Car news, 26 July ’24: Porsche to keep ICE Cayenne lineup alive past 2030, Chevrolet debuts its twin-turbo Corvette ZR1, and more

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Thanks for joining us this Friday July 26th 2024. Notably in car news today: Porsche has confirmed it will continue combustion engines for its Cayenne large SUV to live alongside an electric version, and Chevrolet has debuted its most powerful-ever production Corvette, the ZR1.

Browse this issue:

• Porsche to sell electric and combustion Cayenne
• Corvette ZR1 makes official debut 
• Mercedes-AMG likely to continue V8
• Stellantis says it could cut brands that don’t deliver results
• Reviewed: 2024 GWM Haval Jolion Ultra Hybrid

Porsche Cayenne to go electric, but ICE engines will remain

• Porsche has confirmed it will not only build a new electric Cayenne SUV, but also combustion versions past 2030. 

• In an announcement from the company, the German luxury automaker has confirmed that the electric Cayenne will debut as early as next year. 

• Porsche will use its PPE architecture and 800-volt technologies for the electric Cayenne – it’s a platform that is underpinning the new Macan EV.

• But the Stuttgart brand isn’t giving up on combustion, stating that it has been “improving the efficiency of the V8 developed by Porsche … extensive technical measures will ensure that the twin-turbo engine is ready to comply with future legislative requirements”. 

• The new Cayenne could debut next year, with research and development drives happening as we speak. 

Hottest Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 yet makes debut 

• Chevrolet has pulled the covers off its hottest-ever C8 Corvette, and it’s called the ZR1.

• Utilising a 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the ZR1 produces outputs of 782kW/1122Nm, and puts all of this power and torque to the road via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels exclusively. 

• It’s the first time the Corvette nameplate has used turbochargers in its 70 year history. 

• Other important specs for this American mid-engined supercar include new aero package, a giant rear wing and staggered 20- and 21-inch wheels. Inside, a 12-inch instrument cluster and 8.0-inch touchscreen are also standard. 

• The Corvette isn’t confirmed for Australia just yet, however it’s expected considering the availability of the rest of the C8 range from GMSV. 

• The Corvette ZR1 will bring the fight to other key competitors such as high-spec Porsche 911s, the Ferrari 296 and the Lamborghini Huracan. 

Mercedes-AMG could continue flagship V8 production

• Mercedes-AMG has hinted that the V8 engine will stick around in the future, as long as legislation allows for it.

• According to a report from Autocar, Mercedes-AMG boss Michael Sheibe told outlets that “We have no end date, but that would also be a very dogmatic discussion”. 

• Scheibe also stated that “our main purpose is to satisfy customer needs. We still see there are many customers that love our V8 engines and our high-performance four-cylinder engines”. 

• The news comes after Mercedes-AMG received fairly lukewarm reception to the new turbo four-cylinder hybrid engine in the C63.

• The twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine can still be had in the new SL roadster and GT flagship coupe, along with the GT four-door. 

Stellantis says it could cut brands that don’t deliver results

• Carlos Tavares, the CEO of auto giant Stellantis, has given a candid interview in which he acknowledged that “there is absolutely no taboo” when asked about whether some of its 14 brands could be dumped in the face of market challenges and a slump in first half-year profits.

• Speaking to Bloomberg, Tavares acknowledged the “pressure” and “turmoil” the automotive industry is under in response to the transition to electrification and ever-increasing global competition, saying that “we do respect the brands, we respect the fanbases of the brands, but there is no taboo if they are not able to monetise the value that they represent, then decisions will come”.

• Tavares went on to say that “for the time being, all of our brands, with no exception, are profitable”, however the spotlight has also been shone onto the group’s most premium brand, Maserati, which has delivered a negative operating operating margin and 50 percent top in sales.

• As reported by Automotive News, CFO of Stellantis Natalie Knight said that there could be “some point in the future” when the automaker looks at “what’s the best home” for the luxury marque.  

• As well as Maserati, the Stellantis Group includes brands Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall.

GWM Haval Jolion Ultra Hybrid reviewed

• Chasing Cars contributor Nathan Ponchard’s review of the 2024 GWM Haval Jolion Ultra Hybrid was published, including his thoughts on the latest iteration of the Hybrid small SUV.
  

• Ponchard highlighted several positives, including well calibrated and smooth transmission, strong performance, great driving position and impressive value for money.
  

• Some of the things Ponchard didn’t like so much included loud and intrusive safety systems, frustrating cruise control and a small boot.
  

• Ponchard concluded his review by saying there is a good car lurking beneath the Jolion’s sheetmetal, but some work can be done with the calibration of active safety systems. 
  

READ: GWM Haval Jolion Ultra Hybrid 2024 full written review

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Monday 29th July at 4.30pm Sydney time.