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• ‘They still make me smile’: How Hot Wheels has gone from a simple child’s toy to a cultural phenomenon

  10-04-2025 08:00 via drive.com.au
  In the 1960s, one man wanted to make a new toy car for little boys. Fifty-seven years later, the Hot Wheels brand has transformed into a behemoth that has left no stone unturned.The return of the Melbourne Motor Show has sparked excitement and joy amongst the automotive community in Australia – with punters able to get up close and personal to vehicles they’d never otherwise get a chance to see.But it’s not any of the more than 20 manufacturers showing off their latest models t
  
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• Brabus manufacturing program announced for Australia in world-first

  30-04-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  Brabus has chosen Australia for its bespoke manufacturing program with local luxury car distributor, Zagame.In a world first, German company Brabus and Zagame have launched a personalisation program in Australia to ‘manufacture’ custom vehicles locally as a Stage 2 OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer).The factory-supported Brabus Refinement Program enables customers of the Melbourne-based luxury car dealer to customise their vehicle with upgrades certified as original and fully cove
  
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• This priceless Holden concept car was saved from the council tip. Twice!

  30-04-2025 21:00 via drive.com.au
  With satellite navigation and a rear-view camera, 1969’s Holden Hurricane previewed a motoring future we take for granted today.Original story published in Drive on 1 May, 1997Holden has built only two concept models – and this one was literally saved from the municipal rubbish tip.The futuristic Hurricane was designed by Holden’s stylists and engineers in the true tradition of General Motors’ “cars of tomorrow”, ostensibly as a test-bed for the-then new Austr
  
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• 2025 MG HS Vibe review

  30-04-2025 16:00 via drive.com.au
  This latest MG HS has improved leaps and bounds over its predecessor, but is it enough to compete with established nameplates from Kia, Toyota, Nissan, and Hyundai?
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2025 MG HS VibeThere are MG models out there that are more technologically advanced, and there are MGs that are more affordable for Australians, but no other MG model i
  
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• ‘I’m lovin’ it’: Full-sized McDonald’s car sets tongues wagging in viral video

  30-04-2025 08:00 via drive.com.au
  Though you might see advertising cars on local roads, one US driver decided to show their passion for McDonald’s, because they’re lovin’ it.
  Image: Facebook/Houston McDonald’s
  There’s nothing like that feeling of getting a toy car in a McDonald’s Happy Meal when you’re a kid, but one driver in the US has decided to take it to another level.A TikTok video has gone viral online after one motorist was spotted driving a car in the shape of a Ronald McDonald
  
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• General Motors recalls 721,000 V8 engines globally, but Australian impact to be confirmed

  30-04-2025 08:00 via drive.com.au
  The 6.2-litre V8 fitted in a number of General Motors vehicles – including the Chevrolet Silverado sold in Australia – has been recalled with impacts to local models to be determined.General Motors has recalled 721,000 vehicles fitted with its 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine due to defective parts leading to catastrophic failures including several injuries.The voluntary recall is for vehicles fitted with the 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine – codenamed ‘L87’ – between 20
  
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• Aston Martin DBX S revealed as one of the most powerful SUVs in the world

  30-04-2025 06:47 via drive.com.au
  Squeezing 15kW more from the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 makes the 535kW/900Nm Aston Martin DBX S one of the most potent SUVs on the planet.Aston Martin has a new top-dog SUV with the unveiling of the DBX S, which boasts even more power from its petrol V8 and a more sonorous exhaust.Utilising the same AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 as the rest of the DBX line-up, the new DBX S punches out a sizeable 535kW/900Nm – making it more potent, at least on paper, than a Mercedes-AMG G63 and
  
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• ‘We gave them a little time before we slaughter them’: Trump tariff relief for US car makers

  30-04-2025 06:33 via drive.com.au
  The US President announced a minor reduction in tariffs for car makers, enabling them more time to reorganise complex supply chains towards American manufacturing.Tariffs on car makers in the United States will be partially reduced as the industry looks to reset – reorganising supply chains and business strategies – in the new automotive landscape.United States (US) President Trump signed two executive orders on April 29 winding back the impact of the tariffs but not completely remov
  
