2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio delivers performance and precision

The 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio delivers race-inspired performance, advanced technologies, seductive Italian style and an exhilarating driving experience to the premium mid-size sedan segment. Built in Italy, the Giulia Quadrifoglio Delivers Class-leading 505 Horsepower, 0-60 in 3.8 Seconds and a Record-setting 7:39 Nürburgring Lap Time – the Fastest Ever by a Four-door Production Sedan.

Incorporating next-level technologies, the Giulia Quadrifoglio features a Ferrari-derived 505-horsepower bi-turbo V-6 engine, Alfa Romeo’s most powerful production car engine ever, cylinder deactivation and carbon fiber active aero front splitter for improved handling at high speeds. Race-inspired performance is achieved courtesy of the Giulia’s extensive use of ultralight, high-strength materials, which include a carbon fiber driveshaft, hood, roof and more – all for a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio and near perfectly balanced 50/50 weight distribution, resulting in a class-leading 0-60 miles per hour (mph) time of 3.8 seconds and a record-setting Nürburgring time. And similar to all great Alfa Romeo vehicles, the Giulia features stunning Italian design with impeccable proportions and attention to detail that enables a timeless Alfa Romeo style with world-class craftsmanship.

A Formula-1 inspired steering wheel features a thick-rim profile that transmits the chassis’ direct-steering feel and neatly groups the vehicle controls and the red engine start button. Behind the steering wheel, the Giulia features a full-color 7-inch driver information display (DID) cluster straddled by two large white-on-black face analog gauges.

At the center of the interior, Alfa Romeo Giulia’s all-new 3-D Navigation offers an intuitive, yet sophisticated series of features, including a high-resolution 8.8-inch widescreen display with real-time vehicle performance pages and telemetry, plus 3-D graphic navigation. A short-shift six-speed manual shifter elevates proudly in the center console, while the all-new and ergonomically located Alfa Rotary Pad offers a gesture recognition system, allowing the driver to interact with the 3-D Navigation system simply by moving fingers on the pad.

Tosan Aduayi is the founder of Trendy Africa Magazine and has been an Auto columnist since 1994

Range Rover named 2015 luxury SUV at NAJA Awards

The Range Rover has been named winner in the Luxury SUV of year 2015 category recently in Lagos, in the Nigeria Auto Journalists Awards, an independent media awards programme judged by motoring editors across Nigeria.This award is a continual of last year’s feat, where the Range Rover was nominated and won the Premium Auto Brand of Year 2014 in its segment. 

According to Abiona Babarinde, the General Manager, Marketing, Coscharis Motors; the award is an attestation to the defining design strategy which was embedded within four major elements in building the vehicle – Luxury, Sustainability, Relevant Functionality and Desirability with  the commitment of Coscharis to taking the Jaguar Land Rover brands to the pinnacle of premium automobiles in Nigeria.   

Following over forty years of success, designing the current Range Rover and protecting such an icon’s DNA, came with a huge Responsibility. Consequently, this award among other previous awards, cements the aim of Land Rover in building the Range Rover as a sophisticated and modern SUV with peerless characteristics from its unique lineage.  

The organisers of the NAJA Awards opined that the Range Rover was adjudged the best because of “its ownership activities, especially in the last 12 months and the unique brand design adaptation, luxury offerings and sophistication that define it as a remarkable SUV for the new era.”

Coscharis Motors is the sole dealer of Jaguar Land Rover brands in Nigeria and boasts of a wide dealership - sales and service network across the country with a well trained and effective team. It currently stocks the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque, Discovery Sports and Defender Heritage. Other Jaguar variants include the XJ, XF, XE and F-Type.

Defender Captivates London

Londoners were delighted when they spotted a one-of-a-kind Land Rover Defender ‘taxi’ driving through the streets of the capital. The Defender, one of the world’s best-loved 4x4s, had the starring role in a commemorative film to celebrate this global automotive icon and to promote the forthcoming charity auction of the Defender 2 000 000 being held at Bonhams New Bond Street headquarters on 16 December.

