It’s a Race! BMW 128ti versus Toyota GR Yaris on the Quarter-Mile
Watch Ciro de Siena and Ashley Oldfield charge down the quarter-mile strip in the BMW 128ti and the Toyota GR Yaris. Who wins? Watch now!
The Toyota GR Yaris has turned the hot hatch market on its head with its incredible 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbo engine, all-wheel drive and 6-speed manual gearbox. Very few cars are this engaging and fast!
The BMW 128ti represents a new avenue for the German brand, mixing a turbocharged 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with front-wheel drive.
That GR Yaris with Ashley Oldfield behind the wheel is going to be incredibly quick off the line, does Ciro de Siena in the BMW 128ti stand a chance?
The all-new 2023 Ford Ranger has been revealed and while all eyes are on the striking XLT and Wildtrak models, we wonder what the entry-level model will look like. Wonder no more!
The new 2023 Ford Ranger looks to be one very impressive offering. Combining modern fresh looks with what appears to be one of the most digitally advanced cabins, the new Ranger is sure to take the market by storm when it touches down in 2022.
Ford South Africa says the order books open in the 2nd quarter of 2022 and while the engine and derivatives are yet to be confirmed, we do know that the engines on offer range from the 2.0-litre single turbo and 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesels, as well as a 2.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol motor.
The big headline news as far as engines go is the confirmation from Ford that a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel will make its debut in the Ranger. Whether the SA market will get this engine remains to be seen.
The interior we have seen in the Wildtrak and XLT press images has impressed us. There’s a huge focus on digitalisation and the huge talking point will be the inclusion of a portrait-orientated oversized infotainment screen with Ford’s SYNC4. We’re yet to see it in the metal, but so far, the Wildtrak and XLT look tantalising.
It’s all very well lusting after the flagship luxury models, but in the case of double-cab bakkies, they’re expecting to fulfil both lifestyle and commercial roles. What about the workhorse aspect of the all-new Ford Ranger? While there’s been virtually no coverage of the single-cab or entry-level Ranger derivatives, a deep-dive into the various Ford media websites turned up some images.
Visually, the entry-level Ranger workhorses loses the fancy daytime running lights and alloy wheels, and receive a simplified version of the new grille. Interestingly, there are no images of the interior and we’re left wondering if the cabin will also receive the new large infotainment system or make do with a basic system.
It’s too early to say what engines will be offered either and if you can recall correctly, the predecessor made do with the older 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor while its upmarket siblings had the new-generation 2.0-litre powertrain.
Ford has confirmed its all-new Ranger will be built in South Africa at the Blue Oval’s facility in Silverton, Pretoria and customers can start ordering the new bakkie in the 2nd quarter of 2022.
A new range-topping JAC T8 double-cab bakkie has been introduced to the South African market. See specification and pricing details below…
Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer, JAC, has bolstered its current T8 double-cab bakkie offering with a new range-topping, leisure-orientated T8 powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 104 kW and 320 Nm and is now available in either 4×2 or 4×4 guise and is mated with a 6-speed manual transmission.
“The T8 double-cab is the bestseller in our product stable. With its powerful new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel powerplant, it definitely will increase our share of this competitive market segment,” says Karl-Heinz Göbel, Chief Executive Officer of JAC Motors South Africa.
What standard features are offered on the JAC T8?
As far as standard features are concerned, the newcomer rides on two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels and the interior is equipped with comfort and convenience features such as a multi-function steering wheel, adjustable steering column, cruise control, air-conditioner, leather seats and electric windows. A multi-information display instrument cluster, a reverse camera, rear park distance sensors, remote keyless entry and central locking with automatic locking doors is also part of the standard kit.
In terms of infotainment, the JAC T8 is equipped with a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality as well as Bluetooth.
On the safety front, 2 front airbags are fitted along with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Override System (BOS), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Traction Control System (TCS), Hill-start Hold Control (HHC) and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Can the JAC T8 go offroad?
Yes, it can. With its BorgWarner ESOF electronically-controlled time-sharing four-wheel-drive system, the T8 4×4 allows the driver to switch between 2H and 4H at speeds up to 80 kph and 4L can also be engaged when stationary to tackle rough terrain. An electronically controlled differential lock is also fitted.
Ground clearance is at 220mm and the T8 has an approach angle of 29.6⁰, a break-over angle of 23.5⁰ and a departure angle of 22.4⁰.
