KSH200 USH11000 TSH8000
Issue No. 7
www.motortrader.co.ke
MEET THE JAGS XJ, XK and XF stir luxury market
LE Y C I R H VE OVE INES C RE IDEL GU
CAPTION CONTEST: Beauty or the beast? Tickle us and win cash!
ALIENS: Funny cars and more
FORESTER: Gas guzzler?
Motor ● Trader APRIL, 2011 NEWS ● REVIEWS ● CAR CLINIC ● TECH COUNSEL ● MOTORSPORTS INTERVIEW
Drive in Style
MOZEL
Wide Range Of Cars For Selection
IMPORTERS OF NEW / USED CARS & WE ALSO DO TRADE IN Railways HQ, Workshop Road & Muranga Road Email: mozelmotors@yahoo.com Tel: 020-2218915, 316384 Our Sales Team 0722-405 793 0723-447 945 0722-366 680 0721-218 186 Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
Contents REGULARS LOCAL NEWS New way of owning a car is unveiled Page 4-7
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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6
8
10
16
30
Meet the new BMW 6 Series Coupe Page 8-13
ASK THE MECH What are the 10 things that’d most probably go wrong with your car? Page 28-29
FEATURES THE JAGS ARE HERE Competition in premium vehicle segment set to heat up with entry of Jaguar XF, XJ and XK Page 14-21
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS The new 2011 Land Rover Discovery 4 is king of mud and tar. We drive it. Page 22-25
WEIRD MOTORING WORLD Imagine a banana car. Or a shoe car. Laugh your head off in our new column on weird motoring world. Page 30-31
www.motortrader.co.ke
20 Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
Feedback Pricing please
Bickering Not Good
Your last edition headlined Lion Roars Back was very iformative. It set a benchmark for automotive journalism in Kenya. However, please consider including the prices of some of the models you write about so that we can mete them out against the weight of our purses. Dan W Craig Via Email
The bickering at the Kenya Motorsports Foundation is not good for the sport. That it comes at a time when the Safari Rally is campaigning to be brought back into the World Rally Championship calendar is bad news. I’ve heard over the wire that KCB may discontinue sponsorship of this event. This means in future, rallying in Kenya will be as dead as dudu. The constant bickering between officials and some participants is completely uncalled for. The only bickering should be between competitors and their machines and they throw up mud and dust to entertain us. Everything else there between can be solved amicably. George Wanyonyi Nairobi
Good point. We’ll certainly do that in future - EDITOR
Write to us:
Publish classifieds
Motor Trader PO Box: 21824, 00400 Email: info@motortrader.co.ke
I’ve noticed that you didn’t publsih any classifieds in your new, redesigned magazine. Well, please consider bringing them back as they are a reliable barometer to the used car prices. Aggy Muthoni Nairobi
FIND US ON:
CAPTION CONTEST Joan Kiragu of Nairobi floored the obvious favourites - men - to win the first caption contest of the picture inset. She wrote: “Man cannot live on legs..or wheels.. alone.” Think you can do better than that on this month’s photo? Beauty and the beast perhaps? Send your caption. If we like it, we’ll reward you with Ksh2,000. Email info@motortrader. co.ke or text 0738 135889
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Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
From the cockpit PUBLISHER Motor Trader Co. Ltd PO Box: 21824, 00400 Tel: 020 8079558/9 Nairobi Email: info@motortrader.co.ke
EDITOR Joseph Murai joe@motortrader.co.ke
CONSULTING EDITOR PocketMedia Ltd info@pocketmedia.co.ke
HR & ADMINISTRATION Abdallah Basweti abdallah@motortrader.co.ke
SALES & MARKETING John Karugiah Ismael Nyamache Maureen Kimani
ART DIRECTION & LAYOUT PocketMedia Ltd info@pocketmedia.co.ke
PHOTOGRAPHY PocketMedia Ltd info@pocketmedia.co.ke
PRINTING Image Dokta Ltd.
DISTRIBUTION Jondika Company Ltd.
Motor Trader magazine is published monthly by Motor Trader Co. Ltd. While utmost care has been taken to ensure accuracy both in the published articles and prices of listed cars and equipment, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any omissions and errors arising. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Readers are advised to verify the authenticity/safety of the products/services advertised herein by independently contacting the advertiser. No part of this publication including artworks, photographs and articles may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior, written permission from the publisher.
T
he idea of leasing has rapidly gained pace in the country. More and more companies are preferring it to buying. The basic tenet of leasing is that you pay a monthly fee for using a vehicle over a specified period. The vehicle is still owned by the leasing company who take possession once the lease period lapse. A car is an enabler to doing business (a tool of production, like a Jembe if you are a farmer, a banking hall if you are a banker or a gun if you are a policeman). A banker does not need to own a building in every town he establishes a branch. He hires one. Neither does a farmer need to own a plough to till his land. He can hire one. In business, you don’t have to divert capital from your core area of operation for expensive asset acquisition. You pay for exactly what you use. Previously, leasing companies have focussed on big businesses or individuals who can afford to buy brand new cars. Until now. And its not a leasing company that has come up with a solution that will see you lease a used Japenese import but a bank. That’s right. Gulf African Bank’s latest product is revolutionary in every aspect. Read more about it in our local news section. BMW fans hate Chris Bangle. He is the man who messed up BMW’s legendary award-winning designs to come up with automotive lemons (of the 7 Series and 5 Series especially) that saw Mercedes and Audi, the other brand competitors from Germany surge miles ahead. He was replaced sometimes back by Adrian van Hooydonk. And the new man means business, as is evident in the new 6 Series Coupe. Together with the new 5 Series, which was recently named Car of The Year in South Africa, BMW is sending a message to critics and fanatics: We are back! Locally, we don’t expect to see the stunning 6 Series Coupe though. What we expect is increased competition between BMW and the newly launched Jaguar XF and XJ. The iconic British brands will surely give Bavaria Auto and DT Dobie a run for their money. The XJ is targeted at the S-Class and 7 Series segment while the XF is battling it out for the hearts and wallets of people who would otherwise buy a 5 Series or E-Class. On sports, the bickering at Kenya MotorSports Foundation is killing rallying. Slowly but surely. The very public display of differences could not have come at a worse time; just when the Safari Rally is trying to get back onto the World rally Championship calendar. Formula One season is off to a blistering start. We’ve the inside scoop. Enjoy!
Joseph Murai EDITOR
Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
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LOCAL NEWS
Pay as you use with Gulf African Bank Autoplan Now, you can drive to work everyday without the hassle of having to raise upwards of Ksh500,000 to purchase a car. The Gulf African Bank has announced a revolutionary Auto Finance Plan that will see you drive a car of your choice (valued between Ksh500,000 and Ksh3 million), and pay in monthly instalments. Its not ownership per se but a leasing agreement. At the end of the lease period, you have the choice to buy the car from the bank at an agreed rate. “Most banks offer auto financing schemes for new and used vehicles. This has worked well to many currently receiving superior products under fewer restrictions on security and fast turnaround times on loan application,” said Gulf African Bank Chief Executive Officer Najmul Hassan. “There is a segment of the population that has not been served due to religious conviction.” He said the bank would be targeting people who do not believe in paying interest on loans or may not be comfortable with the terms and constitutions constituting normal loans. Ijarah is a form of borrowing intended to finance specific assets for instance plant and machinery, vehicles or office equipment. “The ownership remains with the lessor,” said Walid Khalid, Head of retail and Liabilities.
FROM LEFT: Gulf African Bank Deputy GM Mohamed Harris, CEO Najmul Hassan and GM Abdalla Abdulkhalik pose for a picture after the launch of the Auto Finance Plan.
Bold 2-door Jag is here
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Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
CAR
OF THE MONTH
FORESTOR XT:
USED
The CMC Motors Group has taken the bold step of making the two door Jaguar XK sports coupe available for purchase from the Jaguar Landrover Kenya (JLRK) on Lusaka Road Showroom in Nairobi from this month. The XK is equipped with a five litre fuel injection V8 engine delivering 283 horsepower which propels the car from standstill to 100kph in 5.5 seconds. In addition there is the choice of the high performance XKR version powered by a supercharged five litre V8 375 horsepower engine. This takes the XKR to 100kph in a breathtaking 4.8 seconds. The top speed of both versions is limited to 250 kph. In an analysis of 18 top class coupes, the authoritative What Car? magazine rated the Jaguar XK as one of only three sports cars with five star status. (For more, see page 20.)
One of boyracer’s favourite cars, the Forestors commands relatively good street cred. It debuted in 1998 and is based on the chassis of the Subaru Impreza. It employs a unibody architecture, rather than a body-on-frame construction associated with trucks and large SUVs, and this makes it very ‘driveable’.
