German rides dominate at German vs Jap event

 Santoz Adoni`s Nissan Sabre 200sti, one of the best custome rides that we out at the German vs Jap 2013.

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

Hundreds of custom vehicles made it down to the German vs Jap event that took place at the Nasrec Expo Centre on Saturday the 6^th of April. At the event German and Japanese manufactured vehicles were set to compete to see which of the two country`s vehicle are best represented in South Africa.

The various competitions that were held include a Show n shine, Sound off competition and Dyno runs where only the best customised and modified rides would win in the different categories of each competition. In the German corner Audi`s, Wolkswagen`s, BMW`s and Mercedez Benze`s rivaled Japan manufactured Nissan, Honda and Toyota vehicles.

Out in the show n shine competition German rides outnumbered the Japanese, from Wolkswagen MK1`s, Polo`s, VW Caddy`s, Sciroccos, Seat Leon`s, various BMW E generation models and the presence of the South Side crew`s old school Mercs. Even though German rides were out in their numbers one could not miss one of the best Japanese customsed ride, a Pretoria based Maroon Nissan Sabre 200sti. The show stopper   feature of this particular Nissan is its “Scissor doors”, which caught peoples eye`s from a distance. Its doors open to a fully customised interior that features a custom dash board with a built in DVD player, bucket seats and a 142 db sound system. Exterior customs include a 40 mm drop, 5 star chrome 18” rims, a custom boot and remote controlled rear doors with shaved door handles.  Santoz Adoni`s Nissan doesn’t only have show stopping looks but also has the performance to make it a fully customised ride.

IASCA South Africa hosted the sound off competition and dyno run parallel to the show n shine. On the dyno different vehicles tested their performance, as the Germans dominated the show n shine it was clear that the Japanese manufactured vehicle we all about performance. Having the most kilowatts on the dyno was the main objective, but what was most impressive was seeing a supercharged Toyota Tazz pushing 279 kW and 418 nm of torque, which was least expected from the model.  

 At the sound competition the overall winners were Meshack Narainsamy 165.3 db, Irfaan Mahomed 157.6 db and Kogilan Maistry 154.2. The German vs Jap event was a well organized show which attracted some if the country`s best custom and performance cars.

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Photos from the event



Tarmac Tearing Performance

McLarens latest MP4-12c Spider, produces a total of 460kw @7500rpm and 600nm of torque @3000 -7000rpm. Picture source: (Convertible Car Magazine)

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If there is a supercar that is to rival the likes of the Ferrari 458 spider, it has to be able to do so with more than one aspect. Performance, aesthetic aggressive looks, and the overall built of the supercar has to be of an exceptional quality. Engineers of McLaren might have built a car to match up supercars, with the McLaren MP4 12 C and now the MP4 12 C spider takes them on hats off in the drop top supercar league. Chopping off the roof of a supercar is a move that in the past had more downs than ups for manufacturers, as by doing so the looks of the car may have improved whist hindering its performance.

The spider is capable of carrying its extra added weight to a top speed of 329 km/h, depending on the tires fitted on your spider. Achieving tarmac tearing performance means that you will have to order the spider with the optional Corsa tyres which are together with the launch control essential in helping you reach the 0-100 km/h mark in 3.1 seconds. Powering the McLaren is a 3.8 liter twin-turbo engine which is similar to the one used in the coupe, the spider has been mapped to produce a total of 460kw @7500rpm, while 600nm of torque peaks @3000 -7000 rpm. All the power and torque are channeled to the rear wheels through a seven speed dual clutch transmission.

McLaren have set a benchmark with their MP4-12c Spider's performance which as compared to its coupe sibling has only lost a second in reaching the 0-100 km/h mark. Even with its added roof folding mechanisms, it still manages to live up to supercar performance figures.  The two piece folding roof which has put on an added weight of 40kg to the spider gives you the best of both worlds, with the convertible airy feel or that of being "cockpitiezed" (hypnosis in the cockpit of a fast travelling supercar). A commonly-seen retractable rear windscreen which is situated behind the passenger compartment is a feature that invites the sound of the twin-turbocharged V8 into the cockpit even when the roof is up. Switching in between both worlds can be done in 17 seconds, even while travelling at traffic speeds of up to 30 km/h, of which going from coupe to roadster hasn’t been this easy.

Inside the carbon monocell cockpit, the interior is detailed with carbon fiber which surrounds the centre console and other interior parts. The sight of buttons and knobs is still a feature to many functions of the spider which has had minimal changes made to its interior and exterior. Apart from the roof being folded down one would not notice any difference from the coupe, but as you start looking with 8 eyes (spider) you will then notice the not so obvious changes. Starting with the door handle, of which unless painted in a distinctive color one would mistaken the sweet spot which gives motion to the suicide doors.

Internationally buyers have various colour options as it is available in 12 exterior colours which will blend in well across the different trims of its range. Different trim levels include the two new executive trims, semi perforated leather and the Alacantra trim. South African buyers will appreciate the new Vehicle Lift System which gives a better ground clearance making it much simpler to go over speed humps.

