Mazda has been without a performance halo since the RX-8 ended production in 2012. After more than a decade of hiatus, it seems the Japanese manufacturer is toying with the idea of a new RX-badged sports car.

Now, of course the automative landscape has changed dramatically since the last RX-8 rolled off the production line. The push for electrified and low emission vehicles means if Mazda was to bring out a new halo sports car today, it would have to have some sort of electrification, if not full electrification, to keep emissions in check.

We all know what the RX stands for and if the new model does not have a rotary Wankel engine then it can’t be considered an RX sports car. Well, according to sources the next generation RX-9 will still feature a dual-rotor Wankel engine, but unlike its predecessors the rotary engine will not drive the wheels directly. Instead it will be used as a range extender in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) setup.

The details are scarce but Mazda claims the RX-9 is targeting a 370hp (275kW) power figure with double the torque output at 550Nm. This may not seem like a lot for a sports car in today’s standard, however the company is set to keep the weight down. If the earlier RX-7 model is of any indication, we can expect the RX-9 to tip the scape at around 1.4 tonne. With such light weight to pull that power output should be enough to bring sizzling performance.

To proof how serious it is about the new RX-9, Mazda has even dropped some fancy renderings of the concept which will morph into the RX-9. It’s called the Iconic SP concept and it comes with all the hallmarks of an RX sports car – sculpted panels, long bonnet, pop-up headlights (that will be a challenge passing pedestrian safety regulations), wide haunches and curved rear windscreen.

But we’re more interested in the yellow RX-9 rendering by Rotor & Shaft, as the design has a better proportion and is more likely to make it to production.

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The next-generation Mitsubishi Triton pickup is not too far away, as previewed today by the Mitsubishi XRT Concept. Slated to launch later this year, the new Triton will base its design on the bold lines and muscular proportions of the XRT Concept.

The Triton is Mitsubishi’s top-selling model manufactured at the Laemchabang Factory in Thailand. With its first full redesign in approximately nine years, the all-new Triton will be the sixth generation of the brand’s midsize pickup truck.

The Mitsubishi XRT Concept is characterised by a prominent front fascia and a muscular bonnet that continues to the side with bold, horizontally-themed styling. The concept also boasts front and rear over fenders as well as mud-terrain tyres, giving it the “powerful drive to compete in grueling rallies and the dynamism to dash across the terrain”.

The body features a camouflage design inspired by lava rocks packed with condensed energy, and the sides have been adorned with a graphic of the 10-parallel line Ralliart brand icon that expresses Mitsubishi Motors’ passion for driving.

Mitsubishi says the all-new Triton is going through final touch-ups in preparation for its release. Rigorous endurance tests have been performed around the world with know-how gained from rally activities incorporated in the engineering.

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Toyota has previewed the next-generation of its popular C-HR small SUV with the C-HR prologue.

Launched back in 2016, the C-HR provided the bold styling direction for Toyota and the new concept is set to take that further, with what the brand dubbed ‘a precision organic design language’.

It features a smaller grille opening along with slender C-shaped headlights to accentuate the ‘high-tech identity of the concept’.

The C-HR prologue rides on bigger wheels and the overhangs are noticeably shorter, giving the concept a more sporty and stronger aesthetic.

Finishing it off is a striking tri-colour option of sulphur over a metal silver and recycled carbon black.

The concept was designed by Toyota’s European Design Development team ED² who also designed the original C-HR.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the C-HR was here to stay.

“The current C-HR was embraced by customers for its bold styling and unique small SUV packaging and the concept vision for the next generation C-HR takes that to an even higher level, said Mr Hanley.

The next-generation C-HR will be offered globally with both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains and a move towards Toyota’s multi-technology electrification strategy.

Toyota Australia hasn’t revealed the launch date for the new C-HR in Australia but it’s likely to arrive sometime in 2024.

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Volkswagen has welcomed to Australia the first examples of the ID.4 electric SUV, ahead of a register-your-interest waitlist for customers going live by Christmas.

The two ID.4 electric SUVs arrive in Australia in overseas-market specifications – the 150kW ID.4 Pro Performance with 522km range, and the 125kW ID.4 Pure Performance with 345km range and sharing the Pro’s 310Nm.

