June 2, 2020, marks half a century since the death of the pioneering racing driver and engineer, who was killed in 1970 while testing one of his Can-Am racing cars at the Goodwood Circuit in West Sussex, UK.

Paying homage

In commemoration of her father, Amanda McLaren – a McLaren Automotive brand ambassador – unveiled a life-sized statue of Bruce McLaren during a short private ceremony at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking, Surrey, UK.

REVIEW | Quick sprint in McLaren’s 570s Spider

Fifty lighted candles were also placed around a 1970 McLaren M8D displayed at McLaren’s headquarters. The ‘sister car’ to the M8D in which Bruce McLaren was killed, it was driven to championship victory in the 1970 Can-Am race series by Bruce’s team-mate and fellow Kiwi racer, Denny Hulme. This was the second time Hulme had secured the championship, McLaren himself taking the honours in 1967 and 1969. The McLaren team dominated Can-Am racing from 1967 for five consecutive years.

“It is an honour to mark the 50^th anniversary of the death of Bruce McLaren by unveiling this wonderfully crafted statue to commemorate his life and achievements. When my father died in June 1970 – just 12 years after coming to the UK from New Zealand – he had already done so much to realise his ambitions, but the best was still to come. McLaren’s accomplishments over more than 50 years in Formula 1, the landmark victory at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans race and the supercars and hypercars designed, developed and built under the McLaren banner, all stand as his legacy.  

“June 2 is always an emotional date for us and that’s particularly true this year. Having ‘Dad’ looking out over  McLaren is incredibly moving and I know that he would have been so very proud of the achievements made in his name.”
Amanda McLaren, daughter of Bruce; McLaren Automotive Ambassador

The bronze statue of Bruce McLaren was created by painter and sculptor, Paul Oz. Globally recognised for his motorsport-inspired art, Oz was previously commissioned by McLaren Racing to produce a sculpture of Ayrton Senna that is also at the MTC. Senna drove for McLaren for six years, winning all three of his Formula 1 World Championships at the wheel of a McLaren in 1988, 1990 and 1991.

Bruce McLaren himself debuted the newly formed McLaren team in Grand Prix racing in 1966, competing in Monaco. He also delivered the maiden McLaren Grand Prix victory, winning in 1968 at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. This was Bruce’s fourth Formula 1 victory, adding to the three he recorded driving for Cooper.

The team that still bears his name has since achieved a total 182 race wins, bringing 12 Drivers’ Championships and 8 Constructors’ Championships to become the second most successful team in Formula 1.  McLaren also has three Indianapolis 500 victories to its name and earlier this year the team returned to full-time IndyCar competition for the first time in 40 years.

While Bruce McLaren himself never produced road cars in any number, the McLaren name was further cemented in automotive history with the introduction in 1992 of the McLaren F1, the car famously going on in race guise to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in 1995 at the team’s first attempt.

“Covid-19 has necessitated our brand to find new and innovative ways to communicate with our customers as well as launch our exciting range of products,” said Martina Biene, Head of the Volkswagen Brand.

New member to the family

“We are very excited to debut the T-Roc in South Africa through a digital event which will be a first for the South African automotive industry, Biene added.

READ | Volkswagen goes black with a special edition T-Roc

The T-Roc will complete VW’s T-SUV range locally which currently consists of the T-Cross, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace and the Touareg. It slots between the T-Cross and the Tiguan in Volkswagen’s SUV range.

At its South African debut, the German brand will announce the T-Roc model line-up that will be available in the local market, Namibia and Botswana. Detailed specifications and retail pricing of the new SUV will also be announced.

Volkswagen South Africa’s social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter), will provide media and customers with detailed information of the digital premiere of the model closer to the date of the event.

It will officially be launched in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana from November 2020.

The Suzuki Ignis was introduced exactly three years after it was first launched to wide acclaim, notching up nominations as a 2018 SA Car of the Year finalist, the Drive360 Car of the Year and international awards such as the 2018 Urban World Car of the Year Runner-Up and Scottish Compact Car of the Year.

Design language

It features a refreshed look, which brings it in line with Suzuki’s iconic SUV design language, also seen on models such as the S-Presso, Vitara and Jimny.

READ | Thank you Suzuki for turbocharging the Swift Sport

The S-emblem on the front grille is now flanked by four chromed square slots. It fills the space between the front lights to create a bright bar from edge to edge between the front fenders, especially on the GLX-model, where the surrounding grille face also has chrome accents.

