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Next Golf GTI to have 260 hp from is 2.0-litre four cylinder

carblog — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 07:53:54 +0000

A car manufacturer that’s making noise and no we’re not talking about the sound of tires burning, we’re referring to trending news of VW’s newest member. Volkswagen has announced that the next generation GTI might just be twice as fast and twice as powerful. For those of you who are fans of the car manufacturer well it looks like you might have to make room in your garage.

The current GTI is a 2.0 litre turbo, which makes it quite a fast little machine. This equals 260 worth of horsepower. But wait there’s more! New additions are going to be added on particularly in the front of the car. This is something GTI fans are bound to be happy about, with this new technology, the GTI will not only be fast, but we’re talking twice as fast.

What is this new technology? It’s a VAQ limited slip. This new technology will be used as a Haldex clutch that’s electronically controlled. This means that the all-wheel-drive technology we all love is going to the front of the GTI. Don’t worry the GTI is still based on the Golf but it will have added features. The GTI will feature aluminium floor pans with a roof, which should relieve some weight.

If the new GTI is set to have the above stated features, this means that this car will be at the same level as the Golf R. It’s quite a scary thought considering just how fast the current Golf R is. Rumours are stating that the Golf R will have a carbon fibre roof, something that is still to be confirmed. The burning question on our minds is how fast is the next Golf R going to be?

Images courtesy of http://wot.motortrend.com

Expect the best with Audi’s new 2013 R8 line-up

carblog — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:15:45 +0000

In 2007, Audi gave us the R8. It’s one of the sexiest, powerful and fastest sports cars in the market. This was seen when the public went crazy over the car and who can blame them, at a glance the R8 makes any heart race. Over the years, the R8 has since become one of the most coveted cars in the market. However, it looks like there’s an upgrade that’s coming at the end of 2012.

The exterior of the R8 is looking rather chic. It now features a single-frame grille with the upper corners painters in gloss black. The bumper will have air inlets with three crossbars, in addition matte black vent louvers. The R8 will also have LED headlights. The weight of the car will go down, as the new R8 will have an aluminium body. It’s not just the exterior that’s received a “face lift” the interior looks just as sexy.

Customers can choose to have chrome or black paint for their controls and trim elements. The cluster and shift paddles have also been changed. The centre console and hand break lever are covered in leather. There are also leather seats and door trims, which can be offered in Fine Nappa or Alcantara. One feature that’s bound to make it stand out is the new engine.

The 4.2 FSI V8 engine has been upgraded we’re talking between 4,500 to 6,000 rpm. Another added feature is the 7-speed S tronic transmission system, which replaces the six-speed R-Tronic. This new feature comes with two multi-plate clutches, which will cater for two separate sub-transmissions. This means no more delays between gear changing. The R8 will go from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds with a speed of 186.41 mph. The question is can you handle the R8?

VW to replace the Passat five cylinder for a more economical turbo 4 cylinder

carblog — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:58:52 +0000

VW is amongst a number of automobile manufactures whom are making waves. A number of competitors seem to be releasing and reshuffling their models giving them much needed “face lifts”. It first started last year when a new hybrid version of the Jetta was introduced. VW introduced the 2013 Jetta GLI that featured a DSG transmission, which allows for “wheelspin”.

Yet it looks like the “wheelspin” isn’t the only thing that’s making a number of reviewers take notice of the car manufacturer. VW is dropping the five cylinder for the 1.8-litre turbocharged direct injected four. It’s similar to the 1.8 TSI engine, which features 158 worth of horsepower and 185 toque. Currently the GTI has a 1.8T engine, which makes this car a little mean machine.

Manufacturing will take place at VW’s Mexican engine facility. With this change, VW is going to manufacture cars that are fuel-efficient thus increasing their production levels. When one thinks about it, the turbo 4 cylinder makes sense especially with rising economy costs and rising fuel prices, fans of the manufacture are going to be lining up when the car lands on our shores.

VW also emphasised that the 2014 Jetta will feature a lighter engine and an electric power steering wheel. Another added feature, which is sure to be a hit, is the EPAS and improvement in the suspension tuning. This new change will allow VW users to tune the base car thus making it sportier, which will make it better looking than the current model.