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• 2025 MG S5 EV price and specs: New electric SUV undercuts Atto 3 in cheapest form

  30-04-2025 04:14 via drive.com.au
  The MG S5 EV small electric SUV is due in showrooms next month with prices in line with its BYD Atto 3 competition – all starting with a four, drive-away.2025 MG S5 EV pricing and specificationsNew electric SUV based on MG 4 hatchFour variants, up to 430km rangePriced from $40,490 drive-awayThe 2025 MG S5 EV – the SUV version of the popular MG 4 electric hatch – will undercut the cheapest version of the BYD Atto 3 by $500 to $2500, and become the country’s most affordable
  
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• 2025 BMW X3 price and specs: Diesel returns to Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC rival

  30-04-2025 03:55 via drive.com.au
  Diesel returns to BMW’s new fourth-generation X3 line-up with more torque than the flagship M50 xDrive, but also more expensive than the 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).BMW Australia will once again offer diesel power in its new-generation X3 family SUV range, with the new 40d xDrive variant slotting in below the flagship M50 xDrive.Priced at $108,900 before on-road costs, the sole diesel powertrain in the new BMW X3 range is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel six-cylind
  
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• Ferrari 296 Speciale breaks cover as faster, lighter, track-honed special edition priced above $720,000

  30-04-2025 03:45 via drive.com.au
  The 2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale is the most powerful rear-wheel-drive model ever from the Prancing Horse.Ferrari’s tradition of building even more hardcore variants of its supercars is alive and well after the Prancing Horse brand revealed the 2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale overnight.The track-honed special edition is a lighter and more powerful rendition of Ferrari’s mid-engine 296 GTB, now outputting 648kW from its hybrid-assisted mid-mounted V6 engine.As before, the 296 Speciale’s
  
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• 2026 Isuzu D-Max EV makes global debut ahead of Australian launch

  30-04-2025 02:43 via drive.com.au
  The production version of the electric D-Max has been revealed in Europe with a one-tonne payload and 3500kg towing – and it is heading to Australia.The 2026 Isuzu D-Max ute has been revealed and will bring a one-tonne payload and 3500kg towing capability when it goes on sale in Australia as soon as 2026.Beating arch-rivals Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux to showrooms with a battery-electric dual cab model, the Isuzu D-Max EV was revealed with a dual-cab body at the 2025 Commercial Vehicle Sh
  
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• Chery Tiggo 9L goes Toyota Prado hunting, plus tank-turn ability

  30-04-2025 01:00 via drive.com.au
  New-generation tri-motor electric SUV goes after Prado with rugged looks, autonomous driving tech and the trademark ‘tank turn’ capability.The 2025 Chery Tiggo 9L has been revealed in China with more tech, three electric motors and a host of gear in a Toyota Prado-sized package able to perform ‘tank turns’.While it shares the same name as the seven-seat Tiggo 9 due in Australia by mid-2025 – a rival for the Kia Sorento and Toyota Kluger – the 9L is a better-eq
  
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• GWM Tank 700 off-roader likely for Australia with $100,000 price estimate

  30-04-2025 00:00 via drive.com.au
  The largest and most expensive car from GWM in Australia could offer turbo-diesel four-cylinder or twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid power, if it comes to showrooms.The GWM Tank 700 four-wheel-drive could be the first $100,000 car to wear the company’s badge in Australia if it is green-lit for local showrooms.And it could launch with 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 plug-in hybrid power – alongside a new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder – in place of the turbo-petrol V6 plug-in hy
  
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• Mercedes-Benz announces trio of special edition GLE and GLS SUVs

  29-04-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  Three limited-run models for Australian showrooms have been confirmed by the three-pointed star brand across GLE and GLS SUVs.A trio of special edition Mercedes-Benz SUVs have been announced for Australian showrooms across the GLE and GLS model lines.The car maker won’t say exactly how many of each it will offer in Australia, but the additional features add value to its current models as it looks to build on a strong start to sales in 2025, up almost one-third. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz
  
