Beastly Benz V8 voted best

The Mercedes-Benz 6.3-litre V8 engine gained plaudits from the panel of judges in the "International Engine of the Year Awards" , driving away with first prize in two categories.

"Our renewed success this year in the two categories is testimony to the out-and-out positive test results for the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in all the media. The top spots also reflect the great enthusiasm of our customers." said  Friedrich Eichler, Head of Engine & Powertrain Development at Mercedes-AMG.

With a power output ranging from 336 kW to 420 kW kW , the monstrous Mercedes-Benz V8 snarled its way to the top spot in the "Best Performance Engine" and "Above 4 litres" categories, warding off German,Italian and American rivals.

Another salient feature of the AMG-fettled engine - apart from the immense power it produces - is the thunderous burble emitted through its large tailpipes. Some jurors believed victory should have been based solely on this merit - "For its fantastic engine sound alone it deserved first place!", said Carl Cunanan, editor of C! Magazine.

The "International Engine of the Year Awards" has been held since 1999 and involves an independent jury of 65 motor journalists from 32 countries.

Games4U: Drake to voice Gears of War character

Gamers with a preference for hip-hop will be surprised to hear the vocal talents of recording artist Drake, when the Xbox game Gears of War 3 is released in 2011.

Drake, whose album “Thank Me Later” was released on June 15, is set to voice the character Jace Stratton in the final instalment of the immensely popular gaming saga.

“When Epic came to me with the role, I couldn’t pass it up,” said Drake. “They’ve created an amazing character in Jace, and I’m looking forward to my tour in Delta Squad.”

“Jace is a central character in the comic books, so he was an obvious choice as a character we wanted to bring into the third game,” said Epic Executive Producer Rod Fergusson. “When we began casting for the role, ‘So Far Gone’ had just released, and Drake’s combination of heart and grit was just what we were looking for. Rather than search for somebody who sounded like him, it was clear that we should approach him directly… fortunately he turned out to be a huge fan.”

Gears of War 3 will be launched worldwide in April 2011.

Gadgets4U: No need to Pop into the gym with this LG

For many, the onset of winter is accompanied by panic: we’re often found scrambling hastily to treadmills and last-minute-booked Pilate sessions to cease the unsightly burgeoning of weight - unwanted insulation against the prevailing temperatures.

But you needn't squander money on renewal of gym a membership contract to fight those winter blues - rather invest in the new LG GD510 Pop phone.

Featuring novel new fitness applications and a slim physique envied by lithe gym instructors, it's certainly this seasons must-have accessory.

Admittedly, I was rather skeptical when the handset arrived on my doorstep - i've had my fair share of gimmick-laden LG mobiles, notably the KE600 DJ phone, complete with a miniature turntable that distorted ones music when moved back and forth, emitting a generic pre-recorded noise hardly resembling the rhythmic and aurally-pleasant scratch sounds found in legendary Run DMC and Beastie Boys tracks of yore.

Much to my surprise, the two key applications, Weight Tracker and Running Mate proved to be functional rather than a mere trick used to dazzle and inveigle consumers. Running Mate acts as a personal odometer, enabling one to monitor the distance covered on cycling and jogging routes.Techno-inepts can rest soundly in the knowledge that it is incredibly easy to use: simply select a time limit by gliding your finger alongside the scroll-pad on the LG's ultra-clear 3-inch touch screen and the mileage you have covered will be displayed after the duration of the excercise has ended. Data of previous running sessions are saved in an inventory, giving one the opportunity to beat personal best times. Of course, you'll need to ensure that your efforts to shed the winter weight are fruitful. Weight Tracker allows one to determine their Body Mass Index and even undertake the frankly pedantic task of calculating body fat percentage. Entertainment is essential when embarking on a quest for fitness and the 8 gigabyte internal memory provided ample space for my music library.

Typically LG, the GD510 is an aesthetic masterpiece. It complements the palm with its slim width, uncluttered visage and exterior crafted from brushed aluminium that exudes solidity - assuring full functionality even after sustaining a fall or three.

At a price of R1 749, the new LG GD510 Pop phone is set to be a hit among fitness seekers and those simply wanting a piece of affordable touch screen technology.

Hyundai Verna – possibly next Accent, premieres at Beijing show

“There are nine Million bicycles in Beijing”, sang the attractive Auburn-haired Katy Melua, in her 2004 hit song, Nine Million Bicycles.

Euisun Chung, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Company must have similar aspirations for the Verna, which was unveiled recently at the Beijing Automotive Exhibition.

While the Verna was designed particularly for the Chinese market – with Hyundai’s product planning division initiating extensive research programmes to ensure that their new baby conforms to local preferences – the Verna will be introduced into other regions, although it is likely that it will be re-branded with the more familiar Accent nomenclature.

Aesthetically, the Verna is typically Hyundai – this is not a bad thing, boasting styling cues that resonate from the trendy, stylish i30. It appears that Hyundai have shed the air of insipidity that once characterized their range of products. Much like the taciturn girl you knew throughout Primary school, with braces and the slightly overweight physique who miraculously blossomed into eye-candy a few years later.

Vying for the spot of eco-pioneer in the automotive industry, Hyundai have equipped the Verna with an engine that meets the criteria of China’s Step 3 fuel economy regulations two years prior to the deadline.

There are two engine derivatives available in the Verna: a 1.6L DOHC producing 90.4Kw@6300rpm and a 1.4L DOHC producing 78.7Kw@6300rpm for those with a limited budget.

The Verna seems like a vehicle that maintains the level of quality ushered in by recent Hyundai models. Although one would have for it to arrive on our shores before deciding whether the lyrical waxing on paper materializes in the actual product.

Gadgets4U: LG GW300

I recently had a chance to be a part of the Blackberry fad that seems to have swept the world.

The device in question, however, was far from being as capable as the American-spawned must-have accessory for those seeking to look cool while keeping abreast of schedules and other business activities. It was in fact an LG GW300 – a poor man’s Blackberry of sorts.

Almost all of my contemporaries commented on what they thought was a “cool-looking Blackberry” upon seeing me exploiting the function of my thumbs on the LG’s QWERTY keypad. But I couldn’t blame them: since the compact dimensions and slim yet square shape have resonated from the trendy ‘berry, the GW300’s aesthetics are stylish, complementing one’s palm.

But unfortunately, this is where the similarity ends. And unlike models from the fruity counterpart, the LG scores low in terms of user-friendliness and ease of use: it’s tarnished by an often unresponsive interface that infuriates and flimsy keys which click loudly and need furious prodding to function.

Being of the Mxit-generation, this was a real disappointment - especially since the packaging of LG GW300 promises a product enabling “better texting”.

My consolation was the impressive music player, which supports most codec types. It obviated the need to carry around my iPod – being just as good, organizing one’s inventory into Recently played, Playlists, Albums and Genres just as one would find on the Apple.

One needn’t undertake the frustrating task of sifting through their song list and selecting just a few tracks to transfer to the LG, as it is equipped with a micro SD slot. The test unit arrived with a 2 Gigabyte memory card that provided ample storage space for my array of tunage, which was pumped out through the LG’s 3.5mm-Earjacked ear phones.

