CAR ADVICE

Customer deliveries of the 2021 Porsche Taycan have officially begun in Australia, with the first examples of the all-electric sports car now on local roads.

In my time with the 2021 Lexus IS300 F Sport, I conducted what is perhaps the ultimate test of a luxury car: driving a bride and groom home from their wedding night. As it turns out, a picturesque countryside wedding location comes at the cost of transport access, so yours truly was tasked with ferrying the happy couple (and the mother of the groom) home along rural roads at 1:00 am. In many ways, the Lexus IS300 was the perfect car for this task. In many other ways, it was not.

Huawei, the world's largest telecommunications equipment maker, could be about to launch a range of electric vehicles. Sources close to Huawei have told news outlet Reuters the Chinese phone company is in talks with a number of car makers as it seeks to break into the automotive sector. While the company has denied the claims, it's understood to be discussing potential partnerships with state-owned Changan Automobile, as well as a BAIC Group subsidiary, to help manufacture the vehicles.

The all-new 2021 LDV Deliver 9 cab-chassis and bus variants have come onto the market in Australia, priced from $39,990 and $52,990 respectively for ABN holders, drive-away. For reference, the existing LDV van – which was launched in October last year – now starts from $42,095 drive-away. The bus variant is offered in mid- or long-wheelbase layout, with 11- or 14-seat configurations available.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G 400d has been announced, signalling the first diesel G-Class in three years. Joining the G 63 in the range, the diesel G-Wagen uses a 3.0-litre 'OM656' turbo diesel six-cylinder engine putting out 243kW and 700Nm. The G 400d offers proper off-road credentials for Mercedes-Benz buyers, with a ladder chassis, full-time four-wheel drive, and front, centre, and rear differentials, complete with a nine-speed automatic transmission with low-range.

The 2023 BMW M2 has been spied testing for the first time, ahead of its rumoured unveiling late in 2022. Images captured by our spy photography partners show BMW's fan-favourite compact M2 performance coupe for the first time, combining the traditional coupe proportions of 'standard' 2 Series prototypes spied in recent months with a range of M-specific touches, differentiating the flagship from its regular range-mates.

New details of the 2022 Subaru WRX have emerged out of Japan, indicating the new sports sedan will continue to offer a CVT automatic as well as the familiar six-speed manual, and will grow in size compared to its predecessor.

The Aussie Invader 5R rocket-car will attempt to break the land speed record next year, a spokesperson for the project has revealed to CarAdvice. Founder and designer Rosco McGlashan (pictured below) will reportedly pilot the 16-metre long nine-tonne steel-framed vehicle to its target top speed of 1000mph (1609km/h). While a location is yet to be finalised, the record-breaking run will likely take place in the Queensland or Western Australian desert.

While here in Australia we may think of the 2021 Nissan Patrol 'Y62' as the top-value competitor to the likes of the Toyota LandCruiser, in parts of the Middle East the Patrol is the car to aspire to. To prove that point, Nissan’s go-fast Nismo division has previously prepared performance tweaked versions of the Patrol for consumption in the United Arab Emirates. Now, with the facelifted model as the mainstay of the Patrol range, a new Patrol Nismo looks almost ready to be revealed.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace seven-seat SUV has been given the Wolfsburg special-edition treatment. Priced from $59,990 before on-road costs, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Wolfsburg Edition will reach Australian showrooms in June with a range of blacked-out exterior and interior details, namely on the mirror caps, roof rails, window surrounds, lower body trim and lower front air intakes. It is the first time Volkswagen has graced one of its seven-seaters with a Wolfsburg badge.

I never truly understood how important sound was to the enjoyment of a performance car until it was missing. The Audi RS3 quickly became an icon among top-end hot hatches soon after the nameplate arrived on local roads in 2015. Powered by a potent turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine matched to a fast-acting seven-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, it brought new levels of performance to the hatchback market.

The year 2020 was one that many would like to forget, and the automotive industry is no exception. Lockdowns and economic slowdowns brought on by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic translated exactly as you'd expect for Australia's new-car sales, with a staggering 48.5 per cent sales decline in April, contributing to an overall market down 13.7 per cent by the end of the year.

Jeremy Clarkson, the world’s most famous motoring journalist, is not about to buy an electric car anytime soon. In a recent video clip, the former Top Gear UK TV presenter – who with his colleagues James May and Richard Hammond have moved to greener pastures with their new show The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime – revealed his biggest automotive regret and explained why he’s not a fan of electric cars.

