KENYA’S PREMIER AUTO MAG COMPLIMENTARY COPY
VOL. 2 ISSUE 1 - JAN/FEB 2016
LA Motor Show Our Top 10
Driving Tips
The Kenya Car Guy
Drool Factor Audi R8
Nissan X-trail Built For Kenya
MotorSports: East African Classic Rally | Bikes: Versys 650 & XSR700
Dear Reader, Happy New Year! 2016 is upon us and we are ready to kick the year into gear with the latest object of our affection, the new Nissan X-Trail, which we had a chance to test drive recently. In short, it is made for Kenyan roads. The local motoring highlight for the end of 2015 was the Kenya Airways East African Classic Safari Rally, which saw the entry of over 50 vehicles for the 9 day event. This rally covered a distance of a whopping 3,300 kms and included both Kenya and Tanzania. Early December also saw the imposition of new taxes upon the Kenyan motorist. Excise duty on petrol went up by apprx. Ksh 10, which has essentially cancelled the fall in prices over the last two months that had occurred under the watch of the Energy Regulatory Commission. Import duty on cars that are over 3 years old, is now a flat Ksh 200,000, while cars that are under 3 years old will attract a duty of Ksh 150,000. Most economic analysts say that the rise in taxes is purely to raise revenue to fill state coffers as opposed to incentivizing or dis-incentivizing consumption. We also feature our top vehicles of choice from the LA Motor Show. The show saw a number of global debuts, either as brand new generation vehicles or as part of a mid cycle refresh. LA rounded out the global motoring show calendar for the prior year. On the international motorsports scene we have the Dakar Rally to start the season off with a bang. The event was held across Argentina and Bolivia and we feature an interview with rally legend, Carlos Sainz, who was driving and challenging for the title in the Dakar this year. A side note, the WRC and F1 titles had already been well decided, in advance, for last season, but MotoGP went down to the wire in 2015. It was a highly controversial end to the season, with many of the sports fans feeling embittered by the manner in which Valentino Rossi lost out, to Jorge Lorenzo, due to the perceived persecution of Rossi, by the sports authorities. MotoGP has by far been our favourite international motorsport to follow, and we were disappointed in the manner in which it ended. The Kenya Car Guy shares some important driving tips to keep you and your family safe during the course of the year. Rounding up, is the local and international news and our featured bikes, the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the stylish, retro themed, Yamaha XSR700. Enjoy the ride! Once again, Happy new year! Drive Kenya Team.
Contact us for more details and options: P.O.Box: 1911 – 00606 Westlands, Nairobi - Email: info@drivekenya.co.ke - tripletwoholdings@gmail.com Tel: +254 718 221 222 +254 732 221 222 - www.drivekenya.co.ke Published By: Triple Two Holdings Ltd. - Editorial & Design Team: Amit Kwatra, Amit Soni & Vivek Kothary
Quality Car & Home Care Products Available at all leading supermarkets
Contents NEW S & EDITORIALS
REVIEWS & FIRST DRIVES
4
The News
6
Classic Car: BMW M1 E26
5
The Kenya Car Guy
10
Bikes: Kawasaki Versys 650 & Yamaha XSR700
16
LA Motorshow
13
Nissan X-Trail
18
International Motorsport
20
East African Classic Rally Front page photo credit: Nissan Media
Drool Factor Audi R8
Pg 14
Carlos Sainz On the Dakar
Pg 22
DRIVEKENYA.CO.KE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 3
IN
www.drivekenya.co.ke
THE NEWS
Total Kenya Partners With Kingsway Tyres in Mombasa
Kenya’s Premier Auto Mag
Tesla’s Elon Musk Seeks To Accelerate Development of Autonomous Driving
Total Kenya Limited is continuing to upgrade the Company’s country wide network of service stations and has partnered with Kingsway Tyres to open a Tyre Centre at the Jomo Kenyatta TOTAL service station on Jomo Kenyatta Avenue in Mombasa. The new look station presents a contemporary image with installations that are more energy-efficient and sales outlets that are more discreet, blending harmoniously into their environment. The facility offers fuel, lubricants, Totalgaz, TOTAL Sola lanterns and Car Care Products. Customers are able to source tyres and related products and services for all their vehicles from the Kingsway Tyre Centre.
Collision Exercise
Paramedics and fire fighters evacuate an injured person during a collision exercise at the Machakos Junction. Right Way Safe Way simulated a multiple collision involving a fuel tanker, a lorry carrying sand, a car and a boda boda rider at the busy junction to test the County’s preparedness to respond to a major road disaster.
January/February 2016
DT DOBIE Leads the Large Saloon and Prime Mover Truck Market DT Dobie continues to lead the sales of new large saloons and prime mover trucks in Kenya. During the first nine months of 2015, the Company sold 62 Mercedes Benz luxury cars, to achieve a 64.6 per cent share of the market.
