Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[They still make that? VW Golf Mk1 ends production after 25 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/they-still-make-that-vw-golf-mk1-ends-production-after-25-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/they-still-make-that-vw-golf-mk1-ends-production-after-25-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/they-still-make-that-vw-golf-mk1-ends-production-after-25-years/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen CitiGolf - Click above for high-res image gallery

The original Volkswagen Golf Mk1 arrived as a replacement to the Volkswagen Beetle way back in 1974. Sold in the States as the Volkswagen Rabbit, the early front-wheel-drive hatchback had a transverse-mounted (water-cooled) 1.5-liter four-cylinder rated at just 70 horsepower. It was good for a 93 mph top speed and nearly 38 miles per gallon. While the standard Rabbit was rather ho-hum, the late-to-arrive Mk1 "GTI" ushered in the hot-hatch movement with its 90-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder, slick manual transmission, and upgraded suspension. It was a seriously cool car.

In 1984, Volkswagen introduced the Golf Mk2. As the successor was bigger, wider, and more expensive than the original - and customers may have been turned-off by the "improvements" - VW chose to continue the Mk1 production and sell it as the low-cost Econo Golf, or CitiGolf.

Over the past 25 years, more than 500,000 units of the venerable Mk1 have rolled out of a South African assembly plant for sale in markets abroad. Variants have been fitted with a wide range of engine choices (both gasoline and diesel), from 1.1-liters up to 1.8-liters of displacement. Transmissions have included 4- and 5-speed manuals, plus the (obviously outdated) 3-speed automatic. Lacking nearly all of today's necessary safety equipment (a driver's airbag was eventually fitted), time finally caught up with the CitiGolf this summer and the South African plant was closed in late August.

Interesting side note: the tooling used to build the CitiGolf all these years in South Africa was reportedly originally used to make the Rabbit at Volkswagen's Westmoreland plant in Pennsylvania. Thanks for the tip, Doug!


Gallery: Volkswagen CitiGolf


[Source: in4ride]

They still make that? VW Golf Mk1 ends production after 25 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closeEndingFirst-genGolfJettaMk1ProductionRabbitSouth AfricaSouthAfricaVolkswagen GolfVolkswagen Mk1Volkswagen RabbitVolkswagenGolfVolkswagenMk1VolkswagenRabbitVW Mk1VwMk1Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Private race track club planned for South Africa]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/08/private-race-track-club-planned-for-south-africa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/08/private-race-track-club-planned-for-south-africa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/08/private-race-track-club-planned-for-south-africa/#commentsFiled under:



The world's surface is covered in once-great racing circuits. Take Kyalami, for example. Over the course of seven decades during the last century, the world-renowned racing circuit on the outskirts of Johannesburg hosted Formula One races. But the last one was held there in 1993, and since then it's been known as the former home of the South African Grand Prix. These days it's only used for A1GP and some minor racing series events. So when a private track club was being set up in South Africa, wouldn't Kyalami - Zulu for "my home" - seem like the perfect venue? Well, sorta.

The new Imola Race Resort being set up in South Africa is actually being built around a replica of Kyalami, only an hour and a half away. Like the Monticello Motor Club where our man Sam tested the Cadillac CTS-V, it will allow members to run their exotic sportscars around the private facility in exclusive high-speed bliss. The track, however, won't be an exact replica: in the place of exotic-munching Armco barriers and paint-chipping gravel pits, the Imola club will offer vast grass fields as run-off areas. There'll also be a kilometer-long drag strip to allow members to attempt high-speed runs. Membership will be limited, and to keep out the riffraff, dues will undoubtedly be high... in South African rands, anyway, which are worth about as much as the paper they're printed on these days). The facility will also offer a state-of-the-art pitlane complex, an advanced high-performance driving school, a plush garage and an exotic rental service, plus an emergency medical center and entertainment facilities, combining the best of a racing circuit and a country club. Sounds like enough motoring bliss to make the wealthy still living in Jo'burg forget all about the rampant crime and soaring murder rates.

[Source: Imola Race Resort via Inside Line]

Private race track club planned for South Africa originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 May 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>imolaimola race resortImolaRaceResortjohannesburgkyalamisouth africaSouthAfricaFri, 08 May 2009 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche-powered Barnard Endurance Racer Prototype from South Africa]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/porsche-powered-barnard-endurance-racer-prototype-from-south-afr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/porsche-powered-barnard-endurance-racer-prototype-from-south-afr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/porsche-powered-barnard-endurance-racer-prototype-from-south-afr/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for gallery of the Barnard Endurance Racer Prototype from South Africa

Another day, another supercar. This time, our quarry comes from South Africa, a country perhaps better known to car people for building Noble trackday specials (now pronounced "Rossion") and modern-day Cobras and Ford GTs.

