Articles by Stephen Ottley

Stephen Ottley
Contributing Journalist

Steve has been obsessed with all things automotive for as long as he can remember. Literally, his earliest memory is of a car. Having amassed an enviable Hot Wheels and Matchbox collection as a kid he moved into the world of real cars with an Alfa Romeo Alfasud.

Despite that questionable history he carved a successful career for himself, firstly covering motorsport for Auto Action magazine before eventually moving into the automotive publishing world with CarsGuide in 2008. Since then he's worked for every major outlet, having work published in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Drive.com.au, Street Machine, V8X and F1 Racing.

These days he still loves cars as much as he did as a kid and has an Alfa Romeo Alfasud in the garage (but not the same one as before... that's a long story).

Ford still eyeing F-150 for Oz
By Stephen Ottley · 26 Feb 2020
Ford Australia is watching the progress of the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 to see if it can bring the F-150 pick-up Down Under
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Volkswagen plotting Tesla Roadster rival
By Stephen Ottley · 25 Feb 2020
Just because Volkswagen is planning an electric future doesn’t mean the German brand has given up on performance cars.A new report from England’s Autocar claims Volkswagen is working on plans to produce an all-electric sports coupe and convertible that will wear the ID.R badge and could do battle with the likes of the Tesla Roadster. It’s just part of a wider electrification plan for the VW Group, which is also expected to spawn battery-powered sports cars from Porsche and Audi.This latest report suggests work has already begun on adapting the battery technology from the record-setting Volkswagen ID.R prototype race car for road car use. It would also utilise the modular 'MEB' EV platform which would allow it to use the dual-electric motor powertrain from the upcoming ID.4 SUV, while also being relatively cost-effective for a sports car.Volkswagen has been pushing hard to inject performance and excitement into its ID range, confirming the ID.3 R hot hatch and also hinting strongly that it will use the MEB platform to revive the iconic Kombi and Dune Buggy; which have already been previewed as ID concept cars.The ID.R sports coupe would be the hero model of the range and push the performance credentials of the company’s electric future.More broadly the VW Group is moving towards an electric performance future. Sister-brand Audi has indicated that the TT is likely to be replaced by an electric model, previously saying its "icons" would need to adapt with the times.Porsche has also confirmed the next-generation Macan will ditch diesel in favour of electrification and there are reports the next 718 Boxtser could spin-off an EV variant.
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What happens to the future of Supercars?
By Stephen Ottley · 23 Feb 2020
Holden and motor racing go hand-in-hand in this country.
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GM Specialty Vehicles: What we know so far
By Stephen Ottley · 21 Feb 2020
As the old saying goes, as one door closes, another one opens, and it seems that's true of car doors too.
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Could autonomy be the future for Holden?
By Stephen Ottley · 15 Feb 2020
What you're looking at is General Motors' future. It's called the Cruise Origin, a new autonomous and electric vehicle that will enter production in the USA by the end of next year - and it could point the way for a radical new future for Holden.
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First look: New Hyundai Toyota Corolla rival
By Stephen Ottley · 13 Feb 2020
Hyundai’s i30 will get a bold new look when the updated model arrives in Australia by the end of this year.
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Is the Tesla Cybertruck out-dated already?
By Stephen Ottley · 11 Feb 2020
It has an unusual name and unusual technology, but this could be the ute that we’re all driving in the not-too-distant future.
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Unlikely designer creates city mobility pod
By Stephen Ottley · 11 Feb 2020
The man responsible for creating one of the fastest and most desirable supercars of all-time, the awesome McLaren F1, has released his latest creation - and it’s a very different vehicle.
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Can Nissan turnaround its fortunes this year?
By Stephen Ottley · 08 Feb 2020
An ageing fleet of SUVs, no passenger cars and a high-profile (and very ugly) legal battle with its former CEO - it's safe to say Nissan is facing several challenges in 2020.
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Why the UK banning hybrids could be bad for Oz
By Stephen Ottley · 05 Feb 2020
Any vehicle with an internal combustion engine will be banned from UK roads by 2035 - even hybrid models - under a new policy announced by Boris Johnson’s government.
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