BMW iX3 crowned World Car of the Year 2026 as EVs lead the way
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
- Industry News
- 2 April 2026
South Africa’s performance-car landscape is embracing a rare and welcome resurgence of pure V8 emotion, driven by the arrival of the 2025 Corvette Stingray.
The uptake on the new Stingray has exceeded expectations with ten units already on the road in South Africa and more orders in the pipeline.
In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by electrification and downsizing, the Stingray’s naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 is reminding drivers why the visceral experience of a big-capacity engine still matters.
The V8 powertrain is good for 369kW and 628Nm of torque connected to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT).
The mid-engine layout, the first for the Corvette lineage, delivers a unique blend of balance, immediacy and theatre. Combined with the unmistakable V8 soundtrack, the Corvette Stingray is resonating deeply with South African motorists who value authenticity, craftsmanship and the emotional connection only a naturally aspirated V8 can deliver.
“We anticipated significant interest, but the emotional response to the factory-built right-hand-drive Corvette Stingray has been extraordinary,” says Donovan Eley of CVH Auto Group. “South Africans have a long-standing love for powerful, expressive performance cars, and the Stingray’s combination of heritage, engineering purity and everyday usability has struck a powerful chord.”
The CVH Auto Group is a privately owned South African automotive company, which is also the official importer of Maserati for over nine years.
The Corvette Stingray’s appeal extends beyond performance numbers. Its presence – wide, low and sculptural - is drawing attention wherever it appears, creating a fresh appetite for expressive automotive design. Inside, the driver-focused cockpit and premium finishes offer refinement without compromising the car’s racing DNA, says the importer.
South Africans interested in finding out more about the Corvette Stingray or exploring specification options for local availability are encouraged to register their details at www.cvhauto.co.za, where a dedicated Corvette interest form is now live.
Pricing starts from R3 600 000 for the new Corvette Stingray.
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
Retail new vehicle sales continue to surge in South Africa despite global and regional conflicts, local floods and droughts.
South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered a standout performance in March 2026, extending its domestic growth trajectory to the strongest level seen in nearly two decades.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
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