UNATHI MSENGANA LANDS FAB FORD KUGA DEAL

Ford South Africa handed over the keys of a brand new Ford Kuga to Unathi Msengana - Metro FM DJ, accomplished singer and judge on South African Idols today in Silverton, east of Pretoria.

The Kuga is a stylish and exciting proposition. Not only does it look good and promise a rewarding driving experience but it offers exceptional practicality and comfort to boot.

“Unathi was an obvious choice,” comments Gavin Golightly, Ford Marketing Manager. “As a mother of two with a busy professional life the Ford Kuga is perfectly suited to her lifestyle. Ford is also a proud sponsor of South African Idols and so it proved a natural extension.”

Unathi has risen through the ranks on the South African entertainments scene. The singer, songwriter, Idols judge and radio host recently released her third studio album ‘with Love’ on the heels of her sophomore album ‘In Honour’ which reached Gold status.

“Each day, driving the Kuga, is a day full of surprises,” she says. “From the powerful engine, the heated seats, the panoramic sunroof, the blue tooth phone application to the great sound system. All of these features ensure the best driving I have experienced to date.”

Despite her busy schedule Unathi made time to visit Ford’s assembly plant in Silverton, east of Pretoria. She enjoyed a tour of the facility and made herself available for autographs with employees at the Plant.

“I wanted to see how vehicles are made and to meet all the hard working staff behind the brand. It was a fantastic experience that was both enlightening and informative,” she concludes. 

STORY BY FORD

BMW IS THE COOLEST CAR BRAND IN MZANSI - YOUTH

BMW South Africa has once again retained its title as the “Coolest Motor Vehicle” and the “Coolest Corporate Citizen” amongst our youth in the recent published Sunday Times Generation Next Brand Survey 2012.

Now in its eighth year, the Sunday Times Generation Next Brand Survey is the leading annual youth brand preference and consumer behaviour survey, which has featured the BMW brand in pole position for several years.

A component of the survey includes a brand preference study to gather the opinions of over 6 000 young urban South Africans aged between 8 and 22 with the purpose of establishing which brands are the ‘Coolest of the Cool’ across 72 different categories. The study spans seven provinces and is inclusive of males and females as well as all race groups. 

In the Coolest Corporate Citizen category, BMW scooped first position with the likes of Coca- Cola, DSTV, Woolworths and McDonald’s following behind.

“We are proud to have been awarded this accolade. BMW has become far more to South African society than simply a manufacturer of vehicles for the local market,“ says Bodo Donauer, Managing Director of BMW South Africa. “Over time, our company has deeply ingrained itself into the very fabric of this country, championing sustainable economic growth, better-quality education, disease prevention and community development.”

BMW was also voted the Coolest Motor Vehicle with Mercedes-Benz and Audi having to settle for second and third place respectively. Furthermore BMW was awarded second place, behind BlackBerry, as the Coolest Brand Overall in this year’s Sunday Times Generation Next Brand Survey.

“BMW has a marketing and communication strategy rooted in the belief that today’s youth is tomorrow’s most influential consumer and we are therefore pleased that we are acknowledged amongst our youth. Being awarded these titles is a great compliment to the sustainable efforts BMW South Africa has committed to,” concludes Donauer. 

STORY BY BMW

LAND ROVER LIMITED EDITION FREELANDER 2 ANNOUNCED

A special run of 50 Limited Edition Freelander 2 models will be made available this June. Featuring unique interior and exterior design elements the Limited Edition model offers added appeal.

An exterior design pack sets the Limited Edition model apart from its contemporaries. The design enhancements include a unique grille insert, fender vent and rear signature strip finished in a new gloss black effect. More pronounced front and rear bibs, side sills and a tailgate spoiler accentuate the design while tailpipe finishers, body painted door handles and mirrors and black finished 19” alloy wheels complete the exterior profile.

Inside the cabin, new sports themed electric seats lead the changes. The Ebony Napoli leather finish with matching door casings, facia foils and door pulls ensure a luxurious environment further complemented by the unique headrest embossing. Premium carpets and Titan painted door pulls further add to the allure while the silver facia elements and pedal kit allude to the vehicles sporty credentials.

Based on the 2.2 SD4 HSE derivative the Limited Edition Freelander 2 features a 2.2-litre turbo diesel with 140kW of power and 420Nm of torque on offer. The use of an Intelligent Power Management System (IPMS) provides ‘smart charging’ of the battery by recovering kinetic energy when the vehicle is slowing wherever possible, rather than consuming fuel by charging when the vehicle is accelerating.