LOCAL NEWS
Zusha now to save lives; new road safety campaign takes off
A
road safety campaign that will empower passengers to speak against bad driving by Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers has been launched in Nairobi by the Deputy Traffic Commandant for Nairobi, Mr Samuel Kimaru. The one-year campaign dubbed Zusha, targets to reach out to over 10,000 matatus and has been supported by Safaricom Foundation to the tune of Kshs1.1 million. It comes in the wake of alarming cases of accidents on Kenyan roads, most of them being caused by PSVs. While launching the campaign, which will involve use of motivational stickers bearing road safety messages, Mr Kimaru said over 207 lives have been lost since the year started through grisly road accidents. Last year, over 3,055 people lost their lives through road crashes whereby 738 were passengers and 307 were drivers. “It is my belief that this campaign will alert and arouse the passengers attitude of keeping quiet and waiting to die even when it is apparent that the behaviour of their driver is wanting,” said Mr Kimaru. Addressing matatu drivers and passengers at Railways Bus Station, Safaricom Foundation Chairman, Mr Les Baillie stressed that the Foundation will continue to address Kenyans social challenges such as this one so as to see people live better and longer lives. “A key way of addressing the current situation is by motivating drivers
to be keen on the roads and at the same time, encouraging passengers to ‘Zusha’ as the campaign name suggests, against reckless driving by drivers.” The ‘zusha’ campaign is a follow up of a similar one that Safaricom Foundation supported in 2008, whose results showed a reduction of road accidents by 50 percent in the matatus that had the stickers. Besides careless driving, other factors which contribute to this loss of lives are dilapidated infrastructure, poorly maintained vehicles and adverse weather events. This campaign results will be useful to the Kenyan
government in designing long term antiaccident measures. The results will also be shared with the insurance industry and driving schools to promote road safety among the existing and aspiring drivers
***** Kenya is ranked the 5th highest number of accidents per licensed vehicles out of 29 selected countries worldwide according to a research carried out by the UK Transport Research Laboratory (TRRL).
Speed devil or extravagant guzzler?
The 1994cc inter cooled turbo charged engine will give you 220hp and 308Nm of torque from as early as 3500rpm. With its info variable valve timing system, it’s classified as super low exhaust vehicle. Drive it well and it will give you 12 kilometres per litre.
The dash is a vast improvement from its previous model. The layout is ergonomic and easy to control. You’ll like the cup holder which rotates from the dashboard in sickle-like fashion. Some won’t like the low, car-like driver position though.
Rapid acceleration, thanks to the 220hp is well catered for by those bucket seats. Since this Impreza-based softroader was launched, we reckon this has been the best looking model so far.
Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
5
LOCAL NEWS
NEW RULES
New rules for returnees
K
enyans returning from abroad will be required to seek waivers on the age limit of their cars before shipping them into the country. Kenya Bureau of Standards managing director Joseph Koskey said this would spare the returnees costs incurred in holding the cars at ports of entry as the waiver is processed, and on shipping them back where the waiver is denied. Because of environmental reasons, cars aged more than eight years are not allowed into the country except with special permission granted through the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the Kenya Revenue Authority. Hundreds of cars have been held up at Mombasa port since last August when the Industrialisation minister stopped issuing letters of exemption. “This would not have been the case had the owners sent in their applications at least two weeks before shipment,” said Mr Koskey. The National Standards Council (NSC) had set up the Technical Waivers Evaluation Committee (WETC) to vet the applications. Its membership is drawn from Kebs, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), KRA and the Ministry of Roads. The committee, chaired by General Motors managing director William Lay, meets twice a month to process the applications. Once applications for the exemption on the eight year rule are rejected, owners are required to ship their cars back to the countries of origin. Owners of old imported cars are also not allowed to sell the mass scrap to metal dealers except where they can meet the cost of crushing the vehicles at the port and disposal of the units. Exemption from the age rule largely benefits Kenyan citizens returning home and who have owned a car while abroad for at least two years. Applicants have to produce a logbook, a copy of their passports, and get clearance from Interpol. The committee also considers customised cars imported for disabled people as exemplified in the People with Disability Act. Applicants have to apply for a waiver, prove disability, and avail a report detailing customisation of the vehicle to accommodate disability together with purchase documents.
Weak shilling, Tsunami pile pressure on used car market
T
he Tsunami earthquake in Japan and rapidly weakening Kenyan shilling are having a negative effect on the used car market. The Tsunami, which killed over 10,000 people disrupted travel and shipment logistics, prompting the used car exporters to up their prices. In addition, the shilling has marginally lost ground against the dollar from Ksh80 to a high of Ksh86, hurting the importers further. Kenya is currently the largest importer of used vehicles from Japan, ranking above other African countries. “Owing to the law of supply and demand, we are poised to see an increase in pricing of the 2004 and above models since their reduced and delayed shipments will negatively impact the country’s stocks. Several major shipping companies have already announced rescheduled departures”, the Secretary General of the Kenya Auto Bazaar Association (KABA) Mr Charles Munyori was quoted as saying. In December last year, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) released a revised CRSP list to be used in conjunction with a valuation template in calculating the total cost of taxes payable by importers while factoring in depreciation. Importers of ready made vehicles are also preparing for a dip in supplies owing to some major factories closing down.
***** An industry group says Japanese car sales in March plunged nearly 40 percent following the tsunami and nuclear disaster. The Japan Automobile Dealers Association says automakers sold 279,389 cars in Japan last month, down 37 percent — the biggest year-on-year drop for March. The association said a plunge in sales was due to weak consumer sentiment following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, which decimated much of northern Japan, and the ensuring radiation disaster at the coastal Fukushima nuclear power plant. The tsunami caused massive disruptions in the supply of auto parts, forcing Toyota Motor Corp. and others to suspend production -AFP
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LOCAL NEWS
Milestones in Kenya’s motoring history 1949 - Colonel David Dobie, a World War II
veteran starts DT Dobie, with the Mercedes Benz franchise for East Africa. The company acquires the Nissan franchise in 1964, Jeep in 2001 and Renault in 2007.
A 1963 Porsche entered by Greg Emmanuel from Moshi, winner of the meritorious award last year. INSET Kris Senanu (left), managing director of the Internet Division of the AccessKenya Group and Keval Kanani (right), the Hotpoint Limited Project Manager sign the agreement as Ritu Magon (second right), the Hotpoint Showroom Manager and Bahati Kituyi , the AccessKenya Brand Manager look on.
Hot screening at the Concours
H
otpoint Appliances Limited will provide LG screens for the publication of the results of each car and motorcycle class at this year’s AccessKenya Africa Concours d’Elegance. The event will be held by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club at the Nairobi Racecourse on September 25th. The agreement for the provision of the screens was signed by Keval Kanani, the Project Manager of Hotpoint Limited and Kris Senanu, the Managing Director of the Internet Division of the AccessKenya Group. Kris Senanu said: “For the third successive year, AccessKenya Group will sponsor Concours which is the classiest event on the Kenya Motor Sport Calendar. “The Concours has full Africa status for cars and is an FIM AFRICA recognised and sanctioned competition. The event is open to all makes and types of cars and motorcycles made in 2009, or earlier and the regulations list twelve classes for cars and eight for motorcycles. “Shortly after the publication of the results of each car and motorcycle class they will be displayed on screens at strategic places around the Racecourse.“We will continue to speed communication from the organizers to competitors, officials and spectators by the placement of
results and information via screens around the grounds. “The Racecourse grounds cover a large area and it is impossible for spectators to see more than one aspect of the event at a time. “Accordingly we will have cameras at several key places to capture the action. “This will be relayed to viewing screens so, for example, someone in the refreshment area will be able to view the judging of the underside of a car on the inspection ramp.” “SMS voting by spectators for the best new car in Auto Expo, the motor trade section, was introduced by the AccessKenya Group in 2009. Michael Hughes, the Chief Judge for cars at the Concours, said: “AccessKenya Group has updated the Africa Concours d’Elegance website to reflect the status of the event and make it more user friendly. The regulations for the Concours are currently available from the website www.concourskenya.com. Commenting on the prospects for the event, Michael Hughes said: “The 47 entries which are already listed represent an amazing variety of machines including two Rolls Royce limousines and the 1968 Jaguar 420 of Kevit Desai which won the over 3,000 cc touring car class last year.
27 May 1953 - The African Coronation Safari,
later renamed the East Africa Safari and ultimately Safari Rally, is �agged off. It was organised as a celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Though there was no official winner, Alex Dix and Johnny Larsen in a 1131cc VW Bettle were deemed to be, by the fact that they had the fewest penalty points.
1969 - The �rst edition of the Concours d’Elegance
(competition of elegance) is held. Now an annual event, it attracts about 70 classic cars and 40 motorbikes. The event has gained a continental reputation by the diverse nationality of the entrants, and is recognized as the most prestigious event in Kenya’s annual motoring calendar.
1970 - The Alfa Romeo owners club in Kenya is
formed. The club was behind the founding of the annual Concours d’Elegance and still organises the event to this day.