This latest project is the brainchild of Chris Barnard, a designer who happens to have a passion for endurance racing. The exotic is designed, sourced and built entirely in South Africa. It's simply called the Barnard and it should be quite the hypercar. Built on a high-tech steel monocoque, it looks like a Le Mans racecar, which is pretty much what it is. The chassis would probably look familiar to anyone who has seen the underside of a Porsche 962 and the bodywork looks like it's straight off the Mulsanne. Heck, it could probably compete in the next 24.

The development car is powered by a twin-turbo Porsche V8 cranking out 617 horsepower. That should be good for a 0-to-60 miles-per hour time of well under 4 seconds, with a top speed north of 300 km/h (186 mph), although the platform is said to be solid all the way up to 400 km/h (249 mph). Less road car than race car, the Barnard has a composite body with racing-derived aero trickery. The high-tech Domex and Docoal steels used in the construction are light and strong, but easier to shape as well, allowing the Barnard to be personalized to a higher degree than many other contemporary supercars. Expect spectacular performance, but don't expect power steering, traction control, ABS brakes or power windows. Deliveries are expected to start by the middle of the year, with prices starting around $110,000, which could be something of a bargain if the Barnard lives up to its billing.

Gallery: Barnard Endurance Racer Prototype


[Source: Inside Line]

Porsche-powered Barnard Endurance Racer Prototype from South Africa originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Barnard Endurance Racer PrototypeBarnard SupercarBarnardEnduranceRacerPrototypeBarnardSupercarBLOEMFONTEINChris BarnardChrisBarnardhypercarsouth africaSouth African supercarSouthAfricaSouthAfricanSupercarMon, 23 Feb 2009 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Traffic Enfarcement: What's wrong with this picture?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/traffic-enfarcement-whats-wrong-with-this-picture/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/traffic-enfarcement-whats-wrong-with-this-picture/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/traffic-enfarcement-whats-wrong-with-this-picture/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The script for selling one of these "automated revenue enhancement devices" to a municipality might go something like "and the best feature of the Robthepopulace 3000 is that it never makes a mistake - machines don't lie!" Tell that to Thomas, who received a citation in the mail after a South African traffic camera nabbed his VW Polo "clearly traveling in excess of the 60 km/h limit." Right. Technically, the camera is not lying, but machines are incapable of interpreting on their own, otherwise the fleece-bot would have noted that while the car was indeed traveling in excess of the limit, it was on a hook! Thomas got the ticket because his car obscured the plate of the tow truck dragging his little Polo somewhere. While the picture doesn't lie, the government agency drew a false conclusion and stuck to it. We wonder if the amount of the ticket could be deducted from Thomas's income tax to ensure fairness. Now that's just crazy talk. Thanks for the tip, Erwin!

[Source: Daily WTF]

Traffic Enfarcement: What's wrong with this picture? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automated cameraautomated fineAutomatedCameraAutomatedFinesouth africaSouthAfricaspeeding ticketSpeedingTicketticket robotTicketRobottraffic cameratraffic citationtraffic fineTrafficCameraTrafficCitationTrafficFineTue, 05 Aug 2008 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford to invest $209m in South Africa for new Ranger pickup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/31/ford-to-invest-209m-in-south-africa-for-new-ranger-pickup/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/31/ford-to-invest-209m-in-south-africa-for-new-ranger-pickup/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/31/ford-to-invest-209m-in-south-africa-for-new-ranger-pickup/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above for more images of the current Ranger sold outside the US

While recent times haven't been rosy for Ford here in the States, business is much better for the Dearborn, MI automaker overseas. To keep blue skies in foreign markets, Ford is ponying up $209 million in South Africa for both a new truck plant and diesel engine plant that will produce the replacement for the automaker's overseas-only Thailand-sourced Ranger. Neither the truck nor its diesel engine will reach our shores, but both will be available in many markets abroad. Part of the big investment will cover training existing employees, and eventually adding 500 valuable jobs by 2011.

