Do you love the smell of burnt rubber and recently ignited hydrocarbons? What about the roar of a naturally aspirated V8? If you answered ‘yes’ to either of those then you’ll probably want to head to the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit over the next three days to experience what the Festival of Motoring has to offer.
The new stuff on show
If your interests include swanky new cars then you’re in luck. Ford, Suzuki, VW, Baic, Chery, and Jaecoo all unveiled new vehicles at yesterday’s media showcase that are on display at their respective stands to look at, touch, and explore for yourselves.
Ford officially unveiled the new seventh-generation Ford Mustang GT packing the brand’s recently revised naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine. It will output 328kW and 540Nm of torque to the front wheels through its 10-speed automatic ‘box.
Ford’s new Mustang also includes a plethora of track-focused features like a front suspension tower brace, a Torsen limited slip differential, a fancy active suspension system, fatter rear wheels and tyres, and larger Brembo brakes. We were slightly more interested in the interior upgrades which include a lot of tech with the generation. There’s a 13.2in Sync 4 infotainment system and 12.4in digital instrument cluster to play with (not while you’re driving, obviously).
Available in three trim levels, the new Swift offers upgraded safety features over the outgoing model with six airbags, ESP, hill-hold assist, LED daytime running lights, projector lights, and rear three-point seatbelts as standard. Upgrading to the GL+ model will net you a touchscreen infotainment system and reverse camera functionality. The flagship GLX model sports a bigger 9in infotainment system, a cruise control mode, and other nice-to-have features like keyless entry, LED projector lamps, digital climate control, and alloy wheels.
Under the bonnet, the new Swift is powered by the all-new Z-Series 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine that outputs 60kW and 112Nm. You’ll have the option to pair that with a five-speed manual or CVT gearbox. However, the best part has to be the 4.4L/100km fuel efficiency that Suzuki is claiming. That’s even better than the last model.
Also on show is Volkswagen’s newly refreshed T-Cross. The popular crossover features new LED head- and taillights with the ‘Style’ and ‘R-Line’ derivatives getting VW’s IQ Matrix LED lights. It will also feature the much sought-after sweeping indicator animations.
If you’re frothing to see new cars from other manufacturers, Baic, Chery, and Jaecoo all revealed new models.
They cost how much?
For those of you with bags of money that you’re looking to offload, we suggest checking out the Bently, Porche, and Lamborghini exhibit. All three manufacturers have extravagant models on show and won’t immediately tackle you if you try to touch them.
Except for Lamborghini, the Revuelto it has on show doesn’t lend itself to much interaction. They might even sell you one if you ask nicely. Luckily, the prices are also on display so you won’t have to ask what the damage will be.
There is plenty more to experience, including a Red Bull activation with racing simulator setups and an auction of SA-specific high-performance classic cars.
Feel like going for a drive? Hot laps are on offer around the track or you can experience a taste of off-roading at the 4×4 Village. To better plan your days at FoM, head here to download the digital show guide so you don’t end up wandering around aimlessly.
If you haven’t already bought your tickets, you can do so here. They range from R275 for a single-day general access adult ticket to R40,000 for the Boatica and Festival of Motoring VIP experience package.
