Car News

The Land Rover Defender has been previewed again, this time officially by the manufacturer with a set of prototype images in the Dubai desert. In addition to the new set of photos – which just shows a camouflaged prototype tearing up the dunes and driving along the twisty Jebel Jais highway – Land Rover also announced it is renewing its partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Queensland's Maracoonda Automotive has issued a recall for converted Dodge Ram utes sold between 2004 and 2010 as part of the ongoing Takata airbag campaign. As with all Takata notices, a combination of high temperatures and humidity can cause airbag inflator propellant to degrade over time.

Hyundai Motorsport has confirmed it has "begun work" on an electric race car that "will herald a new motorsport era for the company". Designed and built at the racing division's headquarters in Alzenau, Germany, the EV race car is scheduled to be revealed at Hyundai's media day at the Frankfurt motor show in September. The vehicle is the first electric race car to be developed by the brand, thought it's unclear whether it's destined for Formula E or another championship series.

Not even legendary Bugatti is immune to the spread of SUVs. Automobile reports the Chiron and Divo may be getting a new companion in the form of an electric crossover. Surprised? This rumoured all-electric crossover allows Bugatti to join the ranks of Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin, Ferrari and Lamborghini in the ultra-luxury crossover market.

Australia's Takata airbag recall is almost 80 per cent complete, but the ACCC data says there are three brands with a conversion rate below 70 per cent. A combination of heat and humidity can make the propellant in Takata airbag inflators degrade over time. In an accident where the airbags deploy, metal fragments could shoot into the cabin, posing a serious risk of injury or death to passengers.