The Toyota HiLux range has undergone yet another update for 2024 to remain competitive in the highly saturated ute segment in Australia. The big news this time around is the introduction of the new V-Active technology on select HiLux double-cab 4×4 variants. This is complemented by refreshed exterior styling and additional specification to improve the ute’s value proposition.

Pricing for the new HiLux range starts from $26,475 plus on-road costs for the entry-level 4×2 WorkMate single-cab chassis, while V-Active technology is available starting with the 4×4 SR double-cab chassis from $54,130 plus on-roads.

Available on select 4×4 double-cab SR, SR5 grades as well as the luxurious Rogue, V-Active technology adds a motor generator, 48-volt battery and DC/DC converter to the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder powertrain and six-speed automatic transmission, bringing benefits to fuel economy, powertrain smoothness and off-road ability.

The addition of V-Active technology allows for the fitment of a stop-start system to the turbo-diesel engine which promises a 10 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency compared to 2.8-litre engines without V-Active technology.

The 48-volt system is said to make the stop-start system smoother and more seamless, with a significant reduction in vibrations when restarting the engine compared to an engine not fitted with V-Active technology.

Fitting a 48-volt system also allows the engine to be switched off for longer than a typical internal-combustion engine when stopped in traffic, with owners able to choose from either a ‘Normal’ or ‘Long’ setting which increases the time the engine is switched off while the air conditioning is running. Engine idling speed is reduced in V-Active technology grades, reduced from 720rpm to 600rpm.

Braking energy is recovered by the motor generator when decelerating to charge the battery. When accelerating, the motor generator can contribute power assistance.

HiLux variants equipped with V-Active technology add Multi-Terrain Select, which includes six selectable modes that enhance wheel traction in a range of road surfaces.

When in high range, MTS can be set to Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud and Deep Snow, while low range offers Auto, Sand, Mud and Rock modes to optimally deploy power and maximise traction.

The motor generator unit has been positioned high in the engine bay to ensure the V-Active technology system retains the excellent off-road ability of the HiLux.

All core HiLux grades with the exception of the WorkMate and SR single-cab and petrol variants gain a new front-end visual refresh which includes new front bumpers and a honeycomb mesh grille.

At the rear, WorkMate, SR, SR5 and GR Sport pick-ups offer a gloss black rear bumper while the Rogue sports a unique dark grey finish.

SR5 grades add dark-finished LED headlamps, gloss black exterior mirrors, door handles, tailgate handle and powder-coated sports bar for pick-up body styles.

Additional convenience is provided for all pick-up grades with the fitment of a tailgate damper with lift assist, which consists of a gas strut and steel cable. SR double-cab pick-ups with automatic transmissions add front and rear parking sensors.

Double-cab automatic SR5 grades gain a wireless charger which is also applied to the Rogue and GR Sport flagship along with two rear USB-C ports for greater charging capability.

2024 Toyota HiLux pricing (excluding on-road costs)

Options

Premium interior (SR5 only): $2,500
Premium paint: $675
Two-tone paint (GR Sport only): $1,000

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Toyota’s first fully electric SUV, the all-new bZ4X has arrived in Australian showrooms, bringing with it a new BEV (battery electric vehicle)-specific platform utilising the latest motor generator and battery technology.

Jointly developed with Subaru, the bZ4X is based on a new platform that integrates the battery and motor generator into the vehicle’s structure, providing extra rigidity and a low centre of gravity. This approach allows the wheels to be pushed further outward to the front and rear, leaving more room for passengers within the vehicle’s footprint.

The bZ4X is offered in front or all-wheel-drive format. The front-wheel-drive version is equipped with LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors with auto power folding, power tailgate and privacy glass for rear side, quarter and back windows.

The interior features fabric and synthetic leather trim, eight-way power adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, leather-accented steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, smart entry and start, four cupholders and eight bottle holders.

The latest Toyota multimedia technology is housed within a 12.3-inch touchscreen and is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay  and wireless Android Auto. Enhanced voice recognition using the “Hey, Toyota” command can control several functions such as “Open all windows”.

The SUV comes with BEV specific connected features such as charge station locators and charge management functionality within the myToyota Connect smartphone app. Over-the-air updates, cloud navigation and live traffic information are included.

