Indholdsfortegnelse for June 2018 i CAR

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Underpinned by the same MLB Evo platform already forming the foundations of Audi’s Q7, the Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus, the third-generation Volkswagen Touareg is longer, lower and wider than its forebear, and 106 kg lighter. Volkswagen’s new Innovision Cockpit links a centrally mounted 15-inch infotainment touchscreen with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. Engine options: 3,0-litre, V6, turbodiesel (170 and 210 kW); 3,0-litre, V6, turbopetrol (250 kW); 4,0-litre, V8, turbodiesel (310 kW); plug-in hybrid (270 kW) – engines for SA TBC The striking VW Tanoak concept is an Atlas-based, unibody bakkie spun off the firm’s MQB modular platform. Measuring 5 438 mm long, 2 029 mm wide and 1 844 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3 259 mm, the AWD Tanoak is a little larger than the Amarok and…

The Nissan Navara-based Terra SUV will take a tilt at the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Isuzu MU-X. A pure five-seater with 225 mm of ground clearance, the Terra measures 4 882 mm long, 1 850 mm wide and 1 835 mm tall. That makes it longer than the Fortuner and a little shorter than the Everest, while ground clearance comes in at 225 mm. Nissan’s QR25 four-cylinder petrol engine (135 kW and 251 N.m) powers Chinese-market models, while Western-market models will likely sport the firm’s 2,3-litre turbodiesel. Its robust ladder-frame chassis supports a five-link coil-spring rear suspension system and rigid rear axle, along with a four-wheel-drive system, hill-descent control and hill-start assist. THE TERRA IS LONGER THAN THE FORTUNER AND A LITTLE SHORTER…

BMW’s iX3 concept (above and below) hails a planned EV version of the company’s X3 midsize SUV due in 2020. Its fifth-generation electric-drive system develops 200 kW, while a 70 kWh battery pack gives the iX3 an operational range in excess of 400 km and can be fast-charged to full capacity in just 30 minutes. BMW purists may well flinch at that grille, though. Developed with the Chinese market in mind, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate luxury concept is a combination of luxury sedan and SUV with distinctive features such as a split rear windscreen and a complete tea set in its centre console. Power is provided by four electric motors fed by an 80 kWh battery pack, developing a total of 550 kW and good for a range of 322…

FEATURES CHECKLIST Airbags: front/side/curtain Air-con: tri-zone climate Audio system: radio/CD/MP3/aux-in/Bluetooth/voice control/USB Cruise control: standard, adaptive Sat-nav: standard Park assist: standard Windows: all-electric Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust: electric, incl. height Folding rear seat: optional Upholstery: leather Isofix anchorages: outer rear Steering adjust: electric rake + reach Steering audio controls: standard Tyre sensors: standard Wipers auto-on: standard Headlamps auto-on: standard…

MERCEDES GLC220D 4MATIC 9G-TRONIC OUR VERDICT Technically occupies a segment above the X2, this X3 rival’s inclusion shows the lack of comparably priced competitors in the BMW’s segment. Packaging is more SUV-like than the BMW’s. JAGUAR E-PACE D180 AWD S OUR VERDICT Also strikingly styled and on a similar footing performance-wise to the BMW, the Jaguar offers slightly more space than the X2 and, if its pricier brother on page 65 is anything to go by, a more forgiving ride. BMW X2 xDRIVE20d M SPORT X STEPTRONIC OUR VERDICT Sharp looking, beautifully built and probably the most rewarding of the three dynamically, but steep pricing, some awkward interior packaging and harder ride count against it.…

MERCEDES-BENZ GLC250d COUPÉ 4MATIC 9G-TRONIC OUR VERDICT Sleek, coupé-like styling renders the Mercedes-Benz a distinctive choice. C-Class underpinnings contribute to a car-like driving experience and the engine, although gruff, is nicely punchy. JAGUAR E-PACE D240 AWD HSE OUR VERDICT Jaguar’s virtues of fluid driving manners and sporty styling are effectively micronised but the package is heavy and pricing steep. HSE specification is exceedingly generous, though, but S is better value. LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT TD4 HSE OUR VERDICT Brings genuine off-road ability into the equation, along with seven seats and generous standard specification. There are some question marks around perceived fit and finish, and it’s less car-like to drive.…

