Honda Accord PHEV (2014)

 

Car Barn Sport | Honda Accord PHEV (2014) | Earth Dreams Technology Accord PHEV includes a 2.0-liter I-VTEC 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine coupled to two motor hybrid drive. The hybrid system includes a 124-kW electric motor powered by a 6.7-kWh lithium-ion battery. In combination with the two engines is a hybrid drive with a total capacity of 196 peak horsepower, Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, Chevrolet Volt and the projected output of hybrid Ford Fusion Energi is superior. Earth Dreams engine power alone exceeds the total output of gas-electric Prius Plug-in Hybrid.

Two motor hybrid system in the 2014 Accord Honda Plug-in Hybrid can directly transfer the engine power to the front wheels, power generator to supply electric propulsion or charging the battery. Accord PHEV hybrid system moves smoothly and automatically after three transmission states in order to increase productivity, efficiency and range. Low battery indicator points while charging Li-Ion battery when connected to a standard 120-volt outlet is less than three hours, the fastest in its class, Accord PHEVs. Accord PHEV chassis starts with basic engineering Accord sedan, but adds all aluminum front subframe (replacing steel and aluminum version of the Accord petrol).

As gasoline engine model Accord, Accord PHEV use electric power steering (EPS) system that automatically control the amount of aid for the conditions. PHEV Accord is equipped with a brake system similar to the Honda Fit EV, a fully electronic control of hydraulic brake system offers. Sophisticated and contemporary, the new 2013 Accord Sedan interior provides an ideal base for 2014 Accord PHEV interior. Link Honda EV features include Like all new Accord, the new Accord PHEV has a larger range of standard active and passive safety features than any other car in the history of Honda.

Accord PHEV has an acoustic vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), to clearly warn pedestrians when approaching the EV-Drive mode. Based on internal testing, the 2014 Honda Accord PHEV, is expected to earn a Top Safety Pick rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and 5-star ratings in the federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests.

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Mazda 6 Wagon (2013)

 

Car Barn Sport | Mazda 6 Wagon (2013) | Mazda Motor Corporation will hold the world premiere of the new Mazda 6 Wagon (known as Atenza in Japan) 2012 Paris Motor Show. The new Mazda 6 sedan, which made its debut at the Moscow Motor Show 2012, will be exhibited alongside the wagon version. Both models shown at the Paris Motor Show will feature Mazda SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel new engine clean. The SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine is available in standard configurations of power or high power.

The new Mazda 6 is the flagship of a new generation of Mazda products. It also has a wide range of advanced security technologies and exclusive brakes Mazda's Energy Regeneration, i-ELOOP.

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BMW: NO 3 SERIES TOURING FOR MZANSI

BMW South Africa has confirmed that it will not be offering a 3 Series Touring for our market. Touring is BMW speak for “station wagon”. This decision contradicts all direct rivals available in Mzansi. For instance, Audi offers Avant versions of the A4. Mercedes-Benz and Volvo also sell C-Class Estate and V60 models respectively.

Of course Mzansi is not exactly a hive of activity as far as wagons are concerned. We just don’t like these types of vehicles, and in fact, much less so since SUVs arrived on the scene. Quite a pity because they offer so much more car than sedans and some of them are now really pretty too.

FACELIFT FORD FIESTA ANNOUNCED

Ford today revealed the dynamic new version of the best-selling Fiesta that features a sharper design and a host of exclusive technology features. The new Fiesta will be on stage tomorrow in Amsterdam at Ford’s special “Go Further” product event hosted by Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally and attended by 2 500 dealers.  

New Fiesta delivers an advanced package of technologies including voice-activated in-car connectivity system Ford SYNC. Making its way to the Asia Pacific and Africa region, it will also be equipped with the acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine to deliver expected best-in-class fuel economy.

“Fiesta has been one of the world’s best-loved small cars across five decades, and the sporty appeal of the last generation Fiesta inspired real passion among global compact car customers, contributing to its status as the world’s most successful small car,” said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe executive design director. “We had to keep that vital part of Fiesta’s make-up – but we also wanted to give it a more sophisticated look.”

