Innehållsförteckning för December 2019 från CAR

What a fascinating first two decades of this millennium it’s been for the motoring industry. Rewind 20 years to our December 1999 issue and, while we were eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Fiat Palio, Toyota MR2, facelifted Daewoo Nubira (remember it?) and Audi’s aluminium-bodied, timeless A2 (which never made it here but has a confirmed spot in my fantasy garage as a chic city-runabout), there were talks too of alternative-energy powertrains for a pollution-free future. Ex-editor John Bentley visited the Tokyo Motor Show for that issue and reported various brands were investigating how best to introduce environmentally friendly technologies that are cost-effective. “Showing eco-cars whose high cost would more than erase their energy-saving ability is no longer an option,” John said. Somewhat frustratingly, the same concerns remain 20 years…

Reader ALBERT DE VILLIERS wins a 12-month subscription to CAR magazine, SA’s leading motoring title, for his emotive letter. FOUR GREAT ADVANTAGES OF A CAR SUBSCRIPTION: 1. Stay current by never missing an issue of your favourite magazine. 2. A free digital subscription is included. 3. Enjoy the luxury of home delivery. 4. You get the magazine before it goes on sale. (A subscriber already? Extend yours by a further 12 months, or give it to a friend or relative.)…

Besides insisting strawberry-flavoured ice-cream is the only form of fruit he likes, and that time he mistakenly cheered when the team wearing all-white dotted the ball under the posts against “our” boys in green and gold, my son’s first three years of life have been filled with much joy and happiness. My children are fascinated with the selection of cars their father brings home but it’s my son who wants to get into the intricacies of each vehicle, from the location of the hazard-lights switch to the size of the wheels in relation to the arches. In his mind, the latter ratio indicates whether the car qualifies as a “monster truck”. This burgeoning interest in cars has proved particularly useful in rewarding good behaviour and my son’s fast-growing Hot Wheels…

Price: TBC Powertrain: dual electric motors Battery: 93,4 kWh Transmission: 2-speed automatic Power: 560 kW Torque: 1 050 N.m 0-100 km/h: 2,8 seconds* Top speed: 260 km/h* Energy consumption: 24,5 kWh/100 km* Range: 412 km* Rivals: Tesla Model S Performance + incredible response and performance; polish - range; projected pricing in SA Before I explain to you why the Taycan – part of a €6 billion group investment into electric vehicles – is superb, let’s dispense with that catch: Porsche says the Turbo S can reach 412 km before its 93,4 kWh batteries need a boost. That’s measured on the WLTP cycle, which replaced the misleading NEDC measure to give consumers more accurate predictions for the fuel/energy usage of new cars. But, as we see at CAR every month when…

Lying on a small raft on the Atlantic Ocean, with a Toyota Land Cruiser for shade, my focus is on the rubber duck towing us towards mainland Angola. It all feels quite surreal, being in this alien, isolated environment, but let me not jump ahead with the story... If you’ve travelled through Southern Africa, or practically any part of Africa, the love and respect for Toyota’s Land Cruiser, whether the 70-series, Prado or 200, is apparent. Their rugged build quality and dependability have made them essential tools for armed forces, rebels and the United Nations, not to mention overlanders, farmers, hunters, safari lodge owners and almost everyone exploring our continent. Celebrating the 10 millionth Land Cruiser to be built, a member of Toyota South Africa Motors’ management board – with…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: three, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 74,5/76,4 mm Cubic capacity: 999 cm3 Compression ratio: 10,5 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 85 kW Power peak/Red line: 5 000/6 000 r/min Max torque: 200 N.m Torque peak: 2 000-3 500 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: seven-speed dual-clutch 1st gear/2nd gear: 3,76/2,27 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,53/1,12 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 1,17/0,95 to 1 Top gear: 0,80 to 1 Reverse gear: 4,17 to 1 Final drive (1/2): 4,43/3,23 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 276 mm ventilated discs Rear: 230 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Pirelli Cinturato…

