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Long-Term Test: The new 2013 Honda CR-Z arrives

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-05-21 18:13:43, 0 Comment/s

Yesterday I received my first long term test car: a shiny new Premium White Pearl Honda CR-Z. Excited? You bet I am.

The new BMW M5/M6 Competition Pack dissected

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-05-21 11:35:27, 0 Comment/s

BMW have just announced that all their M5 and M6 models will be boosted by an optional Competition Package. Designed to improve both performance and handling, this is what it brings to the party: Power has been increased by 11 kilowatts.

Going Topless: The ups and downs of Roadster ownership

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-05-20 16:44:43, 0 Comment/s

I have this terrible problem. I am obsessed with old second-hand cars. While other men are rapt by the pleasures of pornography and gambling and drugs and affairs, I spend a large portion of my week scouring the automotive section of Gumtree.

Lamborghini Diablo: Sampling The Devil inside

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-05-20 14:27:37, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/xTExR4Lz6q0 This weekend I actually got to tick something off my bucket list. I got to drive a 1994 Lamborghini Diablo VT. Now over the years I've heard horror stories about how tough these cars are to pilot.

Watch Martin Brundle drive a McLaren M23

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-05-17 10:42:13, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/kgn-9rvAiBI Martin Brundle puts Emerson Fittipaldi's 1974 McLaren M23 through its paces at Silverstone

Honda will be returning to Formula 1 in 2015

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-05-16 10:53:55, 0 Comment/s

Honda is returning to the Formula 1 circus in 2015. The Japanese manufacturer will again be partnering up with McLaren – a team they helped propel to no less than eight world championships back in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Hot Rods: The Black Tulip and his ’40 Ford Pickup

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-05-13 13:27:05, 0 Comment/s

This devilish hot rod has the cougars prowling and the young bucks swooning, writes The Wheel Deal WHEN it comes to subcultures, the state of California has seen them all. Hippies. Surfers. Skateboarders.

How to protect your car’s paint at a track day

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-05-13 12:59:01, 2 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/Pz6tO2Ggdrk If you are a regular track day warrior, then you’ve probably noticed that your car’s paintwork takes a fair beating. Especially when driving behind other competitors.

First Drive: The new VW Golf VII GTI in St. Tropez

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-05-10 12:16:11, 0 Comment/s

Is the hot new Volkswagen Golf VII GTI as revolutionary as the original was 37 years ago? The Wheel Deal jetted off to the South of France to find out Dawn has broken over St.

First Drive: This is the new Audi A3 Sportback

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-05-03 12:11:58, 0 Comment/s

The new Audi A3 gains two extra doors and a slightly longer wheelbase.

This is the new McLaren MP4-12C GT Can-Am

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-04-30 13:05:25, 0 Comment/s

To celebrate their rich Can-Am racing heritage, McLaren is launching a brutal new version of their MP4-12C supercar. Aptly named the 12C GT Can-Am, this track-ready limited edition (only 30 are being built) gets an unrestricted version of the 3.

A yank by any other name: The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-04-29 17:58:34, 0 Comment/s

Don’t let that European nameplate fool you — this Mercedes-Benz is a full-on salute to Motown Muscle, writes The Wheel Deal If you walk into a crowded pub you will find two groups of motoring enthusiasts: those who love American cars and.

Watch the exciting life and times of Sir Stirling Moss

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-04-29 17:41:59, 0 Comment/s

Sir Stirling Moss has long been described as the best Formula 1 driver never to win the world championship. Watch this BBC documentary, hosted by Patrick Stewart, and see how tragedy dashed his dreams of domination. httpv://youtu.

Launched: This is the new 2013 MY Honda CR-Z

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-04-26 13:34:21, 0 Comment/s

Honda's handsome hybrid coupé gets a refresh – and an extra slug of power, writes The Wheel Deal What is it? The all-new 2013 MY Honda CR-Z hits South African streets wearing a host of cosmetic enhancements.

First Drive: Meet the quirky new Hyundai Veloster

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-04-17 20:36:49, 1 Comment/s

Hyundai finally ditches the dull label with their new Veloster hatch. The Wheel Deal tells you if it's any good of not What is it? A Korean car that isn’t boring, that’s what.

A Jackie Stewart documentary you have to watch

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-04-16 16:16:27, 0 Comment/s

If you’re a fan of vintage Formula 1 then you’ve got to watch this fantastic BBC documentary about Sir Jackie Stewart. Anchored by celebrity chef, James Martin, it traces the Scot’s rise to fame during the sport’s golden age.

Are car infotainment systems outfoxing us?

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-04-16 16:07:37, 0 Comment/s

Are the latest batch of car infotainment systems getting too tech-savvy for the average Joe? Doug Newcomb from Autopia seems to think so. Read his article here and make up your own mind

Talking Bull: 50 outrageous years of Lamborghini

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-04-09 11:11:03, 0 Comment/s

A lot can happen in 50 years. Especially if you’re a supercar company called Lamborghini, writes The Wheel Deal IT was one hell of a year, 1963.

Drive vicariously through the eyes Tommy Milner

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-04-02 12:20:14, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/Kf0hSVL6y9A Ever wanted to live like a professional race car driver? Well now you can.

2013 Shelby 1000 S/C to debut at NY Auto Show

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-03-25 11:47:07, 0 Comment/s

The all-new 2013 Shelby 1000 S/C is the ultimate muscle car. Based on the factory GT-500, Shelby American has created a 1200 horsepower freak of nature that should be able to annihilate performance cars costing three times the price.

This Hillman Imp is driving from Joburg to Coventry

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-03-25 11:11:49, 0 Comment/s

It’s named after a small demon, but two local adventurers hope their ageing Hillman will get them across Africa, writes The Wheel Deal Have you ever heard of a car called the Hillman Imp? “With a name like that,” I hear you mumbling, “.

Cronjé and Houghton dominate 2013 Total KZN Rally

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-03-15 17:49:04, 0 Comment/s

The 2013 South African National Rally Championship got off to an eventful start in KwaZulu-Natal last weekend.

Driven: The BMW M135i is a hot hatch for the purists

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-03-15 13:59:31, 0 Comment/s

Looking for a hot hatchback that delivers classic, rear wheel-drive thrills? Then the BMW M135i is the machine for you, writes The Wheel Deal What is it? The BMW M135i is the hottest member of the current 1-Series hatchback clan.

Jeff Gordon, Pepsi terrorise car salesman to the MAX

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-03-13 19:19:18, 1 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/cmPzdjg1jrc NASCAR race ace, Jeff Gordon, teamed up with Pepsi MAX to film what has to be one of the best viral videos I've seen all year.

How Kimi Räikkönen deals with silly questions

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-03-13 13:57:52, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/GAm1be_tPUY Sky Sports F1 correspondent, Craig Slater, asks ex-Formula 1 World Champion, Kimi Räikkönen, a silly question. Naturally the Ice Man gives him the cold shoulder, hilarity follows.

Shock Treatment: Riding the A2B Metro electric bike

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-03-12 10:37:21, 2 Comment/s

Just the other day I was faced with a difficult decision. Standing deep in the bowels of our parking garage, I had to choose between an Audi RS 4 Avant and a Porsche 911 Carrera.

Build your own Pre-74 Porsche at BusSelecta.com

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-03-11 12:37:35, 0 Comment/s

Are you an old-school Porsche fan with some time to kill? Then I recommend a quick visit to BusSelecta.com.

Renault-Alpine back at Le Mans 24hr after 35 years

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-03-11 12:27:31, 0 Comment/s

Renault has just announced that their legendary Alpine marque will feature on the entry list of this year's 24-Hours of Le Mans.

Launched: First drive of the all-new Subaru Forester

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-03-07 17:34:31, 0 Comment/s

The fourth-generation Subaru Forester has arrived in SA. The Wheel Deal took it for a drive What is it? Put your hands together for the new fourth-generation Forester.

Driven: The new Audi RS 4 Avant is my kind of wagon

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-03-01 10:29:53, 0 Comment/s

When I started this job back in 2008, one of the first cars I ever tested was the Audi RS 4. And I loved it. I loved because it was insanely quick in a straight line yet soberingly easy to thread through corners.

Driven: The all-wheel-drive Porsche 991 Carrera 4S

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-02-27 11:52:51, 0 Comment/s

The all-wheel-drive system on the new Porsche 991 Carrera 4S allows you to corner with a swagger — and keep all your parts intact, writes The Wheel Deal Money can’t buy talent. Especially when it comes to driving.

Godzilla: First drive of the new 2013 MY Nissan GT-R

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-02-22 10:19:59, 0 Comment/s

The same but slightly different, the 2013 Nissan GT-R comes loaded with subtle modifications for an enhanced driving experience.

Five things you need to know about the McLaren P1

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-02-20 13:33:22, 1 Comment/s

McLaren Automotive today released some important information about what will be powering its soon-to-be unveiled P1 hypercar. This is what you need to know: 1: It will be getting a twin-turbocharged 3.

This is what happens when you drive a car stoned

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-02-19 17:17:04, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/FmN2xFnoXUU Hey, potheads! Ever wondered how smoking weed really impacts on your driving behaviour? Well watch this video cut together by the team at kirotv.com and find out, man. [Hat-tip to the Huffington Post]

A brief history of the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-02-19 11:09:35, 0 Comment/s

To most Porschephiles, the Carrera RS 2.7 is the ultimate 911. A stripped down road-rocket that distills the classic 911 driving experience down to a concentrated elixir. Here Petrolicious explains how it came about.

Subaru WRX: The Boxer that failed to knock me out

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-02-19 10:58:13, 1 Comment/s

Are cars like the Subaru WRX relevant anymore? Back in the late 1990s (when it was still known as the Impreza) it was something of a revelation: a 200-kilowatt supercar slayer that blew the minds of teenage boys and adult enthusiasts alike.

Watch a MINI Countryman land the perfect backflip

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-02-18 12:21:58, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/Ry-ofJHatGs A Monster Energy-sponsored MINI Countryman has become the first car to pull off a successful, 360-degree backflip.

First drive of the scorching hot new Opel Astra OPC

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-02-15 11:06:55, 0 Comment/s

The new Opel Astra OPC just landed in SA. The Wheel Deal is left thunderstruck What is it? Watch your smug backs, Renault and Volkswagen.

How the Tuk-Tuk is taking over Joburg’s suburbs

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-02-13 17:37:13, 1 Comment/s

India's three-wheeler is offering an affordable taxi service to the cash-strapped jollers of Jozi, writes The Wheel Deal It takes a lot to turn heads on 4th Avenue, Parkhurst, the home of the roadside bistro.

Watch Petrolicious pay tribute to the Testarossa

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-02-13 10:59:39, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/kMM8i5nIQ00 I think the Testarossa is probably my favourite Ferrari of all time.

Nissan GT Academy graduates are ‘too fast’ to race

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-02-11 12:07:19, 0 Comment/s

Ever wondered how good the Nissan GT Academy graduates are? Well according to this report on Motor Authority, they’re pretty damn hot.

Grudge Match: Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG vs. BMW M6

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-02-11 11:53:54, 0 Comment/s

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr4kzOQx1ZE The Drive Channel's Chris Harris pitches the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG against the BMW M6.

McLaren P1 to debut at the Geneva Motor Show

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-02-07 17:27:45, 0 Comment/s

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVtCuyFSO6E&feature=share&list=UUiWQ5eQPkw2BX2L4jeHKEVQ It's official – the radical, race-bred and production-ready McLaren P1 will be making its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show next month.

The long-awaited Ford Fiesta ST begins production

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-02-07 16:57:24, 0 Comment/s

The new Ford Fiesta ST is to cars what Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy album was to music – a highly anticipated case of hurry-up-and-wait.

Luke Huxham goes classic car hunting in Thailand

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-02-05 11:49:59, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/KOp3be3hO58 Cinematographer, Luke Huxham, is a cult figure in the world of automotive short films. And one of his latest projects showcases a collector of vintage cars.

This new McLaren short film will give you gooseflesh

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-02-05 11:42:54, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/23E1m8ZxFmU McLaren Automotive is celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year. Founded by New Zealander, Bruce McLaren, this company has an enviable motorsport pedigree forged on the frontlines of Formula 1.

Mercedes-Benz AMG day: Much ado about nothing

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-02-05 11:32:47, 0 Comment/s

Sometimes our local car manufacturers do peculiar things. Like last Thursday morning, for example, I was told to meet Mercedes-Benz SA at Kyalami Racetrack out in Midrand.

Listen to this Ferrari 643 rev its exotic V12 guts out

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-01-29 13:06:43, 2 Comment/s

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opmxs9iFsWM Turn up the volume and listen to this ex-Jean Alesi Ferrari 643 rev right up to 9000rpm. This particular car, No. 28, was campaigned by Alesi back in the 1991 Formula One season.

One of the pretty horses: Jean Alesi’s Ferrari 643

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-01-29 12:29:48, 0 Comment/s

Who needs a Formula One scale model when you can have the real thing? Especially when it happens to be an ex-Jean Alesi Ferrari 643, writes The Wheel Deal So you’re a Formula One fan with a few bob lying about – what do you do? I’m guess.

The 12th annual Passion for Speed festival will be huge

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-01-22 10:55:35, 0 Comment/s

This year’s annual Passion for Speed Festival promises to be the historic racing event of the year.

Hyundai is shelling out for a Nürburgring test facility

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-01-22 10:43:38, 0 Comment/s

According to a report on Autoblog, Hyundai will be building a $7.3-million test facility at Germany’s infamous Nürburgring racetrack.

Watch Chris Harris get to grips with the Singer 911

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-01-17 17:22:26, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/fJQ4hQSusjE The Drive Channel's Chris Harris gives you the lowdown on the world's best reimagined Porsche – the Singer 911.

New Porsche 991 Turbo & GT3 spotted at The Ring

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-01-14 16:45:43, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/CwqOCb7cOD8 The Porsche 991 is a tasty bit of kit, one that’s set to become a whole lot sweeter. Yep, the high-performance Turbo and GT3 variants are on their way.

This is the brand new Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-01-14 16:19:15, 0 Comment/s

Tired of Italy and Germany hogging all the sports car limelight? I sure as hell know I am. That's why I'm over-the-frickin'-moon to see the Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray debuting at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show.

2013 Dakar Rally: Stage Six Video Summary

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-01-11 10:34:06, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/6gXWcXAsP08 Video highlights from the sixth stage (Arica – Calama) of the 2013 Dakar Rally.

Cop, drug accused die in horror Johannesburg crash

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-01-10 17:11:44, 0 Comment/s

A motorist who raced away while a policeman was in his car searching for drugs, killed them both when he crashed in Rosebank during a high speed chase on Thursday, said police.

2013 Dakar Rally: Stage Five Video Summary

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-01-10 11:11:48, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/-GAI7F2rM4g Video highlights from the fifth stage (Arequipa – Arica) of the 2013 Dakar Rally.

Watch a Chevrolet Camaro chase a U-2 spy plane

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-01-09 15:39:03, 1 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/fHRZ1oGLgOk A Chevrolet Camaro SS chasing down a Lockheed U-2. Yeah, mechanical mash-ups seldom get more awesome than this.

Watch Derek Bell lap Le Mans in a Porsche 962

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-01-09 11:56:11, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/wJOV8TKWPQo The countdown to this year's 24-Hours of Le Mans has begun. And to put you in the mood here's a clip of endurance maestro, Derek Bell, charging around Circuit de la Sarthe in a rather angry sounding Porsche 962.

2013 Dakar Rally: Stage Four Video Summary

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-01-09 10:34:04, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/M5IDTHuerpg Video highlights from the fourth stage (Nazca – Arequipa) of the 2013 Dakar Rally.

2013 Dakar Rally: Stage Three Video Summary

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-01-08 10:42:47, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/XD474hN5a7w Video highlights from the third stage (Pisco – Nazca) of the 2013 Dakar Rally.

Heroes and Villains: My best and worst cars of 2012

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-01-07 16:30:08, 0 Comment/s

The Wheel Deal revisits the good, the bad and the ugly of 2012.

2013 Dakar Rally: Stage Two Video Summary

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-01-07 15:43:03, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/3OU-N8dtsUk Video highlights from the second stage (Pisco – Pisco) of the 2013 Dakar Rally.

Suzuki Swift Sport for the holidays: Popping bonnets

By Thomas Falkiner 2013-01-03 14:10:18, 0 Comment/s

The New Year has come and gone. Resolutions have already been broken. My Swift Sport is about to go back to Suzuki. And this is rather sad because I have really enjoyed driving it around the quiet streets of Jozi this holiday season.

