VW Golf GTI Edition 50 sets new Nürburgring record
Buyers will be able to spec the car with an optional Performance pack, which adds a sport-tuned chassis, lightweight forged 19-inch wheels and a set of specially developed Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres.
'My record-setting car was equipped with this package,' says Leuchter. 'That was the decisive factor, in my opinion. Three years ago, I wouldn't have believed a front-wheel-drive GTI could beat the lap time of the brilliant Golf R — but now it has. And in less-than-ideal weather, too. That says everything about the set-up and the incredible potential of this GTI.'

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IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns' talisman Lucas Ribeiro ecstatic with the season of triumphs, and teamwork
MAMELODI Sundowns talisman Lucas Ribeiro looking up to launch another spectacular season at Chloorkop. | MS/Facebook Ribeiro had his best season in the famous yellow and green jersey of Sundowns last campaign, scoring 21 and registering 14 assists in 51 games. Lucas Ribeiro is on cloud nine after winning big at the 2024/25 season PSL awards, and he's grateful for the support his teammates and coaches gave him. The Brazilian also starred at the Club World Cup in the US, scoring the Goal of the Tournament for his strike against German giants Borussia Dortmund in the group stage. And for his domestic efforts, he bagged the league's coveted Footballer of the Season, Player's Player of the Season, Goal of the Season and Top Goal Scorer of the Season awards. 'It was a very good season, and the team played very well,' Ribeiro told the Brazilians' media team after the award ceremony on Tuesday night. 'There was fatigue this season because we played so many games, but I am happy with individual trophies. 'I didn't play alone though. My teammates helped me a lot, and gave me support. So, thank you to them and the coach (Miguel Cardoso) - the guy helped me to elevate my level as a player.' Being crowned the Footballer of the Season - an award that's voted for by the 16 coaches in the league - is one of the greatest recognition a player can get. But, Ribeiro didn't want to single out his favourite trophy, saying: 'I like every trophy because they are all important to me. It was a crazy season for me, so all four mean a lot.' Ribeiro and Co are set to be in for another 'crazy season" as expectations have mounted on them to improve after their impressive display at the World Cup last month. As such, after coming back for pre-season, they started with their preparations at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium as their base, Chloorkop, is undergoing renovations. From thereon, they camped in Rustenburg before returning to Atteridgeville to finetune their preparations for the MTN8 quarter-final against Richards at the same venue on Sunday. 'Training was good,' said Ribeiro. 'I am happy with training, and I am back at training to help my team. I worked well with the players and the coaches.'


Daily Maverick
8 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Liverpool's ambitious transfer strategy signals intent to dominate Premier League once again
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Title defence mode Judging by the acquisitions that Liverpool have made so far in this transfer window, the club is hungry to retain the league title. In the Premier League era, only four of the seven league winners have managed to defend their title. In recent years, City have rewritten history by winning the league title a record four consecutive times. Based on how much the club's hierarchy have backed Slot in the transfer market before the new season, it appears the Reds are intent on carving out their own path of dominance from this and beyond. The Reds have signed some exciting players so far — splurging almost £300-million (about R7-billion). Headlining this uncharacteristic spending spree by the usually frugal Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group is former Bayer Leverkusen forward and German international Florian Wirtz. The playmaker is someone who would improve any team, especially with his sharp eye for goals and his ability to also assist. Hence Liverpool splashed a reported £116-million on the attacking midfielder, who scored 16 goals and provided 15 assists in 45 matches across competitions for Leverkusen. 'I will improve my own personal level and physical levels because everyone knows that in Liverpool the players are machines — really strong and really physical. But I see this also as an opportunity for me to get better… I just thought this was the right place for me,' Wirtz said of his move. 'People say I'm a creative player. I hope I can bring this creativity to the team and also the joy on the pitch. I'll try to make assists, goals and run for the team defensively. I hope I can just make the team one step better,' the German added. Fortify the team Not content with luring Wirtz away from 2024 German champions, the Reds have also recruited Leverkusen's Dutch fullback Jeremie Frimpong. 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Balancing the books Questions have been asked in relation to how Liverpool have been able to spend so much money in a single transfer window — despite the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. A number of factors have contributed towards the Reds being able to move the way they have in the transfer market. For one, the team did not make any major signings across the previous two transfer windows. The Reds only signed Italian Federico Chiesa for £10-million as their rivals splurged extensively, only to fall short in the race for Premier League honours. Not to mention that Liverpool also bagged a windfall of £84-million in the revamped European Champions League, despite their last-16 exit. This amount was a result of them winning seven of their eight matches in the league phase, which led to the Reds being the most successful