1973 - President Jomo Kenyatta issues a decree officially recognizing matatus as a legal mode of public transport. The decree allowed them to operate without obtaining any form of licensing. The idea was to increase mobility amongst the people and create more jobs in the informal sector. There were only 400 matatus in Nairobi then; now, there are about 55,000 countrywide.
1977 - 1,000 units of the Toyota Land Cruiser
360 roll off the Associated Vehicle Assemblers Ltd plant.
Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
7
INTL. NEWS
125 years of innovation
T
hroughout this year, Mercedes is celebrating 125 years of existence. It was on 29 January 1886 that Carl Benz filed an application in Berlin for a patent on his three-wheeled motor car. This date has since been considered the official birthday of the motor car. At the same time as Benz, Gottlieb Daimler was developing the first four-wheeled motor car. In this way, working independently of each other, the founding fathers of today’s Daimler AG and its globally successful MercedesBenz core brand laid the foundation stone for all present-day passenger cars, commercial vehicles and buses. The company that invented the motor car has since that time gone on to shape its development more diversely and enduringly than any other motor vehicle manufacturer - in all relevant areas, from drive technology to comfort and safety through to design.
‘
The love of inventing never dies
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Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
’
Innovation has always been the key to success for a car manufacturer and is set to become even more important in future. Without the courage to go in search of new ideas, there would be no motor car; and without innovation, there would be no progress. Mercedes-Benz, the inventor of the motor car, has always pressed ahead vigorously with the development of that mode of transport. For instance, the company has repeatedly underpinned its claim to technological leadership with over 80,000 patent applications since 1886, the year in which Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, respectively, unveiled their “Patent-Motorwagen” and “motorised carriage”. As the world’s first car, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen is the symbol of pioneering spirit par excellence. In its day, the exquisitely engineered threewheeler made it clear at first sight that a new age of mobility had dawned. Daimler’s motorised carriage was the first motor car with four wheels. These two vehicles represented the start of a unique success story – a story that has continuously had new chapters added to it by Mercedes-Benz. Time and time again,
it has been trendsetting inventions from the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer that have resulted in the “horseless carriage”, which was initially said by critics to have “no future”, evolving not only into an icon of personal freedom, but also into a significant factor within the economy. Alongside the first bus and the first motor truck, the company’s most important innovations also include the first modern passenger car, the Mercedes 35 hp, which was presented in February 1900. The prototype of all modern cars At the turn of the century, the Mercedes 35 hp, the prototype of all modern passenger cars, was the definition of a fundamentally new and ever since prevailing vehicle architecture: it marked the transition from the long-legged “motor carriage” to the motor car as we know it today. The decisive technical innovations were its long wheelbase, wide track, low centre of gravity and angled steering column. These improvements created the basis for comfortable and safe driving, something that was first turned into reality in a Mercedes.
INTL. NEWS
There are also some characteristic features such as the elongated form and the honeycomb radiator, which, organically integrated into the front end, was to finally solve the hitherto omnipresent problem of how to cool the engine, quite apart from emerging as a distinguishing mark of the brand. With its light-alloy crankcase, the powerful four-cylinder engine served as a model for today’s still current lightweight design and was, furthermore, installed low in the frame. Its exhaust valves were controlled by a camshaft, this significantly improving the smoothness of operation, stability at idle and acceleration. The construction principle of “engine at the front, final drive to the rear wheels” was to establish itself in the long term as the conventional drive layout. The �rst Mercedes The “35 hp” was the first vehicle to sport the Mercedes brand name and went down in history as the first modern-day motor car. Many other manufacturers were to copy this innovative concept, which proved to be superior in every respect. Mercedes-Benz thus from an early date established its claim to be the leader in technology and design.
Spirit of innovation as a driving force behind car development. Thanks to its design creativity, Mercedes-Benz has been successful in driving ahead automotive progress with a succession of new ideas aimed at constantly reinventing the concept of personal mobility and opening up new areas of application. Its power of innovation has allowed Mercedes-Benz to evolve into an automotive manufacturer with a unique and diverse product offering. Today, the brand with the star encompasses a range of vehicles that includes compact passenger cars, such as the A-Class, and luxury saloons, such as the S-Class; vans like the Sprinter; buses like the Citaro; and heavy-duty trucks such as the Actros. The smart brand adds to the product portfolio with a vehicle that is for many the perfect city runabout. Today’s smart fortwo dates back to a Mercedes-Benz study, presented in the early 1980s, into a “short-distance transport vehicle”. The two-seater concept vehicle was the starting point of a twin-track development that gave rise in the 1990s to the company’s first compact car: the A-Class and the smart city coupé, the predecessor of today’s smart fortwo.
Mercedes-Benz has consistently been at the forefront of new concepts of personal mobility and has also opened up entirely new market segments. For example, the SLK, which was unveiled in 1996, was the first compact premium roadster. This was followed one year later by the MClass, the first premium SUV, which owed its development to experience gained by Mercedes engineers in connection with all-wheel drive technology for the legendary G-Class and the Unimog. The most recent example is the CLS, which in 2004 established the segment of the four-door coupé. What is more, the sheer breadth of technical innovations to have first entered the marketplace in Mercedes models is proof that the inventor of the motor car has consistently played a leading role in all key aspects of the further development of this means of transport – from drive technology to safety and comfort through to design. Today, Mercedes-Benz has at its disposal a global knowledge network with some 19,000 researchers and developers around the world – an interdisciplinary think tank, full of pioneering spirit, expertise and motivation, for continuing in future to make the best cars in the world.
Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
9
INTL. NEWS
Revenge of the SIXTH
T
he hearts of sports car aficionados with an eye for beauty and a thirst for luxury and innovative technology will beat a little faster with the arrival of the new BMW 6 Series Coupé. This is the third generation of the top-class Coupé. The new BMW 6 Series Coupé impresses with its irresistible design and inspires with even sharper driving dynamics than its predecessor, noticeably optimised comfort levels and extra space. This is the only car in the segment to offer the combination of topclass sporting ability, exclusive touring comfort and a 460-litre luggage space. Also on board to deliver the BMW 6 Series Coupé’s signature driving experience are a range of innovative driver assistance systems and BMW ConnectedDrive infotainment features. The new car therefore meets the highest – not to mention the broadest – expectations of driving pleasure in a large, premium 2+2-seater in in10
Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
comparable style. Its unmistakable design language gives the new BMW 6 Series Coupé an aura of athletic elegance. The sweeping bonnet, short front overhang and set-back passenger compartment team up with a 74-millimetre increase in body length over its predecessor and a 75-millimetre longer wheelbase (2,855 mm) to create the hallmark proportions of a BMW Coupé. BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with petrol direct injection provides both sporty power development and exceptional efficiency in the engines available for the new BMW 6 Series Coupé from launch. In the new BMW 650i Coupé, a V8 powerplant with turbochargers positioned between the cylinder banks develops maximum output of 300 kW/407 hp. An exclusive feature of the 235 kW/320 hp six-cylinder in-line engine in the new BMW 640i Coupé, meanwhile, is the addition of VALVETRONIC variable valve control. Both units are hooked up to an
eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox as standard. Also part of the standard specification is an extensive range of BMW EfficientDynamics technology, including the Auto Start-Stop function and ECO PRO mode (in the BMW 640i Coupé). The new BMW 6 Series Coupé strikes an ideal balance between dynamic handling and ride comfort thanks to a newly developed chassis. Its standard Electric Power Steering and optional Integral Active Steering both break new ground in this seg-ment. Also on the options list are Dynamic Damper Control and the Adaptive Drive system, complete with roll stabilisation. Drive Dynamic Control – which allows drivers to adjust the car’s set-up to their individual tastes – comes as standard in the new BMW 6 Series Coupé. The innovations in the new BMW 6 Series Coupé also extend to light technology, in the shape of Adaptive LED Headlights.
INTL. NEWS
Step-by-step
Its starts with pen and paper. BMW wanted a coupe that seems as if it’s in motion even while stand still. Every design aspect – from the door handles that are integrated precisely into the swage line – to the A further character the swells of the front wheel arch, tail and nose contributed to this.
The exterior design has been inspired by waves with clearly de�ned lines and volume formed around an object in �owing water. This gives the new BMW 6 Series Coupé a naturally powerful and sporty edge.
The new interpretation of the traditional BMW Coupé proportions is embellished by lines and surfaces inspired by the movement of waves. Flowing lines and harmonious curves create a feeling of athletic grace, complemented by extremely classy and eye-catching design features.
A newly developed chassis ensures the car strikes an ideal balance between dynamic handling and ride comfort. The chassis set-up is geared to the requirements of drivers with sporting intentions, although the dampers also respond sensitively to bumps in the road surface under high lateral acceleration.
