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NEWS INDEX:   July 2012

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AC 378 GT at 2012 Festival of Speed
1st July, 2012
Known as the 378 GT, the new car raced up the legendary hill climb course at Goodwood over the week-end providing a taste of things to come from the exciting brand ..... more

McLaren at 2012 Festival of Speed
1st July, 2012
The GREAT 12C GT3 will be running in Batch 3 of the Hill programme on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Goodwood Festival of Speed ..... more

Hedgehog at 2012 Festival of Speed
1st July, 2012
The 16 cylinder, 95 litre giant delivers over 4,000 hp with more than 16,000 Nm of torque, the equivalent of around 50 formula one racing cars ..... more

Ford at 2012 Festival of Speed
1st July, 2012
Ford's most powerful Mustang ever, the new Ford Shelby GT500, appeared at England's 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed in a fitting tribute to the late Carroll Shelby ..... more

BMW M6 here in October
2nd July, 2012
The unmistakable M performance characteristics of the 4.4-litre powerplant are defined by its lightning-quick responses and forceful, linear power delivery maintained into the higher reaches of the rev range ..... more

Vettel & Webber driving Infiniti
2nd July, 2012
Mark Webber said: "I’m used to Formula One cars that make a lot of noise, so to drive a silent car was very new to me! Infiniti have made something really nice here" ..... more

New-look Lexus RX released
2nd July, 2012
Lexus has launched the new-look RX range, featuring greater driving dynamics, a new model, greater drivetrain choice, bold styling and increased value ..... more

Jaguar F-TYPE at Goodwood
2nd July, 2012
The rigorous development programme of Jaguar’s upcoming F-TYPE sports car stepped up a gear as the model made its global public debut at England's Goodwood Festival of Speed over the weekend ..... more

Holden Volt equipment and pricing
2nd July, 2012
A 1.4 litre petrol-powered generator extends the range by maintaining a charge in the battery to power the wheels until the car can be recharged, giving a total range of over 600 kilometres depending on conditions ..... more

Hyundai offer 3 Years’ free mapping
4th July, 2012, 2012
Owners of new generation i30 and i40 sedan models will receive free annual updates during the first three years of ownership ..... more

Ford Ranger Wildtrak released
4th July, 2012, 2012
Wildtrak gains eye-catching detailing, exuding a powerful presence bolstered by the latest in-car comfort and technologies and a bold new colour – Chilli Orange ..... more

Volkswagen CC now available
4th July, 2012, 2012
The new CC has arrived locally and in keeping with the new global naming the "Passat" has been dropped from the model name making the new model, simply, Volkswagen CC ..... more

Audi's new A4 released
5th July, 2012, 2012
The new Audi A4 has made its debut in Australia, headlined by the introduction of three new engines to the range, a generous list of standard equipment and attractive pricing. The brand’s best-selling mid-size sedan and Avant are now an even more compelling purchase option for discerning buyers ..... more

Sergio Pininfarina passes away
5th July, 2012, 2012
Sergio Pininfarina, Honorary Chairman of the Pininfarina Group, and well known Italian car designer, passed away on 2nd July 2012 (aged 85 years) ..... more

BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe release imminent
6th July, 2012
Once again BMW is advancing into a new vehicle segment with the introduction of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. Following the convertible and the Coupe in the BMW 6 Series, this new exclusive model is the true embodiment of aesthetics, sportiness, comfort and luxury in perfect form ..... more

Ford's updated Focus due in August
6th July, 2012
Ford's Focus is undergoing a variety of enhancements, among them new connectivity features with the introduction of SYNC and the availability of the Active City Stop accident avoidance system, a segment first in a vehicle under $40,000 ..... more

Wheel chair accessible rental vehicles
6th July, 2012
Europcar Australia and Automobility Pty Ltd have announced an Australian first partnership by placing Kia Grand Carnival wheelchair accessible vehicles in Europcar’s local rental fleet ..... more

Range Rover Evoque one year on
6th July, 2012
Twelve months ago, when the first vehicle rolled off the production line, the new Evoque had already generated an exceptional market response with more than 18,000 advance orders from buyers worldwide ..... more

