Articles by CarsGuide team

As if the killer GT was ever in doubt... Based on overwhelming feedback from the Australian International Motor Show, FPV has applied the stealth-looking paintwork to just 125 examples of the current GT. The limited edition GT BLACK is powered by FPV's supercharged all-aluminium BOSS V8. The force fed V8 delivers 335kW of power at 5750 revs combined with maximum torque of 570Nm delivered across a broad 2200-5500 revs. Finished in menacing Silhouette black it adds a reversing camera and leather seating. A new styling matt black stripe decal will feature on the bonnet, rear wing and bodysides, with the black paint treatment also carrying over on to the front and rear bumpers and upper and lower grilles. The fog lamp bezels have also been made black, as have the exhaust tips, while completing the exterior will be GT premium five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black with black wheel nuts. Inside the all black theme continues with black leather trim throughout, a black finish around the Interior Command Centre (ICC) unit, tissue box and door spears, and a unique black gear shift badge on manual transmission models. Further enhancing the collectability of the GT BLACK, each vehicle will come with its own unique build badge and certificate of authenticity. The GT BLACK is priced from $74,290.

....and a keen driver attempts to drive his ute across a river rapid with some surprising results.

...in this latest instalment of Dumbest Stuff on Wheels. Can a man really jump a tyre to land safely on the hood of an oncoming car? Watch the video to find out and see people enact more silly ideas on wheels.

And the Kia Carnival is now available only in the jumbo size.The short wheelbase Carnival S has been replaced by a long wheelbase Grand Carnival S model. The Grand Carnival Si, SLi and Platinum remain.The 2.7-litre petrol engine has been replaced with a more powerful and efficient 3.5-litre V6 DOHC powerplant with continuous variable valve timing and a the auto has been upgraded to a 6-speed across the entire range.Buyers of the Si, SLi and Platinum models will have a choice of either the 3.5-litre petrol or Kia's latest four cylinder, 2.2-litre CRDi R-series diesel engine.The 2.2-litre R-series diesel produces an impressive 143kW of power and 429Nm of torque - 25 per cent more torque than the 2.9-litre engine that it replaces.Fuel consumption is also down 3.7 per cent.New to the line up is the addition of Bluetooth with remote audio controls on the steering wheel.

The crossover now shares a common exterior look across its 2WD and AWD hatch range. The new 2WD model adds the same wheel arches and underbody fenders, while roof rails are now standard too. The range topping 2WD S model also adds the same stylish 16-inch alloy wheels, along with keyless start, cruise control, digital climate control air-conditioning, fog lamps, leather steering wheel, rear roof spoiler and a 9-speaker premium audio system. All models come with a 2.0-litre four cylinder engine, teamed with either a six-speed manual or the optional continuously variable CVT style transmission. All models come with six airbags, stability control and a four-star crash rating. The entry level model is available for a special introductory price $19,990 driveaway.

...organisers are putting together the "Muster to the Mountain" convoy from Deni to Bathurst with the V8 Utes. The trip from the next month's Deniliquin Ute Muster to the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 (on in early October) is also a chance to be part of the Armor All Ute Muster at the iconic V8 Supercar event. "The Muster to the Mountain" convoy will be led out by the V8 Ute Command Centre and V8 Racing Utes on Sunday, October 2, from the White Lion Hotel in Deniliquin and head - via Wagga Wagga and Cowra - to Mount Panorama, arriving on Monday, October 3. Participants in the Armor All Ute Muster will be in with a chance to have a lap of the Bathurst track in a course car. Log on to www.deniutemuster.com.au for details on cost and entry forms.

The new system is part of its comprehensive efforts toward the realization of a zero-emission society.The system was unveiled at `Kan-kan-kyo', a house built in front of Nissan's global headquarters in Japan.With this system, the Leaf can be used as an electricity storage device for houses in preparation for power outages and/or shortages. The car's lithium-ion batteries can store up to 24kWh of electricity, sufficient to power an average household for up to three days.Nissan believes this system will allow households to be supplied with a stable amount of electricity throughout the day.It will reduce the burden on the current power supply by charging and storing electricity in the LEAF with electricity generated at night or through sustainable methods such as solar power, and using it during high demand periods.Nissan hopes to be in a position to market the system by the end of the financial year.

The Tesla sports car is arguably the most exciting electric vehicle to emerge yet, with performance to rival a Ferrari.But, if you're not convinced, check out this Tesla which has been given the once over by German auto tuner Brabus.The Tesla Roadster Sport Brabus Green Package is the work of Brabus's Zero Emission business division in collaboration with RWE, one of the world's largest producers of electricity. To make the finished product more attractive, Brabus is throwing in a hi-tech quick charging station and 30,000km worth of free environmentally friendly power.Also included is a free, one-year pass to use RWE's charging stations.The quick charger is three times faster than charging the two-seater at a normal household power outlet.In less than six hours the open-top eco sports car is fully charged with an operating range of some 350km.Brabus has added an especially light carbon-fibre front lip and LED daytime running lights which have been integrated into the front grille.The rear wing and rear diffuser are also new and futuristic underfloor "Space Lights" have also been added.You can have the Tesla in any colour you want, from conventional metallic and non-metallic paints to matte paints and effect paints with genuine crystals.A custom tyre and wheel combination complete the look with 215/35 18s at the front 255/30 19s at the rear, specifically for their low rolling resistance.To lend the two-seater a more exciting sound the BRABUS electronics specialists have developed a space sound generator.You can select from various engine sounds from a typical V8 to a racecar or two futuristic soundscapes called Beam and Warp.The sound intensity is dependent on the power output of the electric motor.

This is next generation of gas hybrid and electric powered cars. But what makes them stand out from the crowd?

The current model has been a huge success since it launched here in 2007– and something of a game changer in helping edge the Korean brand away from the ‘bargain basement’ perception buyers held of it. The next-generation i30 will be expected to take that even further. But so far all we have to judge its abilities is the teaser rendering released today. It shows the next step in their ‘fluidic sculpture’ design direction, with streamlined planes and flowing character lines, fronted by the now-signature hexagonal nose. "The hexagonal appearance is unique to Hyundai, with the jewel-like front headlamps which flank the grille adding a strong personality to the vehicle, as well as a sense of refinement and luxury," says Thomas Burkle, the chief designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim – where the car was penned. "We used strong, fluid lines to sculpt a car which looks athletic while exuding a sense of constant motion, even when stationary. We managed to give the car a bold stance, transmitting a confident attitude through sporty characteristics and dynamic proportions. In this way, the car is very close to the recently unveiled i40, and we want people to recognise the Hyundai design DNA on those two models," Burkle says. The next-generation Hyundai i30 will have its world premiere at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show in September, and could be expected to go on the market overseas early  next year – and here perhaps later in 2012. But there’s no confirmation of that just yet from Hyundai Australia, although they are happy to admit the Frankfurt car will be the real thing – and to hint that we won’t have to wait years for it. "It’s a production car, not a concept car, that will be at premiering at Frankfurt," Hyundai Australia PR manager Ben Hershman says. "If you look at recent world premieres – i40 and Veloster – they didn’t go to market two years later. There’s a sensible pattern to it." They are also clear that the car will be crucial to the brand, which is strenuously trying to lift its profile away from the 'cheap and cheerful' tag. "The next generation i30 will play an important role in continuing the development of the Hyundai brand in Australia," says Hyundai Australia’s marketing director Oliver Mann. "We launched the current i30 in late 2007 and since then the car has been recognised with numerous awards, including an Australia's 'Best Small Car' award for three years running." They’ll be hoping the next generation sparks the same result.