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TimesLIVE
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
TimesLIVE racer finishes second at a rain-soaked East London circuit
Prince George Grand Prix circuit — a sunny East London Friday practice day greeted the throng of racers in the eight classes of the Extreme Festival Tour powered by Coca-Cola on Saturday. The rehearsal preceded an eventful qualifying and racing on a Saturday morning marked by cold and rainy weather resulting in a number of racing incidents and another second place podium finish for the No 50 TimesLIVE Toyota GR Yaris. Qualifying With panic about this track having set in weeks before in our GR Yaris rookie group, its reputation preceded its real enjoyment. It's the fastest circuit on the calendar with potential to hit more than 220km/h on some sections and it introduced us to new and wilder emotions, the crucial decision-making pro racers face at times for a chance at victory and as pure survival tactics. A wet East London immediately offered surprises, starting with loss of control of my GR Yaris on the sixth lap of qualifying. I held on but decided the conditions were too dangerous and opted to exit the session before its close. An undamaged car was the priority no matter where I'm placed on the starting grid. The drama taps were then switched on. The first red flag was raised when dealer man Riaan de Rui hit a patch of water that trickled onto the main straight during the GR Cup group two qualifiers, his GR Corolla careening off the track and landing on its roof. The Gauteng resident escaped uninjured, but it caused a long delay as race marshals rebuilt the tyre wall. With the day's arrangements muddled up and with the rest of the qualifiers scrapped, the luck I'd hoped for going into this race shined when GR Cup team manager Leeroy Poulter made the call that Friday's practice times would now determine the start grid positions for the late race. It would also be a single 12-lap race for double points instead of the regular pair of eight-lap heats. The heat My fastest practice time of 1:36.563 meant starting fifth on the mixed dealer/media class grid and third in our GR Yaris field, behind Car Magazine's Kyle Kock. A good launch on a dried track had me neck-and-neck with Kock with AutoTrader's Lawrence Minnie nearby heading into turn 1 — the frighteningly fast Potters Pass curve. We continued towards the even faster Rifle bend and into the slow Cocobana right turn with me still behind Kock and him tailing dealer man Mario De Sousa. Sticking close by paid off as Kock skidded and overshot his braking on approach to Beacon bend with De Sousa holding back to avoid contact. The fracas created an opportunity for me to pass on the inside line and I didn't miss the chance to capitalise and pounced for a double overtake on the pair onto the main straight. I never looked back until the chequered flag where I finished second in the class behind winner and championship leader Nabil Abdool from SuperSport. The weekend's point haul is a bigger cushion against Kock who arrived in East London a single point behind me in the overall standings. The next round will be a return to Cape Town's Killarney raceway on September 13.
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Will the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado adopt Hilux's hybrid engine in SA?
Already available in Australia and scheduled to be introduced to the European market in 2025, will the 48 V mild-hybrid version of Toyota's tried-and-tested 2.8-litre turbo diesel make its way to the Land Cruiser Prado lineup in South Africa? Toyota has announced the Land Cruiser Prado is 'powering into a new era', with the '250' series of the Japanese automaker's rugged go-anywhere SUV adopting the 2.8-litre mild-hybrid engine in the European market. However, perhaps of even more significance, is this unit is already available in Australia, a market that largely mirrors ours. So, this made Car Magazine wonder: Will Toyota introduce this powertrain to the local Land Cruiser Prado lineup? As a reminder, the new-generation Land Cruiser Prado, which Car Mag reviewed at the local launch in July 2024 and evaluated in a road test in the October 2024 issue of the magazine, was unveiled in 2023 with five (market-dependent) engine options: 207kW/430Nm 2.4-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol 243kW/630Nm 2.4-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol-hybrid 120kW/246Nm 2.7-litre, four-cylinder petrol 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel 48 V mild-hybrid More compact than the manufacturer's full hybrid system, the mild-hybrid setup comprises a larger, 48V, 4.3Ah lithium-ion battery pack and permanent magnet synchronous electric motor-generator, which operates with a two-arm belt tensioner that's been specifically designed for diesel powertrains. Noteworthy, the fitment of this arrangement doesn't compromise the Land Cruiser Prado's off-road capability. In addition, by way of the Hilux and Fortuner's unit, it offers a boost of 12kW/65Nm, while improving fuel consumption. Now, as mentioned, in addition to being available with Toyota's best-selling bakkie and Fortuner in South Africa, considering the 48V mild-hybrid has been earmarked for European introduction in 2025 and, significantly, employed across the board in Australia, it doesn't seem unlikely that this powertrain could be introduced South Africa. However, if it does, indeed, make its way to the local Land Cruiser Prado lineup, we expect it will probably only be towards the end of 2025, or in 2026. Click here to browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! Related: The post Will the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Adopt the Hilux's Hybrid Engine in South Africa? appeared first on CAR Magazine.
