Wwheels 20150430

FERRET: ULTIMATE MOM’S TAXI ­ P6

ASH CAR SALES

April 30, 2015

Dealers in Superfine Exotic and Sports Cars Tel: 033 345 1971, 033 342 4717 Fax: 033 342 2900 - www.ashcarsales.co.za

Witness

WHEELS

2013 BMW 320 D A/T M-SPORT F30 White/black leather, 47 000 km, balance of motor plan, 1 owner, s/roof, xenons, PDC, F1 style paddle shift, 18 inch M-sport wheels.

Bank finance available

R389 995

Contact Ash on 083 786 3377 (PMBurg) 550 Church Street, Pietermaritzburg 3201 PO Box 8390, Cumberwood 3235

KZN’S BEST READ FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE TO DRIVE, RIDE OR RESTORE

Cut­price power, instant prestige THE F­Type Jaguar is the spiritual successor to the Iconic E­Type, which still sells in Britain, when you can get one for over £100 000 (R1,8 million).

The F­type was 10 years in design and the car renowned designer Ian Callum produced is one of the most beautiful sports cars in the world.

I had a chance to drive one recently, courtesy of Peter Caley, dealer principal at Land Rover in Pietermaritzburg and I am most grateful to him for the opportunity.

Externally the F­type purrs quality and power.

The overall design is in a soft swept back style, accentuated by the front and rear light modules.

Anywhere you park this car a small crowd gathers and gawks.

Door handles fold away when you lock the car and emerge on opening. The ragtop, which takes only seconds to raise, compliments the overall de­ sign. The cabin is snug, purposeful and a brilliant piece of industrial design, with leather every­ where.

The car is packed with electronics and has every device you can think of and a few you did not

even know existed. The interior is driver orientat­ ed, as a passenger grab handle on the central con­ sole clearly demarcates the beginning of the driv­ er’s zone.

The F­Type has outstanding directional preci­ sion and stability at higher speeds, with sharp, clear steering response.

It is perfectly balanced and wonderfully power­ ful, with the best exhaust note in the business.

Cruising in dynamic mode the car is agile and athletic as well as delicate.

The three­litre engine puts out 250 kws/460 Nm. Top speed is 275 km/h and 0­100 comes up in around 4,8 seconds.

The price for the three­litre V6 new is around R1,1 million, there is also a V8 five­litre version, which comes in at R1,5 million.

The V6 I drove, with 10 000 km on the clock, is, however, available at Land Rover for (only) R900 000.

This is one of the finest sports cars in the world and owning one would be the fulfillment of any petrolhead’s ambition.

Barons PMB SA’s best VW dealer Seen here is (from left) Thomas Schaefer, MD of VW Group SA; the current Dealer of the Year Kevin Pillay, dealer principal at the Barons Pietermaritzburg; and Petra Hoffmann, director: sales and marketing, Volkswagen Group South Africa Barons Pietermaritzburg was named as the best Volkswagen dealership in South Africa in 2014. In order to be presented with the “Dealer of the Year” award, the winning dealership must excel in all major disciplines of the business.

Kevin Pillay, in his first year as dealer principal at Barons Pietermaritzburg, said: “The award is the reward for our team’s hard work, passion and dedication in delighting our customers and truly living the values of the Volkswagen brand. The award will lift our team’s spirit and motivate us to continuously improve our service to our customers.” Barons Pietermaritzburg employs 80 people. For the first time this year, Dealer Group of the Year award was separated into two categories, Micro and Macro. The Dealer Macro Group of the Year was presented to Barloworld Group and Dealer Micro Group of the Year went to Hatfield Group.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC

The most wanted used car in Pmb? Perfectly balanced and wonderfully powerful, the Jaguar F­Type replaces the iconic E­Type and this one is going (relatively) cheap in KZN’s capital.

PHOTO: JONATHAN BURTON

THE G2 PROMISE: • A 114-Point Quality Check • Vehicle History Check • Full Service History • Various Finance Options • Verified Mileage • Ownership Peace of Mind • Optional 2 Year/Unlimited km Warranty • Optional 2 Year Roadside Assistance

MORE MOTOR FOR YOUR MONEY! 2009 NISSAN 2.5 D/CAB 4X2 (NON G2)

67 000KM, SILVER

WAS R154 990

NOW R139 990*

2012 FORD RANGER 3.2 SUPERCAB 4X4 AUTO SILVER, 72 000KM

WAS R319 990

NOW R304 990*

2012 CHEVROLET UTILITY 1.4i SPORT

WHITE, 79 059KM

WAS R159 990

NOW R154 990*

2013 ISUZU KB 250 LE EXTENDED CAB

WHITE, 97 851KM, EARLIER SPEC WAS R229 990

NOW R209 990*

2013 ISUZU KB 300 LX 4X4 D/CAB

NEW SPEC, WHITE, 79 122KM

WAS R379 990

NOW R359 990*

2014 ISUZU KB 250 FLEETSIDE LWB

WHITE, 14 157KM

WAS R229 990

NOW R219 990*

2014 CHEVROLET UTILITY 1.4i

MAGMA BRONZE, 19 122KM

WAS R129 990

NOW R124990*

2015 ISUZU KB 300 LX LWB

WHITE, 3 919KM

WAS R299 990

NOW R284 990*

2011 OPEL ASTRA 1.6 ESSENTIA

SILVER, 91 022KM

WAS R154 990

NOW R134 990*

2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE 1.6 LS

SILVER, 39 845KM

WAS R154 990

NOW R144 990*

2011 CHEVROLET CAPTIVA 2.4 LT FWD

WHITE, 34 930KM

WAS R229 990

NOW R204 990*

2012 OPEL CORSA 1.4 ESSENTIA

GREY, 79 064KM

WAS R124 990

NOW R114 990*

2013 TOYOTA ETIOS 1.5 SX HATCH

SILVER, 51 882KM

WAS R119 990

NOW R114 990*

2013 FORD FOCUS 2.0GDi SPORT

WHITE, 37 813KM

WAS R219 990

NOW R204 990*

2013 VW POLO SEDAN 1.6

GOLD, 51 578KM

WAS R134 990

NOW R127 990*

2013 NISSAN LIVINA 1.6 X GEAR

PEARL GREEN, 61 532KM

WAS R139 990

NOW R129 990*

2014 CHEVROLET CRUZE 1.6i

1 SILVER, 1 WHITE, ± 9 000KM

WAS R182 990

NOW R174 990*

2014 OPEL ASTRA 1.4T

WHITE, 8 111KM

WAS R229 990

NOW R204 990*

2014 CHEVROLET CAPTIVA 2.4 LT A/T

13 552KM, WHITE

WAS R284 990

NOW R274 990*

GOOD CARS. BEST VALUE.