Electrification was a cornerstone of the all-new 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but while mild-hybrids and plug-in hybrids are set to play a key role, a full electric vehicle (EV) is still some way off. Speaking to the UK’s Autocar, Mercedes-Benz chief operating officer Markus Schafer revealed that the brand has in place enough steps to cover electric vehicle demand right now, pushing an electric equivalent of the C-Class back to at least 2024.

Jack Brabham’s first ever Formula One car – the 1955 Cooper Bristol T40 – has been listed for sale in Monaco. Based on John Cooper's existing T39 and built almost entirely by Sir Jack, the T40 is significant as the first mid-engine car to ever compete in the top-tier of post-war Grand Prix racing.

Question: How do you know you’ve enjoyed a long-term loan? Answer: You forget it’s not actually your car and you’re mildly irked when you’re asked to return it. This was the case with my 2021 Kia Sportage GT-Line petrol review car, which became such an intrinsic part of my daily existence that, after I gave it back, I still found myself absentmindedly scratching around in my handbag for its familiar-feeling key.

A first look at the new-generation Hyundai Tucson, the biggest change in six years.

When we’re not creating it ourselves, the CarAdvice team spends a lot of time finding and consuming motoring content from all over the world. Here’s a handful of the photos, articles, videos or social media posts that most caught our eye last week. Some of them are brand new, others have been online for a while. Enjoy them – just not too much, okay?

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 made its official debut this week, with retro-inspired styling and up to 480km of all-electric range. While you can catch full details on Hyundai's new EV here, check out the gallery below for an in-depth look at the ground-up electric SUV's styling! MORE: 2022 HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 REVEALEDMORE: 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N renderedMORE: Ioniq 5 news storiesMORE: Everything Hyundai

South Africans after an extra layer of protection from the nation’s high crime rates can now order a fully-armoured Ford Ranger direct from Blue Oval dealerships without voiding the factory warranty. Ford has teamed up with speciality armoured vehicle manufacturer SVI Engineering to offer its popular dual-cab ute with various level of protection. SVI Engineering offers two levels of protection – B4 and B6 – across the entire Ford Ranger line-up.

US President Joe Biden has signed an executive order intended to address the global shortage of semiconductors – commonly known as ‘chips’ – that has impacted a wide range of industries, including the automotive sector. Several factors have driven the shortage of chips, including, as CarAdvice has previously reported, a surge in demand for new cars in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Tesla’s Fremont factory in California has reportedly halted production of the Model 3 and Model Y, due to an ongoing semiconductor shortage. It is not yet clear what volume of cars will be affected, however, a person familiar with the matter told Bloomberg earlier this week the line would likely be down until March 7.

The 2021 Kia Stinger GT is the first performance car I have reviewed as part of the CarAdvice team, and as cliché as it may be, it delivered some unforgettable moments.

I tested the newest utes on sale in Australia and bought the oldest one: the Volkswagen Amarok. Last year’s ute mega test was personal for me. In the market for a double-cab pick-up, weighing the pros and cons wasn’t just work this time around. As we said at the time – and still say today – the breadth of ability and the prices of these utes vary greatly. The final decision for many buyers comes down to personal preference.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson will be offered in a choice of three variants and three engines when it goes on sale in Australia between April and June 2021 – all offering the option of a sporty N Line styling package. Preliminary specification details released by Hyundai show the fourth-generation Tucson will be available in base 'Tucson', mid-spec Elite and flagship Highlander grades, all available with a sporty N Line package adding unique styling and premium luxury and technology features.

As you might be aware, 2021 marks the year CarAdvice and Drive become one – bringing together both sites' top-shelf automotive content under the one banner. For you, dear reader, not much will change. We're still the same team, with the same familiar faces and high standards for our new-car content and love of all things automotive. The only difference is you'll eventually be able to meet all your new-car needs in one place, Drive.

Australian pricing and specification details for the 2021 Audi SQ5 have been released, ahead of the sporty SUV's showroom arrival in April. The updated SQ5 benefits from the same upgrades as the facelifted Q5 mid-size SUV launched locally in recent months, including an updated exterior design, a revised tech-laden interior and the addition of advanced OLED tail-lights.

French automotive manufacturer Peugeot has revealed a new logo, which it claims signifies the "brand's move upmarket" and "modernisation." This is the first update to the Peugeot logo since 2010, and the 11th iteration since the brand was founded in 1847. The new logo will first be applied to the next-generation 308, which was spied last year with the badging. The hatchback is due to be unveiled in March 2021, and will likely arrive in Australian showrooms next year.

Australian pricing and specifications for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line have been announced. The new mid-sized Hyundai sedan will launch in Australia in mid-2021 in performance-focused N Line form only, priced from $50,990 before on-road costs. That's up $5500 over the last turbocharged Sonata sold Down Under, phased out in 2020 – though the new model packs greater amounts of standard equipment and a more potent, performance-oriented punch.

