- C8 is first-ever factory right-hand-drive Corvette
- Decision made despite no real volume estimates
- Monaro designer set to take delivery of first RHD C8
In fact, it’s the first time in the car’s almost-70-year history that Chevrolet has offered the sports car with the steering wheel on the ‘wrong’ side.
That, according to Tadge Juechter, the executive chief engineer of Corvette, is a pretty big deal.
“We’re super proud to be doing it,” he said, speaking to the Autoline After Hours podcast. “It’s the first time ever for us.”
The key to the change of heart is in the C8’s mid-engined layout – which was, of course, partly engineered underneath the skin of a Holden Commodore ute mule.
“It was never affordable [to do],” explained Juechter. “The good thing we did was move the engine to the back. Not having the engine in the way and being able to translate everything over and not having to worry about all the plumbing in the engine… being mid-engined meant it meant it inherently simpler on the outside.”
In order to execute a steering wheel swap, the interior also needs to be flipped. On a car as bespoke as a McLaren GT or Ferrari 488, budget is not an issue, but the Corvette – despite its high-tech build – still needs to be a relatively affordable car.
More Corvette C8 news
- The Corvette C8 in detail
- Corvette C8 pricing may surprise
- The Aussie origins of the Corvette C8
- Check out the amazing Corvette C8.R racer
Juechter acknowledged that the Corvette has never made it down under as a production car, despite a loyal fan base.
“We’ve never sold the car in Australia; we know we have passionate fans there, but we really don’t have a great sense of what the volume’s going to be,” he said. “So we had to look at new ways of tooling parts to do the exact part as a mirror image to get to right-hand-drive and do it as a reasonable business case.
“We’re taking a little bit of a bet there. We’re dipping our toe in the water for right-hand-drive, and we’ll see how it goes. Hopefully, it takes off.”
Juechter said that GM would market the car in other right-hand-drive markets like Japan and the UK, while countries like South Africa would likely miss out. Australian deliveries were meant to start late in 2020; however, three weeks of industrial action late last year has reportedly put Corvette production behind schedule.
Meanwhile, it’s been suggested that the designer of the modern-day Monaro, GM’s VP of global design Mike Simcoe, will be the recipient of the first-ever right-hook C8, who will use the car in the US before shipping it back to Australia.
We’ve featured a couple of cars built by EKanoo Racing, a motorsport outfit based in Turkey, here on MOTOR’s site before, but we were recently reminded of one of their project’s we’ve not covered.
It’s a Porsche 991 911 Turbo S, which EKanoo claims is the quickest of its kind in the world.
Built by EKanoo and a Turkish Porsche tuner called ES Motor, the car is dubbed ‘ES1XXX’ and is capable of running quarter miles in the mid-8-second range.
ES Motor posted the below video on Facebook a couple of days ago, and of course we were impressed with the visual absurdity of a 911 Turbo S popping a wheelie.
Some more digging, and we discovered the 8.64 seconds it took ES1XXX to run the quarter mile that day wasn’t its fastest.
It turns out, as the video at the top of this page will show you, the car has run 8.55 @ 263km/h during 2019. We couldn’t find a video of a faster 911 Turbo S around (but we’re happy to be proven wrong if there’s a little-known video out there), so we’re inclined to believe EKanoo’s claim that this is it.
The complexities of tuning for a car with drag radials
Not only that, considering the rather extreme veer to the left in the video, it’s possible EKanoo could get an even quicker time out of ES1XXX if it’sable to run straight.
We reckon they’ve got the skills to do it, the tuner’s Toyota 86 is completely bonkers, and the Nissan GT-R it’s built is incredibly impressive, despite no longer being the fastest in the world.
This is it. Out of a field of 17 contenders, here are the five finalists for Wheels Car of the Year 2020. And the mix of cars couldn’t be more varied with a heathy mix of pragmatism and performance, while both ends of the price spectrum are accounted for, too. You could also say that the electric car (or SUV) has come of age in 2020. So without further delay, and in no particular order, here are the 2020 finalists.
MAZDA 3
The Mazda 3 is a favourite among private buyers and at Wheels HQ, with one winning a comparison against the venerable Golf and forming part of our long-term garage for three months. However, COTY isn’t a comparison test; it’s a far tougher ringer to pass through. Both the hatch and the sedan range offer a huge step up in quality, sound deadening and design, which should hold it in good stead against the criteria. But has it moved the small-car game forward?
