July motoring report - South Africa

Cars.co.za has released their July motoring report infographic.

Headlined by the release of the Jaguar F-Type, which apparently has an exhaust which mimics the sounds of a warzone, the infographic takes a look at the major players in the South African new and used car markets.

Full motoring report infographic

The impressive new BMW Zagato Roadster

BMW have once more teamed up with Zagato to create the all new BMW Zagato Roadster. The car was on display at the 20120 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the United States last week.

“This car is not designed only as an elegant convertible, but also as a masculine and extremely dynamic sports car which evokes a powerful driving experience” says Norihiko Harado, the chief designer.

I think the car looks brilliant, like an upgraded BMW Z4. How the car drivers will remain to be seen.

For full information read Cars.co.za article on the BMW Zagato Roadster

4 Top car brands achieve their Millenium!

With the recent injection of used car stock onto Cars.co.za, many milestones have been achieved. Cars.co.za now has four brands with over 1000 vehicles listed for sale.

Without further ado, I give you our Millenium brands:

1. used Volkswagen (2108)
2. used Toyota (1183)
3. used Chevrolet (1110)
4. used BMW (1077)

Whilst VW, Toyota and BMW are generally recognised as top car brands in South Africa, it was somewhat of a surprise to see Chevrolet pipping BMW for the third spot. Chevrolet, a huge brand overseas, has been underrepresented in the South African market for sometime. The introduction of the Chevrolet spark coupled with an aggressive marketing campaign has done wonders to further the Chevrolet brand in South Africa.

BMW official vehicle sponsor to the boks

It's official! BMW are now the vehicle sponsor to the reigning IRB Rugby world champs, the South African Springboks!
The deal, concluded in May 2011, will see Springbok players sporting BMW cars whilst playing Test matches on South African soil. In return the players will don shorts bearing the BMW logo when on the field, starting with their Tri-nations clash with Australia in Syndey next month.
It's great to see one of the motoring giants getting behind the national rugby side as they prepare for their World Cup defense in New Zealand later this year.

BMWs new energy and environmental test center

BMW have constructed a specialty environmental test center in order to ensure all of their vehicles can operate properly under numerous different conditions. In previous times many of these tests had to be conducted in different areas that had varying temperatures and weather conditions but now they can all be conducted within the test center. The tests are to ensure that rain does not inhibit full breaking power, snow must not adversely effect the engine and extreme heat should not overtax the cooling system.

The test center can simulate all the necessary environmental conditions that the cars need to be tested against. Including, precipitation, head, cold, humidity, atmospheric pressure and wind. The test center is made up of 3 wind tunnels and 2 chambers. The wind tunnels include a climatic wind tunnel, a thermal wind tunnel and a environmental wind tunnel. The chambers include an altitude test chamber and a cold test chamber.

Previously there was always a decision to be made whether to test the car with a test drive or test facility. Now BMW can combine the best of both worlds and have their cars drive through the test facility and under all the varying different conditions in just 8 hours.

Source: BMW

The new BMW M3 GTS Cleared for market launch

The BMW M3 range is massively popular in South Africa, albeit quite rare due largely to its hefty price tag. That said any new models in the M range will surely receive a warm welcome to South African car buyers. It's popularity is obviously down to the incredible performance the M-series can produce as well the cars aggressive looks and sporting design.

Introducing the BMW M3 GTS, a car designed for the racetrack but is also at home on the road. The BMW M3 GTS is the most powerful offering in the M3 coupe range. Sporting a V8 331kW/450 bhp engine the M3 GTS accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 305km/h. The car has been optimized for the race track, but quite importantly, it is still road-legal.

The gearbox is a 7-speed and the transmission of power is effected by the M Dual Clutch Drivelogic. Being developed for racing, the transmission is able to shift through gears without interruption of traction. Inside the car, are bucket racing-seats, carbon-interior trims, an Alcantara M steering wheel. Again focusing on the racing aspect, the car is fitted with a roll-bar and 6-point seat belts as well as a fire extinguisher.

Source: BMW

The new 2011 BMW X5 xDrive35i details released

The details have finally been released on BMW's new 2011 X5 xDrive35i. The 2011 X5 however is somewhat underwhelming in it's changes from the 2010 X5. There are obviously improvements but nothing to write home about, or even to make you feel bad for owning one of the older X5 models.