As before, the GLX-models feature wrap-around daytime running lights with projector style LED headlamps. GLX models also have added roof rails and flared wheel arch extensions to help it stand out, especially since the Ignis has a standard ground clearance of 180mm.

It also incorporates fog lights.

All models have colour-coded side mirrors, while the GLX specification level also includes integrated turn signals and the ability to electrically fold back.

Big on the inside

All models offer a 60:40 split rear seats, 260-litres of boot space and ample interior space for five occupants. It also offers luxuries, such as an audio system with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, steering controls, electric windows and central locking and a multi-information display across the range.

All models further offer safety features such as dual airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and ISOFIX child anchor points. Security is taken care of by a standard alarm and immobiliser combination.

Those who do decide to upgrade to the higher GLX specification level will find an extended list of additional features, including a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built in. The large touch screen doubles as a reverse camera monitor, while the reverse camera is supplemented by rear parking sensors.

The Ignis will further offer customers large car luxuries such as keyless entry with a Push-button start, climate control, chrome or silver highlights on the parking brake, door handles and shift knob.

Not your average

As before, all versions of the Ignis are fitted with the brand’s popular K12M 1.2 litre petrol engine with variable valve timing and multi-point fuel injection.

This engine delivers 61kW at 6 000rpm and 113Nm at 4 200rpm, which, combined with a kerb weight as low as 860kg, means that the Ignis is no slouch in city driving or on the highway.

The engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, with the option of Suzuki’s newest generation automated manual transmission on the GLX model.

New colour combinations available

Suzuki has added a number of new colours and colour combinations.

Customers have the choice of silver or blue cabin accents, depending on the exterior colour, and the option of new two-tone colour combinations.

The colour palette has increased to include: Arctic White Pearl Metallic, Silky Silver Metallic, Glistening Grey Metallic, Turquoise Blue Pearl Metallic and Midnight Black with Pearl Finish.

Two-tone combinations now include Stargaze Blue Pearl Metallic with Black combination, and Lucent Orange with Black Metallic.

The Ignis is available immediately and will be offered with a 2-year / 30 000 km service plan and Suzuki’s promotional 5-year / 200 000 km mechanical warranty, which includes roadside assistance.

Setting the benchmark so high required new levels of innovation, and a shift away from the current supercar trend of ever-greater power, speed and – inevitably – weight.

Less weight = power

Revealing a total vehicle weight of just 980kg, the GMA team undercut the typical supercar by almost a third. To achieve this engineering feat, the team chose not to present a stripped-back track vehicle, but to deliver owners a car that is comfortable, practical and drivable every day.

READ | Can a Chrysler Prowler be considered as a collectors item?

One of Murray’s core philosophies is that there is a huge difference between power-to-weight ratio and his own design perspective that considers a vehicle’s ‘weight-to-power’.

In the T.50, every 75kW only has to propel 150kg of car, whereas for the typical supercar the weight it has to propel is 40% higher, at 210kg. It is this weight-to-power calculation that drives the development of the T.50, with every component designed and engineered to achieve the lowest starting weight. This focus and control ensures no retrospective weight-saving measures need to be implemented late in the car’s development.

Weighing just 980kg and powered by a 485kW V12 engine, the T.50 sets a challenging benchmark for rival supercars. To match the T.50’s 663hp/ton, the typical 1 436kg supercar would need an additional 224kW.

Of course, the 708kW required to match the T.50 on paper would add cost, complexity, and require larger, heavier components (tyres, drivelines, transmission, brakes, etc.) to handle the extra power.

Weight kills dynamic performance

A heavy car can never deliver the dynamic attributes of a lighter car – even if it has the same power to weight ratio. While it is possible to disguise a heavy car’s dynamic capabilities with complex active suspension and sophisticated electronics, the agility, responsiveness and reward of a lightweight vehicle cannot be matched.

With a compact footprint of just 4 380mm (l) x 1 850mm (w), the T.50 is smaller than a Porsche 911 but offers comfortable space for three passengers and luggage. Its fully carbon fibre monocoque and body panels weigh less than 150kg in total.

Inside, the three racing-inspired seats are also constructed using carbon fibre. The centrally-positioned driver’s seat weighs less than 7kg, while the passenger seats that flank it to the rear each achieve a weight that is under 3kg.

The T.50 is equipped with a naturally-aspirated V12 powerplant, the world’s highest revving road car engine at 12 100rpm, which produces 485kW. Through exacting standards, innovative engineering and the expertise of Cosworth Powertrain engineers, the weight of the GMA 4-litre unit is less than 180kg. This makes it the lightest road-going V12 ever made and more than 60kg lighter than the BMW S70/2 V12 in the McLaren F1 – while generating more power.