MERCEDES-BENZ EQC
As a convincing package that’ll make you consider a shift to a full electric vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz EQC makes a pretty compelling case. And for it to be the German marque’s first production EV, that’s an impressive feat – it certainly doesn’t do things by halves. In our first drive of the EQC we boldly stated that the “premium EV SUV has come of age” with this model. However, does that recommendation make it a COTY winner? You’ll have to wait and see.
PORSCHE 911
As an object of desire, the 992 Porsche 911 Carrera S pretty much takes the $265,000 cake. And despite being endowed with 331kW and 530Nm of turbocharged flat-six grunt, the 911 isn’t all about numbers. How this accomplished sports car makes you feel is even more impressive. Perfecting perfections seems to be Porsche’s thing. The 911 has made the final five, is this Porsche’s best chance yet of taking a COTY crown.
TESLA MODEL 3
The impressive Model S almost claimed the ultimate prize and the Model X SUV acquitted itself well, but a Tesla hasn’t won COTY despite offering one of the most complete EV experiences on the market. The Model 3 Performance was almost the quickest car in the field, its 3.5 second 0-100km/h time only eclipsed by the 911’s 3.4-second marker, while the Standard Range Plus proved to the judges that a comfortable and dynamic EV is possible. Could this be Tesla’s year?
TOYOTA RAV4
Last, but not least, the Toyota RAV4 makes the final cut – and rightly so, given its status as a pre-event favourite. As an SUV that outguns its predecessor so heavily and simply meets its brief in such a comprehensive way, the likeable RAV ticks so many ownership boxes. But are they COTY-friendly boxes, too? We have everything from the base 2.0-litre four-cylinder to the popular hybrid to see what’s what.
So there you have it, the top dogs for the class of 2020. The final three and the overall winner will come from this group. Did we get it right? Have your say with our COTY poll.
If you have an older Japanese car and you haven’t checked to see if the Takata airbag is under recall, it is potentially too late to do anything else but stop driving the car and contact the manufacturer.
Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi and Suzuki have all issued urgent notices to customers fitted with the potentially deadly Takata NADI 5-AT airbag, which has killed at least two people in Australia.
Their advice? Stop driving immediately and contact them. If the car is listed as being fitted with the bags, the companies will do everything they can – including negotiating a buy-back – to get the cars off the road.
“Given the age of these vehicles, replacement parts are no longer in production and therefore are not currently available,” says the ACCC.
The recall affects cars and vans built between 1996 and 1999, and it includes the Mazda Eunos 800, the Toyota Starlet, Paseo, Celica and RAV4, as well as the Suzuki Grand Vitara.
The Mitsubishi CE Mirage (1997-2000), CE Lancer (1997-2000), NL Pajero (1997-2000), WA Express (1997-2000) and WA Starwagon (1997-2000) are all affected, and were all built between May 31 1996, and September 30 1991 and sold between July 22, 1996 and July 5, 2001.
Affected examples of the Honda Accord (1998-2000), Legend (1998-2000) and CR-V (1998-2000) were sold between May 1, 1996, and February 28, 2000.
BMW urgently recalled 12,000 E46 3 Series cars in November with the offer of a buy-back, while even cutting-edge cars like the Tesla Model S were also hit, with 1,263 of the all-electric cars in Australia now requiring replacement airbags to be fitted.
All companies are obliged to complete the recall by the end of 2020.
“This is the first time that a recall has been made mandatory in this country, but it’s a substantial public health issue,” FCAI chairman Tony Weber said last year. “If we need to address it – and we do – deregistration is the only way we are going to get that universal approach that is needed.”
You can check the status of your car at www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au. It’s a free process to get your airbag changed, with manufacturers often going out of their way to make the switch simple.
Head to www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au to find out your car’s status, or check by texting TAKATA to 0487 AIRBAG (247 224).
Dick Johnson’s Tru-Blu Ford XD Falcon is one of the most iconic Aussie race cars ever. In a sense, it’s also soon to be seen back on the track.
While it’s not the Tru-Blu XD, a recreation by Team Johnson set to be driven by Steven ‘Jnr’ Johnson is almost ready to take part in the 2020 Touring Car Masters.
