Every important car news story breaking today, in one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Friday 22 November 2024. Notably in car news today: Kia has pulled the covers off its flagship performance EV9 GT SUV, and Isuzu is set to offer a 2.2L oiler in its D-Max ute and MU-X wagon models.
Kia reveals its hot performance-focused EV9 GT SUV
Kia has globally revealed its high-performance variant of its electric EV9 large SUV, the flagship GT.
The EV9 GT will produce 373kW (or 501 horsepower) and will feature a Virtual Gear Shift function, much like the current Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Dual electric motors, one on each axle, will be standard.
This is the high-performance variant of the Kia EV9
Standard features include 21-inch wheels, Alcantara-lined seats, and paddle shifters, too.
Reports indicate that the EV9 GT could actually make more than 373kW of power when it gets to full production.
The EV9 GT has not yet been confirmed for Australia, but it’s very likely.
Isuzu debuts D-Max and MU-X with new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine
Isuzu Ute has announced its latest D-Max and MU-X that will be fitted for the very first time with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine.
The new four-cylinder diesel engine produces outputs of 120kW/400Nm and is mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
The new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine from Isuzu
This makes the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel slightly more powerful than the 110kW/350Nm 1.9-litre engine in Isuzu’s current range, but 20kW/50Nm less than the current 4JJ3 3.0-litre diesel engine used in Isuzu products for many years.
The new engine will go on sale in the D-Max and MU-X in Thailand on November 28. Australian launch timing is unclear at this early stage.
Kia EV6 GT to gain upgraded Ioniq 5 N powertrain
Kia will implant the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s more powerful electric powertrain into its EV6 GT, according to reports from Autocar.
This means that the EV6 GT will see power outputs increase from 430kW to 478kW. It’s understood that the Kia EV6 GT will also get the simulated automatic transmission from the Ioniq 5 N.
This updated Kia EV6 GT will get Hyundai Ioniq 5 N underpinnings
Battery size will also increase from 74kWh usable to 80kWh usable, exactly mirroring the Hyundai model.
Although unconfirmed, expect to see styling tweaks and possibly a more aggressive design than seen previously.
Tired of Porsche restomods? TWR announces Jaguar XJS-based Supercat
Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) has announced a high-powered reinvention of the Jaguar XJS from the 1980s, and it’s called the Supercat.
Extensively reworked from a Jaguar XJS, the Supercat is a special build and features a 492kW/730Nm supercharged V12 engine.
Say hello to the very wild TWR Supercat
This beast of a powertrain is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip rear differential.
Huge six-pot brakes sit up front, with four-pot calipers at the rear. The Supercat also features multi-link rear suspension with adaptive dynamic damping standard.
Just 88 examples of the Supercat will be handmade in the United Kingdom, with an estimated equivalent starting price of AUD$437,500.
Hyundai likely to partner with General Motors to build pickups: report
The broader Hyundai Group and General Motors could build new pickups together, according to reports from Korean news outlet Pulse.
Although unconfirmed, it’s possible Hyundai could be looking to build a Toyota Tundra or Ford F-150-sized pickup with GM underpinnings. A new Hyundai ute based on the Chevrolet Silverado is another possibility.
We might just see more utes from Hyundai!
Hyundai is preparing to enter the ute market here in Australia, but we might not see a ute from the company until 2026 at the earliest.
Meanwhile, Kia will launch its Tasman ute in 2025, but we are yet to see any glimpse of a ute from Hyundai just yet. Stay tuned.
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado reviewed
Chasing Cars contributor Iain Curry’s written and video reviews of the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 250 Serieswas published, including his first impressions and thoughts on one of the biggest new car launches this year.
Iain found the new Prado to be more refined on road, more capable off-road, had superb steering and improved 3500kg towing capacity.
Some clear downsides for Iain included the pricey nature of the vehicle, awkward boot space design and the need for AdBlue top-ups.
All in all, Iain came away from his trip to the Kakadu National Park with the Prado saying that, “High servicing costs and the weird boot space are challenges, while adventurers, off-roaders and towers must consider the 110L fuel tank, AdBlue requirements, GVM and payload. But for many, the new Prado 250 is utterly fit for purpose and, come on, looks the absolute business”.
