Missed this week’s motoring news? Not to worry, here’s the recap of what you need to know about this week in motoring …
Porsche 911 Dakar revealed as all-terrain sports car
This week, Porsche made the global motoring news headlines when the German marque finally whipped the wraps off the 911 Dakar. In addition, the local arm of the Stuttgart-based manufacturer listed the all-terrain sports car on its website, revealing pricing, spec and options. The configurator is now live! Configure your 911 Dakar here. However, you’ll have to configure and place your order for the 911 Dakar as soon as possible — Only 2 500 units will be made.
Priced from R4 140 000, the all-terrain Neunelfer boasts a ground clearance of 50 mm more than the 911 Carrera with sports suspension. In addition, this 911 can be lifted by an additional 30 mm. However, the system adjusts to its original setting once reaching 170 km/h. The top speed is electronically governed to 240 km/h.
Adding to its off-road prowess is a set of specially developed all-terrain tyres. Rallye and Offroad driving models are also included.
Local spec and options here.
All-terrain Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato previewed before official debut
This week, not only Porsche made the global motoring news headlines with an all-terrain sports car… Lamborghini previewed the Huracán Sterrato, which the Raging Bull brand bills as “the first super sports car designed for maximum driving pleasure on loose surfaces”. According to the Italian automaker, the all-terrain supercar reinterprets the concept of sportiness and emphasises the brand’s principles — brave, authentic and unexpected.
The all-road mid-engined V10 Lamborghini will make its official debut at Art Basel, Miami, on 30 November 2022. Be sure to keep an eye on APEX for updates.
Toyota Hilux GR-Sport launches in SA
The brand-new Hilux GR-Sport has launched in South Africa. The latest model in Toyota’s local Hilux line-up is priced at R865 400. The GR-S is equipped with the Japanese automaker’s 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, tuned to produce 165 kW and 550 Nm of torque. The oil-burner is coupled with a six-speed self-shifter. Full specification here.
Last current-gen Ranger & first new Ranger rolls off Ford SA’s assembly line
Out with the old, in with the new: Ford South Africa made local motoring news headlines this week with the announcement that the last current-gen Ranger has left its Silverton production line. However, that was not the only motoring news from the local arm of the Blue Oval brand. Following the latter announcement, Ford SA announced that local production of the new Ranger had kicked off, with the first unit rolling off the assembly line. The Pretoria-based production facility became the third plant to commence production of the new Ford Ranger, which will be sold in SA and exported to “more than” 100 markets across the globe.
Mahindra XUV700 launches in SA
The Mahindra XUV700 has landed in South Africa. Priced from R474 999, the three-strong local line-up of the company’s flagship SUV employs a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 149 kW and 380 Nm of torque. The mStallion unit is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. Full pricing and specifications here.
BAIC Beijing X55 lands in SA
The BAIC Beijing X55 has finally touched down on South African shores, with the local arm of the Chinese automaker releasing pricing for the three-strong line-up. Priced from R394 900 for the entry-level Dynamic to R424 900 for the mid-spec Elite and R454 900 for the range-topping Premium derivative, the range employs a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine coupled with a dual-clutch transmission. The engine produces 130 kW and 305 Nm of torque. BAIC claims a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7.8 seconds. The average fuel consumption figure is a claimed 7.2 L/100 km.
Nissan SA adds limited-edition Magnite Red Edition to local line-up
This week, Nissan South Africa made the motoring news headlines when the local arm of the Japanese firm announced the introduction of the Magnite Red Edition. Initially limited to only 600 units, the special-edition Magnite is priced from R298 300.
Based on the Acenta level of specification, this Magnite is adorned with several model-specific accents inside and out. Starting with the exterior, the limited-edition model sports “exclusive” badges and graphics and red brake callipers. Chrome trim adorns the tailgate. The red hue is carried over to the interior. The dashboard features red highlights. LED scuff plates are also present. Standard items include touchscreen infotainment and wireless charging.
