We publish a lot of car news during the work week (the rule is 70 news) and it can be difficult to keep up with everything – that’s the reason behind this weekend’s list.
In a nutshell, here are some of the key articles from our news desk as of this Monday summarized, in case you missed them at the time.
Rangers on the dyno!
Power and torque figures are always great on paper, but how do they translate into power and torque at the wheels?
We wanted to see how powerful the all-new Ford Ranger Raptor, Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6 and four-cylinder Ford Ranger Wildtrak were when put on a taximeter.
Before we get into the numbers, we need to give a big thank you to Jason from LS1PWR who contributed his time and effort to see what range Ranger would pump out at the wheel.
FULL STORY: On the dyno – Ranger Raptor, V6 and four-cylinder
An ultimate EV plan
The federal government this week released a promising consultation document designed to shape the country’s first, long-awaited National Electric Vehicle Strategy.
The overarching goal is to increase EV consumption in Australia – which is low compared to other economically comparable countries – by encouraging carmakers to move more towards the supply of low-emission vehicles. for the local market, through new fuel economy standards.
But the paper also wanted to find out how policy settings could encourage domestic production of electric vehicles, chargers and other components; address the effects of reduced excise fuel sales, which may occur through tolls; and support the implementation of the charging infrastructure.
FULL STORY: National EV strategy, government releases consultation document
Hardcore Patrol is coming
Nissan has been talking about building a Patrol Warrior with adjustments for the Australian market for a long time.
For now, the delayed project is finally underway, but don’t expect to see the finished cars anytime soon as development has about 12 months left to run before production begins.
Australian engineering firm Premcar is currently developing an upgraded version of the Patrol – conceptually similar to the Navara Pro-4X Warrior and Navara SL Warrior vehicles.
FULL STORY: The flagship Nissan Patrol Warrior is coming soon
Gas prices rise?
There’s some potentially unwelcome news for Australians looking for archer relief.
The previous federal government’s six-month excise tax cut expired on September 28, meaning the flat tax was increased from 23 cents to 46 cents a liter.
That extra 23c/liter will be reflected in the price of gasoline when the stockpiles of fuel subject to the move-out tax are exhausted. This should not happen immediately, as there is usually a supply in the system for a short time.
FULL STORY: Fuel consumption cuts end this week
Jeep doubles in the future RHD
Jeep’s global boss, Christian Meunier, says the American brand isn’t selling as well as it does in Australia, but it’s turning the tide.
“I think we are doing much better than before. Obviously there’s a semiconductor problem. Missing the Wranglers, Grand Cherokee is expected to launch earlier [but] Mr. Meunier said.
“I think we are doing much better than before. I think we changed quite a few things, I think the house involvement is better. Positive thinking is there.”
FULL STORY: Jeep committed to driving on the right, receiving disappointing sales
ANCAP makes safety tests more difficult
As safety features improve, so should the procedures for checking their effectiveness.
Australian crash testing company, ANCAP, will replace the current 2020-22 test protocols with a new, tougher mode from January 2023. It will still smash cars into barriers deformable, but more and more washers are available for brands to overcome.
The new protocols, shared with Euro NCAP, will introduce both new and updated tests, focusing on active safety features designed to reduce accidents in the first place.
FULL STORY: Here’s how ANCAP does harder crash tests from 2023
Fuel economy Santa Fe is near here
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is finally pegged for a sales launch in Australia, with the brand’s local branch confirming with CarExpert rival Toyota Kluger Hybrid will be operational in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Hyundai’s petrol-electric 7-seater SUV was 12 months behind its original plan for the Australian market, was delayed and then delayed again due to prioritizing production for markets such as Europe and Europe. North America – we’ve heard that story before, haven’t we?
The Korean brand’s local branch will not provide further details on the range in Australia, i.e. whether more variants will be offered or price and supply predictions, so it’s unclear if Santa Is the Fe Hybrid a high-spec-only proposition like its twin, or not under the skin – the Kia Sorento Hybrid.
FULL STORY: Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is coming in Q4 2022
Cute little ideas from Citroen
The Citroen Oli concept combines a modern EV powertrain with a new light, minimalist interior and no screens.
Pronounced “all-e” – geddit? – Oli introduces the company’s “vertical design language”, marking a stark departure from today’s curvaceous forms.
Time will tell whether the near-vertical windshield, front bumper, and a series of interesting Oli shapes appear in future production models, or if these factors will be reduced.
FULL STORY: Launch of Citroen Oli . electric car concept ‘womb’
Toyota factories reach maximum level
In good news for those on the waiting list, Toyota just announced its first worldwide production increase in five months – and thus, set a new production record in August.
Worldwide August production spiked 44% from August 2021 numbers, which were dampened by COVID and shortages of semiconductors in the supply chain.
The world’s largest automaker produced 766,683 units in August, with most of the growth coming from production outside of Japan (570,645 units, up 65%).
FULL STORY: Toyota production increases for the first time in months
New Flagship PHEV of BMW USA
The BMW M has a new flagship plug-in hybrid SUV, and it’s the division’s first bespoke offering since the iconic M1.
The 2023 BMW XM has been revealed ahead of the start of production at the brand’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant in December 2022.
It will arrive in dealers around the world next fall, with BMW prioritizing the US, China and Middle East markets. An even more powerful version will follow in 2023.
FULL STORY: The BMW XM 2023 plug-in hybrid SUV revealed
China’s LDV electrochemical its range
LDV is diving headfirst into the electric vehicle space, launching not one but a total of three EVs in November of this year.
The trio includes the eT60 cou, Australia’s first electric vehicle, plus the eDeliver 9 cargo van and the 9-passenger MIFA engine.
The company says pricing and full specs for the electric trio will be revealed during the November launch.
FULL STORY: LDV Australia introduces electric vehicles, trucks and electric motors in November
Third generation Tiguan spy
The next-generation Volkswagen Tiguan looks like it will take some design cues from the flagship Touareg and ID.4 EV when it hits the market in 2024.
Recent European spy testing, the third-generation Tiguan clearly offers a cleaner and more rounded look with sculpted upper body details reminiscent of its larger siblings.
The prototype you’re looking at has stickers for the lights and exhaust pipes – clearly an effort by the VW team to keep its powder dry.
FULL STORY: 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, the new generation spy SUV
