Getting topless with Lexus

It takes just 15 seconds to get topless in the new Lexus LC Convertible that joins the brand as a luxury lifestyle model. 

The Lexus design team was briefed the new model had to preserve the essential styling motifs of the LC 500 coupé so the roof was key to their goal, as chief designer Tadao Mori explains: “Few convertibles are stylish and elegant when the roof is open and when it is closed. We put maximum effort into realising the same beautiful roof line for the LC Convertible as for the coupe.”

 

The cover is set as low as possible, avoiding the familiar flat, platform look typical of many convertibles. The beltline kicks up behind the doors, creating an overall tight and clean profile. The folding roof boasts an extra fold in the soft top to fit in the space between the rear suspension towers, creating a character line running from the front to the back. 

Only one model grade is available and it’s priced at R2 345 500.

 

The LC 500 Convertible combines highly rigid yet lightweight front, centre and rear bracing supports, a rear suspension tower brace and shear panel to ensure tight handling. 

The Convertible builds on the engineering evolution of the recently-updated LC Coupé – including lighter forged-aluminium suspension components, a hollow rear stabiliser bar, rear performance damper, optimised Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and new Active Cornering Assist (ACA). 

The 5,0-litre normally aspirated V8 petrol engine with direct injection which sees duty in both variants, makes 351 kW of power at 7 100 r/min and 540 Nm of torque at 4 800 r/min in the LC 500 Convertible. 

A recently-retuned 10-speed automatic transmission combines with the revised chassis to leverage the best from the highly rigid GA-L rear-wheel drive platform, and enable smooth ride comfort to coexist with excellent dynamics. 

The LC 500 Convertible can accelerate from 0-100 in just 4,7 seconds and it has a claimed fuel consumption of 12,7 l/100 km and a C02 emissions figure of 290 g/km.

 

Full specification includes 21-inch forged-alloy two-tone wheels, pre-crash safety system (PCS), lane keep assist (LKA) with steering assist, blind spot monitor (BSM) with rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), Cruise Control, six SRS crash bags (Side, Knee, Driver and Passenger), vehicle stability control (VSC), LED headlights with cornering lights and washers and automatic high-beam (AHB), LFA-style 8,0-inch digital instrumentation with slide-out meter ring, 10,3-inch multimedia screen with Lexus Remote Touch-pad (LRT) controller, dual-zone climate control air conditioning with Lexus Climate Concierge, 10-way power-operated front seats with driver memory settings and heated and ventilated front seats as some of the items on a very long list. 

Even though the LC Convertible has a soft top, Lexus wanted to secure the same kind of cabin quietness as in the LC Coupe. Acoustic simulations were created to find out where dominant noises were entering the space, so the amount and location of soundproofing and sound-absorbing material could be calculated. 

The storage area behind the rear seats for the folding roof presented a particular challenge, as it was a route for tyre and exhaust noise to enter the cabin. There was not enough room for sound-proofing material to be added, so the team looked instead at adapting the trim material itself. By allowing air to pass through the structure and using sound-absorbing material on the reverse, the entire surface of the storage space soaks up noise. 

The 2021 LC Convertible comes standard with a 7-year/105 000 km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan.

 

2021 LEXUS LS GETS MINOR CHANGE

 

The 310 kW 3,5-litre twin turbo-charged V6 engine in the LS 500 benefits from enhancements that deliver greater responsiveness and reduce noise. In the LS 500, the earlier production of engine torque leads to greater acceleration response from lower speeds in particular. 

Improved shift timing for the 10-speed automatic transmission, and a wider acceleration range for each gear, results in less-frequent downshifts and improved refinement. Quietness has also been improved by lowering the maximum available engine speed during the take-off phase of acceleration. 

The new LS also adopts Active Noise Control and Engine Sound Enhancement tuning, while a revised engine-mount interior, alters damping characteristics to further reduce powertrain noise and vibration.

 

The LS output figures are 310 kW and 600 Nm of torque at 6 000 rpm. The engine’s long stroke and optimised stroke-to-bore ratio contribute to high-speed combustion and the efficiency of the twin turbos, helping the LS post a projected 0-to-100 km/h acceleration time of 5 seconds. 

For both the F Sport and Luxury variant, the driver is able to tailor powertrain response and feel by selecting Normal, Eco, Sport and Sport S+ drive modes, with just enough of the exhaust note being audible to enhance the sporty feel. 