The latest Toyota Safety Sense suite integrates a pre-collision safety system that can detect vehicles, motorcycles, cyclists (in daylight only) and pedestrians, including at intersections. Other features include emergency steering assist, lane trace assist, emergency driving stop system, road-sign assist (speed signs only) and parking support brake. The bZ4X is also equipped with active cruise control and seven airbags.

The AWD bZ4X brings a higher level of standard features, including a roof spoiler, fixed panoramic roof, roof rails and a gloss black bonnet accent.

AWD interiors gain a JBL premium sound system, premium synthetic leather seat trim, Qi-compatible 10W wireless charger8, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, driver’s seat memory function and a kick sensor for the power tailgate.

Safety enhancements for the AWD include driver monitor, blind-spot monitor, safe exit assist, intelligent parking assist and panoramic view monitor.

The AWD’s 212mm ground clearance and all-wheel drivetrain are leveraged by X-Mode off-road drive modes to enable off-road ability. X-Mode optimises traction for “Snow/Dirt” or “Deep Snow/Mud” conditions and incorporates Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control.

The FWD model features a front-mounted e-Axle that combines the transaxle, motor, and inverter into an integrated, compact unit that produces outputs of up to 150kW and 266Nm. The AWD model uses front and rear 80kW e-Axles with maximum combined outputs of 160kW and 337Nm.
Providing the electrical energy is a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery that is rigorously tested for 20 days before being fitted to a car.

FWD driving range is 535km at 128Wh/km, while the more powerful AWD’s drive range is 485km at 141Wh/km.

European versions of the bZ4X which are tested on the WLTP cycle return a range of 436km at 168.9Wh/km for the FWD and 411km at 181.1Wh/km for the AWD.

Six exterior colours are available: Ebony Black, Frosted White, Liquid Metal, Silver Rush, Feverish Red and Dynamic Blue. A two-tone treatment is available for the AWD with gloss black for the roof and A-pillars complementing the body colour.

The FWD bZ4X is priced from $66,000 with the AWD bZ4X available from $74,900.

The bZ4X is covered by Toyota Warranty Advantage, which offers up to five-year unlimited kilometre coverage extending to seven-years on motor and driveline with log-book services.

Toyota also offers capped-price servicing for the first five years/75,000km with each 12-month/15,000km service costing $180.

Toyota bZ4X pricing (excluding on-road costs)

FWD: $66,000

AWD: $74,900

Options:

Premium paint: $575

Two-tone roof (AWD): $1,350

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Polestar 4, the SUV coupe by the Scandinavian EV marque, is now officially on sale in Australia with a starting price of $81,500 plus on-road costs.

With first deliveries slated for August, the Polestar 4 is the fastest Polestar production car to date, with it slotted between the Polestar 2 sedan and Polestar 3 medium SUV in terms of size and price.

In its most potent form, the Polestar 4 Long Range Dual Motor can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds thanks to 400kW of power and 686Nm of torque afforded by the dual electric motors – one at each axle. This model has a driving range of 580Nm (WLTP). A disconnect clutch allows the car to disengage the front electric motor when not needed, to maximise range and efficiency.

The Long Range Single Motor variant features a 200kW / 343Nm electric motor at the rear and a driving range of 610km (WLTP).

Both versions are capable of fast charging up to 200 kW DC and 22 kW AC. Bi-directional charging hardware is included, with vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality planned to be made available at a later date, providing for external devices to draw power from Polestar 4.

Like the other Polestar models, the Polestar 4 features an Android Auto powered infotainment system that utilises a 15.4-inch landscape-oriented screen. With Google built-in, including Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play, Polestar continues to offer a connected experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay is also included.

The instrumentation panel is a 10.2-inch display and includes speed, battery and range information. Also fitted is a head-up display (HUD) with a massive 14.7-inch projection area in front of the driver that relays key vehicle, telephony and navigation information to the windscreen.
A clever ‘snow mode’ function for the HUD switches the text colour from white to yellow, improving visibility in snowy environments.

Several options are available. The Plus Pack comprises comfort and technology upgrades, with the Pro Pack adding 21-inch wheels and subtle design details. The Nappa upgrade can be specified in addition to the Plus Pack, and includes animal welfare-secured Nappa leather upholstery with ventilation and massage, additional headrest speakers for the front seats and rear comfort headrests.