Something that doesn't happen every day, and in fact, has only happened 7 times in total, is the launch of an all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The S-Class badge officially started in 1972 with the launch of the W116, followed by the W126, W140, W220, W221, W222, and the new car, the W223.

Australian pricing and specification details for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have been confirmed. Two variants of Mercedes-Benz's flagship S-Class limousine will be offered at launch, the 'standard' S450 4Matic and the long-wheelbase S450L 4Matic, priced from $240,700 and $264,900 before on-road costs respectively.

A range of technical details of the 2022 Skoda Fabia have been released overnight, ahead of the next-generation city car's full debut in the northern spring of 2021 (March to May inclusive).

The price of used cars has skyrocketed since the COVID-19 pandemic began, however there are still bargains around if you know where to look. Here are six exotic luxury and performance classics currently listed in the Australian classifieds for significantly less than you might have expected... Located in Queensland, this 2000 Maserati 3200GT costs less than a new Honda Accord sedan. The Italian coupe – which was priced from $195,000 (plus options) when new – has 57,200km on the clock.

Ferrari is preparing to enter the top-tier category at Le Mans for the first time since 1976. The legendary Italian manufacturer has confirmed it will compete in the 2023 Hypercar series, which is set to replace LMP1 as the world’s premier endurance category. Specific details remain scant, however the company says an announcement on the car and its drivers can be expected in the coming months.

As the original flagship of the then-fledgeling Lexus range when it launched in the late 1980s, the LS was arguably the first Japanese car to make the European brands sweat. Flash forward to 2021 and the tried-and-tested luxury limousine has received a mid-generation facelift – but does the 2021 Lexus LS still do enough to have the Audi, BMW and Mercedes of the world nervously looking over their shoulders?

Without trying to sound too dramatic, it’s hard to overstate the importance of the 2021 Porsche Taycan on the global stage. The German firm has dabbled in electrification with plug-in hybrid Cayennes and Panameras before. The PHEV idea even formed the basis of the flagship 918 Spyder, but this is the first time the iconic performance car brand has fronted a full-electric vehicle.

Hyundai Australia is about to recall approximately 1100 electric cars sold from 2018 to 2020 due a fire risk when recharging. In Australia, about 800 Hyundai Kona electric cars and approximately 300 examples of the Hyundai Ioniq electric car are affected. While there have been no reports of fire in Hyundai electric cars locally, overseas reports says there been 15 fires in the US, 11 in South Korea, two in Canada and one each in Finland and Austria.

Australian pricing and specification details of the 2021 Renault Captur have been confirmed, ahead of first customer deliveries commencing in April. Renault's new-generation small SUV will touch down with a choice of three variants, offering an array of active safety technologies (though many of which are limited to optional packages), large infotainment screens and turbo-petrol power.

Ford Australia’s design centre has been given a new lease on life with a $12 million renovation that secures its future for at least another decade. The top secret styling studio in Broadmeadows on the northern outskirts of Melbourne was the birthplace for every Ford Falcon since the 1970s, and later models such as the Ford Territory SUV and the current generation Ford Ranger ute and Everest four-wheel-drive.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender will soon have the option of a powerful new 5.0-litre supercharged V8 – as part of a broader range expansion – the British brand has confirmed. Ending months of speculation, Land Rover's first-ever supercharged Defender V8 is due in Australian showrooms from July priced from around $200,000 plus on-road costs.

More than 80 per cent of drivers polled in a recent survey have backed calls for safety rating labels to be mandatory on new cars in showrooms. West Australia’s Royal Automobile Club (RAC) – the equivalent of the NRMA in NSW, the RACV in Victoria, and the RACQ in Queensland – recently surveyed approximately 500 of its members. The survey found about 90 per cent of respondents rated safety as a priority when purchasing a new or used car.

A derelict 1958 Porsche 356A Cabriolet has sold for $230,000 at an online auction, after spending a quarter of a century abandoned under a Brisbane church.

It’s just over 12 months until we see the all-new Nissan X-Trail; barring any delays of course. In the meantime, Nissan has unveiled a minor update for the 2021 Nissan X-Trail. That update means two things: You can now secure a sharp deal on a run-out model, or you can get your hands on an updated model like the one we’re testing. The updates aren't huge, either. But they are clever. Let’s take a closer look …

The Aston Martin Valkyrie has been shown off in a new video aimed at frustrated customers, with company CEO Tobias Moers apologising for the project’s numerous delays and promising delivery by mid-2021. “This is nothing similar to any other road car I know…It’s more sophisticated than anything I’ve seen in my past, in my recent career, over my whole life. It’s a very special car,” said Moers who, as the former head of Mercedes-AMG, has also driven the upcoming Formula One-derived AMG One.