Business Insider had a fantastic story that Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, had put a call out via Twitter for “hardcore” software engineers to join Tesla and to take the recently released Autopilot upgrade on the Tesla S to the fully autonomous level that we saw in movies like Minority Report. The Autopilot feature already has considerable semiautonomous capabilities and is at the leading edge of the car industry. Software is increasingly at the forefront of the automotive industry, as BI put it, on Autopilot, “Model S sedan owners, for example, went to sleep with cars that drove dumb and woke up with cars that could drive themselves. Software did that.” Musk is betting on the fact that great programmers and a plethora of real time data from the 90,000 plus existing Tesla customers will accelerate the development of autonomous vehicles. Tesla vehicles already have enough sensors, cameras and computing power to be able to mostly drive themselves. Musk’s idea is to create a program that can handle and coordinate all the vast input of data that is coming in at every moment. The new programming, ‘Seal Team’, as they are called, will be reporting directly to Musk. The word on the Twittersphere is that Tesla wants to go fully autonomous by 2020. Musk is a visionary and a man of the future, certainly one to watch.
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347 Mercedes Benz Actros prime movers were sold in this period compared with 232 last year. Mike Duder, the DT Dobie General Sales Manager for Commercial Vehicles commented, “We are extremely pleased with these results which confirm the confidence and the reputation our customers have for the Actros value for money, reliability and good fuel consumption.” “Our after sales service and comprehensive stocks of spares parts play an important role in the strong following for Mercedes Benz trucks. We provide driver training to help truck owners to maximize their returns from their vehicle fleet and hold regular service camps in Mombasa and upcountry.” Talking about the range of prestigious Mercedes saloons, Stravros Diamantidis, the General Manager of the Mercedes and Jeep Division of DT Dobie said, “The Mercedes C-Class continues to be the best seller in Kenya offering a choice of Elegance and Avant-garde models. The E-Class and S-Class attract buyers who require more spacious and powerful saloons.”
Each month, our car guy gives you solutions to the problems you face with your car.
Mobile: +254 733 666 597 - E-mail: info@kenyacarguy.com The New Year is upon us and we know that there’s a full year of driving ahead for all our readers, so we asked the Kenya Car Guy to share some tips on driving safely during the year. He shared some of his tips below;
1) Avoid drinking and driving. There’s no point taking such a needless risk, call a taxi, we have plenty of good options available in Nairobi. If you insist on taking your car, don’t drink more than the legal limit of alcohol and if you’re a group of friends, keep a designated driver with you who remains sober and drives. 2) Always maintain a safe distance with the car ahead, of atleast 3 seconds. Remember to ensure a smooth drive, brake and accelerate gently, this reduces uncertainty for the driver behind you and reduced jerkiness keeps your car free from wear and tear and conserves fuel. Try and indicate by using your turn signals early on, atleast 30m, to ensure other motorists are well aware of your intentions. 3) For long drives ensure you have your car checked and serviced. Make sure you have the tyres checked and the spare wheel, as well as checking if all the lights are functional. Also have a ready emergency kit with a first aid kit, tow ropes, jumper cables and a flash light. We’ve seen some nerve wrecking traffic jams in the past year along
our major highways so it’s best to keep some extra food, water and blankets handy as well. 4) Plan the trip, be well rested prior to the drive. Ensure that you take regular breaks to stretch along the way, try and have a 15 minute rest every 2 hours. Also you can share the driving with someone if feasible. Keep a lookout for driver fatigue such as yawning, sweaty hands, tired eyes, poor concentration, restlessness, drowsiness, boredom, slow reactions and oversteering. Remember reaching is far more important than reaching in time. 5) If you have a young child in the car, ensure that they are safe and in the correct child restraint. If you’re taking along the family pet, they must be restrained at all times for everyone’s safety. 6) Try and avoid driving long distances at night as visibility and safety is a big concern.
To send in your questions to the Kenya Car Guy Contact: info@drivekenya.co.ke
DRIVEKENYA.CO.KE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 5
BMW Media
BMW M1 E26 The BMW M1 (E26) is one of the rarest BMW models ever made. Only 453 production versions of the M1 were built! With the body being designed by popular ‘car Designer of the Century’ (20th Century), Mr. Giorgetto Giugiaro, who took inspiration from the 1972 BMW Turbo show car. This classic was the only mid-engined BMW to be produced in such numbers. The engine sports a twin-cam 3.5-litre 6-cylinder petrol engine with Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection, produces 273-hp, was mated to a 5-speed manual and has a top speed of 260km/h. Turbocharged racing versions of the engine are capable of producing an astounding 850-hp! The M1 was produced between 1978 and 1981, and was to be made, originally, by Lamborghini, but this was scraped
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due to Lamborghini’s financial position at the time. After just 7 units were made, (Lamborghini had originally been tasked with creating 400 units) the M1 coupe was then hand-built, between 1978 and 1981, under the motorsport division of BMW, as a homologation special for sports car on-road racing. 20 M1’s were subsequently manufactured as race versions for the BMW M1 Procar Championship, which served as a support series to Formula 1. Car and Driver described it succinctly at the time as, “the right car, at the wrong time” saying in full, “The M1 might have been the right car at the wrong time, but every driver deserves a turn at the wheel of what is probably the best fast car ever built.”