The Pilot Pack includes Pilot Assist and its extended features, and is included as standard in all variants. The Performance Pack increases the performance look and driving experience of the Long range Dual motor version, with 22-inch wheels, 4-piston Brembo brakes, Polestar Engineered performance chassis tuning and Swedish gold details for the brakes, seat belts and valve caps.

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Lexus Australia has confirmed detail of its new LBX small SUV which will hit showrooms in Australia in the first half of 2024.

The all-new line-up will be offered in two trim levels – Luxury and Sports Luxury, skipping the F Sport variant available in Lexus’ wider range.

Powering both variants will be a 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid petrol engine producing 100kW of power.

Lexus says the powertrain has been tuned to deliver smooth, agile and refine performance, while offering top-class efficiency.

The engine has “high-speed combustion technology with Variable Valve Timing by Intelligent electric motor (VVT-iE)”, ultra lightweight piston and variable cooling system.

While pricing will be confirmed closer to launch, Lexus has detailed the standard equipment offered in the LBX.

The Lexus LBX Luxury will be offered in two-wheel drive only and comes with:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Two-tone paint
• Power tailgate
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• NuLuxe leather upholstery
• Sport front seats
• Heated front seats
• Electric driver’s seat with memory
• Surround camera

The Lexus LBX Sports Luxury will be available in both front- and all-wheel drive and adds:

• Ultrasuede leather accented seats
• Auto park assist
• Active noise control
• 13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound

Measuring 4,190mm long and 1,825 wide with a 2,580mm wheelbase, the LBX is 305mm shorter, 15mm narrower, and has a 80mm shorter wheelbase than the Lexus UX. It’s based on the same platform as the Toyora Yaris Cross and will be Lexus Australia’s smallest vehicle.

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The all-new Mitsubishi Triton is due in Australian showrooms in February 2024 priced from $43,690 to $63,840 plus on-road costs. The six-tier line-up consists of the GLX, GLX+, GLS and GSR models with double-car, club-cab and pick-up body forms available depending on model.

All Triton models are powered by the new Mitsubishi-developed 2.4-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine. With ‘twin stage’ turbocharging – two turbochargers, one small for fast response at low revs, and a larger turbo to fortify the top end – the new engine develops 150kW of power at 3500rpm, with 470Nm of peak torque available from 1500rpm to 2750rpm.

The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission which has been tuned to deliver improved response and linear power delivery throughout the rev range, while also improving efficiency over the previous generation. A new engine Auto Stop & Go System further supports efficiency. A six-speed manual will also be offered on some variants, post-launch.

New-Gen 2024 Mitsubishi Triton Price and Specification

*Prices exclude on-road costs.

Triton GLX

The value-packed workhorse of the range, Triton GLX features:

Drivetrain and Chassis

• Engine Auto Stop & Go system
• Heavy Duty rear suspension
• Easy Select 4WD (4×4 models), with 2H, 4H and 4L

Exterior

• All-new exterior design
• Front engine metal sheet undercover (4×4 models)
• Front engine composite sheet undercover (4×2 models)
• New 17-inch wheels
• Unique MITSUBISHI embossed material black grille

Interior

• All-new interior design
• Cloth seat trim
• Floor console box with lid
• Two cup holders, two bottle holders and sunglasses holder
• Driver sun visor with ticket holder
• Driver seat electric lumbar support
• Vinyl floor
• Seat back pocket including phone and tablet storage (Double Cab)
• Second-row bench seat (Double Cab)
• Second-row movable arm rest centre with cup holder (Double Cab)

Passive Safety

• Driver and passenger front airbags
• Centre airbag
• Driver and front passenger side airbags
• Driver’s knee airbag
• Curtain airbags

Active Safety Assist Technology

• Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) with:
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Cyclist detection
  • Junction assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Blind Spot Warning (BSW)/Lane Change Assist (LCA)
• Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK)
• Emergency Lane Assist (ELA)
• Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
• Parking sensors – front and rear
• Rear view camera
• Front Cross Traffic Alert
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Multi Collision Brake
• Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
• Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
• Driver Monitor System (DMS)
• Intelligent Speed Limiter (ISL)
• Automatic High Beam system (AHB)

