Fiat Palio Rebaixado e Tunado

Fiat Palio Rebaxado tuning com rodas aro 20,22

Palio Rebaixado e Tunado

Palio Rebaixado e Tunado

EATON M-LOCKER DIFF STIFFENS MAHINDRA SCORPIO

Mahindra South Africa has improved the value-for-money proposition of its Scorpio bakkie range which consists of single- and double-cab Pik Ups in 2 and 4 wheel drive models, by adding Eaton’s locking rear differential to the standard specification.

“This is the second added value initiative to be introduced to the customer by Mahindra in recent months,” said the CEO of Mahindra SA, Ashok Thakur. “A three-year/60 000km company-backed service plan was the first. Now we have included a speed-sensing Eaton’s mechanical locking rear differential on all Scorpio bakkie models to enhance the on- and off-road capabilities of these tough and durable vehicles”.

The Eaton M-Locker provides full axle lock-up when necessary, disables itself at any speed above 20km/h and is fully compatible with the anti-lock brakes (ABS) that are standard on all Scorpio bakkie models. Eaton has continuously improved its mechanical locking differential during its 30 years in production and fitted it to millions of vehicles a year.

All models offer a high level of standard equipment including air conditioning, airbags, power windows and central locking.

The company’s commitment to its Scorpio bakkie customers includes a three-year/100 000km warranty and its growing network of dealers is making it easier to find a conveniently located sales and service facility.

Recommended retail prices for the Scorpio bakkie range starts at R169 400 for the 4x2 Single Cab and ends with the range topping 4x4 Double-Cab at R242 900. Prices include VAT.

STORY BY MAHINDRA

FIAT MULTIAIR ENGINE WINS BIG AUTO MOTOR UND SPORT AWARD

Among the prizes awarded by “Die Besten Autos 2011” – a competition organised by the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport with the participation of its readers, who vote for winners in different categories – Fiat’s TwinAir engine gained an extremely prestigious accolade, the prize named after Paul Pietsch (former driver, reporter and publisher) for technological development. Aldo Marangoni, Product Engineering Vice President at Fiat Powertrain collected the prize during an event held at Stuttgart.

TwinAir is an innovative engine developed by Fiat Powertrain. It made its début on the iconic Fiat 500, and plays an active part in safeguarding the environment thanks to its low fuel consumption and emissions. This is a significant achievement for Fiat - being the brand with the lowest CO2 levels overall among full liner manufacturers (123.5 g/km, according to the latest data from Jato Dynamics) while still offering great driving satisfaction. The pocket-sized 875 cm3 petrol unit in fact delivers 63kW with the aid of its turbo and uses 4.1 litres of fuel per one hundred kilometres, emitting just 95 grams of CO2 for every kilometre.

Three factors in particular enable the TwinAir to achieve this drastic reduction in fuel consumption and emissions while assuring great driving satisfaction: Firstly, its structure with just two cylinders, the quintessence of the downsizing philosophy, which makes it possible to keep cylinder capacity low and reduce internal friction. Secondly, the innovative MultiAir hydraulic valve management system which uses a fully variable intake valve lift and timing system in place of a conventional camshaft. Thirdly, the use of a turbocharger that guarantees power and torque values on a par with those of the biggest four cylinder engines.

The award-winning TwinAir technology will make its South African début on the Fiat 500 during the second half of 2011.

STORY BY FIAT

NEW HILUX XTRA CAB NOW AVAILABLE

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has added the Hilux Xtra Cab to the popular Hilux range of bakkies.

The Xtra Cab is available immediately and offers a stretched cabin with 500 mm more cabin space than the single cab. This creates a storage area behind the two individual front seats for the safe and secure storage of valuables and equipment.

Two versions of the Hilux Xtra Cab will be available, offering the choice of a 4x2 or 4x4 drive train. Both versions will be mated to the well known and trusted 3.0 D-4D turbo diesel engine.

The 3.0 D-4D engine has proven its mettle in all conditions, ranging from the dry and dusty areas of Southern Africa to the extreme cold of Antarctica. The engine offers 120 kW at 3 400 rpm and 343 Nm of torque in a linear band between 1 400 and 3 200 rpm. The 3.0 D-4D is also no stranger to arduous towing tasks, thanks to its turbo charger and, more importantly, its intercooler.

