WhichCar By Wheels

BMW Australia has announced some changes to its M4 range, including a massive price cut for the M4 CS.

Originally introduced at $211,610, the CS flagship has had its price slashed by $21,710, bringing it down to a far more reasonable $189,900.

In addition, BMW has dropped the regular M4 from its local line-up, leaving the Pure, Competition, and CS as the only M4 variants.

“We have been working hard behind the scenes to deliver strong pricing for our M vehicles,” says Werner.

“By introducing the M4 Pure local editions, we have made this core M car more accessible than ever.

“In addition, internal and customer feedback has allowed us to re-examine the flagship M4 CS pricing. The result is a new price point of $189,900, and is available to customers who have pre-ordered a CS, as well as those planning to purchase in the future.”

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It’s now only a $33,190 jump from the M4 Competition (at $156,710) to the top-spec CS, with the M4 Pure still the most affordable variant at $139,900.

The lack of standard M4 however now leaves a $16,810 gap between the Pure and Competition variant. The M4 was still at the higher end of that gap, costing $151,610.

Specifications for each variant have not changed, with the M4 Pure and Competition producing 331kW/550Nm, and the CS getting an extra bit of kick with 338kW/600Nm from a tuned-up version of the 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six.

Audi has announced it will build just ten units of a limited edition Audi R8 for Australia, called the Neuburg Edition.

The Audi R8 V10 plus Neuburg Edition has the same 449kW and 560Nm as a normal R8 V10 plus, and makes its 0-100km/h sprint in 3.2s. Its carries on to a top speed of 330km/h.

Getting your hand on an R8 V10 plus Neuburg will set you back $402,500 (RRP), which makes for a $13,175 premuim over the regular Audi R8 V10 plus RRP.

The extra carbon also extends to other trim components as well as the rear wing. Exterior colours are limited to one of three metallic colours (Tango red, Mythos black and Suzuka grey), or Daytona grey in a pearlescent finish.

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Inside, the Neuburg scores even more carbon goodies.

“Inlays throughout the cabin are in gloss carbon, including the door sill trims which also feature illuminated aluminium inlay and customised Audi exclusive inlay that features the individual build number of the car.”

Nappa leather upholstered seats feature black Alcantara highlights, while red diamond stitching adds some contrast. The black Alcantara continues along the rear wall and parcel shelf, on the flat-bottom steering wheel, and shift gaiter where it also features red stitching.

FORD’S 2018 Mustang has been spotted on US roads dressed up in a unique dark green metallic outfit and new black five-spoke wheels, suggesting the Hollywood-inspired Bullitt special edition is about to make a return.

Ostensibly being filmed for a commercial when it was snapped by a sharp-eyed photographer in Chicago and posted to Mustang enthusiast blog mustang6g.com, the apparent Mustang special has yet to be confirmed by the blue oval. However, a history of previous Bullitt limited edition cars makes the return of the special in 2018 form almost certain.

Until the special is officially confirmed exact details remain under wraps, but, in addition to the Dark Highland Green paint job, Torq Thrust-style wheels and deleted boot spoiler, the Bullitt is likely to get a number of other performance and aesthetic upgrades.

Previous versions offered an engine tune up for boosted power and torque, modified suspension, beefed-up brakes, sport exhaust, deleted fog-lamps and customised interior, which could hint at the additional spec destined for the latest version.

Mimicking the big-screen car’s paintwork, the green shade is the clear hero colour of the Mustang Bullitt. Ford may also offer the special in other shades as it has done with the previous versions, including a black and blue option.

It is unlikely the Bullitt Mustang will be making the trip to Australia, where the 2018 version is yet to launch, with sales expected to remain strong with the introduction of the facelifted model.

Ford does not slate all specials for the local market given the Australian specification vehicles are already more generously equipped than America’s most affordable versions.

Peugeot has upped its 308 GTi’s competitiveness in the hot hatch face-off by undercutting its closest German rival, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance 1, by $2000.

To do this, the pricing for the latest Peugeot 308 GTi 270 has been slashed by $4000 to bring it to $45,990. A Golf GTI Performance costs $47,990.

Besides the price drop, the Pug starts looking like the better option when you consider its gear, and the fact that you can only get it in manual – the VW is DSG-only.

