Category: CARS

The new Ford Mustang: 4 top things to get excited about

Posted: 16/10/2022

Have you ever seen a sexier Ford? I’m waiting. The seventh generation Ford Mustang is the most exhilarating and visceral yet, from its fighter jet-inspired digital cockpit to advanced turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines to its edgier yet still timeless exterior design. That’s what they say and the proof’s in the end result. Just look at it! The new Mustang by Ford has added another chapter to the icon that has delivered the looks, sound and appeal of the archetypal sports coupe. Whether convertible or coupe, V8 or turbocharged 4-cylinder, manual or automatic, the car speaks to as many people as the original, who are after something with personality, guts and a whole lot of an air of cool. Here are the 4 top things to look out from the new ride: A completely rethought interior Behind the chiseled exterior silhouette of the seventh-generation Mustang lies the most technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit of any Mustang to date. The fighter jet-inspired cockpit offers the driver two flowing and curved displays that can be quickly customised to show the information the driver wants or needs to see. Edgier design with timeless Mustang cues, plus more customisation The seventh generation adds modern chiseled looks to its heritage-inspired design, which sets out toappeal to the broadest Mustang customer mindset yet. Mustang’s most advanced and athletic engines ever The way Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the experience that makes drivers want to getin the driver’s seat and hit the road. The all-new Mustang delivers an even more… Read More

Category: CARS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

She’s sophisticated, stylish & sassy: meet the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle

by Emi Berry

Updated: 08/08/2022

The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is due to hit Mitsubishi dealerships in Australia from 15th August 2022, offering a new-generation PHEV system for Aussies with up to 84km of pure electric driving – up from 54km in the previous model. For consumers looking for a sophisticated and fun PHEV without the high-end price tag, your time has come. Shaun Westcott, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Australia says with the release of the new Outlander PHEV, the company is targeting a more premium market than before. “Our core target market is primarily middle-class Australians and we haven’t shifted from that, but what we have picked up from our market research is feedback from customers looking for a more premium offering. So, what we’ve done is move this car up in terms of quality finish, sophistication, and style. Every attribute of the vehicle has improved. And that is to give our customers a better value for money product at the more premium end of the market.” MORE: We took one for a spin around all Victoria and here’s how it went The competitors versus the Outlander PHEV So, what makes the Outlander PHEV stand out from the competitors, such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or the Kia Sorrento PHEV? If environmental considerations are high on your list of priorities, Mr Westcott says driving a PHEV versus a hybrid is the better option. Mitsubishi market research from the previous Outlander PHEV model has revealed drivers tend to use electric mode 84 per cent of the… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIA, CARS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Automobile, Car blog, Mitsubishi, Mitsubishi Outlander, Test drives

Your interstate best friend: The Toyota Landcruiser 300 7-seat monster

by THE F

Updated: 29/05/2022

Cars are all about context, right? You don’t get a convertible Volkswagen Eos to hit the outback. Much less do you get a Ford Wildtrak for simple trips to the shop. But on the odd occasion you find a car that’s equal parts massive and practical that makes you think, ‘oh yeah, that works’. Say hi to the Toyota Landcruiser 300. Quite literally the biggest car you’ve ever driven, with more power than the simple streets of Sydney knew how to handle and enough suspension to make you have moments of existential quandry where you think, ‘am I actually driving, or just rolling under my own momentum?’ MORE: Here’s what we thought of the Toyota CHR Koba SUV View this post on Instagram A post shared by T H E F (@the_f_online) More an icon and master of the outback, you’d be considered nuts if you didn’t put this car through its paces on all kinds of terrain from the city to the country. So, we spoke with travel expert Quentin Long about the best ways to explore Australia’s landscape and those unseen destinations. The Landcruiser 300 makes all kinds of trips for all durations and demands a breeze. With perks and features that include some of these bits, you’re in good hands: a brand new 3.3L twin-turbo V6 diesel engine delivering 227kW and 700Nm 10-speed automatic transmission designed to enhance driving performance, fuel efficiency, and quietness – which genuinely works – you hear nothing and let’s not forget, the Multi Terrain Select with a… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIA, CARS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Landcruiser, Landcruiser weekends away, Toyota Australia, Toyota Landcruiser

