Autonomous steering and braking in certain BMW cars could stop working because of a loose wire.
An autonomous driving technology fault has triggered a recall notice for hundreds of BMW cars in Australia.
The 452 affected vehicles are stamped Model Years 2022-2023. 520i, 740i, i5 and i7 variants are impacted.
“Due to a manufacturing defect, the steering wheel earth wire may become loose,” the recall notice says.
“If this occurs, the driving assist functions such as hands-off the steering wheel warning or emergency stop may not activate as intended.
“If the safety features do not activate as intended, it could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.
“Owners should immediately contact their preferred authorised BMW dealer or BMW Australia to have the vehicle’s steering wheel earth wire checked and if required rectified free of charge.
Your wallet will thank you for buying a white car – even if it means looking like you live your life one spreadsheet at a time.
Motoring legend Henry Ford once famously told customers they could have their Model T in any colour they liked, so long as it was black.
Today, we are somewhat spoiled for choice when it comes to car colours. Yellows, blues, browns, reds, greens, pinks, even the unpainted look in matte grey – you name it, you can have it, provided the car manufacturer offers it, of course.
And yet, we still cling loyally to plain old white.
According to Axalta, a large US-based company that specialises in coatings including automotive paints, in 2022 white was the most popular new car colour in the world. A substantial 34 per cent of all new cars were finished in white, with grey/silver the runner-up at 27 per cent, followed by black at 21 per cent. Blue was the most popular non-monochrome at a measly eight per cent.
In Australia, around 38 per cent of new cars sold are white. We can see why – and so will you, by the time you get to the bottom of this article, in which we explore whether and why white cars are best.
Are white cars cheaper to insure?
Yes. Depending on your insurer, you may pay $10 or $20 less a year compared to a black car, which typically tends to be the most expensive paint selection to insure.
Are white cars cheaper to buy?
Generally, yes. Basic white paint is normally a no-cost option while fancy colours can attract a fee. That said, opt for a pearlescent white and you could be paying more.
Are white cars cheaper to maintain?
White cars don’t show up dirt and road grime as much as darkly coloured ones, so you can get away with washing them less often – technically making them cheaper to own.
With its increased resistance to sunlight, white paint might last longer than black or silver as well.
Are white cars cheaper to repair?
Yes, if your car is in a basic white paint. But if it’s in a pricey, cost-optional pearlescent, expect the posh paint to attract a premium over perhaps a simpler red come invoice time.
Are white cars safer?
Yes, according to a 2007 study by Melbourne’s Monash University Accident Research Centre. Researchers compared accident rates with vehicle colour using mass crash data from two Australian states and found that black, blue, grey, green, red and silver cars “were associated with higher crash risk” compared to white vehicles.
“The association between vehicle colour and crash risk was strongest during daylight hours, where relative crash risks were higher for the colours listed compared to white by up to around 10 per cent,” said the researchers, who said no colour was statistically safer than white.
The researchers said lower-visibility colours were associated with “having higher risks of more severe crashes”. This correlates with common sense that brightly coloured cars are easier to spot in traffic, making them slightly safer than cars that blend in more. While a car in high-vis-vest yellow would be the safest, a white car would doubtlessly be easier to spot in lower light conditions than a black one.
Are white cars cooler?
Yes. In 2010 in a tightly controlled experiment, scientists at the Berkeley Lab Environmental Energy Technologies Division, California, USA, parked two identical Honda Civics in the sun, one black and one silver.
After an hour, the silver car’s cabin temperature was a full 5–6 degrees (Celsius) lower than the black car. A white car could perform comparably to silver or even better.
Do white cars use less fuel?
Yes. In the above experiment, researchers found the silver Honda required less air conditioning than the identical black Honda in identical circumstances. Both cars were left in the sun for a full hour before experimenters cranked the air conditioning on maximum cold for half an hour. The investigation concluded that cooling a black vehicle would use two per cent more fuel than a silver one. A white car, again, could perform similarly or even better.
In winter, an internal combustion vehicle is heated using waste energy otherwise dissipated into the atmosphere by the engine. This is just our own speculation, but it’s possible a black electric car would require less energy for heating than a white electric car in winter, although you’d have to repeat the above experiment.