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• ‘Iconic’: This humble SUV is a hit with celebrities

  29-04-2025 22:00 via drive.com.au
  Though it’s normal to see luxury, vintage and exotic cars among celebrities’ auto collections, it’s the Ford Bronco that stands out above the rest.Image: Getty Images/MEGA/GC Images
  When you’ve reached the pinnacle of fame, money is not an issue. And while it’s commonplace to find a range of rare, exotic and luxury vehicles flooding the garages of the rich and famous, there’s one humble SUV that is a star among VIPs.The Ford Bronco has been a mainstay in pop c
  
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• 2025 Tesla Model Y review: Australian first drive of Juniper facelift

  29-04-2025 16:00 via drive.com.au
  The world’s top-selling new car – the Tesla Model Y – has come in for a major update, with new styling, an upgraded cabin, and a much-improved driving experience. Here’s why it’s still an excellent EV.
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2025 Tesla Model YAs far as important new car releases go, the biggest update in five years for the w
  
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• The fascinating story behind India’s favourite car accessory

  29-04-2025 08:00 via drive.com.au
  This black tassel on a car’s front bumper might seem like a normal decoration, but for Indian drivers, it’s an important safety tool that has protected drivers for generations.Image: Reddit/YeetoLeeto
  While Australians are accustomed to decorating their vehicles with accessories such as stickers and custom number plates, some countries like India favour a more spiritual touch.One Reddit user took to the social media platform to find out the meaning behind a black tassel car accessory
  
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• How China’s XPeng will differentiate itself from Tesla

  29-04-2025 08:00 via drive.com.au
  Not content to just offer up electric cars, XPeng will also soon bring to market range extender electric vehicles in a bid to gain traction in markets with low EV uptake such as Australia.Chinese electric car brand XPeng will broaden its powertrain portfolio with range extender electric vehicles (REEVs) coming to market from next year, with an Australian arrival highly likely.Confirmed for a 2026 arrival in global markets at the XPeng Global Brand Night in Hong Kong, the XPeng’s REEV engin
  
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• JAC previews Toyota Prado rival with new Define-X concept

  29-04-2025 05:29 via drive.com.au
  The Chinese light-commercial brand JAC has foreshadowed its entry into the passenger car and family SUV space with two new concepts.Chinese commercial brand JAC will enter the passenger car space as previewed by two concepts at this year’s Shanghai motor show.Using the JAC De-Fine concept – a futuristic four-seat sedan with freestyle doors – that debuted at last year’s Beijing motor show as a basis, the two new Define concepts push the platform towards a more road-ready p
  
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• Tesla Cybertruck rival unveiled by Australia-bound GAC

  29-04-2025 04:20 via drive.com.au
  The GAC Pickup 01 shows off a futuristic dual-cab ute contender from China with Tesla-like looks as the first of a new generation of commercial vehicles.The GAC Pickup 01 concept has been unveiled ahead of the car maker’s arrival in Australian showrooms later this year with a ‘sci-fi aesthetic’ and monster truck stance with passenger-like car tech underneath.GAC has previously announced plans to launch in Australia in mid-2025 with two brands: GAC for hybrid vehicles and Aion f
  
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• 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV pricing update sees sharper state-based drive-away deals

  29-04-2025 03:30 via drive.com.au
  Pricing for the upcoming 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV has been sharpened, closing the gap to its main BYD Shark 6 rival.GWM has cancelled a nation-wide drive-away pricing scheme for its 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV ute in favour of traditional retail pricing, though the updated pricing has paved the way for more affordable state-based drive-away deals.It means the forthcoming plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute – the second to hit the Australian market – is now up to $2500 more affordable than b
  
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• Why so many Chinese car brands are coming to Australia

