2018 Volkswagen Golf R drive-away pricing announced

Volkswagen has announced drive-away pricing for the 2018 Golf R hatch and wagon, as it prepares to bring the MY19 range into showrooms. The drive-away Golf R range will kick off at $48,490 drive-away in Grid Edition Manual guise, jumping to $50,990 for the DSG. Volkswagen previously priced the two from $47,490 and $49,990 before on-road costs respectively.

2019 Infiniti Q50, Q60 pricing and specs

Infiniti has revised its Q50 and Q60 ranges, cutting the number of variants on offer in half for a simpler line-up and, in most cases, lowering prices.

2019 Volkswagen Tiguan pricing and specs

Volkswagen Australia has narrowed its ‘regular’ five-seat Tiguan range by retaining only the more expensive 132TSI Comfortline and 162TSI Highline all-wheel drive (AWD) variants, while adding a 162TSI Wolfsburg Edition range-topper.

2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI pricing and specs

Volkswagen Australia has released pricing and specifications for the upgraded 2019 Golf GTI, which will kick off from $45,490 plus on-road costs when it lands in October. As revealed in May, the 2019 model-year Golf GTI comes with the Performance specification as standard, meaning the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine now makes 180kW of power (up from 169kW) and 370Nm of torque (up from 350Nm), mated exclusively to a seven-speed wet-clutch DSG transmission shared with the all-wheel drive Golf R.

Mercedes-AMG C43, C63, E63 recalled

Mercedes-AMG has recalled the C43, C63 and E63 over concerns about the front seat backrests.  According to the company, the laser welding between the backrest member and backrest fitting might not comply with manufacturer specifications. As a result, the welds might not withstand the required load values and the fitting could detach from the backrest, putting passengers at risk of injury. A total of 76 cars are affected by the recall – a VIN list is attached here.

BMW to open new plant in Hungary

BMW has announced a new plant in Hungary, able to produce around 150,000 cars per year, employ around 1000 people, and cost roughly €1 billion ($1.6 billion) to construct. It hasn't been announced when the plant will start operation, or which models it will produce. BMW says it is adding another European factory to its roster because sales on the continent accounted for almost 45 per cent of its volume in 2017.

Peugeot 208 GTi Édition Définitive arrives from $33,990 drive-away

Peugeot Australia has launched the 208 GTi Édition Définitive, complete with mechanical and cosmetic upgrades to send off production of the current-generation pint-sized hot hatch. Just 20 examples will make their way Down Under, priced from $33,990 drive-away – $4000 more than the new $29,990 drive-away price for the standard 208 GTi.

Mercedes-Benz X350d pricing and specs

Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed the X350d ute will arrive in local showrooms in December, with pricing to kick off at $73,270 before on-road costs. That's a little more than the top-spec Amarok V6 Ultimate's current $68,490 ticket price, while the recently-launched Ford Ranger Raptor kicks off at $74,990. Two equipment lines will be offered – Progressive and Power – with specification levels largely mirroring that of the equivalent four-cylinder models.

Mazda moves to five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty

Mazda has joined the likes of Holden and Ford, extending its three-year warranty to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre program. The longer term applies to all vehicles sold from August 1, and brings the company into line with Holden, Ford, Hyundai, Honda, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Renault, Skoda and Citroen. The industry is still led by Kia and its seven-year, unlimited-kilometre coverage period, however.

2018 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera review

Rolling through a short tunnel on the stunning Purtschellerstrasse alpine road near Berchtesgaden in Germany, I'm about to nail the accelerator on the 2018 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, when I see a familiar DRL signature approach at speed in the rear-view mirror.

2018 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera review: First drive

Driving any Aston Martin is a privilege, and this DBS Superleggera is no different. It’s stunningly fast, properly premium, different and classy. The fact that it can also be so easy to drive and benign is a sign of the times at the highest end of the buying scale. It will be rare Down Under too, and that in itself is priceless.

Uber ends self-driving truck development - report

Uber has decided to close its self-driving truck department, and concentrate its autonomous vehicle efforts in passenger car sphere. "We recently took the important step of returning to public roads in Pittsburgh, and as we look to continue that momentum, we believe having our entire team’s energy and expertise focused on this effort is the best path forward,” Eric Meyhofer, head of Uber Advanced Technologies Group, said in an internal email sent to employees and seen by Techcrunch.

Ford of Europe to prioritise crossover and commercial vehicles

Earlier this week, Ford announced its European arm had made a pre-tax loss of US$73 million ($98 million) during the first half of 2018, a massive change from the US$88 million ($118 million) profit the company booked in the second half of 2017.

Inside the McLaren Technology Centre

Ask any McLaren fan where heaven is, and most likely they’ll tell you it’s in Woking, England, the home of the McLaren Technology Centre. From classic to modern, road and race cars, this is where McLarens are born and bred. It’s all housed under one roof, and we were lucky enough to be given a tour of the facility, which is usually only open to loyal McLaren customers.

2019 Skoda Karoq Scout revealed, not for Oz

Skoda has unveiled the Karoq Scout, a more rugged version of its mid-sized SUV that should appeal more to those who regularly venture off the beaten track. While not an all-out off-roader, the Karoq Scout boasts numerous enhancements to give it a more capable look and feel, and comes as standard with all-wheel drive.

Honda Civic Type R gets Phoenix Yellow paint job - video

The Honda Civic Type R is hardly what you'd call 'subtle', but an owner in the US has gone a step further to make its hot hatch stand out – and he's documented it on video. HondaPro Jason recently uploaded a new clip to his YouTube channel, showing off his Phoenix Yellow Type R 'FK8', which he claims to be the only one in the world.

2018 SsangYong Musso review

Korea’s SsangYong will return to Australia this November with a more sophisticated corporate structure, and a far less 'stylistically challenged' product range aimed at the market’s growth areas. The most interesting member of its line-up, the Musso, will tap into Australia’s inexhaustible appetite for dual-cab utes. What it lacks in badge cred, SsangYong hopes to counteract with unarguable value for money.

Traffic tops future concerns for Melbourne, Sydney residents

Cost of living is still forefront of mind right now, but a new study has found Melbourne and Sydney residents are more concerned about congestion than ever before. A study of almost 1000 inner-city residents found traffic was fourth on the current list of concerns, but it was the biggest forward-looking concern among respondents.

Tesla: Elon Musk promising KITT-style AI assistant

A tweet from Elon Musk has suggested a KITT-style voice assistant could appear in future Teslas, supplementing the in-dash (or on-dash, in the case of the Model 3) touchscreens.

2018 Nissan X-Trail N-Sport review

Nissan is continuing its N-Sport special editions with the new X-Trail N-Sport, which adds a whole lot of black on the outside and, well, not much else. The short version? Don’t buy a Nissan X-Trail N-Sport; save yourself the $2000 impost, buy the regular X-Trail ST-L, and you won’t be disappointed.

2018 Nissan X-Trail N-Sport review: Style... and substance?

You would be foolish not to at least test drive the Nissan X-Trail if you’re in the market for a medium SUV, for what it lacks in its interior design and overall sophistication, it makes up for with a big focus on practicality, ride comfort and active safety features.

Faraday Future builds first body-in-white FF91

Chinese-backed, US-based electric vehicle start-up Faraday Future has released images of the first body-in-white example of its upcoming FF91 crossover. With deliveries on track to commence in December this year, the company says it has beaten its "timeline objectives" so far, and is working closely with "key suppliers" to continue beating or meeting its deadlines.

2019 Ford Everest pricing and specs

Ford Australia has detailed pricing and specifications for the updated 2019 Everest line-up, with prices to start from $49,190 before on-road costs when the new model goes on sale in September. Headlining the upgrades is the addition of autonomous emergency braking as standard equipment on Trend and Titanium grades, while the Sync 3 navigation system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard across the range.

Seat Leon ST Cupra Carbon Edition revealed for the UK

Seat has revealed the Leon ST Cupra Carbon Edition for the UK, sporting unique enhancements over the 'standard' hot wagon on which it's based. Limited to just 50 units in Britain, the Carbon Edition draws upon the 300PS (221kW) all-wheel drive Leon ST Cupra wagon – itself based on the hi-po Volkswagen Golf R – and adds niceties like carbon-fibre finishes for the side blades along with the front and rear bumpers.

Audi PB 18 e-tron concept headed for Pebble Beach

Audi is preparing a supercar concept for the upcoming Monterey Car Week, with a pure-electric drivetrain and slick looks from one of the brand's North American design studios. Dubbed the PB 18 e-tron (PB for Pebble Beach, 18 to denote the year), the low-slung electric vehicle will make its debut at Laguna Seca on August 23, ahead of a showings at The Quail and Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the subsequent days.

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance first-half sales results revealed

The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance has recorded growth across its three member brands in the first half of 2018, shifting a combined 5,538,530 vehicles to the end of June. On the Nissan side of things, global demand was up for the X-Trail, Note, Serena and Qashqai. Its strongest market was the USA, followed by China and Japan, with a global sales figure of 2.8 million.

Keep left? It's just not possible

We just can’t do it. It’s beyond us. They can post all the signs they want, we just aren’t interested, or even emotionally capable of complying. We will happily and eagerly comply with all sorts of other road rules – like not going through red lights, not driving at 160 through a school zone at 8.30am, and not stopping where rocks are falling. But will we pull over to the left unless we’re actually overtaking another vehicle? Will we shit.

2018 Volkswagen Multivan Kombi 70 review

I have a love-hate relationship with the old Volkswagen Kombi, mainly because I fell out of one when I was a child growing up in Germany. It was moving. Quickly. On an autobahn. I’ll spare you the grisly details, suffice to say I am extremely lucky to be sitting here writing this review of the 2018 Volkswagen Multivan Kombi 70. So what is it exactly? In short, it’s VW’s popular Multivan people mover with some extra bling and a characterful two-tone paint job.

2020 Porsche Taycan drivetrain details announced

The first details about the Porsche Taycan and its all-electric drivetrain have been revealed by the Zuffenhausen-based car maker. The Taycan will be powered by two permanently excited synchronous motors, one for each axle, and each featuring a permanently magnetised rotor which spins thanks to a stator's magnetic field.

2019 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe spied

These photos of two BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe prototypes seemingly confirm the styling details revealed earlier this year in a trademark filing. It also follows the template set out by the M8 Gran Coupe concept, which was unveiled at this year's Geneva motor show. The Gran Coupe is expected to round out the new 8 Series' body style offerings, which will also include a coupe and a yet-to-be-launched convertible.

2019 Suzuki Vitara facelift unveiled

The facelifted Suzuki Vitara has been given its first official outing in Europe, and it includes new safety features to go along with a mildly tweaked design. Up front, the updated Vitara features a new grille and a redesigned lower section of the front bumper. The graphics for the tail-lights have also been tweaked to incorporated LEDs, and the reversing lamp has been moved down to a central position in the rear bumper.

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ to be last V12 'on its own' - report

The upcoming Lamborghini Aventador SVJ will be the last of a dying breed, with the company's research and development chief indicating the company's next generation of vehicles will be assisted in some form – likely to be electrification. In a report by Top Gear, Maurizio Reggiani, Lamborghini R&D boss, is quoted saying that the SVJ is the "last time the V12 will be on its own".

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4-door hits the Nurburgring - video

The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-door (breathes deeply) is the second standalone model to be launched under Benz's performance arm, and now we have vision of some early examples roaring around the Nurburgring circuit in Germany. Powered by a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 making a stonking 470kW of power and 900Nm of torque, put to a rear-biased 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system via a nine-speed automatic transmission, the GT 4-door is a seriously powerful beast.

Around the Tracks: Modern cars rendered as classics, Model 3 musings

When we’re not creating it ourselves, the CarAdvice team spends a lot of time finding and consuming motoring content from all over the world. Here’s a handful of the articles, videos and social media posts that most caught our eye last week. Some of them are brand-new, others have been online for a while. Enjoy them – just not too much, okay?

