SA`s young spinner set for Soshanguve Spin City

Samkeliso Excellent Thubane performing at the Soshanguve Spinning Palace

 

By Soshanguve Spin City

One of the country’s youngest drift and spinning driver, Samkeliso Excellent Thubane (15) who is known by Spinning and drifting fanatics as Sam-Sam will grace the Soshanguve Spin City`s upcoming event this  Saturday. 

Sam-Sam, who hails from Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, will be amongst  37 spinners that will be competing to win the hearts of the many spinning and drifting fans. Spinners will go head to head to be crowned the  2013 king of the ring, at the annual “let’s do it again spinning event”.

The event is scheduled to take shape on 30 November at the Soshanguve Spinning Palace in Soshanguve Block F`s Industrial Site this Saturday. Event organiser, Jerry Masilo of Fassie Security and Projects said that this year’s event is promising to be bigger, due to the number of spinners that have committed themselves to perform at the event.

“We are pleased by the response and growth the “let’s do it again spinning event” is receiving from motorsport fans across the country. This year`s competition will prove to be tough and exciting, all thanks to the mark that spinners made last year. We have managed to secure some of Mzansi top motor drift and spinning daredevils such as Mackonrod, Isla Bonita, Magiya Brothers, Leb 1 lebking , Sunesh, Eric Maswaya, Jika Uthi, Team Russia, and Team RN1 just to name a few,”  said Masilo.

Masilo added that although Sam-Sam is the event favourite by far, as indicated by comments made by spinning fans. He will need more than his long sheet of winning records to win this year’s event. “We have motor drifters and spinners with impressive records, which makes me fear crowing the winner, as it will be a mammoth task. Some of the participants have been competing in prominent spinning events countrywide and abroad”, added Masilo.

 

 *Press release by Soshanguve Spin City

The Volvo Concept Coupe

@Fan_STHE_tic

The Volvo Concept Coupe is the first design from Volvo`s  newly appointed Vice Presidents of design Thomas Ingenlath, who has seemed to have used his finest sketch pen in coming up with the stylish concept. The car looks gorgeous and it manages to do so without the design looking like the Swedish manufacturer pulled out all the stops. 

Even in concept form, it looks like a definite vehicle to be produced.  The concept coupe is set to be Volvo’s next P1800, from the iconic P1800 coupe which Volvo built in the sixties.  The modern P1800 styling will be enhanced by 21-inch wheels, a floating front grille and T-Shaped LED daytime running lights. 

 Its design shows off the company’s new Scaleable Product Architecture (SPA) structural design, which is set to be a generational similarity along other following models.   The SPA genes will show off the company’s new design, along the P1800 the 2014 XC90 will be the first car to take on Volvo’s new design.  The car`s interior is simply Chic!, featuring a BIG not to be missed touch screen monitor is BIG love it, the metal detail is really chic.

The concept has a long hood and short rear end, making it look like a Gran-Tourer.  Under the long hood lies a 2-litre petrol engine that produces 300 kW and 600 Nm of torque.  This is achieved all thanks to the power combination of a turbo and a supercharger. The petrol engine drives the front axle while it will be assisted by an electric motor to propel the rear axle.

Volvo being swedishly modest imagines it as a plug-in hybrid and from the looks of things it is quite obvious that Volvo did a good job in designing Grand –Tourer type of vehicles. This should leave them with no option but to live up to the words of Ingenlath ...these is “no futuristic dream car” and just build the car and stop imagining!

BMW i8 concept

 

Photo source: Auto Tribute

    

@Fan_Sthe_Tic 
      

First introduced to at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor show as the “BMW Concept Vision Dynamic”, the concept car stole the hearts of many motoring journalists. When BMW announced that the car was going to be mass produced they changed its name to the much simpler BMW i8.

The BMW i8 is mid-engine sports car just like the E26 BMW M1 that BMW made in the 80’s. But there is nothing old about this beauty. For instance the engine in the middle is more complex than that of the M1, it is a plug-in hybrid. On full on electric, the car has a range of about 32 Kilometres; not that much if you think about it, but let’s face it nobody is going to go all electric in a sports car right.

