Lamborghini mulling Senna rival - report

The boss of Lamborghini has hinted the Raging Bull is considering a bespoke flagship to duke it out with the McLaren Senna and Aston Martin Valkyrie, according to a new report out of the UK. Speaking with Autocar, Stefano Domenicali said the firm is mulling an "extreme aero" limited-run model "in the vein of the Centenario and Veneno".

2020 BMW iX3 spied

Photographers have captured images of the upcoming BMW iX3 undergoing testing in Europe, giving us a closer look at the company's first all-electric SUV. Looking very much like the Concept iX3 that previewed it in April – as is the BMW norm these days – the iX3 prototype seen here appears to borrow much of its sheetmetal from the standard X3, albeit with minor modifications.

2018 Mazda 2 GT automatic review

Mazda’s bid to close the quality-perception gap to fellow mainstream brand Volkswagen has extended to its most affordable car, the Mazda 2. The ‘GT’ badge may sound like a bit of a misnomer for a city car – unless it stands for Grand Tiddler – but since 2017 it has represented the flagship Mazda 2 model.

Building a stunning model car from precious metals - video

For car enthusiasts, a well-made model is almost as exciting as the real thing. Russell Lord is taking the art of model making to new heights, artfully constructing accurate models from silver, gold and precious jewels.

McLaren BP23 Speedtail to make more than 735kW

McLaren has revealed more details of its upcoming BP23 Speedtail hypercar, which will serve as both the replacement for its P1 model, as well as the spiritual successor to the legendary F1. McLaren Automotive CEO, Mike Flewitt, told Top Gear magazine the Speedtail would produce "more than” 735kW through the use of “a slightly different hybrid application” to the brand's previous P1 flagship.

Dyson details plans for automotive test facility

Dyson, the British company synonymous with bagless vacuum cleaners, has laid out plans for a vehicle testing technology centre, as part of its plan to start manufacturing electric vehicles by 2021. The centre will be located at a former airfield in the south-west of England, and is set to include 17km of test tracks and space for up to 700 staff, 400 of whom are already employed by Dyson’s automotive division.

Full-scale Lego Bugatti Chiron can actually be driven

The Bugatti Chiron has joined the all-electric crowd, although not quite in the mind-meltingly-fast way we've come to expect from a modern Bugatti. The full-size Lego Chiron consists over a million Lego Technic pieces, all of which were snapped into place, with no glue required during assembly. And you thought the 400 piece car you gave your nephew for Christmas was tricky...

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ revealed, priced from $949,640 - UPDATE

Lamborghini has finally revealed the Aventador SVJ at Monterey Car Week in California, ahead of global deliveries to commencing early next year. UPDATE, 31/8/18: Pricing for the Aventador SVJ has been confirmed for Australia and New Zealand, kicking off at $949,640 and NZD$818,864 respectively before on-road costs.

Faraday Future FF91: Pre-production vehicle revealed

Faraday Future has unveiled a pre-production version of its debut FF91 luxury electric vehicle, in a video posted to YouTube.

2018 Jeep Wrangler Moab Edition revealed, not for Oz

Jeep has revealed the Wrangler Moab Edition, a limited-run take on its rugged four-wheel drive with a raft of styling and interior enhancements. The Moab Edition is based on the Wrangler Sahara available in America, and features 32-inch mud-terrain tyres, LED head and tail lights, and 17-inch Rubicon wheels painted in low-gloss black, along with a hood and steel bumpers with removable end caps.

CarAdvice podcast 118: The man who put an R32 V6 engine into a Kombi

Joining Mandy Turner this week is Mike Stevens and Scott Collie. In car news, Jaguar Land Rover has designed a self-driving pod with 'virtual eyes', Honda has decided to take a step back from electric cars, Audi has halted production of the RS3, and the 2019 Kia ProCeed has been teased. Scott talks about our long-termer, the 2018 Skoda Kodiaq 132TSI Sportline, and what the rest of the office thought of it.

2019 BMW X1 'LCI' spied

The facelifted BMW X1 has been spied in Europe during development testing, giving us a closer look at the forthcoming mid-life update. Despite the camouflage at both ends, it appears the updated X1 will get slimmer headlights with new internals, revised bumpers, and new LED tail-lights.

2019 Mercedes-Benz EQC interior previewed

Mercedes-Benz is getting close to revealing its EQC but, at this rate, there's going to be no surprises left when the sheet is whipped off in Sweden. After showing the world its headlight design and 'mystic rear' (stop chuckling) earlier this week, the company has given us a look behind the wheel of its first mass-produced electric vehicle.

Volkswagen Polo, Transporter recalled for Takata airbags

Volkswagen Australia has commenced the first part of its Takata airbag recall, issuing a notice for the previous-generation Polo light hatch and Transporter van across various model years. This particular recall involves the MY07-09 Polo (A4) and MY08-15 Transporter, with 4253 units and 13,717 units affected from each model line respectively.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE, GLS recalled

Mercedes-Benz Australia has issued a recall for certain GLE and GLS SUVs sold during 2018 over concerns the rear axle's brakes could be compromised. The company reports hydrogen may become embedded in the material of the pistons "of a certain batch of brake calipers", which could then enter the hydraulic components of the rear axle and "cause compressibility there".

2019 Jeep Cherokee review

According to Jeep, one of the main reasons people weren't wanting to drop their cash on a Cherokee was the design. It didn't strike the right chord with potential buyers and as a result Jeep listened and took to it with the design knife. Today, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee sports a much more visually appealing front end with revised pricing that adds extra value, along with safety technology across the range.

2019 Jeep Cherokee pricing and specs

Jeep has revealed pricing and specifications for the facelifted 2019 Cherokee, which has touched down from $35,950 before on-road costs. The range kicks off with the Sport, powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol with 130kW and 229Nm, put to the front wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. It'll tow 1500kg with a braked trailer, and claims 8.5L/100km on the combined cycle.

2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class priced from $63,400

Mercedes-Benz Australia has released pricing and preliminary specifications for the facelifted C-Class range, which goes on sale in September priced from $63,400 before on-road costs. Light design revisions feature across the range, including AMG versions, while the entire C-Class family now gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster complemented by a 10.25-inch freestanding infotainment display, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

Skoda Vision RS concept teased

Skoda has revealed the first sketches of its Vision RS concept, ahead of a full reveal at the Paris motor show in October. Measuring 4356mm long, 1810mm wide and 1431mm tall, sitting on a 2650mm wheelbase, the Vision RS is designed to preview a "future compact car, while ringing in the next design phase for its sporting RS model range".

2019 Lexus RC revealed in online leak

The updated Lexus RC has appeared online today, ahead of an official debut at the Paris motor show in October. Its first major update since launching in 2014, the new RC sports a subtly updated design front and rear, including new headlights with an integrated L-shaped LED daytime-running light signature, new bumpers, and a revised mesh for the spindle grille that changes from top to bottom.

2019 BMW 8 Series Convertible teased

BMW has revealed the first official pictures of its upcoming 8 Series Convertible, with camouflaged photos of the drop-top tourer cutting laps of Death Valley in the USA.

Mazda tops after-sales service satisfaction - study

Mazda has topped the JD Power Customer Service Satisfaction survey for the third year running in Australia, edging Toyota and Nissan for the crown. There were a few trends throughout the survey, most notably that transparency and ease of service booking were key. The 19 per cent of customers able to watch their vehicle being serviced were more satisfied than those who couldn't, while people who could book the service online were happier than their phone-toting counterparts.

2020 MG GS: Australian late 2019 launch confirmed

Australian buyers will see an all-new replacement for the ageing MG GS in late 2019, with the recently revealed MG HS confirmed to wear the GS badge here. Dubbed the "Horse SUV", loosely translated from the Chinese press releases, the HS is the production version of the X-Motion concept revealed earlier this year.

2019 Volkwagen Polo GTI review: Australian launch

Jez Spinks drives the bigger new 2019 Volkswagen Polo GTI, now powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine. The Polo GTI is all grown up, but is it better?

Lada 4x4 Vision concept unveiled

The Lada 4x4 Vision was unveiled overnight at the Moscow motor show, previewing what could be a spiritual successor to the legendary Niva. Riding on 21-inch wheels, and finished in a shade of matte bronze, the Vision takes Lada's current design philosophy and cranks it to the max. The X-shaped motif currently used on a variety of production models has not only been applied to the side sculpting, but also the tail-lights, headlight graphics, cabin vents, rear bash plate, and other areas.

2019 Volkswagen Polo 6 GTI review

There are a few good arguments that the all-new 2018 Polo 6 GTI – as it's officially called – might well have dispatched bigger brother Golf GTI as the key anchor point in Volkswagen’s fun hatchback family. That's because the once poorer and merely ‘cheap’ compact segment GTI looks to have come of age. And if our first-drive impressions from its local launch are any proper measure, the newest flagship Polo has lifted its game in a great many areas, becoming more desirable to a broader church of buyers, including buyers eyeballing go-fast Golfs.

2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class/E-Class recalled

Mercedes-Benz Australia has issued a recall for certain C-Class and E-Class Coupes and Cabriolets sold during 2017 over concerns the seats may not lock into place correctly. According to the German marque, "the locking mechanism on the right side of the seat backrest in affected vehicles may not lock in place at times".

Aston Martin preparing for stock market float by year's end

  Sports car maker Aston Martin plans to list itself on the London Stock Exchange by the end of the year. Aston Martin has confirmed to Reuters and other news outlets it's filed the necessary registration documents with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. Should everything be given the green light, the company plans on publishing its prospectus around September 20.

2019 Kia ProCeed teased

The rear of the new Kia ProCeed has been teased ahead of its unveiling on September 13, European time. Although previous generations of the Pro_Cee'd were three-door hatchbacks, the new model loses an underscore and an apostrophe, but gains two doors to become a shooting brake. Kia claims the new car will combine "stunning design with the space and versatility of a [wagon]", and will follow the "design blueprint" of the 2017 Kia Proceed concept.

Rolls-Royce Ben Sloss Dawn Black Badge revealed

Rolls-Royce has revealed a very unique Dawn Black Badge at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, commissioned by a wealthy Silicon Valley executive. Sporting an eye-catching navy-on-yellow paint scheme, the livery of the bespoke convertible is said to be inspired by owner Ben Sloss's race cars – which carry the colours of the Modena flag, a city in northern Italy. "I wanted to see what Rolls-Royce could do with those same colors," Mr Sloss said.

2019 BMW X6 spied

The next-generation BMW X6 has been spied during development testing this week, giving us a closer look at the company's upcoming SUV 'coupe' flagship. Given its close family ties with the all-new X5, the X6 wears a very similar front end to its wagon-bodied sibling. Up front there's a new taller interpretation of BMW's double-kidney grille, flanked by slimmer headlights than currently offered.

2018 Skoda Kodiaq 132TSI Sportline long-termer: Infotainment

Once a secondary concern in cars, infotainment is high on the list of priorities for modern new-car buyers. As a part of the 'yuge' Volkswagen Group, the Skoda team had a pretty handy parts bin from which to pick tech when designing the Kodiaq. It shouldn't come as a surprise to hear our 2018 Skoda Kodiaq 132TSI Sportline comes close to nailing the infotainment puzzle, albeit with a few minor hiccups.

Citroen C3 takes 'Speed Dating' to a new level - video

Citroen is well known for thinking outside the box, but that's normally for its weird and wacky designs – think the C3 light hatch and C4 Cactus crossover. However, the French brand is trying its hands at speed dating, sponsoring British TV show First Dates and having Citroen rally driver, Craig Breen, take couples on an experience they won't forget in the back of a C3.

