The Car Guide

Mansory has once again turned its attention to the Audi RS7 for 2024, transforming the already potent luxury sedan into a machine that can rival even supercars in performance. Image: Mansory Looking for a new or used Audi? Find it here with CARmag! Known for their bold designs and performance enhancements, Mansory has taken the RS7 to new heights by tuning its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 to deliver jaw-dropping power figures. The standard Audi RS7 Performance, in its flagship guise, churns out a respectable 463 kW and 850 N.m of torque. However, Mansory’s version goes far beyond, producing an astonishing 761 kW and 1 199 N.m. While the specifics of the modifications are not fully disclosed, it’s clear that Mansory has fitted larger turbochargers, likely alongside strengthened internal components and an upgraded fuel system to handle the extra power. With a stock RS7 hitting 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, it’s reasonable to expect that Mansory’s version shaves even more time off that

Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa secured the 2024 South African Rally-Raid Championship title with a dominant victory at the Phakisa 400, while Ford’s Neil Woolridge Motorsport team faced another challenging round. As Toyota celebrates their triumph, Ford looks to bounce back and focus on the upcoming Dakar Rally. Image: TGR Looking for a new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag! Lategan and Cummings, driving the Toyota Hilux IMT EVO, set a blistering pace from the very start of the weekend. Leading both the Castrol Qualifying Race and Stage One on Friday, they established an early advantage. Saturday’s racing proved no different, even as they faced the challenge of opening the road — a demanding task that requires precise navigation and unwavering confidence. The duo completed the event in 05:58:57, not only winning the Phakisa 400 but also clinching the 2024 SARRC overall and FIA Ultimate T1+ championship titles. This victory carries extra weight as it represents a personal

The latest offering in Enviro Automotive’s local product portfolio, the SRM T3 EV has landed in South Africa. Here’s what you can expect, including pricing and spec, from the company’s new all-electric bakkie. Image: Enviro Automotive Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag!  Enviro Automotive has announced the expansion of its local battery-electric product portfolio, with the Chinese company introducing the SRM T3 EV to South African shores. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for the automaker’s new battery-electric bakkie… “Our new SRM T3 EV is designed for urban logistics and last-mile deliveries, offering businesses a practical, efficient, and eco-friendly solution,” said Gawie Brink, Technical Director at Enviro Automotive. “It is ideal for modernising fleets and supporting global sustainability goals while improving operational efficiency.” Added Gideon Wolvaardt, Managing Director of Enviro Automotive, “With competitive pricing, low operat

Promising to provide an “exhilarating” blend of innovation, competition, and sustainability, Africa’s premier solar-car event, the Sasol Solar Challenge, returns for its eighth instalment in September 2024. Image: Sasol Solar Challenge Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag!  Billed as Africa’s premier solar-car event, the eighth instalment of the Sasol Solar Challenge is underway in September 2024, with the company saying this year’s event promises an “exhilarating” blend of innovation, competition, and sustainability. Said Rob Walker, Director of the Sasol Solar Challenge, “We believe that the future of mobility lies in sustainable solutions that enhance transport systems while also protecting the planet. With this year’s event, we want to emphasize the importance of embracing innovative technologies to reduce our carbon footprint and promote clean transportation.” Related: Sasol Rolling Out 10ppm Diesel in KwaZulu-Natal According to the company,

In a bid to “lead the charge” in the local electric vehicle-charging domain, GridCars, recently selected as a charge-point partner for Eskom, says working with South Africa’s power utility is key to the successful roll out of EVs. Image: GridCars Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag!  Since 2009, GridCars has been providing South Africa with “smart” electric vehicle charging points. Now, the SA-based company has been selected as the EV charging-point partner for Eskom to install pilot “smart” AC and DC chargers at several Eskom sites. Said Winstone Jordaan, Managing Director of GridCars, “This demonstrates Eskom’s commitment to sustainable and efficient EV charging solutions.” Related: Audi SA Expands EV Charging Network with Rapid Chargers The company says the installation of the “smart” AC and DC chargers will serve a dual purpose. Indeed, in addition to serving as charging points for Eskom’s fleet of EVs, the installation of these units will, m

Volkswagen has introduced a refreshed version of its Taos subcompact SUV for 2025, aimed at the North American market. Here’s all you need to know about the vehicle. Image: Volkswagen Looking for a new or used Volkswagen? Find it here with CARmag! Built in Mexico, the updated Taos comes with a fresh design and more power, reinforcing its position as a key model for Volkswagen in the U.S., where it’s been a strong seller since its 2021 debut. However, despite its popularity abroad, Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed that the Taos will not be offered locally. The exterior updates bring the 2025 Taos in line with Volkswagen’s newer design language, particularly its electric models like the ID.4. The front end now features an optional full-width light bar that connects the headlights, paired with a redesigned bumper. Standard LED headlights are now offered across the range, and higher trims come with adaptive front lighting. At the rear, an illuminated VW badge ties the taillight

