Johannesburg, South Africa — The Automotive Remanufacturers’ Association (ARA), a proud member of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), is set to electrify this year’s Festival of Motoring at the legendary Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from 29 to 31 August 2025. This year, ARA is steering the spotlight towards innovation and sustainability with a headline-grabbing display: a Ford Mustang 5.0 GT converted to run on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Since 2017, the ARA has been at the forefront of championing LPG Autogas as a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to traditional fuels through its ARA Gas Conversion Project (GCP). The initiative, driven by the Green Drive campaign, has sparked growing interest among local workshop owners and fleet operators eager to diversify and future-proof their businesses by adopting LPG technology.
The momentum gained traction in November 2024, when ARA partnered with the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) at Automechanika to showcase the benefits of LPG conversion. With rising consumer awareness, supportive government policies, and expanding refuelling infrastructure, LPG Autogas is poised to become a key player in South Africa’s evolving energy landscape.
Taking this vision further, the 2025 Festival of Motoring will feature a groundbreaking demonstration of high-performance and sustainability in one unforgettable package. The Ford Mustang 5.0 GT, transformed to run on LPG, packs a formidable 5.0-litre Ti-VCT V8 engine, delivering 328 kW of power and 540 Nm of torque. Equipped with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission and selectable driving modes—track, drag-strip, and sport—this Mustang accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 4.9 seconds, topping out at 250 km/h.
“This beast is a guaranteed showstopper,” says Attie Serfontein, ARA National Director. “Its LPG conversion is more than just a technical upgrade—it’s a powerful symbol of how greener, cleaner motoring doesn’t have to come at the expense of performance.”
The project, supported by MIWA, the South African Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA), the South African Vehicle and Bodybuilders’ Association (SAVABA), and in partnership with MasterDrive, underscores how innovation in the automotive aftermarket can drive a sustainable future. Serfontein adds, “This milestone highlights the critical role remanufacturing and alternative energy solutions will play in shaping tomorrow’s mobility.”
Throughout the Festival of Motoring, spectators will witness the Mustang in action on the Kyalami track, thrilling crowds and proving that LPG isn’t just a viable alternative fuel—it can be exhilarating too. This initiative exemplifies the RMI’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable technology adoption within the automotive sector.
As South Africa’s premier motoring event, the Festival of Motoring draws thousands of enthusiasts, industry leaders, and families every year. The collaboration between RMI and MasterDrive promises to be one of the festival’s most talked-about features, igniting fresh discussions about the future of fuel and mobility.
Whether you’re a die-hard auto enthusiast, an industry stakeholder, or someone passionate about the planet, this is your opportunity to witness innovation in motion—and hear the iconic roar of a Mustang, redefined by sustainability.
Experience the future of motoring, where power meets responsibility.
