Tray chic: Bentley Continental Flying Spur pick-up custom-built in the UK

A Bentley Continental Flying Spur limousine – with close to 600-horsepower worth of W12 under the bonnet – has been transformed into a pick-up in the UK. Bentley’s flagship sedan was turned into a super-luxury ute following an 18-month transformation by custom car builders in the UK who specialise in classic Volkswagens and exotic supercars – and everything in between.

Video: Holden Torana receives Ferrari V12 engine transplant

An Australian workshop has fitted a Ferrari V12 engine into a Holden 'LC' Torana. The project is owned by the Castlemaine Rod Shop, a business located just outside of Bendigo, Victoria. It specialises in custom-made and aftermarket parts to suit classic muscle cars.

2021 Toyota HiAce: White paint now the only colour option, vehicle tracking standard – UPDATE

Toyota Australia has confirmed running changes to the 2021 Toyota HiAce van range. The Toyota HiAce will soon be only available in white, with production from July 2021 ending the options of silver, gold or blue paint. Toyota dealers say the decision was made by the factory because most orders were for “vanilla white” HiAce vans. By removing the option of colour choice (such as silver, below), it makes it easier to swap vehicles among dealers trying to fill customer orders.

Video: Kia Rio v Suzuki Swift v Volkswagen Polo - Drive Car of the Year 2021 Best City Car

The city-car segment took the second-biggest sales hit in 2020 – down nearly 40 per cent – though it remains the go-to vehicle type for buyers looking for some of Australia’s cheapest new cars – including many still priced below $20,000.

Configurator Challenge: 2022 Porsche 911 range

Customisation is in vogue at the moment, but choice can be seriously confusing. In our configurator challenge, we let the CarAdvice and Drive team loose on a manufacturer’s website to create their ideal combination for a certain model. Few cars offer more customisation options than the subject of this week's challenge, the Porsche 911. With 21 different variants on offer as of publishing, there's an option for 'everyone' – including our team.

Around the Tracks: A whisky company using waste for a sustainable cause

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 photos, articles, videos or 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?

The Drive Five: Nissan GT-R R37 to go electric, and the unique stories you might've missed – 30 July 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself!

2021 Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix: Race preview

It's the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix and before Formula One heads into the summer break, there's sure to be some fireworks around the Hungaroring circuit this weekend. It was a showstopper last time out at Silverstone with a heated battle between the two championship contenders from the moment the lights went out. The intense contest came to a premature end with Lewis Hamilton forcing Max Verstappen off the track, ending his race.

New Toyota GR 86 due in Australia in 2022

The 2022 Toyota GR 86 will arrive in Australia no earlier than late 2021 or early 2022, new details confirmed today by Toyota Australia indicate. Toyota Australia has confirmed launch timing for the new GR 86 will be announced in the fourth quarter of 2021 (October to December inclusive) – meaning it's highly unlikely the new sports coupe will hit Australian showrooms before 2022.

Mercedes-Benz EQE, hybrid and electric AMGs confirmed for Munich motor show in September

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed it will showcase as many as five new all-electric production or concept vehicles at the 2021 Munich motor show in September, alongside a slew of plug-in hybrids. Leading Mercedes-Benz’s Munich line-up will be the new EQE electric sedan, the smaller companion to the flagship EQS, and the Mercedes-EQ sub-brand’s equivalent of the large E-Class.

2022 Isuzu MU-X: Our wish list of extra features for the first update, or sooner

The 2022 Isuzu MU-X is due in showrooms next month and the first all-new model in eight years has had a major makeover. However as with all new cars, there is always room for improvement to keep pace with the competition. Here is our wish list for the first update, or as running changes. Favourites button As with the new Isuzu D-Max, the new Isuzu MU-X has a full suite of advanced safety aids.

2022 Isuzu MU-X 3500kg towing capacity versus payload: How much can you really carry?

The 2022 Isuzu MU-X four-wheel-drive has the strongest towing capacity among its direct rivals. The maximum braked towing capacity is rated at 3500kg versus 3000kg to 3100kg for most other vehicles in its category – and the 3000kg limit for its predecessor. The 3500kg towing capacity puts the 2022 Isuzu MU-X in the same company as most double-cab utes – and the mighty Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series and upcoming 300 Series.

Isuzu D-Max ute and MU-X 4WD could get hybrid option, more power

Isuzu Ute Australia says it is considering a more powerful Isuzu D-Max ute and Isuzu MU-X four-wheel-drive – as well as the option of hybrid technology in the future. Executives for the company said while it was too soon to disclose any technical details or likely arrival timing, they indicated Isuzu Japan is investigating the addition of a more powerful flagship in the D-Max ute range – and hybrid tech for the MU-X four-wheel-drive.

2022 Isuzu MU-X price and specs: Drive-away prices rise by between $9000 and $15,000

Drive-away prices for the 2022 Isuzu MU-X are poised to rise by between $9000 and $15,000, marking the single biggest round of price increases in the 10-year history of the brand in Australia. While recommended retail prices have risen by between $3700 and $10,800, these figures are before on-road costs are calculated, which typically add at least $3000 in stamp duty, registration, and dealer delivery fees.

2022 Isuzu MU-X: Four-wheel-drive technology in detail

The 2022 Isuzu MU-X promises to be more capable off-road than its predecessor, with plenty of technology – and extra mechanical ability – that will likely give it a leg-up in the four-wheel-drive world. As with the previous generation Isuzu MU-X, this new model is destined to be a favourite for those who want to do some four-wheel driving, camping, and caravanning. Off-road traction aids

Mitsubishi Outlander Evolution plug-in hybrid to lead Ralliart revival – report

Mitsubishi will revive the fabled Evolution name with a high-performance version of the Outlander plug-in hybrid (PHEV) mid-size SUV, according to new reports. Japanese website Best Car claims Mitsubishi will spearhead its revival of its Ralliart performance brand – announced in May, illustrated using a modified Triton ute – with the return of the hallowed Evolution moniker on the Outlander PHEV family SUV.

The Drive Five: The unique stories you might've missed – 29 July 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself!

2022 Volkswagen Taigo revealed: Coupe-styled T-Cross not bound for Australia

The 2022 Volkswagen Taigo small SUV has been revealed in Europe – though an Australian launch isn't planned. The 'coupe'-styled twin to the T-Cross 'light' SUV – and a relative under the skin to the Polo city car – the new Taigo is the European-market, Spanish-built equivalent of the Nivus, a near-identical coupe SUV sold by Volkswagen in South America.

Tesla posts record $US1.14 billion profit in best quarter-year result to date

US electric-car start-up Tesla has posted a record quarter-year profit of $US1.14 billion – after costs but before taxes – from a turnover of $US11.96 billion in the three months from April to June 2021. It is the first time Tesla has eclipsed the $1 billion profit milestone in quarterly earnings and is more than 10 times the profit for the same period the prior year, which analysts have reported is “a sign of increasing financial health” for the company.

2022 Kia Carnival: New Kia logo here in September, but digital dash and auto wipers delayed to 2022

The 2022 Kia Carnival people mover will gain the Korean brand's new logo within months – but a selection of much-awaited technology features aren't slated to be added until next year. Kia Australia confirmed to CarAdvice that Model Year 2022 (MY22) examples of the Carnival will arrive in Australian showrooms "around" September wearing the company's new logo, which debuted locally on the Cerato small car in early June.

Video: 2021 MG ZS EV long-term review farewell

After 6 months we review the MG ZS EV, does the electric vehicle work in the real world? Emma and the team discuss what it's like to live with the most affordable electric vehicle in Australia.

The rarest Mazda MX-5 on the planet

It’s arguably the rarest Mazda MX-5 on the planet. With just 179 ever produced, the oddly-named Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe belongs in the rarefied air breathed by some super- and hypercars, certainly in terms of production volume. How it go there, is an interesting story.

2022 Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake delays: Limited numbers due in October 2021, more stock due mid-2022

The 2022 Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake wagon is the latest new vehicle to suffer from semiconductor shortage-related delays, with the first bulk shipments of Volkswagen's new wagon not due in local showrooms until early to mid-2022.

2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge long-term review: Farewell

We’ve spent three months in Volvo’s plug-in hybrid small SUV and have handed back the keys suitably impressed. Volvo makes no bones about the reason for being of its small SUV plug-in hybrid, the XC40 Recharge. Spend a minute scanning Volvo’s marketing material and you’ll see slogans like “designed for the city and beyond” and “engineered for urban living”.

The Drive Five: Toyota LandCruiser Australian specs, Australia's cheapest electric car and the other stories you might've missed – 28 July 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself! McLaren's newest 'Long Tail' drop-top launches from £310,500 (AU$590,000).

Tesla Cybertruck delayed until 2022 due to semiconductor shortages

The Tesla Cybertruck looks like it won’t be ready for customer deliveries until 2022 – rather than late 2021 as most recently forecast – due to ongoing component shortages in the global automotive industry. The radical-looking Tesla Cybertruck remains listed as available to order on the company’s Australian website, which as of today is still giving local buyers the option to leave a fully refundable $150 deposit for the vehicle (pictured below).

2022 SsangYong ‘J100’ electric SUV spied testing in South Korea

The 2022 SsangYong ‘J100’ electric SUV has been spied testing in South Korea – quelling fears that teaser sketches released last month were nothing more than far-fetched enticement for prospective investors. A sole image posted to the Clien forum shows a prototype for SsangYong’s upcoming mid-size electric SUV – codenamed J100 – wearing moderate amounts of camouflage and, crucially, a South Korean registration plate.

2022 Subaru WRX teased, Australian launch due early 2022 – UPDATE: August 19 reveal confirmed

UPDATE, 28 July 2021: The 2022 Subaru WRX will be unveiled on 19 August 2021 at the New York motor show, the brand has confirmed. Teaser images and videos released by Subaru USA overnight show the new WRX getting sideways in the American desert. Highlights include further confirmation the new model will draw inspiration from 2017's Viziv Performance concept, plus a glimpse of the 2.4-litre turbo engine's 6100rpm redline.

