More Mercedes-AMG GT Derivatives (2017) Specs & Price

Mercedes-AMG has welcomed new derivatives to its desirable GT family in South Africa – the AMG GT and GT C Roadster, as well as the potent AMG GT R Coupe are now available to local customers. There's even a limited edition AMG GT C Roadster Edition 50 on offer to commemorate AMG's 50th anniversary!

Mercedes-AMG is expanding its GT family of sports cars. Apart from the Mercedes-AMG GT and AMG GT S on offer in South Africa, buyers can now opt for 3 new AMG GT models. The new AMG GT models include the AMG GT Roadster, AMG GT C Roadster and the range-topping GT R Coupe. A special edition AMG GT C Edition 50 is also available in limited numbers in celebration of Mercedes-AMG's 50th anniversary.

Take a look at the details!

The numbers

The Mercedes-AMG GT and GT C Roadster will offer sports car performance with the luxury of a soft top.

If it's sports car pleasure you’re after, then these new AMG GT models should satisfy your needs.

The entry-level AMG GT Roadster is powered by a twin turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine with 350 kW and 630 Nm of torque, using a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to drive the rear wheels. Acceleration from zero to 100 kph takes just 4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 302 kph.

If that’s not enough, then you might want to consider the uprated AMG GT C Roadster, which borrows some technology from the range-topping GT R Coupe such as active rear axle steering, electronically controlled rear axle locking differential and AMG Ride Control suspension. The GT C Roadster is also fitted with a twin turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, but outputs are higher at 410 kW and 680 Nm of torque. The rear wheels are driven by a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and acceleration from zero to 100 kph is dispatched in 3.7 seconds before cracking a top speed of 316 kph.

Both AMG GT and GT C Roadster variants are fitted with a soft top that can open and close in approximately 11 seconds at speeds up to 50 kph. The AMG GT C variant gains features such as a Nappa leather interior, AMG performance steering wheel and RACE mode. Optional AMG performance seats will also be on offer with AIRSCARF neck-level heating and seat ventilation to keep you warm in the winter months.

Mercedes-AMG is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a limited edition AMG GT C Roadster Edition 50, with only 4 on offer in South Africa. The Edition 50 is available in either designo graphite grey magno or designo cashmere white magno. Exterior details include black chrome highlights seen on the side skirts, front splitter, trim strips in the Panamericana grille, side air outlet fins, rear diffuser and the tailpipe trims. The black and silver interior features Nappa leather in silver pearl and black with grey diamond contrasting stitching. An AMG performance steering wheel in DINAMICA microfibre with grey stitching and 'Edition' lettering with a 12 o'clock mark in silver pearl. The AMG interior night package is standard and the seatbelts are in silver with the AMG sports seats embossed with 'GT Edition 50' badges.

The highly sought after AMG GT R Coupe tops the ranks with its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine developing 430 kW and 700 Nm of torque. Power is laid down using a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and acceleration from zero to 100 kph will take 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 318 kph.

Watch as we take the AMG GT R for a spin on track!

If you want to read more about the AMG GT models, simply check out the links below.

Here is what you can expect to pay for the new AMG GT models.

New Mercedes-AMG GT models – Price in South Africa

Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster – R2 199 900

Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster – R2 599 000

Mercedes-AMG GT R Coupé – R2 689 900

Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster Edition 50 – R2 864 000

Want to buy a Mercedes-AMG GT?

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Mini Releases Electric Concept Ahead of Frankfurt Motor Show

Mini has released details and photos of its Electric Concept vehicle ahead of the vehicle's debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. The aim of Mini's creation is to show people how the future may look in terms of pure electric cars, but more importantly, there'll be a production version in 2019.

BMW believes that going electric is one of the most important strategies and the Mini brand is perfect for this. "With its characteristic go-kart feeling and powerful electric motor, the Mini Electric Concept is great fun to drive while also being completely suitable for everyday use – and producing zero emissions to boot. That's how we at Mini envisage electric mobility in tomorrow's world," says Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Mini.

This is not Mini's first rodeo (as the saying goes) when it comes to electrification of its products. It was in 2008 when the Mini E was unveiled and it formed part of an extensive field trial with over 600 units entering service globally, purely for feasibility studies. Of course, the tech and the experience garnered from the experiment were included in parent brand BMW's i3 electric car. Fast forward to 2017 and we have a plug-in hybrid Mini on its way in the form of the Countryman. However, this concept is radically different to what the Countryman offers.

