Thursday marked the start of Johannesburg International Motorshow or JIMS. As usual, there was much eye candy as some cars. Here are my highlights from this year: McLaren MP4-12C
The superstar of the show in my opinion. Shown in a simple white, the McLaren is the British answer to the Ferrari 458 and Porsche 911 Turbo, both of which were notably absent from the show. Not as many people took an interest in this car as I expected however.
Some stats:
Cost: From R2 Million up to approximately R3,4 million
Engine: 3.8 litre, V8 twin-turbo engine
Power:441kW
Top Speed:330km/h
Acceleration (0-100km/h):3,1 Seconds
Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Roadster
The Super-Merc has lost its top. I’m not usually a fan of drop-top supercars, and the Merc is stunning with its gullwing doors, but this is fantastic. Very 1950′s looking with the long bonnet and red leather interior.
As for its statistics, no official word on pricing, but look at approximately the same as the hardtop at R2,6 million. Power and top speed are the same as well with the 6,2l V8 producing 420kW, taking the car up a top speed of 315km/h.
MINI Coupe
The latest adition to the MINI family. See here: Link.
Range Rover Evoque
Wow. I have seen people go nuts for a car and I have seen manufacturers go nuts for their vehicles launches. I have never seen both and didn’t think it would be this big. There were 6 Evoques on display at the Land Rover stand in all guises.
There are 2 body styles and 2 engines to choose from: 3 and 5-doors with 2.0l turbo petrol or 2.2l turbo-diesels available. There are a total of 2 trim levels, as SA will not be recieving the ‘entry’ spec. I must say, after seeing the concepts, videos, Top Gear clips and all, it is a bit of a let down. I expected it to be flashier. Maybe I was too overwhelmed by the number of people clambering on the car and need to see it on the road.
It doesn’t matter what I think actually. The general public love it. It screams ‘Money’ and is going to walk off the showroom floor.