McLAREN 720S COUPÉ OUR VERDICT Hypercar performance and benign, engaging dynamics linked to impressive everyday usability render the 720S a towering achievement. FERRARI 488 PISTA OUR VERDICT Turn to page 100 for our first taste of the flagship 488 derivative. Equally soaring performance to the 720S but promises to be even more focused. LAMBORGHINI HURACÁN PERFORMANTE OUR VERDICT Eschews the others’ forced induction in favour of an indulgent V10, to spectacular effect. We first drove this model in January 2018 and can’t wait to road test it.…

FORD EVEREST 3,2 TDCi XLT 4x2 AT OUR VERDICT The Everest offers brawny performance, class-leading utility space and seating comfort. It's no wonder, then, that its our Top 12 Best Buys choice among the bakkie-based SUVs. MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT 2,4 D4 4x2 AT OUR VERDICT Its combination of a smooth drivetrain, superb ride comfort and refinement sees the Pajero offering fierce competition to the Ford and Toyota. Tighter packaging knocks it, though. TOYOTA FORTUNER 2,8 GD-6 4x2 AT OUR VERDICT You can’t beat the For-tuner’s kerbside appeal and resale, plus the engine is refined. However, we have reservations about the six-speed automatic transmission and seat stowage.…

VOLKSWAGEN POLO 1,0 TSI 85 kW HIGHLINE DSG OUR VERDICT Based on the superb MQB platform and equipped with an efficient 1,0 turbo-triple, the Highline Polo is part of a segment-leading hatchback range that majors in refinement and comfort. MAZDA2 1,5 INDIVIDUAL PLUS AUTO OUR VERDICT Fitted with a similarly sized engine to the Honda but, with a six-speed torque-converter, the Mazda can’t match the VW’s refinement. It bests all here in terms of cornering agility. HONDA JAZZ 1,5 SPORT CVT OUR VERDICT The Jazz Sport has its merits, including a hugely practical cabin but, unfortunately, being sporty isn’t one of them. You’ll find better fit-for-purpose derivatives further down the range.…

1939  First automatic transmission: 1939 Oldsmobile (Hydramatic) 1947  Two-speed: Buick Roadmaster (Dynaflow) 1950  Three-speed: Studebaker (Borg Warner) 1939  Four-speed: Oldsmobile (Hydramatic) 1989  Five-speed: various Nissans (RE5R01A, Jatco/Nissan) 2001  Six-speed: BMW 7 Series (ZF 6HP26) 2003  Seven-speed: Mercedes-Benz (7G-tronic) 2006  Eight-speed: Lexus LS460 (Aisin) 2013  Nine-speed: Range Rover Evoque (ZF 9HP) 2017 Ten-speed: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Ford F-150 (joint venture between GM and Ford)…

In the interests of protecting him from unwanted fame, stalkers and the paparazzi, CAR cannot reveal the true identity of the resourceful Garageman AIR LEAK Albert “Xerox” van Zyl is a successful young farmer in our district. At least, he appears to be successful judging by the number of different cars he has bought and sold at frequent intervals over the years. He appears to get tired of any particular model as soon as one of his friends takes delivery of a new car, and then buys the same one for himself. His friends accuse him of being a copycat, but he just shrugs and laughs. He maintains it’s no different to some people buying new pairs of shoes because celebrities were seen wearing them. Xerox also owns an Isuzu…

