This week, the car manufacturer that dominated news headlines were Porsche, with the German marque revealing not only the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, but also introducing a duo of new models to South African shores. However, Porsche was not the only manufacturer who made the news. Audi introduced the Q5 Sportback and Isuzu the second-generation mu-X. Here’s the past week’s top five motoring-related news stories…
1. Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT blasts into SA! Pricing here…
Porsche’s Nürburgring lap record-setting performance SUV has finally arrived in South Africa, with the local arm of the Stuttgart-based automaker revealing pricing for the Cayenne Turbo GT. Endowed with the most powerful internal-combustion V8 engine in Porsche’s arsenal, the Turbo GT-badged Cayenne’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged motor produces 471 kW and 850 Nm for a zero to 100 km/h acceleration time of 3.3 seconds and maximum speed of 300 km/h. Power and torque are sent to all four corners via a faster-shifting eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission. See pricing here.
2. PRICING: Porsche Taycan GTS saloon lands in SA!
The latest variant in Porsche’s emissions-free sports saloon line-up, the Taycan GTS is billed as the “sweet spot” in the range. The Taycan GTS is endowed with 380 kW and 850 Nm of torque. However, activating launch control increases the former figure to 440 kW, allowing for a claimed zero to 100 km/h acceleration time of 3.7 seconds. Maximum speed is rated at 250 km/h. See pricing here.
3. New Isuzu mu-X arrives in SA! Pricing and spec here…
Boasting a bold new look and updated tech, the second-generation Isuzu mu-X has touched down in South Africa. “Engineered for superior performance in harsh environments”, the new mu-X “is a massive step-up for Isuzu”, says Craig Uren, senior vice president Isuzu sales and marketing. The new mu-X is powered by the firm’s 3.0-litre oil-burner, producing 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque (the latter available from a lowly 1 600 r/min). The turbocharged unit is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.6 L/100 km. See pricing and spec here.
4. Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS debuted with 368 kW!
The first 718 to don the “RS” moniker, the highly anticipated Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS has finally made its debut. “An uncompromising driver’s car designed to impress with its lightweight construction, extremely agile chassis set-up, sophisticated aerodynamics and unique soundtrack”; the 718 GT4 RS’s 4.0-litre flat-six produces 386 kW and 450 Nm of torque. The mid-mounted atmospheric unit revs to a whopping 9 000 r/min. A seven-speed PDK transmission transfers power and torque to the rear axle. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. Top speed is rated at 315 km/h.
5. Audi Q5 Sportback lands in SA. Pricing here…
Boasting an in-vogue roof design, the Q5 Sportback is the third SUV under the Sportback namesake. Priced from R960 000 (full pricing here), the four-strong line-up comprises a trio of engine options. Spearheading the range, the SQ5 Sportback’s 3.0-litre V6 powertrain produces 260 kW and 500 Nm for a zero to 100 km/h sprint time of 4.9 seconds.
