2019 BMW M8 previewed

BMW has released new details of the upcoming M8, along with a set of new images of the twin-turbo performance coupe tearing up a race track as it nears production. The company has confirmed the M8 will make "north of 440kW" from its force-fed V8 engine – expect somewhere in the vicinity of the 460kW/750Nm outputs of the M5 Competition's 4.4-litre unit –  along with M-specific running gear to make the big coupe handle with "prowess, agility and precision".

2019 Mitsubishi Triton upgrade revealed

The buffed-up 2019 Mitsubishi Triton – a substantial mid-life update to the existing model – has been revealed in Thailand, ahead of its Australian launch in January next year. Design-wise, it’s a big leap. The ‘dynamic shield’ grille, higher bonnet, pronounced flares over the front and rear wheel arches, new wheels, pronounced sculpting running along the side of the tray and revised tail-lights give this Triton the requisite ‘tough’ look.

Mitsubishi Express reborn: Australian future for Renault Trafic-based van

Mitsubishi Motors has signed a letter of intent to source rebadged Renault Trafic vans out of France, to sell in Australia and New Zealand, with an expected launch time as soon as next year. Naturally, speculation suggests that this model could mark a return of the well-known, but defunct since 2013, Mitsubishi Express. It’ll certainly satisfy the company’s desire in Australia to launch more commercial vehicles and broaden its offerings to its fleet customers.

Toyota Australia: People don't want plug-in hybrids

Toyota Australia is in no hurry to bring plug-in hybrid vehicles Down Under, arguing punters want the "normality" offered by its current approach to electrification. As announced last week, the brand will expand its current hybrid range from five to 10 vehicles by 2020 in Australia, as it looks to capitalise on the momentum created by the strong-selling Corolla and Camry hybrids.

CarAdvice podcast 128: VFACTS, and Trent talks SEMA

Scott Collie is hosting this week, joined by Kez Casey and Mike Stevens. In car news, the Volkswagen Tarok and Audi RSQ e-tron have both been unveiled, a user-pays road tax is gaining public support, and researchers ask how much consumers are willing to pay for an autonomous car. Mike Costello discusses October new car sales figures in his VFACTS wrap, and Trent Nikolic talks hits and misses from SEMA.

2020 Hyundai Palisade teased ahead of LA reveal

Hyundai Motor America has issued a teaser for the upcoming 2020 Palisade, ahead of its official reveal at the Los Angeles motor show later this month. Set to sit above the Santa Fe in the brand's SUV line-up, the Palisade will offer up to eight seats across three rows, and is named after the Pacific Palisades – an "affluent and beautiful neighbourhood in Southern California".

2019 Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI quattro review

I decided that, for once, I would give particular credence to a carmaker’s communication and marketing ‘message’ of a new model, so as to frame up what it is in order to assess if it’s any good.