ERRATUM: SYNCHROMESH In the TECH feature Which ‘box is best? from April 2018, we compared different transmissions. The article mentioned that Porsche patented the synchromesh transmission system in 1952, which is only partly correct, as pointed out by a few eagle-eyed readers with a wealth of automotive knowledge. We apologise and publish this comprehensive response on the history of the synchromesh system: In 1952, Porsche introduced the “baulk ring” synchromesh, which was more effective than the cone system. Earl Thompson invented and patented the synchromesh system in 1922, which eliminated the skill necessary to synchronise gears by double de-clutching, an exercise that was difficult to get right in tricky traffic situations. Like many new ideas, it was not readily accepted by the motor industry and it took until 1928 for…

NOTES The PRICES shown are the latest available at the time of going to press. Our deadline occurred before 26 April 2018. Readers should check with a dealer before making a decision. The HP payment calculations are based on a 10% deposit, current prime interest rate and a 60-month repayment period with no residual at the end. Under ENGINE we list the number of cylinders and the cubic capacity in cm3 . Here, V = V-shaped engine layout; H = horizontally-opposed engine layout; The absence of an initial symbol implies an in-line engine layout. FUEL SUPPLY abbreviations are P = petrol-engined; D = diesel-engined; T = turbocharged, a compressor driven by exhaust gases; S = supercharged, a compressor driven by the engine; P/H = petrol-hybrid and E = electric. POWER…

MAY 19 Sat Power Series & SAEC, round 2 (4-hour) 26 Sat Streetcar track day (09-14h00)/ AfrikaBurn – Decompression Party (TBC) JUNE 2 Sat Drag racing & Spinning/ Short-circuit racing & Drifting 9 Sat Power Series 16 Sat Youth Day (public holiday) 23 Sat Streetcar track day (09-14h00)/ Motorcycle track school (09-14h00) 30 Sat Rally cross & Drifting JULY 7 Sat Power Series practice (09-14h00) 14 Sat Power Series 21 Sat Drag racing & Spinning/ Short-circuit racing & Drifting Killarney info: If you want to take your own car around the track or do an advanced-driving course, contact Killarney on 021 557 1639, email info@wpmc.co.za  or visit www.wpmc.co.za Dates are subject to change. Visit www.wpmc.co.za  for an up-to-date diary.…

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. MOTOR INDUSTRY ENTERING A DEATH SPIRAL? As a lifelong car enthusiast, I cannot help but feel that many manufacturers who have a local presence are surely going to see their sales shrink to unsustainable levels in the years ahead. Much like our present government, they seem to believe that consumers/taxpayers have bottomless pockets, although I concede limited niche markets will always survive no matter how astronomical the asking price of a vehicle might be. For many years I, too, have played the “bigger and better”…

As you look with dismay at the digital price readout at the petrol pumps whirring faster than the speedo on a hypercar, you may wonder exactly where that revenue goes. Here’s the breakdown R13 , 89 95 OCTANE PETROL PER LITRE AT THE COAST R694,50* R3,37 R168,50* GENERAL FUEL LEVY increased by R0,22 to R3,37 as of April 2018 R1,93 R96,50* ROAD ACCIDENT FUND LEVY increased by R0,30 to R1,93 as of April 2018 R2,78 R139,00* STORAGE, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL MARGINS, DISTRIBUTION AND TRANSPORT RELATED COSTS, ETC. R5,81 R290,50* BASIC FUEL PRICE, FREIGHT, INSURANCE, CARGO DUES, STORAGE, FINANCING, ETC. R77,5bn PROJECTED REVENUE FROM LEVIES 2018/’19 R41,2bn PROJECTED REVENUE FROM ROAD ACCIDENT FUND LEVIES 2018/’19 R118,7bn PROJECTED COMBINED REVENUE FROM FUEL TAXES 2018/’19 *Cost of a 50-litre tank of fuel…

Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce Q4Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV Q4Audi A7 Sportback Q3 Audi A8 imminentBentley Continental GT imminentBMW i8 Roadster imminent BMW X4 SeptemberBMW X7 TBCFiat 500X facelift Q3 Ford Figo facelift imminentFord EcoSport imminent Jaguar F-Pace SVR Q4Jeep Cherokee facelift Q4Jeep Renegade facelift Q3Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Q3Jeep Wrangler 2019Kia Sorento facelift Q3 Lexus LS imminentMahindra XUV500 facelift imminent McLaren P15 Q4Mercedes-Benz A-Class Q3Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift Q3Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupé TBCNissan Leaf TBCPagani Huayra Roadster Q4Peugeot 5008 Q4 Porsche Cayenne imminent Renault Duster Q3 Renault Koleos imminent Renault Kwid facelift Q4Renault Mégane RS Q3Rolls-Royce Cullinan Q4Subaru Forester Q1 2019Subaru Levorg TBCSuzuki Jimny TBC Suzuki Swift imminent Suzuki Vitara facelift TBCToyota Auris Q4Toyota RAV4 Q3 2019Volkswagen Touareg Q3 Volvo XC60 imminent DISCONTINUED MODELS Chery (all ranges) Foton (all ranges)…

MAX Verstappen’s start to the 2018 season has been scruffy, to say the least. He tried to make up for a spin and poor grid position in Australia by pushing too hard and damaging his car in the race. Another spin during practice in Bahrain preceded an unnecessary clash with Lewis Hamilton and subsequent retirement. Then two impetuous moments cost a certain victory in China – a race won by teammate, Daniel Ricciardo – followed by the utter distaster that was Baku where the Red Bull teammates crashed into one another, eliminating both. Verstappen had no one to blame but himself as he slotted into eighth place on the points table. Given his unprompted apology to Sebastian Vettel after colliding with the Ferrari in Shanghai, plus his conciliatory attitude to…

FEATURES CHECKLIST Airbags: front/side/curtain/knee Air-con: tri-zone climate Audio system: radio/CD/MP3/aux-in/Bluetooth/voice control/USB Cruise control: standard, adaptive Sat-nav: standard Park assist: standard Windows: all-electric Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust: electric, incl. height Folding rear seat: optional Upholstery: leather Isofix anchorages: outer rear Steering adjust: rake + reach Steering audio controls: standard Tyre sensors: standard Wipers auto-on: standard Headlamps auto-on: standard…

FEATURES CHECKLIST Airbags: front/side/curtain Air-con: manual Audio system: radio/MP3/aux-in/USB/Bluetooth Cruise control: standard Sat-nav: standard Park assist: optional Windows: all-electric Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust: manual, incl. height Folding rear seat: 40:20:40-split Upholstery: cloth (leather opt) Isofix anchorages: outer rear Steering adjust: rake + reach Steering audio controls: standard Tyre sensors: standard Wipers auto-on: standard Headlamps auto-on: standard…

FEATURES CHECKLIST Airbags: front/side/curtain Air-con: dual-zone climate Audio system: radio/CD/MP3/aux-in/Bluetooth/voice control Cruise control: standard, adaptive Sat-nav: standard Park assist: standard Windows: all-electric Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust: electric, incl. height Folding rear seat: 60:40 split Upholstery: leather Isofix anchorages: outer rear Steering adjust: rake + reach Steering audio controls: standard Tyre sensors: standard Wipers auto-on: standard Headlamps auto-on: standard…

FEATURES CHECKLIST Airbags: front/side Air-con: dual-zone climate Audio system: radio/CD/MP3/aux/Blue/voice ctrl/USB Cruise control: standard, adaptive Sat-nav: standard Park assist: optional Windows: electric front Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust: manual, incl. height Folding rear seat: no Upholstery: leather Isofix anchorages: no Steering adjust: rake + reach Steering audio controls: no Tyre sensors: standard Wipers auto-on: standard Headlamps auto-on: standard…

FEATURES CHECKLIST Airbags: front/side/curtain Air-con: dual-zone climate Audio system: radio/CD/MP3/aux-in/USB/Bluetooth Cruise control: standard Sat-nav: no Park assist: standard Windows: all-electric Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust: electric incl. height Folding rear seat: 60:40 split Upholstery: leather Isofix anchorages: no Steering adjust: rake + reach Steering audio controls: standard Tyre sensors: no Wipers auto-on: standard Headlamps auto-on: standard…

