MERCEDES-BENZ UNVEILS ALL-NEW 2012 B-CLASS

The all-new Mercedes-Benz B-Class for the year 2012 has now seen the light of day. Set to replace the current mommy premium MPV, the B-Class is said to be one of the most innovative Mercs ever introduced, as well as the one with the most new stuff fitted from the onset. Perhaps we’ll see it at JIMS 2011? Let’s hope so!

In terms of details, the car will sport several new engines, turbo-charged in both petrol and diesel. We suspect some of these are already on the scene in other cars, including the 1.8-litre turbo with 115kW, 135kW and 150kW. But because for the first time there’s going to be a B-Class AMG, we could see figures of over 230kW for that particular model.

B-Class is 4.3 metres long, 1.8m wide and 1.6m high. That’s about 5cm lower than the current B-Class, although the seating position is said to be more upright. Merc says it’s a sports tourer, which emphasises a large front grille, wide rear window and a large tailgate. The B-Class is optionally available with the so-called EASY-VARIO-PLUS system which enables simple reorganisation of the interior so as to enable the transportation of bulky items.

The interior now looks more upmarket than before, featuring comfortable seating, strong leather pieces, piano black finishing on the display and either a 14.7cm or 17.8cm TFT screen. There’s also a 3-spoke steering wheel with a chrome insert in the middle spoke.

An all-new double clutch 7G-DCT transmission makes its Mercedes-Benz debut in the B-Class, as well as the new 6-speed manual. Remember that up until now, Merc has not followed Audi and BMW in developing a twin clutch system.

For safety, the engineers called upon some of the existing features from the marque, including Blind Spot Assist, the Hill Hold function and a reversing camera.

Watch out for the new B-Class at your nearest Mzansi dealership sometime in early 2012.

2011 GMC Savana passenger van

The 2011 GMC Savana passenger van is designed to move people from one place to another in relative comfort. The wide range of engine choices available on these versatile vans may be one reason for their overwhelming success; buyers can choose the base level 4.8-liter V-8 or upgrade to the 5.3-liter or 6.0-liter flex-fueled V-8 engines. The available 6.6-liter turbodiesel V-8 offers superior fuel economy in a solid, reliable package.



With ample room for up to fifteen passengers, the 2011 GMC Savana passenger van is designed for functionality over luxury.



Conclusions

Among the limited choices in the large passenger van marketplace, the 2011 GMC Savana is one of the high points and provides reliable transportation for a variety of personal and commercial uses.



The 2011 GMC Savana passenger van receives a few updates for 2011, the most notable being the new 6.6-liter Duramax V8 turbodiesel. Also arriving this year are 4.8-liter V8 engine availability for the 2500 series van, OnStar upgrades, optional satellite radio, Bluetooth, a USB port and a heavy-duty locking rear differential.



Now in its 16th year, the current-generation GMC Savana passenger van continues to evolve, carrying over the LS and LT trim levels, which offer seating for up to 15 passengers. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive variants are available, and they come rated in half-ton 1500 and heavy-duty 2500/3500 variants. For fans of engine power, the Savana offers the highest-output gas and diesel engines in the segment.



Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 GMC Savana full-size passenger van is offered in basic LS and well-equipped LT trim levels. The regular-length version with its 115-inch wheelbase is available in half-ton 1500 trim and heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 series with seating for eight to 12 passengers. Base LS models are modestly equipped and fleet-oriented with 16- or 17-inch steel wheels, 12-passenger seating, passenger-side swing-out doors, front air-conditioning, vinyl upholstery, rubber floor covering and an AM/FM stereo.



The 2011 GMC Savana offers four different powertrains depending on payload rating. The 1500 series features a 5.3-liter V8 with 310 hp and 334 lb-ft of torque, backed by a four-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive or available AWD.



The 6.0-liter V8 is standard on rear-drive-only 3500 series models, and a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 putting out 260 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque is optional. GMC Savana passenger vans feature standard antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, OnStar communications and head curtain side-impact airbags for the first three rows of seating.