It's good to see that Ford is committed to investing money in markets where growth is happening. In fact, happy go lucky CEO Allen Mulally went so far to say that he expects Ford will one day achieve two thirds of its global sales outside our proud borders. Nevertheless, we wonder what the reasons are now that this new Ranger could not have been developed with the North American market also in mind. Our current Ranger pickup continues to wilt on the vine, and we pester automakers for a truly small pickup (diesel, please) that can do a little bit of work while not punishing the earth in its wake.

[Source: Detroit News via Ford]

Gallery: 2007 Ford Ranger (outside US)

Continue reading Ford to invest $209m in South Africa for new Ranger pickup

Ford to invest $209m in South Africa for new Ranger pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DieselFordForeign marketsForeignMarketsPickup TruckPickupTruckSouth AfricaSouthAfricaThu, 31 Jan 2008 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[In South Africa, VW Citi Golf gets rated R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/23/in-south-africa-vw-citi-golf-gets-rated-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/23/in-south-africa-vw-citi-golf-gets-rated-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/23/in-south-africa-vw-citi-golf-gets-rated-r/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click image for photo gallery

A little over a year ago, we posted about South Africa's Citi Golf line, which combines classic, old-school looks with a more modern interior. Now comes word that the "R" badge has found its way onto a very limited run of 100 cars that is sure to get the VW faithful salivating. The VW Citi Golf R-Line gets Mk1 GTI-style looks and a 1.8-liter, 121-horsepower engine underhood. It will make the run to 62 mph in around 8.5 seconds, and tops out at just under 120 mph.

VW Citi Golf R-LineIn the looks department, that still-good-looking face sees a red border added to the grillework, red brake calipers, attractive 15" wheels, and very subdued spoilers fore and aft. The aforementioned R badging is present on the right side of the grille and on the back of the car. Inside, it looks like the other Citi Golfs, with the golf-ball shift knob, split spoke steering wheel, and a modern gauge cluster. There's no power steering, and A/C is not standard (it can be dealer-installed), but a CD/MP3 player is part of the package. The trick-looking R is already sold out, but a standard-issue 1.8i model will arrive in South Africa later in the year.

Sure, it's an old design, with limited amenities and not much in the realm of safety features, but we'd gladly pony up for one tomorrow if we had the opportunity. Some things are just plain cool, and the Citi Golf R-Line is one of them.

[Sources: Motoring.co.za via German Car Blog, Autoblog Spanish]

Gallery: VW Citi Golf R-Line (South Africa)

In South Africa, VW Citi Golf gets rated R originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.8iciti golf rciti golgCitiGolfRCitiGolgr-linesouth africaSouthAfricaMon, 23 Apr 2007 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[South African website names "gayest, straightest, and sexiest" cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/13/south-african-website-names-gayest-straightest-and-sexiest-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/13/south-african-website-names-gayest-straightest-and-sexiest-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/13/south-african-website-names-gayest-straightest-and-sexiest-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

And to think, VW/Audi is at the forefront of marketing its vehicles to LGBT audiences...

In the latest round of assigning sexuality to vehicles, the Audi RS4 has emerged as the "straightest" car around in the "Alternative Car of the Year" poll, conducted by Wheels24, a South African online automotive publication. Funny, we know quite a few gay guys who drive Audis.

Volkswagen made the cut as well, with its Jetta filling in the fourth spot in the poll. Toyota also racked up two placements in the "straight" column, with its Fortuner coming in second place and the Lexus IS250 rounding out the poll in fifth. Dodge's macho ads for the Caliber have also apparently paid off -- the "not cute" Neon replacement came in third.

To the likely disappointment of many Autoblog readers who have dubbed the MINI Cooper the gayest car in the comments section of our site, Wheels24 readers actually think the Peugeot 207 deserves the title instead, with the BMW 3-series coupe serving as the runner up. The Jaguar XK came in third, with the Honda Civic hatch and Alfa Romeo 159 coming in fourth and fifth, respectively.