Join 45% of Australians this year – plan a road trip with a new Mitsubishi Outlander

by James Banham

Updated: 13/05/2024

You know how sometimes you get into a car (say, an Uber or a friend’s car), the seats are like wood, the posture’s off and the roof’s so low you get a pinched nerve in your neck and you’re left thinking how can anyone sit in this all day long? Well, the new Mitsubishi Outlander is so, absolutely the polar opposite of every average car experience you’ve ever had it’s going to be hard to find the words. But let’s try. Basically, if you’re in need of a new car, either for a good time or a long time, the Mitsubishi Outlander is it. And even though it’s not summer anymore and the season for roadtrips is tapering off – after 3-in-4 of us took to the road in 2021/2022, you’re still in safe hands with the new ride. View this post on Instagram A post shared by T H E F (@the_f_online) Sitting up higher than your average and with enough torque and suspension to truly convince you you’re driving a cloud, it’s a genuinely stylish ride – that kind of looks like a Transformer, but nicer – that will inspire you this winter to take a road trip to literally anywhere. We partnered with Mitsubishi earlier in 2022 to get their take on an ideal road trip itinerary when you know your trip’s sorted with a quality car, 20-inch alloys a full size sun roof. Beat the rush and make an early start to avoid the highway traffic jam. Mitsubishi’s research says that with… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CARS, FEATURES

Tags: Mitsubishi Outlander, Mitsubishi Outlander road trip, Outlander, road trip, road trip guide

Can new lithium extraction technology be a game-changer?

by THE F

Updated: 09/05/2022

The push for electric cars amid environmental concerns has made lithium a hot product. It is one of the base minerals for battery technology. There has been a growing demand for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in portable electronic devices (such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.), electric cars and electric tools. Currently, the price of lithium is around NZ$15000 per tonne but due to extraordinary demand, its price even reached NZ$50,000 for some time. That lithium’s demand is skyrocketing can also be gauged from an estimate by consulting firm McKinsey. The demand will grow from an estimated 500,000 tonnes in 2021 to as much as 3.8 million tonnes by the end of the decade. Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) According to the McKinsey report, alongside conventional lithium supply, direct lithium extraction is going to be the driving force so that the industry can respond more swiftly to the soaring demand and in a more sustainable way. Most conventional mining projects are not eco-friendly. The traditional way is damaging to the environment. It generates a lot of carbon dioxide. It is believed that for one tonne of lithium extracted, 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide are generated. Even some of the direct extraction methods of using brine leaves behind brine salts. New technology within the DLE method There is a new method for extracting lithium. It extracts fluid from underground, separates minerals from water, and then returns it back to the ground. Through this method, the carbon dioxide emitted is significantly lower. This method has already been tried with… Read More

Category: CARS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Can new lithium extraction technology be a game-changer, Lithium, Lithium batteries

The Wild West of EV infrastructure

by THE F

Posted: 07/04/2022

AC or DC?, Level 1, 2 or 3?, Charging Speed? Slow, Fast, Superfast, 22Khw, 120kHw, 150kHw or even faster? 800volt charging systems, J1772, CHAdeMO, CCS or DC Combo, 16amps maybe? Confused? That isn’t surprising. There are hundreds of different Charge Point Operators (CPOs), and new ones pop up almost weekly. There are different connector types, various payment methods, and multiple different charging apps. Some don’t show all networks, and some show real-time charger status, and some car manufacturers have their own networks. There are different charging cards, some which require pre-registering. Is there a single charging card for all? Yes, but not really. Welcome to the world of charging today – where companies compete with very few rules and next to no standardisation; the result is a Wild West of free-market inefficiency, and the consumers and the EV market, and therefore the planet, will suffer. All the battery range and electric infrastructure in the world won’t matter if you can’t plan, pay, or access them. To encourage people to make the electric leap, charging should be as simple as, or even simpler than, filling your car with gas. Today this just isn’t the case. Fail to plan, plan to fail When you are sold a non-Tesla electric car, the guy selling it to you has probably only sold a handful of EVs versus hundreds of ICE cars. The ‘product handover’ is light, to say the least. You will normally be handed your car key and if you’re lucky a charging card, then sent on your… Read More

