The Car Guide

Porsche has introduced a special edition of its legendary 911 model called the 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition which pays hommage to the brands winning models from the iconic endurance race.  Image: Porsche This exclusive model has been designed to honour the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race and commemorate Porsche’s historical association with the renowned Circuit de la Sarthe. Looking for your next new or used Porsche? Find it here with CARmag.  The 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition takes inspiration from two previous winning vehicles, namely the Porsche 356 SL and the 911 GT1 ’98. By incorporating elements from their designs, Porsche has created a contemporary sports car that will only be available in the French market. Image: Porsche This special edition 911 boasts several unique design details. For instance, the rear lid grille features a badge with the “24h Le Mans” logo and a laurel wreath design, serving as a reminder of the endu...

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled a limited-edition version of the AMG G63 SUV called the Grand Edition, with only 1 000 units set to be produced. This high-performance variant boasts distinctive visual enhancements both inside and out wearing a shade of gold.  Image: Mercedes-AMG The AMG G63 Grand Edition stands out with its special Manufaktur night black magno paint, which complements the contrasting colour scheme. Gold embellishments can be found on the front and rear bumper inlays, front underbody protection plate, spare wheel ring, and spare wheel star emblem. With its iconic and unmistakable design, reminiscent of the original model from 1979, the G-Class makes a bold statement. It comes equipped with forged 22-inch AMG wheels finished in tech gold, accentuated by matte black central locking nuts. The Mercedes stars on the wheels are also presented in gold. Image: Mercedes-AMG Inside the G63 Grand Edition, the black-and-gold theme continues, creating a striking cabin atmosp...

After an 11-year hiatus, Mazda Motor Corporation is once again embarking on the mass production of rotary engines. The return of this iconic powertrain comes with the introduction of the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV plug-in hybrid SUV, although it’s not what you think. Image: Mazda Although the MX-30 itself is not a newcomer, having been available globally since 2020, the plug-in hybrid variant recently made its grand debut. Mazda proudly claims that the MX-30 R-EV can cover up to 85 km of electric power alone, with the rotary engine stepping in to recharge the battery and provide additional power to the electric motor. All the reborn rotary does in the latest Mazda model is act as a generator. This innovative plug-in hybrid configuration combines a 17,8 kWh battery with a 50-litre fuel tank, offering a remarkable overall range exceeding 600 km. The electric motor generates an impressive 122 kW and 260 N.m. Image: Mazda When it comes to the rotary engine itself, Mazda has ensured it...

The grass is greener on the other side when it comes to cars and bakkies. Toyota US recently confirmed the MY23 Tacoma that looks brutal, but how does it stack up against our local Hilux offering? Image: Toyota The Tacoma range is characterised by two distinct powertrain configurations. Namely; the standard i-FORCE turbocharged 2,4-litre four-cylinder engine produces up to 207 kW and 429 N.m found in the lower half of the Tacoma range, and the i-FORCE MAX turbocharged 2,4-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain generating 243 kW and 630 N.m. Looking for your next new or used Hilux? Find it here with CARmag.  Image: Toyota As for the Hilux, its range consists of a myriad of powertrain configurations, but the most high-strung powertrain is found in the range-topping Hilux GR-S 2,8GD-6 double cab, which is endowed with a power output of 165 kW and 550 N.m. Related: A Toyota Hilux was R469 cheaper to fill up only 4 years ago The Tacoma introduces the Trailhunter grade, which ...

Ferrari has unveiled two groundbreaking models, the SF90 XX Stradale and Spider, as the first-ever road-legal XX variants. Looking for your next new or used Ferrari? Find it here with CARmag.  Image: Ferrari Building upon the foundation of the SF90 platform, these remarkable cars aim to perfect and surpass their predecessors by pushing the boundaries of performance and engineering. Let’s delve into the remarkable specifications and figures that make the SF90 XX models a true marvel . Aerodynamically, the SF90 XX Stradale outshines all other Ferrari road cars, rivalling even the mythical LaFerrari. Its cutting-edge aerodynamic performance delivers double the maximum downforce of the SF90 Stradale, enhancing the grip capability and resulting in significantly faster lap times at the Fiorano test track. Image: Ferrari At the front, the SF90 XX Stradale retains its arrow-shaped front wing, accentuated by two new vertical wing profiles that lend it a geometric aesthetic. The ad...

Toyota conducted a successful demo run of the Hilux MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) concept model at Kasarani during the seventh round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) in Kenya. Image: Toyota Looking for your next new or used Hilux? Find it here with CARmag. The Hilux MHEV concept was driven by Juha Kankkunen, a four-time WRC champion and former Toyota world title winner from Finland, with co-driver Jimmi Gathu, a renowned local Kenyan media personality and actor. Related: A rebirth of the legendary Stout may be Toyota’s “Baby Hilux” The demo run showcased Toyota’s efforts to provide vehicle options for carbon neutrality and expand its offerings in Africa, where the Hilux is highly popular. Amb. Dennis Awori, Country Delegate of CFAO Group in Kenya and Chairman of CFAO Kenya Toyota Tsusho Group emphasized the importance of introducing vehicles like the Hilux MHEV to the African market. Image: Toyota Coincidentally, Toyota’s Australia branch has announced its plans t...

