Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Tuesday March 19th 2024. Notably in car news today: Audi debuts its anticipated Q6 E-Tron on new PPE platform, and Mazda has trademarked a new set of model names in China.
Audi has announced its highly-anticipated Q6 E-Tron SUV which will be the first model under the Audi banner to use the Volkswagen Group’s new PPE platform.
Sharing its underpinnings with the upcoming Porsche Macan EV, the Q6-Tron will use dual electric motors and a large 94.4kWh usable battery pack to deliver up to 625km of electric range.
A spicier SQ6 E-tron will also be available and will be capable of producing up to 380kW of power.
The model has been confirmed for Australia, but while Audi’s local arm couldn’t pin down a release date, pricing is expected to start from around $90,000.
Mazda trademarks ‘EZ-6’ and ‘EZ-60’ nameplates in China
Mazda has teased press with future BEV and PHEV models
Mazda has filed trademarks for two new vehicle names in China, according to local media reports, potentially pointing to an electricMazda 6replacement.
Autohome reports that trademarks have been filed for two models, an EZ-6 and EZ-60. Both nameplates are speculated to be allocated to electric vehicles to be jointly developed by Mazda and Chinese auto manufacturer Changan, as part of a joint venture.
It’s possible that both nameplates are one or two of the unnamed vehicles that Changan Mazda teased last year, with images from a presentation at the Shanghai motor show circulating on social media at the time.
The new models are understood to be built on Changan’s EPA platform which is compatible electric and hybrid powertrains, with the report speculating a model reveal at the Beijing Motor Show in April.
It’s not known whether the nameplates will exclusively feature on China-only Changan Mazda models, or if they could point to future Mazdas that might make their way to Australia.
Mercedes-AMG to go head to head with Porsche Taycan with future electric flagship
This electric AMG doesn’t have a name yet, but watch out Porsche Taycan!
Mercedes-AMG has given us a first glimpse of its upcoming AMG EA electric project.
The brand has teased two images of the new flagship electric car, which is set to use AMG’s own electric architecture.
The brand states that the model, which is still unnamed, will be based on more advanced axial-flux motor technology, offering “an unparalleled mix of power density, size and weight”.
The biggest competitors for this type of vehicle are likely to be the recently updated Porsche Taycan, as well as BMW’s future-planned quad-motor electric M3/M4.
Mercedes-AMG G63 to get $50,000 limited Grand Edition add-on in Australia
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG G63 Grand Edition
Mercedes-AMG has added even more flair to its popular G wagen model, the G63.
Finished in Night Black Magneto paintwork, the Grand Edition package adds gold exterior trim to contrast, including for the paint covering the unique 22-inch AMG-forged alloy wheels.
Inside, gold contrast stitching for the seats, gold AMG plaques for the seat backs and finished with a Grand Edition badge.
Only 1000 of these special editions will be built, with Mercedes-Benz confirming only a limited number of cars will be available in Australia.
The AMG G63 Grand Edition package is priced at $50,000, on top of the regular list price of $363,561 before on-road costs.
Mazda CX-60 long-term review conclusion
Tom Baker drove a Mazda CX-60 diesel for six months
Chasing Cars editor Tom Baker’s long-term review of the Mazda CX-60 D50e Azami was published after a six-month testing period.
The CX-60 impressed Baker with its keen pricing in comparison to rivals, smooth straight-six engine and frugal fuel consumption.
However the poorly tuned suspension and transmission stood out as significant negatives in the experience.
In closing, Baker said he would not recommend the CX-60 to buyers until its many major issues, including those mentioned above, were fixed.
