Mercedes-AMG has begun testing a new high-performance concept known as the AMG GT Track Sport, marking the next evolution of its GT sports car range. The prototype recently completed its first laps under track conditions following final preparations at AMG headquarters in late July.

The camouflaged test vehicle, identified by its yellow and red-accented wrap, has entered an intensive testing phase at proving grounds and racing circuits. According to Mercedes-AMG, the concept serves as both a technical experiment and a preview of what could become the brand’s most extreme GT variant to date.

Built around the existing AMG GT two-door platform, the Track Sport concept aims to push that architecture to new limits. Engineers have focused on achieving a lower overall weight, improved balance, and enhanced aerodynamics, with development centred on extracting maximum performance from AMG’s V8 powertrain.

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While no specific performance figures have been released, the vehicle’s development brief suggests a strong focus on track capability rather than everyday usability. AMG says the project emphasises intelligent lightweight construction and aerodynamics designed to deliver stability and control under high loads.

The test program will subject the prototype to intensive endurance and performance trials, examining how its systems and components perform under extreme stress. Each part of the vehicle – from the chassis setup to thermal management – will be validated against AMG’s internal standards for durability and performance.

Michael Schiebe, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH and head of Mercedes-Benz’s G-Class and Maybach divisions, said the car represents an exploration of the brand’s engineering boundaries.

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“With the Concept AMG GT Track Sport, we are exploring the limits of what’s possible,” Schiebe said. “It’s a vision that reflects our ongoing commitment to performance and innovation.”

The AMG GT Track Sport remains officially a concept, though its development indicates Mercedes-AMG’s continued interest in expanding the GT lineup with vehicles aimed squarely at track driving enthusiasts.

New research from financial experts Money.com.au reveals that almost half of Australian drivers (46 per cent) suspect they were overcharged or misquoted for their most recent car service, citing inflated labour times and vague invoices as the most common issues.

Taken from a national survey of more than 1000 motorists, results also included that 24 per cent said their most recent car service quote raised doubts, while 22 per cent said they were overcharged by a mechanic or car service garage on their last visit.

Only 46 per cent of responders believe they were charged fairly for their most recent car service.

Among drivers who felt they’d been overcharged or misquoted for their last car service, the most common complaints were:

● Labour time seemed inflated or excessive (35 per cent)
● The invoice was vague or not itemised (31 per cent)
● The final bill was more than the original quote (24 per cent)
● Optional extras they didn’t request were added to the bill (23 per cent)
● Felt taken advantage of or ‘preyed on’ by the mechanic or garage (14 per cent)
● Charged for work not completed, like filters listed as replaced but weren’t (13 per cent)
● Charged for unnecessary parts or services, like brake pads replaced too soon (10 per cent)
● Added an excessive card surcharge (10 per cent)

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Money’s Finance Expert, Sean Callery, says there’s frustration among many drivers over a lack of
transparency in car servicing.

“Car servicing is one of those expenses most drivers think they just have to grin and bear. But if a
quote or final bill doesn’t match the work you actually asked for or received, you’re well within your
rights to question it or ask for a remedy,” he says.

“Younger drivers are the most likely to feel ripped off at the workshop because they may not fully understand what’s involved in a car service or how to interpret an itemised invoice. Lack of experience can also make them more vulnerable to being upsold unnecessary extras or charged for work they might not need.”

The survey also found that Millennials (58 per cent) and Gen Z (48 per cent) were the most likely to say they’ve been overcharged or quoted too much for their most recent car service. In comparison, 46 per cent of Gen X and 33 per cent of Baby Boomers said the same.

Chinese automaker Denza, a premium sub-brand jointly developed by BYD and Mercedes-Benz, has revealed early details of its first vehicles bound for Australia – the Denza B5 and Denza B8. The models are expected to arrive later this year, marking the brand’s local debut in the expanding plug-in hybrid SUV market.

