2026 Kia Sportage review

Kia had a record year in Australia in 2024 – led by the popular Sportage mid-size SUV. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
Above: GT-Line HEV FWD
No less than 22,210 out of the Korean brand's 81,787 new registrations in Australia last year were Sportages, meaning the long-running fSUV nameplate accounts for more than one in four of the brand's sales Down Under.
Therefore, the updated 2026 Kia Sportage is critical for the brand to continue its upward momentum on the sales charts, and its increasing impact on Australian new car buyers.
Some may not immediately notice the design changes, but that's likely intentional. Given the success of the outgoing model, Kia has subtly refined the quite edgy look of the current-generation Sportage and added its latest tech.
Prices are up, and the range-opening manuals are gone. Instead, Kia has added two new hybrid variants to the mix – marking the first time an electrified Sportage with AWD has been offered in Australia. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
New displays incorporating Kia Connect Services and over-the-air updates are now standard across the range, with an enhanced set of safety and driver assistance technologies fitted too.
Is it still a top contender in an ever-competitive and popular vehicle class? Read on to find out.
Prices are up across the board, by at least $500 and an average of around $3000 depending on the model variant. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
To see how the Kia Sportage lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
Like other new Kia products, the updated Sportage plonks in the brand's latest display tech, a new retro-inspired steering wheel design, and revised trims throughout. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
Above: S
Ahead of the driver is either a 'basic' digital instrument cluster with 4.2-inch TFT supervision display, or a high-spec 12.3-inch digital binnacle if you spend up to the GT-Line.
It's a shame the nicer driver display is limited to the flagship variant when most of the company's EVs get it from the base grade, and it really cheapens the feel of the not-so-cheap SX+ grade.
Anyway, all models get the new 'ccNC' 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, now with Kia Connect Services and wireless smartphone mirroring across the board. It also brings new Valet Mode, weather forecast and calendar functions.
Kia's latest connected interface remains easy to use, well featured and snappy in operation. The base grade misses out on native navigation with online routing, but it's a very consistent experience across the range. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
Above: S (top); GT-Line (bottom)
Haters of the old model's piano black console finish will be happy to know Kia has subbed out the fingerprint- and scuff-prone material with faux aluminium or wood surfaces.
Lower grades still have a lot of blank switchgear where the heated and ventilated seat controls go, and unless you get one of the SX-grade hybrids the dial-type shifter is reserved for the GT-Line. An old-school T-bar features otherwise.
Kia has blended conventional buttons and switchgear with touch-capacitive controls a bit better than other brands and rival models, with a configurable touch bar for infotainment and climate controls featuring user-friendly controls as well as a pair of physical knobs for volume and tuning or temperature and fan speed.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now compatible with models fitted with satellite navigation too, with the former working reliably with my iPhone 16 Pro Max. Sadly, you need to get the SX+ for a wireless charger. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
Above: S (top); GT-Line (bottom)
As before, comfort and practicality up front is pretty good. Regardless of seat spec the front pews are comfortable and supporting with heaps of manual or electric adjustment depending on variant.
They are a little light on for side bolstering when you're tackling harder corners, and the seat base doesn't angle up as much as we'd like. Still, you should be able to spend long stints behind the wheel without issue.
We're fans of the modular centre console with lidded drawer and adjustable cupholders, and the cubby under the centre armrest offers good hideaway storage.
One complaint is the small-ish door bins, which won't hold big bottles like some rivals. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
Given Australia opts for the long-body Sportage out of Korea, rear seat space is at the upper end of the segment, with heaps of head and leg room even with the panoramic sunroof of the GT-Line grade. The flat bench and floor means three across shouldn't be too much of a hassle, either.
Amenities include air vents – but no extra zone of climate – as well as map pockets, bottle holders in the doors and a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders. You get top-tether points across all three seatbacks, as well as ISOFIX anchors on the outboard positions, too.
Further back there's 542-586 litres of boot space depending on variant. Hybrids quote more outright volume but forfeit the full-size alloy spare of petrol and diesel models for a space saver spare.