Watch a Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry get wrapped

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-12-27 13:08:15, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/Z3yEaC6pOHo This 2013 M&M’S Toyota Camry will be driven by Kyle Busch in next year's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Suzuki Swift Sport for the holidays: Ergonomics 101

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-12-27 12:44:24, 0 Comment/s

Happy belated Christmas. I hope you had a good one. I know I certainly did. In fact I’ve hardly left the house over the last three days.

The Stallion’s Revenge: Driving a Ferrari 360 Modena

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-12-27 12:06:58, 0 Comment/s

I was never a great Ferrari fan. It may sound like a strange truth to admit but cars shod with the black stallion seldom flipped my passion switch. They seemed a bit too over-the-top for my liking.

Suzuki Swift Sport for the holidays: Why I chose it

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-12-18 11:19:13, 1 Comment/s

One of the perks of being a motoring scribe is being able to secure a test car over the festive season. Yeah, in exchange for a little exposure, of course, manufacturers will gladly hand you the keys to a holiday steed of your choice.

Tuned: This Kavinsky music video rocks a Testarossa

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-12-18 10:55:56, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/41_svUt5_e0 One of the highlights of Nicolas Winding Refn's 2011 neo-noir crime drama, Drive, was the song used in its opening credits.

This cutaway website is a great way to waste time

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-12-18 10:31:23, 0 Comment/s

I want to drive you like an animal. I want to see you from the inside.

The South African Motorsport book you have to buy

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-12-12 12:39:55, 0 Comment/s

If you enjoy South African circuit racing then you need to get your mitts on this exciting new photographic annual put together by the talented Zaahir Essa.

Here’s the ultimate Toyota MR2 Spyder buying guide

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-12-11 15:19:05, 0 Comment/s

Roadster season is upon us. And the second-hand market is bristling with some really good open-top deals. Seriously, an early Mazda MX-5 can be had for less than R100k.

Watch this classic Skyline duo storm The Bay in style

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-12-11 12:10:20, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/d3hORdN1olA Petrolicious, the undisputed kings of celluloid car porn, have just released another short film that you need to watch.

Drive: VW gears up for Motorsport domination

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-12-11 11:58:35, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/H7ZxEzRMPIo Volkswagen plans to hit motorsport hard in 2013. Especially when it comes to the competitive World Rally Championship (WRC).

Wicked Morgan 3-Wheeler gets licked in Gulf livery

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-12-11 11:51:47, 0 Comment/s

In a motoring world dominated by jelly mould styling, the eccentric little Morgan 3-Wheeler is one of the coolest sports cars out there. Well it just got even more lustworthy thanks to the introduction of a new Gulf Racing Edition.

First Drive: Piloting the new Range Rover in Morocco

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-11-27 15:43:09, 0 Comment/s

Land Rover finally gets to launch a new vehicle in Morocco, and it has been worth the wait as the latest Range Rover raises the premium SUV bar, writes The Wheel Deal It has taken Land Rover four decades to get this launch right.

Driven to drink: Chris Bangle on design and Cognac

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-11-27 15:16:03, 0 Comment/s

Chris Bangle has designed a new Hennessy bottle. But let’s stick to the cars, like that BMW 7 Series What the hell do I know about Cognac? Not much, other than it is ludicrously expensive and can deliver one hell of a hangover.

Watch Jay Leno take his Mazda Cosmo for a spin

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-11-20 09:25:43, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/0bUUzDKnPhc We all know that Jay Leno has one of the biggest car collections in the world. We also know that he regularly produces short videos about some of the more interesting vehicles in his ever-growing inventory.

To get big in Japan, the Mercedes A-Class goes Anime

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-11-20 08:47:56, 1 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/x2Rf5QX7bNc Let's be honest – most of the time automotive marketing tends to suck. But sometimes it can be really fresh and creative.

License to Drive: The best Bond car site on the web

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-11-12 11:46:51, 0 Comment/s

Evans Halshaw has created this brilliant new Flash website detailing every single car that 007 has ever driven during his long and illustrious career at MI6. Choosing your favourite Bondmobile has never been this simple – or as stylish.

How some old Mercs gave it horns for Rhinose Day

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-11-09 13:05:32, 0 Comment/s

Charity begins at the racetrack. Well it did during the final round of the Midas Historic Tour held at Zwartkops Raceway last weekend.

Watch Ken Block race while his cockpit’s on fire

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-11-08 10:23:49, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/N8roRkCYE-8 Fire. Every racing driver's worst nightmare. Especially when it starts inside the cockpit. Strangely this phenomenon doesn't really seem to phase Ken Block much.

Spoiler Alert: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X driven

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-11-06 10:58:52, 1 Comment/s

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X may be the king of big wings but that’s not enough to make it fly, writes The Wheel Deal ‘Is that blue monstrosity yours, bru?” asked the deputy travel editor, Paul Ash.

What I’m racing at Zwartkops Raceway this weekend

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-11-02 12:20:50, 2 Comment/s

Problem: the Sunday Times/Castrol Mustang is currently in the shop. Solution: team up with Carcol Executive Auto in Greenside and arrange a drive in this Mercedes 230E. Sorted.

Driving the all-new Volkswagen Golf 7 in Sardinia

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-11-02 11:36:08, 0 Comment/s

So after 15-hours of flying and airport lounges, I wake to find myself slap-bang in the middle or the Mediterranean. Porto Cervo, Sardinia, to be precise.

Relive Stefan Roser’s RUF CTR Yellowbird hot lap

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-11-01 15:02:31, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/w6Thomd4BQg In case you don't know, RUF is a German company that specialises in making already fast Porsches even faster. And one of their most iconic builds was this fearsome CTR Yellowbird of the late 1980s.

Watch Chris Harris drive the radical Nissan DeltaWing

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-11-01 14:34:01, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/c_INdbXMqsw Thanks to its bizarre styling and tragically short-lived appearance at this year's 24-Hours of Le Mans, the Nissan DeltaWing has been one of the most talked about race cars of 2012.

Why the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI was perfect for Speedweek

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-11-01 14:18:56, 0 Comment/s

Choosing a car to drive up to the inaugural Kalahari Desert Speedweek wasn’t easy.

How the Nissan GT Academy can change your life

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-10-23 12:38:34, 1 Comment/s

Fancy yourself as the next big racing talent? Then the Nissan GT Academy could be your passport to champagne, podiums and pit girls Lucas Ordoñez looks like a pretty cordial chap, a nice guy.

First Drive: The new third-generation Ford Focus ST

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-10-11 18:41:34, 1 Comment/s

The new Ford Focus ST has just landed in SA. The Wheel Deal took it for a spin What is it? What you’re looking at here is the Blue Oval’s answer to the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Renault Mégane RS.

Toyota recalls 7.43M vehicles over window switch

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-10-10 16:19:16, 2 Comment/s

Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 7.43 million vehicles in the U.S., Japan, Europe and elsewhere around the world for a faulty power-window switch – the latest, massive quality woes for Japan's top automaker.

Watch a Tesla Model S beat a BMW M5 to 100mph

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-10-10 12:35:43, 2 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/vvHTN0Yi1t4 So it turns out the new Tesla Model S is quite the sleeper. Yep, in a recent shootout orchestrated by Automobile Magazine, Elon Musk's luxury sedan sprinted to 100mph quicker than the turbocharged BMW M5.

Chevrolet Camaro: A power struggle born in the USA

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-10-10 11:31:59, 0 Comment/s

Real pony cars are from the home of the free – and the Chevrolet Camaro is one of the finest.

Watch a man drive his 962 racer through the streets

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-10-09 10:22:24, 4 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/51VJgvZ7Hxg MotorHEAD Magazine has just cut one of the most bizarre motoring videos I’ve ever seen in my life. The subject? An oddball car enthusiast who regularly drives his Porsche 962C across Japanese streets.

Hooning: Why it’s high time you rocked a track day

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-10-04 11:36:55, 1 Comment/s

With motor racing costing an arm and a leg, fans of life in the fast lane should look at taking part in a track day, writes The Wheel Deal Do not believe the lies that Narcotics Anonymous feed you.

Wagons: New Audi RS4 Avant heading for South Africa

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-10-02 16:51:06, 0 Comment/s

When it comes to fast wagons, nobody does a better job of it than the blokes over at Audi.

Sunday Times Ford Mustang strong at Kyalami outing

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-10-02 11:49:02, 0 Comment/s

The Sunday Times/Castrol Ford Mustang had a successful outing in the seventh round of the Midas Historic Tour held at Kyalami Racetrack this past weekend.

Alex Roy revisits the legend of C’était un Rendezvous

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-10-01 15:01:48, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/hmdR6B1DPac Back in 1976 French film director, Claude Lelouch, released C'était un Rendezvous – one of the most infamous driving films of all time.

Sunday Times Mustang at Kyalami this weekend

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-09-28 19:54:43, 0 Comment/s

Tomorrow I'll be storming around Kyalami Racetrack in the Sunday Times/Castrol Ford Mustang. The penultimate round of this year's Midas Historic Tour, the 'Stang and I will be mixing it up in the Pre66/68 Sports and GT category.

Watching the sun set on a pair of Porsche 356s

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-09-24 13:08:57, 0 Comment/s

One of the coolest things about Kalahari Desert Speedweek is getting the rare opportunity to photograph cars on a clay pan as the sun is busy setting. The unpolluted light is just unworldly.

The top three fastest cars at SA Speedweek so far

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-09-23 14:56:14, 0 Comment/s

As of 23 September, 14h41, these are the three fastest cars at Kalahari Desert Speedweek In first position is car A7, a Lamborghini Gallardo that clocked 298 km/h.

Kalahari Desert Speedweek: Twilight on the pan

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-09-23 12:11:40, 0 Comment/s

When the sun sets here on the Hakskeen Pan, the car photographers come out to play. Yesterday I joined in on the fun with my Apple iPhone 4S. And I was pretty impressed with the results

Kalahari Desert Speedweek: Day One in Pictures

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-09-22 22:40:45, 4 Comment/s

The inaugural Kalahari Desert Speedweek has began. Out on the lonely expanse of the Hakskeen Pan, 100+ pistonheads have assembled to put their machines to the ultimate speed test: a flat-out burn down a five-kilometer desert drag strip.

Inaugural Kalahari Desert Speedweek is good to go

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-09-17 11:10:45, 0 Comment/s

Petrolheads are in for a treat as exotic cars and motorbikes get set to burn rubber in South Africa’s inaugural Kalahari Desert Speedweek.

Speedhunters: Nakai-San answers all your questions

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-09-12 10:41:45, 0 Comment/s

Speedhunters recently gave their readers an opportunity to ask Nakai-San, the founder of Rauh-Welt Begriff, some questions.

Rust never sleeps: Alfa Romeo Club Concours Day

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-09-11 11:54:08, 0 Comment/s

Last Sunday I headed off to the annual Alfa Romeo Club Concours Day held at AK Components in Strijdom Park, an event in which the country's most cherished Alfa models were paraded in front of a strict panel of judges.

Battle for the sun: Investigating the UJ solar car

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-09-10 15:04:26, 1 Comment/s

This month a team of university students will be taking part in SA’s most gruelling solar challenge. The Wheel Deal sheds some light An August wind gusts through the trees as I pull into the University of Johannesburg.

10 things you need to know about the new MINI GP

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-09-06 16:08:14, 0 Comment/s

The wraps are finally off the new 2012 MINI John Cooper Works GP. All ready to make its first public debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, here are 10 fast facts about the quickest MINI ever made: 1: It rocks a 1.

The new VW Golf VII doesn’t dare to look different

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-09-05 17:29:30, 0 Comment/s

Unveiled in Berlin, Germany, last night, the new Volkswagen Golf VII doesn't look very different from the model it is replacing.

Watch the return of the World’s Greatest Drag Race

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-09-05 12:33:09, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/JaS7n6qKQe4 The World's Greatest Drag Race is back and better than ever.

Evolution: Lotus Elan meets Mazda MX-5 Super 20

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-09-05 12:14:19, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/ssS169fntR0 Car and Driver contributing editor, Sam Smith, explores the evolution of the lightweight roadster at Raceway Laguna Seca.

This is the new all-wheel drive Porsche 911 Carrera 4

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-28 12:55:25, 0 Comment/s

Porsche has whipped the covers off its 2013 911 Carrera 4.

Watch Mark Martin narrowly avoid an impaling

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-20 11:48:37, 1 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/f0sis-ZL7w8 53-year-old NASCAR driver, Mark Martin, narrowly avoided serious injury at this weekend's Pure Michigan 400.

South African headed to World Rally Championship

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-20 10:00:41, 0 Comment/s

Veteran South African rally ace, Jan Habig, will be competing in Round Ten of the World Rally Championship – the Wales Rally of Great Britain scheduled to run from 13 – 16 September 2012.

Alex Roy: How to seduce women using your car

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-17 16:41:12, 1 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/OMyWbUHTp3M Watch Drive presenter and world-famous cannonballer, Alex Roy, demonstrate the fine art of female seduction using nothing more than a Cadillac CTS-V. Yeah, eat your heart out Don Draper

This is how Big Brother plans to take over the wheel

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-17 15:48:47, 0 Comment/s

Your insurance company wants to install a device in your car to track your every decision and move, writes David Sirota of www.salon.com. Click here to read about the sinister side of telematics-based insurance

Renault Mégane RenaultSport 265 Trophy Review

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-17 12:11:07, 0 Comment/s

I am somewhere around Reitz when the power starts to take control. For the last two hours I have been dodging potholes and creeping past speed traps.

This is the brand new 2013 Land Rover Range Rover

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-15 11:24:48, 0 Comment/s

Land Rover has finally pulled the covers off its fourth-generation Range Rover. New from the ground up and designed by Gerry McGovern, it is the first SUV in the world to sport an all-aluminium monocoque body structure.

A behind-the-scenes look at the Porsche Museum

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-14 15:53:24, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/mnv42eE144I If you dig classic Porsches then you'll certainly enjoy this two-part miniseries that takes a look at some of the company's more interesting creations.

Watch Jeremy Foley bail at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-14 11:32:06, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/zEUrEPPABbY Don't let that freshly tarred road fool you – the Pikes Peak Hill Climb remains one of the most daunting and dangerous events on the international motorsport calendar.

Rocket Man: Andy Green and the Bloodhound SSC

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-14 11:04:56, 0 Comment/s

Andy Green intends to become the first human to reach 1 600km/h on land — and only a rocket-powered jet on wheels can get him there How fast do you want to go? Are you the sort of person who chickens out at 180km/h or do you want to keep on .

Cannonball Run Africa 2012: Jag XKR-S track attack

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-12 18:15:43, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/Qluw9E_nU0M GoPro footage taken during yesterday's Cannonball Run Africa track challenge at Zwartkops Raceway. I managed to crack a 1:13.40 hot-lap in our Jaguar XKR-S. The only car quicker was the Lamborghini Aventador.

Cannonball Run Africa 2012: A visit from Spider-Man

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-12 17:05:56, 1 Comment/s

This morning us Cannonballers awoke to a rather puzzling discovery: this white Porsche 911 trapped in an intricate web of sticky plastic.

Cannonball Run Africa 2012: Day 3 Zwartkops/ODI

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-11 18:40:26, 1 Comment/s

Day three of the Cannonball Run Africa was definitely the best yet. There were no silly clues, just three wheel-shredding challenges designed to push man and machine to the limit.

Cannonball Run Africa 2012: Day 2 Gerotek Challenge

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-10 19:15:20, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/Z72_dAWZl64 I'll be honest with you all – the second day of the Cannonball Run Africa was something of a cluster @*^!. Ridiculous clues. Road books filled with spelling mistakes and awful grammar.

Cannonball Run Africa 2012: Jaguar gymkhana video

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-09 18:03:21, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/5_j7yYeULk4 This morning's Cannonball Run Africa gymkhana challenge was a great way to start the day. To give you an idea of what it involved, here is the GoPro footage from our second attempt.

Cannonball Run Africa 2012: The first day in pictures

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-09 17:09:48, 2 Comment/s

Today was the first day of the Cannonball Run Africa 2012. Following the organiser's orders, Jesse Adams and I arrived at the Kyalami Castle (AKA The Facebrick Monstrosity) at around 6:30am.

Revved up and ready for Cannonball Run Africa 2012

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-08 12:27:20, 1 Comment/s

What exactly is the Cannonball Run Africa? Is it four days of high-octane debauchery or a really cool way to raise money for the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA)? Hey, maybe it's a bit of both.

Porsche 918 Spyder gets licked in iconic Martini livery

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-03 13:07:20, 0 Comment/s

Driving trials of the Porsche 918 Spyder are stepping up to the next level. This means that one of the prototypes can now be found blitzing around the challenging 20.8-kilometer Nürburgring-Nordschleife race circuit.