Both vehicles are built on BYD’s DM-O (Dual Mode Offroad) platform, which pairs dual-motor all-wheel drive with BYD’s proprietary Blade Battery and an intelligent drivetrain designed for mixed on- and off-road conditions.

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The B5 will launch in two grades – the standard model and the B5 Leopard, which gains additional off-road hardware. Both use a 425 kW, 760 Nm plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 31.8 kWh battery capable of around 90 km of electric-only driving (WLTP) and 100 kW DC fast charging.

The Leopard variant adds hydraulic adaptive suspension, front and rear locking differentials, and a 3,000 kg towing capacity, positioning it as a capable all-terrain alternative to traditional large SUVs. Both B5 models seat five and offer up to 1,064 litres of cargo space, with a 15.6-inch rotating central display, 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and Nappa leather upholstery among the key cabin features. Safety technology includes a 360-degree camera system and 11 airbags.

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Sitting above it, the Denza B8 will serve as the flagship, available in six-seat (6S) and seven-seat (7S) configurations. Both feature a 450 kW, 760 Nm dual-motor hybrid system, the same 31.8 kWh battery, and 120 kW DC fast charging, combined with a 91-litre fuel tank for extended touring range. The B8 can tow up to 3,500 kg, with hydraulic suspension standard across the range and front and rear diff locks on the 6S model.

Inside, the B8 adopts a luxury focus, with heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, soft-close doors, and an 18-speaker Devialet audio system. A small cooler/hotbox adds a practical touch for long trips.

Denza says expressions of interest are open now, with orders expected to begin in December ahead of local deliveries in 2025.

The brand’s launch signals another step in BYD’s rapid global expansion, this time targeting Australia’s growing demand for electrified, adventure-capable SUVs.

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Chinese automaker Foton has re-entered the Australian passenger vehicle market with the launch of its new Tunland ute range, marking its first local offering in several years. The new models aim to fill the gap between compact dual-cab utilities and larger full-size pickups, focusing on practicality, towing ability, and competitive pricing.

The Tunland line-up consists of two models, the V7 and V9, each offered in multiple grades. Both are powered by a 2.0-litre Aucan turbo-diesel engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, producing up to 120 kW and 450 Nm. Depending on the variant, the Tunland can tow up to 3500 kg and carry a payload of more than one tonne.

The V7-C, priced from $39,990 before on-road costs, is available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations and is aimed primarily at trades and fleet operators. The V9, available in L and S grades (both 4×4), features a multi-link rear suspension system, upgraded cabin materials, and additional technology, positioning it as a dual-purpose ute for both work and recreational use.

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Visually, the two variants are distinguished by their front-end designs. The V7 adopts a square, utility-style grille with horizontal bars, while the V9 features a wider hexagonal grille and smoother detailing intended to appeal to lifestyle buyers.

Inside, both versions share a modern cabin layout, headlined by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch central touchscreen. Physical controls remain for key functions, while cabin noise suppression and wide seating dimensions are designed to improve comfort.

Standard safety features across the range include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM). All models come with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and seven years of roadside assistance, with service intervals set at 15,000 km or 12 months.

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Foton’s Australian general manager, Glen Cooper, said the new Tunland models were designed to balance practicality and refinement, reflecting the brand’s background in commercial vehicles while meeting current passenger expectations.

The Tunland range is now on sale and available for test drives through Foton Light Commercial Vehicle dealers nationwide.

Artificial intelligence is showing surprising competence when it comes to diagnosing vehicle problems and advising on repairs, according to a new study by the UK’s largest vehicle-recycling company, Scrap Car Comparison (SCC).

The investigation tested three of the most widely used AI systems – OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google AI Overview, and Microsoft Copilot – by asking each a range of realistic questions about common car faults and maintenance issues. The results were reviewed by Tim Singer, a workshop manager at BMS Cars, one of SCC’s partner garages.

