car,
relegating the Vauxhall Corsa to fourth place.
Remove fleet sales from the equation and the i10′s achievement is even
more impressive. The city car is not only the most popular model bought
by retail customers, but it outsold the second placed car by a factor of
more than two to one!

Hyundai’s managing director, Tony Whitehorn, said: “These are truly
historic figures for Hyundai. There are now thousands of happy new
Hyundai drivers, and these owners’ recommendations will become our best
advertising. It will ensure that Hyundai’s success continues years to
come.”

Although the August figures are amazing, many Hyundai buyers chose to
delay registering their new cars until September, allowing them to have
a car wearing the new ’59′ registration numbers. This means that
Hyundai’s sales figures this month are set to be even more impressive.

“We are well on the way to making September the best ever month for
sales in the company’s history” said Mr Whitehorn. “Our dealers have
taken on an average of 20% more staff to cope with demand.”

LANDMARKS AT WESBANK SUPER SERIES MEETING

A slice of motorsport history, a world record and a dollop or two of drama all combined to provide for an entertaining round seven of the WesBank Super Series at the Phakisa Raceway on Saturday.

History was made when Transkei-born driver Tschops Sipuka became the first black South African to win a national series singleseater race when he took the opening heat of the Formula Volkswagen event. For good measure Sipuka, a protégé of former South African champion Terry Moss, also won the second heat for a unique double.

The world record went to Johannesburg rider Sheridan Morais when he scored his 13th  Interfile SA Supersport win of the year. Morais shared the previous record of 12 straight wins in a national championship with an American Motorcycle Association rider.
There was a fair share of other drama during the day with a number of championship issues left in limbo. With just two meetings left this season some tight title finishes are on the cards.
Sipuka, in the Southern Sun/Oakley FVW, had to fend off current championship leader Jayde Kruger (Motul/First Freight FVW) to secure both his wins. A former South African saloon car champion, the Transkei driver never put a wheel wrong although one has the feeling that Kruger was quite content to consolidate his championship lead.
The other feature of both races was the performance of teenager James Temple in the VW Racing/BP Ultimate FVW. Temple marked his debut with a podium finish behind Sipuka and Kruger in race one.
Temple had a more adventurous race two but still managed an impressive fourth. This time around the final podium place went to the steady Gordon Connelly in the Bravo Holdings/Cowan Signs FVW.
On the motorcycle front Morais, on Emtek Racing Kawasaki entries, is attempting to become the first rider to win both the Interfile SA Superbike and Interfile SA Supersport titles in one season – and leads both championships. He romped away with the opening Supersport heat leaving the rest of the field in his wake with Steven Odendaal (Mitsubishi Electric Suzuki) and Dylan White (White Aluminium Yamaha) also on the podium.
Race two, however, was a different story. After running off the circuit in race one Ronan Quarmby (Gallardo/Interfile Yamaha) bounced back in race two to inflict on Morais his first defeat of the year.
Quarmby will race in Britain next year and always held the upper hand. Morais never really threatened and was joined on the podium by teenager Odendaal who had a good day.
The opening Interfile Superbike race featured a superb duel between talented local youngster Greg Gildenhuys, on the Race Nation Honda, and veteran Lance Isaacs on the Portable Shade Honda. Gildenhuys has been threatening a win all season and it finally came with the former Supersport champion holding on to win by the skin of his teeth with Morais third.
A first corner off track excursion scuppered Isaacs in race two. Morais went on to take the win ahead of Gildenhuys, former champion Arushen Moodley (PS Honda), Chris Leeson (Team Yamaha) and Isaacs.
It was a good day for the Engen Xtreme Team in the Bridgestone Production Car championship with team-mates Michael Stephen and Shaun Watson-Smith sharing the wins. Stephen completely dominated race one from pole position with Leeroy Poulter (SAM Racing/GP Windscreens Nissan 350Z) and reigning champion Johan Fourie (Indy Oil Audi A4) second and third.
With heat two run from an inverted grid Watson-Smith, who has not had much luck this season, stamped his authority on proceedings. Behind him another former champion, Anthony Taylor (Afrox BMW 330i), finally got the better of a good dice with Marco da Cunha (SAM Racing Nissan 350Z) and Robert Wolk in the second Afrox BMW.
After serving a two race suspension, during which he lost the Class T championship lead, Graeme Nathan (Indy Oil/Kaye Eddie VW Golf GTi) bounced back with a vengeance. Nathan won both heats and with arch rival Gary Formato (Ford Racing/Nando’s Ford Focus) failing to finish race two the title race is in the melting pot.
Also in the melting pot is the WesBank V8 Supercar championship with the issue likely to boil down to a fight between Marc Auby and teenage brother Brandon in the ELT International Jaguars. Woes continued for three time champion Hennie Groenewald Timken Holden) and after a second and a did not finish it looks as though his hopes of a fourth straight title are out the window.
A win and a fifth from the race two inverted grid have lifted Brandon Auby, who is busy with matric exams, to within 14 points of brother Marc whose return for the day was a third and a ninth. In an action packed second race which saw Brandon Auby and Groenewald have a coming together at turn one, a popular win went to veteran Franco di Matteo, in the Varta Batteries Jaguar, ahead of Richard Pinard (Timken Jaguar) and local driver Jaco Correia in the Liqui Moly Chev Corvette.
The Engen VW Cup is another championship in the melting pot. A sixth and a fifth were enough to keep Mathew Hodges (PG Glass VW Polo) at the top of the heap with main rival Devin Robertson (Champion VW Polo) running into race to woes.
Robertson romped away with heat one to come home ahead of Bryan Morgan (Timken VW Polo) and Gennaro Bonafede in a second Champion entry. The Alberton schoolboy was then forced to retire from race two with a blown engine, and the win went to Bonafede ahead of Darren Nathan (Sex Trader VW Polo) and Morgan.
Hodges salvaged valuable point to leave Phakisa with a 10 point advantage over Robertson. Bonafede is a further four points adrift with four races left.

