There are several good reasons to attend the Johannesburg International Motor Show. Not only do you get to see almost all the cars available in SA in one space, but there are also many firsts for SA at this event.
Here are just some of the highlights in no particular order:
Audi RS7
This bahn stormer from Ingolstadt is set to take the fight to BMW’s M6 Gran Coupe and Merc’s CLS63 AMG. Not only does it boast a well-tailored suit on the outside, but it packs major muscle from the twin-turbocharged V8 motor to the tune of 412 kW and 700 N.m. CAR journalist Kyle Kock drove the RS7 at its international launch earlier this year and reported back at the time.
BMW i twins
BMW had several new and exciting models on its stand. The new X5 and 4 Series, as well as the X4 concept car are all noteworthy, but you will must to take a look at the i3 and the striking i8. These two are part of BMW’s new sub-brand dubbed i. Both models feature electric power. The i3 is a city car and the i8 a full on sports model (more info if you click here).
Chevrolet Camaro
This must be a highlight for performance car fans. The drop-top version of this American muscle car looks menacing in red with an accented power bulge and black wheels. Details are sketchy at the moment but it seems as though a right-hand-drive model (is finally) in the offing, which means potential SA buyers better start writing to GMSA to implore it to launch this model here.
Ford Evos
Ford has all its new models on display but taking pride of place is the Evos Concept Car. This car was conceived to showcase Ford’s design language going forward and supposedly hints at the upcoming Mustang. This is the type of concept model one can witness at any large-scale international show so it’s definitely worth seeing.
Honda NSX Concept
It has been some time since the last NSX stopped production, but Honda is busy readying its successor. One can get a glimpse of the newcomer on Honda’s stand. Rumour has it that the production version will be nearly identical to the show car. (You can see a video of the new NSX in action here.)
Infiniti Q50
Infiniti are keen to make an impression on the SA buying public. To do so they have rolled out an all-new model, the Q50, which is a 3 Series/C-Class competitor, to the SA public ahead of its international launch. Not only that, but the firm also had Sebastian Vettel’s Formula One steed on display to cement the sponsorship links between Red Bull Racing and Infiniti.
Jaguar
Jaguar has two hot new performance models for you to drool over: the XFR-S and F-Type. The former is the range leader of the XF range with a massive 405 kW on offer – Peter Palm drove it overseas – and the latter is just a sublime piece of design that is bound to generate some naughty feelings…
Mercedes-Benz SLS Black Series
Mercedes-Benz had several stunner in its display area, including the all-new S-Class limousine. But for sheer wow factor, the SLS Black Series cannot be beat. With its searing shade of paint and aero addenda it is enough to draw petrolheads like moths to a flame. Don’t miss this limited-edition model while it’s standing still.
Toyota FT-86 Open Concept
Toyota fans will not want to miss the open-top version of the company’s popular 86 sportscar. This looks better than the hard-top version if you ask me. At one time, a certainty for production it seems that Toyota isn’t that sure any more. This may be one of the few occasions you get to see a topless 86.
Volkswagen Amarok Wothersee Concept
Usually commercial vehicles are overshadowed by more glamorous offerings at motor shows, but if you wander passed the VW stand you’ll be suitably impressed. The Germans rolled out a very special version of its single cab Amarok. The Wörthersee Concept boasts a 3,0-litre V6 turbodiesel with 200 kW and 600 N.m of twist. With an aggressive body kit, an 80 mm lower ride height and huge alloys it has the show to match the go. We approve… You can read all the details by clicking here.
