Indholdsfortegnelse for August 2016 i CAR

Bakkies, pick-ups, or, if you’re an Aussie, utes. They’re taking over the world. That might sound like an exaggeration, but when you consider their success worldwide – a bakkie is the single bestselling vehicle in the USA (the Ford F-Series); here in South Africa the Hilux and Ranger duke it out for sales supremacy; a ute is marginally second in the rankings in Australia; they dominate in much of Southeast Asia; and it’s a fast-growing market segment in the UK – perhaps the takeover is closer than you realise. Further proof is the ever-increasing number of manufacturers preparing to venture into the segment. After just getting used to the fact that VW is now a player in the bakkie market, news came that – of all the unlikely brands –…

Mercedes-Benz’s Affalterbach arm has trimmed the fat and squeezed even more power from the AMG GT S’ 4,0-litre biturbo V8 engine to make the R version its most hardcore offering to date. Weighing 1 554 kg and channelling 430 kW and 700 N.m of torque to its rear wheels via a race-optimised seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the R cracks the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3,6 seconds on the way to a 318 km/h top speed. Visual highlights include exclusive AMG Green Hell Magno livery, a more aggressive-looking body kit featuring an AMG Panamericana grille derived from the GT3 racecar, and a sizeable rear wing. The revised underbody benefits from active aerodynamics, while a new exhaust system delivers a racecar-worthy soundtrack and is 5,9 kg lighter than the one fitted to…

SHAPELIER SHELL While the previous car’s sheetmetal presented a somewhat disjointed design, the new model’s profile features a rear hatch that curves gracefully from the roof into the rear hatch and neater, narrower brakelamps. Also factor in more sculpted flanks and a sportier front with squared-off headlamps that inject it with some genuine 911 DNA. The cabin has also been updated with new finishes and a host of TFT information displays. TWIN TURBOS FOR EVERYONE The Panamera Turbo’s V8 biturbo petrol engine develops 404 kW and 770 N.m, lending it a blistering 3,8-second 0-100 km/h sprint time (3,6 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package), while the Panamera 4S features a 2,9-litre V6 biturbo petrol with 324 kW and 550 N.m on tap. The Panamera 4S Diesel V8 biturbo’s 310 kW…

AUDI A5 2,0 TDI S TRONIC AUDI S5 QUATTRO S TRONIC PRICES: TBC ETA: Feb 2017 WE ARE HERE DESIGN. This, according to research conducted by Audi, is the single main reason why its customers bought the previous-generation A5. And it makes perfect sense. Why else would anyone rationally consider a vehicle that is more expensive and impractical than the accomplished A4 upon which it’s based? It’s this emotional appeal that stimulates the brain’s sensory cells, resulting in admittedly illogical, but luckily very exciting, decisions. Can the all-new A5 accomplish the same feat? For the most part, yes. Walking up to the vehicle outside Porto International Airport, it’s clearly wider and lower than its predecessor. The previous rounded shape is now more chiselled than before and mimics many of the…

MERCEDES-BENZ C43 COUPÉ 4MATIC PRICE: R901 582 ETA: Now WE ARE HERE WHILE visiting Italy’s scenic Dalmatian Coast for the global launch of the C-Class Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz had a surprise up its sleeve when it allowed the assembled motoring journalists to drive the new Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupé on Italy and neighbouring Slovenia’s sinuous country lanes. Slotting in between the C300 Coupé (tested in June 2016) and the C63 versions, the C43’s defining feature is the fitment of Benz’s 4Matic four-wheel-drive system. And that means it’s an all-weather AMG, capable of maintaining serious cross-country pace even when the roads turn greasy. Launched locally last month, the C43 employs a tuned version of Benz’s 3,0-litre V6 biturbo-petrol. Delivering peak power of 270 kW and 520 N.m of torque from 2 000 to…

 In this world, exclusivity is the real currency and Maranello prints the bank notes. Limited-edition models such as the LaFerrari, of which only 499 have been made, are all inevitably sold shortly after the car is unveiled to the world’s media. It is a recipe that works and demand continues to outstrip supply. WHEN IT COMES TO TAPPING INTO THE WALLETS OF SERIOUS CAR COLLECTORS, FERRARI IS THE MASTER. So, how does the process actually work? What do you need to do to get your hands on such a rare Prancing Horse? And what is it like to actually own and drive one? Well, the first thing to know is that such owners, while happy to show off their cars, request anonymity in return. The Swiss owner of this LaFerrari…

