In this Issue...
mclaren 720s Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Lamborghini Huracan Performante All New Holden Commodore
HSV GTS-R Jaguar XKSS Land Rover Velar
Issue Ten
July 2017 Welcome to the Tenth Edition of We Love Cars. We Love Cars is an eMagazine that puts you in the driver’s seat and lets you know all the news about vehicle launches, latest offers and company updates..
Contents
10 McLaren 720S
12
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
14
Lamborghini Huracan Performante
18
20 The All-New Holden Commodore
22 Land Rover Velar
46 Jaguar XKSS
Industry Trends........................................................................6 Motorsport................................................................................7 Trending Social Media............................................................8 Community................................................................................9 How to drift.............................................................................28 The F1 steering wheel explained.......................................30
HSV GTS-R
R eturn to Contents Page
Navigate Left or Right Buttons to Explore the Article
Zoom In and Out Buttons to Explore the Article
Quick Contents Page Located on the Bottom Left of Each Page
The Giltrap Group e-magazine is a magazine for you. If you’ve got a new idea for car articles, suggestions for events we’ve been part of, or simply have something that
2 Return to Contents Page
you think we should cover, email info@giltrap.com and let us know what you want to see!
opening comments
Welcome to the tenth edition of We
that’s what I love about the new model.
Lexus LS, Range Rover Discovery, Audi
Love Cars. In this edition it’s hard to
They have smoothed out all edges and
RS5, Bentley Continental Supersports,
know where to start as we have so
made the new one much prettier look-
Huracan Performante and so many
many building projects completed
ing, whilst still maintaining the familiar
more.
or almost completed, along with an
presence. The other thing I love about
Moving on, we are very proud to
onslaught of new models that have
the new Panamera is the interior; it’s
say that our new Skoda showroom
hit or are about to hit the market.
just so cool with its super wide screen
“Giltrap Skoda” (58 Great South Rd,
Let’s start with the later. We have just
for the infotainment system. I’m not
Newmarket) has re-opened – it’s the
seen the launch of brand new Audi Q2
going to mention how good the car
first in the country to have Skoda’s new
model and I think this car is a super-cool
performs, after all it’s a Porsche, and
corporate identity. The new showroom
Small SUV (starting at $54,500 +orc)
that speaks for itself.
really demonstrates that Skoda is a
with brilliant styling. The car looks like
I was also going to talk about all the
brand on the move and this will give
fun and that’s true when you take one
other new models that have just ar-
customers even further confidence
on a drive. This is a great car that you’ll
rived or are arriving, due to fact there
of that. Part of this trend is the new
enjoy driving around town and on the
are so many! I’ll talk about them in our
Kodiaq (7-seater) SUV, which is shaking
open road alike. It might be Audi’s small
fortnightly email newsletter, Cool Cars
up mid-size SUV market with a starting
SUV but it still has the famous Audi feel
& Great Deals. If I was to name some, it
price of $39,990 + ORC.
of quality you find in the larger ones.
would have to include the Skoda Kodiaq,
We have also completed the reno-
The next car I want to talk about is from Holden. This is a vehicle that you may not expect Holden to build. The Astra (starting from $30,990 + ORC) is built and designed in Europe so it has that European styling, feel, quality and it drives brilliantly too. To put it simply it’s a European car at Japanese competitors’ prices. If you are in the market for a hatchback you need to take look at this car (it is fantastic value for money). The final car is the new Porsche Panamera. Whether you love or hate the previous Panamera, no one could deny the car had presence. Well guess what,
Return to Contents Page
3
opening comments
vation of Jaguar and Land Rover showrooms at Archibald and Shorter in Greenlane. You won’t recognise the old building – the dealership now looks stunning and has such a special feel with its distinctive Jaguar and Land Rover styling. Its British architecture and interior makes you feel instantly at home with two separate showrooms joined by a spacious customer lounge and café. This dealership really says ‘the British are back’, and are in every way, a competitor to be the best (German) luxury brands in the world. Finally, it’s been some time in the making but our new super luxury car dealership (that would impress in any
the Giltrap Group Head Office will be
city around the world) is starting to
taking residence on the second floor.
take shape. Our new Aston Martin,
Across the board, this year is shaping
Bentley and Lamborghini dealership is
up to be exciting for the company, and
a multi-level building that incorporating
motoring enthusiasts among us.
two levels of showroom, an entire floor for service, a café, and car parking
Kind Regards,
downstairs. All the showrooms will have
Michael Giltrap
the latest in their respective corporate identities. Please forgive me if I sound like I’m bragging, but I genuinely believe this will be an exceptional building that will provide a truly special customer
4 Return to Contents Page
experience. Plus I’m super excited as
FOR LEASE > Top 3 Floors – 1,500m2 efficient floor plates > Energy Efficient – NABERSNZ > Contemporary Architectural Design – Warren & Mahoney > Spectacular views from each floor > Sustainable Design – Green Star
ARCHITECT’S RENDITION
PREMIUM OFFICE ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE FROM Q1 2017
119
GNR
Duane Mullooly 022 398 1730 Scott Whitten 021 685 063 Matt Lamb 021 801 944 Michael van der Putten 021 055 1049
Industry Trends
New Vehicle Registrations (Passenger & Commercial)
Market Performance
•
•
•
Overall, 13,131 new vehicle registrations in May - up 17%
SUV was the biggest sector with 5,169 sales, Commercial
over same month last year, and now up 14% YTD.
was second with 4,623 sales, and Passenger vehicles
8,386 new passenger/SUV registrations in May, up 12%,
were third with 31,272.
and up 11% YTD. 4,745 new commercial registrations in May - up 29% over same month last year and up 21%
•
The Holden Colorado features within the top 5 of overall model sales volume (335, May 2017).
YTD. •
Largest commercial sales month ever.
Used Import Vehicle Registrations (Passenger & Commercial) • •
14000
12000
versus same month last year, and up 12% YTD.
10000
2017
8000
2016
14,439 used import passenger registrations in May, up 1150 used import commercial registrations in May - up 30% in month and up 29% YTD.
•
16000
Overall 15589 used import registrations in May, up 16%
15% over same month last year and up 11% YTD. •
New Vehicle Registrations (Pass and Comm'l)
2015
6000
2014
4000 2000 0
Used import arrival volumes in May (17,391) were 32%
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
above same month last year. •
Arrivals in April exceeded sales by 1,802 units.
•
National inventory levels remain high - over a rolling 12 month period arrivals have exceeded sales by 9,409.
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Used Import Vehicle Registrations (Pass and Comm'l) 18000 16000
14000
Brand Performance • •
6 Return to Contents Page
12000
Skoda and Audi recorded their best result for the year
8000
so far; Audi up 19% YTD.
6000
YTD; Holden, Kia, and VW have had particularly strong starts compared with same period last year.
2017
10000
2016 2015 2014
4000 2000
0
Jan
Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
INDYCAR: DIXON COPS A BEATING…BUT IS STILL WINNING. Scott Dixon was also on form in another of Motorsport’sTriple Crown races: The Indianapolis 500. On pole for the 500, Scott Dixon looked on track to claim a second smash destroyed his car and Indy hopes. to regain the series lead, which he managed to hold on to after win late in the race.
MOTORSPORT
win of the season at Road America. The battered and bruised kiwi leads by 34 points with 7 races to go.
WEC: KIWI’S WIN LE MANS It was all over before midnight…at least that’s how it seemed, when the #2 Porsche 919 of Brendon Hartley, Earl Bamber and Timo Bernhard needed major work done on the 919’s front end electric drive-train. More than an hour off the pace, and sitting 57th (second to last) some might have considered the race was done…but not our lads. F i r s t t h e Toyo t a c h a l l e n g e crumbled, then late in the morning the sister Porsche retired from the lead, giving the #2 car - which had been thrashed since returning to the track – the most unlikely chance to win. What followed was not only a hat-trick for Porsche, but one of Le Mans great stories. Le Mans wasn’t kind to all the Kiwis however, Richie Stanaway crashing his Aston Martin whilst a faulty tail lamp thwarted Scott Dixons challenge in what had been Ganassi’s
WRC: PADDON IS BACK With Sebastian Marshall now signed on as his permanent co-driver, Hayden Paddon has begun to turn his repeated fresh starts…into finishes. While a crash effectively ended his challenge in Sardinia, he only narrowly missed out on setting the fastest time in the opening Super Special Stage, he went on to finish the first full day with the overall lead. Then in Poland he was rewarded for a consistent drive in muddy conditions early on to stay within touch with the leaders. Then three fastest stages times put him in position to claim second place after Ott Tanak and Seb Ogier got into trouble with the leaders. Then three fastest stages times put him in position to claim second place after Ott Tanak and Seb Ogier got into trouble.
best contender ahead of the race.
SUPERCARS OUR BOYS ARE STILL CALLING THE SHOTS. New Zealand has never seen anything like this in theSupercars before; out Defending champ Shane van Gisbergen had a tough weekend in Darwin… at least by his standards: despite struggling to make the Commodore sing But it’s the DJR-Penske teammates: Fabian Coulthard andScott McLaughlin who are setting the championship alight.The Kiwi’s both scoring wins in the top end, to leave Coulthard ten points clear of McLaughlin on the Championship ladder, with van Gisbergen 178 points back in fourth. RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE
7
Follow @GiltrapGroup on Facebook facebook.com/giltrapgroup
VISIT giltrap.com for the latest automotive, motorsport & company news.
