Nicol Louw

CAR’s technical editor was once the senior vehicle integration engineer on Optimal Energy’s Joule electric car and had stints with Ford (UK), Integral Powertrain (UK) and CAE. He completed his MSc in mechanical engineering in 2004, obtained UK Chartered Engineering status in 2009 and is a judge of the International Engine of the Year competition.

We investigate the remarkable sport of radio-controlled racing...

The cars may be small but their performance is remarkable. We investigate the sport of radio-controlled racing... I am standing with a controller in my hand connected to a 1:10-scale racer on the track below. This can only end badly… To preserve the expensive toy from a rookie mistake, Francois ...

And the International Engine + Powertrain of the Year for 2019 is…

The International Engine + Powertrain of the Year for 2019 has been announced, with Ferrari claiming a record-breaking fourth consecutive overall title with its 3,9-litre V8 turbopetrol. The engine does duty in the Portofino, 488 GTB and 488 Pista (as well as the upcoming F8 Tributo). Perhaps ...

DRIVEN: Porsche 911 Speedster

SARDINIA, Italy – There's a straight section of asphalt ahead. Roof down, second gear and throttle pinned. The rev needle rises urgently, building to an almighty crescendo at 9 000 r/min. I depress the heavy clutch and slot the next ratio home to repeat the performance. The island scenery ...

Long-term test: Kia Sorento 2,2 CRDi AWD EX

Long-term test (Introduction): Kia Sorento 2,2 CRDi AWD EX A Facelifted Kia Sorento recently arrived at our offices for a six-month tenure in our test fleet. I am not usually a fan of dark-metallic paint finishes because they are difficult to keep clean, as well as the obvious issue of cabin-heat ...

Toyota's Dakar-winning Hilux: how to build a rally raid champion

We got the inside track from Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa’s team principal on what makes the Hilux racer special... Three hours. Provided there’s no damage to the bakkie, that’s how long the team works on the Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) Hilux when it stops in the bivouac ...

DRIVEN: Volkswagen Amarok 3,0 TDI V6 4Motion AT Highline (off road)

NELSPRUIT – “Can the Amarok V6 cut it in the rough stuff?” This has become a common question from 4x4 enthusiasts when it comes to Volkswagen's double-cab bakkie. In my opinion, the Amarok V6 is the most competent leisure bakkie in our market (read the road test here). It's powerful, ...

DRIVEN: Alpine A110

SPAIN – Granted, eight minutes is not exactly a lot of time to evaluate a new vehicle, but these particular eight minutes were spent on the limit at the famous Ascari race track. At the Goodyear Eagle F1 tyre launch, the Alpine A110 was fitted with the new SuperSport rubber to give us a chance ...

DRIVEN: Renault Duster 1,5 dCi Dynamique 4WD (on sand)

CAPE TOWN – "Are you sure?" The officer at the gate to Atlantis Dunes has a perplexed look on his face as I pull up in the Renault Duster. After I assure him this is indeed a proper 4x4, he lifts the boom and our day of fun begins. I don't blame him for his scepticism, though, as most vehicles ...

Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Golf R: which would you choose?

CAPE TOWN – Which would you prefer? A Volkswagen Golf GTI or a Golf R? I suspect most people would instantly reply “R”. Well, I had the opportunity to drive both during the recent launch of the updated Golf R, which on the day sported some optional extras in the form of a R39 900 ...

Headlamps explained: halogen vs. HID vs. LED vs. laser...

Headlamp performance has improved drastically over the past few decades. We investigate the different technologies available today...Can you believe there was a time when headlamps were optional on vehicles? Not that they were of much help, anyway: early versions (powered by candles, oil or acetylene) ...