Articles by Spencer Leech

Lexus is claiming a production-car world first with the imminent introduction of rear-view cameras in place of conventional wing mirrors on its new ES large sedan that will go on sale in Japan next month.The cameras on door-mounted arms – in a similar fashion to regular mirrors – transmit images to two 5.0-inch screens inside the cabin at the bottom of each A-pillar.Audi has also signaled its intention to introduce the digital mirror system on its Audi e-tron SUV, but Lexus will beat the German company to the punch by putting it into production first.Lexus has no plans to introduce the re-imagined mirror set-up outside Japan, but the move might put pressure on road safety legislators to change rules that deem this technology unroadworthy.In Australia, the regulations would have to change before mirrors of this kind are to become commonly available, with Australian Design Rules (ADR) requiring mirrors with specific design parameters.In theory, Lexus could apply for an exemption to the rule, although the Japanese carmaker has given no indication it will try.Audi also might have to revert to conventional mirrors for e-tron when it arrives in Australia in the second half of next year. Alternative mirrors have been a common feature on concept cars in the past decade, but road safety administrators have deemed latency issues and low-light performance make them less effective than regular wing mirrors.Lexus says its camera shape resists raindrops and snow, giving a clearer rear view while also reducing wind noise and providing a less obstructed view through the side windows."The system automatically enhances the corresponding area – left, right or behind – when the turn signals are activated, or when the transmission is put into reverse," it says. "The view of areas around the car can be manually enhanced by the driver to obtain complete peripheral awareness of the area around the vehicle."

Citroen has revealed images of its new plug-in hybrid concept based on the C5 Aircross, which will make its public debut at the Paris motor show next month.

Ford has released a single teaser image of an electrified Transit van, which will be revealed at the IAA Commercial Vehicle show in Hannover this month.

Mercedes-Benz has officially revealed its second-generation GLE large SUV ahead of its public debut at the upcoming Paris motor show.

MMercedes-Benz Vans has unveiled a fully-electric concept dubbed the Vision Urbanetic at an event in Copenhagen last night.

Kia recently pulled the covers off a pre-production version of its Telluride SUV at the New York Fashion Week, however the brand's local arm still has no plans to bring the eight-seater Down Under.

Suzuki Australia will next month release a limited-run Vitara small SUV variant, dubbed 30th Year Anniversary Edition, to celebrate 30 years since the nameplate's global inception.Restricted to just 350 units, the special Vitara is based upon the entry-level RT-S grade and is priced at $24,990 driveaway, but it remains unclear if the 30th Year Anniversary Edition is offered with a manual gearbox or automatic transmission.That equates to a $1000 premium over the standard RT-S automatic, however the 30th Year Anniversary Edition gains features such as chrome daytime running light surrounds, chrome door guards, a polished rear boot lip protector, unique badging and a centre console armrest.Like the car upon which it is based, the 30th Year Anniversary Edition is motivated by a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 88kW and 156Nm.Other standard gear includes a 7.0-inch infotainment system with sat-nav and a reversing camera, seven airbags, cruise control, climate control, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, power windows, daytime running lights and 17-inch alloy wheels."The Vitara has been an excellent competitor within the Australia SUV market for its outstanding reliability, low running costs and sleek design" said Suzuki Australia boss Michael Pachota."The introduction of the 30th Year Anniversary Edition will suit those seeking a city SUV with exceptional value for money."2018 Suzuki Vitara list pricingSuzuki Vitara RT-S FWD – manual – $22,990Suzuki Vitara RT-S FWD – automatic – $23,990Suzuki Vitara 30th  Year Anniversary Edition FWD – automatic – $24,990 D/ASuzuki Vitara S Turbo FWD – automatic – $29,990Suzuki Vitara S Turbo AWD – $34,990Suzuki Vitara RT-X AWD diesel – automatic – $35,990

Suzuki Australia has dropped its entry-level Swift GL in favour of a new GL Navigator grade with a manual gearbox, which is offered at $16,990 driveaway.

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) has finally confirmed pricing for its new Chevrolet Camaro, which will be available in one variant, the 2SS, checking in at $85,990 plus on-road costs.Production will begin at HSV's new production facility in Victoria this month, where it will convert the American muscle car to right-hand-drive specification.The only option available from launch will be metallic paint, which will add $850 to the sticker price.Only 550 units will be available in the first year, which according to HSV managing director Tim Jackson, will allow the distributor to have a stronger connection with its customers."Our business model has always been to provide a niche offering with strong connection and support to our customers and, with just 550 available in our first model year, we are excited to get the product in customers' hands" he said.Standard equipment includes 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle tyres, power-adjustable heated and ventilated leather sports seats, a leather flat-bottomed steering wheel, a Bose nine-speaker sound system, power sunroof and keyless start.The dash is dominated by an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, with access to four drive modes – Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice and Track.The vehicle also benefits from a wireless phone charger, universal garage door opener and ambient interior lighting.As reported, the Camaro is powered by a 339kW/617Nm 6.2-litre LT1 V8 engine which is matched exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission.Suspension is handled by twin-tube shock absorbers, and lightweight Brembos front and rear provide stopping power.While customers can sometimes be turned off by conversions, Mr Jackson said he was confident that HSV will maintain the integrity of the left-hand-drive vehicle."This project has been over three years in the making and involved millions of dollars of investment in product development, testing and validation" he said."We set out with the goal of retaining the integrity of the left-hand-drive vehicle through the adoption of extensive engineering, development, and manufacturing processes"."I can't think of another organisation, that is not one of the large OE manufacturers, that has challenged itself to conduct full volume compliance on a passenger vehicle".2018 Chevrolet Camaro list pricingChevrolet Camaro 2SS – automatic – $85,990

BMW Group has outed its new M-fettled X3 and X4 performance SUVs, showing camouflaged prototype versions at a recent race meeting at Germany's Nurburgring circuit.