However, the GTI has 40Nm more than the 330Nm Pug, and MOTOR has actually managed a 6.06s 0-100km/h sprint in a Golf GTI Performance.

Strangely, Peugeot also timed a standing 1km run, with the 308 GTi 270 running 25.3 seconds across 1000m.

The GTi is also quite well equipped in terms of its features when it comes to fighting the Golf, it has a Torsen limited-slip differential between the two front wheels, which are 19-inch alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sports.

The Pug is fitted with some rather bucket-like and well-bolstered seats, while the VW’s are a little more comfort-oriented.

In addition, the 308 has a rather striking paint option called ‘Coupe Franche,’ or ‘clean cut,’ which adds a black finish to the rear of the car, contrasting with either the blue or red colour options.

In the end, it’s down to preference, but the Peugeot 308 GTi 270 sure makes a strong case for itself.

THE first fully imported Holden Commodore arrives in Australia in February next year just shy of what would have been the locally made model’s 40th anniversary.

The brand has been quick to price the entry-level car so that it’s cheaper than the outgoing Commodore, but there’s a catch: the new one, based on a German-made Opel Insignia, is a physically smaller vehicle than the one it replaces.

That means instead of competing against the likes of the Ford Falcon and the Skoda Superb in the large-car segment, the new Commodore competes against the likes of the smaller Mazda 6, Ford Mondeo, Skoda Octavia and the premium-priced Volkswagen Passat.

So what do you get for the money?

Holden Commodore LT

Priced from $33,690

Holden is at pains to point out that this turbocharged four-cylinder model is $1800 cheaper than the former entry-level model for the locally made V6-engined car it supersedes, the Holden Commodore Evoque.

The LT is available as either a five-door liftback or as a station wagon, still known as the Sportswagon. The wagon adds $2200 to the price, and if you want to swap the petrol engine out for a more economical 2.0-litre turbo diesel one, it’s another $3000.

All versions of the Opel-sourced Commodore feature a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The LT sits on 17-inch alloy wheels, and includes dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, signature LED daytime running lights, and LED tail-lamps.

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It also gets keyless entry and start, a 60:40 split-fold rear seat, cruise control, an eight-way powered driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Driver safety features include autonomous emergency braking that also provides a visual alert – that should help Holden’s bid for a five-star crash test rating under more strict guidelines being introduced next year – as well as a lane keep assistant, and lane departure warning.

The LT will also get front and rear parking sensors hooked up to a reversing camera, and Holden’s Advanced Park Assist that helps to steer the Commodore in and out of tight parking spots.

In terms of infotainment, the LT uses a seven-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Like the previous Commodore the default spare tyre is a space-saver.

Holden Commodore RS

Priced from $37,290

The RS will also be available as a liftback sedan or $2200 more expensive wagon, but without a diesel option.

Over the LT, the RS adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a sports body kit, sports front seats, a sport steering wheel, rear-lip spoiler and on the wagon version, a powered tailgate. No diesel version is offered.

It also gains extra driver-assist functions including rear cross-traffic alert, and a blind spot warning system.

Holden Commodore RS V6 AWD

Priced from $40,790

This liftback sedan-ony model swaps out the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol for a 3.6-litre V6, and extends the front-drive traction to all-wheel-drive.

Holden Commodore RS-V V6 AWD

Priced from $46,990

Available as both the five-door sedan and wagon, the spiritual replacement for the old Commodore SV6 also features a 3.6-litre V6 under the bonnet, but adds adaptive all-wheel drive with an electronic limited slip differential to help with cornering, and Hi Per strut suspension that helps with handling.

There’s also a more sporty look around the rear.

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But there are big changes inside. These include wireless phone charging, ambient cabin lighting, a larger eight-inch multimedia screen that includes digital radio and in-built sat-nav, a colour head-up display, leather trim on the seats as well as heated front seats, gear-shift paddles on the steering wheel and alloy caps on the pedals.

Holden Commodore VXR V6 AWD

Priced from $55,990

This is the hero of the Holden Commodore line-up, and is equipped as the range-topper. That includes sitting on 20-inch alloy wheels, a three-mode adaptive suspension system, front Brembo brakes, a sunroof, branded floor mats and sill plates, a surround-view camera system, cooled front leather sports seats with adjustable side bolsters, heated rear seats, and a premium BOSE audio system.

