Articles by Tim Gibson

The Toyota Celica could be revived with a hybrid set-up.The Celica revival project at Toyota began in 2024, when it was announced by now former Vice President Yuki Nakajima. It has now been confirmed the car is likely to utilise a hybrid set-up, which could be either plug-less or plug-in, and it will have four-wheel drive, according to UK publication Autocar.It has been rumoured this hybrid set-up could deliver a whopping 300kW.Gazoo Racing marketing manager Mikio Hayashi said there are still many variables at play as the Celica crawls towards launch.“The displacement size of 1.6 litres , for example, cannot meet emission regulations. So we have to consider the possibility of a 2.0-litre,” Hayashi told AutoCar."We are thinking about various sizes, but we are not at a stage where we can tell you exactly what size it is. Nothing has been decided yet about whether it will be a standard hybrid or plug-in hybrid.”It seems like the 2.0-litre engine could be winning the race at the moment, with progress being made according to Hayashi. “We are continuing to develop that. We have high expectations,” he said. "We cannot point to a timeline but can say we are making steady progress.”The news comes after Toyota’s potential entrant for the 2027 World Rally Championship was spotted undergoing testing, featuring in a Celica-style shape. This appears to be a clear indication of the brand moving away from the GR Yaris for its rallying competition.It also improves the chances we will see the return of two iconic Toyota names, with the MR2 also seemingly nearing a return. The brand has filed intellectual property filings in both Australia and Japan for ‘MR2’ and ‘GR MR2’, respectively. It has been confirmed this car will also feature a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol hybrid all-wheel drive set-up and is rumoured to produce 370kW and 550Nm.Despite these details, it still looks like the Celica and the MR2 remain several years away from production.

MG’s new range-extender Range Rover rival has just been given a sharp price in China, with the IM LS8 nearing an official launch in the middle of next month. It will start from the equivalent of around $50,000, as part of an introductory pricing deal. The car will come in five- and six- seat configurations, across four variants. The range-topping six-seater variant will start from the equivalent of nearly $70,000 after the initial launch offer. There is no official news on whether the LS8 will launch in Australia, but it is part of IM Motors, MG's luxury arm which already has two models on sale Down Under. MG Australia when contacted for comment said it is always evaluating updates across its lineup, but would not confirm the LS8's future in Australia.If the large SUV does come to Australia, expect a decent price jump on those Chinese figures, but it would still be a cheaper alternative to the likes of the Audi Q8 and BMW X7. The LS8 is the latest in a growing segment of high-end luxury electrified SUVs launching in the Chinese domestic market. Its rivals include the Denza N9, Leapmotor D16 and Zeekr 8X. The LS8 comes with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, which powers the battery, and front- and rear-mounted electric motors. The set-up produces 390kW and 670Nm and gives it an astonishing 0-100km/h time of four seconds. It has a CATL-sourced lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, offering an electric-only driving range of 430km, and contributing to a whopping overall range of 1605km. The LS8 is built on an 800-volt platform, which enables a 30-80 per cent fast charging in 12 minutes. On the inside, the car has a 27.1-inch digital driver display and a separate 15.6-inch in-built passenger display. There is also a 21.5-inch screen for rear passengers that drops down from the roof of the vehicle. 

