Australian Drivers Dream of Flagship Mitsubishi Triton Edition in Upcoming Model

Sneak Peek: Renderings of the 2024 Porsche Macan EV Unveiled

By Jeff Gibbs

The fresh mid-size luxury electric SUV will exhibit a distinctive design, yet retain its unmistakable Macan identity.

By Jeff Gibbs

Mitsubishi Australia has set its sights on introducing a fagship edition of the new Mitsubishi Triton ute, aimed at taking on rivals like the Toyota HiLux Rogue and Nissan Navara Warrior. The new Triton range is slated to hit Australian showrooms in February, and the company believes there is an with Mitsubishi on the limited-run Triton Xtreme special edition that the Triton Xtreme, designed and engineered by Walkinshaw, was proposed to Mitsubishi Australia by the Walkinshaw Automotive Group, not the other way around. The upgrades for the Xtreme were created by Walkinshaw in collaboration with companies like Supashock, a supplier of suspension systems for V8 Supercars. opportunity to offer a top-of-the-line version above the current GSR model.

Single-turbo versions of the 2.4-litre engine with 110kW/330Nm and 135kW/430Nm are available in Thailand. For now it is unclear if these will be available in Australia.

Mitsubishi Australia’s for the outgoing model, which will be available in showrooms later this year.

While the decision

While Mitsubishi Australia supports the Triton Xtreme project, they clarify that it is not a formal partnership. Westcott commended Walkinshaw’s initiative and expressed enthusiasm for the concept. However, their focus now lies in exploring the possibility of the Triton Ralliart pitched by Mitsubishi’s headquarters in Japan.

Mitsubishi Australia is keen on the Triton Ralliart model if it brings a performance advantage rather than merely being an appearance package. The Ralliart range could comprise various models, with the high-output Ford Ranger Raptor competitor being Mitsubishi Australia’s preferred choice.

The upcoming 2024 Porsche Macan EV has been digitally rendered in anticipation of its world debut later this year and its global release next year. The renderings, based on recent sightings of prototypes across Europe, provide an extensive view of the forthcoming batterypowered mid-size luxury SUV. Distinguishing itself from its internal combustion counterparts, the all-electric Macan showcases a more coupe-like roofine and a distinct front-end design. This includes a unique split front lighting signature, smaller air intakes, and a cleaner aesthetic. While the Macan EV will maintain its recognizable stature, the key distinction lies in the placement of its headlights – relocated onto the front fascia like the Hyundai Kona – while quad-beam daytime running lights create the illusion of traditional headlights above the bonnet line.

The silhouette echoes the Cayenne Coupe’s design, promising improved aerodynamics over its petrol-powered counterpart. Traditional door handles contribute to the familiar form. The rear-end changes are relatively straightforward, featuring a narrow lighting strip, smaller tail-light clusters, and a rear wing atop the window. The bumper design closely resembles the regular Macan’s, excluding the exhaust outlets.

Underneath, the Macan EV will utilize Porsche and Audi’s Premium

Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, powered by a variant of the Taycan’s dual-motor all-wheel drive system with two-speed transmission. The fagship model is expected to deliver up to 520kW/1000Nm, while lesser versions could offer 450kW. All models are likely to rely on a 100kWh battery pack, promising notable performance gains over the current petrol Macan lineup.

The current Macan, which received its third facelift, spans a price range of $93,800 to $141,700. While specifcs on the Macan EV’s pricing are yet to emerge, it’s anticipated to offer signifcantly enhanced performance at a higher cost.

CEO, Shaun Westcott, revealed that they are considering two options for the development of this fagship edition. The frst option is to create it in-house, while the second involves partnering with Walkinshaw, the former Holden Special Vehicles engineering frm. Walkinshaw has previously collaborated is yet to be fnalized, Westcott emphasized that there is potential for a high-performance Triton variant in the market. Mitsubishi Japan is already considering a factory-built Triton Ralliart to rival the Ford Ranger Raptor, but no offcial green light has been given for that project.

It is important to note

As the release of the new Triton draws near, Australian drivers eagerly await further updates on whether the fagship edition will become a reality and whether it will carry the Walkinshaw touch. The potential collaboration between Mitsubishi and Walkinshaw promises to deliver an exhilarating pickup truck designed to conquer the Australian roads and beyond.

