Death toll in central Texas flash floods rises, 41 still missing
As the prime minister prepares to travel to China later this week, Beijing's top local diplomat, ambassador Xiao Qian, has also seized on the Albanese government's domestic political pledge to boost productivity, championing deepening economic ties between the two nations as a way to end the growth slump.
While Labor has successfully pursued a policy of 'stabilisation' after acrimony between 2020 and 2022, when the communist regime imposed trade sanctions on $20 billion of Australian exports and froze high-level dialogue, Xiao has signalled Beijing's impatience with the steady approach.
'Over the past three years, through the joint efforts of both sides, China-Australia relations have stabilised and improved, achieving a comprehensive turnaround,' Xiao writes in an opinion piece for The Australian Financial Review.
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The Advertiser
17 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Inflation hope as RBA decision leaves many disappointed
Australian borrowers are rightly disappointed that they won't get an interest rate cut this month, but the treasurer says there is a silver lining in the way inflation is tracking. Financial markets and economists were overwhelmingly tipping the central bank to deliver a 25 basis point cut on Tuesday. But its board instead decided to wait for more evidence that inflation is easing before considering lowering the 3.85 per cent cash interest rate. "It's fair to say there were millions of people who were hoping for more rate relief yesterday and didn't get it," Treasurer Jim Chalmers told ABC radio on Wednesday. "(But) it should be a source of considerable pride to Australians that we've done something here that other countries haven't been able to do. "We haven't paid for progress on inflation with much higher unemployment - that's a good thing." Interest rates have already been cut twice this year as inflation tracked lower and the central bank's focus switched to growth prospects and job market resilience. Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock acknowledged households with mortgages would have been "very keen" for another interest rate cut. "I'm also really conscious that we don't want to end up having to fight inflation again," she said. The Australian Retailers Association described Tuesday's decision as a "missed opportunity" to improve the outlook of a sector employing one-in-ten Australians. "Weak consumer spending and high business costs continue to put pressure on retailers," the association's chief executive Chris Rodwell said. Real Estate Institute of Australia president Leanne Pilkington said the July call means high borrowing costs for first home buyers. "We understand the RBA's priority is returning inflation to its target band but this needs to be balanced against the risk of further dampening housing demand and locking first home buyers out of the market," she said. Federal Housing Minister Clare O'Neil said while the decision was disappointing for many, the central bank was still on track for more interest rate cuts. "The RBA told us yesterday that this is about pace, not direction," she told Seven's Sunrise program on Wednesday. "The RBA has already cut interest rates twice this year and is kind of indicating that they want to keep moving on that, but they're being very cautious." Speaking on Tuesday after a two-day meeting on monetary policy, Ms Bullock sympathised with young people hoping to buy homes, but said interest rates aren't the only roadblock. "In fact, I've heard criticisms that we shouldn't lower interest rates because housing prices will go up," she said. "So we can't win really." The governor said the question of housing prices was largely one for governments to address. Further insights into the interest rate decision could be revealed in a public speech by the central bank's deputy governor Andrew Hauser on Wednesday at the Australian Conference of Economists in Sydney. Australian borrowers are rightly disappointed that they won't get an interest rate cut this month, but the treasurer says there is a silver lining in the way inflation is tracking. Financial markets and economists were overwhelmingly tipping the central bank to deliver a 25 basis point cut on Tuesday. But its board instead decided to wait for more evidence that inflation is easing before considering lowering the 3.85 per cent cash interest rate. "It's fair to say there were millions of people who were hoping for more rate relief yesterday and didn't get it," Treasurer Jim Chalmers told ABC radio on Wednesday. "(But) it should be a source of considerable pride to Australians that we've done something here that other countries haven't been able to do. "We haven't paid for progress on inflation with much higher unemployment - that's a good thing." Interest rates have already been cut twice this year as inflation tracked lower and the central bank's focus switched to growth prospects and job market resilience. Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock acknowledged households with mortgages would have been "very keen" for another interest rate cut. "I'm also really conscious that we don't want to end up having to fight inflation again," she said. The Australian Retailers Association described Tuesday's decision as a "missed opportunity" to improve the outlook of a sector employing one-in-ten Australians. "Weak consumer spending and high business costs continue to put pressure on retailers," the association's chief executive Chris Rodwell said. Real Estate Institute of Australia president Leanne Pilkington said the July call means high borrowing costs for first home buyers. "We understand the RBA's priority is returning inflation to its target band but this needs to be balanced against the risk of further dampening housing demand and locking first home buyers out of the market," she said. Federal Housing Minister Clare O'Neil said while the decision was