The GW300 will do if you lack the fiscal means to afford the real deal.

Hot cop car could Terminate your ride

Think again next time you consider attempting to evade Police pursuit after hearing those sirens wail – you might be unlucky enough to have one of the six new Nissan GT-R Police vehicles on your tail.

With 600bhp on tap, propelling the GT-R from standstill to 100km/h in a mere 3,5 seconds, this stealthy and agile Japanese ninja is guaranteed to assist our boys (and girls) in blue in their endeavour to rid our streets of the reckless drivers that endanger the lives of other motorists.

As if the GT-R’s aggressive aesthetics weren’t enough to send a shiver down the spin of perpetrators the vehicle has also been given the name, Terminator.

In order to give the vehicle maximum competence in the intensive application of police pursuit, Nissan’s performance division, NISMO was consulted in the development of the GT-R Terminator. The removal of standard luxury items that feature in the GT-R’s interior sees a weight reduction of 200 kilograms. Additional storage compartments have been fitted to house ‘cuffs and other important police paranephilia.

To ensure that the GT-R Terminators enjoy a long service life and are driven properly – these cannot, after all be as easily replaced as the standard Focus ST or Gti cop cars – those lucky enough be assigned to the task of commandeering the vehicles were subjected to thorough training by the Nissan Precision Driving Academy.

Forget the cool uniforms and the guns – never has there been a more exciting incentive to join the force.
  
*Image: Quickpic

Silver Ghost "best of the best"

Since 1955 the “red dot: best of the best” award has been reserved only for the finest and most exemplary pieces of product design, in categories ranging from Architecture, Medicine to even Fashion.


It’s certainly no surprise then, that the new Rolls Royce Silver Ghost has been awarded with the prestigious accolade in the Automotive category.

The Silver Ghost received acclaim for its groundbreaking aesthetics, being said to have an unmistakable appearance and design that reinterperets the classic values of the brand, in a more contemporary fashion suitable for the 21st century.

“This is a tremendous accolade for the entire Rolls-Royce design team, as a designer the challenge lies in translating ideas into a medium which others can see, touch and feel. We are very proud of what we have achieved with Ghost and are delighted to have been recognised with this very special award”. Said Chief Designer Ian Cameron.

While the Silver Ghost retains traditional Rolls Royce styling cues – the long hood and short front overhangs for example, some new, modern elements have been infused too. The renowned grille sees slight rejuvenation, the aim being to “create an effect less reminiscent of the traditional Parthenon style and more like that of a Jet intake” said Cameron.

As if sublime Rolls Royce engineering and the exclusivity that accompanies ownership weren’t enough, those lucky enough to sit behind the coveted Spirit of Ecstasy mascot now have something else to brag about.

Improved Terios

The Dihatsu Terios is a likeable car.

One can't help but to be wooed by its cute-looking exterior and compact dimensions.

Even Jeremy Clarkson, the geriatric best known for his frank and irreverent approach to motoring journalism, fell for the charm of the dainty SUV, claiming that he'd love to take the Terios in on a cold winters evening and keep it by the fireplace as he would a pet, in his review of the vehicle.

Now, I'm far from that age at which senility would compel me to share my fireplace with a car. However, I would certainly consider the Terios as an occupant to my garage, especially since the release of the new, face-lifted version.

While changes are minimal, each revision plays a role in enhancing the appeal of the small off-roader. At the front, a new light-light cluster has been employed, giving the Terios a fresher, more contemporary face. The rear also receives some light-treatment, now featuring a transparent unit reminiscent of those seen on the first generation Lexus IS series.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence: Dihatsu are owned partly by the Toyota Motor Corporation – also the parent company to the Lexus luxury car division. The Terios boasts a host of standard features that make driving a little easier. Front and rear power windows, ABS, EBD, dual Airbags and an MP3 compatible radio entertainment system with steering controls are among the list.

In standard guise, the elevated ride height of the Terios would enable it to fare well as a pavement climber in the concrete jungle. A 4x4 version is available for those seeking to use the Terios as a vehicle to accompany them on real off-road pursuits. This model is equipped with a mechanical limited slip on rear differential and has a higher ground clearance enabling extreme approach and departure angles on treacherous terrain. In addition, the 4x4 version features a GPS system integrated into the dashboard. This should certainly come in handy when you’re no longer able to spot the shrub/tree landmark you’ve created for yourself in the bush.

The staring price for the Dihatsu Terios is R209 900. For added peace of mind, a 3year 100000km warranty and standard 3 year/75000km service plan has been included.

*As appeared on www.justmotoring.co.za

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Formula 1 Safety Car

When it comes to Formula 1 Safety Car competency, reliability and swift performance are key.

If the vehicle is too slow, the Formula 1 cars being lead would lose tyre warmth - essential to achieving optimum grip levels. Overheating and subsequent engine damage might result too, as cooling is aided by the air directed towards the vehicle and into its ducts at high speeds

No wonder then, why Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles have been chosen for such an application. Mercedes-Benz' AMG division has had an affiliation with the high-octane sport of Formula 1 since the mid-eighties,when an AMG-fettled E-Class Coupé with V8 engine was used occasionally as a Medical Vehicle.

Throughout the nineties and noughties, Mercedes have relegated some its most finest AMG models to the intensive task of maintaining order amongst those immensely fast, clinically-designed Formula 1 cars, during unfavourable conditions.

The 2010 Formuala 1 season will once again see the employment of the versatile C63 Estate as the Medical Vehicle and the Gullwing-throwback SLS AMG as the all-new Saftey Car..

The latter might probably cause a few accidents rather the intended purpose of preventing them, as it is indeed a beautiful car - even from the rear.

A 6.3-litre V8 engine with power a colossal power output of 420kW and torque figure of 650 Nm propels the SLS from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds. On straights like the one found in the renowned Nurburgring Nordschleife track, it would certainly reach speeds well over the 100 mark. Of course, straight-line power isn't everything. A rigid yet light weight space frame keeping the SLS's mass to 1620kg and a low centre of gravity attributed to the V8 powerplant being installed lower-down within the engine bay ensures that the Mercedes is able to tackle sinuous track layouts like that of the Monaco street circuit, with ease.

Striking Safety Car livery and an aerodynamically-designed LED roof light bar means that the SLS AMG will always be seen, even in poor lighting conditions.

Apart from the fitment of a new rear silencer the Saftey Car retains all the same engine, transmission, suspension and brake system components as the standard production vechicle - testament to the extreme performance capabilities and superb build quality of the SLS AMG. The silencer allows for better exhalation of air by the engine, resulting in improved performance and according to the Press Release, "offers Formula-1 fans an even more emotionally charged sound experience". They certainly won't have time to savour the SLS's aural emissions, scrambling for their umbrellas and raincoats to shelter themselves from the adverse weather conditions in which the vehicle is to be deployed mostly.

