The Car Guide

One-percenters looking for a bargain deal on a 400 km/h+ road car may find resolution with the certified pre-owned Bugatti programme. We can’t imagine the W16-powered behemoths will be cheap though.  Image: Bugatti Most automotive brands pride themselves in their pre-owned selection. Sure, they never receive the same attention as new models but the cycle of trading-in keeps many dealerships in the green. It is a way to assure customers are buying a used vehicle that still retains the quality of a new vehicle. Well, a certified pre-owned Bugatti is officially part of the program the high-end manufacturer is offering to potential clientele.  Related: The Bugatti Mistral is the famous W16 motor’s final swan song The program will be limited to a Bugatti Chiron or Veyron which have been used and have racked up some mileage. Bugatti states: “Those who choose to purchase a pre-owned Veyron or Chiron through an authorized Bugatti Partner will be able to do so safe in the knowl...

Brabus , the high-performance aftermarket tuning company has done it again. Producing a brawny-looking, heavily tuned Mercedes-AMG G63 pickup that pumps out enormous power. This is the Brabus P 900 Rocket Edition.  Image: Brabus Packing a Brabus-powered twin turbo-charged 4,5-litre V8 engine under the bulging bonnet, the tuner has increased displacement from 4,0-litres. The P 900 generates 662 kW of power, 235 kW more than the stock SUV. This rocket also induces 1 250 N.m of torque, and that power is sent to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission which can be switched to manual mode with steering wheel-mounted paddles shifters. The design of the Brabus P 900 Rocket Edition is rooted from the Brabus XLP which is a transformed version of the Mercedes-AMG G63. The design of the P 900 still has a feel of the AMG G63 but with a cargo bed. According to Brabus, this vehicle was developed to expand and enhance their signature Rocket design language while maintain...

After just six months of resuming production to replace the 15 examples of the Lamborghini LP780-4 Ultimae that were lost on the Felicity Ace cargo ship which sunk to the depths of the Atlantic, Lamborghini Aventador production has come to an end for the second time. The first ever model of the Lamborghini Aventador was the sonorous 12-cylinder, 6,5-litre naturally aspirated Italian Raging Bull which debuted in 2011. The LP 700-4 set a new benchmark for super sports cars at the time and each iteration since then has improved the coupe with the venerable V12 powertrain seeing service in each. Image: Lamborghini As years progressed the Lamborghini Aventador proved to be a great success, with its sleek lines and aerodynamic-focused design it is capable of immediately grabbing the attention of all those that encounter it. The Aventador managed to outperform its competitors from its inception while each evolution ensured the model remained relevant to the segment. Related : Manso...

There’s much to be admired about the vast starry skies at night and the animal cries during the day, however, when nature is left to its own devices it becomes a gift that keeps on giving. The Suzuki #BigInBotswana Safari continues to surprise along the Khwai River writes Damian Adams.  Image: Chris Wall Day 3: Leisurely Game Drive on banks of the Khwai River We were woken by the smell of freshly brewing coffee on the fire and the yummiest Magwinya (Vetkoek) with butter & jam made by a local woman who owns “Hipposide Tuckshop” in Mababe Village. After breakfast, we set off for some more Game Viewing and this time we had the pleasure of seeing even more than the previous day. This was also the day of the Ellies because everywhere we turned, they were present in all of their majesty. Related:  More Suzuki Jimny stock confirmed for South Africa – new trim added We drove along the Khwai river and parked off to observe some Hippos honking about in the water. We must’ve p...

With the metaverse and virtual realm becoming of more prominence, Mercedes have given their hand to creating a purely virtual showcar.  Image: Gorden Wagener The production process of a car is a tedious and laborious sequence of methodical events that require the collaboration of engineers, designers and multi-disciplinary teams to bring to life. Creating something for the virtual realm is a little bit different. Creativity can dominate as a designer can have carte blanche over the entire process, creating something truly left field. Regulations on safety can be ignored while engineering and production constraints do not exist. Related: A Hayabusa powered digital roadster; the Suzuki Vision Gran Turismo Mercedes-Benz Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener originally teased the first all-virtual showcar of the brand on his personal Instagram profile a few days ago. Its overall aesthetics were vague since it was draped in a cover that vaguely displays the aesthetics underneath....

