Latest news with #SimolaHillclimb
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Wait over: Opel finally puts price on limited run Corsa Irmscher
Irmscher name returns for the first time since 2004, but will be restricted to 40 units without any added power or torque. Having made two public appearances, the most recent being at the Simola Hillclimb in April, Opel has finally divulged complete details of the limited edition Corsa Irmscher. Extensively made reference to on the Blitz's website since its surprise showing at the Kyalami Festival of Motoring last year, the Irmscher largely rates as an appearance package based on the flagship Corsa GS Line without any additional power or torque. Named after the tuning house long associated with the Rüsselsheim's marque, the Irmscher comes as a first for the Corsa and for South Africa since the limited edition Astra Irmscher sold between 2003 and 2004. The fourth Irmscher model to be marketed locally after the Astra and before that, the Rekord and Kadett, the model's aesthetics extra over the GS Line comprises gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels, a front lip spoiler, Irmscher side sills, an imitation rear diffuser, bootlid spoiler and Irmscher badges. Sitting 30 mm closer to the ground than the GS Line, the Irmscher does, however, loose the fluorescent yellow decals of the unit raced at Simola, though it does retain the gloss black lower air intake and standard LED headlights. Available in three colours, of which no details bar the contrasting of a black roof was revealed, the Irmscher's interior additions are more minor by being inclusive of Jet Black cloth and imitation leather-trimmed seats and Irmscher branded floor mats. Based on the GS Line means the Irmscher carries over the same specification items, namely 10-inch infotainment system and seven-inch digital instrument cluster, the six-speaker sound system, folding electric mirrors, LED headlights, automatic air-conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rain sense wipers and cruise control. Taking care of safety is a 180-degree reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors, Lane Keep Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking, Hill Start Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Attention Alert, Electronic Stability Control and six airbags. Underneath, and as with the forebearers, the 1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine develops an unchanged 96kW/230Nm channelled to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox. The claimed top speed is 208 km/h, with 0-100 km/h taking 8.7 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.3 L/100 km. Price Now available, but restricted to 40 units, the Corsa Irmscher's price tag includes a five-year/100 000 km warranty plus a three-year/45 000 km service plan. Corsa 1.2T Lite – R379 500 Corsa 1.2T Edition AT – R398 500 Corsa 1.2T GS Line AT – R469 500 Corsa Irmscher – R534 900 ALSO READ: It is coming: Irmscher treated Opel Corsa becoming reality soon
SowetanLIVE
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- SowetanLIVE
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance Coupé lands in South Africa
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance Coupé is now officially available in South Africa. Recently seen flexing its muscle at the 2025 Simola Hillclimb in Knysna — where it claimed class honours in the road and supercar category — this German bahn-stormer is driven by a 4.0l twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine producing 450kW and 850Nm, paired with a 150kW/320Nm electric motor. Combined, the powertrain delivers a staggering 600kW and 1,420Nm of torque. This is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission and fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ system. Mercedes-AMG claims a 0—100km/h sprint time of just 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 320km/h.
TimesLIVE
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance Coupé lands in South Africa
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance Coupé is now officially available in South Africa. Recently seen flexing its muscle at the 2025 Simola Hillclimb in Knysna — where it claimed class honours in the road and supercar category — this German bahn-stormer is driven by a 4.0l twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine producing 450kW and 850Nm, paired with a 150kW/320Nm electric motor. Combined, the powertrain delivers a staggering 600kW and 1,420Nm of torque. This is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission and fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ system. Mercedes-AMG claims a 0—100km/h sprint time of just 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 320km/h. On the more sensible end of the spectrum, the GT 63 S E Performance also offers an electric-only range of up to 13km, thanks to its F1-derived 400V, 6.1kWh battery. Connected to a 3.7kW onboard charger, it can be recharged using a household socket, wall box or public charging station. Adding more clever tech into the mix is the AMG Dynamic Select system, offering eight driving modes: Electric, Battery Hold, Comfort, Slippery, Sport, Sport+, Race and Individual. These can be selected via the AMG button and central display on the centre console or through the AMG steering wheel controls. Each mode tweaks the behaviour of the powertrain, gearbox, steering, damping, and exhaust note. Drivers can also toggle between four levels of energy recuperation — one of which allows for near 'one-pedal' driving. Other performance-focused features include active aerodynamic aids, such as a deployable rear spoiler and a concealed underbody flap that improve downforce at speed. AMG Active Ride Control with semiactive roll stabilisation and rear-axle steering further boost agility and stability across various driving conditions. Braking duties are handled by a ceramic high-performance composite system: six-piston fixed calipers and 420mm rotors up front, and single-piston floating calipers with 380mm discs at the rear. Wrapping these are 20" AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels fitted with high-performance tyres (295/35 front and 305/35 rear), with forged 21" wheels available as an option. Inside, the GT 63 S E Performance is as luxurious as it is potent. Standard features include a fully digital instrument cluster, an 11.9" portrait-orientated touchscreen running the latest MBUX infotainment system, and exclusive AMG Performance and Track Pace apps for telemetry and lap-time logging. Occupants are treated to Nappa leather sports seats, carbon-fibre interior trim, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an ergonomic AMG Performance multifunction steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, and active steering and lane-keeping assist. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance Coupé is priced from R4,369,287, which includes a standard five-year/100,000km service and maintenance plan.