The X5 comes with an automatic 8 speed transmission as standard, as well as obviously being 4wheel-drive. There are a number of different engines variants available, including:

• xDrive50i - V8 Petrol engine with TwinPower turbo, 300kW
• xDrive35i - 6 cylinder petrol engine with TwinPower turbo, 225kW
• xDrive40d - 6 cylinder diesel engine with TwinPower turbo, 22kW
• xDrive30d - 6 cylinder diesel engine with Turbo charger, 180kW



The X535i drives 0-100km/h in just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 235km/h. The average fuel consumption clocks in at just 10.1 litres/100km and a CO2 emissions level of just 236 grams/km.

Looks wise, the BMW X5 xDrive35i remains much the same as its 2010 predecessor, with only minor changes being made. These changes though are almost not noticeable, and all the major differences coming under the hood, as listed in the number of engine variants.

The 2011 BMW X5 xDrive35i goes on sale in May and has a starting price of $47 000.

Source: BMW

The New Long-Wheelbase BMW 5 Series Sedan

BMW adds to its comprehensive model range with the all new 5-Series Long-wheelbase sedan. This 5-Series has been designed exclusively for China and the Chinese driving market. The Long-Wheelbase 5-Series sedan is a combination of style, luxury and a sport design. With added space in the back to add further luxury and comfort to all passengers.

For such a big car, the 5-Series still maintains a sleek look, with chiseled features and slender curves. The wheelbase is up by 14 centimeters to create proper balance and proportion. The day-time headlights are LED with the rear lights being L-shaped further adding to the overall style of the car.



The interior of the 5-Series is once again focused on comfort and luxury. With a driver-oriented cockpit that features a high-tech instrument cluster. At the back there is a cooler box, entertainment system, automatic sun-blinds and a folding table, however some of these features are extras.

The Long-Wheelbase BMW features a sportier engine and increased power from it's varying engines. The different engine ranges generate 150KW/204hp up to 225KW/306hp at the highest range. The top model in the range is the 535Li which comes fully customizable to suit the individual's driving requirements.

The new Long-Wheelbase BMW 5-Series sedan continues BMW's commitment to sustainability, quality and safety. This car is aimed at the luxury business market and should feature well in the competitive Chinese automobile market.

Source: BMW

The new BMW 5 Series Touring. Efficiency meets driving pleasure, elegance meets versatility.

The new BMW 5 Series Touring is the perfect symbiosis of driving pleasure, efficiency, versatility and sporting elegance. The 4th generation of the Business Touring convinces through powerful design aesthetics, modern premium-level functionality and brand-typical driving dynamics combined with exemplary efficiency. Extensive comfort and safety features, which include numerous BMW exclusive driver assistance systems, substantiate the outstanding qualities of the new BMW 5 Series Touring as an upper midrange touring car.

Versatility: Intelligent solutions for modern functionality.

Thanks to a multi-functional interior and intelligent detail solutions, the new BMW 5 Series Touring is fully equipped to meet the most diverse demands. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 560 litres. If desired, an increase in capacity to a maximum of 1,670 litres is guaranteed by 40:20:40 split folding rear seats, which are unique in this segment. The backrest angle is variable by up to 11 degrees. The backrest can be folded down using two control levers inside the luggage compartment, the loading space cover of which is automatically lowered when the tailgate is closed. The separately opening rear window automatically swings upwards at the push of a button.



The new BMW 5 Series Touring is making its debut with a choice of two straight-six petrol engines as well as a four-cylinder and a six-cylinder diesel. The BMW 520d Touring is powered by a 135 kW/184 bhp four-cylinder turbo diesel power unit featuring an aluminium crankcase and Common Rail direct injection. It is equipped with Auto Start Stop function as a standard feature, and with an average fuel consumption of 5.2 litres/100km (54.3 mpg) and a CO2 emission level of 137 g/km in an EU test cycle, it achieves the best efficiency in its segment.

The straight-six engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo under the bonnet of the BMW 535i Touring, with High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC, develops a power output of 225 kW/306 bhp. Maximum power output of the straight-six engine featured in the BMW 523i Touring in lean operation is 150 kW/204 bhp. The BMW 530d Touring features a straight six-cylinder diesel with a 180 kW/245 bhp output. Thanks to BMW BluePerformance technology it fulfils the EU6 emission standard. All versions of the new BMW 5 Series Touring fully comply with the EU5 requirement.

Source: BMW

Drive to the Green. The BMW Golfsport Collection.

For avid golfers, there is no wrong time of the year – maybe just the wrong latitude. But no matter where in the world BMW enthusiasts tee off, their favorite brand always comes along as a trusty companion. With the BMW Golfsport Collection, you’ll have the proper gear for any course. After all, most of the products in this line were developed and produced in collaboration with golf specialist OGIO. The result: uncompromisingly good quality and a design that offers the best of both style and function.

Carrying Clubs with Ease and Style: The Golf Bag.

