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MASERATI

THE exotic Italian luxury performance car manufacturer has a sublime range making its way to South Africa in 2021, with plans to launch five new models. These include a hybrid version of the Ghibli and a trio of new Trofeo performance models, Quattroporte and Levante – each sporting a 433kW Ferrari-built V8 turbo engine. But the most anticipated Maserati in 2021 will be the new MC20 supercar. The MC20 was designed to storm around a race track with precision, while providing a luxurious experience on the way home.

Hyundai

HYUNDAI has confirmed that it is not in talks with Apple on teaming up to create autonomous electric cars. This comes just a month after it confirmed talks with the tech giant. The announcement brings the curtain down on weeks of internal division at Hyundai about the potential tie-up, with executives raising concerns about becoming a contract manufacturer for Apple in a partnership reminiscent of electronics firm Foxconn’s role in making devices for Apple such as the iPhone. Hyundai is known for its reluctance to work with outsiders. | Reuters

F1

LEWIS Hamilton’s Formula One deal with Mercedes-Benz has ended speculation about his plans, but it raises questions about how long the seven-time world champion will stick around.

All of the 36-year-old’s previous deals have been multi-year agreements but a shorter one buys time for both sides while other issues are worked through. The debate is likely to continue for months, like the last deal was. Former F1 driver Martin Brundle described it as an unusual announcement for such a driver and team combo. | Reuters

GP

FORMULA 1 has given up on the idea of holding reverse-grid races in place of qualifying at some grand prix weekends, but is still considering a Saturday sprint format.

The concept would have seen drivers line up in reverse championship order to decide the starting grid for Sunday’s main event. The proposal was made last year because some circuits were hosting two races on successive weekends due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the risk of the second becoming a boring repeat of the first. | Reuters