CAR ADVICE

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mLqWhTPqVI The new  2018 Volvo XC60 has been detailed in an online walkaround video this week, featuring the company’s senior product manager Hans Nilsson. In the eight-minute clip, Nilsson reveals the new SUV will be offered in three trim levels like its 90-Series stablemates – Momentum, R-Design and Inscription – while a range of alloy wheels will be offered, from 18 to 22 inches in diameter. Both the head- and tail-lights are full LED units, including the signature ‘Thor’s hammer’ daytime-running light signature. Around the back, the electric tailgate can be controlled by the key or via waving your foot under the rear bumper. Air suspension will be offered as an option, and will allow owners to lower the ride height by 2.0 inches (51mm) to make loading items into the boot easier. Inside, an opening panoramic sunroof will be included as standard in Europe, while the front seats can be had with power adjustment and massage functions dependi...

The next-generation  BMW X5 and upcoming  BMW X7 have been spotted during performance testing at the Nurburgring race track in Germany this week. It’s clear that the Bavarian company is placing a high importance on the handling of both of its forthcoming SUV models, just like most other models in its range. Previous reports claim the X5 and X7 will be underpinned by versions of BMW’s Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform, which already forms the basis of the new 5 Series and 7 Series , along with the next-generation 3 Series . Top: BMW X7, Bottom: BMW X5, Header: BMW X5 In terms of size, the X5 will likely see some incremental increases in most dimensions, while the all-new X7 will be an even larger fully-fledged seven seater as opposed to its smaller sibling’s 5+2 layout. Both SUVs will likely feature a range of turbocharged six- and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, along with the option of rear- or all-wheel drive. It’s possible the X5 will get a ...

A new study conducted by the  Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) has found that road users not only display irresponsible behaviour on the roads, but there are plenty who also allow it to happen. The research shows that 49 per cent of Australians do not ask speeding friends or family members to slow down, as they believe it isn’t their place to caution another driver. Meanwhile, 46 per cent of people don’t tell texting uber, taxi or personal drivers to put their phone away. When asked why, 18 per cent of passengers say it’s because they’re too afraid, while another 18 per cent claim they just “can’t be bothered”. Founder and CEO of the ARSF, Russell White, said reducing the road toll has to stem from peer pressure and not from authorities dictating road rules. “We need to create a culture where we call each other out on bad behaviour behind the wheel, instead of shuffling the responsibility onto others,” he said. “That’s what our Fatality Free Friday initiative is all...

In a place like Los Angeles, it’s hard to stand out from the crowd, especially when it comes to cars. In this place it’s not uncommon to see kids driving Range Rovers and the upper echelon of society getting about in Rolls-Royces. So, you can imagine our surprise when people fell over themselves to get a second glance at the monstrous 2017 Bentley Mulsanne . Finished in a stunning Porcelain colour, the  Mulsanne we piloted came with Bentley’s iconic winged B hood ornament and stunning 21-inch polished classic alloy wheels. Regardless of whether we cruised down Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the Mulsanne cut a sleek line in traffic – partially helped by the fact it was still sporting its British registration at the front. Instead of just swanning around crowded LA streets, we hit the road to sample the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara to find out whether the Mulsanne could do sweeping bends as well as i...

The 2014 and 2015 model-year Maserati Ghibli and Quattroporte have been recalled for a possible fuel leak, with 339 units affected. In the notice, the Italian marque reports that fuel may leak from the fuel delivery pipe, posing a hazard to other road users if fuel leaks onto the road. A VIN list for the recalled units can be viewed here . Above: Maserati Quattroporte, Top: Maserati Ghibli Owners of the affected sedans will be contacted directly by Maserati’s local arm, and are encouraged to contact their local dealer to arrange the replacement of their fuel delivery pipe, free of charge. MORE: Maserati Ghibli news and reviews MORE: Maserati Quattroporte news and reviews MORE: Recalls

The Mitsubishi Model A will be recreated, but substantially updated, for Mitsubishi Motors’ 100th birthday later this year. Overnight, Mitsubishi Motors’ North American arm announced, in conjunction with West Coast Customs, it would recreate the 1917 Model A. As noted in Forbes , the original Model A was based on the Fiat Tipo 3, and was powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder engine cranking out 26kW of power. While the recreation will look like the original Model A, it will use a version of the “platform of the brand’s most technologically advanced vehicle”, the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid . The Outlander PHEV’s drivetrain features a 2.0-litre petrol engine, two electric motors, AWD capability, a 12kWh battery pack, and a total power output of 120kW. Due to be completed during the northern summer, the Model A recreation will be built by West Coast Customs in Burbank, California, and will be featured in an episode of the Inside West Coast Customs TV series. Above: Mitsubishi Outla...

The Tesla Semi truck has been teased by Elon Musk, the company’s CEO, during a TED talk this week. According to Business Insider , Musk told attendees: “This will be a very spry truck. You can drive this around like a sports car.” Musk stated that the Tesla Semi’s mission is to prove electric trucks can outperform their diesel counterparts in terms of range and torque. The teaser was flashed on the stage’s big screen, and the image you see here was captured by Johana Bhuiyan‏ from Recode . Leading the development team for the Tesla Semi is Jerome Guillen, who prior to 2012 worked on semi trucks for Mercedes-Benz . Last year Electrek noticed that a number of Mercedes-Benz truck engineers had been hired by Tesla. Above: Tesla Model 3. Earlier this month , Musk reconfirmed the Tesla Semi would be unveiled in September. He praised the team for doing “an amazing job”. With the electric car maker busy readying its high volume Model 3 for production, there’s a very good chance ...