2022 Toyota LandCruiser GR Sport spotted testing in Victoria

The all-new 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series has been caught on camera testing on Australian roads in what appears to be GR Sport trim. Images and videos posted on Instagram by @land.cruiser.300 and @benjamin.foon show a matte black LandCruiser 300 Series driving through Ringwood in Melbourne's east, covered in a layer of dust likely originating from unsealed-road testing by Toyota Australia engineers in rural Victoria.

Chevrolet Camaro production to end in 2024, electric performance sedan to replace it in 2025 – report

Production of the Chevrolet Camaro sports car will end in 2024, according to new reports – and its indirect successor could take a very different approach. Industry publication Automotive News reports the final sixth-generation Camaro will roll off Chevrolet’s production line in Lansing, Michigan in 2024 – one year later than reports from 2019 initially suggested.

2021 Audi A4 Allroad long-term review: All roads

The expression “it does what it says on the tin” feels like such an indelible part of our society that it could have been penned by Socrates or carved into stone back at the dawn of humanity. Used to describe something that is as much by name as it is by nature, the idiom suggests nothing is left to imagination or interpretation.

The Drive Five: The unique stories you might've missed – 27 July 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself!

Project Cars: 2020 Ford Fiesta ST – Update

“Perhaps ‘project cars’ isn’t an apt descriptor…” That’s how I ended the last Project Cars update on this Performance Blue-hued 2020 Ford Fiesta ST – and, lo and behold, the car is largely untouched since I last wrote about it in February.

2021 Mercedes-Benz EQS review

When Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius unveiled the EQS back in April, he described it as a “defining moment” for the world’s oldest carmaker. Such statements are often heard in automotive industry circles. In this case, though, it is hard to argue with the 52-year-old Swede, who has taken little time steering the company deeper and deeper into the electric car ranks with an extended range of models from the EQ sub-brand.

2022 Tesla Model S Plaid returns to the Nurburgring, record attempt likely imminent

The 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid electric super sedan has been snapped lapping the famed Nurburgring circuit in Germany – and rumours suggest it's gunning for a lap record.

Toyota Yaris manual axed in Australia; GR Yaris flagship safe

The Toyota Yaris hatch has joined its bigger Corolla brother in losing its manual transmission option – though enthusiasts can rest easy knowing the high-performance GR variant isn't going anywhere.

US distances itself from Australian Dodge Charger police cars

EXCLUSIVE A radical plan to use Dodge Charger police cars from the USA to patrol Australian streets may have hit a dead end before the first trial has started – even though most police agencies across the nation have reportedly expressed interest in the vehicle. The US head office for Dodge vehicles has distanced itself from a proposal by a private importer to convert North American police cars to right-hand-drive locally.

2022 Hyundai i30 Fastback N: Is the Limited Edition the end of the road in Australia?

Many Hyundai N enthusiasts were caught by surprise last week when the South Korean car maker announced the return of the 2022 Hyundai i30 Fastback N to Australia. Despite being under the impression the all-new, South Korean-made Sedan N would replace the European-built Fastback N as the hot four-door i30 in local showrooms, Hyundai confirmed a run of 500 Limited Edition Fastbacks, benefiting from the same mid-life facelift applied to the hatch.

Video: 2022 Haval Big Dog and GWM Tank 300 preview

Chinese car giant Great Wall Motors is considering a couple of SUVs designed to stand out from the crowd.

2022 SsangYong ‘KR10’: Korea’s Ford Bronco Sport rival teased

Struggling South Korean car maker SsangYong has released the first teaser sketches of a new small to mid-size SUV, with chunky off-road styling that could equip it to challenge the Ford Bronco Sport and Suzuki Jimny sold here and overseas. Codenamed ‘KR10’, the new SUV is the latest upcoming product in SsangYong’s bankruptcy turnaround plan, following the larger ‘J100’ electric mid-size SUV, and an unnamed electric ute – both teased last month.

The Drive Five: The unique stories you might've missed – 26 July 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself!

2022 VW Amarok W580X off-road edition unveiled

The 2022 VW Amarok W580X off-road edition has been unveiled ahead of its arrival in Australian showrooms in April next year. While price and specifications for the 2022 VW Amarok W580X will be announced closer to its on-sale date, key details have been revealed. As with the road-focused VW Amarok W580S, there is no extra power or torque planned for the turbo diesel 3.0-litre V6, however it already is the most powerful vehicle in its class with outputs of 190kW/580Nm (200kW on overboost).

Audi RS Q E-Tron: Range-extender hybrid Dakar Rally challenger revealed

The Audi RS Q E-Tron has been revealed, as the German manufacturer's factory-backed return to rallying after a 35-year hiatus. Built to take on the 2022 Dakar Rally field next January, the new RS Q E-Tron aims to be the first vehicle to win the long-distance event with an electrified (hybrid or electric) powertrain – all while promoting Audi's range of plug-in hybrid and all-electric road cars.

2021 Subaru Outback review

The Subaru Outback might be marketed as a large SUV, with enough room for the family and their gear. But, it’s never quite cast off the shackles of its station wagon-based genesis. And it’s all the better for it. Look closely at the 2021 Subaru Outback, and you can still see its wagon roots. It looks more like a jacked-up station wagon than an out-and-out SUV, and that’s no bad thing.

Renewed calls for mobile speed camera warning signs as a year’s worth of fines are issued in a month

The NSW Opposition has backed growing community anger over an unprecedented surge in fines from mobile speed cameras since warning signs were removed six months ago. The latest figures show speed camera cars in NSW now earn almost as much in one month as they previously earned in a year. In the first six months of 2021, mobile speed cameras in NSW issued $28 million in fines versus just $2.9 million for the same period the prior year – an almost tenfold increase.

Queensland mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras start today

Queensland authorities will begin to rollout mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras across the state from today – however drivers will be issued warnings rather than fines for the first three months. In addition to using cameras to detect drivers handling mobile phones, Queensland is believed to be the first jurisdiction in the world to use fixed-camera technology to detect seatbelt offences.

"No demand" for electric Alpina BMWs, says company CEO

BMW-backed tuner Alpina claims there is "no demand" in the short term for high-performance electric vehicles, despite BMW committing billions into development of the technology. Speaking to German website BimmerToday, Alpina CEO Andreas Bovensiepen claimed Alpina customers don't use their cars in a way that is compatible with the shortcomings of today's electric vehicles.

2021 Land Rover Defender 110 V8 launch review

Pretty much nobody needs a Land Rover Defender V8, but lots of people are going to want it. The previous range top dog, the X-Dynamic P400, has a turbocharged, 48-volt boosted 3.0-litre straight-six that makes 294kW and gives the long-wheelbase 110 a 6.1-second 0-100km/h time. That’s plentiful performance for something so big and boxy.

Red Bull F1 considering road car to follow Aston Martin Valkyrie

Red Bull Advanced Technologies – the engineering and commercial project arm of the Red Bull Racing Formula One team – is considering a second road-going car developed in-house to follow the new Aston Martin Valkyrie.

Porsche 928 from 'Risky Business' up for auction

American specialty vehicle auction house Barrett-Jackson has catalogued for sale a Porsche 928 used in the making of the Hollywood movie 'Risky Business'. Set to go under the hammer at Barrett-Jackson's inaugural event in Houston on September 16-18, the 1979 Porsche 928 is one of the many vehicles used during filming of the 1983 blockbuster. However, the vehicle for sale is claimed to be "the featured vehicle" and "received the brunt of screen time and seat time from the cast".

Video: Audi A5 v BMW 3 Series v Genesis G70 - Drive Car of the Year 2021 Best Medium Luxury Car

It speaks to the quality of the Genesis G70 that Mercedes’ perennial favourite C-Class sedan didn’t make the list of finalists this year, the Korean luxury sedan bumping it out of the top three. That left BMW’s benchmark 3 Series and Audi’s sleek and stylish A5 Sportback to vie for honours in the segment against the upstart from Genesis.

Toyota dealers in Australia won’t stop buyers selling their LandCruiser 300 Series after they take delivery

Toyota dealers in Australia have cast doubt on reports out of Japan claiming the car giant is trying to stop buyers selling their new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series within 12 months of taking delivery. A comment by a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series customer in Japan – posted on the social media platform Twitter – claimed he was asked to sign an agreement to not immediately sell the vehicle.

Around the tracks: A BMW for well-groomed dogs and how to buy your own movie-star trailer

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 photos, articles, videos or 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?

2022 Hyundai i30 Fastback N Limited Edition price and specs: Fastback farewells Australia with 500 facelifted examples

The 2022 Hyundai i30 Fastback N has returned to Australian shores in facelifted guise, in the form of a final Limited Edition variant ahead of the i30 Sedan N's arrival later this year. Limited to just 500 units available to order until September 30, the i30 Fastback N Limited Edition is priced from $49,000 before on-road costs with a six-speed manual, or $52,000 before on-road costs with Hyundai's new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with one equipment level on offer.

The Drive Five: The unique stories you might've missed – 23 June 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself!

2021 Skoda Octavia RS wagon long-term review: Dynamic driving

Life with the 2021 Skoda Octavia RS wagon had been fairly mediocre for the first month. It’s not the car’s fault – you see, we took delivery during Victoria’s May-June Lockdown (Lock & Down according to F&F nomenclature), which imposed travel restrictions and limited the reasons to leave home.

A short history of Aussie Olympic cars

With the games of the 32nd Olympiad in Tokyo upon us, and with Brisbane confirmed this week as the host city of the 35th Olympiad, it’s timely to look back on a couple of Aussie-built cars with an Olympics theme. First on track (ha!) is the Ford Falcon Olympic Classic which, in Ford’s own words back in the day, “It doesn’t matter how good you are. To make it to Olympic standard you have to have something extra”.