Talkin’ ‘Bout an Evolution: Driving the Lexus GS350

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-03 12:31:21, 0 Comment/s

Not that long ago the poor Lexus GS was something of an eyesore. It was an ungainly luxobarge that attracted the attention of Florida retirees and crack-peddling hood rats with delusions of grandeur.

Man in a van: Film running in a Citroën Dispatch

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-08-03 12:14:17, 0 Comment/s

The industry of escapism sets a real-world test for this Citroën Dispatch Lights. Camera. Action. Three words that have become synonymous with one of the coolest industries the planet has ever known.

2013 Audi R8: Ingolstadt’s Halo Car gets a refresh

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-07-25 13:27:12, 1 Comment/s

Audi has just announced a major refresh for their much-loved R8 supercar. The all-new 2013 R8 model lineup will come loaded with a host of subtle tweaks, both cosmetic and mechanical, to considerably sweeten-up the ownership experience.

An exciting weekend for the Sunday Times Mustang

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-07-23 16:20:58, 0 Comment/s

This weekend I piloted the Sunday Times/Castrol Ford Mustang in the fifth round of the Midas Historic Tour.

Fernando Alonso wins the German F1 Grand Prix

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-07-22 18:48:53, 1 Comment/s

Fernando Alonso extended his lead in this year's Formula One drivers' world championship on Sunday when he drove to a flawless victory for Ferrari in the German Grand Prix.

The Sunday Times Mustang ready to rock Zwartkops

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-07-19 16:24:51, 0 Comment/s

This Saturday 21 July Zwartkops Raceway will be hosting round five of the 2012 Midas Historic Tour. And this means that I'll be making an appearance in the Sunday Times Ford Mustang GT.

Obituary: Remembering the great Sergio Pininfarina

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-07-18 10:17:15, 0 Comment/s

Connoisseurs of car style are mourning the Italian design master, writes The Wheel Deal So there I was, about five or six if my memory serves me correctly, walking down Main Road Sea Point with my mother.

First Drive: Behind the wheel of the new Porsche 991

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-07-17 15:51:42, 3 Comment/s

Lighter, faster and more fuel efficient, is the new Porsche 911 the sports car benchmark? What is it? The 991 is the latest evolution of the classic Porsche 911 that was born to the world back in 1963.

Watch some jolly brave chaps race in the Targa Florio

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-07-17 10:33:21, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/a2BdsAv-lLI The Targa Florio was one of the greatest open road endurance races the sports car world has ever known. Held in the mountains around Palermo, Sicily, it was eventually killed off in 1977 due to safety concerns.

Mud, Sweat and Gears: The 30th Volkswagen Rally

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-07-17 10:16:57, 0 Comment/s

Team Castrol Toyota triumphs in the rain-sodden 2012 Volkswagen Rally Thanks to a cold front of Arctic proportion, last weekend’s 30th Volkswagen Rally proved to be the most slippery local motorsport event we have seen all season.

The current Mazda MX-5 receives one final facelift

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-07-12 15:48:32, 2 Comment/s

Mazda has treated their current NC-chassis MX-5 to one last upgrade before it disappears forever.

The art of deception: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-07-10 13:22:07, 1 Comment/s

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe looks too Teutonic to be tempting, but then you turn it on Manny Pacquiao is a rather silly looking fellow.

Ken Block terrorises San Francisco in Gymkhana FIVE

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-07-10 12:42:20, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/LuDN2bCIyus Hoon Master, Ken Block, has just released the fifth instalment of his massively successful stunt-driving video franchise.

The new Ford Focus ST is on its way to South Africa

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-07-02 16:32:59, 0 Comment/s

Word to your moms – the new Ford Focus ST is finally on its way to South Africa. Powered by a 2.

Fascination: Taking a tour of Singer Vehicle Design

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-07-02 11:09:29, 0 Comment/s

When it comes to crafting old-school Porsches with a modern twist, nobody does it better than the chaps at Singer Vehicle Design.

Last night at the drive-in: Farewell to the Veldskoen

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-07-02 10:10:55, 0 Comment/s

The Veldskoen Drive-In is dead. A motoring time-capsule built back in the 1950s, Johannesburg's last original drive-in hung up its film reels on Saturday night.

Ball Breaker: The Nissan 370Z Coupé Revisited

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-26 11:50:32, 4 Comment/s

A wild throwback to the heroes of yesteryear, is the gnarly Nissan 370Z too much sports car for most men to handle? THE Modern Man is becoming soft.

F1: Vettel cools speculation over Ferrari move

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-22 17:01:37, 0 Comment/s

Defending double world champion Sebastian Vettel reacted coolly on Thursday amid speculation that he might move to join Fernando Alonso at Ferrari in an F1 'super-team' in 2014.

Aston Martin DBS Volante vs. Mercedes SLS Roadster

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-22 16:48:22, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/aBuRtY0gAPc Racer and all-round nice guy, Tiff Needell, initiates a track battle between the Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster and the Aston Martin DBS Volante. Who wins? Watch this video and find out

Ken Block does a Bullitt in upcoming Gymkhana FIVE

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-19 16:53:52, 0 Comment/s

Ken Block is back with another one of his epic Gymkhana driving videos. Filmed on the streets of San Francisco and starring Block's much-loved Ford Fiesta H.F.H.V.

Watch two dudes go psycho at the Top Gear Festival

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-19 11:28:34, 4 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/oYtSVMWH6rs Last weekend's Top Gear Festival gave Durban motoring fans a chance to enjoy the antics of Clarkson, Hammond and May at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Le Mans: Nakajima and his Toyota goon show

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-18 12:48:23, 1 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/FJAiZVuC3YI Due to things like driver fatigue we often see some silly scenarios playing out at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Le Mans: Audi wins the 80th 24-Hours of Le Mans

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-17 15:24:21, 0 Comment/s

The Audi R18 driven by Frenchman Benoit Treluyer, Switzerland's Marcel Fassler and Germany's Andre Lotterer won the 80th Le Mans 24-Hour race here on Sunday.

Le Mans: Davidson’s Toyota in spectacular crash

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-17 13:34:39, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/Fzw5i14ewXY British driver Anthony Davidson survived a spectacular crash at the Le Mans 24 Hour Race on Saturday when his Toyota collided with a Ferrari, the clash sending his car airborne and out of the event.

Le Mans: This is how Nissan conceived the DeltaWing

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-15 16:54:24, 0 Comment/s

http://youtu.be/cA-oaqahvy0 The radical Nissan DeltaWing is attracting a whole lot of attention at this year's Le Mans 24-Hour.

Le Mans: Corvette Racing qualifies third in GTE-Pro

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-15 16:20:32, 0 Comment/s

Thursday night's final qualifying session for the 80th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans wasn't very fruitful for the popular Corvette Racing outfit. For after nabbing pole position on Wednesday evening, the No.

Le Mans: Defending champs Audi clinch pole position

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-15 12:47:29, 0 Comment/s

Audi's Andre Lotterer, Benoit Treluyer and Marcel Fassler, the defending champions, took pole on Thursday for this year's Le Mans 24 Hour Race. German driver Lotterer set the best time of 3 min 23.

Le Mans: Audi sets the pace in first qualifying session

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-14 10:35:43, 1 Comment/s

The No.1 Audi Sport Team Joest R18 e-tron quattro claimed provisional pole position in the first qualifying session for this year's Le Mans 24-Hour endurance race.

The Stig: My meeting with the man in the white suit

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-12 12:10:02, 1 Comment/s

Is he The Fly, or the rightful owner of The Spear? All I know for sure is he is called The Stig "We really do not know how it got up there," said the well-groomed man in the sensible woollen pullover.

SA designers put sports-car racer on show at Le Mans

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-12 10:53:38, 0 Comment/s

The annual 24 hours of Le Mans is probably the greatest sports-car endurance race in the world. Usually taking place on the second weekend of June, it sees some of the greatest names and marques in motor sport slugging it out for victory.

Lewis Hamilton wins the Canadian F1 Grand Prix

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-10 22:02:00, 0 Comment/s

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton won the Canadian Grand Prix here on Sunday for the 2008 champion's first win of the season.

Unique Ferrari for guitar legend Eric Clapton

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-07 10:30:17, 0 Comment/s

Ferrari, in cooperation with Pininfarina, has built a special Ferrari SP 12 EC for guitarist Eric Clapton as part of its one-off programme. Clapton is known for his love of Ferrari cars, especially the 512 BB models of which he has owned three.

Watch Fifth Gear test the wild Morgan Threewheeler

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-05 11:15:31, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/-_4GZDN6eyU The 550kg Morgan Threewheeler is an analogue car in a digital age. Based on Morgan's first ever car built back in 1910, it packs a rambunctious 2.0-litre V-twin motorbike tuned to deliver 86kW.

Driver injures spine at Le Mans 24-Hours test day

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-04 15:13:45, 0 Comment/s

Oak Racing says one of its drivers has undergone an emergency operation on his spinal cord after crashing at the annual Le Mans 24-Hours test day.

Watch Flying Lizard MS practice the perfect pit stop

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-04 14:47:50, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/MequOqV48kY The annual Le Mans 24-Hour is less than two weeks away.

Depth of Speed shows some Datsun 510 love

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-04 11:10:52, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/qzpJb-_VJ50 Josh Clason is back with another one of his Depth of Speed short films. And this time he's showcasing the classic Datsun 510, the car in which Paul Newman began his race career

Where is the next-generation Mazda MX-5 going?

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-04 10:57:33, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/uv-qswTnWf4 Chris Harris joins Mike Spinelli on Road Testament to chat about the next-generation Mazda MX-5. Lighter. Smaller. Less grippy. These are some of the qualities that the new model might embrace.

First Drive: The new Toyota 86 unleashed in Spain

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-06-01 11:35:50, 1 Comment/s

Does the much-hyped Toyota 86 deliver? The Wheel Deal flew to Barcelona to find out If you have ever been to Spain then you will know that it is a country custom built for the dark art of driving.

Fast track to fate: The legend of Gilles Villeneuve

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-05-31 10:12:26, 0 Comment/s

Thirty years ago motor racing lost one of the most spectacular drivers the F1 grid has ever seen.

First Drive: Renault Mégane RS Trophy 265

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-05-28 13:46:10, 0 Comment/s

The Wheel Deal flew down to Plettenberg Bay Airport for a brief flip in the fastest production Mégane ever made What is it? This is, plain and simple, the most powerful street-legal Mégane that Renault has ever produced.

Mark Webber wins Monaco Grand Prix from the front

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-05-27 16:08:29, 0 Comment/s

Mark Webber became the sixth driver on Sunday to win a Grand Prix this season, as he led the Monaco Grand Prix from start to finish.

This is what a classic Nissan Skyline GT-R sounds like

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-05-22 11:43:29, 1 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/b9Nd7sxOzd0 The brainchild of American cinematographer, Josh Clason, Depth of Speed is a video series that takes a left-field look at the world of motoring.

Holy smoke! It’s the Nissan Qashqai 1.5 Acenta dCi

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-05-21 17:32:23, 0 Comment/s

I often have this recurring dream (or is it a nightmare?) in which I am being chased through the night streets by a menacing car. It is silver with blacked-out windows.

16 People hurt in bizarre Williams F1 garage blaze

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-05-14 11:43:00, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/C6xDo3gac7s A total of 16 people were injured, one with severe burns, when a fire erupted in the Williams team garage on Sunday in the aftermath of Pastor Maldonado's victory in the Spanish Grand Prix.

Toyota 86: How The Empire Plans to Strike Back

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-05-14 11:33:23, 3 Comment/s

Think there's nothing duller than a new Toyota? Think again.

MINI John Cooper Works GP laps The Ring in 8:23

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-05-14 11:23:24, 0 Comment/s

This is the all-new MINI John Cooper Works GP – the fastest production MINI Cooper ever made.

Pastor Maldonado wins the Spanish F1 Grand Prix

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-05-13 15:54:39, 0 Comment/s

Venezuela's Pastor Maldonado handed Williams a welcome Formula One victory by winning the Spanish Grand Prix here on Sunday.

Legendary racer, car designer Carroll Shelby dies

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-05-12 11:00:11, 0 Comment/s

Carroll Shelby, the legendary auto racer and car designer who built the fabled Shelby Cobra sports car and injected testosterone into Ford's Mustang and Chrysler's Viper, has died. He was 89.

1972 Chevy Nova: This is how you build a Sleeper

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-05-11 17:16:14, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/96Hv_jRQMv8 Dru Diesner's 1972 Chevrolet Nova doesn't look like much. But beneath that faded, sun-baked exterior lies a mighty twin-supercharged LS2 V8 that thumps out nearly 1200 horsepower.

Plus Two: New Audi A1 Sportback First Drive

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-05-10 17:06:22, 1 Comment/s

Does a five-door Audi A1 really cut the mustard? The Wheel Deal hits the busy Jozi streets to find out What is it? The Audi A1 hipsters know and love now with an extra two doors.

Ferrari remembers Gilles Villeneuve with tribute

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-05-09 12:37:15, 0 Comment/s

Ferrari has honored the 30th anniversary of Gilles Villeneuve's death by having his son Jacques drive one of his old cars.

Watch Ken Block and Tommy Lee swap seats

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-05-09 11:57:26, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/gcKhYNCN0Ro Monster World Rally Team driver, Ken Block, and rambunctious Mötley Crüe rock drummer, Tommy Lee, swap seats for the camera.

Self-driving cars set for test drive in Nevada

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-05-08 14:20:05, 2 Comment/s

Nevada drivers could soon be sharing the road with vehicles that don't need them. Department of Motor Vehicles officials say they've issued Google the nation's first license to test self-driving cars on public streets.

Ripping up Zwartkops with 20 Track Day Winners

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-05-05 20:39:51, 1 Comment/s

This Saturday I held our team’s annual track day for 20 diehard motor racing fans at Zwartkops Raceway.

Mark Cronje wins the nail-biting 2012 Sasol Rally

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-04-24 17:45:18, 1 Comment/s

This weekend past the Mpumalanga countryside played host to the 21st annual Sasol Rally: an event that this year proved to be as colorful as BP Volkswagen navigator Pierre Arries’ trademark Oakley sunglasses.

This is the new Lamborghini Urus Concept SUV

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-04-24 10:44:08, 1 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/iUjRq6YfqCQ Watch as Road & Track magazine spill the beans on the brand new Lamborghini Urus Concept SUV recently unveiled at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show.

Sarel van der Merwe: Cruising with SuperVan

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-04-23 11:37:22, 1 Comment/s

It could have been Bain's Kloof Pass, but I blinked ... The Wheel Deal invites a South African racing legend to go for a spin in an Aston Martin Virage So, it's a Wednesday morning and I am cruising through the Cape winelands.

Birthday Bliss: Driving the VW Golf GTI Edition 35

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-04-23 10:59:44, 0 Comment/s

To celebrate the birth of the world's most iconic hot hatch, Volkswagen have graced us with the Golf GTI Edition 35.

Muscle Mania: Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG first drive

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-04-19 16:58:38, 0 Comment/s

What do you get when you cross a muscle car with a roadster? The new Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG of course. The Wheel Deal takes it for a burn through the Cape Winelands What is it? An SLK with a massive set of cojones, that’s what.

Force India delayed by a firebomb in Manama

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-04-19 12:42:26, 0 Comment/s

A Force India team vehicle was briefly delayed by a firebomb on its way to the hotel from the Bahrain Grand Prix circuit. No one in the vehicle was injured. Force India spokesman Will Hings says "nobody was hurt from our team.

Joule, SA’s electric car, is dead in the water

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-04-19 10:55:38, 0 Comment/s

According to Mark Smyth of the Business Day, the Optimal Energy Joule – a South African designed EV – had been mothballed due to a lack of funding. Read the story by clicking here

Wired gets their rocks off with the Corvette ZR1

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-04-18 15:34:28, 0 Comment/s

I can only dream of driving a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 – a 638 horsepower monster designed to disprove the myth that American cars cannot stop or handle properly.

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t signed new Formula 1 deal

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-04-18 15:06:31, 0 Comment/s

Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone tells a German magazine he has met with Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche to discuss the new Concorde Agreement, which the Mercedes team still has not agreed to sign.

NASA will wash cars to keep space exploration alive

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-04-18 12:09:35, 0 Comment/s

Back in the 1960s and 1970s, NASA had pretty much all the money they needed to fund the Apollo missions. But nowadays the firm has fallen on hard times.