Drop the second row and you get a pretty cavernous 1829-1872 litres of volume, which is very good for the class and up there with SUVs from the next size segment.
To see how the Kia Sportage lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
Four different engine variants are offered, with the turbocharged hybrid now offering both front- and all-wheel drive. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
The Sportage HEV has seen a slight power and torque bump to 173kW/367Nm (up from 169kW/350Nm) courtesy of a more powerful electric motor which sits between the transmission and turbocharged petrol engine. Braked towing capacity for hybrid models has also been upped to 1900kg, which matches the diesel.
Another significant change is the transmission for 1.6T AWD versions, which switches out the old and disliked seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for a smoother-shifting eight-speed auto. Fuel consumption, however, is up by almost 0.5L/100km on the combined cycle as a result.
To see how the Kia Sportage lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
While the powertrains are largely carryover, Kia Australia's local ride and handling team have implemented a bespoke steering tune and the turbo-petrol variant gets a new eight-speed automatic instead of a dual-clutcher. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
Pictured: S 2.0 FWD
The one-day drive event didn't allow much of an extended experience behind the wheel of one particular variant, though we spent time in the S 2.0D AWD, SX HEV AWD, and the GT-Line 1.6T AWD throughout the program.
Kia Australia's chassis localisation program is a key point of difference compared to many rival brands, and chief ride and handling engineer Graeme Gambold led the development and application of an Australian-specific steering tune.
Mr Gambold says the revised power steering map, replacing the old Korean tune which was used due to restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to provide more accuracy and feedback while retaining a natural feel.
Like the new K4 and EV3 before it, the Sportage's rack doesn't go for outright engagement and feel, better balancing comfort and accuracy to make placing this 4660mm-long and 1865mm-wide family SUV a cinch to place. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
Our drive program commenced in the Sydney suburbs before taking us out through the NSW capital's network of tunnels and highways out to the open road, and the base diesel remains a cracker of an all-rounder.
The oiler's effortless low-down shove gets it to urban and freeway speeds nicely, and the signature clatter of most four-cylinder diesels remains excellently refined and subdued even under acceleration.
While most brands have been progressively moving away from diesel power in the medium classes and below, the Sportage makes a great case for the engine type with its solid long-legged performance and impressive fuel economy.
We saw in the low- to mid-6.0L/100km realm with mixed conditions, skewing slightly to urban highways and inclined freeways north of Sydney. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
Pictured: GT-Line 1.6T AWD
Next we jumped into the SX Hybrid AWD for a 20-minute loop, on a mix of winding B-roads and country highways.
The hybrid has had a proper localised chassis retune for the facelift, as the pre-facelift version was a Frankenstein of parts and calibrations based on the petrol and diesel range. It also picks up a local steering tune with this update.
Recalling my time with the pre-facelift Sportage SX HEV in 2024, the new model feels more dialled in and tied down than before, with a more cohesive ride matched with a tighter steering tune that comes together nicely.
Performance is pretty good if you hammer it, and the new AWD version doesn't slip and scrabble under hard acceleration like the FWD model might. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
You might not really feel the added 4kW and 17Nm unless you drive them back to back, but the hybrid drivetrain in the Sportage feels quite smooth and refined. It doesn't feel as thrashy under load like the last one, either.
However the six-speed automatic still feels like it's lacking a cog or two at motorway speeds, with the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine spinning around the 2000rpm mark at 100km/h which sees fuel consumption sit anywhere between 6.0-7.0L/100km depending on the road's incline.
At lower speeds it'll happily accelerate to around 40km/h in EV mode, and admittedly the engine will shut off on occasion at 100km/h and above at a cruise to save fuel. At urban speeds you'll see indicated fuel consumption closer to 5.0-5.5L/100km which is more in line with the brand's claim.
Still, if you spend a lot of time touring the open road, I think one of the diesels might be a better bet as it'll use less fuel and the eight-speed auto seems more relaxed. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
The final variant we tested was the GT-Line 1.6T AWD with its new eight-speed automatic, a similar change to the smaller Seltos with the same base engine.
