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Johannesburg - Toyota and Lexus have revealed new models headed for South Africa.
The Japanese automakers used the inaugural SA Festival of Motoring to showcase some of its SA-bound models.
The Etios, Hilux and Fortuner will receive aesthetic changes. In addition, Lexus will launch its IS Sport locally.
Glenn Crompton, vice-president of marketing for Toyota SA, says: “As South Africa’s leading carmaker, we regard the South African Festival of Motoring as the perfect platform to engage with our customers and at the same time provide a sneak preview of some of the exciting new models on the way.”
Toyota has revealed updated versions of its Hilux double cab and Fortuner SUV at the SA Festival of Motoring held at the Kyalami race track.
The key change for SRX versions is the move to a wide-body construction, complete with wide integrated fender utilised on the current Raider grade. The change to the wide-body profile gives SRX versions a more rugged stance than standard variants. The new version also sports 17” alloys shod with 265/55 profile rubber.
The revised SRX models will make its appearance in Q4 of 2016.
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.
READ: SA Festival of Motoring: Toyota to launch stylish Hilux SRX
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.
Image: QuickPic
Charismatic newcomer
Taking centre stage on the Toyota stand is a holographic preview of the C-HR cross-over. As Toyota’s first foray into the small SUV/cross-over genre, the C-HR is set to make a statement with distinctive ‘diamond-themed’ exterior styling, says the Japanese automaker.
Gallery: SA Festival of Motoring - Toyota's new model onslaught
Powering the newcomer is a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Local introduction is earmarked for the first quarter of 2017.
Image: QuickPic
Invigorated Lexus IS
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.
Image: QuickPic
Lexus LC 500 race car revealed
Lexus unveiled a dramatic race car based on the all-new LC 500 - well ahead of the luxury coupe’s arrival in showrooms around the world.
The production version of the LC 500 will be launched in SA in 2016.
The ink that penned down that the dramatic LC concept car is barely dry, there’s already a snarling race version ready set to the circuit ablaze, Lexus says.
The race car’s features enhances the flagship coupe’s shape, curves and wide, imposing stance while retaining the distinctive Lexus spindle grille and L-shaped lights.
As it happens, the race car’s body work incorporates boldly widened fenders, muscular skirts, large spoiler and rear diffuser and multiple vents for downforce and heat extraction, Lexus says.
With a minimum weight of 1020kg, the lightweight race car will be powered by a 2.0 litre direct-injection four-cylinder turbocharged engine driven through a six-speed sequential gearbox.
Image: MotorPress
