BMW I8 TO APPEAR IN NEXT MISSION IMPOSSIBLE MOVIE

BMW is pleased to announce their participation in the upcoming Paramount Pictures release “Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol” as the film’s main automotive partner.

High performance with fewer emissions is the name of the game: One of the BMW vehicles provided for Tom Cruise´s next film is the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car. It has been recognized as having the most sophisticated technology and the most striking design among the current concept electric supercars. In a few years the BMW i8, which was inspired by the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics concept vehicle, will enter series production.

“We are thrilled to be involved again in another Hollywood Blockbuster,” said Ian Robertson, BMW AG Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “The BMW Group leads the way in developing future mobility with a focus on sustainability. One great example is the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car which will be presented in the film. With its futuristic design and large glass surfaces, the car offers a fascinating perspective on the future of sheer driving pleasure – in combination with maximum efficiency. Also with BMW ConnectedDrive technology, it is the perfect car for Ethan Hunt to outsmart his pursuers through narrow streets and busy city traffic.”

Having provided vehicles for outstanding film projects, TV productions, etc. for more than 75 years, entertainment marketing is firmly established as an important building block for the BMW Group’s long-term image and product communications.

“Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol”, directed by Brad Bird, is scheduled for release mid of December 2011.

STORY BY BMW

NEW GAUTENG E-TOLL TARIFFS PROPOSED

The latest information coming from the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) Steering Committee is that a recommendation of 40 cents per kilometre has been made with regards to Gauteng’s e-tolls. The committee however, was at pains to insist that nothing has been finalised yet. But it’s difficult to see how a couple of months’ work can suddenly be reduced to nothing.

“We have listened to and taken on board what stakeholders said, and now are in a position to make our recommendations,” Transport Director-General and Chairman of the Steering Committee, George Mahlalela told members of the media. “The steering committee investigated the proposals made by all stakeholders, as well as all other options to revise the toll tariffs and make it more affordable.”

All vehicles with e-tags on their windscreens are to be charged as follows, according to the preliminary report: Motorcycles will be charged 30c per km, medium vehicles R1 per km, and large vehicles R2 per km. Taxis will be lowest cost at 11c per km. However, vehicles which have no e-tags on their windscreens will bear the original 66c per km charge.

Therefore in real life, if you are an average motorist living in Pretoria and working in Johannesburg, or vice versa, you could see yourself paying around R830 extra per month, just on tolls if you only use the freeway for five days a week! If the same motorist has not fitted an e-tag then they can expect to pay at least R1 370 per month on these tolls. Mind you this is just for the home-to-work and back commute, and doesn’t include drives to meetings, lunches and weekend drives.

Of course what will start happening is that some motorists will avoid freeways and congest the already stressed inner roads. The result of that will be more traffic, slower moving cars, general lateness and so on. Either that or less travelling.

Video: Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev made ​​a gaffe because he forgot to put the handbrake

The Prime Minister of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev during a tour of the city of Kazan in Russia, led by himself a Mercedes M-Class, but probably forgot to put the handbrake so the M-Class to take the course to fall onto the crowd. Fortunately people managed security and stopping the car before it hit a man.

New Bugatti Atless Concept by Canadian Amadou Ndiaye

Here's an innovative concept. It is the work of Canadian Amadou Ndiaye. We propose two cars in one. A GT for use on roads and a race car to run on circuit.

By adding or removing certain body panels it is possible to switch from one configuration to another. This is an attractive concept in principle but may be less obvious to live in reality.

To realize this concept, called Altess, Amadou Ndiaye was inspired by the Bugatti Atlantic and 35 of the great era of the brand.

First images of "Chinese Hummer"

The internet appeared first images of the future "Chinese Hummer".
According to newspaper ChinaCarTimes, company Dongfeng, intends to produce its own version of the Hummer.

Some time ago a Chinese company of a clone army HMMWV "Humvee" named Meng Shi (fierce soldier). The new model will be less "legitimately" because they intend to do so based on the concept of HX, shown for the first time in 2008 the salon in Detroit.