The SLS is to be comandeered by former DTM driver Bernd Mayländer and his co-driver, Pete Tibbetts. The C63 AMG Medical Vehicle will be piloted by our very own Alan van de Merwe, who is a former race-car driver.

Fourteen years of F1 safety provided by vehicles bearing the Three-pointed star emblem and legendary AMG moniker:


Safety Cars:
1996: C 36 AMG (W 202)
1997: CLK 55 AMG (C 208)
2000: CL 55 AMG (C 215)
2001: SL 55 AMG (R 230)
2003: CLK 55 AMG (C 209)
2004: SLK 55 AMG (R 171)
2006: CLK 63 AMG (C 209)
2008: SL 63 AMG (R 230)
Currently: SLS AMG (C 197)


Medical Cars:
1996: C 36 AMG (W 202)
1997: C 36 AMG (W 202); E 60 AMG (W 210)
1998: C 55 AMG Estate (S 202)
2001: C 32 AMG Estate (S 203)
2004: C 55 AMG Estate (S 203)
2008-currently: C 63 AMG Estate (S 204)

New Bentley for ballers-forgetting the ballies

Bentley: a marque usually favoured by wealthy footballers and geriatrics. Their new Continental Supersports Convertible will certainly recieve a warm reception from the soccer star fraternity, but probably not from its older, more conservative customers.

This is the most powerful convertible ever produced by the British automaker, able to rocket from standstill to 100km/h in a brisk 4,2 seconds with a top speed of 325km/h-hold on to your toupee.The Bentley is powered by the same W12 twin-turbocharged engine as its Coupe stable mate launched in 2009, churning out an awe-inducing 463kW.

The Bentley's aesthetics are commensurate with the impressive performance stats, with a more muscular, aggresive profile in comparison to the stylish yet sedate non-Supersport models in the Continental GT range. Practicality comes in the form of two additional rear seats, making the Supersport a true Grand Tourer.

Bentley has always been associated with unashamed excess and ostentatiousness, but it seems that they too have developed a green conscience to appease the eco-lobbyists.FlexFuel technology will be standardised across the Continental range by 2011, in striving to make all its cars compatible with biofuel by 2012. But let's face it: Supersport Continental owners already have a Toyota Prius or two in their garages, for such occasions where enviromental-friendliness needs to be flaunted.

The Continental Supersports Convertible is as desirable as it is fast.But sadly, ownership remains a distant dream for those of us not seeking to pursue a career in Premier League football and are many, many years away from receiving hefty pensions.

Cops get on the ball for 2010-Thanks to GMSA

South African cops may not be the fittest on the field, so a programme featuring on additional training behind the wheel, must be a welcome relief for those dreading sprinting after bag snatchers.

Initiated in preparation for the slowly approaching FIFA 2010 World Cup, the programme instituted by General Motors of South Africa aims to enhance the defensive driving skills of members of the Flying Squad, Police Dog Unit, Crime Combating Unit, and the elite Special Task Force. Their roles will be pivotal in ensuring global safety during the momentous 6-week event commencing June 2010 in South Africa.

Over a 12 month programme, a group of 2 200 members of the SAPS participated the in the driver training course, administered and designed by Driving Dynamics, with GM-supplied vehicles.

GM chose seven vehicles including the Chevrolet Aveo and Cruze for the programme involving passenger vehicles. An Isuzu double cab bakkie was also used to provide training in the proficient handling of a light commercial vehicle.

The trainers have reason to believe the robust nature of the Isuzu and Chevrolet vehicles in GM's stable had been proved throughout the programme's duration: Despite being subjected to more than 10 000kms of abrupt braking, fierce acceleration and violent cornering, none of the vehicles, they claimed, experienced mechanical problems of any sort.

Then again GM products such as Chev and Isuzu have maintained their strong brand value and credibility over the decades.

Perhaps members of the SAPS who have grown accustomed to spending time behind the wheel of vehicles with the famous Bowie emblem will persuade their superiors to reconsider the current fleet of Golf GTIs and Ford STs in favour of something like Chevrolet's Lumina SS - guaranteed to evoke fear in felons with its brute power and beastly exterior.

Super safe Volvo drives away with ADAC accolade

 

Yet another saftety award can be placed among the array of accolades accumulated by the 2010 South African Car of The Year contender Volvo XC60.


The Volvo received acclaim for its Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) as well as the Distance Alert and City Safety systems, when various automatic speed and distance control systems were thoroughly assessed and compared by German ADAC - the largest automotive organisation in the world with some 16 million members, recently.


The XC60 faced stiff competition from the Audi A4, Volkswagen Passat CC, Honda Accord, Lexus IS, and the Ford Mondeo.

The ADAC test report states: "The Volvo system scores above all due to the fact that it consistently puts its emphasis on accident avoidance. The driver is informed about any danger by a red flashing warning lamp, which is projected onto the windscreen. At low speeds, below 30 km/h, the additional, integrated laser technology called City Safety also recognises stationary vehicles and in a potential accident situation, brakes in time to stop the car."

Said a beaming Jonas Ekmark, Active Safety Hub Leader at Volvo Cars: "It feels good that ADAC pays attention to the fact that we have a system that consistently avoids accidents. That is our promise to the customer; to offer the best possible safety."

Locally, Adaptive Cruise Control is available as an optional feature on the Volvo XC60, Volvo XC70, and Volvo S80. It will also be offered in the all-new Volvo S60,which is to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show this year.

The new S60 will also incorporate new technologies in addition to ACC and City Safety. Navigating through those crowded streets of Jozi will certainly be made easier with the Volvo's Pedestrian Detection feature, a system that brakes automatically for pedestrians and can avoid a collision at speeds up to 35km/h.

The XC60 30.T is one of eight finalists vying for the title of South African Car of The Year.

With its innovative approach to automotive safety and a stable of technology-laden vehicles, it seems the road ahead could be bright for the Swedish automaker.

The trophy cabinet of the XC60 is envied by rival manufacturers-here are just a few of its credentials:


*In 2009 it was awarded the title of 'SUV of the year' by Belgian mgazine 4X4 Plus.


*Russian automotive magazine Klaxon selected the Volvo as the 'Golden Klaxon' in the compact crossover segment in 2009.


*The XC60 grabbed the title of 'SUV of the year' in Chile, 2009.


*Centro Zaragoza, a Spanish motoring magazine voted the XC60 as the Best Saftey Choice in
"small off-road 4X4" category.


*It isn't what you would call dainty and effeminate, but in 2009 the Autosalon Jury in Brno, Czech Republic voted it the "Lady Car of The Year".

Nomad arriving shortly

Just when it seemed that the Chinese invasion was over, it was announced recently that a new brand from the Far East will soon be establishing itself on South African soil.

Zotye's stable will initially include one vehicle, the Nomad SUV.

The era of Hippies might be long gone, but those seeking to adopt a nomadic drifter lifestyle in the quest for peace and love needn't search for a psychedelic Volkswagen Van, as Zotye's offering appears the most affordable vehicle of this kind. Prices start at a reasonable R119 995.

