witness wheels 12 march 2015

March 12, 2015

Witness

WHEELSKZN’S BEST READ ON BIKES, BUSES, CARS, TRUCKS … AND SERIOUSLY PRICEY BICYCLES

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First enduro sees hot and dusty racingKZN dirt bikers off to a healthy start with many new names to challenge the top riders

Just slide it in so: Underberg’s Bruce May (Team AgriSales Peak Yamaha) is now tied for the Senior Class lead after a victory and a second place at in last weekend’s Liquorland Creighton WFO National Enduro.PHOTO: MEGAN ELS

ELZA THIARTBOTES

MYDDLETON Dam area outside Creighton inKZN last weekend hosted SA’s top riders in thefirst two rounds of the Liquorland CreightonWFO National Enduro.

Hosted in sunny, but dusty conditions, theWFO Club sent the competitors around differentSpecial Stages over the two days, keeping all theriders guessing. KTM’s Travis Teasdale won theE1 for 200 cc bikes against 23 talented riders.

Behind Teasdale came Brett Swanepoel(Proudly Bidvest Yamaha) with two runnerupresults, while Brandon WarwickOliver (Liquorland Racing Yamaha) and Kyle Flanagan (IhobeInternational KTM) both claimed a third place

Flanagan finished fourth duringround one (Saturday, March 7), butWarwick Oliver suffered fromcramps resulting in him fallingback to sixth place on the secondday.

In the E2 Class, the defendingchamp, Wade Young (BrotherLeader Tread KTM), won afterwhat he described on Twitter as“a great weekend’s racing up inCreighton”.

Young, who has been competingin Europe since December, was visiting his home town in Paddockafter he couldn’t get a visa for theUK in time to compete in theTough One Extreme Enduro thatalso took place this past weekend.

Young’s teammate, Scott Bouverie, also made a welcome comeback after being injured since the middle of the2014 season.

Altus de Wet (Altus de Wet Racing Sherco)finished 20 points behind Bouverie on day oneand only 14 points behind him on day two. Afterthe race, De Wet tweeted to thank his crewman,Shaun Duckham, for keeping his bike running.

In the Senior Class championship chase, thesame three riders finished on the podium — theyjust swopped places after two days of close racing.

Jody Engelbrecht (Yamaha) celebrated his return to the national series with a victory on thefirst day and a second place on the second, whileBruce May (AgriSales Peak Yamaha Racing) fol

lowed his runnerup result up with a victory onthe second day.

Defending champ William “Wild Will” Gillitt,now also racing under the AgriSales Peak YamahaRacing banner, rounded off the podium on eachday — he was only 14 points behind Engelbrechton day two and 43 points behind his teammateon the first day.

The top 10 saw many new names this season,which set the scene for some exciting racing inthe Senior Class championship for the rest of theyear.

Both the Master Class and High School Classsaw double winners at the end of the weekend’sracing. Master Class newcomer Hilton Hayward(Proudly Bidvest Yamaha) scored a double

victory, as did the defending HighSchool Class champion EnduanBester (KTM Centurion LiquiMoly Racing).

Behind Hayward, his teammate, Denzil Torlage, and GarthProst (Husqvarna Factory Racing)both claimed a second and thirdplace result.

Bester opened his defence of histitle with two wins, but he will haveto keep an eye on his fellow pupilsas less than a minute (60 points)separated those on the podium.Daniel van Zyl (Yamaha) claimeda second and a third, while DeanLindsay (D&H Engineering WorksYamaha) was the runnerup on thefirst day and fourth on the secondday. The Silver Class Challenge podium looked the same after both

days with the young Matatiele pupil Lloyd Kirk(Pa Ma Racing Yamaha) claiming two victoriesfollowed by Reghardt van Nieuwenhuizen (KTM)and Oliver Santoro (KTM).

With two of the six rounds of the 2015 Liquorland National Enduro Championship now something of the past and the first valuable points inthe bag, competitors will have to plan carefullyfor the next two rounds that will take place inthe space of two weeks — the traditional KEI Enduro is back and will take place on April 18 inthe East London area in the Eastern Cape, whilethe La Mont National Enduro is happening onMay 2 at Ashton in the Western Cape.

THREE WAYS TO GETA SPARK P3

Wheeled events in KZN• 100s Riders preride social takes place at theVSCC on Oribi Road in Pietermaritzburg tomorrow evening from 6.30 pm for 7 pm.

Neville and Jean Henderson will host the club’sride to Blue Haze Country Lodge at the Wagendrift Dam near Estcourt, via Kamberg on Sunday,March 15, departing from the parking lot at KFC

on Chatterton Circle at 8 am, with a comfort stopand breakfast at at Nottingham Road Service Station at 10.30 am. Cost is R75 per person. Inquiries: Neville Henderson at 074 898 6248.• March 27 and 28: The revamped DonaldsonCross Country Championship starts the offroadracing season in Harrismith.

Wade Young enjoys the hot weather in SA.PHOTO: MEGAN ELS

2 WitnessWheels March 12, 2015 MOTORING

ALWYN VILJOEN

NATIONAL bus operators last weekrepeated the message they give eachyear at the annual Southern AfricanBus Operators Association conference, but for 2015 they added servicedelivery protests into the mix.

Addressing the operators ontransformation in the bus industry,costing expert Philip van Ryneveldwarned if bus operators did not getthe increased subsidies they need tocontinue supplying cheap and safetransport, the current average ofthree servicedelivery protests amonth in Gauteng could treble tonine.

Van Ryneveld said this patterncould repeat along bus routes everywhere in South Africa.

Earlier Deputy TransportMinister Sindisiwe Chikunga toldthe assembled operators South Africa’s public transport challengesare compounded by serious servicebacklogs “as a result of years of neglect and underinvestment” in public transport.

“A recent report by the Financialand Fiscal Commission (FFC) concluded that South Africa’s transportsystem problems are largely characterised, and should be acknowledged, as servicedelivery backlogs,” said Chikunga.

He said to address these backlogswill take a significant amount oftime and said “injection of fundsalone will not be adequate to solveour public transport problems”.

He said just throwing money atthe problem will not solve the backlogs as South Africa already subsidised about 60% of a bus ticketcompared to 30% or less in Europeand zero percent in most Africanstates.

He said the solution for SA’s public transport challenges goes beyond funding and includes issuessuch as spatial development planning, proper management andproper planning,” said Chikunga.

Lisa Seftel, former director oftransport in the City of Johannes

burg, said lack of clear leaders whocan get mandates, ongoing instability and lack of input from the taxiindustry can still take the wholepublic sector down.

Several bus operators complained during forum discussionsthat illegal taxi operators were“stealing” their clients away, whilethe ongoing planning showed nosigns of coming to an end.

