Articles by Jack Quick

Audi is reportedly set to unveil a new electric sports car concept at this year’s Munich motor show in September ahead of the production version expected to launch in 2027.Speaking with German newspaper Bild, Audi CEO Gernot Döller referred to this car as “TT Moment 2.0”.Döllner said the car will be “a highly emotional sports car – not a TT, not an R8, but something in between”.It’ll form as a new halo model and an “identity builder” for the German brand, with Döller noting it’s critical for Audi to correct its trajectory following software issues and a current line-up that’s not resonating with buyers.“I don’t want to beat around the bush; we have to get back on track now,” said Döller.Although only the concept version of this Audi electric sports car will be unveiled in September, Döller made it clear that “the car will be built”.It’s expected this concept version will likely have some wild design elements that mightn’t make it to the production version.However, the design language this sports car will receive is expected to filter down to the rest of Audi’s line-up.At this stage no other details are confirmed about this new Audi electric sports car, however previous reports indicated a TT successor could be based on the forthcoming Porsche 718 EV.This could see it share the same platform and electric powertrains with the Porsche, though tweaks are expected to differentiate the two.Audi has been without a sports car halo ever since the TT ceased production in 2023 and the R8 ceased production in 2024.Sure there’s the Audi RS e-tron GT and the RSQ8 Performance, but neither of these cars are dedicated sports cars as there are regular non-performance versions of both.In Australia Audi has been experiencing a sales slide. A total of 6839 vehicles have been sold so far this year, which is down 16.4 per cent year-on-year.

The polarising Tesla Cybertruck electric pickup could soon be getting a little sibling.Speaking with Business Insiders, Tesla Engineering Vice President Lars Moravy confirmed the company is already looking at a mini Cybertruck.“We always talked about making a smaller pickup,” said Moravy.“I think in the future, as more and more of the Robotaxi comes into the world, we look at those options and we think about, OK, that kind of service is useful not just for people, but also for goods.“We've definitely been churning in the design studio about what we might do to serve that need for sure.”This potential mini Tesla Cybertruck could be perfect for international markets, like Europe and the UK, as the current full-size Cybertruck isn’t being offered in certain markets due to its hefty kerb weight and trapezoidal design.Currently the Tesla Cybertruck is only offered in the US, Canada and Mexico, as well as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE.The regular Cybertruck still hasn’t launched in Australia yet, though Tesla’s Country Director for Australia and New Zealand Thom Drew said earlier this year it’s “never been off the table”.Tesla Australia has also been briefed on changes required for the Cybertruck to be approved for sale locally, though there’s no timeframe of when it’ll actually go on sale.If this potential mini Cybertruck is offered in Australia, it could sit alongside the full-size Cybertruck and align more closely in size to the top-selling Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.There’s only one electric mid-size ute offered in Australia currently, the LDV eT60. The full-size Ford F-150 Lightning is also offered and converted from left- to right-hand drive by AusEV.Looking to the future, LDV has previously locked in the new eTerron 9 electric ute for Australia and there’s an electric version of the Isuzu D-Max coming.

Toyota is the world’s largest carmaker and it continues to top sales charts in many markets.In order to stay on top it needs to continually update and refresh its product offerings. To give a glimpse of what’s coming up, Automotive News has detailed what the Japanese carmaker has in the pipeline for North America over the next few years.One highlight is the Kluger - called Highlander in other markets - which is reportedly being reengineered as an electric vehicle (EV) and will retain its current name.Automotive News speculates the reason for this is because sales for the current, internal combustion Kluger in North America have been cannibalised by the larger Grand Highlander.This electric Kluger is reportedly set to arrive at Toyota dealers in the US in early 2026. It’s unclear if it will be offered in other markets.This follows a report indicating the current Kluger is due for a mid-life update that will see it adopt a similar face to the current Camry and forthcoming RAV4, as well as plug-in hybrid power in the Chinese market.Sitting above this Kluger EV is the forthcoming bZ5X which is reportedly on track to start production at the company’s Georgetown, Kentucky plant in the second half of 2025. This likely means a reveal is imminent.Automotive News speculates the bZ5X will be larger than the Kluger EV. This means the former will likely have a larger third row and a large battery pack, theoretically meaning more range.Toyota is also reportedly still working on a Corolla-based unibody ute, which will give the Ford Maverick a proper hybrid rival. It’s not due to launch in North America until 2027.At this stage it’s unclear whether it’ll be offered in markets outside of North America.Toyota is also reportedly working on launching an electric sedan to sit alongside the Corolla and Camry. A North American launch is reportedly unscheduled, but could be in 2027.Models that are reportedly set to be refreshed over the next few years include the bZ4X, Camry, Corolla, Corolla Cross, Crown, Crown Signia, Grand Highlander, GR Corolla, GR86, Prado, Prius, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner.It’s expected production of the GR Supra at Magna Steyr’s plant in Austria will end in 2026, though Automotive News reports Toyota could extend its life by sourcing a different engine. The current model has a BMW-sourced engine.Toyota recently detailed the GR Supra Final Edition for markets like Europe, Japan and North America. Toyota Australia, on the other hand, has the GR Supra Track Edition which just went on sale locally.Toyota’s Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell sedan is also reportedly set to remain largely as-is for the foreseeable future, only receiving minor tweaks.Beyond what Automotive News has reported for Toyota’s new product launch calendar in North America, the Japanese carmaker is also set to launch a new version of the top-selling HiLux ute imminently.This new HiLux will reportedly still be based on the IMV-0 platform, which previous versions of this platform have formed the basis of this ute for over 20 years.

