IN THIS ISSUE: NHONDA NSX | TOP BREAKDOWN CAUSES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM | BMW AND EA DEBUT THE ALL-NEW BMW M5 IN NEED FOR SPEED PAYBACK | RARE 1954 X120 SE JAGUAR
The Malta Independent on Sunday. August 2017
DREAMING OF WINTER?
GLOBAL ENDURANCE TEST FOR THE
NEW CAYENNE
also inside
Colossal scale nature: Chile
CHILE VINEYARD SPOTLIGHT 35 SOUTH
COLOSSAL SCALE NATURE South Patagonia and Torres del Paine
CHILE IS A LONG, NARROW COUNTRY STRETCHING ALONG SOUTH AMERICA'S WESTERN EDGE, WITH MORE THAN 6,000KM OF PACIFIC COASTLINE. ITS CAPITAL SANTIAGO SITS IN A VALLEY SURROUNDED BY THE ANDES AND CHILEAN COAST RANGE MOUNTAINS. CHILE IS NATURE ON A COLOSSAL SCALE, BUT TRAVEL HERE IS SURPRISINGLY EASY AND PERFECT FOR A MOTOR TRIP. HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS TO DAY DREAM ABOUT.
Atacama desert and Altiplano
ATACAMA DESERT AND ALTIPLANO Atacama is the driest desert on Earth and recent scientific studies demonstrated that the soil in the region is about 25-30 million years old.The Atacama landscape is characterized by highlands, volcanoes, salt lakes, lagoons, hot springs, strange rock formations and sand dunes. Famous natural landmarks include Licancabur Volcano,Valle de la Luna, the Tatio Geysers and the Atacama Salt Flat. Atacama also has a lot of indigenous culture and preColombian archaeological relics which have been perfectly preserved by the dryness and minerals. Its brilliant, clear sky makes Atacama a famous place for star gazing.
LA SERENA, BEACHES AND ASTRONOMY Beaches, bays and islands are some of the many attractions in La Serena, an ideal place to practice outdoor
Easter Island
activities and sports, such as fly fishing and surfing.The are also beautiful beaches like Tongoy, Morrillos, Las Tacas, Guanaqueros,Totoralillo, Peñuelas and La Herradura. There are special places as well, where protected areas are the home of a varied flora and fauna such as the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve. The area is also home to Las Campanas Astronomy Observatory and La Silla Astronomy Observatory.
EASTER ISLAND The Easter Island appeared in the Pacific Ocean due to the constant activity of three volcanoes: Maunga Terevaca, Poike and Rano Kau. It has 180 kilometers of extension and possesses different archaeological attractions.
LAKES AND VOLCANOES DISTRICT This destination is characterized by its singular flora and fauna, the mountains and the modern ski centers.The area includes the Conguillo and Tolhuaca National Parks and the Malleco, China Muerta and Alto Bio Bio National Reserves. You can also find the Tolhuaca, Llaima and Lonquimay volcanoes and the Bio Bio river; as well as the Conguillio and Malleco lagoons.
VALPARAÍSO, SANTIAGO AND VINEYARDS Valparaiso is the main commercial port in the country, meanwhile Viña del Mar is the tourist capital of Chile. They feature beautiful beaches, bays, museums, national monuments, with incredible colourful architecture that combines old and modern times. Santiago is the main urban centre of the Metropolitan region and the country's capital. Farellones is located a few kilometres northeast of Santiago and it's the perfect place to practice snow sports in one of the best ski centres in South America. This region is also home to a series of valleys with wonderful vineyards,
including Casablanca Valley - thanks to its favourable conditions, the wines produced here have a high quality known all over the world; Colchagua Valley – with a wine route, where you can visit vineyards, wine cellars and enjoy wines samples; Curico Valley with a Wine Journey Circuit exploring various vineyards; and Maule Valley.