UK Automobile Association’sbusiness development director Jason Vallint said this was a real concern, as the UK’s statistics showbuses to be much safer vehicles thanany other mode of road transport.

Van Ryneveld said the currentview by conventional bus operators,namely that rapid bus transportprogrammes will erode their business, must shift.

He said bus rapid transport withits gross contracting payment model is not feasible on South Africa’straditionally long bus routes, onwhich all the passengers typicallytravel to the same destination on return journeys.

Similarly, these long route operators would not survive in the shorterroutes of cities, which has a businessmodel that require passengers toconstantly get on and off the bus.

Head of KZN’s Department ofTransport Sibusiso Gumbi sent statistics that showed only five percentof bus routes were owned by by “Africans”.

Several operators from KZN challenged this statistic, saying KZNwas 100% transformed, with allpublic transport owned by peopleof African descent.

“Instead of worrying about BEE,our province should think aboutlowering the licence fees for heavycommercial vehicles.

“KZN’s licensing fees are thehighest in SA and where possible,all operators register their buses andtrucks in neighbouring province tosave tens of thousands a year,” saida bus operator, who asked to remainanonymous.• [email protected]

Seen at the bus conference held in Pretoria last week were Freda Cooper (second from left) with the Sekalis, who transport shoppers from the Eastern Free State to Gauteng, (from left) Joyce, Matshidiso, Lerato Sekali and Thabang Sekali.

PHOTO: ALWYN VILJOEN

ON March 5, 300 school children inUmvoti, KwaZuluNatal, becameproud recipients of Qhubeka Buffalo Bicycles, thanks to generous donations from the 50 Mile Ride eventorganisers and other supporterswho contributed towards Qhubeka’s #GiveHope campaign.

The bicycles were handed over aspart of the Bicycle EducationEmpowerment Programme (Beep)implemented by World VisionSouth Africa and Swiss counterpartWorld Vision Switzerland, inpartnership with Qhubeka (WorldBicycle Relief’s programme in SouthAfrica).

The aim of Beep is to helpchildren get to school faster andmore safely by providing them withbicycles, which reduces their commute time by up to 75%.

THE RECIPIENT SCHOOLS WERE:• Vikindlala Primary School;• Mgwempisi Primary and Secondary School;• Mashingizela Secondary School;• Mvoti School; and• Busana Secondary School

Children sign a twoyear studytoearn contract that requires themto improve their class attendance

and academic performance. At theend of the contract, the bicycles become their property.

A bicycle supervisory committeeis set up at each recipient school andis represented by teachers, pupilgoverning body members and parents.

The bicycle supervisory committee’s role is not only to select beneficiaries but also to enforce the twoyear servicetoown contract whichgoverns the use of the bicycle.

All this was explained to the children at the bicycledistribution ceremony held at Busana SecondarySchool. In attendance were parents,school staff and members of the local community who were there tocelebrate as the children enjoyedtheir first rides on the new bicycles.

THANKS TO DONORS AND FUNDRAISERSThe bicycles handed over were funded by generous Qhubekasupporters — 230 by the organisersof the 50 Mile Ride in southern California, U.S., 65 by people who contributed funds towards Qhubeka’s2014 yearend #GiveHope campaign, and five through individualswho raised funds or donated toQhubeka. — Copy supplied.

Schools get 5 300 new bicycles

Buses a vital govt serviceOperators warn servicedelivery protests will increase if cheap public transport fails to run

SMGA member of

March 12, 2015 WitnessWheels 3 MOTORING

The family man’s commuteBRIAN BASSETT experiences largesse after giving lifts in the Honda Ballade 1,5 Trend AutoDESIGNING a subcompact family saloon is not easy, as it needs to be allthings to all people.

So it will be goodlooking to stimulate pride of ownership, peppy so thatthe owner can feel like a racecar driveroccasionally, spacious to take the familyon holiday in comfort and toaccommodate all their luggage, as wellas economical, so that the school andoffice run can be undertaken withoutdestroying the monthly budget.

The Honda Ballade, which has beenaround since 1980 and is now in its fifthgeneration, is sold as just such a vehicleand I am grateful to Gary Stokes ofHonda Fury Pietermaritzburg for allowing me a few days with the vehicle tofind out whether this is, in fact, so.

StylingThe Ballade has quite a rakish feel toits design. The front end is aggressivewith a centrally mounted badge flankedby twin sets of dual headlights. In theElegance spec, the car also has a pairof fog lamps mounted low down on thefront end, which seems to round off theface of the vehicle.

The car has strong lines at the sidewhich gradually open to the rear,leading the eye naturally to the wraparound taillight clusters linked by achromed strip across the rear of thevehicle, above which is mounted theHonda badge.

The whole design is neatly andcleverly executed, and made me feelthat it had been given intellectual aswell as engineering consideration.

InteriorThe Honda name is synonymous withbuild quality and the Ballade is an example of this.

The plastics are robust and the seatsare covered with a quality cloth whichcan be cleaned easily. The doors arewide so that oldies like me can movein and out without any inconvenience.The seats at the front are fully adjustable, as is the steering wheel, so the driverwill not be uncomfortable.

I managed to round up threemembers of the iconic Fatpack whoaccompanied me on a pilgrimage toNotties and even paid for the beer

(although I was told not to expect thisagain for a while).

Everybody was impressed with therear space and, at the end of the run,much later in afternoon, we all agreedthat a journey to Johannesburg in thevehicle would be quite comfortable forfour adults. The luggage space is gener

ous at 536 litres and will easily carryyour family’s holiday clobber.

Buttons ready to handThe dashboard on the Trend spec Idrove is simple, with all dials beingplaced close together in front of thedriver.

There is no multifunction steering,wheel and controls are hand operated.However, everything is readily to handand, once I became used to them, theywere easy enough to manage.

The Trend also has Bluetooth and anEco button, which puts the vehicle intoa more fuelefficient mode, whichshould help get the passenger out of thefoul mood the Honda’s Bluetooth setup will put them in.

Another of the passengers, Wheelseditor Alwyn Viljoen, advises fellowLuddites who want to play music off adigital device to pack an auxcable andjust link direct.

Viljoen said any attempt to link a cellphone to any Honda requires readingthe manual, or you will earn a fail.

If you intend keeping the car for along while, you should look at the Elegance spec, which is around R25 000more, but offers everything from automatic transmission to front fog lights,multifunction leathercovered steeringwheel, touchscreen display, cruise control, rearview camera and paddleshift

gear selection — to mention but a few.

