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Ferrari F1

RELIABILITY was not the top concern for new Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur before the start of the F1 season but the opening race in Bahrain sent it back up the list of priorities. Charles Leclerc, who led a Ferrari one-two from pole position at Sakhir last year, lost power and retired 17 laps from the end while Carlos Sainz finished fourth.

“We didn’t face the same issue at all during the 6 000 – 7 000km that we did with the engines in the last week with the three teams,” Vasseur said.

“Most important now is to have a clear picture of the situation, where we are failing and … and to come back stronger as soon as possible.” |

Hot Hatch

TOYOTA South Africa has confirmed that its new GR Corolla is set to hit local shores in the second quarter of this year. Pricing and specifications will be revealed nearer to launch, and numbers will be limited.

The Toyota GR Corolla boasts an all-wheel drive system, a beefed-up suspension and a wider body. Power comes from an uprated 1.6-litre threecylinder turbocharged engine that produces 221kw and 370Nm. The engine powers all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching technology, and a Gr-four variable all-wheel drive system. |

Motoring

Sales

JUST how quickly are SUVS gaining market share in South Africa? In 2021 SUVS overtook five-door hatchbacks as the most popular body type for the first time, and 2022 saw these high-riders gain more market share. According to data released by Hyundai, SUVS and crossovers accounted for 50.9% of the passenger car market last year, up from 45.2% the previous year.

The overall SUV volume grew from 121 221 units to 159 294, out-shadowing five-door hatchbacks (109 061), whose share of the passenger car pie dropped from 38% to 34.8%. The top-selling SUV in Mzansi last year was the Toyota Urban Cruiser, followed by the Toyota Corolla Cross and Volkswagen T-cross. |

Flagship

PORSCHE revealed plans this week to launch a new battery-powered flagship SUV later in the decade. Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board, revealed a few of Porsche’s future product plans at the company’s annual press conference.

Porsche plans to launch an all-electric Macan in 2024, followed by an EV sports car to replace the 718. There are also plans to launch a battery-powered version of the next Cayenne. The new flagship SUV, which was teased beneath a car cover during the presentation, will slot above the Cayenne EV. This model is expected to have a coupe-like form. | and ANI

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