The new Fiesta marks the latest chapter in the journey of the popular small car. Ford launched the first Fiesta in 1976 and has since sold more than 15 million models around the world. New Fiesta features design cues inspired by the latest Ford global design language and concept vehicles.

The Fiesta’s face is dominated by a trapezoidal front grille, bracketed by laser-cut headlamps and features a power-dome bonnet design. The redesigned Fiesta also delivers a harmonious and ergonomically optimised interior.

Fiesta follows Ford’s approach of democratising technology – bringing advanced features to a greater number of drivers.

Ford SYNC in-car connectivity system delivers an unprecedented level of connectivity, enabling owners to voice-activate phone calls and music selection from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB. 

STORY BY FORD

AUDI RS 5 CABRIOLET IS OUT

The Audi RS 5 Cabriolethas been unveiled. Obviously based on the RS 5 Coupe, which itself is based on the A5 range, the drop top has come quite late in the car’s lifecycle. In fact, a brand new A5 range goes on sale in the next three years.

The choice here has been canvass for the roof, instead of the now-popular hard tops found in cars like the previous BMW M3 Convertible. Soft tops are lighter than their harder counterparts, but they also give more scuttle shake. This one is said to be capable of opening and closing in 15 and 17 seconds respectively through the push of a button. It’s operational at up to 50km/h too.

Audi is holding on to the tried and tested 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8, just as it has been used in the Coupe. The same type of power is available in the form of 331kW at 8250 rpm and 430Nm of torque between 4000rpm and 6000rpm. This is the 4.2’s last hurrah as it will be replaced by a turbocharged V8 in the nest instalment. Standard is the 7-speed double clutch S tronic gearbox that sends all power to all four wheels using the quattro AWD system. But the trick differential can send up to 85%of torque to the rear axle in certain circumstances (like after pushing the “fun” button).

Items that make this one special include 19-inch wheels (20s are optional), an aggro front grille with a honeycomb design, smooth LED lights, brushed aluminiumside mirrors, side skirts, a boot lid spoiler, those two oval tailpipes that spell “RS” and an air diffuser.

Audi will unveil this car at the 2012 Paris International Motor Show later this month. South African  sales will commence early in 2013 in very limited numbers.

2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 7 BREAKS LOOSE

The brand new 2013 Volkswagen Golf is out! Well, it only launches in Mzansi in 2013, but these are the official pictures of the car. Soon to be known as the Golf 7 or Golf Mk7, the new hatch has arrived earlier than was planned owing to several reasons, including toughercompetition. And as you can see, it looks more like an evolution of the Golf 6 than a complete redesign.

Volkswagen will officiallyunveil the Golf 7 at the 2012 Paris International Motor Show this month. While the changes are subtle in a sense, lots of work has been performed to ensure Golf remains VW’s bread and butter model. One of the main achievementshas been to lower the car’s overall weight by up to 100kg in some models, compared to the outgoing one.

Of course the engine range will reflect upon current trends, but will also include one or two newcomers. The usual suspects in this case are the likes of 1.2 TSI, 1.4 TSI, 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI among others. The 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox will also be made available alongside a 6-speed manual, again depending on the model at hand. Some speculation regarding the GTI says it will pack over 165kW, while the Golf R could see about 210kWbeing flown off the front wheels.

We’ll let you know all the details as soon as they are released. For now just look at the picturesand see if VW has done enough to dissuadeits detractors from buying other family hatchbacks.

BEST-SELLING CARS OF AUGUST 2012

Good times are here for the motor industry, just in time for the fresh Spring season. Sales have remained high for the month of August, resulting in 40 345 new passenger cars moving into new homes. This is an 11.6% growth rate over August 2011, and a market growth of 6.6%over the previous month.

The popular names stayed on top, although one or two shuffled positions. For example, the Chevrolet Utility again got upset by the Nissan NP200 for the second time this year.  

“August was always going to be a slowersales month for FMCSA due to logistical planning to allow second shift production in Silverton to commence,” said Ford Motor Corporation SA’s Vice President Marketing, Sales and Service, Dean Stoneley. “It was also impacted by supply constraints beyond our control.”