Mercedes-AMG to go electric with dedicated 'skateboard' architecture

V8-hungry high-performance brand Mercedes-AMG will mirror its master brand in going all-electric over the next decade – and a dedicated electric-vehicle (EV) architecture is going to allow the brand to do it. Announced overnight, the new 'AMG.EA' architecture will debut in 2025 as a "dedicated performance electric vehicle platform addressing technology- and performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG customers," according to Mercedes-Benz.

Chevrolet Corvette sold out before the first one lands in Australia

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette sports-car has become a sell-out success before the first example has even been displayed on a showroom floor. And some buyers have agreed to pay dealer delivery fees in excess of $20,000 to secure a vehicle, in some cases pushing drive-away prices beyond $200,000. All 250 examples in the first allocation of factory-built right-hand-drive Chevrolet Corvettes are spoken for and have customer names on them – and all were bought without a single local test drive.

2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series police car and base model imagined

The 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series is just around the corner – due in Australian showrooms in the last few months of this year. It will bring to an end the 14-year run of the Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series which is almost sold out. We’ve already been given a preview of what the most expensive models in the 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series range will look like, in the form of the Sahara replacement and a rugged new GR Sport variant.

Tesla owner creates V8 sound for his car and it’s awesome

A Tesla owner in the US has added V8 sound to his electric car and the result needs to be heard to be believed. Brooks Weisblat, who is also a bit of a YouTube sensation thanks to his collection of fast-car videos, has demonstrated how easy it is to upload the sound of a hardcore V8 and then pump the sound through the vehicle’s external speakers. However, this is no ordinary Tesla and the soundtrack is no ordinary V8.

Video: 2021 Mazda MX-30 Electric first drive review

It’s been a long time coming, but Mazda is off to a slow and steady start in the electric vehicle space with the new MX-30 Electric.

Mercedes-Benz to offer electric version of every model from 2025, will be "ready to go all-electric" in 2030

Mercedes-Benz has detailed its plans for an electric future, which will see the iconic German brand be "ready to go all-electric" in 2030 "where market conditions allow". Announced overnight, the new strategy sees an acceleration of Mercedes-Benz's electric vehicle (EV) plans, with plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles now set to account for 50 per cent of global sales, up from the 25 per cent target previously announced.

The Drive Five: Tesla Superchargers to be opened to all car makers, and the other stories you might've missed – 22 June 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself!

2023 BMW M4 CSL due in mid-2022 with 403kW turbo six – report

The 2023 BMW M4 CSL could offer over 400kW when it arrives in mid-2022, according to new reports. BimmerPost forum member and reputable BMW insider 'ynguldyn' reports the track-focused variant of the new-generation ‘G82’ M4 coupe will enter production in July 2022 – reviving the German brand’s iconic ‘Coupe Sport Lightweight’ moniker last applied to the E46 M3 CSL of the mid-2000s.

SSC Tuatara did not break 500km/h barrier in 2020, manufacturer finally concedes

US-based manufacturer SSC has finally acknowledged its Tuatara hypercar did not break the 500km/h barrier in 2020 – almost a year after it made the bold record-making claim. Following a road-car speed record attempt in October 2020, SSC declared its low-slung V8-powered hypercar had averaged 508.73km/h over two runs on a closed-off Nevada highway.

2022 Aston Martin DB11: AMG V8 gains power boost, V12 AMR name dropped

The 2022 Aston Martin DB11 has received a round of updates for the new model year. Leading the updates to Aston Martin’s mid-tier grand touring car is a power boost for the 'entry-level' DB11's Mercedes-AMG-developed 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, from 375kW to 393kW – matching the special-edition Vantage F1 Edition revealed earlier this year. No details of torque outputs or 0-100km/h times have been given, though the top speed has increased from 301km/h to 309km/h.

Holden’s Lang Lang test track sold for $36.3 million, documents reveal

Holden’s test track at Lang Lang on the south-eastern outskirts of Melbourne sold for the tidy sum of $36.3 million, according to documents on file with the Victorian Government. The sale went through last year and new owners Vinfast – one of Vietnam’s richest companies and automotive start-up – has been operating out of the facility for close to 12 months. However, the sale price was previously unknown.

New Cars: 2021 New Car Calendar, the July update

The year 2020 was one that many would like to forget, and the automotive industry is no exception. Lockdowns and economic slowdowns brought on by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic translated exactly as you'd expect for Australia's new-car sales, with a staggering 48.5 per cent sales decline in April, contributing to an overall market down 13.7 per cent by the end of the year.

Project Cars: 1992 Range Rover Vogue – update

We visited this special Range Rover project car a couple of months back and while its body still looks fairly familiar, it now has an entirely new soul. To jog your memory, this project isn't one of ours at CarAdvice, but rather the journey of a car lover who is currently battling a terminal illness. His build was shared with us by the team at Electric Car Café at EVolution, the Melbourne-based company specialising in turning your old classic car into a fully electric vehicle.

2021 Hyundai Ioniq EV Elite long-term review: Your initial questions answered

After a month or so with our Hyundai Ioniq long-termer, it’s time for our first check-in and we decided to do it a little differently this time around. I asked you to let us know if there was anything specific you wanted the answer to, and we’d endeavour to provide one.

The Drive Five: Aston Martin Vantage and DB11 to go electric, and the other stories you might've missed – 21 June 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself!

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, Kia Sorento Hybrid delayed to early 2022

Hybrid versions of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2022 Kia Sorento large SUVs won't reach Australian showrooms until early 2022, Korea's two largest manufacturers have confirmed.

2023 BMW 3 Series facelift leaked

The 2023 BMW 3 Series facelift has leaked a year ahead of its scheduled market launch. Images posted to the Cochespias forum overnight show the updated 3 Series’ front end free of camouflage, confirming previous spy photos indicating the facelifted mid-size BMW won't move to the tall buck-tooth grilles seen on the new 4 Series range.

2025 Toyota HiLux imagined: Our wish list for the next generation

The Toyota HiLux has been Australia’s top-selling vehicle for the past five years in a row and is on track to notch up sixth win in 2021. When the Toyota HiLux took out top spot in 2016, it was the first time in Australian motoring history a workhorse had led the new-car market. Although it seems the Toyota HiLux’s winning streak has no end in sight, it is about to face its toughest competition to date.

Lamborghini Aventador successor to get hybrid V12 power

The successor for the Lamborghini Aventador supercar will debut an all-new V12 aided by hybrid power. Speaking to US website Autoblog, Lamborghini CEO Stefan Winkelmann outlined that while the Aventador's replacement will join the wider Lamborghini line-up in being 100 per cent electrified (hybrid or electric) by 2025, it will retain the non-turbo, V12 layout characteristic of today's car.

Video: Audi R8 v Ferrari F8 v Porsche 911 Turbo S - Drive Car of the Year 2021 Best Super Sports Car

The Audi R8 Performance represents the pinnacle of the R8 range, quattro system present and accounted for, not to mention aggressive style and a screaming NA V10. Ferrari’s F8 Tributo – despite the turbocharger – is a very ‘Ferrari’ approach to the segment, with dramatic styling and blistering speed. And lastly, the Porsche 911 Turbo S is, well, a 911 Turbo S – AWD, easy to drive, and brutally fast, but with signature understated styling and Porsche build quality.

The Drive Five: Hybrid and electric Kia Carnivals coming soon, and the other stories you might've missed – 20 June 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself!

2022 Koenigsegg Jesko production car revealed

The 2022 Koenigsegg Jesko hypercar has been shown off for the first time in production guise, three years after the reveal of the concept at the 2019 at the Geneva Motor Show. The first example to roll off the line is finished in a ‘Tang Orange Pearl’ hue, with silver and carbon-fibre highlights on the front 'grille' and air intakes. However, ten other standard colours will be available.

2021 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Wolfsburg Edition review

When I looked at my notes for the 2021 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Wolfsburg Edition, I’d written at the top of the page, ‘it’s almost perfect in every way’. While no car or SUV is perfect, the Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI presents a compelling case, with a host of positives and near as we could find, few meaningful negatives. So what exactly is the ‘Wolfsburg Edition’?

2022 Toyota Prius C (Aqua) revealed for Japan, not for Australia

The 2022 Toyota Aqua has been revealed in Japan, as the second generation of the car previously sold in Australia as the Prius C. However, unlike the first-generation model, the new Prius C/Aqua won't come to Australia, with the role of a city-sized hybrid hatchback filled in the Toyota Australia range by the new Yaris Hybrid.

2022 Porsche Macan price and specs: Medium SUV facelifted again with more power, new tech

The 2022 Porsche Macan has been updated ahead of its Australian showroom arrival in the fourth quarter of 2021 (October to December). The second facelift of the mid-size Porsche SUV's life cycle, the updates to the 2022 Macan's styling, interior, technology and engine line-up are intended to see the petrol-engined version through to 2023 and beyond, at which point it will be sold alongside the upcoming electric Macan for the years that follow.

Carlos Ghosn escape team jailed in Japan for up to two years

The escape of Carlos Ghosn, the disgraced former boss of Nissan-Renault who is now a fugitive in Lebanon, has come at a high price. While Ghosn is now able to live a relatively normal life in his homeland because Lebanon does not have an extradition treaty with Japan, the US father and son team who helped him flee on a private plane – while the former auto executive was hidden in a box – have been sentenced to up to two years in jail.

2022 Aston Martin Valkyrie breaks down during Goodwood debut – UPDATE

UPDATE July 19, 2021: Failure of a £5 (AU$9.30) electrical part caused the Aston Martin Valkyrie hybrid hypercar to break down at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, according to the brand’s executive chairman and key stakeholder Lawrence Stroll.

