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Christo, Patrick and Thomas Falkiner, our resident roadster drivers take on a journey this week covering the 60th anniversary of the disk brake. They also cover more interesting debatable topics like Jaguar’s appearance at the Mille Miglia, the recent Formula 1 race and the passing of the legendary Carroll Shelby.

BMW has been on a product assault announcing the the BMW 3-series Touring…

…BMW 1-series 2 door, can we call it a coupe?

And the BMW M135i…

…rounding up with the MINI John Cooper Works GP.

Get it all here:
Episode 161 download

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Easter weekend was a good break, but now we’re back for episode 158 with 1 man down (Trevor vd Ven is away on holiday in a Peugeot) and 2 men up (Guy Kilfoil GM of Corporate Communications at BMW SA and Clen Cook, founding man of the BlackTopRally).

In the news

The Mercedes Benz S 250 CDI wins the coveted (read nobody in South Africa is phased by) World Green car of the year 2012. The new S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY – has an output of 150 kW and achieves a fuel consumption of only 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC), corresponding to CO₂ emissions of 149 grams per kilometre. Unfortunately the S 250 CDI isn’t available in South Africa. Greenies weep.

Something Greenies also weep about is the launch of the SLK 55 AMG, which won’t win any “green” medals any time soon. What it will do is make beautiful noise from a 5.5liter naturally aspirated V8, and travel to 100km/h in 4.6seconds. Pricing? R975 000 without options. Ouch. We’d rather have a Porsche Boxter S

What most South Africans would rather have is the Toyota Hilux…this is no surprise. What is a surprise is that Toyota has announced that it has produced 5million Hilux’s globally. We thought it would be more?

Speaking of more – the Renault Fluence has received a spec change. With a new Authentique model adding more value to the range.

Fiat has also extended the 500 range by adding the Fiat 500 Matt Black. It’s the second special edition after the by Diesel (the clothing brand). Adding a matt black paint job (surprise!) as well as some very nifty black rims To the first 50 buyers, you stand in line to receive a Tom Tom navigation system fitted as standard. *Runs to dealer*

Clen Cook discussed the imminent launch of the second iteration of the BlacktopRally, staring 29 April – 4 May. www.blacktoprally.co.za

Whilst Guy Kilfoil chats to us about the vehicles BMW has so generously committed to certain teams for the BlackTopRally, and some interesting discussions around BMW’s Efficient Dynamics technology. Also, he just talks cars with us, which is cool, because he’s cool like that

Episode 158 download 

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Audio stream – Download audio file (zacs157.mp3)

Thank you! Thank you for your support if you attended the inaugural ZA Car Show Petrolhead Quiz and thank you if you were one of the very generous sponsors of a prize – BMW, Suzuki, Nissan, Lexus and Autostyle. By all accounts the evening was a great success and we look forward to hosting another one again.

This week BMW unveiled the first shots of its i8 Spyder, a car every bit as stylish and agressive as an Audi R8, but with the consumption of a VW Polo Bluemotion.

Also emerging from the New York Motor Show is Infinity’s er… Emerg-E which is confirmed for production while it has also confirmed an Infinity Performance Line al-la AMG or M-Performance. Is this the sign of things to come because Infinity is launching in SA soon?

Christo and Tom Falkiner from The Sunday Times were at the local launch of the new hipster kid on the block, the MINI Roadster. Good or bad, you’ll have to take a listen to find out of the premium MINI charges for the roadster with less spec than the conventional convertible is worth it?  Click here for a link to the MINI Roadster Microsite Click on the image below to view a full gallery of 90 images.

Christo also got to spend a couple of hours with the latest Nissan GTR. Having just acquired one of his hero cars, the GTR is another so we find out if he was disappointed or impressed. 

Finally we review the MINI Cooper S Countryman. Definitely polarising. Which side do you sit on?

Episode 157 download 

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We’re 12 weeks into 2012 and at least 155 weeks into ZA Car Show. There is some exciting news to come in a few weeks, but until then, if you live in Johannesburg, South Africa and have still not signed up to take part in the ZA Car Show Petrolhead Quiz on 27 March, then you should do so now by clicking on these black-coloured words. The evening promises to be fun-filled and there are some nice prizes in store (hopefully for everyone). You have a 1 in 20 chance of winning something and in anyone’s book those are good odds.

John Beale, Christo van Gemert, Patrick Gearing and Trevor van de Ven debate the merits of owning a little Italian scorpion; discuss the launch of BMW’s new 3-Series; get Trevor excited about a hyper-efficient diesel VW and Christo continues to rub in the fact that he’s going to Le Mans this year.

You can also find out about Tracker in the UK that is going social to find stolen vehicles and decide whether you agree with the choice for the SA Guild of Motoring Journalist’s Car of The Year for 2012.