Volkswagen and Skoda initiate Takata recall

Volkswagen Group Australia has initiated its recall for over 100,000 vehicles across various model lines fitted with faulty Takata airbags, as part of the Australian Government's mandatory safety recall that requires all defective inflators to be replaced by 31 December 2020. In a statement released this week, the company said: According to the statement, no vehicles imported by either brand into Australia are fitted with the more dangerous 'alpha' inflators.

NSW: 40km/h limit past emergency services to be trialled

New South Wales motorists will need to slow to 40km/h as they pass emergency services on the side of the road, as part of a road rule trial kicking off on September 1. Drivers moving in both directions on undivided roads are impacted by the rule, and face a $448 fine and three demerit points if they don't comply. Only once they're a 'safe distance' past the emergency vehicles can motorists accelerate back to the speed limit.

2019 Bugatti Divo teased again

Bugatti has given us another peek at the hotted-up, Chiron-based Divo ahead of its full reveal at Monterey Car Week in California. The new Divo, which will be fully revealed on August 24, will be lighter and more handling-focused than the Chiron, with more downforce for "significantly better handling properties" and more g-forces at full noise. The standard car isn't exactly slow, so we're expecting the Divo will be an absolute animal.

Takata: FCAI campaign pushes owners to get their airbags fixed

Industry body, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), is calling on drivers to check if their vehicle is fitted with a potentially deadly Takata airbag inflator with a new scare campaign.

Mercedes-AMG A35 headed for Paris - report

Mercedes-AMG is planning to reveal the A35 hatchback at the Paris motor show in October – according to a new report. Speaking with Indian Autos Blog at the launch of the updated AMG C63 range, Mercedes-AMG's senior manager for marketing and communications, Dominik Gruel, indicated the mid-tier performance version of the new A-Class hatch is on track for a Paris reveal. "Yeah, you will see," he said, when asked whether the entry-level AMG version would be attending the October event.

Poll: 2019 Toyota Supra takes down its BMW twin

The new Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 might have been developed in tandem, but our audience has a clear preference for the rear-drive Toyota. A handy 63 per cent of voters favoured the Supra over the Z4, albeit in pre-production camouflage. Both will be offered with a choice of four- or six-cylinder petrol engines, and both will be rear-wheel drive, but Toyota and BMW are adamant each will have its own character when they launch.

Toyota HiLux, Landcruiser Prado gain diesel particulate filter regeneration switch

Toyota will shortly announce the addition of a diesel particular filter (DPF) regeneration switch for the Landcruiser Prado and HiLux, as part of a rolling technical change on both models. CarAdvice can exclusively reveal the change, which comes after a surge in complaints about particulate filter issues from Prado and HiLux owners who primarily drive short distances. Toyota is yet to provide comment regarding the complaints, or provide a specific reason for the change.

2019 Ford Ranger Raptor: Your top questions answered

We've been busy in the Northern Territory this week, testing the all-new Ford Ranger Raptor. While we were up there, we wanted to answer the questions you sent through via social media. If there's anything we missed that you're still interested in having answered, let us know in the comments below! MORE: 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor review MORE: Ford Ranger Raptor news, reviews, comparisons and videos

Microlino: Little EV homologated for European roads

Micro Mobility Systems, a Zurich-based mobility manufacturer that specialises in scooters and bikes, has had its new Microlino sub-micro car homologated for European roads, with production to kick off "by the end of 2018".

Volkswagen GTI family faces off - video

With the recent addition of the Up! GTI, Volkswagen has hot hatch for essentially all tastes. But which one is quickest in a straight line? Along with the current Golf, Polo and Up! GTI, this video throws a bit of a curveball into the mix, in the form of a pre-facelift Golf GTI Clubsport S.

2018 Volkswagen Polo Launch Edition long-term review, report four: Road trip

You’ve seen how our long-term 2018 Volkswagen Polo has handled the city, and no surprise, it performs as well as a small hatch should. But now it’s time to take ‘Ginger’ – as James Wong has affectionately named it – on a road trip. The itinerary is a 1500-kilometre round trip on the east coast between Melbourne and Moruya, NSW, to see my folks. Unlike the last trip I did in the 2018 BMW M140i, it’s just me and the Polo this time around.

Ford Focus-based ute under consideration- report

  Ford is reportedly considering a new car-based ute, but instead of a rear-wheel drive platform that underpinned generations of Falcon utilities, this new one will be based on the front-wheel drive Focus. Automobile understands Ford is mulling plans to develop a vehicle to replace the Courier, which was last made in Brazil in 2013, based on the fourth-generation Fiesta.

Infiniti QX50: Interior 'inspired' by luxury hotels

The Infiniti QX50 is still a while off for Australia – it's been delayed until mid-2019 at this stage – but the company has given some insight into how it came up with its cabin design. According to Nissan's luxury arm, designers were inspired by the "look and feel of luxury resort hotels", right down to the warmer colour tones, wood-inspired chocolate brown accents, and off-white surfaces designed to evoke sandy beaches.

The week's top news stories: July 29, 2018

The automotive news wheel is always turning. If you’re not constantly checking CarAdvice – which you should be doing, by the way – it can be easy for some headlines to slip through the cracks. To make sure you haven’t missed anything important, we’ve gathered what we reckon are the hottest news stories from this week, right here. Check them out, and let us know what caught your eye.

2019 Ford F-150 Limited gets Raptor power

Ford has revealed the 2019 F-150 Limited for North America, which now comes with the same high-output 3.5-litre 'Ecoboost' twin-turbo V6 as the F-150 Raptor and GT supercar. Developing a meaty 335kW of power and 691Nm of torque, the new F-150 Limited is claimed to be the "most powerful light-duty pickup in America". To distinguish the new Limited from less powerful F-150 models, the flagship pickup sports a dual-exhaust system integrated into the rear bumper.

2018 Honda Odyssey VTi-L review

That’s a shame, particularly for anyone primarily concerned with moving people rather than just keeping up with the Joneses on the school run. It goes against the tide of popular opinion, but minivans like the 2018 Honda Odyssey are often better than the multitude of SUVs that fill Australian streets.

Aston Martin DBX production to kick off in 'late 2019'

Aston Martin has confirmed production of its upcoming DBX SUV will start late next year, having completed the second phase of its new St. Athan, Wales, production facility. The factory, which is being created in three converted ex-Ministry of Defence hangars in South Wales, will bring 750 new jobs to the reason – 150 of which have already been hired as part of its preparation for production.

Geely unveils new BMA modular architecture

Chinese car maker Geely, which also owns Volvo and Lynk & Co, has unveiled a new modular platform for Polo-class cars. Geely says BMA took four years to develop, and involved around 100 modular platform experts from 20 countries. Most of the work was reportedly done in the company's research and development centre in Hangzhou Bay.

SsangYong Australia pushing for seven-year warranty, at least

The head of SsangYong’s new Australian factory-backed subsidiary wants the brand to relaunch in November with a market-leading warranty. The challenge is getting the plan approved by head office in Korea. The goal is clearly to match rival Korean car-maker Kia with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty; a tactic that has become a powerful tool to smash any lingering misperceptions about the quality of that brand's vehicles.

The Cars of Tourrettes

How do you capture the essence of a city or town? What makes a particular place hum, sing and buzz? Is it the people? The culture? The architecture? Food? It is, of course, all of these things. And more. For us at CarAdvice, it is, unsurprisingly, also the cars.

Lexus LFA: 9 remain in American dealerships

Remember last year, when we covered the 12 unsold Lexus LFAs sitting in American dealerships? It turns out that story, or the overseas digging behind it, didn't cause ultra-wealthy Lexus fans (we know you're hiding somewhere) in North America to stampede their local showroom and lay down a deposit.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD recalled

Premoso Pty Ltd has recalled the MY18 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, over concerns the rear-right and rear-centre seatbelt buckles. According to the company they may have been torqued incorrectly, which could undermine their effectiveness in a crash. Obviously, that puts occupants in those seats at greater risk of injury in an accident. Just six utes are affected by the recall – a VIN list is attached here.

2019 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 spied

Photographers have spotted the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GLE53 this week during development testing, giving us a closer look at the mid-tier performance version of the next-gen SUV. It appears the new GLE prototypes are dropping camouflage, with the black-and-white wrap now limited to the front and rear treatments, showing off more of the new model's sheetmetal.

2018 Toyota Yaris GRMN review

Mike Duff • By what we can only imagine was a cosmically ordained coincidence, we drove the Toyota Yaris GRMN the same week that the Toyota Gazoo Racing team won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time. Given that GRMN stands for Gazoo Racing Masters of the Nürburgring – verbose branding that we’re assured will spread to other performance Toyota products – there’s obviously some connection between the mighty TS050 LMP1 car and this subcompact performance hatchback.

2018 BMW M5 v Mercedes-AMG E63 S comparison

It’s a great Did You Know factoid that AMG wasn’t involved in the first express-spec E-Class. When Mercedes decided five years was long enough for the original (1985) M5 to have had its own way in the mid-range sports sedan arena – longer if you count the M535i – the Stuttgart brand sought the help of close-neighbour Porsche to create a muscled-up, V8-powered version of the W124 sedan.

2019 Audi RS6 to feature 450kW V8 - report

The next-generation Audi RS6 looks set to be quite the performance weapon, according to a new report out of the UK. Autocar claims the new bahn-storming wagon will feature a version of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 used in various Volkswagen Group models like the Porsche Panamera and Lamborghini Urus, with a power output eclipsing the 600hp (447kW) barrier.

Ford Ranger Raptor: Why can it only tow 2500kg?

  One of the biggest complaints most of you had – outside of engine performance – about the Ford Ranger Raptor launched in Darwin this week was the lack of towing capacity and payload. Why can't the Ranger Raptor tow or carry as much load as its counterparts? It mainly comes down to the suspension.

2019 Suzuki Vitara 'Series II' leaked

The updated Suzuki Vitara Series II has leaked online ahead of its official reveal, giving us a first look at the updated crossover before it goes on sale locally in the first quarter of next year. Published on a government website, this is the first time we've seen the final design of the updated Vitara, with all previous images being of camouflaged prototypes doing rounds in Europe.

2018 SsangYong Stavic/Turismo facelift revealed

The facelifted SsangYong Turismo — last sold in Australia as the SsangYong Stavic — has been revealed in the UK. The people mover's front end styling has been reworked, with the car gaining slimmer headlights, restyled bumpers, and a corporate grille that ties it stylistically to more modern SsangYong models, such as the Korando, Rexton and Tivoli.

Toyota Prado VX, GXL, Kakadu gain new, no-cost tailgate option

Toyota is about to announce the addition of a split tailgate with top-hinged glass as a no-cost option for the updated Landcruiser Prado, CarAdvice can exclusively reveal. Unlike previous Prado generations where the flat, split tailgate has been limited to top-spec Altitude models, the model-year update will make it available on the GXL, VX and Kakadu. The spare wheel is relocated under the car, the secondary fuel tank removed and a top-hinged tailgate added.

HSV Colorado SportsCat gets five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty

HSV has announced it's bringing the Colorado SportsCat warranty into line with that of the wider Holden range, offering five-year unlimited-kilometre coverage for its jacked-up dual-cab. The extended coverage period applies to all cars sold after July 1, 2018, replacing the existing three-year offering, and placing it on a level playing field with the just-launched Ford Ranger Raptor. Five years of roadside assist is also part of the deal, as with the broader Holden range.

CarAdvice podcast 113: Paul Maric talks Ranger Raptor!

