Genuine Article Australia Edition 17

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Welcome to Edition 17 of the digital version of the Genuine Article

Welcome to Edition 17 of the Genuine Article and our first edition of 2024.

We have been busy preparing some exciting offers and content for our Christmas edition of the Genuine Article. We look forward to seeing your orders come through.

We been busy exciting content for the Genuine Article this year. We cannot wait to share these with you over the coming months.

In addition to some great articles, we have also included our Christmas gift guide to help with the difficult decision on what to buy this year – pages 14 - 31. Visit rewards-shop.com.au for the full range of rewards.

this edition, we have some great articles for you to read and some great products for you redeem. We now have over 6,000 products in our store and have included some of our range on pages 12-17 Visit rewards-shop.com.au for the full range of rewards.

Raising awareness for worthwhile causes is something we pride ourselves on. Get into the spirit of giving by donating to one of our charity partners - You will be able to find additional information on pages 10 - 13.

As a little gift from the team, we have decided to extend our redemption promotions, redeem and go into the draw to win, check out page 3 for additional information.

If your points balance feels a bit light post-Christmas, don’t forget there are other ways to build on your points balance and take that step towards your next reward. As a GetGenuine member, you can earn points on your office supplies purchases. To express your interest in setting up an account with Winc and start earning points, check out page 18.

We have a promotion running in this edition, redeem and go into the draw to win, check out page 3 for additional information.

Raising awareness of our charity partners is something we continue to pride ourselves on. You will be able to find additional information on pages 10-11.

Running a little low on points after spending up a storm, don’t forget there are other ways to build on your points balance and take that step towards your next reward. As a GetGenuine member, you can earn points on your office supplies purchases. To express your interest in setting up an account with Winc and start earning points, check out page 32.

If you have any comments or queries, please contact us on 1800 438 436.

Wishing you all a safe and Merry Festive season, we look forward to bringing you some new and exciting features in the new year.

If you have any comments or queries, please contact us on 1800 438 436.

Wishing you all the very best from the team at GetGenuine.

be the HELPING HAND

You have the option to donate points directly to a range of Austalian charities. Check out page 10 for more information.

Wishing you all the very best from the team at GetGenuine be HELPING HAND have the option to donate directly a range of Austalian charities. Check 10 for information.

Cricks Volkswagen Sunshine Coast

History of the business.

In 1995 the Cricks business started with a somewhat humble beginning out of one dealership in Nambour. As the Sunshine Coast grew, so too did Cricks, adding new dealerships in Noosa and Maroochydore, bringing new franchises and lots of opportunities.

The Cricks Volkswagen brand was acquired in 2000 and was part of a multi-franchise facility at Maroochydore, then outgrew that site which meant a move into a purpose-built standalone dealership on Maroochy Blvd in 2016. Meanwhile, the Cricks business grew into greater QLD, into Rockhampton, Tweed Heads, Brisbane. As of now there are 28 dealerships across QLD, NSW and VIC, representing 30 brands. An amazing rise and vision from a business that started here on the Sunshine Coast.

Something our business does differently: Its different by default, but worthy of mentioning. Here at Cricks Volkswagen Sunshine Coast, the Dealer Principal, Service Manager and myself as Parts Manager have

all worked together in this business for over 30 years. Thanks to Garry Cricks personal mentorship and guidance we have all been provided opportunities and grown within the business. None of us have taken that for granted however it means the decisions we make are for the long term success of our business and customers.

How many staff do you employ:

Cricks Volkswagen Parts Dept is 4, Dealership is 70, Autopact (Cricks) is now nearly 1500 across Australia.

What is your secret to success.

Internally our parts team genuinely care about how we can get the right part provided for our customers as efficiently as possible. Its not really a secret, however every transaction has a robust process to it that ensures we deliver on this, we believe in it and strive to keep improving to meet the demands of our customers. This also goes hand in hand with our dealership mission of ‘Drive Away Happy’, for staff, customers and suppliers alike.

Redeem your points and be in to win!

Simply make a redemption through the Rewards Shop before the 1st of April, and you’ll go into the draw to win a $100 gift card of your choice!

Browse the Rewards Shop

Congratulations to our Edition 16 winners!

Wishing a huge congrats to Jackie and Mark who won their choice of gift card from the Rewards Shop.

Castrol stars Rick Kelly and Thomas Randle drive Fanga Dan’s Ford Mustang drift car

Supercars stars Rick Kelly and Thomas Randle have sung high praise after their first drive of a full-blown drifting car in New Zealand recently.

