It’s all about Formula 1 this week, with a smattering of news from the local scene. The team is joined by South African F1 Guru Sasha Martinengo, Absolute F1, Top Gear Live MPH presenter and 5FM DJ (@F1sasha – for the Twitter fans). He joins the team for the second time to discuss cars, the absurdity of the BMW 5-Series GT, a very old Ferrari and, of course, the 2010 Formula 1 Season.

@F1sasha joins the @zacarshow team for a second time. Much fun and laughter ensues.

BMW 5-Series Grand Turismo launched in SA this week.

Not the worst they could have done, not the best either.

After great feedback from last week, we’re going to continue offering a lo-fi version of the show, to save on bandwidth. This week’s show is quite long – 1h14mins, but well worth the megabytes.
Episode 67 hi-fi download (34MB)
Episode 67 lo-fi download (16.5MB)

Remember, we WANT your feedback. Send us your questions, requests, complaints and spy photos to info [at] zacarshow [dot] co [dot] za.
Or follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/zacarshow, where we break news, post updates and share info.

News and show notes after the jump!

Hummer brand is shut down as the deal with the Chinese suitor falls through [via Autoblog]

SAAB and Spyker seal up their agreement and things get rolling. Small hatch is rumored to be the first for the pair [via: Automotive Business Review]

Renault dealers love their brand, and CAR magazine loves Renault too. The French carmaker has won a brand of the award.

Toyota will have some of its rarest models on show at the Franschhoek Motor Museum this weekend – including a 2000GT, Sport 800 and Conquest 4×4.

Fiat has repackaged the Panda lineup. A facelifted version of the million-plus selling Panda 1.2 Dynamic is now joined by a model with an MTA (manual transmission automated) gearbox, while the 1.1-litre and Panda 4×4 have fallen away. Some more changes coming in March, for this brand…

A facelift for the baby Italian.

And an automatic (with manual shift) as new kit.

SA Launch: BMW 5-Series GT – the car that no one thought they needed until now – Click here for a link to the price and spec sheet (PDF file)

Like individual opening windows in MPVs that are a novelty more than anything, we wonder if this boot will be the same?

BMW always does interiors well. The GT is no exception; who cares what it looks like on the outside when it looks like this on the inside?

2010 Formula 1 Season Overview with Sasha Martinengo

The cars that defined 1967, a couple of Italians, a German and an Aussie – what an eclectic mix.

What is your favourite car from 1966? For this episode our choices range from the exotic to supremely sensible, listen to the show to hear what the guys pick as their most iconic cars from 1966.

This week’s also been busy, with news from abroad that Porsche - fresh with new ideas like a hybrid track car – that it will launch the new Cayenne in two wheel drive form. While the local market gets introduced to the new Volvo S60, available in 2011, some new Mercedes diesels, a Fiat Sed… Suzuki SX4 four-wheel drive and a new Renault Clio. Listen to the whole show for the ZA Car Show head-to-head of what the team believes to be two of the most influential cars in a compact sedan segment.

Episode 66 direct download (25MB) – or subscribe via iTunes here.

As an experiment, we’re going to offer a low-quality version of the show for a few episodes. A few listeners have expressed disdain at having such “large” files, so we’re offering a very compressed version of the show, at roughly half the file size of a regular show.
So, click here to download the low-quality version of ZA Car Show, episode 66 (13MB)

Again, we encourage feedback from you, our faithful listeners! Please e-mail us with your comments or queries, and we’ll respond via mail or on the show. Our e-mail address is info [at] zacar [dot] co [dot] za. Alternatively, we can be reached (or read) on the Twitter microblogging service (where we post all our breaking news in between shows) – simply go to http://twitter.com/zacarshow.

For news, show notes and pictures click ‘more’ New Porsche Cayenne accidentally leaked on its car configurator site? [via: MotorCrave via Motor Authority]

Silly configurators, last week it was the BMW F10 pricing in SA, this week it's an entirely new model

Porsche plans to make a run at a 23 percent cut in efficiency for its petrol engine range. Toward that end, Porsche will equip the new Cayenne with three engine options: a 300 hp 3.6-liter V6,  a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 worth 400 hp for the Cayenne S and a twin-turbo 4.8-liter V8 churning out 500 hp for the Cayenne Turbo. A 240 hp 3.9-liter V6 turbodiesel and a Cayenne S Hybrid packing a 330 hp 3.0-liter V6 with a 47 hp electric motor will join the pack later on.