Jeep Avenger Electric Vehicle (EV) Set for Australian Debut in 2024

Potential Comeback: V8 Power Could Return to Mercedes-AMG C 63 and E 63 Models

By Jeff Gibbs

In a demonstration of commitment to electric mobility, the American off-road brand has solidifed its debut electric vehicle (EV) for the coming year.

The Jeep Avenger electric SUV’s arrival in the Australian market has been offcially confrmed, with its launch scheduled for the latter half of 2024.

While specifc pricing and market-tailored details are yet to be unveiled and expected in the next year, much of the global specifcations and features of the compact electric SUV are likely to be retained for the Australian variant.

Driving the Avenger is a solitary electric motor producing 115 kW of power and 260 Nm of torque, energized by a 54 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This confguration yields an estimated WLTP range of up to 400 km. Utilizing DC power, the battery can be charged at rates of up to 100 kW, enabling a 20-80 percent charge in approximately 24 minutes.

Highlighted by a 10.25-inch Uconnect infotainment system, the Avenger boasts a 7.0- or 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster depending on the chosen variant. Further features include automatic climate control, full-LED headlights, and alloy wheels.

Michael Filazzola, Jeep Australia’s Managing Director, noted that the Avenger marks a signifcant milestone for the brand, representing its inaugural zero-emission SUV. With its compact size, the Avenger introduces a fresh entry point to the Jeep lineup, contributing to the brand’s evolution and electrifcation endeavors. While the electric variant has been confrmed for the Australian market, there’s no mention of bringing the combustionpowered versions to Australia. This strategy aligns with the brand’s global approach, targeting markets still transitioning towards electrifcation.

The conventional version houses a 1.2-liter turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine generating 74 kW and 205 Nm, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, directing power exclusively to the front wheels, akin to the EV variant.

In the Australian market, the electric Avenger is set to contend with comparable small electric SUVs like the forthcoming Ford Puma EV and Peugeot e2008. Given the likelihood of multiple trims, the Avenger is poised to be competitively priced against its French counterpart.

By Jeff Gibbs

A recent report indicates that AMG, in response to consumer demand, is set to reintroduce V8 power to its medium and large performance sedans. The upcoming MercedesAMG C 63 and the next-generation E 63 are expected to feature a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine by 2026. This represents a signifcant shift from the brand’s earlier downsized hybrid plans to equip future ‘63’ performance models with smaller plug-in hybrid powertrains. Despite the impressive power output of 500 kW/1020 Nm from the four-cylinder PHEV system in the new C 63 S E Performance, the new direction was met with mixed reactions.

According to Kacher’s sources, it appears that AMG has recognized the need to rectify its course, particularly in system is projected to debut around 2026 in the mid-life update of the C 63, aligning with the introduction of Euro 7 emissions standards. Subsequently, the new E 63 is expected to receive a facelift later in the same year, coinciding with the launch of the new E-Class model.

Kacher’s sources have indicated that both the C 63 and E 63 models will require only minor powertrain strategy due to strong demand from enthusiasts.

Prominent European automotive journalist Georg Kacher has shared insights in a recent Car and Driver article, citing information from two senior engineers. These engineers have revealed that the ‘M177’ V8 engine is currently undergoing modifcations to comply with the stringent Euro 7 emissions regulations. This adaptation aims to address concerns raised by the AMG fanbase and restore the powerful V8 experience.

Mercedes-Benz had previously caused a stir when it announced the face of mounting competition from BMW M and Audi RS. The plan now involves a more effcient version of the existing V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. This hybrid system, capable of producing at least 620 kW/1400 Nm in the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance and 590 kW/1430 Nm in the S 63 E Performance, will replace the highoutput 2.0-liter PHEV system in the C 63 and the anticipated inline six-cylinder PHEV setup in the upcoming E 63. This move reinstates the iconic aspect of AMG’s identity: its powerhouse V8 engines.

The revised V8 hybrid adjustments to their bodywork in order to accommodate the enhanced V8 engine and the associated PHEV electrical components. These modifcations will be easily incorporated as part of the mid-life refresh.

The report focuses primarily on the C-Class and E-Class variants, without mentioning other 63 models. Both the C-Class and E-Class are reportedly being evaluated for an extension beyond their life cycles, which suggests that the high-performance AMG versions could remain in production well into the upcoming decade