The Weird And Quirky Hong Kong is the city with the MOST Rolls Royces’ per capita. The first and second generations of Honda’s winsome compact SUV came with a standard flip-out picnic table. There was also an optional shower kit for the back, too. Nobody does car features quite like Honda.
While in prison, Hitler wrote to a Mercedes dealership asking for a loan for a limousine until his royalties for Mein Kampf came through.
For the filming of Fast and Furious Four, they had open casting calls for cars. On top of regular actor casting calls, director Justin Lin, returning from Tokyo Drift, held open casting calls for cars to potentially appear in the film as well. They would post a meet-up place for people to bring their cars and the filmmakers would select drivers and cars for background sequences as needed.
In Turkmenistan, car drivers are entitled to 120 Liters (31 gal.) of free petrol a month.
Jamaican reggae singersongwriter and guitarist, Bob Marley owned a BMW, not for prestige but because of the coincidence of initials for Bob Marley and the Wailers.
In 1896, Bridget Driscoll was the first person to be killed by an automobile. She succumbed to fatal injuries after being hit by a car that was going 4 MPH.
Did you know that Volkswagen owns Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Audi, Ducati and Porsche and overseas-brands SEAT and Skoda?
That “new car smell” that we all know and love, is made up of over 50 volatile organic compounds.
It is a criminal offence to drive around in a dirty car in Russia. Now how would that go over here?
Kawasaki Media
Kawasaki Versys 650 Kawasaki describe the Versys as, “A multi-talented, middleweight motorcycle that will make your commuting and paved adventures lots of fun!” The 650 comes in two versions, the ABS and the LT, which feature a few extras including, hard saddlebags, with oodles of space for your helmet and camera, and hand guards as standard equipment. Versys is a word combination of versatility and system. Kawasaki’s intention behind the bike was to create, “one of those rare motorcycles that is equally good at home, commuting on the local freeway, or mixing it up on your favorite back road.” The styling do-over that the Versys has received includes a larger 3-level adjustable windscreen, and twin side by side headlights. The exhaust is now a one piece unit and has provided an incremental peak power boost to 69-hp from 68.3-hp. The 650’s suspensions feature a separate function fork with damping control in the right fork leg and a spring preload in the left leg. The rear shock has altered settings alongside a remote hydraulic spring preload adjuster. Brakes were also updated, though the dual discs remain at 300mm, the dual-piston calipers and brake pads were changed to provide for better braking. Fuel tank capacity also went up by 10%. Both the ABS and LT models will be available in Candy Lime Green or Pearl Stardust White color options. The ABS retails at roughly Ksh 800,000 overseas.
QUICK SPECS Engine Type: Four-stroke, liquidcooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder parallel twin
Engine Displacement: 649 cc
Bore and Stroke: 83.0mm x 60.0mm
Compression ratio: 10.8:1
Transmission: Six-speed with positive neutral finder
Final Drive: Sealed chain
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance
Torque: 47 ft-lb
Frame Type: Double pipe diamond frame
Rake and Trail: 25° and 109 mm
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Tyre Front: 120/70x17 Tyre Rear: 160/60x17
Kerb Weight: 216
Brakes Front: Dual 300mm petalstyle rotors with two-piston calipers and ABS Brakes Rear: Single 250mm petal-style rotor with single-piston caliper and ABS Front Suspension: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork with stepless adjustable rebound and preload Rear Suspension: Single offset laydown shock with remote adjustable spring preload
Fuel Capacity: 20.8 litres
Seat Height: 841mm
Yamaha has responded to one of the best bikes of 2015, the Ducati Scrambler, in fine style. As Jalopnik put it, “Ducati gets it. Honda is getting it. And now Yamaha nails it”. The Yamaha XSR700 is a retro version of the MT-07, designed by Shinya Kimura, the retro-modern look has become an increasingly fashionable trend this year. The XSR700 uses the same 689cc paralleltwin engine, which produces 74-hp, and has the same frame as the MT-07. What it adds are an aluminum fender, a 2-texture leather seat, mesh side panels, a shorter exhaust and a long list of customizable extras. The ride and handling has been described as superb, with the Telegraph writing, “Like the MT-07 it is also enjoyably quick. Its engine is a gem, pulling sweetly from low revs, supplying generous torque through the midrange, and strong, smooth acceleration towards the 10,000rpm redline. The six-speed gearbox is slick; the exhaust note muted but slightly more engaging than the MT’s. The Yamaha’s ability to combine novice-friendly pottering with arm-stretching 120mph top speed
Yamaha mdeia
Yamaha XSR 700
is hugely impressive.” The XSR700 is to be released in the UK in Feb 2016 and is available in both Forest Green and Garage Silver. Pricing is expected to be Ksh 950,000 ex-UK for those looking to import.
