The Land Rover Discovery 4

Land Rover has spent big on the newest generation of the Discovery, which definitely looks set to up the stakes in the sports utility vehicle segment in Kenya.

Built on the previous Discovery 3 model, the exterior changes have all been about easing the visual impact of the car: more horizontal lines rather than vertical, less contrast in colour toning, a bit more ‘bling’ and jewellery to suggest form rather than function — it is in the platform engineering and the interior styling where the big effort has gone.

Interior

Inside the spacious English cabin, the revised in-dash layout is functional and easy to use. Land Rover bosses have been blubbering on-and-on, about the Discovery 4’s ‘premium’ nature. Well, the Discovery is now officially more Range Rover than Discovery. This new fit out, is simply without peer for a luxury vehicle, which has so far proven to be unstoppable. One can pretty much access each and every major function, via the multi task command centre, housing the sat-nav, climate control, audio system and the terrain response system.
There is a new seat design with an extended front cushion and height adjustable head restraints. That change is going to disappoint some traditionalists as it comes at the cost the seat-mounted grab-handles.
Engine

At the heart of this British engineering marvel, is a pair of new in-house designed engines, a spanking 5-litre direct injection V8 with 276kW and 510Nm and a torquey sequential twin turbo 3.0-litre diesel V6 with 180kW and a monstrous 600Nm of torque delivered with lag-free efficiency. Hit the Stop/Start button and you can tell it’s a diesel, just. But the instant you slam the throttle; you will be clueless whether you’re driving a petrol or diesel powered Discovery.
Jointly developed with Jaguar, they have been careful to design unique characteristics for each of these prestige brands, but high torque and a fast throttle response was a requirement for both vehicles. A major part of this new found refinement is the smooth shifting 6-speed automatic ZF transmission, which seems considerably quicker than the model it replaces, providing quick gear ratios to suit your every demand.
Suspension
All that power needs to be safely channelled on to the road, and the Discovery 4 is built to deliver outstanding agility and road holding capabilities. refinements to the suspension architecture; front wish bones design improves roll rates and cornering stability, stiffer anti-roll bars, new bushes and dampers to improve ride quality.
Quick steering ratio design of the steering rack gives the Discovery 4 a more direct and car-like feel at highway speeds and more precision for low-speed off-road applications, and a much more effective and linear brake package upgraded to a size that matches the outgoing Range Rover stoppers.
The intelligent Terrain Response system, has been refined offering  five settings for on-road, grass and snow, mud and ruts, sand and rock crawling but there have been a couple of key improvements.
A launch function has been built into the sand settings to eliminate the need to feather the throttle when driving away and lower the risk of digging in while a gentle background braking application has been incorporated into rock crawling below 5km/h in first gear or reverse to increase stability.
Driving
On the open road the Discovery 4 is more settled, composed and a great deal quieter in the cabin than the outgoing model. There is less nervousness about the steering, which subsequently allows greater confidence when negotiating sharp crests and bends, allowing the car to flow through sections where previously the body roll and steering vagueness would have given cause for pause.
On the beaten tracks and paths, the Discovery still displays the no-nonsense abilities that have built the legend of the badge but without some of the rougher edges. The dial and drive capability of the terrain response system is nothing short of magic. The vehicle's dynamic response to varying conditions are effectively built-in and all the driver need do is use a degree of commonsense to look like a life-long off-road expert.
Verdict
The obvious unbeatable off-road capability makes this car a must have for the person who desires independence. Brilliant!

2011 Nissan Patrol - unbreakable

the Nissan Patrol is a name synonymous with the rugged off-road, capable of going anywhere, anytime.

Meticulously honed over five decades, the Patrol is Nissan’s flagship large SUV model and enjoys a rich heritage particularly in Africa, back to the 1950’s.

Under the banner of "The Hero Comes Home" the Patrol is back as an all-new seventh generation model, building on its impressive history and at the same time incorporating a new platform, a radical new design direction, significantly enhanced interior comfort and luxury, powerful new V8 engines, a 7-speed automatic transmission and a new 4WD system.