Mini thinks that small electric cars are the future and this Electric Concept shows where the brand is going

Mini Electric will become a standalone brand and, in many ways, this Electric Concept showcases Mini at its best: compact for the confines of a city, agile for some fun driving dynamics, but with zero emissions. There are few design elements suggesting it's an electric vehicle, but it's definitely a Mini thanks to the trademark cues such as round headlights and body shape. We're also big fans of the Union Jack tail lights!

There's some clever use of 3D printing, which will help minimise production costs down when the road-going version comes along. Under the skin, we're likely to see the BMW i3's powertrain grafted straight into the Mini, which will give the newcomer a range of around 290 to 300 km per charge.

Interested in buying a Mini?

Search for a used Cooper here

Search for a used Clubman here

Search for a used Countryman here

Drag Race: Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Golf GTD [Video]

In our latest episode of Game of Golfs, we head to the quarter-mile drag strip for another Volkswagen sibling face-off. This time it's the 7.5 iteration of the #CarsAwards-winning Golf GTI versus the brand new turbodiesel-engined Golf GTD.

Interestingly, the duelling Golfs offer the same peak torque figure of 350 Nm and tip the scales at just under 1 400 kg. However, the petrol-burning GTI produces 39 kW more than the GTD; we think the turbodiesel-powered hatchback certainly has its work cut out for it.

Subscribe to your Youtube channel to be the first to see our next episode in the series, another drag race between the Golf GTI and the new Golf R.

To compare these cars, or any car on the South African market, use the compare tool on our website or in our smartphone apps: iOS and Android.

Interested in buying a Golf GTI or GTD?

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Kia Sportage (2017) Specs & Price

Kia Motors SA has expanded its Sportage family SUV line-up with no fewer than 7 new and/or enhanced derivatives and we recently sampled the latest addition, the diesel-powered Sportage 1.7 Ignite PLUS. Take a look at specification and pricing for the latest Sportage range below.

Customers looking to buy a Kia Sportage are spoilt for choice as the Korean carmaker has now bolstered the local Sportage range with 7 additional derivatives.

“Starting at a very competitive R369,995, we launched the all-new Sportage last year with a compact, five-model range spanning four specification grades. But, being a brand known for its ‘power to surprise’, our product planning did not stop there,” says David Sieff, Marketing Director, KIA Motors South Africa. “We now expand the model range with 7 additional derivatives, not only giving our customers more choice but, more importantly, also creating more value.”

What's new in the Sportage range?

The Sportage range now features 12 derivatives, giving buyers a comprehensive choice of engines and trim grades.

For starters, the entry-level Sportage 2.0 Ignite model, which was previously only available with a manual transmission, is now offered with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Standard features on the Ignite derivatives include LED daytime running lights, automatic headlight control, rear park distance control, Bluetooth connectivity, and steering wheel-mounted remote controls, to name but a few.

“Many customers value the size, space, practicality and versatility of an SUV, but have no real need or desire for too many bells and whistles,” says Gary Scott, CEO Designate, KIA Motors South Africa. “The Sportage Ignite ticks those boxes, and now also the ‘convenience’ box thanks to the addition of the automatic derivative,” he adds.

Customers also have the choice of new Sportage Ignite PLUS derivatives that add several exterior enhancements such as front fog lights and larger 17-inch wheels while the interior features an electrochromatic rearview mirror. Powering the Sportage Ignite PLUS is the familiar 2.0-litre petrol engine with 114 kW and 192 Nm of torque with a choice of either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Ignite PLUS derivative also welcomes a 1.7-litre CRDI engine to the Sportage range as an alternative engine option. The new 1.7-litre turbodiesel engine develops 85 kW and 280 Nm of torque and is offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. We recently drove this derivative at launch, read our report!

A new 1.7-litre turbodiesel joins the range and is offered on the Sportage Ignite Plus derivative.

The Sportage 2.0 CRDI EX was the only mid-spec offering in the range at launch, featuring a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. KIA has now expanded the EX offering with the addition of a 2.0-litre petrol option. The EX derivatives offer all of the features found on the Ignite variant, but adds useful features such as an electric parking brake, front park distance control, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, a Smart Key with Start/Stop button, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, and electric folding side mirrors with integrated indicators.