North Patagonia and Black Forest
NORTH PATAGONIA AND BLACK FOREST One of the most beautiful areas in the country, because of their natural attractions and good weather conditions. This region is perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. With a variety of cities, small towns, National Reserves, rivers and lakes with marvellous landscapes.
SOUTH PATAGONIA AND TORRES DEL PAINE One of the most incredible places to visit in Chile. The journey starts in Puerto Natales, where the visitor can enjoy its seashore, its former cattle ranches and the mountains behind it. With popular attractions including Torres del Paine and Bernardo O´Higgins National Parks, as well as the Cueva del Milodon Natural Monument. There's amazing topography: mountains, fjords, channels, glaciers and lakes, which make Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park a singular and beautiful place to visit.
Lakes and Volcanoes district August 2017 | motoring 03
CHILE VINEYARD SPOTLIGHT
35º South
TWO CENTURIES HAVE PASSED SINCE THE CORREA ALBANO BROTHERS, FOUNDERS OF VIÑA SAN PEDRO, BEGAN THEIR WORLDWIDE QUEST FOR A UNIQUE LOCATION TO PRODUCE QUALITY WINES. AT THE LATITUDE OF 35º SOUTH (35º SUR), THEY FOUND WHAT THEY WERE LOOKING FOR, VALLEYS WITH THE IDEAL CLIMATE AND SOIL FOR WINEMAKING. IN CHILE, THE 35º LATITUDE PASSES THROUGH THE CITY OF MOLINA, WHERE THE FOUNDERS OF VIÑA SAN PEDRO WERE INSPIRED TO INSTALL THEIR FIRST WINERY AND CENTURYOLD WINE CELLAR. THE RESULT OF THIS LONG HISTORY IS A RESERVA WINE MADE FROM THE BEST THAT CHILE'S CENTRAL VALLEY HAS TO OFFER, WITH PENETRATING AROMAS AND INTENSE FLAVORS THAT EMBODY THE SPIRIT OF SAN PEDRO’ FOUNDERS TO CRAFT QUALITY WINES. VIÑA SAN PEDRO HAS OVER 2,500 HECTARES IN CHILE'S WINEMAKING REGION, INCLUDING ONE OF THE MOST EXTENSIVE VINEYARDS IN SOUTH AMERICA, OUR 1,200-HECTARE VINEYARD IN THE CURICÓ VALLEY.
35°
South took its name from the geographical coordinates where San Pedro’s main vineyards are located, at the San Pedro Molina Estate, deep in the Curicó Valley. 35°South is an innovative, modern and sophisticated wine which aim is to accompany consumers along the path they travel across through their achievements, and while facing their next challenges. Almost half million cases a year of 35°South wines are exported. A meticulous selection of the finest grapes, the use of small tanks, aging in carefully selected French and American oak barrels, and exhaustive enological work guarantee the quality of every 35 South wine.
MIGUEL RENCORET Viña San Pedro's winemaking team is led by experts in the field with extensive winemaking experience.This is reflected in the quality of the wines that reach our customers. Miguel Rencoret is Chief Winemaker for Viña San Pedro's Varietal and 35South Reserva ranges, as well as the winery's 04 motoring | August 2017
35 South Cabernet Sauvignon
35 South Carmenere
organic projects. He has worked extensively at renowned wineries both in Chile and the US, at Robert Mondavi Winery. In 2001, he was named Chief Winemaker at Viña Santa Helena, a subsidiary of the VSPT Wine Group. Today Miguel is responsible for the Varietal and Reserva vineyards, located in the Central Valley, as well as Viña San Pedro's organic vineyards at the foot of the Andes Mountains in Alto de Cachapoal.
HIGHLIGHTS CABERNET SAUVIGNON. Aroma: Intense ripe red fruit aromas, with cassis and vanilla notes. Palate: On the palate a very concentrated wine, with sweet and elegant tannins, and a nice persistent finish. Pairing: Meats such as steak and duck, excellent companion for ripe cheeses. CARMENÈRE. Aroma:Very intense in the nose, with aromas to chocolate and sweet spices, interlaced with fresh fruit notes. Palate: Full bodied and sweet tannins on the palate, with a soft and very pleasant finish. Pairing: Spicy dishes, such as Risotto, Paella, and ripe cheeses.