QUICK SPECS Engine Type: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valves
Engine Displacement: 689cc
Bore and Stroke: 80mm x 68.6mm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Transmission: Constant Mesh, 6-speed
Clutch type: Wet, Multiple Disc
Max. power: 74-hp @ 9,000 rpm
Max. torque: 50 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm
Front suspension system: Telescopic forks
Front tyre: 120/70 ZR 17M/C(58V) (Tubeless)
Brakes Front: Hydraulic dual disc, Ø 282 mm
Rear suspension system: Swingarm, (Link type suspension)
Rake and Trail: 24° & 90 mm
Rear tyre: 180/55 ZR 17M/C(73V) (Tubeless)
Brakes Rear: Hydraulic single disc, Ø 245 mm
Wet Weight: 186 kg
Fuel capacity: 14-litres
Final transmission: Chain
Seat Height: 815 mm
DRIVEKENYA.CO.KE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 11
23114
+27 (0)12 460 8545
We have seen the Nissan X-Trail on Kenyan roads many times, and it is no surprise, the X-Trail is one of Nissan’s biggest selling vehicles globally based on its reliability. We recently got a chance to take a short test drive in the new Third Generation X-Trail and we found the ride to be smooth and comfortable with the independent suspension system handling smooth roads and rough patches with equanimity and we found the handling to be quick and responsive. This X-Trail is built on the new Renault-Nissan Alliance Common Module Family (CMF) platform with a longer wheelbase and a broader track. It has evolved from its prior box-like look to incorporate a more flowing design, with the large wheel arches being the focal point. Combined with a dipping roofline, deeply sculpted flanks and a rising window line, gives for a very sleek and modern new look. By using ultra high strength steel, and built in accordance with the latest global fuel efficiency standards by utilizing vehicle designs that are more aerodynamic, the 3rd generation X-Trail is lighter by 90 kgs, compared to its predecessor and has a claimed fuel efficiency of 8.3L/100km. At the back, the rear light cluster displays the familiar ‘boomerang’ shape, while the characteristic D-pillar provides a strong visual link to both the Juke and Qashqai, which both share a common design architecture with the X-Trail. Inside, the 4WD X-Trail has a fuss free, spacious finish of leather seats and side rests and a mix of a plastic and carbon-look dash. There are plenty of nooks and crannies for your phone, keys, water bottles and coffee cups. It also has a sliding, tilting panoramic sunroof and one really neat feature is the powered boot door with sensors, so you can
open the boot without actually using your hands. There’s no touch screen inside but Bluetooth connectivity is standard as well as audio input via CD/MP3/USB/AUX. The sound quality on the 6-speaker audio system was very good for you audiophiles out there. Powering the X-Trail is a 2.0-litre 4 cylinder power unit mated to Nissan’s X-Tronic CVT gearbox, which produces a maximum torque of 200Nm @ 4,400 rpm and a max power output of 106kW @ 6,000 rpm. This vehicle gives you smooth acceleration through all gears with power to spare. You do have to keep an eye out on the speedo in case you overspeed. Cruise control can be easily and conveniently operated from the steering wheel. The X-Trail comes in 2WD or 4WD forms, with the latter using the electronic ALL MODE 4x4-i transmission system. The 4x4i transmission is controlled via a rotary switch on the centre console, offering drivers a choice between “two-wheel drive”, “Auto mode” or “Lock” with permanent 4WD. In terms of size, the all new X-Trail is 17mm longer (4,643mm) than the previous generation model, and has a 76mm longer wheelbase that provides ample space inside. The new X-Trail was specifically designed with 7-seats in mind and as a result this model is also 30mm wider and 5mm lower than the previous design, and ground clearance is maintained at 210mm. In terms of safety, the Nissan Safety Shield system includes, Forward Emergency Braking, Driver Attention Alert, Traffic Sign ecognition, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Moving Object Detection, High Beam Assist etc. It will be retailing at Nissan Kenya for Ksh 5 Million inclusive of VAT.
