RETURN OF AN ICON
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
The definitive icon in terms of style and design, considered by many as the most beautiful car ever designed, Alfa Romeo has unveiled the custom-built 33 Stradale as a veritable manifesto of the Italian brand’s capabilities – now and in the future – in terms of style and driving experience. Made in only 33 exclusive units using a unique artisan process, the new two-seater coupé combines the brand’s heritage and future as the symbol of Italian sportsmanship.
It took a good dose of courage and a pinch of healthy madness to make the dream come true – the same recipe applied to the original 33 Stradale, first launched in 1967. The new 33 Stradale was created at the newly founded Alfa Romeo Bottega, where the brand’s designers, engineers and historians first listened to potential buyers, then produced the car together, the same way as in Renaissance artisan boutiques and 1960s coachbuilder workshops.
Produced by the Alfa Romeo Centro Stile, the new 33 Stradale is inspired by the historic 1967 model, with some design elements from Alfa Romeo’s new language of style to become the epitome of the brand’s ‘necessary beauty’. Standout features of the powerful and muscular front are the iconic shield and complex forms of the lights with their elliptical base.
The profile is dynamic and slender, with doors with an ‘elytra’ opening and two large air inlets on the side. The sinuous front balances the brutal rear and expresses strength courtesy of the truncated tail, a V-shaped graphic and the round rear light clusters. Aero efficiency is confirmed by a Cx of 0.375 at zero Cz (downforce).
The interior of the ‘fuoriserie’ (custom-built) car is distinguished by minimalism of design and materials. The aviation-inspired dash and central tunnel employ materials such as aluminium, carbon fibre leather and Alcantara. The wraparound seats – upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather – reinterpret those of its forerunner, and two trim levels are available: Tributo and Alfa Corse.
The new Alfa Romeo special edition is available with either a V6 twin-turbo engine delivering over 460 kW and an eight-speed DCT gearbox, rear-wheel drive and electronic limited-slip diff, or in BEV configuration with over 560 kW and an estimated range of 450 km (WLTP). Top speed is 333 km/h, and the 33 Stradale accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in under three seconds.
An aluminium H-frame and carbon fibre monocoque guarantees rigidity and lightness, the double-arm suspension with active shock absorbers and the front axle lift ensures excellent handling and comfort and a brake-by-wire braking system and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes offer high-level performance.
Like the legendary 33 Stradale, the new special model marks the history of Alfa Romeo and that of Italian design.
THE INBETWEENER
Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid
The new Cayenne S E-Hybrid is the third electrified engine variant within the model series and is positioned between the Cayenne E-Hybrid and the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. Focusing on a delicate balance between everyday usability and performance, the S E-Hybrid, available in SUV and SUV Coupé body variants, is a well-suited addition to the powertrain range.
The hybrid technology of the new Cayenne, comprehensively revised earlier this year, also provides this model variant with a further improved electric range and short charging times. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid has a revised 3.0-litre V6 turbo engine with 260 kW paired with a 130 kW electric motor for a system output of 382 kW and 750 Nm of system torque. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 263 km/h.
Standard adaptive air suspension contributes to increased performance and greater driving comfort. Its innovative two-chamber, two-valve technology enables a broad spectrum of spring rates ranging from extremely comfortable to high-performance, dynamic behaviour. At the same time, the new S E-Hybrid models benefit from the optimisation of the hybrid system of the current Cayenne generation.
A purely electric range (EAER City) of up to 90 km enables most of the day-to-day local driving to be emission-free. This is made possible by a battery capacity of 25.9 kWh. The new on-board AC charger can fully charge the S E-Hybrid in less than two and a half hours.
Visually, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid integrates seamlessly within the existing model range with 20” wheels as standard and an exhaust system with two twin tailpipes in brushed stainless steel. As an SUV, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid has the Silver exterior package, and as a Coupé, the Black exterior package. Safety and comfort are supported by the standard matrix LED headlights for night-time driving. The new, innovative HD matrix LED headlights are available as an optional extra.
