The Car Guide

Mansory, known for pushing design and performance boundaries, has introduced its latest iteration based on the new Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance, setting it apart with a unique body kit. Image: Mansory Looking for your next Mercedes? Find it here with CARmag This upgraded model showcases a redesigned grille with enlarged cooling openings, a carbon-fibre hood featuring Naca ducts, custom daytime running lights (DRLs), and prominent bumper extensions. Notable features include oversized side gills and an optional F1-style brake light on the rear diffuser, while the sports exhaust system boasts quad tailpipes as standard. The use of lightweight composite material is evident in the side skirts, mirror caps, and air intake trims, adding a sporty flair to the luxury sedan. The FD.15 wheels, albeit potentially divisive, measure 22 inches and offer a narrower width at the front (265/30 R22) and a wider size at the rear (305/25 R22). Image: Mansory Related:  Mansory unleashes go...

Known for its work with Bavarian four-wheelers, the AC Schnitzer has set their sights on improving one of BMW’s forefront M-badged offerings, the G87 M2. Looking for your next new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag.  Image: AC Schnitzer AC Schnitzer has attempted to increase the M2’s dynamism and sportiness while trying to reduce weight. Power output has been left undisturbed, and we won’t see any increase in power until the tuner’s power mods are complete. Below its boxy frame now live several branded components. The M suspension kit that once supported the G87 has been uprooted and replaced by the tuner’s RS adjustable coilover suspension kit and includes a spring set. Efforts from the twin-turbocharged straight-six are retorted through two sets of dual-exist stainless steel exhausts, accentuated by the “Carbon Sport” exhaust tips. Related: BMW i4 gets even more electrified by AC Schnitzer Image: AC Schnitzer Mechanical alterations aside, this rendition of the G87 M...

The latest iteration of the Renault Duster has made its debut in Europe, marking the SUV’s third generation. This revamped model exhibits a beefier and futuristic appearance compared to its predecessors. Image: Renault Looking for your next Renault? Find it here with CARmag Built on Renault’s new CMF-B LS platform, shared with models like the third-gen Sandero, Renault Captur, and the Clio, the upcoming Duster will be slightly longer owing to this updated platform. Additionally, this platform shift enables the Duster to venture into the era of electrification, offering a new hybrid powertrain choice. This hybrid option pairs a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and high-voltage starter generator, yielding an impressive system output of 103 kW. Alternatively, there’s a second engine option, a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine generating 96 kW, paired with a 48V mild hybrid electric motor. Available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, power ...

Isuzu has reintroduced the X-Rider moniker in the seventh-generation D-Max range and is distinguished by its bespoke exterior styling. Looking for your next new or used Isuzu? Find it here with CARmag.  Image: Isuzu “The new D-MAX X-RIDER is all about image, style and capability, and is a great choice for discerning customers that want something special. The X-RIDER will attract a lot of attention, but to offer value to our customer the new X-RIDER is based on the mid-range 1.9 Ddi LS models with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions in 4×2 form, and a 4×4 automatic for adventurous customers heading off the beaten track.” – Kevin Fouche, Department Executive: Product Planning and Programme Management at ISUZU Motors South Africa. Image: Isuzu The X-Rider offshoot of the D-Max model debuted in 2016 and was established as a visually enhanced variant of the D-Max bakkie. Returning for the seventh generation of the D-Max, the X-RIDER offshoot is offered in three conf...

Volvo has emboldened the diversity of its local range by introducing an armoured XC90, whose claim to fame is being a discreet bullet-resistant family haulier with all the amenities we’ve come to expect from the Swedish firm. Looking for your next new or used Volvo? Find it here with CARmag.  Image: Volvo “We’ve noted a rising demand for armoured vehicles both globally and here in South Africa, with the Volvo Cars Special Vehicles division having received numerous requests to develop an XC90 with ballistic protection over the past few years. The addition of this special derivative to our local range means we can now provide a factory-backed solution to select individuals who desire that extra layer of protection.”- Greg Maruszewski, Volvo Car South Africa Managing Director Offered to “select clients”, the armoured XC90 offers discreet ballistic protection, which is a product directly from the Swedish automaker. The armoured flagship SUV relies on B4-level armouring, which me...

