Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Friday January 31st, 2025. Notably in car news today: next-generation Volkswagen Tiguan detailed, and the next Lexus LS could become a family hauling seven-seat hybrid SUV.
Volkswagen Australia has unveiled the initial specifications for the new-generation Tiguan, a model that is due to go on sale locally in May this year.
The new-gen Tiguan, now built on the updated MQB Evo platform, with a grade structure consisting of the 110TSI Life, 110TSI and 150TSI Elegance along with the 150TSI and 195TSI R-Line.
Particularly notable is the addition of the 110TSI Elegance grade, with the features like a 360-degree camera and 12.9-inch touchscreen. The entry spec engine also suggests pricing similar to the Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed ($52,640).
Pricing has not yet been released but will likely follow closer to the release date.
Lexus LS could become an SUV due to poor sales
Lexus’ flagship model, the LS large sedan, could soon be phased out and replaced by a seven-seat hybrid SUV, according to reports from Japanese outlet Mag-X.
It comes after the LS received fewer than 1500 sales in Japan in 2024; and sold just three in the UK, prompting the model’s exit from the market after 35 years. Just 11 sold in Australia last year, though luxury sedan sales generally were also down.
The ‘LS SUV’ is said to be in the planning stages and would likely be powered by the turbocharged four-cylinder engine aided by two electric motors – such as what powers the RX large SUV.
Lexus’ new model would likely be a more premiumoffering than the three-row TX sold in the United States, though it’s not clear exactly how they would differ.
New-gen Audi RS7 to ditch V8 power
The incoming new-generation Audi RS7 liftback and wagon, replacing the existing RS6 and RS7 models, will ditch its V8 heart according to reports by Car Magazine.
The V8 will reportedly be replaced by a V6 backed by a plug-in hybrid system that’s currently underdevelopment and expected to make around 541kW and up to 578kW in ‘boost’ mode.
That’s a huge hike over the 463kW put out by the current twin-turbo V8 engines but many buyers are likely to be disappointed by the continual engine downsizing of Audi’s flagship performance model.
Lower output versions of this V6 plug-in hybrid making up to 447kW will also be found in the new RS5.
Polestar shows off rally versions of 2, 3, and 4 models
Polestar has shown off concept versions of its 2, 3 and 4 models at the annual FAT Ice Race in Austria in an effort to show off the trio’s inherent “performance DNA”.
Dressed with typical snow equipment like ski racks, mud flaps, rally lights and tow hooks, the trio have also received performance upgrades befitting of a proper rally car.
These include a suspension lift of up to 40mm, three-way adjustable Öhlins dampers and studded Pirelli tyres on lightweight OZ racing wheels. The Polestar 2 received further chassis modifications including a strut brace front and rear.
While the trio remain as concepts only for now, Polestar has a history of showcasing concepts like the BST Edition 270 that later came into limited production.
Reviewed: 2025 Leapmotor C10 Design
Chasing Cars production specialist Tom Place published his review of the Leapmotor C10 electric midsize SUV, the brand’s first new car on sale in Australia.
Place praised the ultra-cheap $47,500 driveaway starting price, along with its comfortable and quiet interior matched with reasonable driving manners.
However, he noted that the lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto was likely to turn off any buyers and the poorly calibrated driver assistance technology was distracting and ineffective on the move.
In his verdict, Place noted that it was a solid first addition for the Leapmotor brand in Australia which offered a more convincing package than many other Chinese EVs.