The GMC Savana's cabin is definitely geared for function over form. Rear passengers fare better, with the optional 60/40-split driver-side doors making access to the rear seats much easier.

Eight-passenger seating is standard on 1500 models, while 12-passenger seating is included on 2500 and 3500 series vans. A 15-passenger configuration is available on the extended-wheelbase 3500.



GMC Savana offers a choice of five engines. The base engine for light-duty Savana Cargo models is the 4.3L V-6 with multi-port fuel injection. E85 comprises 85 percent ethanol, a renewable fuel produced domestically.



Strong engine cradles and mounting systems complement the quiet features of the engine. The engine family was validated under extreme conditions, with the 6.0L engine dynamometer-tested to the equivalent of 200,000 miles – 50,000 miles more than other engines in the family. The engines also feature many long-life engine components that can reduce maintenance intervals and costs.

BENTLEY ANNOUNCES GTC CONVERTIBLE IN TIME FOR SPRING

Bentley has released pictures and lots of details regarding the brand new 2012 model year Continental GTC (Convertible). The car gets unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show next month. It is of course based on the new GT that launched a couple of months ago in South Africa.

Some changes on the exterior include LED daytime running lights with jewelled headlights, a sort of more upright matrix front grille and a new rear profile, similar to that of the Mulsanne. Speaking of Mulsanne, the GTC is no small drop-top. Here we are referring to a 2.5 tonne two-door measuring 4.8 metres long, 1.9m across, 1.4 high and has a wheelbase of 2.7m. The fuel tank is 90 litres strong, but we aren’t too sure that will give you enough cushion on a long trip. For the pimps and hustlers, if the 20-inch 5-spoke wheel alloy is not enough, then an optional 21-inch version can be had in 3 different design styles.

True to Bentley tradition, the 2012 GTC is has an extensive list of wood veneers, deep-pile carpets, 17 leather colours to choose from and 7 veneers. Touch-screen infotainment is courtesy of a new 30GB system with Google Map compatibility for certain markets.

Doing all the work under the bonnet is a 6.0-litre W12 engine with two turbos, spitting out a pretty decent 423kW and 700Nm of torque, going to all four wheels via a 6-speed ZF gearbox. In turn Bentley claims it will go from 0 – 100km/h in 4.8 seconds and run out of speed at 314km/h. 

2011 Volkswagen Golf Reviews

The 2011 VW Golf has a powerful engines and a near-luxury cabin that reviewers say is worth the Golf’s high price. The 2011 Golf also has a diesel option that gets great fuel economy.



The Volkswagen Golf has cruised American streets since 1974. Along with the name change, VW gave the 2010 Golf a makeover. The Golf stands out within the class for its available diesel engine.



The Honda Fit will save you around $2,500 compared to the Volkswagen Golf, and averages 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, which beats the base Golf's fuel economy rating. In the name of going green, the Honda Civic Hybrid beats the Golf’s fuel economy, but matches its price. Details: 2011 Volkswagen Golf



The Golf is largely unchanged for 2011. Volkswagen hasn’t released the 2011 Golf’s pricing, but the 2010 Golf starts at $17,620 for the 2-door, 2.5-liter engine, and the four-door TDI starts at $22,959.



Outside of a few features being shuffled around, the Volkswagen Golf remains unchanged for 2011.



Compared to other vehicles in its class, the Volkswagen Golf feels positively upscale. With either trim level, four-door models gain power-reclining front seats.



The TDI models can be equipped with adaptive xenon headlights, a premium Dynaudio sound system, and a navigation system and (on four-door models) rear seat airbags.



The base 2011 Volkswagen Golf 2.5L is powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined for the automatic and 22/30/25 mpg for the manual.



Safety

The 2011 VW Golf's standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags. Rear-seat side airbags are unavailable on two-door models, but are optional on four-door models.



Interior Design and Special Features

The Golf is actually much nicer than the new 2011 VW Jetta sedan.

Whether you choose the two- or four-door route, the Golf's interior passenger space remains the same. Access to the two-door Golf's rear seats is made relatively painless thanks to front seats that slide easily out of the way. The split-folding rear seats bump that figure up to 46 cubes.