Safety and securityThe Ballade is equipped with the usualABS and EBD, as well as emergencybrake assist, vehicle stability assist, hillstart assist, and six front, side and curtain air bags, seat belts for all and a highmounted brake light at the rear.

The Ballad also has remote, keylessentry, auto speedsensitive locking andselective door opening. There is also analarm, as a last line of defence shouldanyone break in.

HandlingThe Ballade is a family sedan and I expected somewhat muted handling, butwas surprised by the fact that it is a livelycar, which responds well to fairly aggressive driving.

The engine is a 1,5litre IVtec, whichis available in fivespeed manual or sevenspeed automatic gearboxes.

The drive train delivers 88 kW ofpower and an impressive 145 Nm oftorque, so that power is always availableand driving on the N3 is no problem.

The car handles well in town and isa pleasure to park while shopping. Withsmaller engines, an automatic gearboxalways enhances driving pleasure and,if I were buying the car I would certainlyelect the auto box.

Fuel consumption is around seven litres per 100 kms, while 0100 km/h willtake you 12 seconds in the automaticand top speed is around 176 km/h, atwhich speed the car is quite stable. Not,of course, that I would ever drive at thatspeed.

Costs and the competitionThe entry level Ballade is aboutR200 000, while the 1,5 Elegance autowill cost you about R236 000.

Remember, there are special dealsoffered sometimes and you should consult the Internet before buying.

The car has a 100 000 km or threeyear manufacturer’s guarantee and afouryear or 60 000 km service plan.

This area of the market offers manychoices and you should also have a lookat the Volkswagen Polo, Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent and Toyota Corolla Quest,to name just the top sellers.

The luggage space in the Ballade is a generous 536 litres, enough to swallow all your family’s holiday clobber.PHOTO: QUICKPIC

Attempting to link a cellphone to any Honda without reading the manual will earn you a fail. In our book, only a GWM Steed 6 has a more obdurate system.PHOTO: ALWYN VILJOEN

New highlights in trusted OutlanderMitsubishi has given the Outlander ‘mild revisions’ for the 2015 model year. Highlights include Bluetooth with handsfree voice control, an electric tail gate, a rearview camera linked to rear parking sensors, a radioCDMP3USB audio system with a touchscreen interface and an onboard entertainment system for rear passengers, a keyless operating system, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an electric driver’s seat, dualzone automatic airconditioning system, cruise control, a multiinfo trip computer, automatic lights and rain sensors, an electric glass sun roof and 18inch alloy wheels. The new 2015 Outlander 2,4 GLS Exceed retails for R439 900, including VAT, with a threeyear or 100 000 km warranty and a fiveyear or 90 000 km service plan.PHOTO: QUICKPIC

Three ways to get a Chevrolet SparkAMIL UMRAW

LOOK up the Chevrolet Spark and thefirst thing you will see is how many carexperts rate this little hatch.

At Car magazine, the Spark is nowthe “Budget Car” for both 2014 and2015. Over in the U.S., the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety last year listed the Spark as the only subcompactcar to have passed its small overlap frontcrash test, which replicates what happens when the front corner of a vehiclecollides with an object at 64 km/h.

And having driven the lively little1,2litre engine with two other heftyblokes on board, I think the Spark Campus, which sells for R119 500, is not onlya good buy, but an excellent rental, andeven better, it will make a fantastic win.

For a chance to win a Spark, you canbuy as many raffle tickets as you likefrom the Msunduzi Hospice at any oftheir promotions — the next one is atthe Hayfields Mall this weekend.

The draw happens only later this year,but you can meanwhile rent a Sparkfrom Key Group in Pietermaritzburg fora R300 a day — 200 km included andthe lowest rates per kilometre thereafter.

Unlike other car rental companies,

Key’s price don’t go up if you are in ahurry for a set of wheels to make it tothat appointment with, for example,the Msunduzi Hospice in Pietermaritzburg on their volunteer day tomorrow,from 10 am to 11.30 am for new volunteers and from 3 pm to 4 pm for schools/community service.

Witness Wheels support theMsunduzi Hospice in its work and we

invite all readers who can work withcrafts; assist in the shops, help keep ourgardens beautiful; provide reception ortransport Hospice Daycare patients —among other activities — to attend theopen days.

The open day takes place at 200Zwartkop Road, Prestbury, and tea willbe served.

RSVP and inquiries: 033 344 1560.

Stand a chance to win a Chevrolet Spark 1,2 through Msunduzi Hospice.PHOTO: ALWYN VILJOEN/SCREEN GRAB


Diesel for the futureVW boss explains future impacts current issues will have on car builders VOLKSWAGEN is paying very close attention to the issues in the automotiveindustry that are already changing therole of the automobile.

These issues are electric cars, the digitalisation of vehicles, and the impactof social change on factories and retail.

Speaking on the eve of the GenevaInternational Motor Show, ProfessorDr Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, said VW’s“forwardlooking ‘Future Tracks’ programme is the umbrella for all of theseactivities”.

He pointed out that thanks to sensortechnology and connectivity, the groupalready has the largest networked fleetin the world on the road, adding thatthe automaker also has the world’s largest lowCO2 fleet, with the present lineup including 57 model variants that already meet the 95 gram target.

The company already offers the widest range of electromobility solutionsin the automotive industry as well, withnine electric vehicles and plugin hybrids.

Winterkorn said VW now employs46 000 researchers and developers aswell as over 10 000 IT experts, all of

whom are working on the mobility ofthe future such as alternative drive concepts or the digitalisation of vehiclesand factories.

“We are an innovation think tankthat develop technologies that pointthe way well into the future,” he said.

Winterkorn also reiterated that“Volkswagen is committed to its environmental goals”, commenting that thepresent low level of oil prices would notchange that: “Oil will not be as cheapas it is at the moment for ever. The CO2

limits apply irrespective of fuel prices.

And, more importantly, this is aboutour responsibility for protecting the climate.

“That is why our approach to drivediversity is the right one.”

With reference to the decision by theFrench government to outlaw diesel engines in Paris in the near future, Winterkorn stated that ever more efficient petrol and diesel engines are indispensable.

“Let me be very clear about onepoint: those who talk down diesel arejeopardising CO2 targets.”

He went on to say that the car manufacturer is positioning itself at the forefront of automotive change with its forwardlooking “Future Tracks” program. To remain a strong contender incompetition with Asia and the U.S.,Winterkorn called on industry in Europe to “show even more courage andeven greater innovative strength.

“But there is also a need for greateropenness and stronger backing frompolitics and society.”

Volkswagen invested €11,5 billion(R150 billion) in research and development last year, more than ever beforeand more than any other companyworldwide. — Witness Reporter.

