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MERCS KITTED OUT FOR SUV CHALLENGE

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Mercedes-Benz is intent on taking on premium mid-size SUV rivals with upgrades across its leading GLC range and being given an extra boost by plugging into petrol / electric hybrid technology. Taking in the entire list of GLC SUVs and Coupes, including AMG performance heavyweights, while introducing for the first time, in the second quarter of next year, a plug-in hybrid model. On the outside, the GLC 200 and 300 have been pumped up with muscular surfaces and flashes of chrome detail from front to back. Heading the bold character… Read more

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MERCEDES-BENZ V-CLASS COMMERCIALS UPGRADED

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The Mercedes-Benz V-Class vans have had a facelift, with a new bumper design, revised cooling air intake, as well as a diamond structure of the radiator grille Available as an option, the AMG Line features a new diamond radiator grille with chrome pins, to create a sportier appearance Standard light-alloy wheel designs in 17-inch for the V 220 d and 18-inch for the V 250 d. Optional metallic paint colours are Graphite Grey, Selenite Grey and Hyazinth Red. There’s a fresh-look interior; V 220 d now has a high gloss… Read more

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BMW I3S BATTERY BOOST SPARKS BRIGHTER FUTURE DOWN ROAD

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BMW became an earl adopter of electric vehicles, launching the i3 in Australia in late 2014 with a 60 Ah (Amp-hour) battery capable of taking the car 140 kilometres on a single charge, depending on driving conditions. A year later, with a two-cylinder petrol engine range extender fitted to hold the battery – but not increase its range, the distance was increased to about 320 km. The downside of the petrol unit (borrowed from a BMW motorbike engine) was added weight, a higher price and the introduction of exhaust emissions…. Read more

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LAMBORGHINI GOES INTO SPACE

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Lamborghini has just sent carbon fibre materials to the International Space Station. This is part of a major testing campaign sponsored by the ISS US National Laboratory and overseen by the Houston Methodist Research Institute. The aim is to analyse the response of five different composite materials produced by Lamborghini to the extreme stresses induced by the space environment. On board the ISS for a period of six months, the materials will be subjected not only to extreme thermal excursion cycles with peaks from -40 to +200 degrees Celsius, but… Read more

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FORD V8 1932-1951

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Ford’s legendary 3622 cc flathead vee-eight engine – the V could have even stood for voluminous body space or for less space wasted on the engine room – was used by all of Ford’s overseas operations as well as by the parent factory, between 1932 and 1942 and then after the Second World War as well. This engine became an American classic remaining in production for more than twenty years. When first introduced it produced 65 hp and when discontinued in 1953 power was double that of the original engine…. Read more

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GENESIS G70 3.3T REVIEW

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In conjunction with the re-launch of the Genesis G80 the South Korean brand released its all-new G70 sports sedan. If you decide to purchase a new Genesis you’ll need to adapt to the on-line marketing and sales environment – because there are no regular dealerships. Instead there are a couple of options. You can go to a ‘Genesis Studio’ in Sydney where you can walk around and sit in the car. Alternatively the ‘Genesis To You Concierge Service’ has a test drive car that can be brought to you. Once… Read more

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APPLE CARPLAY AND ANDROID AUTO FINALLY ON TOYOTA VEHICLES

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It has been a long time coming, but Toyota has finally made access through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on many of their vehicles. Toyota has upgraded its multimedia systems in new model Prius, Corolla hatch, Camry, and the Granvia launched in October. Existing owners of the all-new HiAce and RAV4 models will be able to upgrade their multimedia systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto free of charge from 1 November. Owners of latest generation Camry, Corolla hatch, and recently upgraded Prius will also be able to upgrade… Read more

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BMW M8 COMPETITION COUPE

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BMW Australia says it will debut of the BMW M8 Competition Coupé in the first quarter of 2020. It will be fitted with an updated version of the BMW M 4.4-litre V8 TwinPower turbo-petrol engine (460 kW / 750 Nm) and eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. This will give it the ability to get from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds – that’s motorbike territory. Technical highlights include two twin scroll turbochargers in the V between the cylinder banks, indirect charge air cooling, direct injection with a… Read more

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AUDI TAKES FEEDBACK ON BOARD COMPACT A1

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Any Audi A1 fan – and there are many – who does not like the latest version of the popular small hatchback has only themselves to blame, for the German manufacturer spent pots of money and tons of time talking to potential buyers about their needs and wants. And like the genie of the lamp, it then set about obeying their wishes. The result is the MY20 Audi hatchback (Sportback in Audi speak), which, due to high demand around the world, has belatedly made landfall in Australia. Shawn Ticehurst, Director… Read more

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SUBARU IMPREZA 2012 – 2018

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2012 Subaru Impreza

Subaru Impreza is a stalwart of the Japanese marque’s range having been on sale here since 1993. Amongst other things it signalled that all Subarus from then onwards would be driven by all four wheels. This unique selling feature added to the brand’s reputation for safety. (Yes, we know the Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86 are rear-drive sportscars, but we reckon it’s highly likely that the other Subies will continue the AWD tradition just about forever.) The added traction provided by all-wheel-drive (AWD) makes Imprezas big sellers in Tasmania and… Read more