2019 Renault Arkana revealed in Moscow

Renault has completed the reveal of its coupe-crossover Arkana, built in Moscow for the Russian market. When we say it's designed for the Russian market, we really mean it. Renault says there are no plans to offer the Moscow-built car in Europe, despite the obvious demand for style-driven compact crossovers. It will be offered in 'other markets' to Russia, though... Maybe it'll head to China?

Volvo expands on 360c teaser

Volvo Car has continued the mysterious tease of the 360c, which now appears to be an autonomous concept car of some kind. Details about the Swedish show car are still hard to come by, but the futuristic lines and (what appear to be) sensors on show in the teaser would suggest self-driving or semi-autonomous systems will feature heavily. "Coming soon: our vision for the future of travel," the teaser reads. "Could time spent travelling become time well spent?"

Cars We Own: 5 things to know about the Audi S1

With a punchy four-cylinder turbo and quattro all-wheel drive squeezed under its pint-sized body, the 2014 Audi S1 Sportback has the potential to be seriously special. How does that translate to the real world? Although it provides a window into life with a car, there's only so much we can learn during a regular week-long review. Niggles pop up, panels come loose and rattles start to form over time – and if you're anything like us, they'll start to drive you insane.

Jaguar Land Rover turns to 'virtual eyes' for self-driving pods

Small nods to pedestrians, waves for polite drivers and high-beam flashes to warn of impending speed cameras are all part of the fabric making our road system work. They're also beyond reach for cars without an empathetic human behind the wheel. To help self-driving pods better communicate with the world around them, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has turned to a set of (terrifying) virtual eyes.

2019 Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster review

There are supercars and then there are Aventadors. Many (including some in our very own office) would proclaim that the Lamborghini Aventador is just too much. Too much show, too much noise, too much attention, and just too much in your face. But for me, and for those that this car appeals to, it’s exactly why the Aventador S is the best supercar you can currently buy in Australia, and it’s even better in roadster form.

Honda slow-and-steady on electrification for Australia

The head of Honda's local arm says that whatever the brand might look to take leadership on in the Australian market, electrification won't be at the top of the list. Speaking with CarAdvice, Honda Australia boss Stephen Collins touched on a two-fold problem: the business case for hybrids isn't compelling, and, for now, full-electric models seem to be on the 'look but don't touch' list for our region.

2019 Holden Acadia preliminary specs revealed

Holden has announced preliminary details about the specification of its upcoming seven-seat SUV, the Acadia, ahead of a fourth-quarter arrival in showrooms. The mechanical underpinnings of the Acadia are already confirmed: it'll get a 3.6-litre naturally-aspirated V6 petrol engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission, sending power to either the front or all four wheels, depending on trim level.

Toyota Europe adopts Corolla nameplate for 2019

Toyota Europe has announced it will be adopting the Corolla nameplate for its small hatchback, sedan and wagon range in 2019, dropping the long-running Auris badge it has used for some time. All three versions of the European Corolla will be based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) component set, replacing the separate platforms of each respective body style currently.

Why discounting needs to die for luxury cars

There is a constant argument that rages on in the CarAdvice office. It usually goes like this: “Why would anyone pay $70,000 for a small luxury SUV”, to which my usual reply is, "They don’t, these cars are generally well discounted". And so begins a debate about why luxury car companies price their cars so high to start with, then have them ripped apart by tens of thousands as customers start that slow dance of a walk out.

2019 Volkswagen Golf R, Golf R Special Edition pricing and specs

Volkswagen Australia has announced pricing and specs for the 2019 Golf R, revealing it will also offer a limited-run Golf R Special Edition from November with a louder exhaust and a few choice performance upgrades.

2019 Jeep Cherokee recalled

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee has been recalled over a potential issue with the rear brakes. According to FCA, the rear brake calipers could have an incorrect chrome coating on their pistons, which could make gas pockets form in the brake system. In some cases, the pedal may go long or feel soft after the car is started. Gas pockets in the brake system can lead to diminished performance, putting drivers and other road users at heightened risk of an accident.

Pininfarina PF0 concept rear-end revealed

The Pininfarina PF0 supercar has been revealed in concept form to potential clients at Pebble Beach during the Monterey Car Week in California. Although the full concept was shown off to interested parties, the company has only released a single shot of the car's rear to the general public. Pininfarina says the PF0's final design and name will be revealed at the 2019 Geneva motor show, which takes place in March.

Mercedes-Benz EQC rear-end teased

The Mercedes-Benz EQC has been teased again ahead of its launch on September 4 in Sweden. While an earlier teaser revealed part of the headlights and grille, this latest sneak peek, revealed overnight on the company's social media accounts, gives us a clear, if somewhat dark, view of the car's rear-end.

Hennessey Venom F5 outputs revealed

Hennessey has revealed more details about its new Venom F5 hypercar, namely regarding its bonkers powertrain. Making its public debut at 'The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering' at Monterey Car Week in California, the Venom F5 features a 7.6-litre twin-turbo V8 making "more than" 1600bhp (1192kW) of power at 7200rpm, and 1300lb-ft (1762Nm) of torque at 4400rpm.

2019 Fiat 500X facelift unveiled

The Fiat 500X facelift has been unveiled in Europe with a lightly refreshed exterior, improved equipment levels, and two new turbocharged petrol engines. Externally, the updated 500X is distinguished by new eye-style LED daytime running lights around the main and secondary lighting units. At the rear, like the revised 500 hatch, the 500X now features tail-light units with a body colour insert.

Jay Leno samples the Tesla Roadster and Model 3 - video

Jay Leno has a massive collection of fuel-guzzling supercars, but his taste for power and speed mean he's also keen on the electric hypercars of tomorrow. In the latest instalment of Jay Leno's Garage, the TV personality swaps out of a first-generation Tesla Roadster into the new Model 3 and the wild second-gen Roadster. Guiding him through both models in the company's chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen, who also gives Leno a sample of the new Roadster's brutal acceleration.

Long-termer: Introducing the 2018 Holden Commodore RS

Introducing our latest long-term test car, the 2018 Holden Commodore RS liftback sedan.

2018 Holden Commodore RS long-term review: Introduction

If cars suffered from identity crises, then the all-new ZB Holden Commodore would spend much of its life in therapy asking the question, ‘Who – and what – am I, exactly?’. Decried and denigrated since landing on our shores from Germany earlier this year, the Opel Insignia-based flag bearer for Holden hasn’t been met with acclaim. Certainly not by those with an eye for nostalgia and a lament for the loss of our local manufacturing industry.

2018 Mazda 6 Atenza turbo v 2005 Mazda 6 MPS comparison

I like the idea of new things, new technologies, and new possibilities. But when reality sinks in, I still tend to prefer the experience of old things. That’s not always true, of course. I’m much happier spreading store-bought butter on pre-baked bread than I am churning my own milk and kneading the dough myself. I have to draw the line somewhere.

Time Machine Tuesday: August 28, 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 August 28 in years past. The new-generation 2018 Porsche Cayenne has surfaced online, thanks to a British publication letting its story and images loose onto the interwebs a few days early.

World's Greatest Driving Roads: Hakone Skyline, Japan

  About 108 kilometres (or 1hr 40 mins drive time) from Shibuya in Tokyo lies one of the world’s most thrilling stretches of road. It’s called the Hakone Skyline, and if you’re a bona fide car or bike enthusiast who likes to a have a bit of a crack on a twisty road, then drop everything and put this at the top of your bucket list. Do it now and thank me later.

2019 Honda CR-V Vi announced from $28,290

Honda has expanded its CR-V range, announcing the launch of a new entry-level Vi variant with a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine and CVT.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO sets new auction record

A 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO has set a new auction record at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, selling for US$48.405 million ($65.87 million) at the hands of RM Sotheby's.

Nissan Juke: Second-gen crossover due in 2019 - report

An all-new Nissan Juke is on the on the horizon, set to debut before the end of the year according to a new report out of the UK. Speaking with Autocar, Nissan's global head of design, Alfonso Albaisa, said the second-generation Juke "doesn't look too much like the [current] one", though will still sport a bold and distinctive design like the original. Additionally, Albaisa said "it doesn't look like the IMx or new Leaf, either. It's an urban meteor with a nasty attitude".

2018 Ram 1500 Laramie review

You don’t need to be Einstein to work out Australians have gone dual-cab crazy. Sailing atop the sales charts, the HiLux and Ranger continue to sell in record numbers. And now, if you need something a little bigger – but not the biggest – another proper US truck has arrived: the 2018 Ram 1500.  There is a newer model in the States – the 2019 is already on sale, and will be offered alongside this 2018 variant for a while – but we won’t be getting the latest one for the moment.

Mach 1 name looking unlikely for Ford's Mustang-inspired crossover

Ford will still use Mustang styling cues for its 2020 electric crossover, but the Mach 1 nameplate is seemingly no longer attached to the project. At the beginning of this year the automaker announced it was planning to launch a new electric crossover by 2020. Said to have handling, performance and styling inspired by the Mustang, it was announced with the Mach 1 name.

Alfa Romeo baby SUV could be built on shrunken Stelvio platform - report

Alfa Romeo will build its new Audi Q3 and BMW X1 rival on a smaller version of the platform underpinning its Giulia and Stelvio, according to new reports out of the UK. Coverage by Auto Express suggests Alfa Romeo will have two new SUV models in showrooms by 2021, the first of which targets the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Jaguar E-Pace and Volvo XC40 and their fast-growing segment.

2018 Lexus RC F, GS F limited edition pricing and specs

Lexus has revealed two special edition models to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 'F' performance brand, with unique exterior finishes and unique interior appointments. The RC F and GS F have both been treated to a makeover, with a matte Fuji Graphite paint finish on the body, door handles, mirror housings, side skirts and antenna. It contrasts with a polished black set of 19-inch alloy wheels, behind which hide a set of blue painted brake calipers.

Ford Mustang replacement pushed back to 2021, will likely use modular architecture - report

The next-generation Ford Mustang has reportedly been delayed by a year, and seems likely to utilise the company's new rear- and all-wheel drive modular architecture. According to Automotive News, the next-generation Mustang has been pushed back by around a year by Ford boss Jim Hackett, but it's not known why he ordered the delay. The new Mustang is now expected to make its debut in 2021.

2018 Mazda CX-3 review

The problem Mazda has, and not just limited to the updated 2018 CX-3, is its democratisation of technology – if you could really call that a problem. As new safety and tech highlights become available, the Japanese company will roll them out across the range at the earliest opportunity instead of waiting for a traditional mid-life refresh.

2019 Mazda CX-3 pricing and specs

Mazda has revealed pricing and specifications for its 2019 CX-3 small SUV range, which follows the lead of international versions by introducing a new centre console design with armrest and a new larger 1.8-litre diesel engine option.

Japan enlists Toyota, Boeing, Uber to help develop flying cars

The Japanese government is hoping to give the flying car industry a boost by bringing together technology, automotive and aeronautical companies. Companies participating in the government initiative include Uber, Boeing, Airbus, NEC, ANA, Japan Airlines, Yamato Holdings, and Cartivator, a startup backed by Toyota.

