From KIA’s seemingly endless appetite for
growth as well as its impressively deep pool of creativity comes the Cross GT.
Said to ‘blur the line between the gorgeous GT concept [from 2011] and a luxury
CUV’, it reveals Kia’s intentions to potentially offer a larger premium
crossover than the current Sorento.
Designed at Kia’s design facility in
California. Using the GT’s underpinnings as a base, the Cross GT matches the
earlier concept car’s footprint but is taller for better visibility and
features all-wheel drive.
From
KIA’s seemingly endless appetite for growth as well as its impressively deep
pool of creativity comes the Cross GT.
The ‘Fusion Copper’-hued hybrid concept is
powered by 3.8 liter V6 petrol engine supplemented by an electric motor
sandwiched between the V6 and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Total system
power and torque outputs are 300kW and 678Nm, with an all- electric range of
32-kilometers.
Although slightly lower than the Sorento,
the Cross GT is significantly longer and wider creating ample space for four
passengers to lounge in genuine luxury as they gaze up at the stars through
multiple hexagonal sky lights.
Access to the ‘floating’ bucket seats is
via dual rear-hinged coach doors. HVAC, telematics and entertainment, are
accessed via a touch screen and central mouse, while rear passengers have
access to the Internet and infotainment options through flat panel screens
mounted to the headrests of the front seats. Will they build something like
this? Kia says ‘The Cross GT is the next logical step in that evolution. And
while only a concept today, it signals one possible design direction we may
explore for the future.’
Citroën technospace
Don’t be fooled by the concept tag, this is
the new C4 Picasso in almost showroom-ready spec. Debuts the company’s lighter
‘EMP2’ platform. Slim split A-pillars, wavy window line familiar, but
double-decker headlights and ‘3D effect’ rear lights are new Inside, there’s a
12-inch touchscreen interface and a ‘537 liter’ boot - pretty precise for a
‘concept’.
Don’t
be fooled by the concept tag, this is the new C4 Picasso in almost
showroom-ready spec.
W motors Lykan
Beirut-based HyperSport is powered by a
3.7- liter twin-turbo flat-six producing 552kW and 960Nm. The mid-rear-mounted
boxer motor drives the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox with an
lsd. Made from a carbon composite, the car weighs an estimated 1 380kg,
accelerates from zero to 100kph in 2.8sec and should top out at 385kph.
Interior has fully customizable digital instruments, holographic displays and
carbon fiber back shell seats covered in leather held together by gold wire
stitching. Just seven will be sold at approximately R24 million apiece,
ensuring exclusivity.
Beirut-based
HyperSport is powered by a 3.7- liter twin-turbo flat-six producing 552kW and
960Nm.
Hyundai hcd-14 genesis
Buoyed by sales success in the US with its
Genesis and Equus large vehicle lines, Hyundai recently unveiled this 5.0-
liter V8-engined, premium 4-door coupe concept - a Korean Merc CLS for
Americans. The HCD-14 Genesis hints at Hyundai’s design direction for future
premium vehicles with emphasis on driving dynamics and technology. Apparently
‘it’s sleek and lightweight silhouette does not punish the wind,’ though you
couldn’t tell by looking at that nose.
The
HCD-14 Genesis hints at Hyundai’s design direction for future premium vehicles
with emphasis on driving dynamics and technology.
Qoros 3 sedan
New automotive brand Qoros is an equal joint
venture partnership between China’s Chery Automobile and global industrial
holding company Israel Corporation. The C-segment Qoros 3 Sedan represents the
first production-ready fruits of the venture, and will be built at a new
assembly plant in Changshu, China. Initial engine options are 1.6- liter petrol
four-pots, both of which feature variable valve timing. The naturally aspirated
base unit delivers an output of 93k and 155Nm of torque. A turbocharged version
boost outputs to 115kW and 210Nm. Both can be combined with either a six speed
manual transmission or a six-speed dual clutch transmission with a stop-start
system. An eight-inch capacitive touchscreen infotainment system forms the core
of an elegant cabin layout. Reassuringly, Qoros aims to achieve top scores in
European crash tests for all its models.
Initial
engine options are 1.6- liter petrol four-pots, both of which feature variable
valve timing.
Renault scenic xmod
The recipe: take one regular Scenic,
increase the ride height, add model-specific alloys, redesign the bumpers,
front grille and sill guards, add roof bars and new-style daylight running
lamps. The interior also gets a makeover: new center console with Renault’s
R-Link touchscreen multimedia system, flat-bottomed steering wheel and
distinctively stitched leather/ Alcantara upholstery. The engine is a 1.4 liter
turbo petrol. Although a ‘promising product’, XMOD has not yet been confirmed
for local introduction.
The
engine is a 1.4- liter turbo petrol. Although a ‘promising product’, XMOD has
not yet been confirmed for local introduction.
Audi S3 Sportback
Five door version of the 221kW Quattro hot
hatch unveiled last year takes 5sec flat to accelerate from 0 to 100kph. It’s
70kg lighter than the old car, thanks to its clever ‘MQB ‘ platform shared with
new VW Golf. Mini-‘avant’ offers 15 more liters of boot space and latest
version of Audi ‘drive select’ interface.
News Bites
A Six-ton hybrid truck called Mean Green has broken two world speed records on
Goodyear types. The 1 566kW/6 770Nm Volvo-built truck reached 153.252kph for
the standing kilometer and 236.577kph for the flying kilometer. For the record,
Mean Green can do the zero to 100kph sprint in just four seconds.
It’s
70kg lighter than the old car, thanks to its clever ‘MQB ‘ platform shared with
new VW Golf.
Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing have launched the world’s fastest and most
powerful electrically driven motor boat. Taking clear inspiration from the
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive sports car, twelve liquid-cooled
permanent-magnet synchronous electric motors combine to deliver a maximum power
output of 1656kW and 3000Nm of torque. This enables the 38 foot (11.6 meter)
long Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept powerboat - finished in trademark AMG
Electric beam magno matt chrome paintwork to reach an emission-free top speed
of over 159kph
Erratum. The March 2013 issue of top Car incorrectly referred to the
forthcoming Infiniti Q50 as a replacement for the recently launched G37. In
correction, the Q50 replaces the G37 sedan (not currently available in SA) and
not the G37 Coupe which continues unchanged. Infiniti South Africa is planning
a Q4 2013 launch for the Q50 as an addition to the current Infiniti line-up.
