The Wheel Deal brings you his top 10 cars from the 2008 Johannesburg International Motor Show:

1: The Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Edition

Large and in charge, this mean-looking SL 65 AMG was probably one of the hottest cars on display this year. Muscular wheel arches, a race-inspired body kit and a 1000Nm V12 BiTurbo engine are just some of the features that kept it perpetually surrounded by photographers.

2: Chevrolet Camaro

Yank muscle is back! This Camaro concept shall soon be going into production and will be available in South Africa sometime in 2010 – with an expected retail price somewhere around the R600 000 mark. Taught retro styling and a big V8 engine are sure to make it a winner with fans of the Chevrolet Lumina SS. Bring it on.

3: Land Rover LRX Concept

Not to be outdone by BMWs X6, Land Rover decided to develop the startling LRX Concept. Smaller than the current Freelander 2, this cross-coupé is set to take the Land Rover brand to an entirely new target market thanks to its progressive styling and hi-tech interior. Although production is not confirmed, something tells me that this machine would definitely be a hit with customers looking for something mould breaking.

4: Toyota FT-Hyrid Sports

A 2+2 sports car concept that might be used to fill the gap left by the old Toyota Supra. Sharp, angular lines give it real presence and its hybrid motor would be capable of taking it from 0-100kp/h in around 4 seconds. Unfortunately, Toyota is mum on whether it’s going to be produced or not.

5: Renault Laguna Concept Coupé

Who would have though that a Laguna could ever look this sexy? Long and sleek and fitted with Lamborghini-like scissor doors, this pearl white Concept Coupé attracted a whole lot of attention from curious members of the press. A less radical version will be released in South Africa near the end of 2009.

6: Volkswagen Scirocco

Based on the current Golf GTI, this magnificent Scirocco is going to be released in South Africa next year. Looking unlike anything else in the current VW lineup, I was really impressed with its sleek curves and design presence. Definitely worth waiting for if you’re a motoring enthusiast.

7: Nissan GT-R

After seeing it on TV and in millions of international motoring magazines, it really something to get close to the mighty GT-R. What surprised me was how big it was, dwarfing the 350Z that stood just a few metres away. The good news is that it’s making its way to South Africa soon, with a handful of privileged owners expecting delivery sometime next year.

8: Peugeot 908 HDi

Yes, it’s never going be available to the public, but this 908 Le Mans car was by far the most interesting thing on display at the Peugeot stand. A lot smaller than it looks on the telly, it was brilliant to see how much detail goes into designing these race-winning machines. Oh, and that tasty 5.5-litre V12 twin-turbo diesel engine – nice!

9: Alfa Romeo MiTo

Based on Fiat’s Grande Punto, Alfa’s little MiTo hatch should strengthen the brand’s battle in the small car segment. Inspired by the already legendary Alfa 8C Competizione, I think this good-looking Italian will offer an interesting alternative to the Mini Cooper when it’s launched here next year. Can’t wait to drive it.

10: Suzuki Swift Sport

Dominating the Junior World Rally Championship makes the the Swift Sport one hot little hatchback. Powered by a 1.6 VVT engine and featuring tuned sports suspension, this car demonstrates that driving fun doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. It’ll be launched in South Africa at the end of 2009 and will be battling against the likes of Fiat’s Panda Sporting and Ford’s Fiesta ST.