motoring

Spinners Commemorate Youth Day

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 20:05:40 +0100

Spinner Oupa Maisela commemorating Youth Day at the Soshanguve Spin Palace, on Saturday 16 June

Robert Mabusela

Shoshanguve Spin Kings hosted a Spin City event in commemoration of Youth Day at the Soshanguve Spin Palace in Block F, on Saturday June 16.

Petrol heads and BMW fanatics came in their numbers, neatly dressed in their school uniforms as part of the National attire “we asked the youth and people attending the event to come dressed in their school uniform in commemoration of the 1976 Soweto uprising”, said host and local spinner Bongani Makhubo.

In making the commemoration educational "students" had to complete an assignment which tested their knowledge on local spinners and questions based on the BMW E30 also known as the "Gusheshe". The first five students that were at the gate and have answered the questions with a minimum mark of 70 percent got a chance to take a ride with the spinners and also received Spin City Mayhem and Polokwane DVD.

Instead of tyres going up in flames, spinners burned tyres through the slip-differential system of the BMW E30`s which created a smokey atmosphere that was similar to that of the Soweto uprising, during protests lead by high school students. Petrol head and BMW fanatic Tumelo Sithole, travelled from centurion to attend the event “I really enjoyed the event and I feel that it was worth traveling

to Soshanguve to commemorate Youth day in the township”, said Sithole.

The event lived up to its expectations as featured and guest spinners put up tyre smoking performances together with the help of various stunt men and their adrenaline pumping stunts. One of the most impressive performances was by Fourteen year old spinner “Sam Sam’ from Numbigate in Nelspruit, who used the long wheel base Japanese Toyota Hilux in the German dominated spinning field.

Overall the event went as planned apart from minor accidents which didn't leave anyone injured but fender benders, smashed lights and front damage which resulted from two spinners who crashed into one another while spinning simultaneously

Spin City in Commemoration of Youth Day

Mon, 28 May 2012 08:03:45 +0100

Host and Local Spinner Bongani Makhubo`s BMW E30 is set to keep the crowd entertained at the RBM Birthday Bash on the 16^th of June at Soshanguve Spin Palace.

Robert Mabusela

On the 16th of June Petrol heads and BMW enthusiasts will make their way to the Soshanguve Spin Palace as Soshanguve Spin Kings host their RBM Spinning Birthday Bash event.

BMW E30's in all customs and various other BMW models are set to keep the spinning culture alive by doing what they are best known for. In Commemoration of Youth Day tyres will go up in smoke creating a similar atmosphere to that of June 1976 through the freedom of the slip differential system.

Best of the best local spinners will be featured at the event performing signature moves like the “Shake Shake” by RBM, Reverse and one “RN1” By Lebo 1Leb King, drifting by Zikho and other stunts together with guests from as far as neighboring provinces Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga.

Featured Local Spinners: Maconrond, Isla Bonita, Mokwepa, Zikho, RBM, Alphy, Lassie, Magrega, Lebo 1Leb King, Bush, Wilem, Jika Uthi, Mabitsi and Happy Babby

Guest Spinners: Sunesh, Terminator, Damage, Eric Maswaya, Y& Sons, Lahris, Magiya Brothers, Rusty Rusty, Melusi, Middleburg Spinners, Veejaro, Hamoo, Numbigate Spinners

The event will take place at 1pm until all the tyres have burst, at the Soshanuguve Spin Palace located in Block F Industrial. Entrance fee is Fifty Rand (R50) food and Beverages will be sold at the event, Senamele security will be on guard therefore no weapons will be allowed.

For more information contact Bongani Makgubo RBM: 083 585 2027, Poposky: 072 333 0634 or Moricho: 073 959 4971

Eastrand Spinners invade Soshanguve spin city

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 07:26:47 +0100

Tshepang Mkhonza member of the Soshanguve Spin Kings going sideways at the Spin City Invasion.

Petrol heads and BMW enthusiasts headed to Soshanguve as Soshanguve Spin Kings (SSK) hosted their first spin city event at the Soshanguve Spin Palace on Saturday Febuary 25.

Tshepang Mkhonza a member of SSK organised the event to show case spin crews from all over Gauteng, the line up of spin crews included, Eastrand Spinners, West Side Connect from Pretoria West, Spartans from Florida in Johannesburg, local spin crews Bojwa Bob City from Mabopane and SSK.

Apart from spinning where the main objective is to spin until the tyres of the car burst, stunts performed at the event tested the drivers overall controll of the vehicle, steering controll, hand-eye coordination and most important their ability to contoll the power of the vehicle while performing various stunts.

Local crew Bojwa Bob city made an impressive performance during a stunt where three piles of tyres stacked in three's, were place linearly a part from each other in a distance that can merely acommodate the length of a vehicle. To perfect this stunt drivers had to drive as close as possible in between the piles at an angle, inorder for them not to knock down any tyre from the pile.