The 4WD version has the following features: Exterior LED headlamps with automatic leveliser, Automatic headlight system, Front fog lights, Heated door mirrors, Sensor activated tailgate, Power tilt & slide sunroof, Roof rails with brush metal finish, 18” alloy wheels
Interior Intelligent key with push start, Leather steering wheel & gear lever, 5.0” colour audio display, Climate control with dual zone adjustment, ALL MODE 4x4-i, Leather seats, Power 4-way driver seat adjustment, Power 2-way passenger seat adjustment, 6 speakers, Rear seat personal lamp
Safety and Security Hill Descent Control, Around View Monitor
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l o o Dr O R T C A F
Audi R8
The Audi R8 burst onto the scene in 2007, and effectively helped turn the Audi brand by creating a star vehicle. With its appearance in Iron Man (2008), as Tony Stark’s ride, Audi crafted a marketing coup by appealing to a much wider audience. This helped to boost the image of Audi as being at the cutting edge of cool and high-tech, though, as critics noted, a bit cold and lacking soul. The new R8 looks very much like a copy cat image of the old R8, with the most minor of alterations. “The new Audi R8 is perhaps the greatest example of tuning through 1s and 0s. There’s no question the hardware here is superb. The Audi is the Lamborghini Huracán’s twin sister, and mechanically the two cars are as closely related as any two GM J-bodies. They share the same engine, transmission,
partially carbon-fiber floor and bulkhead, chassis hard points, steering system, and electronic architecture. Meaning, it’s the software that gives each of those components a very different character in these supercars. The Audi is, as you would expect, dowdier and marginally less exciting, yet on first acquaintance we suspect it is destined to be seen as the higher achiever.” Car and Driver The R8 comes in two unconventional and naturally aspirated choices; first, the standard V10 Coupé, with 540-hp, and second, the V10 Plus, with 610-hp. Both versions have a 5.2-litre engine mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The interior has received a considerable upgrade, with what reviewers describe as “high quality interior,” with a smart, functional design. The R8 features Audi’s
Audi Media
smart “Virtual Cockpit,” which appears as a configurable screen behind the steering wheel. This technology combines instrumentation with everything that would normally be done by a central display screen, as well as being able to switch to a conventional speedometer-and-tachometer combo. When it comes to driving and handling, Audi has created a Drive Select button, cycling among Comfort, Auto, and Dynamic modes, as well as a new Performance mode which is a standard feature on the V10 Plus, optional on the V10, that unlocks three additional settings to explore - Dry, Wet & Snow. “Push the red starter button on the steering wheel and the V10 explodes into life with a flare of revs – if it’s drama
you’re after then this engine delivers it in spades. Maximum torque arrives at 6,500rpm, with an 8,500rpm red line, so it only unleashes the real fireworks when you let it rev and enjoy the incredible crescendo from the exhausts. Purists will mourn the loss of a manual gearbox, but the twin-clutch unit is so capable in every situation they’ll soon forgive and forget. At low speeds you barely feel the shifts, but fire through a full-bore upshift in performance mode and Audi has engineered in a little kick in the back to make the full-throttle driving experience that much more visceral.” AutoExpress Sure seems like a car we’d love to drive before we suit up in our exo-skeleton to save the world!
LA Motor Show 2016 Audi RS7 Performance The new 2016 Audi RS7 Performance is truly about performance! It has a 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 that generates 605-hp. The engine produces 516 lb-ft of torque during normal conditions which can go up to 553 lb-ft during the temporary overboost function. It has an 8-speed automatic gearbox and Audi’s well known, Quattro AWD system. The RS7 Performance shoots from 0-97km/h in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of over 300km/h on its 21-inch wheels.
2017 Ford Escape The Escape is currently Ford’s bestselling vehicle, after the F-150. The 2017 design refresh is all about more interior space, better storage options, and a quieter ride. Ford has also launched the Sync Connect app that allows owners to check fuel levels, lock and unlock doors, and start the engine remotely. 3 engine sizes will be available - a 2.5-liter, a 1.5-liter EcoBoost, and the top-end 2.0-liter EcoBoost.
2016 Honda Civic Coupe This is the tenth generation of the Honda Civic, a nameplate with a 44 year legacy. The new Civic will be offered in two options, as a 2.0-liter I-Vtec or, for the first time, a 1.5-liter direct inject turbocharged engine. The engines will be paired with either a 6 speed manual or CVT Automatic. The Coupé is intended to be more spacious, with more leg room and a bigger trunk space, while also being sportier than the previous version.
2017 Hyundai Elantra The Elantra, as Hyundai reminded us, is the 6th bestselling car in the world, with over 10 million cars sold over the previous 5 generations. The Elantra has been designed to be lighter and more aerodynamic than many of its competitors. The Elantra is offering two engine options, the first, a 2.0-liter, 6-speed automatic, and an Elantra Eco model with a smaller 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
2017 Mazda CX-9 Mazda is on a roll of late, with the release of a string of stylish vehicles, with their narrow headlights and shield like grille. The CX-9 is a modern looking crossover and it has a sweet Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that generates 250hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The interior, reviewers say, has an attractive combo of black and metallic trim with brown Nappa leather.