Motor 1
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Lamborghini Hints at a Rear-Wheel-Drive Temerario: 'A Different Kind of Hybridization'
For years, Lamborghini was all about all-wheel drive—it was the one thing separating the Italian automaker from its chief rival, Ferrari. Only occasionally did the company offer rear-wheel drive on a limited special edition. But Lamborghini began embracing rear-wheel drive near the end of the Gallardo's run. For the Huracan, the company would offer rear-drive in both base models and specials like the STO and Tecnica. Soon, the Temerario could follow in the same footsteps. Speaking to the UK's Car magazine at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Lamborghini CTO Rouven Mohr hinted at a rear-wheel drive Temerario. "I'm not saying in the future you couldn't see a [two-wheel drive] version of the street car, and then perhaps a different kind of hybridization," he said. Lamborghini Temerario Alleggerita Photo by: Lamborghini Currently, the Temerario is only offered as an all-wheel drive hybrid. It has a mid-mounted, twin-turbo V-8 and an electric motor driving the wheels, with two additional motors for the front wheels. In theory, it seems Lamborghini could delete the front motors, leaving just the V-8 and single rear electric motor. A car like this could still be very powerful—the engine on its own makes 789 horsepower, and the electric motor is capable of 147 hp. In its current all-wheel drive iteration, the Temerario makes 920 hp, as the engine and electric motors make peak power at different points. Car seemed to suggest to Mohr that a rear-drive hybrid Temerario may not need a battery as large as the all-wheel drive car's 3.8-kilowatt-hour unit, and that it might not need to be a plug-in hybrid either. "This [sort of hybrid] is already available today," he said, referencing the Porsche 911's hybrid system. He called it a "super example of a completely different hybrid approach." Photo by: Lamborghini The 911's hybrid system is pretty different than what Lamborghini may do, however. Porsche uses an internal-combustion engine designed around an electric turbocharger , whereas the new Lamborghini V-8 uses conventional turbos. While Mohr didn't confirm anything, we'd be shocked if we didn't see a rear-drive Temerario. Lamborghini tends to keep its models in production for a long time, introducing many variants to keep things fresh. Rear-wheel drive supercars are also a well-established part of its business now, and the prospect of a lighter, simpler Temerario has us excited. But don't expect to see a non-hybrid version. Lamborghini just revealed the Temerario GT3 race car , which deletes the hybrid system to comply with current GT3 regulations, but Mohr says he "wouldn't bet" on a non-hybrid street car. That said, he doesn't completely rule out the possibility—but the reality of current emissions regulations makes building such a car unrealistic. More on Lamborghini Lamborghini's New Supercar Is Going Racing Lamborghini Walks Back Urus EV, Plans Hybrid Instead Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor 1
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Hyundai: 'Nobody Wants Manual Gearboxes Anymore'
Rowing your own gears is gradually becoming a lost art as more and more automakers eliminate the third pedal. The convenience of an automatic is undeniable, but there are other reasons why stick shifts are disappearing. Increasingly complex driver assistance systems are geared (get it?) toward automatic transmissions. Engineering a car with both types of gearboxes increases costs, which are difficult to recoup as manual take rates continue to decline. Emissions regulations also play a role, as modern automatic transmissions tend to be more efficient than manual ones. At the core of the manual's downfall, however, is weakening demand. Automakers might be more willing to overcome those obstacles if more people were buying three-pedal cars. But they aren't, and things will likely get worse, given the shrinking number of performance models and the rise of EVs. In an interview with Car Magazine , Hyundai's Managing Director of the Europe Technical Centre in Germany went so far as to say that 'nobody wants manual gearboxes anymore.' While that statement may sound like an exaggeration, the truth is that manuals are a dying breed, with only some enthusiasts still clinging to the do-it-yourself gearbox. Take, for example, the Elantra N's manual take rate of just 30% in the U.S. last year. The rest of the buyers opted for the dual-clutch, eight-speed automatic instead. It's not just the stick shift falling out of favor. Johnson also believes buyers no longer want manual handbrakes or analog dials. That's probably true for most customers under 40, while only older drivers still want to pull a handbrake lever and look at an instrument cluster with real gauges and needles. Of course, there are exceptions, but the trend is clear. Then again, it's not like automakers are giving us much choice. A new car is likely to come with an electronic handbrake, a fully digital instrument cluster, and an automatic gearbox. Cost is also a factor, as simplifying the list of options makes cars cheaper to develop and manufacture. Johnson also said we shouldn't mourn the decline of combustion-engine sports cars. Older ones, he claimed, were 'miles away—a disappointment' compared to the Ioniq 5 N . He argued that EVs have evolved in 10 years as much as gas-powered cars have in a century. Fake engine sounds pumped through the speakers are a good substitute for the roar of an internal combustion engine, he added. 