Events like this call for the creation of a motoring periodic table where a new element named "Petronalin Ph" will be added to the table. The element consist of a mixture of two compounds, petrol, being a petrol head and adrenalin, adapted form adrenalin junkies like Ricardo Carls member of the Spartans crew who enjoyed participating at the event. "I would like to thank Tshepang for hosting this event, the event is great and spinning is something else especially being inside that car. It is all about the the adrenaline rush," said Carls.

Overall Eastrand spinners put up the best performance by out performing spin crews present at the event.

WestSide connect to host the Biggest show ever

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:23:36 +0100

WestSide connect will host the Spinning vs Drifting event at Mahem raceway in Pretoria west on the 3rd of December.

Said to be the biggest show ever the Spin and Drift extravaganza will feature South Africa`s top spinners and drifters.Cape Town spiners, Soshanguve Spin kings "SSK", Mamelodi Spinners, Southside crew and many other spin crews from all over SA will provide a day filled with adrenalin pumping performances. If you`re a petrol head be sure to catch the following cars in action at the event, BMW 325is, Nissan 350z,Nissan skyline, lexus and many more. Cooler boxes are welcome and the first 100 people will gian free entrance to the event. Mahem raceway facilities also provide safe parking for your vehicle

If you`ve always wondered how it feels like to be in the passenger seat of a drift or spinning car then it just might be your day. Peolple attending the event may be one of the lucky people who will get a chance to experience how it feels like being in the passanger seat of a drift or spinning car, and this will be free of charge.

by Robert Mabusela

Breaking the law in 3.3 seconds

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:06:47 +0100

The McLaren MP4-12c featured at the Johannesburg International Motor Show produces an impressive 441kW achieving 0-100km/h in 3.3 seconds.

Photo by: Robert Mabusela

With Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele’s proposed speed limit of 100km/h one could be breaking the law within 3,3 seconds that is if you are driving the new McLaren MP4-12c. The rear engined light weight McLaren is promised to be the “first genuine no compromise Sports car” according to McLaren brouchures, but with the given 0-100km/h figures the McLaren team is just being modest as the MP4-12c deserves to be called a super car, 200 km/h is reached in 9.8 seconds or 8.9 if your car is fitted with Corsa tyres which will play an essential role in reaching the top speed of 330km/h a bit more faster.

Super car manufactures are using their gym memberships making sure that weigh shedding is at the top of their workout programme, unnecessary weight is lost as excessive weight hinders the achievement of maximum performance and by this not only the acceleration improves, other performance improvements include breaking 100-0 km/h in a distance of 30.5m, handling, and fuel efficiency releasing only 279g/km which just might save you from having to paying co² emission Tax. The whole weight shedding is made possible by using a carbon fibre MonoCell structure which means that the McLaren gets a one piece light weight carbon fibre chassis with rear and front aluminium frames instead of using carbon fibre as used in the Audi R8 which has parted with 100kg, fuel figures stand at 11.7 litters per 100km releasing only 279g/km of co².The McLaren is powered by a handbuilt 3.8 liter twin turbo V8 engine which boasts 441kw/h with 600Nm torque available from 3000rpm right up to 7000rpm, the engine will be put up against German rivals Audi R8 GT, Porsche 911 Turbo PDK, and the Japanese Godzilla Nissan Skyline GT-R and not forgetting the Godzilla killer Lexus LFA, as seen on youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5R-oi91bd4).

All rivals have between 368 kW (Porsche 911 Turbo PDK) to 441kW (McLaren MP4-12c). According to specs the McLaren is the most favourable with the fastest 0-100 in 3.3 seconds that’s if you`re rolling on standard tyres. Overall the McLaren was smartly built, with high mounted exhausts and every single component designed from scratch nothing was considered good enough to be carried over from an existing McLaren, this Mclaren was certainly the highlight of high performance cars featured at the Johannesburg International Motor Show, but you`ll have to dig deep into your pockets as the McLaren will sell for 3.3 million in South Africa with a limited 20 units set to hit our shores.

by: Robert Mabusela

Chevrolet Miray inspired by Chevy`s heritage

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:15:15 +0100

Photo by Robert Mabusela

When looking at the Chevrolet Miray concept one would think that the design is fresh, concept cars usually give us the impression that “this is something totally new”. Chevrolet`s Miray concept car is inspired by Chevrolet designs dating to the 1960`s so I had no choice but to use Google as a time machine. I googled two cars from Chevrolet, the 1963 Monza SS and the 1962 Convair Super Spyder which are cousins that have inspired the Miray`s design. Firstly on the looks the Miray takes its body shape from the Monza SS with a similar two door feature except that the Monza has a longer wheel base. While looking at the pictures of the Convair Super Spyder I couldn`t help but notice the similarity of the two windscreens.