Shazeer 073 819 8679

Saleem 083 704 6968

Lungisani 071 450 8192

2 Peter Kerchhoff Street Tel: 033 345 2542

*On-the-Road and Registration Fees Excluded. Terms and Conditions Apply. Model/s shown may differ. Errors & Omissions Excepted.

87353 ADMAKERS.COM

BRIAN BASSETT recommends the F­Type Jaguar S Convertible 3,0 V6, while stocks last

2

WitnessWheels MOTORING

April 30, 2015

Cruze gets even better Chevrolet adds 1.4 turbo model with a six­speed auto transmission CHEVROLET has enhanced the Chev­ rolet Cruze hatchback and sedan range for 2015, adding a 1.4 turbo model with a six­speed automatic transmission for the first time in South Africa. Chevrolet has given the Cruze a new face and rear styling for an elegant and classy look.

Six­Speed auto First introduced in 2013, the turbo­ charged 1.4 Ecotec petrol engine now benefits from the addition of an auto­ matic transmission to complement the existing six­speed manual.

The turbocharged 1.4T LS generates 200 Nm of torque for a smoother ride and instantaneous power delivery un­ der all road conditions.

Power remains at 103 kW between 4 900 and 6 000 rpm.

Combined fuel consumption is 6,8l/100 km, with corresponding CO² emissions of 157 g/km. The 1.4 turbo au­ to has the highest top speed of all the models in the range, topping off at 204 km/h with a 0­100 km/h accelera­

tion time of 10,4 seconds.

Combined fuel consumption for the manual is 5,8 l/100 km, with CO² emis­ sions measured at 135 g/km.

This model accelerates from 0­100 km/h in 9,3 seconds and has a top speed of 195 km/h.

Performance figures for this engine are 86 kW of power at 6 200 rpm, 155 Nm of torque at 4 000 rpm. Com­ bined fuel consumption is 6,7 l/100 km with 158 g/km CO² emissions.

Zero to 100 km/h is 12,8 seconds and a top speed of 185 km/h for the 1.6 hatch and 190 km/h for the 1.6 sedan.

Safety features The 2015 Chevrolet Cruze continues with the original safety architecture that has earned top five­star safety rat­ ings from both Euro NCAP and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Ad­ ministration (NHTSA) Key to the safety performance of the Cruze is a body structure that is among the stiffest in its class.

Chevrolet has given the Cruze a new face and rear styling with exterior styling cues inspired by the Malibu.

PHOTO: This taut and strong structure is fun­ damental to the suppression of NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) as well as providing a high level of occu­ pant safety in the event of a collision.

It also plays a pivotal role in optimising ride, handling and stability.

The core structure of the Cruze is de­ signed around a set of efficient load paths that assist in absorbing impact energy and directing it away from the vehicle occupants in the event of a colli­ sion from virtually any direction.

Exterior and interior highlights The 2015 Cruze has exterior styling cues

inspired by the Malibu, while updates include revised treatments such as the front fascia and grille with new projec­ tor­type fog lamps and LED daytime running lamps.

To complement the fresh new rear and fascia, a new 16” and 17” alloy wheel design is now available while the 17” is optional on all LS models.

The LS models of the 2015 Cruze now also benefit from interior enhance­ ments such as the Chevrolet Mylink Infotainment system with Colour Con­ nected Radio (CCR) as standard equip­ ment.

The Cruze comes with a standard

service plan that offers three years or 60 000 km to five years or 90 000 km across the range.

Also standard with the Cruze is a warranty and roadside assistance cover­ ing five years/120 000 km and anti­cor­ rosion warranty of five years/unlimited kilometres. — Supplied.

Cruze pricing: 1.6 LS (five door) R248 300 1.4T LS (five door) R265 200 1.6 R230 400 1.6 LS R247 200 1.4T LS R262 500 1.4T LS A/T R272 400.

At 0­100 in sub­five seconds, this is SA’s fastest Jeep ADRIAN BURFORD This Jeep is the fastest four­wheel­drive ‘off­roader’ in SA. The rather special Jeep Grand Chero­ kee SRT8 was tested on Gerotek’s famed Long Straight recently by not­ quite­tame race driver Jacques ‘The Stiglet’ Joubert, where it humbled the 0 – 100 km/h sprint in a VBOX­verified 4.74 second.

Then it blitzed to 400 metres in 12.85 seconds at a terminal speed of 177.2 km/ h. And as a finale it dispatched the standing kilometre in 23 and­a­bit sec­ onds, the 1 000 metre board flashing by at 230 km/h.

If anyone has a faster road­going, street­legal SUV, it is time to “haal uit en wys …”

Rob Green from RGMotorsport isn’t given to hyperbole, but he’s impressed at just how fast his team’s latest creation is, and in the same test session it achieved a 0 – 250 km/h sprint time of just under 30 seconds, only requiring 1 408 metres to get there.

By comparison, the stock SRT8 — no slouch by any standards — needs an ex­

PHOTO: ADRIAN BURFORD tra 23 seconds and 1,3 kilometres to clock the same speed.

“This is a monster,” says Green with a grin. “But it is a monster which re­ mains easy to drive in a normal way in day­to­day traffic. We’re in the business of making our customers’ performance dreams come true, but the reality of that dream is that they still want a car they

can use every day.”

Often, highly­modified vehicles do sacrifice driveability, which is one of the reasons RGM takes a holistic approach, and make decisions in consultation with the client and with one eye firmly on long­term enjoyment – that means properly engineered solutions that’ll last. Bearing testament to this is the

success of projects like the super­ charged Nissan 350Z (of which some 33 were successfully modified) and more recently the Toyota 86 Supercharged, heading for the half­century mark, and counting.

Forced induction courtesy of a super­ charger is the route most frequently chosen by RGMotorsport, a solution which doesn’t sacrifice responsiveness or breadth of powerband, and also of­ fers superior refinement. In the case of the SRT8 Jeep an RGM­Whipple twin­ screw ‘blower’ sits atop the 6.4­litre V8, and has a self­contained lubrication sys­ tem as well as a dedicated air to liquid intercooler. An end­to­end RGM­Tech­ niflow 76 mm exhaust, high volume cold air induction system, and custom­ ised RGMotorsport engine software finish off what is a 520 kW/1 000Nm package …

Upgrades on the Jeep Grand Chero­ kee SRT8 (and the similarly­engined Chrysler 300C SRT8) start from R190 000, including RGMotorsport’s standard six month/20 000 km warran­ ty on parts and workmanship.

More on www.rgmotorsport.com

Website for old Jeeps DO you remember the big Jeep, the Wagoneer?

And the Gladiator bakkie? These first big Jeeps of 50 years ago were tough, and some of them are still around. Nowadays most of them are somewhat modified, with engine transplants and so on.

There is good news for current owners of these old wagons.