The roo�ine of the new BMW 6 Series Coupé also swoops in an elegant, �at progression into the tail. It comes across as especially svelte when viewed from the side, creating a contrast typical of BMW Coupés between the powerful body and light passenger compartment.
The contour lines of the bonnet converge towards the kidney grille, forming a V-shape which is continued by the contours of the headlights, kidney and wide air intake to give a road-focused look.
Meet the engines The eight-cylinder power unit in the new BMW 650i Coupé produces maximum output of 300 kW from its 4.4-litre displacement between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm. This unique engine, whose turbochargers are positioned in the V-shaped area between the cylinder banks, produces an instantaneous and sustained wave of power, making it a feast for the enthusiast driver. Peak torque of 600 Nm is served up between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. The sporting performance attributes of the V8 engine enable
the new BMW 650i Coupé to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 4.9 sec-onds, leaving the engine electronics to call a halt to proceedings at 250kph. And yet the range-topping model also demonstrates extraordinary efficiency for this output class, recording average fuel consumption of 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The new BMW 640i Coupé is powered by a six-cylinder in-line engine in which the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology brings both direct injection and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve
control to the table. This combination optimises both the responsiveness and efficiency of the 3.0-litre powerplant, which generates maximum output of 235 kW at 5,800 rpm and puts its peak torque of 450Nm on tap between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. The BMW 640i Coupé completes the sprint from rest to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, and its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle stands at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres.
Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
11
INTL. NEWS
‘Spirit of Africa’ is here
An Electric Rolls Royce?
New MD for JLR South Africa Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the 102EX, a car that represents one of the most significant initiatives taken by the company in recent years. It is the world’s first battery electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment and continues a tradition of experimental cars running through the model generations. With 102EX, also to be known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE), it is the company’s intention to carefully test the opinions and reactions to alternative drive-train options of a range of stakeholders including owners, enthusiasts, members of the public and the media. Throughout 2011 Phantom EE will serve as a working test bed, giving owners, VIPs, the media and enthusiasts the opportunity to experience an established alternative drive-train technology and to feed back their experiences, thoughts and concerns directly.There are no plans to build a production version of this car. Phantom EE’s role is as a test bed, designed to explore established BEV technologies, to pose as well as to answer questions.
Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
2004 Subaru Impreza
$322, 425kW 540Nm 2.5 sec. 320kph 000
X 109kW 141Nm
*
*
$8,600
DRIVEN BY?
Vs
PRICE
TORQUE
POWER
2011 Audi R8 GT
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Entries for the 2011 Spirit of Africa competition, an off-road event for drivers who want to test their skills against the toughest African conditions and other serious 4x4 teams are open. In 2010, the Volkswagen Amarok was chosen as the official vehicle for the competition. A record 450 teams participated in the elimination rounds in Upington and the finals took place outside Swakopmund in Namibia Sarel van der Merwe said, “We decided to make the 2010 event as tough as possible because we wanted to put the Amarok to the test.” “Suffice to say that the Amarok passed with aplomb – handling temperatures of up to 40 degrees around Upington and some of the toughest dunes Namibia has to offer.” The elimination rounds of the 2011 competition will be held in Upington, Northern Cape from 14 April to 16 May as well as in Kosi Bay, KwaZulu Natal from 16 June to 25 July.
See how YOUR car compares against the best TOP SPEED
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0-100KPH
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Kevin Flynn is the new Managing Director for Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and Sub-Sahara Africa. Flynn, 51 years, has over 28 years experience in the premium market, fourteen of those spent with Lexus. He began his career as an apprentice with British Leyland before progressing through Aftersales Management and then pursuing a career in Sales and Marketing with a focus on the retail and aftersales arenas. Flynn then spent five years at BMW Great Britain as an area manager moving into brand and marketing training where he managed the cultural development of the company and its network as it moved from a product led business to being brand led. This was then followed by a period of running a BMW Car & Motorcycle dealership in London. Flynn is a keen motorcyclist, golf and tennis player and an avid follower of motorsport and rugby. He is reporting to Mr Dmitry Kolchanov, Overseas Director, Jaguar and Land Rover.
Princes and their mistresses
Proletariat
(Tax inclusive)
*Its slower than the movement of rocks. You need a geologist to
measure the speed
X
INTL. NEWS
‘We will exceed your expectations’ - TOYOTA Japanese car maker unveils new vision amidst bad press from the recalls
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oyota Motor Corporation (TMC) recently unveiled its “Toyota Global Vision” in Toyota City, Japan. The new vision incorporates feedback and lessons from Toyota’s various regional divisions, from recent events in the company’s history and from an engaged discussion between team members about the future of the company and its products. Summarising the vision, TMC President Dr. Akio Toyoda indicated that Toyota will strive to earn the smiles of its customers by exceeding their highest expectations. The Toyota Global Vision reads: “Toyota will lead the way to the future of mobility, enriching lives around the world with the safest and most responsible ways of moving people. Through our commitment to quality, constant innovation and respect for the planet, we aim to exceed expectations and be rewarded with a smile. We will meet challenging Three generations of the Toyota Prius Hybrid, once of the Japanese automaker’s modgoals by engaging the talent and passion els that was recalled last year due to mechanical faults. The new vision is intended to of people, who believe there is always a reassure customers of Toyota’s quality and regain their con�dence. better way.” According to Dr. Van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota South grated manufacturing member of the TMC Toyota. Global Vision are grouped under Africa, the new Toyota Global Vision group we serve the growing African mar- the “2015 Global Initiatives”, which inplaces increased emphasis on the role ket and the European market with several cludes a renewed focus on creating appealof emerging markets, setting the aim of locally manufactured vehicles. The new ing products that will greatly improve the growing the sales contribution in these Vision allows for greater regional decision design and feel of Toyota vehicles. Toyota regions to 50% of the global total by making and we believe that this will trans- has also reasserted its commitment to safe2015.“As Toyota South Africa Motors late to even greater customer satisfaction ty as the highest priority and to increasing we are well positioned to support TMC in South Africa and the Southern African the range of environmentally friendly vein achieving this goal. As a fully inte- region.” Some of the highlights of the new hicles significantly by 2015.
Volvo Cars is the top vehicle brand Volvo Cars has been named the best car make in Sustainable Brands, Sweden’s biggest sustainability survey across a broad range of brands. “Volvo Cars has a broad-based approach to sustainability, which contributes to the company’s profitability. Our focus on green cars is the core of our work in this field and we have almost 100,000 green cars on Swedish roads alone, more than any other maker,” says Linn Fortgens, director of sustainability issues at Volvo Car Corporation. Sustainable Brands 2011 is a survey of 151 companies based on a consumer perspective. The survey follows the UN’s Global Compact, which in turn is founded on ten principles that relate to corporate responsibility. These principles take into account human rights, good working conditions and action against corruption, as well as environmental responsibility.
Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
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COVER STORY
New dawn for Jaguar CMC brings in three new models of the iconic British brand Jaguar - XF, XJ and XR to stir things up in the premium car market segment
F
or as long as I can remember, local motor vehicle dealers have always given sports cars a wide berth. They said there were no roads smooth, wide and long enough to drive them on. And that the fuel quality was so poor, it would clog their superior drive trains. So, suffixes like ‘M’ and ‘AMG’ were conspicously missing from the showrooms. Not any more. DT Dobie now sell the E Class AMG. Porsche and high performance Audis are increasingly becoming part of the Kenyan motoring landscape. And CMC, best known locally for the venerated Range Rover brand has upped the game. The new Jaguar XK, described as having ‘grand tourer refinement and sports car sharpness’ makes its debut at the Lusaka Road stable this month - with all its massive, punchy 5.0litre engine - to complement the other two Jags -XF and XJ. All have won several awards internationally for performance, looks and customer satisfaction. The XF battles it out in the executive category with the Mercedes E Class and BMW 5 Series while the XJ challenges the Mercedes S Class and BMW 7 Series in the premium luxury category. The XK is clearly in a class of its own. The established brands have a head start, alright, but as the new Jaguars are ready to prove, they are no push overs. They are ready for battle. May the best car win the hearts and wallets of Kenyan motorists. 14
Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
COVER STORY
JAGUAR XF’S NO SISSY: With torque of up to 600Nm as early as 2000 rpm, this car has blistering pace on the road. It has stunningly good looks too.
Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
COVER STORY
Watch out Merc and Beamer;
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leek, sporting and sophisticated, the Jaguar XJ brings a daring new spirit to automotive luxury. It offers a seductive mix of striking design, breathtaking performance and engineering without compromise. The new XJ is the epitome of fluid, contemporary automotive style. The elongated teardrop shape of the side windows establishes the car’s silhouette and lies at the heart of its flowing design. And the new XJ doesn’t just look streamlined: it shares a drag coefficient of 0.29 with the XF saloon, making them the most aerodynamic Jaguars ever. A coupé profile cloaks a cabin that offers comparable levels of space to saloons with a more conventional style. There is generous accommodation for five occupants, while longwheelbase models provide rear-seat passengers with even greater levels of comfort thanks to an additional 125mm of rear legroom. The exquisitely designed interior has a strong sporting character throughout. A panoramic glass roof, standard on all models, dramatically enhances the sense of light and space inside the new XJ. And in keeping with its status as the ultimate four-door Jaguar, the XJ introduces a new generation of interior technologies, pioneering the use of display and infotainment systems such as the innovative Virtual Instrument dials and optional 1200W Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound system. At the heart of the all-new XJ’s construction is a next-generation application of Jaguar’s unique lightweight vehicle architecture. Primarily aluminium – but also utilising magnesium and composite alloys – it allows Jaguar to produce a significantly lighter and stiffer body – the lightest in its class. The new structure – which retains the same aerospace-based riveting and bonding processes – has been refined using these advanced new materials to deliver improved strength, enhanced refinement and superior safety performance. The new XJ offers the choice of four powerful and refined engines, which use the latest powertrain technology to deliver an outstanding combination of performance and class-leading efficiency. The supremely powerful supercharged 375kW 5.0-litre AJ-V8 Gen III will head the line-up, with a 0-100kph in 4.9 secs; 346kW supercharged and 283kW naturally aspirated petrol V8s are
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Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
also available. A no-compromise diesel alternative is provided by the formidable 202kW 3.0- litre AJ-V6D Gen III. With twin sequential turbochargers, this is an engine that delivers on every aspect of the Jaguar driving experience, marrying tremendous drive 0-100kph in 6.4 secs with the best fuel economy and CO2 emissions in the diesel segment. The all-new XJ delivers a driving experience that is just as memorable as the car’s appearance. Benefitting from technologies pioneered on the exciting new XFR and XKR models, including continuously variable damping (Adaptive Dynamics), electronically controlled rear differential (Active Differential Control) and a quick ratio power-steering system, the new XJ combines responsive, sporting dynamics with the refined, supple ride expected from a luxury Jaguar. With its unique lightweight aluminium body structure and advanced new powertrains, the all-new XJ already has a head start when it comes to sustainable performance. The aluminium body uses more than 50 percent recycled material, with a plan to increase this to 75 percent. Body panels made from recycled material use only 5 percent of the energy required for new aluminium, equating to a potential saving of three tonnes of CO2 per vehicle. Prices will be about Ksh16 million.
COVER STORY
The Engines
these Jags are no pussy-cats
ENGINE
3.0Liters
5.0Liters
5.0liters
5.0Liters
POWER - kW/tonne
202
283
346
375
TORQUE(EEC Nm) @ rpm
600
515
575
625
TRANSMISSION
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
TOP SPEED (kph)
250
250
250
250
Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
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COVER STORY
‘Beneath that docile mien is a
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he XF represents everything executives look for in a premium car: Exclusivity, interior toys and creature comforts that can rival a presidential jet, power under the hood and practicality that enables switching the car between boardrooms and golf courses. The current model was launched internationally in 2008 and rapidly notched up several awards almost immediately: Car of the Year (What Car?, 2008), Best Executive Car, 2009 ( What Diesel?) and the Green Award for two years running – 2009 and 2010. Reason? It combines superb driving experience with comfort and practicality, enveloped in good exterior looks. The XF also offers a wide variety of engines – with no visible differences in body structure – from the 3.0L frugal diesel (badged ‘luxury’) to the 5.0L (XFR), one of the fastest road cars in production today. The latter is the dominant cat at the CMC showroom, dressed in dark turquoise. But don’t poke your fingers at it yet. For beneath that docile mien is a 380kW fire breather that will accelerate from rest to 100kph in only 4.7seconds and keep going all the way up to 250Kph. CMC has focused on the entry level 3.0L diesel engine. One small but dominant feature that makes the Jaguar stand out (XJ and XK included) is the rotary dial for selecting gears. We are used to sticks protruding from the centre console which you push up and down, lengthwise for ‘Drive’, Parking’, ‘Neutral’ and ‘Reverse’. The Jaguar’s is truly revolutionary and classy: a dial that rises from your console once you set the ignition and you rotate it clockwise to select your gear motions. Attention to this exclusivity extends to the instruments layout – rotating air vents, dual view screen –, heated and cooled seats and a superior Bower and Wilkins stereo. CMC’s main focus is the 3.0L diesel, which has a price tag of about Ksh8.5 million. The four-door XF has the visual excitement of a coupe, but room inside for five adults to enjoy an interior wholly contemporary in style yet uniquely Jaguar. As well as space, the new XF’s interior ambience is enriched by crafted, luxurious materials, sophisticated instruments and calm interior mood lighting. Engineering excellence and attention to detail mean the XF’s interior matches the best-in-class for refinement, while Jaguar’s intelligent use of technology and driver-friendly Touch-screen con-
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Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
trols add new layers of comfort and ease of use. Every XF model has shift-by-wire transmission control, with Jaguar’s class-leading sequential shift system – its popularity already confirmed by feedback from XK sports car customers – used for the first time in a saloon. Shift-by-wire replaces manual shift linkages with electronic commands and gives every XF rapid and very smooth gearshifts – faster, even, than the acclaimed XK’s transmission. The Jaguar Sequential ShiftTM System gives the driver the option of one-touch manual gearchange control via steering-wheel mounted paddles. There are also multiple JaguarDrive ControlTM transmission modes, including Dynamic and Winter settings, which interact with throttle progression, Dynamic Stability Control thresholds and shift strategy to match mood and conditions. Other innovative functional features add more ‘surprise and delight’. Air-conditioning vents present a flush dashboard surface until the ignition is switched on, at which point they elegantly rotate to the open position. Another new technology - JaguarSenseTM - introduces touch or proximity-sensing control for overhead console lights and the glovebox release.
COVER STORY
real �re-breathing monster’
ENGINE
2.7Liters
3.0Liters
4.2liters
4.2Liters
84
102
123
164
152 @ 4000
175 @ 6800
219 @ 6000
306 @ 6250
TRANSMISSION
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
TOP SPEED (kph)
229
237
250
250
The Engines
POWER - kW/tonne
TORQUE(EEC kW) @ rpm
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Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
COVER STORY
Coupe is in a class of its own
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he CMC Motors Group has taken the bold step of making the two door Jaguar XK sports coupe available for purchase from the Jaguar Landrover Kenya (JLRK) on Lusaka Road Showroom in Nairobi from April. The XK is equipped with a five litre fuel injection V8 engine delivering 283 horsepower which propels the car from standstill to 100kph in 5.5 seconds. In addition there is the choice of the high performance XKR version powered by a supercharged five litre V8 375 horsepower engine. This takes the XKR to 100kph in a breathtaking 4.8 seconds. The top speed of both versions is limited to 250 kph. In an analysis of 18 top class coupes, the authoritative What Car? magazine rated the Jaguar XK as one of only three sports cars with five star status. What Car? declared, “Drives as well as it looks: good performance: generous kit levels.” The magazine’s verdict reads, “The latest XK mixes grand tourer refinement and sports car sharpness in a stunning package.” Explaining the thinking behind the decision to stock XK sports cars, Greg Forster, the General Manager of the Jaguar Land Rover Division of CMC, said, “The country’s steady economic growth in recent years is giving successful entrepreneurs and top managers greater spending power. We feel a significant number of them would like to experience the satisfaction of owning a prestige sports car and the pleasure of driving a Jaguar especially at weekends.” “It is anticipated that some discerning motorists will take advantage of the hassle free purchase of a Jaguar XK from CMC. This is backed by a comprehensive warranty and after sales service by factory trained technicians.” “We have already purchased special Jaguar tools for three million shillings and we carry a stock of spare parts. In the near future construction will commence on a completely dust free workshop,” added Greg Forster. During a history spanning over 75 years, Jaguar has earned a reputation for manufacturing sports cars ranking among the finest in the world. Some of these have scored outstanding victories in the toughest international motor races. The Jaguar success story includes seven outright wins in the demanding long distance Le Mans 24 hour endurance race.
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Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
The XK is the latest in this long line of coveted sports cars which do not sacrifice comfort in the interest of performance. The interior is lavishly equipped with twin stitched soft grained leather covered seats which are electrically adjustable and the driver and passenger have dual-zone climate control. The cabin is rich in craftsmanship including fine wood finishes, suede cloth headlining and premium carpet mats. The benefits of the XK’s lightweight but incredibly stiff and strong chassis are already acknowledged. Not only does this architecture bring dynamic benefits thanks to its torsional rigidity, it also offers excellent safety and crash repair features – and provides the ideal base to optimise performance across the board, including fuel economy and CO2 emissions. “The philosophy at Jaguar is for our designers and engineers to work together with all areas of the Jaguar business to develop elegant, inspired solutions to complex technical challenges. The result is great products – and the new XK is a perfect example,” says Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars. .