2022 Audi RS3 revealed, due in Australia in the first half of 2022

The all-new 2022 Audi RS3 performance hatchback and sedan have been revealed, ahead of initial Australian showroom deliveries in the first half of 2022 (January to June inclusive). Drive comes from an uprated variant of the existing turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine, now sending 294kW/500Nm to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission – up 20Nm over the outgoing model, but down 16kW over its Mercedes-AMG A45 S rival.

The Drive Five: New Nissan Qashqai here in 2022 and the other stories you might've missed – 19 June 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself!

The unlikely Cold War alliance between Lada and Porsche

It’s 1975, and then Porsche chairman, Ernst Fuhrmann, meets with then Soviet automotive industry minister, Viktor Polyakov. The discussion on the table is how Porsche can help Lada build better cars.

2022 Isuzu MU-X prices leaked, most models up by $9000

The 2022 Isuzu MU-X – the successor to Australia’s top-selling ute-derived four-wheel-drive wagon – seems almost certain to receive massive prices hike by at least $9000 on most models, according to information leaked on social media over the weekend. A Facebook group dedicated to Isuzu D-Max and MU-X fans – and which has more than 53,000 followers – has published screen shots of limited technical information and specifications for the new model, and what appears to be a complete price list.

Kia Stinger production to end in late 2022 – report

Production of the Kia Stinger performance sedan could end ahead of schedule in late 2022, according to new reports, making space on the assembly line for a hybrid version of the brand's Carnival people mover.

2021 Formula One British Grand Prix: Round ten wrap

There was plenty of hype heading into the 2021 Formula One British Grand Prix, with the starting order decided by a 100km sprint race. The results, however, didn't shake things up as expected, with Max Verstappen claiming pole and both silver arrows lining up behind him. The drama began from the moment the lights went out with the battle well and truly on between Max and Lewis. The roar from the 140,000 fans could be heard on the first lap until the intense contest came to a premature end.

2022 Audi Q5 Sportback 50 TDI certified for Australia

The 2022 Audi Q5 Sportback range could soon expand in Australia, with Audi's local arm certifying a new 'flagship' 50 TDI variant for sale locally. Details published on the federal government's Road Vehicle Certification System (RVCS) database lists the Q5 Sportback 50 TDI as certified for sale in Australia. If the 50 TDI is introduced locally, it would be sold alongside 40 TDI and 45 TFSI variants of Audi's mid-size coupe SUV, pricing and specifications for which were announced last week.

BMW Z4 manual axed in Australia, after just two cars sold in two years

The BMW Z4 has become the latest car to lose its manual transmission in Australia, after just two examples were sold in two years – making it one of the rarest vehicles ever sold Down Under.

Video: 2021 Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior revealed

A big payload increase and new winch compatibility headline changes to Nissan's flagship 4x4 ute.

2021 Kia Carnival Platinum long-term review: Side benefits

I love when a good fringe benefit comes my way. It'll happen to you too if you're sensible, or maybe daring enough, to consider a people mover as your next new car. To those already up in arms about the thought of driving one – let alone owning one – I understand, if your point of reference is a mid-2000s Toyota Tarago. I also agree somewhat that this old, now discontinued badge does conjure up thoughts of dagginess and uncool in myself too.

The Grand Tour returns with Lochdown, filmed in Scotland

Former Top Gear trio Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond will return to the small screen at the end of the month in a special edition of The Grand Tour titled Lochdown. Filmed in Scotland last year in the peak of coronavirus lockdowns and international travel restrictions, The Grand Tour boys have uncorked their familiar formula of taking three old cars and putting them in precarious predicaments with hilarious consequences.

Configurator Challenge: Lotus Emira

Customisation is in vogue at the moment, but choice can be seriously confusing. In our configurator challenge, we let the CarAdvice and Drive team loose on the manufacturer’s website to create their ideal combination. To follow the reveal of the new Lotus Emira earlier this month, the team shared how they'd specify Lotus' last petrol-powered car before it makes the switch to electric power.

2021 Porsche Taycan 4S review

It seems that people interested in the 2021 Porsche Taycan first appear conflicted – and I don't mean those knee-deep in Nürburgring paraphernalia. I feel that way because during my time with it, many, from all walks of life, approached me in person to question whether an electric vehicle is both evocative and emotive enough for them.

Jaguar Land Rover: Petrol and diesel not going anywhere yet, plug-in hybrids now a chance for Australia

Jaguar Land Rover Australia managing director Mark Cameron has told media traditional petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles will still be available over the coming years, albeit in an increasingly electrified market.

Video: Mazda CX-5 v Toyota RAV4 Hybrid v Volkswagen Tiguan - Drive Car of the Year 2021 Best Medium SUV

For this year’s Drive Car of the Year test, we gathered three of the best in the class in our estimation – and one of the newest. The reigning champion Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Mazda CX-5 took on the recently arrived and completely new Ford Escape.

Around the tracks: Till death do us part – a Morgan owner prepares to be buried in his car

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 photos, articles, videos or 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?

The Drive Five: The unique stories you might've missed – 16 June 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself!

2021 MG ZS EV long-term review: Farewell

Over so soon? We've had the 2021 MG ZS EV in the CarAdvice garage for six months now and it's time to hand the keys back. So what did we learn about Australia's most affordable electric vehicle? Well, perhaps the switch to electric isn't as tricky and eventful as we may have thought.

2021 Formula One British Grand Prix: Race preview

Formula One heads to Silverstone this weekend for the 2021 Formula One British Grand Prix. For the first time in history, the starting order for the Grand Prix will be decided by a 100km sprint race scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Last time out in Austria it was Max Verstappen who got the job done, extending his championship lead to 32 points, while in the constructor's standings it's Red Bull Racing Honda that leads – 44 points ahead of Mercedes.

Tested: ARB Zero 36-litre portable fridge freezer

Australians are holidaying at home in record numbers amid international travel restrictions due to the coronavirus crisis. Sales of four-wheel drives, double-cab utes, and caravans are off the charts. Same goes for four-wheel drive accessories and camping gear. Holiday parks and motels in far flung parts of Australia are booked out months, and sometimes seasons, in advance.

2022 BMW i4 price and specs: $99,900 before on-road costs for Tesla Model 3 rival

Australian pricing and specifications for the 2022 BMW i4 has been announced, with Germany's new Tesla Model 3 rival just sliding in under $100,000 before on-road costs. Two variants of the new i4 will be offered in BMW Australia showrooms from its local launch in early 2022: the rear-wheel-drive i4 eDrive40, priced from $99,990 before on-road costs, and the performance-focused i4 M50, priced from $124,900 before on-road costs.

Genesis confirms three electric vehicles for Australia in 2022; Melbourne showroom opens

Genesis Australia has confirmed plans to launch its first three all-electric vehicles Down Under in the first half of 2022. The confirmation came as part of an announcement detailing the opening of Genesis' second 'Studio' showroom in the Emporium Melbourne shopping centre in Melbourne's CBD, joining the Pitt Street Mall location in Sydney, and slated to be followed by a Brisbane Studio next year,

Police bust learner driver doing 223km/h after video is uploaded to social media

Here’s a community service announcement and a shocking reminder about the imbeciles sharing our roads. They could be in the car next to you. Here’s hoping it’s not this bloke. NSW Police highway patrol officers this week charged a 20-year-old male learner driver with a number of offences stemming from a video that depicted him travelling at 223km/h on a freeway south of Sydney.

2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross plug-in hybrid price and specs: Meet the car that could power your home

The 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV plug-in hybrid has been unveiled ahead of its arrival in Australian showrooms in the middle of August 2021 – and it could one day be used to power households during a blackout, once the technology is enabled in future homes.

Jeep diesel engines could be dead by 2030, petrol V8s on borrowed time

Jeep has made clear its plans to accelerate its rollout of hybrid and electric vehicles over the next decade – but the end for V8 engines and diesel fuel in Jeep vehicles might not be as far away as initially anticipated.

Jeep to be hybrid and electric vehicle "leader, not follower" in Australia, says company boss

Jeep has outlined its aims to lead the rollout of hybrid and electric vehicles in markets including Australia, despite slow-to-react governments and lagging emissions regulations that have held other car makers back.

2021 Kia Seltos GT-Line review

The Kia Seltos small SUV arrived in Australia in 2019. Since then it's managed to carve a nice slice of market share. Last year saw the nameplate purchased by just over 10 per cent of all shoppers in the small, mainstream SUV segment. And so far in 2021, it's managed to catch the attention of around eight per cent of the buyer pool. In terms of numbers that sees around 10,000 examples finding homes each year, as the overall segment size is around 100,000 per year nationally.

Video: 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI first drive review

As a car enthusiast, it's not hard to get excited about the new 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Aston Martin Valhalla: Next-generation British hybrid supercar revealed

The all-new Aston Martin Valhalla has been officially revealed, ahead of first deliveries in 2023. While a concept variant of the low-slung supercar was unveiled to much fanfare in 2019, the production-ready Valhalla has been almost completely redesigned from the ground up. The original bespoke V6 petrol engine has been swapped out for a Mercedes-AMG-built twin-turbo hybridised 4.0-litre V8 powertrain.

The Drive Five: BMW i3 to be discontinued in Australia and the other stories you might've missed – 15 July 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself!

Toyota hybrid sales pass 200,000 in Australia, delays for RAV4 still out to six months

Toyota Australia has now sold more than 200,000 hybrid cars – more than any other manufacturer locally – passing the major milestone in May 2021. In a statement issued by Toyota Australia today – 15 July 2021 – the company reported a total of 210,817 hybrids have been sold locally to the end of June 2021, led by Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Prius (full list at the bottom of this story). While it took 20 years to pass the 200,000 mark, half of the total tally was sold in the past three years.

