Top Car Reviews

11/06/2024

2024 Bentley Bentayga
The 2024 Bentley Bentayga gets a new Mulliner trim for the 2024 model that comes with unique exterior design elements that can be specified in almost 4000 different interior color combinations. The Mulliner can be had with only the Bentayga's extended wheelbase body and the V8 engine. The starting price for the 2024 Bentayga is $205,925 and stretches on up to $339,150 depending on the trim and options. Car and Driver suggests that the V8 is the best option in the lineup over the the V6 hybrid and adding some adaptive suspension, rear seat entertainment system and the 20 speaker Naim is stereo makes it an excellent pick. They also add that choosing the Touring Specification package gives the driver a suite of driver-assistance features. If you're however looking to maximize luxury for your rear passengers, the extended wheelbase is the one to pick since it provides additional legroom and more rear seat amenities.

Bentley offers a variety of powertrains for the Bentayga. On the low end, you have a 443 hp hybrid arrangement with a turbocharged 3.0 liter V6 and an electric motor. Azure and S hybrids offer a slightly more powerful 455hp version of the electrified powertrain. Then there's the 542hp V8 that sprints from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds. Sadly there's no W12 on offer in the 2024 line up. Regardless of what's under the hood, all Bentayga's come with an 8 speed automatic transmission and come standard with all wheel drive. The direct rival for the Bentayga is the Rolls Royce Cullinan.

14/05/2024

Which model year is an all time favourite?

09/05/2024

08/04/2024

😭😭😭😭

05/04/2024

2024 Jaecoo J7

There's a new car in South Africa and it's none other than the Jaecoo J7. It's a hunter, it's cool, it's hip, it's fresh, it's premium and it's luxury at the most affordable price yet.

The J7 sits on the smaller side of midsize SUV's with similar dimensions as the Mazda CX-5, Honda ZR-V and the short wheel base Volkswagen Tiguan. It's very similar in dimensions to the Cherry Tiggo 7 Pro.

Jaecoo is priding itself on the J7’s off-roading capabilities, promising an intelligent all-wheel drive system as well as sophisticated plug-in hybrid technology. Jaecoo says the J7 features a 540º camera system (which means a more traditional 360º parking system, as well as software that allows you to ‘see through’ the car’s bonnet), as well as a head-up display and promises plenty of other luxuries. Moreover, the front of the Jaecoo J7 features a large, columnar grille paired with LED lights, accentuating the car’s bold and sharp temperament. The minimalist body design, devoid of unnecessary lines, and a high waistline ratio, underscore a simplistic yet robust overall look that enhances the technological appeal along with the split headlight design. The Jaecoo J7 also excels in internal configurations as it is equipped with a high-performance 8155 chip, a 14.8-inch panoramic central infotainment screen, 50W wireless fast charging, Sony sound system, and is powered by a 1.6 turbocharged inline four engine making 194hp and 290Nm of torque which allows the SUV a century sprint time of 8 seconds and a 7.48 per 100km WLTP consumption rating.

Notably, through technologies like laminated acoustic windshields and integrated carpet damping pads, the J7’s NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) is exceptionally quiet. With a ground clearance of 200mm and a wading depth of 600mm, the J7 also boasts extraordinary off-road capabilities, fearlessly tackling complex road conditions. On top of that, in terms of intelligence, the Jaecoo J7 features a “1+2+1” intelligent hardware system, one multifunctional front-view camera (FCM), two millimetre-wave radars (CRM), and one long-range millimetre-wave radar (FRM). The integration of advanced intelligent driving hardware and software enhances nearly 21 smart driving functions, safeguarding a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for users.

With a starting price that is projected to be positioned between the Cherry Tiggo 7 Pro and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, expect to pay between R650,000 and R700,000.

Not bad, huh?

Jaecoo South Africa

26/03/2024

2023 Ferrari 812 Competizione

Ferrari, just like Lamborghini is pretty big at celebrating the exhilarating performance of the ever so perfect V-12 engine. The 812 Competizione utilises a 6.5L V12 powerplant that generates 819 horsepower and the engine is not afraid to clock the rev limiter at 9500rpms, accompanied by a 7 speed dual clutch transmission. According to Carbuzz, the V12 of the Ferrari is boisterous as it is thunderous (I can only imagine the sound of that). All that power is good to catapult to the 812 Competizione in a mere 2.85 seconds and that's much quicker than the car it's based upon, which is the Ferrari 812 Superfast.

