McLaren 570S Coupe – Exhilarating, striking and iconic

 McLaren’s legendary prowess in sports car design and technology has remained at an upbeat ever since the company was founded in the 1960’s. The catalogue of achievements for the British company has some of the world’s most recognizable speed machines from the McLaren P1, the SLR-McLaren, F1 and of course the Formula One cars, which have graced numerous racing tracks across the world. The most important chapter in the fifty plus car company occurred in 2009 when it premiered the McLaren MP4-12C. Four years later and McLaren has launched the spiritual successor to the MP4-12C, the 570S Coupe. The new sports car is the first model launched under McLaren’s new three tier model range featuring the Sports Series, Super Series and Ultimate Series range. The McLaren 570S Coupe is tailor made to be usable, striking and exhilarating. This is achieved in part by a powerful V8, lightweight chassis and the body’s aerodynamic design. At the same time the 570S offers a comfortable and easy to use experience to all occupants. 

McLaren 570S Coupe 

Design 
The design of the McLaren 570S Coupe features a design cue borrowed from precious models in the company’s portfolio. Key design features include elegant shapes on the surface, dihedral doors and a concave rear window. Clean, sweeping lines, and an uncluttered exterior have a clear focus on the way air flows over the sculpted panels, channelling air around the tightly packaged windows or in some areas, through the bodywork. The front bumper on the 570S has a pronounced point which divides the air moving above and below the car. At the back the fenders, engine cover, exhaust and splitter merge to give the 570S a head turning look. At the bottom of the bumper is an integrated fixed spoiler designed for an optimised balance of drag and downforce. The 570S features LED lighting as standard both for the front and rear lights. Underneath the skin of the sports car is a carbon fibre chassis deigned to offer strong support to all components while ensuring that the total weight of the car remains in check. Pirelli dressed 19-inch front and 20-inch light lightweight forged rims conceal the standard carbon ceramic disc brakes, which are designed to offer great stopping performance.

Dihedral doors for easier access to the interior 

Performance 
Behind the 570S striking rear lights is the beating heart of the sports car featuring a displacement of 3.8 litres and eight cylinders. Output for the engine is rated at 419kW (562hp) and 600Nm of toque. Connected to the power plant is a seven-speed seamless shift gearbox (SSG). 0 to 100km/h is dealt with in 3.2 seconds while top speed is rated at 328km/h. The impressive numbers are accompanied by a pocked friendly fuel consumption rating of 10.7 litres/100km. the soundtrack from the V8 orchestra is delivered to the world via two exhaust pipes located at each end of the rear. The 570S suspension system features independent adaptive dampers with front and rear anti-roll bars. The suspension together with the electro-hydraulic steering reward the driver with great handling and driving feel. The driver can also adjust the damper settings of the car for a sportier feel.

Interior 
Opening the sports car’s distinct dihedral doors reveals a luxurious and spacious interior. The space in the car has been created to ensure superb outward visibility and enhanced interior space for occupants both in terms of seating position and stowage space. The seats offer electric height adjustment with six-way adjustment for the driver and four-way adjustment for the passenger. A comfort entry / exit feature is also available to provide the maximum amount of room to enter or exit the car, by moving the seat to its lowest and most rearward position and retracting the electric steering column, when the car is switched off.

Striking and spacious interior 

Interior components and switchgear are ergonomically designed and finished to the highest standard further enhancing the feel of quality and craftsmanship throughout the cabin. Rotary switches, buttons and steering wheel mounted stalks are all tactile to touch, while a seven-inch touchscreen is intuitive and the one of the most advanced infotainment system to feature in a McLaren. The 'floating' screen is not connected to the lower transmission tunnel giving enhanced access to the stowage space and cup holders below the dashboard. It is also mounted in portrait view, rather than the more conventional landscape, bringing the occupants closer to the centreline of the car to further optimise response and agility. Air conditioning is controlled via the screen reducing the amount of switchgear and controls in the cabin. The touchscreen also controls the various multimedia functions of the McLaren 570S. Sound from the infotainment system is channelled to all corners of the interior via an eight speaker system or an optional 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.

A rear styled by the principle of aerodynamics 

Conclusion 
The 570S Coupe is an iconic example of how McLaren uniquely designs, develops and builds its cars. Although a tamer machine compared to its P1 and F1 forefathers, the McLaren 570S still carries the forefather’s renowned DNA of great performance, thrilling drive and of course striking design. The McLaren 570S pricing starts at £143,250 in the UK.  

