Car News

Ford Australia has released a new special edition variant of its popular Everest SUV.The brand is reintroducing its Wildtrak nameplate, with only 1000 units to be made available, starting from $79,990 (before on-road costs).This means it is the same price as the Tremor grade of the car, and roughly $4000 less than the range-topping Platinum example.2026 Ford Everest pricing Australia Ford cut the Wildtrak grade from the lineup as part of its 2026 model year update, which also saw the phasing out of the four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine. The Everest has continued its strong run at the top of the large SUV category, still sitting ahead of the closely-following Toyota Prado. It also takes on the likes of the Isuzu-Ute MU-X and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.The Everest has slipped out of the overall top 10 best-selling cars, according to data from March sales, with smaller and cheaper SUVs such as the Nissan X-Trail and Chery Tiggo 4 taking its place.The Wildtrak variant has been given a range of features inside and out to distinguish it from the rest of the lineup. It has an H-bar front bumper and a gloss black grille with orange elements. It also sits on 20-inch alloy wheels, which are predominantly black with orange inserts. The 20-inch wheels can be substituted to 18-inch units free-of-charge to improve the car’s rugged capabilities.On the inside, there are leather-accented seats, with orange stitching and ‘Wildtrak’ lettering. It also gets a panoramic roof and ambient lighting, along with a power-folding third row. The Wildtrak Everest gets the same 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine, producing 184kW and 600Nm. It also comes with a full-time four-wheel drive system.The car can be optioned with premium paint for $750 and a towing pack for $2500. Production on the 1000 units will begin next month. 

General Motors has become the latest major carmaker to select reverse on key parts of its electric vehicle strategy, with news the US giant is “indefinitely delaying” its ​next-generation full-size electric pick-up program.Chevrolet’s Silverado EV launched in parallel with its closely-related GMC Sierra sibling in 2024 as a response to Ford’s F-150 Lightning and the RAM 1500 EV, both of which have now been cancelled.And according to a Reuters report, citing closely connected sources, development of the next-gen Silverado/Sierra, which was due to land in 2028, has been spiked.This means plans for lower-cost versions of the Sierra and Silverado EVs as well as the Escalade ​IQ and Hummer are on ice with suppliers allegedly advised the program has been halted with no ​new timetable issued.Tellingly, in response to slowing sales GM has progressively reduced the workforce at its Factory Zero assembly plant in Detroit where the electric pick-ups are produced.The halt points to a pivot towards plug-in hybrid powertrains (supplier conversations point to Extended Range Electric Vehicles - EREVs) as well as its new ‘T1-2’ petrol engine platform with production switching to GM’s Orion Assembly Plant on the northern outskirts of Detroit.Speaking to Reuters, A GM spokesperson said, “ ⁠has not ​disclosed any potential plans or timing ​for any next-generation battery electric trucks and we’re not going to engage in ​speculation.”At the same time Automotive News has quoted GM Senior Vice President and Corporate Officer Kenneth Morris, who in commenting on the company’s EV future said, ”We do believe the end game is EVs.“It’s enormously difficult to try to predict the future, like what do the regulations look like in five years. That’s hard,” he said.General Motors, Ford and Stellantis are not alone in making big calls on EV production, with Honda, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen also dramatically scaling back expenditure on new pure-electric models and production facilities.In fact, with US government emissions and EV production mandates abolished, GM has recently invested more than US$1.8 billion (A$2.5B) in upgrades across five facilities involved in the build of its new ‘LT6’ 6.7-litre small block V8.

A cut-price 'badass' new four-wheel drive is drawing near.Nissan has confirmed its new Xterra 4WD, which Nissan America boss Christian Meunier labelled “badass” on social media.Word is the Japanese brand is targeting a sub-$40,000 price tag in the US, or circa-$56,000 in Aussie dollars.Nissan has promised the Xterra will be a no-nonsense 4WD, which will be underpinned by a ladder frame to boost off-road performance.“The Xterra represents the DNA of Nissan: affordable, durable and high quality,” Meunier told Automotive News.“We don’t want to over-engineer it and make it overly complicated or expensive.“We’re going to give our Nissan customers everything they need, nothing they don’t,” he said.It’ll likely use V6 petrol or V6 hybrid power. This will be different from the brand’s 'e-Power' hybrid technology found in the Qashqai and X-Trail SUVs, which use the engine purely as a generator to charge the battery while electric motors drive the wheels.Bad news is it will be built in the US for the North American market, at least for now.It is based on the US-market Frontier ute, which is different from our Navara and the coming China-sourced Frontier Pro dual-cabs.But that’s not the end of the story. CarsGuide understands the Chinese-market Frontier Pro will feed a similar 4WD SUV for Asia-Pacific markets.This means Australia should still get a chunky off-roader to challenge the Toyota Prado and incoming Mitsubishi Pajero.It would pack plug-in hybrid punch, with a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine and an electric motor combo producing 300kW and 800Nm.This would put it on a collision course with BYD’s new Denza B5 4WD.