Back to the “complex” bits of the car, the i8 has two motors an electric motor that sits on the front axle of the car and a 1.5 litre turbo 3 cylinder petrol engine on the rear axle.  Most people will not be using the front engine that much, but there is a very special use for it- Drags.  It is an electric motor, which has instantaneous torque and moves off the line faster than its petrol counterparts.  Each power source drives an axle that it’s placed on, making it a 4WD.

The electric motor produces an awesome 98kW, and that 3 cylinder from the Mini cooper produces 170kW, producing a combined 268kW and thanks to the clever use of materials by the Germans making the car weigh 1490 kg.

Using both engines the electric and petrol engine that is linked to a six speed automatic transmission. The car will pull to the 100 km/h mark in 4.5 seconds, just by switching from normal transmission. S mode activates the sports powertrain, activating sports dampeners and sporty response from the steering. Hybrids are mostly quiet, but not this car. The three cylinders are electronically modified to make the exhaust produce a little bit of bass.

With the car still being a concept there’s not much to be said about the interior but yet again this is a BMW.

Merc`s A45 springs up against hot hatches

The A45 AMG is powered by the worlds most powerful 2.0litre engine which produces 265kW

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

The production of Mercedes Benze`s 2014 A45 AMG has seen it contending with only the best hot hatches in the segment, with a new engine that has started the four-cylinder era at AMG. It  has not  only proved to be a remarkable performer, but also a class leading engine, being the world’s most powerful 2.0 litre engine to date.  AMG`s first production of an AMG powered four-cylinder pot seems to be cooking some of the most impressive performance figures.

Dubbed the “King Slayer” , “RS3 Killer”  and a “Kindergarten bully” to name a few, makes one think that it could live up to its dubbings, but thus far the A45 has proved to be a King Slayer by not only keeping up with its rivals but giving them a good match up when coming to performance figures. AMG built the 2.0 litre engine that has been fitted in the A45 at their Affalterbach Head Quarters in Germany, which is responsible for its A-Class leading outputs.

The twin scrolled turbocharged A45 AMG produces 265kW at 6500rpm with a healthy dose of 450Nm of torque which is on foot from 2250-5000 rpm, this together with a 1.8bar boost pressure claims the title of the most powerful production four-cylinder engine in the world.  Outputs from the engine fitted in the A45 are greater than its closest 2.0 litter rival in Audi`s S3 and even takes it a level up in producing more than BMW`s straight six turbocharged 135i.

On paper figures seem to be clearer, with the Merc topping the bunch followed by the similar torqued M 135i, pushing 235kW and the S3`s 221kW. Viewing the sprint to 100km\h, should be a viewing pleasure from the Merc`s point of view. The S3 sprints from 0-100 km\h in 5.2sec which will see the BMW viewing it on its side mirror at 4.9sec and the A45 having the best of both in viewing the 135i on the side mirror and keeping some focus on the Audi via its rear view mirror at an estimated 4.6 seconds flat.

It will take seven gears to reach the 250km\h limited top speed via AMG`s 7 speed DTC transmission, which is matted to an all-wheel drive system. Achieving fuel efficiency at fast speeds is a capability that can be expected from the A45, which sips 6.9 litters per 100km\h while only emitting 161g over the distance. The MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear suspension fitted on the AMG can be tuned and driven in Sports or Comfort, holds all the handling dynamics together which are a strong point when coming to its performance.

The body Kit of the A45 AMG has been seen in two different styles, the normal AMG treatment that differentiates standard to AMG, which mostly comprises of 18” Alloy wheels, quad tail pipes, carbon fibre mirrors, AMG Styling kit, a twin blade grille and Turbo AMG badges on the fenders of the A 45. A second styled version if not a racier looking A45 AMG, is fitted with an optional “Edition 1” package. The package is made up of stripes, different side mirrors, a rear aerofoil, an AMG Night package, aerodynamic package and red brake calipers which cannot be missed from the different styled 19” alloys.

