Few cars on the South African market can with truth be described as iconic, but one that certainly qualifies is GM's gloriously muscular, appealingly unsophisticated Australian muscle-cars, the Chevrolet Lumina sedan and Ute.
And they've wisely resisted the temptation to mess with success for the 2013 model year, instead introducing some welcome chassis upgrades, new 19” high strength alloy rims shod with very low-profile tyres - and a discreet chromed belt-line trim on the sedan models.
The new sports performance package includes stiffer anti-roll bars and remapped damping rates for improved ride and handling, and upgraded front brakes with opposed-piston, four-pot, alumnium Brembo callipers gripping huge 355mm pillar-vented discs for improved cooling and durability.
The really good stuff stays the same: the six-litre Aussie V8 still punches out 270kW (all right, 260 with the auto tranny) and 530Nm - without needing any poncy hair-dryers - straight to the back wheels via either a six-speed manual or six-speed auto 'box.
Both sedan and bakkie versions come with power-adjustable leather sports seats, dual-zone auto aircon, power windows and mirrors, cruise control, antilock braking and a stability program with traction control - which you need, Bruce!
PRICES
Ute - R432 500
Ute A/T - R432 500
Sedan - R469 900
Sedan A/T R467 400
You still get a five-year or 120 000km warranty and a three-year or 60 000km service plan, while your Lumina only needs servicing every 15 000km or one year, whichever comes first.