Driving under the influence: Amazing beer can cars

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-04-18 10:56:09, 0 Comment/s

I don't know what you do with all your empty lager tins but this man uses them to make model hotrods. Yep, everything from the wheels right through to the engine block are made using discarded tall boys.

Motorcyclist caught speeding at 201km/h, drunk

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-04-10 17:34:29, 0 Comment/s

A man was caught doing 201km/h on a motorbike, while drunk, on the N4 in Pretoria on Monday, Gauteng traffic police said. He also did not have a valid licence, spokeswoman Busaphi Nxumalo said in a statement.

Six reasons why people drive like douche bags

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-04-10 17:19:22, 0 Comment/s

Ever wanted to know what makes people drive like complete idiots? Well then click on over to Cracked.com where author Dave Easton a scientific analysis of the six major causes of vehicular brain fade.

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche dies at the age of 76

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-04-06 14:27:13, 0 Comment/s

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the design chief credited with the classic 911 sports car and grandson of the automaker's founder, has died. Carmaker Porsche AG said Porsche was 76 and died Thursday in Salzburg, Austria. Porsche, known as F.A.

The MINI Roadster: Are the hipsters hard enough?

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-04-06 11:56:43, 1 Comment/s

The new MINI Roadster looks awesome and handles great.

2012 Nissan GT-R is more powerful than ever before

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-04-05 15:20:16, 0 Comment/s

Japan's supercar slayer is back with more power and a special asymmetric suspension. The Wheel Deal investitgates What is it? The icon of the PlayStation generation reloaded with a few subtle engine and chassis tweaks.

Driving the new Porsche Boxster 981 in Saint Tropez

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-04-05 12:38:40, 1 Comment/s

Is the all-new Boxster actually the best car Porsche make? The Wheel Deal jetted off to Saint Tropez to find out What is it? Ladies and Gentlemen, say hello to the latest Porsche Boxster.

Thrills and spills aplenty at 2012 Total KZN Rally

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-03-30 11:01:04, 0 Comment/s

The 2012 South African National Rally Championship got off to an exciting start in KwaZulu-Natal last weekend.

Isle of Man TT tribute video will give you gooseflesh

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-03-28 13:38:58, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/PhhX2LGJnmI Fellow Sunday Times Lifestyle writer, Oliver Roberts, is infatuated with the Isle of Man TT. In fact he loves it so much he made this tribute video that honors all the fearless riders who ride it every year.

The MINI Cooper S Coupé is a real rock ‘n roller

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-03-28 11:57:07, 1 Comment/s

Critics might smite it but the new MINI Cooper S Coupé comes loaded with a retro shot of hot-rodding chutzpah, writes The Wheel Deal The problem with the Star Wars franchise is that it has overshadowed every other film George Lucas has written in.

The new BMW F30 3 Series races into South Africa

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-03-22 11:13:54, 2 Comment/s

The iconic BMW 3 Series is back and better than ever before.

The world’s first BMW F30 race car is South African

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-03-15 16:18:25, 0 Comment/s

This is the world's first BMW F30 3 Series-based racing car – and it is built right here in Rosslyn, South Africa.

Driving the McLaren MP4-12C at Dunsfold Aerodrome

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-03-15 12:33:08, 0 Comment/s

Ignore those slightly generic looks – dripping in Formula 1 technology the McLaren MP4-12C is the world's new supercar benchmark, writes The Wheel Deal I would like you to humour me for a second.

Become a night driving god with Lifehacker

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-03-14 13:06:44, 0 Comment/s

Driving at night. It can be tricky at the best of times. That's why you need to click on over to Lifehacker and read up on how to improve your car piloting skills when the sun sinks below the horizon

Fast Facts about the new VW Polo S2000 rally car

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-03-14 11:04:35, 0 Comment/s

This is the brand new Volkswagen Polo S2000 rally car. Built to run in the 2012 South African National Rally Championship, it is based closely on the road-going Polo you see on the way to work every morning.

Ken Block comes ninth overall at WRC Mexico

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-03-14 10:30:12, 0 Comment/s

Monster World Rally Team’s Ken Block — and for WRC Mexico, teammate Chris “Atko” Atkinson — took to the gravel stages of Rally Guanajuato Mexico for the team’s first international rally of the year and came away with a 9th overall fini.

The best of the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-03-09 16:39:08, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/YQYgpIdWXQs Haven't been paying attention to what's been going on at this year's Geneva Motor Show? Then watch Mike Spinelli, Leo Parente and Chris Harris as they showcase all the hottest and most happening metal.

New Ford Fiesta ST is finally good for production

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-03-06 11:09:34, 0 Comment/s

After all the many years of rumour and speculation, Ford have finally announced that their new Fiesta ST will be hitting European showrooms in 2013.

Test your motoring knowledge with the ZA Car Show

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-03-02 12:56:59, 0 Comment/s

The ZA Car Show is looking for South Africa’s smartest petrolhead. The country’s original motoring podcast will be staging a motoring-themed pub quiz in Johannesburg on 27 March with great prizes up for grabs.

New Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet arrives in SA

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-03-02 12:34:51, 0 Comment/s

After a ten-year hiatus the topless Golf has returned to cruise the world’s boulevards. The Wheel Deal hit Cape Town to get his pose on What is it? It’s the Golf VI we know and love just minus the metal roof.

Watch and see why Detroit is America’s Berlin

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-03-01 11:30:02, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/BtqUMvsIuHk To many people Detroit is the armpit of North America. Wrong. Join Gumballer and rally race driver, Alex Roy, as he discovers how Motown is crackling with the same grit, spirit and oddball ingenuity as Berlin.

Matt Kenseth wins Daytona 500 after fire and rain

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-28 11:17:18, 0 Comment/s

Matt Kenseth capped a crazy 36 hours for NASCAR by winning the first postponed Daytona 500 in 55 editions of the marquee event. Kenseth held off Dale Earnhardt Jr.

JP Montoya takes out a jet dryer at the Daytona 500

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-28 11:04:14, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/rMYknUwHkpk The Daytona 500 was halted by a fiery explosion caused when Juan Pablo Montoya slammed into a jet dryer under caution.

This is how Ken Block is going to roll in 2012

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-22 07:19:17, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/2dOaFe4MjPo Hoon master, Ken Block, has pulled the covers off his new H.F.H.V. and Gymkhana World Tour Ford Fiestas. Catch them in action at this year's Summer X-Games and selected WRC events.

This is how Forza Motorsport 4 brings cars to life

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-21 10:09:42, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/CWb7cCS16TM From your everyday Honda Civic right through to the wailing Mazda 787B, this is how the development team at Forza Motorsport go about making the perfect virtual ride.

This is what a California junkyard looks like at night

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-20 16:12:46, 0 Comment/s

If you click on over to Man On The Move, you'll find a series of photographs taken by talented US photographer, Troy Paiva.

Volkswagen Polo Vivo GT: The cool kid of the class

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-20 11:55:45, 0 Comment/s

Surrounded by do-goody conformists, the VW Polo Vivo GT offers flair and personality for not a lot of money Remember high school? I do. It was a total blast. Not the work and constant studying, but the whole socialising thing.

One Cool Cougar: Driving the Alfa 159 1750TBi

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-17 18:02:45, 0 Comment/s

If there were ever an automotive cougar then the Alfa Romeo 159 would surely be it.

VW Golf GTI Edition 35 now available in South Africa

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-16 12:25:31, 1 Comment/s

To celebrate 35-years of the world's most famous hot-hatch, Volkswagen last year launched the Golf GTI Edition 35. Big news in Europe, it has finally filtered its way down to South Africa.

Taming the McLaren MP4-12C at Dunsfold Park

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-14 19:17:39, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/8ldqwuQHS38 So yesterday my mind got blown by the incredible McLaren MP4-12C. Yeah, it looks a bit plain in the flesh but once you climb inside the cabin and thumb that awesome 3.

Taking an inside look at all things McLaren

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-12 18:42:53, 0 Comment/s

Normally I hate Mondays. But tomorrow can't come quickly enough. Why? Well because I will be touring the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking, Surrey, UK.

New BMW M5 über-saloon storms into South Africa

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-10 12:31:48, 0 Comment/s

The mighty BMW M5 is back to challenge the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar.

Say hello to the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-08 11:16:37, 2 Comment/s

8 February. 2012. The Muscle Car War continues. Ford, clearly cheesed off about the existence of the 580HP Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, have just jumped back to the top of the power charts with their brand new 2013 Shelby GT500.

Here is Toyota’s new Le Mans hopeful in action

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-07 17:38:50, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/ViGR1Hw65e4 Toyota is ready to take on Audi at this year's 24-Hours of Le Mans.

This is the new Red Bull Racing RB8 in all its HD glory

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-07 10:25:32, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/1tRPNRwCYo8 This is the sparkly new Red Bull Racing RB8 that will be driven by Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber in this year's F1 championship.

Watch the new BMW M5 turn rubber to smoke

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-07 10:02:27, 1 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/0i2yv6M7tAM Last week the new 412kW BMW M5 arrived on South African shores. And as part of the press launch we got to take it around Aldo Scribante Raceway – it was quite an experience.

New four-door Honda Civic arrives in South Africa

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-06 16:41:58, 0 Comment/s

Despite lacklustre styling, Honda's latest Corolla rival is definitely worth a look, writes The Wheel Deal What is it? The new four-door Honda Civic has arrived to challenge the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta and Chevrolet .

Watch Nakai-San built a RAUH-Welt Begriff 911

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-06 16:20:11, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/xPJUmerxd1Y Meet Nakai-San – the man behind RAUH-Welt Begriff. Skilled in the art of bespoke, he and his company specialise in making exclusive, one-of-a-kind Porsche 911s for discerning individuals.

A legend reloaded: Porsche 991 Carrera first drive

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-03 17:41:27, 1 Comment/s

The Wheel Deal travelled to Abu Dhabi to sample the brand new Porsche 991 So here I stand on the hazy outskirts of Abu Dhabi, a sprawling metropolis built by the business of black gold.

Watch an Audi A7 flambé a few vampires

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-01 11:13:44, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/lw9ZeXB2uKs Forget about garlic and crucifixes – what you really need to slay a pack of bloodthirsty vampires is a shiny new Audi A7. Don't believe me? Watch this Super Bowl advert and see how it's done.

Momo founder Giampiero Moretti dies aged 71

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-02-01 10:27:41, 0 Comment/s

71-year-old racing driver and Momo founder, Giampiero Moretti, died earlier this month after battling a lengthy illness at his home in Milan. Now a household name across the world, Moretti established the Momo brand while in his early 20s.

Watch as Hyundai America gets all Rocky on us

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-01-31 14:18:46, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/U38jELwi0lE What happens when Hyundai gets amped up on that catchy Rocky theme tune, 'Gonna Fly Now?' Watch this 60-second Super Bowl advert and find out.

International Historic Race Day set to rock Zwartkops

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-01-26 17:16:56, 0 Comment/s

The 11th International Historic Raceday is going down at Zwartkops Raceway this weekend.

Pony Car Heaven: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 first drive

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-01-24 16:29:36, 0 Comment/s

Nope, I didn't drive the new 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. But Jalopnik's Joel Johnson did. Lucky bugger! Anyway, click here to see what he has to say about the most powerful Camaro ever made.

All smoke no fire: The Peugeot RCZ HDI

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-01-24 15:46:36, 0 Comment/s

In petrol guise the Peugeot RCZ is a great drive. So does a diesel version still cut the same mustard? The Wheel Deal investigates...

Abarth 500 finally ready to sting South Africa

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-01-23 15:38:10, 0 Comment/s

The Abarth 500 has arrived to give the MINI Cooper a run for its money What is it? The hot-hatch we have all been waiting for, that’s what.

Full Metal Racket: BMW M3 Akrapovic Evolution

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-01-23 14:14:21, 0 Comment/s

A BMW M3 fitted with a bellowing exhaust system turns The Wheel Deal into a vehicular deviant Back in 1985 Huey Lewis and The News riffed lyrical about the power of love.

Peugeot wave goodbye to the 24-Hours of Le Mans

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-01-19 10:27:51, 0 Comment/s

Peugeot yesterday announced that they will no longer be competing in the 24-Hours of Le Mans.

Drive: Great film, pity about the soundtrack

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-01-10 14:02:57, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/_z5LXyWn3-w The problem with being a car chase nut is that you notice all the little details that most moviegoers won't pick up.

Hyundai Veloster finally grows a pair at the NAIAS

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-01-10 11:18:45, 0 Comment/s

The Hyundai Veloster. Quirky. Different. A nice alternative to a MINI Cooper or Citroen DS3. What a shame it's such a lackluster drive then. Well not any more it ain't.

Acura exposes all-new NSX Concept in Detroit

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-01-10 10:46:58, 0 Comment/s

The 2012 Detroit Auto Show keeps on dishing out surprises. And this time the magic is happening over at the Acura stand where a brand new NSX Concept was unveiled yesterday to the feverous masses.

Carpocalypse Now: Face The End with a badass Benz

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-01-09 14:22:49, 0 Comment/s

In less than a year, the world as we know it will be over. So best you partner up with a car that will help steer you through the aftermathWelcome back.

Hot new Ford Fusion debuts at Detroit Motor Show

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-01-09 12:52:49, 0 Comment/s

I must be honest and say that the new Ford Focus left me a little cold. But this freshly minted Fusion is absolutely scorching hot.

Ken Block hits the gravel in Twin Peaks territory

By Thomas Falkiner 2012-01-09 10:46:48, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/3-IUcuIBu-o Not convinced about the outcome of the Laura Palmer case, Ken Block headed up to Snoqualmie Falls, WA, to do a little cold case sleuthing.

The Wanted List: My Top 10 cars of 2011

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-12-31 15:27:21, 0 Comment/s

The Wheel Deal identifies the 10 most criminally good motorcars of 2011. In no particular order they are... BACKDRAFT ROADSTER Why it rocks: In an era dictated by rules and legislation, the Backdraft Roadster shouldn't exist.

Listen to a BMW M3 fitted with an Akrapovic exhaust

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-12-28 16:10:32, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/b9QelOhIzuE A few weeks ago I got to drive an E90 BMW M3 fitted with a full Akrapovic Evolution exhaust system.

Watch the Porsche 911 ride some rally stages

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-12-27 13:01:03, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/hlCnVA8v8V0 You would expect the iconic Porsche 911 GT3 to be more at home around the racetrack that on some gritty mountain rally stage.

New York City set to go electric with the Nissan Leaf

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-12-27 11:48:19, 0 Comment/s

According to website theverve.com, the Nissan Leaf is going to be the first fully electric vehicle to infiltrate the New York Taxi system.

Honda Accord for the Holidays: Hitting the Road

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-12-19 17:24:45, 1 Comment/s

Believe it or not but us writer types do actually get a little time off over the festive season. Last year I went down to Cape Town but this year I've elected to stay in Jozi with this Honda Accord 2.4 i-VTEC Exclusive.

Watch a Datsun 510 race against Trans-Am greats

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-12-19 12:22:55, 0 Comment/s

httpv://youtu.be/U5XAP4pCRps Relive the glory days of American Trans-Am racing. Watch John Morton as he battles the factory Alfa Romeo and BMW teams in his plucky Datsun 510. It's gritty. It's grainy. It has a period-cool 1970s soundtrack.

Oh, Brother: Taking a drive in the Porsche Cayman R

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-12-09 11:38:11, 0 Comment/s

Meet the Cayman R – a sports car that’s causing a Porsche family fracas Sometimes I am very thankful for being born an only child.

$4M supercar crash takes out eight Ferraris

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-12-06 10:19:30, 1 Comment/s

TOKYO — Speeding has been blamed Monday as the likely cause of what is believed to be Japan’s most expensive ever road accident after up to $4-million-worth of supercars ended up in a crumpled heap on a highway.

Carcol Executive Auto rocks at the Q8 9-Hour Retro

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-12-05 12:42:46, 3 Comment/s

After wrecking my poor Ford Mustang Fastback during the last round of the Midas Historic Tour, I was left carless for this year’s Q8 9-Hour Retro at Kyalami.

Polestar performance software now available in SA

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-12-01 17:57:12, 1 Comment/s

Feel like injecting your trusty Volvo with a little more pep? Well now you can boost your car's power and torque by installing the firm's race-bred Polestar performance software.

Toyota gets a life with the new GT 86 sports car

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-12-01 16:43:23, 0 Comment/s

The Wheel Deal investigates the new GT 86 – Toyota's antidote to the Corolla and Camry So what are we looking at here? The GT 86 is, in all intents and purposes, a smaller and more attainable version of the Lexus LFA.