As an outcome of the Jeep Friends of the 1990s a website is available with stacks of technical information, advice and tips — see www.thebigjeep.co.za The Jeep group’s newsletter, The Glad Wagon Times, and a technical index are all on the website.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

YANKS RATE TIIDA HIGHLY THE Nissan Tiida has impressed the Yanks with its frugality. In the 2015 AAA Green Car Guide Category Winners, the Tiida — which is sold as the Versa in the U.S. — took two top spots in the Best Value Cost­Per­ Point Scores, all of which were petrol models. They were: 1. 2014 Nissan Versa SV 2. 2014 Nissan Versa Note SV 3. 2013 Hyundai Accent GLS 4. 2015 Toyota Yaris LE 5. 2014 Kia Soul+ The first placed Versa SV was $27 (R320) cheaper to run than the fifth placed Kia Soul+. Engineers and technicians with more than 100 years combined experience evaluat­ ed the vehicles. Each category was scored on 0­10 points. Scores were totalled to determine top vehicles.

Then, each vehicle’s total score was divided by its “as­tested” price to determine its cost per point for best value. The guide lists vehicle specifi­ cations, test scores, data and obser­ vations in one­page summaries.

Tested vehicles were selected based on emission certifications from the California Air Resources Board and U.S. EPA fuel economy ratings.

Tests were performed at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana and on Southern California roads by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the EPA and the Auto Club.

— WR.

MOTORING WitnessWheels

April 30, 2015

3

Actually, its a family car BRIAN BASSETT finds out why the new Jazz manual is not just a car for senior citizens IN March 2014 I reviewed the Honda Jazz and was very impressed with its ver­ satility and quality.

So impressed was I that I bought one and it is a purchase that I have never regretted.

The Jazz has engendered huge buyer loyalty all over the world and is made by a company which repeatedly wins prizes for the reliability of its vehicles.

The larger part of the Jazz’s fan base has always been the over­60 age group because it has all of the features, includ­ ing economy and durability which this group requires.

I have always thought it a pity that younger people are missing out on the real advantages the Jazz has to offer and I was delighted when the new Jazz hit the market with its dynamic, aggressive redesign and extended range of safety features.

Styling The new Jazz has a contemporary, eye­ catching styling package, which is both functional and has strong visual appeal.

The third generation of this iconic car has a V­shaped front grill, inward slanting narrow headlamps, low, wide front airdam and foglamp housing pan­ els in the far corners of the front bump­ er. This, together with steeply­raked windscreen and sculpted side panels come together to create an aggressive, streamlined profile, which is distinctive as well as an indication of Honda’s in­ tention to attract a much wider and younger buyer base for the vehicle.

The rising shoulder line, 16­inch al­ loys and short front and rear overhangs complete the dynamic profile, while the new, LED tail lamp clusters distinguish the rear end.

Interior Honda has completely overhauled the Jazz’s cabin. The space between the driv­ er and the steeply­slanted front window remains, giving a feeling of light and spaciousness.

The fascia appears flatter and more upright than on the previous model and plastics are all of the very best quality.

The driver’s seat and leather­covered multi­function steering wheel are both fully adjustable allowing all sizes and heights to drive in comfort.

The steering wheel has adopted a

are six front, side and curtain airbags.

ABS and EBD, front pre­tensioning seatbelts, vehicle stability and hill start assist, as well as whiplash mitigating front seats and emergency stop signals.

So you and yours can entrust your­ selves to what is essentially a safe, family car. There is the usual central locking and alarm systems, remote keyless entry and a selective door unlocking mecha­ nism, child locks and seat anchors.

The Jazz gives very good fuel consumption and, depending on driving style and terrain you can expect about 5,8 litres per 100 km.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC Civic­like button system ,which con­ trols a wide range of functions like Blue­ tooth, cruise control, the excellent four­ speaker radio, CD, aux, two USB ports and iPod connection systems, as well as allowing information changes on the main dash.

The Jazz also has an HDMI port to relay whatever is on a smartphone screen to the infotainment’s centrally­ placed, seven­inch display.

The central fascia contains a second touch­sensitive panel which operates the ventilation system.

The centrally­placed leather­covered gear lever is also quite distinctive and a pleasure to use. Despite the exterior’s compact­looking dimensions the Jazz has a huge cabin, largely due to Honda’s Magic Seat multi­configuration system, which means that the new Jazz retains all of the versatility of the previous mod­ el. With all seats in place luggage space

Good use of interior space is the Jazz’s strong selling point.

Flip up the seat like this and it takes a small tree in a big pot pretty comfortably.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC is about 363 litres while, with all rear seats folded flat this increases to 881 li­ tres. If you require it the front passenger seat also folds flat.

There are also many storage places for bits and pieces.

The interior space makes the Jazz a

comfortable, full five­seater giving those with long legs room to stretch on long trips. Ergonomic levels are also high.

Safety and security The Jazz has always been big on safety and the new model is no different. There

Handling and performance The Jazz has Honda’s ivtec 1,5 litre, four­ cylinder, transversely­mounted petrol engine, producing 88 Kw/145 Nm and expressing this power on road via a five­ speed manual or CVT gearbox.

0­100 km/h comes up in around 10,5 seconds and top speed is about 180 km/h.

Fuel consumption is very good and, depending on driving style and terrain you can expect about 5,8 l/100 km. In town the car is responsive and the steer­ ing sharp. Great all­round visibility makes parking easy and wide­opening doors allow for easy access — even for those with mobility problems.

On the N3 the car holds the road well and the available torque makes passing easy. The Jazz is, however, not an dirt­ roader, as motoring editor Alwyn Vil­ joen pointed out from the back seat while we were driving to a function on a farm road over the weekend. But the Jazz takes D Roads in its stride.

It is well balanced and responsive and the handling is generally driver friendly with no surprises at any speed.

Costs and the competition The Jazz has never been inexpensive and is priced at a premium level in the B­seg­ ment. However, as we have said before, quality is never cheap.

The entry 1,2 l Trend is R180 000 and the range­topping 1,5 l Dynamic Auto comes in at R265 000.

The 1,5 Elegance reviewed here costs about R235 000 and is probably the pick of the seven models on offer. You also get a three­year/100 000 km war­ ranty and a four­year/60 000 km service plan with 15 000 km service intervals.

The B­segment is one of the most competitive and you should shop around looking at, amongst others, the VW Polo, Mazda 2, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta and Kia Rio.

Oz collector needs help

Ford’s latest pony car on a gallop Ford Motor Company has announced that the all­new Ford Mustang will deliver 0­100 km/h acceleration in under five seconds — making it the fastest accelerating high­volume Ford model ever offered in Europe. The company also revealed that more than 2 200 customers have ordered an all­new Ford Mustang since the iconic car became available to order across Europe earlier this year.

‘The new Ford Mustang will be wickedly fast off the line and throw you back in your seat with a thrilling engine soundtrack,’ said Hermann Salenbauch, Mustang vehicle line director.

