Utes

The Tesla Cybertruck is not coming to Australia, at least not as we know it, with the brand's boss Elon Musk finally confirming what we all expected during an earnings briefing with investors.

Electric 4X4 anyone? It kind of makes sense that, as the rest of the car market transits towards an EV future, that the four-wheel drive market would, too. It is, of course, not that simple. The term all-wheel drive electric car is not specific enough, just for starters.

A recent trademark filing by Ford Group Philippines, registering a ‘Super Duty’ version of the Ranger dual cab ute, validates CarsGuide’s local insider tip that the heavy-hauling variant of Australia’s top-selling vehicle will come to this market in a 2025-26 mid-cycle model refresh.As reported by Ford Authority, Ford has filed to trademark Ranger Super Duty with the Intellectual Property Office Of The Philippines (IPOPHL).With the XLS-based Tremor, an entry-level off-roader, set as a mid-life update addition to the Australian line-up (filling the shoes of the previous-gen Ranger’s hard-working FX4 grade) CarsGuide understands the Super Duty’s spec will likely follow the lead of its larger F-Series Super Duty cousins in the USA.Maybe not the dual-wheel rear axle of the big-bopper F-450 but almost certainly upgraded suspension and greater payload capacity in the style of its F-250/F-350 siblings.At the same time, commercially-focused additions like on-board scales, push-button ‘Pro Trailer Hitch Assist’ and ‘Trailer Navigation’ (drive route adaptation based on trailer width and height clearances) are also possibilities.According to our inside sources, the focus will be on hard-working commercial capability rather than the Ranger Wildtrak or flagship Raptor’s off-road prowess.But how far a Ranger Super Duty stretches towards a genuine heavy-duty version of the popular dual cab ute remains to be seen with ADR compliance on things like towing hardware relative to Gross Vehicle Mass and Gross Combined Mass key factors in the local certification process.Stay tuned for more details as the Ranger’s inevitable 2025 mid-life update draws closer.

The Kia Tasman could in Australia even sooner than we thought, with the start-of-production for the hotly anticipated dual-cab ute locked in for late 2024, according to new reports from Korean media.Kia in Australia has always said the Tasman would arrive

Just like passenger cars and SUVs, the world of utes and pick-ups is set for an electric transformation in the coming decade. Medium and heavy-duty trucks and even semis are also set to be a part of this change, with big-name brands such as Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt and Volvo joining Tesla in the electric prime mover market.

GWM upgrades its popular ute overseas, but there's no word yet on when its new engine and upgraded interior tech will launch in Australia.

Australian MPs at the state and local level have delivered a shocking rebuke to owners of American jumbo trucks, with one councillor describing some owners as "idiots", and a state MP demanding to see "less on our roads".

According to Elon Musk, Tesla does have vague roll-out plans for the Cybertruck globally, but it will need to be partially redesigned, and may be significantly more affordable.

There are plenty of variations of Australia's best-selling ute, the Ford Ranger, from which to choose. And where once the XLT represented an appealing balance of price and features, has the new mid-spec Ranger, the Sport, taken its place? Then the next question potential buyers have to ask themselves is: should I opt for the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine or the more expensive 3.0-litre V6?

The current Toyota HiLux has been on sale for close to 10 years and is nearing the end of its life.