sky | The Motor Report: Auto News And Reviews

Mazda Skipping Hybrids, Focusing On Conventional Engines For Now

FOLLOWING THE REVEAL of its new Sky engines and automatic transmission, Mazda has declared it can cut its vehicles emissions by 30 percent without using hybrid or electric vehicle technology.

Speaking at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda President Takashi Yamanouchi said that the Japanese carmaker would for now skip the hybrid vehicle [...]

What Grinds My Gears: Motorists in Wet Weather

There’s nothing quite like the smell of an afternoon shower on a stinking hot day. But be warned: the smell of steam coming off the bitumen is a heady reminder to stay off the roads, because there’s craziness afoot.

Scientists have worked out what it is in the spring air that causes hayfever. Now I think [...]

Pontiac G8 And Solstice Unlikely To Live Past Next Five Years

Despite its colourful history and recent renaissance as vendors of fine automotive muscle, the Pontiac brand may yet fall back into boresville if the latest reports out of Detroit are true.

The G8 sedan, essentially Holden’s SS Commodore, is reportedly unlikely to see a life beyond the next five years. While it has received plenty of [...]

Action Mobil Globecruiser 2008 - Not Your Average Motorhome

Like the idea of caravanning but not so keen on roughing it? Are you the kind that prefers to “camp” with all the mod cons of home at your side? Don’t think bringing along a full-size porcelain toilet with you is too extreme? The Action Mobil Globecruiser 2008 may be for you…

Built upon MAN’s TGA [...]

2009 Renault Koleos Comes Downunder

Renault has announced that its all-new Koleos will soon be available from Australian showrooms, bringing along its own unique Gallic flavour to the SUV segment.

The Koleos is Renault’s first 4×4 crossover vehicle and was developed jointly between Renault, Nissan and Samsung Motors, making the mid-size SUV French in name only. Still, if you were never [...]

Mazda Updates BT-50 Range For 2009

Mazda Australia has announced that the newly updated BT-50 utility is now on sale, with a number of revisions making the rugged workhorse more powerful, more versatile and more… attractive(?) for 2009.

The range has been bolstered by the addition of two new 2WD models and five new 4WD models, bringing the total number of BT-50 [...]

Nissan GT-R Obtains SEVS Approval

In news that is not going to impress Nissan Australia but make a lot of cashed-up enthusiasts feel a bit constricted in the ‘pantal’ region, the new GT-R has received SEVS (Specialist & Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme) approval.

This approval means that at least one importer, a company called GT Compliance according to the RVCS (Road Vehicle [...]

Private First Class Lee, Atten-hut!

ArtCar, a blog seemingly devoted to cars in the types of embarrassing situations their buddies at car school will get high on, have got a great post listing the 25 secret tips for recognising a fake General Lee.

For those not in the know—including myself until I looked into it about eight minutes ago—there’s something of [...]

Honda Freed Released in Japan

Honda have launched the Freed compact minivan in Japan, which delivers seating for up to eight people in a package that uses just 6.1 litres of fuel per 100km.

Based on the same platform as the Honda Jazz, the Freed lays claim to being the first true 8-seater in the small car class. Of course, it’s [...]

Jensen Inteceptor gets modernised with LS2 Power

Classic cars have always been popular with those wanting a classy, eye-catching car for the weekend, however one of the main problems with owning one is that old cars have old technology, and old technology is often prone to problems. However, Cropredy Bridge have found a solution, and are starting a comprehensive restoration program for [...]

$US15 million paid to be number one in UAE

Money no object? Our pain at the pump is providing a windfall for the super-rich in the United Arab Emirates and what do you buy when you already have everything? Number plates of course! But the real question here, is what are you prepared to pay for the right ones?

If it’s the plate bearing the [...]

Australia’s first road registered R35 GT-R?

R35 GT-R enthusiasts take note! The car you see here could shortly be the very first road registered R35 GT-R on Australian roads. Spotted earlier this year at a Sydney Shell Service Station by an eagle eyed SkylinesAustralia forum member, this car is currently going through the requisite compliance testing, that should see it able [...]