Kalashnikov CV-1: Russia's answer to Tesla revealed

The all-electric Kalashnikov CV-1 has been revealed at an event in Moscow, touted as Russia's rival to the Tesla Model S. Kalashnikov, known for producing firearms and military equipment – including the AK-47 – has designed the electric "supercar" to look like a 1970s Soviet hatchback. According to reports overseas, Kalashnikov claims an all-electric range of 220 miles (350km) from the CV-1's 90kWh battery pack, and says it can accelerate to 100km/h in around 6.0 seconds.

Ford GT roars around the Nurburgring - video

A Ford GT has been spotted doing rounds at the Nurburgring for the first time, despite the company previously saying it would not be chasing lap records with its flagship supercar. The blue vehicle appears to be stock – or close to it – and wears a UK registration plate. According to overseas reports, this is the same GT that visited the Goodwood Festival of Speed last month.

SSC Tuatara revealed, chasing 480km/h top speed

SSC, formerly known as Shelby SuperCars, has revealed the long-awaited Tuatara at Monterey Car Week in California, with the lofty goal of topping 480km/h. Nope, that's not a typo. Power in the Tuatara comes from a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 pumping out 1750hp (1305kW) on E85 fuel, or a more sedate 1350hp (1007kW) on 91 RON premium (in the USA) unleaded. Power is put exclusively to the rear wheels – that's right, no all-wheel drive here – through a robotised manual transmission.

Around the Tracks: Bugatti Chiron, F1 crashes and rally highlights

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?

Audi RS3 production halted due to WLTP, set to resume in 2019

Audi has stopped production of the RS3 Sportback and sedan due to the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), with the models currently unavailable to order in Australia. The brand's local arm confirmed the news this week with CarAdvice, after a keen-eyed reader noticed the Sportback (hatch) and sedan versions of Audi's hottest small car were no longer listed on the Australian website. Shaun Cleary, corporate communications manager for Audi's local division, said:

Poll: 2018 Toyota C-HR pips Kona in a photo finish

Toyota's edgy C-HR crossover has beaten the Hyundai Kona by the barest of margins in our latest poll, winning 50.3 per cent of the 1200 votes recorded. If this was politics, the Hyundai would be demanding a re-count...

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQ Silver Arrow revealed

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a forward-looking take on the legendary streamliners of its past in California, pulling back the sheet on the stunning Vision EQ Silver Arrow. Obviously this isn't a production teaser. It's a nostalgic look at our electric future, with 550kW on tap from two electric motors mated with an 80kWh battery. Claimed range is 400km on the WLTP test cycle, although that's an estimate. Once again, this isn't a production car.

McLaren 720S GT3 revealed

McLaren Automotive has revealed the race-ready 720S GT3, scheduled to hit the track in 2019. Based on the 720S road car, the GT3 version will be accessible to both professional and amateur drivers, with the company planning to have its new racer compete in various categories across Europe, the US and Middle East. The vehicle is still undergoing testing, with development headed by McLaren's new customer racing division.

2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition revealed

Ford has revealed the 2019 GT Heritage Edition, which commemorates half a century since the 1968 and 1969 Le Mans victories by the Ford GT40 wearing the iconic Gulf Oil livery. Confirming the rumours from a month ago – which suggested the GT would be offered for the 2019 model year in the Gulf livery – the 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition offers the unique exterior finish along with special interior finishes to match the eye-catching colour scheme.

Porsche 911 Turbo 'Project Gold' revealed

Porsche has unveiled its resto-modded Project Gold 911 Turbo, with a brand new 3.6-litre turbocharged flat six engine wrapped up in a lovingly-restored 993 Turbo body. The one-off reportedly took 18 months to create, using a combination of original, restored and 'new' parts. Both the transmission and all-wheel drive system are from the Porsche Classic catalogue, while the aluminium chassis – a first for the 911 when the car was initially released – was stamped by hand for Project Gold.

Mercedes-Benz EQC teased ahead of September 4 reveal

Daimler has published a brief teaser video of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQC this week, ahead of its full reveal, scheduled for September 4. In the short clip posted on Twitter, Mercedes-Benz's parent said it will show off the first all-electric model from the luxury marque next week, also signalling the launch of the EQ electric sub-brand.

2019 Ferrari 488 Pista Spider unveiled

The Ferrari 488 Pista Spider has been unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California. Said to be the company's 50th drop-top model, the 488 Pista Spider is powered by the same 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 as the Pista coupe, which develops a maximum of 530kW of power at 8000rpm, and 770Nm at 3000rpm. Thanks to the folding hardtop and other necessary structural changes, the Spider has a dry weight of 1380kg, 100kg more than 488 Pista coupe.

2018 Volvo XC60 D4 Inscription review

It didn’t take long behind the wheel of the 2018 Volvo XC60 to understand what all the hype is about. Much lauded since its launch into the mid-sized SUV segment around 12 months ago, the second-generation XC60 has collected a number of gongs, both locally and internationally, making it a very real and very viable alternative to a host of Euro rivals in the premium, mid-sized SUV segment.

Aston Martin RapidE battery uncovered

Andy Palmer, Aston Martin CEO, has shared an image of the “production intent battery” set to power the upcoming RapidE electric four-door sports car. Based on the existing Rapide AMR, the RapidE will be Aston Martin’s first foray into the world of electric and electrified vehicles, which are set to feature more heavily in its range by the year 2025.

Tesla cancels plans to go private

Late last week, Elon Musk, the Tesla CEO, announced he had withdrawn plans to take the electric car maker private. In a blog post on the company's website, the outspoken boss stated he spent the last few weeks talking to advisors Silver Lake, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, as well as investors large and small. During his discussions with large investors, they told him they had "internal compliance issues that limit how much they can invest in a private company".

The week's top news stories: August 26, 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.

The automotive name of thrones: Local heroes

Australia might not be the manufacturing epicentre of its own automotive ecosystem anymore, but there was once a time when being ‘Australia’s own’ was the only chance car brands had at success. There’s no doubt some car names have become icons unto themselves, though – to the point where they almost overshadow the brands that delivered them. Ford and Holden, for example, are almost second-fiddle to the massive presence of the Falcon and Commodore badges – or at least they once were.

Volvo teases ‘360c’ with soundbyte

Volvo has previewed its forthcoming ‘360c’ initiative with a short video posted to its global Facebook page. The video consists of a single synthesised piano note, followed by the text ‘360c’. Volvo has captioned the video; “This could be the sound of your future ride. What do you think it's saying? #360c” Judging by both the caption and Volvo’s interaction with commenters on the video, the teaser likely has something to do with its recently-announced ‘M’ mobility service.

2018 BMW M4 CS review

If you’re like me and still waiting for the return of the legendary BMW CSL badge, it could be a while longer yet, or it could be never. Shame, because the 2004 M3 CSL remains one of my most exhilarating driving experiences ever.

Bugatti Divo unveiled

The Bugatti Divo has been unveiled at The Quail gathering, a part of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California. Sporting a completely revised body, Bugatti says the Divo revives the company's coachbuilding tradition, where it used to mount unique bodies on an existing chassis.

Road to Race, Episode 2: Why did we choose a Lotus Elise?

Alborz and Adam talk about the advantages and virtues of our new Lotus Elise Sport 220, and why it's the perfect car for Targa Tasmania. But first, some track days!

2019 Honda NSX revealed in Monterey, pricing unchanged for Australia

The updated Honda NSX – known in other markets as the Acura NSX – has been revealed at Monterey Car Week, ahead of an Australian launch in "early 2019". Key changes include a new Thermal Orange Pearl exterior paint option (pictured), which the company says pays homage to 30 years of Acura race cars with orange-accented liveries. Matching orange brake calipers can now be optioned, too.

Families driving SUV boom - study

Family buyers in Australia are 31 per cent more likely than the average Australian to buy an SUV, according to new data released by research firm Nielsen. According to the study, more than 354,000 families are looking to buy a new SUV within the next 12 months. A whopping 40 per cent know what kind of car they're after already, while 45 per cent would consider buying a car from a brand they've not yet experienced.

2019 Kia Soul Electric spied

The Kia Soul EV has been spied doing development laps around the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Although this latest prototype is wearing the same level of disguise as the model spotted back in February, this vehicle is fitted with all the trim pieces it will use once in production.

Audi PB18 e-tron concept revealed

Audi has unveiled the PB18 e-tron, which it will present at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Monterey, California. Inspired by the Audi R18 e-tron race car, the PB18 is powered by a trio of electric motors for a peak combined system output of 570kW and 800Nm, motivating a vehicle weighing less than 1550kg. Channelled through an all-electric take on Audi’s quattro system, the PB18 e-tron claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of just over 2.0 seconds.

Tesla Model 3 teardown reveals build quality concerns

A new report from investment banking company UBS has raised new concerns about the way Tesla is putting the Model 3 together, with analysts suggesting the issues can't easily be fixed. According to the report, the teardown revealed inconsistent gaps throughout the vehicle, bolts missing in certain places, zip ties used around the car's construction, different bolts being used for similar roles, loose panel and glass tolerances, and tough-to-close doors.

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ officially revealed, here in 2019

Lamborghini has finally revealed the Aventador SVJ at Monterey Car Week in California, ahead of global deliveries to commencing early next year. Production is limited to 900 units globally, with a further 63 build slots allocated to the special 'SVJ 63' edition which commemorates the company's founding in 1963 (pictured in white) featuring extra carbon-fibre bits and '63' decals. As you would expect from a flagship super sports car, the Aventador SVJ is packing some serious numbers.

2018 Jeep Compass recalled

Jeep Australia has issued yet another recall this week, this time for the 2018 Compass over concerns an issue with the Power Control Module (PCM) could cause the cruise control to lock speed or accelerate unexpectedly. The manufacturer reports that affected vehicles have have faulty PCM software, which could potentially lead to the aforementioned fault.

2019 Lexus ES300h Hybrid review

Tony Swan • The hybrid version of the new 2019 Lexus ES sedan is pretty much what you’d expect – even assuming your expectations are pretty high. A new foundation (GA-K version of the TNGA platform), shared with the new Toyota Avalon. Longer, lower, wider. A little more power. Improved fuel economy. Lower noise levels. And sheetmetal that for the first time in seven generations actually merits a second glance.

Ford: Australians need confidence in infrastructure before embracing EV

Ford Australia’s new president and CEO, Kay Hart, says our market doesn’t seem ready to embrace electric vehicles until we have confidence in the country’s charging infrastructure. That said, the Blue Oval stands ready to wade into the world of lower emissions vehicles when the time comes, given its massive global investments into research and development.

CarAdvice podcast 117: Ride along with our hatch comparison!

It's a Sydney special! Joining Mandy Turner on the panel this week are CarAdvice CEO Andrew Beecher, founders Alborz Fallah and Tony Crawford, along with Trent Nikolic and Paul Maric. In car news, Holden has announced $28 million for autonomy and electric vehicle development, General Motors has stated there is 'no exit plan' for Holden, and reckons it's 'certainly capable' of getting Cadillac to Australia. Hyundai has detailed launch dates for the Ioniq, Kona Electric, and Veloster.

2018 Audi R8 V10 RWS v McLaren 540C comparison

You know you’re swimming in dangerous waters trying to rationalise a sub-genre in which to fit the Audi R8 RWS and the McLaren 540C when valid arguments can rage (at CarAdvice HQ, at least) about what broader car segment each sits in.

Suzuki overtakes BMW to be world's most profitable carmaker

Long-running champion of the profit-per-vehicle game, BMW has been usurped by an unlikely challenger – Suzuki. Manager Magazin cites a study by Ernst & Young, which shows Suzuki enjoyed an 11.8 per cent profit margin during the second quarter of 2018, putting it ahead of BMW on 11.4 per cent. For those interested, Daimler (6.5 per cent) finished in sixth place, while the Volkswagen Group (6.5 per cent) was seventh.

