2021 Toyota Venza

Toyota has introduced its all-new 2021 Venza which comes equipped exclusively with the Toyota Hybrid System II powertrain and advanced Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive. Along with comfortable urban and highway performance, Venza is expected to have impressive fuel efficiency, with a preliminary manufacturer-estimated 40 MPG combined fuel economy in LE trim.

The 2021 Venza, which arrives in Toyota dealerships this summer, is built around a version of the Toyota New Global Architecture K platform that underpins some of the company’s sedans and crossovers. As such, Venza delivers the best of both worlds: sedan-like driving comfort and CUV versatility.

The 2021 Venza offers ample room for five in a highly maneuverable package. A host of tech-focused features are available, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with nine JBL speakers, 7-inch multi-information display (MID), digital rear-view mirror, and 10-inch color Head-Up Display. Other available features include a Star GazeTM fixed panoramic glass roof, a first-ever for Toyota, and heated and ventilated front seats that set the stage for true, graceful grand touring.

Venza’s top innovation is literally found on top of the vehicle. In a first for Toyota, the 2021 Venza offers an available Star GazeTM fixed panoramic glass roof. The Star GazeTM electrochromic glass technology allows drivers to switch from transparent to frosted modes within one second using the ON/OFF button. In the frosted mode, Star GazeTM brightens the interior while reducing direct sunlight, giving the cabin an even more open, airy, and inviting feeling.

Visibility-enhancing technology surrounds the driver. The Venza LE grade features a 4.2-inch color MID, while XLE and Limited grades receive a 7-inch color MID.  In either display, a Hybrid System Indicator shows the driver system output and regeneration status to encourage eco-driving habits. As used on other Toyota hybrid models, the display suggests the optimal acceleration amount for eco driving and provides a game-like scoring function for the driver.

The 2021 Venza is equipped with eight airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows. Toyota’s Star Safety System includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

Tosan Aduayi reports on motoring periodically from Dallas - tosan@trendyafrica.com

covid-19 pandemic: Bugatti restarts production in the workshop

From today, Bugatti is once again producing its unique hyper sports cars in the workshop in Molsheim. Following the break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some employees are now returning to the main factory in Alsace. They will be able to work on the hyper sports cars; Chiron, and Divo subject to strict conditions.

A Bugatti task force has been working over recent weeks on specific rules of conduct for the restart, taking into consideration the legal requirements of the French government and recommendations from international experts.

Every employee will be given their own protective face mask on arrival at the Molsheim site. These must always be worn on the premises and in the work areas, even if a safety distance of 1.5 metres is also maintained and specified rules for washing hands are followed. In addition, employees will be required to clean their tools thoroughly before and after use.

Contactless processing of incoming and outgoing goods wherever possible, as well as reduction of deliveries and maintenance to a minimum, will be as much a part of the new normal in the coming weeks as continued meetings via Skype.

Tosan Aduayi reports on motoring from Dallas

Jaguar F-PACE SVR in Sub-Sahara Africa

Jaguar’s highest performance SUV, the F-PACE SVR, is now available in sub-Sahara Africa regions. Inspired by the F-TYPE sports car, the new SVR features Jaguar’s Variable Valve Active Exhaust System which provides a throaty soundtrack and is another factor behind the SVR’s increased performance capability. The advanced design allows increased exhaust flow and is 6.6kg lighter than the standard system.

To make the most of the SVR’s 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged engine, Jaguar’s eight-speed ‘Quickshift’ automatic transmission has been specially calibrated and its uprated suspension delivers driving dynamics to match its performance. The chassis upgrades include progressive front and rear springs that are 30 and 10 per cent stiffer respectively and incorporate an anti-roll bar specification that contributes to a 5% reduction in body roll. With over 400HP, the F-Pace SVR can sprint from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds.

