This limited-edition version of the Megane RS not only represents the ultimate expression of the RS philosophy, but also heralds the introduction of a more powerful engine, stemming directly from RS’s F1 prowess, to the entire Mégane RS line-up. The RS Trophy 265 represents the pinnacle of the award-winning high-performance road cars produced by Renault Sport Technologies and is the latest, limited-edition expression of the RS philosophy to become available in South Africa.

With over 35 years in F1 and over 10 constructors’ titles under its belt, Renault has a rich heritage in both international and local motorsport. Through innovation and technology, this pedigree has been translated into the marque’s current passenger car products. However, the exciting new RS Trophy 265 provides an even more exhilarating and dynamic edge to this class-defining hatchback.

At the heart of the new flagship RS model is a reworked version of the turbocharged 2.0L 16-valve engine. In Trophy specification, the standard car’s 184kW and 340Nm has been raised to an exceptional 195kW and 360Nm. The gains are primarily achieved by means of a higher boost pressure of 2.5 bar and a new air intake design. Renault claims that theTrophy 265 sprints from 0-100kph in just 6 seconds and will reach a top speed of 254kph.

The new engine makes its debut in the limited-edition RS Trophy 265, but will become available across the regular Megane RS range, including the Sport and Cup models, in the very near future. The RS Trophy 265 is equipped with the performance-oriented Cup chassis as standard, matched to a limited slip differential for improved traction.

Visually, the RS Trophy 265 is instantly recognisable by its extensive ‘Red Line’ detailing and specific decals. It also sports a new rear lip spoiler, 19” gloss black STEEV wheels with red piping, RS valve caps and a numbered plaque. Striking LED daytime running lights incorporated into the F1-style front blade also distinguish this dynamic new model. These and some of the Trophy’s aerodynamic aids will also be introduced to the new-generation RS Cup model when it becomes available later this year. The RS Trophy 265 features an exclusive new Sirius Yellow metallic paint colour, as well as the standard fitment of Xenon headlights.

Inside, leather-clad Recaro bucket seats add an unmistakably sporty feel, complemented by eye-catching contrasting stitching on the upholstery, steering wheel and gear lever gaiter. The innovative RS Monitor is incorporated in the central display and provides a range of performance-oriented data for the driver. As with the current Megane RS Cup, the Trophy features the innovative RS Monitor. This on-board data logging system records performance and displays a range of vehicle data in real time – a feature that owners will especially appreciate during track days.

The RS Monitor collects driving data from an array of sensors, and the driver is able to scroll through the various functions using the steering wheel remote controls. The following information is accessible on the main dashboard display:

• engine function data (turbo pressure, oil temperature) and brakes,
• real-time engine performance data (power, torque),
• transverse and longitudinal acceleration (‘G’ display),
• stopwatch and lap timer, with memory function,
• performance data, with automatic recording of best 0-100kph,
• standing start 400m and 1,000m time

Additionally, the RS Monitor enables the driver to modify the mapping of the accelerator pedal. Five settings are available with the ‘Sport’ mode selected, comprising ‘linear’, ‘normal’, ‘snow’, ‘sport’ and ‘extreme’. This makes it possible to tailor the engine response and acceleration to the conditions and driving style.

It also enables the driver to alter the accelerator pedal mapping to tailor the engine response and acceleration to the specific conditions and driving style.

Another important feature standard across the Megane RS model range,  is the Renault Sport Dynamic Management three-mode ESP system, which allows the driver to choose the degree of electronic aid for different situations:

• ‘On’ is the default mode. The ESP, ASR traction control and emergency brake assist (EBA) are all active. The system intervenes as soon as it senses the car is on the verge of sliding. 
• ‘Sport’ mode provides less intrusive ESP action. Although ESP and ASR are still active, they intervene at a later point and allow the car to slide up to the limits of a given threshold. Optimised starts are also on offer via a Power Start function included in the Sport mode.
• ‘Off’ mode deactivates the ESP and ASR functions. ABS remains active. The mode is designed to allow full driver control and enjoyment, specifically for track use.