“The market remains strong and set for total sales of over 600 000 units,” says Dr Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors. “One has to keep in mind that we are at the cusp of the replacement cycle following the significant sales achieved in 2006and 2007. Many of these customers held back on replacing their vehicles, but are now returning to the marketthanks to low interest rates and the general affordability of vehicles in this market.”

“The new car market has been characterised by strong levels of demand for new passenger cars. With interest rates at the lowest level in thirty eight years, debt servicing costs for households are low and sufficient credit is available to service demand for new cars. New car prices are growing at less than 3% on an annualbasis and in real terms, after adjustment for inflation, have been in negative territory for over two years,” said Mike Glendinning, Director: Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen Group South Africa.

Audi saw its biggest August ever, with sales of 1500, buoyed by the A4 range.

These are the best-sellers for the month of August 2012
Passenger Cars
Model                                            Units
1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo            2 654
2. Volkswagen Polo                     2 158
3. Toyota Etios                             1 563 
4. Toyota Corolla                          1 541
5. BMW 3 Series                         1 200 
6. Toyota Yaris                             1 096
7. Volkswagen Polo Vivo Sedan 1 060
8. Toyota Fortuner                          961
9. Ford Figo                                    877
10. Chevrolet Spark                       822


Light Commercial Vehicles
Model                                          Units
1. Toyota Hilux                             2 942
2. Nissan NP200                         1 652
3. Chevrolet Utility                       1 555
4. Toyota Quantum                      1 355
5. Ford Ranger                            1 238
6. Isuzu KB                                   1 192
7. Nissan NP300 Hardbody          759   
8. Volkswagen Amarok                 515
9. Toyota Landcruiser Pick Up     270
10. Mazda BT-50                           180

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trail Hawk (2013)

 

Car Barn Sport | Jeep Grand Cherokee Trail Hawk (2013) | Car back mania comes a new challenge cars again in the automotive world and gives us things that can not be removed from view, a car that is perfect for adventure lovers and serious mountains terrain or roads, that

The first is a production version of the Grand Cherokee Trail Hawk SUV first shown in concept form at the latest developments of the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, UtahA bumper black cap with red accent stripe dominates the front, while the tires 18-inch alloy, black headlight buckets, gray bar grille, taillights and signature badging complete the visual enhancements.

Of course, the functional significance Trailhawk leading off-road Cherokee also feat. The special edition comes with a meaty GC Kevlar reinforced Goodyear Silent Armor tires drivers terrain, puncture-free way. The Trailhawk also benefits from rock steel rails to keep your body strong. And, as befits the Jeep legend, a Quadra-Lift air suspension is in evidence, along with the standard Selec-Terrain traction control system, electronic rear differential limited slip for V8 models, a transfer case two speeds and more.

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MINI John Cooper Works GP (2013)

 

Car Barn Sport | MINI John Cooper Works GP (2013) | MINI John Cooper Works GP is the latest incarnation of a racing heritage, which has more than 50 years ago, when the legendary sports car designer John Cooper has a version of the classic Mini, developed the ultimate fun to drive an expensive car. Modern MINI continues this tradition: built John Cooper Works products and models with their close links with the British premium small car, continues to be a synonym for top motorsport engineering. The most impressive was the embodiment of today, does a shared passion for racing in 2006 MINI Cooper S with John Cooper GP Tuning Kit. MINI John Cooper Works GP is another striking example of the proven principle of the production of natural DNA MINI racing to a new level by points with a whole line of the track being recorded.

React force and an excellent ability to promote MINI John Cooper Works 1.6-liter SE four-cylinder engine, is reflected in a dazzling performance. Striking torque gives the MINI John Cooper Works GP 0 to 100 km / h (62 miles / h) time of 6.3 seconds. The turbo engine also offers a high efficiency. MINI John Cooper Works GP exclusive chassis technology, is based on the race track. Damper installed in the front head tube bearing fails to increase the longitudinal and lateral stiffness. Increased front collapse compared with the usual MINI John Cooper Works, so the potential of sport performance tires - which significantly from the road tires - can be used at full strength, with no penalty early understeer, which inevitably lead to increased tire wear.

