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Tony Davis

This Month

This is how far the Chinese car industry has come in 20 years

In 2005, the Asian giant’s car companies were making shameless copies of Daihatsu hatchbacks. Now, China is home to the largest motor industry the world has seen.

April

Is this Mini too big for its boots?

At 4.5 metres long, the new EV Countryman is a mini-monster. It made me smile every time I climbed in all the same.

The new Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II has a dark side

The “alter ego” of the chrome-accented SUV is a brooding riff on the original.

Visitors look at the new Firefly model from Chinese automaker Nio at the Shanghai Auto show on Wednesday.

The most stunning reveal (among many) at the giant Auto Shanghai show

Financial Review motoring writer Tony Davis finds a myriad of new brands and developments as China aims to fill every niche in the automotive world.

This electric Benz is better than any petrol-powered off-roader

With four motors and a powerful battery, the G580 leaves its internal-combustion counterparts in the dust.

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Lamborghini not worried by super-quick Chinese EVs – yet

The supercar manufacturer is preparing to enter a low-emissions future, bringing its singular flair (and sky-high price tags) to the plug-in market.

PHEV or faff: is the new BMW M5 hybrid worth its weight?

After four decades and seven generations, the BMW icon has acquired an electric motor, adding to its speed, handling and critically, its heft.

Porsche’s new hybrid 911 is a car in a league of its own

On paper, the new electrified riff on the carmaker’s signature model could make purists wince, but the new GTS might just be the best 911 yet.

Trump’s tariffs deny American buyers a chance to enjoy the latest technology – and small, efficient cars.

Our car market proves why Trump’s tariffs won’t help America

America’s biggest car makers have long since lost interest in building vehicles that the rest of the world needs or wants.

March

Mercedes-Benz’s new coupe is a big improvement on its predecessor

With more seats, more boot space and more power than previous models, the AMG GT 63 is worthy of its new flagship status.

After more than a decade, BMW has perfected the art of EV variants

Savvy, ambidextrous design tactics mean you can enjoy the look and feel of a several BMW models retooled to be electric, including the iX2 xDrive30.

Will BMW’s Neue Klasse range be the game-changing EVs they promise?

The German manufacturer has made multiple claims of wide-ranging improvements on its currently available electric models, but they won’t roll out on Australian streets until at least 2026.

Polestar’s new SUV is a tech marvel – but is it worth the price tag?

This Swedish-designed, China-built EV is an impressive drive, but you’ll need deep pockets to experience it at its upgraded best.

Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, McLaren chief designer Rob Marshall, and George Russell on the podium after a stunning Australian Grand Prix.

Accursed rain sends Piastri slip-sliding away

The home GP remains an unhappy hunting ground.

New Zealander Liam Lawson at practice on Friday - he has the trickiest seat on the grid, lining up at Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen, who has won the past four driver’s championships.

Grand Prix hits new highs in survival countdown

Fans are flocking to Melbourne’s Albert Park for F1 practice sessions and the final qualifying round that will determine where each driver starts on Sunday.

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Juliana Blasi, head of exterior design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

Meet the woman who designs Rolls-Royces

Juliane Blasi is the head of exterior design at Rolls-Royce, and in a fiercely male-dominated sector, is almost certainly the first woman to hold such a role.

 Ex-F1 racing driver Jacky Ickx, in Chopard’s “basement,” which also serves as a display area for the mens watches.

He walked to his car as others sprinted. Then he won Le Mans

On the eve of the Australian F1 grand prix, we talk to Jacky Ickx, who struck a blow for safety in motorsport’s most dangerous era – and won several big races.

Aston Martin’s handsome new SUV is the best of both worlds

The DBX 707 is designed for the performance car aficionado who needs the space of an SUV.

Lewis Hamilton in Monaco at the F1 Grand Prix in May last year.

Behind the business deals bringing new fans to Formula 1

Partnerships between high-speed motorsport and high-end fashion are bringing glamour – and a new wave of style-savvy fans – to the grand prix.

Tesla’s Cybertruck at Sydney’s Everything’s Electric Expo at the weekend.

Tesla’s new strategy as sales fall: Openness (but don’t mention Musk)

The Cybertruck is being shown off at a Sydney expo and executives are free to speak for the first time in years as Tesla takes a new tack amid falling sales.

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/by/tony-davis-j7gaz