Lexus has also enhanced the seating of the LS to support the under-skin improvements. The seats in the LS now feature deeper stitch points and low-resilience urethane for the padding, with vibration absorption measures and softer positioning contributing to even greater comfort. 

The headlights adopt a BladeScan adaptive high-beam system (first seen on RX). This technology delivers more precise illumination to avoid blinding other drivers while providing a broader distribution of light to illuminate areas that would not normally be visible with a conventional high-beam system. 

The F Sport's more dynamic image is distinguished by the garnish for the sub-radiator grilles wrapping around to the sides and the adoption of a dedicated colour for the spindle grille and 20-inch wheels. 

The Lexus LS 500 Luxury retails for R2 204 200, while the LS 500 F Sport has a price tag of R2 397 900. The LS has a 7-year/105 000 km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan. The vehicle’s service intervals are at every 15 000 km, alternatively once a year.

 Jaguar F-PACE upgraded with new looks and engines

The fact lady racer Tasmin Pepper was not white-knuckling the grab handles or actively trying to push a foot through the floorboards from the passenger seat as I hurled the first edition Jaguar F-PACE around the Aldo Scribante race circuit spoke volumes for my talent. . .or the ability of the SUV. 

I claim a combination of the two. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 

Now, the Jaguar F-PACE has been fully refreshed with new exterior styling, an all-new interior, new engine options and latest generation Pivi Pro infotainment systems.

 

The SUV features a cleaner look thanks to a new sculpted bonnet with a wider power bulge and smoother, more precisely defined surfaces. The new bonnet also contributes to a more striking finish by reducing the number of shutlines on the front of the car. 

New super slim all-LED quad headlights with ‘Double J’ Daytime Running Light (DRL) signatures, which are available with optional Pixel LED technology, deliver increased resolution and brightness. Adaptive Driving Beam capability evaluates the road ahead and automatically adapts the high beam light to mask oncoming traffic or traffic signs. The system can create varying light beam patterns by selecting different LED segments to optimise visibility without distracting other drivers.  

 

Premium LED technology is fitted as standard across the range and is available with Auto High Beam Assist on SE and HSE models. Animated Directional Indicators are also available on all models when fitted as part of additional linked options.

At the heart of the new interior is a centrally-mounted 11,4-inch curved-glass HD Pivi Pro touchscreen in a magnesium alloy casing. New finishes, including open-pore wood veneers and aluminium, can be found in the upper door insert and full width ‘Piano lid’ that is formed across the width of the instrument panel. 

A new centre console sweeps up to the instrument panel while incorporating a wireless charger and greater stowage capacity. The new Drive Selector features an upper section finished with ‘cricket-ball’ stitching and a lower section made of precision-engineered metal. 

New seat designs feature wider cushioning, new massage functions and enhanced coverage of the heated and cooling areas. A set of ‘Est.1935 Jaguar Coventry’ upholstery tags highlight the brand’s heritage, and embossed Jaguar Leaper is included on all headrests of selected models.

The latest Pivi Pro infotainment system is accessed through an all-new 11,4-inch curved glass HD touchscreen. The screen is three times brighter and 48% larger than the previous 10-inch screen, and the simplified menu structures allow drivers to access or view up to 90% of common tasks from the home screen in two taps or less.  

The F-PACE now also has a 12,3-inch HD Interactive Driver Display with a configurable layout which can show full-screen navigation mapping with turn-by-turn instructions, digital dials, media, contact list or infotainment details. Working in conjunction with the latest Head-up Display technology, new F-PACE gives drivers all the information they need without distraction. 

A second-generation wearable Activity Key can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle without the need for the conventional key fob to be present in the vehicle. This rechargeable device incorporates a watch and has a battery life of seven days between charges.  

The new F-PACE is available in South Africa with two diesel and three petrol engine options, all featuring intelligent all-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmissions.  

Diesel choices include a next-generation 147 kW/430 Nm D200 2,0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium, while a new D300 3,0-litre in-line six cylinder diesel producing 221 kW and 700 Nm delivers acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 6,4 seconds. 

