Articles by James Cleary

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.

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.

BYD has confirmed domestic pricing and specification details for its updated Sealion 05 compact crossover-style SUV prior to the electrified newcomer’s public debut at this week’s Beijing motor show. Offered in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and pure-electric (BEV) form, the Sealion 05 measures just over 4.6 metres long (165 mm longer than the BYD Atto 3), close to 1.9m wide and around 1.6m tall.The DM-i PHEV version combines a 74kW 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with a single 120kW synchronous permanent magnet electric motor and two battery options - 26.6kWh and 34.3kWh - delivering (CLTC) EV-only ranges of 220km and 305km, respectively.The DM-i’s claimed fuel consumption on the combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle is 3.1L/100km, the car’s 65-litre fuel tank facilitating an overall range in excess of 2100km (CLTC).Alternately, the pure-electric Sealion 05 EV is available with two motor options; the first being a rear-mounted 200kW unit powered by a 57.6kWh LFP battery delivering a CLTC range of 540km.A higher output version of the motor is fitted to upper grades, sending 240kW to the rear wheels with a 68.6kWh battery good for a 630km range.BYD’s new ‘flash charging’ tech is onboard, generating a 10 to 97 percent top-up in just nine minutes.Standard feature highlights include a built-in fridge and an 8.8-inch instrument cluster joined by a 12.8-inch central media screen on lower grades and a 15.6-inch ‘floating’ display on premium variants. All versions of the car feature seven airbags with ‘DiPilot 100’ ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) tech at a minimum with optional Lidar-based ‘DiPilot 300’ adding ‘Navigate On Autopilot’ (NOA) functionality as well as ‘DiSus-C’ semi-active suspension with continuous damping control.Boot space on the DM-i hybrid is a generous 650 litres with all seats upright, that number shrinking to 600 litres on the EV, although the latter features a 10-litre front boot.Five versions of the Sealion 05 DM-i are available in the Chinese domestic market, ranging from ¥97,900 (~$20,000) for the entry-level 220 Starter to ¥127,900 (~$26,100) for the 305 Smart Navigator.And three Sealion 05 EV grades range between the 540 Navigator at ¥119,900 (~$24,500) and 630 Smart Navigator flagship at ¥145,900 (~$29,800).  CarsGuide contacted BYD Australia for comment on the Sealion 05’s potential for sale in the local market and a spokesperson said, "We do not have visibility of that vehicle on our product radar."

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new pure-electric version of its mid-size C-Class sedan, boasting a sleek coupe-like profile, dual-motor all-wheel drive and a range of up to 762 kilometres (WLTP).Launched in a single C400 4Matic electric grade, the newcomer’s dual permanent magnet synchronous motors combine to deliver 360kW and 800Nm which is enough to propel the circa 2.5-tonne five-seater from 0-100km/h in just four seconds.A 94kWh battery is onboard and an 800-volt electric architecture allows DC fast-charging at 330kW, which enables the car to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 22 minutes.At just under 4.9 metres end-to-end, close to 1.9m wide and a fraction over 1.5m tall with a 2962mm wheelbase, the C400 4Matic electric is appreciably larger in every key dimension than its internal-combustion counterpart.    Energy consumption on the combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle ranges from 14.1 to 18.5 kWh/100km which is impressive for a car of this size and weight.Tech highlights include rear-axle steering and a new air suspension system managed by the car’s main operating system, now delivering predictive damping and automatic ride height control based on Car-to-X and Google Maps data.Inside, a seamless 39.1-inch MBUX ‘Hyperscreen’ covering media, car function and instrumentation spans pillar-to-pillar across the dash, there are 162 stars illuminated in the ‘Sky Control’ panoramic roof and the front sports seats, trimmed in ‘Twisted Diamond’ nappa leather, feature lumbar support, massage, seat ventilation and 4D sound.A fourth-generation ‘MBUX’ media and car interface combines multiple AI systems to create a powerful ‘Virtual Assistant’ capable of "conducting complex dialogues between the vehicle and driver.”Other stand-out standard features include ‘Surround Navigation’, an AR head-up display, Burmester 3D surround sound and a newly developed climate control system claimed to heat the interior “twice as fast as in combustion-powered models.”Boot space is a useful 470 litres with another 101 litres available in the front boot and braked trailer towing capacity is a worthwhile 1.8 tonnes.Introducing the new model, Mercedes-Benz Group AG Chairman of the Board of Management Ola Källenius said, “The all-new electric C-Class is redefining the mid-size segment for electric vehicles. “It is the most powerful and sportiest C-Class we’ve ever built, offering pure driving pleasure and outstanding real-world range,” he said.Mercedes-Benz Australia expects the C400 4Matic electric to hit local showrooms in early 2027.