In the 60`s the Convair Super Spyder “presented a very accommodating platform for designers to stretch their imagination” the Miray might follow in the Spyder`s web but this will be determined by other concept designs. Chevrolets Miray is powered by two front-mounted electric motors, each producing 15kw for the front axle while the rear wheels are powered by a 1.5 litter four cylinder turbocharged mid rear engine. Current for the electric motors is provided by a 1.6khw lithium-ion battery pack which is charged through regenerated braking. The Miray is capable of running on electric power alone while the petrol engine kicks in when extra power is needed. A Dual clutch gear box insures quick and precise shifting working in conjunction with a start stop system.

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) defines the side view with wedged shaped panels, and front and rear fenders which draw on the styling of the past iconic Chevrolet Corvettes. Introduction to the cabin is made possible by scissor doors which give a cutting entrance to the cabins centre console which features a centre console-mounted start button, ambient lighting, and a dual-cockpit design for both the driver and passenger area. Other features include two cameras one in front which works hand in hand with a GPS that overlays navigation information with real time camera inputs, and a rear camera to provide rear vision executing traditional rear view mirrors.

Miray scissor doors front view (Picture fron Netcarshow.com)

Centre Console (Picture fron Netcarshow.com)

Chevrolet have produced an impressive concept with interesting features, concepts like this take the motoring industry to a new level while including some key redesigned features from past designs, this is definitely redesigning iconic designs in a modern and innovative way.

By Robert Mabusela

Audi Voorsprung durch “Techno luxurious”

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:15:08 +0100

Photo by Robert Mabusela

The Audi A8L W12 LUXURIOUS performer, Audi say “Led by Luxury, completed by performance, dynamics and efficiency. Throughout its full length. I think this is Audi working its way to the big luxurious league where the likes of Rolls Royce and Maybach operate.

This German saloon is available in two models, the A8 4.2 TDI (258 Kw) and the top of the L range A8 6.3 W12 FSI which produces 368 Kw. Twin-turbo is used in the V8 diesel motor seeing that it needs a centaury plus a decade more kilowatts to match up to the more powerful twelve cylinder twin. The W12 reaches 100km\h in 4.9 seconds with the help of 625Nm of torque which peaks effortlessly at 3250rpm, according to Audi magazine. Audi`s Quatro all wheel drive system plus a eight-speed tiptronic gearbox comes standard in both models.

Standard equipment list includes xenon plus LED daytime running lights, Multi Media Interface (MMI), single DVD player, Audi drive select, Audi adaptive air suspension, and Audi pre sense basic. For customers who appreciate the full luxurious feel some of the optional equipment includes LED headlights, TV (R14, 900), Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system (R68, 900), rear seat entertainment, and night view assist which identifies and highlights pedestrians priced at R26, 300.Bang & Olufsen have put together a powerful 1, 400 watt 5.1 surround system which has 19 speakers including subwoofer, each speaker has its own amplifier channel. The W12 basic price is 1, 5m while the full package is priced at R1, 7m VAT inclusive plus optional extras.

No compromise on quality this is German engineering at its best

By Robert Mabusela

Only the Best Spinners to Honour Bongos “Rn1”

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:10:39 +0100

Mamelodi Spinners member Mabitsi burns some rubber at the Soshanguve Spin Palace.

Photo by Robert Mabusela

Soshanguve was the place to be this weekend. BMW enthusiasts from all over Gauteng headed to the township to burn some rubber at the Masters of the pitch spin city. The event was held at the Soshanguve Spin Palace in Block F on Saturday.

With spinning and drifting Soshanguve Spin Kings held the event in honour of a member who passed away after a car accident at Rosslyn. The late Bongos ‘Rn1’ was well known for his signature ‘reverse and one’ move. Only the best spin crews, including neighbouring crew Garankuwa Drifters, were invited to burn their rubber.

West side Connect crew surprised the hosts with a Nissan drifting in the predominantly Gusheshe territory. Zwikhodo ‘Ziko’ Nembambula unleashed his samurai sword in a battle against the Germans as he drifted in a Nissan 350z, one of the ultimate drift cars that Nissan has produced. “Ziko added value to the event, he always has a great performance lined up for us,” said Bongani Makhubo, a member of the Soshanguve Spin Kings.

Apart from the spinning, stunt men performed various adrenalin pumping stunts.

One of the most impressive was from West Side Connect who had two stuntmen performing simultaneously."The event was a huge success just like the previous events", said Makhubo.

Driving home was the most difficult part especially if you weren’t driving a Gusheshe. Events like this embrace the heritage of the BMW E30 325is.

By Robert Mabusela