Active Safety Assist Technology – Braking and Stability:

• Active Stability Control (ASC)
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Traction Control
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist system
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)

Comfort and Convenience:

• Automatic Air Conditioner (Club Cab & Double Cab)
• Keyless entry
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Electric Power Steering (EPS)
• 7-inch LCD MID Meter Cluster
• Integrated Navigation System
• Front A-port USB
• Front C-port USB
• Rear A-port USB (Double Cab)
• Rear C-port USB (Double Cab)

Audio:

• 9-inch audio display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Four-speaker audio (Club Cab & Double Cab)
• Bluetooth connectivity with voice and steering wheel controls

Triton GLX+

For even more capability, Triton GLX+ offers the additional features over the GLX:

Drivetrain and chassis

• Rear Differential Lock

Exterior

• Side Steps
• Front Fog Lamp
• LED high-mounted Stop lamp
• New 17-inch alloy wheels
• Privacy glass (rear windows)

Safety Assist Technology- Collision warning and avoidance

• Rear Automatic Emergency Braking

Comfort and Convenience

• Multi Around View Monitor

Audio:

• Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB)

Triton GLS

Stepping up to the Triton GLS brings a sophisticated look and feel, combined with Mitsubishi’s legendary Super Select 4WD II system.

Drivetrain and Chassis

• Super Select 4WD II with 2H, 4H, 4HLc and 4LLc
• Standard Duty rear suspension

Exterior

• New 18-inch alloy wheels
• Tray bed liner
• Heated, electrically-adjusted door mirrors
• LED lighting (headlamps, side turn lamps, front fog lamps, front & rear combi lamps)
• Unique MITSUBISHI embossed gloss black grille

Interior

• Interior trim: Soft padding surfaces with silver accent stitching.

Comfort and Convenience

• Dual-zone auto air conditioning
• Terrain Control
• Hill Descent Control
• Electrochromic inside rear view mirror
• Keyless Operating System (KOS)
• One Touch Engine Start Switch (OSS)
• Smartphone Wireless Charger

Triton GLS Leather Option

For an additional $1500, the GLS Leather Option further lifts the interior ambience with the following:

• Seat Trim Material: Leather with silver stitching
• Power Driver’s Seat adjustment
• Heated Front Seats

Triton GSR

Following a long line of GSR-badged Mitsubishi flagships, the New-Gen Triton GSR is feature packed and suitably sporting. It features the following (in addition to GLS):

Exterior

• New black 18-inch Alloy wheels
• Body colour front grille
• Wheel arch moulding
• Styling Bar
• Roof Rails

Interior

• Exclusive leather seats with orange stitching
• GSR-specific floor mats with ‘Triton’ lettering
• Interior trim: Soft padding surfaces and Dark Titanium accents
• Two dash-mounted cup holders
• Power Driver’s Seat adjustment

The post 2024 Mitsubishi Triton price, range and specification appeared first on ForceGT.com.

Ford Australia confirmed pricing and specification details of the all-new seventh-generation Mustang.

At launch the new 2024 Ford Mustang is available in three models – EcoBoost, GT and a new addition called the Mustang Dark Horse. The EcoBoost is powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the GT and Mustang Dark Horse feature a 5.0-litre V8 under the bonnet in two different outputs.

The Mustang EcoBoost is available with a Fastback (coupe) body style only and will open the Mustang line-up at $64,990. The GT is available in Fastback with a six-speed manual gearbox priced at $77,002 or ten-speed automatic transmission costing $80,902. The GT is also offered as a convertible body style priced at $86,752 which is fitted exclusively with an automatic transmission.

A 1,000-unit special edition model for Australia, Mustang Dark Horse is the first new Mustang performance nameplate in 21 years and will be available with both a unique TREMEC six-speed manual transmission at a price of $99,102, and an automatic transmission costing $103,002. Mustang Dark Horse is exclusively available in the Fastback body style.

All prices quoted exclude on-road costs.

