Innehållsförteckning för Januray 2021 från CAR

No one colours inside the lines better than Porsche, right? More than five decades of carefully massaged 911s taught us that. The epitome of evolution over revolution, few carmakers have been as traditionally risk-averse. Sure, we saw the occasional concept cars: the bonkers Panamericana and beautiful Boxster, and low-volume supercars: 959 and Carrera GT. But when it came to expanding the model line-up, cars such as the 914, 924, 944 and 928 failed to gain similar generational momentum. As a result, we used to joke that a designer at Porsche had the easiest job in the world. Every five years or so they’d go into the Weissach studio, tweak the 911’s iconic lines – add an inch to both wheelbase and wheel size, increase windscreen angle one degree, change the…

Grab the steering wheel of almost any car with an automatic gearbox and there’s a fair chance your fingers will meet with a brace of blades adorned with + and – markings. The paddle shifter has transcended its original application in F1 cars and found its way into everything from underpowered crossovers and hatchbacks with CVTs to SUVs. Yet, before such car makers could somewhat cynically tout claims of “F1 technology” in the transmissions tacked to their otherwise workaday models, the paddle shifter’s adoption in Formula One in the late 1980s was a revolutionary leap. The placement of paddles on the back of the steering wheel or steering column meant drivers could manually shift gears while keeping their hands firmly on the wheel, making it easier to maintain control at…

Price: R9 million (estimated) Engine: 4,0-litre, V8, twinturbo-petrol Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch Power: 563 kW @ 7 500 r/min Torque: 800 N.m @ 5 500 r/min 0-100 km/h: 2,8 seconds* Top speed: 330 km/h* Fuel consumption: 12,3 L/100 km* CO2 : 280 g/km Rivals: Ferrari F8 Tributo, Lamborghini Aventador SVJ + eye-widening performance - handful in the wet Supercar fatigue is a real thing and probably even more so right now when people round the world are struggling to pay the finance on their Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo. Who on Earth is lining up to buy a supercar in the current economic climate? Well, the supercar world is a breed unto itself and those who exist in it want a car that’s right for them; the perfect fit so to speak.…

DAY 1 DATE: Monday, 2 November // ROUTE: Cape Town to Riebeek-Kasteel "That’s an awfully loud car you’ve got there”, grumbled one of the older, seemingly more litigious, members of the apartment complex that associate editor Gareth Dean calls home. They were eyeing the just-garaged Cayman GT4, its exhaust still tinkling from a spirited jaunt. They were well aware of the occasional pre-dawn departures for photoshoots and asked what time he’d be firing up the pipes on this “yellow peril” (the nuances of political correctness clearly undetected here) on Monday morning. Gareth’s answer of 04:30 am was met with much pursing of lips and narrowing of eyes and he sheepishly proffered a plea to the body corporate for understanding and to disband any potential lynch mob upon his return. The…

Dynos don’t lie This year’s Shootout line-up included two vehicles that promise more power than the standard versions. The RTR Mustang shouts performance and the vast bonnet hides a Roush supercharger bolted onto the standard 5,0-litre V8, along with the required software updates, to boost power to a claimed 500 kW (up 169 kW). The other, less visually extreme competitor is the Toyota GR Supra Horizon Blue edition. All 2021 model year Supras get a power boost from the factory with a claimed 285 kW (up 25 kW) and 500 N.m. We wanted to verify these performance hikes we visited Koos Swanepoel Developments (KSD) in Cape Town for a dyno run (please refer to last month's Dynos Explained article for more info). In short, the figures measured on the day…

For the energy calculations, we need the following vehicle inputs and assumptions: As Killarney Raceway is fairly flat, we will ignore gradients as well as the light wind on the day of testing. Most auxiliaries in the cabin like aircon were switched off during the flying lap to lessen parasitic losses on the engine. All calculations assume straight-line driving, only analysing longitudinal acceleration. Energy losses owing to cornering (such as tyre scrubbing) are ignored.…

Ferrari 360 Modena 0 to 100 km/h: 4,98 seconds Top speed: 287 km/h Power: 294 kW Torque: 373 N.m CO2 : 348 g/km Fuel consumption: 17,90 L/100 km (fuel index) One of the few Ferraris CAR managed to get its paws on was a 360 Modena just before the turn of the century. It’s 18 kW more powerful than the 355 but much lighter thanks to the number of aluminium castings. The engine and in-line gearbox are mid-mounted, improving the handling and turn-in dramatically. Four drive modes are available: Automatic, Manual, Sport with quicker shifts and blips both up and down the ‘box, and Wet for low-grip surfaces. In those days, we still conducted top-speed tests and I remember doing the data recording on these runs. As fun as it sounds,…