A true globetrotter was created in collaboration with OGIO as part of the BMW golf equipment: the golf bag. Made of black nylon with white and silver accent colors, the nine-inch bag provides ample storage space with many compartments for golf balls and scorecards. It also features a weatherproof, well-lined compartment for valuables. The bag’s main compartment has a soft rubberized edge to protect the clubs.

Golfers will also appreciate the beverage compartment, the three-ball dispenser, as well as the anti-twist cart strap for securing the bag to the cart or buggy. Whatever the destination, the bag always flies first class if encased in the golf travel cover made of black nylon, with an inner strap for securing bags, PVC floor, inline skate wheels, and a padded shoulder strap. And for your head: the golf cap in white or black, with pre-curved sandwich peak, adjustable strap in the back, and BMW pin.

A Gentleman’s Best Friend: Golf Umbrellas.

St. Andrews, Scotland. The Old Course is considered the birthplace of golf, and everyone should play here at least once in his or her life. But it’s only the legendary course that should give you goose bumps, not the proverbial Scottish weather. Luckily, the BMW Golfsport Collection also includes umbrellas. Very fashionable (white with green contrasting stripes) and gentlemanly elegant (black with contrasting stripes in silver and white), these classy umbrellas brave any Highland shower.

The black umbrella featuring Teflon-coated polyester also comes in handy under beautiful sunny skies: With a UV protection of 50+, it provides a shady spot on the green when used as a sunshade. The umbrella is light and extremely robust thanks to the original birdiepal Windflex frame with fiberglass struts. In fact, engineers at the technical inspection authority TÜV Rheinland were unable to damage it in a wind tunnel test. It has a pin-spring system for convenient opening, a reinforced shaft, and a patented safety tip.
Both umbrellas include a protective sleeve and provide a generous coverage area thanks to a diameter of approx. 120 cm and a height of 98 cm.



Source: BMW

Ford, BMW and Nissan at the 80th Geneva International Motor Show

With the 80th Geneva International Motor Show just around the corner (Starting on the 4th of March) we can expect to see a host of new information regarding many of the top car brands from around the world. As a sneak peak, here is some information from Ford, BMW and Nissan regarding what they will be show casing at the event.

BMW

The 2010 Geneva Motor Show also provides the appropriate setting for the European debut of the BMW Concept ActiveE. Based on the BMW 1 Series Coupé, this concept car comes with all-electric drive and innovative electric storage technology optimising both the range the car is able to cover as well as its supreme standard of functionality.
The BMW Concept ActiveE thus combines emission-free motoring with four seats and luggage capacity of approximately 200 litres. With its agility and driving pleasure so typical of the brand, the car offers all the electro-mobility one would expect of a trendsetter like BMW.

Nissan Juke

Designed to bring a breath of fresh air to the B-segment, where customers are uninspired by the lack of originality on offer, Juke is a distinctive combination of SUV toughness and sporting style in a compact package.

It will be the third member of Nissan’s crossover family, reinforcing the company’s position as a pioneer of this increasingly popular configuration of vehicle.

The top of the range Juke will come with a new turbocharged direct injection petrol engine, developing 140kW (190PS) and 240 Nm.

The 1.6 direct injection turbo engine is available with Nissan’s ALL-MODE 4×4-i system, updated to include torque-vectoring technology. As well splitting torque front to rear – up to a maximum of 50:50 – it can now be split from side-to-side across the rear axle too, enhancing agility and reducing understeer when cornering.

Ford's All-new C-MAX range

The all-new Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, which go on sale later this year, will provide two of Ford’s star attractions at the Geneva Motor Show, bringing new levels of style and desirability to the compact Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV) market.

Ford’s C-segment MAV customers now have the choice of a 5-seat C-MAX or 7-seat Grand C-MAX, which features twin sliding doors and innovative seat design to provide outstanding space and flexibility. The interior of the 5-seat C-MAX is revealed for the first time at Geneva.

The all-new C-MAX cockpit will represent the next generation of Ford’s human machine interface (HMI) system. Key elements of this technology are two five-way toggle switches on the steering wheel, which control two main vehicle displays: one in the instrument cluster and the second mounted in a high position in the centre console. This simple, intuitive control system enables the driver to operate the key vehicle features while keeping both hands on the wheel, and with a minimum of distraction.

“The launch of the new C-MAX range is highly significant, and shows customers worldwide that they can expect some truly exciting designs as we roll out our new global range of medium cars,” said John Fleming, Chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe. ”The new C-MAX is just the start – with the next-generation Focus coming quickly after, we look forward to revealing more of the story in the very near future.”