Powering the Ecoboost variant is a 2.3-litre turbo four-cylinder engine developing 232kW @ 5500rpm and 475Nm @ 3000rpm. It’s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The GT and Dark Horse models are powered by a 5.0-litre V8 naturally aspirated engine. In GT trim, the engine produces 347kW @ 7250 RPM and 550Nm @ 4850pm, while in Dark Horse guise the output is raised slightly to 349kW @ 7250 RPM and 548Nm @ 4850pm.

Mustang Dark Horse receives track-focused enhancements in the form of auxiliary brake cooling ducts, a transmission cooler and rear axle cooler, all designed to improve endurance and recovery.

A bespoke chassis tuning for the Dark Horse include stiffer front springs and specially tuned MagneRide 9 shocks capable of monitoring wheel and tyre movement 1,000 times per second, which optimises performance based on road surface or driving mode.

Mustang Dark Horse also features wider staggered wheels (19 by 9.5-inch front and 19 by 10-inch rear), with stopping courtesy of Brembo front six piston brakes with 390mm rotors. Traction is also improved thanks to a Torsen limited differential.

The new Mustang is available for purchase at Ford dealerships across Australia, with first customer arrivals scheduled for Q2 2024.

2024 Ford Mustang Line-Up and Pricing

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Lexus will present its most luxurious model in Australia when the LM luxury people mover goes on sale later this year.

The Lexus LM showcases mobility akin to first and business class airplane travel, bringing the finest of traditional Japanese omotenashi hospitality of anticipating guests’ needs in advance with the highest levels of comfort and amenity.

The luxury mover will be available with a choice of two hybrid powertrains. At launch, the LM will be offered initially in seven-seat configuration with the LM 350h Sports Luxury, available in both two- and all-wheel drive, priced from $160,888 and $165,888 respectively.

The LM 350h is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with series parallel hybrid system that produces 184 kW and 270 Nm for swift and smooth performance.

Once the sliding door is opened the two reclining business-class-like seats draw attention, with a third row boosting capacity to seven. When not in use the supplementary row may be conveniently folded away at the push of a button to maximise luggage space.

In early 2024 the LM range will be crowned with the four-seat LM 500h Ultra Luxury, with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine boasting more than 200 kW and all-wheel drive. It is priced at $220,888.

The centerpiece of the LM 500h is its rear cabin, dominated by two VIP throne seats with genuine first-class levels of comfort, overlaid with extensive Japanese Takumi craftsmanship and a Lexus-first Rear Climate Concierge for holistic control of the cabin environment.

Fully raising the glass behind the front seats creates a personal and private oasis of relaxation and quietness for chauffeured guests, who can enjoy business or entertainment pleasure with a world-first 48-inch widescreen along with a 23-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. They may even wish to do so while enjoying a cool drink from the LM’s inbuilt mini chiller.

Full specification of the Lexus LM will be confirmed closer to local launch.

Model Price (exclude on-road costs):
LM 350h 2WD Sports Luxury $160,888
LM 350h AWD Sports Luxury $165,888
LM 500h AWD Ultra Luxury $220,888

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Ford Australia today confirmed pricing and the opening of online reservations for the highly anticipated, all-electric Mustang Mach-E – the company’s first production fully electric SUV. Embodying the spirit of Mustang for an electric future, Mustang Mach-E will arrive in Australian showrooms late this year.

Kicking off the line-up in Australia is the Mustang Mach-E Select which is priced from $79,990 plus on-road costs. This model boasts a 71kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery mated to a single electric motor which delivers 198kW and 430Nm of torque via the rear wheels. New for 2023, the LFP battery will allow Ford to offer the Mach-E with fresh technology proving to be more durable, using fewer high-demand, high-cost materials and with the ability to sustain fast charging as it approaches maximum capacity. The Mach-E Select will offer a driving range of up to 470 km.

Mustang Mach-E Select is equipped with a 15.5-inch infotainment screen (standard across the range) running Ford’s latest-generation SYNC 4A2 system. For enhanced visibility when parking a 360-degree camera is standard as is a B&O sound system with 10 speakers and subwoofer. Wireless phone charging as standard means you can conveniently charge your compatible smartphone without the hassle of a charging cable.

Across the line-up there’s room for five people. There are ISOFIX mounts on the two outboard seats and top tether anchors for all three back seats, making installing child seats easy. The rear seats fold 60:40 to increase rear luggage space when needed.

