Car news, 03 May ’24: Toyota RAV4 is Australia’s best-selling car in April, Ferrari debuts the 12Cilindri sports car, and more
Olek Novak
Journalist
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Friday May 3rd 2024. Notably in car news today: the Toyota RAV4 midsize SUV is number one for new car deliveries in April, and Ferrari has pulled the covers off its latest model, the obviously-named 12Cilindri sports coupe and convertible.
New car deliveries sore as Toyota RAV4 takes top spot in April
The Toyota RAV4 achieved its best-ever monthly sales result in April
Australian new car deliveries set a new record in April with their highest ever result for the month (92,202), largest ever year-to-date figure of 401,654 (up 50,515 on the same period in 2023), and the best ever monthly result for the Toyota RAV4 midsize SUV.
Once again, SUVs were the dominant segment (55.7 percent share) ahead of light commercial vehicles (22 percent) and passenger cars (17.8 percent), with hybrid and plug-in hybrid electricvehicles growing to 18.3 percent share this April (up from 7.5 percent for the same month last year). Comparatively, BEVs decreased from 7.9 percent share last year to 6.4 percent in April.
Toyota maintains its number one brand position in April and leads the sales race so far in 2024 with 77,009 vehicles delivered, however continued strong performance by Ford thanks to the Ranger and Everest has seen it now pip perennial number two Mazda on the podium with a year-to-date tally of 31,323, just ahead of Mazda’s 31,062.
Ferrari debuts 12Cilindri V12-powered coupe and Spider model
Ferrari has unveiled the 12Cilindri sports car
Ferrari has pulled the covers off its next car, the 12Cilindri coupe and spider.
Powered by a 610kW naturally-aspirated V12 engine, the new sports car from Ferrari has been inspired by legendary Grand Tourers from the 1950s and 1960s. This powerful engine is capable of revving to a ceiling of 9500rpm. The new Ferrari 12Cilindri also features an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
In terms of design, the new Ferrari coupe and convertible features a sculpted bonnet, aggressive air intakes, and a rear-positioned cabin, with the V12 engine mounted in the mid-front location.
Inside, a dual cockpit screen setup will feature, using a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 15.6-inch driver’s display.
Pricing is yet to be announced, but don’t expect the Ferrari 12Cilindri model to come in cheap.
Kia EV9 GT is a claimed 4.0 second 0-100km/h electric SUV
Kia will introduce a high-performance GT version of its EV9 large SUV, to sit above the current top-spec GT-Line (pictured)
The brand has confirmed that the EV9 GT will be capable of hitting 100km/h from rest in just four seconds, which could be one of the quickest cars tested by Chasing Cars when it arrives.
Kia has also confirmed the EV9 GT will use a dual-motor system – likely to be the same hardware as the 430kW/740Nm EV6 GT.
The Korean automaker has also confirmed the EV9 GT will have reinforced hardware, including better brakes and suspension, but has not given further details yet.
Chery completes endurance tests for Tiggo 9 PHEV SUV
Chery has completed fuel-efficiency testing for its Tiggo 9 PHEV SUV with impressive results
Chinese automaker Chery has confirmed it has completed fuel efficiency testing with the recently-announced Tiggo 9 PHEV SUV, and the claimed range is impressive.
The Tiggo 9 PHEV will have a claimed range of 1400km using a single tank of fuel and supplementary electric power.
The large SUV will be available with Chery’s fifth-generation hybrid system that utilises a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.
While not yet confirmed for Australia, the Tiggo 9 could join the local range at a future date.
BYD and Geely will join Chery in the race to build super long-range hybrids for the global market.
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Monday 6th May at 4.30pm Sydney time.
