ZA Car

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.

Welcome to the 49th recording of the ZA Car Show. This is a very full week packed with international and, of  course, breaking local news news. We suspect if manufacturers actually launched cars at auto shows instead of  leaking pictures on the ‘net, half of the sparkle will not be lost at the actual events.

Jeep kindly gave ZACS a Jeep J8 for a bit of a comparative test…with a Suzuki Jimny, we’re still trying to work out of we are surprised about the Jimny or the Jeep  both of which equally thrilled when thrown into ridiculous off-road situations.

Jeep J8 and some of its siblings.

For more show notes, pictures of the Suzuki and Jeep excursion and other interesting news  clickerize ‘more’ under this post.

Direct file download (31.6MB)

Read more…

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.

What an interesting week. At ZA Car Show we cater for everyone – how else are you supposed to make an informed purchasing decision? In one week the ZACS team experienced one of the most raw, fun cars complete with a 6.1 Litre V8 HEMI engine and at the same time the two entry level 1.6 litre four-pots from Renault; the Sandero and Logan.

The motor industry also celebrated a significant milestone, hybrid and electric vehicles and some Chinese investments.

The union of Autos has hit the ton.

Underrated, crazy power.

Underpowered, overrated.

Direct file download (27.2MB)

More pictures, news and show notes after the jump.

Read more…

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.

We are not entirely convinced that manufacturers ever plan on a global unveiling anymore because it seems every new model is leaked well before the official launch. It’s no different this week with at least three new models revealing what lies beneath the duct tape and dustbin bags.

Good homage to the original 300SL, not entirely sold on the design yet

Have you ever considered an MPV? It might seem like a strange question, but one that is rarely anwered in motoring magazines. They have their place and we have out reviewer: Tuck – sometimes race car driver, sometimes race consultant, “just like Schumi.” All we know is that for an unmarried man with one kid he has an unusual fetich for MPVs. He reviews the Chrysler Voyager while the rest of the team  share their opinions on the motoring industry, new Hybrids, dodgy Italians and frisky Fords.

Tuck loves vans, we love him for that. Otherwise who else would review it?

Show notes and more pictures of the cars and links to the news after the jump

Direct file download (29.9MB)

Read more…

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.

The second instalment of motoring tomfoolery for the year has the team covering a lot of news form the global motoring industry. From the law and legislation on to mergers and aquistions – this is not a financial business show just more of the same opinion from Christo, Patrick and the Trevors.

In this episode we discuss:

• Fiat has announced that it would like a 35% stake in Chrysler – what are the ramifications? Fiat 300C’s, Dodge Californias or Alfa Romeo RAMs?
• Ford announces its Powershift transmission – DSG for the non-jargonheads
• AMG expresses its interest in more environmentally friendly power antics. Can we expect Diesel or Electric AMGs?
• License plate legislation, the good, the bad and the short sighted…[via IOL Motoring]
• Car Insurance, the UK crushes unlicensed cars, South Africa puts them on the roads
• New Car Launch: FIAT Grande Punto T-Jet

A Very Good Looking Alternative a VW Polo

• Win a TomTom One V4 GPS: Details inside

And more…

Direct file download (24.6MB)

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.

We’re back on track coming at you with the great sounds of smooth soothing voices…who are we trying to kid? The regular team of Trevor Squared, Patrick Gearing and Christo van Gemert do a final wrapup of the show for 2008. There is a competition giveaway of a TomTom One V4 which we will detail in a separate post together with some really insightful banter.

In this episode we discuss:

• The US auto industry bailout plan, there is hope for Chrysler and GM or is there?
• Update: GM could be bankrupt within weeks
• Tesla the electric car people beg for dough
• Volvo announce plans for a micro-hybrid for 2011…while Ford enters discussions to sell the car brand to the Chinese
• Volkswagen Golf VI pricing for SA. Some good some bad, suddenly the Scirocco will be the pick for hot hatch fans
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class pictures leaked
   

   

  

  Concept: Beauty

•  
  

  Reality: Beige.Matches your hearing aid.

• Audi R8 V10 revealed. V10 Power sourced from the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, but why not a diesel V12?
• Formula one standardising engines, tender issued to Cosworth; is this the move that saves the A1 GP?
• Race of Champions 2008 this weekend 14 December, no not the breakfast of champions
• ZACS Challenge: Choose a hot/warm hatch for under R220 000
• And more…