“The Bolide answers the question, what if Bugatti built a track-focused hypercar that met all the FIA’s safety requirements … Driving the Bolide is like riding on a cannonball.” - Stephan Winkelmann, president of Bugatti Based on the Chiron, the Bolide is endowed with the most powerful iteration of Molsheim’s W16 petrol engine which, in this application, now boasts two pairs of uprated turbochargers. When fed 110 octane racing fuel, the optimised motor produces a scarcely believable 1 361 kW and 1 850 N.m of torque (the latter available from a mere 2 000 r/min). The top speed, claims Bugatti, is “well above 500 km/h”; getting to the quintuple-tonne marker from standstill in 20,16 seconds; while 0-100 km/h takes just 2,17 seconds. According to computer simulations, the Bolide is capable…

“I’ll be back”, was the iconic catchphrase from Arnold Schwarzenegger in the science fiction film The Terminator. Now, the military vehicle made famous by the Austrian actor has made its return … as an all-electric super-bakkie, boasting three electric motors, a unique e4WD drive system and four-wheel steering featuring a CrabWalk function, which allows for diagonal driving. In addition, Ultravision tech – comprising underbody cameras – and Extract Mode – which raises the ride height by 149 mm – aids the Hummer EV when traversing extreme off-road situations. Allowing plenty of light into the cabin, the (removable) roof panels are transparent. The interior features a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and 13-inch touch-enabled infotainment display which relays music through a 14-speaker Bose sound system. 746* kW 15 591* N.m 3,0 seconds…

2020 FERRARI 488 PISTA SPIDER Price: No longer in production Powertrain: 3,9-litre, V8, twin-turbopetrol Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch Power: 530 kW @ 8 000 r/min Torque: 770 N.m @ 3 000 r/min 0-100 km/h: 2,8 seconds* Top speed: 340 km/h* Fuel consumption: 12,80 L/100 km CO2 : 289 g/km Rivals: McLaren 720S Spider; Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder It is hard not to get emotional when you drive a spectacularly good car, even more so when it is involving and presses all the right buttons. As you will read from page 42 onwards, this was often the case during our Performance Shootout. However, I also experienced it recently behind the wheel of another very special car. In our June 2018 issue, technical adviser Nicol Louw flew to Maranello for an overview of…

Reader PRAMOD DAYA wins a 12-month subscription to CAR magazine, South Africa’s leading motoring title, for his great 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.)…

TALENT APLENTY Mazda’s flagship oil-burning CX-5 again proves to be one of the segment’s most accomplished offerings Driver: Ryan Bubear Ryan_Bubear 3 months 3 062 km 7,49 L/100 km + lovely to drive; lovely to look at; high specification level - climbing price; comparatively small infotainment screen Is there such thing as performance-car fatigue? A peculiar question with which to open a long-term wrap-up feature on a family crossover, I know, but bear with me. A decade or two back, my answer would have been a resounding no. You can’t have too much of a good thing, my younger self would stubbornly suggest. Nowadays, however, I don’t know. While I appreciate the roar of an old-school V8 or having my innards rearranged by a modern launch-control system as much as…

One of the most successful and frequently spectacular family ventures in Formula 1 came to a sudden end halfway through the 2020 season. On the eve of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Claire Williams announced that the team started by her father would no longer be under their control. The purchase of Williams by Dorilton Capital brought to an end the adventure that began fives decades ago when Frank Williams and Patrick Head joined forces in 1977. Prior to that landmark moment, Williams had lived on his wits and precious little else as he scraped and scrounged his way around the race tracks of the world. His F1 association had started encouragingly in the days when it was possible to buy a competitive F1 car and simply go racing.…

Model: Jaguar XJ-S HE 0 to 100 km/h: 9,2 seconds Top speed: 218 km/h Fuel index: 13,0 L/100 km Price: R64 300 CAR test: January 1983 (also January 1989) The XJ-S predecessor’s design was almost impossible to improve upon. It took a while to gel with Jaguar fans but it happened and production lasted for 20 years. The first generation was not officially imported into South Africa but the second version with the high-efficiency engine started arriving in 1983. PACKAGING This car is large. The designers must have decided, above all else, that superseding models should always be larger than their predecessors. Although, this does have the benefit of four seats instead of two. The bonnet is as long as the E-Type’s, but then it needs to be, to house…

