TopGear South Africa (TGSA) has announced the highly anticipated TopGear South Africa Speed Week 2023, SA’s hottest performance car matchup, where the year’s fastest and most thrilling vehicles gather to compete for the ultimate accolade – the best performance car of the year, as determined by TGSA. Last year’s “King of the Hill”, the BMW M3 xDrive, will defend its title after outperforming 12 other contenders and ultimately beating the Golf 8R that came in 2nd.
Taking place 23 – 30 October, the convoy of vehicles will be passing through Hartbeespoort and Rustenburg making their way to Sun City in the North West for a week of performance testing. The week culminates with the Speed Week Show Day, an exhibition event taking place at Sun City’s Valley of Waves on the 28th of October.
Publishing Partner at Clipping Point Publishing and co-owner of TopGear SA, Lerato Matebese says that Speed Week is TopGear SA’s barometer for rating the best performance car of the year and encourages public participation. All cars are put through rigorous testing metrics and scored accordingly by the TGSA.
“It gives the public a chance to interact with the cars and the team in person, ask questions, and get photos taken, seated in the cars for lasting memories,” says Matebese. He added that the public can also have their say on which vehicle they think should win. All participating cars, of course, are put through rigorous testing metrics and painstakingly scored accordingly by the TGSA editorial team.”
Speed Week 2023 successfully marks the third of its kind in South Africa, and together with title sponsor Carrera Eyewear, the Show Day promises a great day out for car enthusiasts, families, and the general public. Visitors can expect nonstop fun and entertainment, including photo booth sessions and prizes.
There are no less than 14 Speed Week contenders this year. Some of these, in no particular order include: Alfa Romeo Stelvio Q, BMW M340i, BMW M3 xDrive, BMW M2, Mercedes-AMG A45 S, Mercedes-AMG GT S E Performance, Honda Civic Type-R and more.
“South Africans love fast cars and for many brands, the SA market continues to show strong acceptance of performance cars in general. These cars are also very aspirational to all demographics, they look amazing, sound incredible, and perform like thoroughbreds. There’s street cred and passion. Performance is synonymous with the TopGear brand so it’s fitting that we have one massive feature putting all of these cars together. It is the biggest feature we do annually in Top Gear South Africa Magazine” says Avon Middleton, Managing Partner at Clipping Point Publishing, the company that publishes TGSA locally.
At Speed Week 2023, the participating cars will be subjected to two testing components; a road trip element and of course, a rigorous performance test.
The road trip element evaluates the vehicles in real-world conditions assessing all performance-related parameters such as braking, balance, power, steering, character, and chassis dynamics, which will be guided by drivers comprising of members of the TopGear SA core team, as well as invited guests and friends of the brand.
Speed will be measured in a controlled environment by South African professional racer, Mandla Mdakane, designated as the TSGA core team’s test/race driver.
When asked which vehicle is destined to win Speed Week 2023, co-owner of TGSA, Avon Middleton, believes it is impossible to predict a winner.
“That’s the beauty of Speed Week. Most team members seem to favour the Honda Civic Type R, while others are convinced it will be the BMW M2. As for me, only when I’ve driven all of them, will I have a better idea. Experience teaches us that there are always surprises at Speed Week,” says Middleton.
Those who wish to get up close with the cars on display, engage with the TopGear SA team, and learn about the latest developments in the automotive industry can do so by accessing Sun City Valley of the Waves.
Hotel guests have free entrance, while day visitors will pay a fee of R450 for adults and R350 for kids. Children under the age of 2 will be admitted free of charge.
TopGear South Africa Speed Week 2023 promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone! The overall winner will be announced in Top Gear South Africa Magazine on shelves on 17 November 2023.
“The magazine has gone from strength to strength, offering exclusive content presented in what we believe, is the highest quality motoring magazine currently on shelf. Our print quality is something we pride ourselves on and we would like to continue offering our readers the best quality and value for their money”, concludes Matebese.
