Every important car news story breaking today, in one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Friday 29 November 2024. Notably in car news today: Toyota announces GR Supra Track Edition due mid-2025, Alastair Doak retires from Mazda after 23 years, Range Rover Electric undergoes extreme testing and more.
This vehicle has been designed to further the capability of the Supra line-up. Being the Track Edition, Toyota’s key design brief was to make the GR Supra more capable in dynamic situations.
GR Supra Track Edition – expect enhanced aerodynamics and performance on the track.
The GR Supra Track Edition will offer performance levels worthy of sitting under the Toyota GAZOO Racing flagship. Design upgrades are also said to improve aerodynamics as well as provide a unique look.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said: “The GR Supra is the flagship of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing portfolio, with six-cylinder turbocharged power, rear-wheel-drive dynamics and standout styling which has turned heads ever since the fifth generation launched in 2019.”
Alastair Doak retires after 23 years at Mazda
After 23 years working at Mazda, Alastair Doak will retire from his role as the Mazda Australia Marketing Director. His career included time spent in motoring journalism, PR and marketing.
Originally joining the team in May of 2001 as National Public Relations Manager, Doak took responsibility for the iconic Zoom-Zoom product that launched in August 2002 with the Mazda6. Doak was promoted to Director of Marketing in 2007.
Alastair Doak retires from Mazda after 23 years of service.
Vinesh Bhindi, Managing Director of Mazda Australia, said: “Alastair has played a key part in many milestones during his career with Mazda, including unique projects like leading a global update for the previous BT-50 – a rare thing for a local market to do.”
Jared Gieschen will take over the role of Director – Sales and Marketing. Another longserving Mazdaemployee, with 22 years of experience working in the brand.
Range Rover Electric prototype in extreme testing
Prototype versions of Range Rover Electric vehicles are currently undergoing hot-weather testing in the United Arab Emirates; one of the world’s most extreme climates.
Desert assessment testing has been conducted to measure the endurance levels of the Range Rover Electric. Temperatures above 50 degrees celsius and humidity of around 90% have been experienced.
Range Rover Electric hits the sand for testing.
This level of testing is said to be especially challenging for an electric vehicle, as the cabin also needs to be cooled while the vehicle is driven through battery draining soft sand.
Thomas Müller, Executive Director, Product Engineering reported: “Range Rover Electric matches performance of its ICE equivalents; in some instances, even surpassing them.”
Hyundai SANTA FE wins Top Gear SUV of the Year Award
Hyundai SANTA FE picked up a second award in just two weeks, after winning the SUV of the Year title at the recent TopGear.com awards.
SANTA Fetook out the win after judges said it offered a blend of value and style, as well as high levels of versatility and an impressive powertrain in a hotly contested segment.
Hyundai Santa Fe takes out the Top Gear SUV of the year award.
The powertrain being discussed is a 1.6L T-GDI Smartstream engine, offered in two hybrid versions – two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
Ollie Marriage, Head of Car Testing at Top Gear, said: “The SANTA FE is a smart and sophisticated looking car, able to blend into diverse environments. It looks great in urban landscapes or parked next to radical architecture, but take it somewhere remote and it looks tough, rugged and prepped for adventure. It gets right the things it needs to and in terms of design, thoughtfulness and versatility there’s not a family car to rival it for the money.”
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 9reviewed
Chasing Cars Contributor Daniel Gardner’s written review of the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 9 was published, including his findings on whether the Ioniq 9 is a compelling value proposition.
Dan found the Ioniq 9 to be a comfortable ride, with long battery life and fast charging.
Dan said the Hyundai Ioniq offered a comfortable ride with long battery life.
He also commented on the large amounts of space, and versatility offered by the Ioniq 9.
It does need some tweaks to certain interior materials, and we are waiting for confirmation on V2L capability for Australia.