Unlike the Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae, the Competizione has a much more practical cabin and it has a proper boot as well; which positions it as a very powerful alternative to the Aston Martin DBS.
Only 999 of the 812 Competizione were made and all of them were or is sold out which guarantees that this vehicle will be a definite collectors item in the years to come.

Brand new these costed more than R8,5 million rands. Imagine that!
This car really is not for the faint hearted! ❤️

CarBuzz

26/03/2024

2024 Audi R8 (dead)
Lambo Huracan (dead)
Audi TT (dead).

So Audi has finally (as rumoured years ago) brought the Audi R8 to it's demise 😭.
Audi was meant to have scrapped the R8 totally and all from it's production line in 2023 already, but they had to extend the production solely due to the influx of orders customers had put through for the car. The last R8 rolled off the assembly line just this month.
The Volkswagen Group is apparently getting rid of the V10 powerplant used by both the R8 and it's sister car - the Lambo Huracan - which is also one foot in the grave. Which means there won't be an R8, Lambo nor the 5.2L naturally aspirated V10 seen in both engine bays.
The Huracan was and is a more popular supercar than the R8 which explains why VW is only releasing it's successor this year. Lamborghini Huracan successor will utilise a NA V8 with a hybrid set up. While Lamborghini will be releasing the Huracan replacement, Audi doesn't intend to release any replacement for the R8 due the steep asking price for the R8 and the ever changing emission regulations.

Looking at the Audi TT...
The TT we can all agree was an amazing sports coupe! Now since Audi is gradually phasing out the 5cylinder powerplant also found in the Audi RS3 - it for some reason decided to take the TT with 😢. Well the writing has been on the wall for the TT for more than some time, so it was ought to be brought to an end. Audi does however suggest (unlike with the R8 and Huracan) that the TT might make its return in the coming years, but as an electric car. They are not promising us anything, so let's hope for the best!

RIP to the automotive beasts.

06/02/2024

Audi RS6 Avant GT Wagon 2025

This is the Audi RS6 Avant GT limited run that the manufacturer recently revealed. It has twin spoilers , carbon fibre at the right places and special wheels. This limited edition wagon takes after the Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO race car from the late 80's and 90's.

It's been stated that the production of this car will be limited to 660 units, 85 will see the shores of the USA and 7 to Canada. Seems as if Audi is denying us the experience of the new age Quattro IMSA GTO; but that is not official as of yet. We might get at least one.

The baseline RS6 Avant Performance makes about 621hp whereas the RS6 Avant GT will be making around 700hp+ with side mounted exhausts inspired by the Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO race car.

The RS6 Avant GT shares the same fire breathing 4.0litre twin turbo V8 found in the RS6 Avant Performance, coupled to an 8 speed automatic gearbox. Torque remains the same as the baseline RS6 which is 627 pound feet.

Say we would get that rumoured in South Africa, we would need to pay just shy under R4,3 million rand to acquire one.

Please Audi give is one. Just one

20/11/2023

2023 Porsche Panamera (base model)

The Panamera breaks from many long-time Porsche traditions. It’s got its engine in the front rather than in the middle or the rear. It caters to families who have outgrown the narrow comforts of the two-door 911. While the Panamera offers two more seats, more legroom and additional cargo space it’s still a joyful ride that can deliver a driving experience worthy of repeating. Power comes from a standard 325-hp turbocharged V-6; rear-wheel drive is standard but four-tire fire is optional. For more power, the Panamera 4S AWD model unlocks the 440-hp twin-turbo V-6, but life really speeds up in the 473-hp twin-turbo V-8 in Panamera GTS. Even the base Panamera exhibits sports-car-like handling, with decisive steering and incredible grip that together deliver raw driving pleasure—something the bigger sedans from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz lack. For a smidge of additional cargo space, the Panamera Sport Turismo, reviewed separately, has a more suitcase-friendly rear shape. If you prefer your wagon tied to up to 689 ponies, the Panamera Turbo, also reviewed separately, might have the right herd for you.
Porsche's Panamera boasts a driver-focused cabin that looks and feels every bit as luxurious as its steep price would have you believe. The list of standard features is long and appropriate for the class, but as with any Porsche, the options list is also extensive, seductive, and pricey. Upgrades include everything from massaging seats to leather-covered climate-control vents to a fire extinguisher. More common options include ventilated seats, soft-close doors, four-zone automatic climate control, and a power-operated rear sunshade. We especially like the sport seats with 18-way adjustability. You sit low in the Panamera, which gives this sedan-like hatchback a sports-car feel. Plus, it's spacious inside, even for tall drivers. Executive stretch models offer limo-like legroom in the back. The center console looks high tech as it's littered with touch-sensitive controls for functions such as the climate control. Unfortunately, we find this all-touch system to be fussy and difficult to use while driving, but you get used to it quickly. The Panamera also provides a good amount of storage room, with 18 cubic feet of cargo space.
With agile handling and a smooth ride, especially when equipped with the optional adjustable air suspension, the Panamera is a thrill to drive. It also provides the comfort and luxury expected of such an expensive four-door hatchback. Every Panamera comes with a boosted engine, but only some wear the Turbo badge. The base rear-wheel-drive Panamera (featured) and all-wheel-drive Panamera 4 feature a 325-hp turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6. The base rear-drive model zips to 60 mph in a fleet 4.4 seconds. Under the hood of the considerably quicker 4S model—60 mph in 3.6 seconds—is a 440-hp twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6. Upgrading to the GTS gives you a 473-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. It's the best performing of the non-Turbo line, with a 3.2-second 60-mph time. However, its suspension sacrifices some ride quality in the name of handling. Porsche also offers plug-in Panameras, with a 455-hp powertrain in the 4 E-Hybrid and a 552-hp setup in the 4S E-Hybrid. Buyers looking for an all-electric Porsche should check out the new Taycan.
The base model Panamera has a starting RSP of R1,800,000 at all Porsche dealerships around RSA.

