The Car Guide

The Jeep Grand Cherokee began its legacy as the most-awarded SUV in history. Now, following four groundbreaking generations of the vehicle, countless industry accolades and nearly 7 million in global sales, the Jeep brand continues to shatter expectations of the full-size SUV segment with the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Image: Jeep Most notably transformed is the face of the Grand Cherokee L. All-new slim LED headlights are the primary focal point and accentuate the technical character of the vehicle. The signature seven-slot grille has been updated to be wider with larger individual openings and is outlined in elegant trim that underscores its advanced lighting and emphasizes the width of the vehicle.  Under the hood, the Jeep packs a 3,6-litre V6 engine that produces 210 kW of power and 344 N.m of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Out on the road, the Grand Cherokee’s handling belies its weight of 2,3 tonnes. The electrically assisted steering does an excell...

The all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra is born from a lineage of bakkies and SUVs rooted in quality, durability and reliability. The new generation Tundra comes with bigger changes under the skin while being aesthetically pleasing as well. The bakkie is now cementing its foundation to take on its chief rivals. Image: Toyota It should come as no surprise that the all-new Toyota Tundra was redesigned from the ground up. Designed, engineered and assembled in the USA, there’s no question this is the toughest, most capable, most advanced Tundra to date. Under the bonnet, there is an all-new standard 3,5-litre twin-turbo V6 that boasts 290 kW of power and 649 N.m torque. There is also a hybrid upgrade called i-FORCE MAX which essentially wedges a 36 kW electric motor between that V6 and the 10-speed automatic transmission, upping the power to 325 kW and 790 N.m of torque. The Toyota Tundra is offered in six trim levels – The SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition and the TRD Pro. The TRD Pro...

Despite being in the same stable as nameplates like 911 , 718, Carrera GT, etc the Porsche 918 is one of the most sought-after products from the Stuttgart-based firm that may see its successor unveiled later in this decade. Image: Porsche “Before 2025, we won’t have a hypercar. Later on, it might be possible.” This year has seen a multitude of hypercars introduced into the automotive market. From minuscule blossoming automakers to established automotive giants. According to Porsche CEO, Oliver Blume told CAR magazine Uk in an exclusive interview that a new hypercar (which may be the 918’s successor) may only be a reality closer to the end of this decade as the firm is dedicated to electro-mobility. Image: Porsche As is the case with predictions spanning several years, it’s all hearsay. Alongside the Porsche 918, the Carrera GT and 959 stand alongside it as the firm’s few hypercar-level offerings , which will likely serve as some sort of basis for a newer take on the hypercar ...

If the track-ready Porsche 911 GT2 RS isn’t hardcore enough, Manhart now has their 705 kW TR 900 available with plenty of carbon fibre bits. Image: Manhart Not many people would consider the 991 generation Porsche 911 GT2 RS a slouch. Essentially a GT2 car with an indicator stalk and number plate mount, the models that rolled off of the Stuttgart production line put out a healthy 515 kW and 750 N.m of twin-turbocharged flat-six goodness.  Apparently, throwing on a few bolt-on toys can push that power all the way up to 705 kW and 1 050 N.m which is exactly what Manhart has done with their TR 900 model. The German tuner has taken the existing 911 GT2 RS and completely unleashed an animal capable of blistering lap times. This is courtesy of a Mapswitch ECU remap along with a set of TTH 1000 turbochargers and CSF intercooler kit which includes a signifcantly larger front-radiator fan. Image: Manhart Related: Don’t like the new M2? Manhart believes their MH2 560 is the soluti...

Before its arrival in South Africa, the GWM Tank 300 HEV was subject to an ANCAP safety test. Here are the results for the Wrangler competitor. Image: GWM In recent testing by ANCAP , Australasia’s independent safety bureau, the GWM Tank 300 HEV managed to achieve the maximum five-star safety rating. The Tank 300 HEV was tested and assessed for its ability to physically protect occupants and other road users in an accident through the suite of destructive crash tests, its ability to prevent or minimize the severity of a crash with another vehicle, pedestrian or cyclist and through the range of active collision avoidance performance tests. The newcomer that is touted to take on the likes of the Jeep Wrangler and the Land Rover Defender achieved the following in the safety tests: Adult Occupant Protection: 88% Child Occupant Protection: 89% Vulnerable Road User Protection: 81% Safety Assist: 85% “Normally, perceptions for such boxy 4x4s are more focused on the terrain performan...