China has built the world's longest over-water bridge

In China today, June 30, officially opened the world's longest over-water bridge. The length of the bridge over the bay of Jiaozhou in the Yellow Sea. Organized a six-lane bridge on vehicular traffic density of up to 30 thousand vehicles per day, which was opened this morning, reports Associated Press referring to the Chinese Central Television. If this bridge was in Europe, it is easily linked to France with Great Britain, because its length exceeds the width of the English Channel.

The bridge over the bay of Jiaozhou sea was built in four years, the cost of the work amounted to more than 10 billion yuan (1.5 billion dollars). The bridge is supported by over 5 thousand concrete piles, which can withstand an 8-point earthquake.

According to the Guinness Book of Records, the longest sea surface above the bridge was considered a bridge-causeway across Lake Pontchartrain in the U.S. state of Louisiana. This building, built in 1956, yields on the length of the Chinese Bridge for more than 4 km. Currently, seven of the ten longest bridges in the world, including record-length 164 km, are located in China.

2013 Toyota Yaris hatchback three-door photos

At the disposal of the site were Autoblog first official photos of the three-door hatchback Yaris modification of the next generation. The world premiere will take place on the car at the Motor Show in Melbourne, which will be held from 1 to 10 July this year.

In contrast to the five-door "Yaris", declassified in the mid-June, the novelty has received more aggressive appearance with the other bumpers, a different grille, sills and small body rear spoiler. It is expected that trehdverka will be offered with the same engines as the five-door model: with two petrol engines in 1.0 and 1.33 liters, developing 69 horsepower and 99, respectively, as well as a 90-horsepower 1.4-liter diesel engine .

Chevrolet Camaro will receive special model in honor of the new Transformers

Chevrolet produced a special modification of the convertible Camaro, which is timed to coincide with the movie "Transformers 3: The Dark Side of the Moon." Orders for the car, made in the style of one of the characters Ribbon - Bumblebee, the U.S. market will take in July.

Special version will be offered only to complete sets 2LT and 2SS, which are equipped with a 312-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine and 426-strong "eight" in volume of 6.2 liters, respectively. Compartment will be painted only in yellow with black stripes running through the body, as well as get a new rear spoiler, 20-inch alloy wheels with sport tires and fabrication with the logo "Autobots" on the front wings.

Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Styling package

Bentley decided to offer its customers more than the new Continental GT styling package is developing Mulliner Styling.
And without that perfect car Continental GT has received a number of additions that give the car an even greater uniqueness and style.
Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Styling differs from the standard model: a modified front bumper, extended side skirts, rear diffuser and side mirrors - all made ​​of carbon fiber, which again hints at the sporty nature of this car.

Nasser Al-Attiyah ends his collaboration with Volkswagen

The pilot from Qatar,winner of the Dakar race,seemed to have decided to sign with Volkswagen for a complete WRC season.But VW wants to quit the program for Dakar, and Al-Attiyah is decided to quit VW and go to MINI.The pilot Nasser Al-Attiyah announced a few days ago that will sign a contract for 1 year with VW as official pilot at their debut in WRC in 2k13.It appears that the Dakar winner weighted again his options and decided to let go of the contract with VW according to Autosport. Al-Attiyah never had financial problems and for him is more important to do want he wants more and that is to participate in the Dakar rally so he'll join MINI.
The differences between Al-Attiyah and the leadership of VW Motorsport appeared after the VW decision of not participating anymore in the Dakar race.Also VW want younger pilots for they're WRC team.Al-Attiyah which is 40 years old said that he wants to continue to participate in the Dakar race and this is also important for his sponsor, the Barwa company.Also in relating news VW will make its debut in WRC in 2k13 with the Polo R WRC model.The new model is ready for testing this year and next year will be heavily tested.

2013 New Honda CR-V is waiting around the corner spy photos

Japanese concern Honda, developed in recent months following the crossover generation CR-V, the official website of the North American division posted a message, which referred to the upcoming debut of the car.

Web site at Honda North America published photo automobile tunnel labeled "CR-V 2012 is around the corner" and a small press release, revealing the first details about the Japanese crossover.