Japanese car maker Honda is hoping to return to its former glory under the guidance of a new global boss, Toshihiro Mibe, who has an engineering background and is the former head of the company’s flagship research and development division. According to industry analysts, the appointment of Mr Mibe is intended to return Honda to better times after being accused of cutting corners and cutting costs for the past decade.

The 2022 Lexus NX has made its early (and unexpected) debut online, courtesy of a leaked promotional video shared on forum platform Reddit. The video – which was first published to YouTube, but later deleted – showcases the new mid-size Lexus SUV inside and out, revealing an updated exterior design clothing an overhauled cabin headlined by a pair of screens and the deletion of the current NX's controversial touchpad infotainment controller.

Australian pricing and specification details for the 2021 Skoda Fabia have been confirmed. In the lead-up to the launch of an all-new Fabia in Australia within the next 12 months (by February 2022) – with the new model teased for the first time earlier this month – Skoda Australia has rationalised the current-generation city hatch and wagon's ranges to a single variant, the new-for-2021, aptly-named Run-Out Edition.

There’s a pandemic gripping our wide brown land in 2021 – and it has nothing to do with the coronavirus. All across Australia, indicators are incessantly blinking, main roads are blocked, and cars are rear-ending each other because of our national reluctance to accommodate one another on the road.

Ferrari looks set to launch a new supercar powered by an all-new, hybridised V6 producing over 500kW by the end of 2021, according to overseas reports. British magazine Car reports the new mid-engined model – codenamed F171 – is due in late 2021, and will debut the brand's first V6 engine since the Dino ended production in 1974.

Photos of the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 45 have appeared online ahead of the special-edition hot hatch's expected European launch in the coming months. Images posted to Spanish enthusiast forum Cochespias show the exterior of the upcoming hot hatch – the existence of which has yet to be officially confirmed by Volkswagen – with the limited-run model created to celebrate 45 years since the original Golf GTI launched in 1976.

Hyundai’s new Ioniq 5 electric vehicle (EV) has only just been revealed, giving a first glimpse at what’s to come from the Korean carmaker's dedicated Ioniq EV sub-brand – moving the five-letter badge away from just a single model to a fully-fledged family of zero-emissions vehicles. Hyundai has already revealed that an Ioniq 6 sedan and larger-still Ioniq 7 SUV are in the pipeline, but what about a go-fast EV from Hyundai’s high-performance N division?

It has been a tough start to the year for Renault. A few weeks ago, we heard that the last factory-backed French manufacturer to sell cars in Australia was pulling out to leave the 122-year-old diamond badge in the hands of an independent distributor. Daniel Ricciardo left the Formula One team, although someone should let their website people know…

A Bugatti acquisition by Croatian-based electric vehicle manufacturer Rimac could be imminent, according to Volkswagen board-member and Porsche CEO Oliver Blume. Speaking to German outlet Automobilwoche earlier this week, Mr Blume said: "At the moment there are intense deliberations on how Bugatti can be developed in the best possible way. Rimac could play a role here because the brands are a good technological fit.”

The value of Tesla stock has fallen more than 20 per cent since January, relegating CEO Elon Musk to second place on the international rich list. On 8 January 2020 – less than two months ago – shares in the electric vehicle manufacturer were valued at an all-time high of US$880.02 (AU$1108). However, by February 23 that price had fallen 20.68 per cent to US$698.84 (AU$879.88).

Comically combining the shortcomings of the car with the drawbacks of the boat, amphibious vehicles are almost universally dreadful. Few are effective on the road, and even fewer are competent in the drink – it’s hard to deny however, the underlying proposition is biblically enticing. Just as Jesus walked on water to the dismay of his disciples, the amphibious car promises to conquer the elusive divide between that which is dry and that which is wet.

Tiger Woods has been involved in a serious crash on a Californian highway, behind the wheel of a Genesis GV80 loan car. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the 'jaws of life' were required to extract Mr Woods from the vehicle. He was rushed to a local hospital by ambulance with “multiple leg injuries,” where he underwent emergency surgery.

Here’s further proof speed cameras are more about revenue raising rather than saving lives. A fixed speed camera in Sydney’s CBD has stopped issuing fines – sending warning letters instead – after more than 36,000 drivers were snapped in three months, which was more than seven times the rate of the state’s next busiest speed camera.

Hyundai may need to recall its electric Ioniq and Kona electric cars internationally, following a spate of fires in South Korea. Multiple South Korean news outlets have reported the manufacturer will voluntarily replace batteries in all local examples. However it is not yet clear if this recall will be extended worldwide, including for models sold in Australia.