In addition to this, two new EX PLUS derivatives are also available, slotting in between the EX and range-topping SX all-wheel drive derivatives and customers can choose between the 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. In terms of specification, all of the standard features of the EX models are included in on EX Plus derivatives but additional features including 19-inch alloy wheels, electric front seats, a rear-view camera as well as a 7-inch touchscreen with integrated satellite navigation form part of the package.

The remainder of the Sportage line-up remains unchanged, with the 2.4 GDI and 2.0 CRDI SX AWD models and 1.6 T-GDI GT Line model rounding off the range.

Kia Sportage – Price in South Africa

*See new derivatives in bold

2.0 Ignite Manual	R369 995
2.0 Ignite PLUS Manual	R376 995
2.0 Ignite Automatic	R382 995
2.0 Ignite PLUS Automatic	R389 995
1.7 Ignite PLUS Manual	R406 995
2.0 EX Automatic	R429,995
2.0 EX PLUS Automatic	R459 995
2.0 CRDI EX Automatic	R487 995
2.0 CRDI EX PLUS Automatic	R517 995
2.4 GDI SX AWD Automatic	R557 995
2.0 CRDI SX AWD Automatic	R567 995
1.6 T-GDI GT Line AWD DCT	R599 995

The Kia Sportage is sold with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty, 5-year/90 000 km service plan and 5-year/unlimited km roadside assistance.

Want to buy a Kia Sportage?

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Kia Sportage 1.7CRDi (2017) Launch Review

Kia continues its model onslaught in 2017 with a raft of additions to the Sportage family car line-up, including a 1.7-litre turbodiesel derivative. We headed to the local launch of it for a quick drive.

The thought of Toyota garnering the majority of sales in a segment where the Sportage is perched seems a bitter pill to swallow for Kia’s marketing team. David Sieff – the captain of the team – mentions that traditional buying trends indicate customers like their cars to be Toyotas… it is the chief reason the Sportage isn’t the leader of the pack. Those, of course, are the words of a man with Kia blood coursing through his veins. In his opinion, the Sportage is packed to the rafters with astute specification and, on those grounds alone, it's the better buy.

Offering more versions of the Sportage in the local market will hopefully help them catch up lost ground.

When quizzed about the simpler route of an options list to allow clients to customise their cars according to needs and desires, Sieff points out to Kia’s importer status and the fact that essentially, theirs is a business that distributes cars instead of being a fully-fledged subsidiary of the Korean brand and thus, its models arrive pre-packaged with studied specification for our market.

By Kia South Africa’s own admission, a search for answers through customer feedback revealed that despite a concerted effort to furnish the lineup well enough with specification at the same time ensuring competitive asking prices to give consumers a good shot at credit rating approval, they’d actually been short-changing models in the moving R376 000 – R500 000 price range where the Toyota is cleaning up. Raiding the kit shop, Kia SA has introduced a new Sportage Ignite PLUS specification grade and has applied it to virtually all of Sportage models except for the 2.4 GDI SX AWD 6AT; the 2.0 CRDi SX AWD 6AT and the top line 1.6 GT Line AWD 7DCT. This blows the initial five model range into a robust 12 derivative line up. With these additional models, Sieff reckons the Sportage is now ready to trade real blows with its Japanese rival.

There are now 12 models of the Sportage available including the new 1.7-litre turbodiesel engine we first saw on the Hyundai Tucson.

Despite the Sportage range being plump with bells and whistles, this new Ignite Plus spec upgrade brings with it a strategic improvement to fill up the identified gaps and enhance its appeal at a variety of price points. The entry-level 2.0 Ignite which, although boasts as standard equipment; Bluetooth connectivity; steering wheel-mounted remote controls; LED daytime running lights with automatic headlight control and rear park distance control, was previously only available with a manual transmission, but now gains a 6-speed automatic ’box. It’s a comprehensive upgrade for the Sportage and in addition to presenting this new grade, Kia has for the first time also introduced the 1.7-litre CRDI engine that produces 85 kW at 4 000 rpm and 280 Nm between 1 250 and 2 750 rpm found in sister brand Hyundai. However, this Ignite Plus CRDI model is available exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Though not blue-blooded, it’s a peach of an engine. The revs climb with typical diesel unhurriedness and all but the slightest hint of engine clatter is heard. It’ll require earlier gear-changes rather than to extend the engine revs to take advantage of its torque for definitive all-round pace. The demure 1.7-litre engine designation is actually deceptive and although peer petrol-powered Sportages may outgun it on top whack they will nevertheless struggle to match its stronger lashes of early power and sensible fuel economy.

