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Audi's flagship EV getting cheaper with new base model

Audi's flagship EV getting cheaper with new base model

7NEWS14-05-2025

Audi has launched a new entry-level version of its flagship electric vehicle (EV) for Europe, bringing the base price down by almost A$30,000.
The Audi e-tron GT quattro slots in under the S e-tron GT in the updated electric sedan range, which was previously confirmed for release here during the first half of this year.
We've contacted Audi Australia to confirm if the new entry-level variant will also come here.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
In Europe, it'll be priced from 108,900 euros (~A$188,000), which is 17,100 euros less than the S e-tron GT.
It features a 105kWh (97kWh) net battery capacity like the rest of the updated range, offering up to 622km of range under the WLTP cycle, DC fast-charging at up to 320kW, and a route planner that automatically pre-conditions the battery.
Energy consumption is listed at between 17.8 and 19.3kWh/100km, slightly better than the S e-tron GT (18-19.7kWh/100km) which also has slightly less range (609km) and weighs 30kg more.
The e-tron GT quattro's dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain produces 370kW of power, increasing to 430kW with launch control.
That gives the e-tron GT quattro a claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.0 seconds, which is 0.6 seconds slower than the S e-tron GT which has up to 500kW of power.
It's distinguished from the S e-tron GT through greater use of black trim up front, as well as unique 21-inch alloy wheels.
The e-tron GT quattro has a drag coefficient of 0.24Cd.
Audi's EVs posted a global sales decline of eight per cent in 2024, amid an overall decline for the brand of 12 per cent.
While deliveries of its EVs in Europe actually increased by six per cent last year, e-tron GT sales slumped 49 per cent – a decline surpassed only by the axed TT and Q8 e-tron Sportback.
In Australia, e-tron GT sales slumped 75.2 per cent compared to 2023, with just 84 reaching local buyers last year. Porsche sold more than twice as many of its related Taycan, with 282 delivered.
The launch of the new entry-level e-tron GT comes despite Audi's introduction of the A6 e-tron, which would appear to negate the need for a more accessible version of the flagship four-door sedan/coupe.
The updated e-tron GT range not only gets a new battery plus new variants such as the quattro and range-topping Performance, but also receives a new, lighter rear electric motor and revised suspension.
The sultry styling has been left effectively unchanged, though detail revisions include new paint colours and wheels.

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Lotus denies plans to close UK factory
Lotus denies plans to close UK factory

Perth Now

time9 hours ago

  • Perth Now

Lotus denies plans to close UK factory

British sports car maker Lotus has denied reports it is considering closing its only UK plant, and shifting to the US. Multiple publications, including the BBC, Automotive News and the Financial Times, are reporting Lotus is contemplating closing its plant in Hethel, about 20 minutes south of Norwich. Lotus and parent Geely initially refused to comment on the reports, but on Saturday Lotus put out an official press statement: 'Lotus Cars is continuing normal operations, and there are no plans to close the factory. We are actively exploring strategic options to enhance efficiency and ensure global competitiveness in the evolving market. 'We have invested significantly in R&D and operations in the UK, over the past six years. Lotus remains committed to the UK, and its customers, employees, dealers, suppliers, as well as its proud British heritage.' The company also said 'the UK is the heart of the Lotus brand', while also noting the UK is its 'largest commercial market in Europe'. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Hethel, the company's only factory in the UK, currently produces the Emira coupe (below) for sale around the world. If Hethel is mothballed, Emira production may be moved to the Volvo's plant in Charleston, South Carolina, which currently underutilised. In a call with investors last week, Feng Qingfeng, CEO of Lotus Technology, said 'localisation [of production in US] is a feasible plan' given President Trump's constantly changing tariff policy on foreign-made cars. Production at Hethel has been paused to since mid-May to manage supply chain issues related to US tariffs, and a halt in shipment of Emiras to the US. The Financial Times believes closure of Hethel could happen as early as 2026, and would see around 1300 people lose their jobs. The company's growing losses saw it already fire 270 people in April this year, following on from multiple rounds of job cuts over the last few years. Despite those job losses, Geely and Lotus said they were committed to the UK. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Moving production from the UK to Volvo's plant in the US would allow Lotus to avoid the wildly fluctuating tariff situation in the US, one of the brand's key markets. Earlier this year President Trump announced tariffs on UK-built cars would rise from 2.5 per cent to 25 per cent, but this was quickly dropped to 10 per cent, but only for the first 100,000 vehicles per year, after the two nations completed a trade deal. Founded in 1952 by Colin Chapman, the company's ethos of simplifying and adding lightness has seen it produce many celebrated sports cars, but the firm has teetered on a financial knife-edge for decades. After Chapman's death, Lotus has been successively owned by GM, Romano Artioli (who at the time also owned Bugatti), and Malaysian automaker Proton. Current ownership of the storied sports car brand is a little complicated. Chinese automaker Geely — which also owns Volvo, Polestar, Lynk & Co, Zeekr, LEVC and Smart — bought a 51 per cent of Lotus from Proton in 2017. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Geely then split the brand in two, with UK-based Lotus Cars responsible for the marque's sports cars, and a new firm Lotus Technology, based in Wuhan, China, in charge of expanding the brand into electric SUVs and sedans. In February 2024 Lotus Technology was floated by merging with a special purpose acquisition company backed by LVMH, the luxury conglomerate that owns Louis Vuitton, Moët & Chandon, Dior, Bulgari, TAG Heuer, and many others. This April, the companies announced Lotus Technology would buy out Geely's 51 per cent stake in Lotus. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Although the brand's new EVs helped grow the brand's sales to 12,134 last year — a 74 per cent increase over 2023 — Lotus Technology has bled hundreds of millions of dollars in red ink, and its shares are down 84 per cent. Last year the 6862 Chinese-made Eletre SUVs and Emeya sedans (above) found new homes, while sales of the Emira were up 102 per cent to 5272. If Lotus does end manufacturing in Britain, it will follow other car makers in closing factories in the UK. In March this year Vauxhall closed its Luton factory, which once made Bedford vehicles, and most recently made the Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro, Citroen Dispatch, and its many siblings. Prior to this Honda closed its Swindon plant in 2021, and Ford closed its engine factory in Bridgend, Wales in 2020. MORE: Everything Lotus

