Normally, the dual purpose nature of an SUV (sport utility vehicle) refers to its ability to go both on and off road, but the recent launches by Maserati and BMW and other models on offer by Porsche, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Jaguar, Jeep, Bentley, Alfa Romeo and Aston Martin have added the ability to go really fast to that description.
Maserati last month launched its Uber-SUV, the Ferrari-engined Levante Trofeo, while BMW introduced the M-versions of its X5 and X6, in Competition guise no less, at the same time.
Levante Trofeo: From R3 790 000
As is traditional for this brand, the Levante Trofeo is first recognised by its sonorous soundtrack and then the design. Four exhausts, additional carbon fibre trim, 21”wheels, a new bonnet design and larger air dams distinguish it from lesser models.
The Levante Trofeo SUV delivers 440 kW and 730 Nm to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The engine is a 3.8 litre V8 built for them by Ferrari. The 0-100 km/h run for this two-tonne beast is dealt with in just 3.9 seconds and top speed is 304 km/h.
BMW added the M emblem to its original X5 and the luxurious M6, with both models making their local debut in July.
BMW X5 M: From R2 605 900 and BMW X6 M: From R2 707 200
This is the third generation of these beasts from Bavaria. Both models are equipped with BMW’s proven 4.4 litre V8, which delivers 460 kW and 750 Nm through an eight speed gearbox to all four wheels, albeit with a rear-wheel bias. BMW says that this is a healthy 37 kW more than its predecessor.
In Competition spec, both models have all the best M-parts fitted, including M-spec steering, suspension, differential and Dynamic Stability Control. Acceleration is pegged at 3.8 seconds to 100 km/h, while top speed is governed to 250 km/h.
Workers at nine Volkswagen car and component plants across Germany went on strike for several hours on Monday, IG Metall union said, bringing assembly lines to a halt as labour and management clashed over the future of the carmaker's German operations.
Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) announced a partially upgraded model of the Supra (3-litre) and the special-edition Supra "A90 Final Edition". The special-edition model is slated for global release with a limited run of 300 units.
Brand O&J—the Chery Group division comprising the OMODA and JAECOO marques—entered the South African market in 2023 with the launch of the OMODA C5. Since then, the line-up has grown with the addition of the J7 and, more recently, the C9.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) announced a partially upgraded model of the Supra (3-litre) and the special-edition Supra "A90 Final Edition". The special-edition model is slated for global release with a limited run of 300 units.
Brand O&J—the Chery Group division comprising the OMODA and JAECOO marques—entered the South African market in 2023 with the launch of the OMODA C5. Since then, the line-up has grown with the addition of the J7 and, more recently, the C9.
Hyundai’s Creta range in South Africa has received another mid-life boost with the addition of two new Matte Edition derivatives, more convenience and safety features, and a reduction in the price of certain versions of this medium-size SUV.
