Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Friday May 17th 2024. Notably in car news today: Chery will bring the Tiggo 4 small SUV to Australia by year’s end, and Honda has announced a mammoth investment into electric vehicles.
Chery confirms Tiggo 4 SUV will be in Australia “by Christmas”
This is the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and it’ll be here soon
Chery Australia has confirmed to Australia media at the recent launch of the Tiggo 8 Pro Max SUV that the smaller Tiggo 4 Pro will also be joining the lineup this year.
Positioned at a similar size to a Hyundai Kona or Toyota Corolla Cross, the Tiggo 4 Pro will likely be powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine shared with the current Chery Omoda 5 SUV, which produces 108kW/210Nm.
Unlike the larger Tiggo 8 Pro Max, this new model will have a five-seat layout and will follow behind the brand’s first electric car for Australia, the Chery Omoda E5.
Core features of the model include a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster. Stay tuned for more specification details and pricing as we get closer to launch.
Honda to invest more than $97 billion on electric vehicles
Honda debuted two 0 Series EV concepts recently
Honda is set to invest more than USD$65 billion (AUD$97 billion) on electric vehicles as it works towards an electric-only small car lineup by 2040.
Part of the brand’s electrification process is to build its own in-house batteries, new megacasting production process and seven new 0 Series models to arrive by 2030.
Also in Honda’s grand plans is the development of a mini EV and van, a compact SUV, small SUV and small-size sedan, among others.
The news comes after Honda recently announced two electric concepts, including the radically-designed Saloon EV.
Honda does not currently have an electric vehicle available for sale in Australia, but has several models with hybrid technology.
Mercedes-Benz wants to stop using EQ naming structure for EVs
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed it will stop using the EQ electric vehicle branding for its next generation of EVs.
According to Auto Express, the German automaker will instead revert to past naming conventions, which we have already seen for the electric G-Wagon, now called the G580 with EQ Technology.
A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson told the UK automotive outlet that “you wouldn’t want to drop a brand like S-Class”.
This means that instead of EQS or EQB, for example, these models could become S-Class with EQ Technology, or GLB-Class with EQ Technology.
The next wave of Mercedes EVs are due in the next couple of years with updated battery tech and greater range.
Ferrari has invested heavily to keep its V12 engine alive
Ferrari is known for its naturally-aspirated V12 engines
In an era of downsizing and electrification, Ferrari has recently pulled the covers off its 812 Superfast successor called the 12Cilindri and significant work has been done to make it Euro 6e compliant.
According to Autocar, Ferrari has managed to be able to keep the V12 in production, but when asked about turbocharging, the brand’s chief commercial officer Enrico Galliera told the outlet that “V12 turbocharging is not in my mind… we use turbochargers when we reduce the displacement of an engine”.
The 12Cilindri is one of very few cars in production today with a naturally-aspirated V12 engine. In its updated form, it produces total outputs of 610kW/678Nm.
It’s possible, but unconfirmed, that the Purosangue SUV could gain this upgraded and more efficient V12 soon.
Arguably Ferrari’s biggest rival, Lamborghini, still has a V12 engine available, but its days of naturally-aspirated power is over, having now been electrified with a hybrid system.
2024 Kia Carnival reviewed
Chasing Cars deputy editor Curt Dupriez’ road review of the facelifted 2024 Kia Carnival was published, including his thoughts on Australia’s favourite people mover.
On the positive side of things, Dupriez thought the Carnival had improved ride and handling, excellent interior packaging and the fact the model is now available in hybrid guise.
Dupriez noted there were some areas to improve on, such as the thirsty nature of the petrol V6, some annoying smart safety systems and no option available for all-wheel drive.
Dupriez concluded his written review by saying “we recommend you don’t commit to any mainstream seven-seat SUV before at least considering this excellent eight-seat MPV package and what it brings to the game of serious family hauling”.