A rebirth of the iconic Freelander is edging closer. The incoming Chinese-built Freelander SUV has been spotted in Euro NCAP crash testing, with images published in publication MyDrivers. The original Land Rover Freelander was a monocoque off-roader produced from 1997, with the last model year being 2015. The new Freelander is a product of the partnership between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, and will first launch in China before being exported overseas. There has been a long line of Chinese cars that have drawn heavy inspiration from Land Rover's design, such as the Land Wind X7, but this lookalike is all above board.Despite the cars featured in the images being heavily damaged, we can see some details about the Freelander. The exterior adopts some of the elements of the original LandRover example, including a similar light design and the same boxy shape. The new Freelander shapes as a substantially bigger car than the original, and will be a three-row SUV laid out in a six-seat configuration.On the inside, there is a large central touchscreen display sitting in a floating tablet position, along with a panoramic dashboard display. It is also being reported the Freelander will be built on Chery’s T1X platform, featuring an electrified set-up. The platform is found on other SUV models such as the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8, as well as the Jaecoo J7 and J8.The Freelander has also already been spotted undergoing road testing in China under camouflage. It was confirmed by the brand in a public tender invitation in January it would launch its first Freelander model this year in the Middle East. It will be the tie-up’s first model sold outside of China. There are no confirmed plans for the Freelander to launch in Australia, but it will initially be available in left-hand drive only, meaning it is likely not an immediate priority. The Freelander should not be ruled out for Australia, with it expected to be positioned as a more premium offering, so it would not collide with other Chery products Down Under.Chery Chief Executive Officer Lucas Harris has said there is more room for additional sub-brands in Australia.“Why not?” Harris told CarsGuide earlier this year. “Chery is the brand where you never say never.”More details about the Freelander will be revealed at its official launch scheduled for the end of this month. 

Thousands of Hyundai i30 N units have been hit with an urgent recall, according to a notice from the Federal Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts. There are 7293 examples of the i30 N impacted by the recall for model years between 2017 and 2022.The recall concerns a manufacturing defect with the fuel pump causing engine stall.“Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel control valve in the high-Pressure fuel pump could allow excess fuel to enter the pump. If this occurs, the engine could stall resulting in a sudden loss of motive power whilst driving,” the notice reads.“A sudden loss of motive power whilst driving may increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death to vehicle occupants.”A spokesperson for Hyundai Australia said there have been reported incidents of this issue occurring in Australia.The i30N affected by the recall has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, producing 206kW and 392Nm.The latest i30 N hatch model continues to be powered by the same set-up, but it is not part of this recall. The Hyundai i30 has undergone a serious model reshuffle in Australia, with cheaper variants of the Czech-built hatch being pulled from the lineup due to import cost pressures.This leaves the i30 N-Line and N variants as the only options for buyers in showrooms.

Aussies have just been shown what they are missing out on with the Toyota LandCruiser FJ.Four new concepts on the LandCruiser FJ have been revealed as part of a showcase at the Thai motor show. The concepts are named Meridian, Nature Explorer, Legendary and Street Cruiser.They are designed to demonstrate the potential uses for the car and they show just how at home it would be in Australia.The LandCruiser FJ has already been ruled out for an Australian launch due its 2.7-litre petrol engine not meeting Australian regulations. It may be an option for Australia down the line if it adopts a cleaner engine.Meridian is shown in a swamp-like environment, featuring roof racks holding bags, a shovel and outdoor equipment. It highlights the FJ’s off-roading potential and living in rugged environments.Nature Explorer builds on this by adding a set of spot lamps on the front of the car and a roof top tent and awning, boasting that the car can be used for weekend camping trips.These first two concepts of the LandCruiser FJ would fit in perfectly with Australian life, given the popularity of off-roading and camping and the countless perfect locations available.Street Cruiser develops a new lifestyle to the previous two concepts, swapping the wilderness for the city. It is featured with roof-mounted spoilers and a sleek pattern design of black and grey paint. The car also has a bike rack installed at the back of the car, carrying an e-bike.Legendary has plenty of the previous FJ Cruiser’s character, with a similar yellow colour to the car that launched in the 2000s. The black exterior cladding has been painted the same colour as the body work. It is a retro recreation of its predecessor.These concepts were designed to show off a range of accessories available on the LandCruiser FJ. There are three option packages all priced at around the equivalent of $1500.The Unbound Explorer package includes underbody protection, mudguards and a snorkel, while the Freedom Journey pack adds a roof platform. The Urban Unique pack has a grille garnish, spare wheel cover, side door mouldings, fuel tank cap, side visitors and dash cams.These concepts will only fuel demand for the LandCruiser FJ in Australia, but it seems like it will be several years before it becomes an option.