Each chatbot’s responses were graded on four criteria: safety, legality, accuracy, and usefulness. Singer admitted he was “very surprised” by how capable the AI systems were at offering balanced, responsible advice.

“They were much better than I expected,” he said. “There was nothing in the answers that would put a motorist in danger. I think AI could genuinely change how people seek help with car issues.”

One test question involved a worn-out 2010 Renault Clio with a slipping clutch, broken air-conditioning, and a failed safety inspection – a scenario similar to an ageing hatchback in Australia needing a roadworthy certificate. Other questions asked whether it was worth checking an engine warning light or simply scrapping the vehicle.

Among the three platforms tested, ChatGPT produced the most thorough responses, offering “lots of context to help make a more informed decision,” according to Singer. Google AI Overview provided shorter, factual answers, while Microsoft Copilot’s replies were described as more conversational and less precise.

Despite the overall quality of the responses, SCC cautioned that AI advice should not replace professional expertise. Some chatbots suggested do-it-yourself repairs, which could pose risks if users lack technical knowledge or proper equipment.

Singer echoed that concern, warning that AI could give motorists “a false sense of confidence” about fixing their cars. “If people start relying too heavily on AI without checking with a qualified mechanic,” he said, “they could make expensive or unsafe mistakes.”

The findings suggest that while AI can be a useful first step for drivers seeking guidance, professional inspection remains essential – especially when safety or major mechanical faults are involved.

As I exit turn 6 of the legendary Pista di Fiorano, the nose of the 296 Speciale points skyward as it climbs the blind crest, crossing the bridge over the straight below, hitting a cross track rut that does its best to unsettle the Speciale. The mid range acceleration is utterly, eye-blurringly violent. The savagery of the way the Speciale delivers its power is brutal, scary even, for the first few laps, as my brain tries to catch up to just how fast this new 296 is. In the blink of an eye, I’m hard on the brakes – really hard – as I steady the nose for the tight, right-hand turn seven and the run down through the gentle eight and into the hairpin nine.

In my periphery at the point of turning into seven, I notice something a little alarming, to say the least. Two thick black lines head straight off at the entry to seven and on, into a concrete wall where they come to an abrupt end. They are a stark reminder of technology and development finally overpowering a test track that has faithfully served the Scuderia since 1972.

Let’s first go back to the beginning though, before we return to what is surely one of the finest road-going Ferraris ever – and at Wheels we’ve driven just about all of them. If you’re looking for the encouragement to find more than $800,000 you don’t have, take a 296 Speciale for a test drive – it really is that brilliant.

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Entering the grounds of the Ferrari test circuit at Fiorano, not too far from Modena, is a momentous occasion regardless of the car you’re driving. Small, humble, kissed by the urban sprawl that now surrounds it, Fiorano is a place of myth, legend, legends themselves and the ever-present aura of the great man himself. Whether you love Ferrari or not, the history of this place, its origins, the very soul of why it exists is evident in every brick, every stretch of bitumen, every sign and every building.

You walk past Enzo’s house – currently under renovation – toward the small pit facility and event centre that sits adjacent to the track and if you hadn’t passed through the security gates as you entered, you could be sitting down for a coffee in any small Italian village, it really is that unassuming. The photos though, the tiny snippets of history point to the significance. Schumacher, Raikkonen, Massa, Alesi, Massa, Badoer and Perez have all set lap records here in F1 development cars.

The iconic photo of Lewis Hamilton when he switched allegiance was taken here, keen to amplify a move he had wanted to make since he was a young man, such is the significance of this hallowed ground.

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It’s not just race car drivers either, my personal favourite being the photo on the track wall of Michael Jordan test driving the Ferrari 599 he was about to take delivery of. A car that would later influence the design of one of his signature shoe releases. This is a very special place, steeped in history and that history is written everywhere you look.