New sophisticated but rugged exterior

After extensive market research, the design team concluded that for the Patrol to beat its main competitors, it needed not only a brand new design direction but class-leading engine performance, greater luxury and comfort, and a smart mix of new technologies that enhanced the total driving experience.

According to the design director, one design element that expresses ’Patrol’ and had to feature strongly was the angled-strut motif front grille. It was meticulously proportioned to deliver a sense of continuity with past models, but give a touch of newness while enhancing the car’s status level.

Focus on a roomier cabin

Featuring generous amounts of leather, polished aluminium and wood grain panelling, the Patrol’s interior too has been significantly upgraded. Given that most customers only go off-road no more than 15% of the time, designers wanted to create a better, higher quality interior for the whole family.
In keeping with the Patrol’s mission to deliver more comfort and more room, the new Patrol delivers seat dimensions that outclass all competition.
Boasting wider, higher and deeper front seats, the Patrol offers over 100mm more legroom for second row passengers, and a roomier third row of seats as well. Employing double the lateral rigidity over the outgoing model, the new Patrol sits on a revised platform that now offers a more robust construction with a low vibration body.
Powerful V8 engine
The new Patrol is now the most powerful vehicle in its class. And the key technology achieving this jump in performance over the predecessor’s 4.8 litre power plant is the newly developed ’VK56VD’ 5.6-litre V8 engine with the VVEL (variable valve event and lift) and DIG (direct injection gasoline) technologies that generate 400hp and 550Nm of torque on the top specification version of this new engine.
Every component has been redesigned for maximum performance and smooth response, while a new 7-speed automatic transmission with a wider range of gear ratios than its predecessor, gives the off-roader the ability to deliver power faster.
Top notch all wheel technology
In a world-first for Nissan, the new Patrol employs a Hydraulic Body Motion Control System (HBMC), which keeps the car flatter with less body roll during lane-changing and cornering, while delivering a comfortable ride in city driving and superb stability on rugged and sandy tracks.

The Jaguar- naught XJ lands in Kenya

This month will indeed be etched into the minds of Jaguar enthusiasts, as the ultimate Jaguar, the XJ, will set its claws into Kenya’s luxury vehicle market.
 
Sleek, sporting and sophisticated, the all-new Jaguar XJ brings a daring new spirit to automotive luxury. It offers a seductive mix of striking design, breathtaking performance and engineering without compromise.

Exterior


Its visual impact stems from the elongated teardrop shape of the car’s side windows.


The all-new XJ’s distinctive lines mark the next bold evolution of Jaguar’s new design language. The shape establishes the car’s streamlined profile, and is balanced by a dramatic lower swage line emanating from the front wheels that reinforces the vehicle’s forward stance


The rear end is notable for its pure, sculpted shape, with a conscious absence of unnecessary ornamentation. As well as reduced drag and impressively low wind noise, the overall shape achieves aerodynamic loads that are carefully balanced between front and rear axles.


Interior


The exquisite interior has a strong sporting character. A panoramic glass roof, standard on all models, dramatically enhances the sense of light and space inside the new XJ. The overriding impression from the interior is a sense of personal space, a feeling enhanced by the clean, simple form of the leather-wrapped instrument panel sitting low across the vehicle. At the sides of the cabin, a bold architectural wood veneer sweeps forward from the doors to meet at the front of the car, emphasising the new XJ’s powerful, dynamic character. From the Jaguar ‘handshake’ as you start the vehicle, to the comfort and support of the sculpted seats, the style and quality of the interior furnishings and the outstanding audio system, every detail has been painstakingly developed to create a truly unique experience.

Power


The new XJ offers the choice of four powerful and refined engines, which use the latest power train technology to deliver performance and efficiency. The supercharged 510PS 5.0-litre AJ-V8 Gen III will head the line-up, with a 0-60mph time of 4.7 secs (0-100kph in 4.9 secs); 470PS supercharged and 385PS naturally aspirated petrol V8s are also available, dependent on market.


A no-compromise diesel alternative is provided by the formidable 275PS 3.0-litre AJ-V6D Gen III. With twin sequential turbochargers, this is an engine that delivers on every aspect of the Jaguar driving experience, marrying tremendous drive (0-60mph in 6.0 secs, 0-100kph in 6.4 secs) with impressive fuel economy and CO2 emissions (40.1mpg and 184g/km of CO2).