Joining Mandy Turner this week are Kez Casey and James Wong. In car news, former FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne has passed away, the Bugatti Chiron has been recalled for an airbag fix, and Vikram Pawah has been announced as the new BMW Group Australia CEO. Also, the 2019 Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan have been revealed. Paul Maric talks 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor after the off-road launch in Darwin. We speak to Glenn Dollman, director of motor events calendar app MotorCal.

Hyundai i30 Fastback N here in 2019

Hyundai Australia has confirmed it will offer the i30 Fastback N next year, shortly after the company's global division issued some teaser images of its newest N model in action. Scheduled to be unveiled later this year, the i30 Fastback N is based on the i30 Fastback offered in Europe, combining the five-door coupe body with the performance-focused underpinnings of the i30 N hatchback.

Lexus LFA 'art car' revealed for Spa

BMW has seen huge success with its 'art cars' over the years, have let legends like Andy Warhol, Frank Stella and Ken Done loose with the crayons on its some of its most famous racers. Now, Lexus wants a slice of the action.

2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ sets new Nurburgring record

A camouflaged version of the upcoming Lamborghini Aventador SVJ has lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 6:44:97. This beats the previous record set in a Porsche 911 GT2 RS by over two seconds. Driven by Marco Mapelli, the new lap record for a production car was verified by Remak, with timing done on Vbox-Racelogic equipment.

SsangYong Australia's range confirmed

Korea’s third brand, SsangYong, has confirmed it’ll start selling cars again in Australia from this November, after a two-year absence. It'll be armed with three SUVs and a dual-cab ute, and about 20 dealers from the start. The range will comprise the Tivoli small crossover to rival to the Hyundai Kona, its larger XLV spinoff to fight the Nissan Qashqai, the new-generation Rexton 4x4 competitor to the Ford Everest or Isuzu MU-X, and its coil-sprung Musso dual-cab pickup spinoff.

Former Audi stylist to lead Mitsubishi design teams

Mitsubishi has confirmed another new addition to its ranks, as the newest member of the Renault Nissan Alliance (now the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance) works to sharpen its global operations. This time it's in design, with Milan-born designer Alessandro Dambrosio to lead the caltrop brand's three design studios: Okazaki and Tokyo in Japan, and Frankfurt, Germany.

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS pricing and specs

Mercedes-Benz has released pricing and spec information for the third-generation CLS, which has already touched down in CLS450 4Matic form this week. The range will start, however, with the CLS350, priced from $136,900 before on-road costs. Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo engine making 220kW and 400Nm, put to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic gearbox. An extra 150Nm is available from the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system when the driver buries the throttle.

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS review

There’s an argument to be made that Mercedes-Benz ‘invented’ the idea of a four-door coupe with the original CLS back in 2004. That first-generation CLS certainly cut a striking pose, with a swooping roofline that belied its four-door credentials.

Honda Civic Type R takes Estoril front-drive record - video

Another day, another Honda Civic Type R lap record. This time, the front-drive turbo tearaway has toppled its predecessor's mark around Estoril in Portugal. Having started at Magny Cours in France, the Civic caravan rolled on to Silverstone (the GP circuit) and Spa, beating records held by its predecessor in the process.

Honda Civic diesel gets nine-speed auto in the UK

Honda UK has released details of the revised Civic i-DTEC diesel, which is now available with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. All grades of the Civic diesel in the UK will be offered with the new self-shifter as an option, which has a low first-gear ratio for a "smooth and powerful launch", while the high top-gear ratio "ensures low engine speed while cruising" for improved fuel consumption and refinement.

Ford GT and Mustang recalled for Takata airbags

Mustang Motorsport and Crossover Car Conversions have issued a recall for the 2005-06 Ford GT and 2005-14 Ford Mustang as part of the ongoing Takata airbag campaign. Like other notices relating to Takata airbags, the inflator propellant could degrade over time due to high temperatures and humidity. If the condition occurs, the airbag inflator could rupture when deployed in an accident, shooting metal fragments into the cabin – posing a risk of injury, even death, to the vehicle's occupants.

Porsche Panamera recalled

Porsche has recalled 17 examples of the current-generation '971' Panamera, over concerns about the rear anti-roll bar. According to the company, the connecting links on the rear anti-roll bar can't be guaranteed over the service life of the car because of a manufacturing defect. If the links are badly damaged and become detached, there's a risk surrounding suspension parts might be damaged, creating a risk of diminished handling capabilities.

Bugatti Chiron gains 'Sky View' option

Bugatti has added a new Sky View option to the Chiron, letting a bit of extra light into the lives of its pampered customers. The option, which is available to order now, consists of two laminated glass panels over the front seats. Measuring 65cm long and 44cm wide, the panels are fixed presumably because sunroofs at 400km/h seem like a recipe for disaster.

Ford Ranger chief engineer: Safety is 'number one priority', AEB going range-wide

Even though the range-topping Ranger Raptor, the team responsible for developing the model locally says driver safety is top of its priorities list. After exclusively revealing it won't offer autonomous emergency braking on the Ranger Raptor last week, Ford has confirmed it's working on the technology, but faced technical challenges too steep to climb by the model's launch.

Renault Koleos S-Edition arrives from $44,990

Renault Australia has launched the Koleos S-Edition in Australia, adding extra equipment and a unique specification for $44,990 drive-away. Based on the Intens (from $44,990 plus on-roads), the S-Edition uniquely gets a front-wheel drivetrain and boasts extra kit like 19-inch alloys, and metallic black mirror caps.

McLaren BP23 to be called 'Speedtail'

After months of teasers using the BP23 Hyper-GT moniker, McLaren has finally picked a name for its upcoming three-seat flagship. Dubbed 'Speedtail', the car has been designed as the "ultimate road-going McLaren", with a central driving position and 106-car build run to pay homage to the legendary McLaren F1.

Ford Ranger Raptor warranty won't extend to stunt driving

If you've been following our coverage of the Ford Ranger Raptor, you may notice a familiar theme – it does jumps. But, don't expect to be covered by the warranty if you break it. Speaking to CarAdvice at the launch of the 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor in Darwin this week, chief engineer for the Ford Ranger Raptor, Damien Ross, said that the company is using this opportunity to demonstrate – not encourage – 'stunt driving'.

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan revealed, here in Q2 2019

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan has been revealed this week, ahead of an Australian launch in the second quarter of next year. Scheduled to launch in Europe "at the end of 2018", the global version of the A-Class Sedan – not to be confused with the A-Class L sedan revealed in April for the Chinese market – gets a completely new booty with added luggage capacity over its hatchback counterpart.

Suzuki Swift mild-hybrid headed Down Under in 2019

Suzuki Australia will add the mild-hybrid Swift SHVS offered overseas to its local range, with the electrically-augmented BoosterJet powertrain set to touch down in 2019.  Speaking with CarAdvice in Melbourne yesterday, Michael Pachota, Suzuki Australia general manager for automotive, said the brand would be welcoming a hybrid option on a "very strong nameplate" next year, and the technology would carry a "very, very, very minor" price bump. Yep, that's very three times.

Sergio Marchionne: A brief history of his time as CEO of Fiat and Chrysler

Sergio Marchionne, head of Fiat since 2004 and Chrysler from 2009, has passed away at the age of 66 after complications arising from surgery. Known for his straight-talking style, workaholic lifestyle, and love of black wooly sweaters, Marchionne was not a noted "car guy", but his legacy includes turning around not one, but two automakers. He is survived by his partner Manuela Battezzato, and his sons Alessio and Tyler.

Ford Everest Raptor on the cards

With the hype behind the Ranger Raptor, Ford is considering the option of offering an extra off-road version of the related Everest SUV with similar attributes. Speaking to CarAdvice at the launch of the Ranger Raptor in Darwin this week, Ford's vice president of product development for Asia Pacific, Trevor Worthington, said that it can't be ruled out at this stage.

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ to have "best weight to power ratio" - video

Lamborghini has previewed its upcoming Aventador SVJ again this week, releasing a new video clip online. While the video itself doesn't feature any commentary regarding details of the upcoming supercar flagship, the caption does highlight that the new model is "designed to have the best weight to power ratio" – or power-to-weight ratio.

Lynk & Co 03 teased again

The Lynk & Co 03 has been all but officially revealed, though that hasn't stopped the Chinese manufacturer from releasing yet another teaser this week. Like the camouflaged photos published earlier this week, the latest set of designer sketches don't offer too many surprises in terms of the car's looks.

2019 Ford Focus review

“I believe this is the best vehicle we have ever made.” So said Michael Blischke, Ford’s director of global platforms at the launch of the all-new fourth-generation Ford Focus in France last week. It’s a bold claim, but shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, what senior executive is going to say something like ‘this car is okay’? What’s not in question are the Focus’s credentials as a best-selling hatchback in a class seemingly overpopulated with models from just about every carmaker.

Former FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne passes away

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Chrysler (FCA) until last weekend, has passed away after complications arising from surgery. “Unfortunately, what we feared has come to pass. Sergio Marchionne, man and friend, is gone," John Elkann, head of Exor, the holding company for the Agnelli and Elkann families, and largest shareholder in FCA, said in a statement released in the last hour.

Porsche Macan facelift revealed, here first half of 2019

Porsche has officially unveiled the 2019 Macan at an event in Shanghai, bringing it up to date with a tweaked look and more technology. Changes to the car's exterior really are subtle up front, headlined by tweaked headlights and revised air intakes. There's also a range of new colours: Miami Blue, Crayon and Dolomite Silver Metallic adding more choice to the palette for buyers keen to stand out.

Ford Ranger Raptor: "People wouldn't even consider" EcoBoost V6

Ford's head of product development for Asia Pacific has explained that there isn't a market for a diesel or petrol V6 in the Ranger Raptor, which is why it wasn't considered as part of the product plan. The massive hype behind the Ranger Raptor took a slight hit when Ford announced a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel instead of a petrol V6 like the one found in the F-150 Raptor, or a more powerful V6 diesel engine.

Suzuki Vitara: Series 2 coming in the first quarter of 2019

Suzuki Australia has confirmed it will bring the updated 'Series II' Vitara SUV early next year, despite the refreshed model not having been revealed yet. Michael Pachota, general manager for Suzuki's local division, said the new model is on its way and should arrive in Australian showrooms during the first quarter of 2019.

2019 Porsche Macan teased

Porsche has teased the facelifted 2019 Macan one more time, ahead of its full reveal in Shanghai, China tomorrow. Spy photos have already given us a clear picture of the front end, but this new teaser reveals the tail-lights will get a linked signature in keeping with the Panamera and Cayenne. No surprises there, although Porsche did a good job of concealing it on its development mules.

Citroen planning Australian 'relaunch' in 2019

Citroen Australia has big plans for its local range in 2019, in line with the company's 100th anniversary celebrations, though it means we may have to wait a little longer for some new models. Speaking with CarAdvice, Peugeot Citroen Australia's PR and corporate affairs manager, Tyson Bowen, said the local division is planning to "relaunch" the brand Down Under.

2019 Suzuki Jimny: 37 pre-orders already in the bank

The new Suzuki Jimny sent our commenters into a spin when it was confirmed for Australia on July 10. Turns out that online excitement is translating into deposits, with almost 40 pre-orders for the compact off-roader already in the bank.

2019 Audi Q3 goes official

The new-generation Audi Q3 has been revealed with official details, shortly after leaked images of the all-new SUV surfaced online this morning. Measuring 4485mm long, 1856mm wide and 1585mm tall, the new Q3 is 97mm longer, 25mm wider, yet 5mm flatter than the model it replaces. The 2680mm wheelbase, meanwhile, is a 77mm increase compared to its predecessor.

Senate EV Inquiry meets with industry ahead of hearings

The upcoming Senate Inquiry into electric vehicles will meet today meet with the Electric Vehicle Council in Melbourne, ahead of formal written submissions closing on July 27. Led by South Australian Senator, Tim Storer, the inquiry will investigate the "economic, environmental and social benefits" of widespread electric vehicle adoption Down Under, using a Bloomberg report claiming 50 per cent of global new car sales will be electric as part of his inspiration.