That’s a fitting segue too, because the 296 Speciale is – ahem – very special indeed, just like the place of its birth. If you thought a Ferrari of less than eight cylinders was a pretender, think again. The 296, with it’s turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 combined with hybrid sorcery sounds and drives exactly the way a Ferrari should. That is, blindingly fast with a soundtrack to match. At speed as it passes us halfway down the main straight, the sound wash is that of a jet taking off. If there’s a more composed RWD supercar at this level, I haven’t driven it, such is the way in which the Speciale uses its prodigious power. The 296 was already a sensational car to drive, and the Speciale raises that heady bar. Special by name, and special by nature.

The hybrid V6 powertrain combines to deliver a formidable 648kW (880hp in the old money), there’s a 20 percent increase in downforce over the standard 296 GTB, and weight has been reduced down to a svelte 1410kg (dry) to ensure the Speciale can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds, and take flight on to a top speed of more than 330km/h. The Speciale is 60kg lighter than the regular 296 GTB, and while the 0-100km/h figure is impressive enough, the 0-200km/h run takes just 7.0 seconds. These are serious numbers, for a serious performance car.

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While the petrol engine will sing to a stratospheric 8500rpm, it’s the electric motor that really kicks things up, chiming in with 134kW and 315Nm of mid range thunder, which is what really sends the 296 Speciale into a different realm. This is the most powerful powertrain ever in a rear-wheel drive Ferrari, and it’s a fact that’s apparent every time you nail the accelerator pedal.

I ask Ferrari test driver, and my circuit guide for the track session, Fabrizio Toschi how much development was undertaken on the track as opposed to the road. And, if you think we have the best jobs in the world at Wheels, I present Exhibit A, your Honour, a Ferrari test driver. Back to Fabrizio. “I would say 60 per cent road, maybe 70 per cent,” Fabrizio explains. “The track part is easy. It’s the road that is harder to account for.” His explanation makes sense, this is a street car after all. And, as we find out after our track drive – and a sensational lunch at the factory of course – the 296 Speciale is quite the road-car, too.

The road drive is a stunner, leaving the factory and heading out into the hills surrounding Modena, a 200km loop that I wish would never end. The track cars we drive have non adjustable suspension, the road cars get the optional dynamic suspension and lift kit, which is not available with the track package. You’ll want that option if you’re driving the 296 Speciale on our poor excuse for a road network.

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Out of the confines of the test track, the Speciale is a glorious cruiser, comfortable, with solid visibility, and the ability to cruise through the countryside like you’re behind the wheel of a Fiat Panda if you so wish. It’s as easy as it is monstrous, as quiet as it is outrageous; not a car for shrinking violets, but capable of acting like one itself.

The steering, brakes, ride quality, and gearbox are all sensational whether you’re working them hard on a twisty mountain run, or gliding through traffic at walking pace. Every drive brings with it a sense of occasion, a sense of of just how brilliant this car is. I’ll have mine in Verde Nurburgring, thank you.

Valentino Rossi, fresh from one of his momentous victories, once famously exclaimed in a press conference, “after a race like this, in Italian we say ‘mamma mia’.” It’s a fitting way to describe any drive in the 296 Speciale – mamma mia indeed. This is one hell of a supercar, a true Ferrari to its very core, displaying the DNA and raw ability befitting any creation wearing a prancing horse badge.

Ferrari faces an intriguing future, dragged into an electric world, with a fan base wanting anything but. According to the legendary Italian manufacturer, the 296 Speciale is anything but a swansong, with plenty more internal combustion genius to come. We’ve written this before in Wheels, and it’s worth revisiting here again. We should be thankful that this car, in this form, with the performance capability, exists.

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Specs

The Ford Mustang GTD stands out as a bold reinterpretation of the classic Mustang formula: broader, lighter, more aggressively aerodynamic and engineered to rival high-end sports cars. Designed in collaboration with Multimatic, this limited-edition machine is built in Canada and destined for left-hand-drive markets only – meaning it won’t be officially offered in Australia.