CEO of Volkswagen Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn stresses all the talk about emissions is not just a lot of hot air, but will drive future car are designed from the wheels up.PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Oil maker also big on charityALWYN VILJOEN

WHILE launching its range of lubricating products in Johannesburglast week, German boss of Liqui Moly pledged R10 from every can of motorbike oil would go towards feedingchildren in South Africa.

This is on top of the R1 from eachpurchase of a Liqui Moly productthat already goes towards the company’s philanthropic programmesand local motor sport sponsorships.

Locally, Liqui Moly supports theLegends Series for 2015; female drifter Clare Vale; and rally championGuy Botterill; Super drift, the Enduron class in the Historic series; Franco Scribante and George Avocomides in the Historic series; Pablo ClarkRacing with Jaki Scheckter; theWCOC in Western Cape and numerous other teams and riders thatwill be announced at a later date.

There are now4 000 products inLiqui Moly’s lineup, ranging fromengine oils, additives as well as vehicle care and service products.

Modern engine oils are hightechand very specialised for certainmodels and certain engine types.Additives protect the engine andsave money in wear and tear, plusservicing and repairs. Vehicle careproducts preserve the value of thevehicle and service products assistwhen it comes to repairs

General manager in SA MeliciaLabuschagne said Liqui Moly hasthe right engine oil for every vehicleon the planet.

“On the local front we are the exclusive lube supplier to Subaru, Beta,Hyosung, and MV Augusta,” shesaid . “And even then there are differences; a manufacturer permitmeans that the oil fulfils certain minimum requirements. Liqui Molygoes beyond these minimum requirements and develops oils that,for example, have a higher cleaningperformance than is demanded bythe manufacturer.”

The company has a free app onits website to enable mechanics andprivate owners to choose the rightoil for their vehicle. More onwww.liquimoly.co.za.

Ernst Prost, MD and owner of Liqui Moly Worldwide.PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Liqui Moly’s GM in South Africa Melicia Labuschagne.PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Foton readies for the sauna that is SA’s SUV marketFOTON Auto South Africa is currentlyevaluating a medium to largesize SUVbased on its Tunland premium onetonpickup for possible introduction to thelocal market.

The SUV, which has been named Sauvana, was shown for the first time atthe Guangzhou Auto Show last year.

The Sauvana, which is Foton Auto’sfirst foray into the increasingly popularSUV market, is due to go on sale in China early this year and will then be rolledout to international markets.

Designed and developed under thecode name U201, the Sauvana is a bodyonframe design which offers rearwheel or allwheel drive options to seatfive or seven occupants, depending onthe model.

There is a choice of two turbocharged engines, a Cummins ISF diesel2,8 litre and a Euro V compliant, directinjection, petrol twolitre, with theavailability of five and sixspeed manual gearboxes or a sixspeed automatictransmission. No final decision hasbeen made on a power train if the Sauvana is launched in SA.

The diesel engine developed in a jointventure by Foton and Cummins whichis fitted to the Tunland range of vehicleshas proved to be strong and reliable andis performing exceptionally well interms of its durability. The Foton Sauvana SUV uses a twin wishbone independ

ent front suspension and a fivelinkcontrol system for the solid rear axle fora comfortable and stable ride.

Foton is clear with its intent of pro

ducing a luxury SUV and a decision isexpected soon as to whether or not theFoton Sauvana will be introduced to theSA market.

Foton vehicles are currently soldthrough 36 sales and service outlets inSouth Africa, backed by Imperial andBidvest. — Wheels Reporter.

Reading between the lines, Foton looks set to export its Sauvana to its 36 dealers in SA in the near future.PHOTO: SUPPLIED.

EVOQUE CONVERTIBLE BEING TESTED UNDERGROUND IN CROSSRAIL TUNNELSLAND Rover has confirmed the world’sfirst premium compact SUV convertible will go on sale in 2016 by releasinga unique underground testing film.

Forty metres below the streets ofLondon, UK, the first prototype of LandRover’s new Range Rover Evoque Convertible was granted exclusive access tothe 42 km network of Crossrail tunnelsfor a development test with a difference.Engineers were allowed the opportunity to drive the disguised EvoqueConvertible with its roof lowered incomplete privacy.

The short film begins with the highlycapable convertible being lowered into the tunnel network by crane, beforenegotiating a range of obstaclesthrough the 6,2 metre diameter tunnel.

Murray Dietsch, director of LandRover Programmes said: “The tunnelsare still under construction, so we hada unique opportunity to explore thevehicle’s allterrain ability in unchartedterritory.”

The Range Rover Evoque is nostranger to subterranean adventure. Atits launch in 2011 the fivedoor variantwas driven through Edge Hill Tunnel inLiverpool, UK — the first tunnel in theworld to be bored beneath a major city.

Land Rover will announce further details about its exclusive new premiumcompact SUV Convertible later thisyear. It will be built alongside the fivedoor and coupe Evoque at Land Rover’sHalewood plant in the UK and will beon sale in 2016. — Supplied.

Land Rover is making an underground movie with a disguised Evoque Convertible. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

BPAdv

ertising

How treating yourself to a brand New Volkswagencan treat you to savings all-year-round.

By Pieter from Maritzburg

The Bespoke Volkswagen Dealers at Barons Pietermaritzburg are known as such because theytailor deals on Volkswagens to suit your budget and needs – resulting in the best possible pricesall-year-round. The quality and reliability of Das Auto Engineering reduces maintenance costsall-year-round too. Then there’s a not-so-little-something called BlueMotion Technology; a uniquelyVolkswagen innovation that promotes fuel efficiency and economy – a benefit you will alsoexperience all-year-round.

So, here’s the kicker: If you want to actually SAVE money all-year-round, you should head to the

Bespoke Volkswagen Dealers at Barons Pietermaritzburg and treat yourself to a tailored deal ona brand new Volkswagen, complete with Das Auto Engineering and BlueMotion Technology. It’sthe treat that will keep on treating you to savings all-year-round!

Barons VW Pietermaritzburg can be found at 9 Armitage Road. They are committed to bringingyou quality cars and excellent service at the best possible prices ALL year round! To start huntingfor your dream vehicle, visit www.baronsvwpmb.co.za. And to book a test drive or service call(033) 845 3100. Open Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm, and Saturdays 8am – 1pm.

