Simola Hillclimb 2026 set to put performance cars to the test
The 16th edition of the Simola Hillclimb is just around the corner, and the 2026 lineup for the Road Car and Supercar (Class A) category is shaping up to be a historic clash of technologies. From the high-pitched scream of internal combustion to the silent, neck-snapping torque of fully electric vehicles, the hill in Knysna is about to become a laboratory for pure performance.
The Defending King Returns
All eyes will be on Clint Weston and the monstrous Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance. Last year, this hybrid-assisted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 rewrote the history books as the event's first hybrid King of the Hill winner. With a staggering 600 kW and 1,420 Nm of torque being sent to all four wheels, the AMG remains the car to beat in Class A8.
However, the German giant faces a serious threat from BMW. The Bavarian brand is bringing the all-electric i5 M60, driven by the experienced Reece Oellermann. With its instant electric delivery and M-division tuning, the battle between hybrid V8 power and pure EV efficiency is going to be the headline act of the weekend.
Manufacturer Rivalries: The Suzuki Media Challenge
The "Media Challenge" within the road car category is expanding significantly this year. Suzuki South Africa is bringing a fleet of four identical 1.2-litre three-cylinder Suzuki Swift GLS models. This year, the bragging rights will be contested by a talented group of motoring journalists and influencers: Avon Middleton, Ziphorah Masethe, Samuel da Fonseca, and Yolanda Girlie Lukhele. It’s a true test of driver skill where every millisecond counts, and the lack of massive power means momentum is everything.
Further up the performance ladder, Volkswagen has entered a pair of the new Golf GTI 8.5s. These will be piloted by Rory Atkinson, the 2025 Astron Energy Polo Cup champion, and Matt Merton, who runs the VW Advanced Driving facility. Adding to the hot hatch heat is Ronaldo Verolini in the MINI John Cooper Works, ensuring that Class A3 remains one of the most competitive brackets in the field.
Grassroots and Development
In a fantastic move for the sport, MasterDrive continues its commitment to driver development. This year, they’ve run a "Driver Search" competition, producing two winners—Suhaa Jacobs and Umar Dhansay—who will both be competing in Suzuki Swift Sports. They’ll be joined by MasterDrive's Gino Nourse in a Ford Focus ST, showcasing that the Hillclimb is as much about nurturing new talent as it is about high-end supercars.
Event Details and Watching
The 16th Simola Hillclimb takes place from 30 April to 3 May 2026. Whether you’re a fan of the venerable petrol engine, the hybrid future, or the electric revolution, Knysna is the only place to be this May.