Kia sees the Toyota Rav4 as the segment leader and has its eyes focussed on taking its spot at the top.

It is not what I’d call furious or electrifying to drive. Then again, what SUV in this segment is? There are certain chassis expectations from a car in this segment and the Sportage glides sturdily and surely even on less than perfect road surfaces. Be it petrol or diesel, manual or automatic, the Sportage quietly and efficiently reels in the miles.

Though the only off road sojourn was a short little drive through a small orchard towards the lunch venue, the cars are high and sturdy enough to handle long stretches of gravel track. You need only do your homework on which all-terrain tyres to fit.

First impressions on whether Kia has thrown a weighty gauntlet at the feet of that anodyne Toyota RAV4 are inconclusive at the moment. Kia’s theory that spec is King will be tested heavily against the Japanese brand’s strength. History suggests that during depressed economic times consumers prefer to invest in tried and tested solutions, such as the Toyota.

Kia Sportage Price in South Africa

2.0 Ignite	R 369 995
2.0 Ignite Plus	R 376 995
2.0 Ignite auto	R 382 995
2.0 Ignite Plus auto	R 389 995
1.7CRDi Ignite Plus	R 406 995
2.0 EX	R 429 995
2.0 EX Plus	R 459 995
2.0CRDi EX	R 487 995
2.0CRDi EX Plus	R 517 995
2.4GDI SX AWD	R 557 995
2.0CRDi SX AWD	R 567 995
1.6T GT-Line AWD	R 599 995

Interested in buying new/used Sportage?

Search for one on Cars.co.za

Tesla Model 3 (2019) Pre-Launch Review

The Tesla Model 3 is making huge waves in the States, however it's only likely to be available internationally in 2019 and its arrival date in South Africa is yet to be announced. We sent US correspondent Mark Harris to give Tesla's smallest car a whirl and see what it's all about.

Unless you were born this millennium, Elon Musk did not build the Model 3 for you. He built it for kids just learning to drive who have never known a world without touchscreen smartphones, wireless internet and streaming video.

Slipping behind the wheel of Tesla’s latest electric vehicle is like playing the world’s most stylish racing game. The cabin is spacious and bright, thanks to a panoramic rear window arcing forward. There is nothing so clumsy as a key or even a start button – the Model 3 wakes and unlocks when your smartphone approaches. Small dials on the steering wheel let you adjust it to suit but almost everything else is controlled on the 15-inch touchscreen.

Screen overload

Huge 15-inch touchscreen controls absolutely everything in the car.

Even if you work on a laptop all day, finding an identical display in a car is a jarring experience. The place where your eyes naturally look for the speedometer is just a plain expanse of sanded wood. Instinctively reach for the climate or audio controls and there’s nothing but plastic fascia. Maps look beautiful and streaming a podcast are effortless but no matter how clear the display or logical its menus, a touchscreen will never be as fast and intuitive as simply flicking open an air vent by hand.

Lucky, then, that nothing in the Model 3’s price range is as fast and intuitive as its glorious electric drivetrain. Even without the raw adrenaline punch of the Model S’s ‘Ludicrous Mode’ acceleration, the Model 3 is every bit as easy and fun to drive as its luxury predecessor. Floor the accelerator and the Model 3 springs into action with an enthusiastic hum. Steering is assured and road handling rock solid, the Tesla whipping around corners and shifting lanes with a mature confidence that belies its youthful styling.

Let up on the accelerator and the Model 3’s electric motor automatically slows the car, feeding the energy back into the battery. If you’re new to EVs, this strong regenerative braking can take a little getting used to, but it extends the car’s range and lets you negotiate urban streets without ever tapping the actual brakes.

Upgradable systems

You won't find a less fussy interior anywhere else.

Of course, Elon Musk’s ultimate aim is to have you moving around cities without touching any pedals at all. All Model 3s come with a suite of sensors to enable collision avoidance and emergency braking. If you’ve paid for the upgrade, a quick double-pull on the gear shift lever activates Enhanced Autopilot, Tesla’s state of the art semi-autonomous driving system.

In my brief drive near Tesla’s factory in Fremont, California, the Autopilot worked well rather than perfectly. Its radars and ultrasonic sensors detected some workers digging a hole by the side of the road but the car passed closer to them, and at a higher speed than I would have. The cameras also followed road lanes flawlessly, until the lane markings faded on the approach to a corner, forcing me to tap the brakes to take back control.