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Image Credits: LA Motorshow Media
2017 Mercedes Benz GLS Mercedes calls it the SUV version of its luxury flagship, S-Class vehicles. Luxury SUV’s are an evolving and highly competitive niche at the moment, with the likes of the Lexus GX, Range Rover, BMW X5, the new Bentley Bentaga and the upcoming Rolls Royce SUV, all competing for market share. The GLS will be available in 4 options, 3.0-liter V6 diesel, 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo, 4.7-liter V8 Biturbo and a 5.5-liter AMG Biturbo version, which is expected to generate 577-hp,
2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport The Outlander Sport has undergone a mid-cycle refresh, with an odd looking front grille that looks like something is missing. The interior has seen a whole host of more positive changes - a new steering wheel, new color choices and a 6.1-inch infotainment screen. The Sport comes with the choice of a 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter engine, on its fresh 18-inch wheels, offering either 148-hp or 168-hp.
2016 Nissan Sentra The Sentra has received a considerable update to the interior and exterior styling and in terms of safety features it is more packed than ever. The Sentra now has a similar V-shaped nose, comparable to the Maxima and Altima. At the rear, Nissan has restyled the bumper and updated the taillights. Inside now sits a 5.0-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display between the tachometer and speedometer. The engine comes as a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, with 130-hp and 128 lb-ft of torque, and it is available with a six-speed manual on the base S trim or a CVT on the rest of the range.
2017 Porsche 911 Targa 4 The Porsche Targa has only been out for two years now, with the first one seen in Nairobi barely a few months ago, at the Total Motor Show. Already, Porsche have given the quasi-convertible a considerable makeover. Under the hood - which is in the back of the car, you’ll find the new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged, flat-6 engine found in the rest of the 911 lineup, which is mated to Porsche’s infamous PDK transmission. The Targa 4 comes with 370 hp and 331 Ib-ft torque, while the sportier Targa 4S gets 420 hp and 368 lb-ft.
2016 VW Beetle Dune The 2016 VW Beetle Dune has taken its inspiration from the off-road terrain exploits of the vintage Baja Bugs. The Coupé and convertible have been given a more rugged styling, which includes a restyled front bumper, black wheel arch extensions, that highlight extra ground clearance of 0.4 inches, and a tweaked spoiler at the rear. The Dune has a 1.8-litre TSI paired with a 6-speed automatic that generates 170-hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Color options will be available in Sandstorm Yellow with a matching dashboard. Pure White and Deep Black Pearl example colors will come with a black interior.
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Moto GP
(News Box)
Will Casey Stoner Return? Casey Stoner, the former double MotoGP champion, may be set to return to the sport after a long hiatus. Rumors have emerged that the Ducati test rider and ambassador will be testing the Desmosedici, with a debut outing planned at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia, in January. The fact is that Stoner did offer to replace the injured Dani Pedrosa last season and it would be no surprise to see him in at least a few races next season, including his home circuit of Phillip Island. Stoner vs Rossi vs Marquez vs Lorenzo, that would make MotoGP the motorsport to watch this year
2015 - The Season Rossi Nearly Won The 2015 season went down to the wire. It’s a rare occurrence in MotoGP, having only happened twice in the 500cc/MotoGP series since 1992. It was also a highly controversial end to the season, as many fans complained bitterly about the treatment of Rossi by the sports authorities. The incident with Spain’s Marc Marquez at Sepang, Malaysia in the penultimate race of the season, that saw Rossi relegated to last place on the grid and unable to challenge Jorge Lorenzo. Yes, Lorenzo won the season, with some brilliant performances, but the sports’ biggest star is Rossi and for many race fans out there, he deserved the title much more so than Lorenzo. Rossi’s home races of the season at Mugello and Misano will be remembered as having an unforgettable atmosphere.
Suzuki And Aprilia Return To MotoGP Suzuki and Aprilia are returning to MotoGP in the 2016 season. When Suzuki left at the end of 2011, due to a financial crisis, the sport was left with just 3 official manufacturers from a peak of nine, in 2004. This led to the creation of a new category of superbike based ‘CRT’ machines, which later turned into the more competitive Open class category. Open class helped pivot the manufacturers towards cheaper customer machines and a single ECU. KTM has also announced that it is returning to MotoGP in 2017. This is clearly a good sign that the sport is becoming more relevant to manufacturers again.