SPECIFICATIONS ELECTRIC MOTOR AND TRACTION BATTERY Electric motor type: Two permanent magnet, synchronous Battery type: lithium-ion Overall voltage: 447 V ELECTRIC MOTOR OUTPUT Max power ISO: 294 kW Power peak: 4 000-5 000 r/min Max torque: 696 N.m Torque peak: 0-4 000 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: single speed Reduction/reverse gear: 9,04 to 1 Drive wheels: all Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 350 mm ventilated discs Rear: 325 mm ventilated discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Goodyear Eagle F1 Tyre size: 245/50 R20 Spare – type and location: none, mobility kit STEERING Type: rack and pinion, electric power assist Lock to lock: 2,6 turns Turning circle diameter: 12,0 m SUSPENSION Front: independent, double wishbone, coil springs, anti-roll bar Rear: independent, multilink,…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 74,5/85,9 mm Cubic capacity: 1 498 cm3 Compression ratio: 10,5 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 110 kW Power peak/Red line: 5 000-6 000/6 000 r/min Max torque: 250 N.m Torque peak: 1 500-3 500 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: seven-speed dual-clutch 1st gear /2nd gear: 3,50/2,08 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,34/0,93 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 0,69/0,55 to 1 Top gear: 0,46 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,48 to 1 Final drive: 4,80 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 276 mm ventilated discs Rear: 230 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make:…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 77,0/85,8 mm Cubic capacity: 1 598 cm3 Compression ratio: 10,2 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 121 kW Power peak/Red line: 6 000/6 000 r/min Max torque: 240 N.m Torque peak: 1 400-4 000 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: six-speed automatic 1st gear/2nd gear: 4,04/2,37 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,56/1,16 to 1 5th gear/Top gear: 0,85/0,67 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,39 to 1 Final drive: 3,87 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 283 mm ventilated discs Rear: 268 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Michelin Primacy 3 Tyre size: 205/55 R19…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: three, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 82,0/94,6 mm Cubic capacity: 1 499 cm3 Compression ratio: 11,0 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 100 kW Power peak/Red line: 4 500-6 500/ 6 500 r/min Max torque: 220 N.m Torque peak: 1 480-4 200 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: seven-speed dual-clutch 1st gear/2nd gear: 4,15/2,45 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,56/1,09 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 0,84/0,68 to 1 Top gear: 0,55 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,75 to 1 Final drive: 3,79 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control) BRAKES Front: 280 mm ventilated discs Rear: 259 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Pirelli Cinturato P1 Tyre…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: V8, longitudinal Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 89,0/88,3 mm Cubic capacity : 4 395 cm3 Compression ratio : 10,5 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, five valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 390 kW Power peak/Red line: 5 500-6 000/ 6 000 r/min Max torque: 750 N.m Torque peak: 1 800-4 600 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: eight-speed automatic 1st gear/2nd gear: 5,50/3,52 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 2,20/1,72 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 1,32/1,00 to 1 7th gear/Top gear: 0,82/0,64 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,99 to 1 Final drive: 2,81 to 1 Drive wheels: all Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control) BRAKES Front: 373 mm ventilated discs Rear: 368 mm ventilated discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make:…

One point for fastest lap – new for 2019 – worked in Mercedes’ favour in Japan when Lewis Hamilton took the point and nudged the Mercedes total in the constructors’ championship beyond Ferrari’s reach. At one stage during the race, it looked like Ferrari would use a late run on fresh tyres to have Charles Leclerc take fastest lap and deny Mercedes its celebration on this particular weekend. James Allison (pictured above), the Mercedes technical director, had watched the race unfold with his back-up squad at the team’s headquarters in England. “It was a little uncertain because of that fastest lap and whether Leclerc was going to take that two-point swing away from us,” said Allison. “We did it in the end; a fantastic result. Just brilliant for everyone at…

They say there is nothing new under the sun. This is scientifically true. Everything we know of has always been here. It just takes us rather long to figure it all out. Take the humble facia, for example. Early cars made use of wood. Manufacturers later switched to metal, then aesthetics and safety dictated the metal base should receive a covering consisting of a variety of plastic materials. Of course, wood has never completely disappeared and remains an elegant adornment in luxury cars. For coating facias of classics, replicas or, as shown here, a modified Toyota Corolla rally car, there is a product which does a good impression of suede and Alcantara for a smart look. The company producing it is Flock-it out of the US and it delivers globally.…

Notes • The PRICES shown are the latest available at the time of going to press. Our deadline occurred before 25 October 2019. 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…

