# Torquecafe > Australian-led automotive news, car reviews, 4x4s, EVs, supercars, and performance. Independent industry coverage with a global perspective. Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### Account URL: https://torquecafe.com/account/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T15:09:07.000Z _No content available._ ### Subscribe URL: https://torquecafe.com/subscribe/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T19:21:02.000Z _No content available._ ### Sign in URL: https://torquecafe.com/signin/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T15:10:00.000Z _No content available._ ### Authors & Team URL: https://torquecafe.com/authors-team/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T19:17:32.000Z _No content available._ ### About Torquecafe URL: https://torquecafe.com/about/ Last updated: 2026-10-12T14:07:00.000Z Torquecafe is an Australian-based automotive publication with a global audience, covering performance cars, 4x4s, aftermarket upgrades, motorsport, adventure vehicles, industry news and everything in between. Our mission is simple: create content for people who genuinely love cars. From the latest vehicle launches and industry developments to modification guides, aftermarket products and enthusiast culture, Torquecafe delivers independent news, reviews, opinions and features every day. ### Who we are Torquecafe has been publishing since 2019\. We're part of the [New Speed Pty Ltd](https://newspeed.com.au/?ref=torquecafe.com) media network, alongside [Speedcafe](https://speedcafe.com/?ref=torquecafe.com) — a leading motorsport news publication. Our news, reviews and features are produced by a team of automotive journalists; you can meet them on our Team page. ### Editorial standards Torquecafe is editorially independent. Our news and reviews reflect the judgement of our writers, not our commercial partners. We aim for accuracy in everything we publish and correct errors promptly — if you spot something wrong, get in touch. Where a vehicle is supplied by a manufacturer for review, or where an article contains affiliate or sponsored content, we disclose it. ### Contact Editorial enquiries: [media@torquecafe.com](mailto:media@torquecafe.com) Headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, with a global audience and reach Follow us: [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/torquecafecom) · [X](https://x.com/torquecafecom?ref=torquecafe.com) · [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/torquecafe/?ref=torquecafe.com) ### Terms & Conditions URL: https://torquecafe.com/terms/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T18:32:54.000Z *Last updated: 29 June 2026* These terms and conditions ("Terms") govern your use of torquecafe.com (the "Site"). By accessing or using the Site, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site. ### 1\. About us The Site is operated by New Speed Pty Ltd (ABN 14 657 153 234), an Australian company, publisher of Torquecafe. References to "we", "us" or "our" mean New Speed Pty Ltd. 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Contact For questions about these Terms, contact us at media@torquecafe.com. ### Privacy Policy URL: https://torquecafe.com/privacy/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T18:34:17.000Z *Last updated: 29 June 2026* This Privacy Policy explains how New Speed Pty Ltd (ABN 14 657 153 234), publisher of Torquecafe ("we", "us", "our"), collects, uses and protects personal information when you use torquecafe.com (the "Site"). We handle personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles. ### 1\. 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Contact us For any questions about this Privacy Policy, or to make a privacy request, contact us at media@torquecafe.com. ### Contact URL: https://torquecafe.com/contact/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T18:55:45.000Z Got a tip, a question, or feedback? Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you. We read everything. ### Prefer email? You can also reach us directly at media@torquecafe.com. ### What to get in touch about - **News tips & story ideas** — seen something we should cover? - **Advertising & partnerships** — media kits, sponsored content and brand collaborations. - **Corrections** — spotted an error in a story? Let us know. - **Privacy requests** — to access, correct or delete your information. ### Advertising & partnerships Torquecafe reaches a global audience of engaged automotive enthusiasts. We work with brands on display advertising, sponsored content, partnerships and product features. For media kits, rates and partnership enquiries, get in touch at info@torquecafe.com and our team will be happy to discuss how we can work together. All commercial content is clearly disclosed in line with our editorial standards. ### Publisher details Torquecafe is published by New Speed Pty Ltd (ABN 14 657 153 234), an Australian company based in Brisbane, Queensland. Follow us: [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/torquecafecom) · [X](https://x.com/torquecafecom?ref=torquecafe.com) · [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/torquecafe/?ref=torquecafe.com) ### Finance URL: https://torquecafe.com/finance/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T05:02:36.000Z # The right car deserves the right finance. Don't sign whatever rate the dealership slides across the table. We've partnered with **Entrust Finance**, Brisbane-based brokers who are car people first, to help readers get competitive finance on new cars, used cars, utes and weekend toys. [Start Your Application](#tqf-apply) **Finance is provided by Entrust Finance.** Torquecafe is not the credit provider and does not provide credit or financial advice. All applications are subject to Entrust Finance's lending criteria, terms and fees. Rates are tailored to the applicant and vehicle. --- ## The finance desk works for the dealership. A broker works for you. Dealer finance is a profit centre - the rate on the printout has margin built in, and the person across the desk is paid on it. A broker flips that: **Your rate, negotiated**Entrust compares options across a panel of lenders and pushes for the sharpest rate your circumstances and the car will support, then you're free to compare it against the dealer's offer. **Any car, any seller**New or used, dealer or private sale. Performance and modified cars are assessed by people who understand them, not a checkbox. **No pressure, one contact**Take the numbers home - no "deal expires at 5pm." One broker on a direct line from application to settlement. --- ## How it works **Tell us about you and the car** The form below takes about two minutes. No credit check at this stage. **Your details go straight to Entrust** No call centre, no lead-farm reselling your number. One introduction, done. **Entrust chases your rate** They compare their lender panel, talk you through the options and negotiate on your behalf. Initial response usually within one business day. **Drive it home** Approved and financed - dealer or private sale, brand new or well loved. [Apply Now](#tqf-apply) --- ## Common questions Is this better than the finance the dealer offers? Often, yes. Dealer finance rates typically carry built-in margin. Entrust compares options across a panel of lenders and negotiates on your behalf, and you're free to compare their offer against the dealer's before committing to anything. Can I finance a used car or a private sale? Yes. Finance may be available for both dealer and private vehicle purchases, subject to lender approval. What about performance or modified cars? Every application is assessed individually, on the vehicle and your circumstances rather than a checkbox. How much deposit do I need? It varies with the vehicle and your circumstances. In some cases no deposit may be required; in others, contributing one can sharpen the rate or repayment. How long does approval take? Many applications receive an initial response within one business day, with approvals often completed shortly after all required information is provided. What credit score do I need? Every application is assessed on its own merits. Even if you're unsure of your score or have had credit issues, it's still worth enquiring. Does applying affect my credit score? No. Submitting this enquiry is obligation-free and involves no credit check. Entrust will discuss your options with you before any formal application or credit assessment. ## Finance application About two minutes. No credit check at this stage - just what Entrust needs to start chasing a rate. Company 01**Personal details** Full name *\** Email address *\** Mobile number *\** State *\** Select stateQLDNSWVICWASATASACTNT 02**Employment** Employment status *\** Select statusFull-timePart-timeCasualSelf-employedContractor Occupation *\** Employer *(optional)* Length of employment *\** Select lengthUnder 6 months6 to 12 months1 to 3 years3 to 5 years5+ years Annual income *\** Select rangeUnder $50,000$50,000 to $75,000$75,000 to $100,000$100,000 to $150,000$150,000+ 03**The vehicle** Vehicle make & model *\** Purchase price *(or estimate)* *\** New or used? *\** Select oneNewUsedNot sure yet Dealer or private sale? *\** Select oneDealerPrivate saleNot sure yet Already found the vehicle? *\** Select oneYesNo, still looking 04**Finance** Deposit amount *\** Estimated loan amount *\** Preferred loan term *\** Select term3 years5 years7 yearsNot sure yet Balloon payment? *\** Select oneYesNoTell me more Existing car loan? *\** Select oneYesNo 05**Anything else** Anything you'd like us to know? *(optional)* I consent to Torquecafe sharing these details with Entrust Finance to arrange vehicle finance, and I have read the [Privacy Policy](https://torquecafe.com/privacy/). *\** Submit Application Thanks - your application is in. Entrust Finance will be in touch, usually within one business day. Something went wrong sending your application. Please try again, or email us. **Finance is provided by Entrust Finance.** Torquecafe is not the credit provider and does not provide credit or financial advice. Submitting this form is not a loan application with a lender and does not involve a credit check. All finance is subject to Entrust Finance's lending criteria, terms and fees. Torquecafe works directly with **Entrust Finance**, who arrange and provide all vehicle finance referred through this page. Torquecafe is not the credit provider, does not handle or hold any funds, and does not provide credit or financial advice. Torquecafe may receive a commission or referral fee from Entrust Finance in connection with finance introduced through us; this does not affect the rate or terms you are offered. Any personal information you share is handled in line with our [Privacy Policy](https://torquecafe.com/privacy/). ## Posts ### Car brands join AFL, NRL off-season moves URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-afl-fremantle-dockers-hyundai-nrl-parramatta-eels-gwm/ Last updated: 2026-10-20T06:03:16.000Z The off-season for the AFL and NRL competitions has brought about some changes for 2027, with two top clubs announcing two car brands as new partners for next year. Fresh off the back of its second AFL Grand Final appearance, the Fremantle Dockers have announced a three-year partnership with Hyundai, linking back to the Korean brand’s spiritual birthplace in Australia. In 1986, it was in Perth that Hyundai opened its first Australian dealership, since going on to deliver more than 2.2 million vehicles locally, and now being a consistent top-five player in the local market. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/hyundai-fremantle-dockers-afl-aflw-3.jpg) Hyundai will sponsor the Fremantle Dockers in the AFL and AFLW until at least 2029 Hyundai will partner with not only the AFL men’s side but also the AFLW women’s team, where its branding will feature on the upper back of both the AFL and AFLW guernseys, as well as on training gear. It also gives Hyundai unprecedented coverage in the market, with the carmaker currently also sponsoring the Carlton Football Club and the Brisbane Lions, who last month beat the Dockers to win their third consecutive AFL Grand Final. Like many other brands and clubs, the sponsorship will be beneficial for fans, with all 2027 full-season Fremantle members to be eligible for up to $1000 cashback when buying a new Hyundai through an authorised dealer from November 1, 2026. Other prominent automotive sponsors in the AFL include Ford (Geelong Cats since 1925, the world’s longest-running professional sporting sponsorship), Toyota (Adelaide Crows), Nissan (Hawthorn Hawks), Mazda (North Melbourne Kangaroos), Volkswagen (Sydney Swans), Chery (St Kilda Saints), and [GWM (Richmond Tigers)](https://torquecafe.com/football-meat-pies-kangaroos-and-chinese-cars/). ![Parramatta Eels players with a GWM car](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/nrl-parramatta-eels-gwm-1-1.jpg) GWM has entered a "multi-year" partnership with the Parramatta Eels Over in the NRL, GWM is set to take up space on the sleeves of the Parramatta Eels NRL and NRLW jerseys in 2027, launching amid GWM’s own bid to vault into the top five. Already a partner of the New Zealand Warriors, GWM’s new partnership with the Eels is being billed as a “multi-year” deal, with both parties hoping the NRL side can push for its fifth premiership in coming seasons. Outside of the Eels/GWM partnership, the NRL also features automotive sponsorship deals with BYD (Sydney Roosters), Toyota (North Queensland Cowboys), MG (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Kia (Brisbane Broncos), and Suzuki (Melbourne Storm). [The world’s fastest car is coming to AustraliaOnly 30 examples of the 496km/h Yangwang U9 Xtreme are being sold worldwide, with one heading to the garage of Sydney Roosters owner, Nick Politis.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-9f308a02-d12a-4822-819e-5aa87b88b2d7.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/yangwang-u9-track-edition-ev-top-speed-record-2-9922671c-0402-4ee3-8e9d-a05992fe8e18.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/byd-news-yangwang-u9-xtreme-australia/) ### Someone put a BMW M3 V8 into a 1 Series convertible with a 1M body URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-bmw-1m-v8-convertible-for-sale/ Last updated: 2026-10-20T05:00:38.000Z The first-generation BMW 1 Series coupe and convertible have become modern classics of sorts, loved by some for being a mini 3 Series, while being modifiable enough on its own. BMW’s most extreme factory version was the 1M – or technically the 1 Series M Coupé – which featured a higher output version of the 135i and 335i’s turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine, but for some this isn’t enough. Due to the rarity of the 1M, many chasing more power have based their modified 1 Series on lesser variants, though not many have gone down the extreme path of making a 1M replica out of a convertible – and chucking a V8 under the bonnet. ![BMW 1 Series convertible with M3 V8 and 1M body](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/bmw-1m-convertible-v8-1-1.webp) The V8-powered BMW 1 Series convertible Image Credit: Pistonheads That’s exactly what one owner in the UK has done though, with the finished product currently for sale via [*Pistonheads*](https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/21205163?ref=torquecafe.com), showcasing the mad modifications to turn a basic 1 Series convertible into a V8-powered 1M tribute. What started life as a 120i convertible, one of the more basic petrol-powered variants on offer, BMW specialists M Kraft swapped the 4.0-litre V8 engine from the E90-generation M3 into it, as well as its six-speed manual transmission. While no specific figures were provided, the 120i’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine made up to 125kW and 210Nm in standard form, while the M3’s V8 produced 309kW and 400Nm. ![BMW 1 Series convertible with M3 V8 and 1M body](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/bmw-1m-convertible-v8-3-1.webp) The V8-powered BMW 1 Series convertible Image Credit: Pistonheads To keep up with the extra power, there’s brakes from the BMW M4, sitting behind the wheels from a 1M, while body panels from the flagship 1 Series M Coupe are also fitted. Inside, the owner opted from newer M4 Competition seats as well as a reworked interior by specialists Transcal. According to the listing, £106,000 (A$202,400) was spent in 2024 and 2025 to create the V8-powered 1M convertible tribute, making its listed price of £56,500 (A$107,900) seem affordable by comparison. ![BMW 1 Series convertible with M3 V8 and 1M body](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/bmw-1m-convertible-v8-2-1.webp) The V8-powered BMW 1 Series convertible Image Credit: Pistonheads ### Subaru’s boxer dies its first death, next EV previewed URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-subaru-boxer-engine-dead-in-europe-new-ev-coming/ Last updated: 2026-10-20T03:45:56.000Z Subaru is on a pathway towards electrification, but it seems that can’t happen soon enough, with reports from Europe claiming its boxer engines will meet their demise by the end of 2027. As reported by Germany’s [*Auto motor und sport*](https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/verkehr/keine-verbrenner-mehr-jetzt-offiziell-bei-subaru-endet-die-boxer-aera/?ref=torquecafe.com), Subaru is axing its Outback SUV/wagon, which will be the first to depart Europe by the end of this year, having already been discontinued. Following it in 2027 will be Subaru’s trio of ‘e-Boxer’ models in the Impreza, Crosstrek, and Forester, with the mild-hybrid systems in the three vehicles not enough to curtail the impact of Europe’s emissions regulations. From 2028, this means Subaru will only offer the Solterra, E-Outback (sold in Australia as the Trailseeker), and the Uncharted to European customers, after the BRZ sports coupe was axed in the region back in 2024 due to safety legislation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/subaru_crosstrek_e-boxer_877.jpeg) Subaru Crosstrek e-Boxer hybrid Ironically, the news of the boxer engine’s demise in Europe comes as [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/subaru/an-subaru-next-generation-ev-electric-vehicle-1019/?utm%5Fsource=Sailthru&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=Newsletter-ANDaily-20261019) reports Subaru has demonstrated its first standalone EV in Japan. According to the report, the new EV’s platform was showcased underneath an Outback body, which has been stretched to fit the longer wheelbase of the electric architecture, vision of which is available in the video by [LOVECARS!TV!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLaOGd154o8&ref=torquecafe.com) below. It will be Subaru’s first dedicated EV, with its current trio all based on Toyota-led platforms. “By developing vehicles in-house and having EV technologies on our own, we can quickly deliver to our customers the peace of mind and driving pleasure that define Subaru, even in this era of change,” Subaru’s executive officer in charge of engineering, Takatomo Watamori, told *Automotive News*. “What matters is whether the technology itself can adapt flexibly, and whether our engineers themselves can change and evolve.” The new EV test mule reportedly features two e-axles from Aisin, producing 380kW combined, enough to make it more powerful than any production Subaru in history, and enabling a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.0 seconds. While the focus is on the new EV, Subaru is still reportedly investing in the development of more efficient combustion engines. According to the report, Subaru’s next generation petrol engines will have a thermal efficiency of 50 per cent, having previously targeted 45 per cent by 2030. ### Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV undercuts BMW i3 on price, not power URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-mercedes-c-class-ev-australian-pricing/ Last updated: 2026-10-19T23:39:50.000Z Mercedes-Benz has announced Australian pricing for its new controversially styled C-Class electric sedan, and it’s clear to see who the brand has taken aim at. [Revealed in April](https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-benz-news-c-class-ev-electric-sedan-revealed/), the C-Class EV offers a radically different front-end design to that of its petrol-powered sibling, with its striking grille incorporating Mercedes’ historic ‘three-slat’ appearance, as well as featuring 1050 illuminated dots. Coming to Australia in C400 4Matic Electric guise, the C-Class EV will be priced from $105,700 before on-road costs, or about $6000 more than the petrol C300 sedan. Arguably the biggest rival to the Mercedes-Benz C400 4Matic is the [new BMW i3](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-bmw-3-series-i3-price-specs-australia/), the electric sibling to the 3 Series, long the C-Class’s greatest competitor. ![Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/mercedes-benz-c-class-electric-ev-5.jpg) 2027 Mercedes-Benz C400 4Matic EV While there is just one C-Class EV on offer in Australia, BMW has two i3s coming, starting with the i3 40 xDrive which opens from $96,900 plus on-roads, and reaching $112,900 for the flagship i3 50 xDrive. Unlike the petrol-powered C-Class with its more traditional ‘three-box’ design approach, the EV has been smoothed off at the rear with a sloping coupe-like back window and boot, similar to the outgoing BMW i4, and different to the i3. Measuring 4883mm long, 1892mm wide and 1503mm tall, it’s 128mm longer, 72mm wider and 53mm higher than the petrol C-Class sold in Australia, while its 2962mm wheelbase also represents an extension of 97mm. This has aided the electric C-Class gaining more interior and luggage storage capacity, with its boot space increasing from 455 litres to 470 litres, while there’s an additional 101 litres of space under the bonnet. ![Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/mercedes-benz-c-class-electric-ev-6.jpg) 2027 Mercedes-Benz C400 4Matic EV The C-Class EV sedan produces up to 360kW and 800Nm from its dual-motor powertrain, representing big increases over the BMW i3 50 xDrive’s 345kW and 645Nm outputs. Mercedes quotes a 0-100km/h time of 4.0 seconds, faster again than the i3 50 xDrive’s 4.7-second claim. Fed by a 94kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, the C400 4Matic has a driving range of 753km on the WLTP lab test cycle. ![Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/mercedes-benz-c-class-electric-ev-7.jpg) 2027 Mercedes-Benz C400 4Matic EV This drops it between the BMW i3 40 xDrive (566km to 710km from its 82.8kWh battery) and the i3 50 xDrive (912km from its 108.7kWh battery). The C-Class EV can be charged at up to 330kW, providing an additional 325km of range in just 10 minutes. All Australian examples are fitted with the AMG Line and the Night Package, providing sharper exterior styling with dark exterior accents. 20-inch AMG wheels are also standard. ![Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/mercedes-benz-c-class-electric-ev-3.jpg) The AMG Line treatment continues inside where there's a multifunction sports steering wheel wrapped in Artico man-made leather, AMG floor mats and a black fabric roof lining Mercedes’ huge MBUX Hyperscreen is also available for those who opt for the $8200 Luxury Package, incorporating a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen and 14-inch front-passenger display in one screen. This also adds ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and an illuminated star pattern for the sunroof. Australian deliveries are due to begin in early 2027. ### More Ford Rangers to get Raptor V6 engine - report URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-ford-ranger-raptor-engine-3-v6/ Last updated: 2026-10-19T22:55:45.000Z Ford is reportedly set to start shaking up its Ranger lineup in the US, following in the path of its Bronco twin-under-the-skin. Earlier this month, Ford announced it was dropping the twin-turbo 2.7-litre petrol V6 engine from the Bronco family, with the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 from the Bronco Raptor to instead be offered across more variants – albeit in a detuned state. Producing 283kW and 597Nm, the detuned 3.0-litre V6 is down on the 312kW output of the Bronco Raptor, but is up healthily on the 246kW and 563Nm figures of the 2.7-litre V6. ![Ford Ranger towing a trailer](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2025_Ford_Ranger_Lariat_FX4_1_91-1.jpg) US market Ford Ranger Now, [*Autoevolution*](https://www.autoevolution.com/news/ford-order-guide-confirms-2027-ranger-drops-27l-ecoboost-v6-detuned-30l-ecoboost-v6-replaces-it-277235.html?ref=torquecafe.com) has reportedly seen a US Ford order guide which says the Ranger will follow suit, with the watered-down 3.0-litre V6 to be offered in the XLT and Lariat. It’s likely the Ranger’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre won’t be as potent as that in the Bronco, as the SUV’s Raptor engine produces more than the ute’s (302kW/583Nm), while the 2.7-litre V6 in the Ranger is also down 11kW and 21Nm on the Bronco. The change is unlikely to impact Australian versions of the Ranger, which are built in Thailand – rather than in Michigan like North American examples – and only offer petrol power in the Raptor and plug-in hybrid grades. ![Twin-turbo V6 engine of the Ford Ranger Raptor](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-ford-ranger-raptor-richard-7.jpg) The Ford Ranger Raptor's 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine Australia’s current Ranger engine lineup consists of the entry-level 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (125kW/405Nm), a more potent 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 (183kW/600Nm), the [plug-in hybrid](https://torquecafe.com/ford-ranger-hybrid-update-to-undercut-byd-shark-6-cannon-alpha-phev/) with its 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor (207kW/697Nm), and the twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol V6 in the Raptor (292kW/583Nm). Ford recently culled the bi-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine from the Ranger lineup due to it being dropped globally. Though Ford only offers petrol power in the Australian Ranger across the PHEV and Raptor, its [Volkswagen Amarok twin](https://torquecafe.com/2025-volkswagen-amarok-price-and-specs-cab-chassis/) – which is built in South Africa in the same facility as the Ranger Hybrid – is available with a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, making 222kW/452Nm. [2026 Ford Ranger Raptor review: I’ve never driven a car more fun than thisAs a fan of lightweight, analogue sports cars, it makes no sense that the 2.5 tonne Ford Ranger Raptor makes me smile as wide as it does.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-d15b2ed6-4343-4a6e-aa3a-43b16aedc4bb.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2026-ford-ranger-raptor-richard-4-ccc46e61-fcc7-4a25-8932-4d0833d94332.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/2026-ford-ranger-raptor-off-road-review/) ### Tesla Roadster reveal doesn't thrust share prices URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-tesla-roadster-2028-production-share-price/ Last updated: 2026-10-19T06:19:40.000Z There was little else being talked about on the internet after the Tesla Roadster was revealed late last week, but that hasn’t translated into investor confidence in the brand. [On Friday Australian time](https://torquecafe.com/tesla-flying-car-roadster-details-video-rockets-jump-kickflip-spacex/), Tesla unveiled the concept for the second-generation Roadster, though the matter in which it did it gained attention. Performing stunts such as driving up a vertical wall thanks to its road-sucking fan, and then coming back down to earth under the control of its thrusters, the Roadster did what very few vehicles have done before. The immediate response was positive, with Tesla’s share price on the NASDAQ climbing by 1.7 per cent from US$362.27 an hour prior to its unveiling, to US$368.49 the morning after the covers came off. However, after reaching that peak, the EV giant’s share prices dropped by 4.3 per cent to US$352.46 at the close of the NASDAQ on October 16. Tesla CEO Elon Musk first teased the second-generation Roadster in concept form back in 2017, slating it to enter production in 2020, though – like many other Tesla vehicles – it has been hampered by delays. ![Tesla Roadster Thrust using its SpaceX technology](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2028-tesla-roadster-42-1.jpg) Tesla Roadster Thrust While the first concepts of the new Roadster showed a design language akin to what we now see on the Model 3 sedan, the latest “flying” – or “falling” – concept is different again, featuring a completely redesigned body. Taking greater inspiration from the Cybertruck, its angular lines are a reminder of Tesla’s latest brutalist design language, though it contrasts against the smoother edges of the Model Y SUV. Potential factors dissuading investors from Tesla are the timeline proposals for the Roadster, which have the two-door model entering production in 2028. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2028-tesla-roadster-1.jpg) Tesla Roadster coming back to land Given Musk’s previous claims as to when production vehicles will roll down the line, the announcement was met with some skepticism, as were a number of other key figures. Tesla claims the Roadster can accelerate from 0-60mph (97km/h) in less than a second, while being able to reach a top speed of more than 600km/h. Its thrusters, taken from Musk’s SpaceX venture, are also unlikely ever to be approved for road use, though the downforce-generating fan concept has been seen before, such as on the GMA T.50. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2028-tesla-roadster-14.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2028-tesla-roadster-17.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2028-tesla-roadster-21.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2028-tesla-roadster-24.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2028-tesla-roadster-34.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2028-tesla-roadster-36.jpg) Tesla Roadster Prior to the then-2020 model’s planned introduction, a launch price of US$200,000 (A$286,750) was reported. With two variants available, the new Roadster will be priced from US$50,000 for the Performance (A$71,700), US$250,000 for the Thrust (A$358,400), which comes with the aforementioned SpaceX Cold-Gas Thrusters. It’s a long way from the original Roadster, which launched in 2008, based on the chassis of a Lotus Elise. [What you can buy for the price of a Tesla Roadster depositAhead of the Tesla Roadster being unveiled on October 1, the US EV giant has re-opened its deposit system. Here’s what you could buy instead.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-5a68d044-fef9-48f4-bdac-81331193ad73.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/roadster-reserve-d-68727399-5b21-467f-b0d8-e8f21b1de838.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-tesla-roadster-deposit-australia/) ### Mercedes-AMG ‘underestimated’ fan’s love of V8s URL: https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-amg-underestimated-fans-love-of-v8s/ Last updated: 2026-10-19T04:03:48.000Z It’s been three years since Mercedes-AMG made the bold decision to fit its long-popular C63 super sedan with a four-cylinder engine and plug-in hybrid system, but the brand’s fans aren’t letting it forget its mistake. AMG’s decision to downsize some of its cars (including the larger E63) from V8 engines to six- or even four-cylinder hybrid systems has been widely criticised, and now the German performance marque is doing what it can to backtrack. It has already said that there will be a growing number of V8-powered models in the near future, and now Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius has admitted to US publication [*Road and Track*](https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a74167881/mercedes-benz-execs-hint-at-plans-for-the-next-gen-g-class-more-v-8-amg-models/?ref=torquecafe.com) that the brand lost customers in the move from V8s. “What we perhaps underestimated at the time was the good old V8 crowd is a pretty good crowd,” Källenius said. [Mercedes-AMG’s new V8 supercar caught on cameraThe new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is currently undergoing testing, promising to be one of the brand’s most extreme cars yet.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-d792f413-5470-436d-b39c-3f886e12c093.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/mercedes-amg-gt-black-series-teaser-1-312f2185-1c12-43ca-8a2b-9b22c0a53fd6.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-amgs-new-v8-supercar-caught-on-camera/) “So you did not get the whole tribe with you.” [Earlier this year](https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-amg-c63-dead-without-v8-resurrection-report/), reports emerged that the newer four-cylinder hybrid C63 was being dropped entirely, with the next version of the sedan to be a six-cylinder hybrid, but instead badged as the C53. Though emissions from the four-cylinder were cited at the time, it’s understood a drop in sales coincided with its move from V8 power. In the latest *Road and Track* report, AMG CEO Stefan Weckbach added that the brand is responding to its customers’ concerns. [Mercedes-AMG’s latest V8 coupe is a German Mustang GTDThe limited edition Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung marks the return of high-power, twin-turbo V8s in the AMG lineup.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-e7fc0ab0-0242-4bb3-985e-1c4bd867e936.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/mercedes-amg-cle-646-Spezialanfertigung-7-d99ff42f-cab6-4001-b0db-3f144503a3b3.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-mercedes-amg-cle-646-v8-revealed/) “We learn from the reaction of our customers. So we go back to what our customers love: the V8 AMGs.” The return of V8s to the wider Mercedes-Benz lineup will happen in stages, with Källenius telling [*MotorTrend*](https://www.motortrend.com/news/future-mercedes-benz-evs-amg-gas-engines?ref=torquecafe.com) in May that the new ‘M177 Evo’ V8 (fitted with a flat-plane crankshaft) will be the offered in three distinct guises: “the Mercedes-Benz \[version\], the AMG \[version\], and the ‘go crazy’ AMG \[version\].” We’ve already seen what the Benz version is in the new S-Class, while the first AMG version is under the bonnet of the [CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-mercedes-amg-cle-646-v8-revealed/), revealed last month. A slightly toned-down V8 is expected to be under the bonnet of the upcoming CLE63, while the ‘go crazy’ version will undoubtedly power the [upcoming GT Black Series](https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-amgs-new-v8-supercar-caught-on-camera/). ### Hyundai i30 Sedan N Monochrome edition goes dark URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-hyundai-i30-sedan-n-monochrome-australia/ Last updated: 2026-10-19T01:48:49.000Z Hyundai is wanting to keep fans of fast front-drive cars in its showrooms, launching the i30 Sedan N Monochrome, with the darkened performance car coming to Australia. Limited to just 200 examples locally, the i30 Sedan N Monochrome will go on sale in Australia – as well as South Korea and Canada – with a more conservative, subtle design compared to the existing petrol performance flagship. While the standard i30 Sedan N features striking red trim around its lower edges, the Monochrome edition paints these surfaces in the body colour, while the front bumper inlays are now black rather than the body colour. ![Hyundai i30 Sedan Monochrome in Performance Blue](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-hyundai-i30-sedan-n-monochrome-6--1-.jpg) Hyundai i30 Sedan Monochrome A new-look carbon-fibre rear wing and mirrors also compliment the changes, as do unique forged wheels. The Monochrome edition can only be ordered in Abyss Black Pearl and Performance Blue. Inside, the i30 Sedan N Monochrome is the only variant of the model which gets an Alcantara steering wheel and gear selector/shifter boot, while the wheel buttons are now black, too. Hyundai Australia says the 200 cars coming to local showrooms from November 2026 will be a mix of six-speed manual and eight-speed dual-clutch automatics, as the i30 Sedan N is one of the few offerings in its segment to make both transmissions available. ![Hyundai i30 Sedan Monochrome in Abyss Black](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-hyundai-i30-sedan-n-monochrome-2--1-.jpg) Hyundai i30 Sedan Monochrome The i30 Sedan N Monochrome’s mechanicals are unchanged, which means a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine developing up to 206kW and 392Nm drives the front wheels. [As previously reported](https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-elantra-n-i30-sedan-n-widebody/), a new-generation i30 Sedan N is on the horizon, with Sang Yup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai’s global design department – saying in June the next model isn’t too far away. “Even at this very moment, we’re preparing the sportiest Elantra (i30 Sedan) yet,” Sang said, according to [*CarSceneKorea*](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DaDbmzigkjq/?ref=torquecafe.com). “Making the wide fenders even wider. Making the sporty feel even sportier. I’ve been counting down the days just as eagerly as all of you.” ![Hyundai i30 Sedan Monochrome](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-hyundai-i30-sedan-n-monochrome-3--1-.jpg) Hyundai i30 Sedan Monochrome interior A wider body to fit bigger tyres may be necessary for the next i30 Sedan N, which is expected to be the first Hyundai N car to receive its new-generation turbocharged four-cylinder engine. [Teased within the past week](https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-n-teases-its-new-turbocharged-engine/), the new engine debuted in a pair of TCR-based Elantra racers at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race in May, with the endurance event being used as a testbed for the new powertrain. The[ *Korean Car Blog*](https://thekoreancarblog.com/hear-it-roar-hyundai-n-teases-next-gen-25-turbo-engine-at-the-nurburgring/?ref=torquecafe.com) reports the new engine will be a 2.5-litre unit, backing claims previously made by Hyundai that it would feature “improved power and response characteristics with enhanced race capability while meeting current emissions standards”. Hyundai has previously vowed it’ll sell more than seven N models by 2030, one of which is expected to be the updated i30 Sedan N. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-hyundai-i30-sedan-n-monochrome-5--1-.jpg) Hyundai i30 Sedan Monochrome manual ### Chinese giant adds seventh brand to Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-australia-exlantix-chery-exeed-2027/ Last updated: 2026-10-19T00:21:27.000Z The onslaught of car brands arriving in Australia under the control of Chery has somehow found another gear to continue accelerating, as the Chinese automotive giant announces plans to add a seventh marque to local showrooms. In 2027, Exlantix – known as Exceed in China – will come to Australia, joining the four existing Chery brands already operating here: [Chery](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-chery-stockman-bunnings-gift-card/), [Omoda](https://torquecafe.com/2025-omoda-9-chinese-suv-power-per-dollar/), [Jaecoo](https://torquecafe.com/review-this-may-be-the-best-value-suv-on-sale-today/) and Lepas. Next year, Chery will add [iCaur](https://torquecafe.com/chinese-giant-adds-another-suv-to-australia-through-start-up-brand/) (or iCar as it’s called in China) and [Freelander](https://torquecafe.com/freelander-returns-as-chinas-latest-suv-brand/) to its local roster, with Exlantix becoming its seventh brand. ![Exlantix ES, sold overseas as an Exeed](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/exlantix-es-exeed-2--1-.jpg) Exlantix ES While owned by Chery globally, another brand in Jetour is coming in 2027, though this will not be operated by Chery, and will instead be a standalone operation. Exlantix’s first two vehicles on sale in Australia will be the ES GT wagon and the ET SUV, both of which offer plug-in hybrid power overseas, though only the latter is available as an EV. The announcement of Exlantix coming to Australia coincides with a rapid rise in the number of Chinese-built vehicles being sold locally. ![Exlantix ET, sold overseas as an Exeed](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/exlantix-et-exeed-2.jpg) Exlantix ET China is now the undisputed leader in Australia’s source of new-car imports, with 42,358 vehicles registered here last month coming from Chinese production lines, a huge increase of 63.8 per cent on the same month a year ago. While Japan was traditionally the leading source of imports, it was overtaken by China in February, and has not regained its lead – and now likely won’t again. Though this includes non-Chinese brands which produce vehicles in China – such as Tesla’s Model Y and 3 – the sheer number of marques from the nation is accelerating at a rapid rate. This year alone, Forthing, Lepas, Denza, and GAC have joined the local ranks, while the growth of the market is continuing in 2017, however most of the expansion is coming from the aforementioned Chery brands. ![Exlantix ES, sold overseas as an Exeed](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/chery-exeed-e5-1--1-.jpg) Exlantix ES Chery is also pushing the Exeed brand hard globally, [last year announcing](https://torquecafe.com/chery-news-le-mans-aco-exeed-2030-plan/) it had signed an agreement with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) - the organisers of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and World Endurance Championship - to enter a ‘five-year strategic partnership’, with the hope of one day racing at the famed endurance event. As a part of the plan, Exeed will first establish an endurance racing series in China with a view to “build technical capability and talent”, operating as an unrelated entity to the TCR China championship which serves as the nation’s top tin-top category. Following this, Exeed wants to compete in the Asian Le Mans Series, though it hasn’t detailed which class it’ll enter or with what car. Finally, the ultimate aim for the brand is to create a factory team to race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Given it hasn’t signalled an intention to compete in the wider World Endurance Championship, it’s likely this would consist of a Garage 56 invitational entry. [Chinese giant targets Le MansChery wants its premium brand Exeed to become the first Chinese carmaker to compete at Le Mans, mapping out just how it’ll get there.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-1969c531-9b45-4aa0-9397-95b71b191606.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_2024_24hLeMans_lm_06453_c386fbee-e528-4852-bc47-34d1e586aafa-8aeb41a9-7d0c-4a60-b165-a60bf9fd43bc.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/chery-news-le-mans-aco-exeed-2030-plan/) ### Ford F-150 recalled due to fire risk URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-ford-f150-recall-australia-fuel-tank-fire/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T22:48:24.000Z Ford Australia is recalling 3745 examples of the F-150, due to a fault which could result in the pickup catching fire while driving. “Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel tank strap may not have been adequately secured to the frame rail and could detach from the vehicle while driving,” Ford said in its recall notice. “This could cause fuel to leak and, in the presence of an external ignition source, result in a vehicle fire. “A vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders, and/or damage to property.” ![Ford F-150 XLT](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2025-Ford-F-150-XLT--5---1-.jpg) Ford F-150 A list of affected Vehicle Identification Numbers can be found [here](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/sites/default/files/recall-files/REC-006747-VIN-List-1.csv?ref=torquecafe.com). According to Ford Australia, owners of affected vehicles will be contacted in writing to arrange an inspection and repair of their F-150s. For more information, owners can contact Ford Australia’s Customer Relationship Centre on 13 36 73. [This is the most over-the-top ute Ford has ever brought to AustraliaThe new Ford F-150 Platinum flagship makes a compelling case that a working truck can wear a tuxedo over a flannel shirt.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-4d805cfa-aaf2-4c19-b0de-a5e68f502a6d.png)TorquecafeMegan Spence![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-f-150-platinum-launch-1-c5573f40-6c61-47ad-8bcc-44696dd4c6ec.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-f150-review-australia-platinum-2026/) ### Reborn fast Ford Falcons to compete once more with hot Holdens URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-ford-vs-holden-hdt-ho-phase/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T21:09:50.000Z [Last week](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-peter-brock-kenny-habul-buys-hdt-holden-dealer-team-bathurst/), billionaire businessman and successful race driver Kenny Habul announced he is bringing back the Holden Dealer Team (HDT) Special Vehicles brand, with the reborn performance icon to be based in Bathurst. Set to provide support to existing HDT owners as well as produce a ‘Reimagined’ HDT road car – which is currently being tested in Australia, Germany and the US – the return of the brand has been welcomed by fans, as well as a spiritual rival. What HDT plans to do for hot Holdens, HO Phase – founded in 1979 by legendary Ford designer Wayne Draper and Bob McWilliam – has been doing for fast Ford Falcons, turning them into tougher versions of the XD and XE since its beginning. Now run by Wayne’s son, Rob, HO Phase has welcomed the return of HDT while announcing its own plans to build its next high-performance Falcon. ![The HO Phase Trudee will be based on an XE Ford Falcon](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/ford-falcon-truedee-ho-phase-teaser-1.png) Teaser image for HO Phase's 'Trudee' Having now employed the services of famed Touring Car Masters (TCM) car builder Gary O’Brien, the brand has announced its latest creation, named ‘Trudee’, is currently in the works, gifting a very modern heart to the classic Falcon. Based on an XE Falcon but with an XD front end, Trudee will feature the HO Phase 5 front air dam and wheel-arch flares, alongside new-design HO bonnet scoop, rear wing and ‘Rebel One’ light-gold coloured wheels. Powering Trudee will be a 7.3-litre Ford ‘Godzilla’ crate engine, which HO Phase says will be mated to “modern running gear”, hoping it will have similar attributes to a BMW M4 CS, Mercedes-AMG GT 63 and Porsche 911 Carrera GTS. Fine-tuning the machine will be John Bowe – 1995 Australian Touring Car Champion, and two-time Bathurst 1000 winner – who has an existing relationship with O’Brien, and will not only be test-driving HO Phase’s cars but also providing driver coaching to owners. ![Rob Draper holding a Phase 5 design sketch by father Wayne](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/ford-falcon-ho-phase-5-rob-draper-design-1.png) Rob Draper with his dad Wayne's original Phase 5 design sketches “Having John offer to test the cars and teach our clients how to use them is a huge plus,” Draper said “You want people to enjoy what we’ve built for them. To be able to take it to a track and learn about it with John Bowe beside you – that’s pretty special.” Former Ford chief designer Steve Park is also taking part in the Trudee project, while HO program manager Josh Hillman as well as builder O’Brien will have an impact on the end result. “Trudee has Dad’s design heritage, Steve’s ideas and Gary’s craftsmanship coming together. Gary still jumps out of bed wanting to get stuck into race cars,” Draper added. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/ford-falcon-ho-phase-5-1.jpg) A Phase 5 Ford Falcon “That’s the guy you want building yours. The other thing I love about Gary is he was a Holden guy until we talked him into coming to the dark side.” [HO Phase relaunched in May 2025](https://torquecafe.com/ford-falcon-hero-makes-shock-return/), with Draper announcing at the time that its rebirth would first centre around wheel packages for Falcon owners: from ‘Snowflake’ to ‘Minilite’ and Simmons mesh-style options, all suiting the XD, XE and XF. In addition to this kits of the XD-based Phase 5 and XE-based Phase 6 also available, bringing back the wide fibreglass panels, racing-inspired interiors and spoilers which were never allowed to compete in Australia’s top championship. At the time, one of the firm’s builds was of the ‘6-Pac’, based on the Phase 6 but with a modern Atomic 2.0 Barra block and camshafts, a Nitto de-stroker kit, custom turbo manifold and intake. ![A 1981 ad for the Phase 5 Ford Falcon](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/phase-autos-ford-falcon-phase-5-ad.png) Original Phase 5 ad from 1981 Draper says that HO Phase is also working on “an AU-based project” and has an FG ute in its sights, while additionally working on a modernised EB Falcon. “The AU project is something pretty special. And the FG ute is certainly one Ford should have done. Steve has some wild ideas,” said Draper. We have a Ford Falcon designer redesigning Ford Falcons. That’s seriously unique and special to me. If it can’t be Dad, it has to be Steve. Look… we’re certainly not running out of things we want to build. “I bought an EB Fairmont because I needed a family car. I live in the inner city. I don’t need a twin cab. I don’t enjoy driving them or SUVs. I like sitting low. I like racy sedans. [Ford Falcon hero makes shock returnThe humble Ford Falcon is the centre of HO Phase Auto’s restomod efforts, with the Australian firm teasing there’s plenty to come in the future.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-2fcade77-cf07-4312-b64d-f5685c3e23ed.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ho-phase-auto-ford-falcon-4-19f3777b-3143-478a-a4ad-98aadf5ac6e3.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-falcon-hero-makes-shock-return/) “The classic Australian family V8 is perfect for me – as long as it doesn’t drive like a boat. I’d love to develop something people could consider alongside a mid-range SUV or ute. A proper Australian family car you actually look forward to driving.” Draper also welcomed the return of HDT, claiming the reignited interest will benefit HO Phase. “It’s good for us too. We were the little underdog on the Ford side back in the day. Looks like we’re going to be the little underdog again. We’ve come full circle. “But with the demise of local manufacturing, we’re comrades in arms now too. There’s room for us all. We’re excited to see what Kenny and HDT come up with. Welcome aboard. We’ve been keeping the flame burning.” According to HO Phase’s website, its ‘Signature Builds’ can cost between $150,000 to $250,000, while Concept and Bespoke builds command $250,000 to $350,000. [HDT Revived: Kenny Habul Buys Peter Brock's HDT BrandAustralian businessman and racer Kenny Habul is bringing back HDT Special Vehicles, with the operation to be based in Bathurst – home of Mount Panorama.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-1c39ca93-78c0-4994-a5d9-3b977222f29e.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/36a70836-Holden-Director-with-Peter-Brock--2--1-0837330c-3ce4-410c-9b85-815dd4863005.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-peter-brock-kenny-habul-buys-hdt-holden-dealer-team-bathurst/) ### We try Australia’s latest automotive success story URL: https://torquecafe.com/bike-review-savic-c-series-australia-ev-motorcycle/ Last updated: 2026-10-17T21:20:26.000Z Much has been made about the demise of Australia’s automotive manufacturing industry en masse since Holden produced the last Commodore in 2017 - but that hasn’t stopped small companies making a big difference. From Walkinshaw’s pickup conversions, Premcar partnering with Nissan and Mitsubishi for showroom-fresh vehicles, and the Volvo group building trucks in Australia too, if you go looking there’s a success story somewhere. Now there’s a new brand to champion, with Melbourne-based Savic finally rolling out the C-Series motorcycle to customers across the country, having first previewed the electric two-wheeler in 2018, and faced a handful of delays along the way. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/savic-c-series-electric-motorcycle-ev-12.jpg) The brainchild of former Ford engineer Dennis Savic, the C-Series has all the attributes of a classic cafe racer, but with the advantage of modern technology, built around its battery and electric motor. Powered by an electric motor which produces up to 80kW and 250Nm, the C-Series sends drive to the rear wheel via an Optibelt poly-carbon belt, rather than the traditional chains as found on the vast majority of bikes. Fed by a 16.2kWh lithium-ion NMC battery, Savic claims the C-Series has 220km of combined range, making it ideal for around-town riding or the occasional squirt out on mountain roads. Charging takes place via a ‘Type 2’ AC port, allowing up to 3.3kW. Its 280kg weight isn’t anything near the definition of lightweight, but considering the size of the battery pack and its every-day use case, it’s a manageable figure. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/savic-c-series-electric-motorcycle-ev-3.jpg) To test out Savic’s long-awaited creation, we set off on a quick loop of Brisbane’s southern city suburbs to see if the C-Series has been worth the more than half a decade of waiting. Something that’s immediately tricky to wrap your head around is the lack of a clutch lever and gear selector, though thankfully the digital dash shows if you’re in the drive gear. In its ‘normal’ drive mode, the Savic’s acceleration is predictable and linear. While it offers a different experience on and off throttle to a similarly sized petrol bike, it’s not as savage as you might expect if your only exposure to EVs has been hearing about Tesla Model Y Plaids doing ridiculous launches. I’d liken the delivery of power to being at the top of the rev range on a litre bike, but the advantage on the C-Series is that you don’t need to worry about plucking another gear as the torque is near constant. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/savic-c-series-electric-motorcycle-ev-11.jpg) Switch to sport mode and the aggression kicks in, delivering a crisp throttle response where you wouldn’t want to accidentally slip from the grip. This, combined with the reduced regenerative braking in the mode, means you’ve got to have your wits about you, even though it still remains approachable. Thanks to all that weight and its positioning, even from a near stop to full throttle you never feel like the C-Series is going to pick up the front wheel without you asking it to, with the balance easily transferring to that rear tyre. Speaking of which, a pair of Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres are found on the C-Series, delivering the right balance between affording riders the grip to take on the twisties, while being compliant enough on the open road. Helping to stop and steer the Savic C-Series are Brembo brakes at the front (twin monoblock calipers, 320mm discs) and rear, controlled by a Bosch ABS system, while all the suspension is developed in-house. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/savic-c-series-electric-motorcycle-ev-13.jpg) In fact, while Savic the man was a Ford engineer, the company utilised Holden’s former proving ground in Lang Lang to develop the suspension setup, something which is becoming more common in the car world and especially with Chinese brands. As a result, the bike is predictable in turns and on the city streets alike, never feeling anything close to its weight unless you’re at the edge of what it can deliver. The calibration of the brakes has also been done well. While I’d been warned the front in particular could be snappy, it offered a progressive feeling which complemented the integration of the regenerative braking. That regen input can not only be adjusted by switching between the factory-set drive modes, but also by setting up three custom selections, allowing you to fine-tune the riding experience. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/savic-c-series-electric-motorcycle-ev-8.jpg) Personally, the normal ride mode feels the most like a ‘normal’ bike and is the most predictable offering, though those with a bit more confidence may enjoy tweaking the settings to deliver a harsher ride. Overall, I came away surprised by the C-Series, having driven many EVs which are one-trick ponies and can’t replicate the driving experience of their petrol-powered equivalents, the Savic does well to limit its flaws. Of course, this is not a bike for everyone. You won’t be able to do too many long distance rides thanks to its relatively limited range, while the extra weight might also be a bridge too far for some to cross. With prices starting from $29,990 before on-road costs, it’s a fair amount of coin to outlay on a Swiss army knife that’s missing a few features, however - like with early iterations of the now most popular electric cars - it’ll find its niche community who can use it without limiting their daily lives. ### Tesla unveils flying rocket car URL: https://torquecafe.com/tesla-flying-car-roadster-details-video-rockets-jump-kickflip-spacex/ Last updated: 2026-10-16T07:26:16.000Z The second generation Tesla Roadster was unveiled in spectacular fashion with the car, fitted with SpaceX-designed thrusters, flying through the air. The stunts included the car using its fan design, which sucks the car to the ground, to drive up a huge vertical ramp and then fly back down to the ground with the thrusters. It also jumped a number of other Tesla vehicles while performing a barrel roll in the air. The stunts were performed autonomously however once the Roadster enters goes into production, planned for 2028, it will not be a driverless car. Instead it will be the brand's performance halo, with Tesla spruiking top speed numbers of Mach 0.5, or 380 km/h, and a 0-60mph time of less than a second. The Roadster will be available in three models – Performance, Thrust and Rocket. While the fan suction system was demonstrated in an extreme fashion at the launch, its primary function is to give the Roadster what Tesla boss Elon Musk says will be record-breaking cornering ability. “Now you might say, how often do you want to stick upside down in a car?” said Musk at the launch. “Maybe not that often, but it actually has this an actual benefit on the track, or just driving, where the downforce of the car means you can corner incredibly well. "You can corner like it looks like you're breaking physics because the car sticks to the ground so hard. "So acceleration, cornering, it's going to crush every track record that has ever existed.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/HUuw-rwXoAAQf9r.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/HUuxassXMAAg79W.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/HUuxdS8WAAAY3Pf.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/HUuxFBiWUAItIYj.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/HUuxUyLWIAAq4gW.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/HUuxZFhW8AAPuo5.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/HUunLR1bIAA9t0W.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/HUunLR3akAAIo36.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/HUunLR4bAAA4xSf.jpeg) > Real life, baby [pic.twitter.com/3QEqn18wig](https://t.co/3QEqn18wig?ref=torquecafe.com) > > — Tesla (@Tesla) [October 16, 2026](https://x.com/Tesla/status/2110913438293647789?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=torquecafe.com) ### Chevrolet Corvette’s electric switch inevitable URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-electric-corvette-coming-someday-gm/ Last updated: 2026-10-15T23:54:48.000Z General Motors has [quietly moved away](https://torquecafe.com/gm-news-9-billion-hit-after-changing-ev-plans/) from its plans to ditch internal combustion engine-powered passenger vehicles and pickups by 2035, but it is preparing its supporters for a future of only electric vehicles. Back in 2022, even before Chevrolet revealed the hybrid Corvette E-Ray, GM President Mark Reuss said a [“fully electric” version](https://x.com/chevrolet/status/1518577631716913152?ref=torquecafe.com) of the nameplate would follow, though no such car has materialised in the years since. In 2024 and 2025, two concepts - one from[ GM’s new UK design studio](https://torquecafe.com/oh-blimey-new-corvette-concept-from-surprising-source/) and another from[ its California team](https://torquecafe.com/chevrolet-corvette-california-ev-concept/) \- have shown what the Corvette could look like in the future if it does go all-electric, providing even more freedom for its overall shape. Now, Corvette and GM performance cars executive chief engineer, has told [*The Drive*](https://www.thedrive.com/news/an-electric-corvette-is-still-coming-gm-wont-say-when?ref=torquecafe.com) the Corvette will inevitably become an EV, as will the rest of its cars. ![2024 Chevrolet Corvette EV concept by GM UK design](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/350.jpg) Chevrolet Corvette EV concept by GM UK design “This is why we don’t talk about future products,” Roma joked on [*The Drivecast*](https://www.thedrive.com/category/podcast?ref=torquecafe.com). “Mark did make that statement, you’re not wrong, and the future – as we’ve said publicly – as a company involves electrification, heavier and heavier as we go. “The electric cars are the end game, so someday there will be an electric Corvette, and I think that’s what Mark was trying to say. “Right now we have electrification on Corvette (Grand Sport X, which replaced the E-Ray), so some day we will announce something to the world, but I’m not going to take anything away from Mark’s statement. “Someday we will fully electrify the Corvette, but not today.” [Oh blimey! New Corvette concept from surprising sourceThe all-American sports car has been reimagined by a British design team.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-f46f55e0-93b1-466a-ab55-e840dc0047d7.png)TorquecafeStephen Ottley![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/730-af8c1861-3a9b-43f1-b087-42f68d1bb002.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/oh-blimey-new-corvette-concept-from-surprising-source/) Chevrolet has previously made clear both Corvette EV concepts won’t be put into production, however we’re now in fifth year of the C8 Corvette, which means it’s coming up on the limit for production of its predecessors, and a new ‘C9’ could be not too far away. [Reuss last year](https://torquecafe.com/chevrolet-news-corvette-ev-not-happening-yet/) told the[ *InsideEVs Podcast*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YWpDSNdAcg&ref=torquecafe.com) that the ingredients aren’t there yet to give the iconic model full battery power. “It \[a Corvette EV\] can be done. We’ve shown a slew of concept cars that are electric based,” Reuss said in October 2025. “I wouldn’t say the propulsion system was something that was true to form on those concept cars, but \[it was\] very interesting, allowed us to do a lot of different things, which electric vehicles do on form and design, and the aesthetic piece. [New Chevrolet Corvette concept is a California dreamGeneral Motors is continuing to tease what future Corvettes may look like, and its Californian design team has stepped up to the plate.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-21f48017-1073-4d3f-bf31-f1e37bca6a8c.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/chevrolet-corvette-california-design-gm-4-ebd115db-660f-405c-aa3f-fdb83cce62f9.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/chevrolet-corvette-california-ev-concept/) “But I think the status of the electrified corvette is the ZR1X that I’m driving now, and that’s awesome. It’s using electricity to do the right things with a Corvette. All-wheel drive, 1200hp+, using it for power, using it for speed, using it for ride and handling, using it for traction is \[a\] a great use of electricity on a Corvette. “An all-electric Corvette, to make a Corvette do what a Corvette’s supposed to do, is not something that’s easy right now. What I’m talking about is when you get into mass from a vehicle dynamics standpoint, when you get into thermal performance. “You can make advances in those, which we have, but I’m not sure the character of the Corvette and a buyer of the Corvette is ready to be the recipient of that effort quite yet. “Never say never, that’s why we’ve got to keep investing in technology, and R&D.” ### Porsche Mission S revealed as a preview of next-gen models, supercar URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-porsche-mission-s-supercar-concept/ Last updated: 2026-10-15T20:35:40.000Z Porsche has revealed its new sports car identity with the Mission S concept, showing off not only the design of its future sports cars, but also a new non-limited supercar. Unveiled in New York, the Mission S will set the tone for Porsche’s upcoming identity, but there’s not one specific car it will inspire – even if the brand has confirmed an important new flagship is coming. “A Porsche must be recognisable as a Porsche at first glance,” said Porsche CEO, Dr Michael Leiters. “The Mission S provides a glimpse of the ideas and design features that will shape Porsche in the coming years. ![Porsche Mission S front shot](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/Porsche-mission-s-concept-reveal-7-1.jpg) Porsche Mission S “At the same time, the Mission S represents a mid-engined super sports car platform positioned above the 911 – not as a one-off hypercar, but as a permanent and versatile addition to our customer offering.” While the Mission S itself won’t go into production in its current guise, its design and underpinnings preview Porsche’s next halo product, set to join the likes of the 959, Carrera GT and 918 Spyder as its standalone flagships. “Above the iconic 911 sports car, Porsche is planning, for the first time, a permanently available super sports car offer,” the brand said in its media release. “The clear objective here is the highest level of engineering excellence and maximum flexibility. This is underpinned by decades of motorsport experience, innovative and brand-defining technology and the forward-looking design unveiled with the Mission S.” ![Porsche Mission S rear end](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/Porsche-mission-s-concept-reveal-6-1.jpg) Porsche Mission S Porsche has gone all-out in making sure the Mission S celebrates as much of its heritage as possible, while also looking to the future. The 911’s round headlights and the front wheel-arch designs are quintessential 911, with the G-body original’s lines echoing through the shut lines and light graphics. At the front, its flat bonnet is straight from the 996-based GT1 racer of the late 1990s, a car which also led to the unique ‘car-in-car’ design at the rear – where the race car featured the then-911’s lines underneath its bodywork. The sloping roofline which stretches under the rear wing is a homage to the 959 – the first mega-Porsche – while even the 928’s ‘dial’-style wheels have led to the Mission S’s rim design, now brought into the modern age. ![Porsche Mission S from above](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/Porsche-mission-s-concept-reveal-5-1.jpg) Porsche Mission S Looking down at the mid-mounted engine (which is yet to have its tech specs shared, but more on that later), the cooling system takes its design from the flat-12 which powered the 917 Le Mans racer of the late 1960s and early 1970s, one of the brand’s most important cars. To give the front and rear a level of synergy, the main line which wraps around the car connects the light signatures at either end, with Porsche saying everything above the line emphasises “muscularity and dynamism”, while under it are the technical, functional aspects. Painted in White Metallic, Light Red Metallic and Black Chrome, Porsche says the Mission S’s hues “reinterpret the classic Porsche Motorsport colours and emphasise the visual link to the brand’s sporting core”. The retro theme continues inside the cabin, where the 356 and 550 Spyder have been used as the main sources of inspiration. ![Porsche Mission S interior from driver's position](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/Porsche-mission-s-concept-reveal-3-1.jpg) Porsche Mission S There are two defining lines which run through the dashboard and doors, highlighting the mix of digital and analogue controls, as Porsche has fitted physical buttons and switches alongside new display screens. As you’d expect, the sports car brand wants this to be all about the driver’s experience, with the controls all aligned towards the driver. Sitting directly in front of the driver is a rev counter with an analogue needle, making a return since the 992.2 (current) 911 moved to all-digital displays, getting rid of the last links back to its heritage. The tachometer is flanked by two additional instruments on either side, though their positioning can be adjusted depending on the drive mode. ![Porsche Mission S interior from above](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/Porsche-mission-s-concept-reveal-2-1.jpg) Porsche Mission S According to Porsche, it has “deliberately chosen not to include a permanently integrated center display or a fixed passenger display in the dashboard”, though there is a “retractable smartphone system compatible with MagSafe technology” which allows personal devices to be used for navigation. While Porsche hasn’t provided technical specifications about what the Mission S previews, [last month insiders](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-porsche-s1-supercar-flat-eight-engine/) reportedly told German publication [Handelsblatt](https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/volkswagen-nach-gewinnwarnung-weitere-4000-jobs-bei-porsche-entbehrlich/100254633.html?ref=torquecafe.com) the flagship production model will be powered by a flat-eight engine, representing the first time Porsche has done so in a production car. Porsche’s most recent successful attempt at a flat-eight was in the Porsche 908 race car of the late 1960s, though since then its boxer engines haven’t ventured higher than a six-cylinder count. Earlier this month, Automotive News reported the next Porsche supercar would likely use the platform of the Lamborghini Temerario and Audi Nuvolari to save costs. ![Porsche Mission S side profile](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/Porsche-mission-s-concept-reveal-4-1.jpg) Porsche Mission S The Temerario was unveiled in 2024 and launched last year as the new ‘baby’ Lamborghini supercar, taking the place of the V10 Huracan, now with a twin-turbo V8 engine and plug-in hybrid system. With a supercar platform already existing, it’s an easier business case for Porsche to create a supercar, given the reduced development costs and time, however it has traditionally gone its own way for its flagships. The 959 (twin-turbo flat-six), Carrera GT (V10) and 918 Spyder (V8 hybrid) were all bespoke vehicles, sharing next to no parts with other models from the Volkswagen Group, or even from within the Porsche model range. Given Porsche has a plan for future products lasting to 2035, we may have to wait a bit to see the Mission S in showrooms. ### Rare ‘Bathurst edition’ Holden Torana GTR-XU1 heads to auction URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-rare-holden-torana-gtr-xu1-bathurst-auction/ Last updated: 2026-10-15T20:27:30.000Z The past week has been about celebrating Peter Brock on what was the 20th anniversary of the first Bathurst since the nine-time winner’s passing, and now a car with links to his first victory is up for sale. Listed by the [Macquarie Auction Group](https://macquarieauction.bidsonline.com.au/catalogue%5Fdetail.aspx?cdid=3080460&chid=28693&category=ALL&style=group&fbclid=IwY2xjawU9OXZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMUdlQjM5YlN6NEhBUU9VRlFzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeGAy0caRksGZXzHRPxkv7pvhiapVgoAHY2dWgVDUBf2oosb5OEuXzp6xCs50%5Faem%5FT4MWydL7%5FLhtXe5Cp4qA%5Fw&ref=torquecafe.com) is a 1972 LJ Holden Torana GTR-XU1 ‘Bathurst’, one of just 200 special-edition homologation cars made to help General Motors take on Ford at the 500-mile endurance race. Built in September 1972 in the lead-up to that year’s Bathurst 500 – the final year of single-driver entries before it became a 1000km affair from 1973 – the ‘Bathurst’ GTR-XU1s were sharpened up even further. ![1972 LJ Holden Torana GTR-XU1 ‘Bathurst’](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/1972-holden-torana-lj-gtr-xu1-bathurst-4-1.jpg) Image credit: Macquarie Auction Group According to the [*Shannon’s Club*](https://club.shannons.com.au/club/news/racing-garage/holden-torana-gtr-xu-1-the-downshift-that-started-a-racing-revolution/?ref=torquecafe.com), modifications included uprated springs, a lightened flywheel, more aggressive camshaft in the 3.3-litre (202ci) Holden straight-six engine, plus a Detroit Locker in the shorter-drive 3.55:1 ratio differential. Riding on Globe’s iconic Sprintmaster 13-inch wheels, this particular Torana is finished in Zodiac Blue, and has reportedly been owned by just two people since it was first purchased in 1972, with just under 38,000 miles (or 61,000km) on its odometer. Just the month after this particular car was built, the Torana recorded its first Bathurst victory in the hands of Peter Brock, who engaged in a battle with Allan Moffat’s Ford Falcon XY GT-HO Phase III in the early stages of the race, before the Canadian spun at Sulman Park. ![1972 LJ Holden Torana GTR-XU1 ‘Bathurst’](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/1972-holden-torana-lj-gtr-xu1-bathurst-6-1.jpg) Image credit: Macquarie Auction Group Being the first rain-impacted Bathurst 500, the Torana’s light weight and nimble handling gave it an edge over the heavier Falcons and Chrysler Valiant Chargers, leading Brock to win his first of nine October Bathurst endurance races. It also cemented the LJ Torana GTR-XU1’s status as an automotive icon, with immaculate examples selling at auction for as much as $348,000, a record which was set in 2021 with a 1973 car. Included in the sale of this Zodiac Blue Torana are its logbooks, dealer sales invoice and a “huge folder of paperwork” confirming it is a matching-numbers car. This 1972 example is located in Bathurst, with its auction beginning at 7pm AEDT on October 15. Despite its relatively low mileage, it's worn in compared to a HSV VL SS Group A Walkinshaw which [went up for sale](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-hsv-vl-walkinshaw-time-capsule-for-sale/) through Adelaide-based unique car specialist [Richmonds](https://richmonds.com.au/portfolio/1988-holden-special-vehicles-commodore-vl-ss-group-a-walkinshaw-sedan-manual/?ref=torquecafe.com) in August, claimed to have done just 20km since new. [The Holden Torana is coming backPeter Brock made the Holden Torana A9X famous - now the LX Torana is making a comeback A former race![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-270x270-2994b718-6479-4d84-8259-e5381fbaa63e.png)Torquecafe.comDylan Campbell![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_Brock-A9-X-Torana-c2b56f0f-c500-43e6-90ef-55d437a78415.jpg)](https://archive.torquecafe.com/the-holden-torana-lives/?ref=torquecafe.com) ### Chevrolet Silverado turned into driverless war machine URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-chevrolet-silverado-unmanned-ground-vehicle/ Last updated: 2026-10-15T04:12:00.000Z The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is already a tough machine, but GM Defense has taken it a step further, preparing the pickup for war – without anyone in it. Revealed at the Association of the United States Army’s (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition, GM Defense revealed the Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), a striking vehicle with hallmarks of the Silverado, but without the need for anyone to sit behind the wheel. Based on the dual-rear-wheel platform of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, it utilises the face of the pickup, but behind there the A-pillar would normally sit, there is now no cab, instead replaced by a single flat bed, intended for cargo storage. ![2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-chevrolet-silverado-hd-001--1-.jpg) 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 (closely related to the 3500) Riding on basic steel wheels and meaty all-terrain tyres, it’s clear that the job of the UGV is to get supplies to places which are difficult to access, as well as extract casualties in the head of battle. According to GM, it’s designed to do these jobs silently, suggesting there’s some kind of electric propulsion system underneath, but no further details have been announced. “The modern defense landscape demands advanced capability, rapid fielding and sustainable scale,” said GM Defense president, Steve duMont. [Land Rover Defender ute takes on Ford RangerThe Defender is trying to live up to its name, going back to its roots to potentially become a defence-ready vehicle.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-2d155e77-d486-4dfd-b5ee-b78afc8f4f57.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/JLR_Defender_WOlf_SeriesII_Trials_Utility__05-1-23f891d8-f231-42fe-b359-1cb4d230d2d6.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-land-rover-defender-ute-pickup-jlr-defence/) “We do not begin with a blank sheet of paper. By transferring GM’s world-class engineering, supply chain and manufacturing scale directly to the service member, we are transforming customer needs into mission-ready capability faster than ever before.” Ironically, GM’s UGV unveiling has occurred as there have been similar projects announced on the other side of the Atlantic, with both Ford and JLR competing for the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) tender. This has seen Ford reveal multiple [Ranger-based defence vehicles](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ford-ranger-uk-defence-vehicles/), while Land Rover has [used the Defender as its base](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-land-rover-defender-ute-pickup-jlr-defence/). ### Chery to build new ute in former Nissan Navara factory URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-chery-stockman-nissan-navara-south-africa-stockman-australia/ Last updated: 2026-10-15T01:04:42.000Z Chinese car giant Chery will start selling the [Australian-named Stockman](https://torquecafe.com/chery-stockman-to-outgun-byd-shark-6-ford-ranger-hybrid/) in local showrooms from the first quarter of next year, and now it’s revealed a South African version of the ute will carry a different name. The Chery Grootman is set to launch in South Africa in 2027, sharing the same basis as the Stockman which will be sold in Australia, but with a distinct local name. After the Australian public got to choose the Stockman’s name following a national search, South Africans got to do the same, with Chery settling on the ‘Grootman’ moniker, an Afrikaans colloquialism for “big man” – meant in an endearing way. While Australia’s Stockman will be built in China, the Grootman will be built in South Africa for South Africa, after Chery took over a former Nissan plant earlier this year. In January, it was announced Chery would purchase Nissan’s factory in Rosslyn, as well as a nearby stamping plant, with a “majority of associated Nissan employees to be offered employment by Chery”. The Rosslyn plant was most recently home to production of the Navara ute – or bakkie in South Africa – up until the end of the D23-generation model. ![Australian market versions of the ute will be called the Chery Stockman](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-chery-stockman-1-1.jpg) The Chery Stockman will be sold in Australia Last year, Nissan’s South African division announced a joint collaboration with [Australian firm Premcar](https://torquecafe.com/australian-firm-could-partner-with-famous-performance-brand/) to introduce the Navara Pro-4X Warrior in the market, resulting in Premcar SA – a joint venture with AIH – modifying the ute at the Rosslyn factory. It appears this joint venture was short-lived, given the short time the D23 Navara remained in production, as well as Nissan selling the factory earlier this year. Like Australia’s Stockman, the Grootman will be powered by a turbo-diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain, capable of producing up to 350kW and 800Nm, with a claimed electric-only driving range of 100km on the lenient NEDC cycle. Other Chery products are also slated to be built at the Rosslyn plant, such as the Chery Tiggo Cross, Jaecoo J5 and Jetour T Series. [Chery Stockman to outgun BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger HybridThe Chery Stockman is soon set to launch into a growing market of plug-in hybrid utes, but with one key difference: a turbo-diesel engine.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-dd348496-70a1-4e77-956a-2cabd689cdd9.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2027-chery-stockman-1-19c0a2ec-5d7a-42f3-927a-bfcfcfe5c382.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/chery-stockman-to-outgun-byd-shark-6-ford-ranger-hybrid/) ### Jeep Wrangler Switchback is a Ford Bronco RTR copycat URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-jeep-wrangler-switchback-ford-bronco-rtr-similarities/ Last updated: 2026-10-15T00:13:41.000Z Jeep has revealed the last of 12 special-edition models to celebrate its 85th anniversary, but some are criticising it for being a bit too close to a new Ford. Overnight, the Jeep Wrangler Switchback was revealed as a Rubicon X-based, off-road focused variant of the 4x4, highlighted by its unique appearance. Finished in Black and Sting-Grey paint, the Wrangler Switchback draws the eye’s attention with its copious amount of Gecko green accents, featuring around the grille surround, beadlock wheel rings, bonnet graphics and on the swing-gate decal. ![2027 Jeep Wrangler Switchback two-door](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-jeep-wrangler-switchback-2-1.jpg) Jeep Wrangler Switchback The bonnet is available in black or grey, as is the three-piece hard top for both two- and four-door versions of the Wrangler. The Gecko green highlights also carry inside, teaming with Lime contrast stitching and both Global Black and Sea Salt Nappa leather upholstery to make certain interior pieces stand out. While it’s a unique colour combination for the Wrangler – which is based on the design of one of the world’s most iconic 4x4s – it has raised eyebrows, due to just how close it is to the look of a new Ford Bronco. ![2027 Jeep Wrangler Switchback two-door](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-jeep-wrangler-switchback-3-1.jpg) Jeep Wrangler Switchback ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-ford-bronco-rtr-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-ford-bronco-rtr-3.jpg) Ford Bronco RTR In January, [Ford unveiled the Bronco RTR](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-2027-bronco-rtr-revealed/), its first in-house collaboration with the Vaughn Gittin Jr-led brand, most famous for its drifting machines and tuned Mustangs. The Bronco RTR sports a unique grille, exclusive wheels, and ‘heritage-inspired’ wheel-arches, with its optional Hyper Lime accent package contrasted with Avalanche Gray paintwork becoming its signature look. Visual similarities between the Wrangler Switchback and Bronco RTR have been picked up by some online commenters, with even Gittin Jr himself weighing into the debate. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/Deev0kRNIUT/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Vaughn Gittin Jr (@vaughngittinjr)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/Deev0kRNIUT/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) “They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery, but really?” he said, in a video comparing the two 4x4s. While the Ford Bronco RTR starts from US$50,790 (A$72,785), pricing for the Wrangler Switchback opens from US$66,695 (A$95,580) for the two-door model and US$69,995 (A$100,310) for the four-door. It's unlikely to come to Australia, where the Wrangler lineup has been trimmed in recent years, now consisting of just two full-time variants, plus the [limited-edition Rewind](https://torquecafe.com/jeep-news-wrangler-rewind-australia/). [4×4 icon now more expensive than everFor the first time in Australia, the Jeep Wrangler lineup now opens above $80,000, following a slimming down of the range and added standard equipment.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-1fa86ca0-8e55-4253-b2ab-472e560df7cb.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2026-jeep-wrangler-1-03a8eca7-f0be-47cd-a795-754babbcd766.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/jeep-wrangler-price-specs-australia-2026/) ### Porsche’s low-slung eight-cylinder supercar approaches reveal URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-porsche-mission-s-teaser-leak-reveal/ Last updated: 2026-10-15T06:48:53.000Z Porsche is set to reveal the Mission S concept imminently, but that hasn’t stopped the new supercar appearing early – even if it’s still covered up. An image posted to UK automotive forum [*Pistonheads*](https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=2151797&ref=torquecafe.com) shows what is claimed to be the silhouette of the Mission S under a canvas, with its body appearing to be incredibly low and long. A surprisingly lengthy bonnet leads back to a shallow-raked windscreen, while the roof of the concept slowly trails back to its tail, with its extra room expected to be able to accommodate a flat-eight engine. Porsche itself has also offered additional teaser images for the Mission S, showing the concept will include an over-the-roof air intake, potentially increasing the aural overload for its occupants. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/porsche-mission-s-teaser-1.jpg) Porsche Mission S teaser A separate teaser video has also confirmed it will be powered – at least in part – by a petrol engine, and one capable of revving to at least 8000rpm. Previously, Porsche has said the Mission S will be “our tribute to the sports car”, as well as a homage to the vision of founder Ferry Porsche, and confirmed it will be based on “a mid-engined super sports car platform that will enable a model line that sits above the iconic 911 sports car”. At present, details are slim, however[ last month insiders](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-porsche-s1-supercar-flat-eight-engine/) told German publication [Handelsblatt](https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/volkswagen-nach-gewinnwarnung-weitere-4000-jobs-bei-porsche-entbehrlich/100254633.html?ref=torquecafe.com) the flagship production model – reportedly codenamed S1 – will be powered by a flat-eight engine, representing the first time Porsche has done so in a production car. Porsche’s most recent successful attempt at a flat-eight was in the Porsche 908 race car of the late 1960s, though since then its boxer engines haven’t ventured higher than a six-cylinder count. [Porsche Mission S Concept: Next Flagship Supercar TeasedThe Porsche lineup of high-performance vehicles is soon set to expand, headlined by a supercar which will be previewed by the Mission S concept.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-b3cc7514-1db7-48c1-bda7-afef84388621.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/porsche-mission-s-teaser-cce1cd15-8cf1-4681-8558-b4bbd96c06e2.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-porsche-mission-s-concept-flagship-supercar-reveal/) Earlier this month, Automotive News reported the next Porsche supercar would likely use the platform of the Lamborghini Temerario and Audi Nuvolari to save costs. The Temerario was unveiled in 2024 and launched last year as the new ‘baby’ Lamborghini supercar, taking the place of the V10 Huracan, now with a twin-turbo V8 engine and plug-in hybrid system. With a supercar platform already existing, it’s an easier business case for Porsche to create a supercar, given the reduced development costs and time, however it has traditionally gone its own way for its flagships. ### New DeLorean doesn’t need roads URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-delorean-flying-car/ Last updated: 2026-10-14T19:59:59.000Z DeLorean, the car brand behind the infamous DMC-12 which starred in ‘Back to the Future’, is making an unexpected return back to public life, announcing it’ll be racing flying cars from later this year. The current owners of the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) name confirmed this week its entry into the Airspeeder International Series, a racing competition for electric flying cars, where it’ll be the constructor for the United States Airspeeder team. Set to make its debut in the 2026-27 season next month, DeLorean is yet to reveal its aircraft’s design, pilot line-up and sporting program, though it’s been confirmed that the vehicle itself will be the Airspeeder Mk3C for its debut season. It’s the latest venture for the DeLorean brand, which was founded by John DeLorean in 1973, and produced its famous car in Belfast, Northern Ireland, from 1981 until it declared bankruptcy in 1982, amid the company’s founder being charged with drug trafficking by the US Government. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/delorean-dmc-12-airspeeder-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/delorean-dmc-12-airspeeder-2.jpg) The DeLorean DMC-12 was made famous in Back to the Future Texas-based UK businessman Stephen Wynne purchased its remaining stock in 1997, with the brand latterly finding itself in the headlines for unrelated reasons. In 2022, Wynne filed a lawsuit against NBCUniversal – the parent company of Universal Pictures, which owns the rights to ‘Back to the Future’ – claiming DMC had a right to five per cent of the film franchise’s merchandising and commercial revenue. This was later settled in 2024. Earlier in 2022, the DeLorean Motor Company revealed the Alpha5, an electric vehicle which it planned to make in Humble, Texas, leaning on design cues from the DMC-12 but with a modern twist. The company’s DeLorean Motors Reimagined division later closed its HQ in San Antonio in 2024, and was later taken to court by ItalDesign for failed payment over its work. ### This American man is taking a muscle car on a lap of Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-american-dodge-challenger-scat-pack-australia-road-trip/ Last updated: 2026-10-14T05:57:21.000Z Many Australians dream of touring the country when they retire, usually in a big 4x4 such as a Toyota LandCruiser or Nissan Patrol, but for one American, he’s going to try and do the same in some imported muscle. Keith Sinclair has been on a quest to drive across all seven continents with his Dodge Challenger, having so far completed three continents (North America, Europe and Asia), and now he’s set to arrive at his fourth: Australia. Posting to social media platform Instagram, Sinclair (who goes by the handle [sinclairs\_search](https://www.instagram.com/sinclairs%5Fsearch?ref=torquecafe.com)) announced his proposed route for the Australian leg of his trip, which will start in Brisbane where the car is currently en route to. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeG%5FzIPthOA/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Keith Sinclair (@sinclairs\_search)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeG%5FzIPthOA/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) Aiming to undertake the drive with no GPS and largely staying off Highway 1 – which is a ring road connecting the major mainland cities – Sinclair will first venture north to the northernmost tip of Cape York, before heading west towards Perth via the Northern Territory. On his leg back to the east coast, he plans to drive to Uluru, while later stopping in at Adelaide, venturing down to Tasmania, going in-land from Melbourne to the Gold Coast, and heading back down to Sydney. Online commenters have attempted to warn him of the potential dangers of driving through Australia, from the impacts of the wet season to the risk of animal strikes at night. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeTKHU9p46J/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Keith Sinclair (@sinclairs\_search)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeTKHU9p46J/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) The car will certainly stand out, with the Challenger R/T Scat Pack never having been sold here. Powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, its modifications include a lift kit and a roof pod, upgrades which have so far proven worthwhile on its adventures so far. Those who want to follow Sinclair’s journey can do so by following his social media channels ([Instagram here](https://www.instagram.com/sinclairs%5Fsearch?ref=torquecafe.com)), YouTube ([here](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCwLAGXRdzaqRF6M5HW3FlA?ref=torquecafe.com)), or subscribe to his Patreon ([here](https://www.patreon.com/cw/SinclairsSearch?ref=torquecafe.com)). ### BMW M boss says manuals not dead, just ‘really difficult’ to keep alive URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-bmw-m-manual-staying-alive/ Last updated: 2026-10-14T03:37:55.000Z BMW is one of the remaining few performance car marque which continues to offer customers the option of a manual transmission, at least in a select handful of products. Only the BMW M2, M3 and M4 are available as manuals, and in each of the models the three-pedal version develops less torque than their automatic counterparts. With BMW’s next-generation M performance cars expected to be adopting 48-volt mild-hybrid systems to meet emissions targets, the brand’s CEO, Frank van Meel, told [*BMW Blog*](https://www.bmwblog.com/2026/10/11/bmw-m-manual-transmission-future-frank-van-meel/?ref=torquecafe.com)*,* “it’s going to be really difficult” to keep manuals in production. “I don’t want to explain why it’s difficult, because every engineer always explains why things are difficult,” he added, explaining the 48-volt system won’t be compatible with a manual transmission. ![A BMW M2's manual gear selector](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/bmw-m2-manual-1.webp) BMW M2 manual BMW has repeatedly had to dial-down some of its manual models to be able to last, with the higher torque outputs of its twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six engines delivering the ability to lunch gearboxes. This has seen special edition vehicles like the M2 CS go auto-only, while BMW’s modern 3.0 CSL made more power than the M4 upon which it was based but developed 100Nm less, thanks to it being exclusively manual. [Earlier this year](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-news-manuals-staying-alive-with-reduced-torque/), then-BMW M vice president Sylvia Neubauer told German publication[ *Automobilwoche*](https://www.automobilwoche.de/autohersteller/bmw/amw-bmw-m-elektrifizierung-emotionen/?ref=torquecafe.com) – subsequently reported by[ *BMW Blog*](https://www.bmwblog.com/2026/04/05/bmw-m-engineers-working-manual-gearbox/?ref=torquecafe.com) – that future manual products will likely feature reduced outputs, meaning the driving experience will be more focused on the driving experience rather than outright speed. ![A BMW M2's manual gear selector](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/bmw-m2-manual-3.webp) BMW M2 manual Neubauer had previously been an advocate for manual-loving customers in the BMW M lineup, saying in June last year, “we always have ideas in mind to bring more manuals into certain markets in a certain quantity because we know that there are manual transmission lovers out there”. “Yes, we will keep you happy. “I think BMW will always be very creative. We can always think about it \[M car with a manual transmission\]. BMW M is a rather entrepreneurial company of very passionate M guys.” [Is this the greatest BMW M3 ever?In farewelling the current G80 M3, BMW’s US division has given its rear-drive manual variant the CS treatment, creating the sharpest version yet.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-1d2f95fa-b4e4-41b5-8c62-4ba35090d12e.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/bmw-m3-cs-Handschalter-manual-us-1-65c45535-f8ed-440e-9152-28d2c460609d.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/is-this-the-greatest-bmw-m3-ever/) In his latest discussion with *BMW Blog*, Van Meel said the brand acknowledges “that there is a high demand \[for manual vehicles\], and it’s a very emotional issue”, before being asked by the publication if BMW M would consider reserving manuals for exclusive, high-end vehicles. “No, it’s not off the table,” van Meel said. “As you can hear, we are always trying to find solutions.” There’s no timeline on the end of manuals for BMW M, though the M3 and M4 are due to be replaced in 2028 and 2029, respectively, while the M2 will also likely bow out before the end of the decade. ### 185,000 gone in two years: The numbers behind Holden’s demise in Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-holden-registration-data-australia-new-vehicle-bitre/ Last updated: 2026-10-14T01:50:28.000Z From once being the dominant brand on Australian roads to now falling back down the order almost 10 years after local production ended, Holdens are becoming a rarer sight locally, with new government data showing the steep decline. The Australian Government’s Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) this week published its Road Vehicles Australia data, using information collected on January 31, 2026. Within the data is a breakdown of how many vehicles from the 30 top brands are on local roads, and it’s a stark reminder of the impact of Holden not only ending Australian production, but closing entirely at the end of 2020. According to the data, at the end of January there were 1,000,292 Holdens registered in Australia, making it the fourth-most popular brand, sandwiched between Hyundai (1,342,431 vehicles) and Mitsubishi (917,678 vehicles). ![VE Holden Commodore](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/crop_VE-Commodore_2.jpg) Holden VE Commodore While Holden is still well above Ford – which has 836,433 vehicles registered, despite having a five-year sales advantage and holding the title of Australia’s best-selling new vehicle with the Ranger – its numbers have declined significantly in recent years. In 2024, there were 1,186,057 Holdens counted in the data, while in 2022 – the first year where no Holdens had been sold, due to left-over stock running out in 2021 – there were 1,369,528 still registered at the end of January that year. This shows that across a four-year period of 2022 to 2026, 369,236 fewer Holdens are registered, representing a decline of almost 27 per cent. Even in the past two years, the decline has been closer to 17 per cent. There is a caveat though, with BITRE’s data not including veteran and vintage vehicles registered for restricted use only, which means cars on historic or special-interest registration in some states, varying from 25- to 30-year restrictions depending on the jurisdiction. ![The Toyota Australia fleet](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/Toyota-Pressroom---20f2a905-f001-4140-929a-3626ab5aaa97.jpeg) Toyota Australia's new-car fleet at the end of 2025 The data also excludes consular vehicles and vehicles registered by the defence forces, though these are expected to contribute a small amount to the Holden total. As you’d expect, Australia’s most popular new-car brand for the past 23 consecutive years in Toyota is the clear leader with vehicle registrations, with its figure of 3,317,413 cars on the road rising year-on-year. Mazda holds down second place with 1,576,072 registrations, a figure which is continuing to rise, in contrast with sixth-placed Ford which has declined by 63,816 registrations in the past two years, now at 836,433. This has left it vulnerable to Kia, which has risen to 823,647 registrations from 697,258 in the same two-year period. ![Ford Ranger Super Duty XLT driving in mud](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/Ford-ranger-super-duty-xlt-launch-5.jpg) The Ford Ranger has been Australia's best-selling car since 2023 Overall, Australia’s passenger vehicle fleet has reached at least 16,387,610 registrations, while the average age of the cars on the road has also increased from 11.33 years in 2025 to around 11.45 years in 2026, placing it at cars made in 2014-2015. In total, there are 22.7 million registered motor vehicles in Australia, having risen from 18.4 million in 2016, an increase of 23.4 per cent. Across the same 10-year period (end of 2015 to end of 2025), new vehicle sales in Australia have jumped from 1,155,408 to 1,241,037, or 7.4 per cent. ### 2027 Dodge Charger Hellcat: Supercharged V8 muscle car’s return one step closer URL: https://torquecafe.com/2027-dodge-charger-hellcat-supercharged-v8-muscle-cars-return-one-step-closer/ Last updated: 2026-10-13T23:38:40.000Z A new-generation Dodge Charger Hellcat will launch in 2027, according to the latest reports from the US, with the supercharged V8 flagship usurping its current twin-turbo straight-six offerings. As reported by [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/an-stellantis-plots-v8-dodge-charger-launch-1012/?ref=torquecafe.com), Dodge is set to revive the Charger Hellcat as a 2028 model year vehicle, though it’ll launch in 2027, with suppliers claimed to have been told to expect to build 12,000 examples annually. It’s the most concrete report yet that the Charger Hellcat nameplate will return, having last been used on the 2023 version of the sedan, as well as its related Challenger coupe counterpart. Dodge launched its new-generation Charger – available as both a coupe and sedan – in 2024, offering a choice of electric power in the Daytona, while later adding the choice of two twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six ‘Sixpack’ engines in 2025. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/dodge-challenger-srt-hemi-v8-2-scaled.webp) The previous Dodge Charger and Challenger Hellcat's supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8 The [first hints](https://torquecafe.com/supercharged-v8-muscle-car-icon-closer-to-return/) of the 6.2-litre Hellcat’s return came when Dodge’s parent company Stellantis started to re-add the Hemi V8 engine to its vehicle lineup from early 2025, first in the Ram 1500, and later the Jeep Wrangler. Tim Kuniskis, the head of Stellantis in North America, as well as the man leading the reborn SRT performance division, has [previously said](https://torquecafe.com/dodge-charger-v8-return-will-only-happen-with-supercharged-hellcat/) the Charger likely won’t get the 5.7-litre V8 found in the Ram 1500, instead only the Hellcat and Ram 1500 TRX’s supercharged 6.2-litre V8 would be considered. “The only way it makes sense to charge for \[an optional Hemi\] now is I have to go all the way up to a Hellcat,” Kuniskis told[ *Motortrend*](https://www.motortrend.com/news/hemi-hellcat-new-dodge-charger?ref=torquecafe.com) at the Detroit motor show. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/crop_dodge-challenger-charger.webp) Last-generation Dodge Challenger (left) and Charger (right) “If you were to put a V8 in the car you would probably go to Hellcat (6.2-litre) instead of 5.7 (litre). The reality is when you get into that rare air, the take rate is pretty small.” It’s worth noting that while the Ram 1500 underwent a significant mid-life update which saw the V8 removed before its later return, the Charger runs on a completely different platform, the STLA Large architecture which only supports the twin-turbo straight-six. However, Stellantis has restarted production of the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 after bringing back the[ 1500 TRX pickup](https://torquecafe.com/ram-1500-srt-trx-returns-price-power/), which also resulted in increased inputs from 523kW and 882Nm to 579kW and 922Nm, as well as adding the Ram 1500 Rumble Bee SRT to its lineup. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/dodge-charger-sixpack-4--1-.jpg) Dodge Charger Sixpack sedan (left) and coupe (right) It’s worth noting the previous generation Charger Hellcat made up to 594kW and 959Nm in its ultimate Redeye trim, much more than the ‘High Output’ twin-turbo six which 410kW and 720Nm in the Charger currently on sale. Despite the links to the return of the supercharged V8 in the Charger, there’s no word on whether it would be rear-wheel drive like previous Hellcats, or adopt the all-wheel drive system of the current twin-turbo six-cylinder model. The return of the V8 to the Charger may also be timely, as reports have claimed both Ford and Chevrolet will be launching V8-powered sedans – based on the [Mustang](https://torquecafe.com/return-of-the-ford-falcon-four-door-mustang-timeline-firms/) and [Camaro](https://torquecafe.com/chevrolet-camaro-return-delayed-sedan-move-firms-report/) – in the near future. [Retro NASCAR to influence returning V8 muscle carThe Dodge Charger will once again get the supercharged 6.2-litre Hellcat engine, and feature a big wing similar to one of the most famous NASCARs.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-ccb4bcca-c02a-45cb-af07-b916b26c247e.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/plymouth_road_runner_superbird_hemi_11-1cee1264-08f3-4879-ad3b-e51384a0398d.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/retro-nascar-to-influence-returning-v8-muscle-car/) ### Reborn Lexus LFA coming to Australia… with a catch URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-lexus-lfa-concept-melbourne-cup/ Last updated: 2026-10-13T23:00:59.000Z Lexus is bringing one of its most highly anticipated cars to Australia, announcing the LFA Concept will be on show at the Melbourne Cup Carnival, running from October 31 to November 7. Set to be displayed within the Landmark by Lexus pavilion, it’ll be the first time Australians can see the pre-production concept of the new-generation LFA, which was unveiled in [December last year](https://torquecafe.com/lexus-lfa-concept-ev-supercar-replaces-v10/). "The true significance of the original LFA was never measured by numbers alone. What made it so special was the lasting impression it left on everyone fortunate enough to experience it," said Lexus Australia chief executive, Jack Hobbs. "The Lexus LFA Concept carries that spirit forward, exploring how electrification can evoke the same sense of excitement, wonder and connection for a new era.” ![2025 Lexus LFA Concept](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/lexus-lfa-concept-ev-1.jpg) Lexus LFA Concept Lexus sold just nine examples of the original V10-powered LFA in Australia, making it one of the brand’s rarest cars offered locally – though this will soon be matched by the equally rare [RZ600e F Sport Performance](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-lexus-rz-f-sport-performance-australia-price/). The new LFA Concept is underpinned by the same chassis as the twin-turbo V8 Toyota GR GT, though the Lexus coupe is set to be an EV. [As previously reported](https://torquecafe.com/lexus-lfas-legendary-v10-wont-make-its-way-into-ev-successor/), the production LFA is expected to make some kind of noise, after the LFA program’s general manager, Yukihiro Yukita, told the UK’s[ *Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/new-lexus-lfa-aims-win-over-ev-sceptics-v10-feel?ref=torquecafe.com) it will produce noises to keep the driver involved. “What I get from the market is that a BEV is fake because we imitate the sound \[of an internal combustion engine\] – but that's not something we want to do,” Yukita said earlier this year. ![2025 Lexus LFA Concept](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/lexus-lfa-concept.jpg) Lexus LFA Concept The executive added Lexus wants its LFA drivers to “feel like they are driving with an engine”, saying that a downside to EVs is that “we lose the sound or the vibration, which gives a big impact to the five senses of the driver.” While acknowledging the popularity of synthesised engine noises in performance EVs from Hyundai and a growing number of brands, Yukita said: “We're not just wanting to replicate the sound of the engine: we want to redesign the sound itself.” Lexus has yet to formally announce plans to put the LFA Concept into production. ### Ford Ranger special edition celebrates rally champions URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-ford-ranger-ms-rt-champion-edition/ Last updated: 2026-10-13T20:00:00.000Z When Australians modify the Ford Ranger, typical upgrades include bigger tyres and a suspension lift, focusing on off-road performance – but that’s not how they do it in Europe. In 2024, Ford’s World Rally Championship partner M-Sport revealed the Ranger MS-RT as a lowered ‘street truck’ version of the popular ute, focused on delivering greater on-road handling with little compromise for how it performs as a work vehicle. This was followed by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version last year, and now a special Champion Edition has been revealed, celebrating M-Sport’s successful WRC lineage. ![Ford Ranger MS-RT Champion Edition front view](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026_Ranger_MS-RT_Champion_Edition_05_3-1.jpg) Ford Ranger MS-RT Champion Edition Across its time as the Ford works rally team and its own M-Sport operation, the UK firm has won three WRC Manufacturers titles (2006, 2007 and 2019), but despite slipping down the ranks in recent years, it’s still keen to celebrate its history – particularly as it once again becomes more closely aligned with Ford. All Ranger MS-RT Champion Editions are finished in Agate Black and feature gold exterior decals, such as the striking racing stripes over the top and down its sides. The 21-inch wheels – shod in relatively low-profile 275/45R21 tyres – have also been given the gold treatment, with the diamond-cut alloys standing out under the wider guards. ![Ford Ranger MS-RT Champion Edition rear view](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026_Ranger_MS-RT_Champion_Edition_06_2-1.jpg) Ford Ranger MS-RT Champion Edition Inside, there’s now a sports steering wheel with gold stitching and a gold 12-o’clock market, while the sports seats also feature gold contrast stitching against the black ‘eco-leather’. Under the occupant’s feet are gold floor mats, while there’s a unique Champion Edition Plaque in every example. Carry-over features from the standard Ranger MS-RT include revised bumpers, side skirts, a new bonnet, grille and a ducktail spoiler which is integrated into reshaped rear guards. Compared to a normal dual-cab Ranger, the MS-RT sits 40mm lower, has an 80mm wider track and 82mm wider guards. ![Ford Ranger MS-RT Champion Edition interior](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026_Ranger_MS-RT_Champion_Edition_10_4-1.jpg) Ford Ranger MS-RT Champion Edition There are no changes to the Ranger’s powertrain, with the MS-RT Champion Edition exclusively powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine, producing up to 183kW and 600Nm. Despite not looking like a true work ute, MS-RT says its version of the Ranger retains a 3500kg braked towing capacity. While the Ranger MS-RT has been on sale in Thailand – another right-hand drive market – it has remained off the radar for Ford in Australia. ### Toyota agrees to pay $750 million in class action settlements URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-toyota-australia-hilux-prado-fortuner-dpf-settlement/ Last updated: 2026-10-13T04:28:20.000Z A landmark settlement has been reached in two class actions against Toyota Australia, after it was found almost 265,000 vehicles were fitted with defective diesel particulate filter (DPF) systems. In April 2022, the Federal Court of Australia found DPFs on certain versions of the Toyota HiLux ute, LandCruiser Prado and Fortuner SUVs had a “core defect”. The defect related to 264,170 examples of the three models, which were manufactured between October 2015 and April 2020. These 264,170 Toyota vehicles were fitted with either the 2.8-litre (1GD-FTV) or 2.4-litre (2GD-FTV) turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines, which could produce excessive white smoke due to a clogged exhaust system due to a defective DPF. ![The Toyota 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/toyota-landcruiser-prado-150-series-1.jpg) Toyota 1GD-FTV engine While Toyota Australia rolled out a fix for the fault in 2020 – thereby ending the period of impacted vehicles – those who had purchased affected models pursued compensation through class actions. In 2023, Toyota Australia lost its appeal against the Federal Court’s decision, though this week it reached a settlement with the two groups running the pair of class actions. “Toyota Australia has agreed to a settlement in the DPF Class Action case. The settlement is subject to Court approval,” a Toyota Australia spokesperson said in a media statement. ![The Toyota LandCruiser Prado in 2015](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/toyota-landcruiser-prado-150-series-3.jpg) 2015 Toyota LandCruiser Prado lineup “We remain committed to assisting any impacted customers and to providing a free-of-charge remedy that has been available since 2020. “The trust of our customers has been central to Toyota Australia for more than 70 years, and we do not take that for granted. “We remain committed to supporting our customers, addressing their concerns and continuing to earn the confidence they place in our products and brand. “We apologise for any inconvenience or discomfort experienced by our customers.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2015-toyota-fortuner.jpg) 2015 Toyota Fortuner In 2023, the Federal Court reduced its initial order for Toyota Australia to compensate owners of affected vehicles with a payment of 17.5 per cent of the value of their car's “average retail price”, revising this figure to 10 per cent. At the time, calculations projected Toyota could have been up for more than $1.3 billion in compensation costs, almost double the agreed settlement. It is still expected to impact Toyota’s bottom line, after the brand’s Australian division recorded an after-tax profit of $380 million last Japanese financial year (April 2025 to March 2026. While the 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV is still on sale in Australia under the bonnet of the HiLux, Prado and LandCruiser 70 Series, it is no longer impacted by the DPF defect. ### Could this be the Australian Prime Minister’s next car? URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-bmw-concept-7-protection-armoured-car/ Last updated: 2026-10-13T03:52:10.000Z BMW has revealed the Concept 7 Protection as a look at what its next-gen armoured cars will look like, and potentially showing off the vehicle which will carry future Australian Prime Ministers. Said to be “designed for private and corporate customers”, the Concept 7 Protection is based on the 7 Series, specifically the M760e xDrive, the plug-in hybrid variant of BMW’s large luxury sedan. Centred around providing the occupants with as much security as possible, the 7 Series has been fitted with transparent and selected opaque sections of the passenger compartment, with bulletproof glass designed to stop any ingress into the cabin. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/bmw-7-concept-protection-3-1-1.jpg) BMW Concept 7 Protection The doors too incorporate various types of ballistic steel and fibre-reinforced composites, with overlaps between the doors, glazing and bodywork aimed at reducing weak spots. To negate attacks from above, there’s an additional layer of protection composed of steel and fibre-reinforced composites under the sedan’s panoramic glass sunroof, which remains permanently closed. According to BMW, the “Concept 7 Protection complies with the new BayB standard”, and is designed to protect occupants from “particularly common handgun ammunition, such as 9x19 mm and .44 Magnum” rounds. ![BMW Concept 7 Protection](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/bmw-7-concept-protection-1-1.jpg) BMW Concept 7 Protection As you’d expect, there’s also an intercom system which can allow communication with people outside the car, while keeping those inside it safe. Inside the cabin, BMW has gone all-out with Smoke White Merino Leather, Alcantara trims and BMW M Anthracite Alcantara headlining – not exactly what you’d expect from a car with a sole purpose to protect those in it, not keep them comfortable. Being based on the M760e xDrive means the Concept 7 Series is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six engine, which is mated to an electric motor to produce a total of 450kW and 800Nm. To ensure quick getaways in all conditions, it’s all-wheel drive with an eight-speed automatic transmission. ![BMW Concept 7 Protection](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/bmw-7-concept-protection-5-1.jpg) BMW Concept 7 Protection According to BMW, it has made calibration tweaks to the chassis, brakes and drivetrain to ensure it’s able to cope with its hefty protection features. A timeline for the start of production is yet to be announced, though one day we could eventually see the final version in Australia. Currently, the Prime Minister’s ‘Commonwealth 1’ car is a BMW 7 Series High Security, based on the previous-generation version of the sedan, and is one of more than half a dozen examples operated locally. ### Mazda MX-5 goes green, gets more kit for higher prices URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-mazda-mx5-price-specs-australia-zinc-green-recaro-seats/ Last updated: 2026-10-13T00:06:54.000Z Mazda is keeping the current ND MX-5 alive for just a bit longer, announcing a handful of changes to the popular sports car to round out 2026, coming at a higher price than before. Now available to order, the 2026 Mazda MX-5’s headline change has been the addition of a new paint finish, Zinc Green Metallic, becoming the first green hue available on the model since the last of the NC-generation models in 2015. Available across all grades of the MX-5 Roadster (soft-top convertible) and MX-5 RF (hard-top), the metallic finish is understood to incur the same $595 premium as Machine Grey Metallic and Mazda’s hero Soul Red Crystal Metallic. ![Zinc Green Metallic Mazda MX-5 Roadster GT RS](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-mazda-mx5-rf-gt-rs-3-1.jpg) 2026 Mazda MX-5 RF GT RS in Zinc Green Metallic While the price of premium paint on the MX-5 hasn’t changed, Mazda has increased the cost of every grade of the sports car, with the base Roadster and Roadster/RF GT variants up by $1950, while the flagship GT RS’s price has risen by $4950. | Model | Price before on-road costs | | ----------------------------------------- | -------------------------- | | 2027 Mazda MX-5 G20 Roadster manual | $44,590 (up $1950) | | 2027 Mazda MX-5 G20 Roadster GT manual | $51,240 (up $1950) | | 2027 Mazda MX-5 G20 Roadster GT auto | $52,740 (up $1950) | | 2027 Mazda MX-5 G20 RF GT manual | $55,740 (up $1950) | | 2027 Mazda MX-5 G20 RF GT auto | $57,240 (up $1950) | | 2027 Mazda MX-5 G20 Roadster GT RS manual | $57,240 (up $4950) | | 2027 Mazda MX-5 G20 RF GT RS manual | $61,740 (up $4950) | All variants of the MX-5 have now been fitted with an autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system which can detect cyclists as well as pedestrians, while it also now features lane-keep assist, joining the existing lane-departure warning safety feature. ![2026 Mazda MX-5 GT RS interior with Recaro seats, Alcantara dashboard](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-mazda-mx5-rf-gt-rs-2-1.jpg) 2026 Mazda MX-5 GT RS interior The MX-5 GT RS’s significant price hike is attributed to the fitment of new Recaro bucket seats, upholstered in Nappa leather and Alcantara, with grey contrast stitching. The Alcantara treatment has also been applied to the instrument panel, centre console, console lid and door trim. The GT RS, in addition to the new interior appointments, continues to be the only MX-5 fitted with Bilstein dampers, Brembo brakes, and BBS alloy wheels. Mazda’s MX-5 continues to be powered by an unchanged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 135kW and 205Nm, driving the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. [Most powerful Mazda MX-5 safe in Australia despite overseas axingsThe 2.0-litre Mazda MX-5 will continue on sale in Australia, after being discontinued for the UK, another right-hand drive market.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-52568c91-fd76-4aa3-a059-bff1b39239e9.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_Mazda_MX-5_0122_HR-60abad15-4db7-4dd4-ac01-00cbe1772313.webp)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-mazda-mx5-safe-in-australia/) ### 2027 Nissan Patrol one step closer to Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/2027-nissan-patrol-one-step-closer-to-australia/ Last updated: 2026-10-12T23:59:59.000Z Nissan’s next Patrol is making its latest steps towards Australian showrooms, with the first right-hand drive examples of the popular SUV being built in Japan ahead of its 2027 local arrival. Due to arrive in Australia in the first quarter of 2027 (January to March), the Y63 Patrol has already been on sale in left-hand drive markets such as the Middle East and North America (as the Armada) for close to two years, but the first right-hand drive versions will be sold Down Under. According to Nissan, the new ladder-frame chassis underpinning the Y63 Patrol features larger frame side members than the Y62 it replaces, resulting in a 40 per cent increase in torsional rigidity, while claimed to also lead to better noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), handling and ride comfort. ![The Y63 Nissan Patrol being built](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-right-hand-drive-2-1.jpg) 2027 Nissan Patrol on the production line in Japan The new Patrol’s body also sees a “significant increase” in how much high-strength steel has been used in its construction, now up to 27 per cent of its body structure – up 21 per cent from the SUV it replaces. These are factors behind why the Y63 Patrol will be available with a braked towing capacity of up to 3700kg when it arrives in Australia, [the highest of any SUV on sale locally](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-nissan-patrol-towing-storage-capacity-specs/). This eclipses the industry standard 3500kg for big SUVs, and beats the 6.2-litre V8-powered GMC Yukon’s 3628kg capacity. ![Y63 Nissan Patrol and Armada chassis](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-Nissan-Y63-Patrol---Chassis-1.jpg) 2027 Nissan Patrol chassis According to Nissan, Patrol buyers will be able to “choose from a range of tow tongue and tow ball configurations available as an at-cost accessory, including a configuration supporting the Patrol's full 3700kg braked towing capacity.” Though yet to be confirmed, it’s understood the 3700kg towing capacity will only be available through the use of a 70mm tow ball, as local regulations prevent towing any more than 3500kg with a 50mm ball. The Patrol’s twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 produces 317kW and 700Nm, making it 4kW and 76Nm more potent than the Yukon. [As previously reported](https://torquecafe.com/why-the-new-nissan-patrol-will-be-uniquely-australian/), every example of the Y63 Patrol sold globally features a rear differential housing which has been made at the Nissan Casting Australia Plant (NCAP) in Dandenong South, just 40km south-east of the Melbourne CBD. ![Y63 Nissan Patrol towing a boat](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-1-1.jpg) 2027 Nissan Patrol Despite running on an all-new chassis, the Y63 Patrol shares the same 3075mm wheelbase as the Y62, though the 2027 model is significantly bigger inside and out. The Y63’s measurements of 5205mm long, 2030mm wide and 1955 mm tall make it 40mm longer, 35mm wider and 15mm taller than the outgoing model. Nissan will offer six variants of the Y63 Patrol in Australia, doubling the current lineup of three on sale for the Y62. You can read the full breakdown of pricing and specifications[ here](https://torquecafe.com/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-price-and-specs-new-gen-toyota-landcruiser-rival-locked-in/). [2027 Nissan Patrol Y63 price and specs: New-gen Toyota LandCruiser rival locked inThe Nissan Patrol will offer six variants to Australian buyers when it arrives next year, with prices continuing to undercut the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-91a30928-43f9-413a-b218-b5fc69384468.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-10-1-1-46e5749f-04da-4f79-a590-dcc49eb9bb30.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-price-and-specs-new-gen-toyota-landcruiser-rival-locked-in/) ### Craig Lowndes challenged to take V8 ute up famous hill URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-craig-lowndes-beer-oclock-hill-chevrolet-silverado-zr2-challenge/ Last updated: 2026-10-12T22:06:11.000Z Australian racing legend Craig Lowndes has conquered most automotive challenges he’s faced, but now an unexpected one has been thrown his way: Beer O’Clock Hill. In a video posted to social media, Lucas Bree – who runs Team Bree Offroad and runs The Springs 4x4 Park – announced Lowndes’ major backer, Supercheap Auto, had been to Beer O’Clock Hill to add their sponsorship to the venue, with an added twist. “The deal is: Craig Lowndes and his Finke (Desert Race)-winning Chevy Silverado, can he get it to the top of Beer O’Clock Hill?” Bree said. “With enough noise, Supercheap Auto are going to do their best to get him here, and get it done. Lowndes and navigator Dale Moscatt [won the 2026 Finke Desert Race’s](https://speedcafe.com/motorsport-news-2026-finke-desert-race-craig-lowndes-supercheap-auto-chevrolet-production-4wd-class-win-results-comments-reaction/?ref=torquecafe.com) Production 4WD in their Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, with the 6.2-litre V8-powered pickup equipped only with safety modifications and tougher all-terrain tyres. In theory, the steep, rutted 100 metre-long hill should be a relatively easy challenge for the Silverado ZR2, as Bree himself has driven one up the path in the past. ![A Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 driven by Craig Lowndes to victory in the 2026 Finke Desert Race](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/Craig-Lowndes-Finke-2026-e1780892523762.jpg) Craig Lowndes driving his Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 However, it may be more difficult for Lowndes, who up until now has had racing experience on far smoother courses, both on- and off-road. Beer O’Clock Hill has become known as something of a car killer, though recently it’s been used for some new-car brands – especially emerging Chinese competitors – to show how tough their vehicles are. Earlier this year, [Denza](https://torquecafe.com/iconic-aussie-4x4-hill-is-shaping-chinas-off-roaders/) sent the Prado-sized B5 and LandCruiser 300-sized B8 up the hill, while [GWM](https://torquecafe.com/chinese-brands-continue-to-conquer-aussie-hill/) has successfully reached the top too with its Cannon and Cannon Alpha utes, plus the Tank 300 and 500 SUVs. [Iconic Aussie 4×4 hill is shaping China’s off-roadersBYD’s premium brand Denza has conquered the infamous Beer O’Clock Hill - after the Shark 6 ute failed to do so - and it’s gathering data to further improve its breed.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-5b23cda1-f009-49b7-92d1-e0975d31be16.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/denza-b5-b8-beer-oclock-hill-3-0a359ff9-bee7-4b4b-9b71-bcdc85b9630f.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/iconic-aussie-4x4-hill-is-shaping-chinas-off-roaders/) ### Dead before arrival: 2027 Nissan Navara Warrior cancelled URL: https://torquecafe.com/dead-before-arrival-2027-nissan-navara-warrior-cancelled/ Last updated: 2026-10-12T06:29:34.000Z Nissan Australia won’t launch a new D27-generation version of its Navara Warrior ute, despite [revealing a concept](https://torquecafe.com/new-nissan-navara-warrior-previewed/) of the off-road ready dual-cab last year. In a statement, Nissan confirmed it had axed the new Navara Warrior, with its attention now on launching the Navara Pro PHEV ute in Australia, as reported last week. “Since revealing the D27 Navara Warrior concept last November, we have progressed development while continuously reviewing the business case and our product priorities,” a Nissan Australia spokesperson said. “With the upcoming arrival of the Navara Pro PHEV, we have decided not to proceed with the D27 Navara Warrior program. ![D27 Nissan Navara Warrior concept](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/d27-nissan-navara-warrior-concept-premcar-8-1.jpg) 2027 Nissan Navara Warrior concept “Our priority is now to successfully launch the all-new Navara Pro PHEV next year, ensuring we deliver a product that meets customer needs and supports our long-term business objectives.” The Navara Warrior was one of the most successful variants of the previous-generation D23 Navara, after being established in 2019 with the Navara N-Trek Warrior, with local engineering headed up by Australian firm Premcar. At the launch of the new D27 Navara last year, Nissan provided no timeline on when – or if – it would reach showrooms, though the possibility of it not coming to fruition was signalled by Nissan Oceania managing director Steve Milette when [speaking to *Torquecafe* last month](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-nissan-warrior-future-y63-patrol-navara-premcar/). “\[It’s still a\] work in process, I would say, so there's nothing to confirm,” said Milette, speaking of both the D27 Navara Warrior and the Y63 Patrol Warrior. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026NissanNavaraWarriorConcept016.jpg) 2027 Nissan Navara Warrior concept “\[...\] with the Warrior philosophy we continue to work with Premcar and at what opportunities could we look at for the future, with the optics of Australians love serious off-road capable vehicles.” [In May](https://torquecafe.com/mitsubishi-news-triton-raider-price-australia/), the Navara’s Triton twin received Premcar upgrades in the form of the Triton Raider, representing the first time the brand had worked with a non-Nissan marque since its most recent formation. Milette had previously said the Triton Raider wouldn’t take sales away from the upcoming Navara Warrior, claiming his brand’s product will sit above Mitsubishi’s. “I think we have a pretty broad portfolio with Navara,”[ he said in May](https://torquecafe.com/nissan-navara-warrior-not-under-threat-from-mitsubishis-off-road-rival/). “I think our Pro-4X sits where their product is. Yeah, I think we’re ok.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/mitsubishi-triton-raider-8-1.jpg) Mitsubishi Triton Raider While the Navara Warrior is now off the table, the [Navara Pro PHEV](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-nissan-navara-pro-phev-australia/) is now Nissan’s key focus for the Australian ute market, having been announced last week for a 2027 arrival. Based on the Frontier Pro sold in China and other overseas markets, the Navara Pro is set to do battle with the likes of the BYD Shark 6, and will feature specifications “specifically selected for Oceania”, including a different engine and potentially different suspension to its overseas counterparts. There’s no confirmed launch date for the Nissan Navara Pro PHEV in Australia, with the brand only saying it’s due in 2027, with specific timing, pricing and specifications to be made available closer to its arrival. [Nissan Navara Pro to take on BYD Shark 6 as Australia’s latest plug-in uteThe Nissan Navara name will be used for the brand’s boldest model in Australia yet, a Chinese-sourced ute with plug-in hybrid power.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-7f51c995-e1e2-41e3-822a-fb7079f4cd49.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/Nissan_NavaraPro_AustralianTesting_063-1-92eed4b5-f2d3-4595-8fb3-ecf4a8cd1703.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-nissan-navara-pro-phev-australia/) ### ‘Reimagined’ hot Holden teased as Aussie billionaire buys Brock’s HDT URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-peter-brock-kenny-habul-buys-hdt-holden-dealer-team-bathurst/ Last updated: 2026-10-12T05:54:34.000Z The Holden Dealer Team (HDT) was best known as [an extension of Peter Brock](https://torquecafe.com/peter-brock-top-5-road-cars-20-years/) throughout his racing career in the 1970s through to the late 1980s, and now it’s being brought back by Australian billionaire, Kenny Habul. Habul, founder of successful US-based business SunEnergy1 and two-time Bathurst 12 Hour winner, today announced he had not only taken ownership of the HDT and HDT Special Vehicle brands, but also his plans to relocate operations to Bathurst. According to Habul, there are plans to construct a new facility in Bathurst which will be home to HDT’s operations of modifying and enhancing the performance of HDT Special Vehicle cars, of which 4246 were produced in the Brock-led era of 1980 to 1987. “This is about building world-class performance vehicles in Bathurst, the home of Australian motorsport and the spiritual home of HDT,” Habul said. ![Kenny Habul wearing a HDT shirt](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/Kenny-Habul-Grade-Pass-02-1.jpeg) Kenny Habul “We are respectful of what this brand means to people, and we recognise these cars need to be preserved and improved. “If you own an HDT you will be able to come to us for parts that we will have on the shelf, plus we will also be offering performance upgrades that will be HDT approved with increased power outputs, better brakes and enhanced safety. HDT existed as a race team from 1969 but it wasn’t until 1980 when then-Holden hero Peter Brock established its HDT Special Vehicles division, the spiritual predecessor to the Walkinshaw-run Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). The partnership between Brock and Holden through HDT Special Vehicles lasted until 1987 and fell apart as a result of the famous ‘Energy Polarizer’ saga, in which Brock fitted a box of crystals to certain vehicles, claiming it delivered greater handling. HDT’s road cars are today highly sought after, with a Brock-owned HDT VK Commodore Group A SS ‘Blue Meanie’ – build number #005 – selling for $1.05 million in 2021. ![HDT VK Commodore Group A SS ‘Blue Meanie’ with Peter Brock](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/hdt-kenny-habul-7.jpg) Peter Brock with the HDT VK Commodore Group A SS ‘Blue Meanie’ Though HDT was without factory backing from Holden from the late-1980s onwards, the brand was restarted by Peter Champion – a close friend of Brock’s – in 2007, offering styling and performance packages for late-model Holden Commodores (such as the VE and VF). “After nearly 20 years of owning HDT Special Vehicles, I felt it was time for me to move on and sell it to someone who is just as passionate as myself, and that person is Kenny Habul,” Champion said. Habul, too, has a connection to Brock, having said in 2022 after winning his first Bathurst 12 Hour that the Australian racing legend had taken him under his wing during the former’s early years of employment at the latter’s race teams. According to Habul, there are currently plans to produce a ‘Reimagined’ HDT road car, though details are yet to be announced. ![HDT sponsor on GRM's #34 at the 2026 Bathurst 1000](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/hdt-kenny-habul-3.jpeg) HDT sponsored two cars at this year's Bathurst 1000 “We have prototype cars being tested here in Australia, as well as in Germany and the USA,” Habul said. “There is a lot of work to do before we have a HDT reimagined car to present, but there is a fundamental recipe that I think will be very impressive. “We will confirm more details about this stage of HDT’s next chapter in due course.” The announcement of HDT’s future comes after the 2026 Bathurst 1000, which commemorated 20 years since Brock’s death in September 2006. ### Peugeot’s Group B rally hero reborn URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-peugeot-e-t16-concept-hyperhatch-205-t16-revealed/ Last updated: 2026-10-12T00:20:46.000Z Peugeot is looking back 40 years to its success in the World Rally Championship to inspire its latest concept car, unveiling the E-T16 at the Paris motor show. Designed to showcase Peugeot’s “Feline Future” design language, the unveiling of the E-T16 celebrates 40 years since the 205 T16 clinched its second consecutive world title in the fearsome Group B era. Claimed to create an all-new category of ‘hyperhatch’ models, the Peugeot E-T16 draws heavily on the 205 T16’s design cues, with its three-slat headlights reimagining the grille design of the original. Huge wheel-arches, a big bonnet with air outlets, massive cooling intakes on the front bumper, venting behind the front wheels and a twin-diffuser below the ‘cat-ear’ rear wing are an evolution of the design which Group B cars became feared for. ![Peugeot E-T16 Concept front profile](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-peugeot-e-t16-concept-3-1.jpg) Peugeot E-T16 Concept There are other little nods to its history, such as the Winchester Matte Grey body colour similar to the original’s grey finish, as well as silver wheels, body-round red pinstriping, and a liftable rear section to reveal what’s under the skin. Inside the cabin, Peugeot says the E-T16 previews what the next E-208 will look like, but with everything taken up to 11. A wide ultra-slim 21-inch panoramic HD display sits ahead of the driver, incorporating the head-up instrument display and central touchscreen, itself positioned over the ‘Hypersquare’ system. As you’d expect from a racing-bred design, the cabin also features moulded carbon-fibre bucket seats, plus copious amounts of carbon-fibre, anodised aluminium and technical mesh trim. ![Peugeot E-T16 Concept interior](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-peugeot-e-t16-concept-2-1.jpg) Peugeot E-T16 Concept Carrying across the red highlight theme from the outside, the E-T16 features a red headliner, tubular roll cage and striping on its seats. Even more impressive are the technical specifications of the Peugeot E-T16, moving the bar even further from the 205 T16. Powered by three electric motors – one at the front, two at the rear – the E-T16 concept produces an astounding 609kW, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of approximately 380kW/tonne. According to Peugeot, the concept can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 2.5 seconds, and take just 16 seconds to reach 300km/h. ![Peugeot E-T16 Concept side profile](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-peugeot-e-t16-concept-5-1-1.jpg) Peugeot E-T16 Concept It is fed by an 85kWh battery, something which Peugeot claims could deliver a driving range of 400km, and be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 15 minutes, thanks to its 800-volt architecture. Helping to stop it from its ridiculous speeds are four 380mm disc brakes, while riding on Michelin tyres measuring 275mm wide up front and 315mm wide at the rear. Of course, to make sure it has some kind of connection to its rally roots, the E-T16 is fitted with a hydraulic handbrake. ![Peugeot E-T16 Concept charging port](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-peugeot-e-t16-concept-1-1.jpg) Peugeot E-T16 Concept “\[The\] E-T16 Concept reinterprets the lines of the future Peugeot E-208, pushing every proportion to the extreme,” said Peugeot Design Director, Matthias Hossann. “A radical design that celebrates our heritage and transforms power and sportiness into a true design language.” Unfortunately it appears the E-T16 won’t go into production like the equally wild [Renault 5 Turbo 3E](https://torquecafe.com/renault-5-turbo-3e-ev-hot-hatch-orders/), but it seems we will at least see some of its design appear in the next E-208. ### Toyota RAV4 PHEV recalled URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-toyota-rav4-phev-recall-australia-fault/ Last updated: 2026-10-11T19:59:59.000Z Toyota Australia has recalled 5925 examples of the RAV4 PHEV, after it was discovered the SUV’s electric motor may not operate correctly at higher speeds. “Due to a manufacturing issue with the motor generator electronic control unit (MG-ECU), the motor initialisation process may not complete correctly,” the recall notice says. “This may prevent the electric motor from operating as intended at higher speeds. ![The Toyota RAV4 PHEV range](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-toyota-rav4-phev-4-1.jpeg) 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV GR Sport (left) and XSE (right) “If the electric motor does not operate as intended, warning lights will illuminate and the vehicle may enter fail-safe mode or shut down, resulting in a loss of motive power. A loss of motive power whilst driving increases the risk of an accident, causing serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.” According to Toyota, owners of affected vehicles will be contacted in writing to request they make an appointment at their preferred Toyota dealer who will rectify the vehicle, free of charge. For more information, owners can contact Toyota’s Recall Assist helpline on 1800 987 366. ### Mitsubishi Triton to spawn Honda ute - report URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-honda-ute-mitsubishi-triton-based-pickup-report/ Last updated: 2026-10-10T19:59:59.000Z Plans for the Nissan-Honda-Mitsubishi joint venture fell apart early last year, but the trio of brands may soon have the same shared model in showrooms. According to Japanese outlet [*Yomiuri*](https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/economy/20261009-GYT1T00034/?ref=torquecafe.com), Honda wants a mid-sized pickup (or ute, as we better know them as in Australia) to add to its south-east Asian lineup, and it’s likely the Mitsubishi Triton will be its choice. The publications reports a Honda-badged version of the Triton ute could go on sale in the region as soon as 2028, with more markets claimed to be under consideration. ![Japanese-market Mitsubishi Triton](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-01-2026-mitsubishi-triton-japan-2.jpg) Japanese-market Mitsubishi Triton If it comes to fruition, it’ll be the second rebadged version of the Triton on sale globally, as the current Nissan Navara is based on Mitsubishi’s ute – though it’s only sold in Australia and New Zealand. The report continues that the potential Honda ute would help Mitsubishi to increase the operating rate of the Thailand factory where the Triton and Navara are built. It would also give Honda a competitor in the market to rivals such as the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max, though it’s unlikely to be sold here, given the rare success of three vehicles sharing the same core being available in Australia. ![Nissan Navara Pro-4X in Australia](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-nissan-navara-pro-4x-1.jpg) Nissan Navara Pro-4X While Honda’s south-east Asian operations are looking to Mitsubishi for a new pickup, Mitsubishi is reportedly wanting to lean on Nissan for a model in North America. [In May](https://torquecafe.com/mitsubishi-nissan-to-pair-up-for-another-new-pickup/), Mitsubishi announced it is looking to join the North American mid-size pickup market, a segment it hasn’t occupied for close to two decades. To take on the likes of the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger, it will produce the pickup in collaboration with Nissan, with[ *Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/mitsubishi/an-mitsubishi-midsize-pickup-pajero-suv-nissan-us-production-dealer-network-0529/?ref=torquecafe.com) reporting at the time it’s likely the model will be built in the US by Nissan on an existing production line. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/mitsubishi-triton-raider-8.jpg) Mitsubishi Triton Raider Reportedly based on the Nissan Frontier, the existing pickup itself is due to enter a new generation in late 2027 or 2028, as a part of Nissan’s ladder-frame product offensive. Despite occupying the same segment as the Ford Ranger - which is sold globally - it’s unlikely the Mitsubishi pickup will come to Australia, as the Frontier it’ll likely be based on is left-hand drive only. It’s not yet known what Mitsubishi’s North American pickup will be called, though it’s possible the brand will revive the Raider name, the last title it gave to a pickup in the region. ### Reborn Honda NSX gets race-bred V6, manual transmission URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-jas-tensei-nsx-based-sports-car-judd-v6-manual/ Last updated: 2026-10-10T01:18:52.000Z Honda racing specialists JAS Motorsport have given the greatest details yet of the Tensei, the firm’s mid-engined sports car based on the original NSX. [Revealed in December 2025](https://torquecafe.com/honda-nsx-restomod-pininfarina-jas/), the Tensei – translated to ‘reincarnation’ or ‘rebirth’, depending on who you listen to – comes from Italian firm JAS Motorsport, who has worked on Honda’s global touring car programs for decades. While at the time details about the JAS Tensei were limited, the brand has now added more information about what’s under the skin of its reborn sports car. ![The JAS Tensei is a reborn Honda NSX](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/jas-tensei-blue-revealed-1.jpg) JAS Tensei Powering the Tensei is a 3.5-litre V6, mid-mounted and reworked by Judd Power, famed for its racing engines of the 1980s and 1990s. Based on the original NSX-R’s 3.2-litre V6, the new engine produces 313kW and an 8500rpm redline, improvements on the 1990s hero car’s 216kW and 8000rpm figures. These increased numbers were made possible by Judd fitting a new billet crankshaft, forged lightweight pistons and connecting rods, as well as individual throttle bodies. ![The JAS Tensei is a reborn Honda NSX](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/jas-tensei-blue-revealed-5.jpg) JAS Tensei Drive continues to be sent to the rear wheels, and unlike the NSX which could be had as an automatic, the JAS Tensei is a six-speed manual only. Under the skin you’ll also find a new suspension setup, highlighted by adaptive KW dampers, which have enabled the use of a front-lift system to get over speed bumps. Though no official weight figure has been confirmed, the carbon-fibre body is expected to ensure the Tensei is not much porkier than the original NSX. ![The JAS Tensei is a reborn Honda NSX](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/jas-tensei-blue-revealed-3.jpg) JAS Tensei Speaking of the body, it’s been designed by Pininfarina, incorporating hallmarks of the NSX – such as pop-up headlights, an integrated rear spoiler, plus A-pillar mounted door handles – but with enough reworked elements to make it look like a new product. Inside, the cabin has also been extensively redesigned and modernised, incorporating an infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster, though plenty of analogue controls remain. The JAS Tensei will be made in both left- and right-hand drive, but only 35 examples are scheduled for production, with no prices announced as yet. ### Ultimate Bathurst road trip: Riding in Broc Feeney's $1.5 million rolling accomodation URL: https://torquecafe.com/ultimate-bathurst-road-trip-riding-in-broc-feeneys-1-5-million-rolling-accomodation/ Last updated: 2026-10-09T20:00:10.000Z There are plenty of ways to get to Bathurst and there are not too many I haven’t experienced in more than 40 years of attending the “Great Race”, but fewer have come more flash than this. This year, my pilgrimage to The Mountain involved Paul Feeney, a $1.5 million Wade Titanium twin race car transporter and enough Elton John and Neil Diamond to qualify us for a farewell tour. We left the Gold Coast on Sunday, bound for this weekend’s Bathurst 1000\. Paul, a former motorcycle ace – and father of Triple Eight's Broc – brought considerable racing experience. I brought four decades of motorsport stories and the ability to identify a suitable refreshment stop. Between us, we were reasonably equipped. Our transport was considerably better equipped. ![Wade Titanium Transporter](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/paul-feeney-wade-titanium-car-transporter-brett-murray-1.jpg) The Wade Titanium Transporter Built on Mercedes-Benz’s Actros GigaSpace platform, the Wade Titanium combines serious hauling capability with accommodation that makes the words “sleeping in the truck” sound positively attractive. The published specification includes a 13-litre six-cylinder engine producing 395kW, or around 530 horsepower, matched to a 12-speed automated transmission. That’s plenty of muscle for a vehicle designed to carry two race cars and a generous helping of creature comforts. Inside, there’s slide-out living space, a climate-controlled interior, bespoke furnishings and a proper bathroom with a full-size shower, basin and toilet. Outside, clean lines and beautifully finished bodywork give it a presence that’s hard to ignore. On the road, the thing that impressed me most was the ride. Big trucks can make you feel like you’ve completed a race before reaching the circuit. This one made the kilometres remarkably comfortable, like heading to the track in your recliner rocker! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/paul-feeney-wade-titanium-car-transporter-brett-murray-2.jpg) Automotive access in the transporter Unfortunately, Wade hasn’t yet developed a system that automatically changes Paul’s playlist. Elton and Neil made several appearances. Then several more. By Coonabarabran, I was starting to wonder whether we were heading to Bathurst or performing a residency in Las Vegas. Sunday night’s accommodation was the local showgrounds, where our rather imposing home on wheels was a substantial upgrade on the traditional camping arrangement - certainly proving a massive shadow over a couple of grey nomads parked next door in their Jayco on their way “back to Tassie”. Dinner was at the famous Golden Sea Dragon Chinese restaurant, followed by a few cleansing ales at the local bowls club while watching the NRL grand final. Chinese food, cold beer and footy. Some travel itineraries simply don’t need improving. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/paul-feeney-wade-titanium-car-transporter-brett-murray-4.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/paul-feeney-wade-titanium-car-transporter-brett-murray-5.jpg) On Monday, we continued to Orange, where the truck received a wash before its arrival at Bathurst. You don’t roll a $1.5 million rig into the Supercars paddock looking like you’ve just completed a harvest. Cleaned up and parked, it was an imposing unit even among the impressive machinery that surrounds Australia’s biggest race. Its rear compartment, normally intended for race cars, had a different assignment this weekend: Broc Feeney’s bedroom. Broc actually bought his own bed for the occasion. Apparently, even a Supercars driver appreciates choosing his own suspension settings when it comes to sleeping. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/paul-feeney-wade-titanium-car-transporter-brett-murray-8.jpg) Wade’s transporter story has its roots in New Zealand and the equine industry, building trucks that combined horse transport with comfortable living quarters. That expertise has translated beautifully into motorsport, and the business now also has a Gold Coast base at Coomera. Different horsepower, same attention to detail. The build quality really is exceptional. The cabinetry, fittings, finish and use of space suggest people who understand that owners will spend serious time in these vehicles. For another $500,000, the entire truck could be converted into a full-scale motorhome. After our trip, I can understand the temptation. A magnificent rig, a good mate and a proper road trip to Bathurst. Just budget for your own playlist. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/paul-feeney-wade-titanium-car-transporter-brett-murray-6.jpg) **Wade Titanium Fast Facts** - Australian compliant - 12,500mm long x 4300mm high - Double rack car bay system for two GT cars - Mercedes-Benz Actros Gigaspace underpinnings - 395kW cab chassis - 13-litre engine - 12-speed automatic - Spacious Slide Out - Fully air-conditioned - Curated tile bathroom - Outdoor kitchen includes a full stainless steel BBQ, fridge and bench - Large storage lockers - Full size washing machine dryer. - Marine Grade off-the-grid electrical system ### Porsche denies plans for reborn petrol-powered Cayman, Boxster existed URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-porsche-718-cayman-boxster-petrol-plans-ev/ Last updated: 2026-10-09T02:25:03.000Z Plans for Porsche to introduce petrol-powered versions of the new 718 Cayman and Boxster haven’t been scrapped; they never existed, according to one representative of the brand. After production of the most recent generation Cayman and Boxster ended in 2024, Porsche initially appeared to be going full-steam ahead on launching electric-only successors – which have since been delayed multiple times due to complications. [In 2025](https://torquecafe.com/famous-brand-admits-9-billion-mistake/), Porsche announced the next-gen 718s would include “top ICE (internal combustion engine) derivatives”, suggesting flagship variants such as the GT and RS-badged models would continue to offer engines behind the driver. However, the plans for petrol Porsche 718s started to [unravel in July](https://torquecafe.com/petrol-powered-porsche-cayman-boxster-revival-could-be-axed-report/), when German newspaper[ *Bild*](https://www.bild.de/politik/inland/wende-im-vw-machtkampf-jetzt-doch-keine-werksschliessungen-6a52103036e98236c4bc5080?ref=torquecafe.com) reported the Volkswagen Group was deliberating the discontinuation of more than half a dozen models: which included the internal combustion engine-powered 718\. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/Porsche-718-gts-boxster.jpg) Porsche 718 Boxster GTS [This week](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-porsche-mission-s-concept-flagship-supercar-reveal/), Porsche finally issued an official timeline for the start of full-scale production of the[ electric 718 Boxster and Cayman models](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-news-718-ev-confirmed-petrol-power-under-cloud/), now due to launch in 2028 – but with no mention of the petrol variants. In a statement to US publication [*Motor1*](https://www.motor1.com/news/811015/porsche-boxster-cayman-gas-return-canceled/?ref=torquecafe.com), Porsche’s Head of Corporate Communications, Matthias Rauter, reportedly said the engine-powered 718s had never truly been confirmed, meaning almost every hope of a flat engine in the back of a Cayman or Boxster is effectively dead. Instead, Porsche is soldiering on with development of the EV sports cars, which will run on the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) Sport architecture. “I always look at every project first and foremost from a Porsche perspective: Does it make economic sense or not?” Porsche CEO Michael Leiters told German outlet[ *Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung*](https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/unternehmen/porsche-chef-michael-leiters-plan-gegen-wohlstandserosion-accg-201075227.html?ref=torquecafe.com) in August. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/Porsche-718-Spyder.jpg) Porsche 718 Spyder “Only then do potential synergies within the \[Volkswagen\] group come into play. With the electric 718, we came to the conclusion that we will build the model – because it is the best solution economically and will be a fantastic car.” It also gives the Volkswagen Group a better business case for the upcoming production version of the Audi Concept C – the spiritual successor to the TT – which is also set to run on the PPE architecture, something which it said it would do even if the 718 EV didn’t go ahead. A report by[ Donaukurier](https://www.donaukurier.de/nachrichten/regionale-wirtschaft/doellner-schreibt-ans-team-audi-modell-c-sport-nicht-in-gefahr-20532640?ref=torquecafe.com) in February claimed an internal memo had been sent from Audi CEO Gernot Döllner to the Audi’s employees, saying the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) which is still set to underpin the 718 EVs will remain available to Audi. Audi officially confirmed the Concept C would [spawn a production car](https://torquecafe.com/audi-news-concept-c-tt-electric-successor-2027/) in 2027 in April, announcing it will be fully electric. [Confirmed: Audi locks in TT successorThe spiritual successor to the Audi TT will launch in 2027, with the German brand confirming the Concept C is heading to production.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-8a9b3c61-27fe-4eb8-9015-5654890ceac1.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/Audi-TT-leak-609fb7ac-87c6-4eed-922e-1b57e4e29740.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/audi-news-concept-c-tt-electric-successor-2027/) ### Ford Mustang ute revealed as V8-powered Falcon successor URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-ford-mustang-ute-concept-revealed/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T23:43:22.000Z One of Ford’s biggest secrets has been unveiled, with a one-off Mustang Ute concept going on display at its Heritage Fleet display in the US. Announced by Ford Heritage Fleet Manager Matt Korczyk, the Mustang Ute was built by Ford’s Experimental Vehicle Building (EVB) team in Dearborn, Michigan, appearing to be based on the previous-generation S550 coupe. Like the Ford Falcon ute which was sold in Australia for 55 years, it’s underpinned by a monocoque chassis, rather than the body-on-frame design of the utes which now dominate the local market, such as the Ranger. ![A one-off Ford Mustang ute concept is now a part of Ford's Heritage Fleet](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/ford-mustang-ute-1.jpg) Ford Mustang ute concept Image Credit: Matt Korczyk “This concept was built by the team in the Ford EVB Metal Shop, as a way to train apprentices by allowing them to get real world, hands-on experience by way of building a concept car,” Korczyk said in a [social media post on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/Dd1hN5XlD-X/?ref=torquecafe.com). “The team took a normal Mustang, and turned it into a hand-crafted, one-off concept ‘Ute.’ “Hundreds of hours went into this build, and it serves as a great reminder of how skilled trades of all kinds are integral to the Company. It also showcases the raw talent and skill of not only the apprentices who honed their craft on this vehicle, but also the talent of those who helped teach them. ![A one-off Ford Mustang ute concept is now a part of Ford's Heritage Fleet](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/ford-mustang-ute-2.jpg) Ford Mustang ute concept Image Credit: Matt Korczyk “Until now, this concept has never been shown outside of the walls of Ford EVB (Experimental Vehicles Building)!” Sadly, there’s little to no chance we’ll ever see a Ford Mustang ute in showrooms, however that doesn’t mean that the brand isn’t willing to branch out from its pony car’s two-door roots. Ford has strongly hinted – and shown to dealers – that it’ll build a Mustang-based sedan in the near future, with a report by[ *Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/car-concepts/future-product/an-ford-future-product-0824/?ref=torquecafe.com) in August last year saying it launch as soon as early 2028, at least in the US. [Ford Mustang sedan one step closerThe prospect of Ford returning to the sedan market with a Mustang-badged model appears to almost be a certainty.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-a2ebadee-887b-446e-ba70-6f21241ec9df.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-mustang-gtd-craig-dean-mustang-motorsport-7--1--04e7dcc6-9e31-4bf3-a499-bbf2aa94c426.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-mustang-sedan-report/) A Mustang sedan was reportedly previewed to North American dealers last year, and prior to this Ford CEO Jim Farley told media outlets it could launch a four-door version of the pony car, as long as it has “all the performance and attitude of the original.” Fuel was added to the fire of speculation when, speaking to[ Automotive News](https://www.autonews.com/events/detroit-auto-show/an-auto-show-affordability-0118/?ref=torquecafe.com) at the Detroit motor show, Farley refused to rule out a return to the sedan segment, saying “never say never”, before adding a caveat. “The sedan market is very vibrant. It’s not that there isn’t a market there. It’s just we couldn’t find a way to compete and be profitable. Well, we may find a way to do that.” The sedan could potentially adopt the Mach 4 nameplate - similar to the previous Mustang Mach 1 performance flagship, as well as the Mustang Mach-E electric SUV. Earlier this year the Mach 4 nameplate was trademarked in the US and Australia. [Ford ute gets a Mustang heartThe Ford Mustang has inspired a power boost for the Blue Oval brand’s smallest ute, the Maverick.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-d3a65b58-4d1f-4b93-90d1-7a85d468b4c7.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-maverick-300t-sema-5-3a0a92b0-189b-46eb-9a34-793e1d6831b0.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-mustang-turbocharged-maverick-pickup/) ### McLaren calls time on its V8 supercar URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-mclaren-750s-order-books-close-v8-supercar-ends/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T23:15:35.000Z Time is nearly up for the McLaren 750S, with the British brand confirming production of the mid-engined, V8 supercar is ending in 2027. Tracing its lineage back to the 720S which launched in 2017, the 750S is expected to be one of McLaren’s final V8-powered ‘affordable’ supercars, with plans for its next-generation products to feature V6 plug-in hybrid powertrains. A spokesperson for McLaren’s Australian operations confirmed there is limited stock of the 750S available locally, becoming the “final opportunity” to buy the supercar Down Under. "The 750S represents everything that defines a McLaren supercar: benchmark performance, thrilling driver engagement, technical innovation, expressive design, and defined personalisation,” said McLaren Automotive Chief Commercial Officer, Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer. ![McLaren 750S coupe and Spider at Sydney Motorsport Park](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/mclaren-750s-australia-3.JPG) McLaren's 750S coupe (left) and Spider (right) “It will leave behind an extraordinary legacy.” The 720S was introduced as the successor to the 650S (itself the replacement of the MP4-12C) in 2017, featuring McLaren’s latest-generation twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, producing 530kW (or 720PS, hence its name) and 770Nm. A higher-output and faster version called the 765LT was revealed in 2020, while the 750S made its debut in 2023, increasing power outputs and featuring 30 per cent updated parts. Earlier this year, McLaren revealed the [788HS](https://torquecafe.com/mclaren-farewells-its-v8-supercar-with-final-special-edition/) as its last non-electrified V8 in the core lineup, effectively sending off the 700-series supercar model line. As reported last month, insiders told [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/news/an-mclaren-reveals-new-brand-identity-product-roadmap-0910/?ref=torquecafe.com) they had been shown a roadmap of McLaren’s future product plans, which included the announcement of the company’s new line of supercars, powered by V6 plug-in hybrid powertrains. ![McLaren 788HS](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/mclaren-788hs-coupe-1.jpg) McLaren 788HS Said to be a newly developed powertrain, it’s not yet known whether it’ll use any carry-over parts from the Artura sports car, which features a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 (with a 120-degree bank) and an electric motor within its transmission. The report claims the new V6 PHEV supercar will produce about 604kW and 1085Nm, significantly more than the 552kW and 800Nm outputs of the 750S, and still more than the 580kW figure of the recent send-off 788HS). It would also be a very healthy increase over the Artura, which develops 500kW and 720Nm combined. Last year, McLaren W1 Project Manager Heather Fitch told *Torquecafe* that the hypercar's new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and hybrid system could be used in future models, though without detailing what cars. [McLaren SUV confirmed to take on Ferrari Purosangue, Lamborghini UrusUK supercar specialist McLaren has locked in plans to launch its first SUV, alongside the announcement of a $944 million investment in its operations.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-0f091ee8-c426-4217-aa8b-2b34a2c703bf.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/18303-mpc-1-e98c248c-3d21-4600-afa7-9eb70a7b695a.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-mclaren-suv-confirmed/) “We’ve previously confirmed that the new V8 will certainly be looked to be powering some of our future vehicles” Fitch told Torquecafe. "And hybrids as well, we see a continued role for hybrid system setups for years to come. So there will be opportunities into the future for components like this." Also last month, McLaren confirmed it’s going to launch a “performance SUV” which will be built at a “new vehicle assembly facility planned in the UK”, having announced an investment program of £500 million (A$944 million) towards its British manufacturing efforts. ### Ram 1500 recalled URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-ram-1500-recall-australia-front-lights-drl/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T20:00:36.000Z Ram Trucks Australia has recalled 149 examples of the 2026 1500 pickup, owing to a fault with its front lights. “Due to a manufacturing issue, the parking lights and the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) may not illuminate as intended,” the [recall notice reads](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-006740?ref=torquecafe.com). “If the parking lights and DRLs do not operate as intended, the vehicle may be less visible to other road users. This could increase the risk of an accident, causing serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.” ![Ram 1500 Rebel driving through mud](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2025-ram-1500-rebel-3.jpg) Ram 1500 Rebel It’s the second time the Ram 1500 has been recalled in the past few months, with an August recall of 1262 examples issued due to a manufacturing defect, which means the second-row centre and left-side seat belt buckle anchors may not meet specifications. Owners of affected Ram 1500s in Australia will be contacted by the brand to arrange the rectification of the fault through their preferred dealer. For more information, owners can also contact their dealer or the Ram Trucks Australia Customer Centre on 1300 681 655. ### Can Toyota beat Ford and Chevy at Bathurst? URL: https://torquecafe.com/bathurst-1000-2026-road-cars-how-to-watch/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T14:27:45.000Z The Bathurst 1000 is the grand final for Australian car enthusiasts. Growing up with the sights and sounds of Mount Panorama coming from the lounge room; as a kid, you would duck in and out throughout the day, ready to sprint back in when you hear a mum and dad yelling at the TV. As I got older, the longer I'd stay glued to the TV, I loved it so much i made a career out of it, and it still gives me goosebumps. There is nothing quite like 26 Supercars tearing around Mount Panorama. This years Repco Bathurst 1000 runs from Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 October at Mount Panorama, with the 161-lap race starting at 11:30am AEDT on Sunday. ![Red, white and yellow number 38 Ford Mustang Supercar in Shell livery driven past a cheering crowd at a street parade.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/bathurst-1000-2026-ford-mustang-gray-dick-johnson-racing.jpg) Rylan Gray and Tony D'Alberto's Dick Johnson Racing Ford Mustang wears a special Shell livery marking the brand's 125th anniversary. **Ford Mustang vs Chevrolet Camaro vs Toyota GR Supra** Toyota joins the fight in 2026, so three nameplates you can actually picture in a driveway line up on the grid: 11 Ford Mustang GTs, 10 Chevrolet Camaro ZLs and five [Toyota GR Supras](https://www.toyota.com.au/discover/news/toyota-unveils-gr-supra-supercar-ahead-of-2026-supercars-championship-season?ref=torquecafe.com). The days of winning on Sunday, sell on Monday are over with the [Toyota GR Supra being discontinued](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-axes-supra-for-now/) in 2025, and the [Camaro meeting its demise globally in 2023](https://torquecafe.com/no-return-chevrolet-camaro-future-in-doubt/). The Ford Mustang is the only model in the line up you can [purchase new.](https://www.ford.com.au/price/Mustang?ref=torquecafe.com) The shake-up runs deep. with Triple Eight (Red Bull Ampol Racing) switching from Chevrolet to Ford, Walkinshaw TWG Racing swapped their Ford Mustang's For Toyota GR Supras and Brad Jones Racing now run Toyotas in lieu of their Camaro's - and the Supra has already cut its teeth, taking the top step at The Bend 500 with Chaz Mostert and Fabian Coulthard. With 27 entries and 1000km's around one of the toughest race tracks in the world, the Bathurst 1000 is anyones race to win. Avid Torquecafe readers might remember former Bathurst winner Will Davison's [Mustang has been up for sale](https://torquecafe.com/ford-mustang-djr-will-davison-auction/) more than once. Davison is co-driving for Matt Payne at Grove Racing in this year's race. For the event guide, see [Speedcafe's Bathurst 1000 preview](https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-2026-bathurst-1000-mount-panorama-schedule-how-to-watch-tv-times-free-to-air-live-stream-foxtel-kayo-sky-sports/?ref=torquecafe.com). ![Red and yellow number 15 Chevrolet Camaro Supercar in Supercheap Auto livery driven past a large crowd at a street parade.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/bathurst-1000-2026-chevrolet-camaro-lowndes-team-18.jpg) Craig Lowndes and Bayley Hall share the number 15 Supercheap Auto Chevrolet Camaro **A battle of the brands** ![Three retired Holden Commodore race cars on display in a pit garage - two in orange and silver Vodafone livery and one in white Valvoline livery - behind a rope barrier with a Back to the Mountain sign.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/bathurst-1000-2026-back-to-the-mountain-holden-heritage-display.jpg) The Back to the Mountain display brings retired Bathurst Holdens back to Mount Panorama, including the #34 Valvoline Commodore of Garth Tander and Jason Bargwanna. Mount Panorama has been a proving ground for manufacturers for over 80 years, every racing car driver around the world knows it turn by turn, a victory on the mountain cements your name in the history books. Here is a list of brands, makes and models putting it all on the line this weekend. - **Supercars Championship** \- 11 Ford Mustang GT's, 10 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1's and five [Toyota GR Supras](https://www.toyota.com.au/discover/news/toyota-unveils-gr-supra-supercar-ahead-of-2026-supercars-championship-season?ref=torquecafe.com). Friday Qualifying: 4:10pm, Saturday Top Ten Shootout: 5:05pm and the Sunday race: 11:30am. - **V8 SuperUtes** \- Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi Triton and Holden Colorado, all in race trim fitted with a V8 ([2026 SuperUtes Series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026%5FSuperUtes%5FSeries?ref=torquecafe.com)). Sunday race: 8:00am. - [**Porsche Carrera Cup**](https://speedcafe.com/bathurst-1000-news-2026-porsche-carrera-cup-australia-entry-list-confirmed-drives-details-mount-panorama/?ref=torquecafe.com) \- [Race-spec](https://www.carreracup.com.au/series-info/?ref=torquecafe.com) 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992). Sunday race: 9:30am. - **Toyota GR Cup** \- one-make [Gazoo Racing](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-makes-a-small-change-ahead-of-big-reveal/) Toyota GR86 race cars. Sunday race: 9:00am. - **Touring Car Masters** \- the category for anyone who grew up with posters on the bedroom wall. The Holden Torana A9X dominates the field, with eight of the 19 cars on the series' driver list, but Ford answers with four Mustangs - including two Trans Am-style builds - and a pair of Falcons, one a GTHO and the other an XD. Two Chevrolet Camaro SS entries add American muscle, while a Chrysler Valiant Pacer and a Mazda RX-7 make sure it's not just a two-brand fight. Sunday's race is at 7:30am AEDT - worth the early alarm. All times AEDT. ![FLIPSIDE number 29 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car cornering ahead of an orange Porsche, with more race cars on the track behind.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/porsche-carrera-cup-australia-911-gt3-cup-sharma.jpg) Porsche Carrera Cup brings race-spec 911s to the Mountain this weekend - Sunday's race starts at 9:30am AEDT. **Off the track** Not everything worth seeing at the Mountain is racing. The [front-engined, twin-turbo V8 Porsche 911](https://torquecafe.com/front-engined-twin-turbo-v8-porsche-911-uncovered-at-bathurst/) built with Repco has been unveiled at Mount Panorama, and the [former Peter Brock-led HDT brand](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-bathurst-1000-hdt-holden-peter-brock-announcement/) is teasing a comeback. ## **How to watch the Bathurst 1000** | | Fox Sports / Kayo | Seven / 7mate / 7plus | | ------------------- | ----------------- | --------------------- | | Thursday 8 October | From 7:25am | No coverage | | Friday 9 October | From 7:30am | From 10:00am | | Saturday 10 October | From 8:25am | Check local guide | | Sunday 11 October | From 7:00am | From 7:00am | Times AEDT. In New Zealand, watch on Sky Sports, Sky Sports Now or Sky Go. Viewers elsewhere can use Supercars' SuperView streaming service. **Race start, Sunday 11 October:** 11:30am AEDT (Sydney, Melbourne) · 10:30am AEST (Brisbane) · 11:00am ACDT (Adelaide) · 10:00am ACST (Darwin) · 8:30am AWST (Perth) · 1:30pm NZDT For every session time and the full entry list, see our motorsport site [Speedcafe's complete Bathurst 1000 schedule](https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-2026-bathurst-1000-mount-panorama-schedule-how-to-watch-tv-times-free-to-air-live-stream-foxtel-kayo-sky-sports/?ref=torquecafe.com). ### More Bathurst stories [Mustang GTD who? Bathurst winner dethrones Ford in hotter 911The Porsche 911 GT3 has been levelled up once again by Manthey Racing, beating the Ford Mustang GTD’s time around the Nürburgring.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-a87aebbb-ee6f-4bf3-97cd-99a1de81c876.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/porsche-911-gt3-manthey-racing-1-defc236d-4c35-41cc-a8a5-9b354663047f.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/mustang-gtd-who-bathurst-winner-dethrones-ford-in-hotter-911/) [Chevrolet launches Bathurst-edition V8 supercarOn its first trip to Mount Panorama for the Bathurst 12 Hour, GM Specialty Vehicles has launched a special edition Chevrolet Corvette C8.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-eb473db7-77e1-4400-80a1-f231aec89879.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/chevrolet-corvette-z06-bathurst-12-hour-specialty-edition-2-b53f0d41-a6a6-4239-8bf6-4036e6494ae5.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/chevrolet-corvette-z06-bathurst-12-hour-specialty-edition/) [Ford built its last car in Australia 10 years ago todayA full decade has now passed since the last Ford production line in Australia stopped permanently, signalling the end of the Falcon and Territory.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-984eb444-9ae9-403d-b51a-c139cf81d448.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/final-ford-falcon-fg-x-f8451309-3462-4922-9bdf-27d2e19516db.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-ford-australia-end-of-production-10-years/) ### Nissan Navara Pro to take on BYD Shark 6 as Australia’s latest plug-in ute URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-nissan-navara-pro-phev-australia/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T02:00:30.000Z Nissan is leaning on its joint venture with Chinese carmaker Dongfeng to launch its first plug-in hybrid vehicle in Australia, announcing the Navara Pro as its upcoming BYD Shark 6 rival. [Teased earlier this week](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-nissan-frontier-pro-phev-australia/), Nissan has confirmed the PHEV ute will utilise the Navara Pro name rather than its overseas title of the Frontier Pro, and it won’t be a case of simply using the ute already available in China and other markets for Australia. Instead, Nissan Australia has said the Navara Pro PHEV will feature specifications “specifically selected for Oceania”, including a different engine and potentially different suspension to its overseas counterparts. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2025-04-nissan-frontier-pro-6-1.webp) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2025-04-nissan-frontier-pro-20-1.webp) Nissan Navara Pro PHEV (sold overseas as the Frontier Pro) Currently, the Frontier Pro PHEV is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which gains an electric motor in its four-speed transmission, producing up to 320kW and 800Nm combined. Nissan Australia says the Navara Pro PHEV will instead utilise a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with an integrated electric motor, producing up to 300kW and 800Nm. While the 1.5-litre engine was also evaluated for Oceania, “extensive assessment of the two options against local customer expectations — particularly around towing, payload and sustained performance — led to the selection of the 2.0-litre”. ![The 2027 Nissan Navara Pro PHEV being tested in Australia](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/Nissan_NavaraPro_AustralianTesting_061-1.jpg) Nissan Navara Pro PHEV BYD initially launched the Shark 6 in Australia solely with a 1.5-litre-based PHEV powertrain, though a more potent 2.0-litre was added to the [lineup this year](https://torquecafe.com/byd-news-shark-6-cab-chassis-performance-price-australia/). The Navara Pro’s drivetrain will include a mechanical 4x4 system as well as differential locks, though Nissan is yet to lock in whether the rear suspension will feature the five-link coil-spring setup of the Frontier Pro PHEV, or go to a more traditional leaf-spring layout. According to Nissan, the brand has so far conducted more than 20,000km of testing of the Navara Pro PHEV across five examples of the ute in Australia, with the program evaluating and refining its “powertrain, suspension, ADAS calibration, terrain and drive modes, tyres, differential-lock configurations, towing and load performance”. ![Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV chassis](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/nissan-frontier-pro-phev-china-2--1-.jpg) Nissan Navara Pro PHEV underpinnings Though yet to be finalised, Nissan says the Navara Pro PHEV should have up to 1000kg of payload capacity, and a 3500kg braked towing capacity, matching not only other plug-in hybrid rivals but also most of the best-selling turbo-diesel dual-cabs in Australia. Other confirmed features include four drive modes and seven specific terrain-specific modes. Nissan has yet to lock in powertrain-specific information such as the Navara Pro’s battery capacity. Overseas, the Frontier Pro’s 33kWh battery delivers 135km of claimed electric-only driving range against China’s standards, while offering 6kW of vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, expected to carry across. “The all-new Navara Pro PHEV represents exactly the kind of product-led momentum that our Nissan Vision Strategy is built on,” said Nissan Oceania managing director, Steve Milette. ![The 2027 Nissan Navara Pro PHEV being tested in Australia](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/Nissan_NavaraPro_AustralianTesting_023-1.jpg) Nissan Navara Pro PHEV “Developed with our partners in China and engineered to meet the specific requirements of our region, it shows what Nissan is capable of delivering and what our customers can expect from us as we move forward. “Utes have been central to Nissan in Australia for decades, with the Navara now spanning five generations. "As the sixth generation of the Navara nameplate, the all-new Navara Pro PHEV is the next expression of that commitment – combining the capability and versatility customers expect from a Navara with new electrified technology, while opening a new chapter for Nissan’s ute offering in Australia.” There’s no confirmed launch date for the Nissan Navara Pro PHEV in Australia, with the brand only saying it’s due in 2027, with specific timing, pricing and specifications to be made available closer to its arrival. ### Porsche Mission S teased as new 918 supercar successor URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-porsche-mission-s-concept-flagship-supercar-reveal/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T22:33:40.000Z Porsche is plotting a return to form, announcing the upcoming unveiling of the Mission S concept vehicle, widely expected to become its next flagship supercar. Due to be revealed on October 16 Australian time, Porsche has said little about the Mission S, outside of claiming it’ll be “our tribute to the sports car”, as well as a homage to the vision of founder Ferry Porsche. In a separate media release, Porsche said its upcoming product plan includes “more exclusive halo products and flagship derivatives: Porsche announces the development of a mid-engined super sports car platform that will enable a model line that sits above the iconic 911 sports car”. At present, details are slim, however [last month insiders](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-porsche-s1-supercar-flat-eight-engine/) told German publication[ Handelsblatt](https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/volkswagen-nach-gewinnwarnung-weitere-4000-jobs-bei-porsche-entbehrlich/100254633.html?ref=torquecafe.com) the flagship production model – reportedly codenamed S1 – will be powered by a flat-eight engine, representing the first time Porsche has done so in a production car. Porsche’s most recent successful attempt at a flat-eight was in the Porsche 908 race car of the late 1960s, though since then its boxer engines haven’t ventured higher than a six-cylinder count. Earlier this month, Automotive News reported the next Porsche supercar would likely use the platform of the Lamborghini Temerario and Audi Nuvolari to save costs. The Temerario was unveiled in 2024 and launched last year as the new ‘baby’ Lamborghini supercar, taking the place of the V10 Huracan, now with a twin-turbo V8 engine and plug-in hybrid system. With a supercar platform already existing, it’s an easier business case for Porsche to create a supercar, given the reduced development costs and time, however it has traditionally gone its own way for its flagships. [Porsche’s next supercar will have an eight-cylinder engineThe upcoming Porsche ‘S1’ supercar will break from tradition, retaining the brand’s flat engine design but with an extra two cylinders.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-e1b018cd-656a-4050-9c79-8a667b5e64ac.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/porsche-911-gt3-90-fa-porsche-4-abeb9e62-863c-46c3-93a8-09751592eccc.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-porsche-s1-supercar-flat-eight-engine/) The 959 (twin-turbo flat-six), Carrera GT (V10) and 918 Spyder (V8 hybrid) were all bespoke vehicles, sharing next to no parts with other models from the Volkswagen Group, or even from within the Porsche model range. Like its spiritual predecessors, the Porsche S1 is expected to borrow design cues from the 911, which remains the brand’s poster car. The Mission S teaser campaign has coincided with Porsche announcing an upcoming product offensive to get back on track financially, which will be centred around its famed sports cars. [Porsche 718 EV confirmed to go ahead, petrol power still under a cloudThe electric version of the Porsche 718 – better known as the Cayman coupe and Boxster convertible – will go ahead, according to the brand’s CEO.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-7febc08d-e6cc-4980-822f-0b8d653a6acc.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/Porsche-718-Spyder-7f1d7ddf-a68d-4f60-bdcf-e54fd6ac8dfd.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-news-718-ev-confirmed-petrol-power-under-cloud/) For the 911, long its most recognisable product, Porsche says the sports car’s offering “will be strengthened with highly emotive 911 derivatives,” expected to include a new-gen GT2 RS and even a turbocharged GT3. On top of this, Porsche has finally issued an official timeline for the start of production of the [electric 718 Boxster and Cayman models](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-news-718-ev-confirmed-petrol-power-under-cloud/), now due to launch in 2028, about two years after they were initially due in 2026. At the same time, it plans to launch a new petrol and plug-in hybrid Macan-sized SUV, having recently made its best-selling product an EV, resulting in a drop in sales. [Front-Engined Twin-Turbo V8 Porsche 911 Revealed at BathurstA twin-turbo 7.0-litre V8 now sits where the 911’s luggage compartment used to be, making more than two and a half times the power of the most potent 996 Porsche ever sold.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-8368aa4e-d8d2-4e03-baf6-8cb1f6705199.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/showtime-933-twin-turbo-porsche-911-front-1-df951035-3b48-485b-a69d-dbe54a7b1744.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/front-engined-twin-turbo-v8-porsche-911-uncovered-at-bathurst/) ### Turbo-diesel power returning for LDV’s Ford Everest, Toyota Prado rival URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-ldvld90-turbo-diesel-price-australia/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T22:00:01.000Z The LDV D90 is once again available with turbo-diesel power after a hiatus of nearly two years, expanding the local lineup for the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado competitor. In late 2024, LDV launched its massively facelifted D90, though the new-look seven-seat SUV dropped the option of turbo-diesel power, despite it being one of the most popular engine choices among its key rivals. Now the diesel has returned in the top-speed Executive 4x4 and new Lux 4x4 grades, both of which arrive alongside a number of significant pricing changes and incentives for the D90. ![The LDV D90 Luxe](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/LDV-D90-LUXE-Diesel-2.5-4.jpg) LDV D90 Luxe From now until October 31, 2026, LDV is slashing $4500 off the drive-away price of the D90 nationally, both for ABN holders and private buyers. Though it’s not enough to undercut the current promotion for the Mahindra XUV700 – which sees the SUV priced from $29,990 drive-away – the LDV D90’s starting price of $36,990 for ABN holders and $39,174 for private buyers makes it the most affordable body-on-frame seven-seat SUV currently in Australia. | Model | ABN drive-away price (until October 31, 2026) | ABN drive-away price (from November 1, 2026) | Private drive-away price (until October 31, 2026) | Private drive-away price (from November 1, 2026) | | --------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ | | 2026 LDV D90 Mode Petrol 4x2 | $36,990 | $41,490 | $39,174 | $43,674 | | 2026 LDV D90 Executive Petrol 4x2 | $40,990 | $45,490 | $43,384 | $47,884 | | 2026 LDV D90 Executive Petrol 4x4 | $44,490 | $48,990 | $47,068 | $51,568 | | 2026 LDV D90 Executive Diesel 4x4 | $46,990 | $51,490 | $49,700 | $54,200 | | 2026 LDV D90 Luxe Diesel 4x4 | $51,490 | $55,990 | $54,437 | $58,937 | ![The LDV D90 Luxe](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/LDV-D90-LUXE-Diesel-2.5-8.jpg) LDV D90 Luxe In that grade, a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (producing 184kW/410Nm) is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel drive layout. The same applies to the better-equipped D90 Executive 4x2 ($40,990 ABN/$43,384 private), while the Executive is also available as a 4x4 ($44,490 ABN/$47,068 private). Returning to the lineup is the option of a turbo-diesel engine, growing from the 2.0-litre previously available (which made 160kW/480Nm) to a 2.5-litre with 163kW/520Nm. For context, the Toyota Prado’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel makes 150kW/500Nm, while Everest's single-turbo 2.0-litre diesel produces 125kW/405Nm, rising to 183kW/600Nm in the 3.0-litre V6. ![The LDV D90 Luxe](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/LDV-D90-LUXE-Diesel-2.5-27-1.jpg) LDV D90 Luxe According to LDV, the 4x2 petrol consumes 9.1L/100km, the 4x4 petrol equivalent drinks 9.4L/100km, while the turbo-diesel uses 8.1L/100km – the latter being a reduction compared to its predecessor’s 9.1L/100km claim. While the D90 petrol can tow up to 3000kg braked, the D90 diesel matches its rivals with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg (increased from 3100kg). On the entry-level D90 Mode, standard equipment includes LED lights, 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with 265/60/18 tyres, roof rails, side steps, fender flares, black exterior door handles and mirror caps. Inside, there is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, an 8 speaker audio system, artificial leather upholstery, multi-zone climate control, and paddle shifters. ![The LDV D90 Luxe](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/LDV-D90-LUXE-Diesel-2.5-11.jpg) LDV D90 Luxe Safety and driver assistance equipment includes six airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, lane-changing assistance, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot warning, and traffic sign recognition, as well as stability control, hill hold assist, and hill descent control for off-road use round out the package. On top of this, the D90 Executive adds a sunroof, power tailgate, dual wireless smartphone chargers, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, height and reach adjustable steering column, plus a power-adjustable driver’s seat (eight-way, with four-way lumbar). D90 4x4s also get a rear differential lock. At the top of the range, the D90 Luxe gets 20-inch alloy wheels, front and rear differential locks, a panoramic sunroof, front seats with heating, ventilation and massaging functions, a power tailgate with kick sensor, JBL premium audio, and a 360-degree camera. ### Jeremy Clarkson teases return to car TV URL: https://torquecafe.com/news-jeremy-clarkson-jeremy-grows-a-car-clarksons-farm-special/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T20:02:14.000Z For more than three decades, Jeremy Clarkson was best known for being a presenter of automotive TV shows, a reign which came to an end in 2024 when he, James May and Richard Hammond ended their 21-year partnership. While Clarkson has continued with his love of cars, any chance of the former Top Gear and [The Grand Tour](https://torquecafe.com/the-grand-tour-trailer-released-ahead-of-september-4-debut/) host fronting another vehicular program seemed slim – until now. Announced by Clarkson and Amazon’s Prime Video overnight, cars are set to once again star alongside the famed presenter in an upcoming special of Clarkson’s Farm, the hit show which launched in 2021, showing the day-to-day operation of his UK farm. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/p/DeMP8eal5ke/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Prime Video UK & IE (@primevideouk)](https://www.instagram.com/p/DeMP8eal5ke/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) Titled ‘Jeremy Grows a Car: A Clarkson's Farm Special’, a preview image for the program shows Clarkson fitting new body panels to a Jaguar F-Type, surrounded by a “mood room” of inspiring photos. It’s been a while since Clarkson has modified a car on camera, with arguably his most famous creation being the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust (first named Geoff) from Top Gear’s season 14, which was made with Hammond and May. Though few details have been revealed, Clarkson confirmed [in a separate post](https://www.instagram.com/p/DeM9r2JsCCq/?ref=torquecafe.com) that it would be a Jaguar – coinciding with yesterday’s unveiling of the [Jaguar Type 01 EV](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-jaguar-type-01-revealed/) – while he recently told fellow farmer and automotive expert Harry Metcalfe that he wanted to fit a wider body kit on his F-Type convertible. Prime Video is yet to release a trailer for Jeremy Grows a Car: A Clarkson's Farm Special’, which it says will launch on the streaming platform in 2027. [Jaguar Type 01 Revealed: Australian Price, Range and SpecsThe covers have officially come off the Jaguar Type 01, the new grand tourer sparking the brand’s rebirth.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-036d4ba2-2678-4154-9bc6-4ac7010fb715.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/jaguar-type-01-rear-three-quarter-1-85ad10c3-af4c-4e0f-b300-754eda0dd786.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-jaguar-type-01-revealed/) ### Ford wants to reduce fuel pump pain with new incentive URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ford-australia-fuel-card-ranger-everest-f150/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T20:00:47.000Z Ford Australia is looking to help customers reduce the pinch at the petrol (and diesel) pumps, launching a [$4000 fuel card offer](https://www.ford.com.au/latest-offers/fuel-card/?ref=torquecafe.com) for the rest of 2026. Available from now until December 31, 2026, certain variants of the brand’s best-selling and thirstiest models will be covered by the offer, which culminates with the launch of [Ford’s new seven-year warranty coverage](https://www.ford.com.au/news/7-year-warranty/?ref=torquecafe.com) in Australia. “We know fuel costs are weighing on many Australians, and we want to offer practical support at a time when every dollar counts,” said Ford Australia director of marketing, Ambrose Henderson. ![Silver Ford Everest SUV driving along a dusty gravel road](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/ford-everest-active-gravel-road.jpg) The Everest Active qualifies when fitted with the 3.0-litre V6 “Our Q4 offer pairs a $4000 fuel card on selected Ranger, Everest and F-150 models with the confidence of Ford’s 7-Year Warranty when serviced with a Ford Dealer. “It’s part of our ongoing commitment to giving Ford owners confidence and support at every step on their journey beyond the showroom.” The fuel card offer applies to the following models, production years and variants: - [2026.5MY and 2027MY Ranger XLT, Wildtrak and Tremor](https://torquecafe.com/no-bi-turbo-no-worries-for-updated-ford-ranger-everest/) - 2026.5MY and 2027MY Everest Active 3.0L V6, Sport 3.0L V6 and Tremor 3.0L V6 - 2026.5MY Everest Wildtrak 3.0L V6 - [2027MY Everest Wolftrak 3.0L V6](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-ford-everest-wolftrak/) - [2024MY F-150 XLT, Lariat and Platinum models (Short Wheelbase and Long Wheelbase)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-f150-price-and-specs-australia/) ![White Ford F-150 Platinum pickup on a tree-lined country road](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/ford-f-150-platinum-australia.jpg) Selected 2024MY F-150s, including the Platinum, are also covered Year-to-date, Ford has delivered 61,104 vehicles to customers in Australia, a drop of 9777 vehicles or 13.8 per cent compared to the opening nine months of 2025. This has resulted in its market share dropping from 7.8 per cent to 6.7 per cent, having been [overtaken in the sales charts by BYD](https://torquecafe.com/australias-ev-sales-surge-isnt-dying-down/) and under pressure from Kia. Despite this, the Ranger is still the best-selling vehicle of the year so far, aided by the new [Ranger Super Duty](https://torquecafe.com/2026-ford-ranger-super-duty-review-xlt-adds-extra-kit-to-capable-off-roader/) adding its sales to the nameplate’s total. ## **More Ford news:** [Ford Ranger, Everest deals highlight newly announced offersThe Ford Ranger and Everest are front-and-centre in the latest round of new-car deals, with almost every one of the brand’s vehicles available with some form of offer.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-a88af375-9bcf-48c2-8004-d895c2ebfd1f.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/026-ford-ranger-wildtrak-v6-1-52dda2e5-e5c7-46d1-80fb-2d26698001ab.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-ranger-everest-deals-highlight-newly-announced-offers/) [Does the Ford Everest still have what it takes?The 2026 Ford Everest, like its Ranger twin, has undergone a handful of changes, keeping the SUV fresh amid increasing 4x4 competition.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-bb7b5522-a5a0-4944-820d-1b921802199a.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2026-ford-everest-active-5-a5bbc66f-b774-4379-ba57-6c00881fec3b.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-everest-review-2026-australia/) [Fuel crisis leads EVs, PHEVs to almost a quarter of Australia’s new-car salesAustralia’s new-car buyers have reacted to rising fuel prices and a looming shortage by buying plug-in hybrids and EVs in relatively large numbers.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-4b819408-596c-47bb-8038-8dd4ae6f6503.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2026-tesla-model-y-performance-7-489c9aae-b301-41a3-81b8-1725510a796e.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/vfacts-march-2026-australia-new-car-sales/) ### Front-engined, twin-turbo V8 Porsche 911 uncovered at Bathurst URL: https://torquecafe.com/front-engined-twin-turbo-v8-porsche-911-uncovered-at-bathurst/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T11:36:34.000Z Australia’s automotive tuning scene has flexed its muscles in the most unexpected way, with ShowTime’s Gary Reid unveiling a wildly modified Porsche 911 as one of the wildest examples of the sports car out there. Based on a 996-generation 911, the Porsche sports car has been extensively modified inside and out to provide a truly one-off build, which most notably has seen the engine relocated from behind the rear axle to in front of the driver. Underpinned by a “race-car front end”, there is now a 7.0-litre ‘LSX’ V8 crate engine under the bonnet, which now also has a pair of turbochargers attached to it, bringing its power output to almost 900kW. ![Twin-turbocharged V8 engine mounted in the front of a Porsche 911, with exhaust pipes exiting through the bonnet](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/twin-turbo-lsx-v8-porsche-911-engine-bay-1.jpg) A 7.0-litre LSX V8 with twin turbos now sits in the nose, producing close to 900kW In period, the most powerful 996 911s such as the GT2 made ‘only’ 309kW, with the twin-turbo flat-six sitting behind the rear wheels. To make sure the power gets to the rear wheels, Reid extracted the eight-speed transmission from a Bentley, which is now operated sequentially. Rather than route the exhaust under the body – where there are no existing tunnels for it to travel – it now exits through the bonnet, while a cooling system is now situated behind the front seats, protected by a new full-height firewall. ![Two radiators with orange and blue thermo fans mounted in the rear of a modified Porsche 911](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/porsche-911-933-twin-turbo-rear-radiators.jpg) With the engine moved forward, the rear of the car now houses the cooling system Visually, significant changes have been made to ShowTime’s 933 Twin Turbo, which gets the ‘33’ portion of its name from the group’s traditional competition number. The handmade aluminium wide-body is striking and relies on later-model 997 911 parts to modernise the vehicle, while it’s also been painted in the same Sandy Taupe finish as what’s available on the [Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-landcruiser-70-series-gets-new-tech-to-stay-alive/). ![Porsche 911 race-style cockpit with two upright levers, a button-covered steering wheel and a digital dash](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/porsche-911-933-twin-turbo-cockpit.jpg) Twin bespoke levers handle gear selection and the hydraulic handbrake Under the guards sit wide Rotiform 18-inch wheels, measuring 9.5 inches wide at the front and 10 inches at the back. Inside the cabin there’s now a pair of custom Recaro seats with Porsche’s Pepita fabric design, while two bespoke levers control the gear selection and hydraulic handbrake. Built in conjunction with Repco, the ‘933 Twin Turbo’ was announced ahead of the [Bathurst 1000](https://www.supercars.com/events/2026-bathurst-1000?ref=torquecafe.com) this weekend, and will be revealed in full on October 11. [Porsche’s next supercar will have an eight-cylinder engineThe upcoming Porsche ‘S1’ supercar will break from tradition, retaining the brand’s flat engine design but with an extra two cylinders.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-37f44fb2-3da0-44ba-8a4e-44f899ca85f1.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/porsche-911-gt3-90-fa-porsche-4-5ff3f73f-86df-4511-8b3e-c409490001a4.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-porsche-s1-supercar-flat-eight-engine/) [Australian Porsche 911 restomod to go globalZeigler/Bailey, a Melbourne firm turning classic Porsche 911s into modern performance machines, has appointed an Australian company to sell its cars to the world![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-400ec1fb-f989-48c4-bd6b-67c5f44eafb9.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ZB_TAG-Website_images_0001_TAG2-b7260833-5a4a-418a-9808-44422042f3ed.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/australian-porsche-911-restomod-to-go-global/) [Porsche 911 Land Down Under is a one-off Australian tributeThe Porsche 911 Turbo S has been transformed into a celebration of Australia with the ‘Land Down Under’ commission.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-92e1fd37-6459-4255-af90-b4d4b822e18f.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-13-863d8d19-b28c-4c04-bb9a-ea98d6ed313b.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-news-911-land-down-under-revealed/) [Former Peter Brock-led Holden brand teases rebirthbest known as the Holden Dealer Team from 1969 to 1986 – is planning to announce its latest iteration after this year’s Bathurst 1000.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-2609bbdf-7700-4caa-9f8a-89f5bd4c6316.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/13752_-_vk_ss_brock1-fcf0c256-026d-4de6-8629-f76e9d69af79.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-bathurst-1000-hdt-holden-peter-brock-announcement/) ### Lewis Hamilton details Ferrari F40 restoration URL: https://torquecafe.com/f1-news-lewis-hamilton-ferrari-f40-restoration-2/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T06:09:51.000Z Last month, Lewis Hamilton revealed he had achieved one of his life-long dreams by purchasing a Ferrari F40, the late 1980s and early 1990s star which was one of the world’s first supercars. [At the time,](https://torquecafe.com/f1-news-lewis-hamilton-ferrari-f40-restoration/) Hamilton said he had found the F40 in ‘barn find’ specification having been garaged for more than three decades, with restoration works already underway via Ferrari's Classiche program. It didn’t take long for the F40 to surface, with Hamilton taking it to the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, where he posed for photos with the Ferrari on Monza’s famed banked corners, though he has now provided an update about the restoration works undertaken on his supercar. In a video posted to YouTube, the arrival of the F40 at Maranello was documented, showing that the 1991-built car had completed just 69km since new, as its previous owner reportedly drove it home and parked it up straight away. With the twin-turbo 2.9-litre V8 removed, Ferrari’s mechanics were able to find a special link between the F40 and Hamilton, revealing it had been fitted with engine number 44 – the same as what the Formula 1 champion has had as his racing number since 2014. Since revealed with vanity ‘44’ plates, Hamilton has admitted he’s unsure on how much to drive the F40, as its already low usage and now extensive restoration means it’s likely one of the closest to factory examples surviving. ![Lewis Hamilton poses with his Ferrari F40 at Monza](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/794025071_18634772098063027_4900652236612580997_n-1.jpg) Lewis Hamilton at Monza with his Ferrari F40 ### Jaguar Type 01: British brand's most controversial car revealed URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-jaguar-type-01-revealed/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T12:39:46.000Z Jaguar has finally unveiled the [Type 01](https://torquecafe.com/jaguar-news-ev-grand-tourer-named-type-01/), its four-door grand tourer which it hopes will take the brand in a new direction to rival [Bentley](https://torquecafe.com/bentley-names-its-most-important-car/) and Rolls-Royce. Nearly two years after the first Type 00 concept was revealed – amid widespread criticism of Jaguar’s rebranding campaign – the British marque unveiled the production-ready Type 01 in New York. The big, blocky grand tourer has been confirmed for an Australian berth, where it’ll be priced from “approximately” $300,000 before on-road costs, making it the most expensive EV Jaguar has ever sold locally, though it’s still not the dearest model it’s sold here. ![High side view of a silver Jaguar Type 01 electric grand tourer with a long bonnet and low roofline](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/jaguar-type-01-side-profile.jpg) At 5235mm long and just 1403mm tall, the Type 01 is a long, low four-door GT Launching just over 90 years since Jaguar was founded, the Type 01 is the most revolutionary redesign of the brand’s ethos yet, with its huge grille, slim headlight, long bonnet, narrow glasshouse, non-existent back window and hidden tail lights a far cry from anything it has sold before. Sitting on huge 21- to 23-inch wheels, the intentions of the Type 01 as a flagship grand tourer are clear, though its deployable three-stage rear spoiler and active aero vanes give a clue as to its performance credentials. Underpinned by JLR’s new ‘Jaguar Electric Architecture’, the Jaguar Type 01 boasts a 50:50 weight distribution, though the true sum of its weight is yet to be announced. ![Front of a silver Jaguar Type 01 showing its wide horizontal grille and slim LED headlights](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/jaguar-type-01-front-grille-headlights-1.jpg) A full-width grille and razor-thin headlights mark a clean break from Jaguar's past Powering the Type 01 is a tri-motor electric powertrain, consisting of dual rear motors and a single front motor, producing up to 757kW and 1365Nm combined, making it Jaguar’s most powerful car ever. Capable of launching from 0-100km/h in 3.2 seconds, it’s also one of its fastest-accelerating, though when cruising its rear electric motors can be disengaged to extend its driving range. Fed by a 118kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, Jaguar quotes a driving range of 720km against the WLTP lab test cycle, while it can be charged at up to 350kW DC thanks to its 850V architecture. ![Close-up of a brass-coloured trim strip with an embossed Jaguar leaper badge behind the front wheel](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/jaguar-type-01-leaper-badge-detail.jpg) Jaguar's leaper emblem is etched into a brass-finish strip along the flanks Of course, this grand tourer isn’t just made to go fast in straight lines, with its double-wishbone front and integral link rear suspension featuring [Jaguar’s Dynamic Air Suspension](https://www.jaguar.com/en-us/type-01.html?ref=torquecafe.com), consisting of twin-valve active dampers and air springs. [Jaguar promises its controversial flagship will ‘drive like no other electric car’The upcoming production version of the Jaguar Type 00 grand tourer will be unlike anything on the market, according to the iconic brand.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-f2c44263-4221-4f2a-8a18-603066ce2d2c.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/jaguar-type-00-winter-testing-4-6d63614c-ac0f-4e4d-9580-a573e9926f96.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/jaguar-promises-its-controversial-flagship-will-drive-like-no-other-electric-car/) As you’d expect for a car which is 5235mm long and 1403mm tall, there’s plenty of room inside for the four occupants, where the cabin has been treated to a minimalist overhaul. The centre ‘spine’ features a small 7.0-inch display which controls the in-vehicle functions, while the driver gets their own huge 24-inch glass OLED screen, sitting behind a steering wheel with what appears to be touch-sensing buttons. ![Pale minimalist Jaguar Type 01 interior with a wide dashboard display and squared-off steering wheel](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/jaguar-type-01-interior-dashboard.jpg) The driver gets a 24-inch glass OLED display, with a 7-inch screen in the centre spine A digital rear-view mirror is positioned at the base of the windscreen rather than in the traditional placing on the roof, while in total there are 38 speakers in the cabin, 13 of which are in the integrated soundbar. As the Type 01 is closer to being a liftback than a sedan, its tailgate opens to provide 450 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up, or 1000 litres when they’re folded down. Jaguar’s Australian division says the Type 01 will be available to order in 2027, though “first client delivery timing will be communicated in due course”. ## More on Jaguar's reinvention: [This is what Jaguar’s most controversial car looks like insideThe first images of the interior of the production Jaguar Type 00 have been revealed, and it’s far from the wood-grained trim which adorned its classic luxury models.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-9522ce38-6ca6-451c-8fd0-ade24094bd3f.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_DesignVisionINTBlue_SH015-233bef33-99cf-4af2-8f64-1342db24c66c.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/jaguar-news-type-00-ev-interior/) [Jaguar Land Rover finally confirms design boss’s departureThree months after reports first circulated that JLR head of design Gerry McGovern had been fired, the carmaker has announced he’s moving on.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-fd78b735-57bd-4226-b3a6-9ad3cb59c65c.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_JEA_Showcar_LaunchFilm_EndFrame_1x1_Full_Res-d72ae274-03c9-4098-bc52-e9532b6dc984.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/jlr-news-gerry-mcgovern-leaving/) ### 2026 Nissan X-Trail e-Power review URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-reviews-2026-nissan-xtrail-epower/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T00:00:46.000Z The Nissan X-Trail is in an important stage of its life in Australia, having found itself slowly slipping down the sales charts while the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Tesla Model Y fight to be the most popular mid-sized SUVs on the market. Nissan’s current fourth-generation X-Trail is currently celebrating 25 years in showrooms, and the brand has added another few weapons to its arsenal, introducing the purely petrol-powered Rock Creek variant, as well as three new front-drive e-Power hybrids. We’ll touch on the Rock Creek later this week, because the focus of Nissan’s attention – and ours too – is on the new X-Trail e-Power front-wheel drive variants, given how timely fuel-saving technology is in Australia right now. The standard all-wheel drive X-Trail e-Power e-4orce (which must set a record for how many dashes can fit into a car’s name) has been on sale for a handful of years, and has enjoyed modest success. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-Nissan-X-TRAIL-Ti-L-007.jpg) Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power Unlike most hybrid systems - like that found in the similarly sized Toyota RAV4 - the e-Power powertrain doesn’t see the petrol engine drive the wheels with electric assistance. Instead, the petrol engine acts as a generator to the small onboard battery, which supplies power to its single electric motor at the front axle. Given there is no physical connection between the petrol engine and wheels, the result is a car which drives like an EV in how it directly puts power to the road, but without the need for charging via a cable, with the only topping up required being that of the petrol tank. While revolutionary in its operation, the X-Trail’s e-Power system hasn’t proven to be as popular as the traditional hybrid tech in the likes of the RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, though the new front-drive variant aims to change that. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-Nissan-X-TRAIL-Ti-L-015.jpg) Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power Of Australia’s hybrid vehicles sold from April to August 2026, 51 per cent of cars delivered were two-wheel drive (either front or rear-driven), compared with all-wheel drives making up the remaining 49 per cent. This then places greater emphasis on the success of the X-Trail e-Power, as it’s now opened up to an even wider share of the market. So with the why out of the way, here’s what it’s like. ## How much does the Nissan X-Trail cost? Prices start from $45,990 for the X-Trail ST-L e-Power FWD, $50,915 for the X-Trail Ti e-Power FWD, and $54,715 for the X-Trail Ti-L e-Power FWD. For context, that represents a saving of $3090 for the ST-L compared to the AWD e-Power, and a $3655 discount for the Ti and Ti-L against the e-4orce versions. It also narrows up the price difference between the regular petrol-powered X-Trails and the hybrid variants, while giving Nissan greater coverage in the segment. The new front-drive e-Power’s entry price matches that of the base Toyota RAV4, which has been Australia’s best-selling passenger vehicle this year, and is only available as a hybrid. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-Nissan-X-TRAIL-Ti-L-061.jpg) Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power | Model | Price before on-road costs | | ---------------------------------------------- | -------------------------- | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail ST FWD five-seat | $38,305 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail ST AWD seven-seat | $41,305 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail ST-L FWD five-seat | $42,780 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail ST-L AWD seven-seat | $45,880 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail ST-L FWD e-POWER five-seat | $45,990 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail Rock Creek AWD seven-seat | $48,315 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-POWER AWD five-seat | $49,080 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail Ti FWD e-POWER five-seat | $50,915 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail Ti AWD five-seat | $51,580 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail Ti-L AWD five-seat | $54,580 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail Ti e-POWER AWD five-seat | $54,580 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-POWER FWD five-seat | $54,715 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-POWER AWD five-seat | $58,380 | ## What’s under the skin of the Nissan X-Trail e-Power? In the existing X-Trail e-Power e-4orce, a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is paired with dual electric motors to produce 157kW, though in the front-drive version, the rear motor has been removed, resulting in total outputs dropping just 150kW. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-Nissan-X-TRAIL-Ti-L-036.jpg) Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power Despite a negligible drop in power, the front-drive e-Power has a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.4L/100km, a bit less than the 6.1L/100km number of the e-4orce, and about two litres better than the standard X-Trail’s 7.4L/100km result. While the petrol-only X-Trail runs fine on 91 octane unleaded, the e-Power variants require at least 95 octane, though they retain the same 55-litre capacity fuel tank. ## How does the Nissan X-Trail e-Power drive? The Nissan X-Trail is one of about 60 mid-sized SUVs on sale in Australia right now, and you’d hope that for all of the brand’s years in the market, it knows how to engineer a car that is easy to drive. The X-Trail will never win awards for setting lap records, nor will it be lauded for providing cloud-like comfort, but in a market where the splitting of hairs between rivals is so commonplace, it’s a clear standout. For starters, the cabin ergonomics work well for occupants of all sizes, with the driver given ample seat and steering adjustment to sit how they want, without impeding too much on second-row occupants. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-Nissan-X-TRAIL-Ti-L-067.jpg) Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power It’s from behind the wheel that the X-Trail stands out amongst its rivals from China, Japan and South Korea, being comfortable and quiet but never at the expense of its road-holding ability. Across a drive of more than 250km through New Zealand’s Queenstown region, the X-Trail e-Power was effortless on the rough stuff as much as it was on smooth roads, with only the deepest potholes providing a cause for worry in examples with the largest wheels. This is a hybrid SUV that is intuitive to drive and operate, aided by Nissan’s insistence on its climate controls remaining as physical buttons and knobs, rather than fall down the same path as some of its competitors by moving every possible operation to the touchscreen. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-Nissan-X-TRAIL-Ti-L-039.jpg) Some may argue that the interior can feel a bit dated, though everything has its place and it’s not too hard to find the control for whatever function you need, though the cruise control activation through one of the steering wheel buttons can take a little bit of time to figure out for those unfamiliar with it. Power delivery from the hybrid system is linear. It’s not rapid and it’d be unfair to expect it to be, given this is a circa 1700kg family SUV with 150kW driving the front wheels. That doesn’t mean it’s a slug, as the instant torque from the electric motor means overtakes on narrow highways can be dealt with safely and quickly, though in slippery conditions the lack of rear driven wheels could provide something of a disadvantage. It is possible too to get the front tyres to break traction and engage the traction control system, something I discovered while navigating a T-intersection onto a highway, needing to get up to speed quickly. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-Nissan-X-TRAIL-Ti-L-051.jpg) Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power Thankfully there’s next to no torque-steer despite all the load being put on the front tyres, with the calibration of the traction and stability control doing its job to safely get the X-Trail e-Power moving straight. The e-Power system also provides another point of refinement compared to the petrol X-Trail, with any mashing of the throttle not resulting in an engine operating at high revs due to a CVT, and instead delivering a quiet experience in the cabin. If there’s a criticism of the Nissan X-Trail e-Power it’s that the fuel economy claim wasn’t achieved despite some of the conditions being conducive to it. Across the drive my car returned a result in the high 6L/100km range. There’s also another drawback for families looking to get into the X-Trail, with the e-Power versions coming as five-seaters only, rather than offering the seven seats of some of its petrol derivatives. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-Nissan-X-TRAIL-Ti-L-056.jpg) Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power ## Should you buy a Nissan X-Trail e-Power? At a time when the new-car market – especially that for mid-sized SUVs – feels like it’s overwhelming in the number of options available, it’s nice to be reminded that the likes of the X-Trail are out there. It may not be the fastest, the most affordable or offer the most equipment, but as I spoke to one of my industry colleagues about, it’s the kind of car you’d recommend to a friend. Though the e-Power hybrid system seems complex, it’s enough to give an EV-like driving experience without the hassle of charging either at home or at public fast chargers. The ownership proposition is made even more enticing through Nissan’s 10-year warranty offering and its capped price servicing plans, though as always it pays to shop around to find out if the X-Trail e-Power is the right fit for your family. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-Nissan-X-TRAIL-Ti-L-059-1.jpg) Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power ### Ford built its last car in Australia 10 years ago today URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-ford-australia-end-of-production-10-years/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T06:08:54.000Z Ford Australia has reached the 10th anniversary of closing its final production line, with a decade passing since the Broadmeadows Assembly Plant came to an end on October 7, 2016. The first of the ‘Big Three’ local brands to shut its production lines – with Toyota’s Altona plant and Holden’s Elizabeth factory reaching their conclusion a year later – Ford’s Broadmeadows closure brought an end to its 91-year history of building cars in Australia. Ford’s announcement of its plans to end Australian vehicle production was made in May 2013, which still gave the brand enough time to launch the final iteration of the Falcon in the FG X in 2014, giving it one of the shortest runs of any of the model’s generations. The Blue Oval brand’s Australian operations were founded in 1925, though you can go back to 1909 to find when the first Fords were imported locally. It didn’t take long for local production to start, with the first Model T being built in Australia later in 1925. In the years until the Falcon’s arrival, Ford Australia produced the world’s first Ute in 1934, revolutionising what the modern new-car market looks like. The Broadmeadows Assembly Plant in Campbellfield, Melbourne was opened in 1959 to build the first generation of locally made Falcons, with the XK Falcon going on sale in 1960. Last year, *Torquecafe* was given the chance to [ride in the first XK](https://torquecafe.com/we-ride-in-fords-most-important-car-at-bathurst/) made in Australia, which you can view below. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQTjLlZD74d/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Torquecafe (@torquecafe)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQTjLlZD74d/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) Most Ford Falcons made in Australia went down the line at Broadmeadows, with more than three million examples of the sedan, coupe, wagon and ute produced from June 28, 1960. In addition to the Falcon, the plant also made Falcon-derivative models, such as the Fairlane and LTD long-wheelbase luxury variants, as well as the revolutionary Territory, which was the only SUV ever made in Australia. The Ford Cortina and the convertible Capri (based on the underpinnings of the Sydney-built Laser and Mazda 323) were also briefly made at Broadmeadows. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/ford-falcon-xk-1.jpg) The first Ford Falcon built in Australia on June 28, 1960 Ford also operated plants in Homebush, Sydney (building the Laser among other vehicles) until 1994, as well as Eagle Farm, Brisbane (where the Falcon, Fairlane and LTD were built for periods) until 1999. After building its first car in June 1960, the Broadmeadows plant ended production on October 7, 2016, with a Falcon FG X XR6 sedan, finished in Kinetic Blue, becoming the 4,356,628th vehicle to roll off the production line. Since then, Ford has remained in Australia, with its local engineering and design team leading the global development of the T6 platform which underpins the Ranger ute and Everest SUV, the former of which has been the best-selling vehicle locally since 2023. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/access-broadmeadows_assembly_plant-1.jpg) One of Ford's Broadmeadows site buildings While it still operates out of the campus where the Broadmeadows plant was located, the former production site was demolished, and is now being planned to be used as the [location of a data centre](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-australia-falcon-broadmeadows-ai-data-centre/). The Barry Road site - technically located in Campbellfield, north of Melbourne - is set to be developed into a data centre by Singaporean firm Zerra DC, which has already filed for approval with the Victorian Government. Documents lodged by Zerra DC in April show the site, located on 300-340 Barry Road, will be home to a “substantial 6-building Data Centre (nested within ‘Utility Installation’) campus and precinct, with ancillary ‘Office’ space”, if approved. [EPA Objects to Data Centre at Former Ford Falcon SiteThe Victorian government’s peak environmental agency has formally objected to plans to build a data centre where the Ford Falcon and Territory were once made.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-6a7a7965-0114-423e-8247-6172f67d0e86.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/final-ford-falcon-fg-x-243a220c-946f-4757-970e-7d835d9d54a7.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ford-falcon-melbourne-data-centre/) ### Australian brand gets its name on another new car URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-subaru-crosstrek-ripcurl/ Last updated: 2026-10-06T06:28:05.000Z Subaru Australia is leaning on its adventure-focused image with the latest edition of the Crosstrek, teaming up with local surfing giants Rip Curl. Called simply the Subaru Crosstrek AWD Rip Curl Special Edition, the lifted hatchback is exclusive to Australia, and adds Rip Curl-branded and themed equipment to the model. It’s the second time Rip Curl has thrown their name behind a car in Australia, after launching the BF Falcon Rip Curl ute in 2007, during the second-last year of the BF ute’s production run. Priced from $41,490 driveaway, it’s $2500 more than the $38,990 drive-away (until 31 October 2026) price tag of the Crosstrek AWD 2.0L upon which it’s based, though there are numerous features not otherwise available, not only on other Subarus but rival models. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/MY26-Crosstrek-AWD-Rip-Curl-SE-Driving-Side-Causeway-1.jpg) On the outside, the Rip Curl branding can be found on a bonnet decal and badging, while there’s a bespoke grille, bumper garnish, mud flaps, weather shields, Thule cross bars and surf pads, as well as a unique Subaru x Rip Curl cargo tray. Inside, the seat protectors also adorn the Rip Curl brand logo, while there’s also rubber floor mats and a resin cargo step panel. The Crosstrek is unchanged under the skin, being powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing up to 115kW and 196Nm, driving all four wheels through a CVT automatic. According to Subaru Australia, the Crosstrek Rip Curl edition will be arriving at selected dealers from November 2026. ### Australia’s EV sales surge isn’t dying down URL: https://torquecafe.com/australias-ev-sales-surge-isnt-dying-down/ Last updated: 2026-10-06T03:16:04.000Z After EVs became the popular fuel type of choice for Australia’s new-car buyers for the first time in August 2026, the feat has been backed up again, with September data showing the sales boom is continuing. In September 2026, data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries' VFACTS report and the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) shows 108,778 new vehicles were delivered to buyers last month. Of this, 26,287 deliveries of EVs were made for a 24.2 per cent market share, just ahead of petrol and diesel power, which contributed 26,018 and 25,173 deliveries, respectively. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-tesla-model-y-performance-6.jpg) Combined with hybrids (17,843 deliveries) and plug-in hybrids (10,072 deliveries), electrified vehicles accounted for a huge 49.8 per cent market share overall, though this was down slightly from the August record of a 51.7 per cent share. While the new-car market was up 1.8 per cent year-on-year overall, EV deliveries have surged by 117.7 per cent comparing September 2025 to the same month in 2026, driven by three of the 10 best-selling vehicles for the month being electric-only. Despite EVs being the most popular fuel source, the Ford Ranger – available with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid power – was the top seller overall, adding another 5062 deliveries to its annual tally. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/MY26.5-Ford-Ranger-Wildtrak-Ignire-Orange-river-crossing.jpg) The Ranger remains Australia’s best-selling new vehicle despite a stumble in August, where just 2440 examples were delivered, owing to a recall and pause in deliveries while the fault was rectified. Behind it sat two SUVs in the Toyota RAV4 (4624 deliveries) and the Tesla Model Y (4476 deliveries), while its HiLux rival was closely behind in fourth, registering 4455 deliveries. Though BYD is still the second-most popular new-car brand this year, its Sealion 7 electric SUV’s 2687 deliveries for the month were far off what the top four performers managed, though it was enough to get ahead of a tightly congested gaggle of cars from sixth to 10th. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/52c6824f-1e09-407e-a780-6a2ad3b1b032.jpeg) The Chery Tiggo 4, GWM Haval Jolion, Geely EX5, Toyota LandCruiser Prado, and Isuzu D-Max were all split by fewer than 200 deliveries for the month. China is also now the undisputed leader in Australia’s source of new-car imports, with 42,358 vehicles registered here last month coming from Chinese production lines, a huge increase of 63.8 per cent on the same month a year ago. Japan, long the leading importer prior to February this year, now accounts for just 23,133 imports, dropping 13 per cent year-on-year. Likewise, Thailand (17,800 deliveries) and South Korea (9892 deliveries) have decreased by 15.2 per cent and 21.5 per cent, respectively. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/037deec1-38fe-4fea-9f9d-85edaadaaeb7.jpeg) ## **Top 10 best-selling cars in September 2026** | Model | Deliveries (September 2026) | | ---------------- | --------------------------- | | Ford Ranger | 5062 | | Toyota RAV4 | 4624 | | Tesla Model Y | 4476 | | Toyota HiLux | 4455 | | BYD Sealion 7 | 2687 | | Chery Tiggo 4 | 2059 | | GWM Haval Jolion | 2018 | | Geely EX5 | 2008 | | Toyota Prado | 2006 | | Isuzu D-Max | 1866 | ## **Top 10 best-selling car brands in September 2026** | Brand | Deliveries (September 2026) | | ------- | --------------------------- | | Toyota | 17,682 | | BYD | 8191 | | Ford | 7592 | | Kia | 5901 | | Mazda | 5702 | | Tesla | 5654 | | GWM | 5212 | | Hyundai | 5073 | | MG | 4635 | | Geely | 4473 | ### Chinese EV tariffs on the way for the UK URL: https://torquecafe.com/chinese-ev-tariffs-on-the-way-for-the-uk/ Last updated: 2026-10-06T00:20:45.000Z A boom in sales of electric vehicles from China in the UK may spark the nation imposing tariffs on the zero-tailpipe emission cars, something already implemented close by. As reported by [*The Times*](https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/britain-china-tariffs-evs-electric-vehicles-228thpkp6?ref=torquecafe.com), the UK Government is currently planning to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs, based on claims that vehicles from the nation are being state-subsidised to massively undercut the prices of ‘legacy’ brands. According to the publication, the tariffs would form a part of a response to concerns from the European Union that the UK’s lack of existing import charges on Chinese EVs have exposed the wider region to becoming a “backdoor” for Chinese cars to be imported. If the UK doesn’t impose the tariffs, the European Union may not include it in its proposed ‘Made in Europe’ scheme, potentially delivering devastating consequences to British car brands operating in the region. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/BYD_Seal__099-1.jpg) In a statement to *The Times*, a UK Government spokesperson said “we have not put tariffs on Chinese EVs. We continue to engage closely with industry so that our approach reflects the sector’s and UK’s national interests.” While the UK mulls introducing the tariffs, such taxes have been in place in Europe for almost two years, with different brands slugged with varying levels of charges, based on their amount of state-backed input and cooperation with European lawmakers. On top of the base 10 per cent import duty on vehicles in the EU, BYD’s cars are hit with a 17 per cent tariff, rising to 18.8 per cent for Geely and 35.3 per cent for SAIC. Last month, [Nikkei Asia](https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/china-warns-its-ev-makers-against-launching-price-wars-abroad?ref=torquecafe.com) reported the Chinese government had released a four-chapter “Guidelines on Overseas Competition and Compliance Construction”, a reference document for car manufacturers operating in export markets. According to the publication, the guidelines – published by the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology – are aimed at improving the image of Chinese vehicles in overseas markets, through outlining strategies to minimise disruption. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/100226_MG4_Static_29--2-.jpg) “This guideline is formulated to promote the healthy and orderly international development of China's automotive industry, guide automotive companies to regulate their overseas competitive behavior, strengthen compliance, improve their transnational operating capabilities and international influence, and promote the development and progress of the global automotive industry,” it opens with. One of the most important parts of the guidelines is in chapter two (regulating competition in overseas markets), where the government calls for companies to not only “establish a pricing strategy based on cost and guided by international market supply and demand”, but also “not disrupt market competition order in order to gain an unfair competitive advantage”. “When setting the suggested retail price of a vehicle in an overseas market, the enterprise shall, in accordance with the laws and regulations, market principles and business practices of the host country (region), set a clear price gradient for different vehicle configurations of the enterprise, so as to avoid the impact on the interests of overseas consumers and the brand image due to frequent and large-scale price fluctuations,” it adds. This section in particular has become relevant in the recent past, given the impact that Chinese brands have had on traditional ‘legacy’ manufacturers, leading the latter to adjust their own prices in a bid to remain competitive. [China’s carmakers read the riot act to not start price warsThe ever-growing list of Chinese car brands will have to adhere to guidelines laid out by the nation’s government, effectively calling for a fair fight.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-85d6b808-28b8-4e8c-aa06-de339bcb0dc9.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/BYD_Denza_Zhengzhou_0109-a95ff633-b6b3-4471-84fb-3e57d21f133f.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-china-car-guidelines-published/) As previously reported, China is now the leading source of vehicle imports to Australia, this year overtaking Japan and Thailand to lead the way. In July last year, a report by the Centre for International Economics (CIE) - commissioned by the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) - forecast that Chinese vehicles could account for 43 per cent of all deliveries in Australia in 2035. In August 2026, 40.3 per cent of new vehicles were imported from China (43,882 total), well clear of second-placed Japan (24,892, 22.9 per cent) and Thailand (15,658, 14.4 per cent). ### Ford Everest gets a touch of Super Duty URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-ford-everest-wolftrak/ Last updated: 2026-10-05T22:30:23.000Z Ford Australia has added another Everest variant to its local lineup, this time with the Everest Wolftrak, borrowing styling cues from its Ranger Wolftrak sibling. Following the launch of the updated Ranger and Everest lineups earlier this year, the Wolftrak badge and styling has now been applied to the SUV, giving it neon green badging, and the Traction Green paintwork which is best known for featuring on the Ranger Super Duty. Available in 2.0-litre four-cylinder or 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel guise, prices for the Everest Wolftrak start from $73,000 drive-away for the entry-level engine, and rise to $79,990 plus on-roads for the more powerful variant – both $3000 more than the Everest Sport. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-ford-everest-wolftrak-3.jpg) Depending on the location, this brings the V6’s drive-away price to around $87,500 to $90,000, widening the financial gap to the four-cylinder. Based on the Everest Sport, the Wolftrak adds a handful of cosmetic changes, such as its lime green badging and grille inserts, embroidered front seats, as well as a standard tow bar and brake controller. While it’s fitted as standard with 20-inch black wheels with highway terrain tyres, smaller 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres and a green insert are available as a no-cost option. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-ford-everest-wolftrak-2.jpg) Like the Ranger Wolftrak, the Everest variant features synthetic leather-look seat upholstery, now standard on the lower Active and Sport grades as well. Ford hasn’t announced how limited the Everest Wolftrak will be, having restricted how many Ranger versions it made, while applying the same ethos to the previously available Everest Wildtrak. Year-to-date, the Ford Everest remains the best-selling large SUV in local showrooms, though it continues to be locked in a close battle with the Toyota LandCruiser Prado. [Does the Ford Everest still have what it takes?The 2026 Ford Everest, like its Ranger twin, has undergone a handful of changes, keeping the SUV fresh amid increasing 4x4 competition.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-126e2666-8361-40b7-97bd-6f43ef9cf4cf.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2026-ford-everest-active-5-d4e6d7d8-2fc1-4016-b24a-d31c72775186.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-everest-review-2026-australia/) ### Nissan’s BYD Shark 6 rival one step closer to Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-nissan-frontier-pro-phev-australia/ Last updated: 2026-10-05T21:42:20.000Z Nissan Australia will this week reveal the first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) to be sold in its showrooms, heavily tipped to be the Frontier Pro ute from China. In a media release, Nissan said the announcement will take place on October 8, and mark a “significant new step in the brand’s journey in Australia”, with the new PHEV to join its existing range of e-Power hybrids, electric vehicles (EVs), as well as its petrol and diesel models. Though Nissan has yet to confirm what the model will be, it’s all but set to be the Frontier Pro PHEV ute, given the teaser image features its hero yellow paint colour, as well as its illuminated badge. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2025-04-nissan-frontier-pro-6.webp) Nissan Frontier Pro While we’re yet to find out when the Nissan Frontier Pro will come to Australia, its local arrival was effectively announced to dealers late last year, [while in March](https://torquecafe.com/nissan-news-frontier-pro-phev-to-be-confirmed-for-australia/), then-Nissan Oceania managing director Andrew Humberstone said it was to be confirmed soon. The Nissan Frontier Pro borrows its middle name from the long-running Frontier pickup in North America, though it’s also sold in the Philippines as the Navara Pro. However, the Frontier Pro is built in China through Nissan’s joint venture partnership with Dongfeng, and uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain similar to that of the BYD Shark 6, Australia’s most popular PHEV. Powering the Frontier Pro is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which gains an electric motor in its transmission, producing up to 320kW and 800Nm combined. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2025-04-nissan-frontier-pro-20.webp) Nissan Frontier Pro Its 33kWh battery also delivers 135km of claimed electric-only driving range against China’s standards. Importantly it also features 6kW of vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability. In China, the Frontier Pro boasts a 3500kg braked towing capacity, matching the best-selling turbo-diesel utes on sale in Australia. It’s not yet known how it’ll be priced, though it’s expected to be dearer than the turbo-diesel Navara, now twinned with the Mitsubishi Triton. The Frontier Pro is expected to join a growing list of PHEV utes on sale locally, which currently includes the GWM Cannon and Cannon Alpha PHEV, Ford Ranger PHEV (now called the Hybrid) and JAC T9, while Chery is set to launch its Stockman next year. ### Aston Martin V8s, V12s to be kept alive as EV delayed again URL: https://torquecafe.com/aston-martin-v8s-v12s-to-be-kept-alive-as-ev-delayed-again/ Last updated: 2026-10-04T20:00:54.000Z Aston Martin has once again pushed back the launch of its inaugural electric vehicle, now set to reach showrooms at least six years after it was first meant to go on sale. Initially due to launch in 2025, last March it was pushed back to 2026, before a delayed arrival in 2027 was most recently delayed to 2030 in February this year. Now, while speaking to UK media including [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/aston-wont-launch-ev-until-least-2033-will-keep-v8-and-v12?ref=torquecafe.com), Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark has said the brand’s first EV will launch in 2033 at the earliest, and could even go on sale 10 years behind its initial schedule. “We only need BEVs to be compliant for legislative reasons \[in certain markets\] just before 2035,” Hallmark said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/aston-martin-dbx-s-7.jpeg) Aston Martin DBX “I’m not going to give an absolute date, because it’s imprecise. It could be 2035, it might be 2033, but it’s in that three-year-window. It’s not 2031.” The executive added the brand “are not BEV \[battery-electric vehicle\] deniers but BEV delayers”, before saying its lineup up until 2030 “will be predominantly ICE-based”, suggesting the V8 and V12 engines under the bonnets of its current models should continue on. “We have a roadmap to keep the bigger and smaller engines \[V8 and V12 respectively\] alive and compliant all the way through to the end of that period,” Hallmark said, before saying “there would be hybridisation” of the engines, but “probably not plug-in, because we don’t need it; we don’t need the 200kg penalties”. As previously reported, Aston has partnered with Lucid to help develop its purely battery-powered model, something which it says will still be a benefit to its first EV. [Why Aston Martin is copying HyundaiIt’s an unlikely proposition, but pioneering moves made by Hyundai could influence one of Aston Martin’s upcoming models.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-a511d6ac-52bf-4788-9c8f-aa9ac6717573.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_IONIQ-5-N-SMSP-03-51bbcad4-cea1-451e-b632-9bde97c108c0.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/why-aston-martin-is-copying-hyundai/) “We have the deal with Lucid, and the interesting thing is, because we delayed, by the time we activate that deal, the technology that we will get is totally different to what we signed up the original contract for,” said Hallmark. “We're also working with Mercedes-Benz on powertrains and electronic systems \[and that partnership\] will be deepened.” “Looking at BEVs in the future, even if \[we launch our first in\] 2033, we've got three years where we can keep looking, keep thinking and keep evaluating different technologies and how they're changing, and the markets and the legislation. [Aston Martin slashes jobs, cuts spendingFamed British marque Aston Martin is cutting 20 per cent of its workforce, after US tariffs and weak sales in China hurt its financials.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-8c5cafa0-3004-4b36-bef8-1e2d56c8d49d.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/aston-martin-valhalla-fernando-alonso-3-scaled-871e6aa3-ec17-49a4-a6c8-37d0e59cbfaf.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/aston-martin-slashes-jobs-cuts-spending/) “And it's only then that we would need to kick off investment. So today we've got very low-level investment, but it’s research and study, not even single-digit millions of investment.” The decision comes at a crucial time for Aston Martin, after the brand announced it would cut 20 per cent of its workforce earlier this year, which was aimed at delivering about £40 million (A$76.1 million) in annual savings. In addition to the job cuts, Aston Martin cut its five-year capital spending plan from £2 billion (A$3.8 billion) to £1.7 billion (A$3.2 billion), with a bulk of the savings related to delayed EV investments. ### Why the new Nissan Patrol may not need another Warrior URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-nissan-patrol-pro4x-australia-warrior/ Last updated: 2026-10-03T20:00:39.000Z The pre-launch popularity of the new off-road oriented Nissan Patrol Pro-4X has arguably exceeded the brand’s expectations, raising questions about if there’s room for a Warrior. [In August](https://torquecafe.com/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-price-and-specs-new-gen-toyota-landcruiser-rival-locked-in/), Nissan announced pricing for the upcoming Y63 Patrol lineup ahead of its arrival in Australia throughout the first quarter of 2027 (January to March), expanding from the current three-variant range to six variants. While the outgoing Y62 Patrol is offered in Ti, Ti-L and Warrior guise, the Y63 will include the Ti, Ti+, Ti-L, Ti-L+, Pro-4X and Ti-L Reserve variants from launch, with no Premcar-fettled Warrior to be confirmed for now. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-nissan-patrol-pro-4x-1.jpg) 2027 Nissan Patrol Pro-4X With all Ti-badged Patrols focused on on-road luxury, it’ll be the place of the Pro-4X to act as the spiritual successor to the Warrior, featuring off-road focused upgrades such as adaptive air suspension, a unique front bumper, flared wheel-arches, 20-inch black wheels, and all-terrain tyres. When asked whether the Patrol Pro-4X negates the need for a new Patrol Warrior, Nissan Oceania corporate communications senior manager Angus Thompson said we’d “have to wait and see what’s going to come”, while managing director Steve Milette added “it’d be a logical choice”. “For now, it's great for us to launch with the range we’ve announced already and the price points which are very competitive relative to market players,” Thompson added. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2025-nissan-patrol-warrior-7-1.jpg) Y62 Nissan Patrol Warrior Milette added that 50 per cent of Nissan customers ordering the new Patrol have put their hand up for the Pro-4X, despite it being one of six variants and the second-dearest, with prices starting from $137,590 before on-roads. “When we had the \[order\] window open for registrations of interest, there were 2500 customers that gave us their info,” Milette said. “The orders that have been converted so far, half of them are Pro-4X. So it shows you the power of the Pro-4X model itself.” As reported earlier this week, Nissan has remained coy on the future of the Warrior product lines, with new generations of the Navara and Patrol off-road specials yet to be confirmed. [Nissan Warrior Future: Navara and Patrol Plans UnconfirmedNissan is continuing to work with engineering firm Premcar, but there’s still no timeline on when the next Navara or Patrol Warriors will come out.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-e44d95c9-ea82-4e66-b3fb-28c1c77ff4c3.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2026NissanNavaraWarriorConcept013-1-6f2c561c-3adb-4223-9ed1-11fc24e5769c.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-nissan-warrior-future-y63-patrol-navara-premcar/) “\[It’s still a\] work in process, I would say, so there's nothing to confirm,” Milette said when asked about future Warriors. “The last of the V8s Patrol campaign is doing quite well, but with the Warrior philosophy we continue to work with Prempar and at what opportunities could we look at for the future, with the optics of Australians love serious off-road capable vehicles.” While a Y63 Patrol Warrior has yet to be penciled in or hinted at, Premcar has form with the upcoming SUV, last year building the[ QX80 Terrain Spec](https://torquecafe.com/australian-firm-helps-build-landcruiser-killer/) for Nissan’s luxury brand, Infiniti. Jacked up with new wheels and all-terrain tyres, it also featured wheel-arch flairs, side steps, a rooftop-mounted pop-up tent and light bar, plus more underbody protection, previewing upgrades which could eventually be seen on a new Patrol Warrior. ### Suzuki Jimny Heritage makes three-door return URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-suzuki-jimny-heritage-australia/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T20:00:06.000Z Suzuki Australia is bringing back the Jimny Heritage three-door, announcing a further 300 examples of the retro-themed, pint-sized 4x4 are soon arriving. Having initially launched in early 2023 with 300 units in five-speed manual guise, the return of the Suzuki Jimny Heritage has seen the additional 300 cars all be fitted with a four-speed automatic transmission. Priced from $42,490 drive-away, the new Jimny Heritage is $1500 more than the three-door automatic it’s based on, though its price represents a sharp increase on the $33,490 plus on-road costs tag fixed to the previous manual-only version three years ago. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/Jimny-Heritage---Jungle-Green-1.png) Suzuki Jimny Heritage On top of the base Jimny three-door, the Heritage edition adds red front and rear mud flaps, a unique cargo tray and decals, build number badge (ranging from 301 to 600, adding to the previous 300), and an ‘exclusive Jimny Heritage pack’. The base Superior White paint finish is the only no-cost option, with Jungle Green and Medium Grey adding an extra $745 to the final price. Unlike its manual-only predecessor, there’s no black finish available. There’s no changes to the powertrain, which consists of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 75kW and 130Nm, driving all four wheels. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/Jimny-Heritage---Grey-1.png) Suzuki Jimny Heritage Pre-orders for the Suzuki Jimny Heritage edition are now open in Australia, becoming the most expensive three-door variant ever offered locally, but far from the dearest Jimny in showrooms. That honour goes to the five-door Jimny Rhino, launched in June with a starting price of $44,990 before on-road costs in five-speed manual guise, and $47,490 plus on-roads for the four-speed automatic. ### More than 46,000 Toyota Klugers recalled due to rear seat fault URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-toyota-kluger-recall-2021-2025/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T07:00:15.000Z Toyota Australia has expanded a nationwide recall of the Kluger to 46,467 examples of the SUV, after discovering more cars were impacted than initially reported. In March, a recall of 34,377 Klugers produced between March 31, 2021 and November 10, 2023 was instigated, due to a second-row seat recliner assembly fault. Toyota has now revised that build period to Klugers built up to June 10, 2025, adding another 18-plus months and 12,090 vehicles to the recall. “The subject vehicles are equipped with second row seats that use recliner assemblies to unlock the seat backs, allow for seat back angle adjustment, and lock the seat back in place once adjustment is complete,” Toyota says in its recall notice. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/Toyota-Pressroom---93235f57-6bc2-40b5-8f1f-ca6792406a5a-1.jpeg) “Due to a failure to consider the force balance between the locking spring and the return spring during a design change made by the supplier, a combination of recliner return spring orientation and outer clearance between the recliner guide and ratchet may cause the recliner teeth to not fully engage during seat back adjustment. “This may lead to the seat back not remaining in a locked position. A seat back that has not been secured in a locked position may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a collision at higher speeds.” Owners of affected vehicles will have the seat back return springs in the recliner assembly replaced, free of charge. Toyota Australia says it will contact owners of affected vehicles to arrange an inspection and replacement of the faulty part. ### LDV T60 ute prices cut despite significant upgrades URL: https://torquecafe.com/ldv-t60-ute-prices-cut-despite-significant-upgrades/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T04:30:55.000Z LDV Australia has launched the latest update to its T60 ute, the third facelift for the dual-cab in a decade bringing numerous upgrades, without the accompanying price tag. Still based on the same T60 chassis which is entering 10 years of service in Australia, the updated ute features its most radical redesign yet. The bodywork is new from the windscreen forward, with a front fascia that follows the design theme introduced on the Terron 9\. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/MY27-LDV-T60-LUXE-30.jpg) Inside, there is a new dashboard with a 12.8-inch infotainment screen and an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, while the gear selector has moved from the steering column to the centre console. LDV has cut the T60 lineup from three models to two: the Pro costs $37,990 drive-away for ABN holders and $39,989 for private buyers (a saving of $5264), while the Luxe costs $42,990 and $45,253, respectively. Blanc White is the standard colour, with Metal Black, Concrete Grey and Vivid Red costing $500 extra. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/MY27-LDV-T60-LUXE-50.jpg) Both variants get a black exterior trim pack, tyre pressure monitoring, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist and six airbags. Standard equipment on the Pro includes 17-inch alloy wheels, leaf-spring rear suspension, a rear differential lock and a rear-view camera. The Luxe adds 18-inch wheels, multi-link rear suspension, front and rear differential locks, heated and power-adjustable leather-look seats, a 360-degree camera, a sports bar, a lockable tailgate and a tow bar kit. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/MY27-LDV-T60-LUXE-45-1.jpg) Payload is 1040kg for the Pro and 980kg for the Luxe, and braked towing capacity is 3500kg. Service intervals are 12 months or 20,000km, and the warranty is seven years or 200,000km. The T60 now uses the 2.5-litre single-turbo diesel from the larger Terron 9, producing 163kW and 520Nm (up 3kW and 20Nm on the 2.0-litre engine it replaces), and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.0L/100km for the Pro and 8.2L/100km for the Luxe. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/MY27-LDV-T60-LUXE-29.jpg) "Because the updated LDV T60 range is so well equipped, we have reduced the model complexity and are now offering two attractive price points," said LDV Australia general manager Dinesh Chinnappa. LDV has sold more than 46,000 examples of the current-generation T60 in Australia since late 2017, with the 2027 model due in showrooms in October. ### Nissan hoping new ‘accessible’ hybrid X-Trails will boost sales URL: https://torquecafe.com/nissan-hoping-new-accessible-hybrid-x-trails-will-boost-sales/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T02:16:53.000Z Nissan Australia is wanting to take a bigger swing at one of the leading segments of Australia’s new-car market, launching a wider range of its hybrid X-Trail e-Power SUVs. The carmaker has expanded its lineup of X-Trail e-Power hybrids with the addition of front-wheel drive variants, joining the existing all-wheel drive e-Power e-4orce, as well as front- and all-wheel drive, petrol-only versions of the brand’s best-selling model. Prices start from $45,990 for the X-Trail ST-L e-Power FWD, $50,915 for the X-Trail Ti e-Power FWD, and $54,715 for the X-Trail Ti-L e-Power FWD. For context, that represents a saving of $3090 for the ST-L compared to the AWD e-Power, and a $3655 discount for the Ti and Ti-L against the e-4orce versions. It also narrows up the price difference between the regular petrol-powered X-Trails and the hybrid variants, while giving Nissan greater coverage in the segment. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-Nissan-X-TRAIL-Ti-L-013.jpg) According to data shared by Nissan, of the circa-26 per cent of hybrid vehicle sales in Australia from April to August 2026, 51 per cent of cars delivered were two-wheel drive (either front or rear-driven), compared with all-wheel drives making up the remaining 49 per cent. Speaking to *Torquecafe* at the launch of the updated X-Trail range, Nissan Oceania managing director, Steve Milette, said the addition of the front-wheel drive e-Power variants should add to the nameplate’s overall sales, rather than come at the expense of the petrol-only versions. “I think from April to the end of August, 25.9 per cent of all vehicles were hybrids. In that 25.9 per cent, we only played in half of it,” Milette said. “Now we open up the world to the other half. And it's the $3000 difference – the two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive hybrid e-Power – so it's more accessible. And you do open up the, the, the complete hybrid segment in the medium SUVs. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-Nissan-X-TRAIL-ST-L-e-POWER-2WD-018.jpg) “To answer your question, it’s going to be more \[that\] sales expectations for X-Trail go up, it's not substitutional, for us it's a net addition overall, but this will only help X-Trail sales.” To the end of July – the most recent month industry-wide sales figures have been distributed – Nissan delivered 8189 examples of the X-Trail, making it the brand’s best-selling model, and accounting for more than half of its 15,445 overall deliveries. However, at the time it was down 15.9 per cent year-on-year to its 2025 results, and is being comfortably outsold by not only other mid-sized SUVs with petrol and hybrid power – such as the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, and Mitsubishi Outlander – but also the electric Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7. The current RAV4 is Australia’s third-best selling passenger car and has frequently been the most popular non-electric vehicle in recent months following initial supply issues, despite only now being offered in hybrid and plug-in hybrid guise. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2026-Nissan-X-TRAIL-Ti-L-064-1.jpg) When asked whether Nissan could follow suit and drop the X-Trail’s petrol-only engines from the lineup, Milette said it’s a “possibility”, but unlikely to happen. “So far this year, 33 per cent of our sales \[for X-Trail\] are hybrid, and the balance obviously are not,” he said. “Where petrol is still a preference is in the fleet world. For us, it's a fine balance between the price points you're trying to get to. On the retail side, I think the world is shifting maybe more to hybrids, but as we introduce two-wheel drive e-Power, the next 90 days should be more like 50/50. “I do think over time you'll see e-Power hybrids take over in terms of the dominant powertrain, and then we'll see about the future.” | Model | Price before on-road costs | | ---------------------------------------------- | -------------------------- | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail ST FWD five-seat | $38,305 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail ST AWD seven-seat | $41,305 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail ST-L FWD five-seat | $42,780 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail ST-L AWD seven-seat | $45,880 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail ST-L FWD e-POWER five-seat | $45,990 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail Rock Creek AWD seven-seat | $48,315 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-POWER AWD five-seat | $49,080 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail Ti FWD e-POWER five-seat | $50,915 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail Ti AWD five-seat | $51,580 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail Ti-L AWD five-seat | $54,580 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail Ti e-POWER AWD five-seat | $54,580 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-POWER FWD five-seat | $54,715 | | 2026 Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-POWER AWD five-seat | $58,380 | ### Hotter Honda Civic Type R revealed, but no closer to Australian return URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-honda-civic-type-r-revealed/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T00:53:25.000Z The popularity of Honda’s Civic Type R in Australia means the hot hatch is still classified as sold out locally, leading to buyers Down Under missing out on the latest updates for now. Overnight, Honda’s US division confirmed a handful of changes to the 2027 Civic Type R, designed at improving the popular performance car’s track capability, as well as introducing some features already available in the non-hot Civic. Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Civic Type R being launched in Japan, the US-delivered model has been sharpened up with a new front fascia, incorporating a larger grille opening and deeper front splitter. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/01-2027-Honda-Civic-Type-R-1.jpg) 2027 Honda Civic Type R According to Honda, this both increases engine cooling and downforce, giving the Civic Type R more high-speed grip while also allowing it to keep circulating on track for longer. A revised damper tune for its aggressive +R drive mode is claimed to improve “road-following performance and reduces bouncing and impact harshness for more stability and enhanced handling”, while there’s now a sharper rev-matching system and improved brake feel. Under the bonnet, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine continues to produce 235kW and 420Nm, and is now hidden underneath a tweaked engine cover. Power is still sent to the front wheels though a six-speed manual transmission. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/02-2027-Honda-Civic-Type-R-1.jpg) 2027 Honda Civic Type R Buyers can continue to order the Civic Type R in Boost Blue Pearl, Sonic Gray Pearl and Championship White, or a new Meteorite Grey Metallic hue. Inside, the Civic Type R now gets heated front seats in a first for the model, while its seat upholstery features a new perforated design with black stripes, designed to hold the front occupants better when cornering, and breathe better to keep passengers cooler. Elsewhere, there’s a new diamond-pattern trim instrument panel with a black surround, black air vent knobs, as well as Ultrasuede on the top of the dash and front doors, while the gear selector knob, door handles and console trim are finished in dark grey. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/15-2027-Honda-Civic-Type-R-1.jpg) 2027 Honda Civic Type R In addition to this, the Type R gains the Google built-in integration already found in the basic Civic, while also adding two USB-C ports in the centre console. The driver can now see out the back window through an auto-dimming rearview mirror. According to Honda Australia, the brand is yet to confirm if or when the Civic Type R will go back on sale locally, as its most recent allocation of the hot hatch sold out. Customers wanting to keep their name in line for its return can do so via the [Honda Australia website](https://www.honda.com.au/cars/configurator/civic-type-r.html?suburb=Essendon+West&pc=3040&state=VIC&m=CIV5MTYPERW827&v=TYPER&sv=W8&camp=001%26002%26003&ref=torquecafe.com). The Honda Civic Type R has most recently been priced from $85,000 drive-away in Australia, a huge $12,900 increase on when it launched in Australia back in 2023. ### What Ford’s rally return means for its road cars URL: https://torquecafe.com/what-fords-rally-return-means-for-its-road-cars/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T22:32:23.000Z After a 16-year hiatus, Ford is returning to the WRC with factory backing from 2028, marking the first time since 2012 that the Blue Oval brand has thrown its support behind the top-flight rally championship. Overnight, Ford announced it will partner with M-Sport to support the team fielding a Fiesta in 2027, before stepping up to factory team status in 2028, and launching an all-new car in the WRC in 2029. The move comes as the WRC moves to new regulations in 2027, allowing old models such as the Fiesta – which has been out of production since 2023 – to compete in the top class, though all eyes will be on what Ford campaigns in 2029. “Rallying is where Ford’s character faces its toughest test, and where generations of fans come to share the thrill of seeing a car take on the impossible,” Ford Europe president Jim Baumbick said in a media release. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2025_Ford_Puma_Rally1_2_59-1.jpg) “We want our next generation of European vehicles to carry that same unapologetic spirit. Responsive, confidence-inspiring, and rewarding to drive on the roads people use every day. “You can’t fake it on Europe’s roads, which is why a car’s responsiveness and handling matters. “The WRC is the ultimate proving ground for control and driver engagement, and that is the exact spirit and lessons learned we are injecting into our next generation of passenger vehicles.” Ford has [recently made clear its intention](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-europe-bronco-fiesta-revival-2030/) to lean on its rally roots for its next generation of passenger cars in Europe, announcing in May it was planning five new models by 2030, though it's not yet known which will become its WRC contender. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2021_Ford_Fiesta_WRC_58-1.jpg) At the time, it said the five cars will not only be “made in Europe for Europe”, but they will dip into the brand’s rally heritage for inspiration.The first of the vehicles to launch will be the long-rumoured European market Bronco, set to be built at Ford’s plant in Valencia, Spain, from 2028. It’ll become the fourth Bronco-badged model on sale globally, alongside the American full-size Bronco (related to the Ford Everest), the Bronco Sport (based on the Escape) and China’s[ Bronco New Energy](https://torquecafe.com/the-ford-suv-australia-needs/), the latter of which is coming to Australia in 2027 as the Bronco Basecamp. We do know at least two EVs will be a part of Ford’s five-vehicle rollout, with a small electric hatchback and a small electric SUV set to be twinned and underpinned by Renault’s Ampere platform, launching in early 2028. Both vehicles will be built at the ElectriCity complex in Douai, France, the current home of the Renault 5 E-Tech. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2001_Ford_Focus_RS_WRC_60-1.jpg) According to Ford, the hatchback will “combine distinct design with our signature driving dynamics”, while the SUV will feature “the same rally-bred design language and drive dynamics in an urban-friendly package”. Finally, Ford is set to launch a pair of “multi-energy rally-bred crossover models” by the end of 2029, though it’s not yet clear whether they will be in-house developments or rely on outside partners. [In July](https://torquecafe.com/ford-to-co-develop-new-model-with-chinese-giant-geely/), Ford announced it had entered a joint venture with Chinese car giant Geely, allowing the latter to use the former’s Valencia factory in Spain – currently home to production of the Kuga SUV – which will produce what’s being called a “multi-energy crossover”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/1969_Ford_Escort_Twin_Cam_62-1.jpg) [Ford’s global CEO Jim Farley](https://torquecafe.com/ford-off-road-supercar-jim-farley-hints/) has also made clear the brand’s intentions to dip into the rally heritage for its new European vehicles. “We want to democratise a rally car. We want everyone to be able to buy a car from Ford, and it's affordable, and it's rally. That to me is a huge turn on,” Farley told the UK’s[ *Top Gear*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iMJgFYxWUA&ref=torquecafe.com) magazine in August. “I want everyone who buys a Ford in Europe of passenger cars to feel like they're a rally driver." “I think that’s really exciting, because the off-road world is here \[raising an arm\], (the) on-road world is here \[lowering an arm\], (the) rally world is somewhere in the middle." ### BYD Shark 6 anti-hacking fix on the way URL: https://torquecafe.com/byd-shark-6-anti-hacking-fix-on-the-way/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T07:30:27.000Z Owners of the BYD Shark 6 will be able to rest slightly easier knowing that a software fix is on the way to better protect the ute, following an investigation which uncovered security flaws, allowing it to be hacked. Last month, the ABC’s *Four Corners* program showed the BYD Shark 6 could be accessed to monitor its location, tap into phone calls, and remotely activate vehicle functions such as the headlights and windscreen wipers. As a result, BYD launched its own internal investigation, which has subsequently found a ‘software defect’ which allows hackers to activate the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and ‘subsequently install an untrusted third-party application’. While BYD Australia has said this was only achieved by the hacker gaining “physical access to the vehicle’s CAN bus by tapping directly into the vehicle wiring”, it is working on a fix which will be rolled out as an over-the-air update to the Shark 6, though a timeline has yet to be announced. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/SHARK-6-Cab-Chassis-75--1-.jpg) You can read BYD’s statement in full below. “BYD Australia today responded to claims made by the Four Corners program on 21 September concerning the cybersecurity of a Shark 6 vehicle. “BYD took the claims extremely seriously, prompting an immediate and through forensic investigation involving technical teams in Australia and China. “The investigation focused on two areas: a breach of the vehicle’s infotainment software system through the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), and physical access to the vehicle’s CAN bus by tapping directly into the vehicle wiring. “Regarding the infotainment system. The ADB is disabled by default and can only be accessed by authorised persons using special tools. The researcher exploited a software defect to enable the ADB and subsequently install an untrusted third-party application. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/SHARK-6-Group-2.jpg) “BYD engineers in their investigation were able to reproduce both the software defect used to enable ADB and the subsequent installation of an untrusted third-party application. “When the application requested access to certain information or functions, such as the vehicle’s location or microphone, the infotainment system displayed a permission prompt. The requested permissions could only be granted after the user manually approved the request through the infotainment interface. “Regarding the CAN bus. BYD’s technical analysis has confirmed that the demonstrated control of the vehicle’s headlights and windscreen wipers required direct physical access to the vehicle’s internal CAN bus by tapping into the vehicle wiring. [OCAM expands BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon accessories range | TorquecafeOCAM has launched a full range of accessories for the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon, including roller covers, canopies, roof racks, drawers and bull bars.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-e3b87e52-bc9d-45d3-8d45-c224a332de17.png)Torquecafe.comTorquecafe![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_0950-8253c17b-d76b-4601-ab15-ceafc9a7cde5.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ocam-expands-byd-shark-6-and-gwm-cannon-accessories-range/) “This method requires physical intervention on the target vehicle and is limited to the individual vehicle that has been physically accessed. “Without physically tapping into the vehicle wiring, an external device seeking to access the relevant vehicle network through the diagnostic interface would need to do so via the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) interface. “BYD has implemented security measures for the OBD interface, including device authentication and physical isolation, and has established corresponding cybersecurity safeguards in accordance with the requirements of UN R155. [BYD’s Shark 6 to take a bigger bite out of Ranger, HiLux salesBYD has finally answered calls from Australian customers by adding two vital upgrades to the Shark 6 ute.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-5b7efd95-ed2b-453a-828b-9b59ab6efabb.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/byd-shark-6-dynamic-cab-chassis-2-23ca29fd-00d1-49b9-9bf6-1b71dc90c411.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/byd-news-shark-6-cab-chassis-performance-price-australia/) “For the confirmed ADB-related software issue, BYD has completed the root-cause investigation and commenced software remediation. “The corrective action will address the identified ADB-related software issue and remove the unintended pathway that allows ADB to be enabled through the infotainment system user interface, thereby eliminating the access path identified during the investigation. “The updated software will be deployed as part of a future Over the Air (OTA) infotainment system software update for Shark 6 vehicles, and only once the updated software has undergone rigorous validation. BYD is also investigating if the software update is required for other BYD vehicles sold in Australia. [2024-2026 BYD Shark 6 recalled in AustraliaAll circa-32,000 examples of the BYD Shark 6 which have been sold in Australia are affected by a recall notice, requiring the temporary removal of the spare wheel.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-5a5ee55d-0016-4b39-b085-1fa69534adc9.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/SHARK-6-Group-2-1-71aea0e2-21cb-4aa0-bfec-68c990467cad.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-byd-shark-6-recall/) “Regarding CAN bus cybersecurity. BYD has also initiated a dedicated risk assessment. This assessment will evaluate the necessity and technical feasibility of additional measures relating to CAN message authenticity, integrity and freshness verification. Any further technical improvements will be determined based on the outcome of this assessment. “In addition, BYD will use the findings to further review and strengthen relevant cybersecurity controls and development processes, including debug-interface management, application permission control, pre-release cybersecurity testing, vulnerability management, and cross-platform issue screening. “BYD remains committed to enhancing cybersecurity protection throughout the vehicle lifecycle through ongoing vulnerability analysis, security testing, risk assessment and software updates.” ### Dead before arrival: Isuzu D-Max EV cancelled for Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-isuzu-dmax-ev-cancelled-australia/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T07:00:22.000Z Isuzu Ute Australia has scrapped its plans to launch the electric D-Max EV locally, almost 18 months after it was revealed and pencilled in for a local berth. “While Isuzu remains committed to exploring future electrification opportunities, the decision has been made not to export the BEV D-MAX to Australia at this time due to the need to prioritise products that align with our current customer needs,” Isuzu Motors International Operations said in a statement. The [Isuzu D-Max EV](https://torquecafe.com/isuzu-d-max-ev-price-revealed/) went on sale in the UK earlier this year, with its three variants priced from £59,995 (A$114,400) to £74,994 (A$143,000), or about double the cost of the turbo-diesel equivalent. In Australia, the electric ute market is scarce but growing, having started with the now-defunct LDV eT60, followed by the car-based KGM Musso EV, and Toyota’s HiLux BEV, with an MG U9 EV to launch imminently. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/The-New-Isuzu-D-Max-EV--HERO---CAROUSEL-.jpeg) Despite regulations giving incentives to carmakers to import and sell zero- or low-emissions vehicles locally, Isuzu said the D-Max EV doesn’t make sense for the current market. “While the D-MAX BEV is not the right fit for Australian customers in its current form, Isuzu remains committed to exploring future electrification opportunities through initiatives such as the Earth Lab and ongoing evaluation of lower-emissions technologies,” said Isuzu Ute Australia spokesperson and executive general manager, Rod Caldwell. “However, with diesel continuing to account for 84 per cent of light commercial vehicle sales year-to-date, our focus remains on delivering practical solutions that align with current customer demand. “This includes the introduction of the more efficient 2.2-litre engine, which forms part of our broader journey to reduce emissions and meet the requirements of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/The-New-Isuzu-D-Max-EV--4-.jpeg) “At the same time, we continue to strengthen our core product offering by expanding the MU-X range to better meet evolving customer needs.” Isuzu has yet to detail what that expanded MU-X range will look like. As previously reported, the D-Max EV is powered by dual electric motors, with one unit on the front and rear axles respectively. The front motor produces 43kW and the rear develops 97kW, totalling 140kW combined. While this is identical to the famed ‘4J’ 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine found under the bonnet of most D-Maxes sold in Australia, the EV only produces 325Nm of torque – down a significant 125Nm on the oiler. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/The-New-Isuzu-D-Max-EV--9-.jpeg) A relatively small 66.9kWh battery pack means the D-Max EV has a claimed driving range of 263km on the WLTP cycle, crucially while it’s unladen. The D-Max EV can be charged at up to 11kW with an AC charger and 50kW on a DC fast-charger, which Isuzu says can take it from 20 to 80 per cent charge in one hour. By comparison, the MG U9 EV’s 102.2kWh LFP battery pack provides up to 430km of driving range in its dual-motor form. The electric D-Max’s payload capacity of 1000kg and braked towing capacity of 3500kg are both on par with the turbo-diesel model. ### Chinese brand announces quintessentially Aussie offer for world-first ute URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-chery-stockman-bunnings-gift-card/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T06:18:21.000Z Chery is making sure there will be no excuses for its Stockman ute to not perform well when it goes on sale in Australia, targeting local customers in ways we’ve never seen before. After holding a naming competition to select what title the Stockman would be given, Chery has now announced that reservations for the ute are now open, with those who put their name in the queue before deliveries begin offered a unique incentive. While an offer of three years or 45,000km (whichever comes first) of complimentary scheduled servicing isn’t that unheard of, Chery has entered into an exclusive partnership with Bunnings to offer a $2000 gift card for buyers to use at the hardware giant. For context, that $2000 could buy 20 seven-piece outdoor settings, about four mid-range lawn mowers, or nearly 1300 M8x50mm stainless steel hex head coach screws. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-chery-stockman-3.jpg) “We’ve had a phenomenal response to the Stockman since the first announcement, and the reservation program gives customers the opportunity to secure their place ahead of the official sales launch, while also receiving a valuable pre-launch offer,” said Chery Australia chief operating officer, Lucas Harris. “The Stockman represents another significant step in the expansion of the Chery brand in Australia, and we look forward to sharing more details with customers as we move closer to its official launch.” As previously reported, the Stockman will be the first ute globally to be powered by a turbo-diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain, joining a market which has already seen success with turbo-petrol PHEVs such as the BYD Shark 6. Confirmed to produce up to 350kW and 800Nm, the Stockman outs the Ranger Hybrid (207kW/697Nm), the Shark 6 Premium 321kW/650Nm, and the Cannon Alpha PHEV (300kW/700Nm), though the JAC Hunter is still the most potent on paper, making 360kW/1010Nm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-chery-stockman-4.jpg) A petrol-powered version of the Stockman is due in Australia in 2027, though no details have emerged. Its 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked towing capacity also matches its rivals, while its four-wheel drive system with lockable front and rear differentials is on par with the top-spec Cannon Alpha PHEV and Hunter, while beating out the Ranger Hybrid (rear differential only). Chery has only so far confirmed the Stockman has a claimed electric-only driving range of 100km on the lenient NEDC cycle, more than double the Ranger Hybrid’s 49km claim, and identical to the Shark 6 and Hunter, however the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is still the on-paper king with a 115km figure. The carmaker has yet to announce how large the Stockman’s battery is, as well as a combined range figure from its turbo-diesel engine and PHEV setup. Also absent is any information on how many electric motors the Stockman features. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/Chery_DSC05843-1.jpg) Chery KP31 Prototype Measuring 5450mm long, 2010mm wide and 1890mm tall, the Stockman is roughly the same size as the Shark and Cannon Alpha, while being slightly longer than the Hunter and Ranger. Its 247mm of ground clearance is also class-leading, while its all-terrain tyres are designed to enable it to fulfill its off-roading ambitions. Premcar has been appointed by Chery to undertake in-market testing and validation of the Stockman locally, in order to make sure its ride and handling tuning is up to the task of pleasing Australian motorists. Chery has said in the past that further details about the Stockman including pricing, full specifications and launch dates will be announced in the coming months, as its arrival has been delayed from the fourth quarter of 2026 to February 2027. ### 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Z06: US supercar gets a price cut URL: https://torquecafe.com/2027-chevrolet-corvette-z06-us-supercar-gets-a-price-cut/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T02:30:41.000Z General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) has announced the updated Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is coming to Australia, and the European supercar killer has received a considerable price cut. Now priced from $299,990 before on-road costs, it’s a $36,000 reduction on the starting price of the Z06 since it launched locally in 2023 as the flagship of the Corvette – and Chevrolet – range in Australia. While a number of cars get price cuts to coincide with a reduction in features, the Corvette Z06 still has largely the same equipment as before, with its cabin treated to a refresh. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-Chevrolet-Corvette-Z06-39-1.jpg) 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 [In May last year,](https://torquecafe.com/chevrolets-supercar-loses-its-most-unique-feature/) Chevrolet revised the Corvette C8’s interior as a part of a mid-life update which saw the climate controls move to a far more compact panel, situated underneath the infotainment screen. This allowed the central divider to adopt a semi-floating element, giving the interior slightly more light between the occupants, while the drive mode selector was changed from a knob to a simpler toggle switch. The Corvette Z06 has also received larger (and more) screens, with the central infotainment screen growing to 12.7 inches from 8.0 inches, the digital instrument cluster increasing from 12 to 14 inches, and a new 6.6-inch touchscreen displaying additional vehicle information. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-Chevrolet-Corvette-Z06-53-1.jpg) 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Otherwise the Corvette Z06 formula is largely unchanged, with its mid-mounted 5.5-litre flat-plane crank V8 engine continuing to produce 475kW and 595Nm, driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Buyers can choose from 10 colours, three of which are new for the 2027 Z06: Pitch Grey Metallic, Admiral Blue Metallic and Roswell Green Metallic. The supercar is also fitted with new-look wheels – measuring 20-inch at the front and 21-inch at the rear – which can be ordered in polished, gloss black, pearl nickel, carbon flash for forged examples, or carbon-fibre finishes in visible carbon fibre, carbon-flash painted carbon fibre and visible carbon fibre with red stripe. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-Chevrolet-Corvette-Z06-13-1.jpg) 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 With Chevrolet’s ‘3LZ’ package equipped as standard, the Z06 features GT2 bucket seats with Napa leather upholstery and carbon-fibre garnish, a carbon-fibre steering wheel, a head-up display, performance data recorder, removable roof and Bose 14-speaker sound system. Buyers can also opt for the Z07 Performance Package, adding magnetic dampers, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres, and a carbon fibre aerodynamic package. Order books are now open for the 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, with production to be on an as-order basis, starting in January next year. ### New Nissan Navara and Patrol Warrior yet to be locked in URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-nissan-warrior-future-y63-patrol-navara-premcar/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T01:01:33.000Z The Nissan Warrior program has been one of the Australian outpost’s most successful strategies in the past decade, giving locally engineered, off-road focused versions of the Navara and Patrol to the market. Established in 2019 with the Navara N-Trek Warrior, local engineering firm Premcar – [formerly known for its work as Ford Performance Vehicles](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-premcar-30-tickford-fpv/) – has since launched multiple Warrior iterations of the Navara ute, as well as the Patrol SUV. However, we’re yet to see what the future holds for the Nissan and Premcar partnership, amid a period of product changeovers for Nissan in Australia. This year the new D27-generation Nissan Navara – twinned with the Mitsubishi Triton – has gone on sale in Australia and New Zealand, featuring a revised suspension tune which was developed by Premcar. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/d27-nissan-navara-warrior-concept-premcar-8.jpg) Nissan Navara D27 Warrior Concept While Premcar revealed its [D27 Navara Warrior Concept](https://torquecafe.com/new-nissan-navara-warrior-previewed/) in November last year, there’s still no timeline on when – or if – it will reach showrooms. Likewise, the current V8-powered Y62-generation Nissan Patrol is currently in run-out, with the Warrior – one of its three variants – a part of its impending departure from showrooms, ahead of the arrival of the [new Y63 Patrol](https://torquecafe.com/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-price-and-specs-new-gen-toyota-landcruiser-rival-locked-in/). Speaking to *Torquecafe*, Nissan Oceania managing director Steve Milette said future Warrior products are yet to be confirmed, despite the recent success of the program. “\[It’s still a\] work in process, I would say, so there's nothing to confirm,” said Milette. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2025-nissan-patrol-warrior-7.jpg) Nissan Patrol Y62 Warrior “The last of the V8s Patrol campaign is doing quite well, but with the Warrior philosophy we continue to work with Prempar and at what opportunities could we look at for the future, with the optics of Australians love serious off-road capable vehicles.” When asked whether the new Patrol’s Pro-4X grade – which is more off-road focused than the more on-road biased variants – impacts on the business case for a Y63 Patrol Warrior, corporate communications senior manager Angus Thompson said we’d “have to wait and see what’s going to come”. [In May](https://torquecafe.com/mitsubishi-news-triton-raider-price-australia/), the Navara’s Triton twin received Premcar upgrades in the form of the Triton Raider, representing the first time the brand had worked with a non-Nissan marque since its most recent formation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/2027-nissan-patrol-pro-4x-2.jpg) Nissan Patrol Y63 Pro-4X Milette has previously said the Triton Raider wouldn’t take sales away from the upcoming Navara Warrior, claiming his brand’s product will sit above Mitsubishi’s. “I think we have a pretty broad portfolio with Navara,” [he said in May](https://torquecafe.com/nissan-navara-warrior-not-under-threat-from-mitsubishis-off-road-rival/). “I think our Pro-4X sits where their product is. Yeah, I think we’re ok.” At the time, *Torquecafe* asked Milette whether Nissan had a problem with Premcar working with Mitsubishi, to which the executive replied, “that’s a great question”. “On both sides, I think they \[Premcar\] are free to do what they need to do,” Milette added. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/MY26-Mitsubishi-Triton-Raider-Preview-16.jpg) Mitsubishi Triton Raider “We all have our opportunities, as an OEM or as a provider, so that’s really up to them.” While a Y63 Patrol Warrior has yet to be penciled in or hinted at, Premcar has form with the upcoming SUV, last year building the [QX80 Terrain Spec](https://torquecafe.com/australian-firm-helps-build-landcruiser-killer/) for Nissan’s luxury brand, Infiniti. Jacked up with new wheels and all-terrain tyres, it also featured wheel-arch flairs, side steps, a rooftop-mounted pop-up tent and light bar, plus more underbody protection, previewing upgrades which could eventually be seen on a new Patrol Warrior. ### Australia’s first Nismo Performance Centre to open this weekend URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-nissan-nismo-performance-centre-melbourne-launch/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T01:00:35.000Z Australia’s affiliation with high-performance Nissans is about to be turbocharged, with the first local Nismo Performance Centre launching in Melbourne this weekend. [Announced in May](https://torquecafe.com/nissan-news-nismo-performance-centre-australia/), the centre – running out of Ferntree Gully Nissan – will be able to supply Nismo parts not readily available to the Australian public, as well as partial and full-vehicle restorations, the Nismo Performance Centre is backed by the head Nismo Omori Factory, and will work in partnership with the overseas base. With a sold-out launch event slated for October 4, Nissan Oceania managing director Steve Milette told *Torquecafe* the level of anticipation for the Nismo Performance Centre has reflected the love for Nissan’s hero products in Australia. “\[There’s been\] lots of anticipation, lots of positive feedback,” Milette said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/nismo-performance-centre-australia-announcement-6.jpg) Nissan's Nismo Omori Factory in Japan “We get customers that reach out to us directly, they have ideas and projects, and I think that's the beauty of a brand like Nissan in Australia. “It’s the level of support and enthusiasts that you have \[for\] the Z, the GT-R, even Patrol, some of these nameplates are legendary, and there’s a very, very strong following. “We're really looking forward to this first grand opening, and then hopefully we can expand across the country. Keep it small, but have sufficient coverage across the country.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/nismo-performance-centre-australia-announcement-2.jpg) When the initial announcement was made in May, Nissan said it was planning a rollout in other Australian cities such as Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, something which is very much still on the cards. “We've got dealers that have their hands up, obviously that they want to be the selected dealer in whatever location,” Milette added. “We need to make sure we have geographical representation, but you want to keep it very tight.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2024-nissan-z-nismo-2.jpg) As previously reported Australia’s Nismo Performance Centre won’t be exclusive to buyers of Nissan vehicles officially sold locally, with the long history of ‘grey imports’ (such as the Silvia, Stagea, and R33/R34) brought here inspiring Nissan to open its doors to its cars of all origins. While the focus of the Nismo performance centres will be on its classic performance models, the Z Nismo remains the only vehicle on sale in Australia which currently wears the brand’s name, with other products “under consideration” but not locked in. Globally, the Nismo vehicles lineup extends to the Patrol (Middle East, Japan and North America as the Armada), the Note (Japan), X-Trail (Japan), and Ariya (Europe). ### Top Gear’s Toyota HiLux stunt recreated by car giant URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-toyota-hilux-bev-top-gear-caravan-drop-stunt/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T22:22:33.000Z The Toyota HiLux BEV has already gone on sale in the UK, Europe and Australia as a fleet-focused, zero-tailpipe-emissions alternative to the existing turbo-diesel HiLux, but some detractors have questioned whether the electric ute can be just as tough. In order to show it’s capable of going beyond what most people would ask of it, Toyota’s UK department put the call out to fans to vote on how it should be tested for toughness: by hitting it with a wrecking ball or dropping a caravan on it. With both tests harking back to Top Gear’s classic ‘Indestructible HiLux’ film of 2003, the caravan drop was chosen as the winner, resulting in quite the iconic recreation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/AAA_7070-1.jpg) Taking to Bentwaters airfield in Suffolk, a 760kg caravan was suspended upside down over the top of the HiLux BEV and then let go, with the former coming out as the undisputed loser of the challenge. While the caravan was all but destroyed, Toyota’s engineers inspected the HiLux and found “only modest bodywork scars”, allowing it to be driven away from the scene. “Dropping a caravan on it wasn’t just about repeating the famous TV stunt, it was our way of showing how Hilux’s core toughness remains intact,” said Toyota GB director, products and services division, Chris Hayes. Still, the HiLux BEV hasn’t been subjected to quite the same level of testing as the mid-1980s model received from Jeremy Clarkson and James May back in the Top Gear days. Back in 2003, that particular HiLux crashed into a tree, was parked in the ocean and was finally strapped to the top of a demolishing housing block, all of which it survived. This led to it being given the title of the ‘Indestructible HiLux’, becoming a permanent fixture of Top Gear’s filming studio until 2015. According to Toyota GB, the caravan drop is “just a warm-up”, with *Top Gear* magazine set to undertake further testing in the near future. [Toyota HiLux EV priced for AustraliaThe first ever electric Toyota HiLux will arrive in Australia later this year as the most expensive version of the nameplate sold here.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-f37d6435-cb94-43b4-b726-90b58851066f.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2026-toyota-hilux-bev-australia-3-7bf38317-de0b-4315-b122-930b5a3bcba9.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-hilux-bev-electric-ute-price-australia/) ### Petrol-powered BMW 3 Series gets EV-inspired makeover URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-bmw-3-series-i3-price-specs-australia/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T21:58:38.000Z BMW has revealed what may be its most controversial 3 Series yet, with the new-generation ‘G50’ sedan adopting the design of its electric i3 sibling. The BMW i3 was [revealed in March](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-news-i3-50-xdrive-neue-klasse-ev-revealed/) as the second of the brand’s Neue Klasse models – after the iX3 SUV – and now the stunning styling which has divided opinion has been applied to the long-serving 3 Series, with both models now having Australian pricing announced. On the outside, there’s little to set the 3 Series and i3 apart, with the former’s internal combustion engines necessitating the need for an open kidney grille between its headlights and some well-integrated exhaust tips at the back, but other than that it’s hard to split the pair apart. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/P90657707_highRes_the-new-bmw-m350-xdr-1.jpg) BMW M350 xDrive While the i3 is built on a dedicated EV-only platform, the G50 3 Series runs on a heavily revised Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform which underpins the outgoing G20-generation model, resulting in the latter being 5mm longer, 15mm narrower and having 37mm less distance between the axles than its EV counterpart. Inside, the 3 Series gets a significant makeover, starting with a completely new dashboard, a 3D head-up display, a 17.9-inch central touchscreen and BMW’s latest Operating System X software. The new BMW 3 Series also becomes the first since the E21 generation of the late 1970s to forgo the ‘i’ moniker for fuel-injected, petrol-powered variants, following the likes of the 1 Series by now having each variant denoted by numbers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/P90657698_highRes_the-new-bmw-m350-xdr-1.jpg) BMW M350 xDrive In Australia, the range opens with the BMW 320, priced from $83,900 plus on-roads and powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance, producing 155kW and 330Nm which is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Stepping up to the flagship M350 xDrive increases the price to $128,900 before on-road costs, with the all-wheel drive performance model powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, making 326kW and 580Nm. Standard equipment on the 320 includes 18-inch M aerodynamic wheels, adaptive M suspension, LED lighting, the M Sport package, Veganza upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a panoramic sunroof, and BMW’s safety suite, among many other features. On top of this, the M350 xDrive adds a heated steering wheel, rear heated seats, a Harman Kardon sound system and 20-inch light alloy wheels. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/P90657769_highRes_the-new-bmw-m350-xdr.jpg) BMW M350 xDrive (overseas model shown) BMW has also priced the electric i3 variants for Australia, starting with the i3 40 xDrive which opens from $96,900 plus on-roads, with its dual-motor powertrain delivering 275kW and 520Nm. The i3 50 xDrive meanwhile is $112,900 before on-road costs, increasing its outputs to 345kW and 645Nm. Australian deliveries of the BMW 3 Series and i3 are due to begin in the first quarter of 2027. ### Special Subaru WRX, BRZ throw back to peak era URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-subaru-wrx-brz-special-edition-usa/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T05:55:36.000Z It’s a year of anniversary celebrations for Subaru’s US outpost, with the WRX and BRZ both celebrating milestone years – prompting a pair of special-edition models. Revealed for the US market only, the 2027 WRX and BRZ have been treated to 25-year and 15-year celebratory models, marking how many years they’ve been on sale in the market. “Our anniversary edition WRX and BRZ models commemorate the iconic performance heritage and successes of both vehicles in the US,” said Subaru of America car line planning manager, William Stokes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/WRX_BRZ52-1.jpg) Subaru WRX GD25 “The WRX GD25 is a tribute to our rally-ready sedan and its sports car pedigree, including the wing it shares with the ARA Championship-winning ARA25L. Similarly, BRZ ZC15 embodies the best of our long-running, accessible performance sports car, right down to its rear wheel-drive engagement.” For the WRX GD25, the name refers to 25 years since the second-generation Impreza WRX ‘GD’ arrived in the US, most notable from its ‘bugeye’, ‘blobeye’, and ‘hawkeye’ variants. Finished in the classic Subaru World Rally Blue hue, the WRX GD25 gains 19-inch gold alloy wheels, gold-painted Brembo brake calipers, and Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/WRX_BRZ49.jpg) Subaru WRX GD25 On top of this, it gets the dry carbon fiber swan-neck rear wing made by STI, and currently fitted to the American Rally Championship car of Travis Pastrana. Other enhancements include a strut tower bar and stiffer springs with revised dampers, though there aren’t any changes to its turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four engine or all-wheel drive system, while it’s only available in six-speed manual guise. Inside, the cabin gets Recaro seats with black Ultrasuede inserts with red accent stitching, and an STI shift knob coupled to its short-shifter. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/WRX_BRZ09-1.jpg) Subaru BRZ ZC15 In the case of the BRZ, the first-generation ‘ZC’ model landed in the US in 2012, or 15 years prior to the 2027 arrival of the BRZ ZC15. Painted in an exclusive Ceramic White colour, it is teamed with matte bronze wheels, gold-painted Brembo calipers, and unique bronze decals near the side sills, paying homage to the 2020 BRZ tS. In addition, there’s a black spoiler on the boot and a V-bar brace under the bonnet, sitting above its 2.4-litre naturally aspirated flat-four engine. Like the WRX, it’s manual-only. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/WRX_BRZ12.jpg) Subaru BRZ ZC15 Its cabin has been upholstered in black leather and Bordeaux red, while there sits a numbered plaque in front of its STI aluminum and leather, short shifter. Deliveries are limited to 350 WRXs and 300 BRZs, expected to launch in the US in 2027\. There’s no word yet on whether Australia will follow suit in celebrating model anniversaries. ### Could this be the last V8-powered highway patrol car put into service? URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-chevrolet-camaro-california-highway-patrol-police-v8/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T01:00:25.000Z Chevrolet wrapped up production of the Camaro as we know it in December 2023, but that hasn’t stopped one example of the coupe being called up to serve for a US police force. This week, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) announced it has added a 2023 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE to its fleet, becoming the last Camaro to become a part of the CHP, and potentially one of the final V8s to join a highway patrol fleet in the US. “While we deploy different vehicle platforms across the state, every unit shares the same core mission: protecting the people of California and keeping our roadways safe,” the CHP said in its announcement. Powered by a 6.2-litre ‘LT1’ V8 engine, the Camaro SS produces 335kW and 617Nm, which in this example is reportedly sent to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission, rather than the available six-speed manual. Though it might be the final Camaro coupe added to a US highway patrol fleet, the Camaro nameplate’s potential resurrection means we may see the badge in service once again. [As previously reported](https://torquecafe.com/chevrolet-camaro-return-delayed-sedan-move-firms-report/), the Camaro is expected to return for the 2029 model year in the US as a four-door model, rather than a two-door coupe and convertible as it has been throughout the bulk of its production run. It’s been rumoured to continue with V8 power and a choice of automatic or manual transmissions, giving it a point of difference over the Dodge Charger sedan, which can be had as an EV or a twin-turbo straight-six with all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. [Chevrolet Camaro return delayed - reportThe revival of the Chevrolet Camaro looks set to happen as a sedan, though insiders claim its launch will occur later than initially expected.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-dbf9c0d3-4f75-4a90-97ab-8155f21c5900.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_2024-chevrolet-camaro-zl1-collectors-edition-dfaf4b67-fa40-4b13-b8f8-95cfe229df93.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/chevrolet-camaro-return-delayed-sedan-move-firms-report/) ### Toyota to recreate ‘Indestructible HiLux' Top Gear test with new ute URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-toyota-hilux-bev-top-gear-test/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T20:10:29.000Z There is arguably no Top Gear film which has stood the test of time as well as the ‘The Indestructible HiLux’ feature, in which the tough ute was put through hell only to drive out the other side. In 2003, Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson subjected a mid-1980s HiLux to a series of punishing tests, such as crashing it into a tree, parking it in the ocean and dropping a caravan on it, among many others. The HiLux survived all of his tests – as well as being strapped to the top of a demolishing housing block by James May – giving it the title of the Indestructible HiLux, becoming a permanent fixture of Top Gear’s filming studio until 2015. Now, 23 years on from when the film aired, Toyota’s UK division has teased it will replicate one aspect of the tests, revealed in a video uploaded to social media. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dd3ZHnBDPlY/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Toyota UK (@toyotauk)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dd3ZHnBDPlY/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) A red Toyota HiLux appears in frame as an almost identical version of the car Clarkson started out with, before a new electric HiLux BEV enters – just as the camera shows a caravan dangling upside down above it. The full video is said to be “Dropping Soon”, meaning it likely won’t be long until we see whether the electric HiLux can withstand a caravan falling on it in the same way as its 40-year-old predecessor. Perhaps unsurprisingly, commenters have called for more thorough testing of the HiLux BEV, including leaving it in the sea for hours – something Toyota is unlikely to do given the impact the salty water will have on its lithium-ion battery. ### Iconic BMW tuner thrown a lifeline URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ac-schnitzer-bmw-tuner-saved/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T19:47:50.000Z The road continues for AC Schnitzer, with the German tuner famed for its fast BMWs saved from closure by a new owner. As reported by [*BMW Blog*](https://www.bmwblog.com/2026/09/29/bmw-tuner-ac-schnitzer-new-owner/?ref=torquecafe.com), the Dutch-based AM Group has reportedly agreed to buy AC Schnitzer from its current owner, the German KOHL Group, with the deal claimed to be closing in November. According to the publication, the sale will include AC Schnitzer’s technical documentation and TÜV approvals – the latter of which is Germany’s certification program – to its new owners, allowing them to continue on the business in its current state rather than start from scratch. The report adds that while AM Group will be its owners, a new team based in Germany and run by managing director Imran Arshad, who co-founded Evolve Automotive, will take care of AC Schnitzer’s daily operations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/ac_schnitzer_acs3_sport_1.jpg) With new ownership set to take the helm, AC Schnitzer will complete its 40th year of operations with a pathway to keep operating, something which it [didn’t have six months ago.](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-news-ac-schnitzer-tuner-closing/) Established as a road car tuning business in 1987 after the success of the Schnitzer Motorsport BMW racing team in the 1970s and early 1980s, AC Schnitzer became one of the go-to brands for BMW modifications, alongside Hartge (now defunct) and Alpina (now owned by BMW) When its current owners made the announcement of its impending closure in March, they cited factors such as over-regulation and a failure to capture younger generations with its demise. “Steadily rising costs in the development and manufacture of parts are creating competitive disadvantages,” AC Schnitzer said in a media release. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/ac_schnitzer_s7_3.5_kat._6.jpg) “In particular the extremely long approval process for parts in the German system has caused AC Schnitzer to fall behind its non-German competitors.” The manufacturer also called out the US’s tariffs, raw material prices, unfavourable exchange rates and a demise of suppliers as major reasons why its business case has dried up, as well as the “gradual phase-out of the internal combustion engine”. In addition to this, the brand lashed out at the media for portraying “buyers of vehicle enhancements through aftermarket parts” as “eccentrics or posers”. “It is certainly also true that we - like other tuning companies - have not succeeded in inspiring young customers to enjoy sporty driving with our brand to the same extent as their fathers’ generation did,” Kohl Group managing director Rainer Vogel said. ### Historic supercars, muscle cars on display at The Bend Classic URL: https://torquecafe.com/the-bend-classic-2026-historic-car-display/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T05:08:57.000Z The Bend Motorsport Park is gearing up for this year’s The Bend Classic festival, announcing it will put some famous metal at its Welcome Centre for patrons to view. Running from October 1 to 4 at the South Australian circuit, visitors will be able to see a curated display of cars when entering The Bend, including TV-inspired star cars such as the Ferrari 308 GTS from Magnum PI, and the ‘General Lee’ Dodge Charger from Dukes of Hazzard. Other classics will also be on show, such as a Ferrari Dino and F40, Lamborghini Miura, Jaguar E-Type, Chevrolet Corvette C2, Ford Mustang, and Aston Martin DB5. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/WELCOMECENTRE-36039.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/WELCOMECENTRE-36041.jpg) In addition to the Welcome Centre display, the festival will provide plenty of action on and off the track. [On-track](https://speedcafe.com/motorsport-news-the-bend-motorsport-park-classic-historic-motorsport-festival-details/?ref=torquecafe.com) there will be historic touring cars as well as open-wheelers such as vintage F5000s and Formula Fords, plus a handful of other classes. Elsewhere in the precinct there will be a rodeo on October 2 and a country music concert on October 3, headlined by Lee Kernaghan and James Johnston. Tickets for The Bend Classic are [**available through the event website here.**](https://classic.thebend.com.au/?ref=torquecafe.com) ### This new Lexus is as rare as the LFA – and costs a lot less URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-lexus-rz-f-sport-performance-australia-price/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T06:01:31.000Z Lexus Australia isn’t normally about big sales volumes, and it seems that tradition will carry on when it launches the RZ600e F Sport Performance in local showrooms, becoming the equal-rarest car from the brand ever sold here. Confirmed today, a total of nine Lexus RZ600e F Sport Performances will be offered to Australian buyers out of the total production run of fewer than 200 cars. For context, the last Lexus that had such a small number of imports to Australia was the famed LFA supercar, of which nine were also delivered across a multi-year period. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Lexus-Pressroom---e40519f5-fb2b-4a3b-8fb1-a0dda901b91a.jpeg) Priced from $135,000 before on-road costs, the electric SUV serves as the new Lexus performance flagship locally, being $30,000 dearer than the existing range-topping RZ550e F Sport. Powered by a dual-motor system, the RZ600e produces 313kW and 537Nm, or 13kW more than the RZ550e from a tweaked delivery system, delivering a 0-100km/h claimed sprint time of 4.4 seconds, identical to its less powerful sibling. Fed by a 77kWh battery, it has a claimed range of 420km on the WLTP lab test cycle, a drop of 40km. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Lexus-Pressroom---e40061bd-efbf-4f2d-9ce1-9066f55e9888.jpeg) Like its sibling, it also features variable torque control, allowing the front-to-rear power distribution to be adjusted between 60:40 and 0:100 while driving in a straight line, and between 80:20 and 0:100 when cornering. F Sport Performance-specific highlights include a 20mm ride height drop, revised dampers and springs, larger 400mm ventilated disc brakes with fixed six-piston blue painted aluminium monobloc calipers at the front and 317mm ventilated discs at the rear. Cosmetically it is fitted with 21-inch Enkei wheels in matte black, as well as a unique carbon front lip spoiler, bumper and grille, vented bonnet moulding, rear bumper, diffuser and spoiler, and side rocker and door mouldings. Inside the cabin it features Ultrasuede upholstery front sports seats, instrument panel and door trim, and a unique shift-by-wire transmission shift knob. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Lexus-Pressroom---a21fa2b5-3e6a-4385-9084-0563ef1d5b0f.jpeg) It also adopts the RZ550e’s fitted with a steer-by-wire system – which sees the traditional steering shaft replaced by a motor on the steering rack, in turn directed by the driver’s inputs to the steering wheel – and ‘yoke’ style steering wheel. This rectangular-shaped unit goes without a traditional top portion, delivering a very different driving experience to what most Lexus customers would be used to. The only optional extra on the RZ600e F Sport Performance is Hakugin paint, adding an extra $5000. ### Honda Prelude Type R in the works… with a catch URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-honda-prelude-type-r-sema/ Last updated: 2026-09-27T23:00:47.000Z The new Honda Prelude is the first iteration of the sports coupe to be powered by a hybrid system, giving the fast-looking two-door a fuel-efficient powertrain, though one which some think isn’t as exciting as it could be. Despite sharing the same platform as the current FL5 Civic, Honda isn’t planning to put the engine from the Civic Type R performance flagship into the Prelude – but that’s not stopping other people from trying. US car modifiers Throtl are wanting to right Honda’s wrongs by giving the Prelude a Type R heart, with the build of its higher-power coupe currently underway. With the complex hybrid powertrain of the Prelude removed and the Civic Type R’s engine and drivetrain in the Prelude, it should make for a far more exciting driving experience. While the Prelude is powered by a 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain, producing up to 149kW and 315Nm combined from the four-cylinder petrol engine and two-motor hybrid system, the Civic Type R’s turbocharged 2.0-litre makes a far punchier 235kW and 420Nm. Additionally, the Prelude only features an ‘e-CVT’ automatic transmission, while the Type R is exclusively available as a six-speed manual, with that part of the swap also occurring in Throtl’s example. The build is being assisted by Honda specialists Hasport and VTEC Academy, with the ‘Prelude Type R’ to make its debut at this year’s SEMA automotive show in Las Vegas. [2026 Honda Prelude: Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86, VW Golf GTI rival testedHonda’s reborn Prelude isn’t the out-and-out performance car everyone expected it to be, but that’s ok.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-a2613fcb-1a87-4ba6-8bfe-9cab392fdf54.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2026-honda-prelude-6-1-a4e8d89f-cb12-49d3-a6f3-4eb8ec27c5ed.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-reviews-2026-honda-prelude-australia/) ### One-of-one W10-powered BMW M5 heading to auction URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-bmw-m5-w10-engine-auction/ Last updated: 2026-09-27T20:12:40.000Z Many regard the E39-generation M5 as one of BMW’s finest moments, with its silky smooth V8 engine and sharp chassis providing the best driving experience of its time in an executive sedan. But for one executive – specifically Dr. Ferdinand Piëch, famed Porsche and Audi engineer, and Volkswagen Group board member – that wasn’t quite enough, with his team fitting an incredibly rare engine into the super sedan. With Volkswagen in the middle of expanding its lineup of ‘W’ engines – later most famously the Bugatti Veyron’s W16, and the Phaeton’s W12 – the car giant decided to fit a 5.0-litre W10 into the M5, using BMW’s finest as its own test mule. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2000-bmw-m5-volkswagen-w10-prototype-ex-ferdinand-piech--1--1.webp) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2000-bmw-m5-volkswagen-w10-prototype-ex-ferdinand-piech--4--1.webp) Just three cars were built, and this one in particular was used by Piëch as his personal transport during its development, with the car remaining as a drivable prototype. The 5.0-litre W10 under the bonnet produces 353kW and 592Nm, far more than the 294kW and 500Nm outputs from its factory-fitted 4.9-litre S62 V8. Power was still sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, though the engine itself ran off a stand-alone ECU, with factory systems such as traction control, stability control and ABS deactivated as a result. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2000-bmw-m5-volkswagen-w10-prototype-ex-ferdinand-piech--2--1.webp) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2000-bmw-m5-volkswagen-w10-prototype-ex-ferdinand-piech.jpg) At a glance it appears like any M5 of its generation, finished in Carbon Black Metallic with a black leather interior, though hints of its past life are apparent, with stickers denoting its W10 engine and outputs. Inside, the interior is also tweaked slightly, with a period Stack dash panel replacing the standard BMW instrument cluster, resulting in there being no odometer reading. Set to be auctioned on October 9, [Broad Arrow](https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles/zt26%5Fr0071/2000-bmw-m5-volkswagen-w10-prototype-ex-ferdinand-piech?ref=torquecafe.com) estimates the W10 M5 could sell for between €250,000 ($405,000) and €350,000 ($567,500), making it potentially one of the most expensive M5s ever sold if it goes for that price range. ### Honda Prelude review: The skim milk of sports cars URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-reviews-2026-honda-prelude-australia/ Last updated: 2026-09-27T01:17:06.000Z The Honda Prelude name has made its return to Australian showrooms this year after a 25-year hiatus, with the formula of the two-door, front-drive coupe remaining unchanged. Based on the underpinnings of the Civic hybrid, the new Honda Prelude is very much a continuation of its predecessors, providing a relatively easy-listening driving experience, rather than the Eurobeat-like thrills of the Civic Type R. Back when I was a teen, one of my best friends owned a pair of fourth-gen Preludes, while another had the funky third-gen with its trick all-wheel steering. Clearly, there’s a lot of history behind the Prelude name, but across the course of a week I got to test whether that actually counts for much. ## How much does the Honda Prelude cost? Priced from $65,000 drive-away nationwide, the Honda Prelude is almost $9000 dearer than the Civic e:HEV LX ($55,900) and $100 more than the Accord hybrid flagship. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-honda-prelude-7.jpg) Honda Prelude Just one specification of the Honda Prelude is available globally, fitted with 19-inch machine-finished Berlina Black wheels, and features uniquely tuned adaptive dampers, leather-trimmed heated sports seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and sports pedals. The cabin can be upholstered in Blue and White, or Black upholstery, while the exterior can be painted in Winter Frost Pearl (available with a black roof), Meteorite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Rally Red, and Boost Blue Pearl. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster sits in front of the driver, while a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in also features - compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - pumping audio through an eight-speaker Bose sound system. ## What’s under the skin of the Honda Prelude? Despite battling in the same segment as the Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ twins and the Mazda MX-5, the Honda Prelude is a very different beast. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-honda-prelude-11.jpg) Honda Prelude While its main competitors are all rear-drive with the option of manual transmissions, the Prelude is powered by a 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain, producing up to 149kW and 315Nm combined from the four-cylinder petrol engine and two-motor hybrid system. Drive is sent to the front wheels through an ‘e-CVT’ automatic transmission, with no manual option available, though the Prelude debuts Honda’s new ‘S+ Shift system’, simulating gear changes as if it was using a traditional, multi-ratio automatic Its competitors also run on bespoke platforms, built from the ground-up to be sports cars, though Honda’s formidable Civic chassis makes an appearance under the Prelude. This is an advantage for the Prelude though, as it features a number of components from the Civic Type R, such as wider front and rear tracks, Honda’s unique dual-axis front suspension design (the first time it’ll appear on a non-Type R model), as well as four-piston Brembo front brake calipers. ## How does the Honda Prelude drive? As mentioned before, if you’re looking to buy a Honda Prelude because it looks like it’ll be the fastest thing on four wheels and able to keep up with a Civic Type R, keep shopping. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-honda-prelude-4.jpg) Honda Prelude Ultimate speed and performance is not the Prelude’s key focus. Despite those big Brembo brakes poking out from behind the menacing black wheels, the comfort-oriented tyres preview what kind of a car Honda wants this to be. In a word, zippy would be the best way to describe the Prelude. It is undoubtedly aided by the quick delivery of torque its hybrid powertrain delivers, almost giving the opposite effect to a turbocharged engine where there’s no wait to get a shove in the back, though it tapers off quickly. In its standard drive mode it’s a calm experience behind the wheel, almost deceptively so. The steering weight is balanced, the driving position is comfortable enough, and the engine is so quiet you’d truly barely notice it’s there. The adaptive dampers are in many ways a bit of a blessing, though even in their sportiest mode you never feel the need to rush getting out for a stretch, but the soft comfort mode truly is the best way to drive the Prelude. In its Sports setting everything sharpens up, with the steering response becoming incredibly direct, almost go-kart like from where the driver sits, low down in the cabin. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-honda-prelude-13.jpg) Honda Prelude Mash the throttle and the four-cylinder starts to yell in that very characteristic way, with the CVT pretending to change gears at a close ratio to each other, at least giving some aural relief from an engine which could easily sit at a fixed RPM and become truly annoying One of the Prelude’s – and Civic hybrid’s – strong points is the calibration of its regenerative braking, which in regular form is intuitive, though this can be over-ridden by the driver to provide more or less assistance, the highest level of which is almost enough to bring it to a complete stop. Switch into the ‘S+’ faux shifting mode and the car’s characteristics change again, requiring manual shifting via the paddles, and the engagement of the hybrid system to mimic a dual-clutch automatic. The strong points of the regen calibration go out the window here, as there’s surprisingly little engine braking felt in the manual shifting mode. Truth be told, it’s not a feature I actually enjoyed too much, but that’s personal preference. While all the power goes to the front tyres they never feel overloaded – not a huge shock given the relatively low outputs – and they can always cope with however much braking and steering is required. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-honda-prelude-1.jpg) Honda Prelude The chassis continues to be a strong point in the Prelude, as even the base Civic is regarded as one of the best-handling and most engaging cars in its class, something they haven’t really changed the recipe for in the coupe. Teamed with the adaptive dampers and Type R parts, you could easily argue that on the same tyre as its rivals, the Prelude could keep up with or outrun its more potent, rear-drive rivals. I’ve never driven one, but I can see why the Civic Type R is regarded as the big daddy of front-drive hot hatchbacks if these are the characteristics they share. It’s probably a worthwhile time to talk about hot hatches, as – due to its front-drive platform – the Prelude is more akin to being a Volkswagen Golf GTI or Hyundai i30 N rival than the sports coupes it’s lumped in the same category as. By not providing the rear-wheel drive experience of its rivals in style, the comparison gets opened up to why you wouldn’t buy a similarly priced, and far quicker, hot hatch. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-honda-prelude-8.jpg) Honda Prelude A Golf GTI, for example, starts from $59,890 before on-road costs and can be had in some states for the same $65,000 drive-away figure as the Prelude. An i30 N hatch is $52,000 plus on-roads, while the GR86/BRZ are about $46,340 to $52,790 plus extras. Though the Prelude is very well equipped and its cabin is a lovely place to be, it doesn’t add up in the practicality stakes. It’s unlikely that someone in their late 20s to early 30s like me who has a child will be the prime buyer for a Prelude, but being one exposes some of its greatest weaknesses. In short, you effectively can’t put a child seat in the back if this will be your daily driver, unless you’re a gymnast who dislikes your kids. My five-year-old daughter’s booster seat wouldn’t fit in the rear seat as the slope angle of the roof meant the headrest hit the rear window before it could fully shut, ruling that out. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-honda-prelude-5.jpg) Honda Prelude Reverting back to her ISOFIX-equipped seat, it could be secured using the two anchor points on the passenger side of the back seat, but half of it ended up on a plastic hump in the middle of the two spaces. On top of this, the top tether point was slightly askew, and my wife had to have her seat uncomfortably far forward for them both to fit in the car. Again, it’s unlikely that anyone with young kids will be buying a Prelude, but when you can get a Golf GTI/i30 N/GR86/BRZ for less yet have more space all round, it starts to become a bit of a tough sell. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-honda-prelude-10.jpg) Honda Prelude If there’s any major redeeming feature of the Prelude it’s that the ongoing running costs are unlikely to hurt the hip pocket too much. Throughout its week in my possession it was hard to exceed a fuel consumption average of more than 5.0L/100km even when driving with a lot of gusto, a figure which would only come down once that first period of ownership is over and it starts to be driven more like a commuter car. Think of it a bit like skim milk: you’re getting more of the taste of the real thing, but a bit less guilt, and it is probably a bit better for you. ## Should you buy a Honda Prelude? The buyer profile of a Honda Prelude owner would be an interesting one to study, because in my head it’s an easy thing to imagine. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-honda-prelude-3.jpg) Honda Prelude I picture someone in their 40s who owned an older Prelude when they used to be cheap, either now in a DINK situation or with no kids needing to be carted around, who wants to relive some of that 1990s nostalgia. The Prelude is a very, very good car to drive and quite a few people pointed out how good it looked to them, assuming it was not only more expensive than it is but also that it was rear-drive and turbocharged. And that’s where it becomes a bit of a hard sell, effectively being a two-(usable) seater with a modest amount of storage space, with plenty of comfort for front passengers and an engine which will be hard to get in trouble with. It’s simultaneously a reflection of how Honda can do basic things (like a chassis and a hybrid powertrain) very well, but then totally overlook practicality and sense with a price that high. If you are wanting to buy a Honda Prelude, be sure to cross-shop its rivals, particularly those you might not expect. [Honda Prelude to cost VW Golf GTI money in AustraliaAustralian pricing for the Honda Prelude has been locked in, and though it’s not as high as first feared, it won’t be a best-seller any time soon.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-67e51c4f-3fcc-4464-8b42-1afa057ff4aa.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2026-honda-prelude-australia-2-805a68fc-da6f-445c-84e6-aeb9e320b5f4.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/honda-prelude-to-cost-vw-golf-gti-money-in-australia/) ### Rare, low-kilometre Holden Commodore VS up for sale URL: https://torquecafe.com/rare-low-kilometre-holden-commodore-vs-up-for-sale/ Last updated: 2026-09-25T20:00:46.000Z What may be one of the cleanest examples of Holden’s second-generation Commodore series is up for sale, with a VS Berlina commanding a premium for its hard-to-find condition. Listed by [*The Motor Gallery*](https://stock.themotorgallery.com.au/details/OAG-AD-26272785/1997-holden-commodore-used?ref=torquecafe.com) in Victoria, this Holden Commodore Berlina is a VS II example, and has completed just 18,145km since leaving the factory in Elizabeth, South Australia in June 1997. In total, Holden built 277,774 examples of the VS from 1995 to 1997, marking the final update to the second-generation Commodore platform since it was introduced as the VN in 1988. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/4m8tclw49oxt576g1txj33rsq.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/elsj0kvodldgbivyc9976dnh8-1.jpg) Image credit: The Motor Gallery The VS was replaced by the VT, a totally different generation of Commodore which introduced a new era of design, leaving the VS as the last hangover of the 1980s platform it was based on. According to the listing, this Berlina has been owned since new by a former Holden executive, and has not been modified outside of its period-correct weather shields and front nudge bar. Powered by a Buick-based 3.8-litre ‘Ecotec’ V6 engine, the VS produced 147kW and 304Nm, though the Berlina was also available with Holden’s more potent 5.0-litre V8 engine, however these examples are even harder to come by. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/5lkotsbb4xyuj4pl7xuxi4eio.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/7l8z8h0xq2y9g4baenvmg3wji.jpg) Image credit: The Motor Gallery Finished in Silver Ice MkII, this Berlina was priced from $39,020 in 1997, equivalent to more than $85,000 today. Currently listed at $29,990, it’s undoubtedly one of the most expensive unmodified and non-HSV Commodores of its time, though it presents as a time capsule unlikely to be replicated again. [Former Peter Brock-led Holden brand teases rebirthbest known as the Holden Dealer Team from 1969 to 1986 – is planning to announce its latest iteration after this year’s Bathurst 1000.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-6d9acbec-dd60-4a91-8830-135683048b67.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/13752_-_vk_ss_brock1-8413a87c-e9bd-4bdf-8947-f60e5edd8d82.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-bathurst-1000-hdt-holden-peter-brock-announcement/) ### Former Peter Brock-led Holden brand teases rebirth URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-bathurst-1000-hdt-holden-peter-brock-announcement/ Last updated: 2026-09-27T01:14:54.000Z While Holden is no more, one of the Australian carmaker’s most closely associated brands is planning a comeback of sorts, with HDT (aka the Holden Dealer Team) to announce its future plans following the 2026 Bathurst 1000. In a media statement, HDT – now based in Sydney rather than its spiritual home of Melbourne – said it will make an undisclosed announcement as a part of the ‘Lap 162: The Great Race Cool Down’ post-race event within Bathurst on Monday, October 11. “The announcement will provide a first look at the ambitious new direction for HDT, looking back on the Bathurst-winning pedigree of its heritage vehicles while showcasing its future automotive plans and a renewed presence in Bathurst.” HDT existed as a race team from 1969 but it wasn’t until 1980 when then-Holden hero Peter Brock established its HDT Special Vehicles division, the spiritual predecessor to the Walkinshaw-run Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/vkgroupabrochurefront--1--2.jpg) The partnership between Brock and Holden through HDT Special Vehicles lasted until 1987 and fell apart as a result of the famous ‘Energy Polarizer’ saga, in which Brock fitted a box of crystals to certain vehicles, claiming it delivered greater handling. HDT’s road cars are today highly sought after, with a Brock-owned HDT VK Commodore Group A SS ‘Blue Meanie’ – build number #005 – selling for $1.05 million in 2021. Though HDT was without factory backing from Holden from the late-1980s onwards, the brand was restarted in 2007, offering styling and performance packages for late-model Holden Commodores (such as the VE and VF). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/I1D3751.webp) HDT VK Group A Anniversary Edition, based on the VF Holden Commodore The brand has most recently been run by Peter Champion, close friend to Brock and an avid HDT collector. “HDT and Bathurst have unfinished business,” a HDT spokesperson said in the media release. “Contributing to this event seemed like a pretty good place to start.” More information about HDT’s new era will be announced on October 11, with this year’s Bathurst 1000 commemorating 20 years since Brock’s passing in September 2006, and two decades of the Peter Brock Trophy for the winners of the Great Race. 0:00 /0:21 1× [Peter Brock’s Legacy: Top 5 Road Cars20 years on from the death of Peter Brock, we look back at some of the most iconic road cars to come from the mind of the Bathurst legend.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-2a0f6b10-43ad-4be9-addb-f2eb6698e448.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/13752_-_vk_ss_brock1--1--1-37960c7f-5696-4bfb-b095-4cfca52d23ea.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/peter-brock-top-5-road-cars-20-years/) ### John Mayer's Land Rover Defender inspires new guitars URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-john-mayer-defender-prs-guitars/ Last updated: 2026-09-25T02:02:15.000Z There’s a big crossover between car and music lovers, and that particular Venn diagram seems to have overlapped with John Mayer, who has led an unlikely collaboration between his guitar suppliers PRS and Land Rover. Mayer – whose 25-year career has spawned hits such as ‘New Light’, ‘Waiting on the World to Change’ and ‘Your Body is a Wonderland’ – has owned a classic Land Rover Defender in Arles Blue for almost two decades, and decided he wanted the colour combination to be reflected on his guitars. With Land Rover’s Defender sub-brand and PRS Guitars on-board, the two firms have released a lineup of eight PRS Silver Sky guitars, finished in colours either previously or currently available on the Defender 4x4. “Teaming up with Defender to offer the Silver Sky guitar in their legendary 4x4 colors is a dream come true,” said Mayer. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/silver-sky-defender-pr-image-e--1-.jpg) PRS SE Silver Sky Defender Limited Edition in Sedona Red “I’ve always chosen colorways based on objects and materials that inspire me in the world, and as a collector and lover of Defenders, this collaboration is the perfect crossover between two great passions of mine.” The collection of guitars will be split into two sets of four: the Silver Sky Defender Limited Edition and the SE Silver Sky Defender Limited Edition. In the case of the Silver Sky Defender Limited Edition, there will be just 500 examples of each of the four classic colours made in the US, with the Arles Blue, Willow Green, Portofino Red and Sandglow Yellow finishes contrasted against white pickguards and control knobs. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/silver-sky-defender-pr-image-b-2--1-.jpg) PRS Silver Sky Defender Limited Edition in Portofino Red Every example will feature a Defender and Mayer-branded neck plate with the build number out of 500. For the SE Silver Sky Defender Limited Edition, the pickguards and control knobs will be painted black (the first time this has been available on the Silver Sky), and teamed with either Petra Copper, Sedona Red, Carpathian Grey, or Woolstone Green paintwork from the current Defender. The SE Silver Sky is built in Indonesia and will only be available to order until mid-2027, though production numbers won’t be capped. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/silver-sky-defender-pr-image-d--1-.jpg) PRS SE Silver Sky Defender Limited Edition in Petra Copper In addition to these guitars, PRS says it’ll “produce a small run of Silver Sky Defender Limited Editions in classic British Racing Green”. “Not available for purchase, these will be used as part of fundraising efforts for both the Defender Service Awards and John Mayer’s charity focused on veterans’ health, The Heart and Armor Foundation.” Mayer's most recent album, 'Sob Rock', was released in July 2021, featuring the musician holding a PRS Silver Sky on its cover. ### Chevrolet Silverado HD’s eye-watering 8.3-litre V8 detailed URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-gm-83l-v8-mongoose-chevrolet-silverado-hd/ Last updated: 2026-09-25T00:57:21.000Z The world’s largest V8 engine in a road-legal production vehicle is here, with General Motors lifting the lid on its new 8.3-litre turbo-diesel V8. Codenamed the ‘Mongoose’ – a predator to the scorpion, which is Ford’s name for its 6.7-litre Power Stroke turbo-diesel V8 – the new V8 engine will replace the 6.6-litre Duramax found in the Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD in North America. Its 8.3-litre (or 507 cubic-inch in the old money) displacement makes it 25 per cent larger than the 6.6-litre V8 it succeeds, while also being far bigger than the 6.7-litre engines in its Ford (V8) and Ram (Cummins straight-six) rivals. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-GMC-Sierra-HD-HERO-1.jpg) 2027 Chevrolet Silverado HD That larger displacement has unlocked greater outputs, with the 8.3-litre turbo-diesel V8 capable of producing up to 414kW and 1668Nm, delivered to all four wheels through an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. For context, the 6.6-litre Duramax makes 350kW and 1332Nm in Australia, the Ram 2500/3500’s 6.7-litre Cummins straight-six produces 313kW and 1458Nm, and the Ford Power Stroke V8 develops 373kW and 1627Nm. According to GM, the new engine is a complete clean-sheet design, becoming the first heavy-duty V8 designed, developed and manufactured in-house by the carmaker. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/GMDMAX19.jpg) The engine block of the new 8.3-litre V8 Notable improvements include a compacted graphite iron cylinder block and fully forged crankshaft, connecting rods and steel pistons, as well as a dual-stage air-to-water charge cooling system. “This new diesel engine is the culmination of decades of GM diesel development and integration,” said GM’s Executive Chief Engineer for Global Engine and Battery Systems, Norman Peralta. “From the clean-sheet architecture and combustion system to the cooling, aftertreatment and transmission calibration, this is a powertrain built with heavy duty purpose and pride.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-GMC-Sierra-HD-HERO-2-1.jpg) 2027 Chevrolet Silverado HD Other enhancements have been made to the Silverado HD and its GMC sibling alongside the upgraded engine, such as a stronger electric power steering system (delivering up to 30 per cent more assistance), larger front brake rotors (up from 355mm to 371mm), plus electronic braking for the first time. In the US, the Silverado HD can tow up to 17,200kg with a gooseneck hitch, or more than 9070mm with the largest available tow ball. Chevrolet’s Australian division is yet to announce if the updated Silverado HD will come to local showrooms. Locally the Silverado HD has consistently outsold its Ram 2500 and 3500 rivals over the past handful of years. ### Renault 8 Gordini gets modern revival URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-renault-8-gordini-concept-ev/ Last updated: 2026-09-24T23:29:07.000Z Renault is on a retro warpath, reviving a number of classic nameplates as EVs, with its most recent car being a modern version of the Renault 8 Gordini. Following on from the success of the reborn Renault 4 and Renault 5, the French has leaned further into its history with the new R8 Gordini, though don’t go rushing to your local dealer just yet. Designed as a concept car, it’s unlikely we’ll ever see it enter production, but that can’t stop us from adoring Renault’s dedication to the cause with the concept. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/renault-8-gordini-6-1.jpg) Renault 8 Gordini Concept Paying tribute to the hotter version of the original Renault 8 sedan which was in production from 1964 to 1970, the R8 Gordini Concept leans heavily on the design of the original, albeit with a very 21st century twist. From its quad headlights and dual foglights, sharp lines, V-shaped bonnet crest, and boxy wheel-arches, it’s mostly a faithful recreation, however Renault has added some modern touches, such as an angled rear-end, big wheels and a tidy little roof spoiler. While the original Renault 8 Gordini was a sedan, the new concept is a two-door coupe with just two seats, with its cabin pared back to lean into the racing connections of its spiritual successor. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/renault-8-gordini-5-1.jpg) Renault 8 Gordini Concept Inside there’s a basic three-spoke steering wheel, three main digital gauges in front of the driver, racing bucket seats with harnesses, and a simple black, blue and silver colour scheme. Renault’s 8 Gordini was first powered by a rear-mounted 1.1-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 66kW, while later examples upgraded to a 1.3-litre engine with 74kW. According to Renault, the new concept’s electric powertrain produces 201kW, though no additional details about its performance capabilities have been shared. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/renault-8-gordini-2.jpg) Renault 8 Gordini Concept Like the car it pays tribute to, the Gordini concept is blue with white stripes, in this case carrying across to the dashboard where they turn blue, while continuing to stretch all the way over the car to the rear bumper. “With Renault 8 Gordini Concept, we wanted to spark emotion by drawing on both our heritage and modern times, bringing together the icons of yesterday and the future,” said Renault vice president of design, Alexandre Malval. “This exercise in style sets out to reinvent the Renault 8 Gordini for the modern day. The aim of this coupé is to inspire emotion and capture the imagination of all car enthusiasts. And when I talk about emotion, I’m not talking about nostalgia, but real passion for cars.” ### Gran Turismo rival Forza Motorsport dies another death URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-forza-motorsport-developers-merge/ Last updated: 2026-09-24T20:00:20.000Z Forza Motorsport’s demise is all but certain, after Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios announced this week it would merge the game’s development team with those who have made the more popular Forza Horizon franchise. This week, Xbox Game Studios confirmed it would be making numerous restructuring moves within its ranks, with the US-based Turn 10 Studios (founders of the Forza Motorsport series) to be merged with the UK-based Playground Games (responsible for Forza Horizon). The new studio, name to be decided, “will come together as one studio focused on the Forza and Fable franchises,” according to Xbox Game Studios. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/massive_Forza_Motorsport_BMW_25_M_Hybrid_23_Nurburgring_GP_Reward_Car_Rivals_Challenge_04_16x9_bb5492caba.jpg) “These two studios have been creative and franchise partners for over a decade, and today’s changes will formally move their work into one team.” Turn 10 Studios’ lineage can be tracked back to 2001 when it was established to develop the Forza Motorsport series of racing games, first released for the original Xbox in 2005. Since then, there have been eight iterations of the series across the Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles, with the most recent entry coming in 2023 as the second self-titled game. In July last year, it was reported the Forza Motorsport series wouldn’t continue past the most recent instalment, after approximately half of the Turn 10 Studios team was laid off. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/massive_Forza_Motorsport_FER_La_Ferrari_13_Mugello_02_16x9_5d6bb3500f.jpg) Meanwhile, the Playground Games-led Forza Horizon series has been far more successful, offering open-world driving rather than strictly circuit racing. Launched in 2012, there have now been six Forza Horizon games, the most recent of which was [released earlier this year](https://torquecafe.com/forza-horizon-6-release-date-confirmed-in-new-trailer/). The demise of Forza Motorsport has coincided with the downfall of the [Need for Speed franchise](https://torquecafe.com/need-for-speed-franchise-unlikely-to-be-revived/), with its developers Battlefield Studios Europe – formerly Criterion Games – declaring it’s “solely focused on Battlefield” rather than the 30-year-old automotive franchise. ### Ram 2500 Warlock review: A petrol pickup in the world of diesel URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-reviews-2026-ram-2500-warlock-v8-hemi/ Last updated: 2026-09-24T07:00:47.000Z After almost two years without a V8 in its showrooms, Ram Trucks Australia has finally given the people what they've been asking for. This time it’s the bigger 6.4-litre Hemi, finding a home under the bonnet of the new Ram 2500 Warlock. It's the first time the Warlock has been sold in Australia, and the first time since 2015 you've been able to get a V8 in the 2500\. Remanufactured to right-hand drive in Melbourne, the Warlock is an off-road inspired take on the Ram's heavy-duty 2500, and slots in as the new entry point to the range, priced from $157,950 before on-road costs. Yes, "entry point" is doing a lot of heavy lifting at that price. But for context, it undercuts both the Cummins-powered Ram 2500 Laramie at $172,950 and the Chevrolet Silverado HD at $168,900, making it the most affordable way into the Heavy Duty pickup club right now. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MY26-RAM-2500-WARLOCK-HEMI-V8-177-2-1.JPG) Ram 2500 Warlock So what’s new? The front fascia, headlight surrounds, bumpers, flares, side steps and mirror caps are all blacked out, it wears Warlock decals down the side, and it sits on 20-inch alloys wrapped in 285/60 all-terrain tyres. Underneath, Bilstein off-road shocks take care of the damping. The 20s are an interesting call. It's the first Ram 2500 here to roll on them, and for a truck pitched at getting off the beaten track, most buyers would usually go the other way with a smaller rim and more tyre sidewall. Though it still looks the part, but I'd be curious to see how many owners end up swapping to something smaller – such as the 18s from the Laramie – with a chunkier tyre if they planned on taking it off-roading often. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MY26-RAM-2500-WARLOCK-HEMI-V8-29-1.JPG) Ram 2500 Warlock Under the bonnet, the 6.4-litre Hemi makes 306kW and 582Nm, sent through an eight-speed automatic to a part-time 4WD system with low range. Next to the 6.7-litre Cummins straight-six in the Laramie, which makes 313kW and a whopping 1458Nm, those figures look a bit light on paper. And they are. That said, it never felt short on grunt. Cruising along the country roads on the way to Calder Park, it was relaxed and easy, and when I put my foot down to get up to speed it still packed a punch and had all the power you need. Once we got there, it handled the light off-road course with ease and stayed comfortable the whole way, which is no real surprise for a truck built with this in mind. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MY26-RAM-2500-WARLOCK-HEMI-V8-101.JPG) Ram 2500 Warlock The Hemi also adopts cylinder shut down technology, so under light throttle it'll switch off four of its eight cylinders and run in an eco mode to save some fuel. For a truck of this size, it's a handy bit of tech. Handy, but not a miracle worker. Over my 32km drive I averaged 16.7L/100km, which isn't a long enough stint to give a proper overall figure, but for something weighing 3220kg it's about what you'd expect. And really, is anyone buying a V8 pickup for its fuel economy! Despite running on those relatively big 20-inch wheels, on the rougher sections of country road the ride was still comfortable, thanks in part to what's happening at the rear. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MY26-RAM-2500-WARLOCK-HEMI-V8-108-1.JPG) Ram 2500 Warlock Where a lot of pickups use leaf springs out back, the 2500 runs coil springs all round, which – teamed with the Bilsteins – made the unladen ride much more comfortable than I expected from a truck this big. On the practical side, the Warlock is almost 500kg lighter than the Laramie, which bumps payload up to 1275kg (from 785kg). Towing sits at 3500kg on a 50mm ball and 4500kg on a 70mm ball, the same as the Laramie, but gooseneck towing drops from 8000kg to 6700kg and GCM falls from 12,750kg to 10,001kg. So if you're pulling seriously heavy loads week in, week out, the diesel Cummins six is still the engine of choice. A unique feature in the Warlock is the six-seat setup. The middle section of the front row can fold down as a big centre console, or fold up to become a sixth seat. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MY26-RAM-2500-WARLOCK-HEMI-V8-303-2.jpg) Ram 2500 Warlock It's a small seat, so I wouldn't be putting anyone in there for a 10-hour road trip, but for a quick run to the shops or the job site, it's a really handy option to have, and not something you see in this segment. Not everything about the huge cabin is comfortable though. The foot-operated park brake sits extremely high when it's not engaged. As someone who isn't exactly tall and has to have the seat pulled right forward, getting my foot up there to push it down required some contortionist moves. Taller drivers probably won't notice it much, but it's worth checking on a test drive if you're on the shorter side. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MY26-RAM-2500-WARLOCK-HEMI-V8-160.JPG) Ram 2500 Warlock So, V8 or diesel? That's the debate the Warlock is going to spark. If you're hauling serious weight, the Cummins still makes the most sense. But if you want the extra payload, the comfier setup and the off-road bits without having to go to the aftermarket – or you just love a V8 – the Warlock makes a pretty strong argument for itself. It's still a lot of money, and trucks this big only make sense to a certain kind of buyer. But for those it does make sense to, the Warlock is a serious contender, and the cheapest ticket into Australia's heavy duty pickups. Just be prepared to add a bit of yoga to your parking routine. ### Porsche could be the next brand to ‘fake’ manual transmissions URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-porsche-manual-simulated-patent/ Last updated: 2026-09-24T05:00:20.000Z Porsche seems interested in keeping manual shifting alive into the age of electrification, with a patent submission showing its dual-clutch automatic being tweaked for drivers to row their own. Submitted to the European Patent Office by Porsche, the patent shows the rudimentary design of a simulated manual transmission, utilising the existing layout of a dual-clutch automatic. According to the diagrams, drivers would be able to select gears either via the gear stick between the front seats, or by using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, though it’s likely the usage of either would depend on whatever mode the vehicle is in. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/download--2-.jpg) Porsche's faux manual patent It appears it won’t be a ‘traditional’ manual transmission where the gear selector and clutch pedal are connected directly to the transmission, and will instead be similar to the ‘Manuale By-Wire’ which was recently introduced in the[ 12Cilindri Manuale](https://torquecafe.com/ferraris-v12-manual-is-faking-it/). Ferrari’s system sees a six-speed gated shifter which allows the driver to manually choose the first six of the forward-moving gears in the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The gears can be selected by pressing the clutch pedal which has no physical connection to the clutch packs. Instead, pressing the pedal activates an angle position sensor which tells the system how much pressure to apply, with the car’s electronic brain simulating the effect of a true clutch system. This type of setup theoretically allows vehicles not capable of being fitted with a ‘true’ manual transmission to replicate the driving engagement of one, while still offering the ease of an automatic when needed. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/AUBERGINE_911_CARRERA_S_MANUAL_025_DSC03941-1.jpg) Porsche 911 Carrera S with MT Package Porsche has previously said there’s [no official plans](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-news-911-manual-staying-alive/) to mate the manual transmission with its T-Hybrid system yet, with Porsche North America CEO Timo Resch saying last month the two technologies are currently incompatible. “So, the \[hybrid\] technology setup that we have in place right now, and a manual transmission, like you see in the Carrera S as the MT package, they are not compatible,” Resch said. “But at the same time, it's great to have an engineering team in Weissach that never stops thinking, and has a lot of great ideas. So I wouldn't be surprised if at some point they come up with a solution, but it probably will not be a combination that you see here of a manual transmission.” Manual transmissions continue to be popular in the Porsche 911 variants where they’re available. In the US, more than half of all 911 GT3s sold are manuals, while 80 per cent of GT3 Tourings are the three-pedal, leading Porsche to introduce the Carrera S with MT Package. [Another supercar brand is set to bring back the manualFollowing Ferrari’s 12Cilindri Manuale launch, rumours of McLaren getting back in the three-pedal game are circulating.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-5b92b996-bc36-4414-8358-ee5aa2754e28.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/mclaren_f1815-69d640b3-4ccf-4283-bc47-bb57d79721ae.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/another-supercar-brand-is-set-to-bring-back-the-manual/) ### Honda ZR-V, Civic, Accord recalled URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-honda-zrv-civic-accord-recall-australia/ Last updated: 2026-09-24T01:54:57.000Z Honda Australia has instigated the recall of 554 vehicles across the ZR-V, Civic and Accord model lines, due to a shared fault which could mean the front seats don’t comply with regulations. “Due to a manufacturing issue, the left-side seatback frame edge on the driver and passenger seats may not meet the minimum radius requirements of the Australian Design Rule (ADR) 3/04 – Seats and Seat Anchorages,” Honda’s recall notice reads. “In the event of an accident, contact with the seatback frame edge could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MY26-Honda-ZR-V-2604-038-1.jpg) Honda ZR-V front seats According to Honda Australia, the defect affects 2023-2025 ZR-Vs, 2024-2026 Civics, and 2025 Accords. The carmaker says it’ll contact owners of affected vehicles in writing, requesting them to schedule an appointment with their local dealership to have the work carried out, free of charge. Owners can find out if their vehicle is affected by checking the brand’s [VIN list here](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/sites/default/files/recall-files/REC-006727-VIN-List-1.csv?ref=torquecafe.com), or contact Honda’s customer relations team on 1800 804 954 or customerservice@honda.com.au. ### BMW’s legendary 3.0 CSL to get another modern revival URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-riverti-bmw-m2-30-csl-tribute/ Last updated: 2026-09-24T00:49:47.000Z It’s hard to go past the 1970s 3.0 CSL as one of BMW’s most iconic – if not influential – vehicles, and it looks like it’s set to get another modern rebirth. Italian company Riverti Automobili appears to be preparing to bring the design of the CSL back to life, teasing what looks like a 21st century interpretation of the 50-plus-year-old classic, but with current BMW underpinnings. Expected to be based on the BMW M2 – the ‘baby’ of the M car range – the images show its CSL-like body will include a shark-nose front end with a large lower fascia, a flat bonnet, boxy guards, and a rear wing which protrudes over the edge of the boot. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/riverti-automobili-bmw-m2-csl-4.jpg) The mesh-style wheels also add to the retro flavour, though it seems the glasshouse of the M2 will remain largely unchanged. Its lights too are a dead giveaway about what era this tribute is paying homage to, with the quad headlights and horizontal two-stack tail lights being a direct link to the CSL. That’s all we’ve got to go off so far, with no reveal date announced. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/riverti-automobili-bmw-m2-csl-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/riverti-automobili-bmw-m2-csl-3.jpg) It’s not yet clear if it’ll just bring cosmetic changes or additional mechanical upgrades to the M2. If it’s unveiled within the next 12 months, it’ll become the second BMW 3.0 CSL homage to launch in the past five years, after the German brand itself released the modern [3.0 CSL in 2022](https://archive.torquecafe.com/bmw-reveals-ultimate-m-tribute/?ref=torquecafe.com). Based on the M4, that homage featured a hand-built carbon-fibre body, unique M colour paintwork, more power and torque, and a run of just 50 examples, all of which were left-hand drive and reportedly cost €750,000 (A$1.21 million). ### Nissan Z Kaze concept resurrects tuner culture, brings back T-tops URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-nissan-z-kaze-concept-targa-t-top-roof/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T23:12:29.000Z Japanese car giant Nissan has already said it’s leaning on some of its legendary nameplates to regenerate interest in the company, but no one could’ve expected it to go full 1990s. Revealed at this year’s ZCON in the US – run by the Z Car Club Association – Nissan took the covers off its Z Kaze concept, designed to invoke a feeling of warm nostalgia for the brand’s past. While the original trio of Nissan’s Z cars (the 240Z, 260Z and 280Z) were all coupes, the 280ZX of the late 1970s was the first to introduce ‘T-tops’ to the range, which continued through to the Z31 and Z32-gen 300ZXs. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Nissan-Z-Kaze-Concept--7309.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Nissan-Z-Kaze-Concept--7518.jpg) Nissan Z Kaze concept Ever since the launch of the 350Z, the Z family has not offered a T-top roof, but the new Z Kaze concept proves it’s possible on the current Z34-gen sports car. Custom engineered to work with the normally fixed-roof Z, the T-top roof panels can be removed to let the wind (or Kaze in Japanese) flow through the cabin, with Nissan’s team using a drive along California's Pacific Coast Highway as its inspiration for the project. Rather than stop there, Nissan leaned further into the 1990s tuner culture which welcomed the 300ZX back in the day, repainting the Z in a new Pacific Teal finish, complemented by black bodywork extensions, such as its front splitter, ducktail wing and wide wheel-arches. The pumped-out guards serve a purpose, allowing the 18-inch Nismo LMGT2 wheels to fit, after the rims were restored and rebuilt for the Z Kaze specifically, now measuring 10 inches wide at the front and 11 inches wide in the rear. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Nissan-Z-Kaze-Concept--7947.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Nissan-Z-Kaze-Concept--9741.jpg) Nissan Z Kaze concept Attention has been paid to the interior too, where the upholstery is now a white leather, contrasting with the carbon-fibre interior accent trim. Its vented carbon-fibre bonnet also alludes to changes to the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine, which has been fitted with a GReddy Supreme SP exhaust system, larger front-mount intercooler and a bigger air filter. Sadly it seems Nissan has no intentions of putting a T-top Z into production, with the Z Kaze to remain a one-off concept for now. ### 'Enthusiast-focused' Subaru WRX, BRZ teased URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-subaru-wrx-brz-limited-edition/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T07:00:23.000Z Subaru’s reinvigoration of its performance division continues, with the Japanese mark’s US outpost this week announcing it’ll soon take the covers off a limited-production WRX and BRZ. Set to be unveiled at this year’s Boxerfest on September 27, Subaru hasn’t said anything about the pair of performance cars, other than that it will “debut limited-production, enthusiast-focused editions” of the WRX and BRZ at the fan festival. Included in the announcement was a teaser featuring the rear end of the existing WRX tS, but fitted with a carbon-fibre, swan-neck rear wing which featured on the Japan-only S210 in 2025. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-subaru-wrx-teaser-2.jpg) While Subaru has an extended range of STI-branded and themed accessories for the WRX available globally, a wing of this design isn’t currently sold to customers. It’s possible Subaru is adding some of the S210’s visual elements to the WRX tS, though there’s even less known about what’s in store for the BRZ. Last year, Subaru launched the [BRZ STI Sport Type RA](https://torquecafe.com/subaru-brz-sti-sport-type-ra-revealed/) in Japan, limited to 300 cars for the local market. Earlier this year it said this would influence a series production variant. [Alongside that latter announcement in June](https://torquecafe.com/subaru-wrx-manual-hatchback-teased-alongside-tougher-brz-and-wrx-sedan/), the brand teased two other cars under sheets, one of which will be an updated WRX sedan fitted with the ‘TY85’ transmission from the most recent STI, while the other is expected to be the long-awaited return of the WRX hatchback. ### Police issue 45 defects in anti-hoon blitz URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-act-police-defects-fines-hooning-canberra/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T05:28:34.000Z Canberra hoons have been read the riot act by the police, after two straight nights of dangerous driving on the outskirts of the capital led to a stack of fines and defects being issued. On the nights of September 18 and 19, the ACT Road Policing Operations, as well as ACTP Intelligence, Rural Patrol and officers from Tuggeranong Police Station targeted “dangerous driving behaviour” in rural regions of their jurisdiction. Understood to have occurred in the Cotter River and Uriarra Village regions, a total of 76 fines were issued, while 45 defect notices were also handed out, with at least three vehicles seized by ACT Police due to “improper use”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/act-policing-seized-ford-falcons-4.jpg) Image credit: ACT Policing In addition to this, officers detected two drunk drivers and five drug drivers, with one man arrested for an outstanding warrant, while another was charged with driving while disqualified and possessing an offensive weapon, despite being subject to bail conditions. Detective Inspector Mark Steel, Officer in Charge of Road Policing in the ACT, said the organised hooning activities risk community safety in rural regions as well as closer to the city. “You’ve only got to drive along some of our rural roads to see the aftermath of some of this activity, which is totally unacceptable to our rural communities,” Detective Inspector Steel said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/act-policing-seized-ford-falcons-2.jpg) Image credit: ACT Policing “Large gatherings of people in rural areas late at night presents a significant risk to community safety, and we have a zero tolerance for those who engage in dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour.” “We will continue proactive patrols and enforcement activities to target hooning behaviour and remove dangerous drivers and their vehicles from our roads.” [Earlier this year](https://torquecafe.com/almost-20-cars-seized-across-unacceptable-summernats-week/), police in Canberra seized 19 cars and issued 85 vehicle defect notices across the Summernats car festival week, having identified some vehicles on social media. ### You can’t have the most interesting Mazda MX-5 URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-mazda-mx5-sunflower-yellow/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T04:30:32.000Z The colour palette for the ND-generation Mazda MX-5 has been largely limited since it launched in 2015, with the brand’s iconic Soul Red Crystal one of the standout paints, amid a sea of white, silver/grey, black and dark blue options. Wanting to add some brightness to the MX-5, Mazda has revealed Sunflower Yellow for its long-popular sports car in Japan, as a part of the new (*deep breath*) Mazda Roadster FSW Ver. 2 variant. Not since the previous-generation NC MX-5 has the sports car been offered in yellow, and even then its Competition Yellow finish was far less bright than that which adorns this ND. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/----------2026-09-10-163103.jpg) Mazda Roadster FSW Ver. 2 Available only in Japan, just six examples of the yellow MX-5 will be made, all of which are being finished off by Mazda’s Engineering and Technology division, as a part of a joint venture between four of the brand’s dealers in the country. Painted in the Sunflower Yellow hue, the bright colour is joined on the exterior by a new black aero kit, consisting of a front splitter, side skirts, rear bumper fascia, as well as a lip spoiler. Adding to the contrast are black wheels, badges, mirror caps and door handles. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/----------2026-09-10-163750.jpg) Mazda Roadster FSW Ver. 2 The yellow treatment continues inside, where the door card trim and air vent rings have also been painted, as has the key fob. As it's only available with a 1.5-litre engine, it's not based on the most potent versions of the MX-5, which are powered by a more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder. To decide who gets to own one of the six Mazda Roadster FSW Ver. 2s, a lottery will be run at the Mazda Fan Festa, held at Fuji Speedway in early October. ### A Tesla Roadster deposit costs more than these sports cars URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-tesla-roadster-deposit-australia/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T01:56:29.000Z After more than six years of delays, Tesla is due to reveal the second-generation Roadster on October 1, and it’s happy to take money from buyers now to fund production. First previewed in concept form in 2017, the Roadster was meant to enter production in 2020, though – like many other Tesla vehicles – it has been hampered by delays, without the full vehicle even being displayed yet. Available to be reserved for $66,000 in Australia – $7000 of which is required up-front, and the additional $59,000 within 10 days – the Roadster has been available for deposits to be placed since 2017, though this was temporarily paused earlier this year, and only now opened back up. It’s believed to be one of the highest known deposit amounts for a new car which has yet to reach production, and one which has not yet been priced, with the early figure of US$200,000 (A$281,250) when it was first announced expected to be no longer feasible. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2024-02-tesla-roadster-concept-6.jpg) Tesla Roadster concept With the option of cold-gas thrusters and all the autonomous driving technology Tesla is famous for, the Roadster will be far more advanced than the 2017 concept, and even more so than the first-gen model which launched in 2008, based on the chassis of a Lotus Elise. While Tesla is yet to confirm whether the Roadster will even be made in right-hand drive and be sold in Australia, we thought we’d take a look at some of the new, fun cars you could buy for the same $66,000 you’d spend on a deposit. ## Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ – $46,340 to $52,790 before on-road costs Two of the most popular four-cylinder two-door sports cars in Australia, the second-gen Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 improved on the formula of their first-gen predecessors, addressing engine and chassis complaints to give a more well-rounded driving experience. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/subaru-brz-ts-kiiro-edition-2.jpg) Subaru BRZ Split by only a few thousand dollars depending on what badge and features you want, they’re not only seen as great weekend cars but also capable of providing some level of practicality, with rear seats providing space for kids – just like the Roadster. What’s more is that there is a huge aftermarket network for the sports car twins, providing owners with more power, even greater handling or endless aesthetic modifications, all for far less than the Roadster will cost. ## Honda Prelude – $65,000 drive-away Want to drive a sports car but don’t want to piss off Captain Planet? The Honda Prelude is the only option for those seeking hybrid power in their affordable performance rides. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-honda-prelude-australia-2.jpg) Honda Prelude Underpinned by the same structure as the Civic including its engine, the Prelude provides reduced-guilt motoring by using its zippy hybrid powertrain to provide plenty of driving thrills without needing to worry as much about visiting the petrol pump frequently. While its design is polarising, it’s not a bad looking car, though that low-set rear window does create a hassle for rear occupants, whether they be children in dedicated seats or adults. ## Mazda MX-5 – $42,640 to $56,790 before on-road costs Arguably the best roadster in automotive history, the Mazda MX-5 is often viewed as the benchmark sports car, coupling light weight with a direct chassis and peppy engine to deliver the driving experience many enthusiasts crave. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/crop_Mazda_MX-5_0122_HR.webp) Mazda MX-5 Available in full convertible soft-top and semi-coupe hard-top guise, the MX-5 may only be a two-seater, but what it lacks in practicality it makes up for in driving pleasure, staying true to its original formula. Though a Tesla Roadster would undoubtedly be faster in a straight line, as every MX-5 owner knows that’s not where it shines, with its strengths coming out when things get twisty. ## Subaru WRX – $48,990 to $63,990 before on-road costs It might be a surprise, but for not much more than some of the other cars listed here – and a lot less than a Roadster deposit – you can get into a Subaru WRX and have a bit of change left over. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/WRX-tS-Spec-B_5-1.jpg) Subaru WRX While it’s grown in size from the 1990s rally hero everyone loves and remembers, the WRX still is a unique proposition in the performance car market at this price point, offering all-wheel drive, a potent turbo-four engine, and even the choice of a manual transmission in the sedan. Forever a favourite for mountain road warriors and track day heroes, it’s unlikely we’ll ever see a WRX and Tesla Roadster at the same events, despite both boasting to be performance cars. ## Volkswagen Golf GTI – $59,890 before on-road costs Last but not least, the original hot hatch, the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which just scrapes in under the $66,000 figure in most states, especially with a bit of haggling. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/DB2024AU01718_medium-1.jpg) One of the most famous nameplates in the automotive industry, the Golf GTI has now lasted eight generations, all of which have been front-wheel drive, offering a different driving experience to most of the other performance options around the same price point. It’s bigger than ever but the turbocharged engine under the bonnet still helps to make it feel like a quick car, while the chassis remains one of the standouts in the market. *Now you’ve read our list, what cars would you buy if you chose not to put $66,000 down on a Tesla Roadster?* ### Toyota RAV4 gets quintessential Australian upgrade URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-tuff-australia-bullbar-toyota-rav4/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T01:01:42.000Z Toyota’s newest RAV4 is the first iteration of the popular SUV to only be sold as a hybrid in Australia, owing to the success of the powertrain, particularly for families or taxis/rideshare operators driving within the city. Given Toyota’s reputation for toughness, it’s understandable that the RAV4 will commonly also find itself in rural and remote areas where larger 4x4s dominate, and where animal strikes are far more likely to occur. Because of this, Tuff Australia has released a new Alloy Aerostyle Bullbar for the new RAV4 GX and GXL, providing it with greater protection for motorists travelling across roads with a high risk of animals wandering onto the tarmac. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/RAV4-2026-Aerostyle-Bar-Black-Ripple-main---1-.jpg) “Its lightweight alloy construction provides excellent durability and corrosion resistance without adding unnecessary weight, while its modern design enhances the RAV4’s bold, capable appearance,” Tuff Australia says. “Every Tuff Frontal Protection Bar is engineered to integrate seamlessly with the vehicle’s Toyota Safety Sense and advanced safety technologies, helping you maintain the functionality of your vehicle’s factory safety systems.” It’s not the first time the brand has made a bullbar for the RAV4, currently listing one for every generation of the SUV except for its first two iterations. Available in a polished alloy, black ripple powder coat or antique silver finish, Tuff Australia is yet to list a price for the RAV4’s bullbar, though interested customers can get a quote online. ### GM’s V8 SUV gets blacked out with new package URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-gmc-yukon-denali-signature-black-australia/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T23:31:05.000Z Until now, GMC has only sold one variant of one product in Australia, with its Yukon SUV only receiving the Denali treatment in a bid to simplify the choice for buyers. To give the Yukon more street appeal, GMC has today revealed the Denali Signature Black package for its three-row SUV, providing it with even more menacing looks for a higher price. Starting from $181,490 plus on-road costs, the Signature Black grade adds $6500 to the cost of the base Yukon Denali, bringing with it a number of cosmetic and equipment enhancements not usually available to the SUV. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/GMSV-YUKON-DENALI-09-1.jpg) GMC Yukon Denali Signature Black Starting with the black features of the Signature Black variant, the Black Vader treatment has been applied to the grille, badging, side mouldings and fascia accent trim at the front and rear, while the bonnet moulding and roof rails are now finished in gloss black. The Yukon’s huge 24-inch wheels are also now painted black, while the GMC logo in the grille has been illuminated. All examples of the GMC Yukon Denali Signature Black are finished in Onyx Black paintwork, normally a $1750 optional extra for the SUV. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/GMSV-YUKON-DENALI-01-1.jpg) GMC Yukon Denali Signature Black Inside, the second row of three seats have been swapped out for a pair of captain’s chairs, reducing the overall occupant capacity of the Yukon to seven from eight people. On top of this, it also gains a power-sliding centre console. Mechanically the GMC Yukon Denali is unchanged in Signature Black guise, continuing to be powered by a 6.2-litre V8 engine, capable of producing up to 313kW and 624Nm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/GMSV-YUKON-DENALI-02-1.jpg) GMC Yukon Denali Signature Black Drive is sent to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. For now it features the highest braked towing capacity of any SUV in Australia with a 3628kg figure, more than the 3500kg maximum of the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Nissan Patrol Y62. However, it’ll [lose that title next year ](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-nissan-patrol-towing-storage-capacity-specs/)when the Y63 Patrol arrives with a 3700kg braked towing capacity. [Stronger than a LandCruiserGMC makes big claims for its incoming new Yukon SUV.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-1777057f-2b5b-4aee-881c-a6b89b938d87.png)Torquecafe.comStephen Ottley![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_Corvette_Yukon-20-24d3d766-0858-43db-9f90-11e227b34391.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/stronger-than-a-landcruiser/) ### Alfa Romeo teases the car fans have been waiting for URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-alfa-romeo-concept-car-teaser-paris-motor-show/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T08:00:19.000Z Italian marque Alfa Romeo is previewing its next design language with a concept car, due to be revealed in Paris next month. Previewed in a teaser image, Alfa Romeo says that it will unveil its latest concept car on October 12 at the Paris motor show, with the vehicle in question being one which “embodies its vision for the future and the full creative strength of Stellantis’ premium sports brand”. “It is the car every Alfista has long been waiting for, capable of expressing that distinctive interpretation of the automobile embedded in the DNA of the Biscione: one that transcends the notion of a mere means of transportation and embraces the purest driving emotions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/alfa-romeo-concept-car.jpg) Alfa Romeo's concept car teaser “What defines an Alfa Romeo is not only its distinctive design and cutting-edge technology, but also the visceral bond it creates with the person behind the wheel, a symbiotic relationship that this concept takes to an even more intense level. “Its roots lie in a unique automotive culture, where craftsmanship, design and performance blend with passion, transforming attention to detail into beauty, and beauty into emotion.: Nothing is yet known about what it’ll be, as the brand has already teased it’ll show off its latest ‘C-segment’ (mid-sized) SUV at the Paris show too, though this vehicle is expected to be completely different. [Got wings? Italian super sedan gets wild makeoverAlfa Romeo seems to have heard criticisms of the BMW M3’s looks and told everyone to hold its Peroni.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-4b574527-f6da-4cd7-851b-5c5b63540f36.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/alfa-romeo-giulia-quadrifoglio-luna-rossa-4-a191bf26-bbf8-47e3-acf9-696431b3d2f8.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/alfa-romeo-giulia-luna-rossa-edition/) At this year’s Stellantis Investor Day, the parent to Alfa Romeo said it would add a “new specialty model” to its lineup, leaning on the[ Bottegafuoriserie customisation](https://torquecafe.com/legendary-italian-brands-join-forces-for-automotive-excellence/) division, announced last year as a [sub-brand run jointly](https://torquecafe.com/legendary-italian-brands-join-forces-for-automotive-excellence/) between Alfa and Maserati. So far, it has only released the [Giulia Quadrifoglio Luna Rossa](https://torquecafe.com/alfa-romeo-giulia-luna-rossa-edition/), but the brand also has recent success in the niche market with the 33 Stradale. ### World’s biggest production V8 engine teased URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-gm-mongoose-duramax-diesel-v8/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T05:35:21.000Z The arms race between America’s top pickup makers is far from over, with General Motors teasing its latest Duramax turbo-diesel, taking direct aim at the Ford Power Stroke and Ram’s Cummins engines. Nicknamed the Mongoose, the upcoming 8.3-litre V8 turbo-diesel engine will be added to the Duramax family in the near future, powering the likes of the Chevrolet Silverado HD and its GMC Sierra HD twin. In doing so, it’ll be the highest-capacity V8 engine ever fitted to a production car from the factory, eclipsing the 8.2-litre V8 fitted to the Cadillac Eldorado from 1968 to 1976. It’s not the largest V8 General Motors has ever made though, with that honour being held by the ‘ZZ632’ engine, with a 10.4-litre displacement, available as a crate engine or in the ‘COPO’ Camaro drag car. Crucially, the upcoming Mongoose turbo-diesel V8 will be even bigger than the 6.6-litre Duramax currently powering the Chevrolet Silverado HD, which produces 350kW and 1332Nm in Australian guise. It’ll give GM a response to Ford’s 6.7-litre Power Stroke turbo-diesel V8, which produces up to 373kW and 1627Nm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2024-chevrolet-silverado-hd-zr2-bison-500-1.jpg) Chevrolet Silverado HD Given the Ford engine is also known as the Scorpion, it’s easy to see why GM chose one of its biggest predators as the name of its rival engine. Likewise, it’ll take on the Ram 2500/3500 which are powered by a 6.7-litre Cummins straight-six turbo-diesel engine, making 313kW and 1458Nm. Given the new engine – and vehicles it’ll be fitted to – are yet to be revealed, it’s not yet known whether it’ll come to Australia, where the Silverado HD has consistently outsold its Ram rival over the past handful of years. ### Land Rover Defender ute takes on Ford Ranger URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-land-rover-defender-ute-pickup-jlr-defence/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T04:05:59.000Z Trace the lineage of the Land Rover Defender far back enough and you’ll find the series models of the late 1940s to the mid-1980s, born out of inspiration from the World War II-era jeeps. While the Defender is now a luxury product, Land Rover wants to show it can still go back to its battle-ready roots, revealing a trio of defence-prepared models, called the Defender Wolf Series II. Developed by Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) new Defender Defence Division to compete for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) tender, the three Defenders pose unique solutions to war-induced problems. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/JLR_Defender_WOlf_SeriesII_Trials_Utility__02-1.jpg) Land Rover Defender UV The most eye-catching of the three is the Defender Utility Vehicle (UV), which sees the back end of the SUV chopped off and replaced by a tray. Appearing to be based on the mid-length Defender 110 SUV, the UV incorporates a spare wheel carrier on its tray, which also includes a large rear overhang to maximise storage capability. Its launch comes at an interesting time, as earlier this month [*The Times*](https://www.thetimes.com/business/companies-markets/article/jaguar-land-rover-unveil-us-pick-up-truck-with-stellantis-850s82lfr?ref=torquecafe.com) reported a [Defender ute will soon be unveiled for the US](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-land-rover-defender-pickup-stellantis-ram-jeep/), where it’ll be made in a joint venture with Stellantis (parent company of Ram, Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/JLR_Defender_WOlf_SeriesII_Trials_Utility__10-1.jpg) Land Rover Defender UV This is also not the first time a modern Defender has been turned into a ute, [as in June](https://torquecafe.com/land-rover-defender-gets-luxury-ute-conversion/) the Widetrack Avontur Prototype was unveiled by Urban Automotive in the UK, though that example features an integrated tub rather than a cab-chassis style tray like the Defender UV. In addition to the Defender UV, Land Rover revealed another pair of battle-ready Wolf Series II, the Tactical Mobility Vehicle (TMV), Mono‑Tactical Mobility Vehicle (M‑TMV). Though not detailed, one of these variants is based on the Defender 110 but without its standard windscreen, doors and roof, while its seats have also been replaced, and one deleted. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/JLR_Defender_Wolf_SeriesII_Trials_Tactical__11-1.jpg) These modifications have been enhanced with a tougher front and rear bumper, as well as provisions to mount a gun on its roof. JLR is the second carmaker to throw its hat in the ring for the MoD’s LMV tender, with [Ford this month showing off](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ford-ranger-uk-defence-vehicles/) numerous Ranger-based vehicles, including a 6x6 dual-cab Ranger. It also previewed multiple versions of the Australian-developed Ranger Super Duty, such as some with additional armour (Enhanced Protection Vehicle), extra passenger capacity (Troop Carrying Vehicle), or sans bodywork (Light Tactical Vehicle). ### ‘Fast and Furious’ star coming to Australian car show URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-sung-kang-drifter-fast-and-furious-australia/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T00:30:19.000Z Australian modified car show Compello is returning in November 2026, and it’s booked a Hollywood star to take part in proceedings. Run by the same outfit behind the Melbourne Motor Show which was revived in 2025, Compello returns for the first time since 2024, announcing Sung Kang as the show’s star alongside its circa-60 car builds. Kang has portrayed Han Lue (aka Han Seoul-Oh) in the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise since 2006’s ‘The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift’, appearing in six additional films so far. While his character was immersed in Japan’s drift culture, Kang himself is bringing drifting to the wider world once again, with his film ‘Drifter’ making its international debut earlier this month. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/sung-kang-drifter-movie-1.webp) Sung Kang in 'Drifter'. Image credit: Adam Hendershott Directed, written and produced by Kang, ‘Drifter’ also sees him take on the role of the protagonist, while also starring key figures from the world of drifting, such as Dai Yoshihara, Chelsea DeNofa, Adam LZ, and Australia’s Luke Fink. There’s no Australian release date for ‘Drifter’ just yet, however Compello says Kang’s appearance at the show will coincide with the Australian launch of the film, expected to take place in late November. Tickets for Compello will be released on October 1, with the show itself taking place across November 21-22 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. ### Porsche’s next supercar will have an eight-cylinder engine URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-porsche-s1-supercar-flat-eight-engine/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T23:01:21.000Z It’s no secret that Porsche is in a period of recovery, turning back to its core products to try and kick some life into its bank balance, and it appears a new flagship supercar will help drive profits. [Earlier this year](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-open-to-new-hypercar-to-boost-profits/), Porsche CEO Michael Leiters announced the brand’s plans to offer more models in a bid to cover a wider market, with vehicles at a higher premium than the 911 and Cayenne expected to lead the charge. At the top of the range is expected to be a new supercar, with insiders telling German publication [*Handelsblatt*](https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/volkswagen-nach-gewinnwarnung-weitere-4000-jobs-bei-porsche-entbehrlich/100254633.html?ref=torquecafe.com) the flagship model – reportedly codenamed S1 – will be powered by a flat-eight engine, representing the first time Porsche has done so in a production car. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/porsche-carrera-gt-restored-1.jpg) Porsche Carerra GT Porsche’s most recent successful attempt at a flat-eight was in the Porsche 908 race car of the late 1960s, though since then its boxer engines haven’t ventured higher than a six-cylinder count. [Earlier this month](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-porsche-supercar-lamborghini-audi/), [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/volkswagen/porsche/ane-porsche-ceo-moves-to-reshape-brand-0828/?ref=torquecafe.com) reported the next Porsche supercar would likely use the platform of the Lamborghini Temerario and Audi Nuvolari to save costs. The Temerario was unveiled in 2024 and launched last year as the new ‘baby’ Lamborghini supercar, taking the place of the V10 Huracan, now with a twin-turbo V8 engine and plug-in hybrid system. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/8_Porsche-918-Spyder_2-1.webp) Porsche 918 Spyder Earlier this year, Audi revealed the Nuvolari as a pseudo successor to the R8 supercar, based on the Temerario – just like the R8 was related to the Gallardo and Huracan – but limited to just 499 examples. With a supercar platform already existing, it’s an easier business case for Porsche to create a supercar, given the reduced development costs and time, however it has traditionally gone its own way for its flagships. The 959 (twin-turbo flat-six), Carrera GT (V10) and 918 Spyder (V8 hybrid) were all bespoke vehicles, sharing next to no parts with other models from the Volkswagen Group, or even from within the Porsche model range. Like its spiritual predecessors, the Porsche S1 is expected to borrow design cues from the 911, which remains the brand’s poster car. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/porsche-911-gt3-manthey-racing-3.jpg) Porsche 911 GT3 Manthey-Racing While it’s been a long time since Porsche launched a flat-eight engine, one of the brands it’s synonymous with has already started to make one. [In July](https://torquecafe.com/ruf-is-developing-an-eight-cylinder-manual-supercar/), Ruf – the brand previously dedicated to building its own cars from bare Porsche bodies – unveiled the Ruf B8 Erprober, a test vehicle based on the existing Cayman-related Ruf CTR3, but with a flat-eight engine. Combined with twin turbochargers, Ruf says the ‘B8’ 4.8-litre engine will be capable of producing more than 745kW and 1000Nm, all of which is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. ### Subaru Trailseeker given costly convenience upgrade URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-subaru-trailseeker-spare-wheel-kit-price/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T20:00:30.000Z Fewer new cars are being sold with a spare wheel, leaving drivers in a potential lurch if they have a failure and the increasingly common tyre repair kit can’t patch a puncture. The Subaru Trailseeker – twinned with the Toyota bZ4X Touring, and a sibling to the smaller Solterra – is one of them, with EVs far less likely to be fitted with spare wheels due to packaging constraints. However, Subaru appears to have listened to customers, with its Australian arm unveiling a locally developed integrated underfloor spare wheel kit for the Trailseeker, hiding the space saver in the cargo floor space in the boot. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MY26-Trailseeker-AWD-Underfloor-Spare-Wheel-Kit_1.jpg) It’s the first time Subaru has offered the Trailseeker with a spare wheel globally, and provides a point of difference compared to the related bZ4X Touring, but it doesn’t come cheap. Priced at $1145, the spare wheel kit is almost as costly as a set of full-size tyres for the EV, though included in the price is a jack and the required tools to replace the wheel. According to Subaru Australia, pre-orders for the spare wheel kit are open now, with fitting expected to start before the Christmas holidays. It can be optioned for not only new examples but also Trailseekers already on the road. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MY26-Trailseeker-AWD-Towbar.jpg) In addition to this, Subaru has launched a towbar for the Trailseeker, providing it with an unbraked towing capacity of 750kg, and a braked towing capacity of 1500kg. Priced from $1189.59, it too can be pre-ordered now with fitting to take place before Christmas 2026. [2026 Subaru Trailseeker: Subaru’s most powerful car reviewedIt’s not a WRX, but the Subaru Trailseeker boasts the title of being the most powerful production model in the brand’s history. Here’s what it’s like to drive.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-81f2ace6-9296-4734-885f-4584b5776d08.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2026_Subaru-Trailseeker_AWD-11--1--7dadfa25-c6bf-4a03-af18-0962adf4e998.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/subaru-trailseeker-review-australia-2026-most-powerful-car/) ### Why the Outback Wilderness is Subaru's most fun car URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-reviews-2026-subaru-outback-wilderness-sunraysia-safari/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T07:00:21.000Z When most performance car enthusiasts think fun Subarus they think about the WRX. More specifically, the STI versions of the Impreza WRX. But while the WRX is still the staple of Subaru's performance offering, it turns out the dream of fun SUVs – one started by the Forester GT back in the 1990s – isn't over. In fact, it could be that Subaru's most fun car available right now is the Outback Wilderness. The problem, for lack of a better term, is that it doesn't necessarily look like a fun car. Polarising is probably a more appropriate term when it comes to styling. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-subaru-outback-wilderness-sunraysia-safari-8.jpg) It doesn't always feel like a fun car, either. Not through any real fault of its own; nearly all modern mass-production cars are kind of boring if you're old enough to remember really having to drive cars. The Outback Wilderness is comfortable and quiet and holds the sealed road well. It's spacious. It's well-equipped. It looks and feels and acts exactly like a capable modern car and that's great. But none of that is necessarily fun. So Subaru decided to take drastic measures to prove its fun credentials. And when Subaru wants to do something fun, it tends think rallying. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-subaru-outback-wilderness-sunraysia-safari-5.jpg) And that's how we ended up out on the closed stages of the Sunraysia Safari Rally learning things about that this boxy wagon that you just couldn't learn in any other environment. The Sunraysia Safari is effectively a sequel to the now-defunct Australasian Safari. Based in Wentworth Shire, not far from Mildura, it features more than 1200 kilometres of competitive stage running across four days. It runs through huge farming stations and the farmers help cut the paths with their own tractors and graders. And they aren't scared to make the course as tough as possible. The course is a mix of deep sand, mud, hard pack ground covered in grass and more traditional gravel roads following fence lines and power lines. It's literally too tough for a traditional gravel rally car. Instead, those endeavouring to conquer the Safari arrive with purpose-built rally raid machines. Or, in our case, a fleet of unmodified, road-going Outback Wildernesses. So you can see how it was a risky play for Subaru. Particularly when a bunch of journalists with no rally raid experience are behind the wheel, on closed stages that aren't speed-limited, and encouraged to really put the Outback Wilderness to the test despite all of the trees and stumps and jumps and gates and water splashes. It was a risk that paid off. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-subaru-outback-wilderness-sunraysia-safari-11.jpg) The Outback Wilderness is a decent step up from its predecessor and standard version in a number of ways. The most instantly noticeable is engine performance. The car is powered by the 2.4-litre turbo boxer engine, tuned to produce 194kW of power and 382Nm of torque. That's the same engine as the WRX, with just 8kW less but 32Nm more. For added context, power wise, that's right in the vicinity of the ultimate Subaru hero car, an early 2000s WRX STI. Yes, it's a little dulled by the CVT transmission, but that can be switched into an eight-stage 'manual' mode with paddle shift to bring the fun back to life. Then there's the adaptive suspension... and it is unbelievably good. It's not a driver-led initiative, it's entirely intuitive. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-subaru-outback-wilderness-sunraysia-safari-9.jpg) We only tackled two of the Sunraysia Safari's stages, but it was immediately noticeable now capable the road-holding was. For context, we were at the tail end of the competitive bikes and cars field, so the roads were at their worst. But the suspension ate it alive. Even just moments into the first stage we came across a deep pothole, impossible to be noticed in real time. The kind that makes you tighten up in the fractions of a second between when you see it, and you hit it. And it barely upset the car at all. Next up, a hard left-hander with deeply rutted sand tracks, every bit as deep as running along the beach, but a heck of a lot sharper. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-subaru-outback-wilderness-sunraysia-safari-1.jpg) Again, no issue. Find the rut, the suspension adjusts to the depth, the 240mm of ground clearance came into play, and the sheer grunt helped the Outback Wilderness power out of the corner like, well, a rally car. Helping the whole situation was a new factory option, Pirelli all-terrain tyres. Again, these were the kind of stages that traditional rally tyres wouldn't hold up to, hence why even the factory-backed Maximum Motorsport squad, fielding competitive cars for Aussie rallying legend Dean Herridge (Crosstrek with STI running gear) and Dakar hero Toby Price (WRX, modified for a Safari rally), was running A/Ts. The factory option isn't the cheapest way to get A/Ts on your road-going Outback Wilderness, but you can tick it off in terms of convenience and performance. Another early impression in the stage was the surprising willingness for the car to drift. It was hard to feel it in the deeper sand and slower, more technical parts, but on the first harder-packed corner (admittedly with nothing to hit on the outside, hence why this mildly capable driver might have barrelled in a little quicker) the car leant into a nice oversteer. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-subaru-outback-wilderness-sunraysia-safari-7.jpg) That was also a lesson in how steering input does bring the stability control into life, even if the traction control is disabled. Subsequent efforts to emulate Colin McRae required work on alleviating the instinct to counter steer until very late in the corner to maximise the fun. Once you get a feel for it, though, there was the fun factor once again. The entire experience was confidence inspiring. To the point that Subaru made the wise choice of ensuring hard driving stints didn't go much beyond the 20-minute mark. Right about the time that another Aussie rallying legend Cody Crocker, our fearless leader on this risky endeavour, predicted was the crossover between spirited attack and a brand new Outback Wilderness being wrapped around a tree. It was a brave, but inspired, way to properly showcase the Outback Wilderness. An alpine cruise on sealed roads wouldn't have done the trick. You could easily dismiss this as just another capable, powerful modern car. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-subaru-outback-wilderness-sunraysia-safari-4.jpg) Instead, we got to see its wildly fun side. The lessons was not to underestimate the Outback Wilderness. It may well be the most fun car Subaru has on the market, including the WRX. For the record, Price won the Sunraysia Safari to add to a remarkable list of rally raid achievements that includes two Dakar titles on two wheels, and nine Finke Desert Race wins (six on two wheels, three on four). Herridge finished second to make it a Subaru one-two, despite a very costly bird strike (see below). Still, despite the success, it's hard to imagine Toby and Dean had any more fun than we did, in perhaps the most deceptively fun off-road car on the market. 0:00 /0:18 1× Dean Herridge strikes a bird in his Subaru Crosstrek ### Lexus LX, GX engine fix announced amid global recall URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-lexus-gx-lx-recall/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T02:41:39.000Z A mass recall of the ‘V35A’ twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6 petrol engine under the bonnet of the Lexus GX550 and LX600 – plus the Toyota Tundra – has led to the local division Lexus rolling out a fix for the fault. In July 2024, Toyota and Lexus’ US divisions announced more than 100,000 vehicles powered by the V35A engine were impacted, after it found machining debris could lead to a loss of power. The fault doesn’t affect the hybrid versions of the engine – found in the Australian-delivered Tundra, LX700 and Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series hybrid – but Lexus Australia announced a recall of 789 GX550s and LX600s in November last year, saying it was working on a fix for the fault. This week, Lexus Australia has "confirmed a remedy process for the involved vehicles", giving owners a pathway for the fault to be rectified. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Lexus-Pressroom---ee5dfe0e-b29f-4ce7-a5be-ca2a9de209bf-1.jpeg) Lexus GX “The subject vehicles are equipped with a specific V35A engine that contains crankshaft main bearings, which allow the crankshaft to rotate within the engine assembly while running,” Lexus said in a statement. “During a specific production period, there is a possibility that engine machining debris of a particular size and amount may not have been cleared from the engine during manufacturing and subsequently contaminated the engine assembly during the production process. “For these engines in the subject vehicles, the pressure on the main bearings due to the engine configuration is such that, if the aforementioned machining debris adheres to the bearings and operation of the engine continues at higher loads over time, failure of the bearings may occur. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Lexus-Pressroom---85793969-db65-4d8a-9076-7e9493e83f8c-1.jpeg) Lexus LX “This can lead to potential engine knocking, engine rough running, engine not starting and/or an engine stall. In the subject vehicles, an engine stall while driving leads to a loss of motive power. A vehicle loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a collision. “Lexus has now confirmed a remedy process for the involved vehicles. Lexus Dealers will inspect the engine to assess whether any repair is required. Engine replacement will only be performed if necessary. The remedy will be free of charge to vehicle owners. “The inspection will take approximately two hours. If engine replacement is needed, the vehicle will be retained for a longer period of time however your Dealer will provide a loan vehicle for the duration of the repair.” A full list of affected vehicles is [posted here](https://pressroom.lexus.com.au/PressRelease?pr-code=61b75b5f-b3ca-4684-a479-7be4d803c6b0&ref=torquecafe.com). ### Porsche’s EV gamble costs Volkswagen $9.7 billion URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-porsches-ev-gamble-costs-volkswagen-9-7-billion/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T01:38:53.000Z The Volkswagen Group is expecting to take home paltry profits in 2026, as it prepares to drop a large amount of cash to aid Porsche recover from its slump. In a media release to investors, Volkswagen – which holds a 75 per cent stake in Porsche – announced it expects to spend around €6 billion (A$9.7 billion) on Porsche in non-cash impairments, impacting the Group’s third-quarter profits for the year. “In connection with its updated long-term planning, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG \[the official business title of Porsche\] has informed Volkswagen AG about the expected development of its key financial data,” the release said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-porsche-911-turbo-s-4.jpg) Porsche 911 “As a result, Volkswagen has updated the medium- and long-term assumptions for determining the enterprise value, including the medium-term corridor of 10 to 15 percent communicated by Porsche. “The impairment test results in a non-cash impairment of around 6 billion euros for Volkswagen AG on goodwill allocated to the Porsche business segment, which will have a negative impact on the Volkswagen Group's operating profit in the third quarter of the current fiscal year.” Porsche’s financial struggles have been a key issue in the past few years, and were understood to be largely behind it when in September last year, it made a U-turn on its EV plans. [‘We were wrong’: Former Porsche boss makes frank admissionPorsche’s decision to make its best-selling Macan an electric vehicle has resulted in a sales drop, but the now-former CEO says he’d do the same thing again.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-c81f1c65-d120-42c5-a10d-324ac6f91629.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_Porsche-Macan-Blue089-2b18c45b-9a58-4d8b-9a4c-921b836cd0d9.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-news-macan-ice-axing-we-were-wrong-oliver-blume/) Then-Porsche CEO Oliver Blume announced multiple changes to the brand’s future product lineup 12 months ago, spanning from the 718 sports car (Boxster and Cayman) receiving petrol variants alongside the planned EV version, a new flagship SUV, as well as a Macan-sized SUV with petrol and hybrid power by no later than 2028. At the time, it was reported the move would cost its Volkswagen Group parent €5.1 billion ($9.1 billion), while the Stuttgart brand projected its operating profit would drop by €1.8 billion ($3.2 billion) in the 2025 financial year. However, Porsche has continued to feel the pinch, particularly in China where demand is dwindling, as well as in the US where its sales are impacted by increased tariffs on imported vehicles. There have also been rumours that the [internal combustion engine-powered 718 might not eventuate](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-news-718-ev-confirmed-petrol-power-under-cloud/), with the Boxster and Cayman to be revived as electric sports cars only. [Porsche boss admits ‘our business model no longer works’German automotive icon Porsche is doing it tougher than first realised, with its CEO reportedly sounding the alarm internally.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-2fa7784b-c74a-452b-b610-f06bea980f4b.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_2024PORSCHE_TAYCAN_DK_RACE_PROJECT_17608-Enhanced-NR-a97ba4fa-8905-4dff-a7c5-a1b40a440ee6.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-boss-admits-our-business-model-no-longer-works/) Porsche was still able to make an operating profit in 2025 of €90 million (A$146 million), though this was a reduction of 98 per cent compared to its previous turnover of €5.3 billion (A$8.7 billion). Though the Volkswagen Group hasn’t detailed what it projects Porsche’s profits to fall by this year, its own profit margins are expected to drop to just one per cent, down from original projections of up to four per cent. Porsche is already planing to make [big changes to its workforce](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-to-swing-the-axe-on-its-workforce-again/), with approximately 8900 employees in Germany to be cut from the brand’s payroll in Germany by the end of 2035. ### Will Brown's Ford Mustang could get Mostert, Wood engine URL: https://torquecafe.com/will-browns-ford-mustang-could-get-mostert-wood-engine/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T00:22:13.000Z A new V8 Supercars-powered road car is on the way, with the build of Will Brown’s custom Ford Mustang kicking off, and he is calling for the public to choose what engine should be under the bonnet. After announcing the [project last month](https://torquecafe.com/supercars-news-will-brown-ford-mustang-project-rides-by-kam/), the second episode of Brown’s 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback build revealed the three engine choices available to the 2024 Supercars Champion, with fans getting to pick what will power the pony car. While giving famed car builder Rob Zahabi of Rides by Kam and his crew a tour of the Triple Eight Race Engineering workshop, Brown said there are three potential engines which could end up in the Mustang, all of which have seen race service in the Supercars Championship. Two of the engines are ex-Walkinshaw Gen3 Mustang 5.4-litre ‘Coyote’ V8s, both of which were bought by Triple Eight upon its transfer to becoming Ford’s homologation team, coinciding with the ex-WAU team becoming Toyota’s HT. According to Brown, one engine is that which powered Chaz Mostert and Fabian Coulthard’s #25 in the opening stanza of the 2025 Bathurst 1000 until it expired, leading to an iconic moment where the eventual series champion was offered beers by trackside spectators. The second Walkinshaw-sourced engine was in Ryan Wood’s Mustang for the final race of the 2025 season in Adelaide, when the Kiwi controversially clashed with Broc Feeney, spinning the latter who was in contention for the title. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/INS26611-copy.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Supercars-AdelaideGrandFinal-Thursday-133.jpg) Engines from Walkinshaw's 2025 cars of Chaz Mostert (left) and Ryan Wood (right) could end up in the Mustang A third engine is also being offered to Brown, with one of his current V8s from the 2026 season to become available when it has reached the engine of its racing life. Brown has detailed the Mustang’s engine will revert to a more production-spec wet sump rather than the expensive and complicated dry sump system used on the Supercars-spec Coyotes. Fans of Brown have been encouraged to leave comments on his videos and posts about the project to cast their vote on what engine should power the Mustang, as well as have input with later modifications. ### Jeremy Clarkson’s ‘Grand Tour’ car collection for sale URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-jeremy-clarkson-grand-tour-cars-auction/ Last updated: 2026-09-20T23:13:16.000Z Jeremy Clarkson is downsizing his car collection, with the famed TV host of ‘Top Gear’ and ‘The Grand Tour’ getting rid of three vehicles he drove as a part of the latter show. Listed by [Iconic Auctioneers](https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/the-iconic-sale-at-the-nec-classic-motor-show-2026/2026-11-14/page-1/session-264/ipp-100?lo=ASC&search=clarkson&utm%5Fcampaign=button%5Flist%5FClarksonsGrandTourCollection&utm%5Fmedium=referral&ref=torquecafe.com) and set to go under the hammer at the 2026 NEC Classic Motor Show in the UK in November, Clarkson’s cars are all being offered with no reserve. According to the auction house, the three cars are being sold for reasons which will “become clear in the forthcoming season of ‘Clarkson’s Farm’”, the former ‘Top Gear’ and ‘The Grand Tour’ host’s latest successful venture. Here are the three cars heading to auction, with no estimates of value offered by the company. ## 1982 Lancia Montecarlo Spider The car which finished it all; the Montecarlo was used by Clarkson in the final film of ‘The Grand Tour’, titled ‘One for the Road’. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/REC17501-3_2.jpg.webp) Billed as the final film featuring Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May – bringing an end to their 21-year on-screen partnership – the Lancia was chosen by Clarkson to drive through Africa as it linked back to the Beta coupe he used in the ‘Top Gear Botswana Special’ in 2007. Modified with Lancia Delta Integrale wheels, headlights and grille as well as Ferrari 308 tail lights and quad tailpipes, the Montecarlo was also fitted with cloth seats and a racing-style steering wheel, which survived the trip to Zimbabwe and Botswana. The Montecarlo featured heavily throughout the trio’s final film, including in the last scenes where the three drive off the Makgadikgadi Pan, bringing an end to ‘The Grand Tour’ with them as hosts. ## 1978 Lincoln Continental Mark V From one of the most emotionally linked vehicles to one which was a necessity, the Continental Mark V is from one of the lesser known episodes, aired in 2021. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/REC17501-1_1.jpg.webp) ‘The Grand Tour Presents: Lochdown’ was the first feature-length special to feature in the UK, given COVID travel restrictions which prevented the hosts and crew from international filming. Driving three American luxury cars through Scotland, the Lincoln Continental was Clarkson’s choice, and provided comedic relief when he struggled to drive through Edinburgh. Clarkson had the car fitted with a nitrous system for more power – something which didn’t work – and it’s still equipped today. ## 1983 Alfa Romeo GTV6 Last but not least is one car Clarkson always said he loved the most, the Alfa Romeo GTV6. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/REC17501-2_1.jpg.webp) Featured in the Series Three episode ‘Well Aged Scotch’, the GTV6 was one of three Italian coupes driven throughout Scotland by the trip. Throughout the film, they drove the famed ‘North Coast 500’ loop, while Clarkson had to deal with a bunch of Alfaholics at his impromptu birthday party, much to his chagrin. According to the listing, the GTV6 has recorded just 28,315 miles on its odometer at the time of being listed, making it not only a car with connections to a star, but also one which can genuinely be seen as one of the best examples in its own right. All three cars will go under the hammer in mid November 2026. ### Chevrolet Corvette C1 reborn with Mazda MX-5 underpinnings URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-mitsuoka-la1-mazda-mx5-chevrolet-corvette/ Last updated: 2026-09-19T20:00:21.000Z The Mazda MX-5 was born out of a desire to improve on what the world once loved in British sports cars, but who would’ve thought it’d do a good job of bringing back an American icon to life. Japanese car modification firm Mitsuoka – best known for the Viewt – is getting ready to release the ‘LA1, which takes a lot of inspiration from the C1 Chevrolet Corvette, except with very modern underpinnings. Based on the current ND Mazda MX-5, the popular roadster’s A-pillar is visible, providing a hint at what’s under the Corvette-inspired body. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/260917_la1teaser03.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/260917_la1teaser04.jpg) Borrowing the design of the 1958-60 Corvette – with its twin front headlights and single tail lights – the Mitsuoka LA1 leaves little of the MX-5 behind, with its chrome-heavy exterior, five-spoke wheels and copious air vents enough to look like the real thing, at least from a distance. No details have been shared yet on what is underneath, though it is expected modifications will be minimal, likely meaning the MX-5’s four-cylinder engine is untouched. Mitsuoka is due to release more information on the LA1 in late November, where it’ll announce specifications, equipment and pricing. ### Ram 1500 TRX SRT demand in the US to impact Australian supply URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-ram-1500-trx-srt-australia-supply/ Last updated: 2026-09-18T20:00:49.000Z Ram’s reintroduction of the V8 engine to its 1500 lineup has proven a success in the US, driving profits and bringing customers back to the brand who didn’t want to opt for its more advanced but less characterful straight-six twin-turbo engines. From first bringing back the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 in its core products, next is the Ram 1500 TRX SRT with its 6.2-litre supercharged ‘Hellcat’ V8, becoming the pickup power king with 579kW and 922Nm. Set to come back to Australia in the first quarter of 2027, the 1500 TRX SRT will represent the first of the model line to reintroduce the V8, but Ram might not be able to match local demand with supply due to its popularity in the US. “The response from customers has blown us away,” said Ram Trucks Australia general manager, Jeff Barber. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/ram-1500-srt-trx-2027-6.jpg) “Customer orders have exceeded our expectations, and we will struggle to meet demand for a while. We expect first arrivals and first deliveries (of the 1500 TRX SRT) in Q1 of next year. “We have a limited number of TRXs coming out of the factory this year, but we are working around the clock to try to secure more allocation. “The challenge for us is that demand for TRXs is off the charts in the US. But rest assured, our friends at Ram Trucks USA are very aware of the demand here for that vehicle.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/ram-1500-srt-trx-2027-8.jpg) Amy Augustine, head of Ram International product and sales, added the brand is working on making sure markets get their “fair share” of the TRX SRT, with Australia expected to be the highest-volume right-hand drive market for the pickup. “We brought it back and it's very popular and we're working into getting as much allocation as everybody wants,” Augustine said. “And so even with the popularity in the United States, we still feel as though we're working on everybody getting their fair share. And so we're constantly working on that and making sure that everyone can get that product.” [Ram 1500 TRX SRT Confirmed for Australia in 2027The wild Ram 1500 TRX SRT is being resurrected in Australia, with the pickup priced for its local return.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-d888bd44-de65-44fd-b8b4-4b71f4f4fb3f.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ram-1500-srt-trx-2027-5-1-c80d210b-94e4-45e8-b6dd-aa5cfe218fd3.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ram-1500-trx-srt-australia-2027-price-specs/) Almost 1000 examples of the previous 1500 TRX were sold across Australia and New Zealand, with prices finishing up at $224,950 plus on-road costs for the ‘standard’ TRX, while the send-off Final Edition had a $249,950 price tag. For its return, Ram has confirmed the 1500 TRX SRT will be priced from $259,950 before on-roads, making it the brand’s most expensive model ever sold locally. Like the rest of the Ram Trucks Australia range, it’ll be converted from left- to right-hand drive at a facility owned by Walkinshaw in Melbourne. ### US tuners are building the V8 ute Ford won’t URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ford-maverick-v8-swap-sema/ Last updated: 2026-09-18T05:00:36.000Z Ford’s global ute and pickup lineup is largely based around big, body-on-frame chassis models such as the Ranger and F-150, but in recent years the car-based Maverick has taken the spotlight in the US. Last year, Ford sold 155,000 Mavericks in the US, making it more than double as popular as the Ranger, despite its Escape underpinnings and four-cylinder engine offerings. However, one US firm wants to give the Maverick a V8 heart, providing the spiritual successor to the Falcon ute the world is missing out on. New York-based Tucci Hot Rods is currently transforming a Maverick into a V8, dual-cab ute, fitting the 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ engine from a Mustang into the pickup. Set to debut at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the fitment of the Coyote V8 alone would be enough to bump up the Maverick’s outputs, which are usually 187kW and 368Nm from its turbocharged 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine, but the tuners are going one step further by fitting a pair of turbochargers. While the Mustang’s engine is normally backed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, the V8 in the Maverick will be mated to a ZF 8HP eight-speed auto, regarded as one of the most versatile gearboxes on the market for modified cars. More details about Tucci’s V8-swapped Maverick Lobo will be revealed closer to its unveiling. ### Australia gets a new cheapest plug-in hybrid ute URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-gwm-cannon-hi4t-phev-ute-price/ Last updated: 2026-09-18T01:32:57.000Z GWM has expanded its ute lineup to include the new Cannon Hi4-T PHEV, set to be sold alongside its turbo-diesel counterparts and become the cheapest plug-in hybrid ute in Australia. Offered in entry-level Lux and flagship Ultra guise, the GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV launches as the fifth PHEV ute in Australia, with competitive pricing from the get-go in an attempt to drive up sales. The Cannon Hi4-T Lux is priced from $49,990 drive-away for ABN holders and $50,990 drive-away for private buyers, undercutting the JAC Hunter Pro ($49,988 plus on-roads), the BYD Shark 6 Premium ($57,900 before on-roads), the larger GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV Lux ($57,490 drive-away), and the Ford Ranger Hybrid XL ($61,000). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/GWM-Cannon-Hi4-T-PHEV_01-1.jpg) GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV Opting for the Cannon Hi4-T Ultra brings prices up by $4000 to $53,990 for ABN holders and $54,990 drive-away for private buyers, respectively, still enough to keep it as the most affordable model overall. Until October 31, 2026, GWM is also offering a $2000 drive-away bonus to ABN buyers, as well as the same bonus or a $2000 fuel card to private buyers. A turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine is paired with an electric motor to produce up to 310kW and 750Nm, more than the Ford Ranger Hybrid (207kW and 697Nm), in the same ballpark as the BYD Shark 6 Premium (321kW and 650Nm), but less than the Shark 6 Performance (350kW and 700Nm) and JAC Hunter (360kW and 1010Nm). Fed by a 33.1kWh battery pack, the Cannon PHEV will have a claimed NEDC lab-tested driving range of 115km, more than the Ranger Hybrid (49km), Shark 6 and JAC Hunter (100km), while matching the Cannon Alpha PHEV. According to GWM, the battery allows a combined driving range of up to 1037km, just shy of the Cannon Alpha PHEV (1060km), but ahead of the JAC Hunter (1005km) and Shark 6 (800km). The Cannon Hi4-T PHEV will also include Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability with 230V outlets in its tub. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/GWM-Cannon-Hi4-T-PHEV_09.jpg) GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV Like the turbo-diesel version, it boasts a 3500kg braked towing capacity, matching the bulk of its competitors. Features in the Lux include a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, synthetic leather upholstery, and power-adjustable driver’s seat. Stepping up to the Ultra adds a heated steering wheel, heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats, and a sunroof. Pre-orders for the GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV are now open, with deliveries expected to begin in mid-October 2026. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/GWM-Cannon-Hi4-T-PHEV_11.jpg) GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV ### GM’s latest performance car is quicker than any Holden Commodore URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-cadillac-lyriq-v-price-australia/ Last updated: 2026-09-18T00:35:06.000Z Cadillac’s Australian expansion has continued with the announcement of local pricing for the Lyriq-V, the first model from the luxury brand’s V-Series performance division to reach our shores. Based on the Lyriq SUV, the Lyriq-V takes the formula which made the likes of the CT5-V Blackwing and CTS-V so popular, by adding a lot of power and torque to an already potent platform. Priced from $99,000 before on-road costs, the Cadillac Lyriq-V is $9000 dearer than the Lyriq Sport, and $9600 dearer than the Tesla Model Y Performance, the latter of which is the most popular performance-oriented electric SUV on the market. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Cadillac-LYRIQ-V-17.jpg) Underpinned by a dual-motor powertrain, the Lyriq-V produces up to 459kW and 880Nm, putting it close to the power output of the 475kW Chevrolet Corvette Z06, as well as the 474kW HSV GTSR W1, two of the most powerful General Motors models ever sold in Australia. Thanks to that 880Nm torque figure, with its Velocity Max mode engaged Cadillac quotes a 0-100km/h time of 3.6 seconds – faster than the W1’s 4.2-second claim, but not enough to defeat the all-wheel drive Corvette E-Ray’s 2.9-second time. Fed by a 92kWh NMC battery, Cadillac quotes a driving range figure of 471km, a significant amount less than the Model Y Performance’s 580km claim. It can be charged at up to 22kW AC, or 130kW DC. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Cadillac-LYRIQ-V-31.jpg) Under the skin, the Lyriq-V receives Continuous Damping Control advanced adaptive dampers, lowered suspension, Brembo front brakes (with 390mm rotors), and a continuously variable electric power steering system. Its 22-inch wheels feature ‘self-sealing’ tyres. To ensure drivers don’t feel too out of place in this quiet performance car, Cadillac says the Lyriq-V has a “distinctive multi-layered sound experience” which is piped into the cabin via its 23-speaker AKG Studio audio system, and also outside via dedicated underbody speakers. “The sound experience is tuned to the vehicle’s driving modes and includes sound themes for acceleration and regenerative braking, as well as an e-rev experience when the vehicle is parked or in neutral,” Cadillac says. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Cadillac-LYRIQ-V-27.jpg) “Inspired by the distinctive roar of Cadillac’s LMDh race car, the system gives drivers the choice of engaging performance sound or selecting Stealth Mode for a quieter cabin.” Inside, the black Nappa leather upholstery is the only choice, and is featured on the power-adjustable, heated, ventilated and massaging front seats. There is also a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Additional equipment includes a 33-inch curved screen – which incorporates the digital instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen and a control touchscreen – plus a panoramic sunroof. ### Toyota’s hydrogen HiLux edges closer URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-toyota-hilux-fcev-hydrogen/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T23:30:16.000Z Toyota is forging ahead with its plans for hydrogen vehicles to enter the mainstream market, confirming it still aims to launch the HiLux FCEV in 2028. In a teaser image uploaded online, Toyota shared a shadowy silhouette of the hydrogen fuel cell powered HiLux FCEV, which appears to continue with the outline of the current turbo-diesel HiLux and the [HiLux BEV](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-hilux-bev-electric-ute-price-australia/). However, apart from its different three-slot daytime running lights, we know it’ll be quite different to the HiLux already on sale in Australia and abroad. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/hiluxfcev2028teaser--2-.jpg) Toyota HiLux FCEV teaser Toyota has been testing a HiLux FCEV prototype for the past few years, using a hydrogen fuel cell from the Mirai sedan, three hydrogen tanks under the cabin, and a single electric motor, supplying 134kW and 300Nm to the rear wheels. Official figures for the production-spec HiLux FCEV have yet to be locked in, but for context, the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine in the standard HiLux makes up to 150kW and 500Nm, while the electric HiLux BEV’s dual-motor powertrain produces 144kW and 468Nm. The Japanese car giant is targeting the HiLux FCEV to have a driving range of more than 400km (based on WLTP cycle lab tests) and a towing capacity of 2500kg, down on the industry standard 3500kg figure, but more than the HiLux BEV’s 2000kg. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Toyota-HiLux-hydrogen-3.jpg) Toyota HiLux FCEV Prototype So far only confirmed for Europe, Toyota wants the HiLux FCEV to be able to better serve a wider share of the market, aiming to cut overall emissions. “While our BEV results are strong, we believe the scale of the decarbonisation challenge facing Europe requires every available technology to play a role,” said Toyota Motor Europe Executive Vice President, Sales, Till Conrad. “Different customers have different operational requirements, which is why there is no single solution for every business. Toyota continues to offer the right technology for the right application.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/crop_Hydrogen-Hilux-proto-01.jpg) Toyota HiLux FCEV Prototype Toyota’s fuel-cell hydrogen lineup in Australia has been limited to the Mirai sedan, available as a lease-only vehicle, and with limited places to fill it up across the country. The Toyota HiLux BEV was launched earlier this year as a commercial-focused vehicle, aimed at mines and fleets wanting to cut down on emissions. Pricing starts from $74,990 before on-road costs for the HiLux BEV SR cab-chassis, $76,490 plus on-roads for the SR pickup, and $82,990 for the SR5 pickup. [For context](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-hilux-2026-price-specs-australia/), the automatic turbo-diesel 2.8-litre HiLux SR 4×4 dual-cab starts from $57,990 in cab-chassis guise, increasing to $59,490 for the pickup, while the equivalent SR5 is $65,990. ### Ram ‘absolutely’ interested in taking on Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux in Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ram-dakota-australian-interest/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T23:00:29.000Z Australia’s ute market is one of the most lucrative in the world, being the second-largest sales segment in the new-car space, behind only medium SUVs. In the past few years, unexpected brands such as Kia, Chery and BYD have joined – or are joining – the sales race, and it seems Ram is still interested in taking a piece of the action. Rumours of a mid-sized Ram pickup have circulated for years, and while it has launched region-specific models such as the [Rampage](https://torquecafe.com/ram-news-rampage-europe-debut-not-for-australia/) and [Dakota (the latter based on the Chinese Changan F70)](https://torquecafe.com/ram-dakota-unveiled-south-america/) in South America, it’s yet to officially launch one in North America. That’s set to change in 2028, when the Dakota name will return to the local market to take on the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado, ending a 17-year hiatus for Ram in the ‘mid-sized’ pickup segment. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/ram-dakota-nightfall-concept-2.jpg) Ram Dakota Nightfall While Ram is popular in Australia for its ‘full-sized’ pickups – the 1500, 2500 and 3500 – the brand lacks other product offerings, but has once again said it’s interested in adding a mid-sized ute to its local portfolio, if one is available. “I do see a lot of mid-sized trucks here and it looks like there's a market for it,” said Head of Ram International Product and Sales, Amy Augustine. “Jeff \[Barber, Ram Trucks Australia general manager) and I are still discussing future products here, but I do see that there is a market for it here.” When asked if the Dakota – or whatever the ute may be named – would be a good fit for Australia, Barber responded, “absolutely”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-ram-dakota-3--1-.jpg) Latin American market Ram Dakota [In June](https://torquecafe.com/rams-ranger-hilux-rival-a-great-fit-for-australia-if-it-comes/), a Ram Trucks Australia spokesperson said the brand had “our hand up for a mid-size pickup from the moment the rumours began years ago”. “At the moment, there is not one available to us. If one were to become available to us, we would absolutely have our hand up for that. “We think a mid-size Ram would be a great fit for the Ram Trucks Australia portfolio. We have the dealer network, we know the customers, we know it will look great alongside our full-size pickups. But what you've seen reported so far overseas are region specific models.” Like most of its similarly sized rivals, it’s expected the Ram Dakota will be powered by a four-cylinder or V6 engine, with a hybrid powertrain to potentially find its way into the mix too. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2025-ram-1500-rebel-1.jpg) Ram 1500 Rebel The Dakota will be based on a body-on-frame platform, something which underpins the Wrangler and Gladiator made in the same Toledo, Ohio facility, suggesting the new model could be related to the Jeeps - though it could also move to an all new architecture. If the new Ram ute was based on the Jeep Gladiator, engine options include a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol, a naturally aspirated 3.6-litre V6 petrol, and a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, though the latter was dropped from the lineup in late 2023 due to poor demand globally. Given the success of the 1500 locally – which has to be converted from left- to right-hand drive in Melbourne – Ram may have to build the new model in right-hand drive from the factory to give it a chance against its Thailand-sourced rivals in Australia. ### EV lobby group calls for petrol, diesel drivers to be taxed twice URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ev-lobby-group-road-user-charge/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T08:00:52.000Z One of Australia’s top electric vehicle (EV) lobby groups wants a road-user charge to be enacted, but without the repeal of the fuel excise, effectively double-taxing owners of petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) renewed its push for its Universal Road User Charging policy to be implemented ahead of this weekend’s Everything Electric Sydney show, where carmakers will showcase their zero-emission vehicles. While the AEVA has previously called for a distance-based, road-user charge – where motorists are taxed based on distance travelled and their vehicle type – to replace the fuel excise, it now wants the latter to remain, effectively whacking motorists of non-EVs with two taxes. At present, the fuel excise is 53 cents per litre, and applies to petrol and diesel, with the revenue generated by the tax providing $25 billion to the budget across the 2023-24 financial year. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Ranger-Wolftrak-04.JPG) Due to vehicles generally becoming more efficient, as well as an uptake in the sales of hybrid and electric vehicles, the net revenue generated by the excise has declined in the past two decades. According to AEVA policy convenor, Dr Chris Jones, the group’s proposal for the road user charge to be implemented while keeping the fuel excise would work to encourage motorists out of petrol and diesel vehicles. “If two vehicles weigh the same, and are driven the same distance each year, it’s only fair that they pay the same road user charge,” said Dr Jones. “But if one of those vehicles burns petrol or diesel, they should pay for the cost of that pollution too.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026-toyota-rav4-1.jpg) The AEVA’s proposal suggests a road user charge rate of 3 cents per tonne-kilometer (c/t•km) to eventually be implemented, which it says is appropriate based on the group’s calculation that the “average vehicle is spending 5.3c/km in fuel excise”. This would apply to vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) under 4500kg, which it estimates would equate to an annual road user charge of $858 for a 2.2-tonne vehicle travelling 13,000km per year. The group has also taken aim at the New South Wales government’s impending EV road user charge, coming into effect from July 1, 2027 and set to be 3.095c/km for EVs, and 2.476c/km for PHEVs. “The NSW model means an EV would pay more per kilometre than a conventional petrol hybrid,” Dr Jones added. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Nissan_PatrolY63_001.jpg) “It also means an electric motorcycle would pay the same rate as a 3-tonne electric SUV, despite having a negligible impact on infrastructure.” While federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers last year raised the prospect of implementing a national road user charge, this was put on hold in May, with Transport Minister Catherine King telling the ABC’s Insiders program it wanted to help drive people towards purchasing more fuel-efficient vehicles. [Last month](https://torquecafe.com/australian-government-puts-ev-road-user-tax-plans-on-hold/), EVs were the most popular fuel source in the new-car market for the first time ever, outselling petrol and diesel vehicles separately. Rising fuel prices due to conflict in the Middle East, as well as a broader array of fuel-efficient vehicles in showrooms, have been cited as factors. ### Volkswagen GTI goes rear-wheel drive in 50-year first URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-vw-id3-gti-rear-drive/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T06:00:03.000Z Volkswagen has revealed its most powerful GTI-badged model ever, becoming the first in the nameplate’s half-century history to go rear-wheel drive. The Volkswagen ID.3 GTI isn’t the first hot hatch from the German brand’s EV department, replacing the outgoing GTX but in the body of the far more traditional [ID.3 Neo](https://torquecafe.com/volkswagen-news-id3-neo-revealed/), taking as many Golf GTI cues as it can get. Previously the GTI badge has been affixed to the hottest front-wheel drive Golfs and Polos since 1976, and it had remained out of bounds for the electric lineup until recently, with the reveal of the ID. Polo GTI in May. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/DB2026AU00611_large-1.jpg) Volkswagen ID.3 GTI While the ID. Polo GTI remains front-wheel drive like its petrol-powered counterpart, the Golf-sized ID.3 GTI sends all its power to the rear wheels, coming via an electric motor which can produce 240kW and 545Nm. For context, the current Mk8.5 Golf GTI in Australian showrooms produces 195kW and 370Nm from its turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine, while the most potent production GTI until now was the[ GTI Edition 50](https://torquecafe.com/volkswagen-news-golf-gti-fastest-front-wheel-drive-car-nurburgring/), with 239kW and 420Nm on tap. Capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, the ID.3 GTI is three-tenths quicker to complete the sprint than the Golf GTI, and it’s limited to a top speed of 200km/h. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/DB2026AU00616_large.jpg) Volkswagen ID.3 GTI Feeding the electric motor is a 79kWh battery, delivering up to 601km of driving range according to WLTP lab test results. Like all GTIs, the ID.3 looks best in red and has been treated to a sportier exterior, with its grille also scoring the red highlights which have adorned the Golf GTI for 50 years. The 20-inch wheels sit in front of disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear, a hallmark of Volkswagen’s MEB platform. Inside it’s a cabin not too dissimilar from the Golf GTI, with tartan bucket seats featuring red and white colouring, while the ID.3 Neo’s physical-first console carries over. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/DB2026AU00627_large.jpg) Volkswagen ID.3 GTI This includes a wider array of physical switches sitting below the central air vents, rather than the haptic controls of previous ID.3s, with a rotary volume knob also sits between the driver and passenger. When the ‘GTI’ driving mode is engaged, the electric motor’s power delivery is sharpened, as is the steering and adaptive damper settings, while it also provides access to launch control. In addition to this, the GTI also adds “the sound of a combustion engine” in the background. European deliveries are slated for the first half of 2027, though given Australia doesn’t get the standard ID.3 Neo, it’s unlikely the GTI will come here. ### Australian motorcycle brand targets overseas expansion URL: https://torquecafe.com/bike-news-2026-savic-expansion-electric-motorcycle/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T03:36:12.000Z It may have got off to a slow start, but Melbourne-based Savic Motorcycles has big dreams for its next phase, and it’s asking for investors to come along for the ride. A decade on from being founded in 2016, Savic has this year started to roll out the C-Series electric motorcycle to customers across Australia, becoming one of the very few players in the two-wheeled EV space locally. Now, Savic has opened a “strategic investment opportunity” in a bid to “accelerate the company's next stage of scale”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/savic-c-series-electric-motorcycle-ev-2.jpg) In a media release, Savic said its next phase of expansion could be accelerated through investment, unlocking “greater production and supply-chain scale, further models and applications of the Savic EV platform, “continued vehicle, software and energy technology development, (supporting) Australian engineering and product capability, and international market entry”. At present, the brand only sells its electric motorcycles in Australia, where they have been tested to comply with Australian Design Rules and meet the needs of local customers. “The first decade was about proving that an Australian company could develop, engineer and commercially deliver a high-performance EV motorcycle,” said Savic Motorcycles CEO, Marc Alexander. “We have done that. The opportunity now is scaling the technology, multi-model product platform, brand and commercial capability that we have built.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Savic-Motorcycles_1.jpg) “We have reached a point where the opportunity is much larger than one motorcycle. We have product in market, technology we own, an experienced team and a platform designed to support additional products and applications. “The right strategic partner can help scale that capability substantially faster.” “Savic has always had a very Australian character. There is a determination here to take an ambitious idea, engineer it properly, survive the difficult parts and keep building. We backed electric ten years ago. We now have the opportunity to take what we have built to a much larger market.” Presently the company’s operations are based in West Melbourne, with its headquarters encapsulating its engineering, product, brand and customer operations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Savic-Motorcycles_3.jpg) The SM1 powertrain used by the Savic C-Series is built in a company-owned subassembly operation in Taizhou, China, where other Australian-designed components for the electric motorcycle are produced. [As tested by *Torquecafe* earlier this year](https://torquecafe.com/we-try-australias-latest-automotive-success-story/), the Savic C-Series is by an electric motor which produces up to 80kW and 250Nm, the C-Series sends drive to the rear wheel via an Optibelt poly-carbon belt, rather than the traditional chains as found on the vast majority of bikes. Fed by a 16.2kWh lithium-ion NMC battery, Savic claims the C-Series has 220km of combined range, making it ideal for around-town riding or the occasional squirt out on mountain roads. Charging takes place via a ‘Type 2’ AC port, allowing up to 3.3kW, and prices start from $29,990 before on-road costs. [We try Australia’s latest automotive success storyAfter a few years and false starts, the Savic C-Series is here - an electric cafe racer motorcycle, developed and built in Australia.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-5b7c072d-f5f5-401c-ae7a-badc1a532d53.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/savic-c-series-electric-motorcycle-ev-1-53f1eb1a-c41a-4e0a-8c32-7d7c5660e0e6.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/we-try-australias-latest-automotive-success-story/) ### Mercedes-AMG reveals the most expensive G-Wagen sold in Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-mercedes-amg-g63-most-expensive-australia/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T02:00:15.000Z Mercedes-AMG G-Wagens are hard enough to come by outside of the Gold Coast and Sydney’s northern beaches, but you’ll be even harder pressed to come across the latest special-edition model: the G63 Two-Finish Edition. Just five examples of the AMG G63 Two-Finish Edition are coming to Australia, and with prices starting from $425,327 plus on-road costs, it’s the most expensive version of the G-Wagen ever sold locally. At a $53,000 premium over the base AMG G63, the Two-Finish Edition commands a hefty price tag, but has been kitted out with features and colour combinations not otherwise available on the boxy SUV. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/G-63-Two-Finish-Rear-1.jpg) G63 Two-Finish Edition Finished in non-metallic black with Manufaktur night black magno two-tone paint, it’s a striking exterior, adopting the high-gloss finish on its greenhouse, bonnet and spare wheel cover, the rest of the G63 gets matte paintwork on its lower body and roof. Hand-finished in Austria, Mercedes claims the masking of the dividing edge takes several hours in itself, with only one vehicle able to be painted every day. To keep the black theme going, it’s kitted out in AMG’s Night Package II, providing darkened highlights around the grille, exhaust, running boards, spare wheel ring, door handles, and rear mirror caps. The 22-inch forged wheels throw back to the classic AMG five-hole design of the 1990s, and are surrounded with just about the only silver on the car. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/G-63-Two-Finish-Edition_grab-handle_1-of-5-1.png) G63 Two-Finish Edition Though interior photos are limited, the exclusivity of the AMG G63 Two-Finish Edition stands out with a ‘Made to Measure’ handle positioned in front of the passenger seat, with its carbon fibre trim providing a background to its ‘1 of 5’ lettering. Elsewhere, AMG has decked the cabin out in titanium grey pearl and black upholstery, while the instrument panel is finished in two-tone nappa leather, contrasting against the carbon-fibre trim which extends to the steering wheel. There’s no changes to the powertrain, which continues with a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 producing 430kW and 850Nm, driving all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. Other performance features such as AMG adaptive damping and three differential locks also carry across. ### 2027 Nissan Patrol to become Australia’s SUV towing king URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-nissan-patrol-towing-storage-capacity-specs/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T01:00:34.000Z Nissan’s new [Y63 Patrol](https://torquecafe.com/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-price-and-specs-new-gen-toyota-landcruiser-rival-locked-in/) will represent a big change from its outgoing Y62 predecessor, losing its 5.6-litre V8 for a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6, but retaining petrol power unlike its key Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series rival. Despite this, the Patrol will have an ace up its sleeve by offering the highest braked towing capacity of any new SUV on sale in Australia, with Nissan providing more details about its 3700kg hauling figure. Already confirmed for the Patrol in recent months, its 3700kg braked towing capacity will apply to all variants, eclipsing the industry standard 3500kg for big SUVs, and beating the 6.2-litre V8-powered GMC Yukon’s 3628kg capacity. With the Patrol’s twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 producing 317kW and 700Nm, it’s 4kW and 76Nm more potent than the Yukon. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-1.jpg) According to Nissan, Patrol buyers will be able to “choose from a range of tow tongue and tow ball configurations available as an at-cost accessory, including a configuration supporting the Patrol's full 3700kg braked towing capacity.” Though yet to be confirmed, it’s understood the 3700kg towing capacity will only be available through the use of a 70mm tow ball, as local regulations prevent towing any more than 3500kg with a 50mm ball. All Patrol variants will also feature Trailer Blind Spot Warning and Trailer Sway Control, while the flagship PRO-4X and Ti-L will score ‘Trailer Docking Support’, assisting drivers to align the tow ball with the trailer coupling. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-11.jpg) Nissan has also provided additional interior space details for the Y63 Patrol, which is growing internally and externally compared to the Y62. As previously reported, both Patrols have a 3075mm wheelbase, however the Y63’s measurements of 5205mm long, 2030mm wide and 1955 mm tall make it 40mm longer, 35mm wider and 15mm taller than the outgoing model. According to Nissan, there’s been “improvements to hip, shoulder and legroom” in all seat positions, while the driver also sits higher up. In the second row, the sliding seat can provide up to 250mm more leg space than in the Y62. In the third row there’s been even greater improvements, including increases to hip room (75mm), knee room (66mm), legroom (253mm when the second row is as far forward as possible), and greater heel gap (84mm). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Nissan_PatrolY63_037-1.jpg) This hasn’t encroached on boot space, with storage capacity increasing by as much as 181 litres for the Y63 Patrol compared to the Y62. With all three rows of seats up, the Y63 Patrol has a 577 litre capacity (up 110 litres), rising to 1594 litres with the third row folded (up 181 litres), and 2749 litres with both the second and third rows folded (up 127 litres). The Y63 Nissan Patrol is due to arrive in Australia in the first quarter of 2027 (January to March). You can read the full breakdown of pricing and specifications [here](https://torquecafe.com/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-price-and-specs-new-gen-toyota-landcruiser-rival-locked-in/). [2027 Nissan Patrol Y63 price and specs: New-gen Toyota LandCruiser rival locked inThe Nissan Patrol will offer six variants to Australian buyers when it arrives next year, with prices continuing to undercut the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-cb912899-8b51-4015-8a9b-7473e7c2483d.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-10-1-1-62342bc4-aa89-4d5e-83a1-bf3a13ee32da.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-price-and-specs-new-gen-toyota-landcruiser-rival-locked-in/) ### McLaren SUV confirmed to take on Ferrari Purosangue, Lamborghini Urus URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-mclaren-suv-confirmed/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T23:16:57.000Z McLaren’s days of exclusively producing two-door sports cars and supercars are about to be over, with an SUV confirmed to be joining the British brand’s lineup in the near future. Overnight, McLaren announced an investment program of £500 million (A$944 million) towards its UK manufacturing facilities, which includes its engineering and overall operations, the majority of which are based at its headquarters in Woking. Spearheading this charge will be the launch of a “performance SUV”, set to be built at a “new vehicle assembly facility planned in the UK”, though details beyond that were not given. Currently McLaren produces approximately 2000 cars a year, though if the likes of the Lamborghini Urus are anything to go by, this output could double with the addition of an SUV to its product portfolio. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/18304-carbon-fibre-monocoques-at-mctc.jpg) McLaren Composites Technology Centre McLaren is yet to provide more information about the SUV, however it has said that “for the first time in its history, McLaren Automotive’s future powertrains will be designed and built in-house, starting with two new engines and transmissions.” Up until now, McLaren has outsourced the production of its V6 and V8 engines in its current model lineup to Ricardo, while the F1 supercar of the 1990s famously used a BMW V12 engine. In November last year, [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/mclaren/an-mclaren-first-4-door-model-1112/?ref=torquecafe.com) reported McLaren dealers had been shown plans to launch an SUV by 2028, powered by a V8 engine with hybrid assistance. Previous reports had pointed to the McLaren SUV being an EV, however demand for battery-powered luxury vehicles has slipped in recent years, leading to many rival brands scaling back their future plans. [McLaren’s next plan to take on FerrariThe McLaren Artura already battles against the Ferrari 296, but soon the British marque will have another rival to Maranello’s finest.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-4fd4693c-f369-4279-a2ef-2b4ea4312351.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/Large-12926-McLarenArtura-b7f8c26d-7a60-42b0-9abd-543e46948769.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/mclaren-news-suv-to-take-on-ferrari/) According to McLaren, the £500 million (A$944 million) investment will lead to an expansion of its operations at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, as well as the McLaren Composites Technology Centre, which is based in South Yorkshire and specialises in carbon-fibre manufacturing and research. Overall, it expects these upcoming investments to create “at least 1000 new direct and indirect jobs across McLaren's UK operations by 2032, while safeguarding existing roles”, while creating up to 3000 extra jobs across the supply chain. “Over the past 20 months, L’IMAD has worked closely with McLaren Automotive’s management team, supporting the business in sharpening its strategic direction and positioning itself for long-term growth,” said Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of McLaren shareholder L’IMAD, Jassem Al Zaabi. “This investment reflects our confidence in its potential and our commitment to backing the business through its next chapter, building on the heritage, engineering excellence, and distinctive brand that has defined McLaren for more than six decades." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/18150-ns-mclaren-788hs-shot04-final-1.jpg) McLaren 788HS [As reported earlier this week](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-mclaren-v6-hybrid-supercar/), McLaren dealers were shown a roadmap of future product plans recently, which included the announcement of the company’s new line of supercars, powered by V6 plug-in hybrid powertrains. Last year, McLaren W1 Project Manager Heather Fitch told *Torquecafe* that the flagship hypercar's new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and hybrid system could be used in future models, though without detailing what cars. “We’ve previously confirmed that the new V8 will certainly be looked to be powering some of our future vehicles” Fitch told Torquecafe. "And hybrids as well, we see a continued role for hybrid system setups for years to come. So there will be opportunities into the future for components like this." ### Ram’s V8 revival takes another step with 6.4-litre heavy-duty pickup URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ram-2500-warlock-hemi-v8-australia/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T08:00:07.000Z Ram Trucks Australia has continued to bring V8 engines back to its local lineup, today confirming the impending arrival of the 2500 Warlock, powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi. Following the confirmation of the Ram 1500 TRX SRT’s resurrection at the start of next year – and the door being left open to the 1500 Rumble Bee – the pickup giant has locked in the 2500 as its next model to offer a V8 engine, with deliveries starting next month. You have to go way back to 2015 to find the last time the 2500 was offered with a V8 engine, and it's the 6.4-litre Hemi which is once again under the bonnet, this time in the off-road oriented 2500 Warlock. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MY26-RAM-2500-WARLOCK-HEMI-V8-39-1.JPG) Ram 2500 Warlock Priced from $157,950 plus on-road costs, the Ram 2500 Warlock is the most affordable of the ‘heavy-duty’ segment pickups on sale in Australia, undercutting the $168,900 Chevrolet Silverado HD and $172,950 Ram 2500 Laramie. Powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 petrol engine, the 2500 Warlock produces 306kW and 582Nm, and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and part-time four-wheel drive system. Those outputs leave it outgunned by the existing players in the market, as until now the 2500 has been powered by a 6.7-litre Cummins straight-six turbo-diesel engine, making 313kW and 1458Nm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MY26-RAM-2500-WARLOCK-HEMI-V8-205-1.jpg) Ram 2500 Warlock Likewise, the Silverado HD’s 6.6-litre Duramax V8 turbo-diesel makes 350kW and 1332Nm, while featuring an extra two gear ratios from its 10-speed automatic transmission. Weighing 3220kg, the Ram 2500 Warlock is almost 500kg lighter than the Laramie, allowing it to boast a 1275kg payload capacity (up from 785kg), though its gross combination mass (GCM) has dropped from 12,750kg to 10,001kg. This is partly due to a reduced peak braked towing capacity when using a gooseneck, which is down from 8000kg to 6700kg. Figures with a 50mm and 70mm towball are unchanged at 3500kg and 4500kg, respectively. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MY26-RAM-2500-WARLOCK-HEMI-V8-177-1.JPG) Ram 2500 Warlock However, the Warlock V8 is positioned as a different vehicle to the Cummins-powered Laramie, being sold as an off-road and touring ready pickup, rather than an out-and-out heavy-hauling king. Visually it stands out with black highlights on the front fascia and headlight surrounds, wheel-arch flares, side steps and mirror caps, while the Warlock decals are also a visual contrast. Under the guards sit 20-inch alloy wheels which are shod in 285mm-wide all-terrain tyres, as opposed to the highway-terrain tyres on the Laramie’s 18s. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MY26-RAM-2500-WARLOCK-HEMI-V8-108.JPG) Ram 2500 Warlock The Warlock also gets Bilstein off-road shock absorbers, which are teamed with coil springs all round, with the leaf springs reserved for the big 3500. Inside the cabin there’s cloth seats instead of the leather upholstery on the Laramie, providing seating for up to six occupants when the centre console is repositioned. Other features which the Warlock misses out on compared to the Laramie include a power sunroof, heated and ventilated, power-adjustable front seats, and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, among others. The 12-inch infotainment screen remains though. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MY26-RAM-2500-WARLOCK-HEMI-V8-303-1.jpg) Ram 2500 Warlock The Ram 2500 Warlock continues with a full suite of safety features, such as AEB (including pedestrian, cyclist), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring warning, driver fatigue monitoring (new), front and rear parking sensors, lane-keeping assistance (updated), rear cross-traffic alert, rear-view camera, speed sign recognition, and valve-type tyre pressure monitors. Standard-fit are a tow bar receiver and 12-pin wiring harness, which is enhanced with trailer sway control. Servicing is required every 12 months or 12,000km, while the Ram 2500 is covered by a three-year, 100,000km warranty. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MY26-RAM-2500-WARLOCK-HEMI-V8-136-1.JPG) Ram 2500 Warlock ### Next McLaren supercar to out-punch V8s URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-mclaren-v6-hybrid-supercar/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T04:00:32.000Z McLaren has reportedly previewed its next-gen product roadmap to dealers, and it’s no longer going to focus its attention on V8s for its core products. Since the launch of the MP4-12C in 2011, which became the first model under McLaren’s road car rebirth, the main lineup of the brand’s supercars have been powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine. This V8 has since powered the 650S, 720S and 750S (the latter pair growing from 3.8 to 4.0 litres) as well as limited-edition models based on them, plus the once-flagship P1, though its time in the spotlight is coming to an end. According to [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/news/an-mclaren-reveals-new-brand-identity-product-roadmap-0910/?ref=torquecafe.com), McLaren dealers were shown a roadmap of future product plans, which included the announcement of the company’s new line of supercars, powered by V6 plug-in hybrid powertrains. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Large-12943-McLarenArturaHigh-PerformanceHybridall-newV6Engine.jpg) McLaren Artura engine Said to be a newly developed powertrain, it’s not yet known whether it’ll use any carry-over parts from the Artura sports car, which features a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 (with a 120-degree bank) and an electric motor within its transmission. The report claims the new V6 PHEV supercar will produce about 604kW and 1085Nm, significantly more than the 552kW and 800Nm outputs of the 750S, and still more than the 580kW figure of the recent send-off 788HS). It would also be a very healthy increase over the Artura, which develops 500kW and 720Nm combined. Carmakers downsizing the cylinder count of their supercars is nothing new, with Ferrari’s entry-level models moving from V8s to plug-in hybrid V6s in the past few years, while Lamborghini ditched its V10s for hybrid V8s. [McLaren farewells its V8 supercar with final special editionWhat started as the McLaren 720S nearly a decade ago is concluding as the limited-run 788HS, leaving a question mark over the future of the V8 for the brand.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-a1eaa22f-98e7-44d8-be6e-a0c5eac51fdb.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/mclaren-788hs-coupe-1-04d74e0d-2584-476a-b6d6-47562f5e3543.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/mclaren-farewells-its-v8-supercar-with-final-special-edition/) The recent [McLaren 788HS](https://torquecafe.com/mclaren-farewells-its-v8-supercar-with-final-special-edition/) is understood to be the last non-electrified V8 in the core McLaren lineup we’ll see for a while, as the brand’s next-generation models are tipped to get hybrid assistance. Last year, McLaren W1 Project Manager Heather Fitch told *Torquecafe* that the flagship hypercar's new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and hybrid system could be used in future models, though without detailing what cars. “We’ve previously confirmed that the new V8 will certainly be looked to be powering some of our future vehicles” Fitch told Torquecafe. "And hybrids as well, we see a continued role for hybrid system setups for years to come. So there will be opportunities into the future for components like this." ### MG U9 EV priced as Australia's latest electric ute URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-mg-u9-ev-price-electric-ute/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T23:48:17.000Z **UPDATE, 18/9/26:** *MG Motor Australia has confirmed the MG U9 EV will be priced from $78,990 plus on-road costs, making it close to $20,000 more than the top-spec turbo-diesel U9, which is $60,990 drive-away.* *This article continues unchanged below.* MG Australia is continuing to expand its local ute lineup, having last year launched the U9 turbo-diesel dual-cab, and this week announcing the electric U9 EV as its next offering. Claimed to be “designed and tested for Australia” but with local launch timing yet to be confirmed, we will be the first market globally where the U9 EV is sold, reiterating the importance of utes to brands wanting to become best-sellers down under. “The MG U9 EV brings together the capability and utility people expect from a ute with the comfort and benefits of an electric powertrain,” said MG Motor Australia marketing manager, Dimitri Andreatidis. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MG-EV-35-1.jpg) MG U9 EV “It’s designed to be used every day, whether that’s for work during the week, the school run or getting away on the weekend. “Being the first market globally to launch the MG U9 EV is also a significant milestone for MG and reflects the importance of Australia to our business.” A rebadged version of the Maxus eTerron 9 available overseas, the MG U9 will be just the fourth electric ute sold in Australia, following the LDV eT60 (now defunct), the car-based KGM Musso EV, and Toyota’s HiLux BEV. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MG-EV-11-1.jpg) MG U9 EV Based on the same body-on-frame platform as the MG U9 turbo-diesel, the U9 EV will be brought to Australia in all-wheel drive guise only, with the rear-wheel drive version available overseas not picked for a local berth. Its dual electric motors produce up to 325kW and 700Nm, enabling a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.8 seconds. Supplied by a 102.2kWh LFP battery pack, MG says the U9 EV has a WLTP lab-tested driving range of 430km, while it can be charged at up to 115kW, bringing its state of charge up from 20 to 80 per cent in 42 minutes. With a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, the U9 EV matches its turbo-diesel twin as well as almost every other turbo-diesel and plug-in hybrid ute on the market, while eclipsing the HiLux BEV’s 2000kg figure. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MG-EV-42-1.jpg) MG U9 EV It also features a 685kg payload capacity, as well as 236 litres of additional storage capacity under the bonnet where the engine would normally sit. Standard air suspension is also fitted, setting it apart from the De-dion rear leaf spring setup in the HiLux BEV, as well as the rear coils in the turbo-diesel U9. While LDV had initially announced it was conducting local testing of the eTerron 9 in 2024 with plans to launch it in 2025, the U9 EV’s twin is yet to arrive locally. “We continue to work with the factory on the LDV eTerron 9,” and LDV Australia spokesperson told *Torquecafe.* ### UFC supremo Dana White pays $2.1 million for a pair of pickups URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ram-rumble-bee-srt-10-dana-white/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T01:10:42.000Z Dana White, CEO and president of the UFC, has spent US$1.5 million (A$2.1 million) on two Ram pickups, buying the first allocation slot of the new 1500 Rumble Bee SRT as well as a classic SRT-10 at auction. At an auction hosted by Barrett-Jackson in Las Vegas, the first Ram 1500 Rumble Bee SRT and one of the few Dodge Ram SRT-10s were offered as a package deal, with all proceeds from the sale going towards the Folds of Honor and UFC Foundation charities. White, who featured heavily in promotional material for the [Rumble Bee SRT earlier this year](https://torquecafe.com/ram-news-1500-rumble-bee-worlds-fastest-pickup-ute-australia/), was on the block alongside Barrett-Jackson chairman and CEO, Craig Jackson, when bidding for the pickups commenced, with the UFC supremo submitting the winning bid. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Ram-1500-rumble-bee-2.jpg) Revealed as the world’s fastest ute/pickup, the Rumble Bee SRT is the flagship of the three-strong 1500 Rumble Bee lineup, which opens with the self-titled version (powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine), and the Rumble Bee 392 (with a 6.4-litre engine). Powered by the same supercharged 6.2-litre ‘Hellcat’ V8 in the TRX SRT, the Rumble Bee SRT packs a serious punch, developing 579kW and 881Nm, identical power numbers to the off-road 1500, but about 40Nm less. Despite this, thanks to its 22-inch wheels with 325mm-wide rear tyres, it can accelerate from 0-62mph (97km/h) in just 3.4 seconds, complete a quarter-mile (402m) pass in 11.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 274km/h. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Front_3-4_Web--2-.jpg) Artist's impression of White's Ram 1500 Rumble Bee SRT That latter figure, if it is tested and verified, would make it the world’s fastest production pickup and ute, beating the record held by the 255kW HSV Maloo, set in 2001 with an average two-way speed of 271.44km/h, set by Mark Skaife. White’s example will be the first off the production line, finished in custom Diamond Black Crystal Pearl-Coat and Molten Red Pearl-Coat two-tone paint scheme, and feature the blacked-out graphics package. The Dodge SRT-10 it comes with is a legend in its own right, with just over 10,000 examples made in the mid-2000s, each of which were powered by the 8.3-litre V10 engine from the Dodge Viper. Customised by RealTruck, the one sold to White as a part of the package features a unique two-tone paint scheme with a yellow upper body and black lower body, black hood graphics, custom color-matched wheels, and Viper-inspired bedside graphics. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Front_3-4_Web--1-.jpg) Artist's impression of White's Dodge Ram SRT-10 [As previously reported](https://torquecafe.com/v8-powered-ram-trx-rumble-bees-one-step-closer-to-australia/), the Ram 1500 Rumble Bee is on the cards for Australia, with a spokesperson for the brand saying in June it is “in close talks with the factory about securing an allocation for Australia. “It is too early to speculate on which of the three Ram 1500 Rumble Bees we would bring to Australia – the 5.7 litre Hemi, the 6.4-litre Hemi, or the supercharged 6.2. “Australia has a deep history with high-performance utes, and we know a Ram 1500 Rumble Bee will be right at home, down under.” ### China’s ‘Galaxy Cruiser’ Toyota LandCruiser rival could be built at Ford factory URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-geely-off-road-suv-ford-factory/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T00:08:22.000Z Chinese car giant Geely is making its first steps towards challenging established brands in the off-road vehicle market, with reports claiming it’ll produce one of its newest models in Spain at a Ford factory. As reported by [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/geely/ane-geely-spanish-suv-production-eu-tariffs-0915/?ref=torquecafe.com), insiders claim Geely’s Galaxy Cruiser 700 body-on-frame SUV is likely to be produced for the European market on a production line at Ford’s Valencia plant in Spain. Set to be sold in the region with a different badge, it would be one of a handful of Geely models to be built in the Ford factory, after the two brands announced a [joint venture agreement in July](https://torquecafe.com/ford-to-co-develop-new-model-with-chinese-giant-geely/). The joint venture sees Ford holding the controlling 66 per cent stake, while Geely will circumvent tariffs on Chinese-built cars in Europe by becoming a 34 per cent partner. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/geely-galaxy-cruiser-700-1.jpg) Geely Galaxy Cruiser 700 Previously the joint venture was confirmed to build a “multi-energy crossover” which is being co-developed with Geely, but designed by Ford, while Geely said it would produce two more SUVs at the factory, one of which will be the existing EX5 EV, while its additional model was under development. At the time, it said the additional SUV would begin rolling down the production line in 2028, giving added weight to the claims it’ll be the Galaxy Cruiser 700. Orders for the Galaxy Cruiser 700 only opened in China this week, with Geely claiming it received more than 10,000 orders in nine minutes, before recording 43,900 orders in an hour. In China, the Galaxy Cruiser 700 is offered with a choice of three powertrains. The base model has a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a single electric motor, mid-spec models add two electric motors on the rear axle, while the flagship gets a larger 2.0-litre engine, for combined outputs of 830kW. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/geely-galaxy-cruiser-700-3.jpg) Geely Galaxy Cruiser 700 Measuring 4893mm long, 2028mm wide and 1925mm tall, it’s 87mm shorter, 28mm wider, and sits 25mm lower than a LandCruiser GX 300 Series, while its 2900mm wheelbase is 50mm longer. Geely claims a ground clearance of 300mm and a wading depth of 800mm, while it also features an ‘amphibious mode’. While it’s almost certain to go on sale in Europe, Geely’s Australian operations haven’t confirmed the Galaxy Cruiser 700 for local showrooms, as its expansion continues. ### BYD Shark 6 recall: Every ute sold in Australia impacted URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-byd-shark-6-recall/ Last updated: 2026-09-15T21:23:04.000Z BYD Australia has instigated the recall of 32,009 examples of the Shark 6 ute, due to a fault which could lead the spare wheel to detach. "For involved vehicles, BYD has identified that in certain circumstances incorrect installation of the spare wheel, incorrect positioning of the spare wheel tray or insufficient fastening torque may cause abnormal wear of the spare wheel support cable," BYD said. "Continued movement and friction during vehicle operation may cause the cable to fail, resulting in spare wheel detachment. This may create a hazard to other road users and potentially cause serious injury or death." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/byd-shark-6-dynamic-cab-chassis-3.jpg) BYD Shark 6 cab-chassis The recall impacts all three variants of the Shark 6, from the long-serving Premium grade (28,543 vehicles), the Performance flagship (2100 examples), and the Dynamic cab-chassis (1366 vehicles). Owners of the Shark 6 can use BYD’s Vehicle Recall Information online tool to confirm their vehicle is affected, requiring the input of the ute’s 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Impacted Shark 6s will be fitted with an updated spare wheel lifter assembly as a part of the recall, though in the meantime BYD has urged owners to remove the spare wheel while they wait for the work to be carried out. BYD has encouraged owners to contact their preferred dealer to arrange the recall to be completed. ### Volkswagen claims efficiency record with one-off EV URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-volkswagen-claims-efficiency-record-with-one-off-ev/ Last updated: 2026-09-15T03:00:13.000Z Just over a decade ago, Volkswagen’s diesel vehicles were among the most efficient on sale, though its image suffered massively in the wake of the Dieselgate scandal. With its focus now more on EVs, the German car giant is looking at how to once again become the king of efficiency with electric motors, and it’s taken one big step forward with a new near-production vehicle. The Mission Efficiency has been revealed as a vehicle based on ID. Polo parts, but with a bespoke body that Volkswagen claims has made it “the world's most efficient near-production electric car”, setting three world records already. Powered by the 99kW electric motor and 54.9kWh battery from the ID. Polo, Volkswagen was able to drive the Mission Efficiency 1278.36 km from its German Development Centre in Wolfsburg via Poznań (Poland) and Olmütz (Czech Republic) to the Austrian capital Vienna, where it arrived with 164km of range remaining. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/42456-260818-5d4-10474-pg-ehra-fgr-1.jpg) Volkswagen Mission Efficiency Across the journey, the Mission Efficiency reportedly “achieved real consumption of 7.51 kWh/100 km including charging losses (6.89 kWh/100 km without charging losses)” at an average speed of 67.72km/h, while reaching a top speed of 138km/h. That average consumption figure of 6.89kWh/100km is enough for Volkswagen to claim the record – issued by the Record Institute for Germany (RID) – for the most economical electric car in its class (categorised as a near-production four-seater electric vehicle suitable for everyday use). The result was achieved through the Mission Efficiency also breaking the record for the lowest drag coefficient for all road-approved cars, with a Cd value of 0.158. Measuring 4775mm long and 1392mm tall, the Mission Efficiency still features four seats and a total of 481 litres of storage capacity, though Volkswagen says rear occupants above 1.6m tall won’t be comfortable given its teardrop design. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/42459-260818-5d4-9937-pg-ehra-a-fgr-1.jpg) Volkswagen Mission Efficiency Key to its achievements are its body – made of a high-strength carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and aramid composite – and a lightweight aluminium chassis structure, aimed at keeping the kilos down. To further reduce weight and other losses, the Mission Efficiency features an electromechanical brake at the rear, meaning it doesn’t require additional brake lines and fluid, currently in a prototype state. Even the inside of the wheels were given extra attention, with Volkswagen fitting new and patented rim deflectors to stop air from entering the wheels and causing additional turbulence. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/42476-db2026au00689.jpg) Volkswagen Mission Efficiency While Australia is accustomed to solar-powered cars as a part of the annual solar challenge race held in the outback, the Mission Efficiency features a photovoltaic system with a power output of 370W, integrated into the glass roof and boot lid. This system supplies power to the on-board systems – rather than topping up the battery – to provide as much as 30km of additional range per day. At this stage, Volkswagen says this is just a concept car, though learnings from the prototype will almost certainly find their way into a production vehicle at some stage. ### Australian insurer offers cheaper premiums to motorists who don’t drive themselves URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-tesla-fsd-supervised-zurich-insurance-australia/ Last updated: 2026-09-15T00:12:01.000Z Tesla rolled out its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software [in Australia a year ago](https://torquecafe.com/teslas-most-controversial-feature-goes-live-in-australia/), marking the first time that local motorists have been able to drive their vehicles without human input. With FSD Supervised active, the ‘Level 2’ semi-autonomous driving system steers, accelerates and brakes the car all on its own, though the driver is still deemed as the one in control – not the car itself – providing a legal loophole which puts the onus on the human in the driver’s seat. Available as a subscription service for $149 per month (or an upfront fee of $10,100 for those who purchased it prior to March 31, 2026), FSD Supervised isn’t cheap, though the cost of ownership for Tesla customers has been potentially reduced, thanks to a new approach by insurance giant Zurich. From this week, the Australian outpost of Zurich is including the use of FSD Supervised as “a rating factor for its Tesla insurance offering”, leading to less expensive premiums for users. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Tesla-Model-Y-L-Premium-Long-Range-AWD-CHINA-5.jpg) Tesla Model Y L Available through Zurich’s InsureMyTesla product – the only insurance endorsed by Tesla – the updated offering “covers eligible Australian customers with FSD (Supervised) technology in their vehicle”, said to be only the second time an insurance provider has recognised the system as a risk factor globally. “This is a really exciting milestone – both for Tesla owners who are rapidly adopting this FSD (Supervised) technology, and for Zurich as the first insurer in Australia to actively lean into this space,” said Zurich product manager, David Toma. “The data shows that drivers using this technology are involved in far fewer accidents, so it’s important they can access insurance that reflects this lower risk.” According to global data published by Tesla, “vehicles using this technology \[FSD Supervised\] have seven times fewer major or minor collisions compared with regular EVs”. [Tesla’s most controversial feature goes live in AustraliaAfter years of waiting, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system is now available to the public - but there’s more than one catch.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-ae972bbe-eb43-4256-90c0-22a8fc4c2642.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/tesla-full-self-driving-australia-d186c88b-ae2c-4bdb-a884-595a130041fb.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/teslas-most-controversial-feature-goes-live-in-australia/) Initially available in the US as a beta service to a select group of 160,000 users who gathered real-time data for Tesla, the technology became publicly available in late November 2022 to all vehicles capable of running it. At the time, it was not approved by US road safety regulators to be used unsupervised. Tesla continues to offer its free, pre-installed Autopilot system in Australia, providing common features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-change assistance. [I trusted my life to this car – would you?Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ system has arrived in Australia, we let it take us for a drive.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-83362240-6952-4fa7-9252-e26c04be08b1.png)Torquecafe.comStephen Ottley![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/20250411_130559-172aa4ee-028d-4777-ba07-b768e3d4f36d.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/i-trusted-my-life-to-this-car-would-you/) ### Former Australian Prime Minister calls for local car industry to be rebuilt URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-kevin-rudd-australian-car-industry-revival/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T22:56:27.000Z The 10-year anniversary of local full-vehicle production in Australia coming to an end is fast approaching, with calls to reignite the industry now starting to become more frequent. Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who served in the role from 2007 to 2010 and later in 2013, used an address to the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra to make the case for local car manufacturing to be restarted. In a wide-ranging speed – titled The Complacent Country: Navigating Australia’s future in an uncertain world – Rudd touched on a number of factors which have made Australia the ‘Complacent Country’, which included saying a local automotive industry is “a sovereign capability we are sorely missing”. “Of all the short-sighted acts of economic vandalism in recent decades, the closure of our car industry by the Abbott-Hockey government stands apart,” Rudd said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/final-ford-falcon-fg-x.jpg) Ford's final Falcon being produced “Australia under my government had one of the most modest industry subsidies in the auto world. “But politics triumphed over reason, sacrificing tens of thousands of jobs, tearing the beating heart out of Australia’s engineering and manufacturing base, and rendering us 100% dependent on auto imports. “Now the 3D printing and EV revolutions mean we can rebuild an Australian auto sector and repair this fatal vulnerability in our national security.” In December 2013, just a handful of months after the Liberal-Nationals coalition took government in the September 2013 election, then-Treasurer Joe Hockey effectively dared Holden and General Motors to exit local manufacturing. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/ford-ranger-factory-production-3.jpg) Ford Ranger production line in Thailand Hockey told the US giant “Either you’re here, or you’re not”, which ultimately culminated in Holden ending local production of the Commodore in October 2017, which had been preceded by Toyota ceasing production of the Camry earlier that month, and Ford axing the Falcon in October 2016. Rudd isn’t the only politician – former or current – to say Australia’s full-vehicle manufacturing industry should be restarted, with even current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying in May that he believes there’s “no reason why we can’t make (electric) vehicles” locally. “At the very least, we can make parts and components, including batteries here,” the Prime Minister said at the launch of News Corp’s ‘Back Australia’ campaign, as reported by the [*Herald Sun*](https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/back-australia/anthony-albanese-wants-car-manufacturing-to-return-in-australia-starting-with-evs/news-story/ca2aa86a19abd51e095bc83a9f4d9961?ref=torquecafe.com). “Indeed there are companies looking at doing just that. [Prime Minister Albanese wants cars to be manufactured in Australia againAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has lamented the demise of Holden while calling for the local production of vehicles once again.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-e7a2f97a-2304-4962-8202-d6eaca98504c.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/final-ford-falcon-fg-x-2bbe9da5-ca29-4734-9f7c-9e7d85e254e7.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/australia-news-anthony-albanese-car-manufacturing/) “We saw a decline of manufacturing in Australia because of differential labour costs. New technology means that labour is less important than transport costs.” “Because technology is ubiquitous, it’s available everywhere.” It’s worth noting that while full-vehicle production ended in late 2017, Australia’s automotive engineering industry continues to have an impact on the new-car market. For the past two years, more than 10,000 vehicles were locally converted from left- to right-hand drive by teams in Melbourne, with Walkinshaw (formerly Holden Special Vehicles) responsible for the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Yukon and Toyota Tundra, Ram’s own joint-venture reengineered the 1500, 2500 and 3500, while Ford’s F-150 was completed by RMA Automotive. All of these operations are based in Melbourne, and play a crucial role in allowing OEMs to bring their vehicles to market at a minimal price increase, compared to third-party firms. [Former Holden factory site gets $500 million investmentThe Elizabeth site in South Australia where Holden produced cars for 54 years is set to become a new Australia Post centre, having most recently grown mushrooms.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-1830bf4d-ca24-4e73-ae27-7b13a9a73717.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/Final-Commodore_2--1--df31075b-45dd-4daa-8c50-e0b9fdaa10e8.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/former-holden-factory-site-gets-500-million-investment/) Likewise, Premcar - born out of the demise of Ford Performance Vehicles - has led Nissan’s Navara and Patrol Warriors programs in Melbourne, and has recently branched out with Mitsubishi’s Triton Raider. Though it isn’t built in Australia, the Ford Ranger – Australia’s best-selling vehicle outright in 2023, 2024 and 2025 – was engineered by the Blue Oval’s local team, alongside the Everest, making them the vehicles with the most local R&D input on sale currently. Both are made for Australia in Thailand where the quality of production is high but at a relatively low cost, while the nation’s Free Trade Agreement with a vast number of countries allows the vehicles to be exported to more places than Australia could. [EPA Objects to Data Centre at Former Ford Falcon SiteThe Victorian government’s peak environmental agency has formally objected to plans to build a data centre where the Ford Falcon and Territory were once made.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-8ef86905-5de7-45d6-bc3b-72940bdfd0a8.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/final-ford-falcon-fg-x-9cad1795-1c25-462c-8672-26efec514436.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ford-falcon-melbourne-data-centre/) While employment numbers have slipped over the past few years, Ford Australia still employs approximately 1500 people through its OEM operations, more than 1000 of whom work in design and development – departments which led to the introduction of the Ranger Super Duty. The former production sites of vehicles such as the Camry, Commodore and Falcon have evolved since their demise. Holden’s former Commodore plant is soon becoming an [Australia Post parcel sorting centre](https://torquecafe.com/former-holden-factory-site-gets-500-million-investment/), while one of the ex-Falcon production sites is slated to be [turned into a data centre](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ford-falcon-melbourne-data-centre/). ### Almost every Ford Mustang S650 in Australia recalled, deliveries paused URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ford-mustang-recall-stop-sale-australia/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T07:30:10.000Z Ford Australia has recalled 7724 examples of the current S650-generation Mustang, owing to a fault affecting more than 150,000 vehicles globally. In a statement provided to *Torquecafe*, Ford confirmed the recall of the Mustang has also extended to a stop-sale of the model, with all vehicles built before June 2026 impacted. “Ford Australia is conducting a precautionary voluntary safety recall for 7724 Mustangs built between March 2023 and May 2026,” a Ford Australia spokesperson said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/crop_2025-Ford-Mustang-Media-Drive-Wave-1_8.jpg) “Excess heat-shrink on a grounding eyelet in the wiring harness may affect certain vehicle functions, although no related issues or incidents have been reported in Australia. “Not all Mustangs are affected. The upcoming Mustang Dark Horse and Dark Horse with T8-Spec Pack are not affected, alongside any stock built since the start of June. “Ford will contact affected owners directly about rectification. There are just under 500 vehicles in dealer stock affected, and these will not be sold until the issue is rectified. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/crop_2025-Ford-Mustang-Media-Drive-Wave-2_259.jpg) “Customer safety is Ford’s highest priority, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.” In the US, the recall of 148,663 Mustangs was announced at the start of the month for the fault, which at that point had been identified in eight warranty claims. The announcement comes [less than a month](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2024-2026-ford-mustang-recalled/) after Ford recalled 4955 examples of the current Mustang in Australia, due to a fault in which the “windshield washing system may become inoperable and the wipers may only function at the high-speed setting”. ### Toby Price takes Subaru WRX to gruelling rally win URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-sunraysia-safari-toby-price-subaru-wrx-win/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T07:00:09.000Z Toby Price is already a Dakar Rally and Finke Desert Race winner, and now he can add the Sunraysia Safari to his growing list of racing achievements, taking home the top result from the 2026 event while driving a Subaru WRX. Price was entered into the four-day event aboard a production-specification Subaru WRX, which had safety and suspension modifications (plus a snorkel) as its only add-ons compared to the showroom-spec car. Along with co-driver Ben Searcy, Price became the fastest vehicle in the event, covering the 1,058.65km of competitive driving in 10 hours, 58 minutes and 36 seconds, at an average speed of 96.45km/h on rugged terrain throughout the New South Wales outback (not the Subaru model). "This is a really special win," Price said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/subaru-wrx-sunraysia-safari-rally-3.jpg) Toby Price en route to winning the 2026 Sunraysia Safari “The Sunraysia Safari is a tough event that pushes both driver and car to the absolute limit. We faced a huge variety of conditions across the four days which made it tricky, but the WRX never missed a beat. The team prepared an outstanding package and it's awesome to reward that effort with a win." Prepared by Maximum Motorsport, the WRX and Price beat team owner Dean Herridge home by 92 seconds, with the former Australian Rally Championship runner-up campaigning the rally in a Subaru Crosstrek, having won the 2025 edition in the same car. “To get a one-two for the team is a fantastic result and I'm absolutely delighted for everyone involved,” Herridge said. “The gap back to third was massive, which is a huge credit to the team, the cars and Subaru, and everyone who put the effort in to get us here. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/subaru-wrx-sunraysia-safari-rally-5.jpg) Subaru took a 1-2 result in the rally “You don't draft someone like Toby just to make up the numbers. You want to see what the car can do and what he can do with it, and he absolutely delivered. Hats off to him, he drove incredibly well and got everything out of the WRX. “I'm also really proud of what we achieved with the Crosstrek. To come away with second and put two Subarus at the front of the field shows what a strong package we've got and what the team is capable of.” Completing the top three in the Auto class was Tony Quinn in a rally-specification, V8-powered Nissan Navara. ### Ferrari reveals another track car you can’t race URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-ferrari-296-gt-modificata/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T05:21:23.000Z Ferrari’s twin-turbo 296 lineup has expanded, now available in a fourth track-only guise – but you can’t race it. Based loosely on the 296 GT3 Evo, the new 296 GT Modificata has been revealed as a new track car, effectively replacing the six-year-old 488 GT Modificata as the car to buy when you want something faster than what the professionals get. Claimed to be able to lap Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit a whole three seconds faster than then 296 GT3 Evo, the GT Modificata’s huge speed advantage is thanks in part to its comprehensive aerodynamics package. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/F296GTM_hero_shots_3_4_16_9_v11_b36cdc9d-000d-419e-9c57-719b7254d87c-1.png) Ferrari 296 GT Modificata This includes a redesigned front splitter and bonnet, while at the back there’s a whole new, much larger wing, featuring endplates inspired by the Le Mans-winning 499P Hypercar, designed to “improve management of the vortices generated by the wing”. It’s a good thing it makes more downforce than the GT3 car, because the 296 GT Modificata also produces much more power from its twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 engine. With 537kW and 800Nm on tap, it’s about 96kW more potent than the GT3 car (due to Balance of Performance regulations), and produces the peak power figure at 7500rpm, with drive sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed paddle-operated sequential transmission. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/F296GTM_hero_shots_back_16_9_v11_1bbb964e-fa07-4cde-b1d2-0f87ab61252e-1.png) Ferrari 296 GT Modificata According to Ferrari, the Modificata benefits from modified “cranktrain, camshafts, induction line, intercoolers and turbocharger” components, compared to the GT3 Evo machine. Helping to arrest the speed brought on by the extra power are steel brake discs, employing an upgraded ventilation system at the front, something which Ferrari says delivers “more consistent performance, greater reliability and letting the driver exploit the car’s potential even more effectively”. Like the GT3 car, it has an ABS system, though inside the cabin there are two seats, allowing drivers to take a passenger, such as a driving instructor, to hone their craft. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/296GTM_interni_03_16x9_bfe5b7ec-9500-42a3-9e98-20dd53137530-1.png) Ferrari 296 GT Modificata Unlike most Ferraris, the options list is limited, consisting of a rear radar system, as well as personalisation of the car’s colour scheme, which customers can choose from the Ferrari Design Studio. However, the ability to run the 296 GT Modificata is relatively limited, as it’s only allowed to take part in track days and in dedicated non-competitive Ferrari Club Competizioni GT events. As a part of the purchase price – to be announced – Ferrari offers two years of participation in its Ferrari Club Competizioni GT program, held across different circuits around the world. The 2027 calendar for the Club Competizioni GT programme consists of seven events: Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), Misano Adriatico (Italy), Fuji (Japan), Indianapolis (USA), Paul Ricard (France), Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/F296GTM_hero_shots_side_16_9_v11_c1d427e9-a098-4781-b9a1-afefd789d63a-1.png) Ferrari 296 GT Modificata ### Next Ford Bronco may have leaked in parent images URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-next-ford-bronco-patent-images/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T03:16:55.000Z Ford resurrected the Bronco nameplate in 2021 after a 25-year hiatus, and it’s safe to say the return of the badge has been a good thing for the Blue Oval brand. Based on the T6 platform which underpins the Ranger and Everest in Australia, the Bronco is only sold in North America, but it’s consistently one of Ford’s most popular models in the region, taking customers away from the Jeep Wrangler by offering a similar off-road focused experience. Already five years old, reports of a new-generation Bronco launching by 2030 have been circulating in recent months, and now we may have our best idea at what it will look like, thanks to patent images published by [*Car and Driver*](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a73642098/next-gen-ford-bronco-patents/?ref=torquecafe.com). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2030-ford-bronco-patent-2.jpg) Potential Ford Bronco patent image via **Car and Driver* Submitted by Ford to the US Patent and Trademark Office, the two images show a boxy, rugged SUV which bears a resemblance to the current Bronco, but with enough changes to suggest this is the next-generation model. That includes its larger front grille, revised roof rails, wheel-arches and belt line, while its front bumper also has integrated tow hooks, and at the back there’s a top-hinged tailgate, rather than the swing gate currently fitted to the Bronco. It appears the model pictured is an even more off-road focused version than the standard Bronco, fitted with large side steps, a roof-top tent in some images, and storage on the doors. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2030-ford-bronco-patent-3.jpg) Potential Ford Bronco patent image via **Car and Driver* While yet to be confirmed, this design could find its way onto a pickup, with recent reports claiming Ford will build a [Bronco-based pickup](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-bronco-pickup-replacing-ranger-ute/) when it moves to its next generation. As reported by [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/car-concepts/future-product/an-ford-future-product-0819/?ref=torquecafe.com) last month, the insiders claimed the Bronco-based pickup will be built at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant, current home of production for the North American-market Bronco SUV and Ranger. Details are light, though it’s understood the Bronco pickup will be a part of the Wayne, Michigan plant’s transition to become a Bronco-exclusive facility, as there are reportedly no plans for the next-generation Ranger to be made there for North America. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2030-ford-bronco-patent-1.jpg) Potential Ford Bronco patent image via **Car and Driver* Separately, [*Autoweek*](https://www.autoweek.com/news/a70469162/lincoln-to-get-ford-bronco-based-range-rover-fighter/?ref=torquecafe.com) reported [in February](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-lincoln-ford-bronco/) that insider sources have said Lincoln - famous for the Continental, but now exclusively selling SUVs - will launch a body-on-frame SUV before the end of the decade, most likely running on the underpinnings of the Ford Bronco. Expected to marry the off-road capability of the Bronco with the Lincoln design language, specifically the Navigator, it’s understood it would be pitched as a rival to premium 4x4s on the market, and potentially replace the Lincoln Nautilus in the brand’s mid- to large-sized SUV lineup. Ford’s launch of the [Bronco Filson in June](https://torquecafe.com/ford-targets-land-rover-defender-with-raptor-powered-bronco-filson/) is understood to be a test of the demand for a more luxurious off-roader from the brand. ### BMW Z4 gets more power than a Toyota Supra URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-bovensiepen-spider-bmw-z4-upgrade/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T01:36:43.000Z BMW may have already wrapped up production of the Z4 convertible and its Toyota Supra coupe twin, but that doesn’t mean the drop-top is completely dead, having recently had its life extended thanks to Bovensiepen. Founded by the family which started Alpina – now under full control of BMW – Bovensiepen’s vehicles are arguably a continuation of the brand formerly owned by its namesakes, providing performance upgrades while keeping its vehicles classy. The Bovensiepen Spider is no exception, taking the BMW Z4 and dressing it up in a nicer suit, while hiding the extra weight training it’s been doing underneath. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Bovensiepen_Spider_03-1.jpg) Bovensiepen Spider Visually, the Spider stands out from the Z4 with its tweaked front splitter, wheel-arch vents, more prominent side skirts and a sharp rear diffuser, sitting below the extended rear spoiler which stretches the overall length of the convertible. This design package was penned by famed automotive designer Frank Stephenson, who counts the first-generation BMW X5, the first BMW-era Mini, the McLaren P1 and Ferrari F430 as just some of his designs, and who in June helped unveil the [Bovensiepen 05 GT](https://torquecafe.com/former-ferrari-mclaren-designer-puts-the-bmw-m5-in-a-tuxedo/) as a classier BMW M5. The wheel design of the Spider has also been reworked, with its 20-inch forged alloy wheels featuring 10 spokes – half the number of Alpina’s classic design – sitting in front of larger optional brakes, with four-piston calipers and 395mm rotors at the front teamed with 345mm discs at the back. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Bovensiepen_Spider_06-1.jpg) Bovensiepen Spider Bovensiepen’s brake upgrades are a hint at what other changes have been made under the skin, such as retuned dampers with higher low-speed compression, while at the rear there’s longer auxiliary springs. However, the biggest upgrades have been made under the bonnet, where a ram air intake, larger intake silencer, new sports exhaust, and other changes have resulted in the Spider producing 320kW and 580Nm from its turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine. For context, the standard Z4 M40i made 250kW and 500Nm, the GR Supra produced 285kW and 500Nm, and the send-off GR Supra Final Edition made 320kW and 570Nm, making the Spider more powerful than the lot. In base guise, Bovensiepen claims the Spider will sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds (identical to the Z4 upon which it’s based), while it’ll hit a limited top speed of 260km/h. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Bovensiepen_Spider_05-1.jpg) Bovensiepen Spider With its optional Performance Package, the top speed rises to 295km/h, and its structural rigidity is increased thanks to the fitment of a V-brace under the skin. Also included is a rear differential cover with larger cooling fins. The Bovensiepen Spider is auto-only, with the eight-speed ZF transmission the only one on offer, its gear selector appearing in the cabin which is now kitted out with standard Vernasca leather and Alcantara upholstery. The heated steering wheel is wrapped in Lavalina leather, while customers can request their own interior appointments through the Bovensiepen Saddlery program. Just 99 examples of the Spider will be made, priced from €115,000 (A$186,500). ### Land Rover Defender pickup to be made by Ram, Jeep parent - report URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-land-rover-defender-pickup-stellantis-ram-jeep/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T00:11:59.000Z The Land Rover Defender ute is set to return, with reports from the UK indicating a pickup version of the luxury SUV will soon launch in the US – thanks to a new partnership with automotive conglomerate Stellantis. As reported by [*The Times*](https://www.thetimes.com/business/companies-markets/article/jaguar-land-rover-unveil-us-pick-up-truck-with-stellantis-850s82lfr?ref=torquecafe.com), the Defender ute will soon be unveiled for the US, aiming to carve a niche in the region’s huge market for pickups, becoming one of the only luxury-oriented models on sale. According to the publication, it will be made by Stellantis, the parent company of Ram, Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler, as a part of a joint venture between the Dutch conglomerate and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). Stellantis and JLR signed a “Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities to collaborate on product development in the United States” [in May](https://torquecafe.com/jlr-stellantis-jeep-land-rover-mou/), at the time not mentioning any specific plans. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/urban-automotive-land-rover-defender-ute-5.jpg) Widetrack Avontur Prototype In a joint media release, the carmakers said that “under the terms of the non‑binding MOU, Stellantis and JLR will explore collaboration opportunities to create synergies across product and technology development, leveraging the companies’ complementary strengths to create value for both organizations”. *The Times* didn’t add further details to its report about the pickup, such as whether the Defender’s existing monocoque/unibody structure would carry over to the ute, or if it would be a body-on-frame vehicle bearing the Defender name. A key factor in Stellantis building the Defender pickup in the US would be for JLR to avoid the country’s controversial “Chicken Tax”, which imposes a 25 per cent tariffs on imported pickups and utes from other nations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/crop_DEF_OCTA_25MY_4_DYNAMIC.jpg) 2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA It was previously expected the JLR-Stellantis joint venture would see Range Rover and Jeep tie up, given the off-road connection between the two. As previously reported, both JLR and Stellantis face perceptions of poor reliability in each of their home markets and globally, with JD Power’s annual studies on new and recent vehicles often ranking Jeep and Land Rover among its lowest performers in its Vehicle Dependability Study. In the most recent 2026 edition, there were 29 brands ranked, with Jeep coming in 26th with 267 problems per 100 vehicles, and Land Rover in 27th with 274 problems per 100 vehicles. For context, the industry average was 204 problems per 100 vehicles. [Land Rover Defender gets luxury ute conversionThe Defender once was Land Rover’s rival to the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, and one UK firm wants to take it back to its utilitarian roots.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-5b882a1b-0e1c-41fb-bff7-a499f3ce788b.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/urban-automotive-land-rover-defender-ute-1-5e838754-9212-40c6-8adf-87c044a527e2.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/land-rover-defender-gets-luxury-ute-conversion/) ### NRL star Josh Addo-Carr dumped by Chinese ute brand URL: https://torquecafe.com/nrl-news-josh-addo-carr-loses-jac-sponsorship/ Last updated: 2026-09-13T06:02:55.000Z Josh Addo-Carr, star winger for the Parramatta Eels NRL club, has lost his sponsorship from Chinese ute brand JAC Motors in Australia, the carmaker has confirmed. As reported by [*ABC News*](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-31/josh-addo-carr-sacked-from-the-canterbury-bulldogs/104546540?ref=torquecafe.com), Addo-Carr was stopped for a random roadside test in Sydney on Friday, September 11 when he allegedly returned a positive preliminary drug wipe for cocaine. NSW Police obtained an oral sample from Addo-Carr which is being further analysed. In New South Wales, motorists who return a positive roadside oral test for drugs can be placed under arrest, instead of needing to be taken to a police station or nearby testing bus. The first test is sent to a lab for analysis while a second on-the-spot test is conducted and, if this returns a positive result as well, the motorist is banned from driving for the next 24 hours. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/DSC_7665copy-1.jpg) Josh Addo-Carr with the JAC Hunter in March While the Parramatta Eels have said it had “notified the NRL Integrity unit and is cooperating with the appropriate processes”, JAC Motors Australia announced it has ended its sponsorship of Addo-Carr, effective immediately. “JAC Motors Australia wishes to announce the immediate termination of our sponsorship with Josh Addo-Carr,” the brand posted on social media. “The allegations and reported behaviour do not reflect our values and standards. “We believe in safety and integrity in all our products and all our dealings and we are disappointed with this news.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/DSC_7324copy-1.jpg) Josh Addo-Carr with the JAC Hunter in March Addo-Carr had been sponsored by JAC Motors since earlier this year, joining its promotional trail of the Hunter plug-in hybrid ute. This led to Addo-Carr (whose initials are JAC) revealing his [customised JAC Hunter in March](https://torquecafe.com/is-this-the-biggest-threat-to-the-byd-shark-6/), complete with a lift kit, hard lid, lighting, JAC genuine accessories, Lenso tyres and a custom paint finish. The deal to sponsor Addo-Carr came despite the winger being axed from his former club, the Canterbury Bulldogs, in 2024 after he failed a roadside drug test. ### Ford’s Kia Carnival rival to lose diesel power URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-ford-tourneo-phev-diesel-australia/ Last updated: 2026-09-12T20:00:35.000Z Ford is looking to reduce its emissions footprint in Australia, announcing the upcoming demise of the turbo-diesel Ford Tourneo people mover, with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain to replace it next year. Speaking to Australian media earlier this week, Ford Australia general manager of product marketing, Karen Larkin, announced the Tourneo will go PHEV-only next year, spelling the end for the current turbo-diesel powered model. “\[The\] Tourneo, our eight-seat flexible people mover, will soon be offered exclusively as a plug-in hybrid with up to 51 kilometres of range,” Larkin said. “It will be arriving in dealerships early in Q2 next year (April to June 2027) and give customers even more multi-energy choices and lower running costs.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Kids__Kayak__Colleagues__The_ultimate_van_is_set_to_land__all-new_Ford_Tourneo_to_launch_in_Australia_this_year--1--1.jpg) Ford Tourneo (overseas model shown) Currently the Tourneo is exclusively powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, sending up to 125kW and 390Nm to the front wheels through an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. In the first six months of 2026, Ford delivered 222 examples of the Tourneo, a 41 per cent drop on the same period last year. For context, Kia delivered 6009 Carnivals, Hyundai shipped 556 Starias, and even the electric Volkswagen ID.Buzz managed 554 deliveries. The Tourneo PHEV is yet to be detailed, however it’s believed to carry across its powertrain from the Transit Custom, the van upon which the Tourneo people mover is based. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Kids__Kayak__Colleagues__The_ultimate_van_is_set_to_land__all-new_Ford_Tourneo_to_launch_in_Australia_this_year--1--1.png) Ford Tourneo (overseas model shown) In the Transit Custom PHEV, its 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (making 86kW and 209Nm) is paired with a 111kW and 320Nm electric motor for total outputs of 171kW and 400Nm, continuing to drive the front wheels, though in this case through a CVT automatic. This variant utilises an 11.8kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC), delivering 54km of claimed electric-only driving range. Larkin’s claim that the Tourneo PHEV will have a 51km driving range stacks up against the van’s figures. A key motivating factor behind the switch is understood to be the Tourneo PHEV’s significantly lower CO2 emissions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Kids__Kayak__Colleagues__The_ultimate_van_is_set_to_land__all-new_Ford_Tourneo_to_launch_in_Australia_this_year-1.png) Ford Tourneo (overseas model shown) The Transit Custom PHEV has an official emissions figure of 38g/100km, compared to the turbo-diesel’s 209g/km figure, the latter of which features the same engine as the Tourneo currently in showrooms. For context, the Tourneo emits 194g/km, expected to drop significantly when the PHEV arrives. Under Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), carmakers can be fined up to $100 for every gram per kilometre (g/km) their vehicles are over the emissions limits. For ‘Type 1’ passenger vehicles such as the Tourneo, this limit is 117g/km in 2026, 92g/km in 2027, 68g/km in 2028 and 58g/km in 2029. ### Skoda Superb on borrowed time as sedan, wagon sales dwindle URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-skoda-superb-could-be-axed/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T20:00:35.000Z Skoda has always been aligned as the entry-level Volkswagen sub-brand after coming under the German giant’s control in the late 1990s, which has given the Czech carmaker some interesting opportunities to try and offer different products to its parent. While all Skoda models are based on Volkswagen platforms, the brand has prided itself on being different enough to its parent and even other sub-brands like Audi, sometimes offering better products at a portion of the price. One such model has been the Superb, introduced in 2001 as Skoda’s Passat twin, and now in its fourth generation, with its popularity having led to the new Passat being based on it, rather than the other way around. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/DFP50068.jpg) But it may not be long for this world, as the Volkswagen Group is consolidating brands and product lines amid sweeping changes to try and get itself into a better financial position, leading to a rationalisation of what it offers. When asked if Skoda could be spared from having to cull model lines due to the relative success of its current lineup, CEO Klaus Zellmer told [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/skoda-superb-line-retirement-brand-shapes-future-line?ref=torquecafe.com), “that’s not a given”, before hinting the Superb could be merged with its smaller sibling, the Octavia. “We’re very proud of the Superb, and we love the Octavia. With both models we’re very safe in the market – the Octavia has led its segment since 2016. “The big question is going forward: saloons and limousines and combis \[estates\] are not on the rising path. The \[next-gen SSP (scalable systems platform, electric architecture)\] platform caters for wiggle room to go up to Superb dimensions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/DFP59380.jpg) “We’re currently looking into whether we still need the full monty, or whether we will have a smart way to cover both segments and target groups.” In September last year, Skoda released the Vision O concept, an electric wagon which is tipped to preview the replacement to the current Superb and Octavia wagons, though without a related liftback offering. It’s expected the production version of the Vision O will launch as the new Octavia in 2027 or 2028, and will continue to be based on the same platform as the contemporary Volkswagen Golf. Both models are expected to run on the Volkswagen Group’s upcoming Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), rather than the existing MEB platform which underpins current Volkswagen ID. models. [Skoda previews the future of wagons with Octavia conceptThe Skoda Vision O is a look at what the next Octavia wagon will look like, guaranteeing wagons in the brand’s lineup.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-7a01dfa7-57b2-479c-89bb-3b01879d1026.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/skoda-vision-o-octavia-ev-5-5f608e63-36a5-4579-93ac-614c62c223de.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/skoda-previews-the-future-of-wagons-with-octavia-concept/) If the Superb is axed and effectively replaced by a larger Octavia, it won’t be a first in the car industry. Mercedes-Benz’s current CLE coupe is, effectively, an amalgamation of the previous two-door C- and E-Class offering. It may take some time for the Superb to be fully phased out, as its most recent generation only launched in 2024, and arrived in Australia last year. Even in Australia, the Superb is a niche offering, with just 76 examples delivered between January and June this year. For context, Mercedes-Benz sold 164 examples of the dearer E-Class, BMW shipped 121 5 Series, and Volvo delivered 111 ES90s across the same period. ### Iconic Australian motoring firm turns 30 URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-premcar-30-tickford-fpv/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T01:55:04.000Z The Australian motoring industry has continued to thrive even after the departure of large-scale, local manufacturing, with one of its biggest success stories celebrating a major milestone. September 11, 2026 represents 30 years since the engineering firm now known as Premcar was officially incorporated, at the time being best known as Tickford Vehicle Engineering, and later becoming Ford Performance Vehicles before its current guise. “Today marks 30 years of Australian know-how delivering world-class cars,” said Premcar CEO, Bernie Quinn. “Since 1996, this Australian operation has been the go-to for carmakers looking to create exciting new cars for passionate customers. “After 30 years, Premcar is busier than ever – and we have big future plans.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Premcar-Sign---Australia.jpg) Currently, Premcar is best known for its ‘Warrior’ range of Nissan off-road vehicles, such as the Patrol Warrior and – until recently – the Navara Warrior, a new generation of which was previewed late last year. It has also recently started working with Mitsubishi to deliver the Triton Raider, a more off-road ready version of the popular ute, using lessons learned from its development of the Navara (based on the Triton) suspension to level-up the dual-cab. “Much more is planned and already underway,” Quinn added. Having operated in Australia since 1991 as a joint venture with Ford Australia, Tickford oversaw the introduction of the hot Falcon XR range with the EB, which branched out to building higher performance versions of the inline six 4.0-litre engine in other Falcons, Fairmonts and Fairlanes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/mitsubishi-triton-raider-8.jpg) Mitsubishi Triton Raider Operating as Tickford from 1991, the official incorporation of the company in September 1996 brought it into a new era, coinciding with the launch of the EL Falcon, to which the firm continued to make improvements, most notably with the launch of the EL GT in 1997. Tickford’s high point arguably came with the controversial AU Falcon, not only for the XR models – denoted by their quad headlights – but also with the T Series of high-performance models, designed to take on Holden’s growing HSV brand. Now known as Ford Tickford Engineering (FTE), the brand launched three hot models, the TE50, TS50, and TL50, all of which have gone on to become cult classics. When Tickford’s global operations were bought out by Prodrive in 2001, its local branding changed to Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) with the launch of the BA Falcon in 2002, however the Tickford team had already worked on the new model’s key selling point. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2025-nissan-patrol-warrior-7.jpg) Nissan Patrol Warrior The Falcon XR6 Turbo has become one of the lasting legacies of Ford’s Australian operations, best known for at the time being a V8 killer, offering similar performance figures from its turbocharged 4.0-litre ‘Barra’ six-cylinder engine to the XR8’s and Holden Commodore SS’s V8s. With FPV now seen as a subsidiary of Ford, it started to churn out some of the decade’s most iconic performance vehicles locally, from the F6 to GT and the Pursuit utes. FPV was then bought out by management in 2012, becoming Premcar and still operating as a partner to Ford, though by then the writing was on the wall that the relationship wouldn’t last long, as local production of the Falcon ended in October 2016. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/ford_falcon_sprint_xr6_turbo_10.jpeg) Ford Falcon XR6 Sprint This didn’t stop Premcar from continuing to work as an engineering business, developing the Ford Falcon XR6 and XR8 Sprint models as a send-off to the sedans, while later launching its own ‘Holy Grail’ package in 2018, showing what could have been if Ford’s purse strings weren’t as tight. It was at this time Premcar first started to have conversations with Nissan, which eventually resulted in the launch of the Navara Warrior product line, and the opening of its manufacturing and engineering headquarters in Epping, Melbourne. Premcar has recently confirmed it’s been appointed by Chery to undertake in-market testing and validation of the Stockman locally, while last year it developed a prototype of an off-road Infiniti QX80 (twin to the Nissan Patrol) in the US. ### BMW M goes green for Nürburgring’s 100th birthday URL: https://torquecafe.com/bmw-m-goes-green-for-nurburgrings-100th-birthday/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T00:40:01.000Z With the Nürburgring set to turn 100 in 2027, a number of German brands are doing what they can to mark the occasion, with BMW now revealing nine bespoke vehicles as its tribute to the track. A joint celebration by BMW M (the performance car division) and BMW M Motorrad (the fast motorcycle arm), the 100 Jahre Nürburgring editions have been revealed as tributes to the track known as ‘The Green Hell’. Available on the BMW M2, M3 sedan, M3 Touring wagon, M4 coupe, M5 sedan and M5 Touring wagon, the cars score special liveries consisting of “100 Years” and “Nürburgring since 1927” logos, as well as unique green colour schemes which on some examples extends to the kidney grille and wheels. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/bmw-m-nurburgring-100-jahre-years-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/bmw-m-nurburgring-100-jahre-years-3.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/bmw-m-nurburgring-100-jahre-years-4.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/bmw-m-nurburgring-100-jahre-years-5.jpg) It’s a similar story for the bikes, with the M1000RR, M1000R and M1000XR all getting the M Track Package as standard, as well as Nürburgring Green paint, anniversary decals, carbon wheels, black rear swingarm and rear frame, and a seat in Alcantara look with “100” embroidery. Each of the bikes also have an airbox cover with the anniversary design and “one of 100” logos, marking their exclusivity. “The Nürburgring is much more than just a racetrack for us – it is a second home for BMW M,” said BMW M CEO, Frank van Meel. “All our production vehicles are put through their paces on the Nordschleife. With the Edition 100 Jahre Nürburgring, we celebrate our long-standing and successful relationship with the Nürburgring.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/bmw-m-nurburgring-100-jahre-years-6.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/bmw-m-nurburgring-100-jahre-years-7.jpg) “The Nordschleife has been part of the DNA of our M models for years,” said BMW Motorrad CEO, Markus Flasch. “With our special models for the 100th anniversary of the Nürburgring, we pay tribute to a place that has made motorsport history and, to this day, shapes the connection between racetrack and road like no other.” The unveiling of the nine vehicles comes after [Porsche revealed its own tribute last month](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-news-911-gt3-nurburgring-edition/) in the 911 GT3 100 Jahre Nürburgring. ### Mercedes-AMG’s latest V8 coupe is a German Mustang GTD URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-mercedes-amg-cle-646-v8-revealed/ Last updated: 2026-09-10T23:24:22.000Z Mercedes-AMG has been teasing us with the return of a dynamic, high-power V8 coupe for a while now, finally arriving in the form of the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung. Based on the CLE coupe – which amalgamated the old C- and E-Class two-doors into a single product – the new model is the latest from the Mercedes Mythos Series, with just 30 examples set to be handcrafted by its Affalterbach team. Translated directly as ‘custom-made item’, the Spezialanfertigung is perhaps one of the most aggressive non-GT-badged AMG models since the old Black Series line, with its aggressive bodywork and stance almost reminiscent of the Ford Mustang GTD, rather than any Mercedes we’ve seen before. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/mercedes-amg-cle-646-Spezialanfertigung-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/mercedes-amg-cle-646-Spezialanfertigung-2.jpg) Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung To give it track credentials, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung has been stripped down by about 170kg, utilising carbon fibre for its wider front guards, bumper, side skirts, bonnet, roof, rear bumper/diffuser, boot lid, and rear wing, while polycarbonate replaces the glass rear and rear-side windows. There’s been lightweighting inside the cabin too, after AMG removed the rear seats and acoustic insulation materials from the CLE, taken away “various drive modes and assistance systems” to simplify the steering wheel, and fitted racing bucket seats with carbon fibre door panels. Of course, you can’t just take weight out of a car and expect that to be enough to make it faster, with the CLE’s bodyshell scoring extensive modifications (such as an integrated roll-over bar) to increase its rigidity, while the front and rear track width has been increased by 60mm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/mercedes-amg-cle-646-Spezialanfertigung-3.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/mercedes-amg-cle-646-Spezialanfertigung-4.jpg) Riding 22mm lower at the front and 16mm lower at the rear than a standard CLE53 AMG, the 646 Spezialanfertigung has benefitted from the fitment of forged 20-inch wheels, measuring 11 inches wide up front and 12 inches wide at the back, shod in tyres based on those developed for the Mercedes-AMG One. It’s a good thing it has grippy rubber too, because it needs as much as possible to handle what’s coming from under the bonnet. The AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is powered by Mercedes’s latest ‘M177’ Evo engine, a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft, a part which it says “improves revving characteristics and promotes exceptionally responsive throttle response”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/mercedes-amg-cle-646-Spezialanfertigung-5.jpg) Developing 475kW (or 646hp, hence the name) and 850Nm, it’s one of the most powerful engines fitted to an AMG road car, and adopts a revised cooling system and high-performance Akrapovič exhaust to make it stand out. Unlike the all-wheel drive six-cylinder CLE53 AMG, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is rear-drive only, featuring an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential. Its nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission has also been revised to be sharper than ever, helping it to row through the gears quick enough to reach 100km/h from a standstill in just 3.9 seconds, and onto a top speed of 310km/h. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/mercedes-amg-cle-646-Spezialanfertigung-8.jpg) “For me, the Mercedes‑AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung represents the very essence of AMG,” said Mercedes-AMG CEO, Dr. Stefan Weckbach. “This vehicle came to life because highly rational engineers dreamed of a highly irrational car. We turned that dream into reality in the form of maximum driving dynamics and an unparalleled driving experience." Given production is only in left-hand drive, we're unlikely to see this special-edition model come to Australia. ### Ford Transit City added to brand’s van lineup as last-mile EV URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ford-transit-city-australia-price/ Last updated: 2026-09-10T07:00:48.000Z The attention of Ford’s future product plans was largely focused on the [Bronco Basecamp this week](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ford-bronco-basecamp-australia-2027/), though it’ll be beaten as the Blue Oval brand’s first import from China by the Transit City, with the electric van due in showrooms later this year. Arriving from November and priced from $50,000 drive-away, the Transit City is Ford’s first vehicle to be sold in Australia that’s manufactured by joint venture partner JMC in China. Smaller than the Toyota HiAce-rivalling Transit Custom, the Transit City will be electric-only, powered by a 110kW front-mounted motor, rather than its slightly larger sibling which offers turbo-diesel, plug-in hybrid petrol and full electric powertrains. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Transit_City_Delivery-1.jpg) Ford Transit City Ford claims a combined driving range figure of 354km, or a city driving range of 380km, from its 56kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, something which it says factors in about 300kg of assumed payload, and will more than easily cater for the urban delivery and trade businesses likely to buy the Transit City. Based on the data from more than 2000 Transit Custom owners, Ford discovered 90 per cent of them are travelling fewer than 76km a day, with the most extreme cases being 200km of driving, more than enough to be covered by the Transit City’s range. It can still be charged at up to 87kW on a DC fast charger. With 6.4 cubic metres of storage, it can fit three European standard pallets, and be able to hold up to 1085kg, with access to the storage bay coming from barn-style rear doors and a passenger-side sliding door. For context, the Transit Custom Trend SWB has a 5.7 cubic metre capacity, rising to 6.5 cubic metres for the LWB guise. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Transit_City_White_Rear_Doors-1.jpg) Ford Transit City However, unlike its bigger siblings in the E-Transit Custom, Transit Custom PHEV and E-Transit, the Transit City won’t be able to tow, with its focus on short, last-mile deliveries, rather than distance hauling. The arrival of the Transit City will come before Ford makes adjustments to the E-Transit Custom and Transit Custom PHEV, confirming both will undergo price cuts of $3900 in the second quarter of 2027, as well as be fitted with a 2.3kW Pro Power onboard system. Currently the Transit Custom PHEV Trend LWB starts from $67,890 plus on-road costs, the Sport SWB from $70,290, and the E-Transit Custom from $77,890 in Trend LWB guise, and $80,290 for the Sport SWB. [Ford Australia boss declares ‘we’re here to win’, details product offensiveThe head of Ford’s Australian operations says the 101-year-old brand will be around for the next 100 years, as it rolls out ambitious goals to cover more of the market.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-a6d76809-19ec-4245-b9e6-2bd5c5c937d9.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/Ford-Uncovered---Fadi-Mawal-1-9f5826ac-8303-4fe5-8a46-ef20e2c0e13a.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ford-australia-2030-product-plan-new-warranty/) ### BMW 3 Series to forge on with six-cylinder power, introduce ‘Drift Moment’ URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-bmw-3-series-teased-m350-xdrive-drift/ Last updated: 2026-09-10T04:19:11.000Z BMW has already previewed what its next engine-powered 3 Series will look like with the electric i3, but despite this it’s keeping the upcoming 3er under wraps. This week, BMW teased the ‘G50’ 3 Series sedan, and though it’s wrapped in camouflage, its design isn’t expected to change much from the i3 sibling it’ll share showrooms with. What will change though is the chassis and underpinnings of the next 3 Series, which will continue to offer an engine under the bonnet, and drive to either the rear or all four wheels, depending on the variant. Thus far, BMW has only teased the upcoming M350 xDrive flagship, set to replace the current M340i xDrive as the range-topper before moving into the full-fat M3, though it’ll still offer some seriously impressive figures. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-bmw-3-series-m350-xdrive-g50-3.jpg) 2027 BMW M350 xDrive prototype Under the bonnet will be a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six engine (believed to be an update of the current B58), now featuring a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to assist with emissions and fuel economy. BMW has confirmed the M350 xDrive will produce 326kW and 580Nm, delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed torque-converter automatic, representing a very healthy increase over the M340i xDrive’s 285kW and 500Nm figures. The power and torque outputs are also in the ballpark of the current M3, which makes 353kW and 550Nm in rear-drive manual guise, or 390kW and 650Nm in all-wheel drive automatic xDrive Competition trim. According to BMW, the next M350 xDrive will be able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.1 seconds (down from the M340i’s 4.3 second claim), while it can also get sideways, becoming the first non-M BMW to feature the brand’s ‘Drift Moment’ system. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-bmw-3-series-m350-xdrive-g50-7.jpg) 2027 BMW M350 xDrive prototype Activating this mode results in all the power going to the rear wheels, allowing it to slide more easily, though it won’t roll out immediately, with the feature to be added “over the course of 2027, at which point it will also be activated – via Remote Software Upgrade – in cars already delivered to customers.” Other tech specs are being withheld for now, though [*Bimmerpost*](https://f90.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=901686&ref=torquecafe.com) forum user ynguldyn – who compiles insider information about upcoming BMW products – has posted prospective details of the lineup, including the M350 xDrive. According to the poster, the G50 3 Series will be 4765mm long, 1850mm wide (without mirrors), 1455mm tall and ride on a 2860mm wheelbase, making it 52mm longer, 23mm wider, 15mm taller, and giving it 9mm more between the axles compared to the current model. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-bmw-3-series-m350-xdrive-g50-4.jpg) 2027 BMW M350 xDrive prototype The range is expected to globally offer the 318, 320, 330, 330 xDrive, and M350 xDrive, the latter of which is expected to grow by 100kg to 1935kg. “The BMW 3 Series has set standards for driving dynamics for several decades now – and thus serves as a symbol of Sheer Driving Pleasure,” said BMW’s senior vice president of driving experience development, Dr Mihiar Ayoubi. “With the new generation, we are building on this strength once again through the perfect interplay of chassis hardware and a continuously optimised and intelligent BMW Driving Stack. In this way, we are elevating the driving experience in the new BMW 3 Series to a new level – precise, assured and unmistakably BMW.” The new BMW 3 Series is expected to be revealed in the coming months before entering production by year’s end. ### Volkswagen, Audi assessing Ducati ownership URL: https://torquecafe.com/bike-news-2026-ducati-could-be-sold-by-volkswagen-audi/ Last updated: 2026-09-10T00:18:34.000Z The Volkswagen Group is in arguably its most important period of restructuring since it became the huge vehicle giant we now know, having emerged from the rubble of World War II. With Chinese brands taking its lunch money and the once industry-leading sales figures now well and truly in the rearview mirror, Volkswagen is looking to see which of its many brands it wants to hold onto, and what it could cut loose. Currently, Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati is classified as a Volkswagen Group brand, being directly owned by Audi, but it’s possible that could change, as the German giant mulls all available options. “Within the Volkswagen Group, we are committed to a disciplined, responsible portfolio management,” Audi CEO Gernot Döllner told [*Bloomberg*](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-09-08/vw-weighs-selling-motorcycle-maker-ducati-in-review-of-holdings?ref=torquecafe.com). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/crop_Panigale-V4.jpg) “It’s part of the evaluation process that we’ll also talk about Ducati, but nothing has been decided.” Speaking to [*GPOne*](https://www.gpone.com/en/2026/09/06/moto-news/ducati-up-for-sale-domenicali-breaks-the-silence-volkswagen-is-considering-it?ref=torquecafe.com), Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali reiterated Döllner’s comments, confirming that no final decision has been made on the ownership of his brand. “We are aware of the shareholder's plan to reassess its holdings,” Domenicali said. “Ducati is one of these holdings, but there has been no final decision on Ducati yet: it is one of the evaluations ongoing.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/crop_MY25_DUCATI_MULTISTRADA_V4_PIKES_PEAK_DYN_ONLOCATION-_100__UC692865_Mid.jpg) In June, Italian investment firm PatrItalia confirmed it had expressed interest in purchasing Ducati, offering €2.5 billion proposal to acquire 100 per cent of the brand, however it was told at the time that Ducati was not for sale. The news of Ducati potentially leaving the Volkswagen Group comes after German business publication [*WirtschaftsWoche*](https://www.wiwo.de/unternehmen/auto/vw-sparmassnahmen-volkswagen-stellt-marke-seat-bis-spaetestens-ende-2029-ein/100251673.html?ref=torquecafe.com) earlier this month reported Seat, the Spanish subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, [is facing extinction](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-volkswagen-to-axe-seat/). “The Seat brand will be phased out in an orderly and cost-efficient manner by the end of 2029 at the latest, while ensuring continued support for existing customers (e.g., service) and the fulfillment of existing obligations,” a Volkswagen Group internal document read, as reported by *WirtschaftsWoche.* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/crop_02_MXGP_ARNHEM_CAIROLI_UC680902_High.jpg) Seat is one of a handful of Volkswagen Group brands which heavily relies on rebadging and redesigning core Volkswagen products, such as the Leon (Golf), Ibiza (Polo), and Arona (T-Cross). It came under Volkswagen ownership in 1986, having been founded in 1950 as a joint venture between Spanish firms and Italian carmaker Fiat. In the past few years, Leon’s product lineup has been reduced while Cupra has received all the attention from the Volkswagen Group, while the latter also operates in more markets than the former. ### Hottest Honda Civic Type R to launch in 2027 - report URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-honda-civic-type-r-hrc-timing/ Last updated: 2026-09-09T23:35:11.000Z Honda has dropped enough hints that there’s still plenty left in the tank of the current FL5-generation Civic Type R, having previewed a red-hot HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) concept version at the [Tokyo Auto Salon](https://torquecafe.com/honda-turns-up-the-heat-on-civic-prelude/) last year. At the time, Honda didn’t provide any details on if and when it’d launch, though its aggressive aerodynamic upgrades would surely be wasted if it didn’t turn into a production model. According to Japanese outlet [*Response*](https://response.jp/article/2026/09/08/416290.html?ref=torquecafe.com), insider sources have said the Civic Type R HRC could join Honda’s model lineup in 2027, something which adds to comments made by HRC president Yasuharu Watanabe [in May](https://torquecafe.com/hondas-racing-efforts-will-influence-the-ultimate-hot-hatch/). “We are developing the Civic Type R with the aim of further enhancing its potential as a base model by incorporating racing technologies such as those honed in Super Taikyu and aerodynamics from Super GT,” Watanabe said in May, as reported by [*Car Watch*](https://car.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/2107393.html?ref=torquecafe.com). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/honda-civic-type-r-hrc-concept-1.jpg) Honda Civic Type R HRC Concept “You’ll have to sleep for a hundred more \[days until its reveal\]… It’s not quite a close three-digit number, but please look forward to it. “These are aftermarket parts, and we plan to distribute them mainly in Japan and the United States. We want to deliver them as soon as possible.” Those 100 days he spoke of have come and gone, but the possibility of a hotter Civic Type R launching is still alive, especially when the current generation appears to be on borrowed time. Given the FL5 Civic Type R launched in 2022 but has slowly been phased out in a number of markets, it’s possible Honda is gearing up for a send off of its current hot hatch. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2025-honda-civic-type-r-3.jpg) Australian-delivered Honda Civic Type R [Earlier this year](https://torquecafe.com/hot-hatch-king-getting-final-updates-with-petrol-power/), Honda’s US division said the “Civic Type R will receive updates this year, including exterior and interior styling changes”, though did not include any photos or teasers of the changes. Honda engineer Tomoyuki Yamagami told UK publication [*Auto Express*](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/honda/civic/365642/electric-honda-civic-type-r-still-table-performance-brands-ev-future?ref=torquecafe.com) in July last year that the Type R doesn’t need an engine. “Type R can be anything in future, depending on what the market demands. Type R is not dependent on a turbo powertrain,” Yamagami told the outlet. “\[The\] Type R badge is about the ability to enhance dynamic attributes to the max.” ### 2027 KTM 690 Rally confirmed for Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/bike-news-2027-ktm-690-rally-confirmed-for-australia/ Last updated: 2026-09-09T20:00:23.000Z KTM has revealed the 2027 KTM 690 Rally, positioning it as the spiritual successor to the 640 Adventure and slotting it between the 690 Enduro R and the brand's larger multi-cylinder Adventure models. The Rally is built on the current 690 Enduro R platform and uses the latest-generation 693cc LC4 single-cylinder engine, producing a claimed 58kW and 73Nm through a six-speed gearbox. Total fuel capacity rises to approximately 20 litres, made up of the existing rear tank plus two additional front-mounted tanks. A handlebar-mounted switch lets the rider select between front and rear tanks, with the reserve warning tied to whichever tank is active. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MY27-KTM-690-RALLY.jpg) A new rally tower and integrated windscreen dominate the styling change, with LED lighting derived from the KTM 450 Rally Replica. The bodywork also incorporates a storage compartment behind the right-side fairing with a dedicated tool-pouch mount, along with handguards, wide footpegs and a skid plate with centre-stand mounts. The cockpit is built around a 4.2-inch digital display with KTMconnect smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, music and call handling, while a USB-C port and a 12-volt outlet are both fitted. Cruise control is available as an option. Suspension is handled by a 48mm WP XPLOR split-function fork with 265 mm of travel and a WP XPLOR rear shock with 250mm of travel, both fully adjustable. Wheel sizes carry over at 21-inch front and 18-inch rear, with Brembo brakes front and rear. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/763089_MY27-KTM-690-RALLY_STATIC_CAT-A.jpg) Ride modes include Street, Off-road and an optional Rally mode, with cornering ABS and cornering MTC using a 6D sensor. Rally mode adds Dynamic Slip Adjust, which allows additional rear-wheel slip when more drive is needed before returning to the rider's selected traction-control setting. KTM quotes the 690 Rally at 161.5 kg without fuel, with a 935 mm seat height and 265 mm of ground clearance. Service intervals are stretched for long-distance use, with a 15,000 km oil-change interval and valve-clearance checks scheduled at 30,000 km. The 2027 KTM 690 Rally is scheduled to arrive at authorised KTM dealers in Australia and New Zealand from December 2026, with pricing to be confirmed closer to launch. ### Aston Martin drops two wheels, unveils first road-legal motorbike URL: https://torquecafe.com/bike-news-aston-martin-amb-002-motorcycle-revealed/ Last updated: 2026-09-09T23:00:41.000Z If you think some of Aston Martin’s recent cars have been wild enough – see: Valkyrie – then its latest collaboration with Brough Superior has stepped things up a notch. Welcome to the AMB 002 Roadster, Aston Martin’s first ever road-legal motorbike, following earlier collaborations with Brough Superior which netted the AMB 001 and AMB 001 Pro track-only superbikes. Designed by the Aston Martin Design Studio, the carbon fibre body of the AMB 002 Roadster is striking and sharp, accentuated by its central headlight which is flanked by aggressive panels, vented sides and a short rear end. At the rear, the twin oval exhausts were penned as a tribute to those on the Aston Martin Vanquish, DB12 S and DBX S road cars, while the rear lights are akin to the Vulcan, Valkyrie and Valhalla’s. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Aston-Martin-and-Brough-Superior-AMB-002-Roadster---2--1.jpg) Making sure it’s still a luxurious experience to own this Aston, its ignition is keyless and started up by pressing a backlit ignition button, while the rider sits on a hand-crafted saddle leather seat pad. The titanium frame has been milled from a solid billet and weighs just 5kg, while lowering the centre of gravity on a bike which weighs 190kg all-up. At the front, the suspension is a double-wishbone ‘Fior fork’ design, said to “separate steering and braking forces while maintaining precise control of the front-end geometry”. Between the rider’s legs sits a water-cooled, 1083cc V-twin engine, producing 97kW and 110Nm, with Aston Martin claiming it has been “tuned for strong low and mid-range torque with a smooth and thrilling top-end”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Aston-Martin-and-Brough-Superior-AMB-002-Roadster---3--1.jpg) Just 300 examples of the AMB 002 Roadster will be made, and deliveries start in the third quarter of 2027\. No price has been announced. “This motorcycle is truly one of a kind, both in its design and in the riding experience it delivers,” said Brough Superior Motorcycles president, Thierry Henriette. “Every bit as striking dynamically as it is visually, this razor-sharp roadster offers exhilarating sensations, creating the impression of becoming one with a lightweight, precise blade, propelled by our all-new, even more powerful engine. “The rider's upright posture and the completely unobstructed field of vision combine to create a unique feeling of gliding above the road with absolute confidence and complete control.” ### French-Chinese joint venture reveals waterproof engine URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-horse-b20-engine-waterproof-turbo/ Last updated: 2026-09-09T05:51:45.000Z Given the internal combustion engine has been around for more than a century, you’d be forgiven for thinking that development has already reached its peak, but no one told Horse Powertrains that. The company, which is jointly owned by Geely (45 per cent), Renault (45 per cent) and Saudi oil giant Aramco (10 per cent), has this week revealed the B20 engine, a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit – a pretty familiar recipe. With quoted outputs of 140-185kW and 300-380Nm, it doesn’t seem like much to write about, though it comes with a party trick – it’s waterproof. According to Horse, the B20 engine is “fully compliant with IPX8 waterproofing standards”, and “can operate up to depths of 1.1 metres”, both in its standard guise as well as in its hybrid configurations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/B20-IMG-3.jpg) Horse B20 To become waterproof, its structure is equipped with torsional vibration dampers and dedicated engine-transmission sealing, while IPX8-rated electrical components and sensors are also fitted, with its control system making the necessary inputs to make sure it doesn’t get flooded when submerged. In addition to this, Horse claims it is “capable of maintaining continuous and stable power output under extreme off-road high-load conditions including 100 per cent grade climbing”. “The Horse B20 demonstrates how we are meeting the full range of market needs, delivering flexible engine and powertrain solutions designed for multiple use cases and applications,” said Horse deputy chief technology officer, Ingo Scholten. [Lotus Esprit to be resurrected, offer V6 and V8 powerA new Lotus supercar is already confirmed, and now more details are coming to light.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-6dbab059-e829-4811-b1d1-f4db13a3936c.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/Lotus_Type_135_Teaser_16x9-1-18e8a48c-5f61-4ed4-8c1d-196d86783d05.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/lotus-esprit-to-be-resurrected-offer-v6-and-v8-power/) “Supporting HEV, PHEV and REEV platforms, the Horse B20 enables new opportunities across a range of vehicle categories – particularly off-road applications, due to the engine's waterproofing and climbing capabilities. “This engine is another step forward in advancing modern powertrain technology and a further example of how Horse Powertrain is pushing our industry forward.” While Horse is slowly building a name for itself, it’s expected to enter the performance realm in the near future, with a hybrid V6 for the Lotus Emira currently in development, while the reborn Esprit is tipped to get a V8 developed by the firm. ### Volkswagen wants to build more utes URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-volkswagen-us-pickup-suv-body-on-frame-plan/ Last updated: 2026-09-09T01:32:26.000Z Volkswagen is making some big changes to its business model, but no one could have expected its latest announcement – it wants to make pickups for North American customers. In announcing a broad future strategy earlier this week, Volkswagen said it will “pursue a dedicated North America strategy”, giving love to the market where it’s starting to be pushed down the sales charts. “As part of this approach, the brand will explore opportunities in the highly popular body-on-frame B-segment, including robust SUVs and pick-up trucks, as a potential component of Volkswagen’s future product portfolio,” Volkswagen said in a press release. No further details were announced and the wording of the statement raises more questions than it answers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/DB2018AU02072_large-1.jpg) 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak concept Traditionally the B-segment of vehicles are small and compact cars, almost all of which are based on monocoque chassis rather than a body-on-frame setup. In the US, even the car-based Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz (based on the Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs respectively) barely scratch the surface in the popularity stakes, being outsold comprehensively by mid-sized pickups. Underpinned by body-on-frame chassis, the mid-sized segment is ever growing, and is largely dominated by the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger – the latter of which is also rebadged as a Volkswagen Amarok in Australia and other markets, though this is unlikely to ever reach the US. Above this is the full-sized pickup market, consisting of the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra, among others. Despite this being the largest share of the pickup market, Volkswagen won’t be making a pickup that big. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/DB2018AU02087_large-1.jpg) 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak concept The answer for where Volkswagen may get its pickup from likely lies with Scout, the brand it is reviving in 2028 with a pair of body-on-frame vehicles, the Terra pickup and Traveler SUV. Still, by that time it would be 10 years since Volkswagen last previewed a pickup concept, having shown off the Atlas Tanoak in 2018\. The Atlas SUV is sold in the US as a monocoque vehicle, running on the same MQB platform as the Tiguan, among other Volkswagen Group products. There’s no confirmation yet as to whether Volkswagen will go ahead with the plans, but it represents the first time in a while that it’s entertained the idea of a body-on-frame pickup for the market. ### Final BMW-based Toyota GR Supra to be auctioned for Fast and Furious star’s charity URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-toyota-gr-supra-final-edition-paul-walker-auction/ Last updated: 2026-09-09T00:21:05.000Z Toyota has donated the final MkV GR Supra – the most recent iteration of the sports car, famously twinned with the BMW Z4 – to Reach Out WorldWide, a non-profit disaster relief organisation founded by Fast and Furious star, Paul Walker. Walker starred as Brian O’Conner, the protagonist of every Fast and Furious film (excluding Tokyo Drift) from the original (The Fast and The Furious, 2001) to Fast and Furious 6 (2013) until his tragic death in a car crash in late 2013, having made his final appearance posthumously in Furious 7 (2015). He founded Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW) in 2010 in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, providing teams of doctors, nurses, paramedics and other first responders to provide support following disasters. As a part of the GR Supra Final Edition’s auction – held by Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale in January 2027 – the proceeds from its sale will be donated to ROWW. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/toyota-gr-supra-track-edition-5-scaled.webp) Australian market Toyota GR Supra Track Edition “Reach Out WorldWide was built on a passion for helping those in need, started by my brother Paul in 2010 and has continued growing thanks to our great team, exceptional volunteers and the support of individuals and companies around the world,” said ROWW CEO, Cody Walker. “We are so grateful to Toyota for donating the final MkV GR Supra to ROWW, which will hopefully break the previous MkV sales record and make a massive difference for communities facing disaster.” The car in question is a very special one, being the last MkV GR Supra produced by Toyota, or rather by Magna Steyr for Toyota in Austria, where it was built alongside its mechanical twin, the BMW Z4. Launched in 2019, the GR Supra (known only as the Supra then) is based on a chassis developed jointly by Toyota and BMW, but it’s powered by a BMW-sourced 3.0-litre straight-six engine. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/toyota-gr-supra-track-edition-3-scaled.jpeg) Australian market Toyota GR Supra Track Edition The GR Supra Final Edition features a six-speed manual transmission, a baffle plate, better cooling, a tweaked electronic differential and a titanium Akrapovič muffler. Other performance enhancements include four-piston Brembo front brakes, floating calipers, forged aluminium wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, KW adjustable dampers, additional underbody bracing, a more aggressive aerodynamic package, and Alcantara Recaro Podium seats. The car set to be auctioned in January has been signed by Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda (who also goes by his racing pseudonym Morizo), and features a commemorative VIN ending in “99999”. Given its importance, it could break the existing auction record for a MkV Supra, having been set by the first example – VIN 20201 – in January 2019, selling for US$2.1 million. ### Triple Eight Mustang road car ’the start’ of future race-bred Fords URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ford-triple-eight-road-car-plans/ Last updated: 2026-09-08T20:02:24.000Z The Ford Mustang Dark Horse T8-Spec Pack (try saying that five times fast) is arriving in showrooms later this year as the most track-focused version of the pony car ever offered to Australian buyers. Built on the US-market handling package for the Dark Horse, the [T8-Spec Pack](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-mustang-dark-horse-t8-spec-pack-triple-eight-australia/) will arrive at Ford’s Broadmeadows assembly plant where it’ll be converted to the more hardcore specifications. The first motorsport-linked Ford model since the Craig Lowndes edition BF Falcon from 2007, Ford is using its newly reformed tie-up with Supercars juggernaut Triple Eight to market the most track-focused Mustang seen locally, ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Ford-Uncovered---Jamie-Whincup-T8-2-1.jpg) Jamie Whincup with the Ford Mustang Dark Horse T8-Spec Pack Speaking to Australian media, Triple Eight boss Jamie Whincup – who won a record seven V8 Supercars championships, four Bathurst 1000s and 125 races with the team as a driver – said he hopes the T8-Spec Pack is just the beginning for road-going products bearing his company’s name. “This is the start of the first project. We’d absolutely love take on the opportunity to do more,” said Whincup. When asked what’s next, Whincup said he’s “unsure”, adding Triple Eight needs to “get the first one over the line and get them out there”. “The big one for me is we've been competing in the highest level of, I think it's the world's toughest touring car championship in the world, and we've been there for 20 years, it feels like s a bit of a waste \[not helping to create a road car\]. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Ford-Uncovered---Mustang-Dark-Horse-T8-Rear-1.jpg) Ford Mustang Dark Horse T8-Spec Pack “We've got so much IP, so much development, not just in just tyres and whatnot, but the car's so technical, what hat we do in these cars and develop them to make it faster, it spans to all sorts of things. We've got our own engine plant. “So for us to be able to bring that IP and allow the customer to share some of that, that's a feel good thing for us rather than wasting it on just a couple of race cars.” Upgrades to the T8-Spec Pack over the standard Mustang Dark Horse include wider wheels with fat Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres, a front splitter, rear spoiler Gurney flap, bespoke graphics and Triple Eight badging. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/ford-mustang-dark-horse-t8-spec-australia-road-driving-1.jpg) Ford Mustang Dark Horse T8-Spec Pack Though the US handling package upon which it’s based is already capable, Whincup’s Triple Eight team will work on a local calibration for the package, which will be dialled into the car before it leaves the Broadmeadows assembly line. “We’ve tuned in balance, basically,” Whincup said, referring to starting out with having to tweak the T8-Spec Pack around its unique front splitter and rear wing. “We just want to make it unique for the Australian customer. It’s important that you add something of value to the Australian customer,” added Ford Racing's Justin Capicchiano. “What we're trying to do with Jamie's guys, it’s not just like, “ok, give them a handling pack – there's an experience side of it. We want to talk about how our guys and how our teams are working together, and the fact that now we've got Jamie's team, part of the Ford family, we want to basically open that up to new customers as well. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/ford-mustang-dark-horse-t8-spec-australia-rear-detail-1.jpg) Ford Mustang Dark Horse T8-Spec Pack “Customers that may not necessarily have gone in and bought a Mustang before, or wanted to experience of what it's like to be on the inner sanctum of the inside of a race team. This is the experience that they're gonna get.” According to Whincup, the plan to create what will become the Dark Horse T8-Spec Pack was a part of the deal which enticed the Triple Eight squad from its long-standing home of General Motors (having raced with Holden from 2010 to 2022, and Chevrolet from 2023 to 2025) back to Ford (which was its home from 2003 to 2009). “It was part of the transition, for sure. I’ve been wanting to do something like this for many years,” said Whincup. “We couldn't do it with the previous manufacturer, so it’s good this relationship's been able to to open up opportunities, basically for us to share our IP, our development with everyday customers.” [Triple Eight, Ford alliance unlocks hotter Mustang for AustraliaAfter rejoining the Ford Supercars camp as its homologation team in 2026, Triple Eight has done something not seen in almost 20 years.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-a976bea6-610a-4431-8877-21fd1f0836d8.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2026-ford-mustang-dark-horse-t8-spec-pack-7-1-1d881218-1023-44e6-8913-fa4698493253.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-mustang-dark-horse-t8-spec-pack-triple-eight-australia/) Customers who purchase the Dark Horse T8-Spec Pack – of which only 250 will be made, priced from $138,888 plus on-roads – will get access to exclusive Triple Eight-run drive days at its home circuit, Queensland Raceway, with cars supplied by the team. “It’ll be a full experience – not just get in, do a ride or drive the car and then go home,” Whincup said. “We’ll have all of our engineers there, all of our drivers there, and we'll actually do a bit of a session where we can explain the car, then one of the drivers there will set the seat up in the correct position and give them a full experience and then you get a ride day with plenty of photos, videos, a whole lot.” Deliveries of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse with T8-Spec Pack, and a further 500 examples of the [standard Dark Horse](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-mustang-dark-horse-australia-2026-price/) which was limited to just 1000 cars when it initially arrived in 2024, will begin later this year. ### Ford Bronco locked in for Australia, but it’s not the one you’d expect URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ford-bronco-basecamp-australia-2027/ Last updated: 2026-09-08T20:01:36.000Z Ford Australia is bringing the Bronco to Australia, announcing the Bronco Basecamp as its next SUV addition in 2027. Slated to arrive in the second half of 2027, the Ford Bronco Basecamp will mark a turning point for the brand, becoming its first passenger vehicle to be sourced from China, following the debut of the Transit City van in 2026. Built by JMC as a part of a joint venture with Ford, Australia will be the first market outside of China to receive the Bronco Basecamp, before it goes on sale in Europe. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Bronco_Basecamp_Front_Driving-1.jpg) Ford Bronco Basecamp It is one of three Bronco-badged vehicles sold by Ford globally, alongside the US market full-sized Bronco (based on the Australian-designed T6 platform which also underpins the Ranger and Everest) and Bronco Sport (based on the Escape). Unlike the Everest, it’s based on a monocoque or unibody platform, rather than the ladder-frame chassis which has made the Everest popular amongst the off-road adventure community. While the Bronco New Energy (as it’s sold in China) is available as an electric vehicle (EV) and an extended range electric vehicle (EREV), Australia’s Bronco Basecamp will only feature the latter powertrain, with no fully-electric option coming Down Under yet. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Bronco_Basecamp_Driving-1.jpg) Ford Bronco Basecamp Local specifications are yet to be locked in, however in China the Bronco Basecamp EREV features a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which charges the 49kWh BYD-supplied battery, itself powering the two electric motors, with total outputs of 310kW and 600Nm. In China, this powertrain is good for 220km of electric-only driving range, or up to 1220km when the engine is used to add charge. Ford Australia has quoted a more conservative figure of 800km to 900km, based on the stricter WLTP lab test cycle. That battery can also be used as a portable generator, providing up to 6.6kW of power output through Ford’s Pro Power Onboard system. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Bronco_Basecamp_interior-1.jpg) Ford Bronco Basecamp Measuring 5025mm long (including its boot-mounted spare wheel carrier), 1960mm wide and 1825mm tall, while riding on a 2950mm wheelbase, the Bronco Basecamp is more than 100mm longer, almost 40mm wider, rides about 50mm higher and has 50mm more between the axles than an Everest. However, the Bronco Basecamp is only available as a five-seater, rather than offering up to three rows of seating like the Everest, though one of its trick features is the ability to fold both rows of seating flat, allowing the fitment of a custom-made inflatable mattress. Designed with off-road usability in mind, overseas examples have a 600mm wading depth, though this is yet to be confirmed for Australian examples. Other features and specifications are yet to be locked in, however one of the Bronco Basecamp’s centrepieces on the Outer Banks variant is its pop-top roof, extending past the C-pillars to give more room for those who are using the SUV as accommodation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Bronco_Basecamp_Sleeping_Cabin-1.jpg) Ford Bronco Basecamp Additional adventure-friendly accessories include the integrated 7.5L warm or cool storage console for the Outer Banks grade, as well as a ‘Wild Kitchen’ built into the rear swing gate, including an integrated fold-down table. In Chinese examples, the 8.8-inch digital instrument display is joined by a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, as well as a 21-speaker sound system and integrated AI. Pricing will be confirmed closer to launch, though it’s expected to sit roughly within the same range as the Everest, despite offering different strengths and weaknesses. What Ford has confirmed though is that the Bronco Basecamp will receive a local suspension tune, being developed by Ford’s extensive engineering team in Victoria, which will be adopted by export markets as well. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Bronco_Basecamp_Popped_Roof-1.jpg) Ford Bronco Basecamp ### Ford Australia boss declares ‘we’re here to win’, details product offensive URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ford-australia-2030-product-plan-new-warranty/ Last updated: 2026-09-08T20:00:41.000Z Ford Australia is taking steps to do away with its nickname of being the ‘Ranger Motor Company’, announcing its plans to cover 60 per cent of the local new-car market segments by 2030. The announcement was made at the unveiling of three new products joining the Ford Australia lineup within the next 15 months – the electric Transit City van, the higher performance Mustang Dark Horse T8 Spec Pack, and the Bronco Basecamp. At present, Ford’s product lineup covers approximately 30 per cent of the new-car market, led by the Ranger and Everest (the best-selling ute/vehicle overall and best-selling large SUV respectively), with the Mustang (Australia’s most popular sports car), F-150 pickup, Mach-E SUV, Transit, Transit Custom and Tourneo completing the local lineup. By 2030, Ford wants to play in 60 per cent of the market, aided partly with the arrival of the Bronco Basecamp in the second half of 2027. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Ford-Uncovered---Presentation-26-1.jpg) When 2030 arrives, Ford says 90 per cent of its sales volume will be from new or “significantly refreshed” vehicles, suggesting a number new new-generation and heavily updated models are on the way. In addition to this, Ford is upping its after sales coverage by introducing a service-activated, seven-year warranty. From September 1, all new Fords sold in Australia are covered by a standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which is extended to up to seven years when customers bring their vehicle into a Ford dealership on time for scheduled services. According to Ford Australia CEO and president Fadi Mawal, this rapid rate of change will allow Ford to once more reclaim a podium position in Australia’s new-car sales race, having dropped out of the top three in 2026 year-to-date, behind Toyota, BYD and Kia. “We'll keep designing and engineering the right vehicles here made for Australian and Kiwi (New Zealand) drivers,” said Mawal. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Ford-Uncovered---Ford-Bronco-Basecamp-2.jpg) Ford Bronco Basecamp These new vehicles, and many more that we can't share with you yet, broaden our portfolio and open up parts of the market we haven't spoken to for some time. “In 2030, over 90 per cent of our volume sold will be either all new or significantly refreshed, and we will double our coverage of the market to over 60 per cent from about 30 per cent where we are today. “While leveraging our global footprint, including China for the first time (Transit City and Bronco Basecamp), we are moving fast and staying affordable without asking customers to compromise on capability, lifestyle, or quality. “More than 30 years ago, I joined Ford as an hourly employee driving a forklift. I've been on the factory floor and I've been in executive boardrooms and I can tell you, Ford is here to win. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Ford-Uncovered---Transit-City-2.jpg) Ford Transit City “We will be here for the next 100 years, no matter what the challenges are in front of us. But we know we need to evolve to win. “Our future direction is clear. Greater choice for our customers, deeper loyalty with the Ford brand and more foot traffic into our dealerships. Smarter, more affordable vehicles that leverage cutting edge, multi-energy technology. A much more diverse lineup to sell beyond the wildly successful Ranger and Everett. “All of which helps us to compete aggressively with new and legacy automakers alike. Ford's best days are ahead of us, I am sure of that. The next chapter of Lord in Australia and New Zealand isn't coming sometime in the future. It starts here today.“ It’s not yet known what the additional models will be, however Ford’s global operations provide hints about what may be coming. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2026_READY_SET_FORD_5_PV_LINEUP_4x3_87-1.jpg) Ford of Europe's upcoming five-strong product lineup In the US, [reports of a four-door Mustang sedan](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-four-door-mustang-reports-mach-4-latest-budget-level-suv-pricing/) have increased in regularity in recent months, pointing towards an imminent reveal. Ford no longer competes in the passenger vehicle segment since killing off the Falcon (2016), Mondeo, Focus and Fiesta in Australia within the past decade. It is also the main location for the [Ford Fathom electric pickup](https://torquecafe.com/2027-ford-fathom-ranger-sized-affordable-electric-ute-named/), which is sub-Ranger sized and will launch next year with a price starting below US$30,000\. It’s unclear whether this is on the table for Australia, given the local success of the Ranger. [Over in Europe](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-europe-bronco-fiesta-revival-2030/), a product offensive of five “rally-bred” models has been announced in recent months, at least two of which will be built in association with Chinese giant Geely in Spain. Of these five models, at least one is expected to be a completely different Bronco to what we currently know, as well as a small EV hatchback and SUV. ### Driver fined $3100 after being caught speeding twice in under 10 minutes URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-qld-man-fined-3100-speeding-twice-10-minutes/ Last updated: 2026-09-08T06:18:50.000Z The Queensland Government’s purse will be $3100 richer thanks to a 23-year-old from Noosa, who was caught speeding twice within just minutes. On September 6, the man was intercepted by officers from Queensland’s State Highway Patrol at 4:15pm, having been detected overtaking their unmarked car at 155km/h on a 100km/h zone of the Bruce Highway near Coles Creek. For exceeding the speed limit by more than 40km/h, he received a six-month licence suspension, eight demerit points and a $1986 fine, though he copped an additional $345 fine for having an illegally altered licence plate. Despite racking up $2331 in fines already, the man was able to continue driving as the ticket for his high speed driving infringement had not been paid, dealt with by a court or been referred to the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER), allowing him to complete his journey home. However, he was further delayed less than 10 minutes later, after being pulled over by Gympie Highway Patrol officers who detected him at 90km/h in a 60km/h zone on the Old Bruce Highway near Traveston. This led to a further four demerit points and a $777 fine, bringing his total for the day up to $3108, as well as 12 demerit points, culminating in not only the previous licence suspension but also a licence sanction notice. “It is always disappointing to see a driver travelling at such high speeds. However, to be intercepted again for speeding just minutes after the first intercept shows a complete disregard for the law, the driver’s own safety, and the safety of other road users,” said Acting Inspector Specialist Operations Paul Kelly. “Speed limits exist to protect all road users, and choosing to ignore them is a reckless action which risks lives. “This behaviour is unacceptable, and police will continue to take enforcement action against those who choose to endanger lives on Queensland roads.” ### Top 5 Peter Brock road cars URL: https://torquecafe.com/peter-brock-top-5-road-cars-20-years/ Last updated: 2026-09-08T04:32:59.000Z It’s hard to believe that 20 years have passed since Peter Brock tragically died in a tarmac rally crash, a day which almost every Australian motorsport fan will remember where they were when they heard the news. Brock was a legend on and off the race track. On it, he was one of the most talented drivers the country has ever seen, winning three Australian Touring Car Championships, nine Sandown endurance races, nine Bathurst 500s/1000s, and a Bathurst 24 Hour to cap it off. Off the track, he was adored by fans for his approachable, everyman personality, and he made sure to capitalise on that by launching his own range of road cars, first under the Holden Dealer Team banner and then with different ventures after his famous split from Holden. To mark the anniversary of his passing, we look back at the top five road cars Brock built or had influence on. ## HDT VK Commodore Group A SS ‘Blue Meanie’ ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/vkgroupabrochurefront--1--1.jpg) Arguably the most famous of the Brock-era HDT Commodores, the VK Group A SS was built as a homologation special to compete in the ATCC and Sandown/Bathurst, featuring a marginally sub-5.0-litre V8 engine to move it into a lower weight category. Fitted with a striking body kit, the Group A rules at the time stipulated that race cars had to be identical in looks to their road-going counterparts, leading to the SS scoring a larger front bumper and spoiler, as well as its distinctive ‘Aero’ 16-inch wheels. With 500 made, it received the nickname of the ‘Blue Meanie’ thanks to its distinctive Formula Blue paintwork, and has become one of the most valuable Brock road cars. In 2021, a VK SS Group A which had been owned by Brock – with the #05 build number to boot – sold for $1.05 million, making it one of the most expensive Holdens to be sold at auction. ## HDT VC Commodore ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/vc-hdt-car-advertisement--1-.jpg) HDT VC Commodore The one that started it all, HDT’s VC was its first attempt at building homologation specials to go racing, and what an icon it’s become in its own right. Based on the posher Commodore SL/E, the HDT VC was semi-performance and semi-luxury, with its crushed velour interior not what you’d expect at the time for a car based on a Bathurst racer, though its distinctive front bumper, wide wheel arches and bigger spoiler showed it meant business. Again, just 500 were made, all producing more power from their 5.0-litre V8 engines thanks to a new cold air intake and other tweaks, with customers given the choice of a three-speed auto or a four-speed manual. Offered only in Palais White, Firethorn Red or Tuxedo Black, the three paint colours reflected the hues of HDT’s major sponsor at the time, Marlboro, as did its matching side and headlight stripes. ## HDT Monza ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/HDT-Monza--3-.jpg) HDT Monza Though not nearly as famous as the Commodores, the Monza could have become Brock’s lasting motoring legacy, having pushed to try and get the Opel Monza coupe on Australian shores with a Holden V8. Imported from Germany, all the signs pointed to the HDT Monza becoming the reincarnation of the Monaro, offering four seats, a sleek two-door body but the firepower of Holden’s Iron Lion V8 under the bonnet. Sadly, by the time the engine conversion and other modifications – such as new front brakes and steering rack – were made, the potential cost of the project soared, effectively ending it as a trial for private buyers. Just one car was made, owned by Brock and most recently auctioned in 2016, where it sold for an undisclosed sum. ## Ford EA Falcon ‘Brock’ ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/a058630c-Brock-Executive-Performance-series-article-Wheels-Magazine.jpg) Excerpt from Wheels Magazine For those with selective memories, it may be tricky to remember the brief time that Holden’s hero switched camps to Ford, the motoring equivalent of hell freezing over. Following his split with Holden in 1987 in the wake of the ‘Energy Polarizer’ saga, Brock raced the Ford Sierra in 1989 and 1990s, and in doing so also established a new range of road cars, this time based on the relatively fresh EA Falcon. Starting in 1988, Brock’s Austech Automotive Developments fettled with the Falcons, Fairlanes and LTDs of the time, fitted with a tidier aero kit and tweaked 3.9-litre straight-six engines, at a time when Ford wasn’t offering the V8 locally, and wouldn’t do until the arrival of the EB – when Brock had already moved home to Holden. Arguably some of the rarest Brock cars, the EAs are few and far between, having not achieved the original dreams of hitting 500 production units. ## HDT VL Director ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/vl-director-brochure--1-.jpg) HDT VL Director The car which led to the end of the Brock and Holden relationship, on the surface everything about the VL Director was up there with Europe’s best. Based on the luxury Calais, it featured a boxy, wide bodykit, five-spoke alloys, leather seats, wood grain interior trim, a car phone and even a CD player. Under the skin, HDT fitted independent rear suspension as an option, but above it, the Director was one of a handful of VLs available with Brock’s controversial Energy Polarizer, something which was already starting to heighten tensions with Holden. When covers came off in 1987, what should have been Brock’s legacy as a Holden man effectively spelt the end of his time with HDT, culminating in the production of only 12 Directors, making it one of the most sought-after models. *What were your favourite Brock cars? Let us know in the comments below.* ### Jensen Interceptor reborn with supercharged V8 engine URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-jensen-interceptor-gtx-revealed-716kw-track-car/ Last updated: 2026-09-06T22:58:31.000Z Jensen is back, with the British brand brought back to life 50 years after it ended production in its most famous state – but its first car isn’t the grand tourer most people remember. Well known for the Interceptor, the new Interceptor GTX takes inspiration from its namesake but goes in a completely different direction, aimed at track buyers rather than long-distance motorists. Featuring a slim grille, vented bonnet, large air intakes, a front splitter, plus a rear wing and diffuser that would make a GT3 car blush, the GTX is clearly an attempt to discard the easy-going gentleman driver image of Jensen’s past. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/GTX-1-1.jpg) Jensen Interceptor GTX With an aluminium, bonded-extrusion chassis, Jensen claims the Interceptor GTX is lightweight but strong, while its suspension setup features double wishbones at the front and rear, paired with custom-built Nitron three-way adjustable dampers. To give it a classic touch, the steering is hydraulically power-assisted, rather than relying on a more modern electric system, giving greater connection between the driver and the Michelin Pilot Sport tyres which wrap around its 20-inch wheels. The Interceptor GTX’s intentions are clear when you notice its AP Racing brakes, with Jensen electing for steel discs, though drivers can adjust brake balance on the fly, and also make changes to its ABS settings. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/GTX-2-1.jpg) Jensen Interceptor GTX All this becomes clear when the engine specs are revealed, as the Interceptor GTX is powered by a General Motors LT-based supercharged 6.8-litre V8. According to the brand, the GTX develops 716kW and 1356Nm before reaching its 7000rpm redline, however the engine can “safely produce” up to 895kW and 1491Nm, a number classic Jensens could only dream of achieving. While the Interceptor FF was one of the world’s first all-wheel drive production cars, the GTX continues with a traditional rear-wheel drive layout, delivering its monstrous outputs to the rear axle through a six-speed sequential manual transmission. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/GTX-17.jpg) Jensen Interceptor GTX Inside the motorsport flavour of the Interceptor GTX is clear, with a simple steering wheel, Motec dash, roll cage, carbon fibre seats and six-point racing harness providing a relatively raw experience. Though it has only shown off the finished version of the GTX in real life, Jensen plans for the Interceptor brand to grow, saying its “longer-term vision includes the development of a road-going Interceptor GTR with the same analogue philosophy and high-performance character as the GTX, followed by a more luxury-oriented Grand Touring model”. “The Interceptor GTX is the first physical expression of our vision for the future of Jensen,” said Jensen International managing director, David Duerden. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/GTX-18.jpg) Jensen Interceptor GTX “It combines everything we believe a modern Jensen should be – individual, engaging, beautifully engineered and rewarding to drive. “While this is only the first step, the GTX gives a clear indication of where we are heading and marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the marque, laying the foundations for future road-going ultra-high-performance GTR and luxury GT models.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Jensen-lineup--Final-.jpg) Jensen Interceptor GT (left), GTR (middle) and GTX (right) ### Aston Martin wants to take on the Porsche 911 GT3 URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-aston-martin-vantage-rs-spied/ Last updated: 2026-09-05T20:00:35.000Z Aston Martin has been slowly chipping away at making the Vantage a sharper rival to the Porsche 911 and Mercedes-AMG GT, first with the [Vantage S last year](https://torquecafe.com/aston-martin-vantage-s-revealed-to-fight-amg-gt-porsche-911/), and now with what appears to be a GT3-inspired RS version. Filmed by [*CarSpyMedia*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQhFFU7oUlA&ref=torquecafe.com) at the Nürburgring, the Vantage RS – as it’s been coined – sports a distinctive camouflage livery, which does little to cover up its new additional bodywork. That includes a new lip spoiler with outer fins, wide side skirts, a larger rear diffuser and a big rear wing, sitting high on the bootlid to push the rear end down at speed. It appears too that the Vantage’s quad exhaust outlets will move from the outer edges of the rear bumper to the centre, potentially giving the AMG-sourced twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine a different note. We’re yet to see the true extent of the Aston Martin Vantage’s upgrades, but it’s expected to offer significant advantages over the Vantage S. Revealed last year, the Vantage S produces 500kW and 800Nm from its V8 engine, sending drive to the rear wheels through an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, capable of propelling it from 0-98km/h (0-60mph) in 3.3 seconds. Under the skin, the Vantage S features Bilstein DTC adaptive dampers, which were retuned compared to the standard car. [Aston Martin toughens up its AMG GT fighterThe Aston Martin Vantage S has returned as the British carmaker’s true sports car, even if it packs a big German heart.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-42fa01f1-6db4-4dd7-ac28-0437af2522c2.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2026-aston-martin-vantage-s-1-5924d224-5a88-4d09-a82e-53a6cc06498e.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/aston-martin-vantage-s-revealed-to-fight-amg-gt-porsche-911/) ### Ford Ranger Wolftrak review URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-reviews-ford-ranger-wolftrak-2026/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T20:00:28.000Z Ford’s current Ranger is now four years into its lifecycle, as is only now being threatened to be knocked off the top spot as Australia’s best-selling vehicle, amid a [stop in deliveries](https://torquecafe.com/ford-ranger-news-australia-airbags-recall-details-b-pillar-which-cars-affected/) and soaring sales for the Tesla Model Y. As a part of a recent [refresh released earlier this year](https://torquecafe.com/2026-ford-ranger-price-and-specs-australia/), Ford cut the bi-turbo engine from the Ranger’s lineup, while adding the V6 to more variants, and also throwing in a few more grades for buyers to choose from. One of those is the new Ranger Wolftrak, sitting in the middle of the lineup, between the trade-spec XLT and the ever-popular Wildtrak. Priced from $70,990 plus on-roads, the Wolftrak is $3000 more than the equivalent V6 dual-cab pickup XLT, and just over $4000 less expensive than the Wildtrak. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Ranger-Wolftrak-08--1-.JPG) Thanks to Ford New Zealand, I got to have a drive of the Ranger Wolftrak through parts of the North Island on my honeymoon, though given my passenger was slightly more interested in the landscape than the ute, all of the photos here are from Ford’s press pack – no, we didn’t decide to do any off-roading or river crossings to test it out. So, with a ute that’s so popular in Australia and New Zealand among families and adventure buyers, how does the Ranger Wolftrak perform? Put simply, it’s no major surprise that it is a best-seller in either country. Cynics ask how a ladder-frame, leaf-sprung ute can really be comfortable, even when so much local development time and money has gone into the chassis, but the hallmarks of what make the Ranger stand out amongst its peers continue to ring true in the Wolftrak. Despite riding on Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tyres, the ride is impressive over all manner of road surfaces, continuing to be as compliant as you’d expect from a vehicle of the Ranger’s size on rough tarmac, with surprisingly little road noise entering the cabin. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Ranger-Wolftrak-04--1-.JPG) Our ute was unladen, but there were a handful of occasions where the front end ‘floated’ over consecutive bumps, never to a point of feeling unsafe, but a bit of a surprise given the usually planted feeling at both ends. Of course, it’s not a sports car, though even on some tight and twisty roads the Ranger still felt manoeuvrable, within the bounds of what you’d ask a ute to do. A standout of the Ranger package continues to be the pairing of its 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine to a 10-speed automatic transmission, which seems to always find the right way to make use of the available 184kW and 600Nm outputs. It’s not the most frugal of powertrains, with our 1040km journey returning an average fuel consumption figure of 9.0L/100km, across 15 hours and five minutes of driving, at an average of 69km/h. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Ranger-Wolftrak-54.JPG) If it weren’t for that 10-speed automatic, I’d hate to think about how much thirstier it would be, and it must be noted that there was a decent amount of uphill driving taking place, especially climbing up from Taupo to Mount Ruapehu. In the case of the latter, the conditions didn’t require the need for snow chains but did call for using the four-wheel drive auto mode (4A) in the Ranger, rather than leaving it in rear-wheel drive (2H). Akin to an all-wheel drive system, leaving it in 4A splits power between the front and rear wheels depending on where it needs it the most, without having to worry about damaging the transfer case by having it in true four-wheel drive mode (4H and 4L). Though not entirely necessary – as there were a plethora of JDM people movers and rentals which made the same ascent – it was good to have for peace of mind, and has previously shown itself as an important feature in off-tarmac testing. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Ranger-Wolftrak-46.JPG) In the cabin there’s enough equipment to keep occupants happy, with a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and rear air vents for dual-cabs. Ahead of the driver sits an 8.0-inch digital instrument display, which sadly misses out on information in the Super Duty such as additional temp gauges and boost display. If you haven’t already guessed, the theme of the Wolftrak is zest, with lime green ‘Zest’ accents on its grille and within its black 18-inch wheels, while the black highlights continue with the rear sports bar. Buyer preferences vary, but it's a shame the Wolftrak misses out on a power roller shutter or any other kind of cover for the tub, which meant our suitcases ended up in the backseat, though this is likely something most who needed it would add after the fact. While the Traction Green interior accents add some colour to the cabin, the vinyl seats are a bit of a throwback to the olden days of utes, and with their lack of heating, can be a bit on the chilly side to sit on if you’ve been out in the wet and cold conditions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Ranger-Wolftrak-50.JPG) Again, those who want these niceties can step up to the Wildtrak, which starts to cut away into the Wolftrak’s buyer base when you consider what additional equipment it offers. The same could be said for the standard six-speaker sound system. It does an alright job, but lacks in comparison to the Wildtrak’s 10-speaker B&O system. All up, the Ranger Wolftrak is a tempting, if not unique, buying proposition, giving some features you’d want over the XLT for not much more, but missing out on some from the Wildtrak for circa $4000 in savings. It’s a solid performer though, and continues to help showcase why the Ranger is a popular buy. [Has Ford done enough for the Ranger to remain Australia’s best-seller?The Ford Ranger has undergone some minor changes for 2026, but they could have a big impact on its status as Australia’s best-selling vehicle.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-86280fbe-aefb-486e-a129-31c84de0653b.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/026-ford-ranger-wolftrak-v6-7-c7c695a5-e25d-4e15-83ee-355fc307b5b2.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-ranger-review-2026-v6-2-litre-turbo-diesel/) ### Ferrari Luce arrives in Australia with $1 million price tag URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ferrari-luce-price-australia/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T03:15:08.000Z Ferrari is still more than a year away from delivering its first examples of the Luce electric car to Australian customers, but it has already locked in a price for the controversial model. [Unveiled in May](https://torquecafe.com/ferrari-news-luce-ev-revealed/), the Luce is Ferrari’s first ever EV, wearing a body and featuring an interior styled in part by the man who penned the iPhone, and riding on a new electric-only platform. Priced from $991,446 plus on-road costs, the Luce is not the most expensive Ferrari in Australia, though it takes away the title of the dearest EV from the Rolls-Royce Spectre, which previously held the top spot with its $933,000 tag. Ferrari is yet to showcase options for Australian buyers, but given the track record of the brand’s other models, it’s expected ticking a few extra boxes will easily tip the price above $1 million. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-ferrari-luce-7.jpg) Still, the price is far from the US$40 million (A$56.5 million) one man forked out for the very first Luce at a charity auction last month, leading that particular example to become the most expensive new vehicle sold at auction. Under the skin, the Luce features Ferrari’s first ever dedicated EV platform, an 800 volt architecture which supports charging of up to 350kW for its 122kWh battery pack, providing an estimated driving range of 530km. The front pair of motors are lifted from the flagship Ferrari F80 hypercar, while two new rear motors drive the back wheels, combining to produce 772kW and up to 990Nm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/FerrariLucePreviewProduct-46.jpg) According to Ferrari, the Luce can sprint from 0-100km/h in 2.5 seconds, 0-200km/h in 6.8 seconds, and reach a top speed of 310km/h. Measuring 5026mm long, 1999mm wide and 1544mm tall, the Luce is 53mm longer, 29mm narrower and sits 45mm lower than the Ferrari Purosangue, while its 2961mm wheelbase is also 57mm shorter. Despite being an EV and having to carry the weight of a battery (more on that in a moment), the Luce is only 80kg heavier than the Purosangue, tipping the scales at 2260kg, while Ferrari says its centre of gravity is 95mm lower than the V12-powered SUV. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/FerrariLucePreviewProduct-45.jpg) Inside, the five-seat Luce has three analogue-style instruments, physical controls on the steering wheel and even buttons and switches on its touchscreen. A traditional tachometer has been replaced with a power information gauge, sitting next to the speedometer which incorporates a digital display of the car’s speed, as well as remaining driving range. While the tablet (or iPad) style touchscreen sits out from the dashboard, it has a simple bar protruding from underneath for users to rest their hands as they operate the controls, all of which are accessed by switches or physical buttons. The Luce is currently on display at Ferrari’s Sydney dealership before starting a tour of Australia’s east coast. [Ferrari Luce sells for $40 million, becomes world’s most expensive new carThe first ever Ferrari Luce to roll off the production line is also the most expensive new car in recorded history.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-7263e82f-9bc3-48ef-8c78-26b5c95a0c1b.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ferrari-luce-chassis-0-3-b6566c31-3759-4abd-b6cd-09952ee5137b.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ferrari-news-luce-most-expensive-new-car-auction-40-million/) ### Ford Ranger ready for battle as defence-ready variants previewed URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ford-ranger-uk-defence-vehicles/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T01:24:57.000Z When modified Ford Rangers come to mind, you probably think of a dual-cab with a lift-kit driving off-road in Australia, but over in the UK, the Blue Oval brand is taking this a bit more seriously. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is currently taking applications for brands to compete in its Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme, which prioritises using vehicles based on production models for defence service. In conjunction with General Dynamics Land Systems and Ricardo, Ford’s UK division has assembled ‘The Team’, which has put forward a number of Ranger-based, defence-ready vehicles which it hopes will win the contract. Immediately, the most striking Ranger on show is a 6x6 dual-cab version of the ute, developed by Ricardo and featuring hybrid power. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/ford-ranger-uk-defence-2.jpg) Ford Ranger HEX 6x6 by Ricardo Unveiled back in late 2023 in Super-cab form – around the same time the factory-built Ranger PHEV was revealed – the Ranger HEX features an electric motor for its four rear wheels, providing an extra 210kW, on top of the 184kW from the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine. Previously Ricardo said the Ranger HEX could be optioned with a variety of battery pack sizes, and be able to carry up to 3800kg thanks to its De Dion-style rear axle. In what can only be described as a victory for Ford Australia, the stock-standard Ranger Super Duty has also been pitched as a potential defence vehicle. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/ford-ranger-uk-defence-1.jpg) Ford Ranger Super Duty While the ‘T6’ platform underpinning the Ranger family was largely designed and engineered by Ford’s Australian team – with input from its global divisions – the Super Duty was initially pitched as a local-only product, which has since been announced as an addition to the Ford of Europe lineup. Serving military customers aligns with Ford's commitment to building trucks made for the toughest jobs, while also supporting the company's strategy to grow its leadership in the commercial vehicle market,” Ford said. “Together, they give the MoD a flexible and scalable vehicle platform, ready from the factory, that covers both light-duty and heavy-duty jobs. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/ford-ranger-uk-defence-4.jpg) However, Ford also showed off a number of Super Duty-based vehicles for defence use, some with additional armour (Enhanced Protection Vehicle), extra passenger capacity (Troop Carrying Vehicle), or sans bodywork (Light Tactical Vehicle). "The UK Ministry of Defence requires uncompromised capability, scale, and absolute reliability from day one,” said Ford of Europe president, Jim Baumbick. “Our commercial off-the-shelf Ford Ranger platform does just this. By marrying the most trusted and dominant truck platform in Europe, powered by an engine built in Dagenham, and the integration expertise of GDLS and Ricardo, we are able to offer an immediate, scalable, and UK-supported mobility platform. [Ford Ranger Super Duty turned into fire-fighting uteA new emergency services-based Ford Ranger has been uncovered, previewing what could be added to fire-fighting fleets in Australia.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-b475aa32-a04b-4d91-81de-1d06a4f9c2dd.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/Ford-Ranger-Super-Duty-Fire-Response-Unit---Side-0393eb6a-b98e-4ef4-a3ca-ac0371053084.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-ranger-super-duty-turned-into-fire-fighting-ute/) “Our team will give UK troops what they need to manoeuvre and win, while delivering, supply chain resilience and reinforcing the UK strategic industrial base. “From the Second World War to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ford has always stood alongside the UK in times of need - we are answering the call to duty again today.” Sadly these variants of the Ranger won’t be available to the public, though Ford has already shown the depth of its conversion capabilities through its [Ford Pro division in Australia](https://torquecafe.com/ford-gives-tradie-focused-brands-the-nod-for-new-program/), providing customers with proven third-party contractors. ### Seat to take a seat as VW mulls axing Spanish brand URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-volkswagen-to-axe-seat/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T00:20:59.000Z The Volkswagen Group is understood to be handing out significant cost cutting measures in a bid to remain competitive, and it may result in one of its brands being placed on the chopping block. German business publication [*WirtschaftsWoche*](https://www.wiwo.de/unternehmen/auto/vw-sparmassnahmen-volkswagen-stellt-marke-seat-bis-spaetestens-ende-2029-ein/100251673.html?ref=torquecafe.com) reports Seat, the Spanish subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, is facing extinction, with its axing being named in an internal document as one of the ways for the German carmaker to reduce costs. “The Seat brand will be phased out in an orderly and cost-efficient manner by the end of 2029 at the latest, while ensuring continued support for existing customers (e.g., service) and the fulfillment of existing obligations,” the document reads, as reported by *WirtschaftsWoche.* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/SEAT-unveils-the-new-Ibiza-and-Arona-refreshed-design-upgraded-interiors-and-even-greater-value_00_HQ-1.jpg) Seat Arona (left) and Ibiza (right) Seat is one of a handful of Volkswagen Group brands which heavily relies on rebadging and redesigning core Volkswagen products, such as the Leon (Golf), Ibiza (Polo), and Arona (T-Cross). It came under Volkswagen ownership in 1986, having been founded in 1950 as a joint venture between Spanish firms and Italian carmaker Fiat. Since becoming a part of the Volkswagen family, Seat has enjoyed modest success, being positioned – like Skoda and Audi – as an alternative to the core Volkswagen brand, however things started to get more confusing in the late 2010s. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/SEAT-Leon-25-years-of-a-legend_01_HQ-1.jpg) All generations of the Seat Leon In 2018, Cupra – which previously stood as a trim level on hot Seat models, similar to Volkswagen’s GTI badge – became an off-shoot, standalone brand, offering sharper-looking and sportier vehicles than Seat, but based on the same badges. For example the Seat Leon Cupra became the Cupra Leon, raising more questions about why Seat exists when a better version of it was out there. This was only exacerbated by Cupra then launching its own vehicles, such as the Formentor, Tavascan and Terramar. In the past few years, Leon’s product lineup has been reduced while Cupra has received all the attention from the Volkswagen Group, while the latter also operates in more markets than the former. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/cupra-formentor-vz5-abt-edition-2.jpg) Cupra Formentor VZ5 Cupra launched in Australia in 2021 and is continuing to release more products locally, something which is likely to continue, as *WirtschaftsWoche* reports the brand will get a stay of execution, with Seat to be “economically optimized and migrated to the Cupra brand”, according to the document. "Cupra will continue as an independent brand with a target volume of 500,000–600,000 units per year." While specific figures aren’t available, Seat and Cupra reportedly combined for 586,300 sales last year, however this was driven by Cupra rising by 33 per cent and Seat falling by 17 per cent on the year prior. A decision on Seat’s future is expected to be formally announced soon. ### EVs the most popular new vehicles in Australia for the first time URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-august-vfacts-new-car-sales/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T06:37:00.000Z For the first time in Australian new-car sales history, EVs were the most popular fuel type of choice last month, outselling pure petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, while attaining an almost 25 per cent market share. In August 2026, data from the the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) shows 108,760 vehicles were delivered across the 31 days, with EVs accounting for 27,078 sales, or 24.9 per cent of the market. All up, electrified vehicles (EVs, hybrids and PHEVs) made up 56,281 deliveries, or 51.7 per cent of the total market, the first time the three power sources have contributed to more than half the monthly total. Petrol and diesel vehicles added 25,824 and 23,608 deliveries to the total, respectively. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/tesla-model-y-l-1.jpg) Tesla Model Y L Leading the charge was the Tesla Model Y with 6414 deliveries (split across the five-seat Model Y and the three-row Model Y L), comfortably ahead of the new Toyota RAV4 (5470 deliveries), Toyota HiLux (4833 deliveries), Toyota LandCruiser Prado (2475 deliveries), and Ford Ranger (2440 deliveries). To put the Model Y’s success into context, the next-most popular EV was the BYD Sealion 7, racking up 2213 deliveries. “The sustained level of BEV sales, together with changing brand preferences, shows how quickly consumer choice and competition are reshaping Australia’s new-vehicle market,” said FCAI chief executive, Tony Weber. “These changes continue to reinforce the need for infrastructure settings that keep pace with the market. Accessible and dependable charging will remain critical to consumer confidence, particularly on highways, in rural and regional areas and for motorists without access to charging at home.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Toyota-Pressroom---3fd1fe85-e9c0-4b98-b76b-1cdf20fc52be.jpeg) Toyota RAV4 GR Sport The race to become the best-selling vehicle in Australia this year is heating up, with the Ford Ranger (32,796 deliveries, includes Ranger Super Duty), Toyota HiLux (32,161) and Tesla Model Y (31,454) split by fewer than 1400 sales, with four months still to run. Toyota continued its dominant run as the most popular brand for the month, recording 19,712 deliveries, well ahead of second-placed BYD (8231 deliveries), which itself edged Tesla (7685 deliveries). After becoming Australia’s most popular source of vehicle imports in February, China is still leading the way, last month contributing 43,882 deliveries, or 40.3 per cent of the total market share – again, a new record, and an increase of 88.9 per cent over the same month last year. For context, Japanese-sourced cars added 24,892 deliveries (22.9 per cent), while Thailand had 15,658 deliveries (14.4 per cent). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/MY26.5-Ford-Ranger-XLT-Meteor-Grey-rear-1.jpg) Ford Ranger XLT ## Top 10 best-selling cars in August 2026 | Model | Deliveries (August 2026) | | ---------------- | ------------------------ | | Tesla Model Y | 6414 | | Toyota RAV4 | 5470 | | Toyota HiLux | 4833 | | Toyota Prado | 2475 | | Ford Ranger | 2440 | | BYD Sealion 7 | 2213 | | Chery Tiggo 4 | 2012 | | Geely EX5 | 1947 | | GWM Haval Jolion | 1891 | | Zeekr 7X | 1748 | ## Top 10 best-selling car brands in August 2026 | Brand | Deliveries (August 2026) | | ------- | ------------------------ | | Toyota | 19,712 | | BYD | 8231 | | Tesla | 7685 | | Kia | 6500 | | Mazda | 6203 | | Hyundai | 5355 | | GWM | 4870 | | Ford | 4816 | | MG | 4767 | | Geely | 4504 | ### 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero price and specs: New-gen 4x4 up to $20,000 more than predecessor URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-mitsubishi-pajero-price-specs-australia/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T05:00:34.000Z Mitsubishi Australia has locked in local pricing and specifications for the new Pajero ahead of its showroom arrival in December 2026, representing a sharp increase compared to the departed Pajero Sport. [Revealed yesterday](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-mitsubishi-pajero-revealed-montero/), the new fifth-generation Pajero is the first in Australian showrooms since 2021 when the traditional monocoque-based, Japanese-built 4x4 was discontinued, at the time leaving the Triton-based Pajero Sport as the brand’s adventure challenger (no pun intended). The returning Pajero is effectively a successor to the Pajero Sport as much as the multiple generations which have carried the nameplate, moving to the ladder-frame underpinnings of the Triton, while it’ll also be manufactured in Thailand. It pushes the Pajero – long an alternative to the Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series – into the realm of the Toyota LandCruiser Prado and Ford Everest, two of Australia’s most popular ladder-frame SUVs. Below is a breakdown of the upcoming 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero lineup, such as pricing, powertrain, dimensions and equipment specifications. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-14-1.jpg) 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero ## 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero Australian pricing Mitsubishi will offer four grades of the Pajero locally, with the range opened by the entry-level GLS five-seater, starting from $68,490 before on-road costs – a $16,950 increase over the Pajero Sport GLX it replaces. For context, a four-cylinder Ford Everest Active starts from $58,990 plus on-roads, with the more potent V6 opening from $66,990\. Likewise, the Toyota Prado GX opens from $73,200 before on-roads. Stepping up to the Pajero GLS seven-seat adds $1500 to the price tag, rising $13,100 over the previous Pajero Sport GLS, which offered more equipment than its GLX sibling. The Exceed remains as the more premium mid-range trim, now priced from $79,990 (up $17,400 over Pajero Sport Exceed), while the flagship Pajero GSR is on sale from $84,990, representing a huge $20,150 (or 30 per cent) price rise compared to the equivalent Pajero Sport. | Model | Price before on-road costs | | ---------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- | | 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero GLS five-seat | $68,490 (up $16,950 over Pajero Sport GLX) | | 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero GLS seven-seat | $69,990 (up $13,100 over Pajero Sport GLS) | | 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero Exceed seven-seat | $79,990 (up $17,400 over Pajero Sport Exceed) | | 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero GSR seven-seat | $84,990 (up $20,150 over Pajero Sport GSR) | ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-8.jpg) ## Engine and transmission It’s a familiar sight under the bonnet to anyone used to a Triton or Pajero Sport, with Mitsubishi’s trusty ‘4N16’ turbo-diesel powering the Pajero. The 2.4-litre single-turbo four-cylinder produces 150kW and 480Nm, 10Nm more than the bi-turbo Triton, and healthy increases of 17kW and 50Nm over the Pajero Sport. An eight-speed automatic transmission sits behind the engine, and is mated to Mitsubishi’s ‘Super Select 4WD-II’ system, allowing drivers to choose between 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (full-time 4WD), 4HLc (locked center differential), and 4LLc (locked center differential with low-range gears). No fuel economy data has been released yet, however Mitsubishi has confirmed the Pajero features an 80-litre tank (12 litres more than the Pajero Sport), while also now requiring AdBlue, like the Triton. | Specifications | 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero | | ------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------- | | Engine | 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel | | Power | 150kW | | Torque | 480Nm | | Transmission | Eight-speed automatic | | Drive type | Selectable 4x4 (2H, 4H, 4HLc, 4LLc) with rear differential lock | | Fuel tank capacity | 80 litres | | AdBlue capacity | 17 litres | ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-23-1.jpg) 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero AdBlue and fuel tank filler ports ## Dimensions Measuring 4920mm long, 1925mm wide and 1910mm high, compared to the previous Pajero Sport, the new Pajero is 95mm longer, 110mm wider, and sits 75mm taller, at least on its 20-inch wheels, while its wheelbase has grown by 70mm to 2870mm. Its off-road ability has been enhanced through wider front and rear tracks of 1630mm (compared to the Pajero Sport’s 1520mm front and 1515mm rear figures), a greater ground clearance of 230mm (up 12mm). While its approach and departure angles have risen to 30.4 degrees (from 30 degrees) and 25.8 degrees (from 24.2 degrees) at the front and rear, respectively, its breakover angle has dropped from 23.1 degrees to 22.6 degrees. A braked towing capacity of 3500kg puts it on par with the Prado and Everest, while beating the Pajero Sport’s 3100kg figure. Finally, Mitsubishi quotes a VDA boot space of 519 litres with the third row folded, an increase of 17 litres. | Dimensions | 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero | | ---------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Length | 4920mm | | Width | 1925mm | | Height | 1900-1910mm (depending on spec) | | Wheelbase | 2870mm | | Track width | 1630mm | | Approach angle | 30.4 degrees | | Departure angle | 25.8 degrees | | Breakover angle | 22.6 degrees | | Braked towing capacity | 3500kg | | Boot capacity | 519 litres (VDA, third-row seats folded)Additional 10 litres under boot floor | ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-reveal-renders-11.webp) 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero ## Features The Mitsubishi **Pajero GLS** opens the account with the following standard equipment: - 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels - Mud and snow tyres - LED headlights, DRLs, fog lights, tail lights and door mirror indicators - Body-coloured door mirrors, handles and rear spoiler - Grey side steps - Black roof rails - Black wheel-arch mouldings - Electric tailgate - Privacy glass - Auto-dimming rearview mirror - Automatic headlights and wipers - Waterproof black fabric seat trim - Manual-adjustable front seats with powered lumbar support adjustment - 12-volt front and cargo power outlets - 220-volt rear power outlet - 60:40 split second-row seats with recline and sliding function - 50:50 split third-row seats (GLS seven-seat only) - Push-button start - Dual-zone front climate control, rear air-conditioning system - 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster - 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen - Six-speaker audio system - Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - Digital radio - 4x USB-C powers across front (x2) and second rows (x2) - Seven-seat adds x2 ports for third row - Eight airbags - Active Stability Control (ASC) - Active Traction Control (ATC) - Active Yaw Control (AYC) - Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) - Automatic High Beam system (AHB) - Automatic Post-Collision Braking system (APCB) - Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Lane Change Assist (LCA) - Bonnet see-through camera - Brake Override System (BOS) - Child Presence Detection (CPD) - Driver Attention Alert (DAA) - Driver Monitor System (DMS) - Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) - Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication (EAPM) - Emergency Call System (E-call) - Emergency Lane Assist (ELA) - Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) with pedestrian and cyclist detection - Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert - Front and Rear parking sensors - Hill Start Assist (HAS) - Intelligent Speed Limiter (ISL) - Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) - Leading Car Departure Notification (LCDN) - MiPilot: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Lane Keep Assist (LKA) - Minimum Risk Manoeuvre (MRM) - Multi Around view Monitor - Predictive Forward Collision Mitigation (PFCM) - Rear Autonomous Emergency Braking (R-AEB) - Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) - Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-6-1.jpg) 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero GSR On top of this, the **Pajero Exceed** adds: - 20-inch machined alloy wheels - Black leather upholstery - Power-adjustable front seats - Heated front and rear seats - Second-row integrated sunshades - Refrigerated console box - 14.3-inch digital instrument cluster - 14.3-inch infotainment screen - Yamaha 12-speaker sound system with amplifier and subwoofer Finally, the flagship **Pajero GSR** gains: - 20-inch black alloy wheels - LED grille lighting - LED lighting animations - Dark front and rear bumpers - Dark grey side steps - Black door mirror caps, wheel-arch mouldings and panoramic roof with sunroof - Two-tone camel and black leather upholstery - Ventilated and memory function front seats - Power-adjustable steering column and mirrors with memory function - Black headlining - Illuminated front scuff plates - Adaptive LED headlights - Digital rearview mirror - Nanoe X air purifier ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-5.jpg) 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero GSR ## Colours There are a total of eight colour choices across the 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero lineup. Pricing for non-standard finishes has not yet been announced. - White (Solid) – GLS, Exceed - White Diamond (Prestige) – GLS, Exceed, GSR - Black Mica (Pearlescent) – GLS only - Black Diamond (Prestige) – Exceed, GSR - Blade Silver (Metallic) – GLS, Exceed - Graphite Grey (Metallic) – GLS, Exceed, GSR - Armour Copper (Prestige) – Exceed, GSR - Phantom Blue (Prestige) – GLS, Exceed, GSR ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/new_pajero_images03-1.jpg) 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero paint colours ## Warranty and servicing | Coverage | 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero | | ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Warranty | 5 years or 100,000 kilometres – standard10 years or 200,000 kilometres – service activated | | Service intervals | 12 months/15,000 kilometres (whichever comes first) | | Capped-price servicing | Up to 10 years/150,000 kilometres | | Roadside assistance | 12 months – standard5 years – service activated | The first 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero deliveries are due to start in Australia in December 2026. ### Ford Mustang V10 revived URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-v10-ford-mustang-brought-back-to-life/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T01:00:57.000Z The Ford Mustang is synonymous with V8 engines, having been offered in every model year of the famous pony car bar one in its 60-plus year history. While you can now get one with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, there has only been one V10-powered Mustang, and now it’s made its public return after a restoration by Ford itself. Built in 2001, this Ford Mustang Boss 351 was based on the ‘New Edge’ fourth-generation Mustang, but instead of the 4.6-litre or 5.4-litre V8 under its bonnet, a 5.8-litre V10 – shortened from the 6.8-litre engine in the Excursion SUV and Super Duty pickups – was shoehorned into the engine bay. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/V10_Build_1_86.jpg) V10-powered Ford Mustang Boss 351 Good for 313kW and 542Nm at the time, it was made as an after-hours project by Ford engineers, more to show what they could do rather than what they would do, having raided the parts bin for a six-speed manual transmission and nine-inch rear end. As you may have guessed, it never made it to production, and the car was largely forgotten about until recently when Ford’s US heritage fleet manager, Matt Korczyk, decided to give it a birthday. Pulling together original members of the team who built it, the V10 Mustang has been treated to new electronics to bring it up to date, as well as a good service. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/VNR-FINAL.00_03_07_00.Still004_82.jpg) V10-powered Ford Mustang Boss 351 with Ford's engineers Strapped down to a dyno, the refreshed Mustang Boss 351 made 375kW at its wheels, far more powerful than a new Mustang Dark Horse, all in a body that’s lighter than Ford’s current products. “When we fired the car up and rolled into the pull, everybody in the room stopped talking,” Korczyk said. “The V10 has a sound all its own. It's raw. Mechanical. It doesn't sound like anything we'd build today. It sounds like a group of engineers got together and decided to do something completely unreasonable just because they could.” Following the partial restoration, the V10 Mustang Boss 351 will remain on Ford’s heritage fleet for promotional purposes. 0:00 /0:08 1× Raw footage of the V10-powered Ford Mustang Boss 351 on the dyno ### Australian state doubles fines for loud vehicles in environmental crackdown URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-nsw-epa-noise-fines-new-limit/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T23:36:42.000Z The peak environmental authority in New South Wales has implemented its new Noise Control Regulations, aiming to cut neighbourhood sound levels, while issuing harsher punishments for those who break the rules. Now in place, the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (NSW EPA) has announced it has increased penalties within the state for noise offences, including doubling on-the-spot fines for noisy vehicles, rising from $600 to $1200 in the case of the latter. Other vehicle-related changes include making the “owners or occupiers of private property liable for off-road motor vehicle noise”, getting rid of what was once a grey area in the regulations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/car-exhaust-emissions.jpg) “We know the impact that offensive or disruptive noise can have on people – that’s why it’s important that neighbourhood noise standards are meeting community expectations,” said EPA executive director of policy programs and finance, Asela Atapattu. “As part of a statutory review, we have made commonsense changes to the Regulation that reflect the latest developments in technology and people’s lifestyles. “We have increased fines for most noise offences by a third, and we have doubled on-the-spot fines for noise from motor vehicles, which was a key concern raised in the consultation.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Exhaust-Detail-2-cropped-1.jpg) According to Australian Design Rule (ADR) 83/00, cars built after 1982 have a maximum stationary noise level is 90 decibels, rising to 96 decibels for cars built before 1983\. Bikes built after February 1985 must not exceed 94 decibels, while those before this time have a higher limit of 100 decibels. While vehicle exhausts will be more heavily punished, the changed regulations provide an exemption from noise requirements to child presence detection alarms in cars. In addition to the vehicular changes to the regulations, other tweaks include exempting air conditioners from restrictive hours of use rules during heatwaves, extending the permitted hours of use for residential pumps and air conditioners, and increasing the timeframes for regulators to issue warnings and penalties. ### Honda boss believes manuals sales will continue to decline URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-honda-manual-sales-in-decline-us/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T06:09:27.000Z The demise of the manual transmission has been protracted, and appears to now be coming to its inevitable conclusion, with only entry-level vehicles and enthusiast models continuing to offer the choice of three pedals. Automatic transmissions are no longer expensive, slow and as cumbersome as they once were, meaning they’re now the default choice for new-car buyers, as manufacturers offer fewer manual options. In the US, Honda – one of the few brands offering manuals in some of its more affordable cars – recently ended production of the related Honda Civic Si and Acura Integra A-Spec manuals, owing to dwindling demand. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/66_2026-Acura-Integra-A-Spec-Tech-6MT.jpg) Acura Integra Type A Speaking to [*The Drive*](https://www.thedrive.com/news/honda-will-keep-building-manual-cars-even-though-demand-is-dying-executive-says?ref=torquecafe.com), American Honda vice president of automobile sales, Lance Woelfer, said the demand for manuals is continuing to shrink, but despite this, the brand will continue to make sure it’s catering to those few buyers who want one. “It continues to be a smaller and smaller portion of the market that gets excited about the manual, and that will probably continue to shrink, honestly,” Woelfer said. “But because they’re fun-to-drive, we can continue to have models like the Civic Si or the Integra or the Type R that offer \[the manual\]. But we don’t see \[it\] growing. “We see very little \[demand\] going in, but we’re going to have them in the \[assembly\] line.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/09-2023-Honda-Civic-Type-R.jpg) Honda Civic Type R Honda’s US manual lineup is effectively limited to the Civic Type R and its related Acura twin, the Integra Type S, both of which aren’t available as automatics. While the brand launched the revolutionary CR-Z in the early 2010s, featuring a six-speed manual and hybrid powertrain, the vast majority of its products are hybrids or petrol-only models with automatic transmissions. Last month, speaking to [*Road and Track*](https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a73438767/porsche-us-ceo-manual-gearbox-sales-as-long-as-legally-allowed/?ref=torquecafe.com), Porsche North America CEO Timo Resch said the brand is seeing demand for manuals to support its continual offering to the public well into the 2030s. [Porsche 911 manuals to continue... as long as they’re legalThough there are fewer manual Porsche 911s on sale now than a decade ago, the brand isn’t walking away from three-pedal options.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-c4a1bfa3-68ae-43b6-8ded-a89c4a1fb0c9.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/AUBERGINE_911_CARRERA_S_MANUAL_013_DSC03764-1-16a3da0c-23e3-42c3-a3a6-693b105c7d78.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-news-911-manual-staying-alive/) “You can be assured that we will try to offer manual transmissions as long as we are legally allowed to, and as long as there's customer demand,” Resch said. “And we see customer demand for the option, manual transmission also lasting well into the next decade.” In the US, more than half of all 911 GT3s sold are manuals, while 80 per cent of GT3 Tourings are the three-pedal, suggesting drivers are looking for engagement with the car over the outright speed offered by the dual-clutch automatic transmission. ### 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero revealed: Ford Everest, Toyota Prado rival returns URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-mitsubishi-pajero-revealed-montero/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T04:15:16.000Z Mitsubishi has officially revealed the long-awaited return of the Pajero nameplate, uncovering the latest fifth-generation 4x4 ahead of production kicking off. Debuting 20 years to the month after the most recent Pajero was unveiled in 2006, the newest iteration of the family goes down a different path to its most recent predecessors, adopting a ladder-frame chassis to improve its off-road chops. Effectively a replacement for the Pajero Sport as much as the last Pajero, the 2027 model will be built in Thailand alongside the Triton ute, to which it is closely related, with Australian sales projected to start by the end of March 2027. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-10-1.jpg) 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero The new Pajero builds on the brand’s recent revamp in some markets by adopting its latest design language, as previewed by the Destinator SUV sold in south-east Asia. Its T-shaped light signatures at the front and rear bookmark its far boxier look, having now seemingly followed rivals like the Toyota Prado and the larger Nissan Patrol by going more squared-off all round. Depending on spec, the Pajero can be had with a horizontal-bar or honeycomb grille, giving it a different appearance. Mitsubishi’s two new hero colours for the SUV are Armor Copper Metallic and Phantom Blue Metallic, both pictured. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-12-1.jpg) 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero Measuring 4920mm long, 1925mm wide and 1910mm high, compared to the previous Pajero Sport, the new Pajero is 95mm longer, 110mm wider, and sits 75mm taller, at least on its 20-inch wheels, while its wheelbase has grown by 70mm to 2870mm. For context, a Toyota Prado is 4990mm long, 1980mm wide and 1935mm tall, while the Ford Everest is 4940mm long, 1923mm wide, and 1841mm tall. Its off-road ability has been enhanced through wider front and rear tracks of 1630mm (compared to the Pajero Sport’s 1520mm front and 1515mm rear figures), a greater ground clearance of 230mm (up 12mm). While its approach and departure angles have risen to 30.4 degrees (from 30 degrees) and 25.8 degrees (from 24.2 degrees) at the front and rear, respectively, its breakover angle has dropped from 23.1 degrees to 22.6 degrees. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-18-1.jpg) 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero Mitsubishi has yet to announce other key figures such as its weight and towing capacity, though these are understood to be confirmed closer to its local launch. That additional size on the outside has carried across to a larger cabin, which continues to offer seven seats across three rows. Depending on the grade, high-end versions of the Pajero will get ‘Camel’ coloured upholstery, highlighting its new look dashboard and cabin. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-6.jpg) 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-4-1.jpg) 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero Multi Meter In front of the driver now sits dual 14.6-inch screens – one incorporating the digital instrument cluster, the other for the infotainment system – which feature the returning ‘Multi Meter triple cluster’, configurable between 16 different themes. The windscreen and side windows are made from acoustic glass to keep cabin noise down, coupled with a number of insulation upgrades under the skin, hidden behind the soft-touch materials on the instrument panel and door trims. Additional equipment confirmed for some grades includes a surround view camera with front under-floor view, and a 12-speaker Yamaha sound system. Tri-zone climate control and ventilated seats also feature. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-2.jpg) 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero second-row ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-1.jpg) 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero third-row Under the bonnet, it’s a relatively familiar sight, with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine powering the Pajero, now producing 480Nm (up from 430Nm) and requiring AdBlue, much like the related bi-turbo Triton. A power figure is yet to be disclosed, though the Triton makes 150kW. Similarly, the Toyota Prado’s 2.8-litre diesel engine produces 150kW and 500Nm, while the Everest ranges from 125kW/405Nm from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder, to 184kW/600Nm in 3.0-litre V6 guise. An eight-speed automatic transmission sits behind the engine, and is mated to Mitsubishi’s ‘Super Select 4WD-II’ system, allowing drivers to choose between 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (full-time 4WD), 4HLc (locked center differential), and 4LLc (locked center differential with low-range gears). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-14.jpg) 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero The Pajero offers seven drive modes (Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock), providing the best calibration for the required driving scenario. Fitted with eight airbags, the Pajero also marks the first appointment of a centre airbag in a Mitsubishi, something which will no doubt assist its ANCAP score when tested in Australia. Full pricing and specifications are expected to be announced in the near future for the Mitsubishi Pajero, ahead of its Australian arrival. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-23.jpg) ### China’s carmakers read the riot act to not start price wars URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-china-car-guidelines-published/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T01:54:21.000Z A heavy focus is on the Chinese automotive industry and what it may do next after coming to dominate many global markets, prompting the nation to issue guidelines telling its companies how to behave. As reported by [*Nikkei Asia*](https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/china-warns-its-ev-makers-against-launching-price-wars-abroad?ref=torquecafe.com), the Chinese government has released the four-chapter “Guidelines on Overseas Competition and Compliance Construction”, a reference document for car manufacturers operating in export markets. According to the publication, the guidelines – published by the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology – are aimed at improving the image of Chinese vehicles in overseas markets, through outlining strategies to minimise disruption. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/2025GWMTANK500PHEVFirstLook034.webp) “This guideline is formulated to promote the healthy and orderly international development of China's automotive industry, guide automotive companies to regulate their overseas competitive behavior, strengthen compliance, improve their transnational operating capabilities and international influence, and promote the development and progress of the global automotive industry,” it opens with. One of the most important parts of the guidelines is in chapter two (regulating competition in overseas markets), where the government calls for companies to not only “establish a pricing strategy based on cost and guided by international market supply and demand”, but also “not disrupt market competition order in order to gain an unfair competitive advantage”. “When setting the suggested retail price of a vehicle in an overseas market, the enterprise shall, in accordance with the laws and regulations, market principles and business practices of the host country (region), set a clear price gradient for different vehicle configurations of the enterprise, so as to avoid the impact on the interests of overseas consumers and the brand image due to frequent and large-scale price fluctuations,” it adds. [VFACTS July 2026: Another record month as Toyota RAV4 returns to the topOff the back of the largest month for new car deliveries in Australia ever, the market has set a new July record, with buyers continuing to buy EVs, hybrids and PHEVs in droves.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-f3f73bc1-0d8a-4d7d-9c14-9c1bcc76a632.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/Toyota-Pressroom---3fd1fe85-e9c0-4b98-b76b-1cdf20fc52be-fbaf247a-a1da-4d13-9985-429e6bbe0c1d.jpeg)](https://torquecafe.com/australia-new-car-news-vfacts-july-2026-record/) This section in particular has become relevant in the recent past, given the impact that Chinese brands have had on traditional ‘legacy’ manufacturers, leading the latter to adjust their own prices in a bid to remain competitive. While the US can’t be made as an example as it has effectively banned the sale of Chinese vehicles, Europe has levied tariffs on brands from China, with varying levels depending on how much each manufacturer is perceived to have been subsidised by their government. A later chapter (enhancing overseas localisation and compliance capabilities) adds that companies should “strengthen the assessment of products exported overseas to avoid exporting products that do not meet the needs of the target market and the usage environment.” [How China is set to dominate Australia’s new-car marketThe rise of China’s auto industry is set to decimate Japanese and Thai-made vehicles in Australia within a decade, according to a new report.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-41325242-f421-497d-a464-6f63c9af5986.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/chinese-cars-cargo-ship-1-242510e6-82e7-4878-bfa0-ccc15173b710.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/how-china-is-set-to-dominate-australias-new-car-market/) Though towards the end it says the guidelines “provide general guidance for automotive companies regarding overseas competition and compliance”, it concludes by saying that, “in practice, companies should closely monitor the latest laws, regulations, and policy requirements of China, host countries (regions), and relevant international organizations, and adjust and improve their own practices accordingly”. As previously reported, China is now the leading source of vehicle imports to Australia, this year overtaking Japan and Thailand to lead the way. In July last year, a report by the Centre for International Economics (CIE) - commissioned by the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) - forecast that Chinese vehicles could account for 43 per cent of all deliveries in Australia in 2035. In July 2026, 35.5 per cent of new vehicles were imported from China (38,555 total), well clear of second-placed Japan (26,292, 24.2 per cent) and Thailand (17,604, 16.2 per cent). ### Supercheap Auto brings new services to next-gen store URL: https://torquecafe.com/supercheap-auto-maroochydore-12v-installation/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T00:52:35.000Z The new era of automotive parts giant Supercheap Auto is here, after the long-running brand launched the first of its ‘Generation 5’ stores in Maroochydore, Queensland over the weekend. Featuring 15 new brands, the Sunshine Coast store offers an additional 1000 new products compared to Supercheap Auto’s other outlets, as well as a first for the company. Running as the first national pilot site before plans to expand to 80 other stores in the next five years, the Maroochydore location provides customers with access to professional 12-volt installation services on-site, allowing the fitment of spotlights, cameras and UHF radios. “We know how passionate our customers on the Sunshine Coast are about taking care of their cars and kitting out their 4WDs and utes with the brands they love,” said Supercheap Auto managing director, Ben McConnell. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/Supercheap-Auto-Maroochydore-3-1.jpg) Supercheap Auto Maroochydore “We are excited to now be able to offer them an even greater range of products with professional auto electrical installation from their local Supercheap Auto team. “This exciting new format store will help us stock an even wider range of brands and products our customers want, particularly in the 4WD category. “We know our 4WD customers are hugely passionate about their 4x4 and outdoor brands, and the new Generation 5 store format will help us bring to life an expanded product range.” The fitment of electrical components can be booked in-store, with customers able to receive a consultation and a quote before purchasing a product and booking installation time. ### Porsche supercar to use Lamborghini, Audi bones - report URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-porsche-supercar-lamborghini-audi/ Last updated: 2026-09-01T23:35:49.000Z Porsche is a brand in recovery at the moment, getting down to what it knows best by leaning into its high-profit products, and it has previously suggested a new flagship will act as its north star in the not-too-distant future. [Earlier this year](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-open-to-new-hypercar-to-boost-profits/), Porsche CEO Michael Leiters announced the brand’s plans to offer more models in a bid to cover a wider market, with vehicles at a higher premium than the 911 and Cayenne expected to lead the charge. “We are considering the expansion of our product portfolio in order to grow in higher-margin segments. In doing so, we are looking at models and derivatives both above our current two-door sports cars and above the Cayenne,” Leiters said in March. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/8_Porsche-918-Spyder_2.webp) Porsche 918 Spyder Now, [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/volkswagen/porsche/ane-porsche-ceo-moves-to-reshape-brand-0828/?ref=torquecafe.com) reports there could be an obvious piece of the puzzle sitting in the wings, claiming the next Porsche supercar would likely use the platform of the Lamborghini Temerario and Audi Nuvolari to save costs. The Temerario was unveiled in 2024 and launched last year as the new ‘baby’ Lamborghini supercar, taking the place of the V10 Huracan, now with a twin-turbo V8 engine and plug-in hybrid system. Earlier this year, Audi revealed the Nuvolari as a pseudo successor to the R8 supercar, based on the Temerario – just like the R8 was related to the Gallardo and Huracan – but limited to just 499 examples. With a supercar platform already existing, it’s an easier business case for Porsche to create a supercar, given the reduced development costs and time, however it has traditionally gone its own way for its flagships. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/porsche-911-tunnel-1.jpg) The 959, Carrera GT and 918 Spyder were all bespoke vehicles, sharing next to no parts with other models from the Volkswagen Group, or even from within the Porsche model range. It’s possible Porsche’s Temerario/Nuvolari based model could be even more extreme, as the brand has said its above-911 halo car is more likely to be a hypercar. “We cannot detail the mentioned statement since Porsche is in the middle of an analysis phase for its future product portfolio,” a Porsche spokesperson said earlier this year when asked by [*Motor1*](https://www.motor1.com/news/789646/porsche-considering-halo-sports-car/?ref=torquecafe.com) for details on its new flagship. “What we can confirm is that we will continue to offer uncompromisingly excellent sports cars with genuine Porsche DNA. [Porsche open to new hypercar to boost profitsThe Porsche 918 might not be the last in a short line of hypercars from Stuttgart, as the German marque is reportedly eyeing up a new flagship.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-5d32e9f2-6065-4cc4-9a14-e9e2ec1e0ed7.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/8_Porsche-918-Spyder_2-46b7b67e-55f1-48ec-a250-3a516277ef23.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-open-to-new-hypercar-to-boost-profits/) “Flagship projects like the Porsche 959, Carrera GT, or 918 Spyder are part of our DNA. We continue to invest in high-performance sports cars. One example is the recently presented 911 Turbo S. “Additionally, we are currently evaluating various vehicle concepts in the GT and hypercar segment. We will decide based on the wishes of our customers, who are always our focus.” While Porsche already has a road-going hypercar in the 963 RSP, this was limited to just one example built for Roger Penske, meaning a series production model is still waiting to be launched. ### HSV VL Walkinshaw with just 20km for sale URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-hsv-vl-walkinshaw-time-capsule-for-sale/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T05:56:33.000Z There aren’t many days you’ll find an Australian performance car classic for sale in as-new condition, but for lovers of the HSV VL SS Group A Walkinshaw, that time is now. Listed online by Adelaide-based unique car specialist [Richmonds](https://richmonds.com.au/portfolio/1988-holden-special-vehicles-commodore-vl-ss-group-a-walkinshaw-sedan-manual/?ref=torquecafe.com), this VL ‘Walky’ could claim to be the lowest mileage example offered for sale since production began in 1988, with its odometer showing just 20km since new. Chassis #082 of 749 examples built was completed on July 11th, 1988, and was allocated to Canowindra Motors where it remained until March 1991, when it was sold to its first owner for $36,000 in cash – equivalent to $86,600 today, but still about $10,000 less than its price when new. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/HSV-VL-Walkinshaw-58.jpg) Image via Richmonds Unlike almost every VL Walkinshaw, this example was never fitted with its iconic ‘plastic pig’ bodykit, consisting of a lower front splitter, side skirts and rear bumper lip, all of which were intended to be fitted by the dealer. In car #082’s case, this never happened, with the parts still wrapped up, as are almost all the interior components, with the listing claiming every part bar the battery is original, while even the replacement battery is accompanied by the original unit. According to the listing, “during the early years of ownership, the car was occasionally started and idled to temperature,” which later led to the engine being turned over by hand. It was said to have recently been given fresh fuel as a part of its recommissioning process. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/HSV-VL-Walkinshaw-85.jpg) Image via Richmonds Remaining in the same family since new, the sale includes the HSV’s factory release form, dealership inspection report, original dealership registration certificate, NSW registration plates, and sales contract. As with all other examples, it’s painted in Panorama Silver with five-spoke 16-inch wheels, and powered by a fuel-injected 5.0-litre Holden V8 engine, which sent 180kW and 380Nm to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Richmonds is taking expressions of interest for HSV VL Walkinshaw chassis #082, asking interested parties to submit offers by 12pm on September 30, 2026. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/HSV-VL-Walkinshaw-76.jpg) Image via Richmonds There’s no indication of how much it could sell for, as the market for VL Walkinshaws has been scattered in recent years. The known auction record stands at $380,000 for #333 in 2018, while car #339 was listed for more than $1 million in 2021, though a sale price was not announced. In June, car #285 sold for $209,000 plus auction fees, with more than 45,000km on the clock, meanwhile car #304 is listed via [Seven 82 Motors](https://www.seven82motors.com.au/lot/aug-9-2026/1988-hsv-vl-ss-group-a-walkinshaw-304-15700km-books/?ref=torquecafe.com) for $330,000 with 15,685km. Currently, the most expensive Holden sold on record was a HSV GTSR W1 Maloo in XU3 Yellah, which went for $1.2 million late last year. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/HSV-VL-Walkinshaw-91.jpg) Image via Richmonds [Walkinshaw creates another hot V8Former Holden outfit Walkinshaw has turned up the heat on another V8-powered model, giving GM’s GMC Yukon a welcome power increase.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-9cbacbc0-2597-45b3-897d-c1a3083d9f99.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/gmc-yukon-walkinshaw-performance-2-d661cf00-9ea7-46ca-b91f-c787793f3d38.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/walkinshaw-creates-another-hot-v8/) [Australia’s new home of car engineering is openWalkinshaw has put the final touches on its new car manufacturing facility in Melbourne, which also houses one of the nation’s largest engineering bases.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-ff0d864a-1a6b-4572-8492-5ad25efe5faf.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/walkinshaw-facility-dandenong-south-6-7d293a46-4bf5-49cc-98ca-dff4a84f1b51.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/australias-new-home-of-car-engineering-is-open/) What Walkinshaw looks like in 2026 ### General Motors’ 100 years in Australia celebrated in former HSV boss’s book URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-general-motors-australian-history-book/ Last updated: 2026-09-01T06:00:48.000Z Last year, Ford celebrated 100 years of operating in Australia, as it now holds the title of the longest continually operating car brand in local showrooms, following the late 2024 demise of Citroen. In 2026, another big brand is about to celebrate its centenary, with November 1, 2026 representing 100 years since General Motors was incorporated as an Australian company, and now its history is being detailed in an upcoming book. Written by John Crennan, who was Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) managing director for 22 years, and had been a part of the Holden family since 1962, the 260-page hardcover book is limited to just 1000 copies. [Celebrating 100 Years of General Motors in Australia... More Than a Car Company (Limited-Edition Hardcover) - Pre OrderOn 1 November 1926, General Motors was incorporated as an Australian company at City Road, South Melbourne. Shortly afterwards, about 120 head-office staff gathered out the front for a photograph. In the front row was a young man named Harry Crennan, who would serve the company for 42 years. A century later, his son Jo![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/Logo_32x32-13174915-8a5f-4649-8c15-fb97b653ad4b.png)Authentic Collectables![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/WhatsAppImage2026-08-14at15.47.58-724a22a2-a2e6-4c88-85ee-18bbaa7d12c9.jpg)](https://www.authenticcollectables.com.au/products/celebrating-100-years-of-general-motors-in-australia-more-than-a-car-company-limited-edition-hardcover-pre-order?ref=torquecafe.com) [Available through Authentic Collectables](https://www.authenticcollectables.com.au/products/celebrating-100-years-of-general-motors-in-australia-more-than-a-car-company-limited-edition-hardcover-pre-order?ref=torquecafe.com), it details the early days of General Motors’ Australian tenure from its inception in 1926, the launch of the first Holden in 1948, and the shuttering of the famed brand in 2020. Now operating through its General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV, selling Chevrolet and GMC) and Cadillac brands, much has changed in the world of GM Australia across the past 100 years, all of which is detailed by Crennan. Priced from $100, the book will be printed in Melbourne and begin deliveries later this month. ### Online giant eBay to ban airbags and related parts in safety crackdown URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ebay-airbag-ban/ Last updated: 2026-09-01T03:56:26.000Z The global Takata airbag recall which impacted more than 100 million vehicles served as a wake-up call to the automotive industry about how the safety devices could turn deadly if manufactured incorrectly, and now online giant eBay has made it harder for potentially lethal car parts to be sold. This week, eBay announced that from September 24, 2026, it will no longer allow the sale of vehicle airbags, airbag inflators, and steering wheel airbag covers on its platform. “This decision was made following a comprehensive review of the risks these products may pose to eBay users,” the company said in a brief statement. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/pexels-nikky-almon-3116371-4714856-1.jpg) Image via Pexels for illustrative purposes only While it made no explicit mention of its reasons behind the change, a recent [*Wall Street Journal*](https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/ebay-bans-air-bag-sales-following-deaths-involving-counterfeit-parts-a3d9f3ee?ref=torquecafe.com) report, citing information from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), claimed at least 10 deaths have occurred in the US from counterfeit airbags. These airbags came from companies which didn’t test their airbags against the same standards as vehicle manufacturers, leading to failures in which the airbag inflators would rupture, sending shrapnel flying into the occupants. The counterfeit items were found to be fitted to vehicles after repairs were carried out, often by large companies who were unaware they were not genuine parts. With this becoming a rising issue, it’s understood eBay’s move to ban the sale of airbags comes to protect the public, as it cannot control every product which appears on its platform. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/pexels-jibarofoto-10666260-1.jpg) Image via Pexels for illustrative purposes only There will still be certain airbag-related items allowed on eBay from later this month when the ban takes effect, such as airbag control units, impact sensors, diagnostic modules and passenger sensors, however anything to do with the direct protection of occupants will have to be removed. It’s understood there have been no deaths in Australia as a result of counterfeit airbags. Approximately 4.1 million cars in Australia were impacted by the Takata recall, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) declaring in late 2022 that all faulty devices in affected vehicles had been replaced. However, this data included vehicles which were written-off, scrapped or unregistered for more than two years. ### Lamborghini CEO dismisses Chinese brands as a threat… for now URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-lamborghini-not-threatened-chinese/ Last updated: 2026-09-01T02:02:42.000Z Lamborghini has managed to weather the storms of oil crises, global financial turmoil and an uncertain future with emissions regulations, and its CEO believes China doesn’t pose an immediate threat to its business, either. Speaking to [*Auto Express*](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/lamborghini/370284/lamborghini-ceo-no-chinese-car-brand-threat-us?ref=torquecafe.com) at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann was asked to comment on the [Denza Z](https://torquecafe.com/byds-denza-reveals-1180kw-four-seat-z-supercar/), an upcoming 1180kW supercar, made by the luxury arm of Chinese giant BYD. “We don’t see this as a threat,” Winkelmann said unequivocally. When asked why he’s not worried about China’s car industry coming for the likes of Lamborghini, he added, “Because they are doing electric cars”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/lamborghini-fenomeno-1.jpg) Lamborghini Fenomeno “And if we say we are not doing electric cars for a reason, then there is also an idea behind how we look at our Chinese competitors or Chinese manufacturers.” “\[China can’t compete\] on the performance of our cars, the sound and the emotion”. The past few years have seen a rise in China’s overall car industry, giving some of its big players enough money to now throw behind flagship products, such as the Denza Z and [Yangwang U9](https://torquecafe.com/byd-news-yangwang-u9-xtreme-australia/) (both from BYD brands). Meanwhile, [GWM is currently developing a twin-turbo, mid-engined V8 supercar](https://torquecafe.com/gwm-news-gf-hybrid-twin-turb-supercar/), which it is targeting to underpin a GT3 racer to have a crack at Europe and America’s finest. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/crop_659968.jpg) Lamborghini Temerario This someday may present a threat to Lamborghini – which has two plug-in hybrid supercars in its lineup, the V8 Temerario and the V12 Revuelto – something which Winkelmann admitted to, noting: “I always say, never say never.” However, Lamborghini seems to be happy waiting for the competition to come to it, rather than take on the electric supercar market, having earlier this year delayed its first EV. When Lamborghini uncovered the Lanzador concept in 2023, it was planned to go into production as the brand’s first EV in 2028… a date which was later revised to 2029, and then put into limbo, before being axed entirely earlier this year, with a PHEV to take its place. [Lamborghini keeps petrol power alive, scraps EV plansThe first electric vehicle from Lamborghini has been cancelled, with a plug-in hybrid powertrain to instead propel its upcoming grand tourer.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-5128ae8c-4d0e-4f2e-9500-92cc68c3e5c8.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_647675-79424449-6fa5-439e-be5c-57016931dc39.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/lamborghini-keeps-petrol-power-alive-scraps-ev-plans/) “I’m feeling very well about the decision,” Winkelmann told *Auto Express* about the decision to make the Lanzador a PHEV instead of an EV. While specific details on the PHEV’s powertrain are yet to be announced, the executive said Lamborghini will build engines “for as long as possible” - suggesting the V8 and V12s in its wider lineup are safe for now. The executive added an EV may still one day join Lamborghini’s lineup, but just when that will happen is still up in the air. ### Lewis Hamilton finally gets a Ferrari F40 URL: https://torquecafe.com/f1-news-lewis-hamilton-ferrari-f40-restoration/ Last updated: 2026-09-01T00:52:45.000Z It’s hard to imagine Lewis Hamilton having the desire for much in life, given he’s already the winningest driver in Formula 1 history, has seven championships and is racing for Ferrari, but that didn’t stop the Briton from recently fulfilling one of his dreams. While Hamilton has previously owned a large collection of cars, that has now been reduced to just one, after selling his entire collection last year, vowing only to buy another if it was a Ferrari F40 – something he has now done. Posting on social media, Hamilton announced the arrival of his F40, complete in ‘barn find’ specification having been garaged for more than three decades, with restoration works now being undertaken by Ferrari's Classiche program. “My very own F40\. This is the car of my dreams and has been for as long as I can remember,” Hamilton said. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/p/DctiGizDKYy/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton)](https://www.instagram.com/p/DctiGizDKYy/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) “As a kid I dreamt of having one. When I joined Ferrari last year I made sure to have one with me on my first day at Maranello. That’s how much it means to me. “These cars are works of art and incredibly rare, so when I found this one, covered in dust after being sat in a garage for over thirty years, I knew I had to bring her home. “First to Maranello, where the master engineers and mechanics at the factory worked for weeks to bring her back to life. Massive thank you to everyone who had a hand in this project. This has truly been a dream come true. I can’t wait to share more with you all.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/09/lewis-hamilton-ferrari-f40-1.jpg) Hamilton’s love affair with the Ferrari F40 has been well documented, having requested an F40 to be alongside him in a photoshoot for his first day with Ferrari in 2025. [Earlier this year](https://torquecafe.com/lewis-hamilton-news-tokyo-drift-kim-kardashian-ferrari-f40/), Hamilton performed burnouts, donuts and drifts around parts of Tokyo in an F40, in a video which also served as the unofficial announcement that he had started dating Kim Kardashian. Only approximately 1315 F40s were built, and now they are valued at approximately $3 million, being regarded as one of the first true supercars, with a 352kW twin-turbo 2.9-litre V8 engine and a sub-1300kg kerb weight. [Lewis Hamilton wants to design his own FerrariThe Formula 1 superstar has revealed his plans to work on his first supercar.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-4bb9215c-3ed4-419b-97b4-af7c97d82b09.png)Torquecafe.comStephen Ottley![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_lewis-hamilton-maranello-2025-v2_9c511a46-d443-40ac-b985-520efd3983d1-fff67291-6227-48b9-adda-116ea68770c7.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/lewis-hamilton-wants-to-design-his-own-ferrari/) ### Honda, Nissan to tie up after all URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-honda-nissan-partnership-2029/ Last updated: 2026-08-31T23:42:25.000Z In 2025, Honda and Nissan walked away from a proposed merger between their two brands and Mitsubishi, at the time navigating financial difficulties and a changing market. With a new CEO at the helm of Nissan and Honda fighting back from its first ever financial loss, the two Japanese marques have now agreed to form a relationship, though not to the in-depth levels as once proposed. Overnight, Honda and Nissan announced they have “entered into a joint development agreement to standardise multiple electronic control units (ECUs) that form the core of next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs)”. In addition, the brands will develop “the in-vehicle operating system and key parts of the middleware, and vehicle control software that run on these ECUs.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2025-honda-civic-type-r-3.jpg) Honda Civic Type R “As part of their strategic partnership, Nissan and Honda continue to explore opportunities for collaboration across a range of areas to accelerate progress toward carbon neutrality and help realize a future with zero traffic fatalities involving their vehicles,” the pair said in a joint media release. ‘In particular, the software domain centered on SDVs, which is key to vehicle intelligence and electrification, has been identified as an important area of collaboration, given the rapid pace of technological innovation and the need to strengthen competitiveness through improved R&D speed and investment efficiency.” They noted the need to be more competitive in the current market, flagging faster development cycles as a key to remain in the fight against rapid technological advances from competitors. “Going forward, Nissan and Honda will continue to build on their respective strengths, explore opportunities to create new value, and deepen collaboration to bring tangible benefits to customers and society.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-12.jpg) Nissan Patrol The co-developed technology won’t start rolling out until the 2029 Japanese fiscal year (April 2029 to April 2030), while the door has been left open for future projects. Earlier this year, Honda announced in May it had posted an operating loss of 414.3 billion yen (A$3.72 billion) for the 2025-2026 Japanese financial year (April 2025 to March 2026), a significant change on its previous operating profit of 1.21 trillion yen (A$10.9 billion). “I would like to ​express my deepest apologies to our shareholders for the significant concern and inconvenience caused ​by the net loss recorded in the previous fiscal year's financial results,” Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe said in announcing the results. Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa has also previously said his brand “lost our” way prior to taking over, having inherited the control of a company which posted an annual net loss of ¥670.9 billion (A$6.2 billion). ### The only way to get behind the Ford Mustang GTD’s wheel in Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/sim-racing-news-ford-mustang-gtd-moza-racing-wheel/ Last updated: 2026-08-31T20:00:51.000Z Ever since Ford launched the Mustang GTD, it has said it only plans to make the supercharged pony car in left-hand drive, ruling it out – mostly – for Australia. However, the success of the Mustang GTD, as well as Ford’s latest performance push, has led sim racing giant Moza Racing to launch an officially licenced steering wheel, largely replicating that of the winged sports car. Said to be inspired by the Mustang GTD’s steering wheel rather than a like-for-like replica, its central ‘horn’ pad and flat-bottomed design mimic that of the exclusive car, though its button placements are more akin to GT3 racers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/moza-racing-ford-mustang-gtd-wheel-1.jpg) Measuring 330mm in diameter, it incorporates a 2.99-inch HD display which can be customised to each user’s desires, including using the graphics design of the Mustang GT3 race car, while behind the rim sit GTD-inspired gear paddles. Compatible with Moza bases and third-party bases through other methods, the wheel hasn’t yet been priced, though it’s likely to be a fraction of the cost of the real thing. Of course, there will be at least one Ford Mustang GTD in the world with right-hand drive, after Melbourne’s Mustang Motorsport [announced earlier this year](https://torquecafe.com/ford-mustang-gtd-coming-to-australian-roads-after-all/) it’s converting founder Craig Dean’s example locally. Alongside the reveal of the Mustang GTD sim racing wheel, Moza also unveiled multiple Mercedes-licenced wheels, as well as a replica of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS's steering wheel. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2025-Ford-Mustang-GTD_interior_09_28.jpg) The real Ford Mustang GTD's interior ### Mercedes boss promises next AMG GT Black Series will be ‘insane’ URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-mercedes-amg-gt-black-series-insane/ Last updated: 2026-08-31T06:09:34.000Z Mercedes-AMG is soon launching the new GT Black Series, and the car giant’s boss is making some bold claims about its capabilities. [First teased in March](https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-amg-news-gt-black-series-teased/), the GT Black Series has already been billed as the most extreme from the skunkworks division yet, with Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius telling *Autocar* it is as a result of allowing AMG’s engineers “to go crazy”. “Sometimes you must allow the engineers to go crazy, and the next car like that is in the making,” Källenius said. “The next AMG Black Series will be insane, and it will be something completely different that nobody expects. And I can guarantee that \[your\] readers will love it. You have my personal guarantee.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/mercedes-amg-gt-black-series-teaser-1.jpg) "I know I'm talking to a constituency that knows what they're talking about, and I have full confidence we won't disappoint." The AMG GT Black Series will serve as the upon which the new AMG GT3 race vehicle will be homologated, and do battle with the likes of the Porsche 911, Ford Mustang GTD and the upcoming Toyota GR GT in showrooms as well as on the track. AMG is still running the first-generation GT in its GT3 racing program, powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8\. This engine was never available in the first-gen GT road car, which instead had a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 heart. It’s expected the new GT Black Series will finally move to a twin-turbo V8 engine, with Mercedes-Benz recently launching the M177 Evo, an updated version of the 4.0-litre, now with a flat-plane crankshaft. [Mercedes-AMG’s new V8 supercar caught on cameraThe new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is currently undergoing testing, promising to be one of the brand’s most extreme cars yet.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-e9508a69-cd04-49f6-9608-769900753864.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/mercedes-amg-gt-black-series-teaser-1-83b4a1cf-b634-4f63-83db-c6d1455e5e00.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-amgs-new-v8-supercar-caught-on-camera/) Speaking with US publication [*MotorTrend*](https://www.motortrend.com/news/future-mercedes-benz-evs-amg-gas-engines?ref=torquecafe.com) in May, Källenius said the M177 Evo will be offered in three distinct guises: “the Mercedes-Benz \[version\], the AMG \[version\], and the ‘go crazy’ AMG \[version\].” Given the AMG version of the engine is understood to be powering the upcoming CLE-based ‘Mythos’ series vehicle, it is widely expected the “go crazy” version of the V8 will work its way into the upcoming AMG GT Black Series. While the previous-generation AMG GT Black Series held the title as the fastest production car around the Nürburgring Nordschleife (with its 6:48.047 lap set in 2020), it was dethroned by the 991-gen Porsche 911 GT2 RS in 2021 (6:43.300), and was pushed further down the order by the 992.2 GT3 RS last year (6:45.389). It’s expected that Mercedes-AMG will take another crack at the top spot in the sports car rankings when the GT Black Series launches, though it’s unlikely to challenge the brand’s AMG One, with the F1-engined hypercar holding the outright road car record, lapping the circuit in 6:29.090. ### Half of this state’s motorists admit to using their phones while driving URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-victoria-mobile-phone-driving-use/ Last updated: 2026-08-31T03:58:25.000Z The quest for a reduced road toll is ongoing, and the latest Road Safety Monitor report by Victoria’s Transport Accident Commission has shown there’s a long way to go to change driver’s habits behind the wheel. Victorian motorists were surveyed by the TAC to form its annual report, revealing surprising behaviours while driving. One of the report’s more shocking findings was that 50 per cent of 2311 surveyed motorists had admitted to using a mobile phone while driving, despite this being made illegal way back in 1998. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/mobile-phone-driving-4-1.jpg) Image via Pexels Currently, the fine for using a ‘portable device’ such as a mobile phone while driving in Victoria is $627 plus four demerit points, making it even more expensive than exceeding the speed limit by 25km/h to 29km/h ($575, three month licence suspension). The percentage of respondents admitting to phone use while driving is decreasing, with the 50 per cent figure down on past results of 52 (2022), 51 (2023) and 52 (2024), however there are interesting demographic details showing certain groups are getting better than others For 18 to 25 year olds, usage has decreased from 63 per cent in 2022 to 56 per cent in 2025, while 26-39 year olds started at the same level but have dropped less to 61 per cent. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/mobile-phone-driving-3-1.jpg) Image via Pexels While women are also now less likely to use their phones while driving (48 per cent compared to 54 per cent in 2022), the rate has gone up for men, rising from 50 per cent to 52 per cent. In addition to half of those surveyed admitting to using their phones, 46 per cent of those said they had interacted with an app once holding the phone, while 24 per cent said they’d sent or read a text message, or made or received a call. According to the report, most respondents said they would feel embarrassed telling friends they had been caught using a mobile phone illegally while driving, however “those who reported phone use while driving reported a lower level of embarrassment” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/mobile-phone-driving-2-1.jpg) Image via Pexels “Almost two thirds (63 per cent) of respondents who used a hand-held mobile phone while driving would feel embarrassed, compared with 83 per cent of those who did not,” the report added. In what could be a worrying sign for police, 31 per cent of respondents who had used a phone while “believed they were likely to be caught, compared with 38 per cent of those who had not used a hand-held mobile phone while driving”. The report forms a part of informing Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy, which by 2030 aims to halve the number of lives lost and serious injuries suffered by road users compared to 2020 levels. Despite this being something the majority of states are aiming for, the road toll is largely consistent year-on-year, though the number of fatalities per capita has been dropping slowly in recent years. ### Lotus Esprit to be resurrected, offer V6 and V8 power URL: https://torquecafe.com/lotus-esprit-to-be-resurrected-offer-v6-and-v8-power/ Last updated: 2026-08-31T01:50:10.000Z Lotus announced in May it is developing a V8-powered supercar, channelling the spirit of the Esprit into its new era under Geely ownership. Known by its working title of Type 135, the supercar is due to launch in 2028, and though a handful of details have already been announced, more information has now been reported. According to [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-2028-lotus-esprit-offer-v6-addition-hybrid-v8?ref=torquecafe.com), the production version of the Type 135 will revive the Lotus Esprit name, having last been made in 2004, dating back to the first examples of the late 1970s. On top of this, Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng reportedly told investors the new Esprit will not only be powered by a V8 engine as already confirmed, but a more affordable V6 will also be available. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/lotus-esprit-italdesign.jpg) Lotus Esprit In May, [it was reported the Emira](https://torquecafe.com/lotus-news-emira-hybrid-horse-v6-twin-turbo/) – the current Lotus flagship sports car – would lose its Toyota-sourced V6 in favour of a hybrid V6 developed by Horse Powertrain, which is jointly owned by Lotus parent Geely (45 per cent), as well as Renault (45 per cent) and Saudi oil giant Aramco (10 per cent). The hybrid V6 powertrain in question was previewed at April’s Beijing motor show, using the codename ‘W30’, where Horse said it is “intended to be deployed in mild- and full-hybrid vehicles” and will make its debut in 2028. This suggests the Emira’s V6 will be shared with the Esprit, connecting the two models through their powertrains, if nothing else. At the time, Horse claimed the hybrid 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine had projected outputs of between 350kW and 400kW, and up to 600Nm to 700Nm of torque, while being able to rev up to 8000rpm. [Affordable sports car to go hybrid, lose manualThe Lotus Emira is going hybrid, and will lean on a powertrain from French/Chinese/Saudi Arabian joint venture Horse to do so.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-b3ca714e-ce7c-4504-a773-e69f0e6c2dae.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_LOT-5351-852058c5-8b28-4139-a22b-90ae7de1cb81.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/lotus-news-emira-hybrid-horse-v6-twin-turbo/) The engine was previewed in Beijing with a four-speed automatic transmission and integrated electric motor, the latter of which can add between 250kW to 450kW where needed. It’s not yet known whether the Esprit V6 will lean on the expected eight-speed dual-clutch automatic which is planned for the V8 version, as the latter is being engineered to cope with almost 750kW. So far, all we know about the Esprit V8 is that it too will have its engine developed by Horse, though it won’t remain just with the supercar. [Lotus supercar’s V8 could come from ChinaThe V8 in the back of the new Lotus supercar will be made in China and Europe, and be a clean-sheet design.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-20f41f8f-3742-4c44-a8a3-3b3f119cd68a.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/lotus-theory-1-concept-3-2f6e0228-4286-4f97-a1c5-f43da56794ac.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/lotus-news-v8-supercar-horse-powertrain-engine/) ‘And since we will be starting from scratch, we will make a lot of effort to improve the volume and weight of the engine,” Qingfeng told [*Automotive News Europe*](https://www.autonews.com/geely/lotus/ane-lotus-ceo-interview-0528/?ref=torquecafe.com) earlier this year. “The plan is to build this \[engine\] globally, both in China and the EU and maybe other locations.” “\[The V8 engine\] will be used among Geely’s product portfolio including some off-road SUVs. We haven’t decided yet which brand. We want to leverage economies of scale.” “In terms of sports cars, only Lotus will use it.” ### Ford Mustang Baja ‘still in the works’ - report URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ford-mustang-baja-report/ Last updated: 2026-08-31T01:00:04.000Z The Ford Mustang family was once reserved for a two-door model line, stemming from the preeminent pony car, but that has evolved and will continue to do so. From the Mustang Mach-E electric SUV which launched half a decade ago, to reports of a four-door Mustang sedan coming in the near future, Ford is keenly utilising its most recognisable badge to score more sales from a wider market, and it apparently isn’t stopping. In a video posted to YouTube by [*Automotive News*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVCbs1B8gQM&ref=torquecafe.com), Mike Martinez – one of the outlet’s reporters – reiterated Ford is developing a ‘Mustang Baja’, something he says is “still in the works” after first being reported two years ago. [At the time](https://archive.torquecafe.com/fords-secret-mustang-plans-revealed/?ref=torquecafe.com), the reports spoke of the Baja version, the sedan (expected to be called Mach 4), and a factory-made, four-cylinder Mustang RTR, the latter of which has some to fruition and only recently started rolling down the production line. Ford CEO Jim Farley has often teased the brand’s next ‘supercar’ will be based on its off-road Raptor division, while it’s been rumoured this could include technology and parts from the Mustang GTD. It’s not yet known what form the Mustang Baja could take, whether it be a jacked-up version of the coupe or something completely different, though it’s expected to deliver on Ford’s desire to be the king of the off-road market. [Ford CEO teases off-road supercar, inspired by RaptorFord CEO Jim Farley has added fuel to the fire of speculation about his brand launching an off-road focused supercar.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-a0ea2490-d693-4e76-8cca-e46c73429ca1.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_Ford-Raptor-Dakar_1-db465ae4-5086-4acb-afaa-cd6cbbdbe61e.webp)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-off-road-supercar-jim-farley-hints/) [Recently](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-european-mustang-raptor-lineup/), Ford of Europe announced an ambitious plan to launch five new passenger vehicles in the region by 2030, claiming all of its vehicles would combine the region’s desire for “off-road DNA” with on-road performance to create “rally-bred” cars and SUVs. Given the success of the off-road Ford products in the US, it’s understood the business case for the Mustang Baka is strong. In the US, Ford’s off-road variants (including the Bronco Badlands) account for about 20 per cent of its overall sales. “No one’s ever built a supercar for gravel, high-speed sand, dirt,” Farley has previously said. “I’m thinking really deeply about it, and usually that turns into something.” “These Raptor people are telling us something. They’re not stupid. They’re really smart people. They spent US$120,000 on an 800-horsepower pickup truck.” ### New Toyota Celica to use Corolla hybrid underpinnings URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-toyota-celica-corolla-hybrid/ Last updated: 2026-08-30T23:37:16.000Z Toyota is gearing up to launch a new Celica, just don’t expect it to be built on a mega-money, bespoke platform. As reported by [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/toyota-celica-set-be-revived-awd-hybrid?ref=torquecafe.com), the reborn Toyota Celica is understood to utilise the underpinnings of the Corolla hybrid, a measure which will keep costs in check, and link the incoming sports coupe to its previous generations. Past versions of the Celica often shared their chassis or key components with the Toyota Carina or Corolla, at least in more widely available grades outside of the flagship, rally homologation-bred GT-Four. It’s a familiar play in the entry-level sports car scene too. Recently, Honda relaunched the Prelude nameplate, basing its two-door coupe on the Civic, with the pair sharing hybrid engines, though the former gets some trick parts from the performance Civic Type R. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/celica-GT-Four-2-e1665670160590-1.jpg) ST205 Toyota Celica GT-Four *Autocar* has [previously reported](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-celica-sport-gr-hybrid-details/) the Celica will come back as the Celica Sport, and – like the Corolla – be offered with hybrid power, mated with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, currently under development as the replacement for the 1.6-litre three-cylinder in the GR Corolla and GR Yaris. Speaking to the publication in March, GR marketing manager Mikio Hayashi said the brand’s future sports car (expected to be the Celica) is likely to be powered by Toyota’s new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. “The displacement size of 1.6 litres \[used in the GR Yaris\], for example, cannot meet emission regulations. So we have to consider the possibility of a 2.0-litre,” Hayashi said. “We are thinking about various sizes, but we are not at a stage where we can tell you exactly what size it is. Nothing has been decided yet about whether it will be a standard hybrid or plug-in hybrid. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/toyota_celica_gt-four_rc_4.jpeg) ST185 Toyota Celica GT-Four RC “We are continuing to develop that \[2.0-litre engine\]. We have high expectations. We cannot point to a timeline but can say we are making steady progress.” The new ‘G20E’ turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is expected to succeed the 1.6-litre three-cylinder which powers the GR Yaris and GR Corolla for Toyota’s entry-level, all-wheel drive performance products. While the final generation of Celica was front-wheel drive only, it’s expected the GR-fettled Celica will be an all-wheel drive, turbocharged flagship, calling back to the days of the GT-Four, which won four WRC driver’s titles, and two manufacturer’s championships in the 1990s. ### Australian Ram 1500s involved in global recall of 1.5 million pickups URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ram-1500-recall-australia/ Last updated: 2026-08-30T20:00:38.000Z Ram Trucks Australia has announced the recall of 1262 examples of the 1500 pickup, due to a fault which could lead some of the rear seatbelts to not operate correctly in a crash. "Due to a manufacturing defect, the second-row centre and left-side seat belt buckle anchors may not meet specifications. As a result, the seatbelts may not operate as intended," Ram said in its recall notice. "In the event of an accident, a seat belt not operating as intended could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2025-ram-1500-rebel-8.jpg) The recall impacts 2026 Model Year examples of the 1500, amid a global recall of the pickup for an identical fault, believed to impact nearly 1.5 million pickups. A full list of affected Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) can be found [here](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-006711?ref=torquecafe.com). Owners with an affected Ram 1500 will be contacted by American Special Vehicles (Ram's trading name) to contact their authorised Ram dealer to have the rectification completed, free of charge. ### Ford Mustang recalled URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2024-2026-ford-mustang-recalled/ Last updated: 2026-08-29T20:00:52.000Z Ford Australia has recalled 4955 examples of the current 'S650'-generation Mustang, owing to a windscreen wiper fault affected 2024 to 2026 model year variants. "Due to a manufacturing defect, the windshield washing system may become inoperable and the wipers may only function at the high-speed setting," Ford's recall notice reads. "This could lead to poor visibility for the driver in certain conditions. "Poor visibility may increase the risk of an accident, causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/TC-FordMustang-DarkHorse-043.jpg) A list of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) for the 4955 affected Ford Mustangs can be found **here**. Ford will contact owners of affected vehicles in writing to request they contact an authorised Ford dealer to arrange inspection and repair, free of charge. For further information, contact any authorised Ford Dealer or Ford Customer Relationship Centre on 13 FORD (13 3673). ### Ayrton Senna’s Honda NSX could set records URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ayrton-senna-honda-nsx-auction/ Last updated: 2026-08-28T20:00:36.000Z Ayrton Senna is best known for his three Formula 1 Driver’s Championship titles, but his image is also closely tied to the Honda NSX sports car of the early 1990s. While Senna helped develop the mid-engined V6 sports car, he was famously filmed [driving one around Suzuka in loafers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUVkVB3SUf4&ref=torquecafe.com), before being loaned another example by Honda’s Portuguese division throughout 1991, and now that latter car is for sale once more. Recognisable with its Formula Red paintwork and black roof, the NSX became Senna’s to use when he was in Portugal, notably driving it to that year’s Grand Prix at Estoril (below), while the car itself became an icon after featuring in the 1992 documentary, ‘Ayrton Senna: Racing Is In My Blood’. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-28-at-11.19.00---am-1.png) After living the majority of its life in Europe under multiple owners, the NSX later found its home in the UK in 2012, where its then-owner subsequently took it on a road trip to Imola in 2019 to mark 25 years since Senna’s passing, an occasion which also saw Minardi F1 team founder and circuit boss Giancarlo Minardi drive the sports car. It was most recently sold in 2024, having been listed on the UK’s AutoTrader for £500,000, purchased by a Japanese owner, though it has now returned to the UK, where it is being offered for sale by [*RM Sotheby’s*](https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/lf26/lots/r0002-1991-honda-nsx/?ref=torquecafe.com) at The London Auction on October 31. The auction house has provided a price guide of £500,000 (A$945,000) to £800,000 ($1.51 million), with the latter figure being close to the record auction price for an NSX, with the current record held by a 2003 NSX-R, which sold for €934,375 (£800,965/A$1.51m) last year. ### Baby Shark! BYD reveals new, smaller ute URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-byd-mako-revealed-brazil/ Last updated: 2026-08-28T04:08:15.000Z The BYD Mako has broken cover in Brazil ahead of going on sale in Latin America this year, joining the region’s growing market of car-based utes. Images of the Mako – named after the fastest species of shark on earth – were published by Autohome and shared by [*CarNewsChina*](https://carnewschina.com/2026/08/27/byd-debuts-mako-phev-pickup-in-brazil-based-on-song-plus-platform/?ref=torquecafe.com), showing a pre-production prototype in Brazilian colours, honouring the nation where it’ll be made. Based on the platform which underpins the BYD Sealion 6, the Mako is a monocoque ute, rather than the body-on-frame setups which dominate Australia’s market, which includes that of the larger Shark 6. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/byd-mako-autohome-carnewschina-2-1.jpg) BYD Mako (image credit: CarNewsChina/Autohome) The majority of the Mako before the B-pillar is shared with the Brazil-market Sealion 6 (sold there as the Song Plus), while the rear doors are largely carried over from the Sealion 5 (Song Pro locally), now incorporating the tub at the rear. Like its larger Shark 6 sibling, the BYD Mako features independent rear suspension, a point of difference given some of its similarly sized rivals still use leaf springs to carry greater weights. The front retains a MacPherson strut setup. Power comes from a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (reportedly good for 73kW and 122Nm, which is paired with an electric motor to raise total outputs to 166kW and 400Nm. At present, *CarNewsChina* reports the Mako is front-wheel drive only, though a four-wheel-drive version is expected to launch eventually, likely incorporating a rear electric motor. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/byd-mako-autohome-carnewschina-1-1.jpg) BYD Mako (image credit: CarNewsChina/Autohome) Inside, carry-over equipment from the Sealion 6 includes a 15.6-inch touchscreen, as well as a digital instrument cluster. As reported by *CarNewsChina*, the BYD Mako is expected to cost between 200,000 (A$53,900) and 220,000 Brazilian Reais (A$59,180), and do battle in showrooms with the likes of the Fiat Toro, Renault Oroch, Volkswagen Tukan (revealed earlier this week) and an upcoming Toyota ute, based on the Corolla Cross. Given none of these utes are sold in Australia – as well as other car-based utes on sale in other parts of the Americas – it’s unlikely we’ll see the Mako come Down Under. ### Lexus LFA successor may get engine power after all - report URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-lexus-lfa-successor-wont-be-ev-report/ Last updated: 2026-08-28T00:57:23.000Z Lexus is preparing a new LFA for production, as previewed by [last year’s LFA Concept](https://torquecafe.com/lexus-lfa-concept-ev-supercar-replaces-v10/), underpinned by the same chassis as the twin-turbo V8 Toyota GR GT, though the luxury marque’s offering is set to be an EV. While the original LFA was headlined by its V10 engine and Yamaha-tuned exhaust, the new LFA will be comparatively silent, powered by electric motors – or at least that was the plan. According to Japanese publication [*Best Car*](https://bestcarweb.jp/backnumber/1593809?ref=torquecafe.com) – which can sometimes stray too far down the path of sensationalism – the next LFA could become a plug-in hybrid rather than a fully electric vehicle. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/lexus-lfa-concept-ev-1.jpg) Lexus LFA Concept Though the publication attributes this to the cancelled ‘LF-ZC’ project, which was axed in June but said to carry across its learnings to other vehicles, there is no official indication that the upcoming Lexus LFA will be anything other than an EV. However, [as previously reported](https://torquecafe.com/lexus-lfas-legendary-v10-wont-make-its-way-into-ev-successor/), the production LFA is expected to make some kind of noise, after the LFA program’s general manager, Yukihiro Yukita, told the UK’s [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/new-lexus-lfa-aims-win-over-ev-sceptics-v10-feel?ref=torquecafe.com) it will produce noises to keep the driver involved. “What I get from the market is that a BEV is fake because we imitate the sound \[of an internal combustion engine\] – but that's not something we want to do,” Yukita said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/lexus-lfa-concept.jpg) Lexus LFA Concept The executive added Lexus wants its LFA drivers to “feel like they are driving with an engine”, saying that a downside to EVs is that “we lose the sound or the vibration, which gives a big impact to the five senses of the driver.” While acknowledging the popularity of synthesised engine noises in performance EVs from Hyundai and a growing number of brands, Yukita said: “We're not just wanting to replicate the sound of the engine: we want to redesign the sound itself.” Lexus recently ran the LFA Concept at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, alongside its Toyota GR GT and GR GT3 cousins. ### Top Gear is coming back… again URL: https://torquecafe.com/top-gear-is-coming-back-again/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T23:56:21.000Z Executives from the UK’s BBC have confirmed Top Gear is in the works to return to TV screens, after being placed on indefinite hiatus following a crash which left one of its then-presenters with significant facial injuries. As reported by the [BBC’s online news service](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clym7yrdk29o?ref=torquecafe.com), the broadcaster’s director of entertainment, Ed Havard, told the Edinburgh TV Festival on Thursday that the iconic motoring show is making its return, but with no timeline just yet. “There has been a lot of speculation about this and we can confirm that Top Gear is coming back,” Havard said. “I'm not going to talk about talent today.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Top_Gear-1.jpeg) Top Gear's most successful era was hosted by Richard Hammond (left), Jeremy Clarkson (centre) and James May (right) First running from 1977 to 2001 as a magazine-style program, Top Gear was relaunched in 2002 under the direction of Andy Wilman, who along with long-time collaborator Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and Jason Dawe started the now-familiar three-presenter lineup. Dawe was replaced by former Top Gear presenter James May, becoming the final piece of the formula which led the show to become the most downloaded program in the world during its most iconic run from 2003 to 2015. When Clarkson’s BBC contract wasn’t renewed in 2015 following his physical assault of another Top Gear producer, the show was put on ice as the trio (plus Wilman) left to start The Grand Tour on Prime Video. Just one year later, BBC brought back Top Gear in 2016 with six presenters – Chris Evans, Matt LeBlanc, Chris Harris, Sabine Schmitz, Eddie Jordan, and Rory Reid – though this format was short-lived and poorly received, leading to a rework. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/hsqd1ps854bg08dwfor6.jpg) Paddy McGuinness (left), Chris Harris (centre) and Freddie Flintoff (right) With LeBlanc, Harris and Reid subsequently hosting the program until 2019, the former and latter duo were replaced by former cricketer Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness from 2020, a combination which started to receive more positive feedback from the public. In 2022, production was paused after Flintoff rolled a Morgan Super 3 three-wheeler, leading the former cricketer to suffer significant facial injuries, resulting in facial surgery and eventually a £9 million ($17 million) settlement with the BBC. Since 2023, Top Gear has been on indefinite hiatus, during which time The Grand Tour has stopped being hosted by Clarkson, Hammond and May, with its upcoming season to [debut on September 4](https://torquecafe.com/the-grand-tour-trailer-released-ahead-of-september-4-debut/) with a trio of new hosts: Thomas Holland, James Engelsman and Francis Bourgeois. [Ex-Stig triggers legal battle over Top Gear-ending crashThe final man to be known as ‘The Stig’ on Top Gear has sued the BBC, following a crash involving former England test cricketer, ‘Freddie’ Flintoff.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-c3f199ce-c871-48e2-8c93-8a69d16d4d1e.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/hsqd1ps854bg08dwfor6-f3024794-bce4-40d3-8171-584d7cd50680.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ex-stig-triggers-legal-battle-over-top-gear-ending-crash/) Though the BBC is yet to lock in its new Top Gear hosts, TV presenter Jimmy Carr – who once held the top spot on the ‘Star in a Reasonably Priced Car’ leaderboard – has been linked to the lead role. “Jimmy would be a great host but I won't be discussing that today,” Havard added. “We will have more information on Top Gear shortly.” The announcement of its return comes two years after Top Gear Australia was revived with hosts Beau Ryan, Jonathan LaPaglia and Blair Joscelyne, however this iteration only lasted one season, and was initially exclusive to streaming service Stan. ### YouTube star takes the Holden Commodore* around the Nürburgring URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-misha-charoudin-nurburgring-holden-commodore-chevy-ss/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T07:00:05.000Z There are few cars Nürburgring specialist Misha Charoudin hasn’t taken around the Nordschleife course, and now he can tick the Holden Commodore off that list (kind of) after taking the Australian muscle on the Green Hell. Loaned to Charoudin by its German-based, American owner, the Chevrolet SS – the US market VF Holden Commodore – was taken on a hot lap of the Nordschleife by Charoudin, who has logged hundreds of laps at the facility, and competitively races there too. Having started its life in Elizabeth, South Australia on Holden’s production line, the Commodore was rebadged as the Chevrolet SS before being exported to the US, with this example now living its life in Germany, complete with a speedometer in the country-correct kilometres per hour. We’ll let you watch the video to hear Charoudin’s review of the Chevy SS, which in this form as a 2016 model was fitted with Brembo brakes, the updated VF II fascia, as well as standard magnetic dampers and a paddle-operated six-speed automatic transmission. Powered by the 6.2-litre ‘LS3’ engine shared with the C6 Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro SS, the 309kW Chevy SS was sadly not a sales success in the US, despite being heavily promoted as the brand’s NASCAR body of choice from 2013 to 2017. It’s not the first time a Commodore has appeared at the Nürburgring, with regarded privateer racer Mal Rose having competed at the circuit’s 24 Hour race in the late 2000s with an ex-V8 Supercars VY Commodore. [YouTube star takes Australian cult hero to the NürburgringNürburgring specialist Misha Charoudin is best known for throwing all types of cars around the famed circuit, but this AU Ford Fairlane limo takes the cake.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-72ac0137-3d82-4645-ad6f-c0db928362ab.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/misha-chardouin-ford-fairlane-nurburgring-c3f6acb8-64cd-4b27-8737-68594ff90399.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/misha-charoudin-ford-fairlane-nurburgring/) ### Hyundai N lineup expansion detailed URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-hyundai-n-2030-expansion/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T03:00:49.000Z Hyundai has well and truly evolved from a challenger brand to becoming one of the key players in the affordable performance car market, and it’s not giving up just yet. At its annual Investor Day this week, Hyundai [reiterated its plans](https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-n-plots-performance-car-onslaught/) to sell more than seven N performance models by 2030, now confirming this will include “new powertrain diversification”. Currently, the Hyundai N product lineup is either powered by turbocharged petrol engines (i 20N, i30 N, Elantra/i30 Sedan N) or electric motors (Ioniq 5 N, Ioniq 6 N), however rumours of a hybrid powertrain being in development have circulated for the past year. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/hyundai-ioniq-6-n-1.jpg) Hyundai Ioniq 6 N It’s expected the [next-generation i20 N will go hybrid](https://torquecafe.com/next-hyundai-i20-n-to-launch-soon/), as well as the new i30 N and an [N version of the Tucson SUV](https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-news-tucson-n-rendered/), the most recent generation of which was revealed last week. Until now that has only been speculation, though on a slide detailing future segments where it will compete, Hyundai noted the ‘entry SUV’ market as an opportunity for the brand, all but confirming the Tucson N as a future product plan. Arguably more interesting than this was the note of the front-engined, rear- or all-wheel drive performance segment, which it notes accounts for 22 per cent of the global high-performance vehicle market, being the largest of any vehicle type. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/hyundai-i20-n-1.jpg) Hyundai i20 N This too will be occupied by Hyundai N by 2030, though it’s yet to be seen what the front-engined vehicle will be, as last year Hyundai confirmed it was developing a [mid-rear (MR) engined platform](https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-news-mid-engine-model-in-development/), which would be a logical addition to the N brand. In total, Hyundai hopes the N brand will be sold in more than 40 global markets by 2030, and contribute 100,000 annual sales to the carmaker, making it more profitable. However, it also plans to expand the lineup of performance models available to buyers outside of the core N brand, detailing a new ‘high-volume performance segment’ between the N Line and N brand division. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2025_i30__the_next-level_N_Line_-N-Line_Premium_pictured---1-.jpg) Hyundai i30 N Line Characterised by “value features for daily high-performance experience” and “carry-over powertrain and parts with Hyundai N”, these models will sit above the N Line range (which offers N-inspired cosmetic upgrades) and the full-fat N cars. The N Line variants of Hyundai’s vehicles are already a cash cow, having notched up 161,000 sales in 2025, compared to the circa-20,000 sales of its flagship N models. Hyundai is already planning to launch a new-generation four-cylinder engine in the near future, having already [run it at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race in May](https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-n-teases-its-new-turbocharged-engine/) in two Elantra N (i30 Sedan N) TCR cars. ### 2027 Nissan Patrol Y63 price and specs: New-gen Toyota LandCruiser rival locked in URL: https://torquecafe.com/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-price-and-specs-new-gen-toyota-landcruiser-rival-locked-in/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T01:00:11.000Z Nissan Australia has locked in pricing and specifications for the new Y63-generation Patrol, replacing its long-serving Y62, V8-powered SUV. Revealed in September 2024 and due to arrive in Australia in the first quarter of 2027 (January to March), the new twin-turbo V6 petrol-powered Patrol will succeed the aging, 16-year-old Y62 V8, giving Nissan a more modern competitor to Toyota’s LandCruiser 300 Series. A total of six Patrol variants will be offered from launch, with the Ti, Ti+, Ti-L, Ti-L+, Pro-4X and Ti-L Reserve representing a doubling on the current three-strong Y62 lineup. ## 2027 Nissan Patrol pricing | Model | Price before on-road costs | | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | | 2027 Nissan Patrol Ti | $98,990 (up $2450 on Y62) | | 2027 Nissan Patrol Ti+ | $109,480 (up $1440 on Y62 Ti-L) | | 2027 Nissan Patrol Ti-L | $122,690 | | 2027 Nissan Patrol Ti-L+ | $134,690 | | 2027 Nissan Patrol Pro-4X | $137,590 | | 2027 Nissan Patrol Ti-L Reserve | $145,990 | ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-7.jpg) For the entry-level Patrol Ti, prices have increased by $2450 to $98,990 before-on road costs, continuing to undercut the LandCruiser 300 Series GX, now by just $280. Standard equipment on all Patrol variants includes LED lights, three rows of seating (for eight seats in total), tri-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera with ‘skeleton view’, Nissan’s connected car services, Google built-in and Google Gemini AI. The Patrol Ti’s equipment list includes 18-inch gunmetal alloy wheels, a full-size spare wheel, synthetic leather seats, a leather-accented steering wheel, dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument display and infotainment system, plus the ProPilot suite of driver assistance systems. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-6.jpg) Stepping up to the Patrol Ti adds a panoramic glass roof with tilt and slide power sunroof, privacy glass (second row and rear windows), power tailgate, roof rails, rain-sensing wipers, and an Intelligent Rear View Mirror. Above this, the Patrol Ti-L gains 20-inch machined alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, larger 14.3-inch screens, a head-up display, a 12-speaker Klipsch audio system, and a rotating view for the 360-degree camera. Added to the Patrol Ti-L+ is leather-accented seat trim, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats with driver’s massage function, a centre console cool box, biometric cooling with in-built pollen and particulate filter, and ambient interior lighting with changeable colours. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2027-nissan-patrol-pro-4x-2.jpg) Nissan Patrol Pro-4X (overseas market shown) The new Pro-4X builds on the Ti-L with off-road focused upgrades such as adaptive air suspension, a unique front bumper, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel a centre console cool box, trailer connect assist, an electric trailer brake controller, and biometric cooling with in-built pollen and particulate filter. It also brings other highlights, such as a three-slot, Pathfinder and Navara-inspired grille, a unique lower front bumper, Lava Red accents (tow hooks, D-pillar), flared wheel-arches, 20-inch black wheels, and all-terrain tyres. Finally, the flagship Ti-L Reserve adds over the Ti-L+ 22-inch step-machined alloy wheels, air suspension, trailer connect assist, an electric trailer brake controller, massaging front seats, and dual 12.8-inch entertainment screens for second-row passengers. Australia is the first right-hand drive market to receive the Y63 Patrol, which is the local debut of a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-2.jpg) The Y63 Patrol’s twin-turbo V6 engine produces 317kW and 700Nm, and is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, representing significant increases on the 298kW and 560Nm outputs of the Y62’s 5.6-litre V8, as well as its six-speed automatic. Every variant features full-time four-wheel drive, with an interlocking transfer case, electronic locking rear differential (housed in a casing cast in Melbourne), and features eight drive and terrain modes. While riding on the same 3075mm wheelbase as the Y62, the Y63’s measurements of 5205mm long, 2030mm wide and 1955 mm tall make it 40mm longer, 35mm wider and 15mm taller than the outgoing model. Nissan says the Y63 Patrol has a braked towing capacity of 3700kg, “subject to towbar/towball capacity and is based on the fitment of a Genuine Nissan towbar”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2027-nissan-patrol-y63-1.jpg) "We will have a variety of towbar and tongue configurations for the all-new Patrol to suit the needs of Australian customers, including those towing heavier loads of up to 3700kg," a Nissan Australia spokesperson clarified, suggesting the 3700kg capacity will be for vehicles with a 70mm tow ball. All Nissan Patrols will be covered by the brand’s 10-year, 300,00km warranty, which is a standard five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty that is extended by 12 months every time the car is serviced on time through Nissan. Servicing is required every 12 months and is capped at $499 per visit for the first five years. Order books for the 2027 Nissan Patrol are now open. ### Former Ford Falcon factory site’s future data centre objected by government agency URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-ford-falcon-melbourne-data-centre/ Last updated: 2026-08-26T23:32:49.000Z A proposed data centre at the [former factory site of the Ford Falcon](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-australia-falcon-broadmeadows-ai-data-centre/) outside Melbourne has reached its first major hurdle, after the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) of Victoria submitted a formal objection against the plans. As reported by [*The Age*](https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/environmental-watchdog-challenges-giant-data-centre-project-over-noise-fears-20260825-p60rdk.html?ref=torquecafe.com), EPA Victoria submitted its objection to the development of the Barry Road site – located in Campbellfield, north of Melbourne – with the state’s Department of Transport and Planning, citing noise concerns relating to the site’s development and ongoing operation. “In our role as a referral authority, EPA Victoria has objected to the proposal in its current form,” EPA executive director of strategy, Erin Bowen, said to *The Age* in a statement. “Based on the information provided, we hold concerns over potential noise risks and the cumulative impacts associated with the overall site layout and development.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/ford-falcon-xk-1.jpg) The first Ford Falcon rolling off the Australian production line First announced in May, the site of Ford’s former Broadmeadows Assembly Plant is set to be developed into a data centre by Singaporean firm Zerra DC, which has already filed for approval with the Victorian Government via its Development Facilitation Program. Documents lodged by Zerra DC in April show the site, located on 300-340 Barry Road, will be home to a “substantial six-building Data Centre (nested within ‘Utility Installation’) campus and precinct, with ancillary ‘Office’ space”, if approved. *The Age* reports the development has been estimated at costing $1.1 billion, and will take 12 years to build. When operational, the data centre will consume 336 megawatts of electricity, a figure which the publication reports is double the current power draw from existing data centres in Melbourne. As the project was submitted to the Development Facilitation Program which aims to fast-track data centres and other tech infrastructure in Victoria, approval for it will need to come from state Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny, with no consultation with Hume Council and neighbouring residents required. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/ford-broadmeadows.jpg) While a technical assessment of the project – filed as a part of Zerra DC’s application to Minister Kilkenny – found the data site’s 294 rooftop chillers will emit a low-frequency sound within acceptable limits, later stages of the data centre will require acoustic screening on the roof to not disrupt nearby homes. Prior to being demolished, the site opened as Ford’s Broadmeadows factory in 1959 to built the first generation of locally made Falcons, named the XK, which went on sale in 1960. Every single Ford Falcon made in Australia went down the line at Broadmeadows, with more than three million examples of the sedan, coupe, wagon and ute produced from June 28, 1960. In addition to the Falcon, the plant also made Falcon-derivative models, such as the Fairlane and LTD long-wheelbase luxury variants, as well as the revolutionary Territory, which was the only SUV ever made in Australia. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/access-dsc_3417-jpg.jpg) Every Ford Falcon built in Australia was made at the Broadmeadows Assembly plant The Ford Cortina and the convertible Capri (based on the underpinnings of the Sydney-built Laser and Mazda 323) were also briefly made at Broadmeadows. After building its first car in June 1960, production at the site ended on October 7, 2016 when the final Ford Falcon was made, an FG X XR6 sedan, finished in Kinetic Blue. Though Ford Australia still has a significant research and development plus engineering presence locally – and in Campbellfield near the former plant site – the Broadmeadows Assembly site was sold to the Pelligra Group in 2019, and has been disassembled in parts in the years since. ### Most powerful Mazda MX-5 safe in Australia despite overseas axings URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-mazda-mx5-safe-in-australia/ Last updated: 2026-08-26T06:52:01.000Z Mazda’s long-serving ‘ND’ MX-5 is slowly being wound down, after the 2.0-litre version of the popular roadster was dropped from the UK this week. As first reported by [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/mazda-mx-5-drops-181bhp-20-litre-engine-uk?ref=torquecafe.com), the 2.0-litre MX-5 will soon no longer be available in the UK, with only the 1.5-litre model to be imported there, though stock of the larger, more powerful four-cylinder engine will carry through until early next year. “The 2.0-litre was dropped from the European markets in 2024 due to changing emissions regulations,” a Mazda UK spokesperson told *Autocar*. “However, due to different derogation timings in the UK, we were able to continue with an extended sales period. This period has now ended and we will cease sales of the 2.0-litre Mazda MX-5 in the UK once the existing stock has been sold.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/crop_2021MazdaMX-5RS00005.webp) The axing of the 2.0-litre to stick with the 1.5-litre is the inverse of what occurred in Australia in late 2021, when an update to the MX-5 saw the 1.5-litre engine dropped from the lineup, leaving the punchier 2.0-litre as the only available option. That decision was based on sales, with the 1.5-litre understood to account for less than 10 per cent of deliveries, as it produced 97kW and 152Nm, down on the more popular 2.0-litre’s 135kW and 205Nm outputs. While the axing of the 2.0-litre engine from Europe and now the UK could be seen as a threat to its Australian future, given the UK is also a right-hand drive market, *Torquecafe* understands the MX-5 is under no immediate threat. Mazda launched the current ND-generation MX-5 in 2015, with the popular convertible about to enter its 12th year on sale. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/crop_2021MazdaMX-5RS00040.jpg) ND MX-5 deliveries in Australia peaked in 2016 with 1577 examples, and though they bottomed out at 442 in 2019, 2025 was a recent high with 821 deliveries, the most since 2018 (835). Last year, the Mazda MX-5 was one of Australia’s most popular sports cars with 821 deliveries, outsold only by the Ford Mustang (4052 deliveries), BMW 2 Series (1175 deliveries), and Mercedes-Benz CLE (934 deliveries). Though it is still popular, the MX-5 is due for a replacement in the not too distant future, with the new ‘NE’ generation understood to be in development. Last month, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro, told Germany’s [*Auto Motor und Sport*](https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/neuheiten/exklusiv-naechster-mx-5-kommt-mit-elektroantrieb-bestaetigung-vom-mazda-chef/?ref=torquecafe.com) that the MX-5’s next generation could offer electric power. [Next Mazda MX-5 could adopt electric powerThe basic ingredients behind the Mazda MX-5’s success could be altered, with one executive saying the NE may be sold as an EV.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-b7cb2aa9-60d4-4a51-93e8-f56a8ede691c.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/Mazda_MX-5-35th-Anniversary-Edition_013_HR-0512ad74-8939-4fd1-b67a-9d66b11e8e3d.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/next-mazda-mx-5-could-adopt-electric-power/) “The successor must also be ready for a scenario without a combustion engine,” Moro said. “The challenge for us is to make the basic structure lighter without using exotic materials like carbon fibre.” While petrol power would remain at the forefront of the MX-5 lineup, Moro said Mazda’s engineers are likely to be able to get the EV version under 1200kg, keeping with the ethos of the current model. [How Mazda plans to keep the MX-5 alive for “as long as possible”The next-generation Mazda MX-5 could well be the sports car icon’s last iteration with petrol power, something the carmaker is very aware of.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-e0d312d8-359f-4031-9ee6-bca484c2d9ef.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_Mazda_MX-5_0081_HR-8abad0a2-5b38-415f-a014-056f7c7686c1.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/how-mazda-plans-to-keep-the-mx-5-alive-for-as-long-as-possible/) “The target weight for the developers is between just under 1000 and 1200 kilograms, Moro added. “And I believe we can achieve that. That would mean that a future electric MX-5 would be no heavier than today's combustion engine models.” It’s expected the next MX-5 with petrol power will feature Mazda’s upcoming 2.5-litre four-cylinder Skyactiv-Z engine. ### General Motors' Australian boss to depart URL: https://torquecafe.com/gm-australia-jess-bala-departing-managing-director/ Last updated: 2026-08-26T05:38:53.000Z Australian automotive executive Jess Bala has left her post as managing director of General Motors Australia and New Zealand. "Following an accomplished two-decade career with General Motors, Managing Director of GM Australia and New Zealand, Jess Bala, has elected to depart the company," a GM spokesperson told *Torquecafe*. "In her time as GM Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Jess drove the growth of our world-class portfolio, including Cadillac EVs, Corvette and full-size trucks and SUVs. "We thank Jess for her contribution to the business and wish her well in her future endeavours. Greg Rowe, currently Director of Sales and Operations, will serve as Acting Managing Director." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Supercars-Townsville-Friday-154.jpg) Jess Bala (right) with Team 18 boss Charlie Schwerkolt (left) in 2025\. Image: InSyde Media Bala worked her way up the GM ladder from starting out at Holden in 2009, moving to Detroit in 2013 to work directly for GM for a decade, and most recently returning to take the top job at GM ANZ in 2023. Having taken over from Marc Ebolo, Bala was tasked with helping GM to regain market share, following the closure of Holden at the end of 2020. Prior to her appointment as the Australian head of GM, Bala had been Cadillac’s product planning director in the US, overseeing the launch of the Lyriq electric SUV. Her return to Australia led to the local re-launch of Cadillac in 2024, first with the Lyriq, and subsequently with the Optiq and Vistiq. The brand does not disclose sales figures, but is understood to be a niche operator. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Chevrolet-Racing-x-Team-18-Chris-Payne-Jess-Bala-Charlie-Schwerkolt-Adrian-Burgess.jpg) Chevrolet Racing general manager Chris Payne (far left) and Jess Bala (left) with Team 18 owner Charlie Schwerkolt (right) and team principal Adrian Burgess (far right) in 2025. Under her tenure, GMSV added the GMC brand to its local stable with the Yukon SUV, a decision which has also been questioned given the additional efforts needed to establish yet another nameplate, when the identical Chevrolet Tahoe is available overseas. Also under Bala's control was the ACDelco brand of service centres and genuine GM parts. Bala led GM as it started to navigate its new era in the Supercars Championship, after long-time homologation team Triple Eight defected to Ford for the 2026 season, resulting in Team 18 being the 'official' GM team. The departure of Bala is not expected to impact the Supercars program, which is centred around the Chevrolet Camaro, a car which went out of production at the end of 2023. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2025-Cadilllac-LYRIQ-Luxury-trim-059.jpg) Cadillac Lyriq ### Supercharged V8 Ram 1500 TRX SRT coming back to Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/ram-1500-trx-srt-australia-2027-price-specs/ Last updated: 2026-08-26T02:00:19.000Z Ram Trucks Australia has confirmed what many V8 lovers had been waiting for – the return of the 1500 TRX SRT to Australian showrooms. After being killed off as the 1500 TRX in 2024 due to production ending in the US, the door was left open for its revival after Ram’s US division revealed the new [1500 TRX SRT](https://torquecafe.com/ram-1500-srt-trx-returns-price-power/) in January. While Ram Australia has been tight-lipped until now about whether it’ll come back, today it announced the behemoth pickup is due to arrive in the first half of 2027. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/ram-1500-srt-trx-2027-6.jpg) Ram 1500 TRX SRT “We know there is a lot of passion for the TRX in Australia, which is why we have worked hard to secure production out of the US for our market,” said Ram Trucks Australia general manager, Jeff Barber. “Supply of the new TRX will initially be restricted because demand is off the charts in the US, however the factory has been incredibly supportive of the Australian market and we are pleased to confirm the TRX is coming back.” Almost 1000 examples of the previous 1500 TRX were sold across Australia and New Zealand, with prices finishing up at $224,950 plus on-road costs for the ‘standard’ TRX, while the send-off Final Edition had a $249,950 price tag. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/ram-1500-srt-trx-2027-4.jpg) Ram 1500 TRX SRT For its return, Ram has confirmed the 1500 TRX SRT will be priced from $259,950 before on-roads, making it the brand’s most expensive model ever sold locally. Official specifications have yet to be confirmed, though its US spec sheet gives a hint as to what we can expect. The 6.2-litre supercharged V8 has been wound up from 523kW and 882Nm to now produce 579kW and 922Nm, thanks to a new air induction system, redesigned front grille, and revised exhaust system. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/ram-1500-srt-trx-2027-10.jpg) Ram 1500 TRX SRT The SRT TRX continues with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive system, with Ram claiming it can now sprint from 0-60mph (97km/h) in just 3.5 seconds, a two-tenth improvement on its predecessor, despite weighing more than 3000kg. Under the skin, there’s Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive dampers (borrowed from the 1500 RHO), a revised traction and stability control system, and a huge 35cm of suspension travel, to go along with its 18-inch wheels shod in 35-inch tyres. A choice of six exterior colours will be available; Bright White, Diamond Black, Forged Blue, Molten Red, Serrano Green, and Spitfire Orange. All finishes excluding white will incur a $950 premium. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/ram-1500-srt-trx-2027-12.jpg) Ram 1500 TRX SRT ### Another Australian 4x4 beach roll-over prompts renewed calls for greater education URL: https://torquecafe.com/another-australian-4x4-beach-roll-over-prompts-renewed-calls-for-greater-education/ Last updated: 2026-08-26T00:46:06.000Z A 4x4 ute which rolled over at Hook Point on Queensland’s K’Gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) has triggered renewed calls for the State Government to provide greater education surrounding dangerous beach driving. Footage uploaded to social media by [*9 News Queensland*](https://www.facebook.com/reel/4163182290482967) shows the ute swerving on soft sand, before getting sideways and digging in, causing it to roll over. The tray at its rear appears to snap off as it completes the roll, while its cabin stays intact, reportedly allowing its occupants to escape without serious injury. According to *9 News Queensland*, the ute was recovered as the tide rose, and emergency services attended the scene. The incident has drawn the ire of road safety advocates, such as Kent and Kylie Payne, who run the Harrison Payne Initiative in honour of their late son. Harrison Payne, nicknamed Harry, had turned 18 just 22 days before he was killed in a car crash, as the passenger of a 4x4 which rolled at Woorim Beach on Bribie Island in May 2021. The driver of the car, then-20-year-old, Lynden Roby was subsequently sentenced to three years in prison in late 2022, while Payne’s parents have since established the Harrison Payne Initiative to lobby the Queensland Government for specific beach driving laws. “We have no words for this behaviour,” the Harrison Payne Initiative posted, in response to the latest beach roll-over video. “The reason Harry lost his life is because of a dangerous driver and we continue to see disgraceful driving on our beaches. This is the reason we are calling for Harry’s Law, it won’t stop this type of driving completely however it will ensure that idiots like this will not be allowed on our beaches. Let’s just get it done David Crisafulli \[Queensland Premier\]. Via their proposed ‘Harry’s Law’, the Paynes have called for beach licensing, as well as “tougher sentencing in line with community expectations”, related to dangerous beach driving. The institute has already raised funds to provide driving lessons to 20 Queensland learner drivers, and continues to run beach driving education days in conjunction with 4x4 clubs. ### Rocket-powered supercar to remain a Dreame after Chinese brand backs away from cars URL: https://torquecafe.com/dreame-ev-supercar-project-liquidated/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T23:41:26.000Z There was more than a pinch of skepticism when Dreame – a Chinese company best known for its range of vacuum cleaners – [announced in 2025](https://torquecafe.com/will-it-suck-chinese-vacuum-maker-wants-to-build-a-hypercar/) it planned to build a supercar-style EV, having never made a vehicle before. While the likes of Xiaomi – a smartphone giant – have successfully been able to embrace China’s growing demand for cars, Dreame’s plans were then made even grander, when it said [this year](https://torquecafe.com/chinese-vacuum-giant-wants-to-make-a-rocket-powered-ev/) it would launch a version of the supercar with a “custom-built dual solid-fuel rocket booster system”. All of this pointed to a company making more bold promises than Elon Musk, and without any history to show for it, and now it appears it will all simply remain a dream. As reported by [*CarNewsChina*](https://carnewschina.com/2026/08/25/dreame-abandons-car-business-the-0-9s-0-100-km-h-and-450-wh-kg-solid-battery-model-turns-out-to-be-a-dream/?ref=torquecafe.com), Dreame’s ‘Starry Sky’ project – which focused on its automotive endeavours – has been liquidated, with its cancellation reportedly having started to be wound up in May, when its workforce was slowly reduced from almost 1000 staff. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/dreame-ev-1.jpg) Most recently there were reportedly only a few dozen employees working for Dreame’s automotive division, who *CarNewsChina* says will handle the winding down of the project. The company had originally made the claim that Australia would be the first right-hand drive market Dreame would export to, though its vehicles never even reached production beyond motor show concepts in China. Dreame will continue to focus on its core products, such as its vacuum cleaners, robotic lawnmowers, plus robots and two-wheeled EVs. Perhaps we should have seen this coming, as a majority of the hype around Dreame’s rocket-powered Nebula NEXT 01 Jet Edition came from what appeared to be an AI-generated or at least assisted video posted by Dreame online. ### Volkswagen unveils the ute Australians need, but will never get URL: https://torquecafe.com/volkswagen-unveils-the-ute-australians-need-but-will-never-get/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T07:00:14.000Z Volkswagen’s South American division has revealed the Tukan as its latest ute, joining the Amarok on sale in the region. Where the Amarok is like many of Australia’s best-selling utes in being underpinned by a body-on-frame chassis – shared with the Ford Ranger – the Tukan shares most of its platform with the Volkswagen T-Cross, utilising the MQB architecture. Available in single- and dual-cab layouts, its front-end setup is understood to largely be identical to the T-Cross, while at the rear it has adopted leaf springs in a far more conventional setup for a ute. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/volkswagen-tukan-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/volkswagen-tukan-3.jpg) Replacing the ageing Saveiro which debuted in 2009 and has received minor updates since, the Tukan’s far newer bones translate to a raft of relatively new technologies, such as LED lights at the front and rear. Volkswagen hasn’t yet detailed what powers the Tukan, though it’s likely the powertrains from the local market T-Cross will carry across, consisting of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder (96kW/200Nm) and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder (112kW/250Nm). It’s expected as well that the Tukan, like the T-Cross, will remain front-wheel drive, while it could also offer the choice of a six-speed manual transmission alongside a six-speed automatic. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/volkswagen-tukan-7.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/volkswagen-tukan-10.jpg) Due to go on sale in Latin America early next year, the Tukan will be built in Brazil, though it’s expected to only be made in left-hand drive, effectively ruling it out of an Australian berth. It’s one of many car-based utes on sale in the region, with Toyota also understood to be soon entering the market with a pickup based on the Corolla Cross. ### 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero: Reveal date confirmed for 4x4 icon’s return URL: https://torquecafe.com/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-reveal-date-confirmed-for-4x4-icons-return/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T04:25:02.000Z A new-generation Mitsubishi Pajero will be unveiled on September 2, with the latest iteration of the long-running 4x4 SUV expected to land in Australia before the end of the year. The confirmation of the Pajero’s unveiling date brings the SUV one step closer to being revived, after Australia last saw the full-sized Pajero in showrooms in 2021, while the smaller Triton-based Pajero Sport was pulled from sale locally early last year due to not being compliant with then-incoming Australian Design Rules. Though it’ll wear the Pajero name, the new Pajero is, effectively, a successor to the Pajero Sport, as it’ll be based on the underpinnings of the Triton ute. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Mitsubishi-Motors-to-Bring-Authentic-Off-Road-Performance-to-Life-with-its-All-New-Pajero-Cross-Country-SUV--1-.jpg) It’s expected the new Pajero will be built in Thailand – not Japan as with previous generations of the ‘true’ Pajero – and likely powered by the same twin-turbo 2.4-litre four-cylinder diesel engine as the Triton, as well as featuring a six- or eight-speed speed automatic transmission and full-time 4x4 system. Like many ute-based SUVs such as the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X, the Pajero will reportedly share similar dimensions to the Triton, however it could end up being shorter in length due to not needing a tub, despite likely being fitted with three rows of seats. Images of test vehicles globally and in Australia have shown the Pajero’s overall design is largely related to the Destinator, a Toyota LandCruiser Prado-sized SUV for South-East Asia and some parts of Africa. While Mitsubishi is developing hybrid technology for the Triton, it’s unclear whether the Pajero will benefit from this as it launches. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-australia-2-1.jpg) 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero. Image credit: Jackson Dainer, Car Spotters Australia The brand has previously confirmed it’ll bring back a number of previous favourite features from past Pajeros, such as a triple-gauge multi meter. The three gauges will be able to be customised to show altitude, outside temperature, pitch and roll angles (centre), and even left-to-right torque distribution, providing drivers with as much information as needed while negotiating tricky conditions. It’s not yet known whether the multi meter will once again be located on top of the dashboard between the driver and passenger, or as a configurable display within the instrument cluster. All will be revealed on September 2. ### Chinese giant adds another SUV to Australia through start-up brand URL: https://torquecafe.com/chinese-giant-adds-another-suv-to-australia-through-start-up-brand/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T03:24:36.000Z The expansion of Chery’s Australian operations is continuing, with the iCaur V25 to become its latest local offering, amid an increasingly saturated lineup. Revealed in China last week, the iCaur V25 (sold in its local market under the iCar brand) will be the first vehicle from the start-up brand to reach Australia, joining existing Chery marques, from its namesake brand, to Omoda Jaecoo, Lepas (later in 2026), Freelander (2027) and Jetour (2027). Planned to arrive in Australia from early 2027, Chery will show off the iCaur V25 at next month’s Everything Electric Sydney show, running from September 18 to 20, where it’s expected more information will be revealed. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/04ICARV25_side-45_dont-use-wait-for-right-shadow-for-the-car-1.jpg) iCaur V25 For now, official details are thin regarding the V25, however Chinese media, such as [*CarNewsChina*](https://carnewschina.com/2026/08/14/cherys-icaur-v25-released-in-china-ahead-of-global-launch/?ref=torquecafe.com), have given an insight on what to expect from the SUV. Measuring 4636mm long, 1920mm wide and 1855mm tall on a 2820mm wheelbase, it’s right in the wheelhouse of most of Australia’s popular mid-sized SUV offerings, such as the Toyota RAV4, which is 36mm shorter and 65mm narrower, but has a 130mm shorter wheelbase. With approach and departure angles of 30 and 28 degrees, respectively, the V25 is perhaps more off-road friendly than the majority of rivals, though it’s understood to remain underpinned by a monocoque chassis. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/03ICAR_V25_back_-1.jpg) iCaur V25 Its 378-litre boot can expand to 998 litres with the rear seats folded, meanwhile iCaur says both the second and first rows fold flat. According to *CarNewsChina*, the local market iCaur V25 is powered by dual electric motors are fed by a 33.68kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, charged by a 115kW turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in its range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) layout. The V25 could have an electric-only driving range of approximately 150km, as well as a towing capacity of circa-1800kg, putting it on the lighter side of the market, though still plenty capable for most buyers. "Australia is one of Chery Group's most important international markets, and we're delighted to introduce iCaur as the next step in our long-term growth strategy,” said iCaur Australia’s head of brand, Kate Gillis. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/05ICAR_V25_interior_-1.jpg) “iCaur brings a new energy to the market, combining striking design with advanced EV technology and a playful, user-centric spirit. “Australian motorists have demonstrated a strong appetite for vehicles that combine style, technology and capability. The V25 has been developed to meet those expectations while bringing a distinctive personality that will appeal to customers looking for something different. “As we continue expanding our portfolio, iCaur will allow us to reach a new generation of buyers who value adventure, individuality and innovation.” ### Five-cylinder Cupra Formentor VZ5 levelled up with racing-inspired looks URL: https://torquecafe.com/cupra-formentor-vz5-abt-edition-price-australia/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T00:47:09.000Z Cupra is going all-in on the Formentor VZ5 – the SUV which shares its turbocharged, five-cylinder engine with the iconic Audi RS3 – by launching a new ABT Sportsline bodykit for the incoming model. Named the Formentor VZ5 Custom Cupra by ABT Edition, the styling package builds on the already exclusive VZ5, adding racing-inspired elements such as lower side door mouldings, a big rear spoiler, gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels, black quad exhaust tips, and dark chrome exterior badging. Inside, the changes are minimal, with ABT floor mats providing the only hint of any changes by the German firm, which has most recently run Cupra’s Extreme E program. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/cupra-formentor-vz5-abt-edition-1.jpg) Formentor VZ5 Custom Cupra by ABT Edition's 20-inch wheels Priced from $109,990 drive-away nationwide, the Formentor VZ5 Custom Cupra by ABT Edition is $8000 more than the SUV upon which it’s based, taking the mantle as the Spanish marque’s most expensive car to be sold in Australia yet. The five-cylinder 2.5-litre turbo engine produces 287kW and 480Nm, down slightly from the 294kW output of the RS3, but well up on the 228kW and 400Nm figures from the four-pot Formentor VZx. Drive is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, as well as Cupra’s tweaked torque-vectoring system, also shared with the RS3’s unit which can send the majority of power to the rear wheels. Behind the wheels sit six-piston Akebono front brake calipers, while inside the front occupants score Sabelt Cup racing-style carbon-fibre backed bucket seats. [Is this Australia’s coolest SUV?What do you get when you combine sporty styling, a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, and an all-wheel drive system? Not an Audi RS3; the Cupra Formentor VZ5.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-f1593e35-3544-4bfa-ba84-bdd73b2e7f0d.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/cupra-formentor-vz5-2-dddcead3-dd50-4e8e-ae44-281733f609cb.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/cupra-formentor-vz5-audi-rs3-five-cylinder-suv-price-australia/) Cupra Australia says it’ll only bring “limited numbers” of the ABT Edition to local showrooms during the second quarter of 2027 (April to June), after earlier announcing the Formentor VZ5 would be restricted to fewer than 100 examples in its "initial allocation”, arriving between December 2026 and March 2027. “The Formentor VZ5 already occupies a unique position within the Cupra range, combining the unmistakable character of the five-cylinder engine with the design and driving dynamics that define our brand,” said Cupra Australia head of product, Jeff Shafer. “The new VZ5 Custom Cupra by ABT Edition builds on those foundations with a carefully considered package that enhances the vehicle’s visual presence while respecting everything enthusiasts already love about the VZ5\. “ABT has earned an outstanding reputation among performance enthusiasts around the world, and we’re delighted to bring this collaboration to Australian customers in a way that feels authentic to both.” ### Ford’s off-road supercar to break free from ‘over-served’ mould URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-off-road-supercar-jim-farley-hints/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T23:53:48.000Z The world’s first true ‘off-road supercar’ appears to be getting closer, with Ford CEO Jim Farley providing the latest hints of the project. Speaking to the UK’s [*Top Gear*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iMJgFYxWUA&ref=torquecafe.com) magazine, Farley said there is an opportunity in the market for a supercar which doesn’t fit the existing mould, reiterating the brand’s plans to have a rally-focus – not a racing version of the defunct Focus – for its upcoming models. “We’re really excited about Dakar and Pikes Peak, we feel like what’s exciting about Ford in Europe is really our rally direction," Farley said. “We want to democratise a rally car. We want everyone to be able to buy a car from Ford, and it's affordable, and it's rally. That to me is a huge turn on. “I want everyone who buys a Ford in Europe of passenger cars to feel like they're a rally driver." “I think that’s really exciting, because the off-road world is here \[raising an arm\], (the) on-road world is here \[lowering an arm\], (the) rally world is somewhere in the middle. “To me, that’s really exciting, and if you were to see a supercar from Ford, it would be really different from what you’d expect. “I believe, personally, the supercar world is over-served, so for Ford to really make a difference, I think it’s going to be in a completely different execution. People will not see it coming. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2026-ford-ranger-raptor-rhys-9.jpg) Ford Ranger Raptor “Now, I think performance is going to be more flexible, and where we want to innovate is this very unexpected territory between on-road and off-road.” The success of Ford’s Raptor arm – which includes off-road focused, high-performance versions of the F-150, Ranger and Bronco – is understood to be a considerable influence on the unknown model. In the US, Ford’s off-road variants (including the Bronco Badlands) account for about 20 per cent of its sales, while in Australia the Ranger Raptor contributes between 10 and 15 per cent of the ute’s deliveries, despite being one of the most expensive dual-cabs you can buy. [Ford teases Raptor ‘off-road supercar’The blue oval is considering a new flagship high-performance off-roader inspired by its Dakar Rally prototype.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-439d0b3e-f73d-4fe7-9d2e-b864c30b65c7.png)Torquecafe.comStephen Ottley![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_KIN_8398-8ae45a56-17de-4fb5-b47a-8f0dce8a448c.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-teases-raptor-off-road-supercar/) Farley has previously teased the vehicle could take inspiration from the Raptor T1+ prototype which competes at the Dakar Rally, and is powered by a race-tuned version of the Coyote V8 engine. In August last year, [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/ford/an-ford-off-road-rally-supercar-0820/?ref=torquecafe.com) reported the off-road supercar would produce 1000hp (745kW) with hybrid assistance. “No one’s ever built a supercar for gravel, high-speed sand, dirt,” Farley said. “I’m thinking really deeply about it, and usually that turns into something.” “These Raptor people are telling us something. They’re not stupid. They’re really smart people. They spent US$120,000 on an 800-horsepower pickup truck.” ### Australia’s car design laws help no one - Opinion URL: https://torquecafe.com/australias-car-design-laws-help-no-one-opinion/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T07:00:44.000Z Every few months, Australia’s motoring media is able to get a few easy headlines after a car company finds itself non-compliant with our unique Australian Design Rules – but last week was different. Relative newcomer GAC announced the arrival of the new Emzoom Premium variant, becoming Australia’s most affordable SUV in the process, though just how it got to that low price soon became clear. Among the features deleted were the front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, which tighten the belts when sufficient force is applied, helping to prevent or reduce the severity of injury. In safety-conscious Australia, few cars are sold without this potentially life-saving feature, which had previously been flagged as a major factor behind the MG 5 sedan receiving a zero-star ANCAP safety rating in 2023, which also lacked load limiters. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/GAC-EMZOOM-PREMIUM-1.jpg) GAC Emzoom Premium MG subsequently righted this wrong, and now GAC – amid pressure from the Australian public – has announced it’ll do the same, saying the Emzoom Premium’s pretensioners will be ‘reinstated’ for examples arriving from November. "GAC Australia acknowledges the concerns raised by customers and industry stakeholders following the recent announcement that seatbelt pretensioners and rear seatbelt reminder systems are not included in the Emzoom Premium variant," GAC said in a media release. "It has since been confirmed that these features are not standard equipment on the Emzoom Premium grade in other global markets, contributing to their exclusion from the Australian specification. "GAC International has now confirmed that both safety features will be reinstated for vehicles produced for the Australian market from Model Year 2027 production, with arrivals expected from November. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2023-12-2024-mg-5-ancap-crash-test-08.jpg) The MG 5 scored zero stars in 2023, and was later upgraded and re-tested "Providing vehicle specifications that meet, and where possible exceed, the expectations of Australian customers and industry experts remains a priority for GAC. We will continue to review and enhance our product offering to ensure our vehicles align with market expectations and customer needs." However, the debacle has raised questions about the application of Australian Design Rules, or ADRs, which are the requirements manufacturers must meet to sell their vehicles here. Currently there is no explicit requirement for vehicles to be fitted with seatbelt pretensioners, despite ADR 69 requiring certain performance parameters for occupant protection. Given how crucial seatbelt pretensioners can be, to not have an ADR for them seems a huge oversight, especially when you factor in what vehicle features have been picked up for failing to meet ADRs – or not sold in Australia at all due to the extra cost. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/crop_Jimny-Lifestyle2.webp) The Suzuki Jimny was one of many vehicles impacted by new ADR requirements In 2025, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Eclipse Cross and ASX, as well as the Mazda 6 and three-door versions of the Suzuki Jimny were axed locally as they would no longer meet autonomous emergency braking performance requirements of ADR 98/00\. This impacted other vehicles too, though these were the best sellers in the firing line. Meanwhile, the Ford F-150 was famously both recalled and subject to a long-standing stop-sale in 2024, after it was found to have breached multiple ADRs regarding its lighting fixtures – items which were identical to those on US-sold examples, but in breach of local regulations. Perhaps the most well-known ADR breach, and the one which keeps more cars out of local showrooms than any other, was for first the BYD Atto 3 in 2022, and then the updated Tesla Model 3 in 2023, both of which were found to not have top tethers for their centre rear seats. With ADR 34/03 (Child Restraint Anchorages) requiring a top-tether anchorage point for each rear seat with a seatbelt in passenger vehicles, both had to be recalled. While both vehicles had the anchorage point hardware, it was hidden either behind seat fabric (BYD) or in the parcel shelf (Tesla), leading to the non-compliance. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/MY26HondaHR-VRSeHEV067.jpg) Australia's Honda HR-V only has two rear seats This ADR more than any has arguably led to more cars being off Australian showrooms than any other, as it is not a requirement in Europe or Japan – among other countries – for the same top tether location. The likes of the Renault 5 are off limits locally, due to the added cost of engineering in the centre seat anchorage point, while cars like the Honda HR-V have deleted the middle-rear seatbelt entirely to skirt the law, reducing its legal capacity to four occupants. ADRs such as these are often viewed by the car industry as unnecessary and costly, putting Australia out of alignment with the rest of the world, though the latest GAC seatbelt pretensioner debacle has also exposed weaknesses in the system. It took ANCAP, Australia’s new-car safety testing authority, to be one of the first industry bodies to call GAC out for the safety feature to be reinstated, though the organisation does not have the ultimate say in what is or isn’t allowed to be sold here. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/suzuki-fronx-ancap-1.webp) The Suzuki Fronx's rear seatbelt retractor failing Instead, its job is to test how safe vehicles are – against criteria largely in harmony with Europe’s Euro NCAP – and inform motorists by providing this information. A crucial role which last year led to an internal review by Suzuki of its Fronx, after the SUV’s rear seatbelt retractor failed completely in crash testing. But the true limiting factor behind cars being sold here – and to what standards – are our ADRs, which carmakers must comply with but don’t have to be tested against before vehicles reach showrooms, hence the previous recalls. Ultimately, Australia’s car industry will never align on whether ADRs are needed or, if we did get rid of them, what other regulations would become the new norm, but enough recent incidents have shown it’s time for a re-think. ### Classic Holden Monaro driver lucky to be alive after post-car meet crash URL: https://torquecafe.com/holden-monaro-crash-brisbane-police-investigation/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T03:14:37.000Z Queensland Police are asking anyone with dashcam footage or who witnessed a classic Holden Monaro crash to come forward, as it continues investigations into the shocking shunt. Just after 8am on August 23, 2026, police and emergency services were dispatched to a single vehicle traffic crash on Kingsford Smith Drive in the Brisbane suburb of Eagle Farm. A 1970 Holden Monaro had left the road and crashed into a tree on its driver’s side, intruding into the cabin, with its driver requiring extraction. Images posted to Facebook via Wollondilly Shire Cars and Coffee, which is unrelated to the car the driver was leaving, show the driver’s door copped the brunt of the impact, which subsequently pushed the roof to almost the centre line of the car. The Monaro itself was understood to be highly modified, powered by a 427ci (7.0-litre) ‘LSX’ V8 engine, with wide Centerline drag wheels at the back to attempt to put power to the ground. According to Queensland Police, the sole occupant of the car was its 52-year-old male driver, who was transported to the Royal Brisbane Hospital in a stable condition. While the incident was captured via CCTV cameras in low resolution (posted by Brisbane News), police have asked those with footage to make contact, as it reconstructs the incident. Though still significant, the crash pales in comparison to that which [destroyed an XY Ford Falcon in Sydney this year](https://torquecafe.com/sydney-news-ford-falcon-crash-classic-car-destroyed/), which saw the classic sedan split in four. Miraculously, neither the Falcon’s driver or passenger were seriously injured, with both men treated at the scene for minor injuries, and both later taken to hospital in a stable condition. ### More than 4 million cars recalled over potentially deadly door handle design URL: https://torquecafe.com/tesla-china-recall-door-handles/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T01:56:57.000Z China is well on the way to making sure electronic door handles become safer, announcing the recall of 4.28 million vehicles, owing to the current lack of easily identifiable interior door handles. In the circa-4.28 million cars, the standard interior door handles are electronically operated, requiring occupants to press a button which opens the door for them. However, if the car suffers a loss of electric power to its systems – such as after a crash – these handles no longer work, requiring the use of a mechanical handle to open the door. The vehicles affected by the recall have been identified as not having mechanical door handles which are easily identifiable, making it difficult for those who are potentially involved in a crash to find them and be extracted. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Model3-79-1.jpg) As such, China is requiring these vehicles to be recalled, impacting approximately 2.98 million Teslas, 390,000 Xiaomis, 371,000 Leapmotors, 265,000 XPengs, and more than 273,000 from vehicles of other brands. It’s understood to be the world’s largest automotive recall which doesn’t centre around the manufacturer of a part, after the Takata airbag scandal led to more than 100 million vehicles being recalled. In addition to the physical changes being made, some of the brands will roll out an over-the-air software update which automatically lowers the vehicle’s windows after a crash is detected, again to aid occupant extraction. The recall follows the announcement in February from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, in which it dictated EVs sold in the nation will need to have mechanical releases both inside and outside the doors, rather than hidden handles powered by electric motors. [China bans controversial car techThe Chinese government has taken the bold step of banning concealed door handles on new EVs, in a move which will have flow-on effects in Australia.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-57989813-0d4b-4e1e-9f4c-c2449d48a747.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/The_Kia_EV5_electric_medium_SUV-1-41f6c9de-cfc0-4dcf-a605-a6d5316521af.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/china-bans-controversial-car-tech/) All new cars sold in China from January 1, 2027 will need to comply with the regulations, however those which have already been approved for sale have a grace period until January 1, 2029 to become compliant. It will have an impact on some of the most popular EVs in the nation such as the Tesla Model Y and Model 3. Both Europe and the US have also been mulling changes to door handle regulations, also in the wake of fatal incidents where vehicle occupants have been trapped. While the Australian government is yet to make a call and follow suit with new regulations, the CEO of the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), Carla Hoorweg, told [*ABC Radio Melbourne*](https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/melbourne-mornings/mornings/106312026?ref=torquecafe.com) at the time our country should follow suit. [Australian safety group wants to follow China, calls to ban controversial car techAustralia’s peak new-car safety organisation - has called for concealed, powered door handles to be banned in local showrooms.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-f5b25435-bbc9-46aa-981f-bdc5b6b313fd.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/BYD_SEALION_7_makes_European_debut_at_Paris_Motor_Show-15-1-8e14aeee-c79a-4c94-b903-805d165c9c06.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ancap-calls-for-electronic-car-door-handle-ban/) “The concern is warranted; it’s an area where there’s opportunity for the government to sweep up and stop this from happening,” Hoorweg said on Raf Epstein’s Mornings program. “The evidence that we’ve seen so far - we know the government’s working on regulations, they’re part of the UNUnited Nations rule-making process - but it’s certainly an opportunity where you wouldn’t want to see regulations delayed while other jurisdictions move in this direction. “\[It’s\] certainly an area where the regulator should come in and step in, in our view. We’re doing what we can, but we’re voluntary - it’s not mandatory to have an ANCAP safety rating, so we can’t stop cars coming into the country.” [In November](https://torquecafe.com/common-sense-shake-up-coming-for-australian-new-car-safety-tests/) last year, ANCAP announced it would follow sister organisation Euro NCAP by introducing new criteria for 2026 to 2028, which includes cars losing points if their electrically operated exterior door handles don’t remain operable after a crash, preventing first responders to help extract occupants. ### This BMW X5 has a manual gearbox and an M5's V10 engine URL: https://torquecafe.com/kith-bmw-x5-v10-manual/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T00:59:42.000Z It’s rare to find V10 engines in almost any car, let alone one of the world’s first SUVs, but the founder of fashion brand Kith has decided to change that, unveiling a V10 manual X5. Quietly revealed as a part of the recent Monterey Car Week, Ronnie Fieg’s BMW X5 is now one of the world’s rarest, sporting the V10 engine from an M5, a manual transmission and an all-wheel drive system. What started life as an ‘E53’-generation 2000 X5 – which debuted in 1999 as the first in the line of the now well-known SUV – the high-riding BMW was given not only a year-long restoration, but also modifications. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/bmw-x5-v10-manual-kith-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/bmw-x5-v10-manual-kith-3.jpg) Ronnie Fieg's V10 manual BMW X5 While the original X5 was available with a choice of straight-six and V8 engines, this one is powered by a later ‘S58’ 5.0-litre V10 engine, which famously powered the E60-generation M5. In the M5, it made up to 373kW and 521Nm, which was all sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automated manual transmission in most markets, or a six-speed manual in a select handful of regions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/bmw-x5-v10-manual-kith-1.jpg) Ronnie Fieg's V10 manual BMW X5 Where Fieg’s X5 differs is that not only is it a six-speed manual, but it also retains the standard all-wheel drive system of the SUV, putting power to the road more effectively. The only known original X5 with a wilder engine setup is the ‘X5 LM’, a prototype which was powered by a V12 engine based on the power unit of the BMW V12 LMR which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1999, though only one example was made. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/bmw-x5-v10-manual-kith-4.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/bmw-x5-v10-manual-kith-5.jpg) Ronnie Fieg's V10 manual BMW X5 To make sure the V10 engine is heard, there’s a custom exhaust system, meanwhile to ensure the X5 can handle the extra power, it was fitted with M Sport brakes and a recalibrated suspension setup. Exterior modifications were made too, with the X5 sporting front and rear bumpers reminiscent of those on the X5 LM, while inside the Kith tributes are plentiful, such as bespoke analogue dials and a custom gear shifter surround. Kith hasn’t detailed how much the restoration cost, though it’s expected to have carried a hefty bill given the uniqueness of the build. ### Mazda’s rotary dreams rekindled URL: https://torquecafe.com/mazda-turbo-rotary-engine-patent-emissions/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T23:56:03.000Z Mazda seems to be stubbornly stuck with the idea of making rotary engines a thing again, with a patent for a new exhaust system showing it’s not giving up on potential development. As first spotted by [*CarBuzz*](https://carbuzz.com/mazda-rotary-engine-emissions-patent-august-2026/?ref=torquecafe.com), the patent – filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) – outlines the implementation of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for rotary engines. In this system, the exhaust gases from the side port would flow directly into the turbocharger, while the lower volume of air coming from the peripheral port would go to an EGR cooler (using the engine’s coolant system), eventually heading back into the intake. This, it’s understood, would result in reduced emissions when the system is active, addressing one of the main drawbacks of the rotary engine, which is typically less green than a traditional piston engine. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/mazda_rx-7_154.jpeg) Mazda RX-7 twin-turbo 13B rotary engine Though there’s no official plans for Mazda to introduce this system, nor bring back the rotary engine, it’s been making more than enough hints about doing so. Last year, Mazda unveiled the [Vision X-Coupe](https://torquecafe.com/mazda-reveals-turbocharged-rotary-coupe/) at the Japan Mobility Show (formerly the Tokyo motor show), previewing a new-generation sedan with coupe design cues. Fitted with a turbocharged two-rotor engine under the bonnet, it could be the spiritual successor to the FD RX-7, however, like the now-defunct MX-30 R-EV, this engine is used to support the plug-in hybrid powertrain. In the MX-30 R-EV, a 830cc rotary engine recharged the onboard 17.8kWh battery, which was the source of power for its electric motor. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/MAZDA-VISION-X-COUPE_EXT_01-1.png) Mazda Vision X-Coupe This setup is technically more like a range-extender than a pure plug-in hybrid, and it’s understood that in the Vision X-Coupe, there’s no physical way for the rotary engine to drive the wheels. We haven’t seen a Mazda with a rotary engine driving the wheels since the RX-8, after years of the brand making the likes of the RX-7, RX-3 and RX-4, to name a few. Mazda has however left the door open for a model with a rotary engine in the future, with Mazda’s European product planning supervisor, Moritz Oswald, telling [*Auto Express*](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mazda/361326/new-mazda-rx-7-successor-rotary-power-could-happen?ref=torquecafe.com) the Iconic SP concept could reach production and sit above the MX-5, but there are a number of prerequisites to its arrival. “If there’s a feasible way to do that, then I’m sure if somebody will do it, it’s Mazda, because here the enthusiasts still make things happen,” Oswald told *Auto Express*. [Mazda reveals 375kW turbocharged rotary ‘coupe’The rotary engine has returned in Mazda’s latest concept car: a sleek coupe-esque sedan with the ability to run in silence.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-e18582a9-6d81-4938-8d7e-6944446667e7.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/mazda-vision-x-coupe-3-32fc71c3-c0d5-4c2a-824a-6cfcdc429cd0.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/mazda-reveals-turbocharged-rotary-coupe/) “I think at the moment the MX-5 is still our halo car that stands for everything that Mazda products should. Could there be something next to it or above? Yes. “The amount of car enthusiasts in this company is insane,” he said. “Everybody loves cars, so of course there is a deep desire to keep on launching emotional products. “So are we looking into that? Yes, of course. But again, we are also a company that has to bring in revenues. “\[…\] that’s also why we are showing these kinds of concepts, because we also want to see how it is resonating, what’s the feedback, to try and find out how big is the opportunity that we have there.” [Spiritual rotary-powered Mazda RX-7 successor a ‘dream solution’The Mazda RX-7 keeps coming up in conversations about what sports car icons should be revived, and the brand is well aware of it.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-f971f09d-efdf-44a2-8239-2150d46649c6.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/mazda_iconic_sp_02-1-7306516e-7a2e-49cf-9f4b-98118504ea5a.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/mazda-iconic-sp-rx7-rotary-revival/) Previously it was understood the rotary engine in the Iconic SP would act as a generator for the on-board battery which feeds an electric motor, becoming a range-extender. A report by [*Motortrend*](https://torquecafe.com/mazdas-rx-7-successor-one-step-closer/) last year claimed the rear electric motor would produce about 270kW, much more than the official but under-rated 206kW turbocharged 13B rotary in the final FD RX-7s. It’s worth noting that since the Iconic SP was revealed in concept form, Mazda has cut its investment in future electrified models - including the range-extender powertrain in the sports car - by about one-third. ### Nissan GT-R driver ‘lost traction’ while in street race URL: https://torquecafe.com/audi-rs6-nissan-gtr-street-race-hume-highway-sydney-charged/ Last updated: 2026-08-22T20:00:29.000Z Sydney’s street racing scene is still alive, with New South Wales Highway Patrol officers stopping an Audi RS6 and Nissan GT-R driver who were caught speeding on the Hume Highway. Just after midnight on August 19, Auburn Highway Patrol officers were on the Hume Highway in Greenacre when they allegedly “observed a black Mercedes Benz, black Audi RS6 and a white Nissan R35 GT-R travelling in a westerly direction”. The three cars stopped side-by-side, one beeped its horn three times and initiated a street race. According to the police, the Nissan GT-R was “observed to lose traction for a short time”, while the Audi RS6 was detected at 141km/h in a 70km/h zone. Both the Audi and Nissan were stopped and their drivers spoken to in relation to the incident. There has been no word on what happened to the Mercedes-Benz. The GT-R driver was issued with a Field Court Attendance Notice for the offences of organising/promoting a race between vehicles (first offence) and exceeding the speed limit by more than 30km/h. Meanwhile, the Audi’s driver was issued with a Field Court Attendance Notice for the offences of organising/promoting a race between vehicles (second offence) and exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h. Both drivers will appear before Burwood Local Court later in the year. ### Learning to drive fast properly thanks to Driving Events URL: https://torquecafe.com/track-day-coaching-toyota-gr-yaris-queensland-raceway/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T00:19:25.000Z Earlier this year, [I wrote an opinion piece](https://torquecafe.com/youre-a-worse-driver-than-you-think-opinion/), effectively calling out not only the wider motoring public but also myself for not being as good as I thought I was. It’d been some years since my last track days, in my own cars at tracks far away from where I’m now at home in Queensland, something which became clear to me when I took to Queensland Raceway in the Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Though I never felt like I was driving it unsafely, looking back at the footage I was so far behind the car’s limit – as well as my own – that I knew that if I wanted to get the most out of a track day, I needed help. Thankfully, Melinda Price – former ‘Castrol Cougar’ and experienced racer – invited me back to Queensland Raceway to take part in a track day hosted by her Driving Events team, with tutors at my disposal to teach this driving dog a few new tricks. 0:00 /1:37 1× Equipped with a Toyota GR Yaris GTS – [which you can read about here](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-gr-yaris-review-the-wrx-sti-and-lancer-evo-that-should-be/) – I first took to the shortened Clubman layout by myself to start the day and get a baseline run in, seeing what my skill level was at before working on it through the next few sessions. At the end of the 20-minute outing, my best time was 1:08; not terrible, but I was still trying to grow confident in the car, though I thought I had worked out the track. How wrong was I? For the next session, Marcos Flack joined me in the car, giving me guidance around the track not only as someone who has logged hundreds of laps around ‘The Paperclip’, but also general driving tips from his time climbing up the ranks to Carrera Cup. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/driving-events-toyota-gr-yaris-1.jpg) Marcos Flack (right) and Alice Buckley (centre) prepare to teach a mature-age student Immediately, it was clear as to how much more the car could give, and how best to capitalise on its excellent platform. With all-wheel drive, adjustable front-to-rear torque distribution and limited-slip differentials all-round, the GR Yaris provided a good intermediate base for a driver like me who has an understanding of going fast, but who’s still working on their ability. Under Marcos’ instruction, I broke far later into turn one, getting the car moving and angled into the corner to drive out faster. This was the most daunting section of the lap, given the immense speed being carried into the right-hander, as well as the big ripple strips on the exit. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/driving-events-toyota-gr-yaris-6.jpg) Using his tuition, I learnt not to just use the brakes to stop the car but to also use them to turn it, minimising wheel inputs and using its momentum, crucial to not only quick lap times but also keeping the equipment happy. After a few more laps of getting up to speed with what the GR Yaris could do and where the track goes, Alice Buckley joined me in the car, drawing on the knowledge of the track which gave her two TA2 wins on debut last year. From here, it was about dotting my i’s and crossing my t’s, getting the final pieces of the puzzle into place. Though it never made sense to me watching racing on TV, I got my first try at making a double apex from a corner at the circuit’s final turn. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/driving-events-toyota-gr-yaris-8.jpg) Yes Alice, I'm listening Initially taking the corner as a hairpin with a more traditional ‘U’ line, Alice taught me how to make a ‘V’ instead, using the tyres to scrub off speed, but without wasting additional time. Although it was torturous on the front Michelins, this alone saved a few tenths of a second, and will be helpful to know should I ever turn up at Sydney Motorsport Park’s turn 2. With Alice dropped off and no one in the car, I set off to do some more hot laps, eventually registering a best time of 1:03, saving a whole five seconds off my original time, all the while feeling like it was less frantic. That perhaps was the biggest lesson, that smooth is fast, and fast is smooth – my best laps were when I was making defined, linear inputs to the steering, throttle and brakes, rather than constantly trying to give them a thrashing, which only ends up with corrections. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/driving-events-toyota-gr-yaris-3.jpg) Even with tyres starting to struggle due to the heat cycles, it became far easier to put in consistent, repeatedly fast laps when being told what to do and when to do it, with the GR Yaris holding its own against much faster cars on the day. Though we continued to pound around the circuit, the tyres began to beg for mercy amid the rising track temperatures, with my times falling by a second or more by comparison. To finish off the day, I gave the keys to Marcos and let him have a go – not exactly generous of me given the punishment delivered to the GR Yaris already, but he seemed keen to give it a test. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/driving-events-toyota-gr-yaris-7.jpg) It's not that scary, Marcos And that he did, utilising it to 100 per cent of its potential to match the best time I’d set that day, but in a car which was looking forward to a relaxing drive back to Brisbane. While I’ll never challenge Marcos or Alice for lap times, their tuition showed me just how much more I’m capable of, and just how important it is to always be open to learn. *Note: This track day was offered to Torquecafe as a part of our partnership with Driving Events. This article was not directly paid for by Driving Events, and is an honest review of the service they provide.* ### Little-known supercar sets new record at F1 track URL: https://torquecafe.com/praga-bohema-spa-francorchamps-lap-record/ Last updated: 2026-08-21T06:05:46.000Z Czechia’s automotive industry is best known for the millions of Skodas it has produced, but now another local brand has put their name in the headlines. Sports car producer Praga has already set the unofficial road car record at the [ex-Top Gear Dunsfold Aerodrome](https://torquecafe.com/ex-stig-sets-unofficial-road-car-record-at-former-top-gear-track/), and now it can claim to have the fastest production vehicle around the legendary Spa-Francorchamps. Praga took its Bohema to a track day at the circuit for what it claimed was just meant to be a customer driving event, though with test driver Aleš Jirásek, it set a time of two minutes and 21.42 seconds, becoming the new record holder. It defeated the previous record set by the twin-turbo V12-powered Pagani Huayra BC Roadster, which in 2019 set a time of two minutes and 23.08 seconds. The Bohema was fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres, which – while undoubtedly track-biased – are road-legal, allowing it to take the record. Powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Nissan GT-R, the Bohema is a limited-run sports car, and sends its 522kW and 725Nm outputs to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission. Praga also claims the circa-980kg Bohema can produce more than 900kg of downforce at 250km/h, a speed it easily surpassed on the run to Raidillon and Eau Rouge, while hitting an indicated 311km/h down the Kemmel Straight. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Praga-Bohema---Spa-lap-record--4-.jpg) "We weren't at Spa to chase a record. We were there with customers to enjoy driving one of the greatest circuits in the world, said Jirásek. “After a few sessions we realised the conditions were good and decided to see what the Bohema could do. "It’s incredible how naturally the car delivers this level of performance. We were on road tyres, there was traffic on track, and the car received no special preparation. That speaks volumes about the underlying capability of the Bohema and the engineering behind it." ### BMW M2 to go out with a bang URL: https://torquecafe.com/bmw-m2-final-special-edition-rumour/ Last updated: 2026-08-21T01:16:12.000Z BMW’s M2 often steals the limelight away from its bigger M3 and M4 siblings, and now there are rumours a send-off version of the sports coupe will go one step further. Bimmerpost forum user ‘ynguldyn’ – who has accurately compiled future BMW model information for almost a decade – has said “there will be one more version of \[the\] G87 M2” prior to the end of the current-generation model. The poster provided no further details, other than reiterating previous timelines for production of the G87-generation M2 ending in March 2029, just over two and a half years away. [BMW M2 CS packs an M4 punch for less moneyThe new BMW M2 CS has figures which rival or match its bigger siblings, but it’s cheaper and even more raw.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-9f4d3036-8fa8-4a9b-bec2-24d463b8b18d.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/bmw-m2-cs-5-1-03aa4685-1a3c-458e-a646-ed9f23e449f4.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-m2-cs-packs-an-m4-punch-for-less-money/) This means we don’t have any idea of when the new variant will launch, nor what shape it’ll take before its arrival. BMW’s first-generation ‘F87’ M2 was available in base guise, followed by the more powerful M2 Competition and finally the M2 CS, with the latter being its final iteration prior to being succeeded by the G87. So far, the current M2 has been available in base rear-wheel drive guise since its 2022 launch, followed last year by the M2 CS (complete with the same engine as the M3 and M4), and most recently the all-wheel drive M2 xDrive. [BMW M2 xDrive priced for AustraliaThe new BMW M2 xDrive will be $5000 more than its rear-drive sibling when it arrives in Australia.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-1fd7a23a-4fb0-48f4-9ad8-206d2560fb8d.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/bmw-m2-xdrive-2-f0ceca43-2813-4a0d-ab42-b27d1c94d036.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-news-m2-xdrive-price-australia/) At this point there can only be speculation as to what the future M2 variant will be, though it’s unlikely to be outdone by the CS in terms of raw pace. In other BMW models such as the M3, the brand has celebrated the manual transmission with the CS Handschalter, available as a three-pedal only, but limited to the US market. Likewise, it could launch an M2 CS xDrive, pairing the higher outputs and lighter weight of the CS with all-wheel drive grip. BMW has already launched a series of upgrades for the M2 through its M Performance Track kit, consisting of additional aerodynamic aids, plus height and ride-adjustable suspension. [BMW M2 now faster than the more expensive M2 CSThe BMW M2 is already a rapid car, but the brand’s own track-focused performance package has made it even quicker than the more expensive M2 CS.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-30dd950b-ac33-4a91-a5f7-f8bbe34aeb7c.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/bmw-m2-m-performance-parts-1-0f625b45-d6a6-433d-a483-b807e5350654.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-m2-now-faster-than-the-more-expensive-m2-cs/) With this kit, the standard M2 is able to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife 14 seconds faster than the base M2 coupe, but also half a second quicker than the lighter and more powerful M2 CS. It’s possible this package could also make its way to the G87 M2’s swansong. What is completely unknown is the future of the M2 nameplate, given there are no rumours about a third-generation model to replace the G87. ### California’s controversial tyre standards approved URL: https://torquecafe.com/californias-controversial-tyre-standards-approved/ Last updated: 2026-08-21T00:03:46.000Z A controversial, revolutionary new set of tyre efficiency standards have been approved in California, prompting concerns about the flow-on effects for car enthusiasts. This week, the California Energy Commission (CEC) approved the Replacement tyre Efficiency Program (RTEP), which will come into full effect in 2033 and effectively ban motorists from fitting new tyres to their vehicles which are less energy efficient than those it was originally fitted with. This regulatory framework has been in the draft stages since 2003, but was only recently finalised and now “approved unanimously by CEC commissioners”, which the CEC claims can save approximately two million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually, due to the reduced fuel consumption of vehicles rolling around on more efficient rubber. According to the state’s government agency, motorists could save up to 25 per cent on their fuel bill if they drive on tyres which match the OEM efficiency rating, with a calculation that combined, the regulations “will save California drivers nearly US$1 billion (A$1.4 billion) per year in gasoline (fuel) and electricity costs”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Revuelto-SV-1.jpg) While the CEC says the regulations were drafted off the back of it conducting “extensive laboratory testing on the most popular replacement tyres in California, as well as reviewed best-in-class industry data from companies such as Discount tyre”, there are concerns the new regulations will have flow-on effects to enthusiasts, as well as every-day motorists. In the vast majority of cases, manufacturers fit their vehicles with tyres from the factory which are as efficient as possible without trade-offs such as grip, road noise and longevity. However, there are always compromises, with factory-fit tyres often seen as being faster-wearing and lower grip than those customers will replace with off-the-shelf offerings when it comes time to do so. Though a number of car owners have direct replacement tyres fitted through the manufacturer’s dealerships, many go to tyre shops or other retailers and buy based on factors other than efficiency, such as longer life, more dry and/or wet grip, and reduced noise. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/bridgestone-integrated-report-1.jpg) The new regulations are designed to encourage tyre makers to develop more efficient tyres with lower rolling resistance, though this is expected to have an impact on cost – something the CEC has factored in. The agency claims “the incremental cost for consumers is very low – only US$1.50 (A$2.11) per tyre during Phase 1 (2029-2033) and US$6.50 (A$9.13) per tyre during Phase 2 (2033 and beyond). While there are concerns on what the regulations could mean for enthusiasts, the CEC said it will make exceptions based on the results of a five-year stakeholder engagement process with tyre manufacturers and trade associations, as well as other industry bodies. “Based on feedback from stakeholders, the CEC has carved out exceptions for certain specialty tyres, such as competition tyres, large off-road tyres, and all-weather winter performance tyres,” it said in a media release. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-13-1.jpg) “It also created product categories for long-life tyres, ultra-high-performance tyres, low-load-index tyres, and other tyres with special characteristics.” The new regulations have been welcomed by some tyre brands including Michelin, with Michelin North America director of state and local government affairs, Francesca Mosteller, saying the CEC has the brand’s support. “California's direction is consistent with Michelin’s all-sustainable and holistic approach for reducing the impact of tires at every stage of the life cycle without compromising safety and other performances that are important to consumers,” Mosteller said. “We support the efficiency goals and believe the proposed thresholds in this rulemaking are technically feasible within the defined timeframes.” ### Dodge Charger Super Bee packs a stinging straight-six URL: https://torquecafe.com/dodge-charger-super-bee-packs-a-stinging-straight-six/ Last updated: 2026-08-20T07:00:26.000Z Dodge is holding off on giving Charger buyers the choice of a V8 engine, instead hoping a more powerful straight-six flagship will be enough to keep them happy. Unveiled earlier this month, the Dodge Charger Super Bee marks the return of the nameplate which has been on- and off-sale since the 1970s, often attached to some of the most potent versions of Dodge’s performance models. Based on the twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six ‘Sixpack’-powered Charger, the Super Bee’s power output has been increased to 447kW (600hp) from a standard 410kW (550hp), while its 720Nm torque figure is unchanged. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/DG027_CH365-1.jpg) Dodge Charger Super Bee The increase was made possible through the fitment of larger Garrett turbos, which have been claimed to also bring peak torque on earlier at 3000rpm, as well as a revised exhaust and intake system. To support the extra power, Dodge has fitted larger and reinforced half-shafts, designed to sustain increased temperatures and provide track-duty durability. With its eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system, the Charger Super Bee launches from 0-60mph (97km/h) in 3.6 seconds, three-tenths faster than the Sixpack-powered Scat Pack. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/DG027_355CH.jpg) Dodge Charger Super Bee If drivers want to slide rather than grip, there’s a rear-wheel drive mode as well as the standard Track and Drag modes, complemented by new brake cooling ducts and pads. New 406mm brake rotors with six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston units at the rear sit behind forged 20-inch wheels, shod in 305mm-wide Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tyres. The wide wheels accentuate what Dodge claims is the “widest body in the industry”, though with a circa-2100kg kerb weight, it’s also one of the heaviest muscle cars available. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/DG027_345CH-1.jpg) Dodge Charger Super Bee On the outside, the Super Bee features a larger grille, unique badging, a big front splitter and rear lip spoiler, plus a choice of black or yellow graphics. Inside the cabin, the seats are adorned with a Super Bee logo (now featuring a turbocharger), as well as yellow contrast stitching, a thicker steering wheel and larger gear shift paddles. Due to launch in 2027, the Dodge Charger Super Bee will be a “limited-production model”, rather than a mainstay of the lineup. ### Next Mini Cooper to ditch tradition URL: https://torquecafe.com/mini-news-cooper-rear-wheel-drive-electric/ Last updated: 2026-08-20T05:30:32.000Z When the Alec Issigonis-designed Mini launched in the late 1950s, it became the world’s first truly successful front-wheel drive car, allowing more cabin space by putting all the powertrain in front of the occupants. Almost 70 years on and the Mini Cooper (the modern spiritual successor) has stayed true to that formula, both across its petrol- and electric-powered derivatives. However, for the next generation of the battery-powered Mini Cooper Electric, the formula is getting its first makeover in history, moving to a rear-drive platform shared with parent company BMW. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2025-01-p90556755highresmini-cooper-e-07-202.jpg) Mini Cooper E As reported by [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/next-mini-cooper-be-inspired-2001-r50-%E2%80%93-and-could-go-rwd?ref=torquecafe.com), the ‘Gen6’ platform already under the likes of the BMW iX3 and i3 EVs will be used in the Cooper Electric, though given it doesn’t support front-mounted electric motors, the hatchback will have to go to a rear-drive layout. This will see a reversal of sorts for BMW, given that from 2019, the entry-level 1 Series moved to a front-drive platform in order to share development costs with Mini’s petrol-powered products such as the Cooper. According to *Autocar*, the next 1 Series will return to its roots of being a rear-wheel drive model when it goes electric on the new Gen6 platform. [$150k retro Mini revealedDoes it get more British than a coach-built Mini penned by one of the world’s most renowned designers?![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-9c669ee6-ae57-4868-b9c0-2779b42bd80d.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/wood-and-pickett-mini-by-callum-crop-2-e799fa19-fb56-47e2-a76a-e5a86e7a93a9.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/jaguar-aston-martin-designer-ian-callum-reveals-restomod-mini/) Though this change for the Mini Cooper Electric has yet to be confirmed by BMW, development boss Joachim Post previously refused to rule out the rear-drive move. It’s expected the new-gen Mini Cooper EV will effectively end the current partnership the brand has with GWM, who manufactures the existing model in China on a unique platform, shared only with the slightly larger Mini Aceman. The *Autocar* report claims the future of the petrol-powered Mini – which remains on a BMW platform – will likely remain front-wheel drive, though it’s likely to add the option of hybrid powertrains in the future. Speaking to the publication, Mini design chief Holger Hampf said the brand has “started to work on the next generation of Mini, and what follows now is a look at the entire portfolio”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/mini_one58-1.jpeg) R50 Mini One "You can ask a Brit or a German or an Italian, you can ask a five-year-old, and they will recognise a Mini based on the proportions of the car," he told Autocar. "Especially when it comes to the three-door hatch, it's a very short car with wheels at its corners, short overhangs, with some signature elements such as the facial impression. This is the most important to me: the combination of round headlights and grille. "Every five-year-old will know this is a Mini. It's my job to treat it with respect." According to Hampf, the next generation of Minis will likely take inspiration from the design of the ‘R50’ series which started the brand’s BMW-owned tenure. ### Aston Martin boss reveals what’s holding back manual return URL: https://torquecafe.com/aston-martin-boss-reveals-whats-holding-back-manual-return/ Last updated: 2026-08-20T03:41:10.000Z A mini revival of manual transmissions has been the talk of the car industry in recent months, with more high-end brands re-adding three-pedal options to their lineups – even in relatively small numbers. From Ferrari’s 12Cilindri Manuale (which uses a fly-by-wire style system) to proper six-speed shifters such as the Porsche 911 Carrera S’s new MT Package, traction is gaining for more luxury brands to at least offer an alternative to automatics. Speaking to US publication [*Road and Track*](https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a73427908/aston-martin-ceo-talks-manual-gearbox-challenges/?ref=torquecafe.com) at the Monterey Car Week, Aston Martin boss Adrian Hallmark gave an honest answer when asked whether his brand could consider more manual series production models, even if it’s not what many wanted to hear. “I know that from our point of view, all of our manuals were based on the old vehicle architecture \[and\] electronics,” Hallmark said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Aston-Martin-Valour_06-1.jpg) Aston Martin Valour “The problem we have is not getting a manual gearbox; it's getting an electronic and modified system to be able to work with a manual box. “Why? Because when you've got ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) –because this car's got all the safety systems of a production car, if we put a manual in, you couldn't have the adaptive speed control and the anti-crash intervention. “To take that out ... and to modify it is more cost\[ly\] than developing a new manual gearbox.” The last series production manual in Aston Martin’s lineup was the pre-facelift Vantage, while the Valour and Valiant limited-run models both featured six-speed manual transmissions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/crop_Aston-Martin-Valiant_10.jpg) Aston Martin Valiant All of these models had transmissions made by Italian specialist Dana Graziano, which is a relatively low-volume company. Ferrari’s ‘Manuale by-wire’ system features a six-speed gated shifter which allows the driver to manually choose the first six of the forward-moving gears in the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The gears can be selected by pressing the clutch pedal which has no physical connection to the clutch packs. Instead, pressing the pedal activates an angle position sensor which tells the system how much pressure to apply, with the car’s electronic brain simulating the effect of a true clutch system. Hallmark admitted there was sense to Ferrari developing this system, even with the added price tag due to it being offered in a limited production run. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/crop_Aston-Martin-Valiant_09.jpg) Aston Martin Valiant “And then, when you look at how many cars you need to sell at what incremental price to offset the cost of the box and the electronics, it's a marginal case, which I guess is why Ferrari have done what they've done,” he said “So our dilemma: Do we do a fake manual? Or, don't go manual? So that's the problem.” The most recent Aston Martin reveal, the Valen, has been without a manual, instead continuing with the eight-speed ZF automatic as a number of the brand’s products. [Driving manual cars is better for your brainResearch by a renowned Japanese neuroscientist has given drivers of manual cars reason to boast.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-46d98e15-ba7e-4024-822c-3ea433690e62.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/lancia-ypsilon-turbo-100-manual-3-45addbdb-2c7a-4dbe-b318-9d1784be9450.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/driving-manual-cars-is-better-for-your-brain/) ### Chinese SUV completes 360-degree tunnel loop, after initial failures URL: https://torquecafe.com/chinese-suv-completes-360-degree-tunnel-loop-after-initial-failures/ Last updated: 2026-08-20T00:31:05.000Z You've probably never heard of the Voyah Passion S, but this viral marketing stunt has attempted to get the Chinese electric SUV into more minds. A sub-brand of China's state-owned Dongfeng, Voyah has recently launched the Passion S, a rival to the Tesla Model Y and Xiaomi YU7, as well as a plethora of other mid-sized electric SUVs in the nation. Though it may not stand out too much from the crowd, the brand wanted to change that by replicating a famous video of [Michael Schumacher completing a loop of a tunnel in a Mercedes-AMG SLS](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvpSYrXdmio&ref=torquecafe.com). And that the Passion S did, with a video uploaded to YouTube and other social media platforms showing it complete the loop at approximately 130km/h. With centrifugal force on its side, the circa-2.3 tonne SUV was able to loop around the tunnel utilising special ramps, though it appears disaster was only just avoided as its safety systems applied the brakes towards the end of its rotation. A video uploaded to social media the week leading up to the loop showed this had already happened, with a camouflaged version appearing to attempt the stunt at a lower speed and having its brakes applied, only just completing the rotation as it crashed back down to the ground. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db%5FCJn3BO5s/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by @drivegreen\_livegreen](https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db%5FCJn3BO5s/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) Though the video uploaded by Voyah included a number of quick edits and cuts to increase the theatre of the stunt, a one-take video was also put online by CarNewsChina, showing the feat was well and truly real. In China, the Voyah Passion S is available in single, rear-motor guise (producing 300kW0, or with an added front motor (bringing outputs up to 475kW). Prices start from 229,900 Yuan (A$47,950) and range up to 309,900 Yuan (A$64,630). ### Ford Bronco-based ute to replace Ranger - report URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-bronco-pickup-replacing-ranger-ute/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T23:39:09.000Z Ford insiders have claimed a pickup based on the Bronco SUV is set to launch by 2030, leaving the future of the Ranger in North America in doubt. As reported by [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/car-concepts/future-product/an-ford-future-product-0819/?ref=torquecafe.com), the insiders claimed the Bronco-based pickup will be built at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant, current home of production for the North American-market Bronco SUV and Ranger. Details are light, though it’s understood the Bronco pickup will be a part of the Wayne, Michigan plant’s transition to become a Bronco-exclusive facility, as there are reportedly no plans for the next-generation Ranger. The reports of the Bronco pickup being added to the lineup by the end of the decade bring questions to light about its underpinnings. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/bronco-at-map_286-1.jpg) Ford Bronco production line Currently, the Bronco is based on the same Australian-designed and engineered T6 platform as the Ranger and Everest. The Bronco launched in 2020, while the current Ranger and Everest went on sale in 2022. [Previous reports](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-lincoln-ford-bronco/) by US outlet [*Autoweek*](https://www.autoweek.com/news/a70469162/lincoln-to-get-ford-bronco-based-range-rover-fighter/?ref=torquecafe.com) from insiders have claimed the new-generation Bronco SUV will come in the 2031 model year, meaning a market arrival in 2030 – or potentially 2029, aligning with the latest Bronco pickup rumours. Ford’s decision to potentially discontinue the Ranger in the US by 2030 isn’t a huge surprise, as it’s a comparatively slow seller compared to other rivals in the mid-sized pickup segment. Last year, Ford sold 70,960 Rangers in the US, behind the segment-leading Toyota Tacoma (274,638 sales) and the Chevrolet Colorado (107,867 sales), while only just ahead of the Nissan Frontier (67,027) and Jeep Gladiator (56,790 sales). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2024-Ford-Ranger-Assembly_03_280-1.JPG) Ford Ranger US production line The Bronco meanwhile is a far more popular nameplate, achieving 146,007 sales in 2025, its highest figure since the modern iteration launched at the start of the decade. Given the Michigan Assembly Plant is tooled for the T6 platform, it’s likely to remain under the next Bronco SUV and the rumoured pickup, though it’s not yet known what this could mean for the Australian market Ranger. The Ranger sold in Australia is mostly built in Thailand (aside from the plug-in hybrid variant, which is made in South Africa) alongside the Everest, with these facilities also building the pair for South-East Asia. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/TC-FordRangerRaptor-012.jpg) The Australian-market Ford Ranger is built in Thailand, unlike the US-built ute European and African versions of the Ranger are produced in South Africa along with the rebadged Volkswagen Amarok. The Ranger has been a success in Australia, where it has been the best-selling new vehicle for three consecutive years since 2023, and is likely to continue that in 2026. While the potential replacement of the Ranger in North America with a Bronco-badged pickup may impact its economies of scale, it’s more than likely to live on in Australia and other regions, should its current success continue. ### Porsche 911 GT3 Nürburgring edition celebrates icon’s second home URL: https://torquecafe.com/porsche-news-911-gt3-nurburgring-edition/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T11:16:38.000Z Some things in life are impossible to think of without linking it to another, and the Porsche 911 GT3 and the Nürburgring is just that. The almost 21km-long Nordschleife course is where the 911 GT3 has made its mark for years, showing how relatively light weight and a good setup can result in faster lap times than outright power. Now that the Nürburgring is turning 100, Porsche is celebrating the anniversary with the limited edition 911 GT3 100 Jahre Nürburgring, paying tribute to the circuit in Germany’s Eifel mountains. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/porsche-911-gt3-nurburgring-100-jahre-7-1.jpg) Porsche 911 GT3 100 Jahre Nürburgring Limited to 100 examples for the German market only, buyers can opt for one of two colours, white or GT Silver metallic, both featuring green accents (referencing the Nürburgring’s ‘Green Hell’ nickname) that doubles as a protective film. Optional is the Manthey Kit, which has a specially sculpted floor, a larger front lip, rear diffuser and larger rear wing, other enhancements included adjustable suspension and lighter-weight 20- and 21-inch forged wheels, shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres. [In this guise](https://torquecafe.com/mustang-gtd-who-bathurst-winner-dethrones-ford-in-hotter-911/), the 911 GT3 was able to set a time of six minutes and 50.863 seconds around the 20.832km course in the hands of 2024 Bathurst 12 Hour winner Ayhancan Güven, faster than the road-legal Ford Mustang GTD, and only marginally behind the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X which has almost 2.5 times the power. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/porsche-911-gt3-nurburgring-100-jahre-6-1.jpg) Porsche 911 GT3 100 Jahre Nürburgring To give greater links to the motorsport heritage of the 911 GT3, the tow hook is also green, with white arrows indicating its recovery points. There are track map decals on the wings, and owners can choose their own racing number from 0 to 999 for the doors, rear window and bonnet. The wheels are finished in a high-gloss California Gold colour, teamed with satin black centre locks. Stepping inside, the sill plates have inscribed “Welcome to the Green Hell”, illuminated in white against brushed aluminium black. The puddle lights also project the Nordschleife map onto the ground. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/porsche-911-gt3-nurburgring-100-jahre-1-1.jpg) Porsche 911 GT3 100 Jahre Nürburgring The interior is upholstered in extended leather and Race-Tex trim in Black, contrasted by special cross-pattern decorative stitching on the upper areas of the dashboard and doors. While the driver sits on a green seat (complete with the circuit logo on its headrest), the passenger side is black with a standard GT3 embroidered logo. A walnut gear selector is available for six-speed manual versions of the model. As an added bonus, buyers can get a matching Porsche Design Chronograph 1 watch to their 911 GT3, itself including the Nürburgring logo on the matt-black dial, a black strap made from Porsche leather, and GT Silver decorative stitching. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/porsche-911-gt3-nurburgring-100-jahre-5-1.jpg) Porsche 911 GT3 100 Jahre Nürburgring "The Nürburgring has been part of our development programme for decades and is the spiritual home of our GT cars,” said Porsche Vice President Product and Individualisation Offering, Alexander Fabig. “This edition captures the atmosphere of the Nordschleife through numerous exterior and interior details that combine motorsport, performance and craftsmanship. "Together with Style Porsche, we have created a vehicle that pays homage to the thrilling allure of the Nordschleife and to 100 years of motorsport history." ### Driver assistance tech can save lives, but most Australian motorists are turning it off URL: https://torquecafe.com/driver-assistance-tech-can-save-lives-but-most-australian-motorists-are-turning-it-off/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T04:02:50.000Z An Australian study has for the first time detailed how effective advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) can be to reduce the road toll and casualties from motoring incidents – provided the technology is being kept on. Commissioned by insurance giant IAG and using data from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre, the study has found that if local motorists trusted ADAS tech more, there could be a 20 per cent reduction in crashes. QUT supplied crash data analysis of 100,000 vehicle collisions, as well as a national survey of 2000 drivers of ADAS-enabled vehicles, plus additional field research which observed 50 participant drivers using six ADAS safety features. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/toyota-landcruiser-79-ancap-2.jpg) "The crash data analysis undertaken by QUT looked at 100,000 vehicle collisions on Australian roads and found every single driver-assist system significantly reduces the crash type it's designed to prevent – with the largest reductions observed in sideswipes (up to 40 per cent), head-on collisions (up to 21 per cent) and lane change accidents (up to 15 per cent),” said IAG Research Centre head, Shawn Ticehurst. However, IAG noted that while the systems are effective, the majority of Australian motorists are turning the tech off, with up to 60 per cent of motorists switching off at least one ADAS function. “60 percent of Australian drivers tell us they are actively turning off driver-assist safety features in their cars, and we know the majority that do use the technology are learning through a process of trial and error alone,” Ticehurst added. "By finding out what’s stopping Australian drivers from embracing driver-assist safety features and what might encourage a shift in attitudes and behaviour, we've identified key barriers and knowledge gaps that need to urgently be addressed.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/toyota-tundra-ancap-1.jpg) Presently, car-to-car autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is mandated in every passenger vehicle sold in Australia, while performance requirements for car-to-pedestrian AEB were brought in this month. Lane-keep assist is set to be mandated for all new cars in Australia from March 2029, though it is already in the bulk of vehicles on sale. QUT’s controlled field research included front and rear AEB, lane-keep assist, as well as blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. “Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) has the potential to deliver significant safety benefits, potentially preventing 40 per cent of sideswipe collisions, but we found it also generated the most negative feedback from our field-study participants who consistently found it frustrating, annoying, and the most likely to be actively switched off,” Ticehurst said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/car-crash-1.jpg) He added the study found 72 per cent of Australian drivers in ADAS-enabled vehicles said they could benefit from additional information and/or instruction on how the technology increases safety. “Collaboration between vehicle manufacturers, governments, driver educators and motorists will be critical to increasing the ongoing use of ADAS technologies and unlocking their full potential to reduce collisions and ultimately, to save lives on Australian roads.” In total, IAG’s analysis shows that of Australia’s 40,000 annual road casualties – which are defined by hospital admissions and fatalities – full and proper ADAS use could potentially prevent 7850 casualties a year. “In a modernising vehicle fleet with driver-assist safety features as standard, we would expect to see a positive correlation in reduced accident and casualty rates – but that's not happening and it needs to change if we want to see fewer accidents,” Ticehurst concluded. ### More than $1 billion changes hands across Monterey Car Week auctions URL: https://torquecafe.com/monterey-car-week-auction-results/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T02:05:04.000Z The 2026 Monterey Car Week is over, and while much of the focus was on new-vehicle reveals, the event also hosts multiple high-end auctions, which this year broke records. Figures compiled by US automotive insurance giant [*Hagerty*](https://www.hagerty.com/media/market-trends/2026-monterey-car-week-auctions-shatter-record-with-756m-in-sales/?ref=torquecafe.com) show a total of 853 vehicles were sold at official, Monterey Car Week-sanctioned auctions, run by five of the nation’s biggest firms – RM Sotheby’s, Gooding Christie’s, Mecum, Broad Arrow, and Bonham’s. According to the company, the cumulative total of the 853 auctions was US$755.6 million (A$1.07 billion), representing a huge increase on the 2025 figures of US$432.8 million (A$611.8 million). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-19-at-11.58.13---am-1.png) 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, image credit: [Gooding Christie's](https://www.goodingco.com/lot/1964-shelby-cobra-daytona-coupe?ref=torquecafe.com) The total could have been higher, as 271 of the 1124 lots reportedly didn’t sell, though the 76 per cent sell-through rate matched the 2025 results. *Hagerty* calculated the average sale price at the 2026 Monterey Car Week auctions was US$885,765 (A$1.25 million), again a jump over 2025 where the average price was US$529,034 (A$747,780). The most expensive car to go under the hammer was a 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe – the only example to have been personally owned by Carroll Shelby – which was estimated to sell for more than US$25 million (A$35.3 million) but ended up being sold for US$42.905 million (A$6.065 million). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/ferrari-luce-chassis-0-1-1.jpg) Ferrari Luce Chassis 0 In doing so, it became the most expensive American car to ever be sold at auction. For context, the most expensive Australian car sold at an auction was a [HSV GTSR W1 Maloo painted in XU3 Yellah](https://torquecafe.com/holden-news-maloo-ute-sets-auction-record/), which last year went for A$1.2 million (US$848,965). Just behind it in the sale price rankings was the [first example of the Ferrari Luce](https://torquecafe.com/ferrari-news-luce-most-expensive-new-car-auction-40-million/), the brand’s first EV, designed by former iPhone designer Jony Ive’s agency LoveFrom. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/748216000_18608535325054245_1116131328293816906_n-2-1.jpg) McLaren F1 GTR Chassis 10R At a charity auction, Luce Chassis 0 was sold for US$40 million (A$56.5 million), giving it the honour of being the world’s most expensive new car, with all proceeds going to The Ferrari Foundation. On the last step of the podium was the [1996 McLaren F1 GTR](https://torquecafe.com/ex-pink-floyd-drummers-mclaren-f1-could-set-a-record/) (chassis 10R) which was formerly owned by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason until 2024, going for a hammer price of US$34.655 million (A$48.984 million), a new record for the F1 nameplate at auction. In total, the top 10 most-expensive cars at the auctions sold for a combined US$223.1 million (A$315.35 million), making it the richest week in car auction history. ### Bugatti boss says V16 manual hypercar ‘a dream’ URL: https://torquecafe.com/bugatti-news-v16-hypercar-a-dream/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T00:43:12.000Z The transition of Bugatti away from its long-held Volkswagen Group ownership is almost complete, with the final few W16-powered models making their way to customers, ahead of the launch of the V16-powered Tourbillon. Having been founded in its modern iteration by the German car giant in 1998, Volkswagen-owned Porsche [recently sold its 45 per cent stake](https://torquecafe.com/bugatti-is-leaving-the-volkswagen-family/) in the Bugatti-Rimac joint venture (established in 2021) to a New York-based consortium, ending the almost three-decade long relationship. Now with Rimac Automobili founder Mate Rimac serving as CEO, Bugatti is off in a new direction, with the Croatian refusing to rule out future models gaining a manual transmission – something the brand hasn’t done before. “Yes, definitely. Definitely. I agree 100 per cent,” Rimac said when asked by [*Road and Track*](https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a73456461/bugatti-boss-mate-rimac-v-16-manual-transmission/?ref=torquecafe.com) whether Bugatti could finally offer a manual. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/bugatti-fkp-hommage-9.webp) Bugatti FKP Hommage (left) with the Veyron (right) “Imagine \[a\] V16 with a manual. Real manual.” It’s worth noting that there have been manual Bugattis in the past, though these were from the original iterations of the company (1909-1963) or under its Italian-based reboot (1987-1995) which led to the quad-turbo, V12 all-wheel drive and manual EB 110. Ever since the modern Bugatti company launched, its hypercars – such as the Veyron, Chiron and Mistral – have only featured dual-clutch automatic transmissions, given the sheer power and torque of the quad-turbo W16 engine powering them. The upcoming Bugatti Tourbillon is perhaps the most viable candidate for a manual, or at least its powertrain is. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/bugatti_eb110_ss_749.jpeg) Bugatti EB 110 Powered by a Cosworth-developed 8.4-litre V16 engine, it produces a claimed 735kW and 900Nm of petrol power alone, not counting the additional three electric motors (two at the front, one at the rear) to make it all-wheel drive. Though the hypercar is already being confirmed as having an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic to feed that power to the ground, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the V16 could be mated to a manual, even if it has to go without the hybrid technology. Bugatti currently operates a Solitaire program for one-off, bespoke vehicles, developed for customers with seriously deep pockets. Given the Tourbillon has yet to reach production, it’s too early to say whether this division could produce Rimac’s dream, though it provides the most likely pathway. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/crop_25-BUGATTI-World-Premiere-Presskit-Images.jpg) Bugatti Tourbillon The executive’s comments of wanting a “real manual” also highlight a desire to fit a dedicated transmission, rather than adapt the dual-clutch automatic to replicate a manual. In June, Ferrari revealed the 12Cilindri Manuale, adopting a ‘Manuale By-Wire’ system, with a six-speed gated shifter which allows the driver to manually choose the first six of the forward-moving gears in the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The gears can be selected by pressing the clutch pedal which has no physical connection to the clutch packs. Instead, pressing the pedal activates an angle position sensor which tells the system how much pressure to apply, with the car’s electronic brain simulating the effect of a true clutch system. ### Audi’s five-cylinder engine not dead yet - executive URL: https://torquecafe.com/audi-news-five-cylinder-rs3-under-evaluation/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T23:09:18.000Z Audi appears to be no closer to confirming the future of its five-cylinder RS engine, but it is remaining committed to exploring ways to keep it in production. Earlier this year, Audi confirmed the five-cylinder turbocharged RS3 performance hatch and sedan would end its current lifecycle in Europe by late 2027, due to its engine not meeting more stringent emissions standards. [In March](https://torquecafe.com/audi-news-rs3-five-cylinder-euro-7-emissions/), an Audi spokesperson told [*Automotive News Europe*](https://www.autonews.com/volkswagen/audi/ane-audi-five-cylinder-axed-to-meet-eu-rules-0330/?ref=torquecafe.com) the five-cylinder engine will be phased out of production at its plant in Hungary by mid-2027, as all new cars sold on the continent will need to comply with new Euro 7 emissions regulations by November 2027. While the cost of making the engine compliant is understood to be high – due in part to its relatively limited availability, compared to the Volkswagen Group’s four-cylinder turbocharged engines – Audi Sport is still weighing up whether the five-cylinder has a business case. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/audi-rs3-competition-limited-4.jpg) Audi RS3 Competition Limited "We're well aware about the historical meaning of the five-cylinder,” Audi Sport boss Rolf Michl told [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/its-so-characteristic-audi-mulls-options-five-cylinder-future?ref=torquecafe.com). “Evaluations are still running, and people who know me know that I also have a personal relationship to the five-cylinder engine. “It's so characteristic and also deeply rooted in history – so let's see.” Michl, who has headed Audi Sport for every generation of the five-cylinder RS3, [previously said](https://torquecafe.com/audi-news-five-cylinder-rs3-hybrid-staying-alive-report/) the brand was looking into “different technological possibilities” for the future of the engine. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/audi-rs3-competition-limited-12.jpg) Audi RS3 Competition Limited Having previously been exclusive to Audi in the RS3 and now-defunct TTRS and RSQ3, the engine is also shared with the Cupra Formentor VZ5, and has been rumoured to feature in a send-off version of the petrol-powered Volkswagen Golf R. While Audi foreshadowed the end of the road for the five-cylinder RS3 earlier this year with the [Competition Limited model](https://torquecafe.com/iconic-five-cylinder-hot-hatch-nears-the-end-but-not-without-a-bang/), Michl added that the carmaker needs a “brand statement” even in its smallest RS models. “The entrance into the RS world is important because having a brand statement like that is amazing,” Michl told *Autocar*. “Emotion starts in the compact segment.” “Negotiations are ongoing, so we're not at the decision point yet. Everybody really knows about the meaning, and therefore we're still evaluating with our colleagues from Audi AG.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/1_RS356480-1.webp) As previously reported, if the five-cylinder engine does disappear, last year Audi CEO Gernot Döllner told [*Top Gear*](https://www.topgear.com/car-news/concept/2027-audi-tt-will-get-fake-gearshifts-might-get-five-cylinder-noise-and-wont-be?ref=torquecafe.com), “maybe it will come back virtually”. The fake engine sounds could be teamed with simulated gear shifts, with Döllner admitting he’s a fan of the technology. “We found that a virtual gearbox and sound really add something to driving an electric car. Even on the racetrack, I’m faster with a car with a virtual gearbox,” the executive said. “We’re developing it, I think we’ll have one. The company is quite open to finding innovative solutions in this area.” ### Supercars champion Will Brown reveals Ford Mustang project URL: https://torquecafe.com/supercars-news-will-brown-ford-mustang-project-rides-by-kam/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T06:28:42.000Z 2024 Supercars Champion Will Brown has unveiled his latest project car, joining fellow Lucky Dogs podcast host, 2023 champion Brodie Kostecki, in modifying an old Ford. In the first of a planned 12-part YouTube series, Brown revealed a 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback has joined his [already impressive car collection](https://torquecafe.com/auction-news-collecting-cars-will-brown-nissan-skyline/), which includes Nissan Skylines, Ford Escorts and an XW Falcon GT-HO. While the Mustang is running and already in good condition, the current Triple Eight driver is giving it over to famed car builder Rob Zahabi of Rides by Kam to undertake its extensive customisations. Rides by Kam is no stranger to working on the personal cars of Supercars stars, having most notably worked on Tickford Racing’s [Cam Waters’ Falcon XB Coupe](https://archive.torquecafe.com/cam-waters-reveals-awesome-xb-falcon/?ref=torquecafe.com), powered by an ex-FPR 5.0-litre V8 engine. For Brown’s Mustang, the plan is to follow the same path and fit a Supercars engine into it, with a number of options on the table, including engines from Chaz Mostert and Ryan Wood’s former cars – understood to be from their Gen3 Mustangs, which would mean a 5.4-litre ‘Coyote’ V8. Though the project is in its early stages, Brown and Zahabi have said it’ll get a widebody makeover and likely ride on airbags, while a manual transmission will put the V8’s power to the road. Unlike Kostecki, whose [XF Ford Fairmont Ghia](https://torquecafe.com/supercars-champion-brodie-kostecki-reveals-classic-ford-project/) project is being done behind closed doors with periodic updates, Brown says he’ll let fans help choose elements of his Mustang, such as its paintwork and interior. Work is yet to start on the Mustang, with Brown [announcing on social media](https://www.facebook.com/reel/1054096327254321) that he will have it and his Mk1 Ford Escort at this weekend’s Supercars Ipswich Super 440 event, as a part of his Will Brown Transport display, along with two tilt-tray trucks. The Red Bull Ampol Racing driver will also be driving to the circuit on both race days in two of his other classics, the aforementioned XW Falcon and an R34 Nissan Skyline. ### Ford Ranger Super Duty turned into fire-fighting ute URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-ranger-super-duty-turned-into-fire-fighting-ute/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T02:28:24.000Z One of the many briefs for the Ford Ranger Super Duty was to provide solutions to fleets which the standard Ranger couldn’t, and this latest development is one step closer to making that a reality. Developed in conjunction with Deakin University and XL Service Bodies, the Ford Ranger Super Duty Fire Response Unit is now on display at the AFAC (Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council) conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Based on the Ranger Super Duty Super Cab (which features just two doors but additional space and ‘jump seats’ behind the main two seats), the ute was selected as it provides the best balance between tray space and interior room to store and protect important equipment. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Ford-Ranger-Super-Duty-Fire-Response-Unit---Front.jpg) Ford Ranger Super Duty Fire Response Unit concept Designed as a concept for now to show off the capabilities of [Ford’s Pro Converter Program](https://torquecafe.com/ford-gives-tradie-focused-brands-the-nod-for-new-program/), the Ranger Super Duty FRU is the latest result of a 40-year partnership between the carmaker and Deakin University, with the ultimate aim of delivering better response to fires. Developed through the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software and full-scale virtual reality environments, the ute was then made into a physical mock-up before being turned into a functional prototype, with additional upfitting from Zeliox Australia to integrate an inverter and charging system with solar capability. Given its underpinnings, the Ranger Super Duty FRU continues with the ute’s 4500kg gross vehicle mass, with no aftermarket suspension upgrades fitted. This allowed the fitment of dual high-flow (1000 kPa at 500L/min) and ultra-high-pressure (3000 PSI at 18L/min) pumps, which are controlled via the interior infotainment touchscreen. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Ford-Ranger-Super-Duty-Fire-Response-Unit---Rear.jpg) Ford Ranger Super Duty Fire Response Unit concept The touchscreen also controls the siren and lighting systems, utilising an existing component in a bid to maximise cabin space. "We are not trying to replace traditional fire trucks or the firefighters who crew them,” Ford Pro Conversion development manager, Jeremy Welch, said in a media release. "But a Ranger Super Duty could carry the equipment needed to manage those critical first few minutes while the cavalry is on its way. The Ranger Super Duty provides a platform that could genuinely handle the job without needing heavy modification just to get it road- and track-worthy. [Ford gives tradie-focused brands the nod for new programThe Ford Pro Convertor program is coming to Australia, and a number of brands have received the Blue Oval’s approval.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-7f599258-7926-456e-8a14-8d946510c18c.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/Ford-Pro-Convertor-Norweld-Tray-Installation-2-1-f7c2d974-2a02-4a1d-a44a-1fc1a3d5cf08.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-gives-tradie-focused-brands-the-nod-for-new-program/) “The GVM and payload means we have real capacity to work with equipment and water, and the factory-level off-road capability means it can get into the places where these incidents actually happen." For Welch, the end aim is for the Ranger Super Duty FRU to be a vehicle which “could help get trained personnel and critical equipment to an incident sooner, with the aim of supporting the broader industry goal of narrowing that response gap, especially in urban environments.” “While the Fire Response Unit is a concept vehicle right now, it’s a blueprint for a fleet solution that could be built, serviced, and supported nationwide.” ### Tougher GWM Cannon Alpha, Tank 500 priced for Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/gwm-news-cannon-alpha-tank-500-3-litre-price-australia/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T00:54:50.000Z GWM Australia has launched its new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine in the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500, announcing pricing for the ute and SUV. In the Cannon Alpha ute, the 3.0-litre engine replaces the 2.4-litre which has been on offer since its launch, developing 170kW of power and 620Nm of torque, a big 35kW and 140Nm increase on the turbo-diesel it replaces. Priced from $58,990 drive-away in Lux guise and $63,990 drive-away for the flagship Vanta, it represents a price increase of $6000 compared to the outgoing 2.4-litre Lux, and $5000 more than the previous Ultra variant. However, the pricing undercuts key rivals such as the Ford Ranger, which in equivalent dual-cab pickup guise starts from $57,900 plus on-roads for the XL V6, producing 184kW and 600Nm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/gwm-cannon-alpha-3-litre-turbo-diesel-1.jpg) GWM Cannon Alpha 3.0L Despite offering greater outputs than the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, the new 3.0-litre engine is claimed to be more fuel efficient, with a consumption figure of 7.3L/100km, down from 8.9L/100km. A nine-speed automatic transmission continues to sit behind the new 3.0-litre engine, which is also paired with a part-time four-wheel drive system with selectable low-range gearing and locking front, centre and rear differentials. GWM has also beefed up the Cannon Alpha’s payload in the 3.0-litre version, now at 945kg, well above the 760-821kg figure of the 2.4-litre, and far exceeding the PHEV’s 685kg rating. In addition to the new engine, there’s also new equipment, such as a 14.6-inch touchscreen which runs a faster ‘Coffee OS’ software, supporting over-the-air updates. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/GWM-Tank-500-3.0-TD_01.jpg) GWM Tank 500 3.0L Over in the Tank 500, the addition of the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine to the lineup marks the first time it has been available as a diesel, with prices starting from $65,990 drive-away for the Lux, and $71,990 drive-away for the Vanta. Currently the existing 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-hybrid Tank 500 Vanta is $75,990 drive-away, while the PHEV is $79,990. Like its ute sibling, the Tank 500’s new diesel option brings it far closer in line with the Ford Everest, with its most affordable V6 variant (the Active) kicking off from $66,990 before on-road costs. While GWM’s new offerings aren’t due in showrooms until mid-September, the brand is offering buyers the choice of either a $2000 discount or $2000 fuel card for vehicles purchased before October 30, 2026. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/MY26-GWM-Tank-500-3.0-TD-005.jpg) GWM Tank 500 3.0L “While many of the new Chinese automotive players are increasingly focused on electrification, GWM believes Australian customers deserve choice, and we’re not going to shy away from investing in diesel technology where we know demand is still strong,” said GWM Australia chief operating officer, John Kett. “But choice is only part of the equation. When you look at the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 against the established volume players in their respective segments, the difference is clear. “We’re offering a higher level of standard specification, more performance and more technology, while asking customers to pay thousands of dollars less. “That is a proposition we believe Australian customers will find very compelling.” ### Porsche to keep selling manual 911s for “as long as we are legally allowed to” URL: https://torquecafe.com/porsche-news-911-manual-staying-alive/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T00:08:00.000Z The advancement in efficiency and speed of automatic transmissions has seen manuals become a rare commodity in recent decades, but some brands are committed to keeping three-pedal vehicles in showrooms. Porsche has long celebrated the manual transmission, offering it in a handful of base 911 variants (such as the Carrera T), as well as the GT3, which in Australia can be ordered with a manual or automatic transmission for the same price. Over in the US, Porsche last week added the new 911 Carrera S to its lineup of three-pedal models, launching the new ‘MT Package’ for the sports car, providing buyers with even more choice. Speaking to [*Road and Track*](https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a73438767/porsche-us-ceo-manual-gearbox-sales-as-long-as-legally-allowed/?ref=torquecafe.com), Porsche North America CEO Timo Resch said the brand is seeing demand for manuals to support its continual offering to the public well into the 2030s. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/AUBERGINE_911_CARRERA_S_MANUAL_025_DSC03941-1.jpg) Porsche 911 Carrera S with MT Package “You can be assured that we will try to offer manual transmissions as long as we are legally allowed to, and as long as there's customer demand,” Resch said. “And we see customer demand for the option, manual transmission also lasting well into the next decade.” According to Resch, it was Porsche’s customers who led to the introduction of the Carrera S with MT Package, having asked for a model between the track-focused GT3 and the base-level Carrera T. “\[...\] obviously our customers have a close relationship with their Porsche centers,” Resch said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/AUBERGINE_911_CARRERA_S_MANUAL_023_MU202045-R-1.jpg) Porsche 911 Carrera S with MT Package “And if they tell them, I would like to have a manual which kind of sits in between a GT3 and a T, we try to collect all of that feedback. And based on the history of, there was a Carrera S in the previous generation that had a manual transmission, we were like, ‘let's build a case.’” In the US, more than half of all 911 GT3s sold are manuals, while 80 per cent of GT3 Tourings are the three-pedal, suggesting drivers are looking for engagement with the car over the outright speed offered by the dual-clutch automatic transmission. There’s no official plans to mate the manual transmission with Porsche’s new T-Hybrid system yet, with the executive adding the two technologies are currently incompatible. “So, the \[hybrid\] technology setup that we have in place right now, and a manual transmission, like you see in the Carrera S as the MT package, they are not compatible,” Resch said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/AUBERGINE_911_CARRERA_S_MANUAL_001_DSC02248-R-1.jpg) Porsche 911 Carrera S with MT Package “But at the same time, it's great to have an engineering team in Weissach that never stops thinking, and has a lot of great ideas. So I wouldn't be surprised if at some point they come up with a solution, but it probably will not be a combination that you see here of a manual transmission.” Earlier this year, Michael Rösler, head of the Porsche 911 product line, told the UK’s [*Evo*](https://www.evo.co.uk/porsche/911/208159/the-man-in-charge-of-the-porsche-911-on-the-future-of-the-worlds-most-iconic?ref=torquecafe.com) magazine the US is helping to keep manuals in the brand’s showrooms. “We look at the market closely and in Europe last time \[in the 992.1\], we saw two, maybe three per cent ordered a manual in the Carrera line,” Rösler said. [Low demand won’t stop Porsche from keeping manuals aliveDemand for manual transmissions continues to fall as automatics have exponentially improved, but Porsche is committed to the stick.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-1d959d89-fd76-4320-96dd-29b80db5c813.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/DSC03705-3187317d-1add-44e7-b154-e5a29ba711a0.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/low-demand-wont-stop-porsche-from-keeping-manuals-alive/) “That gets us to some problems with our suppliers because they need to supply a certain number of parts. The US is a completely different story. The past GTS had about 50 per cent of customers ordering a manual. “For Porsche, in the US and Britain, manuals are a very interesting market. We watch it closely, it’s why we did the Carrera T manual - it was one of my early decisions to do the Carrera T. “We wanted to make it sharper, we looked at the cable setup from the GT3, to lower it a bit. I think the precision with the three gates makes a difference.” ### Toyota HiLux defect impacts almost 17,000 vehicles URL: https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-hilux-rogue-power-roller-cover-defect/ Last updated: 2026-08-17T22:11:22.000Z Toyota Australia has initiated a ‘customer service exercise’ for the 2020 to 2024 Toyota HiLux Rogue, affecting approximately 16,995 examples of the ute. Not technically classified as a recall, the almost 17,000 HiLux Rogues require a fix for their power operated roller cover which may become jammed or unable to be opened or closed. According to Toyota, if this occurs, the motor may remain active, potentially causing it to overheat and cause further damage. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Toyota-Pressroom---47034d73-e814-4f93-95e1-04578af9fb3a-1.jpeg) Toyota HiLux Rogue The potential fault only affects the HiLux Rogue which was fitted as standard with the powered roller cover. No other variants are impacted. Vehicles built between May 29, 2020 and April 8, 2024 are covered by the customer service exercise, which will result in Toyota dealers inspecting the roller cover for “evidence of overheating, replace if required, then inspect/adjust roller cover track width, update the ECU software and install metal drive pin connectors (if required)”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Toyota-Pressroom---4af27b4e-3fba-4d8d-bb79-65b5c5970f98.jpeg) Toyota HiLux Rogue Toyota Australia says that the inspection and repair of the roller cover could take up to approximately 3.5 hours, though owners may be required to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time. Owners will be contacted by Toyota if they have kept their [contact details up to date](https://www.toyota.com.au/recalls-update-my-details?ref=torquecafe.com) with the carmaker, or they can contact the Toyota Campaign Helpline on 1800 987 366. A full range of affected Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) is [available here](https://pressroom.toyota.com.au/PressRelease?pr-code=171c421f-5a77-4888-b328-4695797d62ce&ref=torquecafe.com). ### Australian automotive icons honoured with 100-year preservation URL: https://torquecafe.com/mighty-car-mods-national-film-sound-archive-creator-capsule/ Last updated: 2026-08-17T07:01:00.000Z Australian automotive YouTube channel Mighty Car Mods turns 18 this year, and its coming-of-age present has come in the form of preservation. Today, Mighty Car Mods was announced as one of 10 YouTube channels to be added to the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia's (NFSA) new ‘Creator Capsule’, hailed as the first such partnership in the world between the media giant and a national media archive. Alongside nine other creators – Tash Sultana, Natalie Tran (aka communitychannel), Glitch, Eddie Woo, Outback Boys, superwog, Beau Miles, Bounce Patrol, and Wengie – Mighty Car Mods has been selected for the inaugural collection, which will see a curated sample of their content added to the Archive’s national collection for the next 100 years. “Audiovisual storytelling is the dominant form through which we now express, celebrate and negotiate identity,’ said NFSA Chief Curator, Meagan Loader. 0:00 /1:26 1× “In 50 years, when Australians come to the NFSA to find the audiovisual stories that defined our time, they’ll expect to see YouTube. It’s vital we acquire this now to sit alongside our TV, radio, music, podcasts, games and films. “This new collaboration with YouTube enriches our collecting by providing insights into platform activity and impact and helps open the door for us to other creators.” Mighty Car Mods was formed by Blair ‘Moog’ Joscelyne and Martin ‘Marty’ Mulholland in 2008, filming videos repairing and modifying cars on Marty’s parent’s driveway in Sydney. Over the next 18 years, the channel has amassed almost four million YouTube subscribers and more than one billion views in total, ranging from videos of engine swaps, custom modifications and collaborations with other creators. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Blair---Marty---Supergarage--1-.jpg) To add to the show, all music is created by Marty and Moog, who trained and met as musicians before discovering their joint love of cars. “We don’t have any formal automotive qualifications at all, but we're still buying questionable cars, pulling them apart and making videos every week, as we have done for almost 20 years now,” Mulholland said. “When we started Mighty Car Mods, it was just the two of us on a driveway, working on cars and filming it ourselves, because we loved doing it,” Joscelyne added. “We weren't trying to become influencers or start a media company, but to know some of the cars we've built, the places we've travelled, and the stories we've told will be preserved as part of Australia's cultural history is a huge honour.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/MCM-Shed--1-.jpg) The success of the show has gone beyond Australia, with fans from the Americas and Europe often writing in to its secondary channel, MCMTV2. “Marty and Blair have inspired countless people to pick up the tools, have a go, and build confidence in their own skills,” said NFSA Communications Manager, Louise Alley. “In the process, they’ve helped transform the way Australians share skills, passion and creativity with global audiences. Preserving their content in the Creator Capsule recognises their impact, plus the important place that digital creators now hold in Australia’s cultural memory.” In recent videos, Mighty Car Mods has been focusing on going back-to-basics by modifying a red Daihatsu Cuore, the first car to feature on the channel, returning to Mulholland’s family home, which is currently for sale. ### Monterey Car Week 2026: Top 5 Supercar and Hypercar Reveals URL: https://torquecafe.com/monterey-car-week-2026-top-5-supercar-reveals/ Last updated: 2026-08-17T03:56:33.000Z Monterey Car Week 2026 has concluded, and not without the best part of a dozen reveals of supercars, hypercars, and road-going race cars. While there were many great unveilings at the California Car Show, here are our five favourites from Monterey, in no particular order. ## Gordon Murray Special Vehicles S1 The man who penned the **McLaren F1** has unveiled the closest thing possible to a modern rebirth of the supercar icon, revealing the **GMSV S1**. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/GMSV-S1-011-1.jpg) GMSV S1 Based on the [GMSV S1 LM](https://torquecafe.com/gmsv-s1-lm-mclaren-f1-auction-record/) from 2025 (itself a homage to the McLaren F1 GTR), the new S1 goes back to basics as a road-going version of the supercar, leaning heavily on the F1 for inspiration. If you asked AI to create a modern McLaren F1, the GMSV S1 is what it’d look like, with its central bonnet duct, over-the-roof intake, split side windows, quad tail lights and four exhaust outlets. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/GMSV-S1-01-1.jpg) GMSV S1 As you’d expect, as the modern (unofficial) successor to the McLaren F1, there’s a V12 behind the driver, with this one being a Cosworth-developed 4.2-litre engine, developing up to 508kW and 500Nm – comparable to the F1’s 6.1-litre BMW-made V12, which pushed out 461kW and 650Nm. Just 64 examples will be made, all of which feature a central driving position and a six-speed manual transmission, giving the driver as raw of an experience as possible. ## McLaren McL 6GT Bruce McLaren’s dream. That’s what McLaren says the creation of the **McL 6GT** embodies. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/18285-monterey-p50-3-1.jpg) McLaren McL 6GT Back in July, [McLaren revealed the **M6GT**](https://torquecafe.com/mclarens-newest-car-could-have-been-its-oldest/), having continued the stillborn project first launched by founder Bruce in the late 1960s, when he dreamed of creating a road-going car with links to his racers. The new McL 6GT is the realisation of that desire, and it’ll be reaching showrooms in 2028, complete with a carbon-fibre chassis, V8 engine and a manual transmission, the first in a McLaren since the F1. Its design is unashamedly inspired by the M6GT, sitting low and wide like a CanAm racer, while the tail lights are in a ‘Racing Loop’ formation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/18276-monterey-p50-12-1.jpg) McLaren McL 6GT The number plate which Bruce had on his own personal M6GT road car has been transformed into a modern graphic, while the ‘Speedy Kiwi’ is on the fuel filler cap. Performance details are yet to be disclosed, though it promises to be the most raw McLaren for decades, and that’s something worth celebrating. ## Koenigsegg CCGT1 [As reported last week](https://torquecafe.com/motorsport-news-2026-koenigsegg-ccgt-tribute-ccgt1-revealed-photos-images-video-details-specification/), the Koenigsegg **CCGT1** is a road-legal tribute to a racing project it was forced to abandon nearly two decades ago. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/9799a4f94a4de398_org-1.jpg) Koenigsegg CCGT1 Based on the CC850, the CCGT1’s V8 is twin-turbocharged and runs a nine-speed transmission as standard, though customers can opt for the CC850's six-speed gated shifter instead. Only the CC850's removable roof and doors carry over body-wise, with the rest built around a new aero package headlined by an active rear wing, which serves as much of a visual nod to the original CCGT as a functional one. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/a7728712837e1d21_org-1.jpg) Koenigsegg CCGT1 The CCGT1 leaves the factory road-ready, but buyers can add an optional track package, adding a carbon roll cage, HANS-compatible racing seats, fire suppression, a race exhaust, air jacks, track-tuned suspension and brakes, a second set of wheels and extra aero. Just 70 examples will be built, and all of them were allocated to buyers ahead of its reveal. ## Cadillac V-ONE Technically not a real car yet, the **Cadillac V-ONE** is a concept study, based on the V-Series.R racer which has been taking on the IMSA and World Endurance Championships. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Cadillac-V-ONE-Concept-front-three-quarter-view-1.jpg) Cadillac V-ONE Co-developed by Cadillac Design, Cadillac Racing and chassis constructor Dallara, the V-ONE’s concept intention is to “deliver factory-level prototype performance and technology”. Like the race car, power comes from a hybrid V8 engine, while its suspension, transmission and “select electronics” are also shared. On the outside, the body design is carried across from the race car but with a new V-Series wheel design and updated dark-persona V-Series badging, as well as a hand-sprayed paint gradient from silver to deep navy. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Cadillac-V-ONE-Concept-interior-1.jpg) Cadillac V-ONE The cockpit has been made especially for the concept, with custom UX and UI, bespoke materials, a serialised plaque on the door and driver-specific seat. Though it may not reach the road, it’s likely to join a long list of Le Mans cars for private owners, such as the Ferrari 499P Modificata, Aston Martin, Valkyrie LM, and the one-off Porsche 963 RSP. ## Defender Dakar Last but not least, something a little bit different, with Land Rover choosing to turn the Dakar-winning Defender into a road car. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/L663_Dakar_Reveal_14082026_1-1.jpg) Defender Dakar So far only unveiled as a 'design preview model', the **Defender Dakar** production vehicle is meant to serve as the road-legal version of the Defender D7X-R which won – you guessed it – the Dakar rally earlier this year. Based around the Defender OCTA, the Dakar adds a wider track, greater ground clearance and tougher, rally-bred suspension to become the ultimate showroom-ready off-road beast. Other additions include Bilstein dampers, forged 20-inch wheels and a 35-inch tyre setup, plus new drive modes such as Dune, Gravel and Flight Mode. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/L663_Dakar_Reveal_14082026_4-1.jpg) Defender Dakar Defender has confirmed it’ll continue to be powered by the BMW-derived 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, while it should be even faster than the OCTA thanks to its carbon fibre raised air intakes and carbon fibre bonnet. Just four seats will be inside, complete with an optional racing seat belt harness and storage space for helmets. ### Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC convertible revealed as brand's most powerful drop-top URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-mustang-dark-horse-sc-convertible-revealed-as-brands-most-powerful-drop-top/ Last updated: 2026-08-16T23:52:23.000Z The Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC had big shoes to fill when it effectively took the place of the Mustang Shelby GT500 earlier this year, and now it’s being made more appealing with the arrival of a convertible variant. Called simply the Dark Horse SC convertible, Ford bills it as being better-suited to “open-air street driving”, boasting its “unlimited headroom, zero barriers, and the full, unfiltered sound of a supercharged V8”. Ford hasn’t detailed the changes made from the coupe to convertible under the skin, though it says the MagneRide suspension has been tuned for comfort rather than outright performance. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/ford-mustang-dark-horse-sc-convertible-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/ford-mustang-dark-horse-sc-convertible-7.jpg) Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC convertible Under the bonnet remains a 5.2-litre supercharged V8, punching out a healthy 593kW and 895Nm to make it the most powerful convertible in Ford’s history. It remains just shy of the Mustang GTD’s 608kW/900Nm, while easily clearing the US-market Dark Horse’s 370kW/567Nm from a 5.0-litre N/A V8. Power is sent to the rear wheels though a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, rather than the six-speed manual and 10-speed torque-converter auto offered across the rest of the Mustang lineup. It retains the coupe’s tougher bodykit which makes it looks completely different from the standard Dark Horse and Mustang GT, with its revised front bumper, grille, bonnet with motorsport-style latches, thick side skirts, dual sets of rectangular exhausts, and an aggressive three-post rear wing. Ford hasn’t detailed whether the Dark Horse SC convertible will be able to be optioned with the coupe’s Track Package, which adds carbon-fibre wheels made by Carbon Revolution, an Australian brand based in Geelong. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/ford-mustang-dark-horse-sc-convertible-3.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/ford-mustang-dark-horse-sc-convertible-4.jpg) Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC convertible What it does bring is a few different colours inside and out, with a new Precision Purple Metallic exterior paint, a unique brake caliper finish, and Black Onyx and Space Gray interior details exclusive to the convertible. Other carry-over features include the flat-bottomed steering wheel from the Mustang GTD and an adjustable traction control system with five levels. US deliveries are set to begin before the second half of 2027, though it’s unlikely the Mustang Dark Horse SC convertible will come to Australia, as Ford’s local outpost previously said there was “no news to share on any plans” for the coupe when it was [unveiled in January](https://torquecafe.com/supercharged-ford-mustang-dark-horse-sc-has-an-australian-connection/). ### This Ferrari Luce became the world’s most expensive new car URL: https://torquecafe.com/ferrari-news-luce-most-expensive-new-car-auction-40-million/ Last updated: 2026-08-16T22:37:32.000Z Ferrari unveiled the Luce, its first electric vehicle, in May and received a less-than-welcoming response from the majority of the public. Even former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo [went on a tirade about the Luce](https://torquecafe.com/ferrari-news-luce-criticism-luca-di-montezemelo/), finishing it by saying it was “a car the Chinese won’t copy”. Though Ferrari insiders later told the [*Financial Times*](https://www.ft.com/content/11ac28b0-0c82-4d4a-bcb4-0e0dae44cf87?syn-25a6b1a6=1&ref=torquecafe.com) that the Luce had already reached its annual sales target within its first two months, the status of the first prancing horse EV has been solidified with the auction of the first car made. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/ferrari-luce-chassis-0-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/ferrari-luce-chassis-0-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/ferrari-luce-chassis-0-4.jpg) Ferrari Luce 'Chassis 0' Image credit: RM Sotheby's As a part of last week’s Monterey Car week, Ferrari auctioned the first Luce – known as ‘Chassis 0’ or ZFF21BUA8T0338000 – via RM Sotheby’s, with all proceeds going to The Ferrari Foundation charity. While first-build vehicles often go for much more than their retail prices at auction, especially when charities are involved, no one could have expected the final hammer price of the first Luce: US$40 million (A$56.5 million). For context, in the US the Luce is priced from US$640,000 (A$903,425), making its auction price more than 60 times higher than its value to an ordinary buyer. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcG6bG%5FsuQg/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Ferrari USA (@ferrariusa)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcG6bG%5FsuQg/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) That not only makes it the most expensive new Ferrari ever sold at an auction, but the most expensive new vehicle full-stop. Chassis 0 has already been customised by Ferrari’s Tailor Made program, with an exclusive Madreperla Semi-Gloss paint finish, Le Mans metallic leather in Perla inside the cabin, Grigio Corvara interior highlights, and its unique white wheels and brake calipers. The buyer of the first Luce has yet to be disclosed, though the previous report by the *Financial Times* claimed the strongest demand for the electric Ferrari is coming from China, a market which the brand hasn’t tapped into compared to some of its rivals. ### How you can ride in a V8 supercar at Queensland Raceway URL: https://torquecafe.com/how-you-can-ride-in-a-v8-supercar-at-queensland-raceway/ Last updated: 2026-08-15T20:00:43.000Z Not everyone gets to see what it’s like to go at full-tilt around a Supercars track, but Queensland Raceway is giving more of the public a chance to do so with its unique passenger ride experience. The Corvette Hot Lap Experience was set up earlier this year in association with local dealership Llewellyn Motors, who have supplied a V8-powered Chevrolet Corvette C8 for the package. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DauECb0CBBQ/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Llewellyn Motors (@llewellynmotors)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DauECb0CBBQ/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) Available during weekdays when the circuit isn’t hosting major racing events, the $299 package gives passengers two laps alongside an experienced race driver around the fast ‘Paperclip’ circuit. Pre-booking is essential and can be done by calling Queensland Raceway on 07 5461 9100, with the experience able to be booked as a gift too. [We ride alongside a V8 Supercars great… in a V8 supercarCraig Lowndes is no stranger to getting the most out of General Motors products, and he knows a thing or two about getting around Queensland Raceway.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-dc121c9d-e833-417d-91a6-78c4bd2bfba5.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2025-chevrolet-corvette-z06-queensland-raceway-craig-lowndes-2-b74efb4c-845a-41ec-840c-b443404df15e.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/we-ride-alongside-a-v8-supercars-great-in-a-v8-supercar/) ### The Fast and the Furious celebrates 25 years with cinema release URL: https://torquecafe.com/the-fast-and-the-furious-celebrates-25-years-with-cinema-release/ Last updated: 2026-08-14T20:00:54.000Z Car culture is always evolving, but fans of the early 2000s tuner movement can relive the glory days with the upcoming cinematic re-release of The Fast and the Furious. First released in 2001, The Fast and the Furious was a film which encapsulated the rise in car modifications at the time, highlighted by big sound systems, intricate liveries, and – of course – overnight parts from Japan. Now, 25 years on, it’s coming back to the silver screen with a limited re-release in Australia, arriving on August 27, and only showing until August 28. Ground-breaking at the time, the film follows an undercover police officer, Brian O’Conner (portrayed by Paul Walker) who infiltrates the street racing community, befriending the crew of Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel). Since its release, the Fast and Furious franchise has become one of the most recognisable film series in the world, though it underwent a major change following the death of Walker in a car crash in December 2013. The most recent release, Fast X, debuted in 2023, while the final installment of the series, Fast Forever, is due to release in March 2028. For session times for the 25th Anniversary re-release of The Fast and the Furious, head to the website of your preferred cinema. ### Singer unveils stylish Louis Vuitton 911 reimaginations URL: https://torquecafe.com/motoring-news-singer-porsche-911-louis-vuitton-collaboration-964-classic-turbo-details-photos/ Last updated: 2026-08-14T02:15:38.000Z The collaboration started with a request from Singer to LV to help design a dashboard clock, before growing into two new models completely draped in LV luxury. One is a Singer Classic based on the 964 coupé chassis while the other is a Classic Turbo on the 964 cabriolet chassis. The LV Classic is finished in saffron and cobalt blue colours in a nod to Louis Vuitton's packaging (the blue tyres are inspired by handles and ribbon) while there is nothing subtle about the heavily LV-inspired interior. The Classic features roof racks for a surfboard or skis and comes with custom luggage and footwear to complete the LV look. That saffron bodywork is far from original, though, getting the full Singer carbon fibre treatment. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/772826942_1773679463942618_5718553753376482463_n.png-1.jpeg) The LV Singer Classic The Classic is powered by a Singer-tuned four-litre, naturally-aspirated, air-cooled flat six engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The styling of the Classic Turbo was done by Nicolas Ghesquière, Artistic Director of Women’s Collections at Louis Vuitton. The white livery was inspired by the "white limestone that has shaped the Parisian landscape" with gold accents, leather and wood all a tribute to classic motorboat design. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/13ac4bb0-2a94-41d6-9138-8a0a05e9c76c.jpg) The LV Singer Classic Turbo The Classic Turbo also feature's Singer's carbon fibre bodywork, with power coming from a 3.8-litre, twin-turbo flat six engine and a six-speed manual transmission with selectable driving modes. Both cars feature an LV 'capsule' which, depending on the car, includes custom LV attire ranging from a helmet to driving gloves to sunglasses and even a silk suit. The centrepiece for both cars, however, is the dashboard clock, the genesis of the entire collaboration. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/LV_Singer_Porsche_7.jpg.webp) The LV Tambour dashboard clock Based LV's Tambour watch design, the clock can be removed from the car to be converted into a desk clock. It is also accompanied by a 40mm Tambour automatic watch. "This unique and remarkable adventure began with a request for a dashboard clock for a car reimagined by Singer," said Jean Arnault, Louis Vuitton Watch Director. "In addition to the design and production of this clock by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton workshops in Switzerland, it quickly became apparent to us that this collaboration with Singer could extend to the personalisation of every functional element of the vehicle, enhancing them through our expertise in leather craftsmanship and watchmaking." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/769189800_3890746944412613_6097516285392726787_n.png.jpeg) Singer's chief strategy office Mazen Fawaz added: "Louis Vuitton brought an exceptionally bold and refined design vision focused on expressing the Art of Travel. "Together, our teams combined that vision with Singer’s approach to engineering, craftsmanship and execution, challenging one another to achieve a level of precision worthy of both organisations. "I couldn’t be prouder of how our mutual teams embraced that challenge. Along the way, what began as a creative partnership became a genuine friendship, both professionally and personally, built on mutual respect and a shared pursuit of excellence. "These two automobiles are the result of that relationship, and neither could have been created without it." Both cars were unveiled without a specific price tag. Make of that what you will... ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/773671689_1606781187641998_6219839926296980946_n.png.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/773932248_1045949698021551_5657819328775043411_n.png.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/LV_Singer_Porsche_2.jpg.webp) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/LV_Singer_Porsche_6.jpg.webp) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/LV_Singer_Porsche_5.jpg.webp) ### Koenigsegg crafts incredible tribute to unrealised racing project URL: https://torquecafe.com/motorsport-news-2026-koenigsegg-ccgt-tribute-ccgt1-revealed-photos-images-video-details-specification/ Last updated: 2026-08-14T01:05:30.000Z Koenigsegg began building the CCGT for the GT1 regulations in the late 2000s with a view towards winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Working alongside engineer and fabricator Dag Bolenius, Koenigsegg designed a homologation special made to push to limits of the regulations. The car came in underweight with strategic space for ballast and a naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 coupled to a magnesium sequential gearbox. But before the car could be homologated and raced, the FIA flipped the script on the GT1 regulations. It banned carbon monocoques and homologation rules meant that manufacturers went from a minimum 20-car production to making at least 350 cars, which spelt the end of the project. Only one CCGT was built and unveiled in 2007. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/832c562fb36933a2_org.jpg) GT1 eventually succumbed to high costs and morphed into what became the highly successful GT3 regulations. A little less than two decades on, Koenigsegg has paid tribute to its unrealised dream with the CCGT1. The CCGT1 is a modern-day, road legal interpretation of the CCGT based on the CC850. "This is something truly special – our first creation that's designed deliberately as a track-optimised circuit scalpel as well as an extraordinary daily driver,” said Christian von Koenigsegg. “It has been so rewarding seeing the original CCGT come back to life over the last few years. This seems like an appropriate way to celebrate. “I'm very excited to drive and explore its full capabilities, and I can't wait for the wider Koenigsegg family to do the same.” Unlike the naturally-aspirated CCGT, the CCGT1 is twin-turbocharged. Instead of a six-speed gearbox, the modern interpretation has a nine-speed transmission. However, customers who want a different experience can have the CC850’s ESS six-speed gated shifter fitted. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/9799a4f94a4de398_org.jpg) “The CCGT1 is a creation with two clear identities,” said von Koenigsegg. “On the road, it's a sublime megacar that's both comfortable and incredibly capable. “But its origins are rooted in endurance racing, and that’s where the CCGT1 reveals its full character as a true celebration of the original CCGT – with or without its roof. “The CCGT1 offers something compelling to the weekend racer who also wants a daily driver with genuine extended capability on track. “That’s what our optional track package allows. Fit it for race day through your local Koenigsegg dealer, and the character changes completely – from an exceptional weekend tourer with respectable track credentials into a true circuit weapon.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/ae755b1e32d3d240_org.png) While the CCGT1 is based upon the CC850, only the removable roof and doors carry across, body-wise. The rear wing is an active element that has 30 degrees of adjustability and adapts between a low-drag straightline mode, an air-brake mode, and a high-downforce mode in corners. “Everything in aerodynamics is about balance,” said CFD engineer Andreas Tjernberg Persson. “The rear wing works beautifully and is both a visual and functional nod to the original CCGT, but it would be pointless on its own. We had to address the balance at the front of the car, too. “The rear wing is big, yes, but it actually has a tiny surface area compared with the floor. “The floor is much bigger and therefore much more efficient at controlling and directing airflow.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/ad6a28489fe9e6ac_org.jpg) The CCGT1 arrives from the factory for the road, but an optional track package is available. The option includes a carbon roll cage, HANS-compatible racing seats, a fire-suppression system, race exhaust, air jacks, track-specific suspension and brake setup, a second set of wheels and enhanced aerodynamics. A total of 70 cars will be built, all of which have been allocated before being publicly debuted. ### Toyota GR Yaris review: The WRX STI and Lancer Evo that should be URL: https://torquecafe.com/toyota-gr-yaris-review-the-wrx-sti-and-lancer-evo-that-should-be/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T20:00:52.000Z My taste in cars has undoubtedly changed – or at least evolved – since I was younger. From starting out in Japanese mainstays like the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Pulsar SSS and Subaru Impreza WRX, I’m now firmly in the “relaxed” period of my life, more focused on family comfort than outright performance. While I often revisit my younger years in my head or my camera roll, mainly looking at those old WRXs and STIs I enjoyed so much in my early 20s, the reality is that my life has moved on, and my current garage is designed to suit that. As it turns out, I didn’t need to find a DeLorean to act as a time machine to transport me back, as the Toyota GR Yaris gave a throwback to the good – and the bad – of the cars I once loved. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Toyota-gr-yaris-gts-auto-2.jpg) Toyota GR Yaris ## What is the Toyota GR Yaris? If you’re unfamiliar with the GR Yaris, I’ll paint a quick picture. It effectively launched Toyota’s Gazoo Racing family of road-going, motorsports-inspired cars in 2020, serving as the homologation base for the brand’s WRC challenger. With its three-cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, it represents something of a departure to the vast majority of hot hatches, not being a four-cylinder and not using the full allotment of a 2.0-litre engine. When it first launched, the GR Yaris was arguably criminally cheap, with prices starting from *only* $39,950 drive-away for the first 1000 customers. That price didn’t last long, with those who got in early receiving one of the best deals on the market. Once that allocation was sold out, buyers had to fork out $49,500 before on-road costs for the base model, and $54,500 plus on-roads for the better-equipped Rallye, the latter fitted with better tyres and trick differentials. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Toyota-gr-yaris-gts-auto-1.jpg) Toyota GR Yaris I had the chance to briefly drive a Rallye in 2022, and though my time behind the wheel was limited and on roads I was unfamiliar with, I got the sense it was something special – though I didn’t actually like it at the time. The seating position was way too high, the manual transmission felt arcade-like (not in a good way), and it had so much grip that you had to push it hard to feel anything, at which point you’d be at risk of losing your licence – or control if there was any miscalculation. Fast forward to 2026, and a handful of under-the-skin revisions have been made, such as a bump up to 221kW and 400Nm (from 200kW and 370Nm), while the GR Yaris is also now available with an eight-speed automatic transmission, alongside the existing six-speed manual. Prices now start from $55,490 for the base GR Yaris GT manual, $57,990 for the automatic, $60,490 for the GTS manual, or $62,000 for the GTS auto – the latter of which I got to drive most recently. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Toyota-gr-yaris-gts-auto-6.jpg) That’s a lot for a city-sized car, but this is not the Yaris your grandmother gets as her last car. From the get-go, the new cabin layout is a very, very welcome change, with the seats positioned far lower to give six-foot-tall occupants like me plenty of room to stretch out. While there are rear seats, you’d have to be desperate to use them as an adult, though my daughter’s car seat also just squeezed in there, as did I when having to buckle her in and out every day. A compromise some are willing to make. But if you’re looking at buying a GR Yaris, it’s unlikely you’re desperate to know what it’s like on the Ikea run: you want to know how it drives. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Toyota-gr-yaris-gts-auto-3.jpg) ## How does it drive? Starting out on what should be its weakest point, its ride on the highway – even with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres with 10,000km on them – was surprisingly pleasant, with no major concerns about road noise in this rally-bred, three-door box on wheels. I’d even go as far to say the ride itself and how it handled bumps was compliant, a shock to the system given its spiritual forefathers such as the Impreza WRX and Lancer Evolution were never regarded for their comfort on road trips. The fully digital instrument cluster is a huge improvement on the old analogue unit which looked like it was printed on black A4 paper, and can be configured to one of three layouts, with multiple customisation options for the dashboard. I’m also going to say something controversial, that I myself wouldn’t have thought I’d be writing a year ago: the eight-speed auto is a better transmission than the six-speed manual. Cue slander. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Toyota-gr-yaris-gts-auto-5.jpg) I love the engagement of driving a manual, rowing through the gears on a spirited drive or even just around town, but as briefly mentioned before, the GR Yaris wasn’t as engaging as I wanted it to be, and was a fair way away from what I consider one of the best: the Mazda MX-5. Now call me a traitor, but the automatic – though possessing some pesky traits of a torque-converter system – is actually quite good, despite being a bit slow to accept the request of an up or downchange, requiring a bit of pre-planning if you don’t want to leave it in the perfectly capable Drive mode. The GR Yaris is, as you’d expect, at home when the road gets twisty, and its all-wheel drive system does a fantastic job of pulling it out of corners regardless of the conditions. Steering feedback is linear and communicative, and is well tuned with the brake package that can take an absolute hammering. This is most evident on track, where – despite its rally roots – the GR Yaris truly shines. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Toyota-Pressroom---4ff76bb1-8ea4-4f74-ac51-b3a99109051d.jpeg) ## How does it perform on track? Around Queensland Raceway’s short Clubman circuit, on my first time around the track, it was happily setting times in the 1:03 to 1:04 range, almost endlessly with no brake fade, the only hindrance being the road-biased tyres which eventually started to cry enough. The GR’s short wheelbase and ‘Track’ diff mode – where it can change between a 40:60 and 30:70 torque split on the fly – means it is playful as any all-wheel drive car can be, rewarding drivers for getting loose and balancing its grip on the edge. More than a few times I had the steering wheel pointing the opposite way into the fast turn one, only to be able to get on the power and easily straighten it up. Though it’s far safer, the standard drive mode sees 60 per cent of the power going to the front, making it more prone to understeer and torch the front tyres. To truly link it to the 1990s Group A rally heroes, there’s even a manual intercooler spray button that the driver can press, cooling the charge temperature and giving the engine more power for longer. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Toyota-Pressroom---432101ae-bbc1-46bb-9c3f-0b1e346baaa9.jpeg) ## Should you buy a Toyota GR Yaris? Driving the GR Yaris on track reminded me a lot of my old ‘bug eye’ WRX STI, a car which was about as powerful, weighed about the same and had all the same credentials to make it a future classic. The GR Yaris is now priced on par with some of the more premium hot hatches in the market, and it doesn’t offer the same level of practicality as the larger GR Corolla, it’s truly in a league of its own for the performance it delivers out of the box. Of course it’ll never be a full-time family car, but for couples or the well-heeled looking for a track-capable car that can do it in all weather conditions, the GR Yaris is hard to pass by. ### Airbag concern prompts 2026 Ford Ranger recall URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-ranger-news-australia-airbags-recall-details-b-pillar-which-cars-affected/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T02:07:02.000Z The recall affects select 2026 and 2026.5 model year double cab Rangers and comes after an issue with the B-pillar trim and its interaction with the side airbags was identified. A total of 13,907 Rangers are part of the recall, 8000 of which have been sold and will be prioritised in terms of repairs. The remainder are dealer stock, with deliveries and test drives temporarily on hold. "Ford Australia is recalling certain 2026 and 2026.5 Model Year Ranger Double Cab vehicles to replace parts of the B-pillar trim," read a statement from Ford Australia. "In the event of a crash, it may be possible that the side curtain airbags interact with the B-pillar trim during inflation and not deploy as intended. "If there is interaction during deployment, the B-pillar ramp may detach, increasing the risk of injury to occupants. "Ford Australia identified the issue through routine vehicle testing and is not aware of any incidents in customer vehicles associated with this condition. "The recall affects 13,907 vehicles in Australia, built between 26 November 2025 and 10 July 2026. "This number includes approximately 8000 vehicles sold to customers, which will be prioritised as part of the repair process. "The remainder are in dealer stock and are now under a temporary delivery and demonstration hold. "Customers can continue to use their vehicles and all other airbags, including the front driver airbag, front passenger airbag, centre airbag, knee airbags and side thorax airbags, continue to operate as designed. "Ford Australia will contact affected owners directly with further information and instructions. "We currently anticipate that the remedy will be available from mid-September. The required repair will be completed by an authorised Ford Dealer free of charge. "Vehicle safety and regulatory compliance are top priorities for Ford Australia. We are taking this action promptly to address the condition and support affected customers. "Customers can determine whether their vehicle is affected by entering their Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, on the Ford Australia Recall and Service Action page at www.ford.com.au/support/recalls/. "Customers can also contact an authorised Ford Dealer or Ford Australia’s Customer Relationship Centre on 13 36 73." ### Cult classic vehicle celebrated with limited-time watch URL: https://torquecafe.com/cult-classic-vehicle-celebrated-with-limited-time-watch/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T20:00:41.000Z Anniversaries of automotive icons happen regularly enough, but not all are celebrated in the same way as the Honda Motocompo. Launched in 1981 as a foldable scooter that could fit in the back of a Honda City hatchback, the Motocompo has become a cult classic, with examples of the bike selling for almost as much as the car it’s meant to be paired with. To celebrate the milestone, Japanese watch giant Seiko has [launched a limited edition Motocompo-themed timepiece](https://www.seikowatches.com/au-en/products/5sports/hdb010?ref=torquecafe.com), set to be released in September and capped at just 8000 units globally. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Honda-motocompo-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Honda-motocompo-3.jpg) Based on the 5 Sports Field series of watches, the Motocompo edition features the bike’s recognisable yellow colourway, eight-bit graphic writing and its branding on its strap. On the side, the crown wheel’s ‘Turn’ writing was inspired by the Motocompo’s fuel cock, while the rear of the case features the scooter’s silhouette, as well as its serial number. Completing the celebration is a unique box which resembles the corrugated carton which Honda used to deliver the Motocompo, complete with its accurate graphics. Ironically, it launches at about the same time as the new Honda Super-One EV, designed to celebrate the City and other Honda kei car classics. ### Ex-Pink Floyd drummer’s McLaren F1 could set a record URL: https://torquecafe.com/ex-pink-floyd-drummers-mclaren-f1-could-set-a-record/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T20:00:38.000Z There are a limited number of McLaren F1s in the world, and even fewer with the pedigree and background of ‘10R’, the latest example to go up for auction. Set to be auctioned by [RM Sotheby’s](https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo26/lots/r0170-1996-mclaren-f1-gtr/?ref=torquecafe.com) on August 15, this ‘pop art’ McLaren F1 GTR has had a storied life, and could well be set to write its next incredible chapter soon. Known as chassis ‘10R’, it was the first McLaren F1 GTR built to 1996 specifications, following on from the 1995 Le Mans victory of the ‘01R’ GTR. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/750922277_18608535379054245_1844454548111078997_n-1.jpg) Retained by McLaren, it was used as a promotional tool in its now-iconic red-and-yellow GTR livery, before later taking to the track in anger for testing and pre-qualifying at the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans, though it didn’t take part in the race. Converted for road use, F1 GTR 10R was sold directly to Nick Mason, drummer for Pink Floyd and an avid car collector who also owns what many expect could be the world’s most expensive car if it’s ever sold, the #22 Ferrari 250 GTO. Further works were reportedly carried out by Lanzante to keep it on the road, something which didn’t stop one journalist from crashing it in 2009, leading the firm to undertake a restoration. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/748931865_18608535442054245_8005061911895110898_n-1.jpg) It was then only occasionally rolled out for major events – such as a 750km F1 anniversary tour and multiple Goodwood events – before Mason himself crashed it at the 2017 Goodwood Members’ Meeting, leading to yet another restoration. Mason eventually sold the F1 GTR in 2024 privately for an undisclosed sum, though it’s expected its upcoming sale price will be far more widely publicised. RM Sotheby’s estimates the McLaren F1 GTR 10R could sell for more than US$35 million, or close to A$50 million. For context, the current McLaren F1 auction record was set last year, when an ex-Brunei Royal Family example sold for US$25,317,500 (A$36.1 million). ### Ford reportedly unveils four-door Mustang URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-four-door-mustang-reports-mach-4-latest-budget-level-suv-pricing/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T02:07:37.000Z The news spilled out of a Ford dealer convention in Las Vegas where CEO Jim Farley is said to have unveiled two key models – an entry-level SUV and a Mustang sedan. The report came from trade outlet Automotive News, to which sources likened the four-door Mustang to the Porsche Panamera in regard to styling. Dealers were told that pricing for the Mustang sedan would start at under US$40,000, or $56,500 in Australian currency, while no timeline for the launch of the car was revealed. [Ford Mustang sedan one step closerThe prospect of Ford returning to the sedan market with a Mustang-badged model appears to almost be a certainty.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-b1fe76e0-c5c4-45b7-96c3-dd941c40baea.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-mustang-gtd-craig-dean-mustang-motorsport-7--1--c0fafaab-1632-4121-8d37-792c11179079.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-mustang-sedan-report/) The Mach-4 nameplate has long been linked to a production four-door Mustang, although that too was not confirmed at the conference. The Mustang in its traditional form has only ever been sold as a coupe, although it does use the Mustang nameplate for the five-door electric crossover Mach-E. The other announcement from the Automotive News report was of a new entry-level SUV to replace the now out-of-production Escape in the US. What platform it would be built on is unclear, however a 'boxy and wide' design was part of the report, as was a starting price of just US$25,000 (AUD$35,300) and options of both petrol and hybrid powertrains. ### Forgotten Holden homologation hero listed for sale URL: https://torquecafe.com/forgotten-holden-homologation-hero-listed-for-sale/ Last updated: 2026-08-10T20:00:57.000Z Holden’s hottest performance models from the 1980s can be traced back to the Peter Brock-led Holden Dealer Team, but not many remember a small outfit which tried to turn smaller models into pint-sized racers. The Country Dealer Team was established by James Faneco as a way to promote – you guessed it – Holden’s non-metro dealership operations, who chipped money into the firm which chose the Gemini as its racing base. Given this was the Group C touring car era, the race cars had to be based on a road-going model, and it helped to have a hotted-up one in showrooms to base it off, leading to the creation of the CDT Gemini. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/dc669efb-1c29-4ebb-b034-885da2490ff4-1.jpg) Image via Gumtree Two variants of the CDT Gemini were made: the S1 and S2, both sporting a unique bodykit on the base four-door Gemini SL/X body, as well as wider wheels, firmer suspension, a sportier exhaust, and racing-style steering wheel. While the CDT Gemini S1 featured minor engine refinements (such as a Weber carburetor on the standard intake manifold), the S2 had a twin-carb manifold, a new camshaft and improved valves, bringing power up to 90kW. At the time, this was enough to cut its 0-100km/h time to 10 seconds, quick at the time for a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Later S3 examples gained a Garrett turbo. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/75018827-96e6-4160-80ab-55c9933d0a93.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/fc7a2989-6ea6-4e88-a3de-7c18091624db.jpg) Image via Gumtree There’s no final number on how many CDT Geminis were made, though example number 020 has been listed for sale on [*Gumtree*](https://www.gumtree.com.au/web/listing/cars-vans-utes/1343360586?ref=torquecafe.com), finished in Palais white and with its livery still intact. Listed at $45,000, it’s a pricey Gemini, however it pales in comparison to the price of HDT Commodores from the same era, some of which have fetched more than $1 million. [Top 5: Holdens of all-timeGone, but never to be forgotten, we look back on the Lion brand’s legacy.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-114170d8-fd61-4fce-83e7-3cfcff2fd736.png)TorquecafeTorquecafe![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_Holden-Coupe-Concept-4f63d9c8-08d7-4980-b5f7-0fa39f362be2.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/top-5-holdens-of-all-time/) ### Australia’s latest plug-in hybrid ute detailed URL: https://torquecafe.com/gwm-news-cannon-phev-details/ Last updated: 2026-08-09T20:00:33.000Z GWM is expanding its lineup of plug-in hybrid utes on Australian roads, providing the latest details of the Cannon Hi4-T PHEV. While it already has a PHEV ute in the form of the larger Cannon Alpha, the existing model is a half-size larger than the best-sellers in the ute market, such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux. The Cannon Hi4-T PHEV will give buyers the chance to get the electrified drivetrain in a smaller, and likely more affordable model, with its figures now announced to show how it stacks up against the competition. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2026-GWM-Cannon-Hi4T-PHEV_01-1.jpg) A turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine is paired with an electric motor to produce up to 310kW and 750Nm, more than the Ford Ranger Hybrid (207kW and 697Nm), in the same ballpark as the BYD Shark 6 Premium (321kW and 650Nm), but less than the Shark 6 Performance (350kW and 700Nm) and JAC Hunter (360kW and 1010Nm). Fed by a 33.1kWh battery pack, the Cannon PHEV will have a claimed NEDC lab-tested driving range of 115km, more than the Ranger Hybrid (49km), Shark 6 and JAC Hunter (100km), while matching the Cannon Alpha PHEV. According to GWM, the battery allows a combined driving range of up to 1037km, just shy of the Cannon Alpha PHEV (1060km), but ahead of the JAC Hunter (1005km) and Shark 6 (800km). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2026-GWM-Cannon-Hi4T-PHEV_02.jpg) The Cannon Hi4-T PHEV will also include Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability with 230V outlets in its tub. Like the turbo-diesel version, it’ll boast a 3500kg braked towing capacity, matching the bulk of its competitors. While GWM is yet to announce a price, it says it’ll “become one of Australia's most affordable plug-in hybrid utes”. For context, the JAC Hunter is the least expensive PHEV ute, starting from $49,988 plus on-road costs. ### Bugatti Destrider revealed as low-slung, track-derived hypercar URL: https://torquecafe.com/bugatti-destrider-revealed-as-low-slung-track-derived-hypercar/ Last updated: 2026-08-08T20:00:45.000Z Bugatti is more than happy to keep the quad-turbo 8.0-litre W16 engine on life support as long as it still makes money, and the new Destrider commission proves there’s still demand for the byword in hypercars. The third creation from Bugatti’s Solitaire commissions division – joining the Brouillard and [Veyron-inspired F.K.P. Hommage](https://torquecafe.com/bugatti-builds-the-ultimate-veyron/) – the Destrider is, effectively, a road-legal Bolide, utilising the track car’s carbon fibre monocoque but with an entirely new body. Linking back to the brand’s famed Type 57 chassis which was successful in race guise (the 57G and 57C Tank were both Le Mans winners) as well as able to be fitted with a beautiful coach-built body (57SC Atlantic), the Destrider was designed to look as extreme as possible. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/bugatti-destrider-8.jpg) With its roofline coming in at under one metre tall, it sits even lower than the famous Ford GT40, though with the Destrider, the cabin is massively inset, giving it a bold stance on the road. There are tweaked design elements from other Bugatti models, such as its C-line and horseshoe grille, as well as a Chiron Profilée-esque wing at the rear. Finished in Sapphire Celeste, the bespoke, multi-layered exterior colour is only available for this one car, with its diamond-like sparkle and aluminium trim highlights standing out against the dark paintwork. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/bugatti-destrider-7.jpg) To ensure everyone knows about its Bolide roots, the front splitter and rear diffuser remain in exposed carbon fibre, meanwhile the engine bay’s trim has a slightly hammered look to its surface. Moving inside the cabin, the Bolide’s seating position is largely retained but is now upholstered in Ambre Voyageur leather and nubuck, while 3D-knitted textiles are also seen. Elements such as the door handles, air vents, steering wheel hub, and entry plate all feature the same hammered brightwork finish from the engine bay. There’s also a small French flag in the cabin, honouring the brand’s home nation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/bugatti-destrider-6.jpg) Behind the driver sits the centrepiece of every Bugatti since the Veyron: a W16 engine. Producing 1177kW and 1600Nm, it’s not quite as powerful as the Bolide’s track-tuned 1361kW and 1849Nm outputs, though it matches the open-top Mistral, a model which was launched four years ago and recently ended production. “Destrier is not a car you understand with your head, it is a car you feel with your heart,” said Bugatti head of design, Frank Heyl. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/bugatti-destrider-4.jpg) “The Bolide gave us the most extreme proportions we have ever created, and by freeing them from the Bolide’s relentless pursuit of downforce, we let them speak as pure sculpture. “Just as the Type 57 chassis gave the world both a Le Mans winner and the Atlantic, one platform has now produced two entirely different masterpieces. I believe Destrier will be gracing Concours lawns 50 years from now.” The Destrider is one of the final Bugatti models to be powered by the W16, as its next ground-up hypercar, the Tourbillon, will feature a naturally aspirated V16 engine and three electric motors. ### Reborn performance brand wants to use F1 technology URL: https://torquecafe.com/srt-eboost-air-electric-turbocharger-lag/ Last updated: 2026-08-07T20:00:28.000Z When the American division of Stellantis launched its twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six engine in 2023, it made the point of it being more potent and fuel efficient than the 5.7-litre ‘Hemi’ V8 it replaced. Despite this, the vehicles it’s available in haven’t been selling like hotcakes, and some – in the case of the Ram 1500 – have even had the Hemi V8 revived after customer feedback. In order to reduce criticisms of its six-cylinder ‘Hurricane’ (Ram, Jeep) and Sixpack (Dodge) engines, Stellantis Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division has launched a new electric turbocharger concept, aimed at cutting lag and increasing power. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/ET027_007EP.jpg) SRT's eBoost Air technology Called an ‘eBoost Air’ e-compressor, the technology is similar to Porsche’ 911 T-Hybrid and the now-defunct MGU-H system on Formula 1 cars, where the compressor is driven at low engine speeds by an electric motor, rather than having to wait for enough air to ‘spool’ it up like a turbocharger. This eliminates turbo lag, delivering a more linear power response which SRT says “resembles the instant, linear feel of a supercharged V8”. “Enthusiasts aren’t interested in technology for the sake of technology. But when technology improves performance with no downside, they’re all in,” said Stellantis’ head of American brands, Tim Kuniskis. “eBoost Air delivers exactly that kind of tangible benefit. It's a smart, simple idea that attacks turbo lag head-on and reflects what SRT does best – moving fast, challenging assumptions and chasing more performance.” [Ram, Dodge, Jeep parent prepares performance onslaughtAbout 10 new models wearing the SRT badge will grace Ram, Dodge, and Jeep showrooms by 2030\. Here’s what to expect.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-2e477a34-677c-45f5-9a90-3600faa35c34.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/jeep-grand-cherokee-srt-2-605a6e73-47b9-4b23-a792-13c2e0a91b66.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ram-dodge-jeep-parent-prepares-performance-onslaught/) This system has also been used on certain four-cylinder Mercedes-AMG models, where the electric compressor is fed by the car’s 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Though SRT didn’t offer revised outputs for engines with the eBoost Air system, [*Motortrend* ](https://www.motortrend.com/news/srt-eboost-air-electric-supercharger-turbo-technology?ref=torquecafe.com)– which attended its launch – said the Jeep Grand Cherokee concept fitted with the tech made 462kW and 813Nm, up from its standard 410kW and 720Nm outputs. Stellantis is yet to announce when the technology will be fitted to production models. ### 2027 Ford Fathom: Ranger-sized ‘affordable’ electric ute named URL: https://torquecafe.com/2027-ford-fathom-ranger-sized-affordable-electric-ute-named/ Last updated: 2026-08-07T00:03:23.000Z The Ford Fathom will usher the brand into a new era of EVs, as the Blue Oval today confirmed the electric pickup’s name and starting price for the US. Previously expected to be called the Ranchero – throwing back to the sedan and wagon-based ute from the late 1950s to 1970s – the Fathom will launch in 2027 as Ford’s first model on its Universal EV Platform. Ford previously claimed the Fathom would start from “about US$30,000 (A$42,650)”, but today confirmed a list price of US$28,350 (A$40,305) for the range-opening EV, excluding taxes and other fees. That puts it right around the price of the Escape-based Maverick ute, which starts from US$28,145 (A$40,015), while also just above the highly anticipated Slate Truck, opening from US$24,950 (A$35,470) but only as a two-seat single-cab. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Name_Plate_16x9_121-1.jpg) “Projected to have more passenger volume than a Toyota RAV4, with a large, high-resolution touch screen, bidirectional power capability, digital key, as well as a frunk and bed for added cargo flexibility, Fathom seats five adults and is just as comfortable on a workday commute as it is on a weekend adventure,” said Ford Model e general manager, Kay Hart. The carmaker has previously claimed the new ute will be “as fast as a Mustang EcoBoost” (which accelerates from 0-100km/h in about 5.5 seconds). Last month, Ford announced the entire Universal Vehicle Platform family will feature integrated Apple Maps, allowing the navigation software to be natively installed in the infotainment system, which extends to the driver’s display. [Apple technology coming to Ford’s revolutionary new carThe Ford Universal Vehicle Platform will feature integrated Apple Maps, working with the car’s semi-autonomous driving systems.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-da254a07-b606-4ab4-b4d6-99a21cc46c37.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/apple-carplay-a664df4c-2796-4964-8999-317e5ab8281f.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/apple-technology-coming-to-fords-revolutionary-new-car/) Ford says that by using Apple’s new MapKit for Automotive SDK, its EVs will “offer drivers turn-by-turn directions using natural language, real-time traffic and incident information, intuitive search featuring detailed place cards, and routing options to help users easily find the best route to their destination”. Most significantly, Ford has confirmed the UEVs will use “road-level information from Apple Maps as part of the development of its next-generation BlueCruise hands-free highway driving capability to deliver a more seamless on-ramp-to-off-ramp experience”. In layman's terms, this means Apple Maps will work in tandem with Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free, semi-autonomous driving system to help guide the vehicle to its destination without further input from the driver behind the steering wheel. [Ford’s revolutionary new ute spiedThe first vehicle to be underpinned by Ford’s Universal EV Platform has been spotted in the wild.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-2fdf442f-e656-496e-8248-5215c33e1034.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-universal-electric-vehicle-ute-pickup-ranchero-1--1--ed07784e-8fc6-4607-885a-9f1d60a51e59.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/fords-revolutionary-new-ute-spied/) Ford CEO Jim Farley has previously said “our first body style will be a pickup, but it’s really not a pickup. I would say it’s a new silhouette”, he told [*The Verge’s Decoder*](https://www.theverge.com/podcast/784875/ford-ceo-jim-farley-interview-ev-cars-china-trump-tariffs-carplay?ref=torquecafe.com) podcast. “What I mean by that is that it has more room than a RAV4, the best-selling passenger car in the US. That doesn’t include its frunk and pickup truck bed. “I think the whole package is something that has not been offered in the US or anywhere else to date. I think this first product is quite revolutionary.” ### The Grand Tour trailer released ahead of September 4 debut URL: https://torquecafe.com/the-grand-tour-trailer-released-ahead-of-september-4-debut/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T23:29:01.000Z The Grand Tour is under one month away from returning to Amazon Prime, and now we’ve got our first look at the returning show. Set to air on September 4, it will be the seventh season of the show which started in 2016, though original presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are no longer a part of it. Instead, Thomas Holland and James Engelsman (from automotive YouTube channel Throttle House), and Francis Bourgeois (famous for his train-spotting videos but also a renowned revhead) will host the latest season, which appears to be continuing on where Clarkson, Hammond and May left off. [‘The Grand Tour’ relaunch date with new presenters confirmedFor the first time, Amazon Prime Video’s ‘The Grand Tour’ will be aired without Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, as a new trio fill their shoes.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-0d132c50-490b-4e73-a70e-2e8d935ad340.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/the-grand-tour-hosts-2026--4cc0b0aa-3fcb-47e4-870a-13cc63aa843e.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/the-grand-tour-relaunch-date-with-new-presenters-confirmed/) The [short teaser trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp%5FF70Lh184&ref=torquecafe.com) includes a mix of old cars – such as the Volvo 240 wagon, Lexus LS400, Ford Crown Victoria, Nissan Pulsar GTi-R, Porsche 911 996, and a BMW E46 convertible – as well as a handful of modern supercars, suggesting the classic ‘challenges’ will return alongside reviews. The new iteration of The Grand Tour will still be executive produced by Andy Wilman, who led the revival of ‘Top Gear’ and is a long-time collaborator with Clarkson – the latter of whom has given the new presenters his blessing and endorsement. As previously reported, the new season will feature six episodes, and see the trio travel across the world to explore automotive cultures, following a familiar formula. ### Toyota GR86 to get racing-inspired upgrades, better safety tech URL: https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-2027-gr86-update/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T20:00:26.000Z The Toyota GR86 – the follow-up to the popular 86 sports coupe – has been updated in Japan, but as ever, it’s a case of evolution rather than revolution. Since debuting in late 2020 globally and arriving in Australia in 2022, it’s been straightforward for the GR86, which only underwent minor changes back in 2024. These included adjustments to its throttle and electric power steering calibrations, both of which have once again been revised with the latest set of updates announced for Japan this week. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2026-toyota-gr86-update-2.jpg) Toyota GR86 update According to Toyota Japan, the GR86’s throttle settings have been adjusted to provide more “intuitive handling and instinctive responsiveness when exiting corners, driving on low-friction surfaces, such as wet or snow-covered roads, and in other situations that require precise acceleration control”. This has been achieved by creating a more linear throttle map, given the accelerator pedal is only electrically connected to the throttle body on the engine. Likewise, Toyota claims lessons learned from its Super Taikyu racing series exploits with the GR86 have led to a new EPAS tune, which “eliminates wobble in high-speed corners and on rough surfaces”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2026-toyota-gr86-update-1.jpg) Updated GR86 shifter In six-speed manual models, there has been a tiny change to the shifter, with the chamfer on the shift interlock between fourth and fifth gear increased by 0.5mm, claimed to ensure smoother downshifting for a better driving experience. On top of this, the GR86’s safety suite is being enhanced by the fitment of a new triple-camera system, replacing the current two-camera setup. The two wide-angle stereo cameras are paired with an ultra-wide-angle monocular camera, providing a wider field of view, making it more likely for the autonomous emergency braking system to detect potential hazards. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2026-toyota-gr86-update-3.jpg) Other non-mechanical or safety changes include the Japanese market GR86 RZ – sold here as the GR86 GTS – receiving a minor tweak to its black and red interior colour scheme, not featuring red accents on the outer bolsters. The cabin’s switches also now provide “improved grip” and are painted in cast iron black rather than silver. On the outside, the GR86 RZ welcomes the return of Toyota’s ‘Solid Gray’ –sold here as Moon Slate Grey – paintwork, previously only briefly available on the first-generation 86. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/20260806_01_04.jpg) "Toyota Australia is pleased to confirm a raft of enhancements for the GR86, including the introduction of a distinctive Moon Slate Grey paint colour, further chassis improvements, updated interior trim, and additional safety features," a spokesperson told *Torquecafe*. "The updated GR86 will arrive in Australian showrooms later this month." The Toyota GR86 continues to produce 174kW and 250Nm from its 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Prices currently open from $43,940 before on-road costs for the Toyota GR86 GT, and $46,090 plus on-roads for the GR86 GTS, both irrespective of transmission choice. It's unclear whether this will change post-update. ### Porsche unveils Australian-inspired one-off URL: https://torquecafe.com/porsche-news-911-land-down-under-revealed/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T08:30:30.000Z Porsche Australia’s 75th birthday celebrations have been capped off in style with the unveiling of its most special car yet, the 911 Turbo S Land Down Under. Made to mark three-quarters of a century for Porsche’s Australian operations, the 911 Turbo S Land Down Under is a bespoke creation by the Porsche Sonderwunsch (special request) and Style Porsche teams, in collaboration with South African-born, Sydney-based artist, Werner Bronkhorst. Based on the rapid 911 Turbo S coupe, Bronkhorst – who has previously worked with Porsche and Tag Heuer on projects – wanted the special commission to reflect his work, which is “rooted in texture, depth and the emotional energy of the Australian landscape”. “I’ve had a lifelong admiration for Porsche – not only for its design purity but for its commitment to craft,” he added. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-15.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-16.jpg) Porsche 911 Turbo S Land Down Under “Collaborating with the Sonderwunsch team was a genuinely inspiring process, where artistry and engineering pushed each other forward. Seeing these elements come together on such an iconic canvas feels like a truly inspirational celebration of both Australia and Porsche.” The 911 Land Down Under is the first Porsche in Australia to feature specially developed Chromaflair paint colours, with its Terra Australis Red (lower body) and Southern Cross Blue (shoulderline and above) finishes hand-painted on the body to create a visual smorgasbord of hues, depending on lighting and angles. A total of seven layers were applied by hand, with the paintwork itself requiring more than 300 hours of labour to complete, extending to the unique Southern Cross Blue wheels. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-4.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-5.jpg) Porsche 911 Turbo S Land Down Under On the roof, Bronkhorst developed a font to subtly include the number 75 on top of the 911, while under the rear spoiler there’s a secret message which isn’t revealed until it extends in Sport Plus mode or above 80km/h: ‘See ya later mate’. There are a few additional nods to Australiana across the bodywork, with miniature paintworks of a farmer and their dog, a rock climber, a surf rescuer and a stockman on a horse adorning the exterior. As you’d expect, there’s been no detail spared in the cabin either, where the sports seats feature 14,417 perforations, each unique to the Land Down Under 911, designed to reflect Bronkhorst’s brushstrokes, while complimenting the Kalahari and Coolibah Brown leather. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-9.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-10.jpg) Porsche 911 Turbo S Land Down Under Blink and you’ll miss it, but the head restraints also feature an embossed ‘75 years Porsche in Australia’ motif, while the roof lining showcases the Southern Hemisphere constellation map, as it was at night over Uluru in 1951 when Porsche first arrived here. Elsewhere in the cabin, Dark Night Blue leather contrasts the brownish hues of the seats and door cards, while there’s also hand-finished Australian Silky Oak wood inlays on the dashboard and rear seat inlay. On the upper dashboard and side trim, topographical references to the Blue Mountains are printed, meanwhile there are more miniature paintings by Bronkhorst, including a kangaroo, koala, and wedge-tailed eagle. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-6.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-8.jpg) Porsche 911 Turbo S Land Down Under There’s no mechanical changes to the Land Down Under special, still utilising the mind-warping underpinnings of the Turbo S, which last year became a hybrid. Powered by a twin-turbo 3.6-litre flat-six engine with Porsche’s own ‘T-Hybrid’ system, the 911 Turbo S is capable of producing 523kW and 800Nm, thank to its n electric exhaust gas turbocharger, a permanent magnet synchronous motor in its eight-speed dual-clutch (PDK) automatic transmission, and a 1.9kWh battery pack. With all four wheels driven, the 911 Turbo S can sprint from 0-100km/h in 2.5 seconds, push on to 200km/h in 8.4 seconds and top out at 322km/h. It also features electro-hydraulically controlled sway bars due to its 400-volt system. The 911 Turbo S Land Down Under is being celebrated as a major milestone for Porsche Australia, ahead of its local ‘curated’ tour around the brand’s dealerships. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-3.jpg) “This unique 911 Turbo S demonstrates the power of combining Porsche craftsmanship with bold artistic vision,” said Porsche Cars Australia CEO and Managing Director, Daniel Schmollinger. “From the Chromaflair gradient to the bespoke interior storytelling, every detail reflects an appreciation for Australia’s remarkable natural beauty. It is a true showcase of what bespoke Porsche design can achieve. “The partnership between Porsche Sonderwunsch, Style Porsche, our Australian team and Werner Bronkhorst have brought this vision to life in an extraordinary way. "This car is a curated expression of place, craftsmanship and imagination – a testament to what becomes possible when creativity and engineering unite without limits on a Sonderwunsch journey.” ### Chevrolet Camaro return delayed - report URL: https://torquecafe.com/chevrolet-camaro-return-delayed-sedan-move-firms-report/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T03:34:38.000Z Chevrolet is all but set to bring the Camaro back, having axed the nameplate in its traditional coupe and convertible guise at the end of 2023 – but it appears we may have to wait longer for the new-look, four-door model. [*GM Authority*](https://gmauthority.com/blog/2026/08/next-generation-chevy-camaro-to-arrive-as-a-2029-model/?ref=torquecafe.com), a publication dedicated to the General Motors brands, claims insiders have said the Camaro won’t return to the US until the 2029 model year, meaning a 2028 launch is more likely than previous reports of a 2027 arrival. According to the publication, it’ll continue to offer an internal combustion engine and be rear-wheel drive, though it’ll blur the lines between past and present by becoming a four-door sedan. However, as previously reported, it’s not expected to adopt a traditional ‘three box’ sedan profile, and is instead tipped to feature coupe-like design cues, setting it apart from the brand’s last performance four-door, the Chevrolet SS – better known as the VF Holden Commodore. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2017-Chevrolet-Camaro-ZL1-017--1-.jpg) A manual transmission will be integral to the new Camaro The new Camaro, regardless of what form it takes, will reportedly ride on an evolution of the platform which underpinned its predecessor, Alpha 2 - or potentially adopting the Alpha 2-2 moniker. This means it’ll continue to be rear-wheel drive, while [insider sources have said the new Camaro](https://torquecafe.com/chevrolet-news-camaro-v8-manual/) will be available with an automatic transmission (of unknown gears) or a six-speed manual, the latter of which has been a hallmark of performance variants in previous generations. It’s likely that, as with the most recent Camaro, it’ll share its underpinnings with the next Cadillac CT5 sedan, which too is expected to offer automatic and manual transmissions, as well as a choice of performance engines. No details have been provided about what the high-performance Camaro will entail, though *GM Authority* speculates it could be powered by the [6.7-litre LS6 V8 engine](https://torquecafe.com/general-motors-news-ls6-v8-revealed-chevrolet-corvette/), the first of the new sixth-generation General Motors small blocks which recently launched in the C8 Corvette. [Cadillac CT5 to keep V8 power, offer manual - reportThe Cadillac CT5 will live on for another generation, and there are claims it’ll continue to offer a V8 engine and a manual transmission.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-b45efda1-a352-4d16-9482-883ce2dba343.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/cadillac-ct5-v-blackwing-f1-edition-10--1--0f2a1cb8-17a8-46f4-b791-ef6296c390ff.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/cadillac-ct5-to-keep-v8-and-manual-details/) Similarly, the new [Silverado 1500 was revealed in the US](https://torquecafe.com/bigger-bolder-v8-powered-chevrolet-silverado-not-locked-in-for-australia/) in June, featuring a 5.7-litre V8 replacing the outgoing 5.3-litre L84, while the previous flagship 6.2-litre L87 has been superseded by a 6.6-litre V8 – engines which could find their way into the Camaro. The previous generation Camaro ZL1 and current CT5-V Blackwing have both offered a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 under the bonnet. Chevrolet’s rumoured Camaro sedan launch comes amid speculation that Ford is planning to produce a [sedan version of the Mustang coupe](https://torquecafe.com/return-of-the-ford-falcon-four-door-mustang-timeline-firms/), which would bring it back into the petrol-powered passenger car segment. A report by [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/car-concepts/future-product/an-ford-future-product-0824/?ref=torquecafe.com) in August last year claimed a Mustang-derived four-door sedan could launch as soon as early 2028, at least in the US. ### Mitsubishi plotting smaller Pajero to take on Toyota RAV4 URL: https://torquecafe.com/mitsubishi-news-pajero-family-outlander-base/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T23:46:44.000Z Mitsubishi is preparing to revive the Pajero name this year, with a new body-on-frame SUV to reignite the badge which was last seen in 2021. Up until 2021, the full-size Pajero was Mitsubishi’s off-road flagship, while the mechanically unrelated Pajero Sport – based on the Triton ute – sat below it, much in the same way that the full-size LandCruiser 300 Series is above the LandCruiser Prado 250 Series. Though the Pajero is coming back, it will, effectively, [be a replacement for the Pajero Sport](https://torquecafe.com/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-details/), with Mitsubishi already confirming it’ll be underpinned by the same body-on-frame chassis as the Triton, and be built in Thailand alongside the ute – rather than in Japan like its predecessors. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/mitsubishi-destinator-1.png) Mitsubishi Destinator However, there is set to be another Pajero-badged model coming, with [*Nikkei Asia* ](https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/mitsubishi-motors-to-expand-pajero-suv-revival-with-midsize-model?ref=torquecafe.com)reporting a ‘mid-sized’ SUV with the name will launch in Japan around late 2028 or 2029. Claimed to be based on a dedicated monocoque platform but sharing parts with the Mitsubishi Outlander, it’ll reportedly do battle with the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, both of which are five-seaters, unlike the Outlander which can be had with seven seats. Mitsubishi first teased an expansion of the Pajero family in late May, saying it would become a “new brand” which embodies “Mitsubishi Motors-ness”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/mitsubishi-destinator-4.png) Mitsubishi Destinator At the time, this was overlooked, though the recent Nikkei Asia report gives weight to a 2024 report by Japanese publication [*Best Car Web*](https://bestcarweb.jp/news/scoop/770438?ref=torquecafe.com). The outlet – which has to be taken with a grain of salt – said the Pajero nameplate’s revival would centre around the same platform as the next-generation Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. It even went as far to speculate on its dimensions – reportedly 4900mm long, 1900mm wide and 1850mm tall, about the same as the most recent Pajero – but inaccurately claim that Mitsubishi had scrapped the idea of the new Pajero riding on Triton underpinnings, something which is about to come to fruition. What we do know, thanks to an [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/news/an-mitsubishi-reveals-momentum-2030-product-roadmap-0617/?ref=torquecafe.com) report from June, is Mitsubishi is preparing a fifth-generation Outlander, which will likely go on sale in the US during the second half of 2028. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-australia-2.jpg) 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero. Image credit: Jackson Dainer, Car Spotters Australia It too will run on a new platform, which will reportedly support an off-road focused variant with increased ground clearance and a revised all-wheel drive system, similar to the Outlander Trail Edition already on sale in the US. This supports the latest Nikkei Asia report, which also says that the Outlander-related Pajero’s all-wheel drive system will be different to that employed by most of its competitors. Time will tell as to what it looks like, though the new Triton-based Pajero is expected to adopt styling cues from the Destinator, a Toyota LandCruiser Prado-sized SUV for South-East Asia and some parts of Africa. ### 7-Eleven to launch Australian Hot Wheels tie-up with car meet URL: https://torquecafe.com/7-eleven-to-launch-australian-hot-wheels-tie-up-with-car-meet/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T06:00:45.000Z 7-Eleven may sell fuel at its Australian service stations, but the brand’s links to car culture are well-versed globally – a connection which is about to be explored Down Under for the first time. On Sunday, August 9, 7-Eleven and toy giant Mattel are hosting a car meet at 7- Eleven Rowville to launch an Australian-first collaboration between the two brands, culminating in the release of a limited-edition Hot Wheels car. The 2017 Nissan GT-R (R35) Hot Wheels has already launched overseas but will be rolling out into Australian 7-Eleven locations in 1:64 scale, wearing a livery celebrating the convenience store chain. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/80661-HOT-WHEELS-EXCLUSIVE-2026-copy-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/80661-HOT-WHEELS-EXCLUSIVE-2026.jpg) Arriving on shelves from August 7, the Hot Wheels car is priced from $9.95, or reduced to $7.11 for My 7-Eleven members – representing significant savings on versions being sold online for upwards of $30. “Fans are at the heart of the Hot Wheels community, and we’re excited to bring this collaboration to Australia for the first time,” said Mattel’s director of marketing activations, Asia Pacific, Libby McEniry. “Working with 7-Eleven Australia allows us to offer local fans an exclusive collectible that celebrates both the passion and creativity of Hot Wheels enthusiasts.” The car meet will celebrate the release of the collectible Hot Wheels by displaying a life-size replica of the liveried R35 GT-R at the Rowville location, where exclusive Hot Wheels and 7-Eleven merchandise will also feature. ### Sports car icon confirmed for controversial comeback URL: https://torquecafe.com/porsche-news-718-ev-confirmed-petrol-power-under-cloud/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T04:10:19.000Z Speculation over the future of the Porsche 718 lineup has been partly shored up, with CEO Michael Leiters confirming the Cayman and Boxster will become EVs. It’s been a long road to get to that announcement, and is by no means the end of the story for the future of the 718, which has long been the subject of speculation since production of the existing Cayman and Boxster ended in late 2025. Speaking to German outlet [*Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung*](https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/unternehmen/porsche-chef-michael-leiters-plan-gegen-wohlstandserosion-accg-201075227.html?ref=torquecafe.com), Leiters – who took over the top job at the start of the year, coming from McLaren – said the electric 718 is going ahead, despite reports from six months ago saying he’d axe the engine-less sports cars. “I always look at every project first and foremost from a Porsche perspective: Does it make economic sense or not?” he said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/718_Cayman_GT4_3_4F_Pan-4.jpg) “Only then do potential synergies within the \[Volkswagen\] group come into play. With the electric 718, we came to the conclusion that we will build the model – because it is the best solution economically and will be a fantastic car.” Porsche’s most recent 982-generation 718 sports cars exited production last year, and were set to be replaced by electric versions of the Cayman and Boxster, both running on the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) Sport architecture. However, low demand for EVs in the luxury performance segment led to a backtrack, with Porsche announcing in 2025 the upcoming 718 lineup would be expanded to offer “top ICE (internal combustion engine) derivatives”, suggesting the flagship RS versions of each would be the only versions to get a petrol engine. It was reported in December by [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/next-gen-porsche-718-evs-being-reworked-petrol-power?ref=torquecafe.com) that senior sources had said Porsche would reverse-engineer the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) Sport architecture the EV 718 will be based on to accept a petrol engine. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Porsche-718-gts-cayman.jpg) According to *Autocar’s* sources, this would have extended beyond the aforementioned range-topping petrol-powered 718s, with engines expected to be more widely available across the lineup. This was further [advanced in February](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-cayman-boxster-718-ev-future/) this year by a [*Bloomberg*](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-02/porsche-ceo-weighs-cutting-electric-sports-cars-to-tackle-budget?ref=torquecafe.com) report - citing insider sources within Porsche - claiming Leiters was considering scrapping the 718 Cayman and Boxster EVs, due to continued delays and rising costs. According to the Bloomberg report, Porsche had deliberated making the new 718 a plug-in hybrid, however this too would require different underpinnings which would increase development costs and blow out its timeline. However, the plans for petrol Porsche 718s started to unravel last month, when German newspaper [*Bild*](https://www.bild.de/politik/inland/wende-im-vw-machtkampf-jetzt-doch-keine-werksschliessungen-6a52103036e98236c4bc5080?ref=torquecafe.com) reported the Volkswagen Group was deliberating the discontinuation of more than half a dozen models: which included the internal combustion engine-powered 718. [Audi rules out engine power for TT successorThe production version of the Audi Concept C - the spiritual successor to the TT - won’t feature an engine, with the brand betting on electric.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-f01c74e9-40c6-41e9-bfc1-a6a751632b5e.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/A251450_medium-dcf470e2-7dfd-4328-86b9-e88a3535a18f.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/audi-rules-out-engine-power-for-tt-successor/) Though Leiters made no mention of this report in his latest interview, it brings the future of the 718 into clearer focus. His comments also reaffirm Audi’s plan to build its new production version of the Concept C – the spiritual successor to the TT – on the PPE architecture, something which it said it would do even if the 718 EV didn’t go ahead. A report by [*Donaukurier*](https://www.donaukurier.de/nachrichten/regionale-wirtschaft/doellner-schreibt-ans-team-audi-modell-c-sport-nicht-in-gefahr-20532640?ref=torquecafe.com) in February claimed an internal memo had been sent from Audi CEO Gernot Döllner to the Audi’s employees, saying the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) which is still set to underpin the 718 EVs will remain available to Audi. ### Australians can’t stop buying new cars as records continue to tumble URL: https://torquecafe.com/australia-new-car-news-vfacts-july-2026-record/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T02:45:50.000Z The flow-on effects of conflict in Iran and the resultant rise in fuel prices continues to drive an increase in sales of hybrids, electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV), reaching almost half the market share for the second straight month. New car delivery data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and the Electric Vehicle Council shows 108,577 vehicles were newly registered in July 2025, becoming a new record for the month which starts the new financial year. It comes off the back of the [largest month of deliveries ever in June](https://torquecafe.com/australian-car-sales-records-tumble-as-tesla-edges-into-holden-territory/), where EOFY deals spurred a huge 140,058 new vehicles being delivered to customers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/byd-sealion-7.jpg) BYD Sealion 7 For the second month in a row, electrified vehicles notched up almost half of all new deliveries, combining for 48.4 per cent of the market, with sales contributions of 18,684 EVs (21.7 per cent), 18,684 hybrids (17.4 per cent), and 10,359 PHEVs (9.5 per cent) respectively. Petrol power remains the most popular choice for buyers, representing 25.7 per cent of the market (27,894 deliveries), while diesel remains second with a 22.8 per cent share (24,773 deliveries). “July was another outstanding month for Australian new-vehicle sales and delivered the best July result on record. This strength extended to battery electric vehicles, which accounted for more than one in five new vehicle sales,” said FCAI chief executive, Tony Weber. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/tesla-model-y-l-1.jpg) Tesla Model Y L “There is a risk that the rapid increase in electric vehicle uptake in 2026 will outpace the supply of public charging infrastructure. “Governments and the private sector must work together to ensure that the public charging network meets growing demand particularly in regional areas and for motorists who do not have access to charging at home. “Accessible and dependable charging will be critical to maintaining consumer confidence as electric vehicles become a larger part of Australia’s new-vehicle fleet.” Topping the sales charts for the month was the Toyota RAV4, which overcame supply constraints due to a model changeover earlier in the year to notch up 5564 deliveries in July. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/MY26.5-Ford-Ranger-Wildtrak-Ignite-Orange-towing.jpg) Ford Ranger It led a Toyota one-two, with the HiLux ute in second on 4721 deliveries, just ahead of the Tesla Model Y, which recorded 4644 new registrations, including the three-row Model Y L. Ford’s Ranger continues to be the best-selling vehicle year-to-date, but had a drop in July to 4042 deliveries, still well clear of the fifth-placed BYD Sealion 7 (2548). Out of the top 10 most delivered vehicles last month, five were built in China, which has continued its run as the top exporter to Australia this year. Last month, 35.5 per cent of new vehicles were imported from China (38,555 total), well clear of second-placed Japan (26,292, 24.2 per cent) and Thailand (17,604, 16.2 per cent). ## **Top 10 best-selling cars in July 2026** | Model | Deliveries (July 2026) | | ------------------------ | ---------------------- | | Toyota RAV4 | 5564 | | Toyota HiLux | 4721 | | Tesla Model Y | 4644 | | Ford Ranger | 4042 | | BYD Sealion 7 | 2548 | | Chery Tiggo 4 | 2156 | | Hyundai Kona | 2096 | | Toyota LandCruiser Prado | 2082 | | Geely EX5 | 2034 | | Zeekr 7X | 1892 | ## **Top 10 best-selling car brands in July 2026** | Brand | Deliveries (July 2026) | | ---------- | ---------------------- | | Toyota | 20,409 | | BYD | 7857 | | Ford | 6553 | | Kia | 6458 | | Mazda | 6400 | | Hyundai | 5991 | | Tesla | 4778 | | GWM | 4615 | | Chery | 4518 | | Mitsubishi | 4284 | ### 2027 Nissan Patrol Y63’s Australian arrival timing locked in, order books set to open URL: https://torquecafe.com/nissan-news-patrol-y63-australian-timing-orders-open/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T01:17:36.000Z The countdown has started to the arrival of the new Y63-generation Nissan Patrol in Australia, with the brand today confirming it’s due in showrooms in the first quarter of 2027 (January to March). After being revealed for left-hand drive markets way back in September 2024, the Australian launch of the Patrol will take place almost two and a half years later. While we’re still almost six months away from its arrival, Nissan will later this month open order books for the Y63 Patrol, having already been taking expressions of interest for the new flagship SUV. “For decades the Patrol has been a symbol of go-anywhere capability and trust, and it holds a special place with Australian customers,” said Nissan Oceania managing director, Steve Milette. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Nissan_Heritage_Patrol_Y63_014_HR-midfilesize-1.jpg) Nissan Patrol Y63 “The all-new Y63 Patrol honours that heritage while taking a significant leap forward. More powerful, more polished and more capable than ever before, we can't wait to put it in our customers' hands early next year.” Nissan has additionally announced a number of Patrol features not previously confirmed for Australia, saying certain grades of the SUV will be equipped with a head-up display, dual 14.3-inch screens (for the infotainment and digital instrument cluster), a 12-speaker Klipsch sound system, ‘zero gravity’ massaging seats, and biometric cooling. Under the skin, better-equipped variants will also feature adaptive air suspension, never before seen on a new Patrol in Australia. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Nissan_PatrolY63_Urban_001-midfilesize-1.jpg) Nissan Patrol Y63 In its off-road mode, the air suspension system raises the Patrol to its maximum height for added clearance. When driving normally, it lowers the SUV when above 90km/h for efficiency, before raising below 70km/h to provide additional comfort. The arrival of the Y63 in the first quarter of 2027 will mark the end of the V8-powered Y62 Patrol which has been on sale in Australia since 2013, after being unveiled to the world back in 2010. Australia will remain the first right-hand drive market to receive the Y63 Patrol, which will signal a new era with the arrival of a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine replacing the long-serving 5.6-litre V8. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Nissan_Heritage_Patrol_Y63_026_HR-midfilesize-1.jpg) Nissan Patrol Y63 The Y63 Patrol’s twin-turbo V6 engine produces 317kW and 700Nm, and is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, representing significant increases on the 298kW and 560Nm outputs of the V8, as well as its six-speed automatic. As previously reported, every Y63 Patrol sold globally features a [rear differential housing](https://torquecafe.com/why-the-new-nissan-patrol-will-be-uniquely-australian/) which has been made at the Nissan Casting Australia Plant (NCAP) in Dandenong South, just 40km south-east of the Melbourne CBD. To make sure everyone knows where the Y63’s rear differential is from, each example features the outline of a kangaroo stamped into it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/nissan-patrol-y63-differential-r240-australia-ncap-4-2048x1365.webp) Nissan Patrol Y63 rear differential housing Production of the Nissan Patrol Y62 is [ending in Japan this month](https://torquecafe.com/last-of-the-v8s-y62-nissan-patrol-production-end-date-set/), after which the last of the V8-powered SUVs will arrive in Australia in the coming months. Meanwhile, the Patrol Warrior, engineered to be more capable off-road by Melbourne’s Premcar, will continue in production for a short period after, but not for long, as approximately one-third of orders are for the rough-and-tumble version. Nissan Australia is yet to confirm pricing for the new Y63 Patrol, which will be announced closer to its local debut. ### Mercedes-AMG CLA45 EV pips Audi’s five-pot hero URL: https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-amg-cla45-ev-pips-audis-five-pot-hero/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T23:01:46.000Z Last month, Mercedes-AMG revealed the new CLA45 4MATIC+, with the sedan transitioning from its long-held turbocharged petrol powertrain to a dual-motor electric drive. Capable of producing up to 500kW and 1759Nm – a big increase on the 310kW and 500Nm outputs of the outgoing turbocharged model – the AMG CLA45 4MATIC+ EV is more potent than its predecessor, though questions were raised as to whether its 2280kg kerb weight would hinder its progress. Those concerns have now largely been brushed aside, after the EV set a time of seven minutes and 32.070 seconds around the 20.832km Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit, a time which is being claimed as a record for its class. That is largely because it’s now the only car in its class to set a time, becoming the first ‘compact’ EV to officially lap the track, with other EVs such as the Porsche Taycan, Xiaomi SU7 and Tesla Model S classed as ‘executive’ cars. For reference, the AMG CLA45 is quicker than the Tesla Model S Plaid, which set its seven minute and 35.579 second time back in 2021, though it’s well away from the pace of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra with Track Package (7:04.957) and Porsche [Taycan Turbo GT with Manthey Kit](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-news-taycan-nurburgring-ev-record/) (6:55.533). Looking purely at ‘compact’ cars regardless of powertrain, the AMG CLA45 wasn’t able to unseat the [BMW M2 CS](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-m2-cs-sets-nurburgring-record-over-audi-rs3/) as the ‘Ring King, with the coupe having set a seven minute and 25.534-second time last year. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/26C0239_002-1.jpg) That’s despite the BMW producing 110kW and 1109Nm less, as well as only sending power to the rear wheels, though at 1700kg unladen, it’s nearly 600kg lighter. Despite its significant power advantage, the CLA45 AMG was also only just quicker than the Audi RS3, with the five-cylinder sedan’s time of seven minutes and 33.123 seconds only a touch over a second slower – again making less from its five-cylinder engine (294kW/500Nm) but weighing less too (1625kg). Mercedes-AMG still holds the outright production car lap record around the Nürburgring, after the F1-derived AMG One lapped the track in an eye-watering six minutes and 35.183 seconds. ### Mystery surrounds cryptic Cadillac teaser URL: https://torquecafe.com/mystery-surrounds-cryptic-cadillac-teaser/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T07:07:09.000Z Not many people would’ve had Cadillac on their bingo card for being a fan favourite of motorsports, but the luxury brand’s efforts in IMSA and the World Endurance Championship with its Le Mans Daytona prototype have made it so. The Cadillac V-Series.R is the only car running a cross-plane crank V8, delivering a thunderous sound at high speed, as well as an iconic boom when it transitions from electric to engine power in the pit lane. Having already racked up eight wins in global competition since debuting in 2023, the V-Series.R is among the most recognisable current race cars, and it looks like Cadillac wants to bring some of that energy to the road. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbli2AdFDH-/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Cadillac (@cadillac)](https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbli2AdFDH-/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) In a cryptic social media post, Cadillac announced it’ll be attending the Quail Motorsports Gathering as a part of Monterey Car Week later this month, where it’ll unveil something special. “We're bringing something extraordinary to the Quail Motorsports Gathering in Monterey - a showcase of what happens when track-proven engineering becomes future luxury,” the brand said. “Save the date. August 14th.” [Top 5: Le Mans cars you can buySportscar racing’s latest golden era has spawned a new breed of road and track specials you can own.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-b4a5d943-b079-4b31-9cb0-c4f93a898586.png)TorquecafeStephen Ottley![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/Top5LeManscars_2-8c50e49b-9611-4dbb-b16a-2ceeb5cd5337.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/top-5-le-mans-cars-you-can-buy/) It’s not yet known what it could be, though a handful of its competitors have made versions of their Le Mans competitors which the public can buy. In 2023, shortly after winning in its return to Le Mans, Ferrari revealed a customer version of the 499P called the 499P Modificata. This was followed in 2025 by the Aston Martin Valkyrie LM, based on the Valkyrie AMR-LMH. Finally Porsche last year unveiled the 963 RSP, a one-off road-legal creation made for Roger (Searle) Penske. McLaren also plans to make a track-only version of its MCL-HY model, launching next year. ### Hyundai teases Baja-spec off-road SUV URL: https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-news-santa-fe-baja-render-design/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T06:00:23.000Z When you think of fast Hyundais, it's likely your mind goes to the current N performance division, with its i20 N WRC car and i30/Elantra N TCR machines – but probably not the Santa Fe. The current boxy SUV is a family favourite courtesy of its three rows of seating, though it’s not what you’d call a poster vehicle. Unless of course you enlist a renowned designer to make it one. Hyundai’s US division recently posted renderings designed by Khyzyl Saleem after fans of the brand were asked to provide inspiration for a new digital project, with this Baja-inspired Santa Fe proving to be the winner. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbTeufBOBDS/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Hyundai Motor America (@hyundaiusa)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbTeufBOBDS/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) Saleem was recently thrust into the spotlight after designing the bodywork for the TWR Supercat – the reborn, supercharged Jaguar XJS based restomod – as well as the livery for [Travis Pastrana’s ‘Brataroo’](https://torquecafe.com/gymkhana-australia-aussie-shred-travis-pastrana-hoonigan/) and ‘Family Huckster’. Taking inspiration from desert racing pickups, Saleem’s Santa Fe rides high on big tyres and long-travel suspension, while a front and rear bumper delete provides additional clearance. Importantly, it’s a two-door with pumped-out guards, an integrated roof storage system, as well as multiple lights and a spoiler. Sadly Hyundai’s unlikely to make it in real life, [though in April](https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-news-boulder-concept-suv-pickup-platform/) it unveiled the Boulder Concept as a preview of its upcoming body-on-frame chassis, set to debut under a mid-sized pickup which could one day take on the Baja race. [Hyundai’s bold off-road concept previews new uteA new 4x4 SUV concept from Hyundai has shown the company’s interest in the off-road market, while hinting at what’s to come from its future pickup.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-8956baf4-cb13-49ce-a0bb-fbf5748c0c49.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/hyunda-boulder-concept-3-6a19ad5a-2179-4c0e-890e-f8cea3e571e0.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-news-boulder-concept-suv-pickup-platform/) ### Hotter than a Civic Type R? Honda’s latest hero priced for Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/honda-news-super-one-price-australia/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T04:21:55.000Z Honda Australia is bringing its first EV to Australian showrooms, with the Super-One set to take on Chinese rivals with its quirky, kei car-like design. Priced from $36,900 drive-away, it becomes one of the brand’s most affordable models, excluding the entry-level HR-V SUV, while bringing a design inspired by the Honda City II to a local audience. Pre-orders for the Honda Super-One are now open, though Honda Australia says more than 6500 expressions of interest were filed in the lead-up to its price announcement. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/MY26-Honda-Super-ONE-032-1.jpg) Honda Super-One This, the brand claims, is more than it received for the current FL5-generation [Civic Type R](https://torquecafe.com/honda-civic-type-r-price-australia-2026/), which has been a difficult car for customers to get their hands on, owing to a relative lack of supply against demand. Honda Australia says just 130 examples of the Super-One will come to local roads between October 1 and the end of 2026, but claims “greater supply lands in early 2027”. The EV is front-wheel drive, with its electric motor producing 47kW and 162Nm in its normal drive mode, though its ‘Boost’ mode increases power to 70kW. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/MY26-Honda-Super-ONE-020.jpg) Honda Super-One Despite not having a petrol engine, the Super-One has a simulated seven-speed transmission and an ‘Active Sound Control’ system, piping through synthesised engine noises through the cabin – technology which has helped legitimise higher-end performance EVs. Its small 29.6kWh battery can be charged from 15 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes at up to 50kW, and has a claimed WLTP lab-tested driving range of 206km. This figure could’ve been smaller if not for the Super-One’s relatively light 1093kg kerb weight. Measuring just 3580mm long, 1575mm wide and 1615mm tall on a 2520mm wheelbase, the Super-One has a tiny footprint, making it ideal for city streets rather than the Civic Type R’s mountain runs. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/MY26-Honda-Super-ONE-046.jpg) Honda Super-One For an additional $500, buyers can opt for the ‘special edition’ two-tone Violet Boost paintwork with a black roof. “Honda Super-One is our first BEV in Australia and is not only truly unique it’s also bursting at the seams with character and content,” said Honda Australia Director of Automotive, Robert Thorp. “It is distinctive, stylish, affordable, and most of all, fun, seamlessly translating Honda’s joy to drive, joy to own philosophy into the BEV era.” It’ll join Honda’s existing lineup of models in the Prelude, HR-V, ZR-V, CR-V and Civic, all of which are available as hybrids. ### Former fast Ford firm helping new Chinese ute URL: https://torquecafe.com/chery-news-stockman-ute-evaluated-premcar-australia/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T01:42:21.000Z Australia’s automotive industry is continuing its rebuild, with Melbourne-based engineering firm Premcar announced as the local testing and evaluation firm for the Chery Stockman, one of the latest electrified utes from China. [The Stockman](https://torquecafe.com/chery-stockman-to-outgun-byd-shark-6-ford-ranger-hybrid/) – which had its name chosen by the Australian public – will be the first ute globally to be powered by a turbo-diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain, joining a market which has already seen success with turbo-petrol PHEVs such as the BYD Shark 6. Ahead of its launch later this year, Premcar has been appointed by Chery to undertake in-market testing and validation of the Stockman locally, in order to make sure its ride and handling tuning is up to the task of pleasing Australian motorists. “Chery has gone the extra mile with its first-ever Stockman ute,” said Bernie Quinn, CEO of Premcar. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2026-nissan-navara-premcar-testing-teaser-4.jpg) Premcar developing the dampers for the new Nissan Navara “Chery has created very specific attributes for the Stockman’s ride and handling and we are very pleased to help them test and validate their work in a variety of Australian conditions.” It’s an area which Premcar knows well, with the firm tracing its lineage back to the Ford Performance Vehicles operation which produced some of the hottest Falcons money could buy in the 2000s and 2010s. After its closure, Premcar became a partner to Nissan, undertaking its Warrior off-road vehicle program which has been a success with the Navara and Patrol, providing modifications to the vehicles not seen elsewhere globally. For the new, current Nissan Navara – which is based on the Mitsubishi Triton and only sold in Australia and New Zealand – [Premcar developed its damper package](https://torquecafe.com/nissan-navara-2026-premcar-australian-dampers/), producing a unique ride for the popular ute. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/mitsubishi-triton-raider-8.jpg) Premcar-developed Mitsubishi Triton Raider Most recently, it teamed up with Mitsubishi to develop the [Triton Raider](https://torquecafe.com/mitsubishi-news-triton-raider-price-australia/), bringing elements of its successful Navara Warrior program to the three-diamond ute. It has been these projects which led Chery to approach Premcar for its assistance, something it hopes will reaffirm the Stockman as a solid choice for local buyers. “Australia is one of the world's most demanding ute markets, and we know our customers expect a vehicle that performs confidently across everything from urban streets to highways, construction sites and remote off-road tracks,” said Chery Australia chief operating officer, Lucas Harris. “Premcar has an outstanding reputation for engineering and vehicle validation, making them the ideal partner to help ensure Stockman is thoroughly tested and validated for Australian conditions before it reaches our customers.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2025-nissan-patrol-warrior-7.jpg) Nissan Patrol Warrior “This partnership is another example of Chery investing locally to develop vehicles specifically for Australian drivers.” It’s yet to be determined whether Premcar will have input in changing the Chery Stockman’s ride and handling characteristics for local customers. Chery isn’t the only Chinese brand investing in local evaluation programs. JAC’s [Hunter PHEV](https://torquecafe.com/holden-proving-ground-testing-for-jac-hunter-phev/) was tested by Multimatic in Australia, while [GWM has been doing things in-house](https://torquecafe.com/gwm-news-holden-proving-ground-at-1-tuning/) with former Holden engineer Rob Trubiani. However, Ford remains the only carmaker to [undertake ground-up vehicle engineering in Australia](https://torquecafe.com/ford-australia-confident-in-local-operations-being-kept-alive/), with the ‘T6’ platform underpinning the Ranger, Everest and Volkswagen Amarok developed locally and sold throughout the world. ### Lamborghini unveils Miura celebration for modern V12 successor URL: https://torquecafe.com/lamborghini-news-revuelto-miura-60th-anniversary/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T00:48:10.000Z The Lamborghini Miura, often regarded as one of the first supercars, turns 60 this year, and the brand is celebrating the anniversary in an unexpected way. Five years ago, Lamborghini unveiled the Countach LPI 800-4 as its 50 year tribute to the Countach, which led to mixed feedback due to its polarising design. Not wanting to repeat the same problem, the Revuelto Miura 60° Homage was unveiled overnight as its attempt to honour six decades of the Miura, without going as radical as a new look for the current supercar flagship. Limited to 99 examples, the bodywork of the Revuelto is unchanged, though its exterior includes bespoke additions such as a Miura 60 logo (above the standard badge), gloss black brake calipers and a gloss black Lamborghini rear logo below the now matte black exhaust outlets. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Lamborghini-Revuelto-Miura-60-Homage-1.jpg) However, the biggest link to the Miura is through its colour scheme, which is exclusively linked to the classic supercar by offering the same paint combinations as were available on the iconic Lamborghini. These includes Rosso Arancio, Arancio, Giallo, Verde Scandal, Verde Metallic, Blu Tahiti, Blu Notte, Nero Noctis and Bianco Monocerus, all of which can be teamed with one of two ‘liveries’ where the bottom section and wheels are in a contrasting colour. Customers can pick between a Oro Elios livery paired with Altanero Shiny Gold wheels, or the Grigio Nimbus livery combined with Altanero Matt Titanium Diamond wheels. In addition to these changes, owners of classic Miuras can work with Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program to recreate their vehicle’s colour on the Revuelto edition, if the existing colourways do not match their own. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Lamborghini-Revuelto-Miura-60-Homage-4.jpg) Inside, there are a handful of Miura links too, such as Classica Trim upholstered seats – similar to the old ‘cannelloni’ look – as well as ‘Miura 60’ embroidery between the passengers. A plaque showing the serial number – Miura 60° – Serie Speciale 1 di 99 – is fitted to the driver’s side of the cabin. There’s no performance changes to the Lamborghini Revuelto’s already capable powertrain, consisting of a 6.5-litre V12 engine, paired with three electric motors – one for the rear, two at the front – making a combined 747kW. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Lamborghini-Revuelto-Miura-60-Homage-5.jpg) “With the Revuelto Miura 60° Homage, we wanted to create a special series capable of celebrating a milestone in our history through an exclusive interpretation of our V12 HPEV super sports car," said Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann. "The combination of heritage-inspired liveries, exclusive Ad Personam details and production limited to just 99 examples expresses the connection between our heritage and the virtually limitless personalization capabilities that define Lamborghini. “For our collectors and customers, exclusivity means authenticity, rarity and lasting emotional value: the Revuelto Miura 60° Homage has been created precisely with this philosophy." ### Hennessey’s V8 manual supercar channels SR-71 Blackbird spy plane URL: https://torquecafe.com/hennessey-blackbird-v8-manual-supercar/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T23:18:48.000Z If you’re into super-fast cars, it’s likely you know Hennessy, whose Venom GT and F5 models have been among the quickest production vehicles ever, aided by big V8s with twin turbos. It’s strange then that this brand which is usually big on power has decided to turn the dial down for its latest creation, the Hennessy Blackbird. Billed as a more driver-centric model, the Blackbird – named after Lockheed’s SR-71 Blackbird spy plane, the world’s fastest air breathing machine – is designed to give the driver greater all-round engagement behind the wheel, rather than just focus on headline numbers. “Blackbird isn’t just the next chapter in the Hennessey story, it represents the beginning of a new book,” said company founder and CEO, John Hennessey. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2030-hennessey-blackbird-5.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2030-hennessey-blackbird-6.jpg) Hennessey Blackbird “Our third hypercar, Blackbird, is unexpected by design, yet it’s exactly what I wanted to create and what our customers have been asking for. Challenging expectations has always been part of our DNA. “From the beginning, Blackbird was guided by a simple idea: to deliver an analog experience where beauty and drama define every moment. This is not a numbers car. “We set out to create an unparalleled emotional experience, from the first time you see it to the moment you take the wheel and feel the connection between driver and machine.” That analog driving experience is achieved through the Blackbird being fitted with a gated, six-speed manual transmission, sending drive directly to the rear wheels. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2030-hennessey-blackbird-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2030-hennessey-blackbird-3.jpg) Hennessey Blackbird It’s connected to a 6.2-litre, naturally aspirated V8 which has been developed in partnership with famed racing engine builders, Ilmor Engineering. Hennessy says it’s targeting the V8 to pump out more than 630kW and rev out to more than 9000rpm. The car’s design is influenced by aerospace icons, including the Bell X-1 (the first plane to break the sound barrier) which leant its diamond-shaped quad-exhaust layout to the Blackbird. In addition to this, the Hennessey’s sidepods take inspiration from Formula 1 racers, while there are also elements of Le Mans racers throughout its aero package. The clearest reference to the SR-71 Blackbird is through its rear stabilisers, which automatically deploy when it reaches 114km/h (or 71mph), and are angled at 71-degrees. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/2030-hennessey-blackbird-4.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/Hennessey-Blackbird-03.b.jpg) Inside the cabin, the minimalist focus is evident, with only analogue instruments sitting in front of the driver, in a space devoid of screens. There’s not even buttons on the steering wheel. Under the skin, the Blackbird features a bespoke Hennessey full-carbon tub, adaptive suspension and a suite of driver aids, with a target weight of 1360kg meaning it could accelerate from 0-60mph (97km/h) in about 2.5 seconds thanks to its grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. All examples of the Hennessey Blackbird will be built at the company’s Texas headquarters, with a target of 2029 or 2030 for the first examples to roll down the line. Only 71 Blackbirds will be made, priced from US$2.5 million (A$3.6 million). Despite this, Hennessey claims two-thirds of its production allocation has sold out before it even makes its public debut within a fortnight. ### Reports of Bugatti W16’s death are an exaggeration URL: https://torquecafe.com/reports-of-bugatti-w16s-death-are-an-exaggeration/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T06:18:27.000Z Bugatti doesn’t seem to know how to stop making hypercars with its famed W16 engine in the back, teasing yet another model to be revealed in the coming weeks. Understood to be revealed during the upcoming Monterey Car Week in California later this month, Bugatti has only issued a teaser video, but it’s clear this new model will continue on with its most famous centrepiece. “The Sculpture of Speed. Captured, shaped, preserved,” Bugatti’s teaser reads, before referencing its Programme Solitaire bespoke division. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbgASwGqFWF/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by BUGATTI (@bugatti)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbgASwGqFWF/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) Just last week, Bugatti announced the final of 99 W16 Mistrals, the last evolution of the Chiron-based, open-top hypercar which was to bid farewell to the legendary engine. Simply known as ‘The last of its kind’, that motto is inscribed throughout the special vehicle, both in the cabin and under the rear wing, celebrating its significance to the model line. The Mistral itself was unveiled at the Monterey Car Week in 2022, with the event providing significance to the brand which is now no longer owned by Porsche, after the German icons sold their 45 per cent stake in the Bugatti-Rimac joint venture to a consortium led by New York-based HOF Capital. It’s not yet known what shape the new model will take, though as with all of the Programme Solitaire vehicles, it is expected to be incredibly exclusive. [‘The last of its kind’: Bugatti makes its final W16-powered road carThis is the end for the Bugatti W16 engine, installed into the last road-going production car after 20 years of service.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-f887b21a-d55f-4958-be0a-5eba7c121161.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/06-2606-BUGATTI-W16-Mistral-End-of-Production--1--aa292e3c-9437-475d-ac5b-372679b6250e.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/the-last-of-its-kind-bugatti-makes-its-final-w16-powered-road-car/) It’ll also join a surprisingly growing club of vehicles farewelling the W16, since Bugatti announced its next ground-up hypercar, the Tourbillon, will feature a naturally aspirated V16 engine and three electric motors. For the W16’s farewell tour, first there was the [Brouillard](https://torquecafe.com/bugatti-w16-bentley-w12-engines-dead/), the [Veyron-inspired F.K.P. Hommage](https://torquecafe.com/bugatti-builds-the-ultimate-veyron/), the [W16 Mistral ‘Caroline’](https://torquecafe.com/bugatti-news-mistral-caroline-w16-still-alive/), the [Blanc Éternel](https://torquecafe.com/bugattis-w16-engine-says-alive-with-yet-another-special-edition/) in May, and then the ‘Last of its Kind’ last month. At the time, Bugatti said the latter was the “closing chapter \[to\] the W16 engine's road-going story”, suggesting the engine’s final bow could come in the form of a track-only model. The Bolide had served as the flagship of the range as a track-only model, with its W16 engine producing an eye-watering 1361kW and 1849Nm, all without electrification, making it the most powerful version of the powertrain yet. Its quad-turbo W16 engine dates all the way back to the Veyron of the mid-2000s, then the world’s fastest and most powerful road car. ### Ferrari backing biofuels to keep engines alive URL: https://torquecafe.com/ferrari-backing-biofuels-to-keep-engines-alive/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T04:56:55.000Z Ferrari was one of a few brands at risk not too long ago when Europe announced its plans to ban all new internal combustion engine-powered vehicles from showrooms, putting low-volume manufacturers at risk. While that plan has [now been abolished](https://torquecafe.com/europe-ice-ban-2035-dead/), Ferrari and others are still looking to cut their vehicle’s emissions, as new regulations will call for carmakers to reduce their fleet emissions by 90 per cent compared to 2021 levels before the start of 2035. Electric vehicles and hybrids are one pathway to doing so, though carbon-neutral fuels and biofuels are also being investigated as another, with Ferrari now admitting it is looking into using them to keep engine production going into the future. “We place biofuels in the category of carbon-neutral fuels,” said CEO Benedetto Vigna in Ferrari’s quarterly earnings call last week. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/porsche-efuel-sustainable-2--1-.jpg) Porsche's eFuels “For us, they are part of that group, and they work well in our engines. We have already tested different types of carbon-neutral fuels, and the engine performs very well. Nothing changes.” When it announced its changes last year, the European Commission noted the 10 per cent difference to the 100 per cent reduction in emissions can be bridged by new cars with engines requiring biofuels and e-fuels, while carmakers can also use low-carbon steel made in Europe to get credits. Ferrari is far from the first carmaker to take an interest in alternative fuels, with Porsche arguably being the largest supporter of efuels and has invested in the [multinational HIF Global, and its pilot eFuels plant in Chile, Haru Oni](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-to-build-efuel-facility-in-australia/). In addition to this, HIF Global [announced plans to build a synthetic fuel production facility in Tasmania](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-to-build-efuel-facility-in-australia/), tipped to produce more than 200,000 tonnes of e-Methanol per year. [This is the secret to saving the V8 engineElectric vehicles have slowed in popularity, but there is an alternative that could save the V8 and more.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-5f50836f-ba12-40b9-82a3-887f82600da6.png)TorquecafeStephen Ottley![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_657580-ea0930ca-51ab-4450-8bb1-724362ac1252.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/this-is-the-secret-to-saving-the-v8-engine/) Last year, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann threw his support behind synthetic fuels, not only reducing the carbon output of new vehicles, but helping to decarbonise older cars. “Synthetic fuel is an opportunity for sure,” he said, almost a year prior to the European regulation backflip. “ Synthetic fuel would neutralize the CO2 emissions, so this would be good if we could have synthetic fuels after ‘35\. The point will be the amount which will be at the disposal if the governments are, let’s say, pushing for the production of synthetic fuel, because today it’s very expensive and it’s a very low quantity. “So if this is feasible, for sure, this will be a good opportunity to maintain internal combustion engines together with a plug-in hybrid system. And we have to see, we have to see, there is a chance, but I don’t see today that the industry is moving into that direction.” ### Ford CEO says Chinese carmakers could take on US by 2036, or earlier URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-ceo-says-chinese-carmakers-could-take-on-us-by-2036-or-earlier/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T02:01:55.000Z A recent ban on vehicles built by Chinese companies in the US has signalled the nation’s intention to protect its automotive industry, even if it may not last forever. In recent weeks, Polestar – owned by Geely – was effectively kicked out of the US due to the new ruling, despite building some of its vehicles in the US, while General Motors-owned Buick can continue selling its made-in-China Envision SUV is allowed to remain on sale. As reported by [*Reuters*](https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-ceo-tells-employees-chinese-automakers-could-enter-us-market-next-decade-2026-07-30/?ref=torquecafe.com), sources told the publication that last week, Ford CEO Jim Farley spoke to the company’s employees in a ‘town hall’ meeting, saying the US-based brand is preparing for Chinese brands to arrive in its home country in five to 10 years. That would require a backpedalling of the current laws to allow it to happen, something which isn’t out of the question, given the next US Presidential Election is due to take place at the end of 2028. [Ford CEO calls Australian trip ‘existential’The global CEO of Ford recently visited Australia to work out what the Blue Oval should do to remain competitive in one of the world’s most overcrowded markets.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-316d0ad8-2324-4a1e-9b14-c783dbcf1580.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/jim-farley-ford-australia-visit-1-7883cbcd-9217-4da5-9ee7-5b5eea643b91.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-ceo-calls-australian-trip-existential/) Across both sides of the border, Chinese brands are being welcomed in Mexico and Canada, meanwhile even US President Donald Trump has said if Chinese brands “want to come in and build a plant and hire you and hire your friends and your neighbours, that’s great, I love that”. Farley has long been outspoken in his admiration of China’s automotive industry, while at the same time warning of the challenges it could pose to the US and global brands. Speaking to US program [*Fox and Friends*](https://www.foxnews.com/video/6393033557112?ref=torquecafe.com) in April about the possibility of Chinese cars being imported to the US, Farley once again sounded the alarm bell. “The Chinese have huge direct support for their auto companies - there are over 100 of them, and the places they have imported \[to\] - their local market \[China\] is 29 million, \[but\] their capacity in the country for making cars is over 50 million,” Farley said. [‘No way this is a fair fight’: Ford boss on Chinese threatFord CEO Jim Farley has previously praised Chinese vehicles, but is a staunch protector of the US automotive industry.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-b04b0f8a-5271-4ac4-8567-b938dcc301cc.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-ceo-jim-farley-7bbc2eb1-4029-42ac-9cf6-368fc67e330a.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/no-way-this-is-a-fair-fight-ford-boss-on-chinese-threat/) “They have enough capacity in China to cover all the manufacturing, all the vehicle sales in the United States. “We should not let them into our country. Manufacturing is the heart and soul of our country and for us to lose that to those exports would be devastating for our country. “That doesn’t even include the cyber and privacy risks of a Chinese vehicle. All the vehicles have 10 cameras, they can collect a lot of data. There’s no way this is a fair fight. “Ford has to do our part to make our vehicles competitive with the Chinese - and I think we have with our new affordable EVs coming out, made in Kentucky - but this is not a fair fight, and it should have a big impact on the US.” [US carmakers have to beat China at their own game - Ford chairFord’s executive chair Bill Ford says his brand and others from the US must employ the same tactics as Chinese carmakers to beat or even match them.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-d1dc5258-e08f-4182-ab04-bdbb8055c87c.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-ranger-factory-production-2--1--bc52b247-f5aa-4442-99f4-44e844ac4bcf.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/us-carmakers-have-to-beat-china-at-their-own-game-ford-chair/) Last month, Ford’s executive chair Bill Ford – great-grandson of company founder Henry Ford – said the US industry has “to go toe-to-toe with China”. “We can’t expect to keep them out forever, and we have to be able to beat them at their own game.” “Our lead times are longer than political lead times,” Ford added. “I think an industrial policy that is a bipartisan one – which, as I say today, even saying that might sound difficult – we really need that.” ### Car industry went ‘too far’ with removing buttons - Mercedes boss URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-industry-went-too-far-with-removing-buttons-mercedes-boss/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T00:46:19.000Z The past handful of years have seen a reversal of sorts in the car industry, as many brands which once decided to replace physical buttons with ‘touch-sensing’ haptic controls are now going back on their plans. Though haptic controls are commonplace in smartphones, the application of the technology in cars has been less well-received, as the constant movement of vehicles while on the go makes it unnecessarily difficult to activate certain controls. Volkswagen was one of the first big brands to be criticised for this move when it launched the Mk8 Golf, and it’s since reverted to physical buttons for the majority of its product lineup. Ferrari too has spoken of walking back its button-less plans, and now Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius has told [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/mercedes-big-screens-stay-we-went-too-far-removing-buttons?ref=torquecafe.com) “the industry as a whole might have gone a little bit too far” with its touch-sensing obsession. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/volkswagen-golf-r-warmenau-package-2-scaled-1.webp) “Sometimes you get a bit ahead of yourself and do technology for the sake of technology and maybe forget a little bit about the customer. So from now on, you will see us reintroduce the most sensible buttons.” Källenius’ declaration comes as Mercedes continues to roll out its massive MBUX Hyperscreen across a number of flagship models, stretching from A-pillar to A-pillar in some vehicles, spanning as much as 56 inches (or 142cm) diagonally. According to the executive, there’s no issue with the size of its screens, which are claimed to be designed for users of almost every skill level to operate. “We spend countless hours on UI \[user interface\],” said Källenius. “I spend hours every year discussing this with our engineers and we joke it needs to be so easy that either a five-year-old kid or a Mercedes board member can use it. That is the hurdle, and once you familiarise yourself with it, it becomes second nature.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/22C0217_001_0-1.jpg) MBUX Hyperscreen *Autocar* asked him whether he thought the industry had reached “peak screen” – with in-car infotainment to shrink in the future – to which he replied, “I don't know if we're at peak screen, but we're at low button.” Earlier this year, Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer - who took control of the carmaker in mid-2022 - told [*Top Gear*](https://www.topgear.com/car-news/tech/volkswagen-boss-proper-door-handles-and-buttons-are-a-non-negotiable-me?ref=torquecafe.com) magazine the generation of executives before made decisions which were hard for him to undo. “There was a spirit of iPhone-ish kind of design and utilisation that you could see coming through in many companies,” Schäfer said. “It was a little bit difficult to get the designers off that idea. [Car giant’s boss promises to bring back ‘door handles and buttons’The head of Volkswagen said the brand was losing its core when it decided to ditch traditional buttons in its cars.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-e55f4692-cf66-41f0-b079-f9ce74147342.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/small_VW_Golf8_GTI_0063-0f59f985-afef-4948-8d2c-aff799d25920.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/volkswagen-news-bring-back-buttons-door-handles/) “I said, ‘listen, there’s two things that are absolutely non-negotiable for me: door handles and buttons’. I don’t understand why anybody would have \[touch-sensitive\] sliders.” Likewise, last year then-Ferrari commercial boss Enrico Galliera admitted the brand had overlooked the potential flaws to the technology. “When we decided to create the SF90, the brief was to have the most performing Ferrari ever. We wanted to establish a distance versus our competitor. To achieve that, we put in all the most advanced available technologies,” Galliera said, as reported by [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/ferrari-reintroduces-physical-buttons-interior-rethink?ref=torquecafe.com). “So, we pushed our team to redesign the digital interaction. When we started this job, the idea was, when we interact with our phone is a touch, and the more you use the touch button the more you are quick in the execution, which, in principle, is absolutely true. So all the development was done following this path and these rules. [Famous brand is bringing back physical buttons to carsMultiple carmakers have moved towards touch controls and away from physical buttons over the past decade, but one more marque is reversing the trend.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-c9111d90-fb43-4ec6-8ef8-30c184f9dc68.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ferrari-amalfi-9-682461ee-b54a-4e4f-b36c-3fdb234d22c2.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/2026-ferrari-amalfi-revealed-with-actual-buttons/) “The final execution was, I think, extremely innovative, but we didn’t consider then when you use it, you’re also driving and the end result \[goes against\] our objective of eyes on the road, hands on the steering wheel.” “So this is the why we did it, because we wanted to have the most advanced system, and we realise, honestly, that it was probably too advanced and not 100 per cent perfect for the use that is done in the car. So this became clear and it was feedback that we received very loudly from our clients. “We believe that still the digital interaction has an advantage, but it should be blended in a way that the most used button should be physical, and some of them, like the start/stop, which are iconic, representing part of the history, should be there for this reason.” ### V8 power rarer in Australia as luxury coupe exits URL: https://torquecafe.com/lexus-lc500-v8-leaves-australia/ Last updated: 2026-08-02T23:36:13.000Z Lexus Australia has announced the LC coupe is departing local showrooms, set to be farewelled with a limited edition to celebrate the V8 engine. In a media release, Lexus confirmed the LC has reached the end of its life almost 10 years after it was revealed in 2017, with the LC500 Special Edition Coupe becoming its swansong. Already sold out for an undisclosed price, the LC500 Special Edition Coupe looks largely the same as the Pinnacle Edition which was revealed in Japan 13 months ago, but exclusively in Oborogin dark grey paintwork. The coupe features front bumper strakes, a subtle rear wing and black exterior trim, as well as 21-inch forged alloy wheels. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/lexus-lc500-special-edition-coupe-2.jpg) LC500 Special Edition Coupe Inside, its cabin receives black and white two-tone leather, an embroidered dashboard, and carbon fibre sill plates. Under the bonnet of the LC500 is a 5.0-litre V8 engine – previously shared with the now-defunct IS F, RC F and GS F – which continues to produce 351kW and 540Nm, driving the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The V8 has traditionally been far more popular than the hybrid 3.5-litre V6-powered LC500h. Last year, Lexus sold just 56 examples of the LC in Australia, with 54 LC500 V8s and two hybrid LC500hs contributing to the total There’s no plans to send off the convertible version of the LC, despite the drop-top getting its own Pinnacle Edition in Japan last year. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/lexus-lc-500-pinnacle-edition-2.jpg) Japanese market LC500 Pinnacle Edition The Lexus LC was removed from sale in the US – the brand’s top region – earlier this year, foreshadowing its Australian and global exit. “The Lexus LC holds a special place in the heart of our brand and for its many dedicated fans and owners in Australia,” said Lexus Australia Chief Executive, Jack Hobbs. “It has been a true halo model, a flagship that perfectly blended a stunning, convention-breaking design with the luxurious performance and meticulous craftsmanship that define Lexus. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/lexus-lc-500-pinnacle-edition-1.jpg) Japanese market LC500 Pinnacle Edition convertible (left) and coupe (right) “As we celebrate the LC’s legacy and offer a final Special Edition to a select few, we also look to the future. The spirit and passion of the LC will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of Lexus vehicles as we push the boundaries of technology and design to continue creating amazing experiences for our customers.” As previously reported, the future of the LC nameplate hangs in the balance, with some Japanese media [suggesting it could be merged with the smaller RC](https://torquecafe.com/revealed-surprising-update-on-new-toyota-supra/) – akin to Mercedes’s segment-blending CLE – on a shared Toyota platform. At the top end of its lineup, Lexus is expected to launch a production version of the [LFA Concept](https://torquecafe.com/lexus-lfa-concept-ev-supercar-replaces-v10/), an electric coupe running on the same all-new aluminium platform which underpins the twin-turbo V8 [Toyota GR GT](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-gr-gt-photos-images-power-v8-hybrid/). ### Disqualified Audi R8 driver tests positive for drugs URL: https://torquecafe.com/disqualified-audi-r8-driver-tests-positive-for-drugs/ Last updated: 2026-08-01T20:00:06.000Z If you were driving unlicensed with multiple warrants out for your arrest, it’s unlikely you’d pick an Audi R8 as the car to run about in – unless you’re this guy. New South Wales City East Highway Patrol officers pulled over an Audi R8 V10 for roadside testing on July 30, at which point the supercar’s 30-year-old driver produced a Western Australian licence. However, the licence was found out to be a fake, while his roadside drug testing returned a positive result to cocaine and methamphetamine, earning him a trip to the Mascot Police Station while under arrest. There, he told police he had four outstanding arrest warrants against his name, and was the holder of a disqualified C Class ‘P2’ Provisional Licence (green P-plates), which was due to be lifted on August 13, 2026. Further drug testing once again produced positive results to cocaine and methamphetamine, which are currently being lab tested. At the end of the ordeal, he was charged with driving whilst disqualified (his second such offence), and unlawfully possessing a fake Australian driving licence with the intent to deceive. New South Wales Police have been able to drug test drivers since 2018, while since September 18, they’ve been able to place motorists who return a positive roadside oral test under arrest. ### Nissan X-Trail takes hints from Navara URL: https://torquecafe.com/nissan-news-xtrail-rock-creek-price-australia/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T20:00:32.000Z Back in the 1990s, the likes of the first-generation Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail were seen as ‘soft-roaders’, capable of delivering all the day-to-day requirements of city driving, but with enough clearance to do a bit of light off-roading. Though their section of the market has largely swung away from that ethos – with a clear delineation of monocoque and body-on-frame SUVs – Nissan has decided to give it another crack with the new X-Trail Rock Creek. Already available in Japan and the US (where the X-Trail is sold as the Rogue), the Nissan X-Trail Rock Creek adds a handful of more rugged details to the seven-seat X-Trail ST-L, giving it a more outdoorsy appearance. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/nissan-x-trail-rock-creek-5.jpg) Nissan X-Trail Rock Creek From its black ‘V-motion’ grille with a D21 Navara ute-inspired three-slot top, black roof rails and mirror caps to a unique lower front bumper, orange exterior highlights and unique 18-inch alloy wheels, its design sets it apart from the rest of the X-Trail range. While US market versions – which are built in Tennessee – are fitted with all-terrain tyres, the Australian-delivered, Japanese-built Rock Creek makes do with more road-biased rubber. The X-Trail Rock Creek is the only member of the SUV’s family available in a new Baja Storm exterior finish, which is complemented by a black roof. Inside the cabin, its nylon-trimmed seats feature embroidered Rock Creek badging, contrasted with orange stitching, carried across to the dashboard. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/nissan-x-trail-rock-creek-1.jpg) Nissan X-Trail Rock Creek Like higher-equipped X-Trails, the Rock Creek gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, rather than the X-Trail ST-L’s 7.0-inch TFT display, as well as a 10.8-inch head-up display. It continues to be powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing up to 135kW of power and 244Nm of torque. The engine drives all four wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Priced from $48,315 plus on-roads, it’s $2435 more than the ST-L upon which it’s based, while undercutting the Subaru Outback AWD – priced from $48,990 before on-road costs. While there are more off-road ready versions of the Forester (Wilderness) and [RAV4 (Woodland)](https://torquecafe.com/the-mini-prado-australia-should-get/) overseas, these are not available in Australia. ### Ferrari Luce a hit with China despite criticisms URL: https://torquecafe.com/ferrari-luce-a-hit-with-china-despite-criticisms/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T06:41:52.000Z Ferrari took the covers off its first EV, [the Luce](https://torquecafe.com/ferrari-news-luce-ev-revealed/), in May, and it didn’t take long for criticism to emerge. Perhaps the most jarring feedback was from Luca di Montezemolo, who served as Ferrari president from 1991 to 2014, who [went on a tirade about the Luce](https://torquecafe.com/ferrari-news-luce-criticism-luca-di-montezemelo/), finishing it by saying it was “a car the Chinese won’t copy”. According to the [*Financial Times*](https://www.ft.com/content/11ac28b0-0c82-4d4a-bcb4-0e0dae44cf87?syn-25a6b1a6=1&ref=torquecafe.com), that’s just fine for Ferrari, with insiders telling the publication it has already reached this year’s sales target within two months. One of the two insiders said Ferrari had targeted slightly less than 500 Luce sales throughout 2026, with the other informant claiming that figure was surpassed in early July. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2027-ferrari-luce-8.jpg) While deliveries have not yet started, it’s reported the strongest demand for the Ferrari Luce is coming from China, a market which the brand hasn’t tapped into compared to some of its rivals. In its quarterly financial report, Ferrari announced it had delivered 440 vehicles in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan through the first six months of the year, equivalent to just over six per cent of its total 6802 deliveries. This represented a drop of 71 cars compared to the same period last year, and pales in comparison to the 1817 deliveries in the Americas and 3314 cars registered in Europe over the same six months. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2027-ferrari-luce-7.jpg) Even Australia, which has a significantly smaller population than China, has still seen 88 Ferrari deliveries made between January and June. Ferrari had been forced to clarify the Luce’s position in its lineup early on, batting away suggestions it would treat the EV as its new ‘entry-level’ product which customers would need to buy to ‘earn’ their way to the top and have access to more limited vehicles. “We'd run the risk of creating negative ambassadors who would speak poorly of ​the Luce and, after a few months, resell it,” said Ferrari’s chief marketing and commercial officer, Enrico Galliera, last month, as reported by [*Automotive News*](https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ferrari-denies-making-access-limited-edition-models-conditional-luce-ev-purchase-2026-06-22/?ref=torquecafe.com). “This would destroy its residual market value, which is ​precisely what the luxury electric vehicle sector is suffering from today.” [Ferrari Luce buyers will need to ‘truly want it’ to get oneThe Ferrari Luce has garnered even more controversy post-reveal, with the brand refuting claims it’ll make customers buy the EV to access exclusive products.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-24960f64-3ead-465c-982f-b296d9fe510e.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2027-ferrari-luce-9-0e3cf976-e2d6-40c7-8bb6-67a0f0e64209.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ferrari-luce-buyers-will-need-to-truly-want-it-to-get-one/) Galliera, who has since departed the position, said at the time Ferrari’s dealers have been told the Luce can only be bought by people who are “truly motivated to buy it”. “Our message to the network was: make sure that anyone ‌who ⁠asks for this car truly wants it, and isn't buying it to please Ferrari because they're somehow looking for other types of benefits.” *Automotive News* reported 84 per cent of Ferrari sales in 2025 were to customers who already owned one Ferrari, while 56 per cent of sales were to owners of multiple models. ### Mitsubishi invests $680 million for Triton, Pajero hybrids URL: https://torquecafe.com/mitsubishi-invests-680-million-for-triton-pajero-hybrids/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:51:26.000Z Mitsubishi is leaning into the rise in demand for hybrid vehicles by making a large investment in the factory where the Triton and its soon-to-be-revealed Pajero are built. As reported by [*Nikkei Asia*](https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/mitsubishi-motors-to-pour-470m-into-thailand-for-electrified-vehicles?ref=torquecafe.com), Mitsubishi Motors Chairman and CEO Takao Kato visited Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul last week to announce the carmaker’s plans to invest an additional 16 billion baht ($682 million) in Thailand by 2030. The investment is centred around optimising Mitsubishi’s current Thai operations for electrified vehicles, both for production and exports. Currently the most productive Mitsubishi outpost outside of Japan, Mitsubishi Thailand currently produces a number of export models such as the Triton (twinned with the Nissan Navara), the Pajero Sport (set to be replaced soon by the Pajero), and Mirage. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/mitsubishi-triton-raider-1.jpg) Mitsubishi Triton Raider On top of this, it produces a number of region-specific models, including the Xpander and Xforce, both of which we miss out on in Australia. It’s understood the recent announcement will centre around developing and producing hybrid versions of the Triton (plus its Navara twin) and the Pajero SUV, given both are among the brand’s best-sellers. There’s no timeline yet on when the hybrid technology will come to the pair, nor indeed what layout they will feature. Options range from a ‘full-hybrid’ system (where no plug is required to charge the battery), a plug-in hybrid, or a range-extender (where the engine charges the battery). [New Mitsubishi Pajero to revive classic 4x4 featureThe upcoming, reborn Mitsubishi Pajero won’t be shy about its intentions as an off-road SUV, bringing back a feature from the past.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-c7d7a46e-c7e5-4985-8dfa-36886fe30700.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/mitsubishi_pajero_wagon_23-abfe8032-1bad-41dd-8b33-4a6da9dbc3dc.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-details/) While hybrid and electric utes were uncommon when the current Triton launched in 2023, the technology has become far more prominent, such as in the BYD Shark 6 (Australia’s best-selling PHEV ever), the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, the Ford Ranger Hybrid (formerly PHEV), JAC Hunter PHEV, plus the upcoming Chery Stockman. In the case of the Mitsubishi Pajero, it’s already been confirmed the new-generation model will ride on the same body-on-frame platform as the Triton, meaning it’s most likely to launch with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Fewer of the Pajero’s rivals are available as hybrids, aside from a number of new competitors from China, like the GWM Tank 500 and Denza B5, however the segment is expected to grow. The new Mitsubishi Pajero will launch later this year. ### BMW’s Mercedes G-Wagen rival called off - report URL: https://torquecafe.com/bmws-mercedes-g-wagen-rival-called-off-report/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T00:45:40.000Z For the past two years, BMW has been rumoured to have been plotting a rugged, off-road ready rival to the popular Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, but now it appears to have been axed. As reported by [*BMW Blog*](https://www.bmwblog.com/2026/07/29/bmw-g74-rugged-suv-canceled/?ref=torquecafe.com), the BMW ‘G74’ – as it was reportedly called internally – did not pass through the required internal approval process to make production, effectively putting it on ice or even off the table entirely. While *BMW Blog* first reported on it being an internal project in 2024, this was amplified in August last year when respected outlet [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/bmw/an-bmw-plans-rugged-g-wagen-fighter-0813/?ref=torquecafe.com) provided [additional details](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-set-to-launch-mercedes-g-wagen-fighter/) of the G74, claiming it would launch in 2029. Set to allegedly be called the BMW Rugged, the off-roader was meant to look tougher than the X5 both in appearance and off-road capability, though like the Mercedes 4x4 it was expected to retain some luxury trimmings. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/bmw-x5-silver-anniversary-edition-3--1--1.jpg) BMW X5 Silver Anniversary Edition Initially it was expected to be based on the electric Neue Klasse architecture of the new iX3, before later reports linked it to the recently launched X5, which would have meant the option of petrol and diesel engines alongside plug-in hybrids. Strangely, despite its alleged off-road credentials, it was expected to be a three-row SUV, similar to the likes of the Toyota LandCruiser. While the project could still come to fruition, recent reports of BMW looking to cut 8000 jobs as it aims to slash costs means niche products are unlikely to go ahead. Despite this, other brands may look to take on the G-Wagen – and Land Rover Defender – with their own offerings. [Unexpected brand’s boss adds fuel to rugged SUV rumour fireAudi could be the latest in a line of luxury car brands to introduce a rugged, off-road focused SUV.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-3ac9a9e1-3f0b-4796-bf17-1097d3019fbf.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2025-01-audi-q6-e-tron-offroad-concept-6-33d3c657-705a-4633-9232-78c89986aa5d.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/unexpected-brands-boss-adds-fuel-to-rugged-suv-rumour-fire/) Audi CEO Gernot Döllner has said the carmaker is “evaluating” whether an off-road oriented SUV could fit into its model lineup, representing the second time he’s hinted at such a product this year. “The perfect thing is that I can imagine an Audi from the A2, \[a\] very efficient city car, to a super sports car, from a small SUV to a rugged SUV in the US, that would also fit the Audi brand,” the CEO told US publication [*Car and Driver*](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70578383/audi-ceo-gas-engines-have-a-future/?ref=torquecafe.com) in March. Döllner has spoken on the record multiple times in the recent past about a rugged SUV being in Audi’s plans, after [*Automobilwoche*](https://www.automobilwoche.de/autohersteller/volkswagen/audi/amw-audi-suv-usa-scout-werk/?ref=torquecafe.com) reported on the potential off-roader late last year. Likewise Genesis unveiled the [X Gran Equator concept](https://torquecafe.com/a-luxury-suv-built-for-modern-cowboys/) in April last year, and its executives have been vocal about the prospect of it reaching production. [Unlikely brand could take on the Mercedes G-WagenHyundai’s luxury division Genesis is expected to be the next challenger to the G-Wagen with a new SUV.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-01c554ab-4b73-47af-ab5f-936146ae599f.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/4_GVX_3QRearView_v02_16.9-dab6bfbe-c87c-4fee-96ad-1d05abd27748.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/unlikely-brand-could-take-on-the-mercedes-g-wagen/) Speaking at the Hyundai Group’s Investor Day in September, CEO José Muñoz provided the clearest hint yet that the X Gran Equator will influence a production model, even if it’s not identical to the concept. “We will go beyond the brand’s existing model lineup to create new flagship vehicles,” Muñoz said. “For example, an off-roader infused with the spirit of adventure, just like the X Gran Equator concept. These vehicles, which are currently concepts, exemplify our ambition to offer leading products that deliver exceptional experiences.” Genesis hasn’t detailed what platform the production X Gran Equator could run on, though given Hyundai is developing a body-on-frame underpinning for its upcoming mid-sized pickup (or ute), this is a likely candidate. ### Mazda boss wants an RX-7 successor URL: https://torquecafe.com/mazda-news-rx7-successor-ceo/ Last updated: 2026-07-30T23:29:49.000Z Rumours of Mazda finally bringing a true sports car in the vein of the RX-7 have been circulating since 2023, when the brand teased the Iconic SP Compact Sports Car concept at the Japan Mobility Show. With a striking resemblance to the FD-generation RX-7, it has long been anticipated that Mazda will – sooner rather than later – lean on potentially its most recognisable performance model to inspire its next halo model. Speaking to Germany’s [*Auto Motor und Sport*](https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/neuheiten/exklusiv-naechster-mx-5-kommt-mit-elektroantrieb-bestaetigung-vom-mazda-chef/?ref=torquecafe.com), Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro all but confirmed the carmaker has a sports car to sit above the popular MX-5 in mind, though it doesn’t yet know what shape it’ll take. “I want a 'hero car' for Mazda , a true flagship model that perfectly embodies our brand values,” Moro said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/mazda_iconic_sp_8-1-scaled.jpg) Mazda Iconic SP Concept “While we have the MX-5 for affordable sportiness and intend to continue producing it, we're still missing a top model at the upper end of the range. This won't be a high-volume seller, but rather a pure image-builder, possibly handcrafted.” It’s not the first time Mazda’s executives have teased a new flagship sports car is on the horizon, with Mazda’s Chief Technical Officer, [Ryuichi Umeshita](https://torquecafe.com/next-mazda-mx-5-could-adopt-electric-power/), telling [*Motortrend*](https://www.motortrend.com/news/next-generation-mazda-rx-7-mx-5-miata-rotary-development?ref=torquecafe.com) last year: “You can expect Iconic SP will be a good successor for RX-7”. The yet-to-be-named sports coupe is expected to [complement the MX-5](https://torquecafe.com/next-mazda-mx-5-could-adopt-electric-power/), rather than take away from the long-standing but smaller model. One big difference between the two will be the production Iconic SP’s engine, which will be a rotary. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/crop_Rearqtr.jpg) Mazda Iconic SP Concept At least it will in part, as it’s expected to act as a generator for the on-board battery which feeds an electric motor, becoming a range-extender. According to the Motortrend report, the electric motor will produce about 270kW, while the engine itself will be compliant with strict emissions regulations. For context, the most powerful RX-7s made 206kW from the factory, although this was when Japanese manufacturers had a gentleman’s agreement to not publish higher power figures. The true number was expected to be much higher. Previous rumours suggested 2027 would be its launch date, at which time it’ll be 25 years since the last RX-7s rolled off the production line, and 15 years since the end of production for the RX-8, the quirky four-door semi-successor. ### Mercedes-AMG teases new V8-powered convertible URL: https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-amg-g-wagen-g63-cabriolet-convertible/ Last updated: 2026-07-30T03:57:33.000Z Mercedes-AMG is well and truly back on the V8 train, and looks set to create one of the most unique versions of its popular G63 SUV. [Last year](https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-benz-news-g-wagen-cabriolet/), Mercedes-Benz teased the return of the G-Class (or G-Wagen) Cabriolet, as it was undertaking testing in Austria at the time. Now it’s one step closer to launching, with the brand division posting teaser images of the V8-powered G63 AMG with its soft-top, representing the first time it’s been offered in Cabriolet form. “Jaw-dropping. Roof-folding. Unmistakably G-Class. Stay tuned for more,” it posted. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/mercedes-amg-g63-cabriolet-2.jpg) Mercedes-AMG G63 Cabriolet It’s expected the Mercedes-AMG G63 Cabriolet won’t differ too much from the existing fixed-roof, hard-top version, which is popular thanks to its boxy looks and menacing sound. In the existing G63 AMG, its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 produces 430kW and 850Nm, delivering its raucous sound through side-exit exhausts, while being able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than 4.5 seconds, thanks to its all-wheel drive system. Though the Cabriolet will undoubtedly weigh more, it shouldn’t do too much harm to the G63’s performance stats, given the big SUV is rarely taken to the limit of its abilities. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/mercedes-amg-g63-cabriolet-1.jpg) Mercedes-AMG G63 Cabriolet Mercedes has yet to announce when the G-Wagen Cabriolet will launch, though it’s previously said it’ll be a “special edition”, which could mean a limited production run, and a high price tag. In Australia, the standard G63 AMG retails for $372,327 plus on-road costs, significantly more than the less luxurious, turbo-diesel powered G450d, priced from $217,227 before on-roads. It’s not yet known whether more than just the AMG variant of the G-Wagen will be available in Cabriolet form. ### Next Mazda MX-5 could adopt electric power URL: https://torquecafe.com/next-mazda-mx-5-could-adopt-electric-power/ Last updated: 2026-07-30T01:22:56.000Z Ever since it launched in 1989, the four generations of the Mazda MX-5 have been centred around three pillars: light weight, rev-happy engines, and analogue feeling. According to Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro, that may change with the upcoming ‘NE’ MX-5, with the executive telling Germany’s [*Auto Motor und Sport*](https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/neuheiten/exklusiv-naechster-mx-5-kommt-mit-elektroantrieb-bestaetigung-vom-mazda-chef/?ref=torquecafe.com) that its next generation could offer electric power. “The successor must also be ready for a scenario without a combustion engine,” Moro said. “The challenge for us is to make the basic structure lighter without using exotic materials like carbon fibre.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/crop_Mazda_MX-5_0122_HR.webp) While petrol power would remain at the forefront of the MX-5 lineup, Moro said Mazda’s engineers are likely to be able to get the EV version under 1200kg, keeping with the ethos of the current model. “The target weight for the developers is between just under 1000 and 1200 kilograms, Moro added. “And I believe we can achieve that. That would mean that a future electric MX-5 would be no heavier than today's combustion engine models” For context, an automatic version of the current Mazda MX-5 RF – which features a power-folding roof – weighs just over 1130kg, while the entry-level manual tips the scales at about 1070kg. [The least popular Mazda MX-5 was almost the most uniqueThe Mazda MX-5 has stuck to a simple recipe since 1989: four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive and two doors… but one of those ingredients almost changed.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-1b388a1c-49c8-451c-9256-2914b78dcc21.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/mazda-mx-5-nc-3-d6e5f7df-173e-4d79-bccd-8475e4594fab.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/mazda-mx5-v6-swap-2000s-nc/) It’s expected the next MX-5 with petrol power will feature Mazda’s upcoming 2.5-litre four-cylinder Skyactiv-Z engine. Though Moro appears keen to add an electric MX-5 to the lineup, [in February](https://torquecafe.com/how-mazda-plans-to-keep-the-mx-5-alive-for-as-long-as-possible/) Mazda Europe’s director of research and operations, Christian Schultze, told Dutch publication [*AutoRAI*](https://autorai.nl/interview-opvolger-mazda-mx-5/??ref=torquecafe.com&ref=torquecafe.com) this would pose engineering challenges to the platform. “If we’re bound to a fully electric MX-5 in the future, that will be a serious engineering challenge,” he said. “Everyone knows how much a battery weighs. Relative to the total weight of an MX-5, a battery pack can easily account for half the vehicle’s weight. And precisely that low weight is one of the absolute core values ​​of the MX-5. “The MX-5 has always been a lightweight sports car. That’s not a marketing term, but a fundamental principle of development. As soon as you add hundreds of kilos of battery weight, you have to drastically compensate in other areas. [How Mazda plans to keep the MX-5 alive for “as long as possible”The next-generation Mazda MX-5 could well be the sports car icon’s last iteration with petrol power, something the carmaker is very aware of.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-537559fd-4368-4a1b-ad97-a6ca993f255e.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_Mazda_MX-5_0081_HR-cb0d9d0f-5e00-4174-9e07-c38c0eb60f39.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/how-mazda-plans-to-keep-the-mx-5-alive-for-as-long-as-possible/) “This requires very clever designs, new materials, and different packaging. You really have to delve deep into the technical toolbox to preserve the car’s character. “I honestly hope that in the future we can offer an MX-5 that is electrified, but not fully electric. That could be a solution, for example, where you combine a relatively light form of electrification with CO₂-neutral fuel. This way, you maintain the light weight and direct character, while working towards emissions reduction.” With Europe repealing its ban on new petrol and diesel cars by 2035 and the US winding back penalties for emissions, it seems more likely than ever that the MX-5 still has a long road ahead of it, with Schultze adding Mazda wants to “keep this iconic car alive for as long as possible”. “The MX-5 is an essential part of our brand DNA. As long as we can maintain its core values - lightweightness, balance, and pure driving pleasure - we will continue to look for solutions to future-proof the MX-5.” ### Ex-Stig triggers legal battle over Top Gear-ending crash URL: https://torquecafe.com/ex-stig-triggers-legal-battle-over-top-gear-ending-crash/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T07:08:37.000Z The modern incarnation of the BBC’s Top Gear ended abruptly in December 2022, when co-host and former English international test cricketer, Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, suffered significant facial injuries after an on-set car crash. Flintoff, who joined Paddy McGuinness as a host of Top Gear alongside Chris Harris in 2019, was driving a Morgan Super 3 three-wheeler when the vehicle rolled at the Dunsfold Aerodrome. The crash led him to undergo facial surgery and eventually led to a £9 million ($17 million) settlement for the former cricketer, who has resumed his life in the sport in a coaching capacity. Though it wasn’t published at the time, Flintoff had a passenger onboard with him at the time of the incident, and now he is attempting to sue the BBC. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/LIPMAN_JL98591.jpg) A Morgan Super 3, similar to that driven by Flintoff in the crash Paul Rees was sitting beside Flintoff when the car crashed, and was at the time claimed to be one of Top Gear’s mysterious, unknown racing drivers, known as The Stig. While [Phil Keen had been confirmed as the last Stig in 2024](https://archive.torquecafe.com/the-stigs-final-identity-confirmed/?ref=torquecafe.com) by former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson, it’s understood the role was shared with – or had been passed to – Rees shortly before the incident. In an exclusive interview with [*The Sun*](https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/39841852/stig-freddie-flintoff-top-gear-smash/?ref=torquecafe.com), Rees detailed the day leading up to the incident, sharing his reservations at the time about driving the Morgan at high speed, noting its relative lack of roll-over protection and potential to become inverted. Rees told *The Sun* he had questioned why they were not required to wear helmets, and that he had been told by a Morgan staff member that the only risk of flipping the car was if it ended up going backwards and then had steering input. The racing driver added that he was taken to hospital on a spinal board following the incident, while Flintoff had been air-lifted via helicopter as Rees claims the on-site medical team didn’t have the resources to deal with the extent of his injuries. Almost four years on from the incident, Rees is now suing the BBC for £100,000 (A$191,200) in damages, though the broadcaster has hit back at claims of negligence. As reported by [*BBC News*](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gy59p5gz6o?ref=torquecafe.com), a BBC Studios defence filing showed conversations between Flintoff and Rees in the Morgan, in which it’s alleged Flintoff was concerned about the car’s potential to roll, but was reassured by Rees that it wouldn’t happen. Rees reportedly told Flintoff to apply more power through a corner, which was followed by its crash. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/LIPMAN_JL95594.jpg) A Morgan Super 3, similar to that driven by Flintoff in the crash “At no time in the period after the accident did the claimant (Rees) suggest that he had suffered any injury in the accident,” BBC Studios said in its court documents. In 2024, Chris Harris – who has since returned to YouTube, having become popular on the platform prior to joining Top Gear – told Joe Rogan that he had foreseen incidents arrising due to the BBC’s complacency. "I had seen this coming," Harris said on the Joe Rogan Experience. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/jnvi5awlrsjbosfvcueh.jpg) Freddie Flintoff (left), Paddy McGuinness (centre) and Chris Harris (right) hosted Top Gear from 2019 to 2022 "There was a big inquiry, a lot of soul searching, the BBC is good at that. But what was never spoken about was that, three months before the accident, I’d gone to the BBC and said: unless you change something, someone’s going to die on this show." "I saw this coming. I thought I did the right thing. I went to the BBC. And I found out that no one had taken me very seriously." Top Gear was placed on indefinite hiatus following the crash, before the BBC said it was resting the title in 2024. ### Mercedes-AMG’s new V8 supercar caught on camera URL: https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-amgs-new-v8-supercar-caught-on-camera/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T06:08:36.000Z Mercedes-AMG is gearing up for the launch of its new GT Black Series, with the twin-turbo V8 sports coupe spied testing ahead of an expected unveiling next year. [First announced in March](https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-amg-news-gt-black-series-teased/), AMG says the new-generation model will be the “most extreme Black Series ever”, having previously served as the limited-run flagship of the first-generation GT, and now coming to bring the second-generation version to the race track. In a video uploaded to YouTube by N Cars, the new GT Black Series was spotted testing with a handful of other Mercedes-Benz models in Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountain ranges – the same region where one GT63 was filmed burning to the ground. Little has changed to when we first saw the prototype in camouflage earlier this year, though it has lost its racing-inspired fluoro yellow highlights for a simple black and white finish. Though camouflage covers the details, the GT Black Series appears to get a GT3-inspired aerodynamics package which includes a swan-neck rear wing and side-exit exhausts, as well as multiple bonnet vents plus a front splitter with extra canards. It’ll serve as the upon which the new AMG GT3 race vehicle will be homologated, and do battle with the likes of the Porsche 911, Ford Mustang GTD and the upcoming Toyota GR GT in showrooms as well as on the track. AMG is still running the first-generation GT in its GT3 racing program, powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8\. This engine was never available in the first-gen GT road car, which instead had a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 heart. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/mercedes-amg-gt-black-series-teaser-3.jpg) New Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series (front) with the new AMG GT3 (rear) It’s expected the new GT Black Series will finally move to a twin-turbo V8 engine, with Mercedes-Benz recently launching the M177 Evo, an updated version of the 4.0-litre, now with a flat-plane crankshaft. Speaking with US publication [*MotorTrend*](https://www.motortrend.com/news/future-mercedes-benz-evs-amg-gas-engines?ref=torquecafe.com) in May, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius said the M177 Evo will be offered in three distinct guises: “the Mercedes-Benz \[version\], the AMG \[version\], and the ‘go crazy’ AMG \[version\].” Given the AMG version of the engine is understood to be powering the upcoming CLE-based ‘Mythos’ series vehicle, it is widely expected the “go crazy” version of the V8 will work its way into the upcoming AMG GT Black Series. “At AMG, we develop vehicles to exceed expectations,” AMG CEO Michael Schiebe has said. “And that is exactly what the future Black Series and the new GT3 will do.” [AMG promises to ‘go crazy’ with new V8The new line of Mercedes-Benz V8s will come in three flavours, with the most potent of the lot leaving AMG’s regular engines in its wake.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-0a494eab-c467-4625-ae59-1af8b48717ae.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/mercedes-amg-gt-black-series-teaser-1-9046363b-434c-4fc4-a95a-7e1ee46e0110.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/amg-promises-to-go-crazy-with-new-v8/) ### Richard Hammond fined after speeding twice in a month URL: https://torquecafe.com/richard-hammond-fined-after-speeding-twice-in-a-month/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T03:44:11.000Z Richard Hammond once almost broke the UK’s land speed record in a jet-powered drag car, and almost 20 years on he’s continued to go fast – much to the ire of local police. As first reported by [*The Guardian*](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jul/28/top-gear-richard-hammond-fined-speeding-bentley-porche?ref=torquecafe.com), Hammond – best known for co-hosting Top Gear and The Grand Tour alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May – was caught speeding in a Porsche Taycan on December 2, 2025. According to West Mercia Police, the Taycan was travelling at 68mph (109km/h) in a 50mph (80km/h) zone on the A40 in Pencraig, Herefordshire by a police officer using a handheld speed camera. Just 20 days later on December 22, he was then detected at 82mph (131km/h) in a 70mph (113km/h) zone of the A50 in Rudhall, Herefordshire, this time by an overhead camera while driving a Bentley Continental GT. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DT3FTCoCJL4/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Izzy Hammond (@izzyhammondx)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DT3FTCoCJL4/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) The two speeding fines were reportedly sent to Hammond’s home and farm estate but marked as “addressee gone away”, before it was sent to his other residence. In total, Hammond was issued seven penalty points (with a maximum of 12 before licences are suspended) and fined £1771 ($3390). After wrapping up his time with Clarkson and May on their motoring programs, Hammond has continued to create automotive content with his daughter Izzy on Drivetribe. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Hammond's famous crash in the Vampire dragster, which occurred on September 20, 2006 and saw the presenter placed in a medically induced coma as a result of the incident. ### Former Holden factory site gets $500 million investment URL: https://torquecafe.com/former-holden-factory-site-gets-500-million-investment/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T02:07:24.000Z Holden stopped manufacturing cars in Australia in October 2017, leaving its main plant in Elizabeth, South Australia effectively unused. That was until 2023 when the Epicurean Food Group (EFG) purchased the factory and used it to briefly grow mushrooms, until later that year when the business went into administration, once again throwing the site into limbo. Now its future has been secured, with the site of the factory becoming an Australia Post parcel sorting centre, due to open in late 2028. Dubbed the Adelaide Parcel Super Hub, ground broke on the site this week, with the 83,000 square-metre facility aimed to be able to process approximately 400,000 parcels daily, servicing both Australia Post and StarTrack operations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/1280.jpg) The final Australian-made Holden Commodore rolling off the production line According to Australia Post, the facility will “use advanced technology, including autonomous vehicles and robotic pallet movers, to reduce manual handling and improve team member safety”, assisting humans at all stages of the process. Set to be developed by South Australian developers the Pelligra Group, a total of $500 million has been earmarked for the facility, making it one the largest investment in AusPost’s regional operations. “This facility will be the blueprint for our most technically advanced facilities, providing greater opportunities for team members to upskill technically, operationally and digitally,” said Australia Post executive general manager network operations, Shane Plant. “We’ll be looking for roles that support automation and controls, mechanical and electrical and those that can work alongside robotic systems as we continue to modernise our network.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/commodore-vfii-1--1-.jpg) Elizabeth produced every generation of Australian-built Holden Commodore The Elizabeth factory started operations in 1960, though the first full vehicle built there was made in 1963, with the Holden EH representing a new era for the brand. Following the closure of Holden’s Dandenong plant in 1989, Elizabeth became the only factory in Australia exclusively producing Holden cars, churning out the likes of the Commodore, Monaro and the Cruze after the Daewoo-based model originally came from South Australia. Holden itself was wound down at the end of 2020 by General Motors. [Former Ford Falcon factory site to be turned into a data centreThe birthplace of the Australian Ford Falcon - among numerous other vehicles - is set to be transformed by a cloud and AI data company.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-e9e63d63-4dc2-4c56-a100-38478bc1343f.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-falcon-xk-1-22d39c81-7d69-4bff-8f6b-c8fcefc43519.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-australia-falcon-broadmeadows-ai-data-centre/) The news of the former Holden factory site being turned into a postage hub comes after Ford’s former Broadmeadows Assembly Plant site was announced to become a data centre. Reported by [*The Urban Developer*](https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/zerra-dc-campbellfield-melbourne-ford-assembly-factory-data-centre-campus?ref=torquecafe.com) in May, the Barry Road site - technically located in Campbellfield, north of Melbourne - is set to be developed into a data centre by Singaporean firm Zerra DC, which has already filed for approval with the Victorian Government. Documents lodged by Zerra DC in April show the site, located on 300-340 Barry Road, will be home to a “substantial 6-building Data Centre (nested within ‘Utility Installation’) campus and precinct, with ancillary ‘Office’ space”, if approved. [No, Australia isn’t going to make cars again | OpinionDespite the battle cries of potential future Liberal Party leader Andrew Hastie, Australia’s car industry will largely be in the past.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-dd5dbb05-b7be-464d-960f-520c339f7df2.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_VX-Commodore-908cd87e-c03c-4ff1-ae1e-77554876d3f3.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/no-australia-isnt-going-to-make-cars-again-opinion/) ### Iconic muscle car nameplate to return, but V8 not assured URL: https://torquecafe.com/dodge-charger-super-bee-reveal-roadkill-nights/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T00:05:33.000Z Dodge is preparing to reveal what it calls the most powerful Sixpack-powered Charger next week, expected to carry the Super Bee nameplate. In a video [posted to social media](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEmEsXnnLHU&ref=torquecafe.com) – which appears to be AI-generated – Dodge teased the Super Bee’s return with a swarm of bees on a drag strip lighting tower, adding the upcoming model will be revealed on August 7, US time. That aligns with information the brand has previously shared, announcing the unveiling of the new flagship six-cylinder Charger at Roadkill Nights, set to take place at the same time. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/dodge_charger_srt8_super_bee_20--1-.jpg) 2014 Dodge Charger Super Bee The Super Bee Name was first used on a performance version of the Dodge Cornet in the late 1960s, and has been revived in the past on the most recent two generations of the Charger, before it entered its current generation. Having previously been available with a Hemi V8, the Charger is now sold as both an EV or a twin-turbo straight-six powered model, offering coupe and sedan bodystyles, the former of which replaced the last Challenger. Currently, the most powerful version of the twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder Sixpack Charger is the Scat Pack, which develops 410kW and 720Nm, sent to an all-wheel drive system through a 10-speed automatic transmission. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/DG023_297CH2psldk6nidm6s8lhp1l4mobuu3--1-.jpg) 2023 Dodge Charger Super Bee If the Super Bee is the car Dodge has been teasing, we can expect to see a further increase in outputs, though by how much is yet to be known. The recent rebirth of the Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division has seen the wider Stellantis family – which includes Ram, Jeep and Chrysler – put out more teasers for performance vehicles. In May, SRT teased a new variant of the Charger, which specialist publication MoparInsiders had previously reported would be the reborn Hellcat, likely resurrecting the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine which became synonymous with the most powerful versions of the last generation Charger sedan and Challenger coupe. [Dodge Charger leaves America for Europe, but no closer to AustraliaThe Dodge Charger is venturing out of North America to be offered in more markets, though it’ll remain left-hand drive only and off bounds for Australia.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-a885a006-8e99-4dbf-ac10-13c47bb6b04c.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/dodge-charger-daytona-ev--1--284cb778-1837-41bf-8939-3203b78924fa.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/dodge-charger-leaves-america-for-europe-but-no-closer-to-australia/) While it had been expected that Dodge would fit the Charger with a non-supercharged Hemi V8 by now – a path already followed by Ram with the 1500 – it appears to be sticking with the Sixpack for the foreseeable future. Ram meanwhile has already brought back its own 'Bee' vehicle, relaunching the 1500 Rumble Bee earlier this year, with its three variants all powered by different sized Hemi V8s. ### Bathurst 1000 winner’s former V8 muscle car for sale… again URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-mustang-djr-will-davison-auction/ Last updated: 2026-07-28T06:57:40.000Z Former full-time Supercars driver and two-time Bathurst 1000 winner Will Davison last year sold his rare Ford Mustang DJR 40th Anniversary, and it hasn’t taken long for it to appear for sale again. Now appearing via the [Macquarie Auction Group](https://macquarieauction.bidsonline.com.au/catalogue%5Fdetail.aspx?cdid=2988687&chid=28253&category=ALL&style=group&ref=torquecafe.com), the 2022 Mustang is build number 17 of the 100 examples which were planned, reflecting Davison’s racing number when it was completed. It was [last year sold](https://torquecafe.com/how-you-can-buy-this-supercars-stars-supercharged-mustang/) by the now-defunct Vellozzi Auctions for an undisclosed amount, during what turned out to be Davison’s final few months as a Dick Johnson Racing driver, having joined the longest-running Supercars team in 2021, exclusively competing with the #17. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/will-davison-ford-mustang-djr-40th-anniversary-3.jpg) Not much has changed about the car since it was last listed, with even the photos being copied from its previous auction. It hasn’t driven much further either, still showing less than 350km on its odometer, with its V8 engine barely run in. Built by Herrod Performance, the DJR 40th Anniversary received a 3.0-litre Whipple HP Gen X V supercharger bolted onto its 5.0-litre Coyote V8, resulting in power and torque rising from 339kW and 556Nm to 578kW and 810Nm. To keep the Mustang reliable, Herrod carried out extra engine and transmission cooling work, while a unique exhaust was fitted to the modified vehicles. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/will-davison-ford-mustang-djr-40th-anniversary-2.jpg) In a bid to make it handle better, 20-inch diameter wheels were shod in wider Michelin tyres, and were teamed with revised springs, adjustable anti-roll bars and a Herrod-specific adaptive suspension tune. Cosmetic changes included a front splitter and rear wing, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, retrimmed seats and unique DJR-themed interior appointments. When new, the Mustang DJR 40th Anniversary cost about $130,000, which included the circa-$65,000 price of the Mustang GT donor car. At the time of writing, bidding has reached just over $60,000, with the auction due to end on August 4 at 7:25pm. ### GWM dethrones Ford as Australia’s diesel torque king URL: https://torquecafe.com/gwm-news-cannon-alpha-tank-500-3-litre-turbo-diesel-power-torque/ Last updated: 2026-07-28T04:36:46.000Z Australia will be the first market in the world to receive GWM’s new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, set to power the Cannon Alpha ute and Tank 500 SUV. Previously announced as a [replacement for the 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel](https://torquecafe.com/gwm-news-turbo-diesel-engine-debut-australia/) in the Cannon Alpha and as a first-time diesel offering in the Tank 500, GWM has today confirmed outputs for the larger 3.0-litre. Producing 170kW of power and 620Nm of torque, GWM’s 3.0-litre four-cylinder is up 35kW and 140Nm on the 2.4-litre it replaces, while also being in the same ballpark as the Ford Ranger and Everest. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/gwm-tank-500-cannon-alpha-3-litre-turbo-diesel-3.jpg) GWM Tank 500 3.0-litre (left) and Cannon Alpha 3.0-litre (right) In the Fords, a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 is available, developing more power than GWM’s engine at 184kW, but less torque at 600Nm. For further context, the Toyota HiLux and LandCruiser Prado both feature a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, putting out 150kW and 500Nm. The Isuzu D-Max (plus its Mazda BT-50 twin) and MU-X, the only other vehicles with a 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, also manage just 140kW and 450Nm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/gwm-cannon-alpha-3-litre-turbo-diesel-1.jpg) GWM Cannon Alpha 3.0L That now means that in their respective classes – and at the price points – the 3.0-litre Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 produce more torque than their competitors, while retaining their existing 3500kg braked towing capacity. A nine-speed automatic transmission continues to sit behind the new 3.0-litre engine, while GWM claims it also consumes less fuel, with a lab test result of 7.3L/100km in the Cannon Alpha (well down from the 2.4-litre’s 8.9L/100km figure), and 7.1L/100km for the Tank 500. The engine itself has been the subject of more than six months of testing locally, with its engineering and validation led by former Holden engineer Rob Trubiani, who has served as GWM Australia’s product engineering and vehicle dynamics manager since last year. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/gwm-tank-500-3-litre-turbo-diesel-1.jpg) GWM Tank 500 3.0L While GWM took up permanent residency at the Lang Lang proving grounds formerly owned by Holden in 2025, the [recent purchase of the facility](https://torquecafe.com/holden-news-lang-lang-proving-ground-sold/) by a defence contractor led to the brand having to find another place to develop its products – a location that has yet to be announced. Pricing for the 3.0-litre Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha is yet to be announced, though GWM says customers can place expressions of interest now ahead of their debut in September. ### Former HSV Maloo makers create ‘the ultimate driver’s ute’ URL: https://torquecafe.com/walkinshaw-volkswagen-amarok-v6-w600-price-australia/ Last updated: 2026-07-28T02:58:09.000Z Volkswagen Australia has revealed pricing for the latest Walkinshaw-tuned Amarok, a ute which the carmaker claims was designed around becoming the “ultimate driver’s ute”. After the first-generation, Volkswagen-designed Amarok scored multiple Walkinshaw upgrades from 2020 to 2020 – across the W580, W580S and W580X variants – the two companies have paired up again, this time with the new Ford Ranger-based ute. Priced from $91,990 plus on-road costs, the Volkswagen Amarok V6 W600 is the most expensive version of the nameplate ever sold in Australia, as well as the dearest vehicle based on the Ranger offered locally, eclipsing the $90,690 price tag of the Ranger Raptor. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2027-volkswagen-amarok-v6-w600-3.jpg) Volkswagen Amarok V6 W600 Where the Ranger Raptor is designed to go as quick as possible off sealed surfaces, Walkinshaw’s aim for the Amarok V6 W600 was to focus on tarmac performance. It’s an area the brand knows well, with its VZ-generation HSV Maloo R8 still holding the record as the world’s fastest ute, after its 271km/h benchmark was set way back in 2006. The Amarok V6 W600 isn’t about straight-line speed, continuing with the same 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine as the majority of the Amarok and Ranger variants, still making 184kW and 600Nm, paired with a full-time four-wheel drive system and a 10-speed automatic transmission. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2027-volkswagen-amarok-v6-w600-2.jpg) Volkswagen Amarok V6 W600 That doesn’t mean changes haven’t been made under the skin, where there’s been a big overhaul to the suspension. Now riding on Koni shocks with Walkinshaw-tuned valves, the Amarok W600 also gets a 22mm rear anti-roll bar to deliver improved steering response and cornering stability, enhanced by its 20-inch alloy wheels being shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres. To set it apart from the rest of the Amarok lineup, the W600 features a unique front bumper, grille, light bar, Walkinshaw badging, powered side steps and even a side-exit exhaust, albeit still from behind the rear wheels. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2027-volkswagen-amarok-v6-w600-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2027-volkswagen-amarok-v6-w600-4.jpg) Volkswagen Amarok V6 W600 Inside there are a handful of changes too, such as Walkinshaw-embroidered head restraints, branded sports pedals, unique floor mats and sill plates, plus puddle lights with the Walkinshaw logo. Opting for an electric roller cover adds an extra $3450 to the price, while metallic paint is a $1100 premium. "The Amarok V6 W600 is about much more than appearance. It's a vehicle that has been engineered from the ground up to elevate the driving experience while retaining all the capability, practicality and refinement that customers expect from Amarok," said Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand director, Nathan Johnson. "When you consider the breadth of the package, from the bespoke Walkinshaw-developed suspension and chassis calibration to the premium interior and distinctive exterior enhancements, the W600 offers customers a uniquely engineered performance ute unlike anything else in the segment." ### Hot sedan to keep V8, manual into next generation - report URL: https://torquecafe.com/cadillac-ct5-to-keep-v8-and-manual-details/ Last updated: 2026-07-28T01:23:26.000Z Cadillac this week confirmed the CT5 sedan – its Holden Commodore-sized offering – will be renewed for a new generation, giving more weight to reports of it continuing to be offered as a performance model. This was only further fuelled when US dealer Andrea Anderson (posting on Instagram as [*Andrea.sells.cadillac*](https://www.instagram.com/andrea.sells.cadillac/?hl=en&ref=torquecafe.com)) claimed she had been told by Cadillac insider sources that the CT5 will not only offer the choice of a naturally aspirated V8 engine, but also a manual transmission alongside an automatic. The video was reported on by [*The Drive*](https://www.thedrive.com/news/next-cadillac-ct5-v-will-offer-a-naturally-aspirated-v8-and-a-manual-transmission?ref=torquecafe.com) but was subsequently taken down, with no reason given behind its removal. A Cadillac spokesperson told *The Drive* it couldn’t, “comment on future product speculation, and we have nothing new to announce at this time, before adding “Cadillac has confirmed that the CT5 will return as an internal combustion product in the future.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/crop_2022-Cadillac-CT5-V-Blackwing-208-1.jpg) Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing The reports of the CT5 coming back as an N/A V8 and manual model aligns with recent reporting by specialist publication [*GM Authority*](https://gmauthority.com/blog/2026/04/next-gen-chevy-camaro-to-offer-more-than-one-transmission-choice/?ref=torquecafe.com), which claims the same will happen for the reborn Chevrolet Camaro. Both the current CT5 and the most recent Camaro (which ended production in 2023) are underpinned by variants of the ‘Alpha’ platform, which supports V8 engines and manual transmissions. Cadillac’s flagship CT5 is the CT5-V Blackwing, which features a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 and a six-speed manual gearbox, but can be had with a 10-speed automatic – a similar formula to the now-defunct Camaro ZL1. The surprise to the latest reports though is the CT5 potentially getting a naturally aspirated V8, as the current model is only available with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 (CT5-V), and the supercharged V8 (CT5-V Blackwing). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/crop_43_2022-Cadillac-CT5-V-Blackwing-201_TC.jpg) Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing A few months ago, General Motors launched its new sixth-generation small-block V8 in the C8 Corvette Grand Sport, with that particular model [getting the 6.7-litre LS6.](https://torquecafe.com/general-motors-news-ls6-v8-revealed-chevrolet-corvette/) Last month, the new [Silverado 1500 was revealed in the US](https://torquecafe.com/bigger-bolder-v8-powered-chevrolet-silverado-not-locked-in-for-australia/), featuring a 5.7-litre V8 replacing the outgoing 5.3-litre L84, while the previous flagship 6.2-litre L87 has been superseded by a 6.6-litre V8. It’s possible any of these engines could find their way into the new CT5 and/or Camaro, though it remains to be seen whether GM will continue to supercharge its flagship models. The next-generation Camaro is set to blur the lines between the nameplate and the CT5, with reports claiming it will become a four-door with coupe-esque styling, rather than be a two-door coupe or convertible as it has been for generations. [‘Spicy’ high-performance V8 Chevrolet Camaro comingA new performance flagship to the returning Chevrolet Camaro lineup is expected to feature an even more powerful V8 engine.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-98504984-3de4-44ca-abc1-120ae299e25b.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/MY19-Camaro-ZL1-Engine-Bay-92f91ce1-e06e-436b-9140-3ea3b9383409.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/v8-chevrolet-camaro-coming-with-high-performance/) Expected to adopt coupe-like design cues, the new Camaro is still expected to be the spiritual successor to the likes of the Chevrolet SS, which was a rebadged VF Holden Commodore sold in the US. Ford is also understood to be planning to launch a [sedan version of the Mustang coupe](https://torquecafe.com/return-of-the-ford-falcon-four-door-mustang-timeline-firms/), which would bring it back into the petrol-powered passenger car segment. A report by [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/car-concepts/future-product/an-ford-future-product-0824/?ref=torquecafe.com) in August last year claimed a Mustang-derived four-door sedan could launch as soon as early 2028, at least in the US. ### Mercedes-AMG A45 Final Edition farewells the hottest hatch URL: https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-amg-a45-final-edition-farewells-the-hottest-hatch/ Last updated: 2026-07-27T23:45:07.000Z Mercedes-AMG disrupted the hot hatch community when it first launched the A45 AMG in 2013, taking on the likes of the Volkswagen Golf R and Audi RS3 with a more powerful, all-wheel drive weapon. For the past 13 years, the A45 AMG has held its spot as one of the – if not the absolute – most powerful offerings in the market, with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine able to squeeze out a huge 310kW and 500Nm. But all good things must come to an end, and that is nearly here for the A45 AMG, which is set to be farewelled with a new ‘Final Edition’. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/mercedes-amg-a45-final-edition-3.jpg) Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4MATIC+ Final Edition Officially called the Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4MATIC+ Final Edition, it has launched for Europe and the UK, but the brand’s Australian division says there are no plans to bring it here. It continues to be powered by the turbocharged four-cylinder ‘M139’ engine which AMG claims is the most powerful of its kind, with no additional outputs. Visually it stands out thanks to its Manufaktur Mountain Grey Magno paintwork and large “45 S” lettering in yellow and black with a white outline on its front doors, while the mirrors also feature an AMG-specific black diamond pattern with a yellow outline. There are more yellow accents around the exterior, carrying across to the wheel centre caps for the 19-inch forged rims, fitted in front of ‘high-performance’ brakes, featuring gloss black calipers with white AMG lettering. Giving the A45 AMG Final Edition even more presence is its Aerodynamics Package, consisting of a larger front splitter and canards, a diffuser and a roof spoiler, all finished in high-gloss black. Inside, the Final Edition gets Artico man-made leather and black Microcut microfiber upholstery, with yellow contrast stitching on the seats and door panels. The front head restraints also get an embroidered ‘45 S’ emblem. It also has a yellow-stitched steering wheel, unique floor mats and sill panels, while there’s a ‘45 S Final Edition’ plaque on the centre console. Mercedes-AMG is yet to announce what will replace the A45 AMG, though given the related [CLA45 has gone electric](https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-amg-cla45-packs-a-500kw-punch/), it’s likely this hot hatch may be one of the brand’s last with petrol power. [TOP 5: Hot Hatches still standingOnce the dominant performance car category, the fast hatchback is becoming an endangered species.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-90b321f1-584c-4858-b0f7-eb1ca4f8746f.png)TorquecafeStephen Ottley![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/Collage_hot-hatch-1-718c3600-d838-4ac2-9426-60f5cb36fc4e.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/top-5-hot-hatches-still-standing/) ### Last of the best turbo Ford Falcons up for auction URL: https://torquecafe.com/last-of-the-best-turbo-ford-falcons-up-for-auction/ Last updated: 2026-07-27T06:31:53.000Z It’s hard to believe that we’re only a handful of months away from it being 10 years since the last Ford Falcons rolled off the production line in Australia, but that decade has gone by swiftly. The 10 years since October 2016 have passed almost as fast as the Ford Falcon XR6 Sprint, one of two models which celebrated the long-standing sedan with a high-performance send-off, and now the last of those rare models is being offered at auction. Listed by [Burns and Co](https://burnsandcoauctions.com.au/portfolio/2016-ford-falcon-xr6-sprint-build-500-of-500/?ref=torquecafe.com) is build #500 of the 500 XR6 Sprints made for Australia in September 2016, a swansong for the turbocharged 4.0-litre ‘Barra’ straight-six engine which made its debut back in the BA Falcon of 2002, and soon became a cult icon. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ford-falcon-xr6-sprint-500-1.jpg) Ford Falcon XR6 Sprint Image credit: Burns and Co Derived from the six-cylinder block which powered the Falcon across multiple decades, the Barra in turbocharged form was able to deliver performance on par with the equivalent V8-powered Falcon XR8, all without the penalty of weight over the front axle. Available in standard XR6 Turbo, and later G6E Turbo guise across the BA, BF, FG and FG X generations, the Barra also found itself in FPV’s F6s, Force 6 and F6E, though none stood as tall as the XR6 Sprint. Announced alongside the related XR8 Sprint in 2016, the nameplate harked back to the ED XR6 and XR8 Sprints of the ED from the early 1990s, becoming the pinnacle of the lineup. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ford-falcon-xr6-sprint-500-4.jpg) Ford Falcon XR6 Sprint Image credit: Burns and Co Using knowledge from the then-defunct FPV program, the FG X XR6 Sprint stood out with its gold Brembo brakes, staggered wheels, rear lip spoiler and ‘hockey stick’ stripes, though it’s what was under the bonnet which truly made it special. After the turbocharged Barra initially made 240kW and 450Nm when it first launched in the BA XR6 Turbo, outputs crept up to 270kW and 533Nm by the time the FG X variant came around (excluding the hotter FPV versions along the way). In the Falcon XR6 Sprint, it was turned up to 325kW and 576Nm in standard trim, while an overboost feature bumped outputs up to 370kW and 650Nm for 10 seconds under certain conditions, sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed ZF automatic transmission. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ford-falcon-xr6-sprint-500-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ford-falcon-xr6-sprint-500-3.jpg) Ford Falcon XR6 Sprint Image credit: Burns and Co At the time, the 500 Australian examples (50 more were made for New Zealand) retailed for $54,990 plus on-roads, a $8900 premium over the standard XR6 Turbo. Equivalent to more than $72,000 today, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a relative performance bargain. For this particular example, Ford dealer John Bradbury bought car #500 for $122,000 at a charity auction when it was new, and it’s done very little since. According to Burns and Co, it has clocked up just 40 kilometres and never been registered. The auction takes place from today (July 27) to July 29 as a part of the firm’s July Muscle, Classics & Motoring Auction in Melbourne. ### Toyota GR GT has the Porsche 911 GT3, Mercedes-AMG GT in its sights URL: https://torquecafe.com/toyota-gr-gt-has-the-porsche-911-gt3-mercedes-amg-gt-in-its-sights/ Last updated: 2026-07-27T03:48:31.000Z Toyota appears to be wasting no time in expanding the GR GT family, after a bewinged version of the upcoming sports coupe was spotted at the Nürburgring. So far Toyota has only previewed one production version of the [GR GT](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-gr-gt-photos-images-power-v8-hybrid/), which has since been doing the rounds as its promotional vehicle for the spiritual successor to the Lexus LFA. That looks like it’ll change though, with Toyota’s GR GT3 racer set to influence a more hardcore on-road version of the standard model, akin to the Porsche 911 GT3 in that model’s lineup. Filmed by CarSpyMedia, the camouflaged GR GT features a far more aggressive body than that of the car we’ve already seen revealed by Toyota. This includes a larger front splitter, bumper canards, more venting on the bonnet and wheel arches, while at the rear there’s a large diffuser and huge swan-neck style wing to generate even more downforce. It doesn’t sound different to the standard car, while its wheels also continue to be shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, which on the road vehicle help to deliver grip from the double-wishbone suspension and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes. The development of the GT3-inspired Toyota GR GT comes amid Mercedes-AMG also testing a hardcore version of its GT car, with the [Black Series](https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-amg-news-gt-black-series-teased/) to be the homologation base for its own GT3 race vehicle. [Toyota open to new supercar for AustraliaThe GR GT is the brand’s new flagship sports car and the local boss wants it in Australia.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-71d1d3fb-eb58-4c0d-ba2c-70cad2b481d4.png)TorquecafeStephen Ottley![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2027-toyota-gr-gt-8-ca936195-6337-48af-bdcf-52401836f265.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-wants-porsche-rival-in-australia/) Many comparisons have been drawn between the Toyota GR GT and the Mercedes-AMG GT, not only due to their names but also because both feature twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engines, both located at the front, rather than most competitors which are mid- or rear-engined. The GR GT has a target kerb weight of less than 1750kg, with a 45:55 front-to-rear weight distribution. That makes it quite a bit lighter than the current Mercedes-AMG GT63, with the all-wheel drive sports coupe tipping the scales at over 1900kg. In the Toyota, its V8 engine features a single electric motor in its all-new dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transaxle, capable of producing 478kW and 850Nm combined to make it the most powerful vehicle the brand has ever made. Its racing derivative, the GR GT3, will make its track debut in 2027. ### Mercedes-AMG GT prototype destroyed by fire URL: https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-amg-gt-prototype-destroyed-by-fire/ Last updated: 2026-07-27T02:00:23.000Z Testing and development of new vehicles can be risky business, as the occupants of this Mercedes-AMG GT unfortunately found out. A video uploaded to Instagram by user[*@kikisnevada\_pgarage*](https://www.instagram.com/kikisnevada%5Fpgarage/?ref=torquecafe.com) shows the in-development AMG GT ablaze in the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges in Spain, having reportedly been undergoing testing in the region. The poster claims its occupants were unharmed and tried to stop the fire with fire extinguishers they were carrying, but to no avail. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbJLMdnsuCP/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Kiki\_Prelude29 (@kikisnevada\_pgarage)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbJLMdnsuCP/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) It’s understood the AMG GT had a similar powertrain to the current GT 63 S E Performance, which mates a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine to a plug-in hybrid system, consisting of an electric motor and a 400-volt, 4.8kWh battery. Mercedes-AMG is yet to comment on the cause of the fire, which is understood to be under investigation. It’s not the first time the carmaker has had to deal with one of its hero models catching fire, after not one but two AMG One hypercars have been lost to separate blazes within the past three years. ### Subaru moves on from ‘boring’ old ways to new performance focus URL: https://torquecafe.com/subarus-moves-on-from-boring-old-ways-to-new-performance-focus/ Last updated: 2026-07-27T03:22:25.000Z Subaru has been the target of criticism from the performance vehicle community in recent years, having shelved its iconic WRX STI and leaned into the EV space. That all appears to be unravelling, after Subaru established a new Sports Vehicle Planning Office earlier this year, which has already made an all-wheel drive, turbocharged BRZ rally car. In June, it shared a teaser image of three cars covered in sheets, previewing a tougher WRX sedan, a hotter BRZ coupe, and what is widely expected to be the returning WRX hatchback. Speaking to Japanese publication [*Best Car*](https://bestcarweb.jp/feature/tieup/1563219?ref=torquecafe.com), Subaru’s chief technical officer Tetsuro Fujinuki said the creation of the planning office allowed such vehicles to be created, and brought an end to the brand’s “boring” way of operating. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/subaru-brz-sti-sport-ra-4.jpg) Subaru BRZ STI Sport Type RA “Subaru's development system has changed dramatically recently. We've created a Product Innovation Headquarters and established a Sports Vehicle Planning Office specialising in sports models,” Fujinuki said. “We decided to abandon the old way of doing things. Because it's boring. We'd have a confirmation meeting, then another meeting, and they'd bring out similar materials again. “So we tried developing it entirely digitally. And it turned out we could do quite a lot. As a result, our development speed increased, and we were able to do more daring things.” The executive said plans for the three new cars are confidential, and only hinted at the power outputs to expect from the more potent of the WRXs. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/subaru-wrx-hatchback-brz-sedan-teaser-2.jpg) “I didn't say we were aiming for 400 horsepower (298kW),” he said when asked if the new WRX sedan could produce that much. “But the FA24 we're developing for Super Taikyu already exceeds 350 horsepower (240kW). I wonder why it's so powerful. Subaru can do it if they put their minds to it. I'm sure of it!” Subaru is competing in Japan’s Super Taikyu series with the WRX STI HiPerfX2, powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre boxer engine (shared with the current WRX), but with more performance parts and in a hatchback body. It’s expected this will influence the returning WRX hatch. [Subaru WRX manual hatchback teased alongside tougher BRZ and WRX sedanThe Subaru WRX hatchback is one step closer to returning, after the brand teased three new manual models to launch soon![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-0aed2b24-f2a2-4866-aacb-3f1fab2dcb49.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/subaru-wrx-hatchback-brz-sedan-teaser-1-1-76c3bac4-e391-47b8-bf9e-c945456d92ca.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/subaru-wrx-manual-hatchback-teased-alongside-tougher-brz-and-wrx-sedan/) For the WRX sedan, the performance will move from the ‘TY75’ six-speed manual which has been available for the WRX since 2014, and adopt the stronger ‘TY85’ from the previous-generation WRX STI. Designed to handle more power and torque as well as added abuse, the TY85 transmission was previously discontinued following the end of production for the ‘VA’-generation WRX STI, however it’s now coming back for the standard WRX. Currently Japan has no manual-equipped WRXs in local showrooms, though earlier this year it announced the manual would come in the form of the WRX STI Sport#. In the case of the BRZ, the sports coupe will get a series production variant influenced by the [BRZ STI Sport Type RA](https://torquecafe.com/subaru-brz-sti-sport-type-ra-revealed/), previously limited to 300 units in Japan. All three vehicles are due to launch in their home market by 2027, though whether they’ll be sold elsewhere remains to be seen. ### Crash splits Australian’s Ferrari SF90 in two URL: https://torquecafe.com/crash-splits-australians-ferrari-sf90-in-two/ Last updated: 2026-07-26T23:28:04.000Z There’s now one fewer Ferrari SF90 on Australian roads, following a crash on the Gold Coast involving local property investor and influencer Sam Gordon. Images uploaded to Facebook showed the SF90 split into two with its main monocoque separated from the rear subframe (which includes the engine and transaxle) on Rio Vista Boulevard at Mermaid Waters. The car reportedly crashed into a tree, leading to the split behind the bulkhead, resulting in the passenger compartment breaking away from the powertrain behind it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/8f378af338efff2f7b10c193bb50df0a.jpg) Gordon, the owner of the Ferrari, was the only occupant of the V8-powered supercar, and managed to escape unharmed, later posting on social media that he was “all sweet”. “Massive shout out to Ferrari for building a crazy car that protects the driver first in an accident.” He can count himself as lucky the crash – or at least the resulting damage – wasn’t as severe, given the SF90 is a hybrid with three electric motors and a high voltage battery. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/e0ae81ea14bd15f74761fef93ebe0c81.jpg) The 7.9kWh lithium-ion battery is located just behind the seats, and in this case would have been slightly ahead of where the car split apart. While the SF90’s twin-turbo V8 engine delivers 574kW and 800Nm to the rear wheels alone, it’s boosted by a single rear electric motor as well as two at the front, raising the total power output up to 360kW. Weighing just 1600kg, Ferrari quoted a 0-100km/h time of 2.5 seconds for the SF90, while it can sprint to 200km/h in just 6.7 seconds. ### Porsche to swing the axe on its workforce again URL: https://torquecafe.com/porsche-to-swing-the-axe-on-its-workforce-again/ Last updated: 2026-07-25T20:00:43.000Z Porsche has already announced it’s making 3900 positions redundant, and now reports claim it could add a further 5000 to that tally in an attempt to repair its finances. As reported by [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/volkswagen/porsche/ane-porsche-job-cuts-germany-faster-turnaround-0723/?ref=torquecafe.com), approximately 8900 Porsche employees in Germany will be cut from the brand’s payroll in Germany by the end of 2035, representing a significant reduction in its current local workforce of 23,000 staff. The plan has reportedly been approved by Porsche’s supervisory board, after it was put forward by CEO Michael Leiters in response to growing financial concerns within the Stuttgart-based carmaker. *Automotive News* reports the additional 5000 job cuts will occur through “natural attrition, early retirement and voluntary severance”, and will likely impact administration and R&D roles within Porsche. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/Porsche-718-gts-cayman.jpg) The publication says Porsche’s development centre in Weissach – where some of the brand’s most iconic road and race cars have been developed – is most likely to be impacted. Leiters has previously said Porsche needs to get to a point where it sells only about 180,000 vehicles a year to break-even. Though it is currently profitable after selling almost 280,000 cars in 2025, there have been significant changes to its business model recently. [Last year](https://torquecafe.com/famous-brand-admits-9-billion-mistake/), Porsche made a U-turn on its EV plans, a move which reportedly cost its Volkswagen Group parent €5.1 billion ($9.1 billion), while the Stuttgart brand projected its operating profit would drop by €1.8 billion ($3.2 billion) in the 2025 financial year. [Porsche open to new hypercar to boost profitsThe Porsche 918 might not be the last in a short line of hypercars from Stuttgart, as the German marque is reportedly eyeing up a new flagship.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-6134ee10-8afa-4af6-a2b6-fa7e3c0db736.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/8_Porsche-918-Spyder_2-f7abfa3d-1b85-4e1a-8cb6-795ed5ecdf96.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-open-to-new-hypercar-to-boost-profits/) It still was able to make an operating profit in 2025 of €90 million (A$146 million), though this was a reduction of 98 per cent compared to its previous turnover of €5.3 billion (A$8.7 billion). To boost profitability, there are a handful of vehicles on the horizon, such as the return of a Macan-sized SUV with an internal combustion engine, a large three-row SUV, and a new flagship supercar, a successor to the 918 Hybrid and Carrera GT. “We are considering the expansion of our product portfolio in order to grow in higher-margin segments. In doing so, we are looking at models and derivatives both above our current two-door sports cars and above the Cayenne”, Leiters said earlier this year. [Petrol-powered Porsche Cayman, Boxster revival could be axed - reportBefore it has even happened, the anticipated petrol-powered versions of the next Porsche 718 twins - the Cayman and Boxster - may not go ahead.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-96559657-3f3d-454c-890a-4c631f65a7e7.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/Porsche-718-Spyder-18cef9ec-2167-497b-b692-752535679acb.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/petrol-powered-porsche-cayman-boxster-revival-could-be-axed-report/) Porsche has been shuffling its future product plans in the wake of changing consumer demand globally, having last year confirmed the new 718 (Cayman and Boxster) won’t go EV-only as first intended. Instead, Porsche said it would expand the 718 lineup to offer “top ICE (internal combustion engine) derivatives”, suggesting the flagship RS versions of each would be the only versions to get a petrol engine. However, earlier this month German newspaper [*Bild*](https://www.bild.de/politik/inland/wende-im-vw-machtkampf-jetzt-doch-keine-werksschliessungen-6a52103036e98236c4bc5080?ref=torquecafe.com) reported the Volkswagen Group is eyeing up the discontinuation of more than half a dozen models, which includes the internal combustion engine-powered 718 (Boxster and Cayman twins). ### Apple technology coming to Ford’s revolutionary new car URL: https://torquecafe.com/apple-technology-coming-to-fords-revolutionary-new-car/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T20:00:25.000Z Ford is on the verge of revealing the first of its Universal Vehicles, set to be a sub-Ranger-sized ute with a drastic new look. The brand has made bold claims about the mid-sized pickup, which it hopes will not only be a revolution to the brand but the wider automotive industry, especially in the US. Now it has revealed the entire Universal Vehicle Platform family will feature integrated Apple Maps, allowing the navigation software to be natively installed in the infotainment system, which extends to the driver’s display. Ford says that by using Apple’s new MapKit for Automotive SDK, its EVs will “offer drivers turn-by-turn directions using natural language, real-time traffic and incident information, intuitive search featuring detailed place cards, and routing options to help users easily find the best route to their destination”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ford-universal-electric-vehicle-ute-pickup-ranchero-1.jpg) This will also extend to Apple Maps being used to pick the best routes for EVs, working with the architecture of the car to precondition its battery on approach to a charging location. Most significantly, Ford has confirmed the UEVs will use “road-level information from Apple Maps as part of the development of its next-generation BlueCruise hands-free highway driving capability to deliver a more seamless on-ramp-to-off-ramp experience”. In layman's terms, this means Apple Maps will work in tandem with Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free, semi-autonomous driving system to help guide the vehicle to its destination without further input from the driver behind the steering wheel. “Our new midsize electric vehicle will be priced around US$30,000 (A$43,000) and redefines what advanced technology can be – simple, useful, and truly attainable for more customers,” said Ford CEO, Jim Farley. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ford-universal-electric-vehicle-ute-pickup-ranchero-5.jpg) “We’re proud to embed Apple Maps’ navigation and mapping technology directly into our Universal Electric Vehicle Platform, giving customers the ultimate navigation experience alongside our Ford app, a full suite of software, and next-generation BlueCruise, all enabled by a new zonal architecture. “Apple Maps has delivered a world-class product, and we’re honored to be among the first to embed it directly into a vehicle, helping define intuitive, capable driving.” The carmaker has previously claimed the new ute will be “as fast as a Mustang EcoBoost” (which accelerates from 0-100km/h in about 5.5 seconds), and will start from “about US$30,000 (A$45,400)”. [Ford’s revolutionary new ute spiedThe first vehicle to be underpinned by Ford’s Universal EV Platform has been spotted in the wild.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-09db7e4b-e95b-4110-b9f0-d9d23c62c106.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-universal-electric-vehicle-ute-pickup-ranchero-1--1--e5ac78ad-1b0f-4d26-a4e1-57a8f62e6b1d.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/fords-revolutionary-new-ute-spied/) While its name hasn’t officially been announced, Ford has recently trademarked the Ranchero name, previously used on a car-based ute in the US - similar to the Ford Falcon, or Chevrolet’s El Camino. Due to launch in 2027 and become the first vehicle running Ford’s Universal EV Platform, the brand has gone so far as to claim its recent relationship with the world of [Formula 1 has helped development](https://torquecafe.com/how-f1-is-shaping-fords-next-ranger-sized-ute/). In total, Ford claims its tweaks to the conventional shape of a pickup with the developments of its EV mean it is 15 per cent more aerodynamically efficient, delivering up to 80km more driving range. ### Mercedes-AMG hasn’t ruled out C63, E63 V8 return URL: https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-amg-hasnt-ruled-out-c63-e63-v8-return/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T03:23:19.000Z V8 power is slowly returning to the Mercedes-AMG lineup, with a new-generation, flat-plane crank engine to be at the centre of its future family. In the past few years, the twin-turbo V8-powered C63 and E63 AMGs have fallen by the wayside, with the former first transitioning to become a turbocharged four-cylinder plug-in hybrid before earlier this year being confirmed for execution. With the ‘63’ monikers departing or already gone, the AMG C53 (upcoming) and E53 (already on sale) versions in their place feature six-cylinder engines, though fans of the brand are consistent in calling for the return of the V8. Speaking to US publication [*Car and Driver*](https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a73219827/why-mercedes-still-hasnt-announced-v-8-c63-and-e63-amgs/?ref=torquecafe.com), Mercedes-Benz board member Mathias Geisen said to "stay tuned" when asked about the return of V8 power in the C63 and E63, but on some conditions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/crop_E63s006.jpg) 2024 Mercedes-AMG E63 “One step after the other. First we have to make sure we have a very nice and sophisticated V8, and of course we now look into market demand and have some plans of where else to use it.” In May, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius told [*MotorTrend*](https://www.motortrend.com/news/future-mercedes-benz-evs-amg-gas-engines?ref=torquecafe.com) the new V8 engine – which has already debuted in the Benz S-Class – will be offered in three distinct guises: “the Mercedes-Benz \[version\], the AMG \[version\], and the ‘go crazy’ AMG \[version\].” The M177 Evo powering the S-Class is a revised version of the existing twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, previously featuring a cross-plane crankshaft but has now moved to a flat-plane crank. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/crop_E63s087.jpg) Pre-Evo M177 V8 The cross-plane M177 has featured extensively in the AMG lineup, from the pre-PHEV C63 to the GLC and GLS. It’s expected the new AMG V8 will debut in the GLS63, before featuring in other models including the CLE-based ‘Mythos’ series vehicle, teased most recently in May. While the CLE replaces both the C-Class and E-Class cabriolets as a middle-ground model, it too is without a permanent V8-powered family member for now. [AMG promises to ‘go crazy’ with new V8The new line of Mercedes-Benz V8s will come in three flavours, with the most potent of the lot leaving AMG’s regular engines in its wake.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-13b740f8-8c64-4d0e-9b28-a0b76c91defe.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/mercedes-amg-gt-black-series-teaser-1-dbdaa542-ca8c-4d72-bc52-4b75b17fb8a5.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/amg-promises-to-go-crazy-with-new-v8/) For what it's worth, AMG CEO Michael Schiebe has been open about the brand’s mistakes of moving from a V8 to a four-cylinder in the C63. “We jumped far ahead with this technology, but we should have explained the technology more to our salespeople and customers. We will continue to do that and further improve,” Schiebe told [*Car*](https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/industry-news/mercedes-benz/amg-boss/?ref=torquecafe.com) magazine last year. “There is a German saying, ‘You never have a second chance at a first impression.’ Maybe we missed out on the first impression, but if you have the opportunity, I’m sure you will be convinced of the technology.” ### Ford to co-develop new model with Chinese giant Geely URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-to-co-develop-new-model-with-chinese-giant-geely/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T01:06:04.000Z Ford has secured a long-rumoured Chinese brand to enter a joint venture with in Europe, announcing Geely as its newest global relationship. As Chinese carmakers are slugged with tariffs in Europe on cars built back home, Geely will partially circumvent the taxes by becoming a 34 per cent partner in the joint venture, with Ford holding the controlling 66 per cent stake. From 2028, Ford’s Valencia factory in Spain – currently home to production of the Kuga SUV – will produce what’s being called a “multi-energy crossover” which is being co-developed with Geely, but designed by the Blue Oval brand. It’s understood it’ll offer plug-in hybrid, full electric and range-extender hybrid powertrains, though it’s not yet clear as to whether it’ll wear badges of both brands. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/Ford_and_Geely_Auto_Join_Forces_in_Europe_6_102.jpg) Ford has [previously said](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-europe-bronco-fiesta-revival-2030/) it would launch a pair of “multi-energy rally-bred crossover models” in Europe by the end of 2029. Geely will produce two more SUVs at the factory, one of which will be the existing EX5 EV, while its additional model is under development. Both will start rolling down the line in 2028. According to Ford, production of the Kuga “will continue uninterrupted”, while it’ll be joined by “a new member of the global Bronco family” from 2028. “This joint venture keeps production, investment and jobs in Europe, at a European plant, with European workers,” said Ford of Europe President, Jim Baumbick. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/1616673216318_103--1-.jpg) “We chose a partner willing to invest alongside us in European manufacturing and to compete on a level playing field, building in Europe, for Europe, and playing by the same rules we do. “We don't have time to wait for policymakers to finish debating reforms. We are acting now to build a competitive industrial system that strengthens European manufacturing rather than sidesteps it.” In May, Ford of Europe announced a five-model onslaught by 2030, with the local market Bronco set to be the first down the line. It’ll become the fourth Bronco-badged model on sale globally, alongside the American full-size Bronco (related to the Ford Everest), the Bronco Sport (based on the Escape) and China’s [Bronco New Energy](https://torquecafe.com/the-ford-suv-australia-needs/). [Ford to launch five ‘rally-bred’ models by the end of the decadeFord of Europe’s product offensive is centred around the brand’s new go-anywhere ethos, resulting in five new cars in showrooms by 2030.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-f18e5dcc-2af7-4291-912c-7c65a7d017d1.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-europe-five-vehicles-2030--e86ce082-748b-4df1-8880-53a2b2a19adf.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-europe-bronco-fiesta-revival-2030/) With Ford announcing the European Bronco will be a “multi-energy” vehicle, it’s expected to be based on the ‘C2’ platform which underpins the Escape and now-defunct Focus, as well as the Kuga. While the C2 architecture hasn’t yet been used in an electric vehicle, [Autocar](https://torquecafe.com/return-of-the-ford-focus-crucial-new-model-to-launch/) reported last year the mid-sized SUV would be offered as an EV, alongside more affordable petrol-hybrid versions, similar to the smaller Puma. Another previous report by [Automotive News](https://www.autonews.com/ford/ane-ford-bronco-production-valencia-spain-1202/?utm%5Fsource=Sailthru&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=Newsletter-ANEDontMiss-20251202) suggested the Bronco would be available with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, however its sources said there won’t be an EV, representing a conflict with the Autocar report. It’s not yet clear whether vehicles from the Geely and Ford joint venture will be offered beyond Europe. ### Is Toyota testing a new MR2 or Celica? URL: https://torquecafe.com/is-toyota-testing-a-new-mr2-or-celica/ Last updated: 2026-07-23T23:44:06.000Z Toyota’s Gazoo Racing (GR) family expansion is set to continue, after its latest test mule was spied testing at the brand’s home track, Fuji Speedway. Captured by X (formerly Twitter) user [@You\_SuiKoyoAZ](https://x.com/You%5FSuiKoyoAZ?ref=torquecafe.com), the test car was seen lapping the circuit, wearing no camouflage and an all-black body, with the unmistakable sound of a four-cylinder engine emanating from its exhaust. While the engine itself is almost certainly Toyota’s new ‘G20E’ turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine – expected to succeed the 1.6-litre three-cylinder which powers the GR Yaris and GR Corolla for its performance products – little more is known about the car itself. > ミュージアムのカフェにいたらなんかきた…!! > な に こ れ [pic.twitter.com/T9TMktQEnz](https://t.co/T9TMktQEnz?ref=torquecafe.com) > > — ∬なのぽよ∬🧪🗿 💬🔁💙 𝙉𝙚𝙭𝙩→？ (@You\_SuiKoyoAZ) [July 22, 2026](https://x.com/You%5FSuiKoyoAZ/status/2079756194701602919?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=torquecafe.com) Since last year, Toyota has been racing a GR Yaris which has been converted to be mid-engined in Japan’s Super Taikyu racing series, with the M Concept believed to be a testbed for the upcoming MR2 revival. The tail lights on the unknown prototype are from the GR Yaris, though it’s unclear where the headlights are borrowed from. Its roll cage inside as well as a spike for an airjack and a racing-style fuel delivery system suggest this is being prepared to race, rather than be a road car. The biggest question however is what’s under the skin, as it’s unclear whether the four-cylinder engine is located under the bonnet or the rear bodywork, however it doesn’t appear to be a hatchback, which would lead to restricted access in the case of the latter. > 走行動画 [pic.twitter.com/5LxZVE7FCC](https://t.co/5LxZVE7FCC?ref=torquecafe.com) > > — ∬なのぽよ∬🧪🗿 💬🔁💙 𝙉𝙚𝙭𝙩→？ (@You\_SuiKoyoAZ) [July 22, 2026](https://x.com/You%5FSuiKoyoAZ/status/2079763151487369407?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=torquecafe.com) In addition to the upcoming return of the MR2, it has also long been rumoured that the Celica nameplate will come back, with some reports from Japan claiming the pair will both be powered by the same G20E engine, but differ in their designs and powertrain configurations. [Back in February](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-celica-return-imminent-after-rally-car-spied-testing/), Toyota was spied testing its new WRC car for 2027, with many linking it to the revived Celica, thanks to its coupe design. It appears that in both – or either – case, Toyota is wanting its new cars to be based around competition, potentially coming as the homologation bases for its road-going performance offerings. [Toyota Celica return imminent after rally car spied testingRumours of the Toyota Celica’s revival are only set to heat up, after the carmaker was spied testing a new two-door coupe rally car.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-91ba826a-29de-4522-8f9f-e04b7d55d42c.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/toyota_celica_zr-364f61f0-f36d-4e37-a4a0-9c4210fdb061.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-celica-return-imminent-after-rally-car-spied-testing/) Most recently, in March UK publication [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/toyota-celica-sport-get-hybrid-20-litre-turbo-and-4wd?ref=torquecafe.com) reported the Celica will come back as the Celica Sport, and potentially be offered with all-wheel drive and a hybrid system to keep its emissions levels down. Likewise, for the first time the Toyota MR2 will be all-wheel drive, based on learnings from the GR Yaris M Concept. “This layout is new for us, but we have found in our initial testing that the combination of an all-wheel-drive mid-ship layout offers the best layout for high-performance driving,” Naohiko Saito, Toyota GR’s chief engineer, told [*Auto Express*](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/toyota/365687/new-toyota-mr2-or-celica-thrilling-mid-engined-sports-car-prototype-driven?ref=torquecafe.com). [New Toyota MR2 details uncoveredThe potential return of the Toyota MR2 will see the sports car stay true to its mid-engined roots, but with the added bonus of all-wheel drive.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-c71401b8-b501-49f7-ab3b-26d42dc874c2.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/20251025_01_03-ca6d5f2e-ba6e-45c9-b100-f6f1e1c817bf.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/new-toyota-mr2-details-uncovered/) ### 2026 Nissan Z: Manual Nismo, facelifted coupe priced URL: https://torquecafe.com/2026-nissan-z-manual-nismo-facelifted-coupe-priced/ Last updated: 2026-07-23T01:00:08.000Z Nissan Australia has locked in pricing for the updated 2026 Z locally, with the sports coupe receiving a facelift alongside the addition of a three-pedal Z Nismo. [Unveiled globally in January](https://torquecafe.com/2026-nissan-z-facelift-green-tan/), the 2026 Nissan Z has been updated with a new face which makes it appear even more like certain versions of the 280Z – which saw the grille split by a chrome bumper – while its new-look machined-lip wheels have also been inspired by the Z31 300ZX. Now priced from $76,800 before on-road costs across both the nine-speed automatic and six-speed manual variants, it represents a $640 increase on its pre-update price. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-nissan-z-facelift-2--1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-nissan-z-facelift-4--1-.jpg) 2026 Nissan Z in Unryu Green In addition to the new bodywork, there’s also a new hero paint colour, with Unryu Green taking inspiration from the original Fairlady Z’s Grand Prix Green paintwork. Boulder Gray – a two-tone finish with a black roof – also rejoins the lineup In the cabin, buyers can opt for a new tan upholstery for no extra cost, while there’s also now a new wireless smartphone charger, a frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a revised start-up animation, plus a new design for the key. Under the skin, the standard Nissan Z also gets Nismo-tuned monotube dampers with larger pistons, claimed to deliver better ride comfort and handling. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-nissan-z-facelift-7--1-.jpg) 2026 Nissan Z with tan interior However, the big focus of the 2026 Nissan Z is the Nismo variant, which is now available as a six-speed manual, having previously been automatic only until the three-pedal was [launched in December 2025](https://torquecafe.com/nissan-news-z-nismo-manual-reveal-tokyo-auto-salon/). Both Nissan Z Nismo transmission variants share the same price of $95,000 plus on-roads, representing a price increase of $395. It retains the same design as previously, with the only other key change being its front brakes, now featuring two-piece front rotors, said to be derived from the R35 Nissan GT-R. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/251217-01_01_Z_3_NISMO_chartINT--1---1-.jpg) 2026 Nissan Z Nismo manual The Nissan Z continues to be powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine, sending up to 298kW and 475Nm to the rear wheels in the standard model, and 309kW and 520Nm in the Z Nismo. Standard features in the Z carry across, such as its mechanical limited-slip differential, active noise control, four-way power-adjustable seats with heating, leather upholstery, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and eight-speaker Bose sound system. The Nismo adds – among other features – the larger Akebono front brakes, Recaro seats, a unique bodykit and interior trim, as well as Rays 19-inch wheels shod in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 tyres. Nissan says the 2026 Z lineup is available to order this month, with first deliveries expected in September. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2024-nissan-z-nismo-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2024-nissan-z-nismo-2.jpg) 2024 Nissan Z Nismo ### Aston Martin Vanquish 25: V12 flagship celebrates 25th birthday URL: https://torquecafe.com/aston-martin-vanquish-25-v12-flagship-celebrates-25th-birthday/ Last updated: 2026-07-22T20:00:26.000Z The Aston Martin Vanquish is turning 25, and rather than retire its flagship, it's set to die another day with the launch of a limited-edition special, built by its Q division. Called the Vanquish 25, just 25 coupe and 25 Volante convertible versions will be made, either with 2+0 or 2+2 seating. Underneath the bespoke trim it's the same third-generation Vanquish that arrived in 2024 as Aston Martin's most powerful series-production car in its 113-year history, meaning no changes to the show-stopping 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12. ![Aston Martin Vanquish 25 Q Skye Silver exterior](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/aston-martin-vanquish-25-4.jpg) Aston Martin Vanquish 25 The V12 beating heart still produces 614kW and 1000Nm, sending the Vanquish 25 from 0-100km/h in 3.3 seconds, and on to a top speed of 344km/h. Aston Martin says the Vanquish 25's design draws inspiration from the original Ian Callum-designed Vanquish that debuted at the 2001 Geneva motor show, reworked with modern materials and finishing techniques. Exterior changes are led by an exclusive Q Skye Silver paint finish, along with metal foil detailing on the side sills and shield vanes, foil Aston Martin script, and a bespoke exhaust finisher with stainless steel side strakes. ![Aston Martin Vanquish 25 Q Skye Silver exterior](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/aston-martin-vanquish-25-2.jpg) Aston Martin Vanquish 25 There's also unique 'Vanquish 25' badging and a subtle 'V' motif worked into the 21-inch forged alloy wheels. nside, buyers get new trim perforation patterns and splits, seatbacks embroidered with the 'Vanquish 25' logo, laser-etched trim inlays, a bright red engine start/stop button surrounded by bespoke rotary detailing, and black Alcantara headlining. Three interior colourways are offered: Onyx Black, Oxford Tan, or Phantom Grey. Aston Martin's head of Q, Vittorio Gabba, said the special edition was a fitting way to mark the nameplate's history. ![Aston Martin Vanquish 25 Q Skye Silver exterior](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/aston-martin-vanquish-25-1.jpg) Aston Martin Vanquish 25 "25 years on from the unveiling of the very first Vanquish it is only right that we mark this nameplate's contribution to our heritage," Gabba said. The Vanquish 25 will make its public debut at Monterey Car Week in California in August, with first deliveries slated for the final quarter of 2026. Aston Martin hasn't released pricing, though given the exclusivity and bespoke Q treatment, buyers should expect a significant premium over the standard Vanquish's asking price of $753,000 plus on-roads for the coupe, and $813,000 for the Volante. ### Roofless Mitsubishi Magna shows the convertible we missed out on URL: https://torquecafe.com/roofless-mitsubishi-magna-shows-the-convertible-we-missed-out-on/ Last updated: 2026-07-22T06:00:21.000Z Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons often get all the glory as the two defining cars of Australia, but the Mitsubishi Magna still has a cult (not a Colt, that’s a different car) following, leading to [some Magnas doing magnificent things](https://www.facebook.com/magnamemes1.0). In the hands of South Australian YouTuber Dylan (better known as [BarnzyD](https://www.instagram.com/p/DbDVEwIhBDT/?ref=torquecafe.com)), this late-1990s TF Magna has done what very few have before, going topless courtesy of an angle grinder and a Toyota HiLux to pull its roof off. What resulted is a preview of what we could have got if Mitsubishi had decided to turn the Magna into a convertible, with its pillarless door frames aiding it to look almost like a factory job from afar. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbDVEwIhBDT/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by BarnzyD (@barnzyd\_)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbDVEwIhBDT/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) While the Magna did have many special versions, a convertible was never one of them, as its sedan and wagon body shapes wouldn’t have supported a folding roof. However, one of the stars of the Magna lineup in Australia was the later Ralliart, dressed up to look like a Lancer Evolution of the period, with mechanical upgrades such as a more powerful V6 engine and better suspension. The Magna was built in Australia at Mitsubishi’s Tonsley Park plant near Adelaide, with production running from 1985 to 2005, at which time it was replaced by the 380, a twin to the overseas Galant. Recently, Mitsubishi Motors President and COO, Keisuke Kishiura, said the spirit of the Lancer Evo – as well as the Galant and Diamante (the Magna’s twin) – is inspiring its next-generation products. [Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Magna twin’s spirit could be invoked in future modelsDon’t hold your breath for a revival of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, but the Japanese brand says it and other past models could inspire future products.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-af1e83b8-e53a-4bad-b7c7-f663bb03fde6.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2016_Lancer_Evolution_FE-20-1200x800-1-c819884b-c596-419e-b1fb-cf8e65ce7fbc.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-magna-twins-spirit-could-be-invoked-in-future-models/) ### Range Rover GT teased as brand’s first non-SUV URL: https://torquecafe.com/range-rover-gt-teased-as-brands-first-non-suv/ Last updated: 2026-07-21T23:34:39.000Z Range Rover is set to move away from the luxury SUV formula which has made it so popular for more than five decades, and will instead take on the likes of Porsche and even Ferrari with a new grand tourer. Called simply the Range Rover GT, the relatively low-slung, sloped-back four-door is the fifth member of the brand’s family, and by far the one which strays farthest from what it’s known for. Set to be a rival to the Porsche Taycan and Ferrari Luce, the Range Rover GT will be based on the new ‘EMA’ platform, first arriving as an electric vehicle, though it’ll have the capability to adopt a petrol engine and go hybrid “later in the lifecycle”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/range-rover-gt-1.jpg) Range Rover GT From the small selection of teaser images released by JLR, we can see the Range Rover GT will go bold with an upright face, slim lights and overall chunky side portions, while the actual glasshouse appears to be relatively small. It won’t be particularly close to the ground, though it still looks like it’ll ride more like a traditional sedan or wagon than the current high-riding Range Rovers. Inside, preview pictures of the cabin show the steering wheel will adopt the same layout as the [Jaguar Type 01](https://torquecafe.com/jaguar-news-type-00-ev-interior/), with touch-sensing haptic controls on its two spokes, stretching horizontally across the wheel’s diameter. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/range-rover-gt-2.jpg) Range Rover GT Behind it sit two stalks: the stalk on the left is for the lights, indicators and wipers, while the right controls the ‘gears’, allowing the driver to choose between Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive. A digital instrument cluster appears to span just over one-third of the dashboard’s width, while a large floating touchscreen is between the two front occupants, on top of a floating centre console. Just two seats are in the back, divided by a fixed control panel which allows rear occupants to adjust functions such as the climate control. According to Range Rover, the first GT prototypes are currently in the final stages of on-road testing, with more details to be revealed later this year. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/range-rover-gt-3.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/range-rover-gt-4.jpg) Range Rover GT “The Range Rover GT will redefine the grand-touring segment with the ability to deliver beautiful and engaging GT poise, proportions and long-distance refinement while offering capabilities no conventional GT can match,” said Range Rover managing director, Martin Limpert. “We have spent the last few years working obsessively on the fundamentals of the GT formula, reinterpreted in a sophisticated, uniquely Range Rover way. “The result is the most car-like, yet unmistakably capable, Range Rover ever created, now possible on our electrified EMA architecture – complementing our existing powertrain portfolio to deliver a complete set of options for every customer need. “Its blend of effortless EV performance, first-class long-haul refinement and all-terrain capability is pure Range Rover; while its calming interior previews our vision of a modern grand tourer.” ### Ram farewells popular 1500 pickup variant as new edition arrives URL: https://torquecafe.com/ram-farewells-popular-1500-pickup-variant-as-new-edition-arrives/ Last updated: 2026-07-21T23:00:27.000Z Ram Trucks Australia is saying farewell to one of the most popular six-cylinder 1500 variants, with the Laramie Sport now entering runout locally. What has been one of the best-selling Ram 1500 grades since the twin-turbo six-cylinder ‘Hurricane’-powered pickup arrived in 2025, the Laramie Sport will be effectively replaced by the Laramie Night Edition, featuring almost identical equipment but with a focus on black accents rather than chrome. From now until September 30, 2026 – or while stocks last – the 1500 Laramie Sport is in run-out, and is priced from $139,950 drive-away nationwide, representing savings upwards of $15,000, based on its current $141,950 plus on-roads list price. This drive-away deal also applies to the Ram 1500 Rebel, though the off-road focused version of the pickup isn’t in run-out and remains a mainstay of the lineup. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/MY26-Ram-1500-Laramie-Night-Edition-9.jpeg) Ram 1500 Laramie Night Edition With the Laramie Sport departing, the Laramie Night Edition is taking its place, and will start from the same price of $141,950 plus on-road costs. Compared to the variant it replaces, the Laramie Night Edition trades chrome exterior highlights for black, applied to its grille, badging, mirror caps, door handles, and exhaust tips. Like the entry-level 1500 Express Black Edition – which features the same black trim on the outside – it also gets a bulged ‘sports hood’, similar to that of the flagship 1500 Limited. Fitted with the unique ‘RamBox’ storage systems on the sides of the tub, the Laramie Night Edition provides 210 litres of additional storage, in addition to the 1.5-cubic metre tub capacity. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/MY26-Ram-1500-Laramie-Night-Edition-14.jpeg) Ram 1500 Laramie Night Edition It has also been fitted with larger 22-inch wheels, finished in black, representing a step up from the outgoing Sport’s 20s. Carry-over equipment includes a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster, a 14.4-inch infotainment screen, a 10.25-inch front passenger infotainment touchscreen, 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, leather-trimmed upholstery, heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats, plus a panoramic sunroof. Compared to the entry-level Express Black Edition, the Laramie Night Edition also gains a power tailgate, power-sliding rear window, powered side-steps, heated outboard rear seats, plus rain-sensing wipers. Powering the Ram 1500 Laramie Night Edition is the ‘Standard Output’ version of the twin-turbo 3.0-litre ‘Hurricane’ straight-six engine, producing 313kW and 635Nm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/MY26-Ram-1500-Laramie-Night-Edition-19.jpg) Ram 1500 Laramie Night Edition Shared with the Express Black Edition and Rebel, this engine offers higher outputs than the old 5.7-litre ‘Hemi’ V8 (291kW/556Nm), and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the Express Black Edition has a part-time four-wheel drive system – which can only be selected between two-wheel drive, high-range four-wheel drive and low-range four-wheel drive – the Laramie Night Edition gets a four-wheel drive automatic mode to become full-time. Its 799kg payload capacity is a reduction from the Laramie Sport (863kg), and is also below the Rebel (893kg), Limited (727kg) and even the Express Black Edition (1014kg), the latter of which has the highest capacity despite being the least expensive Ram 1500. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/MY26-Ram-1500-Laramie-Night-Edition-23.jpg) “The Laramie is one of the most popular variants in the Ram 1500 line-up and the new Night Edition is expected to broaden its appeal even further,” said Ram Trucks Australia general manager, Jeff Barber. “We know there are customers who prefer the design of the Sports Performance Hood – and black highlights instead of chrome – and the Laramie Night Edition delivers those enhancements as well as a long list of luxury features.” The Ram 1500 Laramie Night Edition is arriving in Australian showrooms this month. [2026 Ram 1500 Express review: Australia’s cheapest pickup testedRam has brought back an ‘affordable’ pickup to its Australian lineup. We test whether it’s worth the money.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-eb384ab5-21e0-49b4-9f14-2657cf370f1a.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2026-ram-1500-express-black-edition-7-11943ff2-ca0b-43cb-bf59-3f2e57563ff6.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ram-1500-express-review-australia/) ### Honda reveals 2026 Africa Twin range for Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/honda-reveals-2026-africa-twin-range-for-australia/ Last updated: 2026-07-21T22:37:33.000Z The updated CRF1100L range gets a styling refresh drawn from Honda's rally heritage — new graphics and a fresh set of colours — while the mechanical package underneath carries over largely unchanged. The bigger news for buyers is a new six-year warranty, which Honda says is an Australian-first for the segment. Four variants make up the line-up again: the standard Africa Twin, the Africa Twin ES, the Africa Twin ES DCT and the touring-focused Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT. Buyers can still choose between a manual gearbox or Honda's Dual Clutch Transmission depending on the variant. Each model wears a single colour for 2026 — Pearl Glare White (Tricolour) on the standard bike and the ES, Grand Prix Red on the ES DCT, and Iridium Gray Metallic on the Adventure Sports ES DCT. Power comes from the same 1,084cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin, running Throttle by Wire with four preset ride modes — Tour, Urban, Gravel and Off-Road — plus a customisable USER mode. Every bike gets an adjustable rally windscreen, selectable ABS, seven-position Honda Selectable Torque Control, cruise control, tool-free seat height adjustment, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. ## The range The base **Africa Twin** (from $22,999 RRP) is the off-road pick of the range, with a slim build, 18.8-litre tank, fully adjustable Showa suspension and a 21-inch front/18-inch rear wheel combo. Suspension travel runs to 230mm up front and 220mm at the rear. Stepping up to the **Africa Twin ES** (from $26,199 RRP, available soon) adds Showa's EERA electronically adjustable suspension — with Soft, Mid, Hard and Off-Road settings and adjustable rear pre-load — plus heated grips. The **Africa Twin ES DCT** (from $27,499 RRP) pairs that ES hardware with the automatic-or-manual DCT gearbox and a dedicated G Switch to sharpen traction over rough ground. At the top, the **Adventure Sports ES DCT** (from $29,899 RRP) is the long-hauler, swapping in a larger 24.8-litre tank, a lower seat, a 19-inch front wheel and shorter suspension travel for easier road manners. ## Availability The standard Africa Twin, ES DCT and Adventure Sports ES DCT are on sale now, with the Africa Twin ES to follow. "The 2026 Africa Twin is the ultimate expression of go-anywhere freedom, in an incredible value package," said Honda Australia's General Manager for Powersports and Products, Chris Schultz. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/26YM-CRF1100---42L-Aluminium-Top-Box.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/26YM-CRF1100---Aluminium-Pannier-L-R.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/26YM-CRF1100---Front-LED-Fog-Lights--Adventure-Sports---1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/26YM_AFRICA_TWIN_L3_LOCATION_03_3817.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-CRF1100L_D002_L1_MT_NH-B53P_PearlGlareWhite_RhSide_M.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-CRF1100L_H002_L3_DCT_R-380_GrandPrixRed_RhSide_M.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-CRF1100L_J002_L3_MT_NH-B53P_PearlGlareWhite_RhSide_M.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-CRF1100L_N002_L4_DCT_NH-C64M_MatIridiumGrayMetallic_RhSide_M.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/Front-LED-Fog-Lights---08V73MKSE00--26YM-CRF1100-.png) ### Police warn car owners to blur number plates online URL: https://torquecafe.com/police-warn-car-owners-to-blur-number-plates-online/ Last updated: 2026-07-21T20:00:48.000Z The rise in social media and ease of access to technology has culminated in a rise in cloned – or outright stolen – number plates, prompting Victoria Police to issue a warning to motorists. VicPol’s Frankston Crime Investigation Unit’s Targeted Enforcement Crew has since the end of March 2026 seized almost 32 pairs of cloned registration plates from homes in Baxter, Carrum Downs, Dandenong, Frankston, Frankston North, Langwarrin and Lynbrook. These plates are recreated by unscrupulous people who match the appearance of the real plate they’re copying, affixing them to either a near-identical car, or one that’s completely unrelated. This leads to vehicles with cloned plates being used for criminal activities, leading to an increased burden for those who are the victims of the cloning. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/stolen-holden-victoria-police--1-.jpg) Stolen Holdens being recovered by Victoria Police To help combat the increase in the prevalence of cloned plates, Frankston Investigation and Response Inspector Melissa Nixon said motorists should be vigilant when showing off their cars online, or even taking in-person measures to reduce the impact. “Having your numberplates cloned is not only an inconvenience, but it can also be costly to have them replaced,” Inspector Nixon said. “However, there are a few simple measures owners can take to lessen their chances of falling victim. “We strongly advise anyone who is trying to sell a car or posting images of their car online to blur the numberplate, to avoid falling victim to anyone scanning social media for registration plates to clone. “You can also install anti-theft screws which make it very hard for thieves to steal your plates quickly and without damaging them. These are free at police stations or available for a small price at hardware stores. [Victoria Police say more than a quarter of stolen cars taken using cloned keysVictoria’s increase in car thefts is largely being pinned on criminals using key cloning devices to steal vehicles with minimal intrusion.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-40600f22-3fa4-45a7-b2ee-b2631b2b285f.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/toyota-landcruiser-theft-queensland-police-1-ac15a2c8-6c09-45e8-919e-4b5b6792b8f5.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/victoria-police-say-more-a-quarter-of-stolen-cars-taken-using-cloned-keys/) “The success of the team in such a short period of time has already made a large dent in alleged syndicates across the southeast, and we will continue working around the clock to disrupt organised criminal activity.” In addition to the cloned number plates, the TEC has also recovered and returned 25 stolen vehicles to their owners. Claimed to be worth approximately $1 million combined, it included a Toyota LandCruiser (said to have a value of $200,000 alone), as well as an Audi A5, Nissan Patrol and two Toyota Hiluxes, all worth about $70,000 each. Last year, data from the Crime Statistics Agency showed more than 33,000 vehicles were stolen between October 2024 and September 2025 in Victoria. ### KTM 990 Duke R review: the naked bike built for maximum intensity URL: https://torquecafe.com/ktm-990-duke-r-review-the-naked-bike-built-for-maximum-intensity/ Last updated: 2026-07-21T07:00:40.000Z The KTM 990 Duke R makes its intentions clear from the outset. Where the standard 990 Duke was already a sharp, serious middleweight naked, the R variant takes that foundation and pushes the intensity a step further — a more focused, more aggressive machine than most riders will strictly need. That, however, is the point of a bike positioned this way. Priced from $23,995 before on-road costs, its compact proportions and low overall weight are immediately apparent from the saddle. The chassis feels narrow and active beneath the rider, while the ergonomics — a slightly forward-leaning stance paired with wide bars — encourage a more committed riding style from the first few kilometres. Power comes from a 947cc parallel twin producing 94kW. The specification alone understates the character of the engine, which is defined less by outright numbers and more by torque delivery and throttle response. Acceleration is immediate rather than building progressively through the rev range, giving the Duke R a punchy, urgent feel whether accelerating out of corners, overtaking, or working through the mid-range on faster roads. The chassis is where KTM's engineering focus is most evident. Direction changes happen with minimal input, and the bike responds to rider intent with little delay, yet retains composure once pace increases. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2025-KTM-990-DUKE-R.jpg) The R-specific WP suspension setup marks a clear step up from the standard Duke, offering firmer damping and greater precision under load. Front-end stability under braking and through mid-corner phases stands out as a particular strength. Braking is handled by Brembo hardware, delivering strong initial bite alongside good feel and more than adequate stopping power for spirited use. The electronics package is comprehensive without becoming intrusive. Track, Rain, Street and Sport ride modes are supported by cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, launch control and a quickshifter. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2025-KTM-990-DUKE-R-9.jpg) Despite this level of intervention, the system is calibrated to preserve feedback rather than eliminate it — movement from the chassis and rear tyre remains perceptible to the rider throughout, reinforcing the sense of engagement KTM appears to be targeting rather than isolating the rider from the machine. Styling reinforces the same aggressive positioning found elsewhere in the package. Sharp throttle response, quick steering, and a purposeful riding position are matched by an angular, streetfighter-inspired design language that leans firmly toward a more provocative aesthetic than some competitors in the segment. Notably, this intensity does not come at the expense of usability. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2025-KTM-990-DUKE-R-3-1.jpg) Despite its performance ceiling, the Duke R does not feel unmanageable in everyday conditions, and this balance between outright capability and day-to-day usability is arguably where the model is strongest — functioning credibly as both a daily road bike and a more focused performance machine depending on the rider's intent. The 990 Duke R is not without compromise. Seat comfort is firm, wind protection is minimal, and the overall setup is tuned toward performance rather than comfort — a trade-off unlikely to concern the type of rider this model is aimed at. Taken as a whole, the KTM 990 Duke R presents as one of the more compelling naked bikes currently on offer: fast, raw, and built around engagement rather than restraint. Riders seeking a genuinely involving, characterful naked bike will find it a well-resolved option. [KTM 990 RC R review: The sports bike you’ll actually rideThe KTM 990 RC R looks like it rolled straight off a MotoGP grid. But beneath the winglets and the angry fairing is something more interesting than a spec-sheet showboat.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-659743a6-029b-4cdc-8763-c87ee9aac369.png)TorquecafeTorquecafe![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2026-KTM-990-RC-R--4---1--7778b470-5326-432c-a1bc-c79402b57048.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ktm-990-rc-r-review-the-sports-bike-youll-actually-ride/) ### Another supercar brand is set to bring back the manual URL: https://torquecafe.com/another-supercar-brand-is-set-to-bring-back-the-manual/ Last updated: 2026-07-21T02:10:22.000Z Ferrari surprised many when it revealed the 12Cilindri last month, producing its first road car with a shifter and three pedals in close to 15 years, bucking the trend of high-end brands going auto-only. While Lamborghini has said it likely won’t follow suit, British rival brand McLaren is reportedly set to take up the challenge by introducing its first manual model in almost three decades. According to [*The Supercar Blog*](https://www.thesupercarblog.com/exclusive-mclaren-p50-with-a-manual-gearbox-to-debut-at-the-quail/?ref=torquecafe.com) – which accurately [reported on the 12Cilindri Manuale prior to its debut](https://torquecafe.com/manuals-to-return-to-ferrari-in-v12-flagship/) – McLaren is developing a new manual model, though details are minimal at the moment. [Ferrari’s V12 ‘manual’ is faking itFor the first time in almost two decades, Ferrari has fitted a clutch pedal and gated shifter to a V12 production car – but it’s not a true manual.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-2f20e4eb-8101-422a-b58f-4c96f917f677.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ferrari-12cilindri-manuale-8-dab87f50-5e48-4001-8a3a-e7169e0a6b0b.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ferraris-v12-manual-is-faking-it/) Reportedly called the P50 internally, the publication claims it’ll be a “limited-edition hypercar with a stick shift”, raising further questions about the powertrain. Currently McLaren’s engine lineup consists of twin-turbo V6s and V8s, while its last manual car – the F1 of the mid-1990s – paired its manual transmission with a V12 engine. The F1’s designer, Gordon Murray, has recently started his own brand which recreates the supercar’s formula, with the GMA T.33 and T.50 featuring V12 engines and manual transmissions. While that and many other vehicles have featured ‘traditional’ manual transmissions where the gear selector and clutch pedal are connected directly to the transmission, McLaren could go down the path of Ferrari, which introduced a new system for the 12Cilindri Manuale. [Manual Lamborghinis ‘an opportunity’, but unlikely to copy FerrariAfter Ferrari brought back a semi-simulated manual transmission for the first time in 15 years, Lamborghini says it’s unlikely to follow suit.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-f4e53bd3-b0f5-4220-90e4-23360c660509.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/lamborghini_murcielago_127-1bc97d17-90d2-4b2d-8b85-658ed1fe8c81.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/manual-lamborghinis-an-opportunity-but-unlikely-to-copy-ferrari/) Called ‘Manuale By-Wire’, Ferrari’s system sees a six-speed gated shifter which allows the driver to manually choose the first six of the forward-moving gears in the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The gears can be selected by pressing the clutch pedal which has no physical connection to the clutch packs. Instead, pressing the pedal activates an angle position sensor which tells the system how much pressure to apply, with the car’s electronic brain simulating the effect of a true clutch system. The Supercar Blog claims the McLaren P50 will make its debut at The Quail as a part of next month’s Monterey Car Week, with production expected to not exceed 100 examples. [More supercars could get faux-manual techTechnically pre-dating the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale, Rezvani’s ‘Quick Shift’ manual conversion claims to deliver a more engaging driving experience.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-786afb13-993d-49d8-8e4e-1e0df3bf3ce1.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/rezvani-manual-quick-shifter-2-445e46fd-394e-47e1-b855-d7401f682808.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/more-supercars-could-get-faux-manual-tech/) ### BYD could crack 500km/h barrier with next top speed attempt URL: https://torquecafe.com/byd-could-crack-500km-h-barrier-with-next-top-speed-attempt/ Last updated: 2026-07-21T00:59:23.000Z [In September](https://torquecafe.com/say-hello-to-the-worlds-new-fastest-car/), BYD’s Yangwang brand took the unofficial record for building the world’s fastest production car with the 496.22km/h U9 Xtreme. Set at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg in Germany, driver Marc Basseng broke the existing 490.48km/h record (held by the Bugatti Chiron) to enter headlines and take the crown, though he came agonisingly close to breaking the 500km/h barrier. The car drifted slightly to the left at more than 480km/h, coming close to the barriers before Basseng backed out of the throttle at the 496.22km/h peak. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/byd-yangwang-u9-xtreme-top-speed-3.jpg) As reported by [*Carscoops*](https://www.carscoops.com/2026/07/byd-u9-xtreme-speed-record/?ref=torquecafe.com), BYD is set to return to the ATP facility, with vice president Stella Li confirming it has the chance of finally cracking 500km/h. According to the executive, Basseng could have reached 500km/h if he had stayed on the throttle for just 1.5 more seconds, though the loose moment he was experiencing meant it wasn’t safe to do so. Powered by four 555kW electric motors, the U9 Xtreme produces almost 2220kW combined, enough to overcome its hefty kerb weight of 2480kg. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/byd-yangwang-u9-xtreme-top-speed-1.jpg) On top of being the fastest car in the world in a straight line, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme is also the fastest production EV around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, setting a time of six minutes and 59.157 seconds. It completed the 20.832km lap almost six seconds faster than the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, and eight seconds quicker than the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. Just 30 examples of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme will be built, all running on a 1200-volt platform. [One U9 Xtreme is coming to Australia](https://torquecafe.com/byd-news-yangwang-u9-xtreme-australia/), with business magnate Nick Politis – the chairman of the Sydney Roosters NRL team and the director of car dealership giant Eagers Automotive – set to be its sole local customer. ### Ford invests $715 million to keep Mustang, F-150 V8 alive URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-invests-715-million-to-keep-mustang-f-150-v8-alive/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T23:37:38.000Z Ford has never shied away from its intentions to keep V8 power going for as long as it can, and it’s now backing that up with its wallet, investing US$500 million (A$715 million) in one of its main engine plants to keep production alive. The Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada was today announced as being the subject of a US$500 million/CA$700 million (A$715 million) investment, to be spent on upgrading the facility and its tooling to keep supporting the current generation of Ford’s main V8 engines. Currently, the Essex plant produces the 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8 which powers the most popular variants of the Ford Mustang (such as the GT and Dark Horse), as well as a closely related version of the V8 available in the F-150 pickup. As reported by Ford Authority, this investment is a part of a larger labour agreement which runs until September 2029, effectively locking in the V8 to power the two models until at least that time. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ford-v8-coyote-essex-3.jpg) Ford's Essex Engine Plant The investment also provides coverage for a forecasted third shift at the Essex plant, and to also produce the mechanically unrelated ‘Godzilla’ 7.3-litre V8 engine at the facility. While Ford also offers the Mustang (Dark Horse SC and GTD) as well as the F-150 (Raptor R) with a supercharged 5.2L V8, this engine is made closer to the brand’s US headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. “This agreement is about investing in our people and Canada’s future,” said Ford global CEO, Jim Farley. “With this agreement and our continued investments in Oakville, Windsor and Essex, we’re building on more than a century of manufacturing leadership in Canada and strengthening Ford’s ability to compete and win for years to come.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ford-v8-coyote-essex-2.jpg) Ford's Essex Engine Plant Ford executives have also previously spoken of their desire to keep the V8 alive for as long as possible. Though the US is now no longer issuing emissions penalties, many markets such as Australia fine carmakers for exceeding CO2 targets – which has already seen the Mustang cop a price increase – while others simply won’t allow certain engines to be sold there. “I love the V8s, but you know, we will progress as the world moves on, but I’d like us to keep the V8 as long as possible and we will,” Ford Motor Company executive chairman [Bill Ford told *Torquecafe* last year](https://torquecafe.com/ford-vows-to-keep-v8-mustang-and-proudly-american/). Mr Ford also said it’s “very important” for the Mustang to remain as American as possible, with the V8 being one of the leading pillars of its character. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ford-v8-coyote-essex-1.jpg) Ford's Essex Engine Plant “I think it’s why people buy it. It’s not like another sports car out there that you could get from, you know maybe a Japanese make or a European make. I mean, it’s distinctly American. “It looks different. It sounds different. It feels different. And I think that’s really important that we keep that. People expect it to be an American muscle car and it will always be that.” Previous reports have claimed that the current S650-generation Mustang will be facelifted in 2026, before a new eighth-generation model launches in 2029. Back in 2017, [Ford earmarked US$700 million (A$1 billion) to make an electrified version of the Mustang in 2020](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-mustang-hybrid-test-mules/), though this never eventuated. ### 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Australia’s last V8 pickup can hold more after update URL: https://torquecafe.com/2026-chevrolet-silverado-1500-australias-last-v8-pickup-can-hold-more-after-update/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T20:00:37.000Z General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) has announced a handful of updates to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 for Australia, increasing its gross vehicle mass (GVM) rating and payload capacity, while incurring a slight price increase. Called the ‘2026’ model year update, the Silverado 1500 will be reclassified from August 1, 2026 as an 'NB1' vehicle (a Medium Good Vehicle), rather than its current ‘NA’ class. While it’s currently subject to the same regulations as the likes of the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and other smaller utes, the move to the NB1 rating covers it under the same regulations as most light trucks and vans. This has been achieved by Chevrolet raising the Silverado 1500’s GVM from 3300kg to 3505kg – NA vehicles can only have a maximum GVM of 3500kg – resulting in increased payload capacities for the LTZ Premium (942kg, up from 748kg) and ZR2 (922kg, now 713kg). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/Chevrolet-Silverado-1500-LTZ-Premium.jpg) Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium As a result, the Silverado 1500 avoids being impacted by the incoming Australian Design Rule 98/01, which is in effect from August 1 and requires NA class vehicles to be fitted with autonomous emergency braking technology which meets certain performance requirements for avoiding pedestrians. While the Silverado 1500’s AEB system can detect pedestrians, its performance may have meant it would not meet the ADR requirements. In addition, it also means the pickup will be exempt from New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) penalties, which do not currently apply to vehicles with a GVM between 3501kg and 3885kg. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/Chevrolet-Silverado-1500-ZR2-.jpg) Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 As reported [earlier this month](https://torquecafe.com/proposed-emissions-regulation-change-could-hit-toyota-landcruiser-70-series-ram-1500/) though, the Australian Government is looking to amend the NVES rules to remove that exemption for vehicles with a GVM up to 3885kg, which would close the loophole and result in the aforementioned models counting towards their makers’ total fleet emissions. If enacted, the proposed changes would come into effect from July 1, 2027. The Silverado’s updates aren’t just on paper, with the LTZ Premium gaining black badging for the front grille ‘bowtie’ and the Z71 logos on its wheel arches, as well as, black tailgate lettering, the latter of which is also applied to the ZR2. Under the skin, the LTZ Premium has moved from its ‘Z71 off-road suspension’ and Rancho dampers, to ‘off-road suspension with twin-tube dampers’, despite keeping its Z71 badging. There’s no equipment changes to the ZR2. [2027 Chevrolet Silverado brings bigger V8 enginesThe new-generation Chevrolet Silverado has been revealed, featuring two new up-sized V8s, but its Australian launch is as yet unconfirmed.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-8f19c5a2-266f-42d5-8a99-e15075cffef6.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/MY27_Chevrolet_Silverado_Trail-Boss-a8f4fe51-96af-43df-9b49-b4fc94a62017.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/bigger-bolder-v8-powered-chevrolet-silverado-not-locked-in-for-australia/) The updated Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium is priced at $135,990 before on-road costs, while the ZR2 variant is priced at $147,490 plus on-roads. Both figures represent an increase of $1000 over the previous model year. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is converted from left- to right-hand drive by Walkinshaw in Melbourne. GMSV has yet to confirm if the new-generation Silverado, [revealed in North America last month](https://torquecafe.com/bigger-bolder-v8-powered-chevrolet-silverado-not-locked-in-for-australia/), will come to Australia. ### BMW recalls another 10,000 cars due to fire risk URL: https://torquecafe.com/bmw-recalls-another-10-000-cars-due-to-fire-risk/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T05:00:15.000Z BMW Australia has recalled 10,559 more vehicles across the 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X3, X4, X5 and Z4 model lines, after initially [announcing a recall of 16,578 cars](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-best-sellers-among-16500-cars-recalled-for-fire-risk/). The fault can occur in the vehicle’s starter motor solenoid switch, potentially leading to a vehicle fire. Affected vehicles were built between 2020 and 2023. “Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit,” the carmaker said in its [recall notice](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-006668?ref=torquecafe.com). “If this occurs, the driver may be unable to start the engine, and in the worst case, the overheating can lead to a fire during vehicle operation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/BMW_Australia_to_launch_X3_xDrive30e_PHEV_as_X3_and_X4_receive_key_updates_ahead_of_Q4_arrival-1.webp) “A vehicle fire or the driver being unable to restart the engine could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants, and/or damage to property.” BMW Australia has reiterated that affected vehicles should not be “left unattended while the engine is running and refrain from using any Remote Engine Start function. “The short circuit could lead to local overheating of the starter motor, and the driver may see or smell smoke while driving or exiting the vehicle.” BMW has advised it’ll contact affected owners to schedule an appointment with their preferred authorised BMW dealer for the free of charge starter motor replacement. For more information, owners can contact BMW Australia’s Recall Hotline on 1800 243 675 or visit https://www.recall.bmw.com.au/. ### OCAM expands BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon accessories range URL: https://torquecafe.com/ocam-expands-byd-shark-6-and-gwm-cannon-accessories-range/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T02:22:14.000Z OCAM has expanded its 4WD accessories lineup with a comprehensive range of products for the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon, targeting two of Australia's fastest-growing ute models. The range includes electric and manual roller covers, aluminium canopies, roof racks, drawer systems, bull bars, side steps, weathershields and floor mats, with products now available nationwide through OCAM's online store and retail locations. As Chinese utes continue to gain market share in Australia, aftermarket support has lagged behind more established models. OCAM says its latest release aims to give Shark 6 and Cannon owners access to a broader range of touring, trade and off-road accessories. Leading the range are electric roller covers for the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Vanta and XSR, priced at $2,199\. The push-button retractable covers are designed to provide secure, weatherproof storage, while manual roller covers are also available from $1,399. BYD Shark 6 owners can choose between two platform roof racks, including the Signature Platform Roof Rack ($1,254) and the more affordable CMM Aluminium Platform Roof Rack ($799). Both the Shark 6 and GWM Cannon are also available with a full-height aluminium canopy priced from $2,195, along with rear drawer systems ($2,599), vehicle-specific weathershields ($89) and tailored 3D and 5D floor mats ($147). For GWM Cannon owners, OCAM has also introduced a winch-compatible Deluxe Steel Bull Bar ($1,549) and Heavy Duty Steel Side Steps ($699), expanding the range of protection and touring accessories available for the ute. The new products are available now through OCAM's Australian dealer network and online store. ### Manual Lamborghinis ‘an opportunity’, but unlikely to copy Ferrari URL: https://torquecafe.com/manual-lamborghinis-an-opportunity-but-unlikely-to-copy-ferrari/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T02:07:00.000Z Manual transmissions have become almost non-existent in the world of supercars, outside a handful of niche brands still offering three pedals as an option. Ferrari righted some of those wrongs when it revealed the [12Cilindri Manuale](https://torquecafe.com/ferraris-v12-manual-is-faking-it/) earlier this month, fitted with a gated six-speed shifter and three pedals, though the system itself isn’t directly connected to the transmission, and is instead a ‘by-wire’ system which overrides the automatic gearbox. This led to some levels of skepticism, not that Ferrari would care much given all 1499 examples would have likely sold out shortly after it was revealed. We may not see a rush of other brands doing the same thing, after Lamborghini’s chief marketing and sales officer, Federico Foschini, told [*Road and Track*](https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a71933100/lamborghini-future-plans-2026/?ref=torquecafe.com) it’s unlikely that the Raging Bull brand will bring back manuals. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/lamborghini_gallardo_lp_550-2_valentino_balboni_88.jpg) Lamborghini Gallardo manual “There are a few customers that are still in love with this kind of stuff,” Foschini said. “And I think that it's an opportunity ... but it's not the trend. Because such kind of – let's say, performance and driving engagement – you cannot experience with this kind of gearbox, you know?” According to Foschini, one of the limits to creating a manual is Lamborghini’s current motorsport links, which he says dictates what its road-going cars are fitted with. “And this trend \[in racing\] at the moment is embedded mainly on hybridisation, and \[the\] automatic gearbox, with \[the\] possibility to have the actionable shifting at the wheel with the paddle,” Foschini added. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/lamborghini_murcielago_842.jpg) Lamborghini Murcielago manual “That's the way that I think we need to go.” The last manual Lamborghini produced was the Gallardo L 560-2 50th Anniversary, all the way back in late 2013. Despite the brand’s reluctance to go back to manual transmissions, one company recently shared its plan to give some Lamborghinis, and other high-end models, the same style simulated manual as Ferrari’s 12Cilindri Manuale. [Rezvani’s Quick Shift](https://torquecafe.com/more-supercars-could-get-faux-manual-tech/) follows a similar formula to the 12Cilindri Manuale, with a gated shifter system letting drivers to override the brain of the automatic transmission, changing gears in a more tactile, familiar way than pulling paddles behind the steering wheel. Initially announced for the Ferrari 458, 488 and F12, the Quick Shift mechanism is also available for the GT4C, while Rezvani says it’s being further developed to be fitted to the Lamborghini Huracan and Aventador, plus the Chevrolet Corvette C8. [More supercars could get faux-manual techTechnically pre-dating the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale, Rezvani’s ‘Quick Shift’ manual conversion claims to deliver a more engaging driving experience.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-403a12eb-a623-4362-9b99-36d6e36f609e.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/rezvani-manual-quick-shifter-2-3e0c846e-9a44-4642-accd-8bab7673fc2a.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/more-supercars-could-get-faux-manual-tech/) ### Need for Speed franchise unlikely to be revived URL: https://torquecafe.com/need-for-speed-franchise-unlikely-to-be-revived/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T01:19:51.000Z Almost a year since the first rumours of Need for Speed’s demise circled, it seems the once-popular car racing video game franchise is dead. Last year, car culture website Speedhunters was disbanded, bringing the future of Need for Speed into question as the two had been intertwined, while photographer Matthew Everingham said EA \[Electronic Arts, the game’s publisher\] had [shelved Need For Speed.](https://torquecafe.com/need-for-speed-dead-with-speedhunters/) Earlier this month, another nail was put in Need for Speed’s coffin, amid celebrations that its most recent developer – Criterion Games – is celebrating its 30th anniversary, having been renamed as Battlefield Studios Europe last year. When asked by video game publication [*IGN*](https://www.ign.com/articles/criterions-future-is-battlefield-but-dont-forget-the-burnout-heritage-within-its-walls?ref=torquecafe.com) whether Criterion could revive either Need for Speed or the also-EA published Burnout series, Battlefield Studios Europe vice president and general manager, Rebecka Coutaz, said: “We are solely focused on Battlefield.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit.jpg) Need for Speed Hot Pursuit With Need for Speed’s revival not even on the table for consideration from the company which has developed the past six titles, it’s likely that this is the end for the series which began in 1994. Need for Speed dates back to 1994 with the release of ‘The Need for Speed’, initially for Panasonic’s 3DO console before becoming available for MS-DOS, Sony’s Playstation and the Sega Saturn. While it started out with a focus on exotic cars in High Stakes (1999) and Hot Pursuit (2002), later tiles embraced the emerging tuner culture, highlighted in the high-watermark Underground (2003) and Underground 2 (2004), as well as Most Wanted (2005). [Need for Speed-inspired BMW M3 GTR finds a new homeAfter recreating the hero car from Need for Speed: Most Wanted in 2024, BMW has now put this rare M3 GTR on display in its museum.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-470217b5-1737-4663-acb1-a77ed4b508ad.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/dl-0dd3b309eb44--1--ee04b90c-c809-4a6f-950d-5455e590cc90.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/need-for-speed-inspired-bmw-m3-gtr-finds-a-new-home/) The franchise also dabbled in circuit racing with Prostreet (2007), Shift (2009) and Shift 2: Unleashed (2011), with the latter not only featuring most of the FIA’s GT championship cars, but also stars from the US Formula Drift series. In 2014, a Need for Speed film was released as a loose adaptation of the franchise, starring Aaron Paul. It received mostly negative reviews. Need for Speed returned to its popular tuning background with the release of an eponymously titled game in 2015, and has continued to focus on car modifications since, with the most recent installment being Unbound, released in 2022 and currently receiving minimal support. ### Former Toyota CEO wants Japanese car brands to team up URL: https://torquecafe.com/former-toyota-ceo-wants-japanese-car-brands-to-team-up/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T00:03:47.000Z The past decade has seen China become a force in the automotive industry, having already taken the top spot as Australia’s leading source of vehicles this year, while making an impact on almost every market globally. This has put the pressure on many ‘legacy’ brands, and despite remaining the global leader and the only company to sell more than 11 million vehicles in a year, Toyota is feeling it too. Now its former CEO, Koji Sato, is calling for greater alliance between Japan’s car brands, even if the only result is cutting development times and production costs. “Right now, the most important theme facing the Japanese auto industry is improving ‘international competitiveness,’” Sato, now the chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, and Toyota vice chairman, told [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/toyota/an-toyota-sato-japan-industrywide-parts-standardization-0714/?ref=torquecafe.com). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/toyota-corolla-grmn-1.jpg) “We aim to strategically create ‘areas of cooperation’ to improve efficiency, thereby accelerating coexistence in the essential ‘areas of competition.’” According to the report, parts standardisation is one of the seven aspects the JAMA wants to tackle to better spread the load across the industry. Currently, Toyota has a stake in Mazda, Subaru and Suzuki, while Nissan and Mitsubishi are a part of a global alliance with Renault. Only Honda exists on its own, though it is eyeing up a partnership with Nissan. “We have a strong sense of crisis that the Japanese auto industry is in a massive period of transition,” Sato added. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/Toyota-Pressroom---3fd1fe85-e9c0-4b98-b76b-1cdf20fc52be-1.jpeg) “Now is exactly the time to further develop and evolve with the challenges and reform initiatives that the auto industry as a whole must face.” It’s not the first time that Sato has [sounded the alarm bell](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-we-will-not-survive-koji-sato/), having said in March – while he was still Toyota CEO – that the carmaker and the wider industry would need to adapt or die. “Unless things change, we will not survive. I want everyone to acknowledge this sense of crisis,” Sato said at Toyota’s Supply Partners Convention. “We continue to keep many customers waiting. Many of these stoppages stemmed from equipment or quality issues at both Toyota and our suppliers. [‘We will not survive’: World’s biggest carmaker issues dire warningToyota has been the best-selling carmaker globally since 2019, but its outgoing CEO has warned it needs to change to stay ahead.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-e8c5a4a5-7324-43ca-8028-ed23966d972f.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2026-toyota-rav4-2-1d76dcdf-4d38-4df2-bd5f-b3cecbff3e7a.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-we-will-not-survive-koji-sato/) “To enable us to make more cars, we must step things up a gear in areas such as building quality into every process.” At the time, Sato said suppliers needed to do more to elevate the brand’s overall output, as China’s rising car industry poses a looming threat to Toyota. “Right now, we in the automotive industry are battling for our very survival,” Sato said. “A difficult battle lies ahead. We must work together as one and strengthen our ability to prevail. To do that, we need to improve productivity across the board. Both as individual companies and as an industry, let’s transform how we fight to ensure our survival.” [Toyota smashes global sales records, againFor the sixth consecutive year, the Toyota Motor Corporation was the top-selling vehicle manufacturer globally, beating its own sales record from 2023.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-53e47993-59f2-4924-aa5e-bc22dd681b17.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_Toyota-RAV4-thumb-a91457c1-e50d-4ac3-bef1-a6d8949a8e60.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-smashes-global-sales-records-again/) Even new Toyota CEO Kenta Con – who most recently served as chief financial officer – warned there are tough days ahead for the world’s biggest automotive company. “Going by the figures released in our financial results, some may feel that Toyota is in a secure and comfortable position. But that is certainly not the case,” Kon said. “Each side drives the other to grow stronger. The only way to achieve this, I believe, is to rebuild our weakened competitive foundations and restore Toyota’s strength.” Last year, the Toyota Motor Corporation - which includes Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino - delivered 11,322,575 automobiles globally, a new record which surpassed its own previous top figure. ### Porsche celebrates Australian anniversary with coffee URL: https://torquecafe.com/porsche-celebrates-australian-anniversary-with-coffee/ Last updated: 2026-07-19T20:00:58.000Z Australians – and more specifically Melburnians – love coffee, so what better way to mark 75 years of Porsche down under than putting its cars on one of the most popular local brands? Porsche arrived in Australia in 1951, and has brought generations of its sports cars, coupes, convertibles, SUVs and sedans to local customers, with this anniversary now celebrated through a collaboration with St. Ali. The Melbourne-based coffee brand has launched a limited-run release of four unique coffee packages, described as showcasing “the untamed landscapes of the North, South, East and West”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/porsche-australia-st-ali-coffee-1.jpg) The ‘West’ coffee is inspired by Western Australia and features a Cayenne S in Ipanemabrown on its packaging, contrasted to the ‘East’ coffee which has lighter tones, reflected by the Ipanemabluemetallic-coloured Taycan 4S Cross Turismo on its bag. For the ‘South’ coffee, Australia’s southern coastlines have inspired it and the Macan 4S in Goldbronzemetallic upon it, while finally the ‘North’ version takes inspiration from the tropics, with a Panamera 4 E-Hybrid in Emeraldgreenmetallic. “Available in limited quantities, the commemorative coffee release is designed to be shared - whether at Porsche Centres, community events or within the homes of customers – extending the brand experience beyond the vehicle.” Each of the 225g bags are priced from $25. ### Opinion: EVs and hybrids will make school more peaceful URL: https://torquecafe.com/opinion-evs-and-hybrids-will-make-school-more-peaceful/ Last updated: 2026-07-18T20:00:56.000Z Parents are a funny bunch. I can include myself in that. We do things which may not be overly rational, but under the guise of better protecting our kids or at least making their lives more comfortable. There has to be a point at which this ends though, and this year has made it very clear to me what that should be. If I were to come to power tomorrow, I would implement a ban on vehicles idling for more than 30 seconds outside of a school. Harsh? Probably. But can you put a price on peace? ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/car-exhaust-emissions--1-.jpg) This issue started to niggle when my daughter started at primary school at the beginning of the year. Being in Queensland and the summer, of course there were some quite warm days. With the main pick-up waiting point outside the school gates adjacent to a handful of parking bays, the already hot winds became even more unpleasant when the row of half a dozen cars parked – not merely stopping – next to us started to blow their additional hot air and exhaust fumes towards us standing at the gate. This went on and on. Day after day of standing near hot cars with their engines idling, as the sound also penetrated the air, making quiet conversations nearly impossible. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/crop_FordMustangMach-ESelect-40-1.jpg) Only when it started to cool down in the latter stages of term two was there some reprieve, though with a cold change coming through this week, the problem has reared its ugly head again. Now it’s the opposite issue, with parents wanting to make sure their cars are nice and toasty for little Johnny and Jill to hop into as soon as they get out of the already heated classroom. Being slightly chilly for less than a minute is too much of a burden to bear for some. Recently, there has been a boom of electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Australia, which I think can only be a good thing for commuting parents. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/traffic-motorway-merging-2--1-.jpg) Imagine a world where we can have our cake and eat it too: for those who want to sit in the car to be able to do so, without impacting us on the outside? Of course this doesn’t take into account the broader requirements of what vehicles certain families may need as a daily driver, but isn’t it nice to think about a situation where everyone can win? Maybe I’m just being bitter that I very often miss out on those spots closest to the gate, though I long for the day when waiting for my daughter doesn’t have to be done next to a portable heater and sound generator – not to mention those having loud conversations on their hands-free system, but that’s for another day. ### I’ve never driven a car more fun than this URL: https://torquecafe.com/2026-ford-ranger-raptor-off-road-review/ Last updated: 2026-07-17T20:00:41.000Z The definition of performance vehicles has gone through big changes in recent times. From previously being exclusive to hot hatches, coupes and even the odd convertible, the formula for fun used to be low-slung, analogue and maybe an engine which outpaces the rest of the car. So what business does a Ford Ranger Raptor have with ‘Ford Performance’ badging throughout? As it turns out, quite a lot. Ford’s first iteration of the Ranger Raptor was a decent showing, though its turbo-diesel engine meant it didn’t have the bite to match the bark of its wide wheel-arches, off-road tyres and lifted suspension. That changed with the introduction of the ‘next-gen’ Raptor, following the launch of the most recent generation of Ford Ranger in 2022. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-ford-ranger-raptor-rhys-1.jpg) Deciding to occupy a spot in the market by itself, Ford shoehorned a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine under the bonnet, capable of producing 292kW and 583Nm – or simply enough to out-muscle the famed Falcon XR6 Turbos and XR8s of yesteryear. The engine is the undeniable heart of the Ranger Raptor, but it isn’t alone in doing the heavy lifting as to why the recipe is such a good one. Its full-time, selectable four-wheel drive system (carried over from the majority of the turbo-diesel Ranger lineup) is stellar, as is the 10-speed automatic transmission. But to earn the Ford Performance badge, there are other factors, such as the Fox racing 2.5-inch live valve suspension, an electronic locking front differential, a tough steel bash plate, and of course wide BF Goodrich K02 all-terrain tyres. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-ford-ranger-raptor-rhys-16.jpg) All these ingredients come together to create a vehicle that is better than the sum of its parts, and one that’s even better on paper than you’d initially believe. Prior to driving the Ranger Raptor, I’d only heard from former owners who raved about it, saying just how fun it is both on the road and off it. All of them glossed over the reduced braked towing capacity, which at 2500kg is 1000kg less than the turbo-diesel Raptor. They also all looked past the circa-720kg payload capacity, again down significantly on the more workhorse-focused versions of the Ranger. The allegations of the Raptor being the car for the construction site boss to take his jetski to the coast were hard to beat. But with a dirt track out the back of Queensland Raceway at my disposal, it soon became clear why none used the word ‘overrated’ to describe the ute. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-ford-ranger-raptor-richard-11.jpg) More akin to a side-by-side racing track than a rally stage, QR’s dirt circuit is narrow enough for the Raptor to feel even more like the 2.1-metre wide, 2.5-tonne beast it is, but its equipment under the skin does a lot to cover up its porky posture. Even in its standard drive mode it soaks up bumps like a rally car, can always find traction and stop on a dime, despite protests that the K02s should’ve been swapped out for the newer, better K03s by now. Wind it up in ‘Baja mode’ – or maybe Finke mode, as it should be called in Australia – and this is a car which comes alive, its exhaust shouting to make room for this behemoth. Pushing it at speed, you’re aware of its size, but the engineer’s calibrations of the steering, braking system and related electronic nannies try to make sure you don’t feel it. For a car which weighs more than double an MX-5 with two passengers, it is surprisingly chuckable. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-ford-ranger-raptor-rhys-7.jpg) Likewise, those Fox shocks handle bumps and ruts with ease, keeping the body and suspension composed so the next lot can be quickly soaked up and dealt with. It also allowed me – or rather gave me confidence – to do something I’d never done before: get air in a car. You can get airtime in almost anything, but what determines whether it’s a good experience or not is a) how nice the landing is, and b) if it’s put together well enough to do it again. Thankfully in both instances the Ranger Raptor lives up to its hype and lets you go harder over jumps and bumps than you’d dare in most other cars, again thanks to its long extension and compression shocks. It’s a car you can fang around – in private settings – all day, or at least until you run out of fuel. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-ford-ranger-raptor-richard-8.jpg) That might take very long either, as the EcoBoost V6 is one thirsty engine when you apply anything other than a gentle foot to the accelerator pedal, being undoubtedly the least economical Raptor to run. Requiring 95 octane or higher unleaded petrol, you’ll be spending a fair bit of cash at the service station, one of the handful of drawbacks previous owners have often brought up. Another negative to it is that it’s hard to take to its full potential unless you have the necessary means, and very few people have access to off-road circuits. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-ford-ranger-raptor-rhys-9.jpg) It’s a very very good tool at driving fast off-road, but 99 per cent of its life – or likely more – won’t be spent in that scenario. There’s nothing wrong with its on-road performance, far from it. Those attributes such as its comfortable off-road ride are perfect for pothole-strewn roads, and the twin-turbo V6 means you’ll never struggle to get up to speed on a slip road in time. But as with every vehicle, there is a compromise, and the Raptor’s is that it is a big, heavy thing that can’t carry or tow as much as more affordable Rangers, as well as other utes in the market. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-ford-ranger-raptor-richard-5.jpg) Not that this really matters, as the Raptor – despite its $90,690 plus on-roads price tag – makes up more than 10 per cent of Ranger sales, with nearly two-thirds of buyers being ABN holders. Again, the stereotypes can write themselves. There’s no shame in owning a Ford Ranger Raptor and only using it for highway holiday drives and the school run, but as with many supercars or even quick sports cars these days, you can’t do what it was made for on the road. Despite this and all its flaws, it remains the car which has put the biggest smile on my face that I didn’t expect, and that is why it deserves the ‘performance’ badge throughout. ### British brand’s revival to start on the track before hitting the road URL: https://torquecafe.com/british-brands-revival-to-start-on-the-track-before-hitting-the-road/ Last updated: 2026-07-17T03:18:07.000Z Since the start of the year, Jensen International Automotive – the current rights holders to the Jensen name – has teased the return of the Interceptor nameplate on a new car, showing off photos of its upcoming model but with little detail. Now we have one, and it’s not great news for those expecting a full-on revival from the start. Jensen’s new Interceptor GTX has previously been teased as a grand tourer with a design inspired by the car from the 1960s and 1970s it takes its name from. The brand has confirmed the new generation Interceptor will be a ‘track-only special’, previewing “a range of future roadgoing Jensen GT models”, though there’s no timeline on when they will arrive. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/Jensen-Interceptor----GTX_1--2-.jpg) “We said we would set pulses racing and take Jensen into new territory with our first clean-sheet design, and ahead of the unveiling of our all-new car, we can reveal more on the philosophy behind it,” said JIA managing director David Duerden. “The Interceptor GTX is no static show car. It is a track-focused special, developed as an enhanced prototype build, which will preview upcoming Jensen models. We can’t wait to unveil it to the world, fittingly sixty years after the launch of the original Jensen Interceptor.” That plan to first introduce the Interceptor GTX as a track car is at odds with its heritage. Despite previous Interceptors being V8-powered, none were designed to provide ten-tenths performance, and were instead a response to Europe’s grand tourers. [Returning British marque teases ‘bespoke V8’ tourerThe Jensen Interceptor name is returning, this time on a modern grand-tourer with all the hallmarks of its predecessors.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-a081bd22-aa80-4054-99fe-8004e822cf3f.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/jensen-interceptor-gtx-teaser-1-6bdba78b-0184-4472-9fcf-9bbe4ea44863.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/jensen-interceptor-gtx-v8-grand-tourer/) JIA has previously announced the Interceptor GTX will have an aluminium chassis, a bespoke supercharged V8 engine and a “fully analogue driving experience”, while being hand-built in the UK in extremely limited numbers. Producing the GTX will be a significant departure from the brand’s current operations, which are centred around restoring and re-engineering classic Jensen Interceptors with modern equipment, such as GM’s V8 engines and AP Racing brakes. It’s not the first time JIA has teased the return of Jensen, announcing in 2011 that it would launch a new Interceptor-inspired grand tourer by 2014, a plan which never eventuated. ### Aston Martin’s latest V12 is a war-ready SUV… that isn’t real URL: https://torquecafe.com/aston-martins-latest-v12-is-a-war-ready-suv-that-isnt-real/ Last updated: 2026-07-17T01:00:00.000Z Aston Martin is looking to shed its image of an older, gentler clientele, and what better way to do so than to launch a battle-prepared SUV? The Aston Martin Dreadnought has been revealed as its latest creation, with the jacked-up, two-door SUV taking hints from the Valiant, as well as military machines. Created for the upcoming ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4’ video game, the Dreadnought is an exercise in thinking outside the box for the brand, whose design team were let loose without the constraints of regulations which would otherwise have held back its ambitions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/aston-martin-dreadnought-call-of-duty-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/aston-martin-dreadnought-call-of-duty-5.jpg) Aston Martin Dreadnought Powered by a V12 engine, it features an all-wheel drive system, perfect for navigating tough terrain, a key target of the vehicle, thanks to its huge knobbly tyres, massive ground clearance and rugged exterior. Claimed to deliver “supercar levels of performance”, its carbon fibre exterior armour features a herringbone weave, an otherwise luxurious addition to the battle-prepared SUV. This carries on inside too, where there’s (digital) Oxford Tan leather on the dashboard and door panels, as well as a metallic gold gear selector. “The team have hugely enjoyed the not inconsiderable challenge of redefining what an Aston Martin can be when the only limit is imagination,” said Aston Martin’s chief creative officer, Marek Reichman. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/aston-martin-dreadnought-call-of-duty-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/aston-martin-dreadnought-call-of-duty-3.jpg) Aston Martin Dreadnought “To create the ultimate exotic off-road machine, I had to imagine Dreadnought not only as a digital asset, but as a vehicle living in the real world – navigating the streets of New York, powering through the monsoon-soaked roads of Mumbai, and performing with complete authenticity in every environment. “That vision allowed us to create something that feels genuinely real, even within the immersive world of the game. “To me, Dreadnought is unmistakably an Aston Martin – amplified without restraint.” The Dreadnought will appear in full-size model form at the Fanatics Fest in New York, before going digital in the video game on October 23. [Aston Martin won’t kill the V12As one of the last few carmakers continuing on with V12 power, Aston Martin has committed to ensuring future models still offer 12 cylinders.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-80f3c2e4-e778-4ecc-8c9d-983f446647d2.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/aston-martin-vanquish-v12-3-9fe5b99c-58f9-462d-9e30-df9fb664dca6.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/aston-martin-wont-kill-the-v12/) ### ‘The last of its kind’: Bugatti makes its final W16-powered road car URL: https://torquecafe.com/the-last-of-its-kind-bugatti-makes-its-final-w16-powered-road-car/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T23:50:45.000Z The curtains are coming down on Bugatti’s famed quad-turbo 8.0-litre W16 engine, with the French hypercar brand confirming production has ended – at least for street-legal vehicles. Overnight, Bugatti announced it had produced its final of 99 W16 Mistrals, the last evolution of the Chiron-based, open-top hypercar which was to bid farewell to the legendary engine. Simply known as ‘The last of its kind’, that motto is inscribed throughout the special vehicle, both in the cabin and under the rear wing, celebrating its significance to the model line. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/04-BUGATTI_The-End-of-Production_W16-Mistral-exchange-pic--1-.jpg) With an exterior painted in Pearl and Sparkle finishes, the Magnolia and Grey Carbon Matt interior includes another special detail, with sketches of the Veyron, Chiron and Mistral stitched into the door cards. “With this car, we wanted to bring together everything the W16 Mistral has stood for since the first sketch: an incredible open-top driving experience paying tribute to the incomparable character of the W16, alongside details that hark back to the brand’s rich heritage, and to Ettore \[Bugatti\] in particular,” said Jascha Straub, manager of Bugatti Sur Mesure. According to Bugatti, this Mistral is the “closing chapter \[to\] the W16 engine's road-going story”, after multiple other versions of the W16’s powered hypercar launched within the past year. First there was the [Brouillard](https://torquecafe.com/bugatti-w16-bentley-w12-engines-dead/), the [Veyron-inspired F.K.P. Hommage](https://torquecafe.com/bugatti-builds-the-ultimate-veyron/), the [W16 Mistral ‘Caroline’](https://torquecafe.com/bugatti-news-mistral-caroline-w16-still-alive/), and even last month the [Blanc Éternel](https://torquecafe.com/bugattis-w16-engine-says-alive-with-yet-another-special-edition/), all of which were road cars, though Bugatti’s wording suggests there may be one final bow for the W16. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/02-2606-BUGATTI-W16-Mistral-End-of-Production-1--1-.jpg) The Bolide had served as the flagship of the range as a track-only model, with its W16 engine producing an eye-watering 1361kW and 1849Nm, all without electrification, making it the most powerful version of the powertrain yet. More could still be to come from the final Bugatti W16, though the brand is tight-lipped about its next move. We do know however what will come after, with the Tourbillon set to supersede the W16 Mistral, becoming Bugatti’s first hybrid with three electric motors assisting its new Cosworth-developed 8.4-litre V16. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/01-2606-BUGATTI-W16-Mistral-End-of-Production--1-.jpg) ### US carmakers have to beat China at their own game - Ford chair URL: https://torquecafe.com/us-carmakers-have-to-beat-china-at-their-own-game-ford-chair/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T20:00:12.000Z The rise of the Chinese automotive industry has been meteoric, and there appears to be next to no way to hold it back. Unless, that is, you’re the United States, where a new bill has effectively resulted in cars from Chinese brands and/or of origin from the nation, leading to Polestar’s withdrawal from the market. At the same time, Europe has slugged most Chinese-sourced cars with significant tariffs, driving prices up and leading to brands starting discussions on opening local factories. While this is still on the table for those operating in the US, Ford’s executive chair Bill Ford – great-grandson of company founder Henry Ford – recently told attendees of an event that his country needs to take notes from China’s playbook. “We have to go toe-to-toe with China,” Ford said, as reported by the [*Wall Street Journal*](https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/ford-executive-chairman-on-chinese-cars-u-s-cant-expect-to-keep-them-out-forever-556268e2?ref=torquecafe.com)*.* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/crop_Bill-Ford.jpg) Bill Ford “We can’t expect to keep them out forever, and we have to be able to beat them at their own game.” According to Ford, any kind of US industrial policy to protect its carmakers must be able to keep brands safe even when administrations or individual policies change – something the industry has been on-edge about with President Donald Trump’s frequent changes. “Our lead times are longer than political lead times,” Ford added. “I think an industrial policy that is a bipartisan one – which, as I say today, even saying that might sound difficult – we really need that.” [Chinese cars a new “level of risk”: Ford CEOThe head of Ford globally has been an admirer of Chinese carmakers, but he admits the nation’s success could come at the cost of his own country’s industry.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-8c1e9641-dc12-40a8-9d7d-84e01857377b.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/xiaomi-yu7-2-scaled-0f6b08cb-56cb-4306-b6c3-5a056e15e05b.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-china-cars-level-of-risk/) Jim Farley, Ford’s current CEO, has previously praised China’s vehicles as “humbling” and “superior” to those from Western brands, while also warning the nation’s industry is similar to the growth enjoyed by Japan but “on steroids”. Speaking to US program [*Fox and Friends*](https://www.foxnews.com/video/6393033557112?ref=torquecafe.com) in April about the possibility of Chinese cars being imported to the US, Farley once again sounded the alarm bell. “The Chinese have huge direct support for their auto companies - there are over 100 of them, and the places they have imported \[to\] - their local market \[China\] is 29 million, \[but\] their capacity in the country for making cars is over 50 million,” Farley said. “They have enough capacity in China to cover all the manufacturing, all the vehicle sales in the United States. “We should not let them into our country. Manufacturing is the heart and soul of our country and for us to lose that to those exports would be devastating for our country. [Ford’s new EV might not ‘be enough’ to fight off ChinaThe Ford Universal Electric Vehicle platform will be the brand’s most advanced yet, though one executive concedes it may delay the inevitable from China.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-19403dd8-55b2-4e8c-9149-e24dcc1e8515.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-universal-electric-vehicle-ute-pickup-ranchero-5-ddc6d92f-eae4-466e-98c5-7b8472a80968.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/fords-new-ev-might-not-be-enough-to-fight-off-china/) “That doesn’t even include the cyber and privacy risks of a Chinese vehicle. All the vehicles have 10 cameras, they can collect a lot of data. There’s no way this is a fair fight. “Ford has to do our part to make our vehicles competitive with the Chinese - and I think we have with our new affordable EVs coming out, made in Kentucky - but this is not a fair fight, and it should have a big impact on the US.” US President Trump said earlier this year that if Chinese brands “want to come in and build a plant and hire you and hire your friends and your neighbours, that’s great, I love that”, representing a major change of tune compared to recent approaches. Though Farley has often warned of the threat China poses to the US automotive industry, he had an EV made in the rival nation imported to the US in 2024. [‘No way this is a fair fight’: Ford boss on Chinese threatFord CEO Jim Farley has previously praised Chinese vehicles, but is a staunch protector of the US automotive industry.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-b29ead3d-fbd9-452e-bcca-74dc342e3535.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-ceo-jim-farley-78e65696-2a8a-4d40-8fdf-49c7b2529802.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/no-way-this-is-a-fair-fight-ford-boss-on-chinese-threat/) “I don’t like talking about the competition so much, but I drive the Xiaomi,” Farley said on the Fully Charged podcast in 2024. “We flew one from Shanghai to Chicago, and I’ve been driving it for six months now, and I don’t want to give it up. “For a company like Ford, \[the rise of China’s auto industry\] has been something we’ve been watching for a while, but I’ve had two trips to China the last two years that were literally epiphanies. “The last one was about the Xiaomi product. In the West, our cell phone companies don’t have car companies. But in China, both Huawei and Xiaomi, the two biggest cell phone companies, are inside of every vehicle that is made.” ### BMW M3 name to carry on into the electric era URL: https://torquecafe.com/bmw-m3-name-to-carry-on-into-the-electric-era/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T04:53:43.000Z BMW has decided to lean into the heritage of the popular M3 nameplate when it launches the first electric version of the performance sedan, deciding to retain its name. Speaking to [*Auto Express*](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/3-series/364972/electric-bmw-m3-take-legendary-name-new-super-saloon-heights?ref=torquecafe.com), BMW M CEO Frank Van Meel confirmed the electric M3 will simply be called the M3, though specific additional tags may be applied to denote its engine-less powertrain. That extinguishes speculation that the electric model would be called the iM3, initially expected given the car upon which it’s based is the i3 – the electric equivalent of the 3 Series. BMW has previously confirmed the petrol-powered M3 will remain on sale alongside the EV, with both new models to adopt similar designs, based on the Concept M Neue Klasse, revealed last month. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/BMW-M-Concept-Neue-Klasse-Inspire-6.jpg) Reports have suggested the electric M3’s 800-volt, quad-motor platform will support power outputs of more than 750kW, meaning it’ll be far more potent than the petrol-powered M3. Despite this, BMW executives have recently moved to quash concerns that it won’t live up to the M3 nameplate, with former BMW M head of customer, brand and sales, Sylvia Neubauer, last month telling [*BMW Blog*](https://www.bmwblog.com/2026/06/28/bmw-m-tells-ev-haters-to-get-behind-the-wheel-before-judging/?ref=torquecafe.com) the brand can’t understand the criticism. “The haters, I cannot really understand, because in order to judge something, you should, first of all, experience it,” she said. “And then decide whether you like it or not. Experience the car and after that they can decide whether they like it or not. And if they don’t like it, they can still go for the combustion-engine cars.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/BMW-M-Concept-Neue-Klasse-Inspire-3.jpg) Van Meel previously said the electric M3, like a growing list of performance EVs, will feature simulated gear shifts and fake engine noises in order to keep customers happy. “It’s essential \[gear simulations\], so that you know how quick you are going,” Van Meel told [*Pistonheads*](https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-germancars/bmw-m3-sticks-with-perfect-combustion-principle/51309?ref=torquecafe.com). "On the track with gears you know how quick you are going into each corner. Simulated ratios will help this be maintained in the electric car. [BMW ‘can’t understand’ the ‘haters’ of the electric M3Covers have yet to be pulled off the electric BMW M3, but the brand is already having to counter criticism.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-d1de5969-951e-45c2-a1fd-c002a9c12547.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/BMW-M-Concept-Neue-Klasse-Inspire-6-1-36104108-c498-438a-9ede-8b6b925c042d.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-cant-understand-the-haters-of-the-electric-m3/) “I won’t say we’re fully copying a gearbox \[characteristics\] as then we’d copy the negatives. We need to find the good things and then use those to enhance the driving experience.” BMW has teased that the electric M3 will feature a “newly developed soundscape”, with a video previously uploaded to YouTube showing its team recording engine sounds from three recent performance models, which will likely be piped into the EV’s cabin. These include the E92 M3 GTS (powered by a 4.4-litre V8 engine), the F82 M4 GTS (powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six engine), and the E63 M6 (powered by a 5.0-litre V10). ### Toyota, BMW partner again, but there’s no Supra this time URL: https://torquecafe.com/toyota-bmw-partner-again-but-theres-no-supra-this-time/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T02:00:50.000Z Toyota and BMW are back working together again, but this time they’re not looking to build a pair of sports car twins like the Supra and Z4. Instead, the wider BMW Group and Toyota’s European operations are teaming up with Spanish energy firm Repsol and automotive parts giant Bosch to undertake a six-month pilot program, running vehicles on 100 per cent renewable petrol. Sourced from Repsol, the Nexa 95 100 per cent renewable fuel will be used by a fleet of around 20 Toyota and BMW vehicles, with the aim of providing real-world evidence that vehicles running Exclusively on Eligible Fuels (VEEF)\* can be effectively deployed at scale. If this is the case, it’ll help to support Europe’s transition to reduce transport emissions among the existing car parc, rather than just focus on the outputs of new vehicles. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/repsol-renewable-fuel-petrol-3.jpg) Bosch’s role will see the company supply advanced digital fuel tracking technology to help the other brands in their assessment, collecting and validating refuelling data from multiple sources, including vehicle data, fuel stations and fuel card transactions. The fuel itself is produced by Repsol from Renewable Energy Directive (RED)-compliant feedstocks, claimed to produce significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than traditional fossil fuels, without an impact on vehicle performance or the need to change infrastructure. “We believe renewable fuels can play a key role alongside electrification in reducing CO2 emissions,” said Toyota Motor Europe Vice President Corporate and Governmental Affairs, Pascal Ruch. “As the transition progresses, it is becoming clear that there is a growing risk that 100 per cent zero-emission vehicles by 2035 may not be fully achieved. In such a scenario, renewable fuels can help bridge the gap to deliver carbon neutrality, especially when combined with hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/repsol-renewable-fuel-petrol-2.jpg) “This pilot aims to demonstrate how renewable fuels can make a meaningful and sustainable contribution to decarbonisation today, for both new and existing vehicles.” It’s worth noting that the European Commission ditched its controversial internal combustion engine (ICE) ban for new light and passenger vehicles by 2035 late last year. Instead, carmakers will need to reduce their fleet emissions by 90 per cent compared to 2021 levels before the start of 2035\. The existing regulations would have required a 100 per cent reduction, effectively making EVs and FCEVs the only viable models. ### Chery Stockman to outgun BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger Hybrid URL: https://torquecafe.com/chery-stockman-to-outgun-byd-shark-6-ford-ranger-hybrid/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T00:00:46.000Z Chery has shed light on the upcoming Stockman ute, previewing some of the key figures for the world’s first turbo-diesel plug-in hybrid dual-cab. Named last month following an Australia-wide competition, the Chery Stockman is unique in mating a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine to its PHEV system, but it’ll join other plug-in utes such as the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, Ford Ranger Hybrid, and JAC Hunter in showrooms. Confirmed to produce up to 350kW and 800Nm, the Stockman outs the Ranger Hybrid (207kW/697Nm), the Shark 6 Premium 321kW/650Nm, and the Cannon Alpha PHEV (300kW/700Nm), though the JAC Hunter is still the most potent on paper, making 360kW/1010Nm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2027-chery-stockman-3.jpg) A petrol-powered version of the Stockman is due in Australia in 2027, though no details have emerged. Its 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked towing capacity also matches its rivals, while its four-wheel drive system with lockable front and rear differentials is on par with the top-spec Cannon Alpha PHEV and Hunter, while beating out the Ranger Hybrid (rear differential only). Chery has only so far confirmed the Stockman has a claimed electric-only driving range of 100km on the lenient NEDC cycle, more than double the Ranger Hybrid’s 49km claim, and identical to the Shark 6 and Hunter, however the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is still the on-paper king with a 115km figure. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2027-chery-stockman-4.jpg) The carmaker has yet to announce how large the Stockman’s battery is, as well as a combined range figure from its turbo-diesel engine and PHEV setup. Also absent is any information on how many electric motors the Stockman features. Previously the brand said it would boast a 1000kg payload capacity, on par or exceeding its rivals. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2027-chery-stockman-2.jpg) Measuring 5450mm long, 2010mm wide and 1890mm tall, the Stockman is roughly the same size as the Shark and Cannon Alpha, while being slightly longer than the Hunter and Ranger. Its 247mm of ground clearance is also class-leading, while its all-terrain tyres are designed to enable it to fulfill its off-roading ambitions. Chery says that further details about the Stockman including pricing, full specifications and launch dates will be announced in the coming months, ahead of its arrival in the fourth quarter of 2026. ### The VE Holden Commodore turns 20: Two decades of the ‘Billion Dollar Baby’ URL: https://torquecafe.com/the-ve-holden-commodore-turns-20-two-decades-of-the-billion-dollar-baby/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T20:00:03.000Z The Holden Commodore is one of the key pieces of Australia’s motoring landscape, and today marks 20 years since the VE Commodore was revealed, igniting an era of change for the long-time best-seller. After first launching the Commodore nameplate locally with the VB in 1978, Holden had enjoyed three generations of success for its Ford Falcon fighter, though prior to the arrival of the VE there was always something holding the Commodore back. Since its introduction, the Commodore had been a heavily reworked version of Opel and Vauxhall’s sedans in Europe and the UK, respectively. Though there were enough parts and development put into the Commodore to make it a local product – not to mention its Australian production lines – its detractors always brought up that overseas link. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/holden_commodore_ss_v_3--1-.jpg) VE Holden Commodore SS V With the VE Commodore, Holden sought to rectify that by developing an all-new platform – later named Zeta – under which the Peter Hughes-designed body of the new sedan, ute and wagon would lay. Development on the VE started as early as late 1998, at which point the Commodore had only just entered its third generation with the VT, a design which was effectively updated three more times (VX, VY and VZ) before the arrival of the VE. The first signs of what the VE Commodore would look like became clear at the 2004 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, where the Holden Torana TT36 concept was unveiled. It would later bear a striking resemblance to the VE production model, though we never did get to see its twin-turbo 3.6-litre V6 engine shoehorned into the Australian-made Commodore. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/holden_torana_tt36_hatch_concept_5.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/holden_torana_tt36_hatch_concept_8.jpg) Holden Torana TT36 Concept In the lead-up to the VE Commodore’s unveiling, prototypes were spied, showing its revised proportions compared to predecessors, however the true level of its development wasn’t discovered until covers came off on July 16, 2006. At the Melbourne International Motor Show, Holden hosted not only Australia’s top motoring journalists but also a revolutionary livestream of the VE Commodore’s reveal, reflecting how important its launch was. Being slightly longer, wider and taller than the outgoing VZ Commodore, the VE represented a new ethos for Holden, which started development with the longer wheelbase Caprice and Statesman, but cut length out for its volume seller. Few of the previous-generation models’ components carried over, and it became clear why when it launched. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/holden_commodore_sv6_5.jpg) VE Holden Commodore SV6 The VE Commodore’s development cycle lasted almost eight years from the first pencil on paper to the first car rolling down the production line – which occurred on July 13, three days before the global launch – and was reported to have cost more than $1 billion, equivalent to almost $1.7 billion today. Because of this, the VE Commodore was dubbed Holden’s ‘Billion Dollar Baby’, and the development bill made sense later down the line when the Commodore-based Holden Ute (2007) and Sportwagon (2008) were launched later on. From launch, the Commodore was available in base Omega and Commodore V (3.6-litre V6, four-speed auto) trim, the mid-range Berlina (3.6-litre V6, four-speed auto or 6.0-litre V8, six-speed auto) the sporty SV6 (3.6-litre V6, five-speed auto or six-speed manual), or SS and SS V (6.0-litre V8, six-speed manual or auto guise). The WM Caprice and Statesman also offered the 3.6-litre V6/five-speed auto and 6.0-litre V8/six-speed auto combinations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/holden_commodore_ss_v_43.jpg) VE Holden Commodore SS V interior Coinciding with the launch of the VE Commodore was also Holden Special Vehicles’ (HSV) new E Series range, with higher performance versions badged the Clubsport R8, GTS and Senator. It wasn’t until 2007 when Holden first took the VE Commodore to the track in the V8 Supercars championship, however it didn’t take long to find success, with Todd Kelly (Holden Racing Team), Rick Kelly and Garth Tander (HSV Dealer Team) winning the first eight races of the season. That year also saw Mark Skaife match Peter Brock’s record for round wins in the championship, while the VE – despite missing out on a podium placing at the Bathurst 1000 after a Ford Falcon sweep – went on to win the title in the hands of Tander. The VE would go on to win two more V8 Supercars titles (2011 and 2012, both in the hands of Jamie Whincup), however its success on the track didn’t completely carry over to the sales charts. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/SC-2007-Longhurst_-Seton_Bathurst-10005DBE-copy.jpg) The VE Commodore V8 Supercar, raced at the 2007 Sandown 500 by Tony Longhurst and Glenn Seton for the Holden Racing Team Commodore sales had peaked at 103,764 deliveries in 2003 with an 11.4 market share, while in 1998 the Commodore enjoyed a market share of 12.8 per cent with 103,167 deliveries. In 2005, the last full year of the VZ, sales had dropped to 86,996 with an 8.8 market share, though the Commodore remained the best-selling vehicle in Australia. Through 2006 (which featured a mix of VZ sedan, wagon and ute, plus VE sedan late in the year) the figure continues to drop to 70,605 deliveries, before continuing down to 68,827 in 2007, 64,542 in 2008, 56,491 in 2009, 57,361 in 2010, and 50,106 in 2011, at which point it had a market share of just five per cent. The Commodore (including the Ute) lost its long-held sales crown to the Mazda 3 in 2012, with the popular small car managing 44,128 deliveries and a four per cent market share. Not including the Holden Ute, the Commodore had been beaten by the Mazda 3 in 2011 too. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/holden_commodore_ss_sportwagon_56--1-.jpg) VE Holden Commodore Sportwagon 2012 was the last year of the VE Commodore, which had been facelifted in late 2010 to offer new engines and fresher equipment, though it wasn’t enough to arrest the slide in sales triggered by the Global Financial Crisis. The final VE Commodore was built on May 17, 2013, at which point more than 350,000 examples of the Commodore, Ute, Caprice, Statesman and HSV E Series variants had been sold in Australia. However, the Elisabeth factory in South Australia had actually made more than 520,000 VEs in total, including all the export market vehicles based on the Commodore. These included the Chevrolet Lumina (Middle East), the Chevrolet Omega (Brazil), the Pontiac G8 (North America), Chevrolet Caprice (US, law enforcement only), and the Vauxhall VXR8 (UK, based on the HSV Clubsport R8). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/holden_commodore_ss_v_9.jpg) VE Commodore SS V Additionally, the Australian-developed Zeta platform under the VE Commodore was used on the reborn Chevrolet Camaro from 2010 to 2015, bringing General Motors back into competition with the Ford Mustang in North America. The VE Commodore was succeeded by the VF Commodore in 2013, which became the last Australian-made vehicle, as Holden shut its production line in October 2017. You can watch Holden’s own 45-minute video of the birth of the VE Commodore – including its launch 20 years ago – below. *What are your favourite memories of the VE Commodore? Let us know below.* ### More than 9000 Australian Jeep owners told to park away from other cars amid fire risk URL: https://torquecafe.com/more-than-9000-australian-jeep-owners-told-to-park-away-from-other-cars-amid-fire-risk/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T05:00:20.000Z Jeep Australia has advised owners of certain Wrangler and Gladiator models to “park away from structures or other vehicles until the remedy is obtained”, as it aims to find a fix for a fault which can cause a fire. A total of 9199 Wranglers and Gladiators in Australia built between 2020 and 2024 are impacted by a power steering pump fault, which has been linked to an increased risk of a vehicle fire. “Some of the listed vehicles may have an Electric Hydraulic Power Steering Pump (EHPSP) electrical connection susceptible to high resistance,” Jeep said in its recall notice, [published by the Department of Infrastructure](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-006656?ref=torquecafe.com). “Some customers may experience a loss of power steering assist or a "Service Power Steering" Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/jeep-wrangler-four-cylinder-5.jpg) Jeep Wrangler “In some circumstances, high resistance electrical activity may take place in the area of the EHPSP connection causing overheating of combustible materials. “Overheating of combustible materials in the vehicle or surrounding area may potentially lead to a fire. A fire can result in increased risk of occupant injury and injury to persons outside the vehicle.” Globally, Jeep has recalled more than 1.3 million vehicles due to the fault, though there is no remedy for it in Australia, where owners have been told to park their vehicles away from other objects where possible. “Out of an abundance of caution, Stellantis Australia (Jeep’s parent company) is advising owners of these vehicles to park away from structures or other vehicles until the remedy is obtained. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2025-jeep-gladiator-5.jpg) Jeep Gladiator “The remedy for this condition is not currently available. Dealers will be notified of the launch of this safety recall by way of established communication methods. This recall is estimated to launch in the 3rd Quarter of 2026. “Stellantis Australia will contact the owners of affected vehicles via mail, email or via phone once a remedy is available. After you receive correspondence, you can contact any authorized Jeep dealer to have the Safety Recall Campaign remedy completed.” For more information on the recall, owners can call Jeep Australia Customer Care on 1300 133 079. ### Lamborghini leaves the door open to more off-road specials URL: https://torquecafe.com/lamborghini-leaves-the-door-open-to-more-off-road-specials/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T03:28:07.000Z When Lamborghini launched the Huracan Sterrato in 2022, it felt like there was a new movement in the automotive industry, with a renewed focus on off-road capabilities – even for some of the fastest on-road vehicles. By jacking up the supercar, giving it knobbly tyres, roof racks and other gear better suited to a rally raid machine, Lamborghini moved away from its traditional base of on-road excellence, and it worked. At roughly the same time, Porsche had launched the 911 Dakar, built with a similar formula of making a sports/supercar be able to perform well on rough surfaces. A few years down the track and we’ve seen no follow-up acts from either manufacturer, though Lamborghini’s latest Urus SE Performance SUV does include a new ‘Rally’ mode, designed to give drivers a bit more freedom when not on sealed surfaces. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/lamborghini-huracan-sterrato-5.jpg) Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato Speaking to [*Motor1*](https://www.motor1.com/news/801505/more-lamborghini-sterrato-models-possible/?ref=torquecafe.com) on the sidelines of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Lamborghini’s Chief Marketing and Sales Officer, Federico Foschini, said the Italian brand is open to more Sterrato-flavoured vehicles in the future, even if they may not be based on supercars. “We have customers who live in the country; we have customers who use the car to hook up a trolley with the horses. So, there are multiple use cases for the Urus,” Foschini said. “We not only go on the road and on the track, but you can also drive these off-road. So that is definitely something that our customers are looking for. “The \[Urus SE\] is already a Sterrato. The distance between the Huracan and the Huracan Sterrato, and the Urus and a possible Sterrato version is not huge... We always have the idea, because the platform is incredibly versatile. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/lamborghini-urus-se-performance.jpg) Lamborghini Urus SE Performance “You can do a track-oriented car... You can also have more emphasis on the off-road aspect, maybe a different kind of tire, a different setup. So, you can do it.” According to Foschini, the success of the Huracan Sterrato was that it was a surprise, rather than something expected of the company – something it will have to think about if it does go down the same path again. “One of our brand values is unexpected... and the Huracán Sterrato was really unexpected as a concept,” he added. “It's an opportunity that we can evaluate, for sure. Because there is a sequence of things that you have to do, and we cannot overlap everything in the same moment. But for sure, once we do it and we succeed, it's something we always keep in our background.” [Lamborghini wants to bring back more raging bullsLamborghini sent off the Huracan – and its V10 engines – in a loud and proud way, not only through![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-270x270-f8089dea-7e58-4779-a48b-5f8be4859f78.png)Torquecafe.comJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/lamborghini-huracan-sterrato-3-666bbb4c-4952-463f-998f-1de8d9895185.jpg)](https://archive.torquecafe.com/lamborghini-wants-to-bring-back-more-raging-bulls/?ref=torquecafe.com) ### Waze claims AI will help motorcycle riders save time URL: https://torquecafe.com/waze-claims-ai-will-help-motorcycle-riders-save-time/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T00:55:39.000Z Waze, the Google-owned navigation app used by millions of road users globally, wants to make trips shorter, especially for those riding motorcycles. Launched 20 years ago, Waze was taken over by Google in 2013, and has since become one of the most common navigation apps on the market, thanks to its detailed maps, and the ability to source information on speed cameras, road works and traffic delays from users. This week, the navigation giant has announced it is launching a new ‘motorcycle mode’ on its application in the near future, using AI “to incorporate two-wheeler shortcuts and restrictions, helping you find the best route and get an accurate ETA”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/videoframe_5981.jpg) Waze's new motorcycle mode “It also shows hazards that are tricky for riders, like potholes, speed bumps, raised crosswalks, shoulder endings and narrow bridges. All of this is powered by Waze’s real-time traffic information and a dedicated group of motorcycle map editors who are constantly adding new hazards to the map.” While Waze already allows users to select their vehicle type as a motorcycle in Australia – which it says provides “routes great for motorbikes” – it’s believed the latest mode will further enhance its capabilities. We may have to wait a while to see it in Australia though, as it’s first rolling out in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru and the Philippines. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/brief_instructions_English.width-1000.format-webp.jpg) Waze is introducing a 'less chatty' mode In addition to the motorcycle mode, Waze is being enhanced to provide routes based on previous trips – using local knowledge to save time – and introducing a ‘less chatty’ mode, shortening and minimising voice prompts so users can keep listening to media with fewer interruptions. Waze already has three modes for voice guidance: off, alerts only, and on. The application is both free to download and to use. ### ‘The Grand Tour’ relaunch date with new presenters confirmed URL: https://torquecafe.com/the-grand-tour-relaunch-date-with-new-presenters-confirmed/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T23:50:14.000Z Mark down September 4 in your calendars, because ‘The Grand Tour’ is coming back to screens on Amazon’s Prime Video streaming service. Set to be the seventh season of the show, it’ll be the first to not include Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, who starred in their final feature-length special – One for the Road – in September 2024. The trio had worked together for the best part of 21 years since first teaming up on season two of the reborn ‘Top Gear’ in 2003, until they departed the BBC in 2015 and were picked up by Amazon to start ‘The Grand Tour’ in 2016. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/p/Daxl3hsGtvS/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Prime Video UK & IE (@primevideouk)](https://www.instagram.com/p/Daxl3hsGtvS/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) In their place will be a new trio of presenters: Thomas Holland and James Engelsman from automotive YouTube channel Throttle House, and Francis Bourgeois, famous for his train-spotting videos but also a renowned revhead, owning a Honda Civic Type R engine-swapped Jazz, and a Mercedes-Benz SL320. The new iteration of ‘The Grand Tour’ will still be executive produced by Andy Wilman, who led the revival of ‘Top Gear’ and is a long-time collaborator with Clarkson – the latter of whom has given the new presenters his blessing and endorsement. The new season will feature six episodes, and see the trio travel across the world to explore automotive cultures, following a familiar formula. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZkxoKstXBA/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Francis Bourgeois (@francis\_bourgeois43)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZkxoKstXBA/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) It isn’t the first time Clarkson, Hammond and May have left a series but the show has gone on, as Top Gear continued following their departure in 2015. A revolving door of hosts followed, though Top Gear found its feet from 2019 when cricket star Freddie Flintoff, comedian Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris became its three main presenters. Top Gear was officially axed last year, following a crash which left Flintoff with multiple facial injuries. ### More supercars could get faux-manual tech URL: https://torquecafe.com/more-supercars-could-get-faux-manual-tech/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T07:00:13.000Z Earlier this month, Ferrari revealed the [12Cilindri Manuale](https://torquecafe.com/ferraris-v12-manual-is-faking-it/), a new version of its 12-cylinder grand tourer with a gated shifter and a clutch pedal. It represents the return of both features to a Ferrari for the first time in 15 years, though rather than use the mechanical connections to the transmission of every other manual on sale, it replicates the feeling of a ‘true’ three-pedal car by manipulating the dual-clutch automatic transmission. This has received mixed feedback online, though a similar invention by Rezvani Motors not only (slightly) pre-dates it, but is now available to a wider range of vehicles. Developed and co-engineered in partnership with Studio Carrozzi, Rezvani’s Quick Shift follows a similar formula to Ferrari’s 12Cilindri Manuale, though without the clutch pedal. The firm has developed a gated shifter system which allows drivers to override the brain of the automatic transmission, allowing them to change gears in a more tactile, familiar way than pulling paddles behind the steering wheel. Initially announced for the Ferrari 458, 488 and F12, the Quick Shift mechanism is also available for the GT4C, while Rezvani says it’s being further developed to be fitted to the Lamborghini Huracan and Aventador, plus the Chevrolet Corvette C8. Priced from US$25,000 (A$36,050), it’s not what you’d call cheap, though if it delivers on its claim of providing greater driving engagement, it may be worth the money. The launch of the system follows Tremec – the producer of the Corvette’s eight-speed transaxle – making [a manual version](https://torquecafe.com/chevrolet-corvette-ford-mustang-gtd-manual-tremec/) of the ‘box, though [Chevrolet has ruled out fitting it](https://torquecafe.com/chevrolet-news-corvette-c8-manual-not-happening/) into a production car. ### New Zealand-built V12 fires up ahead of hypercar berth URL: https://torquecafe.com/new-zealand-built-v12-fires-up-ahead-of-hypercar-berth/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T05:00:51.000Z A US-based startup has enlisted a New Zealand firm to build its hypercar’s V12 engine, which has now taken its first breath. Nilu27 is a brand you’ve likely never heard of, led by Sasha Selipanov, whose previous works include leading the exterior design of the Lamborghini Huracan and Bugatti Chiron, as well as leading the overall design of the Koenigsegg Gemera and CC850. The brand’s hypercar, called simply the NILU, was revealed in 2024, at least in concept form, with claims of being powered by a V12 engine and a seven-speed manual transmission. Now that dream is one step closer to reality, with New Zealand’s Hartley Engines – based in Palmerston North – previewing the first running prototype of the V12, while also showcasing its mad exhaust setup. The company – run by former Formula 1 driver and three-time Le Mans winner Brendon Hartley’s brother, Nelson – claims the V12 can rev out to 11,000rpm, making just as much induction noise as it does from the exhaust thanks to its individual throttle bodies (ITBs). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/nilu27-nilu-v12-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/nilu27-nilu-v12-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/nilu27-nilu-v12-3.jpg) The Nilu27 NILU concept Initially expected to produce 786kW, the 6.4-litre V12 reportedly makes even more than that, all without the assistance of hybrid technology or forced induction from turbochargers or a supercharger. There’s no timeline yet on when the Nilu27 NILU will launch, though the sole running V12 engine is soon to be sent over to Germany where the first prototype of the hypercar is being assembled. You can hear more from Nelson Hartley about Hartley Engines at last year's World Time Attack Challenge below. ### Petrol-powered Porsche Cayman, Boxster revival could be axed - report URL: https://torquecafe.com/petrol-powered-porsche-cayman-boxster-revival-could-be-axed-report/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T03:05:10.000Z Porsche fans are riding on an emotional rollercoaster, and the latest news out of Germany isn’t good for anyone who loves an engine in their sports car. According to German newspaper [*Bild*](https://www.bild.de/politik/inland/wende-im-vw-machtkampf-jetzt-doch-keine-werksschliessungen-6a52103036e98236c4bc5080?ref=torquecafe.com), the Volkswagen Group – Porsche’s parent – is eyeing up the discontinuation of more than half a dozen models: the Cupra Raval, the Volkswagen Jetta and Taos, the Skoda Fabia, Audi Q6 e-tron and Q5 Sportbacks, the next Porsche Taycan and the internal combustion engine-powered 718 (Boxster and Cayman twins). The potential cancellation of the ICE 718 would represent a huge U-turn from Porsche’s existing plans, which itself already was a massive change in tact compared to its original strategy. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/Porsche-718-Cayman-GT4.jpg) Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Porsche’s most recent 982-generation 718 sports cars exited production last year, and were set to be replaced by electric versions of the Cayman and Boxster, both running on the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) Sport architecture. However, low demand for EVs in the luxury performance segment led to a backtrack, with Porsche announcing in 2025 the upcoming 718 lineup would be expanded to offer “top ICE (internal combustion engine) derivatives”, suggesting the flagship RS versions of each would be the only versions to get a petrol engine. It was reported in December by [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/next-gen-porsche-718-evs-being-reworked-petrol-power?ref=torquecafe.com) that senior sources had said Porsche would reverse-engineer the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) Sport architecture the EV 718 will be based on to accept a petrol engine. According to *Autocar’s* sources, this would have extended beyond the aforementioned range-topping petrol-powered 718s, with engines expected to be more widely available across the lineup. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/Porsche-718-gts-boxster.jpg) Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 This was further [advanced in February](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-cayman-boxster-718-ev-future/) this year by a [*Bloomberg*](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-02/porsche-ceo-weighs-cutting-electric-sports-cars-to-tackle-budget?ref=torquecafe.com) report - citing insider sources within Porsche - claiming new Porsche CEO Michael Leiters was considering scrapping the 718 Cayman and Boxster EVs, due to continued delays and rising costs. According to the *Bloomberg* report, Porsche had deliberated making the new 718 a plug-in hybrid, however this too would require different underpinnings which would increase development costs and blow out its timeline. It was expected the petrol versions of the new 718 would require a new rear bulkhead and subframe compared to the EV, given the latter’s battery pack is a load-bearing structure. Despite reports claiming Porsche is flip-flopping on what the next 718 will look like, Leiters recently said the 911 – the brand’s flagship model – [won’t go fully electric](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-911s-future-must-be-ensured-with-engine-power/). ### China’s most popular EV comes to Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/chinas-most-popular-ev-comes-to-australia/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T00:54:53.000Z Chinese car giant Geely is continuing its Australian expansion, announcing local pricing for the incoming EX2 EV ahead of its arrival later this month. The Geely EX2 will kick off from $26,490 before on-road costs in entry-level ‘EX2 Complete’ guise when it arrives by the end of July, undercutting similarly sized electric rivals such as the BYD Dolphin ($29,990 plus on-roads), plus the GAC Aion UT and MG4 EV Urban ($31,990 plus on-roads. Stepping up to the range-topping EX2 Inspire brings with it a $3500 price increase, starting from $30,990 before on-road costs. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/MY26-Geely-EX2-001--1-.jpg) Geely EX2 Both versions of the EX2 are rear-drive, with the Complete featuring a 60kW and 150Nm electric motor, fed by a 35.3kWh LFP battery (which can be charged at up to 60kW), delivering a claimed driving range of 252km on the WLTP lab test cycle. The EX2 Inspire gets a more potent 85kW and 150Nm electric motor, paired with a larger 47.1kWh battery pack for 345km of claimed driving range, as well as a higher 80kW DC charging rate. Measuring 4135mm long, 1805mm wide and 1580mm tall, the EX2 has a 2645mm wheelbase, with a 70L front trunk (‘frunk’), and a 375L. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/MY26-Geely-EX2-004--1-.jpg) Geely EX2 Standard equipment across both grades includes an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite navigation. While the Complete has a basic four-speaker sound system, the Inspire steps up to six speakers and adds 256-colour ambient lighting, a wireless phone charger, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Both EX2s have 16-inch wheels, though the Complete gets steel wheels with hubcaps while the Inspire receives alloys. Geely is running a launch offer between July 12 and August 31, throwing in a free 7kW home EV charger and waiving the usual $600 premium paint charge. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/MY26-Geely-EX2-028--1-.jpg) Geely EX2 Moon White is the sole no-cost colour, with Star Silver, Comet Grey, Nebula Beige, Aurora Green and Nova Pink all available as premium options (free for now, thanks to the launch offer). The Inspire also adds a contrasting black roof and metallic side accents. Safety equipment includes seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive and cruise control, blind-spot detection, lane-keeping and lane-change assistance, and rear cross-traffic alert with braking. The Inspire adds a 360-degree camera. Geely’s connected services switch on from August, bundling 24 months of access to a revamped smartphone app for remote locking, climate control and scheduled charging, while emergency call functionality is slated to arrive via an over-the-air update in the final quarter of the year. The Geely EX2 arrives in dealerships nationwide from late July 2026. ### Supercars champion Brodie Kostecki reveals classic Ford project URL: https://torquecafe.com/supercars-champion-brodie-kostecki-reveals-classic-ford-project/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T23:51:32.000Z With only 14 rounds in the Supercars Championship, some of the star drivers from the series are spending their free time on classic cars, with Brodie Kostecki the latest to join that group. The 2023 Supercars champion and current Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) driver has revealed he has purchased a 1987 XF Ford Fairmont Ghia as his new project car, coinciding with the first episode of his build vlog on YouTube. Finished in its factory Regency red paintwork, the Fairmont Ghia was the flagship of the XF Falcon model range (excluding the long-wheelbase Fairmont and LTD), but had the unenviable task of being the first generation since the XR to not offer a V8 engine. Instead, all XF Falcons and Fairmonts were powered by a ‘250 Crossflow’ engine, with the 4.1-litre straight-six in the Ghia featuring fuel injection, producing 121kW and 325Nm – low numbers by today’s standards, especially when paired with the standard three-speed automatic transmission. The XF was also absent from the Australian Touring Car Championship, with Ford entrants using the XE until the end of Group C in 1984, followed by the Mustang foxbody and Sierra RS Cosworth during Group A – though the XF did become Ford’s competitor in the AUSCAR championship. According to Kostecki, he secured the Fairmont Ghia through a contact at Jack Beedham’s Exhaust and Brake Centre in Redcliffe (north of Brisbane), and it’s believed to have only been owned by one person prior to the Supercars star. As with most XD-XF Falcons, at least one of the door handles is broken already – a very common failure on this generation of car – though its cloth interior and new-for-its-time digital dash appear in good condition. [Cam Waters building another V8 Supercar-powered iconTickford Racing’s Cam Waters has another project car on the go, this time a Cobra kit car which will have the V8 heart of a Supercar.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-1fa0e331-ae42-4fd6-9fa7-120807ef279d.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/cam-waters-cobra-522c1b57-e712-47a7-82ee-eaf963be8498.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/cam-waters-cobra-kit-car-v8-supercars-engine/) Under the bonnet the 4.1-litre six-cylinder remains for now, however Kostecki has alluded to the XF becoming a street performance vehicle, and has called for the public to help decide on what modifications should be made. He’s not the only Supercars driver with project cars on the go: Will Brown, Kostecki’s long-time friend, former team-mate and current Lucky Dogs podcast co-host, has a large collection of classic cars, including a 1989 Nissan Skyline R31 Silhouette GTS, a 1970 Ford Falcon XW GT-HO Phase II, and a MkII Ford Escort. Likewise, Tickford driver Cam Waters is currently building a Shelby Cobra replica which will be powered by the V8 engine from his 2023 Ford Mustang Supercar, following on from his earlier FPR-powered XB Falcon coupe. ### Rare HSV VL Walkinshaw heads to auction URL: https://torquecafe.com/rare-hsv-vl-walkinshaw-heads-to-auction/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T20:00:31.000Z Walkinshaw had big shoes to fill when it established Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) in 1988, taking away the role once held by the Peter Brock-led Holden Dealer Team (HDT) for making hot Commodores. The car which started it all was the HSV VL SS Group A Walkinshaw, built as a homologation special to take on the Australian Touring Car Championship and the Bathurst 1000, eventually winning the 1990 edition of the Great Race with Allan Grice and Win Percy. Just 750 road cars were made, with their plastic bodykits, Panorama Silver paintwork and five-spoke 16-inch wheels making it stand out from the existing VL Commodore lineup, and becoming one of the most special versions of the sedan ever sold in Australia. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/hsv-vl-walkinshaw-304-4.jpg) Image via Seven 82 Motors Now, build number #304 out of 750 is heading to auction via [Seven 82 Motors](https://www.seven82motors.com.au/lot/aug-9-2026/1988-hsv-vl-ss-group-a-walkinshaw-304-15700km-books/?ref=torquecafe.com), and with just 15,685km on the odometer, it’s sure to be one of the lowest-mileage versions of the VL Walky sold in recent times. With its #304 build number reflecting the 304 cubic-inch capacity of the ‘Iron Lion’ 5.0-litre V8 engine, this car was delivered to its first owner in June 1988, just a few months before HSV made its Bathurst debut. As with all examples, it’s fitted with a five-speed manual transmission, of-its-time grey cloth upholstery and Momo steering wheel, the factory-fit 16-inch Walkinshaw wheels, and features its original log books and even registration sticker. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/hsv-vl-walkinshaw-304-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/hsv-vl-walkinshaw-304-3.jpg) Images via Seven 82 Motors Priced from $45,000 when new – equivalent to almost $130,000 now – the market for VL Walkinshaws has been scattered in recent years. The known auction record stands at $380,000 for #333 in 2018, while car #339 was listed for more than $1 million in 2021, though a sale price was not announced. Just last month, car #285 sold for $209,000 plus auction fees, with more than 45,000km on the clock. ### Need for Speed-inspired BMW M3 GTR finds a new home URL: https://torquecafe.com/need-for-speed-inspired-bmw-m3-gtr-finds-a-new-home/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T05:00:22.000Z There are few vehicles which became famous for starring in video games, rather than being in video games because they’re famous, but the BMW M3 GTR well and truly falls into the former category. While the M3 GTR was exclusively to go racing – with less than 10 examples of the Straßenversion (Street Version) homologation cars still on the road – in the early 2000s, it was in 2005 that it took on a new life, featuring on the cover of the Need for Speed: Most Wanted video game. Appearing as the first car in the game which the player almost immediately loses and has to win back by defeating the final ‘Blacklist’ racer, Razor. The blue-and-silver finished M3 GTR then became a cult icon, which led to BMW paying tribute to it in late 2024 when it paid tribute to the *Most Wanted* car by giving one of the former racing editions its iconic livery. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/dl-958bb38c9901--1-.jpg) Intended to briefly reside in the BMW Welt museum in Munich, it later departed the display. However, it’s now back on show there, allowing fans to recreate photos of the cover car and see what inspired a generation of petrolheads 20 years ago. The car itself was raced by Jörg Müller and J.J. Lehto in the 2001 American Le Mans Series, where it was campaigned by BMW in the GT category as the #42 car, winning that year’s driver’s title in the hands of Müller. It was powered by a bespoke ‘P60B40’ V8 engine, displacing 4.0-litres and capable of producing approximately 500kW without restrictions, mated to a six-speed sequential transmission. BMW hasn’t said how long it’ll be at the museum, though given the positive reaction to its return, it’ll likely be a while until it leaves again. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/p/DaFbM07M9Qq/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Karol Tutaj (@pan.tutaj)](https://www.instagram.com/p/DaFbM07M9Qq/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) ### Australian police force launches ‘shadow’ patrol cars URL: https://torquecafe.com/australian-police-force-launches-shadow-patrol-cars/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T02:00:44.000Z Until now, there were two main types of police patrol cars, with most fleets typically operating marked and unmarked vehicles – aimed to either make their presence known or be able to hide in plain sight. Now, South Australia has introduced a third type, announcing it is launching six shadow patrol cars in the state’s metropolitan and regional areas to try and slow down the road toll. The six vehicles – consisting of a pair of Subaru Outbacks, Toyota Klugers and LandCruiser 300 Series – feature reflective, colour-matched police markings which are hard to see during the day, but can reflect at night when illuminated. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/south-australia-police-shadow-patrol-cars-1.jpg) South Australia Police's shadow cars during the day According to South Australia Police, this allows them to be “less easily identified from a distance”, giving officers a better chance of targeting motorists committing offences including alcohol and drug driving, speeding, inattentive driving, and dangerous driving. “These vehicles are about road safety and giving police another capability to detect dangerous driving before it results in tragedy,” said South Australian Commissioner of Police, Grant Stevens. “With 61 lives already lost on South Australian roads this year, we cannot afford complacency. Every fatality represents a person who did not make it home and families whose lives have been changed forever. “They will also have a deterrence effect. If people know police may be on the road in vehicles that are not immediately obvious from a distance, they may think twice before speeding, driving affected by alcohol or drugs, using their phone, or taking risks behind the wheel.” Their deployment follows the death of 61 road users in South Australia between January 1 and July 2, 2026\. Of these deaths, drink driving was a factor in 10 per cent, drug driving was a factor in 21 per cent, and dangerous road users or behaviours represented 36 per cent of lives lost. ### Land Rover Defender gets luxury ute conversion URL: https://torquecafe.com/land-rover-defender-gets-luxury-ute-conversion/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T00:53:57.000Z Land Rover doesn’t make a ute version of the now upmarket Defender SUV, but that hasn’t stopped Urban from showing off what it thinks a single-cab version of the nameplate should look like. Urban Automotive took the covers off its Widetrack Avontur Prototype at the Goodwood Festival of Speed over the weekend, transforming the SUV into a luxury ute which can still be used as a workhorse. Starting life as a Defender 110 Commercial – a UK-market version which only features two seats, side-stepping certain registration regulations – the Widetrack Avontur Prototype transformation includes more than 36 bespoke components, and none of them are cheap. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/urban-automotive-land-rover-defender-ute-2.jpg) Widetrack Avontur Prototype Its rear body architecture is bespoke, while its exposed carbon-fibre tub is perhaps the most expensive we’ve seen, matching with the carbon-fibre bonnet, side trim and other details made from the lightweight material. There’s also an integrated modular rail system and even a bottle holder in the tailgate, which is largely carried over from the standard Defender. Details about the interior are slim, though a pair of racing-style bucket seats are now fitted in front of the heated glass rear window. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/urban-automotive-land-rover-defender-ute-4.jpg) Widetrack Avontur Prototype “The Avontur is a deeply personal project for me because it represents everything I believe Urban should stand for: pushing boundaries, creating desire, engineering with purpose, and building vehicles that make people stop, look, and think differently,” said Urban Automotive managing director, Matthew Welch. “This is not simply another interpretation of the Defender. The Avontur is a luxury lifestyle utility vehicle with genuine practicality. It could sit outside a hotel in Monaco, arrive at a marina, cross a country estate, or be working in a field yet feel equally relevant in every setting. That balance of luxury, capability, and individuality is what makes it so special. “I believe our Avontur needs to be seen in person to be fully understood and appreciated. It not only shows the ambition and talent of our design and engineering teams but also signals the direction of Urban Automotive as we continue to invest in original design, manufacturing, and products that make a difference.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/urban-automotive-land-rover-defender-ute-5.jpg) Widetrack Avontur Prototype Other creations by Urban Automotive include Widetrack carbon-fibre styled versions of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II, Lamborghini Urus SE, and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen. Urban says that customers will be able to register their interest in the Defender ute on its website. Unfortunately it’s unlikely that Land Rover itself will turn the Defender into a ute, with demand for luxury pickups in most of the world at a low level. [BMW executives last year](https://torquecafe.com/this-big-brand-isnt-interested-in-utes/) ruled out launching a ute, and while [Genesis did a design study](https://torquecafe.com/genesis-pickup-ute-concept-revealed/) for a dual-cab pickup, it is unlikely to see action in the real world. ### Walkinshaw creates another hot V8 URL: https://torquecafe.com/walkinshaw-creates-another-hot-v8/ Last updated: 2026-07-12T23:55:21.000Z The lineage of Walkinshaw and General Motors stretches back almost 40 years, and the Melbourne-based outfit isn’t stopping creating more potent versions of GM vehicles just yet. Among the Walkinshaw Group’s wider range of jobs which includes converting a number of American-sourced vehicles from left- to right-hand drive, the Walkinshaw Performance division also provides upgrades to some of the cars it helps remanufacture. In the case of the GMC Yukon SUV, that means a new Walkinshaw Performance Supercharger, available to be bolted onto its 6.2-litre ‘L98’ V8 engine. Priced from $21,990 (excluding fitting), the supercharger has been developed with long-time Holden and GM tuners Harrop Engineering, and is based on the existing Harrop TVS2650 positive displacement supercharger. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/gmc-yukon-walkinshaw-performance-4.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/gmc-yukon-walkinshaw-performance-5.jpg) Walkinshaw's Supercharger for the GMC Yukon With water-to-air intercooling and 8psi of boost, Walkinshaw claims the supercharger increases the engine’s outputs from its standard 260kW and 525Nm at the wheels, to 373kW and 713Nm. For context, as standard the engine produces a claimed 313kW and 624Nm at the flywheel, while previously Melbourne’s Horsepower Factory – one of the few approved fitters for the Walkinshaw supercharger for the related Silverado 1500 – said the supercharger increases power and torque to 425kW and 845Nm. To complement the supercharger, Walkinshaw also offers a cat-back exhaust system for the Yukon, made from 409 stainless steel, and configured in a 3-inch into twin 2.5-inch layout, with prices starting from $3995 excluding fitting. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/gmc-yukon-walkinshaw-performance-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/gmc-yukon-walkinshaw-performance-6.jpg) Walkinshaw Performance also offers a GMC Yukon brake upgrade package, developed by Chevrolet Performance and Brembo overseas. With new ‘Duralife’ rotors and six-piston front calipers, Walkinshaw claims the brake upgrade provides a 22 per cent larger brake rotor area, and a huge 89 per cent increase in brake pad area, helping to stop the big SUV more consistently. Prices start from $5995, again excluding fitment. All of the upgrades are only available to GMC Yukons sold in Australia by GM Specialty Vehicles, the sole distributor of the Walkinshaw-converted vehicle which itself costs $174,990 plus on-roads. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/734384891_1438752558280366_2282362615987187252_n--1--1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/gmc-yukon-walkinshaw-performance-3.jpg) GMC Yukon with Walkinshaw Performance upgrades ### Australian Porsche 911 restomod to go global URL: https://torquecafe.com/australian-porsche-911-restomod-to-go-global/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T05:40:47.000Z The recipe of turning old Porsche 911s into restomodded, modernised vehicles is a popular one, and now Melbourne-based [Zeigler/Bailey](https://www.zeiglerbailey.com/?ref=torquecafe.com) is one step closer to offering its example to the world. Revealed late last year, the Z/B 4.4 is based on the 1976 to 1989 ‘G-series’ 911, re-engineered in Melbourne, with almost none of the sports car’s original parts remaining. From a new steel tub to carbon-fibre body panels, adjustable suspension (MacPherson strut at the front, multi-link at the rear) and Brembo brakes, everything under the skin has been reworked to bring the 911 into the modern age. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/z-b-4.4-4.jpg) Z/B 4.4 Even the Fuchs-style wheels are forged aluminium and include modern 911 GT-style centre lock nuts, though as with all great Porsches, the party piece is at the back. As the name suggests, the Z/B 4.4 is powered by a 4.4-litre flat-six engine, now running a billet aluminium block and heads to put out 300kW and 500Nm, delivered via a Haltech ECU. Priced from A$1.6 million – including the donor car, with owner-supplied vehicles taking a fixed amount off –or US$990,000 (A$1.43 million) for overseas buyers, it’s cheaper than the Singers which have made the restomodding process so famous within the 911 community, and now it’s opened up to the rest of the world. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/z-b-4.4-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/z-b-4.4-5.jpg) Z/B 4.4 Zeigler/Bailey has announced [The Automotive Advisory Group (TAAG)](https://www.theautomotive.group/?ref=torquecafe.com) will serve as its official sales partner for Z/B 4.4 commissions, keeping all of the administration process within Australia. “TAAG’s role is to lead global customer engagement, bespoke commission and specification guidance, and the end-to-end sales and ownership journey, from first enquiry through to handover,” Zeigler/Bailey said in a media release. “TAAG will work closely with founders John Zeigler and Greg Bailey to focus on ensuring that every Z/B 4.4 is not just engineered with intent but commissioned with meaning.” Three examples of the car have now been completed, with a further five currently being constructed. ### Lexus LFA’s legendary V10 won’t make its way into EV successor URL: https://torquecafe.com/lexus-lfas-legendary-v10-wont-make-its-way-into-ev-successor/ Last updated: 2026-07-11T20:00:46.000Z The Lexus LFA has gone down as one of the defining supercars of the early 21st century, thanks partly to its V10 engine which stood out like a sore thumb from the rest of the wider Toyota lineup. [Late last year](https://torquecafe.com/lexus-lfa-concept-ev-supercar-replaces-v10/), Lexus revealed the LFA Concept, previewing a second-generation iteration of the famous nameplate, running on the same chassis as the twin-turbo V8 Toyota GR GT… but without its engine. Instead, the new LFA Concept is an EV, leaning further into its easy-listening customer base by making it a silent electric supercar. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/lexus-lfa-concept-ev-1.jpg) However, it may not be totally silent when it reaches production, with the LFA program’s general manager, Yukihiro Yukita, telling the UK’s [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/new-lexus-lfa-aims-win-over-ev-sceptics-v10-feel?ref=torquecafe.com) that a production model will make some kind of noise, though not necessarily that of the V10. “What I get from the market is that a BEV is fake because we imitate the sound \[of an internal combustion engine\] – but that's not something we want to do,” Yukita said. The executive added Lexus wants its LFA drivers to “feel like they are driving with an engine”, saying that a downside to EVs is that “we lose the sound or the vibration, which gives a big impact to the five senses of the driver.” [Lexus LFA returns… with a shocking twistThe Lexus LFA is being revived, but the connection to the V10-powered supercar of the same name doesn’t stretch far.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-b68f165c-f5fb-4229-846b-336b52b90ac3.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/lexus-lfa-concept-ev-2-84827e9b-7081-4493-bba3-60012671596a.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/lexus-lfa-concept-ev-supercar-replaces-v10/) While acknowledging the popularity of synthesised engine noises in performance EVs from Hyundai and a growing number of brands, Yukita said: “We're not just wanting to replicate the sound of the engine: we want to redesign the sound itself.” According to concept designer Shogo Kasamatsu, the LFA is aimed at challenging how people feel about performance EVs, saying: “Many people don't believe that battery \[power\] is exciting right now. This is a huge challenge.” No details about a potential production version of the LFA Concept have even been leaked at this point, though it is one of many concepts hitting the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend. ### Ruf is developing an eight-cylinder, manual supercar URL: https://torquecafe.com/ruf-is-developing-an-eight-cylinder-manual-supercar/ Last updated: 2026-07-10T20:01:28.000Z Ruf might not be a household name, but for anyone who played video games in the 2000s and 2010s with Porsche look-alikes, it is a familiar brand. Previously dedicated to building its own cars from bare Porsche bodies, Ruf has continued the links to the famous brand but has started to do more of its own thing in recent years, and is now about to do something not seen in a long time. Unveiled this week is the Ruf B8 Erprober, a test vehicle based on the existing Ruf CTR3 – itself taking parts from the Porsche Cayman – which is acting as the development platform for a new supercar, set to be powered by a flat-eight engine. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ruf-b8-1.jpg) We’ve not seen a flat-eight engine in almost any car within the past half a century, with the most recent successful attempt being in the Porsche 908 race car of the late 1960s, though since then Porsche – and Ruf – haven’t ventured higher than a six-cylinder count. Combined with twin turbochargers, Ruf says the ‘B8’ 4.8-litre engine will be capable of producing more than 745kW and 1000Nm, all of which is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. “There are moments in a company’s history that define the future. For RUF, the Boxer 8 is one of those moments,” said company founder Alois Ruf. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ruf-b8-2.jpg) “A boxer-eight has never been part of our story, or anyone else’s in this form, so we decided to write a new chapter in automotive history. We look forward to letting the engine speak for itself at Goodwood.” The Ruf B8 Erprober’s livery pays tribute to the CTR Yellowbird, which launched in 1987 and became a sensation thanks to holding the unofficial Nürburgring lap record at the time. ### McLaren farewells its V8 supercar with final special edition URL: https://torquecafe.com/mclaren-farewells-its-v8-supercar-with-final-special-edition/ Last updated: 2026-07-10T03:00:22.000Z It’s hard to believe that the McLaren 720S debuted in 2017, almost 10 years ago, and it can still be traced through the 750S currently in showrooms. But time is running out for the flagship mainstream supercar platform from the British marque, which today revealed the McLaren 788HS as its send-off to the long-running recipe. Standing for ‘High Sport’, it’s just the third HS-branded McLaren in the brand’s history, having previously been affixed to the MP4-12C HS and the MSO HS, now on the 788HS for its 200-example production run. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/mclaren-788hs-coupe-5.jpg) McLaren 788HS Coming to Australia with prices starting from $1,078,800 before on-road costs, it’s one of the most expensive cars on sale locally, thanks to its myriad upgrades from the McLaren Special Operations team. That includes a new HS-specific aerodynamic package, which consists of a larger ‘multi-zone’ front splitter, a Formula 1-style rear diffuser (claimed to generate 10 per cent more downforce than the 765LT), and a new S-duct bonnet which helps to feed more air to the active rear spoiler. MSO has also gone heavy on the lightweight application to the interior, with a lighter carbon fibre centre console helping to bring the car down 1265kg dry. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/mclaren-788hs-coupe-2.jpg) McLaren 788HS Sitting 5mm lower at the front than the 750S, the 788HS also features McLaren Senna-derived Carbon ceramic brake discs, which are clamped by six-piston forged aluminum monoblock front calipers. These big brakes are fitted behind a new set of ‘Super Lightweight Forged Alloy’ wheels, becoming the first rims in McLaren’s Super Series to feature a centre-locking system. Importantly, the 788HS is the most powerful iteration of the 720S/750S/765LT series ever, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine turned up to produce 580kW (or 788PS, hence the name) and 800Nm, representing a 28kW power bump over the 750S. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/mclaren-788hs-coupe-4.jpg) McLaren 788HS Drivers are also treated to a revised induction and exhaust system to get better tones from the V8. It may also be the last non-electrified V8 in the McLaren lineup we’ll see for a while, as the brand’s next-generation models are tipped to get hybrid assistance, something which has already started with the smaller Artura V6 PHEV. ### JAC Hunter pricing locked in, undercuts BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV URL: https://torquecafe.com/jac-hunter-pricing-locked-in-undercuts-byd-shark-6-gwm-cannon-alpha-phev/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T23:33:28.000Z JAC Australia has confirmed Australian pricing for the new Hunter PHEV dual-cab ute, having previously alluded to it arriving from less than $50,000. Prices kick off from $49,988 plus on-road costs for the entry-level JAC Hunter Pro, undercutting the BYD Shark 6 which starts from $57,900 before on-roads in its equivalent dual-cab pickup guise, as well as the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV Lux, currently down to $57,490 drive-away. Opting for the better-equipped Hunter X raises the price to $54,844 plus on-roads, bringing it closer to the price of the BYD and GWM utes. Regardless of variant, the JAC Hunter features just one powertrain, with its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a pair of electric motors producing up to 360kW and 1010Nm, mated to a four-wheel drive system and four-speed hybrid transmission. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/jac-hunter-phev-reveal-price-1.jpg) Assisted by a 31.2kWh battery, JAC claims up to 1005km of combined driving range on the lenient NEDC lab test cycle, as well as a combined fuel consumption of just 1.6L/100km, also under lab test conditions. It is claimed to be able to drive for 100km on electric-only power. That’s more than double the Ford Ranger PHEV’s 49km claim, and identical to the Shark 6, however the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is still the on-paper king with a 115km figure. The GWM ute also has the highest claimed driving range, with a combined figure of 1060km, also on the NEDC cycle. With a 3500kg braked towing capacity, it matches the Cannon Alpha PHEV, Ford Ranger Hybrid and BYD’s Shark 6 Performance variant. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/jac-hunter-phev-reveal-price-6.jpg) A payload capacity of 915kg has been confirmed for the Hunter - more than the Cannon Alpha (685kg) but less than the Shark 6 (790kg) and Ranger (808-973kg). Standard equipment in the JAC Hunter Pro includes 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights and DRLs, front and rear fog lights, a rear sports bar, side steps, a spray-in tub liner, and full-size spare wheel. Inside there’s a 7.0-inch TFT instrument display, a 10.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless phone charging, power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-accented upholstery, and climate control. Stepping up to the Hunter X adds front and rear differential locks (a $1888 extra for the Pro), a black styling package, black roof rails, rear privacy glass, power-folding mirrors, heated front seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, puddle lamps, front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and a rear 220V accessory socket. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/jac-hunter-phev-reveal-price-4.jpg) JAC claims to have undertaken more than 100,000km of local testing with the Hunter PHEV, which has included utilising Holden’s former Lang Lang proving ground, spearheaded by Australian engineer Michael Barber. The brand will be hoping to capitalise on a recent influx of orders and deliveries for plug-in hybrids, as its existing offering in the related JAC T9 turbo-diesel ute has been one of the slowest sellers in the market. Between January and June 2026, just 437 examples of the T9 have been delivered to Australian customers. For context, only the Jeep Gladiator (86 deliveries) has been a slower seller, while even the controversially styled Kia Tasman manages more deliveries in a month than the T9 does in half a year. [BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, Ford Ranger Hybrid deals battle heats upDespite Australia’s new car market reaching record deliveries last month, the three plug-in hybrid utes on sale are currently all offered with discounts.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-82c6a03a-6cc0-4913-83d6-7aa1b979a1ff.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/SHARK-6-Dual-Cab-99--1--94d5ac6d-de95-4f80-affe-ebff77376947.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/byd-shark-6-gwm-cannon-alpha-phev-ford-ranger-hybrid-deals-battle-heats-up/) ### BYD’s Denza reveals 1180kW, four-seat Z supercar URL: https://torquecafe.com/byds-denza-reveals-1180kw-four-seat-z-supercar/ Last updated: 2026-07-09T23:17:57.000Z BYD’s Yangwang brand already holds the record for producing the fastest car in the world, but now its other spin-off Denza has also entered the supercar market. Revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Denza Z is a ground-up, all-new supercar capable of carrying four people at high speeds, and bringing the brand in front of a new set of customers. Three versions of the Denza Z have been unveiled: the standard Coupe and Spider, while a Z Racing variant aims to take on the likes of the Porsche 911 GT3 and Mercedes-AMG GT with its more track-focused looks. BYD’s head designer Wolfgang Egger – who penned the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione – said the Z is “a living sculpture of speed”, and it’s clear to see some European influence in how its body looks. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/denza-z-coupe-4.jpg) Denza Z Coupe The front end is almost Lotus-esque with its vertically orientated headlights above a wide lower front bumper with big air intakes, while the vented bonnet also helps redirect air over the car. At the back, there are quad tail lights below a ducktail-style rear spoiler, with the shape of the roof also making space for four occupants inside. Denza Z Racing versions score more aggressive exterior bodywork, with a reprofiled front air intake (increasing cooling for the motors by 50 per cent), a carbon-fibre front splitter, underfloor vortex generators, additional body vents, and an optional rear wing. With all of the boxes ticked, it can produce 1060kg of downforce at its top speed of 349km/h. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/denza-z-racing.jpg) Denza Z Racing Buyers can choose from 10 exterior paint finishes, with the pictured vehicle coloured Monte Carlo Orange. Inside the cabin, the occupants are treated to a space upholstered in suede-effect fabrics, combined with carbon fibre and metal finishes. In front of the driver sits an 8.88-inch digital instrument cluster, while in the centre of the dash is a 12.8-inch infotainment system, teamed up with a 12-speaker sound system (or 10 in the Spider) that can produce faux engine sounds in Boost and Track modes. While the front pair of occupants get snug sports seats, the rear bench is a slightly more basic affair, though it features ISOFIX anchors for anyone wanting to take their young kids on a very quick spin. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/denza-z-coupe-6.jpg) Denza Z Coupe And that is the party piece of the Denza Z, which runs on the new e3 Sports Car Platform, featuring three electric motors with eye-watering outputs. Combining to produce 1180kW and 1240Nm, the Denza Z is by far the brand’s most powerful model yet, with its single front motor and dual rear motors enabling it to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 2.25 seconds in Coupe guise, 2.3 seconds for the Spider, and 1.96 seconds for the semi-slick-shod Z Racing. All variants have a top speed of 300km/h, though the Racing can have this bumped up to 349km/h. Feeding the motors is a 76kWh BYD 2nd Generation Blade Battery (LFP), which delivers a claimed WLTP lab test driving range of 408km for the Coupe, 399km for the Spider, and 380km for the Racing. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/denza-z-coupe-7.jpg) Denza Z Coupe Both the Denza Z Coupe and Spider measure 4780mm long and 1975mm wide, though the Coupe sits slightly lower at 1330mm compared to the Spider’s 1350mm. The Z Racing mirrors the Coupe, but is longer at 4870mm. Despite being Denza’s shortest vehicle yet, all variants have a 2780mm wheelbase, meaning there’s minimal overhangs at the front and rear. The electric motors help to offset the weight of the Z, which varies from 2230kg in the Coupe, 2300kg for the Spider, and 2250kg for the Racing. The Z Coupe and Spider both feature DiSuS-M intelligent damping and air suspension, while the Racing gets traditional coil springs. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/denza-z-spider-.jpg) Denza Z Spider Helping arrest the speed and mass of the Denza Z are carbon-ceramic brake discs all round, matched with six-piston calipers at the front, and four-piston units at the rear. In the UK where it has been revealed, prices start from £142,900 (A$276,130) for the Denza Z Coupe, £159,900 (A$308,980) for the Denza Z Spider, and £172,900 (A$334,100) for the Denza Z Racing. Denza’s Australian operations have yet to confirm whether it’ll come to local showrooms. ### BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, Ford Ranger Hybrid deals battle heats up URL: https://torquecafe.com/byd-shark-6-gwm-cannon-alpha-phev-ford-ranger-hybrid-deals-battle-heats-up/ Last updated: 2026-07-09T20:00:24.000Z Sales of electrified vehicles have exploded in Australia in the wake of recent fuel supply and price concerns, but even as these fears have alleviated, it’s still a red-hot environment amongst the three plug-in hybrid ute contenders. The BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and Ford Ranger Hybrid (formerly known as the PHEV) are continuing to do battle in a win for consumers, with all three utes the subject of discounts and deals in Australia. For the Shark 6, the most popular plug-in hybrid vehicle of all time in Australia is currently offered with a $2500 cashback discount by BYD nationally, exclusive to its entry-level Dynamic cab-chassis and mid-range Premium pickup offerings. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/SHARK-6-Cab-Chassis-75--1-.jpg) BYD Shark Though it doesn’t change the list prices of $55,900 and $57,900 before on-road costs, respectively, the cashback offer takes the $2500 figure off the final drive-away price, while widening the gap to the flagship Performance ($62,900). The cab-chassis Shark 6 has only just joined the pack, along with the Performance which features a larger engine and greater towing capacity to match Australia’s best-selling utes. BYD’s deal is applicable to Shark 6s ordered during July and delivered to customers by August 30. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2025-GWM-Cannon-Alpha-PHEV_01-1.jpg) GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV GWM is running a pair of offers for the Cannon Alpha PHEV, giving customers the choice of $4000 off the drive-away price or a finance deal of a 1.99 per cent p.a. comparison rate, on a three year term with $0 deposit, no balloon payments, and no establishment or accounting fees. The former offer brings the nationwide drive-away price of the Cannon Alpha PHEV Lux down to $57,490, while the Ultra is reduced to $64,490. Finally, the Ranger Hybrid’s deal also stretches across two variants of the ute, applicable to pre-MY26 update versions of the XLT and Sport. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ford-ranger-phev-launch-9.jpg) Ford Ranger Hybrid Priced from $62,000 and $66,000 drive-away respectively, the deals have now been running since April, though they now include the added bonus of a $3000 deposit contribution when purchased through Ford Finance. It’s worth noting the updated Ford Ranger Hybrid is due in showrooms imminently, with the Sport priced identically to the current offer. As reported earlier this week, Ford has been going [hard on deals across the range](https://torquecafe.com/ford-ranger-everest-deals-highlight-newly-announced-offers/), particularly the core Ranger and Everest lineup. ### Mercedes-AMG CLA45 packs a 500kW punch URL: https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-amg-cla45-packs-a-500kw-punch/ Last updated: 2026-07-09T12:00:44.000Z Mercedes-AMG has used the know-how from its flagship [GT 4‑Door Coupé](https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-amgs-record-breaking-best-v8-revealed/) to enhance the latest generation CLA45 4MATIC+, revealed with three potent electric motors. Revealed today as the follow-up to the successful, turbocharged four-cylinder CLA45, the new-generation model is electric only, following on from the launch of the latest [Benz CLA last year](https://torquecafe.com/mercedes-benz-cla-shooting-brake-ev-wagon-revealed/). Based on the standard CLA but with all the accoutrements one can expect from an AMG model, the new CLA45 appears far more menacing than the standard car, retaining the sporty AMG slatted grille, while getting wider wheel arches, vented guards and a twist on the multi-spoke wheels we’ve come to expect from the brand. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2027-mercedes-amg-cla45-4matic-6.jpg) CLA45 4MATIC+ sedan (left) and Shooting Brake (right) Available in both sedan and wagon-style ‘Shooting Brake’ guise, the CLA continues to show off inside the cabin too, where owners can spec a number of different interior colourways, including the bold black and yellow. On the surface the changes from the base CLA are minimal, with the CLA45 4MATIC+ keeping the huge MBUX Superscreen – combining a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 14-inch infotainment screen, and 14-inch passenger display – while getting unique accents, such as AMG-specific floor mats, door sills and a unique steering wheel. However, it’s under the skin where the AMG CLA45 gets interesting, having ditched the petrol engine of its predecessor for not one, not two, but three electric motors. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2027-mercedes-amg-cla45-4matic-8.jpg) CLA45 4MATIC+ Now running on an 800-volt platform, the CLA45’s trio of axial-flux motors are effectively borrowed from the GT 4-Door Coupé, having been developed in a partnership between AMG and YARA. In ‘standard’ guise the motors can develop up to 450kW, though in their most powerful state they put out 500kW and 1759Nm, figures which well exceed the 310kW and 500Nm outputs of the outgoing turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder model. AMG claims the EV CLA45 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.0 seconds, before reaching a standard top speed of 250km/h, increased to 270km/h with its AMG Dynamic Plus Package. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2027-mercedes-amg-cla45-4matic-9-1.jpg) CLA45 4MATIC+ The placement of the three electric motors – one for the front, two at the rear – allows for not only better front-to-rear torque distribution but also greater left-and-right vectoring, claiming to improve safety and driving pleasure. Powered by a 94kWh battery, Mercedes-AMG says the CLA45 4MATIC+ can run for up to 670km on a charge in sedan guise, or 640km for the Shooting Brake. Thanks to the 800-volt system, its battery can be charged at up to 330kW, resulting in a 10 to 80 per cent charge time of 22 minutes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2027-mercedes-amg-cla45-4matic-3.jpg) While it’s not the heaviest performance EV on the market, it’s not the lightest either, with the battery pack and its accessories leading the CLA45 to tip the scales at 2280kg (sedan), or almost 600kg more than the outgoing model. Despite this, AMG says that thanks to its trick all-wheel drive system and adaptive suspension, it’s still just as at home on the race track as it is on the road. Australian timing and pricing for the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 4MATIC+ is yet to be announced. ### Suzuki Jimny Maroon Edition celebrates State of Origin losers URL: https://torquecafe.com/suzuki-jimny-maroon-edition-celebrates-state-of-origin-losers/ Last updated: 2026-07-09T04:39:33.000Z Niki Lauda once dedicated his Lifetime Achievement Award to the losers in competition, and now Suzuki Queensland appears to have done the same. Revealed briefly before last night’s State of Origin Game Three at Brisbane’s Lang Park, the regional division of Suzuki unveiled the Jimny Maroon Edition, a new promotional vehicle for its local fleet. Based on the three-door Jimny, Suzuki Queensland took the popular pint-sized 4x4 to The Wrap Boutique to have it dressed up in the Maroons’ colours, including white racing stripes and side decals. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/suzuki-jimny-maroon-edition-2.jpg) Technically a concept for now, the Suzuki distributor for the Queensland and New South Wales Northern Rivers region is taking votes from the public on whether to turn the Jimny Maroon Edition into a dealership-ready model. However, the timing of its unveiling came just before the Maroons lost the deciding State of Origin series game to the New South Wales Blues, becoming just the fourth time (after 1994, 2005 and 2024) that Queensland lost the final game at its home stadium with the series on the line. Despite this, Suzuki Queensland is forging ahead with its plans to show off the Jimny Maroon Edition across some of its dealer network in the coming months. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/suzuki-jimny-maroon-edition-3.jpg) Starting from tomorrow (July 10), it’ll visit Maroochydore, Southport, Moorooka, Aspley, Caloundra, Caboolture and Indooroopilly, though no stops at Lang Park (better known as Suncorp Stadium) are planned as yet. Its reveal comes less than a month after Suzuki Australia – which operates the brand’s dealerships in every other region – unveiled the Jimny XL Rhino, a $10,000 package on top of the five-door off-roader. [Suzuki Jimny Rhino adds $10,000 to cult 4x4’s priceThe Suzuki Jimny Rhino is here as a limited edition version of the pint-sized off-roader, launching at an eye-watering price.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-fbc20499-9184-4db4-a10b-2e67ca1b95d6.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/SUZUKI-JIMNY-RINO-F3Q-DECAL-Highres--1--4977b779-e6fb-4034-98ef-dee8713316c8.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/suzuki-jimny-rhino-adds-10-000-to-cult-4x4s-price/) ### Red Bull’s V10-powered RB17 hypercar to scream into life URL: https://torquecafe.com/red-bulls-v10-powered-rb17-hypercar-to-scream-into-life/ Last updated: 2026-07-09T00:36:39.000Z Four years on from when it was first announced, the Red Bull RB17 will make its first public appearance this weekend, with its Cosworth V10 engine set to howl at Goodwood. The result of Red Bull Advanced Technologies’ development and the design of former Red Bull Racing Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey, it has been a long road for the RB17 to get here, arriving a year later than first planned. Newey himself will get to drive the first running RB17 up the Goodwood Festival of Speed’s famed hillclimb, despite moving to rival Formula One team Aston Martin as team principal this year, ironically the same company he designed the Valkyrie hypercar for while it had a relationship with Red Bull. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/red-bull-rb17-1.jpg) Red Bull RB17 Also set to drive the RB17 will be current Red Bull Racing F1 driver Isack Hadjar, Red Bull test and reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda, plus Red Bull Racing F1 Academy Programme driver Alisha Palmowski. While all eyes will be on the radical design of the RB17, all ears will be focused on its Cosworth V10 engine, with the 4.5-litre hybrid-assisted unit claimed to be able to make more than 890kW combined. Drive will be sent to the rear wheels only through a six-speed transmission, while there’s also active suspension under the skin, something which Newey used to great effect in designing the championship winning Williams FW14B (1992) and FW15C (1993). “At Red Bull, we're at our best when we're taking on challenges that others might consider impossible. RB17 is exactly that,” said Red Bull Advanced Technologies Technical Director, Rob Gray. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/red-bull-rb17-2.jpg) Red Bull RB17 “The ambition was to create a car capable of delivering a level of performance rarely seen outside Formula One, while remaining true to the original vision that inspired the project. The engineering challenge has been immense. “We set out to deliver Formula One-inspired levels of performance in a customer track car, requiring us to solve countless challenges across design, engineering, validation, testing and manufacture. One of the things I'm proudest of is how closely the finished car reflects the original vision. “Its dynamic debut at Goodwood marks an important milestone in the programme, as we continue to validate and develop the car in real-world conditions and explore its full performance potential.” It’s expected that only 50 RB17s will be produced. 0:00 /0:13 1× Red Bull's RB17 hypercar ### Aston Martin won’t kill the V12 URL: https://torquecafe.com/aston-martin-wont-kill-the-v12/ Last updated: 2026-07-08T23:18:49.000Z There are only a handful of mainstream car brands which offer V12 engines in their flagship products, with Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Mercedes-Mayback and Aston Martin remaining as the few still in the market. For Aston Martin, the V12 engine is the only powerplant it still produces itself, and it’s reserved for the range-topping Vanquish, while the rest of its model lineup use Mercedes-AMG sourced V8s. With emissions nets being drawn ever tighter, the question of whether Aston Martin can continue on with the V12 into the future was asked of its CEO Adrian Hallmark, who told the UK’s [*Auto Express*](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/aston-martin/369957/future-aston-martin-next-generation-sports-car-and-suv-secrets-revealed?ref=torquecafe.com) it is safe for now – so long as it doesn’t get too popular. “We’ve done some work to make the V12 compliant to European and US \[regulations\],” Hallmark said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/aston-martin-vanquish-v12-2.jpg) “If we keep our V12 sales under 1000 per year, then we’re exempt from legislation until 2035 at least.” That shouldn’t be a problem for Aston Martin, which last year sold 5448 vehicles globally, its lowest figure since the COVID pandemic-impacted 2020 where it shifted just 3394 vehicles. While it didn’t provide a model-by-model breakdown of sales, even the DBX – by far its best individual seller – racked up only 1717 deliveries, while the DB11, DB12, DBS and Vanquish totalled 3549 deliveries. According to Hallmark, the V12 in the Vanquish and other top-tier models won’t require plug-in hybrid assistance to remain on the right side of the emissions rules, with mild-hybrid support instead doing enough to keep it in the green. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/aston-martin-vanquish-v12-1.jpg) “We also looked at how much electrification is needed to remain compliant – and we don’t need plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).” Aston Martin is also deep in the development of a new generation of vehicles, based on a new platform which will be modular and primed for electric power. “We’re developing the new generation of cars and their platform, with a new level of incredible technology: powertrain, electronic architecture, air-conditioning, seats, everything,” Hallmark said. The next-gen models will also rely more on parts from Mercedes-AMG, with Hallmark estimating about one-third of Aston Martin parts currently come from the German manufacturer. [Aston Martin slashes jobs, cuts spendingFamed British marque Aston Martin is cutting 20 per cent of its workforce, after US tariffs and weak sales in China hurt its financials.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-e8b7b435-561f-4737-b1ab-25c76d7a134f.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/aston-martin-valhalla-fernando-alonso-3-scaled-78e65873-aba0-4f4b-9ca4-a6a43b6747ba.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/aston-martin-slashes-jobs-cuts-spending/) “But more than 50 per cent will be down to us. There’s no penalty for being independent, so long as there are players out there willing to provide credible technologies at a competitive cost.” The carmaker is looking to turn around its fortunes after posting seven straight years of financial losses, which in 2025 peaked at £493 million (A$922 million). Earlier this year it announced it would cut one-fifth of its approximately 3000-strong workforce, aiming to save £40 million (A$77.3 million) annually. ### Toyota makes $5.2 billion investment in US pickup plant URL: https://torquecafe.com/toyota-makes-5-2-billion-investment-in-us-pickup-plant/ Last updated: 2026-07-08T20:00:27.000Z Toyota is making big investments in its US operations, announcing this week its San Antonio, Texas plant will receive a US$3.6 billion (A$5.2 billion) investment to more than double its current size. The Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas factory currently builds the Tundra pickup and its related Sequoia SUV twin-under-the-skin, with the pair the only two models being made in a plant covering more than 204,000 square metres. However, the new investment will further increase the size of the facility, with a new assembly line set to open in 2030 and take up more than 232,000 square metres. [Radical ute concept emits clean waterThis Toyota Tacoma concept can be driven to your favourite remote camping spot and let you use its unused fuel for a shower.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-92a29d20-2b1c-448b-aa79-d0f5a37d42e8.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/toyota-tacoma-h2-overlander-concept-6-3da7e453-d2e5-4923-a3a9-9644fc08a8a5.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-tacoma-hydrogen-concept-sema/) It’s here where Toyota will once again build the Tacoma – sized between the HiLux and Tundra – in the US, having previously produced the mid-sized pickup there between 2010 and 2021. Since the fourth-generation Tacoma launched in 2021, it has been exclusively built in Mexico, both at the Baja plant and at another in Guanajuato. It’s understood only production from the former will be moved, with the latter remaining operational. The plan to move Tacoma production back to the US comes after US President Donald Trump last year effectively threw out the existing free trade agreement between the US, Mexico and Canada, by placing a 25 per cent tariff on vehicle imports from Mexico. [Toyota calls for patience over new uteA new small Toyota ute to rival the Ford Maverick in the US is likely to go ahead, but not in the near future.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-30df6946-edc5-423b-9d45-a6e1d7b73676.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/toyota-epu-ute-concept-2-60aace7d-faf5-436c-ba1d-bb4bdf0fc457.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-compact-pickup-launch-when-market-is-right/) Both of the Tacoma’s key rivals are solely made in the US, with both the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado rolling down the production line in Michigan and Missouri, respectively. Ram is also expected to re-enter the segment from 2028, reviving the Dakota nameplate on its own US-made mid-sized pickup. Sadly, the Tacoma is off the cards for Australia, as the HiLux is too similarly sized, and due to our free trade agreement with Thailand, is more competitively priced. ### This is the GT40 successor Ford never made URL: https://torquecafe.com/this-is-the-gt40-successor-ford-never-made/ Last updated: 2026-07-08T05:00:42.000Z The Ford GT40 stands as possibly the most recognisable and highly regarded race car in the company’s history, bringing the brand racing success which was eventually immortalised on the silver screen. Such was the love for the GT40 that Ford launched two generations of successors in the 21st century, the first with a V8 engine and a design which closely resembled the 1960s racing hero, while the most recent was a twin-turbo V6 built to emulate its success on the track. It also became a popular vehicle amongst kit car builders, who offered packages to customers to build their own GT40s at home, though one firm from South Africa has decided to go one step further. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/cav-gt-mkii-2.jpg) CAV GT MkII To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the GT40’s first of four wins at Le Mans in 1966, Cape Advanced Vehicles (CAV) has revealed the GT MkII, its modern reinterpretation of the classic Ford. Named after the GT40 MkII which Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon took victory in – and the car which starred in Ford vs Ferrari – the GT MkII is an all-new build, based on a carbon fibre and aluminium chassis, with lightweight panels keeping its weight under 1350kg. Homages to the GT40 include the headlight design, the many ducts and vents over the bodywork, as well as the dual vertical tail lights at the back, while the exposed transmission also hints at what it’s inspired by. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/cav-gt-mkii-3.jpg) Said to be an “antidote to EV madness”, the CAV GT MkII is powered by a 4.2-litre twin-supercharged Audi V8, capable of making almost 600kW and 880Nm, with drive sent to all four wheels. While a six-speed, single-clutch automatic transmission is standard, CAV says a manual and dual-clutch auto are also available. With its relatively light weight and all-wheel drive, it’s claimed to be able to launch from 0-100km/h in just 3.0 seconds, before reaching a top speed of more than 330km/h. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/cav-gt-mkii-4.jpg) To keep it under control, there are adjustable KW dampers under the skin, as well as Brembo brakes at the front (eight piston) and rear (four piston), with carbon ceramic rotors also available. A price has yet to be announced, though it’ll no doubt be more affordable than the multi-million dollar figures being paid for true GT40s. ### Audi Sport Quattro revival appears more artificial than awesome URL: https://torquecafe.com/audi-sport-quattro-revival-appears-more-artificial-than-awesome/ Last updated: 2026-07-08T01:59:59.000Z The Audi Sport Quattro stands as one of the most recognisable rally cars from what many deem the ‘golden era’ of the sport, having been at the forefront of Group B with its screaming five-cylinder engine. More than 40 years after winning the WRC title in 1984 with Stig Blomqvist behind the wheel, the Sport Quattro appears to be making a comeback, thanks to new firm Homologation Specials Reimagined (HSR) Manufaktur. The brand’s website is making big claims about the HSR Type 859, which it says is made by starting with the donor chassis from an Audi Coupe B2 (upon which the original Sport Quattro was based) that is shortened by 320mm and given a considerable makeover. This includes a carbon fibre body which is semi-Group B, part Pikes Peak and a bit modern too, though it’s under the skin where the biggest changes will reportedly be made. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/hsr-type-859-1.jpg) HSR Type 859 By taking the ‘DAZA’ 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine out of the modern Audi RS3, the Type 859 will make about 400kW or even more, and feature a mechanical all-wheel drive system, complete with a Torsen centre differential. Images of the Type 859 look to be appealing, though at this stage it only exists in renderings, with some of the photos being very clearly AI-generated or at least assisted. On the firm’s website, it has called for investors to “help us make it real”, saying it’s “seeking strategic partners to join us in bringing Prototype Zero to life and launching a global brand”. “Don't just watch the legend return. Be the one who makes it happen.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/hsr-type-859-3.jpg) HSR Type 859 HSR also says that its “Our roadmap includes a pipeline of reimagined icons from DTM, GT1, and Rally history. We are building a sustainable manufacturing house for the world's most desired automotive assets. Speaking to [*Top Gear*](https://www.topgear.com/car-news/retro/audi-sport-quattro-has-returned-a-eu500k-25-litre-limited-edition?ref=torquecafe.com), HSR said prices will start from €500,000 (A$821,950) plus taxes, while adding it holds “formally signed Letters of Intent and direct inbound inquiries from collectors across several countries,” said HSR. “We are seeing the highest volume of demand originating from the USA, Germany and Switzerland, with additional global build allocations actively managed.” Time will tell as to whether HSR ends up building its 64 planned examples of the Type 859. [Audi celebrates 50 years of five cylinders with 80s-style conceptThe five-cylinder Audi RS3 might not be long for this world, but the German brand is still celebrating half a century of the unique engine.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-edb7fab6-197e-4270-96f1-e751a7355d8b.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/audi-gt50-concept-2-58d4aec0-c26e-4f3d-8d15-4eabde710312.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/audi-news-gt50-concept-imsa-trans-am-tribute/) ### Nissan’s new plan to get in more homes URL: https://torquecafe.com/nissans-new-plan-to-get-in-more-homes/ Last updated: 2026-07-08T00:49:58.000Z Nissan is relying on the performance and enthusiast aspect of its business to get it out of a hole, and has further strengthened that plan by announcing a new partnership with sim racing giants Fanatec. Labelled as a new licensing partnership, the Fanatec x Nissan deal will see the German-based company develop officially licensed sim racing steering wheels linking to the Japanese marque’s heritage. It appears just one wheel will be developed, with Fanatec saying it’ll have “a strong focus on craftsmanship, ergonomic precision, and visual authenticity to ensure sim racers feel fully connected to the road and immersed in the experience”. The companies have yet to reveal what vehicle the wheel will be based on, whether it’ll take inspiration from the GT-R family, the Z cars or one of Nissan’s many racers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/NissanGT-R50thAnniversary00012-scaled-2.jpg) Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary interior “We are thrilled to welcome Fanatec on board and are excited to collaborate with them on this new, exciting, licensed category extension for Nissan,” said Nissan senior manager, Yukika Sato. “We have long-standing gaming partners that we support and an avid global fan base of keen sim racers, so we are sure this licensed product will be a welcome addition!” Fanatec already offers a number of licensed steering wheels for its wheel bases based on existing designs, with Porsche, BMW and Bentley offering their racing car cockpits as the basis of the sim racing products. Nissan is also no stranger to racing-based video games, having been closely associated with Gran Turismo through the ‘GT Academy’ partnership, which ran between 2008 and 2016. ### Can removing this controversial feature keep Polestar alive? URL: https://torquecafe.com/can-removing-this-controversial-feature-keep-polestar-alive/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T23:36:30.000Z The past few years haven’t been overly kind to Polestar, the former Volvo sub-brand which has now effectively been kicked out of the US, struggles to gain traction in China, and is slugged with tariffs in Europe. Its current model lineup consists of just three EVs, the Polestar 2 liftback, the 3 large SUV and the 4 medium SUV, the latter of which was tipped to take on the Tesla Model Y, and has indeed been the brand’s best-seller, though many believe it has been held back through the lack of a rear window. Instead, where a rear window would usually be is just bodywork, while a camera feeds images to the rear-view mirror, a solution to a problem no one asked for. Polestar is one step closer to fixing its mistake however, confirming the Polestar 4 SUV will launch in September, bringing with it a more traditional SUV shape, and a rear window. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/polestar-4-suv-teaser-2.jpg) Polestar 4 SUV leaked in camouflage An image of the 4 SUV in camouflage was leaked on [*Reddit*](https://www.reddit.com/r/Polestar/comments/1upnm4z/polestar%5F4%5Fsuv/?ref=torquecafe.com) after reportedly being uploaded – and then deleted – from an announcement by Polestar Norway, previewing a design which is slightly sportier than the related Volvo EX60. The portions of the Polestar 4 SUV are more similar to a wagon than the existing model, which the brand dubs as a ‘coupe’ in the same vein as the BMW X2 and Mercedes-Benz GLC coupe. Powertrain specifications are likely to mirror the coupe, while the Polestar 4 SUV should bring with it an extended driving range due to its sleeker shape. It will also be Polestar’s first vehicle to be built in Busan, South Korea, with the rest of the lineup either made in China or the US (Polestar 3 only). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2027-polestar-4-suv--1-.jpg) “Polestar 4 has quickly established itself as a favourite among our customers, and we've seen strong demand from drivers who want distinctive design and performance combined with great practicality,” said CEO Michael Lohscheller. “With Polestar 4 SUV, we're building on that success by offering even more versatility, while staying true to the Polestar 4 character. Wrapped in a stunning design, this is a car I've been looking forward to sharing with the world.” As reported earlier this year, the 4 is a part of Polestar’s plan to refresh and expand its lineup in the next few years, with a new 2, the 5 grand tourer, and the 7 small SUV all due to launch by 2028. [Polestar model offensive teasedThe electric-only spin-off of Volvo, Polestar has shared its plans to launch more models in the coming years, focusing on high-profit segments.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-f40d7f44-c86f-42e7-afbb-c1d199f2584a.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2027-polestar-2-4-7-1-68cdd5d9-f313-4e94-9ae7-d5fcac262698.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/polestar-model-offensive-teased/) ### Volkswagen design boss shows the supercar we’ll never get URL: https://torquecafe.com/volkswagen-design-boss-shows-the-supercar-well-never-get/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T20:00:41.000Z Almost every major carmaker has built something which could be defined as a supercar, though for Volkswagen that has always remained elusive. The Volkswagen W12 was the closest it ever got, however we never got to see it become reality, and now there’s been another design which will never see the light of day. Shared by the Volkswagen Group’s head of design, [Andreas Mindt](https://www.instagram.com/p/DaAjDeXCAfJ/?img%5Findex=1&ref=torquecafe.com), on Instagram, the executive posted images of the ID.DIN T14, an internship project by German student [Fabian Reitz](https://www.instagram.com/fabi.anreitz/?ref=torquecafe.com). Designed to be a part of Volkswagen’s electric ID family, the car shares all the hallmarks of a supercar or at least a spicy sports car, with a long bonnet, low-set roof, short rear overhangs and wide arches. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/volkswagen-iddin-t14-design-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/volkswagen-iddin-t14-design-3.jpg) Volkswagen ID.DIN T14 by Fabian Reitz The lack of a traditional driveline led to the design featuring a huge rear diffuser to increase downforce, while there are multiple channels on the body to direct air backwards as efficiently as possible. “For his internship project, Fabian explored how precision, structure and functionality can become the starting point for a distinctive automotive design study,” Mindt wrote. “The result is a bold concept with clear proportions, reduced surfaces and a strong graphic character – inspired by the visual world of technical drawings, grids and functional details.” Unfortunately it doesn’t appear that we’ll see Reitz’s idea in the flesh anytime soon, amid Volkswagen’s back-to-basics approach amid rising competition from China. ### Bentley names its most important car URL: https://torquecafe.com/bentley-names-its-most-important-car/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T05:00:13.000Z British luxury car brand Bentley has announced the name of its first EV, with the Torcal set to make its debut in September. Named after the El Torcal de Antequera limestone landscape in Andalusia, Spain, the Torcal name is also derived from the Latin word “torquere”, which ‘torque’ is derived from – something which will be crucial in this new EV. “For 107 years Bentleys have been the most incredibly complete cars – effortless performance, outstanding comfort, exquisite British handcraftsmanship using the best natural materials and a soundtrack with soul,” said Bentley chairman and CEO, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/bentley-torcal-name-2.jpg) Bentley has teased the Torcal's design “Our new Torcal sets extraordinary benchmarks in every area that matters, and may just be the most considered car in our history.” Set to be underpinned by the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, it’ll share most of its hardware and technology with the Porsche Macan and Audi Q6 e-tron. In terms of size, it’s expected to slot underneath the flagship Bentayga SUV, though it’s yet to be confirmed if it’ll roll down the production line at Bentley’s UK headquarters in Crewe, or be made in Germany like the Porsche and Audi. [How Porsche and Audi’s EV U-turns are impacting BentleyDespite being the flagship luxury brand under the Volkswagen umbrella, Bentley is the most exposed to its sibling’s changes.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-e23ee375-1796-4c70-93ce-5d932860d056.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/bentley-exp-15-concept-5-ac19276c-7f37-4820-bd39-6d175fe3ef06.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/bentley-news-audi-porsche-ev-plans-impact-uk-brand/) As previously reported, Bentley has walked back its plans to go EV-only twice, having first planned to go electric by 2030, later 2035 and now with no end date for petrol power. “There is a dip in demand for luxury electric vehicles, and customer demand is not yet strong enough to support an all-electric strategy,” Walliser told [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/bentley-set-follow-porsche-extending-ice-age-confirms-ceo?ref=torquecafe.com) last year. “The luxury market is a lot different today than when we announced Beyond100\. Electrification is still our goal, but we need to take our customers with us.” ### McLaren’s newest car could have been its oldest URL: https://torquecafe.com/mclarens-newest-car-could-have-been-its-oldest/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T01:50:13.000Z McLaren has become one of the most well-known names in motorsports and, in the past decade-and-a-half, in the automotive world with its range of supercars. While McLaren has ramped up its production car presence since the 2010s, you have to go back to the F1 of the 1990s to find the last time it made road cars – but its lineage could’ve been traced even further back if founder Bruce McLaren had his way. In the late 1960s, the McLaren M6A debuted as the team’s Can-Am challenger for the 1967 season, and took a handful of wins before it was finally usurped by the M8A, however in preparation for a crack at Le Mans, a few closed-roof M6GTs were made. At least that was in prototype form, as none formally entered production. With the death of Bruce McLaren in 1970, any hopes of the M6GT becoming a series production model disappeared. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/mclaren-m6gt-5.jpg) McLaren M6GT Now, more than 50 years on, McLaren’s Special Operations team has restored its first M6GT, utilising the original body moulds and authentic reference materials from its archives to bring Bruce’s vision to life. Built from the ground up, the new McLaren M6GT features both restored components and freshly engineered one-off parts to be consistent with what Bruce McLaren had hoped his road car would become. Powered by a ‘period-correct engine and gearbox’, the V8 sits behind the driver and is paired with a five-speed Hewland transaxle, driving the rear wheels. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/mclaren-m6gt-3.jpg) Certain parts made by MSO include the roll hoop, rear frame support structure, internal clam reinforcement and wiring harness, while the body panel mouldings reportedly showed signs of modification, suggesting McLaren had evolved their form over time. The car is finished in a bespoke cream-based white colour named Colnbrook, the factory where McLaren was once based, and also pays tribute to the M2B Formula One car which Bruce McLaren made his first start in. In the cabin, the gear knob is made from walnut, while the seats are upholstered in vinyl with green contrast fabric. The McLaren M6GT will be on display at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/mclaren-m6gt-2.jpg) ### Proposed emissions regulation change could hit Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, Ram 1500 URL: https://torquecafe.com/proposed-emissions-regulation-change-could-hit-toyota-landcruiser-70-series-ram-1500/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T00:47:11.000Z A loophole in Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) could soon be closed up, and make a big impact on the likes of the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series and Ram 1500, among others. Since NVES was introduced last year, carmakers in Australia are penalised $50 for every gram of CO2 per kilometre their vehicles exceed an emissions limit, which is split into two categories. In its first year of 2025, Type 1 vehicles (the majority of passenger cars and SUVs) had an average emissions limit of 141g/km, while for Type 2 vehicles (heavier duty models such as 4x4s and utes) this was 210g/km. These limits are lowered each year until 2029, when Type 1 vehicles will need to emit 58g/km or less, while Type 2 vehicles will have a 110g/km cap. [Why Australia’s new-car emission penalty results are ‘a major concern’The Australian Government has released the results of its first year of enforcing vehicle tailpipe emissions, but the industry’s peak body has issued a warning about future effects.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-0430ff79-2e89-4262-9da7-b6d06607ca3e.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/car-exhaust-emissions-99f67ee7-8999-446a-bafd-0c2d56c8746e.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/why-australias-new-car-emission-penalty-results-are-a-major-concern/) However, at present vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) between 3501kg and 3885kg are exempt from NVES penalties, allowing the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series (3510kg), Ram 1500 (3505kg), Toyota Tundra (3536kg) and Ineos Grenadier (3550kg) to avoid racking up penalties. This could soon change though, as the Australian Government is looking to amend the NVES rules to remove that exemption for vehicles with a GVM up to 3885kg, which would close the loophole and result in the aforementioned models counting towards their makers’ total fleet emissions. If enacted, the proposed changes would come into effect from July 1, 2027, at which point the CO2 limit for such vehicles before they start to incur penalties is 150g/km, further reducing to 122g/km in 2028, and 110g/km in 2029. Currently none of the four listed vehicles have published CO2 emissions, as there is no requirement for the 3501kg-3885kg GVM vehicles to undergo official lab testing for fuel consumption and emissions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2025-ram-1500-rebel-1.jpg) Ram 1500 Rebel It’s understood this will have a noticeable impact on all of the brands with vehicles whose exemption is set to be removed, particularly Toyota which had its GVM increased to 3510kg a few years ago to get around side-impact regulations which would have seen it removed from sale. Vehicles which have a GVM of 3885kg to 4500kg will remain exempt from the proposed changes, as the UN Regulations upon which the relevant Australian Design Rules (ADRs) are based do not have the capability to test vehicles of this nature. “\[...\] work is well advanced to extend emissions testing to larger vehicles. This means these vehicles will retain exempt vehicle status until 31 December 2029,” the Australian Government’s draft reads. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-ford-ranger-super-duty-launch-3.jpg) The Ford Ranger Super Duty would remain exempt from the proposed changes “Once the UN Regulations for CO2 emissions testing have been updated in late 2026, we plan to undertake further consultation to determine what CO2 testing requirements should apply to these vehicles, to enable their inclusion in the NVES from 1 January 2030\. “These vehicles account for around 6000 new vehicle sales per year, or less than 0.5 per cent of new vehicle sales under 4.5t GVM.” This category includes the likes of the Ford Ranger Super Duty, the Ram 2500/3500 and Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty. ### BMW M2 now faster than the more expensive M2 CS URL: https://torquecafe.com/bmw-m2-now-faster-than-the-more-expensive-m2-cs/ Last updated: 2026-07-06T23:33:53.000Z It’s not often that a car brand will admit to making a more affordable vehicle faster than its halo, dearer version, but that’s what BMW has done with its latest performance upgrades for the M2. [Revealed in March](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-m2-m-performance-parts/), the base M2 is available with an ‘M Performance Track kit’ overseas, which adds a front splitter, wheel arch diffusers, and a GT racing-style swan-neck rear wing to increase its downforce levels. There’s also additional ducting for the engine oil cooler, height and ride-adjustable suspension - with the ability to be lowered by up to 20mm, and with four-way rebound and compression settings - plus adjustable support bearings. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/bmw-m2-m-performance-parts-3.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/bmw-m2-m-performance-parts-4.jpg) BMW M2 with M Performance Track kit While at the time BMW didn’t say how much the upgrades helped cut lap times, we now know after test driver Jörg Weidinger lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in seven minutes and 25.068 seconds. This was not only almost 14 seconds faster than the base M2 coupe (7:38.706) but also just under half a second quicker than the [M2 CS](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-m2-cs-packs-an-m4-punch-for-less-money/) (7:25.534), which itself features numerous upgrades over the standard model. However, the result is more impressive when the output differences between the M2 CS and M2 with M Performance Track kit are taken into account, as the former makes 390kW and 650Nm, while the latter has to make do with *only* 353kW and 550Nm. In addition to this, the M2 CS is lighter than the M2 coupe, and is understood to still weigh less than the version equipped with its performance parts. The real surprise in the situation is the new, faster version of the M2 is more affordable than the M2 CS, at least in its home market of Germany. There, a base M2 costs €81,300 (A$133,730) while the €23,500 (A$38,655) M Performance Track kit brings its total price up to €104,800 (A$172,385), undercutting the €116,700 (A$191,960) M2 CS. BMW has yet to announce whether the M Performance Track kit will come to Australia. ### Mazda RX-7 wins an award 35 years after launch URL: https://torquecafe.com/mazda-rx-7-wins-an-award-35-years-after-launch/ Last updated: 2026-07-06T20:00:58.000Z The Mazda RX-7 may be a favourite in the modified car community, but the story of one owned by a Japanese pensioner has gone on to win an award. In 2025, Mazda released a short, 10-minute documentary titled “Goodbye RX-7: Saying farewell to a dear friend”, tracing the final days of then-79-year-old Naoko Nishimoto owning her ‘FD’ RX-7. Purchased in 2000 when she was 55, Nishimoto daily-drove the RX-7 until she turned 80, at which point she elected to hand in her driver’s licence. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/1747127841396.jpg) The last three days of her owning the car were captured as a part of the documentary, which culminated in the RX-7 being given to the Kyushu Mazda Akasako Store, where it now serves as a promotional vehicle for the brand. Just over a year after its release, Mazda announced the short film won a Bronze Lion in the Entertainment Lions category at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity (Cannes Lions) 2026, a celebration of the advertising industry. Ironically, the award comes amid speculation that the RX-7 will be revived or we’ll finally see a successor, understood to be based on the design of the Iconic SP Compact Sports Car concept from the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. ### Music icon’s rare V16 supercar for sale URL: https://torquecafe.com/music-icons-rare-v16-supercar-for-sale/ Last updated: 2026-07-06T06:00:14.000Z If there’s anything more 1980s than the Cizeta-Moroder V16T, I don’t think we want to know about it. Built in Italy out of a partnership between automotive engineer Claudio Zampolli and legendary music producer Giorgio Moroder, the V16T encapsulated the 1980s – both the good and the bad. Set to be auctioned by [RM Sotheby’s](https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo26/lots/r0075-1988-cizetamoroder-v16t/?ref=torquecafe.com) next month, this 1988 Cizeta-Moroder V16T is chassis #001, the first prototype which was built, and the only to include Moroder’s name on it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/cizeta-moroder-v16t-3.jpg) Cizeta-Moroder V16T. Image credit: RM Sotheby's The story goes that Moroder had a Lamborghini Countach and had it serviced by Zampolli, who had previously worked for Lamborghini, but wanted to build his own supercar. By starting a joint venture together, the pair employed Countach designer Marcello Gandini to pen the V16T, which was based in part on the Lamborghini P132 prototype, a car that also inspired the Diablo. With the proportions of a supercar and a V16 engine behind the driver – essentially two Lamborghini Urraco V8s mated together – the V16T debuted in late 1988 after numerous delays. Those delays led Moroder to back out of the project, with the remaining nine cars of the production run badged simply as the Cizeta V16T. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/cizeta-moroder-v16t-2.jpg) Cizeta-Moroder V16T. Image credit: RM Sotheby's Chassis #001 was retained by Moroder himself who parked it up and had it restored in 2018 by Canepa in California, where it was given a full restoration and improved by the Porsche specialists. Moroder only sold it in 2022 at another RM Sotheby’s auction, where it went for the hammer price of US$1,363,500 (A$1,966,795), which included an NFT comprised of a four-track EP made by the producer for the car, and a 3D rendering. These items will again be sold with the V16T when it is sold next month, with the auction house estimating it could go for between US$1.4 million (A$2.02 million) to US$1.8 million (A$2.60 million). ### Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series gets new tech to stay alive URL: https://torquecafe.com/toyota-landcruiser-70-series-gets-new-tech-to-stay-alive/ Last updated: 2026-07-06T03:26:39.000Z Toyota Australia has announced the LandCruiser 70 Series automatic is now available to order once again, though manual versions of the rugged 4x4 remain out of reach. [In May last year](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-landcruiser-70-series-production-to-be-paused/), Toyota announced it was set to pause production of the 70 Series for eight months from September to fit the workhorse LandCruiser with an AdBlue system, critical to become compliant with more stringent exhaust emissions regulations. While today confirming order books have been re-opened for the six-speed automatic versions of the LandCruiser 70 Series – such as the 76 Series wagon, 78 Series Troopcarrier and 79 Series ute – Toyota Australia said the five-speed manual “remains unavailable for the time being”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/toyota-landcruiser-70-series-2.jpg) Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series “After pausing orders for certain LandCruiser 70 Series in 2025 to manage customer expectations around vehicle supply challenges, we are excited to say that order books are now back open,” said Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, John Pappas. The return of the 70 Series to showrooms will signify the first time the model has been fitted with an AdBlue system, having been chosen as the way for it to become compliant with newly introduced emissions regulations. From November 1, 2025, all new vehicles sold in Australia with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of more than 3500kg have had to comply with ADR 80/04 regulations, which closely reflect Euro 6 restrictions overseas. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/toyota-landcruiser-76-series-wagon-2.jpg) Toyota LandCruiser 76 Series The 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine now complies with those regulations, as the AdBlue system has been brought in to reduce its nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, spraying the substance into its exhaust. A 20-litre AdBlue tank is now fitted to the LandCruiser 70 Series, though the 78 Series Troop Carrier has also had its fuel tank capacity reduced from 180 litres to 130 litres, matching the 76 and 79 Series. On the 76 Series, 78 Series, and 79 Series dual-cab ute, the AdBlue refilling port is located above the front left wheel-arche with a lockable key lid, while the single-cab 79 Series has its filling port between the cab and rear wheels on the passenger side. ### Ford Ranger, Everest deals highlight newly announced offers URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-ranger-everest-deals-highlight-newly-announced-offers/ Last updated: 2026-07-06T02:00:44.000Z Ford Australia is trying to keep the best-selling Ranger ute and the popular Everest SUV at the front of buyer’s minds, announcing a new lot of financial incentives for its core products. Dubbed the Triple Stack Deal, the offer runs until September 30, and includes $3000 off the negotiated purchase price, a $3000 deposit contribution when purchased through Ford Finance, and five free scheduled services. Applicable to the recently updated MY26.5 Ranger XLS, XLT and Wildtrak, plus the Everest Tremor and Sport V6, the deal comes into effect as the Ranger continues to be the best-selling new vehicle in Australia, though deliveries have dropped by seven per cent year-to-date, while the Everest is down 9.6 per cent. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-ford-everest-tremor-3.jpg) Ford Everest Tremor In addition to the new Ranger and Everest deal, examples of the pre-update MY26.0 or earlier vehicles can also benefit from a $3000 Ford Finance deposit contribution, plus a $5000 fuel card. In the case of the fuel card, this is only available to the outgoing Ranger 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo XLT, Sport and Wildtrak models, Ranger 3.0-litre V6 XLT, Sport and Wildtrak, plus all variants of the Everest. It’s not the Ranger and Everest eligible for deals, as the $3000 Ford Finance deposit contribution also extends to the Ford F-150, Mustang, Mustang Mach-E, and Tourneo. Ford had earlier this year announced [another set of deals](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-ranger-everest-mustang-mach-e-e-transit-f150-deals/) for almost the entire product range, though this ended on June 30 and has been replaced by the latest offers. [Has Ford done enough for the Ranger to remain Australia’s best-seller?The Ford Ranger has undergone some minor changes for 2026, but they could have a big impact on its status as Australia’s best-selling vehicle.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-ee60f498-c5e1-4605-a5b1-9d99a0d8ae7b.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/026-ford-ranger-wolftrak-v6-7-5df0e265-5271-4eaf-8ca5-6b104940e2ca.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-ranger-review-2026-v6-2-litre-turbo-diesel/) ### Nissan Patrol Warrior recalled URL: https://torquecafe.com/nissan-patrol-warrior-recalled/ Last updated: 2026-07-06T00:09:13.000Z A recall of 354 examples of the Nissan Patrol Warrior has been announced, after it was discovered the large SUV has an incorrect – and non-compliant – tyre placard. “Due to a manufacturing defect, some affected vehicles were fitted with an incorrect tyre placard,” the [recall notice](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-006582?ref=torquecafe.com) says. “Vehicles with the incorrect tyre placard are non-compliant with Australian Design Rule 42/04 – General Safety Requirements. There is no safety hazard, and the defect will not affect the performance of the vehicle.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/nissan-patrol-off-road-6-scaled--1-.jpg) Nissan Patrol Warrior The Patrol Warrior is modified by Melbourne-based Premcar before being sold through Nissan’s dealer network. Its huge 295/70R18 tyres are much larger than the standard 265/70R18 tyres on the rest of the Patrol range. Owners of affected Patrol Warriors have been told to contact their local Nissan dealer to schedule an appointment to have the tyre label inspected and if necessary, replaced with the correct label, free of charge. For more information, owners can contact Nissan Australia on 1800 035 035 or via [csc@nissan.com.au](mailto:csc@nissan.com.au). ### Ferrari’s V12 ‘manual’ is faking it URL: https://torquecafe.com/ferraris-v12-manual-is-faking-it/ Last updated: 2026-07-05T22:57:38.000Z The first ‘manual’ Ferrari in nearly 15 years has been revealed, with the V12-powered 12Cilindri Manuale uncovered, though all is not what it seems. Reports of the 12Cilindri grand tourer getting a manual transmission started circulating about a month ago, with Ferrari looking to make its first manual since the V8-powered California’s mid-life update deleted the three-pedal option. Ferrari’s 12Cilindri Manuale follows the familiar formula of placing a gated shifter next to the driver and three pedals in front of them, but unlike traditional manuals where the clutch pedal is connected to the transmission and the shifter has a direct link to the gear sets, this V12 coupe has a new ‘Manuale By-Wire system’. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ferrari-12cilindri-manuale-7.jpg) Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale The six-speed shifter allows drivers to manually choose the first six of the forward-moving gears in the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which can be selected by pressing the clutch pedal which has no physical connection to the clutch packs. Instead, pressing the pedal activates an angle position sensor which tells the system how much pressure to apply, with the car’s electronic brain simulating the effect of a true clutch system. Despite being a manualised version of an automatic system, drivers can still stall the V12 engine if they let up the clutch pedal too quickly. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ferrari-12cilindri-manuale-6.jpg) Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale Picking gears can also be done automatically, with the push of the regular ‘Drive’ button overriding the manual selection. “The result is a blend of mechanical and electronic technology that delivers pinpoint precision and load control without compromising driving feel, creating a unique offering in the world of high-performance motoring,” Ferrari claims. According to Ferrari, the gated shifter’s kinematic mechanism is not only designed to feel like a true manual in how it interacts with the driver’s hand, but it also locks the driver out from gear selection if they don’t press the clutch, or it can also deny gears being selected if need be. All of these factors result in a ‘manual’ transmission which is said to enhance the driving experience, while allowing drivers to heel-and-toe rather than rely on the rev-matching system of the automatic. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ferrari-12cilindri-manuale-3.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ferrari-12cilindri-manuale-4.jpg) Cosmetically, changes from the standard 12Cilindri to the Manuale version are minimal, with the Ferrari Design Studio adding small tweaks from its Tailor Made program. These include a laser-etched prancing horse logo on the side badges, plus pinstriping on the front splitter and rear wings. The powertrain is also otherwise unchanged, with a 6.5-litre V12 engine producing up to 610kW and 678Nm sending power to the rear wheels. Only 1499 examples of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale will be made, though a price for the exclusive three-pedal grand tourer has not yet been announced. ### We go behind-the-scenes of an iconic ad URL: https://torquecafe.com/we-go-behind-the-scenes-of-an-iconic-ad/ Last updated: 2026-07-04T20:00:59.000Z It’s quite often that the universe reminds me how useless I am. On a track I’ll get overtaken by most others. I’ve never won an award for writing. And, as I discovered a few weeks ago, I’ll never make an ad. Over the best part of the past decade, one of the highlights of the automotive year for me has been the release of Supercheap Auto’s annual ‘Best Performing Oils’ ad, bringing together some of the biggest stars of motorsport and Australia’s motoring media. With this year’s ad yet again being filmed in Queensland, our partners at Supercheap Auto invited us to come see what goes on behind-the-scenes of the ‘BPO’ – and I underestimated how much happens. Like an iceberg, what you see above the surface – in this case the seven minute and 27 second video that serves as the finished product – pales in comparison to the effort which goes into putting it all together. This year’s zombie-themed video was the first with ex-Speedcafe alumni Justin Murray taking the Project Lead role, with his team helping put all the puzzle pieces together across 10 months before the video went live this week. The filming itself took place across four days, with three back-to-back, 12-hour shoots on location at a wrecking yard in Brisbane’s southern suburbs, transformed to look in part like the scene of a zombie apocalypse. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-Supercheap-Auto-BPO-Z81_5434.jpg) A full wedding-sized marquee was erected to keep the crew, stars and hangers-on protected from the Queensland sun when needed, and it also served as the base for the makeup team to work their magic, transforming some of the most recognisable faces in the industry into the undead. When I arrived on location during the second day, the wrecker’s employees were carefully positioning a former airport transfer van between two other cars, with the aim of providing just enough space for a Ford GT40 replica to slide underneath. While the height of the GT40 wasn’t an issue, the oil bottles strapped to its engine cover would have just clipped the underside of the van. Bring back the forklift, readjust and check again – a process that takes time. That is the surprising thing about it all to an outsider: everything takes a lot more time than you think. From when the van was initially perched into place until the GT40 came sliding around, the best part of 90 minutes had passed, all for something which lasts for less than 10 seconds in the resulting video. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-Supercheap-Auto-BPO-Z81_3814.jpg) Rob Whyte with the Ford GT40 he was about to supervise sliding under a van And then the extras arrived, all of whom had to spend the day in the sun waiting for their time to shine, standing close to sliding, loud cars in an effort to convey a sense of danger. Arguably the best protected stars were Marty and Moog from Mighty Car Mods, whose 1990s-era inflammable tracksuits provided protection to their skin, but made sure anyone who looked their way lost the gift of sight for a few minutes. Just next door there was something even more amazing happening, even if it never got celebrated on the screen. Vehicle coordinator Rob Whyte’s WR Blue Subaru Impreza WRX was the unfortunate victim of a drift gone wrong on the first day of filming, causing decent damage to the left-rear side of the car. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-Supercheap-Auto-BPO-Z81_3752.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-Supercheap-Auto-BPO-Z81_4554.jpg) Broken and battered in the morning (left), fixed in the afternoon (right) Thankfully, next door to the wrecker’s was a body repair shop, which promptly straightened out the Subie in less than 24 hours, ensuring it had minimal downtime from the set. That was all just a snippet of the action captured by the camera crew, producers and directors of the shoot, all of which landed on YouTube more than two months later for us all to enjoy. It was an eye-opening day, and an honour to be able to see what so many others don’t. I’m just glad that no one thought I was a ready made-up zombie. To see more photos of the behind-the-scenes action, visit our sister site Speedcafe below. [PHOTOS: Behind The Scenes of Supercheap Auto’s Best Performing Oils CampaignSupercars drivers Craig Lowndes, Broc Feeney, Chaz Mostert, Will Brown, Thomas Randle, Kai Allen, Ryan Wood and Bayley Hall, as![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/sc-favicon-b46747e4-9135-4f12-bf24-5791186563a1.png)Speedcafe.comSpeedcafe.com 3 Jul 2026 Speedcafe.com![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2026-SupercheapAuto-BPO-132-59699ffd-82c2-4046-8193-95c8caf13dc3.jpg)](https://speedcafe.com/photos-behind-the-scenes-of-supercheap-autos-best-preforming-oils-campaign/?ref=torquecafe.com) ### McMurtry Spéirling Pure revealed as ‘affordable’ way to reach F1 speeds URL: https://torquecafe.com/mcmurtry-speirling-pure-revealed-as-affordable-way-to-reach-f1-speeds/ Last updated: 2026-07-03T20:00:45.000Z Just under five years on from making its global debut in prototype form, the McMurtry Spéirling has been unveiled in its Pure production guise, though numbers are limited. Currently the record holder up the famed Goodwood Hillclimb and around the former Top Gear test track, the Spéirling Pure is a track-only, battery-powered single-seater, capable of not only outrunning hypercars but most race vehicles. Fed by a huge 100kWh lithium-ion battery pack, it supplies power to the pair of rear electric motors to help put almost 750kW to the ground, propelling it from 0-60mph (97km/h) in just 1.55 seconds (including a 30cm rollout). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/mcmurtry-speirling-pure-3.jpg) While it’s also able to hit up to 305km/h, its pure straight-line speed isn’t the party trick, with a fan underneath its body pulling the Spéirling to the ground. McMurtry claims that even at a standstill it can generate up to 2000kg of downforce, significantly more than the circa-1350kg kerb weight of the vehicle. With Michelin slick tyres underneath it, the Spéirling can generate up to 3g under braking and cornering, getting close to the figures achieved by Formula 1 cars. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/mcmurtry-speirling-pure-4.jpg) Measuring just 3815mm long, 1795mm wide and 1056mm tall, it’s a diminutive thing, while its 2200mm wheelbase is also comparatively tiny. According to McMurtry, there are a few key differences between the production-ready Spéirling Pure and the prototypes which have been setting records. The prototype weighed 1050kg (300kg lighter), had a 2000mm wheelbase (200mm shorter), was fitted with a 60kWh battery (40kWh smaller), and had “slightly smaller slick tyres”. Despite this, it says the Pure’s lap times “are anticipated to be very similar to the prototypes”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/mcmurtry-speirling-pure-2.jpg) There are drawbacks to the Spéirling Pure, with McMurtry saying it can run for between 40km to 50km at the pace of an LMP2 race car. This figure would only be further reduced when running at its full potential. Only 100 examples will be made, with prices starting from £995,000 (A$1.92 million), before options such as adjustable dampers and air conditioning. ### Australian car sales records tumble as Tesla edges into Holden territory URL: https://torquecafe.com/australian-car-sales-records-tumble-as-tesla-edges-into-holden-territory/ Last updated: 2026-07-03T03:28:59.000Z A total of 140,058 new vehicles were delivered to Australian customers in June 2026, representing a new record for monthly vehicle sales locally. Figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) show last month far eclipsed the previous record of 134,171 new vehicle deliveries, set back in June 2017. To date, three of the four biggest months in history have been June, largely driven by end of financial year sales in the industry, as well as businesses looking to get in purchases prior to July 1. For the second straight month, the best-selling vehicle in Australia was the Tesla Model Y, with a total of 8072 deliveries – not only clearing its previous record set of 5605 set in May, but more than 2000 cars clear of the second-placed Ford Ranger. It’s understood to be the first time since the heyday of the Holden Commodore in the mid-2000s that a vehicle has reached such heights, with the most recent peak being Ford’s 7767 Ranger deliveries in December 2023. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/Tesla-Model-Y-L-Premium-Long-Range-AWD-CHINA-5.jpg) Tesla Model Y L The monthly record for a single vehicle still stands with the VY Holden Commodore, which peaked at 9667 deliveries in October 2003. Tesla’s Model Y led EVs to a new record market share of 23.3 per cent, with a total of 32,570 deliveries, becoming the second-most popular fuel source behind petrol vehicles (34,717), while surpassing diesels (31,789) for the first time. Combined, EVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and hybrids accounted for 69,379 deliveries, or 49.5 per cent of the market. When heavy commercial vehicles are taken out of the equation, electrified vehicles were 51.1 per cent of all passenger vehicle deliveries. “The Australian automotive market has shifted on its axis during the first months of 2026\. This year is likely to represent a significant turning point for the Australian automotive industry,” said Tony Weber, FCAI chief executive. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/026-ford-ranger-tremor-v6-5.jpg) Ford Ranger Tremor “Global uncertainty, including conflict in the Middle East and volatility in petrol prices, appears to have sharpened consumer interest in vehicles that reduce exposure to fuel prices. “While these factors have had a short-term impact, part of the EV growth would appear to be a permanent structural shift.” With the Model Y leading the way amongst individual vehicles and BYD – [as previously reported](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-almost-lost-its-crown-to-byd/) – coming within less than 250 deliveries of Toyota, China has well and truly established itself as the new top exporter of vehicles to Australia. Last month, 55,516 new cars came from China, representing a market share of 39.6 per cent, eclipsing its May record of 37,229 vehicles and a 34.8 per cent market share. Japan was last the leader in January, and at this rate won’t recover its status for the foreseeable future. ## Top 10 best-selling car brands in June 2026 | Brand | Deliveries (June 2026) | | ------- | ---------------------- | | Toyota | 19,124 | | BYD | 18,881 | | Ford | 9181 | | Tesla | 8670 | | Kia | 8005 | | Hyundai | 7480 | | Mazda | 7278 | | GWM | 6104 | | MG | 5001 | | Chery | 4505 | ## Top 10 best-selling cars in June 2026 | Model | Deliveries (June 2026) | | ---------------- | ---------------------- | | Tesla Model Y | 8072 | | Ford Ranger | 5999 | | Toyota HiLux | 5175 | | BYD Sealion 7 | 4730 | | Toyota RAV4 | 4115 | | BYD Shark 6 | 3398 | | Isuzu D-Max | 2740 | | Hyundai Kona | 2505 | | BYD Atto 2 | 2482 | | GWM Haval Jolion | 2446 | ### Toyota almost lost its crown to BYD URL: https://torquecafe.com/toyota-almost-lost-its-crown-to-byd/ Last updated: 2026-07-03T01:47:49.000Z For the best part of two decades, Japanese car giant Toyota has been almost untouchable in its reign as Australia’s best-selling car brand, having held the title for the past 23 consecutive years. While it has occasionally relinquished its status as building the best-selling vehicle – with the Mazda 3 and Ford Ranger having taken wins along the way – no other brand has come close to Toyota’s consistently high monthly deliveries, often outselling its nearest competitor by almost two-to-one. That changed in June 2026 though, with sales data published by BYD showing the Chinese brand delivered 18,881 vehicles last month, just 243 deliveries shy of Toyota’s 19,124 figure. Toyota still retains its number one status, and its June deliveries represent a big increase on the 16,342 deliveries it made in May, though it was down slightly from its 20,225 deliveries in June 2025. [Opinion: I was wrong about BYDI’m still yet to even hop into a BYD vehicle, but I’m already impressed with just how far this brand has come in less than four years.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-eec4381d-480a-4da3-8ed0-a7c95628f4b2.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/BYD_Denza_Zhengzhou_0093-1eeb787c-844c-4b8d-9a2f-70b111a1c3fb.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/opinion-i-was-wrong-about-byd/) BYD’s June figure however represents another historic milestone for the brand, surpassing its monthly record of 8211 deliveries, set in May, which itself eclipsed the 7702 deliveries it made in April. Combined, its two most recent record months still don’t come near to its June total. The brand’s record sales figures were driven in part by the arrival of its Zhengzhou car-carrying ship on local shores, which carried 4809 vehicles from BYD directly to Australia in June, while the lion’s share of the total were from its traditional deliveries. Its delivery figures last month also mean BYD had a market share of 13.5 per cent, just behind Toyota’s 13.7 per cent. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/5a73e9c0-cb7d-4228-8e81-9dbb7d55e653.jpeg) Toyota RAV4 A full sales report for June 2026 has yet to be released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), though it’s believed to have been a record month due to a combination of factors. Recent months have seen a big increase in the number of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles delivered, due to fuel price and availability concerns due to the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. While this has – for now – been resolved, orders placed months ago are only now arriving. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/byd-shark-6-dynamic-cab-chassis-2.jpg) BYD Shark 6 cab-chassis Combined with traditional end of financial year sales across the board, June – a typically large month for the industry – is expected to be the biggest sales month in Australian new vehicle history. The result also shakes up figures for the first half of 2026, though Toyota still remains as the clear market leader. Between January and June 2026, Toyota delivered 95,141 vehicles to Australian customers, with BYD now second with 52,335 deliveries. Ford sits third on 42,296 deliveries, while the race for fourth is close between Kia (41,846), Mazda (40,502), and Hyundai (39,590). ### F1 brand Alpine builds its last petrol-powered car… for now URL: https://torquecafe.com/f1-brand-alpine-builds-its-last-petrol-powered-car-for-now/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T23:20:24.000Z After almost 10 years in production, the last petrol-powered Alpine A110 has been built, with the sports coupe soon becoming an EV. Alpine announced the final second-generation A110 was built on July 1, the 28,701st examples to roll off the production line in Dieppe, France since the model was relaunched in 2017. Across its production run, Alpine claims more than 58 per cent of the new A110s it made were finished in blue, with one-third being in the hero colour of Bleu Alpine. The last car to be made was an A110 R 70 in the Bleu Alpine hue. Since production of the modern A110 started in 2017, the sports car has been powered by a turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, initially producing 215kW and 320Nm, though its circa-110kg kerb weight meant it had plenty of power for its size. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/35000-Alpine-A110-produced-at-Dieppe--2-.jpg) The staff who built the Alpine A110 Unfortunately the A110 was pulled from sale in Australia towards the end of 2021, as it and a number of other vehicles – including the Nissan GT-R and Lexus IS – didn’t comply with new side-impact regulations. Alpine is now gearing up to launch the next-generation A110, which will be an electric vehicle. The new A110 will be underpinned by the new Alpine Performance Platform (APP), set to make its debut under the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, the latter of which utilises electric motors in the wheel hubs, rather than between the axles. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/alpine-a110-2--1-.jpg) Though it’ll feature two electric motors, it’ll be solely rear-wheel drive, suggesting it could be quite a bit more powerful than its predecessor. While Alpine is committed to turning the A110 into an EV, in [March CEO Philippe Krief told media](https://torquecafe.com/f1-brands-new-sports-car-wont-be-ev-only/), including the UK’s [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/next-alpine-a110-get-ice-variant-alongside-incoming-ev?ref=torquecafe.com), that the APP architecture was being primed for a petrol engine – though stopped short of announcing it’ll feature in the sports car. “And before you ask, yes, the platform is designed to accommodate an internal combustion engine,” Krief said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/alpine-a110-ev-app-2--1-.jpg) The APP architecture of the upcoming A110 “The new A110 will be electric. The goal of Futuready \[Renault Group’s future-looking plan\] is to be prepared for the future, so we have developed the platform to receive an ICE (internal combustion engine). “\[That\] doesn’t mean we’re going to do it \[a petrol version\],” he added, before saying Alpine needs to be ready for unexpected changes in legislation, such as Europe’s recent cancellation of banning engine-vehicle sales by 2035, and the US axing emissions penalties and limits. “At the moment we focus on Europe. If having an ICE offers opportunities for Alpine in other markets then we can make it.” [F1 brand’s new sports car won’t be EV-onlyDespite its original intentions, the new Alpine A110 won’t only offer electric power, as a petrol-powered version is now being developed.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-24dc8906-c75e-4ba3-8c31-fba83460c6c9.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/alpine-a110-2-8516b24a-dd07-4a78-bea1-2e284910fe92.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/f1-brands-new-sports-car-wont-be-ev-only/) ### 2026 Ram 1500 Express review: Australia's cheapest pickup tested URL: https://torquecafe.com/ram-1500-express-review-australia/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T07:00:05.000Z Ever since Ram Trucks Australia stopped bringing in new Hemi V8-powered 1500 pickups to local shores, customers have been made to pay more than $140,000 for the latest twin-turbo straight-six offerings. That is, until now, with the arrival of the 1500 Express Black Edition signalling a return to the ‘affordable’ end of the American pickup market for Ram, with its $109,950 before on-roads price tag making it the least expensive vehicle in its class right now. It not only undercuts the existing Ram 1500 Rebel and Laramie Sport by more than $30,000 – with both starting from $141,950, despite being powered by the same engine – but also the $114,950 Ford F-150 XLT, the $134,990 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium, and the $155,990 Toyota Tundra Limited. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-ram-1500-express-black-edition-10.jpg) 2026 Ram 1500 Express Black Edition At just under $110,000, it also comes within $10,000 of Ford’s new Ranger Super Duty XLT pickup, which is arguably built for a slightly different customer set, but not one so different that there’s no overlap between buyers. With that comparative discount in mind, as well as context about where it fits against its rivals, we got to try out the Express Black Edition in country Victoria, arguably one of the heartlands of Ram in Australia. ## What do you get? What’s immediately striking on the most affordable 1500 is its appearance, with the Black Edition upgrades consisting of a black grille, badging, side mirror caps, door handles, exhaust tips, side steps and 20-inch wheels, plus a menacing, Limited-like bulged ‘sports hood’. One of the – surprisingly long list of – things the Express Black Edition misses out on from higher grades is powered side steps and a powered tailgate, though some may view these omissions as fewer features to go wrong. Inside the cabin is what you’d expect from the workhorse of the bunch: cloth upholstery, manually adjustable seats, a much smaller 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen (down from 14.4 inches), and a 7.0-inch TFT within analogue gauges (down from a 12.3-inch full digital cluster). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-ram-1500-express-black-edition-5.jpg) 2026 Ram 1500 Express Black Edition There’s no particular issue with any of these features. The seats are comfortable enough, the steering wheel buttons are intuitive, the TFT display can still show speed alongside the traditional speedometer dials, and the touchscreen is far less imposing than on higher-specced vehicles. It’s also a slightly more practical cabin than other 1500s in Australia, with no 10.25-inch front passenger infotainment touchscreen, rather an open storage slot sits in its place. However, there are two creature comforts which many may miss. The climate control system has been exchanged for a simple fan and cooling/heat control knob, while the 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is also no more, with the Express instead making do with a six-speaker setup. For those who consider themselves audiophiles, downsizing to the six-speaker system is a bit jarring, though if there’s any consolation it’s that the cabin is quiet on almost all types of roads. ## How does it drive? That brings us to the driving experience, which – on paper at least – shouldn’t be too big of a departure from the existing Ram 1500 recipe, especially compared to the much dearer Laramie Sport. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-ram-1500-express-black-edition-4.jpg) 2026 Ram 1500 Express Black Edition Powering the Ram 1500 Express Black Edition is the ‘Standard Output’ version of the twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six ‘Hurricane’ engine, putting out a very healthy 313kW and 635Nm. It’s in the same ballpark as its rivals, as the hybrid Tundra’s twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 makes 326kW/790Nm, the F-150’s twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 develops 298kW/678Nm, and the Silverado 1500’s 6.2-litre V8 puts out 313kW/624Nm, while also representing an improvement on the old Hemi-powered Ram’s 291kW/556Nm. Unlike its competition though, the Ram 1500 has to make do with *only* eight gears, compared to the 10-speed automatics in its rivals. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-ram-1500-express-black-edition-1.jpg) 2026 Ram 1500 Express Black Edition Not that you ever miss the extra two ratios on the road, with the eight-speed always able to find the right gear to be in to best ride the wave of torque from the Hurricane engine, which itself is quiet. The only time you get a noticeable amount of engine noise is when the windows are down and you’re pushing it up an incline. It’s not a bad sound, and is almost Barra-esque, but it doesn’t replace the thumping V8. A major advantage of the 1500 Express is that – thanks to its relatively short equipment list – it weighs almost 150kg less than the Limited Sport, tipping the scales at 2491kg. This not only means it’s marginally more dynamic on the road, but it also boasts being the only Ram 1500 with a payload capacity of more than 1000kg, 1014kg to be exact. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-ram-1500-express-black-edition-9.jpg) 2026 Ram 1500 Express Black Edition Its 7711kg gross combination mass (GCM) matches the Laramie Sport and Rebel, while with a 70mm tow ball you can still make use of its full 4500kg braked towing capacity (or 3500kg for those with a 50mm ball). There is one glaring omission from the Express though, with the entry-level Ram 1500 only getting part-time four-wheel drive. Drivers can choose between 2H, 4H and 4L, the latter pair can only be used off-road. Higher-end versions of the pickup add a 4A (or four auto) mode, which acts like an all-wheel drive system by redistributing power to the front wheels when needed. Though we didn’t get to test the rear-drive setting to its limits, those who are towing in tricky conditions may miss the ability to put it in 4A, something which is available on the similarly priced Ford F-150 XLT. To say the 1500 Express handles like a big pickup is a bit of an insult to this class of vehicle, as all of the offerings in the segment are not only comfortable but handle country highways quite well, with none of the agricultural feeling you’d be used to in most dual-cab utes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-ram-1500-express-black-edition-3.jpg) 2026 Ram 1500 Express Black Edition Features such as its adaptive cruise control (which can be turned back into standard cruise control at the push of a button), its lane-keep assist and driver fatigue monitoring systems are well calibrated and won’t annoy drivers by flashing and beeping every five seconds. A vehicle of this size could do with a 360-degree camera, but that’s reserved for the top-spec Limited only. For the price point, the front and rear sensors plus rear camera are enough. ## What do we think? The addition of the Ram 1500 Express Black Edition to the brand’s lineup is a welcome one, giving buyers not willing to fork out more than $150,000 when all is said and done to get into a full-size pickup. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-ram-1500-express-black-edition-2.jpg) 2026 Ram 1500 Express Black Edition For potential buyers stepping up from a dual-cab ute, it will present the driving advantages of a pickup, with its meaty engine providing effortless power, a hefty towing capability, and comfortable ride experience. By omitting equipment some would define as a luxury, Ram has brought itself back to the heartland of the segment and what led to its popularity, though with the F-150 so close in price and offering more kit, the Express Black Edition has more competition than when it was last at this end of the market. Regardless, it’s a very decent vehicle for those who are after a workhorse and might not miss the Hemi V8. ### Ford Ranger power doubled with racing edition URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-ranger-power-doubled-with-racing-edition/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T03:24:08.000Z We’ve seen just about every iteration of the Ford Ranger that’s possible, but nothing can match what those in its home market of Thailand do. Ahead of this weekend’s 2026 Bangsaen Grand Prix around the coastal streets of west Thailand, Ford has detailed its entries in the locally popular but otherwise obscure Super Pickup championship. With competition from the likes of the Isuzu D-Max and Toyota HiLux – both of which are also popular in Australia, but made and top-sellers in Thailand – Ford Thailand Racing (FTR) has taken the Ranger ute to the next level, all while using the Australian-developed and engineered T6 platform. Based on the Ranger single-cab, the turbo-diesel 3.0-litre V6 in Australia’s best-selling vehicle gets significant modifications, such as a Motec ECU, a bigger turbocharger and upgraded cooling system to put out 373kW in Class A trim – well up on the standard 184kW output. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ford-ranger-thailand-super-pickup-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ford-ranger-thailand-super-pickup-3.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ford-ranger-thailand-super-pickup-4.jpg) FTR's lineup of Ford Ranger Super Pickups The single-cab body has also been stripped out while racing parts such as fully adjustable Öhlins dampers, Wilwood multi-piston racing brakes, and Hankook slick tyres turn it into a true competition machine. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, a powertrain combination not available in the production Ranger, but essential to its success on the track. Three different teams run the Ford Ranger and have been developed independently, though with FTR still running the entries. The #3 Ranger of Sandy Stuvik was developed by YK Motorsport, and features the front end from a Raptor as well as its wider guards. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/ford-ranger-thailand-super-pickup-1.jpg) Thanaphon 'Best' Chucharoenpon’s #15 entry by Aongdo Motorsport is completely different, with a much more racing-derived bodykit and panels, with a similar approach taken for the #18 of Kantadhee ‘Boom’ Kusiri, driving for Aurora Design Dynamics. The development and design of the three Super Pickup-spec Rangers differs greatly from those in Australia’s V8 Superute Series, which are based on the dual-cab body style and feature a spec 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engine. Ford claims that the racing data collected through the Super Pickup championship is fed back to its engineers at the Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) and AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT). [Ford Ranger production could expand with new factoryA Suzuki factory in Thailand has been purchased by Ford, located next door to one of the main plants supplying Australia with the Ranger.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-b098cb0b-dc8a-4673-8e73-d0e460fcf5b4.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-ranger-factory-production-1-9a7fcf91-0ed4-4d4d-b194-88e9c234e70c.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-thailand-suzuki-factory-rayong/) Ford wholly owns the FTM factory which solely builds the Ranger, while the AAT plant is a joint venture with Mazda, producing the Ranger, Ranger Super Duty and Everest, plus the Mazda 2, 3, CX-3 and CX-30. The Bangsaen Street Circuit round of the Thailand Super Series – which includes the Super Pickup category, as well as GT3, GT4, Formula 4 and Carrera Cup Racing – takes place this weekend (July 4–5) and can be watched [here](https://www.thailandsuperseries.net/?ref=torquecafe.com). ### Alfa Romeo’s racing legend reborn with modern super sedan URL: https://torquecafe.com/alfa-romeos-racing-legend-reborn-with-modern-super-sedan/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T00:41:58.000Z Germany’s DTM championship might conjure mental images of BMWs, Mercedes-Benzs and Audis battling on track, but in the early to mid 1990s it was Alfa Romeo which was one of the series’ stars. With the 155 2.5 V6 TI and Nicola Larini behind the wheel, Alfa Romeo won the 1993 title, while its all-wheel drive, 2.5-litre sedan took 12 wins in the season, before going on to notch up 38 victories overall by the time it was retired at the end of 1996. Almost three decades on from the last time the DTM-spec 155 raced competitively, startup firm SGT Automobili has paid tribute to the racer by releasing a modern reincarnation, the 55-SGT, based on the Giulia Quadrifoglio. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/55-SGT_08.jpg) SGT Automobili 55-SGT Using the Giulia sedan’s chassis and cabin as its base, there are no exterior carry-over parts from the current BMW M3-rival, with the body instead being a carbon fibre construction that painstakingly replicates the 155 2.6 V6 TI. This includes its stepped front bumper, aggressive splitter and side skirts, as well as its hooped rear wing. There are even two less doors, something that wasn’t a feature on the racing car. Its 20-inch OZ Racing wheels are bespoke, and sit in front of Brembo brakes all round. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/55-SGT_015.jpg) SGT Automobili 55-SGT The interior has the strongest links to the Giulia Quadrifoglio production car, though in place of its rear seats there’s now a roll cage, while the front occupants get carbon fibre racing-style seats. Via the centre command console, the driver can adjust the suspension settings, the engine outputs and even the torque split of the all-wheel drive powertrain, with a drift mode also being incorporated. In its standard Stradale guise, the 55-SGT weighs just under 1590kg, while the stripped-back Trofeo version is just 1490kg, both being much lighter than the circa-1720kg kerb weight of the Giulia Quadrifoglio. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/55-SGT_020.jpg) SGT Automobili 55-SGT Powering the 55-SGT is the twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 engine as found in the flagship Giulia, normally capable of producing up to 377kW, but turned up to 456kW in the Stradale and 552kW in the Trofeo. Purists may be upset that the eight-speed automatic transmission is retained, rather than being swapped out for a manual or sequential transmission, though it would’ve likely resulted in a big price increase. Speaking of which, there’s no price yet, but expect to pay a significant amount more than for a Giulia Quadrifoglio. ### Honda, Nissan relationship one step closer to being rekindled URL: https://torquecafe.com/honda-nissan-relationship-one-step-closer-to-being-rekindled/ Last updated: 2026-07-01T23:09:51.000Z One of the surprise stories in the automotive industry within the past two years was the shock announcement in late 2024 that Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi were investigating whether they could all merge, off the back of increasing pressure from Chinese brands. With Nissan in dire need of help at the time, it looked like a deal would go ahead, though it eventually fell apart: Honda wanted to be the bigger brand, Nissan wasn’t willing to let that happen. Nissan’s CEO subsequently resigned, leaving the door open for his successor to announce radical changes to the business. Meanwhile, Honda has posted its first ever annual financial loss, while Mitsubishi seems to be waiting on the sidelines. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2026-nissan-z-heritage-edition-australia-2.jpg) Though many expected the door to be shut to any future relationship between Honda and Nissan (the latter of which is already part of an alliance with Mitsubishi and Renault), Honda CEO and President Toshihiro Mibe has reportedly said an announcement for a new partnership is almost imminent. As reported by [*Nikkei Asia*](https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/honda-ceo-mibe-says-tie-up-with-nissan-close-to-announcement?ref=torquecafe.com), Mibe said a potential collaboration with Nissan is “quite far along, with some aspects close to an announcement”. “We are proceeding with each project in a win-win relationship,” Mibe added. According to the publication, a part of the new relationship could see Honda and Nissan vehicles use common Engine Control Units (ECUs), starting as early as 2029 or 2030, while other projects could occur in the future. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/01-2026-Honda-Ridgeline-TrailSport--1-.jpg) In November last year, newly appointed Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa told [Nikkei Asia](https://asia.nikkei.com/editor-s-picks/interview/nissan-seeks-partnership-with-honda-to-develop-products-in-us-ceo-says?ref=torquecafe.com) his car company is continuing talks with Honda, with the lucrative US market a key component of the new approach. “We are talking about how we can collaborate in the US,” Espinosa said. “Is there any opportunity for joint product development or for powertrain development? These are the topics that we are discussing.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2027-nissan-x-trail-3.jpg) The news of a relationship being back on the table comes after Honda announced in May it had posted an operating loss of 414.3 billion yen (A$3.72 billion) for the 2025-2026 Japanese financial year (April 2025 to March 2026), a significant change on its previous operating profit of 1.21 trillion yen (A$10.9 billion). Last week, Mibe addressed the brand’s shareholders for the first time since the announcement of its financial status at its annual meeting, which resulted in the executive apologising for leading the brand to its first loss in 70 years. “I would like to ​express my deepest apologies to our shareholders for the significant concern and inconvenience caused ​by the net loss recorded in the previous fiscal year's financial results,” Mibe said. ### Bugatti’s W16 engine says alive with yet another special edition URL: https://torquecafe.com/bugattis-w16-engine-says-alive-with-yet-another-special-edition/ Last updated: 2026-07-01T20:00:30.000Z At this stage we might never see the end of production for Bugatti’s long-standing W16 engine, after the powertrain was wheeled out for a new special edition model. The Bugatti W16 Mistral Blanc Éternel was made by the in-house Sur Mesure personalisation program, in conjunction with German porcelain maker, Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin. What results is a Bugatti you really, really won’t want to crash, as a number of surfaces on the outside – and some more on the inside – are made from porcelain, well-known for its beautiful finish but fragile structure. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/03-BUGATTI-Sur-Mesure-KPM-scaled--1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/06-BUGATTI-Sur-Mesure-KPM-scaled--1-.jpg) While the exterior retains the shape of the Mistral, the bodywork is completely bespoke, with its patterns reminiscent of the products made by KPM Berlin. Black lines accentuate the Mistral’s body, while also making it look two-dimensional from some angles. Inside there are porcelain covers on the gear selector, window buttons and centre console armrest, well and truly making this version of the two-door hypercar stand out even further. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/01-BUGATTI-Sur-Mesure-KPM-scaled--1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/08-BUGATTI-Sur-Mesure-KPM-scaled--1-.jpg) Powering it continues to be a quad-turbo, 8.0-litre W16 engine, which entered service 20 years ago in the Veyron before going on to power the Chiron and Mistral. The W16 is now reserved for very special Bugatti projects such as [the Brouillard](https://torquecafe.com/bugatti-w16-bentley-w12-engines-dead/), the [Veyron-inspired F.K.P. Hommage](https://torquecafe.com/bugatti-builds-the-ultimate-veyron/) and the W16 Mistral ‘Caroline’, but it may not be long for this world. Bugatti hasn’t officially said when it’ll wrap up production of the W16, however it’s soon to be superseded by a new Cosworth-developed 8.4-litre V16 in the upcoming Tourbillon, which will be assisted by three electric motors. ### What is PPF? The Complete Guide to Paint Protection Film URL: https://torquecafe.com/what-is-ppf-the-complete-guide-to-paint-protection-film/ Last updated: 2026-07-01T13:44:55.000Z Paint Protection Film (PPF) has become one of the most popular ways to protect a vehicle's paint. Once reserved for exotic and luxury cars, it's now commonly fitted to everything from family SUVs and dual-cab utes to performance cars and EVs. Designed to shield paintwork from stone chips, scratches and everyday road damage, PPF is available in clear, matte and coloured finishes, giving owners the choice of preserving or completely changing their vehicle's appearance. Here's everything you need to know. ## What is PPF? **Paint Protection Film (PPF)** is a transparent **thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)** film applied over a vehicle's painted surfaces. It acts as a sacrificial layer, absorbing impacts and helping protect the paint underneath from damage. Modern PPF is optically clear, highly flexible and virtually invisible once professionally installed. Many premium products also feature self-healing technology, allowing fine surface marks in the film to disappear when exposed to heat. ## What does PPF protect against? PPF is designed to reduce damage caused by everyday driving. It helps protect against: - Stone chips - Light scratches - Road debris - Bug splatter - Bird droppings - Tree sap - UV exposure - Minor scuffs While no film is indestructible, replacing damaged PPF is often far easier and less expensive than repairing paint. ## Why has PPF become so popular? Modern vehicle paint is more expensive than ever to repair, particularly on cars with complex metallic, pearl or matte finishes. For many owners, PPF is an investment in preserving the factory paint, maintaining resale value and avoiding costly cosmetic repairs. It's particularly popular on new vehicles, enthusiast cars and vehicles that spend plenty of time on highways or gravel roads. ## Clear Gloss PPF Clear gloss PPF is the most common option. Designed to be almost invisible, it protects the paint without changing the vehicle's appearance. Once installed, it maintains the factory gloss while providing a physical barrier against stone chips and scratches. For owners who simply want to preserve their paintwork, clear gloss PPF remains the benchmark. ## Matte (Stealth) PPF Matte PPF, often referred to as **Stealth PPF**, gives a gloss-painted vehicle a satin or frozen-style finish while providing the same level of protection as clear film. It's also the preferred solution for protecting factory matte paint, which cannot be polished in the same way as conventional gloss finishes. Unlike repainting, matte PPF is completely reversible, revealing the original paint if the film is removed. ## Coloured PPF Coloured PPF combines paint protection with a colour change. Available in gloss, satin and matte finishes, it allows owners to transform the appearance of a vehicle while still benefiting from the impact resistance and self-healing properties of Paint Protection Film. Although more expensive than a traditional vinyl wrap, coloured PPF is becoming increasingly popular for those wanting both style and protection. ## PPF vs vinyl wrap Although they may look similar, Paint Protection Film and vinyl wraps are designed for different purposes. A vinyl wrap is primarily cosmetic. Made from PVC, it changes the colour or finish of a vehicle but offers only limited protection from scratches and stone chips. PPF is manufactured from thicker TPU material specifically engineered to absorb impacts and protect paint. Premium films are also self-healing, something conventional vinyl wraps cannot offer. If your goal is to protect the paint, PPF is the better option. If your priority is simply changing the colour of your vehicle, a vinyl wrap is usually the more affordable choice. ## PPF vs ceramic coating PPF and ceramic coatings complement each other rather than compete. A ceramic coating forms a thin protective layer that repels water, dirt and contaminants while making the vehicle easier to wash. It improves gloss but provides little protection against physical damage. PPF protects against stone chips and scratches. Many owners apply a ceramic coating over PPF to combine impact protection with easier maintenance. ## Where should PPF be installed? Not every vehicle needs full-body protection. The most common package covers the front bumper, bonnet, front guards, mirrors and headlights, as these areas receive the majority of stone impacts. Performance cars, luxury vehicles and collector cars often receive full-body coverage, while vehicles used on gravel roads or race circuits may also protect side skirts, rear guards and other high-impact areas. ## How long does PPF last? Most premium Paint Protection Films are designed to last **seven to ten years**, depending on the product, climate and how the vehicle is maintained. Australian conditions can be particularly harsh due to intense UV exposure and high temperatures, while vehicles in colder parts of North America may also contend with snow, ice and road salt. Choosing a quality film and an experienced installer will have the biggest influence on long-term performance. ## How much does PPF cost? Pricing varies depending on the vehicle, film brand and the amount of coverage required. In Australia, front-end packages typically cost between **AUD$1,500 and AUD$2,500**, while full-body installations generally range from **AUD$5,500 to more than AUD$9,000**. In the United States, front-end protection usually costs **US$1,500 to US$2,500**, with full-body PPF typically ranging from **US$5,000 to US$8,500**. ## Is PPF worth it? For owners of new vehicles, luxury models, performance cars or collector vehicles, PPF can be a worthwhile investment. It helps preserve factory paint, reduces the likelihood of expensive cosmetic repairs and may improve resale appeal. For older vehicles or owners less concerned about cosmetic damage, the cost may be harder to justify. Ultimately, the value comes down to how you use your vehicle and how important maintaining its original finish is to you. ## The verdict Paint Protection Film has become the benchmark for protecting modern automotive paintwork. Whether you choose clear gloss, a satin finish or coloured PPF, it provides a level of protection that ceramic coatings and traditional vinyl wraps cannot match. For anyone looking to keep their vehicle looking its best for years to come, PPF remains one of the most effective upgrades available. ### Peugeot’s Australian future hangs in the balance URL: https://torquecafe.com/peugeots-australian-future-hangs-in-the-balance/ Last updated: 2026-07-01T04:16:32.000Z Inchcape Australasia, local importer of multiple car brands, has announced it will no longer distribute Peugeot vehicles in Australia, less than two years after it axed sister brand Citroen. Peugeot – which is one of the roughly dozen car brands owned globally by Dutch conglomerate Stellantis – has been distributed by Inchcape since 2017, alongside Subaru, Deepal, Foton and, until late 2024, Citroen. “As part of Inchcape's standard approach to portfolio management, we continuously review our partnerships to ensure we have the right portfolio of brands for our business, aligned with our strategic growth objectives,” an Inchcape Australasia press release said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/Re-writing_the_hybrid_rules-_meet_the_new_PEUGEOT_308_GT--2-.jpg) Peugeot 308 “As a result, Inchcape Australia and Stellantis have mutually agreed to end their distribution partnership for Peugeot in Australia, with the final date to be confirmed following a transition period. “Stellantis has confirmed the Peugeot brand will continue in Australia and will provide updates on its local plans in due course. “We are working collaboratively with Stellantis to ensure a smooth transition for the brand, with a focus on supporting customers, dealers and partners. We would like to thank Stellantis for their partnership over the years and we wish them every success for the future of the Peugeot brand in Australia. “Inchcape will continue to support the sale of existing stock, warranty and servicing during the transition period, while working closely with Stellantis as it progresses future distribution arrangements in Australia. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/PEUGEOT-3008-GT-Premium-Hybrid--1-.jpg) Peugeot 3008 “Throughout this time, customers will continue to have access to factory-trained technicians, genuine Peugeot parts, and ongoing servicing, including recall campaigns and diagnostic updates.” In a statement to *Torquecafe*, Stellantis Australia – the local operation importing and distributing Fiat/Abarth, Jeep and Alfa Romeo vehicles – said it would provide updates in the future regarding Peugeot in Australia. “Peugeot has a strong future in Australia, supported by a robust product pipeline and a clear long-term strategy. We intend to maintain continuity of distribution in Australia and will provide updates as arrangements progress,” a Stellantis Australia spokesperson said. “We remain committed to our customers and partners throughout this period and are confident in the brand’s long-term prospects in the Australian market.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/PEUGEOT_Australia_announces_new_Hybrid_vehicle_range_with_all-new_PEUGEOT_3008_SUV_available_to_pre-order_now--1-.jpg) Peugeot 3008 Peugeot sales peaked in Australia in 2007 when it sold 8807 vehicles locally, then managed by the Ateco Group. It transferred to Sime Darby in 2013, with its 2014 sales less than half of its peak, managing 4394 deliveries. Inchcape took over the local distribution of Peugeot in 2017, though the new owners couldn’t arrest the sales slide, having last year notched up just 1350 deliveries in Australia, while so far this year its 373 deliveries between January and May represent a drop of 35 per cent. Currently there are 29 Peugeot dealers in Australia, which sell the Partner, Expert and Boxer vans, as well as passenger vehicles including the 308, 408, 2008, 3008 and 5008. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/PEUGEOT-2008-Hybrid--1-.jpg) Peugeot 2008 Thankfully for fans of the brand, Peugeot has not slipped down the rabbit hole as far or as rapidly as Citroen, which was dropped from the Inchcape lineup at the end of 2024, wrapping up the run of Australia’s oldest continuous carmaker. Citroen hit its high in 2007 as well with 3803 deliveries, but since 2015 couldn’t surpass 1000 sales in a year, eventually dwindling down to just 147 deliveries in 2024. Subaru is by far the most consistent and best performing brand under the Inchcape umbrella, regularly sitting around the circa-35,000 to 40,000 annual sales marker. Foton only rejoined the Australian car market last year, while Deepal too is a relatively new addition to the Inchcape lineup. ### Porsche’s Toy Story-inspired 911s raise $3 million for charity URL: https://torquecafe.com/porsches-toy-story-inspired-911s-raise-3-million-for-charity/ Last updated: 2026-07-01T02:09:01.000Z Porsche has raised even more money for US charities, after an anonymous buyer donated US$3 million (A$4.35 million) while purchasing three 911 sports cars, each uniquely inspired by Toy Story characters. The three 911s were revealed earlier this month ahead of the release of Toy Story 5 in cinemas, paying tribute to main characters Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie. According to Porsche, the ‘intended buyer’ of the three vehicles has donated US$1 million (A$1.45 million) to each of the three charities supported by the carmaker: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the American Red Cross, and Starlight Children’s Foundation. “When we first learned about the project – the incredible cars and the work these charities do for children and families – we knew it was a natural fit,” the anonymous buyer said in a press release distributed by Porsche. [Toy Story-themed Porsche 911s tap into childhood fantasyThe Porsche 911 lineup has been transformed to promote Toy Story 5, with three of the franchise’s main characters inspiring a trio of sports cars.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-cfd07a01-f5fc-4e4c-b5b5-48c21d7e0fac.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/PORSCHE_TOYSTORY5_GROUP_001_DSC07123-1--1--25e44a10-09c0-4e88-af1f-563b9c2216fc.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/toy-story-themed-porsche-911s-tap-into-childhood-fantasy/) “Our passion for unique Porsches and giving back runs as deep as our love of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the rest of the Toy Story 5 characters.” It’s the second time a Porsche collaboration with Disney-Pixar has resulted in a significant donation to charity, with its one-off ‘Sally Carrera’ (from the film Cars) tribute 911 Carrera 4 GTS selling at auction in 2022 for US$3.6 million (A$5.22 million). The three Toy Story 911s consisted of a 911 GT3 RS for Buzz Lightyear, a Carrera T for Woody, and a Targa 4 GTS for Jessie. ### Lotus could open its factory to another brand URL: https://torquecafe.com/lotus-could-open-its-factory-to-another-brand/ Last updated: 2026-07-01T01:10:12.000Z The future of Lotus could depend on an unlikely relationship with a startup brand, as the Chinese-owned British carmaker announced it’s looking at opening a new factory up to a fellow UK marque. As reported by the [*CarBuzz*](https://carbuzz.com/lotus-zenos-cars-partnership-building-cars-together/?ref=torquecafe.com), Lotus has signed a Head of Terms agreement with Zenos Cars, another Norfolk-based manufacturer of lightweight sports cars, born in 2012 through two former Lotus employees. Zenos went into administration in 2017 but was revived last year with the E10RZ, which – if the deal pans out – could be built at the new Lotus Hethel Performance Hub. [Affordable sports car to go hybrid, lose manualThe Lotus Emira is going hybrid, and will lean on a powertrain from French/Chinese/Saudi Arabian joint venture Horse to do so.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-de0c4c5b-dcea-4ab9-9f88-c986503fc533.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_LOT-5351-7a8cdcb7-62bc-40d4-a925-a4a3f055a535.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/lotus-news-emira-hybrid-horse-v6-twin-turbo/) Opened within the past week, the Hub is designed to not only benefit Lotus but also other small brands, who can get access to the sports car marque’s engineers and private test track, as well as manufacturing facilities. “The famous Hethel site’s transformation to a nucleus of high-performance automotive innovation will power a new era of advanced vehicle design and manufacture in the UK,” Lotus reportedly said. It’s unlikely that the addition of Zenos’ vehicles will make a significant dent to Lotus’ production plans, given that the former brand only made 100 examples of its first model in about a year. Lotus itself has been facing a scaling back of its operations, last year cutting 550 of its 1300-strong workforce at its UK headquarters in August. [Famous brand is building a V8 supercarBest known for its lightweight sports cars, Lotus has confirmed it’s building a modern take on the Esprit formula, with a V8-powered supercar in the works.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-1cae3eac-f59e-4e70-a5d5-9e2bd07683ab.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/lotus-type-135-v8-supercar-teaser-2-2c5c0da4-be78-4d00-af66-d943f74a1e17.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/lotus-news-v8-supercar-coming-2028/) [In early April](https://torquecafe.com/lotus-uk-production-safe-for-now/) 2025, the brand announced it would cut 270 jobs at its headquarters and main UK manufacturing facility, which followed 94 job losses in November 2024, and 30 workers in January 2024. There is change afoot for Lotus though, with the brand announcing earlier this year it’ll launch a V8-powered supercar in 2028, while also turning the existing Emira into a hybrid. Both projects will be done in conjunction with parent company Geely, through its Horse Powertrain division – Geely (45 per cent), as well as Renault (45 per cent) and Saudi oil giant Aramco (10 per cent). ### BMW X5 not moving away from V8 engines just yet URL: https://torquecafe.com/bmw-x5-not-moving-away-from-v8-engines-just-yet/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T23:50:55.000Z The third of BMW’s Neue Klasse models is here, with the covers coming off the new X5 overnight, signalling the beginning of the SUV’s fifth generation. Borrowing heavily from the design language of the smaller iX3 SUV and i3 sedan, BMW’s latest X5 is available with a range of petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric (iX5) powertrains globally, though currently absent from its lineup is the option of a V8. The outgoing ‘G05’ X5 offered a 4.4-litre V8 engine in its flagship M60i guise, making 390kW and 750Nm, however this variant has been replaced overseas by the new plug-in hybrid M60e (pictured). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/P90646108_highRes_bmw-x5-m60e-xdrive-0--1-.jpg) BMW X5 M60e xDrive Mating its twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six engine to an electric motor, the X5 M60e produces up to 450kW and 800Nm, figures on par with the X5 M Competition which made 390kW and 750Nm from its higher-strung 4.4-litre V8. While there is no V8 in the X5 range at the moment, US outlet [*Car and Driver*](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a71773509/new-bmw-x5-m-engine-confirmed/?ref=torquecafe.com) reports the X5 M will return with a V8 under its bonnet, serving as the new flagship to the range. Likely to borrow the powertrain from the M5 sedan and wagon, this could mean the X5 M would be powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 and electric motor, which in its low-slung sibling makes 535kW and 1000Nm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/P90646085_highRes_bmw-x5-m60e-xdrive-0--1-.jpg) BMW X5 M60e xDrive Despite the G05 X5 M60i being a part of the Australian lineup, the new X5 M60e has not been confirmed for a local debut, with only the 50e xDrive PHEV, the diesel 40d xDrive, the petrol 40 xDrive, and the electric iX5 60 xDrive confirmed for local showrooms. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but outputs and powertrain specifications have been locked in. The X5 40d xDrive produces 210kW and 650Nm from its twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine, while the X5 40 xDrive puts out 294kW and 540Nm from its similarly sized petrol engine, both of which incorporate 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/P90646125_highRes_bmw-x5-m60e-xdrive-0.jpg) BMW X5 M60e xDrive In the plug-in hybrid 50e xDrive, the twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine is paired with an electric motor to develop up to 360kW and 700Nm, while it can be driven between 86km and 102km in WLTP lab testing on electric power alone. Serving as the range-topper in terms of its on-paper performance is the iX5 60 xDrive, with the electric SUV’s dual-motor powertrain system making 425kW and 805Nm, down on the overseas X5 M60e PHEV. According to BMW Australia, the X5 40d xDrive and 40 xDrive are due to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2026, while the two electrified variants are expected to land in 2027. ### Australian-first motorcycle rules in effect from today URL: https://torquecafe.com/australian-first-motorcycle-rules-in-effect-from-today/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T20:00:33.000Z New South Wales is leading the way to better protect its most inexperienced motorcycle riders, with a revolutionary new rule coming into effect from today. As of July 1, 2026, all learner (L-plate) and provisional (P-plate) riders (P1 and P2) are required to wear approved protective gloves when riding. It’s the first time such a rule has been implemented in Australia, and follows similar requirements in France and Spain. Only gloves which comply with European Standard EN 13594:2015 adhere to the new road rules, with the labelling or marking by the manufacturer required to be clear. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DW-DxbCEwgz/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Jordan Mulach (@heycoolcardad)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DW-DxbCEwgz/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) The gloves can either be ‘level 1’ gloves (which are lighter and more flexible), or ‘level 2’ gloves (which are heavier duty). Failure to comply with the rules will result in a two demerit point penalty, as well as a fine of approximately $275. According to the NSW Government, wearing certified motorcycle gloves can reduce hand and wrist injuries by 45 per cent. On top of this, learner riders are also now required to wear an approved high-visibility (hi-vis) vest or jacket when riding. Only those which comply with one of the following standards are compliant; AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 – Class D/N, AS 4602.1:2024 – Class D/N, and ISO 20471:2013. ### Suzuki Swift Sport returns… with a catch URL: https://torquecafe.com/suzuki-swift-sport-returns-with-a-catch/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T06:30:39.000Z Production of the Suzuki Swift Sport ended almost 18 months ago, and yet we’re no closer to seeing a replacement for the pint-sized warm hatch – unless you live in Japan. Released through Suzuki’s Select Plus accessories division, the Swift Sport has returned in the form of an official bodykit package, made by Japanese firm AWIN but not technically sold as genuine Suzuki parts. Technically called the Suzuki Sport Black Aero package, the kit comprises a number of AWIN parts, such as a front splitter (with a Suzuki Sport badge), side skirts and an added rear valance. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/suzuki-swift-sport-japan-3.jpg) Other additions include a black grille surround plus four black aluminium wheels, while buyers can also opt for carbon-fibre look mirror caps and a unique fuel door cover. All up, the kit costs 312,972 Yen ($2800), and can be added to any of the Swift’s grades in Japan. It doesn’t add any extra performance to the Swift, which is powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine, available with or without a 12-volt mild-hybrid system, the latter of which makes 61kW of power and 112Nm of torque in Australia. By comparison, the previous true Swift Sport’s turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine made 103kW and 230Nm, which combined with its six-speed manual transmission and diminutive sub-1000kg kerb weight made it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts. ### Ex-HSV, Jaguar designer reimagines a 1990s icon URL: https://torquecafe.com/ex-hsv-jaguar-designer-reimagines-a-1990s-icon/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T04:25:15.000Z Jaguar entered the record books in the 1990s when its XJ220 supercar became the fastest production car in the world at the time, thanks to its powerful twin-turbo V6 engine and lightweight construction. The XJ220’s design remains iconic and of its time, led by Keith Helfet before Ian Callum took the ranks as Jaguar’s head of design. Callum, who went on to help create the HSV GTS-R, Jaguar XK, Aston Martin DB9 and the Jaguar F-Type among others, has recently turned his attention to the XJ220, with his design firm imagining what his version of the supercar could look like. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/callum-design-jaguar-xj220-2.jpg) Callum Portfolio XJ220 Called simply the Callum Portfolio XJ220, the concept has been created to preserve “the spirit of the original, reinterpreted with a sharper rear stance and refined contemporary detailing”. “A contemporary interpretation of one of the most iconic supercars ever made. This concept preserves the unmistakable silhouette of the original while redefining every surface, detail and proportion through a modern lens.” There are obvious nods to the sleek production car, such as its ovoid side profile, sleek lines and slatted rear lights, though we haven’t been shown what the front end looks like. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/callum-design-jaguar-xj220-gt1-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/callum-design-jaguar-xj220-gt1-2.jpg) Callum Portfolio XJ220 GT1 That is unless you count the separate XJ220 GT1, a racing-inspired version of the concept, with a huge front splitter, wide oval-shaped grille, and sculpted rear wing which hangs over the rear end. Callum Design has yet to announce plans to team up with any manufacturer to put its recreated XJ220 into production, though as [Pininfarina](https://torquecafe.com/honda-nsx-restomod-pininfarina-jas/) and [Italdesign](https://torquecafe.com/honda-nsx-tribute-italdesign-revealed/) have shown over the past few months with the Honda NSX, there’s still a demand for reheated classics. ### Record-breaking hypercar closer to reaching production URL: https://torquecafe.com/record-breaking-hypercar-closer-to-reaching-production/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T03:14:30.000Z McMurtry is gearing up to reveal the Spéirling Pure at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the site of the fan-assisted electric hypercar’s first foray onto the world stage. The covers came off the first Spéirling prototype at the Goodwood FOS in 2021, and it returned in 2022 to set a record time up the event’s famed hillclimb, before also becoming the fastest car around the Top Gear test track. Five years on from its initial unveiling, McMurtry says that the production-ready Spéirling Pure will debut next week, sticking to its previous claims of only producing 100 examples. According to the niche carmaker, the Spéirling Pure has 95 per cent new parts compared to the prototypes, though it won’t be road legal, instead becoming one of the ultimate track toys. Powered by two electric motors on the rear axle, prototype versions produce up to 745kW in a car which weighs less than 1000kg, and is aided by its huge under-floor fans. McMurtry has claimed the fans can generate up to 2000kg of downforce, or double its own weight. This led to it becoming the first vehicle to drive upside down, when it was rotated on a platform and driven a short distance forwards and backwards. ### Next Hyundai i30 Sedan N to be even sportier with widebody looks URL: https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-elantra-n-i30-sedan-n-widebody/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T00:56:04.000Z The next-generation Hyundai Avante has been revealed in South Korea, with the twin to the Elantra and i30 Sedan (as it’s known in Australia) previewing a radical new design language. Currently only revealed in its standard guise, it’s widely expected that the new Avante will become available as a Hyundai N performance model, given the success of the Elantra N and i30 Sedan N in global markets. At the reveal of the Avante, Sang Yup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai’s global design department suggested the i30 Sedan N isn’t too far away. “Even at this very moment, we’re preparing the sportiest Elantra (i30 Sedan) yet,” Sang said, according to [*CarSceneKorea*](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DaDbmzigkjq/?ref=torquecafe.com). > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaDbmzigkjq/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by 🎬YouTube: CarSceneKorea DK Kim (@carscenekorea)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaDbmzigkjq/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) “Making the wide fenders even wider. Making the sporty feel even sportier. I’ve been counting down the days just as eagerly as all of you.” Given the new Avante/Elantra/i30 Sedan is even boxier than the current model, its design bodes well for a performance makeover, given the existing N car is limited in how it differs from the base sedan. The i30 Sedan N currently on sale in Australia shares the same 1825mm width as the standard i30 Sedan, while its front and rear track widths are also unchanged. This doesn’t stop it from having 245mm wide tyres under its arches, though this too is only a 20mm increase on the standard model. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/-----------------1----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/-----------------2----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.jpg) 2027 Hyundai Avante, set to become the new Elantra and i30 Sedan N A wider body to fit bigger tyres may be necessary for the next i30 Sedan N, which is expected to be the first Hyundai N car to receive its new-generation turbocharged four-cylinder engine. [Teased within the past week](https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-n-teases-its-new-turbocharged-engine/), the new engine debuted in a pair of TCR-based Elantra racers at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race in May, with the endurance event being used as a testbed for the new powertrain. The [*Korean Car Blog*](https://thekoreancarblog.com/hear-it-roar-hyundai-n-teases-next-gen-25-turbo-engine-at-the-nurburgring/?ref=torquecafe.com) reports the new engine will be a 2.5-litre unit, backing claims previously made by Hyundai that it would feature “improved power and response characteristics with enhanced race capability while meeting current emissions standards”. Hyundai has previously vowed it’ll sell more than seven N models by 2030, one of which is expected to be the updated i30 Sedan N. [Hyundai N teases its new turbocharged engineA new-generation four-cylinder turbo engine is soon heading under the bonnet of Hyundai’s N performance cars. This is what it sounds like.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-65d97975-e95b-45ca-b33f-8de61260de0b.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/hyundai-n-2.5-litre-engine-1-2f0be140-3964-455b-83d7-fbd60d19740f.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-n-teases-its-new-turbocharged-engine/) ### New Mitsubishi Pajero to revive classic 4x4 feature URL: https://torquecafe.com/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-details/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T23:31:33.000Z Mitsubishi is closing in on the reveal of the new Pajero, bringing back the nameplate after a five-year hiatus, and it’ll do so by leaning on the heritage of the 4x4. The new Pajero is being promised as an SUV capable of delivering “off-road performance that enables safe, secure and comfortable driving across various weather and road conditions”, something Mitsubishi is keen to enact by bringing back the iconic multi meter display of old. Previously seen on early generations of the Pajero, the triple-gauge multi meter has been absent from the most recent iterations of the 4x4, but is coming back for the latest Mitsubishi SUV. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Mitsubishi-Motors-to-Bring-Authentic-Off-Road-Performance-to-Life-with-its-All-New-Pajero-Cross-Country-SUV--1-.jpg) The new Mitsubishi Pajero's multi meter display The three gauges will be able to be customised to show altitude, outside temperature, pitch and roll angles (centre), and even left-to-right torque distribution, providing drivers with as much information as needed while negotiating tricky conditions. It’s not yet known whether the multi meter will once again be located on top of the dashboard between the driver and passenger, or as a configurable display within the instrument cluster. As previously reported, the new Pajero is, effectively, a successor to the Pajero Sport, as it’ll be based on the underpinnings of the Triton ute. Australia last saw the full-sized Pajero in showrooms in 2021, while the smaller Triton-based Pajero Sport was pulled from sale locally early last year due to not being compliant with then-incoming Australian Design Rules around the performance of autonomous emergency braking systems. [Mitsubishi Pajero return confirmed, reveal timing setThe new-generation Mitsubishi Pajero is locked in, with the 4x4 SUV set to be uncovered in the second half of 2026.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-49eaa113-5c75-45ac-94f4-cae17b7d4cf0.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-teaser-5e126026-95c5-494e-92d7-555290653295.png)](https://torquecafe.com/mitsubishi-news-2027-pajero-return-australia-triton-4x4/) It’s expected the new Pajero will be built in Thailand - not Japan as with previous generations of the ‘true’ Pajero - and likely powered by the same twin-turbo 2.4-litre four-cylinder diesel engine as the Triton, as well as featuring a six- or eight-speed speed automatic transmission and full-time 4x4 system. Like many ute-based SUVs such as the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X, the Pajero will reportedly share similar dimensions to the Triton, however it could end up being shorter in length due to not needing a tub, despite likely being fitted with three rows of seats. Images of test vehicles globally and in Australia have shown the Pajero’s overall design is largely related to the Destinator, a Toyota LandCruiser Prado-sized SUV for South-East Asia and some parts of Africa. ### BMW ‘can’t understand’ the ‘haters’ of the electric M3 URL: https://torquecafe.com/bmw-cant-understand-the-haters-of-the-electric-m3/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T20:00:36.000Z The BMW M3 is only a matter of years – if not months – away from being split down two distinct paths, with the performance sedan to be offered in traditional petrol-powered guise as well as in electric form. BMW previewed the design of both, though namely the electric M3, with the Concept M Neue Klasse at Le Mans earlier this month, and has slowly drip-fed information about the upcoming super sedan. With reports suggesting the electric M3’s 800-volt, quad-motor platform will support power outputs of more than 750kW, it will well and truly be in another league compared to the petrol-powered M3, but that hasn’t stopped detractors from appearing online. From claims it’ll be too heavy, to saying it won’t invoke the soul of the M3, BMW has come under fire before even officially revealing the EV – something which BMW M’s head of customer, brand and sales says it can’t understand. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/BMW-M-Concept-Neue-Klasse-Inspire-10-2.jpg) “The haters, I cannot really understand, because in order to judge something, you should, first of all, experience it,” Sylvia Neubauer told [*BMW Blog*](https://www.bmwblog.com/2026/06/28/bmw-m-tells-ev-haters-to-get-behind-the-wheel-before-judging/?ref=torquecafe.com). “And then decide whether you like it or not. Experience the car and after that they can decide whether they like it or not. And if they don’t like it, they can still go for the combustion-engine cars.” BMW M CEO Frank Van Meel has confirmed the electric M3, like a growing list of performance EVs, will feature simulated gear shifts and fake engine noises in order to keep customers happy. “It’s essential \[gear simulations\], so that you know how quick you are going,” Van Meel told [*Pistonheads*](https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-germancars/bmw-m3-sticks-with-perfect-combustion-principle/51309?ref=torquecafe.com). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/BMW-M-Concept-Neue-Klasse-Inspire-4-1.jpg) "On the track with gears you know how quick you are going into each corner. Simulated ratios will help this be maintained in the electric car. “I won’t say we’re fully copying a gearbox \[characteristics\] as then we’d copy the negatives. We need to find the good things and then use those to enhance the driving experience.” BMW has teased that the electric M3 will feature a “newly developed soundscape”, with a video previously uploaded to YouTube showing its team recording engine sounds from three recent performance models, which will likely be piped into the EV’s cabin. These include the E92 M3 GTS (powered by a 4.4-litre V8 engine), the F82 M4 GTS (powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six engine), and the E63 M6 (powered by a 5.0-litre V10). ### Honda CEO apologises, says cancelling EVs was necessary URL: https://torquecafe.com/honda-ceo-apologises-says-cancelling-evs-was-necessary/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T06:00:31.000Z The past few months have been rocky for Honda, after cancelling a trio of upcoming EVs at the 11th hour and facing significant financial headwinds. In March, Honda pulled the plug on production versions of the 0 Series SUV and 0 Series Saloon , as well as the upcoming Acura RSX EV which was set to be based on the same platform. The EVs were all set to be produced in North America and launch as early as 2027, however declining demand in the market resulted in Honda ripping the bandaid off early. At the time, Honda said the “reassessment of the automobile electrification strategy” would end up costing it up to 2.5 trillion yen (A$22.4 billion), with the potential for operating losses between 270 billion (A$2.4 billion) and 570 billion yen (A$5.1 billion) for the financial year. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/honda-0-series-2.jpg) Honda's lineup of 0 Series EVs in 2024 These concerns were realised when Honda announced last month it had posted an operating loss of 414.3 billion yen (A$3.72 billion) for the 2025-2026 Japanese financial year (April 2025 to March 2026), a significant change on its previous operating profit of 1.21 trillion yen (A$10.9 billion). At the core of the losses were Honda’s EV-related cancellations, previously expected to cost up to 2.5 trillion yen (A$22.4 billion), though the true cost of 1.45 trillion yen (A$13 billion) still had a significant impact in the short term. Last week, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe addressed the brand’s shareholders for the first time since the announcement of its financial status at its annual meeting, which resulted in the executive apologising for leading the brand to its first loss in 70 years. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2026-honda-prelude-australia-5.jpg) Honda Prelude hybrid “I would like to ​express my deepest apologies to our shareholders for the significant concern and inconvenience caused ​by the net loss recorded in the previous fiscal year's financial results,” Mibe said, as reported by [*Reuters*](https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/honda-ceo-apologises-companys-loss-wins-investor-backing-annual-meeting-2026-06-26/?ref=torquecafe.com). However, Mibe defended the company’s decision to axe the then-upcoming EVs, saying that if it had continued with the plan to produce them, “it would mean the automotive ‌business ⁠itself staying in the red for at least five years, possibly as long as seven”. With Mibe at the helm, Honda last month walked back its ambitious goals to not produce any engine-powered vehicles by 2040, announced by the executive when he took the CEO role in 2021. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/honda-accord-v6-hybrid-prototype-2.jpg) Honda Hybrid Sedan Prototype The carmaker has instead previewed what it called its “next-generation large-size hybrid systems”, centred around a V6 engine which complies with “stringent environmental regulations”. Mated to new-gen drive units and a freshly developed battery pack, Honda claims the new V6 hybrid powertrain is not only highly efficient but also low-cost to the carmaker. Honda revealed last month a new ‘Hybrid Sedan Prototype’ - expected to influence the next-generation Accord - and an Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype, both of which are expected to launch by 2029. ### Driving manual cars is better for your brain URL: https://torquecafe.com/driving-manual-cars-is-better-for-your-brain/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T04:00:16.000Z Driving a manual car could be helping your brain not just in the moment but also long-term, according to research by prominent Japanese neuroscientist, Professor Ryuta Kawashima. Professor Kawashima, best known for helping develop and host Nintendo’s ‘Brain Training’ video game series, is an expert in the field of keeping minds active for longer, and in his latest findings claims manual vehicles are great to help stay sharp. As reported by Japanese publication [*Best Car*](https://bestcarweb.jp/news/entame/1552917?ref=torquecafe.com), Professor Kawashima’s research shows that driving a manual vehicle helps to activate the prefrontal cortex of those behind the wheel, making sure the brain is ready to make decisions and solve problems. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/nissan-z-manual.jpg) Nissan Z manual According to the report, by forcing drivers to think about what gear they need to be in – as well as inputs of the clutch and accelerator – a manual transmission requires greater cognitive function than an automatic car. Effectively, this helps to maintain and strengthen the brain, similar to how exercise and working out does so for our muscles, which aids long-term cognitive function, leading to better mental health. However, there is of course a twist, in that the vast majority of cars on sale and being sold are automatics, with manuals becoming harder to find. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/bmw-m3-cs-Handschalter-manual-us-2.jpg) That hasn’t stopped manuals from remaining in showrooms, with the three-pedal layout mostly reserved for enthusiast and performance vehicles, as well as some of the most affordable cars on sale. Speaking to [*Top Gear*](https://www.topgear.com/car-news/opinion/are-h-gate-manual-gearboxes-making-a-comeback-boss-hewland-thinks-so?ref=torquecafe.com) last year, Andy Morley - managing director of Hewland Engineering, supplier of transmissions to cars like the Pagani Utopia and Aston Martin Valour - said manual gearboxes (or H-gate transmissions, in his words) are partly being kept alive thanks to big-money projects. “From our perspective, we’re certainly seeing a significant upshift in demand for H-gate transmissions,” Morley told *Top Gear*. “Five years ago, we envisaged a future dominated by electric vehicles and predictable automatic transmissions. [Manual gearbox comeback isn’t just ‘a flash in the pan’The head of one of the world’s best-known transmission brands believes manuals still have a lot of life left, even amid a shift towards autos and EVs.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-b14fb9fa-a601-4483-a21e-d3d170982ace.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/hyundai-i20-manual-f5e8309f-97c4-47ea-a2e9-bee7188b6316.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/manual-gearbox-comeback-isnt-just-a-flash-in-the-pan/) “While we have already been involved in half a dozen projects to develop manual gearboxes for high-performance models, we see no signs that this trend is just a flash in the pan. There are plenty of models at the development stage. “We are seeing a major move back to manual gearshifts among high performance marques and we think this trend will spread across to other high-performance models. “Granted, the mass market will be increasingly dominated by EVs, but there will still be a significant element of the car buying public who enjoy the thrill of driving for pleasure - which is where the H gate transmission comes in.” ### Honda Element to be resurrected as a quirky crossover URL: https://torquecafe.com/honda-element-to-be-resurrected-as-a-quirky-crossover/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T02:00:21.000Z The Honda Element was a relatively short-lived, quirky crossover which has since gained a cult following, and it’s that fanbase which could inspire a new generation to be made. As reported by [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/honda/an-honda-revives-element-as-boxy-hybrid-crossover-0624/?ref=torquecafe.com), insiders have told the publication the Element will head back into production in the first half of 2029, and will be solely produced in the US state of Ohio. Honda is reportedly targeting production of almost 100,000 Elements in its first 12 months down the line, with the returning nameplate expected to sit between the HR-V and CR-V SUVs in its US lineup. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/honda_element.jpg) The first (and so far only) generation of Element was based on the CR-V’s platform, something which could continue with the upcoming version, based on its Ohio production location and claims it’ll utilise a hybrid powertrain. According to *Automotive News*, it’ll be placed as a rival to other small soft-roading ‘crossovers’ in the market, such as the Ford Bronco Sport, which is based on the platform of the conventionally styled Escape SUV. It’s not yet known whether the new Element will hark back to the design of the original model, which had a boxy exterior and practical interior (with removable seats), as well as reverse-hinged rear doors. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/honda_element_sc_5.jpg) Despite not being a huge sales success when it was previously made, the Element has garnered something of a cult following, similar to Toyota’s FJ Cruiser from roughly the same era. Honda has been going hard on relaunching defunct nameplates in recent times, most notably with the Prelude which returned after a quarter-century hiatus. ### AI fumbles led Ford to re-hire senior engineers URL: https://torquecafe.com/ai-fumbles-led-ford-to-re-hire-senior-engineers/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T00:17:10.000Z The advent of AI has been celebrated in some corners of the automotive industry by reducing development time and costs, but Ford has experienced some of its pitfalls. Speaking to US media, Charles Poon, Ford’s vice president, Vehicle Hardware Engineering, addressed concerns about the brand’s slipping quality in the North American market, laying the blame partially on its incorrect usage of AI tools. “Mistakenly, we thought that by just introducing artificial intelligence and adjusting the design requirements that we had, that that would produce a high-quality product,” Poon said, as reported by [*The Verge*](https://www.theverge.com/transportation/956316/ford-quality-jd-power-ranking-ai-automated-mistakes?ref=torquecafe.com). “That’s where some of our most experienced engineers have had experience solving and identifying those problems before they creep into the system.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/ford-ranger-factory-production-1--1-.jpg) According to Poon, Ford’s AI struggles stemmed from some of its most experienced engineers leaving the company before their knowledge could be plugged into its automation systems. This reportedly led to Ford re-hiring approximately 350 engineers who had departed the brand, not only to fill in the gaps in the automated systems but also to mentor younger engineers who will be a part of the next-generation vehicle development. “That’s where some of our most experienced engineers have had experience solving and identifying those problems before they creep into the system,” Poon added. In the US, *The Verge* reports Ford has the highest number of recalls in the automotive industry, while it has also slipped down the quality rankings in J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), having a below-average number of problems per 100 vehicles. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2023_FORD_E-FACTORY_HERO_-1-quer-1-scaled.jpg) Those issues are mostly related to the US and North American markets, where Ford produces and sells the majority of its vehicles. With these lessons being learned, Poon says that Ford is forging on with its use of AI in vehicle development, with more than 100,000 automated tests powered by AI helping to make changes throughout the process. “Because these tests are highly automated, even if we have a late change in the software, we can rapidly run back through the entire validation process to guarantee it works perfectly well before it reaches the customer,” Poon said. “We’ve established software reliability as its own rigorous disciplines with strict metrics.” [New Nissan Skyline fast-tracked thanks to AINissan is claiming the development time for the new Skyline sedan has been reduced by using AI tools.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-8ea1af09-72fd-4dc4-a774-f8a8aa58f475.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2028-nissan-skyline-teaser-3--1--35b3e4f2-cc5b-42af-9002-5c1749ce8206.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/new-nissan-skyline-fast-tracked-thanks-to-ai/) Other ‘legacy’ carmakers have recently sung the praises of AI, such as Nissan, whose global CEO Ivan Espinosa told [*Nikkei Asia*](https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/nissan-to-cut-vehicle-development-time-in-half-using-china-playbook?ref=torquecafe.com) that by using the technology, the new Skyline’s development time was [cut from 55 months to just 26 months](https://torquecafe.com/new-nissan-skyline-fast-tracked-thanks-to-ai/). "A big part of this is built on AI capabilities and the utilization of new tools, more digital tools in the design phase, in the testing phase, in the manufacturing phase,” Espinosa said. "China is as of now setting the industry standards of the future in terms of technology, in terms of cost competitiveness and in terms of development time," Espinosa said. "\[We need\] to learn from China and export know-how from China." ### Hyundai N teases its new turbocharged engine URL: https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-n-teases-its-new-turbocharged-engine/ Last updated: 2026-06-28T23:52:48.000Z Hyundai is set to soon launch a new generation of engines for its performance N products, with the first new four-cylinder teased by the Korean car giant. At the Nürburgring 24 Hour race in May, Hyundai N entered three Elantra N (i30 Sedan N) TCR cars, though two were entered in the SP4T, and were used as rolling testbeds for the new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Elantra N1 RP (rolling prototype) sedans finished 107th and 108th out of the 159 starters, and qualified 15 seconds off the pace of the TCR homologated Elantra Ns, though both made the chequered flag – not a guaranteed result in the endurance race. Hyundai has remained tight-lipped about details of the new engine, but released a video showcasing the Nürburgring effort, while showing off more of the upcoming four-pot. A short clip of the engine at the end of the video demonstrates it has a different tone to that of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder which currently powers the likes of the i30 Sedan N and i30 hatch. The [*Korean Car Blog*](https://thekoreancarblog.com/hear-it-roar-hyundai-n-teases-next-gen-25-turbo-engine-at-the-nurburgring/?ref=torquecafe.com) reports the new engine will be a 2.5-litre unit, backing claims previously made by Hyundai that it would feature “improved power and response characteristics with enhanced race capability while meeting current emissions standards”. It’s not yet known when the new engine will launch, though given Hyundai just revealed a new-generation Avante – the South Korean market version of the Elantra/i30 Sedan N – it’s likely the N version of the sedan will feature the turbo 2.5-litre. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/hyundai-elantra-n1-rp-1.jpg) One of the Hyundai Elantra N1 RPs which ran the new engine The debut of the new engine, whenever it happens, will represent something of a full-circle moment for Hyundai, which first entered the Nürburgring 24-hour race in 2016 with a prototype i30, running what would become the 2.0-litre engine in the i30 N from 2017 onwards It is in need of a new global engine after the 2.0-litre i30 N and 1.6-litre i20 N were axed in Europe last year due to no longer being compliant with emissions regulations. The smaller i20 N is soon leaving Australia, while the i30 N remains on sale – even though the standard i30 has been dropped. Despite this, Hyundai has previously vowed it’ll sell more than seven N models by 2030, and though it has remained coy on what other models will join its lineup, at least one of the upcoming N cars is expected to be a hotter Tucson. ### Ram’s Ranger, HiLux rival a ‘great fit’ for Australia… if it comes URL: https://torquecafe.com/rams-ranger-hilux-rival-a-great-fit-for-australia-if-it-comes/ Last updated: 2026-06-27T20:00:02.000Z US pickup specialist Ram has made itself a happy home in Australia, with its full-sized 1500 holding the title of the best-selling vehicle in its segment for more than half a decade. It was long the only option available but has continued to fight off challenges from the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra, all the while establishing the Ram brand in Australia. But unlike Ford and Toyota, Ram doesn’t have an offering in the mid-sized pickup segment, best known here as dual-cab utes, a segment which dominates the market, as the Ranger and HiLux lead the sales charts in most months. Rumours of a mid-sized Ram pickup have circulated for years, and while it has launched region-specific models such as the [Rampage](https://torquecafe.com/ram-news-rampage-europe-debut-not-for-australia/) and [Dakota (the latter based on the Chinese Changan F70)](https://torquecafe.com/ram-dakota-unveiled-south-america/) in South America, it’s yet to officially launch one in North America. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2026-ram-dakota-3--1-.jpg) Ram Rampage for South America, based on the Changan F70 According to Ram’s Australian division, when that happens it’ll be eager and ready to add it to the local lineup. “We have had our hand up for a mid-size pickup from the moment the rumours began years ago,” a Ram Trucks Australia spokesperson told Australian media. “At the moment, there is not one available to us. If one were to become available to us, we would absolutely have our hand up for that. “We think a mid-size Ram would be a great fit for the Ram Trucks Australia portfolio. We have the dealer network, we know the customers, we know it will look great alongside our full-size pickups. But what you've seen reported so far overseas are region specific models.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2026-ram-dakota-10--1-.jpg) The most likely candidate for Australia is the Ram Dakota, set to launch in the US in 2028 where it’ll take on the local market Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado. Ram hasn’t had a contender in the North American ‘mid-sized’ pickup segment for the first time since 2011, with the Dakota having previously been in production as a Ram and Dodge from 1989. Like most of its similarly sized rivals, it’s expected the Ram Dakota will be powered by a four-cylinder or V6 engine, with a hybrid powertrain to potentially find its way into the mix too. However, it’s almost certain the Dakota won’t break ranks and be fitted with a V8 engine, a move which would see it eat into sales of the 1500. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/ram-dakota-nightfall-concept-3--1-.jpg) The Dakota will be based on a body-on-frame platform, something which underpins the Wrangler and Gladiator made in the same Toledo, Ohio facility, suggesting the new model could be related to the Jeeps - though it could also move to an all new architecture. If the new Ram ute was based on the Jeep Gladiator, engine options include a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol, a naturally aspirated 3.6-litre V6 petrol, and a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, though the latter was dropped from the lineup in late 2023 due to poor demand globally. Given the success of the 1500 locally – which has to be converted from left- to right-hand drive in Melbourne – Ram may have to build the new model in right-hand drive from the factory to give it a chance against its Thailand-sourced rivals in Australia. ### V8-powered Ram TRX, Rumble Bees one step closer to Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/v8-powered-ram-trx-rumble-bees-one-step-closer-to-australia/ Last updated: 2026-06-25T23:00:19.000Z The return of the supercharged V8 Ram 1500 TRX SRT to Australian showrooms is almost a certainty, while other V8s in the form of the recently revealed Rumble Bees are under strong consideration. In January, Ram’s US division revealed the new [1500 TRX SRT](https://torquecafe.com/ram-1500-srt-trx-returns-price-power/), the successor to the first 1500 TRX which was killed off when the pickup brand’s global parent, Stellantis, decided to wind down production of V8 engines in North America. With a new CEO in charge both globally and of the Ram and reformed SRT (Street and Racing Technologies) brands, the TRX SRT is soon back in US showrooms, though its Australian revival has yet to be confirmed. However, at the launch of the Ram 1500 Express, a spokesperson for the brand said the 1500 TRX SRT is ‘more likely to come to Australia’ than not, renewing hope for its resurrection. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/ram-1500-srt-trx-2027-11.jpg) Ram 1500 TRX SRT “Earlier this year, Ram Trucks USA confirmed the return of the Ram TRX. We said at the time, the reborn TRX is under serious consideration for Australia, and that statement remains true today,” the Ram Trucks Australia spokesperson said. “What we can tell you is that the TRX is more likely to come to Australia than not, but we still have a number of engineering gateways to go through. “Unlike the grey import market, as a factory backed operation, Ram Trucks Australia has very stringent standards when it comes to engineering and re-manufacturing. Our vehicles are made to factory quality standards, and in order to be thorough, that process takes time. “We ask our TRX fan to please be patient, and we hope to have some good news to share with you very shortly, and we hope you won't be waiting too long. We can confirm we are working around the clock with our engineering team in Australia and with engineers in the US to make the return of TRX a reality. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/ram-1500-srt-trx-2027-12.jpg) The Ram 1500 TRX SRT's 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engine “We already have a strong customer order bank for the TRX, with customers placing deposits across our deal network in Australia – and that's before we have even confirmed that TRX is coming, and before we have announced price. “We want to say loud and clear to our TRX fans, we hear you, and we are doing everything possible to get the TRX back into our showrooms.” The reborn Ram 1500 TRX SRT may be powered by the same 6.2-litre supercharged ‘Hellcat’ V8 as its predecessor – now producing 579kW and 922Nm, rather than 523kW and 882Nm – but the pickup itself runs on a completely different electrical architecture, leading to additional engineering delays. Its US return also occurred amid the Trump Administration winding back penalties and emissions targets for new vehicles, effectively opening the door for less efficient models to be made once again. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/ram-1500-srt-trx-2027-1.jpg) If the Ram 1500 TRX SRT does come to Australia, it’s not likely to launch until 2027, at which point it’ll face the highest emissions penalties to date locally. The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) is aimed at reducing the emissions of a carmaker’s fleet, with brands fined $100 for every gram per kilometre (g/km) their vehicles are over the emissions limits. For ‘Type 2’ light-commercial and off-road vehicles such as the Ram 1500, this means a target of 180g/km in 2026, 150g/km in 2027, 122g/km in 2028 and 110g/km in 2029. The previous Ram 1500 TRX had an official claimed emissions output of 506g/km from its supercharged 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine, equivalent to about $35,600 worth of penalties under the 2027 NVES limits. This could see a price well above the $224,950 plus on-roads tag it last wore in local showrooms. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Ram-1500-rumble-bee-4.jpg) Ram's 1500 Rumble Bees It may not be the only V8-powered Ram in Australian showrooms, after the pickup brand last month revealed three [‘Rumble Bee’ versions](https://torquecafe.com/ram-news-1500-rumble-bee-worlds-fastest-pickup-ute-australia/) of the 1500 in the US. Powered by 5.7-litre, 6.4-litre and the TRX’s supercharged 6.2-litre engines, the 1500 Rumble Bee lineup is effectively a step behind the TRX SRT for Australia, though it hasn’t been ruled out. “The recently unveiled Ram 1500 Rumble Bee muscle truck is also on our wish list,” said Ram’s spokesperson. “If it were to come to Australia, it would come after the TRX because of the engineering work required. But if everything goes our way, it might not be far behind. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Ram-1500-rumble-bee-1.jpg) “To be clear, the Ram 1500 Rumble Bee is not confirmed for our market, but we can reveal today we are in close talks with the factory about securing an allocation for Australia. It is too early to speculate on which of the three Ram 1500 Rumble Bees we would bring to Australia – the 5.7 litre Hemi, the 6.4-litre Hemi, or the supercharged 6.2. That is all part of the process we are undertaking right now: determining which of the Ram 1500 Rumble Bee models will best suit Australian buyers. We think no matter which one, all ones we bring in, they will be a hit. “Australia has a deep history with high-performance utes, and we know a Ram 1500 Rumble Bee will be right at home, down under.” ### 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty review: XLT adds extra kit to capable off-roader URL: https://torquecafe.com/2026-ford-ranger-super-duty-review-xlt-adds-extra-kit-to-capable-off-roader/ Last updated: 2026-06-26T16:25:33.000Z The aim of the Ranger Super Duty has always been to cut down compromise. Why sacrifice off-road capability for payload or towing capacity? Yes, you can have an 8000kg GCM and 4500kg GVM and still be able to hit the gnarliest four-wheel-drive trails in the country. It's a solid pitch, but one that was initially focussed on the commercial sector with basic trim and cab-chassis configurations as the only options. Now, more compromises have been taken out of the equation with an updated line-up that should significantly broaden the appeal of the Super Duty. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Ford-ranger-super-duty-xlt-launch-4.jpg) The dual-cab Super Duty is now available in XLT trim to add a new level of comfort to the cabin, with single- and Super-cab versions due later this year. There are the leather accented front and rear seats which also include heating and ventilation in the front, as well as carpet flooring and all-weather floor mats for the driver and front passenger. Then there is the new option of a pick-up tub, available in both XLT and standard versions, making the Super Duty a more usable car from the moment it leaves the showroom floor. The tub, paired with the Super Duty-branded XLT, 18-inch eight-stud alloy wheels, turns the Super Duty into a fantastic looking car. Proportionally, it may be the best looking Ranger in the entire range. It gets even better in Traction Green, the new halo colour for the XLT. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Ford-ranger-super-duty-xlt-launch-5.jpg) The new line-up should take the Ranger Super Duty from being the ultimate work horse and turn it into a viable option as a daily driver, weekend warrior and holiday memory-maker... even if you're not a tradie. So where does the Super Duty stack up in this broader market? To find out, we spent a few days with a fleet of Super Duties at Bendleby Ranges sheep station in South Australia. The journey started with several hours of highway running getting out of Adelaide. There is no doubting the comfort of the XLT trim and as a highway cruiser, it is genuinely impressive in terms of open-road handling. Particularly given it's a rear leaf-sprung car with a huge payload. It was much the same on a 40-kilometre stretch of corrugated gravel road that we tackled. The Super Duty soaked up the vast majority of what the road was throwing at it and left little coming through the leather seats. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Ranger-Super-Duty-XLT-AUS-81--1-.jpg) The real test for the Super Duty, however, was on the station itself. The 35,000-acre property doubles as a four-wheel-drive park and has some of the best trails, climbs and descents in the country. The trails we used were a mix of brutal rock climbs and descents and some beautiful shale riverbed runs. And at no point did the Super Duty let us down. We're talking about serious climbs and descents too, like Pat's Peak, Bendleby's best-known track. We're talking about 30 degree angles up and down, the rock sliders and bash plates getting a proper workout. Using the rock mode there was nowhere it wouldn't go. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Ford-ranger-super-duty-xlt-launch-2.jpg) The ability to lock both the front and rear diffs independently is very assuring during these climbs, although one drawback is that the buttons are screen-operated. Something tactile to be able to grab without looking would be handy in the heat of battle with the side of a hill. In the scheme of the car's capabilities, though, that's a minor gripe. The Super Duty also has the trail assist function, which carries over from the Raptor. It's basically traction control, but for climbing mountains. Set a number (controlled by the same steering wheel toggle as cruise) and you can take your feet off both pedals and climb up or down a hill. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Ford-ranger-super-duty-xlt-launch-3.jpg) It's eerie but it does work. It's probably best-used in conjunction with manual input, particularly on descents. But a great party trick if nothing else. One tip is to ensure the auto-hold on the brakes is disabled on descents. The feature simply works too well when you're trying to ease over big drops at the lowest speed possible. Once it grabs, you need throttle to get the car moving and it can easily over-speed (and give the bash plates more work to do than necessary) on the drop. It is at least equal to the likes of the Ineos Grenadier and 79 Series Cruiser in terms of off-road capability in stock trim. Realistically it's probably got its nose ahead of the competition when it comes to leaving the showroom and hitting the slopes without having to make any upgrades. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Ranger-Super-Duty-XLT-Double-Cab-XLT-AUS-138--1-.jpg) Does the Super Duty have the same floating comfort on the road as, for example, Ford's own F-150? Or as much interior space? No it doesn't. But it's only a relatively small compromise on those comfort factors for the off-road capability. You also have what is effectively the same footprint as a standard Ranger, so as a daily driver it's not a significant burden in terms of parking and suburban driving. Then there's the bonus of it being around $15,000 cheaper than an F-150, which combined with the ability to be able to leave the caravan at the park and go four-wheel-driving makes the Super Duty an enticing option. In fact, for the adventure-minded holiday makers, it's probably the best option on the market. | Model | Price before on-road costs | | -------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------- | | 2027 Ford Ranger Super Duty single-cab chassis | $82,990 | | 2027 Ford Ranger Super Duty Super-cab chassis | $86,490 | | 2027 Ford Ranger Super Duty XLT single-cab chassis | $88,990 | | 2027 Ford Ranger Super Duty dual-cab chassis | $89,990 | | 2027 Ford Ranger Super Duty XLT Super-cab chassis | $92,490 | | 2027 Ford Ranger Super Duty dual-cab pickup | $93,990 | | 2027 Ford Ranger Super Duty XLT dual-cab chassis | $95,990 | | 2027 Ford Ranger Super Duty XLT dual-cab pickup | $99,990 | [Ford Ranger Super Duty lineup to be super-sizedAfter launching less than a year ago with just three variants, the Ford Ranger Super Duty’s Australian lineup will expand to eight offerings within the next 12 months.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-5959a2d3-238a-48ab-8e01-7d3584585cc7.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/Ranger-Super-Duty-XLT-AUS-01--1--4e5e37ae-5f91-49f9-8e66-bdd9636d9f71.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-ranger-super-duty-lineup-to-be-super-sized/) ### New brand wants you to drive its hypercar like a bike URL: https://torquecafe.com/new-brand-wants-you-to-drive-its-hypercar-like-a-bike/ Last updated: 2026-06-25T04:00:37.000Z Since the invention of the car, a few things have remained largely unchanged: four wheels being controlled by a driver who sits in a chair-like position. But what if this approach underwent an overhaul? That’s what Dutch startup Sanrivatti wants to do, revealing striking sketches for a new hypercar which will be based around a relatively rare concept. Called The Apex Position, the driver of the car is positioned akin to the rider of a superbike, with their feet behind them and arms stretched out to the controls in front, claimed to provide a better connection to the vehicle. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/SRT_Side-view.jpg) Sanrivatti's 'The Apex Position' concept “On a high-performance motorcycle, rider and machine move as one,” said Sanrivatti CEO Santiago Sánchez. “The connection is immediate, physical and instinctive. Every movement of the body directly influences the experience; every change in balance, posture and perception becomes part of the interaction. “By contrast, even the world’s most capable performance cars frequently separate driver and machine through layers of architecture, packaging, systems technologies and convention.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/SRT_Rear-Mid-View.jpg) Sanrivatti's 'The Apex Position' concept Of course, Sanrivatti hasn’t revealed any details about its planned hypercar outside of the cabin-centric design sketches, though its team includes former executives and staff from McLaren, Lotus, Bentley, Harley-Davidson and Singer. It’s not the first time such a driving layout has been proposed. The NIKE One Concept from Gran Turismo 4 had the driver in a similar position, which was later followed by the McLaren Ultimate Vision Gran Turismo. Neither vehicles have been made as production cars. ### Is this Australia’s ultimate family car? URL: https://torquecafe.com/is-this-australias-ultimate-family-car/ Last updated: 2026-06-25T00:31:41.000Z Cupra Australia has announced pricing for the long-awaited Leon VZx Sportstourer, filling the hole left by the now-defunct and once-popular Volkswagen Golf R wagon. Priced from $67,490 before on-road costs or $72,490 drive-away nationwide, the VZx Sportstourer is the most performance-focused variant of the Cupra Leon lineup, offering more power and torque than its siblings, while also scoring all-wheel drive. Curiously, the VZx Sportstourer’s list price is only $2500 dearer than the front-drive Leon VZx hatchback, and $2500 lower than the less potent VZe Sportstourer, which is a plug-in hybrid. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Leon-VZx-Sportstourer-Extreme-Pack-Config--4---1-.jpg) Cupra Leon VZx Sportstourer with Extreme Pack Powering the Cupra Leon VZx Sportstourer is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 245kW and 420Nm, driving all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Those outputs are on par with the Golf R hatchback, and are a 10kW increase on the last time the Golf R wagon was sold here in 2023, when it was priced from $71,990 plus on-roads. It also represents a step up from the front-drive Leon VZx hatch’s 221kW/400Nm figures, as well as the plug-in hybrid VZe Sportstourer’s 200kW/400Nm outputs from its electric motor and turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Leon-VZx-Sportstourer-Extreme-Pack-Config--9---1-.jpg) Cupra Leon VZx Sportstourer with Extreme Pack The Leon VZx Sportstourer also benefits from the torque-vectoring differential system as found in the Golf R and Audi S3, which can allow more power to be sent to the rear wheels, and even incorporates a drift mode. Cupra claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.8 seconds for the Leon VZx Sportstourer, almost a full second faster than the hatch. Standard on the VZx Sportstourer are forged 19-inch ‘Hailstorm’ wheels, adaptive dampers (branded as Dynamic Chassis Control), cross-drilled brakes, leather-appointed interior upholstery, heated front seats, a power tailgate and Sennheiser sound system. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Leon-VZx-Sportstourer-Extreme-Pack-Config--1---1-.jpg) Cupra Leon VZx Sportstourer with Extreme Pack For an additional $7600, buyers can option the Extreme Package, which adds six-piston Akebono front brakes, ‘Cup’ carbon fibre front bucket seats (upholstered in Enceladus Grey Seaqual and Dinamica), Matrix Ultra LED headlights, dark exterior accents, and ‘upgraded performance hardware’. Deliveries of the Cupra Leon VZx Sportstourer begin in late 2026. ### Ford’s one-of-one FPV F6 Australian drift car for sale URL: https://torquecafe.com/fords-one-of-one-fpv-f6-australian-drift-car-for-sale/ Last updated: 2026-06-24T23:23:24.000Z One of Australia’s rarest automotive creations is now for sale, with the FPV DRIF6 emerging from its restoration and in the classifieds. Currently listed on [*My105*](https://www.my105.com/search/details/drif6-factory-fpv-ba-f6-drift-car-1-of-1/a97d24d3-09b8-4e7c-b757-ade7c3f9001a?ref=torquecafe.com) for $185,000, the FPV DRIF6 is a true one-of-one vehicle, which has survived crashes, overseas expeditions and restorations to be presented in better-than-new condition. Built in 2006 by engineers from Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) and Prodrive Australia (the entity which ran FPV), the DRIF6 was based on the underpinnings of an early BA Falcon development car, but upgraded visually to replicate the BF MkII F6 Typhoon sedan. Unlike most show cars or concepts which never saw action outside of motor show displays, the DRIF6 competed in the then-emerging Australian Drift Championship, where it did battle with the likes of the Toyota Corolla AE86, Nissan Silvia, and Holden Monaro. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/IMG_5619.jpeg) FPV DRIF6 at All Ford Day in Geelong While there were plenty of upgrades to the DRIF6 compared to the standard F6, it still retained a large number of parts from the showroom-ready car, such as its Brembo brakes, T56 manual transmission, M86 differential, 19-inch ‘Dark Argent’ wheels, and even the standard Garrett GT3582R turbocharger. However, FPV’s boffins made sure it had enough go to get sideways and stay there, with a bespoke reverse plenum and upgraded internals helping push the legendary ‘Barra’ 4.0-litre straight-six engine up from 270kW and 550Nm to a claimed 380kW and 700Nm. The FPV DRIF6 only competed in the 2006 Australian Drift Championship, during which veteran racer Warren Luff damaged its passenger side at Queensland Raceway. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/IMG_5620.jpeg) After lying dormant for more than a decade – which included trips overseas – the DRIF6 was brought back to Australia and restored by Maxx Performance, and was wheeled out for the first time at All Ford Day in Geelong last year to celebrate 100 years of Ford Australia. “The vehicle is being offered for sale, however the owner is under no pressure to sell and understands the significance and rarity of what is being offered. The car will only be sold to the right buyer who appreciates its unique place in Australian automotive history,” the ad reads. The emergence of FPV DRIF6 on the marketplace follows that of another one-off, the [HSV Colorado SportsCat V8](https://torquecafe.com/australias-last-v8-ute-for-sale/), which last week was listed for sale at $300,000. ### Ford Ranger Super Duty lineup to be super-sized URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-ranger-super-duty-lineup-to-be-super-sized/ Last updated: 2026-06-24T05:07:17.000Z The Australian lineup for the Ford Ranger Super Duty will grow even further for the 2027 model year, with the addition of more luxurious single- and Super-cab offerings. At the launch of the Ranger Super Duty XLT – which offers more comfort-oriented features than the self-titled ute – Ford Australia confirmed the higher-end grade will get the pair of two-seat body styles for MY27, which may arrive later this year. Priced from $88,990 and $92,490 before on-road costs respectively, that will put the XLT versions of the single-cab chassis and Super-cab chassis at a $6000 premium compared to the equivalent base versions of the Ranger Super Duty. This mirrors the price increase to the dual-cab chassis Ranger Super Duty XLT, which starts from $95,990 plus on-roads. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/New-Project.jpg) The incoming Ford Ranger Super Duty XLT single-cab (top) and Super-cab (bottom) The XLT variant adds leather-accented upholstery on the seats and steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, carpet floors, and all-weather front floor mats, while also introducing unique 18-inch wheels with ‘Super Duty’ branding. After initially launching in base Ranger Super Duty guise across single-, Super-, and dual-cab chassis styles only, the launch of the dual-cab XLT has also brought with it the option of a traditional, ‘pickup’ body style with a tub. This is not only available to the XLT but also to the base Ranger Super Duty, adding $4000 to the price of both dual-cab versions. The pickup will also get a handful of exclusive such as a 8.9-inch digital rear-view mirror ($1250), an Aeroklas twin in-bed drawer system ($1250), a ‘stylish canopy’ ($4500 to $4700), and a commercial canopy ($4700). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Ranger-Super-Duty-XLT-Base-AUS-165--2-.jpg) Ford Ranger Super Duty dual-cab pickup It largely mirrors the variant structure of the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series – arguably the Ranger Super Duty’s biggest rival – which can be had in WorkMate, GX and GXL guise across single- and dual-cab chassis body styles. Regardless of variant, all examples of the Ford Ranger Super Duty are powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine, which produces 154kW at 3250rpm and 600Nm at 1750rpm, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive system. The Ranger Super Duty is one of the few vehicles available to car licence holders with a 4500kg braked towing capacity (when fitted with a 70mm tow ball), a 4500kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) and an 8000kg gross combined mass (GCM). | Model | Price before on-road costs | | -------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------- | | 2027 Ford Ranger Super Duty single-cab chassis | $82,990 | | 2027 Ford Ranger Super Duty Super-cab chassis | $86,490 | | 2027 Ford Ranger Super Duty XLT single-cab chassis | $88,990 | | 2027 Ford Ranger Super Duty dual-cab chassis | $89,990 | | 2027 Ford Ranger Super Duty XLT Super-cab chassis | $92,490 | | 2027 Ford Ranger Super Duty dual-cab pickup | $93,990 | | 2027 Ford Ranger Super Duty XLT dual-cab chassis | $95,990 | | 2027 Ford Ranger Super Duty XLT dual-cab pickup | $99,990 | ### Jaguar Type 01 EV reveal date set URL: https://torquecafe.com/jaguar-type-01-ev-reveal-date-set/ Last updated: 2026-06-24T01:50:26.000Z Jaguar has confirmed it will reveal its Type 01 grand tourer in a handful of months, with the new electric vehicle to be unveiled in October. Revealed in Type 00 prototype guise during Miami Art Week in December 2024, the Type 01 production vehicle’s reveal will take place in New York, showing Jaguar’s intent to capture the US market with its only vehicle on sale. It will lead Jaguar’s push to become a more upmarket brand, competing with the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce, rather than its existing rivals in BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/jaguar-type-01-monaco-2.jpg) The Type 01 name represents just the eighth time the ‘Type’ moniker has been used by the British marque, though it’s the first time it’s been followed by a number. According to Jaguar, “the ‘0’ represents electric propulsion and zero tailpipe emissions; ‘1’ denotes its status as the first Jaguar of a new era”. Jaguar has been insistent on pushing ahead with its electric-only transition, despite a report [in February](https://torquecafe.com/jaguar-not-walking-back-ev-only-future-report/) UK newspaper [The Times](https://www.thetimes.com/business/companies-markets/article/jaguar-explores-part-petrol-car-after-pledging-to-go-all-electric-wmgw9jsmr?ref=torquecafe.com) claiming insider sources had said the carmaker was investigating whether the Jaguar Electric Architecture (JEA) underpinning its future EVs could accept engines. This would see the grand tourer become an extended-range EVs - also called range-extender EVs, REEVs and EREVs - which differs from a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) as the petrol engine can’t directly drive the wheels. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/jaguar-type-00-winter-testing-1.jpg) Instead, it’s only capable of adding charge to the onboard battery, which can also be charged externally via a cable which would be used as onboard generators in an extended-range EV style setup. According to Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) CEO PB Balaji, this won’t happen, with [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/confirmed-jaguar-reveal-type-01-new-york-october?ref=torquecafe.com) reporting the executive saying, “the kind of performance attributes we want Jaguar to perform against can be delivered only through an electric \[drivetrain\]”. We don’t know anything extra about the Type 00 beyond what Jaguar has previously said. In total, Jaguar is testing 150 prototypes of the upcoming EV, all of which will have a tri-motor powertrain capable of producing more than 735kW and 1300Nm, putting the power to the road via 23-inch wheels, air suspension and active twin-valve dampers. ### Performance icon Roush teases new V8 ute URL: https://torquecafe.com/performance-icon-roush-teases-new-v8-ute/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T23:00:12.000Z The Ram 1500’s Hemi V8-powered revival has already seen four new dedicated performance variants added, and now a fifth could well be on its way. In a post on social media, Roush Performance – best known for providing aftermarket parts to Ford modifiers for decades – teased it has a new pickup in the works with Ram. “It's going to be a rowdy, all-American summer,” the post reads. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ5CJ1HHy1a/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Roush Performance (@roushperformance)](https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ5CJ1HHy1a/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) No details about the partnership have been released, however when brightness is added to the image, it’s clear the 1500 in it is either the RHO or TRX SRT, both of which are already capable off-road machines. Currently the RHO is exclusively powered by the ‘High Output’ version of a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six engine, while the TRX SRT has been reborn with a supercharged 6.2-litre V8. The vast majority of Roush’s brand-new models are based around Fords, such as the F-150 and Mustang, however last year the brand collaborated with Nissan to launch the Frontier Pro-4X R. [Ram reveals its latest supercharged V8 uteIt’s no TRX, but Ram is back in the supercharged ute game, partnering with suspension gurus Fox Factory for this tough truck.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-69c370ed-1c5d-4a6b-9451-b76093cc0ee0.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ram-1500-lowered-fox-3-63d7715f-f4fc-4567-bdac-82cacfe5eb0d.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ram-1500-lowered-supercharged-v8-street-truck/) In the case of the Nissan pickup, Roush added new bespoke Ohlins dampers, off-road ready wheels and exterior modifications, and other cosmetic changes to the Frontier, without touching its engine. Time will tell whether it gets even more access to the Ram 1500, which in reborn V8-powered guise has so far only been fettled by Fox Factory with Ram’s approval, culminating in the supercharged 1500 Lowered. ### Ferrari Luce buyers will need to ‘truly want it’ to get one URL: https://torquecafe.com/ferrari-luce-buyers-will-need-to-truly-want-it-to-get-one/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T20:00:13.000Z Ferrari is one of a handful of car brands which – most of the time – won’t let anyone with enough money simply rock up to a showroom and order its highest end or limited-run vehicles. The Italian manufacturer has long been known to allocate more desirable models based on loyalty, not only rewarding its long-term customers but preventing its valuable vehicles from being ‘flipped for a profit’. It’s a similar tactic to Porsche with its 911 GT products, where customers have to ‘earn’ their way to the top, helpfully boosting sales further down the model line for the likes of the Ferrari Purosangue, Porsche Macan and Lamborghini Urus. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2027-ferrari-luce-3.jpg) When Ferrari revealed the Luce last month as its first electric vehicle, some critics insinuated it would become the de facto car the brand would make customers order before getting access to higher models, something it has now denied. “We'd run the risk of creating negative ambassadors who would speak poorly of ​the Luce and, after a few months, resell it,” said Ferrari’s chief marketing and commercial officer, Enrico Galliera, as reported by [*Automotive News*](https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ferrari-denies-making-access-limited-edition-models-conditional-luce-ev-purchase-2026-06-22/?ref=torquecafe.com). “This would destroy its residual market value, which is ​precisely what the luxury electric vehicle sector is suffering from today.” According to Galliera, Ferrari’s dealers have been told the Luce can only be bought by people who are “truly motivated to buy it”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2027-ferrari-luce-2.jpg) “Our message to the network was: make sure that anyone ‌who ⁠asks for this car truly wants it, and isn't buying it to please Ferrari because they're somehow looking for other types of benefits.” *Automotive News* reports 84 per cent of Ferrari sales in 2025 were to customers who already owned one Ferrari, while 56 per cent of sales were to owners of multiple models. The reaction to the Ferrari Luce – which was also not completely styled in-house – has been rigorous to say the least, with even former Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemelo joining those criticising the EV. [‘A car the Chinese won’t copy’: Former Ferrari boss slams Luce EVIt’s safe to say that the reveal of the Ferrari Luce hasn’t gone as the brand expected, and one of its former leaders has joined the pile-on.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-d406d668-ed12-496f-8dbd-85e69138e41e.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2027-ferrari-luce-2-5c2996b0-cc83-481d-b767-a1dc7a408bd3.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ferrari-news-luce-criticism-luca-di-montezemelo/) “If I said what I think, I’d be hurting Ferrari,” di Montezemelo said. “It risks destroying a legend, and I’m very sorry. I hope they remove the prancing horse from that car at least. “This is definitely a car the Chinese won’t copy.” ### Unlikely Nürburgring record set by Chinese SUV URL: https://torquecafe.com/unlikely-nurburgring-record-set-by-chinese-suv/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T04:22:05.000Z Xiaomi has taken the rare accolade of setting two Nürburgring records in a day with the same vehicle, as its YU7 GT SUV notches up multiple honours. The YU7 GT – equipped with an optional ‘Track Package’ – is now the fastest SUV to lap the 20.832km Nordschleife course, with driver Vincent Radermecker setting a time of seven minutes and 22.755 seconds. Previously the record was held by the Audi RSQ8 Performance, set in 2024 with a time of seven minutes and 36.698 seconds, meaning the electric YU7 GT was more than 13 seconds quicker than the twin-turbo V8 Audi. At its heart the YU7 GT is powered by a dual-motor electric drive setup, producing up to 738kW, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 2.92 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 300km/h. To help keep its significant kerb weight under control, the YU7 GT employs carbon-ceramic Akebono brakes at the front and rear, as well as air suspension with adaptive dampers. It’s still shy of its more powerful sedan twin, the [Xiaomi SU7 Ultra](https://torquecafe.com/chinese-sedan-runs-rings-around-porsche-and-record-setting-hypercar/), which with its own track package managed to lap the circuit in seven minutes and 4.957 seconds, while the record for production EVs is held by the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Manthey Kit, with a time of six minutes and 55.533 seconds. However, the YU7 GT’s quick lap with Radermecker behind the wheel wasn’t what has drawn the most attention, as the driver was subsequently removed from the car and the SUV set off to set its own time with no one inside. In what is being claimed as the first officially timed autonomous Nürburgring lap, sans driver the YU7 GT negotiated the circuit’s 73 corners in 10 minutes and 29.483 seconds. That's more than three minutes slower than with a driver in it, however it now sets a marker for other brands to follow if they want to flex the capability of their autonomous driving systems. ### Porsche 911’s future ‘must be ensured’ with engine power URL: https://torquecafe.com/porsche-911s-future-must-be-ensured-with-engine-power/ Last updated: 2026-06-22T20:00:16.000Z Earlier this month, new Porsche CEO Michael Leiters was reported as saying the 911 won’t go fully electric, though his exact comments we’re published. The executive’s statement has now been clarified by German publication [*Auto, Motor und Sport*](https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/sportwagen/porsche-chef-der-911-wird-nie-ganz-elektrisch-werden/?ref=torquecafe.com), revealing petrol power remains the focus for the 911 in the immediate future. “A 911 is such an iconic product that progress there must be ensured with combustion and hybrid technology,” Leiters said at an event run by the publication. As previously reported, the Porsche 911 only adopted hybrid power for the first time when it was recently updated to ‘992.2’ guise, with the brand’s new T-Hybrid system finding its way in most of the high-end variants. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/porsche-911-gt3-90-fa-porsche-1.jpg) Porsche has never announced plans for the 911 nameplate to go electric or even feature an EV variant, despite the majority of its product range either having already done so (in the Cayenne and Macan), or becoming electric in the future (the 718 Cayman and Boxster). Leiters’ announcement comes as Porsche attempts to get back to basics with its business structure, and amid a big change for its future sports car plans. Porsche’s recent EV [U-turns have so far been reported](https://torquecafe.com/famous-brand-admits-9-billion-mistake/) to have cost its parent company the Volkswagen Group €5.1 billion ($9.1 billion). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/porsche-911-gt3-s-c-5.jpg) Earlier this year, a report by [*Bloomberg*](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-02/porsche-ceo-weighs-cutting-electric-sports-cars-to-tackle-budget?ref=torquecafe.com) \- citing insider sources within Porsche - claimed Leiters was considering scrapping the 718 Cayman and Boxster EVs, due to continued delays and rising costs. Porsche declined to comment on the report, however it follows months of speculation about the future of the Cayman and Boxster, after the sports car twins were discontinued with petrol power in 2025. Last year Porsche said the new 718 models would be expanded to offer “top ICE (internal combustion engine) derivatives”, suggesting the flagship RS versions of each would be the only versions to get a petrol engine. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2026-porsche-911-turbo-s-7.jpg) According to the report, Porsche deliberated making the new 718 a plug-in hybrid, however this too would require different underpinnings which would increase development costs and blow out its timeline. While it’s almost certain petrol power will return to the Cayman and Boxster, Porsche reportedly has requirements for the ICE version, such as being able to “achieve dynamic parity” with the EV. This may be difficult given the 718 EVs use a load-bearing battery pack which forms an integral part of the chassis, something that can’t be replicated with a petrol engine. ### Ford’s new EV might not ‘be enough’ to fight off China URL: https://torquecafe.com/fords-new-ev-might-not-be-enough-to-fight-off-china/ Last updated: 2026-06-22T06:00:47.000Z Ford is getting ever-closer to launching its all-new Universal Electric Vehicle platform, the revolutionary new architecture which will underpin its next-generation EVs. Set to be built in the US and debuting under a pickup from 2027, the UEV could signal a new era for Ford’s electrification plans, especially in North America – however whether it could be a success elsewhere is an unanswered question at this point in time. Speaking to Automotive News, Andrew Frick, Ford's director of US marketing, was asked whether the UEV could combat products from Chinese companies. “I don’t know if it would be enough, but it’s not in a bubble,” Frick said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/ford-universal-electric-vehicle-ute-pickup-ranchero-3--1--1.jpg) “The importance of what we’re doing with our UEV platform going into Louisville (Kentucky, home of production to the platform) and the innovation behind it – the way we’re sourcing, taking the complexity out – those are things that are now being shared and scaled across all of our vehicles. “There’s a lot of learnings. It’s not just staying in Long Beach ([where it was recently spied testing](https://torquecafe.com/fords-revolutionary-new-ute-spied/)). The reason we’re as focused on it is because they’re very cost competitive. “You can see what they’re (China) doing in a lot of markets around the world. We see what’s happening in Mexico, across Australia and Thailand. The percentage of industry that’s either Chinese-sourced or Chinese OEM-based is growing at a really rapid pace. “We’re very aware of it, we’re competing with them every day. We have a really good line of sight in terms of their cost structure, where their advantages would be, and that’s what we’re now deploying across our entire industrial team.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/ford-universal-electric-vehicle-ute-pickup-ranchero-1--1--1.jpg) In Australia, China recently became the largest exporter of vehicles to Australia, surpassing long-time leaders Japan. Last month, almost 35 per cent of all new vehicles delivered in Australia were from China, both from a mix of Chinese-based brands, or carmakers which have production operations in the nation. While China has well and truly landed in Australia and even in Mexico, huge tariffs have prevented any kind of meaningful sales of Chinese-produced cars in the US. When asked whether Ford could remain competitive with Chinese brands on costs – given the state-subsidised nature of most vehicles from China – Frick said, “I believe we can”. [Ford’s new ute might not look like a pickupThe upcoming sub-Ford Ranger mid-sized pickup may look different to what we’ve come to expect, according to CEO Jim Farley.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-a1ae31e3-7958-4050-acc9-ada4831d900a.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_2025-Ford-Maverick-Lobo_04-63881027-26af-4625-b0d9-6dd4bb0af005.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-ranchero-ev-pickup-details/) “That’s where looking at the UEV platform puts us in a really good position. If they were to come here they’d have to federalize and have different supply base costs. That’s why the regulations and tariffs we’re talking about are really important. “We want to make sure we can compete with them, but at the same time there’s a lot of reasons we want to have a level playing field.” Ford CEO Jim Farley has previously said the first car to launch with the UEV platform will be “a new silhouette”, he told [*The Verge’s Decoder*](https://www.theverge.com/podcast/784875/ford-ceo-jim-farley-interview-ev-cars-china-trump-tariffs-carplay?ref=torquecafe.com) podcast. [Ford’s revolutionary new ute spiedThe first vehicle to be underpinned by Ford’s Universal EV Platform has been spotted in the wild.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-878d3f13-df99-4154-92ff-0bd9c08f035d.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-universal-electric-vehicle-ute-pickup-ranchero-1--1--d2381cba-1616-4284-aca0-8f7ad4559310.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/fords-revolutionary-new-ute-spied/) “What I mean by that is that it has more room than a RAV4, the best-selling passenger car in the US. That doesn’t include its frunk and pickup truck bed. “I think the whole package is something that has not been offered in the US or anywhere else to date. I think this first product is quite revolutionary.” In total, Ford claims its tweaks to the conventional shape of a pickup with the developments of its EV mean it is 15 per cent more aerodynamically efficient, delivering up to 80km more driving range. ### Next Hyundai i20 N to launch soon URL: https://torquecafe.com/next-hyundai-i20-n-to-launch-soon/ Last updated: 2026-06-22T03:36:24.000Z The Hyundai i20 N is in its final few months on sale in Australia, with local showrooms being one of the few places left globally where the pint-sized hot hatch is sold. After being axed in Europe in 2024, the i20 N has continued on in a select handful of markets, but its time has almost come to an end. There has been speculation that a new-generation version will return with hybrid power, but now Hyundai’s global head of R&D, Manfred Harrer, has all but confirmed this will happen, telling the UK’s [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/hyundai-primes-new-i20-n-return-affordable-petrol-hot-hatches?ref=torquecafe.com) the i20 N will come back. “An i20 N for Europe is a must,” Harrer said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/hyundai-i20-n-2.jpg) Hyundai i20 N “We need this entry-level back for our fans. We are working intensively to do this sooner rather than later.” According to Harrer, the new i20 N is already in the testing stage of its prototypes, which its launch is “not so far out”. The i20 N will feature a powertrain that will “use existing technology” – likely a 1.6-litre four-cylinder – but that it would offer even greater performance than the outgoing model. “I want to go to the Nürburgring and do really successful lap times – better than the existing one,” he said. [Hyundai’s hot N division is building a new performance engineIn spite of stricter emission standards globally, Hyundai N is forging ahead with developing performance petrol engines.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-dfeff18a-23c0-440c-9c68-e9c41e1615bb.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_2024-i30-Sedan-N-76-13996d51-c8f6-4638-acdf-0f9231f30c72.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-news-n-performance-petrol-engine-in-development/) “But you have to work on the battery management system to get this done.” For context, the i20 N is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 150kW and 275Nm, delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. It seems unlikely that a manual transmission will continue to be offered if the i20 N does go hybrid, as only a slim number of vehicles have offered an electrified engine with a three-pedal setup. Hyundai boss José Muñoz said last year the N brand will sell more than seven vehicles by 2030, while N Management Group vice president [Joon Park told *Auto Express*](https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-tucson-n-hybrid-to-join-performance-lineup/) the performance division won’t go all-electric or petrol-only, with hybrids the most likely powertrain to take the next step up. [Hyundai to amp up hot hatch revivalThe Hyundai i30 N is reportedly expected to return as a hybrid, mirroring previous reports about the smaller i20 N.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-3a824b5a-0c61-4792-85c5-74057d63083c.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/24_Hyundai-i30-N-ae0e3cd6-defe-4ccb-94bb-1128f657c9d9.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-i30n-future-hybrid-hot-hatch/) “We’re not limiting ourselves to EVs,” Park said. “We will go further with the ICE-based cars as well; this is not the end of our journey. “I cannot tell you exactly - but lighter, more agile, nimble, and exciting. These are the key elements that we are heading to. “One thing I can tell you is that if we have hybrid systems, the characteristics of our hybrid systems will be different. “We have two different strategies for our hybrid systems: one for efficiency and one for neutral efficiency. If we have a hybrid system in our N cars, the strategy will be different; to have more power intensely.” Last week Hyundai Australia revealed the [i20 N Shadow Edition](https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-i20-n-shadow-edition-farewells-hot-hatch/), limited to 100 examples as a farewell to the hot hatch. ### Ultra-rare Ferrari Enzo breaks auction records URL: https://torquecafe.com/ultra-rare-ferrari-enzo-breaks-auction-records/ Last updated: 2026-06-22T00:55:30.000Z The Ferrari Enzo is already a legend in its own right, and yet more than 20 years on from exiting production, it’s still grabbing headlines. American auction house [*duPont Registry*](https://news.dupontregistry.com/blogs/dr-live/1-of-1-rosso-dino-2003-ferrari-enzo-closes-on-dupont-registry-live-at-13-01-million-dollars-setting-new-world-record?ref=torquecafe.com) is claiming a new record after a Ferrari Enzo it sold for US$12,399,000 (A$17,699,200) excluding buyer’s premium became the most expensive car to be bought at an online-only auction. The Enzo in question, chassis ZFFCW56A230134278, was one of just 127 examples delivered to the US, and one of only 400 built globally, though it is set apart as being the sole supercar finished in Rosso Dino. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2003_Ferrari_Enzo_Rosso_Dino_26bb29a8-1408-4fa0-bacd-a46e2ef20a26.jpg) The slightly lighter red hue was named after Ferrari founder Enzo’s son Dino, who died at age 24, and wasn’t used in almost 40 years until the supercar’s buyer requested the paint finish for his upcoming delivery. Gerald Barnes, owner of Ferrari Maserati of Newport Beach, paid just US$2364 in 2002 – equivalent to US$4403 now – to have his Enzo painted Rosso Dino, a decision which led to the unique result. As standard the Enzo was only available in Rosso Corsa (red), Giallo Modena (yellow), and Nero (black), though Ferrari’s Tailor Made program meant just a handful of examples had unique finishes, including Australian transport magnate Lindsay Fox, whose Enzo bears the red and yellow colour scheme of his trucks. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Rosso_Dino_2003_Ferrari_Enzo-29_6bfdeecd-c3c6-4609-933a-f8c1ab255796.jpg) In the case of the Rosso Dino Enzo, its circa-US$13 million sale price is nearly double that of the previous online-only auction record, held until now by a LaFerrari Aperta which sold on on Bring a Trailer in 2022 for US$5.36 million (A$7.65 million). Values of Enzos have been on the rise in recent years, with the previous overall auction record of US$6.26 million (A$8.94 million) set in 2023 smashed earlier this year, when a Giallo Modena example went for US$17.88 million (A$25.52 million). ### Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Magna twin’s spirit could be invoked in future models URL: https://torquecafe.com/mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-magna-twins-spirit-could-be-invoked-in-future-models/ Last updated: 2026-06-21T23:41:56.000Z Mitsubishi was one of the first Japanese brands to back out of the performance car market when it ended production of the Lancer Evolution line in 2016, killing off its rally-bred machine which had long been its flagship. Having spanned 10 generations, the Lancer Evolution became popular in the 1990s when rally was at its peak for road relevance, doing battle both on the gravel and in the showrooms with the Toyota Celica and Subaru Impreza. Since 2016, Mitsubishi has largely been out of the performance vehicle segment, meanwhile the vast majority of its fellow Japanese rivals continue to offer cars for enthusiasts. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/mitsubishi_lancer_evolution_ix_5.jpeg) Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX That’s not about to change any time soon, though Mitsubishi Motors President and COO, Keisuke Kishiura, has said the spirit of the Lancer Evo – as well as the Galant and Diamante (the Magna’s twin) – is inspiring its next-generation products. "Models such as the Lancer Evolution, Diamante, and Galant are very important cars for Mitsubishi Motors, and we consider them treasures,” Kishiura said at a shareholder’s meeting, as reported by [*Car Watch*](https://car.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/2118269.html?ref=torquecafe.com). “At this point, we do not have any concrete plans to introduce these cars again, but in order to meet everyone's expectations, we would like to make our company one that can once again produce such wonderful cars in the future. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/mitsubishi_lancer_gsr_evolution_vi_tommi_makinen_edition_tommi_makinen--1-.jpg) Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Makkinen Edition “I will be at the forefront of this effort, and I would be grateful for the support of our shareholders.” A major barrier to the Lancer Evolution’s revival is that Mitsubishi no longer builds the Lancer it was based on, with almost all of its global offerings being SUVs, utes or vans. The Galant too has been long dead, having last rolled off the production line in 2012 for select markets. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/tj-mitsubishi_magna_ralliart_7--1-.jpg) Mitsubishi Magna Ralliart Australia never received the Diamante, though we knew it best as the Magna, the local name for our version of the sedan and wagon. The Magna was built in Australia at Mitsubishi’s Tonsley Park plant near Adelaide, with production running from 1985 to 2005, at which time it was replaced by the 380, a twin to the overseas Galant. While the Magna developed a cult following due to its sub-Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon price but near-equal performance, it was not a globally successful vehicle for Mitsubishi. ### Lego celebrates BMW M3's 40th anniversary with new Speed Champions set URL: https://torquecafe.com/lego-celebrates-bmw-m3s-40th-anniversary-with-new-speed-champions-set/ Last updated: 2026-06-20T20:00:46.000Z One of the most iconic automotive nameplates in history has received a fitting birthday present, with the BMW M3 E30 joining the Lego Speed Champions lineup to mark four decades since it launched. The 358-piece kit captures the E30's most recognisable design cues – thanks to the sharp-edged nature of the bricks – including the kidney grille, rear spoiler, and the distinctive four round headlights that defined the original M3's nose. Wearing a livery that draws on BMW M Motorsport heritage, the paint scheme has also been applied to a real, full-size M3 E30 showcar — meaning the plastic brick replica and the actual vehicle will share an identical look when the set is released on August 1, 2026. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/P90642082_highRes_bmw-m3-e30-lego-spee--1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/P90642085_highRes_bmw-m3-e30-lego-spee--1-.jpg) The full-size BMW M3 and its Lego counterpart At 17cm long and 7cm wide, it comes with functional wheels and a driver minifigure wearing a BMW M T-shirt – the latter of which can be bought from BMW’s merchandise shop. Australian pricing starts from $39.99, roughly on par with the vast majority of Lego Speed Champions kits. It’s been a big year for Lego’s automotive department, which also launched a Speed Champions kit of [Ken Block’s Hoonicorn Ford Mustang](https://torquecafe.com/ken-block-immortalised-with-new-hoonicorn-lego-set/), as well as [Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2004](https://torquecafe.com/michael-schumacher-record-setting-f1-ferrari-immortalised-in-lego/). ### Hot Holden seized as ‘rebirthing’ syndicate dismantled URL: https://torquecafe.com/hot-holden-seized-as-rebirthing-syndicate-dismantled/ Last updated: 2026-06-19T20:10:42.000Z A total of 10 vehicles have been seized after Victoria Police dismantled an alleged ‘rebirthing’ syndicate across Melbourne’s suburbs. On Tuesday June 16, investigators from the Melton Divisional Crime Tasking Team executed seven search warrants at properties in the Keysborough, Carrum Downs and Brookfield, with assistance from the Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation and Vehicle Crime Squad units/ The searches resulted in the seizure of eight Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) cars, a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Toyota Landcruiser, as well as stolen car parts, altogether estimated to be worth $1.5 million. [Stolen Holdens among 21 vehicles received by Victoria PoliceAlmost two dozen stolen vehicles have been recovered after Victoria Police busted an alleged car theft syndicate, with four people charged.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-f4d6441c-b461-418f-8bf3-cd96e9dc7ac1.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/stolen-holden-victoria-police-97f8d205-ddc1-4750-87ab-c1360ca5a936.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/stolen-holdens-among-21-vehicles-received-by-victoria-police/) These parts included car doors, engine blocks, fake registration plates, transmissions, car seats, bonnets and wheels. According to Victoria Police, the cars were allegedly stolen from Melbourne and potentially interstate regions, after which their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) and engine stamps were removed. This was followed by these items being replaced with new ones, allowing the cars to be re-registered in a process known as rebirthing. Police arrested and charged three men in relation to the alleged syndicate. [Hot Holdens targeted by Melbourne car theft ‘racket’A number of late model Holden Special Vehicles (HSVs) have been targeted by an alleged car theft racket, operating in Melbourne’s north-east.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-942c6fe2-beb2-417e-8131-a15e7cf135a3.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/hsv_maloo_r8_2-8e3bd05b-b807-4af4-9268-f37e4fceb37f.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/victoria-police-crime-news-holden-hsv-theft-racket/) Holden Commodores and especially higher-value HSVs have recently become popular targets for thieves, particularly in Victoria. VF Holden Commodores - upon which the HSV Gen-Fs were based - are vulnerable to a weakness which allows thieves to use devices to clone their keys. This technology is responsible for approximately one-quarter of all car thefts in Victoria, with recent Toyotas also targeted by criminals. ### KTM 990 RC R review: The sports bike you'll actually ride URL: https://torquecafe.com/ktm-990-rc-r-review-the-sports-bike-youll-actually-ride/ Last updated: 2026-06-19T07:00:14.000Z The KTM 990 RC R makes an immediate visual statement. Aerodynamic winglets, a sharply sculpted fairing, and the brand’s signature orange frame give it the appearance of a motorcycle derived directly from grand prix competition — and that impression holds up under closer inspection. The bodywork is a significant step beyond the outgoing RC models in both aggression and intent. KTM’s positioning with the RC R is clear: this is a sports bike built for riders who value a direct, connected riding experience over the increasingly electronic and isolated character of many modern supersports. But how well does that translate to the real world? The 990 RC R is powered by the parallel twin unit shared with KTM’s Duke range, producing 94kW and a substantial mid-range torque figure. The character of this engine differs considerably from the high-revving inline-fours that define the traditional supersport segment. Rather than demanding commitment to a narrow power band above 10,000rpm, the RC R delivers strong, accessible thrust from 4,000–5,000rpm onwards. In practice, this makes it significantly more versatile. On public roads, the broad torque curve reduces the need for constant gear changes, while on the circuit, the advantage is equally apparent — drive can be applied earlier out of corners, without waiting for the engine to climb into its operating range. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2026-KTM-990-RC-R--5---1-.jpg) The chassis reflects KTM’s established approach: lightweight construction with an emphasis on feedback and agility. Rider ergonomics occupy a purposeful but considered position — sufficiently committed for track use, yet manageable over extended road riding without significant discomfort. This balance is not always achieved in the sports bike segment and represents a practical advantage for riders intending to use the machine across both environments. Suspension is provided by fully adjustable WP APEX hardware at both ends, with independent compression and rebound settings. The ability to configure the setup specifically for road or track conditions — rather than accepting a fixed compromise — adds meaningful versatility to the package. Mass is well-distributed and the overall weight feels controlled in use. The RC R maintains the sharp, responsive handling attitude associated with the KTM marque, with no sense that its weight compromises the experience in corners or at speed. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2026-KTM-990-RC-R--3-.jpg) Brembo callipers are fitted front and rear. Bite is immediate and progressive, with sufficient feedback to support trail braking with confidence. The calibration strikes an effective balance between outright stopping power and feel — an area where some performance bikes fall short. The electronics suite is comprehensive. Four factory riding modes — street, rain, track and sport — are accompanied by cornering ABS, traction control, launch control, and a bi-directional quick-shifter. Importantly, the traction control has been calibrated to preserve rider feel rather than eliminate it. The rear of the 990 RC R can be sensed moving under acceleration, and the system manages this without cutting intervention so abruptly that the connection between rider and machine is lost. This is a meaningful distinction from systems that prioritise safety to the detriment of engagement. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2026-KTM-990-RC-R--2-.jpg) The winglets warrant specific mention. Their visual prominence invites scepticism, and initial impressions may lead some riders to question their purpose. Extended time with the motorcycle clarifies the matter. At higher speeds, the front end exhibits a planted, stable character that older RC-series models did not consistently deliver. The aerodynamic elements contribute meaningfully to this, particularly when the pace increases through faster corners. What appears at first glance to be aesthetic differentiation proves, on closer examination, to be functional. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2026-KTM-990-RC-R.jpg) The KTM 990 RC R is not a bike that pursues class-leading peak figures. It does not attempt to replicate the high-revving character of a conventional supersport, and riders whose primary interest lies in that type of experience will find the parallel twin’s delivery a different proposition. What it offers in return is a sports motorcycle that is fast, responsive, and genuinely usable across a broad range of conditions. The combination of accessible torque, adjustable suspension, well-calibrated electronics, and effective aerodynamics produces a machine that functions credibly both as a weekend track tool and as a performance road bike. Riders seeking that dual capability will find the RC R a well-resolved and compelling option. ### Does Toyota sell too many different cars? Its new CEO thinks so URL: https://torquecafe.com/does-toyota-sell-too-many-different-cars-its-new-ceo-thinks-so/ Last updated: 2026-06-19T02:00:20.000Z Toyota didn’t just become the world’s biggest carmaker by selling the most cars, but by offering arguably the widest range of cars to the global market. At present, there are more than 90 Toyota models on sale worldwide, most of which share parts with numerous other vehicles, though that sheer number of cars on sale can’t be sustainable. According to new Toyota CEO Kenta Kon – who has just been promoted from the role of chief financial officer – reducing the depth of cars offered by the brand is an obvious way to cut costs, something it is conscious of in the extremely competitive global market. “If you go to a development division, you see issues such as an increasing number of different specifications and variants being created, which in turn is driving up costs,” Kon said, as reported by *Automotive News*. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Toyota-Pressroom---56735bf4-5fc0-4ced-bcf4-9f8cf38afc9a.jpg) The Toyota GR vehicle family “If there are areas within those activities that aren’t truly value-adding work, or where work isn’t being done efficiently, then we need to take a closer look at them.” In Australia alone, there are almost 20 Toyota vehicles on sale locally: the bZ4X, bZ4X Touring (soon to arrive), Camry, C-HR, Coaster, Corolla, Corolla Cross, GR86, HiAce, HiLux, Kluger, Landcruiser 70 Series, Landcruiser 300 Series, LandCruiser Prado, Mirai, RAV4, Tundra, Yaris, Yaris Cross. That is of course without including variants, which in the case of the HiLux offers more than a dozen different grades to local buyers. Kon’s budget-conscious approach to Toyota’s future comes amid a circa-20 per cent decrease in operating profit forecast for this year, partly due to tariffs from the US, as well as an expected drop in sales due to increasing competition from China. [Toyota smashes global sales records, againFor the sixth consecutive year, the Toyota Motor Corporation was the top-selling vehicle manufacturer globally, beating its own sales record from 2023.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-22ca0685-6588-4c69-946a-d9ca48d8747c.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/crop_Toyota-RAV4-thumb-ad649a16-b3a8-457f-9fc4-dc3dc4c17925.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-smashes-global-sales-records-again/) However, Toyota is in a stronger position than most to be able to stay on top, having last year taken its sixth consecutive crown as the top-selling vehicle brand worldwide. In 2025, the carmaker – which includes Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino – set a new record of 11,322,575 vehicle deliveries, beating its own record and increasing on its 2024 figure by almost five per cent. Toyota remains the only car manufacturer to surpass 10 million deliveries in a year. Australia contributed 239,863 deliveries to Toyota’s total, coming up just short of beating its own record but still managing its 23rd consecutive year as the local sales leader. ### Return of V8s, manuals not ruled out by iconic brand URL: https://torquecafe.com/return-of-v8s-manuals-not-ruled-out-by-iconic-brand/ Last updated: 2026-06-19T00:17:26.000Z As one of a dozen brands owned by Dutch conglomerate Stellantis, you could be forgiven for forgetting about Maserati, having recently gone through a number of model updates but remaining a niche brand. From its electric Folgore vehicles to the MCPura sports car, Maserati remains as a luxury brand with a sporty twist, though in recent years it lost one of its defining features – a V8 engine. Between 2001 and 2020, Maserati’s Quattroporte and GranTurismo were powered by a V8 jointly developed with Ferrari, though it has since been replaced by a twin-turbo V6 (called Nettuno), also found in the MCPura. While the V6 is more potent and efficient than its V8 predecessor, Maserati executives – speaking to [*CarBuzz*](https://carbuzz.com/maserati-wants-v8-manual-transmission-sedan/?ref=torquecafe.com) – have said an eight-cylinder engine could return to the brand’s lineup. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/maserati-v8-1.jpg) The jointly developed Maserati and Ferrari V8 “Today we have one of the best, if not the best V6 \[engines\] in the world, that is our Nettuno," Maserati chief operating officer Santo Ficili told CarBuzz. "But of course, we are not forgetting the possibility to also have the V8, although the penetration of this engine in the total of the engines we are offering, or we will offer in the future, will be always something marginal. But it’s a point we are considering.” Just what the V8 would power remains a mystery, though it’s not out of the question that it could be found back in models such as the Quattroporte and GranTurismo. “We have the knowledge, we have the capability, eventually, to also consider a V8,” added Maserati head of engineering, Davide Danesin. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/maserati_coupe_340.jpeg) The last manual Maserati was made nearly 20 years ago “We know there are some people in the world that still believe that should be an engine Maserati should have. So as \[Ficili\] said, we can say today we are considering making it." The revival of a V8 engine in Maserati’s lineup could also be joined with the return of manual transmissions, not seen in the brand’s lineup for almost 20 years. While the V8 may be available in some of Maserati’s core products, a manual vehicle is likely to come from the joint Bottegafuoriserie bespoke program with Alfa Romeo, which focuses on extremely limited-run models. "So when we speak about Bottega products, few offs, it’s true, maybe 50% of our customers do demand a manual gearbox, as they all demand the petrol engine,” said Cristiano Fiorio, head of the Bottegafuoriserie division. [Legendary Italian brands join forces for ‘automotive excellence’Though already owned by the same parent company, the ties between Alfa Romeo and Maserati are growing deeper.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-492e3869-4b33-42d9-b184-b9856863a12c.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/alfa-romeo-maserati-Bottegafuoriserie-5-b800ceb5-8acc-4e1a-adc5-6d284bd6ca80.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/legendary-italian-brands-join-forces-for-automotive-excellence/) “So we can also say they are retro seekers. And the answer is, the day we will be ready to present a new program for Bottega for Maserati – I hope it will be one day soon in the future – the answer is yes. “I believe we will have to have a manual gearbox as well in our offering for our Bottega products." Maserati has teased a manual for [almost a year now](https://torquecafe.com/maserati-teases-manual-supercar-twinned-with-alfa-romeo/), with Danesin telling [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/maserati-plots-new-manual-super-gt-flagship-twinned-alfa?ref=torquecafe.com) in 2025 that “a manual gearbox is an opportunity”. “I don’t see that in big series \[production\], but why not do a special version with a manual gearbox? No reason to say never. It could be the right choice for a limited edition of a car. “By doing a purely mechanical car, it does make sense to have a mechanical gearbox with a shifter. So why not? It fulfils perfectly the brand. It fulfils perfectly our approach and the mindset. So honestly, I think one day we’ll do it.” ### BMW launches unique game to win the ‘Ultimate Driving Experience’ URL: https://torquecafe.com/bmw-launches-unique-game-to-win-the-ultimate-driving-experience/ Last updated: 2026-06-18T20:00:57.000Z The BMW M3 reached its milestone 40th birthday this year, with the six generations of one of the world’s most iconic sports cars etched into the annals of automotive history. It’s a timely anniversary too, as BMW Australia is about to deliver its 10,000th M3 to a local customer – prompting a unique prize for the public to win. Until June 30, 2026, BMW is launching a game of skill – or chance, depending on how you look at it – to find out if the public can pick key aspects of the 10,000th Australian-delivered M3. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/bmw-m3-new-zealand-snow-and-ice-4.jpg) Entrants who can predict the M3 model variant (from M3 sedan, M3 Competition xDrive sedan, and M3 Competition xDrive Touring), the paint colour (including from BMW’s wide range of Individual finishes), the plus state and date it’ll be delivered will win the prize. That prize in question is the BMW M Snow and Ice Experience, held at the Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground on the South Island of New Zealand, near Queenstown. The winner will receive return airfares, two nights’ accommodation and helicopter transfers to the proving ground (weather permitting), where they will be able to experience BMW M’s road cars on its motorkhana, drag sprint, barrel race and drifting courses. Full competition terms, eligibility criteria and prize details can be found [here](https://www.bmw.com.au/en/topics/fascination-bmw/bmw-m-vehicle.html?ref=torquecafe.com). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/bmw-m3-new-zealand-snow-and-ice-2.jpg) ### We drive the most powerful Subaru ever sold in Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/subaru-trailseeker-review-australia-2026-most-powerful-car/ Last updated: 2026-06-18T07:00:23.000Z What do you get when you combine the practicality of a Subaru Outback, with a powertrain that’s more potent than a WRX, and lessons learned from the Solterra? The Subaru Trailseeker. Known as the E-Outback in some other markets, the Subaru Trailseeker is now on sale in Australia as the brand’s second-ever EV, joining the updated Solterra upon which it’s based, but with the wagon-style body which has long made the Outback a popular choice. Twinned with the Toyota bZ4X Touring, the Trailseeker has more power than any other Subaru produced for Australian roads, making 280kW – 78kW more than the WRX – and accelerating from 0-100km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. Prices start from $63,990 plus on-road costs in the entry-level, self-titled Trailseeker AWD, while the better-equipped Trailseeker AWD Touring (not to be confused with the bZ4X Touring) is priced from $69,990 before on-roads. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2026_Subaru-Trailseeker_Touring-3--1-.jpg) Subaru Trailseeker Touring So, with the key numbers out of the way, what’s the Subaru Trailseeker like? To find out, Subaru’s launch drive took us from Canberra to the New South Wales south coast, specifically Mollymook, via mixed roads, giving ample opportunity to see how the Trailseeker performs as an electric sibling to the Outback. Thankfully, unlike the glut of other EVs entering the market, Subaru has gone light-on with the deletion of physical buttons from the Trailseeker’s cabin, with the main temperature controls still featuring as knobs, though specific adjustments for the climate control are done via the touchscreen. The semi-rectangular steering wheel continues to have a large number of controls on either side of the horn pad, while its top section – in my driving position at least – blocks the view of the lower part of the digital instrument cluster, though not any of the critical information. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2026_Subaru-Trailseeker_Touring-5--2---1-.jpg) Subaru Trailseeker Touring In the base Trailseeker, what’s immediately noticeable is the relative lack of road noise penetrating the cabin, with its 18-inch wheels and tyres not impeding on the driving experience, even across some coarse tarmac. The difference between the two Trailseeker grades was realised very quickly when in the Touring, which utilises larger 20-inch wheels, delivering higher levels of road noise and less refinement over bumps – there’s no crashing, but it’s a far less supple ride than on the standard 18s. For the amount of power beneath your right foot in the Trailseeker, it never feels overwhelming. The standard drive mode feels extremely linear, almost akin to the Outback’s CVT automatic, but with the added bonus of being able to call up even more power when needed. Like a number of other EVs, the Trailseeker’s regenerative braking can be adjusted to suit the conditions via paddles behind the wheel, going from no assistance to engine-like braking to near one-pedal driving easily. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2026_Subaru-Trailseeker_AWD-6--1-.jpg) Subaru Trailseeker All of these levels are well calibrated and intuitive to call up, though for the bulk of the drive we left it in the most ICE-like mode, which gave a predictable feeling every time the throttle pedal was released. But it’s when it’s pushed all the way down that the Trailseeker shows off its party trick, with its 280kW propelling the circa-2000kg SUV with ease, even when entering an intersection on a low-grip surface. I know it’s easy to fall for the marketing response, but the reaction of how the dual electric motors react to tricky conditions is reminiscent of Subaru’s respected symmetrical all-wheel drive systems, while the well-calibrated traction and stability controls mean drivers aren’t fighting the wheel when not needed. Surprisingly, we were even able to take the Trailseeker to the Pheasant Wood Circuit (formerly Marulan) for some guided laps, allowing the full gamut of power to be exploited, as well as the brakes and tyres tested. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2026_Subaru-Trailseeker_Touring-8--1-.jpg) Subaru Trailseeker Touring You won’t be setting any lap records in the Trailseeker, but for those who expect their cars to go above the limits of what some would normally ask of them, it will remain sure-footed even when pushed at a decent lick. Of course, it would’ve been remiss not to take the Trailseeker off-road, given its name does a good job of making a claim that it’s capable to do so. You likely won’t see one of these climbing up Beer O’Clock Hill, though the lighter side of off-roading is still within reach, thanks to its 211mm of ground clearance (just 9mm less than the new Outback). However, there is one large caveat to the Trailseeker if you are taking it on long trips, and it’s not the driving range. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2026_Subaru-Trailseeker_Touring-36--1-.jpg) Like so many other EVs, the Trailseeker doesn’t have a spare wheel, instead it features a tyre repair kit – handy for small punctures, not so much if you’ve got a tear in the sidewall from hitting debris on the road, or hitting a rock at the wrong angle driving down a trail. The Trailseeker’s energy consumption was close to claimed through the majority of the trip, hovering around 16-17kWh/100km for the majority of the driving, aided in part that it was overall downhill. Though we weren’t able to test the Trailseeker’s boot space, its circa 600-litre storage capacity is about on par if not bigger than the Outback. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2026_Subaru-Trailseeker_AWD-18--1-.jpg) Opting for the Touring gets you vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability with a 220V/1500W power outlet in the boot, rather than being able to use the charging port as its power supply. While it may seem tempting to spend the extra $4000 on the Touring – which gets you semi-autonomous parking assist, V2L, a panoramic glass roof, memory seats and mirrors, ventilated front seats, leather-accented upholstery and a 10-speaker sound system – the base model is the pick for me. Not only does it have an extensive equipment list, but the ride advantage on the smaller 18-inch wheels is truly noticeable, and also unlocks a greater claimed range. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2026_Subaru-Trailseeker_AWD-10--1-.jpg) So is the Subaru Trailseeker a viable alternative to the Outback? It appears to cover most of the bases that made the Outback popular for many years, all without reverting to the polarising styling of the new-generation petrol SUV (or lifted wagon, if you must). The Trailseeker is a rare family EV that doesn’t feel or at least look like another generic SUV, and certainly will be on the consideration list for many buyers of Japanese vehicles who are looking to go electric. It’s not the perfect package and its price point puts it above some of the more popular rivals on the market, but it can provide a happy middle ground for those used to the Subaru driving experience but wanting to convert to plugs. ### Last of the V8s: Y62 Nissan Patrol production end date set URL: https://torquecafe.com/last-of-the-v8s-y62-nissan-patrol-production-end-date-set/ Last updated: 2026-06-18T01:00:11.000Z Nissan Australia has confirmed what many Patrol fans weren’t looking forward to – the production run of the Y62-generation, V8 Patrol is coming to an end soon. Production of the Nissan Patrol Y62 is ending in Japan in August, after which the last of the V8-powered SUVs will arrive in Australia. The Patrol Warrior, engineered to be more capable off-road by Melbourne’s Premcar, will continue in production for a short period after, but not for long, as approximately one-third of orders are for the rough-and-tumble version. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/nissan-patrol-off-road-6-scaled.jpg) Y62 Nissan Patrol Warrior “The Patrol has been a constant presence in Australian motoring, and the Y62 has played a defining role in that legacy,” said Nissan Oceania managing director, Steve Milette. “Its 5.6-litre V8 is part of what has made this generation so beloved by enthusiasts, families and adventurers alike. “As we look ahead to the all-new-to-Australia Y63 later this year, the run-out of the Y62 represents a genuine ‘last chance’ moment for Australians who want to add a new V8 Patrol to their garage.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2025-nissan-patrol-ti-5-scaled.jpg) Nissan Patrol Ti The Nissan Patrol Ti starts from $96,540 plus on-road costs, the Patrol Ti-L is $108,040 before on-roads, and the flagship Patrol Warrior is priced from $111,600 plus on-roads. Nissan revealed the new Y63 Patrol in 2024, and the big 4x4 SUV is already on sale in the Americas and Middle East, but it’s yet to arrive in Australia. There is still no firm date on when it’ll arrive, however late 2026 has been the proposed launch date for Nissan, marking just over two years since covers came off the new 4×4, and more than five years after the latest Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series was revealed. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/nissan-patrol-y63-2-scaled.jpg) Y63 Nissan Patrol (overseas model shown) Australia will remain the first right-hand drive market to receive the Y63 Patrol, which will signal a new era with the arrival of a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine replacing the long-serving 5.6-litre V8. Overseas, the Y63 Patrol’s twin-turbo V6 engine produces 317kW and 700Nm, and is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, representing significant increases on the 298kW and 560Nm outputs, as well as its six-speed automatic. As previously reported, every Y63 Patrol sold globally features a rear differential housing which has been made at the Nissan Casting Australia Plant (NCAP) in Dandenong South, just 40km south-east of the Melbourne CBD. To make sure everyone knows where the Y63’s rear differential is from, each example features the outline of a kangaroo stamped into it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Nissan_Heritage_Patrol_Group_004_HR.jpg) All generations of the Nissan Patrol sold in Australia until now ### Ford Mustang GTD coming to Australian roads after all URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-mustang-gtd-coming-to-australian-roads-after-all/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T21:58:45.000Z The Ford Mustang GTD is the blue oval’s challenger to the likes of Porsche’s 911 GT3 lineup, having battled the German sports car for supremacy around its home turf of the Nürburgring. Unlike the 911, the Mustang GTD is exclusively built in left-hand drive, leaving it off the table to be sold in Ford showrooms in Australia – but that hasn’t stopped one dedicated owner from going to great lengths to make sure his can be driven on local roads. Melbourne’s Mustang Motorsport founder, Craig Dean, was fortunate enough to to be one of the few customers chosen by Ford globally to put his name down for a Mustang GTD, which has now arrived in Australia, where it’ll be converted from left- to right-hand drive. Dean’s other business, Crossover Car Conversions, will make this Mustang GTD what is expected to be the only right-hand drive example in the world, and will ensure it complies with local engineering standards and Australian Design Rules (ADRs), allowing it to be registered locally. In doing so, it’ll join other vehicles converted by the firm, including the Ford Bronco, Dodge Viper, and Chevrolet Corvette. As previously reported, Dean had to be given an exemption to be personally imported, something which was approved by the Australian Government’s Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles Register. [Ford’s Porsche 911-killer coming to Australia – but there’s a catchThe Ford Mustang GTD is heading to Australia after all, with the founder of Mustang Motorsport personally importing the racing-derived pony car.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-0d4c19ff-32ef-410a-b2ac-f7ead7ae04c4.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-mustang-gtd-craig-dean-mustang-motorsport-1-9b3f6d7e-f8f4-43ab-9229-5d176a92d0c1.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-mustang-gtd-australia-mustang-motorsport-import/) The Mustang GTD is equipped with the optional Performance Package, adding a front aero kit and an adjustable rear wing, while it’s powered by a 5.2-litre supercharged V8 engine, producing 600kW and driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle. The impending conversion could be set to face some challenges, as – despite running on the same core chassis as the standard Mustang – the Mustang GTD features a number of unique mechanical components. These include its double-wishbone front suspension setup (rather than the standard MacPherson struts) and a hydraulic power steering system (instead of an electronically assisted rack). ### Fake gear shifts in EVs ‘essential’ - BMW M boss URL: https://torquecafe.com/fake-gear-shifts-in-evs-essential-bmw-m-boss/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T20:00:29.000Z BMW’s first electric M car, the upcoming M3 EV, will be the latest in a long line of battery-powered vehicles using faux gear shifts to keep drivers engaged. Speaking to [*Pistonheads*](https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-germancars/bmw-m3-sticks-with-perfect-combustion-principle/51309?ref=torquecafe.com) at the unveiling of the Concept M Neue Klasse – which previews the design of the electric M3 – BMW M CEO Frank Van Meel confirmed the technology will come to the upcoming super sedan, though it might not be as we’ve seen before. “It’s essential \[gear simulations\], so that you know how quick you are going,” Van Meel said. "On the track with gears you know how quick you are going into each corner. Simulated ratios will help this be maintained in the electric car. [BMW M3’s electric future previewedThe BMW M3 is soon set to enter its electric era. This is what it’ll look like.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-5b9ce82b-eac9-4f08-b999-d4d61fd2339a.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/BMW-M-Concept-Neue-Klasse-Inspire-3-d5d2083f-4647-4c59-841f-5b4ecd7b9f57.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-m3s-electric-future-previewed/) “I won’t say we’re fully copying a gearbox \[characteristics\] as then we’d copy the negatives. We need to find the good things and then use those to enhance the driving experience.” According to the report, the system will act differently to what Hyundai introduced to the world with the Ioniq 5 N, which has later been added to the Ioniq 6 N. In Hyundai’s performance EVs, the ‘N e-Shift’ mode mimics the gear changes of an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, giving a slight extra cut and then burst of torque when a new ‘gear’ is called upon. According to BMW M’s head of development, Alexander Karajlovic, the M3’s system won’t mimic this trait, with the faux transmission instead designed to “separate the torque, but it will be the same torque throughout”. [BMW bringing back V10 engine soundsA new generation of vehicles from BMW M means it’s looking to the past for inspiration, and has picked three cool candidates.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-3672b151-7eaa-4ac1-8a97-b25787ecdeb9.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/bmw-m6-m3-m4-gts-4cb475ab-ad0b-4d84-bebc-caef0f1ec900.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-news-im3-m3-ev-engine-sounds/) Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N also pioneered simulated engine sounds in EVs, with its ‘N Active Sound’ system replicating the noises of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, such as those which power the i30 N and i30 Sedan N. BMW has teased that the electric M3 will feature a “newly developed soundscape”, with a video previously uploaded to YouTube showing its team recording engine sounds from three recent performance models, which will likely be piped into the EV’s cabin. These include the E92 M3 GTS (powered by a 4.4-litre V8 engine), the F82 M4 GTS (powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six engine), and the E63 M6 (powered by a 5.0-litre V10). Previous reports have suggested the electric M3’s 800-volt, quad-motor platform will support power outputs of more than 750kW, making it not only BMW M’s most powerful production car ever, but also well clear of the current twin-turbo straight-six M3 Competition xDrive’s 390kW figure. ### Australia’s last V8 ute for sale URL: https://torquecafe.com/australias-last-v8-ute-for-sale/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T06:00:49.000Z The history in Australia of putting V8 engines into utes didn’t end when Holden built the last Commodore ute in 2017, and this dual-cab is proof of it. Holden Special Vehicles (HSV, better known as Walkinshaw) decided the Colorado-based SportsCat could do with a bit more pep in its step, which resulted in its 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine being swapped out for an ‘LT1’ 6.2-litre V8 from the Chevrolet Corvette. As such the HSV Colorado SportsCat V8 prototype was born as what was envisioned to become the final V8-powered ute in Australian showrooms, though it wasn’t to be. Now being sold by [*Young Timers Garage*](https://ytg.co/buy/2016-holden-colorado-sportscat-prototype-v8-ltz-hsv-colorado-v8-sportscat-prototype/EN2mit-5BF0Uj1gFkJGNLg?ref=torquecafe.com), Chassis E001 was to be the only V8-powered SportsCat to be built by Walkinshaw, and was wheeled out for media launches to promote the potential of it becoming a production reality. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/hsv-sportscat-v8-prototype-2.jpg) HSV Colorado SportsCat V8 Prototype Finished in the ‘Panorama Silver’ paintwork which first made its appearance on the HSV VL Commodore SS Group A SV – the brand’s first in a long line of cars for the brand – the SportsCat V8 appears to be almost identical to the standard SportsCat, though with badging inspired by the aforementioned homologation special. Its interior too is largely unchanged, aside from a numbered plaque ahead of the gear selector, bearing the retro ‘SV’ logo as well as its E001 designation. Of course, the centrepiece is under the bonnet, with a 6.2-litre V8 engine sitting in the place of where the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel once did. This upgrade led to a substantial increase in outputs, rising from 147kW and 500Nm to 350kW and 650Nm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/hsv-sportscat-v8-prototype-5.jpg) The HSV Colorado SportsCat V8 Prototype's LT1 The engine wasn’t the only thing HSV changed, as the SportsCat V8 also received a 10-speed automatic transmission (rather than the standard six-speed), as well as transfer case parts from the larger Silverado pickup. Since being completed in 2019, the HSV SportsCat V8 has clicked over 25,000km, while the sale includes its ‘SV8CAT’ personalised number plates. Listed from $299,990, it is far dearer than the last of the turbo-diesel SportsCats which started from $68,990 before on-roads back in 2019. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/hsv-sportscat-v8-prototype-1.jpg) HSV Colorado SportsCat V8 Prototype It also represents an increase of almost 50 per cent of what it most recently sold for in 2021, when it was purchased at auction for $205,000 plus buyer’s premium. Still, it’s not the most expensive HSV ute to ever be sold or listed, with that record being reset earlier this year, when one of just four HSV GTSR W1 Maloos – and the only one which was painted in the iconic XU3 Yellah hue – sold for $1.2 million, making it the most expensive Holden to be sold at auction. Since wrapping up its HSV brand, Walkinshaw has continued to work with OEMs in converting vehicles from left- to right-hand drive – including the V8-powered Chevrolet Silverado – and modified utes such as the Isuzu D-Max Blade and Volkswagen Amarok W-Series. [Rare Holden ute sets new recordThe only HSV GTSR W1 Maloo finished in XU3 Yellah has sold for $1.2 million, becoming the most expensive Holden road car ever auctioned.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-054ef1bf-90ee-46de-8426-8aa1d5e192d2.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2017-HSV-GTSR-W1-Maloo-1-038cf689-4f37-4d6a-9c3e-0f7048bba510.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/holden-news-maloo-ute-sets-auction-record/) ### Suzuki Jimny Rhino adds $10,000 to cult 4x4’s price URL: https://torquecafe.com/suzuki-jimny-rhino-adds-10-000-to-cult-4x4s-price/ Last updated: 2026-06-19T01:10:38.000Z Suzuki Australia is asking customers interested in the Jimny Rhino to fork out an additional $10,000 on top of the price of the five-door Jimny XL to get the new limited-run model. Launched today after being teased as the new flagship of the Jimny lineup, the Suzuki Jimny XL Rhino starts from $44,990 before on-road costs in five-speed manual guise, and $47,490 plus on-roads for the four-speed automatic. By comparison, the standard Jimny XL manual is priced from $34,990 plus-on roads, while the automatic is normally $37,490, representing a $10,000 increase in both instances. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/SUZUKI-JIMNY-WHEEL-WIDE-Highres--1--1.jpg) The Suzuki Jimny Rhino is $10,000 dearer than the base XL Available solely in Kinetic Yellow (for the first time on the XL), the Jimny Rhino’s exterior is distinctive compared to the standard five-door SUV, with Rhino-themed side decals and dual side stripes leading back to Japanese script, which simply translates to ‘Rhino’. The front bumper and side skirts feature a satin silver garnish, and are teamed with Suzuki’s retro-style grille which features the brand’s name, rather than five slats and its logo. Under the guards are a new set of 15-inch, diamond cut alloy wheels which continue to be shod in Bridgestone Dueler tyres. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/SUZUKI-JIMNY-RINO-R3Q-Highres--1--1.jpg) Suzuki Jimny Rhino Inside the cabin has been treated to a minor makeover, now featuring customisable footwell lighting, LED ambient lighting, satin silver air vent surrounds and gear shift surround (automatic), a retro-style gear knob (manual, not pictured), leather-wrapped door handles with kinetic yellow stitching, rubber floor mats and Rhino Special Edition badging. On top of this, all Jimny Rhino buyers will get a ‘delivery pack’ full of additional goodies, including: a Rhino-branded metal key presentation case, key chain, blanket, thermos tumbler, and cooler box, a bucket hat, a kinetic yellow portable lantern, a drink bottle, and a special bluetooth speaker. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/SUZUKI-JIMNY-RINO-INTERIOR-LIGHTING-Highres--1-.jpg) Suzuki Jimny Rhino To top it off, the package includes ‘Rhino Rations’, such as a Koko Black 9-piece Dark Chocolate Pistachio praline box. For the extra $10,000, the Jimny XL continues with its existing powertrain, consisting of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 75kW and 130Nm, driving all four wheels through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Suzuki Australia hasn’t detailed how many Jimny Rhinos will be offered locally, only saying there is ‘limited production’ of the 4x4 from India. ### Australia gives world-first ute an ocker name URL: https://torquecafe.com/australia-gives-world-first-ute-an-ocker-name/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T02:00:05.000Z Chinese car giant Chery will name its highly anticipated diesel PHEV ute the Stockman, after the name was finally selected from thousands of Australian submissions. The brand launched a campaign to name what was previewed as the KP31 prototype in March, after which its list of more than 20,000 potential ideas was whittled down to just nine – with Stockman coming up as the winner. Submitted by Steve Kodikara from Victoria, the Stockman name was chosen by him as it “captured the spirit of Australia's original workhorse and everything a ute should represent: reliability, capability and resilience”. Out of the other submissions – which included Outrider, Orca, Ironbark, Bushwalker, Longreach, Ridgeback, Terra and Mate – Stockman received more than 25 per cent of the 12,000-plus votes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Chery-Stockman-Interior-BLK.jpg) Chery Stockman interior (overseas model shown) For his part in naming the Stockman, Kodikara will be the first example to land in Australia, becoming the first person to own a plug-in hybrid diesel ute globally. It’s not the first time we’ve seen the Stockman name on a ute though. Stockman was previously used on a cab-chassis ute variant of the Suzuki Sierra, powered by a diminutive 1.0-litre engine but featuring a dual-range four-wheel drive system. The Chery Stockman’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is paired with at least one electric motor and a high-voltage battery pack, with reports from China suggesting it can drive on EV power only for about 170km. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Chery_DSC05846-1.jpg) 2026 Chery KP31 Concept ute Chery is yet to reveal full technical specifications, however it has already confirmed it’ll feature a 3500kg braked towing capacity and a 1000kg payload. According to Chery, the concept KP31 measures 5610mm long, 1920mm wide and 1925mm in height. That’s slightly larger than the production version, which Chery has confirmed will be 5450mm long, which is still longer than either the Ranger or Toyota HiLux. Chery says that further details about the Stockman including pricing, full specifications and launch dates will be announced in the coming months. ### Hyundai i20 N Shadow Edition farewells hot hatch URL: https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-i20-n-shadow-edition-farewells-hot-hatch/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T01:04:09.000Z Hyundai is farewelling the current i20 N hot hatch from Australian showrooms, with the pocket rocket receiving a 100-unit limited edition to ride into the sunset. The Hyundai i20 N Shadow Edition is priced from $41,500 before on-road costs in its base Atlas White finish, a $4000 increase on the standard i20 N which is exiting showrooms this year. Opting for Phantom Black (as pictured) brings its price up to $42,095 plus on-roads. For the extra money, buyers get a handful of Shadow Edition-exclusive additions, such as grey and red lower door decals, and 18-inch matte bronze alloy wheels, which appear to be identical to the design of the Speedy Carbine available at some tyre shops. Hyundai has also added black wheel nuts, usually an $89 extra. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/i20-N-Shadow-Edition-01--1--1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/i20-N-Shadow-Edition-02--1-.jpg) Hyundai i20 N Shadow Edition Inside there’s a numbered Shadow Edition plaque, as well as a handful of other options which have been ticked to become standard equipment, such as an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel ($759) and gear knob ($169), plus rubber floor mats ($280) with the pattern of Pirelli’s P Zero tyres. The i20 N Shadow Edition continues to be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 150kW and 275Nm, delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. "The i20 N has struck a chord with Australian customers by delivering an engaging and accessible performance car experience that’s equally at home on the road and racetrack," said Hyundai Australia chief operating officer, Gavin Donaldson. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/i20-N-Shadow-Edition-08--1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/i20-N-Shadow-Edition-10--1-.jpg) Hyundai i20 N Shadow Edition "With just 100 examples available, the Shadow Edition provides a fitting farewell – its exclusive monochrome styling celebrates the i20 N’s unique character while giving enthusiasts the opportunity to own a distinctive piece of Hyundai N history." Production of the i20 N [ended for Australia in March 2026](https://torquecafe.com/hyundai-news-i30-hatch-i20n-dead-australia/), though the brand said in late 2025 it had “secured a strong final production run to ensure we have enough stock to last through to the end of next year.” The i20 N was recently pulled from Europe - along with its bigger i30 N sibling - due to emissions regulations, making Australia one of the few markets the Türkiye-built model is sold in. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/i20-N-Shadow-Edition-12--1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/i20-N-Shadow-Edition-16--1-.jpg) Hyundai i20 N Shadow Edition A new-generation i20 N is expected to launch globally in 2027, with Hyundai boss José Muñoz recently saying the N brand will sell more than seven vehicles by 2030, with the i20 N likely to be revived with hybrid power. [Local Hyundai executives have previously said](https://torquecafe.com/confirmed-hero-hot-hatches-to-stay-petrol-powered/) the door is well and truly open for the i20 N and its bigger i30 N sibling to keep petrol power in some form for the next generation. “There are successors to existing ICE models that will retain an ICE powertrain, just can’t share too much,” Hyundai Australia’s director of marketing and product, Andrew Tuitahi, told Torquecafe in September. “ICE or hybrid, or both,” he added, while also saying in terms of vehicle size, “there will be a spectrum small through medium.” ### Bigger, bolder V8-powered Chevrolet Silverado not locked in for Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/bigger-bolder-v8-powered-chevrolet-silverado-not-locked-in-for-australia/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T00:07:00.000Z Chevrolet has taken the covers off the fifth-generation Silverado 1500 pickup, becoming the latest iteration of its best-selling model, headlined by the arrival of two new V8s. Despite the popularity of the Chevrolet Silverado in Australia – where it has had a 25 per cent market share in the American pickup segment – the new-generation model is yet to be locked in for a local launch. “Whilst we are excited by the news of the next generation Silverado, currently we have no announcements to make on future models for the ANZ region,” a General Motors spokesperson told *Torquecafe*. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/MY27-Chevrolet_Silverado_ZR2_Front-3-4.jpg) 2027 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 The first new Silverado since 2019 features a redesign which is certainly a case of evolution rather than revolution, with its new LED headlights and front fascia appearing to be similar to the outgoing model at a glance, though it is a modernisation of a familiar face. Down the sides the Silverado’s profile remains distinctive compared to its Ram 1500, Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra rivals, while down the back the tailgate and lights stand out even more than before. In the US, a total of seven Silverado 1500 variants are offered: Work Truck/WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, Silverado (replacing LT), Silverado Trail Boss, ZR2, and High Country. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/MY27-Chevrolet_Silverado_ZR2_Rear-Driving.jpg) 2027 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 The Silverado ZR2 remains the top-of-the-range model for those interested in off-roading, with a two-inch lift, 35-inch mud-terrain tyres, electronic locking differentials, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and specific bodywork to give it additional clearance. Inside the cabin all examples of the new Silverado feature a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 16.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, while the flagship ZR2 and High Country receive an 11.5-inch passenger screen, a similar upgrade to what’s found in the Ram 1500. It appears the gear selector has also been moved from in front of the centre console – between the driver and passenger – to the steering column, freeing up space in the cabin. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/MY27-Chevrolet_Silverado_ZR2_Interior.jpg) 2027 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Under the bonnet, there’s two familiar engines, as well as two new ones. A turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine continues to open the range, below the ‘Duramax’ 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. However, the real focus is on the arrival of two new sixth-generation GM small-block V8s, having first launched in the Corvette Grand Sport and now rolling out to more of the car giant’s vehicles. A new 5.7-litre V8 replaces the outgoing 5.3-litre L84, while the previous flagship 6.2-litre L87 has been superseded by a 6.6-litre V8. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/MY27_Chevrolet_Silverado_PackShot2.jpg) “We pushed these engines through an extensive testing and validation process to make sure they deliver the durability, capability and dependability Silverado customers expect,” said Mark Dickens, executive chief engineer. “From tough towing scenarios to the daily demands our customers put on their trucks, these next-generation V8s were engineered and proven to perform in the real world.” Chevrolet hasn’t detailed outputs of the new engines, though they’re expected to be even more potent than the 265kW/519Nm and 313kW/624Nm mills they replace. US pricing and full specifications will be revealed closer to launch, as will Australian details if it ends up coming here. ### Ford's fastest cars to get engines again URL: https://torquecafe.com/fords-fastest-cars-to-get-engines-again/ Last updated: 2026-06-16T20:00:43.000Z For the past five years, Ford has launched a series of demonstration vehicles unchained by regulations, with the pure aim to go as fast as possible. First the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400, then the SuperVan 4 (later 4.2), the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck, and the Super Mustang Mach-E, Ford’s fastest vehicles have all been powered by electric motors – though the carmaker is set to soon change tact. Speaking to the UK’s [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/supervan-successor-could-go-ice-ford-drops-all-ev-focus-wild-demonstrator-machines?ref=torquecafe.com), Mark Rushbrook, head of the Ford Racing brand, said the demonstrators were made because “we did not feel existing electric series were right for us”, evident in Ford’s lack of participation in the likes of Formula E. "That's not a knock on those series, but we wanted the ability to truly learn with a free canvas, and a series like Formula E does restrict you,” Rushbrook added. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/crop_Pikes-Peak-SuperTruck-2024-5.jpg) Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck “With the demonstrators we can do whatever we want, whether it’s a Transit or an F-150, a Mustang Mach-E or even a Mustang coupe. "We can do what we want and we can learn what we need to about the motor, battery cell technology, the controls, the calibration, aero and so on.” According to Rushbrook, the next generation of demonstration vehicles will be powered by engines, either completely or partially with the assistance of hybrid systems. “We’ll continue to do demonstrators, but we’re not going to restrict ourselves to full electric,” Rushbrook said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Mustang_Cobra_Jet_2200_6_16.jpg) Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 2200 “We still have a lot of electric cars in our future, but we also have a lot of hybrids coming, and we also have a lot of combustion vehicles coming. So we’ll do more demonstrators, but you will see more powertrain technology in them, not just full-electric.” The announcement is largely unsurprising. Earlier this year, Ford said it lost US$8.2 billion (A$11.6 billion) in 2025, a huge jump on its 2024 annual losses of US$5.9 billion (A$8.3 billion). Of that figure, a staggering US$4.8 billion (A$6.8 billion) was chalked down to the Ford Model e EV division. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/ford-super-mustang-mach-e-pikes-peak.jpg) Ford Super Mustang Mach-E Ford previously said it expected short-term losses of US$19.5 billion (A$27.6 billion) from its changing EV plans, with more pain expected to carry on in the coming years until 2029. Rather than have EVs as the key to its future success, Ford is leaning heavily on internal combustion engines and hybrids, though it has been putting a lot of attention on its new ‘Universal EV’ platform. Set to launch in 2027, it’ll make its debut in a sub-Ranger-sized pickup. Later it will grow to “a high-volume family of smaller, highly efficient and affordable electric vehicles”. [Ford loses $11.6 billion after EV U-turnFord’s decision to cancel multiple EV plans has resulted in one of its worst financial losses in history, and more pain is on the way.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-95f4cd19-90e8-4090-8429-5e385edaa77b.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-ranger-phev-ms-rt-5-34da074b-dace-4b53-87f5-af312733a0a6.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-2025-financial-loss/) ### BMW M engines to be kept alive by racing tech, not hybrid systems URL: https://torquecafe.com/bmw-m-engines-to-be-kept-alive-by-racing-tech-not-hybrid-systems/ Last updated: 2026-06-16T05:00:56.000Z BMW is poised to keep the twin-turbo six-cylinder engines in the M3 and M4 alive well into the future, confirming the next-generation models won’t have to rely on full hybrid systems to survive. Questions about whether the ‘S58’ engine in the M3 and M4 – as well as the smaller M2 – could survive into the Euro 7 emissions regulation era have circulated for the past few years, but concerns were eased in recent months with the unveiling of [BMW’s M Ignite system](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-news-m2-m3-m4-s58-euro-7-pre-chamber-combustion/). Debuting in the [M2 xDrive](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-m2-goes-all-wheel-drive-to-fight-audi-rs3/), the BMW M Ignite system is claimed to significantly reduce fuel consumption under high loads while also helping the ‘S58’ straight-six to remain compliant with Euro 7 emissions standards. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/bmw-m-s58-m2-m3-m4-engine-3--1-.jpg) BMW M Ignite system The new system centres around the pre-chamber positioned within the cylinder head, which is connected with the cylinder’s main combustion chamber by overflow openings. This pre-chamber has its own spark plug and ignition coil, meaning the engine has two ignition systems. In the M2 – which has lower outputs than the M3 and M4 – the M Ignite system hasn’t changed how much power and torque it makes, however peak torque comes on earlier, while its compression ratio rose from 9.3:1 to 10.5:1. Speaking to UK website Pistonheads at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, BMW M CEO Frank Van Meel said the M Ignite technology will allow future M cars to continue without hybrid assistance. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/bmw-m3-cs-Handschalter-manual-us-1--1-.jpg) BMW M3 CS Handscalter “Our motorsport-derived-tech M Ignite Euro 7 S58 comes out this year, so I can say that it will survive to go into our future M cars,” Van Meel said. “It won’t be hybrid, as we’re sticking with the perfect combustion principle. Here \[with the Concept M Neue Klasse\] we will go to the extremes, not the in-between.” The Concept M Neue Klasse was revealed as the preview of what the electric M3 will look like, taking heavy design cues from the new i3 EV, as well as hallmarks of the existing M car lineup. [BMW M3’s electric future previewedThe BMW M3 is soon set to enter its electric era. This is what it’ll look like.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-765812f2-bb58-4237-ac7e-be51243c24a9.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/BMW-M-Concept-Neue-Klasse-Inspire-3-72ee29ed-d153-4462-9fc9-8f6235469430.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-m3s-electric-future-previewed/) While the electric and petrol M3s will obviously be different under the skin, the Concept M Neue Klasse is expected to also influence the next-generation of turbocharged models, effectively allowing customers to buy based on powertrain rather than looks. Without directly quoting Van Meel, Pistonheads reports the next M3 and M4’s S58 engine will adopt mild-hybrid technology to meet the Euro 7 standards, with an electric motor not providing direct drive to the wheels. BMW executives have previously said the next-gen models [will continue to offer manual transmissions too](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-news-manuals-staying-alive-with-reduced-torque/), while the recent launch of the three-pedal [M3 CS Handscalter](https://torquecafe.com/is-this-the-greatest-bmw-m3-ever/) in the US and the demand for it will have given the brand even greater reason to not go auto-only. ### Ford thinks the Ranger Raptor is too powerful URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-thinks-the-ranger-raptor-is-too-powerful/ Last updated: 2026-06-16T02:01:04.000Z Ford reset the bar for off-road utes when it launched the current-generation Ranger Raptor in 2022, with arguably no other dual-cab offering the same performance capability. Powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine in a world full of turbo-diesels, the Ranger Raptor’s 292kW and 583Nm outputs in Australia put it in a class of its own, and just as fast as the full-size American pickups such as the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500. In the US, the Ranger Raptor gets an extra 10kW, bringing its power levels up to 302kW, while the related Bronco Raptor makes 312kW, raising questions about whether Ford would consider a ‘Raptor R’ version of the mid-sized pickup. “The Ranger Raptor already has significantly more power than any other truck in its class,” Ford Racing production vehicle chief engineer, Carl Widmann, told US publication [*Road and Track*](https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a71537376/ford-no-plans-bronco-raptor-r-or-ranger-raptor-r-raptor/?ref=torquecafe.com). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2026-ford-ranger-raptor-rhys-9.jpg) Ford Ranger Raptor in Australia Image credit: Rhys Vandersyde “Nothing else is even within 30 horsepower (22kW). “If anything, the Ranger Raptor might even already have too much power.” Ford’s US lineup includes not only the Ranger and Bronco Raptors but also the F-150 Raptor, powered by an unrelated twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, making 336kW and 691Nm. However, the [F-150 also gets a Raptor R](https://torquecafe.com/ford-f150-raptor-r-whipple-supercharger-sema/), utilising a supercharged 5.2-litre V8 to make an eye-watering 537kW and 868Nm, becoming the second-most powerful pickup in its class behind the Ram 1500 TRX SRT. [Ford’s Raptor cash cow set to expandThe Ford Raptor lineup of off-road performance vehicles is a money-printing machine, and something the brand wants to keep growing.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-29ef1693-420d-4798-9c3e-33bfafcce8f4.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-ranger-raptor-desert-pack-5-d0a3fcaa-095f-4c95-95cd-525910793eaf.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/fords-raptor-cash-cow-set-to-expand/) According to Widmann, a Raptor R version of the Ranger isn’t necessary due to the existing power outputs of the ute, however that hasn’t stopped Ford from previously offering in-house upgrades. In 2024, Ford’s US division released a software upgrade which increased the Raptor’s outputs from 302kW of power and 583Nm of torque to 339kW and 727Nm, while delivering an “optimised shift schedule” for its 10-speed automatic transmission. This tune was not made available to Australia. Locally, those chasing more power can get a comprehensive Power Pack from Ford specialists Herrod Performance, which increases outputs to 380kW and 780Nm, while also adding a larger intercooler and transmission oil cooler, priced from $6480\. ### ‘Spicy’ high-performance V8 Chevrolet Camaro coming URL: https://torquecafe.com/v8-chevrolet-camaro-coming-with-high-performance/ Last updated: 2026-06-16T00:44:05.000Z The Chevrolet Camaro’s return is yet to be made official, but insider information has given us a good look at what the nameplate’s revival will look like. After production of the two-door Camaro ended in late 2023, rumours of its resurrection have circulated, mostly perpetuated by specialist publication [*GM Authority*](https://gmauthority.com/blog/2026/04/next-gen-chevy-camaro-to-offer-more-than-one-transmission-choice/?ref=torquecafe.com), which has claimed insider information suggests the model will come back later this year or in 2027. The publication’s [latest sources say](https://gmauthority.com/blog/2026/06/next-gen-camaro-to-offer-high-performance-variant-exclusive/?ref=torquecafe.com) there will be a new flagship variant to lead the Camaro’s high-performance charge, described by one insider as “spicy”, while another said fans will be “very happy” with the offering. No details have been provided about what the high-performance Camaro will entail, though GM Authority speculates it could be powered by the 6.7-litre LS6 V8 engine, the first of the new sixth-generation General Motors small blocks which recently launched in the C8 Corvette. [No replacement for displacement: GM details bigger, better new V8A new General Motors small-block V8 engine has been revealed, and it’s grown in size despite most powerplants shrinking.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-193052c8-c3ff-43e3-9b8f-30233abda8ac.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/chevrolet-corvette-grand-sport-ls6-v8-3-346e5ae5-13a6-4092-8486-70ad58aaa2d3.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/general-motors-news-ls6-v8-revealed-chevrolet-corvette/) The engine could even score a supercharger, similar to the LT4-powered Camaro ZL1 which served as the flagship of the sixth-generation Camaro. According to previous reports, the reborn Camaro won’t be a traditional two-door coupe (or convertible) like every previous generation of the model, and will instead become a four-door - though not in what’s known as the traditional ‘three box’ sedan profile. Expected to adopt coupe-like design cues, the new Camaro is still expected to be the spiritual successor to the likes of the Chevrolet SS, which was a rebadged VF Holden Commodore sold in the US. The new Camaro, regardless of what form it takes, will reportedly ride on an evolution of the platform which underpinned its predecessor, Alpha 2 - or potentially adopting the Alpha 2-2 moniker. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/crop_2024-chevrolet-camaro-zl1-collectors-edition.jpg) 2024 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Collector's Edition This means it’ll continue to be rear-wheel drive, while [insider sources have said the new Camaro](https://torquecafe.com/chevrolet-news-camaro-v8-manual/) will be available with an automatic transmission (of unknown gears) or a six-speed manual, the latter of which has been a hallmark of performance variants in previous generations. Ford is also understood to be planning to launch a [sedan version of the Mustang coupe](https://torquecafe.com/return-of-the-ford-falcon-four-door-mustang-timeline-firms/), which would bring it back into the petrol-powered passenger car segment. A report by [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/car-concepts/future-product/an-ford-future-product-0824/?ref=torquecafe.com) in August last year claimed a Mustang-derived four-door sedan could launch as soon as early 2028, at least in the US. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2017-Chevrolet-Camaro-ZL1-017-1.jpg) Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 manual A Mustang sedan was reportedly [previewed to North American dealers last year](https://torquecafe.com/fords-secret-mustang-plans-revealed/), and prior to this Ford CEO Jim Farley told media outlets it could launch a four-door version of the pony car, as long as it has “all the performance and attitude of the original.” Earlier this month, Ford’s director of US marketing, Andrew Frick, was asked by [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/ford/an-tftt-ford-andrew-frick-affordability-sedans-tariffs-0603/?ref=torquecafe.com) if the brand could once again build sedans, given recent hints dropped by Farley. “There is a percentage of the customer base that still buys sedans. It’s a lot smaller than it once was. It used to be 50 percent, now it’s 16, 17 percent,” Frick said. [Ford Mustang sedan one step closerThe prospect of Ford returning to the sedan market with a Mustang-badged model appears to almost be a certainty.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-ad58edd8-7de4-4e63-b19e-a403438b53d9.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-mustang-gtd-craig-dean-mustang-motorsport-7--1--04d2f109-cf05-4a96-a212-34e92d2640d6.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-mustang-sedan-report/) “We have a really great Mustang that people consider a car. We look to expand on the Mustang family as we move forward. “I think, for us to do it, it’s going to have to make sense within our portfolio. It’s going to have to make sense within a family that we may already offer. And it’s going to have to be very cost-effective for us to do it. “That’s what we’re focused on in general with a lot of our new affordable products. We want the concepts to be right and the costs to be even better.” ### New Nissan Skyline fast-tracked thanks to AI URL: https://torquecafe.com/new-nissan-skyline-fast-tracked-thanks-to-ai/ Last updated: 2026-06-15T23:22:15.000Z The Nissan Skyline is soon entering its 14th generation in Japan, after the carmaker teased earlier this year a new sedan is on its way. Set to be unveiled later in 2026 or in early 2027, the new Skyline will reportedly borrow parts from the current ‘V37’ generation model, partially to reduce costs but also cutting the time it takes for it to reach showrooms. Speaking to [*Nikkei Asia*](https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/nissan-to-cut-vehicle-development-time-in-half-using-china-playbook?ref=torquecafe.com), Nissan’s global CEO Ivan Espinosa said the carmaker is also utilising new technology to get cars from design to production even faster, with the Skyline’s development time cut from 55 months to just 26 months. "A big part of this is built on AI capabilities and the utilization of new tools, more digital tools in the design phase, in the testing phase, in the manufacturing phase,” Espinosa said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2028-nissan-skyline-teaser-4--1-.jpg) A new Nissan Skyline will be revealed within 12 months According to the executive, the rapid development time movement was inspired by that of Chinese carmakers, including Nissan’s joint venture partner Dongfeng. "China is as of now setting the industry standards of the future in terms of technology, in terms of cost competitiveness and in terms of development time," Espinosa said. "\[We need\] to learn from China and export know-how from China." As previously reported, the new Skyline is characterised by Nissan as one of its ‘Heartbeat’ models, which isn’t expected to be a volume seller, rather a product which is important to how it’s perceived by the public. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2028-nissan-skyline-teaser-1--1-.jpg) The V38 Nissan Skyline will be a sedan While there have been Skyline coupes in the past, it’s unlikely that the bodystyle will make a return, having exited the lineup in 2016 when production of the 12th-gen ‘V36’ ended. Teasers shared by Nissan show the Skyline will once again get the circular tail lights made famous in the R30 and R31 generations, and which have become less noticeable in recent models. Last year Japanese publication [*Best Car*](https://bestcarweb.jp/feature/column/1328495?ref=torquecafe.com) reported the new Skyline won’t go electric in 2027 as once expected, and will instead carry on with the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 heart available in the current model, but with the added twist of a three-pedal option. Nissan’s current Skyline was given the Nismo treatment in 2023, producing 309kW and 500Nm from the same engine which now powers the Z sports coupe, the latter of which develops 298kW/474Nm in standard guise and 313kW/521Nm in Nismo trim. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2028-nissan-skyline-teaser-2--1-.jpg) Nissan also announced its luxury brand Infiniti, which focuses on the US market, will get its own “performance orientated V6 sedan”, tipped to be the new Q50, a model which has previously been twinned with the Skyline. Reports from the US emerged last year that Nissan and Infiniti dealers were shown a teaser of the upcoming ‘Q50S’, which would run on the platform of the current Japanese-market Skyline and also be powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine. Despite the new Skyline being produced in right-hand drive for Japan, it’s unlikely to come to Australia. The current Skyline was never officially sold here, though the Infiniti Q50 was available for a handful of years. ### Coroner calls for high-power P-plate restrictions after fatal crash URL: https://torquecafe.com/coroner-calls-for-high-power-p-plate-restrictions-after-fatal-crash/ Last updated: 2026-06-15T23:25:11.000Z The Australian Capital Territory Government has been asked to review its vehicle restrictions for P-platers, after the national capital’s coroner made recommendations following a fatal crash in 2020. On October 31, 2020, 16-year-old Alexis Saaghy was a passenger in a Nissan Navara driven by 18-year-old, provisional licence holder Ameen Hamdan, when the ute lost control in the rain and hit a tree. Saaghy died from her injuries on November 3, while Hamdan suffered a head injury and damage to an eye. Two other occupants in the ute experienced injuries. Hamdan was sentenced to a 24-month intensive corrections order in 2022 after being found guilty of negligent driving, causing death and grievous bodily harm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/nissan-navara-d40-1.jpg) A Nissan Navara D40, similar to that driven by Ameen Hamdan Last week, ACT Coroner Ken Archer handed down his findings into the death of Alexis Saaghy, in which he called for the jurisdiction to “consider reviewing the restrictions that apply to P Plate drivers in respect of their use of high-performance cars”. Specifically, Coroner Archer noted restrictions in the likes of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, where the majority of cars driven by provisional licence holders are limited to a power-to-weight ratio of 130kW/tonne. “No such restrictions apply in the ACT and holders of P plate licences can drive cars exceeding power of 130kw/tonne,” Coroner Archer said in his report. “It should be made clear that in this case the PMR (power to mass ratio) of the vehicle in question was less than 130kW of power per tonne and Hamdan was driving within the law when driving both in the ACT and in NSW. [Australia’s young motorists deserve betterThe most vulnerable motorists on Australian roads are put in situations with no prior experience. Something has to change.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-46eb6a6c-9f04-4722-8f3b-a12117e0f053.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/20201-02-17_Carseldine_learner-driver_E8A1515-06dfff74-057d-40f1-bdd6-5db8c5caf384.