Inside the cabin a sporty feel fills the interior with a mixture of leather, alacantra and carbon fibre trimmings. The use of red in the interior subtly grabs ones attention into sports mode, from seatbelts, vent highlights, stitching around the speed clenching AMG styled leather seats, steering wheel and around the door panels and edges of the dashboard.

The A45 AMG is the perfect hot hatch that does not have a perfect price tag, but considering its AMG performance and quality, driving the hot hatch should make one not worry about having spent half a million without a doubt. The A45 AMG will launch in South Africa during September.

Extreme weekend at Zwartkops Raceway

Extreme drifting during the Hankook Extreme Festival, held at the Zwartkops Raceway

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

Zwartkops Raceway in conjunction with automotive tyre company Hankook, hosted the Hankook Exteme Festival at the Zwartkops on the 9^th & 10^th of August. The two day motoring filled programme set out to entertain motoring fanatics whilst also appealing to women who were out at the track by making them feel special during women’s month.

While men were in the grand stands cheering on and throwing fists in the air during the qualifying races, women had the opportunity to be pampered and treated to a champagne breakfast and neck or foot massage at the ZOC Club house. Races in the programme included the TK Imports Brunch Run and Thunderbikes, Goldwagen SuperHatch, Hankook Formulae Vee, Red Square Kawasaki ZX10R Masters, Imperial Mitsubishi Super Saloons, SA Mechanical Seals Alfa Trofeo, Dotsure.co.za Extreme SuperCars and the Drifting Sideways Challenge.

Various off the track activities kept visitors entertained throughout both days, activities included various exhibitions, a kiddies play area, beer garden, live band performances and a Show and Shine & Sound-off competition that took place during the second day of the Festival. One of the biggest races on the days attracted over 19 exotic cars, in the Dotsure.co.za Extreme Supercars. On Friday Charl Arrangies driving a Motul Dodge Viper ACRX and Deon du Plessis in the KTM X-Bow won the supercar filled race. Arrangies returned to his winning ways in Saturday`s single race. Extreme times of up to 62 seconds were set on Zwartkops 2.4km circuit in the SuperKart races, Veron Pappas completed the circuit in a best time of 1.02 seconds.

 
Off circuit the Show and Shine and Sound-off competition brought a different kind of competitiveness, show casing some of the best custom rides that were entered into the show offs. Fantasy Rides Crew from Pretoria was well represented, showcasing two of their BMW M3 models in the Show and Shine competition. Nabeel Shamshoodeen`s Daytona Violet E36 German Spec M3 of the two, had one of the best pain jobs on the day. Other customs on his ride included customised 18” M3 rims which came out as 17`s from factory, an imported full touch screen Pioneer system and a two sub suede finish box. In the Sound-off category Nitro Crew specialist Leon Gounden, who is known to have the loudest Rookie 1 sound in Johannesburg and Durban looked to add on to his collection of trophies. Gounden`s 138 dbs music box sits on a 40mm drop, 17” LF Works, laminexed lights and his sound set up features 12” Viper Targa`s & a 5000w competition series Amp amongs other sound components.

Motorsports South Africa declared the event to be a success, which was due to a well packaged race programme. Kayalami Raceway will host the spring edition of the Extreme Festival series which will take place on the 14^th of September.

BMW evens out their M coupe range

The BMW M4 which replaces the M3 Coupe, is the first model in the new even M Powered coupe range : Photo BMW Blog

 Sthembiso Lebuso

BMW`s decision to even out their M range baffled me when I saw a headline reading "BMW Kills the M3 Coupe" my heart literally stopped, as the M3 generation has been with us since the legendary E30 M3. 

The last E92 M3 coupe model BMW built is a engineering masterpiece, offering all that one could possibly expect from the Bavarian quality sport rides that offer performance and the best handling in their range.

Luckily for us petrol heads BMW announced the M4. The M4 is all part of BMW's new plan, that will see every M powered coupe wearing an even number on its rear end. In explanation, the latest addition to the M breed the BMW 1 series coupe changes to the 2 series coupe, its sibling the 3 series coupe makes way for the 4 series and there will be the 6 series coupe.