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Two-times Bathurst 1000 winner Kelly and current Castrol Supercars driver Randle were handed the keys to Daniel ‘Fanga Dan’ Woolhouse’s Ford Mustang drifter that he competes in the Repco D1NZ Championship.

Fanga Dan is a four-time D1NZ champion and the perfect tutor for drifting rookies Kelly and Randle.

Kelly was delighted with his maiden drive of the Castrol Ford Mustang. “That is so much fun,” said Kelly after his first attempt in the Ford Mustang. “You have to get used to how quick it goes around. It’/s easy when Fanga Dan is driving, but harder in the driver’s seat!

Randle was in awe of the machine, but admitted he’d need more practice to get the most out of the machine. “I think it’s a safe bet that I won’t be drifting any time soon!” joked Randle. “It’s got a lot of power and it’s a real art what these guys do on the drifting track. I’m very impressed.”

2024 Tatts Finke

Desert Race Bike Entry Date Confirmed

The Finke Desert Race has announced the bike competitor entry opening date for the 2024 edition of Australia’s Ultimate desert race.

Bike entries opened on Tuesday 30 January 2024, with the 2024 Tatts Finke Desert Race set to run from June 7 - 10 in Alice Springs, coinciding with the Kings Birthday weekend.

There will once again be a maximum number of 650 entries available for the bikes category with additional registrants placed on a waitlist in order of receipt.

2023 winner and four-time consecutive King of the Desert David Walsh has confirmed he will once again be competing in this year’s bike category. Walsh is eager to defend his crown at this year’s event, where he will seek to win his fifth consecutive Finke title.

If Walsh was able to complete the unbelievable feat, it would equal CR500 legend Randall Gregory’s record of five consecutive Finke victories in the bikes category from 1991 to 1995.

Four-time King of the Desert Ben Grabham and 2006 King of the Desert Ryan Branford have also confirmed they will be racing again, along with 2023 runner up Callum Norton who will be looking to go one step further in 2024.

The 2024 Tatts Finke Desert Race will be held in Alice Springs from 7-10 June, 2024.

Porsche legend Karl Batson recognised for remarkable career

A legend of the Porsche paddock will be the next inductee into Porsche Motorsport Australia’s hall of fame.

Championship winning engineer, team manager, mechanic and noted Porsche legend Karl Batson was recognised for his 20-year contribution to Porsche Carrera Cup Australia at the annual Gala in Adelaide.

Batson, who battles the rare degenerative disease Friedrich’s Ataxia, will retire from full-time racing after 20 years in the Carrera Cup paddock and longer in Porsche Motorsport in general.

His unparalleled record in one-make Porsche Motorsport includes attending 149 from a possible 150 Championship and non-championship Carrera Cup Australia rounds, and 442 races stretching across the 996, 997, 997.2, 991, 991.2 and 992 models of Porsche’s GT3 Cup Car.

He also has extensive experience in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge paddock with the Porsche Centre Melbourne team, where he will continue to have a presence next year.

Batson’s induction into the Porsche Motorsport Australia hall of fame will see him join his former drivers Jim Richards, Craig Baird and the late Jaimie Blaikie, the long-time Category Manager of Carrera Cup Australia, who were inducted in 2021.

Garry and Warren Smith

Garry and Warren Smith

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GR Yaris Rally2 Granted FIA Homologation

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) has confirmed that the GR Yaris Rally2 has been officially granted homologation by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) from January 1, 2024.

The GR Yaris Rally2 has been developed for customer rallying. Chairman Akio Toyoda, known also as ‘Morizo’, hopes this will be the car to make the first step in building a bridge between motorsport vehicles and production vehicles through rally competition – something that could contribute to enhancing the rally market worldwide.

The first four-wheel drive sports car to be developed exclusively by Toyota for 20 years, the GR Yaris was created by TGR with a mission to win in the WRC. Rather than a car made for TGR to win, the GR Yaris Rally2 is a car made for customers to win: this is the start of our new challenge.

The car made its public debut at Rally Japan in 2022, when Morizo took the wheel and measured its performance. Since then, we received a lot of feedback from the many drivers who have tested the Rally2 car on different surfaces and in different conditions. More than 15,000 kilometres have been covered, including participation in the Japanese Rally Championship which also served as testing on Japanese roads.

So far, the development process has incorporated feedback from top professional drivers, young up-and-coming drivers and experienced customer drivers. From now on, an even` feedback will be gathered from customer motorsport competitors in championships such as WRC, helping to develop improvements to make an ever better car.

Making a Difference: Our Charitable Causes

RMHC creates, finds and supports programs that directly impact the health and wellbeing of children and their families. RMHC is there for families when they need it most: right in their own communities.