Only 30 Megane RS Trophy models will be sold in South Africa at R409,900 each.

The Ibiza SC Trophy uses the three-door version of the hatch as its base and is fitted with a 132kW 1.4L TSI engine and a seven-speed DSG transmission.

To help improve handling and performance the SC Trophy also receives a locking differential and racing suspension. The brakes have been upgraded, too.

The exterior modifications include a central exhaust, large rear wing and aggressively flared wheel arches, while the cabin has been stripped out and reinforced with a roll cage to improve safety and handling.

The Leon Super Copa has received similar treatment, with details including large front and rear splitters. It receives an uprated 2.0L TSI unit, which now produces around 220kW and 340Nm of torque through a six-speed DSG transmission.

Both models will only be available in Europe, with the Ibiza SC Trophy costing around R300,000 and the Leon Super Copa R550,000.

Article Source: Auto Express

Team Sasol Racing fields a pair of Subaru WRX STI’s that SP Race Engineering Team Principal Carel Pienaar says will allow Groenewald and Richard Pinard to compete on merit for wins in the three-race programme.

“I’m expecting to have a pair of quick cars and be more competitive than we were in Port Elizabeth last month”, said the team boss. “Hennie is the only competitor in the series that has completed every one of the nine races held so far and finished well in the points in each heat, which I put down in part to the inherent attributes of the Subaru product and the technology found in the Sasol Turbo Fuels Plus and Sasol Techno Oils we use”.

Championship leader Groenewald is upbeat about racing at Zwartkops again: “We have an indication that the Subaru is quick so we are going to concentrate on maintenance issues in our pre race test and make sure the gremlins are ironed out as well as try out a few set-up issues to maximize the WRX STI’s inherently superb handling”.

The modest driver gained two extra points last time out for setting the fastest lap time in races 1 and 3!

“The car is a different beast to what we rolled out at Zwartkops at the beginning of March”, Groenewald continued. “The car has the potential to win races and if we can step up our pace a bit after Port Elizabeth, then I’m fairly confident Zwartkops will be good to us”.

Tactics in the races are equally important.  “Grid positions for the double-points paying race 3 are decided in race 2 so the pressure is on to get the fastest lap in the second heat.  I’m happy to be leading the championship and the inland races offer our best opportunity to extend our lead”, said Groenewald.

For Richard Pinard, expectations are more modest, having borne the brunt of the team’s misfortunes this year.  “I would like a few good, clean and competitive races, thank you very much!  The team has worked hard to find solutions to the problems I’ve had and they are confident I will have a racy Subaru for the weekend”.

“I know I’ve got some work to do and I will hopefully be the rear gunner for Hennie on the day.  The pressure is building as the year progresses – the chips are down”, said Pinard.

“The whole team is pretty confident at the moment and with only one more coastal race and three inland events on the calendar, the Sasol Subaru team is in good shape”.

Looking to the competition, Groenewald expects the Audi teams to be strong while the BMW squad – quick in a straight line – appeared to have handling issues at the Aldo Scribante circuit.  “I was surprised by their relative lack of pace in PE and Zwartkops is a similar type of track so they may struggle a bit on the tight sections”, is Groenewald’s analysis of who the movers and shakers could be.

The last word goes to Carel Pienaar: “We’ve progressed a bit on our speed and the Subarus will be more competitive that we were at Port Elizabeth.  Richard has the same equipment as Hennie so maybe he must try something new, like not shaving or something, to change his luck”.

Government publishes an annual tender request to which all motor manufacturers respond and quote for the 12 month period commencing in April each year. Orders are then allocated by government based on the tender pricing presented by each manufacturer explains Brian Smith, National Fleet and Pre-Owned Manager at Renault SA.

“During 2011, we also received an order from the Department of Defence for delivery of 65 of our locally manufactured Renault Sandero hatchbacks and 20 Mégane Hatch 1.9 DCIs. The orders delivered during the first quarter of this year comprised a mix of Renault models including the Fluence sedan and Mégane Shake-It! 1.6 hatchback.

