And none fresher than the Audi E-Tron Gran Turismo!
This is not an Audi A7 with Porsche Taycan running gear after all, rather a very svelte, flat-floor EV with 434kW on tap. I mean, on current. We’re talking about 0-100kph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 240kph here.
It’s not slow, but “gasp! Those looks!” Audi's new E-Tron GT Concept is pure lust and a superstar too, I mean it will make a rolling debut in the new Marvel Avengers Endgame movie next year, keeping in line with a long running tradition of hot Audis being released in celluloid first - often at the hands of Tony Stark.
We visited the inaugural SA Historic Grand Prix
An array of 1930s era racers assembled from across the globe. Not just any, but the exact cars that partook in those pre-F1 races, as well as a flurry of more modern metal. This to join the inaugural SAHGP which saw the cars drive from (and race on) the original Grand Prix circuit in East London, via the Garden Route and culminating at a garden party (otherwise known as an extremely expensive lawn party) at Val De Vie in Paarl.
That’s where you could find actual E.R.A racers, Alfa Romeos, Rileys, Bugattis and more... until they were gone, back to the countries they came from. Let’s hope this becomes an annual thing.
Awe and wonderment at the new Nissan Leaf NISMO racer
There’s no denying that Nissan have done much to electrify the racing circuits, and ditto, brought some raciness to the road. Furthermore Nissan South Africa pulled off an enviable feat earlier this year when they brought out their NISMO RC Leaf racer to the local Jaguar Simola Hillclimb in Knysna. This then, is the sequel and just, wow.
"The all-new LEAF NISMO RC shows how we're setting our sights even higher when it comes to raw power and performance - making electric vehicles even more exciting for customers. It's our most thrilling expression yet of the philosophy of Nissan Intelligent Mobility." - Executive Vice President Daniele Schillaci, Nissan's global head of marketing, sales and electric vehicles.
Deal. We want to see this in South Africa please. On a mountain. Going flat out. Thanks.
Hyundai is quoted to be “building a bakkie ASAP”
So obviously someone has done a render. This is it. It is believed to be based on the Tucson, named the Santa Cruz and will come with a blown 2-litre engine boasting 180kW and 380Nm.
“We have made the decision. We have not made the announcement.” - Dave Zuchowski CEO of Hyundai Motor America.
Nissan respects their Heritage cars
That’s right, Nissan are officially about to start churning out a fresh run of official Nismo items to keep their retro cars on the road. That should help you keep your R32 GT-R Skyline sweet for another 30 years.
Hyundai Palisade. Sounds big?
That’s because it is – has to be, since it must occupy the lofty space above the Santa Fe, which is bigger than the Tucson, which is bigger than the Creta etc – you get it... So quite the flagship then.
"The new 2020 Hyundai Palisade clearly evokes design imagery worthy of Hyundai's flagship SUV, with new levels of all-road, all-weather capability, technology, safety, roominess and efficiency, all packaged in cutting-edge design. This new Hyundai SUV is the ultimate family vehicle for practical, comfortable daily use and memory-making road trips whenever the appeal of the open road should beckon." - said Mike O'Brien, vice president of Product, Corporate and Digital Planning, Hyundai Motor America.
Well sure, but let’s see what the establishment has to say about it.
Three cars that probably won’t come to South Africa. But they should.
1. Nissan Maxima
We’ve always liked the D-Segment saloon from Yokohama, but sadly South Africa has moved on. Not even Toyota could make a sales success of their Camry, but we still want to live in a world where this exciting sedan exists.
"As our flagship sedan, Maxima is an important contributor to the Nissan brand. Maxima is our longest running nameplate, having thrilled owners for four decades with style, performance and quality." - Dan Mohnke, senior vice president, Sales, Marketing and Operations, Nissan Division U.S., Nissan North America.
Yes. Just not here, friend.
2. Kia Soul
Upon its release, the original box-shaped Kia Soul did much to make the world notice. It was, in a word, beloved. When the second iteration rolled around it was more of the same but not enough were sold in SA (and in other right hand drive markets) to justify building this latest version in anything other than left hand drive.
A big fat pity, but there is some hope – Kia are planning to do the EV version in RHD. Let’s hope it makes it our land.
3. Nissan Murano
The mighty SUV from Nissan came with many things – most notably the V6 sportscar engine of the 350Z. With ever climbing petrol price, Mzansinites weren’t having it. A pity, because we could totally see this new car parked on our driveway.
