The Car Guide

Ferrari has whipped the wraps off the 12Cilindri Manuale, a limited-edition special series of the Italian marque’s flagship grand tourer. Image: Ferrari In May 2026, reports surfaced that Ferrari is planning to bring back the manual V12 , with rumours suggesting the 12Cilindri as the likely receptor of such a gearbox. Well, the Italian marque has now officially whipped the wraps off a “manual”-equipped 12Cilindri, named the Manuale. However, it’s not manual-only… Indeed, the special edition retains an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), but gains the Maranello brand’s in-house-developed “Manuale By-Wire” system. This setup replaces steering column paddle shifters with a gated six-speed ‘box and a functional clutch pedal to simulate an analogue driving experience. Drivers can operate the car in automatic mode or switch to manual mode; the latter comprising the first six forward ratios and reverse. The compact, solid-machin...

Bentley Motors is entering the electric era, with the British luxury automaker teasing its first all-electric vehicle, the Torcal. Image: Bentley Bentley Motors has teased the Torcal, the upcoming fourth model in the British luxury marque’s portfolio and the brand’s first electric vehicle (EV). The name ‘Torcal’ is derived from the Latin word ‘torquere’, meaning ‘to twist’. It is inspired by the natural landmark in Andalusia, Spain, known as El Torcal de Antequera. The idea is Bentely shifting to a new era of propulsion – electricity. This isn’t the first car from the Crewe-based automaker to be named after a natural landmark – so were the Bentayga, Bacalar and Batur . The Torcal is smaller than the Bentayga . While details around this Bentley currently remain under wraps, some information has been revealed. Road & Track ’s semi-exclusive preview of the Torcal revealed that it is approximately 4 877 mm long, and Bentley is quoting a range of more than 483...

In celebration of the ‘Corolla’ nameplate’s 60th anniversary, Toyota has whipped the wraps off a special-edition Corolla Cross. Meet the Corolla Cross Adventure… Image: Toyota Unveiled in Japan, Toyota is commemorating 60 years of its historic ‘Corolla’ nameplate with a special-edition Corolla Cross, named the Adventure. The Corolla Cross Adventure features a revised front grille, silver fore and aft skidplates, and 17-inch alloy wheels finished in matte grey. ‘60th anniversary’ logos can be found on the front wheel arches. Customers also have the option of specifying the Z Adventure package – the latter including an emblem with ‘Toyota’ lettering on the grille and a new finish for the front/rear bumper, wheel-arch and side skirt cladding. The new special edition of Toyota’s best-selling passenger car in South Africa in June 2026 currently remains exclusive to the Japanese market, with no word yet on whether it will be introduced to SA. Also read: Rumoured Toyota Corol...

The Chery Rosslyn manufacturing plant has officially been opened in Pretoria, marking the Chinese automaker’s transition from vehicle importer to local manufacturer in SA. Image: Chery South Africa In January 2026, we reported on Chery South Africa’s plans to acquire Nissan’s assembly plant in Rosslyn. Dating back to 1963, it’s one of SA’s longest-operating automotive manufacturing facilities. Now, Chery has officially cut the ceremonial ribbon on the (renamed) Chery Rosslyn manufacturing plant in Pretoria. While Chery has yet to confirm its full local production roster, high-volume models like the increasingly popular Jetour T1 and T2 , the Jaecoo J5, and the Chery Tiggo Cross are already locked in for 2027 production at Rosslyn. This marks the Chinese brand’s transition from a vehicle importer to a local manufacturer. The firm plans to invest in retrofitting and upgrading the plant’s facilities and utilities over the next 12 months. The first units are expected to roll ...

In June 2026, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) continued to lead the local sales charts as the best-selling car brand in SA. Image: Toyota Strengthening its position as best-selling car brand in SA , Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) recorded an increase in monthly sales figures in June 2026. The local arm of the Japanese automaker sold a total of 12 417 new vehicles; representing an increase of 2 229 vehicles compared to April 2026 . TSAM’s aggregate June 2026 sales figure represents 22.8% of the total market share. In the sixth month of the year, 5 852 new Toyota passenger vehicles left showroom floors. The firm’s strongest performer in the passenger-car segment was the Corolla Cross (1 356 units), followed by the Urban Cruiser (1 174 units), Starlet (968 units), Vitz (921 units) and Fortuner (726 units). The new RAV4 and Land Cruiser FJ recorded 355 and 264 units sold, respectively. Toyota’s luxury arm, Lexus, sold 106 units in June. Lexus’ best-sellers were the GX ...

Sporting an increase in dimensions and a new PHEV powertrain option, the next GWM Tank 300 has been revealed. Image: GWM Introduced to South Africa in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) guise in 2024, with the highly anticipated 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine option following in 2025, GWM has revealed the next Tank 300 on social media. Although the Chinese automaker has remained tight-lipped about the new generation, publication Kuai Technology has reported the latest iteration of GWM’s Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest rival features larger dimensions and gains a new PHEV powertrain option. The next Tank 300’s bodywork measures 4 886 mm in length and 1 984 mm in width; making it 126 mm longer and 54 mm wider than the current model. The new Tank 300 is taller, too – 1 927 vs 1 903 mm. In addition, the wheelbase has been stretched, by 260 to 3 010 mm. Exterior design changes remain subtle, with perhaps the most notable coming in the shape of ‘Tank’ lettering on the fro...