The second generation Asin Warner AWF21 automatic transmission ensures competitive efficiency and emissions. The Torque converter lock-up works over a wide range improving comfort, fuel economy and driveability, while optimisation of internal components reduces weight and inertia for faster shifting.

The Freelander 2 features Land Rover’s acclaimed Terrain Response. The many function of Terrain Response are underpinned by the high levels of body stiffness which provide the best foundation for excellent ride and handling characteristics as well as off-road performance.

The Freelander 2 provides the safest possible environment for occupants. The Command Driving Position provides good visibility of all four corners of the vehicle and narrow A-pillars ensure that forward visibility is not compromised. There are seven airbags: two curtain, two front, two thorax and a driver’s knee bag as standard. The transverse engine mounting not only frees up interior space but offers impressive crash performance, helping the Freelander 2 achieve a 5 star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection.

As with all Land Rovers, the Freelander has been rigorously tested worldwide in the UK, USA, Middle East Australia and Russia in temperatures ranging from -40 °C to + 50 °C and up to 95% humidity. 

STORY BY LAND ROVER

FORD 1.0-LITRE ECOBOOST IS BEST ENGINE IN THE WORLD

Ford has scooped the most coveted engine award in the world by winning the 2012 International Engine of the Year Award for its 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol turbo motor. The little 3-cylinder pusher kicks out 73kW and 92kW - which is close to the early 2000s Ford Focus 2.0-litre power, depending on configuration. It’s also rated at 109g/km and 114g/km in C02s respectively when used by the Focus.

These awards have been going on for the past 13 years and this is the first time that Ford has taken the top honour.

“We set the bar incredibly high when we set out to design this engine,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president, Global Powertrain. “We wanted to deliver eye-popping fuel economy, surprising performance, quietness and refinement – and all from a very small, 3-cylinder engine.”

The International Engine of the Year is determined by a panel of 76 automotive journalistsfrom 35 countries around the world. Judges consider drivability, performance, economy, refinement and the successful application of advanced engine technology. The popularity of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost with judges saw it receive 28% more points than its closest rival – the Volkswagen 1.4 TSI - and the highest points total of any engine in the competition’s history (401 points).

Ford South Africa will start selling cars fitted with this award-winner from 2013. We don’t quite know which models will be first to benefityet, but in Europe, the Focus was the first one out with it.

STEVE MCQUEEN FERRARI 275 GTB4 SHOWN

Ferrari Classiche recently took delivery of one of the more interesting cars ever to leave the factory - a 275 GTB4 that originally belonged to legendary American star, Steve McQueen who took delivery of the car in San Francisco when he was on the set filming Bullitt.

The new owner brought the car to Ferrari Classiche for the company's authenticity certification process, knowing that at some time during the 1980s, when under previous ownership, the car had been converted to a Spider.

Under the provisions of the certification process, a Ferrari can only be authenticated if it is to exactly the same specifications as when it left the factory. To this end, the new owner decided to return the car to its original coupé form and Ferrari Classiche has undertaken the restoration reproducing the roof and buttresses with hand-beaten steel panels.

Ferraris continue to be an excellent investment, as has shown in a recent report by Business Week on a private treaty sale for US$35 million (around R293 million) of a 250 GTO built for Stirling Moss.

A world record price that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the launch in 1962 of this homologation special (hence the designation Gran Turismo Omologata), of which just 36 examples were built, and which achieved a seemingly endless series of victories in GT racing in the early 1960s, culminating in three consecutive Manufacturers' titles in 1962, '63 and '64.

The Ferrari 250 GTO has been well regarded in classic car circles for decades for its combination of thoroughbred looks, performance and motor sports heritage and, in 1990, a 1962 example set a then record auction price of US$10 756 833 (about R90 million). This world record was to stand for 18 years until it was beaten in 2008 by another Ferrari, a 1961 250 California sold by RM Auctions in collaboration with Sotheby's in Maranello for US$10 910 592 (about R91 million). That record was again beaten in 2011 by the sale in Pebble Beach of a 1957 250 Testa Rossa for $16.39 million (around R137 million).

A considerable contribution to the interest for classic Ferraris in recent years has come from the company's direct involvement, with its dedicated department providing certificates of authenticity which testify to the originality of a car. Set up in 2006, Ferrari Classiche has to date processed over 3 300 certification requests using the company's exhaustive archive records and original designs. 

STORY BY FERRARI