Recently, there has been an increased focus on electric vehicles (EVs). The burgeoning fuel price and the ideal timing of the development of EV technology is providing drivers with alternative options at exactly the right time. In South Africa, however, the ownership of EV vehicles is limited by affordability. Yet, as uptake of the technology grows in South Africa so will its affordability. Image: MasterDrive The CEO of MasterDrive , Eugene Herbert, says as this technology grows in South Africa, so the time for EV training will soon be necessary. “A company’s decision to adopt EV technology in their fleets will likely be done for a number of reasons including reduced fuel consumption and impact on the environment. Yet, there are a number of small but important differences between driving an EV and a petrol-fuelled vehicle. Training ensures a driver gets the most from an EV which has safety and efficiency benefits.” “EVs require drivers to understand range and how to get the most f...

Image: DMC German tuner DMC has made the impressive Ferrari Purosangue even more intimidating with a carbon-fibre widebody kit and cherry red paint job, among other mean modifications. The Purosangue has seen such popularity that Ferrari actually stopped taking orders , and has limited production in order to make sure that the model does not account for more than 20% of the Italian manufacturers’ annual production. Of course, there is always a tuning company to add excess to the already impressive, and Ferrari’s aggressive SUV has been given 1,18-inch carbon-fibre fender extensions, with matching side skirts to broaden the vehicle. DMC claims that their prepreg carbon exceeds OEM quality, and included in the body kit are a pair of rear spoilers (one on the roof and another on the tailgate), while DMC also offers the front lip, hood, and rear diffuser in carbon fibre. All of the pieces are available with either a matte or high-gloss finish. Image: DMC The DMC Purosangue, which ...

Aston Martin’s decision to jump on the SUV bandwagon seems to be paying off. In 2021, the DBX707 accounted for half of all Aston production, with 3 000 units leaving the factory and that was its first full year of production. Engineered with an abundance of character and compelling capability, the DBX707 is set to compete with other ultimate SUVs in its league. It automatically grabs the attention of Lamborghini, Bentley and the new Ferrari Purosangue. The new DBX has a 4,0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine from Mercedes-AMG that has been fettled for the 707 by none other than former AMG powertrain boss Ralph Illenberger, now in the same role at Aston. The heart of the DBX707 produces 520 kW of power and 900 N.m of torque mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. The top speed is limited to 310 km/h and it will go from rest to 100 km/h in just 3,3 seconds. Image: CARmag If you want the drama of being thrown back in your seat, you won’t find that i...

German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has opened their first ever EV-only dealership, however, the store is not located in Germany, but south of Tokyo, in Yokohama. Named the Mercedes EQ Yokahoma, the showroom house – which measures 1 221 square meters – plays home to five EQ models. While the current capacity represents the range of Mercedes’ EQ models, the facility can display up to seven cars. The dealership has a five-bay workshop for services, a space for vehicle delivery and three CHAdeMO chargers. Image: Mercedes-Benz The Mercedes EQ Yokahoma contains V2H equipment that previews and explains the EV lifestyle, while experts are available to answer customer queries into EVs.  Solar panels are set to be installed, which should transform the showroom’s energy sourcing to fully sustainable. Already open to the public, the EQ Yokahoma also offers a service called MB Rent which allows potential buyers the option not only to test drive, but to live with an EV for a set period of ...

One last hoorah for the pinnacle BMW performance sedan? German tuning house Manhart has given the outgoing BMW M5 CS a bump in power to a staggering 549 kW before the F90 replacement arrives on the market. This is the bold MH5 GTR. Serving as a plush but brutal sedan, intended at wafting prominent businessmen from meeting to meeting, the BMW in question has become a staple for luxury Bavarian performance. Manhart has one-upped the stock derivative, tuning the biturbo 4,4-litre S63 V8 engine to produce a staggering 549 kW and 935 N.m of torque courtesy of an in-house carbon air intake and MHtronik auxiliary control unit. Related: Manhart TR 800 911 Turbo is a bright orange 613 kW speed freak The car, dubbed the MH5 GTR, also features a number of mechanical upgrades, including a stainless steel exhaust system and a coilover suspension from KW. The exterior has been adorned with decorative stripes and lettering, and the interior has been given a new set of floor mats with Manhart logos...

