My Journey through the lens

Author of Journomotortianment Robert Mabusela, capturing a lineup of BMW E30`s during the Soshanguve Spin Kings road show. Photo by Bruce Mbingeleli @B_Mbingeleli of Innovativemotoring

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

My passion for photography and journey as an aspiring photographer started after one of my photo`s got published in a community Newspaper. The photograph was taken during a Spin City event that was hosted in honor of King of Reverse and One "RN1" Bongos Coka, at the Shoshanguve Spinning Palace. This was published along an article I wrote, at that point I was still new to the game but through the performances put up by Spinners like Bongani Makhubo, Tshepang Mkhonza, and Zwikhodo "Zikho" Nembambula at the event, I knew that Bongos was a major player in the game.

Today photographs are different, I look at photos with a different eye than what I would have in the past, but most important my career towards being a Motoring Journalist and Professional Photographer has been influenced by three things that keep my finger on the shutter. Journalism, Photography and the Subjects in the photo, as well as those who view the captured moments. Studying Journalism is what introduced me to photography and since my enrollment at TUT there is no turning back. The different elements of photography and what's produced when they are combined to make a good photo are a constant reminder of how one should improve.

Having the most influence and being the most important contribution towards my passion are the subjects involved in the photo and at the event or location. Yes, it's my passion for photography but it is influenced by others. For example take a photo of a car spinning, you will notice how plain it is as the main focus will be on the car. On the other hand if you have a crowd in the background and they have smiles on their faces or a certain facial expression then that's photography, pity one can't say I took a "photography".

Apart from the main reason why photographers capture photographs are the elements which add detail to the photo, attending Spin City events doesn't mean your main focus is on the car. Action is the most important, not only action from the vehicle itself but it can be that of a facial expression by the driver or a certain stunt being captured that will tell a story of the spinners performance.

It has been two years since I've had my first camer, a Nikkon Cool Pix 8mp camera and yes excuse the pun but it does take cool pix. My most captured car is the BMW E30 also known as the “Gusheshe”, in the pits, on the pitch and on the streets of Soshanguve. Touching on Soshanguve, the township and the people I have met will always be what I look at and say that's where it all started. I have had the opportunity if not a privilege to spend some time with the Soshanguve Spin Kings, who are one of my favorite Spinning Crews both on and off the lens.

Drop top December

40 Year Old successor to the Jaguar E-Type, available in three models, two V6 engined and a V8 S (Picture Disento Art.com)

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

December`s festive season has always been a month associated with dropping, from musicians dropping the hottest singles and ladies rocking sexy outfits after dropping jean sizes throughout the year. Driving by the beach or to your holiday destination, if you`re headed to the coast in drop top hot wheels wouldn`t be off the drop list.

This year’s Paris Motor Show gave a platform for motor brands to launch some of their vehicles that are set to reach markets soon.  Jaguar launched their F-Type roadster which is the manufacturer`s 40 year old successor to Jag`s E-Type roadster. With rivals like the Aston Martin Vantage S Roadster and the Porsche 911 Carrera S cabriolet, Jags F-Type convertible certainly has a lot of hair to pull back, if it wants to make an impression against rivals who are known in the convertible league. The range will be produced in three different models starting with the F-Type V6, V6 S and the top of the range V8 S.

According to Jaguar brochures engine derivatives include engines ranging from the entry level Supercharged 3 liter V6 that has an output of 250kw, followed by a 280kw V6 S to the more powerful range topping 368 kw, 5.0 liter V8 that claims to do the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4,2 seconds while reaching a top speed of 300km/h. A steering wheel mounted, 8 speed automatic quick shift gearboxes are set to provide the driver with quick responses when shifting between gears throughout all three models.

Revving the Jag produces a sound track that is tuned and channelled by active exhaust flaps fitted in S models, providing an exhaust note described by Jaguar musicians as a deep and dramatic exhaust note. Pretoria News and The Star Motoring Journalist, Jesse Adams reckons that the Jags “purr” must be the best sounding V6 in the world.

It`s closest rival between the 911 and Vantage in the 0-100 sprint is the Carrera S Cabriolet which is powered by a 3.8 liter direct fuel Injection (DFI) producing a maximum of output of 294 KW at 7,400 rpm achieving a O-100km/h time in 4.7 seconds.  The Vantage S Roadster`s  power rating comes in at an approximate 313 kw that comes from a V8 engine producing a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4,9 seconds.

Interior features include a feedback system that interacts to an extraordinarily sensitive degree enabling the driver to enjoy all the high performance dynamics. Visibility in the cabin is ‘driver-centred’ promising excellent visibility and minimal distractions.

Jaguar`s F-Type being the smallest vehicle to come out of Jaguar power plants makes it an affordable but Sporty convertible. When it is said that dynamite comes in small packages Jaguar must have come up with the F-Type to fit in with the phrase as they have produced a distinctively agile looking sporty Jag.

