HOT TOPIC
// New Zealand’s cheapest EV gets a new look, better batteries
MG has updated the ZS EV, with styling taken from its ICE ZST sibling. The updated electric SUV has a smoothed-out grille, holding an offset charge port hidden by a sliding panel.
- EVs and Beyond says Renewed MG ZS EV revealed in Europe
- AutoCar says New Zealand’s cheapest electric car gets updated
HOT TOPIC
// Spark network extension enables more rural EV chargers
More rural areas can now get Electric Vehicle (EV) ready, thanks to the extension of the Spark IoT network.
- Stuff Motoring says Spark expands connectivity to charge up EV uptake
HOT TOPIC
// Right-hand drive Corvette hits NZ
The first factory-built right-hand drive C8 Corvette has been registered and is now appearing on New Zealands roads.
HOT TOPIC
// Push to electrify government fleet stalls
Government agencies are facing the prospect of having to buy carbon offsets as they predict less than half of their fleet will be electric in 2025.
HOT TOPIC
// Ford reveals more of next-generation Ranger
Car makers go to great lengths to protect their top-secret prototypes from prying eyes.They use camouflage stickers with mind-bending patterns, squiggles, and swirls.
- Stuff Motoring says Ford gives us our best look at the new Ranger yet
HOT TOPIC
// Huge range of electrified Mazda SUVs coming – and yes, a rotary range extender is happening in 2022
Mazda has confirmed an onslaught of electrified SUV models for 2022-23 – including at least four for New Zealand.
- AutoCar says Mazda to expand NZ SUV line-up with four new models
- Stuff Motoring says Mazda expands SUV offerings with more electrification
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- Learn more about Newcoat products on their website
- And download their Dealer Booklet to learn about selling Newcoat in your dealership
BEST OF THE REST
// AC Schnitzer debuts mad 582hp BMW M3 Competition
BMWs M3 Competition is a fairly unhinged four-door straight out of the box, thanks to its 375kW/650Nm turbocharged inline six and a wonderful chassis underneath. But, there will always be BMW customers that want a little more.
// Apple plan for cars uses iPhone to control A/C, seats, radio
Apple, whose CarPlay interface is used by millions of motorists to control music, get directions and make phone calls, is looking to expand its reach within cars.
// Hybrid battery charges in seconds rather than minutes
Mahle Powertrain and Allotrope Energy have combined the fast charging capability of a supercapacitor with the power density of lithium-ion to produce what they call lithium-carbon battery technology.
IN OTHER NEWS
// Watch and listen: Gordon Murray’s 12,100rpm V12 sounds remarkable
Gordon Murrays next-gen hypercar, the T.50, has defied a sea of fully electric hypercars to arguably be the most anticipated performance car of the moment.
// AA Buyer’s Guide: Eco-friendly SUVs for summer
The country is currently under Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, but were looking forward to the summer and exploring New Zealand once again (if the alert levels allow).
// Taking a look at the Auto Wash Bowl of the 1920s
Taking us back to the early motoring days, the car wash of the 1920’s looked somewhat different to our modern-day devices.Heres a photo from 1924 showing a car wash in Chicago.
// Watch: Have we found the best livery of all time?
This week on Zooming with DRIVEN we’re discussing all things electric, with Jeep revealing the new-generation Grand Cherokee which now comes with a plug-in hybrid power plant.
// PNG admit Maserati purchase was a ‘terrible mistake’
A fleet of Maserati cars that were purchased for the 2018 Apec summit by the Papua New Guinean government are now for sale at discounted price.
ONE LINERS
- Citroen shows off flaming awesome Ami liveries
- Car thieves targeting Toyota hybrids, says NZ Police
- Great Wall looking for European boost, set to take over Nissan factory
- The Good Oil: When Audi diesels ruled the world
- GREEN SPECIAL: What’s the difference between BEV, PHEV and hybrid?
HELPFUL RESOURCES
// Current National New Car Deals
Updated every Friday, here’s a complete list of current National deals for new cars, utes, and light commercials.
// Clean Car Calculator
Input vehicle make and/or model to calculate if the car will receive a rebate, fee or sits in the zero band (no change).