Category: CARS, LIFESTYLE

Tags: cars, Electric Vehicles, The Wild West of EV infrastructure, Wild West of EVs

Need a new ute? The new Next-Gen Ford Ranger is out next month

Ford Next Gen Ranger All Models car truck ute

by James Banham

Posted: 26/03/2022

If you’re a Ford fan and thinking about whether now’s a good time to upgrade? Have a read of our last test drive of the Ford Wildtrak and go from there. Ford released some good news for all Ranger drivers alike recently, in that Australian specifications of the Next-Gen Ford Ranger have been confirmed. It’ll come with a new-to-Ranger optional 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel engine with 184 kW of power at 3,250 rpm and 600 Nm of torque, full-time 4WD, up to six selectable drive modes and 3,500kg towing. Basically, it’s a work horse in a stylish chassis, meaning it doubles as the work care for life. Developed locally in Australia for the Aussie lifestyle, road conditions and the way we drive, the Next-Gen Ranger has taken the immense success of Ranger and improved it with customer-led design and an impressive suite of technology, safety, comfort and drivetrain features. What does all this mean? Basically, whether you’re after fuel economy, refinement, towing or hauling, the powertrains chosen for Next-Gen Ranger has you covered complete with six shiny new features to the range that’s all about you. A huge new dash Next-Gen Ranger introduces an 8-inch fully digital instrument cluster that can be customised. The dash displays boast unique animations and includes a digital speedometer and tachometer. The animations also feature realistic body-style graphics. Raptor comes standard with a 12.4-inch fully digital instrument cluster. Depending on the variant, owners can toggle between layouts showing information including driver-assist technologies, tachometer on or off, and extra gauges. There’s also… Read More

Category: CARS, LIFESTYLE

Tags: cars, test drive

The ultimate road trip in Australia – as voted by everyone

by James Banham

Updated: 11/03/2022

The Great Ocean Road has been named the Nextbase Ultimate Aussie Road Trip 2022. So, if ever there was a time to hire a car, buy a car, borrow a car – it’s now. With over 1,600 votes, the Great Ocean Road finished ahead of Broome to Kununurra via the Kimberleys, WA and the Tasmanian Ring Road. Deciding it was time to settle the debate once and for all, the world’s leading Dash Cam manufacturer Nextbase asked the public which Australian road trip is the crown in the road. From the shortlist of 10, the Great Great Ocean Road finished top, ahead of Broome to Kununurra via the Kimberleys and the Tasmanian Ring Road. In total, 1,635 Australians voted across November through to January 31, 2022. THE TOP-10 ULTIMATE AUSTRALIAN ROAD TRIPS: Great Ocean Road, VIC Broome to Kununurra via the Kimberleys, WA Tasmanian Ring Road, TAS Cairns to Normanton (on your way to NT), QLD Darwin to Kakadu, NT South Coast including Eurobodalla Shire Region and Narooma , NSW Alice Springs to Uluru, NT Longreach to Rockhampton loop including Emerald and Carnarvon, QLD Birdsville Track, QLD & SA Bright, Falls Creek, Omeo loop, VIC If this is your kind of thing, then hey, check out some of the best SUVs for the job!

Category: AUSTRALIA, CARS, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Australia road trip, road trip guide, The ultimate road trip in Australia as voted by everyone

Trends that will change the future of the car industry by 2030

by THE F

Posted: 10/03/2022

As technology advances, numerous industries are experiencing dramatic changes, and the automobile industry is one of them. Today, new brands, new propulsion methods, new safety measures, etc. are springing up in different places around the world. Given this, we are can only imagine what the future of the car industry will look like. So, let’s examine the trends that will shape the future of the auto industry by 2030. New business models could boost the revenues of automotive It has been projected that there will be a huge increase in the pool of automotive revenue. Similarly, we will experience diversification that allows data-driven and on-demand mobility services. As a result of this, there could be a 30% boost in the automotive revenue pool by 2030. Notably, this means an increase of $1.5 trillion in the revenue pool. Also, drivers and passengers will have more time to enjoy services and media during their transit time. All thanks to the advancement in autonomous technology and connectivity that we could experience by 2030. As much as 15% of new vehicles could be fully autonomous Let’s talk more about autonomous vehicles. Currently, there are lots of regulatory and technological challenges that autonomous vehicles are dealing with. These challenges include security/safety concerns, consumer understanding, and pricing. As a result of these issues, it is difficult for these automobiles to be commercialized. Nonetheless, it has been forecasted that these challenges would have been resolved by 2030. If this is so, fully autonomous vehicles could be responsible for as much as 15%… Read More