2019 Audi Q3 leaked ahead of official unveiling

Just one day ahead of its scheduled official reveal, images of the 2019 Audi Q3 have snuck online, revealing what to expect from the second generation small premium SUV. As hinted at in an earlier teaser video the new Q3 adopts a look not too far removed from that of the flagship Q8, speedily bringing the Q3’s look up to speed. No hard task given the outgoing model first entered production in 2011.

We have 'pedigree' on safety - Bosch talks autonomy

Car manufacturers aren't the only ones working on autonomous technology apace. Along with Google and Uber, traditional automotive suppliers are beavering away on their own technology, extending the reach of the systems they already offer. Bosch is one of those suppliers. Speaking with the CarAdvice podcast at an event in Melbourne, Stephen Woods, Bosch Australia regional president for chassis systems control, highlighted the company's safety-first approach to the rollout of autonomy.

2019 Mercedes-AMG C63: Initial details

Mercedes-AMG's has confirmed initial Australian specifications for the updated C63 S family, scheduled to arrive Down Under in December. Key highlights for the 2019 model-year C63 sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible include a new nine-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission (formerly seven), a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, nappa-look faux-leather dashboard trim, and LED headlights with adaptive high-beam function.

2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 S review

The face-lifted 2018 Mercedes-AMG C63 S? It’s excellent…if you like this sort of thing. Too flippant of me? Alright then. AMG’s top-selling C63 range maintains all of the much-loved fire-and-brimstone goodness of the existing formula and improves it in areas important to the fans, to the converted and to the buyers. The same meat-eating German muscle, if better cooked for improved flavour.

Opel/Vauxhall returned to profit just under a year after takeover

Just 11 months after purchasing Opel and Vauxhall from General Motors, the PSA Group has halted the flow of red ink from the lightning bolt and griffin brands. According to French car maker, Opel/Vauxhall made a profit of €502 million ($794 million) during the first half of 2018. Its operating margin was 5.0 per cent, a significant improvement from the -2.5 per cent margin during the first five months under PSA's wing.

2019 Lexus RC facelift, RC F GT spied

The facelifted Lexus RC has been spied undergoing testing in Germany in both F-Sport and F GT guise. Up front on the volume-selling RC F-Sport we can see a new fascia incorporating a redesigned spindle grille, and a new set of headlights.

Audi preparing to replace jailed CEO with former BMW exec - report

With current CEO Rupert Stadler stuck behind bars, Audi is hoping to replace him with a man poached its Bavarian rival. According to Automobilwoche and Automotive News, the Volkswagen Group is hoping to install Markus Duesmann (above), previously BMW's head of purchasing, as Audi's new CEO from January 1, 2019.

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA spied

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has been snapped by spy photographers during performance testing at the famed Nurburgring circuit in Germany. While there's a full-body wrap concealing the new model's design details, we can see that the new CLA will essentially be a 'mini-me' version of the new CLS, as is pretty much the case with the current one. Up front is Mercedes-Benz's 'predator' face, which the company says it is using on 'progressive' models – like the all-new A-Class and CLS.

2019 Ford Ranger Raptor review

80, 90, 100km/h...and brace! My stomach churns as we become airborne and then crash back down to earth. We've just cleared a jump in the all-new 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor! What you're looking at here is Ford's first ever Ford Ranger Raptor and the smaller sibling of the epic left-hand-drive-only Ford F-150 Raptor.

Hyundai planning standalone N model - report

The Hyundai N performance sub-brand has only been around for a short time, but the Korean manufacturer is already planning a standalone halo model to "bring more emotion" – according to a new report. Speaking with the UK's Auto Express, Hyundai's vice president for high-performance and motorsport, Thomas Schemera, indicated the N division is entering a new chapter.

2020 Lexus LC F spied for the first time

The rumours were true! It looks like Lexus is getting a hotter version of the LC500 ready for launch, and it's been snapped testing on the public road in Germany. Meet the LC F. The first hint this isn't your average LC500 is the front end, where the regular nose has been tricked out with bigger air intakes and a more aggressive splitter, along with vents on the front edge of the wheel arch.

Time Machine Tuesday: 24 July 2018

People often say “don’t forget where you came from”. Although we’re focused on every new car, every last detail here at CarAdvice, we have an extensive back-catalogue of news stories, lifestyle yarns and reviews. Here’s a look at what happened on the week of July 24 in years past. A year ago Jurgen Eberle, one of the Mercedes-Benz vehicle development engineers, decided to make a series of modifications to his E-Class All-Terrain, in a fashion similar to the existing G500 4x4² off-roader.

Subaru WRX STI Type RA-R revealed for Japan

The Subaru WRX STI Type RA-R has been unveiled for the Japanese market, sporting a more powerful engine, less weight, and unique equipment when compared to the 'standard' car. It's pretty much Japan's version of the WRX STI Type RA revealed for the US market for the US, commemorating the STI's 30th anniversary.

2018 Audi RS4 Avant takes on the Nordschleife - video

The SUV craze has diminished the public's appetite for wagons, but a few holdouts still offer properly hot load-luggers. BMW has axed the M3 Estate, but Audi has carried on its tradition for practical performance with the latest RS4. Power comes from a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 pumping out 331kW and 600Nm, hooked up to a quattro all-wheel drive system. It'll hit 100km/h in a claimed 4.1 seconds, and keeps pulling through to 280km/h with the right options boxes ticked. Not slow by any measure.

BMW Group: Vikram Pawah announced as Australian CEO

BMW Group has announced Vikram Pawah will take over from Marc Werner as Australia/New Zealand CEO on August 1. He'll be moving on from his role as BMW India's president, having joined the BMW Group in January 2017. His career in the auto industry spans more than 25 years. “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Vikram to his expanded role," said Hildegard Wortmann, senior vice president of BMW Group, Asia Pacific.

Tesla working on a 'Track Mode' for Model 3 Performance

Tesla will add a Track Mode to the Model 3 Performance, with a looser stability control tune and more immediate power delivery for a bit of tail-out fun. The feature, which is still being tested, was revealed by YouTuber Marques Brownlee during a brief preview drive of the car, and has since been confirmed in a statement provided to Motor Authority.

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan teased

Mercedes-Benz has teased the 2019 A-Class Sedan, confirming its credentials as a seriously slippery customer. According to the company, its upcoming three-box A-Class will be the most aerodynamically efficient car in the world with a 0.22 coefficient of drag (Cd), down on the (already-impressive) 0.25Cd offered by the hatchback. Mercedes-Benz is crediting an extensive period of development using computer-aided simulations, and plenty of time in the Sindelfingen wind tunnel.

2019 Ford Mondeo spied

The facelifted Ford Mondeo has been spied again, this time in wagon form during hot weather testing in Southern Europe. Expected to be officially revealed later this year or early next, the Mondeo's mid-life facelift will likely combine a subtle exterior refresh with a technology upgrade to keep it competitive against the likes of the Mazda 6 and Volkswagen Passat.

2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition revealed for the US

Toyota USA has detailed the 2019 86 line-up, headlined by a new TRD Special Edition that brings a unique look and model-specific upgrades to the company's little sports car. Dubbed the "ultimate performance" 86, the TRD Special Edition gets numerous cosmetic and mechanical upgrades, including Brembo brakes, a TRD exhaust system, Sachs dampers, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.

Nissan N-Sport special editions revealed

Nissan Australia has announced a trio of new N-Sport special editions for the 370Z, Pathfinder and X-Trail model lines. The new sport-themed specials follow last year's Navara N-Sport – which sold all 500 units – and Nissan hopes these new editions will "capture the attention of 370Z and SUV buyers". Here's a look at each N-Sport edition ahead of their on-sale dates on August 1.

Ford GT designer, former Ford Australia design chief passes away

Christopher Svensson, a life-long Ford employee responsible for some of the brand's most recognisable modern designs, succumbed to cancer on July 21, USA time. Most recently Svensson was global director in charge of Ford's SUV, truck and commercial vehicle portfolio. He held this job from mid-2017 until July 1, when, it's been confirmed to Automotive News, he quietly resigned. Above: First-generation Ford Ka.

2019 Audi Q3 teased

The new Audi Q3 is due to be unveiled on July 25, European time. In the lead up to the reveal event, the company has released a teaser video. Although most of the second-generation crossover is hidden in darkness, a roaming spotlight does reveal the design of the new car's headlamps and lighting graphics.

2019 Ford Transit facelift spied

The fifth-generation Ford Transit has been spied in Europe on the back of a flat-bed truck. The revised Transit was accompanied by a Volkswagen Crafter 4Motion, both of which were registered to Ford in Cologne. Our spy photography agency has verified both vehicles were returning from a site where the off-road capabilities of vehicles are tested. If so, this prototype seems to confirm rumours of a new all-wheel drive Transit model.

Vibrations contributing to driver drowsiness - study

We've all felt it happening. You're driving along when, all of a sudden, your eyes get heavy and sleepiness starts to kick in. Along with lack of sleep, it turns out vibrations of a certain frequency could be the cause. Speaking on the CarAdvice podcast, RMIT Professor Stephen Robertson said a "narrow range of vibrations that come through the driver's seat can cause drowsiness within 15 to 30 minutes, which is incredibly quick".

2019 Peugeot 508 GT to get 224kW PHEV system - report

The upcoming Peugeot 508 could be getting an electrified performance flagship variant, according to a new report out of the UK. Citing a "company insider", Autocar claims the new 508 GT will pair a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine to an electric motor and lithium-ion battery system.

McLaren 720S tops 320km/h on the autobahn - video

No McLaren is slow, but the 720S is comfortably the biggest, baddest 'mainstream' production car in the British brand's range. Naturally, it's well qualified for a flat-out run on the autobahn. With 527kW/770Nm on tap from its twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8, it'll hit 100km/h in 2.9 seconds, 200km/h in 7.8 seconds and keeps pulling to 343km/h if given enough room. There's not quite enough room for this driver to nudge its V-max, but they get pretty close, touching 320km/h at one point.

2018 Ford Mondeo Titanium EcoBoost v Mazda 6 Atenza turbo comparison

Medium-sized passenger cars, like many other ‘traditional’ segments, are on the nose with Aussie buyers as SUVs continue to star in the sales charts. That makes buyers of cars like the Ford Mondeo and Mazda 6 real winners, with once humdrum medium sedans pushing into near-premium territory as a play to gain buyer attention.

Bugatti Chiron recalled for airbag fix

It appears even the ultra-rich are affected by manufacturing defects... The Bugatti Chiron has been recalled for faulty side airbag inflators, and you'll be interested to know how the marque plans to conduct the repairs. According to the NHTSA's Safety Recall Report, just two examples of the quad-turbo hypercar have been recalled, both based on the US, due to improperly-installed heat shields for the side airbags.

Around the Tracks: Tesla Model 3 Performance, SuperUtes and getting old

When we’re not creating it ourselves, the CarAdvice team spends a lot of time finding and consuming motoring content from all over the world. Here’s a handful of the articles, videos and social media posts that most caught our eye last week. Some of them are brand-new, others have been online for a while. Enjoy them – just not too much, okay?

Mitsubishi: How it's adding value to Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance

Mitsubishi is a minnow compared to alliance mates Renault and Nissan, but that doesn't mean it has nothing to add in the arrangement. Speaking with media at the opening of a Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance warehouse in Melbourne, Kent O'Hara, senior vice president for after sales at the Alliance, said there were lessons for Renault/Nissan in the way Mitsubishi, comfortably the smallest member of group, goes about its business.