In the Sportage however, the 1.6 'T-GDI' four-cylinder turbo-petrol retains its lower 132kW/265Nm tune as per the Korean market, rather than the more powerful 146kW version that was applied to the Seltos globally. Odd.
From the get-go you'll notice the turbo-petrol Sportage is smoother off the line and less elastic when setting off and then shifting from first to second. The old seven-speed DCT had a habit of feeling a little slingshotty off the mark, and at times would send some unwanted vibrations through the cabin at low speeds.
There's a nicer immediacy to initial response too, thanks to the conventional torque converter setup not suffering from that DCT lag that plagues transmissions of that type. On the highway it feels a little less worked too thanks to that extra cog. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
Don't be fooled into thinking the 1.6T is the sporty Sportage, though. The eight-speed auto seems to be more geared to refinement and smoothness rather than performance and engagement.
The four-cylinder petrol engine without electric hybrid assistance also gets loud and thrashy under hard acceleration, and its relatively modest outputs don't quite move the Sportage AWD's 1.7-tonne heft with a whole lot of gusto.
You can flick it into Sport mode and shift via the steering-mounted paddles which offer surprisingly good shift response, but the drivetrain just doesn't feel happy when driven like this.
The lack of idle stop-start also means this variant isn't all that efficient in town either. Following a longer stint back to Sydney with both spirited B-road, freeway and suburban sections, the Sportage's trip computer was showing a pretty thirsty 8.7L/100km.
We didn't drive the base 2.0 'MPI' FWD version, but given it's carryover from the pre-update range it's one to best avoid unless you want the absolute cheapest Sportage you can buy. It's lacking in grunt, isn't very efficient and can feel underdone if you're regularly doing higher speeds. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
Pictured: S 2.0 FWD
Overseas there are a couple of other powertrains that aren't offered here, including the US market's 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with the 1.6T's eight-speed auto; a 1.6-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid (PHEV) which is effectively the HEV with a larger battery; as well as a 1.6-litre turbo FWD that is the base engine in Korea.
Europe and the UK also offer a more efficient 48V mild-hybrid version of the 1.6 T-GDI petrol motor, though this comes out of the brand's Slovakian factory. The PHEV and and 1.6T FWD would be good additions to the range if the Korean brand could make a case for them Down Under, but any major changes to the lineup will likely have to wait for a next-generation model in a few years time.
Kia's local arm has said it's working to get an S-spec Sportage HEV, though stopped short of giving any sort of timeframe. As has been the case for a while, the diesels and hybrids make the most sense if you can justify the premium – not just for efficiency but general driveability and refinement.
To see how the Kia Sportage lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
The previous range walk carries over – i.e. S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line – though there's more equipment across the lineup. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
2025 Kia Sportage S equipment highlights: 17-inch alloy wheels – machined design (NEW)
Full-size alloy spare wheel
3-cell LED headlights – reflector type
LED daytime running lights
Power folding mirrors
Roof rails
Rear spoiler incl. high-mounted stop light
12.3-inch infotainment system (NEW)
Kia Connect Services (NEW)
Over the air updates (NEW)
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Android Auto
'Basic' digital instrument cluster
Cloth seats
Premium steering wheel trim
PVC gearshift
60:40 split-folding rear seats
Rear centre armrest
Retractable cargo cover
Smart key with push-button start (NEW)
Remote engine start (NEW)
Single-zone air-conditioning
6-speaker audio
12V power outlet – cargo area
USB-C charger in front console
Rear air vents
Sportage SX adds: 18-inch alloy wheels – machined design (NEW)
12.3-inch navigation system – ccNC (NEW)
Wireless Apple CarPlay – (NEW)
Wireless Android Auto – (NEW)
18-inch alloy wheels
Rain-sensing wipers
2-way lumbar support – driver
Premium shift selector – Petrol, Diesel
Dial-type shift selector – HEV
Remote folding second-row seats
Dual-zone climate control
Temporary spare wheel – HEV 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
Above: GT-Line 1.6T AWD
Sportage SX+ adds: Wireless phone charger (NEW)
Heated steering wheel (NEW)
19-inch alloy wheels – Petrol, Diesel