BMW enthusiasts and high-performance car enthusiasts have cause for excitement as the next generation of the BMW M5 Touring has officially entered the practical phase of its series development process. Image: BMW With a strong emphasis on delivering M-typical performance, exceptional driving dynamics, and uncompromising long-distance comfort, the upcoming BMW M5 Touring is poised to make a significant impact in 2024. Related: 2024 BMW X1 M35i debuts with firm’s most powerful four-cylinder Let’s explore the latest developments surrounding the BMW M5 series in more detail. Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag.  BMW M GmbH has confirmed the addition of a Touring variant to the esteemed BMW M5 lineup. Building upon the legacy established by the first BMW M5 Touring introduced in 1992, this new edition aims to combine outstanding high-performance capabilities with practicality for everyday use. The Touring offshoot of the M5 will embody M-typical performance,...

Over the past weekend, the small mining town of Jwaneng played host to the return of the TGR 1000 Desert Race. Dozens of parked spectator cars suffered the misfortune of catching alight in an unfortunate tragedy. Image: Tshekiso Tebalo The TGR 1000 Desert Race in Jwaneng is the host to the best-attended sporting event in the country and potentially even region, with hundreds of thousands of spectators reportedly getting in on the action over the weekend. Travelling from as far as Gaborone and neighbouring countries, the 3-day event that comprises a 1 000 km course around Jwaneng hosts designated viewpoints for spectators. This man’s pain, koore pic.twitter.com/VYtvFmvQBr — Maity (@maity101) June 25, 2023 Related: Hilux and Ranger go head to head at TGR 1000 Desert Race Around 13:30 on Sunday the 25th of June, 49 vehicles were reported to have perished in a fire while owners were spectating the rally at a nearby point of the route. Police are still investigating the cause of ...

Mahindra is set to make a significant impact in the South African market with the debut of its highly anticipated 5-door SUV. The unveiling of the Mahindra Thar 5-door is scheduled to take place on the 15th of August, 2023 and it’s already generating a buzz among car enthusiasts. Image: Mahindra This new addition to the Mahindra lineup has been in development for quite some time, with camouflaged test mules spotted on various occasions, keeping curious fans guessing about its true form. Initially, it was expected that Mahindra would introduce its 5-door rival to the popular Jimny towards the end of 2023. However, recent rumours suggest an earlier reveal on a global stage, possibly making it available to a wider audience before its launch in India. The Thar 5-door is designed to provide a more practical alternative to the current Thar model, offering additional seating capacity and a spacious boot. Positioned above the recently launched Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door, it aims to cater...

Aligning with the 50th-anniversary celebrations of BMW Plant Rosslyn, the automaker has just announced that it will be investing R4,2 billion into the facility to become the first producer of plug-in hybrids in South Africa with the next-generation X3. Image: BMW The next generation of the X3 will be produced with a plug-in hybrid derivative from 2024 on and the firm intends on ensuring Rosslyn, the first production plant established outside of Germany remains with the evolving times and becomes a contributor to growing demand for the NEV model. Dr Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG who also chairs the Board of Management for BMW Group South Africa announced this momentous stride for the local automotive sector today, the 28th of June 2023. Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag.  “From 2024, we will produce the X3 in South Africa as a plug-in hybrid and export it to the world. To this end, the BMW Group is investing R4,2 billion...

BMW has just revealed the 2024 X1 M35i xDrive which will serve as the most powerful version of its entry-level SUV.  Image: BMW At the forefront of the new BMW X1 range is a performance-oriented model that showcases the unmistakable M character. The X1 M35i xDrive builds upon the core driving pleasure found in the compact Sports Activity Vehicle concept and injects it with the dynamism, agility, and precision that M models are renowned for. Under the metal, you’ll find a 2,0-litre four-cylinder engine that belongs to BMW Group Efficient Dynamics’ new modular generation of engines. Utilizing M TwinPower Turbo technology, this powertrain churns out an impressive 221 kW of power, or up to 233 kW depending on the market. The peak torque for this model is stated to be 400 N.m. Image: BMW The power is efficiently distributed to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive system, which is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission featuring a mechanical limited-slip differential....

It’s tough competition as far as the eye can see in the South African bakkie segment. Duking it out for podium position has been Ford, Toyota and Isuzu, but how would Honda’s Ridgeline fair if it was sold locally? Image: Honda Let’s first look at the Ridgeline’s specs before comparing it to the local litter. The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is a pickup truck available in four trims for the North American market: Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition. It is powered by a V6 engine with a displacement of 3 471 cc, delivering 208 kW and 355 N.m. The truck comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission and features Ho nda’s Intelligent Variable Torque Management AWD system. We may not have the Ridgeline available in South Africa, but the CARmag platform has new and used Honda’s listed here. Image: Honda In terms of dimensions, the Ridgeline has a wheelbase of 125.2 inches (3 180 mm) and measures 5,3 meters in length, almost 2 metres in width, and 1,7 meters in height. The Ridgeline has a pay...

The Mazda BT-50 has been given a significant upgrade with two new accessory packs for buyers wanting an even more capable bakkie. Unfortunately, these rugged-looking modifications are only reserved for the Australian market.  Image: Mazda First up is the Thunder Pro pack, which builds upon the already formidable Thunder trim. The standard Thunder model boasts features such as an off-road bumper, bullbar, 18-inch alloy wheels, lightbar, and fender flares. The Thunder Pro pack takes it even further by adding a snorkel for improved water-wading capabilities, additional Lightforce LEDs with exceptional illumination up to 1,1 km, and stylish side decals. Related: Here is what’s on the cards for Mazda in SA for the near future To ensure exceptional off-road performance, the Thunder Pro is equipped with an Old Man Emu BP-51 suspension system. This suspension, designed for medium-load use, features nitrogen-filled dampers with a remote reservoir. It also offers manual adjustability ...