Hunter not a new contributor to national defence industry
Hunter not a new contributor to national defence industry

The Advertiser

timea day ago

  • The Advertiser

Hunter not a new contributor to national defence industry

Australia faces the most complex strategic circumstances since the end of World War II. That's why it is more important than ever before that we have the right military capabilities. It is essential for deterrence, and it's essential for our national security. The Albanese government has increased defence funding to record levels, and that includes record levels towards acquiring new capabilities for the ADF. This is the biggest peacetime increase in defence spending in Australia's history. In the lead up to the election, even the Greens recognised the importance of defence capability, when they announced a formally costed policy to fund new military programs to make weapons, including missiles, locally. Right here in Australia. We welcome the Greens' support for the government's plans to increase local defence manufacturing as part of creating a future made in Australia. It creates jobs, supports local economies and builds the skills we need to strengthen our sovereign defence industrial base. That's why we have funded the factory at Astra Aerolab in the region, which is expected to generate more than 500 jobs in the construction phase and almost $100 million in economic benefits for our local area. Construction of this factory represents a leap forward for Australia's defence industry that highlights the government's commitment to a future made in Australia. If the Greens stand by their defence policy, they should be getting behind this initiative and backing local manufacturing and the creation of highly skilled, well-paid local jobs. The Hunter has been a significant contributor to our sovereign defence industrial base for decades, and defence supports the jobs of more than 10,000 people in the region. The region is home to a number of dynamic small to medium enterprises that deliver critical components and services to the Australian Defence Force. It's connected to the nation through the east-coast transport corridor, and connected to the world by the Port of Newcastle. With a world-class university, a skilled workforce and an amazing lifestyle, the Hunter Valley's future is brighter than ever before, especially for those in the defence industry. The Hunter is home to an outstanding group of businesses ranging from the largest defence companies to the smallest local suppliers, which support crucial capabilities including the E-7 Wedgetail, the Hawk 127 Lead-in Fighter and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. While the Hunter region is rightly proud of the deep expertise of the local aerospace industry, it is far from the only defence industry to be found here. Cardiff company Nupress is already partnering with Kongsberg to make mechanical components for the Naval Strike Missile. In the Hunter, Van Munster Boats produces the Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessel. Bluebottles use solar, wind, and wave energy to ensure persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance above and below the water. They are already being used by the navy, the Australian Border Force, and Australian Maritime Parks. There have been defence businesses in the airport precinct for many years because it's well located, close to one of our most important air force bases (RAAF Williamtown), meaning it's secure and can be protected. The point is that the establishment of the Kongsberg factory near Newcastle airport is nothing new. It's also important to note that no explosive material will be stored or produced on site. The Greens know this. The missiles will be produced for Australian purposes. The Greens' claim that they will be exported to Israel is a flat-out lie. The Greens know this. Australia has not exported weapons to Israel since the Gaza conflict began, and for at least the past five years. We all want to raise our children in a stable, peaceful, and prosperous environment. If we believe in defending the country, we need to equip our defence force to do so. We welcome a sensible, level-headed conversation about defence industry, national security and local jobs, but we could do without the scare-mongering and fallacies offered by the opportunistic and misleading Greens party. Australia faces the most complex strategic circumstances since the end of World War II. That's why it is more important than ever before that we have the right military capabilities. It is essential for deterrence, and it's essential for our national security. The Albanese government has increased defence funding to record levels, and that includes record levels towards acquiring new capabilities for the ADF. This is the biggest peacetime increase in defence spending in Australia's history. In the lead up to the election, even the Greens recognised the importance of defence capability, when they announced a formally costed policy to fund new military programs to make weapons, including missiles, locally. Right here in Australia. We welcome the Greens' support for the government's plans to increase local defence manufacturing as part of creating a future made in Australia. It creates jobs, supports local economies and builds the skills we need to strengthen our sovereign defence industrial base. That's why we have funded the factory at Astra Aerolab in the region, which is expected to generate more than 500 jobs in the construction phase and almost $100 million in economic benefits for our local area. Construction of this