China’s GWM is pushing hard to localise its cars for markets around the world and Europe will be its latest attempt.As reported by Reuters, GWM plans to launch at least 10 new models in Europe over the next two years, marking a major push.The Chinese carmaker has had middling success in Europe to date since its latest relaunch in 2021 at the Munich motor show.It reportedly plans to expand its European operations and commence sales in 13 additional European markets over the next year. It currently operates in nine European countries.“We don't want to be the loser in any market in the world,” said GWM International President Parker Shi to Reuters.“We'll come back and ⁠we will go with the right product."GWM will launch the Ora 5 small SUV in Europe by mid-2026. Globally it’s offered with petrol, hybrid and electric power and it appears all three options will be on offer in Europe.The Ora 5 was recently confirmed for an Australian launch, but it will only be offered with electric power at launch.Following the Ora 5, GWM plans to launch the Jolion Max and H7 SUVs in Europe. The latter appears to be an updated version of what’s currently on sale in Australia.It’s unclear what the other GWM models set for a European launch will be at this stage.A key reason for why GWM is making a European push is because its Chinese vehicle sales are plateauing. It will also help it achieve its global goal to double overseas sales to one million vehicles by the end of 2030.As previously reported, the Chinese carmaker plans to build a European production facility with an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles. A location still hasn’t been locked in yet, but it will reportedly be up and running by 2029.In Australia GWM is the longest-standing Chinese carmaker with continual sales since 2009. Amidst a Chinese carmaker influx, its Australian sales have gone from strength to strength over the last few years.In the first three months of 2026 GWM has sold a total of 14,878 vehicles, which is up 28.5 per cent year-on-year.GWM isn’t stopping here as it has rolled out a local ride and handling program on the Haval H6 which was headed up by former Holden engineer Rob Trubiani.Dubbed AT-1, this local ride and handling program will be rolled out to more GWM products in the future.

CATL has unveiled a new Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery capable of charging in rapid time in response to BYD’s recent developments. The third generation Shenxing battery takes just 60 seconds to charge from 10 to 35 per cent, under four minutes to charge to 80 per cent and under seven minutes charging to 98 per cent, trumping BYD's LFP unit. CATL also said the battery is able to perform strongly at temperatures as low as -30-degrees, charging up to 98 per cent in nine minutes.This in part due to the battery achieving the world’s lowest internal resistance for fast charging at 0.25 milliohms, 50 per cent less than industry average. Internal resistance is one of the key issues preventing rapid charging times, as the heat generated from the transfer of electricity slows down the overall process. CATL is by far the biggest electric vehicle battery manufacturer in the world, producing nearly half of total batteries, including for brands such as Tesla. Ultra fast charging has been the latest battleground for carmakers, particularly in China as they look to expand their networks and battery capacities.BYD’s second generation LFP battery can charge from 10-70 per cent in five minutes, and to 97 per cent in nine minutes.This means CATL’s unit betters its Chinese rival. BYD has recently been boasting of its megawatt fast charging, which will come to Australia this year, offering 1500kW to replenish the Blade 2 batteries. It is not just the raw numbers where CATL has looked to improve the durability of its third-gen battery, in addition to its performance in cold temperatures. According to CATL, the battery maintains a state of health above 90 per cent even after 1000 ultra-fast charging cycles. The battery’s heat management system also facilitates ultra-fast charging even without specialised charging infrastructure.CATL’s battery has pulse rapid heating to increase the temperature quickly and enable high-speed charging regardless of the charging pile.The brand has further introduced a different type of charging infrastructure, which means batteries can either be charged or utilise battery swapping functionality.  CATL continues to explore other battery solutions, such as sodium-ion and solid-state.

