Lamborghini Cabrera takes to the Green Hell

Italian supercar maker Lamborghini is diligently tinkering away at the replacement for the sublime Gallardo. This vehicle, dubbed the Lamborghini Cabrera, is expected to be officially unveiled in 2014. Besides an increase in power over the Gallardo’s V10 to keep the Cabrera competitive against the Ferrari 458 Italia (and Speciale) and McLaren MP4-12C, the car is also expected to be much lighter than its predecessor. This lightness will most likely stem from the same carbon-fiber monocoque construction utilised in the Lamborghini Aventador. Feast your eyes and ears on the video of the prototype vehicle being tested at the world famous Nürburgring.

More attractions revealed for Johannesburg International Motor Show

Following Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, and Kia’s announcements last week, Chevrolet and VW have now also revealed some of the cars that they will have on show during the upcoming Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS). The 2013 JIMS takes place from 18 to 27 October at the Nasrec Expo Centre.

At the General Motors South Africa (GMSA) stand this year, South Africans will be able to cast their eyes on the forthcoming Chevrolet Sonic RS which is only due to be released locally during Q1 2014. This five-door hatchback is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that churns out 103 kW of power and also sports an uprated suspension system to cope with the added performance from this car.

GMSA also made some styling changes to the exterior and interior of the Sonic RS to indicate to passers-by that this is no ordinary Sonic. These include dark-painted alloy wheels, red interior detailing as well as the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, which makes its South African debut in this car.

VW fans can peruse the new Golf BlueMotion and iBeetle at the German automaker’s JIMS stand this year. The new Golf BlueMotion is powered by a 2-litre direct-injection turbo diesel engine delivering 81 kW of power output, plus a claimed average fuel consumption figure of just 3.2 litres per 100 km.

The iBeetle is a special edition vehicle that sees the full integration of Apple’s iPhone (4, 4S, 5 and 5S) along with its apps and services into the VW Beetle. This car utilises a specially developed docking station as well as VW’s “Car-Net The Beetle” application to ensure that the “iPhone is fully capable of communication with the vehicle and exchanges data back and forth.” Remember to check our coverage of the 2013 JIMS for more on this vehicle.

Carbon Pack to make Jaguar buyers purr with excitement

Prospective Jaguar XF buyers now have the opportunity to upgrade the look of the newly purchased executive saloon with a carbon fibre exterior package for free. This Limited Edition Carbon Pack will only be fitted to a 100 local models, and includes nearly R40 000 worth of optional extras. The package will be available exclusively for buyers of the 2-litre turbopetrol and 3-litre supercharged versions of Jaguar’s mid-sized sports saloon.

Some of the styling cues contained within the Carbon Pack includes a striking gloss black treatment for the mesh-style grille as well as its surround. Furthermore, Jaguar are also fitting carbon fibre power vents as part of the package as well as carbon fibre mirror housings, which replace the standard, colour-coded units.

Owners of the 3-litre model can now fit a rear diffuser to their vehicle, which is a series of vertical fins that manages airflow as it departs the underside of the car, increasing rear downforce and therefore stability during high speeds. In addition, buyers will find that their cars’ alloy rims have now been refinished in a glossy dark grey look, whilst a set of Union Jack valve caps deliver a little nod to the car maker’s British heritage.

XF models fitted with this Limited Edition Carbon Pack has already started pouncing into Jaguar showrooms nationwide at the beginning of this month.

Kia Cerato hatch cruises onto local streets

Following the launch of the Cerato sedan model in May 2013, Kia Motors South Africa (KMSA) has launched the all-new Cerato 5-door hatchback in South Africa. Beneath the bonnet of the South Korean hatch resides a 1.6-liter in-line four-cylinder Gamma engine that produces 95.3 kW at 6300 RPM and 157 Nm of torque at 4850 RPM. A higher specced 2.0 model will be locally available in November will pack a 2-liter in-line four-cylinder Nu engine that delivers 118 kW at 6500 RPM and 194.2 Nm of torque at 4800 RPM.

Standard features on the 1.6 EX includes 16" alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, LED daytime running lights, six airbags plus a radio with MP3, iPod and USB compatibility. On the 2.0 EX iteration, Kia counts leather seats amongst the list of standard kit. Tech savvy buyers will likely opt for the 2.0 SX that ups the features ante with standard 17" alloy wheels, front and rear park distance control, LED tail-lights, smart key with a stop/start button, as well as a rearview camera, and Xenon headlamps.

Pricing is as follows:

Cerato hatch 1.6 EX                            R229 995

Cerato hatch 1.6 EX AT                      R239 995

Cerato hatch 2.0 EX                            R259 995

Cerato hatch 2.0 EX AT                      R269 995

Cerato hatch 2.0 SX                            R289 995

Cerato hatch 2.0 SX AT                      R299 995

In related news, check out our feature on Car Hacking and how it is no longer the realm of sci-fi movies and action TV series.