Car news, 13 May ’24: New Toyota Camry detailed for Australia, Subaru Crosstrek to gain Toyota-supplied hybrid system, and more

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Thanks for joining us this Monday May 13th 2024. Notably in car news today: Toyota Australia has confirmed more details, including a variant walk, for its ninth-generation Camry, and Subaru will reportedly bring a new hybrid system to the Crosstrek with help from Toyota’s renowned electric system. 

Browse this issue:

• Ninth-gen Camry goes all hybrid for H2 2024 Australian release 
• Subaru Crosstrek to gain Toyota hybrid power: report
• Mercedes-AMG reverses plans for four-cylinder CLE 63, will instead fit V8
• Ford is losing up to USD$100,000 per electric vehicle
• Reviewed: 2024 Volvo EX30

Ninth-generation Toyota Camry detailed for Australia 

• Toyota’s new-generation all-hybrid Camry will launch in Australia in the second half of the year with a streamlined three-grade lineup and pricing to be announced closer to launch.

• The Australian arm of the brand has confirmed three variants for the new midsize sedan including an entry-level Ascent, mid-spec Ascent Sport and flagship SL variant, with the previous mid-spec SX discontinued.

• To be powered entirely by the automaker’s new fifth-generation 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain – which features a more powerful electric motor and a new lithium-ion battery – the lineup kicks off with the entry-level Ascent which includes features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED lights and dual-zone climate control.

• The Ascent Sport adds features such as a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen (compared to 8.0-inch on the Ascent), power driver’s seat, wireless phone charger and 18-inch alloy wheels.

• Meanwhile, the top-spec SL adds features such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, power passenger’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats and a nine-speaker JBL audio system.  

Subaru Crosstrek small SUV to gain Toyota hybrid system

• Subaru is set to introduce the next generation of its e-boxer powertrain for its Crosstrek small SUV in 2024 with help from Japanese auto giant Toyota.

• According to the Japanese auto publication Nikkan Jidosha Shimbun, the small SUV is set to gain Toyota’s hybrid system, which could be a more efficient and more powerful version than the current lineup. 

• This will ultimately mean that the iconic Subaru boxer flat-four engine will be joined by a Toyota-supplied battery and electrical parts. 

• It’s been reported that Subaru will push to get more of its models to use Toyota’s hybrid technology, including the Forester midsize SUV, by 2030. 

• Currently, a hybrid version of the Subaru Crosstrek is available, but only in the mildest of forms. It currently produces outputs of 110kW/196Nm, with the electric motor producing just 12.3kW and 66Nm. 

Mercedes-AMG reverses plans for four-cylinder CLE 63, will instead fit V8

• Mercedes-AMG has reversed its plans to put four-cylinder power into its next model, the AMG CLE 63. 

• According to reports from Autocar, Mercedes-AMG was initially planning to fit the same four-cylinder PHEV powertrain as what is found in the C63 S sedan and GLC 63 midsize SUV, but has reversed its decisions due to lower-than-expected sales for the turbocharged PHEV models.

• Instead, AMG will fit the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine to the model, which will produce up to 436kW of power.  

• The V8-powered CLE 63 will be positioned above the turbocharged petrol straight-six-powered CLE 53.

• The news comes after Markus Shafer, head of Mercedes-Benz R&D operations, went on the record in Beijing to say “it would be up to customers to decide” if AMG continues with its smaller-displacement petrol-hybrid system.   

Ford is losing $100,000 per electric vehicle

• Ford of America is cutting orders from its key battery suppliers as it deals with the fact that EV adoption is not growing at a pace the automaker and industry had initially anticipated. 

• According to reports from Automotive News, Ford’s losses per EV exceeded USD$100,000. Ford has forecasted losses as high as USD$5.5 billion this year alone. 

• Ford has cut its EV prices significantly, including at a local level here in Australia. The Ford Mustang Mach-E had $7000 slashed from its price before the first examples had even reached Aussie shores. 

• The brand has developed a skunkworks EV team who are working towards a USD$25,000 EV, but it’s not expected to arrive until late in 2026. 

• Ford will have to compete with global automakers including Tesla, BYD and MG who are frequently adjusting their prices across several global markets. 

2024 Volvo EX30 reviewed

• Chasing Cars journalist Zak Adkins’ review of the 2024 Volvo EX30 was published, including his thoughts on the stylish, minimalist interior and exterior design, as well as its punchy electric drivetrain.
  

• On the positive side, Adkins thought the EX30 excelled with a premium, yet funky interior design, an engaging driving experience and high levels of specification.
  

• Points that Adkins thought could be improved included the lack of an instrument cluster or head-up display, limited second-row room and no rear air vents for occupants.
  

• In summary, Adkins would recommend the EX30 to new-to-EV buyers if they’re after a stylish, punchy and premium electric small SUV. He was impressed after his first drive by what the EX30 has brought to the segment with its refreshing eco design, composed ride quality and smooth and punchy electric power. 

READ: Volvo EX30 2024 written review 

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Tuesday 14th May at 4.30pm Sydney time.