team in the first round. Of course, even though Liverpool have spent so much in this window, they will not pay any of those transfer fees up front. Instead, they will come in instalments. This allows teams further room to manoeuvre — in addition to the profit and sustainability rules allowing for losses of up to £105-million over a three-year period. Red target The Reds have not been the only big spenders in this window. London sides Chelsea and Arsenal have shown their ambitions to challenge Liverpool with their own spending sprees. Chelsea has continued its aggressive transfer policy under their American owners, splurging almost £200-million in this window. Key signings include Brazilian forward João Pedro and former Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. Meanwhile the Gunners, probably fed up with finishing runners-up as they have done for the past three seasons, have also invested heavily in players. Acquisitions such as Viktor Gyökeres (who scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for previous club Sporting) Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke. A potential deal for Viktor Gyokeres could increase this figure further. 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TimesLIVE
10 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Mazda CX-30 remains a chic and dependable crossover pick
There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding the fate of legacy carmakers in the current climate. That stems from the powerful emergence of the Chinese automotive industry as a disruptor that has become tough to beat by offering customers a great deal for less outlay and across most segments. The monthly figures speak for themselves. Very soon we might see brands from China edging in on the turf of the most beloved local staples, such as Volkswagen and Toyota. They have outpaced marques that were once regular features in the top half of the monthly new vehicle sales charts. That includes Mazda. However, where proven reliability and longevity is concerned, legacy carmakers such as Mazda continue to have the upper-hand. While the oldest Chinese carmaker in South Africa is just shy of turning 18, a brand such as Mazda has been involved in Mzansi for decades. It has proven itself to be a purveyor of durable cars and, in more recent times, offerings that sought to elevate its persona with sharper designs and build quality that some have likened to German standards. A Mazda CX-30 recently arrived for evaluation, looking quite rakish in a shade of blue. The crossover was first launched in 2020 as a bridge between buyers who found the CX-3 too compact and the CX-5 too large. Mazda is not one for radical changes during a product life cycle, so aside from subtle tweaks from trim and equipment standpoints, the CX-30 seen here is much the same as the model launched about five years ago. That is a considerable length of time in modern motoring terms, but the sleek, curvaceous aesthetic appeal of the model remains as desirable as it was then. Pricing ranges from R531,800 for the basic Active version while R579,400 gets you into the Dynamic grade. The Carbon Edition, with its dark accents, is R597,800 and the range-topping Individual we tested costs R641,900. Pricing includes a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty and service plan. On the outside, the 18-inch, glossy black alloys are the biggest differentiation of the Individual versus its lesser siblings. The cabin is distinguished by a delicious two-tone colour combination: toffee for the leatherette bolsters, suede-like upholstery for the seat inners and door panels. One is reminded where the comparisons to Teutonic cabin finishes originate from. Behind the wheel of a CX-30 materials are of an excellent standard, from the soft-touch fascia to the grip of the elegant three-spoke steering wheel. The doors of the Mazda are on the light side, but concerns about occupants safety are assuaged by the fitment of seven airbags and the credentials of a five-star EuroNCAP rating. Some may lament the slightly dated look of the cabin, but traditionalists will enjoy the blend of analogue with digital. The instrument cluster, for example, has classic needles and gauges for the tachometer and fuel level, complemented by a central screen handling speed and other data. Atop the fascia is a slim infotainment screen that blends appealingly, a nice break from the stark, oversized tablets that look as though they were stuck on as an afterthought. Being the top tier expression of the CX-30 range, the standard equipment level is high and outfitted with amenities including a sunroof, Bose audio system and electrically-operated tailgate. Annoyingly, the navigation system requires an SD card, which was not present in our test unit. The vehicle's 295l boot is on the shallow side. Road manners are of a respectable texture, with good marks for sound insulation and light but direct steering. There are some compromises where ride quality is concerned, attributed to the 18-inch alloys, in tandem with suspension tuning that is decidedly firm. Drive is to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic. Where Mazda could be criticised for lagging behind is in the powertrain department. The CX-30 used a 2.0l, four-cylinder petrol engine which is naturally-aspirated. This is the 121kW/213Nm unit that has served in Mazda products for many years and has an industrial, appliance-like quality. On one hand, the long-lasting potential and easy maintenance of such a simple, uncomplicated motor is a positive. On the other hand the performance boost and economy of adopting turbocharger technology is hard to argue with. Rivals such as Toyota have found a satisfying middle ground with hybridisation. The CX-30 could certainly benefit from such progress. Average consumption over our week of testing was 8.5l/100km. While it might not be at the forefront of technological innovation, the CX-30 remains a stylish and proven prospect from a brand with a sound reputation.