Ford Mustang Mach 1 buyers offered $5400 cash back or full refund after brochure error

Ford Australia has offered the first 450 buyers of the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 the choice of a full refund, $5400 cash back, or free servicing for three years and an exclusive track day – following an error in the promotional material. The remaining customers who ordered one of the 700 limited edition models – after the brochure errors were corrected – will still be able to take advantage of the free servicing and track day experience, but are not eligible for the $5400 cash back offer.

2021 Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior price and specs: Drive-away prices $8500 dearer than before

Pricing and specifications for the 2021 Nissan Navara Pro-4X have been confirmed ahead of its showroom arrival on September 1, revealing drive-away costs will be up to $8500 dearer than before. Its predecessor, the Nissan Navara N-Trek Warrior, was initially priced from $62,990 drive-away for the manual and $65,490 drive-away for the auto – before the auto climbed to $65,990 drive-away and $66,290 drive-away in the second half of last year.

2022 BYD E6 electric people mover confirmed for Australia, wider range to be revealed in “next two weeks”

Nexport – the Australian distributor for Chinese manufacturer BYD – has announced the new all-electric 2022 BYD E6 people mover for the local market, priced from $39,999 before on-road costs. With deliveries of the BYD electric vehicle promised to begin before the end of August 2021, this price would make it the country’s cheapest electric car at launch, undercutting the $44,990 drive-away MG ZS EV. However, just 15 examples will initially be available.

The Drive Five: Subaru WRX STI rumours and the unique stories you might have missed – 14 July 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself!

2022 Hyundai i30 Sedan N officially revealed, Australian launch due late 2021

The 2022 Hyundai i30 Sedan N has been officially unveiled, ahead of its Australian launch in the fourth quarter of 2021 (October to December inclusive). The fettled i30 Sedan becomes the fourth performance car in an onslaught of Hyundai N models to reach local shores, following the facelifted i30 N hatch now on sale in Australia, the Kona N small SUV due around September, and the i20 N city-sized hot hatch expected in local Hyundai showrooms around October.

2021 Audi A6 45 TFSI review

Cars like the Audi A6 are saddening, because they pleasantly remind you of how brilliant an exceptional sedan can be, and that no-one is buying them. Referencing the latest official VFACTS data, you can see that Audi has sold just 159 A6s – including S, RS and Avants – over the course of 2021. It also sold 425 Audi A4s, as a point of reference.

Australia's best-selling hot hatches revealed

Despite its relatively small size, Australia is well known for being one the world's most diverse new-car markets, with close to 50 brands vying for a slice of the sales pie. We're also one of the largest markets for performance cars. Following the demise of home-grown V8-powered sedans last decade, hot hatchbacks have become one of the largest performance-car sales categories.

Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series sales up 70 per cent, despite new model around the corner

The Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series has posted a record half-year result in 2021 – despite the all-new replacement Toyota LandCruiser 300 arriving soon. Australians have continued to buy large four-wheel drive in record numbers so far in 2021, as international travel remains a pipe dream amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Along with four-wheel drive utes continuing to dominate the overall sales charts in Australia, other four-wheel drive models are also enjoying a surge in popularity.

2022 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake wagon tipped to outsell sedan in Europe

Genesis believes the 2022 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake wagon could outsell its sedan counterpart in Europe – though the brand's local arm remains tight-lipped about its sales expectations in Australia. Genesis Europe chief Dominique Boesch reportedly told Automotive News Europe in an interview that the brand predicts the new G70 Shooting Brake wagon will outsell the four-door sedan – though the GV70 SUV will be Genesis' best-seller overall on the continent.

The greatest French cars ever

July 14, 1789, and the citizenry of France storm the Bastille, lighting a fire that resulted on August 26 in the abolishment of France’s feudal system, in its place, the Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen (Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen). The Republic of France was born.

The Drive Five: Ford Everest spied and the unique stories you might have missed – 13 July 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself!

Video: 2021 Volvo XC60 T6 R-Design Review

We review the 2021 Volvo XC60 a Mid-sized Luxury SUV. Our test vehicle is a T6 R-Design which is priced at $78,990 plus on-road costs.

2022 Opel Astra revealed

The 2022 Opel Astra has been unveiled in Europe. The sixth generation of Opel's small-car nameplate in Europe, the new Astra 'L' moves to the same EMP2 platform as the Peugeot 308, Citroen C4, and other Stellantis group vehicles – unlocking plug-in hybrid power for the first time.

2021 Hyundai Ioniq Electric prices rise after the introduction of tax incentives

The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq is the second electric car to go up in price since the NSW and Victorian governments announced $3000 tax rebates on electric vehicles. The starting price of Hyundai’s most affordable electric vehicle has risen by $1000 to $49,970 plus on-road costs for the Hyundai Ioniq Electric Elite. The better-equipped Hyundai Ioniq Electric Premium has also gone up by $1000 to $54,010 plus on-road costs.

Opel and Vauxhall to go all-electric in Europe by 2028, Manta nameplate to be revived

Opel and Vauxhall will transition to all-electric line-ups for Europe by 2028, the Stellantis-owned sister companies have announced. By 2024 every model from both manufacturers will be offered with the option of a hybrid or electric powertrain. Further, Opel has also confirmed plans to revive its historic Manta sports car nameplate by the mid-2020s – potentially as a high-riding coupe SUV, previewed in render form – and re-enter the Chinese market for the first time since 2014.

New Cars: 2021 New Car Calendar, the July update

The year 2020 was one that many would like to forget, and the automotive industry is no exception. Lockdowns and economic slowdowns brought on by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic translated exactly as you'd expect for Australia's new-car sales, with a staggering 48.5 per cent sales decline in April, contributing to an overall market down 13.7 per cent by the end of the year.

The Drive Five: BMW 2 Series prices and the unique stories you might have missed – 12 July 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself!

2022 Subaru Forester price and specifications: Prices rises and added safety for updated model

The Subaru Forester has received a mid-life update, highlighted by a new nose, some extra tech and prices rises across the range. There are still seven models in the revised Subaru Forester line-up – including two hybrid variants – which now starts from $35,990 plus on-road costs, an increase of $800.

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss price and specs: Off-road pick-up priced from $106,990 – UPDATE

UPDATE 12 July 2021: The Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss is due to arrive in Australian showrooms in the coming weeks, about four months later than forecast. Our story from March 2021 reported the Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss – a cheaper, off-road focused model compared to the flagship Chevrolet Silverado LTZ – was originally due in showrooms between April and June 2021.

2022 Volvo V60 Cross Country price and specs

Australian pricing and specifications for the 2022 Volvo V60 Cross Country has been announced, ahead of first deliveries expected imminently. As reported by CarAdvice, the regular Volvo V60 wagon has seen the axe for Model Year 2022, replaced instead by a high-riding V60 Cross Country – now powered solely by a mild-hybrid petrol engine, as part of Volvo Australia's switch to an all-electrified model range.

2022 Hyundai i20 N: 10 reasons to get excited about the world’s newest hot hatch

The 2022 Hyundai i20 N should have been here by now, but it has been caught up in delays caused by the global semiconductor shortage. The latest update from Hyundai says the i20 N will be in Australian showrooms in October 2021, pending any further unforeseen delays. It’s not only Australia that has been forced to wait. The UK and Europe are due to get the Hyundai i20 N about the same time as us.

2022 Volvo XC60 price and specs

Australian pricing and specifications for the facelifted 2022 Volvo XC60 have been confirmed, with the vehicle on sale now. Four years since its initial introduction, the facelifted XC60 arrives in Australia as part of the Model Year 2022 Volvo range, which sees all models now feature mild-hybrid petrol, plug-in hybrid or, in the smaller XC40's case, electric power.

Video: Kia Carnival v Toyota Granvia - Drive Car of the Year 2021 Best People Mover

Our challengers begin with the Toyota Granvia VX, representing a step away from the brands long-standing family-favourite Tarago, into a multi-person vehicle with commercial underpinnings, but more luxurious styling. The Mercedes-Benz V-Class continues the more van-esque exterior in this class but maintains the height of technology, safety and refinement expected from the three-pointed star. And lastly, the Kia Carnival is, well, an unabashed people mover, complete with impressive styling and remains very good at its core role.

Next-gen Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk supercharged V8 axed, though hybrid inline-six possible – report

A next-generation version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk super SUV has been axed, according to new reports – at least with supercharged V8 power under the bonnet. Online publication MoparInsiders quotes insider sources suggesting a second generation of the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk SUV powered by a supercharged V8 has been axed from Jeep's plans, owing to tightening emissions regulations and parent company Stellantis' push towards hybrid and electric vehicles.

2021 Kia Sorento S V6 review

They often say that less is more. It’s certainly true when you’re considering the asking price of a new family car, like the 2021 Kia Sorento. While Australia has often been thought of as a country happy to spend up on high-spec models, it’s often further down the ladder of grades that you will find the so-called sweet spot.

2021 Tesla Model 3 prices hit new low in Australia, now from $59,900 plus on-road costs

Tesla has slashed the cost of its popular Model 3 sedan – by between $3000 and $9000 compared to the most recent round of price cuts. The Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus now starts from $59,900 plus on-road costs. It is the cheapest the Tesla Model 3 has been since arriving in Australia two years ago, in July 2019. The middle-of-the-range Tesla Model 3 Long Range now starts from $74,300 plus on-road costs.

Nissan Patrol sales to surge in second half of 2021 as production ramps up after lengthy delays

Nissan Patrol customers who placed orders months ago – and are still waiting – will likely not need to wait much longer. After months of delays, production of the Nissan Patrol is about to ramp up. Dealers have been advised by Nissan Australia they will be receiving “strong quantities” of Patrol allocations from the factory in Japan in July and August, to help fulfil remaining back orders before summer.

Why is Aussie F1 ace Daniel Ricciardo struggling at McLaren?