  29-04-2025 03:00 via drive.com.au
  The global boss of one of China’s largest car companies has outlined why it – like many other auto giants – has chosen Australia as a key market for selling its vehicles.Australia’s “friendly” attitude towards Chinese cars – combined with stringent safety and, relative to other countries, emissions rules – is said to make us an important place to operate for auto brands from the world’s largest vehicle market.That’s according to the glo
  
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• 2025 Jaguar F-Pace SVR 575 Ultimate Edition review

  29-04-2025 02:52 via drive.com.au
  Jaguar bids farewell to internal combustion with a limited-edition supercharged V8-powered SUV that will leave you smiling for days.Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2025 Jaguar F-Pace SVR 575 Ultimate EditionNinety years of history and heritage. It says so right on the centre console. “Est. 1935, Coventry.”
  Now, in 2025, it all comes down to this, the
  
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• 2025 Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Corvette hit with price rises in Australia

  29-04-2025 02:00 via drive.com.au
  General Motors has increased prices across most of its US-sourced vehicles in Australia, including the Cadillac Lyriq EV, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and GMC Yukon.
  The 2025 Cadillac Lyriq and 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray have been hit with price rises in Australia, joining the soon-to-be-launched 2025 GMC Yukon.General Motors Australia has confirmed the Cadillac Lyriq electric SUV is $5000 dearer than before, while the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray sports car has risen by $4990.A General Moto
  
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• Australia poised to miss out on new Chery Himla ute

  29-04-2025 01:00 via drive.com.au
  A Chery ute to rival the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux is earmarked for Australia, but it may not be this Himla pick-up revealed in China.Chery may use the Rely name for its first ute in Australia – aimed at the top-selling Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux dual-cabs – skipping the Himla badge for local showrooms.The Chinese car maker has long signalled its intention to introduce a ute in Australia, and last year confirmed rumours of a HiLux rival when it showed the Chery KP11 concept.A pr
  
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• GWM developing 3.0-litre turbo-diesel for Cannon Alpha, Tank 500 in 2027

  29-04-2025 00:00 via drive.com.au
  China’s GWM is doubling down on diesel power as other brands back away, announcing a new, more powerful engine for its biggest cars.A more powerful 3.0-litre diesel engine has been confirmed for the GWM Cannon Alpha ute – and the first-ever diesel Tank 500 SUV – in the next two years.It will be a four-cylinder – not a V6 or inline-six – and while it will beat the 135kW/480Nm of the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel in today’s Cannon Alpha, it remains to be seen if it can
  
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• 2025 Mazda CX-90 price and specs: Up to $7800 slashed from flagship family SUV

  28-04-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  Mazda Australia claims it is offering customers “even better value” after making its CX-90 flagship SUV up to $7800 more affordable than before.2025 Mazda CX-90 pricing and specificationsPrice cuts between $6000 and $7800 across CX-90 rangeNo specification changes for Mazda’s flagship SUVPriced from $68,800 before on-road costs
  Mazda CX-90 Touring.
  The price of the 2025 Mazda CX-90 seven-seat family SUV has been slashed in Australia to bring it closer to the CX-70, its five-sea
  
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• The 2025 federal election policies all motorists need to know about

  28-04-2025 22:00 via drive.com.au
  Whether you’re planning on voting for Labor, Liberal, the Greens or anyone else in the federal election, here are the key policy promises you need to know about when it comes to motoring.The Australian federal election is almost upon us – indeed, early voting is already well underway.But with just a few days to go until polling stations open, what are the big automotive policies on the agenda for 2025 and how will they affect you?Here’s a breakdown of where the two main parties
  
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• ‘Australian Fast and Furious’: The greatest forgotten car film ever

  28-04-2025 08:00 via drive.com.au
  There are some banger car films that have come out of Australia, but this one hasn’t seemed to get the recognition it deserves as one of the greats.When you think of Australian car films, the critically acclaimed Mad Max film series, Eric Bana’s Love the Beast, or maybe even The Wog Boy, come to mind.They’re all fantastic movies, but there’s one that deserves a watch for any upstanding car fanatic or Australian automotive nostalgia freak: The Big Steal.RELATED: The best T
  
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