Barons Pietermaritzburg9 Armitage Road, Pietermaritzburg, 3201 • Tel: 033 845 3100

New Sales ConsultantsAlison Wiltshire – Sales Manager 082 783 8855 • John Brown – 082 645 4396

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Visit us on www.baronsvwpmb.co.za and find us on facebook.com/BaronsPietermaritzburg

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• 80-point mechanical check• 2-year / unlimited km warranty*• Vehicle History Integrity Check• Balance of VW Automation Plan• Professional Vehicle Reconditioning

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Polo Vivo2013 Polo Vivo Sedan 1.4 Trendline Tiptronic Silver R132 900 44 000 km2013 Polo Vivo 1.6 Trendline 5 Door Silver R139 900 40 000 km2014 Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline 5 Door Red R149 900 9 000 km2015 Polo Vivo 1.6 Comfortline Silver R159 900 1 500 km2015 Polo Vivo 1.6 Comfortline 5 Door White R159 900 1 000 km2015 Polo Vivo 1.6 Comfortline 5 Door White R169 900 1 000 kmPolo2013 Polo 1.4 Trendline 5 Door White R152 900 25 000 km2013 Polo 1.2 TDI BlueMotion 5 Door White R174 900 48 000 km2014 Polo GTI 1.4 DSG White R274 900 11 800 km2015 Polo Sedan 1.6 Comfortline Tiptronic Silver R249 000 1 400 km2015 Polo 1.2 TSI Comfortline Silver R229 000 1 000 km2015 Polo 1.2 TSI Highline Red R239 000 3 000 km2015 Polo 1.2 TSI Trendline White R185 900 900 kmGolf2012 Golf 6 GTI DSG Black R299 900 59 000 km2012 Golf GTI DSG White R298 900 66 000 km2015 Golf 7 2.0 TDI Highline DSG White R349 900 23 000 km2015 Golf 7 1.4 TSI Comfortline DSG Silver R319 900 3 500 kmAmarok2014 Amarok Double Cab DSG 132kW White R449 000 13 000 kmOther VW2010 Scirocco 2.0 TSI Silver R259 900 45 000 km2012 Jetta 2.0 TDI White R229 000 81 000 km2012 Jetta 1.4 TSI DSG Beige R279 000 58 000 km2014 Tiguan 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Grey R299 000 6 500 km2014 Passat 2.0 TDI DSG White R329 900 15 000 km2014 VW Transporter Single Cab TDI White R249 900 7 000 km2014 21st Century Beetle 1.2 TSI White R259 900 5 000 km2015 Touareg 3.0 TDI BlueMotion Tiptronic White R799 900 1 000 km2015 Tiguan 2.0 TDI Silver R339 000 5 000 kmOther2008 Opel Corsa Lite Sport Grey R69 900 94 000 km2010 Audi A3 1.8 TFSI Sportback Blue R169 900 88 000 km2011 Ford Bantam 1.6i XLT Grey R119 900 70 000 km2012 Mercedes Benz C180 White R245 000 42 000 km2012 Merdedes Benz C200 Avantgarde Silver R259 900 69 000 km2013 Ford Kuga 1.6 Ecoboost White R299 000 44 000 km2014 BMW 320D F30 Sportline White R379 000 20 000 km

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Golf TSI 77kW Trendlinefrom R3,505* per month

New Polo TSI 66kW Comfortlinefrom R2999* per month

The Golf TSI 77kW Trendline standard features include: The New Polo TSI 66kW Comfortline standard features include:- 77kW @ 5600rpm- 6-speed manual- Climatic air-conditioner- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Anti-Spin

Regulation (ASR)

- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)- ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) with Brake

Assist and EDL (Electronic Differential Lock)- 15” Lyon alloy wheels- Start-Stop with Brake Energy Recuperation

- Multi Collision Braking System- Hill-hold Assist- Electronic stability control (ESP) incl. ABS with

brake assistant, ASR, EDL and EDTC

- 15” Tosa alloy wheels- Electric mirrors- Alarm with ultrasonic interior monitoring- 3 year / 120 000km warranty

Model Vehicle Price MonthlyInstalments

No. ofInstalments

Interest RateLinked /Variable

Deposit BalloonPayment

Total Cost Inclfees & VAT

Golf TSI 77kW Trendline R270,200 R3,505* 60 8%*14%

(R37,828)35%

(R94,570)R304,857


No. ofInstalments




New Polo TSI 66kWComfortline

R221,200 R2999* 72 7.65%* R2999 R79,596 R295,542

An optional cost of R900 incl VAT will be charged for metallic paint. Note: *Linked to FNB primerate, currently 9.25%. Note: Offers calculated on the Golf TSI 77kW Trendline model in standardspecifications. Information subject to change without prior notification. All finance offers are subjectto credit approval from Volkswagen Financial Services. Instalment includes initiation and monthlyadministration fee of R57. Volkswagen Financial Services a division Volkswagen Financial ServicesSouth Africa (Pty) Ltd Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider. NCRCP6635. Terms andConditions apply. All the above is subject to price increase and valid until 20 March 2015.

An optional cost of R900 incl VAT will be charged for metallic paint. Note: *Linked to FNBprime rate, currently 9.25%. Note: Offers calculated on the New Polo TSI 66kW Comfortline modelin standard specifications. Information subject to change without prior notification. All finance offersare subject to credit approval from Volkswagen Financial Services. Instalment includes initiation andmonthly administration fee of R57. Volkswagen Financial Services a division Volkswagen FinancialServices South Africa (Pty) Ltd Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider. NCRCP6635. Termsand Conditions apply. All the above is subject to price increase and valid until 20 March 2015.

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Amarok 2.0 BiTDI Highline Automatic4x2 from R5,417* per month

Tough gets you across rivers and over mountains.

An optional cost of R1600 incl VAT will be charged for metallic paint. Note: *Linked to FNB primerate, currently 9.25%. Note: Offers calculated on the Amarok 2.0 BiTDI Highline Auto 4x2 in standardspecifications. Instalment includes delivery, initiation and monthly administration fee of R57. Subject tobank approval. Information subject to change without prior notification. All finance offers are subjectto credit approval from Volkswagen Financial Services. Volkswagen Financial Services South AfricaProprietary Limited trading as Volkswagen Financial Services an Authorised Financial Services andCredit Provider. NCRCP6635. Terms and Conditions apply. All the above is subject to price increaseand valid until 20 March 2015.


No. ofInstalments




Amarok 2.0 BiTDIHighline Auto 4x2 R467,700 R5,417* 72 9.25%* 10%

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FUSO Trucks SA and MercedesBenz Bus & Coach —both wholly owned by DaimlerAG — are optimistic about thefuture of their recentlylaunched products, the FusoCanter Bus and the MercedesBenz Midi Bus, built on the OF917 RF chassis.

With Fuso continuing togrow its range, the latestCanter Bus has impressed notonly its customers but also anarray of industry experts.

Godfrey Hani, head of FUSO Trucks SA, said the bus wasthe first commercial vehicle toreceive the Automotive Researchers and Journalists’Conference’s Car of the YearSpecial Award ín 2013.