“The build is coming along nicely and hopefully next week she will start to make some noise,” the Johnsons wrote in a Facebook update, with several images of the car looking very close to completion… and one incredibly ‘Strayan’ photo with Dick, Steven, and David ‘Dyno’ Johnson (Dick’s brother) standing around, looking at the almost-built car, having some beers.
“As you can see, we have tried to preserve as much as possible of the original shell to keep it as close to how Tru Blu was originally built,” the team wrote in an update during 2019.
“It still has the standard shock towers, original chassis rails and tunnel, radiator support, etc. All these items can be replaced/modified within the rules but that’s not how we wanted this car to be built.
The original Tru Blu
“There’s a lot of history and thought gone into the design and build of this car along with the current technology needed for it to be competitive in TCM in 2020.”
A different kind of XD race car
The car’s first competitive outing should be, all going to plan, the Adelaide 500 which kicks off on February 20, or about a month from time of writing.
Team Johnson says ‘Blue’ will be up and running for a ride day at Lakeside in Queensland before that, however, with rides being offered with Steven or Dick for $1000 or $2000 respectively. The rides include a host of commemorative gear, such as limited edition XD coins, signed posters, and apparel.
The RACV has called on the Victorian Government to trial a minimum passing distance rule for motorists when overtaking cyclists, which has attracted the usual self-pity from motorists.
The trial would legally require motorists to leave at least one metre of space between themselves and cyclists when overtaking on roads less than 60km/h and 1.5 metres when overtaking on roads with speeds over 60 km/h, reflecting similar legislation in other states.
The current law in Victoria states that motorists provide ‘sufficient distance’, which is open to interpretation.
Obviously some roads are too narrow to leave a 1.0- or 1.5-metre gap, so exemptions to other road rules would be granted such as being able to drive over solid or double lines to pass a cyclist as long as there is no approaching traffic.
That said, if a road is too narrow to pass a cyclist you probably shouldn’t be travelling much faster than them anyway.
Victoria’s peak motoring body pointed to NSW which now has the rule in place, which according to Transport for NSW has shown:
- A demonstrated improvement to cyclist safety.
- While driver response to the trial was mixed it was generally positive.
- No clear evidence of any negative unintended outcomes of the trial, despite initial concerns from police and some participants.
- Widespread support for retaining the rule.
Typical selfish response
Despite the benefits, the RACV’s proposal attracted inevitable backlash from motorists who reckon their human rights are being breached simply for being asked to use their driving skills to protect their fellow man.
As usual, there were those who look at a rule like this and pick out different scenarios where it might not be practical, but no road rule is immune to this.
And then there are the strawman arguments like cyclists should have to pay their way to be on the roads, as though not paying rego means you deserve what you get.
I’d say I’m baffled that there even needs to be such a road rule. However, there are so any self-entitled drivers on our roads that sadly it’s totally necessary; like how people’s inability to politely merge with traffic has led to a need for traffic lights at freeway entrances.
I must confess I actually thought the 1.0 metre rule was in place in Victoria and have tried to maintain it where possible.
My daily commute often takes me through Exhibition Street in Melbourne’s CDB which is teeming with cyclists. There is a bike lane at the northern end but it’s often blocked by buses, delivery trucks and construction work, which means riders sometimes have to share the roadway – as they’re perfectly entitled to do under the law.
Where possible I change lanes to give the cyclist space or simply sit behind them until it’s safe to pass. It’s really not that difficult.
‘But what about those cyclists who don’t obey the rules’, I hear you ask.
What about them? You’re not going to get booked because you didn’t leave a 1.0m gap from a courier who whizzed past the driver’s side of your car. It’s also not your fault if you leave a gap and the cyclist decides to unnecessarily breach it.
And yes, occasionally you’ll be caught behind a peloton of MAMILs for a short time which can be frustrating (like many other things on the road) but is that worse than injuring or killing someone?
Stop making excuses. If you can’t cope or have the spatial perception to share the road with cyclists, and understand that you are responsible for their safety, you’re simply not up to the task of driving a motor vehicle.
David Bonnici doesn’t currently own or ride a bike and drives to work every day.
Want to see how we came to our 2020 Wheels Car of the Year winner on the big screen? Well you can if you tune in to watch WhichCar TV on Channel 10 on Sunday, February 2.
Can’t get yourself in front of the TV then? Watch it on 10 Play whenever and wherever you like on your favoured mobile device.