Australian Formula One ace Daniel Ricciardo is one of the fastest drivers in the world, but he is struggling to come to grips with his McLaren race car after switching from Renault for the 2021 season. Prior to his two-year stint with Renault F1, Ricciardo drove for Red Bull F1 where he notched up seven grand prix wins between 2014 and 2018. After a difficult run with Renault, Ricciardo is yet to find his form at McLaren.

Coronavirus: Greater Sydney Lockdown Two rules: Your car questions answered – UPDATE

UPDATE 10 July 2021: New conditions imposed indefinitely by the NSW Government for the Greater Sydney lockdown zone include not travelling beyond your Local Government Area or beyond a 10km radius from your residential address, other than in exceptional circumstances. The updated NSW Government website says: "If you must leave home, stay within your local area. Do not travel outside your local area if you can avoid it."

2022 Aston Martin Valkyrie breaks down during Goodwood debut

The 2022 Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar appeared to break down overnight at its debut public event, the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Racing up the historic hill climb on its second run in as many days, the hybrid V12 hypercar came to a grinding halt with English driver Darren Turner behind the wheel. The cause of the fault was not immediately clear, however the vehicle was capable of moving slowly under its own power when reversing off the track and into an escape road.

Around the Tracks: The world's greenest Honda Civic

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 photos, articles, videos or 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?

2022 Hyundai i30 Sedan N previewed in video teaser – UPDATE: Reveal set for Wednesday

UPDATE, 10 July 2021: Hyundai has confirmed the new 2022 Hyundai i30 Sedan N will make its full debut on July 14, at 10:30am AEST. Stay tuned to CarAdvice for all the latest. A post shared by N Performance (@nperformance.au) UPDATE, 22 June 2021: Less than two hours after undisguised spy photos hit the Internet, Hyundai has released a pair of new teaser images of the 2022 Hyundai i30 Sedan N.

2021 Hyundai i20 N price and specs: New hot hatch priced from $32,490 before on-road costs, delayed to October

The 2021 Hyundai i20 N's arrival in Australian showrooms has been pushed back to October – six months after its original planned introduction. According to information released today by Hyundai Australia, the new i20 N hot hatch will cost from $32,490 before on-road costs when it arrives in Australia in late 2021 – just $200 more than its closest rival, the Ford Fiesta ST.

2021 Hyundai Kona N price and specs

Pricing and specifications for the 2021 Hyundai Kona N have been confirmed, ahead of the small performance SUV's Australian arrival around September 2021. Two specification grades will be offered of Hyundai's first performance SUV: the entry-level Kona N (priced from $47,500 before on-road costs), and the flagship Kona N Premium (priced from $50,500 before on-road costs) – both equipped with automatic transmissions as standard.

The Drive Five: New five-seat Jeep Grand Cherokee revealed and the unique stories you might have missed – 9 July 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself!

Dodge to launch 'world's first' electric muscle car in 2024, 2.0-second 0-100km/h time expected

American V8 muscle-car specialist Dodge has confirmed plans to launch "the world's first electric muscle car" in 2024, potentially capable of a 0-100km/h sprint time of 2.0 seconds. Confirmed as part of parent company Stellantis' EV Day event overnight, the new Dodge electric muscle car promises to deliver more power and performance than any of the brand's current supercharged V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive muscle coupes and sedans.

Ram confirms electric Toyota HiLux rival with 800km range

US pick-up maker Ram will expand its portfolio to include a new dual-cab electric ute sized similarly to the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger – underpinned by a car-derived platform shared with everything from large Jeep SUVs to a high-performance Dodge muscle car.

Electric Ram 1500 pick-up confirmed for 2024 with 800km range

US pick-up specialist Ram has confirmed plans to launch an all-electric version of its Ram 1500 pick-up in 2024, promising features that "surpass competitors". Confirmed as part of parent company Stellantis' EV Day event on Thursday night, Ram announced its first battery-electric vehicle would launch in 2024 as a zero-emissions version of its staple Ram 1500 pick-up – currently offered in Australia in petrol-powered 'DS' and 'DT' generation guises.

Warning! Order a new car now, stock shortages to continue into 2022 say experts

The severe shortage of new cars is set to continue into 2022 – rather than recover in the second half of this year as originally forecast – automotive industry leaders have warned. The slowdown of car assembly lines overseas is already being felt in Australia, which also may not fully recover for at least another six months.

Tesla cuts driving range claims in Australia

Tesla cars have among the longest driving range compared to most electric cars on sale in Australia. However, a discreet switch to the Tesla website this week downgraded maximum driving range estimates to a more realistic level. Tesla has voluntarily started displaying driving range predictions based on the latest International standard known as WLTP, or World harmonised Light vehicle Testing Procedure.

BMW Concept Definition CE 04 – UPDATE: Electric scooter confirmed for Australia

UPDATE, 9 July 2021: A production version of the BMW Motorrad CE 04 electric scooter has been confirmed for the Australian market, with initial deliveries slated for the first quarter of 2022 (January to March inclusive). Pricing will start from $20,350 before on-road costs. Power comes from a single 31kW/62Nm liquid-cooled electric motor, which draws energy from a 8.9kWh lithium-ion battery permitting a range of 130km on Europe's WLTP test cycle.

2021 Volkswagen Passat 206TSI R-Line Wagon launch review

Who doesn’t love a ‘sleeper’ wagon, those seemingly staid and conservative family haulers that provide little hint of the performance lurking under the bonnet? Volkswagen’s take on the formula is the Passat 206TSI R-Line, the top-of-the-range, hottish wagon from Wolfsburg – designed to carry the family and all their gear in comfort, while also providing mum or dad behind the wheel with plenty of thrills, should they desire.

The Drive Five: Tesla tops UK sales charts and the unique stories you might have missed – 8 July 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself!

2021 Mercedes-Benz EQA250 launch review

Mercedes-Benz’s electric EQ strategy is starting to gain real traction in Australia with the arrival of its second all-electric model, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQA electric SUV. It’s a small SUV based on its petrol-powered GLA stablemate, and is designed to offer a more affordable alternative to the mid-sized EQC.

2021 Mazda MX-30 Electric launch review

It’s been a long time coming, but Mazda is off to a slow and steady start in the electric vehicle space with the new MX-30 Electric. It goes above and beyond the MX-30 Hybrid that arrived earlier in 2021 by adopting a fully electric powertrain. Both cars look identical which makes things a little confusing, but Mazda has placed great emphasis on the style and materials used in the MX-30, to set it aside from the rest of its SUV range.

US authorities increase scrutiny of autonomous car tests on public roads

US road safety authorities have issued an order requiring car makers to report all crashes involving autonomous vehicles being tested on public roads. To date, 30 of the 50 US states permit real-world testing of the future hands-free vehicle technology, which goes beyond what is available for the public to buy today. The next-generation technology – known as Level Five – relies more heavily on cameras, radar, and other sensors to read the road and traffic, with minimal input from the driver.

Carlos Ghosn escape team tells Japanese court they were tricked

The masterminds behind the escape of former Nissan-Renault boss Carlos Ghosn – hiding him in a box on a private plane to skip bail and flee house arrest in Japan – have claimed they were tricked into the scheme. The US father and son private security team of Michael and Peter Taylor have told a Japanese court that when they met with Ghosn on the day of his escape, it was meant to be a face-to-face discussion about options, not a rehearsal.

2022 Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae revealed: 574kW swan-song farewells non-hybrid V12 engine

The 2022 Lamborghini Aventador LP780-4 Ultimae has been unveiled, as the swansong model for the Italian brand's naturally-aspirated V12 supercar. After a decade in production, Lamborghini is farewelling the naturally-aspirated V12 Aventador with one final 600-unit special edition offered in coupe and Roadster guises, known as the Ultimae – which roughly translates to 'final' in Latin (rather than a mis-spelling of the English word 'ultimate').

2022 Aston Martin Valkyrie to debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed

The 2022 Aston Martin Valkyrie will be shown off publicly for the first time tomorrow at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed hillclimb event in Britain. The low-slung V12 hypercar will be driven up the 1.9km course by current Aston Martin Formula One driver Lance Stroll, who is also the son of Aston Martin executive chairman and major shareholder Lawrence Stroll.

The world's weirdest road signs

We’ve all seen them, those road signs that puzzle and bemuse. In Australia, tourists often marvel at our bouncing kangaroo signs. Or how about the Koala overhead sign, where Australia’s favourite cuddly-looking bear looks like it’s ben possessed by the forces of darkness? But, Australia is not alone in gifting the motoring world signs that are sometimes bewildering, and other times amusing. Here then, enjoy some of the strangest road signs from around the world. Deaf Cat Crossing

Video: Kia Stinger v Skoda Superb v Toyota Camry Hybrid - Drive Car of the Year 2021 Best Med/Large Car

All three finalists show that the format can still be cut differently. Everything from economy, performance, and style was addressed by the assembled top three. In the performance corner sits the newly updated Kia Stinger. Rear-wheel drive and available with a high-performance turbocharged V6 engine, it offers a more engaging take on what is often considered a mundane segment.

The Drive Five: Electric Haval SUV uncovered and the unique stories you might have missed – 7 July 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself!

2021 Toyota Prado price rises and spec changes: More safety tech for base models

Prices for the 2021 Toyota Prado have gone up by between $777 and $990 as advanced safety technology is added to the two base models, while the two top grades gain new wheel designs.

2022 Volkswagen Golf R wagon revealed, Australian launch due early 2022

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R wagon has been unveiled, ahead of its Australian launch early next year. Known as the Estate or Variant in other markets, the new Golf R wagon blends the go-fast mechanicals and sporty styling of Volkswagen's latest all-wheel-drive hot hatch with the more practical body of a wagon.

2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe revealed: New compact coupe retains rear-wheel drive, straight-six power

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe has been officially unveiled, ahead of an Australian launch expected in late 2021 or early 2022. The second generation of the fan-favourite sports coupe, the new 2 Series moves to BMW's latest CLAR modular architecture, but retains the core elements that brought its predecessor critical acclaim: a small two-door body, turbo four- and six-cylinder engines, and a rear-wheel-drive chassis.