Power driver seat
Heated front seats
Harman Kardon premium audio
Power tailgate
Rear privacy glass
Artificial leather upholstery
Sportage GT-Line adds: 19-inch black alloy wheels – machined design (NEW for Petrol, Diesel)
18-inch alloy wheels – machined design (NEW for HEV)
4-cube LED headlights – projector type (NEW)
Dynamic welcome light – front, rear (NEW)
Head-up display (NEW)
Heated steering wheel (NEW for Petrol, Diesel)
Dial-type shift selector – all variants (NEW excl. HEV)
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
Memory function – driver seat
Power front passenger seat
Ventilated front seats
Ambient mood lighting
Panoramic sunroof
LED interior lighting
Alloy sports pedals
To see how the Kia Sportage lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
The updated Kia Sportage is expected to retain its five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on 2022 Euro NCAP tests. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
While there have been some feature upgrades – such as a more advanced semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system from SX+ level and up – the fundamentals appear to be the largely same.
Some new or enhanced features have been confirmed from the base model up, however, including an emergency assist function for the adaptive cruise control if the driver becomes unresponsive, and front parking sensors.
Standard safety equipment includes: 7 airbags incl. front-centre
Smart Cruise Control 2 – SCC 2 (NEW)
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
Blind-spot assist
eCall with SOS button (NEW)
Intelligent speed limit assist
Lane Following Assist (centring)
Lane-keep assist
Multi Collision Brake
Rear cross-traffic assist
Parking sensors – front (NEW), rear
Reversing camera
Tyre pressure monitor
SX+ adds: Highway Driving Assist (NEW)
GT-Line adds: AEB – reverse
Blind Spot View Monitor
Surround View Monitor – 360 cameras
To see how the Kia Sportage lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
The updated Kia Sportage, like the Korean brand's other models, will be covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
Hybrid vehicles are also subject to a seven-year/150,000km high-voltage battery and component warranty.
Kia Australia offers seven years of capped-price servicing across its lineup, though finer details around intervals and pricing for the updated Sportage range are still to be confirmed.
For reference, 2.0L petrol and turbo-diesel models in the pre-facelifted range have 12-month/15,000km intervals; while the turbocharged 1.6L petrol and HEV versions have shorter 10,000km distance intervals.
Pricing over a seven-year period varied between $3344 and $4502 depending on engine variant, which is quite expensive compared to the competition.
To see how the Kia Sportage lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
The new Sportage brings a range of subtle refinements to polish an already very good overall package. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
In lieu of wholesale or groundbreaking developments, Kia has carefully refined its top-seller to address key drawbacks of its predecessor, while democratising more assistance and infotainment tech across the range.
The addition of all-wheel drive hybrid models with an increase to towing capacity will no doubt strengthen the electrified version's case against an increasing number of hybridised rivals, and Kia Australia is already reporting a 60:40 skew towards all-paw models based on initial orders.
We also appreciate the application of a localised steering software map which better ties the Sportage's steering feel and response to the well-balanced chassis package, making this a lovely vehicle to ride in whether you're in town or on the open road.
It offers as much choice as it ever has, and key spec additions lower down in the range mean you don't have to spend up to the GT-Line to get a good suite of convenience features and in-car technologies. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
However, there are still a number of areas that Kia Australia can improve on to align the Sportage with global specifications and move the dial even further.
Reserving nicer displays and headline features for the GT-Line still grates. Surely these can be introduced as an optional package to get buyers into a greater mix of lower variants, much like the brand employed with the new K4.
Fuel-efficiency and emissions performance could be improved too. The petrol engines aren't doing much to help Kia meet looming Australian emissions regulations, and a quick change to Korean-spec Euro 6 powertrains and more electrification options like the PHEV would give consumers even more efficient choices to save at the pump.
