Latest news with #CarExpert
Perth Now
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Could Jeep's rugged EV debut a new off-road-ready transmission?
Stellantis has patented a new three-speed transmission designed to bring its Jeep brand's legendary off-road capability to electric vehicles (EV) without the need for additional motors or equipment. Jeep released its first EV in Australia in 2024 – the urban-friendly Avenger – with the larger Wagoneer S crossover SUV and rugged Recon set for Australia in 2026. It's the latter that appears most likely to receive the new transmission, should it enter production. As reported by Mopar Insiders, Stellantis has been granted a patent for a three-speed transmission bringing low-range, high-range and direct drive gearing to electric powertrains. 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 It's designed to replace the single-speed reduction gearboxes found in most EVs in new car showrooms which, in its filing, Stellantis says are 'unable to provide sustained high torque for trail and desert driving or various other speeds'. With Jeep's 'trail-rated' credentials crucial to its brand image, the new transmission has been designed to offer smarter gearing choices for EVs while hitting the rough stuff, mimicking the low- and high-range gearing found in conventional combustion-powered four-wheel drive off-roaders. The three different gear-sets each look to expand the capability of EVs, most notably tapping into the instant torque characteristic provided by an electric motor – and minimising energy use at other times. The lowest gearing – created to deploy maximum torque – acts like a traditional '4LO' gear and is designed for trail driving, rock crawling and towing. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The second gearset is more suited to 'normal' conditions, while the third provides the typical one-to-one ratio and is intended to maximise energy efficiency, battery life and driving range while highway driving. The transmission connects directly to the output shaft of the electric motor and can be used on the front or rear axle, while it can also lock or open a differential for true off-road flexibility. Jeep hasn't made any announcements on which vehicles will use the new transmission, or when we can expect to see it in a production model. The relatively simple, compact design means it could bring benefits beyond Jeep's off-roaders, extending to other Stellantis brands such as Ram trucks. It could also have high performance all-wheel drive applications at Dodge, Chrysler and potentially Alfa Romeo and Maserati – all brands belonging to Stellantis. MORE: Everything Jeep
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 GWM Tank 500 Vanta prices: Chrome-heavy large SUV gets stripped of its bling
If the Tank 500 has a bit too much chrome for your liking, GWM has the solution. The 2025 GWM Tank 500 Vanta takes the flagship Ultra trim level and replaces all of its chrome exterior accents with black finishes. Priced at $75,990 drive-away, it's now arriving in Australia, with customer deliveries set to begin in July 2025. That makes it $2000 more than the Ultra it's based on. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Vanta is GWM-speak for a black pack, and exterior enhancements for the Tank 500 Vanta comprise: That's in addition to kit found on the Tank 500 Ultra, which includes: Unlike previous Vanta variants, the Tank 500 Vanta will be offered exclusively in one exterior finish: Crystal Black. This comes at no extra charge. All Tank 500s currently offered in Australia feature a hybrid powertrain, though a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is due to arrive later this year. The Tank 500's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain delivers total system outputs of 255kW of power and 648Nm of torque, and is mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system. Claimed fuel consumption is 8.5L/100km, while braked towing capacity is 3000kg. None of the Tank 500's rivals, which include the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest, offer a hybrid powertrain. Above: GWM Tank 500 Ultra interior MORE: Explore the GWM Tank 500 showroom Content originally sourced from: If the Tank 500 has a bit too much chrome for your liking, GWM has the solution. The 2025 GWM Tank 500 Vanta takes the flagship Ultra trim level and replaces all of its chrome exterior accents with black finishes. Priced at $75,990 drive-away, it's now arriving in Australia, with customer deliveries set to begin in July 2025. That makes it $2000 more than the Ultra it's based on. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Vanta is GWM-speak for a black pack, and exterior enhancements for the Tank 500 Vanta comprise: That's in addition to kit found on the Tank 500 Ultra, which includes: Unlike previous Vanta variants, the Tank 500 Vanta will be offered exclusively in one exterior finish: Crystal Black. This comes at no extra charge. All Tank 500s currently offered in Australia feature a hybrid powertrain, though a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is due to arrive later this year. The Tank 500's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain delivers total system outputs of 255kW of power and 648Nm of torque, and is mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system. Claimed fuel consumption is 8.5L/100km, while braked towing capacity is 3000kg. None of the Tank 500's rivals, which include the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest, offer a hybrid powertrain. Above: GWM Tank 500 Ultra interior MORE: Explore the GWM Tank 500 showroom Content originally sourced from: If the Tank 500 has a bit too much chrome for your liking, GWM has the solution. The 2025 GWM Tank 500 Vanta takes the flagship Ultra trim level and replaces all of its chrome exterior accents with black finishes. Priced at $75,990 drive-away, it's now arriving in Australia, with customer deliveries set to begin in July 2025. That makes it $2000 more than the Ultra it's based on. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Vanta is GWM-speak for a black pack, and exterior enhancements for the Tank 500 Vanta comprise: That's in addition to kit found on the Tank 500 Ultra, which includes: Unlike previous Vanta variants, the Tank 500 Vanta will be offered exclusively in one exterior finish: Crystal Black. This comes at no extra charge. All Tank 500s currently offered in Australia feature a hybrid powertrain, though a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is due to arrive later this year. The Tank 500's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain delivers total system outputs of 255kW of power and 648Nm of torque, and is mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system. Claimed fuel consumption is 8.5L/100km, while braked towing capacity is 3000kg. None of the Tank 500's rivals, which include the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest, offer a hybrid powertrain. Above: GWM Tank 500 Ultra interior MORE: Explore the GWM Tank 500 showroom Content originally sourced from: If the Tank 500 has a bit too much chrome for your liking, GWM has the solution. The 2025 GWM Tank 500 Vanta takes the flagship Ultra trim level and replaces all of its chrome exterior accents with black finishes. Priced at $75,990 drive-away, it's now arriving in Australia, with customer deliveries set to begin in July 2025. That makes it $2000 more than the Ultra it's based on. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Vanta is GWM-speak for a black pack, and exterior enhancements for the Tank 500 Vanta comprise: That's in addition to kit found on the Tank 500 Ultra, which includes: Unlike previous Vanta variants, the Tank 500 Vanta will be offered exclusively in one exterior finish: Crystal Black. This comes at no extra charge. All Tank 500s currently offered in Australia feature a hybrid powertrain, though a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is due to arrive later this year. The Tank 500's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain delivers total system outputs of 255kW of power and 648Nm of torque, and is mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system. Claimed fuel consumption is 8.5L/100km, while braked towing capacity is 3000kg. None of the Tank 500's rivals, which include the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest, offer a hybrid powertrain. Above: GWM Tank 500 Ultra interior MORE: Explore the GWM Tank 500 showroom Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
2025 GWM Tank 500 Vanta prices: Chrome-heavy large SUV gets stripped of its bling
If the Tank 500 has a bit too much chrome for your liking, GWM has the solution. The 2025 GWM Tank 500 Vanta takes the flagship Ultra trim level and replaces all of its chrome exterior accents with black finishes. Priced at $75,990 drive-away, it's now arriving in Australia, with customer deliveries set to begin in July 2025. That makes it $2000 more than the Ultra it's based on. 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 Vanta is GWM-speak for a black pack, and exterior enhancements for the Tank 500 Vanta comprise: Gloss black grille and Tank badge Black-finish front bumper inserts Black headlight internals Blacked-out rear detailing including tail light surrounds, spare wheel cover, tailgate and rear diffuser Gloss black door handles, roof rails, and window trim surrounds Black 18-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers Black door scuff plate That's in addition to kit found on the Tank 500 Ultra, which includes: Locking front and rear differentials Off-road cruise control Tank Turn Assist Panoramic sunroof Proximity entry with push-button start 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Heated, leatherette-wrapped steering wheel Tri-zone climate control Heated, ventilated and power-adjustable front seats with massaging Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Lane-keep assist Lane centring Rear cross-traffic assist Safe exit warning Surround-view camera with clear chassis view Supplied Credit: CarExpert Unlike previous Vanta variants, the Tank 500 Vanta will be offered exclusively in one exterior finish: Crystal Black. This comes at no extra charge. All Tank 500s currently offered in Australia feature a hybrid powertrain, though a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is due to arrive later this year. The Tank 500's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain delivers total system outputs of 255kW of power and 648Nm of torque, and is mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system. Claimed fuel consumption is 8.5L/100km, while braked towing capacity is 3000kg. None of the Tank 500's rivals, which include the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest, offer a hybrid powertrain. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: GWM Tank 500 Ultra interior MORE: Explore the GWM Tank 500 showroom