2022 Ineos Grenadier interior revealed

The interior of the 2022 Ineos Grenadier has been revealed, with a design that is set to appeal to four-wheel drive enthusiasts. While Ineos has already unveiled the exterior appearance of the heavy-duty four-wheel-drive that was inspired by the original Land Rover Defender, it has kept the cabin under wraps until now. This is the next instalment of the Grenadier’s journey towards showroom floors, as its development testing continues around the world with Ineos Automotive engineers.

Tesla Dog Mode: Here’s a top tip for anyone new to the technology

Tesla Dog Mode is one of those ideas that makes you wonder why no-one else thought of it earlier. In 2019 Tesla came up with a mode that enabled the air-conditioning to remain switched on while the car is locked, to allow enough time for the driver to run a quick errand – so the dog doesn’t get stressed out in a hot car.

2022 Lotus Emira revealed: Brand's first and last new petrol sports car in a decade goes official

Meet the first all-new petrol-powered Lotus in a decade, and what's billed as the brand's last: the 2022 Lotus Emira. Riding on an all-new 'Elemental' sports car platform, the Emira will not only serve as the indirect successor to the outgoing Elise, Exige and Evora models, but will be the final new Lotus model launched with a combustion engine, as all new models from here on will employ electric power only.

2021 Kia Niro EV Sport review

It's about time Kia joined the electric vehicle crusade. In the past 12 months, we've seen the cost of entering the wonderful world of EVs drop significantly, with the cheapest now costing $44,990 drive-away. Alongside prices steadily decreasing, diversity is also increasing. No less than 15 new electric vehicles have arrived in Australia in the past 12 months alone, with everyone from EV newcomer Porsche to established player Nissan both bolstering their line-ups.

The Drive Five: Australian F1 GP cancelled and the unique stories you might've missed – 6 July 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are our favourite stories published on Drive today – but there are plenty more over on the website to enjoy. Head to Drive.com.au to read them for yourself!

2021 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid AWD long-term review: Introduction

There are few accolades as wholesome and as family-friendly as being Australia’s favourite. I mean, who would take issue with the Tim Tam being crowned Australia’s favourite biscuit, or Whispering Jack himself, John Farnham as Australia’s favourite singer. Our favourites are relatable segment leaders, supported and sanctioned by your mum. Wholly risk-free, devoid of controversy, and easy to digest (particularly in the case of that biscuit).

New Nissan Pathfinder confirmed for Australia, here in 2022

The next-generation Nissan Pathfinder is expected to appear in Australian showrooms some time during 2022, a spokesperson for the brand has confirmed to CarAdvice. Revealed for the US market in January this year, the new Nissan vehicle carries across the existing 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine, this time with an increased output of 212kW/351Nm and paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission (replacing the outgoing CVT). Buyers can choose between front- and all-wheel drive.

Tesla boss Elon Musk admits autonomous tech is “a hard problem” and the “difficulty is obvious”

Tesla boss Elon Musk has finally admitted what many automotive industry experts have long realised: autonomous vehicle technology is a lot more difficult than it seems, due to the countless variables a car must learn, detect, and avoid while on the move.

2022 Kia Sportage detailed, Australian launch due October/November 2021

The 2022 Kia Sportage has been revealed in full, ahead of its Australian launch this October or November. Following the release of initial exterior and interior images last month, Kia has released full details of the latest generation of its critical mid-size Sportage family SUV – and twin under the skin to the new Hyundai Tucson – which brings an overhauled design, high-tech cabin, and new safety technology.

2021 Mercedes-Benz W206 C-Class review: International first drive

Since its introduction to the Mercedes-Benz line-up in 1993, it has garnered a total of 8.6 million sales worldwide in sedan, wagon, as well as coupe and convertible body styles. That includes 2.5 million sales of the fourth-generation model, which was introduced to the Australian market back in 2014.

Bugatti-Rimac merger confirmed, legendary French brand to be electrified

Bugatti and electric vehicle specialist Rimac have confirmed plans to merge under the name Bugatti-Rimac, with the deal set to be finalised in the fourth quarter of this year (October to December inclusive). Porsche – which is a fellow Volkswagen subsidiary alongside Bugatti, and currently owns a 24 per cent stake in Rimac – administered the arrangement. Rimac will hold the controlling stake in the newly-formed company with 55 per cent ownership, while Porsche will hold a 45 per cent share.

VFACTS June 2021: Luxury-car sales hit top gear for Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren and Rolls-Royce.

Sales of super-luxury cars showed no signs of slowing in the first half of 2021, as cashed-up buyers treated themselves to a new set of wheels rather than an expensive overseas holiday. According to figures from Austrade, Australians spent more than $5 billion per month – and more than $60 billion annually – on overseas travel prior to the pandemic. However, Australians are instead spending money domestically amid international travel restrictions caused by COVID-19.

VFACTS June 2021: Ram and Chevrolet US pick-ups set sales record in Australia

Sales of US pick-ups from Ram and Chevrolet reached a new high in June 2021, with almost 900 examples reported as sold across both brands. The Ram tally of 581 sales in June 2021 was the second highest result for the brand, falling just shy of its record of 604 sales set in June 2020. However, when sales of Ram and Chevrolet are combined, both brands elevated US pick-ups in to a new high.

Video: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 review - Long-term farewell

Handing back a long term loan car isn't always easy. Case in point, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 here is being my faithful companion for the past six months. I think it's pretty fair to say that I've smoked. I've gotten pretty fond of the big guy's despite initial reservations about the sheer size of the Big Merc. I think I'm gonna actually miss it. So what does impress the most about the S class of SUV's? And if you're in the market for a whole lot of Benz?

BMW production now listed as "critical" as semiconductor shortage takes hold – report

BMW’s ability to manufacture cars – impeded by the ongoing semiconductor shortage – is now "critical" and could lead to a significant drop in production, according to a new report from international news agency Reuters. Board member Milan Nedeljkovic told the global news outlet manufacturing at some facilities had already been paused – and total output was down by an estimated 30,000 vehicles year-to-date in 2021.

Final Lamborghini Aventador special edition teased ahead of tomorrow's formal unveiling

Lamborghini has teased what is believed to be the final version of its V12 Aventador coupe, slated for a formal unveiling on July 7 (tomorrow). A silhouette of the low-slung sports car is accompanied by the caption: “It takes time to become timeless.” Few details can be ascertained from the new backlit images, however it appears the vehicle will be void of the more extreme aerodynamic aids featured on other previous high-performance models such as the Lamborghini Centenario.

What you may have missed: Reviews which recently ran on Drive

While we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great content is being rolled out on both CarAdvice and Drive. The team have been mapping the bigger stories and launch reviews on both sites, but if you're spending most of your time here, these are some you may have missed: 2021 Kia Sorento GT-Line review - 8.4The Kia Sorento is the newly crowned 2021 Drive Car of the Year. James takes a spin to see what all the fuss is about.James Ward

The Drive Five: The unique stories you might've missed – 5 July 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are the best stories published on the Drive website today: Justin Narayan Click here to read the full story.

Why all Lotus model names start with the letter E

Anyone who knows anything about the Lotus brand, will have noticed that almost all of its model names start with the letter ‘E’. The question is, why? With the launch of the latest model from the Norfolk-based car maker, the Lotus Emira, scheduled for tomorrow, we did some digging to come up with the definitive answer. Lotus founder Colin Chapman graduated from engineering college in 1948 and to sake his thirst for competition, modified a 1928 Austin Seven to compete in local ‘trials’ races.

2022 Genesis G80 Sport revealed, Australian launch due September 2021

The 2022 Genesis G80 Sport has been revealed, ahead of its Australian launch in September 2021. The latest in Genesis’ line of more aggressive Sport models, the new G80 Sport brings a selection of exterior, interior and chassis tweaks to the brand’s large sedan. Headlining the exterior changes is a new front bumper, with a sportier lower intake design, a new dark gloss chrome grille, and black headlight surrounds.

VFACTS June 2021: New-car sales results show utes fill top three spots for second time in history

For only the second time in Australian automotive history, utes filled the top three sales spots outright in a given month, with record Ford Ranger sales leading the market ahead of the Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max in June 2021. The first time utes dominated the Top Three was in June 2018, when the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger led the Mitsubishi Triton in third place.

2021 Formula One Austrian Grand Prix: Round nine wrap

Formula One was back in Austria at the Red Bull Ring for round nine of the championship and it was Max Verstappen who was victorious, winning back to back races at the Ring. Max got a strong start leading into turn one, while Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez quickly began to battle for third position. But, any battles were cut short with an early safety car called on the first lap as Esteban Ocon copped a knock from Antonio Giovinazzi.

Dear Sydneysiders, burnouts are not allowed during Lockdown 2.0

A number of drivers have added to their woes – and their number of fines – after coming to the attention of police for serious driving offences during Lockdown Two across Greater Sydney, Wollongong, the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast.

Drink driving and drug driving now a combined offence in NSW: jail time, big fines, car seizure powers

NSW Police now have the power to issue bigger fines and get drugged and drunk drivers off the roads and before the courts, thanks to a new law that combines both driving offences which previously had to dealt with separately.

Police operation targets odometer tampering, dodgy roadworthy certificates

NSW Police and the Department of Fair Trading have dealt a crucial blow to businesses in western Sydney found to have tampered with vehicle odometers and issuing roadworthy certificates to unsafe cars. Odometer tampering was believed to be a thing of the past given the complexity of altering the total distance a vehicle has travelled on modern cars.