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ leaked

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ has been partially revealed in a front-on image posted by a British dealer this morning, not long before its full unveiling at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Published on Instagram by H.R. Owen Lamborghini – which has showrooms in London, Manchester and Pangbourne – the image shows a bright green Aventador with unique details compared to the 'standard' S version.

Infiniti Prototype 10 concept revealed

Infiniti has unveiled the Prototype 10 concept for the Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach, California, which the company says "recaptures the spirit of early speedsters for an era of electrified performance". "The Prototype 10 provides a window into Infiniti's desire to deliver driving pleasure, thrilling performance, and range confidence," the company said in its press release.

2019 BMW Z4 officially revealed

The 2019 BMW Z4 has been officially unveiled ahead of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, after countless teasers, spy photos and leaks. Sitting atop the range is the Z4 M40i, powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six making 250kW (although non-Euro cars will offer up to 285kW because of differing emissions rules) and 500Nm, for a claimed 4.6 second 0-100 sprint time.

Audi RS4 v BMW M3 CS drag race - video

Ever wondered if the Audi RS4 is quicker than a BMW M3 CS ? Well, your question is about to be answered. In the latest instalment of his drag race series, Mat Watson from Carwow pits Audi's medium-sized fast wagon against the hottest version of BMW's current-generation M3 in a straight-line race, along with a rolling acceleration test.

2019 Ford Everest review

Sales of the Ford Everest have been steadily growing after a slow start, as buyers catch on to its virtues. Now this Australian-engineered SUV has received a mid-cycle upgrade that broadens the range and caters for more potential buyers.

Audi R8 RWS: Sydney's best-sounding tunnels

A 5.0-litre V10. A stonking 397kW. The sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds. And it’s 50kg lighter than its quattro AWD big brother, making it more nimble and agile. This is the rear-wheel-drive Audi R8 RWS.

Cruising Sydney's best tunnels in the Audi R8 RWS

A 5.0-litre V10. A stonking 397kW. The sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds. And it’s 50kg lighter than its quattro AWD big brother making it more nimble and agile. This is the rear wheel drive Audi R8 RWS. Unfortunately there are a distinct lack of Alps and snow capped peaks in the suburbs surrounding Sydney but there is something that the harbour city is certainly not lacking in. Tunnels.

Take a tour of Tesla's factory in Fremont - video

We've seen plenty of reports about life on the Tesla factory floor, and the brand's struggles with mass-production are well-documented. That makes a proper look inside the Fremont facility where the Model S, X and 3 are produced a seriously rare, seriously interesting proposition.

Ferrari preparing for Targa Florio Australia Tribute

Ferrari Australia will be taking part in the upcoming Targa Florio Australia Tribute, with a special Ferrari Tributo category for the brand's cars. The legendary Prancing Horse is promising an "incredible array of classic and modern Ferrari vehicles" on the drive, which starts in Geelong on November 28 and takes participants around the Victorian coast over the course of five days, concluding in Melbourne on December 2.

Australian Tax Office puts car sharing operators on notice

The growing popularity of car-sharing apps like Car Next Door and Carhood has piqued the interest of the Australian Tax Office (ATO), which is calling on owners to learn the tax implications of the services. According to the ATO, renting your car through 'sharing economy' apps makes you eligible for certain deductions, but not everything can be claimed.

2019 Skoda Kodiaq RS teased ahead of Paris reveal

Skoda has previewed its upcoming Kodiaq RS once again, ahead of its full reveal at the Paris motor show in October. The Czech brand released a pair of shadowy teasers this week, with the 'RS' badging and large alloy wheels partially visible. It appears the new performance SUV will be launched with a new shade of blue, though the overall design won't stray far from the current Kodiaq Sportline specification.

Jeep recalls several models for stalling fix

Jeep Australia has issued a recall for the 2018 Cherokee, Compass and Grand Cherokee, along with the 2017-18 Wrangler, over concerns vehicles could suddenly stall while driving. The manufacturer reports the powertrain module could fail, leading to a condition that could see the vehicle not start, start and immediate stall, or stall while driving.

Autonomous buses 'already close to reality in transport users’ minds' - study

La Trobe University has called for more consideration of autonomous vehicles in future infrastructure planning decisions, having concluded a 12-month self-driving bus trial on campus. More than 500 students and staff rode the 'Autonobus' during its year on the La Trobe Bundoora campus, before providing feedback about the experience.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class, GLA, CLA 'White Art Edition' recalled

Mercedes-Benz Australia has issued a recall notice for the White Art Edition A-Class, GLA and CLA, over concerns about the top tether on the rear-centre seat. According to the company, the top tether anchorage point on the central rear seat might be missing. If it's not there, a child restraint can't be mounted. A total of 173 units are included in the recall – a VIN list is attached here.

McLaren 600LT by MSO revealed for Pebble Beach

McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has revealed a special 600LT for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, with a public debut scheduled for August 26. Dubbed the '600LT in Stealth Grey by MSO', the vehicle features a number of special finishes and options from McLaren's bespoke division, though it's not like the 'standard' 600LT wasn't already exclusive.

2019 Ford Focus ST: 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine confirmed?

We've seen reports the next-generation Ford Focus ST will get an adaptation of the 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost engine from the current Focus RS, and we've heard the industry chatter, but a picture posted on Facebook (above) by an eagle-eyed fan has all but confirmed it. Posted on a Ford Focus RS forum on the social media site, this image appears to come from a fourth-generation Focus ST, seemingly revealing it'll be powered by a 2.3L GTDI (gasoline turbo direct injection) engine.

2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ teased again

Lamborghini has once again teased the Aventador SVJ – or Superveloce Jota – just days ahead of its official reveal at Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach, California. This latest preview shows the vehicle's rear, including a prominent rear wing made of carbon-fibre, and what looks like an air intake designed to channel air out the rear.

2019 Toyota Corolla scores five-star ANCAP rating

The new-generation Toyota Corolla has been awarded a five-star safety rating by independent crash-testing authority ANCAP. Australia's most popular passenger car scored 96 per cent for adult occupant protection, 83 per cent for child occupant protection, 86 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 76 per cent for safety assist.

Environmental hate-speech

I’m pretty sure many of you will seek to rend me like jackals pulling apart a tasty rabbit for what I’m going to say here, but I’m going to say it anyway. And yes, it can be viewed as environmental hate-speech in some quarters, but I don’t go to Newtown all that much these days, so I may survive. I very badly want to own and drive a gigantic American car from the Seventies. I feel they were at their most rapaciously magnificent at that point in time, which is why I want one so much.

2019 Renault Koleos facelift spied

The facelifted Renault Koleos crossover has been photographed during hot weather testing in southern Europe. The styling changes seem to be quite minor, so if you don't fancy the appearance of the current Koleos, you probably won't be swayed by the updated model.

2018 Fiat 500X Pop Star Special Edition review

With an ever-increasing list of options within the 2WD small-SUV set, the Fiat 500X Pop Star isn’t necessarily the first choice that springs to mind in the face of competition from all corners of the globe.

Volkswagen keen on Ducati merger or alliance - report

With the Volkswagen Group busy adjusting to a rapidly changing automotive landscape, Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, says a merger or alliance for Ducati are likely outcomes. Speaking to Handelsblatt, Diess outlined his thoughts on the motorcycle manufacturer. Diess believes it's "obvious" there are no synergies between the bike maker and the group's automobile business, just as there's no overlap between the company's truck and car operations.

2019 Hyundai Elantra facelift unveiled in the US

Like the larger Sonata, the Hyundai Elantra has been given a dramatic mid-life facelift. On the design front, the Elantra sports a heavily updated look at both ends. In addition to the sharp new headlights and grille, the front also features a new bonnet with extra creases and new wheel arches.

Volvo XC40 T3 launches in the UK, here in late-2019

The Volvo XC40 T3 is now on sale in the UK and Europe, marking the first time the Swedish brand has offered a three-cylinder engine in its line-up. Serving as a new entry point into the XC40 range, the T3 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo three-pot petrol making 116kW of power (@5000rpm) and 265Nm of torque (@1850-3850rpm).

BMW i3 'energy dispenser' revealed

BMW engineers are working on a way to use the battery in the i3 as an external power source, as part of a plan to make the car an 'electricity dispenser'. In a video dubbed 'The Simple Life', a BMW i3 – outfitted with chunky tyres and a roof rack, no less – heads through the Swiss hills, with a load of cheese in the back.

2019 Renault Arkana teased ahead of Moscow reveal

Renault has given its upcoming coupe-styled SUV a name, and released a single image of the car ahead of its Moscow motor show launch. Although it's been snapped previously, with shadowy teasers and camouflaged testers popping up from time-to-time, this is the first official confirmation of the Arkana name – derived from the Latin word for secret, apparently – and our first uncovered look at the car's rear end.

Jaguar I-Pace gets five-year warranty

Jaguar Australia has announced the I-Pace electric SUV will be backed by a five-year warranty Down Under when it arrives in local showrooms in November, bolstered by extended servicing and roadside assistance programs. On top of the five-year factory cover, Jaguar says the I-Pace's battery pack is also covered by an eight-year, 160,000 kilometre warranty.

2019 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 spied again

Spy photographers have captured the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 again this week, ahead of an anticipated reveal later this year. The prototype was spied alongside the related 718 Boxster Spyder development vehicle, wearing next to no camouflage as per the most recent sighting.

Ford Ranger Raptor confirmed for Europe

Ford Europe has confirmed the Ranger Raptor will go on sale in the region, arriving in showrooms mid-way through next year. Debuting at the Gamescom video game trade fair in Cologne, Germany – also where Ford Europe is headquartered – the Ranger Raptor is very much the same as the model sold in Australia, featuring various off-road mechanical upgrades and a 2.0-litre 'EcoBlue' bi-turbo diesel engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Rimac C_Two California revealed for Monterey Car Week

Rimac Automobili has revealed a special version of its C_Two hypercar, dubbed the 'California', for Monterey Car Week. Distinguishing features include a special bright blue paint job, a unique set of alloy wheels, and a pair of custom champagne bottle holders designed to hold Methusaleh six-litre bottles, with matching flutes.

Bugatti Divo teased days ahead of unveiling - video

Bugatti has teased the Divo once again, ahead of its global reveal this Friday at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Posted to the company's Facebook page, the clip shows a winding road with a bellowing engine note as the backing track, which we're assuming is a version of the 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 used in the Chiron.

GM 'certainly capable' of bringing Cadillac to Australia

General Motors (GM) hasn't ruled out another tilt at bringing Cadillac to Australia, suggesting its entire product cupboard is open to our market, provided the business case stacks up. Speaking with media in Port Melbourne, Mark Reuss, General Motors vice president and head of global product, said head office is "certainly capable" of putting right-hand drive Cadillacs on Australian roads.

Vauxhall GT X Experimental concept revealed

Vauxhall has revealed the GT X Experimental concept, which is said to preview the brand's next-generation design language for models arriving next decade. The vehicle itself is a futuristically-styled small coupe crossover concept powered by an all-electric drivetrain. Overseas publications, like Auto Express, reckon the GT X Experimental is a mix of every potential new model Opel and Vauxhall have in the pipeline.

