Articles by Robbie Wallis

Robbie Wallis
Contributing Journalist

GoAutoMedia

Even as a child, Robbie Wallis always had a love for anything with wheels.

From attending motor shows with his dad to reading the latest car news every month, he has always been fascinated with the automotive world.

After graduating school, Robbie wasn't sure what he wanted to do so he enrolled in an Arts degree at Monash University. Upon finishing that, he was still unsure what to do so he enrolled in a journalism degree.

Soon after completing that he found himself as the newest member of the GoAuto team.

When not at work Robbie spends his time cruising around in his 1995 BMW 530i and watching sport, be it AFL football, cricket or basketball.

Tickford announces supercharged Mustang
By Daniel Gardner · 24 Jan 2017
Following last year's introduction of a suite of hi-po modifications for the Ranger one-tonne ute, reborn Ford tuner Tickford has created a choice of engine and exhaust packages for the Mustang
Read the article
Peugeot 2008 drops diesel for 2017
By Robbie Wallis · 24 Jan 2017
Peugeot’s 2008 small SUV range will follow a similarly aggressive consolidation to that applied last month to its 308 small hatchback sibling.
Read the article
Hondas added to Tataka recall list, again
By Robbie Wallis · 24 Jan 2017
Honda Australia has issued a recall notice to replace faulty Takata airbag inflators in a batch of 25,282 of its vehicles, which had already been recalled to rectify the same issue.
Read the article
1494 Citroen C4 and DS4 examples join recalls
By Robbie Wallis · 23 Jan 2017
Citroen Australia has recalled 1494 C4 and DS4 hatchbacks for an issue that could result in the bonnet springing open unexpectedly.
Read the article
2017 Alpine sportscar set for Geneva reveal
By Daniel Gardner · 20 Jan 2017
Despite being one of the most enigmatic manufacturers in the world, French performance spin-off Alpine has revealed some details on its yet-to-be-named sportscar.
Read the article
2017 Holden Commodore gets special editions
By Robbie Wallis · 19 Jan 2017
Holden has used an event thrown for staff and loyal customers at its Fisherman’s Bend headquarters to reveal three special editions of its swansong VFII Commodore, named Motorsport, Magnum and Director.Based on the SS V Redline sedan, the Motorsport is a tribute to the ‘King of the Mountain’ – the name stemming from the 24 Bathurst 1000 chequered flags achieved by the Commodore in its time as a racing vehicle.1200 examples of the Motorsport will be built for Australians, with an extra 151 crossing the Tasman for our Kiwi cousins. It will be offered from $61,790 before on-roads for the manual, and $63,990 for the auto, representing a price increase of $7300 and $7800 respectively over the SS V Redline.Design tweaks include a phantom black roof, black boot-lid spoiler and 20-inch black alloy wheels with a red stripe around the lip of the rim.Power is unchanged from the Redline, with the 6.2-litre normally aspirated LS3 V8 still churning out a hefty 304kW/570Nm.The Motorsport comes with a magnetic ride control suspension system, driving mode control and an enhanced high-rate rear subframe bush.The magnetic ride system, previously used by HSV, can adjust dampers up to 100 times a second, allowing for a more comfortable ride with less body-roll.Bringing all that power to a standstill is the four-piston Brembo brake package shared with the Redline, making use of cross-drilled discs with two piece rotors at the front.Enhanced engine and transmission cooling has made the Motorsport GM level 3 track capable, making it one of the most track-friendly cars in the GM stable along with the likes of the Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette and Cadillac CTS.Ute fans can be satiated by what Holden calls the fastest and best-equipped Commodore ute ever – the Magnum, a name that references the WB Statesman Magnum built by Peter Brock’s HDT Special Vehicles in 1983.Only 240 Magnums will be sold in Australia, while New Zealand gets 51 examples – a nod to Kiwi Supercar legend Greg Murphy, whose car wore the number 51 in its years on the Australian racing circuit.The Magnum features sedan-tuned FE3 rear suspension, upgraded front seats, embroidered instrument panel, Magnum badging and hard tonneau cover.It's understood the Magnum is effectively sold out.The Magnum also gets the engine and brake systems from the Motorsport, and is priced at $59,290 for the do-it-yourself-shifter and $61,490 for the auto, both an $8800 jump over their Redline equivalents.The last special edition, the Director, is a nod to the late Peter Brock who was engaged in a bitter public divorce with Holden 30 years ago – partly over a car that went by the same name.The Brock family was contacted to seek permission to use the Director name, which was approved.Based on the Calais V and priced at $63,990 as an auto-only proposition, 360 Directors will be built, all for Australia.It will get a black roof, hood vents and paddle shifters, as well as the cooling enhancements, brake package and magnetic suspension shared in the Motorsport.Each special edition will be individually numbered, and dealers will take requests, however interested fans should act quickly as substantial pre-orders have been taken for the Motorsport and Director, while it's understood the Magnum is effectively sold out.Customers who do manage to nab one will be given the option of a tailored soft car cover emblazoned with the car’s limited edition number and owner’s name.Keys come in a commemorative case complete with a built-in video of the cars on the track, while Motorsport owners also get a 1:18 scale model of the vehicle.
Read the article
2019 McLaren Super Series aero spoiled
By Robbie Wallis · 19 Jan 2017
A second teaser image of McLaren’s forthcoming second-generation Super Series model has been revealed before the super-coupe's March debut at the Geneva motor show.
Read the article
2018 Ford Mustang's new look revealed
By Robbie Wallis · 18 Jan 2017
Ford has detailed the Mustang's mid-life update – featuring styling changes, drivetrain upgrades and new technology – ahead of its 2018 release in Australia.
Read the article
2017 BMW 4 Series range scores nip and tuck
By Robbie Wallis · 18 Jan 2017
BMW has introduced a new 4 Series range – covering the Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible models
Read the article
2017 MG GS misses ANCAP five star rating
By Robbie Wallis · 17 Jan 2017
MG's GS mid-size SUV has been given a four-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) ahead of the vehicle's launch into the Australian automotive market in March.
Read the article