Car News

The Infiniti Project Black S prototype has been revealed and detailed ahead of its full debut at the 2018 Paris motor show, which kicks off next week. The Project Black S is based on the Q60 Red Sport 400 coupe, and is a follow up to 2017 concept, but with a fleshed out "dual-hybrid" drivetrain making a total of 420kW of power. At its core is the company's VR30 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, which cranks out 298kW of power. This is paired with three electric motor generator units.

Mercedes-Benz Australia’s CEO, Horst von Sanden, says he’s not particularly concerned about dipping luxury car sales this year, though he admits consumer and business confidence is “not great”. Sales of the company’s passenger cars and SUV models are down 7.5 per cent this year, contrasting against six consecutive years of solid - often double digit - growth. Rivals BMW and Audi are in similar positions, down 3.8 per cent and 8.5 per cent respectively.

Volkswagen Australia has provided initial specification information for its new entry-level Amarok V6 – the TDI550 Core, The new variant shares its 165kW/550Nm 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 with Sportline and Highline models, but pares back equipment for a more attractive starting price.

The plug-in hybrid drivetrain of the Skoda Vision RS concept has been detailed ahead of the car's in-the-flesh debut at the 2018 Paris motor show next week. According to Autocar, the Vision RS is powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain generating a total of 180kW of power. Under the bonnet the concept features a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 110kW to its name.

The Hyundai i30 Fastback N has been revealed ahead of its world premiere at the Paris motor show next week. It’s the second model from the company’s N Performance Division, following in the wheel tracks of the hot-selling hatch model already on sale. The good news for Aussie punters who like the swoopier coupe-like styling is that it’s on track to arrive locally by March 2019.