While the colourful words and dynamic photographs can be found in the COTY edition of Wheels magazine, on stands February 3, sometimes that’s not enough.
If you want to be able to see the cars in action at Holden’s Lang Lang proving ground and hear the automotive symphony that is a Porsche flat six – this is where WhichCar TV steps in.
Not only did we have a team of judges, photographers and helpers at COTY 2020, our talented video team captured hours of footage of the 31 contenders in action.
And we’ve edited it down to the best bits for you to watch from the comfort of your own home while being immersed in all things Wheels Car of the Year… although think yourself lucky that Smell-O-Vision hasn’t been created yet.
It really is a great new way to feel like you’re in the thick of the action as the judges take the cars to their limits at Lang Lang, evaluate the finalists on some of Victoria’s best roads, and butt heads in deliberation – all to find one winner.
If the COTY edition of WhichCar TV tickles your fancy, stick around for the 30-episode second season, which kicks off on January 26. And again, if you miss it, catch up on 10 Play.
You’ve met the judges, you know the rules… now meet the eight cars which have been short-listed for the prestigious WhichCar Style Award for 2020
This is not a contest that compares steering weight or throttle modularity; instead, it celebrates design, technology and innovation in equal measure. The WCSA winner needs to prove to our judging panel that it can blend effortless style with engaging, accessible technology that will complement its owner’s lives.
It will blend classic beauty and proportions with thoughtful touches that best matches its brief, and it will always have a vision of its end-user all the way through the design and execution process.
It will also surprise its owner with genuinely delightful details, and it will acknowledge the brave new world that the passenger vehicle needs to negotiate as personal transport continues to evolve around us.
These eight vehicles come from across the automotive spectrum and from around the world. Here’s our team of WhichCar journalists to present the field to you in its entirety.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Boxy, brash and unashamedly outdoorsy, let’s see what our judges make of the Wrangler David Bonnici
Now in its fourth generation, the Wrangler has become the quintessential Jeep model thanks to its strong resemblance to the iconic World War II Willys.
One of the most off-road capable production vehicles on the market, the new Wrangler brings significant improvement to road manners even on the chunky all-terrain rubber of the top-of-the-range Wrangler Rubicon we’ve wheeled out for the Style Award judging panel.
It’s also more fuel-efficient than its predecessor and features active safety features such as autonomous emergency braking, though the latter wasn’t enough to stave off a surprisingly low three-star ANCAP safety rating.
The four-door Wrangler Rubicon exudes broad appeal by balancing form and function, presenting as an attractively rugged SUV with good levels of cabin comfort and refinement.
Priced from $63,950, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon costs about $15,000 more than its predecessor, though you’ll have no trouble reconciling that price hike when comparing the two generations side by side.
How will Jeep Wrangler Rubicon’s bold design fare against a wider field of sleek WhichCar Style Award competitors?
Mazda 3 G25 Astina
The fourth generation of the Mazda 3 has moved decidedly upmarket in terms of design and positioning, so of course it’s a part of the 2020 WhichCar Style Award Tom Fraser
Traditionally one of Australia’s best-selling small cars, Mazda has taken a dramatic step upmarket with the new Mazda 3 that sees it feature more premium materials, technology, fit and finish – and with a higher price to boot.
As expected, it might ultimately lose some ground in the sales race but nonetheless, the decision to market the new Mazda 3 as a semi-premium offering intrigued us – therefore we welcome the 2020 Mazda 3 G25 Astina to the WhichCar Style Award for 2020.
This current generation Mazda 3 is a significant design step forward, presenting a more mature style than its predecessor. It also debuted a raft of new technologies, both mechanical and for the ‘user experience’.
Starting from $24,990, the new Mazda 3 range represents a small price increase from its predecessor but also ushers in a higher specification as standard. The range consists of two engines (soon to be joined by a third) and features nameplates like Pure, Evolve, GT and Astina. How will it fare against a wider field of equally-stunning competitors? Check back on WhichCar.com.au at the end of January.
McLaren GT
For sheer glamour-factor, it doesn’t get any better than McLaren’s super-luxe supercar Tony O’Kane
McLaren’s sleek GT is a break from convention for the British supercar specialist, being a car that eschews a hard-core focus on performance in favour of a slightly softer, slightly more glamorous aura.