From the production of the MP4-12c McLaren have show that they have got what it takes to produce a full road car and now with the spider they have added some style to a well built supercar without having to worry about losing its strongest point, being performance.  

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Legends only Spin City

leepile Sexton The General spinning in his BMW E39, Spinning Utility Vehicle during the Only the Legends spinning event

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

An estimated crowd of between 650-700 people gathered at the Soshanguve Spinning Palace in attendance of the first Spin City event hosted by the Spinning Kingz of the North Western Township of Soshanguve.

The event's title "Only the Legends" was capturing enough on posters, flyers and Facebook invitations to convince one to spend the afternoon and part of the evening if not early hours of the next day listening to the sound of the German branded BMW E30 325i and other models which have been modified for spinning. Besides the strong presence of the box shaped E30 there were three other modified vehicles, two BMW Spinning Utility Vehicles "SUV" one 3 Series E30 and an E39 5 Series all the way from Botswana. Lastly was a modified Toyota Hilux driven by a 15 year old spinner.

Having a minor spinning amongst legends was something that made me question the presence and contribution of adrenalin fuelled Samkeliso "Sam-Sam" Thubane in the spinning industry. Followed by questions like, if he is spinning amongst legends, is he a legend? If so what will he be in the next 10 years to come? Well let's leave that for the spinning industry's "record" books.

The weather on the day was as confusing as the questions above, moving from a sunny day to a partly cloudy and rainy day. As the rain started pouring down, spinners took advantage of the wet and slippery conditions of the track which made it a mission for them to spin until they popped a tyre or two.

Spinning in the rain provided an opportunity for spinners to show off their skills by displaying what they can do in wet conditions, especially with the second hand tyres used for spinning. This rear wheel drive fun in the rain ended up with one of the spinners being the victim of a front smash into a pole. Thanks to the tyres placed in front of various poles and barricades as protection, the spinner got away with only minor damage to the bottom left section of the front bumper. They say sticks and stones won't break my bones, but spinner Lebojwa found himself saying, having no slicks won't break my Beemer...

After the rain had stopped, spectators started pouring out of the pits and tents where they had sought shelter while spinners braved the unfavourable conditions. The atmosphere improved as more of the legends, including Soweto based Magiya Brothers, Zwikhodo "Ziko" Nembambula from Westside Connect Spinning crew and Speed and Sound spinner Sunesh Pursad ascended to the track to join the line-up of legends. One by one spinners took turns to impress the crowd with their performances and unique crowd capturing stunts. One of the most captivating moments at the event had to be when Samkelo "Sam Sam" started spinning around one of the spinning vehicles that had broken down inside the spinning area. He performed 360° spinning around the vehicle and 180° turns that usually ended up with him coming within inches of the stationary vehicle.

The only downfall of the event was the absence of well-known spinner and legend Bongani "RBM" Makhubo who was set to make his debut in a new vehicle after he was involved in an accident.

Overall the event turned out to be the best event, that SSK spinner Tshepang Mkhnonza, has hosted thus far, after the previous two shows he has hosted, saw disappointingly low turnouts. Upcoming events will take place on the 9th of March at Peter's Truck Stop in Vosloorus on the Eastrand, while the Soshanguve Spinning Kingz will host shows on the 4th of May and the 15th of June.

CARtoon.... What did the Toyota say to the Beemer ?

Light changes to Audi`s A3

Audi`s latest A3 which is also dubbed as a stretched A1, now offers a new fuel efficient 77kW 1.2 Pot. Photo : The Motor Report

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

While Korean manufacturers are putting their design teams under pressure to come up with fresh new customer attracting designs, their German counterparts seem to be relying on making subtle changes to their vehicles.

The Audi A3 has been a strong competitor and benchmark for various brands in the hatchback market, leading amongst rivals including the BMW 1 series, VW Golf range, Renault Megan, Ford Focus and the Opel Astra. This year has seen the latest offering of the A3 hit South Africa, just before the Golf 7 which has just joined the segment. Exterior features include a four ringed large, not to missed hexagonal single-frame radiator grill with a noticeable change to the front and rear lights. Light changes, through solid day time running headlamps which similarly continue at the back end with rear lights ensure that your A3`s hatched back is visible all day.

Three different spec levels will now differentiate between the vehicles, namely the S,SE and Quatro.  Packed with new engines within the range, seven models will range from a new 1.2T FSI engine to the more powerful 1.8T FSI.  The new 1.2T FSI offering is the most economical model in the range, which all models will enjoy some of those economic features thanks to an 80kg weight loss. Performance has always been one of the brand`s strongest points in their top-end models like the 132 kW 1.8T FSI. Together with a maximum torque figure of 280nm this model will reach 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds while achieving a fuel consumption figure of 6.6 liters per 100km and a 131g/km CO2 emission.

