1980 heralded in an exciting era for the motor car. For most of us listening to ZACS, its the era of motoring that we grew up with. 2010, 30 years later, is no less exciting. This week we discuss the Gautrain, new technology from BMW and the leaking of the new Volkwagen Jetta images.

Have a quick dose of boring. Sure to stir the greys just a little.

We also review the BMW 530d GT and discuss the cars that changed the motoring landscape for 1980′s. Trevor van de Ven, of course, chose the most sensible option while the rest battled it out with mediocre to rubbish cars.

Google's clever street view technology is enabled by these clever Toyota Prius Hybrids

Episode 80 hi-fi download (28MB)
Episode 80 lo-fi download (16MB)

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Show notes and links after the jump.

The Gautrain, how will it transform the motoring landscape in South Africa.

BMW develops and showcases MicroNavigation – a technology which just wowed Tuck and Gearbox so that they were speechless for half the show checking out Google Maps which recently launched Street View in South Africa.  [Via AutoBlog and BMW]

Secret Jetta VI pics leaked to the motoring press. Looks like a Polo/AudiA4 mixture [via Autoblog]

2011 VW Jetta

VW announces new engines for its local Jetta V lineup

Hyundai looks set to launch an i30-based MPV – probably to replace the horridly named TraJet [via: World Car Fans]

Range Rover plumps the new diesel engines from the Land Rover Discovery into its Bag-Daddy Vogue [via: World Car Fans]

Driven: BMW 530d GT

The team is down to two people this week, with Christo watching some Afrikaans rap star while Tuck works on a race car for the weekend of historics (or is that hysterics?) racing. Patrick Gearing and Trevor van de Ven, man the mics and mixing desk to bring you the one of the leanest ZACS episodes in a long time.

In this episode we talk about the South African launch of the Alfa MiTo MultiAir-engined models as well as the introduction of a new roadster from Nissan, the 370Z. Most notably, however is the review by Trevor on the Hyundai i30, a car which can [and should] change the motoring landscape of South Africa.

Episode 71 hi-fi download (28MB)
Episode 71 lo-fi download (16MB)

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Show notes and links after the jump.

New Jeep Grand Cherokee breaks cover in the US [link to the US microsite]

South Africa sees the introduction of the Nissan 370Z Convertible

Local launch: Alfa Mito Quadrifoglio Verde and Multiair [via: Times Live]

Spot the difference, er yes, the press car didn't have any options so you can't.

Driven: Hyundai i30

Pretty, but a bit bland

The design is distinctly European

So cushy in here, it's like being in bed

Just in case you thought the R8 was for poseurs, Autoblog shows us the GT

Volvos definitely ARE sexy these days

Episode 74 hi-fi download (28MB)
Episode 74 lo-fi download (16MB)

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Show notes and links after the jump.

The Audi R8 GT throws down its soft leather driving gloves in favour of a gauntlet. [Via Autoblog]

Nissan should be quivering with the new VW Amarok on the horizon; it will be revealed at an agricultural show, the NAMPO Harvest Day soon. Farmers, get out your cheque books…

Fiat Punto 1.2 – Budget gets sexy too

Probably the best 'cheap' car on sale in South Africa today...

The Ranger Wildtrak brings added style and exclusivity to the already popular line-up of Ford Ranger models.

New Cars: Hyundai IX35 – flip it and this is what you might see. Certainly is a sexi car.

Sex! or Sexi - you decide.

Driven: Volvo C30 1.6

Click here for specs

…and here for more pics

Slowly getting back into the groove, after a short absence from the internet airwaves, the three-strong ZACS team congregates once again to bring you the latest motoring news and history. The new and the old, all in one podcast. Where else can you get quality programming like this?

Before we start with this week’s show notes, let us first CONGRATULATE our fine co-host, Trevor van de Ven, on becoming a dad. Again. His son joined the family last week and Trevor has used this as an excuse for not featuring the latest episode of your favourite motoring podcast.

In his absence, we’ve discussed things as exciting as the new Mercedes Benz E-class estate and as dreary as the Lexus LFA, which will be making its debut as a production race car in the 24-hours of Nürburgring endurance race.