‘But Mustang isn’t just fast in a straight line. The ride and handling will be a revelation for European drivers.’ In Africa the iconic pony car will go on sale in left­hand steer countries first, followed by right­hand drive models to South Africa.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC

DEAR Wheels readers, I am a keen number plate collector and have turned up a plate which is a bit of a mystery, however the money is on it being from South Africa.

The rectangular plate is cast in alu­ minium with the letters SA to the left vertically aligned and the numbers 1.128 and the name RENOVIA across the bot­ tom. On the website of Registration Plates of the World the historical notes on South Africa reports that Durban and Pietermaritzburg issued registra­ tion numbers for cars in 1898, with vehi­ cles displaying the name of the borough and a serial number.

Vehicles were registered under local regulations in Johannesburg commenc­ ing in 1902 for normal series and 1905 for trade plates. 1903 photographs show cars in Cape Town with white on black plates, 10 and 262. A 1910 photograph in Johannesburg shows a black on white plate, Z 1.

The Provincial Motor Ordinance came into effect on January 1, 1914; au­ thorising the first issue of plates in the four provinces which then existed.

However, there are very few old South

Where does the third plate from the top, “SA 1.128 Renovia” hail from?

PHOTO: SUPPLIED African plates around and nobody has a clue as to where this plate really is from. The earliest plates post the Road Traffic Act of 1913 seems to hold true, but anything prior to this is a big mys­ tery. My question then: Was Renovia a small town or suburb of Durban or Piet­ ermaritzburg that underwent a name change? Any thoughts or comments would be welcome and any links to very old historic photos of South African cars with plates would be ideal.

Please advise me on Jim.Gordon@ riotinto.com

4

WitnessWheels MOTORING

April 30, 2015

Super scenic but rough race Four new class winners from third round of dirt racing ELZA THIART­BOTES THE route set out by the Natal Off­road Motor Club for last weekend’s third round in the national off­road champi­ onship produced nail­biting bike and quad racing. Four new class winners emerged from the dust.

Old dogs, same tricks In the motorcycle category this season, KZN’s Kenny Gilbert (Proudly Bidvest Yamaha) claimed his first OR1 (Open Class) victory for 2015, while his team­ mate and multiple National Enduro Master Class Champion, Denzil Torla­ ge, won in the Master Class.

This despite the fact that Torlage had not competed in off­road racing for many year.

Another Enduro specialist, Bruce May, who, like Torlage is from KZN and decided to make an appearance at the “local” national event, upset the apple cart in the Senior Class Championship when he walked away with the laurels.

Gilbert was in a battle with the de­ fending OR1 champion, Louwrens Ma­ honey (Brother Leader Tread KTM), who survived a crash and finished sec­ ond. Jonathan Webster (Yamaha) claimed his second podium result for the season by finishing third Like competitors in OR1, OR2 (250 cc Class) and OR3 (200 cc Class), Senior Class competitors also had to complete the full 360 kilometre race that included a 60 kilometre time­trial which determined the starting order.

A victory for Himeville’s May was ap­ preciated by his home crowd, while Wayne Farmer (Roost KTM / EC Secu­

rity) claimed his third runner­up result, finishing just over a minute and a half behind the Enduro rider.

The class leader, Juan “Bollie” van Rooyen (Brother Leader Tread KTM), recovered from a huge crash during the time­trial to round off the Senior Class podium. Jody Engelbrecht (Yamaha), who had also not competed in the na­ tional off­road championship before, finished fourth with Justin Broughton (Kawasaki) fifth and Guy Henley (Ya­ maha) sixth.

In the Master Class, off­road racer Wade Miller (KTM) finished behind the experienced Torlage despite an in­ jured rib, with Ian Venter (KTM Centu­ rion/Liqui Moly Racing) not too far be­ hind in third place.

High school class battle In the High School Class, Dean Lindsay (D&H Engineering Works Yamaha) al­ so caused a change for the books with his first win for the year.

Defending champion Eduan Bester (KTM Centurion / Liqui Moly Racing) finished a mere 50 seconds behind him after the 240 kilometre race that saw them spending a total of just over four hours and 18 minutes in the saddle.

Brendon Fourie (Kawasaki) finished third.

In the OR2 class, Louw Schmidt (Brother Leader Tread KTM) had his second win, followed closely by Jaycee Nienaber (D&H Engineering Works Yamaha), with Cameron Becker (Vans Racing Division KTM) putting his first points for the season on the scoreboard by finishing third despite a crash. Brett Cummings (KTM) was fourth. The

back shock on Shaun Mostert’s KTM collapsed during the last lap and he had to call it a day, while Nicholas Pienaar (Ridgeway Racing Husqvarna) crashed and Nienaber’s team­mate, Roan Lind­ say, broke his wrist.

Brett Swanepoel claimed Proudly Bidvest Yamaha’s third victory for the day when he scored his third OR3 victo­ ry of the season, while Pietermaritzburg rider Brandon Warwick­Oliver (Team Liquorland Yamaha) made up for not finishing in Swaziland by claiming sec­ ond place in this extremely competitive class. Jarryd Coetzee (Brother Leader Tread KTM) was third.

Taye Perry (Barnard Vervoer KTM) won the Ladies Class while Gerhard Grove (Yamaha) won the Silver Class Challenge. He was followed by Nicholas Mauerberger (Barnard Vervoer Yama­ ha) and Ruan Merry (KTM).

Roughing it on four wheels In the quad category, a flat tyre did not keep Brian Baragwanath (Proudly Bid­ vest Yamaha) from claiming his second 2015 victory in the Q1 Class. He de­ scribed the race as a “serious adventure that was super rough, but with spectac­ ular scenery”. He was followed by Stefan Swanepoel (Yamaha) and Dakar Rally finisher Hannes Saaijman (Suzuki) who was third.

Moller’s little sister, Wilmari (Hon­ da), got stuck in the mud like many oth­ er competitors, but pushed through to finish second in the Ladies Quad Class behind Liezel Barnard, who also took a tumble with her big Barnard Vervoer Can­Am. Jade Schutte (Yamaha) over­ came various mechanical issues to com­

Darren Mcleod clinched a hard­fought fourth place in Mooi River.

PHOTO: ACTION IN MOTION plete the 300 kilometre race.

Keenan Hammon (KTM) won the High School Class, his second win for the year, with Ryno Trichardt (Yamaha) finishing second.

In the Senior Class Championship, team­mates Stuart Freeman (PS Dia­ mond Trailers Yamaha) and Russell Ferreira (Hondas) claimed the first two steps on the podium. It was Freeman’s third victory this year, with both Paul dos Santos (Suzuki) and Rick van Ton­ der (Yamaha) having to call it a day.