The two versions will offer specification levels similar to that of the double cab. Cosmetically these specifications include chrome trim on the grille, side mirrors and rear bumper step. The chrome trim will be complimented with alloy wheels and aluminium side steps, which is included in the retail price.

Other benefits include an LED high level stop lamp, double skinned load box, added protection for the gearbox, engine, fuel tank and – in the 4x4 version – for the transfer box. The Xtra Cab is also fitted with a large 80 litre fuel tank with remote fuel cap opener. The load box is 1 805 mm long, compared to 2 315 mm on the single cab and 1 520 mm on the double cab. 

Both versions of the Hilux Xtra Cab are fitted with a locking rear differential and a five speed manual gearbox. The 4x4 version adds an automatically locking front differential as well, while both versions offer 212 mm of ground clearance.

The extra space created by the 500 mm cab extension is immediately evident once behind the steering wheel. Access to the rear storage space is easy, thanks to tilt and slide front seats. Interior luxuries are to Raider specification and mirrors that of the double cab range. Luxuries include a radio/CD player with MP3 functionality, Optitron instrumentation, height adjustable power steering with leather trim on steering wheel, cruise control, electric windows and tinted windows all round.

Vehicle safety is well taken care of with the fitment of ABS, dual airbags and side impact protection. Both versions also offer remote central locking and an immobiliser as standard.
The Hilux Xtra Cab is sold with a 5 year / 90 000 km service plan and a 3 year / 100 000 km warranty and roadside assistance plan.

Recommended retail pricing
Hilux Xtra Cab 4x2 3.0 D-4D Raised Body Raider (R294 900)
Hilux Xtra Cab 4x4 3.0 D-4D Raider (R341 700)

STORY BY TOYOTA

NEW FACELIFT MERCEDES-BENZ CL-CLASS LAUNCHED, PRICED FOR SA

When it comes to Mercedes-Benz coupes, one cannot possibly go any higher than the CL-Class, now refreshed with a number of touches that catapult its facelift status towards something that could seriously be called all-new. Such is the pace of change at Merc that it would be criminal for the CL not to benefit from such waves of innovation.

Innovation is the word set to be frequently used by the Daimler company this year as it celebrates 125 years of existence. It was in February 1886 that the patent for Karl Benz’s three-wheel motorised cart was filed with German authorities. That date is often referred to as the birthday of what we now know as Daimler, and indeed the motor car itself.

The new CL epitomises the sporting and luxurious nature associated with Mercedes-Benz. One door on each side, but four seats in total for the occupants. Performance is not sacrificed at the altar of practicality, or vice versa. With a total length of just over 5 metres, the car exudes a long flowy silhouette. The wheelbase of almost 3 metres is about the same as found in the S-Class, so in terms of interior space you are getting S-Class living with coupe styling.

From the outside Merc has gone back to the drawing board and redesigned pretty much everything from scratch. Headlights are bold and sculptured, bulging lines slant downwards from the bonnet and rendezvous at the front grille which is probably busier than traditional Benz style. LED daytime running lights are prominent and the three silver arrows encompassed in a bigger ring. Convex and concave shapes appear on the side where they sometimes overlap, like the bottom side ones. The CL looks in motion even as it stands parked. The rear end sees new zigzag lights, new reverse lights, a raised boot lid, chrome detailing and two separate trapezoidal pipes for the CL 500 BlueEfficiency (four from the CL 600 upwards).

At the launch my experience was confined to two out of the four models; the CL 500 and the CL 63 AMG. Hopefully there will be a chance behind the wheels of the other two, namely the CL 600 and brawny CL 65 AMG. As for the baseline CL 500, a new engine replaces the old naturally aspirated 5.5-litre V8 whose 285kW was pretty decent for its time. Since things have moved on and everyone is now using smaller turbocharged engines, innovators Mercedes-Benz would not be left behind.

And so the new CL 500 uses an all-new 4.7-litre biturbo (two, same sized turbos) V8 engine making a classy 320kW of power at 5250rpm. Torque is a bubbling 700Nm made between 1800rpm and 3500rpm. Interestingly or not, the old E 55 AMG used a 5.4-litre supercharged for its 350kW and 700Nm. All power is sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed automatic gearbox. Claimed performance figures are as follows: 0 – 100km/h in 4.9 seconds, top speed 250km/h, average fuel consumption 9.7 litres per 100km. We averaged quite a surprising 10 litres per 100km during a somewhat spirited drive along the Gauteng’s western region. C02 emissions are said to be 228 g/km.

The CL 500 is responsive to throttle inputs, expectedly feels a little distant from the driver in terms of steering, but never feels alien. I also sampled the CL 63 AMG, my first time tasting the all-new 5.5-litre biturbo V8 engine. In fact this is the first model to receive this engine in the South African market. From a numbers point of view it’s simply astonishing. Maximum power is 400kW at 5500rpm, while torque is a boastful 800Nm achieved between 2000rpm and 4500rpm. It features direct petrol injection using piezo injectors and has Start/stop technology as a fuel-saving method. Start/ stop only works in Eco mode though.

The 0 – 100km/h sprint is done in 4.5 seconds, and top speed limited to the usual 250km/h. An AMG performance package that costs up to R71 800 will put an extra 20kW under the bay for 420kW, as well as an extra 100Nm to take you up to 900Nm in the torque stakes. Top speed will also increase to 300km/h. Merc’s favourite 7-speed MCT Speedshift gearbox is fitted, and plants power to the rear wheels. Speaking of wheels, these are 8.5 Jx19 up front and 9.5 Jx19 at the rear, with 255/40 R19 and 275/40 R19 wheels front and rear respectively.

While it may be slightly muted at startup, the CL 63 AMG kicks up a storm at full glory and sounds just like the car you want it to be: all bravado, yet never over the top. That’s left to lesser siblings like the C 63 AMG or the SL 63 AMG.

As stated earlier, what I didn’t experience were the CL 600 and CL 65 AMG. The latter uses the same 5.5-litre V12 with a biturbo system, blowing out 380kW and 830Nm. The hard-hitting CL 65 AMG has a 6.0-litre V12 biturbo sending out 463kW and an electronically-limited 1000Nm of torque. Incidentally these two cars get the old 5-speed automatic gearbox instead of the 7-speed MCT.

Merc prides itself in being innovative, with a number of industry firsts attribute to the brand over the past 125 years. With the new CL it’s no different. Included in the package are systems like the PRE-SAFE braking, Active Lane Assist which gently returns the car into the right lane if it detects an unscheduled deviation (such as a suspected drunk driving or slight driver sleepiness), Nightview Assist and Parktronic.

Interior innovations include the Splitview COMAND screen which allows driver and front passenger to watch two different things on screen. Remember that entertainment such as movies switch off as soon as the car starts moving. They say driver cannot be distracted by them. Every other mobile castle-style indulgence offered by the S-Class can also be found in the new CL. There I count things like Bluetooth cell phone connectivity, reversing camera, electric rear roller blind, a TV function, a rear-seat entertainment package and an electric sunroof.

Being atop the coupe heap at Mercedes-Benz means the CL has to deliver on every front, from design elegance to style to performance. Value for money is relative of course, at this level anyway. Figure buffs will notice the price of one of the cars is quite similar to that carried by the SLS AMG. Whether both cars attract the same type of customer would be pure speculation on my part. Nevertheless one cannot ignore price at any level. And comparisons will be made.

Other than that, the new facelift CL-Class range offers so much more than a mere botox injection, but cuts through into something much deeper. For all intents and purposes this is an entirely new car. Does it deliver on expectations? Absolutely. Actually, it more than does.

CL-Class Pricing

CL 500 BlueEfficiency (R1 618 900)

CL 600 (R2 107 280)

CL 63 AMG (R2 130 610)

CL 65 AMG (R2 443 300)

MAHINDRA MAKES HISTORY WITH MOTOGP ENTRY

The USD7.1 billion (R51 billion) Mahindra Group will become the first Indian motorcycle manufacturer to enter a team into the prestigious FIM Road Racing World Championship (MotoGP). Riders Danny Webb from the UK and Marcel Schrötter from Germany, already well known in MotoGP, will ride for Mahindra Racing in the 125cc category for the 2011 season. The company today introduced the two riders to the Indian media on their visit to the Mahindra headquarters in Mumbai.

