Hunting Exotic Metal: A Car Show Photo Essay - Durban, South Africa

in #photography6 years ago

IMG_6823.jpg

Car shows in Durban are a dime a dozen. Every weekend, you're sure to find a car related gathering somewhere, whether it be in a far-flung parking lot, or outside the local bunny chow joint (don't know what a bunny chow is? Google it).

This past weekend saw one of the biggest car shows of the year take place at a large shopping centre, with festivities planned for virtually the entire 48 hours. That's fine and dandy, but the problem with local car shows is a certain lack of variety. The "slammed / stance" scene is enormous, so every show is sure to be filled to the brim with otherwise boring hatchbacks fitted with dodgy lowering kits. And if that's your poison, then that's fine.

However, I prefer my cars to be a little more...exotic. And luckily, a friend of mine was there exhibiting an incredible display of automotive art from his company that would fit my bill perfectly. After asking nicely, he was more than happy to let me get up close and personal with all the cars on offer and snap away to my hearts content. He even started a few of them for extra aural satisfaction. Nice guy hey?

Anyway, this is what I returned with. Sit back and relax, because there's plenty of car goodness below.

2018 Porsche 911 GT2RS

IMG_6687.jpg

Up until just last week, this car was the fastest production car around the infamous Nürburgring, being ousted from the top spot by the upcoming Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. However, the GT2RS still holds a very soft spot in my heart - there's just something undeniably amazing about it. I mean, 700hp going straight to the rear wheels? Madness.

This particular example is rumored to be only one of two currently on the roads of South Africa. Being less than a few weeks old, the owner has only racked up just over 500km on the odometer, but I was assured that this car would be hitting the track once the engine has been properly run in. I can't wait.

IMG_6666.jpg
And did I mention it has the Weissach package? This package costs a fair penny more, but reduces the cars weight by a further 18kg

IMG_6807.jpg
Downforce is a serious business on the GT2RS

IMG_6669.jpg
The rest of the interior is remarkably standard Porsche - but don't forget the huge rollcage just out of frame. Oh, and the speedometer that goes to 400km/h.

IMG_6663.jpg
Not exactly my best photo of the bunch, but it works well to show off the massive amount of (genuine) carbon on this track-orientated monster.

Can you guess I'm a huge fan of the GT2RS?

Yeah, you're probably getting bored of me waxing lyrical about it. But that's ok - I understand. Let's keep moving on to look at some of the other exotic machinery on display.

2015 McLaren 650S Spider

IMG_6623.jpg

Ah yes, good old McLaren. After producing the F1, they sort of just vanished for many years, but then came back with a vengeance by releasing the MP4-12C. This particular model is the successor to the MP4-12C, and still shares roughly 25% of the parts.

To be honest, Woking's finest has never really appealed to me. I like the P1 (which we don't get in South Africa), yet still reserve a certain amount of respect for the rest of their work. Personal preference and all that.

IMG_6625.jpg
But seeing the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) markings were pretty cool. This car also had an Akrapovic exhaust system fitted.

IMG_6643.jpg
And an interior photo...because why not?

2017 Ferrari 488 Spider

IMG_6764.jpg

From the get-go, it should be fairly obvious this is no standard 488. This one has been extensively modified (cosmetically, at least), with a smattering of aftermarket additions - some of which cost enough to buy you a regular hatchback.

It's worth noting that there were a bunch of other Ferrari's on display, including a maroon red 488, as well as the mighty F12. However, since this was a "custom" car show, I decided to investigate the custom one of Maranello's offerings.

IMG_6758.jpg
I shudder to think how expensive that front carbon splitter must cost, since it's inevitably going to be replaced after an encounter with one of South Africa's notoriously huge speedbumps.

IMG_6774.jpg
At least you can drop the top and look good while getting it replaced. Silver linings and all that...

2017 Porsche 911 GT3 (X2)

IMG_6699.jpg

I've decided to include these two cars as one because they're essentially the same car - just in different colours. Both even have the exact same Akrapovic exhaust system, with the only major noticeable difference being the enormous wing on the white GT3 (as if the standard wing wasn't big enough already).