The film, released today, also stars a number of other more unusual, specially modified vehicles including a Series II Land Rover ice cream van, a specially tailored Paul Smith Defender and the first ever Series Land Rover show car, displayed at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1948, all taking in London’s famous landmarks as they tell the story of the Defender’s rich history.

The Defender 2 000 000 will be on display at a specially curated exhibition from 15-16 December for prospective bidders to preview the vehicle at Bonhams ahead of its auction.

All proceeds from the auction of ‘Defender 2 000 000’ will be donated in their entirety to Land Rover’s humanitarian and conservation partners – the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Born Free Foundation.

Tosan Aduayi is the founder of Trendy Africa Magazine and has been an Auto columnist since 1994

JAGUAR XE and XF achieve five star euro NCAP safety rating

The Jaguar XE and all-new Jaguar XF have been awarded the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP’s 2015 safety tests. XE and XF scored highly in every category – Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Pedestrian and Safety Assist – and are among the most highly rated models in their respective segments.

“The XE and XF were engineered without compromise: we placed just as much focus on safety as we did on dynamics, performance, refinement and efficiency, and our stringent in-house standards far exceed the requirements of legislative and consumer tests,” said Kevin Stride, Vehicle Line Director for Jaguar XE, XF and F-PACE.

The XE and XF are developed from Jaguar’s Lightweight Aluminium Architecture: the inherently light body structures are also stiff and strong, delivering exceptional occupant protection. Both models are further enhanced by driver and passenger airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags. In the event of an impact with pedestrians, deployable bonnets help to mitigate serious injuries.

The XE and XF offer a full suite of active safety technologies and advanced driver assistance systems including Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, Emergency Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Closing Vehicle Sensing, Reverse Traffic Detection, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Additional safety features offered in the XF – which will be launched in South Africa early next year– include Lane Keep Assist, Driver Condition Monitor and Adaptive Speed Limiter.

Driving the Ultimate Pleasure of Life: Rolls Royce

A gentle tap on the electronic throttle brought to life the massive 6.75 litre-12 cylinder power plant neatly tucked under the bonnet of the world’s most luxurious hand built sedan; the Rolls Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase. In designing the current Phantom, the influence came from Sir Henry Royce himself: “Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better. When it doesn’t exist, design it.” From that challenge, Phantom was born. And the result is the definition of automotive design and technological perfection. Nigeria’s only accredited Rolls Royce dealership; Rolls Royce Motor Cars Nigeria organized a Ride and Drive event to enable the media experience first-hand the true thrill and feel of the Rolls Royce Phantom, Ghost II and the Wraith.

The average atmospheric temperature on the humid and hot afternoon within the vicinity of the most expensive residential real estate in Nigeria hovered around 94 degree F. However, such statistics had no bearing on the interior conditions of the luxury sedans creating an illusion in my mind that tomorrow should never come. The cabin of the Phantom boasts of bespoke had stitched leather, carefully selected veneer, fully stocked hidden refrigerator, deep lambswool carpets and a host of luxury perks all add up to create an unmatched presence.

I had to be reminded that other media personnel were ready to eject me if I spent a second extra on the heavenly seats. My intimate and personal experience with Rollers also changed my perception about the adaptability to modern auto trends. The 3D surround camera system ensures that you are in control of your surroundings. The integrated park assist is flawless. Adaptive headlamps, blind spot monitoring, multi-contour seats are just a few of enhanced technology available in the luxury cruiser. Dual WiFi hotspot keeps you connected while you’re on the move. 

The presence of a rotary controller allows you to access music or directions with just a swipe of your finger. To make life even easier, voice control is available and enables you change your destination or call your contacts.

As I eased off on a stretch of road made with interlocking blocks and a few speed breakers, the unparalleled driving comfort created the most unique thrill. Thanks to the state-of-the-art suspension technologies which create the air-cushioned ‘magic carpet-like’ ride unique to Rolls‑Royce.

The Wraith and the Ghost II both share the ride comfort. While the Ghost brims with innovative technology and unrivalled engineering boosted by a smooth twin-turbo 6.6-litre V12 engine, the Wraith has a timeless elegance and purity, allowing you to forge a graceful path through an ever-changing world at performances rated from 0-60mph in just 4.4 seconds which is reserved for super sports cars. 