The return of the Ram Dakota – a ute rival to the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger – has reportedly been scrapped. The Ram Dakota was intended to help the company enter emerging markets where mid-size utes – rather than full-size US pick-ups – are sold. There was even a chance the Ram Dakota could have made it to Australia. However, reports out of the US claim the project has been axed in its infancy.

South Korean car maker Kia has unveiled a Hummer rival. The military vehicle was shown at the 2021 International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) in the United Arab Emirates. Dubbed the Kia Light Tactical Cargo Truck, the concept has been developed in collaboration with South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration. The multi-purpose vehicle is powered by a 168kW diesel engine, with power sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The first significant batch of Chinese-built Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles has arrived in Australia, according to the online ship-tracker VedaPrime. While Tesla is yet to confirm the shipment, the well-informed VedaPrime reports approximately 800 examples of the all-electric sedan were dispatched to a storage facility in Wollongong’s Port Kembla on Sunday, direct from the recently completed Shanghai giga-factory.

Hyundai invited CarAdvice to its Sydney headquarters to get a sneak-peek as its new sports sedan - the upcoming Sonata N-Line. As the vehicle that was given to us was a pre-production model, we were unable to drive it. What we did do however, was check out the exterior, interior, cabin space as well cargo space, to bring you a quick look at what's to come.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class knows if someone is inside your home, has headlights that detect when you’ve crossed to the wrong side of the road, has the option of fingerprint technology, massage seats and built-in fragrances – and up to 100km of petrol-free driving range with plug-in hybrid power. The first all-new model in seven years is the most technically advanced vehicle to date from the inventor of the automobile.

Car owners are being urged to check the Takata recall status of their vehicles or risk having their cars forced off the road by state and territory government legislation. Faulty Takata airbags that can kill or seriously injure occupants have affected 3.06 million cars in Australia, forcing a mass recall that is now, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, 99.9 per cent complete.

While Australian punters are forming a long and orderly queue out the front of Isuzu dealerships, there’s less pressure for the closely related Mazda BT-50. In fact, Mazda tells us there is a good supply of new utes in many of its dealerships around the country. So, is it the smarter option for the Aussie ute buyer? We’re behind the wheel of a 2021 Mazda BT-50 GT to find out, and this time we’re going to spend some time off-road.

I know that Jaws isn't known specifically as a 'car' movie, but the 1975 thriller saw Amity Police Chief Brody patrolling the seaside town in a rather unique vehicle. It was a 1974 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Convertible, in a delightful 'jersey caramel' colour scheme. Granted, it wasn't a proper convertible – instead just a standard Blazer with the fibreglass hard-top removed – but it was pretty cool all the same.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been officially unveiled, ahead of its Australian launch in the third quarter of 2021 (July to September). An all-electric mid-size SUV built to rival the Volkswagen ID.4 and upcoming Toyota 'BZ', the Ioniq 5 is both the first model from Hyundai's new Ioniq electric vehicle (EV) sub-brand, and is the first vehicle to ride on Hyundai, Kia and Genesis' E-GMP electric-only modular platform.

The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX supercharged V8 – the fastest and most powerful full-size pick-up in the world – is due in local showrooms by the end of this year. The official importer Ram Trucks Australia has begun taking “expressions of interest” via its website while dealers across the country have reportedly already taken orders even though price is yet to be announced.

US-based automotive manufacturers Ford and Tesla have announced plans to deliver relief in storm-struck Texas. The ongoing crisis – caused by a multitude of factors including frozen gas lines – has reportedly left more than 4.3 million homes and businesses across the state without power. Following public recommendations from CEO Jim Farley, Ford officially requested its dealers allocate select variants of the F-150 pick-up truck for "loaner fleets."

Lexus has regained the top-spot in the annual J.D. Power vehicle dependability survey, while Land Rover has found itself at the bottom of the list for the second year running. The study – which ranks car brands sold in the US based on the number of problems reported by customers for every 100 new vehicles sold over a 12-month period – found overall vehicle reliability was at an all-time high. The average manufacturer experienced 1.21 faults per car, down from 1.34 12 months ago.

The 2021 Cupra Formentor VZ5 has been revealed overnight for left-hand-drive European markets. Developed by Volkswagen-owned, Spanish performance brand Cupra, 7000 examples of the limited-edition version of its Formentor performance SUV will be built for European markets – all employing Audi-sourced turbocharged five-cylinder power under the bonnet.