IMG_6718.jpg
Can't see the wing? Ok, just admire the front view for a bit...then scroll down.

IMG_6716.jpg
Yeah. Surprise.

IMG_6675.jpg
The interior of the black GT3 featured some pretty cool artwork dedicated to racing legend Ayrton Senna.

IMG_6729.jpg
Whereas the white GT3 featured a serious amount of Akrapovic branding. I've checked - the owner is in no way affiliated with them, other than having one of their systems on the car. Gives it a nice "race car" look though.

2013 Nissan R35 GTR

IMG_6827.jpg

I didn't venture much outside of the undercover show area, only doing a quick lap around the parking lot. Not much caught my attention, but I did have to stop and admire one of my all-time favourites: the Nissan GTR. This particular model was sporting a striking deep blue paintwork, sitting on a set of debatable rims. Once again, each to their own...I'll mind my own business over here.

And that wraps up my show experience.

CameraCanon 6D
LensCanon 24-105 f4 L Series / Rokinon 24mm f1.4
ProcessingLightroom CC
LocationDurban, South Africa

But wait...there's more: Bonus interior photos!

IMG_6631.jpg

IMG_6745.jpg

IMG_6645.jpg

IMG_6686.jpg

Ok, this is seriously the end now. Thanks for looking!

Sort:  

Highfive for the Akrapovic equipped owners, Porsche for life! There's just something about them from every singe generation, stunning shots as always bud!

Your like being subscribed to #Speedhunters ;)

Haha, thanks @warrkin. I'm a huge Speedhunters fan (both with the photography and writing), so to be compared to them is a great compliment.

One of the reasons besides this amazing platform that got me into photography. ;)

Great pics of some awesome cars. That wing on that white GT3 is something to behold!

Thanks for checking them out @gholsa. Yeah, I'm going to a track day this weekend and the white GT3 will probably be there. Can't wait to see it in action around the track looking like that.

World of Photography
>Visit the website<

You have earned 6.50 XP for sharing your photo!

Daily Stats
Daily photos: 1/2
Daily comments: 0/5
Multiplier: 1.30
Block time: 2018-07-30T19:05:51
Account Level: 2
Total XP: 367.29/400.00
Total Photos: 35
Total comments: 4
Total contest wins: 3
And have also received a 0.84 percent upvote.

Follow: @photocontests
Join the Discord channel: click!
Play and win SBD: @fairlotto
Daily Steem Statistics: @dailysteemreport
Learn how to program Steem-Python applications: @steempytutorials
Developed and sponsored by: @juliank

Hi garethb,

This post has been upvoted by the Curie community curation project and associated vote trail as exceptional content (human curated and reviewed). Have a great day :)

Visit curiesteem.com or join the Curie Discord community to learn more.

How to be Confident

Confidence is certainly the most important factor which adds to the personality of any individual. A person’s confidence might go down due to mistakes, failure, guilty or any other thing which is undesirable. Some people often develop inferiority complex due to their physical appearance, caste, financial status etc. Such people perceive confidence as their weakness, while the truth is that confidence is an individual’s biggest strength.

Your confidence reflects your character, attitude and passion. You should be confident about who you are and whatever you do. Being confident will help you to express yourself and stand amongst the crowd.

Focus on your achievements rather than on your failures. If you do find yourself thinking about how you failed then look at what you managed to do right and how you could improve the outcome the next time. This change in attitude makes you more positive and that outlook will change how you cope with all the challenges you face.

Set reachable goals for yourself and break difficult tasks into smaller steps. You will be able to believe that you can achieve your larger goals if you can see the clear steps towards it and know that you can be successful by taking these smaller steps.

Dude... stop spamming.

Coin Marketplace

STEEM 0.22
TRX 0.26
JST 0.040
BTC 96714.38
ETH 3411.05
USDT 1.00
SBD 3.17