Car news, 8 Oct ’24: Toyota and Subaru join forces for next EV for 2026, Mercedes-AMG V8 could live on in new CLE 63 S, and more
Olek Novak
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, in one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Tuesday 8 October 2024. Notably in car news today: Toyota and Subaru’s next EV collaboration due in 2026, and the Mercedes-AMG V8 could soldier on in the new CLE 63 S.
Toyota and Subaru join forces on second EV for 2026 – report
Japanese auto collaborators Toyota and Subaru are teaming up for their next joint-EV venture, with their next electric models due for 2026 according to an overseas report.
Nikkei Asia reports that the new EVs will use components from the ToyotaBZ4X and SubaruSolterra twins – the respective brands’ first EVs – and will go into production in Japan in January2026.
Subaru and Toyota are readying their next electric collaboration
As well as this, the new models – for which details are slim – will be produced for sale in Japan, Europe and NorthAmerica, so an Australian release isn’t out of the question.
Subaru and Toyota previously announced that three additional electric vehicles would be developed between the two brands, in addition to the BZ4X and Solterra.
With Toyota owning a 20 percent stake in Subaru, the two brands are no strangers to collaboration – jointly partnering on the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 sports coupe twins, and also promising to share hybrid technology too.
Mercedes-AMG rekindling V8 love for upcoming CLE 63 S
Mercedes-AMG could be bringing its twin-turbo V8 engine back to its larger coupe models, including the upcoming AMG CLE-Class with its flagship 63 S.
Spy footage shot by Youtube channel NCars shows camouflaged versions of the CLE conducting on-road testing, and by our ears the model sounds very similar to that of the brand’s venerable 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.
While Mercedes’ hot C-Class, the C 63 S E Performance, is now a turbo four-cylinder hybrid, the CLE could fill the gap missing and bring in more classic AMG enthusiasts.
For reference, a CLE-Class is essentially the love child of both a C-Class and the larger E-Class.
Mercedes-AMG does still offer a V8 engine in some models, namely the GT coupe, SL roadster and GT four-door, but the lack of V8 power for the C 63 has seen modest customer interest in the new-school plug-in turbo-four concept.
New electric Jeep Compass likely due in Oz in 2026
Jeep has teased the next version of itsCompass SUV and has already confirmed it will offer the model with multiple powertrains, including a dual-motor electric four-wheel-drive option.
It’s set to be produced in central Italy with full-electric, plug-in hybrid and 48-volt hybrid options.
Jeep is teasing its next Compass which will be available as an EV
For the pure electric variant, Jeep is targeting a 650km electric range based on WLTP testing, which is significantly more than the 390km claimed by the new Avenger electric SUV.
The Jeep Compass has sold 438 units in Australia so far in 2024 (down from the 1142 units sold in 2023). Pricing starts from $45,990 before on-road costs in entry Limited E-Hybrid guise.
The Compass’ smaller sibling, the Avenger, is now officially on sale in Australia and is set to arrive in dealerships this month.
McLaren details its 938kW W1 hypercar
British racing and supercar builder McLaren has revealed more details of its next model, the super-powerful W1 hypercar to take on the likes of Ferrari and Porsche.
Producing a combined 938kW and weighing in at just 1399kg, the W1 has the highest ever power output in McLaren’s history. Total torque output is a monstrous 1340Nm.
McLaren has revealed more details about its W1 hypercar
Unlike other modern hypercars, the W1 is exclusively rear-wheel drive. The hybrid system uses a 90-degree, twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine revs up to 9200rpm and is assisted further by a 255kW electric motor mounted on the side of the hypercar’s transmission.
The W1 is equally as aerodynamic, and can generate as much as 350kg of downforce at the front and 650kg at the rear. The hypercar’s ‘longtail’ rear spoiler consists of four electric motors and can be used for DRS functions, much like a Formula One car.
But can you buy one? It’s likely that the McLaren W1 has already sold out, even days after its reveal. McLaren is set to build just 399 examples. Pricing is unconfirmed and it’s unknown if any will make their way down under.
2025 Cupra Terramar reviewed
Chasing Cars contributor Daniel Gardner’s written review of the 2025 Cupra Terramar was published, including his thoughts on the new Cupra that will be based on the same MQB platform as the next Audi Q3.
Gardner enjoyed the sporty performance of the Terramar, along with its handsome interior and exterior design, fun handling and an overall comfortable ride.
However, he also found that pricing “will make or break its appeal”, its styling is not to everyone’s tastes and the fact that what spec Australia will get is still very much under wraps.
All in all, Gardner said of the Terramar: “Critically though, the newest model fills arguably the largest gap in the brand’s current lineup with an option that’s not too divisive while still offering a number of unique selling points”.