In the metal, the F-Pace maintains the dynamic stance Est price: R1 191 000 0-100 km/h: 5,88 sec Power/Torque: 280 kW/460 N.m Top speed: 250 km/h CAR fuel index: 10,68 L/100 km CO2: 209 g/km JAGUAR’s announcement in 2015 that its portfolio would include a contender in the increasingly lucrative SUV market came as no real surprise; the CX-17 concept unveiled back in 2013 made those intentions very clear. However, what did surprise most of us was that Jaguar did not call on close Land Rover family connections for assistance, especially considering the latter marque’s long-established know-how on all-things SUV. Admirably, the Coventry brand stuck to its guns and set about achieving its goal while steadfastly preserving the driver-focused pedigree that has always been its hallmark. Jaguar insists its owners…

Mahindras have long had higher-quality cabins than their Chinese rivals, and the same applies to the KUV100 Price: R179 995 0-100 km/h: 15,61 sec Power/Torque: 61 kW/115 N.m Top speed: 140 km/h CAR fuel index: 708 L/100 km CO2: 139 g/km The car that this Indian manufacturer has placed most of its hopes on in the passenger-car market is the light crossover KUV100. We initially drove a derivative of this car in India (see June 2016) and now the full range DURING the 2000s, a number of Indian and Chinese manufacturers entered the South African automotive market. A decade later, only a few have survived this challenging environment. Mahindra & Mahindra has done better than most, entering the marketplace soon after the start of the new millennium, weathering the economic…

Green or red? It’s the option that the owners of petrol-engined vehicles face each time they fill up. Most choose the unleaded option but many drivers, especially those of older vehicles, request lead-replacement petrol (LRP). The reasons for this decision vary from “to protect my engine” to “red petrol offers better fuel consumption”. For those red-petrol stalwarts, however, their tipple of choice is about to dry up because many fuel stations are scrapping the LRP option from their forecourts… The study revealed a strong bond between valve rotation and VSR WHY WAS LEAD USED IN THE FIRST PLACE? Lead is a very effective (and cheap) octane booster for petrol. Octane is not an energy-content measure, but rather an indicator of the fuel’s resistance to autoignition. This is important in a…

EGR The exhaust-gas-recirculation (EGR) valve is an emissions-control device that lowers the mono-nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions of both petrol and diesel engines. NOx are harmful gases that form during the combustion process at elevated temperatures. A way to reduce these toxic emissions is to lower the combustion temperature. A method of achieving this is to return some of the burnt exhaust gases into the combustion chamber using an EGR valve. These spent exhaust gases are inert and do not contribute to the combustion process, but the extra mass (and limitation of the available oxygen) reduces the peak combustion temperature and, therefore, results in lower NOx emissions. In petrol engines, the percentage of EGR is limited to around 15%, but in diesel engines that run unthrottled with excess oxygen available, it…

SHELBY NOW OFFICIALLY IN SA The Ford Mustang may be new to the local market, but car buffs the world over are well aware of the Shelby name and its significance in relation to the Blue Oval’s famous muscle car. Illustrious tuner of fast Fords and the creator of the original AC Cobra, the late Carroll Shelby was tasked by Ford to tweak Mustangs, first for racing and then for road use. The right-hand-drive version of the latest Mustang was, of course, launched in South Africa earlier this year and those who have been lucky enough to get their hands on one may be happy to know that they can now customise and modify their cars with equipment and parts from the legendary high-performance firm. Racing ace and long-time Ford…

Age 30 Budget R200 000 Status up-and-comer; likes to stand out from the crowd Vehicle type distinctive hatchback REQUIREMENTS This person is a bit of a nonconformist and does not want to drive a humdrum car that everyone else owns. And that means the Volkswagens or Toyotas we would normally recommend are out of the running. First prize is a sporty hatchback. THE VEHICLE Even Audis and Minis won’t draw enough looks for this arty person, so we had a look online and came up with three left-of-field options. Our selection all happen to sport three doors and unmistakably individualistic bodywork. Alfa Romeo Mito 1,4 MultiAir 0-100 km/h: 8,40 sec Top speed: 207 km/h Power: 100 kW Torque: 206 N.m CO2 : 129 g/km CAR fuel index: 672 L/100 km WITH…