To minimise weight at every stage of development, GMA’s senior design and engineering teams hold a weekly ‘weight watchers’ meeting to review the weight of the car and its components. Monitoring the weight of every part, down to nuts, bolts and washers, the team keeps close checks during every stage of the development process.

This method has seen countless designs, revisions, trials and refinements of components large and small. Highlighting the team’s fanatical mindset around minimising weight is the approach the engineers took to specifying the car’s fixings (nuts, bolts, screws, etc).

On many cars, these fixings are generic and far larger than they need to be. For the T.50, the diameter and length of each fixing (around 900 in total) was optimised by calculating the forces to which each would be exposed.

For the Gordon Murray Automotive team, no saving in weight is considered insignificant. For example, the pedal box is 300g lighter than the F1’s and the glazing is 28% thinner than usual while remaining a strong structural component. For the whole team, their lightweighting focus is unwavering, every innovation, test, and revision combines to deliver the purest, lightest, most driver-focused supercar ever.

The safety package has also been upgraded with the addition of a Brake Override System (BOS), recently introduced on the Isuzu D-Max range.

Visual improvements

The mu-X features a bolder radiator grille design, complemented by a restyled front bumper incorporating colour coding for the upper section and a contrasting gloss black finish for the lower portion, as well as for the fog lamp bezels.

READ | Isuzu voted the brand with the best sales people

This equates to a more robust and dynamic appearance in conjunction with the LED daytime running lights and bi-LED projector headlamps with auto-levelling functionality as standard.

Another of the stand-out features is the striking new 18-inch gloss black diamond-cut alloy wheels, in combination with a new gloss black finish for the side steps.

The rear bumper features a colour-coded upper section, gloss back treatment for the lower trim, two-tone silver and black roof rails, as well as new tail light clusters with a combination of chrome and gloss black finishes.

In addition to the exterior, the cabin has also been updated with several exclusive touches. Piano black finishes have been adopted for the door switch bezels and trim panels, gear shift surround as well as the centre stack for the infotainment system and climate control.

Functionality meets convenience

Additionally, the switches located on the leather-trimmed steering wheel for the audio system, phone functions and cruise control are picked out in black with a silver garnish, while ambient lighting has been introduced in the door trims.

It also features flexible folding centre and rear rows of seats, allowing up to seven passengers to be carried. The electronic climate control system caters for both front and rear occupants – the latter having access to their own cooling vents, ensuring high levels of comfort for any distance trips. Leather trim is standard for the seats, with the driver’s seat offering six-way electric adjustment.

A multi-function infotainment unit comes as standard while also boasting an eight-inch colour touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

A nine-inch colour touchscreen is available as an optional extra and offers added features like the embedded satellite navigation and audio systems. Front and rear USB slots are provided, in conjunction with an auxiliary iPod input and HDMI port.

Additional standard features include central locking with everyday convenience thanks to the keyless entry and start, along with touch sensor opening and push-button locking functions on the door handles.

As expected of a leisure-oriented SUV, a multitude of storage compartments are strategically located around the cabin, including dual glove boxes, an upper dash storage binnacle and cup holders for all three rows of seats.

The rear-facing camera is linked to the infotainment display to ease parking and reverse manoeuvres, with audible sensors for the rear park assist system. Vehicle security is taken care of with the factory-fitted immobiliser and alarm system which is a standard fitment.

Enhanced safety

As mentioned, the newly introduced Brake Overide System is linked to the ABS braking system, and restricts accelerator input if the brakes are applied at the same time – thereby reducing the vehicle’s stopping distance in an emergency.

This new feature complements the already extensive range of active safety features including Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), along with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) which can be engaged in low range 4×4 mode.

Passive safety equipment comprises dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags, linked to front seat pre-tensioner seatbelts, plus a high tensile steel passenger safety cell that offers outstanding strength and rigidity.

Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre four-cylinder intercooled turbodiesel engine that produces 130kW and 380Nm. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission which includes a sequential sport mode.

A three-tonne towing capacity makes the mu-X a great choice for pulling trailers and boats, in keeping with its adventurous, lifestyle-oriented customer profile.

Buyers can personalise their models with functional items such as an optional mechanical diff-lock for the 4×4 and 4×2 models, audible parking sensors, a storage box located beneath the luggage compartment, a tow bar, bonnet guard, weather guard kit for the windows, front spoiler set and rear bumper scuff plate.