Follow @GiltrapGroup on Twitter
Follow @giltrapgroup on Instagram
twitter.com/giltrapgroup
instagram.com/giltrapgroup
McLaren 720S Raise Your Limits
2017 Kia Cadenza Film Noir
Lamborghini Huracan Performante Ring Record
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
Audi RS5 Coupe
Land Rover Velar
Trending
youtube.com/giltrapgroup
8 Return to Contents Page
Driver undertakes unmarked police car in NSW
Community
The Giltrap Group are proud to sponsor the Grey Lynn Pump Track
What is a pump track? Well, it’s an
It has been a labour of love for the
asphalt, all-weather facility for bikers,
Grey Lynn community, with donations
scooter riders, skateboarders and
coming from local residents, school
roller bladers. What makes it unique
children, and businesses to make the
is that users don’t need to pedal or
project a reality.
push themselves to get around the
Wacker said in 2015 the neighbouring
twists, turns and jumps. This great
houses on Dryden St were all supportive
initiative is to get kids into parks and
of the idea as were some of the schools
off computers and tablet screens.
in the area.
The track allows for good clean fun
Nicola Legat, the chairwoman of the
for the whole family, and is a feeder
Grey Lynn Resident’s Association initially
to develop kids for competitive and
rose concerns over the location of the
recreational cycling.
pump track in the park, however was
The Auckland Council has granted
supportive of the community project.
resource consent for a Grey Lynn Pump
“We were concerned initially that it
Track, which has been a community-led
would take up too much of the free
project in the works since 2015.
space as most of the park is sports
“What a relief after two years of hard
fields,” she said.
work, I can’t quite believe the build stage
“It gets used by local groups in an
is finally here,” Paul Wacker (project
impromptu way, but it’s now much
lead) said.
smaller than we originally thought.”
Wacker alongside a group of Grey Lynn residents started a petition for the
Wacker said the track includes about 200 metres of track.
track in July 2015, and it continued to gain momentum.
9 Return to Contents Page
Raise your limits. 720S
Super Series
auckland.mclaren.com Official fuel consumption figures in UK mpg (l/100km) for the McLaren Super Series 4.0L (3,994cc) petrol, 7-speed Seamless Shift Dual Clutch Gearbox (SSG): urban 17.1 (16.5), extra urban 38.2 (7.4), combined 26.4 (10.7). Official combined CO2 emissions: 249g/km. The efficiency figures quoted are derived from official NEDC test results, are provided for comparability purposes only, and might not reflect actual driving experience.
McLaren
McLaren’s new Super Series brings
There are a lot of new aspects to
McLaren’s power-assisted, electro-
with it the personification of the
the 720S, and we don’t have enough
hydraulic steering. All of which combine
McLaren core. The new McLaren
paper to accurately tell you everything
to deliver huge reserves of grip, balance
720S is lighter, faster and even
about them but here’s the short version:
and performance.
more dynamically capable than its
The new M480T engine is
McLaren 650S predecessor, with
McLaren’s first 4.0L twin-turbocharged
unparalleled levels of interior space
powerhouse. Performance will
and sophistication and a breadth and
astonish you with a 0-100km/h time
depth of abilities that will engage and
of 2.9 seconds, and 0-200km/h in 7.9
exhilarate the driver.
Talk to one of the team at McLaren Auckland for more information.
seconds. The 720S is fitted with the
Visit McLaren Auckland at
One glace at the 720S identifies
next generation of McLaren’s Proactive
19 Great North Road, Grey Lynn
it as a bold reinterpretation of
Chassis Control, new suspension,
or visit their website at
McLaren design language; rooted in
and the established excellence of
www.auckland.mclaren.com
aerodynamic principles. The beautiful form has nothing superfluous about it; immediately and undeniably a McLaren, the new 720S is arguably the most distinctive and remarkable McLaren yet. One of the key points in the design is the absence of radiator intakes on the side of the car, this is solved by the unique ‘double-skin’ aerodynamic form of the dihedral doors that channel air to the high temperature radiators that cool the mid-mounted engine.
11 Return to Contents Page
For more information on the new Panamera contact Giltrap Porsche or visit www.giltrapporsche.co.nz
For more information on the new Panamera contact Giltrap Porsche or visit www.giltrapporsche.co.nz
It’s time to reinvent the category it invented.
It’s time reinvent the category it invented. The newtoPanamera. The courage to take action: with thoroughbred sports car performance, thanks to a range of twin-turbo engines offering up to 404 kW (550 hp) married to an 8-speed The new Panamera.
Porsche Doppelkupplung transmission. Combined with exceptional comfort and safety, The courage to take action: with thoroughbred sports car performance, thanks to courtesy of the standard adaptive air suspension, keyless drive, panoramic sunroof, a range of twin-turbo engines offering up to 404 kW (550 hp) married to an 8-speed LED lights and adaptive cruise control, with options such as night vision assist, Porsche Doppelkupplung transmission. Combined with exceptional comfort and safety, rear-axle steering – and Burmester ® High-End 3D Surround Sound System. courtesy of the standard adaptive air suspension, keyless drive, panoramic sunroof,
LED lights and adaptive cruise control, with options such as night vision assist,
Available now to test drive.
rear-axle steering – and Burmester ® High-End 3D Surround Sound System.
MAG16859/DZ
Available now to test drive.
100 Great North Road, Grey Lynn Tel: 09 360 3200 Email: cappel@giltrapporsche.co.nz www.giltrapporsche.co.nz
100 Great North Road, Grey Lynn Tel: 09 360 3200 Email: cappel@giltrapporsche.co.nz www.giltrapporsche.co.nz 16859 GP Panamera Ad DENZ AUT.indd 1 Process CyanProcess MagentaProcess YellowProcess Black
28/02/17 10:32 AM
Porsche
porsche 2018 panamera sport turismo
The 2018 Panamera Sport Turismo
same performance figures from a line-
is the first radical body evolution as a
up that ranges from a 330-horsepower
five-door wagon-like/ shooting-brake
3.0L turbo V6, up to a 550hp twin-turbo
version of its Panamera flagship. The
V8. All models will direct power to each
all-new model variant is available in
corner courtesy of its all-wheel-drive
Panamera 4, Panamera 4S, Panam-
system, available as standard.
era 4 E-Hybrid, and Panamera Turbo configurations.
The Sport Turismo isn’t all about performance though, it’s actually the
Although it shares the same 116.1-in-
first Panamera to offer five seats in total,
Although it shares the same 116.1-inch
rather than the normal four. The rear
wheelbase, the difference is in how the
seats also fold down in a 40:20:40 con-
Sport Turismo uses its girth aft of the
figuration, so occupants can get some
B-pillars. Its rear doors are the same
luggage space in the rear if needed.
length, but their tops curve a bit dif-
It’s immediately being launched into
ferently to reflect a more bulbous roof
the American market, so we may need
pillar at the rear. A special roof spoiler
to wait and see if it reaches our shores
that adjusts automatically, increases
in New Zealand.
downforce to compensate for the Sport Turismo’s modified curvature. Styling aside, the Sport Turismo should
Visit Giltrap Porsche showroom at 100 Great North Road, Grey Lynn
mostly drive like its regular Panamera
or visit their website at
siblings. Porsche says to expect the
www.giltrapporsche.co.nz
13 Return to Contents Page
LAMBORGHINI AUCKLAND Authorised Dealer Designed to cut through the air and become one with the sky, the Huracán Spyder is the pinnacle of Italian taste and hand craftsmanship, a sports car concept elevated to the performance and sensation of a coupé. The result? Behind you, the roar of the powerful V-10 engine. Above your head, an ultra-lightweight soft top that opens in just 17 seconds. Ahead, only the horizon awaits. Discover the unique characteristics and detailed technical specifications of the Huracán Spyder below.
Lamborghini Auckland Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021 Phone 09 360 3202 reception@iprestige.co.nz www.iprestige.co.nz
Lamborghini
Automobili Lamborghini has unleashed the Huracán Performante
Automobili Lamborghini have recently unleashed the Huracán Performante onto the world; combining lightweight technologies, active aerodynamics with Aero Vectoring, a new chassis set-up, all-wheel drive, and further improved engine performance. The Huracán Performante adopts Aerodynamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA); ALA is also the Italian word for Wing. This patented active aerodynamic system has both high-downforce and low drag variations. The front splitter is features a carbon forged frame with active flaps on the top exterior surface. In the rear of the Performante, four ducts are installed below the rear bonnet. The two central ducts are always open to allow
an optimized torque curve, with more than 70% of torque already available at 1,000 rpm. Reflecting this, Lamborghini’s seven-speed dual clutch transmission has also been optimised to match the performance increase. Make sure you check out the LapRecord video: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=6ULSUcERlQQ&t=161s
under-hood ventilation and exhaust cooling, while two external ducts are connected to the inner channels of the rear wing. The air flowing through the rear wing channels is controlled by two electro-actuated flaps. The entire
Visit Independent Prestige at 120 Great North Road, Grey Lynn or check out their website a: www.iprestige.co.nz
system is 80% lighter than a traditional hydraulic systems. The enhanced naturally-aspirated Huracán engine is the most powerful V10 produced to-date by Lamborghini – with an output of 640bhp at 8,000rpm and 600Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. The car’s powerful engine produces Return to Contents Page
15
Review
Lamborghini Aventador S
Don t leave your ego at the door
engine cooling. Two air ducts in the side of the front bumper also help cool the specially designed Pirelli tyres. The active rear wing can move in three positions depending on speed and drive select mode, and optimises the car’s improved overall balance, working with vortex generators created in the front and rear of the chassis’ underside that maximise air flow as well as assisting brake cooling. The car also gains a new driving mode over the “strada, sport, corsa” called EGO (see ‘Lambo’s way ahead’ By: Liz Dobson We’re driving along a main street in Valencia, Spain, in Lamborghini’s Aventador S. A teenage boy is about to cross the road when he sees us; he stops and his mouth forms an “O” as we drive past. Stunned, he doesn’t even whip out his smartphone to take a photo, like other locals have done as we drive from the Ricardo Tomas circuit to our waterfront hotel. A few hours later, over dinner, I describe the teen’s reaction to Lamborghini’s new CEO, former Ferrari F1 boss Stefano Domenicali, and show him a video on my smartphone of the crowd that swamped the Aventador S as we took photos on the waterfront. “That is the reaction we want,” says Domenicali, “we want that ‘wow’ reac-
16 Return to Contents Page
tion when people first see the new Aventador S.” The car goes on sale in April this
year with New Zealand prices yet to be announced, but in America it costs US$421,000 [NZ Pricing to be confirmed]. The car has a new aerodynamic design, redeveloped suspension, increased power and new driving dynamics. The “S” is the suffix of previous enhanced Lamborghini models and the Aventador is the first product in nearly 40 to gain the “S” title. The first Aventador was launched in 2011 and has proved a success for the company, alongside the Huracan coupe based on the platform of Lamborghini’s parent company, Audi AG’s R8. The Aventador S retains its famous mid-rear 5-litre, V12 naturally aspirated engine, now with an impressive 554kW of power and 690Nm of torque. The new super sports coupe gains a more aggressive nose and longer front splitter to redirect airflow for better aerodynamic efficiency and improved
find out the logic behind the name), that lets you individually set the powertrain, steering and suspension. But it’s the rear of the Aventador S that is most changed, with three single exhaust outlets exiting through the rear bumper. Lamborghini’s new designer Mitja Borkert said that the inspiration board for the redesign had three elements: the exhaust pipe of the space shuttle (the new three-pipe exhaust), a venomous snake (for the front bonnet) and jet fighters (the aerodynamics). Borkert spent 20 years with Porsche. He was responsible for the look of the second-generation Cayenne and was the name behind the design of the hugely popular Macan. As Lamborghini moves forward with the launch this year of the super sports SUV, Urus, it makes sense that the company hires Borkert for his success with luxury off-roaders. But he has also been involved in the look of the Aventador S
and the rear masterstroke of the three exhaust pipes is his idea.