The GWM Haval H6 has always been a solid budget buy, but this latest update sees it duke it out with segment stalwarts like the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

Nissan has been without an electric vehicle (EV) in its local line-up ever since stock of the outgoing Leaf hatchback dried up, but that’s soon set to change. Five years after it was initially revealed, the Nissan Ariya electric SUV will launch in Australia this September. Orders are now open at Nissan dealers.

China’s Chery will unveil its next electrified off-roader from the iCar brand on August 1 at an event in Dubai, according to reports.As reported by Car News China, this new vehicle will be the iCar V27, which will be the sub-brand’s largest vehicle yet. It’ll sit above the existing Jeep Wrangler-sized iCar 03 and V23 SUVs.Measuring in at almost 5.0m long, or around the same size as a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, the iCar V27 will reportedly be powered by a range-extender (REEV) powertrain.Two configurations will reportedly be offered: one with a single, rear-mounted electric motor and another with a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup.Both will reportedly have a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that acts purely as a generator and at no point drives the wheels directly.The dual-motor version will reportedly have a total system output of 335kW of power and also have the ability to travel up to 200km on electric power alone.The V27 will reportedly build upon the blocky looks and silhouette of the V23. It’ll have square headlights with a circular running light design, multi-slat grille, vertical tail-lights, side-hinging tailgate and a decorative rear “backpack” where a spare wheel would typically go.Car News China reports the V27 is one of the first from the iCar brand to be fitted with a LiDAR sensor for more semi-autonomous driving functionality.Chinese domestic production of the iCar V27 is reportedly set to commence later this year, with LiDAR-equipped versions to follow in the fourth quarter of 2025.This unveiling event for the iCar V27 in Dubai will also reportedly mark the international launch of the iCaur name.Apple holds the trademark for iCar outside of China, so the brand has been forced to come up with a different name for international markets.At this stage it’s unclear the markets iCaur will launch in, but according to British reports earlier this year, it’ll launch in the UK in 2026.Given right-hand drive production is now more or less locked in, this makes it a chance for an Australian launch.Despite this, Chery Australia is still remaining quiet of the iCaur brand for now.“We’re certainly interested in the exciting product that was revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show. However, at this early stage there are no confirmed plans,” said a Chery Australia spokesperson in May this year.If iCaur does come to Australia it will add to the growing stable of Chery and its sub-brands.Chery currently offers a range of Tiggo SUVs (Tiggo 4, Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and soon the Tiggo 9), as well as the C5 and E5 (previously Omoda C5 and E5, respectively).Jaecoo also launched locally earlier this year with the J7 and J8 SUVs. It’s worth noting that Chery sells its iCar V23 as a Jaecoo model in other markets.Additionally, the standalone Omoda brand is launching locally in August with the Omoda 9 SHS, which is a plug-in hybrid alternative to the Jaecoo J8.Omoda and Jaecoo models will be sold together at dedicated Omoda Jaecoo dealers, not Chery dealers. This strategy follows what Chery has been rolling out globally.

China’s Zeekr has been in Australia for over a year and it already has two vehicles on sale in Australia, the X small electric SUV and 009 electric people mover.

Mercedes-AMG has detailed a number of new “performance-oriented” Edition R and Edition R+ models for Australia.Following the “strong reception” of the AMG C43 and GLC Edition R models, this time the brand has given its smallest passenger cars the treatment.These include Edition R versions of the AMG A35 and A45 S sedan and hatchback, as well as hotter Edition R+ versions of the AMG CLA35 and CLA45 S sedan.Pricing for the new AMG A35 Edition R hatch and sedan, as well as the AMG CLA35 Edition R is down by up to $4300 compared to the standard model it’s based on. They now start at $86,200 before on-road costs.With the hotter AMG A45 S Edition R+ and CLA45 S Edition R+, on the other hand, pricing is the same as the standard model it’s based on. This means a starting price of $122,500 before on-roads and $129,300 before on-roads, respectively.A table detailing the full pricing for the new Mercedes-AMG A-Class and CLA Edition R and Edition R+ line-up is at the bottom of this story.Despite being cheaper, the new AMG A-Class and CLA Edition R models pick up a wide range of exclusive kit.This includes the AMG Aerodynamics Package that features a large front splitter with additional flics, a high-gloss black diffuser blade, as well as an AMG rear wing for the A35 hatchback and an AMG rear spoiler for the A35 sedan and CLA35.These models also pick up 19-inch black AMG alloy wheels with red brake calipers, AMG aluminium interior trim, as well as synthetic leather and microfibre upholstery with red top stitching.Over the standard AMG A45 S and CLA45 S, Edition R+ versions of both pick up AMG performance seats. The CLA45 S Edition R+ also picks up a fixed AMG rear wing for the first time.Power for all A-Class and CLA Edition R and Edition R+ models remain unchanged.The A35 and CLA35 are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 48V mild-hybrid boost producing total system outputs of 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque.The A45 S and CLA45 S, however, are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine without any mild-hybrid assistance, but it produces 310kW and 500Nm.The current Mercedes-Benz CLA is reaching the end of its lifecycle and will be replaced by a new-generation model imminently that’s set to be offered in mild-hybrid and electric guises.The current A-Class is also nearing the end of its lifecycle and isn’t set to get a replacement. Production was meant to cease next year, though reports from Europe now state that it could continue until 2028. 

