Missed this week’s motoring news? Not to worry, here’s what you need to know about this week in motoring …

Lamborghini Urus Performante debuted with 490 kW

This week, Lamborghini made the global motoring news headlines with the reveal of the Urus Performante. “Setting a new benchmark for ‘fun-to-drive’ super-SUV performance”, the most powerful SUV in the Raging Bull brand’s stable produces 490 kW and 850 Nm. The Italian automaker says these figures allow the Urus Performante to launch to the three-figure marker from a standstill in 3.3 seconds, matching the claimed sprint time of Aston Martin’s (520 kW/900 Nm) DBX707. Adding to its “fun-to-drive” persona, the Urus Performante also features a rally mode.  

Koenigsegg CC850 unveiled as 1 019 kW hypercar with revolutionary transmission set-up

Paying homage to the CC8S, the first production Koenigsegg motor car, the CC850 is a limited-series hypercar with a 5.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 1 019 kW and 1 385 Nm (when running on E85) and, most notably, a “revolutionary” transmission … A close look at the indicators on the gated manual gearbox reveals the letter “D”. Indeed, the world-first set-up allows the driver to leave the transmission to its own devices. In short, the CC850 features a six-speed manual ’box and a “super-fast” nine-speed self-shifter. 

Bentley Mulliner Batur unveiled as ‘most powerful’ Bentley in history

Limited to only 18 units, each priced from R33 213 730.04 (excluding taxes and options), the Bentley Mulliner Batur’s 6.0-litre W12 motor produces 544 kW and a whopping 1 000 Nm. In addition, this model signifies a new design direction for the luxury brand. Bentley says the Batur showcases the design DNA that will ultimately guide the styling of its future battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), the first of which is scheduled for 2025, and families of cars that follow.

McLaren Solus GT revealed as single-seat track weapon

McLaren Automotive made the global motoring news headlines with the reveal of the Solus GT, a single-seat, closed-cockpit track weapon that brings to life the futuristic McLaren featured in the Gran Turismo SPORT video game. Boasting a high-revving V10 engine producing “in excess” of 618 kW and 650 Nm of torque, the Solus GT has a targeted 0-100 km/h sprint time of 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 322 km/h. The 5.2-litre naturally aspirated unit is coupled with a “bespoke” seven-speed sequential-shift gearbox and revs to a whopping 10 000 r/min. The British marque says the V10 powertrain, wrapped in bodywork weighing “less than” 1 000 kg, and the car’s downforce of more than 1 200 kg, provide the driver with an experience close to that of driving a Formula 1 car. 

Kia EV6 GT debuted with 430 kW and drift mode

This week, Kia made the motoring news headlines when the South Korean carmaker officially unveiled the EV6 GT, the most powerful production car to ever come from the company. The EV6 GT’s “energy dense” 77.4 kWh battery pack is coupled with a duo of electric motors. Sited at the front, the first produces 160 kW while the rear-mounted motor produces 260 kW. Combined, the EV6 GT’s electric powertrain churns out 430 kW and 740 Nm of torque, allowing for a (claimed) 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3.4 seconds. The top speed is rated at 258 km/h. However, the EV6 GT’s party piece is that it features a new driving mode … Set to Drift, power is directed to the rear wheels. 

BMW SA reveals pricing for the new X1 

BMW South Africa made local motoring news headlines when revealing pricing for the new X1 line-up. Currently comprising only one engine option, the sole model variant in the range is the sDrive 18i. This derivative seemingly ships with the German marque’s xLine package. However, it can also be specified with the M Sport package. The starting price is R803 045.40, with the M Sport model priced at R832 045.40. 

Mercedes-Benz EQ range lands in SA

This week, the South African arm of Mercedes-Benz made motoring news headlines by introducing four EQ model lines to our market. These include the EQA 250, EQB 350 4Matic, EQC 400 4Matic and EQS saloon, available in 450+ and AMG 53 4Matic+ formats. 

The (140 kW/375 Nm) EQA 250 is priced from R1 169 500. This model’s 66.5 kWh battery pack allows for an electric range of up to 493 km when fully charged. 

The (215 kW/520 Nm) EQB 350 4Matic, which can be had with seven seats at additional cost, is priced from R1 374 500. The all-wheel-drive EQB offers an all-electric range of between 395 and 423 km.

The EQC, the first Mercedes launched under the automaker’s EQ brand, is available in only 400 4Matic format. The 300 kW/760 Nm EQC has a claimed electric range of up to 437 km. 

Sited at the top of the local EQ line-up, the EQS is available in 450+ and AMG 53 4Matic+ flavours. The former is priced from R2 615 100. The AMG-badged variant is priced from R3 410 100. The (245 kW/568 Nm) 450+ boasts the most (claimed) electric range of any EV in SA, with its 107.8 kWh electric motor allowing a range of up to 782 km on a single full charge. The (484 kW/950 Nm) AMG 53 4Matic+ has a claimed electric range of 529 to 586 km.