Hyundai Verna – possibly next Accent, premieres at Beijing show

“There are nine Million bicycles in Beijing”, sang the attractive Auburn-haired Katy Melua, in her 2004 hit song, Nine Million Bicycles.

Euisun Chung, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Company must have similar aspirations for the Verna, which was unveiled recently at the Beijing Automotive Exhibition.

While the Verna was designed particularly for the Chinese market – with Hyundai’s product planning division initiating extensive research programmes to ensure that their new baby conforms to local preferences – the Verna will be introduced into other regions, although it is likely that it will be re-branded with the more familiar Accent nomenclature.

Aesthetically, the Verna is typically Hyundai – this is not a bad thing, boasting styling cues that resonate from the trendy, stylish i30. It appears that Hyundai have shed the air of insipidity that once characterized their range of products. Much like the taciturn girl you knew throughout Primary school, with braces and the slightly overweight physique who miraculously blossomed into eye-candy a few years later.

Vying for the spot of eco-pioneer in the automotive industry, Hyundai have equipped the Verna with an engine that meets the criteria of China’s Step 3 fuel economy regulations two years prior to the deadline.

There are two engine derivatives available in the Verna: a 1.6L DOHC producing 90.4Kw@6300rpm and a 1.4L DOHC producing 78.7Kw@6300rpm for those with a limited budget.

The Verna seems like a vehicle that maintains the level of quality ushered in by recent Hyundai models. Although one would have for it to arrive on our shores before deciding whether the lyrical waxing on paper materializes in the actual product.

Gadgets4U: LG GW300

I recently had a chance to be a part of the Blackberry fad that seems to have swept the world.

The device in question, however, was far from being as capable as the American-spawned must-have accessory for those seeking to look cool while keeping abreast of schedules and other business activities. It was in fact an LG GW300 – a poor man’s Blackberry of sorts.

Almost all of my contemporaries commented on what they thought was a “cool-looking Blackberry” upon seeing me exploiting the function of my thumbs on the LG’s QWERTY keypad. But I couldn’t blame them: since the compact dimensions and slim yet square shape have resonated from the trendy ‘berry, the GW300’s aesthetics are stylish, complementing one’s palm.

But unfortunately, this is where the similarity ends. And unlike models from the fruity counterpart, the LG scores low in terms of user-friendliness and ease of use: it’s tarnished by an often unresponsive interface that infuriates and flimsy keys which click loudly and need furious prodding to function.

Being of the Mxit-generation, this was a real disappointment - especially since the packaging of LG GW300 promises a product enabling “better texting”.

My consolation was the impressive music player, which supports most codec types. It obviated the need to carry around my iPod – being just as good, organizing one’s inventory into Recently played, Playlists, Albums and Genres just as one would find on the Apple.

One needn’t undertake the frustrating task of sifting through their song list and selecting just a few tracks to transfer to the LG, as it is equipped with a micro SD slot. The test unit arrived with a 2 Gigabyte memory card that provided ample storage space for my array of tunage, which was pumped out through the LG’s 3.5mm-Earjacked ear phones.

The GW300 will do if you lack the fiscal means to afford the real deal.

Hot cop car could Terminate your ride

Think again next time you consider attempting to evade Police pursuit after hearing those sirens wail – you might be unlucky enough to have one of the six new Nissan GT-R Police vehicles on your tail.

With 600bhp on tap, propelling the GT-R from standstill to 100km/h in a mere 3,5 seconds, this stealthy and agile Japanese ninja is guaranteed to assist our boys (and girls) in blue in their endeavour to rid our streets of the reckless drivers that endanger the lives of other motorists.

As if the GT-R’s aggressive aesthetics weren’t enough to send a shiver down the spin of perpetrators the vehicle has also been given the name, Terminator.

In order to give the vehicle maximum competence in the intensive application of police pursuit, Nissan’s performance division, NISMO was consulted in the development of the GT-R Terminator. The removal of standard luxury items that feature in the GT-R’s interior sees a weight reduction of 200 kilograms. Additional storage compartments have been fitted to house ‘cuffs and other important police paranephilia.

