The new vehicle most New Zealanders want as the motor industry counts down to what will surely be an all-time record sales year in 2016 is still the Ford Ranger ute (above). It’s been the No. 1 choice for the past couple of years and continues to go from strength to strength, putting sales distance on the Toyota Hilux and adding a new verse to tales of the Kiwi pick-up … [Read more...] about Ford Ranger leads race to all-time record sales year
Volkswagen's Piech
Rolls-Royce chief likes ‘rough diamond’ name for its SUV
The premium SUV segment will go further upscale in 2018 when Rolls-Royce delivers its ultra-luxurious bespoke model, currently code-named the Cullinan but likely to retain the name for production. The carmaker has released the first two official images of the SUV, although it hides under the usual swirly camouflage. Nevertheless, the prominent upright grille and long bonnet … [Read more...] about Rolls-Royce chief likes ‘rough diamond’ name for its SUV
Will Supra get hybrid powertrain from Toyota’s Le Mans racers?
These spy pictures of the new Toyota Supra near Germany's Nurburgring circuit are the best yet, showing plenty of production-ready bodywork under the camouflage. They also show designers have toned down some of the styling cues from the 2014 FT-1 concept. The car here borrows the concept’s strong nose and its roof also carries the 'twin bubble' cues from the FT-1. The tail … [Read more...] about Will Supra get hybrid powertrain from Toyota’s Le Mans racers?
Arteon four-door coupe pioneers new VW look
Volkswagen is to replace the CC with the Arteon, a four-door coupe the carmaker says will pioneer a ‘horizontally accentuated’ brand look, similar in design to the Sport Coupe Concept GTE (above and below) revealed at the Geneva motor show in 2015. Arteon is a totally new model and more a step up in class than a direct replacement for the Passat-based CC, says VW. The Arteon … [Read more...] about Arteon four-door coupe pioneers new VW look
VW to pull diesels from US – Benz looks at doing same
Volkswagen is to stop building diesel vehicles for the American market, a move that is part of a ‘comprehensive global repositioning’ of the brand in the aftermath of the so-called ‘dieselgate’ scandal. The VW management board has approved a new strategy to make the brand more efficient. It’s called ‘Transform 2025’ and pledges ‘massive investments in e-mobility and … [Read more...] about VW to pull diesels from US – Benz looks at doing same