Tesla insists that today’s Autopilot is merely a driver assistance system, requiring you to pay attention and keep your hands on the wheel at all times. But the stripped-back interior and central touchscreen suggest something different – that fully self-driving technology is on the horizon and that the Model 3 is eager to serve as one of the very first autonomous taxis.

There is even a driver-facing camera mounted above the rear view mirror. This is not currently activated but it might be used to ensure drivers are staying alert, or further out to monitor passengers in a futuristic autonomous ride-sharing scenario.

Future proof

Make no mistake. If you buy a Model 3 today, you are investing in the future – and not just because Tesla’s notoriously sluggish production means you may not receive it for a year or two. Elon Musk has pioneered the idea of the car as something constantly evolving. Today’s Model 3 is a hardware platform that will probably receive dozens of software updates in the years ahead. Expect the ability to unlock new features – perhaps even faster performance or longer range – as well as changes to the display, safety improvements, and eventually Musk’s ride-sharing program to help you earn back some of the Model 3’s sticker price.

Tesla sells you the hardware, like a laptop and then the software the car runs is constantly updated remotely.

But for all this technology, Musk’s smartest move might have been wrapping up the Model 3’s mind-bending innovation in a modest, mass-market design. Anyone can appreciate the 3’s graceful curves, and its short, even stubby, nose is about as unthreatening as can be. Splash out on Tesla’s sporty wheels and metallic paint options and you’ve got a credible street racer but there is nothing here to scare off a suburban family. In fact, the generous rear seating, together with front and rear trunks, make the Model 3 a very practical choice for most.

Facelifted BMW i3 Revealed

BMW has revealed details of the facelifted i3, which includes a new i3S, which is due to be shown at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. Take a look at the details…

If there is one thing BMW has achieved with the i3, it’s made electric mobility attractive, not only in terms of its styling but also in terms of its driving experience. It’s not surprising then that the i3 is the world’s best-selling electric car in premium compact segment. The charming BMW i3 electric car has been updated and a new i3S joins the lineup.

What’s changed?

Electric power

A more powerful i3S will be offered with 135 kW and 270 Nm of torque, capable of 0-100 kph in 6.9 seconds.

Both the i3 and i3S are powered by a synchronous electric motor and a high voltage lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 94 Ah or 33 kWh allowing for emission-free driving. A range extender engine will be offered as an option for both the i3 and i3S.

The electric motor boasts instantaneous outputs of 125 kW and 250 Nm of torque in the i3 allowing for a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 7.3 seconds with a top speed of 150 kph.

The i3S features a high-performance electric motor with outputs of 135 kW and 270 Nm of torque. Acceleration from zero to 100 kph in the i3S takes 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 160 kph. BMW has also optimised the Dynamic Stability Control for improved handling and the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) is said to boost agility at higher speeds and during cornering, allowing for the i3 to achieve "mild and safely controllable drifts when grip levels are reduced".

The lithium ion battery stored in the vehicle floor provides an electric range of 290 to 300 km (NEDC) for the standard i3 while the i3S offers 280 km.

The optional range extender comprises a 28 kW, 2-cylinder petrol engine which drives a generator to maintain a constant charge for the battery. With the Range Extender, daily range increases by 150 km to a maximum of 330 km. All-electric range is pegged at 225 to 235 km. For the i3 Range Extender, BMW claims a fuel consumption figure of 0.6 L/100 km.

A new charging cable allows for a charge rate that's 5 times faster than before with 180 km range charged in under 3 hours.

Charging the i3 is achieved using a BMW i Wallbox that will charge a range of 180 km in under 3 hours using a revised cable featuring a temperature sensor. The charge rate is some 5 times quicker than the standard cable. The i Wallbox Connect also extends the functionality of the unique Digital Charging Service to provide intelligent charging for optimal cost efficiency and allows customers to make best use of self-generated solar energy. The charging process can also be controlled using a smartphone app and usage can be managed using a ChargeNow access card.

Styling

In terms of styling, the facelifted i3 features enhancements that convey the sporty side of the vehicle. The i3 and i3S feature redesigned bumpers that emphasise the car’s width, giving the i3 a more sporting character. The fog lights have been restyled and LED headlights with daytime running lights are standard. New LED indicators are seen as horizontal strips integrated into the front apron. A new silver-coloured roof line accent gives the i3 an elegant touch. Two new paint options will be offered including Melbourne Red metallic and Imperial Blue metallic.