The writing has been on the wall for a number of years now but Volvo has officially axed its remaining sedan and wagon line-up in Australia.While Volvo still may have examples of the S60 and V60 Cross Country left in its dealer network, both of these passenger cars have been axed locally. No more shipments of either are coming.It follows the larger S90 getting discontinued locally in 2019 and the flagship V90 Cross Country getting the axe locally in 2021.The Sino-Swedish brand now doesn’t have any passenger car in its line-up until the flagship ES90 electric sedan arrives. This is currently earmarked for an Australian launch in late 2025.As a result, the Volvo Cars Australia current line-up only consists of the EX30, EX40, XC40, XC60, XC90 and EX90. The C40 electric SUV was axed locally earlier this year.The Volvo S60 sedan has lived through three generations, with the latest version being first revealed in 2018 and launching locally in 2019.Third-generation S60 models were initially sourced from the United States, but in 2022 a minor update saw production shift to China.The V60 wagon launched locally in 2019 and was replaced by the higher-riding V60 Cross Country in 2021. The latter was always sourced from Belgium.It remains unclear whether Volvo is working on successors to the S60 and V60, especially given it has dropped its plan to only sell EVs from 2030.In the first six months of 2025 Volvo sold a total of 37 S60 examples and 78 V60 Cross Country examples, which is a drop of 56.5 per cent and 4.9 per cent, respectively.The brand’s top-seller continues to be the XC40 small SUV. A total of 1287 examples were sold in the first half of 2025, which is down 24.1 per cent year-on-year.In fact, Volvo as a brand has been experiencing a slump in sales locally. 3597 new vehicles have been sold year-to-date, which is down 24.1 per cent year-on-year.Looking to the future, Volvo is planning to launch the aforementioned ES90 electric sedan later this year. It will also launch the EX30 Cross Country, which is a jacked-up version of the EX30 small electric SUV.

Fiat has detailed some wild drive-away pricing deals for its regular 500e and hot Abarth 500e electric hatches to stimulate sales and clear out existing stock.The Italian carmaker is still selling model year 2023 (MY23) versions of both the Fiat 500e and Abarth 500e.Until September 30 or until stock runs out, the Fiat 500e La Prima is now priced from $38,990 drive-away and the Abarth 500e Scorpionissima is priced from $43,990 drive-away.Typically the Fiat 500e La Prima is $52,500 before on-road costs and the Abarth 500e Scorpionissima is $60,500 before on-road costs. This is a saving over $15,000, depending on the model.This new drive-away pricing puts it closer to the more affordable EVs on sale in Australia. These include the BYD Dolphin ($29,990 before on-roads), GWM Ora ($33,990 drive-away) and MG4 ($37,990 drive-away).This isn’t the first time a car brand has had to slash the asking price of its electric vehicles (EVs) to clear out stock. Notable examples include the Peugeot e-2008 in 2024 and the Jeep Avenger Longitude earlier this year.The Fiat 500e launched in Australia in 2023 exclusively as a top-spec La Prima hatchback.It’s powered by a single, front-mounted electric motor producing 87kW of power and 220Nm of torque. This is fed by a 42kWh lithium-ion battery pack.Fiat claims the 500e La Prima can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.0 seconds and it has a claimed range of 311km according to WLTP testing.The Abarth 500e, on the other hand, launched in Australia in late 2023 in Scorpionissima trim. A Turismo trim arrived in 2024.It’s powered by a more powerful single, front-mounted electric motor producing 114kW of power and 235Nm of torque. This is fed by a 42kWh lithium-ion battery pack.Abarth claims the 500e Scorpionissima can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.0 seconds and it has a claimed range of 253km according to WLTP testing.Fiat doesn’t split out sales data between its petrol and electric 500/500e/695 models.In the first six months of 2025 it has sold 207 examples of the 500/500e/695, which is down 28.6 per cent year-on-year.