Caranddriver

19/11/2023

2023 Volkswagen Taigo

What’s a Volkswagen Taigo? Put simply, it’s a T-Cross SUV with a little more style courtesy of a coupe roofline and elongated tail.

It’s intended to appeal to style-conscious buyers who still want the elevated driving position and rugged character that a compact SUV provides, but just don’t like the boxy shape and don’t need its extended practicality.

Not that long ago the coupe-SUV was the preserve of vastly expensive premium models like the BMW X6, but more and more manufacturers are launching affordable models to give the proletariat a taste of the good life. Rivals include the Citroen C4, Renault Arkana, Kia XCeed and Toyota C-HR, though other stylish SUVs that may be a little boxier – such as the Ford Puma and Mazda CX-30 – will no doubt sit on many of the same shopping lists. These are some of the best small SUVs you can buy, so the Taigo has a lot of work to do in order to keep up.

The VW Taigo’s engines are as simple as they come. You can have a 1.0-litre petrol engine in a choice of two power outputs, or a 1.5-litre petrol engine with one output. There’s no hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full electric variants, which does somewhat limit its appeal, but there are other models within the Volkswagen group to satisfy this requirement.

The lower-powered 1.0-litre is best avoided – though it’s not especially underpowered with 95hp, it comes paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. This doesn’t give you the flexibility of a six-speed ‘box – it’s notchier, too, and top gear isn’t as high so motorway cruising is less relaxed.

If you want a compact car with a degree of coupe glamour, the Taigo could be for you. It’s only a limited degree, though – in most respects this is little more than a slinkier T-Cross, and it feels like it.

Price for the Taigo start from R475,000 at all VW dealerships across South Africa.

08/11/2023

Rimac Nevera recently broke a land speed record in The Guiness World Book Of Records with an astonishing speed of 275km/h in reverse. In reverse! Who would want to reverse that fast? Well, clearly a Rimac Nevera owner would 🤣.
Tune in for stats...

18/10/2023

2023 Toyota Crown (SUV guise)

The Toyota Crown has finally surfaced in South Africa, but motorists are going to find it difficult to get their hands on one.

Duoporta vehicle information specialists have confirmed a selling price of R918,000 for the nameplate.

The Toyota Crown has been around since sedan form for decades, but it's the first time the Crown (SUV guise) makes it to South Africa.

It features a hybrid system incorporating a 2.5litre turbo petrol making 176KW coupled to a CVT (I despise CVT gearboxes) transmission that's apparently smooth and it turns all four wheels. Due to it's hybridized nature - the fuel consumption is a mere 4.4L/km.

topauto.com

10/10/2023

2023 Nissan Magnite Visia Turbo

The Visia is the base specification level in Nissan’s crossover family, with two features setting the NA apart from the turbocharged variant. Standard equipment comprises 16-inch steel wheels, central locking, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, a six-speaker Bluetooth sound system, rear parking sensors, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, ABS, and two airbags. With its new 1.0-litre, turbo-petrol underpinnings, the Magnite Visia Turbo produces 74kW and 160Nm – up from the NA’s 53kW and 96Nm – and drives the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.
Where the NA Visia offers a fuel usage of 5.9l/100km, a 0-100km/h time of 16 seconds, and a top speed of 150km/h; the Visia Turbo sees a lower economy rating of 5.2l/100km, a quicker acceleration time of 11.7 seconds, and an improved top speed of 173km/h.

