ZA Car Show 150: Scheiße

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In this week’s episode, with Trevor on the launch of the new Fiat Punto, Patrick and Christo get to talk all about performancecars. And rallies. Fun stuff, basically.

BMW’s unveiled press photos and information on the new M6 coupé and convertible, both of which will be coming to local shores later this year. The new grand tourer shares an engine with the M5 – the 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo M-power engine. 412kW, 680Nm, 7sp dual clutch transmission. But possibly missing the point a bit, as Patrick says, because the M5 is far more subtle with its wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing appeal.

Click through for a gallery of more photos!

The TT-RS gets a power hike, because it wasn’t quite rapid enough to start with. The 15kW and 15Nm increase (for a total of 265kW and 465Nm) makes it slightly quicker in a straight line, bringing the 0-100 sprint down to 4.1 seconds in the 7sp S-tronic variant. Audi’s no stranger to these “Plus” models, having offered something similar with the older turbo V8 RS6 Plus.

It's a regular TT-RS, with a bit more power. And badass wheels.

The highly anticipated Subaru and Toyota collaboration will finally see the two cars hit showrooms this year. Toyota’s 86 has already been shown off and driven, but Subaru’s BRZ will have its official unveiling at the Geneva motor show in March

It keeps the blue paint, but the gold wheels are a 90s relic, it seems. Pity.

Meanwhile, Car Magazine’s Hannes Oosthuizen was privy to a private viewing of the Toyota 86. We weren’t invited, but can share what Mr. Oosthuizen had to say. The car will be sold sans GT badging in SA – simply 86 for us – and Toyota will offer a bunch of extras, including TRD bits, body kits and Brembo brake packages. Hannes says that a good guess for pricing would put it at about R320 000… The Golf GTI is sort of the benchmark for 200hp fun cars, and it costs R340 000, while that other, oft-forgotten Japanese rear-wheel drive sports car, the MX5, now retails for an eye-watering R356 000.

It looks pretty hot with this bodykit - click through for the full article on Car's site.

Our very own Trevor van de Ven attended the local launch of the 2012 Fiat Punto. New engines, spec levels and technology are available for the tiny Italian, bringing it right into “class leader” territory, as well as being excellent value for money. Pricing starts at R130 000 and tops out at R209 000 for the Abarth-engined lounge spec – click here for his launch drive impressions, along with more info.

For those who need a not-quite Voyager, the Dodge Journey’s received a slight facelift which is mostly just an engine update. Both SXT and R/T variants of the American people carrier are now available with the fantastic Pentastar V6 producing 210kW.

210kW means you should probably move over when you see this in the rear view mirror.

Chevrolet’s iconic Trailblazer badge will come to SA later this year when it brings the small-by-American-standards SUV to local shores. Here’s an artsy pic of what one will look like if you walk with a bad limp.

We're promised the whole car will make it to South Africa.

Finally, there’s the new Kia Sedona. The headline change here is the move from a 2.9-litre turbodiesel engine to a smaller and far more efficient 2.2-litre turbodiesel mill – the same one used in the Hyundai Santa Fe. It produces 143kw and 436Nm, which is plenty for lugging around the whole family, some friends, and a trailer with loads of luggage. Other toys include a 6-disc CD player, USB ports, and electric tailgate. Prices start at R420 000, which includes a 50-year/100 000km maintenance and warranty plan.