Mach-E Select features Black Onyx Sensico seats in the front and back, a premium artificial leather upholstery. The front seats are eight-way powered.

On the outside, Select boasts 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof and Ford’s E-Latch door handles which replace conventional door handles, as well as a front-trunk or ‘frunk’ for additional luggage space.

The Mustang Mach-E Premium is priced from $92,990 plus ORCs and boasts a bigger 91kWh battery delivering 216kW and 430Nm of torque via a single motor on the rear axle. This model balances enhanced performance with efficiency, delivering the longest potential driving range of the line-up – with up to 600 km of range.

Building on Select, Premium adds luxury touches like LED projector headlamps, premium-finish scuff plates and pedals, and interior upgrades, including red contrast stitching to its Black Onyx Sensico seats (front and rear), black headliner, and multi-colour ambient lighting as standard.

For the ultimate in performance, the Mustang Mach-E GT can streak from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds and is priced from $108,990 plus ORCs.

It features the same 91kWh battery as Mach-E Premium but runs two electric motors (one at the front and one at the rear) delivering 358kW and 860Nm of torque to all four wheels with a driving range of up to 490 km. Mustang Mach-E GT will be the fastest accelerating Ford the Blue Oval offers in Australia.

As the performance-oriented model in the line-up, Mach-E GT features MagneRide Active Suspension which can adjust up to 1000 times a second allowing the dampers to respond in real-time to changing road conditions or driving style. The system also automatically adjusts damping force based on the selected drive mode.

Speaking of drive modes, GT adds Untame Plus to the modes available on the other models: Active, Whisper or Untame. This setting is designed for closed-course driving only and adjusts everything from battery cooling to steering to throttle response, traction and stability controls, all-wheel drive strategy and ensures consistent power and torque delivery for longer-lasting thrills.

Ensuring it stops as well as it goes, Mustang Mach-E GT runs Brembo Flexira front performance brakes, 20-inch alloys wrapped in bespoke Pirelli tyres.

The ‘performance’ continues inside with a pair of bolstered Ford Performance sport front seats designed to support driver and front passenger during spirited driving and finished in a soft-touch leather-like material.

Online order of the Ford Mustang Mach-E is available now, with first costomer delivery expected in Q4 this year.

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Pricing and specifications for the biggest Ford pickup ever to roll on Australian roads, the Ford F-150, have been confirmed. The flagship American ute will arrive Down Under in the second half of 2023 with a factory-backed five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and the convenience of servicing through a nationwide Ford dealer network.

The Ford F-150 range will start from $106,950 plus on-road costs, with four variants in the range, including both short-wheelbase (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) body styles for the XLT and LARIAT.

The reintroduction of F-Series comes after significant demand from Aussies for Ford’s biggest, boldest and most capable pick-up. Following extensive re-engineering work by Ford Australia and RMA Automotive, the right-hand-drive F-150 will now be available from local Ford dealerships.

Both the XLT and LARIAT F-150 will feature the top-selling 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6 petrol engine, coupled with 10-speed automatic transmission in 4×4 Crew Cab configuration. With 298kW and 678Nm across the range, the F-150 features Ford’s port-fuel and direct-injection (PFDI) system, which uses a pair of injectors per cylinder along with twin turbochargers that offer on-demand power while minimising lag.

Each F-150 variant can be purchased either as a SWB with a 3683mm wheelbase and 1676mm styleside box, or LWB that extends the wheelbase to 3987mm and styleside box to 1981mm. All F-150 models in Australia are capable of towing 4.5 tonne, matching arch rival RAM 1500.

The XLT aims at owners wanting compelling capability from their pick-up paired with no-nonsense ruggedness. For the F-150 XLT, standard features include 20-inch six-spoke machined-aluminium wheels, chrome front and rear bumpers, black platform running boards, tailgate with flexible step and work surface as well as a “Tough Bed” spray-in bedliner.

The F-150 XLT SWB is priced from $106,950, while the XLT LWB asks for $107,945.

As the flagship of the Australian F-150 range, the F-150 LARIAT brings added levels of luxury with additional features over and above the XLT variant including premium mesh insert grille with chrome surround, chrome appearance package including mirror scalps, door handles, belt moldings, tow hooks and running boards, powered twin-panel moonroof and LED headlights, fog lights and taillamps.