Most individuals -- gay or straight -- can appreciate a nice rear end, so Wheels24 included that in its poll as well. Cars with the sexiest rear end include as follows:

1. Alfa Brera
2. BMW Z4 Coupe
3. Opel Astra GTC
4. Renault Clio
5. Nissan Tiida

[Source: Wheels24]

South African website names "gayest, straightest, and sexiest" cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Dec 2006 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AFAAlfa BreraAlfa RomeoAlfaBreraAlfaRomeoAudiBMWCaliberDodgegayLGBTMINI CooperMiniCooperNissanOpelPeugeotRenaultSouth AfricaSouthAfricastraightVolkswagenZ3Z4Wed, 13 Dec 2006 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[African-American: Cadillac launches in South Africa]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/african-american-cadillac-launches-in-south-africa/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/african-american-cadillac-launches-in-south-africa/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/african-american-cadillac-launches-in-south-africa/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

GM's on a mission to take over the South African market. Just one day after the first HUMMER H3s rolled off the assembly line at GM's Struandale plant in Port Elizabeth, General Motors today announced it's bringing Cadillac to South Africa.

The first models to be offered in "the rainbow nation" will be the overseas-market BLS (based on the Saab 9-3), the SRX crossover and the STS sedan. The Caddys will be sold through a direct distribution network, with new dealerships opening in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

GM also markets several Chevy models, Saabs, Opels, Isuzus and Suzukis in South Africa, and operates two manufacturing plants in Port Elizabeth. With all that love for the liberated republic, don't be surprised if GM shows up as a major sponsor when South Africa hosts the FIFA World Cup in 2010.

[Source: GM]

African-American: Cadillac launches in South Africa originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>africablscadillacgmport elizabethPortElizabethsouth africaSouthAfricasrxstsWed, 11 Oct 2006 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[SMART-ass billboards find their way to the bottom of a big ditch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/22/smart-ass-billboards-find-their-way-to-the-bottom-of-a-big-ditch/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/22/smart-ass-billboards-find-their-way-to-the-bottom-of-a-big-ditch/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/22/smart-ass-billboards-find-their-way-to-the-bottom-of-a-big-ditch/#commentsFiled under: ,

Remember those asinine SMART billboards that read, "German engineering. Swiss styling. American Nothing." in South Africa? Finally DaimlerChrysler saw them for the PR nightmare that they were and banished them to the bottom of a deep garbage pit.

Says Chrysler communications chief Jason Vines, "the local agency explained that it meant no harm and that 'American nothing" related to the smallness of the car." Riiigggghhhhhtt. Is that the best they could came up with after hours of nervous laughter and firing the intern? We can at least give Vines and his team credit for having their fellow Americans' backs -- Vines also explained that his team worked with the PR chief responsible over on the other side of the pond, and the billboards were as good as gone.

[Source: DaimlerChrysler]

SMART-ass billboards find their way to the bottom of a big ditch originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jun 2006 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billboardoutdoor advertisingOutdoorAdvertisingSMARTsouth africaSouthAfricathe firehouseTheFirehouseThu, 22 Jun 2006 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[SMART ass advert rips on American autos - UPDATE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/22/smart-ass-advert-rips-on-american-autos/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/22/smart-ass-advert-rips-on-american-autos/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/22/smart-ass-advert-rips-on-american-autos/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Apparently the American auto industry's reputation is particularly worthless in South Africa as this billboard ad for the SMART forfour shot on the side of the road near Johannesburg portends. It glibly reads, "German engineering, Swiss innovation, American nothing." The parent company of SMART, DaimlerChrysler, happens to be a "German-American" multinational corporation, so the fortwo has deeper ties to these United States than this billboard and SMART's ad agency suggest.

[Source: NeanderNews via TCC Confidential]

UPDATE: The car on the billboard has four doors, which makes it a forfour, not a fortwo.

SMART ass advert rips on American autos - UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 May 2006 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisingjohannesburgsouth africaSouthAfricaMon, 22 May 2006 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford introduces Ranger Montana trim for South Africa]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/16/ford-introduces-ranger-montana-trim-for-south-africa/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/16/ford-introduces-ranger-montana-trim-for-south-africa/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/16/ford-introduces-ranger-montana-trim-for-south-africa/#commentsFiled under: ,

While North America's Ford Ranger predates the Mesozoic era, the Blue Oval continues to update its small pickup entries around the world. In this case, the automaker has unveiled the limited-edition 'Montana,' available the standard range of 4x2 and 4x4 drivelines, and Double and Super Cab configurations.

While the resulting product remains far from cutting edge, it is nice to see Ford investing in the Ranger nameplate, if only abroad. In South African trim, the Montana is motivated by a 2.5-liter 12-valve oil-burner, with a standard-fit differential lock.