This was followed in Irelandby the accolade of Best EnergyEfficient Product Award beingbestowed on this impressivevehicle.

Rich in a 52yearold heritage associated with reliabilityand performance, the CanterBus continues to apply Fuso’slongstanding global brandingto the future of transport technology in South Africa. “TheCanter Bus is indicative of ourpioneering spirit of always

moving forward for our customers and society. As we continuously refine the Canter —including the bus — so it remains at the forefront of thetransport industry, we ensurethat we do this in consultationwith all our stakeholders,” saidHani.

“As a vehicle that is set todominate the transport industry, the Canter Bus offers newly developed drivetrains. OurFuso designers and engineers

went beyond the ordinary andput everything they knowabout power train technologyand efficiency into the newCanter Bus,” added Hani.

The Canter Bus’s new 4P10twin camshaft, four valves percylinder, turbocharged and intercooled fourcylinder dieselengine is coupled to anadvanced DUONIC sixspeed,dualclutch automated manual transmission — the onlydualclutch transmissionavailable in a bus.

What the Canter Bus doesextremely well is to maximiseefficiency and lower the totalcost of ownership while beingone of the most practical vehicles to own and operate. Withthe combination of the 4P10engine and DUONIC transmission, fuelefficiency targetsare achieved. The Eco modefurther improves efficiency;the dual clutch provides a softshift that needs no maintenance and achieves the lowestshift shock in its class.

As one of the smoothestrunning, easiesttodrive buses on the market, the CanterBus offers a significant increase in the length of the ser

vice intervals up to 25 000 kmin some applications and atwoyear unlimited kilometrewarranty bumper to bumperalso contributes significantlyto lower cost of ownership.

In the same Daimler stableas the Fuso Canter Bus is thenew MercedesBenz OF 917RF, a raisedfloor bus chassiswith a frontmounted 170 hpengine with a nineton GrossVehicle Weight.

The MidiBus chassis will beequipped with 22 to 40seaterbus bodies, ideal for the commuter and coach segments.Produced at the Daimler IndiaCommercial Vehicles (DICV)plant in the southeastern Indian city of Chennai, the MercedesBenz OF 917 RF buschassis was built not only tobe comfortable for passengers,but also for the driver.

“The new MercedesBenzOF 917 RF bus chassis is theperfect example of what happens when Daimler’s trustedexpertise is combined with ourvalued customers’ inputs: theperfect product,” said Dirk Ansorge, head of MercedesBenzSouth Africa Bus & Coach.

— Supplied.

The pure bus chassis makes it body builderfriendly as it comes with shock absorbers, a sixspeed manual gearbox, front and rear leaf spring suspension, all resulting in the OF 917 RF being comfortable not only for the passengers but also for the driver.PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Transport editor Alwyn Viljoen tests the comfort of the seats in a Merc bus.PHOTO: SUPPLIED

The last UB40 will serve as a bush ambulance, to transport fragile and often seriously hurt baby rhinos.PHOTO: QUICKPIC

UD TRUCKS recently presented the last UD40 produced atits Pretoria assembly plant tothe Rhino Orphanage in Limpopo, as part an effort to conserve and protect rhinos forgenerations to come.

The suitably camouflagedUD40 will be utilised as abush ambulance, to transportthese very fragile and often seriously hurt baby rhinos to aplace of safety. The truck willbe fitted with a range of veterinary equipment and will beable to move up to three babyrhinos at a time, while beingcared for by a dedicated vet.

The Rhino Orphanage is aregistered nonprofit company based in the Limpopoprovince, founded by Arrievan Deventer in 2012. The orphanage is the first specialist,dedicated, noncommercialcentre that cares for orphanedor injured baby rhinos with

the only aim of releasing themback into the wild.

“Seeing that the legendaryU41 range is now extinct, soto speak, we wanted to helpthe Rhino Orphanage preventa living legend, the rhino,from going extinct as well ina very practical way,” saidRory Schulz, managing director of UD Trucks SouthernAfrica. “We believe the Ultimately Dependable UD40 willsupport the Rhino Orphanage’s efforts in protecting rhinos for generations to come.”

According to Van Deventer,UD Trucks and its staff trulyhave hearts of gold. “This donated UD40 is greatly valuedand will go a long way in supporting our activities to savebaby rhinos from certaindeath. Thank you to everyoneat UD Trucks who played apart in assembling and donating this very special vehicle.”

Don’t have a selfdriving car? No problem, Audi’s Ray Robot promises to park your car and retrieve it.PHOTO: SUPPLIED

AUDI is testing parking robots at its factory in Ingolstadt. Called Ray Robots, thelow slung crablike robots canmove cars from the production line to a temporary storage area and sort the carsbased on their shipping destinations.

This enables plant workersto load them onto railwaywagons with a minimum offuss. The company is lookingat other potential applications for the robots, too.

“The autonomous transport of our automobiles couldallow us to eliminate longwalking distances for our employees and to improve the ergonomics of their work,” saidboard of management member for production Professor

Hubert Waltl. “Systems likethis also have the potential toincrease the efficiency of ourprocesses significantly.”

The Ray Robots are produced by Serva TransportSystems and are already deployed at Düsseldorf Airportin Germany as an automatedconcierge service.

The versions in use at Audihave a frame measuring six bythree metres, and sensors thatdetermine the position anddimensions of a car. The caris then lifted by its wheels toa height of 10 cm and movedto a storage space allocated bythe system’s control software.

The robots can even movelong cars that measure up to5,3 metres in length.

— Wheels Reporter.

AUDI CALLS IN ROBOT RAY

LAST UD40 TO AID RHINOS

Merc canters in with new goodsCompany optimistic about Fuso Canter Bus and Midi Bus

March 12, 2015 WitnessWheels 7 MOTORING

Canadian Peter Boutakis calls his the best folding bike in the world. Dubbed the Helix bike, the folded frame rolls on both wheels when pulled using the seat as an ergonomic handle and it measures only 584x635x229 mm. This means it will fit into the boot of any hatchback on sale today. A titanium frame means the bike weighs only 9,5 kg.PHOTO: HELIX

CV JOINTSPECIALISTSfor CV joints, ball joints,

tie rod ends, wheel bearings.339 GREYLING STREETPmb. 033 342 9174/75

Insanely pricey bikesArtisans show their skills at the North American Handmade Bicycle ShowBEN COXWORTH

EVERY year, artisan bicycle buildersfrom all over the world descend upona different U.S. city to show their waresat the North American HandmadeBicycle Show.

This year, we travelled to Louisville,Kentucky, to take in the event. We decided to begin our coverage with a veryeyecatching oneofakind bike thatwas built especially for the show, byCopenhagenbased Cykelmageren.