Please include your physical address and telephone number. Diverse ideas and opinions are welcome, but publication of your letter doesn’t necessarily mean we agree. Please stick to a maximum of 300 words. CAR reserves the right to edit and shorten letters owing to space constraints. Email: car@ramsaymedia.co.za Mail: CAR, PO Box 180, Howard Place, 7450 Fax: 021 530 3338 LARGE AND ON CHARGE As someone who follows the car industry with interest, I’m aware of new developments and found the test between the hybrid SUVs (June 2016) enlightening. It’s very clear that hybrid engines are the next step in the evolution of personal transport. As your review indicates, they offer an appealing combination of low running cost and benefit from the easy availability of petrol. They aren’t affected by the…

MOST carmakers’ attempts at besting the Porsche 911 have repeatedly been something of a fool’s enterprise; the iconic sportscar’s blend of searing performance, precise handling and everyday usability has granted it benchmark status. But, with the arrival of Mercedes-AMG’s World Performance Car of the Year award-winning GT, the landscape has changed. And it appears BMW will soon also have the goods to take on Zuffenhausen’s best … and the vehicle in question will wear the 6 Series badge. RETURN OF THE EIGHT The 6’s move into outright performance-car territory will create a large GT-shaped gap in BMW’s line-up. The solution: reviving the 8 Series moniker. In late-March, BMW secured a string of 8 Series-related names (including 825, 830, 835, 850, 845, 860 and M850) as part of what looks like…

# 1 TAOTRONICS CAR DASH CAM PRICE: R1 912 The embedded G-Sensor in Taotronics’ model makes it a handy companion on track days. # 2 SPLASHETECH FX50D PRICE: R2 469 Thanks to an ultra-thin four-inch LCD screen, this slim camera is easy to carry round. # 3 REXING V1 PRICE: R2 427 This discreet number tucks in behind the rear-view mirror and weighs a paltry 300 g. # 4 DIGITSEA NOVATEK 96220 PRICE: R1 091 The 96220 is perfect if you favour a simple dash cam with minimal fripperies. # 5 INDIGI DASH CAM PRICE: R3 317 This robust cam records both internal and external footage, making it perfect for reaction videos. # 6 POWERLEAD PUDA D003 PRICE: R4 277 This interactive model comes loaded with night vision, mobile vibration…

VOLVO S90 D5 AWD INSCRIPTION PRICE: TBC ETA: October WE ARE HERE IT wasn’t the concierge who greeted us in the Kempinski Hotel Bahia’s foyer but a Mussel Blue Volvo S90 with its signature T-shaped “Thor’s Hammer” daytime-running lights reflecting off the floor’s polished Spanish marble. Not that the S90 needs superior presentational skills to draw attention – the second of what will be a number of new models from Volvo’s head of design, Thomas Ingenlath, sets the new high-water mark for exterior aesthetics in the segment. The nose features a concave interpretation of the Volvo grille that’s reminiscent of its 1960s’ iconic P1800 sportscar, and the S90’s blended curves and sharp creases – especially evident over the rear arches – affords it a silhouette that is at once…

LEXUS RC200t EX PRICE: R699 100 ETA: Now WE ARE HERE GOOD-looking, well specced and comfortable, but not particularly fast or dynamic... That just about summed up our initial impression of the mid-range Lexus coupé after driving the RC350. Now, joining the 3,5-litre V6 in the South African market is this newly launched RC200t fitted with the 8AR-FTS 2,0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain found in a number of the carmaker’s products. The obvious question, then: will SA buyers want a softer, subtler version of the already relatively docile RC350 F-Sport? Apart from the wheels, there are no changes to either the RC’s exterior or interior designs so, side by side, the 200t and 350 look just about identical. You do, however, immediately notice the difference beneath your right foot. The RC…

“Take a deep breath and remember you’re driving someone else’s R35 million-plus car.” That voice in my head doesn’t help bring down my heart rate. Key in the ignition, twist and an electronic whirr immediately fills carbon-fibre-clad cabin. Press the “ENGINE START” button on the left-bottom corner of the steering wheel and the V12 barks into life. From inside the car, the engine sound is not quite as intense or loud as you’d expect – no doubt, outside this well-insulated cocoon passersby are treated to the exhaust tips’ sonic rawness. Not unlike a racecar, however, what I can hear is every bit of road debris being thrown up into the wheel arches or against the carbon tub. Even in the first few turns, I can feel the immediacy and a…

