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The Torque Talk Episode 10 (Venturi 400 GT)

Venturi 400 GT: The forgotten French thoroughbred Image: Top Gear Origination. Born out of Venturi’s single-make racing program, the 400 GT is the road-going offshoot of the Venturi 400 Trophy—a fearsome early-’90s racer created for the Gentlemen Drivers Trophy series. Unveiled for the road in 1994 at Venturi’s Couëron base, the 400 GT retained much of the Trophy’s hardware but was trimmed and homologated for public roads. Production was tiny: fewer than 100 in total, with roughly 15 street cars and the rest competition variants, making any 400 GT sighting rare even in supercar circles.  Powertrain & performance. At its core is the famous PRV 3.0-liter V6—twin-turbocharged, intercooled, and mid-mounted—rated at about 408 PS (402 bhp) and ~520–530 Nm . A 5-speed manual sends power to the rear wheels. Contemporary figures have the 400 GT at 0–100 km/h in ~4.7 s with a top speed near 290 km/h (180 mph) —squarely supercar numbers for the era.  Braking firsts & chas...

The Torque Talk Episode 9 (2025 Audi A6 E-Tron)

  2025 Audi A6 E-Tron: A Symphony of Luxury and Innovation By Byron Hill Image: Autotrader Audi has always been synonymous with cutting-edge technology, sophisticated design, and dynamic performance. The 2025 Audi A6 E-Tron upholds these values while steering the brand into an electrified future. With its stunning design, innovative technology, and electrifying performance, the A6 E-Tron represents Audi's commitment to a sustainable yet thrilling driving experience. Here's an in-depth look at what makes this luxury electric sedan stand out. Exterior Design: A Modern Masterpiece The A6 E-Tron’s exterior is a work of art, blending elegance and aerodynamic efficiency. The sleek silhouette, coupled with its sculpted body lines, delivers a commanding road presence. The front fascia features Audi's signature single-frame grille, reimagined for the electric era, with sleek LED headlights that incorporate Digital Matrix technology. These lights not only provide unparalleled illu...

Beyond the Boarders Episode 4: Higher Learning Institutions in the United States

 Higher Learning Institutions in the United States By Florence Cheptoo The United States is home to a diverse array of higher learning institutions that cater to students from all walks of life. From prestigious universities to accessible community colleges, the educational landscape offers opportunities for academic growth, personal development, and career advancement. Below, we explore the key features of these institutions, focusing on their structure, student life, academic calendars, and more. Universities: The Cornerstones of Higher Education Image;University of Illinois Chicago Universities in the U.S. are renowned for their extensive academic offerings and research opportunities. Institutions such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of Michigan are among the most prestigious, attracting students from across the globe. These universities typically offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in fields such as engineer...

The Torque Talk Episode 8 (The Nio Firefly EV)

  The Nio Firefly EV: A Glimpse into the Future of Urban Mobility By Victor Volodymyr Image: Nio Firefly The automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift as electrification takes center stage. Among the new entrants pushing the boundaries of innovation is Nio, a company already renowned for its high-performance electric vehicles (EVs). Enter the Nio Firefly EV, a compact yet sophisticated addition to Nio's lineup, designed with urban environments in mind. This vehicle is not just a car; it represents a vision for sustainable, connected, and efficient urban transportation. Compact Design with a Big Impact The Nio Firefly EV is crafted for city dwellers who prioritize agility and efficiency. With its compact dimensions, the Firefly is perfectly suited for navigating tight city streets and parking in cramped spaces. Despite its small size, the design does not compromise on style. The car features sleek lines, a modern front fascia, and aerodynamic enhancements that undersc...

