1) BANG & OLUFSEN PREMIUM 3D ADVANCED SOUND SYSTEM
Audi’s performance range of vehicles is outfitted with Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System, with two unique acoustic lenses that emerge from the dashboard. These specially designed tweeters drive sound 180 degrees around the cabin to reflect mid- and high-frequency sounds off the lens. With up to 23 speakers throughout the cabin, including high up in the A-pillars and even in the vehicle headliner, you get a natural listening environment that makes you feel like you’re in a concert hall.
2) INSPIRED BY RACING CARS: THE DESIGN OF AUDI R AND RS MODELS
With striking exterior design elements, the Audi performance models are very much inspired by motorsports, combining cool understatement with a dynamic edge. According to the principle of “form follows function,” it is therefore natural that the use of high-performance technologies from Audi’s motorsport heritage is also reflected in the visual appearance of R and RS vehicles.
In many of these newly launched performance models, the proportion and position of the Singleframe grille is wider and lower, for an aggressive and sporty look. Some models even have horizontal slits between the grille and the hood that are reminiscent of the iconic Audi Sport quattro from 1984.
3) ENDURANCE TESTED FOR MAXIMUM DURABILITY
Test engineers from Audi spend extensive time and expertise into endurance testing of the performance models. For example, engineers spent around two years on the road in the all-new Audi RS Q8, covering more than 1.2 million kilometers, the equivalent of driving around the world 30 times, with development vehicles and prototypes. The test drives took them to Finland, Sweden, France, Italy, South Africa, China, and the USA. They were conducted on all types of racing tracks and roads.
4) CYLINDER ON DEMAND TO REDUCE IMPACT
The efficiency system cylinder on demand (COD) involves cylinder deactivation on the performance engines. At low to medium load and engine speed, the system deactivates half of the cylinders to allow for efficient performance.
The system therefore shuts off fuel injection and ignition within milliseconds, and the driver virtually does not even notice it. When the driver presses the accelerator pedal, the deactivated cylinders are reactivated. The COD system can reduce fuel consumption by several tenths of a litre per 100 kilometers in real-life, daily commutes. Audi’s R and RS vehicles are excellent and efficient machines on the road.
5) AUDI VIRTUAL COCKPIT WITH PERFORMANCE DIALS
The Audi virtual cockpit is a fully digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch TFT screen. Its display graphics are exceptionally sharp and highly detailed.
The digital display includes traditional speed and rpm figures as well as information on navigation, media and driver assistance systems. Graphical indicators also show the outside temperature, time and odometer readings as well as warning and information symbols. The images are refreshed 60 times per second so that the virtual needle of the rev counter tracks smoothly and very precisely.
A performance layout where the central focus is the tachometer, displayed as a square graph, and the performance and torque are shown as percentages can also be selected, to allow for a sports car type of driving experience.
6) MATRIX LED HEADLIGHTS
Excellent performance comes standard with outstanding lighting technology in the new Audi R and RS models. With their intelligent function, the Matrix LED headlights illuminate the road superbly without blinding other drivers. The headlights produce high beams with tiny light-emitting diodes that are bundled together for excellent line of sight. The controller system can also detect other objects ahead and will automatically dim the lights to mask out other vehicles while continuing to fully illuminate the zones between and adjacent to them. In some models, HD Matrix LED headlights are available thereby ensuring an even stronger illumination of the road ahead for a safer driving experience.
THE VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC WITH NEW TECH AND SMARTER CABIN MAKEOVER
The Golf-sized crossover gains subtle exterior design revisions as well as a plusher cabin and new semi-autonomous driving tech.
The external nip and tuck includes a redesigned bumper, with the R-Line trim now resembling the R performance model more closely. It also sports a new grille with honeycomb patterning and an illuminated central light strip as per the facelifted Polo. IQ Light LED matrix headlights are also available on the 2022 Volkswagen T-Roc and the design changes are rounded off by five new exterior colors.