Images courtesy of http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Audi’s stunning Mini-SUV. Get ready for the new Q3

carblog — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 07:38:34 +0000

When one considers buying a car, two things come into mind: speed and affordability. Most people love fast cars, think about it how else are you going to make it for a meeting when running late? Affordability is the most important factor, with rising prices a car needs to be affordable whilst helping you get from point A to point B.

In addition when buying a car, most people choose the latest model, the problem is that keeping up might be hard. Well we take you through the newest model to come out of the Audi family. We’re not talking about a sporty little number, but rather their newest SUV. To some it looks like a smaller version of the Q5 but to us, it’s a smaller version of sheer beauty. Audi launched the Q3 SUV in May 2012 as the most affordable SUV.

It might be affordable but this hasn’t killed the quality and class that comes with Audi. The SUV has enough space for four adults. The Audi Q3 features a 2-litre turbo diesel engine. There’s also a TFSI turbo-petrol engine set to be launched later on. The SUV comes with a 176bhp. Power/Torque of 211bhp/30kgm, 176bhp and 38.7kgm. For those looking to buy a smaller version on an SUV this is the car to buy.

2012 Put Foot Rally

Nomzamo Ndlovu — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 07:22:36 +0000

Nothing comes close to driving through the terrains in Africa. The beauty of this continent is one, which we all need to experience at least twice in our lives. Thanks to the Dakar Rally, this dream can soon be a reality. With the Rally, fun is the order of the day. We’re not talking about one country but rather going through Southern Africa, experiencing its beauty and rich culture.

South Africa there’s Table Mountain, rugby matches and the interesting minibus taxi, which will take you on a ride like no other. In Namibia, there’s the Fish River Canyon and seeing Africa’s “Big 5” in Etosha National Park. Zambia offers the majestic Victoria Falls and the sun set over the Great Zambezi River is simply breath-taking. Zimbabwe offers the Kariba Dam Wall where you’re bound to spot a crocodile.

Then there’s Malawi where you can party and sleep on the lakes white breathes or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can go skinny dipping under the Lake of Stars. Mozambique offers some of the most stunning islands in the world. All of this is possible thanks to the Put Foot Rally. The rally’s objectives are to prove that 4×4 are not needed when traveling across Southern Africa.

Southern Africa is safe, fun, accessible and affordable. The rally also has a positive impact on the tourism sector in Southern Africa thus encouraging people to take part. Put Foot Rally is for those looking to explore Africa and it’s especially for those not afraid of let their adventurous side come through. The rally is dubbed the greatest social rally on the face of the earth. When are you taking part?

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster

carblog — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:16:41 +0000

After Honda failed to redesign one of their greatest ideas: the Honda CRX Si; Hyundai took it upon themselves and came up with the 2012 Hyundai Veloster which looks similar to the Honda CRX Si.

People are drawing the comparison between the Hyundai Veloster and the Honda CRX Si due to its shape and size. However, Hyundai’s Lloyd Bentsen said that the Hyundai Veloster is not the replacement of the CRX Si. They knew the car as a friend of theirs, but the Veloster is no CRX Si.

The Hyundai Veloster can be seen a Saturn coupe with the three-door option. In its three-door-ness, it also has a rear-hinged, door-opening extender added aft of a conventional door. However, the Hyundai Veloster has a front-hinged rear door that is at least as useful as a proper port instead of a silly half-door.

Because of the Veloster’s tight rear quarters, the passenger side is curbed. This subconsciously expels rear passengers, meaning that you either have children or people you don’t like as your passengers.

The Hyundai Veloster comes with a new-for-Hyundai six-speed dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual. The clutch take-up is smooth and the shifter is perfectly pleasant to use. The sad part though is that you will have to work hard to get this machine going fast. Its 1.6-liter direct-injection engine is not enough. It is small and has low peak torque—123 lb-ft—at a high 4850 rpm. 8.5 seconds is what you need to get to 100km/h. Nevertheless, a turbo is on the way within a year’s time.

Hyundai Veloster

Image courtesy of http://www.autoblog.com

The Mclaren F1 Successor

carblog — Fri, 25 May 2012 07:48:55 +0000

Car and sports news have been lambasted with the on-going story of the McLaren F1 successor’s release. On the other hand, Lacoski (an artist) created a series of rumours about the new McLaren F1 hyper car.

However, all the speculation and confusion will end because the British firm has indeed, started work on a replacement for the McLaren F1, codenamed P12.

