It started back in March with a phone call to Hyundai WRC. Would the team be up for sending a WRC car to Portimão for our TG24 test? Yes, it would. There’s a catch: although it’s a track test, we want it in full gravel trim, because it’s just funnier. Race teams don’t usually understand funnier, only faster, but Hyundai has a sense of humor – “No problem,” comes the reply. Oh, and can we have it with all the trimmings – awning, jacks, mechanics, etc? “Of course – do you want a driver, too?” Uh, we’d rather not.
A month later and I’m on Google Maps. I’ve been to Portimão dozens of times for various events. I love the track and the surrounding roads, but want to get my bearings and, hang about, what’s that just to the west of the track?
That looks suspiciously like a bunch of dirt tracks and off-road routes. I call Portimão in a state of excitement. Are they? They are. Can we? We can. What about the noise? What about the noise?
This story is from the November 2019 edition of Top Gear South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2019 edition of Top Gear South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Heat Seekers
Welcome to the world of wind-in-your-hair motoring... presuming you have hair, that is...
Hot Wings
Move over, road-legal minnows, it’s time for the serious machinery to pound the circuit...
Circuit Breaker
Petrol A45 AMG takes on electric Model 3. Now, who turned out the lights?
Rover's Return
Carrying the Defender into the modern century is intimidating but those put off by Discovery’s looks can now stay within the brand.
I Feel The Need...
Luckily we’re in the right place to reach brain-melting numbers – Bugatti’s Ehra-Lessien facility.
Arch Nemesis
Audi’s RS6 super-wagon has returned and it’s pumped to see you.
A Day in the Life of... ...Mark Webber
Aussie legend recalls his le mans 24hrs race day. Bonza.
Big Bulls
How do you celebrate a centenary? A trip to the bingo hall? A nice cup of tea with some cake? Not if you’re Lamborghini, you don’t. You make your maddest car even madder.
We Shall Fight On The Beaches
A stern battle awaits any manufacturer who enters supercar-infested waters. It’s Ferrari vs McLaren vs Lamborghini in the war of the spiders...
Tech For Dummies
Tech For Dummies