IT may be Ducati’s superbikes that get most of the attention but this machine and its predecessors have been the Italian marque’s bread and butter. From the very beginning of the Monster’s 25-year history, it has been Ducati’s bestselling range and was basically responsible for keeping the company afloat during the 1990s. Much of that had to do with the variety of derivatives on offer, and the current line-up has a total of six, with three engines (797, 821 and 1 200 cm3 ). All, of course, are V-twins, an engine configuration long associated with Ducati. This 821 slots in just above the entry-level model and our test unit was fitted with several tasty options, including the Sport Pack (R11 700) and, more importantly, a Termignoni exhaust (R20 700) and…

CUSTOM EXHAUST WORTH THE MONEY? I want to get CAR’s opinion on fitting a complete custom exhaust, including the manifold. I am a young enthusiast and often see that standard exhaust systems are changed for stainless-steel performance items costing exorbitant amounts of money. While this does improve the engine sound, I want to know if it actually increases the engine’s power output? I am planning on getting a custom stainless-steel exhaust manifold and full system fitted to my Nissan NP200 with the 1,6-litre, eight-valve engine but need to know if it is worth the investment. TIMOTHY BRUNSDON Durban For some background information, have a look at our technical article The ABCs of engine tuning at CARmag.co.za. In a petrol engine, the limiting factor when producing power is the amount of…

YOU couldn’t really blame McLaren when it announced a switch to Renault power for 2018. The Woking-based team endured three seasons of struggle as engine partner Honda perpetually failed to get to grips with the 2014 technical regulations. The received wisdom was that the McLaren chassis had been as good as any and merely lacked a decent and reliable power unit to push it along. Although the liaison with Renault would bring a stark performance comparison between McLaren and Renault’s leading customer, Red Bull, McLaren felt it could cope. And, yet, even allowing for the necessary bedding-in process with a new engine partner in this highly complex area of the car, McLaren was found wanting in the first four races; embarrassingly so. The former champions may have been fourth in…

BMW has revealed the M2 Competition and the only subtle thing about it is a reserved styling approach that ushers in mild enhancements to the kidney grille and skirts. Under the bonnet lurks a tuned version of the M3’s 3,0-litre S55 twin-turbo, inline-six engine. Developing 302 kW (and 550 N.m), this unit eclipses the stock M2’s 272 kW output. M2 Competition 6-spd manual 4,4 sec 250 km/h 280 km/h M2 Competition 7-spd dual-clutch 4,2 sec 250 km/h 280 km/h 0-100 km/h Top speed Top speed, M Driver’s Package…

THE launch of the completely reimagined third-generation A-Class in 2012 not only transformed the top-heavy family taxi into a premium hatchback, but also proved the catalyst for a significant shift in the global Mercedes-Benz buyer profile. Furthermore, it slashed the average age of Mercedes-Benz ownership thanks to some 60% of these W176-model A-Class buyers being new to the brand. Six years later, with the introduction of this fourth-generation (W177), Mercedes-Benz plans to shift the A-Class from relative latecomer to the party into a trendsetter. Built on what is essentially a new platform, the W177 is 120 mm longer and 16 mm wider than the outgoing model, and yet is on average 20 kg lighter. Interestingly, despite a 30 mm stretch in wheelbase, there’s been no increase in rear-passenger legroom, an…

RS1 R130 000 Exterior kit (bumpers, extended wheelarches, 18-inch alloys, alloy sports bar and side steps, a deck-lid cover, tonneau cover, dual-pipe exhausts and stickers, and some interior trim (embroidered headrests and car mats). RS2 R170 000 All of the above, plus a performance upgrade to 170 kW/550 N.m (five-map chip, uprated intercooler, a high-flow exhaust system) and some assorted trim (side stripes and a Roush grille). RS3 R240 000 All of the above, plus a performance upgrade to 190 kW/650 N.m (five-map chip, uprated intercooler and turbo impeller), a handling pack (uprated springs/ shocks, uprated front discs and ceramic pads) and interior improvements (full Roush leather interior and tinted windows).…