The 2011 Volkswagen Golf's high level of interior refinement is echoed in its composed, solid feel on the road. At highway speeds, the Volkswagen Golf is significantly quieter than other hatchbacks. The Golf's gasoline engine provides smooth power throughout the rev range.



The Volkswagen Golf can't really be called sexy, but there are some classy details baked into its three- and five-door bodies--particularly around the rear door cuts. Stacked up against the dashing new Elentra, the Volkswagen Golf doesn't necessarily look dated, just conservative. The interior's solidly designed and built, more so than VW's own Jetta sedan that shares the Golf's assembly line.



Front passenger space is ample, but the three-door's rear seats might seem a little cramped. The turbocharged Volkswagen GTI is reviewed separately.

2012 Aston Martin V12 Zagato - Car news

Some time ago, Aston Martin introduced the latest version of V12 Zagato Concept, the latest version is a creative idea from the Aston Martin and the Italian coachbuilder, Zagato. The overwhelming popularity of the concept prompted the folks over at Aston to expedite the release of the production car and lo and Behold, we're a few weeks away from seeing the road-ready version of the supercar at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Official details behind the production version have yet to be released, but We do not expect it to be any different from the concept, including the 6.0-liter V12 engine mated to a six-speed automated manual transmission and the output of 510 horsepower and 420 lb / ft of torque.

What we do know Is that Aston Martin has Revealed the price for the limited-run supercar and it's going to take you back £ 330,000, the which is about 538.300 U.S. dollars based on current exchange rates. Will be only 150 models built so if you're in the market for one, better start saving up and Preparing for a speedy reservation.


The production version of the V12 Zagato Will be one of the highlights of Aston Martin's booth at Frankfurt, where it Will be joined by the pair of V12 Zagato race car variants That participated at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring - 'Zig' and 'Zag' - as well as the One-77 supercar and the newly released Vantage Virage and S. Source : Topspeed.com

2010 GMC Terrain

The new 2010 GMC Terrain made its world debut at the 2009 New York International Auto. The GMC Terrain is a five-passenger crossover SUV that combines bold styling with fuel economy and higher functions. A new engine of 2.4 L four-cylinder direct-injection offering is expected to produce the best in class economy fuel 30 mpg on the highway. Maximum fuel economy is achieved in part with an "ECO" mode that is activated by a console-mounted button. When activated, reduces the speed of torque converter lock-up to 1125 rpm to help save fuel models with the 2.4 liter engine.

Also available is a 3.0-liter DOHC direct-injection V-6 engine delivers an estimated 264 horsepower (197 kW). Both engines are mated to the efficiency six-speed automatic transmission and offers a refined experience, safe driving. Segment has more security features including disc brakes on all four wheels with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control and six airbags: dual front airbags, curtain airbags for head and pelvis / thorax seat-mounted side air bags. OnStar with one year Safe and Sound service is also standard.

GMC Terrain has a balance, athletic and has a view of the road. Its design is characterized by eruptions in bold, muscular defense, representing the aesthetics of GMC. The area is modern and refined, with a strong and capable of front-end appearance that the precise characteristics, square edges. Design features include a unique, three-element grille is accented with a prominent chrome trim and headlight beam of a projector mounted in large rectangular boxes with chrome accents.

GMC Terrain a rich prize of the interior design industry has an impact on the sculpture and exudes sophistication, such as contrast stitching and the finest materials to create a structured look at all the booths. Console "floating" center, highlighted in a warm ambient lighting, home to a number of ergonomic comfort control. GMC Terrain is also a lot of attention to detail, with intelligent use of space and storage compartments, which are suitable for a variety of articles. They include a large glove box, the enclosed space above the instrument panel center, a closed storage compartment under the center armrest can fit a laptop and a double-door storage.

