MAMBA MOTORING

SHARK TALE

First introduced to the South African market in 2003, Hyundai recently updated the Tiburon with major enhancements to the exterior being the most visible change. The front treatment boasts a new grille and headlight cluster design, with the side view dominated by the addition of a new standard 17” alloy wheel. The rear light cluster is more minimalistic in design and incorporates chrome trimming to refine the overall appearance.

Although minor enhancements have been made to the engines, the Hyundai Tiburon is still powered by the same two engine options that were available in the previous model: a 2.0-litre DOHC engine of 102 kW and 185Nm, and a 2.7-litre V6 with 129kW and 250Nm, which is sufficient to propel the Tiburon to a top speed of 218km/h. The 6-speed manual transmission has also been replaced with a 4-speed H-matic transmission. The 2.0 litre Tiburon will retail at R219 900, with the 2.7 V6 coming in at R269 900. Both models come standard with a three year/ 100 000 km full factory warranty as well as a three year/ 60 000 km full maintenance plan.

BRAVO!

One of the more exciting new cars to reach local shores is undoubtedly the gorgeous new Fiat Bravo, a beautiful, well-built Italian hatchback which is agile, entertaining to drive and competitive, thanks to the excellent balance between content and price. Designed by the Fiat Style Centre, the new Bravo features uncluttered, smooth lines, which on one hand confirm Fiat’s determination to create a new ‘family feeling’, beginning with the Grande Punto, while on the other hand, reinventing the stylistic elements of the great Italian car-making tradition without exaggeration or stylistic excesses.

Behind its distinctive styling, the Fiat Bravo offers a comprehensive range of excellent engines that feature state-of-the-art engineering and generous performance. At launch, the range comprises one Multijet turbodiesel engine and one petrol engine, a 1.4-litre 16V turbocharged power plant from the new T-JET family that delivers 110 kW. An ‘entry-level’ 88 kW, 1.4 T-JET will be available early in 2008. Considering that it’s up against 2.0-litre cooking models, the 1.4 T-JET’s acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.5 seconds (8.2 with overboost) is nothing short of phenomenal.

Even more remarkable is that its fuel consumption remains very reasonable indeed: an average of 7.1-litres per 100 km is very achievable. The 1.4 T-JET Dynamic (110 kW & 206 Nm) retails for R187 000, the 1.9 Multijet Dynamic (110 kW & 305 Nm) for R207 000 and the 1.4 T-Jet Sport (110 kW & 230 Nm with overboost, when Sport button is selected) at R197 000. Undoubtedly one of the best-looking cars in this segment, Fiat is bound to do exceptionally well with the new Bravo.

GERMAN ONSLAUGHT

For more than two decades, the BMW M3 has stood as the epitome of ultimate dynamism derived directly from motor sport: a car offering powerful and superior aesthetics, as well as a truly incomparable driving experience. The fourth-generation BMW M3, recently launched in South Africa, sets new standards in technology and driving dynamics. But, at the same time, the new M3 offers all the qualities required for everyday driving enjoyment of the highest calibre.

Based on the BMW 3 Series Coupé, it is unique in its looks and technical features. The engine, for example, is an exclusive development specifically for this model, with the chassis, suspension and body all based on the requirements of motor sport. Also, apart from just a few components, the new M3 is a brand-new car from the ground up. The typical BMW M design of the body and the drivetrain technology spells out supremacy of the highest standard.

The truly impressive “heart” of the new M3 is the brand-new V8 power unit, combining outstanding power and performance with unique dynamism. Displacing 3,999 cc, the new V8 develops maximum output of 309 kW. Maximum torque, in turn, is 400 Nm at an engine speed of 3,900 rpm. Even more impressive is the fact that some 85 per cent of this maximum torque is available consistently throughout an enormous speed range of 6,500 rpm.

The new BMW M3 accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed (limited electronically) of 250 km/h. This power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox in conjunction with brand-new final drive featuring BMW’s Variable M Limited-Slip Differential. M3 is now available at R650 000 for the standard model, and R705 000 for the M Dynamic model.

A4 AWAY

Due for its international world debut at the Frankfurt Motorshow in September, the all-new Audi A4 is poised to support Audi’s goal to be the top premium brand by 2015. All new from the ground up, the new A4 features much improved ride and handling, more space, comfort, luxury and totally new driver assistance systems – many completely new to this segment. In its design, the new A4 reveals its sporty, progressive character: taut and dynamic in its outlines, it speaks the language of technical perfection. When compared with the previous model, the A4 has new, sporty proportions. The front body overhang has been drastically shortened; the bonnet and wheelbase are both longer than before. In the driveline, the differential has changed places with the clutch (or torque converter), making it possible to move the front axle forward by 154 mm.

Its dynamic suspension is a totally new design, with most of its components made from weight-saving aluminium. The results are impressive: supremely dynamic road behaviour and effortlessly precise handling. The new Audi A4 is being introduced with a choice of five engines, their power outputs ranging from 105 kW to 195 kW. The four-cylinder petrol engine, like the diesels, is turbocharged, and both types of engine have direct fuel injection. Various transmissions are available: a six-speed manual gearbox, the tiptronic automatic transmission, the multitronic continuously variable transmission, and either front-wheel drive or quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which has been subjected to intensive development work that has made its performance even more dynamic. The new A4 sedan is due in South African during the second quarter of 2008.

RETURN OF THE CAT

Gone are the days of boringly elegant Jaguars. The company’s fabulous XK coupe and convertible has already progressed in leaps and bounds, and this new look is set to continue with the gorgeously sporty XF sedan, the current S-Type’s exciting replacement. The 4-door sedan fuses the style and performance of a sports car with the refinement, space and sophistication of a luxury sedan. Sophisticated instrumentation, a touch-screen, modern materials and graphics complement the XF’s new ‘surprise and delight’ features. On entry to the XF, the start button pulses red, like a heartbeat. Start the engine and the JaguarDrive SelectorTM rises into the palm of the hand, while rotating vents turn from their flush, ‘parked’ position to their functional open position.

The XF will be available from launch with a range of four engines, all featuring Jaguar’s proven six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mo