Articles by James Cleary

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

Porsche Cars Australia has used the four points of the compass as inspiration for a quartet of one-off, uniquely-themed vehicles to celebrate the iconic German brand’s 75 years in the local market.The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, Macan 4S, Taycan 4S Cross Turismo and Cayenne S have been designed to reflect the country’s diverse colours and landscapes.The ‘Go North’ Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is finished in ‘Emerald Green Metallic’ to reflect the lush vegetation of Australia’s tropical north with 21-inch ‘Exclusive Design’ rims finished in ‘Neodyme’ (satin gold), and the car’s ‘Espresso’ leather interior representing the region’s contrasting earth tones.Next, the ‘Go East’ Taycan 4S Cross Turismo in ‘Ipanema Blue Metallic’ is a nod to the ocean and coastal surf culture, with 21-inch Exclusive Design wheels in ‘Crayon’ (soft grey) and two-tone black/Crayon leather interior (with ‘Speed Blue’ highlights) representing marine life, coral formations and sandy beaches.Then, the ‘Go South’ Macan 4S’ ‘Gold Bronze Metallic’ finish, 22-inch ‘Vesuvius Grey’ ‘RS Spyder Design’ wheels and black/Chalk extended leather interior reference South Australia’s Limestone Coast and the dolerite sea columns of Tasmania’s southern Tasman Peninsula.Finally, the ‘Go West Cayenne S’ in ‘Ipanema Brown’ with 22-inch ‘Black silk-gloss’ rims and ‘Bordeaux Red’ seat centres echo natural formations, indigenous artworks and the Outback’s deep red colours. Each commemorative car features bespoke items including a ‘75 Years of Porsche in Australia’ key painted to match its exterior colour, illuminated door sill guards customised with each vehicle’s directional theme as well as embossed floor mats. But these cars may not be unique for long because speaking at their unveiling during this year’s Australian Formula One Grand Prix weekend, Porsche Cars Australia CEO and Managing Director Daniel Schmollinger said: “These four cars align timeless Porsche design with regional identity, culture, lifestyle and purpose.“And best of all, they are available for any of our customers to replicate using the Porsche online car configurator.” In marking 75 years in Australia, Porsche references a “chance encounter” when Australian Norman Hamilton, in Europe to investigate pump technology for the construction of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, was overtaken by a silver sports car while driving across Austria‘s famously twisting Grossglockner Pass. The car was a Porsche development prototype driven by German race ace Richard von Frankenberg. Stopped at the same inn in the next village he and Hamilton struck up a conversation, which led to Hamilton meeting Ferdinand Porsche. A vehicle distribution deal followed with the first two Australian-market Porsche 356s shipped to Melbourne in 1951, one of the earliest export arrangements in the brand’s 78 years as a carmaker.

Chery has released the first official images of its new Tiggo 7L medium SUV and it represents a significant design departure from the Chinese brand’s existing Tiggo line-up.Four Chery Tiggo models are already on sale in Australia, from the compact Tiggo 4, through the mid-size Tiggo 7, to the full-size Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9 seven seaters.All offer hybrid propulsion options and each has a distinct look; traits which continue with the 7L newcomer.In China, the Tiggo 7 range consists of four models - Plus, High Performance Edition, Premium Edition and C-DM. Again, each with an individual design personality.The new car’s slim, angular headlights sit either side of a large, tapered grille with extra engine and brake cooling ducts lower down.Dark B-, C- and D-pillars create a ‘floating roof’ effect, 19-inch rims fill the wheel arches and the tail-lights illuminate with a jagged wave-like treatment. The minimalist interior features a two-tier dash connecting with indented door panels and a high centre console. Separate driver information and multimedia screens sit proud of the dash.The Tiggo 7L already exists in Russia, with this next-gen version its more contemporary replacement. It will be offered for Chinese domestic sale this time around as well as export to other selected markets, potentially as the Omoda C7.A Chery Motor Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide the company was “excited” to see the Tiggo 7L release, but “as it has only been released yesterday, there are no confirmed plans for Australia at this stage.”Powertrain details are yet to be detailed but expect to see a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder and seven-speed automatic transmission in two- and four-wheel drive configuration, currently rated at 110kW/275Nm in the Russian market.Another likely option is the 150kW/310Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid four-cylinder used in the Tiggo 7 CSH ‘Super Hybrid’.

After three years on sale in Australia, Toyota's performance-focused GR Corolla has been given some mid-life love.Toyota says the chassis is stronger thanks to extra structural adhesive used to bond key areas together (mostly the underbody and rear wheel wells). And that’s on top of the fact the car’s frame is already hand-finished in the Toyota Gazoo Racing factory in Motomachi, Japan, with additional bracing and spot welds to enhance rigidity. An extra inlet on the three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine’s secondary intake duct draws cool air from the front grille to lower intake air temp at faster engine speeds. The lower part of the grille has also been revised with new vent sections for engine cooling and airflow management into the front wheel arches.  And inside, the standard JBL audio system has stepped up from eight to nine speakers with the addition of a subwoofer in the boot.At the same time, the ‘Active Noise Control’ system has been tweaked to keep the cabin quieter most of the time and ‘Active Sound Control’ has been added to synthetically beef up the turbo-triple’s throaty induction noise and growling exhaust note when the driver has the bit between their teeth.But the rest of this hi-po hot hatch’s standard specification is unchanged, as is the price at $67,990, before on-road costs, for the manual version and $70,490 for the auto.Somehow, cooler air entering the cylinders hasn’t upped engine outputs, which remain at a stout 221kW at 6500rpm and 400Nm from 3250-4600rpm.That torque number, 30Nm higher than the launch GR Corolla, was inherited from the initial, limited-run Morizo Edition in a late 2024 model year update that also introduced availability of an eight-speed torque-converter auto transmission (as per our test example) alongside the standard six-speed manual gearbox.And the ‘GR-Four’ all-wheel-drive system retains its electrically-controlled multi-plate clutch on the rear axle with Torsen-type limited-slip differentials front and back.And the rest of it’s all there, from the 18-inch Enkei alloys shod with Yokohama Advan V601 (235/40) rubber, to the bulging bonnet, macho body kit (incorporating roughly 5000 vents and ducts), bigger brakes, sporty interior and forged carbon roof insert.So, is it still the pocket-rocket GR Yaris’s heavy-hitting big brother, with the power and dynamics to match serious competitors like the Honda Civic Type R ($79,000, drive-away), Subaru WRX tS Sport Sportswagon ($63,290, BOC) and VW Golf R ($71,990, BOC)? We spent a sporty week behind the wheel to find out.Aside from the dynamics and performance tech, which we’ll get to shortly, the GR Corolla boasts a healthy standard features list. As it should, with cost-of-entry comfortably more than double that of an entry-level Corolla Ascent Sport ($29,610, BOC).Highlights include a head-up display, LED exterior lights, leather and synthetic suede trimmed sports front seats (also heated), dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, the JBL audio set-up (including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), racy alloy pedal covers, wireless phone charging and adaptive cruise control (auto only).The aero-influenced body kit incorporates a bulging alloy bonnet and safety’s through the roof with the ‘Toyota Safety Sense’ suite including auto emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, road sign assist, seven airbags and heaps more.Bundle in a super-competitive $395 capped-price annual service cost for the first five years and the GR Corolla stacks up well on value-for-money relative to its competitive set.It might accelerate from 0-100km/h in a bit over five seconds, and we’ll get to the drive experience in a moment, but the GR is still a five-door hatch. And it inherits the good and not-so-good practicality attributes of its more everyday 12th-gen (E210) Corolla stablemates.A 2640mm wheelbase means while there’s ample space for the driver and front passenger the rear seat is relatively tight with just enough leg and headroom for full-size adults. A small rear door aperture makes entry, and particularly egress, a Houdini-like escape exercise.Modest boot volume has been an Achilles heel for the current Corolla from day one and the GR’s 213 litres is even smaller than the standard hatch’s 217L thanks to the performance version’s AWD and sports exhaust hardware underneath. And that’s despite the GR forgoing the standard line-up’s space-saver spare for an inflator/repair kit.Against an official combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel economy figure of 9.5L/100km we saw an on-test average of 12.3L/100km, including a mix of suburban and city commuting as well as some more enthusiastic sessions.Not outrageous for a performance-focused hot hatch, and if it’s fuel efficiency you’re after, there’s always the standard four-cylinder hybrid Corolla models.Speaking of enthusiastic sessions, the GR Corolla remains an ultra-capable and satisfying performance drive.Brilliant steering response and road feel, balanced and buttoned-down in quick cornering, the strut front, double-wishbone rear suspension keeps the car stable and predictable at all times.The Yokohama rubber delivers impressive grip and helps the car clearly communicate what’s going on, the slick AWD system putting the power down brilliantly.Ride is relatively firm over typically bumpy suburban surfaces and pock-marked B-roads. But that’s a price engaged drivers will no doubt pay happily. And on the upside, the sports front seats are comfy and supportive.  As the turbo triple spins furiously towards its 7000rpm rev ceiling that characteristically coarse three-cylinder engine note builds to a smile-inducing bark. Some of that raucous noise may be synthetically enhanced. In fact, there are ’sound patterns’ to accompany each drive mode - ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Eco’. But you can switch it all off and the engine and exhaust still sound great.The eight-speed auto, however, is not the snappiest. If you’re used to the rapid-fire ratio changes of a dual-clutch, the comparatively relaxed shifts from this transmission (even in manual mode at higher revs) will be a less than pleasant surprise.

A combination of increasing component costs, ever-higher safety and emissions requirements as well as the need for new-generation tech to match fast-moving competitors has driven the domestic entry price for Toyota’s Corolla close to 60 per cent higher over the last decade.According to data from the Statistics Bureau of Japan (SBJ) as originally reported by Nikkei Asia the price of an entry-grade Corolla sat at ¥2.28 million yen (~$20,600) in 2025, up from ¥1.45 million (~$16,100*) in 2015. *Based on an average 2015 Yen/AUD exchange rate.For reference, in Australia a base Toyota Corolla Ascent auto cost $21,790, before on-road costs, in 2015. And in 2025 the entry-level Corolla Ascent Sport was $29,610, BOC, an increase of just over 35 per cent.As the statistical arm of the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the SBJ not only manages the country’s population census but tracks thousands of day-to-day consumer costs - from school fees and railway fares to baby clothes and soy sauce.A range of factors, including inflationary pressure driving up component supplier costs, increased standard safety requirements and tightening fuel economy and emissions legislation has driven the price rise.In recent years, emerging global competitors, particularly from China, have also placed greater emphasis on driver assist tech and multimedia functions driving the need for additional cameras, radars, microchips and more.Over the same 2015-2025 period, average Japanese worker income increased around 10 per cent and in early 2024 the Bank of Japan’s policy interest rate rose for the first time since 2007 and has been gradually rising since).Much of Japan’s car finance business is underpinned by residual loans (similar to a finance lease) at low interest rates and the rising cost of money is pushing car ownership out of reach for many potential buyers.SBJ data show even ‘kei’ city cars, the production of which is shaped by government incentives to provide low-price, fuel- and space-efficient new vehicle options to help keep the population mobile and the domestic car manufacturing business humming, have risen steeply in price.Specifically, 33 per cent from an average entry-price of ¥1.18 million yen in 2015 to 1.76 million yen (~$15,900) in 2025.And in heavily built-up areas car-sharing is an increasingly popular kei car alternative; a contributor to Japanese domestic market new-vehicle sales being down 10 per cent in 2025 compared to 2015.Evolving tastes have impacted relative pricing as Japanese consumers lean more towards full-size SUVs and people movers than compact cars.Prices of ‘Compact Passenger Cars’ increased 31 per cent to ¥2.39 million (~$21,500), while ‘Full-sized Passenger Cars’ rose 24 per cent to ¥3.72 million (~$33,500).At the same time, sales of full-sized passenger vehicles were up 30 per cent in 2025 compared to 2015, while compact passenger cars softened by 40 per cent.

Stellantis, the parent company behind brands like Jeep, Ram, Peugeot and Alfa Romeo, among others, has netted a multi-billion loss in 2025 according to its latest financial results.The multi-brand car company noted a net loss of €22.3 billion (~$37 billion) which it said has driven a “decisive reset to align with customers and support profitable growth - a strategic shift to put customer preferences and freedom-of-choice back at the heart of the Company’s plans.”This is another way of saying Carlos Tavares left the building in early 2025, more than a year before his contract was scheduled to end, and current CEO Antonio Filosa is in the process of reengineering the brand’s strategic direction. There are 14 core brands under the Stellantis umbrella - Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, and Vauxhall.With an almost single-minded focus on cost-reduction and an over-emphasis on EV production, Tavares has been broadly criticised for a resulting drop in product quality, unhappy dealers and a sharp fall in North American sales and profits.A higher price policy and huge inventory, for Jeep in particular, drove a 40 per cent share price drop and a fiery relationship with US dealers. Announcing the results, Antonio Filosa said, “Our 2025 full year results reflect the cost of over-estimating the pace of the energy transition and of the need to reset our business around our customers’ freedom to choose from the full range of electric, hybrid and internal combustion technologies.“In the second half of the year we began to see initial, positive signs of progress with the early results of our drive to improve quality, strong execution of the launches of our new product wave and a return to top line growth.“In 2026 our focus will be on continuing to close the execution gaps of the past, adding further momentum to our return to profitable growth,” he said.Product revisions flagged include the reappearance of the Jeep Cherokee and introduction of the Dodge Charger ‘SixPack’ as “a decisive re‑entry into the mid‑SUV and ICE muscle‑car segments.'At the same time the company referenced the late‑2025 launch of the Ram 1500 Hemi V8 and Express in the US, the mid-size Ram Dakota pick-up in South America and Fiat 500 Hybrid for Europe and selected export markets.Looking to 2026 results, the company said it expects to see a “mid-single-digit percent increase in net revenues, a low-single-digit AOI (Adjusted Operating Income) margin, and improved industrial free cash flow generation year-over-year.”

Previewed at last year’s Melbourne Motor Show, the JAC Hunter hybrid ute is closing in on local launch with an extensive local engineering evaluation program.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed details of a limited run version of its C300 mid-size sedan designed to combine the sporty character of an AMG enhanced model with a high-end luxury specification.The new Mercedes-Benz C300 AMG Line Plus Edition includes the normally optional ‘Night Package’ (high-gloss black elements on the radiator grille, exterior mirror housings, beltline trim strip and window surrounds), additional AMG styling elements (including an AMG spoiler lip) and unique 19-inch AMG ‘5-twin-spoke’ alloy wheels.Offered in Australia in “limited numbers only”, the edition also includes ‘metal-structure’ trim on the centre console and dashboard.These additions come on top of standard C300 features like an ‘AMG Line Interior’ (electric sports front seats with heating and memory, dual-zone climate control and synthetic leather upholstery).An 11.9-inch multimedia touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are joined by wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as wireless smartphone charging.There’s also ‘Agility Control’ suspension incorporating dual-chamber dampers to progressively adjust for optimal ride and handling balance.2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class price Australia2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class engine/powertrain and efficiency: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is offered with five powertrain choices. The C200 is powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, mild-hybrid, turbo-petrol engine sending 150kW/300Nm to the rear wheels through a nine-speed auto transmission.The C300 features a 2.0L turbo-petrol four producing 190kW/400Nm, the C350e’s 2.0L plug-in hybrid combination delivers 230kW/550Nm and the AMG C43’s 2.0L turbo four is quoted at 310kW/500Nm with ‘4Matic’ AWD.The flagship Mercedes-AMG C63S E Performance winds up the 2.0-litre four to pump out a prodigious 500kW (670hp)/1020Nm, going to all four wheels via nine-speed multi-clutch transmission.Claimed combined cycle fuel use for the C200 is 6.9L/100km rising to 7.3L/100km for the C300 with a 66-litre fuel tank in both models. The C350e’s official figure drops to just 1.5L/100km (although that number’s based on keeping the battery constantly charged) with a 50-litre tank.The Mercedes-AMG C43 is rated at 9.1L/100km and the full-fat Mercedes-AMG C63S E Performance sits at a relatively modest 6.1L/100km, both with a 66L fuel tank.All models require a minimum 95 RON ‘premium’ fuel.Maximum braked trailer towing capacity is 1800kg for the C200, C300, C350e and C43 while the C63S E Performance is a no-tow zone. 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class standard features: 18-inch alloy wheelsKeyless entry & startAMG Line Interior11.9-inch multimedia touchscreen12.3-inch digital instrument displayPanoramic sliding sunroofRain-sensing wipersSynthetic leather trim (leather on high grades)Heated front seatsHead up displayPower bootlidCruise controlActive Parking Assist360-degree camera viewLED headlights (with adaptive high-beam)Ambient interior lightingDual-zone climate control air-conditioningLeather-trimmed steering wheelDigital radioReversing camera2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class colours: Standard:Polar WhiteObsidian Black MetallicGraphite Grey MetallicSodalite Blue MetallicHigh-Tech Silver MetallicSpectral Blue MetallicSelenite Grey MetallicOptional: Opalite White bright metallicPatagonia Red bright metallic2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class safety:The Mercedes-Benz C-Class scored a maximum five-star ANCAP rating from assessment in 2022.  Adult occupant protection - 91 per centChild occupant protection - 90 per centVulnerable road user protection - 80 per centSafety assist - 84 per cent2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class warranty and servicing: The C-Class is covered by Mercedes-Benz Australia’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty (with roadside-assist included). Three-, four- and five-year service plans are available for C-Class models. 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class dimensions:Overall length for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 4751mm, width is 1820mm and height is 1437mm with a 2865mm wheelbase. Boot space with rear seat up is 455 litres (C350e PHEV - 315 litres) with the split-folding rear seat able to liberate additional volume.

The Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts has issued a safety recall notice impacting 16,578 BMWs sold new in Australia from 2020 to 2023.It confirms that examples of the 2,3,4,5,7 Series (G12, G2x, G3x, G42) , X3 (G01) , X4 (G02), X5 (G05) and Z4 (G29) have been impacted and said, “Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.“If this occurs, the driver may be unable to start the engine, and in the worst case, the overheating can lead to a fire during vehicle operation,” the notice said. The department added, “A vehicle fire or the driver being unable to restart the engine could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants, and/or damage to property.”All grades of the nominated models are included, although for reference, close to 65,000 vehicles across those BMW model groups were sold in Australia during the recall period.The department says owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by BMW requesting they schedule an appointment with their preferred authorised BMW dealer for the free of charge starter motor replacement.Alternatively, BMW can be contacted on 1800 243 675 or via www.recall.bmw.com.au. 

The Tesla Cybertruck suffered a monster sales slide in 2025, with US numbers totalling just over 20,200 units, a fall of no less than 48 per cent compared to the year prior.And that’s on the back of 38,965 sales in 2024, approximately 210,000 units short of Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s bullish annual volume prediction prior to the electric pick-up’s domestic launch in late 2023.Mid-year 2025 estimates pointed to at least 10,000 unsold units (worth around US$800 million) sitting in the brand’s inventory.A revised annual target of 125,000 sales pulled production capacity away from the controversial ute towards more popular models like the Model Y SUV.But reduced supply is one thing, driving increased demand is obviously the critical factor.So, no surprise Tesla has attempted to generate extra Cybertruck interest with a new, more affordable variant.Announced on social media platform X, the new model is simply called the Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive with an MSRP of US$59,990, compared to US$79,990 for the Premium All-Wheel Drive and US$99,990 for the flagship Cyberbeast.Available to order in the US, the Dual Motor AWD boasts an estimated range of 525km, and features a powered tonneau cover, multiple vehicle-to-load (V2L) bed outlets (2x 120V + 1x 240V) as well as adaptive damping, heated front seats, ‘Steer-by-wire’ four-wheel steering and a braked trailer towing capacity of up to 3.4 tonnes.The Cybertruck is currently sold in North America (USA, Canada and Mexico) as well as select Middle Eastern markets including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.Still displayed on Tesla’s Australian website, the Cybertruck is not on sale locally, although Tesla Country Director for Australia and New Zealand Thom Drew told CarsGuide mid-last year that the stainless-steel-bodied EV has "never been off the table", at the same time confirming he had received a briefing on what changes will be required for Australian Design Rule (ADR) approval here."Cybertruck is a conversation that we're having ongoing. I can't tell you a timeline, or if or when, but we're advocating for it as much as we can," he said.