Motoring Minute weekly news for Saturday 12 February 2022 bringing you interesting local and international news for the Australian Automotive landscape.
First up this week we head to Italy where Alfa Romeo has revealed its model that they believe signals the metamorphosis of the brand.
The Tonale, remains true to the long and illustrious sport DNA, yet heralds a new era of connectivity and electrification.
Record-breaking technology exists in the Tonale, aimed at enhancing the driving experience, the customer experience and at protecting residual value.
In a world exclusive, Tonale is the first car on the market equipped with an NFT (non-fungible token) digital certificate. Top-level connectivity and an all-new infotainment system, two levels of electrification – Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Q4,
Orders will open in April with the exclusive “EDIZIONE SPECIALE” launch edition.]
All-new Mazda CX-60 PHEV with over 223kW will premiere on 8th March 2022
Sticking to the electrification theme, Mazda has announced that the all new CX-60 PHEV will premiere on the 8th MARCH.
The Mazda CX-60 PHEV demonstrates Mazda’s commitment to a multi-solution approach to sustainable mobility and the principle of the right solution at the right time. It will be joined in the future by the Mazda CX-80 which will feature three-row seating.
The Mazda CX-60 PHEV will spearhead the European introduction of plug-in hybrid models with a powertrain that combines a 2.5-litre, straight-four gasoline engine with a performance-enhancing electric motor resulting in power output in excess of 223kW.
The powertrain is also slated for rollout in Australia, with timing yet to be confirmed.
Nissan Patrol celebrates record-breaking year with updated MY22 model
Following on from a record sales year where Nissan saw some 3264 Patrols sold in 2021, the updated MY22 version
The Nissan Patrol story, has now spanned 70 years, six generations, and more than two million sales.
The MY22 updates are essentially some minor cosmetic changes and it retains the 5.6L V8 petrol engine, but there are rumours of an all-new 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 in its near future.
The Patrol also retains its prodigious 4WD capability and excellent value for money title, especially against the new 300 Series LandCruiser.
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Chicago Auto Show 2022
Happening as we speak the Chicago Auto show is underway. Not that any of us could go.
Chicago show features multiple world and North American Introductions and the complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars, trucks, sport-utility vehicles, minivans, and experimental and concept cars.
In total, the 2022 Chicago Auto Show boasts hundreds of different vehicles from 19 different manufacturers. In addition, you’ll find numerous automotive accessories and auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles, project cars, antique and collector vehicles, and interactive exhibits
The 2022 Chicago Auto Show will feature six indoor test-track experiences where show visitors have the opportunity to go for a ride in a brand-new vehicle right on the show floor. The indoor tracks are in the Ford, Jeep, Ram, Toyota displays and at the stand-alone EV track.
In addition, there will also be three outdoor test-drive opportunities. From Ford, Kia and Subaru.
- Click here for a complete list of vehicles on display.
- Click here for a show floor map.
New Jolion Vanta Boosts Haval SUV Range
Following the release of the Haval H6 Vanta, GWM is pleased to announce the arrival of its smaller sibling, the Jolion Vanta.
Black exterior highlights are the main design upgrade from the Jolion Ultra on which the Vanta is based. Adding to the standout looks are 18-inch black alloy wheels, black roof rails, black lower rear bumper trim, black door trim and black fog lamp trims.
Matched exclusively with Mars Red metallic paint, the Jolion Vanta is available in a limited quantity of 500. Given the strong reception of the Haval H6 Vanta, where dealers have experienced cars being sold within minutes of hitting the showroom floor, it is expected that the Jolion Vanta will prove equally popular.
Haval Jolion Vanta is backed by a 7-year unlimited km warranty, 5 years roadside assist, 5 years Capped Price Servicing and is priced at $34,485 Driveaway (including $495 for metallic paint).
All-New Lexus LX Australian Specifications Confirmed
Australian specifications for the all-new Lexus LX have been confirmed. LX is to be offered with advanced twin-turbocharged V6 engines including LX 500d diesel and LX 600 petrol models, the first-ever F Sport and Ultra Luxury grades, and the availability of three seating configurations.
The range includes LX 500d and LX 600 seven-seat variants, LX 500d F Sport and LX 600 F Sport five-seat variants, LX 500d Sports Luxury and LX 600 Sports Luxury five-seat variants, and the flagship LX 600 Ultra Luxury four-seat variant.
Pricing details will be revealed closer to the arrival of the Lexus LX in Australia in April, 2022.
Honda Civic Type R sets new lap record at The Bend – twice!
Honda Australia has set a new lap record for a front-wheel drive production car at The Bend Motorsport Park (The Bend), with the Civic Type R Limited Edition lapping the International Circuit in 2 minutes 12.260 seconds, lowering the previous benchmark by over two seconds.
Driven by former Super2 and Australian GT Endurance Champion, and 2019 TCR Australia Series runner-up, Tony D’Alberto, a regular Civic Type R was first to break the existing lap record of 2 minutes 14.316 seconds set in late 2019, with the Racing Blue car achieving a 2 minute 13.251 second lap time (2:13.251) to undercut the previous mark by over one second.
The Honda TCR driver then got behind the wheel of the Civic Type R Limited Edition to lower the reference point even further, cutting another second from the lap time he had just logged, setting a new lap record of 2 minutes 12.260 seconds (2:12.260) for a front-wheel drive production car around The Bend’s challenging International Circuit.
This is the Motoring Minute Weekly News
Im Rob Fraser
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