Six cars that made SA’s Festival of Motoring

Apart from the exciting test drives and hot laps around the tracks, we thought it would be interesting to compile a Top Six list of the coolest and rarest cars that made special appearances at the OEM stands. Hopefully next year we’ll see further participation from all brands.

The Jaguar F-Type SVR

The F-Type SVR was officially launched at the event, and it could be summed up perfectly in just one word, and that word is ‘presence’. For starters, there’s that gorgeous orange finish that caresses the angry lines of the 911 rival, and she’s more than just a pretty face. Packing a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 that’s good for 422kW of power and 700Nm of torque, as well as an all-wheel drive system and some serious aero, the SVR will hit 100km/h from a standstill in just 3.5 seconds.

The Lexus LFA

The LFA, simply put, is a pinnacle of modern engineering and technology. Powered by a 4.8-litre V10, it singlehandedly put Lexus on the supercar map when it was launched in 2010. Aside from its mind blowing performance, another reason that it’s still a big deal in South Africa is its rarity. When the LFA launched in South Africa, only 3 units were destined to reach our shores, so seeing an LFA in the metal is kind of a big deal.

The BMW M4 GTS

The fastest BMW on the Nurburgring has arrived in South Africa. Powered by a water injected version of the 3.0-litre twin turbo 6-cylinder engine borrowed from the normal M4, the GTS is good for 368kW of power and 600Nm of torque. Combine this power with the lightweight body and a hardcore aero kit and you’ve got an absolute track ripper capable of hitting 100km/h in 3.8 seconds before maxing out at 305km/h. Carrying a price tag of R2,137,500 the GTS isn’t necessarily cheap, but give it a few years and that price tag will definitely increase.

The Porsche 918 Spyder

The big daddy of the hypercar trio made an appearance at the Porsche stand! Powered by a hybrid engine consisting of a 447kW 4.6-litre naturally aspirated V8 and two electric motors, this 652kW monster will hit 100km/h in 2.5 seconds with a top speed of 351km/h. The 918 has proved itself as hypercar royalty in many events against the Ferrari LaFerrari and the McLaren P1, where it always comes out victorious. Seeing the 918 in pictures is completely different from seeing it in the metal. Furthermore, there are only 2 Porsche 918’s in South Africa, so actually seeing the hypercar is an experience on its own.

Toyota Hilux Evo Dakar

The new ‘bakkie’ follows the trends set by Peugeot’s dominant 2016 Dakar winner – the Toyota’s shift to a rear-driven format allows it to use larger pressure-variable wheels and tyres, far greater suspension travel and other advances over the limited previous 4×4 bakkies within Dakar regulations. Hilux Evo however retains the outgoing Dakar Hilux’s normally-aspirated Atkinson Cycle V8 engine now with the benefit of a larger 38 mm restrictor – the same diameter as its Mini and Peugeot rivals for the first time. Toyota’s rivals had previously benefited more freedom on their restrictors.

The BMW M760Li X-Drive

The M760Li is actually faster to 100km/h than the BMW M4 GTS and that is all thanks to the 447kW 6.6-litre V12 powerplant that lurks under the enormous hood. From the moment you set your eyes on the M760Li, you know you’re looking at something special; however, the interior is the biggest highlight of this super-limo. The comfort of the rear seats is absolutely mind-blowing, and the sheer technological advancement that is present in the M760Li is equally impressive. Now, why is the M760Li the coolest car from the South African Festival of Motoring? Well… who doesn’t want to go from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds while relaxing in super luxury with your feet up?