"With the new capabilities, features, exterior design and interior model CR-V 2012 model year will set new standards for its class. We believe that the crossover will go the way of its predecessor, which is a bestseller among classmates for the past five years, and even become even more successful. In the coming months we will talk about the new details of the car "- said in a press release from Honda.

VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO R IS THE BUSINESS

Saving the best for last is what Volkswagen South Africa seems to have done by first launching the fat Golf R, then follow up with the Polo GTI, then lastly the scented two-door Scirocco R. the front-wheel-drive Scirocco R is a lightweight athlete with the brain of an MIT genius. And within minutes of taking the driver’s seat, I knew right there me and ‘Rocco were meant for each other.

We can start off probably by mentioning that the engine is the same 2.0-litre 4-cylinder motor rocking a single turbocharger, as found in the GTI and Golf R, among others. Except of course it’s a little special. Well, instead of the Euro-spec 195kW, we get 188kW at 6000rpm, with maximum torque remaining the same at 350Nm between 2500rpm and 5000rpm. Perhaps as a consolation, it’s good to know that Australia also gets the exact same underpowered engine which is sent to hot climate countries. Very strange that VW didn’t do the kinds of hot climate tests done by Audi on its 2.0-litre turbo TT S which came in the same power-spec as the European one.

Another difference with the Golf R is that instead of pulling on all fours, the Scirocco R pulls only with the two front wheels, making it a front-wheel-drive. Yet on pull-off there’s very little, if any, performance torque steer. As a result we reckon little ‘Rocco will flood the streets with sibling Golfie’s rear wheels any day, despite VW claiming a quicker 0 – 100km/h time for the former. The figure given, in case you are interested, is 5.8 seconds for the DSG, and 6 seconds for the 6-speed manual. For what it’s worth, I doubt even those figures are attainable in real life. We’ll see when the Vbox comes out to play…

As for the driving experience, well there are no shortcomings here. Despite the FWD layout, XDS is standard. XDS you’ll remember, is an electronic system that limits slip and understeer, helping the car to handle very well. It’s standard in the Golf GTI too. McPherson struts are installed for the front end, while the rear gets a modern multilink layout. In the end it’s all point and click as the 19-inch tyres eat up kilometre after kilometre with barely a drop of sweat. Steering is also very direct and engaging. Very difficult to set the manual and DSG apart, but I guess it’s a matter of personal choice. And Jozi traffic.

Some may be put off by the ‘Rocco’s supposed limited rear space and the absence of two extra doors. However, two adult passengers will take up residence there quite comfortably without cramping, although long-distance trips are not recommended for the taller ones among us. The car is 4.2 metres long and has a wheelbase of 2.58m. Watch the rear headspace though; coupe-like dimensions are always limited that way.

Standard garb is necessary but not over the top. By that we include things like bixenon headlights, park distance control, cornering lights, twin chromed tailpipes and LED daytime running lights. On the options list you’ll find satellite navigation with a touch screen interface, as well as bucket seats. I didn’t get to try these but they sure look fantastic from a distance.

We obviously think the Scirocco R is a better buy than its Golf R counterpart. It’s almost as spacious, very well equipped, just as powerful, quicker and best of all, slightly cheaper. Plus it sounds better on the throttle. The car’s biggest competitor pound for pound is perhaps the Renault Sport Megane, which is cheaper.

Volkswagen Scirocco R Pricing

Manual (R403 355)

DSG (R417 855)

SPECIAL EDITION AUDI R8 FOR UK CROWD

Only 100 of these special Audi R8 V8 Limited Edition will be built, and all are headed for the UK market. When an automaker starts dishing out special editions then you know the car concerned is about to be replaced or even canned. Audi has of course, said nothing about either scenario.

R8 V8 Limited Edition is a small token of celebration for the company’s 24 Hours of Le Mans victory, its 10^th so far. A slew of normally-optional bits will be offered standard for this car, including sat nav, Bluetooth and a rocking B&O sound system with its own seatbelt microphones.