“Valerie Made is directly responsible for National Government Fleet sales and has been working long and hard to promote the Renault brand and lay the foundations for solid and long-term relationships at national and local government levels. She is doing a sterling job,” he adds.

“The buying of Renault vehicles for service delivery in KZN province has created a lot of excitement from our health officials as this this is a new brand for them. The vehicles were also readily available notwithstanding the fact that the RT57 Contract was almost on the verge of expiring,” says Bongani Khanyile the Departmental Fleet Manager for the KZN Provincial Department of Health.

“Government support of our products cannot be taken for granted and it is gratifying to see that a several Renault models have been put to the test and proven themselves to be worthy choices in terms of price, performance, size, safety and economy … in fact, everything that a fleet vehicle should be,” concludes Smith.

“What we are doing with the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance,” said Wolfgang Hatz, Member of the Executive Board Research and Development of Porsche AG.

With their camouflage harking back to historical Porsche 917 racing cars, the prototypes signal the final touches to the 918 Spyder. The focus is on the integration of the highly sophisticated individual drive components.

The combination of a combustion engine and two independent electric motors – one on the front axle and one in the drive line, acting on the rear wheels – poses completely new demands on the development of the operating strategies. “They are therefore a critical component in this vehicle into which we have put all of our expertise and capacity for innovation,” continued Hatz.

These operating strategies and the development of the software to go with them are one of the core competencies at Porsche. The two disciplines have a major influence on the extremely high level of driving enjoyment offered by the 918 Spyder and they deliver a unique combination of minimal fuel consumption and maximum performance. The initial results of the driving trials are in line with the high expectations placed on the 918 Spyder.

The super sports car is designed as a plug-in hybrid vehicle combining a high performance combustion engine with cutting-edge electric motors for extraordinary performance: on the one hand, the dynamics of a racing machine boasting more than 565kW, on the other hand, fuel consumption in the region of three-litres per 100 km.

Porsche claims that the 918 Spyder will sprint from 0-100kph in under three seconds and will reach a top speed of 325kph-plus!

As a technology showcase, the 918 Spyder breaks further new ground with spectacular solutions such as the full carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque with unit carrier, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear axle steering and the upward-venting ‘top pipes’ exhaust system.

In the process, the 918 Spyder is offering a glimpse of what Porsche Intelligent Performance may be capable of in future.

Tickets include:

• Stadium Show- Middle Level seating ­ Sunday 17th June @ 19h30
• Access to the festival
• Experience the entire festival which includes exhibition stands with leaders in the automotive industry, and the extreme Street Circuit.

To enter the competition, please email competitions@abrmotoring.com with the subject line: “Top Gear Festival” and answer the following question:

Name any one of the Top Gear UK presenters who will be at the Top Gear Festival in Durban?

Please include your full name, telephone number (landline and cellphone), email and physical address.

Terms and Conditions:

1. The prize winners will be drawn randomly on 10 June 2012 and contacted by email. Only the winner will be contacted personally.

2. Prizes must be taken as stated and cannot be deferred.

3. There will be no cash alternatives.

4. Winners will be responsible for their own transport and accommodation costs in Durban.

5. This competition is not open to employees or contractors of the Top Gear Festival or Automotive Business Review or any person directly or indirectly involved in the organisation or running of the competition, or their direct family members.

6. This competition is promoted by Automotive Business Review on behalf of Top Gear Live SA.

7. We will not pass on your personal details to any other organisation except for Top Gear Live SA who sponsored this competition.

“Trax provides Chevrolet an entry into a growing small SUV segment and delivers the flexibility, great fuel economy and car-like handling that urban explorers require,” said Susan Docherty, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe.

With room for five passengers and generous cargo space, Trax will meet the needs of customers in over 140 markets. The small SUV is likely to arrive at Chevrolet dealerships in mid 2013, following the introduction of the all-new Chevrolet Malibu and the much-awaited Cruze station wagon in 2012.With the new Chevrolet line-up at showrooms across South Africa, the coming years present an exciting opportunity for further growth.

