QUICK READ
THE Cape 1 000 ode to historic cars is back for another few days of open road indulgence. The 2023 event is scheduled to run from March 19 to 24, and although it has been sold out, there will be plenty of viewing opportunities for car enthusiasts. Follow the Cape 1 000’s Facebook page for more details.
This year’s entries include a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, one of five 1935 Bentley “Blue Trains”, a 1973 Ferrari Daytona GTB4, a 1993 Lamborghini Diablo and a 2008 Bugatti Veyron. The event starts and ends in Cape Town, meandering through Hermanus, George and Franschhoek.
Hybrid
WHEN the Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S was launched in Mzansi late last year, many wondered why there was no hybrid option. But Toyota SA has now answered the prayers of those seeking the sporty new trim with hybrid power.
Priced at R495 200, the GR-S HEV becomes the most expensive model in the line-up, commanding a R15 000 premium over the XR hybrid model, and it’s also more expensive than the regular 1.8-litre GR-S. The 1.8-litre petrol-electric drivetrain boasts a system output of 90kW. The GR-S is set apart by a sportier exterior and interior.
THE burned-out wreckage of Romain Grosjean’s 2020 fireball crash in Bahrain is to go on display for the first time next month as part of a Formula One exhibition in Madrid. The French driver scrambled through the flames to safety in a miraculous escape after his Haas car, with a full fuel load, crashed on the opening lap at the Sakhir circuit and speared through the metal barrier.
His last recorded speed before hitting the barrier was 221km/h. The remains of the chassis, which split in half on impact, have been kept under wraps for the past three years but will be placed in a dedicated room titled “Survival”.
F1
SEVERAL teams have approached Honda about a partnership when F1's new engine era starts in 2026 but no decision has been taken, the Japanese manufacturer said this week. Honda has an agreement to build engines in Japan for world champion Red Bull and sister team AlphaTauri until 2025.
Red Bull announced a new partnership with Ford from 2026. Honda, which officially withdrew from F1, has registered to be one of six power unit suppliers from 2026-30.