Cheap and cheerful seems to be the aim. But at the price, one wonders what to expect from the Nomad in terms of quality and safety.

It would be a pleasant surprise if the Nomad's interior uses none of those hard-textured plastics often seen in certain Chinese vehicles and boasts safety credentials certified by an international organisation, like
EuroNcap. This would certainly give some assurance to prospective buyers, unconvinced by the testing initiated by SABS. (The same beaureau that deemed the death trap Citi Golf safe for our roads almost 3 decades after its release).

The Nomad appears well-equipped and even the entry-level 1.3 model features air conditioner, power steering, electric windows, ABS, EBD and surprisingly, keyless entry - a nicety usually seen on premium vehicles with price tags double that of the Nomads.

While its raised driving height might prove beneficial on pothole-ridden roads and light dirt-trails, the Nomad's lack of four-wheel drive means that its off-road capability is limited.

In addition to a three year/75 000km service plan, the Nomad also includes a three year/100 000km factory warranty and one year road-side assistance.

Distribution will start from selected branches, and a Zotye dealer network increase would be dependent on public reception. Currently, two derivatives of the Nomad are available: the 1.3 and 1.5 petrol-engined versions, however there are plans to introduce more models to the Nomad range.

With keen pricing and the promised excellent specification levels, it seems that Zotye Nomad could enjoy great success in South Africa.

Prices:
Kotye Nomad 1.3 4x2: R119 995
Kotye Nomad 1.4 4x2: R139 995

Fiat Pandas to 2010 consumer

Until recently, the poor Panda seemed to have been lost at the bottom of the Fiat stack of cars, with the spotlight fixed on models like the uber chic 500, Punto supermini and recently launched Linea sedan.

A mid-life revision was long overdue for Fiat's European A-segment best-seller.

In addition to receiving a few aesthetic changes , the 2010 Fiat Panda features the option of a newly developed semi-automatic gearbox.

The 1.1 Active and 4x4Climbing derivatives have been removed from the range. Thankfully, the pocket-rocket 100HP version remains.

Exterior revisions include new design side mirrors, a colour-coded grille, new front headlight lenses and a brushed stainless steel roof rail is available as an option. Four new colours have also been added to the palate: Tropicalia Yellow, Magenta, Goldmetal Blue and Cha Cha Azure-a light, metallic hue of blue. All the standard mid-life refreshment tactics have been used, it appears.

The optional MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) gearbox will certainly make comandeering the compact Fiat easier than it already is. It's a system incorporating a servo automated clutch and gear lever with 5-speeds. One can choose between fully automatic or sequential manual shift modes-the latter involving a simple forward movement of the gearlever to change upwards.

It really is fool-proof: inadvertent gear changes are averted by the systems' automatic engagement of neutral when the engine is left idling while the door is ajar. Incorrect gear changes with engine-destroying potential are prevented by a combination of aural and visual alerts. The MTA gearbox promises to provide automatic convenience without compromising on driver involvement. But such is rarely true with semi-auto 'boxes of these kind. If you truly wish for that immersive, connected driving experience, simply opt for the manual transmission.

Pricing:
The 1.2 Dynamic manual is priced at R125 900, while the MTA-gearbox version costs significantly more, at R141 000. My choice from the Panda range would be the 1.4 16v 100HP version, coming in at a reasonable R154 200.


Features: ( 1.2 Dynamic Manual and MTA)
• Colour-coded bumpers
• 1.2-litre 8v 44kW engine (102Nm @ 2500rpm)
• 0-100km/h = 14 seconds (the same for both manual and MTA)
• 5,6 L /100km in the combined cycle (the same for both manual and MTA)
• Dash-mounted gear lever / MTA selector
• ABS with EBD
• Dual front airbags
• Electric Power steering with City function
• Remote central locking with rolling code immobiliser
• Air conditioning
• Dash-integrated sound system with CD front loader (built-in equalizer)
• Rear headrests
• Front electric windows
• On-board computer

Available options:
Metallic paint: R1 500
CD changer: R4 260
14" alloys: R3 340
Front fogs R2010
Sunroof: R8 020


(Prices inclusive of VAT)

Gadgets4U: LG W2363D Gaming Monitor

A new addition has been made to LG's array of sleek screens.

Aimed primarily at gamers, the W2363D moniter promises to enhance one's gaming and entertainment viewing experience.

The moniter offers 3-D picture quality, full HD 1920 x 1080 display resolution and dual HDMI interfaces, guaranteed to ensure an unrivalled experience, all from the comfort of your couch-luckily-as you certainly wouldn't want to be seen sporting the special, albeit uber nerdy eyewear that accompanies this high-tech monitor.

Additionally , the LG boasts a myriad of features incorporated to making one's gameplay more immersive:


*120Hz , Full HD (1920x1080)

*Contrast ratio: 70,000:1

*SRS Tru-Surround HD

*Rolling key

*Intuition UI

*DVI, HDMI x2

*IT & Technological Image

*Reaction lighting

*Thru mode (Delay time zero)

*Noise reduction (3D N/R)

*Auto-brightness (input source)


The LG W2363D is expected to hit our shores in April-get ready gamers.

My Wheels & I: 5th Gear's Johnny Smith

If you're no longer enthralled by the frivolous antics of geriatric Jeremy Clarkson and co. on their show, then there are alternatives like Discovery Channels' 5th Gear. While the title might sound similar to that of the BBC programme, it contains none of the nonsense we've grown used to seeing on Top Gear and features pragmatic advice motorists can actually use. We spoke to presenter Johnny Smith, to hear what he had to say about the reasons behind some of the quirky vehicles in his garage and his time on-set with the rest of the 5th Gear team:

Q: On what attempt did you get your driver's license?:

A: I passed first time. Massive pressure to get it-my brother had passed on the first attempt, as had many of my friends. I had already purchased my first car already too. I remember vividly, the day on which I was tested. It was sweltering hot and stressful.

Q: You have quite an array of vehicles, from the brash American Dodge Charger to the dainty, effeminate Nissan Figaro. What do you use for your daily commute?

A: At the moment I use my 1993 Mercedes 230TE, it's the estate version. And I have a Hyundai i10, which happens to be the cheapest new car in Britain. I do use my wife's Nissan Figaro occasionally. I like something strong, simple and reliable for my daily drive.


Q: We understand the Dodge and the Chevrolet Impala SS. But really, what's up with the Nissan Figaro and AMC Pacer?

A: I have actually sold the Pacer now. When I was a kid, I had a model of it. It seemed futuristic and cool at the time-little did I know that it was one of the most hated cars on the planet. I still have plenty of affection for that Pacer.


Q: Any route that you love driving?

A: Where I grew up, in the South-West of England, there's a road called the A39. It goes along the coast and through idyllic meanders. It was the first road on which I really took control of a car, experimented and learned about a vehicles limits. Not many speed restrictions then, so one was able to drive much faster than they are able to now. It means a lot to me, since it's near my hometown.


Q: What's playing through your stereo at the moment?