Detroit motor show moving to June from 2020

The long-running Detroit motor show will be moved from January to June in 2020, as its organisers seek to make it relevant amid falling interest and participation. The new-look North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will kick off on the week of June 8, right in the middle of summer, and seeks to encourage "dynamic exhibits and experiential opportunities outside of the show's four walls for attending journalists, industry members and consumers".

Poll: 2018 Ariel Atom narrowly shades BAC Mono

The new Ariel Atom, complete with an engine from the Honda Civic Type R, has narrowly pipped the BAC Mono for British track-car supremacy in our latest poll. Although it looks similar to the Atom we've come to know and love, the Type R-powered car pictured here really is all new. It shares just the clutch, brake pedal and fuel filler cap with the model it replaces, with Simon Saunders, Ariel managing director, describing it as the "biggest change to the car" since it was released in 1999.

2019 Toyota Supra is as rigid as an LFA - Tetsuya Tada

Toyota's chief engineer, Tetsuya Tada, has touted the capabilities of the upcoming Supra sports car, six years after he started the project. During a company-produced interview for Toyota's UK blog, Tada reiterated how big of a deal the new 'A90' Supra is for the Japanese brand, while also hinting at what to expect. "Akio [Toyoda] has always said that as a company he would like to have Three Brothers, with the GT86 in the middle and Supra as the big brother," he said.

Here’s your chance to be a motoring journalist for a day

Ever wondered what it would be like to attend a car launch? Would you like to drive some of the country’s finest driving roads? Read on to find out more. At CarAdvice we have a very active community of readers, who love to get involved in our content. We love having reader involvement as well – it’s a great way to get opinions and input from our valued community, and feedback from you on the vehicles we're testing.

Volkswagen I.D. R's record-breaking Pikes Peak run - onboard video

Volkswagen set a new record at the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb a whole month ago, but onboard footage of Romain Dumas' full run in the I.D. R is only just surfacing. The all-electric racer annihilated Sebastien Loeb's record up the famous Colorado course, completing it in just 7:57.148 – and apparently it could have gone faster, had the high-altitude hillclimb not been cloaked in soupy fog.

2019 Lynk & Co 03 teased

Lynk & Co has teased its upcoming 03 sedan with a set of official 'spy images' this week, ahead of a full debut later this year or early next. Set to become the new Chinese brand's third model when it goes on sale, the Lynk & Co 03 will share its Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform with its 01 and 02 stablemates, along with the Volvo XC40.

2019 Porsche 911 spied undisguised

The 2019 Porsche '992' 911 has been snapped without camouflage for the first time, revealing an evolutionary rear end in keeping with the new Panamera and 718 Cayman. Surprise surprise, right? We already had an idea the new 911 would look similar to the current car, which itself looks similar to the car it replaces, which looks like... you get the idea. The rear-engined Porsche is part of the automotive furniture, and it didn't get that way through rapid year-on-year reinvention.

2018 Volkswagen Polo 85TSI review: The Polo grows up

On singular merit, the Polo remains very impressive, offers broad appeal, and doesn't really exhibit shortcomings of major concern in any critical areas. What this latest test has further anchored is the growing belief around the CarAdvice traps that this new generation has lobbed as the most mature offering in the compact class, and looks to maintain its class-act status for overall goodness.

2018 Volkswagen Polo 85TSI Comfortline review

"Substance and depth" is how we described the all-new Volkswagen Polo range at its Aussie launch. "A city car for grown-ups."

Lamborghini: No fourth model line until mid-2020s - report

Italian supercar specialist – and now performance SUV-maker – Lamborghini is looking to introduce a fourth model line to its range, however it won't happen until at least 2025, according to a new report out of the UK. Speaking with Autocar, the company's boss, Stefano Domenicali, was rather frank about the Raging Bull's future product plans, with the new model believed to be either be a four-door GT or an additional mid-engined supercar.

BMW launches Uber rival in the US

BMW has updated its ReachNow app to offer both car-sharing and ride-hailing, although the latter is only available in Seattle right now. In what's claimed to be an industry first, residents of Microsoft's home town can now hire a car or ask for a ride "from a professional driver" all within the same smartphone application. With the new service, dubbed ReachNow Ride, users can hail a ride immediately, or schedule a driver to arrive any time between 20 minutes and seven days in advance.

Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne replaced suddenly due to ill health

After an emergency board meeting Fiat Chrysler (FCA) has appointed Mike Manley, previously head of Jeep and RAM, as its acting CEO effectively immediately. In a statement overnight, the company announced with "profound sorrow that during the course of this week unexpected complications arose while Mr Marchionne was recovering from surgery and that these have worsened significantly in recent hours", and as a result the outspoken CEO "will be unable to return to work".

The week's top news stories: July 22, 2018

The automotive news wheel is always turning. If you’re not constantly checking CarAdvice – which you should be doing, by the way – it can be easy for some headlines to slip through the cracks. To make sure you haven’t missed anything important, we’ve gathered what we reckon are the hottest news stories from this week, right here. Check them out, and let us know what caught your eye.

Configurator Challenge: McLaren 600LT

Customisation is in vogue at the moment, but choice can be seriously confusing. In our configurator challenge, we let the CarAdvice team loose on a manufacturer’s website to create their ideal spec of a certain model. For this edition of the Configurator Challenge, we’re designing our perfect McLaren 600LT. Let us know what you think in the comments, and which cars you’d like to see next!

2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ confirmed, teased

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ has been teased blasting around the Nurburgring, confirming one detail, but leaving so many others up in the air. Many have speculated the Italian marque would bring the Jota name back for a hardcore version of the Aventador, which has been spied multiple times during development. The teaser video's title and end tag, "Aventador SVJ meets the Nurburgring", confirms the rumour, as J is pronounced "jota" in Spanish.

BMW M5, Mercedes-AMG E63 S, Porsche Panamera head-to-head - video

Everyone loves a good drag race, especially when there are three big sedans – okay, two sedans and one 'four-door coupe' – involved. Over in the UK, Autocar has sent the BMW M5, Mercedes-AMG E63 S and Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid into battle, to find out which ultra-exec is quickest off the line.

2018 Lexus LX450d review

There’s a strange kind of brutal beauty to the 2018 Lexus LX450d. It’s not to everyone’s taste, but there’s no denying it makes a statement on the road. It’s the first diesel-powered LX to make its way to Australia, joining the petrol LX570 in the Japanese luxury brand’s upper-large SUV stable.

Tesla's Autopilot has driven 1.9b kilometres - report

Tesla customers have driven over 1.2 billion miles (1.9b kilometre) with the company's semi-autonomous Autopilot systems engaged, a new report says. First covered by Electrek, a team from MIT Human-Centered AI has produced (and is still updating a report) estimating the distance covered by Tesla vehicles operating with Autopilot turned on.

Goodwood Festival of Speed: A podcast special (with some very special guests)

What a year it's been for the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It was the event's 25th anniversary and Porsche's 70th, with countless debuts and reveals. Take a journey to one of the world's most desirable car festivals as we wander through the pit area, first glance, and supercars paddock, and talk to the likes of David Brabham, Walter Rohrl, Amanda McLaren, and Oli Webb. Click the link below to listen! MORE: 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed review MORE: Photo gallery

BMW Z4M: Waiting on another? Don't count on it

While Toyota fanboys set the internet on fire speculating about the huge gaps in the publicly disclosed information about the new Supra, BMW has been much more forthright about its sister car, the forthcoming BMW Z4. We’ve already driven a prototype version of the Z, and been told by the BMW team engineering it that the Toyota will share all of its major components including the same engines.

Holden singing GMC praises, trumpeting US connection with new Acadia

You could never find the Opel name in Holden's announcements for the new Commodore and Astra. Never even for the rebadged Insignia OPC, already known locally as an Opel product. Of course, with an earlier attempt to launch the lightning-bolt brand falling on its face, it's no surprise Holden would want to avoid any further association in buyers' minds.

Autonomy will kill BMW M manuals

The manual gearbox might be living on a serious time overdraft in many parts of the world, but BMW’s M Division has no plans to stop offering it any time soon. When we spoke to boss Frank Van Meel at the launch of the M2 and M5 Competition earlier this week, he said we can expect to still have the option of a stick shift, even as the company moves to its new, modular fifth-generation architecture.

Polestar 1 will be "thrilling" - chief test driver

Polestar's chief test driver, Joakim Rydholm, says the upcoming Polestar 1 sports car is "exciting", "engaging" and "thrilling". After driving the plug-in hybrid coupe at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Rydholm, had high praise – though we reckon his comments may be a little biased.

Ford recalls 550,000 Escapes and Fusions in North America, Oz models not affected

Ford has issued a recall for approximately 550,000 Escapes and Fusions in North America this week, over concerns about automatic transmissions that may not shift into the selected gear. The Blue Oval reports the bushing connecting the shifter cable to the transmission may detach, allowing the transmission to be in a "gear state different than the gear shift position selected by the driver".

BMW M will electrify everything, division boss says

BMW has recently said it thinks up to 40 per cent of the cars it produces by 2025 may be powered by some form of pure electric or hybrid powertrain, and now we have confirmation that M Division is set to get in on the act. "For sure, all M vehicles will be electrified by the end of the next decade," Frank Van Meel, M's boss, told Australian journalists at the launch of the updated BMW M2 and new M5 Competition in Spain.

It's time for brighter headlight controls, carmakers

This opinion piece was originally going to be called 'turn on your lights, you absolute dimwit', but my editor deemed that too much of a rant. Go and think about it a bit more, nail down the idea behind it, and come back with something more rounded, he said.

2019 Suzuki Jimny goes off-road - video

The Suzuki Jimny is well-known for being one of the most capable off-roaders for its size and price, and the new-generation model due in Australia during the first quarter of 2019 should be no different. While claims and marketing campaigns can tell you whatever they like, there's nothing like seeing it to believe it.

2019 Ford Focus: Initial details for Australia

Ford Australia has revealed preliminary specifications for the upcoming 2019 Focus range, ahead of its November on-sale date. Headlining the announcement is the availability of the Focus wagon for the first time in Australia, along with the sport-themed ST-Line trim level (pictured in blue). As previously reported, the Focus line-up will be fitted as standard with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, along with lane-keep assist.

BMW M may withhold top M badge from front-drivers

While the prospect of a part-electrified future M3 or M4 is an interesting one, the question that is seeing more heads scratched in Munich is that of how M Division will cope with the move of the next generation of smaller BMWs to a native front-drive architecture, with the list set to include the next 2 Series.

Ford Ranger Raptor to miss out on critical safety technology

Ford has confirmed  the all-new Ford Ranger Raptor will miss out on AEB, a critical safety technology, despite it being available in other, cheaper Ranger models. Carrying a price tag of $74,990 (before on-road costs), CarAdvice can reveal the Ranger Raptor won't get Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) or radar cruise control.

Hyundai Kona Ironman production car revealed for Comic-Con

Iron Man might drive an Audi R8, but that hasn't stopped Hyundai from trying to cash in on Tony Stark's popularity, revealing the production Kona Iron Man ahead of Comic-Con in San Diego. The new Kona Iron Man has a unique front-lighting signature, with a unique daytime-running light setup designed to match the face mask and eye shape of, you guessed it, Iron Man.

CarAdvice podcast 112: How vibrations can make a driver drowsy

Mandy Turner, Mike Stevens, and Kez Casey join you this week. In car news, Holden has announced Dave Buttner as managing director, the 2019 Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 are getting a four-cylinder engine, and the Volkswagen Caddy Beach Camper is coming to Australia. Also, studies have found half of new car buyers don't prioritise safety, and the majority of buyers are keen on hybrids.

2019 BMW M8 roars around the Nurburgring - video

The BMW 8 Series has already been revealed, but the high-performance M8 remains under (partial) wraps at this stage. So far we know it'll feature a twin-turbo V8, and a rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel drive system, but as far as the final design touches and model-specific equipment it gets over the 'standard' 8 Series? We're none the wiser.