Mazda MX-5 "Kuro" for UK
8th July, 2012
The name Kuro, meaning Black in Japanese, is echoed in the sporty, dark accents of this latest pair of Special Edition models. A Brilliant Black roof, Brilliant Black door mirrors and dark gunmetal 17-inch alloy wheels, contrast dramatically with the three exterior colours ..... more

Mazda MX-5 at Goodwood's Festival of Speed
8th July, 2012
Built by race specialists Jota Sport, the MX-5 GT Concept produces 205 bhp from a normally aspirated 2.0-litre Mazda petrol engine which is matched to the car’s standard manual gearbox ..... more

Mazda MX-5 updated in Japan
8th July, 2012
The front end has been redesigned to present a more aggressive look. For the interior, a new luxury tan colour is available for the genuine leather seats ..... more

Skoda's new Museum
8th July, 2012, 2012
Skoda wants the redesigned museum to allow people to learn about the origins of today’s global brand. The new museum is housed in one of the first Skoda factory buildings ..... more

Audi TT to offer S line Competition package
8th July, 2012, 2012
Exterior enhancements include specially designed bumpers, air inlets and side sills, S line badges, tailpipe trims and a distinctive diffuser insert. There is also a fixed rear wing like on the Audi TT RS ..... more

Scrutiny for dodgy fuel price boards
8th July, 2012, 2012
“For too long, fuel retailers have been getting away with misleading or confusing drivers,” AAA Executive Director Andrew McKellar said ..... more

LE 50 ... a new MG B
9th July, 2012
In the UK, Frontline Developments has done something very special to celebrate the 50 year MG B milestone — it’s built a 2012 version of the MG B GT ..... more

Subaru Impreza WRX Club Spec for MY12
10th July, 2012, 2012
The latest in Subaru’s occasional series of limited edition turbocharged Club Spec WRXs goes on sale in August, with the choice of eye-catching tangerine or black paint ..... more

Boss Hoss - the V8 motor cycle
10th July, 2012, 2012
Rob said it’s like a big postie bike ..... more

Chrysler's new 300 arriving now
11th July, 2012
The brilliant new Chrysler 300 four-model range offers outstanding choices such as V6 petrol or diesel power, V8 petrol, an eight-speed automatic transmission in some models plus premium features such as carbon-fibre and wood grain finishes and 100 per cent Napa leather ..... more

GM's new tiny car for Europe
12th July, 2012
With the all-new Opel (and Vauxhall) Adam, General Motors is entering the fashion-led A-segment with a chic, small, European urban car. The Opel Adam combines bold, powerful design with potential for almost unlimited personalisation, making each Adam totally unique ..... more

Volkswagen Amarok range increases
12th July, 2012
Volkswagen has increased the number of Amarok variants available in Australia with the introduction of automatic transmission on dual cab utility models, powered by the new TDI420 engine. Also making its debut is a single cab Amarok with manual transmission only. We have the price list on the full line-up ..... more

Five star safety rating for Holden Colorado crew cab
13th July, 2012
Launched last month, Holden's new light commercial vehicle has a comprehensive list of active and passive safety features including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), driver and front passenger airbags and full length curtain airbags standard across the range ..... more

Five star safety rating for Hyundai i30 hatch
13th July, 2012
The new generation Hyundai i30 four-door hatch has been awarded the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating ..... more

Subaru BRZ arriving
18th July, 2012
Subaru’s first rear-wheel drive sports car, the BRZ is now on-sale locally. With just a small allocation of stock coming to Australia, sports car enthusiasts will be looking at a delivery date in 2013 for new orders as the 2012 allocation of 201 cars has already been sold ..... more

Maxus Chinese-made vans to be LDV in Australia
18th July, 2012, 2012
WMC has changed the name of its proposed range of European-designed, Chinese-manufactured vans from Maxus to LDV for the Australian market ..... more

Toyota Tarago updated
18th July, 2012
Toyota has upgraded the Tarago range, repositioning prices by up to $3,500* and improving four-cylinder fuel economy with a new automatic transmission ..... more

Out the door: 1,000 Lamborghini Aventadors
20th July, 2012
The success of the Aventador is demonstrated by its order book, which continues to cover the next 18 months of production ..... more

