Car News

Two key factors might make the return of a right-hand drive (RHD) Ford F-Series pickup economically feasible for the first time in years - opening the door for a hypothetical return to Australia. The more obvious of these is the recent addition of a diesel engine to what has long been the US market’s number one vehicle (more than 800,000 annual sales there). The second is the success Ford has enjoyed by ‘globalising’ the iconic Mustang model, setting a potential precedent.

The latest luxury vehicle manufacturer to enter the Australian market will be Hyundai-owned Genesis, which will have its full brand launch alongside two models around April or May this year. Hyundai has been testing the water with its ‘Genesis’ sedan, but will now use that as a platform to launch the full line-up of Genesis-branded vehicles before the middle of the year.

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled a new '53' model line in Detroit, with power from a 48V hybrid-boosted inline-six engine. Debuting in the CLS, E-Class Coupe and E-Class Cabriolet, the new powertrain comprises of a turbocharged inline-six petrol engine making 320kW of power and 520Nm of torque, augmented by a 48V electric system offering an extra 16kW and 250Nm for brief periods.

The new-generation 2018 Kia Cerato has been unveiled in Detroit today, debuting in its US-market 2018 Kia Forte form. Only the sedan body has been revealed, although earlier spy photos reveal what we can expect from the hatch design. Slightly bigger in every direction, the Forte also debuts a new variant of Hyundai-Kia's 2.0-litre 'Nu' petrol engine and a new CVT automatic gearbox, both specific to the American market.

The Infiniti Q Inspiration concept has been revealed at the Detroit motor show overnight, giving us a first look at the company's future designs. Pitched as a "new form language for an era of advanced powertrains", the Q Inspiration takes the form of a four-door coupe, potentially previewing an upcoming rival to the Mercedes-Benz CLS.