JOHANNESBURG MOTOR SHOW ATTRACTING ALL THE STARS IN 2011
Tom Cruise is unlikely to put in an appearance at the
Johannesburg International Motor Show
in October, but his co-star in the next Mission Impossible movie will be there because it is a car!
BMW is just one of many manufacturers pulling out all the stops for the show, which returns to the Expo Centre, Johannesburg from October 6-16, after a three-year break. The German marque is promising a true feast for petrol heads and general motoring enthusiasts alike with a host of concepts and South African premieres.
Top of the bill will go to the Mission Impossible star, the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics concept vehicle.
This stunning concept is the latest in its line of “green” supercars and is due to hit markets around the world in 2013. Featuring a three-cylinder turbo diesel and two electric motors this stunning project car boasts 262kW and a whopping 800Nm of torque. What is even more impressive though is that while it will hit 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds and go on to a governed top speed of 250km/h, it produces less CO2 than a family hatchback at 99g/km and is more frugal too, achieving 3.76l/100km in combined fuel consumption tests.
One Beemer that is likely to be slightly less frugal but equally show stopping for visitors is the new BMW M5. This iconic performance sedan will make its first appearance on African soil at the show after debuting at the Shanghai Auto Show in China earlier this year.
The new M5 has all the traditional, slightly understated, looks of the genre that makes it a true stealth machine. Under that bonnet sits a brand new 4.4l V8 with M TwinPower Turbo technology that produces 412kW and 680Nm of earth shaking torque. It also produces typical M car thrust, hitting 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds.
Johannesburg International Motor Show
Johannesburg Expo Centre, 6 – 16 October 2011
Small car fans will also not be left out with BMW not only bringing the new 1 Series to the Expo Centre, but also a number of exciting and iconic MINI models.
The star of the MINI stand will be the Paceman Concept, which blends coupe looks with Sports Activity Vehicle functionality and traditional MINI go-kart handling and style. It will be joined by the new MINI Coupe with its unique racing helmet inspired roof that is sure to win the hearts of many visitors to the show.
The industry is definitely feeling revved up ahead of the Johannesburg International Motor Show, which usually runs biennially, but skipped a year last year because of the FIFA Football World Cup. Almost all the manufacturers and importers have confirmed their stand space at the Expo Centre already, so it promises to showcase the very best of the automotive world as the industry pulls out all the stops to wow visitors with the latest models and technology after the doldrums of the recent economic depression.
From budget runabouts to exotic supercars, current and future works of automotive art will be on display throughout the many halls on the site.
Whether you are looking for a new vehicle or simply want to see the stars of tomorrow, there will be something for the whole family.
If you are wowed by big vehicles then what better place to be than in the exhibition halls for the Johannesburg Truck and Bus show, which is incorporated in the motor show. The biggest and best from the world’s truck and bus manufacturers will be on display. Stand in awe as you look at some of the biggest trucks or relax in the first class comfort of the latest luxury touring coaches.
The Truck and Bus Show is definitely going to provide a glimpse into the future of transport and logistics in South Africa.
Motoring is not just about the vehicles themselves though and for many it is all about the many different lifestyles that go with it. Whether you are looking to “pimp your ride” or you need to convert your Sports Activity Vehicle into an Africa conquering off-roader, there will be a multitude of exhibitors on hand to offer you the latest products and the best advice.