New Y design 19-inch alloys are fitted. They are inspired by the R8 GT Coupe and come cut with red brake callipers. The car features the same 4.2-litre V8 engine which normally shafts out 309kW, but is now able to garner 316kW at 8250rpm for a claimed 0 – 100km/h sprint of 4.6 seconds. Top speed is raised to 301km/h for both the 6-speed manual and R Tronic models.

LIMITED EDITION PEUGEOT RCZ ASPHALT FOR UK

Peugeot in the UK has announced the availability of a special edition RCZ Asphalt, so named by its special matt Telluric bodywork and a black roof. Only 75 right-hand-drive (RHD) examples will be built, which is bad news for any South Africans who enjoy a superb coupe with great driving dynamics.

The engine remains the same 147kW though, so performance is unaffected. Areas most affected, apart from the mattwork, include the new 19-inch wheels in Solstice black alloy and matching black brake callipers. The inside is decked out in stitched Nappa leather trim, an Alcantara / leather steering wheel and gear stick, with bespoke ‘Asphalt’ sill covers and floor mats.

Prices start at £29 995 (R328 000) for each of the 75 limited edition RCZ Asphalt units. If only the normal RCZ was that cheap in Mzansi!

JAGUAR XF 2.2 DIESEL DOES 1300KM ON A TANK

The new XF, equipped with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine, promises to be the most efficient Jaguar yet produced.  And to prove it, an example has just completed an epic journey from the factory in which it was created at Castle Bromwich in Birmingham, England, to Munich – a distance of 1 313 km – on a single tank of diesel.

Driven by David Madgwick, an independent tester, accompanied by navigator Alexander Madgwick, the scrupulously standard XF passed through four countries taking in a mix of winding country roads, motorways and dense urban traffic.  The XF, with just over 5 000 km on the clock at the point of departure, consumed just 64-litres of fuel to average a remarkable 4.9 l/100km.

On-hand to meet the car on its arrival in Munich was Andy Whyman, Chief Programme Engineer for the XF, who commented:  “The entire development team is very proud of what the new XF 2.2 has achieved – this not only proves the efficiency of the new model but underlines that performance and economy can be combined.”

Despite its keen focus on economy the XF 2.2 produces 140kW and 450Nm of torque, to allow the XF to accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in just 8.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 225 km/h. The XF 2.2 emits just 149 g/km of CO2.  Further improving efficiency, the new 2.2-litre engine is linked to a new eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox and an innovative Stop-Start system – marking the first time such a device has been fitted to a Jaguar.

Set to be launched in September, the new XF 2.2 forms part of the new 2012 model range.  Benefitting from a fresh new look, upgraded interiors and equipment as well as improvements in efficiency and refinement, the latest generation XF looks set to build on the achievements of the model it replaces.

STORY BY JAGUAR

SPECIAL EDITION "BUMBLEBEE" TRANSFORMERS CHEVROLET CAMARO

The Chevrolet Camaro returns as the Autobot “Bumblebee” in Transformers: Dark of the Moon, which opens exclusively in 3D on June 28 and worldwide on June 29. To celebrate, Chevrolet will offer a 2012 Transformers Special Edition Camaro Coupe to Bumblebee fans in the United States, Canada, China, Japan, Europe, South America, and the Middle East. 

“The Transformers franchise has helped introduce Camaro – and Chevrolet – to a whole new generation of fans,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “Its role in the films helped make the Camaro the best-selling sports car in America, and one of the best-known cars of any kind around the world.” 

The fifth-generation Camaro previously played Bumblebee in the 2007 film Transformers and in the 2009 film Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The films generated US$1.5 billion in global box-office sales, and helped reintroduce the Camaro to consumers after a seven-year hiatus from dealerships.  

In 2009, the Camaro was the most-searched-for car on the web, according to Yahoo!Autos, even though the first models didn’t arrive at dealers until late that year. In 2010, the Camaro assumed leadership of the U.S. sports car market from the Ford Mustang for the first time in 24 years. In 2011, the Camaro continues to lead the segment, fueled by the introduction of the Camaro Convertible. Calendar year to date, Camaro has recorded 40 275 sales, compared to the Mustang’s 30 206 sales. 
That momentum is expected to accelerate with the introduction of the 550-hp (410kW) 2012 Camaro ZL1 early next year, as well as limited-edition models such as the Transformers Special Edition. 