Throw in cheaper servicing costs and you've got a much more well-rounded offering. Still, the Kia Sportage will no doubt remain a hit with Aussie buyers, with subtle changes that make a good thing even better. 2026 Kia Sportage Credit: CarExpert
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MORE: Explore the Kia Sportage showroom More hybrids, more tech
New steering tune feels good
Bye bye piano black trims Not-insignificant price rises
Inefficient petrol engines
Needs better feature spread

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Lamborghini tech boss hails e-fuel as ICE ‘saviour'

Synthetic fuel, also known as e-fuel, could save the internal combustion engine (ICE) according to Lamborghini's tech boss, who says electric vehicle (EV) performance parity is only a matter of time. Speaking to CarExpert, the Italian brand's chief technical officer, Mr Rouven Mohr, said the new Lamborghini Temerario powertrain – a twin-turbo V8 hybrid system with three electric motors producing total outputs of 677kW of power and 730Nm of torque – delivers the emotional experience the brand is known for. It can also run on synthetic fuel, making it somewhat futureproof amid ever-tightening emissions standards and alongside combustion-powered rivals in key Lamborghini markets around the world. "I'm not saying that synthetic fuel is better than fossil fuel, but it could be the saviour of the combustion engine," Mr Mohr told CarExpert. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The new engine has been designed to deliver optimal efficiency and performance with both solutions." The powertrain gives the Temerario serious performance stats, including 0-100km/h acceleration in a claimed 2.7 seconds and a 343km/h top speed, but it's the way it delivers its performance that matters to the Lambo tech boss. "The brand DNA has to be always the maximum emotionality that you can have in the sector. This is our DNA," said Mr Mohr. "Therefore, it starts with the sound, but it's not only about that – it's also about the vibration that we feel, the shifting perception, how the car is rotating in the corner… for this, the V8 was considered the best choice." To set the V8 further apart from its rivals, Mr Mohr's team then set a staggeringly high benchmark of a 10,000rpm rev limit. "We decided, okay, what we must do [is] to do the most emotional V8 engine in the segment, and this [high-revving] direction was right here. If you speak about the race-oriented engine, it's revs – revs are always bringing emotions, not only because of the sound." The pursuit – and customer demand – of a visceral experience is why Lamborghini will be later than rival Ferrari in adding an EV to its lineup, which it currently plans to do in 2029. Mr Mohr also said Lamborghini is working hard to keep ICE technology, which he says still has room for improvement, in production for as long as possible. "If you ask me the emotion side at the moment, like I said before, I don't see the [electric] solution that is convincing now," Mr Mohr said. "Its time will come, trust me, because this kind of technology transformation needs longer," he said. "But we should also not make the mistake to think that it [ICE] will stop, because I can tell you, the generation that is now growing up step-by-step with the electrification of the standard cars, for them there will be a point where they say, okay, the old combustion thing is cool." That's why synthetic fuels will be a key technology for brands such as Lamborghini, and fellow Volkswagen Group automaker Porsche – with both brands investing in it for future products, but also because of the critical role heritage plays in the image of each brand. In 2023, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said synthetic fuel technology will be employed by the automaker for several reasons. "There are different levels to how we see it," Mr Winkelmann said. "The first one is we might utilise synthetic fuels only for our race activities. "The second thing is to protect our car park, because the majority of our cars after 60 years still exist. So after 2035, there must be an opportunity, and this is what I think is very important – that all of our customers can continue to drive their cars." MORE: Lamborghini Temerario says farewell V10, hello twin-turbo V8 PHEV Content originally sourced from: Synthetic fuel, also known as e-fuel, could save the internal combustion engine (ICE) according to Lamborghini's tech boss, who says electric vehicle (EV) performance parity is only a matter of time. Speaking to CarExpert, the Italian brand's chief technical officer, Mr Rouven Mohr, said the new Lamborghini Temerario powertrain – a twin-turbo V8 hybrid system with three electric motors producing total outputs of 677kW of power and 730Nm of torque – delivers the emotional experience the brand is known for. It can also run on synthetic fuel, making it somewhat futureproof amid ever-tightening emissions standards and alongside combustion-powered rivals in key Lamborghini markets around the world. "I'm not saying that synthetic fuel is better than fossil fuel, but it could be the saviour of the combustion engine," Mr Mohr told CarExpert. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The new engine has been designed to deliver optimal efficiency and performance with both solutions." The powertrain gives the Temerario serious performance stats, including 0-100km/h acceleration in a claimed 2.7 seconds and a 343km/h top speed, but it's the way it delivers its performance that matters to the Lambo tech boss. "The brand DNA has to be always the maximum emotionality that you can have in the sector. This is our DNA," said Mr Mohr. "Therefore, it starts with the sound, but it's not only about that – it's also about the vibration that we feel, the shifting perception, how the car is rotating in the corner… for this, the V8 was considered the best choice." To set the V8 further apart from its rivals, Mr Mohr's team then set a staggeringly high benchmark of a 10,000rpm rev limit. "We decided, okay, what we must do [is] to do the most emotional V8 engine in the segment, and this [high-revving] direction was right here. If you speak about the race-oriented engine, it's revs – revs are always bringing emotions, not only because of the sound." The pursuit – and customer demand – of a visceral experience is why Lamborghini will be later than rival Ferrari in adding an EV to its lineup, which it currently plans to do in 2029. Mr Mohr also said Lamborghini is working hard to keep ICE technology, which he says still has room for improvement, in production for as long as possible. "If you ask me the emotion side at the moment, like I said before, I don't see the [electric] solution that is convincing now," Mr Mohr said. "Its time will come, trust me, because this kind of technology transformation needs longer," he said. "But we should also not make the mistake to think that it [ICE] will stop, because I can tell you, the generation that is now growing up step-by-step with the electrification of the standard cars, for them there will be a point where they say, okay, the old combustion thing is cool." That's why synthetic fuels will be a key technology for brands such as Lamborghini, and fellow Volkswagen Group automaker Porsche – with both brands investing in it for future products, but also because of the critical role heritage plays in the image of each brand. In 2023, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said synthetic fuel technology will be employed by the automaker for several reasons. "There are different levels to how we see it," Mr Winkelmann said. "The first one is we might utilise synthetic fuels only for our race activities. "The second thing is to protect our car park, because the majority of our cars after 60 years still exist. So after 2035, there must be an opportunity, and this is what I think is very important – that all of our customers can continue to drive their cars." MORE: Lamborghini Temerario says farewell V10, hello twin-turbo V8 PHEV Content originally sourced from: Synthetic fuel, also known as e-fuel, could save the internal combustion engine (ICE) according to Lamborghini's tech boss, who says electric vehicle (EV) performance parity is only a matter of time. Speaking to CarExpert, the Italian brand's chief technical officer, Mr Rouven Mohr, said the new Lamborghini Temerario powertrain – a twin-turbo V8 hybrid system with three electric motors producing total outputs of 677kW of power and 730Nm of torque – delivers the emotional experience the brand is known for. It can also run on synthetic fuel, making it somewhat futureproof amid ever-tightening emissions standards and alongside combustion-powered rivals in key Lamborghini markets around the world. "I'm not saying that synthetic fuel is better than fossil fuel, but it could be the saviour of the combustion engine," Mr Mohr told CarExpert. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The new engine has been designed to deliver optimal efficiency and performance with both solutions." The powertrain gives the Temerario serious performance stats, including 0-100km/h acceleration in a claimed 2.7 seconds and a 343km/h top speed, but it's the way it delivers its performance that matters to the Lambo tech boss. "The brand DNA has to be always the maximum emotionality that you can have in the sector. This is our DNA," said Mr Mohr. "Therefore, it starts with the sound, but it's not only about that – it's also about the vibration that we feel, the shifting perception, how the car is rotating in the corner… for this, the V8 was considered the best choice." To set the V8 further apart from its rivals, Mr Mohr's team then set a staggeringly high benchmark of a 10,000rpm rev limit. "We decided, okay, what we must do [is] to do the most emotional V8 engine in the segment, and this [high-revving] direction was right here. If you speak about the race-oriented engine, it's revs – revs are always bringing emotions, not only because of the sound." The pursuit – and customer demand – of a visceral experience is why Lamborghini will be later than rival Ferrari in adding an EV to its lineup, which it currently plans to do in 2029. Mr Mohr also said Lamborghini is working hard to keep ICE technology, which he says still has room for improvement, in production for as long as possible. "If you ask me the emotion side at the moment, like I said before, I don't see the [electric] solution that is convincing now," Mr Mohr said. "Its time will come, trust me, because this kind of technology transformation needs longer," he said. "But we should also not make the mistake to think that it [ICE] will stop, because I can tell you, the generation that is now growing up step-by-step with the electrification of the standard cars, for them there will be a point where they say, okay, the old combustion thing is cool." That's why synthetic fuels will be a