At the same time, reduce the convergence improves maneuverability and confidence. Outstanding braking performance MINI John Cooper Works GP racing received sports brake system with six-piston fixed callipers disc brakes, ventilated at the front. The front brake discs 330 mm in diameter and 25 mm thick, with 280 x 10 mm discs at the rear axle. Lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels, again exclusively for the MINI John Cooper Works GP, working on high-traction 215/40 R17 tires Sports. 7.5 x 17 H2 ET45 wheels that were developed for the MINI John Cooper Works GP, are derived from the MINI Challenge race car and have formed a light contour on the flow properties of wheels. On the MINI John Cooper Works GP DSC Dynamic Stability Control is not compatible with the DTC, as is normally the case, but with a special mode of GP racing.

EDLC braking software wheel on the inside of the curve, and driving performance that could be lost in this wheel will be transferred to the outside wheel, which forces more contact. With its outstanding and unique appearance MINI John Cooper Works GP is going forward on its executive right of the word. John Cooper Works brands on the lower air intakes and rear door. Standard Specification MINI John Cooper Works GP includes Xenon headlights in black mussels, fog lights, solar control glazing, air conditioning, DSC mode with specific GP and Sport button.

A rear diffuser with underbody panels and a roof edge spoiler reduces lift on the rear axle by 90 percent, for proper monitoring of treatment even at high cornering speeds and when driving on or near the border. Six percent less fuel and clothing in a higher top speed resist. Airflow around the front of the carriage is extended with a large spoiler and a full aerodynamic shield lower engine compartment. This screen reduces aerodynamic drag not only, and lift the front axle, but also improves the flow of air through the engine compartment. Exciting car racing feeling rises another notch on the inside atmosphere of partly because of lack of rear seat, fully meet the needs of the driver and the "navigator", both the performance of the MINI John Cooper Works GP to enjoy full Recaro sport seats with special emphasis line GP.

John Cooper Works thick rimmed leather steering wheel and shift knob with chrome ring and a red shift of the chart to help give the driver a more direct feel for the car. MINI John Cooper Works GP £ 28,790 in the UK, cost.

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MERCEDES-BENZ CLS GOES ENTRY-LEVEL DIESEL

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has launched a new entry-levelCLS model in the form of the CLS 250 CDI. The company reckons this engine is the perfect entry point for buyers looking at styling out in the CLS but perhaps cannot afford to fork out the required amount for a CLS 350, let alone a CLS 500 or a CLS 63 AMG.

Going diesel for entry level is quite interesting though, as it places Mercedes-Benz in quite a unique position in our market. Rivals don’t offer such small diesels. A bit about the engine itself then. The unit is a 2.1-litre blessed with two turbos for a maximum power output of 150kW at 4200rpm, and peak torque of 500Nm between 1600rpm and 1800rpm. It is mated with a 7-speed 7G-Tronic Plus transmission that allows it to return a stated 5.2 litres per 100km of diesel fuel consumption.

“As the appeal increases for coupé based diesel cars, we feel the time is right in bringing our diesel variant of our 4-cylinderfour-door coupé,” says Selvin Govender, Divisional Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY delivers on all the finer elements you would expect from a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, from futuristic design, to superlative quality of comfort features.  The CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY gives our customers the opportunity of owning a CLS with an ECO friendly engine at an attractive price proposition.”

The CLS 250 CDI is equipped with stuff expected of a car of its stature and price, including automatic climate control, electric side mirrors, a COMAND APS multimedia system with a 40GB hard drive which can read out SMSs to the driver, a 17.7cm dash-mounted display and Bluetooth among other features.

One can also pay extra for items like the Harman/ Kardon sound system, keyless go, blindspot assist as well as LED headlights. And if you like, there’s the R28 700 AMG Sports Pack too which gives you certain items from the AMG collection that make your car look faster when it’s actually not.

CLS 250 CDI Pricing

R700 000

FACELIFT RCZ HEADING TO PARIS, THEN MZANSI

The facelift Peugeot RCZ sports coupe is headed for the 2012 Paris International Motor Show. The little fun pug we enjoyed so much has so far sold 44 000 unitsworldwide, and is now sporting a brand new face, including new-shape headlamps with LED daytime running lights, a smaller front grille and an entirely new front bumper.