Primarily, the new model is an exercise in 'trim and tape,' with a healthy portion of stainless steel addenda (brush guard, step rails, etc.); along with a bespoke tonneau cover and 15" alloy wheels the obligatory set of decals.

Inside, the Montana receives black leather chairs with contrasting red stitching, and high levels of equipment, including a/c, power windows/locks/mirrors and a compact disc player.

Click through to the Wheels24 feature for more shots of the interior and exterior.

Ford introduces Ranger Montana trim for South Africa originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 May 2006 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-valve2.5-literdieseloil-burnerRangerRanger MontanaRangerMontanaSouth AfricaSouthAfricaTue, 16 May 2006 20:03:00 EST<![CDATA[MINI goes international with 49-day, 8,000 mile trek]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/mini-goes-international-with-49-day-8-000-mile-trek/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/mini-goes-international-with-49-day-8-000-mile-trek/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/mini-goes-international-with-49-day-8-000-mile-trek/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The idea of a 49-day, 8,000 mile drive  from South Africa to England would seem to suggest something rugged and roomy-- a Land Rover Range Rover, perhaps. But a trio of lightly-modified MINI Cooper S hot hatches have just completed the trek, having ventured through 10 countries (including Botswana, Egypt, and the Sudan).

In order to make the sojourn on questionable (occasionally non-existent) roads, MINI prepped the cars by boosting ground clearance to 230mm (around 9"), reworking the shock absorbers and fitting steel wheels wrapped with more durable tires. Rear seats and interior trim was jettisoned in order to free storage space for the requisite pair of spare tires, along with food and sleeping provisions.

The epic trip began March 8 in Johannesburg, South Africa, and wended its way to the MINI's plant in Oxford.

[Source: MotorTorque at AskAPrice.com]

MINI goes international with 49-day, 8,000 mile trek originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 May 2006 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BotswanaCooper SCooperSEgyptEnglandEthiopiaKenyaOxfordSouth AfricaSouthAfricaSudanZambiaMon, 01 May 2006 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Rabbit, Run: It keeps going... and going...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/17/volkswagen-rabbit-redux-it-keeps-going-and-going/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/17/volkswagen-rabbit-redux-it-keeps-going-and-going/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/17/volkswagen-rabbit-redux-it-keeps-going-and-going/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Given Volkswagen's recent announcement that it is pulling a Rabbit out of a hat Golf, and that Easter has just fallen off the calendar, we thought we'd remind readers that they can still purchase something very close to VeeDub's original bad bunny. That is, provided you call South Africa home.

In fact, Volkswagen's just announced that it's freshening the hot hatch icon. Known in SA as the Citi Golf, the 2006 facelift includes new rear light clusters and a reworked chin spoiler, among other alterations.

Inside, buyers and Windows-shoppers expecting the boxy hard-plastic first-gen era dashboard will be shocked to find that VW has massively updated the interior to appear more-or-less current. A split three-spoke steering wheel with metal-effect trim dominates the interior, and the instrument panel is slightly dated standard-VW fare, but SA consumers now have five new color choices from which to chose. Of course, the classic 'golf ball' shift knob has been retained.

(More photographs, information, and video links after the jump!)

Continue reading Rabbit, Run: It keeps going... and going...

Rabbit, Run: It keeps going... and going... originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Apr 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BakkieCombiGolfGTIhot hatchHotHatchPeople's CarPeople'sCarPickupRabbitSouth AfricaSouthAfricaVeeDubVolkswagenVWMon, 17 Apr 2006 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rally cars light up South African forest-- literally]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/25/rally-cars-light-up-south-african-forest-literally/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/25/rally-cars-light-up-south-african-forest-literally/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/25/rally-cars-light-up-south-african-forest-literally/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Rally racing is hot stuff. Nowhere is that more true this weekend than in Cape Town, South Africa, where firefighters are working to contain a forest blaze started by an errant racer. The fire is believed to have started when the all-female team of Lola and Megan Verlaque's Subaru left the road in a 'national championship rally,' the engine's heat setting the brush alight.

The race is to continue tomorrow, but it isn't clear whether the rally will continue to use the Cape's Franschoek forests in later stages.

[Source: Wheels24.co.za and Sasol.com]

Rally cars light up South African forest-- literally originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Mar 2006 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cape TownCapeTownForest FireForestFireFranschoekRallySouth AfricaSouthAfricaSubaruVerlaqueWRCWRXSat, 25 Mar 2006 06:58:00 EST