Are white cars better for the environment?
Yes. Using the experiment above as a reference, on a hot day you theoretically require two per cent less air conditioning power to cool your car compared to a black one. If you do 15,000km each year and drive a car that uses 10L of fuel per 100 kilometres, over the three months of summer you might use 7.5 litres less fuel to cool your white car over a black one, saving you 17.25kg of CO2. Or the equivalent of a small cut of steak.
Do white cars have better resale value?
Yes. White and silver cars appeal to more people than coloured ones, so are easier to sell.
These Goodyear tyres have been getting rave reviews internationally. I decided to see what the fuss was about.
When it comes to modifying your car, tyres aren’t exactly the sexiest aftermarket change. There’s no tangible benefit in terms of a power increase, and it doesn’t make the car look vastly different.
Realistically, though, a swap in rubber could make the biggest bang-for-buck difference in your driving experience – especially if you’re coming from a set of out-of-date tyres with diminishing tread depth.
I’ve long been tempted to add a set of premium tyres to my daily driver, a BMW 323i (E91) Touring.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s no sports car, but it certainly sits on the dynamic end of the spectrum with M Sport suspension, a lowered ride height and a smooth six-cylinder engine.
What could a set of suitably sporty tyres do to elevate my driver enjoyment?
When Goodyear offered me the opportunity to fit a set of its new Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 high-end performance tyres to my car, I leapt at the chance to take them for a test drive.
It’s been six weeks since I had them fitted, and I have some thoughts on whether or not you should do the same – but first, a bit of background about the tyres themselves…
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 tyre was released to the Australian market earlier in 2023, and it’s a tyre designed for high-performance driving. Think BMW, Mercedes-Benz and other German car makers… The type of tyres that are meant to be fitted to those sportier options on the market.
It’s intended to rival other ultra-high-performance tyres such as the Pirelli P Zero and Michelin Pilot Sport ranges, all the while balancing dry-surface performance and wet-weather handling.
Over its Asymmetric 5 predecessor, the new version has an increased contact patch that can expand depending on tyre load. The brand also says the Asymmetric 6 uses new resins in the tyre compound for enhanced grip at a material level, while the tyre cavity (where the air goes) has an optimised shape to adapt to load variations.
A quick Google search before my fitting session revealed plenty of positive reviews from international media heralding the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 tyres as a strong bang-for-buck option.
But rather than take their word for it, I set off to Beaurepaires to put the new ultra-high-performance tyres to the test.
Using the Beaurepaires Geelong service centre, I booked in to have the tyres fitted to my car early on a Saturday morning. After a quick turnaround without fuss, I was on my way again with the new boots fitted.
In terms of prices, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 tyres in 225/40 R18 size at the front and 255/35 R18 at the rear cost $296 and $425 fitted respectively. The total up-front cost is $1446 fitted.
Handily, I had recently fitted a set of Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE003 tyres to my car, which served as a great benchmark to test the new Goodyears against. Keep in mind, the Bridgestone tyres were cheaper at $1106 fitted.
Pulling away from the dealership, it was easy to pick that the Goodyear tyres were quieter across both coarse and smooth bitumen surfaces. Road noise through to the cabin was subdued.
For better or worse, tyre aesthetics are also a minor aspect of their appeal and Goodyear’s tyres also look the part. There were slick graphics and enough chunk to the sidewall to make them look meaty underneath my wagon’s slim wheel guards.
Being Melbourne, it wasn’t long before rain started pouring and the Goodyears’ wet-weather performance was put to the test. While I tried to make the car come unstuck around corners, the rubber simply hung on and faithfully put the car’s power outputs down to the ground.
The turn-in directness wasn’t upset by the slippery road surface, and the specialised rubber wasn’t fazed by quick changes in direction either.
In the dry, there was less of a marked difference between the Goodyear tyres and my Bridgestone control tyre – both feature a stronghold of grip around corners and there are no instances of traction loss when applying heavy throttle.
There’s a determined confidence in leaning on the Goodyear tyres through back-to-back corners, and it’s a confidence boost each time you thread the car through a corner and it shoots out the other side unfazed.
So, is it worth buying premium tyres?