ASKED at the recent Geneva Motor Show who he felt AMG’s biggest modern-day rival was, head of Mercedes-Benz’s performance division, Tobias Moers, paused momentarily before proclaiming it to be Porsche. Granted, this was moments after the reveal of the Panamera-targeting AMG GT 4-door. And, yet, with the ink barely dry on myriad comparison tests between 911 and AMG GT coupé – and amid plenty of talk about the performance potential of the Formula One-inspired Mercedes-AMG Project One in relation to the suitably sophisticated 918 Spyder – Mr Moers would have been only too aware of the glare across the hall from an altogether more familiar foe. While the exploits of the mighty Mercedes-AMG E63 S have been well documented over the past 12 months (including a top-three finish in Performance…

Price: R728 938 0-100 km/h: 8,36 sec Power/Torque: 140 kW/400 N.m Top speed: 180 km/h CAR fuel index: 6,00 L/100 km CO2: 131 g/km IN the natural kingdom, establishing a niche in your habitat is often a great strategy that can literally keep the wolves from the door, or your food source untouched by pickier competitors. It’s much the same in the automotive realm, where survival is also a case of occupying every niche conceivable in order to keep your rivals at bay. But the niche into which this latest addition to BMW’s X family will bed down is already a crowded one, with the likes of Audi’s Q2, the striking Jaguar E-Pace, Mercedes-Benz’s GLA and, soon, Volvo’s impressive XC40 all vying for a place in the hearts of those…

Price: R814 888 0-100 km/h: 8,15 sec Power/Torque: 177 kW/500 N.m Top speed: 224 km/h CAR fuel index: 7,44 L/100 km CO2: 162 g/km THERE were glances of mild astonishment between our road testers when the E-Pace rolled onto our electric scales and 1 943 kg flashed up on the display. Similarly, a price tag in excess of R800 000 for this range-topping diesel model is also a hefty number to associate with a boutique midsize SUV. Add the weight of expectation heaped upon this eagerly awaited rival to the likes of the X2 and the shapely Volvo XC40 (page 46) to this already sizeable equation, and you have to ask whether the E-Pace will prove a porcine disappointment or a lithe urban jungle cat. Jaguar’s designers may have essentially…

Price: R6 000 000 0-100 km/h: 3,09 sec Power/Torque: 527 kW/770 N.m Top speed: 341 km/h CAR fuel index: 12,8 L/100 km CO2: 249 g/km ASTUTE CAR readers may have already raised an eyebrow at that intro blurb proclaiming the 720S the quickest vehicle we’ve ever configured in our rigorous performance-testing programme. There’s a caveat, yes, and it’s this: with a 0-100 km/h time of 3,09 seconds, the rear-wheel-drive McLaren is beaten by the all-wheel-drive Audi R8 V10 Plus, which posted an astounding figure of 3,03 seconds on our test strip when we tested it in September 2016 (and it dipped below the three-second mark during Performance Shootout 2017, but that was on a grippier surface elsewhere and, for reasons of fairness and equal comparison, we’ll leave that time out…

Price: R569 995 0-100 km/h: 10,79 sec Power/Torque: 133 kW/430 N.m Top speed: 180 km/h CAR fuel index: 9,60 L/100 km CO2: 214 g/km “THE key question is whether brand-loyal South Africans will be swayed from their trusted Fortuners and Everests.” The answer to this somewhat prophetic statement from our December 2017 test of the then-new Pajero Sport 2,4 D4 4x4 is a definitive … not yet. Every month, while more than a thousand Fortuners leave Toyota showrooms, Mitsubishi struggles to sell 50 Sports. That trend will hopefully change as more buyers become familiar with the Triton-based SUV’s attributes because, as we found in that road test, the Pajero Sport is really rather good. From a class-leading drivetrain setup – the 2,4-litre turbodiesel is a refined, strong unit complemented by…