To ensure that the GT-R Terminators enjoy a long service life and are driven properly – these cannot, after all be as easily replaced as the standard Focus ST or Gti cop cars – those lucky enough be assigned to the task of commandeering the vehicles were subjected to thorough training by the Nissan Precision Driving Academy.

Forget the cool uniforms and the guns – never has there been a more exciting incentive to join the force.
  
*Image: Quickpic

Silver Ghost "best of the best"

Since 1955 the “red dot: best of the best” award has been reserved only for the finest and most exemplary pieces of product design, in categories ranging from Architecture, Medicine to even Fashion.


It’s certainly no surprise then, that the new Rolls Royce Silver Ghost has been awarded with the prestigious accolade in the Automotive category.

The Silver Ghost received acclaim for its groundbreaking aesthetics, being said to have an unmistakable appearance and design that reinterperets the classic values of the brand, in a more contemporary fashion suitable for the 21st century.

“This is a tremendous accolade for the entire Rolls-Royce design team, as a designer the challenge lies in translating ideas into a medium which others can see, touch and feel. We are very proud of what we have achieved with Ghost and are delighted to have been recognised with this very special award”. Said Chief Designer Ian Cameron.

While the Silver Ghost retains traditional Rolls Royce styling cues – the long hood and short front overhangs for example, some new, modern elements have been infused too. The renowned grille sees slight rejuvenation, the aim being to “create an effect less reminiscent of the traditional Parthenon style and more like that of a Jet intake” said Cameron.

As if sublime Rolls Royce engineering and the exclusivity that accompanies ownership weren’t enough, those lucky enough to sit behind the coveted Spirit of Ecstasy mascot now have something else to brag about.

Improved Terios

The Dihatsu Terios is a likeable car.

One can't help but to be wooed by its cute-looking exterior and compact dimensions.

Even Jeremy Clarkson, the geriatric best known for his frank and irreverent approach to motoring journalism, fell for the charm of the dainty SUV, claiming that he'd love to take the Terios in on a cold winters evening and keep it by the fireplace as he would a pet, in his review of the vehicle.

Now, I'm far from that age at which senility would compel me to share my fireplace with a car. However, I would certainly consider the Terios as an occupant to my garage, especially since the release of the new, face-lifted version.

While changes are minimal, each revision plays a role in enhancing the appeal of the small off-roader. At the front, a new light-light cluster has been employed, giving the Terios a fresher, more contemporary face. The rear also receives some light-treatment, now featuring a transparent unit reminiscent of those seen on the first generation Lexus IS series.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence: Dihatsu are owned partly by the Toyota Motor Corporation – also the parent company to the Lexus luxury car division. The Terios boasts a host of standard features that make driving a little easier. Front and rear power windows, ABS, EBD, dual Airbags and an MP3 compatible radio entertainment system with steering controls are among the list.

In standard guise, the elevated ride height of the Terios would enable it to fare well as a pavement climber in the concrete jungle. A 4x4 version is available for those seeking to use the Terios as a vehicle to accompany them on real off-road pursuits. This model is equipped with a mechanical limited slip on rear differential and has a higher ground clearance enabling extreme approach and departure angles on treacherous terrain. In addition, the 4x4 version features a GPS system integrated into the dashboard. This should certainly come in handy when you’re no longer able to spot the shrub/tree landmark you’ve created for yourself in the bush.

The staring price for the Dihatsu Terios is R209 900. For added peace of mind, a 3year 100000km warranty and standard 3 year/75000km service plan has been included.

*As appeared on www.justmotoring.co.za

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Formula 1 Safety Car

When it comes to Formula 1 Safety Car competency, reliability and swift performance are key.

If the vehicle is too slow, the Formula 1 cars being lead would lose tyre warmth - essential to achieving optimum grip levels. Overheating and subsequent engine damage might result too, as cooling is aided by the air directed towards the vehicle and into its ducts at high speeds

No wonder then, why Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles have been chosen for such an application. Mercedes-Benz' AMG division has had an affiliation with the high-octane sport of Formula 1 since the mid-eighties,when an AMG-fettled E-Class Coupé with V8 engine was used occasionally as a Medical Vehicle.