IN the world of politics and business, presidents and CEOs take all the limelight, posing for pictures at press events and signing multimillion-rand deals. However, back at the office, the vice presidents put in late nights crunching the numbers to make sure it all works. Things are not dissimilar in the motoring world. While models such as the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class garner all the accolades, it is the more affordable, yet no less capable, 5 Series and E-Class that are more popular, sell in larger numbers and are more important to the manufacturers’ bottom line. March saw the international launch of the all-new E-Class and it’s now offered for sale here in South Africa. Mercedes-Benz SA has launched a trio of models: an E200, E350d and the…

IT certainly draws attention, doesn’t it? With its distinctive aesthetics characterised by a rounded nose, strip-shaped headlamps and those signature Airbump side panels, the Cactus received its fair share of interest from my fellow road users over the 12 months it was in my charge. I’ve never driven a standard hatchback before that so many road users pointed at. And that’s exactly what it is. Labelled a crossover by its maker, to me the Cactus is simply a funky hatchback, with little aside from those roof rails in common with a crossover. The Cactus, as we all noted when it arrived at our offices, is also a lot smaller than the original press pictures suggested. The compact dimensions are definitely felt inside. Although there are a trio of three-point belts…

Think back to your childhood. There was undoubtedly a Volkswagen family car – probably a Kombi – that was the cornerstone of many holidays, weekends away and memorable adventures. You now have your own family, and the sixth-generation Transporter and fourth-generation Caddy ranges are here to continue this legendary story with you. SIXTH-GENERATION TRANSPORTER PRICING: R451 200 TO R898 900 The new Transporter range of large family MPVs runs the full gamut of needs of the extended family, from the conscientious Crew Bus and adventure-oriented Kombi, to the luxurious and comfortable Caravelle. Utilising the economical 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel engine with three output options, and with the choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or the smooth shifting seven-speed DSG® transmission, the Transporter Crew Bus makes light work of carting a family…

If your engine was manufactured after 1995, it should be able to run on unleaded fuel. The reason is that cast-iron cylinder heads were phased out by 1995. • Investigate further by consulting the Naamsa fuel-compatibility database at: www.naamsa.co.za/unleaded/databases/index.php • If you’re still unsure, contact the manufacturer. • Lastly, if you’re running a classic car and are unsure about the material of the cylinder head, use an aftermarket additive when filling with unleaded fuel to restore the valve-seat-lubrication properties.…

18 TOTAL NUMBER OF ALFA ROMEO MITOS CURRENTLY FOR SALE ON GUMTREE Alfa Romeo Mito 1,4 Distinctive, 2013, red, 23 000 km, Randburg R169 900 Alfa Romeo Mito 1,4 MultiAir, 2014, silver, 32 000 km, Cape Town R180 000 Citroën DS3 1,6 VTi Design, 2014, white, Cape Town R189 900 Citroën DS3 1,6 VTi, 2015, yellow, 30 000 km, Richards Bay R179 000 Volvo C30 T5 Geartronic, 2013, white, 99 000 km, East Rand R199 900 Volvo C30 2,0 Essential, 2011, silver, 46 000 km, Cape Town R185 000…

2016 VW GOLF GTI CLUB-SPORT EDITION 40 DSG 1:28 40 CURRENT FASTEST FWD CAR 2015 HONDA CIVIC TYPE R 1:26,30 28 2016 BMW M2 DCT 1:24,90 46 2016 Ford Focus RS 1:26,70 49 2010 Ford Focus RS 1:27,07 53 2015 Audi RS3 Sport-back Quattro S tronic 1:27,43 56 2015 Ford Mustang 5,0 V8 AT 1:27,65 69 2016 Birkin S3 180 XS 185 1:28,50 83 2012 VW Golf 6 GTI Edition 35 1:30,07 84 2016 Volvo S60 Polestar T6 AWD 1:30,10 88 2013 VW Golf 7 GTI manual 1:30,76 THE Volkswagen Golf GTI has always been a hot hatch that ticks all the boxes, but that all-round ability has also meant it hasn’t quite been focused enough for the real enthusiast. The Clubsport might just have changed that sentiment. Not only…