Review
exercise on the track where we drove
The Aventador S design results in
the previous Aventador through a cone
significantly enhanced aerodynamic
slalom then turned into a tight right
performance.
corner before manoeuvring around a
Front downforce has been improved
Lamborghini Aventador S
This was proved during a comparison
by more than 130 per cent over the
circle and then back down the slalom course.
previous Aventador coupe. When the
The instructors recommended a
wing is in its optimum position the
speed of 45km/h in the Aventador, and
overall efficiency at high downforce is
I questioned the exercise as I easily
improved by more than 50 per cent, and
wove through the cones at 50km/h, but
in low drag by more than 400 per cent.
reaching the circle I wondered whether
turn and then fast straight, the coupe
Lamborghini says four elements
the super sports coupe could do the
flicked down into second gear, rather
revolutionised the Aventador S: four
manoeuvre in one go (a colleague had to
than up into fourth, slowing me down, so
wheel drive, a new active suspension
reverse during his turn in the exercise).
I changed the transmission to manual
system, a new steering system and
But doing that exercise in the Aventa-
and used the steering wheel paddles to
dor S, I immediately recognised the
shift gears. The sound track from the
The Aventador S chassis retains the
advanced steering. I wove through the
exhaust is exhilarating with a crackle on
rigid lightweight carbon fibre mono-
cones seamlessly at 60km/h and easily
the downshift, while the engine’s ability
coque with aluminium frames that gives
turned around on the circle. Kudos to
on a slow, wet track was remarkable.
it a dry weight of just 1575kg.
Lamborghini for this system, that also
Sure we hit speeds of up to 260km/h
The new four-wheel steering, adopted
proved worthy during a beachfront
only on the long straight due to the
for the first time on a series production
photo shoot where we had to turn the
conditions but the Aventador S felt like
Lamborghini, give improved agility at
car around on the promenade and
it could hit its top speed of 355km/h
low and medium speeds and more
then through two trees to reach the
without hesitation.
stability at high speed.
hotel carpark.
EGO driving mode.
Driving behind the instructor on ses-
The front axle is combined with Lam-
Valencia had experienced unseasonal
sion one, I came through a corner on to
borghini Dynamic Steering (LDS), tuned
wet weather and snow for the first time
a straight at 120km/h and hit a puddle,
for a sharper turn-in and works with the
in 44 years just a few days before the
making the Aventador S skitter. I took
Lamborghini Rear-wheel Steering (LRS)
launch began, and overnight rain meant
my foot off the accelerator and the 4WD
on the rear axle giving you a cornering
the Ricardo Tomas circuit was still damp
system kicked in and straightened me
stiffness adjustment.
when we began our four-session track
within milliseconds.
At low speeds, the front wheels face
time in the morning.
Impressive -- though it took a few
in the opposite direction to the steering
Each session was four laps, with
angle, reducing the wheelbase, and mak-
an instructor in a lead Aventador and
In session two I tried EGO mode: the
ing it more agile with a reduced turning
two or three S coupes behind, taking
powertrain was in sport, the steering in
radius, ensuring higher performance in
turns behind the instructor to give you
strada and suspension in sport. The
curves and making it easy to manoeuvre
a chance to set your own pace rather
transmission was in manual but user
in town and at low speeds.
than play follow the leader.
error saw me sit too long in fourth on
more seconds for my heart rate to drop.
At higher speeds both front and rear
In session one I put the Aventador S
wheels share the same steering angle,
into sport mode and automatic as the
For session three I tried corsa mode,
extending the wheelbase and providing
track is infamous for its long, sweeping
but the power steering was too stiff for
increased stability.
corners and tight turns. After a tight
my liking, making it harder to turn into
a straight rather than move into fifth.
corners at speed and encountering understeer. The instructor -- who had previously praised my “aggressive driving, good work” -- tut-tutted on the walkie-talkie as he took in my poor form. “Come on, the car is better than that,” he said. And he was right. The Aventador S is better than most drivers will ever be. . For more automotive news and reviews, visit www.driven.co.nz
17
Return to Contents Page
NEWMARKET Schofield HSV 09 520 6369
The new GTS-R range
HSV
The new GTS-R range isn’t just an Australian muscle
deliver enhanced grip and control.
car milestone, it’s the ultimate expression of Australian
But it’s when you fire up the supercharged LS9 engine
high-performance. Only a fortunate few will be able to
and the (specially calibrated) bi-modal twin exhaust roars
get behind the wheel of one of these machines and claim
to life that you know you’re in for one hell of a drive. And
a part of Australian high-performance history. But for
not just because of the incredible power and torque at your
those who do, the thrill will last a lifetime.
disposal. The GTS-R W1 boasts a SupaShock suspension
Taking the iconic GTS-R nameplate to its most sophisti-
system that is the ultimate high-performance package.
cated and powerful conclusion, is the GTS-R W1. Carbon f
The unique dampers offer the lowest frictional losses of
fender vents, carbon fibre airbox, and Aeroflow Performance
any damper readily available. The result is exceptional
rear spoiler with carbon fibre upper and distinctive Q1 badg-
handling that enables the car to devour even the sharpest
ing, let the world know you’re about to unleash something
corners with ease.
incredibly special. Filling every inch of the car’s engine bay is a hand-built, 6.2L, supercharged LS9 Generation IV alloy V8. As the pin-
Visit Schofield HSV at 50 Great South Road, Epsom or visit their website at www.schofieldshsv.co.nz
nacle of 30 years of HSV engineering, this fire-breathing power-plant is fitted with titanium connecting rods and inlet valves, a dry sump oiling system, and a supercharger with twin four-lobe rotors that pumps 2.3L of air per revolution. The result is a mind-blowing 474kW of power and 815Nm of torque. Once inside, 8-way electrically adjustable HSV Podium front seats finished in Alcantara with diamond-quilted stitching, deliver the kind of driving position and support that you’d expect in a race-car. Adding to the supercar feel is an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever that
19 Return to Contents Page
Voiture européenne de l’année 2016. L’Astra européenne. Incroyablement Holden. European Car of the Year 2016. European Astra. Surprisingly Holden. The all-new designed and built Holden Astra from Europe will get kiwis talking. With exciting European design, ground breaking technology and award-winning performance this is one new Holden you won’t want to miss. To see what all the talk is about get to your Holden Dealer now. holden.co.nz/dealer.
Holden
You may wonder why we are showing the next-generation Opel Insignia Grand Sport. This is the future of the Holden Commodore as debuted at the 2017 Geneva motor show - part of General Motors global product line showcase. GM Australia Design Director, Richard Ferlazzo, said the European team worked closely with the GM Australia team to give the vehicle the flowing, sleek profile, and athletic stance expected of a Commodore. The sculpted headlight design and prominent grille clearly speak to the ‘sculpturalartistry meets German-precision’ design philosophy of Opel. “We’re excited to finally be able to show what is a truly global-vehicle to media and customers over the course of the Geneva motor show - and we’re more than confident everybody will love it,” said Mr. Ferlazzo. Available in sedan and sport wagon body styles, the new Commodore also promises a host of state-of-the-art technology including head-up display, auto emergency braking with adaptive cruise control and a next-generation LED matrix lighting system offering double the amount of light cells of the all-new Astra hatch. The design and technology offering is taken to another level with driver comfort features including massage seats, heated front and rear seats, sport wagon power lift-gate and sport wagon rear one-touch folding seats. This vehicle is Holden’s latest announcement in its new product offensive, and with unrivalled design, drivability and technology, will be a worthy flagship vehicle for the Visit Giltrap North Shore at
transforming Holden brand.