Still motivated by a twin-turbo V8 and still blisteringly quick, the McLaren GT differs from its stablemates through its emphasis on long-distance comfort and practicality. The cabin doesn’t deviate from the two-seater format, but McLaren has gifted it a smidgen more practicality in the way of a long cargo ‘deck’ that stretches up and over the GT’s mid-mounted engine.
The GT’s design language is less extroverted and more understated, though still overtly exotic with its swan-hinged doors and its body hunkered low over massive alloys. It’s a new direction for the young manufacturer, and one that it hopes will broaden its customer base to those seeking a more elegant – though still thrilling – option.
It should be obvious why the McLaren GT earned a spot on the 2020 WhichCar Style Award shortlist, but are megadollar looks the only ingredient for success? Our panel of judges had the final say.
Peugeot 508 Touring
Wagons have fallen out of favour with Australian buyers, but the Peugeot 508 mixes sensual style with pragmatic practicality in a heady mix Tim Robson
It’s almost a travesty that the new Peugeot 508 isn’t more successful than it is, but that’s what happens when you’re born in the wrong era.
The 508 debuted in 2018 on a brand-new, much cleverer platform, giving the large wagon genuine space for both people and stuff. Peugeot’s designers, too, pushed the boat out hard, creating a visual signature that’s arguably unmatched in the – admittedly shrinking – large car segment.
Its exterior treatment is bold, sharp and cohesive, banishing the awkward overhangs and unnecessary cut lines to the bin. The interior, meanwhile, feels sumptuous and cossetting, exuding an air of sophistication that a car at this price point ($55,990) has no right to.
Peugeot’s i-Drive steering wheel/dash layout will challenge our judges, though, and the simple fact that a wagon is, well, not quite considered the cutting-edge of fashion these days could also be its undoing.
Range Rover Evoque P250 R Dynamic S
The Evoque’s reason for being is all about style, so it should do well here. Right? David Bonnici
The baby Range Rover has grown up, with a second-generation model that brings the style, refinement and technology of its bigger siblings.
Even without ticking the sizable options list, the Evoque is incredibly comfortable, with a supple ride and noticeable lack of cabin noise even when driving on windy highways and off-road.
One of its standout design features is the use of non-animal, ethically-sourced textiles and upholstery made from soybeans, recycled plastics and eucalyptus for those seeking a more sustainably-minded interior.
Priced from $69,820, the Evoque P250 P250 R-Dynamic S represented in the 2020 WhichCar Style Award sits near the top of the six-variant Evoque range.
It comes with a bunch of optional extras that take its retail price to $88,435, many of which are standard inclusions in more affordable SUV variants. High-speed autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, digital radio, a powered tailgate and heated front seats are all box-tickers, rather than the standard fare.
That’s said it’s a great package that should give the Evoque an excellent shot at the 2020 WhichCar Style Award.
Tesla Model 3 Performance
Californian techfest has electro-appeal, but does it have style? Tony O’Kane
Few brands get tongues wagging faster than Tesla. The Californian automaker attracts attention by the truckload not just from its range of battery-powered products, but also through its outspoken CEO Elon Musk – a Twitter fiend who isn’t shy of controversy – and fashionable status among eco-minded celebs.
The company’s first ‘mass market’ offering, the Model 3, hit Australian roads last year, but does the fresh arrival attract attention on its own merit? It certainly does on performance metrics, that’s for sure, with the Model 3 Performance dishing up supercar-slaying acceleration and surprisingly entertaining handling.
But does it have style?
That’s the critical question the judges of the 2020 WhichCar Style Award aimed to answer, delving deep into the all-electric Model 3’s design, cabin furnishings and ethos to get to the bottom of whether a car designed to accelerate the EV revolution can also qualify as an aesthetically appealing choice.
Toyota Supra GTS
One of the sportiest cars to line up ahead of the catwalk, the Toyota Supra is the one to watch at the 2020 WhichCar Style Award Tom Fraser
The Toyota Supra was arguably one of the most talked-about cars throughout 2019, and considering it has a whole lot more going for it than just performance – and looks – what better chance to get to know it than by extending an invite to the 2020 WhichCar Style Award?
An icon of Toyota’s storied history, the reimagined Supra retains the formula that created the legend – a rear-wheel-drive layout, coupe body style and a powerful six-cylinder engine under the bonnet.
Where this Supra strays though is its controversial partnership with BMW that allowed the recreation to happen. Jointly developed between BMW and Toyota, the Supra features a lot of BMW components from the German manufacturer, including its 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine that outputs 250kW and 500Nm.