Miguel Rencoret
LATITUDE 35 SOUTH CROSSES THE CENTRAL VALLEY, AN EXCELLENCE IN WINE MAKING THAT COMBINES THE PERFECT CONDITIONS FOR GROWING VINES, WHICH HONOURS ITS NAME THIS UNIQUE LINE OF RESERVE WINES OF VIÑA SAN PEDRO.
MERLOT. Aroma: Spicy and fruity aromas in combination deliver a full character wine. Palate:Very concentrated on the palate, along a great softness and a long final persistence. Pairing: Pastas and pizza, but also, Parma ham and soft cheeses. Plan a visit. Visit 35°South Winery: Email: cmorabi@vspt.cl Locally 35°South Wines are imported by Attard and Co and available from Sistina Wine & Co.,The Strand Gzira. Opening hours: 10am till late. WEB: www.sistinawineco.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/sistinawineco TEL: 2131 4161
HONDA
ANNOUNCES NEXT DELIVERY OF NSX TO UK
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onda UK has today confirmed the next delivery of NSX bound for UK shores. Launched last summer, the NSX has been a solid success story for the UK market and Honda has already sold through its first allocation of just 100 cars in the first 12 months. At launch last summer, Honda announced the initial cars would be delivered to the launch customers over a two year period. With this second allocation of 50 cars heading for the UK, potential customers will be able to get their hands on the new NSX in mid2018 onwards. With demand still far exceeding the capacity for supply, and whilst still scarce and a rarity on the roads, Honda has confirmed the waiting time for the car is now just 12 months.
Originally starting with just Crown Honda in Hendon as the sole supplier and aftercare specialist, Honda UK has since appointed Chiswick Honda as the UK’s second dealer for the NSX to ensure the business continues to offer a strong customer sales and aftersales experience. Dave Hodgetts, managing director of Honda UK, commented: “The NSX represents both the pinnacle of engineering for Honda when it comes to road cars and also continues the heritage of Honda’s original NSX supercar produced between 1990 and 2005, which makes it all the more sought-after. The confirmation of this fresh allocation to arrive in the UK next year will allow the die-hard fans that haven’t been able to get their hands on the latest NSX to finally get their wish – all they need to do is get in touch with either Crown Honda or Chiswick Honda.”
Starting from just under £150,000 and made in Marysville Ohio by a highly specialist team of just 100 people, the NSX boasts 573hp and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 191mph and the 0-62mph sprint in less than three seconds. Powered by a 3.5 litre DOHC V6 engine and three electric motors, the NSX uses four different modes to adjust the driving experience, with the
integrated dynamic system (IDS) featuring Quiet, Sport, Sport + and Track, all of which alter the engine, motor, transmission, chassis response and engine sound level to differing levels. With deliveries of the first customer cars in autumn last year, Honda confirmed ahead of launch that Europe would be the leading export region for sales of NSX.
TOP BREAKDOWN CAUSES & HOW TO AVOID THEM
WE’VE BEEN HELPING TO KEEP DRIVERS ON THE ROAD SINCE 1987. HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF BREAKDOWNS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM, WRITES PAUL VELLA, RMF TECHNICAL DIRECTOR.
FLAT BATTERY If you’ve got a problem with your battery, there’s a good chance it’ll be down to lots of short journeys or a poor electrical connection. Battery faults are the most common cause of breakdown. When your car is serviced, the garage should check that connections are secure and that the battery terminals are clean and protected from corrosion.
DAMAGED TYRES Check your tyre tread depth regularly. If you can see uneven tyre wear, your wheels might be misaligned. Get a tyre specialist to check, or take your car to a tyre centre. If you've got a spare wheel make sure that it's got plenty of tread and that it's inflated ready for use
since you never know when you might need it. Many cars now only have a tyre inflator and sealant kit. If you have a jack, make sure that it is in good condition and easily accessible, along with any wheel removal tools and locking wheel nut adaptor.