SVR-specific lightweight forged 21- and optional 22-inch alloy wheels are wider at the rear by 25mm compared to the front and contribute to the SVR’s enhanced handling. Aerodynamic enhancements include larger air intakes at the front and side fender vents that lower pressure in the wheel arches, reduce lift and provide additional cooling while also optimizing high-speed stability.

The Dynamic Stability Control system has been adapted to suit the added performance potential of the F-PACE SVR with the system able to reduce engine torque or apply braking to individual wheels to help maintain the chosen line when cornering.

The Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) has been tuned to manage the specific demands of high-speed cornering and the steering adapts depending on the drive mode selected – in Dynamic mode drivers experience a sportier set-up with enhanced steering feel and more direct response.

Drawing on Jaguar Land Rover’s extensive all-terrain expertise, the F-PACE SVR features a host of advanced technologies to ensure superb all-surface performance. All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics, All Surface Progress Control and Adaptive Surface Response ensure the SUV can handle all weather conditions and a wide variety of surfaces.

Inside, the F-PACE SVR features slimline performance front seats that provide enhanced lateral support and have signature lozenge quilting and embossed SVR logo. Unique rear seats echo the heavily sculpted designs up front and the SUV’s sports car character is underlined by the Sport Shift Selector. An SVR branded steering wheel features aluminium paddle shifters.

Customers have a choice of seven exterior paint finishes, while four interior colour themes help to highlight the vehicle’s high-performance personality; Pimento Red with Ebony Black, Light Oyster with Ebony, Siena Tan with Ebony and all black Ebony on Ebony. Veneer choices include Meshed Aluminium and Aluminium Weave Carbon Fibre

The F-PACE SVR is available now with pricing available from respective sub-Sahara Africa distributors. All Jaguars come standard with a 5-year/100,000km Care Plan.

Tosan Aduayi reports on motoring periodically. - flowtranglobal@gmail.com

2019 Ford Ranger Launched in Pretoria

Ford has gone further in the ultra-competitive light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment with the launch of the New Ranger for 2019. The new Ranger was launched in Pretoria, South Africa, recently. Featuring an extensive range of mechanical, technological, feature and comfort upgrades, the new line-up will make the Ranger an even more compelling choice amongst workhorse and leisure-oriented pick-up customers.

“The current Ranger has been a fantastic success story for Ford in Sub-Saharan Africa, and is the leading LCV export to markets in Europe, the Middle East and the rest of Africa,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager Marketing at Ford Motor Company Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Region.

“The New Ranger introduces fresh exterior and interior design cues that build on its ‘tough truck’ image, complemented by the adoption of new technologies that further bolster the Ranger’s established reputation for supreme safety, convenience and comfort,” she adds.

The model line-up has been revised for New Ranger, with the new XLS series slotting in above the entry-level Base and XL versions. The XLS offers superb value for money along with an impressive list of standard features. The Ranger Limited makes way for an enhanced XLT specification in SSA, and the range is topped off as usual with the exclusive and luxuriously appointed Ranger Wildtrak.

Commenting on the New Ranger, Abiona Babarinde, the General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications at Coscharis Motors, the exclusive distributors of Ford in Nigeria says “We are excited about this new addition to our Ford collections that will certainly deliver the expected value in the auto market as this is expected to delight our numerous existing customers and convert new prospects in the truck segment. Surprisingly, some of our loyal customers have already started to make enquiries on this New Ranger which is a good signal that this vehicle will be well accepted and will do well in our market”.

Continuing the Ranger’s proven ‘Built Ford Tough’ heritage, the assertive styling of the 2019 model delivers an even more powerful presence on the road. The latest model offers the opportunity to provide greater differentiation in the series. Accordingly, the front-end design of the popular XLT series has been updated to have a more horizontal feel, with the centre grille bar now divided into two, giving it a more precise and well-crafted look.

The lower bumper also presents a sense of solidity and strength through the centre beam that runs into the outer fog lamp areas. With a wider lower grille the new bumper complements and harmonises well with new front end. The same design execution has been applied to XL and XLS variants.