BMW promises that the M4 will carry the same DNA as the M3 ensuring that it will have all the elements that make the M3 a beast. BMW has not given out the exact information about the engine on the M4, but however they have mentioned that it will be a turbocharged engine. BMW enthusiast do not like that M cars are being turbocharged but the folks at BMW have made a valid “power point’ in pointing out the M5 as an example of why they have gone the turbo route.

BMW purists were not happy that the M5 lost its beasty V10 for a smaller V8 but losing two cylinders and slapping on a turbocharger has made an impeccable power impression, proving that size does not necessarily matter.

Though smaller the V8 produces more power and provides needed torque at low revs. I strongly believe that BMW are going to turbo charge their treasured straight six engines. Turbochargers are not the only mechanisms that have work wonders for the M5 and M6, intelligent aerodynamics and the clever use of materials such as carbon-fibre make the cars light which help engine in power delivery.

BMW is focusing on making their cars lightweight and the M4 will shed about 100kg from its predecessor the M3 coupe and with an estimated 336kw, the difference will be shown when you drag race your pals in their M3 coupes.

BMW did not deny the chances of there being a M3 saloon, giving optimism that the M name will not die completely.

Mercedes-Benz reveals brute S63 AMG

Thapelo Tshule

Mercedes Benz has divulged the 2014 S63 AMG 4MATIC, which will be powered by the most commanding V8 engine to come out of the AMG power plant, it promises to be a high-performance luxury sedan that will offer top class driving capabilities in its segment.

Piloting the elegant S 63 is set to expose buyers to top notch driving dynamics, which are constructed for efficiency using the lightweight construction based on the ‘AMG LIGHTWEIGHT PERFORMANCE’ philosophy.  Materials used for the 2014 S63 AMG 4MATIC make it 100kg lighter than its predecessor. Weight saving is archived thanks to the use of AMG forged light-wheels, a lightweight lithium-ion battery and a weight saving AMG two-piece brake system. Furthermore, aluminum paneled outer skin and a carbon fibre spare wheel carrier are some of the ways Mercedes managed shed some weight of the luxurious sedan.  

In terms of efficiency, maximum output and fuel consumption figures of the AMG 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo engine remains impressive making it the most efficient V8 its class. According to Mercedes fuel consumption figures of 10,1 l/100km for the two-wheel-drive versions and 10,3 l/100 km for the 4Matic. The fuel consumption of this new S63 AMG 4MATIC is lower than its predecessor despite the 36kW power increase.

Brute Power comes from the AMG 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo engine, the most powerful member of the M157 engine family.  Power outputs are listed at 430kW and 900Nm of torque is available from 2250-3750 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 IS estimated to take about 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h is electronically limited. A new standard feature that will be available on the 2014 model is the AMG all-wheel-drive 4matic system, which enhances driving dynamics whilst delivering effortless superior performance.

Powerful and sophisticated looks of the S63 AMG 4MATIC makes a visual impression. The high-performance sedan’s design is defined by the impressive blend of sensual Mercedes characteristics. A large, upright three-dimensional radiator grille underlines the special status of the S-class , with a rather exciting front apron with three large air dams. The large AMG  forged alloys are another trademark of the AMG feature. They give us a clear view of the AMG high performance brake system. The ‘V8 BI-TURBO’ badge is sleekly places on the front fenders, identifying the top-of-the-range eight-cylinder model. The new lettering also appears on the boot lid of the S63 AMG. The design is drawn to a conclusion by a black diffuser insert, with a silver trim shadow that’s coupled with quad chrome tailpipes.

Like the exterior design, the treatment in the cabin of the S63 AMG interior appears to be a special place. The newly developed AMG sports seats with electric adjustment, memory function and seat heating offer the driver and passenger more support. Fine AMG designed leather seats, with stitched AMG logos stitched on to the front and back seats, creates a muscular atmosphere on board.