A fully loaded ID.4 Pro Performance will most closely reflect Volkswagen Australia’s planned launch specification, while the ID.4 Pure Performance will likely join later and aim at fleet operators and government agencies.

The Volkswagen ID.4 is produced on a dedicated, modular battery electric vehicle (BEV) architecture known as MEB.

By producing the ID.4 on a dedicated platform it allows designers and engineers to minimise the front and rear overhangs of the vehicle. This ensures that more of the ID.4’s 4584mm body length goes into maximising cabin and boot space, which closely mirrors or exceeds that of the Tiguan SUV.

Rear seat space more closely resembles that of the larger Touareg SUV, with USB-C ports and three-zone climate control available. The family-friendly 543 litre boot volume can be expanded to 1,575L with the rear backrest folded.

The MEB platform also ensures the higher kerb weight inherent to BEVs is placed more beneficially to steering, ride and handling qualities than in an equivalent internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.

The ID.4 Pro Performance and ID.4 Pure Performance utilise an 82kWh and 55kWh battery package respectively. Both are placed ‘flat pack’ under the central part of the chassis for more even weight distribution and to lower the centre of gravity.

Targeted at singles, couples, couples-plus-pet, families and empty nesters, the ID.4 Pro Performance’s long range will be complemented by up to 125kW DC fast charging enabling charging from 0% to 80% in 33 minutes and on to 100% in 42 minutes. The ID.4 Pure Performance’s 110kW DC fast charging is quicker by 7 minutes and 10 minutes respectively.

The Volkswagen ID.4 is rear-wheel drive and uses a multi-link rear suspension setup for the ride comfort and control typified by a Tiguan, or Golf. It is also rear engined, enabling 0-100km/h performance of between 8.5 seconds (Pro Performance) and 9.0sec (Pure Performance).

With specification still to be locked in for Australia, highlights of the Pro Performance above the Pure Performance in overseas specification include 19-inch alloy wheels (vs 18s), progressive steering, area view camera, augmented reality head up display, 12in infotainment (vs 10in) and 450W 7-speaker audio.

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Polestar has confirmed a production version of its seductive O2 concept will arrive in 2026 as the Polestar 6, and it’s coming to Australia.

Featuring an all-electric powertrain, the Polestar 6 is described as “a perfect combination of powerful electric performance and the thrill of fresh air with the top down” by Polestar’s CEO.

It will sit on the bespoke bonded aluminium chassis of the Polestar 5 grand tourer, and offers the same 800-volt architecture with dual electric motors producing up to 650kW (872 hp/884 PS) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque.

It’s said to be capable of a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) sprint in 3.2 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 250km/h (155mph). Polestar says full specification will be announced closer to the car’s launch.

Like most of Polestar’s recent concept-to-production models, the road going version of the roadster is expected to retain most of O2 concept’s styling, with a folding hard-top, sharp LED lights and smooth surfacing.

In conjunction with the new model confirmation, Polestar has also announced a special edition of the Polestar 6 to be known as the “LA Concept” and limited to 500 units.

Production is expected to begin in 2026, but Polestar has already started taking orders for the $US200,000 ($A285,370) roadster in the US.

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With the next-generation Ford Ranger inching closer to its late 2021 market launch, Ford has released a teaser video of the highly anticipated and popular ute showcasing the model being off-road tested in a variety of terrains, including gravel, sand, rocks and snow.

Like the current-generation, the new Ranger is designed and engineered in Australia for the global market, with Ford claiming the new model will have “superior off-road credentials paired with dynamic driving DNA”, as well as being “the toughest, most capable, most connected and most versatile Ranger yet”; the latter no doubt hinting at the hi-tech features inside the car.

Despite the heavy camouflage, it’s clear the next-gen model will favour the more truck-like face of the F-150, with larger and vertically-arranged LED headlights, a larger grille and muscular wheel arches.

Sitting on an upgraded version of the T6 ladder-frame platform which will also underpin the next Volkswagen Amarok, the new model will be the first Ranger to be offered with a plug-in hybrid variant. Rumours suggest a 2.3-litre EcoBoost married to an electric motor for a combined output of 270kW (362hp/367PS), along with a decent-sized battery for a reasonable EV only range.

