Car news today: Amarok prices dropped to take on rivals, GM recalls Chevrolet and GMC V8s, and more – 01 May 2025
Lukas Foyle
Contributor
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Friday 2nd May at 4.30pm Sydney time.
Thanks for joining us this Thursday May 01st 2025. Notably in car news today: Volkswagen Amarok receives major price cuts, GM recalls Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC V8s.
Amarok prices slashed to rival Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux
Volkswagen Australia has cut the driveaway pricing on its base Core and range-topping PanAmericana variants of Amarok, now priced at $53,990 and $76,990 respectively.
A $3000 discount now applies to the premium Aventura variant, resulting in a limited driveaway offer of $79,990. The most road-focused model, the Aventura is the only Amarok offered with a petrol engine.
Volkswagen states that its imposed RRP price cuts result in significant driveaway savings, where buyers will pay $6,000 less for the Core, $8,000 less for the PanAmericana, and $9,000 less for the Aventura.
The Core contends with value-focused dual-cab utes, chiefly the Toyota Hilux Workmate 4×4 and Ford Ranger XL 4×4. The road-focused Aventura takes on the Hilux Rogue and Ranger Platinum, and the premium off-road PanAmericana rivals the Hilux GR and Ranger Raptor.
General Motors recalling up to 721,000 Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac V8s
General Motors is conducting a voluntary recall involving up to 721,000 V8-engined vehicles across its Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac brands, according to a report in Automotive News.
The recall pertains to light trucks (utes) and SUV using the US-built 6.2-litre ‘L87’ V8 engine, specifically those fitted to Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe; Cadillac Escalade; and GMC Sierra trucks and Yukon SUVs, the latter of which is about to launch in Australia.
CBS News reports that the defects relate to connecting rods and crankshafts, quoting the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the issue “can lead to engine damage and engine failure”.
It is yet to be confirmed as to whether the just-released MY25 GMC Yukon or the current Chevrolet Silverado variants offered in Australia are affected by the recall.
Volkswagen and Uber make for strange bedfellows
Volkswagen has announced it is joining forces with Uber to roll out a fleet of self-drivingID Buzz electric MPVs, with real-world testing to commence by the end of the year.
The Volkswagen-Uber partnership claims that “thousands” of self-driving ID Buzz vehicles are expected to launch commercially in 2026, with the first wave of public-accessible models rolling out in Los Angeles.
MOIA (Volkswagen’s autonomous driving subsidiary) will develop software that allows the autonomous vehicles to communicate with the Uber app. Uber claims that human operators will be onboard the vehicles during testing and launch to intervene in the event of an emergency.
The Volkswagen ID Buzz is a dedicated electric people-mover with retro styling reminiscent of the Kombi. Depending on trim, range is between 422km–452km, and five-80 percent charging usually takes 30 minutes. Currently, neither Uber or MOIA have public plans to release a self-driving ID Buzz to Australia.
The Ferrari 296 just got faster and more expensive
Ferrari has unveiled a new Speciale edition of the 296 GTB and GTS, which promise to be lighter, faster, and more track focused than their respective counterparts. Pricing is not yet confirmed for Australia, but starts at €407,000 (~A$720,000) in Europe.
Both Speciale models gain an additional 37 kilowatts, now producing a combined output of 648kW. Both vehicles use carbon-fibre and titanium components to reduce overall weight – the 296 GTS Speciale loses 50kg, whilst the GTB Speciale loses 60kg.
Ferrari outlines the track-focused design brief of its new Speciale models, which feature a unique aero package to produce 20 percent more downforce (through use of a unique diffuser and side wings), and a 5 mm reduced ride height, which reduces maximum roll angle by 13 percent.
Both Speciale models of the 296 feature a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, utilising a P2 mounted electric motor and 3.0L twin-turbo V6 petrol to produce its 648kW/755Nm peaks. Power is sent through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic to a rear E-Differential.
2025 Nissan Qashqai N-Design reviewed
Chasing Cars road test editor John Law gets behind the wheel of the new and improved Nissan Qashqai small SUV in flagship N-Design hybrid trim.
Law praised the Qashqai’s pleasant steering, athletic handling, sharp looks and slick hybrid powertrain. It may not be as efficient as a Toyota hybrid, but the EV-first Qashqai E-Power is quieter and more serene.
A shame, then, that the N-Design is not the pick of the range. Aside from quality issues on our test car, the N-Design also misses out on equipment from the cheaper Qashqai Ti-L hybrid.