Feel the noise of Ken Block’s Gymkhana World Tour

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-11-30 11:32:24, 0 Comment/s

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3TsMvVh0Ac Ken Block has been a busy man. Yep, in between his WRC commitments the YouTube sensation also found time to jet around the globe wowing fans with his 2011 Gymkhana World Tour.

Iconic Porsche racing liveries live on at Speedhunters

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-11-30 10:54:06, 0 Comment/s

The good people at Speedhunters.com have assembled a comprehensive selection of all the most famous liveries to ever lick the flanks of racing Porsches.

A Peugeot 504 clocks up nearly 1 000 000km

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-11-28 16:18:20, 0 Comment/s

A South African man named Robert Hotz owns a rather unique Peugeot 504. It isn't especially fast. It isn't especially interesting to look at.

The dark art of Eau Rouge: GT vs. Formula 1

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-11-25 16:53:47, 1 Comment/s

Eau Rouge. It's a corner that demands serious respect. You know, like meeting some smooth talking Mafia boss to ask for a favour. Get it right and you'll be smiling but get it wrong and, well, your life is pretty much over.

The all-new Lexus IS350 arrives in South Africa

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-11-25 12:24:20, 0 Comment/s

Say hello to the Lexus IS350 – the car that's finally plugging that gap between the underpowered IS250 and tyre-shredding IS-F.

Watch some old-school rally cars go sideways

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-11-24 18:03:59, 0 Comment/s

If you like historic racing cars then you'll love this video montage taken at the 2011 Rally Campagnolo.

New Ford Focus ST to star in The Sweeney remake

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-11-24 16:53:03, 0 Comment/s

First it was Miami Vice now it's The Sweeney. Yep, Britannia's much-loved 1970s TV series is being turned into a feature-length film by director, Nick Love (The Firm, The Football Factory).

All-new Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG muscles up

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-11-18 16:30:54, 1 Comment/s

The Mercedes-Benz C63 Coupé wasn’t the only new AMG model launched last week.

New Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupé races into SA

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-11-18 16:11:38, 2 Comment/s

The wicked new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupé definitely has the edge over its 'sensible' four-door brother, writes The Wheel Deal Sawn-off shotguns. You’ve got to love them.

Why is the new Toyota Auris TRD so slow?

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-11-17 10:31:09, 1 Comment/s

Toyota Racing Developments (TRD for short) has been responsible for cobbling together some pretty hot cars in the past.

Behind the Helmet: Racing Driver Psychology

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-11-14 09:51:27, 0 Comment/s

What prompts racing drivers to do what they do, given the danger, asks The Wheel Deal October 16 2011. It was a day that would make the sports world sick to the core.

Watch a Mégane RS embarrass a Porsche GT2 RS

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-11-08 12:08:38, 1 Comment/s

Germany, the Nürburgring. It doesn't get more embarrassing than this. Yep, some talentless millionaire in a Porsche GT2 RS is getting his backside handed to him by a chap driving an honest-to-good Renault Mégane RS.

‘It’s Better in the Wind’ will turn you on to bikes

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-11-07 15:46:01, 1 Comment/s

It's Better in the Wind is a short film made by a free-wheelin' hipster named Scott Toepfer. And it'll make you want to quit your job, sell everything and hit the highway unexplored on an old Triumph motorcycle.

First drive in the all-new Ford Ranger

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-11-07 10:34:05, 5 Comment/s

The last big truck I strapped myself into was the Volkswagen Amarok. And it was, to be quite honest with you all, a fine piece of machinery.

Brian Scotto’s Rauh-Welt Porsche sizzles at SEMA

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-11-02 18:19:49, 0 Comment/s

Brian Scotto is a Hoonigan. He is also the man who drove that Segway in Ken Block's Gymkhana 3 video. And now – cue drumroll – he is one of the first people in America to own a California-built Rauh-Welt Begriff (RWB) Porsche.

Ford brings the 1965 Mustang back from the grave

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-11-01 17:26:18, 4 Comment/s

Ford is bringing back the iconic 1965 Mustang Convertible. A modern reproduction of the car that became such a cult classic back in the 1960s, you can now order a brand new body shell for just $15 000.

Volkswagen Amarok Double Cab goes petrol

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-11-01 16:46:53, 0 Comment/s

Like the Amarok? Don't like diesel? Then you'll be pleased to know that Volkswagen's handsome double cab has finally been given a proper petrol engine. Yep, from this day onward you'll be able to order the Amarok 4x2 Trendline with a 2.

Chev Lumina Ute SS: The demon from Down Under

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-11-01 11:06:46, 0 Comment/s

To the average South African citizen, Australia is not a country that you automatically associate with motorcars.

Behind Blue Eyes: The Legend of Paul Newman

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-24 12:44:08, 0 Comment/s

Who was Paul Leonard Newman? The answer depends on who you ask. To many, the athletic man from Shaker Heights, Ohio, was simply the physical embodiment of the word heart- throb.

Team SASOL wins the 2011 SA Rally Championship

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-24 12:11:25, 0 Comment/s

Team Sasol’s Mark Cronje and Robin Houghton clinched the 2011 SA Driver’s and Co-Driver’s Rally Championships – the first privateers in 45 years to claim the titles – after ending the MTN Polokwane Rally in a fighting second place, just.

Marco Simoncelli dies at the Malaysian Grand Prix

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-23 17:00:13, 0 Comment/s

Italian MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli has died after a horrific crash at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang on Sunday, completing a harrowing week for motorsport after British IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon lost his life last weekend.

Johannesburg voted one of the worst traffic cities

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-21 14:02:55, 0 Comment/s

According to the 2011 IBM Commuter Pain Survey, Johannesburg is one of the worst traffic cities on the planet.

Back to The Future: Meet the all-electric DeLorean

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-18 11:17:54, 2 Comment/s

Great Scot! The Delorean Motor Company has announced that an all-electric DMC-12 will be brought to market in 2013.

Holy Smoke! Driving the Honda Accord 2.2 i-DTEC

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-18 00:00:16, 0 Comment/s

Honda and diesel should go together like water and electricity, right? Wrong. The Wheel Deal pilots the oil-burning Accord 2.

The New BMW 3 Series is arriving in February 2012

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-17 11:26:45, 7 Comment/s

Starting your Monday off with a bang is the release of the all-new BMW 3 Series. Set to reach worldwide markets in February 2012, this sixth-generation model promises to be larger, lighter and more comfortable than its predecessor.

Indy 500 champ Dan Wheldon dies in horror smash

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-17 10:18:21, 0 Comment/s

British IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon has died after a horrific 15-car crash at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday which left the motor sports world in shock.

New Lotus Evora S GP Edition revealed

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-13 12:04:54, 1 Comment/s

There's nothing Lotus loves more than releasing once-off versions of their Evora sports car.

Watch a Swede jump over a Lamborghini Gallardo

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-12 15:16:28, 0 Comment/s

Jumping over anything requires a certain degree of talent. Even more so when it involves a Lamborghini Gallardo. I would have given it a skip but this Swedish man leapt at the challenge

Is Forza Motorsport 4 a Gran Turismo killer?

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-12 14:53:40, 3 Comment/s

Turn 10 Studios has just released Forza Motorsport 4. How does it stack up against Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo 5? Read Adam Najberg's review in The Wall Street Journal and find out...

Camaro ZL1 shows Germany what power is all about

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-11 11:00:18, 0 Comment/s

America is bringing muscle back with the all-new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Set for release early in 2012, this mechanical badass comes equipped with an Eaton-supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine that's good for 580HP and 556 lb.-ft torque.

Volkswagen Polo Vivo gets the sporty GT treatment

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-10 20:40:59, 1 Comment/s

If you grew up in the 1980s then you'll know all about Volkswagen and the GT badge. A stroke of marketing genius if ever there was, these two letters were used to label reasonably warm, 1.6-litre versions of the two-door Golf MK1.

McLaren MP4-12C unleashed at Joburg Motor Show

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-10 11:49:45, 1 Comment/s

McLaren Automotive has unveiled their trick new MP4-12C supercar at the Johannesburg International Motorshow. Priced between R2.5 – 3-million and able to sprint to 100km/h in just 3.

Seb Vettel urges Red Bull to keep giving it Wings

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-10 11:14:20, 0 Comment/s

Sebastian Vettel celebrated back-to-back Formula One world championship titles into the early hours of Monday before urging his Red Bull team not to rest on the latest heroics.

Driving the new BMW M5 at Ascari Race Resort

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-07 10:03:50, 1 Comment/s

Endowed with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the new BMW M5 is the most powerful saloon car to ever wear the Motorsport badge.

Watch a man go on the rampage in a JCB Digger

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-04 17:56:22, 0 Comment/s

If it's not hooded youths stealing iPhones and burning down buildings, it's madmen joyriding in stolen earthmoving equipment. That's right, the latest shock story to rock Britain involves 34-year-old Steven Regan and a bright yellow JCB Digger.

Nissan gets silly with stupid Juke-R concept

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-04 16:10:39, 0 Comment/s

The Nissan Juke is an ugly crossover made for aesthetically-challenged soccer moms. The Nissan GT-R is a bespoke supercar made for scalping Porsches at the Nürburgring. Right.

Watch a 745 kilowatt race engine glow in the dark

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-04 15:33:06, 1 Comment/s

In case you don't know, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering is an American company that specializes in manufacturing trick engines for Camaros and Corvettes.

Is the Alfa 159 redux a case of too much too late?

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-04 10:29:35, 0 Comment/s

The Alfa Romeo 159 has never been a big success here in South Africa. And from an aesthetic point of view I cannot seem to think of a reason why. For if you compare it to any one of its rivals, Alfa’s flagship sedan is a veritable supermodel.

Ford’s Mustang: The not-so-quiet American

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-10-03 14:26:44, 1 Comment/s

It may have gone through a bit of mangy patch but the mighty Ford Mustang is finally back to its original form, writes The Wheel DealIt is time to come clean about something. I am a closet American.

Spanish Fly: Meeting the new BMW M5 in Sevilla

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-09-28 18:00:26, 2 Comment/s

What did you do today? Stand in a queue? Catch up on some paperwork? Get shouted at by the boss? Whatever. I got to take the brand new BMW M5 for a little drive around the sun-baked Spanish countryside.

The Last Hurrah: Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Review

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-09-27 14:35:44, 0 Comment/s

The king is dead long live the king. At the beginning of next year the current Porsche 911 (codenamed 997) will be superseded by a harder, better, stronger, faster model – the all-new 991.

Fine or Fugly: The Gullwing America Ferrari F340

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-09-22 17:20:59, 0 Comment/s

What you're looking at here is the new, one-of-a-kind Gullwing America Ferrari F340 Competizione. And while I don't think it's especially beautiful, it sure does make for some interesting reading.

New Jensen Interceptor set for release in 2014

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-09-20 18:19:33, 0 Comment/s

Old British sports cars. I don’t know why but in my mind they’ve always conjured up images of loud cockney men, dingy mock Tudor public houses and great big pints of flat, stale lager.

Drive an awesome sports car for under R200k

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-09-20 12:25:35, 0 Comment/s

Why drive a dreary econo-box when you could be rolling around in a nice sleek sports car? From a Porsche to a Honda, here are five coupés that won't cost you a fortune to buy or maintain. Small cars have never been better.

Watch an American enjoy the new Hyundai Veloster

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-09-20 11:57:32, 0 Comment/s

Not sure about you but I think the new Hyundai Veloster is pretty cool. I haven't driven one yet but I really dig its quirky styling cues. A coupe profile. Three doors. A hatch that gives a nod to the old Honda CRX.

1969 Camaro is voted best Chevrolet of all time

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-09-20 11:26:10, 0 Comment/s

The Chevrolet faithful have voted the 1969 Camaro as the "Best Chevy of All Time." The vote went down at a recent centennial celebration where fans were asked to pick their favourite vehicle from the American firm's rich 100-year history.

Frankfurt MS 2011: KIA copies Citroën with GT Concept

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-09-18 17:02:13, 0 Comment/s

Freshly unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, this is the new KIA GT Concept – a precursor to what will surely become a full on production model. A four-door coupé (rear-hinged suicide doors), it packs a turbocharged 3.

Times Racing does it with a dab of opposite lock

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-09-13 14:09:00, 0 Comment/s

Last weekend I raced the Times Racing Mustang at Zwartkops Raceway. During the final heat a diehard fan of ours shot this video of me charging out of the hairpin on old tyres, an orange GT40 in hot pursuit.

Frankfurt MS 2011: Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-09-13 12:32:36, 0 Comment/s

One of the craziest cars on display at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show is the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale.

The Cat’s Whiskers: The Jaguar E-Type at 50

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-09-12 17:01:32, 1 Comment/s

Fifty years ago, when the 1960s had just started swinging to the backbeat of rock 'n' roll, a little island called Britain birthed one of the hippest sports cars the world has ever known.

Enjoy the world’s greatest drag race. Ever!

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-09-12 16:45:39, 0 Comment/s

Watch in envy as the guys at Auto Trend put 11 supercars to the ultimate test – a no-holds-barred charge down the drag strip. From a Ferrari 458 to a Ford Mustang Boss 302, there can be only one winner.

Jaguar C-X16 ready to show its claws at Frankfurt

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-09-07 17:25:09, 0 Comment/s

Giving a stylistic nod to the classic E-Type that caused such a stir in the 1960s, the new C-X16 Concept is a bold statement of Jaguar's future design and technological intent.

It’s Go-Go Grand-Am for the Audi R8 LMS in 2012

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-09-07 15:22:34, 0 Comment/s

The Audi R8 LMS is moving stateside.

Evo Magazine drives the new Volkswagen Up!

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-09-07 11:40:26, 0 Comment/s

Volkswagen has finally got it together to release their long-awaited Up city car. Extremely compact and equipped with a range of frugal engines, Wolfsburg are hoping that it'll give the Fiat 500 and Toyota Aygo a proper run for their money.

Watch a Swedish redneck almost beat a Ferrari

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-09-06 11:59:27, 0 Comment/s

Boije Ovebrink is Swedish and drives a truck. A Volvo Mean Green hybrid racing truck loaded with a 16-liter twin-turbo engine that muscles out an insane 1900 horsepower. It also gets a 200hp electric motor for a little extra get-up-and-go.

Lexus LFA laps the Nürburgring in 7:14 seconds

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-09-06 11:30:47, 0 Comment/s

A Lexus LFA Nürburg Edition has lapped Germany's infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife in seven minutes and 14 seconds.

Watch a V8 Masters Mustang do the Knysna Hillclimb

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-30 10:39:15, 0 Comment/s

Turn up the sound and watch Fabio Tafani tackle the 2011 Knysna Hillclimb in his Owen Ashley V8 Masters Mustang. The first Mustang home, Tafani completed the climb in 45. 194 seconds.

Just landed: Driving the new Mercedes-Benz SLK

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-26 12:53:48, 0 Comment/s

This is sports car country. Smooth as Megan Fox’s thigh and just as curvy, the lonely roads that blast their way out of the Jonkershoek Valley in Stellenbosch are enough to make even the most blasé petrolheads hot under the collar.

Audi TT-RS S-Tronic Roadster Review

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-26 12:18:26, 0 Comment/s

The Audi TT-RS Roadster is a scorching straight-line performer but does it match the driving reward of its more visceral rivals? The Wheel Deal investigates Hairdresser Syndrome. It’s something that’s been plaguing small roadsters for years.

Watch and remember when rotaries ruled the world

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-25 12:19:01, 0 Comment/s

With Mazda ceasing production of its RX-8 sports car, the high-revving rotary engine may well be dead. Fortunately its spirit lives on in this clip of the Le Mans-winning 787B Group C car storming around Circuit de la Sarthe.

Mazda halts production of their RX-8 sports car

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-25 11:46:38, 0 Comment/s

Mazda has decided to pull the plug on its rotary powered RX-8 sports car citing poor sales performance and strict new global emissions standards.

Fool drives Lamborghini into Pebble Beach bunker

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-22 15:40:29, 0 Comment/s

The prim and proper proceedings of this weekend's Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance were plunged into disarray after a man drove his Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder into a golf course bunker.

Toyota FJ Cruiser escapes the bland brand

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-22 13:05:52, 0 Comment/s

Few manufacturers rile me like Toyota. And this is because they piece together some of the most boring and characterless automobiles money can buy.

Driving the all-new Aston Martin Virage Coupé

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-21 11:01:40, 0 Comment/s

Mixing jaw-dropping styling with improved driving dynamics, the Virage Coupé is just what Aston Martin needed to put themselves back on the supercar map, writes The Wheel Deal One thing about being a motoring scribe is that you sometimes get.