Other engine options are likely to include a 224kW (300hp/304PS) 2.3-litre Ecoboost four-cylinder, a 246kW (330hp/335PS) 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6, and a 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 with 298kW (400hp/406PS) borrowed from the Ford Bronco Warthog for the Ranger Raptor flagship. Australia will also likely to retain the 2.0-litre EcoBlue bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel with 157kW (210hp/213PS).

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Korean premium brand, Genesis, is definitely on the march, introducing its first-ever GV60 all-electric vehicle – ahead of Japanese rival Lexus.

Based on the same E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform) found under the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, the GV60 is of course, cloaked in a more luxurious and premium outfit compared to its more affordable relations.

At the front, the GV60 sports Genesis’ easily recognisable design language, thanks to its ‘Quad Lamps’ headlights and the marque’s Crest Grille, which has been toned down for the EV.

Along the sides, the twin-stack indicators have made way for a clam-shell bonnet, while the traditional wing mirrors have been eschewed and replaced with cameras. There are also door handles that pop out as the driver approaches the vehicle.

Around the back, we can see the trademark twin stack LED taillights, along with a ducktail rear spoiler and raked rear windscreen for a coupe-like look.

Inside, the standout feature in the GV60 is no doubt the Crystal Sphere. It forms part of the vehicle’s mood lighting when the vehicle is off, but rotates into a shift-by-wire shifter when it’s on.

The interior also features a large one-piece digital screen that combines the driver’s digital cluster with a prominent touchscreen infotainment system.

Genesis hasn’t announced any technical specification at this stage, although we suspect it would not deviate too far from that of the Ioniq 5 and EV6.

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The all-new 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe has been unveiled ahead of its official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Sporting a sleek new look that looks more muscular than ever before, the new 2 Series Coupe is, thankfully, not plagued by the bucktooth grille of the larger 4 Series.Instead, featuring a decently sized grille that is flanked by a pair of sweptback headlights, along with angular air intakes.

Side on, those pumped out wheel arches give the entry-level coupe a seriously muscular stance that looks even better than it’s larger sibling.

Moving to the back, there is a clear continuity in design from its predecessor, especially in the taillights, albeit with different light graphics.

The M240i shown here gets a more aggressive front bumper than the standard model, along with a cerium grey grille surround and M-like mirror caps.

Size wise, the 2022 model is 109mm longer (4.3 inches), 66mm wider (2.6 inches) and 25mm lower (1 inch) than before, while wheelbase has grown by 51mm (2 inches) for better rear room.

Inside, the new 2 Series’ interior is a big step up from the outgoing model with higher quality materials and a more modern design.

Overseas models come standard with analogue gauges and an 8.8-inch infotainment system but can be optionally equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Both run on BMW’s iDrive 7 operating system instead of the newer iDrive 8 in the iX.

Nevertheless, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant are standard. The latter responds to natural language and can learn routines, such as automatically lowering the driver’s window at a carpark entrance.

In terms of safety, the 2 Series comes with Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Active Blind Detection and Speed Limit information.

Under the bonnet, the entry-level 220i comes with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol pumping out 135kW (181hp/184PS) and 300Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100km/h takes 7.5 seconds before hitting a top speed of 236km/h.

The mid-range 230i is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol churning out 190kW (255hp/259PS) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. It is married to an eight-speed automatic transmission which propels the car from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds.

Meanwhile, the M240i xDrive Coupe is motivated by a 3.0-litre TwinPower turbocharged six-cylinder engine generating 275kW (369hp/374PS) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic and a rear-biased all-wheel drive system with an M Sport rear differential. 0-100km/h is taken care of in just 4.3 seconds, while top speed for both models is limited to 250km/h.

In Europe a 220d which comes with a mild hybrid 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel is also available. It delivers 140kW (187hp/190PS) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, enabling it to hit 100km/h in 6.9 seconds before topping out at 237km/h.

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The new-generation Peugeot 308 SW wagon has bowed in as a practical and sexy alternative to compact SUVs.

Likely to be badged 308 Touring when it arrives in Australia in 2022, the wagon sits on a 55mm longer (to 2732mm) wheelbase and has a 210mm longer rear overhang compared to the 308 hatch.