Wraith also features one of the most intelligent drivetrains ever to feature in a Rolls‑Royce motor car. Satellite-aided transmission uses GPS data and the navigation system to pre-empt whatever’s around the corner. It then chooses the right gear and leaves you to enjoy the drive.

The ultimate in auto luxury, performance and standards are available at the ultra-modern Rolls Royce Motor Cars Nigeria showroom in Lagos. If you value the ultimate in driving pleasure, there is by far no other brand than the Rolls Royce.

Tosan Aduayi is the founder of Trendy Africa Magazine and has been an Auto columnist since 1994

Range Rover marks 45th anniversary with jaw dropping spectacle

To mark the 45th anniversary of its Range Rover family and to highlight 45 years of Range Rover innovation ahead of the Guangzhou Motor Show in China, Land Rover has driven its flagship Range Rover luxury SUV across a bridge made of paper. The freestanding structure in Suzhou, China, spanned five metres without glue or bolts to hold it in place. The hand-built paper bridge took three days to construct in the ancient water city of Suzhou, which is famous for its bridges and nicknamed ‘Venice of the East’. The unique crossing was made of high quality paper supplied by specialist British manufacturer James Cropper PLC. The high-grade paper provided the consistency and visual quality desired by British artist and bridge designer Steve Messam.

The job of driving the Range Rover was entrusted to Land Rover Experience Chief Instructor, Chris Zhou, and the landmark crossing showcased the innovative lightweight body construction and all-terrain capability of Land Rover’s flagship SUV.  

Range Rover represents the pinnacle of the Land Rover line-up and features a host of advanced technologies designed to deliver class-leading capability. The intelligent four-wheel set-up is controlled by Land Rover’s unique Terrain Response 2 system, which adjusts a range of vehicle settings to optimise all-terrain ability without any input from the driver. Range Rover defined the luxury SUV sector when it debuted in 1970 and the latest model was the first SUV in the world to be constructed from lightweight aluminium when it debuted in 2012.

In addition All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC) allows drivers to concentrate purely on steering the vehicle when negotiating difficult or slippery terrain by maintaining set crawl speed ranging from 1.8km/h to 30km/h without any pedal inputs. The innovative technology can be activated on the move or from a standstill, to help when pulling away on tricky surfaces such as wet grass or deep sand. “China is a hugely important market for Range Rover and the birthplace of paper, so we have picked the perfect place to celebrate 45 years of our luxury SUV family,” said Nick Rogers, Director Group Engineering Jaguar Land Rover. “Driving a vehicle across a paper bridge is a simple and engaging way of demonstrating both the lightweight construction and all-terrain composure of our most prestigious model.” Paper was invented in China around 2 000 years ago and stock from famous British supplier James Cropper PLC – itself celebrating 170 years in business in 2015 – was chosen to highlight Range Rover’s British roots. 

Tosan Aduayi is the founder of Trendy Africa Magazine and has been an Auto columnist since 1994

Jaguar XJR and XJ-R9 LM trash the tracks at Silverstone

The new Jaguar XJR and the race inspired XJ-R9 LM had an encounter at Silverstone. Le Mans racing Winner Andy Wallace tried out both Jags. Wallace drove the Jags during the day and at night while experiencing the 5.0-litre Supercharged V8 of the XJR. Wallace expressed his experiences while driving both cars.

Driving at night on the Silverstone circuit gave Wallace the opportunity to test the new LED headlights on the new XJ, the first Jaguar to be fitted with the technology. “Driving at Le Mans back in 1988, it was so hard to see at night,” said Wallace. “We were travelling at around 385km/h and it was too fast to see the road ahead. We used the lights more to catch glimpses of landmarks as they whizzed past, so we knew where we were.

“These days, modern road cars have incredible lights. LED technology allows you to see three times the distance we could back then, while active steer and bend also help target the lights to the places you want to see. “As a driver, whether you’re cruising on the road or pushing for performance on track, that level of vision really helps to give you confidence and that improves safety, performance and precision. I would love to have had the modern lights we have now on the XJ-R9 LM.”