Lexus LFA at the 'Ring

Also featured in episode 69 are a duo of Japanese sports cars, in the cars of the episode’s year (1969), the actual Car of the Year winner, and Fiat’s new additions to the 500 model range.

Episode 69 hi-fi download (21MB)
Episode 69 lo-fi download (11MB)

Oh and HEY! Why haven’t you mailed us? Or started following us on Twitter? Remember – ZACS loves you. Without our loyal listeners, and their feedback, we’d be nothing. Tell your friends, ask us questions, share the podcast, go hog wild.
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More links, pics and words after the jump!

Fiat has added the 500 Cabriolet and 500 Sport MTA to its stable. After reviewing pricing on the 500 range (an entry-level 500 can be had for just under R136 000, rather than the R150 000 it was before) the Italian auto maker has added two exciting, fully-packed 500s to the model lineup. The Sport MTA has an automatically-actuated manual transmission, while the Cabrio has an electrically operated fabric roof that can be used at speeds of up to 60km/h. Pricing for both new models is competitive at R197 600.

Hyundai has launched the i30 – it’s competitor for the segment dominated by the VW Golf. Available with either a 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre engine, the i30 has fresh, but conservative, styling. Ride is comfortable, highway cruising is relaxed and spec levels are surprisingly good – USB connectivity for iPods, airbags and safety features galore. Pricing starts at R189 900 for the i30 1.6 and R229 900 for the i30 2.0.

At the Wesbank South African Car of the Year banquet, mid March, the 2009 Car of the Year was unveiled. To much fanfare, but little surprise, the Volkswagen Golf Mk6 1.4TSI took home the honours. One lucky winner also got to take the Golf home for a whole year, complete with petrol and insurance bills covered. While some would have liked the Alfa Romeo MiTo to have won, the Volkswagen is definitely a worthy titleholder. Interestingly, it’s also the first time in the model’s 35-year history that it has been awarded the honour (in South Africa).

For those who want a little more E-class for their money, Mercedes Benz has launched the E-class estate. Available with most of the engines as offered in the sedan (save for the hot, V8-equipped E63 AMG), the new wagon doesn’t really leave us wanting more. Perhaps a bit too refined and luxurious to be a Q-car, like the Audi RS4 Avant, BMW M5 Touring, Honda Accord Tourer and Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon. Pricing starts at R507 000 for the E200 CGI and ranges all the way to R833 000 for the E500.

A lucky group of students at the University of Cologne were given a Ford Focus RS, by Ford, to prepare for racing. The race? Well, 24 hours of the Nürburgring. Let’s hope they actually do go race it, instead of hooning around the parking lot at Cologne McDonalds.

Honda has released some interesting figures for its CR-Z sporty hybrid hatch. Apparently 10 000 orders have been placed, thus far, for the spiritual successor to the CR-X. Of those, 50% are customers new to the brand, and 4 000 units have been ordered with a manual transmission – which really confuses our hybrid advisor, Patrick Gearing.

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

BMW 5 Series Preview

Continuing to bring you news from the industry horses’ mouths, this week the team hosts Stanley Anderson, Marketing Director for Hyundai South Africa. In between correcting Trevor van de Ven on the pronunciation [Sunday, Monday...Hunday], Stanley gives the team insight into the new models, product plans and strategy that has assisted the brand move from just another cheaper Korean alternative to a serious sector contender in most cases.

Direct file download (20MB)

Show notes, links to news stories , video [BMW 5 Series Preview] and pictures after the jump

BMW  5 Series sneak peak – The model will officially be unveiled to the world’s media via a webcast soon.

Ford’s inflatable seat belts [Via: Autoblog.com]

Renault revives the Gordini brand [via: Renault]

Renault Gordini – Click here for video if the one below doesn’t load.

Volvo reveals the new S60

South Africa says goodbye to the Fiat Palio

Mercedes-Benz launches its all powerful super saloon, the E63 AMG in South Africa

Driven: Nissan GTR – Christo’s new love interest

An intimidating view

International news dominates with many new vehicles breaking cover ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show. If you are in the market for a new car for around R400 000 (BMW 325 money) then you have to listen to review of the Chevy Lumina SS.