There are currently 18 Ronald McDonald Houses, 19 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and 5 Family Retreats available to assist families.

Donate points here

Cancer Council Australia commenced in 1961 as the Australian Cancer Society, when the six state Cancer Councils - which then varied in name and brand - agreed to establish a federal body to promote cancer control at the national level.

Their mission & vision is a cancer free future, by undertaking and funding cancer research, preventing and controlling cancer, and providing information and support for people affected by cancer.

Donate points here

Maddy Jones was an 18-year-old in the prime of her life. One Thursday afternoon Maddy complained that she was feeling sick. On Saturday, she presented to an Emergency Department where she was diagnosed with the Flu and sent home to rest. By lunchtime Tuesday she was in a coma and nine days later she was dead. Maddy’s death from Sepsis was preventable.

The Maddy Jones foundation works tirelessly to raise awareness of Sepsis and its symptoms, to prevent others meeting the same fate.

Donate points here

Rally for a Cause started when a group of Fraser Coast business owners were faced with the unthinkable. One of their friends had a vibrant healthy child suddenly struck down with an aggressive brain tumour.

Thus the concept of RfaC was born. The Dunga Derby is the major fundraising event to support the Rally for A Cause Charity in their efforts to support local Fraser and Sunshine Coast families with life-limiting medical conditions in need of financial and/or practical assistance.

Donate points here

Anxiety after drinking and what you can do about it

When a hangover collides with anxiety, the result can be a rough time. Here are some tips for getting through it. Anyone who has had a few too many drinks on a night out will know the physical effects you can feel when you wake up the next morning. Throbbing headache, dry mouth, nausea and a desire to never again leave the sanctuary of your doona. But hangovers can take on a more sinister form when the physical effects are coupled with anxiety.

Did you know that in Norway they actually have a distinct word for the anxiety that comes with a hangover? Fylleangst refers to the regret, or fear, over what you may have done the night before whilst intoxicated. And despite the fact no other language lays claim to having a word for this specific state, it’s one that many people can certainly relate to.

It involves feeling a deep sense of uneasiness and concern about one’s behaviour the day/night before. The entire next morning is spent in a panic, trying to review things you might have said or done, and what others who were present will think of you. Throw smartphones and social media into the equation and the dread only gets worse. The morning after often begins with a frantic scramble to see if any embarrassing texts were sent or if any photos/videos were posted to social media. It’s not a fun time.

Here are some comments from Beyond Blue forum users:

• “Anytime I drink, whether it’s a few or a lot, the next day I feel the need to call everyone I know was present and make sure I was not an idiot. It’s like I make up my own scenarios of things I may or may not have said.”

• “After I drink it’s like I have a crash and feel embarrassed even if I didn’t do anything embarrassing. I just feel so guilty and feel the need to apologise to people.”

There is a science behind post-drinking anxiety. When you consume alcohol the chemical balance in your brain is disrupted. Everyone is different, but most people feel more relaxed and less inhibited after a few drinks. The ‘feel-good’ chemical called dopamine is released in greater supply into your brain – resulting in a greater sense of satisfaction than you had before drinking. Alcohol is effectively tricking your brain.

You pay little regard to the age-old fact that what comes up, must come down. The next day, your brain is trying feverishly to correct the chemical imbalances from the night before and what do you know – anxiety arises..

So what can you do if you wake up and post-drinking anxiety is taking a hold?

The first thing to know is you’re not alone in this feeling. Far from it. There are also some helpful techniques you can employ to ease feelings of anxiety:

• Slow down your breathing. Count to three as you breathe in slowly – then count to three as you breathe out slowly. Feel your heartbeat slow down and try to relax.

• Stay in the present moment. Just as thinking of what’s five steps ahead of you isn’t healthy, neither is dwelling on things in the past. After you’ve slowed down your breathing, work on acknowledging the here and now. A meditation app like Smiling Mind can help with this.

• Challenge your self-talk. Anxiety can make you overestimate the negative aspects of a situation and underestimate your ability to handle it. Take a step back and think rationally about the negative thoughts you’re experiencing. Give yourself a break!

• Eat well. The temptation may be to indulge in greasy fastfood. Resisting this and opting for wholesome food low in GI will help your body recover faster. Hydration is also crucial and will help to ease your headache.

• Learn. Last but not least, learn from past experiences. You know yourself better than anyone, so if you know having more than a few drinks will have you feeling horrible the next day, set limits and stick to them. If any form of drinking is leading to anxiety then take a break full stop! Your mind and body will thank you for it.

If you find your anxiety post-drinking is regularly lasting longer than 24 hours, or increasing in intensity, go and see your GP.

