HOT TOPIC
// Range Rover Sport wins NZ Hot Wheels Legends Tour title
A modified 2013 Range Rover Sport has won the New Zealand round of the 2026 Hot Wheels Legends Tour, putting its owner one step closer to having the vehicle turned into a die-cast model.
- Driven Car Guide says Hot Wheels Legends Tour NZ winner announced
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BEST OF THE REST
// Zeekr 7GT ‘Special Edition’ in consideration for New Zealand
Zeekr is reportedly sizing up a special edition of its new 7GT wagon for the New Zealand market, but it seems safety concerns might be holding it back.
// JAC T9 electric ute ruled out for NZ market
Reduced towing capacity has been cited as the reason for not bringing the JAC T9 EV to New Zealand.
IN OTHER NEWS
// 2027 Nissan Patrol Y63 range previewed with Australian release
While we wait for New Zealand’s Y63 Patrol range to be announced, Australia has released its line-up, hinting at what models could arrive in 2027.
// Govt scraps 2027 fuel tax hike as election battle intensifies
The Government has cancelled its planned 12 cents per litre fuel excise increase from January 2027, just days after Labour pledged to freeze the tax for three years if it wins November’s election.
// Bapcor posts $431.6m loss amid turnaround push
Bapcor has reported a statutory net loss after tax of A$431.6 million (NZ$522.7m) for the year to June 30, as significant impairment charges weighed on its FY26 result.
// TrailLite sells six Roadcraft motorhomes sight unseen ahead of debut
TrailLite has sold six of its new Roadcraft motorhomes sight unseen, ahead of the locally built model’s public debut at the NZ Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show at Hamilton’s Mystery Creek from 18 September.
// Road dust emerges as significant source of Auckland air pollution
Road dust and other non-exhaust vehicle emissions are making a significant contribution to Auckland’s air pollution, according to new research examining more than a decade of air-quality data.
// Lexus Design Award returns with global brief and new mentor
The Lexus Design Award returns for its eighth year in New Zealand, this time with a global design brief and internationally recognised industrial designer Lance McGregor joining the mentor line-up.
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INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// Does Ultra-Fast Charging Ruin An EV Battery? BYD Did It 350 Times In 9 Days To Find Out
The Yangwang U7 charges from 10–97% in just nine minutes. BYD tested the process 350 times in nine days to see how it affects battery health.
ONE LINERS
- Kia previews larger PV7 electric van ahead of reveal
- Australian-developed dynamics tune coming to NZ JAC T9 PHEV
- Toyota’s next-generation EV will be built in China first, as a Lexus
- Upcoming Volkswagen ID. Tiguan expected to replace ID.4 and ID.5 SUVs
- Škoda Octavia celebrates 30 years and almost eight million cars
- Some US cities have begun rewarding careful drivers with fewer red lights
- Porsche 911 Challenge turns GT3 into a race car – confirmed for NZ
- Toyota unlocks GR Yaris software, with a whole lot more in the parts bin
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// Farmer Autovillage Wheel Repairs – 50% off your first set
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