Category: CARS

Coming this July, MG’s latest electric vehicle will take to the roads

by James Banham

Updated: 08/03/2022

MG is rejoining the pack when it comes to making our world cleaner, lowering the amount we drop on fuel (thanks, Russia) and generally doing better for the planet, one car at a time. Recently, MG Australia announced that the latest ZS EV is set to consolidate MG Motor Australia and New Zealand’s position as a leader in the affordable new energy vehicle space when it launches in July this year. Read about our test drive of the MG ZS SUV In the global push to electrify the roads and cut carbon emissions, MG is doing its part with the ZS EV SUV for inner city jaunts. Complete with a comprehensive styling makeover, a completely new interior treatment and a new, more efficient and better-performing power train are just some of the exciting new enhancements for Australia’s best-selling electric SUV, which will go on sale from $46,990 drive-away right across Australia. But what else is there to look forward to, if you’re in the market for a new ride? Well… There are two different types of car available at launch Customers will be able to choose from two variants, with the new value-led Excite complementing the stylish, luxurious Essence. Get it from anywhere With over 85 dealers offering the MG for purchase, you can get it from any major hub. The new ZS EV will be backed by a national network MG Motor dealers and will be covered by MG’s 7-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which also includes the high-voltage battery. Get it early, get it cheap And… Read More

Category: CARS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Coming this July MG's first electric vehicle will take to the roads, mg, MG electric vehicle, MG SUV EV

ARTS & CULTURE

NGV Architecture Commission 2024: Home Truth by Breathe

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In a bold reimagining of Australian home design, Home Truth by Breathe has been announced as the winner of the NGV Architecture Commission for 2024. This captivating installation takes the form of a labyrinthine house-within-a-house, challenging the notion of ever-expanding home sizes in Australia. At the heart of this design is a powerful message: rethink how we build to create more sustainable, higher-quality, and community-orientated living spaces. Home Truth invites visitors to step into a space that questions the ethical and ecological ramifications of the sprawling, oversized homes that have become prevalent across the nation. An external frame mirrors the silhouette of the average Australian home, which, at 236 square metres, ranks as the largest globally. Nestled within this silhouette is a serene timber structure, representing a smaller, more sustainable living footprint. This juxtaposition of scales is not just an architectural statement but a call to action. By contrasting these two structures, Home Truth shines a light on how smaller, more considered homes could help reduce suburban sprawl, mitigate environmental impacts, and enhance community wellbeing. It is a thought-provoking invitation for audiences to consider alternative, sustainable housing models that could lead to positive lifestyle changes. Visitors entering through the expansive garage door of the larger house find themselves navigating a maze of rooms and corridors, eventually arriving at the intimate timber retreat. This wooden haven offers a space for meditation and reflection, presenting a tangible vision of a more sustainable housing future. Constructed from framing pine and Saveboard, Home Truth uses materials emblematic of current… Read More