In the case of the new i3S, the front and rear aprons feature a model-specific contoured design. The front-end features black finishes while the roof line accent is in the same high-gloss black finish seen on the A-pillars.

The i3S is fitted with a sports suspension as standard and rides 10 mm lower, with an increased track width of 40 mm over the standard i3. The i3S rides on 20-inch wheels with a double-spoke design and they are also 20 mm wider than previously offered.

The i3's interior uses up to 80% recycled and renewable material in its construction.

As for the interior, it largely carries over from the previous iteration and will be offered with 3 equipment lines including Loft, Lodge and Suite. A new Solaric Brown upholstery is offered in Lodge trim and features leather tanned in olive leaf extract with a wool-based textile material. As much as 80% of the i3’s interior is made from recycled materials or renewable materials including plastics, natural fibres, renewable raw materials and open-pore unbleached eucalyptus wood. New blue seat belts add a dash of colour to the interior. The i3 will feature an updated iDrive operating system to control vehicle, infotainment, navigation and communication functions.

The facelifted BMW i3 will go on sale in 2018 and can be expected in South Africa in the fourth quarter. The latest BMW i3 will be shown at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show next month.’

Watch our video review of the BMW i3 below!

Want to buy a BMW i3?

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Rendering: BMW M8

The next BMW M car in the pipeline (now that we have officially seen the M5) is the M8. Our speculative renderings, produced exclusively for Cars.co.za by a Cape Town-based artist, provides some insights into what the performance derivative of the 8 Series will look like.

The artist's impressions were created using official photographs of the pre-production test units, with surfacing and details influenced by the BMW Concept 8 Series that was unveiled at the 2017 Villa d’Este Concours.

While using the images of the camouflaged car as a base reference allows accurate portrayal of the proportion, volume and stance of the final production car, certain details, such as the carefully concealed door surfacing and "air breather" vents, are open to interpretation. Expect a contoured carbon roof and carbon bootlid spoiler along with M-specific door mirrors and bumpers plus quad-exhaust tailpipes.

It’s worth mentioning that although new BMW design chief Jozef Kaban joined way too late (Feb 2017) to influence the overall style of the new 8 Series, his new head of BMW M vehicle design, Domagoj Dukec, may yet have an impact on the now-familiar M-car look.

So, instead of a somewhat samey, samey airdam and front bumper design seen on all the current M cars, including the just-launched M5 F90, an all-new design that takes cues from the latest BMW concepts may be lurking beneath the swirly patterned prototype. Who knows? What's certain is that the new M8 will be a wide, elegantly proportioned, yet muscularly surfaced GT that promises to add yet more shine to the well-loved 8 Series moniker.

The 8 Series is expected to go into production in 2018 with the M8 surfacing around a year later. Details on powertrain and dynamic tweaks aren't available yet, but in all likelihood, we'll see the M5's motor transplanted into the M8. That means 441 kW and 800 Nm of torque sent to the ground via an xDrive (all-wheel-drive) system. The system has a built in manual override button that turns it into a purely rear driven car as well.

BMW is also developing a convertible version of the 8 Series, which will no doubt carry over to an M8 Convertible after the coupe.

Updated Volvo S60/V60 Polestar Coming to SA

The updated Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar has been revealed and only 23 units of the S60 Polestar and 1 special-order V60 Polestar will be offered in South Africa at the end of 2017. Take a look at the details…

Featuring additional lightweight carbon fibre components to aid aerodynamic and handling performance, the updated Volvo S60 Polestar and V60 Polestar now offers 30% extra downforce.

"The updated S60 and V60 Polestar models are the pinnacle of our road car programmes that we have been developing successfully since our first road car was launched in 2013," says Jörgen Ronstad, Vice President, Product Strategy & Management at Polestar. "The aerodynamic enhancements, combined with other small but important changes, further enhances our base philosophy of a performance car for all roads and conditions, transferring technology and learnings from track to road."

The new aerodynamic exterior package for the S60 and C60 Polestar was jointly developed by Volvo’s performance brand, Polestar, and its motorsport partner, Cyan Racing.

Key design details

The updated S60 and V60 Polestar are fitted with more than 250 different parts compared with the standard models.

