Sedan News

Petrol cars are making a comeback in Europe as electric sales fall taking Teslas Model Y down

The cost of electric cars is coming down at last and it’s happening fast, too, with big brands slashing prices.

Audi’s updated electric performance car has some staggering figures.Recent work on the bold-looking e-tron GT sedan has boosted power across the board, and the RS Performance variant is now the brand’s most powerful car to date.The technical tweaks mean the e-tron GT RS Performance now makes 680kW or 912 horses. Audi hasn’t quoted torque figures but expect them to be mammoth.The e-tron GT RS Performance’s dual electric motors produce more oomph than the brand’s legendary twin-turbo V8 and V10 motors found in cars past and present.All that performance means the top-tier EV can sprint from 0-100km/h in a supercar slaying 2.5 seconds.On top of this Audi has upped the charging rate for the e-tron GT. It can now peak at 320kW, up from 270kW in the first edition. Audi said the car can now maintain a charging speed of more than 280kW up to about 70 per cent of charge, which will quicken the time it takes to top up further.The German brand has also managed to make the car slightly lighter and increase its energy density.The regenerative braking has been beefed up too, and can now feed more energy back into the battery.New air suspension should improve the car’s ride by ironing out bumps and road imperfections better and reducing any lean through corners.Audi has capped off the update with a raft of cosmetic changes.This includes a new front grille, headlight design and fresh alloy wheels.Inside the changes are highlighted by redesigned sports seats, new wooden inlays and steering wheel.The carpeting and floor mats are made of 100 per cent recycled nylon fibres and there is extensive use of synthetic suede and leather throughout.Audi has also added new readout and graphics to the digital driver display. The panoramic sunroof can go from opaque to clear at the touch of a button thanks to  a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal technology.

One of the most affordable and popular seven-seat family SUVs available in Australia is about to be pulled from the market.

BYD has announced a run-out special on 2023 year model Seal sedans.Those ordering a Seal Premium ($58,798) or Performance ($68,748) with standard paint and interior combination for personal use will only pay the list price with drive-away charges included. This saving for the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2 rival equates to between $535 (ACT) up to $3708 (Vic). Those in WA will pay a little more owing to government charges, at $60,798 for the Premium and $70,748 for the Performance. The savings apply to non-business purchases of Seal sedans – including if you already have an order in but haven't taken delivery – between June 7 and 30.The single motor Seal Premium has a rear mounted 230kW/360Nm electric motor and 82.56kWh ‘Blade’ LFP battery pack for 570km driving range. It also gets 19-inch, LED headlights, a 15.6-inch multimedia screen, ‘genuine’ leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, keyless entry and push-button start. Moving up to the Performance doubles the motor count bringing outputs 390kW and 670Nm while range drops back to 520km. The latest offer hasn’t drastically changed the Seal’s place in the market, it was already well below the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Polestar 2 for price. It still undercuts Tesla’s Model 3 sedan ($64,500 before on-road costs for the 629km Long Range) despite that car's significant cuts. BYD’s end of financial year offer follows its deal on Atto 3 small SUV demonstrators announced earlier this year. Big name rivals including Tesla and Polestar have jumped on the discount program either slashing prices wholesale or offering retail deals. Smaller players, including Renault, Peugeot and Nissan have also slashed prices on selected models to move stock. 

A quick look at your local supermarket car park reveals that Chinese automotive brands have well and truly become mainstream in Australia.

Hyundai Australia has moved to change its sales process for its Ioniq electric cars, resulting in small pricing increases for both models.The Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 were previously sold through online retail, rather than via dealerships as with the rest of t

GAC is taking aim at the Tesla Model 3 with its new “global model”.

BMW is not giving up on diesel, with the German giant confirming the arrival of an oil-burning version of the new 5 Series sedan.

The price of a new Tesla Model 3 or Tesla Model Y continues to plummet in Australia, with the seemingly endless series of sticker price reductions now leavings owners who have already bought one scratching their heads.