Chrome for an aussie Lexus LFA
20th July, 2012
An Australian owner of a $700,000 (approx) Lexus LFA super car has taken their vehicle to the extreme ..... more

Another recall for cheap Chinese cars
20th July, 2012
Australian consumers have already been exposed to poor crash worthiness of other Chinese vehicles, namely Great Wall and Chery. Geely is, simply, one more! ..... more

Infiniti confirm prices and specs for FX
20th July, 2012
Stunning 20-inch alloy wheels, a 30GB HDD navigation system, Bose 11-speaker sound system, Rear-view Camera, adaptive Xenon headlamps and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System are only some of the many features included as standard ..... more

Infiniti confirm prices and specs for M
20th July, 2012
It’s a driver’s car for those who want luxury that feels special and exclusive. When the Infiniti M goes on sale next month, Australian customers will have the choice of three V6 engines ..... more

Toyota's Aero Package for 86 GTS sports car
22nd July, 2012
The aero package consists of a new front bumper skirt, side skirts, rear bumper skirt and a large rear spoiler ..... more

NZ's Southward Car Museum
22nd July, 2012
Let me say right now, this is the best motor museum I’ve seen. A big call when you’ve been to museums in Australia, the UK and Europe ..... more

Jayco Optimum updated for 2012
25th July, 2012
New to the interior of the Jayco Optimum range is stylish two tone leather design furniture, Coast to Coast washing machine (optional in the Fiat 26-2 model) and high quality Dometic windows with built in blinds ..... more

New look for 2013 Kia Cerato
25th July, 2012
The current Cerato was Kia’s global best-seller in 2011 with more than 445,000 examples sold ..... more

Hulme F1 update
25th July, 2012
Continuing development work on New Zealand's Hulme F1 means a new front wing is planned for the super car ..... more

Mazda 6 to debut next month
25th July, 2012
Mazda will hold the world premiere of the all-new 6 sedan, totally redesigned for the first time in five years, at the 2012 Moscow Motor Show ..... more

New look Kia Rondo for 2013
25th July, 2012
With a completely fresh, sleek, cab-forward design, lower roofline, longer wheelbase, larger wheels (up to 18-inch) and chrome beltline accent, the new Rondo has been conceived around the theme ‘responsive space’ ..... more

Nissan re-enacts Simpson Desert crossing
26th July, 2012
In 1962 the Sprigg family averaged just 5 km/h as they pioneered a track between and across the dunes, often getting ‘beached’ on giant saltbush outcrops and risking disaster as it began to smoulder under their 44 gallon (200 litre) drum of petrol ..... more

Local testing for Holden Malibu
26th July, 2012
The early production Holden Malibus are in Melbourne for months of rigorous local and global development and validation work ahead of the vehicle’s Australian launch in 2013 ..... more

Audi R8 for 2013
27th July, 2012
Audi has made its R8 high-performance sports car even more attractive and dynamic. The R8 V10 plus is a new top model in the model series, with a totally new 7-speed S tronic ..... more

Hyundai i40 sedan released
27th July, 2012
The new i40 sedan delivers a high level of specifications offering modern design, surprising interior space and an abundance of comfort and safety features ..... more

Holden Captiva updated
30th July, 2012
Holden’s popular Captiva SUV range is now available with new features, improved fuel efficiency and E85 capability across all petrol engines at no change to the manufacturer's list price* ..... more

Subaru adds 7th seat to Liberty Exiga
30th July, 2012
In addition to the seventh-seat, there are three sets of child-seat anchor points ..... more

BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo updated
31st July, 2012
The updated BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is headlined by a new entry model, the 520d priced from $89,900*, and increased power for the 530d ..... more

Out the door: 200 million Toyotas
31st July, 2012
Some 76 years and 11 months after the G1, Toyota has manufactured its 200 millionth vehicle ..... more

Lexus reveal the new LS
31st July, 2012
The new LS has 3,000 improvements and component changes, including three world firsts and no less than 14 Lexus firsts - and it will be here in Australia in early 2013 ..... more


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August 2012 News ..... here
June 2012 News ..... here
May 2012 News ..... here

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