The South African pricing and expanded model range for the Nissan Magnite, according to Duoporta vehicle information specialists, are as follows:

Nissan Magnite 1.0 Visia – R227,900
Nissan Magnite 1.0 Acenta – R247,800
Nissan Magnite 1.0 Acenta Plus – R263,100
Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Visia – R277,900 (new)
Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta – R306,900
Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Red Edition – R315,000
Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Plus – R326,000
Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Auto – R335,500
Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Red Edition Auto – R343,500
Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Plus Auto – R358,800.

topauto.com

09/10/2023

2024 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance

Mercedes-AMG has updated the GT63 S E Performance 4-Door Coupe. The sedan has new front-end styling, a new exterior color option, and other minor tweaks as the refreshed super-sedan goes on sale worldwide.

The 2024 GT63 S E Performance 4-Door Coupe has a face that borrows styling cues from the new AMG GT Coupe, featuring a much broader and narrower lower grille opening that pinches the previously gaping outboard intakes into sporty vertical slits. Multibeam LED main headlights frame the GT’s newly designed grille, which is taller and has extra black trim along the bottom.

Under the hood lies the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, making the same 831 horsepower (620 kilowatts) and 1,033 pound-feet (1,400 Newton-meters) of torque. The powertrain pairs with the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G nine-speed transmission and the AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system. Mercedes claimed it could hit 62 miles (100km/h) per hour in 2.9 seconds and had a 196-mph (315km/h) top speed. It keeps all that speed under control with the AMG high-performance ceramic composite brakes, active rear-axle steering, and AMG Ride Control+ suspension with adaptive damping.
Customers can paint the GT’s exterior in a new Opalite White Metallic. The wheel and upholstery options remain unchanged. The updated Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance 4-Door Coupe price starts at 207,708.55 euros in Germany, including the VAT ($218,686.99 (R4 464 691,19) at today’s exchange rate).

22/09/2023

2023 Land Rover Range Rover.

This is the most desirable Range Rover of all generations.
What attracts global elites to the Range Rover isn't the SUV's legendary off-road capability, but rather its effortlessly elegant styling, its opulent cabin, and the A-list status that it's developed over the years. The 2023 model represents the most luxurious Range Rover yet. A trio of powertrain options—including a hybrid—deliver ample power; the brand's largest SUV comports itself through traffic regally, with a smooth ride and a hushed interior. Venturing off-road is certainly an option for Range Rover owners; all-wheel drive is standard and the air suspension can be raised to provide extra ground clearance—although we know that few will actually dare to subject this rolling art piece to such indignity. The Range Rover starts at over $100,000 (R1,870,142), which means it's more expensive than rivals such as the Cadillac Escalade (not available in SA), the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and the Mercedes-Benz GLS-class. So be it. The Range's reputation, presence, and royal endorsement all help justify its premium price tag.
The Range Rover is available with a trio of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt hybrid system dubbed P400 that develops 395 horsepower. During our initial test drive, it proved to be silky-smooth and provided adequate pep to tug the large Range Rover around. A 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine—Land Rover calls it P530—is even perkier and cranks up the Range Rover's towing capacity to 8200 pounds. At our test track, the P530 hustled the Range Rover to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds; the P400 did it in 5.5 seconds. A 434-hp plug-in hybrid option—called P440e—is also available but only on the short wheelbase SE trim. Our long-wheelbase P400 test vehicle managed to hit 60 mph in a fairly brisk 5.5 seconds while the short-wheelbase P530 we tested did it in just 4.3 seconds. The Range Rover's ride is suitably plush and, with its adjustable air suspension set to Comfort mode, it virtually floats down the road. Turning the dial to Dynamic mode firms things up some, but the big Rover still aims for a comfort-first mission.

Prices range from R1 870 142 - R2 475 808,30)
The Range Rover Sport P635 SV Edition One is priced from R3 965 000.

caranddriver.com
cars.co.za

19/09/2023

Lamborghini president and CEO Stefan Winkelmann denied that the concept would mark the Miura's return to production, saying “The Miura was a celebration of our history, but Lamborghini is about the future. Retro design is not what we are here for. So we won't do the Miura.”