Speaking about Mahindra’s participation in the MotoGP Championships, Mr Anand Mahindra, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Group, said, “It is a matter of great pride for us to represent India in the world’s most prestigious two-wheeled race series. Mahindra Motorcycles will compete with the best in class, and it will be an ideal opportunity for us to showcase our strengths in the engineering and IT domains. MotoGP is the ultimate test for the finest talents in motorcycle racing and an immensely popular championship with a cult following. Our participation will also help us leverage the power of global branding for the Mahindra Group.”

Marcel Schrötter, the 18-year-old former German and European 125cc champion, said: “It is exciting to be part of an international collaboration, especially with a company like Mahindra whose ethos is to support upcoming talent. With a year’s experience in the World Championship under my belt, I am now looking forward to making a mark with Mahindra Racing at the MotoGP World Championships.”

Danny Webb’s talent was spotted from an early age and he became a MotoGP Academy rider, making his World Championship debut at the age of 15 in 2006. Now a veteran at 19, Danny will enter his fifth full season in the 125cc class. The British rider said: “I hope that all the experience I have racing in the 125cc class can help this new but ambitious team and I can take a step up this year. It is a privilege to ride for the first Indian team to enter the World Championship. There seems to be a real buzz about India in international sport at the moment and it would be great if we get a good Indian following.”

Mahindra’s entry to the MotoGP Championship follows its acquisition of Engines Engineering of Italy, a company that has been constructing race bikes and providing specialised components and technical support for teams in MotoGP since 2003. The Mahindra World Championship motorcycle has been designed and developed by the Italian two wheeler specialist.

STORY BY MAHINDRA

Brasilia Tunada E rebaixada muito show

Brasilia Tunada e modificada.

Tuning Virtual muito bonita.

Carros antigos tunados.

Brasilia rebaixada.

Nissan Frontier Tunada e Rebaixada.

Tuning 2011.

Frontier Tuning e Rebaixados com rodas aro 22.

Nissan Frontier Tunada e Rebaixada.

Carros Tuning, Corsa Tunado e Rebaixado

Chevrolet Corsa Super Tunado E Rebaixado.

Corsa Modificado.

Carros Tuning, Corsa Tunado 

A Ferrari Apresenta novo carro, para a temporada 2011 de Formula 1

Nova F150

a Scuderia Ferrari se tornou a primeira equipe a desvendar a seu novo carro para a temporada  2011 de  Formula 1 World Championship challenger. Mais de dois milhões de fãs assinaram a equipe do site para assistir a sua estréia diante do novo monoposto levou para Fiorano para uma corrida de promoção.

Silverado Rebaixada e Super Tunadas

Chevrolet Silverado Rebaixada E Tunadas.

Tuning 2011

Silverado Tuning 2011

 Tuning Silverado

 Silverado Tunada

NEW AUDI A1 HATCH DRIVEN IN MPUMALANGA

We miss the concrete pillar by what seems to me only half a centimetre, yet racing ace Phillip Kekana appear unperturbed. Only now is he getting into the second half of his story, a story he started telling me just before this mini underground gymkana. While it could be the set of Italian Job 2, this is the Mzansi launch of the new Audi A1 premium hatch.

Instead of little orange cones marking turning points like normal gymkanas, we have concrete pillars underneath Melrose Arch lifestyle centre. I guess Audi wanted to show us theirs also could “handle like a go-kart”, something MINI likes pushing at every possible turn. Tight spaces, handbrake turns, no traction control and splashes of water from a week’s rains. Heard a car had been lost the previous day, but that wasn’t my or Kekana’s fate.

The following day I’m behind the wheel, pushing hard down the twisty slopes of Mpumalanga, not far from Nelspruit where bends don’t just bend metal, but leave lifelong scars if misjudged. Nothing of that sort here, fortunately, as the A1 put them all on its shoulder and attached ferociously. Despite its enthusiasm, I can’t say the A1 was as feed-back intensive as I hoped it would be. At times I could barely feel the front wheels turning, although they turned effortlessly nonetheless. Perhaps Audi, in its quest for world domination, has alienated driving aficionados in favour of everyday masses who only care about paint colours and interior features.