100km on less than 1 litre of petrol is what the VW XL1 concept promises. It has been caught testing so the concept is very likely to become a reality.

If the camera angles look funny, it is probably because this is a very unconventional racecar prototype called the Deltawing. It’s will race at LeMans this year without classification but is expected to match the times and speeds of LMP1 and LMP2 machines. It is powered by a 1.6 turbo  producing 224kW.

Here’s what it looks like.

The Nissan Deltawing looks more ‘Bonneville Salt Flats racer’ than Audi’s R18 which it will compete against. Audi has already clocked up its first win in its new R18 at Sebring.

BMW has launched the 3-series in South Africa. Christo attended the launch and shares his initial driving impressions. Click on the image to view a complete gallery of images (you will be redirected away from this website).

Finally, we review the Abarth 500 Esse Esse, a surprising little machine that constantly dials up the smiles.  Click on the image to see a gallery.

Episode 155 download 

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Audio stream – Download audio file (zacs152.mp3)
We like to think of our friend Thomas Falkiner (@WheelDealBlog) as a celebrity. At first it was just the playboy lifestyle of his with a Porche 944 in the garage and a Mustang fastback for the track that had us convinced he’s worthy of a petrol head hall-of-fame entry. But he’s just returned from the Top Gear test track, also known as the Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, UK, where he drove the McLaren MP4-12C and how many of you can claim to know someone who has done such a thing? Tom then, is our star in an unreasonably priced car. Is McLaren on your all-time lust list? Well, you can find out more about it from Tom on this episode, in the mean time, here’s a video from of Thomas’ experience. He’s quicker than a Kia C’eed, but is he as quick as the other celebs, watch to find out.

These ‘leaked reveals’ whether by accident or intentional, ahead of international motor shows, are getting a little tiresome, but they do offer us great content sometimes as we found this week with the first pictures of the Range Rover Evoque Converitble, good or bad idea we’d like to know what you think? We don’t have a problem telling you what we think.

Click on the image to see a gallery of this car. If you're streaming the show, right click and select "Open in new window/tab"

This is the best view. Don't go around the front, it's very much an acquired taste.

We obviously picked the picture that shows off its least flattering angle, just to keep the rerpoting real here. We didn't get to drive it so me might as well judge it on its looks.

We won't be getting Imprezas anymore, but we will get this, the raised body, Impreza crossover at an eye-watering R329 000. The previous version sold out and didn't look as good so despite the price, this might just fly.

This week we review the 2012 VW Jetta. The model we had on test was the 118kW 1.4 TSI Comfortline, but we decide rather whether there is a better VW Jetta for the price.

At ZA Car Show we don't just drive a Jetta and tell what it's like, we drive the old one to tell you whether it is that much better than the old one so you know whether you need to change your car now, or not. How's that for service?

Episode 152 download 

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When the doors of the 82nd Geneva International Motorshow slide open, the eyes of the world’s motoring press will be glued to the many concept vehicles that will be on display. With nothing major in the pipeline from what it’s alluded to, BMW will draw the masses with what is the first petrol engined variant of its M Performance range, the BMW M135i and judging by the pictures the crowds will come.

This is the first F20 BMW 1 -Series that teases to the fact that there is going to be a performance variant, even if it is in hatchback form, but also shows for the first time, a three-door variant of the F20. Previously more performance orientated models like the 135i and 1-Series M Coupe were exclusively available in a coupe (E82) body style.

The German manufacturer renowned for making the most accesible driver focussed machines makes use of its extensive technical proficiency gained in developing the haloed M-cars. Going beyond styling kits and rock-hard suspension, M Performance variants that have been shown to-date have  taken some of the sport tuning and M division technology and married it with its more mainstream models X5, X6 and 5-series. Significantly, these all all-wheel-drive and diesel-engined, the two things that this 1-series departs from.

The M135i employs a straight six-cylinder petrol engine featuring M Performance Twin Power Turbo technology with a power output of around 223kW+ (300 hp) that BMW says creates the ideal prerequisites for maximum dynamics in the premium compact segment and, in conjunction with rear-wheel drive ensures unsurpassed driving pleasure so typical of a BMW. We can’t fault them there.

The M135i sports model-specific suspension technology that includes an M sports braking system and is perfectly adapted to match its on-road performance complemented by 18″ M light alloy wheels.

It breathes easier and dissipates the heat under the bonnet more efficiently through its larger air intakes also featuring some funky flaps pulled from BMW’s racing heritage to help with cooling in other areas like the engine’s ancillaries and brakes. Meanwhile at the rear a double tailpipe gives the secret away that this is not just a 116i with a an M-sport pack.

