Driven: Suzuki SX4

Today’s roads are becoming more and more congested as we speak, the influx of traffic is straining our road network and the surfaces, in South Africa at least, have enough pot holes to worry those even on foot. And don’t for one second say this is not true, because I have blown three Michelin’s in my Alfa GT and when I go on the breakfast run on my bike, I have memorized all the pot holes from Randburg to Hartees. If I don’t, I run the risk of riding into a pot hole and loosing a lot more than just a Michelin.

Perhaps because I m a biker and I posses 18 inch rims with the same structural integrity of a large block of cheddar, I have noticed the deteriorating condition of the roads more than the average driver. So what can we do to fix this problem? Spend an eternity on the phone to the local municipality? Well I know I don’t have enough air time for that, so might I recommend looking at what we drive?

Read more

KTM 690 Duke most fuel efficient bike in South Africa

Reg Gurnell, riding a KTM 690 Duke, finished first overall and first in class A (up to 700 cc) in the RFS Bike Econorun 2010. The KTM 690 Duke used a convincing 1.3 litres of fuel less than its closest rival. It was Gurnell’s fifth victory in the annual national motorcycle economy run in 10 years and his second win for KTM since 2008. In 2009 Gurnell finished second overall on a KTM 690 SMC.

Read more

Shoya Tomizawa passes away after tragic Moto2 accident

Tomizawa, the successful Moto2 rider has tragically passed away at 14:20 at the San Marino grand Prix in Italy today.

As he excited the corner at full speed his bike ran wide and he went onto the Astroturf . As he lost control and came off,  he was struck by two other riders, Alex De Angelis and Scott Redding. He was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but unfortunately passed away not too long after.

This is tragic news that has the racing fraternity in mourning, and reminds everyone of the extreme dangers of motorsport.

RIP Tomizawa.

Isle of Man TT

If you enjoy biking chances are that you are familiar with the Isle of Man TT held every year at the end of May.

During this time, the Isle of Man transforms its’ public roads into a race track, the oldest motorcycle race track in the world at that.

Riders and tourists from all over the globe flock to see the time trial styled event take place. Riders reach insane speeds on the street course, requiring intense focus and skill. The track is about 60 kilometers long and features over 200 bends with an elevation from sea level to 396 Meters. As riders accelerate through the course, the change in elevation throughout some areas cause’s the bike to wheelie, after which it comes crashing down.

Read more

Alfa Romeo Celebrates 100 years of motoring excellence with the new GT Limited Edition

In celebration of Alfa Romeo’s rich 100-year history during which more than 70 models have been created, the Italian company is pleased to welcome a very special version of the Alfa Romeo GT 3.2, aptly named the GT Limited Edition.

A fitting swan song for this iconic model, only 30 of these Bertone-designed masterpieces are destined for South Africa, each one branded with a number to mark its individuality.

Read more

BMW 1 series M Coupé revealed

The BMW 1 series M Coupé has finally been revealed well a portion of it has. This stylish monster is said to posses over 340 HP provided by a twin turbocharged inline 6 that is connected to a manual 6 speed gearbox. The 1 series M is also said to have to have a fancy differential at the rear wheels similar to the M3 that will provide excellent handling and grip.

We also love the multi spoke mags that are light, reducing unsprung weight and the 4 exhaust pipes let everyone behind you know that thats where they will be staying. thought the 135i was impressive?? haha.

Check out the video:

Indianapolis MotoGP qualifying

Jorge Lorenzo took his eleventh straight front row of the season in Indianapolis today to extend his spotless 2010 qualifying record, but it was a difficult day for his Fiat Yamaha team-mate Valentino Rossi as the World Champion slid out in the closing minutes of the session and will start from seventh.

Another hot day in Indiana brought about tricky conditions on the bumpy asphalt this afternoon, with surface temperatures in excess of 50 degrees during the session. Despite the hindrance Lorenzo looked in fine fettle and as the minutes ticked down he abandoned race set-up to concentrate on qualifying times, being rewarded soon after with provisional pole. However Tech 3 Yamaha rider Ben Spies had other ideas today and the Texan edged Lorenzo into second by two tenths. The Championship Leader will be sandwiched between two Americans when the lights go out tomorrow after Nicky Hayden qualified third.