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the pricing for its revamped AMG GT63 SE Performance 4Matic+ 4-door Coupe, and it’s not for the faint-hearted.  Image: Mercedes-AMG Looking for your next Mercedes-Benz? Find it here with CARmag This model stands as one of the most formidable AMG offerings available, boasting an impressive performance that demands attention among the competitive high-performance sports cars. Tipping the scales at a substantial 2 348 kilograms, this car might not be the lightest in its class. However, where it lacks in weight, it compensates with sheer power and meticulous engineering. Housing a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine coupled with an electric motor, it churns out an astounding 620 kW of power and 1 470 Nm of torque. Related:  Road Test Figures: Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance From our hands-on experience with the vehicle, it’s evident that this German powerhouse can rocket to 100 km/h from a standstill in an astonishingly quick 2.91 seconds, o...

The Koenigsegg Jesko Attack broke the record for the fastest lap around the Gotland Ring, besting the previous fastest lap time set by a Porsche GT3 RS MR. Looking for your next new or used car? Find it here with CARmag.  Image: Koenigsegg The time set was 2:56.97 around one of Europe’s lengthier tracks, the Gotland Ring, which is a 7,3km track characterised by numerous undulations and jumps akin to the venerated Nürburgring Nordschleife. This time was achieved with a production-spec model relying on 98-octane fuel. At the helm was Niklas Lilja, who stated that he pushed the car to 90% of its potential and that he had not gone to the track intending to set a world record and instead went for vehicle testing and marketing activities. The Koenigsegg Jesko Attack is propelled by a 5,0-litre twin-turbocharged, aluminium, flat-plane V8. Its turbos operate at a boost pressure of 1.7 Bar and assist in producing a maximum output of 1 193 kW and 1 500 N.m. Mated to the already impres...

A bespoke Porsche 911 Turbo was displayed at the Icons of Porsche 2023 event, touted as the modern rendition of Louise Piëch’s 911 Turbo, showcasing the capability of the firm’s Sonderwunsch programme. Looking for your next new or used Porsche? Find it here with CARmag Image: Porsche “We wanted to create a modern iteration of a car that was truly unique. Luckily for us, there is no shortage of Porsche cars that people label as icons. We elected to ‘remaster’ one of the greatest icons of them all, the original 911 Turbo prototype from Louise Piech. This car is interesting not only because of the engine, narrow body and large rear wing. It also had a unique interior that was our focus point to be recreated for the new car.” – Patrick Gallas, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur Manager, Porsche Middle East and Africa. Porsche’s Sonderwunsch (also referred to as the “special request” programme) began in the 1970s, as a response to clients who desired more personalisation options for their ...

Contributor Juan Miguel Luis Beco reports on the largest car show in the Gulf Region, Icons of Porsche. Looking your your next new or used Porsche? Find it here with CARmag. Image: Porsche The Gulf is well known for its excessive wealth, and associated spoils. Although, places such as Dubai do not enjoy the legacy of ‘the old world’, and that extends to the motoring arena as well. A prime example is Icons of Porsche , which, although relatively new, has quickly cemented itself as the largest car festival in the Middle East. Not bad considering it’s been going for just three years. The event, held on 25-26 November 2023, once again took place in the Design District with the spectacular downtown Dubai skyline serving as a backdrop. The theme for this year was 75 years of Porsche Sportscars. Incidentally, the event is free to attend, though online registration is required to obtain a ticket. The annual showcase attracted 15 000 owners and fans in 2022. A whopping 27 000 fans registe...