South African Volvo S60 lineup [via Wheels24]

Three engine derivatives will be on offer: T6, 2.0T and D5. The flagship 3.0-litre inline six T6 produces has an output of 224 kW and 440 Nm while a turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre will be the initial entry point into the range with 149 kW and 300 Nm on tap. The 2.4-litre D5 engine kicks off the model’s diesel assault with power of 151 kW and 420 Nm of torque.

Famous Renault Clio S model designation to make a comeback in South Africa (we never really had the original in the first place I guess, but it’s good to bring back the heritage) [via: Renault.com and World Car Fans]

Renault's bid to market cars that deliver sporty appeal at affordable prices has led to the return of a version of Renault Clio that proved highly popular in the 1990s, namely Renault Clio 'S'. Like its predecessor, today's Renault Clio 'S' features an overtly sporty feel thanks to a competitively-priced package of exclusive and distinctive design details.

Merc’s 4 cylinder, twin-turbo diesel engines

To mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Rudolf Diesel, inventor of the diesel-fueled engine, the manufacturer releases a brand new twin-turbo diesel engine for its C- and E-Class models. In its most powerful variant, the new four-cylinder twin-turbo unit for the E250 CDI BlueEfficiency musters up 150 kW, while torque is up by 25% from 400 to 500 Nm.

2010 Suzuki SX4 Four-Wheel Drive [via: Suzuki]

Fuel Levies increased in SA while government imposes 120g/km emissions tax. Craziness since there are few new cars which will comply.

Driven: Kia Cerato 2.0

Driven: Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 LT

- a happy place to be

Forget about Polo Sedans and Corollas, this is where the future lies.

First, let’s start with the Hybrid Porsche because its more important than our other waffle.

Now with that out of the way, the fourth podcast of the year sees a team reunited. With all the seats filled the show is packed with more comment on Toyota’s recall in South Africa, a fresh onslaught of new vehicles expected at Geneva in a couple of weeks and ZA Car Show bring you the pricing of the BMW F10, BMW’s new 5-series. This came about as a glitch in the online virtual dealer on the local BMW ’site revealed the pricing and spec-options ahead of the vehicle’s local launch.

MINI-rival will probably be better have fewer rattles and drive better

Episode 65 direct download (28MB) – or subscribe via iTunes here

For news and show notes click ‘more’

Audi A1 officially revealed ahead of the Geneva Auto Salon. The MINI-competitor was officially unveiled as a concept in 2007 and Audi has had the following showcase on its website for some time now. Click here for the Audi site. [News via EVO]

Renault revealed its Twingo-based coupe/convertible, the Renault Wind. Stop making jokes about  farts. Click here to go to the official Renault Microsite 12-seconds open to coupe to convertible makes this one of the fastest folding roofs in the business. [via Topspeed]

MX5-competitor: this Twingo based coupe will be a cracker if it's even half as good as the Twingo RS.

Renault reveals that the Megane will become available at the end of 2010 in South Africa.

Nissan Juke is not a Joke. Baby sister to the Qashqai and more than likely a MINI Countryman competitor [via: Automotorblog].

Ugly Stick: This was hit by it.

Porsche GT3 R-hybrid [via: Auto123]

KERS for a Porsche, don't let the Hybrid tag fool you.

GM strikes a deal with NASA to build a humanoid robot for space adventures. Perhaps it should strike a deal which will see it build cars that people want before committing to pie in the sky ideas.

BMW 5-series pricing leaked by accident. Listen to the show to find out more.

Rolls Royce Ghost officially unveiled in SA to exclusive customers (I guess all Rolls Royce customers are exclusive anyway).

Competition prize, courtesy of Have2Have.

ZA Car Show Challenge: New cars for R200 000 or less. Each member of the crew picks a car they’d most likely spend their money on. Just for interest’s sake, some rough numbers:

• R200 000 financed, with a R30 000 deposit: 60 repayments of about R4 000 each. Insurance should cost around R900 – R1 200, depending on the relationship with your broker.
• R160 000 financed, with a R30 000 deposit: 54 repayments of about R3 300 each. Insurance is slightly less, at about R600 – R900.
• The average price for a cheap 16-inch tyre? R1 000 or so.
• Prices for 15-inch tyres: R500 – R1 300.
• Service costs: Thankfully most of the cars we look at have service plans, but bank on between R1 100 and R2 000 for a regular service.