But they had the Countach (pics 5-7) come back, but couldn't reiterate the Miura (1-4) despite showcasing a concept of it which did seem viable for production, but the idea was nevertheless burned.
Still unfair of Lamborghini.

19/09/2023

An exclusive supercar never seen in this form before: The BRABUS 800 Adventure XLP celebrates its world premiere. The pickups of model year 2020 are available in an exclusive limited "First Edition." Based on the Mercedes G 63 AMG, our engineers, technicians and designers develop a high-performance pickup with outstanding off-road capability, which they achieved with a newly designed special suspension with portal axles. This results in a ground clearance of 49 centimeters (19.2 inches).

The power source is the 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 in BRABUS 800 PowerXtra + specification with an output of 588 kW / 800 hp (789 bhp) and 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque. With it, the BRABUS 800 Adventure XLP sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.8 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 210 km/h (130 mph) due to the higher center of gravity and the 22-inch all-terrain tires.

The show car features a ROCKET silver matte special paint finish and a burned oak BRABUS fine leather interior.

Expect a price of approximately R9,7 million without options. Top end model that's fully optioned could cost an approximate R11 million. 😬😬😬

brabus.com

19/09/2023

2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen has been working on updating its Tiguan for the global markets for some time now. The new third-generation iteration of the SUV has been spied on multiple occasions with VW also having released official teasers for the same.
As seen from the spy images, the new Tiguan comes with a complete redesign, compared to the outgoing model. The new iteration of the SUV features a more rounded-off styling, especially around the headlights and tail lights. The front fascia can be seen with a gloss black trim with a light bar connecting the integrated DRLs. The rear also features full-width LED lights and are much slimmer than on the current model. The SUV also features wheel arch protectors and plenty of chrome elements all around.
The 3rd-gen Tiguan is said to measure 4,551 mm in length, 1,939 mm in width and has a wheelbase of 2,681 mm. The new-gen SUV will be offered in a single size; instead of the Standard (SWB) and AllSpace (LWB) versions available on the current models. The current Tiguan AllSpace version will be replaced by an all-new model, called the Tayron.
Details of the interiors are yet to be revealed. Although, reports do suggest the new iteration will come with all the latest bells and whistles, in terms of safety, comfort and connectivity features.
The new third-gen VW Tiguan will be part of the brand's MQB EVO architecture and will internationally be offered with a range of powertrain options. This includes petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains.

Source: Avtomanija TV/YouTube
team-bhp.com
Images: Wikipedia

19/09/2023

2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The all-new 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan has arrived, showcasing a complete redesign and leading-edge technology features that will excite both loyal fans and new consumers alike. From its premium interiors to its powerful performance, the C-Class continues to set a benchmark for luxury sedans. In this review, we explore the key aspects of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, discussing pricing and specifications that make it stand apart from competitors.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a symbol of prestige and innovation in the luxury sedan segment. With its captivating design, plush interiors, premium technology features, and range of engine choices catering to different driving preferences, the C-Class is well-suited to impress even the most discerning buyers. Browse your local Mercedes-Benz dealership to experience the unparalleled luxury of the new C-Class for yourself.

The base model C300 starts at $42,650 (R807 535,10) excluding destination fees. Upgrading to the more powerful Mercedes-AMG C43 comes with a starting price of $58,550 (R1 108 585,70). For those seeking maximum performance and luxury features, the top-of-the-line C63 S AMG starts at $77,900 (R1 474 678,16).

thetechedvocate.org

18/09/2023

Production of the current Mercedes-Benz G-Class is set to come to an end in early 2024 as the German car-maker prepares to launch an updated model. According to a report from the German edition of Business Insider, Mercedes-Benz will cease production of the current iteration of the off-road SUV in the first quarter (January to March) of next year – as it prepares to launch a facelifted G-Class currently undergoing final development in Europe.
The G-Class is one of a number of vehicles built by external company Magna Steyr in Austria – alongside a number of BMWs and the Toyota Supra.
According to the UK's Autocar, the new G-Class will adopt a number of aerodynamic upgrades from the EQG, in an effort to reduce fuel consumption.