Also, the T8 has a payload of 900 kg and a braked tow rating of 2 000kg.
How much does the JAC T8 Cost in South Africa
T8 2.0L CTi 4×2 Lux – R412 400
T8 2.0L CTi 4×4 Lux – R462 400
The JAC T8 is sold with a 5-year/150 000km warranty and a 5-year/60 000 km service plan.
The next-generation Ford Ranger has finally been unveiled. Here’s what we know about the Blue Oval’s newcomer, which, like its predecessor, will be built in South Africa.
“With Ranger, we’ve had a big extended family for decades,” said Jim Farley, the Ford Motor Company’s president and CEO. “This truck has always been a trusted partner to small business owners, farmers, families, adventurers, commercial fleets – and so many more – in more than 180 markets around the world. And with the new Ranger, this is our moment to deliver… not just a product our customers will love, but an always-on experience that will help us build strong and lasting relationships with them. This is the mid-sized truck people will want to own and experience.”
The all-new Ford Ranger will be built at the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa’s assembly plant in Silverton, Pretoria, as well as in Thailand, for the global market. Interestingly, the new Ranger project was spearheaded by Ford’s Product Development Centre in Australia. Australia is a bakkie-crazy nation (as we are) and, in case you didn’t know it, the outgoing Ranger was, by and large, developed Down Under as well. Ford claims to have tapped into its current ownership base and conducted more than 5 000 interviews and customer workshops to try to understand the market’s needs and expectations.
2023 Ford Ranger Design
The teaser images did a good job of concealing the new model’s finer exterior details, because the production-ready design certainly looks fresh and contemporary. Pictured here are the mid-range XLT, rugged Sport and luxurious Wildtrak derivatives of the new range. There are design elements that were borrowed from the rest of the Ford pickup range, including the front-wheel-drive Maverick and the darling of the North American market – the F-150. The front is characterised by an aggressive grille, C-shaped headlights (with matrix LED headlight technology, for the first time) and daytime running lights.
The bodywork features plenty of creases and lines, all of which gives the new Ranger a muscular stance, while the bakkie’s rear end shows off newly-designed tail-light clusters. The cabin is where the new Ranger really shines, however. The interior architecture is dominated by a smart-looking portrait-oriented infotainment system, which is underpinned by Ford SYNC4 technology.
The newcomer’s fascia appears far less cluttered than before… Ford has effectively done away with many buttons by migrating some controls into the bakkie’s infotainment touchscreen (functions such as the 4×4 modes and climate control are now integrated here). What’s more, a full 360-degree camera system is now available and, thanks to an embedded modem, the bakkie supports over-the-air updates.
Under the sheet metal, the all-new Ford Ranger rides on the 3rd generation of the T6 platform. The wheelbase is 50 mm longer and the track is 50 mm wider compared with those of the outgoing model. The new-look front end structure allows for more space in the engine bay, which means a bigger engine is in the offing… Ford has confirmed that a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel will be offered in the new Ranger.
Other engines on offer include the single-turbo diesel and bi-turbo diesel 2.0-litre 4-cylinder motors, which are produced in Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa’s factory in Gqeberha. The next-gen Ranger will also be available with the 2.3-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine. As far as transmissions are concerned, the current bakkie’s 10-speed automatic transmission has been updated, but Ford will also offer a 6-speed manual gearbox. At this stage, Ford has not shared engine outputs or claimed performance figures… and we also don’t have info on what’s earmarked for the local market.
Other noteworthy mechanical developments range from the repositioning of the front wheels, which have been brought forward and pushed outward by 50 mm for a better approach angle and off-road wheel articulation, to shifting the rear dampers to improve the ride quality. Customers will have a choice of two 4×4 systems: the traditional shift-on-the-fly setup, as well as a permanent 4×4 system.
Other really cool touches on the new Ford Ranger include the integrated side-step behind the rear wheels that allow for easier access into the load bay, the widened load bay, which is claimed to accommodate a sheet of plywood or a full-size pallet. It comes equipped with additional tie-down points and the tailgate doubles up as a workbench, replete with an integrated ruler and clamp pockets.
For those who like to accessorise their bakkie (and many buyers do), Ford says customers will be able to personalise their vehicles with “almost 600 fully factory-backed work, urban and adventure accessories, depending on the market. These accessories include those developed in collaboration with global off-road icon, ARB 4×4 Accessories.”