The F-150 LARIAT SWB costs $139,950, while the LWB LARIAT has a sticker of $140,945.

All prices quoted exclude on-road costs.

Ford F-150 specifications:

F-150 XLT

• Two-bar style grille with chrome surround and black accents
• 20-inch six-spoke machined faced alloy wheels
• Chrome front and rear bumpers
• Black platform running boards
• Tailgate with flexible step and work surface
• Tough Bed spray-in bedliner
• Boxlink cargo management locking cleats
• Underbody skidplates
• 12-way power (including lumbar) driver cloth seat
• 10-way power (including lumbar) front passenger cloth seat
• Column mounted gear shifter
• SYNC 4 with eight-inch centre touchscreen
• Satellite Navigation system
• Seven-speaker sound system
• Eight-inch multiview digital instrument cluster
• FordPass Connect
• Dual zone automatic climate control
• Power adjustable foot pedals
• Foldout office workspace
• Six airbags
• Rear view camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Ford Pro-Trailer Back-Up Assist
• Cruise control
• Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking (AEB)
• BLIS with cross-traffic alert and trailer tow coverage
• Lane-keeping aid and driver alert system

F-150 LARIAT (in addition to XLT)

• Premium mesh insert grille with chrome surround
• Chrome appearance package including mirror scalps, door handles, belt moldings, tow hooks and running boards
• Powered twin-panel moonroof
• LED headlights, fog lights and taillamps
• Power release and close tailgate
• Power sliding rear window
• Leather-accented seats
• Heated and cooled front seats
• Heated rear seats (excluding middle seat)
• 12-way power (including lumbar) driver seat with memory settings
• 12-way power (including lumbar) front passenger seat
• Floor console mounted shifter
• 12-inch centre touchscreen
• 12-inch digital instrument cluster
• B&O unleashed sound system by Bang & Olufsen with 18 speakers
• Power adjustable foot pedals with memory settings
• Front parking sensors
• 360-degree camera
• Intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
• Lane centering
• Speed sign recognition
• Evasive steering assist
• Intersection assist
• Wireless phone charging

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Lexus has announced updates to its flagship LS 500 and LS 500h sedans for 2023 with the latest connectivity technology and improved user interface to bring it in line with the brand’s latest line-up.

Part of the updates include expanded Lexus Connected Services and more multimedia and remote functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay is now standard on the LS, along with wired Android Auto.

Customers will now interact with the most up-to-date multimedia system through a 12.3-inch touchscreen display in the centre console instead of the previous touchpad. “Hey Lexus” voice recognition function also makes its debut on the LS, which allows occupants to interact with the vehicle through conversational language.

In addition to the existing LS safety and security features of Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Call and Stolen Vehicle Tracking, the upgraded LS now adds benefits such as Lexus Multimedia Connect which synchronises the Lexus Connected app with the multimedia system to offer cloud-based connected navigation with live traffic, weather, parking and map updates, location searching, and first- and last-mile routing.

Lexus Status Connect features offer a wealth of vehicle data and information all accessible at the owner’s fingertips, including odometer and fuel level readings, remaining range, the vehicle’s last known location, vehicle diagnostics data and recent trip details.

Owners can also now remotely check whether the doors, windows, boot and bonnet are closed and locked, and receive alerts if unlocked or open. Tyre pressure status can also be remotely monitored and hazard lights activated by a press on a smartphone screen.

Finally, Lexus Remote Connect features allow owners to remotely start the car’s engine and lock/unlock the doors.

Another new feature is the updated Panoramic View Monitor which now has a new underbody transparent display function.

Exterior changes are minimal with deletion of the Lexus badge on the boot lid, deletion of Hybrid badge on the lower rear doors, deletion of blue hue from the Lexus brand logo badge and ‘500h’ model name badge.

The LS 500 continues to be powered by the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine producing 310kW and 600Nm from 1600-4800 rpm, while the LS 500h features a naturally aspirated V6 of the same capacity with a multi-stage hybrid system offering 264kW.

These subtle but significant enhancements to the LS 500 and LS 500h follow a comprehensive update in February 2021.

The revised LS 500 and LS 500h are now on sale priced from $195,920.

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