It might not look like the Accord has changed much but it is wider as well as lower and significantly stiffer for optimum chassis dynamics due to its use of ultra high-tensile steel in its body construction. It possesses a bold front facade with its prominent ‘H’ logo on the grille,a longer, taller bonnet, and aggressively flared fenders.

The new Accord has been made available in South Africa with a 2litre i-vtec petrol engine producing 154bhp and the 2.4litre i-vtec delivering 197bhp at 7000rpm. According to Honda SA, “The six-speed manual version accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 9,3 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 215 km/h.” Transmission choices include quick-shifting five-speed automatic and a six speed manual gearbox with F1-style shift paddles.

(more…)

The Extreme Auto Show showcases the best tuners and fitment centres, as well as the diverse product ranges that these companies stock. The main focus of the show is to showcase South Africa’s best customised and modified cars, exotic cars, classic cars, and customized bikes. It is the only event that takes place once a year, that informs the motoring fraternity about what is new and available to the discerning motorist that wants to personalize his ride.

The Extreme Auto Show is about the meanest, loudest, fastest and the most desirable motor vehicles and bikes South Africa has to offer.

The Castrol Show boasts all the exotic and luxury brands, as well as the best in custom built muscle cars, classic restorations, modified custom cars and bikes kit cars, replicas, racing series and the top end aftermarket companies exhibiting each year.

2008 will see a big change as AEC has lined up a host of interactive events at this years Castrol Extreme Auto Show. Visitors can expect to be treated to the Ultimate Motoring event to take place in SA this year.

The motor concourse will be the biggest to date with big cash, prizes and trophies to be won. The calendar girls will be autographing calendars and posing for photos with visitors, both the calendars and photos can be purchased at the event.

AEC will be giving away the CASTROL EDGE SUBARU WRX STI as well as other bikes and prizes at the show.

Female visitors will be treated to manicures, Indian head messages, and much more at this years show.. read more

The Kia Soul concept car was launched at the Geneva Motor Show and latest reports show that a production model is in the pipeline just in time to be displayed at this year’s Paris Motor Show.

Above: Kia Soul concept car

The concept came in three models namely the Soul Diva, Soul Searcher and Soul Burner. The Soul Diva is for the young at heart who is fashion conscious hence the black, white and gold leather and…wait for it….glitter interior, not to mention “pony-hide” carpets. As for the Soul Searcher, it is the more tranquil of the three aiming at an inner peace with its leather finished bonnet and a tinge of leather in every other part of the car. And oh yes, lets not forget about the “bad-boy” the Soul Burn with its dragon tattoos on the bonnet and sports seats. The production car is said to retain some of the features that made it popular at the Geneva motor show. Lets hope no “pony-hide” will be included in the production model. (more…)

Pagani plan to produce only five samples of the Zonda Cinque. The Cinque is basically a Zonda R made for the street. The Cinque (meaning ‘five’ in Italian) is a slightly detuned version of the 7,3litre V12 engine found in other Zondas. The Cinque is still a capable performer reaching 200km/h in 9,8 seconds with a top speed of just over 350km/h. It is expected to price around €800 000.

The Zonda Cinque will house ABS and traction control designed by the ever reliable Bosch, as well as the controls for the robotized Automac sequential gearbox. It will also feature full light clusters, upholstered interior and will have no roll cage. It is likely that this may be the last Zonda variant to be produced before the model’s replacement in a few years.

The official pics of the California GT have been released and soon enough it will be launched at the Paris Motor Show in October. This mid-sized roadster will only be built as a convertible with Ferrari‘s first folding hardtop.

Ferrari always being renowned for its power and performance does not disappoint with the California GT with its 4,3 litre direct injection V8 engine producing 460bhp, mounted in the mid-front. This prancing horse can reach 0-100km/h in less than 4 seconds.

Its gearshifts are via a seven speed dual clutch transmission with F1-Trac traction control. It also houses Brembo carbon ceramic brakes which should help to bring this speedy horse to a sudden stop. Also in keeping with the rest of the new generation Ferrari’s, it will be built on an aluminium chassis as well as aluminium body panels.

More details about this car is expected to be releases prior to the Paris Motor Show. In the meantime join in on the Ferrari California GT countdown at www.ferraricalifornia.com

Recent petrol increases have left many South Africans in fear of a visit to the petrol pumps. This might also have an affect on the way we plan our business meetings with more attention to saving on time and travel.

The effect on road safety has not been measured – but common sense dictates that their will be less unnecessary travel and speeding. The Arrive Alive website received this light hearted image pointing towards companies restructuring their travel benefits. Perhaps we will need to focus more on cycling safety in the next few months..!!

The Mitsubishi RA concept epitomizes the meaning of sport coupe. The two seater concept has a striking body that sits neatly on a set of 21-inch wheels. The concept RA is said to be built on a lightweight aluminum space frame with high impact resistance resin body panels which turns out to be environmentally friendly as it is fully recyclable. It features a four cylinder 2,2 litre turbo diesel engine boasting a maximum output of 150kw. This power will be grounded with Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) and the twin clutch SST automated manual transmission taken from the Lancer Evo X which debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show. The S-AWC allows for improved braking and control over drive torque which ultimately results in all round better cornering, traction and vehicle stability on road. Based on looks alone this is a masculine car with its matte black hood and sharp looks.

It reminds me a bit of the Audi R8 though.

Win an Exclusive DrinkNos Hamper