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/australias-learner-p-plate-laws-need-change/) “I also observe that apart from performance characteristics, there are other variances between NSW and the ACT regarding restrictions that apply to P plate drivers, notably as to the speed applicable to P plate drivers.” In his formal findings, Coroner Archer added “A relatively inexperienced driver, behind the wheel of a powerful and unsuitable car, failing to drive to the conditions of the road, were factors that likely contributed to the collision that caused her (Alexis Saaghy’s) fatal injuries. Coroner Archer's recommendation for the ACT Government to review its P-plate policies comes after Justice Elkaim, in handing down Hamdan’s sentence, called the Navara and all other types of dual-cab utes “unstable”. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/nissan-navara-d40-2.jpg) “They are vehicles suited to off-road, commercial and farming duties,” Justice Elkaim said. “I have little doubt that only a small percentage of these vehicles are used for those purposes. In my view their sale should be restricted to persons, like farmers, trades persons and genuine off-road enthusiasts, who have a legitimate use for them. “These types of vehicles are unsafe and dangerous. They should not be marketed and sold as suitable for normal suburban use. “I understand that apprentices might be required to have their own utilities for work purposes. If that is correct the requirement is inappropriate. These vehicles should not be in the hands of inexperienced young drivers.” ## P-Plate restrictions by state/territory - New South Wales: Power-to-weight ratio under 130kW/tonne, no modifications - Victoria: Power-to-weight ratio under 130kW/tonne, no modifications - Queensland: - Cars made from January 1, 2010: Power-to-weight ratio under 130kW/tonne - Cars made before January 1, 2010: Maximum of 8 cylinders, no turbocharger/supercharger on non-diesel engines, power below 210kW, no modifications - Western Australia: None - South Australia: - Cars made from January 1, 2010: Power-to-weight ratio under 130kW/tonne - Cars made before January 1, 2010: Maximum of 8 cylinders, no turbocharger/supercharger on non-diesel engines, power below 210kW, no modifications - Tasmania: None - Australian Capital Territory: None - Northern Territory: None ### Former Ferrari, McLaren designer puts the BMW M5 in a tuxedo URL: https://torquecafe.com/former-ferrari-mclaren-designer-puts-the-bmw-m5-in-a-tuxedo/ Last updated: 2026-06-15T06:30:17.000Z The new BMW M5 is the most aggressive looking of the nameplate’s history, and you’d hope so with its potent twin-turbo V8 engine and plug-in hybrid system. But not everyone who wants the performance levels of the super sedan might want to stand out quite as much. Enter the Bovensiepen 05 GT. The German coachbuilders have previously taken to making the BMW 4 Series prettier thanks to Zagato, but they’ve not entrusted famed automotive designer Frank Stephenson to give the M5 a makeover. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Bovensiepen_05_GT_04.jpg) Bovensiepen 05 GT Stephenson, who counts the first-generation BMW X5, the first BMW-era Mini, the McLaren P1 and Ferrari F430 as just some of his designs, was enlisted to tone down the looks of the M5, all the while Bovensiepen worked under its skin to deliver an even greater drive. Based on the M5 Touring, the 05 GT is almost completely new on the outside, with different front and rear bumpers and side sills, a laser-cut stainless steel kidney grille, a subtle roof spoiler, and two sets of dual Akrapovic exhausts sticking out of the back. Riding on 21-inch, 20-spoke wheels, there are bespoke Pirelli tyres on all four corners, hiding repainted brake calipers behind them. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Bovensiepen_05_GT_05.jpg) The cabin too has been treated to a makeover, with a Lavalina steering wheel, as well as leather around the cupholders, on the iDrive controller surround and on the seats. Drivers can select gears via aluminium paddles behind the steering wheel. This is more than just a new skin on an already impressive car though. Under the bonnet there is a new air intake, which has been paired with the larger Akrapovic exhaust system to let the twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 breathe better. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Bovensiepen_05_GT_19_interior.jpg) According to the brand, testing at Papenburg and Nardò led to a revised powertrain tune, now producing 589kW and 1100Nm combined, up on the M5’s 535kW and 1000Nm figures. The coachbuilder makes no mention of the 05 GT’s new kerb weight, only mentioning the exhaust system saves 7.8kg compared to the standard unit – a drop in the ocean compared to the M5 Touring’s circa-2500kg figure. Prices in Germany start from €198,900 (A$325,850), making it almost €50,000 (A$81,915) dearer than the M5 wagon. Only 200 examples will be built. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Bovensiepen_05_GT_24_interior.jpg) "The most successful bespoke automotive projects are rarely about noise, they are about judgement,” said Stephenson. “This car shows how careful, intelligent exterior design can transform the character of a car without losing the integrity of what made it appealing in the first place. “It is subtle, yes, but also confident, beautifully resolved and entirely in keeping with the type of design future many discerning clients are now looking for." ### Koenigsegg claims records after one-handed speed runs URL: https://torquecafe.com/koenigsegg-claims-records-after-one-handed-speed-runs/ Last updated: 2026-06-15T03:30:16.000Z Most motorists couldn’t imagine what it’s like to hit 300km/h in a production car, let alone in less than 400 metres – and with one hand away from the steering wheel. To celebrate Sweden's National Day, Koenigsegg test driver Markus Lundh was let loose in the brand’s Jesko Absolut hypercar, with the aim of breaking at least two records. In his sights were the production car records for the fastest quarter-mile (402m) and half-mile (804m) times, propelled by the car’s twin-turbo 5.0-litre V8 engine, capable of churning out 955kW. With his mobile phone in one hand recording the dashboard, Lundh completed the quarter-mile sprint in 8.54 seconds at 305km/h, before reaching the half-mile marker in just 12.76 seconds at 373km/h – all with just one hand on the steering wheel. Koenigsegg claims both times were “all-out production car top speed records for both the quarter-mile and half-mile, as well as new non-EV production car records for both distances' times”. However, last year [Rimac claimed the electric Nevera R](https://torquecafe.com/rimac-nevera-r-sets-24-speed-records/) – which is a limited production model – was even quicker, with a quarter-mile time of 7.90 seconds, and a half-mile time of 12.26 seconds. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/koenigsegg-jesko-absolut-2.jpg) Regardless, the Jesko Absolut’s run was all the more impressive because it was not only done on an unprepared surface, but all power goes to the rear wheels. For context, the [Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X](https://torquecafe.com/watch-the-chevrolet-corvette-become-americas-quickest-production-car/) – which produces 900kW and 1200Nm from its V8-powered rear wheels and electric motor-powered front wheels – last year completed the quarter mile in 8.68 seconds at a speed of 255.9km/h. While it has not yet detailed what changes were made to the Jesko Absolut to achieve the rapid runs, Koenigsegg says the “performance was made possible by new software advancements that will be rolled out via OTA update to the entire Absolut fleet”. ### BMW M3’s electric future previewed URL: https://torquecafe.com/bmw-m3s-electric-future-previewed/ Last updated: 2026-06-15T01:13:04.000Z BMW is nearing the reveal of its production M3 EV, with its debut one step closer after the unveiling of the Concept M Neue Klasse at Le Mans. Set to launch in 2027, the electric BMW M3 has been officially teased for the best part of 18 months, though we now have a much clearer picture of what it’ll look like. Like the Neue Klasse concept-inspired i3 (the electric equivalent of the 3 Series), the Concept M Neue Klasse will almost certainly make production as the new M3, promising to be the fastest version of the nameplate ever. Its bright red paintwork highlights the aggressive exterior, with a wide front end accentuated by huge air intakes and pumped-out wheel-arches. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/BMW-M-Concept-Neue-Klasse-Inspire-6.jpg) Concept M Neue Klasse The yellow headlight highlights are inspired not only by the BMW M Hybrid V8 Le Mans challenger but also previous CS and CSL BMWs, though the feature will soon become available on all future M cars. Angular side lines lead to an equally staunch rear end, which features a low-mounted diffuser sits below the integrated ducktail spoiler on the bootlid, a design feature making its way onto more BMW performance cars, including the M2 CS. While the wheels show hints of the M Style designs we’ve seen from BMW across the years, the way they’re bolted to the car is more like Porsche’s GT models, with centrelock wheel nuts on all four corners – coloured coded red and blue for anti-clockwise and clockwise threads. The Concept M Neue Klasse also extensively uses BMW’s new natural fibres, with the flax-based lightweight components are not only as strong as carbon fibre, but also environmentally cleaner to make. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/BMW-M-Concept-Neue-Klasse-Inspire-4.jpg) Concept M Neue Klasse Inside the cabin features four seats, all of which are bucket-style to provide the most support possible for all occupants. There’s a bit of Australian inspiration too as the Merino leather seat upholstery combination has been named Bathurst Blue and Berry Red, paying homage to the classic BMW M colours. The steering wheel, door panels and roll bar are all upholstered in black nubuck leather, while the floating dashboard gets black knit material with M-specific hexagonal backlighting. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/BMW-M-Concept-Neue-Klasse-Inspire-5.jpg) Concept M Neue Klasse Previous reports have suggested the electric M3’s 800-volt, quad-motor platform will support power outputs of more than 750kW, making it not only BMW M’s most powerful production car ever, but also well clear of the current twin-turbo straight-six M3 Competition xDrive’s 390kW figure. BMW M’s sales boss Sylvia Neubauer previously told the UK’s [*Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/1000bhp-bmw-m3-ev-be-priced-same-ballpark-petrol-twin?ref=torquecafe.com) that the electric M3 will be [similarly priced to the current M3](https://torquecafe.com/bmw-m3-ev-will-be-almost-the-same-price-as-petrol-twin-nearly-double-the-power/), which itself is due to be replaced in the coming years. The executive added that by offering both the iM3 and M3 as a part of its lineup, BMW will give potential buyers “the choice” as to which car suits them best. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/BMW-M-Concept-Neue-Klasse-Inspire-16.jpg) Concept M Neue Klasse “There will be functional differences that lead to a different design in some areas of the car, but when you look at them, you will see that they are twins “Mainly it’s a high-performance target group \[BMW M3 buyers. But within that high-performance target groups, you have those with more progressive all-electric mindsets and the ones that are diehard petrolheads who will stay in an ICE vehicle forever. “But it’s always a BMW M. When we talk about the BMW M3, it’s the M3 no matter the drivetrain. The driving experience must be true, and you decide if you want EV or ICE.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/BMW-M-Concept-Neue-Klasse-Inspire-10.jpg) Concept M Neue Klasse BMW has teased that the iM3 will feature fake gear shifts and a “newly developed soundscape”, similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N (and now Ioniq 6 N). While it didn’t say at the time what this soundscape would be, in a video uploaded to YouTube, BMW M showed its team recording engine sounds from three recent performance models, which will likely be piped into the EV’s cabin. These include the E92 M3 GTS (powered by a 4.4-litre V8 engine), the F82 M4 GTS (powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six engine), and the E63 M6 (powered by a 5.0-litre V10). ### Genesis Magma GT Concept previews Ferrari, Porsche rival URL: https://torquecafe.com/genesis-magma-gt-concept-previews-ferrari-porsche-rival/ Last updated: 2026-06-14T23:40:03.000Z Genesis is edging closer to finally producing a supercar, with its Magma GT Concept evolving to look almost ready to hit the showrooms. The Magma GT Concept was first shown off [in November last year](https://torquecafe.com/shock-new-rival-for-porsche-911-revealed/), though only as an exterior design study, with the orange-painted mid-engined coupe lacking the finer details, such as an interior. That’s now changed, with Genesis taking the covers off its updated Magma GT Concept at Le Mans, now featuring a fully-furnished cabin. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Genesis-Magma-GT-Concept-Interior_2--1-.jpg) Genesis has revealed the cabin of the Magma GT Concept Its cabin is distinctive, with the two occupant areas split by a sizable centre concept, to which a H-pattern style automatic gear selector sits, just below the refreshingly small infotainment screen. In fact, all the interior screens and gauges are far smaller than we’ve come to expect from modern vehicles, with the driver getting a simple analogue rev counter, incorporating a digital speedometer, gear displace, and fuel level/engine temperature display. Of course, coming from a luxury brand like Genesis, it would have been surprising to see the Magma GT Concept without a well-trimmed interior, and its quilted leather upholstery certainly delivers to the expectations of the marque. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Genesis-Magma-GT-Concept-Interior_1--1-.jpg) The luxury brand has gone minimalist inside the cabin On the outside, the design has evolved slightly from the original concept, with the new Magma GT featuring much thinner headlights, a more pronounced air deflector behind the front wheels, and a simplified rear light design. Its ovular exhaust outlet continues to sit above a large rear diffuser, though we still don’t know what could power the production version of the Magma GT. Last year [*Top Gear*](https://www.topgear.com/car-news/supercars/surprise-genesis-brand-new-v8-engined-supercar?ref=torquecafe.com) reported Genesis chief Luc Donckerwolke as saying the Magma GT would be powered by the twin-turbo 3.2-litre V8 engine which made its Le Mans debut in the GMR-001 over the weekend. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Genesis-Magma-GT-Concept-Exterior_1--1-.jpg) The front end design of the Magma GT has evolved slightly since November This engine is made from combining two of the four-cylinder engines from the Hyundai i20N WRC car together, via a flat-plane crank. It’s not yet officially confirmed that this engine will see production in the Magma GT. The Magma GT Concept embodies our vision of luxury and athleticism on the road, while the Magma GT3 Concept translates that philosophy into the race environment, where every element is driven by performance, efficiency, and purpose,” Donckerwolke said at Le Mans. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Genesis-Magma-GT-Concept-Exterior_3--1-.jpg) We still don't know what will power the Genesis Magma GT “Together, they demonstrate how Genesis is exploring the full spectrum of high performance – from refined grand touring to uncompromising motorsport.” The Magma GT will need to go into production to allow Genesis to compete in global racing with the Magma GT3, also revealed at Le Mans and detailed by our sister site [Speedcafe](https://speedcafe.com/motorsport-news-2026-genesis-hyundai-magma-gt-concept-gt3-car-details-revealed-comments-reaction/?ref=torquecafe.com). [Little-known luxury car manufacturer reveals GT3 conceptGenesis is the newest player in the FIA World Endurance Championship, having this year debuted its GMR-001 Hypercar. Now the![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/sc-favicon-62ed7477-5a65-4c16-832b-be29f40a77bd.png)Speedcafe.comSimon Chapman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/genesismagmagt3concept_1-2c4cf128-e8bc-422a-a477-66bf2b017120.jpg)](https://speedcafe.com/motorsport-news-2026-genesis-hyundai-magma-gt-concept-gt3-car-details-revealed-comments-reaction/?ref=torquecafe.com) ### Mitsubishi Triton street truck, off-road monster revealed URL: https://torquecafe.com/mitsubishi-triton-street-truck-off-road-monster-revealed/ Last updated: 2026-06-13T20:00:48.000Z The current generation Mitsubishi Triton has been the subject of numerous modification combinations since launching in 2024. In its home market of Thailand, there’s a [Triton Street edition](https://torquecafe.com/mitsubishi-news-triton-street-thailand/) with a different face on the Club Cab body. In Brazil the [Mitsubishi Triton Savana](https://torquecafe.com/mitsubishi-news-triton-savana-edition-brasil/) gets heaps of off-road accessories to be tougher off the beaten track. Of course, Australia recently received the [Triton Raider](https://torquecafe.com/mitsubishi-news-triton-raider-price-australia/), sold by Mitsubishi but modified extensively by Premcar to take on the likes of the Ford Ranger Tremor and Toyota HiLux Rogue X. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/mitsubishi-triton-new-zealand-fieldays-1.jpg) Lowered Mitsubishi Triton VRX street truck Not wanting to feel left out, Mitsubishi’s New Zealand arm has revealed a pair of Tritons at the Fieldays agricultural show in Hamilton, each with very different takes on the ute. The first version (above) is a ‘street truck’ version of the Triton VRX (similar to the Triton GSR sold in Australia), with its ground clearance all but eliminated. Likely running on air suspension, its huge wheels sit flush with the wheel-arches, while the front axles feature camber to get the wheels tucked in. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/mitsubishi-triton-new-zealand-fieldays-2.jpg) Lifted Mitsubishi Triton Mitsubishi NZ’s second Triton takes an entirely different path, seemingly taking all the height that was removed from the street truck and adding it to the dual-cab ute. Made with the obvious intention of going off-road, the tougher Triton features a heavy-duty bullbar, a bashplate, winch, snorkel and oversized wheels which stick far out from under the guards – something which would see it defected on Australian roads. Unfortunately for our Kiwi cousins, Mitsubishi has no plans to sell either Triton variant in New Zealand, instead using Fieldays as a display of what the ute is capable of. ### Ford’s revolutionary new ute spied URL: https://torquecafe.com/fords-revolutionary-new-ute-spied/ Last updated: 2026-06-12T20:00:16.000Z Ford has done well to keep its upcoming electric Maverick-sized pickup under wraps, at least until now. Journalists from US outlet *The Autopian* spotted what is believed to be a test mule for the Ford electric pickup in California, being tested with heavy camouflage, but giving us our first indication of what the ute will look like. Closer in size to the Maverick – which itself is based on the Escape SUV – than the Ranger and even larger F-150, the pickup has a low-set roof above its dual-cab body, though it appears its tub isn’t too much smaller than that of a short-wheelbase F-150. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZY4wdcgrRQ/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by The Autopian (@theautopian)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZY4wdcgrRQ/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) Ford’s camouflage has done its job by preventing us from seeing the finer details of its design, though the brand has formerly alluded to it being sleek in a bid to reduce drag and increase range. The carmaker has previously claimed the new ute will be “as fast as a Mustang EcoBoost” (which accelerates from 0-100km/h in about 5.5 seconds), and will start from “about US$30,000 (A$45,400)”. While its name hasn’t officially been announced, Ford has recently trademarked the Ranchero name, previously used on a car-based ute in the US - similar to the Ford Falcon, or Chevrolet’s El Camino. Due to launch in 2027 and become the first vehicle running Ford’s Universal EV Platform, the brand has gone so far as to claim its recent relationship with the world of [Formula 1 has helped development](https://torquecafe.com/how-f1-is-shaping-fords-next-ranger-sized-ute/). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/ford-universal-electric-vehicle-ute-pickup-ranchero-3--1-.jpg) Design drawings for the upcoming Ford electric pickup Ford CEO Jim Farley has previously said “our first body style will be a pickup, but it’s really not a pickup. I would say it’s a new silhouette”, he told [*The Verge’s Decoder*](https://www.theverge.com/podcast/784875/ford-ceo-jim-farley-interview-ev-cars-china-trump-tariffs-carplay?ref=torquecafe.com) podcast. “What I mean by that is that it has more room than a RAV4, the best-selling passenger car in the US. That doesn’t include its frunk and pickup truck bed. “I think the whole package is something that has not been offered in the US or anywhere else to date. I think this first product is quite revolutionary.” In total, Ford claims its tweaks to the conventional shape of a pickup with the developments of its EV mean it is 15 per cent more aerodynamically efficient, delivering up to 80km more driving range. ### 2027 KTM EXC range confirmed for Australia, arriving September URL: https://torquecafe.com/2027-ktm-exc-range-confirmed-for-australia-arriving-september/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T04:06:22.000Z KTM has confirmed its 2027 EXC and EXC-F enduro range for Australia, with the updated lineup expected to land at authorised dealerships from September 2026. The 2027 range receives a graphics update while retaining the same underlying technical platform, including KTM's advanced chassis architecture, WP XACT suspension, and existing engine packages across both 2-stroke and 4-stroke variants. The lineup continues to span a broad displacement range across 2-stroke and 4-stroke models. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2027-KTM-EXC-RANGE.jpg) The 2-stroke KTM 300 EXC uses KTM’s Throttle Body Injection (TBI) system, designed to deliver consistent fuelling and throttle response across varying terrain and conditions. On the 4-stroke side, the range opens with the KTM 250 EXC-F, which KTM positions as an accessible entry point. The KTM 350 EXC-F sits in the middle of the range, while the 450 EXC-F and 500 EXC-F are aimed at riders tackling demanding terrain and extended endurance events. All models in the 2027 range continue with KTM’s WP XACT suspension and the brand’s established lightweight chassis concept. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/07/2027-KTM-EXC-F-RANGE--1-.jpg) KTM is offering access to its Premium Manufacturer’s Warranty on the 2027 EXC range in certain regions, subject to servicing and maintenance being carried out in line with manufacturer guidelines through an authorised dealer. The 2027 KTM EXC range is expected to arrive at dealerships in Australia and New Zealand from September 2026\. Pricing for the 2027 range has not yet been announced. ### Porsche 911 won’t go electric any time soon URL: https://torquecafe.com/porsche-911-wont-go-electric-any-time-soon/ Last updated: 2026-06-12T04:00:40.000Z Porsche has already walked back the majority of its upcoming EV product plans, and now it seems its longest-running model is off-limits to going electric. According to [*Reuters*](https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/porsche-wont-produce-fully-electric-911-dpa-cites-ceo-saying-2026-06-10/?ref=torquecafe.com), citing a report by news agency dpa, Porsche CEO Michael Leiters told attendees at an event run by *Auto, Motor und Sport* that the 911 won’t go fully electric, though it’s not known if there is an end date on this promise. The Porsche 911 only adopted hybrid power for the first time when it was recently updated to ‘992.2’ guise, with the brand’s new T-Hybrid system finding its way in most of the high-end variants. Porsche has never announced plans for the 911 nameplate to go electric or even feature an EV variant, despite the majority of its product range either having already done so (in the Cayenne and Macan), or becoming electric in the future (the 718 Cayman and Boxster). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/porsche-911-gt3-sc-4.jpg) Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Leiters’ announcement comes as Porsche attempts to get back to basics with its business structure, and amid a big change for its future sports car plans. Porsche’s recent EV [U-turns have so far been reported](https://torquecafe.com/famous-brand-admits-9-billion-mistake/) to have cost its parent company the Volkswagen Group €5.1 billion ($9.1 billion). Earlier this year, a report by [*Bloomberg*](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-02/porsche-ceo-weighs-cutting-electric-sports-cars-to-tackle-budget?ref=torquecafe.com) \- citing insider sources within Porsche - claimed Leiters was considering scrapping the 718 Cayman and Boxster EVs, due to continued delays and rising costs. Porsche declined to comment on the report, however it follows months of speculation about the future of the Cayman and Boxster, after the sports car twins were discontinued with petrol power in 2025. Last year Porsche said the new 718 models would be expanded to offer “top ICE (internal combustion engine) derivatives”, suggesting the flagship RS versions of each would be the only versions to get a petrol engine. [Australian firm gives classic Porsche 911 a shocking upgradeA Melbourne-based classic car restorer has gone down a different path than most with the Porsche 911, and its flat-six engine is nowhere to be found.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-d1aae658-dc8e-4f45-a110-79111e17771f.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/jaunt-motors-electric-porsche-911-3-8108614f-9dc7-4b77-9252-80ad989a00a6.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/jaunt-motors-electric-porsche-911/) According to the report, Porsche deliberated making the new 718 a plug-in hybrid, however this too would require different underpinnings which would increase development costs and blow out its timeline. While it’s almost certain petrol power will return to the Cayman and Boxster, Porsche reportedly has requirements for the ICE version, such as being able to “achieve dynamic parity” with the EV. This may be difficult given the 718 EVs use a load-bearing battery pack which forms an integral part of the chassis, something that can’t be replicated with a petrol engine. Questions over what engine could power the new petrol sports cars remain, given the 4.0-litre flat-six found in a majority of the outgoing 718 lineup isn’t currently compatible with upcoming Euro 7 regulations. ### Subaru’s STI revival one step closer URL: https://torquecafe.com/subarus-sti-revival-one-step-closer/ Last updated: 2026-06-12T02:00:32.000Z In March 2022, Subaru did the almost unthinkable by announcing it was putting its long-running Subaru Technica International – better known as STI – department on hiatus, at least for the WRX lineup. After making its debut 1994 on the GC8 Impreza WRX, the STI name denoted the fastest versions of the WRX, Liberty/Legacy and Forester for almost three decades, though its 2022 pivot included a plan to instead focus on electrified products. However, having only launched three EVs globally in the time since with none of them providing a performance focus, rumblings of an STI revival have circulated in recent times, with fuel added to the fire in the past 12 months. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/subaru-performance-b-sti-concept-6--1-.jpg) Subaru Performance-B STI Concept At last year’s Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru revealed the ‘Performance-B STI Concept’, a WRX STI hatchback by any other name, though it has so far only influenced the WRX STI HiPerfX2, which is the brand’s new challenger in the Super Taikyu Series. Last week, Subaru teased three new manual-equipped models, one of which is a production version of the Performance-B STI concept, said to have a “personality that is different from the WRX and BRZ”. Speaking to Australian media at the launch of the Trailseeker electric SUV, Blair Read, managing director of Subaru’s Australian importer Inchcape Australasia, said to “keep watching this space” when it comes to an STI revival. [Subaru WRX manual hatchback teased alongside tougher BRZ and WRX sedanThe Subaru WRX hatchback is one step closer to returning, after the brand teased three new manual models to launch soon![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-69395a7f-a37f-4211-9861-30d2d9a96b6b.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/subaru-wrx-hatchback-brz-sedan-teaser-1-1-2aabcaad-51f0-41b1-8ce3-3968260b55dd.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/subaru-wrx-manual-hatchback-teased-alongside-tougher-brz-and-wrx-sedan/) “We can’t comment on that today,” said Read, who was most recently Subaru Australia’s managing director. “Just keep watching this space. You would have seen a lot of global activity in the past few weeks, that’s all we can share at this point in time.” “What has been published is what we can share today. “Subaru is synonymous with performance. It’s what the Subaru community is passionate about. That performance DNA runs through the veins of everyone that’s involved with Subaru. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/subaru-performance-b-sti-concept-4--1-.jpg) Subaru Performance-B STI Concept “Expect to see more.” In addition to the potential launch of a WRX STI hatchback, Subaru’s Japanese division says it’ll treat the WRX sedan to the stronger six-speed manual gearbox which was fitted to the previous-generation WRX STI. It’s also set to turn the [BRZ STI Sport Type RA](https://torquecafe.com/subaru-brz-sti-sport-type-ra-revealed/), previously limited to just 300 examples in Japan only, into a series production variant. ### New Toyota MR2 details uncovered URL: https://torquecafe.com/new-toyota-mr2-details-uncovered/ Last updated: 2026-06-11T23:46:16.000Z Toyota seems to not want to keep much about the new MR2 a secret, based on the most recent comments from its Gazoo Racing executives. Rumours of the MR2’s return have been fuelled by Japanese media in recent years, and were put into overdrive when Toyota started testing a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the GR Yaris M Concept, mounting it behind the driver. The GR Yaris M Concept has been competing in Japan’s Super Taikyu Series where it is being used as a testbed for the new engine, though according to Naohiko Saito, Toyota GR’s chief engineer, the production vehicle will go all-wheel drive, rather than the rear-drive concept. “This layout is new for us, but we have found in our initial testing that the combination of an all-wheel-drive mid-ship layout offers the best layout for high-performance driving,” Saito told [*Auto Express*](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/toyota/365687/new-toyota-mr2-or-celica-thrilling-mid-engined-sports-car-prototype-driven?ref=torquecafe.com). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/20251025_01_02.jpg) Toyota GR Yaris M Concept Auto Express’ claim that the Yaris M Concept is rear-wheel drive is at odds with comments made by GR president Tomoya Takahashi earlier this year, who told [*Toyota Times*](https://toyotatimes.jp/en/spotlights/hpe%5Fchallenge%5F2025%5F007.html?ref=torquecafe.com#anchorTitles), the brand’s in-house magazine, the new test car is all-wheel drive. “The midship layout was our way of making cars that are fun for customers to drive. As for why we went with four-wheel drive for the midship, you can trace that back to the MR2,” [Takahashi said](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-mr2-gr-yaris-development/). “The MR2 likewise had an incredibly well-balanced weight distribution between the front and rear, but it was prone to spinning. What made the car turn so well also led it to spin out easily on corners. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/toyota-mr2-1--1-.jpg) The second-generation Toyota MR2 “By turning that layout into four-wheel drive, you transform the power that causes the vehicle to spin into a force that pulls the car forward, improving stability through corners. That’s why we took on the challenge of a midship four-wheel drive, aiming for faster, more stable cornering. “When you get behind the wheel, we hope the first thing people notice is how well the car turns. From here, development is going to happen out on the racetrack for all to see, as we want customers who purchase the car in the future to feel that they’ve been part of the process.” For Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda – also known by his racing pseudonym Morizo – the Super Taikyu Series is the perfect place to test the new powertrain, telling Auto Express it wouldn’t have been considered for production without first going racing. [Toyota MR2 testbed getting ‘better every day’The car which has been widely linked to the return of the Toyota MR2 is under constant development, and being further honed for production.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-6930a4cf-18e0-4813-add7-d2f126c297bb.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/toyota-gr-yaris-m-concept-smaller-893043e7-bda5-4a2b-9b6a-adde0d77911e.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-mr2-testbed-getting-better-every-day/) “If we don’t challenge \[ourselves in motorsport\] maybe we don’t fail, but if we challenge then maybe we fail,” Toyoda said. “If we decided to make such a car in a meeting, it would never exist,” Toyoda added. “We are showing to our employees that you can challenge, you can say anything you want, because we’re doing it, we’re showing in front of everybody.” It’s understood that the new Toyota MR2 will [launch later this decade](https://torquecafe.com/new-toyota-mr2-might-not-launch-this-decade/), after Takahashi said the production version of the car the GR Yaris test mule is developing is only in its first of four stages, which can take four to five years overall, putting a debut in the late 2020s out of the picture. ### Method Race Wheels claims outright wins at Finke and Baja 500 URL: https://torquecafe.com/method-race-wheels-claims-outright-wins-at-finke-and-baja-500/ Last updated: 2026-06-11T09:02:43.000Z The twin victories, achieved on opposite sides of the Pacific just days apart, underline the American wheel manufacturer's growing footprint in top-level off-road competition — and the strength of its Australian arm, which has been steadily building its presence in the local desert racing scene. ## Robinson conquers Finke At the Finke Desert Race, run over the King's Birthday long weekend from Alice Springs to the remote Finke community and back, Travis Robinson took outright victory in the Extreme 4WD class on Method wheels. The brand's success ran deep through the field. Mikey Zacka won the Pro Buggy class, Ben Falk took Prolite Buggy honours, and Method-equipped racers locked out the entire SXS Pro podium, with Glen Ackroyd leading home Kane Jones and Troy Behsman in a clean sweep of the class. Finke remains one of the most punishing tests of equipment in world motorsport, with competitors hammering across roughly 460km of rutted, rocky red desert at race pace — making it a proving ground manufacturers prize for both development and marketing credibility. ## McMillin goes back-to-back at the Baja 500 Across the Pacific, the SCORE International Baja 500 delivered an equally strong result. Luke McMillin claimed his second consecutive Baja 500 victory, winning the SCORE Trophy Truck 4WD class and the overall on Method wheels, with Justin Lofton fourth in class. All told, Method racers collected six class wins and ten podium finishes in Mexico. Gustavo Vildosola Sr and Ricky Johnson combined to win the Trophy Truck Legends class, while Brendan Gaughan took Class 1 honours. The brand's strength in the booming UTV market was also on display: Branden Sims won Pro UTV Open ahead of third-placed Ethan Groom, Kaden Wells took Pro UTV FI, and Craig Scanlon won Pro Stock UTV. Tim Herbst (Trophy Truck 2WD), Ricardo Torres (Pro UTV Naturally Aspirated) and the Hero Racing outfit (Pro Moto Unlimited) added further podiums. ## Two continents, one weekend For Method Race Wheels Australia, headquartered in Lawnton, Queensland, the results offer a powerful marketing story: outright wins in the two biggest desert races on either side of the Pacific inside a single weekend. With the SXS and UTV categories continuing to grow rapidly in both markets, podium lockouts in those classes are likely to carry particular commercial weight as the brand pushes deeper into the recreational off-road segment. [Method Race Wheels | Off-Road WheelsMethod Race Wheels is committed to bringing you the finest quality products with the most complete lineup of wheels for off-road trucks, off-road buggies, rock climbers, ATVs, SUVs and rally cars.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/favicon_32x32-5fc7a5e5-3dc6-4eac-b8d6-6c6be5b68f27.png)Method Race Wheels![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/method-race-wheels-f92493ac-d67a-48cf-817e-7f9136a63fb0.png)](https://www.methodracewheels.com/?ref=torquecafe.com) ### Supercars champion Brodie Kostecki reveals special-edition Ford Mustang URL: https://torquecafe.com/supercars-champion-brodie-kostecki-reveals-special-edition-ford-mustang/ Last updated: 2026-06-11T07:13:46.000Z Supercars powerhouse Triple Eight broke the mould when it and Ford Australia announced earlier this year that the Mustang Dark Horse would receive a special [‘T8-Spec Pack’](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-mustang-dark-horse-t8-spec-pack-triple-eight-australia/) later this year. The first in a relatively short line of racing-themed models sold by Ford in Australia, with the last offering coming in 2007 in the form of the ‘Falcon XR Ute by Craig Lowndes’, the T8-Spec Pack will soon be joined by another special edition Mustang. Revealed by 2023 Supercars Champion Brodie Kostecki, the upcoming ‘BK Limited Edition’ Mustang GT is a collaboration between the current Dick Johnson Racing driver and long-time sponsor, the Lancaster Motor Group. Exclusive to the dealer and set to go on sale later this year, it joins the likes of the Mustang SM17, the DJR 40th Anniversary and Tickford Bathurst ‘77 Special as modified versions of the pony car not officially backed by Ford. Starting life as an automatic Mustang GT, the BK Limited Edition gets a number of upgrades from Ford Performance parts supplier Herrod, such as a cold air intake and Borla cat-back exhaust as well as an engine tune, though no new performance figure has been announced. On top of this, it gets a set of lowering springs from Herrod, allowing the new 20-inch Rotiform wheels to better fill the guards, while bodykit add-ons from My Mustang Mods help achieve a more aggressive look. Lancaster Ford is yet to put a price on the BK Special Edition Mustang GT, however the price of purchase will not only include a signed engine cover by Kostecki, but also a ride in his DJR Supercar. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/ford-mustang-bk-special-edition-brodie-kostecki-1.jpg) Brodie Kostecki working on the Ford Mustang BK Special Edition ### Toy Story-themed Porsche 911s tap into childhood fantasy URL: https://torquecafe.com/toy-story-themed-porsche-911s-tap-into-childhood-fantasy/ Last updated: 2026-06-11T23:09:28.000Z Toy Story likely doesn’t need the help of Porsche to promote its upcoming fifth installment, but it’s not every day the German sports car icon reveals a trio of special 911s to commemorate an event. Ahead of Toy Story 5 being released in cinemas, Porsche’s North American division revealed three distinct 911s, each which will remain as one-offs and paying tribute to Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear. The three cars have been designed and made to be sold, with proceeds going to charities such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the American Red Cross, and Starlight Children’s Foundation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/DSC026862026--1-.jpg) Porsche's Jessie (left), Buzz (centre) and Woody (right) themed 911s for Toy Story 5 To honour Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, Porsche had no other choice than to pick the big-winged 911 GT3 RS as its base, hinting at the space ranger’s pop-out wings. Finished in a white, green, and purple livery to match that of Buzz’s space suit, Porsche also added special details such as the space ranger logo to the wheel’s centre caps, while even its Goodyear tyres were remodeled to incorporate the ‘Lightyear’ name. Inside, the door sill guards feature Buzz’s catchphrase “To Infinity and Beyond”, while the seats, door trims and dashboard are upholstered in Pebble Grey leather and Arctic Grey Race-Tex, contrasted by the upper seats featuring Violeta leather. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/PORSCHE_TOYSTORY5_WOODY_001_DSC05973--1-.jpg) The Woody edition of the Porsche 911 In the case of the Woody 911, it was based on the Carrera T, the only manual version of the non-GT 911s currently on sale. Finished in a custom colour designed to mimic the cowboy’s denim jeans – including the texture of them – Porsche added Fire Red graphics with Woody’s name on them, while it also rides on custom wheels. Porsche utilised a brown vintage leather inside the cabin, designed to look like a toy which has been worn out over the years, which is teamed with Dark Night Blue leather, and cowhide-pattern floor mats. Like the Buzz car, the Woody 911 gets special sill plates with his catchphrase, “Ride Like the Wind!” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/0Y7A7814--1-.jpg) The Jessie edition of the Porsche 911 Finally, Jessie’s 911 is a Targa 4 GTS, getting its own custom Jessie White Metallic paintwork, inspired by her shirt’s pearl buttons. Its front and rear details as well as its lower side panels feature 44 Cobalt Blue Metallic, while the upper part of the front boot and rear engine cover are highlighted in Atacama Yellow, adorned with GTS Red pinstriping. Both the mirror caps and targa tops are the same red as Jessie’s hat, while the custom wheels also stand out. The ‘targa’ name on the top bar now wears Jessie’s name. Inside, there’s a mix of custom-made leather in Dark Night Blue, Bordeaux Red and Pebble Grey, as well as denim-look fabric, matching Woody’s blue hues. To cap it off, the sill plates are illuminated, showing ‘Yee Haw!’ on them. It’s not the first time Porsche has collaborated with Disney-Pixar, having created a one-off ‘Sally Carrera’ (from the film Cars) tribute 911 Carrera 4 GTS, which sold at auction in 2022 for US$3.6 million. ### Race on Sunday, sell someday: Japan’s car giants turn to racing URL: https://torquecafe.com/race-on-sunday-sell-someday-japans-car-giants-turn-to-racing/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T20:00:26.000Z The old adage of ‘Race on Sunday, Sell on Monday’ tends to get overused and isn’t quite as relatable as it once was, with most high profile racing series using cars you can’t rock up to your local dealer and buy as their competitors. In Japan, that hasn’t seemed to phase the likes of Toyota, Subaru and Mazda much, with all three brands competing in an experimental class of the Super Taikyu Series, all wanting to learn very different things from their entries. At the most recent round of the championship, the series headed to Fuji Speedway for a 24 hour race, and while much attention was on the front-running GT3 cars, those campaigned in the ST-Q exhibition class were arguably even more interesting. Toyota has been well documented as campaigning the [TGRR GR Yaris M Concept ](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-mr2-gr-yaris-development/)in the Super Taikyu Series, powered by a mid-mounted turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, rather than the front-mounted 1.6-litre three cylinder as found in the standard GR Yaris. [Toyota vows to save petrol enginesToyota chairman Akio Toyoda has never shied away from putting engines on a pedestal, now doubling down on his love of petrol power.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-e87d681e-fdbd-49f7-8889-d9f89fc2195c.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/hr-20.ToyotaGRYaris5301-scaled-1-37fd136f-9a54-47ab-84ce-9304866edcee.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/akio-toyoda-wants-toyota-petrol-sports-cars/) Understood to be the testbed for a new MR2, it’s been out and about for the best part of two years, but at this most recent round more attention was on Toyota’s hydrogen-powered GR Corolla. Also in service for the past handful of years, Toyota initially started with the GR Corolla running on hydrogen gas, later liquid hydrogen, and now with a superconducting liquid hydrogen pump, the first racing vehicle to adopt the technology. The pump compresses the liquid hydrogen in the fuel tank and transports it to the engine, and had previously been an electric motor but is now a superconducting motor, allowing it to be fitted inside the tank. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/toyota-gr-corolla-hydrogen.jpg) Toyota's hydrogen-powered GR Corolla This raised the fuel tank capacity from 220 litres to 300 litres, and saw the motor unit mounted lower down, improving the centre of gravity. Toyota also changed the GR Corolla’s transmission, swapping out the standard six-speed manual transmission for its newly released eight-speed automatic, allowing the car to lap more consistently. For Mazda, the Fuji 24 Hour race was the debut of a new version of Mazda 3, dubbed the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Future Concept. Featuring a diesel engine, the hatchback runs on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a biodiesel substitute to traditional diesel fuel. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/mazda-3-super-taikyu-carbon-capture-2.jpg) Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Future Concept The car also features an onboard CO2 (carbon dioxide) capture system, with Zeolite used as an absorbent which desorbs when heated, eventually compressed and stored in an onboard tank, rather than spat out of the tailpipe. According to Mazda, across the 24-hour race, a total of 804 grams of CO2 was captured, far more than in its previous test where only 84 grams were captured. Mazda claims the “combined effect of the CO2 reduction achieved through HVO and the amount of CO2 captured by the system temporarily exceeded the target recovery level assumed for typical use in Mazda production vehicles”. “Building on these results, Mazda is entering a new phase of development focused on further testing and refining the system in racing cars, which operate under high loads and more demanding conditions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/mazda-3-super-taikyu-carbon-capture-1.jpg) Mazda's carbon capture system “Specifically, Mazda aims to further evaluate the potential for reducing net CO2 emissions in its race car at Round 7 of Super Taikyu Series in November.” Finally, Subaru might not be heading down the same path of emissions reduction as Toyota and Mazda, but its Super Taikyu entry should be even more appealing to enthusiasts. Earlier this year it revealed the High Performance X Version II (or HiPerfX2), based on its existing WRX-sourced racer, but using the body of the Impreza hatchback. Subaru has confirmed it’s got three new manual models on the way, one of which is a production version of the Performance-B STI Concept, which in turn inspired the HiPerfX2. It’s been more than a decade since Subaru last sold a WRX hatchback, though that drought is likely to be snapped when its upcoming model comes out. [Subaru WRX manual hatchback teased alongside tougher BRZ and WRX sedanThe Subaru WRX hatchback is one step closer to returning, after the brand teased three new manual models to launch soon![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-241d9c92-56e6-47c7-86fb-a59072f17990.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/subaru-wrx-hatchback-brz-sedan-teaser-1-1-b71af0a9-25a5-4f57-9bd2-ca5854b235ee.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/subaru-wrx-manual-hatchback-teased-alongside-tougher-brz-and-wrx-sedan/) ### Dodge Charger leaves America for Europe, but no closer to Australia URL: https://torquecafe.com/dodge-charger-leaves-america-for-europe-but-no-closer-to-australia/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T06:30:54.000Z Stellantis – global parent of Dodge and a dozen other brands – has announced it’s bringing the Charger Daytona EV and Charger Sixpack to Europe, bringing American flavour to the market. Coinciding with the Charger’s 60th anniversary, the nameplate will return to left-hand drive European markets later this year, becoming one of the few Stellantis North American brands (which includes Ram, Jeep and Chrysler) to be offered on the continent. “Bringing Charger back to Europe is a significant moment for the brand,” said Fabio Catone, Head of Brand for Dodge in Europe. “It means reintroducing an unmistakable American nameplate to customers that values character and authenticity. Charger has always been about standing apart, and that attitude is exactly what defines its return.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/dodge-charger-sixpack-4--1-.jpg) Dodge Charger Sixpack sedan (left) and coupe (right) Dodge launched the new-generation Charger, now both a two-door coupe and four-door sedan, in North America last year, initially in electric Daytona guise before adding the six-cylinder Sixpack further down the line. The European lineup is yet to be finalised, though in Europe there are two flavours of the Sixpack, both of which are powered by the twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six shared with the Ram 1500. In the Charger Sixpack R/T, its engine produces 313kW and 635Nm, with outputs increasing to 410kW and 720Nm in the flagship Scat Pack. Both are all-wheel drive with 10-speed automatic transmissions. [Six-cylinder muscle car launches, door still open for V8’s returnThe Dodge Charger is now offered to US buyers with twin-turbo six-cylinder power, but the Hemi V8 could still yet make a comeback.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-faa78b10-57e1-4138-bee4-131317bc8709.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/dodge-charger-sixpack-5.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/dodge-charger-sixpack-hemi-v8-return/) The Charger Daytona meanwhile outpaces both thanks to its dual-motor, 500kW powertrain, while the EV can also generate faux engine sounds thanks to its ‘Fratzonic’ exhaust. Though it is the fastest and most powerful Charger currently on sale, the Daytona EV has struggled for sales in North America, while earlier this month Dodge raised prices. Unfortunately, both versions of the Charger will remain left-hand drive with Stellantis not announcing plans to convert them to right-hand drive, which would open up an avenue to sell the Charger in Australia. [Retro NASCAR to influence returning V8 muscle carThe Dodge Charger will once again get the supercharged 6.2-litre Hellcat engine, and feature a big wing similar to one of the most famous NASCARs.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-7afae584-08a6-4df8-ab88-ce53f7d61cfa.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/plymouth_road_runner_superbird_hemi_11-78871505-686b-4d19-80b7-3a4ae89e6ed9.jpeg)](https://torquecafe.com/retro-nascar-to-influence-returning-v8-muscle-car/) Last month, the newly reborn Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division teased an onslaught of upcoming models, which included a new variant of the Charger. Specialist publication MoparInsiders in March reported word from sources within Dodge that a new Charger Hellcat has been green-lit for development, potentially launching in 2027 as a 2028 model year vehicle. Given the SRT focus, it may no longer use the Hellcat moniker, but is expected to not feature the all-electric or twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six powertrains currently powering the Charger. Instead it’ll resurrect the supercharged 6.2-litre ‘Hellcat’ V8 engine which became synonymous with the most powerful versions of the last generation Charger sedan and Challenger coupe. ### Toyota to start making go-karts - report URL: https://torquecafe.com/toyota-to-start-making-go-karts-report/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T03:27:17.000Z Toyota already has many bases covered, from producing common-or-garden commuter vehicles, to luxury models (through Lexus), high-performance road cars (Gazoo Racing), and even trucks (Hino). Now it plans to expand its vehicle operations even further, with [*Nikkei Asia*](https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/toyota-to-launch-racing-kart-plant-to-hook-new-generation-of-fans?ref=torquecafe.com) reporting the world’s largest carmaker is set to begin production of GR-branded go-karts, all built in Japan. "We'll build entry-level karts and hope to see kids move up to more advanced models," Tomoya Takahashi, president of Gazoo Racing, reportedly told Japanese reporters. The go-karts will reportedly be built near Toyota’s global headquarters in Aichi prefecture, where each kart will be built to order. [Toyota makes a small change ahead of big revealGazoo Racing has been spun off as its own brand ahead of Toyota revealing one of its most highly anticipated cars yet.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-796193e6-9013-40d7-849e-f02328b404ea.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/toyota-ft-se-concept-3-0357d222-9cdd-4eba-a3a6-636fec74b7e6.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-makes-a-small-change-ahead-of-big-reveal/) Toyota expects to produce between 1000 and 2000 karts annually, though this figure is expected to rise, depending on how successful the program is. *Nikkei Asia* reports Toyota’s decision was based on one of wanting to reduce costs for entry-level motorsport in Japan, given the huge decrease in racing licences issued in recent years. Data from the Japan Automobile Federation reported by the publication shows 3250 kart licences were issued in 2025, well down on the nation’s peak of 9730 licences in 1995. Toyota will sell the karts from approximately 300,000 Yen (A$2655), and will distribute then through its dedicated GR showrooms, the upcoming new home to the likes of the GR Corolla, GR Yaris and GR GT. ### Former F1 brand Caterham pays tribute to the Nürburgring URL: https://torquecafe.com/former-f1-brand-caterham-pays-tribute-to-the-nurburgring/ Last updated: 2026-06-08T20:00:09.000Z If you asked a group of car enthusiasts to name an iconic circuit, it’s likely the Nürburgring will be a common pick, and the same could be said for the Caterham Seven and sports cars. Now, to celebrate a century of the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Caterham has released a limited edition version of the Seven, said to be “shaped by the Green Hell itself”. Based on the Seven 420, the Seven Nürburgring Edition is limited to 100 examples – one for every year the Nürburgring has been open – and is different from standard versions of the roofless sports car with its specific dampers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/caterham-seven-nurburgring-edition-1.jpg) A bespoke livery has been designed for the Caterham Seven Made by Bilstein, Caterham says the dampers were "engineered specifically around the demands of the Nürburgring”, while not compromising the on-road driving ability of the Seven. Additional changes include a Nürburgring-specific livery including the track’s logo, a red track day roll bar, a specific grille and also carbon aero ‘whiskers’ on the nosecone. Inside the small cabin its leather seats feature Nürburgring embroidery and red stitching, while the carbon treatment extends to the interior panels. Because it’s a limited-run model, each comes with an individually numbered plaque. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/caterham-seven-nurburgring-edition-4.jpg) Powering the vehicle is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ford ‘Duratec’ engine, producing 157kW and 203Nm, driving the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Weighing approximately 560kg, Caterham claims this version of the Seven can accelerate from 0-60mph (97km/h) in just 3.8 seconds, thanks to its 280kW/tonne power-to-weight ratio. In its home market of the UK, prices start from £48,995 (A$92,750), making it one of the mid-range offerings in Caterham’s lineup. ### KW launches DDC coilovers for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y URL: https://torquecafe.com/kw-launches-ddc-coilover-suspension-for-tesla-model-3-and-model-y/ Last updated: 2026-06-08T11:10:33.000Z KW Suspension has expanded its electric vehicle range with the launch of a new DDC plug-and-play coilover suspension kit for the latest Tesla Model 3 Performance and Model Y Performance. Designed specifically for facelifted models equipped with factory adaptive dampers, the new suspension package allows owners to lower their vehicle while retaining full functionality of Tesla's standard semi-active suspension control system. The German suspension manufacturer says the DDC plug-and-play system integrates directly with the vehicle's existing electronics, eliminating the need for software coding, control module modifications or additional wiring. The new coilover kit replaces the factory dampers with KW's adaptive DDC units, which continue to communicate with Tesla's onboard suspension management system. Damper settings are automatically adjusted in real time based on the selected driving mode and operating conditions. According to KW, drivers can retain the varying comfort and performance characteristics offered by Tesla's factory suspension modes while benefiting from a lower ride height and revised chassis setup. The suspension can be adjusted between 25mm and 50mm lower than standard on both front and rear axles, depending on the model and local approval requirements. KW has been active in the EV performance market for several years and was among the first aftermarket suspension manufacturers to develop a certified coilover package for the Tesla Model 3\. The company now offers suspension upgrades for a growing range of electric vehicles, including the BMW i4, BYD Seal, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Kia EV6 GT and Volkswagen ID.7. KW Product Manager Sascha Daucher said customer feedback from existing Tesla applications had been positive, with some owners reporting efficiency gains following suspension upgrades. The company pointed to testing conducted by German EV rental specialist Nextmove, which found a reported seven per cent increase in driving range after fitting a KW coilover suspension package to a Tesla Model 3. The new KW DDC plug-and-play coilover suspension is available now for facelift Tesla Model 3 Performance and Tesla Model Y Performance all-wheel-drive models. [KW Suspensions Australia - Scuderia Autoart Scuderia AutoartKW automotive has been an industry leader for suspension products worldwide since its inception over 30 years ago. The company is known for its vast independent aftermarket suspension portfolio, state-of-the-art manufacturing technology, and test centre i![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/saa_black_squared-min-586b28a1-0bc1-4dac-af5a-64513e7b2e28.ico)Scuderia Autoart Pty Ltd.](https://www.scuderia-autoart.com/brand/kw-suspensions/?ref=torquecafe.com) Visit Scuderia Autoart for all your KW needs! ### AP Racing unveils new brand identity at Le Mans URL: https://torquecafe.com/ap-racing-unveils-new-brand-identity-at-le-mans/ Last updated: 2026-06-08T08:28:23.000Z High-performance braking and clutch specialist AP Racing has launched a new brand identity, marking what the company describes as the next stage of its evolution. The refreshed look was unveiled ahead of the 2026 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where AP Racing components feature on 47 of the 62 cars entered across the Hypercar, LMP2 and LMGT3 classes. The Coventry-based manufacturer said the rebrand is designed to better reflect its position as a leader in high-performance braking and clutch technology while maintaining a strong connection to its motorsport heritage. > "AP Racing's new identity reflects the next stage in our evolution, giving the brand a more modern expression while remaining grounded in our heritage, our people and our engineering capability," said AP Racing Managing Director David Hamblin. > "As part of the Brembo Group, AP Racing continues to evolve braking and clutch technologies, supporting the next generation of high-performance vehicles, with new product developments set to further push performance boundaries later this year." Founded more than 50 years ago, AP Racing has built a reputation as one of motorsport's most recognised brake and clutch suppliers, with its products used across categories ranging from Formula 1 and NASCAR to the FIA World Endurance Championship. The company says the rebrand is more than a visual update, with the new identity intended to better communicate the connection between driver and machine through performance, control and confidence. Alongside a redesigned logo, AP Racing has introduced a refreshed visual style aimed at improving consistency across digital, broadcast and on-car applications. As part of the Brembo Group, AP Racing operates as a centre of excellence for high-performance braking and clutch systems, supplying both motorsport and road car sectors. The company said the updated branding has been developed to appeal across original equipment manufacturers, the performance aftermarket and elite motorsport categories while retaining the race-bred engineering DNA that has defined the brand for decades. ### Nissan Z fan promises to do what the carmaker won’t URL: https://torquecafe.com/nissan-z-fan-promises-to-do-what-the-carmaker-wont/ Last updated: 2026-06-08T04:12:02.000Z We’re approaching five years since Nissan revealed the ‘RZ34’-generation Z sports coupe, continuing its long Z-car family lineage. Like its direct predecessors in the 350Z and 370Z, the Nissan Z has continued on being a two-seat, two-door coupe, with a fixed roof providing rigidity on top, at the cost of open-air motoring. You’ve got to go back to when the Z32-generation 300ZX left production in 1996 to find the last member of the Z family to wear a T-top roof, with the removable panels dating back to the 280SX of the late 1970s, but not seen since. Though Nissan appears to be showing no signs of changing this, one US Nissan fan is taking matters into his own hands, announcing plans to build his own T-top Z. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/p/DZJH12sjyiE/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Nick Raymond Scherr (@nismonickofficial)](https://www.instagram.com/p/DZJH12sjyiE/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) Nick Scherr, best known online as Nismo Nick, is planning to bring out his T-top Z in 2027, with the aim of producing “modern interpretation of what a factory-inspired T-top Nissan Z could look like in 2027”. “Inspired by the iconic Z-cars of the past that helped define generations of enthusiasts, this project brings the open-air experience back to Nissan’s newest sports car. “T-tops became one of the most recognizable features of classic Z models, helping create some of the most memorable Z cars ever built.” Like all previous T-top Zs, Scherr’s car will feature a central beam connecting the windscreen and rear window, to which the two removal roof panels will slot into and out of. Time will tell about how long it takes to complete and at what cost. [Next-generation Nissan Z car in the worksA new member of the Nissan Z family is under development, as a part of the brand’s big sports car push.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-fa1251be-8876-4e92-95e6-a82679a337ab.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/2026-nissan-z-heritage-edition-australia-2-0ceb016f-5565-4246-bee7-e93e1966afb3.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/next-generation-nissan-z-car-in-the-works/) ### Ford Fiesta ST to be revived as an EV URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-fiesta-st-to-be-revived-as-an-ev/ Last updated: 2026-06-08T02:08:44.000Z Ford is putting significant effort into overhauling its European vehicle range in the coming years, having [last month announced plans](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-europe-bronco-fiesta-revival-2030/) to launch five new passenger vehicles in the region by 2030. Each of the five models will not only be “made in Europe for Europe”, but they will dip into the brand’s rally heritage for inspiration, giving fans of the brand’s performance past something to look forward to. Ford has a long lineage of relatively affordable performance cars in Europe, from the Cortina Twin Cam and Escort RS of the 1960s and 1970s, up to the multi-decade success of the Focus ST and Fiesta ST. One of the five upcoming vehicles, a small electric hatchback, is all but confirmed to reuse the Fiesta nameplate, and it’ll run on an electric platform from Renault, launching in early 2028. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/ford-fiesta-st-1.jpg) The Ford Fiesta ST was last produced in 2023 Though Ford has remained tight-lipped on what to expect from the new Fiesta, Ford of Europe’s general head of product, Christian Weingartner, didn’t rule out a return of the ST badge when asked about its revival by [*Auto Express*](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/ford/369750/new-ford-fiesta-st-confirmed-fast-fords-are-non-negotiable?ref=torquecafe.com). “We have not made any decisions on naming, but it's very clear that if you talk ‘race to to road’, that we want to have really capable vehicles,” Weingartner said. “To be credible and authentic, there needs to be some kind of performance series of our vehicles; that's what we’ve got to have.” The AmpR platform which will underpin the Fiesta is already used on the Renault 5 E-Tech, regarded as one of Europe’s most engaging EVs. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/ford-fiesta-st-2.jpg) It’s also found in the Alpine A290, a more performance-focused version of the Renault EV, which could serve as a basis for the Fiesta ST’s comeback. According to Ford of Europe president Jim Baumbick, Ford’s “rally-bred” approach won’t just benefit the top-of-the-line performance versions of the upcoming five vehicles. “We develop products for targeted customers, so we can actually bring out the attributes that matter most to them,” Baumbick told *Auto Express*. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/ford-europe-five-vehicles-2030---1-.jpg) Ford plans to launch five new vehicles in Europe by 2030 “It doesn’t mean that your granny at 93 has to drive a rally car. When you talk to most customers they can’t explain it, but they say it just feels right. It drives well. And that’s the soul of what we’re trying to unlock and what’s special about our cars.” In addition to the reborn Fiesta, Ford’s other four European models will include a market-specific Bronco, a small SUV twin to the Fiesta, and a pair of “multi-energy rally-bred crossover models”. Only the Bronco has been confirmed as being a car of Ford’s own creation, with the latter pair of crossovers unclear as to whether they will run on a partner platform. [Ford won’t look to the past for future performance heroesAny possibility of Ford’s hot hatches being reborn have been quashed by CEO Jim Farley, who says off-road performance is the brand’s focus.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-3083c26d-e54d-4f6e-9ca6-3f0e671bc418.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/ford-focus-st-scaled-e829bba9-a871-41eb-bfc3-35a51d9dd9ab.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/ford-wont-look-to-the-past-for-future-performance-heroes/) ### Toyota reveals GR Camry with seven cylinders, all-wheel drive URL: https://torquecafe.com/toyota-reveals-gr-camry-with-seven-cylinders-all-wheel-drive/ Last updated: 2026-06-08T01:19:05.000Z The Toyota Camry has long been known as a reliable and dependable family car, but far from what many would deem sporty – despite being used as the base of the brand’s NASCAR Cup Series entry since 2007. However, with the Gazoo Racing sub-brand on something of a roll with recent model launches (including the [Corolla GRMN](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-corolla-grmn-revealed-confirmed-australia/) and the [GR GT](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-gr-gt-photos-images-power-v8-hybrid/)), the Camry has finally received a performance makeover from the division. Revealed over the weekend was the GR Camry, a sedan which is strictly a one-off for now, and when you look under the bonnet and behind the driver, it’s clear to see why. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZOOVEtTuLQ/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Nikolai Aksenov (@nikolaiiaksenov)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZOOVEtTuLQ/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) In videos uploaded to Instagram by Nikolai Aksenov, the Camry was revealed with the three-cylinder turbocharged 1.6-litre engine from the GR Corolla and GR Yaris under its bonnet, while an undisclosed four-cylinder was mounted where the rear seats usually are. The two engines power the axles they’re directly connected to, with the three-cylinder driving the front wheels while the four-cylinder powers the back, making this Camry all-wheel drive. Toyota hasn’t released any details about the GR Camry, however it appears to be based on a US-market left-hand drive version of the sedan, given these have recently been imported to Japan – after Japanese production was deemed for export markets only. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZPrYF6vVPL/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Nikolai Aksenov (@nikolaiiaksenov)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZPrYF6vVPL/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) Thanks to Aksenov, all we do know is the two engines combine to make a very interesting soundtrack, as the two noises fight to cut through each other, as shown above. Aside from the radical powertrain modifications, the GR Camry also sports extensive GT racing-style aerodynamics with a wider front bumper, pumped-out guards and even a rear wing, while there’s also a roll cage inside. It’s likely that the GR Camry will never reach production in this form, as Toyota’s GR department has enough on its plate as is, such as putting the GR GT into production, and developing the long-awaited [MR2](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-mr2-testbed-getting-better-every-day/) and [Celica](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-celica-return-imminent-after-rally-car-spied-testing/) revivals. ### Subaru WRX manual hatchback teased alongside tougher BRZ and WRX sedan URL: https://torquecafe.com/subaru-wrx-manual-hatchback-teased-alongside-tougher-brz-and-wrx-sedan/ Last updated: 2026-06-08T00:16:20.000Z Subaru is currently developing three new manual vehicles, teasing the trio at the most recent round of Japan’s Super Taikyu Series. The teaser image shows three cars covered in sheets, though their body styles can’t be masked, as we can clearly see the outlines of the WRX sedan (left), the BRZ coupe (centre), and what is widely expected to be the returning WRX hatchback (right). Subaru says the three vehicles will launch by 2027 and are being developed by its newly established Sports Vehicle Planning Office, which has already made an all-wheel drive, turbocharged BRZ rally car. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/subaru-wrx-hatchback-brz-sedan-teaser-2.jpg) Subaru's upcoming WRX sedan with an STI transmission (left), upgraded BRZ coupe (middle), and WRX hatchback (right) According to Subaru's Japanese website, the hatchback will have "a new personality that is different from the WRX and BRZ", though the bonnet scoop shows it'll almost certainly be based on the sedan. Importantly, Subaru has confirmed it'll be a production version of the "Performance-B STI concept" shown off at last year's Tokyo motor show. Revealed ‘Performance-B STI Concept’ last year, it was expected d to be the long-awaited return of not only a full-fat STI model but also the WRX hatchback. However, in January it out to become a preview of the [WRX STI HiPerfX2](https://torquecafe.com/subaru-wrx-hatch-revival-one-step-closer/) which is the brand’s new challenger in the Super Taikyu Series, running a turbocharged 2.4-litre boxer engine (shared with the current WRX), but with more performance parts. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/subaru-impreza-wrx-hatch-super-taikyu-2--1-.jpg) The Subaru WRX STI HiPerfX2 that races in the Super Taikyu Series Given Subaru has said the upcoming trio of models “will incorporate the technology and knowledge cultivated through our motorsports activities”, we can expect the WRX hatchback to potentially offer an added level of performance over the current sedan. For the WRX sedan, the performance will move from the ‘TY75’ six-speed manual which has been available for the WRX since 2014, and adopt the stronger ‘TY85’ from the previous-generation WRX STI. Designed to handle more power and torque as well as added abuse, the TY85 transmission was previously discontinued following the end of production for the ‘VA’-generation WRX STI, however it’s now coming back for the standard WRX. Currently Japan has no manual-equipped WRXs in local showrooms, though earlier this year it announced the manual would come in the form of the WRX STI Sport#. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/subaru-brz-sti-sport-ra-5--1-.jpg) Subaru's BRZ STI Sport Type RA Finally, Subaru confirmed the [BRZ STI Sport Type RA](https://torquecafe.com/subaru-brz-sti-sport-type-ra-revealed/), limited to 300 units in Japan only, will influence a series production variant. "Based on the 'STI Sport TYPE RA' announced in November 2025, we are developing a model that will make the highly acclaimed driving experience even lighter and more enjoyable to drive at will," Subaru said. While there have been rumours that a new BRZ would launch in 2027 or 2028, it seems this will have to wait. ### I was wrong about BYD URL: https://torquecafe.com/opinion-i-was-wrong-about-byd/ Last updated: 2026-06-06T20:00:19.000Z Back in 2022, I attended my first ever new car media event, the preview of the BYD Atto 3 at Brisbane’s Automall. Not an overly glamorous event – the car had already been revealed to the wider media – but at it was Luke Todd, who at the time was managing director of EVDirect, BYD’s official Australian importer. Having previously only dabbled in importation with very low volumes of more archaic BYD vehicles, bringing in a new EV to what was a very immature market seemed like a bold plan, though not quite as bold as Todd’s sales predictions. “Within 12 months, we'll have three models on the (Australian) market being delivered with production capability of 3000 vehicles per model per month – that's 9000 vehicles per month,” Todd told me in an interview. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/byd-luke-todd-tim-cahill.jpg) Then-EVDirect managing director Luke Todd (right) with BYD ambassador Tim Cahill (left) in 2022 “Our production capability of 9000 vehicles per month means we are very confident that'll be leading the charge. “So far, the sales volume (in Australia) has exceeded what we thought.” For context, at that point in time in August 2022, Tesla hadn’t yet brought the Model Y to local showrooms, nor was it reporting its sales figures. In the first half of that year, just 9680 EVs had been reported as delivered in Australia (excluding the Tesla’s Model 3), still a huge 336 per cent increase on the same six months in 2021, but far from what you’d call a raging success, making up a tiny portion of the circa 530,000 deliveries to that point. Todd’s figures also felt optimistic at the time. Toyota was averaging about 18,600 deliveries per month, while even then-second-placed Mazda only managed 8420 monthly deliveries on average. BYD the year after, with the Dolphin and Seal arriving towards the latter stages of 2023, BYD racked up just over 12,000 sales. Not terrible, but not the big numbers it was hoping for. [BYD’s Shark 6 to take a bigger bite out of Ranger, HiLux salesBYD has finally answered calls from Australian customers by adding two vital upgrades to the Shark 6 ute.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-9d6cc908-66f8-43d5-8a6c-ddbf7cd6bb49.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/byd-shark-6-dynamic-cab-chassis-2-313c8401-4e9a-489b-8d05-b2020ab64dfe.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/byd-news-shark-6-cab-chassis-performance-price-australia/) It felt like BYD would be consigned to many other hopeful brands before and since, making a lot of noise but not acting on it. How wrong I was. Over the years, BYD set itself more realistic sales expectations in Australia, coinciding with the Chinese carmaker effectively taking over local operations to deliver a factory-backed experience. By reading the market right, everything started to fall into place. In June 2025, BYD was the fifth best-selling car brand in Australia, and closed out the year in the top 10 for the first time, off the back of the Shark 6 ute becoming the top-selling PHEV locally of all time (despite only being on sale for less than 12 months) while a wider variety of models joined its roster. The Shark 6 in particular has been an undeniable sales success. There’s two on my relatively average street and I see them around just as often as new Rangers and HiLuxes. Though deliveries of the Shark 6 have been down by 18 per cent to start the year, the arrival of the Sealion 7 electric SUV, a refresh to the Atto 3, the affordable Atto 1 and Atto 2, plus the new family-oriented Sealion 8 means BYD is now doing serious numbers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/byd-sealion-7.jpg) May was a record month for the brand with 8211 deliveries in Australia, placing it second for the second month in a row behind Toyota. Things are good year-to-date too, with BYD’s 33,454 deliveries in the opening five months not only a 120 per cent increase on 2025, but also enough to place it third in an extremely tight race for second spot on the sales charts. While Toyota leads the way with 76,017 deliveries between January and May, the fight for second is close between Kia (33,841), BYD (33,454), Mazda (33,224), Ford (33,115), and Hyundai (32,110). This past week was also momentous for BYD’s future prospects, celebrating the arrival of its car-carrying ship Zhengzhou on local shores. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/BYD_Denza_Zhengzhou_0109.jpg) The ship, one of a fleet owned by the Chinese carmaker, carried 4809 vehicles from BYD directly to Australia, at least 1855 of which were unloaded in Melbourne. Given this occurred towards the start of the week, we can expect these deliveries to help push its numbers up when June’s sales figures are released. Put simply, the rise of BYD in Australia has been rapid, having notched up its 100,000th local delivery in mid-April, and now onto more than 120,000 vehicles on local roads. Time will tell as to whether the current growth of the brand can be sustained, with the recent fuel shortage and price crisis reshaping Australia’s car market in an incredibly short space of time, while there are also an ever increasing number of other brands from China wanting to get local customers into their cars. But it’s hard to fathom any brand can have such an impact in a short amount of time, even if it still hasn’t reached that magic monthly count of 9000 deliveries. ### Lotus boss calls porky performance vehicles ‘mediocre’ URL: https://torquecafe.com/lotus-news-heavy-sports-cars-mediocre-ceo/ Last updated: 2026-06-07T22:55:05.000Z The past few weeks have seen Lotus announce they’ll build a [V8-powered supercar](https://torquecafe.com/lotus-news-v8-supercar-horse-powertrain-engine/), eventually fit the Emira with a [more powerful hybrid V6 engine](https://torquecafe.com/lotus-news-emira-hybrid-horse-v6-twin-turbo/), and launched a [more track-focused version](https://torquecafe.com/lotus-news-emira-420-sport/) of the same sports car. But that hasn’t stopped the brand’s CEO Feng Qingfeng from getting back into the headlines, this time for suggesting that Lotus’ – or in fact any – sports cars shouldn’t weigh more than 1800kg. As reported by [*Car News China*](https://carnewschina.com/2026/06/02/lotus-ceo-commits-self-sabotage-by-saying-every-sports-car-weighing-over-1-8-tons-is-mediocre/?ref=torquecafe.com), Qingfeng said any sports car which doesn’t weigh less than 1800kg is “mediocre”, while adding higher power outputs to counteract porkier kerb weights is pointless. ![Silver Lotus Evija rear three-quarter studio view](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/5_Lotus_Evija_Rear_3_4.jpg) The Lotus Evija weighs almost 1900kg despite its carbon-fibre construction The executive reportedly added that even cars with about 1500kW are mediocre if they don’t reach this weight goal. Of course, the comments left Qingfeng open to criticism. While the Emira weighs up to 1500kg – still becoming one of the heaviest petrol-powered Lotus models in recent history – the Lotus Evija, a 1500kW hypercar, tips the scales at almost 1900kg. This, despite its hefty power output, places it well and truly into the ‘mediocre’ category outlaid by the Lotus CEO, while the brand’s electric sedan and SUV pairing are far closer to 2500kg. ![Silver Lotus Evija side profile studio view](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2_Lotus_Evija_Side.jpg) Lotus says the Evija's 1500kW output doesn't excuse its weight — by its own CEO's logic Given Qingfeng’s comments, the future looks positive for the upcoming Lotus V8 supercar, which he confirmed will adopt a hybrid powertrain developed by Horse, a joint venture between Lotus parent Geely and Renault. Lotus has so far confirmed the V8 hybrid powertrain will produce more than 735kW, and will be built both in China and Europe, while the door is open for it to be made elsewhere. The Lotus V8 supercar could reuse the Esprit name, with Qingfeng saying there’s a “logical legacy connection” between the upcoming model and the classic offering. ### Ford targets Land Rover Defender with Raptor-powered Bronco Filson URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-targets-land-rover-defender-with-raptor-powered-bronco-filson/ Last updated: 2026-06-05T02:06:55.000Z Ford appears to be testing the waters ahead of a reported launch for a [Lincoln-badged Bronco](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-lincoln-ford-bronco/), revealing a stop-gap in the Bronco Filson this week. Partnering up with outdoor clothing and luggage brand Filson in the same way it linked up with Eddie Bauer in the 1990s, the Bronco Filson is a more upmarket, premium offering than the standard SUV, but under the bonnet beats the heart of the Raptor. Headlining the cosmetic changes, the more luxury-focused Bronco gets body-coloured wheel-arch flares and a roof to match, as well as some new hues not otherwise available on the SUV. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/ford-bronco-filson-2.jpg) Arguably the biggest improvements have been made in the cabin, which features a standard Bang & Olufsen sound system, acoustic glass and revised door/roof seals, saddle bags in the doors and sports bars, and even quilted leather seats. Ford says the Filson-inspired bags are made from water- and dirt-resistant materials, allowing them to continue to look good even after use. Other creature comforts include powered running boards and a digital rear-view camera, both of which are designed to make the Bronco Filson an easier vehicle to live with day to day. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/ford-bronco-filson-1.jpg) Mechanically it is mostly based on the Bronco Sasquatch, which means the 4x4 gets 35-inch tyres, front and rear locking differentials, and Fox dampers with greater on-road comfort, coming in a package that still has a tough stance but is not as wide as the Bronco Raptor. However, Ford has fitted the Raptor’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine to the Filson, and says that the new variant gets a specific tune, likely to be less aggressive but still share the same peak outputs. It continues to get a full-time 4x4 system as well as a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Bronco Filson joins a growing lineup of Broncos, after Ford last year revealed plans to make a [Bronco RTR](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-2027-bronco-rtr-revealed/), offering Raptor capability but at a more affordable price thanks to a four-cylinder engine. ### BMW celebrates the Isle of Man TT with special bike URL: https://torquecafe.com/bmw-celebrates-the-isle-of-man-tt-with-special-bike/ Last updated: 2026-06-05T00:55:54.000Z It’s been three years since Peter Hickman set the new lap record around the Isle of Man TT Mountain Course, piloting his BMW M1000RR around the 60.718km circuit in 16 minutes and 36.115 seconds. That time is yet to be eclipsed, even now as the 115th Isle of Man TT takes place, prompting BMW to celebrate the race by releasing a limited-run version of its record-breaking bike. Doing what it says on the box, the M1000RR Limited Edition Isle of Man TT is capped at just 115 examples globally, all of which are adorned in the same unique livery. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/bmw-m1000rr-isle-of-man-tt-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/bmw-m1000rr-isle-of-man-tt-3.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/bmw-m1000rr-isle-of-man-tt-4.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/bmw-m1000rr-isle-of-man-tt-5.jpg) Finished in British Racing Green, the M1000RR’s bodywork adds sections of the TT Mountain course, with the circuit’s left-hand turns on the left fairings, and right-hand turns on the right. The airbox cover is carbon but also adopts a map of the course as well as the Isle of Man TT logo, while there are accents on the aluminium fuel tank too. Riders get to sit on an Alcantara seat, and look at a numbered dedication to the bike on the top of its yoke. No changes have been made to the M1000RR’s powertrain, which consists of a 1.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 160kW and 113Nm, enough to easily propel the circa-190kg bike to speeds above 300km/h. ### Audi releases its new V8 supercar URL: https://torquecafe.com/audi-news-nuvolari-v8-supercar-revealed/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T23:38:41.000Z The Audi Nuvolari has made a surprise debut, arriving in the world amid whispers of an R8 revival, though what’s now been revealed is even more special. Named after pre-WW2 racer Tazio Nuvolari – who won multiple Grands Prix with Auto Union, the forerunner to Audi – Audi’s first ever hybrid supercar carries on the tradition of the R8 by being based on a Lamborghini, in this case the Temerario, with its twin-turbo plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain carried over from the Italian supercar. As with the Temerario, the Audi Nuvolari’s V8 engine produces 588kW and 730Nm, well and truly more than the 449kW and 560Nm outputs of the final R8’s 5.2-litre V10\. However, with three electric motors helping out, total power rises to 736kW, while torque jumps to 1050Nm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/audi-nuvolari-5.jpg) No weight figure has been released, though the Nuvolari can still accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 2.6 seconds, before hitting 200km/h in 6.8 seconds, while its top speed of over 350km/h is higher than any Audi production car in history. With the all-wheel drive system from the Temerario carrying over, Audi can continue to use its quattro branding for the Nuvolari, which can tweak where the power is sent and allow drivers to control the system via the four drive modes available on the steering wheel. Its design has been inspired heavily by the Concept C EV we saw last year, the production version of which is set to become the successor to the Audi TT, though the Nuvolari has some added tricks up its sleeve. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/audi-nuvolari-2.jpg) The Nuvolari’s exterior has almost entirely been made from carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) and inspired by Audi’s recent entry into Formula 1, where active aerodynamics are having an influence on its road cars. From its subtle front splitter and rear diffuser to the S-duct front end, everything leads to the active rear wing, which can be set up into three different settings. The High Downforce mode sees the wing move to its highest setting while braking and cornering, providing added stability. It reverts to its Low Downforce position when driving in straight lines, or closed completely when overridden by the driver. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/audi-nuvolari-4.jpg) Under the skin the Nuvolari features a space frame chassis, to which the Temerario-derived suspension system is connected. Ceramic brakes can be found at each corner, with the front getting 10-piston calipers, while the rear features four-piston calipers. The braking system is aided by the regeneration available from the electric motors. The Nuvolari is also Audi’s first production car to feature forged centre-locking wheels, moving away from the traditional multi-stud setup. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/audi-nuvolari-3.jpg) Inside the cabin the Nuvolari carries the brutalist theme of the exterior, with minimal buttons and design elements, where the cabin is focused around the driver. Audi is making just 499 examples of the Nuvolari, meaning this isn’t set to become a series production supercar like the R8, though it could be its final crack at a high-performance car with petrol power amid its shift towards EVs. ### Nissan’s UK factory could soon build Chinese cars URL: https://torquecafe.com/chery-news-chinese-car-giant-nissan-uk-mou/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T04:41:57.000Z The push by Chinese car brands to produce their vehicles in Europe and the UK is well and truly underway, following an announcement by Nissan and Chery this week. Nissan, which operates a car factory in the UK, has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chery International UK to study the potential for the Chinese carmaker to produce its cars at the former’s Sunderland Plant. The Sunderland Plant, operating as Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK, has been in operation since 1984, and has recently made the Qashqai, Juke and Leaf for not only the regional but also some global markets, building approximately 300,000 vehicles annually. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/nissan-uk-factory-1.jpg) However, last month Nissan announced it would consolidate its manufacturing operations onto a single production line, as it was investigating how it could better use the capacity of the factory. If the MoU goes ahead, Nissan will remain in full ownership of the Sunderland Plant, and the staff at the facility will also be employed by the Japanese carmaker. According to Nissan, Chery could begin manufacturing its passenger vehicles as early as the 2027 financial year, which runs from April 1, 2027 until March 31, 2028. “This is an important step forward for our operations,” said Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe, Oceania). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/2026-nissan-qashqai-e-power-5.JPG.jpg) “We are looking forward to working with Chery International UK in the coming months to finalise a position that is optimal for both companies.” It’s understood that, if the deal goes ahead, Chery’s vehicles will be right-hand drive and sold in the UK, opening up the possibility of imports to Australia, though our already close relationship with China would make this a tricky proposition. It is not yet known whether the vehicles will be badged as Chery’s own, or under its Jaecoo and/or Omoda brands, which in the UK are separate. [Jaguar Land Rover’s UK factories could build Chinese carsIn a dramatic role reversal, Chinese brand Chery could potentially use Jaguar Land Rover’s British plants to produce vehicles, according to reports.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-13d92c9b-8edd-4931-8ebf-b4107efaa674.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/jaguar-factory-3-c0745b8f-aa9c-44cc-ac72-ec1a5eea1837.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/jaguar-land-rovers-uk-factories-could-build-chinese-cars/) Chery only arrived in the UK in 2024, though [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/nissan/ane-chery-nissan-sunderland-0603/?ref=torquecafe.com) reports that it and its subsidiary brands have already racked up a six per cent market share to start 2026, passing the likes of Ford, Toyota and Nissan. The Chinese car giant has been searching for a brand to help manufacture its cars in the UK for some time, with reports emerging last year that it was looking to build vehicles in the UK at factories owned by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). Earlier this year it was announced Chery would take over Nissan’s Rosslyn plant in South Africa, while it took over Nissan’s former factory in Barcelona, Spain in recent months. ### Toyota’s new ute takes an unexpected turn URL: https://torquecafe.com/toyotas-new-ute-takes-an-unexpected-turn/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T03:40:29.000Z Toyota is edging closer to the launch of a car-based ‘compact pickup’ in the Americas, however it might be different than what we first expected. For the past year and a half, it has been reported that the compact pickup – or ute in more traditional Australian terms – would go on sale in North America, where it would be based on the RAV4 SUV. That may still be the case, though things seem to be panning out differently in South America, where [*BlogAuto* journalist Fabiano Mazzeo](https://www.blogauto.com.br/flagra-mundial-nova-picape-toyota-corolla?ref=torquecafe.com) spotted the Toyota ute in Brazil, wearing heavy camouflage. According to *BlogAuto*, the ute will be built in Brazil for the South American market to take on the likes of the Ram Rampage and Ford Maverick, though it’ll be based on the Corolla Cross, rather than the RAV4. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZGFbPXBAvG/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by BlogAuto - Fabiano Mazzeo (@blogauto\_br)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZGFbPXBAvG/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) This still means it could adopt a hybrid powertrain, though one which isn’t as powerful as that of the RAV4, and its cabin is also expected to be smaller than what the North American pickup could feature. Last year, *Motor1 Argentina* reported Toyota’s Brazilian dealers were given more information about a ute (believed to be the one recently spied, rather than the vehicle for North America), which could be styled similarly to the EPU concept. It’s expected Toyota will make a different ute for the US, Canada and Mexico, given comments made from its regional leaders in recent months. “There is, of course, some opportunity for us in the commercial \[van\] area, but it is new to us. We need to study more,” Toyota Motor North America CEO Tetsuo Ogawa told Automotive News Ogawa when asked about the pickup and a new Toyota van. [Toyota RAV4-based ute all but confirmedThe long-running rumour mill of Toyota utilising the RAV4’s underpinning for a ‘compact pickup’ is almost ready to be put to rest.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-51be0832-a52c-494d-a2ef-5a377b2263e7.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/toyota-epu-ute-concept-4-scaled-42a2d588-01b4-4e2b-bc72-1a821ee44329.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-rav4-based-ute-all-but-confirmed/) “A RAV4-based pickup is an opportunity for us, and the dealers are waiting. Maybe they say we need today or tomorrow, but it takes time.” Previous reports have indicated the RAV4-based ute is expected to launch in the US in 2027 or beyond, giving Toyota an offering to sit below the HiLux-sized Tacoma and full-size Tundra. With the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) underpinnings of the RAV4, the pickup will do battle with other SUV-based utes, such as the Ford Maverick (related to the Escape), though it’s likely the Hyundai Santa Cruz (sharing parts with the Santa Fe) will go out of production before its arrival. ### BMW puts a price on performance URL: https://torquecafe.com/bmw-news-m2-xdrive-price-australia/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T00:46:13.000Z BMW’s new all-wheel drive M2 xDrive is the first version of the compact performance car to not just send power to the rear wheels, and buyers won’t have to pay a huge premium for it. Priced from $133,100 before on-road costs, the BMW M2 xDrive is $5000 dearer than the rear-wheel drive M2 in Australia, for which drivers get better all-weather grip and more rapid acceleration. Due to arrive in Australian showrooms between October and December 2026, BMW’s M2 xDrive retains the eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission available in the rear-drive version of the coupe, but gains a trick all-wheel drive system which can be customised on the fly. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/bmw-m2-xdrive-1.jpg) This allows drivers to let the system do the work itself or choose their own torque bias, while it can also be put into rear-wheel drive, letting the M2 become a drift machine with its stability control system off. While the M2 xDrive is 60kg heavier than the rear-drive model – tipping the scales at 1790kg – it completes the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.7 seconds, shaving 0.3 seconds from the standard car’s time. It’s only one-tenth faster to 200km/h, reaching the speed in 12.8 seconds from a standstill. BMW’s only cosmetic change to the M2 xDrive is the addition of Borusan Turkish Blue paint to its colour palette, though this will also be available to the wider range. Aside from the new all-wheel drive system, the M2 xDrive also debuts the new BMW M Ignite system, claimed to significantly reduce fuel consumption under high loads while also helping the ‘S58’ straight-six to remain compliant with Euro 7 emissions standards. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/bmw-m2-xdrive-3.jpg) The new system centres around the pre-chamber positioned within the cylinder head, which is connected with the cylinder’s main combustion chamber by overflow openings. This pre-chamber has its own spark plug and ignition coil, meaning the engine has two ignition systems. According to BMW’s tech sheet, the twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine continues to produce 353kW and 600Nm, however peak torque now comes on earlier from 2200-5600rpm (instead of 2650-6130rpm), while the S58’s compression ratio has risen from 9.3:1 to 10.5:1. It’s not yet known how the BMW M Ignite technology will impact fuel consumption, as the M2 xDrive - which is 60kg heavier and has more driveline resistance - quotes a lab test figure of 10.3-10.4L/100km, compared to the rear-drive M2’s 9.6-9.8L/100km claim. ### Ford Mustang sedan one step closer URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-mustang-sedan-report/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T23:58:08.000Z Ford is gearing up to once again sell sedans in the North American market, with one of the Blue Oval’s executives providing the latest hint that its next four-door car will wear the Mustang badge. Speaking to [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/ford/an-tftt-ford-andrew-frick-affordability-sedans-tariffs-0603/?ref=torquecafe.com), Ford’s director of US marketing, Andrew Frick, was asked if the brand could once again build sedans, given recent hints dropped by global CEO Jim Farley. “There is a percentage of the customer base that still buys sedans. It’s a lot smaller than it once was. It used to be 50 percent, now it’s 16, 17 percent,” Frick said. “We have a really great Mustang that people consider a car. We look to expand on the Mustang family as we move forward. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/ford_fusion_5.webp) The Fusion was Ford's last sedan in the US “I think, for us to do it, it’s going to have to make sense within our portfolio. It’s going to have to make sense within a family that we may already offer. And it’s going to have to be very cost-effective for us to do it. “That’s what we’re focused on in general with a lot of our new affordable products. We want the concepts to be right and the costs to be even better.” The mentioning of the Mustang family as a base to expand its portfolio comes as less of a surprise than might be expected, given there have been reports about a sedan wearing the pony badge from as early as August last year. A report by [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/car-concepts/future-product/an-ford-future-product-0824/?ref=torquecafe.com) in August last year claimed a Mustang-derived four-door sedan could launch as soon as early 2028, at least in the US. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/Ford-Mustang-Shelby-GT500--1-.jpg) The Mustang has only been sold as a coupe and convertible throughout its history A Mustang sedan was reportedly previewed to North American dealers last year, and prior to this Ford CEO Jim Farley told media outlets it could launch a four-door version of the pony car, as long as it has “all the performance and attitude of the original.” Fuel was added to the fire of speculation when, speaking to [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/events/detroit-auto-show/an-auto-show-affordability-0118/?ref=torquecafe.com) at the Detroit motor show, Farley refused to rule out a return to the sedan segment, saying “never say never”, before adding a caveat. “The sedan market is very vibrant. It’s not that there isn’t a market there. It’s just we couldn’t find a way to compete and be profitable. Well, we may find a way to do that.” The sedan could potentially adopt the Mach 4 nameplate - similar to the previous Mustang Mach 1 performance flagship, as well as the Mustang Mach-E electric SUV. Earlier this year the Mach 4 nameplate was trademarked in the US and Australia. ### Famed Italian design house is reskinning Chinese SUVs URL: https://torquecafe.com/famed-italian-design-house-is-reskinning-chinese-suvs/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T15:12:25.000Z Italdesign has come a long way since it was founded by automotive icon Giorgetto Giugiaro in 1968, having created the likes of the Lotus Esprit, the Volkswagen Golf and Audi 80 in its early days. After being sold on to Audi and Lamborghini in 2015, late last year the Volkswagen Group brands gave a [majority stake of the design company to US-based firm UST](https://archive.torquecafe.com/iconic-italian-car-design-brand-sold-to-ai-firm/?ref=torquecafe.com). The AI firm has wasted no time in diversifying its asset, which has been confirmed to help design the Itala 35, reviving a nameplate which has been defunct since 1934. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/itala-35-italdesign-3.jpg) Relaunched as a part of Italy’s DR Automobiles plan to bring back a handful of vintage car names under the Historic Italian Brands plan, the Itala 35 will wear a body designed by Italdesign, though its underpinnings are that of a Chinese SUV. Based on the GAC Emzoom, sold in China as the Trumpchi GS3, the rollout of the Itala 35 will be followed by the 56 mid-sized SUV and 61 large SUV in the future. “Italdesign’s design team worked from an existing technical base, focusing its intervention on the front and rear, redefining non-structural elements and integrating existing components such as the lighting units,” the design firm said. “The design is defined yet balanced; the grille takes on a strong identity role, while attention to detail, such as the mesh pattern, symbolically references both the Itala brand and the city of Turin. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/06/itala-35-italdesign-2.jpg) “The aim of the project was to create an immediate sense of renewal while maintaining a balance between continuity and innovation.” Working with DR Automobiles is a slight departure from Italdesign’s most recent work, after it revealed the Honda NSX Tribute earlier this year. Based on the second-generation NSX which exited production in 2022, the Honda NSX Tribute by Italdesign gave the hybrid twin-turbo V6 sports car a makeover, completely changing its bodywork but with Honda’s blessing. [Say hello to the ‘new’ Honda NSXThe world has received its second reborn Honda NSX from an Italian design icon in as many months.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-6583888f-1a44-4919-9345-053cca6842f6.png)Torquecafe - Latest on 4x4, Performance, EV, Supercars, ExoticsJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/honda-nsx-tribute-italdesign-1-20596fe1-195f-49a8-b0be-b5ea24217fdd.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/honda-nsx-tribute-italdesign-revealed/) ### Toyota recalls its most popular 4×4 URL: https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-landcruiser-prado-recall-australia/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T05:13:34.000Z Toyota Australia has recalled 13,042 examples of the 250 Series LandCruiser Prado, owing to a software error which could prevent critical information from being displayed on the SUV’s instrument cluster. According to Toyota Australia, the affected Prados are impacted by a combination meter software error, leading the indicators for engine oil pressure, engine coolant temperature, electrical charge, and other warning messages to potentially not display. The fault affects VX, Altitude and Kakadu variants of the 250 Series Prado built between 24 June 24, 2024 and June 21, 2025, all of which feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, rather than the 7.0-inch multi-function instrument display of the GX and GXL. To rectify the fault, Toyota Australia dealers will update the combination meter free of charge, while the carmaker will also make it available via an Over-the-Air (OTA) update for owners to download themselves. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toyota-landcruiser-prado-2.jpg) This will consist of an in-vehicle pop-up with the ability to update the software via the multimedia head unit, delivered across two separate OTA updates. Toyota estimates the update will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes to install. A full list of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) can be found here. In 2025, the Prado was Toyota’s third best-selling vehicle and the second most-popular 4×4 SUV, with 26,106 examples delivered in Australia. ### Australia’s best-selling vehicle… is an EV URL: https://torquecafe.com/vfacts-may-2026-tesla-model-y-australia-best-selling-car/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T06:25:55.000Z The Australian new-car market has well and truly been shaken up, with sales data from May 2026 showing the Tesla Model Y was the best-seller - the first time an EV has ever taken the monthly top spot. Data from the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) shows Tesla delivered 5605 examples of the Model Y to Australian customers in May, vaulting it above the Ford Ranger (5292 deliveries) to become the best-seller. It was a record month for the Model Y, which led the charge for the 21,303 EV deliveries to account for 19.9 per cent of all the 106,887 new vehicles delivered in May, a new high in market share for the technology. ![2025 Tesla Model Y](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/tesla-model-y-juniper-4.jpg) 2025 Tesla Model Y Combined with hybrids (19,024) and plug-in hybrids (9315), electrified vehicles totaled 46.6 per cent of the market, though petrol (28,692) and diesel (25,191) are still the leading sole fuel sources. Though the Model Y led the vehicle sales charts (thanks in part to the arrival of the new seven-seat Model Y L), modest deliveries of the Model 3 meant Tesla came sixth overall among the car brands. Leading the way continued to be Toyota with 16,342 deliveries, down a significant 30.7 per cent on the same month last year, on account of a huge reduction in Prado registrations (987 deliveries, down 63.9 per cent) and a slight dip for the popular RAV4 (3865 deliveries, down 3.4 per cent). ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-toyota-hilux-off-road-1.jpg) 2026 Toyota HiLux SR5 Toyota has said it has secured additional production of 10,000 vehicles (including the RAV4, HiLux and bZ4X) for Australia, due to arrive by the end of the year, as it projects an annual total of 220,000 deliveries. Running second to Toyota for the second month running was BYD, which set a new personal monthly record of 8211 deliveries, having only just reset its own bar at 7702 deliveries in April. Though no BYD vehicles were amongst the top 10 best-selling models, consistent deliveries of almost its entire product range assisted it to the podium position. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/crop_BYD-Shark_official_2.jpg) 2025 BYD Shark 6 The brand this week is celebrating the arrival of its Zhengzhou car-carrying ship on local shores, which carried 4809 vehicles from BYD directly to Australia, at least 1855 have been unloaded in Melbourne. These vehicles will be counted in next month’s deliveries reports. BYD is also now one of Australia’s top-selling car brands so far this year. While Toyota leads the way with 76,017 deliveries between January and May, the fight for second is close between Kia (33,841), BYD (33,454), Mazda (33,224), Ford (33,115), and Hyundai (32,110). For the fourth month in a row, China was the top source of vehicle imports to Australia, with 37,229 vehicles made in China delivered to customers, representing a new record and a 34.8 per cent market share. ## Top 10 best-selling car brands in May 2026 | Brand | Deliveries (May 2026) | | ------- | --------------------- | | Toyota | 16,342 | | BYD | 8211 | | Ford | 7195 | | Hyundai | 7007 | | Kia | 6761 | | Tesla | 6433 | | Mazda | 5698 | | GWM | 4660 | | Chery | 4401 | | MG | 3872 | ## Top 10 best-selling cars in May 2026 | Model | Deliveries (May 2026) | | -------------- | --------------------- | | Tesla Model Y | 5605 | | Ford Ranger | 5292 | | Toyota HiLux | 4005 | | Toyota RAV4 | 3865 | | Hyundai Kona | 2291 | | Hyundai Tucson | 2287 | | Jaecoo J5 | 2172 | | Chery Tiggo 4 | 2123 | | Isuzu D-Max | 1916 | | Ford Everest | 1876 | ### BMW M2 goes all-wheel drive to fight Audi RS3 URL: https://torquecafe.com/bmw-m2-goes-all-wheel-drive-to-fight-audi-rs3/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T00:42:35.000Z BMW has finally brought the entry-level M2 in line with its bigger M3 and M4 siblings by fitting the coupe with an all-wheel drive system, revealing the M2 xDrive. Visually identical to the rear-drive M2, the M2 xDrive gains power to the front wheels via the carmaker’s all-wheel drive system, which can distribute torque between the front and rear depending on where it needs it the most. Drivers can customise the xDrive system on the fly, either giving a more traditional all-wheel drive split, or even put it into two-wheel drive and turn off the stability control system, allowing it to act just like the base M2. ![BMW M2 xDrive](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/bmw-m2-xdrive-4.jpg) BMW M2 xDrive BMW quotes an increased kerb weight of 1790kg for the M2 xDrive, up 60kg on the rear-drive automatic model. However, with more grip off the line thanks to the front wheels taking up the slack, the M2 xDrive can complete the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.7 seconds, shaving 0.3 seconds from the standard car’s time. It’s only one-tenth faster to 200km/h, reaching the speed in 12.8 seconds from a standstill. It is yet to detail whether the xDrive system results in reduced lap times, as the rear-drive M2 was about 5.6 seconds slower around the Nüburgring Nordschleife than the Audi RS3. That was despite the Audi’s five-cylinder engine making about 60kW and 100Nm less than the M2, though it’s about 100kg lighter than the BMW. ![BMW M2 xDrive](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/bmw-m2-xdrive-3.jpg) BMW M2 xDrive While the only cosmetic change to the BMW M2 xDrive is the addition of Borusan Turkish Blue paint to its colour palette, there’s another significant tweak under the skin which will come to more performance models soon. The BMW M2 xDrive will be the first model to feature the new BMW M Ignite system, claimed to significantly reduce fuel consumption under high loads while also helping the ‘S58’ straight-six to remain compliant with Euro 7 emissions standards. The new system centres around the pre-chamber positioned within the cylinder head, which is connected with the cylinder’s main combustion chamber by overflow openings. This pre-chamber has its own spark plug and ignition coil, meaning the engine has two ignition systems. ![BMW M2 xDrive](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/bmw-m2-xdrive-2.jpg) BMW M2 xDrive According to BMW’s tech sheet, the twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine continues to produce 353kW and 600Nm, however peak torque now comes on earlier from 2200-5600rpm (instead of 2650-6130rpm), while the S58’s compression ratio has risen from 9.3:1 to 10.5:1. It’s not yet known how the BMW M Ignite technology will impact fuel consumption, as the M2 xDrive - which is 60kg heavier and has more driveline resistance - quotes a lab test figure of 10.3-10.4L/100km, compared to the rear-drive M2’s 9.6-9.8L/100km claim. Production of the BMW M2 xDrive is due to begin in August 2026\. An Australian launch is yet to be confirmed, as BMW says the “most important sales markets for the BMW M2 with M xDrive are the USA, Germany and China”. ### Australia’s cheapest Jeep Wrangler celebrates the past URL: https://torquecafe.com/jeep-news-wrangler-rewind-australia/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:48:42.000Z It’s not often that special edition models undercut the regular range, but that’s what Jeep has done with the new Wrangler Rewind, available to order in Australia now. Revealed earlier this year as a part of Jeep’s annual Easter Safari in the US, the Wrangler Rewind is based on the four-door 4×4 SUV, but with bright graphics said to be inspired by the 1980s and 1990s - though it’s definitely the latter we see more of. Priced from $73,990 before on-road costs, just 50 examples of the Wrangler Rewind are coming to Australia, all of which undercut the existing Wrangler Rubicon, which from February became the only full-time variant available, priced from $81,990 plus on-road costs (two-door). ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/jeep-wrangler-rewind-1.jpg) On the Wrangler Rewind, gold-accented wheels contrast against the orange and red decals, while buyers can order the car in a choice of Bright White, Black, Granite Crystal or Reign (purple) base body colours, which extend to the body-coloured wheel arches. Inside, the Rewind theme includes 8-bit graphic-embossed Nappa leather seats with iced blue and plum accent stitching, also featured on the steering wheel and dashboard. On top of this, the gear selector gets a unique medallion, also styled with inspiration from 8-bit game graphics, carried across to the rear swing gate’s plaque. A turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine continues to power the Wrangler, producing 200kW and 400Nm, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/jeep-wrangler-rewind-5.jpg) The Wrangler Rewind misses out on equipment in the off-road focused Rubicon, such as a Rock-Trac 4×4 system, Tru-Lok electronic locking front and rear differentials, Dana solid axles electronic sway bar disconnect, and a forward-facing ‘TrailCam’ camera. Jeep should have no problem selling out the Wrangler Rewind, after numerous price increases and reduced variants has led to sales dropping by more than 75 per cent from its recent peaks. Between January and April this year, Jeep delivered just 149 Wranglers, though it’s still the brand’s most popular model, accounting for most of its 249 sales. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/jeep-wrangler-rewind-3.jpg) ### Toyota teases the ‘ultimate’ Corolla URL: https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-gr-corolla-morizo-rr-edition/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:48:43.000Z Today, [Toyota unveiled the Corolla GRMN](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-corolla-grmn-revealed-confirmed-australia/), the hottest car to ever wear the Corolla nameplate, with the hot hatch turned up to 11 thanks to lessons learned from the brand’s racing efforts. With bespoke suspension, bodywork and a more potent engine, it takes the GR Corolla up to another level, though the Corolla GRMN has two obvious features which could alienate the wider market. Though it’s almost certain that Toyota will have no trouble selling the limited-run Corolla GRMN, the hot hatch is only sold with a six-speed manual transmission, while its rear seats have been removed in place of a strut brace, leaving it as a two seater. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toyota-gr-corolla-morizo-rr-concept-3.jpg) With no two-pedal, five-seat option available, some existing GR Corolla owners have no pathway to upgrade to the Corolla GRMN - however that might not be the case for long. In addition to revealing the Corolla GRMN, Toyota released a teaser for the GR Corolla Morizo RR, still a concept for now, but almost certainly set to influence a production model. “Currently under development is the GR Corolla Morizo RR, an ultimate 5-seater model of the GR Corolla equipped with the Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, for which the unveiling and launch dates have yet to be determined,” Toyota said in a media release. Named after Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda - who uses the racing pseudonym ‘Morizo’ - the GR Corolla Morizo RR will likely follow the path of other versions influenced by the man whose family started the company. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toyota-gr-corolla-morizo-rr-concept-1.jpg) Like the [GR Yaris Morizo RR revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon](https://torquecafe.com/toyota-reveals-its-hottest-hatch-yet/) earlier this year, it is finished in a unique Gravel Khaki paint colour, teamed with Piano Black highlights and matte bronze wheels, while there are also yellow highlights on the front brake ducts and the calipers themselves. No additional details have been announced, however it wears the same aero package as the Corolla GRMN, and is likely to adopt the same 224kW/415Nm tune for its turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine, which will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GR Yaris Morizo RR, too, is auto-only, though it continues with the standard model’s 221kW/400Nm engine setup. ### Mazda reminds us who made the ‘Luce’ before Ferrari URL: https://torquecafe.com/mazda-reminds-us-who-made-the-luce-before-ferrari/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:48:44.000Z The smoke has settled after the reveal of the Ferrari Luce last week, with the brand’s first EV polarising the public - partially due to its powertrain, and also thanks to its design. With its styling taking a significant departure from Ferrari’s existing design language, comparisons have been drawn between it and generic Chinese EVs, while even Nissan joined the pile-on, lining the Luce up next to its new Leaf. But if there’s one brand which has a right to be upset about the Luce, it’s Mazda, which produced five generations of its own Luce from 1966 until 1991, something it was quick to point out in the wake of Ferrari’s reveal. > View this post on Instagram > > > > [A post shared by Mazda Europe (@mazdaeurope)](https://www.instagram.com/p/DY4okg3FtP3/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) In a post on Instagram, Mazda’s European division posted the first-generation Luce 1500 SS, which was named as such for its 1.5-litre engine, while it also featured twin carburettors. Like Ferrari, Mazda chose the Luce name due to its meaning - ‘light’ - in Italian, though there weren’t many regions which saw the nameplate, as most export markets received a numerical name instead of Luce. Ironically, it’s not the first time comparisons have been drawn between Ferrari and Mazda, after the Ferrari Purosangue - its first SUV - was likened to the Mazda CX-30 SUV. > [‘A car the Chinese won’t copy’: Former Ferrari boss slams Luce EV](https://torquecafe.com/ferrari-news-luce-criticism-luca-di-montezemelo/) Still, Mazda’s tongue-in-cheek post is still a warmer reception than what the Luce received from former Ferrari boss, Luca di Montezemelo. “If I said what I think, I’d be hurting Ferrari,” di Montezemelo said. “It risks destroying a legend, and I’m very sorry. I hope they remove the prancing horse from that car at least. “This is definitely a car the Chinese won’t copy.” ### More cars coming from Australia’s most popular brand URL: https://torquecafe.com/more-cars-coming-from-australias-most-popular-brand/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T05:13:36.000Z Japanese car giant Toyota has been Australia’s best-selling car brand for the past 23 consecutive years, and appears to be showing no signs of giving that title up. Having notched up a local record of 241,296 deliveries in 2024 and backing it up with a still market-leading 239,863 deliveries last year, Toyota appeared to be set for somewhat of a slump to begin 2026. In the first four months of the year, it delivered 59,675 vehicles, down 22.7 per cent on the same period 12 months ago, with the biggest drivers of the drop being a 57 per cent drop in RAV4 deliveries (amid a changeover to a new generation), and a 40 per cent downturn for the Prado. However, the new RAV4 has recently started arriving in showrooms, and this week Toyota announced the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version is coming this month, ahead of schedule. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toyota-rav4-phev.jpg) On top of this, Toyota Australia today said it has “secured an additional 10,000 vehicles for local customers in 2026”, raising its full-year deliveries forecast to 220,000 vehicles - still down on recent years, but allowing it to remain as the only brand to sell more than 200,000 cars here in a year. The announcement comes amid Chinese giant BYD’s first dedicated car-carrying ship arriving in Australia, delivering 5000 vehicles itself, on top of other ships already transporting the brand’s vehicles. According to Toyota Australia, the increased production will benefit a handful of its most popular vehicles, including the RAV4, HiLux and bZ4X, though a detailed split of how many additional examples of each model will arrive has yet to be released. “Toyota has been part of Australian communities for almost seventy years, and we continue to see strong demand from customers who rely on us for their mobility needs,” said Toyota Australia vice president sales, marketing and franchise operations, John Pappas. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/toyota-hilux-n90-gvm-upgrade-1.jpg) “This increase in supply is great news for our customers and dealers. It reflects the strong partnership we have with Toyota globally to prioritise the Australian market. “Vehicles like HiLux remain essential for many Australians, while RAV4 continues to lead the SUV segment thanks to its versatility, drivability and efficiency. “We will continue working closely with our global production teams to secure additional supply where possible and ensure we are meeting the needs of Australian customers today and into the future.” Late last month, [Nikkei Asia](https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/toyota-to-cut-more-production-abroad-due-to-iran-war?ref=torquecafe.com) reported production of Toyota vehicles outside Japan would decrease by about 83,000 cars by November, citing the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The RAV4 and bZ4X are both produced in Japan and are unaffected by the reduction, while the Thailand-sourced HiLux is believed to have escaped impact. ### Toyota Corolla GRMN revealed as two-seat, manual hot hatch URL: https://torquecafe.com/toyota-news-corolla-grmn-revealed-confirmed-australia/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:48:35.000Z More than half a year after it was [leaked at a US Toyota dealer expo](https://torquecafe.com/toyotas-golf-r-civic-type-r-killing-corolla-leaked/), the Corolla GRMN has been unveiled, taking lessons from racing to create the most raucous Corolla ever. The Corolla GRMN is to the GR Corolla what the Subaru Impreza WRX STI was to the Impreza WRX, with more hardcore upgrades perfecting the already well-loved recipe. Based on the GR Corolla, the GRMN - short for ‘Gazoo Racing, Meisters of the Nürburgring’ - was both honed via development prototypes at the Nordschleife, as well as through Toyota’s hydrogen-powered entry in Japan’s Super Taikyu Series. Toyota Australia has confirmed the Corolla GRMN will come to local shores, with the hot hatch due to arrive in 2027\. Local pricing will be announced closer to its on-sale date. ![Toyota Corolla GRMN](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toyota-corolla-grmn-1.jpg) Toyota Corolla GRMN Compared to the existing GR Corolla, the Corolla GRMN features multiple carbon fibre panels, which includes its bonnet (now with added ducting), wheel-arches (with more vents), outer front bumper splitters, and an adjustable rear wing (which can be moved by up to five steps in one-degree increments). Other little changes include the new GRMN logo at the front and back, as well as darkened Toyota badges on the grille and boot. In Australia and North America, the Corolla GRMN will be able to be ordered in a new khaki finish (not pictured), or the global Black Gravite paint colour. ![Toyota Corolla GRMN](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toyota-corolla-grmn-10.jpg) Toyota Corolla GRMN Under the wide guards sit matte bronze 18-inch wheels, now shod in 245mm-wide Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, 10mm wider than the existing rubber on the GR Corolla. Mechanically, Toyota says the Corolla GRMN also features “exclusive front and rear monotube shock absorbers with rebound springs”, rather than the twin-tube units of the standard model. According to the carmaker, these new shocks were honed during its Nürburgring test runs, in conjunction with a revised electric power steering tune, and a new all-wheel drive torque distribution split, said to provide optimal rear torque when cornering at high speed. ![Toyota Corolla GRMN](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toyota-corolla-grmn-6.jpg) Toyota Corolla GRMN Inside, Toyota has followed the same recipe as the GR Corolla Morizo Edition by removing the rear seats in favour of a strut brace spanning the width of the hatchback, leaving it as a two-seater and reducing weight by 30kg, with the Corolla GRMN tipping the scales at 1450kg. Both seats are exclusive to the GRMN and are based on the position of the Super Taikyu Series racers, allowing drivers to be more comfortable while wearing a helmet. The instrument panel and A-pillars both feature flocked upholstery, while the passenger side gets the carbon-fibre treatment. Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda - also known by his racing pseudonym Morizo - has given his signature to the cabin, contrasted by Alumite Red trim on the gear knob and door panels. ![Toyota Corolla GRMN](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toyota-corolla-grmn-5.jpg) Toyota Corolla GRMN Still powered by the same turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine as the standard GR Corolla, Toyota’s Japanese division says the Corolla GRMN continues to produce 224kW, however its torque output has increased from 400Nm to 415Nm. Toyota Australia however says the Corolla GRMN makes 221kW (identical to local examples), while torque has risen by just 8Nm to 408Nm. This, coupled with a new ‘close-ratio’ six-speed manual transmission, means it’s designed to be quicker off the mark than the existing hot hatch, though performance claims have yet to be released. ![Toyota Corolla GRMN](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toyota-corolla-grmn-7.jpg) Toyota Corolla GRMN To keep it going on track for longer, the Corolla GRMN gets an intercooler spray system, reducing intake temperatures to allow it to make peak power for extended periods. “Under the direction of our Chairman Akio Toyoda, the GR brand was designed to create high-performance sports cars using the knowledge and experience we gain from motorsport and this new GRMN Corolla was honed on one of the world’s most demanding race circuits, the Nürburgring,” said Toyota Australia vice president sales, marketing and franchise operations, John Pappas. “This is truly our GR philosophy in action, and has produced an astonishing high-performance driver’s car that is as at home on the racetrack as it is on the road.” ### McLaren’s F1 milestone brings special road car URL: https://torquecafe.com/f1-news-mclaren-1000-grand-prix-artura/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:48:37.000Z McLaren’s first Formula 1 race as a team occurred at the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix, where owner/driver Bruce McLaren managed just nine laps before retiring. That didn’t deter the Kiwi, who kept growing the constructor until his untimely death in 1970, after which it was taken over and turned into the powerhouse we now know. Almost 60 years to the week since McLaren’s debut, the team has gone on to win 10 Constructors’ Championships, and 13 Drivers’ titles, the most recent of which both came in 2025. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/mclaren-artura-1000gp-5.jpg) Now it is on the verge of a new milestone, with this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix set to become McLaren’s 1000th Formula 1 race start, and its road car division is celebrating by releasing a limited edition version of the Artura. Called the McLaren Artura 1000GP by MSO (McLaren Special Operations), just 10 examples of the car will be made, all of which feature a bespoke papaya-on-black livery, covering the bonnet, lower body sides and mirror caps. Contrasted by pinstriping on the front splitter and rear diffuser, the design changes are subtle, while adopting the current number font of current McLaren F1 drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/mclaren-artura-1000gp-4.jpg) Inside McLaren has added a numbered plaque in a bespoke metallic papaya colour, linking back to the hue of its early and current years. “Racing and road cars have always been shaped by the same mindset at McLaren, and the McLaren Artura 1000GP by MSO celebrates that shared foundation,” said McLaren Group CEO, Nick Collins. “It reflects the environment Bruce created - - an environment built on collective ambition, engineering excellence and a unified approach to progress. Through this shared purpose, our teams continue to craft vehicles that carry his spirit forward. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/mclaren-artura-1000gp-2.jpg) “The McLaren Artura 1000GP by MSO is a testament to that legacy and offers our clients a meaningful connection to the MCL40 in a milestone moment.” Despite winning the last two Constructors’ Championships, McLaren is off to a relatively slow start in 2026, with Norris and Piastri sitting fifth and sixth in the points standings, respectively, behind the two Mercedes and Ferraris. ### Toyota HiLux gets Gazoo Racing, Yamaha upgrades URL: https://torquecafe.com/toyota-hilux-gets-gazoo-racing-yamaha-upgrades/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:48:38.000Z When Toyota launched the new-generation HiLux late last year, it did so without the flagship GR Sport guise which had been offered in a number of markets - though all did so with a different product. It’s now been on sale in Australia for the best part of half a year, but has only now gone on sale in Japan, but Toyota has treated customers to a number of exclusive accessories from its Gazoo Racing division. The GR Parts service has listed half a dozen branded accessories for the HiLux, most of which are cosmetic but some of which are claimed to provide a performance advantage. Headlining the visual changes are the addition of a GR-specific front grille, dual-exit exhaust tip and mud flaps to the HiLux, the latter of which can be ordered in black with silver and grey contrast lettering, or in red with silver and dark red contrast branding. [![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toyota-hilux-gr-parts-japan-3.jpg)](https://archive.torquecafe.com/toyota-hilux-gets-gazoo-racing-yamaha-upgrades/toyota-hilux-gr-parts-japan-3/?ref=torquecafe.com) [![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toyota-hilux-gr-parts-japan-4.jpg)](https://archive.torquecafe.com/toyota-hilux-gets-gazoo-racing-yamaha-upgrades/toyota-hilux-gr-parts-japan-4/?ref=torquecafe.com) The addition of a set of GR wind deflectors is counted by the brand as being a functional upgrade, likely due to the accessory channelling air away from the windows. However, there are a pair of genuine performance upgrades, with GR ‘door stabilisers’ (trademarked by Toyota subsidiary Aisin) claimed to cut the gap between the door and the striker, resulting in sharpened steering response. Perhaps the most significant upgrade is the offering of Yamaha’s Performance Dampers, already seen on the [Mitsubishi Triton GSR](https://torquecafe.com/mitsubishi-news-triton-price-specs-2026/). ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toyota-hilux-gr-parts-japan-2.jpg) Fitted across the chassis at the front and rear, Toyota claims Yamaha dampers “eliminate unpleasant vibrations and noises felt while driving, improving passenger comfort.” “Furthermore, they enhance drivability, such as handling stability, resulting in a higher quality driving experience.” All of the GR parts can be fitted as dealer options, with prices varying depending on the accessory. At this stage the GR parts remain absent from Toyota’s local HiLux configurator. ### Is this what GM’s V8 Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco rival will look like? URL: https://torquecafe.com/gm-news-hummer-x-concept-off-road-4x4/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:48:39.000Z One of the very few spaces General Motors doesn’t occupy is the off-road focused, boxy SUV market, which in North America at least is dominated by the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. While it has been explicit that its latest concept isn’t intended for production, General Motors has celebrated the opening of its new Advanced Design Pasadena studio with the release of the GMC Hummer X SUV. Said to be “a testbed for new technologies, new aesthetics and new ways to build community around adventure, all centered around sustainability”, the concept previews a rock-crawling SUV built on a modular platform. ![GMC Hummer X SUV concept](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/gmc-hummer-x-suv-concept-3.jpg) GMC Hummer X SUV concept With a body that screams Wrangler and Bronco rival but with all the hallmarks of the GMC Hummer, the concept features 18-inch beadlock wheels with 37-inch tyres, Multimatic shocks, removable wheel-arch flares, and underbody protection as just a handful of its modular features. Measuring 4783mm long, 2032mm wide and 1853mm tall on a 2946mm wheelbase, the concept is actually shorter overall, wider and slightly higher than a five-door Jeep Wrangler, while its wheelbase also has some distance removed. Its off-road credentials are impressive too, with 334mm of ground clearance, a 44-degree approach angle, 46-degree departure angle, and 30.9-degree breakover angle. ![GMC Hummer X SUV concept](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/gmc-hummer-x-suv-concept-2.jpg) GMC Hummer X SUV concept Despite GM saying the Hummer X SUV is just a design study, there are hints GMC will come to market with a V8-powered rival to the aforementioned Wrangler and Bronco. As reported by specialist publication [*GM Authority*](https://gmauthority.com/blog/2026/04/exclusive-gm-working-on-gmc-jimmy-suv-again/?ref=torquecafe.com), the carmaker could [revive the GMC Jimmy nameplate](https://torquecafe.com/gm-news-jimmy-v8-4x4-to-take-on-ford-bronco-jeep-wrangler/) for a body-on-frame SUV, having previously planned to resurrect the Jimmy in the late 2010s before ultimately cancelling the project towards the end of 2019. Insiders have reportedly said a V8 Jimmy is well and truly in the mix, especially in the wake of the car giant rolling out the first of its sixth-generation small-block V8s in the Corvette, off the back of investing billions into production of the engine. A pickup version called the GMC Hummer X Truck was also revealed, potentially hinting at a rival to the Jeep Gladiator, with larger dimensions of 5265mm long, 2032mm wide, 1854mm tall and with a 3319mm wheelbase. ![GMC Hummer X Truck concept](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/gmc-hummer-x-truck-concept-2.jpg) GMC Hummer X Truck concept As a more street-focused concept, the Hummer X Truck features 22-inch aluminium wheels with 35-inch tyres. “Every great concept starts with a belief. Ours was this: the courage to get lost leads us to new discoveries,” said outgoing GM Advanced Design Pasadena studio director, Brian Smith. “The team rallied around a working mantra of ‘Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints,’ and let that philosophy guide every decision. That’s not just a tagline - it’s the design brief.” ### 530kW, manual V8 coupe pays tribute to 1960s icon URL: https://torquecafe.com/530kw-manual-v8-coupe-pays-tribute-to-1960s-icon/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:49:42.000Z Last year, AC Cars launched the [Cobra GT Roadster](https://torquecafe.com/1960s-icons-rebirth-just-getting-started/), marking the latest step in a long line of attempts to revive the brand. Having defined big-power, small-bodied sports cars in the 1960s, AC’s kit cars later became famous in their own right, but now the focus is well and truly on factory-built, high-cost offerings. The new AC Cobra GT Coupe is no different, taking the formula of the Roadster but with an added roof and styling from the A98 which competed at Le Mans, to deliver an even sharper driving experience. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ac-cobra-gt-coupe-3.jpg) Said to share “roughly 75 per cent” of its engineering with the Roadster, the GT Coupe is claimed to benefit from additional enhancements, with further improvements to its carbon fibre structure. The ‘double bubble’ roofline comes from a desire to provide enough space for occupants in the cockpit without disrupting airflow towards the Kammtail rear end, which aids it to have a lower drag coefficient than the roadster. It follows a familiar recipe too, leaning on the heritage of classic AC Cobras which were powered by high-performance Ford engines. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ac-cobra-gt-coupe-1.jpg) In the GT Coupe’s case, buyers are given the choice of a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8 from the Ford Mustang producing 335kW and 555Nm, or a supercharged version with 530kW and 820Nm. The latter example can accelerate from 0-60mph (97km/h) in less than 3.5 seconds when paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, however a six-speed manual is also available. Measuring just 4225mm long and 1980mm wide, the AC Cobra GT Coupe’s short 2570mm wheelbase and circa-1600kg kerb weight means that it’ll be a lively experience on the road, though it is still billed as a grand tourer. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ac-cobra-gt-coupe-4.jpg) “The AC Cobra GT Coupe is unique in the history of AC Cars and, with production of the GT Roadster now underway, it shows the road ahead for the company as we build and deliver cars for existing customers,” said AC Cars CEO, David Conza. “AC Cars continues to invest in its operations, and develop new partnerships. This will provide the catalyst to take AC Cars from around 100 hand-built cars a year currently up to no more than 1000 cars across all models in total.” ### Australian motoring staple gets an upgrade URL: https://torquecafe.com/australian-motoring-staple-gets-an-upgrade/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:49:43.000Z There are certainties when you go to a large car meet or a national motorsport event: cheap camp chairs, expensive food, and the Shannons Super Rig. In service since 2007, the original Super Rig was a game changer for connecting fans with the insurance brand, not only providing its team to give customers product information, but also a space to unwind. The first iteration of the Super Rig has now entered retirement, and now Super Rig 2.0 has made its debut, boasting numerous improvements over its predecessor. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/shannons-super-rig-2-3.jpg) Stretching 20 metres long, the 22-wheeled experience centre was developed across the past 12 months, utilising the knowledge of South East Queensland suppliers and specialists to level up the brand experience. Featuring internal racing simulators, Starlink connectivity, a rooftop viewing platform and even the capacity to host a DJ, the Super Rig 2.0 represents a step up from its predecessor in almost every way. “The Super Rig has always been more than a truck, it’s a meeting place for people who live and breathe motoring,” said Shannons event partnership and engagement lead, Andrew Adamson. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/shannons-super-rig-2-2.jpg) “Our customers don’t just own vehicles - they build them, restore them, race them and form communities around them. “Super Rig 2.0 takes that legacy forward. We’ve designed it to be a destination at events - a place where motoring enthusiasts can come together, engage and enjoy an immersive experience.” Shannons’ Super Rig 2.0 will make its public debut at the Cooly Rocks On festival this weekend, before starting its taxing life with more than 50 events annually. ### Lotus supercar’s V8 could come from China URL: https://torquecafe.com/lotus-news-v8-supercar-horse-powertrain-engine/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:49:44.000Z Last month, British sports car icon Lotus announced it is developing a V8-powered supercar, marking the first time since the Esprit in 2004 that it’ll make anything with more than six cylinders. Currently known only by its working title of Type 135, the Lotus V8 will be unveiled in 2028, and has so far been previewed by a single image of its rear end. While details were light at the time about the supercar - such as it adopting a hybrid system and producing more than 735kW - Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng has now confirmed more information about the engine. “Since Colin Chapman founded the brand 78 years ago, we have been actively pursuing lightweight structures and aerodynamics,” Qingfeng told [*Automotive News Europe*](https://www.autonews.com/geely/lotus/ane-lotus-ceo-interview-0528/?ref=torquecafe.com). > [Famous brand is building a V8 supercar](https://torquecafe.com/lotus-news-v8-supercar-coming-2028/) “However, we had to use engines from external suppliers, for example, Toyota and AMG. Now, with help from Geely, we will be able to get access to the V8 engine. This will greatly benefit \[Geely\] brands and our products as well.” When asked whether the V8 engine will be developed by Horse Powertrain, a joint venture between Lotus parent Geely and Renault, the executive said, “yes”. “Yes. And since we will be starting from scratch, we will make a lot of effort to improve the volume and weight of the engine. “The plan is to build this \[engine\] globally, both in China and EU and maybe other locations.” ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/lotus-theory-1-concept-1.jpg) Lotus Theory 1 concept According to the executive, the V8 engine “will be used among Geely’s product portfolio including some off-road SUVs. We haven’t decided yet which brand. We want to leverage economies of scale.” “In terms of sports cars, only Lotus will use it.” The Lotus V8 supercar could reuse the Esprit name, with Qingfeng saying there’s a “logical legacy connection” between the upcoming model and the classic offering. Set to be benchmarked against the Ferrari 849 Testarossa, the Lotus CEO added the Type 135 production model could be a three-seater with the driver sitting centrally, taking cues from its Theory 1 concept of 2024. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/lotus-theory-1-concept-2.jpg) “That could be an option because in the past you needed to develop left-hand drive and then you needed to develop a right-hand drive,” he said. “But if you put a driver in the middle, then there is no need for left-hand drive and right-hand drive.” Lotus is already set to update its existing Emira sports car with a Horse powertrain in the near future, with its existing Toyota and AMG-sourced engines to be replaced by a hybrid V6. ### Mitsubishi, Nissan to pair up for another new pickup URL: https://torquecafe.com/mitsubishi-nissan-to-pair-up-for-another-new-pickup/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:49:46.000Z The Japanese portion of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance is doing its best to stay afloat and help each other out, with new reports claiming Nissan and Mitsubishi will join forces for a new pickup. Late last week, Mitsubishi announced it is looking to join the North American mid-size pickup market, a segment it hasn’t occupied for close to two decades. To take on the likes of the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger, it will produce the pickup in collaboration with Nissan, with [*Automotive News*](https://www.autonews.com/mitsubishi/an-mitsubishi-midsize-pickup-pajero-suv-nissan-us-production-dealer-network-0529/?ref=torquecafe.com) reporting it’s likely the model will be built in the US by Nissan on an existing production line. Reportedly based on the Nissan Frontier, the existing pickup itself is due to enter a new generation in late 2027 or 2028, as a part of Nissan’s ladder-frame product offensive. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2027-nissan-frontier-2.jpg) Nissan Frontier It will, in effect, be the opposite of the current arrangement the two brands have with their Australian-market utes, where the Nissan Navara is a reskinned Mitsubishi Triton, built by the latter brand in Thailand. Despite occupying the same segment as the Ford Ranger - which is sold globally - it’s unlikely the Mitsubishi pickup will come to Australia, as the Frontier it’ll likely be based on is left-hand drive only. On top of this, Mitsubishi already does solid sales of the Triton, which is among the most popular utes among new vehicle buyers every month locally. It’s not yet known what Mitsubishi’s North American pickup will be called, though it’s possible the brand will revive the Raider name, the last title it gave to a pickup in the region. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/mitsubishi-triton-raider-8.jpg) Mitsubishi Triton Raider Sold between 2006 and 2009, the Mitsubishi Raider was based on the Dodge Dakota, but the former managed less than 22,000 sales across the five-year period, versus more than 265,000 deliveries of its cousin. Mitsubishi will enter the North American pickup market at about the same time as the likes of Hyundai and Kia, with the South Korean brands set to take on the segment by 2030. Hyundai has already previewed its first body-on-frame platform to be made for the US market, set to be exclusively designed and produced in North America using US steel, debuting underneath a mid-sized pickup. It’s expected Kia’s offering will utilise the same platform. ### Retro NASCAR to influence returning V8 muscle car URL: https://torquecafe.com/retro-nascar-to-influence-returning-v8-muscle-car/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:49:47.000Z Show a car enthusiast a photo of the Plymouth Superbird and they’re likely to recognise it as one of the most striking NASCAR competition vehicles in history, or simply as Richard Petty’s ‘The King’ character from Cars. It seems Dodge will want to lean on that history for the latest performance version of the Charger, with the [*Detroit Free Press*](https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/stellantis/2026/05/24/stellantis-shows-new-chryslers-dodges-hellcats-and-more-to-reporters/90216156007/?ref=torquecafe.com) reporting a new flagship version of the coupe will get the tall wing which helped the Daytona become a successful racer. As a part of an event earlier this week in which Dodge’s parent company Stellantis released a blitz teasers for its Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division, US media were given previews of some of the cars, with the DFP giving the most visual description of the new Charger. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/dodge-charger-sixpack-mopar-1.jpg) Dodge Charger Sixpack Mopar Based on the coupe already on sale, it will allegedly feature an “aggressive hood scoop and front end”, as well as a rear wing inspired by the 1960s Charger Daytona and its 1970 Plymouth Superbird twin. While it will be visually striking, it’ll have the powertrain to match, with the supercharged 6.2-litre ‘Hellcat’ V8 engine set to make its way into the current generation Charger for the first time. Previously, specialist publication [*MoparInsiders*](https://moparinsiders.com/is-the-hellcat-coming-back-to-the-charger/?ref=torquecafe.com) reported in March word from sources within Dodge that a new Charger Hellcat has been green-lit for development, potentially launching in 2027 as a 2028 model year vehicle. > [Supercharged V8 muscle car icon closer to return](https://torquecafe.com/supercharged-v8-muscle-car-icon-closer-to-return/) Since the new Charger’s launch in 2024, it has been available as either a two- or four-door (the former replacing the Dodge Challenger) with either an all-electric or a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six powertrain, but without the V8s which were commonly available in the previous-generation models. Potential customers have been vocal about wanting the V8 back in the Charger, as Ford effectively has the V8 ‘pony car’ market tied up with the Mustang, after production of the Chevrolet Camaro ended in December 2023. Tim Kuniskis, the head of Stellantis in North America, as well as the man leading the reborn SRT performance division, has previously said the Charger likely won’t get the 5.7-litre V8 found in the Ram 1500, instead only the Hellcat and Ram 1500 TRX’s supercharged 6.2-litre V8 would be considered. “The only way it makes sense to charge for \[an optional Hemi\] now is I have to go all the way up to a Hellcat,” Kuniskis told [*Motortrend*](https://www.motortrend.com/news/hemi-hellcat-new-dodge-charger?ref=torquecafe.com) at the Detroit motor show. > [Dodge Charger V8 return will only happen with supercharged Hellcat](https://torquecafe.com/dodge-charger-v8-return-will-only-happen-with-supercharged-hellcat/) “If you were to put a V8 in the car you would probably go to Hellcat (6.2-litre) instead of 5.7 (litre). The reality is when you get into that rare air, the take rate is pretty small.” Stellantis recently restarted production of the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 for the [1500 TRX pickup](https://torquecafe.com/ram-1500-srt-trx-returns-price-power/), which also resulted in increased inputs from 523kW and 882Nm to 579kW and 922Nm. It’s also now fitted to the Ram 1500 Rumble Bee SRT. It’s worth noting the previous generation Charger Hellcat made up to 594kW and 959Nm in its ultimate Redeye trim, much more than the ‘High Output’ twin-turbo six which 410kW and 720Nm in the Charger currently on sale. Despite the links to the return of the supercharged V8 in the Charger, there’s no word on whether it would be rear-wheel drive like previous Hellcats, or adopt the all-wheel drive system of the current twin-turbo six-cylinder model. ### Does the Ford Everest still have what it takes? URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-everest-review-2026-australia/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:49:48.000Z Ford is rolling out the MY26.5 Everest in Australian showrooms, with the popular 4×4 SUV receiving a handful of upgrades and equipment changes, but has the recipe been changed too much? As reported when it was announced late last year, the biggest changes to the Everest lineup centre around the existing bi-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine - long the entry point to the range - being deleted from Ford’s global lineup, resulting in a rethink. In its place, a single-turbo 2.0-litre diesel now powers the base Active (replacing the Ambiente and Trend) and Sport grades, adopting an updated fuel injection system and a timing chain (instead of a wet timing belt which has given Ford grief in recent years). With 125kW and 405Nm, the single-turbo engine is 29kW and 95Nm down on the outgoing bi-turbo, however it’s mated to the same 10-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4×4 system, with the Everest missing out on the six-speed auto previously fitted to the engine in the Ranger. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-ford-everest-active-4.jpg) Ford Everest Active It joins the existing 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 which remains the flagship engine in the Everest lineup, with unchanged outputs of 184kW and 600Nm, and is matched with a full-time 4×4 system. No other mechanical changes have been made to the Everest lineup, so how does the big SUV cope now that it’s got a smaller donk under the bonnet? On a drive from Essendon to Ford’s You Yangs Proving Grounds, we were able to manage a respectable 7.0L/100km in the four-cylinder Everest, without really thinking too hard or trying to save fuel, despite being locked into a ‘fuel efficiency challenge’ with the other journalists attending the event. Getting up to highway speeds on the sliproads didn’t bother the Everest, which is able to make up for its power and torque shortcomings thanks to the 10-speed automatic transmission. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-ford-everest-active-8.jpg) Always able to offer a ratio which best works with the power and torque bands, the transmission is the highlight of the show, and is underappreciated in the V6 due to the considerably higher outputs from the larger engine. Given the $8000 price discrepancy between the four-cylinder Everest and the V6 in the former’s favour, most customers would be hard-pressed to fork out the extra money for the bigger engine, though when utilising the SUV’s full 3500kg braked towing capacity, it might be worth the extra cash. Another advantage of the four-cylinder is not only that it’s lighter - helping to cut the overall weight of the hefty 4×4 - but that it places less weight on the front axle, giving a more planted road-holding experience. In emergency braking and steering situations, that extra weight saving and balance shift was apparent, though the V6 was by no means dangerous or worryingly cumbersome. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-ford-everest-tremor-1.jpg) Ford Everest Tremor The Ford Everest can still handle the twisty fast roads as well as city streets, and using the ladder-frame T6 chassis shared with the Ranger, it remains capable off-road too, though the big difference between the four-cylinder and V6 shines the most when the surface gets slippery. While the 2.0-litre has part-time four-wheel drive (with 2H, 4H and 4L available), the V6 gets a full-time system, which adds ‘4A’ to the existing three choices. This acts more like an all-wheel drive system, distributing power based on where it needs it most. Having never pushed it to the limits, it was eye-opening comparing 2H to 4A on a simulated dirt track within the proving grounds, with the latter resulting in far less intervention from the traction and stability control systems, while also being far more predictable. > [Ford’s Prado fighter follows Ranger with 2026 updates](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-2026-everest-price-australia/) This is another aspect to factor into the $8000 added cost of the V6 powertrain. At the top of the range the Tremor and Platinum remain V6-only, and offer two very different pathways for buyers, with the former being off-road focused and the latter being for those who want a greater on-road experience. The loss of the bi-turbo engine will undoubtedly open up the Everest to lose buyers to the Toyota LandCruiser Prado and more off-road capable SUVs in the market, however the single-turbo entry engine still represents a good buying prospect, while the V6 remains as the flagship of the Australian model range. ### Mitsubishi Pajero return confirmed, reveal timing set URL: https://torquecafe.com/mitsubishi-news-2027-pajero-return-australia-triton-4x4/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:49:49.000Z Mitsubishi has confirmed what we all knew was coming: the Pajero is making a comeback. The Japanese carmaker announced one of the automotive industry’s worst-kept secrets today, saying the Pajero nameplate will return between September and November 2026. Australia last saw the full-sized Pajero in showrooms in 2021, while the smaller Triton-based Pajero Sport was pulled from sale locally early last year due to not being compliant with then-incoming Australian Design Rules around the performance of autonomous emergency braking systems. The new Pajero is, effectively, a successor to the Pajero Sport, as it’ll be based on the underpinnings of the Triton ute. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-australia-2.jpg) 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero. Image credit: Jackson Dainer, Car Spotters Australia “The all-new Pajero is based on the highly robust ladder frame of the Triton pickup truck, with model-specific development of the cabin and front and rear suspension,” Mitsubishi said in a media release. “It delivers not only outstanding off-road capability but also a refined and comfortable ride. “The all-new Pajero is being developed as a new flagship model that embodies Mitsubishi Motors’ spirit of adventure and determination to take on challenges.” It’s expected the new Pajero will be built in Thailand - not Japan as with previous generations of the ‘true’ Pajero - and likely powered by the same twin-turbo 2.4-litre four-cylinder diesel engine as the Triton, as well as featuring a six- or eight-speed speed automatic transmission and full-time 4×4 system. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2027-mitsubishi-pajero-australia-1.jpg) 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero. Image credit: Jackson Dainer, Car Spotters Australia The Pajero could also adopt plug-in hybrid power, with the technology under development for the Triton. Like many ute-based SUVs such as the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X, the Pajero will reportedly share similar dimensions to the Triton, however it could end up being shorter in length due to not needing a tub, despite likely being fitted with three rows of seats. Images of test vehicles globally and in Australia have shown the Pajero’s overall design is largely related to the Destinator, a Prado-sized SUV for South-East Asia and some parts of Africa. ### Supercar icon one step closer to returning URL: https://torquecafe.com/audi-news-r8-successor-lamborghini-temerario/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:49:51.000Z Audi’s R8 supercar is regarded as one of the defining models of the late 2000s and it lasted into the early 2020s, having been a success both with V8 and V10 power. Starting out as a V8 coupe in 2006 before a V10 was added in 2008, and later a convertible in 2010, the second-generation R8 entered production in 2015, exclusively with V10 power except for a handful of electric R8 e-trons. In total, 44,418 R8 were built between 2008 and 2024 when production eventually ended, and ever since a question mark has hung over the future of the nameplate. While it was expected the R8 would return as an EV, based on the Volkswagen Group’s upcoming System Scalable Platform (SSP), across the past year there have been rumours of a return in 2027, running on the same platform as the Lamborghini Temerario. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/crop_657580.jpg) 2025 Lamborghini Temerario This would align the third-gen R8 with its predecessors, which were twinned with the Lamborghini Gallardo (first-gen) and the Huracan (second-gen). Speaking to overseas media including [*Motor1*](https://www.motor1.com/news/797106/next-gen-audi-r8-possible/?ref=torquecafe.com), Audi CEO Gernot Döllner was asked whether the R8 could make a comeback, something the executive said is a “good idea”. The executive wryly said, “I’m a big fan of the V8” before complimenting the twin-turbo setup of the aforementioned Temerario. “There’s no restriction to an engine like that \[…\] 10,000 rpm, twin-turbo, brilliant.” > [Audi hints it will revive its heroes](https://torquecafe.com/audi-hints-it-will-revive-its-heroes/) The Temerario underpinnings would also align with Audi’s goals of having more plug-in hybrids in its sports car lineup, though previous reports have claimed the R8’s system would be more subtle than that of the Lamborghini. Lamborghini’s Temerario is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine with three electric motors, producing up to 686kW and capable of revving to 10,000rpm. While Audi seems open to the idea of the R8 coming back with a fiery petrol engine, it has ruled out the same happening for the successor to its [TT sports car](https://torquecafe.com/audi-rules-out-engine-power-for-tt-successor/), set to be reborn based on the electric Concept C. ### Chinese giant tweaks off-roading SUVs after Aussie 4×4 learnings URL: https://torquecafe.com/denza-b5-b8-software-update-beer-oclock-hill-australia/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:49:52.000Z Denza, the premium brand of Chinese car giant BYD, is rolling out its first major over-the-air (OTA) software update for the B5 and B8 in Australia, two months after it said it’d learned from taking on the famed Beer O’Clock Hill. To kick off its Australian launch, Denza sent the Prado-sized B5 and LandCruiser 300-sized B8 up the steep, rutted 100 metre-long hill, located in The Springs 4×4 Adventure Park - about 180km south-west of Brisbane - to prove their worth. [Both vehicles made it to the top](https://torquecafe.com/iconic-aussie-4x4-hill-is-shaping-chinas-off-roaders/), but at the time Denza said it had modified the pair with Mickey Thompson all-terrain tyres and tweaked powertrain software, as well as optimised Mountain and Crawl modes. > View this post on Instagram > > > > [A post shared by Torquecafe (@torquecafe)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVsfgNaATP2/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) This led to a [cheeky response from rival brand GWM](https://torquecafe.com/chinese-brands-continue-to-conquer-aussie-hill/), which later took the Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV and Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV to the hill, noting its vehicles “completed the climb without mechanical modifications, calibration changes, or software upgrades”. As a part of the OTA software update for the B5 and B8, Denza says that data gathering from the Beer O’Clock Hill runs has led to “revised traction control management algorithms that better coordinate wheel speed and motor torque for improved off-road performance and control”. “The upgrades improve off-road capability, greater driving stability, and enhanced flexibility in sandy conditions, giving drivers greater confidence in challenging off-road environments.” > [BYD launches assault on Toyota LandCruiser, Ford Everest](https://torquecafe.com/byd-denza-b5-b8-price-specs-australia/) In addition to the enhanced off-road performance, the Denza B5’s update is claimed to bring “a more advanced towing experience”, allowing cruise control to be activated, a new towing mode, and trailer weight selection, allowing the SUV to best compensate for the extra weight behind it. For the B8, the towing upgrades also include dynamic range estimation, “providing drivers with more accurate and confident capability in real-world conditions”. “We are listening to customer feedback, not only through our local engineering team but also through real-world experiences shared by owners driving on Australian roads and tracks,” said Denza Australia chief operating officer, Mark Harland. “Whether it’s improved towing capability, greater off-road confidence or enhanced convenience and safety features, these updates are designed to deliver meaningful improvements that customers will notice in everyday driving.” ### Ferrari rival says ditching its EV was ‘the right way to go’ URL: https://torquecafe.com/lamborghini-news-ferrari-luce-comments-ev-cancelled/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:49:53.000Z You’ve likely heard about the Ferrari Luce - the brand’s polarising first EV - from just about everyone on the planet and in the automotive industry by now, with opinions being offered from far and wide. Even former Ferrari head Luca di Montezemelo joined the pile-on, saying that the Luce is “definitely a car the Chinese won’t copy”, and that it “risks destroying a legend”, despite saying he was holding back on going all-in with his criticism. You might expect Lamborghini to join the pile-on, especially given it recently cancelled plans to launch an EV, citing low demand in the segment, but CEO Stephan Winkelmann has delivered a measured approach to the Luce. “Our decision to go from \[traditional internal combustion engine\] to plug-in was a very important one for us, and it worked out,” Winkelmann told [*CNBC*](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/27/ferrari-luce-backlash-lamborghini-ceo-ev.html?ref=torquecafe.com). “We don’t speak about our competitors … but everybody has their own strategy.” > [‘A car the Chinese won’t copy’: Former Ferrari boss slams Luce EV](https://torquecafe.com/ferrari-news-luce-criticism-luca-di-montezemelo/) According to Winkelmann, Lamborghini’s decision to backtrack on launching the Lanzador as an EV and instead go down the plug-in hybrid route was “the right way to go”, though the executive conceded “every brand, every company has to decide for themselves”. “By observing the market … we saw that the acceptance curve \[of EVs\] for our type of customers is not increasing, and that therefore we decided to move away from a full-electric car into a plug-in hybrid.” In speaking to CNBC, he added that “innovation is paramount” to success with regards to the Ferrari Luce, but said innovation shouldn’t be forced on customers. When Lamborghini cancelled its EV plans in February, Winkelmann said the “acceptance curve” for EVs in the luxury space the Lanzador would occupy is flattening and “close to zero”, noting, “EVs, in their current form, struggle to deliver this specific emotional connection.” > [Lamborghini keeps petrol power alive, scraps EV plans](https://torquecafe.com/lamborghini-keeps-petrol-power-alive-scraps-ev-plans/) “Investing heavily in full-EV development when the market and customer base are not ready would be an expensive hobby, and financially irresponsible towards shareholders, customers \[and\] to our employees and their families. “Plug-in hybrids offer the best of both worlds, combining the agility and low-rev boost of electric battery technology with the emotion and power output of an internal combustion engine. The executive added an EV may still one day joining Lamborghini’s lineup, but just when that will happen is still up in the air. “Never say never, but only when the time is right. For the foreseeable future, only PHEVs. We will continue to develop electrification because we also need to be ready,” Winkelman said. “The times we are living in are fast moving; if you don’t react fast, you risk going out of business or losing momentum. Therefore \[we need\] a solid financial base to reinvest in the future.” ### Has Ford done enough for the Ranger to remain Australia’s best-seller? URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-ranger-review-2026-v6-2-litre-turbo-diesel/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T05:06:39.000Z Ford got the recipe right with the ‘next-gen’ Ranger when it launched in 2022, with the ute receiving praise for its Australian-engineered base, leading to its becoming the nation’s best-selling vehicle. While the four-year mark would herald a mid-life facelift for most vehicles, Ford has now rolled out minor changes to the Ranger, such as the deletion of its chrome and silver exterior trim for black highlights, and the axing of the popular bi-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. By reducing the number of diesels in the lineup from three to just two, the single-turbo 2.0-litre four-pot and the 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel remain the only offerings alongside the relatively niche plug-in hybrid and the performance Raptor. For now, we’re focusing on the diesels, given the vast majority of orders made for the oilers, which have propelled the Ranger to its best-selling status. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/026-ford-ranger-wildtrak-v6-1.jpg) 2026 Ford Ranger Wildtrak To find out if the Ranger is still the king of the utes, Ford took us to the place it was developed - the You Yangs Proving Ground in Melbourne - to put it through its paces. As reported when pricing was announced in November, one of the biggest changes to the Ranger lineup - excluding the deletion of the bi-turbo engine - is that the V6 engine is now available across the lineup, having not previously been offered in the base-spec XL. This has given buyers greater access to the grunty 3.0-litre at power prices, with the most affordable V6-powered Ranger being the XL 4×4 single cab-chassis, starting from $52,100. That represents a $6500 price gap to the single-turbo four-cylinder, or an increase of $3870 compared to the outgoing bi-turbo, however the V6’s figures on paper make it the most appealing offering. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/026-ford-ranger-tremor-v6-3.jpg) 2026 Ford Ranger V6 engine With unchanged outputs of 184kW and 600Nm, plus the standard fitment of a full-time four-wheel drive system (4WD), the V6 is significantly more powerful than the four-cylinder, which also continues to produce 125kW and 405Nm, down 29kW and 95Nm on the bi-turbo. In total, there are 14 V6-powered Rangers across the lineup, from the single cab-chassis XL right up to the Wildtrak and Platinum, as well as the off-road focused Tremor, the latter of which is only here for a limited time, as with the new Wolftrak. For the Ranger V6, the recipe remains largely unchanged, with the class-leading V6 still maintaining to be the smoothest and most powerful turbo-diesel engine on the market, paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission which can always pick the right gear. It’s untroubled at any speed, and through the Ranger’s multiple drive modes can be wound down for doughy response in Eco mode, to being prepared for anything when using the Tow/Haul function. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/026-ford-ranger-tremor-v6-2.jpg) 2026 Ford Ranger Tremor Engine noise in the cabin is still a highlight, with very little NVH intruding into the interior, something which is jarring after stepping out of a Super Duty with its snorkel mounted right above the driver’s window on the A-pillar. If there’s one criticism of the V6 - and there are few - it’s that it can feel nose-heavy compared to the four-cylinder, however this is almost immediately cancelled out when there’s any load in the back, something the Ranger has obviously been designed for. Despite this, the ride quality on everything from smooth highways to bumpy B-roads remains as possibly the best you’ll find in a leaf-sprung ute which can carry and tow as much as the Ranger. This extends to its ADAS calibration which drivers will be able to tell has been built from the ground up to work on Australian roads. So, that’s enough about the V6, what about the upgraded Ranger four-cylinder turbo-diesel? ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-ford-ranger-xl-v6-3.jpg) 2026 Ford Ranger XL (V6 pictured) On paper, the changes might seem arbitrary. Ford has fitted a new fuel injection system but it doesn’t make any additional power or torque compared to prior to the update. The big changes have been made inside the engine, where the much-maligned ‘wet’ timing belt has been replaced by a timing chain. With this engine also featuring in the Transit - an extremely popular vehicle in overseas markets - it seems the numerous failures of the timing belt were too much for Ford to ignore, resulting in the move to the (hopefully) more reliable timing chain. Again, this is not a change that any drivers will feel immediately, though it should keep the Ranger on the road for longer without needing extensive and expensive maintenance. Where the big change has occurred on the four-cylinder turbo-diesel Ranger has been behind the engine, after the previously standard six-speed automatic transmission was replaced by the 10-speed from the wider lineup. Though it’s still only available in rear-wheel drive (4×2) and part-time four-wheel drive (4×4) applications - missing out on the full-time system of the V6 and axed bi-turbo - the addition of the 10-speed has transformed the most affordable Ranger variants. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MY26.5-Ford-Ranger-XL-Super-Cab-Chassis-Arctic-White-rear.jpg) 2026 Ford Ranger XL Only the 4×4 dual-cab versions of the four-cylinder Rangers have incurred a price rise ($700), while the 4×4 single-cab and 4×2 variants are either new or remain priced the same. That’s a big win for trade-focused customers, who will find the new 10-speed equipped engine appealing, with the added ratios allowing the 2.0-litre to stay in its power and torque band more consistently. While the engine lacks the edge of the bi-turbo it effectively supersedes, those who either hadn’t sampled the outgoing motor or would happily take the potentially greater reliability of the timing chain will be pleased with this offering. In addition to this, the XL has been enhanced with more standard equipment, including a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen (previously 10.1-inch), dual-zone climate control (over single-zone), and rear air vents for dual-cabs. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/026-ford-ranger-wolftrak-v6-6.jpg) 2026 Ford Ranger Wolftrak All Ranger cab-chassis variants also now get Ford’s ‘Driver Assist Technology (DAT)’ bar, allowing tray-fitted examples to retain driver assist systems like blind-spot monitoring and alert, rear cross-traffic alert, a digital reversing camera, and rear parking sensors. Ford has tried to make the Ranger look bolder from 2026 too, with the new Wolftrak and the updated Wildtrak getting coloured inserts on their front grilles and wheels. It’s not for everyone, but in a sea of same-same utes, it might be nice to let some buyers stand out. In the Ranger’s colour choices, Blue Lightning has been deleted for the Wildtrak, while Ignite Orange and Acacia Green replace Luxe Yellow and Equinox Brown on the Wildtrak and Premium respectively. On the whole, the 2026 Ford Ranger seems like a case of evolution over revolution, and time will tell as to whether it can not only keep the likes of the new-generation Toyota HiLux behind it, but also hold off buyers switching to alternatives like the BYD Shark 6. > [Australia’s best-selling vehicle is getting big changes](https://torquecafe.com/2026-ford-ranger-price-and-specs-australia/) ### Street racers and hoons prompt police blitz URL: https://torquecafe.com/street-racers-and-hoons-prompt-police-blitz/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:49:58.000Z It appears New South Wales Police, specifically its Highway Patrol divisions, are keen on stamping out anti-social driving and getting defective cars off the road, after its latest operation in Sydney’s West. According to the NSW Police Force’s Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, its Greater Western Sydney and Blacktown Highway Patrol sectors have been experiencing a range of high-risk driving incidents within the past 12 months. This led to a joint light vehicle compliance operation being conducted by officers attached to Nepean and Mt Druitt Highway Patrol along with Transport for NSW investigators on Friday, May 23. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/nsw-police-defective-vehicles-western-sydney-1200px-1.jpg) Image credit: NSW Police Force A total of 31 vehicles were identified as participating in the high risk driving incidents and issued with direction notices to attend the specific location for a compliance inspection. Of those 31 vehicles which were inspected, 29 were issued with defect notices, with 15 red labels (major grounding) and 11 yellow labels handed out, while a total of 81 infringement notices were issued for a variety of offences. Police noted one vehicle was spotted with a “significant amount of petrol leaking from the engine over the exhaust”, with a “very young child” being an occupant of the defective car. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/nsw-police-defective-vehicles-western-sydney-1200px-2.jpg) Image credit: NSW Police Force Legal action was also commenced against two drivers for low range (0.05-0.079 BAC) and mid-range (0.08-0.149 BAC) drink-driving, while another motorist has legal action pending the results of oral fluid drug test. It’s the third time NSW Highway Patrol has announced the undertaking of a crackdown on defective vehicles this month, following operations in the [Illawarra region](https://torquecafe.com/police-crack-down-on-modified-cars-in-operation-spoiler/) and the [Sydney CBD.](https://torquecafe.com/nsw-news-police-hoon-modified-car-crackdown/) ### Unexpected brand’s boss adds fuel to rugged SUV rumour fire URL: https://torquecafe.com/unexpected-brands-boss-adds-fuel-to-rugged-suv-rumour-fire/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:49:59.000Z The long-term success of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen has undoubtedly given its rivals in BMW and Audi something to think about, and for the latter brand, a rugged SUV isn’t out of the question. As reported by [*Motor1*](https://www.motor1.com/news/797112/audi-offroad-suv-coming-soon/?ref=torquecafe.com), Audi CEO Gernot Döllner says the carmaker is “evaluating” whether an off-road oriented SUV could fit into its model lineup, representing the second time he’s hinted at such a product this year. “The perfect thing is that I can imagine an Audi from the A2, \[a\] very efficient city car, to a super sports car, from a small SUV to a rugged SUV in the US, that would also fit the Audi brand,” the CEO told US publication [*Car and Driver*](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70578383/audi-ceo-gas-engines-have-a-future/?ref=torquecafe.com) in March. Döllner has spoken on the record multiple times in the recent past about a rugged SUV being in Audi’s plans, after [*Automobilwoche*](https://www.automobilwoche.de/autohersteller/volkswagen/audi/amw-audi-suv-usa-scout-werk/?ref=torquecafe.com) reported on the potential off-roader late last year. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/250521_Audi_SQ5_Low_Res_017.jpg) At the time, the executive said Audi “haven’t given up on that dream” of launching a rival to the G-Wagen and Defender. Rather than be based on an existing Audi platform, the publication reported the new large SUV would be underpinned by architecture from Scout, the new US-focused Volkswagen subsidiary. At the time, the report claimed the Audi off-road SUV would be offered with a range-extender powertrain, meaning an engine would only serve to charge the on-board battery, which powers the electric motors driving the wheels. Audi may be one of a few brands looking to enter the segment, after another report last year claimed BMW will launch its own take on the G-Wagen formula in 2029, and do so with the familiar underpinnings of the popular X5 SUV. ![BMW X5 Silver Anniversary Edition](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/bmw-x5-silver-anniversary-edition-3.jpg) BMW X5 Silver Anniversary Edition Codenamed ‘G74’ and built in the US, the ‘Rugged’ - its name, according to [*BMW Blog*](https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/08/12/bmw-g74-rugged-suv-2029-launch-hybrid-ev/?ref=torquecafe.com) \- will reportedly be tougher than the X5 both in appearance and off-road capability, though like the Mercedes 4×4 it’s expected to retain some luxury trimmings. Likewise Genesis unveiled the [X Gran Equator concept](https://torquecafe.com/a-luxury-suv-built-for-modern-cowboys/) in April last year, and its executives have been vocal about the prospect of it reaching production. Speaking at the Hyundai Group’s Investor Day in September, CEO José Muñoz provided the clearest hint yet that the X Gran Equator will influence a production model, even if it’s not identical to the concept. ![2025 Genesis X Gran Equator](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/3_GVX_3QFrontViewPass_v02_16.9.jpg) 2025 Genesis X Gran Equator “We will go beyond the brand’s existing model lineup to create new flagship vehicles,” Muñoz said. “For example, an off-roader infused with the spirit of adventure, just like the X Gran Equator concept. These vehicles, which are currently concepts, exemplify our ambition to offer leading products that deliver exceptional experiences.” Genesis hasn’t detailed what platform the production X Gran Equator could run on, though given Hyundai is developing a body-on-frame underpinning for its upcoming mid-sized pickup (or ute), this is a likely candidate. ### Manuals to return to Ferrari in V12 flagship URL: https://torquecafe.com/manuals-to-return-to-ferrari-in-v12-flagship/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:50:00.000Z It’s been a weird week of Ferrari news, which started with the reveal of the polarising Luce electric vehicle, representing a major turning point for Maranello. While the Luce is undoubtedly looking towards Ferrari’s future, reports have claimed the brand will look to its past for a new offering. [*The Supercar Blog*](https://www.thesupercarblog.com/exclusive-ferrari-12cilindri-with-a-manual-gearbox-may-debut-in-july/?ref=torquecafe.com) reports Ferrari will for the first time since 2012 produce a manual road car, with the three-pedal option set to be offered for the 12Cilindri grand tourer. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/crop_New_Ferrari_V12_ext_06_Design_red_media.jpg) 2024 Ferrari 12Cilindri Not since the before mid-life update to the V8-powered California almost a decade and a half ago has Ferrari made a manual model, and you’ve got to go back to the 599 which launched in 2007 to find the last time a three-pedal arrangement was offered in a V12. According to the publication, the manual-equipped 12Cilindri could debut as early as July, however it is likely to be extremely limited and offered only to Ferrari’s most exclusive clients. At present, the 12 Cilindri is powered by a 6.5-litre V12 engine, making up to 610kW and 678Nm, all of which is directed through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission towards the rear wheels. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ferrari-599-v12-manual-1.jpg) Ferrari 599 manual For context, the 6.0-litre V12 in the 599 made 456kW and 608Nm, and was most commonly mated to a six-speed automated manual transmission, while only 30 gated six-speed manuals were produced. As recently reported, manuals are becoming less and less common in vehicles generally, though performance offerings are keeping the relatively niche technology alive. ### Australian state raises $2 million by introducing long-overdue car accessory URL: https://torquecafe.com/australian-state-raises-2-million-by-introducing-long-overdue-car-accessory/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:50:01.000Z This week Victoria launched its first lot of seven-character number plates for vehicles registered in the state, having finally caught up with the rest of Australia. A total of 11 pre-selected combinations and a ‘Winner’s Choice’ combination went under the hammer at the Park Hyatt in Melbourne, with the auction throwing up some surprising results. The most expensive plate at the auction was the registration combination ‘FERRARI’, which sold for $328,000 - quite a lot more than any other custom plate in the state, but still less than one of the brand’s new cars. Other big-dollar results included ‘8888888’ selling for $270,000, ‘1111111’ for $190,000, ‘9999999’ for $185,000, and ‘MCLAREN’ for $166,000. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/vicroads-seven-character-plates-3.jpg) The ‘Winner’s Choice’, which allows the successful bidder to create their own seven-character plate, went for $202,000. All up, VicRoad’s Custom Plates division says the 12 plates were sold for more than $2 million. “This result shows the strong appetite for more personalised and distinctive plate options in Victoria,” said Giles Thompson, VicRoads Registration and Licensing Services CEO. “For the first time, we’re unlocking seven-character combinations that allow for surnames, your business name and longer words - something customers have been asking for.” ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/vicroads-seven-character-plates-1.jpg) “This auction is an important first step as we expand what’s possible and bring more choice to the market. It’s not yet known when more preset combinations will become available, or if Victoria will follow the majority of other states and territories by allowing all motorists to choose their own custom seven-character plates. According to VicRoads, more than 1.7 million of the circa-6.8 million registered vehicles in Victoria are displaying non-standard plates. ### Audi rules out engine power for TT successor URL: https://torquecafe.com/audi-rules-out-engine-power-for-tt-successor/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:50:03.000Z Last month, Audi locked in the Concept C for production in 2027, effectively filling the space in its lineup left vacant by the TT sports car three years ago. Unveiled in September last year, the Concept C’s design had all the makings of a potential TT revival, utilising the electric platform set to be shared with Porsche’s upcoming electric 718 (Cayman and Boxster) twins. Despite EVs enjoying a boost in sales - thanks to changing emissions regulations in some regions, as well as rising oil prices - demand for battery-powered sports cars has remained lukewarm, raising questions about whether Audi will stick with the Concept C’s EV-only plans. “We will see European and Chinese market dominated by battery electric vehicles and with the changes of the past two years, we see the US, for the next 10 years, at least, being dominated by combustion engine and hybrids,” Audi CEO Gernot Döllner said, as reported by [*CarBuzz*](https://carbuzz.com/audi-concept-c-ev-only-gas-sports-car-possible/?ref=torquecafe.com). ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/A251452_medium.jpg) 2025 Audi Concept C “Asking for that specific model, it will definitely be battery-electric only. We are not thinking about flexibility \[for that model\] because the global volume we are planning for \[it\] is quite small. “I mean, the US is not one market. It has different regions as well \[…\] and that concept, I can see \[being\] a very good fit to the West Coast and parts of the East Coast that are maybe, right now, a little bit more open to battery electric. So we are planning to have that car be battery electric \[only\].” Döllner says that petrol-powered sports cars are still on the menu for Audi in its future lineup, though even the porky RS5 liftback and wagon is counted as “one of those sports cars with four doors with a combustion engine”. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/crop_A233827_medium.jpg) The three generations of Audi TT As previously reported, the plan to produce the Concept C appeared to hit something of a stumbling block earlier this year, with [*Bloomberg*](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-02/porsche-ceo-weighs-cutting-electric-sports-cars-to-tackle-budget?ref=torquecafe.com) citing insider sources who said new Porsche CEO Michael Leiters was considering [scrapping the 718 Cayman and Boxster EVs](https://torquecafe.com/porsche-cayman-boxster-718-ev-future/), due to continued delays and rising costs. This was followed by a [*Donaukurier*](https://www.donaukurier.de/nachrichten/regionale-wirtschaft/doellner-schreibt-ans-team-audi-modell-c-sport-nicht-in-gefahr-20532640?ref=torquecafe.com) report, claiming an internal memo had been sent from Döllner to the Audi’s employees, saying the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) which is still set to underpin the 718 EVs will remain available to Audi. While the Concept C production car is meant to be based on the PPE architecture, previous iterations of the TT were twinned with the Volkswagen Golf and its derivatives. > [Confirmed: Audi locks in TT successor](https://torquecafe.com/audi-news-concept-c-tt-electric-successor-2027/) That ended [in November 2023](https://torquecafe.com/review-we-farewell-a-true-automotive-icon/) when the final and 662,762th example of the TT rolled off the production line, having experienced a decline in sales towards the end of its run. As the Porsche 718 EVs are also reportedly being prepared to become plug-in hybrids, it’s possible this technology could later find its way into the Concept C, though Audi has been [firm on its EV future](https://torquecafe.com/audi-backs-the-better-technology-amid-looming-engine-ban/) in recent times. “I know of no better technology than the electric car for making progress in reducing CO2 emissions in transport in the coming years,” Döllner told German business publication [*WirtschaftsWoche*](https://www.wiwo.de/unternehmen/auto/verbrennerverbot-audi-chef-gernot-doellner-kritisiert-mercedes/100154377.html?ref=torquecafe.com) in September. “But even apart from climate protection, the electric car is simply the better technology.” ### Supercars champion Will Brown downsizes car collection URL: https://torquecafe.com/auction-news-collecting-cars-will-brown-nissan-skyline/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:50:04.000Z Not even half a year into his ownership, Triple Eight Race Engineering’s Will Brown is selling his highly modified R31 Nissan Skyline, just a handful of months after buying the Japanese coupe. Headed to auction via [Collecting Cars](https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/1987-nissan-skyline-r31-gts?ref=torquecafe.com), the 1987 Nissan Skyline GTS was bought by Brown earlier this year, after the Supercars champion received an overwhelming response from the public to not modify his even rarer four-door Skyline Silhouette GTS. Already modified prior to his purchase, the GTS coupe has been extensively upgraded, and is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre six-cylinder engine (RB25) from a much newer Stagea, producing 245kW at the rear wheels. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/will-brown-nissan-skyline-collecting-cars-2.jpg) Image credit: Collecting Cars Finished in red with 16-inch Image Wheels, the Skyline features a front lower lip, a genuine GTS-R rear spoiler, a pair of Recaro confetti LX seats, and a Momo Prototipo steering wheel. Other upgrades include the rear subframe from an R33 Skyline GTS-T, a rebuilt RB25DET gearbox, an S15 Silvia 3.69 helical limited-slip differential, and front and rear brakes from an R32 Skyline GT-R. At the time of writing, bidding is already up to $10,000, with the auction due to end on Tuesday, June 2. “Pretty much what happened was I bought that R31 four-door, I wanted to hot something up, I haven’t really done that in my life, I put it up online and everyone’s like, ‘you can’t butcher that one with the history of it’,” Brown told [*Torquecafe*](https://torquecafe.com/supercars-champion-will-brown-has-a-classic-nissan-obsession/) in early March. [![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/will-brown-nissan-skyline-collecting-cars-4.jpg)](https://archive.torquecafe.com/auction-news-collecting-cars-will-brown-nissan-skyline/will-brown-nissan-skyline-collecting-cars-4/?ref=torquecafe.com) [![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/will-brown-nissan-skyline-collecting-cars-1.jpg)](https://archive.torquecafe.com/auction-news-collecting-cars-will-brown-nissan-skyline/will-brown-nissan-skyline-collecting-cars-1/?ref=torquecafe.com) “So I was like, oh, fuck it, I’ll go buy another one. I looked online, found this two-door R31, running an RB25, it’s got an R33 rear end in it and he \[the previous owner\] has done a lot of mods to it. “I think I’ve had it for about 4 to 6 weeks now, I just got a bit of work done on it getting it registered, then I’ll slowly chip away. It’s more little things on it, but it’s pretty well done.” Brown still has the aforementioned four-door R31, as well as an R34 GTS-T dressed up to look like a Skyline GT-R, and a 1970 Ford Falcon XW GT-HO Phase II, among other vehicles. ### Ford claims win over Toyota’s ageing workhorse URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-claims-win-over-toyotas-ageing-workhorse/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:50:05.000Z When Ford announced the Ranger Super Duty was going to join its Australian fleet, the most natural comparison was to the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series ute, which for decades has been the go-to utilitarian workhorse for local organisations and farmers. The 79 Series ute has been the byword for reliability and dependability in harsh conditions since its launch in the 1980s, though in recent years development has stagnated, while it’s no longer able to be ordered with a V8 - instead the HiLux’s four-cylinder turbo-diesel is the only source of power. With its four-decade-old underpinnings and basic equipment, the LandCruiser 79 ute was always going to be vulnerable to the Ranger Super Duty, which is based on a far more modern platform, includes more up-to-date features and boasts a V6 engine. Speaking to Australian media at the launch of the updated MY26.5 Ranger and Everest, Ford Australia marketing director, Ambrose Henderson, said the Ranger Super Duty had bested the 79 Series on the sales charts in the opening three months of 2026. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/crop_35.-2024-Toyota-LC-70-1309.jpg) 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series “Many of you joined us out at Tallarook at the end of last year, where we launched this amazing car \[Ranger Super Duty, a car that is really in a white space in the market,” Henderson said. “That started selling at the end of last year. We’ve now sold thousands of these vehicles and are going incredibly well, continuing to exceed our expectations. “And one of the real pride points for us is in the first quarter of this year - which was also the first full quarter that this vehicle was on sale - we beat LC70 \[LandCruiser 70 Series\] from a sales perspective. “\[It’s\] another proof point of how important this vehicle is to Australian customers and how it’s resonating with them.” > [We drive the Toyota LandCruiser’s biggest threat](https://torquecafe.com/ford-ranger-super-duty-review-australia-2026/) Just how many more Ranger Super Dutys were sold compared to the LandCruiser 70 Series ute remains to be seen, as sales figures for both vehicles are murky. In the case of the Ranger Super Duty, it is counted as a part of the Ranger lineup, not split out as a separate entity. Though not in the same class, the likes of Ram and Chevrolet split sales of their core 1500-class pickups and their heavy duty counterparts, allowing the two different vehicles - which have different customer bases - to be distinguished on the sales charts. > [Ford boss: ‘We’re here to win’](https://torquecafe.com/ford-australia-here-to-win-ranger-super-duty/) Likewise, while Toyota lists the LandCruiser 70 Series ute (the 79 Series) cab-chassis and pickup as its own variant, the wagon (76 Series) and Troop Carrier (78 Series) are included in sales of the unrelated LandCruiser 300 Series. Despite the addition of the Ranger Super Duty to its Australian lineup, deliveries of the Ranger are down to 15,841 examples between January and April 2026, a drop of 8.2 per cent compared to the 17,257 delivered in the same period last year. The Ford Ranger is still the best-selling vehicle in Australia, having taken that title for the past three years running. ### ‘A car the Chinese won’t copy’: Former Ferrari boss slams Luce EV URL: https://torquecafe.com/ferrari-news-luce-criticism-luca-di-montezemelo/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:50:06.000Z The Ferrari Luce was subject to a big build up prior to its unveiling this week, but as soon as the covers came off, the internet gave a resounding verdict of disappointment. From comparisons to Waymo robotaxis, to claiming AI could’ve come up with something better, Ferrari’s first EV has received polarising responses, and not just because there’s no engine powering it. The design - made with assistance from LoveFrom, a firm founded by the original Apple iPhone’s designer Sir Jony Ive, and Australian Marc Newson - has been characterised as un-Ferrari, something one of the brand’s former leaders agrees with. Luca di Montezemolo, who served as Ferrari president from 1991 to 2014, was asked to share his thoughts on the Luce, and gave a pointed response. > La [#Ferrari](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ferrari?src=hash&ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=torquecafe.com) Luce non è proprio piaciuta a [#Montezemolo](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Montezemolo?src=hash&ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=torquecafe.com) [pic.twitter.com/yFBb76XOTP](https://t.co/yFBb76XOTP?ref=torquecafe.com) > > \- askanews (@askanews\_ita) [May 26, 2026](https://twitter.com/askanews%5Fita/status/2059225167172194624?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=torquecafe.com) “If I said what I think, I’d be hurting Ferrari,” di Montezemelo said. “It risks destroying a legend, and I’m very sorry. I hope they remove the prancing horse from that car at least. “This is definitely a car the Chinese won’t copy.” Ferrari previously said its EV could account for five per cent of its total sales, though given the reaction, it seems that figure might be hard to reach. > [Ferrari reveals its controversial first EV](https://torquecafe.com/ferrari-news-luce-ev-revealed/) ### Lotus lights up its sports car with new 420 edition URL: https://torquecafe.com/lotus-news-emira-420-sport/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:50:08.000Z Lotus is going back to basics with the Emira 420 Sport, sharpening up its two-door coupe by cutting weight and increasing power. Based on the AMG-powered turbocharged four-cylinder Emira, the 420 Sport is the most track-prepared version of the model yet, edging close to replicating the defunct Exige. Now producing 309kW and 500Nm from its 2.0-litre engine, the 420 Sport offers 11kW and 20Nm more than the Emira turbo, allowing it to sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds, and onto a top speed of 300km/h. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lotus-emira-420-sport-5.jpg) Lotus Emira 420 Sport Other changes compared to the Emira in standard form are minimal, with Tangelo Orange being a 420 Sport-exclusive colour, while it also sits 5mm lower and rides on ‘high-performance’ tyres. However, the 420 Sport’s option packs are where it makes a real point of difference compared to the existing car, with the Lightweight Handling Pack delivering significant upgrades. By fitting two-way adjustable Multimatic dampers, a titanium exhaust, a lithium-ion battery, and carbon fibre components, the fitment of the package results in a 25kg weight saving compared to the standard Emira. On top of this, the optional exterior carbon fibre pack adds a new front splitter, revised front vents, extended side sills, larger air intakes, a lip spoiler and a louvred engine cover, resulting in a 25kg increase in downforce. ![Lotus Emira 420 Sport](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lotus-emira-420-sport-2.jpg) Lotus Emira 420 Sport Inside, the carbon fibre gearshift paddles are among the minimal changes, while buyers can also opt for a carbon fibre interior package or the hand painted pack, the latter of which adds Tangelo Orange highlights. The Emira 420 Sport also introduces a removable tinted glass roof panel for the Emira, available across the model lineup. With a starting price of £105,900 (A$198,700) in the UK, the 420 Sport is £16,400 (A$30,770) more than the Emira SE turbo. It has yet to be confirmed for Australia, where the Emira SE turbo already starts from $209,990 before on-road costs. ### No bi-turbo? No worries for updated Ford Ranger, Everest URL: https://torquecafe.com/no-bi-turbo-no-worries-for-updated-ford-ranger-everest/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:50:09.000Z The updated Ford Ranger ute and Everest SUV have lost the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine which powered many of the best-selling variants of each vehicle. Announced in November last year, the available diesels will be reduced to the existing single-turbo 3.0-litre V6, as well as a revised single-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder, now fitted with an updated fuel injection system and timing chain, rather than its controversial ‘wet belt’. Ford axed the bi-turbo as it was only fitted to the Ranger and Everest, whereas the single-turbo diesel is also found in the Transit, helping to rationalise development and production costs. The loss of the bi-turbo has taken away a mid-range option for customers, as the engine produced 154kW and 500Nm, up on the single-turbo’s 125kW and 405Nm, but shy of the V6’s 184kW and 600Nm claims. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MY26.5-Ford-Everest-Sport-Blue-Lightning-mud.jpg) Ford Everest Sport However, the single-turbo is now no longer mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, instead upgrading to the 10-speed which is now standard across the Ranger lineup. Speaking to Australian media at the launch of the MY26.5 Ranger and Everest, Ford Australia marketing director, Ambrose Henderson, said the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel has so far proven to be the engine of choice over the 3.0-litre V6 following the update. “From a demand perspective, you might be surprised to know that the cars that had the highest contracting rates - put another way, the cars that had the highest number of orders - coming into this launch, were the cars that had the 2.0-litre engine,” Henderson said. “I think that’s for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it allows us to expand into those entry price points \[…\], it broadens our portfolio to a larger group of customers. > [Australia’s best-selling vehicle is getting big changes](https://torquecafe.com/2026-ford-ranger-price-and-specs-australia/) “But also because it brings with it a bunch of features and refinement that is a step up. The 10 speed automatic transmission that’s now standard across the range is a big step up.” Phil Millar, in-cycle chief program engineer for the T6 platform which underpins the Ranger and Everest, added the powertrain lineup - particularly for the Ranger ute - remains class-leading. “There’s a whole raft of things going on here, and one of the key ones is global footprint rationalisation,” Millar said. > [Ford’s Prado fighter follows Ranger with 2026 updates](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-2026-everest-price-australia/) “This is an engine and a powertrain which is used across Transit and Ranger, and then have that global commonisation of the footprint, which allows things like the \[timing\] chain drive, the \[new\] injection system, and the quality is really at the forefront of everything we do. “The connectedness of this powertrain is something that the other powertrains don’t have, and then having the choice. You look across what we offer: the V6, the hybrid, the 2.0-litre in the Ranger \[and Everest\] portfolio. “Getting that balance right to offer the customers the best value for money when it comes to how you get into an entry-level product versus the step up in capability, this was the right balance for Ranger.” In the Ranger, prices for the 2.0-litre are largely unchanged or up $700 compared to the old single-turbo, or down by as much as $3700 against the bi-turbo. ### Ford Australia confident in local operations being kept alive URL: https://torquecafe.com/ford-australia-confident-in-local-operations-being-kept-alive/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:50:10.000Z Australian production of Ford vehicles ended nearly 10 years ago, when in October 2016 the final Falcon rolled off the line in Broadmeadows, bringing an end to a circa-90-year run of building cars locally. While this had an immediate impact on some of Ford Australia’s existing staff, an unsung success story has been that of its design and engineering teams, who have continued to carry the torch for its local operations. Most of the team’s work has been centred around the development of the ‘T6’ platform which underpins the Ranger and Everest sold in Australia and overseas, as well as the popular Bronco in North America. Ford’s headcount has dropped in recent years, from 2300 staff in 2022 to approximately 1500 presently, mainly on account of the next-generation Ranger and Everest launching in the past few years. > [Former Ford Falcon factory site to be turned into a data centre](https://torquecafe.com/ford-news-australia-falcon-broadmeadows-ai-data-centre/) Questions have been asked about the long-term viability of Ford’s Australian operations, including its You Yangs Proving Ground, which remains the only OEM-owned and exclusively used testing facility Down Under. Speaking to media at the launch of the updated Ranger and Everest, Mario Brandini, vehicle program director for Ford’s T6 platform, said that as long as the Australian operations are providing value to the brand, it’ll continue to benefit from investments. “The success of this place is what you see on the road,” Brandini said, speaking within the confines of the You Yangs Proving Grounds. “Proving time and time again, the ability of the team here and the capability of what we can do with what we’ve got and how we can do it, something that’s proven over and over and over again, hence why we keep investing in the place.” ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ford-you-yangs-proving-ground-2.jpg) Across the past 10 years, the You Yangs Proving Ground has benefitted from $5 billion in investments from Ford’s global operations, given its remit extends beyond the development of the T6 platform. “Us continuing to be successful, we’ll keep adding back. And we add to the global footprint,” he added. “Things we learn here and feed back are also very valuable, and Ford knows that, and it helps the global success in what we’re doing. According to Brandini, Ford’s local engineering team and its development pathways extend beyond the brand and even the automotive industry. > [Prime Minister Albanese wants cars to be manufactured in Australia again](https://torquecafe.com/australia-news-anthony-albanese-car-manufacturing/) “What we provide is not just for Ford, it’s for the country. “If you think about the technical building of our students that come from universities, we’ve got people coming in, learning, training, and then they might be going out and working in defence.” Our visit to You Yangs came less than a month after Holden’s former proving ground in Lang Lang was sold to a defence contractor, resulting in automotive brands utilising the facility having to find another home. The only other full-time proving ground in Australia is the Australian Automotive Research Centre (AARC), owned by Linfox and used between car brands and defence companies. ### Lexus debuts Australian-first technology URL: https://torquecafe.com/lexus-debuts-australian-first-technology/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:50:11.000Z Lexus is best known for its luxury models, and is more in the game of easy-listening vehicles rather than those which break convention or set trends. That is until now, as the carmaker has confirmed it’s bringing its RZ550e F Sport electric SUV to Australian showrooms, resulting in the local debut of technology only recently launched overseas. The flagship of the RZ range is fitted with a steer-by-wire system which sees the traditional steering shaft replaced by a motor on the steering rack, in turn directed by the driver’s inputs to the steering wheel. While the steering system is unique in itself, so too is the steering control in the driver’s hands, with Lexus following the path - unsuccessfully - trailed by Tesla in introducing an aircraft-style ‘yoke’. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lexus-rz55e-f-sport-australia-3.jpg) This rectangular-shaped unit goes without a traditional top portion, delivering a very different driving experience to what most Lexus customers would be used to. Where Tesla’s system (never sold in Australia) received criticism for simply fitting the oddly designed wheel to its existing steering system - meaning drivers would awkwardly have to reposition their hands when rotating the control - the Lexus steer-by-wire system features a far quicker and adaptive steering ratio. Lexus claims that the yoke provides “tighter, more responsive steering with clear visibility of the instrument cluster and the road ahead”. The RZ550e F Sport will also be the first Lexus - and the first Toyota group product sold in Australia - to feature simulated gear shifts and engine sounds. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lexus-rz55e-f-sport-australia-1.jpg) Pioneered by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N to positive effect, the flagship RZ features an ‘Interactive Manual Drive’ mode which mimics an eight-speed transmission, which drivers can control via gear paddles on the back of the steering wheel. In addition to this, it produces engine sounds and features a faux tachometer to best replicate an engine. The RZ550e F Sport is the most powerful EV in the Lexus lineup, capable of making 300kW and 537Nm from its dual-motor powertrain, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.4 seconds. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lexus-rz55e-f-sport-australia-2.jpg) It also features variable torque control, allowing the front-to-rear power distribution to be adjusted between 60:40 and 0:100 while driving in a straight line, and between 80:20 and 0:100 when cornering. It’s supplied by a 74.7kWh battery which provides up to 460km of driving range, and can be charged at up to 150kW. The Lexus RZ550e F Sport starts from $105,000 before on-road costs. ### Australian firm gives classic Porsche 911 a shocking upgrade URL: https://torquecafe.com/jaunt-motors-electric-porsche-911/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T03:50:13.000Z American Porsche restomod specialist Singer has set the standard for what to expect from modern interpretations on the 911, with the UK’s Tuthill arguably one of the other few big names in the scene. Now an Australian company has put its hat in the ring, after Melbourne’s Jaunt Motors unveiled its recently restored first-generation Porsche 911, with a big twist. Based on the targa-roof bodystyle of the 911, this version flaunts a widebody kit with Fuchs-style wheels to give it a more menacing stance, with the rims wrapped in modern rubber. That’s a good thing, as at the back there’s no longer a flat-six, air-cooled engine. Instead, Jaunt has used its expertise to convert the 911 to electric power. An electric motor and its reduction gear have been slotted into where the engine would usually sit, with the battery box for the 63kWh pack bolting into the rear engine and gearbox mounts. Jaunt claims it now produces up to 370kW and 450Nm, with drive sent to the rear wheels via a Quaife limited-slip differential, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint time of about four seconds in its sports mode. For context, a base-model current 911 Carrera launches from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds, thanks to its 290kW and 450Nm twin-turbo 3.0-litre flat-six engine. ![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/jaunt-motors-electric-porsche-911-1.jpg) Image credit: Jaunt Motors According to Jaunt, its electric 911 has a driving range of approximately 320km, and can be charged at up to 70kW, while it also features bi-directional charging, capable of outputting 3.3kW. The firm says the electric 911 has the “same weight distribution and same boot capacity” as the car it’s based on, and that by “iIntegrating into original engine mount points and subframe bolts, no chassis mods, welds or new holes \[need\] to be drilled.” Jaunt is accepting commissions for 2026 deliveries, with prices starting from $250,000. _Includes the latest 500 public posts. Use `/sitemap.xml` for the complete archive of public content._