The new 2023 Lamborghini Urus S is as performance-oriented as its Performante sibling, just without the extravagant bodywork. Consider this mid-cycle refresh as a subdued Raging Bull, if such even exists.  Image: Lamborghini This means that the Lamborghini SUV will now be sold in two flavours, either the Urus Performante which takes things to 11, or this Urus S which will more likely be the model that bolsters the Italian automaker’s sales.  The 4,0-litre V8 engine under the angular bonnet of the 2023 Lamborghini Urus S now puts out 490 kW and 850 N.m which is the same output that the Performante boasts however this hasn’t been put on the 47 kg diet of its wider and more ludicrous sibling. As a result, it isn’t as fast but it certainly isn’t slow. The facelifted Raging Bull will now sprint to 100 km/h in 3,5 seconds which is 0,2 slower than the Performante. The model will top out at 305 km/h which means it is still in contention to keep up with the DBX and the Purosangue....

From up-and-coming karting sensations to gentleman drivers in their multi-million Rand supercars, we get Deon Joubert to shed some light on the South African motor racing scene and what the future may hold. The post Deon Joubert delves into the South African motor racing world with ROC appeared first on CAR Magazine . The Car Guide

Porsche is going all out to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a car that paved the way for models like today’s revered 911 GT3 RS. The 911 Carrera RS 2.7 debuted at the 1972 Paris Motor Show as a homologation special for Group 4 racing. The Carrera RS is significantly unique. In its day, it was the fastest German production car with a lightweight stature and excellent road handling. It was also the first production model to wear a front and rear spoiler. Today the 911 Carrera RS has many nicknames such as “Ducktail”, “RS” or “2.7er”. Now Porsche continues the celebration with the “Spirit of Carrera RS” with a special exhibition at the museum in Zuffenhausen. Image: Porsche Highlighting the exhibit is a 911 Carrera RS 2.7 in Touring guise and finished in bright yellow, Plus, there are examples from the 964, 993, 996, 997, 991, and 992 generations. There is also a rare prototype on display with a green metallic finish. The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS was presented to the world publicly, ...

2022 has been one of the most eventful years to date for the ‘most powerful letter in the world.’ The latest project to go live is the liveried BMW M Hybrid which wears M colours with pride for the first time. This is how it will look in competition trim.  Image: BMW It’s a good year to be a Bimmer fan. The M4 CSL , M2 , 3.0 CSL Homage are all treats the Bavarian automaker will be providing its paying customers but now, the M division has given a present to itself. It takes the form of an LMDh car which will race exclusively in endurance series’ from next year.  The electrified model was recently unveiled at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles and it wears its M badges with pride. The liveried BMW M Hybrid receives ultra-wide kidney grilles which function as nostrils and channel air for better efficiency and downforce.  Image: BMW Since it has been built exclusively for the race track, BMW has also announced the drivers who will be piloting the liveried BMW M Hy...

The fresh-faced Everest has just been given the stamp of approval for our local market, but the Ford Africa president has mentioned that there are still global supply chain challenges which may prolong waiting times for the new model. Image: Ford The automotive world has seemingly never experienced such long-term delays as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Although in the several years since the manufacturing sector and the world alike were put on hold, things have been moderately returning to normal.  Related: Audi production halt extended due to semiconductor shortage With a popular product brewing in their portfolio with the fresh-faced Everest, Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company Africa Region has reiterated that the model may be delayed to hit showroom floors for customers wanting to purchase the latest flagship SUV for the Blue Oval in South Africa.  Related: Maserati Grecale reveal delayed due to the semiconductor shortage “We are already seeing a h...

BMW M has revealed its first standalone model since the iconic M1 supercar of the 1970s. The long-awaited 2023 BMW XM has finally been displayed to the world and it becomes the first-ever BMW M hybrid model. Brimmed with as much power as it has luxury; 480 kW to be exact. Highlighting a confidently dramatic exterior design that exudes power and emotion and an intensely driver-focused interior, the XM most notably features slim daytime driving lights and an illuminated kidney grille detailed by horizontal M-style double bars. According to BMW, the exterior forms a visually expressive silhouette exuding presence. Strikingly sculpted surfaces and extravagant lines create a unique design language. The super SUV is packed with the most recent technology known to the Bavarian automaker too. Image: BMW The design of the BMW XM is developed exclusively for the BMW luxury class, as BMW calls it the new face of luxury. It has been given unique modifications announcing both its presence and...

Undeniable cult status beholds the revered Suzuki Jimny. As such, Suzuki SA has decided to host a Jimny gathering in just under a year’s time. Details and video here.  Image: Suzuki Between the 22nd and 24th of September 2023, the Jimny Safari Town Festival and Jimny Gathering will bring together hundreds, if not thousands of Jimny owners and fans to set a record for the largest number of Jimnys on one site. Not only will the anticipated number make this the largest Jimny gathering in Southern Africa but also potentially the world.  Related:  Jimny Botswana Expedition; into the wild – Part 2 The location for the Jimny gathering is Clarens, in the Eastern Free State. Chosen for its accessibility for owners across the country and the unrivalled beauty of the Moloti mountain range.  Brendon Carpenter, the Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa states: “Many local influencers, media personalities and industry professionals are Jimny owners, and the Ji...