Ferrari patents electric turbo four-cylinder engine

Ferrari has patented a new hybrid four-cylinder powertrain with an electric turbocharger. AutoGuide found the intriguing patent filing from Ferrari at the European Patent Office. The filing describes a new engine featuring a turbine in the exhaust duct, but instead of directly driving a compressor, it powers an electric generator which then stores the energy.

2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed: Touring the grounds

If you have a strong passion for cars and haven't been to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, what have you been doing? It's one of the most celebrated car events in the world, where vehicles with a strong racing history have the chance to race down the Duke of Richmond’s (formerly Lord March, courtesy of the Royal Family's peculiar naming structure) driveway with the stunning Goodwood House as a backdrop, while more than 200,000 people watch on.

2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed: Gallery

As another Goodwood Festival of Speed wraps up, we take a look through some of the best cars on show for 2018. We were treated to lots of reveals this year, including the McLaren 600LT, Porsche 911 Speedster concept, and Aston Martin DBS Superleggera. The Toyota Supra was popular, even still in camouflage, with its Chief Engineer on hand to answer any questions.

Hyundai i30 N Line unveiled in Europe

The sportier-looking Hyundai i30 N Line has been unveiled in Europe. Following the template laid out by Audi's S-Line and BMW's M Sport packages, the new i30 N Line upgrades the hatch's visuals to almost match the i30 N, but leaves the performance aspect virtually untouched.

Bridgestone to use autonomous cars for tyre testing

Autonomous cars are being put through their paces off the road and on public streets – even at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Now, the tyre development team at Bridgestone is looking to use the technology for road-noise testing in Japan from next year, in search of more precise and efficient tests.

McLaren details first Senna to be delivered in the US

McLaren Automotive has revealed and detailed the first Senna to be delivered in North America, headlined by its eye-catching green exposed carbon-fibre exterior finish. Delivered to New Yorker, Michael Fux, this particular Senna is specified with various components and finishers from the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) catalogue.

2018 Audi A8 review

There’s a certain decadence to being chauffeured in a large, luxury limousine. Anonymous behind tinted windows, you can watch the world pass you by as someone else does the hard work of negotiating traffic. It’s a serene world, made even more comfortable by a long list of luxurious features more at home in, well, your home, than in the back of a car.

Mercedes-Benz A200 maxed out on the autobahn - video

We've spent a bit of time covering flat-out runs in exotic metal like the BMW M5 and Porsche 718 Cayman GTS, but expensive German cars aren't the only ones allowed to go hell-for-leather on the nation's derestricted motorways. Less exciting metal like the Mercedes-Benz A200 can test their mettle as well, which is exactly what we've got here.

Renault Megane RS Trophy revealed, here in second half of 2019

Renault has finally fully revealed the range-topping Megane RS Trophy, ahead of its arrival in Australia during the second half of 2019. Power in the RS Trophy comes from a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol making 300hp (224kW) and 420Nm, put to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Ford Fiesta ST faces off with hot-hatch rivals - video

The new Ford Fiesta ST is one of the most hotly-anticipated hot hatches of recent times, with a sterling pedigree and promising early reviews. But how does it stack up against its pint-sized competitors? Matt Watson and CarWow clearly asking the same question, and lined it up with a Toyota Yaris GRMN, a Mini Cooper JCW, a Volkswagen Polo GTI and Peugeot 208 GTi to find out. We're not going to spoil the results, but the winner came as a bit of a shock to us. Enough said.

Half of new car buyers don't prioritise safety - study

Crash testing is getting tougher around the world, and modern cars are safer than ever. It appears buyers could be taking that for granted, with new research finding more than 50 per cent of buyers don't have a car's safety rating as a top-three priority when making a purchase. According to a finder.com.au survey asking 2033 people what they'd prioritise alongside model and price in a new car purchase, 52 per cent had more pressing concerns than safety.

2018 Volkswagen Crafter review

Vans and their cab chassis spinoffs are big business for Europe’s major vehicle makers. Volkswagen Commercial is the perfect example, evidenced by the brand new Crafter. It’s no longer built by Daimler AG and twinned with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter as the old one was. Instead, VW dropped a lazy 10 billion euros developing a brand new model made entirely in-house, at a purpose-built plant in Poland with 3000 new workers.

Aston Martin DB5 gets Lego-fied

The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger will forever be one of the most famous movie cars in history. Now, Lego has created a toy version so you can park one in your lounge room. While the 1:1 vehicle from the film sold for $4.2 million in 2010, the Lego kit retails for US$149.99 ($201.94) – a bargain by comparison. It may not have the timeless lines of the real thing, the Lego DB5 is loaded with working gadgets that'll help you and your kids against the forces of evil.

2019 Audi RS Q8 spied

The Audi RS Q8 has been spied at the famed Nurburgring circuit this week, ahead of an anticipated reveal in the next 12 months. Spy photographers noted the loud exhaust note of this vehicle, along with the massive wheel and brake package indicating it's a performance model. Other than the aforementioned aspects, the aggressive bodykit that's covered by the swirly black-and-white camouflage appears to have a very Audi RS-like design, as do the massive oval-shaped tailpipes out the back.

Nissan Leaf Nismo revealed for Japan

Nissan has revealed the production version of its Leaf Nismo, ahead of a July 31 on-sale date in Japan. Previewed with the inventively-named Leaf Nismo Concept in October last year, the production car has a custom "tuning computer" for sharper throttle response, along with a unique suspension tune and stickier rubber than the regular Leaf.

Volkswagen Amarok's biggest export market is now Australia

Australia reigns as the world’s top export market for the Volkswagen Amarok ute/pickup, and as such will almost certainly play an increasingly important role in all global decisions related to the vehicle line. Only Argentina, where the ageing Amarok is produced for many markets including ours, accounts for more volume. Australians bought 9282 units last year, overtaking Brazil, though it still finished well behind most rivals from Thailand (Ranger, HiLux, Colorado, Triton and the like).

2018 BMW i8 Roadster, Coupe pricing and specs

BMW Australia has revealed pricing and specs for the updated i8 Coupe and recently-launched i8 Roadster, which kick off from $318,900 and $348,900 before on-road costs respectively.

Nissan Juke update here in October

Nissan Australia has confirmed the updated Juke crossover revealed at this year's Geneva motor show will be heading Down Under in October. Final pricing and specifications are still to be announced at this stage, but the release of the revised Juke will coincide with the launch of the new Nismo variant – which will be offered in Australia for the first time from October.

Mazda CX-8, Volvo XC40 score five-star ANCAP results

The new Mazda CX-8 and Volvo XC40 have both been awarded a five-star safety rating by ANCAP, under the updated testing regimedescribed as the "toughest" to date. The XC40 scored 97 per cent for adult occupant protection, 84 per cent for child occupant protection, 71 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 78 per cent in the safety assist category. Those ratings apply to all-wheel drive variants

2019 BMW 7 Series facelift spied with huge new grille

Sometimes facelifts are subtle affairs, and other times they're all about shouting just how new everything is. The upcoming BMW 7 Series looks as though it will fall into the latter category. Thanks to the X7 Concept, and the recently unveiled next-generation X5, we knew the Bavarian automaker is keen on super-sizing its double-kidney grille, especially for high-end models.

VinFast: Vietnamese automaker to debut first models in Paris

VinFast, a new car maker hailing from Vietnam, is hoping to come out in style at this year's Paris motor show, which takes place at the beginning of October. The two models, a crossover and a sedan, being unveiled in Paris have been designed by Pininfarina, and were actually teased by the design house back in February.

2019 Audi TT facelift revealed

Just a day after the updated Audi TT was leaked online, the company has officially unveiled the revised coupe and convertible. Revealed in time for the model's 20th birthday, the facelifted third-generation TT is distinguished externally by new front and rear bumpers, and a new more three-dimensional insert for the single-frame grille.

Nissan Juke hits one million units

Nissan has produced its one-millionth Juke at its manufacturing facility in Sunderland, UK, some eight years after the boldly-styled crossover hit the market. According to the manufacturer, one Juke is built every 105 seconds, and 95,000 units were sold in Europe alone last year. Number one million was a Euro-market 'Tekna' variant finished in Vivid Blue, which is also the most recent colour to be added to the exterior palette.

2018 Mazda BT-50 GT dual-cab review

Australia’s ute market is big, and the bigger it gets, the more room it has to fragment. At one end, big, brash, pricey utes positioned as status symbols are running off dealer lots, while salt of the earth style workhorses show no signs of slowing either. Mazda’s BT-50 falls somewhere in the middle. It’s not as dressy as top-of-town utes like the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Toyota HiLux Rugged X for instance, nor is it quite as bare bones as the Isuzu D-Max.

Toyota Supra: Five generations gather in the UK - video

Family reunions aren't always the most looked-forward to events on the calendar, but for owners of previous iterations of the Toyota Supra, the opportunity to bring five generations of the nameplate together would be irresistible. Toyota UK published a short video this week, briefly documenting the special event it held to present the new 'A90' Supra prototype to Supra owners and enthusiasts.

Drift Cadet: Learning how to drift... Without ruining your car

Drifting is a stack of fun, but it increases wear and tear on your engine, your tyres and the gearbox. But, there's now an answer to the age-old problem of learning how to drift without gradually destroying your car, and that answer is to do it in somebody else's car.

Porsche Taycan: Orders building for brand-first EV - report

The Porsche Taycan hasn't even been revealed in its final form yet, but orders are already coming in thick and fast. Speaking with the Autocar, managing director for Porsche UK, Alexander Pollich, confirmed order books opened earlier this month and interest has been strong. "The reaction from customers has been fantastic - from the moment we announced the car to now, when we have asked customers to register their interest for the first cars," he told the British publication.

AEB: What pedestrian detection systems might not see

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection is one of the must-have safety features in modern cars, but it's not infallible. Whether it's false positives caused by reflective signs or systems failing during demonstrations, semi-autonomous safety assists can be fooled.

2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class recalled

Mercedes-Benz has recalled the 2018 X-Class ute over concerns about the tyre pressure monitoring software. According to the company, a software error (code RY2) in the tyre pressure monitoring system of some X-Class vehicles might prevent it from displaying a low tyre pressure warning in the instrument cluster. Driving with tyre pressures below the recommended minimum can cause uneven tyre wear, and steering/braking behaviour is negatively impacted, increasing the risk of an accident.

Ford GT order books to reopen in Q4 - report

Those who missed out on the opportunity to buy a second-generation Ford GT could be in luck, according to a new report out of the US. Motor Authority says it "has learned" the Blue Oval will reopen applications to purchase its supercar in the fourth quarter of 2018, hinting at an expanded production run and a possible new special edition. According to the report, those who applied last time around can do so again and update their previous applications, while new applicants can start fresh.

2019 Audi R8 Spyder spied

The updated Audi R8 Spyder has been spied during development testing this week, giving us a early look at the updated soft-top version of the German marque's V10 supercar. Like the coupe spied last month, this camouflaged prototype features new elements for the grille, intakes, side sills, bumpers, larger tailpipes, along with a reshaped mesh between the tail-lights and rear bumper.

Volkswagen Caddy Beach camper coming Down Under for $44,990

Want a cheap camper van that can be driven out of the dealer? Volkswagen Australia reckons it has you covered. The company has announced the special edition Caddy Beach will be available from the fourth quarter of this year, priced at $44,990 before on-road costs. This spiritual little sibling to the Trakkadu is based on the $39,000 Caddy Maxi Trendline derivative, with its 92kW/220Nm turbo-petrol engine and DSG transmission.

Passports please: Where do Australia's cars come from?

Besides a few locally-built stragglers on dealer lots, every new car sold in Australia is imported. We've combed through VFACTS data (okay, looked at a table and done some basic maths) to work out which part of the world supplies us the most cars, and which the fewest.