A spokesperson for the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma has formally requested Jeep drop its namesake from the 4X4 line-up. Speaking to US-based automotive outlet Car and Driver over the weekend, Chuck Hoskin Jr – principal chief of the first nations administration – said: “I’m sure this comes from a place that is well-intended, but it does not honour us by having our name plastered on the side of a car.”

The 2021 Nissan X-Trail has received a mild makeover to keep the model fresh ahead of the next-generation due about 12 months from now. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and digital radio are part of a new infotainment system standard across all 2021 Nissan X-Trail models. The sole diesel variant has also now been officially dropped.

The 2022 Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance has been unveiled – however, the V8-powered sedan has been designed "exclusively for the North American market" and won't come to Australia. Lexus has answered enthusiasts' calls since the demise of the IS F in 2014 for a high-performance V8 version of the brand's IS mid-size sedan – with the new model scoring a new 'F Sport Performance' designation, between the existing 'F Sport' and 'F' badges.

Prices and specification for the 2021 Nissan Navara ute have been distributed to dealers as the updated model begins to arrive in Australian showrooms. The model roll-out will be gradual, with the first shipments arriving in Queensland, NSW and Victoria ahead of the rest of the country. Initially, only base and mid-grade variants will be available.

Several Formula 1 champions already have road cars named after them, but the latest addition to the list is set to put all others in the shade – including the McLaren Senna. Meet the track-only version of Gordon Murray’s T.50 hypercar, which has just been unveiled alongside confirmation that its name will be the T.50s Niki Lauda.

Toyota's GR performance brand is currently on a roll. First came the GR Supra, which was initially a hard car to get. Stock was limited, demand was huge, and the prices were high. It scored well at CarAdvice, with ratings sitting around the 8.5 mark and above. Since then, it has launched the GR Yaris. An excellent car in its own right, too, and also quite the sales performer – the first 1000 were gone in a week. I personally gave the car a flat-nine rating and Trent 8.7.

Australian pricing and specification details for the 2021 Lexus UX Crafted Edition, 2021 Lexus NX Crafted Edition and 2021 Lexus RX Crafted Edition limited-run specials have been released.

The 2021 Ineos Grenadier, hailed by many as the spiritual successor to the old-school Land Rover Defender, is one step closer to becoming a reality. After securing the old 'Smartville' production facility in France for building the rough-and-tumble four-wheel drive, the team at Ineos behind engineering the Grenadier are now busy turning around a group of so-called ‘2b’ prototypes.

Toyota Australia has recalled (or, in certain cases, issued a warning on) 541 examples of the 2015-20 LandCruiser 200 Series four-wheel-drive and 74 examples of the HiLux ute for an issue with the compliance label.

The year 2020 was one that many would like to forget, and the automotive industry is no exception. Lockdowns and economic slowdowns brought on by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic translated exactly as you'd expect for Australia's new-car sales, with a staggering 48.5 per cent sales decline in April, contributing to an overall market down 13.7 per cent by the end of the year.

The opposing sales trends of large luxury cars and large luxury SUVs are perfectly encapsulated by two Mercedes-Benz models. In Australia last year, E-Class sedan/wagon sales fell 37 per cent, while the GLE SUV (wagon) climbed by the same figure. For every E-Class sold in 2020, Mercedes shifted nearly four GLEs.

The upcoming Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo has been teased in camouflage once again, with product vice president Stefan Weckbach outlining the all-electric performance wagon's styling and features in a new video.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 has been treated to a round of mild visual tweaks before it goes into production. When we say mild, we mean mild, with Ford's changes comprising three tweaks to the track-focused Mustang's exterior graphics package and styling features.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade V6 front-wheel drive is designed to give large families room to grow as their kids get older – and space for everyone to spread out on the school run and weekends away. It has also given owners of the Hyundai Santa Fe seven-seat SUV somewhere to go once they’ve outgrown their current car.

Toyota Australia says it yet to determine if there will be any further delays to shipments of vehicles after last week’s earthquake in Japan wiped out a number of parts suppliers. Toyota was planning to pause production “for several days” on 14 of its 28 assembly lines in Japan, according to a report by Automotive News. The facilities produced such models as the Toyota RAV4, C-HR and Kluger SUVs and a number of Lexus models, the industry journal reported.

Check out the idiots we shared the road with last week. Seriously, you can’t make this stuff up. Fortunately, police were able to stop these geniuses before they hurt themselves, a bystander, or another motorist. Clearly, the threat of speed cameras means nothing to these drivers. Only police intervention could stop them.

The 2021 Nissan Navara update – with new sheetmetal from the windscreen forward and advanced safety tech, but no more power for the 2.3-litre twin turbo diesel – has begun arriving in dealerships across Australia in limited numbers and model variants. Photos reveal so far there is limited stock of the mid-grade ST and, it appears, Nissan is going to give the space cab market a push.