ALTERNATOR FAULTS If you’re experiencing persistent battery problems and dim headlights when your engine is idling, you could have a fault with your alternator. If your ignition warning light comes on and the engine temperature rises quickly, the belt that drives the alternator and water pump could have broken. This is a serious problem. Stop right away, do not restart your engine and call for assistance.
SPARK PLUGS AND HT (HIGHTENSION) LEADS Spark plugs can break or wear out but shouldn't be a
problem as long as your car is serviced regularly. HT leads, which carry high voltage to the spark plugs, deteriorate with age which can make it difficult to start your car. Damp-repellant sprays can help, but it's best to ask a garage to check over the ignition system if you're having starting problems. Regular servicing should help avoid these problems.
CLUTCH CABLES The clutch cable is under a lot of stress. It’s best to get it checked if you notice any change to the way the clutch feels when you press the pedal. If your clutch cable does break, pull over in the nearest safe spot and call for assistance
FUEL PROBLEMS Put the wrong fuel in your engine? It does sometimes happen, but don’t start your engine. Call for assistance to drain and flush the fuel out of your system. August 2017 | motoring 05
HOT AND COLD: GLOBAL ENDURANCE TEST FOR THE NEW CAYENNE
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THIRD SUV GENERATION FROM EHCSROP he third generation of the Porsche Cayenne is in the starting blocks. The new edition of this successful model, which has achieved more than 760,000 sales since 2002, has undergone a
PASSES RIGOROUS TESTS
complex and challenging series of examinations. Taking place across the globe and under extreme conditions, the tests ensure that the SUV meets the highest quality requirements set by Porsche. In conditions ranging from mi-nus 45 degrees to plus
50 degrees, the prototypes and pre-series vehicles complete a total of around 4.4 million test kilometres. Porsche is celebrating the world première of the new Cayenne on August 29, 2017. The vehicle is a complete
THE DRIVE AND CHASSIS AS WELL AS THE DISPLAY AND CONTROL CONCEPT HAVE BEEN REDESIGNED TO FURTHER INCREASE THE SPREAD BETWEEN SPORTINESS AND COMFORT. redevelopment. The drive and chassis as well as the display and control concept have been redesigned to further increase the spread between sportiness and comfort. The main objective of the elaborate testing process is to achieve a perfect balance between the many components, some of which were devel-oped especially for the Cayenne. For the new Cayenne generation – referred to as E3 within Porsche – this process began as far back as 2014 with the unit carriers and has continued to this day with prototypes and pre-series vehicles. In addition to increasingly accurate virtual simulations, testing under real-life conditions is still highly valued at Porsche and represents the final examination for every new model produced by the Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer. The full vehicle test is implemented to harmonise the interaction of all individual components and to test operational stability and functionality in customer-oriented opera-tion. The aim is always to meet the highest quality demands at Porsche. Specifically, this process
06 motoring | August 2017
includes tough endurance tests on Hydropuls units, a hydraulic testing facility that applies artificial vibrations to both the chassis and body. The range of tests also covers realistic operational stability tests on and offroad at the Porsche test site based at the Weissach development centre or endurance tests inside and outside the test site. A vehicle life is simulated under conditions that are so tough, they are unlikely to ever occur once the vehicle is owned by the customer. Under everyday conditions in urban traffic, on country roads and on the motorways, the vehicles cover up to 240,000 km within a few months in shifts. To simulate extreme stresses, the prototypes of the new Cayenne are being tested all around the world, including on race tracks traditionally used by Porsche to test all its models: In Germany, the Hockenheimring and the especially challenging Nürburgring-Nordschleife are used. In Italy, the test cars are put through their paces in continuous operation on the 12.6-km high-speed track at Nardò. The materials, sensors and elec-tronics have to prove their quality and durability in different climate conditions – at up to plus 50 degrees Celsius in the sand dunes of Dubai (UAE) and on dusty slopes in Death Valley (USA) as well as at up to minus 45 degrees Celsius on ice and snow in Alaska (USA). The third generation of the Cayenne also had to endure the stopstart traffic in the hot and humid conditions of Chinese cities, master test tracks in Sweden, Finland and Spain, and was transported to South Africa, Japan and New Zealand to complete extensive on and offroad testing.