The Master Class received a healthy number of entries and after being halted by mechanical problems in Swaziland,

the defending champion, George Twig­ ge (Yamaha), took his second victory of the year. He was followed by Roxy dos Santos (Suzuki). Roxy’s older brother Tony did not finish, while Peter Walter (PS Diamond Trailers Yamaha) rounded off the podium. Org Gelden­ huys (Abacus Divisions Racing Can­ Am) finished fourth with George Mich­ aelides (Yamaha) the last finisher de­ spite being stuck in a mud hole for some time.

•The fourth round of the Totpak National Off­road Championship will take place at Stella in the Vryburg area on June 6.

Visor shades automatically Italian motorcycle helmet maker AGV has unveiled a new motorcycle helmet visor that can darken or lighten in less than a second. Eloquently named AGVisor, it realises its swift tinting effect via a thin liquid crystal (LCD) layer powered by a rechargeable battery and operated by a glove­friendly button located at the bottom left side of the visor. Seen here is Valentino Rossi demonstrating how to use the AGVisor on his personal Pista GP special helmet.

PHOTO: GIZMAG.COM

For more information on Witness Wheels advertising Contact Avir on 084 278 3447 or Avir@witness.co.za

Beta bikes arrive in SA CAYENNE World has received the first shipment of the new Beta 300 X­Trainer (cross trainer) enduro machines.

“This new X Trainer 300 is said to be the world’s first true enduro machine, being ultra­light, easy to ride and with the perfect balance,” said Craig Langton sales director Beta SA and co­owner of the giant Cayenne Group.

Nine models with four engine siz­ es go on sale, with the 300 using the same motor and design princi­ ples that secured the world enduro cross title last year.

Prices start at R85 900 for the Be­ ta RR250 2T and go up to R105 900 for the Beta RR350 4T EFI Racing.

“The model range consists of nine models, including two­stroke and four­stroke options, and starts with the new RR 250 right up to the giant

killer RR 480, but the number one all­round champion has got to be the 300 X Trainer for R87 900,” said Langton.

Langton said the Cayenne Group is committed to supplying full back­ up support with parts availability, technical assistance and accessories for the complete nine model line­up.

“With enduro, enduro cross and off­road racing becoming so techni­ cal, this new 300 X Trainer is the perfect machine for all types of events staged in South Africa.

“We had to wait patiently for this unique machine and the 2015 range.

The Beta Italian factory has been working 24 hours to keep up with worldwide demand. Year after year, the manufacturer has produced world­class products. This new model line­up is considered among — if not the best — in the world.”

Enjoy your Public Holiday Road Trips,Volkswagen Style!

By Pieter from Maritzburg The sun has set on yet ANOTHER Public Holiday and it will be rising on the last of this crazy period yet again tomorrow. If there’s one thing this time of year serves to remind us, it’s the importance of owning a quality, reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle, because the long weekends lend themselves to many a road trip.

You want to get your family to paradise and back both safely and affordably.

family deserves better, then you need to speak with The Bespoke Volkswagen Dealers at Barons Pietermaritzburg. Conveniently situated for anyone living between Durban and the Drakensberg, they offer tailored deals that suit your budget and needs. Next Public Holiday season you could be enjoying your road trips Volkswagen style!

As a Volkswagen owner I am able to appreciate the fact that my car ticks all these boxes every year.

Das Auto Engineering and BlueMotion Technology are what make that possible. I urge you to consider this over the long weekend as you drive your family to-and-fro. Do you feel you can rely on your car?

How far will your tank take you? Will you all be comfortable? If your answers leave you feeling your

Barons VW Pietermaritzburg can be found at 9 Armitage Road. They are committed to bringing you quality cars and excellent service at the best possible prices ALL year round! To start hunting for your dream vehicle, visit www.baronsvwpmb.co.za. And to book a test drive or service call (033) 845 3100. Open Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm, and Saturdays 8am – 1pm.

The car that takes you places.

It’s not just a car. It’s a Golf.

Take up! 55kW 3-door from R1,698* per month.

Golf 1.4 TSI Comfortline for R3,975* per month.

The Take up! 55kW 3-door standard features include: 55kW @ 6200rpm Anti-locking Brake System (ABS) 5 speed manual Power-steering 4.7l/ 100km Electronic immobiliser

R133,500

R1,768*

72

9.25%*

Balloon Payment

13% 30% (R17,355) (R40,050)

Total Cost Incl fees & VAT

Model

R167,312

Golf 1.4 TSI Comfortline

Interest Rate Monthly No. of Vehicle Price Instalments Linked / Instalments Variable

R306,200

R3,975*

72

6.73%*

Deposit

Balloon Payment

Total Cost Incl fees & VAT

0%

37% (R113,294)

R399,521

Visit us on www.baronsvwpmb.co.za

An optional cost of R900 incl VAT will be charged for metallic paint. Note: *Linked to FNB prime rate, currently 9.25%. Note: Offers calculated on the Take up! 55kW 3-door model in standard specifications. Excludes optional extras. Instalment includes delivery, initiation and monthly administration fee of R57. Subject to bank approval. Information subject to change without prior notification. All finance offers are subject to credit approval from Volkswagen Financial Services. Volkswagen Financial Services South Africa Proprietary Limited trading as Volkswagen Financial Services an Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider. NCRCP6635. Terms and Conditions apply. All the above is subject to price increase and valid until 10 May 2015.

An optional cost of R900 incl VAT will be charged for metallic paint. Note: *Linked to FNB prime rate, currently 9.25%. Note: Offers calculated on the Golf 1.4 TSI Comfortline model in standard specifications. Excludes optional extras. Instalment includes delivery, initiation and monthly administration fee of R57 Subject to bank approval. Information subject to change without prior notification. All finance offers are subject to credit approval from Volkswagen Financial Services. Volkswagen Financial Services South Africa Proprietary Limited trading as Volkswagen Financial Services an Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider. NCRCP6635. Terms and Conditions apply. All the above is subject to price increase and valid until 10 May 2015.

• • • • •

Polo Vivo

2012 2013 2014 2013 2015 Polo

2011 2013 2013 2013 2014 2014 2014 2015 2015 Golf

2011 2011 2015 2015 Amarok

2015

Other VW

2009 2012 2013 2014 2014 2014 2014 2015 2015

Other

2008 2012 2014

Mileage certified Full Service history 7-day exchange plan Vehicle Customization 24 Hr roadside assistance

• • • • •

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Works hard. Works smart.