Hot hatch fans likely have only a few years to enjoy the last “analogue” versions of the Ford Fiesta ST and Ford Focus ST. Both models are expected to be the last of their breed amid a bold plan by Ford Europe to switch to hybrid or electric power by 2026 – and pure electric power for all models by 2030 – announced last week. The Fiesta ST and Focus ST are developed by Ford of Europe, which means these two models are destined to reach the end of the road at the end of their model cycles.

The next-generation 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has leaked online, ahead of its global debut on February 24. Images published by Spanish enthusiast forum Cochespias show Mercedes-Benz’s new mid-size C-Class sedan in full – in both standard and sporty AMG Line guises – revealing a softer, more contemporary look inspired by the brand’s more recent models, including the new S-Class limousine and facelifted E-Class executive sedan.

Australian pricing and specification for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI has been confirmed, with the new-generation hot hatch to start from nearly $60,000 once on-road costs are included – eclipsing that threshold once option packs are added.

Australian pricing and specification details for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf have been released, ahead of the local launch in May. The eighth generation of Volkswagen's popular small car will arrive in Australia with a choice of three core Golf variants, all offering an evolutionary look, an all-new, screen-laden cabin, an upgraded safety suite and, crucially for many buyers, a conventional automatic transmission.

The 2021 Ford Puma mild-hybrid in Europe has gained a new seven-speed automatic option – however, the fuel-sipping engine remains no closer to Australia. Ford's European arm confirmed the introduction of a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for the 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine (with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance) offered on the Puma small SUV and Fiesta city car in Europe, joining the existing six-speed manual.

Honda confirmed last week it was making available a number of its legendary K20C1 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines, usually found under the bonnet of its performance hot hatch, the Honda Civic Type R. The 228kW engine has been available in Europe, Japan and the US as a crate motor for several years. However, sales have been limited exclusively to race teams and Honda Racing Line members.

Anyone buying a Bentley is unlikely to be either poor or a shrinking violet. Which is why the concept of a cheaper, less powerful version will always be a stretch for many of the brand’s biggest fans: what’s the point of a slower and less showy Bentley?

Former Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel has offered his Ferrari collection for sale, as he ends a turbulent relationship with the Ferrari F1 team. The decision to offload his extensive collection – which includes a number of very rare Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW models – was announced by exotic car dealer Tom Hartley Junior on social media.

While vehicles in this segment ideally need to be a jack-of-all-trades as part of the brief, few suit the urban dweller as comprehensively as the Subaru Outback.

It’s an automotive trick as old as time itself: if you want to make a car better, stick a V8 in it. And under the growing influence of downsizing, electrification and hybridisation, something utterly powerful, purely fossil-fuel powered, in that classic configuration of a bent-eight, is probably going to be something special. And we reckon the Volkswagen Touareg 310TDI is exactly that. 1. It’s immensely powerful

Eccentric British manufacturer Morgan has released its first sketches of an upcoming V8 track car, known as the Plus 8 GTR. Slated for arrival no later than September 2021, just nine examples of the Morgan Plus 8 GTR will be built. According to the marque, several unused Plus 8 chassis were recently reacquired from a now-defunct third-party project – these will be modified to underpin the new, more powerful GTR variant.

Porsche will begin trialling its own synthetic fuels in 2022, according to the brand’s head of motorsport Frank Walliser. Speaking to European media outlets earlier this week, Mr Walliser suggested these fuels would be more environmentally friendly than traditional petroleum-based alternatives. He further noted that the petrol substitution would be compatible with existing and unmodified combustion engines.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has recalled 4176 examples of the 2018-19 Sprinter van. According to the recall notice lodged with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), "the operator's manual misrepresents some of the situations that lead to automatic engagement of the park position "P" (Auto-P function)."

Last year I was fortunate enough to drive and review the Lexus LC500 Coupe. I labelled it a ‘dignified monster’ for its blend of performance and comfort. Now, though, I’m behind the wheel of the all-new 2021 Lexus LC500 Convertible, and on first impressions that metaphor remains well and truly in place.

When we’re not creating it ourselves, the CarAdvice team spends a lot of time finding and consuming motoring content from all over the world. Here’s a handful of the photos, articles, videos or social media posts that most caught our eye last week. Some of them are brand new, others have been online for a while. Enjoy them – just not too much, okay?

Technology is making the average car better. Modern metal is significantly safer for both occupants and pedestrians. They’re also cleaner, too, with new drivelines being remarkably more efficient than before. In fact, cheap motoring has benefitted the most. Take a look at how safe a modern $20,000 car is nowadays. You only have to look back five years to be shocked. Go back 10 and it's terrifying.

