MOTORING NEWS - The African Mirror

Apr

2024

Maserati launches electric drop-top GT

In 2023, Italian supercar manufacturer Maserati made a triumphant return to single-seater racing by partnering with MSG Racing in the Formula E (FE) championship. This marked not only a bid to reclaim its motorsport legacy but also a significant step in its venture into the realm of retail electric vehicles (EVs)." Maserati introduced us to its GranTurismo Folgore, its first electric vehicle. With a powerful three-motor electric drivetrain, it packs 818 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds. Its travel range goes up to 450 kilometres. Now they have launched another model, the GranCabrio Folgore,…

Apr

2024

By The African Mirror

Nikhil Sachania, a paraplegic rally driver re-defining Kenya’s motorsports scene

MOTORING NEWS

THE WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2024 took place from March 28 to March 31 in Naivasha, Nakuru county. This was the third round of the 2024 World Rally Championship events, following the Rallye Monte and Rally Sweden events that took place in January and February respectively. The sport is cherished in Kenya, with drivers like 35-year-old Nikhil Sachania being highly recognized and adored. Sachania is Kenya’s first and only paraplegic rally driver. For him, getting through the race successfully has always been the ultimate goal. In the just concluded WRC Safari Rally, Sachania was among the team of competitors, alongside…

Mar

2024

By Mpho Rantao

Nissan commits to Formula E GEN4

MOTORING NEWS

NISSAN has announced its commitment to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship until at least 2030, reinforcing its Ambition 2030 electrification plans. From Season 13 (2026/27) to Season 16 (2029/30), FE's GEN4 technology will be the most advanced yet, cementing the series' status as the world's most innovative laboratory for electric mobility solutions. Nissan Formula E Team managing director and team principal Tommaso Volpe signed the official registration document for car manufacturers in the FIA Formula E World Championship for Seasons 13 (2026/27) to 16 (2029/30). He was present with FIA Senior Circuit Sport Director Marek Nawarecki and FE…

Mar

2024

By Mpho Rantao

São Paulo heats up with dramatic win for Sam Bird

MOTORING NEWS

FORMULA E returned from a month-long break and travelled to Brazil for the fifth round of the world championship. Sam Bird celebrates towards the podium of the 2024 São Paulo E-Prix. Picture: Supplied São Paulo, a city with a rich motorsport heritage, was electrified as it geared up for the adrenaline-pumping race that brought feisty competition and flying front wings. NEOM McLaren’s Sam Bird stormed to win the race, a tough battle against Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans that carried after the second safety car right until the end of the race 34-lap race. Evans and Bird engage in a…

Mar

2024

By The African Mirror

Audi South Africa launches ground-breaking AI-powered advertising campaign for special edition models

MOTORING NEWS

AUDI South Africa has launched a unique and innovative advertising campaign to accompany the introduction of its new range of special edition models that have been designed specifically for the South African market. Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI), Audi has collaborated with renowned advertising agency Ogilvy SA and local AI specialists Monkey Donkey to introduce a campaign that blurs the lines between creativity and technology. The special edition options span Audi’s core model ranges and are named Urban Edition and Black Edition. They are meticulously curated to embody the preferences and aspirations of the discerning South African driver.…

Mar

2024

By The African Mirror

ISUZU Foundation refurbishes Soutpansberg Primary School in Makhado

MOTORING NEWS

ISUZU Foundation, a collaborative initiative between ISUZU Motors South Africa and its Dealer Network, has expanded its philanthropic efforts to rejuvenate Soutpansberg Primary School, located in Makhado (Louis Trichardt) within the Limpopo province. In response to the deteriorating conditions of the aging school building, the ISUZU Foundation undertook a comprehensive reconstruction project, addressing critical areas in need of restoration. The recently completed renovations encompass the installation of modernised toilets, repainting of walls and roofs, tiling, door fittings, and the addition of new gutters. The official handover of these revitalised facilities took place on Wednesday, 31 January 2024. "ISUZU Foundation’s commitment…

Feb

2024

By The African Mirror

South Africa: Old Mutual Insure 2024 Car of The Year finalists announced

MOTORING NEWS

THE finalists of the prestigious Old Mutual Insure 2024 Car of the Year (COTY) competition have been announced. The top 18 finalists meticulously chosen by the jurors of the 38th annual COTY competition presented by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) will go through to the next stage in the search for the 2024 SA Car of the Year. "Congratulations to the top 18 finalists! We eagerly await the upcoming competition phase, where the contenders will undergo comprehensive testing by COTY's expert juror group in early March," says Garth Napier, MD of Old Mutual Insure. "This rigorous and…

Jan

2024

By MPHO RANTAO

FE heats up for double Diriyah leg under the lights

MOTORSPORT, MOTORING NEWS

ROUNDS two and three of Formula E (FE) season ten continue in Saudi Arabia on a circuit nestled between UNESCO-protected ancient sites. DS Penske driver Jean-Eric Vergne grabbed pole for the first leg of the Diriyah E-Prix doubleheader, beating out Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans by just 0.072 seconds at the finish line. Vergne grabbed his 16th career pole in Formula E and the team’s first pole since São Paulo in 2023, when JEV's teammate Stoffel Vandoorne took P1, and Vergne’s first since Jakarta in 2022. Defending World Champion Jake Dennis will start race one from third after losing out…

Jan

2024

By The African Mirror

Volkswagen Group South Africa honoured as Top Employer for 13th consecutive year

MOTORING NEWS

CONTINUING their legacy of building an environment where employees can thrive, Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has been named a Top Employer for 2024. This marks the 13th year in a row that VWSA has been honoured with this certification. The Top Employer title is an internationally recognised certification from the Top Employers Institute, which is awarded in recognition of employers around the world that provide excellent conditions for their employees. Included in the considerations are the company’s commitment to employee wellbeing, continuous improvement and to developing talent within the organisation. The list of Top Employers for 2024 was announced…

Jan

2024

By MPHO RANTAO

Championship gauntlet thrown by Wehrlein in Mexico E-Prix win

MOTORSPORT, MOTORING NEWS

SEASON ten of the much-anticipated 2024 ABB Formula E World Championship kicked off to a fiery start at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez with the Hankook Mexico City E-Prix, where German driver Pascal Wehrlein of Tag Heuer Porsche grabbed the first win of the season. However, victory is not yet confirmed for Wehrlein, who is under investigation for a technical infraction, along with defending champion Jake Dennis of Andretti Avalanche Racing. Wehrlein challenged rivals and won from pole position, ahead of Envision Racing’s Sébastien Buemi and Jaguar TCS Racing’s Nick Cassidy in second and third, respectively. “It was a tough race…