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Volkswagen's Piech

Toyota ‘toolbox’ concept – part cargo van, part SUV

October 16, 2017 by Alastair Sloane

Toyota’s Tj Cruiser concept has been described as a “more practical everyday” replacement for the FJ Cruiser, the SUV that was somewhat of a misfit in the carmaker’s line-up before it was discontinued last year. Whereas the FJ was a throwback to the original FJ40 Land Cruiser of 1955, and the letters referenced the engine series (F) and the chassis (J), the Tj in Tj Cruiser … [Read more...] about Toyota ‘toolbox’ concept – part cargo van, part SUV

Self-driving cars: there’s a long way to go yet, says Ford chief

October 12, 2017 by Alastair Sloane

Ford may be trialling a self-driving car that delivers pizzas in and around its hometown Detroit, but it’s reviewing plans for fully autonomous vehicles by 2021. The carmaker’s CEO Jim Hackett (above) has said publicity about self-driving cars was “overextended romanticism by everybody in the media about how this robot works.” Earlier this year, then Ford chief executive … [Read more...] about Self-driving cars: there’s a long way to go yet, says Ford chief

Chevrolet badge to return to NZ, this time on right-hook Camaro

October 10, 2017 by Alastair Sloane

The all-American Chevrolet badge is almost certain to officially return to New Zealand after an absence of 50 years, this time on the go-fast 2020 Camaro sports car. Chevrolet parent General Motors is going global with the next two-door Camaro, just as rival Ford has done with Mustang. The seventh-generation Camaro will be available from the factory in North America in both … [Read more...] about Chevrolet badge to return to NZ, this time on right-hook Camaro

Hydrogen the answer – electric vehicles will become redundant, says Lexus chief

October 4, 2017 by Alastair Sloane

Electric vehicles (EVs) are doomed as a long-term transport solution because charging times for batteries will never fall to practical levels, says a senior Lexus executive. It’s “a simple matter of chemistry,” said American Paul Williamsen, the luxury carmaker’s global communications manager. “We won’t be able to get charging times down.” Williamsen said he had worked … [Read more...] about Hydrogen the answer – electric vehicles will become redundant, says Lexus chief

LDV modifies its T60 double-cab ute to handle off-road rough stuff

October 3, 2017 by Alastair Sloane

Buyers of Chinese-built LDV utes will next year be able to pimp them up with New Zealand-made components to look like the factory concept pictured here. It’s called the T60 Off-Road, a higher-riding version of the company’s new T60 double-cab ute that’s chockabloc with gear needed for the rough-and-tumble of all-terrain travel. LDV parent SAIC Motor Corporation dressed up … [Read more...] about LDV modifies its T60 double-cab ute to handle off-road rough stuff

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The Good Oil

French carmaker Renault has won the 2025 European Car of the Year award with the all-electric R5 supermini (pictured). It’s the brand’s second win in a row, following the new Scenic’s gong in 2024. The R5 led the vote count from start to finish from the 60 jurors in 23 countries. It received 353 points, beating the Kia EV3 (291 points) and the Citroen C3/e in third place with 215 points. It’s Renault’s eighth win in the 62-year history of the Coty award. The R5 goes on sale in the UK this month. There are two main drivetrains: a 90kW motor/40kWh battery model with a 300km range, and a 112kW/52kWh example with a 400km range. The R5 starts in price at £22.995, or $NZ50,000.

EU carmakers seek trade deal with Trump

BMW and Mercedes-Benz are among carmakers urging the European Union to get a favourable trade deal with US President Donald Trump. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) wants to keep open trade with both the US and China. It fears Trump, who promises heavy tariffs on Chinese imports to the US, will look unfavourably on countries that continue to trade freely with Beijing. Ola Kallenius, president of the group and chairman of the management board of MB, said in a letter to EU leaders:  “Overall, it is essential to recognise that trade with China and the US is most vital for the prosperity of the European economy.The EU should seek a grand bargain with the US and attempt to avoid a potential trade conflict.”

Diesel fuels EV concept for US military

A  go-anywhere EV concept for the US military uses an onboard 12kW diesel generator to top up the batteries on the move.  The all-wheel-drive has 800-volt technology and a 200kWh battery pack to power three electric motors, two in the rear and one up front. Claimed output is 745kW/15,590Nm, or 1000hp and 11,500 ft-lb of torque.  The four-seater was developed by the defence division of General Motors and is based on the platform of the Hummer SUV. It rides on Fox performance shock absorbers and 37-inch tyres and comes with “exceptional” approach and departure angles for off-road mobility. Maximum range using the generator to keep things ticking over is said to be around 500km.

We are the World

The outside temperature in Midland, Texas, was 40.5C when staff at the local office of the US National Weather Service set out to show the cabin of a closed car can literally get baking hot in summer. They mixed up a batch of chocolate chip cookies and laid them on the car’s dashboard – the surface of which showed a temperature of 87.7C. A little over four hours later the cookies were ready to eat. “Even though ours weren’t golden brown, we can confirm that they are done and delicious,” the staff wrote on Facebook.

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Electric G-Wagen takes you for spin

https://youtu.be/NwHbJ7HN1sU

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