South African Availability
The new Ford Ranger will be launched in South Africa in 2022 with order books opening in the 2nd quarter. The local model’s engine lineup and outputs, as well as derivatives, will be shared closer to the launch. There was no mention of the next-gen Ranger Raptor, but we’re sure it’s in the pipeline… there will undoubtedly be more info about the range’s flagship in the coming months.
The latest version of the Lexus ES has touched down in South Africa. Here’s how much it costs, plus what’s on offer.
With three decades of success and over 2.3 million sales under its belt, the 7th generation Lexus ES has been launched in South Africa. Lexus claims its new ES is more spacious, quieter and safer than ever before, and despite its SUV products outnumbering its sedan offerings, the brand reckons the ES will still garner more than a few sales.
Lexus South Africa will be offering the Lexus ES in three model grades: ES 250 EX, ES 300 hybrid EX and ES 300 hybrid SE. Customers have the choice of three new colours for the range: Sonic Iridium, Sonic Chrome, and Graphite Black.
There are two engines on offer for the new Lexus ES. The ES 2550 features a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine paired to an 8-speed automatic. Outputs of 152 kW and 243 Nm are touted, with a claimed acceleration and fuel economy of 9.1 seconds to 100 kph and 6.6 L/100 km respectively. The ES 300h range features the 4th-generation version of the self-charging hybrid system and it delivers a total outputs of 160 kW while consuming just 4.6 L/100 km. It has a claimed acceleration time of 8.9 seconds to 100 kph.
Levels of trim
Being a Lexus, the level of standard equipment is generous and there are no optional extras. Keyless smart entry, a moonroof, twin-front and twin-rear USB-C ports, DAB+ digital radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity are standard across the range.
ES EX
17-inch wheels 10-speaker audio system Blind spot monitoring Rear-view camera Park distance control All-speed active cruise control
ES SE
18-inch wheels 10-way adjustable driver’s seat Heated steering wheel Heated front seats Mark Levinson 17 Speaker audio Lexus Safety System (Lane Departure Alert, Pre-Crash System, Lane Keep Assist, LED Adaptive high-beam assist)
How much does the new Lexus ES cost in South Africa?
The 2021 Lexus ES comes standard with a 7-year/105 000km warranty and full maintenance plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km or alternatively once a year.
ES 250 EX R719 400 ES 300h EX R774 400 ES 300h SE R948 400
In South Africa, SUVs and bakkies are popular with adventurers, campers and the Overlanding fraternity. So, when a capacious Volkswagen Crafter commercial vehicle arrived for testing at Cars.co.za recently, Dieter Pey put it to work as an “alternative” Overlanding vehicle…
Countless Europeans and Americans love vans, especially large ones, like the Crafter. Why? Because many of those enthusiasts live the so-called “Van Life”, which is to say it’s a lifestyle, not something they do occasionally. Van Life involves taking a large van and converting it into a portable home or an Overlanding rig. They use these vans to travel through – and explore – countries/states. Said van is equipped with everything you need to live out of, including build beds, a mini kitchen, built-in cupboards and, sometimes, even a mini bathroom. Indeed, “Van Lifers” sell their homes to live out of their vans.
Could the Crafter be an SUV?
Setting up camp in Langebaan, replete with a hammock. The quad bike stayed inside overnight.
This Volkswagen Crafter gave me the idea to experiment with “Van Life” here in South Africa, over a weekend. I enjoy camping and am involved with the Overlanding community, so I often get to see the amazing Overlanding builds we get here and the tons of custom modifications that are made to the vehicles. As stated above, here in the Republic we tend to use bakkies equipped with canopies and SUVs as the base vehicles for Overlanding builds. Now, if you thought a Toyota Fortuner has lots of packing space or that a Volkswagen Amarok is a large bakkie, then you should check the size of this Crafter!
The Crafter offers so much space inside its cab and load area. These types of vehicles are usually employed as delivery vans in South Africa, but I understand why Americans use them as “Overlanding” vehicles… Let’s start with the cabin – it feels like a bus when you climb (yes, you literally climb) into it. It has 3 seats in the front row and, no, it is not cramped when there are 3 people seated. As for packing space, there are myriad cubbies and compartments for you to (mis)place your items. I have to say, it was very nice to have many places to pack things, especially on the roof shelf, above the windscreen.
