Hot Hatch Festival
September 17, 2008 by amish · 3 Comments
After the success of their first event, the Absolute Maldino Crew had to put another Hot Hatch festival together and this years was a belter. Representatives from the majority of the car clubs were in attendance to prove just what their cars were made of in the blistering sun of the Tarlton International Raceway. As can be expected the unprepared track was packed full of hatches from the Ford, Opel and VW stables and as can be expected the competition was fierce. There were the obligatory promo girls who did their bit to provide eye candy in another form. As a whole, the day was wicked and well executed!
Click here to view the results.
SEAT SA Closing down.
September 15, 2008 by amish · 5 Comments
VWSA has announced that they will be phasing out the SEAT brand over the
balance of 2008 in SA thanks to a new marketing strategy. A press release
issued by VWSA reads:
Volkswagen of South Africa to cease new SEAT vehicle sales operations by the
end of 2008. Volkswagen of South Africa, owners of the SEAT Franchise in
South Africa, will start a process to cease the SEAT new vehicle sales
operations in South Africa.
“Current and expected circumstances make the ongoing importation of a niche
brand in the South African market non-viable,” explained Mike Glendinning,
Director of Sales and Marketing, VW of SA.
“Volkswagen of South Africa will continue to provide comprehensive after
sales support for the 2 600 SEAT models sold since launch in June 2006. SEAT
customers are currently being informed that continued after sales service
will be offered by a dedicated group of Volkswagen dealerships in South
Africa. These dealerships currently service SEAT vehicles. All warranties,
service plans and roadside assistance relevant to the SEAT Brand in South
Africa will be honoured.”
“Of paramount importance to us is the continued after sales care of our
existing SEAT customer base. We will offer all existing SEAT customers a
preferential deal, on the purchase of a new Volkswagen,” committed Mr
Glendinning.
Videos
September 15, 2008 by amish · 3 Comments
Click on the images below to view the video. You will need quicktime in order to view them.
Wallpapers issue 85
Rustenberg rocks
After setting 9.5sec at Tarlton I drove down to Rustenberg to get the full scoop on what makes this car tick. The folk down there are lank accommodating and made sure we were treated well with cool drinks throughout the day and let me say it was a lifesaver – Rustenberg is hot, after an hour in the sun I looked like a roasted marshmallow. I was chauffeured around in Stefan’s modified Focus ST and with over 200kW and 490Nm it certainly made for some entertaining sightseeing. Thanks bud! Then as if the day hadn’t been hectic enough we came across a car that had ramped through a graveyard – how’s that for bad karma? Rustenberg is awesome with lots of modified cars so we’ll be back there soon.
Author – Andrew Leopold
The end of LHD in S.A?
September 12, 2008 by amish · 4 Comments
Thousands of classic left-hand drive cars in South Africa may as well be buried with their passionate owners when they die. New legislation will soon make it impossible for these imported vehicles – valued at millions of rands – to be transferred into another person’s name, registered and given certificates of roadworthiness, ultimately leading to the end of the road for left-hand drive vehicles. The Department of Transport will soon publish this new amendment made, it claims, because it is not safe to drive such a vehicle on our roads. The decision has left local classic car fans steaming mad.
Sam Monareng, spokesman for the department, said current regulations allowed the operation on public roads of left-hand drive vehicles that were registered or licensed before 2000. A vehicle registered before this date could be transferred into another driver’s name. However, Monareng said the “15th amendment” to the regulation would be published soon and such vehicles exempted from being registered. If the owner of a left-hand drive vehicle dies, the registration is void the day the estate is wound up or the vehicle is acquired from the estate.
Mike Egan, owner of Thundersport, which imports parts for American vehicles, said it was the “height of absolute stupidity” and people responsible for the decision had “obviously never owned such a car”.
Alan McNab, who owns two left-hand drive vehicles, asked how many accidents involving such vehicles had been recorded.
“Most people who own them probably take them out for a drive once on a Sunday.”
End of the road for left hand drives
September 6th 2008
Article by: Bronwyn Gerretsen
For more information visit: http://www.moby302.co.za/end_of_lhd_sa.html
Theo Knipe
September 12, 2008 by amish · 10 Comments
This is the man you don’t wanna line up against. Together with Satish, he’s the most consistent chap out there, and his monster TS will probably dish out one times serious hiding on you. Ok, not probably, it will. Theo was the first one on the team back in the day, and he’ll be here forever. And if you don’t beat him on the strip, he’s big enough to take you out physically, pity he’s a big friendly softy though! Beware the Hitman, you’re in his sights!
Car: Opel Kadett TS
Motor: 2000cc 16V turbo
400m 10.70
Power: 335kW
Wallpapers issue 84
September 12, 2008 by amish · Leave a Comment
Wallpapers issue 83
September 12, 2008 by amish · Leave a Comment
Wallpapers issue 82