“The XJ is now more dynamic and distinctive than ever, and taking the high-performance XJR to Silverstone gave an excellent demonstration of how the new LED lighting fitted to the car can benefit the driver,” said Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director for the Jaguar XJ. "But the new LED lights are just one of many impressive new features on our flagship sedan. Delivering even greater levels of luxury and performance, it features our new world-class infotainment system and interior materials and finishes that create an even more bespoke feel."

The 2016 XJ has had a thorough exterior design refresh and the full LED headlights with unique double 'J-Blade signature' daytime running lights are one of the key additions. They are unique in the Jaguar range. The LED headlights provide a colour temperature closer to that of daylight than the Bi-Xenon lamps they replace, improving visibility and driver comfort and also delivering a significant improvement in energy efficiency.

The most advanced lights ever seen on a Jaguar or Land Rover product, they also accentuate the 'quad lamp' design feature that Jaguar sporting sedans have made their own – a feature that also appeared on the XJ-R9 LM.

Tosan Aduayi has reported on Motoring since 1994 with trademark columns (Roadrunner, Carliners). He is the Founder and Publisher of Trendy Africa Magazine.

Modern Auto Transmissions are suffering from too much technology

I noticed a flaw with the continuous variable transmission (CVT) of my 2008 Nissan Altima not long after it was purchased. As a seasoned enthusiast, I knew something was not quite right. Months later, Nissan sent out a notice requesting owners of that model to come into the workshop for an evaluation. Without hesitating, I dashed to the dealership in Arlington Texas where they replaced the entire unit at no cost. On the contrary, I have been driving my 2000 Mercedes Benz E-class daily for over 2-years and the tranny just responds with no hitch.

Modern Auto transmissions have become a headache to drivers and manufacturers alike with rising complaints and recalls. Since 2010, automakers have recalled 7.2 million vehicles in the United States for dangerous transmission defects. The problems range from software problem to malfunctioning gears or clutches. Some fixes are as easy as taking a vehicle to a dealership and having the software replaced. Other times, it may require an entirely new transmission at the cost of thousands of dollars to carmakers and weeks of headaches for new owners.

Kia recalled more than 400,000 vehicles recently because they would shift out of park when the brake was pressed. Honda had to recall some Civics and its new Fit due to problems with the continuously variable transmission they use.

Twenty years ago, most cars had four or five gear transmissions. Six gears is now the industry norm though some cars have seven, eight and even nine gears as in the Jeep and Chrysler front or all-wheel-drive models. There are also more cars sold today with continuously variable transmissions, which, technically, have an infinite number of gear ratios.

Tosan Aduayi has reported on Motoring since 1994 with trademark columns (Roadrunner, Carliners). He is the Founder and Publisher of Trendy Africa Magazine.

Two millionth Series Land Rover Defender up for Auction in Dubai

Land Rover’s milestone vehicle the ‘Defender 2,000,000’ has landed in Dubai for an exclusive preview ahead of its special auction at Bonhams on 16th December, when car collectors from across the globe are expected to gather in London to bid for the unique car.

The two millionth Series Land Rover and Defender built in Solihull, UK, was displayed in the Al Fahidi district of the city, the historical heart of Dubai. To reflect Land Rover’s rich history and evolution through the decades, the vehicle was presented alongside a Series I Land Rover. The Defender pedal car concept, a hand-built tribute to Defender’s legacy which could be a popular collector’s piece and children’s toy in the region, completed the trio.

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 Sport, Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque each define the world's 4x4 sectors, with 80% of this model range exported to over 170 countries.

Communication source: JLR SA and SSA

Added Perks for Discovery Sport

Seatbelt for suitcases are among new accessories now available on the Land Rover Discovery Sport.  As a perfect road trip family vehicle, the right accessories can enhance their holiday driving experience even more. Land Rover also offers a centre armrest cooler for rear passengers. Finished in premium leather, this stylish refrigerator will keep your drinks and snacks pleasingly chilled on your travels.

