MONTH after month, CAR’s inbox features mail from youngsters (and sometimes, not-so youngsters) with attached sketches and renderings of new-car designs, accompanied by the inevitable question; “I want to be a car designer. What must I do?”
It’s a question to which I can relate because, back in the ’80s and early-’90s, I asked that very same question, to this very same magazine. Automotive design – or to be more accurate, styling – is not an easy career to enter, and even more difficult in a country that offers no formal training in this field. Nevertheless, as the likes of South Africa’s Oona Scheepers (Volkswagen) and Keith Helfet (Jaguar, Optimal Energy) have shown, it is possible.
That is why we are very excited to announce the CAR magazine Design-A-Car competition, in partnership with Luma Animation and …XYZ Design, two local firms that have achieved worldwide acclaim in their respective fields. The competition will provide a launch pad for at least one South African design talent and potential recognition from one of the world’s most respected car designers, Jaguar’s Wayne J Burgess, who will be the judge in the competition. If you’ve ever considered making an effort to get into car design, now’s the time to act. For more on this exciting competition, flip to page 100.
Another exciting new development this month is our partnership with South African National Parks. Using our fleet of long-term test vehicles, we will visit South Africa’s beautiful National Parks and report on their attractions and facilities. The first car that went on a holiday was the Honda CR-Z, which visited the West Coast National Park near Langebaan. Is it as perfect a little weekend-getaway car for two as it seems to be? Turn to page 92 to find out.
Remember, we greatly value your feedback, so let us know what you think of these new additions.
SUBSCRIPTION COVER
Kicking off with this issue of CAR, subscribers are in for a monthly treat. The beautifully minimalistic cover pictured here will grace the magazine that subscribers will find in their postboxes this month. The content stays the same, of course, but we trust all subscribers will enjoy the special treatment. Also flip to page xxx to see our current subscriber offer – you could win a Suzuki Jimny!
GET CAR DIGITALLY
You can now read your favourite motoring magazine anytime, anywhere! Purchase a CAR digital subscription for just R134,19 and have 12 months’ access on your laptop or tablet. Simply log on to www.magsathome.co.za and select CAR to purchase online, or contact us at [email protected] or 0860 100 205.
Note – all print subscribers can claim a FREE digital version simply by selecting the “Print and Digital” option when purchasing online, or by contacting us through the aforementioned channels to confirm your email address for the monthly update link.