To donate points click here.

If you need assistance visit Beyond Blue’s support services. Our mental health professionals are available 24/7 on1300 22 4636, Web chat (3pm-12am AEST) and email (responses within 24hrs). For immediate support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 and in an emergency, always call triple zero (000)

Laser 3 in 1 Charging Station

Made for Apple devices

The Laser 3-in-1 Charging Station. This innovative device combines a sleek digital clock and dedicated bays for holding your Apple® wearables, providing a seamless and efficient way to start your day.

4,700 points

1. Stanley Rogers Cream 3 Piece Cheese Set 3,600 pts

2. XCD Mini Desktop Vacuum Cleaner 4,500 pts

3. Nordic 40cm Pedestal Fan 5,900 pts

4. Playmax Aurora Gaming Keyboard (White) 7,300 pts

5. ghd Ceramic Vented Radial Brush 7,500 pts

6. Luigi Bormioli Masterpiece Tumbler Set 7,500 pts

7. PS5 PlayStation Slim Vertical Stand 7,800 pts

8. Sheridan Sunside Multi Beach Towel 9,100 pts

Ember Temperature

Control Smart Mug 2

Ember Mug 2 does more than simply keep your coffee hot. The smart mug allows you to set an exact drinking temperature. so your coffee is never too hot. or too cold.

26,800 points

1. Fossil Men’s Quinn Flip ID Bifold Brown 11,800 pts

2. JLab Studio Pro ANC Over-Ear Headphones 11,800 pts

3. STAR WARS Heritage Pack 13,200 pts

4. Obsessed Gymwear Ivy Tights 13,400 pts

5. Flea Market Premium Suitcase Turntable Player 19,200 pts

6. Fossil Rose Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Watch 21,000 pts

7. Kodak Pixpro FZ45 Digital Compact Camera 26,100 pts

8. Logitech Streaming Key Light 31,600 pts

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

Easily transform between a powerful. fast. hair dryer. and an ultra-versatile multi-styler. One twist is all it takes to flex from one to the other.

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1. Karcher Ultra Clean Cordless Spot Cleaner 55,900 pts

2. Weber Q2000N LP BBQ – Midnight Black 64,300 pts

3. ghd Unplugged Cordless Hair Straightener 64,700 pts

4. Ninja AF500 XXXL FlexDrawer Air Fryer 65,900 pts

5. Oztrail – Sundowner 900 Swag 66,500 pts

6. Samsung Galaxy A25 5G 128GB (Blue Black) 68,800 pts

7. Hoover Emerge Pet Plus Cordless Vacuum 76,500 pts

8. Withings ScanWatch 2 (Black) [42mm] 76,800 pts

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular

With astonishing performance. superfast wireless connectivity and next-generation Apple Pencil experience.

233,200 points

1. GoPro Hero12 HyperSmooth Action Cam Bundle 104,500 pts

2. PS5 PlayStation 5 Slim Console 113,200 pts

3. Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular, 49mm 193,600 pts

4. Apple iPhone 15 128GB 210,900 pts

5. Raymond Weil Tango Date Two Tone, White Dial 277,200 pts

6. Dreame L20 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop 324,300 pts

7. Breville the Oracle Manual Espresso Machine 344,900 pts

8. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 16GB (Platinum) 358,900 pts

1. All Gift Cards From 7,900 pts

2. Australian Non-Alc Craft Beer Hamper 12,300 pts

3. Australian Cider Hamper 12,900 pts

4. Australian Gourmet Grazing Hamper with White 20,200 pts

5. Frank Green Gift Hamper 20,800 pts

6. Moet & Chandon Gift Hamper 22,600 pts

7. Australian Whiskey Hamper 25,700 pts

Breville Bakery Chef Hub Mixer

The Breville the Bakery Chef Hub Stand Mixer is a practical choice for busy, modern kitchens.

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2. Braun TexStyle 5 Iron

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3. Breville The Quick Wok

16,000 pts | Was 20,500 pts

4. BLACK+DECKER 200mm 18V Li-ion Pole Pruner

28,100 pts | Was 30,900 pts

5. BLACK+DECKER 250mm 18V Cordless Chainsaw

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6. Breville 6 Litre Urn

29,800 pts | Was 31,300 pts

7. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

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8. Breville Bambino Plus Coffee Machine

78,700 pts | 88,300 pts

Re w a rd s D r e a m

If you can dream it, we can make it happen!

You can use your points to pay for virtually anything you want- a family holiday, new boat, the latest tech, or home renovations... the choice really is yours! That’s right, if you can’t find what you’re looking for in the online Rewards Shop, let us know and we’ll do everything we can to get your Dream Reward! Plus, with Points + Pay, you can get your reward even faster!