General Motors has 'no exit plan' for Holden

General Motors (GM) has reinforced its commitment to Holden and Australia, with Mark Reuss, ex-Holden managing director and current vice president at GM, describing Australia as a "worthwhile place to do business". Speaking after announcing an extra $28 million in Holden funding and 150 new jobs in autonomous and electric vehicle development Down Under, Reuss said it's "really tough to win here", but stressed the fact General Motors is along for the ride.

2019 Ford Focus ST interior spied

The next-generation Ford Focus ST has been spied within the Nurburgring complex. It looks to be the same vehicle that was snapped last week, so we don't really learn anything new about the ST's exterior design. Once again we can see the ST's chiselled front and rear bumpers, twin exhaust outlets, and more prominent side skirts. Zooming in we can see the new ST's large alloy wheels are shod with Michelin tyres.

Pininfarina PF0 interior and exterior teased

With the unveiling of the Pininfarina PF0 just days away, the famed designed house has unveiled one final set of teasers for its first own-brand vehicle. The sketches give us a better idea of the car's exterior design, and our first look at the car's cabin, which is a stripped back, but still luxurious space. There are two screens flanking the car's steering wheel, with a smaller display ahead of the driver showing speed and next-turn instructions.

Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund interested in Tesla rival - report

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly in talks to make a significant investment in startup electric car maker Lucid. Sources, who have requested anonymity, have told Reuters the two parties have already drawn up a term sheet, which could see the sovereign wealth fund gaining a majority shareholding in the budding automaker.

Dinosaur hunting in Mongolia

I’m sure that was rain on the window as our little Hunnu Air Fokker 50 banged down in Dalanzadgad, a tiny airstrip with one-room airport in the Gobi Desert, 580km from the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar. After weeks of warnings about heat, sunstroke and to bring plenty of sunscreen, the drivers for our 60-minute airport shuttle to the lodge advised that it may take longer due to localised flooding and that there were no roads between the airstrip and – anywhere.

Jay Leno drives 1993 Porsche Schuppan 962CR - video

The Porsche Schuppan 962CR was a limited-run special built by race car driver Vern Schuppan, based on the Porsche 962 Le Mans race car he drove and owned with his team. Just six are believed to have ever been made, including the first prototype, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.3-litre flat six making around 600hp (447kW). It's believed only one example – chassis #06 – resides in the United States, and the owner of that car, Matthew Ivanhoe, has kept it in as-new condition.

2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 spied again

The next-generation Mercedes-AMG CLA45 has been spied again at the Nurburgring, ahead of an anticipated reveal some time next year. We can't see any new details over the vehicle spied earlier this month, but we can see the AMG CLA45 – and the standard Mercedes-Benz CLA, for that matter – will adopt a 'mini me' look in relation to the larger CLS.

2018 Mercedes-Benz X220d Pure review

All of the fuss about the Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute has been devoted to flagship versions, mostly the $75K X350d with its potent diesel V6 and deluxe cabin treatment. But in some ways, it’s actually the base X220d Pure grade with rear-wheel drive (RWD) that’s the most interesting, even if sales projections for this ‘price leader’ (a stretch, as you’ll see) are modest at best.

Time Machine Tuesday: 21 August 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 August 21 in years past. It was on this day 12 months ago that the new-generation BMW M5 leaked on a Chinese website, just days before the models's official reveal.

2019 Mini Countryman S E All4 review

Mini is a brand on the move. Like most brands today, particularly those out of Europe, the BMW-owned British manufacturer is seeking to reinvent itself for the future, with a strong line-up of plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles destined for production. The first of those is headed to Australia in the second quarter of 2019, in the form of the Countryman S E All4 plug-in hybrid (PHEV). To sample what's to come, we journeyed to Colombia for a first drive.

Hyundai N: Two more models likely, but no G70 N - report

Hyundai's N division is plotting two more models after the i30 Fastback N (above) – set to debut at the Paris motor show – but a more focused version of the Genesis G70 luxury sedan won't be among them. Speaking with industry journal Automotive News, Hyundai's head of vehicle testing and high-performance development, Albert Biermann, said a fourth N model is definitely in the plan, with an additional "surprise" potentially in the pipeline.

2019 Volkswagen Passat spied

The updated Volkswagen Passat has been spied during development testing this week, giving us a closer look at the facelifted sedan version of the brand's mid-sizer. Despite the camouflage at both ends, we can see the Passat will get a refreshed facial treatment headlined by a redesigned front bumper, a revised grille treatment, and what appears to be a new LED daytime-running light signature peeking through the wrap.

2018 Nissan Navara range review: Dual-cabs compared

The Nissan Navara is the latest in our 'range review' series, and the first ute to be presented in this format. It's one of the market's better-known pick-ups, and one we field plenty of questions on. So, if you've decided you're buying one, which should you consider?

2018 Nissan Navara range review

We’ve chosen the Nissan Navara as the latest candidate in our ‘range review’ series. As one of the market’s better-known pick-ups, it’s a car we field a lot of questions on – even if its monthly sales can’t compete with the hugely popular Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.

2017 Ford Ecosport recalled

Ford Australia has issued a recall for "certain" 2017 Ecosport models over concerns a faulty front lower control arm could cause steering impairment and/or loss of power. The Blue Oval reports that improper welds are to blame for the issue, which could cause the front wheel assembly to hit the wheelhouse and the fenders. Additionally, the company says the condition could cause the front wheels to lock up, affecting steering control and a "loss of forward movement".

Holden announces $28 million for autonomy and EVs, 150 new jobs

General Motors (GM) has announced plans to make Holden a hub for engineering autonomous technology and electric vehicles, pouring an additional $28 million into local research and development, and promising 150 new engineering and design jobs. That takes the annual spend on research and design for Holden beyond $120 million, an increase of around 30 per cent, and will push the local design and engineering team to around 500 employees.

2018 Jeep Cherokee recalled

Jeep Australia has issued a recall for two examples of the 2018 'KL' Cherokee over concerns their all-wheel drive systems could be faulty and cause a sudden loss of power. The company reports that a fault within the half-shaft assembly can result in a "loss of power or inability to park the vehicle". If the condition occurs, Jeep says the inability to maintain park or a sudden loss of acceleration poses a hazard to the driver, and could potentially cause an accident.

2019 BMW 1 Series spied near the Nurburgring

The BMW 1 Series has been spotted outside the Nurburgring, and although the vehicle has roughly the same level of disguise as the model spied undergoing cold weather testing earlier this year, the lower speeds and clearer conditions give us a clearer view of the new hatch.

Lotus celebrates 70 years by burning lots of rubber

As Lotus counts down to its official 70th birthday party, the British sports car maker published a video of two of its sports car burning rubber and spelling out 70 within a circle at the company's test track at its Hethel headquarters. Lotus claims no CGI was used for the video, although it did have to sacrifice "more than few pairs of tyres".

Demon v ZL1 v ZR1 track battle - video

Chevrolet and Dodge have had some epic muscle car battles over the years – think Corvette and Viper for example. With the Viper gone, Dodge's flagship performance models have been SRT versions of the Challenger coupe, the most potent version being the Demon.

2020 Genesis G80 spied

The next-generation Genesis G80 has been spied undergoing hot weather testing in the USA alongside the new Kia Soul. Up front, the new G80 has a sharper, almost triangular grille inspired by the Essentia concept. From the side we can see the car's overall proportions, which hint clearly it will stick with a rear- and all-wheel drive platform. The next-generation sedan seems to feature a more fastback-style rear with a more pronounced taper to the boot section.

Around the Tracks: Dodge Vipers and Elon Musk

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?

2018 Kia Optima Si review

Anyone who grew up with siblings can attest to the fact your parents always had a favourite. The automotive world is really no different. Whereas the Kia Optima used to be the golden child, it seems the Stinger now holds that title. Kia has done what any parent with a favourite does to the poor, less adored siblings and been stricter, harsher and meaner with the 2018 Optima to give the star child room to blossom. But doesn’t every family member deserve a chance to shine?

BMW X7M under consideration - report

The upcoming BMW X7 flagship SUV isn't even on the market yet, but reports from overseas are already claiming a high-performance M version could be in the works. According to BMW Blog, "various sources" from Munich indicate BMW is considering an X7 M or X7 M Performance to duke it out with high-powered rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG GLS63, Bentley Bentayga, and Audi SQ7.

Poll: 2018 Toyota HiLux facelift is on the money

The fresh-faced 2018 Toyota HiLux SR and SR5 represent an improvement over the cars they replace, according to our latest Facebook poll. A handy 59 per cent of respondents favoured the new look, which has been inspired by the Rogue and Rugged special editions launched earlier this year. Along with its fresh face, the HiLux has gained a manual DPF regeneration switch for the second half of the year.

Father’s Day 2018: A CarAdvice gift guide

There’s gifts, and then there’s Father's day gifts. And, if your dad is a hardcore petrol head, or even just a casual auto enthusiast, these specially handpicked gifts as highlighted by the dads in the CarAdvice office ought to bring a smile to your old man’s dial come father day morning.

2011-15 Audi A4, A5, Q5 recalled

Audi Australia has issued a recall for the 2011-2015 A4, A5, and Q5 model lines, over concerns a faulty heating element in the air-conditioning system could pose a fire risk. The German marque reports that the auxiliary heater element in the ventilation system may fail as the result of overheating "in the area of the connectors". If the condition occurs, and the heater element overheats, this may lead to "smoulder damage or potentially a fire".

Hyundai Ioniq, Kona Electric, Veloster launch dates detailed

Hyundai Australia has detailed its model rollout over for the coming months, including launch times for the new Ioniq, Veloster and Kona Electric. Kicking off proceedings will be the three-strong Ioniq family (top), set to go on sale in hybrid, plug-in and electric guises from October.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class recalled

Mercedes-Benz has recalled the C-Class and E-Class, over concerns about incorrectly-installed panelling on the exhaust system. According to the company, the left cutout for the exhaust system isn't installed correctly, and could make contact with hot components. If it touches a hot exhaust component during 'full-load operation' could make the paneling catch fire. A total of five units, sold during May 2018, are included in the recall – a VIN list is attached here.

Dieselgate: Current, former Volkswagen CEO knew of cheating before public admission - report

Recently-unsealed court filings are giving us a better insight into who at Volkswagen knew about what (and when they knew it) in the long-running Dieselgate emissions cheating saga. Recently unsealed documents, reported by Der Spiegel and filed by the Braunschweig prosecutor's office, say Martin Winterkorn, Volkswagen Group CEO at the time, and Herbert Diess, current VW Group CEO and then-head of the Volkswagen brand, were present at a meeting about the cheating on July 27, 2015.

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE review: Prototype ride-along

Andrew Wendler • Self-help gurus have made an industry out of reminding humans they can’t be everything to everyone, but the message is lost on the manufacturers of SUVs and crossovers. As the market continues to tilt in favor of these vehicles, automakers remain engaged in a relentless battle to tame them for civilian duty while maintaining a degree of off-road ability.

2015-18 Fiat 500X recalled

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled the 2015-2018 Fiat 500X, over concerns about a faulty rear seat latch. According to the company, the problem could make the rear seat back fold forward in an accident if the seatbelts aren't engaged. If a child seat is fitted using isofix anchor points, it could be compromised by the issue in a crash. A total of 1847 cars are included in the campaign – a VIN list is attached here.

2019 Hyundai Kona pricing and specs

Hyundai Australia has announced details of the updated 2019 Kona line-up, headlined by the addition of a cheaper new base grade, enhanced infotainment and price hikes of up to $3000 across the carryover range.

Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinder Continuation: Bond's most famous ride gets a sequel

Few movie cars are as well-known as the Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger. Now, the team at Aston Martin Works is bringing it back in limited numbers.

Bugatti Divo silhouette teased

The new Bugatti Divo will make its debut at the Concours d’Elegance in Monterey, California, on August 24, US time. From what we can see, the Divo will have its own uniquely-styled body, even though it will be based on the platform and running gear of the Chiron. Changes seemingly include a new glasshouse design, large rear wings, and puffed up wheel arches.

2018 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet unveiled

Modified by Ford Performance, the new 2018 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet is claimed to be quickest-ever factory-approved Mustang made for drag racing. The new Cobra Jet is powered by a 5.2-litre V8, based on the production car's 5.0-litre unit, fitted with a 3.0-litre Whipple supercharger. All of that eight-cylinder goodness is sent to the rear wheels via a 9.0-inch solid rear axle.

2019 BMW 3 Series Touring spied

The next-generation BMW 3 Series Touring has been spied again, this time giving us an early look and the new 3er's interior. While still heavily camouflaged, we can see the new-gen 3 Series Touring will look very much like a shrunken version of the new 5 Series Touring – which is no bad thing. A quick look at the interior images adds to the 'mini-me' design, though the next 3 Series will adopt several new cabin elements from the company's latest models – namely the all-new X5 and 8 Series.

2018 Alpina B4 S coupe review

At first glance, it would be easy to mistake the grand touring Alpina B4 S coupe for just another BMW 4 Series. On the surface, there’s not much to set it apart from a regular 440i coupe. Keen-eyed BMW fans will immediately clock the subtle front lip, heckspoiler rear lip, multi-finned alloy wheels, and quad-tipped exhaust, but unlike a pumped-up M4 and its parade of unique panels, the B4 S mostly flies under the radar.

The automotive name of thrones: Conventions

Car companies put a lot of time and effort into the names of their vehicles. Some are overnight successes, while others are more of a slow road to success and others still are just plain embarrassing. There’s no doubt some car names have become icons unto themselves to the point where they almost overshadow the brands they come from. Take Mustang and Corvette for instance, which have broken the bonds of their Ford and Chevrolet parents and grown into brands of their own.

Car subscriptions: Are they worth the money?

A recent story about car subscription services got the CarAdvice office talking. A new Australian startup called Carbar has raised $5.75 million to launch a new subscription service, bundling registration, insurance, roadside assistance and maintenance into one monthly payment.

The week's top news stories: August 19, 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. The 2018 Mahindra Pik-Up range has expanded to include four new variants, taking the total count to nine.

Audi adds 40TDI engine for A6, A7 in the UK

Audi UK has added a new 40TDI engine variant to the A6 and A7 model lines, offering a new four-cylinder entry point to its large sedan, wagon and liftback.

2019 Kia Cerato Sport+ review

The Kia Cerato has been the Korean brand's top seller for some time now, largely thanks to its sharp pricing and industry-leading seven-year factory warranty. Earlier this year an all-new model launched in Australia – albeit only in sedan form for the time being – aiming to continue offering its predecessor's strong value-for-money proposition while also addressing key complaint areas of its forebear.

2019 Kia Cerato Sport+ review

It may not be the most flashy or exciting mode of transport, the Kia Cerato Sport+ is a spacious, comfortable, and fuss-free option in the ever-competitive small car segment, bolstered by its ripper value-for-money equation thanks to its high level of standard equipment and market-leading customer care program.

Configurator Challenge: Personalised plates

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 doing something a bit different, and having a play with the VicRoads personalised plate configurator. Below are the responses we could actually publish...

Aston Martin and Red Bull keen to enter new car in Le Mans 24 Hour

Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing are keen to enter their upcoming hypercar project in the 24 Hour of Le Mans race. The Automobile Club de l'Ouest, organisers of the race, and the FIA have proposed a new classification, which will allow road-going hypercars and concept cars with hybrid drivetrains to take part. Set to come into effect for the 2020/21 season, the new rules aim to slash entry costs to a quarter of their present amount, and prioritise aesthetics over aerodynamics.

Classic cars to tackle dementia on Father's Day

A fleet of classic cars will descend upon an aged care centre in Bankstown, New South Wales, this Father's Day, in an attempt to take residents for a trip down motoring memory lane. Among the cars on show is a 1962 Chevrolet Bel Air, along with a vintage Ford Falcon that previously belonged to one of the centre's residents. Both are being brought along by friends, as a way to connect with elderly enthusiasts who otherwise mightn't have been able to enjoy them.

2018 Peugeot 208 Allure review

Sales of light-sized cars aren’t exactly at a peak right now, particularly at the upper echelons of the segment. But there’s still a place for something with a small footprint and a luxurious interior that's aimed at city slickers with a thirst for Euro-chic items.

HSV: Chevrolet Camaro hitting showrooms this month

The factory-converted HSV Camaro is almost ready to roll, with production kicking off shortly ahead of a 'late August, early September' on-sale date. Die-hard GM muscle car fans don't have long to wait for the locally converted right-hook Camaro, with HSV confirming cars should start popping up in dealers either late in August or early in September.

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE spied in China

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE has been spied wearing fairly minimal disguise in China, revealing the car's new light signature and a few exterior details. The pictures, published by CarNewsChina.com, show the next-generation SUV wearing a cover over the bumper and nose, along with black cladding over the rear three-quarter panels and three-quarter window.

Lotus Exige Sport 410 priced from $159,990

Lotus Cars Australia has confirmed it will offer the Exige Sport 410 Down Under, priced from $159,990 before on-road costs. The version headed Down Under will adopt a "slightly altered specification" compared to the vehicle revealed in May, however. Aussie Exige Sport 410's will get sports seats like the ones in the Exige Sport 350, rather than the carbon-fibre racing buckets standard overseas, though the latter will be available as an option.

The Cars of Fuji Speedway

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.

2019 AMG GT R Roadster spied

A drop-top take on the hottest Mercedes-AMG, the GT R, has been spied during development testing. The AMG GT R Roadster will sit alongside its Nurburgring-conquering coupe sibling, with power from a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 making 430kW and 700Nm, sent exclusively to the rear wheels. That should be good for a 100km/h sprint time of around 3.6 seconds, and a top speed in excess of 300km/h. In other words, fast enough to make your hair stand on end.

2020 Isuzu D-Max and MU-X to be revealed next year

Isuzu Ute Australia has confirmed we'll see the all-new 2020 D-Max ute and MU-X 4x4 wagon in Australia at the turn of the decade, following a global reveal sometime in the second half of 2019.

Hot hatches have jumped the shark, and we deserve better

I despise the phrase 'jumped the shark'. It comes from a late episode of Happy Days, where Fonzie literally jumps over a shark on water skis – at least, that's what Wikipedia told me. I wasn't born when the shark was first jumped, you see, but the expression still lingers like a bad smell over pop culture.

CarAdvice podcast 116: Aussie Rally Champ and Subaru ambassador, Molly Taylor

Mandy Turner, Paul Maric and Mike Stevens join you this week. We encourage you to reach out to us at podcast@caradvice.com, and Matt did just that. He found a 2003 Proton Jumbuck with a Mitsubishi Lancer GSR 4G93t 1.8Lt turbo engine under the bonnet for sale. Check out the photos at the bottom of this article.

Isuzu Concept X D-Max, MU-X revealed

Isuzu has used the National 4x4 Outdoors Show in Melbourne to reveal a pair of pumped-up concepts before they hit the outdoors show circuit, in the D-Max and MU-X Concept X. The duo both ride on a set of 38/15.5R20 Mud Terrain tyres from Toyo, credited as the inspiration for the project. They're housed under a seven-inch suspension lift, facilitated by a five-link rear coil setup on both the D-Max and MU-X, for approach and departure angles of 50 degrees and 38 degrees respectively.

Victoria: Speed camera revenue distribution locked in under new legislation

New laws will lock in how revenue raised by Victorian speed cameras is used to maintain the state's roads, thanks to new legislation from the Labor Government. All money raised from speeding fines handed out by mobile and fixed cameras, along with on-the-spot police monitoring, is currently put into a 'Better Roads Victoria Fund' reserved for road upgrades.

Infiniti Prototype 10 previewed ahead of Pebble Beach launch

The Infiniti Prototype 10 has been teased via a new, more revealing sketch ahead of its full debut at the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The Prototype 10 is a single-seat speedster with styling that's a "natural evolution" from the Infiniti Q Inspiration concept unveiled at this year Detroit motor show.

BMW patents system to refill champagne glasses from the bottom up

Imagine this, you're being transported at 189km/h down an Autobahn on your way to an important meeting. You've just finished haranguing your personal assistant about his use of Times New Roman for an important document. You're a little stressed out, and need to relax. So, you begin pouring a small pre-meeting drink into your car's bespoke hand-engraved champagne flute, and then your driver hits the brakes because some lowly Civic Type R driver thinks he belongs in the left lane.

2019 Hyundai Tucson review

Blink once and you may miss the styling changes on the 2019 Hyundai Tucson. That's not such a bad thing, though, given this model has always been a bit of a looker. But, it was time for a mid-life update and Hyundai has chosen to go easy on the design tweaks and focus more on the package and value for money.

2019 Ford Focus ST to get 2.3L turbo - report

The next-generation Ford Focus ST will get a 2.3-litre turbo four and be offered solely with a manual transmission – according to a new report out of the UK. Autocar claims the new ST's motor will have "close technical links" to the engine used in the current Focus RS, though it will be 'adapted' to for the front-wheel drive hot hatch with around 250bhp (186kW).

2019 Hyundai Tucson review: Facelifted SUV arrives

Korea's number-one car brand, Hyundai, has launched its subtly facelifted and updated 2019 Tucson. Paul Maric drives.

Alfa Romeo Mito production ending in early 2019 - report

  The long-serving (should that be suffering?) Alfa Romeo Mito will be out of production early in 2019, according to reports from Europe. There was no mention of the two-door hatch in Fiat Chrysler's five-year plan earlier this year, but Autocar has now confirmed its downfall. It'll be replaced by a compact SUV, shock horror, because the body style is more in keeping with buyer tastes around the world.

New Cars: 2018 New Car Calendar, the August update

Last year was a huge one for new-model launches in Australia, bringing us cars like the all-new Giulia, the Volvo XC60, Hyundai i30, the Stinger and the... well, the list goes on, and you can find it here. Now we're most of the way into 2018, and in many respects it's been an even bigger year than the last. Already we've seen the new imported Commodore, the hot Hyundai i30 N, the new-gen VW Polo and the tough new BMW M5 – among many others – but what else can we expect in 2018?

Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche diesel models hit with Swiss registration ban

FEDERO, the Federal Roads Office in Switzerland, will stop some diesel Audi A6/A7, Mercedes-Benz Vito, Porsche Macan and Porsche Cayenne models fitted with 'defeat devices' from being registered. A release from the body said any vehicles imported after tomorrow won't be road register-able until they have the 'defeat device' removed, while vehicles already in the country will need to be tweaked to meet emissions standards. The registration stop comes into force on August 17.

2019 MG3 pricing and specs

MG has revealed pricing and specs for the facelifted MG3 range, headlined by the addition of an automatic transmission and a new media system with smartphone mirroring. The range will start with the MG3 Core, priced from $15,990 drive-away. Power comes from a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine making 82kW and 150Nm, hooked up to a four-speed automatic transmission. Claimed fuel use is 6.7L/100km on the combined cycle.