The level of performance on offer from ultra-high-performance tyres like the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 tyres I tried far eclipses the needs of everyday driving, and even stands up to the dynamic task demanded by dedicated sports cars.
Previously, I had the chance to try the same tyres on the track when fitted to a Mercedes-AMG CLA 45S and they held up well to the rigours of high-performance driving.
If your drive consists only of trips between home, work and the supermarket, it’s unlikely you’ll need the extra performance offered by ultra-high-performance tyres.
However, if you’ve got a performance car and enjoy the odd Sunday morning blast or even partake in the occasional track day, Goodyear’s new option stands up against established rivals from Michelin and Pirelli.
They’re not the most affordable option in the market, but the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 tyres are well worth a look when it comes time to change your set of performance tyres.
If you want to turn your classic Ford Mustang into an electric car, this British firm can help – for almost four-times the price of a new Mustang Mach-E.
A British former racing team – which claims it gave the now-iconic Ford Mustang its first motorsports win in the 1960s – has unveiled its modern take on the muscle car, exchanging its throbbing V8 engine for silent electric power.
Alan Mann Racing was best known in the UK as the factory-backed Ford racing team throughout the mid-to-late 1960s – and the creator of the ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ film car – campaigning models such as the Escort and Anglia in touring car races and road rallies, all painted in a red and gold colour scheme.
Shortly after taking delivery of a Ford Mustang in 1964 – just a handful of months after the muscle car went into production in the US – AMR won the 1964 ‘Tour de France’ road race in France, claiming the nameplate’s first win in any motorsport event globally.
While the racing team closed in the late 1960s, the Alan Mann Racing name carries on today with the help of sons Henry and Tom, who unveiled the ‘ePower Mustang’ earlier this week.
Based on a 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe, the electric-powered ‘pony car’ received a nut-and-bolt restoration and chassis upgrades to accommodate its new source of power.
Underneath, the Mustang’s front strut and rear leaf-spring suspension layouts have been replaced by independent double wishbones made from billet aluminium, while the 1960s brakes made way for modern, larger calipers and rotors – complete with regenerative braking from the electric motor.
AMR claims the ePower Mustang’s motor produces 300bhp (224kW) – about 20kW more than the most powerful 4.7-litre/289ci Mustangs in period – which propels the car from 0-100km/h in about 5.5 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 156km/h.
As well as claiming a 350km driving range, the Mustang has been fitted with both AC and DC charging capabilities, boasting a 20 to 80 per cent recharging time of 40 minutes.
Inside there’s a refreshed dashboard (now including a small infotainment screen) and newer bucket seats, though AMR has retained as much as the Mustang’s 1960s feel as possible.
Unfortunately, the conversion doesn’t come cheap, as AMR charges £200,000 ($AU384,000) for the service – almost four-times as much as the price of the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT in Australia.
What do you think about converting classic cars to electric power? Is it the way forward or is petrol power the way to stay?
Out of the 39 examples of the Ferrari 250 GTO built, this is the only one raced by the Italian factory – leading experts to predict a sale price of more than $US60 million ($AU95 million).
One of the rarest examples of Ferrari’s most valuable classic cars is due to be auctioned in New York next month, and it is being tipped to eclipse the eye-watering record for the famous marque.
Listed by RM Sotheby’s, this 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is one of just 39 built by the Italian car-maker – with 34 produced with the ‘Tipo 1962’ bodywork – and boasts the claim of being the only chassis which was raced in period by Scuderia Ferrari.
While 36 of the 39 250 GTOs were powered by a 3.0-litre V12, this example – designated Chassis 3765LM – was one of three to be fitted with a larger 4.0-litre V12 engine, with the remaining two raced by Ferrari’s customer teams.
Chassis 3765LM is seen wearing the number #120 for the 1962 Nurburgring 1000km
After winning its class and finishing second overall in the 1962 Nürburgring 1000km race, the 250 GTO was raced at that year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it fought for the lead on the opening lap but later retired.
Following the DNF it was sold to a new owner who had the 250 GTO fitted with the smaller 3.0-litre engine and a number of other modifications made, before it was raced in a number of hillclimb events by him and the car’s next owner.
Not including Ferrari, this 250 GTO has been owned by six private buyers and has remained in the collection of its current owner – who lives in Cincinnati, Ohio – since 1985.
At the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Ferrari 250 GTO was campaigned as the #7
In August 2011, Chassis 3765LM was displayed among 23 other 250 GTOs at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it was judged to be the second-best presented car there – before going on to win the Best-of-Show award at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance a year later.
According to RM Sotheby’s, this Ferrari 250 GTO is estimated to sell for more than $US60 million ($AU95.44 million) which would easily beat the existing auction sale record for the model – though not the overall highest price for a car.
In 2018, a Ferrari 250 GTO set the record for the most expensive car sold at auction at the time, selling for $US48.405 million – equivalent to $US59.34m/$94.39m today.
While the Ferrari was ultimately dethroned by a one-of-two 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe in May 2022 – with a reported price of €135 million ($AU203 million) – the German sports car was sold at a private auction and remains on display in the Mercedes museum.
The Ferrari 250 GTO Chassis 3765LM is due to be auctioned in New York on 13 November 2023 US time.
As the proud owner of a 2023 Audi S5 Sportback, I am thrilled to share my experience with this remarkable vehicle.
Owner: Simon
As the proud owner of a 2023 Audi S5 Sportback, I am thrilled to share my experience with this remarkable vehicle. The S5 Sportback is not just a car – it’s a personal statement of style and performance.
The heart of the S5 Sportback is its hearty turbo V6 engine. The power delivery is seamless, making overtaking on highways a breeze. The car truly shines on winding roads, offering an exhilarating driving experience without compromising on comfort.
Inside, the S5 Sportback is a haven of luxury. The controls are intuitive and easy to use. The car boasts a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, built-in navigation, passive entry, a wireless smartphone charging pad, leather upholstery, massaging front seats (my kids love this), Apple CarPlay and front and rear autonomous emergency braking. These features enhance the driving experience and make every journey a pleasure.
One of the standout features of the S5 Sportback is its corner-carving prowess. Whether navigating city streets or cruising on the open road, this car handles like a dream. It strikes an excellent balance between performance and luxury.
As a daily driver, the car performs exceptionally. It’s also great for young families, with three kids fitting safely in the back. 0–40km/h is their delight, with responsive acceleration a real crowd-pleaser.
However, no car is perfect. In comfort mode, the S5 Sportback feels a bit soft. Also, the car is low to the ground, and not as easy to slide in and out of for those middle-aged and beyond. But these are minor trade-offs for a car that offers so much.
The 2023 Audi S5 Sportback is a stunning vehicle inside and out. It delivers serious performance without compromising on everyday comfort. If you’re in the market for a car that combines sporty performance with luxury features, the Audi S5 Sportback should be at the top of your list.
Chinese electric-car start-up Xpeng is prepared to out-weird Tesla, revealing a wild six-wheel concept vehicle – with styling similar to the Cybertruck – which can carry and launch a ‘flying car’ from its boot.
The aviation division of Chinese car-maker Xpeng has revealed plans to build a six-wheel SUV – which appears to be heavily inspired by the Tesla Cybertruck – capable of launching a small aircraft from its rear compartment.
Dubbed the ‘Land Aircraft Carrier’, Xpeng claims the large ‘SUV’ is designed to be used for emergency service providers in tough terrain, such as for mountain rescues.
However, its Cybertruck-esque design looks to be as close to a rip-off of Tesla’s controversial – but highly anticipated – electric pick-up as possible without being a direct copy, sharing its flat sides, angular panels and unpainted steel finish.
Unlike the Cybertruck, Xpeng says this SUV is a hybrid, meaning those operating it in dangerous conditions will be reliant on a petrol engine instead.
At the rear, its hatch opens up to store a helicopter-style ‘flying car’, which can also be deployed from the cargo area – though the small two-person aircraft does not have wheels.
For now, the Land Aircraft Carrier is just a concept, though it could eventually join Xpend’s growing line-up of vehicles available in China.
In August, Xpeng unveiled the G6 electric SUV – a cheaper alternative to the similarly priced and designed Tesla Model Y.
Xpeng has four other electric cars in its pipeline, as previously signed a deal with German car giant Volkswagen to co-develop models for China.