As with many automakers, Hyundai has debuted their second-generation Kona model which will sport an EV, hybrid, ICE and N Line derivative. The sized-up SUV will all wear the simple yet elegant futuristic styling shown here. Image: Hyundai Debuting in 2018, Hyundai’s Kona SUV has garnered success and popularity with the buying public. The second-generation Kona looks at continuing the success of the South Korean brand with a fully comprehensive offering of powertrains.  Interestingly, the second-generation Kona was initially developed as an EV, with several other powertrains being adapted for the platform. This could mean that the automaker intends on the electrified model being the volume product for the global model range while the other options supplement the transition into electrification.  In comparison to the outgoing model, the second-generation Kona is also significantly larger in all dimensions. Its length now measures in at 4 355 mm, 150 mm more than before whi...

Acura’s attempt at reviving the cherished Integra nameplate was a little underwhelming. However, a high-performance variant of the fifth-gen Integra is on its way with the Type S designation. Image: Acura Acura’s “gold-ole days” were dominated by the image of the insurmountable Integra badge. Four generations of the iconic Japanese performance-inclined coupe — with the fourth generation serving as the epitome of the cherished nameplate— elevated the Acura name to the highest echelons of the performance coupe genre of the 80s and 90s. Despite an underwhelming return to fame , Acura has announced that a rowdier version of the fifth-generation Integra is being developed. The Type S badging signifies the endowment of a VTEC bearing, turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder capable of producing over 223 kW according to Acura’s claims. Included alongside a beefier motor are a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. There may be a few extra tweaks to the car’s suspens...

Covid-19 was a major setback for many industries across the world, but who has bounced back strongest in the automotive world? Here is where South Africa ranks in terms of automotive production. Image: Ford With the past two years playing host to a global pandemic and European conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the playing field of automotive producers has been turned on its head. New data provided by the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and compiled by UK-based insurer GoShorty shows a detailed list of countries that have bounced back strongest following the devastation to the economy that Covid-19 ravaged in many countries.  Between 2020 and the end of 2021, the world was thrust into shutdown with lockdowns restricting movement and putting a pause on production across many industries. Data collected shows countries competing in the automotive sphere between the two years and who managed to bounce back strongest. Image: GoShorty Related: VW K...

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Volkswagen’s high-performance R sub-brand launched in 2002, here’s how the Golf R has evolved since the first MK IV to wear the iconic moniker. Ever since the introduction of the GTI over 25 years ago, the Volkswagen Golf range has featured a string of performance-oriented models. Golf IV R32 The Volkswagen Golf IV R32 continued this tradition but turned performance to 11. With a potent 3,2-litre V6 petrol engine, this is one of the most powerful production Golfs ever built, as well as one of the most distinctive. Its narrow-angle 24-valve powerplant produces 177 kW of power and 320 N.m of torque. The IV R32 has a maximum speed of 246 km/h and will sprint from a dead stop to 100 km/h in 6,4 seconds.   Image: Volkswagen In terms of appearance, there is no mistaking the VW Golf R32 from its demure counterparts. Visual cues include new front and rear bumpers, side sills, blue brake callipers and 18-inch Aristo alloy wheels, while si...

What are the perks of individual electric motors on each wheel? While some would say spinning on its own axis, Mercedes calls it a “G-Turn”. Over the years, the Geländewagen has amassed a reputation for its off-road ruggedness and go-anywhere nature. While the obscene V8-powered AMG with low profile tyres and a side exit exhaust dilute this logic, the newcomer electric alternative; the EQG, is taking steps to ensure its nameplate heritage is honoured accordingly. Although the model will be debuted in 2024, Mercedes engineers decided that each wheel of the EQG will receive an electric motor to maximise its abilities off of the beaten path. From what is known about the model so far, Mercedes has added a fair chunk of technology that make this as capable as ever. Underneath will be a ladder frame chassis and the electric model may include the E-Active Body Control feature found in the GLS which gives it some prowess in tricky off-road situations.  Shown here, and not for the first ...

A BEV-powered Hilux? This is all part of Toyota’s plans to be carbon neutral in the future with a range of plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, and fuel-cell vehicles. The question is, can an electric-powered bakkie work in a place like South Africa? Image: Toyota The future is nigh and electrification is here. Utilitarian vehicles that typically would not lend themselves well to electrification are now dabbling with the technology and the latest to be unveiled is the BEV-powered Hilux.  Unveiled in Thailand and based on the current-generation Hilux, the model is visually differentiated from the standard bakkie through several styling changes. The most prominent of these exist at the front end, where a closed-off grille replaces the slotted version that feeds a radiator. On the side, things are almost the same save for a charging port in the passenger-side front quarter panel. Image: Toyota The rest remains, well, a Hilux, with the single-cab silhouette not deviating too grea...