Safety upgrades include adaptive cruise control, and adaptive LED headlights.

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Holden Calais

Priced from $40,990

Over the entry-level LT, the Calais – available only in sedan and Touring form – adds more luxury-focussed equipment. This includes larger 18-inch alloys, leather seat trim with heated front seats, wireless phone charging, the larger 8.0-inch touchscreen with sat-nav and digital radio, and a colour digital screen in between the speedo and tacho.

If you’re buying the SUV-styled, higher-riding Touring version, priced from $45,990, you also get the V6 engine, all-wheel-drive, electronically controlled limited slip differential, and an electric tailgate.

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Holden Calais-V

Priced from $51,990

Like the Calais, this variant is available as either the liftback sedan or the SUV-styled Touring.

It steps up to 20-inch alloys and adds a rear lip spoiler. Both versions follow the specification of the VXR minus the sporty bits, but also gain sunroofs and a massaging function for the front seats.

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The 2018 Holden Commodore goes on sale in Australia in late February.

Holden has announced pricing for the new imported Holden ZB Commodore, with prices ranging from $33,690 for a 2.0-litre four cylinder base model LT to $55,990 for a V6 VXR.

The range also includes a Calais 2.0-litre, a Calais-V, a mid-range RS which is also available with either engine, and a Tourer or Sportwagon version of the LT, RS, and Calais.

The new VXR will have adaptive ‘continuous damping control’ suspension, front Brembo brakes and adaptive AWD. Its 235kW/381Nm 3.6-litre engine will be hooked up to a 9-speed auto.

A Calais V6 is now $51,990, or $53,990 as a Tourer.

“The local testing kilometre count is fast approaching 150,000km, focusing on a unique local suspension and steering tune to fine-tuning radio and satellite navigation reception.”

Heading up this task was head dynamics engineer Rob Trubiani, who has been fine-tuning the way Commodores drive since the ‘90s.

In addition, vehicle development manager Jeremy Tassone says Holden has been inviting customers to test drive the new Commodore to get an idea of what it’s like.

“We’ve had a few skeptical people come for a drive but once they’ve been in the car and experienced the work the team has put in, they’ve left with huge smiles on their faces.

“It’s been great to see and be able to involve them.”

Holden’s first fully imported Commodore range will be more affordable than the Australian-built product it replaces when it goes on sale in late February next year, with prices starting at $33,390 before on-road costs.

That price will get you a 2.0-litre turbo petrol LT Liftback (sedan), which is $1800 less than the current Aussie-built Evoke V6. Upgrading to the 2.0-litre turbo diesel attracts a $3000 premium.

New variant names have replaced the VF range options, with only Calais surviving from the current nomenclature.

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This includes the entry-level LT and mid-range RS, which also appear in the Astra line-up, and the range-topping VXR which replaces the iconic SS badge.

The 2.0L petrol Calais sedan is priced from $40,990 – $500 more than the current equivalent, while the V6 Calais-V comes in at $51,990, $3240 more than the locally produced equivalent, though it does bring a more sophisticated powertrain including all-wheel-drive.

The RS models will be priced from $37,290, while the AWD V6 will retail for $46,990.

At the top of the Commodore tree will be the V6-engined VXR with adaptive dampers and front Brembo brakes. It will set punters back $55,990, which is $200 cheaper than the V8 SS Redline auto, and the same price as mid-level Kia Stinger 330Si with a V6 turbo.

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The Sportwagon version, available only in LT, RS and RS-V specification adds $2200 to the lift-back price.

The Calais badge will be exclusive to the Tourer, an all-terrain style wagon, priced at $45,990 and $53,990 for the Calais and Calais V respectively.

2018 HOLDEN COMMODORE PRICING

Liftback

Sportwagon

Tourer

THE first fully imported, front-wheel-drive Holden Commodore will cost from $33,690 when it launches in Australia early next year – $1800 less than the entry-level model it replaces, and $4800 cheaper than when it last sold here wearing the previous-generation Opel badge.

Holden has used the introduction of the Opel Insignia-based Commodore to shake up the model range, with only one badge – Calais – carrying over from the locally made model.

