Car Reviews: 11/16/09

Monday, November 16, 2009

2010 Boxster Spyder Porsche Sports Car a 3.4-liter six-cylinder Engine with Direct Fuel Injection

2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder Sports Car

Porsche is introducing a new top version of the Porsche Boxster, a light mid-engined roadster making its world debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show in December. Weighing just 1,275 kg or 2,811 lb, the 2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder is the lightest model throughout the entire range of Porsche cars. Clearly recognisable right from the start, this new mid-engined roadster represents the true, purist form of the Porsche sports car – light, powerful, consistently open, and very efficient.This new mid-engined roadster represents the true, purist form of the sports car – agile, powerful, open and efficient. This third Boxster model will join the Boxster and Boxster S and will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, December 2, 2009.

2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder Sports Car

The newest member of the Boxster family stands out from the other versions of Porsche's mid-engined roadster. Its low-slung, lightweight soft top – when closed – extends far to the rear to protect the driver and passenger from bright sunshine, wind and weather. This top, when combined with extra-low side windows and two striking bulges on the single-piece rear lid, provides the Boxster Spyder with a sleek silhouette reminiscent of the Carrera GT.

2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder Sports Car

The Boxster Spyder features a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine with Direct Fuel Injection upfront of the rear axle. Maximum output is 320 horsepower (hp), 10 hp more than the Boxster S. The Porsche Boxster Spyder accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. The Porsche Boxster Spyder top speed, in turn, is 267 km/h or 166 mph – with the roof open.The combination of 10 more hp and 176 pounds less weight than the award-winning Boxster S, plus an all-new sport suspension that lowers the Boxster Spyder 20 mm, a lower center of gravity, a standard limited slip differential, and exclusive wheels provides the kind of driving dynamics that back up the unique look. Aluminum door skins and lightweight interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS contribute to the weight reduction.

Fundamentally, the entire Boxster family is the successor to the legendary 550 Spyder and RS 60 of the Fifties and Sixties, all sharing the same mid-engine roadster concept. Low weight and supreme agility combine to provide outstanding driving pleasure.

2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder Sports Car

Market introduction of the new Porsche Boxster Spyder will start worldwide in February 2010. The base price in the Euro countries is 53,100 Euro. Including 19 per cent VAT and national specifications, the market price of the new Porsche Boxster Spyder is 63,404 Euro.Boxster Spyder is a regular, but specially developed and upgraded production model as compared with the Boxster and Boxster S.

Mercedes SLS AMG pricing announced (DE)

Mercedes Germany has released pricing on their all-new flagship supercar.

Available for pre-order today, the SLS AMG starts at €149,000 (€177,310 with 19% VAT) in Germany. Options include a ceramic composite high-performance braking system at €9,500, AMG performance suspension at €1,200, light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design at €950, and forged wheels in a 10-spoke design at €2,000. Other goodies include a carbon-fibre engine cover (€4,000) and "Alubeam Silver" (€10,000) and "Monza Grey Mango" (€3,250) paint schemes.

Inside, the SLS can be outfitted with an AMG performance steering wheel in leather and Alcantara (€400), sport seats (€3,300), carbon-fibre trim (€3,500), exclusive nappa leather upholstery (€2,500), memory package for the front seats and steering wheel (€1,225), six-disc DVD changer (€660), and a Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system at €5,900.

While the car won't be launched until Spring 2010, prospective buyers can configure their SLS at the AMG website (www.mercedes-amg.com) or go to a local Mercedes dealer for more information.

The SLS AMG is powered by a 6.3 litre V8 engine that produces 571bhp and 650Nm of torque. Mated to a 7 speed double-declutch transmission, the SLS accelerates from 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed 197 mph.

Combined fuel economy is rated at 13.2 litres/km/21.4mpg UK/17.8mpg U.S. UK sales start in July 2010.

Press Release:

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG can be ordered from 16 November: The Gullwing is in the starting blocks

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the absolute highlight at this year's International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, is now available to order. From Monday, 16 November 2009, company-owned sales and service outlets and sales partners of the Mercedes-Benz brand in Germany will be taking orders for this super car with its characteristic Gullwing doors. The sales price is €177,310 (including 19 % VAT).