G is for Grandiose: The Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-17 11:59:27, 0 Comment/s

For a reasonably perceptive species we humans are responsible for coming up with some rather ridiculous inventions.

Gymkhana Four: Ken Block goes AWOL

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-16 21:54:35, 0 Comment/s

Here it is, Gymkhana Four. Ken Block. Explosions. A Segway. Flames. Construction Equipment. A Gorilla. Ninjas. An insane Ford Fiesta. Some crazy camera system called 'bullet-time.' Say no more.

Watch a Camaro deploy its air bags whilst drifting

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-12 13:01:53, 0 Comment/s

The badass Chevrolet Camaro was born to drift. So why did this one deploy both its curtain airbags in protest? To find out the hapless owner approached General Motors for an explanation.

New Lexus CT200h hybrid will leave you lukewarm

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-12 11:57:00, 4 Comment/s

The new Lexus CT200h hybrid is here to challenge big German players like BMW, Audi and VW. Too bad it’s not even enough to get them out of bed, writes The Wheel Deal Lexus.

Ayrton Senna voted greatest F1 driver of all-time

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-12 11:32:55, 0 Comment/s

Autosport asked 217 world championship F1 heroes to vote for the all-time greatest driver. And it turns out that Ayrton Senna came out tops. Click here to see who's snapping on the Brazilian's heels.

Ken Block’s Gymkhana Four is out 16 August 2011

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-11 16:41:34, 0 Comment/s

Hoonigans of the world take note: Ken Block is dropping another gymkhana bomb Tuesday 16 August 2011. Featuring the MWRT Ford Fiesta, this fourth online spectacular promises to be louder, faster and more sideways than ever before.

New 2012 Shelby GT350 goes into production

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-10 11:38:02, 1 Comment/s

The pony car legend is back. Shelby American has just announced that their new 2012 GT350 is finally ready for production. Powered by a 5.

Driving with the Drift HD170 Action Camera

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-09 22:43:56, 0 Comment/s

Cameras and motorsport go together like asphalt and burning rubber, right? Exactly.

Melvill Priest has a religious experience at Aldo

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-08 15:04:37, 0 Comment/s

In case you aren't au fait with the South African racing scene, Melvill Priest drives an Afrox BMW 335i in the Bridgestone Production Car Championship. So? Well this weekend past he had the mother of all smashes down at P.

Peugeot RCZ now sipping The Devil’s Fuel

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-08 12:52:51, 0 Comment/s

Those of you who dig parking next to the black pump will be pleased to hear that the Peugeot RCZ is now shipping with a diesel engine. Joining the two petrol models that so impressed us motoring scribes when it launched last year, a new 2.

Feel completely emasculated as this man drifts a van

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-08 12:16:49, 0 Comment/s

Think your drifting skills are pretty top drawer? Well I did too until I saw this man getting all sorts of sideways behind the wheel of his modified, V8-powered Ford Transit Van.

The New MINI One: style on a shoestring budget

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-08-01 21:09:15, 0 Comment/s

MINI has just released their entry-level One model into South Africa.

Driving the brand new Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 TSI

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-29 21:08:12, 3 Comment/s

Is the new third-generation VW Beetle really better than its disappointing predecessor? The Wheel Deal jetted off to Germany to find out There are very few cities like Berlin.

Midas Historic Tour heads to Zwartkops this weekend

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-26 19:05:23, 0 Comment/s

The fourth round of the 2011 Midas Historic Tour will be playing out at Zwartkops Raceway this Saturday 30 July.

Meet Ken Block’s new, uh, hybrid racing whip

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-25 19:09:13, 0 Comment/s

Ken Block revealed his newest weapon — a multi-purpose race car, built specifically to compete in stage rally, rallycross and gymkhana events — this past weekend at the Gymkhana World Tour in Los Angeles, California.

The all-new Ford Focus arrives in South Africa

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-24 18:29:52, 1 Comment/s

Cosmopolitan. That’s one word that immediately springs to mind when you mention the all-new Ford Focus.

Beetling through Berlin in Volkswagen’s new Bug

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-24 19:30:50, 2 Comment/s

This weekend I got to enjoy a quick taste of the new Volkswagen Beetle through the mean streets of Berlin.

New Porsche 911 spotted testing in South Africa

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-20 10:10:49, 1 Comment/s

The all-new 2012 Porsche 911, or 991 if you really want to be technical, has been spotted doing some hot weather testing right here in South Africa.

BMW vs. Audi: Who has the best looking DTM car?

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-19 15:42:09, 0 Comment/s

Rivals BMW and Audi have recently unveiled their all-new DTM cars for the 2012 season. And the first manufacturer to go public was BMW with their heavily modified M3 Coupé.

Cheer wildly as a Thunderbolt smashes the 1/4 mile

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-18 19:23:07, 0 Comment/s

The often forgotten about Ford Thunderbolt is a very rare and very powerful muscle car that was purpose-built for the business of roaring down drag strips at maximum lick.

The Dark Side of The Grid: Infamous F1 Liveries

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-17 12:59:57, 0 Comment/s

The Wheel Deal recalls a time when booze, rubbers and cigarettes ruled Formula One What has happened to Formula One? Once upon a time it used to be filled with all sorts of volatile personalities who, in between two-week pleasure binges at the.

Volkswagen Polo GTI vs. Renault Clio RS Gordini

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-15 16:55:58, 0 Comment/s

The Renault Clio RS has long been the junior hot hatchback king but is the new VW Polo GTI capable of stealing its crown? The Wheel Deal headed to Zwartkops Raceway to find out “There's talk on the street; it sounds so familiar.

VIDEO: The world’s oldest hybrid

By Siraaj Cassiem 2011-07-15 13:24:31, 0 Comment/s

Take a ride in the first hybrid car built by Porsche 100 years ago, and look at a new hybrid being rolled out now.

Hans hears a Hoon: Block enlightens Stuck

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-12 20:11:21, 0 Comment/s

Watch YouTube gymkhana king Ken Block explain to Hans Stuck, the distinguished gent sitting inside that beautiful silver Auto Union, what the vehicular craze of 'hooning' is.

Opel gets its sparkle back with the Astra 1.6 Turbo

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-08 14:31:05, 0 Comment/s

Back when life was simple and I was running amok at high school, the Opel Kadett had massive street credibility.

Go green with envy as this man drives a Porsche 961

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-07 14:25:40, 1 Comment/s

Remember the Porsche 959? Well it had an evil sister called the 961 that raced at Le Mans in 1986. It was meaner, leaner and packed a whopping 510kW worth of power thanks to its twin-turbocharged engine sourced from the infamous 935 'Mobydick.

KIA plans to muscle-up with a sporty V8 Coupé

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-07 14:00:58, 0 Comment/s

According to the peeps over at What Car? magazine, KIA will be showcasing a powerful new sports coupé concept at the upcoming Frankfurt International Motor Show.

Ken Block thrills at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-07 11:37:29, 0 Comment/s

Monster World Rally Team's Ken Block, for the second year in a row, wins the "Most Thrilling Driver" award at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed for his awesome display of hooning up the legendary driveway-turned-hillclimb on Lord March's West .

Red Bull Boss rules out Hamilton move

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-06 09:21:09, 0 Comment/s

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has downplayed suggestions Lewis Hamiton is on his way to join the team. Horner insisted he was happy with his current pairing of world champion Sebastian Vettel and Australia’s Mark Webber.

Renault and Williams to reunite in F1

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-05 20:49:15, 0 Comment/s

For the first time since 1997, Renault Sport F1 will be providing the engine poke for the world-famous Williams Formula One team.

Stare in horror as a Grand-Am Camaro jumps a fence

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-01 11:01:18, 0 Comment/s

At last Saturday's Grand-Am Rolex race at Road America, the brakes on Gunter Schaldach's Banner Racing Camaro failed at 180mph.

Porsche will return to battle at Le Mans in 2014

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-07-01 10:22:14, 0 Comment/s

Porsche has announced that they will return to the 24-Hours of Le Mans in 2014 with a works-run LMP1 sports prototype.

2014 Ford Mustang to stampede across the globe

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-29 14:06:31, 5 Comment/s

According to the gurus over at Auto Express, the next generation Ford Mustang will finally be made available as a right hand-drive.

Chevrolet Camaro gets some sting in its tail

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-28 11:55:47, 2 Comment/s

To celebrate their involvement in the soon-to-be-released Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Chevrolet is bringing out yet another Transformers Edition Camaro.

Watch in awe as a Mustang munches some Porsches

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-27 16:21:09, 2 Comment/s

I've got no idea who the driver of this blue Ford Mustang Fastback is but he damn sure deserves a medal of awesomeness. Why? Because the man's leaving a pack of modern Porsche Caymans and a lone 911 gasping in his wake.

The Big Question: Do you left foot brake with DSG?

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-27 14:52:29, 1 Comment/s

Do you own a car fitted with a dual-clutch gearbox like DSG, S-Tronic or M-DCT? Yes? Then I want to know if you use your left foot to apply the brakes. I do, so it'll be interesting to hear if anybody else out there does the same thing.

Porsche on top at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-26 21:16:15, 0 Comment/s

Attended by 250 000 fans, the 24-Hours of Nürburgring has come to an end with the Manthey Racing Porsche 911 GT3 RSR claiming overall honours. Piloted by Marc Lieb, Lucas Luhr, Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas, the No.

Sebastian Vettel unstoppable in Valencia

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-26 17:00:24, 0 Comment/s

Red Bull’s Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel turned the European Grand Prix into a stroll in the Spanish sunshine on Sunday as he racked up his sixth victory in eight races this season.

New MINI Coupé takes aim at the ‘Green Hell’

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-23 12:02:04, 0 Comment/s

To prove that their new Coupé is the proverbial dog's bollocks when it comes to the world of speed and racing, MINI is entering one into this weekend's grueling Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race.

Citroën DS3 Racing: Catch one while you can

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-22 14:29:15, 0 Comment/s

Fast, French and hard to come by, the naughty little Citroën DS3 Racing has finally graced South Africa with its black and orange presence.

Evo thrashes spicy new Honda CR-Z Mugen hybrid

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-22 11:21:55, 0 Comment/s

Honda has teamed up with Mugen to build a high performance version of the CR-Z hybrid. Kicking out 197hp, Evo Magazine took it for a test drive to see if it was any good. Read their impressions here

New MINI Coupé comes out swinging

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-21 11:05:04, 0 Comment/s

The MINI growth spurt continues. And the latest creation to crawl from the brand's ever-dividing gene pool is this radical new Coupé model you see hustling through the photo above.

Jackass star Ryan Dunn dies in a car crash

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-20 21:53:20, 1 Comment/s

Fearless Jackass legend and Gumball 3000 regular, Ryan Dunn, died in a car crash early Monday morning.

Sébastien Ogier wins the 2011 Acropolis Rally

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-19 19:21:19, 0 Comment/s

Sébastien Ogier has upstaged his team-mate, Sébastien Loeb, to win this year's action-packed Acropolis Rally.

New BMW M5 looks madder, badder, more brilliant

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-17 13:41:59, 0 Comment/s

BMW has just dropped a performance H Bomb in the form of their all-new M5. Fresh out of Munich’s top-secret Skunk Works, this radical über-saloon is the most potent production car to ever wear that blue and white propeller badge.

Top three hairiest moments at the Le Mans 24-Hour

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-15 09:31:38, 0 Comment/s

From Allan McNish and Mike Rockenfeller at Audi Sport to Jan Magnussen at Corvette Racing, here's your chance to relive the three craziest crashes that made headlines at this year's 24-Hours of Le Mans.

Audi is victorious at the 2011 Le Mans 24-Hour

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-13 15:49:55, 0 Comment/s

Despite two of their cars crashing out in spectacular fashion, Audi Sport soldiered on to take overall victory at the 79th-running of this year's 24-Hours of Le Mans. In charge of the sole R18 TDI after its No.1 and No.

Blazing VW Scirocco R blows into South Africa

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-10 14:44:22, 1 Comment/s

Very few things in life are easy. Take the process of applying for a visa for example.

Corvette Racing qualifies fourth, sixth at Le Mans

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-10 14:20:22, 0 Comment/s

The Corvette Racing Team will be starting tomorrow's 24-Hours of Le Mans in fourth and sixth position on the LM GTE-Pro grid.

Audi on pole for 79th 24-Hours of Le Mans

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-10 00:19:40, 0 Comment/s

The third and final qualifying session for this year's 24-Hours of Le Mans was dominated by Audi Sport Team Joest. Storming through the cool French night, Benoit Treluyer claimed pole position in his No.2 R18 TDI after clocking a 3:25.738.

The Spotter’s Guide to the 2011 Le Mans 24-Hour

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-09 16:08:22, 0 Comment/s

Are you going to this year's Le Mans 24-Hour? Not sure about who drives what? Well then you need to click on over to www.spotterguides.com and download their totally awesome team chart. All the cars. All the liveries. All the drivers.

Future Shock: Driving Porsche’s Panamera S Hybrid

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-09 15:28:38, 0 Comment/s

The Panamera S Hybrid may be a Porsche with a social conscious but does all that Earth-friendly tech leave it a little green around the gills? The Wheel Deal hit Germany to find out Is this really happening? Just 24 hours ago I was slumming it.

Peugeot set pace at first Le Mans qualifying session

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-09 12:24:53, 0 Comment/s

Team Peugeot Total have topped the timing charts at the first of three official qualifying sessions for this year's 24-Hours of Le Mans. Taking to the track late on Wednesday night, Stephane Sarrazin grabbed provisional pole position in his No.

Opel Corsa Colour Edition has arresting looks

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-03 11:09:57, 0 Comment/s

Last week I felt like an East Coast hustler. Not because the freezing weather necessitated the wearing of both a puffer jacket and beanie but rather due to numerous brushings with The Law.

Flying Lizards get licked with new Le Mans Livery

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-06-01 20:14:53, 0 Comment/s

The Flying Lizard Motorsport Team has just unveiled a special commemorative livery for their No. 80 and No. 81 Porches that are set to compete in this year's 24-Hours of Le Mans.

VIDEO: Ecclestone on Monaco, Vettel and Bahrain

By Siraaj Cassiem 2011-05-31 18:50:46, 0 Comment/s

CNN's Don Riddell asks Bernie Ecclestone about the Monaco Grand Prix and is the race in Bahrain still going to go on?

Porsche Boxster E is amped to take on Tesla

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-31 16:18:02, 1 Comment/s

Porsche won't stop turning us on with their electric feel.

Take a ride onboard the Times Racing Mustang

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-31 10:02:57, 0 Comment/s

It's taken a while to put together but here is some in-car footage recorded during the recent third round of the 2011 Midas Historic Tour.

Ken Block ups his pace at Rally Argentina

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-31 09:45:10, 0 Comment/s

Monster World Rally Team driver Ken Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino headed to South America for their first visit to WRC Argentina and came away with their best-ever WRC stage finish this past weekend.

Kimi’s #%$!ing uneventful NASCAR debut

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-30 12:28:28, 0 Comment/s

Ex-Formula One World Champion Kimi Raikkonen had a rather lackluster NASCAR Nationwide series debut at the weekend. But even though his 27th place finish failed to raise any pulses, his in-car radio commentary was downright hilarious.

Loeb and Citroën dominate at Rally Argentina

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-30 11:08:58, 0 Comment/s

Rally Argentina was marked by several twists and finally Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena came out on top for the sixth time on the bounce.

Dan Wheldon wins the 100th Anniversary Indy 500

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-29 21:15:01, 0 Comment/s

Dan Wheldon has won the 100th Anniversary edition of the Indy 500. Wheldon, who was running second until the very last lap, managed to take the checkered flag after first-place man, JR Hildebrand, ran into the wall coming out of turn four.

Sebastian Vettel wins Monaco Grand Prix

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-29 17:48:10, 0 Comment/s

Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel celebrated his fifth victory in six races after winning a crash-hit Monaco Grand Prix thriller for Red Bull on Sunday.

VIDEO: Jaguar Land Rover Opens New Plant in India

By Siraaj Cassiem 2011-05-27 20:29:35, 0 Comment/s

Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover has opened its first plant in India. The facility will assemble the Freelander 2 model Land Rover from parts supplied by a plant in Liverpool.

The Cat’s Whiskers: Jaguar XKR Black Pack Review

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-27 13:36:39, 2 Comment/s

If you’ve ever followed a local rally before then you’ll know that the car best suited to the job is a twin-cab bakkie.

Is Danica Patrick moving to NASCAR for good?

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-26 18:12:53, 1 Comment/s

It's a debate that's been raging for ages and one that's recently flared up again with this year's Indy 500 just around the corner.

