The new Mercedes-Benz X-Class will be available in SA early next year. Pricing will be announced prior to local launch.
New Ferrari Portofino
.
The Ferrari Portofino is the new V8 GT set to dominate its segment thanks to a perfect combination of outright performance and versatility in addition to a level of driving pleasure and on-board comfort unparalleled on the market.
Capable of unleashing a massive 600 cv and sprinting from 0 to 200 km/h in just 10.8 seconds, the Ferrari Portofino is the most powerful convertible to combine the advantages of a retractable hard top, a roomy boot and generous cockpit space complete with two rear seats suitable for short trips.
The new car, which takes its name, Portofino, from one of the most charming villages on the Italian Riviera, an eponym for stylish elegance, is the most versatile model in the range.
Smart fortwo and smart forfour
The smart fortwo, smart fortwo cabrio and smart forfour will start the new model year this autumn with numerous upgrades. The cars on display at the International Motor Show feature this extensive update.
The perfect equipment line is a new line with a sporty and elegant look in the colours black and brown.
Highlights include seats in leather look and fabric in black/brown with brown topstitching and air vents in grey. The new 15‑inch alloy wheels painted in black and with a high-sheen finish make a dynamic statement.
The perfect equipment line replaces the proxy equipment line.
Introduced with the smart electric drive, Active Brake Assist will be available as an option in numerous countries from model year 2017, also in conjunction with 52 and 66 kW combustion engines.
Active Brake Assist works with radar and from a speed of 30 km/h it emits a warning sound to alert the driver’s attention to the risk of a collision detected with a vehicle driving ahead. Should the driver neither brake nor take evasive action despite the warning signal, the car autonomously initiates slight braking.
If the driver reacts by braking, additional braking assistance is provided in this dangerous situation.
Active Brake Assist can therefore help to prevent accidents with vehicles ahead or to reduce the severity of any accident.
The smart Audio-System (in combination with the lines) and the smart Media-System now includes voice-operated smartphone control with Siri (operating system iOS 6 and higher and Google Now (operating system Android 4.1 and higher).
The new voice-operated smartphone control can be activated by pressing and holding the push-to-talk button on the multifunction steering wheel.
A further new feature is the improved USB charging socket for the smart Media-System in the centre console. This enables a smartphone to be charged even more quickly.
In addition, the Android Auto App can be used with compatible smartphones with a USB connection. Android Auto enables smartphone content to be mirrored on the screen and operated via the touchscreen. The display elements of the navigation function have been modified.
In conjunction with the Cool & media package the smart electric drive models additionally get the Charge Spot Finder. This new function enables electricity charging stations nearby or in a certain city to be found with the navigation system.
Exterior paintwork is now available in the new colour “autumn brown”. Furthermore, an automatically dipping rear mirror is available as a new optional extra.
Smart BRABUS “15th anniversary edition”
The edition model created by smart BRABUS to celebrate 15 years of collaboration is elegant, sporty and exclusive. The smart BRABUS “15th anniversary edition” is available as a fortwo coupé and cabrio and with a choice of two turbocharged engines (66 kW and 80 kW) as well as in an electric drive variant (60 kW).
The hallmarks of the edition model are its comprehensive package of appointments as well as its individual paint finish in anniversary silver and its tailor made leather package for the interior in espresso brown.
The special model will be produced in a limited edition of 150 units.
It is available to order with immediate effect, with the first vehicles due to arrive with dealers towards the end of the year.
Honda Urban EV Concept
.
Honda has revealed an all-new electric vehicle, the Urban EV Concept, at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The concept car is built on a completely new platform, and sets the direction for the technology and design that will appear on a future battery electric Honda production model.
The concept was officially introduced by Honda Motor Co. President and CEO, Takahiro Hachigo, during his press conference speech.
“This is not some vision of the distant future; a production version of this car will be here in Europe in 2019,” he added, confirming that the concept is set to be launched within two years.
Honda’s ‘Electric Vision’ strategy, launched at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, includes the development of a dedicated electric vehicle platform, featuring fully-electric powertrain technology.
Key parts of the powertrain development will include a high-density, lightweight battery pack, integrated heat management and the evolution of energy transfer functions – both to and from the vehicle.
Mercedes-AMG Project ONE
.
Dubbed the closest street-legal car to a Formula 1 race car, the Project ONE has been developed by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team.
It is powered by a hybrid powertrain that combines the benefits of a turbocharged internal combustion engine and four electric motors.
Power is said to be 740kW with a top speed of 350km/h and a claimed 0-200km/h in less than six seconds.
Tail-happy Audi R8 V10 RWS
.
Audi has also revealed its exclusive R8 V10 RWS at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
This one is the first AUDI R8 V10 RWS (Rear Wheel Series) which will be joined by the Spyder variant…soon.
Audi says this model will only be limited to 999 units worldwide and it still remains a mystery if it is destined for our market.
Power still comes from the naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10, with power outputs rated at 397kW and 540Nm.
That is enough power to send the coupe to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds and 3.8 seconds for the Dropbox.
Top speeds come in at 319 km/h and 317 km/h, respectively.
Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring Package
.
Porsche has unveiled the 911 GT3 with Touring Package. This model does not come with the fixed rear wing of the ordinary GT3.
Available strictly with a six-speed manual transmision, it does not come cheap. Porsche charges R2 750 500 for this model at our current exchange rate.
Porsche says this new variant is aimed at “enthusiasts of high-quality sports cars who value an understated appearance and pure driving dynamics”.
Power comes from the familiar 4.0-litre naturally aspirated engine that powers the 911 GT3, good for 368kW and 460Nm sent to the rear wheels.
Porsche says the 911 GT3 with Touring Package can dash from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds, before hitting a limiter at 316 km/h.
Mercedes-Benz EQ concept
.
The Concept EQA is Mercedes-Benz’s first all-electric EQ concept vehicle in the compact segment.
When it comes to the lights, Mercedes-Benz has opted for laser fibres. The spiral-shaped light signet underlines the electric concept, its design evoking the copper windings of an electric motor and the animation visualising electrical impulses.
Two electric motors, with a system output that can be increased to over 200 kW thanks to scalable battery components, and permanent all-wheel drive deliver impressive dynamic performance. The two drive programs offer a choice of individual drive characteristics.
Hyundai debuts three new models
.
Hyundai has debuted its three models, namely, i30 N, i30 Fastback and new KONA SUV KONA.
i30 N – Hyundai Motor’s first high-performance car under the N line-up inspired by motorsport.
i30 Fastback – According to Hyundai, this is a premium, classy, five-door coupé characterised by its strong stance and sporty, elongated lines.
Kona – The SUV boasts a bold and progressive design, premium features, accessible connectivity and latest safety technologies.
Watch the Hyundai Motor Press Conference at 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show below: