Articles by James Cleary

James Cleary
Deputy Editor

James Cleary is CarsGuide's Deputy Editor, with over four decades’ experience across automotive editorial, marketing, product planning and creative advertising.

He has written for national and international titles including Wheels, Drive, Carsales, Motor and Top Gear Australia providing everything from new product assessment and feature writing to industry analysis, news content and expert advice.

He’s spent time as an advanced driving instructor, and had the opportunity to experience rare and valuable classics here and overseas.

James worked in the PR and advertising/sales promotion teams at Mercedes-Benz Australia and has managed the Marketing Communications and Product Planning functions for Peugeot Australia. He also directed advertising client service for Hyundai Motor Company Australia and Volvo Australia.

James has a Bachelors Degree in Communications from Macquarie University and driving qualifications from multiple advanced schools, including Ian Luff Motivation.

He has been a member of the CarsGuide team for 10 years and as Deputy Editor manages everything from sub-editing to back-end platforms while creating written and visual content.

Expertise

  • New product assessment
  • Industry analysis
  • News content
  • Expert advice
  • Feature writing

Experience

  • BMW Performance Driving School
  • Lamborghini Winter Accademia
  • Master Maserati Driving School
  • Mercedes-AMG Snow Performance School
  • Porsche Level 4 Master training
  • Volkswagen Driving Experience program

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts (MassComm) | Macquarie University | 1981-1984

Featured publications

Important upcoming electric cars cancelled
By James Cleary · 13 Mar 2026
Honda has made the tough financial decision to cancel three electric vehicle programs in the face of a slower than expected global transition to EVs.The Honda 0 SUV, 0 Saloon and Acura RSX were all scheduled to be produced in North America, but in a statement the Japanese maker said it "determined that starting production and sales of these three models in the current business environment where the demand for EVs is declining significantly would likely result in further losses over the long term."The statement added, "As a result, in the consolidated financial results for the current fiscal year, (it) expects to record 1) operating expenses of ¥820 billion ($7.2B) to ¥1.12 trillion ($9.9B) and 2) a share of the loss of investments accounted for using the equity method of ¥110 billion ($975M) to ¥150 billion ($1.3B)."Moreover, Honda expects to record special losses of ¥340 billion ($3.0B) to ¥570 billion ($5.0B) in the non-consolidated financial results for the same fiscal year. "Combined with the losses to be recorded in the current fiscal year, the total amount of losses is expected to be a maximum of ¥2.5 trillion ($22.2B)," it said. Yikes!In summary, the statement confirmed, "The profitability of Honda automobile business is currently declining due primarily to 1) the unfavorable impact of changes in U.S. tariff policies on the gasoline and hybrid vehicle business and 2) a decline in the competitiveness of Honda products in Asia due to the impact of the allocation of more resources to EV development."Expected to arrive in the second half of 2026, the dual-motor AWD Acura RSX was "a dramatically styled premium, performance SUV" noted at the time of the concept version’s unveiling at last year’s Monterey Car Week as “a significant next step in the performance brand's electrification strategy.Honda said it was also "The first model engineered in-house on the new Honda-developed EV platform and the first EV produced at the Honda EV Hub flexible manufacturing facility in Ohio."Shown for the first time in prototype form at the CES in 2024, as it was "being developed for a North American market launch in 2026", the Honda 0 Saloon was positioned as the flagship model of the Honda 0 Series.In 2024 Honda said it would be "based on the newly developed dedicated EV architecture and feature a number of next-generation technologies that embody the ‘Thin, Light and Wise’ development approach" including "highly reliable Level 3 automated driving technology.”"Also presented as a concept at the 2024 CES in Las Vegas, the oddly-proportioned Honda O SUV, also set for a 2026 introduction in North America, was a mid-size five-seater featuring “high-precision attitude estimation and stabilization control based on 3D gyro sensors”, technology that came out of Honda’s original robotics program.Worth noting Honda retired its iconic humanoid robot, ASIMO in early 2022 after a 22-year development focus.Honda said it will now direct electrification investment into hybrids with a new hybrid powertrain and automated driving system under development for commercialisation after 2027. 
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Chinese brands are battling each other!
By James Cleary · 13 Mar 2026
In 2026 it appears two ‘new’ new challenger brands have overtaken a pair of ‘old’ new challenger brands in the Aussie new car market.Two of the earliest automotive disrupters from China, LDV and MG, have been heading backwards in terms of year-on-year sales performance in recent months while relative newcomers BYD and Chery continue to grow at a spectacular rate.For context, MG suffered something of a false start here with the MG6 in 2013, distributed by private importer Longwell Motor (operating as MG Motor Australia).But the MG brand (re)launched here as a SAIC factory subsidiary in 2016, with the first cars registered - a bunch of elderly MG6s as well as the new MG GS and MG3 - in early 2017.MG’s SAIC Motor Corporation cousin LDV entered the Aussie new vehicle market way back in 2013. At first, the focus was the V80 van range before independent importer/distributor Ateco Group broadened the brand’s scope with the addition of the G10 van, T60 ute and D90 SUV through 2017.And looking at the annual sales volumes for these brands from 2017, the parallels are striking, with both growing impressively thanks to increasing awareness, new models and sharp positioning, until they reach a turning point in 2024.MG went from 600 registrations in 2017 to no less than 58,346 in 2023; perilously close to a 10,000 per cent rise in six years! Meanwhile, LDV rose from 2580 to 21,298, an increase of only 725 per cent for the same period.So, what happened in 2023? Two words… Chery and BYD (well, four if you include Build Your Dreams).Chery had re-started its Aussie efforts as a factory subsidiary after a less than stellar run with the J1 hatch and J11 compact SUV from 2011-2015 (with Ateco as distributor).And BYD had landed with the Atto 3 compact electric SUV which made an immediate impression on the sales charts.Since then, each has added more and more new model options that have found their way onto a huge number of Aussie driveways.  As MG sales softened 29 per cent from 58,346 units in 2023 to 41,298 in 2025, LDV followed suit dropping 34 per cent from 21,298 sales to 14,108 in the same period.So far in 2026, to the end of February, MG is down 14.7 per cent year-on-year (6377 vs 7479), while LDV is 9.4 per cent lower (2125 vs 2346).And the current superstars? Chery is up 91.2 per cent (7718 vs 2875 - hello, Tiggo 4) and BYD is a staggering 161 per cent ahead (10,324 vs 3956). Nothing like competition to shuffle the new car pecking order. And it will be fascinating to see how Chery and BYD fare as even more newcomers like Denza, Forthing, JMC, Lepas, Wey and others make their mark in the near future.
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VW drops diesel four-cylinder utes
By James Cleary · 12 Mar 2026
Volkswagen Australia is adding two new V6 turbo-diesel variants to the dual cab ute’s local line-up, with the 2026 model year range becoming an almost exclusively 3.0-litre V6 offering.Volkswagen says it has been “guided by feedback from owners, dealers and enthusiasts in placing stronger emphasis on V6 powertrains, while simplifying the range to make choosing an Amarok clearer and more intuitive than ever.”But it’s worth noting, as with its co-developed Ford Ranger ‘twin-under-the-skin’, the 154kW/500Nm 2.0L twin-turbo diesel four from the Amarok Life and Style models has been squeezed out of existence by tightening emission regulations.And, unlike Ford Australia, VW has also made the call to phase out the 125kW/405Nm 2.0L single-turbo four-cylinder diesel, currently offered in the entry-grade Amarok TDI 405 Core.To help pick up the slack, the first of the Amarok’s new 184kW/600Nm 3.0L turbo-diesel entries is the Dark Label V6.Limited to 200 examples, it adds visual drama and a lengthy standard equipment list to the VW ute formula, including:20-inch ‘Matte Black’ ‘Bendigo’ alloy wheelsLED matrix headlights (with black surrounds)Darkened tail-lightsBlack sports bar, side steps, rear bumper, door handles and mirrorsFront bumper ‘X‑design’ in blackBlack front skid plateMatte Black B‑pillar foilRoof rails in Matte BlackSpray‑in tub linerBlack tonneau coverDark Label sticker pack (bonnet, doors, tub sides, tailgate) Pricing and exact arrival timing are yet to be confirmed, but it’s likely to hit showrooms before the end of 2026.Then, in the second quarter of this year, the Amarok W600 special edition will deliver another premium performance option.Locally-developed by Walkinshaw Automotive Group in Melbourne and based on the TDI600 Style, it features the 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 as well as a multitude of dynamic upgrades including a bespoke Koni suspension set-up, 20-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, a full-width LED light bar and (lots) more.Volkswagen believes it will “reinforce Amarok’s position as a leader in driving feel and performance within the dual‑cab segment.”And finally, the 222kW/452Nm 2.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder powered Amarok Style TSI452 replaces the previous Aventura TSI452 with spec upgrades including: Permanent all‑wheel driveSix drive modesOptional 20-inch ‘Bendigo’ alloy wheelsFor reference, the current Amarok Aventura TSI452 is priced at $79,990, before on-road costs.Volkswagen’s Australian Amarok line-up for MY26 (with pricing yet to be confirmed) will be:Amarok Style 2.3 TSI452Amarok Style 3.0 TDI600Amarok Style (w/ Tray) 3.0 TDI600Amarok PanAmericana 3.0 TDI600Amarok Aventura 3.0 TDI600Amarok Dark Label 3.0 TDI600Amarok W600 3.0 TDI600
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New MG SUV debuts with radical battery tech
By James Cleary · 11 Mar 2026
MG has released official images and basic specifications for its pure-electric MG4X compact SUV, including the new model’s ‘liquid-solid state’ battery system.Underpinned by the same ‘Modular Scalable Platform’ and featuring the same ‘E3’ electronic architecture as the upcoming, second-gen version of its MG4 sibling, the MG4X SUV shares the hatch’s 2750mm wheelbase but its crossover-style design looks to add additional length, width and height.Due to ramp up to full production in the second quarter of this year, it also shares what MG positions as “the world’s first mass-produced semi-solid-state” battery.The battery, which was unveiled at last year’s Chengdu Auto Show, is a 53.95kWh semi-solid manganese-based lithium-ion unit which delivers a claimed 530km range in the MG4 to the more lenient CLTC test protocol. Claimed 30-80 per cent charge time is 21 minutes.Broadly similar in looks to the MG4 hatch, the MG4X brings a unique front fascia treatment with reshaped headlights, a full-width DRL strip and broad two-tier grille below the bumper.A generous glasshouse sits above smoothly sculpted flanks with a rear roof spoiler topping a tailgate that sprouts a pronounced deck in the centre section.While no interior pics have been released, it’s safe to assume the MG4X will feature a version of the MG4’s ‘smart cockpit’ co-developed with global smart device specialist Oppo.In the case of the MG4 hatch, a digital instrument cluster is paired with a central multimedia screen ranging up to a 15.6-inch display, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip.A ‘Hand-Car Interconnection’ system is designed to establish a smooth, lag-free smartphone to vehicle connection with high-speed ‘Navigate on Pilot’ and automated parking functions also onboard.Domestic pricing for the MG4X is yet to be confirmed, but the semi-solid-state battery Anxin Edition version of the new MG4 hatch is positioned at ¥102,800 which equates to around A$20,818 on a direct currency conversion.Add import and distribution costs as well as extra standard specification likely for the Australian market and a before on-roads cost in the mid-$30K bracket is more likely. That would position the car below the MG S5 (from $40,490, drive-away) and in line with the BYD Atto 2 (from $31,990, before on-road costs), Chery E5 (From $36,990, BOC) and recently released Leapmotor B10 (from $38,990, drive-away).When contacted for comment on the MG4X’s potential for local sale an MG Motor Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide, "We do not speculate or comment on future models or product details. "We are always evaluating updates across our line up to ensure we offer the best possible experience for customers and will provide further information once future models are formally confirmed," they said.But with the second-gen MG4 hatch (dubbed the MG4 Urban) due here within the next few months it’s highly likely the MG4X will join it in local showrooms before the end of the year.
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Seriously rapid EV SUV range grows in Oz
By James Cleary · 11 Mar 2026
Having launched the pure-electric version of its Cayenne large SUV late last year, Porsche Cars Australia has released details of a new all-wheel drive S Electric model, positioned between the existing entry-grade Electric and top-spec Turbo Electric.Scheduled for arrival in the third quarter of this year, the the Cayenne S Electric is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor on each axle producing 400kW (up to 490kW with launch control) which is a mid-point between the base model’s 325kW and the Turbo’s 630kW (850kW with Launch Control).Claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time is a seriously rapid 3.8 seconds and a 113kWh (gross capacity) drive battery delivers combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) range of 635km (WLTP).With a charging capacity of up to 400kW Porsche says the Cayenne S Electric can be charged from 10-80 per cent in 16 minutes at that rate.And as per the Cayenne Turbo Electric, the Cayenne S Electric uses direct oil cooling for the rear-axle electric motor to dissipate heat directly from the current-carrying components.Car spotters should look out for specific front and rear aprons finished in ‘Volcano Grey Metallic’, body colour on selected inserts and the rear diffuser as well as 20-inch ‘Aero’ rims.2026 Porsche Cayenne pricing2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric powertrain and efficiencyThe Cayenne S Electric is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor on each axle producing a combined 400kW (up to 490kW with launch control).Combined cycle energy consumption is between 21.7–19.2kWh/100 km with range at 635km (WLTP).2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric standard featuresAside from included safety tech, standard feature highlights are:20-inch ‘Aero’ alloy wheelsPrivacy glassParking Entry Package (with ‘Surround View’ and ‘Self-Steering ParkAssist’)Digital radioExterior colour - up to and including the ‘Dreams’ range as no-cost options14-way electric comfort seats with memory packageBose ‘Surround Sound System’Panoramic roof systemSeat ventilation (front)Four-zone automatic climate controlOptions:Porsche Torque Vectoring PlusPorsche Active Ride suspensionPorsche Ceramic Composite Brake (with yellow-painted brake callipers)2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric coloursExterior colour options (standard): WhiteChromite Black MetallicVanadium Grey MetallicCarrara White MetallicDolomite Silver MetallicMystic Green MetallicMadeira Gold MetallicAlgarve Blue MetallicNapali Blue MetallicOptional ($7370):Oak Green Metallic NeoPale Blue MetallicSlate Grey NeoMonteverde MetallicInterior colour options:Partial leather - Black - Black/Chalk BeigeLeather - Black - Black/Lavender - Black/Magnesium Grey - Black/Sage Grey - Black/Bordeaux Red - Black/Chalk Beige - Black/Chalk BeigeSynthetic leather - BlackClub leather - Espresso - Bramble2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric safetyThe Porsche Cayenne has not been assessed by ANCAP but standard safety features include:‘ParkAssist’ (front and rear) including reversing camera3D Surround View with Active Parking Support (Self-steering Park Assist)Warning and Brake Assist incl. Pedestrian protectionDriver Awareness DetectionLane Change Assist - Blind-spot monitoring and Rear AssistLane Keeping AssistTraffic sign recognitionAirbags - front, front side (thorax), side curtain (covering both rows) and knee airbags for driver and front passenger2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric warranty and servicingService interval - 12 months / 15,000 kmWarranty - Three years / unlimited km (including paint)Battery warranty - Eight years / 160,000km12-year rust warrantyRoadside assist - Three years2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric dimensionsLength - 4991mmWidth - 1980mmHeight - 1674mmWheelbase - 3023mm
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Fiery fast performance SUV here this year!
By James Cleary · 10 Mar 2026
Cupra Australia has confirmed the arrival of the VZ5 performance flagship version of its new Formentor SUV in the fourth quarter of this year.Powered by a retuned version of the Audi RS3’s 2.5-litre, turbo-petrol, five-cylinder engine, it sends 287kW and 480Nm (Audi RS3 294kW/500Nm) to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and sophisticated all-wheel drive system.With ever-tighter (EU7) emissions regulations in the background, a limited run of just 4000 units (in left and right-hand drive) will likely see the final showing of its exotic in-line five.Scheduled to enter production this quarter, fewer than 100 units are currently allocated for the Australian market and cost-of-entry just under $95K means the hot SUV will go up against some heavyweight Euro competition like the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Intensa, Audi SQ5, BMW X4 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC43.Cupra Australia said it will "continue working with global teams to explore additional volume should early customer demand exceed expectations".2026 Cupra Formentor pricing2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 engine/powertrain and efficiencyPower comes from a 2.5-litre, in-line five-cylinder turbo-petrol engine sending 287kW and 480Nm to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission and all-wheel drive system with ‘integrated torque splitter’ diff tech. Official combined-cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel efficiency is 10.1L/100km.2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 standard featuresAside from included safety tech, standard feature highlights are:20-inch alloy wheels (in ‘Copper’)Aero body kit elements (extended front splitter, tweaked bumpers, wider arches)Sabelt 'Cup' bucket seatsDCC adaptive suspensionAkebona six-piston performance front brakesQuad diagonal copper exhaust tipsAmbient interior lightingPremium Sennheiser audioPanoramic sunroofOptions:Premium paint ($790)Matte paint ($3300)2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 coloursExterior colour options include: ‘Midnight Black’, ‘Dark Void’, ‘Magnetic Tech Matt’, ‘Century Bronze Matt’ and ‘Enceladus Grey Matt’Interior colour:Black leather/synthetic suede upholstery with copper stitching and accents 2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 safetyThe current Cupra Formentor range received a maximum five-star ANCAP assessment from testing in 2022:Adult occupant protection - 93 per centChild occupant protection - 88 per centVulnerable road user protection - 68 per centSafety assist - 80 per cent2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 warranty and servicingService interval - 12 months / 15,000 kmWarranty - Five years / unlimited kmFive-year roadside assistFive-year paint warranty12-year corrosion warranty 2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 dimensionsLength - 4451mmWidth - 1839mmHeight - 1505mmWheelbase - 2681mm
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24,000+ BMWs recalled for fire hazard fault
By James Cleary · 09 Mar 2026
The Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts has issued a safety recall notice impacting 24,122 BMWs and Mini derivatives sold new in Australia from 2010 to 2022.It confirms that examples of the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 Series (F0x, F1x, F2x, F3x, G1, G3x), the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6 (F48, F39, F1x, F2x, G0x) as well as the Mini Cooper (F5x) and Countryman (F6x) have been impacted.The notice said, “Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak. “If this occurs, the leaking coolant and recirculated exhaust gas may combine, which may result in a reduction of engine power and potentially a fire while driving,” the notice said. The department added, “A reduction of engine power whilst driving and/or a vehicle fire could increase the risk of an accident, causing injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users and/or damage to property.”All grades of the nominated models sold from 2010 to 2022 are potentially included and the department says owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by BMW requesting they schedule an appointment with their preferred authorised BMW dealer for replacement of the EGR cooler, free of charge.Alternatively, BMW can be contacted on 1800 243 675, through email info@bmw.com.au or via www.recall.bmw.com.au. This recall comes on the back of another large scale recall alert last month impacting 16,578 BMWs sold new in Australia from 2020 to 2023.In that case, examples of the 2,3,4,5,7 Series (G12, G2x, G3x, G42), X3 (G01), X4 (G02), X5 (G05) and Z4 (G29) were found to have been exposed to a potential manufacturing defect which means the starter motor solenoid switch could experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit and in a worst case scenario “a fire during vehicle operation”.
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Toyota's tough start to 2026
By James Cleary · 06 Mar 2026
Two months into 2026, traditional new car sales leader Toyota is 25 per cent down on the same period last year with a total of 27,916 units shifted to the end of February compared to 37,256 in 2025.So, what gives? RAV4 registrations have fallen off a cliff, with 2025’s top seller no less than 73.8 per cent behind its prior year result (2480 units vs 9481).After a sub-par January, the HiLux has mounted something of a fightback but is still close to 10 per cent behind year-on-year in critical 4WD form (5315 units vs 5893).And the new-generation Prado is down a whopping 52 per cent YOY (2665 units vs 5570).After 23 consecutive years as the top-selling brand in the local new car market are cracks starting to appear at the top of the Toyota sales mountain?  Is the endless wave of new challenger brands entering the local market starting to impact that seemingly impenetrable 20 per cent share figure Toyota has held with a vice-like grip for so long?Well, probably not. A Toyota Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide the brand is still aiming for a 200,000-plus unit result for 2026, which would equate to, you guessed it… 20 per cent market share.First, the RAV4 had a big December 2025 and with the current model in run-out mode it’s doing just that… running out, according to Toyota, “very cleanly”. And with the sixth-gen version coming in March, Toyota makes no bones about the fact that supply is unlikely to come back to full strength (and possibly more) until the end of that month or even early April. As we’ve previously reported, based on the model's usual sales figures, it's safe to assume an order bank close to, if not more than, 10,000 units for the new RAV4 Hybrid.Then, the HiLux shortfall relates to not all variants of the new ninth-generation ute being available yet. So it’s a similar story here, with a “healthy” bank of orders being progressively filled over the next couple of months.And the fifth-generation LandCruiser Prado has been in high demand since it arrived here in late 2024 and we’re assured the current shortfall is down to boat arrival timing issues, which presumes March numbers will be higher, as orders are "strong."Of course, published monthly registration data means there’s nowhere to hide when it comes to new vehicle sales. So, we’ll see if the good ship Toyota, still by far the dominant new car player, gets back on course beyond the first quarter of the year. 
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First glimpse of all-new world car
By James Cleary · 06 Mar 2026
In an address to workers at Volkswagen's Wolfsburg headquarters overnight, VW AG Chairwoman of the General and Group Works Council Daniela Cavallo showed a teaser silhouette image of the upcoming, ninth-generation VW ID. Golf.VW has flagged a mid-2027 shift of production location for the Golf 8.5 from Wolfsburg to its Puebla plant in Southern Mexico and Cavallo was keen to reassure the employees she represents that the move is designed to make way for ID. Golf manufacture in Germany.It’s the first tangible glimpse of the new model, which is set to adopt pure-electric propulsion as well as the brand’s ID. naming convention prior to launching in 2028.Previewed by 2023’s ID. GTI electric concept, the ninth-gen ID. Golf is clearly an evolution of the Golf 8, which arrived in late 2019 with the current ‘8.5’ update following in early 2024.Introducing the ID. GTI at the 2023 IAA motor show in Munich, Volkswagen Head of Design Andreas Mindt positioned the FWD hatch as “the first glimpse of the exciting GTI future because its series development has already been decided.”So, the production ID. Golf is likely to share the concept’s full-width front and rear illumination, more prominent wheel arches and simplified, screen-rich interior (albeit with additional physical controls for key functions).For reference, the ID. GTI measures 4104mm long, 1840 mm wide and 1499mm high with a 2600mm wheelbase, which makes it around 180mm shorter end-to-end, 50mm wider and roughly 35mm taller than the Golf 8.5 with the distance between the axles reduced by 36mm.And given the German giant now owns close to 10 per cent of US EV specialist Rivan, expect to see leading edge powertrain tech and software architecture, the latter including over-the-air updates.Model hierarchy is yet to be confirmed, but VW has already indicated publicly that internal-combustion power for the Golf is set to continue well into the next decade. Meaning further updates will keep an ICE Golf running in parallel with the ID. Golf EV, the two possibly moving towards shared variations of VW’s ‘Scalable Systems Platform’ to accommodate hybrid powertrains.
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Brutal twin-turbo supercar lands in Oz
By James Cleary · 06 Mar 2026
Porsche Cars Australia has topped its multi-model 911 line-up with the heavy-hitting Turbo S flagship, boasting monstrous hybrid power, stunning dynamic performance and even more sophisticated all-wheel drive technology.Powered by a 3.6-litre, twin-turbo ‘flat’ six-cylinder engine, it produces no less than 523kW (711hp) and 800Nm; enough to propel the Coupe version from 0-100km/h in 2.5 seconds (Cabriolet 2.6sec) and on to a maximum velocity of 322km/h.The all-alloy engine features direct fuel-injection, variable valve timing and integrated dry-sump lubrication, while the electric part of the hybrid equation consists of the twin electric ‘eTurbo’ units (which eliminate turbo lag and serve double duty as generators) and a permanent-magnet synchronous motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.This ‘T-Hybrid’ system is underpinned by a 1.9kWh 400V lithium-ion battery with drive going to all four wheels via a map-controlled multi-plate clutch and the latest iteration of the ‘Porsche Traction Management’ system.Rear-axle steering, ‘Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control’ (active roll stabilisation and enhanced vehicle dynamics), ‘Porsche Stability Management’, ‘Porsche Active Suspension Management’ (electronically variable active damping) and ‘Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus’ (variable electronically controlled rear differential lock with variable torque distribution) also feature.Forged alloy rims are 20-inch front, 21-inch rear, shod with Pirelli P Zero rubber (255/35 fr - 325/30 rr) and brakes are ventilated and perforated carbon-fibre-reinforced ceramic composite discs (420mm x 40mm fr - 410mm x 32mm rr) with 10-piston fixed calipers at the front and four-piston fixed units at the rear.2026 Porsche 911 pricing2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S engine/powertrain and efficiencyPower comes from a 3.6-litre, twin-turbo ‘flat’ six-cylinder engine producing 523kW and 800Nm. Drive is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and multi-plate driveline clutch pack. Combined-cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel efficiency is 11.8L/100km (Coupe) and 12.0L/100km (Cabriolet). The fuel tank holds 63 litres.2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S standard featuresAside from included safety tech, standard feature highlights are:20-/21-inch ‘Turbo S’ alloy wheelsKeyless entry and startPorsche Connect (includes online navigation with 3D map display)Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlayBose Surround Sound System (with Dolby Atmos)Digital radio12.6-inch curved instrument display‘Sport Chrono’ stopwatch instrument dial and digital tachometer dialAdaptive Cruise controlAdaptive sports seats Plus (electrical 18-way adjust with memory package)Seat heating (front, with three-stage control)Dual-zone climate controlHD-Matrix LED main headlights2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S optional featuresAvailable options include:Burmester Surround Sound System‘Porsche InnoDrive’ (including adaptive cruise control)Sun visors in leatherPedals in aluminiumDoor sill guards in brushed aluminium (black illuminated)Personalised vehicle keys painted with casePersonalised floor matsTwo-tone leather interiorWheels painted in Black (high-gloss)Seat ventilation (front)Electric slide/tilt glass sunroofLifting system front axle‘Exclusive Design’ tail-lightsGear selector in aluminium 2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S coloursExterior colour options include: ‘Jet Black Metallic’, ‘Vanadium Grey Metallic’, ‘GT Silver Metallic’, ‘Ice Grey Metallic’, ‘Guards Red’, ‘Carmine Red’, ‘Catagena Yellow Metallic’, ‘Provence’, ‘Lugano Blue’ and ‘Gentian Blue Metallic’Interior colour:Leather interior Black with interior package in ‘Turbonite’Interior package including dashboard, door panel and centre console trim strips in matt Carbon and decorative inlays in ‘Neodyme’ accent colourAccent package including on door opener and panels, gear console and lever, centre console, steering wheel and knurled buttons in TurboniteRoof lining, A- and B-pillar panel upholstered with perforated ‘Race-Tex’ in Black with backing in Turbonite2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S safetyThe Porsche 911 has not been assessed by ANCAP but standard safety features include:‘ParkAssist’ (front and rear) including reversing camera3D Surround View with Active Parking Support (Self-steering Park Assist)Warning and Brake Assist incl. Pedestrian protectionDriver Awareness DetectionLane Change Assist - Blind-spot monitoring and Rear AssistLane Keeping AssistTraffic sign recognitionAirbags for driver and front passenger, front side (thorax) airbags and side curtain airbagsAuto-deploying roll-over protection system2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S warranty and servicingService interval - 12 months / 15,000 kmWarranty - Three years / unlimited km (including paint)12-year rust warranty2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S dimensionsLength - 4551mmWidth - 1900mmHeight - 1305mm (Coupe) / 1304mm (Cabriolet)Wheelbase - 2450mm
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