Buckle up, petrolheads — the 15th Simola Hillclimb is gearing up to deliver heart-pounding action as production cars and supercars battle for supremacy on South Africa’s iconic 1,9 km ascent. From snarling V8 hybrids to plucky hatchbacks, this year’s event (1-4 May 2025) promises a petrol-fuelled spectacle where drivers push their showroom-standard machines to the limit, all vying for the coveted King of the Hill crown.
Kicking off on Friday 2 May, Knysna’s Waterfront Drive will host a tyre-smoking parade, giving fans a sneak peek of the metal monsters before Saturday’s practice and qualifying rounds. By Sunday, the intensity peaks as the top three in each class face off in the Class Finals, culminating in the nail-biting Top 10 Shootout — a winner-takes-all dash where milliseconds separate glory from defeat.
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Paige Lindenburg in the Shelby Super Snake
Mercedes-AMG is stealing the spotlight with its South African debut of the ferocious GT 63 S E Performance. Boasting a hybrid powertrain churning out 600 kW and 1 420 Nm, this beast will be piloted by AMG Driving Academy’s Clint Weston, who’s determined to shatter the existing 42,935-second record. Not to be outdone, Natalie Weston and Courtney Nicholl will tackle the hybrid class in the 500 kW AMG GLC 63 S E Performance and C63 S E Performance, respectively.
Meanwhile, MG is charging into the fray with its all-electric Cyberster Roadster (375 kW, four-wheel drive) and the unreleased MG4 XPower EV. "This event is the perfect stage to showcase innovation," says Simola sporting director Geoff Goddard, noting the surge of manufacturer interest.
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MG Cyberster
Shelby Mustangs dominate Class A7, with six supercharged beasts led by Joshua O’Callaghan’s Shelby Super Snake. But watch out for Garth Mackintosh’s McLaren 720s — a wildcard in the mix. Over in Class A6, Jon Williams’ Ferrari 458 will duel Gordon Nicholson’s Audi R8 V10 Plus, while Porsche enthusiasts can revel in a trio of classics, from a 2000 911 GT3 to a 2018 GT3 RS.
In an inspiring twist, paraplegic racer Guy Davies will make history as only the second disabled competitor at Simola. Piloting his trusty Porsche 911 Carrera — fitted with hand controls — Davies aims to prove that "behind the wheel, I’m not disabled." Having overcome rigorous safety checks, he’s ready to take on Class A3 rivals like Cristiano Verolini’s 353 kW BMW M2 Competition.
Class A1 promises David-vs-Goliath clashes, with Suzuki’s Swift Sport (turbocharged) and Swift 1,2-litre battling BMW’s MINI John Cooper Works and a feisty Fiat 500 Abarth. "It’s about finesse, not just power," says ATMi's Ernest Page, Suzuki’s Swift driver.
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Porsche at the Simola startline
With a record-breaking lineup and stories of grit and innovation, the 2025 Simola Hillclimb isn’t just a race—it’s a celebration of automotive passion. As engines roar to life on 3 May, one question remains: who will conquer the hill? Grab your tickets—it’s time to find out.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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