Besides its swoopy, pointy stainlesssteel frame, one of the most unique features about the bike is its handlebars.

Instead of the usual horizontal rubber grips, its are oriented vertically, andmade from a composite that has a marblelike appearance. That same materialis used to finish the sculpted customwheel hubs.

The brake levers take the form of cables strung in front of those grips, covered with stacked steel rings – to activate the brakes, you just pull in one onone of those cables.

The custommade shifters, meanwhile, utilise an arrangement of chainsand gears located on the underside ofthe bars.

These ultimately link up to traditional shifting cables, one of which leads toa vintage rear Campagnolo derailleurthat’s been modified to work with modern indexed shifting.

Cykelmageren owner/designer Rasmus Gjesing estimates that the bicycleweighs about 15 kg. While it’s hard forhim to say exactly how much it might

cost to buy, he did tell us that it’s insuredfor R1,8 million.

Crocodile leather and gold platingBecause they’re made in small batchesby hand, most of the bikes at the NorthAmerican Handmade Bicycle Show are... well, they ain’t cheap. One in particular, the Italianmade Sarto 18K, had aprice tag of $27 000 (R325 285) whenyou could still get one. What would youget for that price? Gold and crocodileskin, for starters.

Yep, all of the goldcoloured bits thatyou see on the bike are in fact platedwith 18karat gold.

One of those pieces, a circular medallion located at the front of the top tube,bears the initials of that specific bike’sindividual owner — the 18K was madetoorder, and its production run waslimited to just 25 units.

The handlebars, chain stay and saddle, meanwhile, are clad in black crocodile skin leather.

Its frame and pretty much all of its

(Top) The Sarto 18K comes with gold plating and crocodile leather, but it is not the most expensive pedalpowered machine at the North American handmade cycle show. That dubious honour goes to the pointy Cykelmageren, designed by Rasmus Gjesing (right).PHOTOS: GIZMAG.COM

main structural components are madeof carbon fibre, resulting in a weight ofjust 9 kg. The mechanical componentsare mainly Campagnolo, with Campy’sSuper Record EPS system electronicallyshifting gears.

The 18K is an entry in a contest currently under way at NAHBS, wherejudges will decide upon the best handmade Campagnoloequipped bike. Ifonly that contest was for the best crocodileequipped bike, its win would be asure thing.— Gizmag.com.

The trouble with cyclingBRIAN PAXTON

SOMETIME last week the windblew a large green sheet of plasticinto my garden.

As I put it in my box of recyclingI noticed a label indicating that theplastic had originated with a synthetic lawn company.

Now, where had I seen that namebefore? And then I remembered thatI’d seen it while out riding on mybicycle just a few days previously.

I had been slowly cruisingthrough the backstreets of a leafy local suburb when my eye was takenby two small signs that had beenerected on the verge in front of ahouse. The first was for the syntheticlawn company. The verge itself waspretty scruffy, with weeds and barepatches, so clearly the plastic lawnhad been installed behind the frontwall where I could hear the soundof kids happily playing. The secondsign was for a wellknown garden design and landscaping company.

As I rode on, I momentarily hadvisions of all the trees and plants inthe garden likewise being replacedwith rubber trees and plastic flowersthat never shed their leaves andwhich bloomed all year round in allsorts of weather.

The “greenie” in me was immediately indignant. Instead of plantingtrees, shrubs and grass which couldsoak up carbon dioxide and helpclean the atmosphere, here thislandscaper was using artificialplants made in dirty chemical plantsfrom hydrocarbon feedstocks.

And the children happily rompingon the lawn and who probably thinkmilk comes in bottles from thesupermarket would be even furtherremoved from nature.

For a second, I felt like turning inmy tracks and ringing the doorbellso I could give the property ownera piece of my mind.

Then another green side of me appeared. I suddenly realised that never again would that secluded gardenwitness a dieselpowered lawn mower bursting into action in a puff offumes.

And, if indeed, the trees had beenreplaced with artificial arbours, thenno longer would the lilt of theleafblower waft across the neighbourhood.

No precious water would be needed to keep the plants healthy andgreen. I found myself wonderinghow much energy the owner wouldsave in a year. And what about allthose chemical fertilisers he’d usedheretofore?

How long would it take for himto offset all the carbon that went into making the raw materials and finished plants and then transportingthem to their final resting place?

That’s the trouble with riding abicycle. You see things you wouldnever notice from a car and then youhave time to conduct imaginary debates with yourself about the smallthings that provide a pointer towhere our big world is going — ornot.

• Reprinted from the Mbendi newsletter with the permisison of the author.

Cayenne motorcycle dealers throw down the gauntletTHE sales team at Kyalami do not justwant to sell their MV Agusta Brutale800 RR and Dragster 800 RR.

Instead, they want to prove they arethe best and have issued a challenge tothis effect to retailers of all other bikes.

MV Augusta SA sales manager andcoowner of Cayenne World CraigLangton said the sales team are all keenriders, led by sales manager ClintonSeller, who is the current SA nationalchampion. “They are all aware that thenew threecylinder MVA 800 RRs willmatch and beat all the larger 1 000 ccfourcylinder competitors.

“We will accept any challenge fromour competitors, what the 800 RRsmay, and I say may, lack in topend theywill make up in their light weight andhandling,” said Langton.

The best thing about the two RR motorcycles is the new MVICS 2.0 system,which optimises engine response at anyrpm, adjusting output and further improving the already impressive stride of

the MV Agusta three cylinder models.The EAS 2.0 quickshifter is part of

the standard equipment that makes theRR units so exclusive: it provides elec

tronic assistance not only in the gearselection phase but also when downshifting.

It works in the Sport and Custommaps as long as the speed is above30 km/h. It revolutionises one’s approach to riding. First and foremost, itoptimises shifting times when ridingsportily: at the same time it increasescomfort if you are using the bike in thecity or for touring. Last but not least,the Brutale 800 RR is even more attentive to ergonomics: the seat has beenreshaped to be more comfortable, functional and attractive.

There are six models of the MV Agusta 800s, all on sale at Cayenne dealers.

MV Agusta 800 prices:• Rivale 800 Sport R149 900• Brutale 800 R149 900 • Stradale 800 (New) R169 900 • Brutale Dragster 800 R169 900• Brutale 800 RR R189 900• F3 800 FAS/ABS R179 900. — WR.

