Insane Hummer - Just how we like ‘em!

Ok, so we don’t get snow here, but that wouldn’t stop me from getting my hands on one of these sick puppies!  This monster Hummer H2 is called the Bomber and it’s been created by the folk at GeigerCars.  The mad tuners replaced the normal 20×8.5 wheels with a set of something called Mattracks 88M1-A1 rubber tracks.  The rubber tracks attached are 40cm wide and 150cm long and the car is propelled by a 398hp V8 engine.  That means there’s loads of torque powering these tracks so this Hummer can pull itself over just about any obstacle.  I want a black one!

Local larnies lose it!

Yup, even local SA larnies cock it up every now and again.  Sometimes, these rare cock ups involve supercars, and in an even rarer instance, this monumental cock up features TWO supercars!

According to Tanya Waterworth’s report on  IOL,  “Two expensive supercars crashed into each other, causing extensive damage, during a VIP wedding reception at the quiet town’s local sports club last Saturday afternoon, leading to confrontations with residents.”  That certainly must have been something to behold.  I know if I was there I’d have either a Canon SLR and a rapidly filling memory card or a cell phone working overtime to snap pics and vids, obviously in between bouts of laughter!

You can see from the pics, (jacked from Wrecked Exotics) both the Lamborghini Murcielago and Ferrari F430 can be repaired as the damage isn’t too bad.  From the alleged information about the events that transpired, I’m, thinking there may just not be an insurance payout here, well most certainly not for both cars.  The owners may just have to reach deep into their pockets to fix these things.

Tanya  goes on to say: “While there was speculation that the two cars were “dicing” down the town’s main Kangella Street, Captain Tienkie van Vuuren said the drivers had told police that Mbambo was giving directions to Sibiya, which were misunderstood.  “The two drivers said they were looking for a nearby dam where wedding pictures were being taken. “According to them, Mbambo signalled to Sibiya to turn, but Sibiya took it as a signal to overtake, and the collision occurred.”     Even though no one was injured in the accident, Tanya found out that one man was allegedly assaulted, while cellphones with cameras were seized and a local journalist, Larry Bentley, was threatened when he took photographs.

This story went out worldwide, it’s even listed on Jalopnik…

Famous Porsche tuner missing in SA?

It would seem so from reports on a few local new sites.  It seems the main man behind German-based tuning company, Gemballa, headed off to SA over week ago and hasn’t been heard of since.  Authorities are being very clever here too, they’re not divulging his travel plans, so obviously no one can keep an eye out for the man anywhere.  No wonder our crime rate always rises… Anyway, after checking out a few international sites, it seems that the man could possibly have gone to a country in the southern part of Africa, which as we know is different to South Africa.  The rest of the world seems to think we’re one big happy place though.

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BP Ultimate Ride Terms and conditions

1.These terms and conditions set out the legally binding contract between BP and you in relation to the BP Ultimate Ride Competition (“the Competition”).
2.You will be deemed to accept these terms if you enter the Competition.
3.The Competition commences on 1 October 2010 and closes on 31 May 2011.
4.The nature, procedure and technicalities of the Competition will be set out on the website, www.bpconnect.co.za (“the Website”) from time to time, and will form part of these rules.
5.The Competition is only open to residents and citizens of South Africa who are 18 years or older and possess a valid driving licence. The competition is not open to members or employees of the BP group of companies (“BP”) or Overdrive Publishing (Pty) Ltd or any of their affiliated companies, organisations and/or agencies, and members of their immediate and extended family, or members of the sponsors of the Competition, and/or any of their affiliated companies, organisations and/or agencies, and members of their immediate and extended family.
6. Only individuals may enter the Competition.
7. Entry to and/or ongoing participation in the Competition is not dependent upon the purchase of petroleum at BP retail sites.
8. Entrants will generate points in the following ways:
8.1. through the purchase of Speed & Sound Magazines at any BP forecourt and entering the unique code found in the magazine on the website bpconnect.co.za in order to collect points;
8.2. through the purchase of Speed & Sound Magazines at any outlet and following the clues and registering on the website, bpconnect.co.za, in order to collect points
8.3. through the purchase of the BP Express monthly promotion / package at any BP forecourt and entering the unique code found on the till slip on the website bpconnect.co.za in order to collect points
8.4. by making any purchase at any BP Forecourt for an amount of R30.00 (thirty) rand or more and entering the unique code found on the till slip on the website bpconnect.co.za in order to collect points;
8.5. by successfully recruiting registrants online ;
8.6. by unlocking ‘achievements’ within the 4 main game categories, namely customising, tuning, racing and voting;
8.7. by sharing aspects of their gaming experience via Social Media.