It’s Performance Shootout time and what a fantastic line-up we have for you: one Audi RS, two BMW Ms, one each from Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Porsche, Renault, Suzuki and Toyota, plus a pair of AMGs... We’ll take them on a 1 000 km cross-country journey before they prove their mettle at Aldo Scribante in the hands of racing driver, nay icon, Deon Joubert. Although the programme was being prepared at the time of writing for this issue, unforeseen factors may result in changes.…

OVER TO YOU... 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. WHAT’S THE PRICE, CAR? After recently buying a new Ford Kuga 2,0 TDCi AWD ST-Line and comparing the price I paid to the one published in your magazine, I found there is a huge difference. • The car without upgraded wheels and metallic paint: R548 500. • Metallic paint: R1 220. • Standard wheels: R5 460. • Total: R555 180. In the good old days, you bought a car and had to pay additional for extras like metallic paint and alloy wheels.…

It’s been a difficult year for Renault, not least in F1 as the French company has failed to achieve its objective of closing in on Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull-Honda. Not only has Renault fallen short, it has been caught by McLaren and forced to fight a rear-guard action against Toro Rosso-Honda and Racing Point (formerly Force India). To add to Renault’s misery, both cars were disqualified from sixth and 10th places in the Japanese GP for having an illegal driver aid in connection with the automatic brake-bias-adjustment system. Renault was at pains to point out this had been on the cars all season and was deemed legal from a technical point of view. The difficulty had arisen when a protest by Racing Point had been upheld because the system…

Price: R365 000 0-100 km/h: 11,19 seconds Top speed: 193 km/h Power: 85 kW Torque: 200 N.m CAR fuel index: 6,36 L/100 km CO2 : 126 g/km “A life burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment.” It’s a poignant quote, isn’t it? The fact that it’s not the sage musings of a Greek philosopher but rather an excerpt from one of Douglas Adams’ (of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy fame) later works doesn’t detract from its relevance to any automaker pressed to maintain a legacy of solid and sought-after products. Give the people your best and they’ll inevitably expect better in future. Given the sheer breadth of its product portfolio, it’s a surprise that Volkswagen has come to the small crossover party as late as…

Price: R429 900 0-100 km/h: 9,21 seconds Top speed: 222 km/h Power: 110 kW Torque: 250 N.m CAR fuel index: 6,12 L/100 km CO2 : 127 g/km Having served as the stepping stone into Audi ownership for close to 10 years, the original A1 has now bowed out. It’s made way for a striking successor that will tap into the previously niche, young well-to-do urbanite bracket; with its more generous packaging, it’s making a case to appear on the radar of buyers previously in the market for the base-spec versions of the A3 and BMW 1 Series. The new car is certainly an attention grabber but does the overall package have what it takes to draw in a wider audience? Sales of the previous A1 showed a distinct preference for the…

+ distinctive design - engine vibrations will annoy some riders As is the case in the motor industry, there is platform sharing among motorcycle companies. Husqvarna is owned by KTM AG and its 701 Svartpilen (Swedish for black arrow) shares its engine and frame with KTM products. Other than that, it is pure Husqvarna and has a unique design setting it apart from other naked bikes. The 693 cm3 , single-cylinder engine produces a modest 55 kW and 72 N.m. However, tipping our scales at just 166 kg fully fuelled, the result in terms of performance is quite impressive. Climb on and that beautiful seat is firm, the riding position perfect. It is comfortable and you feel completely in control when you grab those handlebars. Great chassis and suspension. Engine…

CVT DRAMA Our workshop still has an old breakdown truck which sometimes comes in handy, but these days every little town has a mobile breakdown service. George Claassen runs the one in ours and, for many years, he was just called George or Georgie. Things changed a few years ago when there was a huge pile-up on the N1 and so many mobile breakdown vehicles rushed to the scene that one newspaper referred to them as “vultures of the highways”. Soon after, George’s local pub mates jokingly called him “Highway Vulture”. They all laughed, including George, but the name stuck and he seemed to like his new notoriety. Hannes said he suspects most manufacturers have been relaxing their quality-control measures during the last 10 years We don’t normally service Vulture’s…