Beyond the Boarders Episode 3: Hotels in Australia

Hotels in Australia: Diverse Stays for Every Traveler By Florence Cheptoo Image by: Tripadvisor Australia is a vast and diverse country, and its range of hotels reflects this variety. From luxurious five-star resorts in bustling cities to quaint boutique accommodations in serene landscapes, travelers are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a place to stay. Whether visiting for business or leisure, Australia’s hotels cater to every budget and style, offering unique experiences that complement the nation’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. City Hotels: Elegance in Urban Centers Australia’s major cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, boast a collection of world-class hotels. In Sydney, properties like the Park Hyatt and Shangri-La offer breathtaking views of iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Melbourne’s Crown Towers and The Langham deliver luxury alongside access to the city’s cultural and culinary hotspots. For those traveli...

Beyond the Boarders Episode 2: Discovering Australia

  Discovering Australia: A Land of Wonders By Florence Cheptoo Image by: karlobag Australia, the sixth-largest country in the world, is a land of incredible diversity and breathtaking beauty. Known for its sprawling landscapes, vibrant cities, unique wildlife, and rich culture, it offers experiences that cater to every type of traveler. Whether you’re drawn to pristine beaches, bustling urban centers, or the mysteries of the Outback, Australia has something special for everyone. Nature and Landscapes Australia’s natural beauty is unmatched, with landscapes that range from arid deserts to lush rainforests. The iconic Outback , with its rugged terrain and red-hued sands, is a symbol of Australia’s wild heart. Uluru, a massive sandstone monolith, is not only a natural wonder but also a sacred site for the Indigenous Anangu people. The country is home to the Great Barrier Reef , the world’s largest coral reef system, which stretches over 2,300 kilometers along the Queensland coast. Thi...

Beyond the Boarders Episode 1: Luxembourg

HAPPY 2025!! Welcome to Beyond the Borders , your gateway to the wonders of global travel! In this column, we’ll take you on thrilling adventures across continents, diving into diverse cultures, hidden gems, and must-visit destinations. From bustling cityscapes to serene natural retreats, we’ll bring you stories, tips, and inspiration to fuel your wanderlust. Whether you’re an avid traveler or someone dreaming of their first big trip, this space is for you. Join us as we traverse the globe, uncovering what makes every corner of the world special. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to journey Beyond the Borders . Let’s explore the world - Together ! Beyond the Borders : Exploring the World, One Story at a Time For those who are interested in Luxembourg, check this; In Kenya, applying for a Luxembourg visa is straightforward if you follow the right steps. Here’s a simplified guide to help you get started: Determine the Visa Type Identify the purpose of your visit. Common visa types ...

The Torque Talk Episode 7 (Subaru Forester vs Mazda CX5)

Battle of the Giants: Subaru Forester SJ5 vs. Mazda CX-5 – Kenyan Edition! Here's the thing , we have the Subaru Forester SJ5 2017 model, a vehicle that’s practically a Swiss Army knife on wheels. In the other corner, the Mazda CX-5 2017—sleek, stylish, and always ready to give you side-eye like your secret admirer-crush. Let’s start with the Forester. This beast is like that one friend who insists on going on safari every weekend. With enough space for a whole family (or that Kadebe thing), it’s perfect for those kanga road trips to Diani. Plus, it has a fabulous symmetrical all-wheel drive system—because the last thing you need on a rainy day in Nairobi is a car that decides it's taking a detour to the nearest pothole. Now, the CX-5 is like the cool guy who eats mutura and chafuas meza ya kalocal. It’s stylish, it’s got curves in all the right places, and gives you the rich uncle/aunt vibes! With a plush interior and impressive tech features and premium music sytem, it might ...

Man from the future

By John Wachira  The guy you see is from Kathmandu, Nepal, home to Mt Everest. And the wonders in Kathmandu stretch from the topography to time. Time you say? Well, yesterday I accompanied him to the MOI to make an inquiry about his VISA. At the reception we met this Filipino lady who had the attitude of an M-PESA attendant. After a quick chat she asked him to produce his Birth Certificate and lo and behold, my man is from the future! Turns out he was born in March 2045! We were quite taken aback, but while he was busy explaining his unique case to the lady, whom I could tell wasn't about to believe anything he said, my imagination took the better of me. I started to envision dethroning the Mighty Prophet Owuor from the business by relocating to Nepal, where it is 2081 today btw, and be bringing you more credible news on the future, mostly the Armageddon.  In 2009, my uncle sold everything including his wife to the village chief bcs of a prophecy by the mighty prophet, and aft...

