Three Icons. One Stage. GAC Dominates the 8th Festival of Motoring
The 8th annual Festival of Motoring at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit came alive as GAC stole the spotlight. On media day, 29 August, and throughout the weekend, the brand unveiled three bold new models that reshaped the conversation around South Africa’s motoring future: the Emzoom Nova, the PHEV M8 Master, and the all-electric Aion Y.
The Festival of Motoring wasn’t just another motoring show, it once again proved to be South Africa’s biggest automotive playground, where performance, design, and innovation met the thrill of the open track. For GAC, it was the perfect stage to demonstrate a future-ready lineup that blends luxury, electrification, accessibility, and performance with the real-world needs of South African drivers.
The Emzoom Nova – Thrill. Amplified.
Revealed on Thursday at the Festival of Motoring, the Emzoom Nova Entry Spec delivers on performance and accessibility. Powered by a turbocharged 1.5TG engine (130 kW / 270 Nm) paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, it’s built for city agility and open-road power. Rolling on 17-inch alloys with a refreshed grille design, the Nova balances head-turning looks with efficiency, fuel use of just 6.2 L/100 km. Inside, drivers are treated to a 10-inch infotainment screen, keyless entry, and a tech-forward cabin, all priced from R359 900. Every Nova comes backed by GAC’s Lifetime Engine Warranty, making this one of the most confidence-inspiring offers in its segment, and with a service plan of 2-year / 30,000 km.
The PHEV M8 Master – Luxury Reimagined
Arriving in Q4 of 2025, the M8 Master is GAC’s new flagship MPV, and it’s nothing short of a premium mobile lounge. Under the hood, it combines a 2.0T GDI engine with 8-speed automatic transmission and an advanced plug-in hybrid system. The result? A comprehensive driving range of 1,032 km, thanks to a 25.57 kWh battery and a 134 kW / 300 Nm electric motor working in harmony with a 140 kW / 330 Nm petrol engine. Together, the system delivers a combined 274 kW and 630 Nm, propelling the M8 from 0-100 km/h in just 8.8 seconds. Serious power wrapped in executive calm. Beyond performance, it spoils passengers with Semi-Aniline Nappa leather seating, captain’s chairs, weighted hubs, and cutting-edge driver assistance features, creating a true first-class experience on wheels. For South Africans who value passenger comfort as much as driver-seat performance, the M8 Master is the answer.
The Aion Y – The Electric Future, now
Set to launch in Q4 2025, the fully electric Aion Y brings sustainable mobility to the mainstream. With a 63.2 kWh battery delivering up to 490 km (NEDC) of range, and a punchy electric motor producing 150 kW and 225 Nm of torque, the Aion Y balances efficiency with exhilarating response. Features like L2 driving assistance, a panoramic sunroof, hidden door handles, and striking Angel Wings LED headlights make it futuristic inside and out. The cabin is equally bold, with a 14.6-inch infotainment screen and advanced driver assistance tech that redefine everyday driving. Designed for South Africa’s young, tech-driven generation, it doesn’t just whisper sustainability, it shouts innovation.
Across the Festival, visitors experienced far more than just a static showcase. Adrenaline-pumping track sessions in the Emzoom R-Style, hands-on test drives in the Emkoo and Emzoom, and interactive activations like the GAC O₂ Bar created a high-energy, immersive atmosphere. Live photo moments, shared instantly via QR code, captured the spirit of #CraftYourPath for every guest. Guests elevated all their senses with GAC.
“South Africa is a market that thrives on bold design, powerful performance, and forward-thinking technology,” said Brian Smith, Marketing Director of GAC South Africa. “With the Emzoom, Emkoo, M8 Master, and Aion Y, we didn’t just bring new models, we brought new possibilities and innovative mobility to the road.”
With 28 dealerships already in operation and expansion plans set to reach 40 by the end of 2025, GAC ensured that South Africans could access advanced, reliable, and stylish mobility.
This year’s Festival of Motoring wasn’t just about speed. It was about the future. And GAC led from the front.
Three Icons. One Stage. GAC Dominates the 8th Festival of Motoringhttps://t.co/e92toeIsw2#ArriveAlive @GAC_MOTOR @FestivalofM @dealerfloor pic.twitter.com/SjoNCaaFjQ
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) September 1, 2025