2007 GMC Yukon Denali

GMC has introduced a brand new 2007 Yukon and Yukon Denali full-size SUV on October 5. They are based on GM's new full-size SUV family, which has a distinctive style, spacious and refined interiors, exceptional driving characteristics and enhanced security features. The new Yukon family stands a beautiful, expressive styling that announces a new look for GMC vehicles - styling that conveys GMC professional-level features and design as distinct from other GM vehicles. Vehicles offer more power and better fuel economy the vehicles they replace, improve the GMC reputation "more than expected."

Yukon and Yukon Denali are available early in the first quarter of 2006. Yukon is available in SLE (cloth) and SLT (leather) as well as 2WD and 4WD configurations. Yukon Denali is a distinct model, with differentiated, exclusive features that elevate its performance and style to an unprecedented level - including an exclusive 6.2L aluminum small-block V-8 engine with variable valve timing and a new six-transmission speed automatic.

Yukon and Yukon Denali is a more subtle form tense. Wraparound front and rear fascia, mirrors and integrated running boards style provide a unique contemporary look. Skills can be found in elements such as narrow range of external components and is tuned, wheels-to-the-corners proportion. The wheels are aligned on the same plane as the outer edges of the fenders when the vehicle a confident, broad-shouldered position. Show Onega on all models is created windshield angle is 57 degrees, which flows nicely into the roofline. This also improves aerodynamic performance of the segment's best 0.363 cd, which helps improve fuel economy and reduce wind noise.

Items Jewel-look lighting, wraparound fascias and doors that extend over the rockers accent the vehicles precise and refined design elements. The headlamps are larger, using halogen bulbs that offer improved lighting spread. Style rear end is also different, with unique treatments above and around the waistline of glass, including taillamps and integrated license plate pockets. Yukon Denali is distinguished with external agreements, which takes its exclusive look at a higher, more differentiated level. In addition to its iconic chrome grille, '07 Yukon Denali also features enhanced lighting outside of work, unique headlamps and premium-look, taillights and rear fascia treatment, as well as unique 18-inch wheels standard - wheels 20 inches are available.

2007 GMC Sierra Denali

GMC is over 100 years heritage of building professional grade vehicles marks a new era with the introduction of 2007-Sierra range. The cars are new and raise industry standards with segment-best V-8 power and fuel economy, with race and agile handling and the quietest interior of any full-size truck. The '07 Sierra models - including the unique Sierra Denali - deliver the best in the segment of light towing capacity (10.500 pounds / 4763 kg) and offers a payload capacity of up to 2160 pounds (980 kg).

The new 2007 Sierra has a certain presence, alone, which represents the philosophy of professional grade GMC, said John Larson, general manager of Buick-Pontiac-GMC. Sierra lightweight models are available in the fourth quarter of 2006. Sierra Denali and heavy-duty models are available in the first quarter of 2007. Sierra is available in several trim packages, including Work Truck, SLE (SLE1 and SLE2 models) and SLT, with 2WD and 4WD configurations. Three cab styles - regular, extended and crew cab - and three cargo box lengths - 5 feet 8 inches, 6 feet 6 inches and 8 foot - are offered.

In 2007 GMC Sierra is designed with an appearance worthy of strong brand and fine-quality philosophy, including muscular character lines and rounded edges. The front end appearance, front fenders, hood and rear fenders are unique. A "center focuses on" the hood, which flows outward to meet the front fenders and stamped in rear wheel flares enhance muscular look. All models except the model of the fleet-oriented work truck come with a distinctive chrome hood molding. Sierra grille is complemented by large stones-appearance headlamps. Sierra SLT models come with a chrome front bumper with body-colored cap. All door handles are big grab-style designs that are easy to open with gloves.

Sierra models are more spacious with increased storage space, as well as flush surfaces, tight gaps and tolerances, and improve the comfort and convenience. Work truck and SLE Sierra come with a "pure pickup" interior that offers more control and door handles that are easier to use with gloves. SLE1 models on regular, extended and Crew Cab models are equipped with front seat 40/20/40-split new, which has a fold-down armrest and storage compartment. A large capacity box "double" glove built into the dashboard on the work truck and SLE models. Cloth seats are standard on work truck and SLE models, leather seating is available on SLE models. SLE2 vehicles add a driver seat power six-way adjustable. Work Truck models come in a Dark Titanium interior color; SLE models are offered in a color all-Ebony interior, or Dark Titanium / Light Titanium and Ebony / Light Cashmere combinations.