SUMMATION OF POWER? How can a hybrid vehicle (such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid) with a 400 kW petrol engine and a 100 kW electric motor be said to have 500 kW combined power? I understand that adding the two power figures equates to 500 kW but something about the physics does not make sense to me. The electric motor is housed between the engine and the transmission, which means it works with the engine on the transmission, i.e. it works on the same drivetrain. Let’s assume the 100 kW of electric power is 100% engaged while travelling at 120 km/h. Should the petrol engine not “catch up” on that 100 kW of power before taking it further? The same applies when the petrol motor is delivering 400…

Japan may have been only the third win for Valtteri Bottas in 2019 but it was a significant one for the Finn. “As a driver, the constructors’ championship doesn’t mean as much as the drivers’ championship, and that’s a fact. But, for sure, this sixth in a row means a lot to the team and is pretty impressive; it doesn’t happen every day. It’s nice to know you’ve contributed to it. I feel really proud for every single team member and everyone at the factories. It doesn’t come easy; it comes through hard work. And to have a perfect drive like this today helping produce this result for the team means a lot to me.”…

BUDGET CAR Ford Figo Freestyle (Q1) Hyundai Grand i10 (Q2) Kia Picanto facelift (Q1) SMALL CAR Fiat 500 additional derivatives (Q1/Q2) Kia Rio facelift (Q1) Mini Cooper SEOpel Corsa (Q4) Peugeot 208 (Q4) Renault Clio (Q2) Renault Sandero Stepway Plus (Q1) MIDSIZE CAR Alfa Romeo Giuliettalimited edition (Q1/Q2)BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé (Q1)Changan sedanHonda BalladeOpel Astra faceliftRenault Mégane facelift (Q1)Toyota Corolla Sedan (Q1/Q2)Volkswagen Golf 8 (Q4) PREMIUM MIDSIZE CAR Alfa Romeo Giulia facelift (Q3/Q4) Audi A4 facelift (Q1) Audi A5 facelift (Q2) Lexus IS facelift (Q4) LUXURY CAR Audi A6 (Q2)Lexus LS500h (Q1)Porsche Panamera faceliftPorsche Taycan (Q3)Rolls-Royce Ghost Zenith PERFORMANCE CAR Aston Martin ValhallaAston Martin Vantage RoadsterAudi R8 facelift (Q1)Audi RS6 Avant (Q3/Q4)Audi RS7 Sportback (Q3/Q4)Audi RS Q3 (Q3/Q4)Audi RS Q8 (Q3/Q4)Audi S8 (Q3/Q4)Audi SQ8 (Q1)Audi TT RS facelift (Q2)BMW…

2008 TESLA ROADSTER This electric sportscar was the first of its kind. Equipped with lithium-ion batteries, it could travel more than 320 km on a single charge. 2010 NISSAN LEAF Regarded as the first modern mass-produced commercial EV, the zero-emissions hatch was equipped with a synchronous electric motor producing 80 kW/250 N.m. 2013 BMW i3 The first series-production fully electric BMW was built from the ground up to be propelled by electricity. Adding to the i3’s green persona are recyclable interior trims. 2019 PORSCHE TAYCAN The all-electric Porsche (driven on page 42) is the first production vehicle with a system voltage of 800 V. It’s also equipped with an innovative two-speed transmission.…

Volkswagen T-Cross 1,0 TSI 85 kW Highline DSG Some interior trim quibbles aside, the T-Cross, with its balanced driving characteristics and stylish design, has the goods to be a segment leader. price: R365 000 cyl/capac: 3/999 cm3 power: 85 kW/5 000 r/min torque: 200 N.m/2 000-3 500 r/min gears/drive: 7/F 0-100 km/h: 11,19 sec top speed: 193 km/h fuel index: 6,36 L/100 km luggage capac: 200-272/856 L serv/maint plan: S3/45 000 km Ford EcoSport 1,0 Eco-Boost Titanium auto A similarly nippy round-towner with an award-winning three-cylinder turbopetrol and practical packaging. Concedes to the T-Cross on brand cachet. price: R355 500 cyl/capac: 3/999 cm3 power: 92 kW/6 000 r/min torque: 170 N.m/1 400-4 500 r/min gears/drive: 6/F 0-100 km/h: 12,70 sec top speed: 181 km/h fuel index: 7,60 L/100 km luggage…