Results:
WesBank V8 Supercars: Heat 1 – 1 B Auby (Jaguar); 2 H Groenewald (Holden); 3 M Auby (Jaguar); 4 D Auby (Holden); 5 J Correia (Chev Corvette).  Heat 2 – 1 F di Matteo (Jaguar); 2 R Pinard (Jaguar); 3 J Correia (Chev Corvette); 4 B Morgenrood (Chev Lumina); 5 B Auby (Jaguar).
Bridgestone Production Cars: Heat 1 – 1 M Stephen (Audi A4); 2 L Poulter (Nissan 350Z); 3 J Fourie (Audi A4); 4 D Olivier (Subaru); 5 R Wolk (BMW 330i). Class A – M Stephen (Audi); Class T – G Nathan (VW Golf GTi); Class B – G Green (Alfa Romeo 147). Heat 2 – 1 S Watson-Smith (Audi A4); 2 A Taylor (BMW 330i); 3 M da Cunha (Nissan 350Z); 4 R Wolk (BMW 330i); 5 J Fourie (Audi A4). Class A – S Watson-Smith (Audi A4); Class T – G Nathsan (VW Golf GTi); Class B – K Swanepoel (Toyota RunX).
Engen VW Cup: Heat 1 – 1 D Robertson (VW Polo); 2 B Morgan (VW Polo); 3 G Bonafede (VW Polo); 4 K Quarmby (VW Polo); 5 D Nathan (VW Polo). Heat 2 – 1 G Bonafede (VW Polo); 2 D Nathan (VW Polo); 3 B Morgan (VW Polo); 4 K Barnes (VW Polo); 5 M Hodges (VW Polo).
Formula Volkswagen: Heat 1 – 1 T Sipuka (Formula VW); 2 J Kruger (Formula VW); 3 J Temple (Formula VW); 4 G Connelly (Formula VW); 5 P da Cunha (Formula VW). Heat 2 – 1 T Sipuka (Formula VW); 2 J Kruger (Formula VW); 3 G Connelly (Formula VW); 4 J Temple (Formula VW); 5 T Pepper (Formula VW).
Interfile SA Superbikes: Heat 1 – 1 G Gildenhuys (Honda); 2 L Isaacs (Honda); 3 S Morais (Kawasaki); 4 A Moodley (Honda); 5 C Leeson (Yamaha).  Heat 2 – 1 S Morais (Kawasaki); 2 G Gildenhuys (Honda); 3 A Moodley (Honda); 4 C Leeson (Yamaha); 5 L Isaacs (Honda).
Interfile SA Supersport: Heat 1 – 1 S Morais (Kawasaki); 2 S Odendaal (Suzuki); 3 D White (Yamaha); 4 D Estment (Yamaha); 5 D Vos (Kawasaki). Heat 2 – 1 R Quarmby (Yamaha); 2 S Morais (Kawasaki); 3 S Odendaal (Suzuki); 4 D White (Yamaha); 5 B Estment (Yamaha).