NZ Performance Car No 288 February - March 2021

Ah, the sweet aroma of combusted gasoline and the alleviating hum of automotive conversation; events are back Covid-19, and it’s a bloody good feeling. It seems as though this entire year we’ve been reluctantly Zoom-calling one another, catching up via Facebook with live car meets, and other clever ways us car folk can think of to get our fix and to connect with each other. It’s been alright, sure. But how good has it been heading to a local car meet? It hit me incredibly hard at ClubFest, parked among hundreds of enthusiasts on Hampton Downs front straight, ready for the parade. Once in formation, we exited our vehicles, and I then realized, I was surrounded by hundreds, if not thousands, of car enthusiasts who have also been waiting for…

Hot-hatch enthusiasts, eat your hearts out! Toyota is back in the game, with the all-new GR Yaris (GR-Four), an all-wheel drive, threecylinder, turbocharged, two-door weapon that is backward engineering from a World Rally Championship rally car. Packing 200kW and 370Nm of torque, selectable differential splits, and Toyota reliability, this is one car we can’t wait to test in the next issue — more on this later! The GR Supra platform has had a revision, too, with an updated hot-side, with a proper manifold-like design and a 35kW boost in power. We get our hands on both of these new Toyotas before the next issue drop, so we will keep you updated on our thoughts.…

With classes available for all makes, models, and abilities, there’s no excuse not to hit the track this summer. If you’re new to motorsport, this is a great series to get started in, without the pressure of door-to-door racing. You don’t need a fast purpose-built track car to race, either — bring your daily. However, get ready to get addicted. With the race being against the clock, this is the perfect series for those into building crazy time-attack machines. The Superlap team has more prizes and trophies up for grabs than ever before, so make sure you get involved! Discounted season entries are open now; limited to 24 spots so secure your place asap. http://nzsuperlap.co.nz/ ROUND 1 TAUPO, 9–10 JANUARY 2021 ROUND 2 PUKEKOHE, 27–28 FEBRUARY 2021 ROUND 3 TAUPO, 10–11 APRIL 2021 ROUND 4 HAMPTON DOWNS, 15–16 MAY 2021…

There are a handful of big heavy hitters here in New Zealand, and two names you will often hear are ST Hitec and Jtune. NZPC spotlighted Jacky Tse’s lengthy import-racing career in the last issue, and Iain Clegg of ST Hitec features in some way or other in each issue, whether it’s on the drag strip in his seven-second R35 GT-R or around the circuit. So, when we caught wind of Jacky and Iain combining forces and moving into new premises, we couldn’t help but get rather excited. With premises much larger than their last two buildings, the dynamic duo will now be based at 2/20 Kerwyn Ave, East Tamaki, Auckland. Once the new premises are all set up, we will be heading down to check out the new team…

With Hayden Paddon flying the Hyundai flag here in New Zealand, there’s no denying Hyundai is claiming a decent chunk of the hot-hatch market with the previously released models. Now, it’s at it again with yet another rally-inspired machine: the all-new Hyundai i20N. With a stout 1.6-litre turbocharged direct-injection engine producing 150kW at the wheels, the Hyundai, with its factoryfitted six-speed manual transmission, is said to charge forward to 100kph in under seven seconds. Being that it’s a turbocharged four-banger, tuning will no doubt definitely be an option going forward, with the ‘stage tuners’ already licking their reflashing lips. With an aggressive front end, a small rev-happy four-cylinder, and a punchy turbocharger, this car will be competing toe to toe with the soon to be released Toyota GR Yaris —…

DUE TO COVID-19 ALERT LEVEL FLUCTUATIONS, ALL EVENT INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING BUT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE 4&ROTARY NATIONALS 30 JANUARY—1 FEBRUARY The 4 & Rotary Nationals or simply ‘The Nats’ is the annual pilgrimage for car enthusiasts from all over the country and has been the ‘must attend’ event in New Zealand for over quarter of a century (It’s basically part of our DNA). The Nats is where the best of the best congregate over a petrol-fuelled three-day weekend. The three day mega party kicks off on Saturday, 30 January with Claudelands in Hamilton playing host to the Show & Shine for the second year. The Meguiar’s ‘Final Four’ returns to reward the top four show cars New Zealand has to offer, with cash and prizes…