key technology for brands such as Lamborghini, and fellow Volkswagen Group automaker Porsche – with both brands investing in it for future products, but also because of the critical role heritage plays in the image of each brand. In 2023, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said synthetic fuel technology will be employed by the automaker for several reasons. "There are different levels to how we see it," Mr Winkelmann said. "The first one is we might utilise synthetic fuels only for our race activities. "The second thing is to protect our car park, because the majority of our cars after 60 years still exist. So after 2035, there must be an opportunity, and this is what I think is very important – that all of our customers can continue to drive their cars." MORE: Lamborghini Temerario says farewell V10, hello twin-turbo V8 PHEV Content originally sourced from: Synthetic fuel, also known as e-fuel, could save the internal combustion engine (ICE) according to Lamborghini's tech boss, who says electric vehicle (EV) performance parity is only a matter of time. Speaking to CarExpert, the Italian brand's chief technical officer, Mr Rouven Mohr, said the new Lamborghini Temerario powertrain – a twin-turbo V8 hybrid system with three electric motors producing total outputs of 677kW of power and 730Nm of torque – delivers the emotional experience the brand is known for. It can also run on synthetic fuel, making it somewhat futureproof amid ever-tightening emissions standards and alongside combustion-powered rivals in key Lamborghini markets around the world. "I'm not saying that synthetic fuel is better than fossil fuel, but it could be the saviour of the combustion engine," Mr Mohr told CarExpert. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The new engine has been designed to deliver optimal efficiency and performance with both solutions." The powertrain gives the Temerario serious performance stats, including 0-100km/h acceleration in a claimed 2.7 seconds and a 343km/h top speed, but it's the way it delivers its performance that matters to the Lambo tech boss. "The brand DNA has to be always the maximum emotionality that you can have in the sector. This is our DNA," said Mr Mohr. "Therefore, it starts with the sound, but it's not only about that – it's also about the vibration that we feel, the shifting perception, how the car is rotating in the corner… for this, the V8 was considered the best choice." To set the V8 further apart from its rivals, Mr Mohr's team then set a staggeringly high benchmark of a 10,000rpm rev limit. "We decided, okay, what we must do [is] to do the most emotional V8 engine in the segment, and this [high-revving] direction was right here. If you speak about the race-oriented engine, it's revs – revs are always bringing emotions, not only because of the sound." The pursuit – and customer demand – of a visceral experience is why Lamborghini will be later than rival Ferrari in adding an EV to its lineup, which it currently plans to do in 2029. Mr Mohr also said Lamborghini is working hard to keep ICE technology, which he says still has room for improvement, in production for as long as possible. "If you ask me the emotion side at the moment, like I said before, I don't see the [electric] solution that is convincing now," Mr Mohr said. "Its time will come, trust me, because this kind of technology transformation needs longer," he said. "But we should also not make the mistake to think that it [ICE] will stop, because I can tell you, the generation that is now growing up step-by-step with the electrification of the standard cars, for them there will be a point where they say, okay, the old combustion thing is cool." That's why synthetic fuels will be a key technology for brands such as Lamborghini, and fellow Volkswagen Group automaker Porsche – with both brands investing in it for future products, but also because of the critical role heritage plays in the image of each brand. In 2023, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said synthetic fuel technology will be employed by the automaker for several reasons. "There are different levels to how we see it," Mr Winkelmann said. "The first one is we might utilise synthetic fuels only for our race activities. "The second thing is to protect our car park, because the majority of our cars after 60 years still exist. So after 2035, there must be an opportunity, and this is what I think is very important – that all of our customers can continue to drive their cars." MORE: Lamborghini Temerario says farewell V10, hello twin-turbo V8 PHEV Content originally sourced from:

The Advertiser

8 hours ago

• The Advertiser

Ford Ranger PHEV built for choice not compliance, says exec

Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick. The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom. All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car. However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job. "The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio. "We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options." Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe. The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1. "Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick. "We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned. As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines. "We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted. MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from: Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick. The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom. All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car. However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job. "The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio. "We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options." Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe. The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1. "Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick. "We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned. As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines. "We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted. MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from: Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick. The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom. All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car. However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job. "The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio. "We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options." Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe. The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1. "Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick. "We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned. As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines. "We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted. MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from: Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick. The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom. All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car. However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job. "The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio. "We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options." Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe. The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1. "Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick. "We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned. As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines. "We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted. MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from:

Perth Now

12 hours ago

• Perth Now

Ford might develop future engines with outside firms, says executive

A senior Ford executive thinks customers no longer separate brands based on their petrol and diesel engines, and this might lead to the automaker developing new engines with suppliers or, maybe, rivals. According to Automotive News John Lawler, Ford's vice chair overseeing strategy, partnerships and alliances, told the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference, 'I don't think that consumers really think about powertrains the way they did 30 years ago'. He told the conference, 'Where [internal combustion engines] defined what a vehicle was — the horsepower, the displacement, the torque and everything about the vehicle — I think a lot of that is gone'. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Part of this, Mr Lawler believes, is down to electrification, which allows automakers to increase power and torque, while reducing CO2 emissions, with hybrid or plug-in hybrid drivetrains. Mr Lawler posits this might lead automakers, including Ford, to develop next-generation engines with other companies. Doing so would save money that could help them compete with Chinese automakers. According to the vice chair, Ford needs 'to be competitive against them not only on speed of development, software capability, electrical architecture capability, but also overall electrification capability'. In 2022 Renault merged its Horse drivetrain division with that of Geely's Aurobay in the hopes of attracting customers for its engines and transmissions outside of the two automakers' stable of brands, which include Dacia, Volvo, Zeekr, and Lotus. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert It should be noted engine and drivetrain sharing between rival automakers, while not the norm, isn't completely unheard of. In the early 2000s Ford developed a V6 turbo-diesel in conjunction with the PSA Group, which was used in a wide variety of vehicles, including Australian Ford Territory, as well as the Citroen C5, Peugeot 407 and 607, and a whole host of Jaguar and Land Rover models. Other times, manufacturers just sign a supply agreement to fill a hole in their drivetrain lineup, such as when Toyota Europe used BMW diesel engines in the 2010s for a number of models, including the RAV4. Small manufacturers often rely exclusively on engines from other car makers, with Lotus, for example, using mills from Rover, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Ford is no stranger to collaborating with other car makers in other areas too. It currently shares a number of platforms with the Volkswagen Group, with the Volkswagen Amarok based on the Ford Ranger, and Volkswagen Transporter based on the Ford Transit Custom. Going the other way, the Ford Transit Connect is based on the Volkswagen Caddy, and the European Ford Explorer and Capri EVs are based Volkswagen MEB architecture. Prior to all this, Ford jointly developed a 10-speed automatic transmission for use in full-size pickup trucks with cross-town rival GM. MORE: Everything Ford