Isuzu is committed to giving its customers exceptional ownership peace of mind. Accordingly, the Isuzu mu-X comes standard with Isuzu Complete Care, comprising a five-year/120 000km bumper-to-bumper warranty and Isuzu Roadside Assistance, a five-year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty and a five-year/90 000km Service Plan. Service intervals are every 15 000km/12 months.

Extended cover can also be purchased for Roadside Assistance, Service Plans and Maintenance Plans through Isuzu Mobility.

Model range and Pricing

Jointly developed with Polyphony Digital Inc., the vehicle is available for download in Gran Turismo Sport. The GT3 Concept is the brand’s newest virtual race car in Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PlayStation®4 driving simulation title, Gran Turismo Sport.

Gaining popularity

Mazda is aiming to gain more from fans by conveying the joy of driving a car to the wide range of people who love Digital Motor Sport, which has been gaining popularity in recent years.

READ | Paying homage to Mazda’s legacy of coupe’s

Moreover, even under the influence of the recent coronavirus, car enthusiasts all over the world can connect online and enjoy the same conditions regardless of country, region, language or generation.

Players who use Mazda vehicles, such as RX-Vision GT3 Concept, in Gran Turismo Sport will automatically be granted seed rights to participate in the FIA certified Gran Turismo Championship (world tours) to be held in various locations around the world in the 2020 season.

Players can also use the Concept to participate in esports competition at Japan’s 2020 National Sorts Festival cultural program in Kagoshima prefecture.

To commemorate Mazda’s 100-year anniversary, there are various online events, which people who enjoy Gran Turismo Sport can participate in.

In April, JETTA delivered 13 500 cars to customers. This equals roughly one percent of the world’s largest automotive market, a development made possible by one of the best brand starts in Chinese history. From January to April, around 38 000 of the brand’s cars were sold.

JETTA not Jetta

Due to the impact of Covid-19, the desire for personal car ownership has been rising in China, with customers now more motivated than ever to avoid crowded public or shared transportation.

READ | Volkswagen goes black with a special edition T-Roc

JETTA’s model range including one sedan and two SUVs is giving customers the chance to enter the world of individual mobility and become part of the Volkswagen family.

Since its market entry in September 2019, JETTA has been gaining momentum. Around 81 000 JETTA cars have been delivered to customers. In 2020, its first full year of sales, the brand will continue to boost Volkswagen Group China’s market share.

Despite the enormous negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on China’s automotive market, JETTA’s results in the first four months of this year show only a downturn of 12% when compared to the four months from market entry in September to December 2019. So while the overall market decreased by 30% from January to April 2020, JETTA gained market share.

China’s vehicle density is three times lower than that of Germany, hence the space for growth in China, especially within the entry-level segment that alone represents a third of the total market.

Growing reputation

Among customers in this segment, around 80% are first time buyers, JETTA’s main target group. The brand’s customers are located in emerging cities.

JETTA’s successful start in the market has been further strengthened by the introduction of the brand’s VS7 SUV model launched in March. The model’s market launch was also presented to the world online, with the event attracting 10-million viewers. The VS71 completes the JETTA line-up of three cars that also features the VS51 SUV and the VA31 sedan.

The JETTA brand closes the gap between the entry-level and the volume segment where the Volkswagen brand leads the field. For the first time in Volkswagen’s history, a single model has gone on to transform into a brand of its own, with its own proprietary model family.

JETTA is positioned independently in the market, but with recognizable proximity to the world of Volkswagen. Jetta’s success is based on the Volkswagen DNA: quality, safety, value retention and a clear design language.

All models are produced by FAW-Volkswagen in a state-of-the art factory in Chengdu, working closely with FAW-VW’s central hub in the city of Changchun.

While there are have been occasions where officials abuse their power, the majority are simply doing their job to reduce the strain that a massive amount of infections will place on the country.

Avoid conflict

“If you need to go grocery shopping, go to the shop that is closest to you and minimise your time on the road. If you do you encounter a roadblock on one of these errands, simply explain what you’re doing and don’t immediately become confrontational,” says Eugene Herbert, managing director of MasterDrive.

READ | Sharing the road with emergency vehicles during the lockdown
 
“If you are travelling to work, make sure your employer has provided you with a Form Two permit and keep it in your car at all times. Do not abuse the permits to do things that you shouldn’t either.

“Additionally, make sure you follow other rules set out for travel: limit car occupants to two, wear a face mask if you didn’t isolate with your passengers or if an officer approaches your car,” he adds.