BMW revisits the past with new 328 Hommage

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-25 11:41:16, 0 Comment/s

If you're a retro aficionado then you'll know that the original BMW 328 was something of a peach.

Man wins $1-million, trashes car

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-25 11:01:06, 0 Comment/s

What would you do if you won $1-million in the annual NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star race? Well the guy who pulled it off at the Charlotte Motor Speedway last weekend, Carl Edwards, celebrated by wrecking his car in a most spectacular fashion.

Times Racing impresses in Midas Historic Tour

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-24 14:52:15, 0 Comment/s

The third round of the 2011 Midas Historic Tour saw the Times Racing team back on top in the hotly contested Pre66 Sports & GT class.

Lavooma! How Bailey Cars plan to conquer Le Mans

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-22 16:48:56, 1 Comment/s

Balls to Bafana Bafana – SA's latest sporting hopeful travels at 320km/h, can stick to walls and plans to fly our flag at the world's toughest endurance race.

Sebastian Vettel wins the Spanish Grand Prix

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-22 16:01:25, 0 Comment/s

Despite not starting in pole position, Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel has won the 2011 Spanish F1 Grand Prix. Second place went to McLaren's Lewis Hamilton.

Ken Block shocks Battersea Power Station

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-20 10:26:13, 0 Comment/s

Ken Block might not be setting the WRC on fire but his gymkhana internet videos are still an absolute hoot to watch during your coffee break. Here Mr.

Midas Historic Tour set to rock Kyalami this weekend

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-19 16:52:01, 0 Comment/s

The third round of the 2011 Midas Historic Tour will be ripping up the asphalt of Kyalami on Saturday.

Volvo gets its groove back with S60/V60 R-Design

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-13 12:01:36, 1 Comment/s

There is something rather peculiar about this picture.

Volkswagen Golf GTI comes of age with Edition 35

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-12 13:26:11, 0 Comment/s

To celebrate 35 years of its hot-hatch wunderkind, Volkswagen have released the Golf GTI Edition 35. The automotive equivalent of a big fat birthday cake, this special edition comes loaded with a cornucopia of extras to get your lips a licking.

The New 2013 Corvette C7: True Lies or Careless Whispers?

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-12 12:08:41, 1 Comment/s

It's all about the he-said she-said with regards to GM's next generation Corvette. Indeed, expected to enter production in 2013, the upcoming C7 is busy whipping up an internet rumor storm of note.

A Bug’s Life: A look at the life of the VW Beetle

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-10 18:47:18, 0 Comment/s

Now into its third generation, The Wheel Deal takes a behind-the-scenes look at the much-loved Volkswagen Beetle If you think about it, the famous Volkswagen Beetle probably has one hell of an identity crisis.

Kevin Harvick vs Kyle Busch: NASCAR’S latest feud?

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-08 21:36:14, 0 Comment/s

Regan Smith stole the motor racing spotlight this weekend with a last-minute victory at the Showtime Southern 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race.

Seb Vettel wins the Turkish Grand Prix

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-08 15:45:23, 0 Comment/s

Defending drivers world champion Sebastian Vettel consolidated his lead in this year's title race with a near-flawless drive to victory for Red Bull in Sunday's Turkish Grand Prix.

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 races onto the scene

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-04 17:15:34, 0 Comment/s

Cars don't get more pornographic than this. Unveiled yesterday to the world's motoring press, the spanking new McLaren MP4 12-C GT3 is probably one of the hottest wedges of carbon-fiber to hit our computer screens in a very long time.

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4: First Drive

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-04 11:13:52, 0 Comment/s

The king is dead. Long live the king. Picking up where the Lamborghini Murciélago left off, the all-new Aventador LP700-4 is now officially the baddest member of the bull clan.

Williams hire ex-McLaren spy designer

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-03 16:01:24, 0 Comment/s

Williams named Mike Coughlan, the designer sacked by McLaren four years ago for his role in a $100 million Formula One spying controversy, as their new chief engineer on Tuesday.

Will the real Team Lotus please stand up!?

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-05-03 15:41:04, 2 Comment/s

This year, as you have probably noticed, there are two Formula One teams sporting the fabled Lotus brand name across their bodywork. Confused? So am I.

2011 Gumball 3000 is all good to Go!

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-29 14:01:27, 0 Comment/s

The 13th annual Gumball 3000 Rally looks set to blow the minds of those rich enough to enter it.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 breaks cover

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-28 12:30:19, 0 Comment/s

After much speculation Porsche have finally whipped the covers off their highly anticipated GT3 RS 4.0.

MINI beats traffic with new folding bike

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-25 11:33:50, 1 Comment/s

MINI has come up with a rather novel solution to solve all your inner-city parking woes: a folding bike.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class: The Price of Power

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-25 10:55:49, 0 Comment/s

When it comes to bushwhacking credentials few vehicles carry more kudos than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

WIN a Track Day with Times & Lindenberg Racing!

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-19 18:03:00, 0 Comment/s

Win an exclusive track day experience at Zwartkops Raceway with the cars and drivers from Times, Lindenberg and Trans Africa Racing.

Meet the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-18 15:51:00, 1 Comment/s

The Beetle is back and, according to the marketing gurus over at VW, a lot less girlie than its limp-wristed predecessor.

Formula One Pit Stops: How not to do them

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-18 10:39:20, 0 Comment/s

In case you missed it, here's Jenson Button's rather embarrassing pit stop attempt at Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix. A Freudian slip or merely a simple lapse of concentration? Hmm, I wonder.

Mustang Mythology: a case of cars and girls

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-17 11:58:14, 0 Comment/s

Motor racing is supposed to be an activity that attracts girls, but for The Wheel Deal it didn't quite work out that way Hobbies are interesting things.

Lewis Hamilton victorious in Chinese Grand Prix

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-17 11:36:44, 0 Comment/s

McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton roared to victory in the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday to deny Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel a fifth win in a row.

Leeroy Poulter wins the 2011 Sasol Rally

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-16 19:57:11, 0 Comment/s

Leeroy Poulter and co-driver Elvéne Coetzee today won the 20th edition of the Sasol Rally.

Ferrari FF First Drive

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-14 11:57:32, 1 Comment/s

Curious to find out how the brand new Ferrari FF drives? Then click on this link and hear what the chaps over at Evo Magazine have to say about Maranello's controversial 612 Scaglietti replacement.

Times Racing steps up the pace in Sports & GT

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-13 22:08:25, 0 Comment/s

Last weekend I drove the Times Racing/Etana Mustang in the second round of the Midas Historic Tour held at Zwartkops Raceway.

BMW Classic back on top with a cool short film

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-13 20:07:50, 0 Comment/s

BMW is no stranger to the short-film genre.

The Wheel Deal meets The ZA Car Show

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-13 19:18:41, 0 Comment/s

This week I'm on the ZA Car Show: a weekly podcast hosted by journalists Christo van Gemert and Patrick Gearing. Click on the logo above to hear us chat about the Golf R and historic racing in SA.

Taking a drive in the new Suzuki Swift

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-12 18:32:59, 0 Comment/s

Imagine taking a Hollywood-sized jump and emptying your life savings account on a facelift.

New Volkswagen Polo GTI set to storm SA

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-10 22:40:20, 2 Comment/s

In the world of motoring, evolution can be a dirty word. Especially when it comes to something like a purebred performance car.

The Volkswagen Golf R roars into town

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-10 22:21:57, 0 Comment/s

After a year of procrastination, Volkswagen has finally got it together to unleash their hot Golf R upon South African soil.

Sebastien Vettel is victorious in Malaysia

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-10 18:24:02, 0 Comment/s

World champion Sebastien Vettel won the Malaysian Grand Prix with a dominant drive on Sunday to take an early grip on the Formula One season.

Times Racing to tackle Zwartkops this weekend

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-07 21:42:49, 0 Comment/s

Fresh from a successful outing at Phakisa Freeway in March, the Times Racing/Etana Mustang is all ready to give it stick at Zwartkops Raceway this weekend in the second round of the 2011 Midas Historic Tour.

Peugeot 308 GTI Review: A letter too far?

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-04-02 15:11:31, 3 Comment/s

The GTI badge has returned to the rump of a Peugeot for the first time in years. And this is very good news indeed because usually when these three letters stick to the curve of Parisian metal, marvelous things do happen.

Mazda MX-5 GT does the strip fantastic

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-30 15:51:18, 0 Comment/s

Mazda has stripped their MX-5 Roadster bare to come up with this sylphlike GT edition.

Tesla sues Top Gear over “Malicious Falsehood”

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-30 11:28:41, 1 Comment/s

Top Gear has hit another raw nerve, this time with American sports car company Tesla.

Ken Block’s spectacular WRC bail

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-30 10:43:04, 0 Comment/s

Rally Portugal may have been good to Sebastien Ogier but for old Kenny from the Monster World Rally Team Block, well, it rocked and rolled for all the wrong reasons.

Sebastien Ogier wins the 2011 Rally of Portugal

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-27 18:37:11, 0 Comment/s

Frenchman Sebastien Ogier has won the 2011 Rally of Portugual. Dominating in his Citröen DS3, Ogier put on an absolutely flawless driving performance to complete the three-day, 17-stage rally an impressive 31.

Conrad Rautenbach wins the Total Tour Natal Rally

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-26 19:09:32, 0 Comment/s

Conrad Rautenbach and Nicolas Klinger braved rain, heat and rampant sugar cane plantations to win the 2011 Total Tour Natal Rally.

VIDEO: Jenson Button back on track

By Siraaj Cassiem 2011-03-23 14:58:17, 0 Comment/s

Mclaren Mercedes Formula One driver Jenson Button talks to CNN's Don Riddell about the new season of racing.

Massive Six Appeal: BMW’s new 650i Convertible

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-23 10:46:15, 0 Comment/s

With its powerful V8 engine, sleek design and NASA-rivaling technology, the new BMW 650i Convertible is a monument to the good life, writes The Wheel Deal Some unspeakable things have happened to me while sitting behind the steering wheel of e.

SA Daredevils feel the heat for world record attempt

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-22 14:16:58, 0 Comment/s

Last night South African daredevils Andre De Kock and Enrico Schoeman blitzed through a 70-metre long tunnel of fire on a Kawasaki-powered motorbike and sidecar.

2011 Total Tour Natal Rally is good to Go!

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-22 10:50:30, 1 Comment/s

The Total Tour Natal Rally will be kicking off the eight-round 2011 South African National Rally Championship on 25-26 March.

Hatching a Plan: Renault & Alfa take aim at the GTI

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-22 10:37:57, 0 Comment/s

The hot hatch gravy train is running richer than ever before. Not too long ago it was emptier than a Gautrain Bus at noon but today car manufacturers can’t squeeze through its heaving doors quickly enough.

110kW LupiniPower Fiesta to thrill fast Ford fans?

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-16 23:26:58, 0 Comment/s

Last year the mad performance scientists at LupiniPower returned to their tuning lab after a very lengthy hiatus.

Times Racing strong at Phakisa Freeway

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-13 20:03:56, 0 Comment/s

This weekend the Times Racing/Etana team headed down to the windswept asphalt of Phakisa Freeway for Round One of the 2011 Midas Historic Tour.

188kW Volkswagen Golf R is launching in SA

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-08 12:00:44, 10 Comment/s

If you think the GTI is a little soft then you'll be pleased to hear that VWSA has finally decided to unleash their hardcore Golf R model upon our shores.

Times Racing Mustang gets a raunchy new sister

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-07 19:55:49, 0 Comment/s

Today the Times Racing Mustang met its raunchy new race car sister – a sleek RCR Lola T70 Spyder MkII replica.

Loeb and Citroën triumph at Rally Mexico

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-06 20:10:26, 0 Comment/s

The new Citroën DS3 has just claimed its first all-out WRC victory after finishing at the top of the points at this year's Rally Mexico.

Danica Patrick scores career best finish at Vegas

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-06 00:51:40, 0 Comment/s

After a so-so rookie year in 2010, Danica Patrick has stormed back to form in 2011 by scoring her best NASCAR Nationwide Series finish to date.

Local Metal to rock the 2011 Top Gear Festival

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-04 14:03:35, 0 Comment/s

Five of South Africa's best historic V8 racing cars are going to be exciting the crowds at this year's anticipated Top Gear Festival from 17 to 20 March.

MTM Audi R8 V10 BiTurbo will be Big in Dubai

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-04 13:25:11, 0 Comment/s

Are you a Sultan of Bling? Is your palatial mansion fitted with solid gold taps and diamond-studded door handles? Well then you'll dig the new MTM Audi R8 V10 BiTurbo.

VIDEO: Auto Show Geneva: Mercedes-Benz sets the trend at Geneva

By Siraaj Cassiem 2011-03-03 20:00:25, 0 Comment/s

Mercedes-Benz was the trendsetter at the Geneva Auto Show. The all new C-Class Coupe had its world Premiere here and the concept smart for speed was the head turner at the show.

VIDEO: Infiniti in new F1 deal

By Siraaj Cassiem 2011-03-02 18:00:50, 0 Comment/s

Formula One's unique global reach has snagged another major sponsorship deal. CNN's Alex Thomas reports.

Koenigsegg Agera R speeds up Geneva

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-01 12:04:31, 0 Comment/s

One machine that's set to get saliva ducts a flowing at this year’s Geneva Motor Show is Sweden’s new Koenigsegg Agera R.

New Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Revealed

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-03-01 11:44:31, 0 Comment/s

This is the first all-new Lamborghini model in eight years. No bull.

New Ford Mustang Boss 302 driven

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-25 15:03:15, 0 Comment/s

If you love Mustangs like I do then you'll dig the new the Boss 302. Read Mike Spinelli's review on Jalopnik and hope like hell that you eventually win a Green Card – it sounds that good.

Price of petrol to be pumped up by 43c a litre

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-25 13:55:36, 0 Comment/s

The retail price of all grades of petrol will increase by 43 cents a litre on Wednesday, the energy department says.

The Honda Ballade is back in town

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-25 13:29:10, 0 Comment/s

Let’s face it, there are very few South Africans who haven’t spent some time rolling around the mean streets in a Honda Ballade.

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition headed for Geneva

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-25 12:01:55, 0 Comment/s

It's time to singe your peepers on the new limited-edition Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition.

New Golf Cabriolet drops its top for Geneva

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-24 18:48:44, 0 Comment/s

See those four hot girls in the photo above? Well they're off to go get their party on in the brand new Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet.

Aston Martin Virage to debut at Geneva

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-23 18:26:47, 1 Comment/s

Aston Martin is going be launching a brand new addition to their drool-worthy model range at this year's Geneva International Motor Show.

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 caught in action

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-23 13:14:29, 0 Comment/s

The yet-to-be-released Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 is here caught frolicking through a snowy wasteland.

Classic Wesbank Modified Racing at Kyalami

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-22 12:43:03, 0 Comment/s

Click the picture above to watch Willie Hepburn, Ben Morgenrood and the late Tony Viana battle it out around the original Kyalami circuit in this exciting Wesbank Modified Race broadcast in 1987.

Brawnier Maserati GranCabrio Sport set for Geneva

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-22 12:05:27, 0 Comment/s

Maserati is taking their gran-touring convertible to a whole new level of handling and all-out performance with the soon-to-be-unveiled GranCabrio Sport.

Bahrain F1 Grand Prix is cancelled

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-21 22:25:49, 0 Comment/s

It's been on the cards for a while now but today the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix was finally cancelled.

French Police score extra fast Mégane RS patrol cars

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-21 13:57:49, 1 Comment/s

Planning a little road trip to go and watch the 24-hours of Le Mans this year? You know, the usual full-throttle sprint from Caen up to one of the world's most famous racing tracks? Well best take it easy en route then because the Gendarmerie .

VIDEO: Porsche legacy lives – at 200 mph

By Siraaj Cassiem 2011-02-21 12:55:53, 0 Comment/s

Diana Magnay rides with legendary driver Walter Roehrl, who talks about the design and engineering of the Porsche 911.

Audi A3 sedan concept unveiled before Geneva show

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-21 12:18:06, 0 Comment/s

Audi has just released a sketch of this exciting new design concept that's expected to debut at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show. Hinting at the future expansion of the popular A3 range, this four-seater notchback measures 4.

Ford Fiesta 1.6 four-door Trend Review

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-21 10:28:28, 0 Comment/s

Well-known American humorist and author of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain, once said, “golf is a good walk spoiled.

The all-new Audi A6 debuts in Sicily

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-20 14:46:29, 0 Comment/s

This is it, Mafia country. After 17 hours of being cooped up inside various aluminum cylinders, I’ve finally touched down in the Sicilian capital of Palermo.

