Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Thursday, May 9th 2024. Notably in car news today: Toyota is rumoured to be working on a new RWD coupe to rival the MX-5 and the driving range of the Kia Tasman EV has been revealed.
Toyota is rumoured to be working on a rear-wheel-drive coupe based on the 2015 S-FR concept that would sit under the GR86 in size and price, and be close in size to the Mazda MX-5
According to Japanese outlet Best Car Web, the coupe would be powered by a 111kW turbocharged three-cylinder engine and will launch in late 2026 or early 2027
A model based on the 2015 S-FR concept could be on the way. Credit: Best Car Web
It’s believed Toyota is working on Suzuki and its own sister brand Daihatsu to make the project viable, similar to its previous Subaru partnership on the BRZ/GR86.
Interestingly, Daihatsu recently unveiled the ‘Vision Copen’ concept which has grown behind the size of its Kei-car origins and adopted a RWD layout, with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine under the bonnet.
Kia Tasman EV to offer over 400km of range
Kia is said to be working on a fully electric version of the Tasman ute which will come with a battery size of around 100kWh and offer at least 400km of range
The Tasman will first launch in combustion form, with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder confirmed as the main drivetrain in Australia
An EV version of the Kia Tasman is expected to follow the diesel to market
Kia already offers a similarly sized, 99.8 kWh (gross) battery pack in the EV9 large SUV with a range of 505km according to WLTP, but commercial applications such as utes often see more limited range
Kia has previously said the incoming New Vehicle Emission Standards (NVES) in Australia would likely result in a greater variety of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV options in our market
Land Rover Defender updated with 700Nm diesel ’six
Land Rover has updated the Defender lineup for 2024 with the headline upgrade being a boost in grunt to the straight straight-size diesel engine
Replacing the D300, the D350 produces 258kW/700Nm or 37kW/50Nm more than before. A de-tuned D250 diesel is still available, as is the P400 straight-six petrol, P400e PHEV and the P525/P500 petrol V8.
The Land Rover Defender has been updated
Land Rover says the interior is now more durable and luxurious, with a new Captain Chairs Pack and the striking new 110 Sedona Edition joining the range
Prices start from $92,402 and top out at $217,282 before on-roads, with first deliveries set to arrive in September 2024
GWM Tank 700 PHEV 2024 reviewed
Chasing Cars contributor Iain Curry’s international first drive of the 2024 GWM Tank 700 was published, a vehicle that may come to Australia.
The Tank 700 demonstrated remarkable off-road ability with an astonishing 970mm wading depth and a highly luxurious interior
We reviewed the GWM Tank 700 in China
Curry did note there was an overdependence on touchscreens and it would likely be very expensive for a GWM in Australia, with a price of at least $100,000.
Similar in size to a Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series or Nissan Patrol, the Tank 700 could offer a genuine rival to bring PHEV technology to the segment