The VW diesel emissions scandal has shown that diesel engines are so dirty that manufacturers have to cheat in order to get them to pass stringent EU pollution laws. Is it your view, then, that in South Africa, pollution from cars is not an issue? Isn’t it bad enough that our fuel quality is already way below world standards? I really expected better from CAR. Hybrid engines are a quantum leap forward because they offer exceptional fuel efficiency and, most importantly, greatly reduced CO2 emissions, unlike diesel engines that are by far the dirtiest engines (worse even than regular petrol internal-combustion engines). BMW technicians are smart enough to see this, which is why they are moving aggressively towards electric and hybrid technology. Let me be clear: we want clean air…

A powerful 2,0-litre and a manual box, too BRIGHT AND LOUD The production Clio RS’ body has been widened by 60 mm and 19-inch wheels have been added to the mix. There’s also an LED chequer-patterned lighting signature featuring multi-faceted reflector technology. Renault Sport’s now-trademark Liquid Yellow paintwork has been combined with gloss-black details to mirror the livery of the Renault Sport Formula One Team’s RS 16 F1 singleseaters. The exhaust system was also revised, with the soundtrack provided by an Akrapovic twin exhaust system, as was the suspension, which utilises a torque-steer-reducing independent steering-axis front-suspension layout, branded PerfoHub. HANDING DOWN THE TROPHY The Renault Clio RS 16 is powered by the French brand’s most potent engine: the 2,0-litre turbo-petrol unit developing 205 kW and 360 N.m, lifted from the…

I ROLLS-BOT Developed as part of BMW’s centennial, Rolls-Royce’s Vision Next 100 concept ditches the V12 internal-combustion engine and bluff bodywork in favour of a pair of 250 kW electric motors and a radical aerodynamic shell. Most notably, it also dispenses with the driver, instead relying on autonomous technology to do the chauffeuring while occupants recline on a sofa-like bench and interact with a virtual assistant in the shape of a digital Spirit of Ecstasy on an OLED screen. PEUGEOT L500 R HYBRID Standing just a metre high and featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain with 375 kW on tap, this formidable wedge of racecar celebrates the centenary of Peugeot’s first Indy 500 win and the future of the firm’s motor-sport offerings. HYUNDAI RM16 N Loosely based on the Veloster, this…

With a range of new models hitting the South African market, Mahindra & Mahindra SA’s head is concentrating on growing the passenger-car sector We’re going to sell more passenger cars At the moment, our sales ratio is about 75% bakkies to 25% passenger cars, and our first task is to change that to at least 50:50. It’s a tough one, especially as our dealers are more tuned to selling bakkies. And in the passenger segment – notably the hatchback segment – there is a big gap between diesel and petrol, with about 95% to the latter. The only diesel option is the Ford Figo, but now Mahindra has entered this segment with the KUV100 in both petrol and diesel guises. A wider XUV500 range will help… We’ll shortly begin selling…

SENSUS This upgraded version of the acclaimed infotainment and driver support system is standard on Momentum and Inscription trim. Info is displayed via three screens: “Now” info in the adjustable head-up display and centre display behind the wheel; and the non-critical “Whenever” info on the centre screen. PILOTASSIST Part of Volvo’s IntelliSafe package and standard on the S90, PilotAssist employs various sensors to pick up lane markings, along with radar-guided adaptive cruise control. The latest version of this technology represents the next step in Volvo’s stated goal of fully autonomous driving. LARGE-ANIMAL DETECTION The standard radar/camera unit scans for large animals standing on the road or slowly moving across it and, if one is detected, it warns the driver. If they do not react, the car applies the brakes to…

MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS CABRIOLET PRICES: From R702 522 ETA: October WE ARE HERE IF you discount the two generations of CLK, this is the first drop-top C. And the Stuttgart manufacturer’s first stab at a convertible to challenge the likes of the popular BMW 4 Series and Audi A5. We visited Italy’s scenic Dalmatian Coast during a sodden summer spell to sample the C-Class Cabriolet in surrounds that emulate its natural environment. Mercedes-Benz’s designers have done a commendable job of making the Cabriolet look like a bespoke model instead of simply a Coupé without a metal roof. Utilising a compact three-layer soft top (available in four colours and additionally in a noise-insulating material) that folds into the boot in 20 seconds at a speed of up to 50 km/h, the…