2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe leaked ahead of Thursday's reveal

This is it: say hello to the all-new 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe ahead of its official unveiling this Thursday, 8 July 2021. An image shared by photographer @wilcoblok on Instagram shows what appears to be a screenshot from an official BMW video. Pictured in a shade of purple is believed to be the range-topping M240i variant of the new 2 Series.

Toyota HiAce plug-in hybrid coming in 2023 – report

Petrol-electric plug-in hybrid power is coming to the Toyota HiAce van, according to news reports out of Japan. The website Spyder7 claims a revised version of the latest generation of Toyota's HiAce van launched in Australia in 2019 will be unveiled in Japan in 2022, bringing with it the option of plug-in hybrid petrol power to sell alongside the diesel.

Video: Medium Van or Large Van? LDV G10 and LDV Deliver 9

It’s nearing the end of the financial year and sales of vans and work vehicles in general climbs as businesses look to upgrade their fleet with the smartest tax advantage. One of the questions we get asked a lot is whether a potential van buyer should opt for a small or large van. More specifically here, we’ve brought together two LDVs – one medium and one large – to weigh up the differences and find the strong points of each.

2021 Fiat 500X and 500C Yachting convertibles revealed

Italian marque Fiat has taken the covers off limited-edition ‘Yachting' variants of its 2021 Fiat 500X small SUV and 2021 Fiat 500C hatchback. The duo are headlined by soft-top retractable sunroofs – already fitted to the 500C, but all-new for its bigger 500X sibling – plus metallic blue exterior paint, chrome trim, and custom badging on the B-pillar and front quarters. The 500X appears to be fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, while 16-inch alloys come standard on the smaller 500C.

Mini appoints Matt Schmidt to General Manager in Australia and New Zealand

BMW subsidiary Mini has appointed Matt Schmidt to the role of General Manager of the brand's operations in Australia and New Zealand, effective immediately. Mr Schmidt – who has worked for the wider BMW Group since 2004 – previously acted as the brand's National Sales Manager for Operations & Planning. He replaces Brett Waudby, who has served in the role since April 2018. Mr Waudby will now head up BMW’s Retail Network.

1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 sets new auction record

A 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec (R34) has sold for US$315,187 (AU$415,000), some US$1600 (AU$2000) more the previous record. The new record-setter was finished in "Midnight Purple II", and auctioned via US-based vehicle auction website Bring A Trailer.

2021 Mercedes-Benz Valente review

Mercedes’s Valente has been updated for 2021, with a range of changes to specification and pricing made to the commercial-grade people mover. The Valente could be called an old vehicle; it's based upon the Vito van that dates back to 2014. While that sounds like a long time, commercial vehicles do tend to stick around on showroom floors a lot longer than passenger cars. Plus, they get updates along the way. Just like this one.

Around the Tracks: The Dumb and Dumber road trip conquered

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 photos, articles, videos or 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?

LEVC reveals London taxi-inspired hybrid campervan

The London Electric Vehicle Company – a subsidy of Chinese manufacturer Geely, and best known for its electrified taxis – has taken the covers off a new range-extender hybrid campervan. Inside the cabin, the 'e–Camper' features an integrated electric kitchen, stow-away table, and sleeping accommodation for four (as the rear seat lays flat for two, while a fold-away double bed is located in the pop-up roof).

Porsche Taycan electric vehicle to be recalled globally – report

Porsche is preparing to recall its 2021 Porsche Taycan electric sedan globally, according to a new report from Bloomberg citing insiders “familiar with the matter.” An alleged software fault could potentially cause the battery to disengage without warning, causing “loss of motive power while in motion at any speed.” The report notes there have been no known accidents or injuries caused by the fault to date.

Porsche Australia appoints Daniel Schmollinger to CEO and Managing Director roles

Porsche Australia has appointed Daniel Schmollinger to the position of CEO and Managing Director. Mr Schmollinger – who has worked for the Volkswagen sports car subsidiary since 2004, and currently serves as Porsche’s Vice President of Marketing in China – will relocate to Australia in late August, before officially taking the reins on 1 September 2021.

2021 Formula One Austrian Grand Prix: Race preview

It's the final weekend of racing as part of back-to-back rounds at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. This event also rounds out the 2021 championship's first triple-header of the season. It's the 2021 Formula One Austrian Grand Prix, and it's Max Verstappen in the Red Bull who retains the lead of the championship, now by 18 points. After his win last weekend, he overtakes Lewis Hamilton in wins at this track, no doubt boosting his confidence heading into round nine.

The Drive Five: The unique stories you might've missed – 2 July 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the unique content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are the best stories published on the Drive website today: As the industry moves towards electric cars, Audi will move towards an agency business model overseas. Ben Zachariah Click here to read the full story.

2021 MG ZS EV: Australia’s cheapest electric car price rises after the introduction of tax incentives

Australia’s cheapest electric car, the MG ZS EV, has gone up in price by $1000 – from $43,990 to $44,990 drive-away – after most state governments began offering generous tax incentives on electric vehicles of up to $3000. Authorities in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory now offer taxpayer-funded benefits such as free or reduced stamp duty on electric cars or, in some cases, cash-back offers.

Nissan to build new small electric SUV at billion-dollar UK production facility

Nissan has confirmed plans for a new £1 billion (AU$1.8 billion) electric vehicle manufacturing 'hub' in the UK, which will be home to production of a new yet-to-be-named electric SUV, expected to be sized similarly to the Juke.

2021 Haval Jolion Ultra launch review

While the Haval brand has more or less ticked away quietly in the Australian market, it’s long held aspirations to be bigger and better. Compared to the 2021 Haval Jolion, the previous Haval H2 was cheap, but that was about the only positive attribute it had. Its indirect successor aims to make up for that by being better in a number of ways: better to drive, better value, better equipment and better safety.

2022 Haval Big Dog and GWM Tank 300 on wish list for Australia – VIDEO

Meet the Haval Big Dog (above) and Great Wall Motors (GWM) Tank 300 (below). Both are box-shaped SUVs but one is a city slicker similar in size to a Toyota RAV4 or Nissan X-Trail, while the other is a heavy-duty four-wheel drive that appears to share some of its inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Suzuki Jimny, with a dose of Jeep added for good measure. These vehicles are under consideration to join the Chinese Haval and GWM brands in Australia from next year.

First Lexus electric car to headline rollout of five new models in six months

The first ever pure electric car from Toyota's luxury brand Lexus is due in showrooms later this year as part of a massive rollout of new models. Lexus says it will launch five new cars in Australia in the next six months – and discontinue three previously popular models as it embarks on a major overhaul.

Lexus says goodbye to performance cars ... for now

The shock decision by Lexus to axe the IS sedan and RC coupe in Australia later this year also draws the curtain on the company's performance division that was shaping up to be a rival to Mercedes-AMG, BMW M, and Audi RS. After 12 short years, the Lexus F range of performance cars will reach the end of the road in Australia. The RC F coupe will be the last performance-focused F model from Lexus, following the axing of the IS F sedan in 2013 and GS F sedan in 2020.

Axed: Lexus IS sedan, RC coupe and CT hatch to be dropped from local line-up

Toyota's luxury division Lexus has been forced to withdraw the IS mid-size sedan, the RC coupe and CT hybrid hatchback from the Australian market from 1 November 2021 due to toughening safety standards. Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson confirmed the demise of the three models at the Australian preview of the all-new NX mid-size SUV due in November.

Video: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 launch review

Contrary to the naysayers, the Mach 1 is not simply a Mustang GT with stripes. It also comes with unique wheels, a unique grille, and a new front bumper, with functional ducting to cool the front brakes. But the changes are more than skin deep.

Lexus Australia customers can now access free loan cars when holidaying in New Zealand

Owners of Lexus cars in Australian can now access a free loan car when holidaying in New Zealand. An expansion to the Lexus Encore Platinum ownership program introduced from this month means VIP members can access a free loan of a Lexus vehicle four times across the three-year membership period for up to eight days at a time.

2022 BMW X3 M and X4 M Competition price and specs

Australian pricing and specifications for the 2022 BMW X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition performance SUVs have been confirmed, ahead of their local arrival in the fourth quarter of 2021 (October to December). Mirroring changes to their regular counterparts, the X3 M and X4 M gain more torque for Model Year 2022, plus revised front and rear ends, new active safety technology and BMW's latest interior styling (with a centre console from the 4 Series passenger car range).

2022 Maserati Ghibli, Quattroporte, and Levante line-ups standardised, here late 2021

Italian Stellantis subsidiary Maserati will introduce standardised variants for Model Year 2022 across its Ghibli large sedan, Quattroporte flagship sedan, and Levante SUV ranges. Due to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2021 (October to December inclusive), three variants will be offered across the Maserati passenger car and SUV range: GT, Modena, and Trofeo.

Mazda Australia says it will take all the electric vehicles it can get

Once considered a laggard in the electric vehicle space, Mazda is set to introduce 13 electrified models by 2025 – and Mazda Australia wants as many of them as it can get. The parent company has previously indicated 13 electrified models are in the pipeline – three full electric vehicles (EVs), five plug-in hybrid EVs and five 'conventional' hybrids. The cohort of new-era vehicles is set to be followed by a dedicated electric-only platform that will lead the brand on to 2030.

The Drive Five: The stories you might've missed – 1 July 2021

As we continue toward a single publishing platform, some great news stories are being published on both CarAdvice and Drive. If you're a keen reader of CarAdvice, you might be missing out on some of the content we're publishing over on Drive. Here are the best stories published on the Drive website today: The North American nation has banned the sale of new fossil fuel-powered cars from 2035 onwards, joining the UK, Norway, and Sweden. William Davis Click here to read the full story.

2022 BMW M3 and M4 price and specs: All-paw Competition xDrive sedan, coupe and convertible added

Pricing and specifications for all-wheel-drive versions of the 2022 BMW M3 and M4 have been confirmed, ahead of their local arrival in the fourth quarter of 2021 (October to December inclusive).