7NEWS
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2025 GWM Tank 500 Vanta prices: Chrome-heavy large SUV gets stripped of its bling
If the Tank 500 has a bit too much chrome for your liking, GWM has the solution. The 2025 GWM Tank 500 Vanta takes the flagship Ultra trim level and replaces all of its chrome exterior accents with black finishes. Priced at $75,990 drive-away, it's now arriving in Australia, with customer deliveries set to begin in July 2025. That makes it $2000 more than the Ultra it's based on. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Vanta is GWM-speak for a black pack, and exterior enhancements for the Tank 500 Vanta comprise: Gloss black grille and Tank badge Black-finish front bumper inserts Black headlight internals Blacked-out rear detailing including tail light surrounds, spare wheel cover, tailgate and rear diffuser Gloss black door handles, roof rails, and window trim surrounds Black 18-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers Black door scuff plate That's in addition to kit found on the Tank 500 Ultra, which includes: Locking front and rear differentials Off-road cruise control Tank Turn Assist Panoramic sunroof Proximity entry with push-button start 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Heated, leatherette-wrapped steering wheel Tri-zone climate control Heated, ventilated and power-adjustable front seats with massaging Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Lane-keep assist Lane centring Rear cross-traffic assist Safe exit warning Surround-view camera with clear chassis view Unlike previous Vanta variants, the Tank 500 Vanta will be offered exclusively in one exterior finish: Crystal Black. This comes at no extra charge. All Tank 500s currently offered in Australia feature a hybrid powertrain, though a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is due to arrive later this year. The Tank 500's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain delivers total system outputs of 255kW of power and 648Nm of torque, and is mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system. Claimed fuel consumption is 8.5L/100km, while braked towing capacity is 3000kg. None of the Tank 500's rivals, which include the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest, offer a hybrid powertrain.
Perth Now
13 hours ago
- Perth Now
Lamborghinis, McLaren seized in NSW counterfeiting ring bust
Three men have been arrested after allegedly racking up nearly $10 million by selling counterfeit luxury goods on social media, and several high-end vehicles in their possession have been seized. A total of nine vehicles were seized in Sydney as part of Strike Force Alcova, with the cars having a combined value of approximately $3 million. Imagery provided by the NSW Police Force reveals a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, Urus and Huracan, a McLaren 765LT, and a Mercedes-AMG A35 being seized by officers on Wednesday (June 18). Also seized by officers were 500 counterfeit luxury items, $270,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm. 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 Search warrants were executed in Fairfield East, Merrylands and Guildford and three men were arrested. Strike Force Alcova was established by State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad Unexplained Wealth Team and the NSW Crime Commission to investigate an organised criminal syndicate allegedly involved in selling counterfeit luxury goods. These goods included clothes, watches, shoes and handbags sold via social media sites, and investigators allege the group had moved approximately $9.75 million in profits through various bank accounts. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The men were charged with dealing with property proceeds of crime, recklessly dealing with the proceeds of general crime intended to conceal, and participating in criminal group activity, among other offences, and were refused bail to appear in Paramatta Local Court yesterday. 'We will allege these individuals built a multi-million-dollar empire by deceiving consumers and undermining legitimate businesses,' said Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, Commander of State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad. 'Behind the filters and followers was a sophisticated criminal enterprise exploiting digital platforms to sell counterfeit luxury goods.' 'The evidence suggests this criminal group stockpiled significant wealth – vehicles, cash, and luxury goods – through the sale of counterfeit items. These assets are now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission,' said NSW Crime Commission executive director Darren Bennett, noting the significant seizure of 'tainted assets'. Supplied Credit: CarExpert This comes just weeks after an Australian Federal Police-led taskforce seized a collection of exotic vehicles from a NSW pharmacist who allegedly made false claims under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for almost a decade. This alleged criminal's collection also included Lamborghinis and McLarens. A McLaren 765LT was seized following the execution of a search warrant at a house in Dural, as were a Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae and an Aventador SVJ – the latter wearing a colour scheme perhaps best described as resembling Barney the Dinosaur.