150 Wairau Road, Glenfield or visit their website at www.giltrapnorthshore.co.nz Visit Schofields of Newmarket at 50 Great South Road, Epsom or visit their website at www.schofields.co.nz Return to Contents Page
21
ALL-NEW DISCOVERY
BECAUSE ONLY 0.021347% OF THE WORLD’S SURFACE IS TARMAC
NOW AVAILABLE AT A STARTING PRICE OF JUST $114,900 PLUS ON ROAD COSTS It’s time to go off road with the All-New Discovery. And with the innovative All-Terrain Progress Control keeping the vehicle at a steady off-road speed, you can be confident you’ll be able to conquer whatever rugged landscape you point your nose at. With a launch price starting at just $114,900 + ORC, there’s never been a better time to forge your own path. Visit Archibald & Shorter to book a test drive today. Archibald & Shorter Greenlane 550 Great South Road, Greenlane Ph. 09 917 9417 Archibald & Shorter North Shore 20 Wairau Road, Glenfield Ph. 09 441 9811 archibaldandshorter.co.nz
Land rover
Created from a clean sheet using Jaguar Land Rover’s Lightweight Aluminium Architecture, the Range Rover Velar represents the next chapter of the Range Rover success story. Velar is defined by a visually reductive approach and meticulous attention to precision in every detail; this helps evolve Range Rover DNA and previews the next generation of Range Rover vehicles. The full-LED headlights are the most slender ever to appear on a production Land Rover vehicle. The flush deployable door handles on the Range Rover Velar help emphasise a taut, elegant design language and contribute to a coefficient of drag of only 0.32Cd – this is the most aerodynamicallyefficient Land Rover ever produced. The interior space of the Range Rover Velar is also defined by a new Land Rover Touch Pro Duo infotainment system.
petrol and diesel powertrains, all matched to a smoothshifting ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, and allwheel-drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics.
Two 10-inch high-definition touchscreens integrate seam-
A clean and refined 180hp four-cylinder Ingenium diesel
lessly into the cabin architecture, reducing the complexity
delivers 430Nm of torque and will lead the range. The diesel
of the dash and enhancing a sense of elegant simplicity.
engine is joined by a new and highly-advanced 247hp four-
The Range Rover Velar is also practical. Built with seating
cylinder Ingenium petrol engine, which enables acceleration
for five, and space for everything that comes with them,
from 0-60 mph in just 6.4 seconds. An even more powerful,
the Range Rover Velar features a luggage compartment
380hp supercharged V6 petrol engine combines sports
volume of 974 litres behind the second row seats.
car performance with a unique soundtrack and enables
Exceptional performance comes from a range of three
the Velar to accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in only 5.3 seconds, before reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h. Visit the Archibald & Shorter showroom at 550 Great South Road, Greenlane and 20 Wairau Road, Glenfield or visit their website at www.archibaldandshorter.co.nz
Return to Contents Page
23
the all-new kia picanto
Created in collaboration between Kia’s design centres in Namyang, Korea, and Frankfurt, Germany, the new Picanto boasts a youthful, energetic look, using its new dimensions and bold body lines for a more assertive stance. In addition, a performanceinspired GT-Line model will available for the first time. Inside, the new model’s high-quality, high-tech cabin features a ‘floating’ 7-inch touchscreen infotainment sys-
Kia
tem. New in-car technologies and connectivity features including Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay™ and a wireless smartphone charger. The new model also offers buyers greater potential for customization than ever before, with 11 exterior paint colours and a range
Safety is also improved, with a strong
line direct injection (T-GDI) power unit,
new bodyshell featuring twice the pro-
producing 100 ps, will also soon be on
portion of Advanced High Strength Steel
offer from Kia.
compared to the outgoing model. The Picanto is the first car in its class to offer Autonomous Emergency Braking. Powertrains will be available with
Visit Giltrap North Shore at
1.0 and 1.25L gasoline engines, and
150 Wairau Road, Glenfield
CO2 emissions levels from just 89 g/
or visit their website at
km. A new 1.0-liter turbocharged gaso-
www.giltrapnorthshore.co.nz
of interior colour packs for buyers to choose from. The new Picanto has a larger cabin than many of its rivals, and the largest cargo capacity of any A-segment car (255 litres). New measures to address noise, vibration and harshness will also make it one of the most refined in its class.
24 Return to Contents Page
Shifting Gears
Staff Updates
Lexus of Auckland City
Helena Mitchell – Sales Cadet
Richard Nguyen – Grooming
“I’m super exited to be part of the sales
Coming to Lexus of Auckland City from
team here at Lexus. It’s great to be
Espresso Car Wash with experience in
working with a refreshing and luxurious
Automotive Engineering from Unitec,
brand. I’m a crazy animal lover and have
Richard saw the opportunity come
been known for bringing home rescue
up and couldn’t look past it. He likes
animals without warning. When I’m not
to spend personal time working on
working, you can find me at the beach
his Honda Civic, eating, sleeping or
or curled up on the couch, watching
working out.
Disney movies with my dog.”
Ben McGroarty – Sales Executive With previous experience in the Insurance industry Ben joins us at Lexus of Auckland City as a huge Japanese car fan. Seeing the opportunity at the best Japanese brand, in one of the country’s leading companies he couldn’t pass it up. Ben is also interested in callisthenics and working on cars.
Giltrap North Shore
Matthew Barnett – Kia Vehicle Groomer
Shama Singh – Kia Master Technician
Wayne Sillman – Kia Master Technician
Having sold used European cars, Mat-
Shama joins the team after managing
With extensive product knowledge
thew joins the team at GNS to meet
a workship. The challenge of time man-
for KIA, Wayne joins the team from
new customers and work with the
agement combined with working on a
South Africa. With high importance
industries finest. Matthew has a con-
new product keeps Shama engaged.
placed on family and values, he fits
sistent desire to learn new processes,
While every challenge provides the
right in. Overcoming the challenges
and give customers the best possible
opportunity to learn, the most exciting
of disgruntled customers is a focus
service. His favourite vehicle is the
for Shama is working on the Holden
for Wayne.
Kia Sportage, as it ticks a lot of his
Performance vehicles.
wish-list boxes.
Maifa Ikinofo - Groomer
Nigel Tipler – Service Manager
Andre De Almeida – Grooming
Maifa has come to Giltrap North Shore
Moving over from Giltrap Nissan as
Coming to the GNS family from Dubai
after studying at Unitec. Valuing the
their Service Manager, Nigel has spent
where he worked as a professional
people he works with, he loves the
17 years in the Giltrap Group. Nigel
photographer, he is passionate about
satisfaction of a perfectly clean car.
loves all the new people, personalities,
doing a good job. His hobbies include
The Holden Commodore GTS is a clear
office space and being closer to home.
studying the financial market and his
favourite pick with its aggressive look
His Holden of choice is the SSV Redline
vehicle of choice is a Kia Sorento as
and power.
Sportwagon, and all-round perfect car.
long as it has a sunroof.
25 Return to Contents Page
GILTRAP NORTH SHORE
CHRIS DILKS – PARTS CONSULTANT
SHIFTING GEARS
STAFF UPDATES
Coming from North Western Toyota, Chris enjoys dealing with all the new customers at Giltrap North Shore. His favourite vehicle is a Toyota Supra 2JZ-Gte for its performance, and while it isn’t a Giltrap Group brand, it is still very cool.
RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE
LORNA ENNIS – PARTS DRIVER / ADMINISTRATOR
With a background as a key account
Having been the front of house man-
manager in promotional branding,
ager at a golf club, Lorna enjoys not
Jason is an asset to the team. While
-
enjoying the variety every day brings,
cated customers. Lorna’s experience
the challenge is currently learning all
in hospitality will be a great asset to
the products. His pick of the lot is the
the company.
Holden Astra, and if he wasn’t working for us he says he would be selling ice to eskimos.
GILTRAP NORTH SHORE
RALPH MELO - GROOMER With experience in water proofing, Ralph’s new role provides him with new challenges. The atmosphere and opportunity to make new friends is a plus. Ralph’s vehicle of choice is the SV6 Sportwagon.
GILTRAP GROUP
AMELIA CLARK – RECEPTIONIST With a background of studying and working in Interior Design, when the opportunity to work with the Giltrap Group came up, she had to take it. The career change is a bit different to her other life that consists of horse riding and show-jumping out in Karaka.
SHAUN SUMMERFIELD – GENERAL MANAGER, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Although Shaun’s experience in the automotive industry dates back 31 years… when he worked as a car groomer in Christchurch; he is best known as a broadcaster. Having started out in sales and announcing roles in various radio stations, he spent the past 17
INDEPENDENT PRESTIGE
years crafting a career as an award winning journalist and presenter at TV3. Along with this, he was also a highly respected Automotive Journalist, including nearly a decade long stint with NZ Autocar.
FREDERIC FELLNER – SALES SUPPORT Frederic has just joined Independent Prestige as Sales Support. He started his professional career as an automotive businessman back in 2009 at one of the best BMW dealerships in Germany. After traveling overseas he’s
26
JASON BUCKLEY – NEW HOLDEN FLEET CONSULTANT
and plans to stay for good.
Giltrap prestige
Katie Moriarty – Volkswagen Sales
Shifting Gears
Staff Updates
Moving position within the dealership,
Return to Contents Page
Katie is taking up the challenge Sales brings with a brand she enjoys. She was the opportunity arise and had to take it. Katie loves a good brunch and learning new features in the vehicles, so she can help customers find what
Georgina Del Piccolo – Bentley, Porsche and Volkswagen CRM Coming to New Zealand from Argentina where she worked for Toyota in a Sales and Marketing position, Georgia enjoys travelling. From a small city, she’s enjoying the outdoorsy atmosphere New Zealand brings along with live music.
Joseph Konelio – Prestige Groomer Returning to Giltrap Prestige after spending time exploring other trades, Joseph joins the grooming team as one of only a few members throughout the group. In his spare time he likes to work out, play rugby and hang out at the Deaf club.
they need.
Giltrap prestige
giltrap audi
James Morton – Porsche Workshop Controller
Tom Sutherland – Sales Executive
Hayden Cate – Sales Executive
After spending 3 years working at the
With extensive motorsport experience,
Moving from within the Dealership,
West London Porsche Centre and trav-
Tom has an impressive racing career.