Trax exhibits its SUV toughness and capability in a small package through a muscular exterior design and wide athletic stance. While its contemporary form evolves the global Chevrolet design aesthetic, Trax’s interior will be executed to standards usually found in more expensive vehicles.

This sportiness is especially evident in the first BMW M Performance car for the compact segment: the BMW M135i is a top-ranking vehicle thanks to its N55 turbocharged 3.0L petrol engine with M Performance technology, along with its typical M precision-engineered and high-performance chassis, not to mention the optimised aerodynamics of the body style and an exclusive interior design. BMW claims that the M135i will deliver 235kW and 450Nm of torque.

The performance potential of the BMW M135i is reflected in its individual exterior and interior design features, which are integral parts of the series equipment in this BMW M Performance automobile. The body details are typical of a car designed to handle the aerodynamic requirements associated with dynamic, high-performance driving situations – it is such details that convey the unique M style and flair.

The front apron is typical of M styling that reflects the car’s firm and responsive road handling, with the large air intake vents needed to meet the cooling demands of a high-performance straight six-cylinder engine, auxiliary units and oversized brakes. The competitive character of the car can also be seen in the three-dimensional flaps on the outer air vents, a detail inspired by automobile racing. These air inlets take up the space reserved for the fog lights in the other versions of the three-door BMW 1 Series. They are separated by horizontal struts in Ferric Grey metallic – a design detail that distinguishes BMW M Performance cars.

In addition to the BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line and the exterior mirror caps in Ferric Grey, the specially contoured side skirts and 18” M light alloy double-spoke wheels with mixed tyres intensify the side profile of the BMW M135i. The rear apron, the lower portion of which is finished in Dark Shadow metallic, also encloses the dual exhaust pipes.

Furthermore, the door sill finishers with aluminium inserts that feature “M135i” lettering match an interior design that expresses the joy of sheer driving pleasure. The interior details include exclusive cloth Hexagon/Alcantara upholstery, an M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and blue accent stitching, the BMW Individual roofliner in Anthracite, interior trim in Aluminium Hexagon with matt Estoril Blue or high-gloss black accent lines, gear selector and handbrake with leather gaiters, M driver footrest, speedometer and rev counter with red chronoscales. The colour of the interior lighting is variable, and the car key features blue detailing.

A new entry-level model, the BMW 114i equipped with a straight four-cylinder engine delivering 75 kW, will also be launched. Two additional petrol models and four diesel versions – including the BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition with 85 kW – round off the new line of BMW 1 Series three-door models that are being introduced.

The BMW M135i and the BMW 114i will also be available as 5-door models. Except for the BMW 114i and the BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition, all models in the BMW 1 Series can be delivered with a unique eight-speed automatic transmission as an option.

Furthermore, the Auto Start/Stop function is available for both manual and automatic transmissions. The BMW EfficientDynamics technology package also includes the ECO PRO mode, which can be activated via the Driving Experience Control button that is standard on all models. The intelligent xDrive four-wheel drive technology will also be offered for the new BMW 1 Series in the future. The BMW 120d xDrive and the BMW M135i xDrive will be the first 1 Series models to have this four-wheel drive technology.

Like the 5-door version, the new three-door BMW 1 Series offers increased agility and driving comfort compared to the previous model. The interior is also more spacious. For example, the new three-door BMW 1 Series can be configured with a choice of seating for two or three passengers in the rear compartment. The exclusive look and feel of the interior, the wide range of standard features and equipment that even includes air conditioning, along with the many optional driver assistance systems and BMW ConnectedDrive mobility services available, underscore the premium status and progressive character of the new three-door BMW 1 Series.

The new three-door BMW 1 Series goes on sale in South Africa from September 2012.

The metallic bronze Beetle represents the last of 288,353 Beetles built in Uitenhage from 31 August 1951 to 18 January 1979. It was never used and lived in the Volkswagen museum – now the AutoPavilion. It only had 200km on the clock when the accident happened on its way from a show in Cape Town in November 2006. The vehicle carrier overturned and nine of the AutoPavilion’s best historic cars were destroyed. 