Unfortunately, social media abounds with videos of people who appeared to be mistreated by officials.  “In some instances, it could be true but in other instances the video shows one side of the confrontation. Ultimately, the majority of officials are upstanding and law-abiding and should you not give them reason to mistreat, you will not be mistreated in the majority of instances.

“If, however, you are immediately confrontational or annoyed with the restrictions, the chance of it ending badly are higher. Just like any other person, these officials are simply doing their job. If you provide information and the documents quickly and efficiently, the interaction will be over quickly. Certain responses will inevitably elicit certain reactions.”

If you remain suspicious of authorities, there are certain things you can do to safeguard yourself without conflict. “You are within your right to request identification from the officer at the start. You are also within your right to film the interaction, however, this could change the atmosphere between yourselves. Rather consider having your camera ready in case things go bad but avoid greeting an official with a camera in their face. 

“If you feel threatened or discriminated against at a roadblock, you can call 10111. Do not lose your temper and remain calm at all times. Remain compliant with the officer, even if you feel you are being treated unfairly. You can lodge a complaint with the IPID at a later stage. If you become aggressive, an officer could arrest you. If you can avoid this altogether and raise the issue later through formal channels, the whole incident will be much less stressful and even traumatic.”
 
Remember, this is a stressful time for South Africans. 

“While you can’t control what a police officer does, you can control your reaction. Remain calm and don’t incite the situation especially if it is already volatile,” says Herbert. 

The latest generation of the company’s longest-running flagship SUV was first introduced back in 2000 and has been an ever-present since.

The teaser image reveals several new design features, including the combined front grille and daytime running light (DRL), as part of the new Integrated Architecture.

New and improved

The wide grille give the new Santa Fe a bold character, while the geometric pattern on the grille adds a stereoscopic aspect. The new T-shaped DRL complete the rugged character and make the new Santa Fe recognizable even from a distance.

Review: Hyundai’s grand Santa Fé

Among other enhancements, Hyundai will also introduce a new electrified powertrain line-up, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options for the first time.

In addition, the SUV will be the first Hyundai model in Europe and first Hyundai SUV globally based on the all-new third-generation Hyundai vehicle platform.

The new platform allows for significant improvements in performance, handling and safety, as well as facilitating electrified powertrains.

The new Santa Fe will be available in Europe starting September 2020.

World first ClearSight Ground View – the realisation of Land Rover’s transparent bonnet concept previewed on the Discovery Vision concept six years ago, makes this fantasy a reality.

‘See through’ the bonnet

Available now on the new Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, ClearSight Ground View displays a camera view of the front underside of the vehicle onto the large central touchscreen – in normal circumstances this area would be invisible to the driver, but Ground View allows drivers to virtually ‘see through’ the bonnet.

READ | New technology in Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles is there to clear the air

Cameras in the front grille and on the door mirrors project a feed onto the central touchscreen to show what is ahead of and underneath the front of the vehicle with a virtual 180° view.

Helping the driver maintain visibility when negotiating extreme terrains as well as high city-centre kerbs, this is yet another technological evolution that makes the new Discovery Sport and Evoque ideal for traversing the urban jungle, the actual jungle and everything in between.

It is offered in conjunction with the optional 360° Surround Camera and makes driving the Discovery Sport or Evoque on or off-road even more satisfying.

The system uses four digital cameras around the vehicle to provide a bird’s eye view of the exterior, almost as if a drone was hovering a few metres above.

A clearer view

It also has the capacity to display multiple views of the exterior at the same time to help get in and out of tight parking spaces and make negotiating tricky situations much easier.

Land Rover’s ClearSight technology also extends to the interior rear view mirror in new Discovery Sports and Evoques. The new smart rear-view mirror transforms into an HD video screen at the touch of a button.

Featuring an additional camera placed in the antenna roof pod at the rear of the vehicle, a video feed is displayed on an embedded digital display in the mirror, providing a much wider 50° and therefore improved field of view.

Designed with a protective lip to prevent mud and water soiling the lens, there is also a hydrophobic coating that repels water spray. In the unlikely occurrence that the camera is ever obscured, drivers can change back to a traditional rear view mirror at the flick of a switch under the mirror unit.

By displaying a rear-facing camera feed onto the mirror, the driver’s view remains unrestricted by passengers or large items in the back, while also delivering clearer visibility in low light conditions.

The ClearSight interior rear view mirror is included as standard equipment on HSE variants of both vehicles and on the First Edition version of the Evoque, and is available as an option on all other models. 

These latest visibility-enhancing features ensure the new Land Rover Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque and soon-to-be-introduced New Defender meet the digital demands of the entire family, delivering greater convenience, confidence and safety.