Veneno blows its top

Italian supercar maker Lamborghini has lifted the lid on its new Veneno Roadster, an open top racing version of the Veneno hypercar which forms part of its 50th anniversary lineup. Only 9 Veneno Roadsters will be made over the course of 2014 and sold for the princely sum of €3.3 million (around R44.5 million).

What does your bucks buy you? Well, a very exclusive supercar that tips the scales at 1490 kg whilst churning out 552 kW of power from its 6.5 litre V12 engine. This powerplant sends the power to all four wheels and is coupled with a fast-shifting 7-speed ISR transmission. The Veneno Roadster does the 0-100 km/h sprint in a mere 2.9 seconds and goes on to reach a top speed of 355 km/h if you have enough road that is.

A fast sportscar 4 all to C

Another fast car from Italy is Alfa Romeo’s forthcoming 4C, which makes its local debut in early 2014. The lightweight sportscar has set a record around the world famous Nürburgring in Germany with a time of 8 minutes and 4 seconds. This is the quickest time for a production car with an engine that produces less than 184 kW.

Thanks to its 1750 four cylinder Turbo petrol powerplant, the 4C delivers 176 kW at 6000 RPM and 350 Nm of torque between 2100 and 4000 RPM. Coupled with a new Alfa TCT twin clutch automatic gearbox and weight of just under 850 kg, the 4C brings up 100 km/h on the speedo in less than five seconds and can reach a terminal velocity of 250 km/h.

Alfa’s 4C will become available locally towards the end of January 2014 from selected Alfa Romeo dealerships countrywide, with South African pricing yet to be finalised.

Wave Tata to overpriced bakkies

Tata Motors is looking to put a bakkie in the garages of families, farmers, municipalities, mining and construction companies all across South Africa, courtesy of its new Xenon XT range.

The Tata Xenon XT lineup comes in no less than four variants, namely single cab (4x2), single cab (4x4), double cab (4x2) as well as double cab (4x4). According to Tata, the Xenon XT range offers plenty of features for its affordable pricetag, with a build-in satellite navigation system plus Bluetooth connectivity (only optional on the single cab 4x2), dual airbags, ABS, differential lock (for double cabs), and limited slip differential (on single cabs) all making the standard features list.

In terms of the powerplant, you are limited to the 2.2 litre VTT DiCOR (Variable Turbine Technology, Direct Injection Common Rail) engine that delivers 110 kW at 4000 RPM and 320 Nm of torque between 1500 and 3000 RPM.

Pricing starts at R189 995 (incl. VAT) for the Xenon XT Single Cab 4 x 2 and goes up all the way to R269 995 for the Xenon XT Double Cab 4 x 4. These prices includes a 5 year or 90 000 km service plan, 4 year or 120 000 km vehicle warranty, and unlimited km roadside assistance.

Maxi is the new Mini says Fiat

Fiat’s 500 is a pretty cool little car for single people or couples, but is too limited in rear seating space and luggage space to be a serious consideration for families. Enter the new 500L which has the compact hatchback competing in the MPV (multipurpose vehicle) league, thanks to a good dollop of steroids and plenty of hours in the gym.

The 500L measures in at 4.15 m long x 1.78 m wide and 1.66 m high compared to the standard 500’s dimensions of 3.54 m long x 1.62 wide m x 1.48 m tall. The size increase has resulted in a luggage compartment that now boasts a capacity of nearly 400 litres whilst head- and legroom have increased for both front and rear passengers.

Fiat’s 500L comes in two model lines namely Easy and Lounge, as well as two powerplant choices - a 1.4 litre petrol and 1.6 litre diesel. Pricing kicks off at R232 990 for the Fiat 500L 1.4l 16V Easy and goes up to R287 990 for the Fiat 500L 1.6l MultiJet Lounge. Besides VAT and emissions tax, these prices also includes a 3 year or 100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan.

In other motoring related news, Audi South Africa recently launched its new S3 3-door hatchback locally.