At more than two metres wide (over 2,000 mm) – about 120 mm wider than the standard Mustang – the GTD’s visual transformation is dramatic. It features a race-inspired wide-body kit, flared wings, carbon-fibre roof, bonnet and doors, and an aggressive aero package including a swan-neck rear wing and under-floor diffuser. These enhancements underline the car’s serious performance intent.

Inside, the cabin mixes familiar Mustang touches with high-end upgrade cues: although you won’t find a full roll-cage or hardcore bucket seats, the GTD is marked by its handcrafted serial-number plaque, GTD-specific graphics in the instrument cluster, and racing-derived materials throughout.

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In “Sport” driving mode the car feels surprisingly composed for something so extreme. But when you switch into “Track” mode (which can only be selected from standstill), the GTD transforms outright: the adaptive suspension drops the ride height (by about 40 mm at the front and 30 mm at the rear), hydraulic spring pre-loads increase, and the full active aero kicks in – delivering substantial downforce, razor-sharp responses and serious cornering capability.

Under the bonnet is a supercharged 5.2-litre V8 developed from Ford’s GT3 racing programme. In U.S. testing it is credited with 815 bhp (~607 kW) and a top speed of around 325 km/h. The drivetrain features a rear-mounted dual-clutch 8-speed transaxle and carbon-fibre driveshaft, enabling near 50/50 weight distribution. Stopping power comes from carbon-ceramic brakes, and the aero system includes a DRS-style drag-reduction mode for straights.

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Driving it hard on track reveals the GTD’s capacity: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres find grip quickly, chassis responses are sharp and unyielding, and the overall package feels far removed from any ordinary muscle car. Some might prefer the textbook precision of a rival like the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, but the Mustang GTD delivers character, rawness and personality in abundance.

While Australia-based buyers cannot access the model via the local importer, some enthusiasts may import privately. Either way, the Mustang GTD remains an extraordinary effort by Ford to re-engineer an icon for the highest levels of performance.

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GWM’s Hi4 hybrid powertrain has been awarded the Grand Prize of the 2025 Science and Technology Award by the China Society of Automotive Engineers (China SAE) – the first time in more than three decades that a hybrid system has received the country’s highest automotive engineering distinction.

The award, which is endorsed by the Chinese government and assessed by an expert panel of engineers, academics and industry specialists, recognises the Hi4 system for its technical innovation, safety improvements and intelligent four-wheel-drive capability.

Developed in-house by Great Wall Motor, Hi4 – short for “Hybrid Intelligent 4WD” – combines two electric motors with a multi-gear series-parallel architecture. The system integrates three power sources and nine adaptive operating modes, designed to balance performance, efficiency and control across a range of conditions.

Unlike conventional hybrids, which typically prioritise efficiency over traction, Hi4 was engineered to provide genuine all-wheel-drive functionality. Its software can automatically detect road surfaces and driving environments – including 32 off-road terrains and several urban conditions – and adjust power distribution accordingly. A high-protection battery pack supports full power delivery in both extreme heat and cold, while its integrated control system reduces the risk of driver error when selecting terrain modes.

Since its introduction in 2023, the Hi4 setup has been fitted to multiple GWM models, including hybrid SUVs and off-road vehicles. By the end of 2024, GWM reported global cumulative sales of more than 410,000 vehicles equipped with the technology. In China, Hi4-based models have lifted the company’s share of the new-energy off-road market from 10 per cent in 2020 to more than 50 per cent in 2024.

Locally, the brand plans to expand its Hi4-equipped range in Australia and New Zealand through 2025, with more hybrid SUVs expected to join the current lineup. It recently announced that its new Tank 500 Hi4-T Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) will launch in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The Hi4-T system pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 120kW electric motor, delivering a combined 300kW and 750Nm through a nine-speed hybrid automatic transmission. GWM claims the Tank 500 accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, while returning combined fuel consumption of 2.1L/100km.