The Engines
COVER STORY COVER STORY
ENGINE
5.0Liters
5.0Liters
5.0liters
5.0Liters
POWER - kW/tonne
174
218
170
212
TORQUE(EEC Nm) @ rpm
515@ 3500
625@ 2500 - 5500
515@ 3500
625@ 2500 - 5500
TRANSMISSION
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
TOP SPEED (kph)
250
250
250
250
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Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
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NEW CAR REVIEW
Best of both worlds
The 2011 Land Rover Discovery 4 is equally at home in rough terrain as it is in smooth tarmac.
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Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
NEW CAR REVIEW
The new 2011 Land Rover Discovery 4, simply known as LR4 is a perfect off-roader as well as a tar muncher. It’s as adept at mauling boulders and fording streams as it is at shuttling executives between meetings in premium comfort. How Land Rover manages to combine these two elements continues to bafe competitors. And now, they have increased the engine line up with a V8 petrol thats exhilarating to drive.
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Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
NEW CAR REVIEW
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and Rover has introduced a new 3.0 LR-SDV6 as the entry level choice for Discovery 4 customers. The new version of the acclaimed, parallel sequential turbocharged diesel engine replaces the 2.7 LR-TDV6 and matches the low CO2 emissions and impressive fuel economy of its more powerful 3.0-litre sister. The 2011 Discovery 4 is further enhanced by improvements to the Terrain ResponseTM system in the form of Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control. There are also three new exterior paint colours offering customers a broader choice. “The Discovery 4 remains one of the most capable and versatile vehicles on and off the road. It’s the ideal tow vehicle, can tackle the most challenging off-road conditions and delivers superb on-road refinement to rival the best executive saloons. As the ultimate all purpose vehicle, the Discovery 4 is in a class of its own,” says Phil Popham, Managing Director. New version A new version of the 3.0 LR-SDV6 replaces the 140kW, 2.7 LR-TDV6 as the entry level choice for the Discovery 4. With 180 kW at 4,000rpm and 600Nm torque at 2,000rpm the new version offers 10 percent more power and 15 percent more torque than the outgoing 2.7 and makes Land Rover’s latest V6 diesel engine technology available to a greater number of Discovery 4 customers. Available only with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the 180kW 3.0 LR-SDV6 produces 244g/ km CO2 compared to 270g/km for the outgoing 2.7 LR-TDV6 auto, a reduction of almost 10 percent. Fuel consumption has fallen too, 9.3 l/100km. The engine is equipped with a parallel sequential turbocharging system and third generation common rail fuel injection system. Throttle response is staggering with maximum torque available from only 2,000rpm. The new 3.0-litre diesel can significantly out perform its rivals by delivering 500Nm in only 500 milliseconds from idle. This means drivers have instantaneous access to 95 percent of maximum torque. When it was introduced last year, the parallel sequential turbocharging system was the first of its kind to be fitted to a V-engine anywhere in the world. The twin turbochargers work sequentially to provide best in class torque at low speeds and pack a huge punch at high speeds. Driving a turbocharger requires pressure
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Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
from the exhaust, creating pumping losses in the engine and increasing fuel consumption. To minimise this effect, valves isolate the secondary turbocharger both from the exhaust stream and the engine inlet tract when it is not required. A balance pipe connecting the two manifolds allows the gas from both manifolds to feed through the primary turbocharger. Variable geometry A variable geometry, medium-sized turbocharger is in use most of the time during average acceleration and up to motorway cruising speeds and performs with no discernible lag. It is a more efficient system than series turbocharging in which the smaller primary turbo increases pumping losses. The 3.0-litre LR-SDV6 set new standards of refinement and fuel economy when it was announced last year with its
third generation common rail fuel injection system. Operating at 2,000bar, the piezo injectors are designed to minimise noise while optimising combustion. The astonishing 5.0 LR-V8 naturally aspirated engine, brand new in 2011 and designed specifically with Land Rover vehicles in mind, remains in the Discovery 4 line-up unchanged for the 2011 model year. The lightweight aluminum alloy engine is both super-efficient,. The 5.0 LR-V8 produces 276 kW and 510Nm torque. One of the secrets of the V8’s efficiency is the centrally-mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided fuel injection system delivering fuel at a pressure of up to 2175psi (150bar) directly to each cylinder. The injectors are positioned to deliver fuel precisely to the centre of the combustion chamber for maximum air-fuel mixing and accurate combustion control. The
NEW CAR REVIEW
Discover a new world
charge cooling effects of the direct injection system allow a high compression ratio of 11.5:1 which further improves engine efficiency. During the engine warm-up phase, the combustion system employs multiple injection mode strategies to deliver 50 percent more heat for fast catalyst warm-up and substantially reduced emissions.A number of clever design features include the industry-first, torque-actuated variable camshaft timing on all four cams. Positive and negative Unlike conventional systems which rely on oil pressure, these are actuated by the positive and negative torques generated by the opening and closing of the valves, reducing energy consumption. Cam profile switching
(CPS) selects either a profile suitable for low speed running or another which gives increased lift for high performance. This provides the Discovery 4 with exceptional low-end torque to negotiate demanding terrain and allows it to become fleet of foot when conditions allow. Torque and power is also optimised by a variable inlet manifold which changes the length of its eight inlet tracts. The manifold switches between a 680mm inlet tract to provide high torque at low revs and a 350mm inlet path allowing maximum power at high revs. The precise position is optimised throughout the rev range at all times. The engine also features a unique reverse flow cooling system where coolant passes through the cylinder heads before the block. This al-
Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
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NEW CAR REVIEW
lows the heads to remain cooler and the knock threshold is pushed further back for greater efficiency. An oil to water heat exchanger also transfers heat from the coolant to the engine oil. These features promote faster engine warm-up for reduced emissions and enables the cabin to warm-up faster too. Frictional losses have been reduced by the use of Diamond-Like Carbon Coating (DLC) on some components, an intelligent oil pump pressure relief valve (PRV) to optimise oil pressure and the use of lower viscosity 5W-20 oil further reduces parasitic losses without compromising durability. “The LR-V8 engine set new standards for efficiency and performance when we introduced it last year. The combination of advanced technology and light weight make it an ideal power unit for the Discovery 4, complementing both its off-road and on-road capability,” says Murray Dietsch, Director of Land Rover Programmes. The LR-SDV6 3.0 and the LR-V8, all drive through the ultra-refined ZF HP28 6-speed automatic transmission. Its characteristics have been optimised by Land Rover engineers to provide the same class-leading response, with rapid and refined shifts. The superior power and torque characteristics of the engines make it possible to actuate the transmission’s lock-up clutches much earlier in each gear, reducing slip through the hydraulic torque converter, optimising both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Suspenion system The Discovery 4 suspension system was substantially revised in 2011 with changes to roll centres, anti roll bars, suspension knuckles, damper bushes and the addition of a variable ratio steering rack for greater stability during high speed cruising and increased sensitivity at acute steering angles. More powerful brakes comprised twin-piston sliding callipers with 360mm ventilated discs at the front and single piston with 350mm ventilated discs at the rear. The understeer control system, which intervenes by automatically slowing the vehicle to bring it back under driver control, was also revised. These features remain unchanged in 2011 for all versions of the Discovery 4. When it comes to off-road ability, Land Rover vehicles are acknowledged as setting the standards for others to follow. For 2011, there are two additional functions, Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control. Hill Start Assist retains the initial driver-generated brake pressure long enough for the foot to move from brake pedal to throttle without the car rolling backwards. The brake is released after a sufficient time has elapsed or when the engine is supplying enough torque to move the car up the hill. Hill Start Assist is always available, not selectable, and neither is its operation indicated to the driver. Gradient Acceleration Control is designed to provide safety cover on severe gradients when the driver does not have Hill Descent Control engaged. By pressurising the brake system, Gradient Acceleration Control slows the car to a limit determined by the throttle position when the car is descending the slope in the driver’s intended direction of travel.
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Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
Innovative headlamps intergrate tiny lights for day time running. In Land Rover lingua, they are called ‘jewels.’
The �nish of the cabin is premium, from the leather seats to the sports steering . This must be the most comfortable car to get muddy in.
The LR3 was said to have had over 100 buttons on the dashboard. The new LR4 has more functions and fewer buttons.
The bard must’ve been talking about us when he said....
“A dish fit for the gods”.
New Windsor leather interior adds more prestige. The interior has the quality and tactile ambience of a premium executive saloon. Only that this one will kick mud as well munch tarmac.
“Not steing o’er the bounds of modty”
“Can one dire too much of a good thing?”
“In my mind’s eye”.
“I like this lace and willingly could waste my time in it.”
William Shakespeare - 1564 to 1616 (Greatest writer in the English language)
“As good luck would have it”.