The 2012 Transformers Special Edition will be offered as a US$3 000 package on 2LT and 2SS Camaro Coupes with Rally Yellow paint. In addition to the content offered in the popular RS appearance package, the Transformers edition will feature black rally stripes that stretch over the hood, roof, decklid and unique high-wing rear spoiler, 20-inch, black-painted wheels wrapped in high-performance summer tires, as well as Autobot Shield logos on the centre caps and front quarter panels.

Inside, the Transformers Camaro has a black leather interior accented with yellow stitching on the instrument panel, centre console, armrests and seats. Autobot Shield logos are embroidered on the front headrests, as well as the centre console lid. 

Additionally, two dealer-installed options are also available: exclusive, 21-inch, black-painted wheels and a black ground-effects package.  

Customers may begin ordering the 2012 Transformers Special Edition Camaro beginning in July, with vehicles arriving at dealers in the U.S. and Canada in September. 

Opel Astra EcoFLEX

Usually when you hear of car with very low CO2 emissions you would think of a car with very little engine power.Low fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions come together with low or mediocre performance.With the EcoFLEX engines Opel/Vauxhall and Chevy take a different stand compared with other car manufacturers.GM takes a different approach.While the competing models with low CO2 emissions have equipped engines that produce around 105 HP, the new Opel/Vauxhall Astra EcoFlex is equipped with a diesel engine that makes 130 HP.This car follows other successful Eco models like the Insignia EcoFLEX with a engine that develops 160 HP and Corsa EcoFLEX-95 HP.
The new Astra EcoFLEX gets a staggering 55 mpg.This is the most economical and eco friendly model produced by Opel ever !Has a torque of 300 Nm,and a six gears transmission.This new model sets new standards in the compact European market,the compact market being the most important car market in Europe.

FORD SA FORGES AHEAD WITH NEW DURATORQ TDCI ENGINE INVESTMENT

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa's (FMCSA) Struandale engine plant today began production of a new engine, heralding its role as a global hub for diesel engines.

The production of the Ford Duratorq TDCi engine in South Africa is part of a R3.4 billion (US$ 500 million) export investment programme that includes the upgrade and expansion of production facilities at FMCSA's engine plant and Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria. 

Utilizing Ford's global manufacturing processes and quality standards, the Struandale engine plant has upgraded and expanded its assembly and machining capabilities and now has an annual production capacity of 75 000 engines and 220 000 engine component kits.

Struandale’s Duratorq TDCi engines will power the next-generation global Ford Ranger pick-up truck, which will be built in the Silverton Assembly Plant, and which now has an expanded annual production capacity of 110 000 vehicles. 

"This new diesel engine will help drive our transformation in South Africa, and it is a key reason the all-new Ford Ranger pickup truck is a class leader in such a globally competitive segment," said Lewis Booth, Ford executive vice president and chief financial officer.  "I am pleased to announce today that this All-New Ford Ranger will be exported from South Africa to 148 markets around the world, solidifying South Africa's role as a key operation in Ford's global manufacturing footprint."
Booth joined employees and key stakeholders at a launch celebration today in South Africa, where he was group managing director from 1997 to 2000.  

“This programme is more than just an engine, it is confirmation that our Struandale engine plant is truly world-class in every respect” said Jeff Nemeth, FMCSA president and CEO. “The remarkable transformation that has taken place is the result of the extraordinary dedication and support of our employees, suppliers and partners.” 

Uniquely, the Struandale Engine Plant is the only Ford facility that shares both component machining and engine assembly for the Duratorq TDCi diesel engine programme supporting the Ford Ranger. The machined components are used for engine kits which are exported to other Ford Ranger assembly plants, and the fully assembled engines will be used in the South African-built Ranger.

“The diesel engine programme represents an entirely new era for the Struandale Engine Plant, which, through Ford's stringent global quality standards, has undergone a complete transformation to ensure that it competes with the best in the world.” explained Struandale’s plant manager, Wallace Yearwood.