80-point mechanical check 2-year / unlimited km warranty* Vehicle History Integrity Check Balance of VW Automation Plan Professional Vehicle Reconditioning

Polo Vivo Sedan 1.6 Polo Vivo Sedan 1.4 Trendline Tiptronic Polo Vivo Sedan 1.4 Trendline Polo Vivo GP 1.4 Trendline Polo Vivo GP 1.6 Comfortline 5 Door

Silver Silver Silver Red White

R131 900 R132 900 R129 900 R142 900 R159 900

37 000 44 000 35 000 3 000 1 000

km km km km km

Polo 1.6 Comfortline Polo 1.4 Trendline 5 Door Polo 1.4 GTI DSG Polo 1.4 Comfortline Polo GTI DSG Polo 1.4 Trendline Polo Sedan 1.6 Comfortline Polo 1.2 TSI Highline Polo 1.2 TSI Trendline

Red White White Red Silver Silver White Red White

R149 900 R152 900 R235 000 R169 000 R279 900 R152 900 R184 900 R239 000 R185 900

62 000 25 000 33 000 58 000 9 500 16 000 21 000 3 000 900

km km km km km km km km km

Golf 6 GTI 2.0 TSI Golf GTI DSG 2.0 TSI Golf 7 2.0 TDI Highline DSG Golf 7 1.4 TSI Comfortline DSG

Grey White White Silver

R259 900 R259 000 R319 900 R319 900

90 000 66 000 23 000 3 500

km km km km

Amarok Double Cab Automatic 132kW

Grey

R459 000

1 500

km

VW Citi Sport 1.4i Jetta 2.0 TDI Transported Crew Bus 2.0 TDI Passat 2.0 TDI DSG VW Transporter Single Cab TDI Kombi 2.0 TDI 21st Century Beetle 1.2 TSI Crafter 23 Seater Bus Touareg 3.0 TDI BlueMotion Tiptronic

White White White White White Silver White White White

R69 000 R199 900 R279 900 R329 900 R234 900 R359 000 R239 900 R549 000 R839 000

106 000 km 81 000 km 42 000 km 15 000 km 7 000 km 22 000 km 8 000 km

Opel Corsa Lite Sport BMW 32D Tiptronic Sportline F30 Ford Figo 1.4 TDCi Ambiente

Grey White White

R59 900 R309 000 R119 900

94 000 km 20 000 km 19 500 km

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Amarok Single Cab 2.0 TDI 103kW Basic from R4,157* per month The Amarok Single Cab 2.0 TDI 103kW Basic standard features include: -

Model

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e&oe

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TCS (Traction Control System) EDL (Electronic Differential Lock) EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) Daytime running lights

Interest Rate Monthly No. of Vehicle Price Instalments Linked / Instalments Variable

R274,700

R4,157*

60

9.25%*

Deposit

Balloon Payment

10% 30% (R27,470) (R82,410)

Total Cost Incl fees & VAT

R331,858

Visit us on www.baronsvwpmb.co.za

*The advised price exclude the 2 year Mastercars Warranty. The Mastercars Warranty is available as an option and is a contract between the customer, an insurer and administrator. This extended Warranty is not available for all Amarok and Light Commercial Vehicle models. Terms & conditions apply. While stocks last.

Mastercars Sales Consultants After hours: Laurie: 082 783 8040 • Rajen: 072 228 9834 Sanjay: 083 639 0989 • Barry: 072 235 4244 • Phumlani: 073 017 1294

103kW @ 3500rpm 6-speed manual ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) incl. offroad ABS

An optional cost of R1600 incl VAT will be charged for metallic paint. Note: *Linked to FNB prime rate, currently 9.25%. Note: Offers calculated on the Amarok Single Cab 2.0 TDI 103kW Basic model in standard specifications. Excludes optional extras. Instalment includes delivery, initiation and monthly administration fee of R57. Subject to bank approval. Information subject to change without prior notification. All finance offers are subject to credit approval from Volkswagen Financial Services. Volkswagen Financial Services South Africa Proprietary Limited trading as Volkswagen Financial Services an Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider. NCRCP6635. Terms and Conditions apply. All the above is subject to price increase and valid until 10 May 2015.

New Sales Consultants

Alison Wiltshire – Sales Manager 082 783 8855 • John Brown – 082 645 4396 Merglin Rama – 083 382 4589 • Menzi Ngubane – 073 534 8545 Bahle Bhengu – 082 337 5825 • Erica Neff – 082 858 7749 Thando Gumede – 078 969 8072 • Keshnee Pillay – 073 372 1452

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6

WitnessWheels MOTORING

April 30, 2015

No more drudgery driving DELIVERING the opening keynote ses­ sion of Mobile World Congress 2015 that took place in the first week of March, chair and CEO of the Renault Nissan Alliance, Carlos Ghosn said all carmakers are developing self­driving technology “because it will make cars safer”.

Ghosn outlined the Nissan and Re­ nual’s timeline for rolling out Autono­ mous Drive technology over the next several years. The first wave will come in 2016, with a feature that will allow the car to negotiate stop­and­go traffic without direct driver intervention.

The second wave, in 2018, will in­ clude the car’s ability to drive itself on the highway, including changing lanes.

The third wave will feature technology that permits the car to handle more complex city driving autonomously.

In all these cases, Ghosn said, the driver will remain in control at the wheel and have the option to use the technology when appropriate.

One potential hurdle is gaining the necessary regulatory approvals, Ghosn said. The Alliance is working with gov­ ernments around the world to get the appropriate regulations in place.

The technology initially will be fea­ tured on higher­end Renault and Nissan cars, Ghosn said.

Ghosn last week answered questions on these self­drive cars on the LinkedIn Influencer series.

Q: What is Autonomous Drive?

A: Autonomous Drive combines the technology of robotics, artificial intelli­ gence, sensors and car­to­car connec­ tivity. It is a range of technologies that will be added to our cars over the next several years.

The concept already exists in some of the technology in today’s cars: Anti­ lock brakes, active cruise control, blind­ spot warning or parking assist are ex­ amples of technologies that operate au­

Cars that steer themselves is a ‘megatrend’ that will make driving a lot safer, the chair and CEO of the Renault Nissan Alliance, Carlos Ghosn told a major technology conference in Barcelona earlier this year. tonomously, most without the driver even thinking about them.

Q: When will we start to see this technology?

A: We’re looking at taking the existing technology to the next level, where the driver can cede some control — essen­ tially hands­free driving — while con­ tinuing to monitor the car’s operation.

Much of this is near­term technology, but it will come in waves, a feature at a time.

At Nissan and Renault, we have pledged by 2020 to have a complete package of Autonomous Drive technol­ ogies on multiple models. Starting from late next year, we plan to offer what in­ ternally we are calling the “Traffic Jam Pilot,” a feature that allows the car to drive autonomously and safely in heavy, stop­and­go traffic. This eventually will be offered across a wide range of our Nissan, Infiniti and Renault vehicles.

In 2018, we’ll introduce technology that allows a car to autonomously nego­ tiate hazards and change lanes. And by 2020, we plan to introduce vehicles that can navigate without driver interven­ tion in nearly all situations, including complex city driving.

Q: When will we see the driverless car?

A: Eventually, a more elaborate combi­ nation of these technologies will lead us to the driverless car — one that can operate fully autonomously, even with nobody in it. So you conceivably could send it to pick up your children from

school, or to take an ill parent to the doctor’s office. But that is much further into the future — at least a decade away.

