Car News

Mercedes-Benz Australia has released pricing and specifications for the upgraded 2019 E-Class range, bolstered by new powertrain options and added technology. Key changes for the new model year include the standard fitment of the Driver Assistance Package Plus acros the range, adding features like enhanced traffic sign assist for the adaptive cruise control system.

Bentley is celebrating its 100th birthday, outfitting models built between January 2019 and December 2019 with unique Centenary Specification elements. The company has come up with a new metallic gold colour, dubbed Centenary Gold, inspired by the "exquisite metalwork" found on classic models, including the 1919 EXP 2 and 1929 Birkin Blower. It will also reportedly shine and reflect light in a similar way to jewellery, for different look in different lighting conditions.

The next-generation 'C8' Chevrolet Corvette has been spied at the Nurburgring, wearing less camouflage to show off its new mid-engined shape. Up front, the headlights and ankle-breaking splitter share their basic DNA with those of the current Corvette ZR1, although the snub-nosed profile and air intakes on the rear flanks are dead giveaways as to where the engine is hiding.

In a move that may seem more than a little puzzling to buyers, Lexus plans to launch its all-new UX crossover later this year in Australia without Apple CarPlay. While the company says it will begin rolling out the technology some time in 2019, it should be noted each of the UX's competitors – namely the Audi Q2, BMW X1 and X2, and the Volvo XC40 – are available with CarPlay as standard kit across the range or, in the case of BMW, in the form of an optional wireless setup.

Skoda Australia has revealed pricing and specs for the 2019 Octavia RS, now available exclusively with a dual-clutch transmission and the more powerful 180kW engine tune. The car will be offered in RS 2.0 TSI and RS 245 grades as a sedan or wagon, sending 180kW and 370Nm to the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG. An electrically-controlled limited-slip differential is standard across the range, too.