Remembering this is just a concept we can’t help but realise that its engine hasn’t really differed in output from the current 135i and considering the pricing of current 1-series models available in South Africa that if this does, in fact, become available, it will likely cost more than the sold out 1 Series M-Coupe and will it be worth it?

BMW’s M3 is the car that started this whole sports sedan genre. The Audi RS4, various fast, small Mercs, the Lexus IS-F, and a bunch of contenders – all of these owe their existence to the M3.

The M3 started out as a homologation special. BMW wanted to take its 3-series racing and needed some cars with motorsports bits. M (for motorsport) division whipped up a few cars overnight and boom, the E30 M3 was born. Rear wheel drive, limited-slip diff, high-revving naturally aspirated motor, excellent dynamics and uncompromised driver-focussed design. A simple recipe that has led to great success.

So, here. Have some photos of the one of most practical all-round performance cars – and one we love to bits.

Audio stream – Download audio file (zacs150.mp3)

In this week’s episode, with Trevor on the launch of the new Fiat Punto, Patrick and Christo get to talk all about performancecars. And rallies. Fun stuff, basically.

BMW’s unveiled press photos and information on the new M6 coupé and convertible, both of which will be coming to local shores later this year. The new grand tourer shares an engine with the M5 – the 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo M-power engine. 412kW, 680Nm, 7sp dual clutch transmission. But possibly missing the point a bit, as Patrick says, because the M5 is far more subtle with its wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing appeal.

Click through for a gallery of more photos!

The TT-RS gets a power hike, because it wasn’t quite rapid enough to start with. The 15kW and 15Nm increase (for a total of 265kW and 465Nm) makes it slightly quicker in a straight line, bringing the 0-100 sprint down to 4.1 seconds in the 7sp S-tronic variant. Audi’s no stranger to these “Plus” models, having offered something similar with the older turbo V8 RS6 Plus.

It's a regular TT-RS, with a bit more power. And badass wheels.

The highly anticipated Subaru and Toyota collaboration will finally see the two cars hit showrooms this year. Toyota’s 86 has already been shown off and driven, but Subaru’s BRZ will have its official unveiling at the Geneva motor show in March

It keeps the blue paint, but the gold wheels are a 90s relic, it seems. Pity.

Meanwhile, Car Magazine’s Hannes Oosthuizen was privy to a private viewing of the Toyota 86. We weren’t invited, but can share what Mr. Oosthuizen had to say. The car will be sold sans GT badging in SA – simply 86 for us – and Toyota will offer a bunch of extras, including TRD bits, body kits and Brembo brake packages. Hannes says that a good guess for pricing would put it at about R320 000… The Golf GTI is sort of the benchmark for 200hp fun cars, and it costs R340 000, while that other, oft-forgotten Japanese rear-wheel drive sports car, the MX5, now retails for an eye-watering R356 000.

It looks pretty hot with this bodykit - click through for the full article on Car's site.

Our very own Trevor van de Ven attended the local launch of the 2012 Fiat Punto. New engines, spec levels and technology are available for the tiny Italian, bringing it right into “class leader” territory, as well as being excellent value for money. Pricing starts at R130 000 and tops out at R209 000 for the Abarth-engined lounge spec – click here for his launch drive impressions, along with more info.

For those who need a not-quite Voyager, the Dodge Journey’s received a slight facelift which is mostly just an engine update. Both SXT and R/T variants of the American people carrier are now available with the fantastic Pentastar V6 producing 210kW.

210kW means you should probably move over when you see this in the rear view mirror.

Chevrolet’s iconic Trailblazer badge will come to SA later this year when it brings the small-by-American-standards SUV to local shores. Here’s an artsy pic of what one will look like if you walk with a bad limp.

We're promised the whole car will make it to South Africa.

Finally, there’s the new Kia Sedona. The headline change here is the move from a 2.9-litre turbodiesel engine to a smaller and far more efficient 2.2-litre turbodiesel mill – the same one used in the Hyundai Santa Fe. It produces 143kw and 436Nm, which is plenty for lugging around the whole family, some friends, and a trailer with loads of luggage. Other toys include a 6-disc CD player, USB ports, and electric tailgate. Prices start at R420 000, which includes a 50-year/100 000km maintenance and warranty plan.

Somebody else said this is the poor man's Chrysler Voyager. But it's actually rather nice.

Episode 150 download 

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Drifting, like Facebook, in eight years has taken the world by storm. This storm is blowing into South Africa very uncharacteristically from the north and east and as posters with pig ears of Ferrari F430s and Bam Magera fall off kids’ walls from the drying prestick, they are being replaced by posters of Vaughn Gittin Jr, Rhys Millen, Ken Block, and extreme sports legends like Travis Pastrana, Brian Deegan and Rob Dyrdek to name only a few.  That is why we’re joined by Jim McFarlane from XS Promotions in Episode 149. XS Promotions has long been in the lead when it has come to extreme sports promotion and event organisation not least of which is the SuperDrift series in South Africa Atomic Junkies shows which wil be taking place in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg this year.