The interior is very basic; the multitude of blank buttons and the aftermarket radio suggest you do get more luxurious Crafter derivatives, or that there are quite a few extras you could add. The load bay/hold is absolutely massive! It is just bare metal with 3 doors to access the load bay: 2 swing doors at the back and then a sliding door on the passenger side. There are some very handy anchor points in the back to restrain items (stop them from sliding around). The stark load bay does, however, offer many attachment points to add/modify panels to your personal preference – perfect for a “Van Life” conversion.
This Crafter’s dimensions have their drawbacks, though. The van is extremely tall, so you cannot fit in underground parking garages and you have to be very careful when driving underneath tree branches and through entrance gates. This derivative also doesn’t have PDC or a reverse-view camera, let alone a rear-view mirror, which makes reverse manoeuvres tricky to execute. There is a solid backboard right behind the seats, so when reversing out of parking bays, you can’t see if there are oncoming cars. PDC is an option, as is Park Assist, which will automatically parallel park the Crafter for you.
What’s the Crafter like to drive?
The Crafter’s cabin architecture looks quite car-like, but its driving position is more, um, bus-like.
To its credit, the Crafter feels stable on the road (for a commercial vehicle) and its steering is reasonably accurate; it comes with safety features such as ABS, EBD, traction- and stability control as standard.
Now, as for my weekend-long “Van Life” experiment… I decided to pack all my camping equipment along with my quad bike, full riding kit and camera equipment. After everything was packed and strapped down, I realised I’d only used half of the space that was available in the van… Indeed, the VW’s load bay is literally cavernous! I then headed to Langebaan where I would spend the night at a local campsite.
The Crafter is surprisingly well suited to cruising. It has 4Motion all-wheel drive with a diff-lock, so you can travel on gravel roads and rougher terrain without worrying that you’d get stuck. The van’s top speed was limited to 100 kph, which made the journey drag, but considering the Crafter only has 103 kW and 340 Nm of torque on tap, perhaps it wouldn’t be able to travel much faster than that…
Camping inside
The 2.5 tonnes of loading space in the Crafter should be more than enough for whatever activities you have planned.
When I arrived in Langebaan, I wanted to sleep in the Crafter, but because I was travelling solo I did not want to leave anything outside. My solution was to hang my hammock in the load area. I strapped my hammock from one corner to the opposite corner of the Crafter’s load bay – it was the perfect length. I lay in the hammock and watched the sunset over the Langebaan Lagoon through the side sliding door.
I also slept in the hammock that night, with all my gear stored around me in the Crafter’s “belly”. I was, of course, sheltered from the wind and elements and, because the Crafter was locked, I felt safe and secure. The Volkswagen doesn’t have motion sensors in the back, so the alarm did not go off at some ungodly hour, which tends to happen when you sleep in a car.
When I woke up the following morning, I could get dressed in privacy in the back of the Crafter, as the load bay has no windows. It also makes it nice and dark when you feel like “sleeping in”. I had a shower at the campsite, tossed all my detritus in the back of the van (and left the hammock up). Before departing for the town of Langebaan (where I would have breakfast), I simply closed the bay doors and drove off. I had virtually nothing to pack up, which (in my opinion) beats conventional camping, where you can easily spend an entire morning repacking your gear and numerous belongings into your vehicle.
The Crafter’s load bay seems to be well insulated (whether by accident or design, I don’t know), so when you’re driving around, you tend to forget that there are items stored in the rear. You don’t hear or feel the cargo shifting around when you’re driving and, best of all, it’s hidden from prying eyes, so it’s quite safe when you park in a public space… In theory, at least.
Loading up the Crafter
With a few modifications and DIY, you could transform the Crafter into a handy Overlander.
After breakfast, I stopped at a quarry to unload the quad bike. The low loading height made it very easy to load/unload the quad without ramps. The Crafter has a load capacity of up to 2.5 tonnes, which is more than enough to accommodate quite a few quad bikes! The side door makes it easier to remove items without needing to wade through the whole van’s contents to retrieve something right at the back.
This trip made me realise that camping with an SUV or bakkie, in an Overlanding sense, is a labour of love. There are so many loose items that you need to pack up into a small space before you can leave. The Crafter has so much space, it is like living in a lock-up-and-go apartment. There is not much that needs to be packed up (not least the tent) and no need to pack super tightly as there’s so much space!