It was a fun show with Tuck back in chair for his inaugural show for 2010. This week we discuss Toyota and Honda’s woes, news from the upcoming Geneva Auto Salon and some motoring racing updates.

Nothing seems to be going right for Toyota

On the local front SA sees an upswing in new car sales at the beginning of 2010, VW fans get a new power plant in the popular Scirocco while we welcome some new Frenchies to the Peugoet stable.

Direct file download (27MB)

News links and show notes after the jump

Toyota’s massive recall. How will it affect the brand. No link, just Google: Toyota.

Kia Sportage to be unveiled at Geneva [via The Telegraph]

Dodgy Wheels, but other wise a handsome looking SUV/SAV/?

Bertone Alfa Coupe Teaser [via: Car Body Design]

It will probably look far less dramatic--a restyled Brera perhaps?

After a lengthy break Jaguar returns to Lemans [via: Autoblog]

A return of a legend.

NAAMSA Sales Figures

VW Scirocco get’s the new Golf VI 155Kw eingine [via Motoring.co.za ]

Lexus GS Update [via Motoring.co.za]

Spot the difference and win a prize...

SA sees the new Peugeot 3008 [via: Peugeot]

63 is a good number; it is also the year some significant cars were developed for the market. Gas was not an issue and designers had style. This week the crew of Patrick Gearing, Trevor van de Ven, Christo van Gemert and ZACS special guest Simon Swanich from Have 2 Have choose their favourite cars from 1963.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is a chat on car technology. Have 2 Have is an online retailer which sources products from the around the world. It goes without saying that Simon is a gadget freak – at one stage owning probably the most specced E90 BMW.

ENTER THE ZA CAR SHOW LISTENER’S COMPETITION TO WIN A DIGITAL TYRE PRESSURE GAUAGE FROM HAVE2HAVE – Listen to the show for the question and perhaps even the answer.

We also bring you news from the world of auto shows and the local launches of the Lexus LS460 face-lift, Lexus IS-F and more…

BMW's New Luxo-Barge; too bad it's residual values sink quiker than anchors in a storm

Prettier. More Driver Orientated and in four years time with be worth double that of the equivalent BMW

Direct file download (26.6MB)

Show notes and links to news after the jump

An electric Ferrari – What is the world coming to? [via C.Net CarTech]

The Lexus LS460 skips straight past the nip and tuck to get a fat injection

Phat Fat, just don't buy it in gold unless you're 70 in which case you've probably bought a Honda anyway

Lexus IS-F: is F the most powerful letter in the alphabet?

Clever little gills

BMW 760IL: is comes at a price, but for a change would it make better sense to buy Italian? [via Motoring.co.za]

Car Technology

Cars from 1963. Arguably one of the best motoring years.

The motoring industry is starting to become a bit more energetic with a couple of previews of new models ahead of the Geneva Motor Show; hot on the heels of models unveiled in Detroit. We also decided, in the lead up to the 100th, that every episode from 62 onwards we will pick our favourite car from that model year. This is quite a good nostalgic exercise, so if you have any suggestions of your own, please feel free to reply here or mail us – our contact details are under the contact us tab at the top of the page.

This week we saw the reveal of the MINI Cooper crossover, the Countryman, and are not sure what to think…

Weird, awkward, refreshing, we're not sure what to think...

…see a preview of the face-lifted Mazda 5 ahead of it’s Geneva launch…

Pretty. The best execution of this new design language. Look at the sheet metal folds in the door

…while South Africa gets the new Polo

A bit bland but will probably age very well. Not Walter Da Silva's best work.

Direct file download (19MB)

Links to news stories and show notes after the jump

Crazy concept will become a reality; the MINI Countryman [via World Car Fans]

The pretty Mazda 5 has photos and details released ahead of its Geneva launch [via: Autoblog]

South African Volkswagen Polo unveiled to local motoring press [via Wheels24]

Driven: Facelift Audi Q7 4.2 TDI

ZACS’ favourite cars from 1962

This is the first show of the new year and hope that you, our loyal listeners have missed us. If you have, lucky for you, because we are back in the swing of things with the first show of 2010. While the new model lineup on an international level is a bit thin, there are a couple of models destined for SA shores which will certainly keep the South African motoring press busy most weeks.