factory represents a leap forward for Australia's defence industry that highlights the government's commitment to a future made in Australia. If the Greens stand by their defence policy, they should be getting behind this initiative and backing local manufacturing and the creation of highly skilled, well-paid local jobs. The Hunter has been a significant contributor to our sovereign defence industrial base for decades, and defence supports the jobs of more than 10,000 people in the region. The region is home to a number of dynamic small to medium enterprises that deliver critical components and services to the Australian Defence Force. It's connected to the nation through the east-coast transport corridor, and connected to the world by the Port of Newcastle. With a world-class university, a skilled workforce and an amazing lifestyle, the Hunter Valley's future is brighter than ever before, especially for those in the defence industry. The Hunter is home to an outstanding group of businesses ranging from the largest defence companies to the smallest local suppliers, which support crucial capabilities including the E-7 Wedgetail, the Hawk 127 Lead-in Fighter and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. While the Hunter region is rightly proud of the deep expertise of the local aerospace industry, it is far from the only defence industry to be found here. Cardiff company Nupress is already partnering with Kongsberg to make mechanical components for the Naval Strike Missile. In the Hunter, Van Munster Boats produces the Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessel. Bluebottles use solar, wind, and wave energy to ensure persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance above and below the water. They are already being used by the navy, the Australian Border Force, and Australian Maritime Parks. There have been defence businesses in the airport precinct for many years because it's well located, close to one of our most important air force bases (RAAF Williamtown), meaning it's secure and can be protected. The point is that the establishment of the Kongsberg factory near Newcastle airport is nothing new. It's also important to note that no explosive material will be stored or produced on site. The Greens know this. The missiles will be produced for Australian purposes. The Greens' claim that they will be exported to Israel is a flat-out lie. The Greens know this. Australia has not exported weapons to Israel since the Gaza conflict began, and for at least the past five years. We all want to raise our children in a stable, peaceful, and prosperous environment. If we believe in defending the country, we need to equip our defence force to do so. We welcome a sensible, level-headed conversation about defence industry, national security and local jobs, but we could do without the scare-mongering and fallacies offered by the opportunistic and misleading Greens party. Australia faces the most complex strategic circumstances since the end of World War II. That's why it is more important than ever before that we have the right military capabilities. It is essential for deterrence, and it's essential for our national security. The Albanese government has increased defence funding to record levels, and that includes record levels towards acquiring new capabilities for the ADF. This is the biggest peacetime increase in defence spending in Australia's history. In the lead up to the election, even the Greens recognised the importance of defence capability, when they announced a formally costed policy to fund new military programs to make weapons, including missiles, locally. Right here in Australia. We welcome the Greens' support for the government's plans to increase local defence manufacturing as part of creating a future made in Australia. It creates jobs, supports local economies and builds the skills we need to strengthen our sovereign defence industrial base. That's why we have funded the factory at Astra Aerolab in the region, which is expected to generate more than 500 jobs in the construction phase and almost $100 million in economic benefits for our local area. Construction of this factory represents a leap forward for Australia's defence industry that highlights the government's commitment to a future made in Australia. If the Greens stand by their defence policy, they should be getting behind this initiative and backing local manufacturing and the creation of highly skilled, well-paid local jobs. The Hunter has been a significant contributor to our sovereign defence industrial base for decades, and defence supports the jobs of more than 10,000 people in the region. The region is home to a number of dynamic small to medium enterprises that deliver critical components and services to the Australian Defence Force. It's connected to the nation through the east-coast transport corridor, and connected to the world by the Port of Newcastle. With a world-class university, a skilled workforce and an amazing lifestyle, the Hunter Valley's future is brighter than ever before, especially for those in the defence industry. The Hunter is home to an outstanding group of businesses ranging from the largest defence companies to the smallest local suppliers, which support crucial capabilities including the E-7 Wedgetail, the Hawk 127 Lead-in Fighter and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. While the Hunter region is rightly proud of the deep expertise of the local aerospace industry, it is far from the only defence industry to be found here. Cardiff company Nupress is already partnering with Kongsberg to make mechanical components