So if you’re keen on the drift scene, want to find out what it involves, what car you should consider if you’re just starting out, or how much money you should put side for tyres, take a listen. Take a listen. Do it now.  John, Trevor and Christo have a great chat with Jim who clearly has a passion for getting your blood racing faster than an Nissan GTR through turn two at Zwartkops Raceway and in our books, that’s brilliant.

In this show we cover some news like the Ferrari Formula One team’s gifts of appreciation, a Fat Pig of a Jeep each - you can read about it by clicking here. No wonder Flippie and Fern are unimpressed.

If pictures could tell a thousand words and you see the disappointment on the Team Scuderia Ferrari’s faces then we wish we had a camera to show you what Christo looks like when he recounts the South African launch of the BMW (F10) M5, we’ve never seen him smile that much.

In other news we talk briefly about the Chevrolet Sonic Diesel — a new entrant in a segment with very few diesel offerings and the Kuga, and no, we’re not talking about older women who are after younger guys, we’re talking about the Ford.

Look we're as muscular (or fat) as our Jeeps

We have yet to test the Chevrolet Sonic but on paper the new 1.3 diesel seems to offer the best small-diesel package. Click on the picture to view the gallery.

This new M5 packs some serious heat; like bazooka to a pistol-fight heat. Click on the image for some more pictures of that car that Christo drive in Port Elizabeth.

The BMW M5 also makes great sounds, sounds that you might want to use as a ring tone, and you can find them right here if you click these slanty words…

This is Mikey from XS Promotions, Jim's business partner. They like to do this...

...forget about ZA Car Show's Sideways Saturdays Mikey and Jim do this for a living and if their passion for the sport while talking with us is anything to go by, then drifting is set to become something great in SA, just like it is around the world. Click on the image to view a XS Promotions' SuperDrift gallery on Flickr.

Doriftuuuu....

Episode 149 download 

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The weekend of 28 and 29 January 2012 was black. South Africa lost two talented motorsports men in unrelated incidents, to the families of Curt Alchin and Wim Pretorius, ZA Car gives its condolences.

Despite the news items, ZA Car Show isn’t sponsored by BMW or MINI, it just appears that they have the most to talk about at the moment. On that front, MINI officially announced the MINI Roadster — a convertible based on a hard top that was based on a convertible, the MINI Coupe — and it also alludes to JCW becoming a stand alone sub-brand like the recently announced BMW M-Performance range. We discuss.

The silver slats in the kidney grills give the car a 'cleaner' appearance if that makes sense? Either way, it emits less toxins, produces V8-like power and consumes fuel like a diesel. For more images (around 70 in total) click on the image to be redirected to our gallery. To view in a new tab (if you're streaming the show at the moment) right click and select 'open in new tab/window.

Christo is going to LeMans this year, that is the commitment to motoring that we have here at ZA Car Show,  and no he’s not getting sent there by a manufacturer so to the South African motoring journalists who read this, you don’t need to hound manufacturers to find out why you never got invited. He, however, was sad to see the departure of Peugeot from the LM1 class which would have left it a one-horse race. It’s also good to see that Toyota is regaining its motorsport ‘mojo’ with the announcement of the Toyota’s LM1 racer, the TS030. It will be a 3.4l V8 Hybrid. This is important becuase we cover another perfomance hybrid in the form of the BMW 5-series Active Hybrid. It’s no tree hugging hybrid like the Prius, but rather a performance hybrid that delivers diesel car-like consumption, very low emissions, and performance equal that of a V8. It doesn’t look like ‘hairy arm pit’ hippie car either, which is what tends to be the perception with the term hybrid.

Toyota will return to Le Mans with the LM1 contender, the Toyota TS030. Click on the image to be redirected to the gallery.

In other news Audi’s extremely beautiful A5 has had a nip here and tuck there and come off looking even better. It’s like taking giving Naomi Campbell or George Clooney (see we keep it relevant for everyone here) a slight make over — the blank canvas is already good so it can only get better, right?

Handsome, very handsome. It's the facelifted A5 and it is finally in SA. Click on the image to view the gallery.

Finally we wrap up the show with the ZA Car Show road test. This week it’s the Audi A6 3.0t, which is actually supercharged not turbo’d. Good car, bad car? We’re torn a little bit between good and boring, but you’ll have to listen to the show to find out why. Enjoy.

We cannot fault its looks nor the way it is built, but in creating something that is so competent Audi has removed any sort of soul, granted the words 'soul' and 'Audi' are rarely used in the same sentence in any event.

Episode 148 hi-fi download (22MB) 

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