Price: R310 000 0-100 km/h: 9,62 sec Power/Torque: 97 kW/155 N.m Top speed: 180 km/h CAR fuel index: 6,72 L/100 km CO2: 133 g/km HONDA can certainly lay claim to the “Sport” moniker. A multitude of motorsport podiums, generations of exhilarating Type Rs and sweet-handling cars like the earlier Civics, CRXs and Preludes have garnered it fans across the globe, including a devoted chapter here in South Africa. In recent years, however, there hasn’t been much for local Honda fans to get overly excited about. Beyond the previous- and current-generation Civic Type Rs – both of which would be outside the budget of most younger drivers – there hasn’t been an accessible performance model from the Japanese brand. It’s a sporty entry point to Honda that has clearly been missing…

TYRE-SENSING TECHNOLOGY In a previous issue, we covered tyre-sensing tech that uses a sensor embedded into a tyre’s tread to measure condition and grip. Because of the additional hardware, this technology is expensive, but what if the same information can be available employing existing technology? This is exactly what Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI; producer of Dunlop tyres locally) has achieved. By analysing the speed signals from the existing wheel-speed sensors used for ABS and clever mathematical models, SRI is able to infer tyre load and deformation as part of the tyre-pressure-monitoring system. The breakthrough came by analysing the frequency of the signals and realising that certain tyre deformations give rise to specific frequencies. Even grip levels are linked to a frequency and, in the future, SRI hopes to be able…

When there’s little time, hijacking is quick and the key is with the vehicle. Relay theft is done by a pair of thieves on vehicles fitted with a keyless-entry-and-start system. Thief number one moves in close to the key in a situation, for example, where you’re sitting at a restaurant with your key in your pocket. They carry a device that can both copy the signal transmitted by the key and transmit it to a device carried by thief number two at your car. Now your car is fooled into thinking its key is in proximity, allowing thief number two to get in, start the car and simply drive off. Some vehicles’ keys can be cloned (blank-cut and chip-programmed) if the thief can get access to the actual vehicle key…

Paddy Manufacturing not only produced the Glitterbug at its factory in Epping, Cape Town, but also made Phoenix pools, the first fibreglass swimming pools in South Africa. I know this because I have a 1960s example and it’s going strong. The company still specialises in pools, but is now based in Kempton Park, a good move given the current lack of water in the Mother City. In the 1969 film The Thomas Crown Affair, Steve McQueen drives a Meyers Manx dune buggy fitted with an aircooled flat-six Corvair engine. After the film’s success, many copies of this buggy sprang up and one of these appeared in a 1970 issue of Technicar. Built by Wilbur Baars, it was called the Crown Caper. Apparently, Steve Mc-Queen’s car cost $8 000 to build…

AS if McLaren’s disappointing performance had not been public enough, Honda added to the embarrassment by having a great weekend in Bahrain as the firm powered the Toro Rosso of rookie Pierre Gasly into fourth place. It may have been a one-off result on a track that had proved favourable to the small Italian team in the past, but that did not prevent uncomfortable questions being directed at Alonso. The Spaniard, who turns 37 in July, is one of F1’s senior drivers. Alonso did not need reminding that he has not won a championship since back-to-back titles with Renault in 2005 and ‘06. "[Bahrain] was a very nice weekend for them," said Alonso when asked about Toro Rosso. "To be honest, after 18 years in F1, to answer after one…

THE KUDOS: 39 years old, unfit and with a limp from a bad F1 accident, “Mike The Bike” hadn’t raced a motorcycle in 11 years THE EVENT: In a sport that requires the reflexes, devil-may-care bravura and stamina of a young person, comebacks in motorsport are ill-advised and rarely successful. They’re especially not a good idea at the Isle Of Man Tourist Trophy. Perhaps the most notorious of all motorsport events, this time-trial-format race around the 60,72 km Snaefell Mountain Loop has claimed 146 lives since the inaugural event back in 1907. Some 255 have been killed if you include the Manx Grand Prix. The TT is held on public roads with no run-off areas to rescue errant riders. Instead, stone walls, trees and fences halt progress, often…