The result is a larger boot space: 608 litres versus 412 for the hatch. It expands to 1634 litres (up 311 litres) when the 40:20:40 rear seats are folded, enabling it to swallow objects longer than 1.85m.

Compared to the outgoing 308 wagon, the 2022 model is 60mm longer at 4640mm, 20mm lower at 1440mm, with the windscreen mounted further back into the body for a sportier look.

While the SW shares its front fascia with the 308 hatch, the redesigned tail features freestanding LED taillights as opposed to the connected design of the hatch along with an integrated spoiler and a raked rear windscreen. For practicality, the boot also reaches lower to the rear bumper for easy loading and unloading.

Inside, the futuristic i-Cockpit dashboard is carried over from the hatch combining a 10-inch 3D digital instrument cluster with a 10-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation and multi-connection Bluetooth. Peugeot’s signature small-diameter steering wheel also makes a return.

Other interior highlights include the new ‘OK Peugeot’ voice assistant, 10-speaker Focal premium sound system, wireless smartphone charging, two USB-C ports, eight colour ambient lighting and a compact gear shift level on automatic models.

The 308 also benefits from the latest driving assistance systems including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, driver attention monitoring, auto high-beam, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, long-range blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a 360 degree camera.

The 308 SW is available with a range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, although it isn’t clear which options will be offered in Australia just yet.

On the petrol front, there is a 1.2-litre turbo three-cylinder in two states of tune – 81kW and 96kW, both paired with a six-speed manual as standard, with the latter available with an eight-speed automatic.

There is also a 96kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel connected to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

Finally, two plug-in hybrid options are available in Europe, both employing a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder married with an 81kW electric motor and eight-speed automatic transmission.

Both draw electron from a 12.4kWh battery that can be recharged in just over seven hours on a single-phase AC socket, or one hour and 55 minutes with a 7.4kW home wallbox.

Entry-level PHEVs will produce a combined 132kW along with a 60km all-electric range based on Europe’s WLTP testing procedures, while flagship variants churns out a combined 165kW and 59km of electric range.

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The 2^nd-generation BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe has broken cover today with BMW Australia confirming its arrival in late 2021.

Based on the 4 Series coupe, which in turn is based on the 3 Series sedan, the Gran Coupe has been a decent seller for BMW.

Three engine options will be on offer consisting of two petrol and a petrol-hybrid, the latter a first for the model, featuring 48-volt technology to deliver a mix of performance and economy.

Equipment

Like the 4 Series, the 4 Series Gran Coupe comes standard with an 8.8-inch control display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 5.1-inch digital instrument cluster, BMW Maps and driver assistance systems such as front collision warning, lane departure warning, park distance control, reversing camera and parking assistance.

Options include a larger 10.25-inch control display, BMW Live Cockpit Professional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, remote over the air software upgrades, connected music, BMW digital key, head-up display amongst others.

Engine and transmission

The 4 Series Gran Coupe will come in three variants:

• The 420i with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder petrol putting out 135kW/300Nm. Fuel economy is rated at 7.3-6.6L/100km
• The 430i with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder petrol delivering 180kW/400Nm. Fuel economy is rated at 7.6-6.8L/100km
• The M440i xDrive featuring a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six producing 275kW/500Nm. Fuel economy is rated at 8.5-8.0L/100km

All are connected to an eight-speed Sport Steptronic automatic transmission with launch control. The M440i xDrive also includes a Sprint function designed for bursts of mid-range acceleration.

Fitted as standard to the M440i is an M Sport exhaust system and M Sport differential that are optional on the others.

Dimensions

Compared to its predecessor, the new 4 Series Gran Coupe is 143mm longer, 27mm wider, 53mm taller and sits on a wheelbase that is 46mm longer.

Boot space has also gone through a growth spurt to 470 litres, an increase of 39 litres. With the 40/20/40 back seats folded, boot space increases to 1,290 litres.

It also comes with wider tracks, a near 50:50 weight distribution, a lower centre of gravity and incorporates a shear brace connecting the front shock towers to the bulkhead for improved handling.

There’s also additional underfloor bracing to increase stiffness in the rear suspension area, while the two-joint spring strut suspension and five-link rear suspension have been designed to reduce weight while increasing rigidity.

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