“Being such a special vehicle, the “last Beetle” was restored over a period of two years to ensure that it returned to its former glory. We are very pleased that it has once again taken its proud place at the AutoPavilion,” explained Johan Wagner, Manager of Volkswagen’s AutoPavillion.

Wagner added: “All the mechanicals and most of the interior from the original car could still be used. They were then transferred to another body of the same era. The original car was loaded with luxury features not found on any of the models which preceded it. It was built with most of the luxury features of the higher specification and limited edition 1600’s like the Fun Bug, Lux Bug, Jeans Bug and Snug Bug.”

Some of its special features include Bilboa cloth upholstery, black fender spats, a special gearlever knob, taper-tip exhaust pipes, a centre tunnel console, a cigarette lighter and Rostyle wheel rims. It was also sprayed in a special bronze metallic paint.

The Beetle had a production run in South Africa spanning almost 28 years, 11 of which were as the country’s top selling car. Testimony to its build quality and reliability is the fact that so many can still be seen on our roads today.

Wagner concluded: “The story of the Beetle’s success in South Africa and worldwide cannot be told in these few lines. The last Beetle has a plaque on the dash which reads, “The Legend Lives On”. Looking around, you will agree, it certainly does.”

The 21st Century Beetle will be introduced locally towards the end of the year.

The Beetle after it fell off the transporter in 2006.

It is currently completing a programme of testing in preparation for series production, part of which has ainvolved setting an impressive fastest lap of the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit. The MINI John Cooper Works GP lapped the erstwhile Grand Prix course in 8 min. 23 sec. In so doing, the new model has put clear asphalt between itself and numerous sports cars from loftier perches – and beaten the lap time set by its predecessor, the MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit, by almost 19 seconds.

Underpinning the performance characteristics of the MINI John Cooper Works GP is exclusive powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics technology inspired directly by motor sport. Its twin-scroll turbo engine generates outstanding torque, displays remarkable elasticity and demonstrates a healthy appetite for revs. Specially developed, adjustable race suspension channels this superlative output into spectacular yet precisely controllable handling.

As well as being undeniably imposing visually, the design of the body also gives the MINI John Cooper Works GP ideal aerodynamic balance in extreme driving situations – a key element in delivering that handling flair. Large front and rear aprons, striking side skirts and a bespoke roof spoiler are complemented by a newly developed rear diffuser which optimises airflow around the underbody. The interior of the MINI John Cooper Works GP also contributes to the car’s inspirational racing feeling; with the rear seats removed, it focuses unashamedly on the needs of the driver and co-driver.

Concentrated motor sport expertise – faithfully embodied at MINI by its John Cooper Works sub-brand – is the not-so-secret ingredient in the MINI John Cooper Works GP recipe. The “GP” tag on the model title tells you exactly where the extreme sports edition of the compact MINI most tellingly reveals its potential. The GP’s chassis configuration, the effectiveness of its race-spec braking system, the grip offered by its likewise bespoke racing tyres, and its aerodynamic properties have been honed into a high-performance whole on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit, erstwhile venue for Formula One races and lauded as the world’s most challenging race track. The noteworthy lap time set by the MINI John Cooper Works GP is the product of this extensive testing programme.

The unadulterated transfer of motor sport expertise into the everyday driving environment has history at MINI; it was this approach that made the MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit the epitome of extreme driving fun in a small car when it was unveiled in 2006. Specific output of 100 kW per litre of displacement and similarly impressive reserves of racing technology have secured its status as a sought-after collector’s item today.

The MINI John Cooper Works GP follows eagerly in the tyre tracks of its predecessor – and with an even greater spring in its step. It will be in similarly short supply; the world will have to make do with just 2,000 examples. Hosting the preview of the new model is another grand prix race track with history etched into every corner. The MINI John Cooper Works GP will be unveiled publicly for the first time at Le Castellet in France, venue for the MINI United festival on 11 – 13 May 2012. 

The MINI John Cooper Works GP will be available locally in limited numbers from the first quarter of 2013.