Honda has become the first Japanese car manufacturer to offer a Chinese-built model for sale in its domestic market.The all-new Honda Insight, a mid-size, pure-electric crossover has been produced in right-hand drive at the joint-venture Dongfeng Honda plant in Wuhan, China.Riding on the same ‘e:N Architecture F’ front-wheel drive platform as the Honda e:NS2 it’s based on, the Insight is powered by a 150kW/310Nm permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, the compact five-seater using a 68.8kWh NMC battery and boasting a WLTC-rated range of 535km.Claimed 20 to 80 per cent charge time is approximately 40 minutes on a ‘standard’ 50kW charger.At close to 4.8 metres long, a bit over 1.8m wide and just under 1.6m tall the fourth-generation EV is appreciably larger than its hybrid predecessor, last seen in Australia over a decade ago.Offered in a single variant, the Insight features an ‘Intelligent Heating System’ (coordinating cabin, seat and steering wheel heating), 12-speaker Bose audio, genuine leather trim, an aroma diffuser, ambient lighting, a 12.8-inch central media screen, 9.4-inch driver information display, an 11.5-inch head-up display, multi-view camera system, an integrated dashcam, a slide and tilt glass sunroof, LED active cornering lights, 18-inch alloy rims and ‘Honda Sensing’ active safety.Given the Insight’s RHD availability CarsGuide contacted Honda Australia for comment on the car’s potential for local sale and a spokesperson said, "We’re constantly evaluating options from Honda’s global line up which we feel would be suited to our Australian customers however we do not have any new models to announce just yet."Japanese pricing of ¥5,500,000 (~$48,100) means if it did come to Australia the Insight would offer an interesting alternative to premium mid-size EV SUVs like the Deepal S07 (from $53,990), Hyundai Elexio (from $58,990), KGM Torres EVX (58,000, drive-away), Leapmotor C10 EV (from $49,888), Renault Scenic E-Tech (from $55,990) and Skoda Elroq (from $47,990). Speaking to Nikkei Asia about the car’s likely appeal to Japanese buyers, Honda Head of Development development Kunihiro Koike said, “We manage the Insight's quality according to global standards."We will continue to consider introducing vehicles manufactured overseas into the domestic market," he said.

Leapmotor has detailed its D19 large SUV, a battery-electric (BEV) and extended-range hybrid (EREV) the Chinese maker is positioning in the domestic market as its “flagship luxury SUV”, the latter version fitted with what is claimed to be the world’s largest EREV battery.With a maximum 80.3kWh capacity, the D19 EREV is able to cover up to 500km (CLTC) in pure-EV mode.Measuring just over 5.2 metres long, a fraction under 2.0m wide and close to 1.8m tall with a 3110mm wheelbase, the six- and seven-seat D19 is a potential challenger to the likes of the BYD Sealion 8, Chery Tiggo 8, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-80, Omoda 9, Skoda Kodiaq and Toyota Kluger.The D19 EREV is a 300kW dual-motor AWD with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine operating purely as a generator to charge one of two (CATL-sourced) battery options - 63.7kWh and 80.3kWh.The car’s 800-volt electric architecture means it can be charged from 30 to 80 per cent in a claimed 15 minutes.Offered in (410kW) two- and (540kW) three-motor variants, the D19 BEV runs a 1000V system and also offers two battery options - 99.6kWh and 115 kWh. Range varies from 620km to 720km (CLTC) and claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in the tri-motor version is “under three seconds”.Included features across the seven-model range (three EREV grades and four BEVs) include 21-inch rims, a 17.3-inch central media screen, 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a 21.4-inch entertainment screen (with 6.0-inch control screen) for second- and third-row passengers, dual glass sunroofs, 23-speaker audio, an oxygen generation system (!) and an 8.1-litre fridge. ‘Digital Clock’ megapixel DLP projector headlights incorporate one million pixels and are able to project complex welcome animations (including a swimming whale) in front of the car, while a ‘Happy Pixels’ interactive screen at the rear not only incorporates the full-width tail-lights but can be set to deliver animations or a battery charge read-out.Soft-close doors, multi-way power seat adjustment, semi-aniline leather upholstery, wood grain trims, configurable ambient lighting and “velvet ceiling material” are part of a premium interior treatment.All D19 versions boast 337 litres of boot space with all seats upright and up to 2677 litres with the second and third rows folded in seven-seat models. A 176-litre front trunk includes a 220V outlet. Active crash-avoidance tech includes “28 assisted driving sensors” (including a Lidar on the roof) and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) operating between four and 150km/h.Suspension is alloy dual-wishbone at the front and five links at the rear with ‘Dual-cavity’ air-suspension providing continuously variable damping.Chinese-market D19 pricing ranges from ¥219,800 (~$45,000) for the entry-level 400 Premium Edition EREV to ¥269,800 (~$55,000) for the 680 Tri Motor Performance Edition BEV.Leapmotor’s local line-up currently consists of the pure-electric B10 small SUV and C10 BEV and plug-in hybrid medium SUV. And when contacted for comment on the D19’s potential for the local market a Stellantis Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide the newcomer is “on its radar” adding the brand will be “able to hopefully confirm new product in the near future.” 