IT’s a big year for bakkies. We’ve experienced the new – and very good – Toyota Hilux; Volkswagen has shown its revised Amarok, replete with segment-leading V6 turbo-diesel power; Nissan looks set to introduce the all-new Navara before year-end ... and now an unlikely player has joined the market. Based on our impressions of the new Fiat Professional Fullback from the international launch in Italy (read the review in last month’s CAR), the newcomer possesses the raw talent to ask tough questions about the established participants. And it needs to assert itself; hot on the Italian bakkie’s heels are the Renault Alaskan and Mercedes-Benz GLT, both based on the Navara that’s been garnering rave reviews overseas. Bakkie buyers have never had it this good. Of course, one of those established…

IT’S an interesting one: a test requested by readers that doesn’t involve performance cars, bakkies, SUVs or even such staples of mid-range motoring as B-segment hatchbacks and compact sedans. This test encompasses a segment in our market that’s so niche that the representatives here comprise three-quarters of the sub-R170 000 automatic hatchback models available (Honda, unfortunately, was unable to supply a Brio). This segment may be a rarefied one in South Africa, but it’s one with a surprisingly broad customer base that ranges from younger, style-conscious folk whose commute is often mired in traffic, to empty nesters who are downsizing and are after something simple to pilot that doesn’t break the bank. With this in mind, we gathered three of the cheapest new automatics on the market to see if…

MAZDA CX-3 2,0 INDIVIDUAL AT Mazda’s funky crossover kicks off a 12-month stint in the CAR garage OUR initial impressions of the Mazda CX-3 light crossover were positive when we tested the vehicle in the February 2016 issue. We loved the Mazda2-based model’s price, performance and overall packaging. There were niggles, however, including an automatic transmission that showed a tendency to kick down too eagerly instead of letting the strong 2,0-litre engine mine the reserves of its 204 N.m torque peak to pull a higher gear. We will now be able to find out whether that mild irritation is one we can live after Mazda kindly offered us a CX-3 in Individual grade (R351 000) to use for 12 months. Only available with the six-speed torque-converter unit, Individual spec brings…

SOLAR-PANEL CARPORTS The fact that our electricity is mostly produced from coal, and therefore not exactly green, is a concern for local eco-conscious, electric-vehicle buyers. To address this issue in part, BMW recently launched its solar carport for public use in South Africa that will be rolled out to major cities. This system makes a lot of sense, as our climate is moderate and days sun-filled; if the electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle is parked for most of the day, why not charge it with sunlight? The sun produces around 1 kW of energy per square metre in optimum conditions and, with current solar-panel efficiencies around 15%, a 4,5-by-seven-metre carport (32 m2 ) could produce a theoretical maximum power of around 4,7 kW. BMW claims a conservative 3,6 kW that,…

THE history of Chrysler’s Valiant in South Africa is a reasonably short but rather varied one. It was offered here from 1960 to ‘76 and, during that time, CAR tested more than 25 Valiant models. During those 16 years, the Valiant underwent significant and fairly regular styling changes, so we’ve decided to split our coverage of this South African favourite. Having already covered the most sought-after Barracuda models in our May 2014 issue, this month we’ll focus on the earliest versions, namely those made between 1960 and ‘63. STYLING Our very first Valiant test, published in June 1960, featured a LHD prototype that Chrysler South Africa had made available to us. These were Chrysler’s new “compact” cars – in other words, its six-cylinder models. The “regular” size cars were the…

The early Dakar years were the domain of both pioneers and nutters, and among such mainstays of this grueling race as modified Mercedes-Benz G-Wagens and Range Rovers was anything from a Rolls-Royce to a 1927 Renault KZ. Lined up at the start alongside this colourful automotive assortment for the rally’s 1982 edition was what appeared to be a Renault 20 in racing livery. Given its already sketchy reputation for mechanical reliability, what hope would its drivers have of finishing, let alone winning, in this four-door executive hatch? Besides, the drivers – brothers Claude and Bernard Marreau – were competing in shorts, T-shirts and open-face helmets that, most of the time, weren’t even fastened around their bearded chins. Unbeknownst to the other competitors, though, the Brothers Marreau had actually come upon…