MGM puts top models through the paces
Clients and employees of Land Rover and Jaguar dealers, MGM Motors, had the chance to put various models of these brands to the test when they participated in a driving experience day at the Gerotek testing facility in Gauteng last Monday.
POLOKWANE – Clients and employees of Land Rover and Jaguar dealers, MGM Motors, had the chance to put various models of these brands to the test when they participated in a driving experience day at the Gerotek testing facility in Gauteng last Monday. (VIDEOS OF THE DAY BELOW)
Drivers were given the opportunity to learn about the different vehicles and their driving abilities under different conditions and circumstances. The on and off-road tracks provided a dynamic but fun environment that was sure to impress and inform at the same time. Activities included the skidpan gymkhana, aquaplaning, gradients and dynamic driving courses. Before every course, the instructors gave a short explanation on what the different vehicles had to offer and how the different function of each vehicle would be used in the test.
The day started with a skidpan drive in which drivers had to complete a course on a wet, painted surface to test the vehicles’ ability to deal with skidding and to assist the driver of the vehicle to stay in control. Gerotek’s smooth, horizontal concrete skidpan is the largest in the southern hemisphere. It is pear-shaped and has a 50m radius. The skidpan is used to perform repeatable and comparative tests to evaluate handling, suspension, steering and tyres under wet and dry standard conditions. A central water cannon, with a spray radius of 30m, ensures effective water coverage of the skidpan. The skidpan provided a highly thrilling experience that ensured the drivers gained more knowledge and experience.
The drivers experienced high-speed lane changes, over-steer and under-steer situations and emergency wet-braking in a real-world environment. These exercises demonstrated the advanced functionality of systems like Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Corner Break Control (CBC).
Next up was the dynamic circular track used to evaluate the wet handling characteristics of the vehicles and tyres. Water flowed across the test section for a distance of 20m. with a constant depth adjustable between 1mm and 8mm. Hydroplaning was both demonstrated and experienced on this track. During hydroplaning, a layer of water builds between the tyres and the road surface, and the vehicles need to be handled differently in order to control them.
In the afternoon, the team headed to the dynamic driving track where drivers were given the opportunity to test their driving skills at high speed around a course with different corners and turns. Drivers were taught the importance of maximising their own line of vision when entering and exiting a corner or turn.
The final event was the gradient course, which consisted of a series of steep inclines and declines, which was perfect to demonstrate the Land Rover terrain response programme, as well as the hill descent system on.
Attendees were also treated to a demonstration of the Land Rover’s off-road ability. As a final treat, drivers were shown the Land Rovers’s off-road abilities and independent suspension.
MGM Motors Land Rover – Jaguar brand manager in Polokwane, David Crouwkamp, said it was days such as this that made him proud to be part of the brand.
“We as Land Rover and Jaguar have a great tradition of excellence and looking after our clients. Prospective clients are one of our priorities.
“Thanks to Review for taking the time to join us in order to give readers a glimpse of the top treatment our clients and personnel enjoy on a daily basis,” Crouwkamp said.
“We will be going to Red Star Raceway just outside Delmas with 20 clients for a racetrack day on December 9, where we will race around a track with our F-Type Jaguars and Range Rover Sports, so watch this space!” he concluded.
“@JoubertRiana: Sales men and clients get ready for the trip to the Jaguar and Landrover experience in Johannesburg pic.twitter.com/bDXtUDRNF3”
— PolokwaneReview (@PolokwaneReview) November 24, 2014
Drivers ready themselves for the first lesson at Getoteck@Polokwane pic.twitter.com/nd8dbMOS3F
— Riana Joubert (@JoubertRiana) November 24, 2014
“@JoubertRiana: Aqua planing testing the vehicles wet road driving capabilities at the Gerotek course #Polokwane pic.twitter.com/MZbIDGwkp2”
— PolokwaneReview (@PolokwaneReview) November 24, 2014
Dynamic driving teaches drivers to handle turns safely at high speeds.@Polokwane pic.twitter.com/IM9Mq4SzL8
— Riana Joubert (@JoubertRiana) November 24, 2014