9.BP and/or the sponsors of the Competition accept no responsibility for any problems or technical malfunction of any communication network or any late, lost, incomplete, misdirected, incorrectly submitted, delayed, illegible or corrupted entries or for any consequences of participant error.
10.Any entrant who fails to participate in the Competition for a period of 3 months will be disqualified from the Competition.
11.The main prize is a modified MK 6 2010 Golf GTI (“the Main Prize”) and will be awarded to the winner. Delivery thereof will take place at the Extreme Auto Show in June 2010.
12.The Main Prize may differ from how it is represented in promotional material.
13.Monthly prizes and spot prizes (“Interim Prizes”) will be awarded from time to time, which prizes will be specified on the Website from time to time. The award of an Interim Prize may be subject to the signature of an indemnity by the winner of an Interim Prize.
14.The winner of an Interim Prize will be notified telephonically, by e-mail or by SMS.
15.A winner of an Interim Prize will forfeit the Interim Prize if BP is unable to contact the winner, through no fault of BP, within 10 days of the award of the Interim Prize to the winner, or if the winner does not respond to the notification and claim the Interim Prize within 10 days of first being notified of the award of the Interim Prize in accordance with Rule 14. Another winner will then be declared and notified until the Interim Prize is claimed.
16.A winner of an Interim Prize must provide a valid address to which the Interim Prize will be couriered at the expense of the sponsors of the Competition. It is the responsibility of the winner of the Interim Prize (and not that of BP or the sponsors of the Competition) to ensure that the address provided is correct. BP and the sponsors of the Competition are not responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of an incorrect address being provided. BP and the Sponsors of the Competition are not responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any damage which may occur to an Interim Prize while it is being couriered to a winner.
17.Participants have to successfully complete all seven stages (monthly) of the competition in order to qualify for the Main Prize.
18.The judges will choose 10 finalists from which the winner of the Main Prize will be selected. The finalists will be notified that they have been chosen telephonically, by e-mail or by SMS.

19.A finalist will forfeit its position as a finalist if BP is unable to contact the finalist, through no fault of BP, within 10 days of the choosing of the finalists, or if the finalist does not respond to the notification and accept its position as a finalist within 10 days of first being notified of being a finalist in accordance with rule 18. Another finalist will then be chosen and notified until 10 finalists have responded to notifications and have accepted their positions as finalists.
20.The finalists must be available to attend and must attend the Extreme Auto Show in June 2011. Any transportation required to be undertaken by a finalist that resides in Gauteng in order to attend the Extreme Auto Show in June 2011 is the responsibility of the finalist.
21.Finalists who reside outside of Gauteng will be transported by airplane to and from Johannesburg in order to attend the Extreme Auto Show in June 2011 at the expense of BP.
22.All taxes, insurances, transfers and other expenses relating from the prize are the sole responsibility of the winner unless otherwise stated. BP will cover the cost of registering the Main Prize into the winner’s name.
23.BP and its affiliates give no warranty whatsoever, either expressed or implied, as to the condition of the Main Prize, and the winner of the Main Prize agrees that it shall accept all defects and risks associated with the Main Prize of whatsoever nature. BP and its affiliates will not be held liable for any manufacturing faults or defects in the Main Prize that are present or arise in the future. Furthermore, BP and its affiliates will not be responsible for the maintenance of the Main Prize, and it remains the sole responsibility and cost of the winner to enter into a maintenance plan in respect of the Main Prize.
24.The winner of the Main Prize will be required to complete the VW Academy Advanced Driving Course, the costs of which shall be covered by BP.
25.The winner of the Main Prize is required to insure the vehicle with an insurance provider, the cost of which will be paid by the winner.
26.Prizes are not transferable and/or negotiable and cannot be deferred or exchanged for cash.
27.Independent financial advice should be sought as tax implications may arise as a result of accepting the prizes.
28.Entrants enter the Competition, and use prizes won, at their own risk. The promoters and their associated companies, agents, partners, advertisers and sponsors cannot be held responsible for any loss (including, without limitation, indirect or consequential loss), damage, personal injury or death which is suffered or sustained (including but not limited to that arising from any person’s negligence) in connection with the Competition or accepting or using the prizes.
29.Winners use prizes and the Main Prize at their own risk. BP or any of its affiliates in this competition shall not be liable for any loss (including, without limitation, indirect or consequential loss) damage, personal injury or death which is suffered or sustained (including but not limited to that arising from any person’s negligence) in connection with the Competition or accepting or using the prizes and/or the Main Prize.
30.The winners of prizes consent to their names and photographs being used by BP in editorials and advertising.
31.All judges’ decisions and the determination of prize winners are final and will not be subject to any appeal or review to any court or tribunal, and no correspondence will be entered into. In the event of any dispute regarding the rules, competition notice, conduct and results, the decision of BP shall be final and no correspondence or discussion shall be entered into.
32.BP may refuse to award any prize if any irregularities or fraudulent activities are detected.
33.All intellectual property rights, including copyright, in and to all entries are hereby ceded and assigned to BP.
34.BP reserves the right to cancel, modify or amend the Competition at any time, without prior notification, if deemed necessary in its opinion, and if circumstances arise out of its control. If BP is required by any competent authority to alter any aspect of the Competition or to terminate the Competition, BP will have the right to alter or terminate the Competition with immediate effect and without notice of such alteration or termination. In such event all participants hereby waive any rights which they may have against BP and its affiliates in the Competition and acknowledge that they will have no recourse or claim of any nature whatsoever against BP and/or the sponsors of the Competition.
35.Personal information given to BP by participants will be used by BP for the purposes of the Competition and future promotions of BP, and will not be given to any third party without the entrant’s consent.
36.BP reserves its rights in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual who BP has reason to believe has breached any of these conditions, or engaged in any unlawful or other improper misconduct calculated to jeopardise the fair and proper conduct of the competition. BP’s legal rights to recover damages or other compensation from such an offender are reserved.
37.Any transgression or attempt to transgress these rules will result in the immediate disqualification of the transgressor.
38.By entering the Competition on the website or otherwise participating in the Competition, participants irrevocably agree to be bound by these rules.