All befitting superlatives that describe us. We are masters in • Writing • Editing • Graphic Design • Pocket Cards Pocket Media Ltd. P.O. Box 20566, 00100, Nairobi Tel: (+254) 2696289, 0727 999 455 0737 876 181 Email: info@pocketmedia.co.ke Website: www.pocketmedia.co.ke
Your Corporate Communication Solutions Provider
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Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
ASK THE MECH
Vehicle Recovery Guidelines You think off-roading is easy? Fancy a trip down to Maasai Mara during the rainy season? Are you planning to transverse Lake Magadi to visit the miracle healer at Loliondo? First, you must learn some vehicle recovery techniques. For the odds are, you will certainly get stuck. A South African company has developed guidelines for vehicle recovery. But due to the variables involved, these guidelines are not foolproof and do not guarantee the success of the recovery, the safety of bystanders, participants or property.
General safety considerations With all recoveries the following should apply; •A standard tow bar or tow hitch is unsuitable as an attachment point for vehicle recovery. •Ensure that you have suitable, professionally fitted recovery points to the front and rear of all vehicles involved in a recovery. •Follow all equipment safety and usage instructions. •Assess the severity of the situation and where possible make the stuck vehicle easier to extricate by digging if badly stuck in mud, or packing ruts with small rocks or branches.
quarter turn back, this will make it easier to open after the recovery, a good range will be from 2 Tons to 6.5 Tons to cover all situations.
Gloves
Essential to off-roading, gloves are not only used for winching, they offer protection from heat and dirt.
Ropes, straps and cables
Equipment
Recovery Kit Bag:
Keep all equipment in a single bag that is readily accessible. Never store wet and dirty equipment in a bag or mix it with other equipment such as tools or other supplies. The bag should also have loops for shackles and inner side-wall pockets for items such as recovery blankets and links.
Shackles
Carry a variety of bow shackles so as to cater to all vehicle weights. The bow of the shackle has a larger inner working radius offering more space for attachment of straps and the ability to achieve greater angles when recovering. After tightening a shackle turn the pin a
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Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
clear of ropes, straps or cables in case of recoil due to a failure (as a rule generally twice the length of the cable, strap or rope utilised). • Dampen cables, ropes and straps with recovery blankets (one per 5metre of rope strap or cable). • Protect cables from cutting or abrasion when pulling over obstacles; also check that there are no sharp edges on the underside of the vehicle that may cause a failure. • Never step over a tensioned cable, rope or strap. Straps and ropes should be washed after use in sand or mud to remove abrasive particles. Thereafter they should be dried in a cool dry area prior to packing as the fibre is sensitive to UV rays.
Pull/Winch Extension Strap-(�rst line of defence)
• Do not use damaged ropes or straps. • Do not knot ropes or straps. • Keep straps or ropes away from hot exhausts. • Regularly inspect your equipment- especially after use. • Straps and ropes are not to be used for lifting equipment. • Always recover in as straight a line as possible. Use a bridle if necessary to straighten out the pull and never pull at an angle greater than 60° from the centre line of the vehicle. • Keep participants and observers well
Made of low elongation, high tenacity polyester with limited stretch, it is used to pull or tow stuck vehicles through or over obstacles where a degree of control is required. Always attempt to recover in a straight line. After securely attaching the strap to both vehicles, take up the slack. The recovering vehicle then moves off at a moderate pace to start the recovery. Used as the first line of defence, movement should be gentle with as few jerks as possible. Pull straps can also be used to extend a winch cable and as a tree trunk protector in an absolute emergency.
ASK THE MECH
Kinetic Energy Snatch Straps and ropes-(last line of �e hand winch: A hand winch is considerably cheaper than an electric unit. Obdefence) This is a short sharp elastic rebound and is used to extricate a severely bogged down vehicle from sand or mud. The strap is normally laid in an ‘S’ shape (about 2 metres ).The recovery vehicle takes off normally in 1st gear, low range in a straight line away from the stuck vehicle and stretches the strap to its fullest. The kinetic energy recovery rope is used similarly to recover severely stuck vehicles from sand or mud, possibly after a kinetic strap.
Tree Protector Strap
The tree trunk protector is designed to protect the delicate bark of a tree. It should be placed as low down as possible on the base of the tree .Winch in a straight line so as not to chafe and ring bark trees. Also avoid jerks and movement which will still damage the trees bark.
�e Recovery Link
Firstly only join straps and ropes with the same rating and function. To ensure that the fabric which makes up the eyes of the rope or webbing does not melt and bind onto each other due to the force of the recovery, a link is inserted between the two eyes to separate them. This is made out of multiple layers of webbing tightly stitched together.
Recovery Safety Lanyard
The lanyard is used when recovering vehicles for added safety in the event of a strap, rope or cable failing. It is made of low elongation (5%) high tenacity polyester webbing and is attached to the vehicle and over the strap, rope or cable by two loose ring hitch knots, it is not attached to the same point as the bridle or strap/rope/cable used. The suggested length is 1, 4 metres.
Recovery Bridle
The bridle is used to balance or spread the load across two anchor points when recovering a stuck vehicle in much the same way as if one had done this with a choker or drag chain. However as it is made from low elongation (5%), high tenacity polyester webbing which is softer on vehicles in the case of a rebound.
Recovery Blanket
The blanket is used to dampen the shock in the case of the failure of a strap, cable, shackle or recovery point .The unit is like a tube and is fitted over the recovery equipment in use (rope, strap or cable), the compartment at the base is filled with sand to provide the weight that dampens recoil in the event of a failure.
viously it is portable and can be attached to the front or rear of a stuck vehicle. The typical unit comes with a cable and a handle for winching in and out. Jaws in the winch grip and move the cable as the handle is cranked.
�e Snatch Block A snatch block can be used to re-route the direction of your winch cable, but its main function is ‘doubling up’; simply put, this is when extra power is required (i.e. when you cannot run enough cable off your winch drum). You then ‘split’ the cable through a snatch block and back to the winch. This ‘doubles’ the capacity of your winch by giving you two lines pulling at the rated capacity, less about 10% for friction on the sheave (the enclosed wheel in the snatch block). NB: This is only applicable when both lines run parallel. ‘Doubling’ also halves the line speed Always ensure that you have spare circlips for your snatch block. It is best practice to use a snatch block that does not have an exposed wheel.
�e drag chain
An overlooked piece of equipment, the drag chain consists of a length of round, welded, steel-link chain with two removable clevis-type grab hooks able to link back over the chain and lock in place. Typical uses are: • Where recovery points do not exist, the chain can be locked around the chassis on both sides to form an inverted ‘V’. In this way both sides of the chassis share the load. • A section of chain can also be used with a high-lift jack if no high-lift point exists for attachment to an off-road bumper or tow ball. • The chain can be used to anchor off large rocks for recovery. • Towing in emergency situations (as a last resort). • The chain can be tied around obstacles such as trees which have to be moved. • Do not use a strap for this as you are likely to chafe the webbing. Your drag chain should be labelled showing that it is rated and tested as well as detailing its batch number and manufacturer’s identification. The minimum breaking strain should not be less than 8 000 kg and should have a minimum length of 3.5 metres. The drag chain comes in a storage tube for easy packing.
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FUNNY WHEELS
Wierd world of motoring 20-year-old car thats done only 237kms!
T
Tesla to sue ‘Top Gear’ for defamation To our knowledge, no motoring journalist worth his or her salt has ever avoided coming to blows with a car company’s PR machine at some stage or another, over a road test that criticised the latter’s product. Usually the confrontation is limited to a string of snotty e-mails or a heated phone call or two, while cancelled advertising contracts are not uncommon either. Yet we’ve never heard of a media company ever being sued over a car review. Now one has and it’s none other than the BBC’s Top Gear TV show. Tesla Motors, a high-end electric car specialist from the USA, is suing TG over an episode first aired in December 2008, in which the boys raced a Tesla Roadster against the petrol-powered Lotus Elise on which it’s based. However, the action ended after 88km with the Tesla being pushed and Jeremy Clarkson saying it had run out of charge. According to Tesla the car’s batteries never died, and TG’s subsequent excuse was that it was simply showing what could happen. Tesla also refutes the show’s claim that the brakes broke. Tesla’s first response, quite fairly, was to ask for a retraction but since that never happened and that show is still bouncing around in repeats and on DVD, Tesla finally stripped its moer and filed a lawsuit.
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his 1989 Mini gives a new meaning to the phrase ‘as good as new’. For since it was bought from a showroom 20 years ago, the gleaming cherry red Mini 30 has clocked up just 148 miles. With pristine bodywork and all its original features in tip-top condition, the car is worth more now - an estimated £7,000 - than Mr Frost paid for it. In 1989 the car enthusiast, from Tiverton in Devon shelled out a little under £6,000 for the motor, before driving it home from the showroom and putting it in his private museum. And there the little G-reg car has stood, all but static apart from a single 120-mile round trip to the dealership where it was bought, and a handful of brief outings to nearby car rallies.
