RUMOUR HAS IT...
GOING ON PATROL
After months of uncertainty, Nissan SA has finally decided to launch its SUV flagship, the Patrol, in SA. It marks the return of an iconic nameplate that first appeared back in 1951.
It has continued as a bakkie for a while, but the latest generation of the Patrol sits more in the luxury league than before. With Infiniti no longer importing vehicles to SA — meaning that its QX80 is not an option — Nissan has jumped in with the Patrol, essentially the same vehicle.
It’s priced at R1,299,000 although straight off the bat Nissan is offering R100,000 trade-in assistance. It’s a big price, but it’s a big vehicle with masses of presence to match its huge 5.6l V8 which churns out 298kW and 560Nm.
The seven-seat configuration offers plenty of space for transporting the family in luxury and it has a list of equipment, including Nissan Intelligent Mobility features such as radar cruise control, intelligent ride control to keep things comfortable and surround vision.
It is a Patrol so it is needs to have the ability to go off on adventures. Not only does it have a comprehensive off-road system but a 140l fuel tank if you want to venture way off the beaten track.
COFFEE ON THE GO
If, like us, you need a real cup of coffee to get you going in the morning then General Motors has revealed a new solution in the US.
Obviously putting a Nespresso machine in the car would be a bit tricky, so the next best thing is to order your coffee on the go via the new GM Marketplace on the infotainment system. Companies such as Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts have signed up, meaning you can order you cappuccino or Boston Creme doughnut while stuck in the traffic.
GM says it has adhered to distracted driving rules and the system allows you to order using the touchscreen or your voice. Presumably you still have to pick up your coffee though, but just imagine if a delivery guy pulled up next to you in the traffic on a scooter.
TO THE EXTREME
Mitsubishi has joined the wave of special edition bakkies in the market. The brand has launched the Triton Xtreme, which brings back a name that first appeared on the Colt Rodeo bakkie in the 1990s.
The additional equipment is mostly cosmetic but the body kit includes protective items such as light covers, scuff plates and so on. There are black and chrome alloy wheels and Cooper all-terrain tyres. The company says it all amounts to R60,000 worth of extras for an extra 20 grand on top of the regular price.
SIMULATING THE RIDE
As car companies face increasing pressure to get new models to market quicker, Honda has introduced a new driving simulator. Unlike conventional simulators which are similar to those used by aviation companies, Honda’s piece of kit does not use mechanical rails but “airpads”, which allow more movement. There are nine actuators compared to the usual six which provide additional angles of movement and situations allowing engineers to better replicate real-world situations.