There is also an iPad holder that clips into the headrests of the front seats, allowing rear-seat passengers to enjoy some hands-free entertainment, while sipping on some cool refreshments. . A handy set of side window sunshades further enhance the comfort of rear passengers.

Seatback stowage is also made available to help keep drinks, cables, plugs and toys organised in the rear. The Discovery Sport already boasts nearly 35 litres of stowage compartments for small items and boast s of an advanced Climate control unit with sensors which keeps the cabin of the Discovery Sport at the perfect temperature.

Tosan Aduayi is the founder of Trendy Africa Magazine and has been an Auto columnist since 1994

BENTLEY EXP 10 SPEED 6 WINS GOLD AT GERMAN DESIGN AWARDS

Bentley’s EXP 10 Speed 6 concept car has been awarded Gold in the Transportation category of the German Design Awards – one of the most highly respected design competitions in the world.

The German Design Council selects a panel of international design experts to judge the entries. They selected the EXP 10 Speed 6 for the Gold award as a result of its timeless, iconic Bentley design, clever use of new materials and aesthetic dynamism. 

The door panels are not covered with leather, but instead with high-quality wood.

The EXP 10 Speed 6 is a British interpretation of a high-performance two-seater sportscar. It showcases the future direction of luxury and performance using the finest materials and advanced hybrid technology – a powerful, exquisite and individual concept.

Tosan Aduayi is the founder of Trendy Africa Magazine and has been an Auto columnist since 1994

Kinsley Holgate conquers Africa for Land Rover

Land Rover Ambassador Kinsley Holgate spent 39 days on a grueling journey through six countries after departing from Gauteng’s Lesedi Cultural Village, in a fleet of Land Rovers to reach the Heart of Africa. Majority of this unique humanitarian journey was completed in specially outfitted Land Rovers, with the last section of the forest trek requiring the team to park their vehicles and proceed on foot. Kinsley Holgate and his team set out to find the beating heart of the African continent in the vibrant rainforests of the Congo, as scientifically determined by the Department of Environmental and Geographic Science at the University of Cape Town.

Joining the expedition were 14 Ba’aka pygmies, who played the role of porters as they carried tents, bedrolls, water, food, satellite phones and, of course, three GPS devices to help pinpoint the exact location of the Heart of Africa. Despite their great knowledge of the forests they call home, the pygmies had no concept of what Africa looks like on a map, not to mention where its heart would be found or the co-ordinates that were scribbled in the margins. With the help of the expedition’s interpreter, Nazaire, the team discovered that the pygmy porters had never travelled beyond their familiar forest routes. So what lay ahead was completely unknown for everyone.

 The first casualty of the on-foot forest trek was Mike Nixon, who was stung in the mouth by a bee. This eighth sting of the day proved too much for his system. A quick dig through emergency rations saw an Epipen being administered, preventing the swelling from affecting his airway.

At this point the pygmies decided to share their three big fears: forest leopards, forest elephants, and being bitten by the Ndolo – or Gaboon viper – for which they had no cure. Undaunted, the expedition crew proceeded, albeit a little more informed of the potential dangers ahead. For seven days, Holgate and his crew suffered through the last 17km of their journey. Constant rain and skin-piercing vines made for slow progress, with the team taking more than six hours to travel just one kilometre.

“After 9 000 kilometres in our Land Rovers, across six countries, it’s the last 17 kilometres that nearly killed us,” said Holgate. “It became a physical and emotional nightmare of endurance, and the longest seven days of my life. A whole week of grabbing roots to drag us along our bellies, digging through deep mud, and crafting our own pole bridges.”

The team eventual reached their destination using three GPS co-ordinates reading “17.05291°E, 2.07035°N”; as supplied by the University of Cape Town, and verified by the International Geographic Union. The Heart of the African continent now stands in the vast, 200 000 square kilometre rainforests of the Congo.

Tosan Aduayi is the founder of Trendy Africa Magazine and has been an Auto columnist since 1994

Dynamic tweaks for Discovery Sport

With sales reaching nearly 30,000 in the first half of 2015, Land Rover has further enhanced the visual appeal of its latest premium, compact SUV with the launch of the Discovery Sport Dynamic at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. 

