Car news, 18 Oct ’24: Mazda updates BT-50 ute for 2025, Subaru further details next-gen hybrid tech, and more

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Thanks for joining us this Friday 18 October 2024. Notably in car news today: Mazda has revealed its updated BT-50 ute for 2025, and Subaru further details its next-gen Toyota-powered “Strong” hybrid technology.

Browse this issue:

• Mazda BT-50 ute gets update for 2025 
• Subaru unveils next-generation hybrid for its Crosstrek and Forester
• Alfa Romeo is ready to backtrack on all-EV future: report
• Ferrari F80 hypercar revealed 
• Reviewed: 2025 Volkswagen Golf Mk 8.5 GTI

2025 Mazda BT-50 facelift revealed and detailed for Australia 

• Mazda Australia has confirmed it will bring a significant facelift to its BT-50 ute, with the model expected to launch in the first quarter of 2025. 

• The BT-50’s front end has been redesigned to be more in line with CX models, but is more aggressive thanks to new LED headlights, grille and front bumper. 

• Inside, the BT-50 gains USB-C charging ports, a new 9.0-inch touchscreen and a larger 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver. Rough terrain mode also features for the first time, mirroring the Isuzu D-Max. 

• As for powertrain, both 1.9- and 3.0-litre engines will remain unchanged, with the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 140kW/450Nm. 

• Pricing is set to be announced closer to the ute’s official launch locally. 

Subaru unveils next-generation hybrid for its Crosstrek and Forester

• Subaru has revealed further details about its next-generation hybrid system, promising greater efficiency, more range, and more power. 

• The new so-called “strong” hybrid tech will appear in the next-generation Subaru Forester midsize SUV, and also the Subaru Crosstrek small SUV, utilising technology from Toyota which is said to deliver around 20 percent better fuel efficiency and claims of more than 1000 kilometres of range. 

• Subaru previously confirmed that the new Forester – set to arrive in Australia next year – will utilise the revised hybrid technology, although the Crosstrek Hybrid has not yet been confirmed for Australia. 

• The “S:HEV” powertrain combines Subaru’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder Boxer engine with an electric motor and battery from Toyota. 

The Alfa Romeo Giulia could live on with petrol-power: report

• Alfa Romeo is the next brand that could be ready to pivot on its promised all-electric transition, according to a report out of Europe. 

• Speaking to Auto Express, the CEO of Stellantis Europe (the owner of Alfa Romeo) Jean-Philippe Imparato said: “As we are blind in terms of changes in regulation, my only answer is that I have the means to adapt.

• “We will assess where we are … If the current global ecosystem does not change, [Giulia] will be 100 percent electric. If I see it is changing, or that I’m not matching what I want, it is not a problem to adjust with alternative powertrains,” Imparato went on to say.

• Alfa Romeo had previously stated its plans to transition to full electrification by 2027, with the current Giulia being on sale since 2015.

Ferrari debuts new F80 hypercar to rival McLaren’s W1 

• Ferrari has globally revealed its new halo car called the F80 and it’s set to take on the best from McLaren and Porsche. 

• The hypercar uses a hybrid-electric powertrain that produces 894kW of power thanks to a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with twin electric turbochargers. This engine can rev all the way to 9000rpm. 

• Two electric motors are also used in the F80’s setup, one for the front axle and one for the rear, combining to make an additional 220kW. A 2.3kWh battery aids performance. 

• But the Ferrari F80 is also extremely aerodynamic, creating a staggering 1000kg of downforce at 250km/h. 

• Local Australia pricing for the F80 is yet to be confirmed but let’s just say: it won’t be cheap.  

Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk 8.5 2025 review

• Chasing Cars contributor Daniel Gardner’s review of the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk 8.5 was published, taking a look at the hot hatch’s mid-life update which proves sweeping changes are not always necessary for significant progress.
  

• Gardner praised the vehicle’s outstanding dynamics, nostalgic but contemporary interior and daily driving friendliness, amongst other positives. 

• However, Gardner did note a few negatives, such as the fact there is no manual gearbox option, the fact that the GTI has become a pricey option, and the fact there is still a bit of a wait for Australian release. 

• Despite the criticisms, Gardner’s assessment of the updated GTI was of an impressively well-rounded package that continues to punch hard in an arena of high achievers.

WATCH: Full video review

READ: Full written review

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Monday 21 October at 4.30pm Sydney time.