'I don't understand the idea that performance cars are dying. If you want to go fast, there's nothing better than an EV. I don't understand the nostalgia.' It's perfectly understandable if you disagree with most of these statements, but we need to consider the broader perspective. If you're reading Motor1 , you're probably an enthusiast, but most people aren't car fanatics. Automakers don't want to invest in features that only a few people would buy. It's not financially sustainable. In an increasingly digital and cost-conscious industry, manuals have become relics appreciated by too few to justify their continued existence. To quote Ferrari, if you want a manual, buy a used car . Catch Up With Hyundai: Hyundai Is Planning a Rear-Wheel-Drive Hybrid Hyundai: We Want More Buttons In Your Car Source: Car Magazine Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
‘Reinvented Soul': Kia Syros gets the go-ahead for South Africa
MPV-styled Syros will slot-in between the Sonet and Seltos, however, an official date of reveal has not yet been mentioned. Syros has been styled to resemble not only Kia's EV range, but also the Tasman bakkie. Image: Kia India Revealed at the end of last year as the successor for the Soul outside Europe and North America, Kia has confirmed availability of the Syros for South Africa well before the end of the year. NOT and MPV Classified as an SUV and not an MPV as per its name starting with an 'S' and not the MPV denoting 'C', the Syros adheres to India's sub-four metre regulations by measuring 3 995 mm long, 1 800 mm wide and 1 665 mm tall. ALSO READ: New type of Soul released as Kia finally unboxes mini-EV5 Syros Its wheelbase stretching 2 550 mm, the Syros will be positioned between the Sonet and Seltos, thereby making it the direct replacement for the Soul that bowed-out in 2019 before the current third generation went on-sale. Petrol only? According to the confirmation report by Car Magazine, an official date of reveal wasn't disclosed, though projections point to the Syros possibly being a petrol-only affair so as not to overlap with the Seltos that offers both petrol and diesel engines. Syros' rear and side profile harks back not only to the Soul, but also certain Japanese kei cars. Image: Kia India As such, South Africa will seemingly be privy to the 1.0 T-GDI only that develops the same 88kW/172Nm as in the Sonet. Sending the amount of twist to the front wheels falls to a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch, the latter potentially the only option the local market could get as in the Sonet. Expected spec While available in four trim grades in India, a more condensed line-up will be applicable to South Africa possibly with a mixture of the LS, LX, SX, EX and EX+ denominators used on the Sonet and Seltos. Based on the Indian-market version, expect specification to consist of ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, a wireless smartphone, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, ventilated rear seats and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Interior has been styled along the lines of Kia's EV-line of electric vehicles. Image: Kia India On the safety side, and again depending on the grade structure, the Syros will feature the following: six airbags; tyre pressure monitor; 360-degree surround-view camera; Adaptive Cruise Control; Front Collision Warning; Lane Keep Assist; Front Collision Avoidance Assist; Lead Vehicle Departure Alert; Blind Spot Monitoring; Junction Assist; Lane Departure Warning; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Driver Attention Alert; Hill Start Assist; Auto High Beam Assist; Electronic Stability Control A drive mode selector with three settings; Eco, Normal and Sport, alloy wheels up to 17-inches and what Kia calls a traction mode with three settings, Mud, Sand and Snow, rounds the Syros off. Speculated price Likely to be selectively detailed within the coming months in the form of teasers, pricing for the Syros remains unknown, however, as per its placing between the Sonet and Seltos, expect it possibly start from around the R350 000 or R370 000 mark. ALSO READ: Clavis makes way for Syros as Kia starts teasing newest SUV