LOEWE PRECO SS25 SUNA FUJITA CERAMICS RGB CROPPED 4X5 3 5

Suna Fujita, LOEWE & Melbourne Art Fair to exhibit works

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In an exciting fusion of art and fashion, Melbourne Art Fair has announced a groundbreaking partnership with LOEWE, the esteemed luxury fashion brand renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship since 1846. This collaboration brings to life an exquisite preview of Jonathan Anderson’s renewed partnership with the Kyoto-based ceramist duo, Suna Fujita, marking a world-first exhibition in Australasia. The LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection made its debut with an intimate showcase at LOEWE’s Melbourne Collins Street store, offering an exclusive viewing experience of twenty whimsical ceramic pieces. These delicate works, celebrated for their intricate hand-painted scenes featuring ocean creatures and cosmic animals, seamlessly blend artistry with everyday function, transforming accessories and ready-to-wear items into enchanting works of art. Fair Director Melissa Loughnan expressed her enthusiasm for this creative union, stating, “This partnership is a reflection of Melbourne Art Fair and LOEWE’s shared commitment to supporting living artists and creatives, and an exciting precursor to the 18th edition of the Fair, which promises to be one of our most dynamic and anticipated showcases yet.” The collaboration not only highlights the playful essence of Suna Fujita’s ceramics but also underscores the vibrant art scene that Melbourne Art Fair champions. Launching today, the LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection is available both in stores and online at loewe.com, continuing until 29th December 2024. This artistic venture paves the way for the 18th edition of Melbourne Art Fair, set to take place from 20-23 February 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fair will present a remarkable assembly of… Read More

Labyrinth in Concert comes to London’s Royal Festival Hall

12/11/2024

By James Banham

Prepare to be whisked away to the mystical realm of Goblin City with a legendary twist, as “Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert” makes its grand debut at London’s Royal Festival Hall. On Friday, 28th November 2025, fans of this beloved musical fantasy film will experience a spectacular fusion of cinema and live music that promises to be nothing short of magical. For the first time ever, Jim Henson’s original masterpiece, starring the one and only David Bowie, will come alive on stage with a captivating live band performance. Audiences will be treated to the enchanting melodies of Bowie’s original vocals, accompanied by the band in perfect harmony, all set against the backdrop of the movie projected on a large HD cinema screen. It’s a chance to relive the unforgettable music and adventure that has captured hearts for nearly 40 years since the film’s release in 1986. Produced by Black Ink Presents, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, this unique concert experience is set to enthral long-time fans and newcomers alike. Known for breathing new life into iconic films with live orchestras and bands, Black Ink Presents has previously dazzled audiences with events like Batman, Ghostbusters, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. CEO John Kinsner shares his excitement, stating, “I have always been a huge fan of the groundbreaking collaboration of Jim Henson, George Lucas, David Bowie, and Trevor Jones on this film, and bringing it to fans in a live concert screening experience is a dream come true. Getting to hear Bowie’s vocals with a live… Read More

Why rush to National Art School postgrad show

12/11/2024

By James Banham

Step into the vibrant world of the arts at the National Art School (NAS) as it proudly unveils the 2024 Postgrad Show, a spectacular showcase of over 400 works by Australia’s next generation of emerging artists. Open to the public until 17 November 2024, this annual exhibition has firmly established itself as a pivotal event in Sydney’s cultural calendar, attracting gallerists, collectors, and art enthusiasts eager to discover fresh talent. The Postgrad Show serves as a launchpad for these budding artists, featuring the final bodies of work by the Master of Fine Art (MFA) graduates. This year’s exhibition offers an eclectic mix of mediums including painting, sculpture, printmaking, video, collage, 3D printing, performance, photography, drawing, and ceramics. Each piece is a testament to the diverse themes being explored—ranging from natural and digital ecosystems to identity, the Anthropocene, philosophy, and personal narratives. Ceramics take centre stage with artists like Benjamin Akuila, who delves into themes of construction, authenticity, and plasticity, informed by his Tongan heritage. His work offers a compelling exploration of queer and diasporic identity through hybrid cultural narratives. Meanwhile, Chrystie Longworth uses ceramic forms to navigate femininity, identity, and domesticity, drawing inspiration from historical subversive messages crafted by women in textiles. Her work, with its tactile terracotta and pigment surfaces, invites viewers to experience a subtle play of light and texture. From the drawing studios, Quan Zhu Ma marries traditional Chinese philosophy with contemporary practices, using innovative materials like heated charcoal and ash. His work reimagines traditional ink art, creating a fusion that resonates… Read More

Christmas music treat in Sydney: Handel’s Messiah returns

11/11/2024

By James Banham

This December, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs are set to enchant audiences once again with their much-loved Messiah concerts, a cherished Sydney Christmas tradition that has spanned over a century.