The Northern Rivers Times
!!!February 1, 2024
Locally owned and independent
MOTORING NEWS 41
GWM Unveils 2024 Tank 500: Hybrid Power, Seven Seats, and Competitive Pricing to Challenge Toyota Prado
By Jeff Gibbs Chinese automotive giant GWM is set to introduce the 2024 Tank 500, positioning itself as a formidable rival to the Toyota Prado. Scheduled to hit Australian showrooms in April or May, this seven-seater SUV boasts standard petrol-hybrid power and aims to carve a niche between the Toyota Prado and LandCruiser 300 Series in terms of exterior dimensions. Key Features and Pricing: • Two variants initially: Tank 500 Lux and Tank 500 Ultra • Petrol-electric hybrid power for both models • Priced from $66,490 drive-away The Tank 500, larger than its predecessor, the Tank 300, and
inspired by the Jeep Wrangler styling, aligns with GWM’s strategy to establish a robust presence in the Australian SUV market. Equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, an electric motor, a nine-speed automatic
transmission, and fourwheel drive, the Tank 500 promises a powerful performance with system outputs rated at 255kW and 648Nm. Notable Highlights: • Towing capacity up to 3000kg braked • Fuel consumption claimed at 8.5 litres per
100 kilometres • Advanced fourwheel-drive system with multiple modes and 11 drive modes • Ground clearance of 224mm, 800mm wading depth, and versatile approach, breakover, and departure angles
GWM offers the Tank 500 Lux, starting at $66,490 drive-away, featuring a range of premium amenities such as a 14.6-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch instrument display, LED headlights, sunroof, and advanced safety features. The flagship Tank 500
Ultra adds nappa leather trim, ventilated and massaging front seats, premium audio, among other enhancements, with pricing yet to be confirmed. The SUV is painted in four exterior colours - Onyx Silver, Crystal Black, Marble White, and Dune Gold - complemented by interior options of black faux leather in the Lux and black or blue/cream two-tone nappa leather in the Ultra. The 2024 GWM Tank 500 is slated for early customer deliveries in Australia in the second quarter, offering an enticing blend of hybrid technology, seven-seater configuration, and competitive pricing in the SUV segment.
Toyota Trademark Fuels Speculation of High-Performance Flagship By Jeff Gibbs In a surprising twist, a recent trademark filing by Toyota has introduced ambiguity regarding the forthcoming supercar from Lexus, suggesting that the anticipated successor to the Lexus LFA supercar may carry the Toyota badge. The trademark application for the name ‘GR GT’ has reignited discussions about the flagship of Toyota’s performancecar lineup and the potential deviation from a luxury badge for the high-performance model. The revelation, uncovered by Autoguide, unveils a new perspective, hinting that the GR GT name might be linked to the GR GT3 Concept race car showcased by Toyota two years ago. Initially presented as a motorsports-exclusive vehicle, the concept hinted at a possible road-legal version to meet GT3 racing requirements. Contrary to earlier indications that the final version of the GR GT3 concept would be branded as a Lexus,
the recent trademark filing raises the prospect of Toyota reclaiming the flagship status. The ‘GR GT’ name, with echoes of Toyota’s sports car legacy, particularly the iconic Toyota 2000GT, now holds the key to potential rebranding within Toyota’s highperformance lineup. Previous assumptions leaning towards Lexus badging have been called into question, adding a layer of intrigue to the future of this supercar. While it was thought that the GT3 Concept might replace the RC F within the GT3 category
and carry a Lexus badge, the recent trademark filing has rekindled discussions about the possibility of Toyota badging. The GR GT3 Concept, which has been seen testing in race-ready form with petrol power, is expected to maintain this powertrain for its road-going version, steering away from the prevalent trend of electric propulsion. Reports from Japan suggest that the car may be known as the Lexus LFR, featuring a combination of a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged petrol V8 and an electric motor, promising close to 1000
horsepower (about
apart from previous
750kW). This potential
speculations of a battery-
nomenclature sets it
powered coupe from
GIBBO’S
AUTOPARTS
Gazoo Racing alongside Mazda. The unveiling of the Toyota GR GT3 Concept has sparked interest not only in its potential branding but also in its design, with a strikingly similar silhouette to the Mazda RX-Vision GT3 Concept of 2015. Recent developments, including Mazda’s announcement of a rotary engine development group, add further intrigue to the evolving narrative of these high-performance vehicles, hinting at the dynamic landscape of the automotive industry.
KYOGLE’S LOCAL AUTO PARTS SHOP
From sedans to 4WDs, we have auto parts for every make and model
OPEN 7 DAYS Monday-Friday 8-5, Saturday 8-1, Sunday 9-12
1 Irwin Street KYOGLE - PH: 6632 2733 e: gibboskyogle@outlook.com