Source: BMW, Ford, Nissan

BMW Group starts new year with momentum

Munich. The BMW Group began the new year with a strong increase in sales of 16.6%. A total of 82,120 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce automobiles were delivered to customers worldwide in January (prev. yr. 70,419).

Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing: “We started the new year well with healthy growth in sales, and are continuing the upward trend of the last few months. We have set ourselves ambitious goals for the full year 2010. Thanks to the large number of new, highly-attractive models, such as the new BMW 5 Series and the MINI Countryman, we are aiming for growth in the single-digit percentage range for 2010, and intend to sell more than 1.3 million vehicles.”

In the month under review, sales of BMW brand automobiles climbed 15.9% to a total of 69,852 (prev. yr. 60,262). Strong gains were again reported by the major series, including the BMW 7 Series with 4,742 deliveries (+89.8% / prev. yr. 2,498), and the BMW X5 and X6 models with a combined total of 10,565 (+9.3% / prev. yr. 9,665) deliveries. The BMW Z4 was also among the growth drivers with 1,552 (+278.5% / prev. yr. 410) deliveries. All three model series remain clear global market leaders in their segments. BMW also made gains with what is traditionally its largest-volume model series: Volumes for the 3 Series rose by 7.1% overall to reach a total of 22,501 (prev. yr. 21,001) deliveries in January.

Munich. The BMW Group began the new year with a strong increase in sales of 16.6%. A total of 82,120 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce automobiles were delivered to customers worldwide in January (prev. yr. 70,419).

Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing: “We started the new year well with healthy growth in sales, and are continuing the upward trend of the last few months. We have set ourselves ambitious goals for the full year 2010. Thanks to the large number of new, highly-attractive models, such as the new BMW 5 Series and the MINI Countryman, we are aiming for growth in the single-digit percentage range for 2010, and intend to sell more than 1.3 million vehicles.”

In the month under review, sales of BMW brand automobiles climbed 15.9% to a total of 69,852 (prev. yr. 60,262). Strong gains were again reported by the major series, including the BMW 7 Series with 4,742 deliveries (+89.8% / prev. yr. 2,498), and the BMW X5 and X6 models with a combined total of 10,565 (+9.3% / prev. yr. 9,665) deliveries. The BMW Z4 was also among the growth drivers with 1,552 (+278.5% / prev. yr. 410) deliveries. All three model series remain clear global market leaders in their segments. BMW also made gains with what is traditionally its largest-volume model series: Volumes for the 3 Series rose by 7.1% overall to reach a total of 22,501 (prev. yr. 21,001) deliveries in January.

Source: BMW

The BMW 3 Series in the 2010 Model Year

Driving pleasure in the BMW 3 Series is reaching new heights yet again in the 2010 model year. Carefully conceived modifications in design, a thoroughly updated and extended range of engines, as well as innovative model features give both the new BMW 3 Series Coupé and the new BMW 3 Series Convertible even greater appeal and style. And at the same time the Saloon and Touring now also come with new power units offering even greater qualities than before.

Benefiting from all these innovations in the powertrain, the BMW 3 Series is able to further strengthen its status as an outstandingly dynamic and exceptionally efficient range of models in the mid-market segment.

Driving pleasure in the BMW 3 Series is reaching new heights yet again in the 2010 model year. Carefully conceived modifications in design, a thoroughly updated and extended range of engines, as well as innovative model features give both the new BMW 3 Series Coupé and the new BMW 3 Series Convertible even greater appeal and style. And at the same time the Saloon and Touring now also come with new power units offering even greater qualities than before.

Benefiting from all these innovations in the powertrain, the BMW 3 Series is able to further strengthen its status as an outstandingly dynamic and exceptionally efficient range of models in the mid-market segment.

Optimised in all key areas: the new BMW 3 Series Coupé and the new BMW 3 Series Convertible.

New design features at the front, side and rear precisely integrated into the car give even greater emphasis to the sporting and elegant character of the BMW 3 Series Coupé and the BMW 3 Series Convertible. At the same time the modifications in design make the silhouette of both models even sleeker and more dynamic as a sign of superior performance.

New diversity in the BMW 3 Series engine range.

Entering the 2010 model year, all engines in the BMW 3 Series fulfil the EU5 emission standard. At the same time the range of engines is being expanded by new entry-level variants for the Coupé and Convertible, as well as a new entry-level diesel for the BMW 3 Series Touring.

The market launch of the new BMW 3 Series Coupé and the new BMW 3 Series Convertible also marks the introduction of the BMW 318i powered by a straight-four 2.0-litre 105 kW/143 hp petrol engine. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel in the new BMW 316d Touring delivers maximum output of 85 kW/115 hp.