Call 1800 438 436, tell us what you’re after and we’ll organise the rest.

Whether you’re a frequent traveller or just looking to take a quick break, there’s no better way to recharge your batteries than with a holiday. Browse our holiday packages below or get in touch with one of our holiday experts directly on 133 927.

Dunsborough 3 Nights - Pullman Bunker Bay Resort Margaret River Region

From 170,800 points per person

Package includes:

• 3 nights at Pullman Bunker Bay Resort

Margaret River Region

• Return flights (optional extra)

• BONUS Luxury Estate Picnic

• Daily Breakfast

* Based on twin share

Gold Coast 5 Nights - Mantra Sun City

From 228,500 points per person

Package includes:

• 5 nights at the Mantra Sun City

• Return Flights (optional extra)

• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Family Admission

• Complimentary WiFi

* Based on twin share

Port Douglas

7 Nights - Freestyle Resort

Port Douglas

From 522,800 points per person

Package includes:

• 7 nights at Freestyle Resort Port Douglas

• Return flights (optional extra)

• Hartley’s Croc Adventure Park Entry

• Low Isles Cruise on Wavedancer

• Return Airport Transfers

* Based on twin share

Exmouth

3 Nights - Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef

From 699,000 points per person

Package includes:

• 3 nights at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef

• Return flights (optional extra)

• Stay in an Eco-Safari Wilderness Tent

• Complimentary use of non-motorised water activities

• All Meals & Drinks Included

*Based on twin share

MG4 wins RAC Best Drive small car for 2023

The MG4 has added another prize to its growing list of acknowledgments, being awarded RAC’s Best Drive in the small car category for 2023.

Since launching in August 2023, the MG4 range has been widely praised and recognised, including

winning the Carsales Car of The Year and Gizmodo Australia’s Top EV of 2023.

The RAC’s Best Drives annually recognises standout new vehicles, selecting from approximately 60 models that are road-tested by RAC throughout the year.

The program considers a range of essential factors, including value, safety, design, functionality, fit for purpose, fuel efficiency within class, ride and handling.

The MG4’s recognition demonstrates MG’s commitment to making EV motoring more accessible for all Australians. With four variants providing a range of choices for motorists, along with the performance model, XPOWER, the brand says the MG4 electric hatchback has proven widely popular with Australians.

“The MG4 is one EV that thoroughly deserves to play a major role in bringing EVs to the masses,” RAC Best Drive judge Alex Forrest says.

Trans Am to return to Adelaide in 2024

THE 2024 Trans Am Series calendar will conclude with an incredible season finale’ at the VAILO Adelaide 500 next November. The season finale’ at one of Australia’s largest motorsport events culminates a seven-round national series planned for next year set to continue the strong growth of the category into the new season.

Trans Am 2024 will launch with the Shannons SpeedSeries on February 9-11 at Sandown International Raceway in Victoria. A trip to the Apple Isle follows with a return to Race Tasmania at Symmons Plains Raceway outside of Launceston, before the SpeedSeries event at Phillip Island in April.

May will see the debut of a brand-new circuit on the Trans Am calendar, namely Shell V-Power Motorsport Park (The Bend) in South Australia. The series’ has never raced on the high-speed, fast and flowing venue however, as is the case at Phillip Island, is

likely to produce great racing at the venue to Adelaide’s South East.

From there it’s a return to Queensland Raceway in July before a mid-season pause sets the teams up for the massive run home later in the season. That commences with the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International in November, followed by the VAILO Adelaide 500 one week later.

The Bathurst International was the scene of this year’s dramatic season finale’ that saw James Moffat clinch the title, while Adelaide will be just the second time the series’ has competed on a street circuit.

The first six rounds will see the series included in the Shannons SpeedSeries’ brand-new broadcast deal, to be announced soon. The Adelaide 500 will see coverage on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports across the season-ending weekend.

Cooper Murray joins Triple Eight alongside Lowndes

Triple Eight Race Engineering has announced the signing of Cooper Murray, who will join the team’s driving roster and planned continuation of their Supercheap Auto wildcard program alongside Craig Lowndes in the #888 Chevrolet Camaro.

The 22-year-old lined up for his rookie season last year in the Dunlop Super2 Series with Eggleston Motorsport, who Triple Eight shares a technical alliance with. Impressively, Murray won his debut Super2 race before finishing fourth in the championship including a second victory, three podiums and a pole position to close out a successful first season.

