New cars unveiled at Jo’burg motor show

stadium that hosted the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2010 World Cup amid much pomp and fun fare.
New models were unveiled and a number of exciting concept cars (mainly electric) were on show during the first two days signaling the beginning of the biggest and best motor show ever staged in South Africa.
Beautiful women graced many of the stands to add glamour to the occasion. The motor show whose theme is “Beyond Imagination” ends on Saturday.
A strong contingent of local and foreign journalists was in town as they moved from stand to stand where the leading automotive companies in the world were showcasing their wares.
The incredible Chevrolet Miray concept that was flown to South Africa straight from the Frankfurt Motor Show where it was also a big hit, was a definite showstopper. Electric motors as well as a 1,5-litre turbo-charged four-cylinder engine power are part of this carbon fibre-clad beauty. Its swooping lines are a tribute to performance Chevrolets in the past and this concept was the subject of many photographs.
Audi’s E-Tron concept car is one vehicle that is currently wowing the crowds. Not to be outdone, rivals BMW were showing off the Vision concept as well as the exciting new M5 super saloon to the public.
On the back of the successful Polo Vivo, giants Volkswagen took the time to show off their new Vivo GT, which will give the little B-segment car a nice performance edge. However, rival Toyota are determined to grab some of the market share back as they took the wraps off the Indian-built Etios hatch and sedan which are expected to prove worthy competitors to the strong-selling Volkswagen budge-priced car.
The Koreans have been hard at work as usual with Kia and Hyundai both showing some interesting machines in the form of the three-door Hyundai Veloster and the Kia Optima.
For those keen on the super cars, the new McLaren MC-4, several models of the latest Aston Martin range and a wide range of exotic pre-owned models, including Ferraris, an Audi R8 convertible, a classic Ford Mustang and a gull wing Mercedes-Benz SLS were on show.
The group is also the official Rolls Royce importer and there are two examples of this imposing range, a Phantom drop head and a Ghost.
The show also provided a platform for the first official South African public viewing of the Lexus LFA super car.
Jaguar Land Rover were showing the smallest, lightest, most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever produced – Evoque. The car that has been sold in 160 countries worldwide and is only expected to be on sale in South Africa next month. Orders have already started bursting ahead of the official launch as the pricing starting from R583 000 has been very attractive to Range Rover enthusiasts.
Audi displayed an example of its stunning R8 GT, which is the most hardcore derivative of the iconic R8 range.
Honda has an example of an all-new supercharged CR-Z while Toyota has a hot version of the Auris in the form of the Auris TRD. This Auris comes complete with a supercharged engine as well as an outrageous paint job.
The motor show was not only confined to passenger cars, as there were also large displays of motorcycles, scooters, trucks and buses as well as selection of accessories and components.
With drifting, off-road driving as well as ride and drive opportunities, there was much to see and do at the Johannesburg Motor Show.