QUICK READ

Hypercar

THREE years after unveiling the Shul concept as a preview of India’s first supercar, Vazirani Automotive has pulled the covers off a new electric hypercar concept called the Ekonk. Vazirani Automotive claims that its Ekonk concept is the world’s lightest electric car, tipping the scales at just 738kg, and with 538kw on tap, 0-100km/h comes up in just

2.54 seconds. Not many other technical details have been divulged as yet, but it seems the Ekonk makes use of innovative batteries cooled by air rather than water, which would have been instrumental in achieving its light weight. | IOL Motoring

Endurance

THE Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit has confirmed it will again host the Intercontinental GT Challenge season finale, with the 2021 9 Hour Endurance Race scheduled to take place between December 2 and 4. As with the 2019 and 2020 events, the 9 Hour race will again draw some of the top international GT race teams and drivers to the Midrand-based circuit, and the battle for title honours among the participating manufacturers is expected to provide thrilling racing with several local teams entering. | IOL Motoring

F1 battle

ONE retirement could change everything but the statistics are stacking up for Red Bull’s Max Verstappen as he seeks to deny Lewis Hamilton a record eighth Formula One championship this season. Sunday’s US Grand Prix victory was the 24-year-old Dutch driver’s eighth from 17 of 22 races, compared to five for Mercedes’ seven-time world champion. Seasons have more races now but only once in the 70-year history of the championship has anyone won eight times and not ended up as champion. That was Hamilton, who won 10 times in 2016 but lost to German team mate Nico Rosberg after a close battle. | Reuters

Be careful

LEAVING your car behind while you take a stroll through the nearby shops could mean never seeing it again. According to police, theft from car washes is a growing trend and there have been several incidents in Johannesburg recently.

Often the thief manages to convince the car wash staff that he or she is a friend of the car owner. King Price Insurance advises motorists to ensure that they only hand their vehicles over to reputable businesses that have proper protocols in place. You must also inform the car wash employees that you will be collecting the vehicle, and no one else. | IOL Motoring