The front low bumper looks similar to the current MP4-12C model. Some analysts said that perhaps the front section was done in a similar way to mislead everyone else. However, the rear of the car looks more interesting on spy-shots.

Most parts of the new McLaren F1 will remind you of the old one, but if you pass your eyes from the front pillar; you will realise that there are quite a number of changes, especially with the teardrop shaped roof that sports a central air intake.

The new McLaren F1 will feature a conventional two-seat setup, meaning that the prototype will not be using the three seat layout with a central driving position like before.

Furthermore, the new McLaren F1 will have a light weighted body with specially honed aerodynamics. It will also make use of carbon fibre previously used by the MP4-12C.

The previous McLaren F1 was powered by a BMW-sourced V12, but the new McLaren F1 will be fitted with an in-house developed V8 turbo, surpassing the 700 horsepower mark. That will see the new McLaren F1 accelerate for 100 km/h around the 3.0 second mark.

Expect the 2012 VW Beetle sometime during 3rd quarter for SA

carblog — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:30:09 +0000

One of the oldest cars in the automobile industry is still going strong. The VW Beetle is one of those cars that will not confuse you because VW has kept the Beetle’s shape thus far. There are a few changes now and then, but when you see that machine approaching or parked, you will not hesitate spotting it.

Some ladies don’t know much about cars, but they cannot confuse a VW Beetle for any car.

Inside, it looks beautiful with a brilliant GUI on the touch screen. A HDD music player is on the options list.
VW really wanted to broaden the model’s appeal in a way that they tried to make it more purposeful and a bit sportier.

So to achieve that, the VW Beetle team went back to the 1930’s original design. As much as they wanted to develop the Beetle, they also wanted to keep it as authentic as possible.

The taillights are now a bit wider and there is a bit of pronounced angularity just around the opening of the hood and bumper.

The 2.0-liter TDI diesel has a 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque and the transmission choices are identical to those of the 2.0-liter TSI. With the petrol prices forever rising, it will be fascinating to see which engine will be favoured by most South Africans.

The car will be making its way sometime in mid-late 2012.

Car insurance benefits both victims and owner

carblog — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:54:33 +0000

In South Africa, car insurance covers loss due to accidents and theft. It also covers loss due to natural disasters, explosions and fires. All of this is solely dependent on the type of insurance policy you have.

With the growing number of accidents reported on a daily basis, you need to be covered.

The costs of fixing a car and in some cases the other recipient’s car can easily run in thousands of rand’s. Being involved in a car accident is one of the worst things. This becomes evident when you are the victim caught in the accident and the other party cannot pay up because they too do not have car insurance.

With car insurance, it’s taken care of because it covers both the owner of the car and the victim. This saves the owner a lot of money. Most people think that car insurance is expensive because of the high premiums that change their minds. This does not have to be the case if you do your research. Most car insurance’s offer affordable premiums and a hassle free claim process that that makes life easier.

You might be one of the most cautious drivers, but life is unpredictable. It is better to be covered and have peace of mind knowing that you’re taken care of. Therefore should you be involved in an accident the victim will not suffer because you are covered and you get to save a lot of money. This means one less thing to worry about.

The Toyota FT-86

carblog — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:16:49 +0000

Recent pictures from a Toyota brochure show a car that’s broadly the same as the FT-86 and FT-86 concepts. This means that the pictures were leaked. However, there are minor changes that appear at the rear. The car now has Lexus LFA-style lights that display a little bit of distinctive units. On the positive side though is that the diffuser now looks a little dramatic with the most recent concept’s boot-lid spoiler.

Most people are anticipating major changes on the wheels because the leaked pictures reveal atrociously fitted wheels. But nobody knows what’s going to happen exactly come production time. The leaked pictures of the red car reveals that there will be a standard showroom trim. The interior looks beautiful with a nicely stubby gearstick which is expected to be a six-speed manual transmission. This is the only part where fingers are really crossed because this is one of those highly anticipated sports cars.

Furthermore, the car will be power-driven by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer. The car will be available in both manual and automatic. The sensational car is said to be powered by a front-engine/rear-drive whose tone is expected to cause goose bumps. Toyota hasn’t commented on the pictures as yet, but if the leaked pictures are true, then sports car fanatics are in for a good one.