The new RCZ will feature pretty much the same engines as the current model. What we are talking about here is the 1.6-litre turbo petrol making either 115kWand 240Nm, or 147kW with 275Nm of torque. You can mate that with a 6-speed manual or auto. Or you can also choose a powerful yet frugal 2.0-litre HDi turbo diesel with 120kW and 340Nm. Any of these motors works well with the RCZ. We’ve driven all three and enjoyed every moment like true French kisses.

There are new colour combinations available to customers who choose to personalise their RCZs even more. Following the Paris unveiling, expect to see the RCZ facelift in Mzansi early next year. It might even make it to JIMS (Johannesburg International Motor Show) 2013.

NEXT FORD MUSTANG FOR MZANSI?

2013 Shelby GT500

Good news for pony fans in Europe as Ford announces that it’s taking the next-generation legendary Mustangmuscle car across the pond into Europe. Europe includes the United Kingdom, which means official right-hand-drive Mustangs for the very first time. By extension what this means is that Mzansi could be in line for its first Ford-backed batch of RHD Mustangs for the first time too!

“We heard it here first – Mustang, the American icon, is coming to Europe!” said president and CEO, Ford Motor Company, Alan Mulally. “We will have more details to share in the future. One thing we can say for sure what has made Mustang such a sensation in the US for nearly 50 years soon will be enjoyed by customers in Europe.”

We don’t know what kind of powerplants the new redesigned Mustang will have when it launches in 2014. But we can speculate around V6 and V8 units, the former probably sporting turbochargerswith the EcoBoost method. Our hope is also that these cars will arrive in Mzansiat a good price, sell in big numbers and inspire the likes of General Motors to bring in their muscle car, the Camaro.

10 REASONS WHY SA-BOUND 2013 MINI GP ROCKS!

MINI GP, the fastest production MINI ever built. Strange enough, it’s not the most powerful. That crown still belongs to its predecessor, which packed a mean 165kW on the chin using a 1.6-litre supercharged engine. The new version, limited to a global 2 000 units, goes on sale soon after officially debuting at the 2012 Paris Motor Show later this month.

Several changes have made this the most special of them all MINIs. One, the rear seat has been removed, and its place, nothing but a red crossbarwhich helps with handling. Two, the car weighs some 1 160kg, making it quite light. Three, special 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/40 R17 sports tyres are standard on the car. Four, it features six-piston fixed-calliper disc brakes, vented at the front, for that extra braking confidence.

Five, “the rear diffuser, together with the underside panelling and the roof-edge spoiler, reduce lift forces at the rear axle by 90%, for impeccable handling control even under high-speed cornering and when driving at or near the limit,” according to MINI.

Six, several aerodynamicpieces are to be found here, including large front and rear aprons, striking side sills and model-specific roof spoiler. Seven, the interior is laden with piano black surfaces, an anthracite-lookingroof liner, thick-rimmed steering wheel, and Recaro sports seats with “GP” stitching. Eight, the ride height has been lowered by some 20mm, which makes the car almost kiss the ground it walks on. Nine, standard items include xenon headlights in black shells, foglamps, sun protection glazing, air conditioning, DSC with special GP mode, and a Sport button.

Last but not least is the powertrain. Same 1.6-litre turbocharged engine we see in other MINI, BMW, Citroen and Peugeot products, but with a little more swag. In this application is pushes out 160kW at 6000rpm, and top torque of 260Nmfrom 2000rpm, with an overboost function that adds 20Nm for overtaking. With this engine in tow, plus a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 2013 MINI GP is said to be able to accelerate from 0 – 100km/h in 6.3 seconds, topping out at 242km/h. It is said to average 7.1 litres per 100km in fuel consumption, with a 165 g/km C02 emissions figure.

BMW South Africahas confirmed the 2013 MINI GP is headed this way, but in very limited numbers. The last version was sold here in 2006 and only 29 unitswere made available. We don’t know how many will come through this time.