The new Ranger comes in three different engine options: The powerful five-cylinder 3.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine continues to lead the range, delivering impressive performance and outstanding load-lugging abilities with a peak power of 147kW matched to 470Nm of torque.

The reliable and efficient 2.2-litre TDCi engine remains a key part of the New Ranger line-up across the Single Cab, SuperCab and Double Cab models. It continues in the two existing levels: 88kW/285Nm with a five-speed manual gearbox for the base-spec models, and 118kW/385Nm for the more upmarket versions, available with a choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions on selected derivatives

The dependable and more preferred in Nigeria 2.5-litre four-cylinder Duratec petrol engine is also available in selected models, providing 122kW of power and 225Nm of torque, combined with a five-speed manual gearbox.

The Ranger is already highly regarded for its impressive ride and handling characteristics, and the 2019 model range has benefitted from further improvements that result in significantly improved ride quality more akin to that of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) than a pick-up.

The refinements made on the new Ranger provide a plusher ride over rough surfaces by better isolating the occupants from the road inputs. They also improve vehicle handling over corrugated surfaces, give better steering precision and control, and benefit the vehicle posture and ride performance when laden.

The Ranger’s exceptional towing capacity of up to 3 500kg remains unchanged, as do the impressive load capacity of up to 1 199kg (on selected SuperCab models), the 800mm water wading depth and 230mm ground clearance.

The Ford Ranger continues to rewrite the rulebook by introducing trend-setting technologies to the pick-up segment, and the New Ranger is no exception.

Added for everyday convenience is the new Passive Entry and Passive Start (PEPS), fitted as standard on the XLT. The keyless entry and passive start uses an intelligent access system that allows the driver to unlock the vehicle and start the engine without removing the key fob from a pocket or bag. When the key is in the vehicle, the driver simply presses the Start/Stop button while applying the brake pedal to start the car.

Ford’s award-winning SYNC® technology remains the cornerstone of the Ranger’s in-car entertainment system on the high-end models. XLT models are equipped with high-end SYNC® 3 linked to the integrated eight-inch touch-screen colour display. Navigation is standard on selected XLT derivatives.

The safety package offered in the New Ranger is of the highest order. Depending on specification level, it incorporates a comprehensive Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system with Traction Control (TC), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Adaptive Load Control (ALC) and Roll Over Mitigation (ROM).

A full Category 1 Thatcham-specification alarm is now standard on all Ranger XL, XLS, XLT and Wildtrak models, complemented by a spare wheel lock across the range.

Tosan Aduayi reports on motoring periodically

Karma presents hot new models at Shanghai 2019

Luxury electric vehicle automaker, Karma Automotive, chose Auto Shanghai 2019, the world’s largest automotive show, to usher in a new era for the company and launch its New Dawn product showcase illustrating its immediate, mid-term and long-term future.

The big three include;

1.       2020 Karma Revero GT luxury electric vehicle: it’s fast, smart, stunning in design, and will be available for sale during the second half of this year. The new car offers improved technology, performance, interior and exterior options and customization capability. It features a TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder in-line engine supplied by BMW AG to power an on-board electric generator and enhance overall vehicle performance. Karma engineers created a world-class electric drive system that alongside a series of other technological advancements enables the new 2020 Revero to be as fast as it looks.

2.    Karma Pininfarina GT coupe: the first result of a partnership with Pininfarina, the iconic Italian design and engineering house. The Pininfarina team took a new 2020 Revero GT, retained the fundamental engineering parameters and then crafted a new body style, panels and interior, offering an alternative design interpretation.