2018 BMW X2 xDrive20d review

The BMW X2 has only been on our shores for a few months, and the range has already grown from one to three variants since its original launch in March. Joining the sDrive20i that was first to land in Australia are the new entry-level sDrive18i, and the model we have on test, the X2 xDrive20d. The latter is the flagship of the range, as well as being the only diesel and only all-wheel-drive X2 available in Australia at the moment. We'll talk more about the powertrain later.

Holden: Dave Buttner confirmed as new MD

Holden has announced Mark Bernhard will leave his role as managing director and chairman at the end of July, with Dave Buttner will step into his role. Bernhard has been at the helm since July 2015, having piloted Holden through its transition from local manufacturer to full importer, completed with the closure of Holden's Elizabeth manufacturing plant on October 20 last year. “Holden is where it all started for me," Bernhard said in a statement.

2018 Volkswagen Crafter pricing and specs

Volkswagen Australia has begun phase two of the new Crafter van and cab-chassis truck rollout, expanding its presence in the highly profitable large-commercial-vehicle market. This stage heralds the arrival of higher-power Crafter TDI410 front-wheel drive (FWD) derivatives with a new ZF eight-speed auto from the Amarok, joining the base manual-only Crafter Runner TDI340 that’s been on sale since late 2017.

2019 Audi TT facelift leaked

Images of the showroom-ready Audi TT facelift have been leaked ahead of the car's official unveiling. Overnight Instagram user tts_freunde.de posted what seem to be low resolution versions of official press photos of the revised Audi TTS on their account. It's not clear how this person acquired these images, but they do seem to be authentic as most of the details line up with what we've been able discern through numerous batches of spy photos.

2020 Hyundai 'i40' sedan spied

A car, which we suspect is the next-generation Hyundai i40, has been spied at and around the Nurburgring. This vehicle, at first glance, looks to be half-size smaller than the US-focused Sonata, and has a sportier overall design. The prototype's strong shoulder line, wide grille, and swoopy fastback-style rear are seemingly borrowed from the HDC-1 Le Fil Rouge concept. Although that car's long bonnet, and rear-wheel drive proportions haven't been brought along for the journey.

2019 Toyota Supra, BMW Z4 to feature four-cylinder base engine

It's been confirmed, the new fifth-generation Toyota Supra and third-generation BMW Z4 will be powered by both four- and six-cylinder turbocharged petrol motors. Road & Track has uncovered documentation from transmission maker ZF that details the drivetrain choices of both the new Supra and its twin-under-the-skin BMW Z4.

2019 BMW X7 spied again

Photographers have captured images of a BMW X7 prototype on the back of a truck this week, before the new SUV flagship enters production later this year. Set to sit above the X5 in the Bavarian marque's global line-up, the X7 is being pitched by BMW as a high-riding 7 Series, and will compete with a variety of high-end SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Range Rover, and Bentley Bentayga when it hits the market.

Pininfarina teases electric PF0 hypercar

Beyond the fact it can do 400km/h, details about the Pininfarina PF0 were hard to come by when it was initially teased. Now, in a pair of American interviews, the company has revealed some extra performance figures that should make the upcoming Tesla Roadster very, very nervous. Speaking with Wired and The Verge, Pininfarina has confirmed the PF0 will hit 60mph (97km/h) in less than two seconds, hit 250mph (402km/h) and cover 310 miles (500km) on a single charge.

Time Machine Tuesday: 17 July 2018

People often say “don’t forget where you came from”. Although we’re focused on every new car, every last detail here at CarAdvice, we have an extensive back-catalogue of news stories, lifestyle yarns and reviews. Here’s a look at what happened on the week of July 17 in years past.

Aston Martin Volante Vision concept revealed

Aston Martin has revealed a new concept, but it may not be what you'd expect from the sports car specialist. Meet the Volante Vision VTOL concept, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft that aims to bring luxury personal transportation to the skies. The design study has been created in partnership with Cranfield University, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions and fellow British luxury marque, Rolls-Royce.

2019 Honda HR-V pricing and specs

Honda has revealed pricing and specs for its revised HR-V SUV range, set to kick off at $24,990 before on-roads. There will be four models in the HR-V range: VTi, VTi-S, RS and VTi-LX. Power comes from a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol making 105kW and 172Nm, hooked exclusively to the front wheels through a continuously-variable transmission regardless of trim, as was previously the case.

Tony Grant sets two-wheel record at Goodwood - video

Stunt driver Terry Grant has set a new record for the fastest mile on two wheels at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The time to beat was 2 minutes 55 seconds, and Grant manages the run in just over 2 minutes 45 seconds, shaving 10 seconds from his previous best. His steed of choice was a pre-facelift Range Rover Sport SVR, packing a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 making 405kW and 680Nm, no less. Anyway, we won't bore you with anymore technical jargon. Watch Grant's record-breaking run below:

Tide turning for green cars: 'Majority of buyers' keen on hybrids

More than 50 per cent of Australian new car buyers would seriously consider buying a hybrid, while diesel's popularity is starting to wane, according to a new local study. According to the latest Roy Morgan Automotive Currency Report, 51.6 per cent of Aussie drivers aged over 18 would "seriously consider buying" a hybrid vehicle, up from just 48.7 per cent in 2015.

Volvo XC40 v Mazda CX-5: Size and value!

One's a pricey small premium SUV, the other a volume-selling mid-sized SUV. One is focused on clever packaging and its all-new design, the other on its size, value and driving fun. But most of all: one is a bit of an unknown, and the other is one of Australia's most popular cars. So which should you be considering? Read on.

2018 Mazda CX-5 v Volvo XC40 comparison

A mainstream mid-sized SUV versus a premium compact sports utility vehicle… Well, who said cross-shopping is always about comparing direct rivals? This comparison between the 2018 Mazda CX-5 Akera and new Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design stems from a CarAdvice reader’s request – yes, we listen to you! – and it throws up some tantalising questions we also wanted to answer.

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG006 'work in progress' revealed

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus has revealed a 'work in progress' render of its upcoming SCG006, a retro-styled sports car with all the trappings you'd expect of a modern supercar.

2019 Porsche Macan facelift teased

Porsche has teased the upcoming facelift to its immensely popular Macan SUV, with an image of the car undergoing high-altitude testing. First launched in 2014, the Macan follows in the footsteps of the Cayenne, wrapping elements of 'classic Porsche' in a body-style that's more amenable to the average buyer and their children, bags and associated paraphernalia. Say what you will about the 911, it's much easier to sit two kids in a five-door, high-riding body.

Lexus F: Electrified drivetrains, dedicated model may be on the horizon

Yoshihiro Sawa, president of Lexus, has stated future F models may come with hybrid drivetrains. At the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Sawa told told AutoExpress the F performance sub-brand is "very important", but has to find an "original way" to "connect to the next era". In his opinion, "people like the sound, the dynamics" of an internal combustion engine, but the company can't just stick with "V8, V10, twin-turbocharged" engines to provide emotion.

2019 Nissan Leaf E-Plus to have more power, better range

The first details about the long talked-about extended-range Nissan Leaf have been revealed ahead of its expected global debut later this year or early in 2019. In addition to revealing the model's E-Plus moniker, Brian Maragno, director of electric vehicle marketing for Nissan North America, confirmed to AutoGuide the new variant will not only have a much improved range, but also more power to boot.

2018 Maerati Levante S GranSport review

It would be unfair to suggest the world’s obsession with SUVs meant the Maserati Levante could have launched in 2017 with any old engine. Yet despite a relatively unsexy turbo diesel short on performance and shared with a humble Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Levante has proceeded to dominate the brand’s sales mix.

2019 Honda Civic Type R prototypes spied

Disguised versions of the Honda Civic Type R have been captured by our spy photography agency on roads near the Nurburgring in Germany. Given the latest Civic Type R only went on sale globally in 2017, it might be a little too early for the hot hatch's facelift. So, it's likely these prototypes are for new Civic Type R variants. That said, the tenth-generation sedan went on sale in the US in 2015, and should be due for a date with the plastic surgeon soon.

Polestar 2 to offer 560km range - report

The upcoming Polestar 2 electric vehicle will offer over 560 kilometres of range and start around $53,500 in the UK – according to a new report. Speaking with the UK's Autocar, Polestar's chief operating officer, Jonathan Goodman, confirmed the details at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, indicating the Swedish rival to the Tesla Model 3 will be no lightweight in terms of range and performance.

Citroen tackles car sickness with 'Seetroen' glasses

Motion sickness is an absolute pain, especially if you're tackling long drives with children in the car. Citroen, a company known for its left-field solutions to engineering problems, has decided to take on the issue with a funky set of glasses. 

Around the Tracks: Goodwood Festival of Speed

When we’re not creating it ourselves, the CarAdvice team spends a lot of time finding and consuming motoring content from all over the world. Here’s a handful of the articles, videos and social media posts that most caught our eye last week. Some of them are brand-new, others have been online for a while. Enjoy them – just not too much, okay?

2006-14 Ford Mustang recalled for Takata airbags

Mustang Australia has issued a recall for previous-generation Ford Mustang models built between 2006 and 2014, as part of the ongoing Takata airbag campaign. The manufacturer reports that the driver's side airbag inflator could be faulty, potentially endangering the life of the vehicle's occupants. As with all Takata-related campaigns, the airbags are susceptible to moisture intrusion over time, causing the propellant to degrade.

2019 Renault Kadjar spied again

The facelifted Renault Kadjar has been spied again, this time including images of the vehicle's interior – though there's still a heap of camouflage throughout. Based on the same platform as the Nissan Qashqai, the Kadjar looks set to inherit the French brand's latest family design look, which should bring it more in line with the Megane hatchback and the larger Koleos crossover.

Nissan GT-R: Next-gen to be "the world's fastest brick" - report

The next Nissan GT-R is still some years away, but the company isn't shying away from making bold performance claims, according to a new report out of the UK. Alfonso Albaisa, senior vice president for global design at Nissan Motor Co., told Autocar the new-generation supercar will be "its own special car" and it has to be "the fastest super sports car in the world".

Poll: Hyundai Kona crushes Renault Zoe

Renault has opened the Zoe up for public sale, but its price point could prove prohibitive if our latest poll is any guide. Put head-to-head with the Hyundai Kona Electric, the little electric Renault garnered just 16 per cent of the vote. With a starting price of $47,990 before on-road costs, pushing to $49,990 before on-roads in top grade, the Zoe is priced right around where we're expecting the plug-in electric Hyundai to touch down.

Volkswagen I.D. R sets electric Goodwood hillclimb record

Volkswagen has added another record to the I.D. R's trophy cabinet, setting a new high watermark for electric cars up the Goodwood Festival of Speed hillclimb. The low-slung electric Volkswagen took just 43.05 seconds to complete the run, comfortably besting the 47.34 mark set by Jonny Cocker in the Lola-Drayson B12 69/EV. It wasn't enough, however, to topple Nick Heidfeld's overall record of 41.6 seconds set behind the wheel of a McLaren MP4/13 in 1999.

Renault Zoe EV: Dealers, list price confirmed

Renault has confirmed the Australian dealers that will sell the Zoe EV, while the electric hatchback's list price of $47,990 before on-road costs has also been announced. CarAdvice last week confirmed the Zoe and Kangoo EV would be added to the regular Renault roster, marking a move away from the brand's previous fleet-only strategy.

Mini designer: Our models don't have to be 'mini'

While many criticise modern Minis for not being as 'mini' as the original, the company's lead for exterior design argues the requirements of modern cars and emerging powertrain technology don't mean the brand's cars need to be 'mini' anymore.