Hayden has a great understanding
elling, James returns to New Zealand
Hailing from Texas, Tom was a racer in
of the way Giltrap Audi works. With
continuing his Porsche orientated
the US Le Mans series where he raced
experience from the Parts Department,
career. Missing our kiwi culture, James
prototype endurance race cars. Most
this new opportunity gives Hayden the
enjoys sports but mainly rugby and
recently he was on the Downforce
opportunity to wear a tie and tackle
fishing.
team as a driving instructor.
new challenges.
Craig Mason – Sales Executive
Melissa Barretto – Administration
Reece Daniels – Apprentice
Coming from a rich history of sales,
Having just finished her degree in Ac-
Craig joins the team from Church St.
counting at the University of Auckland
European. With a passion for the finest
Melissa comes to Giltrap Audi from an
cars, he is familiar with the Audi brand.
insurance broker. With family having
His will to work with some of the best
worked in the automotive industry
in the industry has lead him to Giltrap
overseas, she is keen to follow suit.
Audi, and his interest in motorsport
Melissa also enjoys travelling and
compliments this.
hiking.
Giltrap audi
Reece Daniels joins the Giltrap Audi Service Team after studying spatial design at AUT. With a longing desire to work in a trade, particularly as a mechanic. He has a passion for working on cars, particularly his BMW E30.
27
Brand Partners
HOW TO DRIFT YOUR MOTHER’S CAR
DISCLAIMER: DRIFTING IS DANGER-
PREPARATION
– so I’m just off the bite of the clutch. I
OUS. DON’T ACTUALLY TRY THIS AT
Before I even put my hands on the
rev the engine up based on where the
HOME. OR ANYWHERE ELSE FOR
wheel, I take some time to look around
torque and powerband are – usually
THAT MATTER.
me. My biggest saving grace and my
above 6,000RPM.
biggest tool is my eyes. I keep my head Rhys Millen has won numerous drifting
and eyes up, and keep them moving. I
GETTING GOING
competitions, so he knows a thing or
visualise where I’m pointed and where
Then it’s a quick drop of the clutch. As
two about getting sideways. While he
I want to go, and then I have a better
the clutch bites, I increase the throttle
may compete in some of the world’s
perspective of scanning when I have
that extra 25 percent to get the tires
most badass cars and be responsible
the car set sideways. Once moving,
spinning really quickly. Once my left foot
for building your favourite machines,
if I’m sliding counterclockwise to the
is off the clutch, I quickly transfer it to
including The Fast And The Furious and Transformers, he’s also the main man behind the wheel in most of the Lexus driving demo adverts you’ve seen over the past
the brake and apply about
“My biggest saving grace and my biggest tool is my eyes. I keep my head and eyes up, and keep them moving. I visualise where I’m pointed and where I want to go...”
10 years.
Return to Contents Page
on the front wheels – big toe kind of brake pressure. I’m still full throttle, though I can back out a little bit if I’m bouncing on the rev limiter.
We caught up with Millen to find
right, I glance forward to where the
At that point I can physically walk the
how we could do some of that crazy
front of the car is going to make sure
car around wherever I want.
sideways drifting – safely, of course – in
I’m online, and then I glance back to
an abandoned car park in an everyday
the right to make sure no objects are
rear-wheel drive car.
approaching.
We’re talking a big drifting donut with
28
10 percent brake pressure
CONTROL Next, my technique is the underslung
no obstacles in the way, so scroll down
STARTING PROCEDURE
whip of the steering wheel. Where my
to hear from Millen describing the art
You can drift in an automatic car, but
hands would typically be at 10 and 2, I
of drifting in his own words.
you’ve got more control when you’ve
pull down on the steering wheel with
got some gears. I put it in first gear, then
kind of a flicking motion and that will
release the clutch until I just feel the
set the car sideways.
engine RPM start to drop or exhaust
Brand Partners Return to Contents Page
“Once my left foot is off the clutch, I quickly transfer it to the brake and apply about 10 percent brake pressure on the front wheels – big toe kind of brake pressure.”
SLIDING I release brake pressure and start to slide the car. If the car’s already spinning well, then as I feel the momentum of the car shift sideways, I lift off the throttle to balance the amount of push with the rear wheels. If I stay on full throttle, I’d loop out in a 180. If I didn’t get it enough, the car would choke up, slow down and go straight again. BALANCE Now that I’m moving and sliding, it’s all about balance between the throttle and brake pressure. I want to keep the revs at between 5,000 and 6,000 RPM, and I try to hold the slide in a very fluid and smooth fashion. It’s that easy!
Brand Partners
Here’s what the buttons on an F1 steering wheel really do
CONTROLLING A FORMULA ONE CAR INVOLVES A
The front wing is also wider and more sharply raked to help
BIT MORE THAN MERELY POINTING IT IN THE RIGHT
drivers follow rivals. The rear wing is lower, while a larger
DIRECTION. WITH ITS MYRIAD BUTTONS, DIALS AND
diffuser will significantly increase downforce at the rear.
SWITCHES, TODAY’S F1 STEERING WHEEL IS A TECHHEAD’S DREAM
3-5 seconds. It also means they’ll be a lot more physical
Formula One in 2017 will undergo its biggest set of regu-
to drive, as the recent spate of Instagram pics of drivers
lation changes since the introduction of hybrid engines in
working at muscle-busting training regimes attest.
2014. This time, though, the emphasis has been shifted to chassis and aerodynamics. The bigger, more aggressive cars will be fitted with fatter
30 Return to Contents Page
It all means they’ll be faster, with lap times set to fall by
tyres, which will increase grip and provide extra downforce.
There’s also all the tech that needs to be regulated and monitored by the driver through the steering wheel
Brand Partners
welcome to mission control 1. DIFFERENTIAL
6. FUEL MIX
device governs a host of software
Allows control over the differential
Need full-fat burn or fuel-saving lean-
changes that influence car behaviour.
that sends power to the rear wheels,
ness? You can set your preference
No one, however, will reveal just what
regulating the speed of the wheel on
– though the maximum fuel load is
those influences are.
one side in respect to the other side.
105kg.
2. NEUTRAL
7. TYRES
Puts all the car’s systems into fail-
A useful button for when a driver arrives
The different tyre types in use (dry,
safe mode.
in the box for a pit stop.
wet, etc) have varying characteristics.
13. FAIL
Puts the driver in radio contact with
This OLED information panel can dis-
accordingly.
play multiple pages of data on speed,
his team. For much of last season,
8. CLUTCH SETTINGS
lap time, difference to the leader, battery
this was heavily restricted, but it came
If it’s not engaging properly, the driver
energy status, etc.
back with a bang in late 2016.
can adjust the clutch with this switch.
1
16
2
17
15 14
3
13 4
12
5
7
6
11
9
8
10
4. BRAKE BALANCE
9. ERS ACTIVATION
15. SOFTWARE OPTIONS
Using these dials, the driver can shift
The modern F1 car has a suite of energy
These, on either side of the wheel, move
the brake bias to either the front or the
recovery systems – this deploys them.
the selection of the multifunctional
back. With modern F1 cars, harvesting energy from braking phases, balancing between the right feel for the driver yet still recovering enough energy for good lap times, is essential. 5. DRINK In extreme races (eg, the heat of Singapore), drivers can experience fluid loss of up to 4kg. A two per cent loss in body weight can impair cognition, so getting fluid on board is crucial.
10. ENGINE MODES Allows the drivers to engage a particular
rotary by increments of -10 (left button) and +1 (right button).
set of engine performance parameters
16. PIT LANE SPEED LIMITER
for different circumstances.
Immediately drops the car to the speed
11. CLUTCH SETTINGS
required by F1’s strict pit lane limits.
If it’s not engaging properly, the driver
17. TORQUE ADJUSTMENT
can adjust the clutch with this switch.
Allows the driver to control torque
12. MULTIFUNCTIONAL ROTARY
delivery from the engine.
Ask an F1 engineer what’s governed by such multifunctional switches and the silence is deafening. This mystery
Return to Contents Page
14. DISPLAY SCREEN
This switch is used to set the car up
3. TEAM RADIO
31
The all-new Tiguan. Settle for everything.
Why settle for less when you can have it all? Equipped with intelligent technology, class-leading 615L boot capacity*, advanced driver assistant systems and boasting a smart new look, the all-new Tiguan redefines the compact SUV. And with 162kW of power, there’s even a model armed with as much power as the iconic Golf GTI.
Test-drive the Tiguan range today. • 2WD from $41,990* • 4WD from $57,990* • 4WD R-Line from $66,990*
*Prices exclude on road costs and optional extras. 615L luggage capacity is measured with rear seats slid forward. Model shown is Tiguan TSI 4MOTION R-Line with optional extras priced from $66,990* available to order now for early 2017 delivery. NZ Olympic Partner since 2012
EMD0385_T_M2
Call 0800 Volkswagen or visit volkswagen.co.nz to book a test drive today.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen’s style has consistently
a long way forward and partially over
Display (fully digital and programmable
been tasteful of late, but the latest
both wings, and a radiator grille that
instruments), a head-up display and
vehicle out of the factory exudes
encompasses the vehicle’s full width.
the new Discover Pro infotainment
the most style since the former CC.
The LED headlights and daytime running
system with a 9.2-inch glass screen
Being dubbed (get it) the Arteon,
lights (fitted as standard), combine with
and gesture control.
Volkswagen is bringing back the
the chrome-plated cross-bars of the
The clean design, high level of
fast-back sedan.
radiator grille and bonnet. The result
ergonomic efficiency and numerous
One of the most important design
is a front-end design that would be a
interactive interfaces between human
elements of the charismatic new
match even for a high-calibre sports car.
and machine create a calm, elegant
Arteon is the front section. Stand-out
The Arteon reinterprets the ‘Gran
and progressive atmosphere in the
features include a bonnet that extends
Turismo’ concept with its combination
new Arteon.
of Avant-Garde design, sporty charisma, great flexibility, and generous space. Fur ther aspects that would be considered as ‘plus-points’ in any vehicle
Visit the Giltrap Volkswagen show-
class include excellent rear legroom
room at 100 Great North Road,
and luggage space of 563 - 1,557 litres.