Read more

Ben Spies joining factory Yamaha team for 2011

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd is delighted to announce that current Yamaha Tech 3 rider Ben Spies will move to the Factory Team for the 2011 MotoGP season.

The 26-year-old American, who won the World Superbike Championship with Yamaha in 2009, is enjoying an impressive first season in MotoGP. He is currently the leading rookie and the top satellite rider, lying seventh in the championship.

Read more

Yamaha’s Gutzeit and Moore are 2010 S.A. champs

Overall victory at the Grass Factory Eco Organics Brits National Off Road race has secured Full Throttle Yamaha rider Jade Gutzeit the National Off Road OR1 class Championship for 2010, with a race to spare. Gutzeit also has an unassailable points lead in the overall standings (non championship status but points are awarded to riders in the order they cross the finish line for each race, irrespective of class raced. This is then used for the race number allocation for next year.), meaning that Jade and his Yamaha will proudly carry the number 1 plate in 2011.

Read more

Bentley motors to launch 2 unique continental models for South Africa

Bentley Motors is ready to unveil two unique Continental models which have been engineered and designed exclusively for the South Africa market. These special edition cars will be created at Bentley’s Crewe headquarters with both models offering a range of striking features specially commissioned for African customers.

Bentley Motors has been established in South Africa since 2003 with partner Pearl Automotive and now has showrooms in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. Now two new models are to be launched specifically for this unique market.

Read more

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 3.8L Auto “Mountain Edition”

Chrysler South Africa has extended the best selling Jeep range by adding one special addition, namely, the Jeep Wrangler Mountain.  This derivative adds to the comprehensive range of Jeep product already available in South Africa.

Chrysler has now relaised that there is an untapped market for a more ‘accesorized’ wrangler.

The Jeep Wrangler Mountain Edition will be available in Mango Tango and Rescue Green exterior paint colours.

Pricing for this model is:  R339 900.

Read more

Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition

Two new derivatives from Mercedes Benz aim at the customer looking for a bit more exclusivity with their SLK or SL. Although only the design detailing differs from the standard model, I am sure this will be enough to turn heads. Or is it just a marketing scheme to steal your money? You decide. Here is the blurb from Mercedes:

“These exciting new additions to the model range will be offered in limited numbers.  These roadsters will give sporty drivers, who have a preference for individuality, the opportunity of exclusivity,” says Eckart Mayer, Divisional Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Masterpieces to dream of: the theme for the two new special editions of the Mercedes-Benz SL and SLK sports car series. The special designo magno night black paint finish specially developed exclusively for the SL Night Edition is particularly effective with the dramatic design of the SL. 19-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels in a two-tone, high-gloss finish, silver-painted front brake callipers with the Mercedes-Benz logo and darkened headlamps/tail lights accentuate the exclusive status of these special models. A badge on the front wings identifies the Night Edition.

Read more

Valentino Rossi leaving Yamaha at end of 2010 season

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. would like to announce that the partnership between Valentino Rossi and Yamaha will come to an end at the close of the season, when Valentino will move on to new challenges.

Yamaha and Valentino have enjoyed seven fantastic seasons of racing, during which time they have won four MotoGP World Championships together.

Read more

BMW SBK report: Silverstone

Here is the BMW report from the Silverstone World Superbike races held on Sunday, 01 August 2010.

Weather conditions: Overcast.

Temperature: Air: 19 – 24 °C, Track: 22 – 27 °C

Number of riders participating: 24 from 14 teams

Fastest lap Race 1: Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha Sterilgarda Team) 2:05.259 min

Fastest lap Race 2: Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha Sterilgarda Team) 2:05.421 min

Read more

New McLaren f1 2012

It has been confirmed that McLaren aims to produce a new F1 by 2012. Apparently the new version will be just as revolutionary as the first, with a focus on saving weight.

Unlike the MP4-12C, which has been criticized for unadventurous styling, the F1 will be ‘revolutionary’ according to McLaren insiders.

Some details; the car will have a carbon fibre monocoque and mid engined. And there might be ‘low emission’ solutions with regard to the powertrain. I hope this does not ruin what could be an amazing car, once again.

There are a total of 3 McLaren’s planed for the future, the existing MP4-12C, the new F1 and another that will be placed below the MP4-12C in the market.

Read more

Next Page »