Audi joins Takata airbag recall

Audi Australia has issued a recall for the previous-generation Q5, A3 and A5 as part of the ongoing and ever-growing Takata airbag campaign. The German marque reported that affected vehicles are fitted with the more serious 'alpha' airbags – rather the less-dangerous, but still potentially deadly, 'beta' inflators. First cab off the rank will be the '8R' Q5 from model years 2009-12, believed to be fitted with faulty driver's side airbags. This recall is active from 13 July.

US safety agency unwilling to regulate self-driving cars ... for now

The acting administrator of the US' National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says its too early in the game to begin working on regulations for autonomous vehicles. “At this point the technology is so nascent I don’t think it is appropriate today to regulate this technology,” Heidi King, the agency's acting administrator told Automotive News. “It’s not there yet, but each and every day we are open to identifying when the time is right.”

Daihatsu Copen transformed into mini-Nissan GT-R convertible

Japanese tuner Liberty Walk has unveiled a new body kit package, which turns the cute little convertible hardtop into baby Gozilla. We're not sure why Liberty Walk chose the Copen as its starting point, although the convertible's easily removable resin body panels may have played a part in the decision.

2018 Jeep Wrangler JL review: Quick drive

Alexander Stoklosa • This is the latest-generation Jeep Wrangler, in its most trail-ready Rubicon trim. Jeepers will recognize this Wrangler by its JL code name, as opposed to its predecessor’s JK nomenclature. This is worth noting, since Jeep is selling the old model concurrently with the new one and both are labeled as 2018-model-year vehicles.

2018 Volkswagen Polo Launch Edition long-term review, report three: Urban driving

Being a light car, urban environments are where our Volkswagen Polo Launch Edition long-termer should excel. Over the past few months, little Ginger has spent a lot of time stuck in traffic and navigating Melbourne's metropolitan streets. The Polo has always been praised for its refined and upmarket driving experience, and this latest iteration of the German hatchback is no different.

2018 Ford Mustang GT Eagle Squadron unveiled

The Ford Mustang GT Eagle Squadron has made its debut at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will be driven up the hill climb by drifting champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. The one-off model pays tribute to Eagle Squadron, a group of volunteer pilots who flew combat missions alongside the Royal Air Force prior to the US' official entry into World War II. Fittingly, the squadron operated from airfields not far from Goodwood.

WLTP: What's all the fuss about?

From September 2018, the World harmonised Light vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP), a completely overhauled set of fuel consumption and emissions testing rules designed to replace the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test, will come into force. By then, only WLTP-homologated cars will be allowed for sale in Europe.

The week's top news stories: July 15, 2018

The automotive news wheel is always turning. If you’re not constantly checking CarAdvice – which you should be doing, by the way – it can be easy for some headlines to slip through the cracks. To make sure you haven’t missed anything important, we’ve gathered what we reckon are the hottest news stories from this week, right here. Check them out, and let us know what caught your eye.

Configurator Challenge: Porsche 718

Customisation is in vogue at the moment, but choice can be seriously confusing. In our configurator challenge, we let the CarAdvice team loose on a manufacturer’s website to create their ideal spec of a certain model. For this edition of the Configurator Challenge, we’re designing our perfect Porsche 718. Let us know what you think in the comments, and which cars you’d like to see next!

Ferrari 488 Spider review

Convertible supercars are a confusing form of automotive perfection. They are often inherently compromised by having the extra weight of a folding roof, yet at the same time they bring an unprecedented level of joy thanks to the open-roof motoring experience. The Ferrari 488 Spider seems to bring all the joy, but strangely lacks the expected compromise.

Toyota Supra tackles the Goodwood hillclimb - video

The Supra may still be under wraps – well, mostly – but that hasn't stopped Toyota from previewing its upcoming sports flagship at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week.

Ferrari 488 Spider review: Why bother with the coupe?

Alborz Fallah: When it comes down to it, if you happen to meet anyone that says the convertible 488 is a compromise, or that it’s not a real Ferrari, call them out for what they are – an idiot. Otherwise, if you want to daily a Ferrari, the Spider is the best way to go.

Skoda Kodiaq 132TSI Sportline long-termer: introduction

Welcome the sportiest SUV in the Skoda stable, the 2018 Kodiaq 132TSI Sportline, to the CarAdvice garage for the next three months. We'll delve a bit deeper into life with the Sportline over the next few instalments, but this introduction is all about the basics, set-up and features. Buckle up, there are lots of features.

Car finance: 3 years, 4 years, 5 years... which is best?

Bessie Hassan, Money Expert at finder.com.au If you don’t have enough in savings to buy the vehicle outright, taking out a car loan is one way to get you on the road sooner. Deciding on the term of your car loan could make a big difference to the overall amount that you’ll pay for your vehicle – so don’t sign on that dotted line until you’re sure you can afford the repayments! What difference does the loan term really make?

Ford Fusion to become crossover wagon - report

The Ford Fusion sedan will die at the turn of the decade, but its nameplate could live on as a high-riding Subaru Outback rival, according to a new report. Industry journal Automotive News claims "people familiar with the automaker's plans" have indicated the current sedan will be replaced by a "high-roofed hatchback" based on the same underpinnings.

Lotus Exige Type 49 and 79 revealed

Lotus has revealed the Exige Type 49 and Type 79 at this week's Goodwood Festival of Speed as part of its 70th birthday celebrations, both commemorating anniversaries of championship-winning Formula One race cars. Both models have been created by Lotus Exclusive in the same colours as the racing cars they're named after.

2018 Lexus RX350L Luxury review

Lexus has addressed one of the major criticisms of its edgy RX: the lack of a third seating row. This makes it a more complete competitor to the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 and co. For many prospective buyers, having a sixth and seventh seat is hugely valuable. Not necessarily for daily use, but just as a backup solution. These cars are commonly called ‘5+2s’.

Self-driving Mustang wobbles its way up Goodwood hillclimb - video

We wrote about a self-driving Mustang preparing for the first autonomous run up the hill at Goodwood yesterday. We all had a good laugh about the possibility of it crashing on the big stage, with the world's motoring enthusiasts watching online. Remember that? It was a fun time... Turns out all that laughing and joking was kind of accurate. We're not going to spoil the ending, but suffice to say the Siemens team behind the 1965 Mustang project aren't likely to enjoy watching the footage below.

Noble M500 revealed at Goodwood

Noble Automotive has unveiled its new M500 supercar at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, set to become the firm's new 'base' model when it enters production sometime in 2019. While the vehicle on display in Goodwood isn't a working prototype – it's a full-size model with no interior, in fact – the M500 will feature a version of Ford's 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 Ecoboost engine seen in the F-150 Raptor and GT supercar, mated to a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Singer DLS revealed at Goodwood

Singer has unveiled its Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS), produced in collaboration with Williams Grand Prix Engineering, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Suffice to say, it has the entire CarAdvice office drooling.

McLaren range to go 100 per cent hybrid by 2025

McLaren Automotive has announced its plans to hybridise its entire line-up before 2025 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with 18 new models and derivatives to be launched within that period. Dubbed 'Track25', the new strategy is an expansion of the company's previous Track22 plan – first launched at the 2016 Geneva motor show, with plans for 15 new models and derivatives to be launched by 2022 – upping the investment cost to £1.2 billion ($2.13 billion).

CarAdvice podcast 111: Riding in the tiny turbocharged Honda S660

You're joined by Paul Maric, Mike Stevens, and Scott Collie this week. Discussing car news, the 2018 BMW 620d GT goes on sale from $99,900, pricing and specs for the 2019 Kia Sportage have been announced, the Toyota Supra has been teased once again, and customers with a Sunset Yellow Kia Stinger will be offered a full respray to replace defective paint. Also, the Renault Kangoo ZE will be priced from $52,527 for private buyers, with its smaller EV cousin, the Zoe, starting from $51,990.

2019 Mercedes-Benz A200 priced from $47,200

Mercedes-Benz Australia has revealed the first pricing information for the new A-Class range, set to touch down in dealers on August 10. The mid-spec A200 will be priced from $47,200 before on-road costs, making it $2900 more expensive than the car it replaces. That price jump will bring a host of new tech, though.

McLaren P1 GT Longtail by Lanzante revealed

UK engineering firm Lanzante has revealed its McLaren P1 GT Longtail at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, complete with a bespoke exterior and interior over the 'standard' version of the British hypercar. Full details of the special model are still to be confirmed, but we can see that the P1 GT Longtail gets a new aero package and an even larger fixed rear wing – the latter sitting atop a lengthened tail, hence the name.

Mini Countryman S E PHEV confirmed for Oz – UPDATE

UPDATE, 13/7/18: Mini's local division has confirmed the plug-in Countryman will be available from Q2 2019, along with supplying some local images. See article for details. BMW Group Australia has confirmed the Mini Countryman S E All4 PHEV (deep breath) is coming to Australia, due to land in the second quarter of next year.

Holden cuts 60 staff in Melbourne

Holden has announced plans to cut around 60 jobs from its sales staff, amid a restructure of its sales and administration departments. The company has confirmed the employees were mainly be based at headquarters in Port Melbourne, and the cuts won't eat into its local design and engineering team. “We are making some changes to our sales and administration functions," Holden said in a statement.

2019 Mini Electric teased

Mini has released a pair of sketches showing components that will feature on the upcoming all-electric version of the Hatch, scheduled for launch in 2019. The first image (above) shows the new model's front grille, while the second (below) shows the futuristic alloy wheel design – both largely unchanged from the Mini Electric concept (bottom) shown last year.

2019 Bentley Mulsanne W.O. Edition unveiled

100 Bentley Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner models will be made by the company in 2019, all with design cues from the 1930 Bentley 8 Litre. The 8 Litre was the last vehicle designed by founder Walter Owen Bentley, or W. O. Bentley, before the automaker entered receivership, and was bought by rival Rolls-Royce.

2019 Maserati Levante GTS revealed

The Maserati Levante GTS has made its debut, and will bridge the gap between the top-end Trofeo and the lesser six-cylinder models when it goes on sale. The Levante GTS is powered a version of the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 also doing service in the Levante Trofeo. Here the Ferrari-built engine cranks out 410kW of power at 6250rpm, and 730Nm between 2500 and 5000rpm.

Tata Nano production peters out with little fanfare

The Tata Nano, once hailed by its maker as a "milestone in frugal engineering" and a "people's car", is slowly ending its production with the merest of whimpers. In figures obtained by Bloomberg, just one Tato Nano was produced in June 2018, compared to 275 during the same time last year. Tata has confirmed to the business publication the Nano in its "present form cannot continue beyond 2019".

1965 Ford Mustang to drive itself up Goodwood hillclimb

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is just around the corner, and car manufacturers are getting ready to let their loudest, sexiest metal loose on the hillclimb. Siemens and Cranfield University are taking a different approach, however, letting their best autonomous technology pilot a converted 1965 Ford Mustang on the famous course.

Mini first to market with standard wireless CarPlay

Mini Australia has become the first manufacturer to offer wireless Apple CarPlay as standard in Australia, with the launch of the updated 2018 'LCI' Hatch and Convertible ranges.

2018 Mini Cooper, Cooper S review

Blink and you'll miss it, but the Mini Hatch and Convertible range has received a mid-life facelift for 2018, bringing a range of new infotainment and technology options, along with revised powertrains and new transmissions across the board.

Aston Martin Cygnet V8 revealed

Remember the Aston Martin Cygnet? Platform sharing has created some strange tie-ups throughout history, but the Cygnet was one of the strangest, sharing its underpinnings with the lowly Toyota iQ. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was an absolute flop.

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander revealed

The facelifted Mitsubishi Outlander has quietly been revealed on the company's Australian website, complete with drive-away pricing for the updated range. Cosmetic changes are relatively minor, with the medium SUV scoring a revised grille and bumper treatment up front, new alloy wheels, a updated rear bumper, darker tail-lights, and a bigger roof-mounted spoiler on the top-spec Exceed model. The Exceed also scores new auto-levelling LED headlights and fog-lights.