The A1 is truly feature-packed with gadgets like Bluetooth connectivity, a CD player, electric windows, and power steering. Extra optional packages are available for those looking to splash out a little more on their comfort goodies, and include LED interior lighting, satellite controls on the steering wheel, a 14 speaker BOSE sound system and satellite navigation with 3D. The latter can be viewed through a popup screen set atop the dashboard.

For now only the three-door body type will be sold. In 2012 we will see a Sportback version which in non-Audi speak is a wagon. Hopefully soon after there’ll be a Cabriolet and a small Q1 crossover/ SUV to take on the new MINI Countryman.

In its class the A1 will be a leader in this country as far as engine availability is concerned. The list is very extensive and even features a diesel, something you can’t say about MINI, Mito and DS3. For starters we have a 1.2-litre turbo wroth a sweet 63kW at 4800rpm. That makes it more powerful than a Toyota Tazz with a 1.6-litre engine. Peak torque is 160Nm between 1500rpm and 3500rpm. Front wheel drive is standard across the range, except in the A1 quattro and the upcoming S1 (due for 2012). Fitted in this car is a 5-speed manual gearbox. Average fuel consumption is quoted at a remarkable 5.1 litres per 100km, with corresponding C02 emissions of 103g/km.

Second engine is the 1.4 TFSI making 90kW at 5000rpm and maximum torque of 200Nm between 1500rpm and 4000rpm. This is the only car I was able to drive during the launch and it came off a fair presentation of where the volumes will be expected to come from. The gearbox is a 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic type with a stop/start system what switches off the engine when idle (at robots or stop signs etc, to save fuel) and gearchange paddles behind the steering wheel. Understand this is not a performance hatch by any means, yet it does well to stretch itself towards higher performance peaks. Sprightly and willing, the 1.4 spread itself well across the Mpumalanga plains, with added comfort in tow.

Unfortunately I could not drive the 1.6 TDI either, but Audi says it is quite a strong little number too, being a turbo diesel and all. It features direct injection with power outputs of 77kW at 4400rpm, and maximum torque of 250Nm between 1500rpm and 2500rpm. Economical and able, the 1.6 TDI is the basis of Volkswagen Group’s TDI strategy and features/will feature in a lot more models in future. They say it will return 3.9 litres per 100km and C02 emissions as low as 92 g/km. In non-engineer’s terms it can go about 1 150km without drying out the 45 litre fuel tank. That’s very sexy if you ask me.

The S1 is said to release a class-leading 136kW (obviously more than the MINI Cooper S, but similar to the upcoming DS3 Racing), while an RS 1 is currently not being spoken about. Just by following Audi’s latest tradition you can be assured the RS 1 is on the cards though, and should make something around 160kW – in order to just beat MINI’s 155kW JCW.

More impressive is interior space. Measuring just shy of 4 metres in length (3.954m), 1.7m in width and 1.47m in height, the A1 presents itself more as a DS3/ Mito competitor than a MINI rash. Rear space is possibly best of the bunch and doesn’t specify “midgets only”. In this segment where total sales often average 200 a month, the car is keen to assert itself as a dominatrix of the bunch. Combinations of paint colours, pillar contrasts, wheels, trims, optional comfort packages etc are almost endless. My own favourites include a blue, red and a brown, although there’s even a lime colour in the mix.

Audi A1 pricing

A1 1.2 TFSI Attraction Manual (R219 000 - no C02 tax payable)

A1 1.4 TFSI Attraction Manual (R235 000)

A1 1.4 TFSI Attraction S tronic (R252 500 - no C02 tax payable)

A1 1.4 TFSI Ambition Manual (R253 000)

A1 1.6 TDI Attraction Manual (R247 000 - no C02 tax payable)

A1 1.4 TFSI Ambition S tronic (R270 500 - no C02 tax payable)

All models in the range are supported by a full five-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway maintenance plan. Pricing includes CO2 tax except where stated.