Grey Lynn or visit their website at
Further features include an Active Info
www.giltrapvolkswagen.co.nz
33 Return to Contents Page
BRED ON THE TRACK, BUILT FOR THE ROAD
CONTACT ASTON MARTIN AUCKLAND TO ARRANGE A TEST DRIVE Independent Prestige, 120 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland, 1021 NZ 09 360 3202 | www.iprestige.co.nz
Official government fuel consumption figures in litres/100km (mpg) for the Vantage Range 16MY: urban 22.5-19.0 (12.6-14.9); extra urban 10.4-9.2 (27.2-30.7); combined 14.7-12.8 (19.2-22.1). CO2 emissions 343-296. The mpg/fuel economy figures quoted are sourced from official regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. They are for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your real driving experience, which may vary depending on factors including road conditions, weather, vehicle load and driving style.
Aston Martin
Aston Martin Vanquish S
Vanquish isn’t just constructed from carbon fibre, it’s also styled with it. A new aerodynamic focused design features a carbon-fibre 2x2 twill front splitter and rear diffuser, improving high-speed stability, and accentuates exterior styling. Building on the heritage and success of Aston Martin’s flagship Grand Tourer comes the Aston Vanquish S – bringing improved engine power, enhanced dynamics and all new styling to create a car of unprecedented ability. Equipped with an uprated 6.0 V12 engine producing 588 PS, the Vanquish S has a top speed of 201mph, and achieves 0-100km/h in just 3.5 seconds. Add to this an 8-speed Touchtronic III transmission, quad-exhaust tailpipes, and revised inlet manifolds for increased engine airflow. The result is an ultimate s u p e rc a r t h a t o f fe r s s u p re m e performance feel and a truly unforgettable driving experience. Cloaked in a suit of carbon – the
Return to Contents Page
Inside the cabin, the Vanquish S delights the occupants with interior features such as Filograph quilt design options, Bang & Olufsen audio and the AMI III infotainment system - with all-new satellite navigation. The Vanquish S embodies the very essence of Aston Martin and yet redefines each core element to create a machine of amplified sporting capability; a combination of unbound craftsmanship and power that comes together in utmost harmony. Visit the Independent Prestige showroom at 120 Great North Road, Grey Lynn or check out their website at www.iprestige.co.nz
35
29 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland City. Phone: 09 3700227 Email: ceo@lexusofaucklandcity.co.nz
www.lexusofaucklandcity.co.nz
The 2018 Lexus LS 500h, the full hybrid version of Lexus’s new flagship sedan, was unveiled at the 2017 Geneva motor show. The car’s design successfully brings together the virtues of a long-wheelbase four-door sedan with a low, coupelike profile; positioning the LS perfectly across the growing sedan and coupe
Lexus
segments.
Visit the Lexus showroom at
The cabin has benefited from an
The Lexus LS 500h is equipped with
equally new approach, focusing on
the new Lexus Multi-Stage Hybrid
or visit their website at
“progressive comfort,” which interprets
System, which provides enhanced
www.lexusofaucklandcity.co.nz
Japanese aesthetics and craftsman-
responsiveness and linear acceleration
ship traditions within the context of
- particularly when accelerating from
an advanced, luxurious and innova-
a standstill. The powertrain features a
tive vehicle interior. Notably, the LS
3.5L V6 Dual VVT-i V6 gasoline engine
500 was honoured at the NAIAS with
and two electric motors - together
the EyesOn Design Award for Design
delivering maximum system power
Excellence - Interior Design.
of 354 hp.
Conceived as the new global pin-
The Lexus LS 500h is fitted with a
nacle of the Lexus brand, the LS goes
compact, lightweight, lithium-ion hybrid
beyond what the world expects from a
battery. It is 20 percent smaller than
luxury car. Chief Engineer Toshio Asahi
the nickel-metal hydride unit featured
explained: “Developing such a flagship
in the current Lexus LS 600h, yet has
model required a massive paradigm
a higher power density. Using lithium-
shift. Rather than being bound by the
ion technology has also reduced the
conventions that had defined luxury
component’s weight, helping reduce
cars in the past, we aimed to create
the car’s overall mass, thus support-
a car with innovative, emotional and
ing overall fuel economy, emissions
sensual appeal that would draw cus-
performance and handling balance.
tomers’ eyes away from other luxury
Return to Contents Page
cars, and provide entirely new values.”
29 Great North Road, Grey Lynn
#highway?
#myway?
#untaggable The all-new Audi Q2. This isn’t just another SUV. Labels simply don’t apply. Because the revolutionary Audi Q2 breaks entirely new ground. The Q2 is a stylish multi-purpose crossover vehicle and it’s packed with the latest tech. With a striking coupé-like appearance and the powerful stance of an SUV, the all-new genre-defying Q2 creates a distinct impression wherever it goes. We call it #untaggable. But it’s whatever you want it to be. audi.co.nz/Q2
Giltrap Audi 150 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland Phone: (09) 336 5250 giltrapaudi.co.nz
DLR0051
Audi
Audi’S new rs5
Audi’s new RS5 was released on the first Tuesday of the
race car of the late ‘80s, and added massive air intakes (with
2017 Geneva Auto Show. As we predicted, the V8 has
a honeycomb structure up front), and pumped fenders that add
been swapped for a grunty twin-turbocharged V6. The 2.9
approximately 0.6 inches of width compared to the stock A5.
L V6 is rated to 450 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of
19-inch wheels are standard, with a 20-inch version as op-
torque. The 0-100kmh sprint is completed in 3.9 seconds.
tional. Three appearance packages will be offered: Gloss Black,
The engine is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission
Carbon, and Matte Aluminium. Whichever is picked, there’s
and drives all four wheels via a rear-biased all-wheel-drive sys-
a wider, flatter version of Audi’s signature single-frame grille,
tem. Buyers will also be able to opt for Audi’s sport differential
while new lateral air intakes and outlets flank the headlamps
at the rear -which splits torque between the rear wheels for
– with the option of being switched out for Matrix LED lights.
even better handling. Audi is also proud to highlight the more distinctive styling of the RS5, which has been implemented to further differen-
Visit the Giltrap Audi showroom at
tiate the Audi Sport models from the regular Audi fleet. The
150 Great North Road, Grey Lynn or visit their
designers took inspiration from the 90 quattro IMSA GTO
website at www.giltrapaudi.co.nz
39 Return to Contents Page
Review
audi r8 v10 plus
AUDI’S ALL-NEW R8 SPORTS CAR MAKES A HECK OF AN IMPRESSION
By: Liz Dobson
but a young petrol head, I replied, “It
have continued. Except I was just by
Photos: Ted Baghurst
sounds even better.”
my house.
Stopped at the traffic lights in the all-new Audi R8 with its stonking V10 engine and sports exhaust to make it sound so much sweeter, I noticed the passenger in the car next to me was trying to attract my attention. I glanced across and sitting in the front next to his grandma was a boy of about 8, who had wound down the passenger window. “I love your car,” he yelled across at me. “It looks great.” Happy to find not only a fellow fan,
I pressed a steering wheel-mount-
So my few glorious seconds of show-
ed button that increases the exhaust
ing off the R8 ended when I had to tap
notes, and gave the R8 a good rev. The
down the gears, slow down and turn
young boy laughed and clapped — while
into my road.
Grandma joined in by leaning over and giving me the thumbs up. Needing no encouragement to show
That performance only reiterated what makes Audi’s R8 sports car so special.
off, when the lights turned green, I hit the
Sure, its rivals are Porsche’s 911 turbo,
gas, used the steering wheel paddles
the McLaren 570S and Ferrari’s 488, but
to knock up through the gears and let
the R8 is firmly also an everyday car.
the exhaust pop away.
I used it for the daily 30 minute com-
In the rear view mirror I could see the
mute on inner city roads to Driven’s
pair smiling — and the R8 show could
office, where the low and very loud rumble of the exhaust never got, well exhausting to me. A return trip from Auckland to Te Awamutu to visit a friend showed the wild side of the R8. Audi NZ decided to opt straight for the stonking R8 V10 Plus model for our market, rather than the V10 that delivered 397kW of power and 540Nm of torque. The more powerful V10 Plus version has chest pounding 448kW/560Nm to work with. It has a top speed of 330km/h and goes from stop to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds. Fuel consumption is 12.3l/100km,
40 Return to Contents Page
Review
audi r8 v10 plus
but during my seven-day test period I
“No other Audi evokes such dynamic
profile 20in tyres on rough bitumen at
was averaging 20l/100km. Yes I’m a
passion, and none is so closely related
times made my road trip to Te Awamutu
lead foot and when you have so much
to a race car.”
a bumpy journey.
power to play with, you don’t want to go for an economy drive record. The R8 is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, plus four drive
I’m sure Porsche would agree to disa-
But turning off the main drag and
gree with Dr Hackenberg’s statement,
on to quieter side and country roads, I
but there’s no denying this generation
dialled in dynamic mode, and used the
R8 is a sports car in its own right.
paddles to move through the gears.
modes: auto, comfort, dynamic and
It retains a 48:52 front/rear weight
With the engine behind my head, it
individual that changes the vehicle’s
distribution with the spaceframe chassis
was great to let the V10 entertain as I
characteristics including suspension
weighing just 200kg and the R8 tipping
powered through corners and tested
and steering.
the scales at an impressive 1454kg.
the handling of the car.
Inside, the R8 shares a lot of the
Compared with the previous R8, this
Going over an undulating patch of
Audi TT’s excellent features, including
generation is hasn’t changed much in
side road just over 100km/h, I even
the virtual cocktail and air vents with
size, at 4426mm long, 1240mm high, a
accidentally got some “air” which the
controls in them.
wheelbase of 2650mm and width now
sports coupe easily “landed”.
