KNYSNA, South Africa, 18 March 2025 – The thrill of high-performance road cars being pushed to their limits is set to captivate motorsport fans once again at the 15th edition of the Simola Hillclimb. This year’s event, taking place from 1 to 4 May, promises an exhilarating battle among standard production and supercars, with manufacturers debuting exciting new models and a new King of the Hill title up for grabs.
The action begins on Friday, 2 May, with scrutineering and the fan-favourite parade along Knysna’s Waterfront Drive, setting the stage for a weekend of intense competition. Saturday sees four practice sessions followed by three qualifying rounds, with the final three qualifying runs taking place on Sunday before the Class Finals and the much-anticipated Top 10 Shootout. With all entries required to be in standard showroom specification on road-legal tyres, the competition remains fiercely level, making this category one of the most relatable for spectators.
New Manufacturer Entries and Electrified Performance
This year’s lineup features a strong contingent of manufacturers, with BMW, MINI, Opel, and Suzuki making notable entries in the Road Car and Supercar category. Mercedes-AMG and MG add excitement to Class A8 for hybrids and electric vehicles, underscoring the growing role of electrification in performance motoring.
Mercedes-Benz continues to make waves with the debut of its Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, a hybrid powerhouse boasting a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 paired with an electric motor, delivering a formidable 620 kW and 1 420 Nm of torque. The car will be driven by AMG Driving Academy head Clint Weston, who aims to best last year’s winning time of 42.935 seconds, set by JP van der Walt. With van der Walt absent from this year’s event, the path is clear for a new champion to emerge.
In addition, Natalie Weston will pilot the new AMG GLC 63 S E Performance, while Courtney Nicholl returns in the AMG C63 S E Performance, both featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid powertrain producing 500 kW and 1 020 Nm of torque.
MG is making its mark with Joshua Lowe in the Cyberster Roadster, a dual-motor, all-electric convertible producing 375 kW and featuring all-wheel drive. He will be joined by Johannes Pretorious, piloting the soon-to-be-launched MG4 XPower EV.
A Battle of Supercharged and Naturally Aspirated Beasts
The supercharged V8 class, A7, sees an all-out Shelby Mustang showdown, with Joshua O’Callaghan, Vinesh Padayachy, Deon Smit, Paul Malatji, and Paige Lindenberg in their Shelby Super Snake models, alongside James Temple in the exclusive Shelby Terlingua. They will be up against Eugene Herbert in his Roush supercharged Mustang and Garth Mackintosh in a McLaren 720S.
In the naturally aspirated V8 class A6, Jon Williams will take on the course in a Ferrari 458, challenging veterans Gordon Nicholson (Audi R8 V10 Plus, 2017) and Shiraz Bawa (BMW M5, 2000).
The Porsche contingent in A5 is well-represented, with Dayaan Padayachey (Cayman GTS, 2014), Sean Mackay (911 GT3, 2000), and Abu Bakr Omar (911 GT3 RS, 2018). Ridwaan Babamia shakes up the class with a BMW M3 (2003).
BMW, MINI, and Suzuki Bring the Heat in Smaller Displacements
BMW South Africa is officially competing in A4 with the M4 Competition xDrive, driven by Leyton Fourie, while Martin van Zummeren moves from the modified category to a 1997 Nissan R33 GT-R.
A3 welcomes Guy Davies, only the second physically disabled competitor in Simola Hillclimb history. Driving a Porsche 911 Carrera fitted with hand controls, Davies is determined to make his mark. He will be up against Cristiano Verolini (BMW M2 Competition, 2023), Ebrahim Mayat (BMW M4 CSL, 2023), Paul Munro (Toyota Supra, 2020), and Piet Potgieter (Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, 2017).
The absence of entrants in A2 leaves A1 as a battleground for two-wheel drive machines. Suzuki returns as a Tier 1 OEM sponsor, with media entries for the Swift hatchback. Ernest Page will handle the 1.2-litre Swift, while Jeanette Kok-Kritzinger takes on the Swift Sport.
MINI’s John Cooper Works edition will be driven by Bradleigh Boshoff, and Opel enters the fray with a Corsa GS Irmscher, piloted by Siyabonga Mankonkwana. They will be joined by Francis Cusens (Fiat 500 Abarth), Yash Rampersad (Porsche 718 Cayman), Andre Steenkamp (Alfa Romeo 4C), and the MasterDrive Driver Search winner in a Ford Fiesta ST.
Who Will Be Crowned King of the Hill?
With van der Walt absent, the road to victory is wide open. Will the hybrid dominance of Mercedes-AMG take centre stage, or will a Shelby Mustang, Ferrari, or McLaren seize the throne? The answer will be revealed in Sunday’s Top 10 Shootout, where the fastest drivers will leave nothing on the table in pursuit of Simola Hillclimb glory.
For more information and ticket sales, visit www.simolahillclimb.com.