South African die hard Jaguar enthusiast who have been waiting for 40 years to see a successor to the E-Type, will have to wait a few more months as the Jag is only expected to hit South African shores in June next year.  

*Article also published in the Tshwane Youth Magazine @tym_mag December issue 

BMW Mommy`s Potential Vehicle "MPV" concept

BMW Tourer concept, to be released with a 1,5 litter Twin Power turbo petrol 3 cylinder engine that will be matted with an electric motor for a combined 140kw (Picture Carsession.com)

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Bavarian Motor Works predominantly known as BMW have launched a concept car that is due to fill in the MPV or “Mommy`s Potential Vehicle” segment, where the brand plans to rival cars like the Mercedes B-Class. This will be the manufacturers first MPV offering, appealing to a wider variety of customers. The Active Tourer Concept will not only be the first MPV launched by the brand but it will also feature Beemer`s fist three cylinder engine and front wheel drive system vehicle.

It may seem that the numbers are decreasing but it will all benefit the customer with average fuel consumption figures of 2.5 litters per 100km, and CO2 emission levels of under 60 grams per kilometre. Powered by a 1.5 litter Twin Power turbo petrol engine that will run along an electric motor, both power sources will bring a combined output of 140kw. Moms` might just be able to get to the shops before they close, as the Tourer goes from 0-100 in eight seconds.

A lithium-ion battery will be able to last for an all-electric driving range of around 30 km, charging the battery can be easily sourced from an ultra-efficient plug-in. The cabin features various displays including an eight-inch instrument panel, optional full colour-head up display (HUD) and large 10, 25 inch hangdown centre section display.

Interior pictures of the concept have not been released but knowing the brand when coming to interior elements including the design, comfort and overall premium feel one can look forward to a design that will complement the “Cool Shade" roof. The cool shade feature which is set to be enjoyed darkens or lightens the panoramic roof to suite the driver and passengers preference all at the touch of a button.

*Article also published in the Tshwane Youth Magazine @tym_mag December issue

SA Drift King crowned at Zwartkops Raceway

Wade van Zummeren crowned the SuperDrift champion at the Zwartkops Raceway after drifting in wet conditions during  the Zwartkops Extreme Festival

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The final round of the Superdrift series took place during the Zwartkops Extreme festival, which happened at the race track on Saturday the 24^th of November. The festival featured various race events and other activities for spectators to participate and enjoy while they take a break from racing which happened throughout most of the day.

South African Superdrift champion Wade van Zummeren was crowned the Drift SA champion after he endured challenging weather conditions that left the race track wet  during the Superdrift Series final Round.  van Zummeren in his Rockstar Energy Drink Nissan Skyline out drifted second place and youngest drifter in the series Jason Webb at the age of 19. Webb and his Monster Energy drink sponsored Nissan 200sx put up a good performance against the champ during the final round that lasted for four rounds, instead of two as the top two drifters executed drifts that made the judges panel judging criteria seem not enough to separate the two.  Michael Radloff finished third at the event as well as in the series ending. Drifting in South Africa seems to be dominated by the Japanese as the top three drifters in the series use Japanese manufactured vehicles.

Drifting, Extreme Supercar racing, the Red Square Kawasaki runs and the Tsebo Porsche challenge were the order of the day. Live music bands from music groups Planet Joy, Wicket Sticks, Action Thriller and Dead Alphabet entertained the spectators at the event. The  Zwartkops Extreme Festival provided a day  full of entertainment on and off the track, a series of this event  will take place next year with the first festival lined up for March next year.

Peugeot Onyx Concept

Picture from RD Magazine

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French manufacturer Peugeot has always been associated with Aesthetic designs, Slick lines and futuristic interiors. Peugeot designers have come up with a concept car that`s performance is based on the French Manufacturer`s Le Mans 24hrs racer car.

The  mid-engined Onyx supercar concept will be powered by a 3.7-litre V8 hybrid HDi FAP engine similar to the one that is used for Peugeot's Le Mans programme,  developing  447kw that will be transmitted to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox . Extra power will come from the push of a button, the Onyx boosts an extra 60kw from a boost button that will give that extra power when needed.

Peugeot`s energy system features a Kinetic energy system, battery power will be produced from brake energy. Breaking and the generation of brake energy will be assisted by 380mm front discs and 355mm at the back

Hand-made Copper sheets are used to make the door panels while Carbon Fiber material is responsible for other body panels. Light weight acrylic constructed roof and windows, will be used in order to produce a light weight supercar that weighs in just over a ton at 1100kg.

Article published in the November issue of the Tshwane Youth Magazine

Like most recent concepts the onyx interior comes to light with a digital instrument cluster, in addition to the natural light that will be sourced into the car through its glass roof. The concept see`s away with traditional seats and various other components which may changed if and when design improvements are made.