Having  developed 1.2 pots in the Wolkswagen-Audi family may seem to be stirring confusion, as both the Golf 7 and Audi A3 feature the same 77kW engine which seems to be making it difficult for consumers to make a decision as to which part of the family do they want to fall into.

Inside the vehicle, premium Audi quality leather and stitching fills the interior with notable new designs made to the steering wheel, seats and air vents. The A3 may not be the perfect car for jet setters, but passengers and the driver will enjoy the new Jet design air vents that are adjustable to ones preference. Various vehicle information will be displayed through a 7 inch screen, a MMI navigation control system is featured into the centre console. If you`re a person who enjoys having a booming sound system in your car then you should be prepared to tick the options box to include a 14-Speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with LED lighting. A Panaromic sunroof also comes as an optional extra.

Although the new A3 is dubbed a stretched A1 and may only seem to have light changes at first glance, paying more attention to the vehicle may give you second thoughts. Be sure to lookout for the A3 sportsback and a sedan that is set to make its debut in the sedan segment this year

Article Published in the Tshwane Youth Magazine

Candy Coated paints at DUB Fest

Vishen Ramdhani owner of the Candy Apple Green Volkswagen Cady, that was show in the Show and Shine category out at the 2013 Vdub Camp Fest that  took place at the Hartebeespoort Resort.

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

The annual Volkswagen Camp festival is one of the events that measure how much passion motoring enthusiasts have for their cars; others take it as far as spending more than what their vehicles cost on customs and that selected few define what owning a car means in terms of keeping it as standard as possible.

This year’s 2013 Vdub Camp Fest took place over two days at the Hartebeespoort Resort from the 2^nd to the 3^rd of Febuary. With temperatures reaching highs of up to 33°c, those who attended the event were sure to have spent a hot day with some of the hottest Vdubs. The weekend was packed with events and competitions that were set to find the best looking car in the Show and Shine event, and the loudest in the Sound competition which both competitions had the respective owners working hard in order to win a prize in their category. In terms of the sound competition a combination of, how many sound components one has in their vehicle, how they are put together within the interior of the car as well as the overall look of the car and quality in the sound which is produced was key for the prize.

Keeping a vehicle clean for the Show and Shine for the judging was a challenge due to the dusty conditions at the resort. It was important to use the best products that don’t attract & leave a layer of dust on the car which came from people coming over to check out the ride. One of the many eye catching rides at the event belonged to Vishen Ramdhani from Centurion, who is the proud owner of an Apple Green Volkswagen Caddy. Referring to it as a “Toy” Vishen estimates his customs to be worth approximately R60 000 excluding the price of his vehicle. His list of modifications include a Candy Apple green paint job, flared out wheel arches, custom rims, suede interior, an import 2.0 ABF engine and 3 LCD Screens :2 in the car and a detachable screen which he places in the bonnet for show purposes. The Vura 6 Club also came out in their numbers from all over the country, with 38 Jetta and Golf 3 VR6 models visiting the event.  Xolani Moyana Online Content Manager of the club travelled all the way from Kwa-Zulu Natal  to unite with country wide VW owners  

The event provided a good platform for those who are looking for ideas on how to customize and custom ride owners to network whilst creating competition amongst those who attended the event to win various prizes.  In a nutshell the German family showed its unity in numbers and variety at the 2013 Vdub Camp Fest.

Pictures from the event

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Lamborghini Estoque Concept

Photo : RSPORTSCARS

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

The beauty of concept cars is visible when manufacturers go beyond their usual design, that mostly consist of making changes to the previous design and selling it as a successor. Lamborghini`s Estoque concept is a merger between a super car and sedan, taking the manufacturer beyond its usual supercar designs.

Bringing in a sedan feel in the concept doesn’t give the Lamborghini sedan performance figures as the Estoque has a power rating of 560bhp, which in South African measurements we are looking at about 418kW. All the power comes from a 5.2L V10 engine that is currently used in the Gallardo LP 560-4 which goes from 0-100 km/h in 4 seconds while reaching a top speed of 325km/h.

Being a merger between a Supercar and sedan interior features are not as you would expect in supercars, the concept also has a touch of luxury and elegance that isn’t cramped up thanks to an extended wheel base. A navigation system, LCD Monitors and a CD player are some of the features you will find in the Estoque.

The front end of the concept looks lambo like while the rear end is something you haven’t seen come out of the Italian manufacturer`s manufacturing plants. An overall edgy design is enhanced by 22 inc rims and 23inches at the back, while there`s no need for sunset to see the daytime running LED that fit in well with the shape of its lights.

The Estoque concept brings in a fresh design that one would least expect from the manufacturer, its the next fresh car that could be parked amongst the likes of the Ferrari FF, Aston Martin Rapid and Porshe Panamera.

Article Published in the Tshwane Youth Magazine

Lamborghini Estoque images

Photos: Ultimate Car Page & Concept Carz