Hyundai has recalled thousands of examples of its Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade and Ioniq 9 SUVs, as well as the Sonata sedan.It affects 3445 units for the 2025 model year in relation to a software issue with the digital driver display, according to a notice from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications Sports and the Arts. “Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information,” the notice reads.“A loss of safety system warnings whilst driving, could increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders.”A spokesperson for Hyundai Australia said there have been no reported instances of the issue in Australia.The brand will contact owners of affected vehicles to arrange an appointment to rectify the issue via a software update. If the vehicle is Bluelink enabled, the update will be delivered automatically over-the-air (OTA).Hyundai has had a solid start to 2026, with models such as the Kona and Tucson some of the most popular SUVs in Australia currently. The brand recently recalled nearly 5000 examples of its Ioniq and Kona EVs earlier this month. 

The latest, sixth-generation ‘LS6’ version of GM’s small block V8 has found its first home between the axles of Chevrolet's updated Corvette supercar.Marking the return of the iconic Grand Sport nameplate, last seen on a limited-run of C2 Corvette competition cars in the 1960s, the upgraded mid-engine two-seater now boasts 400kW (535hp) at 6100rpm and 705Nm at 4600rpm from its all-alloy 6.7-litre (409ci) V8.The new engine also powers the ‘standard’ Corvette Stingray, raising power by 8.4 per cent (+31kW) and torque by an impressive 10.7 per cent (+68Nm), making it the most powerful base engine ever fitted to a production Corvette.But GM says extra displacement and output hasn’t negatively impacted the engine’s fuel efficiency or exhaust emissions.GM’s Assistant Chief Engineer for the small block Mike Kociba said, “With advanced controls, our new fuel system and a higher (13.0:1) compression ratio we’ve been able to improve emissions with a larger engine.”As well as the high compression ratio and an 8.0mm increase in stroke (expanding overall displacement from 6.2 to 6.7 litres) the LS6 features a 95mm throttle body, tunnel ram intake with high-velocity ports, a new lubrication system, forged pistons and rods and revised exhaust manifolds.Like the Stingray, the Grand Sport is available as a coupe and convertible with drive going to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch auto transmission.The Grand Sport also features ‘Magnetic Ride Control’ adaptive suspension, Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tyres (275/30 fr - 345/25 rr) on forged alloy rims (20-inch fr - 21-inch rr), a quad centre exhaust and Brembo six-piston monobloc front brake calipers and four-piston monobloc rear calipers.In parallel, the heavy-hitting Corvette Grand Sport X, a likely successor for the hybrid E-Ray, adds a front-axle permanent magnet electric motor and compact high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack for all-wheel drive and a combined power output of no less than 538kW (721hp). As well as the adaptive suspension set-up the Grand Sport X adds carbon-ceramic brakes and an optional ‘Z52 Sport Performance Package’ brings a stiffer suspension tune, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber and high-performance ‘J56’ iron brakes from the Corvette Z06.A ‘Z52 Track Performance Package’ ups the ante further with carbon-ceramic ‘J57’ brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tyres and a track-focused chassis calibration as well as a carbon-fibre splitter, dive planes, rockers, wing and underbody strakes.The Corvette’s new small block represents a substantial bet on internal-combustion power by General Motors, the US giant investing US$918 million in upgrades across four facilities involved in the new engine’s production - Flint, Michigan (assembly), Bay City, Michigan (camshafts, connecting rods), Defiance, Ohio (block castings) and Rochester, New York (intake manifolds, fuel rails). An additional $US888 million is going to the Tonawanda Propulsion plant in Buffalo, New York.CarsGuide contacted GM Australia & New Zealand for comment on whether the Corvette Grand Sport is slated for the Australian market. “We have no announcements to make on future models, including potential additions to the local Corvette line-up,” a spokesperson said.

