Car news, 11 Oct ’24: Mazda teases 2025 BT-50 ute, Toyota’s clay V8 Supra Supercar debuts at Bathurst, and more

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Thanks for joining us this Friday October 11th 2024. Notably in car news today: Mazda has teased its facelifted 2025 BT-50 ahead of its global reveal next week, and Toyota previews its Supercars racecar in clay at Bathurst, and more. 

Browse this issue:

• Mazda teases facelifted 2025 BT-50 ute
• Toyota full-size “Supracar” clay model to debut at Bathurst
• BMW commits to a turbo straight-six M3 future
• Mahindra announces Black Edition for XUV700 range
• Reviewed: 2025 Cupra Tavascan

Mazda teases 2025 BT-50 ahead of next week’s reveal

• Mazda Australia has revealed the front fascia in a teaser image of the incoming facelifted 2025 BT-50 ute.

• The image reveals a new face featuring a headlight and panel design akin to Mazda’s latest CX SUV family, together with the signature gaping grille complete with a large corporate emblem.

• The facelift will also include a “comprehensive redesign inside and out,” says Mazda Australia, who have taken the lead of the BT-50’s global reveal, due to take place next week, Friday 18th October.

• While details remain slim, it’s expected that many of the featured tech and safety upgrades, including a new 9.0-inch media system, will largely mirror the BT-50’s technical twin in the Isuzu D-Max that was facelifted earlier this year.

Toyota unveils full-size “Supracar” clay model

• Coinciding with this weekend’s Supercars Bathurst 1000, Toyota has unveiled a full-size clay model of the GR Supra Supercar that is set to join the racing series.

• The clay model was designed and produced by Toyota’s Melbourne design team and is what we can expect to see when the Supra begins competition against the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang from 2026.

• Toyota announced their entry into the series last month, revealing the Supra supercar would use Toyota’s 5.0L naturally-aspirated 2UR-GSE V8 engine, which has already found motorsport success in the Dakar-Rally-winning HiLux in 2019.

• Two Supras will line up for the 2026 Supercars season, piloted by Ryan Wood and Chaz Mostert, with the ultimate plan for an additional two Supras with another team to join the series in due course.

Next-gen BMW M3 will continue the turbo straight-six passion alongside pure EV version

• BMW won’t let go of its iconic turbocharged straight-six powertrains for the next BMW M3, according to reports from Germany.

• In  a report by Bimmer Today, BMW’s CEO Frank van Meel has confirmed there will be two M3s, one based on Neue Klasse and fully electric, while a combustion, straight-six powered M3 will also exist alongside. 

• The electric version of the M3 will use an electric motor for each of the four wheels could produce around 750kW.

• The G80 M3 will continue to be on sale for some time, with its S58 twin-turbocharged inline-six petrol engine to soon comply with Euro 7 emissions standards. 

Mahindra launches XUV700 Black Edition 

• Mahindra Australia has confirmed it will bring a Black Edition version of its XUV700 SUV to local shores, priced at $43,990 driveaway.

• The Black Edition adds black 18-inch alloy wheels, black grille and Napoli black exterior paint, as well as a blacked-out interior with ventilated seats and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

• The XUV700 Black Edition will be powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 149kW and 380Nm and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

• The Black Edition is now the most expensive XUV700 variant, sitting at $4000 more than the next most expensive variant, the AX7L. 

Cupra Tavascan 2025 reviewed

• Chasing Cars contributor Dan Gardner’s review of the 2025 Cupra Tavascan electric midsize SUV was published, taking a look at Spain’s new Tesla Model Y competitor.

• The top-dog dual-motor Tavascan VZ on test brings a bold and fresh look to the Spanish brand’s machinery, both outside and in, and features dual-motor drive with 250kW/679Nm, a 5.5sec 0-100km/h performance claim and a peak range of 522km.

• Gardner’s assessment concluded that the Tavascan VZ is a must-drive for anyone considering a Tesla Model Y, with a compelling design that meets a genuinely cracking drive. 

• Australian pricing and specifications have not yet been announced for the Tavascan however the first examples will be touching down in December.

READ: Link to full written review

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Monday 14 October at 4.30pm Sydney time.