Jaguar I-Pace EV400 AWD SE Impressive performance despite its battery-related weight penalty. A real-world range of more than 300 km adds appeal. Luggage space severely compromised by spare wheel, though. price: R1 730 400 cyl/capac: electric motor power: 294 kW/4 000-5 000 r/min torque: 696 N.m/0-4 000 r/min gears/drive: 1/4 0-100 km/h: 4,79 sec top speed: 200 km/h fuel index: 22,50 kWh/100 km luggage capac: 320/1 168 L serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km Porsche Cayenne E-hybrid PDK Similar in pricing (once specced) to the Jaguar, though presenting greater badge appeal and superior dynamics. Relative environmental impact offset by peace-of-mind motoring. Untested by us. price: R1 433 000 cyl/capac: V6/2 995 cm3 + elec. power: 340 kW/5 300-6 400 r/min torque: 700 N.m/1 340-5 300 r/min gears/drive: 8/4 0-100 km/h: 5,00…

Audi A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic Builds upon its predecessor’s most appealing traits and is a fun car to hustle along winding roads. Perceived quality has taken a dip, though. price: R429 900 cyl/capac: 4/1 498 cm3 power: 110 kW/5 000-6 000 r/min torque: 250 N.m/1 500-3 500 r/min gears/drive: 7/F 0-100 km/h: 9,21 sec top speed: 222 km/h fuel index: 6,12 L/100 km luggage capac: 184/720 L serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km Mini Cooper Hatch 5-door Steptronic Even less practically packaged than the A1 but subjectively even more entertaining to drive. The Mini’s quality finishes mean it remains competitive. price: R413 000 cyl/capac: 3/1 499 cm3 power: 100 kW/4 500-6 500 r/min torque: 220 N.m/1 480-4 200 r/min gears/drive: 7/F 0-100 km/h: 8,10 sec est top speed: 207…

VW Tiguan Allspace 2,0 TSI DSG 4Motion Comfortline Difficult to ignore VW’s established dealership network, as well as enviable resale values. TSI engine is a strong performer, while 4Motion adds security. price: R545 500 cyl/capac: 4/1 984 cm3 power: 132 kW/4 200-6 200 r/min torque: 320 N.m/1 500-3 940 r/min gears/drive: 7/4 0-100 km/h: 8,96 sec top speed: 208 km/h fuel index: 9,24 L/100 km luggage capac: 176/368-480/1376 L serv/maint plan: S5/90 000 km Peugeot 5008 1,6 THP Auto GT-Line Feels classy and sophisticated. Impressive perceived quality and comprehensive spec list. Arguably better value and performance to be found with the 2,0 HDi Allure, though. price: R579 900 cyl/capac: 4/1 598 cm3 power: 121 kW/6 000 r/min torque: 240 N.m/1 400-4 000 r/min gears/drive: 6/F 0-100 km/h: 10,14 sec top…

Audi A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic The most expensive of the three, the A1 has a strong image and a fresh interior design. Not quite as engaging to drive as its rivals but more useable. price: R429 900 cyl/capac: 4/1 498 cm3 power: 100 kW/5 000-6 000 r/min torque: 250 N.m/1 500-3 500 r/min gears/drive: 7/F 0-100 km/h: 9,21 sec top speed: 222 km/h fuel index: 6,12 L/100 km luggage capac: 184/720 L serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km Mini Cooper 3-Door Hatch Steptronic It may have joint least amount of power but that doesn’t stop the Mini from entertaining. Compromised packaging does relegate it to second place, though. price: R403 000 cyl/capac: 3/1 499 cm3 power: 100 kW/4 500-6 500 r/min torque: 220 N.m/1 480-4 200 r/min gears/drive: 7/F…

Mercedes-Benz S560L 9G-tronic Still the luxury-saloon benchmark despite this generation nearing the end of its lifecycle. Near-flawless ride, more than sufficient grunt and a sense of occasion its rivals simply cannot match. price: R2 175 349 cyl/capac: V8/3 982 cm3 power: 345 kW/5 250-5 500 r/min torque: 700 N.m/2 000-4 000 r/min gears/drive: 9/R 0-100 km/h: 5,02 sec top speed: 250 km/h fuel index: 9,84 L/100 km luggage capac: 360 L serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km BMW 750Li xDrive Steptronic Further improved over the already compelling pre-facelift model, the 7 Series is the best driver’s car in the class. But its grille-heavy face is divisive (and boot space is still surprisingly meagre). price: R2 170 995 cyl/capac: V8/4 395 cm3 power: 390 kW/5 500-6 000 r/min torque: 750 N.m/1 800-4…