Although there are some swings and roundabouts in the equation there’s no denying Tesla’s strong sales performance in the first quarter of 2026.According to Electric Vehicle Council data, local year-on-year sales for the pioneer EV maker are up no less than 40.7 per cent to 7260 registrations to the end of March 2026 versus 5160 for the same period in 2025.And Tesla was knocking on the door of the top 10 sellers for March, its 3485 total for the month within sniping distance of MG in tenth (at 4218 units).But there’s a distinctly different story for the two models the brand currently offers in Australia, with the long-serving Model 3 sedan down 33.4 per cent for the first three months (1363 units vs 2046) and the Model Y medium SUV up a whopping 89.4 per cent (5897 units vs 3114).While steep fuel price rises have significantly lifted overall EV sales, Tesla’s turnaround marks a solid comeback from a less than stellar 2025, during which the brand’s local sales fell by just under a quarter compared to 2024 (28,856 units vs 38,347).And it’s worth noting that 2024 Tesla figure was itself down just under 17 per cent from 2023’s 46,120 unit total. Tellingly, established Model 3 competitors are down from their relatively modest base sales; the BMW i4 20.4 per cent behind for the first quarter (246 vs 309) and the Hyundai Ioniq 6 down 61 per cent (17 vs 44).But the big clue to the Model 3’s decline comes in the shape of the BYD Seal, up a staggering 209.3 per cent (934 vs 302) with the Polestar 2 13 per cent ahead (139 vs 123).Alternately, several of the Model Y’s key rivals declined in Q1 with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 down 54.5 per cent (115 vs 253) and the Kia EV5 1.6 per cent behind (1148 vs 1167).But others (operating from much smaller bases) have eclipsed even the Model Y, including the Cupra Tavascan up 366.7 per cent (112 vs 24), Skoda Enyaq up 129.1 per cent (126 vs 55), Subaru Solterra up 246.5 per cent (149 vs 43) and Toyota bZ4X up 300 per cent (840 vs 210) as well as the VW ID.4 up 243 per cent (429 vs 125) and ID.5, 101.4 per cent ahead (143 vs 71).With the current shipping blockade in the Strait of Hormuz further unsettling global oil supply and impacting local fuel prices, it will be interesting to track what is set to be Tesla’s strengthening performance as the year progresses. CarsGuide contacted Tesla Australia for comment on the brand’s sales performance.

Initially a 1.6-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid, Peugeot's 408 is now a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder mild 'plug-less' hybrid with $10K slashed off its price tag and fuel economy to frighten the mainstream medium SUV players it now competes with. We spent a week behind the wheel to see if the new package gives this niche player more market bite.