"Following a high-profile world premiere at the IAA, we are very excited about the SLS AMG's commercial release on Monday. There is huge interest in our new super sports car and we are convinced that the SLS AMG will captivate our customers," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of the Management Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

As of the commercial release on 16th November 2009, prospective buyers will be able to obtain high-quality informational material which provides details of the paint finishes, leather colours, standard equipment and optional extras available for the SLS AMG. It will also be possible to configure your dream vehicle online at www.mercedes-amg.com and www.mercedes-benz.com. To bridge the time until the market launch in Spring 2010, it is worth watching the web specials at www.mercedes-benz.com/sls-amg.

These offer a comprehensive insight into all the top features of the SLS AMG. Both online magazines cover performance, technology, design and equipment in exciting video material, as well as in words and pictures.

Mercedes-Benz and AMG active on online platforms:

Mercedes-Benz and AMG are exploring new ways of communicating with customers on social media platforms: at www.sls-amg-reporter.com fans of AMG will find short video clips and articles by Matthew K., the SLS AMG reporter. This 36 year old car enthusiast is following the market launch of the SLS AMG and provides information about various events worldwide at which the Gullwing model is presented to the public. Matthew K. is also active at http://twitter.com/sls_amg , reporting live on his travels with the SLS AMG, as well as about his experiences and thoughts on the super sports car. Up-to-date information about the SLS AMG is also available from www.facebook.com/MercedesBenz - fans can communicate with other users and even upload their own photos and videos that express their passion for Mercedes-Benz.

A new legend delivering exceptional performance:

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG dazzles with its purist design, intelligent lightweight construction and superior handling dynamics, and is bound to cause a sensation in the super sports car segment. The new SLS AMG is nothing short of a masterpiece by Mercedes-AMG GmbH. As its first completely independently developed vehicle, the super sports car is the highlight in the company's more than 40-year history. It not only takes AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, into a new era, but also demonstrates development expertise of the very highest order.

The SLS AMG's unrivalled technology package is an alluring proposition:

Aluminium spaceframe body with Gullwing doors, AMG 6.3 litre V8 front-mid-engine developing 420 kW/571bhp peak output, 650Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, 7 speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones and a kerb weight of 1,620kg based on the DIN standard - this superlative combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. The front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent and the vehicle's low centre of gravity are testimony to the uncompromising sports car concept. The 'Gullwing' accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited). Fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) makes it one of the best among its competitors.

The SLS AMG sells at €149,000 net and €177,310 gross (including 19% VAT). Thanks to a diverse range of optional extras, the Gullwing model can be enhanced to suit any personal taste.

Some of the main options include:

AMG ceramic composite high-performance braking system: €9,500 net/ €11,305 gross

AMG performance suspension with a stiffer setup for optimum lateral dynamics: €1,200 net/€1,428 gross

AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), tyre sizes 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): €950 net/€1,130.50 gross

AMG forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), with tyre size 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): €2,000 net/€2,380 gross

AMG performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara: €400 net/€476 gross

AMG sports bucket seats: €3,300 net/€3,927 gross

AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover: €4,000 net/€4,760 gross

"AMG alubeam silver" paint finish: €10,000 net/€11,900 gross

"AMG monza grey magno" paint finish: €3,250 net/€3,867.50 gross

AMG carbon-fibre trim (front stowage tray and rear stowage compartment including lid, AMG DRIVE UNIT surround, surrounds for the centre console, shiftgate and rear, trim strips for centre console and door armrests): €3,500 net/€4,165 gross

AMG interior carbon package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrests and sides, door sill panels): €3,500 net/€4,165 gross

Leather nappa exclusive single-/two-tone: €2,500 net/€2,975 gross

Memory package with electric seat and steering column adjustment, as well as four-way lumbar support: €1,225 net/€1,457.75 gross

6-disc DVD changer: €660 net/€785.40 gross

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system: €5,900 net/ €7,021 gross

Skoda set to offer budget sedan

Skoda will launch a new budget saloon in 2012, designed to take on Dacia.

Budget brand Dacia has seen strong sales growth under European scrappage schemes and the Volkswagen Group is keen to cover the gap between Skoda and Dacia as part of its ‘alignment’ strategy.

