ZA Car

Sometimes a car has to bare it all for us to see what really makes it so appealing. That machine under the bonnet (or bootlid, in Porsche’s case) can be responsible for stomach-churning acceleration, hair-raising wails and many joyous victories. And sometimes – just sometimes – they can also be pretty spectacular to behold.

So here’s to the internal combustion engine. May its many thousands of explosions per second continue delivering thrills for the next few decades.

*All photos are property of their respective copyright holders. If you see a photo that is yours, please get in touch and we can credit you, or remove it from this posting.

There’s that old tradition of letting ladies enter a room first. It’s been suggested that this is to get a better view of the lady’s derriere, but that sounds like a nice way to fast track yourself to a sexual harassment lawsuit.

When it comes to cars, though, we don’t mind waving them past SPECIFICALLY to get a glimpse of some sexy lines. Perhaps even gawp at the tailpipe arrangement, and turn down the windows in the hopes of catching some sweet, sweet music. And that is what inspired today’s Wallpaper Wednesday: beautiful buttes, of the automotive variety. That keeps things both work-safe, right?

*All photos are property of their respective copyright holders. If you see a photo that is yours, please get in touch and we can credit you, or remove it from this posting.

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Jessica Beale’s cousin joins the ZA Car Show team to discuss all things airbags and things with a firm chassis and killer looks. From very fast Bimmers to strange Land Rovers masquerading as footballer’s wives cars the team including Christo, Trevor and Patrick take you through what you need to know in the world of motoring, both local and international.

If you have not tried it yet, click on the images below and you will be taken to some of the most comprehensive photo libraries available to you online on our Facebook page. If you’re not a fan, go ahead and ‘like’ the page you wont be sorry and you’ll also get the inside scoop and be able to share a lot of other news with us on the wall.

Go on, have a listen. If you always use the audio streamer, did you know there are MP3 files at the bottom of this post that you can right click and ‘save as’ to save and share on your computer hard drive? Also subscribe using iTunes and you will find the new episode on your iPhone/iPod/iPad every week without having to do anything. Links are also at the bottom of this post.

One of the coolest BMWs to come out of Munich in some time. There have been a lot of good BMWs but none quite as cool as the 1 Series M Coupe. Click on the image to be directed to a full image library of this car.

Changes are subtle. Click on the image to view a complete gallery and see if you can spot the changes

Another facelift but a lot less subtle. Like a little bit of cosmetic surgery on Monica Bellucci we're not going to complain with such a fresh face. Click on the image to view the gallery, what do you think?

The Range Rover the South Africans can't wait long enough for. Prices are revealed in this episode but what do you think of the car. Click on the image to see the full gallery.

It's the all new Kia Picanto and finally there is a very good looking car in this segment. Let us know what you think after you've had a look at the gallery. Click on the image to see it.

Finally a replacement to the Zafira and it looks like a good concept. Part crossover, part MPV. Click on the image to see the full gallery.

While it was busy, Chevrolet South Africa thought it would share that the Sonic will be headed to South Africa. Considering it replaces the Aveo, this is one very good looking car. Click on the picture to view the gallery.

Finally we review the 2011 Audi A1 1.2 TSI and the 2011 Toyota Prius

Pretty neat technology apart from the hybrid systems in this car. Click on the image to see some of it in the gallery.

Episode 126 hi-fi download (21MB)
Episode 126 lo-fi download (11MB)

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A sexy tail light. A badass wheel. Perhaps it’s even just the little glass louvres on the engine cover. Most cars have awesome little design details that make them a little special. This week’s Wallpaper Wednesday selection showcases some awesome closeups of a few cars that have some great design details, along with a few just-plain-cool macro shots of iconic badges. Hopefully one can find a home on your desktop.

What’s your favourite detail on your car? Or details other cars you like? Let us know on Twitter] or Facebook.

As always, just click on a picture to enlarge it and drag it to your desktop to save it.

*All photos are property of their respective copyright holders. If you see a photo that is yours, please get in touch and we can credit you, or remove it from this posting.

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Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

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The cosmetic surgeons at the world’s car design studios have been busy nipping and tucking and in some cases embarking on major surgery. This week Trevor van de Ven drove the dramatically updated C-class from Mercedes-Benz and the team also discusses the updated Audi A5 and Toyota Hilux plus the new Ford Focus. Reviewed this week is Nissan’s new champ, well not the champ you might be familiar with, but the new Micra which punches well above its weight.  

For a full gallery click on the image.

The highlight of East London in South Africa is probably the C-Class. Full stop. Dramatic changes inside and out, it is what a mid-lifecycle facelift should be about.

Click on the image to be redirected to a full gallery of the updated Audi A5

For a gallery of the Toyota Hilux click on the picture above.

The Nissan Micra is one of Christo van Gemert and Trevor van de Ven’s favourite small cars. A combination of price, value and technology is where it’s at if they are to be believed, but what you you think?

For a full gallery of Nissan Micra pictures, click on the picture above.

You really should click on the image and check out the gallery of the new Ford Focus, because what is nice from one angle is not necessarily nice fron the other angles.

Episode 125 hi-fi download (21MB)
Episode 125 lo-fi download (11MB)

Follow us on Twitter, here.
Join the ZA Car Show fan page on Facebook, here.