Car news today: Mitsubishi EV co-op with iPhone maker, Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport could arrive Down Under, and more – 08 May 2025
Lukas Foyle
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Thursday May 08th 2025. Notably in car news today: Mitsubishi and tech giant Foxtron partnering on new EV, Volkswagen’s 221kW Golf GTI Clubsport on cards for Australia.
Mitsubishi confirms rumours of EV partnership with iPhone manufacturer
Mitsubishi Motor Corporation has confirmed it will be partnering with Foxtron, the electronics manufacturing company also in charge of producing Apple’s iPhone. The partnership focuses on delivering a dedicated EV to Australia and New Zealand.
Mitsubishi and Foxtron have finalised a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which outlines plans for Foxtron to develop and supply a dedicated battery electric vehicle to Mitsubishi Motors. Mitsubishi claims the vehicle “signifies (its) ongoing strength”.
Details surrounding the resultant electric vehicle have not yet been confirmed, however, Mitsubishi did reveal that the Foxtron vehicle will be badged and marketed as Mitsubishi OEM. The vehicle has an expected launch in the second half of 2026.
Mitsubishi’s Taiwanese-sourced EV could be any one of a number of vehicles produced by Foxtron. The Model B midsize SUV, Model E flagship sedan, Model D MPV or Model V Ute look to be the most relevant to ANZ markets.
All new Golf GTI could soon sport iconic Clubsport nameplate in Oz
Volkswagen Australia‘s recently released Mk8.5 Golf GTI has already made its debut in harder-core Clubsport guise overseas, and Australia looks to be the next recipient in line.
In overseas markets, the Golf GTI Clubsport features unique decals, 19-inch ‘Warmenau’ forged wheels, and an additional 26 kilowatts over the standard GTI, bringing total output to 221kW/400Nm.
‘Clubsport’ is an iconic term in the Volkswagen lexicon. First appearing in 2016 on the Golf GTI Mk7.5, the Clubsport nameplate is synonymous with power, prestige, and track prowess.
The Golf GTI Clubsport is built on Volkswagen’s revised Mk8.5 Golf platform. It features revised running gear, an enhanced infotainment system, and facelifted front and rear bumpers over its Mk8 Golf predecessor.
Toyota reveals new GR sport variant of Corolla Cross
Toyota’s Corolla Cross will soon don the prestigious red and black Gazoo Racing (GR) badge three years after its 2022 release. The Corolla Cross GR Sport is expected to be released in the second half of this year.
The GR Sport Corolla Cross will feature the same 112kW/190kW petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain as other variants. The GR tune will instead consist of cosmetic upgrades alongside steering and suspension tweaks.
Pricing has not yet been revealed for the Corolla Cross GR Sport: Toyota says pricing and further details will be released later this year. Pricing for the base model Corolla Cross starts at $40,500 drive-away.
The Corolla Cross becomes the fifth Toyota to offer a GR Sport variant, joining the HiLux, LandCruiser 300, and two other compact SUVs, the Yaris Cross and C-HR.
Toyota Tundra range expanded with pricing for new range topper
Toyota Australia has released pricing for its new range-topping Tundra Platinum. The Platinum has entered Toyota showrooms to be offered alongside the existing Limited, which went on sale in November 2024.
Toyota’s huge Tundra Platinum ute commands an equally huge price of $172,990 (MSRP). It comes at a near $20,000 premium over the $155,990 Tundra Limited. Both variants have identical mechanical underpinnings, including the 326kW/790Nm i-Force Max powertrain.
The Toyota Tundra Platinum features a revised luxury interior with massaging front seats, a premium-look exterior with unique front bumper, and genuine leather-acccented trim over the base model Limited.
Chasing Cars contributor Nathtan Ponchard’s assessment of the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8.5 Australian first drive was published, including his thoughts on how the latest in the iconic 50-year-old nameplate compares with its forebears.
Ponchard praised the new GTI’s chassis, with specific mention of the tricky front LSD and how it lifts driver engagement. He also liked the key changes to the user interface of the latest Golf update, fixing areas often criticised in its Mk 8 predecessor.
While quicker and more engaging, Ponchard laments that perhaps the go-fast vibe of the Mk 8.5 robs the GTI nameplate of some of the measured balance found in older models.
All in all, the verdict is that even die-hard GTI traditionalists should love this new take on the half-decade formula, even if its price is really starting to get up there.