Over the last 24 months, the plant has been completely overhauled, including the construction of an entirely new assembly hall for the Duratorq TDCi programme, which expands the total floor area to 16 514 sqm.

The high-tech assembly hall was fitted with the latest, most advanced equipment, systems and processes, and is complemented by a specialised clean-room, state-of-the-art cold and hot-test benches, as well as an all-new dynamometer specifically developed for the production of the high-torque Duratorq TDCi diesel engines.

“Employee training has been central to this project. We launched a new Training Centre last year, and every operator has been through extensive simulation training to ensure that we’re able to deliver engines that meet all quality, cost, and efficiency requirements.  Our employees are simply the best.” Yearwood added.

STORY BY FORD

GAUTENG E-TOLL TARIFFS NOT SET YET

Transport Director-General and Chairperson of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) Toll Steering Committee, George Mahlalela, has re-iterated that no decision has been made on the Gauteng toll tariffs.

The Director-General’s comments follow reports this morning (27 June) in The Star and Pretoria News that the proposed toll tariff of 66c/km will more than likely not change. The media reports base these inaccurate claims on the Department of Transport’s steering committee report, which was sent out to various organisations that had made public proposals on the toll fees.

“We wish to re-iterate that no decision has been made on the Gauteng toll tariffs,” Mr. Mahlalela said. “The tariffs will be announced by Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele in due course, after studying the final recommendations of the Steering Committee as well as consultation with the Political Oversight Committee. The Steering Committee, announced by Minister Ndebele to make recommendations on the proposed toll tariff of 66c/km, has not completed its report and will be meeting again with stakeholders on 30 June. It was made clear right at the outset that the principle of tolling has been accepted, and that the matter under review is the proposed tariff of 66c/km. Therefore, this type of reporting by certain sections of the media is totally mischievous.

“Comments and proposals received from organised formations and civil society has been overwhelming, with the initial deadline of 30 April 2011 for submission of the report having to be shifted. And with the majority of South Africans taking the Easter holiday break, the Steering Committee also had to reschedule its follow-up engagement and consultation with stakeholders.

“The Gauteng toll tariffs, which have attracted an outcry from a wide-range of stakeholders, have to be dealt with thoroughly and in a manner that addresses the concerns raised during consultations. It is of importance that this process retains its integrity and that the outcome reflects the honest engagement we have had with stakeholders across the spectrum. In the interest of all road users, we cannot rush into hasty decisions on the e-tolling issue as this might, however well-intended, undermine the very aim of having engaged with all the stakeholders. Unfortunately, this isn’t helped by a small part of the media that report incorrectly and irresponsibly on tolling seemingly to create sensation.

“South Africans can be rest assured that government is doing everything possible to resolve this matter in a manner that will be in the best interest of the commuter, road user and the state for future development and management of road infrastructure in the whole country,” said Mr. Mahlalela.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mahlalela has also conveyed condolences to those killed in road crashes over the past weekend. At least 15 people were reported killed in a head-on collision between two mini-bus taxis in Limpopo province last night (26 June).

“We want to convey condolences to the families of those killed in road crashes over the past few days, and wish those injured a speedy recovery. South Africa joined the rest of the world and officially launched the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 on 11 May 2011.”

As part of the new national Rolling Enforcement Plan (NREP), from 1 October 2010 to 31 May 2011 almost 10 million (9 926 693) vehicles and drivers have been checked, over 4.1 million (4 115 292) fines issued for various traffic offences, 15 197 drunk drivers arrested and 39 706 un-roadworthy vehicles discontinued from use.

“We call upon more South Africans to take responsibility for their safety on the roads during this Decade of Action, to reduce the appalling projected global increase in road deaths,” Mr. Mahlalela said.

Further, Minister Ndebele is currently leading a South African delegation to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council meeting being held in London from 27 June to 1 July.

STORY BY DOT

TOYOTA OH SO CLOSE AT BOTSWANA 1000 DESERT RACE

The Toyota 1000 Desert Race, which ended near Gaborone this afternoon after three days and nearly 1 000 km of off road racing, once again lived up to its reputation for being the toughest round of the eight-race Absa South African Off Road Championship.  And, as always, there was drama aplenty and joy for some, heartache for others.

