Known As Bakkies In South Africa

Different parts of our country are known to have different motoring cultures, living in Gauteng I’ve always wondered how the motoring scene in the Western Cape is and if one can put it up against GP`s Motoring scene. A question that has always been on the motoring section of my brain is which of the two provinces has the best motoring scene, can they be compared? Walking around the streets of Sea Point one will come across modern cars, old school and various imports that would make you question your motoring knowledge. Down Regend rd parallel parked across Amalfi Executive Suites, I came across an American hot rod. Known as bakkies in South Africa, the American three seater pickup truck was a hot rod that I had never seen before. Ask me today and all I know is it’s a ford, but after a google search on the Ford F series i came across all the info one needed. So back to the question at hand which province has the best motoring scene, in my opinion the Gauteng and Western Province can’t be compared.

In the streets of Gauteng parking lots are filled with the latest models, or should I say expected models. On the other hand the Western Province has a combination of the latest models plus executive cars. In Gauteng one would know what to expect whilst in Cape Town walking down the streets is an adventure, plus a reminder of how much more knowledge petrol heads still need to acquire. Mainly about classic cars, old school and hot rods to complete your historical motoring syllabus. Around the City of Cape Town one can find a variety of dealerships, from main stream dealerships like Audi, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota only to name a few. Executive dealerships like Lamborghini and Austin Martin where customers usually have to flex their cheque books are no stranger to the coastal city. Now to choose between the two, Gauteng is a fast paced province, where the latest models fly off the showroom and on to the streets in no time.

The key is the body structure, where a new multimaterial design reduces its weight by 71 kilograms (156.5 lb). This places the new Q7 among the best in its segment. Ultra-high-strength parts made of hot-shaped steel form the backbone of the occupant cell. Aluminum castings, extruded sections and panels are used in the front and rear ends as well as the superstructure. They account for 41 percent of the body structure. Other parts made entirely of aluminum are the doors, which shave 24 kilograms (52.9 lb) of weight, the front fenders, the engine hood and the rear hatch. Audi uses new manufacturing methods for the production and assembly of the parts. The crash safety and occupant protection of the new Audi Q7 are also on the highest level. Three torsion rings reinforce the front end, the area of the C-pillars and the rear hatch cutout. These play a major role in the vastly improved static and dynamic stiffness of the body.

The torsion rings are the foundation for the precise handling and superior vibrational comfort in the car’s interior. The premium acoustic insulation reinforces the impression of solidity and elegance by providing for a unique degree of quietness in every situation. The best-in-class aeroacoustics result from the interplay between various vehicle components, such as the mirror mounted on the shoulder line. The big SUV has a cd value of just 0.32. This top mark in the segment is the result of sophisticated technical solutions. The underbody is nearly completely lined; a small spoiler in the area of the rear axle reduces lift. The efficiency model - the V6 TDI with 160 kW (218 hp) which will be launchend at a later date - features louvers between the Singleframe grille and the top section of the main radiator. The plastic slats open and - for better aerodynamics - close as necessary. This is based on an energy-optimized controller for maximum cd advantage. The proportions have changed compared with the previous model.

The big SUV is 37 millimeters (1.5 in) shorter and 15 millimeters (0.6 in) narrower while virtually the same height. Inside, however, there is an additional 21 millimeters (0.8 in) between the first and second rows of seats, and head room has increased by 41 millimeters (1.6 in) and 23 millimeters (0.9 in) in the first and second rows, respectively. The design of the new Q7 is masculine and determined. Horizontal lines extend above the wheels. These blisters are a subtle homage to the classic quattro models from Audi. The exterior mirrors are mounted on the shoulders of the doors; blades run from the front to the rear doors and bear embossed quattro logos. The rear hatch wraps around the massive, steeply raked D-pillars, a typical feature of the Q models from Audi. The Singleframe grille is deeply sculpted and features thick crossbars. It is integrated organically into the front end.