The range will kick off with the front-drive Commodore liftback sedan, named the LT, featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and priced from $33,690. Swapping to a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine adds $3000 to the cost.

The all-wheel-drive Commodore will also be sold as an RS, priced from $37,290. Another version, badged the RS-V, will cost from $46,990.

At the top of the Commodore tree will be the atmo V6-engined VXR with adaptive dampers and front Brembo brakes. It will set punters back $55,990, $7000 more than an entry-level Kia Stinger featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.3-litre V6.

The Holden Commodore’s pricing marks it as a premium product over its nearest competitors, which include the Ford Mondeo, Kia Stinger, Mazda 6, Peugeot 508, Skoda Superb, and the Toyota Camry.

The V6-engined Tourer version, priced from $45,990 for the entry-level Calais and $53,990 for the Calais-V, is $7000 more expensive than the cheapest four-cylinder petrol Skoda Octavia Scout.

The imported Holden Commodore goes on sale in Australia from late February, 2018.

For a model-by-model rundown on features and specifications, read on here!

2018 HOLDEN COMMODORE PRICING

Liftback (sedan)

SportwagonTourer (high-ride)

If you were disheartened by last week’s classified picks being rather expensive, we’ve got good news about this week’s round.

The bidding starts at just $4490 for one of our Classifieds of the Week this time… and then sharply rises to $100,000.

Sorry. We just love cars we can’t afford.

1996 Mitsubishi FTO GR

I mentioned it, so I’ll start with it. This $4490 FTO isn’t likely to be the sharpest driver, but with an unusual 2.0-litre V6 under the bonnet, it can at least be called interesting.

It does have 184,876km on the odo, though, so be wary of that.

2008 FPV BF-2 Falcon Cobra

At $100,000, this car is the most expensive FPV currently listed on TradeUniqueCars.com.au. But there’s a reason.

1996 Maserati Shamal

If you’ve ever wanted a ‘90s twin-turbo V8 named after a wind in Mesopotamia, that’s oddly specific, but you’re in luck. For $179,990, you can pick up this ’96 Maserati Shamal in manual with just 4398km on the clock.

2006 Bolwell Nagari 300

After a rather long three-and-a-half decade hiatus, the Aussie-built Bolwell Nagari returned in the form of this, the 300.

New Bolwell Nagari 500 announced!

This one is a bit special, as it’s build number 1. That also, however, means a $120,000 price tag comes with it.

1970 Plymouth Superbird ‘Road Runner’

Sure, a modern Coyote might catch up with it these days, but this Road Runner is something special.

This one’s got the 7.2-litre V8, and 94108km showing, though it’s counted in miles. It’s also the most expensive of our picks this week at $295,000.

A new 1.4km racing circuit is nearing completion in south-western Sydney.

Located at the already popular Luddenham Raceway complex, the new track is already drawing a lot of interest from both the public and motorsport communities alike.

While construction is expected to be complete in January, an official opening date is likely to be set for 2018 to ensure the track has been tried and tested properly.

The motorsport park where it is located is close to Badgerys Creek, where a new airport for Sydney is expected to pop-up.

Head of marketing and promotions at Luddenham Raceway Maria Vukmirica says she thinks the new airport should bring growth to the area, and make Luddenham an even more convenient location for events.

“Luddenham Raceway is on the doorstep of Sydney’s new Badgerys Creek International Airport where massive growth and development is taking place, placing the venue in an ideal location to drive on the day and be home in time for dinner,” Vukmirica says.

She adds that expressions of interest keep rolling in from the motorsport community whenever there’s something new happening in the build process.

Over the last couple of months, videos of asphalt being laid have been received with excitement on Facebook. The last layer was completed last week.

“Each time we post any updates on social media we are inundated with queries, interest and support from the community so it is very uplifting,” Vukmirica says.

“Much of the interest is from the general public excited about a new venue for track days. We have also had enquiries from companies for product testing and launches of products.”

The track itself, though not very long, looks like it will take on an interesting layout as seen in the above teaser video.

Maria Vukmirica adds that the track has a fairly steep elevation change for its length.

“It boasts 24m of elevation changes… we are confident it will be known as a real drivers track. Once you drive it you will understand.”