The S63 AMG 4MATIC sets new standards in active and passive safety, as what began with PRE-SAFE ten years ago and continued with DISTRONIC PLUS, is now leading to a new dimension in driving. Comfort and safety have blended into one and Mercedes-Benz calls it ‘INTELLIGENT DRIVE’. The S-class is known to be one of the safest cars in the market but this new system makes the S-class even safer.

Jaguar Project 7 Concept

Photo sourced from Autoblog.com

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

Jaguars F-Type roadster, is one of the British manufacturer`s  latest models to receive a full high performance treatment in the aim of paying tribute to a record of Jaguar`s  7 successful wins during the 1951 -1990 24 Hour Le Mans race seasons. 

  

The F-Type provided a perfect platform for the Project 7, largely due to the aluminium architecture that makes it possible for Jaguar to tweak and modify it into a superb performance roadster. Exterior changes from the standard F-type include a massive flaring located just behind the driver`s seat,  restyled bumpers with larger air intakes, front splitter, aluminium wing mirrors , 20-inch alloy wheels and a lowered windshield which is set to clear higher wind disturbance.

 Muscular stance at a 14 degree angle through a fixed rear spoiler gives the seven, a unique touch which is complimented by the legendary blue paint job and number 7 on both sides of the roadster. A full racing feel has been explored in the interior which has lost the passenger seat, in exchange of a helmet holder and racing style seat fitted with a harness to keep the driver from being thrown around by all the power hidden within the hood. Carbon fiber sits on the rest of the interior, mostly on the center console and the sports shift leaver.

In producing a high performance car, how it performs is the most important and crucial part of the whole project.  Power comes from 5.0 litter V8 engine which produces 450kW at 6500 rpm, 680Nm of torque hails from 2500 rpm to 5000 rpm. All of this is driven through a 8 speed quick shift auto transmission to the rear wheels. The power increase of 40kW and 55Nm of torque assists the seven in reaching a 0-100 km/h sprint time in 4.1 seconds.

In addition to the performance of the roadster a free flow exhaust system has been added to fine tune the sound track of the project seven, which will be broadcasted through four exhaust tips out of the aggressive looking rear end. The Project 7 F-Type roadster will make its official world debut at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed in Britain 

Horse power Sunday at classic car show

The South African favourite Ford Cotina were some of the classic cars that were exhibited at the Classic Car & Bike Show 2013

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

Over 2800 cars were exhibited at the Classic Car & Bike Show that took place on the 7th of July at the Narec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.

Walking in from Gate 2 , car fans were welcomed by the sight of two Ford Contina models a 3.0 GLS and the South African loved XR6 model which were both in mint condition, featuring all original parts from the interior right up to the engine parts in the hood.

Inside exhibition hall 6, vehicles from different classic car era`s featured from paintings and drawings of the various classics that were going for a selling price of a second car to their moving models which packed the area.  A long list of cars and bikes from the different classic car era`s including the 1912-1929 Vintage era, Pre- War (1930-1944), Post War (1949-1980) and the Modern era of the last 25 years represented . The most dominant era which featured on the day was the Post War era with a wide selection of vintage, hot rods, exotics, and muscle cars.

Deep and rough baritone sounds which came from the V8 engine of a 1960 Mustang Shelby Fastback, attracted large crowds who did not seem to have a problem with the noise level and vibrations caused by the classic muscle car.  The show also provided a platform for various brands to show case their auto products and customisation services, as well as a park and sell platform. Classic car owners also enjoyed having the opportunity to swop motor parts and meet other classic car enthusiasts, while exchanging various ideas on how to keep their classics running with the younger generation. 

The experience of having the presence of classic cars was educational to the 19000 visitors attending the event who were exposed to cars that show us how the motoring industry has progressed, from steel bodies of the 90`s to the more recently dramatically stilled fibre glass bodies and various technologies that are used. 

 

The atmosphere at the biggest Classic Car & Bike Show in Johannesburg, was perfect for a lesson in classic motoring history on a Sunday afternoon. 

 












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