Thanks for joining us this Thursday, May 9th 2024. Notably in car news today: Toyota is rumoured to be working on a new RWD coupe to rival the MX-5 and the driving range of the Kia Tasman EV has been revealed.
Browse this issue:
- Toyota rumoured to launch new MX-5 rival in 2026
- Kia Tasman EV to offer over 400km of range
- Land Rover Defender updated with 700Nm diesel
- GWM Tank 700 PHEV 2024 reviewed
Toyota rumoured to launch MX-5 rival in 2026
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Toyota is rumoured to be working on a rear-wheel-drive coupe based on the 2015 S-FR concept that would sit under the GR86 in size and price, and be close in size to the Mazda MX-5
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According to Japanese outlet Best Car Web, the coupe would be powered by a 111kW turbocharged three-cylinder engine and will launch in late 2026 or early 2027
A model based on the 2015 S-FR concept could be on the way. Credit: Best Car Web
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It’s believed Toyota is working on Suzuki and its own sister brand Daihatsu to make the project viable, similar to its previous Subaru partnership on the BRZ/GR86.
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Interestingly, Daihatsu recently unveiled the ‘Vision Copen’ concept which has grown behind the size of its Kei-car origins and adopted a RWD layout, with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine under the bonnet.
Kia Tasman EV to offer over 400km of range
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Kia is said to be working on a fully electric version of the Tasman ute which will come with a battery size of around 100kWh and offer at least 400km of range
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The Tasman will first launch in combustion form, with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder confirmed as the main drivetrain in Australia
An EV version of the Kia Tasman is expected to follow the diesel to market
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Kia already offers a similarly sized, 99.8 kWh (gross) battery pack in the EV9 large SUV with a range of 505km according to WLTP, but commercial applications such as utes often see more limited range
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Kia has previously said the incoming New Vehicle Emission Standards (NVES) in Australia would likely result in a greater variety of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV options in our market
Land Rover Defender updated with 700Nm diesel ’six
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Land Rover has updated the Defender lineup for 2024 with the headline upgrade being a boost in grunt to the straight straight-size diesel engine
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Replacing the D300, the D350 produces 258kW/700Nm or 37kW/50Nm more than before. A de-tuned D250 diesel is still available, as is the P400 straight-six petrol, P400e PHEV and the P525/P500 petrol V8.
The Land Rover Defender has been updated
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Land Rover says the interior is now more durable and luxurious, with a new Captain Chairs Pack and the striking new 110 Sedona Edition joining the range
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Prices start from $92,402 and top out at $217,282 before on-roads, with first deliveries set to arrive in September 2024
GWM Tank 700 PHEV 2024 reviewed
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Chasing Cars contributor Iain Curry’s international first drive of the 2024 GWM Tank 700 was published, a vehicle that may come to Australia.
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The Tank 700 demonstrated remarkable off-road ability with an astonishing 970mm wading depth and a highly luxurious interior
We reviewed the GWM Tank 700 in China
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Curry did note there was an overdependence on touchscreens and it would likely be very expensive for a GWM in Australia, with a price of at least $100,000.
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Similar in size to a Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series or Nissan Patrol, the Tank 700 could offer a genuine rival to bring PHEV technology to the segment
WATCH: Link to YouTube video
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Friday 10th May at 4.30pm Sydney time.