In fact, I expect the technology will be perfected well before it hits the street, because there are a host of regulatory, legal and security issues that must be resolved first.

Q: I love driving. Why would I ever want to give up any control over my car?

A: I love driving, too! As we develop our Autonomous Drive technologies, our focus is on eliminating the drudgery of driving, not the joy of driving.

The fact is most drivers do not enjoy commuting in grindingly slow, stop­ and­go traffic. It’s the same thing with long trips along monotonously straight expressways. With our cars, the driver will decide whether to use the technolo­ gy when it’s appropriate. It will be op­ tional. Nothing will stop you from being in full control as you enjoy driving the twisty turns of California’s Pacific Coast Highway or the beautiful moun­ tain passes in the Alps. Our goal is to enhance the driving experience, not de­ tract from it. We want to build cars that give drivers more freedom, more op­ tions and more control, but improve the driver’s ability to avoid an accident.

Q: So is improved safety the main advantage?

A: Yes. At the Renault­Nissan Alliance, one of our internal mantras is “Zero Emissions, Zero Fatalities”. We have made tremendous progress with elec­

tric vehicles. Autonomous Drive tech­ nology is a big step toward achieving the “zero fatalities” part.

Over time, this technology holds the promise of virtually eliminating avoida­ ble crashes. Cars have become much safer over the past 50 years. But in the United States alone, there are still about six million crashes annually. And that exacts a huge cost to those affected and on everybody’s insurance rates — a loss in total of about $160 billion a year just in the U.S. Autonomous Drive will mean far fewer crashes. The car will be able to react faster than you can, just as anti­ lock brakes can bring a car to a safe stop faster and prevent it from going into a slide much better than any human.

Q: Are there other benefits?

A: Convenience is one. This technology will allow you to make your commuting time more productive and less stressful.

Consider this: Europeans on average spend 300 hours a year in their car; Americans on average spend 750 hours a year inside their car — that’s more than two hours a day. I think most peo­ ple would rather use that time to check their emails, make a phone call, read an article or listen to a podcast and relax.

Another big benefit is improved mo­ bility for the elderly. It will allow those of us getting older to drive longer. And if you look out further into the future of driverless cars, it will offer the elderly the ability to get around even after they can no longer drive by themselves.

Q: Are you working with other com­

Charles Ghosn.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED panies on this technology?

A: Yes, no one company has the ability to do this alone. For example, in January we announced a partnership with NA­ SA through Nissan’s Silicon Valley Re­ search Centre in California to work on many aspects of this technology, includ­ ing remote controls. This is in addition to several universities that we’re collab­ orating with, including Stanford, MIT, Oxford and the University of Tokyo.

Q: It sounds like the auto industry has become a high­tech industry.

A: Indeed, it has. As I travel around the world, I try to meet every few months with university students. And I’ve been telling them that I really can’t remem­ ber a more exciting time to be in the auto industry, due to the potential of all this new technology. This really is going to result in a big change in how we approach mobility. It will make our cars smarter, it will expand our ability to get around as we grow older, and above all, it will make driving far safer.

Combining the best of capacitors and batteries SCIENTISTS at UCLA’s California NanoSystems Institute have developed a new device that combines the high en­ ergy densities of batteries and the quick charge and discharge rates of superca­ pacitors.

Their hybrid supercapacitor was sub­ mitted for peer review in October 30, 2014 and the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has now reported their charing device is six times as energy­dense as a commercial­ ly available supercapacitor and packs nearly as much energy per unit volume as a lead­acid battery.

Electric Car explains batteries can store a lot of energy in a small and light package, but they can’t charge or dis­ charge very quickly or last a long time the way supercapacitors can.

A single device that combines all of these positive attributes could change the entire technological landscape of today, leading to lighter, compact phones and electric cars that charge in seconds instead of hours.

Professor Richard Kaner and Dr Ma­ her El­Kady have made an important step in this direction by creating a high­ performance hybrid supercapacitor.

Like other supercapacitors, their device charges and discharges very quickly and lasts more than 10 000 recharge cycles.

But, according the scientists, their in­ vention also stores six times more ener­ gy than a conventional supercapacitor, holding more than twice as much charge as a typical thin­film lithium bat­

tery in one fifth the thickness of a sheet of paper.

The amount of energy that can be stored in such a device depends in large part on the contact area between the electrolyte and the two electrodes: the greater the contact area, the more ener­ gy can be stored. Previous hybrid super­ capacitors used porous structures in the electrode to maximize this area, but the pores were simply too big, and therefore too few, bearing relatively little effect on performance.

Kaner and El­Kady used manganese dioxide (a material used for alkaline bat­ teries) for the electrodes, but also added a special three­dimensional laser­ scribed graphene (LSG) structure. Cru­ cially, this graphene structure was spe­ cifically designed for high conductivity, porosity and surface area, allowing the device to pack much more energy per unit volume and mass. “Even though our electrodes are thin (around 15 mi­ crons), they are capable of storing more charge than the 100–200 micronmeter thick commercial supercapacitor elec­ trodes mainly because our hybrid LSG/ MnO2 electrodes are very energy dense,” El­Kady told Gizmag.

The researchers stated the superca­ pacitors can reach energy densities of up to 42 Wh/l, compared with 7 Wh/l for state of the art commercial carbon­ based supercapacitors. Their device al­ so provides power densities up to around 10 kW/l, which is 100 times more than lead acid batteries. — WR.

Moms want this taxi!

The ideal ute for mom’s taxi — a 1959 Daimler Ferret Mk II armoured reconnaissance vehicle (complete with a de­activated Browning 0,30 calibre machine gun in the turret and smoke dischargers present), sold for £9 520 (R172 211) at the annual H&H Classic Auctions’ Imperial War Museum sale last week. This was well below the expected price of between R180 000 and R228 000. The Ferret was developed in 1949 to replace the Dingo and was used by several Commonwealth forces until 1971. It is powered by a 4,5­litre Rolls­Royce B60 six­cylinder petrol engine, driving a five­speed pre­select Wilson epicyclic gearbox. In the UK, this veteran vehicle enjoys MoT exemption.

PHOTO: GIZMAG.COM

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WitnessWheels MOTORING

Cape karters on top KZN riders look for revenge at iDube in next National Karting round THE volatile SA National Karting Championships in Cape Town last Saturday was the first race ever to be live streamed on the Internet.

While Durban’s four­time world karting champion Cristiano Morgado (Tony Kart) took over­30s DD2 Mas­ ters from CRG men Nicholas Verheul and Ronaldo Baptista, the day’s races showed Cape karters are enjoying a purple patch with local drivers taking 16 wins from 24 races and overall hon­ ours in four of the eight classes.

The next SA National Karting Championship will be at the challeng­ ing iDube Raceway in the KZN early in July, when the local racers are expect­ ed to halt Cape Town’s winning ways.