The midlife makeover is even more apparent in the cabin where you’ll find a new dashboard panel that is said to improve the feeling of quality in the cabin.
Complementing the new dashboard is a redesigned multi-function steering wheel and new fabric trimmings can be found throughout the interior.
Central to the upgraded cabin is a new tablet-like infotainment display, measuring 8.0 or 9.2 inches depending on the model, and it’s paired with a standard digital instrument cluster. Technologically, the model has been upgraded to the third-generation Modular Infotainment Toolkit, which enables a variety of online-based services and functions.
The new Volkswagen T-Roc is also available with some advanced driver assistance gizmos, and the new IQ. DRIVE Travel Assist package with Predictive Cruise Control. The latter allows for assisted acceleration, braking and steering at speeds of up to 210km/h.
Speaking of speed, Volkswagen has not made any changes beneath the bonnet, with the 2022 T-Roc soldiering on with a variety of TSI turbo petrol and TDI turbo diesel engines. These range from an 81kW 1.0 TSI to a 110kW 1.5 TSI and 140kW 2.0 TSI, while the increasingly un-PC diesel option continues in the form of a 2.0 TDI in 85kW and 110kW configurations.
AN ULTRA EXPENSIVE DAYTONA SP3 DEBUTS WITH A V12 POWER PLANT AND 618KW OF POWER
Ferrari is reviving a legendary nameplate that harks back to one of its greatest motorsport victories, when a trio headed by the Ferrari 330 P3/4 took the top three places at the Daytona 24 Hours in 1967.
Although it takes inspiration from the past, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 is an entirely modern beast and the third in a series of limited-edition ‘Icona’ sports cars that originated with the Monza SP1 and SP2 of 2018. Only 599 units will be produced.
The Daytona SP3 makes no concessions to modern electrification trends, with power coming from a mid-rear-mounted, 6.5-litre normally aspirated V12 petrol engine. It also happens to be Ferrari’s most powerful internal combustion powertrain. A 0-100km/h business is completed in just 2.85 seconds, with the vehicle running out of steam at 340km/h.
The F1 inspiration continues in the SP3’s basic architecture, where the seats are integrated into the chassis to allow for a lower and more reclined driving position designed to emulate a single seater. Ferrari has also installed an adjustable pedal box to allow drivers to find their optimal driving position.
Furthermore, the limited edition sports car features the same Human-Machine Interface steering wheel as seen on other Ferrari models like the SF90 Stradale, with touch controls that allow drivers to control 80 percent of the vehicle’s functions without moving their hands.
Moving to the exterior design, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 is said to be the most aerodynamically efficient car built by Ferrari without having to resort to active aero devices. This is thanks to unprecedented features, such as floor chimneys that extract low-pressure air from the rear underbody. Practically every inch of the car was designed to optimize aerodynamics.
As much as aerodynamics took center stage in the creation of the vehicle, its creators also sought to create an eye-catching design. The Daytona SP3 takes the form of an open-top targa and the muscular rear wing and sculpted doors together create a striking ‘pinched waist’ aesthetic.
A NEW ALTERNATIVE
The Peugeot Landtrek was recently launched with an aim of giving buyers a new alternative to established players like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50 and the Ford Ranger. The Southern African market specific Landtrek line-up consists of just two double cab derivatives, namely the Allure 4×2 and the 4Action 4×4.
Both models are powered by a 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 110kW and 350Nm. It is paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic gearbox. As you’d expect in the one-tonne segment, the 4×4 model has a transfer case with low-range gearing. According to Peugeot the Landtrek has a payload of 1020kg, a towing capacity of three tonnes and a ground clearance of 235mm.
As for interior specifications, the 4×2 Allure model comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, rear park distance control, rain sensor, six airbags, hill descent control and traction control. Over and above all that, the 4×4 4Action derivative gains automatic air conditioning, lane keeping assist, navigation, push-button start, leather upholstery and surround view monitor.
Both models are sold with a five-year/100 000km warranty and service plan.
