Car News

Toyota and Subaru could spring a surprise reveal at the Tokyo motor show, with Japanese reports suggesting the second-generation 86 and BRZ will be unveiled in concept form. Japanese magazine Best Car reports the new coupes will officially launch in the first half of 2021, but we'll see a concept previewing the next-generation models at the Tokyo motor show next month.

Tesla put both its red and blue Model S prototypes on the Nurburgring race track overnight (Wednesday afternoon German time) in its latest attempt to shatter the electric-car lap record of 7 minutes and 42 seconds set by the Porsche Taycan. And one of the Tesla Model S sedans appears to have a stripped-out interior, not a full production car interior, giving it a significant weight advantage.

Wiesmann will launch a new sports car dubbed 'Project Gecko' in 2020, with a retro-inspired body and power from the BMW M5's turbocharged V8 engine. Although it's hidden a sheet at the moment, it's clear the 'Gecko' will draw on some of Wiesmann's classic design cues. The front end will house a centrally-mounted grille and dual headlights, along with flared wheel arches.

Hyundai Australia will go without an automatic option for its i30 N hot hatch for at least another 12 months, with the company's local boss indicating the promised dual-clutch auto won't be here until late in 2020. Speaking at the local launch for the all-new Venue crossover, Hyundai Australia's CEO, J.W. Lee, said the DCT-equipped i30 N has been pushed back until next year. "We're getting the DCT. [It will be here] late 2020," he said.

Hyundai is poised to add a vehicle that could catapult it from third place on the sales podium to second place outright behind market leader Toyota. The lack of a ute is seen as the only thing holding the Korean manufacturer back from overtaking Japan's Mazda. Hyundai Australia has been calling for a ute since 2015 – and pick-ups have been our top selling vehicles for the past three years in a row – but it seems the company may finally get its wish.