JIMS Preview: Lexus

This week we continue our preview on the upcoming Johannesburg International Motor Show by having a look at what the the luxury Japanese brand Lexus has to offer. Lexus as a brand has grown in it's own capacity over the years in South Africa, initially piggy backing of its sister company Toyota, it has established itself as a major contender in the luxury car segment. Their recent offerings are proof to their German contenders that they do mean business. They were the first of the luxury brands to introduce hybrid engines in their regular models which broke the stereotype that hybrids are boring. Here are some of the models you can expect to see at the show.

IS350 is one of the best sellers for the brand, the new design is subtle but drastic in one. The huge spindle type grill really is a stand out feature and the two piece head lights. The F Sport package really transforms the car into a menacing beast.

ES250 was just recently launched in South Africa but has not gone on sale as yet, the car although bigger in size that the IS is rumoured to come in cheaper. The main reason would be the engine size, could this be the replacement to SA's much loved Toyota Camry?

GS350 marked the change in Lexus design philosophy with its sharp styling that was adopted to the other models in the line up. Its still one of my favourite cars from them and that screen in huge!

LS460, the flag ship car of the brand. The previous model was one of the first cars that could parallel park itself! This car is loaded with features and is luxury of the highest level.

RX450, the smaller of the SUV's on offer. The hybrid option of this model is proving to be rather popular with many in SA as it offers great fuel consumption for such a large vehicle.

LX570, the big daddy of the 4x4 line up, it essentially is a Toyota Landcruiser VX with the added luxury that Lexus has to offer.

Now one of the main reason if not the main reason that I'm visiting the show has to be because of this car It's picked up accolades and praises world over and I even did an ode to the car. Which one am I talking about? How about you just look at the beauty that is the LFA.

JIMS Preview: BMW

So the Johannesburg International Motor Show is just around the corner, it is the biggest motoring exhibition on the continent and what's great about it, is that motor manufacturers treat it with the same respect as any other big motor show across the world. So if you are a petrol head you are going to be spoiled with concept models, future models, current models, eye candy models *wink wink*, anything and everything to do with motoring. 

BMW i3

This week we look at what BMW SA will be featuring at the show this year, the German auto makers stand is always one of the most popular one. Crowds gather around the models showcased and the visitor gets to experience the cars first hand and find out more info on them from the helpful people at hand. It's been a big year for BMW with the launch of their BMWi brand, so those of you whom are planning on visiting JIMS keep an eye out for the i3 which is BMW's first full electric production car that will be retailing next year in SA during the second quarter. No official word yet if the i8 will be making an appearance but here's hoping!

BMW Hybrid Active 7

Keeping with the electric theme, the Active Hybrid 7 will also be at the show. It runs of the same drive train as the 3 and 5 with the 6 cylinder petrol engine coupled with the electric engine. 

BMW 3 Series

The 3 series which is proudly assembled in South Africa at their Rosslyn plant will also be on display with its variants which include the much talked about 3 series GT.

BMW 4 Series

The one that most of us have been waiting to see is no doubt the new 4 series, it should be one to gather a crowd, the coupe which is based on the 3 series will be on sale soon in SA and seeing it in the metal might convince more people to opt for it.

BMW M6 Gran Coupe

My favourite car to look for on the stand is without a doubt the M6 Gran Coupe, it is one of the most sexiest cars on the road today. The design is flawless and with the M Power treatment under the hood its bound to make you weak in the knees.

BMW M5

Other cars you can also spot at the stand will be the facelift 5 series which just launched this week in SA along with the 5 series GT and the beast sedan that is the M5. The ever popular Z4 roadster and the new 1 series will be there as well. Overall it is a killer line for the enthusiast so make your way down to the show which is held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec from the 18th till the 27th of October 2013.

BMW 1 Series

BMW Z4

BMW 5 Series Facelift

BMW 5 Series GT Facelift

BMW 3 Series GT Facelift