BMW’s most powerful road-going M car, the BMW XM Label Red, will serve as the safety car for the MotoGP 2024 season and is outfitted with a grey livery and Recaro racing seats. Looking for your next new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag. Image: BMW “It is a logical step for the most powerful BMW M automobile we have ever rolled out to be the new figurehead of our safety car fleet in MotoGP.The first MotoGP Safety Car with an electric drive system is clear evidence of our striving for new, future-oriented technologies.” – Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH The BMW XM safety car is the first vehicle which relies on an electric drive system to serve as a safety car for one of the premiere racing events in motorcycle racing. As a reminder, the Label Red offshoot is a more power-laden and capable derivative of the regular BMX XM. Although relying on the same 4,4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, the Label Red is powered by an uprated version, which produces a total of 550 kW and 1,...

Volkswagen’s top executive overseeing global passenger car operations, Thomas Schäfer, has raised serious concerns regarding the sustainability of the German automaker’s presence in South Africa. Image: Volkswagen The CEO highlighted that while the South African factory was once a top performer for Volkswagen globally due to competitive labour costs, various challenges now jeopardize its future. Schäfer emphasised that issues such as load-shedding, escalating labour expenses, delays in rail transportation, and bottlenecks at South African ports have eroded the advantages the factory once held. Expressing worry about continuing production in a less competitive location distant from major consumer markets, he stated firmly, “We’re not in the business of charity.” Image: Volkswagen The CEO acknowledged the efforts of Volkswagen South Africa employees in mitigating these problems but stressed the need for the South African government to step up and resolve these issues. Last year...

HWA Automotive , in collaboration with Curated, is set to launch a modern interpretation of the classic 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II sports sedan in 2025. This reimagined model aims to embody the essence of its predecessor while integrating cutting-edge technologies, labelling it a street-legal supercar. Image: HWA AG Find your next Mercedes-Benz here with CARmag The Mercedes-Benz 190E, introduced in 1983, marked the brand’s foray into the compact car segment. Its performance variant, powered by a Cosworth-engineered 2.3-litre 16-valve four-cylinder engine, set the stage for a more athletic presence. In 1988, Mercedes-Benz amped up the 2.3-litre M102 engine, enlarging it to a 2.5-litre capacity, boosting the power output to 150 kW. This move aimed to vie with its contemporaries, notably the BMW E30 M3, in the competitive touring car series. Related:  BMW E30 M3 gets DTM body kit and 597 kW tune-up! Facing fierce competition from the BMW E30 M3, Mercedes-B...

Much like the DB5, the Aston Martin DB6 is an icon of the British Gran Tourer platform. This specific example from Lunaz Design has seen its ICE beating heart removed in favour of an all-electric powertrain. Looking for your next new or used car? Find it here with CARmag.  Image: Lunaz “Each classic by Lunaz represents an uncompromised expression of the original. Electrification answers the questions of usability, reliability and sustainability and empowers owners to enjoy their cars daily. We restore, enhance and create with knowledge that these cars have cultural value far beyond their function. The passion we have for these cars can be felt in every stitch, weld and line of code.” – David Lorenz, Founder of Lunaz Design The electrified Aston Martin DB6 is the work of Lunaz Design, which is a British automotive design and modification company that specialises in restomoded classic cars powered by EV technology. The intent behind omitting the ICE powerplants that have prope...

Porsche’s “Road to Le Mans. The Flim” is a 90-minute documentary which recounts the racing journey of Michael Fassbender and Porsche from 2018 to 2023. The film culminates in a recap of the 100th anniversary of the 24-Hours of Le Mans endurance race with Fassbender at the helm of a Porsche 911 RSR. Looking for your next new or used car? Find it here with CARmag.  Image: Porsche “He had courage, he had a big dream and he didn’t let the setbacks deter him,” states Oliver Hoffmann. “That’s precisely what made the project so great. Luckily, we captured all the passionate moments on film from day one and can now offer the viewers around the world ‘Road to Le Mans. The Film’ free of charge. I hope that we encourage people to honour their personal dreams and fulfil them.” – Sebastian Borowski, Project Manager of “Road to Le Mans” Michael Fassbender has long since had the dream of participating in one of the world’s most prestigious endurance races, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2018, ...