Lotus has teased its latest electric sports car with a series of intriguing videos, offering a glimpse of what could be the next step in its electric future. Known as ‘Theory 1’, the vehicle looks set to combine the brand’s heritage of lightweight performance with the electrified direction Lotus has recently embraced. Image: Lotus Looking for a Lotus? Find it here with CARmag! While Lotus has ventured into the electric SUV and sedan market with the Eletre and Emeya, this new teaser hints that the company is returning to its sports car roots—albeit in an electrified form. The Theory 1 could potentially be a concept previewing the upcoming Type 135 electric sports car, which is expected to debut in the coming years. Lotus has used a series of three teaser videos to build anticipation, each titled to highlight a different theme—”Digital,” “Natural,” and “Analogue.” These three words spell out the brand’s “DNA,” signalling a connection between Lotus’ past and its future in the elect

Widely considered a headlining experience on the global motoring calendar, Ian McLaren looks back at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag!  Hosted annually on the three-centuries-old grounds of the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, England, the steady rise in popularity of the Goodwood Festival of Speed has broadly coincided with looming pressures placed on traditional motor shows and motorsport events. Established in 1993, while the subsequent cancellation of the British Motor Show tempted long-established automotive fans attend the Festival of Speed, the combination of disappointing visitor numbers at other established European-based exhibitions (including the since cancelled Geneva Show) and the prevalence of spectacular online footage from a weekend away in the English countryside, has made Goodwood a must-visit destination for automotive enthusiasts around the world. The vision of the estate’s custodian, the Duke

The new Continental GT Speed is the most powerful series-production Bentley to date. Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag!  Employing Bentley’s ‘Ultra Performance Hybrid’ powertrain, a plug-in hybrid setup comprising a 4.0-litre V8 (441 kW) and a 140 kW electric motor, the new Continental GT Speed boasts peak power and torque outputs of 575 kW and 1 000 N.m. The most powerful series-production car to ever bear the “Bentley” badge, the Crew-based company claims these figures allow the new Continental GT Speed to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.2 seconds, before topping out at 335 km/h. Related: Lando Norris Laps Silverstone in Life-Sized Lego McLaren P1 In addition, the luxury marque has equipped the Continental GT Speed with a new chassis setup to match the performance provided by its plug-in hybrid GT. The chassis features the firm’s ‘Dynamic Ride’ arrangement, replete with 48 V active anti-roll control, new dual-valve dampers and two-chamber ai

Born from an idea by F1 champion Fernando Alonso, the Valiant is an ultra-exclusive Aston Martin sporting a sonorous V12 and a six-speed manual ’box. Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag!  Billed as a modern masterpiece, Aston Martin’s latest limited-edition offering was originally conceived from a personal commission from the Aston Martin F1 driver Fernando Alonso, who, following the release of the Valour, wanted a more track-focused version of the latter. The result was the Valiant. Only 38 examples will be made. “The Valiant is born from my passion for driving at the limit and I have enjoyed working closely with the Q by Aston Martin team on both the design and technical specification, and believe we have created a masterpiece,” said the two-time F1 world champion. Related: Lando Norris Laps Silverstone in Life-Sized Lego McLaren P1 Beating beneath the Valiant’s sculpted bonnet, its 5.2-litre V12 heart produces 548 kW and 753 N.m of torque. Pow

Limited to just 299 examples worldwide, the Hartan AMG GT Stroller injects some genuine performance car spirit into your family days out. Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag!  Price: R38 682 Limited to 299 units worldwide High-quality fabrics Fold-out sun visor for maximum sun protection This limited-edition AMG GT stroller is a collaboration between Mercedes-AMG and Hartan that combines the sportiness of the luxury carmaker’s performance arm with the quality and safety for which the German pushchair maker is renowned. Only 299 examples have been produced, each boasting a design that echoes the performance spirit of Mercedes-AMG cars. Related: Lando Norris Laps Silverstone in Life-Sized Lego McLaren P1 Red AMG diamond patterns on the black hood and folding bag are dead giveaways of its sporty heritage, while touches such as authentic AMG badges and reflective stitching clearly indicate that this is no ordinary stroller. Features such as large

