• The new Stang is available in fastback and convertible guises. Picture: QUICKPIC

  • The new, sharper-looking R8 V10 sportscar. Picture: NEWSPRESS

  • Maserati has revealed the production version of its new Levante SUV. Picture: NEWSPRESS UK

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

Audi’s second generation R8, which is due in SA in July in the V10 guise, could be joined later by a V6 twin-turbo charged variant to take over where the previous 4.2 V8 left off.

With the next generation RS 4 also rumoured to be powered by a new 3.0l twin-turbo V6 unit, we have a distinct feeling that the entry-level R8 will have a fettled version of this very unit. Being mid mounted, it will require different cooling ancillaries compared to the RS 4, which will naturally be front mounted.

The entry-level R8 will square up with cars such as the updated Porsche 911 CarreraS due here next month, all the while ensuring that the R8 nameplate becomes even more accessible to a wider audience.

Spider talks abound

Ferrari could be readying to launch the Spider version of its exclusive — only 499 units — of its LaFerrari hypercar, according to Autoblog.com. It is rumoured that the model has been shown at a private event and that an estimated 150 units production run is on the cards. No launch date nor estimated pricing has been mentioned yet, but one can gesture and say it will command a premium over its tin-top sibling and more exclusive if the production numbers are true.

Maserati goes diesel

The Maserati Levante SUV production model unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show (right) will be offered in diesel variants only for the UK market and likely SA, while the rest of the global markets will receive a complement of both the petrol and diesel variants. This, of course, remains to be seen in SA where performance oriented buyers still relish a potent petrol engine in their premium SUV. That said the model is rumoured to come in at a sticker price slightly above the equivalent Porsche Cayenne models, but well below the Bentley Bentayga, but the jury is still out on this one.

Mercedes alternative

Mercedes-Benz SA is likely to offer the next generation AMG-E63 variant in 4Matic all-wheel drive guise only, which means that rear-wheel drive pundits might have to look elsewhere for such. Of course, the advantage of having all-wheel drive means that the vehicle will be more useable under most weather conditions and acceleration from 0-100km/h will likely dip into the sub-four seconds club. That said, we do not feel that would be a deal breaker for the scores of AMG aficionados in SA, in fact the opposite might be true.

Mustang approaches

Ford’s next generation Mustang is rumoured to come to market a tad earlier than expected, even two years earlier than usual, according to Carbuzz.com. This could be disappointing to those who already have their names down for the current model (below), but then again this being the first official right-hand drive Mustang to come to the country, perhaps that novelty will linger a little longer for owners tobe bothered.