Murray began racing karts at the age of 10, winning a pair of Australasian championship titles and six state titles before graduating to car racing in 2016. After two seasons of racing in national and state-level Formula Ford, he impressed on debut in the Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge taking eight wins from 17

starts and finished second in the final series standings.

Graduating to Carrera Cup in 2019, a midseason team switch to McElrea Racing delivered an immediate hat-trick of wins in Townsville and podium finishes through the rest of the season.

He took that momentum into 2020, sweeping all three races at Adelaide’s opening round before the COVID-19 pandemic prematurely ended the category’s season. Murray was again a contender for the Carrera Cup title in 2021, finishing second to Cameron Hill and earning a call-up to the prestigious global Porsche Junior Shootout.

Supercheap Auto Racing’s 2024 season launch date, livery reveal and event entry announcements will be announced in due course.

Jackson Walls to contest Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East

PORSCHE Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia vice-champion Jackson Walls will continue his big year of Porsche racing, contesting the remainder of the 2023-24 Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East Championship with Lechner Racing.

Walls will contest the remaining five rounds of the series driving an Objective Racingsupported Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car for the famous European squad, one that was home to Walls’ former Australian teammate Harri Jones this year.

It was through Jones’ that the link to Lechner – who also promote the Middle East Series –came about.

Walls’ finished a close runner-up in the Carrera

Cup championship, his best result yet in onemake Porsche racing.

“It’s a cool opportunity that has come along,” Walls said. “I’m excited and can’t wait to get started with everyone and meet people I’ve been talking on the phone to for the last month or two now.

Walls’ Lechner-run Porsche will sport the same Objective branding it does in Australia, though with a twist.

Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East evolved from the Sprint Challenge series in the same region and is promoted by Robert Lechner. It is the 12th Porsche Carrera Cup Championship globally and came after fifteen years of Sprint Challenge competition in the region.

Young gun Ryder Quinn teams with Steve Jakic in new BMW for Monochrome GT4 Australia

Rising local motorsport star Ryder Quinn is the latest name to be confirmed as joining the impressive field set to take on Monochrome GT4 Australia.

Quinn will share a brand-new BMW G82 M4 with car owner and Tata (step-dad) Steve Jakic, who makes the move into the category from the Battery World Aussie Racing Cars Super Series.

Jakic is a recent newcomer to motorsport, though has dreamed of competing since he was a child and last year finished inside the top 10 in the Battery World Aussie Racing Cars Super Series Masters Cup.

While Quinn is beginning to forge a name for himself in Australian motorsport as he emerges

as a driver to watch in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia where he finished a best of fifth in Adelaide.

Last year proved a packed season of racing for Quinn as he contested the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship in which he scored multiple podiums before taking class honours in the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour production car event.

The duo recently tested the brand new BMW G82 M4 GT4 to be run by GT Collective at Queensland Raceway where it clocked up 400km of trouble-free mileage as the package promises more to come.

Retro-inspired Prado arriving mid-2024

Toyota has confirmed the new Land Cruiser Prado range will arrive in Australia in mid-2024, with a new off-road focussed variant, 48-volt technology across the range, and retro-inspired styling.

The brand says the five-variant Prado range brings rugged capability to the market with major improvements to driveability, technology and design.

“The Prado has become a favourite for Australians in need of an SUV able to transport the whole family during the week and go off the beaten path on the weekend,” Toyota Australia spokesperson Sean Hanley says.

“The new-generation Prado will continue the legacy forged by its predecessors, with the addition of 48-volt technology and the new Altitude grade,” he says.

The 2024 Land Cruiser Prado range will build upon the line-up of the current generation with the addition of a new high-end Altitude variant aimed at adventurefocused customers.

The new Altitude grade makes full use of the Land Cruiser Prado’s fundamental off-road capability, introducing several exclusive features designed to tackle the toughest terrain the country has to offer.

The Altitude version offers enhanced capability with the fitment of 18-inch matte grey alloy wheels with Toyo Open Country all-terrain tyres, a rear locking differential,

and a new stabiliser disconnect mechanism (replacing AVS) which provides an extra 10% of wheel articulation to help maximise traction on uneven surfaces.

It also features black door handles and tailgate garnish, black over-fender moulding, a moon roof and the option of two-tone colourways.

Available exclusively in five-seat configuration, the Altitude builds on the specification of the VX and inside, adds a digital rear-view mirror, heated steering wheel and head-up display.

All Prado variants are powered by the same 150kW, 500Nm 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder powertrain with 48-volt technology, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Every Prado offers full-time all-wheel drive with a lockable torque-sensing Torsen centre differential and low-range gearing, with a 3500kg braked towing capacity across the range.