Scheduled to make landfall in SA in Q4 2024, the new M5 takes over the super-saloon baton from its sixth-generation forebear. Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag!  At the heart of the seventh-generation M5 beats BMW’s M Hybrid system equipped with a (430 kW/750 N.m) 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 and an electric motor producing 145 kW and 280 N.m. Combined, the M5’s hybrid configuration churns out 535 kW and a whopping 1 000 N.m. Related: Lando Norris Laps Silverstone in Life-Sized Lego McLaren P1 Although more powerful than its predecessor, the seventh generation isn’t quite as quick to the three-figure marker (3.5 vs 3.3 seconds). However, it matches its forebear’s top speed (305 km/h, when the M Driver’s package is specified). In addition, the Bavarian brand says it completes the 0-200 km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds. Related: Single SA-Bound Audi RS 6 Avant GT is Heading to Auction – With a R4.5 million Reserve However, the new M5’s most signific

Armouring specialists SVI Engineering  has introduced a fortified version of the Ford Ranger Raptor. The Raptor, already renowned for its off-road prowess, now boasts discreet B4 armour, providing enhanced protection without compromising performance. Image: SVI Engineering Looking for a new or used Ford? Find it here with CARmag! The armoured Raptor, available through Ford dealerships, offers comprehensive 360-degree ballistic protection against handgun rounds. The armouring package includes bullet-resistant glass, Kevlar body panels, and reinforced steel components. Despite the added protection, the Raptor’s handling and acceleration remain largely unaffected. “As South Africa’s most powerful bakkie, the Ranger Raptor is an unparalleled base for a rapid-response vehicle with high-speed off-road capabilities,” said SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw. “Fitted with our Ford-backed B4 armouring package, this solution also offers proven ballistic protection, making it the

Omoda South Africa recently previewed its upcoming C9 luxury flagship at an exclusive event held at Langhams Lifestyle Estate in Fourways, Johannesburg.  Image: Omoda Looking for a new or used Omoda? Find it here with CARmag! The C9 is positioned as a premium mid-size SUV and the flagship for the Chery subsidiary. In typical fashion, Omoda claim it blends style, advanced technology and performance. Known for its contemporary designs and competitive pricing, Omoda aims to elevate its offering with this flagship model, set to launch officially in October 2024. The preview event was attended by a host of celebrities, including Khosi Nkosi, Dr Khanyile, Gogo Skhotheni, and Brian Temba, alongside representatives from Absa, media members, and government officials. The event, which showcased the finer aspects of luxury, featured a champagne experience, gourmet canapés, and artistically prepared oysters. Visual artist Ramarutha Makoba was also present, inviting guests to contribute to

A challenge like no other, McLaren Formula 1 team driver Lando Norris has completed a lap in a fully drivable, life-sized LEGO Technic McLaren P1. Image: McLaren Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag!  Billed as the toughest LEGO Technic challenge to date, McLaren Automotive, in collaboration with the LEGO Group, has created a one-of-a-kind life-sized — and fully drivable — McLaren P1. However, as challenging as it may be to build a 1:1-scale replica of the British marque’s revered hypercar from a whopping 342 817 LEGO Technic pieces, the real challenge lay in completing an actual lap with it. And that’s just what the Woking-based brand did. The circuit — Silverstone. The driver — Lando Norris. (You can watch Lando tackling the 5.891 km track here .) But just what did it take to design and actually build a life-sized P1? Well, the replica was brought to life by a group comprising 23 specialists from McLaren Automotive and the LEGO Group. The devel

DS Automobiles has revealed a striking new concept that pays homage to the iconic Citroën SM. The DS SM Tribute combines a sharp, modern exterior with nods to the original car’s distinctive design, all while showcasing a serene interior finished in luxurious materials. Image: Stellantis Looking for a new or used Citroën? Find it here with CARmag! Speaking on the concept, DS Design Director Thierry Metroz explained, “We are working on the genes of our iconic models to fuel our research into the shape of future models that will come along at the end of the decade.” The DS SM Tribute retains the original SM’s dramatic proportions, including a long hood and a sleek, tapered rear. At 194.5 inches in length, and it sits closer to the ground, adding to its sporty silhouette. The front design mirrors the original’s unconventional look, replacing a traditional grille with a glass section that houses a three-dimensional display, a modern twist on the SM’s license plate enclosure between

Acknowledged as a keen market for both S and RS models, Audi South Africa has secured a globally sought-after single allocation of the new limited-edition RS6 Avant GT. This special vehicle will be auctioned in Cape Town on 7 November. Looking for a new or used Audi? Find it here with CARmag! Audi South Africa has set the date for its auction of car 074/660, the only example of the limited-run Audi RS 6 Avant GT allocated to the South African market. With a portion of the auction’s proceeds destined for a yet-to-be-confirmed charitable cause, Audi has placed a R4.5-million reserve on the car. Entry into the auction will be based on a R100 000 deposit. Related:  BMW M5 Gets Wagon Treatment with Fresh Touring Version The RS 6 Avant GT represents the final model in this legendary series to feature a pure internal-combustion engine. As such, Audi expects significant interest from collectors. Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa, emphasized the model’s importance, stating, “The A