for the Naval Strike Missile. In the Hunter, Van Munster Boats produces the Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessel. Bluebottles use solar, wind, and wave energy to ensure persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance above and below the water. They are already being used by the navy, the Australian Border Force, and Australian Maritime Parks. There have been defence businesses in the airport precinct for many years because it's well located, close to one of our most important air force bases (RAAF Williamtown), meaning it's secure and can be protected. The point is that the establishment of the Kongsberg factory near Newcastle airport is nothing new. It's also important to note that no explosive material will be stored or produced on site. The Greens know this. The missiles will be produced for Australian purposes. The Greens' claim that they will be exported to Israel is a flat-out lie. The Greens know this. Australia has not exported weapons to Israel since the Gaza conflict began, and for at least the past five years. We all want to raise our children in a stable, peaceful, and prosperous environment. If we believe in defending the country, we need to equip our defence force to do so. We welcome a sensible, level-headed conversation about defence industry, national security and local jobs, but we could do without the scare-mongering and fallacies offered by the opportunistic and misleading Greens party. Australia faces the most complex strategic circumstances since the end of World War II. That's why it is more important than ever before that we have the right military capabilities. It is essential for deterrence, and it's essential for our national security. The Albanese government has increased defence funding to record levels, and that includes record levels towards acquiring new capabilities for the ADF. This is the biggest peacetime increase in defence spending in Australia's history. In the lead up to the election, even the Greens recognised the importance of defence capability, when they announced a formally costed policy to fund new military programs to make weapons, including missiles, locally. Right here in Australia. We welcome the Greens' support for the government's plans to increase local defence manufacturing as part of creating a future made in Australia. It creates jobs, supports local economies and builds the skills we need to strengthen our sovereign defence industrial base. That's why we have funded the factory at Astra Aerolab in the region, which is expected to generate more than 500 jobs in the construction phase and almost $100 million in economic benefits for our local area. Construction of this factory represents a leap forward for Australia's defence industry that highlights the government's commitment to a future made in Australia. If the Greens stand by their defence policy, they should be getting behind this initiative and backing local manufacturing and the creation of highly skilled, well-paid local jobs. The Hunter has been a significant contributor to our sovereign defence industrial base for decades, and defence supports the jobs of more than 10,000 people in the region. The region is home to a number of dynamic small to medium enterprises that deliver critical components and services to the Australian Defence Force. It's connected to the nation through the east-coast transport corridor, and connected to the world by the Port of Newcastle. With a world-class university, a skilled workforce and an amazing lifestyle, the Hunter Valley's future is brighter than ever before, especially for those in the defence industry. The Hunter is home to an outstanding group of businesses ranging from the largest defence companies to the smallest local suppliers, which support crucial capabilities including the E-7 Wedgetail, the Hawk 127 Lead-in Fighter and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. While the Hunter region is rightly proud of the deep expertise of the local aerospace industry, it is far from the only defence industry to be found here. Cardiff company Nupress is already partnering with Kongsberg to make mechanical components for the Naval Strike Missile. In the Hunter, Van Munster Boats produces the Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessel. Bluebottles use solar, wind, and wave energy to ensure persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance above and below the water. They are already being used by the navy, the Australian Border Force, and Australian Maritime Parks. There have been defence businesses in the airport precinct for many years because it's well located, close to one of our most important air force bases (RAAF Williamtown), meaning it's secure and can be protected. The point is that the establishment of the Kongsberg factory near Newcastle airport is nothing new. It's also important to note that no explosive material will be stored or produced on site. The Greens know this. The missiles will be produced for Australian purposes. The Greens' claim that they will be exported to Israel is a flat-out lie. The Greens know this. Australia has not exported weapons to Israel since the Gaza conflict began, and for at least the past five years. We all want to raise our children in a stable, peaceful, and prosperous environment. If we believe in defending the country, we need to equip our defence force to do so. We welcome a sensible, level-headed conversation about defence industry, national security and local jobs, but we could do without the scare-mongering and fallacies offered by the opportunistic and misleading Greens party.

