We publish a ton of car news stories during the working week (70-odd as a rule), and it can be tough to keep up with everything – which is the rationale behind this weekend list.
In short, here are some key articles from our news desk since Monday of this week summarised, just in case you missed them at the time.
Leaked image
Pony up, baby!
The rumours are true: a new generation of Ford Mustang is just around the corner.
Ford CEO Jim Farley confirmed on Twitter this week that the Blue Oval would unveil the seventh-gen Mustang on September 14 at the 2022 Detroit motor show, confirming previous reports.
Mr Farley has called the new Mustang a “stunning car” and confirmed it’ll retain a three-pedal option, including the hashtag ‘#SaveThe Manuals’. Accompanying the tweet was a short six-second looping video that has a roaring V8 engine sound in the background.
FULL STORY: New Ford Mustang confirmed for 2022 Detroit motor show debut
Swift swooping in
If you’ve liked the looks of the last three generations of Suzuki Swift, you should be a fan of the next one.
The next-generation Swift features evolutionary styling with an essentially unchanged shape.
It’s been spied hot weather testing ahead of an expected 2023 debut and 2024 launch. The next-generation Swift Sport may follow 6-12 months after the core range.
FULL STORY: 2024 Suzuki Swift spied
Bad vibrations
New Ford Ranger utes have only just started appearing on customer driveways but an issue has already come to light.
Some owners have posted on social media about experiencing tailshaft vibrations in V6 models at speeds of between 40-80km/h.
Ford Australia claims the issue affects only a minor number of vehicles, and is contacting the owners it believes are affected. If you own a Ranger and are experiencing this issue, Ford says you can contact one of its dealerships to have the vehicle inspected and fixed.
FULL STORY: 2023 Ford Ranger, some new models grounded for vibration issue
Workhorse wait-list woes
Toyota Australia has stopped taking orders on the supply-restricted LandCruiser 70 Series workhorse, as customer wait times spiral out of control.
The company says the combination of ongoing production issues and historically high demand are responsible for its decision, with current multi-year wait periods becoming untenable.
“Available supply is being impacted by ongoing production disruptions being experienced by the global automotive industry,” the company said in a bulletin today. “At the same time, the model’s popularity among Australian customers remains at historical highs.”
FULL STORY: Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series orders paused, as wait times grow
Federal EV support builds
The Federal Government this week placed its already detailed electric vehicle (EVs) incentives bill before the Australian Parliament, at it progresses to implementation stage in some form.
Rather than focusing on direct rebates like many of Australia’s States do, the Albanese Government’s plan centres around tax breaks to cut prices and drive take-up.
The legislation (called a Treasury Laws Amendment) exempts low-emissions cars from fringe benefits tax (FBT), potentially saving employers and private vehicle operators thousands.
FULL STORY: Australian Government EV discount bill enters parliament
Mini reveals its future
Mini has revealed the Concept Aceman electric crossover, which it says previews a new vehicle designed to sit between the Hatch and Countryman in its next-generation lineup.
The Concept Aceman also previews the design language for the carmaker’s forthcoming model range.
Dubbed ‘Charismatic Simplicity’, this new design approach includes the use of different textures and knits in the place of leather, which is being phased out from the range, along with chrome.
FULL STORY: Mini Concept Aceman EV concept revealed
Electrifying Kia nears
Kia’s much-anticipated EV6 GT electric performance flagship will launch in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year, with suspension calibrated both here and at the Nurburgring.
The company’s new “dynamic halo” has undergone final-stage local tuning, having already been put through its paces by Kia Australia’s team in Europe on the road and, in league with Hyundai Motor Europe, at the famed Nurburgring for track-readiness.
Full details surrounding the EV6 GT‘s local specifications and pricing will be announced closer to its launch, which is not far away now, though we’ve been conditioned to expect a price tag around the $100,000 mark. A number of $2000 deposits have already been placed, Kia adds.
FULL STORY: 2023 Kia EV6 GT launching in Q4, long testing program detailed
Another week, another Haval
GWM Haval’s second hybrid SUV is firming for a launch this year.
The company says the GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid is still under consideration, but CarExpert understands the small hybrid crossover will arrive in the fourth quarter of this year.
It was recently approved for sale here by the Australian Government, with the approval documents listing a single variant. That echoes GWM Haval’s approach with the local-spec H6 Hybrid, which is available in a single trim level that corresponds with the top-spec Ultra.
FULL STORY: GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid set for late 2022 launch
Rolls’ goals for EV future
It seems absolutely fitting that Rolls-Royce would test its upcoming all-electric Spectre grand tourer on the French Riviera.
After concluding winter testing in Sweden earlier in the year, Rolls-Royce is continuing its development program for the Spectre EV in Southern France ahead of launch in the fourth quarter of 2023.
The Rolls-Royce Spectre is the automaker’s first production electric vehicle (EV), and represents the start of Rolls-Royce’s transition to an electric-only range by 2030.
FULL STORY: 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre EV testing enters new phase
Hyundai’s biggest SUV gets a facelift
Hyundai has increased the cost of entry to the Palisade range, axing the base model and bumping up prices, but there’s more kit across the board.
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade range arrives in August, featuring new safety and driver assist features, updated styling, and the local debut of Hyundai’s Bluelink service.
Hyundai has fitted a centre airbag to the Palisade, and says it has submitted the updated model to ANCAP for testing following the safety authority’s recent report on the current model that saw it receive a four-star rating.
FULL STORY: 2023 Hyundai Palisade price and specs