The Discovery Sport with Dynamic pack features a number of exterior enhancements, including Narvik Black exterior details, body-coloured mouldings and door claddings and the choice of a unique new 19” wheel design in Satin Dark Grey, or a 20” Gloss Black wheel.  

The capability of the Discovery Sport is heightened by the introduction of All Terrain Progress Control (ATPC) on petrol models, for 2016. ATPC is an advanced system that enables drivers to set and maintain a steady speed in off-road conditions. 

Another new feature is the Gesture Tailgate which provides the user with the ability to open and close the powered tailgate by means of a kick gesture, enabling the user hands-free access to the load space.

Tosan Aduayi is the founder of Trendy Africa Magazine and has been an Auto columnist since 1994

Jaguar Land Rover Unveils 007 cars

Jaguar Land Rover is celebrating their vehicles appearing in the new Bond (007) adventure, SPECTRE. Cars, including the Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover Sport SVR and the iconic Land Rover Defender, stole the show as they were unveiled in public for the first time at the palatial Thurn und Taxis in Frankfurt.

Naomie Harris (Moneypenny) and David Bautista (Hinx) were guests of honour at the glamorous event showcasing special stunt vehicles used in the latest instalment of the James Bond series.  Guests were entertained by British singer and musician John Newman, who performed a number of top ten hits from his album. 

SPECTRE, the 24th James Bond film, from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment, sees the Jaguar C-X75 drive through the moonlit streets of Rome in one of the movie’s most iconic high speed chase scenes.  

Driven by Hinx, played by David Bautista, the C-X75 supercar, named the most advanced Jaguar ever created, was provided by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) in collaboration with development partner Williams Advanced Engineering headquarters in Oxfordshire, England.  

Tosan Aduayi is the founder of Trendy Africa Magazine and has been an Auto columnist since 1994

Dawn is the new don of Rolls Royce

Rolls-Royce production is guided by three basic principles. The first is by Sir Henry Royce; “Strive for perfection in everything you do. The second; “Take the best that exists and make it better” as seen in the Phantom Series II and Ghost Series II as they were carefully updated in 2012 and 2014 respectively.  The third; “When it does not exist, design it.” And thus, Wraith was born. And so, the new Rolls-Royce Dawn, the world’s only true modern four-seater super-luxury drophead, is born.

In 1952, the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn drophead, which became the muse for the designers of the new Rolls-Royce Dawn, was finished by Rolls-Royce coachbuilders Park Ward and delivered to its first customer, Colonel W.A. Phillips in Canada. Rolls-Royce’s new Dawn has taken inspiration from the Silver Dawn. The Dawn is fitted with a twin-turbo 6.6-litre V12 powertrain that churns out 563bhp that propels the body mass from0-100kmh in 4.9 secs while managing a governed top speed of 250 kmh.

The Rolls-Royce Dawn’s effortless dynamism is augmented with the addition of Satellite Aided Transmission, a technology that made its global debut on Wraith in 2013. Satellite Aided Transmission utilizes GPS data to allow the car to see beyond what the driver sees, anticipating their next move based on location and driving style. It uses this information to select the most appropriate gear from the Dawn’s 8-speed ZF gearbox to ensure the driver is able to appropriately exploit the power from the Rolls-Royce 6.6 litre twin-turbo V12, ensuring an effortless and seamless drive experience. Satellite Aided Transmission comes as standard on Dawn.

Additional techs include the LED lighting technology which is enhanced by adaptive technology. Electronically controlled reflectors move in the direction of travel in response to wheel turns to give a greater depth of vision when cornering and a whiter, brighter light ensures effortless and safe driving on dark roads whilst helping reduce driver tiredness.

In addition, automatic dipping of full-beam headlights has been replaced with revolutionary new glare-free technology. When a car approaches, light is deflected to ensure the oncoming driver is not dazzled. Night-time driving safety is boosted by the head-up display and heat detection system that detects both human and animal heat signatures, and issues an audible warning to the driver of possible danger.

by Tosan Aduayi