Twenty-one brands. Sixty pit doors. Three days of the most immersive automotive experience on the African continent. The green light drops on 28 August 2026 and if you have ever wanted to feel what it means to truly love cars, Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is where you need to be.

The 9th edition of the Festival of Motoring powered by WesBank returns to Johannesburg’s most iconic racing venue from 28 to 30 August 2026, and from the moment you walk through the gates, it will be clear that this is not an auto show. It is not a dealership. It is not a passive exhibition where you walk past cars behind barriers and read spec sheets on placards. This is the only event on the continent where you do not simply look at cars – you get inside them, drive them, push them, and understand them in a way that no brochure, no advertisement, and no showroom floor can replicate.

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Under the theme Driven by Purpose, Defined by Legacy, the 2026 Festival of Motoring is ready for showtime. The 2026 pit line-up is the most diverse and compelling in the Festival’s nine-year history, a powerful mix of established global manufacturers, fast-growing Chinese automotive brands, and premium performance icons that reflects exactly where South Africa’s automotive market is heading.

Visitors can explore vehicles from established brands such as Volkswagen, Toyota, BMW, Suzuki, Mahindra and BAIC, alongside fast-growing Chinese manufacturers including Chery, Jaecoo, Omoda, Geely, GAC, Changan, Dong Feng, LDV, Icaur and Lepas.

Chinese brands continue to reshape the local industry with competitive pricing, new technologies and expanding model ranges, while traditional manufacturers are responding with new products and enhanced customer experiences. For consumers, it creates a rare opportunity to compare dozens of brands in one location.

Volkswagen Unveils the All-New T-Roc — For the First Time in South Africa

One of the biggest attractions at this year’s Festival will be Volkswagen Group Africa’s House of Roc experience. As the company celebrates 75 years in South Africa, it will officially introduce the all-new Volkswagen T-Roc to local consumers for the first time.

Visitors will also be able to explore the Tayron, Amarok Dark Label and Vivo Xpress, while performance enthusiasts can watch the legendary Golf GTI showcase its capabilities on the Kyalami circuit.

The activation extends well beyond the cars themselves.

Expect live DJs, interactive experiences, family entertainment, a merchandise store, temporary tattoos, karaoke and dedicated children’s activities, creating an immersive brand experience rather than a conventional vehicle display.

BMW Group South Africa Brings the Full Performance Lineup

BMW Group South Africa adds serious momentum to an already powerful Festival, with BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad all represented in an on-site showroom located on the viewing deck of the main pit building. Visitors can also purchase BMW M driving experiences through Howler – one of the most sought-after tickets at this year’s Festival.

Why the Festival of Motoring Stands Apart

What continues to distinguish the Festival of Motoring from other automotive events is its focus on experience.

Visitors won’t simply walk around vehicles.

Many manufacturers will offer complimentary test drives and brand-hosted driving experiences, allowing consumers to understand how different vehicles perform in real-world conditions.

Those looking for even more excitement can purchase premium hot laps with professional drivers through experiences hosted by:

• BMW M Driving Experience
• Simola Hillclimb
• Volkswagen Driving Academy
• AMG Mercedes Driving Academy
• BMW M Performance Parts Race Car Series

For prospective buyers, it’s an opportunity that very few dealerships can replicate.

Off-Road Enthusiasts Haven’t Been Forgotten

Adventure lovers can once again head to the Festival’s popular 4×4 Village.

Purpose-built to demonstrate off-road capability, the area allows visitors to experience how modern SUVs and bakkies perform beyond smooth tar roads.

With South Africa’s growing appetite for adventure travel and overlanding, the 4×4 Village continues to be one of the event’s biggest crowd-pullers.

A Lifestyle Event, Not Just a Motor Show

The Festival of Motoring has evolved into much more than an automotive exhibition.

Families will find dedicated entertainment areas, while premium hospitality spaces overlook the famous Kyalami circuit.

One of the newest additions for 2026 is a dedicated Family Premium Suite, allowing parents to enjoy premium hospitality while ensuring younger visitors remain entertained in a family-friendly environment.

Visitors can also expect aerial displays from the Puma Flying Lions, children’s activities in the Puma Energy Family Zone and a range of lifestyle experiences throughout the venue.

Easier Access for Visitors

To simplify travel, the Festival has partnered with Gautrain, offering complimentary shuttle services between Gautrain stations and the circuit.

Visitors travelling by car can also make use of dedicated park-and-ride shuttles from the Mall of Africa, operated by Avis.

These transport partnerships aim to reduce congestion while making access to Kyalami more convenient.