Time to leave the hum of traffic, WIFI and civilization behind as we tackle the soft sand tracks that lead to our campsite. Cue the hiss of tyres being deflated to 1,0 bar and the clunk of low-range transfer cases being engaged for the journey ahead. Join CAR Magazine editor Damian Adams as he navigates the Botswana Expedition with Suzuki.  Image: Chris Wall Day 2: Game Viewing Drive on the Botswana Expedition We awoke the next morning fuelled by excitement and anticipation. We enjoyed a hearty breakfast and were reminded that this would be the last opportunity to update our Instagram stories, as we’d be off the grid from this point on. We had our briefing, gathered our snacks and lunch for the day and departed for Savuti via Kachikau for a full day of a 200 km Game viewing drive. Related:  Suzuki Jimny five-door long wheelbase reveal pushed to early 2022 Our Jimnys were put through their paces, but there was nothing these little guys couldn’t handle with the perfe...

With the likes of the indomitable GR Yaris and equally alluring GR Corolla perched at the summit of Gazoo Racing’s fleet hierarchy, the Corolla Cross GRS comes as a less high-strung and layman friendlier GR Badge carrier.  Image: Toyota Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division has birthed some incredible cars as of late. Their signature black and red badge signifies an inclination to high-performance driving and spirited passenger transportation. The latest crossover SUV addition to this division is a little step in the opposite direction not only in its performance capabilities but also it’s styling. The brutish face of the Corolla Cross GRS Alongside a lovely GR badge, a few slight changes have been introduced to the Corolla Cross’s exterior. While at a glance not much different to the standard models, it’s the devil in the detail that sets the GRS apart from the rest of its clan. The Corolla Cross GRS receives a unique front grille finished in gloss black that seeps into the headlam...

The new BMW M2 will officially be revealed on the 12th of October but another flurry of images of the hot Bavarian coupe has been leaked.  It has been a busy few days for local BMW enthusiasts, first was the confirmation that South Africa would be receiving several of the hotly anticipated BMW M4 CSL and the latest is that the Bavarian brand would be using the October M Fest to display their other sporty coupe; the new BMW M2. Tickets for the festival can be purchased here .  The latter has unfortunately been leaked in several images and it appears to be wearing a baby blue similar to the hue of Performance Blue on the Hyundai N model lineup. While it would be a sight for sore eyes for the sizable German automaker to officially reveal the model in our own backyard at the M Fest between the 15th and 16th of October, BMWBlog has confirmed the 12th of October to be the official date that it will be unsheathed from its covers. From the images, it seems as though the buxom bo...

The Tiguan Allspace arrived in Mzansi a few months ago, here is pricing and specification of the seven-seater T SUV from Volkswagen.  Image: Volkswagen Forming one of the four pillars of VW’s T SUV family – T-Cross, T-Roc, Tiguan and Touareg – the Tiguan Allspace has sold more than 1,7 million units globally since its global launch in 2017. Locally, over 7 000 of these vehicles have been sold since its 2018 introduction. What has changed on the new Tiguan Allspace Featuring an updated design and space for up to seven people, the new Tiguan receives the same updates that the new Tiguan has such as sharper head- and taillights a digital cockpit and comprehensive connectivity. IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights are also now available for the popular model which offer adaptive lighting technology. ROAD TEST : Volkswagen Tiguan 2,0 TSI 4Motion DSG In terms of powertrain, three options are available – 1,4 TSI with 110 kW/250 N.m mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission, 2,0  TSI with...

Mitsubishi has launched the Triton Heritage Edition in celebration of heritage month, here is specification and pricing on the new, limited edition bakkie.  Image: Mitsubishi The Triton Heritage Edition will be the latest model to join the Mitsubishis bakkie lineup however this will be limited to 50, numbered vehicles. Included in the purchase price is an exclusive VIP customer care experience which will afford the buyers of the bakkie with a combined accessory and experiential upgrades valued at R70 000. “Bakkies occupy a very special place in the hearts and lives of South Africans and Mitsubishi bakkies have a long and distinguished heritage in South Africa, if you think about the legacy of the Colt and now the growth of the more improved Triton,” says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).  Changes for the Triton Heritage Edition The bakkie will incorporate copious use of black trim pieces which includes a lower scuff p...