One Liners:
- Alonso out at McLaren, endorses his replacement in Carlos Sainz Jnr.
- Bugatti play coy with this photo of the new Divo hypercar under a drape.
- New legislation is set to make the lives of Uber drivers a lot more complicated.
- Isuzu Motors SA enter discussions with Japan on building the next KB in South Africa.
Hot Metal Landed in SA!
One: Lamborghini Aventador Roadster S
Two quick cars have just been launched today at legendary racing circuits across the country. The first is the Lamborghini Aventador Roadster S (accompanied by the Huracan, so that's nice) at the Kyalami International Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg.
"The new Aventador S Roadster sets new benchmarks in technology and performance on both road and track, with the roadster version adding a new dimension in driving enjoyment."
Said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Domenicali.
"The Aventador S Roadster offers the thrill of open air driving without compromising on driving dynamics or the occupants' comfort, and adds a further luxurious dimension through the personalization options available."
Yes, yes Stefano, it’s all very exciting and if you were in the area you’d have no doubt heard those 12-cylinder symphonies screaming around the circuit, owned by Toby Venter of LSM Distributors – the company responsible for the success of Porsche South Africa, and recently Bentley and now Lamborghini.
Hence the beautiful, beautiful noise.
Two: Renault Megane 280 RS
But then in Port Elizabeth in the south, Renault have taken over the Aldo Scribante racetrack for the launch of their new Megane 280 RS. With 280 denoting the horsepower this puppy pushes out, which in metric speak works out to 208kW, which is paired with a twist factor of 380Nm.
What more is there to say about what is traditionally an excellent contender for the title of King of the Hot Hatch? Well, you’ll just have to wait till tomorrow which is when I drive it. Sorry.
But I’ll leave you with words from a Mr Nico Hulkenberg in the interim…
"After having been involved in the development process during 2017, I'm very proud to be the ambassador for New Renault MÉGANE R.S. I had the opportunity to drive the car at various racetracks - Monaco, Montlhéry and Spa-Francorchamps - and I was impressed by the efficiency of the latest on-board technologies. The 4CONTROL system is a dream come true for every driver looking for efficiency, since it improves both the agility and the stability of the car. It's a shame that four-wheel steering systems are banned in Formula 1!"
We will however reveal the price, just R549,900 – start saving!
Elsewhere in the world, the Ford Mustang gets love twofold
First there’s this, the new Ford Mustang Bullit in Kona Blue. It’s a paint swap, up from the iconic Dark Highland Green that recently featured on the special edition tribute to one of the most beloved cars from cinema ever. The one with Steve McQueen.
So same car, now blue and not for sale – rather it is to be raffled in support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Speaking of old Steve...
There’s also this, the new Steve McQueen Mustang
What it is, is a non-OEM interpretation of the Bullitt car but with way more ponies under yon bonnet. Where the car above must make do with 358kW, this one has been slapped with a supercharger to the nefarious tune of 578kW.
It is a gift from the gurus at Steeda Performance Vehicles and features uprated everything and a host of styling nods and winks at the film. You also get for your money, a seriously wicked shift-knob.
Please note, you’ll need to buy a Ford Mustang Bullitt and take it to these fellas and fork out a fair amount of cash before you get to drive home (sideways) in your new favourite fuel incinerator and that’s okay by us.