BMW AND EA DEBUT THE ALL-NEW BMW M5 IN NEED FOR SPEED PAYBACK
WORLD PREMIER AT THE GAMESCOM IN COLOGNE; CAR FANS CAN DRIVE THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE LUXURY SEDAN IN THE GAME THIS FALL BEFORE IT HITS THE ROAD NEXT YEAR; SEE THE FIRST FULL REVEAL OF THE BMW M5 IN THE NEED FOR SPEED PAYBACK HIGH STAKES TRAILER oday, Electronic Arts and the BMW Group debuted the all-new BMW M5 (fuel consumption combined: 10.5 l/100 km [26.9 mpg imp]*; CO2 emissions combined: 241 g/km*) in Need for SpeedTM Payback, the action driving blockbuster releasing this fall.This marks first time BMW has revealed a car through a videogame partnership, unveiling the new BMW M5 at gamescom, Europe’s biggest trade fair for interactive games and entertainment.The new BMW M5 builds on the traditional concept of a luxurious four-door business sedan by appealing to drivers with a taste for high speed and adrenaline. Need for SpeedTM Payback players will be among the first to experience the new M xDrive all-wheel drive as they tear through the city streets and diverse landscape of Fortune Valley this fall. “The new BMW M5 is a stunning car,” said Marcus Nilsson, Executive Producer at Ghost Games. “With immense horsepower and torque combined with gorgeous design, our players are going to love getting
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behind the wheel of the new M5. Whether it’s pulling off intense heist missions, or outrunning cops in epic pursuits or just cruising the open world, this car embodies performance, speed and desire, making it one of the pinnacle rides in Need for SpeedTM Payback.” The M5 takes the BMW M-series into new territory, with 441 kW/600 hp, peak torque of 750 Nm and 10.5 l/100 km fuel consumption combined/ 241 g/km CO2 emissions combined, which promise supreme propulsive power and formidable performance.The new M xDrive developed by BMW M GmbH is the most engaging all-wheel-drive system yet to grace the high-performance segment and will be on display across various terrains in Need for SpeedTM Payback. “The M is not only synonymous for the world’s most powerful letter, but has also become a synonym worldwide for the prototype of the Ultimate Driving Machine.Take a look at the new BMW M5: its power output, torque and acceleration, the M specific all-wheel drive system M
xDrive and its stunning design make our all-new toy the perfect feature for Need for Speed,” said Frank van Meel, President BMW M Division. “While the M5 won’t be officially released until next spring, Need for Speed players can drive it first and exclusively in Need for SpeedTM Payback. We at BMW M are really proud of this collaboration.” “Young, enthusiastic and 100% devoted to their passion: This is not only true for BMW M fans but also for millions of gamers around the globe, who love Need for SpeedTM. BMW is joy and excitement for cars, whether it is in real life or digital,” said Hildegard Wortmann, Senior Vice President Brand BMW. “With this cooperation BMW can reach out to a new audience that is truly digital. This is a perfect example for a fruitful cooperation in modern marketing with benefits for everyone and a new milestone after the BMW M2’s debut in 2015’s Need for SpeedTM.” BMW and Need for SpeedTM share a long tradition together. Already in 1999 the BMW M5 was part of the first Need for SpeedTM. BMW was part of the history of Need for SpeedTMever since: Whether it was the BMW M3 in 2005’s Need for SpeedTM Most Wanted, the BMW M3 GTR in Need for SpeedTM Shift in 2009, and many other appearances of BMW M4, M6 and many alike. Just recently the new BMW M2 entered the stage in 2015’s Need for SpeedTM. Need for SpeedTM is one of the world’s bestselling video game franchises. Its latest instalment, Need for SpeedTM Payback, will be available worldwide on November 10th for Xbox One, PlayStation®4, and Origin™ for PC. Need for SpeedTM Payback Deluxe Edition owners will get their three-day early access starting Tuesday, November 7th. Players can also get into the action before launch through EA Access and Origin Access, where members can play for up to 10 hours starting Thursday, November 2nd with the EA Access and Origin Access Play First Trial.