The new car will directly replace the original Octavia, which is still sold in some emerging markets including the UK – strictly as taxis. It will be similar in size to the original Octavia, making it smaller than the current Octavia.

Skoda’s CEO, Reinhard Jung said the model would be sold in parts of Western Europe in order to bridge the gap between the current Fabia and Octavia, which he described as “too big.”

No decision has been taken on whether the model will be sold in the UK.

Last VW Golf Mk1 to be built (SA)

Volkswagen has launched a new edition of the Golf Mk1 in South Africa, as production of the iconic hatchback finally comes to an end.

The VW Golf Mk1 is still being produced for sale in the country and has been since in production at the Uitenhage plant since 1984, when the Mk2 model went on sale in markets around the world. It is the only factory in the world still making the Mk1. The Citi was introduced in 1978.

Ever-evolving safety regulations have finally caught up with the Mk1with production ending once the 1,000 roll-out models, known as the Citi Mk1 are built. Around 377,484 Citi's have been produced in South Africa over the last 25 years.

The Citi Mk1 will be available in either Black or Shadow Blue metallic paint, with a range of upgrades also fitted over the standard Mk1. These include 15” gun-metal painted alloys, GT-style stripes under the doors, chrome exhaust pipe, twin headlights and a chrome front grille surround.

Inside, the Citi gets half-leather sports seats, retro golf-ball gearknob, leather steering wheel, manual windows, new floor mats, special red stitching throughout and an individually numbered plaque on the dashboard.

Each Citi Mk1 will be fitted with a 100bhp 1.6 litre petrol engine and will start from R113,500 (£9,200/€10,280). It will only be available in South Africa.

A replacement for the Citi is being rumoured to be the 2009 Volkswagen Gol – a cheap compact family car sold in Brazil.

Press Release:

Citi Mk1 Limited Edition - the final chapter in the life of the iconic Citi

Volkswagen of South Africa is paying homage to the original Golf 1, with the introduction of a final limited edition Citi, aptly branded, Citi Mk1. Only 1,000 of these collectors' cars will find their way into the hands of motoring enthusiasts in South Africa and around the world.

The introduction of Citi Mk1 to the Citi range is a fitting gesture to send off and close the final chapter of the best-ever selling hatchback in South African motoring history. Citi has provided South African motorists with a fun, unique, affordable driving package for 25 years. It has defied all marketing textbook theories on the lifecycle of a brand. Citi will remain a legend for decades to come.

Since 1978, when the Golf 1 was launched in South Africa, Volkswagen of South Africa has produced 377,484 Citi's and a total of 517,384 A1 Golfs (including the Citi's). The Volkswagen of South Africa plant in Uitenhage has been the only plant in the Volkswagen Group to have continued building the legendary A1 Golf in the guise of the Citi Brand.

Citi made its first appearance on South African roads in 1984, six years after Golf 1 was introduced in South Africa. Volkswagen of South Africa launched the Citi as its affordable car to compete in the entry level segment following the introduction of a bigger and more expensive Golf 2 - the "Jumbo" Golf as it became affectionately known.

For 25 years, the Citi range has continuously been refreshed and kept alive with innovative, appealing special and limited editions such as the Designa, CTI, Deco, Sonic, Wolf, Bafana Bafana, R Line, Xcite, Billabong and most recently the GTS.

The latest and last limited edition of the Citi range, the Citi Mk1, is offered with the 1.6i engine which has a power output of 74kW at 5400rpm.

The Citi Mk1 is fitted with 15-inch, gunmetal painted alloy wheels and will have a polished exhaust tailpipe, dark taillights, double headlights and chrome highlight around grille. On the sides, it will have GT-styled stripes in chrome foil.

The interior has sport seats with partial leather, leather steering wheel, the original golf ball gear knob, floor mats with Mk1 logo and red stitching detail throughout.

Citi Mk1 will only be available in two colours, Black and Shadow Blue metallic.

Only 1,000 units will be available and each will have a unique number - from 1 to 1,000 - which will be embossed on the passenger side dashboard and integrated into the uniquely designed exterior Mk1 logo.

Like other Citi models, Citi Mk1 comes with the standard 3 year/120 000km warranty.

Volkswagen AutoMotion maintenance and service plans are optional.

