The latest version of the 2010 Volkswagen Saveiro, a compact pickup built in Brazil, will be released in the South American market. The Saveiro is a direct competitor against the likes of Chevrolet Montana and Fiat Strada. The Saveiro will come with a single engine rendering different outputs. While the 1.6-litre VHT petrol will produce 101hp, the ethanol version will render a slightly higher 104hp. There are three trim levels available- 1.6L base, 1.6L Trend and 1.6L Trooper. The base model is simple with unpainted bumpers and a very simple interior; however the trend has body colored bumpers. The top model, targets young buyers as it is visually more specified. [via autoblog.it]

Wiesmann is known for designing some extremely unique cars and adding to that tally of exclusivity will be the Wiesmann MF5 Roadster which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The signature Wiesmann style will be evident with sleek retro styling and the proud Wiesmann grille.

Wiesmann MF5 Roadster teaser image

The MF5 Coupe based baby is powered by a 5.0-liter BMW V10 engine capable of producing 507hp and 520 Nm of torque. Courtesy of this strong engine power, the roadster pelts from 0 to 100 Km/h in 3.9 seconds and manages a top speed of 310km/h. On the inside is a display of lavish luxury with leather upholstery and a center-mounted instrument cluster. As always, this Wiesmann offering will also be a limited edition car with 55 units and each of those units will be priced at $269,735.

Dealerships in Germany, Spain, France and Italy will be offering a 320d EfficientDynamics Edition alongside the usual 320d edition. The EfficientDynamics edition is said to be the most fuel-efficient and lowest emission BMW in the current model range. This edition is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine assisted by an aluminum crankcase, a diesel particulate filter, common rail direct fuel injection with piezo-injectors and variable intake geometry.

This amalgamation of technology takes the maximum power to 163hp churned between 3,500rpm and 4,200rpm. Also, the maximum of torque of 360Nm is available from 1,750rpm to 3,000rpm. Consequently, the 0 – 100km/h time is 8.2 seconds and the top speed is 225km/h. The efficiency factor is furthered with the use of Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start Stop function, a shift indicator and electronic power steering which function as one only when required.

Some crazy BMW enthusiast in frenzy bought the Audi R8 but couldn’t stand those rings on the front and decided to get rid of them. This car has been spotted in Russia and as you can see it’s an Audi R8 that wears a BMW logo. The owner stripped the supercar of all its logos and swapped them with BMW badges on the hood, engine cover and the rear end. Hell, he even got it a name — the BMW 850i. The car is not a replica by any means, but a genuine Audi R8, so someone at BMW should know that a lot of their admirers want an R8 type model and it is high time that they come up with a design matching the class of the R8. Or else the world will live by this ‘Russian example’.

Or it’s been Photoshopped … either way a great one

The Italian tuning house TECHART has revealed a tuning package to facelift the Porsche Cayman and the Boxster. The tuning kit includes a pair of TUV certified aerokits with LED daytime runners, carbon fiber interior touches and sport springs. Talk about the bodywork, the facelift package comes with a front spoiler, a body colored spoiler lip, side sills and a new-looking rear end. The down-force has been improved at multiple points on the car especially the rear where a rigid rear spoiler and apron together ensure that the car stays on road even at extreme speeds. On the inside there is a combination of carbon interiors and aluminum pedals along with a three-spoke steering wheel and lit entry sills.

A 2009 Coventry University graduate has put in some renderings for an eco-friendly Aston Martin he dubs the Volare Concept. It looks like James Trim wants to run his two-seater luxury sports car on a center mounted high-power fuel cell stack in tandem with a rear-mounted battery pack. The front wheels are powered by coaxial electric motor and there are a couple of hydrogen tanks over the rear axle which ensures optimum weight distribution. Some traits of the Aston Martin DBS are also present especially the plunging roofline. Despite the use of alternative fuel, the fantastic sound and outright performance associated with the Aston Martin Brand is kept intact by the designer.

You don’t need a stick to show you the correct following distance. Rather use the 2 Second Rule as described on the Arrive Alive road safety website:

The 2 Second Rule

Most International road safety campaigns refer to the “2 Second Rule” as a guideline for safe following distances. A point on the road is noted, two seconds are counted, and if that point is still visible then there’s probably enough following distance.

The 2 Second Rule is applied as follows:

•Watch the vehicle in front of you pass a landmark – such as a sign, tree, or power pole – at the side of the road.
•As it passes the landmark, start counting “one thousand and one, one thousand and two”.
•If you pass the landmark before you finish saying all eight words, you are following too closely. Slow down, pick another landmark and repeat the words, to make sure you have increased your following distance.

This rule will ensure that you keep the correct following distance, no matter what speed you are traveling at.

Adjusting Following Distance

The 2 Second Rule is only the advised measure when driving conditions are ideal. This should be seen as a bare minimum and should be adjusted to at least 4 Seconds in the following situations:

•In adverse weather conditions
•Driving on slippery roads
•Driving at night
•When following vehicles with different characteristics, i.e. motorcycles & trucks
•When towing a trailer or other object

I was recently asked to share my views on whom the better driver might be – is it women or men? This is always a rather heated debate. I thought it might be worthwhile to include information on the number of licensed drivers in South Africa. The data provides interesting reading – especially with regards to vehicle size and licensed drivers for that specific vehicle grouping.

As could be expected there are a significant male gender presence in our heavier vehicle group! View the Car Insurance Blog if you would like to view the comments on “the better driver”!