For more images, links to news stories and other show notes, please click on the tiny ‘more’ below

Direct file download (25MB)

MINI Coupe [via CNet Car Tech]

Looks like Chip Foose got a hold if a MINI

Maserati GranCabrio [via Maserati]

Probably one of the sexiest drop-tops

Hyundai IX35 [via Autoblog]

Volkswagen Gol-based bakkie – Saveiro [via Carscoop and Carblog]

Sadly not headed to SA, but would make a worthy replacement for the Caddy

Chevrolet reveals its pricing for the upcoming Cruz

Like the Lumina, another good looking Chevrolet

A very modern interior a-la-Ford Fiesta

Facelift for the Ford Ranger

The Ranger has lost it's "butchness"; looks more like the Mazda BT-50 again

The business end

Not much has changed in here

New Kia Cerato spotted in SA

Chevrolet Lumina SS

This is a 7-series sized car for 3-series money

Show notes

• North American International Auto Show 2009 – The Detroit Auto Show launches more models than ever before. More of the same is what it really was.
• Chrysler 200C EV
• Dodge Circuit ENVI – can you say Lotus
• Chrysler Voyager EV
• Jeep Wrangler EV
• Lexus HS250h
• VW Concept Bluesport
• And many more… for more news go here and here [thanks IOL Motoring and Road & Track]
• Alfa Romeo’s CEO resigns
• You bought the wrong car…what makes it wrong? This debate can carry on for pages, what do you think makes cars “right” or “wrong”?
• Test Driven: Hyundai i10 1.2 High-Spec
• Test Driven: Kia Pro_Ceed
• Win a TomTom One V4 GPS.

This week the ZACS team tackle the European Car of the Year, have a look at the vehicles eligible for South African of the year and discuss GM’s fate – the American auto-builder is looking for a bailout from the US government.

In this episiode:

• Chrysler South Africa offers Flex-Fuel vehicles with the 2009 Dodge Journey 2.7 V6.
• European Car of the Year 2009, these are the nominees: Alfa Romeo MiTo, Citroën C5, Ford Fiesta, Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, Renault Mégane, Škoda Superb, Volkswagen Golf.
• And the cars that didn’t make it: Audi A4, Audi Q5, BMW X6, BMW 7 Series, Chevrolet HHR, Chrysler Grand Voyager, Citroen Berlingo/Peugeot Partner, Citroen Nemo/Fiat Fiorino/Peugeot Bipper, Dacia Sandero, Dodge Journey, Ford Kuga, Honda Accord, Honda Jazz, Hyundai i10, Hyundai i800, Jaguar XF, Jeep Cherokee, Lancia Delta, Mazda6, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Murano, Opel Agila/Suzuki Splash, Renault Kangoo, Renault Koleos, Seat Ibiza, Subaru Forester, Toyota Land Cruiser 200, Volkswagen Scirocco, Volvo XC60
• South African Car of the Year speculation: ZACS guesss which might be the picks from local manufacturers, hedges bets and will check when the announcement is made 28 November 2008.
• General Motors Deathwatch – with a request to the US Government for a financial bail-out, what will happen to porfitable regions like that in which South Africa finds itself.

And more…

Direct file download (23MB) ]]> http://www.zacar.co.za/za-car-show-episode-14/feed 2 http://www.zacar.co.za/za-car-show-jims-special-day-2 http://www.zacar.co.za/za-car-show-jims-special-day-2#comments Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:30:27 +0000 christo http://www.zacar.co.za/?p=88 The ZACS team report back on all the happenings, unveilings and news on the second day of the Johannesburg International Motor Show.

Stands were visited, and here’s what they saw:

• Cadillac Provoque
• Chevrolet Beat
• Chevrolet Trax
• Chevrolet Orlando
• Chevrolet Camaro
• Chevrolet Corvette Z06
• Honda Civic Type-R
• Honda Jazz
• Honda Accord Tourer
• Fiat Linea
• Land Rover Defender SVX
• Range Rover Autobiography
• Ford Fiesta
• Ford Focus
• Ford Ranger
• Mazda 2
• Mazda 6
• GWM Peri
• GWM Hover Limo
• Toyota Yaris TS
• Subaru 
• Hyundai i10
• Hyundai i20
• Kia Soul
• Kia pro_cee’d
• Tata Indica Vista
• Proton Satria Neo turbo
• Bentley Speed
• Maserati
• Lotus
• Ferrari