Citi Mk1 retail price is R113 500 (VAT included).

Citi bids farewell to South Africa:

Two of the last produced Citi Mk1 units will join other Volkswagen Classic cars that are on permanent display at the Autostadt, the Volkswagen Group Museum and Brand Expo in Wolfsburg, Germany and at the Volkswagen AutoPavillion Brand heritage centre in Uitenhage.

At the Volkswagen of South Africa production plant in Uitenhage, it was an emotional day for the employees when the last Citi, Citi Mk1 001, rolled off the production line to mark the official end of the A1 production. Thousands of employees attended a special event to bid farewell and pay tribute to the legend and the people who have been crafting the A1 (Citi and Golf 1) by hand for more than 30 years. Over 120 employees, who are still employed by Volkswagen of South Africa, have worked for more than 20 years on the A1 production line.

Meanwhile, a Goodbye Tour to the Citi will kick off on 12 November 2009 in Uitenhage and will end on 22 November 2009, back at the home of Citi in Uitenhage. The tour will take the limited edition Citi Mk1 across the country with major stopovers in Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban. At each city or town where Citi Mk1 will stop, the local public will be invited to make their mark on the car that has made its mark on so many people in South Africa by signing the last Citi ever produced.

A special website for the Goodbye Citi Tour, www.goodbyeciti.co.za will be created for the Citi fans and the public to follow the route and daily activities of this very special Citi Mk1 across South Africa. The video footage and photos captured each day will be posted onto the website.

Citi fans will also be invited to post their own farewell messages and tributes to the icon through social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube.

Citi Mk1, unit number 003 and the last Citi produced that will be available to the public, will be auctioned online through bidorbuy.co.za from the 3rd to 23rd of November 2009. The reserve price will be R1 and the minimum bid increments are set as R100. All the proceeds from the auction will be donated to a community-based organisation, Ubuntu Education Fund* in Port Elizabeth. The auction will be open to local and international bidders. However, the bids will only be accepted in South African Rand (ZAR) and the car will be delivered to one address in South Africa.

Volkswagen CitiGolf (1978 - Present):

BMW X1 built...by kids

A clan of 800 extremely enthusiastic children aged between 5 and 13 took four days to build this BMW X1 from mostly yellow LEGO bricks. Danish company, LEGO has been giving joy to children from around the world for 50 years. The model was built to scale of 1:1 which means it measures 4.5 metres long, 1.8m wide and 1.5m high.

BMW started the artwork to raise funds for socially disadvantaged children. For every built-up LEGO block, the company will donate money to the Children's World "Die Arche" in Munich. Rumour has it that a total of about 165,000 LEGO bricks were used.

The car will be on exhibition at the BMW Welt ("BMW World" in German) building in Munich from 25th November.

2012 Mazda MX-5/Miata to be smaller & lighter

The next Mazda MX-5 will be smaller and lighter than the current car in an attempt to duplicate the spirit of the original, according to Mazda insiders.

Mazda’s R&D team is working on making the new car as light and compact as the original MX-5/Miata, which was launched 20 years ago. A Mazda source described the current car as “just too heavy”; with a 2.0 litre petrol engine, its kerb weight is 1,098kg, compared with the original’s 970kg. So engineers are targeting a kerb weight of 1,000kg, same as the current Mazda2. That would give the new car a figure similar to that of the recent 980kg MX-5 Superlight concept, the first of a series of design studies that will define the direction Mazda will take with the new car.

Much of this weight loss will be achieved through a smaller and lighter engine, likely to copy the original’s 1.6 litre capacity. “We are testing both 1.6 and 1.8 litre engines, which undercut our current 2.0 litre unit but deliver the same 160-170bhp power range,” said our source.

The dimensions of the car’s platform and wheelbase will stay much the same but Mazda is known to be looking at reducing the front and rear overhangs.

Lightweight construction techniques will also be used. Mazda is experimenting with using new steel construction methods that enable less metal to be used in its bodyshells. Mazda is also employing the chief engineer of the first MX-5, Takao Kijima, as a special advisor for the new car.

The new MX-5 is due to be unveiled in 2011, possibly at the Tokyo motorshow. Sources suggest that the price could come down, too, to reflect the new MX-5’s more simple appeal.