Car News

The new mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette has been spied undergoing testing on a proving track. These slightly grainy photos were taken from afar, but seem to show a prototype vehicle using production body panels obscured by both camouflage wrap and a clip-on covering. The photos give further credence to the long-standing rumour the next-generation sports car will switch from the front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout used by the Corvette thus far to a new mid-engine layout.

Mazda has issued a recall for 55,000 of its previous-generation Mazda 6, CX-7 and CX-9 model lines as part of the ongoing Takata airbag campaign this week. In this latest notice, affected vehicles could be fitted with front passenger airbags that are susceptible to moisture intrusion, causing the inflator to deploy abnormally and rupture in the event of a collision.

The Victorian state government and defence company BAE Systems want to build a fleet of next-generation military vehicles at the former Holden site in Melbourne's inner-west. Victoria's Andrews government has signed a Heads of Agreement with the British multinational defence company, proposing to make and maintain 225 new Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles and by extension creating what it claims to be thousands of manufacturing jobs - albeit with indeterminate terms.

GM is currently working on new electrical and infotainment systems, which will allow the company to issue over-the-air software updates in the near future. Last week, Mary Barra, CEO of GM, told analysts and journalists, including Automotive News, the company would begin issuing over-the-air vehicle updates "before 2020". Up until now, GM has only used over-the-air updates for its OnStar in-car security, navigation and emergency response service.

The country's seventh-best-selling dual-cab utility, the Mazda BT-50, has had its infotainment package upgraded, with the fresh addition of a new system from well-known electronics company Alpine. Mazda Australia has announced that all mid-spec XTR and top-spec GT BT-50 models rolling into dealerships from today will sport, as standard, a new 8.0-inch Alpine-branded infotainment system, highlighted by improved satellite navigation and a fully-integrated rear-view camera.