Behind the alphabet soup that denotes new technology in the updated Toyota Highlander SUV is the 3.5-litre V6 engine and eight-speed automatic gearbox from the company’s premium brand, Lexus. The Highlander is the first Toyota to use the pairing, specifically put together to improve performance, economy, and exhaust emissions in both the two- and four-wheel-drive models. All … [Read more...] about New-look Toyota Highlander gets engine, gearbox from Lexus
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BMW, Mercedes-Benz to cut back on range of body styles
Carmakers often privately admit that they have too many models – and now luxury Germans BMW and Mercedes-Benz have said as much, adding that they will cut back on variants. Likely to get the chop first are offerings in the two-door coupe and convertible range. It’s a segment where sales traditionally flare on launch and then quickly slow down. BMW sales and marketing … [Read more...] about BMW, Mercedes-Benz to cut back on range of body styles
Tracking the first Land-Rover to NZ ends in 1948 in Wellington …
The first Land-Rover shipped to New Zealand left the factory in the English Midlands on September 16, 1948. Chassis number R860020 was consigned to Wellington Motors. That’s all the early export order book shows. I thumbed through it at the company’s head office in Solihull a few years ago. What happened to the first Series 1 model after it landed here, who knows? Records of … [Read more...] about Tracking the first Land-Rover to NZ ends in 1948 in Wellington …
Maserati from 1960s inspired look of Kia Stinger, says design chief
The designer who penned Kia’s four-door, coupe-like Stinger reached back 50 years to Italy and the original Maserati Ghibli (above) for his inspiration. Kia has already said it used the BMW 3-Series as a dynamic benchmark for Stinger, but its stylist Gregory Guillaume said he aimed at a more glamorous target for the design of the rear-drive car. "I always had in mind … [Read more...] about Maserati from 1960s inspired look of Kia Stinger, says design chief
New Wrangler to get hybrid powertrain, says Jeep boss
The next-generation Jeep Wrangler will come with petrol-electric hybrid power for the first time, company chief Mike Manley has confirmed. Manley told reporters at the Geneva motor show that while a full battery-electric (EV) Wrangler was “not a great fit”, a hybrid variant in the new-look 2018 range was. “We have continued our studies on hybridisation for the Wrangler, … [Read more...] about New Wrangler to get hybrid powertrain, says Jeep boss