3.       Karma SC1 Vision Concept: a signpost to Karma’s future – one that recognizes and embraces full electrification. The roadster reimagines Karma design language for tomorrow and soon-to-come customization options and shows the brand’s future direction based on full BEV offerings at the company’s core. The Karma SC1 Vision Concept features the best of some of tomorrow’s cutting-edge technologies with Karma’s distinctive take on integration. At the core of SC1 Vision Concept’s technological suite is a new infotainment architecture with 5G connectivity as well as a humanized communication system, which integrates touch, voice, eye, and graphical interfaces to enable seamless interaction with the roadster.

Tosan Aduayi reports on motoring periodically - flowtranglobal@gmail.com

COTA IndyCar series 2019

The inaugural IndyCar Classic was held at Circuit of the Americas-COTA on March 24, 2019. It was a 60-lap event that was won by rookie Colton Herta of Harding Steinbrenner Racing, who became the youngest race winner in IndyCar Series history at 18 years of age.

It was one of the two additions to the 2019 IndyCar Series schedule, which officially revealed that COTA had obtained a race as part of a multi-year agreement when it was released on September 4, 2018.

COTA was joined on the 2019 schedule by a revived Grand Prix of Monterey on September 22, the season finale and the first IndyCar race at Laguna Seca in 15 years. IndyCar Classic was the second race of the 2019 season, following the season-opening Grand Prix of St. Petersburg two weeks earlier on March 10.

The placement of the Austin race, as well as the forward shift of the Grand Prix of Alabama that follows it, will reduce the number of long gaps in the early portion of the season.

Tosan Aduayi reports on motoring periodically - flowtranglobal@gmail.com

Land Rover’s expedition to tackle malaria

Land Rover is working with the Mobile Malaria Project, winners of the 2018 Land Rover Bursary in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), as it heads to sub-Saharan Africa to embark on a unique eight-week journey of Discovery.

Made up of three Oxford University researchers, led by Dr George Busby, the Mobile Malaria Project will travel more than 6,300km across Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya. Driving a specially-modified Land Rover Discovery, they will investigate the challenges facing those on the front line of malaria control in Africa – where 90 per cent of the world’s cases occur.

Designed and developed by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, the Discovery is equipped with a mobile genetic sequencing laboratory that makes full-use of the vehicle’s 1,137-litre load space. Not only does it feature a fridge/freezer unit to safely store scientific supplies, there is also a bespoke load space configuration frame system with specially-designed storage equipment cases and an on-board expedition battery.

The Land Rover Discovery has a 30-year track record of tackling the most difficult terrain, reaching threatened habitats and vulnerable people across the world. The expedition group has also teamed up with another of Land Rover’s global humanitarian partners, what3words, to accurately plan their route, navigate on the ground and document their findings in real-time.

The Mobile Malaria Project will depart the UK on 22 March to begin its eight-week expedition.

bout the Land Rover Bursary

About Land Rover Bursary

The Land Rover Bursary was first awarded by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) in 2007, offering funding and the use of a Land Rover vehicle, as part of a partnership that stretches back more than 35 years. The bursary is awarded every year to an enthusiastic team who undertake a journey for which a Land Rover is integral, to promote a wider understanding and enjoyment of geography and to take the recipients beyond their normal limits and boundaries.

About Land Rover

Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true 'breadth of capability' across the model range. Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque each define the world's SUV sectors, with 80 per cent of this model range exported to over 100 countries.

About the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG; Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography. Formed in 1830 for 'the advancement of geographical science', today we deliver this objective through developing, supporting and promoting geographical research, expeditions and fieldwork, education, public engagement, and geography input to policy. The Society aims to foster an understanding and informed enjoyment of our world. The RGS-IBG holds the world's largest private geographical collection and provides public access to it. www.rgs.org

About the Mobile Malaria Project

As winners of the 2018 Land Rover Bursary, Dr George Busby from the University of Oxford's Big Data Institute, Jason Hendry and Dr Isaac Ghinai will drive 6,300km across Africa in March 2019 to document current innovations and challenges in eliminating malaria – a parasitic infectious disease transmitted between humans by mosquitoes.

Tosan Aduayi contributes on motoring from Dallas, Texas