Car News

Nissan has confirmed it will gradually withdraw diesel-powered models in Europe, following a similar decision made by fellow Japanese automaker Toyota. Speaking with industry journal Automotive News Europe, a "Nissan spokeswoman" confirmed the news, as a result of slowing sales and customer anxiety about looming tax rises, bans and restrictions.

A development prototype believed to be the Audi RS Q8 has been spied this week, giving us a first look at the flagship version of the company's upcoming SUV coupe. While the quad tailpipes out the back would indicate an 'S' model not an 'RS', the design of the front intakes and massive brakes with six-piston calipers up front hint at a Rennsport variant, and photographers noted a "deeper sound"– Audi tried a similar trick with an RS Q3 prototype spotted recently.

The Japanese government, battery makers and three key automakers (Honda, Nissan and Toyota) have joined forces to develop solid-state lithium-ion batteries. According to the Nikkei Asian Review collaborative work begins this month with research being spearheaded by the Consortium for Lithium Ion Battery Technology and Evaluation Center (Libtec).

Waymo, self-driving research arm for Google, has been involved in the second major self-driving accident to hit Arizona in a matter of months – but the computer wasn't at fault. According to local police, the self-driving Chrysler was operating in autonomous mode when the accident occurred, while Waymo claims the car was under human control. Regardless of who was in command, the Waymo-branded Pacifica wasn't responsible for the incident.

Australian pricing for the new 2018 Bentley Continental GT has been announced this week, with the British luxury coupe to kick off at $422,600 before on-road costs ahead of first deliveries in the third quarter. That figure puts the big grand tourer in the same ballpark as numerous high-end luxury sports coupes, including the Aston Martin DB11 V12 (from $395,000), and the Mercedes-AMG S63 coupe (from $414,427).