Priced at $350,000, the R8 shares a lot of DNA with family rival the Lamborghini Huracan.
of 1940mm, up 40mm.
On the way back to Auckland, I ignored
Looks-wise, it gets a very sculptured
SH1 and instead took the Waikato River
front — with the large honeycomb grille,
road route through Ngaruawahia and
They are constructed from aluminium
a low, board front on look and tauter
Huntly before popping back on the main
with carbon fibre in key structural area,
side panels. The four rings of the Audi
drag before Hampton Downs.
the same 5.3-litre, V10 engine and the
brand now sit on the hood.
same seven-speed transmission.
With the late afternoon sun, the empty
Under the hood is a storage space.
roads and the finely tuned sports car,
But looks-wise they are less siblings
And here lies one of the vehicle’s
it was easy to see why Audi NZ’s only
and more cousins — the Huracan’s
faults. The space is tiny with my hand-
problem will be how many of the R8 V10
attitude is “look at me”, the Audi’s is
bag and laptop satchel taking up a
Plus they can get to satisfy demand.
“hear me roar”.
chunk of the room, and though there
Audi unashamedly uses its motorsport technology and history in this vehicle, with the company’s engineers
is a parcel shelf behind the seats, you’d have to pack sparingly. The other negative is that the low-
For more automotive news and reviews, visit www.driven.co.nz
using their racing experience to get the most out of the R8. It gets its mid-mounted engine from the 1930s grand prix race cars produced by the company under its original Auto Union badge, and in 2000 Audi won Le Mans with the concept R8. Audi’s technical development boss, Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, said “the new R8 V10 Plus is the most powerful and fastest production Audi ever. Our engineers are transferring their bundled racing expertise from the race track to the road. Return to Contents Page
41
Review
audi q2
Leading the way: Audi Q2 compact SUV
By: Liz Dobson
with a design that is fully independent
He said sales targets of the Q2 this
Photos: Dave Lintott
and not just a scaled-down version of
year were 250 units but he expected
its big brother,” and “this elegant car
300 “if we can get the products”.
Audi New Zealand is getting the edge on its premium competitors with the launch of its all-new model, the Q2 compact SUV. The Q2 shares the same platform as the Audi A3 hatchback, is 200mm shorter than the company’s Q3 crossover and has a low roofline. Priced from $54,500, the Q2 comes with a 1.4-litre, TFSI petrol engine producing 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque, and is paired with the Sport S-tronic transmission. The 1.4-litre engine is also found in the A1 and A3. It is an all-new product in the premium vehicle segment; its physical rival being Mazda’s CX-3 while it will probably compete against Mini’s Countryman, BMW’s X1, Jeep’s Renegade and MercedesBenz’s GLA. Later in the year, an all-wheeldrive quattro version of the Q2 will be launched in New Zealand, with an expected price tag in the mid to high $60,000s, said Audi NZ.
42 Return to Contents Page
The Q2 has just won the German Design Award, with comments from the jury including “the Audi Q2 surprises
has the potential to be a trendsetter”.
While this launch model of the Q2 is
Audi NZ is not only expecting it to
technically an off-roader, Audi will be
be a trendsetter among the premium
leaving that job to the quattro.
brands, but hoping it will help take annual
Sheed expected 60 per cent of Q2
sales of its SUV Q range to 50 per cent.
buyers would be existing Audi owners,
The company’s general manager,
coming out of A3s or Q3s, while 40
Dean Sheed, said at a media briefing in
per cent would be new to the brand,
Wellington that, at present, 40 per cent
attracted by the price point of the pre-
of Audi NZ sales were the Q range (Q3,
mium crossover.
Q5 and Q7) but with the addition of the
And a prime example of that was at
Q2 “50 per cent of the business will be
the Wellington launch earlier this week
the Q range”.
when a couple approached Driven’s Q2
that was parked outside the cafe where the media briefing was being held.
challenging surfaces to negotiate. But my co-driver, Audi ambassador
Already Audi owners, they were keen
and Huffer co-founder Steve Dunstan,
to hear more about it and were even
and I did take it for an off-road trek to
keen to buy it from us.
a gravel and stone road by a river for
Unfortunately for them we had a drive
a photo op.
programme to undertake, including
An Audi A3 owner was also at the
negotiating the capital’s tightly packed,
river bank with her two dogs and, like
narrow road to Mt Victoria, then the
the Wellington couple, was intrigued
busy streets to Parliament for some
by the compact crossover, proving
photo opportunities.
the point that this will be a trendsetter.
I was impressed with the handling of the Q2 in those narrow roads to Mt Victoria, and the low-end torque that
For more automotive news and reviews, visit www.driven.co.nz
Review
audi q2
helped me nip up the hill when our side was clear. Next it was on to the motorway to Martinborough, with the Q2’s biggest challenge the Rimutaka Range that had been pelted with rain during the weekend, causing slips on the side of the decline. On the passing lane, we pushed the transmission into sport mode to extend the torque line — though the lack of steering wheel-mounted paddles meant we couldn’t easily use the manual option if we wanted a quick gear change. Instead you had to flick the shift across to the left and then flick it up or down to move gears. On the roads around Featherson and Martinborough, the Q2 didn’t have many
43 Return to Contents Page
JAGUAR F-PACE JAGUAR F-PACE
MDL0357 MDL0357
BEAUTY AND THE BEST BEAUTY AND THE BEST
JAGUAR F-PACE ENJOYS DOUBLE JAGUAR F-PACE ENJOYS DOUBLE SUCCESS AT THE 2017 WORLD SUCCESS AT THE 2017 WORLD CAR AWARDS CAR AWARDS 75 influential motoring journalists from 24 countries have 75 influential motoring journalists from the 24 countries have spoken: the Jaguar F-PACE is officially best and most spoken: the F-PACE offiyear’s cially World the best and most Atisthis Car Awards, beautiful carJaguar in the world. year’s World Car beautiful carscooped in the world. thethis prestigious World CarAwards, of Year the F-PACE both At prestigious World Car of Year the scooped and F-PACE World Car Design both of thethe Year titles – only the second car and World Car Design of the Year titles – only the second car ever to do so. ever to do so. Accolades aside, it’s the combination of exceptional Accolades everyday aside, it’susability the combination exceptional and bold of design that makes dynamics, dynamics, usability andSUV bold ofdesign choice.that makes F-PACE theeveryday luxury performance F-PACE the luxury performance SUV of choice. Book your test drive at jaguar.co.nz Book your test drive at jaguar.co.nz
Jaguar
The Jaguar F-TYPE range
Already recognised as the most dy-
operation, intelligent navigation functions
headlights boost visual appeal s and
namically capable, performance-
(Share ETA) and online services (real-
help improve road safety.
focused Jaguar, the F-TYPE sports car
time traffic and live weather reports)
To mark the introduction of the new
continues to evolve, with a fresh look,
make every journey more rewarding
F-TYPE range, Jaguar has developed
state-of-the-art infotainment system
and put a world of information at the
the exclusive 400 SPORT launch edi-
and world-first ReRun app that com-
driver’s fingertips.
tion, which will go on sale worldwide
bines vehicle data with GoPro video to enhance the driving experience.
True enthusiasts will be able to cap-
- but for one model year only. Power
ture and share their driving experiences
from the new 400PS version of the
Since its launch in 2012, Jaguar’s
using the new ReRun app developed in
3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine is
all-aluminium two-seater has firmly
collaboration with GoPro. In a world-
complemented by an uprated chassis
established itself as the best-selling
first, ReRun combines real-time video
– comprised of the Super Performance
sports car in its segment (in its home
from the driver’s GoPro with key vehicle
braking system, Configurable Dynamics
market) and has won nearly 160 awards
performance data including speed,
and 20-inch wheels with a unique Dark
worldwide. The unrivalled balance of
throttle position, gear selection, brak-
Satin Grey finish.
seductive design, stunning performance
ing force and g-force. The high quality
and outstanding dynamics has always
video – including unique ‘highlights’
made the F-TYPE unique, in a range
sections – can be downloaded to the
that has evolved to include a Coupé
driver’s smartphone and shared on
body style, manual transmission and
social media.
intelligent all-wheel drive.
The F-TYPE’s award-wining design is
Visit the Archibald & Shorter showroom at 550 Great South Road,
Every F-TYPE now features the Touch
stronger and more focused, with clearer
Greenlane and 20 Wairau Road,
Pro infotainment system. Its super-
visual range differentiation thanks to
Glenfield or visit their website at
fast responses, intuitive tablet-style
model-specific front bumpers. Full LED
www.archibaldandshorter.co.nz
45 Return to Contents Page
Double Take
Jaguar XKSS World re-debut
The stunning XKSS, finished in Sherwood Green paint, has been created by the Jaguar Classic engineering team ahead of the production of nine cars for delivery to customers across the globe in 2017. Often referred to as the world’s first supercar, the XKSS was originally made by Jaguar as a road-going conversion of the Le Mans-winning D-type, which was built from 1954-1956. In 1957, nine cars earmarked for export to North America were lost in a fire at Jaguar’s Browns Lane factory in the British Midlands; meaning just 16 examples of XKSS were built. Earlier this year Jaguar announced that its Classic division would build the nine ‘lost’ XKSS sports cars for a select group of established collectors and customers. The new one-off XKSS presented in Los Angeles is the summation of 18 months of research and will be used as a blueprint from which the nine continuation cars are built. The nine cars will be completely new, with period chassis numbers from the XKSS chassis log. All cars are now sold at a price in excess of £1million each. The XKSS is the second continuation car to be created by Jaguar, following on from the six Lightweight E-types
46 Return to Contents Page
that were built in 2014. This project helped the team learn to engineer cars
that are faithful to the specifications to which they were built in period, and this knowledge has been enhanced in creating the ‘new original’ XKSS. The XKSS unveiled in Los Angeles is a period correct continuation, built using a combination of original drawings from Jaguar’s archive and modern technology. The Jaguar Classic engineering team scanned several versions of the 1957 XKSS to help build a complete digital image of the car, from the body to chassis, and including all parts required. The body of the XKSS is made from magnesium alloy, as it was in 1957, and because the original styling bucks do not exist, Jaguar Classic produced a new, bespoke styling buck based on
Double Take
the original bodies from the 1950s. The bodies of the nine new cars will be formed on this buck, using a traditional process called hand-wheeling. Jaguar Classic’s expert engineers worked with the original frames and from there produced CAD to support build of the chassis. In partnership with the Classic team, frame maker Reynolds – famous for their 531 tubing – was briefed to craft bespoke new parts using imperial measurements, rather than metric. The frames are bronze welded in the same way as the period XKSS chassis tubing. The continuation cars feature period specification four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes with a Plessey pump, and Dunlop tyres with riveted two-piece magnesium alloy wheels. Under the bonnet, the XKSS is supplied with a 262hp 3.4-litre straight six-cylinder Jaguar D-type engine. The engine features completely new cast iron blocks, new cast cylinder heads and three Weber DC03 carburetors. Inside, the ‘new original’ XKSS features perfect recreations of the original Smiths gauges. Everything from the wood of the steering wheel, to the grain of the leather seats, through to the brass knobs on the XKSS dashboard, is precisely as it would have been in 1957. Minor specification changes have been made only to improve driver and passenger safety. The fuel cell, for example, uses robust, modern materials to support throughput of modern fuels. Customer vehicles will be hand-built beginning this year, and it is estimated that 10,000 man hours will go into building each of the new XKSS cars.