Mercs Answer to Audi`s RS3

Photo from ForceGT.com

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Mercedes Benz is taking an aim at the top performance premium hatchbacks within the “Big Three” German brands with its plans to launch the A45 AMG, which is the flagship of the model range from Merc`s A class offerings. Merc has taken a bold step by dubbing the A45 AMG a possible RS3 killer, not because Audi is any greater than its German rivals but because of how Merc has used two top hatchback models as benchmarks for their A45 AMG.

Competition in the hatchback segment is tight with competitors including BMW`s M135i and their main target the Audi RS3, amongst others. Merc has always benchmarked it`s sports cars amongst the top three German brands. Although from the previous A class range there has not been a model produced in the range that could compete in the less powerful Audi S3 and BMW 130i league, but as soon as Merc unveiled plans of creating such a model they didn't limit the capability of Mercs performance. The A45 will be powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which will be the most powerful four-cylinder engine Merc has produced. It Is one cylinder shorter than Audi`s 2.5 liter turbo engine which powers the RS3 and two of BMW`s 3.0 liter six-cylinder Twin turbo engine, it will be interesting to see all three rivals go head to head.

Mercedes plans to use a similar system to Audi`s Quattro system, the A45 will transfer power to all four wheels via a twin-clutch gearbox and a Haldex-alike multiple clutch four wheel drive system.  This sounds complicated but essential enough to propel Merc`s “RS3 killer” from 0-100 in five seconds. According to www.autocar.co.uk, “Mercedes-Benz insiders suggest it will match the claimed (0-100 km/h) time of the M135i “, but the RS3 does the dash in Just 4,6 seconds.  On paper the A45 is able to match the M135i`s performance, but will this be another case were figures are good on paper but tell a different story when they officially go head to head on the tar? Not to mention that the RS3 will be 0,3 seconds away from the Merc

The A class has always appealed more to consumers as a mom’s car, so one would think that it will be more reasonable for the brand to start matching its performance with models like the Audi S3 and most probably the BMW 130i. The A class hasn't had a model that could compete in the S3 and 130i league but as soon as Merc unveiled plans of creating such a model they didn't limit its capability.

On paper, this is may seem to be a bold step but we shouldn't rule out the possibility that Merc could give Audi a taste of its own medicine as we have seen Audi`s smaller capacity engine giving their bigger counterparts a run for their money, in the case of the S3.

The battle between Audi and BMW in the hot hatch segment has been going on for years while Merc has been absent, but credit goes to the brand for jumping into the competition.

Article featured in the November issue of the Tshwane Youth Magazine

Model Specifications

CAR	Mercedes Benz A45 AM	BMW  M135i	Audi RS3
Engine	2.0l Turbocharged	3.0l Twin turbo	2.5l Turbocharged
Power (KW\h)	261kW	331 kW	250kw
0-100	4.9 (Estimated to match M135i)	4.9 secs	4,6 secs
Drive	All wheel drive	Rear wheel	Quattro (all wheel)
Transmission	7 speed dual clutch	6 Speed Manual	7 Speed Double clutch

Support exchanges hands at Spin City

Open hood spinning by Pontso Raikane, at the Summer Spinning Bash hosted by Westside Connect in Pretoria West

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

A challenge when hosting Spin City events has always been the support from spinners and the measure of the events success, petrol heads and motoring fans attending the event.

October marked the beginning of a new era in the spinning industry and the beginning of consistent spinning events at an official spinning venue in Pretoria West. Motoring enthusiast in their numbers attended Westside Connect Crew`s Spin City Grand opening, a day that will go down in the history books of the Spinning industry as contributions to the industry will be made in Pretoria West. The event featured local and guest spinners from as far as Botswana, local spinners showed their support to Zwikhodo “Ziko” Nembambula, who has always supported other spinners at their events. The Sheriff, Thuto Rasegojwa returned to the opening after making his debut at one of the build-up events to Westside Summer Bash.

The Sherriff provided the crowed with spinning from a Botswana perspective during his performance, while other guest spinners included Speed and Sound (SnS) Spin Army spinner, Sunesh Pursad and Vernon Veejaro Hendricks who made his debut at the event. Soshanguve Spin Kingz member, Bongani “RBM” Makhubo and Sunesh Pursad showed comradeship during the event.Makhubo and Pursad were the top two spinners who put up the most performances at the event. Mamelodi Spinners member, Mabitsi Kekana`s reverse and one “RN1” signature move seemed to be a crowd pleaser, as supporters waved their hands back and forth simultaneously to Kekana`s performance.

Zwartkops and Mayhem Raceway`s were the only venues in the Pretoria West where people can go out and enjoy a day of motoring but both venues didn`t cater for Spinning events on a regular basis and this is where the opening filled in the gap.

Apart from performances by people who weren`t featured as spinners which brought up mixed reactions from the crowd, the event set a benchmark that will keep supporters returning for more action.

Article published in the November Issue of the Tshwane Youth Magazine

Spinners at the Event

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