Fast n Furious 4 - New model, same parts!

Yeah, we know everyone thinks the Fast n Furious movies are cheesy at best. But you know what? These movies kicked the aftermarket tuning scene into high gear in just about every country around the world. From unbelievable stunts and insane driving (also unbelievable), to hot cars and sexy woman, the movies had everything they needed to become worldwide hits. Well the 4th installment is due for release in June next year, and it features the original cast from the first movie - New model, same parts. Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rogriguez and Jordanna Brewster are back with a bang and some mad stunts and a story line that actually looks like it could make sense. If the official preview is anything to go by, this movie will be a huge hit too. Can’t wait!

Check the preview!

Some behind the scenes stuff…

And the first race takes..

And now? GT-R production halted!

Why? No really, that’s all you should ask. This car is a monster, it’s hot, it’s fast and it’s more affordable than anything else with similar performance. It’s already been sold to the public in a few countries, hell we even have three cruising around and more are on the water. What would cause them to stop producing what’s possibly the best car to come out of the Nissan stable, ever? Gearbox issues as mentioned on a few forums around the world, like that chap in Russia who blew one up? Launch control issues? A few have killed the clutch already and been told it’s because the drivers used launch control… Well, as soon as Nissan release a statement, we’ll let you know, but for now…

Read more here:

Porsche cry, Nissan kick them in the teeth!

I love this one! Back in May the monster Nissan GT-R hit the ‘Ring and dessimated all the competition’s lap times. Now seeing as Nissan is a Japanese brand, the larney brands got all in a huff about it, particularly Porsche. They claimed that the times must have been achieved on “special tyres” or a non-factory-spec GT-R.

See the Porsche claims here

Obviously this rant made it to the Nissan top brass who were quick to respond. You simply have to read what Nissan had to say to Porsche, I’ll make the link out of the best quote in the story

“Nissan has also offered free driver training for Porsche if it wants to attempt a second lap.”

The Nissan boys even have the actual tyres on display to prove it… Way to go Porsche!

Bloodhound after Thrust SSC’s record.

It was eleven years and two weeks ago that Andy Green, a British fighter and test pilot cemented his place is history as the man with the biggest set of brass nuts, ever. Ok, he actually set the land speed record in the jet-powered monster called Thrust SSC. That hot day at the Black Rock desert in Nevada he posted a cool 1228km/h run, Thrust even created a sonic boom as it passed Mach 1 (if you want pics of that insane sight - Google is your friend!). It seems Thrust SSC isn’t up to the job of the new target speed, a cool 1610km/h (1000mph), and so a rocket is being bolted to a Eurofighter-Typhoon jet engine and the result will be named Bloodhound. They want to have it ready for the attempt in 2011, and they appear to be on track for it.

For the full story, clickey here…

For more on Bloodhound SSC…

And if you’re in the mood to see just how mad these chaps are, take a look at their previous exploits on these links to the YouTube vids:

Thrust SSC - Still the fastest land vehicle.

Inside the cockpit.

View from the tail.

And to get a good idea of how fast Bloodhound will be, you need to click on this line…

Mini gets charged - in a different way!

When the Mini was released it took the market by storm. Granted, it was overpriced, but that was as a result of it being built by BMW I’m sure. The Cooper S started off with a bit of charging from a supercharger, and this year’s updated model was charged by a turbocharger… The latest incarnation from Mini is also charged, by electricity! I guess it’s only a matter of time before we have electric cars from all manufacturers, but I think out of the one seen so far, the Mini must be the best looking. According to the release, it should be on the roads by next year, although it’s anybody’s guess as to if and when it comes to South Africa.

Charged Mini of a differnt kind

Sad farewell to VDub Magazine - for now…

The current econimic climate has everyone tightening their belts. Items previously bought as luxuries are being left on the shelves, and manufacturers the world over are feeling the effects. While VDub Magazine has been a very popular niche publication, the very thing that made it a hit has harmed it. With a smaller target audience it really is hard to make ends meet, and when you consider the different ways money is put into a magazine, you soon realise that these things that are necessary to sustain any business are the first things to be cut. This applies to both the readers and the advertorial content.

While the 20th issue is the last one on the shelf, it’s not the last one ever. Oh no, far from it. Contingency plans are in place and in the not too distant future, VDub will most certainly make a welcome return. Until then, your VDub content can be seen in Speed & Sound Magazine of course.

Vdub magazine

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