I understand why “Van Life” is such a popular pursuit in other parts of the world. This Crafter was stock standard – I had just brought some camping equipment with me – but, if you spend some money and build a few useful items into the load bay, which would serve as the living area, the capacious van could be quite inhabitable. The Crafter’s fuel economy was good and it was comfortable to travel in.
Bakkie and SUV prices are on the rise, plus Overlanding equipment is expensive, so this Crafter, which is listed at R643 400 new, before options (about the same price as the Toyota Fortuner 2.4GD-6 4×4) could be transformed into a nifty travelling vehicle – depending on how much you can spend on having the vehicle professionally outfitted… or do some of the work yourself. Just food for thought.
You’ve seen the images but will the GWM Supercar Bakkie Concept make it to production?
What you see here is a nameless concept bakkie from GWM that was recently shown at the 2021 Guangzhou Auto Show in China. The concept is based on the GWM King Kong bakkie which also made its debut at the same show.
Last week, GWM Global tweeted a call to action, asking its audience to help name the model and the embedded video showed a hardcore, low-riding performance bakkie boasting a wide and bold body kit, dropped suspension, black alloy wheels (with camber) housed in flared arches and a sporty rear sports bar.
The GWM POER is going insanely hardcore! 😍 DO you like what you see here, yay or nay? 🧐 Share your thoughts with us! https://t.co/kLaip86eaD
The front-end features a bulging sculpted bonnet and a huge grille interface with oversize air intakes and stylised headlights units. At the rear, an oversize quad exhaust system hints at some serious performance.
GWM, however, has not released official details for the concept and engine details remain a mystery at this point in time. Reports point to the possibility of a 3.0 petrol V6 engine with 260 kW and 500 Nm, which would be fitting in this application. On the other end of the scale, it might also feature the same 120 kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that powers the GWM P-Series in South Africa, which is far less exciting and incongruent with the concept’s bold styling.
As far as we can tell, there are no plans to bring this concept to production and it appears to be more of a show exercise to highlight what’s achievable with the firm’s latest bakkie products.
The Toyota Belta sedan has been revealed and yes, it’s basically a rebadged version of the Suzuki Ciaz.
The Toyota Belta sedan has been announced and is a product of the Suzuki – Toyota partnership agreement that sees the two brands working together. Here’s exactly what it means for the two brands and no, Toyota is not squashing its Japanese compatriot.
Unlike the case of where the Toyota Urban Cruiser gained a slightly different front face when compared to its Suzuki Vitara Brezza twin, the Belta and Suzuki Ciaz are identical in every way. From the basic images we can see here, it’s only the badges that have been switched. Inside, the cabin is also identical, but that’s not a bad thing as the Ciaz interior is actually a spacious and well-thought-out place to be. Standard features for our market for the Ciaz at least are generous, with a large infotainment screen, climate control and steering wheel controls on offer.
Under the bonnet, the Belta features the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder motor that produces a 77 kW and 138 Nm. Like the Ciaz, the Toyota Belta will also feature a manual transmission and automatic gearbox options.
So, as it stands there are three products on sale in South Africa resulting from this partnership. The Suzuki Baleno / Toyota Starlet, Suzuki Vitara Brezza / Toyota Urban Cruiser and recently, the Toyota Rumion / Suzuki Ertiga reached dealerships.
Will the Toyota Belta come to SA?
We suspect the Toyota Belta will not be coming to South Africa due to the presence of the locally-assembled Toyota Corolla Quest which already has that segment covered.
Audi is bringing numerous Electric Vehicles (EVs) to South Africa but Audi’s Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles will still be available until 2033, according to Audi SA’s Managing Director, Sascha Sauer.
Fans of Audi ICE cars have likely had sleepless nights after hearing the news that the Ingolstadt-based firm will soon be launching a brave EV offensive in South Africa in 2022.
In our latest podcast, Ciro De Siena sat down with Audi SA’s Managing Director, Sascha Sauer, to discuss the firm’s EV plans as well as what the impending EV rollout means for Audi’s ICE products in South Africa.
The Audi e-tron GT will be in South Africa early in 2022.
Sauer commented, “Given the time frame, Audi and many other manufacturers have committed publicly that they will launch only electric cars going forward from a certain period of time, very soon. It also puts pressure on us as a brand here in the country [South Africa] to transform our business proactively and prepare ourselves for the future because from 2026 onwards, any new car launch will be only electric cars and by 2033 we will stop importing and producing cars into South Africa with a combustion engine.”
