Articles by CarsGuide team

   

     

Mitsubishi's streamlined 2013 Triton line-up provides a value-packed range with a model to suit nearly every customer's needs.With the addition of side and curtain airbags to the Triton double cab range, all double cab Tritons feature six airbags as standard while the GLX 4x2 double cab has an upgraded engine to the 2.5L Hi-Power diesel unit.The manual seats in single and double cabs have been updated across the range offering extended travel and front leg room.The Triton Single Cab range features three models, the GL 4x2, the GLX 4x2 and the GLX 4x4. The entry-model Triton GL 4x2 is powered by a 2.4-litre, four cylinder petrol 16-valve engine coupled with five-speed manual transmission.The interior of the GL has been updated for 2013 with new manual front seats in updated fabric and silver accents on the instrument cluster to brighten the cabin. The GL is perfect for customers who need a hardworking vehicle without four-wheel drive capabilities.

The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the recent investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Chairman, Rod Sims, into supermarkets and fuel discounts.In 2003, when Coles entered the fuel retail sector, VACC said consumers could end up paying more for groceries and in the long-term petrol competition could weaken. "In 2013, that is exactly whats happened," VACC Executive Director, David Purchase said.The VACC has called on the ACCC to conduct a thorough investigation into supermarkets and their retail fuel partners and in particular, shopper dockets, anti-competitive behaviour and creeping acquisitions. "We have raised concerns about the retail fuel industry for many years and well before the first shopper docket was introduced in Australia, byWoolworths, in 1996," Mr Purchase said. "We have written countless letters and submissions, arranged meetings and promoted our concerns through the media. "Finally, the ACCC has heard what we and other independent suppliers and retailers have been saying."In little more than a decade, Mr Purchase said Coles and Woolworths have spread across the Australian retail landscape. "They run a near duopoly in the $84 billion grocery industry and enjoy a combined share of around 50 per cent of the retail fuel sector. "They control and influence suppliers and cross subsidise across their many outlets through heavily discounted products and promotions."On the other hand, independent service station owners are small businesses, price takers, disadvantaged throughout the fuel supply chain, and have little or no opportunity to discount fuel or convenience store items. "We anticipate the ACCC investigation will not be easy and will have to overcome many hurdles  the supermarket's legal teams will be well prepared."But this is an important crossroads for Australian suppliers and consumers and it is important Mr Sims is resolute in his pursuit of fair competition," Mr Purchase said. 

When it comes to retro American muscle, you can't go past the iconic Trans-Am -- complete with bulging bonnet intake and massive eagle mural.US company Hurst has revived the spirit of the car in special TransAm Depot editions built on a Camaro, with plenty of signature Trans-Am touches. The eagle, the bonnet bulge, the honeycomb wheels -- and more -- are all on board.And the transformation doesn't stop there. The tacky TransAm Depot ad shows the car's apparent magical power over women, with a meek prospective buyer turning into a party animal clad in Daisy Duke shorts or skintight metallic -- just by sitting behind the wheel.  We're not sure the angle is going to sell the Trans-Am to many women, but there are probably a few men who still believe a hot car makes them more attractive.The transformation of the car itself probably took a bit more work. Each of the Hurst Edition cars fits the Camaro with an Eibach suspension, the Shaker bonnet, bodykit and resculpted front and rear fascias, forged Hurst wheels; high-intensity headlights and LED taillights, brake lights and indicators. And the eagle decal.There are plenty of options to take the Trans-Am further: supercharger, twin-turbo, long-tube stainless steel headers, 2.5-in stainless steel exhaust, a coil-over suspension -- and a retro T-top roof. 

The Frizelle Automotive Group continues to be a driving supporter of organisations on the Gold Coast.In another boost to the Titans' corporate strength, James Frizelle's Automotive Group this week signed a new three-year sponsorship deal with the club.The club had been supported by Frizelle's Audi Centre, but now the Mazda, Volkswagen, Hyundai and Jeep sections of the booming company will support the Titans.You can expect John Cartwright and Greg Bird to be zipping around in Mazdas, Jamal Idris and Will Zillman are brand ambassadors for Volkswagen, Luke Bailey and Aidan Sezer have scored Hyundais while Jeeps will be driven by Dave Taylor and Nate Myles.“This is an exciting repositioning time for both our businesses so I know we will see fantastic results as we trial new activations for the partnership,” James Frizelle said. 

Think your morning commute is busy? That motorway drive too treacherous? Check out this video from Russia, where some big rigs, get in some big trouble.    

As Ferrari gears up to put the building blocks together for their F1 campaign, the world's most famous building blocks build a car. Lets just hope Alonso and Massa don't accidently take this one to the track!