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Kyalami - The South African Festival of Motoring is underway with many automakers using the iconic Kyalami race track to debut several new models.
Many vehicles debuted at the show are set to be launched locally in the next few months.
BMW used the event to showcase two very special cars - the M3 “30 Jahre” and M4 GTS - to commemorate the 30 years of its 3 Series.
Jaguar launched its blistering F-Type SVR in SA as a friendly reminder to rivals - this cat will bite!
READ: Coulthard tames Merc's beastly AMG GT3 at Kyalami
Also on show are several new models from Toyota such as its new Etios Sprint and Datsun’s GO+.
1 BMW M4 GTS
It is undoubtedly one of the most hardcore vehicles BMW has ever made and SA will receive 23 of 700 units produced. In 2016, the M3 turns 30–years-old and this special edition epitomises what the M3/M4 stands for.
The 3.0-litre straight-six engine of the M3/M4 has been tuned to deliver 368kW/600Nm. This enables to new model to reach 100km/h in 3.8sec and on to a ‘limited’ top speed of 305km/h. Oh, and the exhaust is not only 20% lighter but also a much louder than the ‘standard’ version.
2 Jaguar F-Type SVR
The prettiest, monstrous and most untamed cat in Jaguar’s arsenal made its appearance at the Festival of Motoring. The F-Type SVR, is the most powerful production Jaguar yet.
Thanks to its supercharged 423kW/700Nm 5.0-litre V8 engine, it leaps from 0-100km/h in less than four seconds and reaches more than 300km/h.
3 Mercedes-AMG GT3
Wheels24 columnist Ferdi de Vos experienced first hand the power of the Mercedes-AMG GT3, dubbed The Beast, with F1 veteran David Coulthard behind the wheel.
De Vos writes: "With over 410kW (with two 36mm restrictors to make it compliant with the FIA GT3 Balance of Performance rules) and 650Nm on tap from its hand-built 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 and weighing just under 1 300kg, the be-winged, composites-clad monster is fast (0-100km/h in just on 3 seconds), and ferocious.
Click here for the full story
4 Range Rover Evoque Convertible
The Evoque is a gorgeous car but in 2016, the automaker enhances its popula SUV’s beauty with the unveiling of a new convertible variant. Soft-top, open roof, even more street cred… it could be a winner locally.
The open-top Evoque is the automaker's first convertible SUV yet it doesn't lose any of the presence and capability of the standard version. It's powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine capable of 177kW/340Nm.
The new Evoque convertible will go on sale in October 2016, with prices starting from R1 002 400.
5 BMW M760Li xDrive
Set to go on sale in South Africa during the first quarter of 2017, the BMW M760Li xDrive is ready to carry the flag as BMW’s new flagship performance model.
The vehicle is powered by a powerful 6.6-litre V12 engine with peak outputs of 448kW/800Nm, the latter available from an ‘idling’ 1800rpm. BMW claims its M760Li xDrive can reach 305km/h (with optional M Driver’s package) and dispatch the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds.
The new car has a couple of tricks up its sleeves, featuring technologies such as traffic jam assist, a 3D surround view system with panoramic view and gesture control.
6 Nissan GT-R
408kW/632Nm, 315km/h top speed, 0-100km/h in little under two seconds, a price tag of R2-million... every aspect of the new Nissan GT-R is epic.
The new GT-R builds on the success of its predecessor with new technology, design enhancements and performance.
7 Datsun GO+
Datsun re-entered the South African market in 2014 with its GO city car. In 2016, the automaker adds a second model to its line-up - the new GO+.
The GO+ is a 5+2 multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that “comes at a price that will make getting behind the wheel a lot easier for the young South African family,” says Datsun SA. The GO+ is powered by a tiny, underpowered 1.2-litre engine that produces a measly 50kW.
It will be sold with price tag of R134 900…
8 Lexus IS Sport
Making its first local appearance in 2016, is the facelifted IS Sport sedan. The IS’ characteristically ‘edgy’ shape has been enhanced, elevating its aggression, says Lexus SA. The front features an all new bumper design, with enlarged and more prominent air-dams. Ultra bright and energy efficient LED headlamps provide road illumination.
In keeping with the light theme, the rear light clusters now feature triple light-guides to accentuate Lexus' signature L-motif.
The line-up continues as before with the 2.0-litre turbocharged IS 200t available in E and EX grades, with the 3.5-litre V6-powered IS 350 available exclusively in F-Sport trim. The new IS will reach Lexus dealers by November 2016.
9 Toyota Etios Sprint
The Etios range will be boosted with the addition of a new 'Sprint' derivative, set to arrive early in 2017.
The Sprint derivative features a new front-end with a more prominent bumper design, large lower air-dam (with integrated foglights) and new grille.
The rear bumper also receives cosmetic tweaks with a lower crease line. The interior will gain new elements throughout.
The package is rounded off with ‘twin-spoke’ 15" alloys.
10 BMW M3 “30 Years M3”
With the M4 GTS being the epitome of M3/M4 vehicles over the last 30 years, the BMW M3 “30 Jahre” celebrates 30 years of BMW M3. Using the same 3.0-litre engine as the aforementioned M-cars, power is a very prominent 331kW.
This special edition model will be limited to 500 cars worldwide, with only a handful being allocated to SA. Each car will feature the wording “30 Years m3 1/500” on the carbon fibre strip of the instrument panel, as well as on the front headrests.