Dino Stermin (Designer Trims RKT Kosmic) overcoming Cape Town rival Delano Fowler (Suprocom Tony Kart) two races to one in 125 cc high school age Junior Max. Stermin both times passed Fowler in dramatic on­track moves to take his maiden national victory. Joshua Dias (Top Glass/Selepe Birel), Jason Coet­ zee (RKT Kosmic) and Giordano Lupi­ ni (AutoWeek CRG) shared out the third places, with Dias, Coetzee. Delon Thompson (A&I Birel) and Sebastian Boyd (Boyd Freight Kosmic) round off the overall top six.

Another Cape driver Jonathan Aber­ dein (TonyKart) took two open Max Challenge 125 cc wins to one over Dur­ ban lad Richard Upton (CRG), with Dale Fourie CRG third from Miss Ivana Cetinich (REB Alpha Birel).

Robert Whiting (Rho Tech Tony) and Chadley Swartz (SAKRA Kosmic).

Aberdein, Upton and Whiting shared the second and third places in the races with Tylan Swartbooi (CRG) sneaking a second head third place.

Jozi’s Bradley Liebenberg (Smart Call Birel) broke the Cape Max domi­ nation by beating local lad Jonathan Aberdein (Tony Kart) two races to one in the quickest Rotax Max DD2 gear­ box class with Mitchell Licen (Cup­ board Value Intrepid), Luca Canderle (Intrepid), Mitchell Licen (Cupboard Value Intrepid) and Kashen Naicker (RKT Kosmic) splitting third places between them as Licen, Brittz and Can­ derle filled out the top six.

The winningest driver of the day was another Capetonian lad, Aidan Stry­ dom who took five primary school wins in out of six aboard his two Tur­ boTech TopKarts including a clean sweep in the Maxterino 60 war. Joburg lightie Cameron O’Conner (TopKart) Charl Visser (Battery Energy RKT Za­

TOP: School of hard knocks — Tyler Croy slams into Cameron O’Connor in Maxterino. Neither was hurt.

PHOTO: MARK ZEEMAN

RIGHT: Up close and personal — Dominic Lincoln’s TonyKart mounts Giordano Lupini’s CRG. PHOTO: HEINRICH SAUER nardi), JP Hamman (Gatskop RKT Ko­ smic) and Kwanda Mokoena (Spin Drift TopKart) shared third places to come home third, fourth and fifth over­ all ahead of Troy Dolinschek (Makita TopKart) The other primary school class saw Blaine Rademeyer (Specialised Securi­ ty TopKart) take overall honours with three second places after race 2 and 3 winner Aidan Strydom (Turbo Tech TopKart) was taken out on the first lap of the opening heat and race 1 winner and another Cape driver JP Hamman (Gatskop RKT Kosmic) ended off the podium in the following races.

That left Hamman second overall from Altan Bouw who took a trio of thirds aboard his BAT Supplies RKT

Kosmic, ahead of Strydom, Jarrod Wa­ berski (DAW TopKart) and Jayden Els (Force Fuel TopKart).

Yet another Cape Town driver, Jason Coetzee defeated his Bloemfontein RKT Kosmic team­mate two races to one in a trio of hard fought high school Vortex Junior Rok 125 cc heats with TonyKart duo Luke Hill and Dario Busi sharing third places with Jordan North (RKT Kosmic) The weekend was wrapped up by a pair of national challenge series races where Nathan Parkins followed two second­places up with a win in the IA­ ME X30 gearbox races after race 1 and 2 winner and RKT Kosmic team­mate Luke Herring became embroiled in a mid­pack fracas in the finale. Produc­

tion racing star Michael Stephen (RKT Kosmic) took a second and a third en route to third overall ahead of Julian van der Watt who scored two race thirds aboard his Zanardi; Kohen Bam (SAKRA FA) and Aston Hare (Energy) There was a change in proceedings in Vortex Super Rok, where Johannes­ burg driver Keagan Masters took a pair of wins to take the day with his Per­ formance Masters FA from PE lad Bryn High (RKT Zanardi), Henry Bam (SAKRA TonyKart), Keagan Blacken­ see (Performance Masters TonyKart), Jason Smith (TonyKart) and the regu­ lar class winner Chassen Bright (RKT Zanardi), who bounced back to win the final heat.

— MSA Karting Commission.

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Tribute to a rally legend — the Czech way Top Czech designer Petr Novague and Marek Hoffmann, CEO of auto­body manufacturer Kovovýroba Hoffmann joined forces to remake the Skoda R130 RS, a car that became a legend among Czech rally fans in 1975. They used an Audi R8 to base their ‘Hoffmann­Novague R200 Non­Fiction’. But its fans can just call it the Erko. The car will be on display at the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art in Prague until May 11 and it can be ordered. But with a starting price tag of €255 000 (R3,3 million), there may not be many takers.

PHOTO: ALLCAR INDEX

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April 30, 2015

Bok captain back for Sugarbelt FORMER Springbok rugby captain John Smit will be another victim of the addictive nature of cross country motor racing at the Sugarbelt 450, round two of the Donaldson Cross Country Championship, in Eston on May 8 and 9.

Smit will make his second appear­ ance in the Imperial Auto Celebrity Challenge when he co­drives for Ter­ ence Marsh, in a Regent Racing Nissan Navara, at round two of the Donaldson series.

The most capped captain in Spring­ bok rugby history, Smit last season fin­ ished at the top of the Imperial Auto Celebrity Challenge standings, and joins sports stars Stefan Terblanche and Jonty Rhodes and television personality Marius Roberts who have all had a sec­ ond bite at the cross country racing cherry.

Smit, educated at Pretoria Boys’ High, retired from international rugby at the end of 2011 with 111 Springbok caps and led the national team a record 83 times. Smit is now chief executive officer of the Sharks franchise, and led the Springboks to a World Cup triumph in 2007 and Tri­Nations titles in 2004 and 2009.

“John is another of the sports and entertainment celebrities who has pes­ tered us for a second shot at national championship cross country racing, and it is an indication of just how addic­ tive our sport can be,” said former South African champion Marsh, who is also the Regent Racing team principal.

“With the Sugarbelt 450 based at Es­ ton, just outside Pietermaritzburg, we decided to let John have another go vir­ tually on his doorstep.

“We had a good outing on the Sun City 450 last season, and hopefully we can come up with another good result on the Sugarbelt.”

Marsh and Smit will compete in the premier Class T in the Production Vehi­ cle category. Class T is for vehicles above four litres with independent rear suspension.

Race headquarters, the start/finish and designated service park for the Sug­ arbelt 450 will all be based at the Beau­ mont Eston Farmers Club. There will be free public entry to these areas as well as spectator points along the route.

The qualifying race to determine grid positions will start at 11.30 am on May 8 and the race at 8.30 am the fol­ lowing day.

— Off Road Car Racing Association.