6th Generation Chevrolet Camaro – Revolutionized and Sophisticated

The Chevrolet Camaro always been one of the most preferred cars for the young (and not so young) speed freaks and thrill seekers alike. You know, the type of folks who value the rumble and thrust of a small-block V8 and sleek styling as much as would-be Kenyan celebrity values a photo op on one of our local dailies. Starting out in the late 1960s as an answer to Ford's Mustang, the original Chevrolet Camaro could be brought in coupe or convertible form and with V8 power.

6th generation Chevrolet Camaro

Forty years and six generations later, the concept really hasn't changed, as the latest Chevrolet Camaro also can be specified as either a coupe or convertible form and, you guessed it, a rumbling V8 powerhouse. The sixth generation Camaro brings with it a faster, more nimble driving experience, enabled by an all-new, lighter architecture and a broader powertrain range.

First gen Camaro 

Looks

The design of the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro is defined by an athletic-looking sculptured exterior, which is complemented by modern fittings. The front of the Camaro is defined a cross-car grille/headlamp opening, a signature cue that dates to the first generation. The front design gives the Camaro a stronger, more determined face.

Outgoing Camaro in Z28 trim 

The muscle car also displays a new, nearly fastback profile, which flows into the pronounced flanks of the rear fenders, enhancing the wider, more aggressive stance. The dual rear light design blends with the horizontal line of the rear bumper. All models share a more pronounced, sculpted roof panel that improves the structural rigidity of the roof for greater refinement.

Poised and aggressive face 

Performance

Behind the grille/headlamp opening is a choice of six different powertrain combinations. The entry level engine is 2.0 litre V6 unit with an output of 205 kW (275 hp) and 400 Nm of torque. The mid spec 3.6 litre V6 unit has an output of 250 kW (335 hp) and 385 Nm of torque. The most powerful Camaro SS is adorned with a 6.2 litre V8 power unit, with an output of 339 kW (455 hp) and 617 Nm of torque.

A fast back coupe inspired profile 

All engines are paired with either a six speed manual or a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission. The soundtrack from both the 3.6 litre and 6.2 litre units are delivered to the outside world by a dual-mode exhaust. The exhaust features electronic valves, which allow drivers to personalize can personalize the exhaust sound, from a ‘stealth’ mode to the most aggressive ‘track’ mode.

Driver focused interior 

Interior

Like the exterior, the interior is completely new yet instantly recognizable. The instrument panel still retains the dual-binnacle-styling. The driver focused centre console and stack features easy to reach controls. An electronic parking brake replaces the previous mechanical parking brake handle. The instrument cluster features analog instruments to provide the driver with essential performance information, as well as an available eight-inch-diagonal high-definition center screen that can be

Sporty dimensions inspired by the first gen model 

configured to provide additional information including navigation, performance, and infotainment features. A LED ambient lighting system, integrated in the dash, door panels and center console, offers 24 different colors as well as fade and transition effects that spread across the interior. The redesign seats offer plenty of comfort to both the driver and front passenger.

Striking rear with twin LED rear lights 

Conclusion

The sixth Chevrolet Camaro is more modern and advanced compared to its first generation great grandparent. However, just like its forefather the latest Camaro still has the tire-spinning performance and a reasonable base price. With the muscle car segment featuring numerous players, the Camaro is placing its bets on ruling the segment on its refined design, performance and character. General Motors is yet to confirm if the latest Chevrolet Camaro will be available for the RHD market. 

#100 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach – Epitome of the tree pointed star luxury

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is always associated with enduring prestige, state-of-the-art luxury and world class safety features. Over the years Mercedes-Benz has used its flagship saloon to pioneer many modern technologies, such as airbags, antilock brakes and stability control. The S-Class has also offered the most room for rear-seat passengers, making it a favourite of the wealthy, monarchy heads, business moguls and of course heads of state.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach

The current Mercedes-Benz S-Class, christened W222, continues with the same tradition established by its many innovative forbears and remains one of the most desirable choices for a flagship luxury saloons. In fact the current generation model is so popular, it is now regarded as one of the best-selling S-Class’ of all time. In one year the W222 managed to sell more than 100,000 units. Besides its wealth of features, opulent interior and bulletproof construction, the S-Class also stands out with an unmatched number of engine, body and model choices.

Standard S-Class

New to the range is a more luxurious stretch version, which promises to offer the very best from the Mercedes-Benz brand. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach is based on the S600. With an extra 8.1-inches of length this monumental car, named after the two influential and synonymous people in the automotive industry, is now the flagship saloon for the Mercedes-Benz brand.