Debuting a newly developed 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, equipped with selective wheel torque-split not only between the fore and aft axles, but between individual rear wheels, the new halo Golf now features – in addition to its standard driving modes – a Special and Drift mode, selected via a steering wheel-mounted R button. Special, says Volkswagen, was developed at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, while Drift is intended to be explored within the safe confines of a racetrack. Yeah, right … On the outside, model-specific bumpers and DRLs distinguish the R from its GTI sibling. A two-part roof-mounted rear spoiler enhances aerodynamics. Other bespoke items include Nappa leather seats and sport steering wheel with blue contrast stitching. Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit and 10-inch Discover Pro touchscreen infotainment system are also present and correct. BMW…

1962 Ferrari 268 SP front end Price: £18 500 (±R378 000) If you truly appreciate Ferrari’s rich motorsport history, this flawless 1:1 scale replica of a 268 SP is a must-have in your memorabilia collection. This unique model celebrates the timeless appeal of a historic racing car with its powerful 2,7-litre V8 engine. Authenticity is ensured as it is made in Italy from the highest quality materials. • Certificate of authenticity signed by the Scuderia Ferrari team principal • Available with stand • Approximately 20 kg including stand. • Composed with 100% aluminium…

Meet the challengers 1 TOYOTA GR SUPRA 3,0T HORIZON BLUE EDITION Price: R1 141 100 Engine: 3,0-litre, 6-cyl, turbopetrol Power: 306 kW @ 6 800 r/min* Torque: 584 N.m @ 3 933 r/min* 2 BMW M2 CS M-DCT Price: R1 812 862 Engine: 3,0-litre, 6-cyl, twinturbo-petrol Power: 331 kW @ 6 250 r/min Torque: 550 N.m @ 2 350 r/min 3 RENAULT MÉGANE RS 300 TROPHY Price: R774 900 Engine: 1,8-litre, 4-cyl, turbopetrol Power: 221 kW @ 6 000 r/min Torque: 400 @ 2 400-4 500 r/min 4 MERCEDES-AMG A45 S 4MATIC+ 8G-DCT Price: R1 156 840 Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cyl, turbopetrol Power: 310 kW @ 6 750 r/min Torque: 500 N.m @ 5 000 r/min 5 RTR FORD MUSTANG SPITFIRE Price: R2 499 999 Engine: 5,0-litre, V8, supercharged petrol Power:…

1976 LOLA T460 FORMULA ATLANTIC Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol Transmission: Hewland FT200 5-speed manual Power: 190 kW @ 8 500 r/min Fuel cell: 63 litres Track width (f/r): 1 218/1 320 mm Top speed: >210 km/h (depending on gear ratios) Chassis: ¾ monocoque with tubular subframe Weight: 441 kg (minimum) Wheels: Lola 3-piece die-cast magnesium alloy Wheel size (f/r): 13 x 10 inch/13 x 14 inch Manufactured: 1976 I UNCLIPPED the small-diameter steering wheel, placed one foot in the cockpit and lowered myself into the racing seat while leaning on the fuselage-like body on either side of the car. Only once I’d slid my legs forward to meet the pedals, was I snuggly positioned in the machine. I strapped myself into place with the six-point safety harness, affixed the steering…

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk thunders down the straight at Killarney Raceway with Deon Joubert behind the wheel as part of this year’s Performance Shootout. The aim is to set the fastest lap time possible by extracting maximum power from the engine and brakes while optimising racing lines and the grip from the tyres. The Trackhawk is the heaviest vehicle in the line-up at close to 2 500 kg and its engine has the highest claimed power output at 522 kW. Some of the chemical potential energy in the fuel is converted at a rapid rate to motive force and vehicle kinetic energy during acceleration. This kinetic energy is then suddenly transformed to heat when the brake pedal is mashed at the end of the straight to scrub off speed.…

OIL DIPSTICK The oil dipstick of an engine indicates the oil level. Always consult the owner’s manual regarding the measuring procedure as it may differ from vehicle to vehicle. The usual method is to park on level ground and allow the oil to settle in the sump for at least 20 minutes. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean. Push all the way in before pulling out again. There should either be two marks or a knurled area on the tip denoting minimum and maximum oil level. Anywhere in between the high and low marks is acceptable. Although we prefer the oil level at the maximum mark, be careful not to overfill.…

Originally established in 2004 as Factory Racing; FAST KTM has exceeded all expectations since moving to their current location in October 2018. They have not only stamp their authority as the 2019 KTM Dealer of the Year in unit sales within their first year of trading from the new premises, but have further enhanced their exceptional reputation for uncompromising service levels and customer satisfaction. FAST KTM welcomes current and prospective KTM owners to view an incredible selection of new, demo and Approved Used KTM models within their remarkable showroom. Featured are various wall displays, accented by clothing, apparel and a wide variety of KTM branded merchandise. The inviting atmosphere affords customers the opportunity to interact at leisure with the entire KTM range of motorcycles, with the expert assistance of their…