"Most customers won’t see it, even if they stand in front of the car, but the change in some cases had a really dramatic improvement to the aerodynamics," Dr Emerich Schiller, the head of the G-Class business unit, told Autocar.

drive.com.au

09/09/2023

The 2023 Hyundai Sonata.. we sadly won't get as the South African market :(
Stay around for a synopsis

02/09/2023

2024 Porsche Brabus Rocket 900 R

While predominantly known for making absurdly powerful and unsubtly-styled versions of Mercedes-Benz products, Brabus does occasionally tinker with Porsche models. And tinker it has with the current Porsche 911 Turbo S, coming up with this, the Brabus 900 Rocket R. And yes, that ‘900’ bit of the name does indeed refer to the power output of 900hp, or 888bhp. The last Brabus-overhauled 911 Turbo produced ‘only’ 809bhp. The newfound power and the 738lb ft of torque (1000Nm) is developed thanks to a new pair of variable vane turbine geometry (VTG) turbochargers running a boost pressure of 1.9 bar. The 900’s enlivened 3.8-litre flat-six breathes through a new exhaust system featuring freer-flowing catalytic converters, new particulate filters and a decent helping of Iconel, otherwise known as the fancy metal favoured by Formula 1 teams for the job. As before, power goes to all wheels via an eight-speed ‘PDK’ automatic gearbox. All-wheel drive traction plus nearly 900bhp makes for something rather brisk - according to Brabus’ figures, the Rocket R will crack the 0-62mph sprint in 2.5 seconds. Perhaps even more impressive is the 0-124mph figure, which is a scant 7.4 seconds. It wouldn’t be a Brabus if it didn’t look suitably ridiculous, so to that end, the Rocket R gets a carbon fibre ‘Brabus Widestar’ body kit with kevlar-lined wheel arches. At the front, there’s a new splitter, while at the rear you’ll find a new spoiler arrangement with Brabus branding just below, and a fresh diffuser for the quad-exit exhaust to poke through a little lower down. Brabus is charging €461,500 (before taxes) for the 900 Rocket R, which works out at just under £400,000. Production is limited to 25 units.

01/09/2023

2023 Aston Martin DBX707

Aston Martin has been promising a faster version of the DBX since the regular one launched, and this is most definitely it. Based on manufacturer claims, the new 2023 DBX 707 is set to be the quickest performance SUV on the market, with Aston CEO Tobias Moers saying the company hopes to prove that by setting the corresponding record on the Nürburgring. Positioned above the standard DBX, which will continue to be sold alongside it, the DBX 707 has been given a substantial power upgrade thanks to an upgraded version of the 4.0-liter AMG V-8 that Aston says it has substantially engineered in-house. The engine uses new ball-bearing turbochargers and a revised calibration to boost output to 697 horsepower (the "707" name refers to metric horsepower). That’s 155 hp more than the regular DBX and means the DBX 707 outguns such luminaries as the 626-hp Bentley Bentayga W12 Speed, the 641-hp Lamborghini Urus and even the 670-hp Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid. Moers admitted that the Porsche was Aston’s benchmark target when he introduced journalists to the new car. Moers is also bullish on the DBX 707’s sales prospects, surmising that the 707 could make up around 60 percent of all DBX sales. This is despite a $235,086 pricetag which makes it more than $50,000 more expensive than the standard car. Production will start before the end of the first quarter of 2022.

30/08/2023

2024 Bugatti Mistral

This is it. The end of an era. The 2024 Bugatti Mistral will be the last car the storied hypercar maker will ever build with the mighty quad-turbo, 8.0-liter, W-16 engine. Just 99 will be built, and despite a $5.1-million (+-R92,000,000) price tag, all are sold. The Mistral is powered by the same 1600-hp version of the W-16 that propels the record-breaking Chiron Super Sport 300+, making it the most potent open-top internal combustion engine production car ever built. Bugatti's previous roadster, the 1,200-hp Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, set an open-top production car speed record of 254.04 mph (408km/h) in 2013. Bugatti design director Achim Anscheidt says the company is planning to top 260 mph (418km/h) in the Mistral. The Mistral is basically a Chiron Super Sport under the skin. But it's more than just a Chiron Super Sport with the roof removed. "You can't just cut open a Chiron," says Anscheidt, not the least, he points out, because that would compromise the sweeping arc that starts at the A-pillar and loops around the side of the car. "It would look terrible."...
German owners. That's also the reason for the red-white-and-blue tricolor band near the front wheels.

The Bugatti Mistral has been designed to send off the W-16 in grand style, to celebrate the unique sound and titanic thrust of one of the most extraordinary engines ever put in a production car. And if the Grand Sport Vitesse roadster, a car we said offered the Bugatti Veyron experience in shattering 7.1 surround sound, is any guide, driving the Mistral will indeed be a spectacular experience.