The Rules Have Changed It took a while, but from the coming season onwards, MotoGP will be shifting to a single set of rules from the current Factory and Open classes towards the new unified ECU system. A reduced range of technical concessions will be made available to struggling manufacturers. No longer will a free boost to performance be on offer, such as via a softer rear tyre or extra fuel. Instead, the range of concessions will be limited to greater engine changes via testing and development.
Honda Media & Wikimedia Commons
F1
(News Box)
Mercedes Boss Says F1 Can Be Made Less Predictable It’s been a subject of intense discussion amongst fans for the last two years, how can F1 be made less boring? The four engine manufacturers have until the 15th of January to create a list of proposals to answer a range of questions regarding the current engine unit. Wolff admitted in a recent interview that Bernie Ecclestone’s ultimate aim was to close up the gap in F1 and make the sport more interesting. He also said that Mercedes was prepared to offer concessions. “His product is difficult to sell if you know before the start which driver or team is going to win.” “Equally, and he accepts this as he has said it many times, in our world we need to optimise on Mercedes’ performance.” “Now we need to align and find a compromise and ask what we can do to make it a little less predictable, give it a little more variability.”
Alain Prost Set To Return To F1 Former F1 World Champion Alain Prost is rumoured to be Renault’s new team principal when the team returns to F1 this season after taking over the Lotus team. Renault Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn is said to be backing Prost’s new role. Alain Prost won 4 world championships in ‘85, ‘86, ‘89 and ‘93.
Hamilton Wants More Grip While new rule changes are in the offing to make F1 cars faster, more aggressive and the racing more exciting from 2017 onwards, Hamilton told Sky Sports that according to him the current plans lack any clear direction. “Obviously something does need to change because Formula 1 has been the same for a long, long time,” Hamilton was quoted as saying in the interview. He added “I know they’re talking about giving us more aerodynamics [in 2017] which for me is the worst idea. It just shows that, for me, they don’t really know what they’re trying to solve.” “From the driver’s point of view, we want more grip from the tyres; we want less wake coming from the car so therefore we can get closer.”
Ferrari Boss Says Ecclestone Should Pave Way For Future Ferrari President Sergio Marchionne told Autosport that the F1 Supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, should be preparing to pave the way to the future of F1. While acknowledging the prowess of Ecclestone in developing the sport, Marchionne said that the 85-year old Ecclestone should be looking to beyond his time in power. “Ecclestone knows that he is not going to be there forever and maybe this is also connected to the future of FOM [Formula One Management].” “The real challenge for Bernie is to get organised. He needs to come up with a system where maybe some responsibilities can be developed differently.”
DRIVEKENYA.CO.KE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 19
CMONCY Images/ Simon Mulumba
The Classic Rally Former World Rally Champion, Stig Blomqvist, won the epic Kenya Airways East African Safari Classic Rally on this, his fifth attempt. The event, which is a throwback to the glory days of original Safari rallying, is a monumental event on the local motoring calendar. Started in 2003 and held biennially since, the route, this year was 3,331km long and divided amongst 24 competitive stages. The whole Kenya and Tanzania course totals 2,000kms, over a 9 day span. The event covered the Kenyan coast, Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Arusha, Namanga, Taita Taveta and Mombasa. According to the organizers, 80% of the stages were new to the event. The rally was divided into two blocks of racing, divided by a prolonged rest halt - first at the foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro and the second at Arusha, before the grand finish in Mombasa, at the Whitesands Hotel. A total of 53 teams participated, which was dominated by 21 Porsche entries and ending with 46 teams completed the event. Completion was defined as a participants finishing four of the eight days of the rally. This event will probably go down in local rallying circles as the wettest and muddiest event in recent record.
Blomqvist, 69, the 1984 World Rally champion, won the event in a Tuthill Porsche by a margin of 7.59 minutes from his Swedish compatriot, Richard Goransson, who finished in second spot, also driving in a Porsche. Belgian, Gregoire DeMevius, finished third, again in a Porsche. In fact Porsche was so dominant that they claimed eight out of the top ten spots, with only the Ford Escorts, of Kenyan Raaji Bharji and Swede Jan Hagman, making the top 10 list. The highest placed Kenyan finisher was Alastair Cavanagh, in fourth, while Raaji Bharji, in his debut event, was sixth. Other notable Kenyan finishers were Tejveer Rai, who came 12th, Kailesh Chauhan, in 13th and former Kenya National Rally Champion, Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo, who came 14th. Blomqvist has added another feather to his illustrious cap after winning the WRC drivers’ title in ‘84, coming runners up in ‘85. He has also won the Swedish Rally Championship multiple times, as well as the British Rally Championship. Hats off to all the participants, their dedicated service crews, and the organizers for hosting such a memorable and unique event.