A: Some Kings Of Leon, always have a bit of Stevie Wonder. Last CD I bought was the new album from Metallica. You have to have a variety of music, I think. I enjoy listening to Podcasts. Love Depeche Mode.

Q: Ever used one of your rides to arouse the interest of an appealing female?

A: I never really found that having cars impressed girls. Even if I had a flash car or something quirky, girls never really seem to care about wheels. I once went on a date in a Proton Gen-2, awful car-the date went well though.


Q: Sampling various new cars as an automotive journalist is comparable to that chocolate-taster dream job many of us had as children. How did you enter the industry?

A: I was always bad at Maths, but good at English. I knew I wanted to use my English skills as a tool to help me do something I liked. In University, I offered my services free of charge to car magazines, writing short pieces to get my name out there. Eventually, I was offered a job as a junior writer. The pay was meagre, but it was quite rewarding despite. That was 13 years ago and I have moved up the hierachy since then. It's a satisfying job. None of that 9 to 5 associated stress.

Q: Tell us about life on-set with the 5th Gear team?:

A: I'm always trying to learn tips from Tiff and Jason. Racing drivers are very competitive. Even when we order pizza, they try to be the first to pick-up the phone!. Then you get Vicki, who gives a feminine perspective to things and brings down testosterone levels-she's a good laugh. Tom is a very good friend of mine, I've known him for 10 years now. He's like a dad to me. Tim is a thin version of Tom, who likes the sound of his own voice. We all have a common interest-we just go about it from different angles.

Q: Use hand gestures and profanities to express your anger at fellow road users mistakes, or remain calm and let it go?:

A: A bit of both. I have been known to swear behind the wheel. I hate it when people fail to indicate and just swerve from lane to lane.

Q: Ever set tread on South African roads?

A: I have only visited South Africa once. I was doing a feature on Whale conservation in Cape Town and we went out to sea in a dinghy. I drove back from the harbour in a Citi Golf. It's a fun car to drive, would love to import one up to the UK.

Q: What were some of your memorable moments behind the wheel thus far, in 2010?

A: Driving in England on a beautiful winter morning in the new Ford Focus ST. It was a fantastic drive with clear skies. I also drove the Rolls Royce Phantom through the Swiss Alps and stopped for the night to camp in a tent alongside it. Tent, 8 Pounds. Phantom, 250 000 Pounds.

Q: What can we expect from you in the near future? Any book on your motoring experiences in the pipeline? Will the 5th Gear team be visiting beautiful South Africa, to compete with Top Gear live perhaps?

A: We would love to come over. Tiff has been to South Africa for the launch of the Jaguar XK before. There is talk of another season of Industrial Junkie, South Africa has many interesting industries and I would like to investigate them. As for a book-I don't think I'm famous enough yet. I'm focusing more on web-publishing now.

Catch 5th Gear on DStv's Discovery Channel, as part of their Turbo Fridays programme line-up. Discovery is moving to a new channel,121, from its previous home at channel 250.

My wheels & I: Cofield Mundi

I'm not too big on South African music. Sure, I enjoy a little TKZee and Springbok Nude Girls now and again, but ask me to distinguish between songs from the Parlotones and Prime Circle and you would have me stumped. Maybe my lack of fondness for home-grown tunage could be attributed to the generic sound that seems to have characterized SA music of late.But perhaps I'm generalising a tad, as there are original S.A musos out there, like Cofield Mundi.Mundi, who wrote her first song at the tender age of 11, uses a different producer for each of her albums, just to ensure that each of her new tracks sound fresh.Cofield is popular abroad too.Her song,Count Me Out was most requested on WBER,a radio station in the U.S.She took a small break from the music and the artistic madness of her studio to tell us a bit about where she stood on the subject of tyre-changing, roadtrips and those notorious S.A Taxi drivers:

Q: How do you get around town?

A: I would like to say "in my Audi TT",but I'm not there-yet!

Q: Did you get your license on the first attempt?

A: Yes, but it's only because I flirted with the instructor. I managed to knock down an entire row of orange cones yet he still passed me.

Q: Tell us about your first crash?

A: It's a blur-I've had my fair share of them!

Q: Roadside assistance, or do you keep it real and change that flat yourself?

A: Roadside assistance. I wouldn't want a tyre to go rolling off at high speeds.

Q: Any backseat tales you would like to tell?

A: New York taxi drivers are still better than a rollercoaster ride.

Q: Is there any route you enjoy driving?

A: Any long-distance route without traffic lights and stop streets. I love driving and listening to music.

Q: Your ideal roadtrip?

A: With either my man or my best girlfriend across the USA.

Q: Ever date a guy for his ride?

A: No, but a sexy car is certainly an aphrodisiac.

Q: Express your anger at fellow road-users through hand gestures and profanities, or turn-up your radio and let it slide?

A: Hand gestures and expletives do the trick.

Q: Have any empathy for our taxi drivers?

A: Who does?

To see and hear more of Cofield, visit her website: www.cofieldmundi.com

Incredible Bulk

The person who conceived the idea for the creation of such a beast from German tuning company, GeigerCars must have been an avid reader of the Incredible Hulk comic series.

The Ford GT is already big,brash and American. And with a green lick of paint and a heavily tuned V8 engine that packs a brutal punch of 779bhp, it's certainly the automotive equivalent to the enraged giant.

Unfortunately, the vehicle pictured is no longer: it was wrecked on the Autobahn by Geiger's own test-driver at 174mph. He obviously didn't take heed to the audible warning heard upon firing-up the beast: "You won't like me when I'm angry".

One might criticise the team at GeigerCars for ruining the GT and transforming it from Le-Mans racing legend, to garish green tuner car more suited to the cover of Speed & Sound magazine than on the track alongside high-powered Bently touring cars and the like.

But the aesthetics are outshone by the GTs phenomenal performance stats.

The immense power increase is attributed-mostly-to the installation of a larger supercharger.Geiger's unit forces more air into the combustion chamber, boosting power and levels of torque.

The result is an increase in power of 229bhp and raises the torque figure from 500lb ft to 637lb ft.

The GeigerCars Ford Gt rockets from 0-100 in a mere 3,6 seconds.

Entry into and exit from the already tight cabin is made more difficult, as the suspension has been lowered by 60mm.

It's a measure taken to improve the cars handling, but means that your female passenger would never be able to sport her favourite skirt when riding in this green chariot.

The engine sound isn't as aurally-pleasant as the original, unmolested V8 and has been described by Geiger as "bloodcurdling".

If you posses 212 639 GBP and seek exclusivity on the roads, then the Geiger GT is for you.

Keep your eyes peeled for modified Escorts and Cortinas inspired by this shocking green fast Ford.

Phat Peugeot

While I am fond of the skimpy attire of pretty air-hostesses and the view from above an aircraft, nothing comes close to a good road trip.

Surrounded by idyllic scenery, with nothing but vacant tarmac ahead and accompanied by favourite companions-the prospect of such trips during holiday time are a great incentive to endure the boredom and stress of the daily school/work grind.

Of course, one needs the right vehicle in which to cruise the national roads.