The Home Button

You don't feel it till you close the last app.  I don't know what it is for you, but you'll know what I mean. Lonely. You don't feel lonely till you close the last app on your phone. Then it hits you. You see, it only hurts when you stop. It's like running. Trying to find people. Trying to find a scene. Trying to find that thing you don't even know what to call. But you're always looking. Always looking for it. There's always a hallucination about a red mark on the notifications icon.  Finding new people around you. Refreshing news feed. Hold on a bit. Oops. Sorry. Nothing here. Like a mailman walking away leaving you at the door, holding it open for a miracle to walk in and understand how you feel. Maybe someone did. Maybe someone still does. But it's never enough is it? No one is all you need. People aren't islands. People are lifeboats, holding on for a while. Pulling down on little screens once again hoping to run into a bit of land. *** Are ...

Hips don't lie !

By Ted Malanda The human resource hiring process favours people with good mouth and is nasty for introverts. Half the time, it confuses optics and finely brewed hot air for ability. Did you watch the interview that ended Biden's presidential campaign? Trump blew the old man out of the room. Biden could barely speak, or get a forceful sentence out of his mouth.  HR would have hired Trump on the spot. A CNN political commentator later said, "After watching that debate, I'm convinced Biden can govern, but he can't run for office." Biden is one of those cursed workers who struggle with job interviews. They stammer, sweat and look so miserable because they know the interview ended barely a minute when they walked into the room. And yet they are pretty solid workers.  It takes a very keen and discerning mind to see ability in that nervous, blubbering "idiot" sweating at the front of the table, taken in as they are with the hot air that walzed out of the boardr...

One day I will write about this place

Review by Eugene Kabisa Binyavanga writes like the words fall on his laps from the sky. *One day I Will Write about this Place* starts off slow. The first few pages let you into a little life of a little family of playful kids and dutiful parents thriving in a post colonial Kenya. At the start, it's just another random family passing through the tunnel of changing times. But you fall in love with them with every page you flip. And that's where you start to realize that you have been set up for an imminent ride of giggles, growth, transformations and massive heartbreaks of watching them grow old. That's when you realise that everything that happens to them happens to you.  Binyavanga let's you in generously. He lays his childhood bare for you to see. He does an open heart surgery on his struggles and inadequacies and let's you in the operation room. He brings you to every place he has been and shows you even the darkest parts of a clouded adulthood. He brings you to ...

The Torque Talk Episode 6 ( Range Rover Sport SV)

 Range Rover Sport SV 2024 by Mandla Lubanzi The all-wheel-drive Range Rover Sport SV is the most powerful Rover ever, crushing the previous 575-hp Range Rover Sport SVR in the process. Flying a fox hunt with its 626-hp twin-turbo V-8 is like flying fighter jets. The Range Rover Sport SV, which has a top speed of 180 mph, receives supercar treatment in the form of lightweight carbon fibre wheels and massive eight-piston Brembo callipers to grip its carbon ceramic brake rotors. Aside from its quad exhausts, the Range Rover SV is designed to represent Land Rover luxury. Its knob-free infotainment panel has gone completely digital, and its bolstered front bucket seats house components for its 29-speaker surround sound system. There's nothing earthly about this high-performance utility vehicle, even if it sits over an inch lower than previous Range Rover Sports. The Range Rover Sport SV is Land Rover's wholly new manifestation of performance-luxury transportation for 2024. Taking a...