Display of infinite wealth collides with Chinese cops An Infiniti G37 convertible, decked-out in 24-carat gold, was impounded by policemen in Jiangsu province in China. Costing more than $44,500, without the gold frills, the dazzling car now sits in an impound yard and will be crushed in 10 days if its owners do not settle the fine. The sports coupe lacked a registered licence plate, according to a report in ‘AsiaOne Motoring site’. It took five artisans more than four months to gold-plate the car. Authorities however didn’t take a shine to its lack of a licence plate when it was put out on the streets.
FUNNY WHEELS
Weird Thai Drink Driving Fake Crashes
And here are more weirdos...........
The Thai police force has adopted an unusual scheme aimed at lowering the number of drink driving deaths. They have set up a series of fake car crash scenes, complete with smashed up cars and “dead bodies” intended to highlight the consequences of driving while drunk.
Independence Day parade.... complete with aliens
Cars made from bananas and pineapples? A new super strong plastic has been created by Brazilian scientists by using the fibres from bananas and pineapples. To reinforce and make it stronger and lighter, “nano”, ultra-thin fibres that are in the fruits were used by the researchers. With the material being 30% lighter and up to four times stronger than regular plastic according to Sao Paulo State University’s Dr. Alcides Leao. The findings were presented in Anaheim, California at the 241st American Chemical Society meeting and the doctor said car parts such as side panels, bumpers and dashboards will be made of these strong nano-sized fruit fibres in the future reducing the weight of the cars and increasing fuel economy. They also have greater resistance to heat and spilled petrol, oxygen and water, adding to their advantage of regular plastics. They should be available commercially in the next two ears since car manufacturers are testing them now. They material eventually could be used to replace parts made of steel and aluminum even tough it currently is designed just to be a replacement for automotive plastics.
Hotdog. We figure the fuel tank is up there next to the ketchup
Gideon’s red boot: Imagine a kick on the loin with one of these
Pink parade: Women drivers have truly come of age
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APRIL, 2011 31
h c t Ca
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The 2011 F1 Season is here
MOTORSPORTS
British war time Prime Minister Winston Churchill once quipped that “nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result”. The Dakar Rally held last month is a thrilling extreme sport fraught with dangers that are not unlike being shot at. Often, Lady Luck takes pot shots at those testing her patience in the dusty deserts of South America, fulfilling the Biblical promise of ‘from dust to dust’ in an eerie fashion, writes JOE MURAI. 32
Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
MOTORSPORTS
Duncan to mates: I’m going for the title
I
an Duncan won the KCB Bankika Rally held last month in Athi River, a win that has sent a silent message across the motorsport fraternity. Duncan is back! With just two outings in his new Evo 9, Duncan has claimed his first win of the season. It was a dominating display from Ian navigated by Amaar Slatch as the duo lead most of the rally. Carl Tundo/ Tim Jessop came in second driving an Evo 9, 1min 10sec off the top spot. Jas Mangat/ Gihan De Silva finished 3rd in a Subaru N12 gate crushing into the normally Mitsubishi 1-2-3 finish. The Ugandan, who acquired a Kenyan competition licence has aired his intentions of reigning supreme in Kenya. Bankika Rally marked his best ever result on Kenyan soil. Quentin Mitchel navigated by British co-driver Chris Davies brought home his Subaru N16 just shy of a podium finish. “I am happy with the results. My best result so far. It was a great learning curve for me because I hadn’t driven this car in the wet before and I understand my car better now.” Quentin will only attempt the Safari Rally for now after sufficient sponsorship failed to materialize. “Am hoping sponsorship will come through then I will give it my all and restore people’s faith in Subarus.” said Quentin. It has been over 21 months since a Subaru claimed victory in Kenya. Peter and co-driver Dez Page Morris were slightly apprehensive at the start as the team had done no testing in the wet with the Moto Moto (A Datsun 1200 powered by Evo 8 engine). Despite this, the pair ended the opening stage third fastest. Their crowd pleasing antics through the super special stage may have won them the hearts of thousands of spectators but the pair were unable to match the Group N machines ahead of them. They eventually finished fifth after incurring a 2% penalty (1 min 11secs) for driving a Specially Prepared Vehicle (SPV). There were three surprise entries into the top ten by Onkar Rai/Supee Soin, Charles Hinga/Norris Ongalo and Antony Tibo/ Kennedy Masoni. It was the first time the trio has broken into the top 10 ring, a great fete considering the intense level of competition in the KNRC. Onkar Rai,
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Alex Horsey/ Frank Gitau in action with their Subaru Impreza. They were conspicously missing from the Top 10.
who bought Baldev Charger’s Subaru N12, finished 6th on his 3rd event ever. “I am so happy with this result. My sponsors, my family, my fans are so delighted and I thank all of them for their undying support. This is a strong result and I know I will have an uphill task maintaining the result but that just gives me more motivation,” said Hinga, the Oilibya driver who finished 7th. Jasmeet Chana/George Njoroge also set their bars high when they finished 8th behind the wheel of the historic Toyota Celica GT4. Anthony Tibo, driving a Subaru GC8 with a learners sticker at the back, was ecstatic after finishing 9th, his best result by far. He joins Baldev Charger as the only two drivers to break into the top ten in the out dated GC8 model over the past few years. Conspicuously missing from the top ten were Azar Anwar/Julius Ngigi, Raaji Bharij/Raju Chaggar and Alex Horsey/ Frank Gitau. Azar, one of Oilibya’s three drivers, was hampered by mechanical failures throughout the rally. The 57 year old ace was one of the favorites in Athi River for he is known for his expertise in wet surfaces. “First a wheel broke when we were cruising at high speed and later a steering arm
broke with both incidents almost throwing us off the road. We lost a lot of time but atleast we finished.” The 2006 Safari Rally winner finished in a disappointing 16th overall. Wladoil’s Raaji Bharij’s efforts of challenging for a top five position were dealt with a crushing blow on the last stage when two consecutives punctures dropped him down the leader board. “First stage was ok but I decided to take a risk during service and I put mud grips on my tires only to find the track had dried up on the second loop. That slowed us down as well.” 11th overall is Raaji weakest result in his KNRC career. Alex was embroiled in a three way fight with just two stages remaining when an errant rock smashed a wheel 8 kilometres from the end of the penultimate test. The time lost stopping to change the offending item saw the pair plummet from third to tenth! “We had a great battle with Jas and Quentin but ultimately I hit a rock and damaged the wheel, which ended our hopes of a podium, but at least we’ve recorded another finish which means more points on the board.” 2010 champion Alistair Cavenagh retired on the first stage after hitting a ditch and breaking his suspension.
Formula One Season off to a �ying start Sebastien Vettel draws �rst blood in what promises to be an exciting year
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efending world champion, the 23-year old German Sebastian Vettel, has stormed to a first victory of the season with a dominant display at Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit. Vettel, untouchable in qualifying, started from pole position on the grid and never looked troubled in a fairly uneventful Australian Grand Prix. It was Red Bull’s first win Down Under and the 11th of Vettel’s career. Notable exits during the race included Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg and Rubens Barichello while an impressive drive by Renault’s Vitaly Petrov saw the Russian - replacing the injured Robert Kubica - saw him take third place in only his second season in Formula One. Home favourite Mark Webber could only manage fifth place in his Red Bull while Britain’s Lewis Hamilton drove a steady 2-stop strategy and will be satisfied at retaining his second place from start to finish. Mark Webber admit-
ted that his disappointing fifth-place finish at the Australian Grand Prix will lead to a lengthy examination of the possible reasons behind his below-average finish. As Red Bull engineers attempt to find out why he was so far behind teammate Sebastian Vettel, Webber lamented his lack of grip, which had a negative impact on the longevity of his Pirelli tyres. “We found a few pointers in the data but we’ll need to strip the car down before drawing any conclusions,” said Webber. “Only then will we know whether there was something fundamentally wrong with the car. “I struggled with a lack of grip. That affected the longevity of my Pirelli tyres because the degradation was higher on my car than on Seb’s. I was forced to make three pit-stops during the race.” Red Bull boss Christian Horner was also troubled by Webber’s performance. “That was the biggest gap we’ve seen between the two of them,” said Horner.
“We found some front-wing damage that might’ve had an effect, but to what extent is difficult to quantify. We need to get the car back, look at the data, understand if there’s anything that was damaged and how it affected the car.” Fernando Alonso has said that the Australian Grand Prix was not a disaster for Ferrari, despite the team failing to get on the podium. Ferrari had looked like the most likely challenger to Red Bull throughout pre-season testing, but they struggled during the race. Although Alonso could only manage fourth place, the double world champion opted to take a positive view of the events. “It wasn’t the start that we wanted but nor is it anything to get worried about,” he said. “Twelve points isn’t far below the world champion’s average last year and two title contenders finished behind me. So overall it can’t be defined as disastrous.” Motor Trader APRIL, 2011
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