Retailers of the MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR have laid down a challenge to other sellers of what they deem lesser bikes.PHOTO: SUPPLIED

New hog for city ridingHarley Davidson has launched the Street 750 motorcycle for R90k in Cape Town. Built for the city commute, this lil’ hog has a liquidcooled, 749 cc, overbored engine designed to match the demands of stopandgo traffic with instant throttle response through six gears. Dealerships offer a special with balloon payments (which this newspaper discourages) or 12% interest over 72 months.PHOTO: SUPPLIED

World’s‘bestfolder’


Electrifying rides for SABilled as the Teslas of the twowheeled world, the Zero bikes will provide thrills at low costALWYN VILJOEN

CAYENNE World is awaiting thearrival of the first shipment of new ZeroElectric motorcycles from the U.S.

Cayenne World told Wheels they willbe introducing three Zero models, theDS Dual Sport, the S Street Fighter andthe high performance SR model, earlyin May.

It took just over two years, but CraigLangton, sales director and coowner ofthe Cayenne Group, said the deal isfinally done and Cayenne has beenappointed the official importer of ZeroElectric motorcycles, the perfectcommuter for South Africans.

Billed as the Teslas of the motorbikeworld, the electric drivetrains are powerful enough to outaccelerate anythingon the road today.

Former Pietermaritzburger CraigMarshall, now executive director ofElectric Motorcycles Africa in CapeTown who pioneered the Zero bikes inSouth Africa in 2008, said each Zerois a blast to drive.

Marshall welcomed the Cayennedeal, saying the group brings thefinancial muscle to make Zero bikesmore affordable in South Africa. He hassold 14 in five years, and told Wheelseach one is still “absolutely mind blowing to ride”.

“I’ve been commuting on a Zerosince 2009 from Somerset to CapeTown. It costs me six cents per kilometre and just simplifies biking becausethere are so few moving parts.

“But because all the torque is available from zero revs, the Zero bikes delivers a thrill each time,” said.

Asked what the Zero SR feels like with144 Nm from the start, Marshall saidit does the 0 to 100 km/h run in three

seconds flat. “This is one bike we demoonly in eco mode,” Marshall toldWheels.

Driven with verve, the batteries of theZero bikes have a range of up to 250km plus on one charge, and the batteries

can be charged anywhere from a normalhousehold plug. While overnightcharging is recommended, one can doshort distances on a twohour charge.

Andy le May, owner of Ewizz electricscooters in Cape Town, said the best

part of the Zero electric motorbikes arethat they will prove cheaper to operatethan a car or even a medium to largemotorcycle with a petrol engine.

Langton said Cayenne’s finance partner Motor Finance Corporation, a division of Nedbank, will support the newZero with repayment options of R1 950per month over 72 months, with a threeyear guaranteed buyback, a fiveyear or160 000 km warranty and a free serviceplan. Cash prices for the bikes will beconfirmed when they land next month.

To book a test ride, call Zero SouthAfrica at Cayenne World at 011 244 1900.

Zero electric motorbikes, billed as Tesla’s on two wheels, will outaccelerate anything in the morning commute but cost a lot less to run. Three models arrive at Cayenne in May. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

V CRAIG MARSHALL pioneer importer of Zero bikes to SA

It costs me six cents per kilometre and just simplifies biking …

Audi unleashes its latest R8 LMS GT3 racing beast

THE brand new Audi R8 has only beenout for a matter of weeks, but Ingolstadt’s engineers have already turnedit into a GT3 racer.

The R8 LMS racer not only meetsthe new GT3 safety standards that areset to be introduced in 2016, but meetsthe crash test requirements for themuch lighter Le Mans prototypes.

To achieve this, Audi has modifiedthe car’s front crash structure and usedcarbon fibre–reinforced polymer(CFRP) for the rear structure.

A big part of the LMS’s safety pack

age is the Audi Protection Seat PS 1,which is connected directly to the chassis for greater stiffness and can be easily accessed through the roof by medicsif the car is involved in an accident.

Despite the weight that comes withthis extra safety equipment, the newR8 LMS is 25 kg lighter than the outgoing car. This is thanks to the use of aluminium in the car’s spaceframe andCFRP for structural reinforcement.

Powering the R8 LMS is a lightlymodified version of the roadgoingR8’s 5,2litre V10, which produces

430 kW (585 hp). It is built on the sameassembly line as the standard car’s motor, and Audi claims that its scheduledrebuild intervals of 20 000 km sets thestandards in racing. As part of the newR8 LMS package, Audi has fitted thecar with wishbones specifically designed for racing, while the sixspeedtransmission has been developed to besignificantly lighter.

Audi has also replaced the old car’selectronics system with a new MS 6.4system that takes care of engine management, traction control and gear

shift mapping.Alongside the motor and electronic

upgrades, the new LMS is the first R8to be fitted with a fully lined undertrayand integrated rear diffuser — an advance that allows the rear wing to workmore effectively.

The new R8 LMS will race in the24hour races at the Nürburgring(May 1617) and at Spa (July 2526),while quattro GmbH, which developsand assembles the race cars, will beginto take customer orders in the secondhalf of the year. — Gizmag.com.

The new Audi R8 LMS racer not only meets the new GT3 safety standards that are set to be introduced in 2016, but meets the crash test requirements for the much lighter Le Mans prototypes.PHOTO: SUPPLIED

COLIN JEFFREY

FUTURE missions to Mars may well bepowered by carbon dioxidefuelled engines, thanks to a recent prototype developed by Northumbria and Edinburghuniversities.

Exploiting a phenomenon known asthe Leidenfrost effect, researchers hopethat their engine could be powered bythe vast amount of dryice depositsfound on the red planet, thereby reducing the need to transport fuel on interplanetary missions.

The new type of engine proposed bythe researchers takes advantage of theLeidenfrost effect, which is commonlyobserved when beads of water droppedonto the face of a hot frying pan appearto canter across its surface. The phenomenon is exaggerated when the surface is composed of ridges, where thedroplet effectively propels itself acrossthe top of those ridges.

To create a prototype engine using thiseffect, the research teams were able tolevitate a circular block of dry ice abovea heated aluminium surface, where itfloated on a pillow of evaporated gas vapour over a circular pattern of ridges, ineffect creating a turbine. This meant thatwhen the dry ice was subject to the Leidenfrost effect, instead of simply rollingacross and off the surface, it rotated ina circle. With a series of magnets andcopper coils attached, the block of iceacts as an electric motor to create analternating current. This is the first timethat the Leidenfrost effect has beenused to produce any useful form ofenergy, explained Dr Gary Wells, a research fellow in the department: Physicsand Electrical Engineering at Northumbria University. On Mars, the aluminiumplate will be heated using waste heat andexploit the low boiling point of frozen carbon dioxide. — Gizmag.com.

SPINNING BLOCK OF LEVITATING ICE MAKES POWER

witness wheels 12 march 2015

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