Introducing the new Peugeot Tepee…

Far from being a flimsy tent-like thing, as its name suggests, the Tepee is a four-wheeled mammoth that manages to transport 8 people and their luggage in excellent comfort.

It’s essentially a family-friendly version of the Peugeot Expert derivative, which is a panel van suited to commercial applications.

There’s space aplenty in the cabin of the Tepee and the large truck-like windows enable one to view scenery un-obscured. Other road users are guaranteed to see those rude gestures made by passengers in a bid to have some crazy road trip fun.

Interior trim finishes seem robust and durable.

The floor, instead of being carpeted, is covered by the same durable plastic on the door panels and dashboard, enabling easy cleaning of any inevitable spills.


I quite liked the handy storage compartments placed all around the interior of the vehicle. Even the rear-most passengers have cup-holders at their disposal.

The overhead stowage compartments were like that of an aeroplane’s-A Durban taxi-owners dream, allowing plenty of space for the installation of sub-woofers and DVD screens.

The Tepee is powered by a 2.0 litre diesel engine, producing 88kw @ 4000rpm and 300 nm of torque at an early 2000rpm.

While it does feel somewhat sluggish in stop-start town driving, which is to be expected with a vehicle of this size, the Peugeot manages to cruise effortlessly on the open-road, even feeling brisk at times.

This particular model came equipped with cruise control. And while we didn’t find ourselves straying above 120 km/h on the N3, it certainly enhanced the enjoyment of the long-distance journey and made driving a breeze.

But let’s face it: you’ll probably only make trips to the coast once, maybe twice a year. So is the Tepee a vehicle one can live with for the rest of those 350 days of the year?

It’s extremely versatile, practical and would probably tackle anything you’d have to throw at it-from transporting the brats to soccer practice, or carting around building supplies.

Although, with a width of 1998cm and an overall length of 5136cm you’ll find it difficult manoeuvring through the parking lot of your local Spar.

The Tepee is a competent alternative to rivals like the ever-popular Volkswagen Kombi and oddball Renault Trafic. It’s worth some serious consideration if you’re in the market for a people-mover.


Safety: ABS, EBD, Driver and passenger airbags equipped as standard.

0-100: 14,7 seconds (claimed)

Top speed: 160 km/h

Fuel consumption: 7,5 k/l (claimed)

Why buy? : Spacious, versatile, practical, frugal.

Farewell to the Super Trouper of the motoring industry.

I’ve always been fond of the underdogs of the automotive industry. I have sympathy for those manufacturers that persist with their competent alternative, even though most buyers will probably opt for something driven by Hoi Polloi instead-say, something German, with a blue and white propeller on the nose and the number 3 on the rear.

I was rather saddened by the recent news of the demise of the quirky Scandinavian automaker, Saab.

It was indeed disappointing, especially since the possibility of a takeover by hyper car maker Christian Von Konniggsegg created some hope for the future of the brand.

I must admit: Saabs aren’t exactly bedroom poster material. But as a car nut, you have to admire their unconventionality and the quirks that make them interesting and unlike anything else on the road.

Take for example, the placement of the ignition slot: not on the right-hand side of the steering column as one would expect, but in the centre console alongside the handbrake. It’s mad! But so was A Clockwork Orange. And I love it.

Any man who’s dream was to be a fighter-pilot would love being in the cockpit of a Saab. The fascia is curved toward the driver and creates a cocooning effect-just like that of a jet-plane’s. It’s a feature that hints towards Saabs aviation lineage.

Apart from peculiar instrumentation layout and cockpit-inspired fascias, Saab is renowned for many other technological innovations.

The brand bears many credentials, as I’ve learned from a Saab themed episode of the programme, Great Cars on DStv’s Ignition. Here are a few:

*The Swedes learned that sitting on a cold seat was negative to one’s health, so in
1971, one boffin at Saab developed seats that warmed the driver and passengers posteriors.

*Nowadays, every car boasts Side Impact Beams. But the Saab incorporated such technology into their vehicles from the mid 70’s.

*Saab was a pioneer in engine turbo charging. And while the company didn’t concept the idea, it certainly tamed it, by taking measures to eliminate issues of unreliability
found with turbo-vehicles of other manufacturers.


Saabs innovation will certainly be missed.

However, there is one positive arising from the company’s death: one can fetch a new Saab for a criminal sum.

It’s a safe buy too, since, according to website Fin24, GM have agreed to honour all warranties and service plans for the next ten years.
The best buy, I believe, is the limited-edition Saab TurboX. It should cost a fortune, but at 299k, it’s the price of the most basic 3-series.

But it boasts a whole lot more, especially in terms of power: the turbo-charged AWD Saab kicks out a colossal 198kw!

I’d be happy owning one, in the knowledge that my Saab costs as much as the 3 series alongside me at the robots, but packs the punch to blow it from here to Helsinki.

Generic motors

It seems as though a blueprint is being shared amongst certain car manufacturers to design their vehicles. The thought crossed my mind the other day, when I mistook a Renault for a Volkswagen…then an Opel.

I hasten to add that my vision is perfect and as a car fanatic, I have a trained eye for spotting and noticing similarities between cars. From about 28 months I had been blessed with the vision of spotting the different makes of cars a mile away - family tell me. And with 100% accuracy.

New car template sharers make it practically impossible for others to emulate my genius. The car in question that flummoxed my perfect track record as a spotter was the new Renault Megane Coupe. In an icy white colour and with those pronounced rear haunches; it looked quite like Volkswagen’s striking Scirocco from the rear. Nearing closer, the rear tailgate seemed to have a hatch too steep to be that of the Scirocco’s. About to point out to fellow passengers in excitement “hey, look at that Astra OPC” I hesitated in a bit of confusion as I noticed the Renault diamond emblem on the tailgate.

This shouldn’t happen. One buys a Renault for its quirkiness and individuality. Not to be confused with cars like the brash and ostentatious Opel Astra OPC, with its aggressive body kit and large look-at-me rims. Another copycat car from Renault is the new Laguna Coupe. I don’t understand how Journalist Tom Ford failed to observe the car’s resemblance to the Aston Martin DB9, in his review on Discovery Channel’s motoring show, 5th Gear.

The rear tailgate has an edge that leans forward, and a subtle integrated rear spoiler, which is flared at the centre, just like the Aston. If perhaps you think I’m being a tad pedantic, then take a look at the front grille. Positioned at the bottom, in gleaming chrome with a square mesh pattern, you’ll wonder what this signature Aston design trait is doing on the Renault.

Generic and imitating designs aren’t the only issue with cars these days. Some manufacturers are simply producing ugly cars. Now everybody has different tastes when it comes to the aesthetics of a vehicle. But what about BMW-renowned for creating sexy and desirable vehicles, creating the hideous 5 Series GT? It looks nothing like a performance-orientated ‘GT’, as the moniker might have you think.

