Many years ago, special and limited editions were all the automotive rage. Where most nations have moved on, the U.K. got stuck on Special Editions so badly that it’s almost impossible to purchase a non-SE automobile. Even high-end stuff like this Jaguar XJ get the treatment, although this XJ50 model is rather more bespoke than a 320d SE…
V12
The motorsport conundrum
Text: Franco Theron and Junaid Samodien
Since the dawn of the 19th century, motorsport has always existed due to two key factors. Through the decades, these factors have either worked together very closely and successfully or either against one another, proving unsustainable for the sport. These two factors speak to the needs of the spectators as well as the big manufacturers (brands). The following article will analyse the movement of the motorsport world into different directions, perhaps towards an imbalance between the two factors.
Tested: Mercedes-Benz S500 Coupé
The better opulence
No sooner had the ink dried on my S65 and S63 AMG Coupé reviews and someone pitched up at my house with this S500 Coupé. Now; I’m not the sportiest person on the planet but I believe that getting three in a row – especially the only three models available – is called a hat trick or something.
Tested: Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupé
The opulent opportunity
It’s not often that we get the opportunity to review two top models of a brand and the AMG versions of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé certainly qualify for this description. A few months ago I reviewed the three million Dollar plus Bi-turbo V12 S65 AMG and now I’ve had a go in the slightly cheaper Bi-turbo V8 S63 AMG.
Tested: Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupé
The important question
‘n Huis se prys. Not only did my most recent test car grab the crown for the priciest car I’ve ever driven, it also sparked furious debates about the unsavory question of price and value. Three million bucks is what the brand-new S65 AMG Coupé will cost you, without options of course.
Launched: Mercedes-Benz S-Class [2013]
The phenomenal change
The best car in the world. Although Mercedes-Benz South Africa preferred to use the phrase “This changes everything” for their flagship model, the S-Class has long been the leader for pioneering technology. Most of what you discover here will trickle down to other cars in a few years.
Tested: Renault Clio 4 Expression Turbo
The fresh omission
As of this morning, my computer informs me that I have tested 298 cars, not including multiples at launches. The list is made up of 34 manufacturers and includes everything from a full electric to twin-turbo V12’s. Until this morning, for reasons unknown, this list did not include a Renault Clio.
Launched: Mercedes-Benz CL
The unbelievable colossus
Business tycoons, rock stars and lottery winners may want to pay attention today. Mercedes-Benz has just freshened up their flagship CL coupés and flew us to Gauteng for the launch which coincided with the brand’s (and indeed, the motor car’s) 125th anniversary.