The Citizen
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Record setting Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance priced
Second torquiest AMG product on-sale in South Africa today finally arrives after its competition success in Knysna in May. Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance took overall victory in the production car class at the Simola Hillclimb in May. Image: Colin Mileman Having made its public debut at the Simola Hillclimb in Knysna last month, where it won the production car category overall piloted by AMG Driving Experience boss Clint Weston, Mercedes-Benz has divulged pricing of the AMG GT63 S E Performance. Performance hybrid The replacement for the previous generation AMG GT R, the two-door GT63 becomes Affalterbach's second torquiest road car on-sale today behind the S65 E Performance, by combining the stalwart 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor and battery pack. Devised as a short range hybrid with emphasis on performance, hence its name, the V8 develops 450kW/850Nm on its own and is mated to the nine-speed MCT transmission. ALSO READ: Mercedes-AMG shocks 500 kW jolt into two-door AMG GT 63 Combined with a rear mounted electric motor developing 150kW/320Nm, driven by a 6.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the AMG GT63 S E Performance produces 600kW/1 420Nm, which AMG says will get it from 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 320 km/h. As with the four-door AMG GT63 and the S65 E Performance, drive is routed to all four wheels via the 4Matric+ all-wheel-drive system. Being a plug-in hybrid, but with performance as the main focus, as mentioned, the claim all-electric is a mere 13 km. AMG modes Able to feed as much as 100 kW back into the battery pack using the regenerative braking system, the local market AMG GT63 S E Performance comes with the same hybrid-optimised AMG Dynamic Select system as the variant sold in Europe. In total, this consist of eight settings: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual, Electric and Battery Hold, which uses the V8 as the main propulsion method without affecting the battery's range. Inside and out Carried over from the Old Continent model as well is the rear-axle steering system, the adaptive AMG Ride Control dampers, model specific shock absorbers and springs, the standard AMG carbon ceramic brakes, and the AMG light alloy wheels measuring 20-inches at the front and 21-inches at the rear. Inside, the AMG GT63 S E Performance's unique accommodation includes optional diamond quilting on the AMG Performance Nappa leather trimmed seats, and hybrid graphics and readouts within the 12.3-inch instrument cluster and the 11.9-inch MBUX infotainment system. Price Forming part of a three model range as Mercedes-Benz South Africa's website lists the GT 55 and standard GT 63 as the other variants, albeit without pricing, the GT63 S E Performance as a sticker of R4 369 287, which includes a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. NOW READ: Mercedes-AMG takes home the gold and bronze at Simola Hillclimb
The Citizen
13-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Local athlete climbs to become a Protea
Northcliff High's very own Chris McGowan is making waves, climbing his own success to be chosen as a member of the Proteas climbing team. Read more: South African climbing sensations selected for IFSC Youth World Championships in China Competing in the South African National Climbing Federation (SANCF) Selections Competition, McGowan secured an impressive second place in both the lead and speed disciplines. He also set a new personal best in speed, clocking in at an astonishing 8.9 seconds. This remarkable performance has earned him a spot as a Protea athlete, allowing him to represent South Africa on the international stage. Reflecting on his achievement, Chris described the moment he realised he had placed second as 'unreal'. After completing his second lead climb, he was initially in disbelief, feeling as though he was living a dream. 'It took a while to sink in,' he said, recalling the excitement of the competition. As he prepares for the upcoming world championships, he expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. 'It's truly amazing to be chosen as an athlete competing in the world championships. I know it's going to be tough, but I am working hard, training even harder, and staying super focused.' Chris' journey in climbing began at the young age of five, when he first tried the sport for fun. His brother, Michael, played a pivotal role in introducing climbing to Northcliff High by starting the first climbing team. After a hockey injury in Grade 8, Chris joined the team and has been dedicated to the sport ever since. Also read: The Simola Hillclimb 2023 thrilling and spectacular, as promised What he enjoys most about climbing is the combination of physical and mental challenges it presents. 'I love everything about climbing – the thrill of reaching the top, visualising the best routes, and the excitement of 'dino-ing' to that crimp,' he exclaimed. He also appreciates the sense of community within the sport, where climbers encourage one another, regardless of competition. However, the path to success has not been without its obstacles. Chris highlighted the importance of mental state, stating that learning to manage his emotions during challenging climbs has been a significant hurdle. 'It's a big mental game, and you have to be strong in every aspect.' Grateful for the support he receives, Chris acknowledged his family, coaches at Inside Edge, Devin Sender and Chris Buys, as well as the encouragement from Northcliff High and Mr Scott Houston. He is set to compete alongside talented climbers from Johannesburg, including Jemma Erdey, Jasper Marais, and Morgan Atkinson, as he represents South Africa on the Protea team at the prestigious IFSC Youth World Sport Climbing Championships in Helsinki, Finland, this July. In addition, he has also earned a spot to compete in the IFSC European Cup in Bologna, Italy. However the journey is costly, therefore he is pleading for donations. Those interested can kindly donate at: Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Petter Solberg to race at Simola Hillclimb