The all-new XJ delivers a driving experience as memorable as the car’s appearance. It benefits from technologies pioneered on the exciting new XFR and XKR models, including continuously variable damping (Adaptive Dynamics), electronically controlled rear differential (Active Differential Control) and a quick ratio power-steering system, the new XJ combines responsive, sporting dynamics with the refined, supple ride expected from a luxury Jaguar.


Safety


It adopts the Pedestrian Contact Sensing™ system that is already proven on the XK and XF. Featuring an automatically deployable bonnet, it helps mitigate pedestrian injuries in the event of an impact by propelling the bonnet upwards creating a cushioned space between it and engine/chassis hard points. Inside the new XJ, an active seat belt system pre-tensions the belts when it detects heavy braking or hard cornering. This technology complements conventional pyrotechnic pre-tensioners by progressively tightening the seat belts in proportion to the severity of the manoeuvre, enhancing the feeling of security. When the XJ returns to a more relaxed driving condition, the tension in the belt is released.


Verdict
This is the epitome of British engineering and craftsmanship, finally jaguar has what it takes to de-stabilize the establishment. Exquisite, revolutionary and luxurious are the three words to sum up this vehicle. The end.

The 2011 NISSAN LEAF electric vehicle

With the hybrid race catching steam, most car makers are spending sleepless nights trying to figure out the correct formula for the perfect hybrid machine. From Toyota’s Prius to Honda’s Insight, it seems that we are in for a big treat as these mainstream automakers are constantly researching on ways to bring down the costs of manufacturing these ‘green’ vehicles.

Nissan; Toyota’s perennial competitor has unveiled its first electric vehicle dubbed ‘the leaf’. Slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe, Nissan LEAF ushers in a new era of mobility – the zero-emission era. The car is the embodiment of Nissan’s radical, transformative vision for the future and the culmination of decades of investment and research.

The Key characteristics of the LEAF include:
1. Zero-emission power train and platform

2. Affordable pricing

3. Distinctive design

4. Real-world range autonomy – 160km (100 miles)

5. Connected Mobility: Advanced intelligent transportation (IT) system

The “LEAF” name is a significant statement about the car itself. Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so Nissan LEAF purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience.  Additionally, Nissan LEAF is expected to qualify for an array of significant local, regional and national tax breaks and incentives in markets around the world. As an added benefit, because the vehicle has less mechanical complexity than a traditional gasoline-powered car, Nissan LEAF is designed to be friendly to the wallet as well as to the environment.

Zero-emission mobility
Nissan LEAF is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm. This ensures a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered automobiles.
Unlike internal-combustion engine (ICE) equipped vehicles, Nissan LEAF’s power train has no tail pipe, and thus no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases. A combination of Nissan LEAF’s regenerative braking system and innovative lithium-ion battery packs enables the car to deliver a driving range of more than 160km (100 miles) on one full charge*. (*US LA4 mode)
Extensive consumer research demonstrates that this range satisfies the daily driving requirements of more than 70% of the world’s consumers who drive cars.
And, Nissan’s approach makes charging easy and convenient. Nissan LEAF can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger. Charging at home through a 200V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours – ample time to enable an overnight refresh for consumer and car alike.
Real-world car
The engineers and designers behind Nissan LEAF worked to create a competitively priced real-world car that would enable Nissan to lead mobility into the zero-emission era. To ensure comfort, spaciousness and cargo capacity, Nissan LEAF employs a completely new chassis and body layout.
”Our car had to be the world’s first, medium-size, practical EV that motorists could afford and would want to use every day.
Distinctive design
Nissan LEAF’s frontal styling is characterized by a sharp, upright V-shaped design featuring long, up-slanting light-emitting diode (LED) headlights that employ a blue internal reflective design that announces, .
the headlights do more than make a statement. They are also designed to cleverly split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, thus reducing wind noise and drag. And, the headlights provide yet one more benefit in that they consume just 10 percent of the electricity of conventional lamps, which helps Nissan LEAF to achieve its world-class range autonomy.
Through bright trim colors inside, Nissan LEAF creates a pleasing and stylish cabin environment. An environmentally friendly “blue earth” color theme originates from the Aqua Globe body color of Nissan LEAF’s introductory model. This theme is carried into the interior through blue dashboard highlights and instrument illumination.