New Jeep Grand Cherokee swaggers into town

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-14 11:14:17, 2 Comment/s

For the last couple of years the local Chrysler Group PR department has been quieter that a morgue at midnight.

Mikko Hirvonen wins 2011 Rally Sweden

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-13 20:24:12, 2 Comment/s

Finland's Mikko Hirvonen walked away victorious at this year's Rally Sweden.

Ken Block’s new 2011 Ford Fiesta WRC unleashed

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-08 18:02:26, 0 Comment/s

I In his usual fashion, gymkhana ace Ken Block has pulled out all the video stops to unveil his new 2011 Ford Fiesta WRC car to his ever-growing glut of international fans.

Robert Kubica involved in horror smash

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-07 12:55:15, 0 Comment/s

Lotus Renault F1 driver, Robert Kubica, was involved in a horror smash on Sunday after losing control of his rally car.

New Mercedes-Benz CL storms into SA

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-02-04 09:56:18, 3 Comment/s

Perhaps it’s got something to do with being an only child but the Mercedes-Benz CL has always appealed to me.

LupiniPower Suzuki Swift Review

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-01-31 10:20:44, 1 Comment/s

There comes a moment in every young man’s life when one morning he awakes and quite reasonably says to himself, “I am going to modify my car.

Frustrating Piper International for Times Racing

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-01-30 18:37:58, 1 Comment/s

The 10th annual David Piper International proved to be a frustrating experience for the Times Racing/Etana Team.

Times Racing on pole for 2011 Piper International

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-01-28 21:39:24, 1 Comment/s

The Times Racing/Etana Mustang and I had an awesome qualifying session at Zwartkops Raceway today for the 10th Annual David Piper International.

VIDEO: Toyota Recalls 1.7m Vehicles Worldwide

By Siraaj Cassiem 2011-01-26 15:54:47, 0 Comment/s

Toyota is recalling nearly 1.7 million cars, the bulk of them in Japan, for various defects that may cause fuel leakage.

Ken Block 101 on ABC News

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-01-25 11:33:05, 0 Comment/s

ABC News chats to entrepreneur and gymkhana hero Ken Block about rallying, viral marketing and his astronomical rise to international fame.

Honda Civic Type-R Review

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-01-24 12:10:17, 6 Comment/s

No matter which way you look at it, the Honda Civic Type-R is definitely something of an underdog.

VIDEO: Revenge of the electric car

By Siraaj Cassiem 2011-01-24 11:13:13, 0 Comment/s

Upcoming documentary chronicles the arrival of mass-market electric cars. Kristie Lu Stout has more.

Times Racing back on track in 2011

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-01-23 13:13:11, 2 Comment/s

After a frantic month and half, the Times Racing Mustang was put back on the track yesterday for its very first shakedown of 2011.

Buying hybrid cars is just faking it

By Sohayi 2011-01-18 12:49:40, 32 Comment/s

I have been thinking about buying one of those hybrid cars to play my part in saving the planet - but the damn things are so ugly. Okay, Honda came up with a nicer-looking 1.

Gymkhana Mode rocks new Dirt3 video game

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-01-18 12:14:17, 1 Comment/s

Ken Block and Codemasters are ushering in a new era of gaming for the driving simulation arena with their introduction of Gymkhana Mode to the upcoming Dirt3 video game.

2011 Top Gear Festival reloaded and refreshed

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-01-17 11:47:55, 3 Comment/s

I'm not sure about you but I think the annual Top Gear Live show was starting to feel somewhat stale.

BMW Z4 sDrive35is Review

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-01-17 10:55:04, 4 Comment/s

With extra power and a focussed chassis, does the BMW Z4 sDrive35is have what it takes to leave the Porsche Boxster S trailing in its wake? The Wheel Deal hits the blacktop to find out Two years ago BMW launched their new Z4 in Spain.

International Historic Race Day set to rock Zwartkops

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-01-14 11:44:41, 0 Comment/s

Contrary to what the movies would have us believe, you don’t actually need a DeLorean fitted with a Flux Capacitor to travel back into the depths of time.

New 2011 Ford Fiesta RS WRC breaks cover

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-01-13 14:30:40, 2 Comment/s

Ford's all-new Fiesta RS World Rally Car was revealed in its 2011-specification today when the company unveiled the colour scheme that will adorn the car in the FIA World Rally Championship.

Hyundai Veloster unveiled in Detroit

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-01-12 11:33:58, 3 Comment/s

Another standout car at this year's Detroit Motor Show has to be Hyundai's funky new Veloster hatchback.

Porsche 918 RSR rocks the Detroit Motor Show

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-01-10 20:01:02, 0 Comment/s

Porsche melted a whole lot of winter ice at this year's Detroit Motor Show after they unveiled their hot new 918 RSR racing car earlier today.

Cadillac CTS-V Coupé Racing Car

By Thomas Falkiner 2011-01-10 10:19:09, 1 Comment/s

Cadillac decided to take the wraps off their all-new CTS-V Coupé racing car days before its official reveal at the 2011 Detroit Motor Show.

VIDEO: Ford’s new electric Focus

By Siraaj Cassiem 2011-01-08 11:53:00, 0 Comment/s

Felicia Taylor interviews Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford about the company's new cars.

My Top 10 Cars of 2010

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-31 16:08:42, 3 Comment/s

Here, in no particular order, is a list of the cars that rocked my world the most in 2010: Aston Martin Rapide If you need any proof that a four-door supercar can actually work then look no further than the Aston Martin Rapide.

Honda Civic Type-R Road Trip: Backseat Beauty

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-30 12:36:13, 1 Comment/s

A lot has been mentioned about the Honda's looks and performance over the last couple of days but not much has been said about its interior.

Honda Civic Type-R Road Trip: Feeling Plushed

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-30 11:59:56, 3 Comment/s

The last time you heard from me I was enjoying the voluptuous curves of Franschhoek pass.

NASCAR fills up with E15 ethanol fuel

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-29 20:20:53, 3 Comment/s

It's official race fans: from the start of the 2011 NASCAR season that kicks off with the prestigious Daytona 500 in February, all racing cars competing within North America's much-loved series will be required to run Sunoco Green E15.

Honda Civic Type-R Road Trip: ‘Hoeking It

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-24 17:21:58, 0 Comment/s

After spending a day pent-up inside a garage, the Honda Civic Type-R was begging for a good thrashing.

Jacques Kallis crashes Audi R8, no booze involved

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-21 17:12:06, 3 Comment/s

South Africa's star player, who this weekend scored his first double century, crashed into his neighbour's gate while driving an Audi R8. Police were called to the scene before Kallis was taken away by his girlfriend.

Honda Civic Type-R Road Trip: We’re Shopping

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-21 16:37:17, 1 Comment/s

Okay, so the last time you heard from me I was wiping spilt BBQ sauce off my jeans at the Three Sisters Shell. Thankfully I've moved on since then and am now staying at my aunt and uncle's wine farm in the Bovlei just outside Wellington.

Honda Civic Type-R Road Trip: Still Cruisin’

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-20 14:53:29, 0 Comment/s

"Are we there yet?," growled Honda through a grille encrusted in half-dead dragonflies. "Don't be ridiculous," I snapped back, "We're stopping so I can cram another disgusting burger down my gob.

Honda Civic Type-R Road Trip: Tallyho!

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-19 18:23:17, 1 Comment/s

It's Holiday time and this year I'm rolling in style with a Honda Civic Type-R.

McLaren MP4-12C headed for GT3

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-18 18:26:29, 0 Comment/s

McLaren and CRS Racing are teaming up to produce a GT3 racing car based on the recently released MP4-12C.

New Audi R18 endurance racer hits the roof

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-15 18:45:24, 3 Comment/s

Built to replace the aging R15 Plus, Audi's all-new R18 LMP1 car is going to be lining up on the grid at next year's prestigious 24-Hours of Le Mans.

BMW 1 Series M Coupé unveiled

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-14 13:25:55, 2 Comment/s

After years of pontificating, BMW has finally decided to bless us with a really hot version of their 1 Series Coupé.

New Mazda 5 is a van with a plan

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-10 12:33:14, 0 Comment/s

Nagare. Sounds like a new fangled type of sushi. You know, an elaborate fusing of rice and raw tuna that you’d expect to make an appearance at the opening of some swish art gallery.

2011 Pirelli Calendar heats up South Africa

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-09 12:21:49, 0 Comment/s

Way back in 1964 the bigwigs at Pirelli hatched a plan to produce a special calendar that would help promote their tyres amongst members of the motor trade.

Mercedes-Benz C180 CGI BlueEfficiency AMG

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-08 15:47:49, 0 Comment/s

The striking Mercedes-Benz C180 CGI BlueEfficiency AMG proves that the C-Class isn't just for octogenarians, writes The Wheel DealMy flat mate is one of those people who spends his day segmenting the population into neat little pie charts and g.

MINI gets Maxed with the new Countryman

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-08 15:27:42, 3 Comment/s

The MINI Cooper has long been the metrosexual of the motoring world.

Porsche 911 GT3 vs. Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera in Paris street grudge match

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-01 17:09:55, 1 Comment/s

If you've never fantasized about whipping through city streets at night in some super exotic hypercar, well, then you just can't call yourself a true petrolhead.

New Aston Martin Vantage GT4 for 2011

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-01 17:11:21, 0 Comment/s

Aston Martin has just introduced a scorching new version of their Vantage GT4 racing car. Available for the 2011 race season, this tar-scorching coupé has been fettled with a number of tweaks to make it run faster and handle better.

Gymkhana GRID Invitational: Block brings the hype

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-01 15:39:45, 0 Comment/s

Drift master and sometimes-WRC-driver, Ken Block, is taking the art of tyre smoking to America's masses with his new Gymkhana GRID series. And going on the infomercial above, it looks set to be one helluva good time. Let the hoonage commence.

Vaughn Gittin Jr. amped for Gymkhana GRID

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-01 15:13:27, 1 Comment/s

Monster World Rally Team and fellow Monster/Ford driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. are joining forces for this weekend’s Gymkhana GRID Ken Block Invitational event at Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, California.

SA Traffic Police fine speedster R20 000

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-12-01 10:41:59, 4 Comment/s

The good officers from CHiPs (above) might let you off the hook with a stern warning and a cheesy joke but our camera-wielding road gestapo are out to extort the maximum amount of money from your speedy ways.

EVO cracks a drive in the new Lancia Stratos

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-30 16:22:57, 0 Comment/s

Based on the Ferrari 430 Scuderia and stroked by the pen of Pininfarina, the hot new Lancia Stratos has just been put through its paces by EVO's John Barker. Is it any good? Click here to find out.

McLaren MP4-12C rolls into SA

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-29 10:44:31, 0 Comment/s

Look out Ferrari and Lamborghini. There’s a new supercar in town and it’s after your Italian blood.

BMW M3 vs. Audi RS5: Who’s the Boss?

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-29 10:18:45, 0 Comment/s

The powerful new Audi RS5 has finally arrived on our shores but can it match the might of the legendary BMW M3? To find out The Wheel Deal headed off to Zwartkops Raceway for a heated battle royal. Monday. 07h30.

The Toys of Summer: Five hot Droptops

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-22 12:08:29, 3 Comment/s

Problem. It’s a balmy summer night and you’re all hot and sticky. Solution. Ooze your way to the freezer and crack a few cubes of ice into a tumbler laced with mint, honey, lime and soda water. Oh yeah, and a shot of vodka.

Make your own GPS car tracker on the cheap

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-19 19:52:39, 2 Comment/s

Want to protect your car with a GPS tracking device? Can't afford it? Well then head on over to Jalopnik and learn how to MacGyver your own with nothing more than an old cell phone and a pre-paid starter pack. Ingenuity at its best.

Red Bull Racing honours James Hunt

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-19 13:29:52, 0 Comment/s

Though he won the 1976 F1 championship in a McLaren M23, James Hunt is probably best remembered for his flamboyant personality.

RIP Lamborghini Murcielago

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-19 12:45:10, 0 Comment/s

The Lamborghini Murcielago is no more. Designed by Luc Donckerwolke and in fact the very first Lamborghini to be made under the watchful eye of Audi, Italy's iconic Murcielago has been taken off the production line.

Land Rover Freelander 2 gets a new face

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-19 11:22:22, 0 Comment/s

It may be the end of the year but car manufacturers seem to be churning out new models faster than travel agents can print airline tickets.

Porsche taunts BMW/Audi with new Cayman R

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-18 17:45:42, 0 Comment/s

This is the new Porsche Cayman R: a stripped-down, no-nonsense version of the formidable Cayman S.

Katie Melua gets amped for Opel

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-17 14:05:47, 1 Comment/s

If you're a sucker for celebrity culture then you'll be interested to hear that singer Katie Melua has just become Opel's latest brand ambassador.

Loeb powers to Wales Rally Win

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-14 22:45:04, 0 Comment/s

World champion Sebastien Loeb powered his Citroen C4 to a third straight Wales Rally victory on Sunday, the 13th and final leg of the World Rally Championship series.

Vettel stuns Alonso to take title in style

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-14 19:44:34, 3 Comment/s

German Sebastian Vettel was crowned as the youngest drivers champion in Formula One history on Sunday when he outstripped all his rivals and won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for the outstanding Red Bull team.

Speaking to The Stig: A Q&A with Ben Collins

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-12 10:48:32, 0 Comment/s

The Wheel Deal speaks to 34-year-old Ben Collins about life in the fast lane, thrashing Aston Martins for 007 and, of course, what it was like being Top Gear’s infamous Stig.

Renault Sandero Stepway hits SA

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-12 10:37:06, 2 Comment/s

Let’s be brutally honest here: the world of budget cars isn’t the most exciting realm in which to throw one’s money about now is it? For while all those glitzy roadsters and luxurious executives might blow your mind with massaging seats, b.

Citroën DS3 WRC: French firepower reloaded

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-10 18:08:23, 0 Comment/s

Just in case you missed it, here is a sneak peak at what next year's Citroën DS3 WRC is going to look like.

Red Bull Racing triumph at Brazilian GP

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-07 20:20:15, 1 Comment/s

German Sebastian Vettel kept alive his challenge for the Formula One drivers' world championship on Sunday when he led his Red Bull team-mate and title rival Australian Mark Webber home in the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Honda CR-Z gets pimped at SEMA 2010

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-03 10:10:36, 0 Comment/s

The SEMA Show is known for showcasing all sorts of interesting custom metal and this year the Honda CR-Z seems to be the choice of tuners the world over.

A Brief History of The Group B Rally Era

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-02 16:32:14, 0 Comment/s

Before ex-F1 drivers walked around the WRC service parks sporting flat-peaked caps and tribal tattoos, fearless men with names like Stig, Timo and Juha battled the elements in some of the most terrifying racing cars the world has ever seen.

Cheap Trick: The Mercedes with a Graffiti skin

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-02 15:29:49, 0 Comment/s

You don’t need to be a billionaire rapper to garage yourself a pimping ride, writes The Wheel Deal.

Brabus Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-02 11:52:19, 0 Comment/s

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has received some wooly chest hair implants from German tuning house Brabus.

Audi R8 V10 Spyder Review

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-11-02 11:41:18, 2 Comment/s

When it comes to the expansive world of superheroes nobody is cooler than Tony Stark. Currently ranked tenth on Forbes’ most influential fictional characters list, this is because Mr.

Hot tin for taxing times: Cars that beat the CO2 tax

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-10-27 10:35:27, 0 Comment/s

South Africa’s recently implemented CO2 tax might be beneficial to the world’s polar bear population but it’s also taking the cost of purchasing a box-fresh car to gilded new heights.

Geoff Mortimer wins 2010 Knysna Hillclimb

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-10-25 16:19:56, 3 Comment/s

After three days of action Geoff Mortimer emerged as winner of a very wet Knysna Hillclimb Presented by Renault on Sunday. Mortimer blasted his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo9 up the 1.9km Simola Hill in 50.

The 2010 Knysna Hillclimb in Pictures

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-10-25 15:51:04, 1 Comment/s

This weekend I was fortunate enough to join Renault at the second annual Knysna Hillclimb. A 1.

Korean GP pole “special” for Vettel

By Thomas Falkiner 2010-10-23 19:04:04, 0 Comment/s

Sebastian Vettel has described his ninth pole of the Formula One season as "special" after topping qualifying at the Korean Grand Prix on Saturday.

Never buy a car through Stannic before pay day

By Sohayi 2010-10-23 18:03:00, 9 Comment/s

My wife bought a car through Stannic on the 19th of Novemver four years ago and agreed to a monthly debit date of the 25th - her final payment bounced due to insufficient funds because Stannics debited her account on the 19th of this month instead of.

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