Throughout the nineties and noughties, Mercedes have relegated some its most finest AMG models to the intensive task of maintaining order amongst those immensely fast, clinically-designed Formula 1 cars, during unfavourable conditions.

The 2010 Formuala 1 season will once again see the employment of the versatile C63 Estate as the Medical Vehicle and the Gullwing-throwback SLS AMG as the all-new Saftey Car..

The latter might probably cause a few accidents rather the intended purpose of preventing them, as it is indeed a beautiful car - even from the rear.

A 6.3-litre V8 engine with power a colossal power output of 420kW and torque figure of 650 Nm propels the SLS from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds. On straights like the one found in the renowned Nurburgring Nordschleife track, it would certainly reach speeds well over the 100 mark. Of course, straight-line power isn't everything. A rigid yet light weight space frame keeping the SLS's mass to 1620kg and a low centre of gravity attributed to the V8 powerplant being installed lower-down within the engine bay ensures that the Mercedes is able to tackle sinuous track layouts like that of the Monaco street circuit, with ease.

Striking Safety Car livery and an aerodynamically-designed LED roof light bar means that the SLS AMG will always be seen, even in poor lighting conditions.

Apart from the fitment of a new rear silencer the Saftey Car retains all the same engine, transmission, suspension and brake system components as the standard production vechicle - testament to the extreme performance capabilities and superb build quality of the SLS AMG. The silencer allows for better exhalation of air by the engine, resulting in improved performance and according to the Press Release, "offers Formula-1 fans an even more emotionally charged sound experience". They certainly won't have time to savour the SLS's aural emissions, scrambling for their umbrellas and raincoats to shelter themselves from the adverse weather conditions in which the vehicle is to be deployed mostly.

The SLS is to be comandeered by former DTM driver Bernd Mayländer and his co-driver, Pete Tibbetts. The C63 AMG Medical Vehicle will be piloted by our very own Alan van de Merwe, who is a former race-car driver.

Fourteen years of F1 safety provided by vehicles bearing the Three-pointed star emblem and legendary AMG moniker:


Safety Cars:
1996: C 36 AMG (W 202)
1997: CLK 55 AMG (C 208)
2000: CL 55 AMG (C 215)
2001: SL 55 AMG (R 230)
2003: CLK 55 AMG (C 209)
2004: SLK 55 AMG (R 171)
2006: CLK 63 AMG (C 209)
2008: SL 63 AMG (R 230)
Currently: SLS AMG (C 197)


Medical Cars:
1996: C 36 AMG (W 202)
1997: C 36 AMG (W 202); E 60 AMG (W 210)
1998: C 55 AMG Estate (S 202)
2001: C 32 AMG Estate (S 203)
2004: C 55 AMG Estate (S 203)
2008-currently: C 63 AMG Estate (S 204)

New Bentley for ballers-forgetting the ballies

Bentley: a marque usually favoured by wealthy footballers and geriatrics. Their new Continental Supersports Convertible will certainly recieve a warm reception from the soccer star fraternity, but probably not from its older, more conservative customers.

This is the most powerful convertible ever produced by the British automaker, able to rocket from standstill to 100km/h in a brisk 4,2 seconds with a top speed of 325km/h-hold on to your toupee.The Bentley is powered by the same W12 twin-turbocharged engine as its Coupe stable mate launched in 2009, churning out an awe-inducing 463kW.

The Bentley's aesthetics are commensurate with the impressive performance stats, with a more muscular, aggresive profile in comparison to the stylish yet sedate non-Supersport models in the Continental GT range. Practicality comes in the form of two additional rear seats, making the Supersport a true Grand Tourer.

Bentley has always been associated with unashamed excess and ostentatiousness, but it seems that they too have developed a green conscience to appease the eco-lobbyists.FlexFuel technology will be standardised across the Continental range by 2011, in striving to make all its cars compatible with biofuel by 2012. But let's face it: Supersport Continental owners already have a Toyota Prius or two in their garages, for such occasions where enviromental-friendliness needs to be flaunted.

The Continental Supersports Convertible is as desirable as it is fast.But sadly, ownership remains a distant dream for those of us not seeking to pursue a career in Premier League football and are many, many years away from receiving hefty pensions.