Program of the 2016 Dakar: 31/12 and 01/01: Administrative and technical checks 02/01: Start podium in Buenos Aires / Prologue / Liaison to Bivouac “0” close to Rosario 03/01: Buenos Aires - Villa Carlos Paz 04/01: Villa Carlos Paz - Termas de Río Hondo 05/01: Termas de Río Hondo - Jujuy 06/01: Jujuy - Jujuy 07/01: Jujuy - Uyuni 08/01: Uyuni - Uyuni 09/01: Uyuni - Salta 10/01: Rest day in Salta 11/01: Salta - Belén 12/01: Belén - Belén 13/01: Belén - La Rioja 14/01: La Rioja - San Juan 15/01: San Juan - Villa Carlos Paz 16/01: Villa Carlos Paz - Rosario
Red Bull Media
An interview with Carlos Sainz
Carlos Sainz has made more World Rally Championship starts than any other driver. ‘El Matador’, as he’s known, was twice crowned WRC World Champion, taking the title for Toyota in 1990 and 1992, and was runner-up a further four times. Having retired from WRC, Carlos continues his world-class rallying career in cross-country events, notably the Dakar Rally. He has stood on some spectacular podiums since switching to cross-country rally driving including winning the 2010 Dakar Rally and the 2009, Silk Way event, in Russia. The world’s toughest rally starts in Argentina, in January, and Spain’s Carlos Sainz is getting ready for it. The Team Peugeot-Total driver tells us about the challenges of a race he won in 2010 and what he expects from Frenchman Sébastien Loeb, who recently joined his team. Sainz raced the Dakar in a Team Peugeot-Total car, for the first time in 2015, when the team re-entered the event after a 25-year pause. Unfortunately the Spaniard had to retire due to a crash. Twice crowned WRC World Champion and four-times runner-up, he’s now preparing to “try and win this rally raid race”, and explains how he is going to “fight until the last moment” in South America next month.
About what Sainz expects from the Dakar 2016 Obviously I will try to win the race. When you win once your only objective is to try to win again. When I joined the Peugeot team a couple of years ago, the challenge of winning with a two-wheel drive diesel engine was great. And the first year we were not very competitive. The whole team has been working very hard to make the new car much more competitive this second year, and I’ll fight until the last moment to try to achieve the goal of winning the race. That will be my aim when I will be at the start of the Dakar this year.
About Sébastien Loeb’s first Dakar Rally I’m sure Sebastien is going to be one of the favorites. He’s in his first year but I’m sure his ability to adapt to any kind of race is putting him in a favorite position. I remember the first year, even in Africa; I think I won four or five days. And without the problems I had, I think I was prepared to fight for the victory. I think he has to be taken very seriously this year – he’s been training a lot in Morocco, he’s been doing the Morocco rally which gave him a taste of what rally raid is like, and there is no doubt that Peugeot has reinforced the team a lot with his presence. As I said, he’s one of the favorite of the race for me.
About the new Peugeot 2008DKR16 The most important is that we were competitive in the last Morocco rally; we could fight for the victory. We were actually leading. Even if Morocco was a convenient terrain for us, we know that in Argentina and Bolivia, the terrain will be not so convenient for a two-wheel drive – especially during the first week. But I think the car is much more competitive and it gives me the confidence to push harder into the corners with it. We have improved a lot when you compare the car for this year and for the last year. It gives us the confidence to approach the rally with a better spirit,
knowing that we can be more competitive, that we can fight much better against the Mini and the Toyota.
About the car’s improvements and reliability Rally raid is a difficult sport because you have to have a car that doesn’t give you any mechanical trouble for two weeks. To have such a reliable car isn’t easy at all, especially with a new one. And even if we have some parts from last year, it is a new car. But I’m confident: the team has been working much better than last year and we are better prepared. Having said that, you have to do these 14 days without trouble and it’s not an easy task for anybody […]. This is one of the biggest question marks and one of the most important things in raids – reliability.
About the importance of control in rally raid In rally raids, one of the most difficult things is to anticipate what type of terrain you are approaching, what type of corner. Sometimes you think it’s flat and then you have a really big surprise that puts you on the limit – that’s when it’s very easy to roll. If you think the terrain you’re approaching is flat and then you find a hole, you will go the end of the suspension and the car will try to flip over the rear. This is the most dangerous part in rally raids because if you are pushing hard and the rhythm is quite high. If you miss a hole, a corner after a crest or a breaking point, it’s dangerous and this is why you have to be careful.
And the importance of the co-pilot Instructions are very different from WRC. The instructions of the co-driver in rally raid are more about the crossings and dangers – danger one, danger two and danger three, that’s where he has to be very precise. If you miss a “danger three”, you can have a big accident so it’s very important to be precise in the situations where you are approaching a danger indication of the road-book […]. It’s crucial to have a very good co-driver. He can make you lose or win a lot of time in rally raid.
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