While the recognition was granted in China, the technology’s growing global rollout underscores its strategic role in GWM’s transition to advanced, electrified four-wheel-drive vehicles.

MG Motor has begun a new chapter in Australia with the arrival of its first-ever dual-cab ute, the MGU9, now on display and available for test drives at dealerships nationwide.

The MGU9 enters one of Australia’s most competitive segments, joining long-established rivals from Toyota, Ford, and Isuzu. It will be offered in three variants – the Explore, Explore X, and Explore Pro – with deliveries and public evaluations beginning ahead of its full sales rollout later this year.

To mark its arrival, MG dealerships are hosting a test-drive event from October 24 to November 9, allowing potential buyers to experience the vehicle’s performance and equipment before wider availability. Customers who place an order during the event will receive $1,000 off accessories, along with an additional bonus package that may include tow bar kits, roof racks, or complimentary servicing.

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Beyond the launch offer, MG has also released details of an official accessory range for the MGU9. The line-up includes 18-inch and 20-inch sport alloy wheels, a selection of ladder-rack and roof-rack systems, and towing packages developed in partnership with established accessory makers such as HSP Vehicle Accessories and Thule. Owners will also be able to choose from soft, manual, or electric tonneau covers, tub load bars, and other equipment aimed at improving practicality for both work and recreational use. Full details are available on MG’s official accessories website.

While detailed technical specifications are yet to be released, the MGU9 has been developed with a focus on versatility, combining passenger comfort with off-road and towing capability. It features an electric tailgate, flexible cabin layouts, and the safety technology expected in modern dual-cab utes.

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The introduction of the MGU9 marks MG’s expansion beyond its core passenger car and SUV lineup into the high-volume light-commercial market. The company says it intends the new model to appeal equally to trade buyers and families seeking a dual-purpose vehicle for everyday use and weekend activities.

MG’s entry into the ute market comes as competition intensifies across the segment, with buyers increasingly looking for vehicles that balance work capability with comfort and technology.

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Pricing

Hyundai has revealed the first official images of the next-generation Venue, ahead of its global debut on November 4, 2025. The compact SUV has undergone a dramatic transformation, emerging with a larger footprint, a tougher road presence, and a suite of technology upgrades designed to lift its appeal in one of the brand’s most important global segments.

The new Venue is taller, wider, and longer than before, giving it a more commanding stance that aligns it closer to Hyundai’s larger SUVs such as the Creta and Tucson. The design overhaul introduces a striking dark chrome grille, Quad Beam LED headlights, and twin vertical LED daytime running lights, creating a more futuristic and premium appearance. Muscular arches and a sculpted bonnet emphasize strength and presence, while subtle detailing around the bumpers and tailgate refines its overall look.

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Inside, the Venue has undergone just as radical a change. A new dual 12.3-inch curved display integrates both the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, giving the cabin a high-tech, seamless aesthetic. The interior adopts a Dark Navy and Dove Grey dual-tone theme, complemented by ambient lighting and optional leather upholstery. For the first time, reclining rear seats have been added, boosting comfort for passengers on longer trips.

Under the bonnet, Hyundai will offer the Venue with three powertrains tailored to different driving needs: a 1.2-litre petrol engine for efficiency, a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol for extra punch, and a 1.5-litre diesel aimed at long-distance drivers. Transmission options include manual, automatic, and dual-clutch (DCT) variants. The lineup will also adopt Hyundai’s new “HX” variant structure, simplifying trim levels and improving value packaging.

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Buyers will have a choice of six single-tone and two dual-tone exterior colours, including fresh additions Hazel Blue and Mystic Sapphire, enhancing the SUV’s youthful image.

While Hyundai Australia has not yet confirmed the new Venue for local release, the current version remains Hyundai’s most affordable SUV in the market – a key entry point for buyers looking to step into the brand’s SUV family. If the new model does arrive, it’s poised to bring a more premium look and feel to Hyundai’s smallest SUV offering.

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