Connected mobility IT system
Nissan LEAF employs an exclusive advanced IT system. Connected to a global data center, the system can provide support, information, and entertainment for drivers 24 hours a day.
The dash-mounted monitor displays Nissan LEAF’s remaining power – or “reachable area” – in addition to showing a selection of nearby charging stations.
Another state-of-the-art feature is the ability to use mobile phones to turn on air-conditioning and set charging functions – even when Nissan LEAF is powered down. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries.

The2011 Lambo Jota revealeld

Lambo's all new Murcielargo replacement seems to maintain Lamborghini's insane attributes .The  Jota  LP700-4 will replace the Murcielago which will feature a 6.5-liter V12 with 700 horsepower. This monster will scream till 8250 rpm just 750  shy of 9000 rpm. The motor will be connected to a seven-speed single clutch transmission with two modes and 50 millisecond shifts. All that will combine for a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds and a 217 mph top speed.

Keeping the car on the road will be a carbon monoque chassis and a Formula One style suspension on the rear. The new Lamborghini will be 229kg lighter and 70% more rigid. Oh, and we forgot that it’s all-wheel drive too.

The Jota  should be shown at the Geneva Motor Show next spring and that those famous scissor doors will remain.

Subaru FT-86 concept to employ a 195Kw STI engine.

WIth a lot of info coming out on the joint Subaru-Toyota ft 86 sports car, a recent Autocar blog has confirmed Subaru will use a more powerful and potent engine in its variant that could see a surge of 62 bhp on top of the Toyota counterpart. Impeccable sources have suggested that Subaru’s in house tuner STI is already working on an ‘STI’ version of the coupe, however its legendary all wheel drive gear will not be employed. Although one can argue that all-wheel drive symmetry brings about huge traction, faster acceleration times and overall cornering stability, Subaru has shelved this idea, as adding a front torque split differential, will distort the car’s dynamics, which was designed by Toyota. According to Subaru, the all-wheel drive version would increase the gross weight and add on manufacturing costs, as the coupe is supposed to retail between $50,000 to $60,000; With the Subaru version expected to be slightly more expensive, Toyota prices are set at a low $45,000. The car is said to be a sort of mixed grill, as it employs a Legacy chassis with an Impreza’s rear suspension. No word yet as to what the Subaru variant will be called. There isn’t a definite release date at this stage, as delays are expected, with Toyotaworking overtime to reduce fuel consumption of Subaru’s engine ,probably with the use of Piezzo fuel injectors. Overall though, this is a very exciting package. There aren’t many cars around today that showcase the same foundations – medium-sized, manual, rear-drive coupe; This new venture will bring the coupe within range of its closest rivals the Audi TT coupe, Nissan 370Z and Bavaria’s Z4 coupe.

Bugatti Veyron’s 267mph record on Koenigsegg Agera’s to-do list.

A couple of weeks ago, Bugatti made a worthwhile statement with their Veyron SS speed monster. This beast was capable of hitting an average top speed of 267mph, effectively placing it in the Guinness Book of Records. Koenigsegg wasn’t just going to sit back and let Bugatti take all of the glory, so they prepared their new Agera hypercar to effectively beat the Veyron Super sports’ top speed. And who better to test it than the men of Top Gear.

The man behind the Agera super car, Christian von Koenigsegg, isn’t a man to be reckoned with. He’s one of the few people who have both the will and the means to silence Bugatti of its record-topping Veyron SS. According reliable reports, his aim is to do just that, and his new Agera is just the machine to do it.

Coincidentally, it was the men of Top Gear who first gave the news of the Bugatti’s record to Koenigsegg, even though the feat was still supposed to be kept under wraps. Upon hearing the news, Koenigsegg immediately began thinking out loud of places he could test his new supercar