2019 BMW 3 Series teased

BMW has begun the official tease of its next-generation 3 Series, releasing a set of camouflaged pictures of the crucial mid-size sedan taking on the Nurburgring. Although we can't tell too much about the way it'll look, BMW has provided a few tantalising details about the car. For one, it'll maintain its 50/50 weight distribution, and have a centre of gravity around 10mm lower than the current model. It'll also be 55kg lighter on average.

2018 Holden Calais-V Tourer v Subaru Outback 3.6R

Sunny days at the beach, camping trips at the weekend, making new paths to new destinations. Not quite what you’d expect a humble station wagon to do, yet for years Aussie families did just that with trusty and rugged Kingswoods and Falcons. Fast-forward to the present and times have changed. SUVs roam the land promising go-anywhere capability (often without actually delivering it), commanding visibility, and added versatility.

Subaru Ascent: US recall sees nine owners get brand-new cars

Subaru of America has issued a recall for the seven-seat Ascent SUV less than a year after releasing it into the wild, and some affected owners will be getting a completely new car. According to reports out of the US, a manufacturing fault has caused welding robots to miss "some of the spot welds around the B-pillar", meaning the vehicle's body strength could be compromised, increasing the risk of injury in a collision.

Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Collection revealed

The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Collection has been revealed this week, sporting an array of silver-themed enhancements to commemorate the 1907 long-distance record of Charles Rolls and Claude Johnson in Sir Henry Royce's original 'Silver Ghost'.

2019 BMW Z4 M40i leaked in full

After leaking in a set of poorly-lit, awkwardly cropped pictures earlier this week, the BMW Z4 M40i has been outed in full. Unsurprisingly it looks just like the world expected, albeit with slightly toned-down detailing over the show car launched at Pebble Beach last year.

1951 Willys Overland Station Wagon: An SUV ahead of its time

Take a look at this. Before we had high-riding 'crossovers' and lifestyle vehicles, there was the super-cool Willys Overland Station Wagon. A beautiful 1951 model was recently offered at the Shannons Sydney Winter Classic Auction, but it was passed in. For the life of us we can’t work out why it didn't sell – just look at it.

2019 Volvo AWD cars can be upgraded to deliver more torque to rear wheels

Volvo has announced a new software upgrade, developed by its Polestar division, which increases the torque distribution to the rear wheels of all-wheel drive vehicles built on the company's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) or Compact Modular Architecture (CMA). The company claims by increasing the amount and frequency of torque going to the rear wheels it has come up with a "more engaging drive", as well as improving steering turn-in, cornering control, and traction under acceleration.

GM patents three active aero technologies

Three filings from General Motors with US Patent and Trademark Office detail new devices designed to alter airflow around and through a car. These patents were initially discovered and published by Corvette Blogger. Although the diagrams feature the current seventh-generation Corvette, it seems more likely these items may make their debut on the next-generation model, which, if rumours and spy photos prove to be accurate, will switch to a mid-engine layout.

Ford F-150, Toyota Corolla lead global sales during first half of 2018

JATO Dynamics says global SUV sales up 14 per cent to at least 14.95 million units during the first six months of 2018. Analysts from the firm crunched the numbers from 57 markets, including 29 countries in Europe, China, the USA, Canada, Russia, Japan, South Korea, India, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific. It should be noted some large countries and regions, including the Middle East, the Philippines, Central America, and all of Africa aren't accounted for.

Aston Martin DB11 v Vantage GT8 drag race - video

Aston Martin has recently undergone a significant change in its powertrain line-up – both its V8 and V12 engine offerings are now turbocharged. In something of an unintentional old v new battle, Mat Watson from the UK's Carwow pitted a DB11 V8 against a previous-generation Vantage GT8 – the latter owned by popular YouTube personality, Shmee150.

2019 Mercedes-AMG GT C review

You know that scene from Back to the Future when Marty sees a black HiLux for the first time, and he can't quit drooling? That's the feeling I get each time a Mercedes-AMG GT drives past. That feeling was multiplied by 10 when we took delivery of our Mercedes-AMG GT C. Finished in Brilliant Blue metallic with AMG ceramic high-performance brakes in yellow, this car looked absolutely stunning just sitting there.

McLaren 720S Pacific Theme, Track Theme by MSO revealed

McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has revealed two new 'design themes' for the 720S supercar, inspired by configurations shown at the model's debut at last year's Geneva motor show. The 'Track Theme' (white) and 'Pacific Theme' have been created as bespoke commissions, the former influenced by the colour scheme of McLaren's past and present Formula 1 race cars, while the latter "draws on the sophisticated technical luxury of the 720S".

Audi expands Takata recall

Audi has expanded the cars included in its Takata airbag recall, adding the previous-generation A4 Cabriolet to the list which already includes the A3 (8P), A5 Sportback (8T),  A5 Cabriolet (8F) and Q5 (8R).

Aston Martin Cygnet V8 review

For proof, look no further than this one-off Cygnet V8 – both a celebration of one of the brand's least likely cars, and a manifesto piece for the company's bespoke Q Division and its ability to make even the least likely dreams come true. Many still regard the Cygnet as Aston's lowest ebb. It was based on the Toyota iQ city car that was sold in Japan, Europe and – wearing Scion badges – the States.

Holden expands Takata recall, Opel models affected

Holden has added the 2012-17 Holden/Opel Astra, 2014-17 Holden Cascada and 2013 Opel Zafira to the ever-expanding Takata airbag recall. As with all Takata recalls, a combination of high temperatures and humidity can make the airbag inflator propellant degrade.

Riding shotgun in a B-double truck: a CarAdvice podcast special

Driving and reviewing cars is something we do best at CarAdvice. We pretty much know them inside-out, but when it comes to trucks, we're not so knowledgeable. Every motorist shares the road with trucks, so we decided to take a look inside the world of trucks and their drivers, by riding shotgun in an International ProStar B-double truck with driver René Bueman. Read the highlights below, but listen to the full drive in the audio link.

2019 BMW M5 Competition pricing and specs

BMW Australia has detailed pricing and specifications for the new M5 Competition, set to start at $229,900 before on-road costs when it arrives in local showrooms in October. As we already knew when it was revealed in May, the M5 Competition gets a more powerful version of the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 that resides in the outgoing M5, now making 460kW of power (+19kW) at 6000rpm and 750Nm of torque (@1800-5800rpm).

Smartphone use tops road safety concerns in Australia

Nearly three-quarters of Australian motorists are worried about mobile phone use, and more than half are calling for a strong police presence to tackle the problem. According to a study of 1500 NRMA members, illegal phone use tops the list of safety concerns on the road, with 72 per cent of respondents listing it as a concern, topping drunk drivers (56 per cent) and speeding (55 per cent).

2019 Audi RS Q3 spied

The new Audi RS Q3 has been spied again this week during performance testing at the famed Nurburgring circuit. Compared to the prototype we saw in May, this vehicle is wearing a little less camouflage, giving us a better look at the various design elements that will be specific to the Audi Sport version of the company's all-new medium SUV.

2019 Ford Focus ST spied

The 2019 Ford Focus ST has been snapped testing on the Nurburgring, revealing its aggressive bodykit and diffuser in greater detail than before.

Ford Ranger Raptor design patent confirms North American launch

Ford is yet to officially confirm the existence of a Ranger Raptor for the North American market, but documents filed with IP Australia referencing an American design patent suggest its announcement is imminent. The long-awaited return of the Ranger to the USA was announced earlier this year, but left out any mention of the Raptor, which shares its four-wheel disc brakes with the American chassis, but picks up a coil-sprung suspension and a Watt's linkage instead of leaf springs.

Former Audi CEO's request to be released denied by German court

The Munich appeals court has rejected a bid by Rupert Stadler, former CEO of Audi, to regain his freedom as the judges are afraid he may collude or otherwise try to obstruct justice. A statement released by the court, and seen by Reuters, says: "The Chamber emphasises that danger of obstructing justice remains. The release of the accused from custody was therefore rejected."

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLB spied with less camouflage

Unlike earlier prototypes, this latest Mercedes-Benz GLB test vehicle isn't weighed down by a slew of obvious false body panels. For the first time we have a good idea of what the final shape of the grille, headlamps, tail-lights, and wheel arch protectors will be. Although the car has stronger visual link with the GLK than the GLE Coupe, it's not quite as boxy as we initially believed, with the upright shape tempered by rounded corners and smooth-looking shoulders.

Volkswagen advertises Chevrolet Bolt as part of Dieselgate settlement

In one of the quirks of the company's Dieselgate settlement, Volkswagen has begun rolling out an advertising campaign in the US promoting its competitors. In the just released advertisement, a driver stops up to a traffic light in his poorly disguised Subaru Outback to the tune of The Flintstones theme song.

2018 Honda CR-V VTi review

Honda might, at long last, have its mojo back after all. This generation of CR-V is now the brand’s biggest seller, and the Civic hatch and sedan that sell alongside it aren’t too far behind. Admittedly, the Honda CR-V still trails more popular SUVs in its class like the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Nissan X-Trail, but the fact that its sales to the middle of 2018 are hot on the tail of those cars proves Honda is back in fine form.

Lexus LC500 powers through Bristol carpark - video

It's no secret the Lexus LC500 is quite a looker, but it also sounds fantastic. To showcase this, the company's British arm has released a new video online. Posted to Lexus UK's YouTube channel, the clip shows James Bond stunt driver, Mark Higgins, piloting a bright yellow LC500 V8 around the Caboose Circus multi-level car park in Bristol. If the visuals aren't enough to get you excited, the coupe's 'Exit Music' will make you drool.

Time Machine Tuesday: 14 August 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 August 14 in years past. Watch the video above, and read the written comparison here

Kia preparing individual 'sound zones' for future stereos

Ever fought over the road trip playlist with your family? Kia wants to make that a thing of the past with its Separated Sound Zone technology. The new Separated Sound Zone (SSZ) setup works by isolating individual audio fields, with speakers scattered around the cabin to reduce or amplify certain frequencies and cut any 'overlap' between the sound zones.

Honda to add turbo HR-V in Europe

Honda Europe has released initial details and images of the updated 2019 HR-V, ahead of an October launch for that market. While the exterior revisions are largely in line with the updated model revealed for places like Japan and Australia, the EU-spec HR-V will offer a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine – likely the same unit offered in the Civic – from "spring 2019", or some point= between the beginning of March and the end of May.

Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow teased

A new video has given the world a peek at the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow concept, set to launch at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Initially previewed as the Aesthetic Progressive Luxury, the slinky concept pays tribute to the legendary Silver Arrows racers of the 1930s. The streamlined racers went head-to-head with Auto Union, regularly hitting more than 300km/h – Rudolf Caracciola even took a W125 to 432.7km/h in 1938.

2018 Mahindra Pik Up adds new variants, priced from $21,990

The 2018 Mahindra Pik-Up range has expanded to include four new variants, taking the total count to nine. The new variants kick off with the S6, available in single-cab 4x2 Cab Chassis or Single Cab 4x2 with GPA Tray, Bluetooth and cruise control guises. The former is priced from $21,990 drive-away, the latter $23,990 drive-away.

Semi-autonomous systems 'aren't robust substitutes for human drivers' - study

The current crop of semi-autonomous driver assists aren't proper substitutes for hands-on attention, according to a new study from the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). According to the non-profit's research, current semi-autonomous systems like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control displayed behaviours ranging from "the irksome, such as too-cautious braking, to the dangerous".