This show kicks off with a brief summary of the North American International Auto Show which jump starts the motoring calendar each year in Detroit. The flavour was electrifying, which is interesting since South Africa might be pushed along that route sooner than we might think with Government’s proposal impose emissions taxes on new imported vehicles.

Another pretty VW in the same mould as the Passat CC

The handsome concept...

Direct file download (18MB)

Click ‘more’ for news links and stories…

• Click here for a photo tour of the Detroit Auto Show – NAIAS
• Autoblog’s summary of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show
• Volkswagen Coupe Concept unveiled – a Jetta Coupé. Pretty. [via AutoBlog]
• South Africa proposes a ‘green tax’ on imported cars. [via Fin24]
• The TT-RS arrives locally [via Audi]

In the final episode of ZA Car Show for 2009 the team wraps up a couple of outstanding reviews and goes through a list of their favorite motoring experiences for the 2009. With South Africa’s Car of The Year coming up in the new year find out what motors changed the landscape for Trevor, Trevor, Patrick and Christo.

Patrick has a point...listen to find out

Links, pictures and more after the jump.

Direct file download (26MB)

Driven: BMW Z4

Driven: Hyundai H1

Driven: Audi S4

The ZA Car Show – Cars of the year

After some time without electricity at the studio and the festive time of the year, ZA Car Show returned for the penultimate episode of 2009. The team is joined by a representative, Carmen Du Preez from Rager, a mobile phone-based traffic management system; Carmen helps shed some light on how this system works and why its important to register.  We also discuss South Africa’s Car of The Year and some new, but pointless models from Mercedes and VW.

Show notes and links to news after the jump

Direct file download (18MB)

South African Guild of Motoring Car Of the Year 2009

Alfa Romeo Giulietta [via: World Car Fans]

Italian Beauty

Sexy Behind

VW Amorok [via: Autoblog]

Whichever way you say it: "I'm a rock" is going to be the next best thing for the general population of Boksburg, Bellville and Brakpan

Mercedes Benz C63 Edition

M Class Sports Pack

If road rage is a problem, listen to this interview with Carmen Du Preez from Rager an SMS based anger management service.

Episode 59 marks the commencement of the slow news weeks, as the year winds down. With Trevor (van de Ven) not guiding us through the news, we briefly chat about the new Kia Sorento and its powerful diesel engine. Also in the headlines are the new Mercedes Benz AMG Performance Centres, the Volkswagen Amarok and some F1 drama. We also review some exciting cars, while Trevor isn’t looking.

The new Sorento. A handsome beast - bits of Subaru Forester and Mitsubishi Outlander, in there.

More notes and pics after the jump!

Direct file download (21MB)

Kia’s new Sorento briefly discussed. Watch this space for a road test.

Volkswagen’s Amarok pick-up is now the official Dakar competition vehicle, replacing Giniel’s championship-winning Touareg.

A practical interior. They're gonna need those walkie-talkies.

A huge load bed. Strangely, they have all the wrong tools in there.

Perhaps the racecar won't have those lights. Or wheels. And way more stickers.

Mercedes Benz sets up five AMG performance centres in SA. To give customers a special experience. You know, unlike what they’re going to get a regular dealership. Just kidding – apparently these performance centres will be for enthusiasts of the brand. You know, unlike… nevermind.

The new AMG Performance Centres even have their own website.

Could this AMG brand exercise have something to do with the new Mercedes Benz GP team – formerly Brawn GP? We also discuss other F1 drama, including the driver shuffles and possible speculation about Herr Schumacher returning to the thro… we mean wheel.

The original Mercedes racecars - the Silver Arrows.

Road tests:

The fantastically zingy and fun-to-drive Renaultsport Twingo. 98kW from a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated motor always spells fun. But it’s not perfect…

A cute little city runabout. With dynamite under the bonnet.

The Dynamite.

Unfortunately we will not be able to get this playful pedal set as an option in SA.

A huge big rev counter. With a shift light. Just what your sporty hatch needs.

Tuck, our resident bakkie expert, spent a week with a Daihatsu Gran Max pick-up, to see how it stacks up to other vehicles. He likes it, and sings its praises.

This is NOT the SA-spec Gran Max. We're just making sure you're paying attention, here.