Car News

The world’s biggest lithium-ion battery, Tesla's Hornsdale Power Reserve in South Australia, has received a capacity bump of around 50 per cent, courtesy of a major expansion project that promises to bring even more reliability to the state's grid. Electric carmaker Tesla and its partner Neoen, the French renewable energy provider that owns the reserve, have completed a project deploying more storage capacity at the site, which is located in Hornsdale, north of Jamestown, in South Australia.

Mazda Australia will not offer free engine oil changes for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the service being offered by the Japanese brand in the US. Mazda's initiative in the US – which it claims will cost at least $5 million (AU$7.9 million) – will be offered until 4 May to healthcare workers nationwide, allowing them to have the engine oil in “most makes and models” of cars changed for free, regardless of whether they are a Mazda or not.

Porsche has repeatedly said its iconic 911 sports car will be the last model in its range to go fully electric, but that didn’t stop us from rendering what it could look like. The artist’s impression shown above – created by yours truly – blends the svelte shape of the current 992-generation 911 Carrera Cabriolet with the front fascia and 20-inch aero wheels from Porsche’s first electric vehicle, the Taycan.

Ford Australia has dismissed overseas reports that its flagship hot hatch Focus RS will not be revived with the latest generation model. French publication Caradisiac claimed yesterday the fourth-gen Focus RS – which has been reported to add a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to the outgoing generation’s 257kW and 470Nm 2.3-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine – had failed to meet 2021 European emissions standards even with hybrid technology.

Volkswagen’s upcoming Arteon R has left the snow-covered roads of Sweden and begun testing on Germany’s iconic Nurburgring racetrack. The latest prototype caught by our spy photography partners wears similar levels of camouflage to the example snapped in Scandinavia in February, merely sporting some deceptive tape and white panelling to cover badges, trim pieces and alter the appearance of the front air intakes and rear bumper.