CarExpert Choice winner: Best Affordable Sports Car
CarExpert Choice winner: Best Affordable Sports Car

The Advertiser

timea day ago

  • The Advertiser

CarExpert Choice winner: Best Affordable Sports Car

The Ford Mustang has been named Australia's best affordable sports car in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards. Ford's seventh-generation pony car beat out two very different finalists: the Mazda MX-5 roadster and Toyota GR86 coupe. Available in both coupe and convertible forms, it's larger, heavier and more expensive than those sports cars, but the recently redesigned Mustang is an utterly enthralling vehicle. A big part of its appeal is the GT's naturally aspirated V8 – available with a manual, no less! That's a combination that's becoming increasingly rare on our market. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. But the Mustang is more than just its engine. For starters, you can get it without the V8, with the base EcoBoost featuring an engaging and oft-overlooked turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The American muscle car is the best-handling Mustang yet, while also proving comfortable for the daily commute – particularly with the optional MagneRide adaptive suspension. Mustang purists may scoff at the redesigned interior, but it's more modern and logically laid out than before. You can also still get the wind in your hair in the GT Convertible, allowing you to better take in that sonorous V8. A sports car should make you feel good when you drive it, and the Mustang makes us feel pretty damn good. To see all the CarExpert Choice winners, click here. MORE: Explore the Ford Mustang showroom Content originally sourced from: The Ford Mustang has been named Australia's best affordable sports car in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards. Ford's seventh-generation pony car beat out two very different finalists: the Mazda MX-5 roadster and Toyota GR86 coupe. Available in both coupe and convertible forms, it's larger, heavier and more expensive than those sports cars, but the recently redesigned Mustang is an utterly enthralling vehicle. A big part of its appeal is the GT's naturally aspirated V8 – available with a manual, no less! That's a combination that's becoming increasingly rare on our market. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. But the Mustang is more than just its engine. For starters, you can get it without the V8, with the base EcoBoost featuring an engaging and oft-overlooked turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The American muscle car is the best-handling Mustang yet, while also proving comfortable for the daily commute – particularly with the optional MagneRide adaptive suspension. Mustang purists may scoff at the redesigned interior, but it's more modern and logically laid out than before. You can also still get the wind in your hair in the GT Convertible, allowing you to better take in that sonorous V8. A sports car should make you feel good when you drive it, and the Mustang makes us feel pretty damn good. To see all the CarExpert Choice winners, click here. MORE: Explore the Ford Mustang showroom Content originally sourced from: The Ford Mustang has been named Australia's best affordable sports car in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards. Ford's seventh-generation pony car beat out two very different finalists: the Mazda MX-5 roadster and Toyota GR86 coupe. Available in both coupe and convertible forms, it's larger, heavier and more expensive than those sports cars, but the recently redesigned Mustang is an utterly enthralling vehicle. A big part of its appeal is the GT's naturally aspirated V8 – available with a manual, no less! That's a combination that's becoming increasingly rare on our market. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. But the Mustang is more than just its engine. For starters, you can get it without the V8, with the base EcoBoost featuring an engaging and oft-overlooked turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The American muscle car is the best-handling Mustang yet, while also proving comfortable for the daily commute – particularly with the optional MagneRide adaptive suspension. Mustang purists may scoff at the redesigned interior, but it's more modern and logically laid out than before. You can also still get the wind in your hair in the GT Convertible, allowing you to better take in that sonorous V8. A sports car should make you feel good when you drive it, and the Mustang makes us feel pretty damn good. To see all the CarExpert Choice winners, click here. MORE: Explore the Ford Mustang showroom Content originally sourced from: The Ford Mustang has been named Australia's best affordable sports car in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards. Ford's seventh-generation pony car beat out two very different finalists: the Mazda MX-5 roadster and Toyota GR86 coupe. Available in both coupe and convertible forms, it's larger, heavier and more expensive than those sports cars, but the recently redesigned Mustang is an utterly enthralling vehicle. A big part of its appeal is the GT's naturally aspirated V8 – available with a manual, no less! That's a combination that's becoming increasingly rare on our market. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. But the Mustang is more than just its engine. For starters, you can get it without the V8, with the base EcoBoost featuring an engaging and oft-overlooked turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The American muscle car is the best-handling Mustang yet, while also proving comfortable for the daily commute – particularly with the optional MagneRide adaptive suspension. Mustang purists may scoff at the redesigned interior, but it's more modern and logically laid out than before. You can also still get the wind in your hair in the GT Convertible, allowing you to better take in that sonorous V8. A sports car should make you feel good when you drive it, and the Mustang makes us feel pretty damn good. To see all the CarExpert Choice winners, click here. MORE: Explore the Ford Mustang showroom Content originally sourced from:

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