CLASS-DEFINING
Mercedes-EQ EQE SUV
The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4MATIC SUV – the multi-purpose variant of the EQE executive saloon – is now available locally. Like the latter, the SUV is available with the essential innovations of the EQS, but it is more dynamic than the EQS SUV. The EQE SUV is also one of the most spacious representatives of its class.
The new model, with its short overhangs and compact front-end assembly, marks a turning point in its class, and its wheels in sizes from 19 to 22 inches are positioned flush with the outer edge of the body to lend the vehicle a commanding stance. With its numerous aerodynamic details, the underbody plays a central role in a Cd value of 0.255, achieved despite the large load volume and short rear overhang.
The EQE SUV uses a lithium-ion battery consisting of ten modules, and this arrangement offers an impressive 215 kW of power and 765 Nm of torque. In some instances, the innovative, in-house developed battery management software can be updated over-the-air (OTA), and customers can expect a WLTP range of between 461 and 551 km.
Additional vehicle functions in the EQE SUV can also be individually customised using over-the-air technology (OTA). These OTA functions are available in the Mercedes me Store, and the range will be successively expanded. The current generation of driving assistance systems includes numerous functions supporting the driver, including Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Parking Package with reverse camera, and Speed Limit Assist.
The status and activity of the systems are shown in a full-screen view in the assistance display in the driver’s display. Further options are available in the Assistance Package and the Driving Assistance Plus Package. A new, fourth-generation sound experience named ‘Serene Breeze’ makes its debut in the EQE SUV and offers a relaxed and natural sound.
The EQE SUV also benefits from new generation batteries with significantly higher energy density and a new, powerful electric motor on the rear axle with six-phase operation: it has two windings with three phases each. Thanks to ECO Assist, the EQE SUV now decelerates automatically to a standstill when it detects vehicles ahead. The EQE SUV’s battery can be charged via the public mains supply with single-phase or three-phase alternating current and an optional charging capacity of up to 22 kWh. The Mercedes-EQ EQE 350 4MATIC SUV is now available locally priced from R2,194,500.
VERSATILITY REDEFINED
Land Rover Discovery Sport
The dramatically refined new interior of the Land Rover Discovery Sport exudes modern luxury, within which clients can benefit from the latest Pivi Pro2 infotainment system on an elegant single curved glass touchscreen, as well as all the practical stowage, seat configurations and wellness technologies that make this seven-seat vehicle a favourite among active, modern families.
Some refined interior features are a new gear shifter surrounded by a dark anodised aluminium trim finisher, an elegant three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, and the dynamic SE models feature DuoLeather interiors with up to three colour options. Those who do not wish to opt for leather can choose Suedecloth paired with the luxuriously soft, non-leather Luxtec made from recycled polyester microfibre.
The Dynamic HSE models are now available with Ebony Windsor Leather with Lunar Grey contrast detailing on the seats. Alternatively, clients can choose a DuoTone Light Oyster and Ebony trim, offering a distinctive two-tone finish. Available with up to seven seats, the Disco Sport’s versatile and spacious interior ensures comfort for all, with up to 24 possible seat configurations. The second row of seats slides and reclines with a 40:20:40 split, and a load area of up to 1,794 litres with the rear seats folded down,
A powered tailgate makes loading and unloading hassle-free. The Discovery Sport features one of the most sophisticated interior air quality technologies available thanks to Cabin Air Purification Plus. Camera technologies include 3D surround cameras and ClearSight Ground View, which offer feeds viewed on the 11.4” touchscreen, and ClearSight Rear View Mirror.
The Discovery Sport continues to offer a range of efficient plug-in electric hybrid and mild hybrid electric power. New battery chemistry on the P300e offers an improved real-world range of up to 47 km – enough to do 90% of average daily journeys in electric driving mode.
The electric hybrid combines an Ingenium 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with an electric motor and 14.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, and a WLTP-certified electric range of up to 61 km. The D200 Ingenium diesel completes the line-up. The Discovery Sport is available to order, priced from R1,305,400.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © SUPPLIED