Yes, that means that the day will come in 2033/2034 when ICE-powered Audis will no longer be sold in South Africa. What a sad day that will be, but what does it mean for you?
On behalf of all the Audi-loving petrolheads out there, Ciro De Sienna posed the question to Sauer, “South Africans love their performance cars, we’re a big performance market in this country for a lot of brands, the [Audi] RS cars are no different… but what would you say to those South Africans who may be watching this and thinking, my favourite brand is going electric and I’m not going to be able to buy an RS3 tomorrow? You say 2033 but after that will there be support for those cars, parts availability etc?”
Sauer responded with some good news, “Oh yeah, that goes without saying. Of course, we will still have dealers around, trained technicians and produce and deliver and we will ensure that we have spare parts available. I would also like to add that any change is going to happen gradually.”
Furthermore, Sauer added, “Let’s say we launch the last combustion-engine model in 2026, that version [model] will last and be updated regularly until 2033, which means we can probably assume that the last [combustion] cars from our brand [Audi] would probably be sold as late as 2034”.
As for Audi’s local electric car onslaught, you can expect to see no less than 3 new Audi electric models (6 derivatives) launching onto the local market in 2022. These include the e-tron SUV, e-tron Sportback and e-tron GT.
The arrestingly styled Daytona SP3 is a purposely analogue supercar – the most aerodynamically efficient Ferrari not to use active addenda, powered by the most powerful non-electrified V12 engine in the firm’s arsenal. Plus, in contrast with its Monza SP1 and -SP2 predecessors, this limited-edition model is road legal.
The third model in the Ferrari’s Icona series, which was unveiled at the Mugello race track in Italy as part of the 2021 Ferrari Finali Mondiali at the weekend, marks the Prancing Horse’s historic one-two-three finish with its 330 P3/4, 330 P4 and 412 P race cars in the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona. Only 599 units of the Daytona SP3 will be produced, many of which are probably already accounted for.
At the heart of the Maranello-based marque’s newcomer is the 812 Competizione’s naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) 6.5-litre V12, which is mid-mounted and features modified intake and exhaust manifolds, lightweight titanium conrods, reduced-friction piston pins as well as a lighter, rebalanced crankshaft. The upgraded motor’s peak outputs are 618 kW at 9 250 rpm and 697 Nm at 7 250 rpm (with a rev limit of 9500 rpm), which means the Daytona SP3’s is the most powerful non-electrified model that the Maranello-based firm has ever produced.
Endowed with an upgraded 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the newcomer is said to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 2.95 sec, from 0 to 200 kph in 7.4 sec and on to a 340-plus kph top speed.
By virtue of incorporating a plethora of lightweight composite materials (including carbon fibre and Kevlar), the Daytona SP3 has a dry weight of 1 485 kg, while its mid-engined configuration facilitates a 44/56 front-to-rear weight distribution. In addition, the newcomer comes shod with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres (265/30 ZR20 front and 345/30 ZR21 rear – they were developed specifically for the model), as well as a new Dynamic Enhancer function, which controls the pressure on the brake callipers under hard cornering.
Meanwhile, Ferrari claims that the Daytona SP3 is the most aerodynamically efficient road car (without active aerodynamic elements) that it has ever produced. The svelte exterior design combines elements of historic- as well as current Ferrari models…
The low-set wraparound windscreen and domed front wings (on which the side mirrors are mounted) reference Ferrari’s historic sports prototypes race cars, while airboxes built into the butterfly doors channel air to the side-mounted radiators. The Daytona SP3’s distinctive rear-end design, meanwhile, is distinguished by a stack of body-coloured (and wraparound) bars that sit beneath the extended LED light bar, into which the tail-light clusters are also integrated. A pair of centrally mounted exhaust tips sit above the dramatic diffuser.
Inside, the Daytona SP3’s driver and passenger sit lower and more reclined than in any other Ferrari road car, which is to be expected, given the acute rake of the Ferrari’s windscreen. The single-piece seats are bolted onto the chassis, but, to compensate, the driver is afforded an adjustable pedal box. The lower half of the dashboard integrates the brand’s Human-Machine Interface (HMI) touch controls, which allows the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel to control 80 per cent of the vehicle’s functions.
As for how much Ferrari’s latest creation costs, the Italian firm didn’t say, but reports suggest that it is the equivalent of just over R35 million (November 2021).
