Thanks for joining us this Tuesday May 14th 2024. Notably in car news today: Subaru will continue to partner with Toyota on new EVs, and Porsche readies its first-ever hybrid 911 sports car.
Browse this issue:
- Subaru to partner with Toyota on more electric SUVs
- Porsche completes development of hybrid 911
- Kia EV6 facelift unveiled
- Polestar heavily discounts its 2 electric liftback for a limited time
- Reviewed: 2024 GWM Tank 700 Hi4-T
Subaru to partner with Toyota on more electric SUVs
Subaru has confirmed it will work with Toyota to bring more EVs to market
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Subaru will expand its electric vehicle lineup with the help of Toyota, partnering with the auto-giant to develop an additional three new EV SUVs to launch by 2026.
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Subaru CEO Atsushi Osaki confirmed the plans at a press conference on Monday citing market realities of cooling EV demand as well as significant development costs.
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According to Automotive News, Osaki stated: “At the moment, it is quite difficult to predict how things will go from here with EVs. There is a huge risk for us to go it alone in this field. We have held talks with Toyota and have agreed that it is better to reduce risks through joint development.”
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As well as the three all-new EV SUVs, Subaru stated that a further four new electric SUVs would subsequently join the brand’s lineup by 2028.
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Toyota has a 20 percent stake in Subaru, with the two brands already co-producing the Solterra and BZ4X electric SUV twins; Subaru has also previously confirmed plans for its Forester to use Toyota hybrid technology, with recent reports that the Crosstrek will also be a beneficiary of the tech.
Porsche finalises ‘new’ 911 hybrid development, to be unveiled 28 May
Porsche is teasing its first-ever electrified 911
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Porsche has announced its first-ever electrified 911 is moving closer to production.
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The 911 hybrid is set to feature a front-axle-mounted electric motor, while a turbocharged flat-six engine will power the rear wheels as is convention.
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Development of this new petrol-electric drivetrain has been shared between Porsche and Rimac, an EV maker with which Porsche owns 45 percent. Exact powertrain outputs are still secretive at this early stage.
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A mild-hybrid 48-volt will also be available in the 911 lineup, which should continue in its updated form until around 2027.
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The debut of the Porsche 911 hybrid will take place on 28 May, before the sports car arrives globally by the end of 2024.
Kia EV6 facelift unveiled
Kia has revealed a mid-life update to its EV6 electric SUV
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Kia has unveiled a facelifted EV6 electric SUV which brings a number of midlife updates to the vehicle including updated styling, features, and a bigger battery.
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Visually, the facelifted vehicle can be identified by a revised front fascia with a new light design similar in line with new-generation Kias such as the EV5 midsize SUV, new wheel designs, and a revised rear bumper design, as well as subtle tweaks to the interior including a ‘more sophisticated panoramic curved display’ and new steering wheel.
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The updated vehicle also includes a bigger 84kWh gross battery (increased from 77.4kWh), with Korean specifications quoting a 494km driving range for the long range 2WD model with 19-inch wheels – although it’s not clear what test cycle the quoted range is based on.
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Kia also says that ride comfort is improved thanks to tuning tweaks to the EV6’s shock absorbers, with the EV6 B-pillars also increased in thickness to strengthen body rigidity.
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It’s understood the updated EV6 – which is currently priced from $72,590 before on-road costs for the pre-facelift entry-level Air RWD in Australia – will make its way down under by the end of the year.
Polestar announces up to $15,000 discount for Polestar 2
Polestar has announced significant discounting for its Polestar 2 range
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Polestar Australia has announced it will introduce some limited-time drastic discounting to its current Polestar 2 range locally.
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The brand has slashed as much as $15,000 off its Polestar 2 range, with the biggest discount for the long-range dual-motor in Pure guise. Buyers will receive a $10,000 discount, plus an additional $5000 if the base Pure spec is purchased.
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The most affordable Polestar 2 now starts at $63,404 in single-motor, rear-drive Pure spec after discounts. This gets the model much closer to the Tesla Model 3 on price, which starts from $58,900 before on-road costs.
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This Polestar Australia limited offer ends on 9 June, 2024.
Reviewed: 2024 GWM Tank 700 Hi4-T
Chasing Cars contributor Iain Curry’s review of the GWM Tank 700 Hi4-T is now live
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Chasing Cars contributor Iain Curry’s review of the 2024 GWM Tank 700 Hi4-T was published, outlining his first impressions of the large plug-in hybrid SUV that promises highly capable off-roading.
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Curry noted a number of positives including the vehicle’s intoxicatingly tough styling, luxurious cabin, impressive materials and build quality, rapid performance and limo-like rear-seat.
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Negatives noted by Curry included an expected circa-$100K asking price, wobbly handling and body control, 2500kg towing rating and significant 3100kg weight.
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Curry also drew attention to the point of difference the luxurious plug-in hybrid offers to competitors such as the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and the Nissan Patrol.
READ: GWM Tank 700 Hi4-T 2024 written review
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Wednesday 15th May at 4.30pm Sydney time.