Car News

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class cabriolet has made its world premiere in the sun-drenched surrounds of the LA motor show this week. The mid-life update to Mercedes’ flagship sports tourer brings a range of upgrades such as more power — as if it was missing — a new nine-speed automatic transmission in place of the current seven-speeder, a curve tilting suspension function and revised roof design. Design

The third bodystyle in the new 2016 Honda Civic range has been revealed today, with the all-new coupe variant making its Los Angeles Auto Show debut. The new model’s unveiling follows the appearance of the new Civic sedan in September. And, while the hatch variant is still to be revealed, it was recently spied in hotted-up Type R form at the Nurburgring.

Ford has today unveiled what is likely to debut in Australia no sooner than late next year as the 2017 Ford Kuga, in keeping with the mid-sized SUV’s local scheduling cycle. In its current form, the Kuga made its Australian debut in early 2013, more than a year after it first debuted in US-market Escape form at the 2011 LA auto show.

Some of the world’s biggest automotive manufacturers are moving to a future where plugging in to a power point to do your daily commute is a viable reality, but Toyota isn’t following the same path. Companies such as Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Hyundai and Mitsubishi are pushing for a world where electric power can be used part-time, offering plug-in hybrid drivetrains in mainstream models in major markets around the world.

The first Lexus hydrogen car will be here within a decade – possibly in les than five years – but the chances of Australian buyers being able to walk in to a showroom with one appear slim. The Japanese luxury brand showcased the Lexus LF-FC concept sedan at the 2015 Tokyo motor show this week, a large fuel-cell electric model that includes a rear-drive hydrogen powertrain and in-wheel front electric motors.