A 2,0-litre four-cylinder P250 Ingenium engine with 184 kW and 365 Nm, which completes the 0-100 km/h test in 7,3 seconds, serves as an entry point to the petrol range, while a new 3,0-litre in-line six-cylinder P400 boasts outputs of 294 kW and 550 Nm thanks to its mild-hybrid (MHEV) system. This system features latest engine technologies including an electric supercharger supported by a twin scroll turbo-charger and Continuous Variable Valve Lift (CVVL). In P400 form the new F-PACE is capable of 0-100km/h in 5,4 seconds. 

A new 2,0-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model produces a combined 297 kW and 640 Nm from its petrol engine and 105 kW electric motor. The advanced electric motor is powered by a 17,1 kWh lithium-ion battery and helps contribute to CO₂ emissions from 49 g/km and fuel economy from 2,2 l/100km as well as performance figures of 0-100 km/h in 5, seconds. 

When fully charged, the new PHEV is capable of up to 53 km of all-electric driving, enabling the new F-PACE PHEV to complete a daily commute of 30,2 km in EV mode without requiring a recharge. Fast Charging (32kW DC) is capable of delivering 0%-80% charge in 30 minutes while a domestic 7 kW wall box can provide a charge of 0%-80% in one hour 40 minutes.

All engines are paired with Jaguar’s eight-speed automatic gearbox, which can be controlled using the steering wheel shift paddles for added driver engagement. All-wheel drive is standard across all F-PACE models and Intelligent Driveline Dynamics provides rear-wheel drive biased performance, with the ability to vary torque to individual axles almost instantly depending on conditions. 

 

F-PACE pricing

·                  F-PACE D200                                       R1,122,500

·                  F-PACE D300                                       R1,233,200

·                  F-PACE P250                                       R1,214,500

·                  F-PACE P400                                       R1,239,400

·                  F-PACE P400e                                     R1,610,100

·                  F-PACE D200 R-Dynamic                     R1,190,500

·                  F-PACE D300   R-Dynamic                   R1,301,000

·                  F-PACE P250   R-Dynamic                   R1,282,400

·                  F-PACE P400 R-Dynamic                     R1,307,300

·                  F-PACE P400e R-Dynamic                    R1,672,700

·                  F-PACE D200 R-Dynamic Black             R1,176,600

·                  F-PACE D300   R-Dynamic Black          R1,287,100

·                  F-PACE P250   R-Dynamic Black          R1,268,500

 

All prices include VAT but exclude CO2 tax. All Jaguar vehicles come with a standard 5-year/100,000 km Jaguar Care Plan and warranty.

Road Review Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 S Coupé 

This car is legally insane!

 This car is the Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 S Coupé kitted with an AMG 4,0-litre V8 biturbo engine whacking out 450 kW and 850 Nm. 

Impressive numbers indeed. However, the numbers themselves do not mean that much despite much beer-fuelled banter around the braai fire. Consider a race car with similar numbers that offers them up only in small band between, say 6 000 r/min and 9 000 r/min. 

Not ideal for negotiating the morning traffic. What makes the numbers significant is how they are delivered and the GLE releases maximum torque from 2 250 r/min with peak power around 5 750 r/min – mean it is not only blisteringly fast but gives and keeps on giving. 

In fact, on the private landing strip used during my test I ran out of road before the GLE ran out of breath. 

Acceleration from 0-100 km/h comes up in 3,9 seconds!

For the first time, the new GLE 63’s 4,0-litre V8 biturbo engine is fitted with an integrated EQ Boost starter-alternator that combines a starter motor and an alternator in a single, powerful electric motor. It provides an additional 16 kW of output and 250 Nm of torque which can be called upon temporarily and also supplies the 48-volt on-board electrical system to use as a power generator and perform hybrid functions. These include boost, recuperate, load point shift, gliding and the virtually imperceptible restarting of the engine with the start/stop function.  

Power is regulated through a 9-speed transmission, which features extremely short shift times and fast multiple downshifts, and delivers an especially emotive gear shifting experience thanks to the double-declutching function. 

For increased efficiency, Mercedes-AMG has also equipped the V8 engines with cylinder shut-off. In the partial-load range, cylinders two, three, five and eight are deactivated, which crucially reduces fuel consumption. When the driver has selected the Comfort drive program, the cylinder deactivation system is available from 1 000 r/min to 3 250 r/min. The transition between these two operating states is so smooth and immediate passengers will scarcely feel it. 

And, herein is the conundrum. The ‘G’ portion of the nomenclature signifies a car with off road capability but, why would anyone want to take this high-rise on steroids off-road? 

