Feb
2021 Nissan X-Trail launch review
It’s just over 12 months until we see the all-new Nissan X-Trail; barring any delays of course. In the meantime, Nissan has unveiled a minor update for the 2021 Nissan X-Trail. That update means two things: You can now secure a sharp deal on a run-out model, or you can get your hands on an updated model like the one we’re testing. The updates aren't huge, either. But they are clever. Let’s take a closer look …
Feb
2021 Aston Martin Valkyrie showcased on track, CEO promises mid-2021 delivery
The Aston Martin Valkyrie has been shown off in a new video aimed at frustrated customers, with company CEO Tobias Moers apologising for the project’s numerous delays and promising delivery by mid-2021. “This is nothing similar to any other road car I know…It’s more sophisticated than anything I’ve seen in my past, in my recent career, over my whole life. It’s a very special car,” said Moers who, as the former head of Mercedes-AMG, has also driven the upcoming Formula One-derived AMG One.
Feb
Honda plans a return to its former glory under new global CEO – report
Japanese car maker Honda is hoping to return to its former glory under the guidance of a new global boss, Toshihiro Mibe, who has an engineering background and is the former head of the company’s flagship research and development division. According to industry analysts, the appointment of Mr Mibe is intended to return Honda to better times after being accused of cutting corners and cutting costs for the past decade.
Feb
2022 Lexus NX revealed in leaked promotional video
The 2022 Lexus NX has made its early (and unexpected) debut online, courtesy of a leaked promotional video shared on forum platform Reddit. The video – which was first published to YouTube, but later deleted – showcases the new mid-size Lexus SUV inside and out, revealing an updated exterior design clothing an overhauled cabin headlined by a pair of screens and the deletion of the current NX's controversial touchpad infotainment controller.
Feb
2021 Skoda Fabia price and specs: Run-Out Edition introduced to farewell third-gen city car
Australian pricing and specification details for the 2021 Skoda Fabia have been confirmed. In the lead-up to the launch of an all-new Fabia in Australia within the next 12 months (by February 2022) – with the new model teased for the first time earlier this month – Skoda Australia has rationalised the current-generation city hatch and wagon's ranges to a single variant, the new-for-2021, aptly-named Run-Out Edition.
Feb
In 2021, it’s time Aussie drivers let each other in
There’s a pandemic gripping our wide brown land in 2021 – and it has nothing to do with the coronavirus. All across Australia, indicators are incessantly blinking, main roads are blocked, and cars are rear-ending each other because of our national reluctance to accommodate one another on the road.
Feb
Ferrari 'F171' hybrid V6 supercar due In late 2021 with 522kW – report
Ferrari looks set to launch a new supercar powered by an all-new, hybridised V6 producing over 500kW by the end of 2021, according to overseas reports. British magazine Car reports the new mid-engined model – codenamed F171 – is due in late 2021, and will debut the brand's first V6 engine since the Dino ended production in 1974.
Feb
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 45 leaked, unlikely for Australia
Photos of the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 45 have appeared online ahead of the special-edition hot hatch's expected European launch in the coming months. Images posted to Spanish enthusiast forum Cochespias show the exterior of the upcoming hot hatch – the existence of which has yet to be officially confirmed by Volkswagen – with the limited-run model created to celebrate 45 years since the original Golf GTI launched in 1976.
Feb
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N rendered: Imagining where Hyundai can take its new electric SUV
Hyundai’s new Ioniq 5 electric vehicle (EV) has only just been revealed, giving a first glimpse at what’s to come from the Korean carmaker's dedicated Ioniq EV sub-brand – moving the five-letter badge away from just a single model to a fully-fledged family of zero-emissions vehicles. Hyundai has already revealed that an Ioniq 6 sedan and larger-still Ioniq 7 SUV are in the pipeline, but what about a go-fast EV from Hyundai’s high-performance N division?
Feb
2021 Renault Koleos Black Edition review
It has been a tough start to the year for Renault. A few weeks ago, we heard that the last factory-backed French manufacturer to sell cars in Australia was pulling out to leave the 122-year-old diamond badge in the hands of an independent distributor. Daniel Ricciardo left the Formula One team, although someone should let their website people know…
Feb
Rimac on the verge of Bugatti acquisition, Porsche CEO claims
A Bugatti acquisition by Croatian-based electric vehicle manufacturer Rimac could be imminent, according to Volkswagen board-member and Porsche CEO Oliver Blume. Speaking to German outlet Automobilwoche earlier this week, Mr Blume said: "At the moment there are intense deliberations on how Bugatti can be developed in the best possible way. Rimac could play a role here because the brands are a good technological fit.”
Feb
Tesla stock tumbles, Elon Musk no longer world’s richest person
The value of Tesla stock has fallen more than 20 per cent since January, relegating CEO Elon Musk to second place on the international rich list. On 8 January 2020 – less than two months ago – shares in the electric vehicle manufacturer were valued at an all-time high of US$880.02 (AU$1108). However, by February 23 that price had fallen 20.68 per cent to US$698.84 (AU$879.88).
Feb
Here comes that sinking feeling: A brief history of amphibious cars
Comically combining the shortcomings of the car with the drawbacks of the boat, amphibious vehicles are almost universally dreadful. Few are effective on the road, and even fewer are competent in the drink – it’s hard to deny however, the underlying proposition is biblically enticing. Just as Jesus walked on water to the dismay of his disciples, the amphibious car promises to conquer the elusive divide between that which is dry and that which is wet.
Feb
Tiger Woods crashes 2021 Genesis GV80 loan car
Tiger Woods has been involved in a serious crash on a Californian highway, behind the wheel of a Genesis GV80 loan car. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the 'jaws of life' were required to extract Mr Woods from the vehicle. He was rushed to a local hospital by ambulance with “multiple leg injuries,” where he underwent emergency surgery.
Feb
The Australian speed camera that caught so many drivers, it stopped issuing fines
Here’s further proof speed cameras are more about revenue raising rather than saving lives. A fixed speed camera in Sydney’s CBD has stopped issuing fines – sending warning letters instead – after more than 36,000 drivers were snapped in three months, which was more than seven times the rate of the state’s next busiest speed camera.
Feb
Hyundai Ioniq and Kona electric cars could be recalled worldwide due to fire risk – report
Hyundai may need to recall its electric Ioniq and Kona electric cars internationally, following a spate of fires in South Korea. Multiple South Korean news outlets have reported the manufacturer will voluntarily replace batteries in all local examples. However it is not yet clear if this recall will be extended worldwide, including for models sold in Australia.