Porsche has unveiled the 911 GT3 S/C, the first-ever fully-automatic convertible version of its highly-focused, naturally-aspirated GT3 model.Powered by the same 4.0-litre (375kW/450Nm), horizontally-opposed, six-cylinder engine as its lightweight hardtop 911 GT3 S/T sibling, the new car boasts a 9000rpm rev ceiling with power going to the rear wheel only via a short-ratio, six-speed manual gearbox.A pure-two-seater, the GT3 S/C’s bonnet, wings and doors are carbon-fibre and the 911 S/T’s carbon anti-roll bars and shear plate are carried over.Other weight-saving measures include the ‘Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake’ (PCCB) package (claimed to be 20kg lighter than cast iron brakes), centrelock magnesium rims (20-inch fr / 21-inch rr) saving nine kilograms of unsprung mass, magnesium ribs and lightweight actuators in the automatic roof and a compact 40Ah lithium-ion battery, the latter saving a further 4.0kg.The less is more approach continues inside with lightweight door panels incorporating carbon-fibre pull handles, carbon shell seats and even lightweight carpeting.That said, the interior is full-leather including the sun visors and A-pillar trim. The seat centre panels are finished in perforated hide as is the steering wheel.Resulting kerb weight is a relatively trim 1497kg which Porsche said is “only about 30kg more than the 991-generation 911 Speedster."Relative to the previous gen GT3 the S/C’s ‘boxer’ engine features more aggressive cams from the 911 GT3 RS, flow-optimised individual throttle bodies and specific oil coolers.Claimed 0-100km/h acceleration is 3.9 seconds with maximum velocity pegged at 313km/h.Under the heading of interesting details, the soft top can be opened or closed in 12 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h, the digital tachometer display can be rotated so its 9000rpm limit is positioned at 12 o'clock and an optional ‘Street Style Package’ adds a distinctive colour, materials and graphics treatment.Street Style exterior highlights include ‘PORSCHE’ lettering on the car’s sides in ‘Pyro Red’, wheels finished in slate grey ‘Neo’, brake calipers in ‘Victory Gold’ and tinted HD-matrix headlights.Cabin upgrades include ‘Adaptive Sports Seats Plus’ with centre panels upholstered with four-tone braided leather, while the steering column, seat console, air vents (including the slats!), inner sill trim and fuse box cover are also trimmed in leather.Introducing the 911 GT3 S/C, Porsche Head of GT Cars Andreas Preuninger said, "We have already learned with the 911 Speedster and the 718 Spyder RS just how well our high-revving naturally aspirated engine, a particularly dynamic chassis set-up and thorough lightweight construction combine to create a true driver's car without a roof."For the first time, the 911 GT3 S/C uses the double wishbone front axle on an open-top 911. Combined with the particularly high-grip sports tyres and low weight, the car offers driving pleasure on winding roads that was previously virtually unheard of in an open-top car," he said. The 911 GT3 S/C is a permanent addition to the German brand’s local line-up (rather than a limited edition, as per the GT3 S/T) with pricing set at $588,500, before on-road costs. The Street Style package adds $58,670.2026 Porsche 911 pricing 

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a substantially updated version of its pure-electric EQS sedan with a claimed WLTP range of up to 925 kilometres, 350kW charging capacity, steer-by-wire technology and supercomputer powered AI software.The German maker says the upgraded EQS consists of 25 per cent fresh components, including an 800-volt electric architecture, new in-house developed electric drive units, a two-speed transmission on the rear axle and larger batteries with revised cell chemistry.Mercedes said the new drive battery cells feature anodes in which silicon oxide is blended with graphite allowing more energy storage per kilogram compared with the previous-gen battery that used conventional graphite anodes.The maximum 925km range represents a 13 per cent increase over the superseded car, the new EQS’s higher charging capacity now able to add 320km of range in 10 minutes when connected to a suitably fast charger.At the same time a new AI-powered, Cloud-connected iteration of the Mercedes‑Benz Operating System (MB.OS) “integrates and controls every aspect of the vehicle.”This includes everything from the front seatbelt heating (up to 44°C) and ‘Surround Navigation’ to cloud-based ‘Airmatic’ damper regulation and even more accurate parking assist.The four-model range includes a new single-motor, entry-level EQS 400 (270kW/505Nm), followed by the single motor 450+ (300kW/505Nm) and the dual-motor, all-wheel drive 500 4Matic (350kW/750Nm) and 580 4Matic (430kW/800Nm) variants.Their new-generation drive units are claimed to be more compact, efficient and robust. The front unit in all-wheel drive models acts as a booster with an integrated disconnect unit switching it on or off as required.Zero to 100km/h acceleration is a rapid 6.2sec in the EQS 400, dropping to a supercar-like 4.1 seconds in the EQS 580 4Matic.Energy recuperation via regenerative braking is up to 385kW, which Mercedes said dramatically increases efficiency.From a design point-of-view, luxury car-spotters should look out for an illuminated three-pointed star on a revised nose including digital headlights (using micro-LEDs), bonnet ‘Powerdomes’ and daytime running lights incorporating star-shaped insignia.The rear light strip features helix elements and an ‘AMG style’ bumper has more pronounced diffuser ribs on the underside and chrome trim running across the width of the car.The EQS remains one of the most aero-efficient production cars ever made with a drag coefficient of 0.20.Inside, the Mercedes ‘MBUX’ user system runs through two 13.1-inch displays, or in upper models, a 12.3-inch driver display, 17.7-inch central display and 12.3-inch passenger display, managing a “high-end entertainment system” and the ‘MBUX Virtual Assistant’ can “conduct complex dialogues” with the car’s occupants.The system’s main ‘star avatar’ is supported by a second human-like avatar and a third, nicknamed ‘LittleBenz’, the latter inviting more “playful interaction.”Active crash-avoidance tech includes 10 external cameras, up to five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors.Arrival timing and model line-up for Australia is yet to be confirmed, but in Germany EQS cost-of-entry starts at €94,403 (~$156,800) for the 400, rising to €134,732 (~$223,800) for the EQS 580 4Matic.