Tesla has cut pricing for its entry-level Model 3 sedan and Model Y compact SUV in the United States, Europe and Asia, however the RRP in Australia remains unchanged for now. The electric vehicle specialist’s US website now lists the Model 3 Standard Range Plus from US$36,990 (AU$47,600), down US$1000 from US$37,990 last week. This brings the Standard Range Plus under US$30,000 (AU$38,600) for the first time, once state and federal government subsidies are taken into account.

Volvo Australia has recalled 57 examples of its XC90 SUV, citing a fault with the airbag control module. The affected vehicles were sold between 1 October 2020 and 31 January 2021 (Model Year 2021).

The 2021 McLaren Artura made its official debut this week, ushering in a new era for Britain's well-known supercar maker. Due in Australia in the third quarter of 2021, the Artura mates a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for 500kW and 720Nm, and a 7.4kWh lithium-ion battery enables 30km of all-electric range, while fuel economy – not something you're used to reading in a McLaren story – rated at 5.5L/100km.

Why in the world would Honda offer the 2021 Honda Civic RS sedan in a segment that is two things – contracting and hatch-focused? That’s a relevant question we’ll try to answer here after spending a week behind the wheel of what, on paper at least, is a strong offering.

It’s quite a confounding feeling really; your driving position is set, your hands are gliding up and down that sports leather steering wheel and then there are a few moments to just breathe, take it all in and explore the opulence of the cabin. I'm referring, of course, to those few moments prior to hitting the road in a pretty special car. In this case, a Ferrari F8 Tributo.

The 2021 Maserati Grecale has been photographed on the road for the first time, thanks to a trio of teaser images released by the Italian manufacturer. A prototype of the mid-size SUV hit the streets outside Maserati’s Modena plant, with blurred teaser images distributed to employees who were then tasked with seeding the images out on social media.

Subaru Australia is confident the all-new 2021 Subaru Outback wagon has the technology and market appeal to reverse the nameplate’s long-term sales decline, according to the brand’s general manager Blair Read. Speaking to CarAdvice following the vehicle’s overnight launch, Mr Read said: “We see great opportunity [with the new 2021 Subaru Outback], and we see it becoming basically the flagship of the range.”

The 2021 MG HS plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will go on sale in Australia in March, the brand has confirmed. MG's first plug-in hybrid model will launch locally next month, with the HS PHEV set to join the Anglo-Chinese brand's first electric vehicle, the ZS EV, in showrooms.

The next-generation 2021 Mercedes-Benz SL has been spied testing on the snowy roads of Sweden, as new reports out of Europe suggest the new model will offer four-cylinder and V8 hybrid power. The pair of prototypes snapped by our spy photography partners wear less camouflage than SL prototypes spotted in recent months (and photographed in Mercedes-Benz's own teaser images), but still leave most of the roadster's main styling cues hidden under plastic cladding and a swirly wrap.

A more rugged version of the 2021 Subaru Outback – called the Wilderness Edition – is about to go on sale in the US and is on the wish list for Australia. While the new-generation Subaru Outback has only just arrived in local showrooms, the model has been on sale in the US for a year and the company has already started to expand into limited-edition variants.

The new Subaru WRX performance sedan is now due in Australian showrooms by the end of this year, rather than early 2022 as originally forecast. “While it’s not confirmed we are hopeful of seeing the new Subaru WRX here by the end of this year, pending any unforeseen production delays,” said a Subaru Australia representative. While the fifth-generation Subaru WRX is yet to be unveiled, these computer-generated images previously published by CarAdvice are a clue to what it might look like.

The large-SUV segment is an interesting one, with everything from FWD wagons and rugged 4WDs to the much more car-like 2021 Subaru Outback vying for buyers’ attention. While vehicles in this segment ideally need to be a jack-of-all-trades as part of the brief, few suit the urban dweller as comprehensively as the Subaru Outback.

There are renewed warnings about counterfeit car parts coming into Australia – as a new study reveals more than half the parts bought online could be fake. Counterfeit car parts and their packaging are so similar in appearance to the original items, experts are finding it more difficult to distinguish fake from genuine – and most mechanics and importers are pleading ignorance when they’re busted.

About 20,000 examples of the Volkswagen Amarok made from 2015 to 2018 are about to be recalled in Australia because the spare tyre may not be properly secured due to a fault with the winch that holds it place. Volkswagen Australia is in the process of notifying federal safety authorities before contacting owners of affected vehicles in the coming weeks, inviting them to bring their vehicles in for repair.