Details for the Isuzu Ute D-Max electric ute in Thailand have just been revealed, and it could be a timely inclusion in Australia for the brand.The car starts from the equivalent of roughly $70,000 in Thailand, which is a massive reduction on the more than $115,000 equivalent price in the UK. This bodes well for Australia, which has a free trade agreement and close proximity to Thailand where the D-Max EV is built.It is powered by front- and rear-mounted electric motors, producing 140kW, with front motor torque at 108Nm and rear motor torque at 217Nm for a maximum 325Nm.The ute comes with a full-time four-wheel drive system.Its 67kWh battery offers a driving range of 263km (WLTP), which is comparable to the HiLux EVs 240km. Fast charging on the D-Max EV from 20-80 per cent takes around an hour, due to a maximum of 50kW charging on the Thai version. It will also have a 3500kg towing capacity, offering the same lugging capacity as many of its diesel competitors. The D-Max EV also has a payload exceeding 1000kg. The D-Max EV is nearing sale in many countries, including the United Kingdom, but its Thailand launch could be the final step before it lands Down Under.Sky high diesel fuel prices could speed up any potential EV ute launches in Australia, as they offer a cheaper-to-run and cleaner alternative in a segment potentially phasing out diesel in the coming years. The D-Max EV is likely to launch in Australia some time this year, but local timing has yet to be confirmed by the brand. A spokesperson for Isuzu Australia said there was no news confirmed.It will join a growing EV ute segment, with the electric variant of the KGM Musso already on sale, while MG’s U9 EV and the Toyota HiLux BEV will launch in the coming months. 

Polestar has announced a huge battery recycling initiative on some of its key models. Some Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 models will be fitted with batteries that include at least 50 per cent recycled cobalt. As part of its partnership with Volvo battery centres, Polestar 2 and 3 models requiring a battery replacement will be installed with a refurbished unit as opposed to a new one. Cobalt is a key material in many types of car batteries, such as lithium-iron and Nickel-Managenese-Cobalt (NMC). Polestar uses NMC batteries across its range, meaning mined cobalt is integral to the brand, but this latest initiative demonstrates it is trying moving away from that reliance.The majority of all mined cobalt comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is said to have half the world’s reserves.The extraction of cobalt in the DRC has given rise to concerns over the health and safety of people involved as well as the legality of the process itself. Extracting cobalt releases fine dust particles and dangerous chemical byproducts leading to contamination.There have also been substantiated reports of illegal working conditions, including broader African mining practices. Cobalt carries with it a heavy price tag as well.These issues have seen some car manufacturers move away from cobalt-dependent batteries, opting for different make-ups such as lithium-iron-phosphate, which are cheaper, but not as efficient. Polestar said it aims to reduce reliance on virgin materials, such as cobalt, and keep resources in use for longer. “... a key focus is to extend battery life and retain the battery’s value for as long as possible, which benefits both the environment and the customer experience,” the brand said.Polestar is also looking into developing recycling initiatives in other global markets, which is in line with many other manufacturers. The European Union has already introduced increasingly tough battery recycling mandates for car makers. This includes a 90 per cent cobalt reduction mandate by 2027, shifting to 95 per cent by the end of the decade. In Australia, Nissan is re-using a few of its first generation Leaf NMC batteries to power part of the company’s part manufacturing plant.BMW has a similar recycling initiative for its i3 batteries in Australia.