A total of eight exterior paint colours will be offered on the Prado including the new Altitude-exclusive Tanami Taupe and Ningaloo Blue, optionally available with a white roof.

Further details on the new Land Cruiser Prado including pricing and full specification will be announced closer to the model’s arrival in mid-2024.

Used car sales rebound in January

The January 2024 Automotive Insights Report (AIR) shows the average time taken to sell a used car decreased slightly with consumers starting the year off strongly.

So says the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), its chief executive James Voortman saying January saw a 7.3% increase in used car sales compared to December 2023, in spite of continued tightening in cost-of-living pressures.

“The market appears to have bounced back after the holiday period, and continued strong supply of new cars has had a flow on effect in the availability of used cars in the market,” says Voortman.

“Petrol and diesel cars accounted for 96% of used cars sold, with hybrid sales increasing by 2.7%.

“The market for used EV and PHEV (plulg-in hybrid) sales decreased in January, and the market will likely remain volatile month-to-month, with a relatively low volume of vehicles being listed for sale.”

AIR shows that in January across Australia 282,713 vehicles were listed for sale and in that period

181,612 were sold.

The data shows the overwhelming majority of used cars being bought and sold have petrol or diesel engines.

The used market for electrified power trains remains volatile with EVs and PHEVs seeing a 9.4% and 4.5% decrease in sales respectively from the previous month.

The average time to sell a used car is 47.7 days which is a slight reduction from the previous month.

Retained values held mostly steady after some recent declines and the record highs of previous years.

Some popular used cars are worth more on average today than when they were sold new and Toyota as a manufacturer holds 10 out of the top 20 available spots for passenger and SUV models aged between two and four years, says the AADA.

The list of top selling cars in the used market closely reflects preferences in the new car market, with the Ford Ranger taking out top spot ahead of the Toyota Hilux.

Bridgestone launches new light commercial tyre

Bridgestone has launched an innovative and sustainable light commercial tyre called Duravis Van, featuring its “Enliten” technology for the first time in a replacement specification tyre for the Australian and New Zealand market.

Enliten technology provides Duravis Van with low-rolling resistance for efficiency, durability for wear life and excellent wet and dry braking performance – helping to maximise efficiency by minimising downtime and lowering the total cost of ownership.

Duravis Van has been engineered with the evolving needs of the last-mile delivery market in mind, is EV-ready and is designed, developed, and produced in Europe.

“There’s no doubt that the light commercial space is undergoing considerable change,” says Bridgestone Australia sales director Claudio Sodano.

“Not only is this part of the market growing, but the emergence of electric vans changes the operational requirements – and that’s why the launch of Duravis Van is so significant,” he says.

“Duravis Van is a really exciting product for us, because it’s not only our most advanced light commercial vehicle tyre ever, but it’s also Australia’s introduction to our Enliten technology – which is a design philosophy that will underpin our future product developments across all segments.”

It enters the Australian market in seven sizes ranging from 195/70R15C to 225/55R17C, covering the majority of European built and designed vans including Ford Transit and E Transit Custom, Mercedes-Benz Vito/eVito and Viano/V-Class, VW Transporter, Renault Master, and LDV V80, eDeliver and Deliver 9.

The introduction of the Duravis Van also sees Bridgestone offer a solution in the 205/65R15C and 225/55R17C sizes, closing a gap in the light commercial vehicle range.

Bridgestone Australia and New Zealand managing director Heath Barclay believes the Duravis Van is the solution to emerging challenges in the light commercial vehicle sector.

“Fleets face many challenges in lowering their costs, maximising efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions, and overcoming the complexities of the last-mile delivery model,” he says.

“The launch of the Bridgestone Duravis Van tyre is the answer to all of these through lower fuel or energy use, and reduced downtime because of its durability.”

Compared to the Duravis R660, Duravis Van has up to 21% improvement in rolling resistance, delivering excellent fuel economy for ICE vehicles and energy efficiency for electric vehicles, contributing to reduced operating expenses through fuel savings or extended range and increased productivity.

Duravis Van’s construction also meets the demands of EVs with a high wear tolerance to counter the increased weight and higher torque of EVs, while the low-rolling resistance supports efficient mileage.

A key product in Bridgestone’s fleet solutions offering, Duravis Van is also available through the national network of Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto and Bridgestone Service Centre stores, and trustworthy tyre retailers.

Upgraded Toyota Hilux arriving in March

Toyota has revealed significant design and feature updates for the Hilux that will arrive in Australian showrooms in March at the same time as the introduction of 48-Volt technology.

The upgraded Hilux brings a refreshed front-end design to the most popular double-cab auto diesel variants.