Nonetheless, The Toyota Supra was included in the 2020 WhichCar Style award thanks to its sexy two-door coupe styling and technologically advanced interior. How will it fare against a wider field of equally-stunning competitors? Check back on WhichCar.com.au at the end of January.
Volvo V60 T8
Sharp, elegant and with impeccable breeding, the V60 is another that will risk being ostracised for what it isn’t, rather than what it is Tim Robson
In a curious case of the tail wagging the dog, Volvo’s V60 wagon really owes its existence to the XC60 SUV, rather than the other way around as has been the industry norm until now.
Of course, imagining the Volvo brand without a wagon in its line-up simply does not compute – the sturdy, boxy, practical alternative to a passenger car has put the Swedish car on the automotive map as much as its safety credentials have.
The V60 still retains a practical boxiness, but it’s interspersed with genuinely contemporary design signatures that give the Volvo a distinct character without tripping over into novelty. The LED T-bars through the headlights, for example, frame its traditional grille and channel Thor’s hammer, while sharp scallops down the bodysides and a tapering glasshouse give the lower half of the car well-proportioned visual weight.
Inside, the dash is dominated by the large portrait-style multimedia screen, but thankfully it’s designed to compliment, not replace, traditional and well-rendered touchpoints. Its monotone palette probably does it no favours in this company, but clever features – the cargo floor divider for shopping bags is genius – means that the Volvo V60 ought to be judged on its merits, not its colour scheme.
The WhichCar Style Award winner for 2020 will be announced at the Australian Motoring Awards in Melbourne on January 30
Ford Australia has announced the completion of the first Mustang R-Spec, with VIN 001 looking intense in Grabber Lime green.
Ford Australia and Herrod Performance have a total of 500 supercharged R-Specs to complete, with the entire run already allocated to Ford dealers.
In fact, MOTOR understands the vast majority of Mustang R-Specs have already been spoken for by customers.
Contrary to various reports, however, a number of the limited-edition supercharged ‘Stangs are still available to buy.
Upon the reveal of the first R-Spec today, Ford Australia’s CEO Kay Hart said it was “fantastic to be able to celebrate… bringing a supercharged Mustang to Australian customers.”
“It’s so great to be here with Rob and the team with the Mustang R-Spec Build #001 – it has been a passion project for us all.”
Ford Australia, without the GT500 from America, opted to create its own supercharged Mustang using the expertise from Rob Herrod and the Herrod Performance team.
“We’ve worked together to ensure that we have a consistent product that delivers a driving experience that meets the expectations of a factory-delivered product,” Herrod told MOTOR when the car had been freshly announced.
“The R-Spec has to be great to drive, as well as delivering the added power and creaminess of the supercharger – it’s what customers expect, and what we have worked on as a team to deliver.”
How the Mustang R-Spec is built
With somewhere close to Ford Performance’s claim of 522kW and 827Nm for the supercharged engine, it’s expected customers will be rather impressed with the quality of the build. Even if they have to wait until mid-year, when Herrod expects to wrap up production of the 500 units.
Ford Australia says the Mustang R-Spec is still available to order now.
It is now just eight days until Wheels Car of the Year 2020 is revealed.
Anticipation has been building, with a stacked field of contenders vying for the biggest award in Australian motoring.
We understand that many of our long-time traditional magazine readers prefer to have the news of which car is victorious disclosed when the COTY issue lands in their mailbox.
However, for 2020 the winner of Wheels Car of the Year will be announced online a couple of days ahead of the print product going on sale.
Our February issue, which contains 59 pages of in-depth Car of the Year coverage, officially goes on sale Monday, February 3.
If you want to avoid having the winner (or finalists) spoiled before you get your hands on a copy, here are the dates for our online roll out.
We will be announcing the top five finalists on our website and social media tomorrow, January 23.
Following that, the top three contenders will be revealed online on Wednesday, January 29.
Finally, the winner of Wheels Car of the Year 2020 will be revealed at the Australian Motoring Awards on Thursday, January 30.
Our preference is always to have both the digital announcement and magazine reveal happen on the same day, but, for a number of reasons, that was impossible this year.
So, in order to allow our magazine readers to avoid any potential spoilers, we are giving you this official warning for when each announcement will be made.
Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
