Why This Year’s Simola Hillclimb Might Just Break the Internet!

When horsepower meets steep inclines, you know it’s time for the Simola Hillclimb, South Africa’s premiere "let's see whose car can make it up a hill the fastest" event, happening from the 2nd to the 5th of May, 2024. But it's not just any hill, it's the one hill that has seen dreams made and egos shattered, all in the pursuit of glory and, well, bragging rights.

Enter the Road Car and Supercar category, where the vehicular variety is so vast, it's like someone threw a luxury car dealership and a Hot Wheels collection into a blender. From hot hatchbacks that have no right to be as fast as they are, to supercars that come with their own gravitational pull, it’s a lineup that promises octane, adrenaline, and a slight chance of overzealous revving.

Leading the pack is JP van der Walt, a man who has clinched the King of the Hill crown so many times, his Porsche 911 Turbo S has started wearing it as a hood ornament. This year, he’s back to defend his title, presumably because his trophy cabinet still has some room left. And after last year's performance in "safe fail" mode, we're eager to see what he can do when his car is actually trying.

The challengers? Oh, just a few modest entries from Suzuki, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, showing off their latest in "we swear it's still about the environment" petrol, hybrid, and alternative energy-powered machines. And let’s not forget the ensemble cast featuring names like Audi, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, McLaren, and Shelby, because apparently, this hillclimb needed more horsepower like a fish needs a bicycle. Yet, here we are.

With classes ranging from "slightly modified grocery getters" to "what do you mean it has more horsepower than a small village," there's no shortage of competition. From all-wheel-drive turbocharged wonders fighting for class A4 glory to the electric dreams of the future vying for attention in the new energy vehicle showcase, it's a petrolhead’s Pandora's box of mechanical marvels.

Not to be outdone, the electric and hybrid contingent is rolling in with the kind of torque that could probably turn the earth on its axis, led by Mercedes-AMG's AMG GT 63 SE Performance. It’s so powerful, you'll need to check the trunk to make sure there isn't a hidden rocket booster.

And because this event is as much about the future as it is about the present, BMW and Mercedes are bringing their latest electric and hybrid dazzlers to the party. It's like saying, "Yes, we can be responsible and still outrun your petrol guzzler."

So, grab your tickets, mark your calendars, and prepare your best "I could totally do that if I wanted to" face. The 14th edition of the Simola Hillclimb isn't just a race; it's a festival of speed, innovation, and a little bit of madness, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Knysna. It's where legends are born, records are broken, and cars are, well, driven really fast up a hill. See you at the start line!

The 14^th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place from 2 to 5 May 2024. 

More information and online ticket sales are available on the Simola Hillclimb website: www.simolahillclimb.com