Perhaps it is just the ‘old school’ in me but, when I’m nudging over the 200 km/h mark, I like my butt to be mere millimetres from the ground. Talking of that 200 number, from that speed the GLE picks up some buffeting from its own wind both smashing a hole in the air ahead of the car and from the vacuum effect created at the rear. 

It is not hugely significant, rather a touch disconcerting.

Perhaps, even surprisingly, the GLE handles rather well for what it is and will take on tight corners with minimal body roll and even less feeling of wanting to come unglued from the road, even with its 2 445-kilogram mass. 

Being a 4Matic all-wheel drive, it will plough on at initial turn-in but quickly steady and follow steering directions precisely. 

In ‘Race’ mode all bets are off though and ill-considered entry into corners will produce some lurid moments as the ‘nanny’ systems cease to provide assistance to the driver. 

For daily driving and standard use set in ‘Comfort’ mode, the best is tamed and remains absolutely gentle, just the choogling boogies of the V8 a delicious reminder of what lurks within. In this frame of mind, fuel consumption is around 12,9 l/100 km. 

The exterior design of the AMG GLE is muscular and distinctive, with specific radiator grilles with vertical louvres affirming its membership of the AMG model family. The side skirts, exterior mirror housings and flared wheel arches are painted in the vehicle colour and seamlessly blend into the overall look. 

I mulled over the look for a long time and could not get away from the side view appearing a bit like one of compacted cartoon drawings of a car. It is a big vehicle, yet the proportions just did not seem right to me – perhaps just missing that elongated bonnet of the sedan. 

Also, unless you are a tallish driver with the seat position set low, the more vertically challenged (like me) with a higher seat position tend to fall foul of the rake coupé shape, clocking the head on the door frame getting in and out. 

Once inside, it is more spacious than it might convey from the outside, although tall people in the rear seats may be compromised by the sharply dropping roofline.

 

AMG-specific interior appointments and controls lend the cockpit a hallmark AMG atmosphere and the latest generation, three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles looks the business. 

AMG seats are upholstered in Nappa Leather, as a standard and individually adjustable ambient lighting also comes as standard, while the second seat row is optionally available with full electric adjustment. 

The vehicle functions are directly visualised on the instrument cluster on the left side and on the touchscreen display on the right, and visually blend into a Widescreen Cockpit. The centre console has an AMG-specific control panel with additional switches with which the 3-stage ESP, manual transmission mode, the adaptive damping adjustment, the optional AMG Performance exhaust system and the suspension level can be controlled.  

Through the voice control – activated with the phrase ‘Hey Mercedes’ – the AI software recognises and understands practically all commands common in infotainment and vehicle control.  

The standard AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension and the adaptively adjustable ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System) can be preselected in three stages - Comfort, Sport and Sport+, allowing a much more obvious distinction between high long-distance comfort and sporty vehicle dynamics.  

Thanks to pneumatic self-levelling, the GLE maintains a constant ride height regardless of the vehicle load. This can be adjusted depending on the driving mode, or manually using a rocker switch in the centre console. The vehicle level is generally lowered by 10 mm in Sport, Sport+ and RACE mode, while in Comfort mode, the vehicle is lowered by 10 mm from a speed of 120 km/h, and raised back to normal level when the speed falls below 70 km/h.

In Trail and Sand modes, the suspension is raised by 55 mm to increase ground clearance on poor surfaces, and automatically lowered to normal level when the speed reaches 70 km/h. This function can also be controlled using the rocker switch. 

The all-wheel drive is controlled depending on the selected stage of the 3-stage Electronic Stability Program ESP – from sporty, with a focus on safety, to highly dynamic. To further improve traction the it has an electronically controlled locking differential at the rear axle as standard. The slip is thus suppressed at the inner wheel on bends, allowing the driver to accelerate out of corners earlier and with more power thanks to the improved traction. 

The GLE 63 Sis equipped with 400 mm x 38 mm brake discs at the front, plus 370 mm x 32 mm discs at the rear. As an option, a high-performance ceramic brake system can be ordered.  

As with all Mercedes-Benz products there are raft of options that can be added to the basic package including the AMG Night Package, MBUX Innovation Package, MBUX Augmented Reality for navigation, AMG Performance Exhaust system and Magic Vision Control among them. 

Base Price - R2 970 920.