Weekly SA Motoring News wrap-up
Toyota Gazoo Racing takes third Le Mans win
Toyota Gazoo Racing earned a third consecutive overall Le Mans 24 Hours win with the TS050 HYBRID after a turbulent and ultimately successful race at the Circuit de la Sarthe. Sébastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Brendon Hartley completed over 5,000km of a gruelling race, held for only the second time in September, and won by five laps in the #8 TS050 HYBRID, to take the lead in the drivers’ World Championship.
Goodyear celebrates double podium in 24 Hours of Le Mans return
Goodyear made a triumphant comeback to the world’s most prestigious endurance race this weekend, with two Goodyear partner teams finishing on the podium in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the return of the Goodyear Blimp to a European race event.
Isuzu Updates Product Range for 2020
Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSA) has been busy this year with many changes to some of its most popular models. The engineering and product development team at Isuzu has been hard at work making changes to the current line-up of vehicles with some key updates for 2020 as well as doing engineering and durability testing on the upcoming next generation D-MAX bakkie.
The rest of the D-MAX model range has received cosmetic changes to enhance the luxury feel of the leisure models which now have an all-black interior including a black roof liner and black cladding on the pillars. In addition, 4x4 models get a black 4x4 sticker which has been changed from red. 4x2 models now come standard with Tow bar and Sports bar. The LE models have been repositioned to make them more attractive to fleet buyers and better positioned against their main rivals. 3.0 litre LX and LE Plus models feature a Brake Override System whih will be activated when both brake and accelerator pedals are pressed together.
The Z badge makes a comeback with the new Nissan 400Z
Nissan South Africa revealed the next vehicle of its Z-series lineage, the 400Z prototype, just has a striking presence that is not easy to ignore. The newly designed Nissan 400Z continues to offer sports car lovers high-performance excitement and a true sports car at heart. Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan's senior vice president of global design, said that the look and feel was inspired by a bold sense of homage tone, with a futuristic feeling that travels between the decades; from the first iteration of the model to the highly desired futuristic appeal.
Nissan marks Heritage month by reflecting on its history
For the last 60 years, Nissan South Africa (NSA) has supplied quality vehicles that have met the specific needs of the South African market. Nissan and its forerunner, Datsun, have provided transport solutions for South Africans, while simultaneously developing the country’s motor industry.
In South Africa, the company offers a range of 24 vehicles under the Nissan and Datsun brands, including the popular locally produced Nissan light commercial vehicles - the NP200 half-ton pickup and NP300 one-ton Hardbody. Soon to join their ranks is the Nissan Navara. The plant is currently undergoing renovations after a 3-billion Rand investment to welcome the new vehicle to the locally produced lineup.
Next year, Nissan will welcome the first locally produced Nissan Navara, which will be exported across the Sub-Sahara Africa region. It is a watershed moment for the African automotive industry and will further cement Nissan’s status as a brand that is made for and by South Africa.
Honda Dream Days
Honda Motor Southern Africa announces the return of Honda Dream Days from 24 to 27 September 2020. The Heritage Weekend Dream Days form part of Honda’s celebration of its 20 years of operations in South Africa. Customers who purchase selected products during the September Dream Days promotion will also receive a free Maintenance Plan upgrade to cover wear and tear, and customers who test drive vehicles during the promotional period stand a chance to win one of three R10,000 Cash Rewards Cards.
To participate in Honda Dream Days, members of the public with an interest in Honda are invited to visit any Honda dealership between 08:00 and 17:00 from 24 to 27 September 2020.
Recommended next:
Porsche 911 Carrera T (2019) review: A more accessible 911 for driving enthusiasts
Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR (2020) Review
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport range gets a facelift and a new flagship