Ferrari expands Takata recall

Ferrari has added more vehicles to the ever-expanding Takata airbag recall, with its entire 2013 range all potentially fitted with faulty airbags. In this latest notice, 2013 model-year versions of the 458 Italia, 458 Spider, California, F12 Berlinetta and FF are affected, with 98 units affected locally. As with all Takata-related recalls, the fault centres around airbag inflator propellant that can degrade over time when exposed to a combination of high temperatures and humidity.

2019 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe spied

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe has been spied during development testing, giving us another glimpse at the company's upcoming rival to the likes to the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Porsche Panamera. Essentially replacing the current 6 Series Gran Coupe, the 8 Series 'GC' should launch sometime next year and will offer a style-focused four-door coupe alternative to the more traditional 7 Series limousine.

Cupra Arona coming in 2020 - report

The Seat Arona looks set to be the next model in the Spanish brand's line-up to be fettled by its new Cupra performance sub-brand – according to a new report. Spain's Motor.es claims the hotted-up crossover is scheduled for release in 2020 as a 2021 model, around the same time the Arona will go through a mid-life refresh.

Off-road test: 2018 Nissan Navara ST-X

While it took Nissan three cracks at getting the Navara's ride and handling tune right, the 2018 Nissan Navara Series III builds on what is an already impressive platform that needed some minor tweaks. We've driven and reviewed the Navara previously, but how does it perform as an off-road lifestyle utility? We hit the road to see how it stacks up when the going gets tough.

2019 Mini Electric spied inside and out

The upcoming Mini Electric hatchback has been spied undergoing evaluation on public roads in southern Europe. The prototype features a grille element with only a small horizontal air opening, and no tailpipe. On the inside, the car has a small completely digital instrumentation screen ahead of the driver and a different transmission shifter.

Elon Musk confirms potential funding source for taking Tesla private

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has revealed Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund as a key source of funding which will be used if the company decides to go private. On Tuesday August 7, US time, Musk told the world via his Twitter account, "Am considering taking Tesla private at $420. Funding secured."

2019 Honda Civic facelift unveiled in the US

The Honda Civic sedan and coupe range has been given a very mild makeover in one of its most important markets. For the US, the 2019 model year Civic sedan and coupe models gain a standard piano black winged grille, and revised halogen and LED headlight units. There's also a redesigned lower bumper, which includes a full-width front splitter, and chromed C-shaped surround for the fog light pods.

McLaren 720S vs Tesla Model S P100D drag race - video

The Tesla Model S is very, very quick in a straight line. The McLaren 720S is also very, very quick in a straight line, albeit through different means to the Tesla. You can probably see where this is headed. The team at CarWow has teamed up with YouTube personality Shmee150 to deliver a few interesting head-to-heads, one of which is published below.

2018 SsangYong XLV review

SsangYong, Korea’s lesser-known brand that lives in the shadows of Hyundai and Kia, is relaunching in Australia late this year as a fully fledged factory-backed distributor. While its focus will be on winning over existing owners and pushing its Rexton large SUV and Musso dual-cab ute, it’s also set to wade into the rapidly growing small SUV market.

Around the Tracks: Mustang Bullitt reviewed, funny car names

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?

Honda Accord, MDX recalled for Takata airbags – UPDATE

Honda Australia has issued a recall for the older-generation Accord along with the MDX SUV as part of the ongoing Takata airbag campaign. UPDATE, 15/8/18: This recall has been expanded to include more affected units from the Accord model line – the total now sits at 18,719 units. An updated VIN list can be viewed here. As with other Takata-related recalls, a combination of high temperatures and humidity can cause the airbag inflator propellant to degrade over time.

Owner Reviews: Best of July 2018

We love Owner Reviews at CarAdvice. After all, the people who slapped down their hard-earned money on a car are, arguably, best qualified to tell the world what they’re like! Here are our five favourites from February, along with the story that inspired the most comments. Want to see your review featured here? Submit a review using the link on our home page! Read the full review Get the full story here Check out the review here Read the review here Read the full review

Ford teases 'new performance vehicle' for Gamescom reveal

Ford of Europe has confirmed it will be revealing a "new performance vehicle" at the Gamescom convention in Cologne, Germany, which commences on August 21. Not much else has been officially confirmed about the new model, though the Blue Oval says the vehicle is "for drivers and gamers", that "promises to bring the fun back to on- and off-road driving".

Mercedes C-Class, R-Class added to Takata recall - UPDATE

Mercedes-Benz has added the 2008-11 C-Class and 2009-13 R-Class to the ever-growing list of cars on the Takata airbag recalls list. UPDATE, 13/8/18: This recall has been expanded to include C-Class models through to the 2011 model year, increasing the number of affected vehicles to 24,478 units. An updated VIN list can be viewed here. In the C-Class, the driver and passenger airbags are included, while only passenger-side airbags are impacted in the R-Class.

Poll: 2018 Ranger Raptor rolls the Mercedes-Benz X350d

It might not have V6 power, but the Ford Ranger Raptor has held sway over the Mercedes-Benz X350d in our latest poll, winning 55 per cent of the vote. More than 2000 people got involved in the head-to-head, with the Blue Oval's narrow victory suggesting pumped-up looks and crazy off-road ability are worth more than a three-pointed star at the top end of the dual-cab ute market. At least, they are on social media...

2019 BMW M2 Competition pricing and specs

BMW Australia has confirmed pricing and specifications for the new 2019 M2 Competition, with the dual-tier range to kick off at $99,900 plus on-road costs. The local division has chosen to offer the M2 Competition in both 'Competition Pure' and 'Competition' guises, much like how the 'standard' M2 was available in two trim levels. Additionally, the M2 Competition Pure is specific to the Australian market.

Maserati Quattroporte GTS Gransport Nerissimo Edition arrives from $371,990

Maserati has confirmed the **breathes** Quattroporte GTS Gransport Nerissimo Edition for Australia, priced from a cool $371,990 before on-road costs. The Nerissimo Edition – or 'very black' edition – is a dark-themed special featuring numerous blacked-out styling treatments and various carbon-fibre components.

2018 BMW X3, X4 recalled

BMW Australia has issued a recall for the 2018 model-year X3 and X4 crossovers over concerns of a fault with the braking system. The manufacturer reports that "there is a possibility of air being trapped in the hydraulic braking system", which can cause the rear brake circuit to fail, or in "extreme circumstances" the brake pedal may "travel to the floor". If the condition occurs, this poses a hazard to the driver and other road users.

2019 BMW Z4 M40i leaked

The 2019 BMW Z4 has been leaked online, revealing production looks in keeping with those of the Concept Z4 that preceded it. These photos, shared on Bimmerpost, reveal it looks very similar to the concept preceding it, albeit with a few small changes. Up front, the chrome-detailed grille of the show car has been replaced with a gloss black unit, while the flowing front splitter has been traded for a slightly chunkier setup.

Peugeot 308, 3008, 5008 diesels recalled

Inchcape Australia has issued a recall notice for diesel-powered Peugeot 308, 3008 and 5008 models, over concerns about engine overheating. According to the company, the cooling strategy and maximum temperature alert might make the engine overheat. If the engine overheats and seizes on the move, owners and other road users could be at risk of an accident. A total of 526 cars are included in the recall – a VIN list is attached here.

Tesla, Elon Musk sued and official enquiries made over Twitter claims

Two class-action lawsuits have been filed against Tesla and its outspoken CEO Elon Musk, who announced on Wednesday the company had "secured" funding to delist itself. It has also been reported the company is under investigation from authorities over these claims.

2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC spied with less camouflage, interior photographed too

Along with the exterior of the Mercedes-Benz EQC, our spy photography agency has managed to snap the first pictures of the electric crossover's interior. Unlike earlier prototypes, we can now see the final shape of the headlight units, grille and bumpers.

Ford to move to just five global modular platforms

Hau Thai-Tang, head of product development and purchasing at Ford, told attendees at 2018 J.P. Morgan Auto Conference in New York about the company's new platform portfolio plan as part of its drive to cut US$25.5 billion ($34.3 billion) from costs between now and 2025. Ford's latest platform plan follows on from the successful One Ford strategy implemented by former CEO Alan Mulally during his reign, which began in 2006.

2019 Kia Optima GT review

Officially spruiked as a 2019 model by its importer, the mid-2018 makeover of the Kia Optima aims to boost the Korean sedan’s position within the bourgeoning mid-sized sedan segment that’s increasingly struggling to swoon Aussie buyers. We’ve opted to measure the cut of the flagship GT’s updated jib as it vies to swoon buyers away from the big-selling new Camry and a slew of quality also-rans such as the Mazda 6 and Mondeo.

The week's top news stories: August 12, 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: Lamborghini Aventador S feat. "P1LM"

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 Lamborghini Aventador S. Let us know what you think in the comments, and which cars you’d like to see next!

Brabus 125R: Limited-run Smart ForTwo revealed

Brabus has revealed its latest take on the Smart ForTwo, in the form of the limited-edition 125R. Although power still comes from a three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, the boffins at Brabus have bumped outputs from 66kW and 135Nm to 93kW and 200Nm. The bump comes from a modified air intake, a new intercooler, and a recalibrated ECU. With a triple exhaust running a valved sports setup, it should sound pretty good.

Hyundai Kona Electric: 20,000 orders already placed globally - report

Hyundai has taken 'over 20,000 reservations' for its Kona Electric globally, and its first export customers have received their vehicles in Norway this week. According to a report by Electrek the boatload of more than 100 Kona Electric units that arrived for Norwegian customers are the first deliveries outside of South Korea, with Hyundai claiming it has received more than 20,000 reservations for its electric crossover worldwide.

2019 Audi A3 spied

The new Audi A3 has been spied for the first time during development testing, ahead of a likely debut sometime next year. Shortly after images of the next-generation S3 Sportback were snapped earlier this week, photographers have spotted the normal version on European roads, wearing more subtle clothing (no wild skirts and spoilers here) and concealed exhaust pipes.

Lewis Hamilton puts the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door through its paces - video

The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe has a clumsy name, but it promises to bring range-topping AMG performance to a wider audience, with four seats and a 470kW/900Nm twin-turbo V8 engine. To put its family credentials to the test, Mercedes-AMG has turned to F1 champion Lewis Hamilton and a carload of stuffed toys. We're not going to spoil the plot, but suffice to say the 4-Door acquits itself well when side-by-side with an AMG GT R and their GT3-racing cousins.

2019 Volkswagen Touareg gets 170kW V6 TDI option in the UK

The new-generation Volkswagen Touareg has already been on sale in the UK for a while, and the company's British division has announced an additional engine variant this week. Starting at £48,995 ($85,397), the new 231PS (170kW) 3.0 TDI V6 turbo-diesel is essentially a lower-output version of the 281PS (206kW) oiler that has been available since launch in the UK.

VFACTS: Five interesting developments in 2018

Every month our breakdown of the self-reported VFACTS car industry sales data yields huge interest. Here’s a look at five interesting developments that have taken place over the course of 2018. The overall market is down 0.2 per cent this year after a record-setting 2017, but it's passenger cars that are really battling.

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE interior leaked

Thanks to ever more revealing prototypes, we have a pretty good idea what the next-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE will look like from the outside. And now, with these undisguised photos of the crossover's interior, we've got a good idea about its cabin too. These authentic-looking images were posted online by Mercedes-Fans, although it's not clear how the German website managed to get hold of them.