The distribution arm of Australian XPeng seller True EV has gone into external administration, according to an Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) filing.Under external administration the administrator takes over management powers of the business from the directors, while it continues to trade.The administrator in consultation with stakeholders will develop a plan to put the company on course for solvency or to be wound up.True EV brought the XPeng name to Australia in 2024, when it began importing and selling cars.The news comes as XPeng seeks to take over the sales arm of its products in Australia. It confirmed its official launch in New Zealand at the start of this year, stating “details for the Australian market will be announced in due course”.This transition carries some complications because True EV has a long-term distribution deal for XPeng vehicles in Australia.At the same time, True EV and its retail arm have commenced legal proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against 'Guangzhou Xiaopeng Motors Trading' and XPeng Australia.It is not known at this stage what the case is in dispute of, but more details will be revealed in the coming days.True EV Chief Executive Officer Jason Clarke told CarsGuide last year he was expecting XPeng to make more direct control of the Australian operation.“The modus operandi of an OEM is give me more, give me more,” Clarke said.“Everything that you’ve seen from XPeng to date has been TrueEV. So we’ve got it to this point.“They’ve been involved closely not from the product of the brand promotion. That’s been us.“I’d say, end of this year, next year, you’ll start to see them more and more, doing more and more.”The potential messy breakup between True EV and XPeng HQ, puts a cloud over the care of current customer vehicles for the near future and the pending delivery of vehicles.There are currently three models listed on its Australian website, which are G6 and G9 SUVs, along with the X9 people mover.At this stage, only the G6 is available for order, with the other two models expected to launch in Australia later in the year.According to ASIC documentation, the retail arm of True EV continues to have a registered status.BYD took over Australian distribution of its cars from third party distributor EVDirect in the middle of last year after booming sales results, which have continued into 2026.

The MG U9 all-electric ute has just been approved for sale in Australia, according to federal government filings, adding a new rival to the developing segment.There are limited alternatives in the electric ute segment, making the MGU9 one of the first to hit Australian showrooms. The dual-cab pick-up will take on the KGM Musso EV, which has a starting price of $60,000, drive-away, as well as the incoming Toyota HiLux BEV, launching in the first half of this year. The MG U9 comes with a dual-motor set-up, with the front motor producing 200kW, while the rear motor produces 125kW for a total system output of 325kW. It is also expected to have ample torque to match its power. Documents show it will be an all-wheel drive exclusive model. Battery size is yet to be revealed, but we know it will be based on the LDV E-Terron 9 sold in China, which has a 102kWh battery offering a driving range of 430km (WLTP) - appreciably more than the HiLux BEV's 240km.It has a braked trailer towing capacity of 3500kg, keeping it in line with many of its diesel rivals, and bettering that of the plug-in hybrid BYD Shark 6. It can also tow more than the HiLux BEV, which is only capable of lugging 2000kg. It measures up at 5500mm in length, 1997mm wide and 1860mm high with a wheelbase of 3300mm so it is also a size up on the HiLux BEV.We will likely learn more about MG’s new electric ute at next month's Melbourne Motor Show. 

Leapmotor has unveiled its special edition C10 Sports+ all-electric mid-size SUV, which will shake up the performance EV space. It will be priced from $53,888 (before on-road costs), which is $4000 more than the previous top-spec model. Unlike the rest of the C10 range, the car comes with all-wheel drive, while all other C10s have rear-wheel drive. The main change on this special edition C10 is the addition of a serious power upgrade, with its dual motor set-up producing 440kW and 760Nm, shifting the car from 0-100km/h in four seconds. This is substantially more power than the standard C10, which produces 160kW and 320Nm. These figures mean the C10 has a similar power output to the range-topping Tesla Model Y Performance, with a starting price of nearly $90,000. It is also cheaper than the most affordable rear-wheel drive variant of the Model Y .The car has been given a bigger 81.9kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a driving range of up to 437km, according to WLTP testing. This is only a slight improvement on the standard car (425km) due to the extra weight and increased power of the dual motor set-up. This version of the C10 is built on a new 800-volt platform, allowing for DC charging at 180kW. It can recharge from 30-80 per cent in 22 minutes. The C10 appears better value on paper compared to pricier key rivals such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV5 and Zeekr 7X.On the inside, the car has a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital driver display, along with synthetic leather seats. Other interior features on the special edition C10 include a panoramic glass roof, as well as electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats. It gets some cosmetic changes as well, like ‘Sports+’ branded cabin mats, rear badging and side decals. The C10 Sports+ Special Edition will arrive in showrooms next month.