If you thought Chris Bangle killed the BMW tradition of creating sporty executive saloons with the release of the 1 Series, than you’re in for further disappointment: the GT is essentially a normal 5 series with a hatched tailgate. Porsche, the definitive sports car manufacturer also has an ugly-duckling amongst their array of beautiful coupes and convertibles. The Porsche Panamera. Much like the 5 Series GT, it is a large saloon-like vehicle with a hatched rear. A four-door 911 of sorts.

One manufacturer seems to be doing it right however. Audi have even managed to create the A5 Sportback, another vehicle in the newly spawned saloon-hatch segment, without making it look as awkward and undesirable as its competitors. Not wanting to drive one of the models of the assortment similar-looking or ugly cars on our roads, I am convinced that I should make a late request to Santa that my first set of wheels be something produced at least a decade prior to my birth. Such as the robust and-with over 2 million units sold, popular, Mercedes Benz E-class of the W123 series. It would certainly stand out in a school parking lot littered with CitiGolfs, Corsas and the like.

Chases....favourite car chases

While there are many benefits that accompany being a Secret Agent, like cool pseudonyms, endless Martinis and of course female attention, I’d like to be James Bond for one reason only: the awesome gadget-laden cars.

The recent spate of 007 films shown on DStv’s Action X has had me ruminating on my favourite Bond behind the wheel moments.

Indeed there were many car chase scenes that had one the seat’s edge in the Bond series.

But as an avid viewer, I’ve learned to expect two things with Bond car chases: the car presented to him by “Q” would end up totalled, but he would also be successful in evading the pursuit of the henchman chasing him.

Although the latter was not the case in the 2007 film Casino Royale. When the Daniel Craig-played Bond wrecked his Aston Martin DBS after swerving to avoid hitting a tied-up Vesper, lost control and somersaulted several times.

This was a disappointing moment for a Bond fan, expecting the car chase to last longer than 2 minutes.

Another disappointment was the car in Goldeneye, the effeminate BMW Z3, more suited to being parked outside the hair salon rather than being the chariot for a super spy. The car wasn’t even used in a chase and sustained none of that obligatory damage one expects with Bond commandeering a vehicle.

Bond’s street-cred was elevated in the subsequent film, Tomorrow Never Dies, when “Q” handed him a BMW 750i-complete with remote control. It was bullet proof too and also came with a very bossy KITT-like voice integrated into it, which gave warnings like “unsafe driving will void warranty”. Of course, Bond ignored its warnings and drove the car into an Avis store.

The Bond films of the 70’s and 80’s, played by my favourite Bond-actor Roger Moore also saw many cool car moments.

Most memorably in The Spy Who Loved Me, when Bond got his hands on the iconic Lotus Esprit. Dicing through the sinuous mountain pass at high speed seemed cool enough. But imagine my excitement as a 7 year old, viewing my very first Bond film, when the Lotus entered the water and transformed into an amphibious machine.

The Living Daylights, while being slightly ruined with the lacklustre Timothy Dalton as James Bond, was redeemed by the awesome car chase that ensued between police and Bond in snowy Austrian terrain. It seemed too easy for Bond in his Aston Martin, who drove alongside one police car, activated the Aston’s laser beam and sliced the police vehicle in two.

It was quite saddening when Bond left the Aston shortly after hitting the ‘self-destruct’ button. Explosive indeed.

For future films, a new face is needed to replace the unconvincing Daniel Craig who isn’t as suave, stylish and graceful as one would like James Bond to be portrayed.

One who will provide entertainment behind the wheel, but also throughout the rest of the film, as Roger Moore did.

Perhaps Jason Statham should be considered. He’s British, and in all 3 Transporter films proved to be talented both behind the wheel and when in an altercation with the baddies. And what’s more, unlike Daniel Craig, he manages to maintain sangfroid and keep his suit in tact.

As you would expect from James Bond.

My 90's favourites

The other day I had quite a 90’s moment. And no-I’m not talking about a diaper-wetting incident in case you were wondering.

A 90’s themed VH1 countdown had me thinking about my favourite cars of the pre-Millenium decade.

Indeed, the 90’s saw many advancements in automotive technology.

Manufacturers grew increasingly aware of safety and devices like the Airbag, for example became commonplace in most cars-no longer just a feature for those wealthy enough to afford Mercedes Benz and other opulent German vehicles. And institutions like EuroNcap were established to assess cars safety.

But me-a then young boy-didn’t care about such things…and didn’t even know why such mechanisms were installed in a car. I was taken aback by a cars aesthetics and speed alone.

So here are my Top Ten 90’s cars in no particular order. These cars were chosen using two simple criterion: whether they made me gasp or say “yoh…I want that when I grow up”.

10. BMW M3 (E36):
The definitive sport sedan-on steroids! The M3 had a 3.2ltr straight-six engine that produced a whopping 217kw.Which is astonishing, considering that the latest Volkswagen GTI only produces around 150kw. One might have been able to blast through the Millenium in this Blitzkrieg. Although I still cannot fathom why it earned the nickname “Dolphin”.

9. Mercedes Benz S-Class:
A beastly car with major presence and street-cred. Its tank-like body looks as though it could clear walls. How cool must it have been to own a car affiliated with the Yakuza, Dictators and constantly referred to by rappers?

8. Jaguar XK
Like its spiritual successor, the E-type of the 60’s, it looks incredible. Quite possibly the sexiest car of the 90’s. The legendary Sean Connery commandeered one away from baddies alongside the beautiful Catherine Zeta-Jones in the 1998 film, Entrapment.’Nuff said.

7. Subaru Impreza WRX
I loved it’s huge spoiler as a child, as I thought it resembled a Shark Tail. And when you’re a kid, the novelty of the prospect of driving a car with gold rims seems cool. The rally-inspired car made a glorious noise too…also, it was plenty of fun powersliding one on the Playstation.

6. Nissan Skyline
Another car for my fellow members of the Playstation Generation! I only realised what a marvel of engineering this vehicle truly was, when I saw Jeremy Clarkson raving about how it’s possible to extract 750bhp from the car’s engine, in an old show of his…from the 90’s. Unlike the ageing Clarkson, the Skyline has been freshened and revitalised.And is now known as the GT-R. The latest incarnation is even more desirable…and looks sublime on screen in Gran Turismo 5.

5. Porsche 911 Carrera
The car was so good it managed to liven up what would have otherwise been a crappy film-Bad Boys. With that classic shape, large Whale Tail rear spoiler and low sports car stance, it had all the makings of a good bedroom poster car for a young boy. And don’t lie…you also had the model.

4. Dodge Viper
Big, brash and American. The Dodge Viper looked unlike any other car of the 90’s. Even in production form, it still looked as revolutionary and futuristic as the concept car. It’s street-cred sky rocketed when Tupac was seen jiving in-front of one in a music video of his. Nothing like a bit of rapper-endorsement to make an already cool car better.

3. Volkswagen New Beetle
How do you not look at its cute, smiley front-end and not enjoy a chuckle or smile? This successor to the iconic people’s car, released one year prior to Y2K created a buzz in the motoring world. Sadly, as with most revival cars, the New Beetle is just a fashion accessory. But with its cute looks, and being the vehicle of choice for the mad and funny Austin Powers, the little bug is still very cool.