The top-of-the-range BMW 335i available on all body variants of the BMW 3 Series now comes with a 3.0-litre straight-six featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC valve management combining supreme output of 225 kW/306 hp with fuel economy and CO2 management once again enhanced by a significant margin.

Source: BMW

The Top Performer in the Roadster Range: The BMW Z4 sDrive35is

Munich. Combining classic proportions with modern sportiness, the new BMW Z4 has reached the top of its market segment almost overnight. And now this charismatic roadster is entering a new dimension in driving dynamics, the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is offering an even higher standard of performance ensured both by the modified straight-six power unit with BMW Twin Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection, on the one hand, and by BMW’s seven-speed Sport Automatic with double clutch operation and the M Sports Package including the adaptive M Suspension likewise featured as standard, on the other. Appropriate optimisation in engine technology increases maximum output of the 3.0-litre power unit to 250 kW/340 hp. Peak torque is 450 Newton-metres/332 lb-ft, increasing briefly with the Overboost function to 500 Newton-metres/369 lb-ft. The outstanding power and performance of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is is expressed in particular by the significant increase in pulling power and muscle to be clearly experienced in all situations. In conjunction with seven-speed Sport Automatic featuring double clutch operation, this new top-of-the-range

Roadster accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.8 seconds.

At 9.0 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 26.1 mpg US) and 210 grams in the EU test cycle, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are the same as on the BMW Z4 sDrive35i with Sport Automatic.

The BMW Z4 sDrive35is is making its world debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. And parallel to the market launch of this high-performance roadster in spring 2010, the M Sports Package is being introduced for all further versions of the BMW Z4.

Combining classic proportions with modern sportiness, the new BMW Z4 has reached the top of its market segment almost overnight. And now this charismatic roadster is entering a new dimension in driving dynamics, the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is offering an even higher standard of performance ensured both by the modified straight-six power unit with BMW Twin Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection, on the one hand, and by BMW’s seven-speed Sport Automatic with double clutch operation and the M Sports Package including the adaptive M Suspension likewise featured as standard, on the other.

Appropriate optimisation in engine technology increases maximum output of the 3.0-litre power unit to 250 kW/340 hp. Peak torque is 450 Newton-metres/332 lb-ft, increasing briefly with the Overboost function to 500 Newton-metres/369 lb-ft. The outstanding power and performance of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is is expressed in particular by the significant increase in pulling power and muscle to be clearly experienced in all situations. In conjunction with seven-speed Sport Automatic featuring double clutch operation, this new top-of-the-range

Roadster accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.8 seconds.

At 9.0 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 26.1 mpg US) and 210 grams in the EU test cycle, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are the same as on the BMW Z4 sDrive35i with Sport Automatic.

The BMW Z4 sDrive35is is making its world debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. And parallel to the market launch of this high-performance roadster in spring 2010, the M Sports Package is being introduced for all further versions of the BMW Z4.

Source: BMW

BMW Group increases sales in October

Munich. The BMW Group increased its global sales in October. A total of 115,252 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand automobiles were delivered to customers – a 2.0% increase over the same month last year (113,011). During the period from January to October, 1,054,811 (prev.yr. 1,226,844 / -14.0%) vehicles were sold. The company remained on its growth track in the emerging markets of China (9.558 / +81.0%), India (343 / +55.9%) and Brazil (838 / +224.8%) in October. In these markets the BMW Group was able to exceed the sales volume achieved for the whole of 2008 after just ten months.

Besides China, India and Brazil, the company was also able to increase sales volumes in a series of other markets. In the high-volume markets of the U.K. (12,991 / +34.8%) and Spain (4,693/ +4.0%), for instance, deliveries rose substantially in some cases.

The BMW Group also reported strong growth in many smaller markets, including Austria (1,414 / +16.8%), South Africa (1,750 / +15.8%), South Korea (1,100 / +24.3%), Thailand (243 / +18.0%), Argentina (321 / +34.3%) and the Netherlands (1,915 / +6.5%).

Besides China, India and Brazil, the company was also able to increase sales volumes in a series of other markets. In the high-volume markets of the U.K. (12,991 / +34.8%) and Spain (4,693/ +4.0%), for instance, deliveries rose substantially in some cases.

The BMW Group also reported strong growth in many smaller markets, including Austria (1,414 / +16.8%), South Africa (1,750 / +15.8%), South Korea (1,100 / +24.3%), Thailand (243 / +18.0%), Argentina (321 / +34.3%) and the Netherlands (1,915 / +6.5%).

Source: BMW