MERCEDES-BENZ JAW-DROPPING SLS AMG ROADSTER FOR JIMS 2011

Those of us who will be lucky enough to attend the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show this October, will witness the sweet Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster. The car is based on the SLS AMG Coupe, but obviously features a soft roof with an electronic button function to open and close.

Power is courtesy of the same 6.2-litre V8 engine that’s been serving other AMG cars over the past few years, except it is more powerful in this application. That means 420kW and a claimed 0 – 100km/h time of 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 317km/h.

While it won’t be the most powerful Mercedes-Benz car ever presented at JIMS (that was the SL 65 AMG Black Series back in 2008), it certainly will turn heads, draw in traffic to the Mercedes-Benz stand and drop drool on everyone’s faces.

RENAULT DEALERSHIP NETWORK BOOMS

Renault South Africa’s dealer network has been central to the car-maker’s distribution strategy since its return to local shores 15 years ago.

With 48 dealerships now covering 88% of the market, the company’s flagship dealer, a real contender and 2010 winner in its Dealer of the Year Awards, is the recently relocated Renault Fountains, Pretoria owned by Associated Motor Holdings (AMH).

Renault Fountains has an extensive and quite extraordinary history with Renault dating back to 1972 and its unwavering loyalty and commitment to the French brand over almost 40 years, together with its flagship status, was underlined by the attendance of Mr Katsumi Nakamura, Executive Vice President of the Asia Africa Region for the Renault Group at its official re-launch.

“Since commencing the restructure of our network in late 2008, we have reduced the number of Renault-owned dealerships and these have been enthusiastically taken up by blue chip motor conglomerates including AMH, Unitrans, the Imperial and McCarthy Groups, as well as smaller groups like DTM, Seamans, Automall and several highly professional independent operators,” says Leslie Ramsoomar, Vice President of Sales and Operations at Renault SA.

With 48 hand-picked outlets located in each of the nine provinces as well as in Namibia and Botswana he says that “the increase in the number of dealers is in response to widespread customer demand for our products and their ongoing service and support.” It is Renault’s intention to have 55 dealerships in place by 2014.

Renault sales escalated by 45.5% during 2010, well ahead of the market, and midway through the third quarter of 2011, the trend continues. “Year-to-date we have grown by 23.1% compared to a market that has expanded by 19.7% so we are still well ahead,” he adds.

“Dealer quality has also been a core focus over the past three years and the recommendation rate across sales and service has shown significant improvement over the last 12 months.” The recommendation rate is an internal measure of how a Renault dealership is performance whereby customers are asked whether they would recommend a particular dealer.

“During 2010, we also re-launched and re-named the used car division of our operation and all Renault Pre-owned vehicles now come with specific customer promise points which afford buyers considerable peace of mind,” concludes Ramsoomar.

“These include 2-year roadside assistance, full service history, 101-point vehicle check, vehicle integrity check as well as a 30-day exchange agreement.”

STORY BY RENAULT

MG COMING BACK TO SOUTH AFRICA. YET AGAIN

MG, the famous British brand of sporting cars, is returning to South Africa and will use the Johannesburg International Motor Show on October 8 - 16 as the launch pad. 

It has already previewed the models to dealers and potential dealers as the brand, which is now in the Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) stable, seeks to set up an initial network of about 15 outlets. The first of the new era of MGs is the MG6 which is coming to South Africa in the third quarter of 2011. 

The preview of the MG6 took place at CMH’s prestigious Investment Cars premises in Sandton, Johannesburg, on August 11 and the enthusiasm for the return of this famous brand was very evident.  

Initially MG will kick off with four-door fastback and sedan variants of the MG6 with a 1,8-litre turbocharged engine. There are three trim and equipment levels – Standard, Comfort and Deluxe. Even the Standard model has a good level of equipment, with the Deluxe being very well equipped.