The Blue Oval's hero Pony car is back... again.Ford announced the return of the Mustang Dark Horse to Australia this year with a limited run of 500 units.This year’s version of the range-topping V8-powered beast can also be had with a 'T8-Spec Pack', which is a collaboration with V8 Supercars’ Triple Eight Race Engineering. This is limited to just 250 units.Ford’s marketing boss Ambrose Henderson said the T8-Spec brings a new level of track-focused ability to the Mustang.At the Dark Horse’s core is the 5.0-litre V8 engine making 350kW and 550Nm.The Dark Horse T8-Spec is manual-only and is priced at $138,888, before on-road costs, which is a big chunk more than the $104,990 regular Dark Horse. The standard version can be had with a manual or automatic transmission.For the extra spend T8-Spec Pack buyers get a range of performance and cosmetic upgrades.This includes 19-inch alloys wheels, which are fatter at the rear and shod with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tyres.There is a large rear spoiler with blue accents and an “enhanced” front splitter that Ford said is supplied separately and not fitted to the vehicle as it can only be used on track and not on public roads.A beefed up suspension features stiffer springs and roll bars and adjustable top mounts, which Ford claims provides sharper steering response and increased stability,It comes with numerous exterior highlights including Triple Eight branding, black roof, blue Brembo brakes and bonnet decals.Inside, there are Recaro sports seats with indigo-coloured bolsters, Triple Eight branded scuff plates, a new gear shift knob and a build plate.The T8-Spec Pack is installed in Melbourne.Buyers of the T8-Spec Pack will also be invited to an exclusive track experience at Queensland Raceway in 2027.Triple Eight Race Engineering Managing Director Jamie Whincup said the T8-Spec allows the team to apply its race winning expertise and apply it to the road.“We are looking forward to meeting these 250 passionate customers at Queensland Raceway and showing them exactly what this vehicle is capable of in a track environment," he said.

Nissan is edging closer towards installing solid-state batteries in its electric vehicles, according to reports. The brand is apparently targeting mass production of the batteries by the end of the 2028 financial year. Solid-state batteries are seen as the next big breakthrough for electric vehicles, offering significantly higher energy density than conventional batteries. They can achieve far greater driving range in a smaller package, making them the perfect technology for electric cars. They are also expected to be less fire prone and have faster charging capacity.Nissan’s solid-state battery is said to have 23 layers of cells, highlighting further development on its 2025 announcement that its prototype had reached the performance needed for commercialisation. There are no details yet on the specifics of the battery, but it is anticipated to be in line with other rivals, which boast driving ranges of more than 1000km. The brand also unveiled its new bidirectional charging infrastructure, which is expected to be made available to market in 2028. Bidirectional charges enable the power to be transferred from an electric car to the owner’s home, and that electricity can be pushed back into the grid.According to Nissan, its example “can be supplied at a very low cost”, with ambitions to facilitate owners selling the surplus power to the grid as soon as 2030. Nissan will develop a specialist platform to accommodate this technology. It still remains unclear whether solid-state batteries will take over the EV landscape, with some brands more receptive to the technology than others.One of the key roadblocks to commercial uptake of solid-state batteries has been the costs of producing the batteries.  Chinese brands have been leading the way on solid-state technology, with both BYD and Chery announcing recent developments. BYD aims to have small-batch production of its batteries by 2027, while Chery is planning to release two models under its Exeed sub-brand before the end of next year.

Leapmotor’s B05 small electric hatch has been approved for Australia, according to Federal government documents seen by CarsGuide.Just six months after its Munich motor show debut, the Leapmotor B05 has now been cleared to land in Australia where it will rival the MG4 and BYD Dolphin.The Australian Federal Government Road vehicles standards website published approval details on April 20 of a vehicle made by Leapmotor with the “marketing designation” B05. Publishing the approvals notices is the normal transparent process for all imported vehicles and typically indicates that a model will soon arrive in Australia. The document also lists some details which help us find out in advance a few specifications of the upcoming vehicle.   According to the published approval documents the vehicle is fully electric with a 160kW motor;  it’s a four door, five-seater measuring 4430mm in length; and has multi-link rear suspension.That 160kW output is identical to the power produced by the two other electric models Leapmotor currently sells in Australia - B10 small SUV and C10 mid-sized SUVWhile the B10 and C10 are both SUVs the B05 is a small hatchback and Leapmotor boasts that it has a 50:50 weight distribution and that even balance is a good sign the car will be fun to drive.Ahead of the B05’s debut in Munich Leapmotor’s vice president Cia Li said the car would be a “gift” for young people  "We want to build a dream car for young people who refuse to settle, conform, or be ordinary!" Li said.Leapmotor has been in Australia since late 2025 arriving first with the C10 mid-size SUV. Since then the brand has added the B10 small SUV and a hybrid version of the C10 to its local line-up.Pricing is yet to be announced for the B05 but Leapmotor will likely price it to be competitive with the MG4 which starts at $37,990 driveaway and extends to $55,990 for the top grade.