Land Rover is developing a system set to enhance the off-road capability of the “best 4x4 by far”. This technology, which forms part of the new-generation Defender’s 3D Scout setup, allows drivers to remotely control the SUV – presumably via a key fob or smartphone – at slow speeds. Although the Defender already employs various advanced technologies, the Whitley-based manufacturer claims there’s no substitute for examining obstacles with your own eyes. Designed specifically for driving off the beaten track (other carmakers offer remote-controlled parking), this functionality will serve as a tool to assist the driver with navigating the Defender over rough terrain, spotting the 4x4 while it does all the heavy lifting. According to Land Rover’s chief product engineer, Stuart Firth, the Defender’s architecture supports this tech, which has already…

HYDRAULIC CLUTCH PROBLEM I have bought myself a late-1980s Suzuki superbike as part of my collection. It is in beautiful condition with low mileage but it has a strange problem with the hydraulic clutch. When I start to ride, the clutch lever operates as normal and the clutch biting point is where you would expect. During the ride, it feels like the pressure is building in the system with the biting point moving forward, away from the bar, until there is no free play in the lever operation. I am afraid if I continue to ride like this, the clutch will start to slip and eventually wear out. What can the problem be? HENDRIK LOUW Parow This is quite a common problem with hydraulic systems on bikes (brake and clutch)…

The 2019 drivers’ title may not have been settled by the Japanese Grand Prix but, with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas as the only remaining contenders, Mercedes were safe in claiming both championships when victory for Bottas in Japan helped secure the constructors’ championship with four races to go. Whichever way you added up the points, such an outstanding achievement could not be denied. The Mercedes AMG F1 Team has dominated the era of F1 turbo-hybrid engines since its introduction in 2014. It has not only been better prepared than anyone for the switch from normally aspirated V8 engines to these complex power units, but the racing arm of the German motor manufacturer has developed and improved each year, remaining out of reach as competitors thought they were about to…

Five months after his passing, Mercedes continued to mourn the loss of Niki Lauda, the triple world champion who had been the team’s non-executive director since 2013. As the team gathered in front of the Mercedes garage for the traditional post-race championship winners’ photograph in Japan, Lauda’s iconic red cap was placed on top of the trophy. It was an extension of the permanent tribute at the back of the garage, Lauda’s headphones remaining on the rack and covered by his cap. “If Niki had been here,” said Toto Wolff, “he would have said: ‘Congratulations on the sixth one – and now you have a problem for next year! You need to improve even more.’ We would have flown back together and talked about what we are going to do…

Initially, the slot for the optional radio was placed mid-facia. The final position was lower but around 1981 it was at the top. I remember this as tapes would melt in the cassette deck of my 1982 Mk1 VW Jetta when the car stood in blazing Pretoria sun for some time. An array of small round warning globes (also known as idiot lights) did a decent job of imitating today’s LEDs. These were universally introduced to save money and space previously taken up by gauges for the charging system, oil pressure and coolant temperature. The problem was (and still is), you only know about a problem once it’s already there. The final batch was limited to 1 000, sold between 2009 and 2010, each with its number attached to the…

I learnt about the French coachbuilder Figoni et Falaschi only when I started to browse auction websites in the mid-2000s and spotted a stunning Talbot-Lago. I’m all for performance-oriented cars but when I first laid eyes on this model, I was mesmerised by its beauty. These cars are aptly referred to as teardrop coupés owing to that enchanting shape. The 4,0-litre, six-cylinder engine produced just over 100 kW (impressive for the time) but that matters little when a car makes you want to plop down in a comfortable chair and slowly drink in all the design details and the overall majestic creation of Giuseppe Figoni … preferably undisturbed. As expected, T150-C SSs in this spec are ultra-rare. So rare in fact that, according to RM Sotheby’s, there were only two…