2. Renault Spider
Desirable and very rare, the Renault Spider is a lightweight two-seater sports car. In true French tradition, it looked incredibly stylish but agile and purposeful too as a sports car should look . I realised, at the age of 6 that it would take a great deal of work on dad’s old Renault Megane to get it looking like a sexy Spider replica.

1. BMW 750i
This car was a technological marvel. It’s cabin generously equipped with niceties like a television screen and telephone. James Bond had one, and his even talked! Even the television advertisement was cool: the BMW driving through a dark, ominous space of road to the tune of the Knight Rider theme song. Sure, it might have been large and created with the boring, suit-wearing executive in mind. But c’mon-it had a TV.

November 1st 2009-Forza review

When it comes to gaming, my preferred genre is racing. It’s been this way ever since I was young enough to exploit the function of my opposable thumbs on a game controller. People like myself (those not yet of the legal driving age) cherish such games. They enable us to live-out our driving fantasies vicariously, until we are one day able to lift ourselves off the couch and into our very own rides. Titles like Gran Turismo and the Need for Speed series are among my all time favourites. And now there’s a new one: the recently released Forza Motorsport 3. Created for the Xbox platform, Forza 3 delivers the fun of an arcade driving game, with the realism of a simulator, as I discovered at the launch. Apart from sampling the game, we were also treated to some nausea-inducing sideways action on a slalom course, as passengers in a Nissan 350Z, modified heavily for drifting. Do try this at home-from the safety of your own Xbox console.

After deciding that my stomach had endured enough of being tossed around, I decided to go back to the gaming-station and immerse myself in Forza 3 for a while. Honestly, it’s very difficult to fault this game…alright, unless you’re really pedantic you’ll hardly be bothered the slightly longer-than-usual time each race takes to load. But as I’m told, that could also be dependent on a few factors, like whether the game is saved to the console’s memory-vault or not. Gripes aside, I was truly dazzled by the detail and clarity of the vehicles and environments. Ridges, cracks and stray gravel alongside the road and in your path are clearly visible-it’s simply sublime. And there are many tracks to choose from. You could go for the renowned Nurburgring, if you think you’re talented enough to perform a lap below the 8-minute limit many sports car manufacturers aspire to for their vehicles.

Or if you fancy a bit of landmark-spotting, how does cruising past Times Square in an American V8 grab you? Location is everything I’m told, but for a petrol head like me, the cars are paramount. And there’s a vast array in Forza 3-about 400 to be exact. From rare classics like the BMW 507, to everyday commuter hatchbacks we are more used to seeing (and owning), to those brightly-coloured Ferrari and Lamborghini exotics-usually the subjects of a wistful stare and a tear with those my age. Even the revered Bugatti Veyron-which holds the record for world’s fastest car-is among your varied choice. And unlike in other games, one needn’t work tirelessly achieving objective after objective to unlock desired vehicles. They are all available from the moment you switch on begin playing. The in-cockpit view adds to realistic experience. Neglect to check your rear-view and you might be on the receiving end of some rear-end-nudging foul play from one of your opponents. I also liked the way the cars were subject to cosmetic and mechanical damage. I cringed after witnessing my Ferrari F430 crumple against a crash barrier in the race replay.

I can only imagine what Ronaldo must have felt like when he wrecked his in the real realm. The aesthetic appeal of Forza isn’t just limited to the cars and locations, it’s also seen in the game’s mascot-the Face of Forza, Natacha Gachnang. You wouldn’t think so from the pretty exterior, but Natacha is involved in the high-octane, greasy business of motor sport. She is the first ever woman to race in the FIA Formula Two Championship. Gachnang has also made some contributions to the production of Forza 3, advising on the realism of some of the tracks she has raced on in her career and critiquing the sounds and set ups of the cars she has driven. “What a buzz – the tracks, the cars, the handling – the attention to detail is incredible. Forza 3 is a car fans dream! It really feels like I’m right there, in the car, racing round the tracks, all in the comfort of my own living room!” said Natacha. The first version of Forza sold 1,7m units, while the 2nd edition sold 3,6m units. Based on the sales increase seen with Forza 2, developers, Turn 10 anticipate to sell 6 million units of Forza 3 by December. I certainly hope to find a copy of Forza 3 under my Christmas tree.

Sunday December 3rd 2010:Hybrids

Since Al Gore announced that “we are in grave danger” In the Inconvenient Truth, it has become fashionable to boast about one's eco-friendliness, how small one's carbon footprint is and how frequently one recycles.

Car manufacturers have scrambled to produce vehicles that are kinder to the environment.

Or make it seem as though they have, by taking derivatives of existing models, making a few minor revisions and then giving it a name with the ‘eco'- prefix, usually in green or blue lettering.


The Toyota Prius is what comes to mind when you think of environmentally-friendly motoring. But you’d be wrong.

It appeared to have been proven on an episode of Top Gear that after one lap of the famous track surrounding the Top Gear headquarters at same speeds, the Prius uses more fuel than a BMW M3. It was also shown on the satirical series, South Park, that hybrids like the Prius do pollute the air - with a great deal of driver “smug”.

But perhaps I’m being a tad harsh on the concept Enviro-motoring. Indeed, there some cool vehicles that one can look good in without destroying entire ecosystems.



Like the Fisker Karma for example.

Despite the peculiar name, it’s a very desirable and eco-friendly car.

I was drooling over visuals of its sleek body, gracefully dominating an undulating piece of road, on Ignition’s Auto Mundial.

I was surprised when it was announced that this Fisker creation is powered by an electric motor. One rarely uses the terms ‘environmentally friendly’ and ‘performance-orientated car’ in the same sentence. The Fisker produces super car levels of power without releasing any harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

Even the already fashionable MINI has an electric version, called the MINI E.

One can only imagine the smugness of such a driver, being cocooned in the stylish, dainty icon and being able to claim that her MINI produces no greenhouse gasses en-route to the mall and Newscafe.

Despite its benefits to the environment, there is a problem with electric-powered vehicles: the barely audible whirr produced by the motor poses a threat to pedestrians.

They won’t hear it coming until it’s too late. Although - further adding to the novelty of owning a car that you have to plug in -manufacturers of these silent electric cars are giving the option of having your vehicle equipped with an alerting noise, informing pedestrians of your approach, via speakers integrated into the car’s bumpers.

"One possibility is choosing your own noise,” said spokesperson for BMW’s MINI division, Nathalie Bauters.

With all this focus on creating vehicles with the environment in mind, it seems inevitable that our favourite internal combustion engines are destined to become obsolete. Sure, they’re trying to emulate engine sounds. And I must admit, the idea of having them projected through a speaker in the bumpers does seem quite cool. But for me, no electric whirr or studio-engineered sound can compare to the aurally-pleasant burble of a horizontally-opposed Subaru boxer engine, or the monstrous roar of an Audi Q7 V12 4.2 litre TDI.

For a petrol head like myself, these sounds will always be electrifying.