Love at First Dance

When she first joked about it, I dismissed it as a fleeting urge; a curiosity that wouldn't kill the cat. Then she insisted. She implored and cajoled me, piercing me with her hazel eyes and coaxing me with her caustic voice.  Being in this dingy alley leading to a flight of stairs up to a small door that struggled to let out the deafening music and the stench of revellers shook the very foundations of my masculinity. She held my hand and dragged me up the stairs. My masculinity pulled the eject handle and deserted my body quicker than a fighter jet pilot in distress. As we climbed up, we bumped into tall dark figures in wigs and thongs, their guttural chants sharply contrasting their outfits. At the entrance, we paid the redeemable entrance fee and I thought 'there's no turning back now boy'. For 10 pm, the club was too fully packed. We got stools and sat at a corner near a subwoofer, using the vibrating contraption as a table. The ground beneath me was shaking and the ...

The Torque Talk Episode 5 (KIA Sorento)

KIA Sorento 2025 could be cheaper than the 2024 model by Mandla Lubanzi Image by: Motor1 Mid last month, Kia revealed the pricing and details for the 2025 Sorento Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid, both of which have received the same updates as the 2024 pure combustion model. Unsurprisingly, prices have increased compared to last year—quite significantly in some instances. However, there's an unexpected twist. The base price of the new Sorento plug-in hybrid is actually lower than it was. This is because a new entry-level trim has been released. The plug-in hybrid's base price, which includes a $1,375 shipping charge, is now $49,365 for the EX model. This preserves the same hybrid drivetrain with 261 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, but it comes with a $2,300 lower starting MSRP than the model from the previous year. In summary, it has a 14-kilowatt-hour battery pack, a single electric motor, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2025 Sorento has a 30-mile ele...

The guy in my dream

By Dee Lemorena  I have not been able to leave my house since yesterday. This is what happened. I left Papa Joe's in Utawala at around 8 pm Saturday and went straight home because I had emails to respond to. Since I was full, I made myself comfortable and slid into bed at around 11. Now, I don't know what happened between 11pm and 3 am but I have been having flashbacks in bits and most probably, by end of today, I'll remember everything. When I do, I'll let you know. I was in California, driving from the Los Angeles County Museum on Wilshire Boulevard Avenue to the Newport Beach and a cool handsome guy in dark sunglasses was sitting right beside me. I can't remember what we were talking about but I was smiling and giggling like a little girl and it made me happy. It was a 50 minute drive but being an amateur and baby girl, it took us about two half hours to get to the City. Patience! The handsome guy was guiding me and showing  me famous burger joints along the way ...

The Torque Talk - Episode 3 (the old buddies)

The old buddies  By Mandla Lubanzi Carl Benz's development of a gasoline-powered vehicle and subsequent fabrication of several identical replicas in 1886 marked the introduction of the first modern car- a useful, marketable vehicle for daily use- as well as the first automobile in series production. Lets look at some of the mid nineties buddies  Austin Maxi The Austin Maxi, mocked by many today, was a decent car with a 1.5-liter E-series engine that was let down by some initial quality issues and a mismatch between engine and gearbox. It also had a terrible cable-operated shift that was fixed in later models with more powerful motors. The Maxi was the first hatchback in the UK and had fold-down rear seats to make tones of luggage space, even enough to make a double bed, as Austin pointed out.  The Hydraulic suspension, later Hydra gas, provided a plush ride, but during its 12-year existence, the Maxi never quite met its sales targets. Dino 246 Although the Dino 246 freque...

The Torque Talk - Episode 2

The strangest driving laws in the world by Mandla Lubanzi Driving laws are influenced by the cars in a particular country, the people who drive them, and the environment in which they operate. For instance, while not a regulation, but rather a recommendation, officials in some of South Africa's hostile areas advise motorists not to look under the bonnet if their vehicle breaks down. It is safer to stay in the car and phone for help than to walk down the side of the road and risk being robbed, hit, or both. Also, unlike in most other countries, South African drivers are not required to have insurance when driving a car. As a result, approximately 70% of vehicles in the country do not have it. But it's probably a good idea: South African roads are dangerous by developed-world standards, and car theft is a major issue. Law of potatoes ! The Marketing Act of Potatoes, passed in Australia in 1946, prohibits motorists who are not members of the Potato Marketing Corporation or one of...