At this stage there is no information on price or detailed specifications. “All will be revealed at the Johannesburg Motor Show,” said Sales and Marketing General Manager, Sergio Lopez.
In the course of the next few years the MG range is expected to be extended significantly..
MG (Morris Garages) was a popular brand in the post World War II era in South Africa as a two-seater sports car and four-seater sedan but then the factory at Abington in the UK was closed in 1980 as the British motor industry virtually imploded. 

The brand was resurrected under BMW ownership but subsequently sold to a British consortium and MG South Africa was established in 2001, with the arrival of the MGF sports car. MG went off the market in 2005 as the company collapsed again.

Now MG belongs to the state-owned Chinese Nanjing Auto, which in turn is part of the huge Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). The Chinese company obtained the brand in 2005 and is building cars in Longbridge (UK) and Nanjing.

STORY BY CMH

MG 6 2011

MG6 has five seats in the sports sedan model to describe the nature of the MG brand and bring something different to the amount of the market. MG 6 is the first all new MG sports car since the launch of the MG F.

Guy Jones, director of sales and marketing for MG Motor UK said: This is a milestone for the MG brand and iconic British car industry. MG began the global launch of a completely new model that is designed and developed here in Britain for the global automotive market. Currently we do not build and sell mid-engine MG TF sports car here in Britain, but we can now look forward to expanding the range of MG.

The launch took place at the Motor Show 2009 in Guangzhou, in China and is the beginning of a promising future for the global MG brand. The launch in China, the world automobile market began the deployment of international sales of MG 6, which includes the United Kingdom. Sales in China will begin in January and plans for the UK and other markets will be released in 2010.

He also announced that production of MG 6 The Chinese market will begin a new facility at the forefront Lingang, China, in December 2009. It 'also plans to start production of MG 6 at the factory in Birmingham in the United Kingdom before the end of 2010. The famous MG brand was never a bright future, because it starts expanding global sales of a new range of products.

2010 MG TF

In summer 2009, two new MGS would begin to be part of a successful MG TF LE500, affordable MG TF 135 MG and a brand new single is produced by 85 years 85 years TF MG brand. Jack Safiruddin, Sales & After Sales Operations Manager of MG said. When summer kicked by two of the new car, and our last release £ 2,000 off the price of an MG scrapped in the coming months is a very interesting time for customers to get a new sports car they always wanted.

The highly anticipated MG TF 135 will be launched shortly and is sure to appeal to drivers who want a sports car fun at very competitive prices. A good level of trim and equipment, such as the ICE Clarion, combined with the price, which will broaden its appeal within the budget and bring many more people. TF 135 hit the showrooms soon, offering a fun and charm of a convertible sports car, the loan is very affordable £ 13 511 OTR.

A unique MG TF is launched to mark the 85th anniversary of the MG brand. The MGTF 85th Anniversary will be a great car with excellent driving characteristics. Available in three colors covered with special graphics and a striking new design alloy wheels outside the car looks sensational. The cabin is great for a graphics specialist finishers continue monogrammed threshold and shift knob, plus new leather trim and elegant eggplant a high quality ICE.

Besides the great look, the new TF 85th Anniversary model also has a flat ride and handling that is tuned to make this unique car to drive. Suspension Bilstein, Eibach anti-roll system, lower ride height, a new package of torque and the wheel against the amendment set the wheels of style "Twisted Pepper Rimstock '85th Anniversary Edition gives you a feeling very grown up and handling accurately at high speed. Safiruddin Jack continued, the 85th TF is a car driving is a very real and appropriate to celebrate the anniversary of an iconic brand as MG. The combination of looks and handling to use fans and potential new customers alike.

This car will be launched at £ 15,664 on the road, which, again, after the government abandoned the system of deductions does TF 85th A competitive £ 13,664. With the full load and high MG TF LE500 specified, affordable MG TF 135 MG and handling tight 85th Anniversary, MG now offers a range of cars that give the current owners are looking for something new and potential customers who want just enjoy the British mid-engine, top-down driving sports car, some real choice.