Car news, 1 Mar ’24: new Triton reviewed, Maserati GranCabrio unveiled, and an electric Audi TT replacement
Olek Novak
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Friday March 1st 2024. Notably in car news today: we’ve just published our first review of the all-new Mitsubishi Triton pickup, and we’re following reports out of Europe about an electric Audi TT replacement – but don’t call it a TT!
Electric Audi TT successor on the cards – but don’t call it a TT!
The Audi TTS Final Edition
German automaker Audi is reportedly experimenting with designs in an “intense concept phase” for an all-electric replacement for its Audi TT, according to reports out of Europe.
Daniel Schuster, Audi spokesperson for technical development, told Autocar that the new model will be introduced “within five or 10 years” but won’t be called the TT nor would it be a direct replacement, even though it will effectively be positioned similarly to its petrol predecessor.
“It’s not just about looking at what we have now and saying ‘it’d be cool to make it electric’. It’s really about what would be a great addition to the range”, said Schuster.
While the successor will be different, the brand is still aiming to maximise its “emotional” appeal albeit in a different flavour, ruling out any replication of the TT’s iconic five-cylinder soundtrack in electric form.
Originally launched in 1998 and currently in its third generation, Audi is retiring the iconic nameplate with a limited run ‘Final Edition’ model.
Maserati unveils all-new GranCabrio: no more V8, EV looms!
The new Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo
Maserati has pulled the covers off its new GranCabrio, the convertible version of its coupe GranTurismotwin. Like that car, the new soft-top will move from V8to V6 power, with an electric variant on the way.
The GranCabrio – which will launch in Australia in quarter four of this year, following the new GranTurismo in quarter three – will be available in a single Trofeo trim-level at launch which features a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 Nettuno engine delivering 404kW and 650Nm, sending power to all-wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
This compares to the previous-generation GranCabrio’s 4.7-litre V8 engine which delivered 338kW and 520Nm. That generation finished production in 2019, unreplaced until now.
Uniquely for the convertible version, Maserati says the four-seater’s roof can be put away in 14 seconds even when moving at speeds up to 50km/h.
Australian specification and pricing has not yet been revealed for the vehicle, and while Maserati hasn’t revealed an electric variant, an EV version of the GranCabrio called the Folgore will eventually make its way downunder too.
BYD in talks to open factory in Mexico, but won’t sell cars in ‘complicated’ US market
BYD will continue to sell cars in Mexico, but not the United States
BYD is in negotiations to open a factory in Mexico, but it surprisingly won’t be entering the huge US-market next door.
Carscoops reports that despite the possibilities of a Mexico plant, the brand isn’t interested in the “very complicated” market that is the United States.
This news comes as the US Government has raised some concerns over Chinese electric cars.
Today, American president Joe Biden has said that China could be “posing risks to our national security” by “flooding our market with its vehicles”.
In Mexico, BYD currently sells the Dolphin hatch and Seal sedan models, just like the Australian market, and will likely expand its model range in the next 12 months.
Mitsubishi Triton 2024 reviewed
This is the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton GSR
Chasing Cars production specialist Tom Place’s written and video review of the all new sixth-generation 2024 Mitsubishi Triton was published.
Place praised the smooth twin-turbo engine, generous standard safety, fuel efficiency and impressive payload.
On the other end of the spectrum, he noted elements how the price increase over the old model, low-speed ride quality, and poorly tuned driver monitoring system hinder what is ultimately a better ute in its new generation – but not quite perfect.