August 2017 | motoring 07
RESTORED ONE-OFF XK120 BY PININFARINA UNVEILED AT PEBBLE BEACH
a THIS 4591 021KX ES YB
COULD BE THE RAREST JAGUAR EVER
ANIR F P
fter a full nut and bolt restoration taking 6,725 hours by world-class specialists Classic Motor Cars (CMC), the wraps came off this unique Pininfarina bodied 1954 Jaguar XK120 SE yesterday at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California, USA. The car was well received by the crowd of collectors and aficionados gathered at the event and finished second in class O2 Postwar Closed. Peter Neumark, Chairman of the Employee Ownership Trust that runs CMC, said: “A great result! It was a privilege to take the cover off this long-lost Jaguar at one of the most important Concours in the world.” He added: “The car was admired all day and we are delighted to be bringing a trophy home as a further testimony to the skills, dedication and attention to detail that we have in our business." This XK120 features unique bodywork by famed Italian coachbuilder and design house Pininfarina. It was first delivered to a Mr Max Hoffman in 1954, who was an Austrian-born, New York-based importer of luxury European automobiles into the United States during the 1950s. He was a petrol-head who inspired the production and refinement of several vehicles from the main manufacturers, which earned him entry into the
08 motoring | August 2017
Automotive Hall of Fame in 2003. It is believed that Hoffman inspired Pininfarina to reinterpret the shapes of the XK and then unveiled it at the 1955 Geneva Motor Show. After the unveiling in Geneva, the XK appeared at the Autocar Show later in April that year and Australian magazine Modern Motor reported that it was due to be exhibited at the Turin Motor Show in 1956, but never arrived due to the owner wanting to take delivery of it. David Barzilay, Chairman of CMC’s operating board, said: “There is little trace of the car’s history, but we are certain that Hoffman was the supplying dealer, then first owner of the car and that there was only one XK120 by Pininfarina produced, which makes this one of the rarest Jaguars in existence.” In 2015, CMC purchased the car from a German gentleman who bought it in the USA in 1978 with the intention of
restoring it. Unfortunately, he never got round to it and eventually decided to sell. CMC took on the challenge and have restored every nut and bolt of the vehicle. The team of specialists faced a number of challenges during the restoration, from finding the original paint colour to remaking the bumpers and rear window screen. Barzilay said: “Some of the original parts were impossible to find so we had to remake items such as the bumpers and chrome work by hand from photographs. We had to scan the front and rear end of the car and make mock ups of the lights, which were then scanned and 3D printed. Smaller missing parts were also 3D printed in-house. The rear window was missing so we also had to scan the window aperture and have a new rear screen made from the scan data.”
During the pre-restoration inspection it was found that Pininfarina had used the original XK body as a basis, and that, at some point in its life, the car was painted Burgundy and had the seats covered with tan leather. Barzilay said: “There were no signs of the original paint colour and it all came down to the last nut and bolt. When the front screen was removed, we discovered a small section of original paint and used it as a colour match.” He added: “The interior trim door cards were missing, along with the carpets and the original colour of the trim, but we discovered a small sample of original Ochre tan leather when we stripped the car down. This was colour matched and the original type and colour leather was used to recreate the interior. The shape and pattern of the door cards was created by looking at similar Pininfarina designed cars from the period.”