For the Castrol and Innovation Group-backed factory Toyota team it was a case of so near and yet so far.  Anthony Taylor and Chris Birkin brought their Castrol Team Toyota Hilux Double Cab home in second place, 8 min 29 sec behind the factory Ford Ranger of defending champions Chris Visser and Japie Badenhorst.

Team-mates Duncan Vos and Rob Howie were eighth in the second Castrol Toyota Hilux, 1 hour 21 min 49 sec behind the winners. 

Those are the bare facts, but, as is often the case in off road racing, there was a lot more to it than that.

Taylor and Birkin dominated the event for all but 17 km of the almost 1 000-km route.  They won Friday’s 60-km prologue (that determines the start order for the race proper), led at the end of Saturday’s two 245-km loops (despite a slow roll after being upended by the root of a tree and losing about three minutes while their team-mates helped them back on their wheels) and were looking at an historic Toyota victory on the 30th anniversary of Toyota’s sponsorship of the race.

Taylor explains:  “As the finish got nearer we were starting to believe that we might make up for the disappointment of losing last year’s race while leading.  Then, about 40 km out, we lost rear-wheel drive and soon after also drive to the right front wheel.  When we arrived at a tricky dry river crossing with a very steep entry and exit, we knew we were in trouble.  We tried to power our way through, but with one-wheel drive it just didn’t work.”

With the stricken Toyota stuck in the middle of the sandy river bed, its crew feverishly worked at replacing the broken front drive shaft while a sympathetic crowd of hundreds of enthusiastic Motswanans shouted encouragement.  

Just 18 minutes after they had arrived at the river crossing they finally powered their way out of the obstacle, but not before their closest rival had passed them.  It was a disappointing short ride in two-wheel drive to the finish, but a great achievement nonetheless to finish second after all their problems.

Vos, three times a previous winner of this event, started the final day in 10th place after experiencing fuel pressure problems on Saturday while leading Taylor after his team-mate’s roll.  Despite the best efforts of the Toyota technicians, who worked late into Saturday night, the problem reoccurred on Sunday’s first loop.  Once a new fuel filter was fitted at the compulsory service stop at the halfway mark, Vos experienced no more problems and had a fast and clean run to the finish.

“No off road race is easy, but this one is particularly tough and requires a special combination of preparation, skill and luck,” said Castrol Toyota team principal.  “We came up a bit short on the luck on this occasion.  It appears that the aviation-type bag fuel tank fitted to our cars has been corroded by the unleaded fuel and the resultant debris has been building up and clogged the fuel supply mechanism.  Once we realised this and fitted new filters, the problem went away, but we’re going to have to find a longer term solution before the next event.

“We’ll have to have a good look at Anthony’s car back in the workshop next week to find out why the drive shaft failed.  If the race had been just 17 km shorter we might have had the win we’ve worked so hard to achieve!”

In a strong showing by Toyota on their own event, three privateer Hiluxes joined Taylor/Birkin and Vos/Howie in the top eight.  Jannie Visser and Joks le Roux were third, Malcolm Kock and Johan Burger were fifth and brothers Hugo and Jaap de Bruyn finished sixth.  Their efforts helped Toyota to win the manufacturers’ challenge for the event and consolidate the marque’s lead in the prestigious overall manufacturers’ championship.

STORY BY TOYOTA

The last Bugatti Veyron was sold !

A European customer was the lucky bastard that got to pull the curtain to Veyron.He bought the last one,the 300th Veyron manufactured.I can't wait to see the new generation of Veyron.The Bugatti's brand tradition will be carried on by the Grand Sport,the fastest production convertible in the world today.The Veyron and Veyron Super Sport now remain 300 collection pieces that will be sold in the future for millions and millions of dollars.The Grand Sport will continue to be sold having a top speed of 252 mph with the roof on and 223 mph without the roof.There aren't know many details about the buyer or about the configuration in which he bought the Veyron.I invite you all to share me on Facebook and Twitter and connect with me just searching Michael Scoffield.