S-Class Coupe

The car also marks the return of the Maybach brand. However, Maybach will now become a sub brand, which will offer first-class exclusivity to selected Mercedes-Benz cars. Some of the features that distinguish these vehicles from production models include extra spaciousness with lavishly designed interiors.

Longer than the standard car

Design

Subtle yet noticeable changes in both the front and rear area differentiate the longest S-Class from its smaller siblings. Chrome touches are visible on the grille, air intakes and rear bumper. At the left of the boot lid is the ‘Maybach’ lettering. The key distinguishing features between the standard S-Class and the Maybach S-Class are visible from the side.

Powerful V12 heart

The door has no triangular window. This has been relocated into the C-pillar. As a result, the rear seats are situated beyond the door cut-out, which creates a feeling of exceptional privacy and exclusivity. The triangular windows and other glass areas alike have chrome surrounds. The B-pillar is also covered in chrome. The elegant Maybach logo adorns the C-pillars on both sides.

Chauffeur's office  

Performance

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach is available with two power units. The entry level power unit is the V8 biturbo engine in the Mercedes-Maybach S 500. This particular 4.6-litre engine has an output of 335 kW (455 hp) and 700 Nm of torque. Paired with the engine is a 9-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is recorded at nine litres per 100 kilometres.

Champagne cabinet  

The top-of-the-range model is the Mercedes-Maybach S 600. Its 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine has an output of 390 kW (530 hp) and 830 Nm of torque. The Mercedes-Maybach S 600 completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. paired with the engine a 7-speed automatic.

large panoramic glass roof 

Interior

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach features a top notch luxurious interior, which can be fully customised to suit a customer’s individual needs. The doors feature a hand stitched trim as part of the standard equipment. Exclusive features used in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are wood/chrome trims, leather at shoulder height in the door panels and fibre-optic cables for the ambience lighting. For an exclusive look, the front centre armrests feature an embossed Maybach logo.

Front seats

As standard the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is fitted with a panoramic sliding sunroof. This roof system and its large glass areas make for an especially bright and friendly ambience in the interior. Rear passengers are protected from prying eyes by the standard electronic blinds. Between the rear seats is a wine chiller box allowing for some champagne popping while on the move. 

A DVD player (located in the centre arm rest), two high-resolution 10.2-inch displays, radio remote control and two wireless headsets keeps the rear passengers entertained. A 24-speaker, 1540 watts Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system offers occupants with an unparalleled mix of fine, natural sounds and high bass.

Rear DVD entertainment package 

Space

The benefits of extending the wheelbase are felt entirely in the back of the luxury saloon. The shape of the roof has boosted headroom at the rear. Multi adjustable executive seats are fitted at the back. Each part of the seat can be adjusted individually. As standard, the luxury head restraints come with an extra cushion. The front passenger seat can also be moved forward to further free room for the rear seat behind it.

Individual rear seats 

This in turn allows the rear seat to be fully reclined allowing one to even sleep or rest while on the move. Both executive seats feature a massage, heating and cooling function as standard. Like an aircraft seat, the centre console is available with two tables which can be easily folded in or out using one hand. Two articulated joints on the stem and underside of the table enable it to be adjusted to almost any position. The automatic A/C system filters air coming into the interior. The system also sprays fragrance to enhance the air.  

Comfortable airline like reclining seats 

Silence

For passengers in the rear, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is the world's quietest production saloon car. That is as a result of positioning the passenger away from the side windows. The luxury saloon also features noise proof seals at the doors. Other sound proofing measures in the rear are a generous area of insulation around the single seats. The underbody of the car and wheel arch lining have an insulating and absorptive effect, which reduces high-frequency tyre noise in the interior.

With the tables out

Verdict

As an addition to the portfolio of S-Class saloons, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class sets new benchmarks in the luxury segment. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class melds the perfection of the S-Class with the exclusivity of Maybach. Impressive spaciousness, elegant design and high-quality materials create an ambience of the highest standard, particularly in the rear of the vehicle. The luxury vehicle is also more affordable compared to close rivals from Bentley or Rolls Royce.

Maybach lettering and chrome touches

Whether the saloon will be popular like its shorter sibling will be known as the car goes on sale later this year. There is no denying the fact that the latest S-Class range of vehicles are the best Mercedes-Benz has ever created. Prices for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach start $ 166,700 in America.