The added components include a new front splitter, rear spoiler extension and side sills all in carbon fibre. These components provide higher levels of grip and high-speed stability. Other updates include 20-inch high-gloss black Polestar diamond cut wheels, carbon fibre side mirror housings and a new exterior colour called Bursting BLue metallic. Other colours on offer include Cyan Racing Blue (Rebel Blue), Onyx Black metallic, Bright Silver metallic and Ice White.

On the inside, the seats feature new charcoal leather upholstery with Polestar embroidery and contrasting blue stitching. Overall, these Polestar versions of the S60 and V60 feature more than 250 new or changed components over the standard version.

Engine power

The S60 Polestar and V60 Polestar are powered by a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-litre petrol engine offering 270 kW and 470 Nm of torque. Volvo claims a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 4.7 seconds with a limited top speed of 250 kph. An 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is standard. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7.8 L/100 km.

Pricing for the Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar will be announced closer to launch later this year. We will keep you updated as more details become available.

Want to buy a Volvo V60?

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Jaguar Land Rover South Africa talks electric

Jaguar Land Rover's Global CEO, Dr Ralf Speth, recently visited South Africa and hosted a round-table discussion with some of South Africa's motoring media. The topic? Electrification, within in a South African context.

In line with several other brands, JLR recently announced that as of 2020, all newly introduced Jaguar and Land Rover products will be offered with a choice of traditional or electrified (including hybrids) powertrains. This, in itself, is an indication of just how swiftly the electric motoring future will be upon us. Perhaps even more exciting from a product point of view is the confirmation that Jaguar's first all-electric vehicle, the I-PACE will arrive in South Africa late 2018 or early 2019. ?This, Speth says, forms part of the brand’s global goal of reducing emissions, as well as working towards its timetable of offering autonomous, connected electric vehicles.

Speaking at the brand's impressive new Waterford dealership, Speth stated that, "electrification will come faster than we expect." Yet, he pointed out that several challenges remain, particularly in a country such as South Africa where tax benefits for electric car owners are non-existent and electricity production is still heavily coal-based. In fact, while the other BRICS nations appear to have embraced the dawn of the EV era in terms of infrastructure roll-out and tax cuts, South Africa is lagging.

Range anxiety addressed?

The Jaguar I-PACE will arrive in South Africa towards the end of 2018 or early 2019, complete with 500km range.

When it comes to the frequently discussed topic of range anxiety, it is worth noting that the I-PACE will have a range of up to 500km between charges, and that an 8-minute charge could add another 100km. Though there will always be certain consumers for whom an electric car would not be practical, such impressive range does neatly address 2 issues… not only range anxiety within a daily driver context, but also to a large extent recharge infrastructure – given the fact that most South African premium car owners would have an electrical outlet capable of charging the car overnight, and in the European context most city workers/drivers travel less than 90km per day, the necessity for charging facilities away from home diminishes greatly.

Infrastructure roll-out

Also speaking at the round-table discussion, Richard Gouverneur, MD of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa added that the company intends cooperating with the Electric Vehicle Industry Association (EVIA), which represents local vehicle manufacturers focusing on electrification. Through EVIA, JLR will engage with government on various EV-related topics, including charging standards and opportunities to develop infrastructure.

“Our rollout plan for I-PACE includes installing electric infrastructure at all our dealers and ensuring our retail network can support these products in every way," said Gouverneur. "At the moment, there are no incentives for EVs, and we are in full support of the motor industry’s push for lower taxes on these vehicles. We will work with EVIA on this, as well as its efforts to have shared charging infrastructure in public areas.”

Expect more diesels and hybrids, too

"Electrification will come faster than we expect", says global Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Ralf Speth.

According to Speth, Jaguar Land Rover continues developing more efficient new-generation Ingenium internal combustion engines as well as hybrids because there are consumers for whom a pure EV would simply not be practical. JLR already offers hybrid derivatives in some markets and we can expect to see some hybrid options to be introduced in South Africa during 2018, too. Electric vehicles will be evaluated for South African suitability and decisions will also factor in customer demand.

At present, international sales volumes of hybrids and EVs are still very small, but according to Speth both are likely to increase substantially, driven by increased model availability and infrastructure improvements. JLR has has invested R1.1 billion in South Africa on updating its retail network to not only offer customers a more premium retail experience but to also start preparing for future product. It claims that by 2019 all local dealers will boast the brand’s global identity and be prepared to sell and service electric vehicles.

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