The 48-Volt technology – standard on 4×4 Rogue and automatic SR5 double cabs, and optional for 4×4 SR double cabs – helps improve engine smoothness and fuel economy of the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel fourcylinder engine by approximately 6-10% depending on the variant, compared to current generation Hilux.

Toyota Australia spokesperson Sean Hanley says the upgrades to the new-look Hilux range make it more compelling than ever.

On most WorkMate variants, a black honeycomb mesh grille is now paired with a black lower and body-coloured side bumper finish, while a tailgate damper has been added on pick-up variants. The front bumper on WorkMate single-cab chassis and petrol double-cab variants has been changed from a dark grey finish to black.

The SR grades receive a silver-coloured lower bumper finish, while the SR5 goes further with a black upper grille mould, dark-tinted LED headlamp cluster, gloss black fog lamp bezels, exterior mirrors and outside door handles.

The 48-Volt system comprises a motor generator, 48-Volt battery and DC/DC converter which enables a stop/start system as well as enhancing driveability and fuel efficiency while reducing noise, vibration and harshness.

“Introducing 48-Volt technology on double-cab models is an exciting step forward, improving fuel efficiency while still providing performance and capability that the Hilux is known for.

“Combined with dynamic styling and improved specification, the Hilux range has never looked more appealing,” he says.

The revised face features a new-look grille and front bumper combined in an interlocking design with an octagonal grille, trapezoidal lower section and bold outer bumper, which houses the fog lamps on SR5.

Variants with this technology are also made more capable off-road with the standard fitment of Multi-Terrain Select, offering six selectable drive modes that enhance performance in challenging conditions.2

The SR grades fitted with the optional 48-Volt technology gain dualzone automatic climate control, smart entry and start, automatic up-down control for the power windows, and carpet floor mats.

Regardless of powertrain choice, all SR double-cab automatic pick-up grades now feature two front and four rear parking sensors to help make navigating tight spaces easier.

Providing enhanced convenience, the SR5 along with the Hilux Rogue and the GR Sport now feature a wireless charging pad next to the gear shifter and two rear USB-C ports next to the air-conditioning vents for double-cab variants.

Hyundai Ioniq and Toyota Corolla Cross top MNY efficiency report

Finance platform MNY (mny.com.au) has compiled a report for buyers unveiling the most and least fuel-efficient cars on Australian roads by engine type, body type, price, year and make.

The analysis has calculated that the Hyundai Ioniq is the most fuel and energy-efficient EV and PHEV, while the Toyota Corolla Cross is the most fuel-efficient petrol car. Meanwhile, the most fuel-efficient SUV is the Honda ZR-V petrol hybrid.

The research was conducted as part of the launch of MNY’s free car fuel-usage comparison platform. MNY compared 652 2019-2023 model cars from 38 brands, with reliable fuel efficiency data and based on the assumption that each car travels 14,000 km a year.

Top 10 fuel efficient cars

Hands down, electric cars are the most fuelefficient, even when taking into account electricity charging costs, which means those drivers will have the lowest annual power costs says MNY.

A surprising finding is that it wasn’t a 2023 model that came on top, nor the one with the highest base price. The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq EV sedan topped the chart with an annual fuel cost of just $491. Not bad for a base price of $36,630 for this plug-in electric vehicle.

The 2023 Tesla Model 3 came in second, with an annual running cost of $554. The BMW i3 EV sedan came in third, with $575 in annual power costs. Only one SUV made the top 10 list – the MG ZS EV, in ninth place.

Shape and size matters

MNY unpacked the data to find out what factors affect annual fuel costs. Common car body styles ranked high. Hatches and sedans had the lowest average annual fuel

costs because they were smaller and more aerodynamic, while coupes and convertibles averaged the highest. Convertibles had almost double the average yearly fuel cost of a hatch. However, the 2023 BMW Z4 petrol and 2023 BMW 2 series petrol took the top ranking for convertible and coupe categories achieving fuel efficiencies of 7.8L/100 km and 9.7L/100 km respectively.

10 least fuel-efficient cars

MNY also ranked the 10 least fuel-efficient car models. Seven out of 10 cars on the list have six-figure base prices, which highlights that high-end vehicles with powerful engines do not prioritise fuel efficiency and require more petrol.

The least fuel-efficient is the 2023 BMW Alpina Wagon, followed by the 2021 Porsche Macan SUV and then the 2019 Lotus Evora GT 430 Coupe.

Notably, one affordable model makes the list: the $40,190 2022 Subaru BRZ Coupe, which ranks 10th in low fuel efficiency.

The full analysis can be found here https:// mny.com.au/most-fuel-efficient-cars-inaustralia/.

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