Return to Contents Page
47
designed to perform. Priced to run-out.
THE xc60 now from just $69,900*. Whether you’re on challenging country roads or busy city streets, the incredibly well-appointed Volvo XC60 is bound to impress. Features include: Adaptive Cruise Control • Blind Spot Info System • City Safety Autonomous Emergency Braking • Navigation • Park Assist • Bi-Xenon Active Bending Lights
made by sweden. VOLVOCARS.CO.NZ *Excludes on road costs. Price is applicable to Model Year 2017 XC60 T5 AWD Luxury and while stocks last. Wheels shown are not standard specification and are not included in this promotion.
Archibald & Shorter Auckland | 550 Great South Road, Greenlane | 09 917 9417 Archibald & Shorter North Shore | 20 Wairau Road, Glenfield | 09 441 9811
Volvo
The latest generation Polestar Perfor-
V90 Cross Country T6, D5 and D4
pionships. This is made possible by
mance Optimisation is now available
models, does not only increase engine
treating the entire powertrain, including
for the new Volvo V90 Cross Country;
performance but affects a total of
engine, gearbox, throttle response and
taking the performance and drivability
five areas for a more dynamic driving
more, as one unit when developing
further in five key areas of the rugged
experience.
our optimisations,’ said Thed Bjork,
and refined estate.
The main focus for the optimisation
who drives a Volvo S60 Polestar TC1
“To include the V90 Cross Country, a
is on the mid-range, the area most
with Drive-E technology in the 2016
true adventure crossover, in our optimi-
often used in everyday driving. Con-
FIA World Touring Car Championship.
sation programme is a vital part of our
nected to this is a new calibration of
operation to further expand on Volvo
the gearbox, including faster shifts, in
Cars’ new SPA vehicle architecture.
order to support the increased perfor-
Our product provides performance-
mance - making for a more engaging
Visit the Archibald & Shorter
orientated customers with a new level
driving experience.
showroom at 550 Great South Road,
of driving pleasure,” said Niels Moller, Chief Operating Officer of Polestar. The optimisation, available for the
“Our focus is as always on creating
Greenlane and 20 Wairau Road,
usable performance, just as when we
Glenfield or visit their website at
develop our racing cars to win cham-
www.archibaldandshorter.co.nz
49 Return to Contents Page
The road ahead isn’t always a road. Bentayga V8 Diesel from $285,000.
The 32-valve V8 engine takes you from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.6 seconds. This may be a diesel, but above all it’s a Bentley. Discover more at Auckland.BentleyMotors.com/BentaygaDiesel or call (09) 360 3200. Bentayga Diesel fuel consumption – EU Drive Cycle in mpg (l/100 km): Urban 30.1 (9.4); Extra Urban 39.2 (7.2); Combined 35.3 (8.0). CO2 Emissions 210 g/km. The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2017 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: Bentayga
Bentley
The new Bentayga Diesel
The new Bentayga is now available with the world’s most
twin-exhaust outlets at the rear. A ‘V8 DIESEL’ badge sits on
refined 8-cylinder diesel engine - the first in the marque’s
the lower edge of the front doors, but this can be changed
history. It has been developed to deliver world-class
for a Union Flag.
Bentley performance with extended range. The Bentayga Diesel is an SUV for every kind of journey – whether it’s for travelling just around the corner or heading to the farthest corners of the earth. It combines practicality, power and luxury with innovative technology. The diesel’s extended range of over 1000km is made
Inside, distinctive design details created by Bentley’s expert craftspeople give it a unique look and feel. The fluted seat design is both simple yet elegant, with the pattern repeated on the door pads. Visit the Bentley Auckland showroom at
possible, courtesy of its fuel efficiency, 85-litre tank and a
100 Great North Road, Grey Lynn
host of other technical refinements – delivering a combined
or visit their website at
fuel consumption figure of only 8.0L/100km).
www.auckland.bentleymotors.com
Not only is the new SUV variant fuel-efficient, it is the fastest and most refined luxury diesel ever built. It’s allnew 4.0L, 8-cylinder, 32-valve engine delivers 429bhp and a top speed of 270km/h. It achieves a 0 to 100 time of 4.8 seconds thanks to 900Nm of torque. The performance is effortless on and off the road. Subtle styling details include the gloss black Matrix grille with chrome surrounding the centre bar, along with two
51 Return to Contents Page
ŠKODA
A recently launched member of the Skoda range is facelifted Octavia VRS. Its turbocharged 2.0L engine has been uprated to produce 242bhp and 273lb ft of torque, which is a 15bhp and 15lb ft improvement on the old VRS 230. This increase trims the car’s 0-62mph dash to 6.6sec, shaving a tenth of a second off the 230’s time; the Octavia VRS 245 Wagon, on the other hand, takes just 6.7 seconds, which is also a tenth quicker than its older sibling. The sedan can reach 155mph while the estate tops out at 153mph. As before, the car comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but a new seven-speed dual-clutch DSG is offered with the model for the first time. Drive is sent to the front axle via a standard-fit electronic limited slip differential, which can brake the inside wheel to boost traction. The new VRS sits 14mm lower than regular Octavia and its rear track is 38mm wider than the old 230. The chassis settings can be adjusted along with the drivetrain’s characteristics via the drive modes, which cycle from normal to performance modes. The system’s effectiveness is heightened when optional dynamic chassis control technology is fitted. Included with the 245 is a long list of cabin technology and driver assist programmes. The car is offered with a 9.2 inch touchscreen infotainment system and Wi-Fi connectivity. Voice control and inductive smartphone charging technology top the options list, while the Skoda Connect app enables users to control features such as windows and door locks via their phone.
Visit the Giltrap ŠKODA showroom at 58 Great South Road, Epsom or visit their website at www.giltrapskoda.co.nz
Return to Contents Page
53
The ultimate expression of GT-R performance, the Nissan GT-R NISMO once again raises the bar and serves notice to the world’s manufacturers – it’s the dominant supercar of its time. From a uniquely developed highdownforce body kit, to a masterfully-tuned suspension, to specially developed high-capacity turbos, the 441 kW Nissan GT-R NISMO is pure performance. As NISMO has been the factory racing arm of Nissan for over 30 years, you should expect nothing less.
NISMO, a short form of “Nissan Motorsports,” is the performance brand for Nissan and is one of their most widely recognised examples of “Innovation that excites.” NISMO offers products that provide an exciting driving experience with motorsports-inspired aerodynamics and styling, enhanced handling characteristics, and unmatched agility.
Nissan
Nissan has unveiled the new Qashqai
for more intuitive use and less ‘eyes
crossover with significant enhance-
off the road’ time.
ment of the car’s premium character.
To complement the interior upgrades
The upgrades focus on a contempo-
the Qashqai’s exterior benefits from a
rary new exterior design, higher levels
fresh design, offering greater sophisti-
of interior quality and improved driving
cation and a new ‘premium dynamic’
performance.
style. The enhancements include a
New Nissan Intelligent Mobility
completely revised front end, bringing
technologies have also been added,
the latest Nissan ‘V-motion’ grille to
continuing Nissan’s ongoing journey
the Qashqai.
towards zero emissions and zero fatali-
The bumper and clam-shell bonnet
ties. The new Qashqai will be available
are new, with revised light clusters and
with ProPILOT autonomous driving
greater styling differentiation between
capability during FY17, controlling
the halogen and LED lamps. Each also
the steering, acceleration and brak-
gets a new version of the ‘boomerang’
ing in a single lane on highways. This
Daytime Running Light signature. Re-
will provide consumers with a more
designed front lamps add to the new
confident drive, enhanced control and
Qashqai’s premium appeal, while the
Visit Giltrap Nissan at
greater freedom during heavy traffic
addition of adaptive front lighting im-
82 Great South Road, Epsom
congestion and high-speed cruising.
proves night-time safety.
or visit their website at
The new Nissan Qashqai’s premium
Keep your eyes on this one.
www.giltrapnissan.co.nz
appeal is most obvious in the cabin, where an improved layout, higherquality materials and advanced technology return Qashqai to number one for desirability in the segment. Brand new is the range-topping Tekna+ grade - including new seats trimmed in high-quality soft nappa leather with luxurious 3D-quilting on the centre panels. Also new is a D-shaped multi-function steering wheel with premium satinchrome inserts. It features a four-way controller for the Combimeter display,
55 Return to Contents Page
Thanks See you next issue