Missed this week’s motoring news? Not to worry, here’s the breakdown of what you need to know about this week in motoring …
New (992-gen) Porsche 911 GT3 RS finally revealed
The reveal of the 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS is arguably the news that topped this week’s motoring news headlines. “Uncompromisingly designed for maximum performance”, the new model (read our feature about the generations of 911 GT3 RS here) is arguably one of the most highly-anticipated super sports cars of the year.
The box-fresh 911 GT3 RS’ 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer motor produces 386 kW and 465 Nm of torque. The atmospheric petrol unit revs to a whopping 9 000 r/min. Coupled with a revised seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the 992 iteration completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 296 km/h.
Pricing and options for the new 911 GT3 RS here.
Updated BMW 3 Series arrives in SA
BMW South Africa has released pricing for the facelifted 3 Series line-up. The local range comprises five derivatives, four of them available with the Bavarian brand’s M Sport package, which, of course, is available at additional cost. These are the 318i, 320i, 320d (the sole diesel model in the range) and 330i.
Pricing kicks off at R767 893.60 for the standard 318i. As standard, the 320i and 320d are priced at R832 893.60 and R880 768.40, respectively. The standard 330i is priced similarly to the 320i. Sited at the top of the line-up is the (R1 341 706.60) M340i xDrive.
Full pricing for the refreshed 3 Series line-up here.
Toyota SA Prospecton Plant in KZN officially reopens
Following the damage caused to Toyota South Africa Motors’ (TSAM) Prospecton Plant by the devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal earlier this year, TSAM has announced on 16 August that its Durban-based production facility has officially reopened. All production lines have resumed production.
The firm further expects that, although the process toward the plant’s full recovery has been long, it forecasts it will reach the pre-flood level in December. As a reminder, the Prospecton Plant is where TSAM manufactures the Hilux, Fortuner, Corolla Cross and Corolla Quest, and Hiace Ses’fikile and a variety of Hino commercial vehicles.
Toyota Corolla Cross handed the GR-S treatment
Following the announcement that its Prospecton Plant has resumed production, TSAM again made the motoring news headlines with the reveal of the Corolla Cross GR-S. Priced at R453 200, the GR-S-badged variant is (most notably) set apart from its stablemates with revised suspension components and tuning. At the same time, the power steering module has been recalibrated to deliver “more responsive” handling, steering feedback and cornering “prowess”.
The GR-S model further features a bespoke exterior package. GR-S-specific items have been fitted to the bodywork and interior. Aligning with the range-topping Xr trim grade, GR-S spec features touchscreen infotainment, which incorporates screen-mirroring functionality, and dual-zone climate control. A reverse-view camera is also present, as are several safety features.
New Jeep Grand Cherokee L launches in SA
This week, Jeep South Africa made the local motoring news headlines with the launch of the new Grand Cherokee L. Priced from R1 299 900 for the entry-level Limited model, R1 479 900 for the mid-tier Overland and R1 679 900 for the range-topping Summit Reserve derivative, the three-strong local line-up employs the automaker’s 3.6-litre Pentastar engine. The V6 unit produces 210 kW and 344 Nm. Varying on the model, several 4×4 systems are also included.
Updated Toyota CH-R lands in SA
Toyota again made the local motoring news headlines with the announcement of pricing and spec for the updated CH-R. The refreshed CH-R line-up is priced from R429 000 for the 1.2T manual to R554 500 for the 1.2T Luxury CVT. The 1.2T Plus manual and CVT models are priced at R465 200 and R479 100, respectively. See specifications here.
Audi SA & GridCars’ EV chargers go live
At the start of 2022, Audi South Africa announced it had partnered with GridCars to install “ultra-fast” electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country. Well, the local arm of the German automaker has now announced that these charging stations have gone live.
Four (of the 33) EV charging stations are of the 150 kW DC fast charger variety. These units allow a claimed all-electric range of approximately 340 km following a 30-minute charge. Five are 80 kW DC fast chargers, enabling an estimated range of 185 km following a similar time duration as the 150 kW items. The rest (24) are of the AC variety. These (22 kW) dual charging stations provide a range of approximately 100 km following an hour’s charge.
See where all of them are located here.
Aston Martin unveils ‘stunning’ DBR22 concept
This week, Aston Martin made the global motoring news headlines by revealing the DBR22, a coach-built concept paying homage to the British marque’s “extraordinary” bloodline of open-top racing cars.
With the DBR22, Aston Martin says it wanted to showcase a “completely new” body form. Crafted from a “minimal” number of panels, the bodywork is a blend of “exceptional drama” and “elegance”.
The DBR22’s 5.2-litre V12 is coupled with an eight-speed automatic. The twin-turbocharged petrol unit produces 526 kW and 753 Nm. Aston Martin claims a 0-60 mph (0-96.6 km/h) sprint time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 319 km/h. The firm says the engine promises to provide “intense” sensory stimulation.
One-of-a-kind Porsche 911 Sally Special revealed!
With the reveal of the one-of-a-kind 911 Sally Special, Porsche also made the global motoring news headlines. Inspired by Sally Carrera, the famous (996-generation) car from Disney and Pixar’s animated film Cars, this one-off 911 boasts several bespoke design cues. Based on the 992-generation Carrera GTS, the 911 Sally Special’s 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six produces 353 kW and 570 Nm. The engine is coupled with a manual transmission.
Polestar 6 roadster confirmed with ‘up to’ 650 kW
Polestar has confirmed that it’s working on a high-performance electric roadster. Named ‘Polestar 6’, the open-top EV will produce “up to” 650 kW and 900 Nm of torque. Polestar says it targets a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3.2 seconds.
Porsche 911 Cabriolet reimagined by Singer revealed
In response to requests from owners, Singer Vehicle Design has presented the first Porsche 911 Cabriolet reimagined by Singer. The cabriolet is equipped with a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six motor, which produces from 331 kW to 380 kW. Power is exclusively directed to the rear axle via a six-speed manual transmission. Stopping power is provided by a carbon-ceramic braking system.
Inside, Singer’s first cabriolet model features electrically adjustable sports seats. Wood accents in ‘Black Forest’ is also present. The cabin is also equipped with air conditioning and wireless smartphone charging.