disappointing for many, the central bank was still on track for more interest rate cuts. "The RBA told us yesterday that this is about pace, not direction," she told Seven's Sunrise program on Wednesday. "The RBA has already cut interest rates twice this year and is kind of indicating that they want to keep moving on that, but they're being very cautious." Speaking on Tuesday after a two-day meeting on monetary policy, Ms Bullock sympathised with young people hoping to buy homes, but said interest rates aren't the only roadblock. "In fact, I've heard criticisms that we shouldn't lower interest rates because housing prices will go up," she said. "So we can't win really." The governor said the question of housing prices was largely one for governments to address. Further insights into the interest rate decision could be revealed in a public speech by the central bank's deputy governor Andrew Hauser on Wednesday at the Australian Conference of Economists in Sydney. Australian borrowers are rightly disappointed that they won't get an interest rate cut this month, but the treasurer says there is a silver lining in the way inflation is tracking. Financial markets and economists were overwhelmingly tipping the central bank to deliver a 25 basis point cut on Tuesday. But its board instead decided to wait for more evidence that inflation is easing before considering lowering the 3.85 per cent cash interest rate. "It's fair to say there were millions of people who were hoping for more rate relief yesterday and didn't get it," Treasurer Jim Chalmers told ABC radio on Wednesday. "(But) it should be a source of considerable pride to Australians that we've done something here that other countries haven't been able to do. "We haven't paid for progress on inflation with much higher unemployment - that's a good thing." Interest rates have already been cut twice this year as inflation tracked lower and the central bank's focus switched to growth prospects and job market resilience. Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock acknowledged households with mortgages would have been "very keen" for another interest rate cut. "I'm also really conscious that we don't want to end up having to fight inflation again," she said. The Australian Retailers Association described Tuesday's decision as a "missed opportunity" to improve the outlook of a sector employing one-in-ten Australians. "Weak consumer spending and high business costs continue to put pressure on retailers," the association's chief executive Chris Rodwell said. Real Estate Institute of Australia president Leanne Pilkington said the July call means high borrowing costs for first home buyers. "We understand the RBA's priority is returning inflation to its target band but this needs to be balanced against the risk of further dampening housing demand and locking first home buyers out of the market," she said. Federal Housing Minister Clare O'Neil said while the decision was disappointing for many, the central bank was still on track for more interest rate cuts. "The RBA told us yesterday that this is about pace, not direction," she told Seven's Sunrise program on Wednesday. "The RBA has already cut interest rates twice this year and is kind of indicating that they want to keep moving on that, but they're being very cautious." Speaking on Tuesday after a two-day meeting on monetary policy, Ms Bullock sympathised with young people hoping to buy homes, but said interest rates aren't the only roadblock. "In fact, I've heard criticisms that we shouldn't lower interest rates because housing prices will go up," she said. "So we can't win really." The governor said the question of housing prices was largely one for governments to address. Further insights into the interest rate decision could be revealed in a public speech by the central bank's deputy governor Andrew Hauser on Wednesday at the Australian Conference of Economists in Sydney. Australian borrowers are rightly disappointed that they won't get an interest rate cut this month, but the treasurer says there is a silver lining in the way inflation is tracking. Financial markets and economists were overwhelmingly tipping the central bank to deliver a 25 basis point cut on Tuesday. But its board instead decided to wait for more evidence that inflation is easing before considering lowering the 3.85 per cent cash interest rate. "It's fair to say there were millions of people who were hoping for more rate relief yesterday and didn't get it," Treasurer Jim Chalmers told ABC radio on Wednesday. "(But) it should be a source of considerable pride to Australians that we've done something here that other countries haven't been able to do. "We haven't paid for progress on inflation with much higher unemployment - that's a good thing." Interest rates have already been cut twice this year as inflation tracked lower and the central bank's focus switched to growth prospects and job market resilience. Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock acknowledged households with mortgages would have been "very keen" for another interest rate cut. "I'm also really conscious that we don't want to end up having to fight inflation again," she said. The Australian Retailers Association described Tuesday's decision as a "missed opportunity" to improve the outlook of a sector employing one-in-ten Australians. "Weak consumer spending and high business costs continue to put pressure on retailers," the association's chief executive Chris Rodwell said. Real Estate Institute of Australia president Leanne Pilkington said the July call means high borrowing costs for first home buyers. "We understand the RBA's priority is returning inflation to its target band but this needs to be balanced against the risk of further dampening housing demand and locking first home buyers out of the market," she said. Federal Housing Minister Clare O'Neil said while the decision was disappointing for many, the central bank was still on track for more interest rate cuts. "The RBA told us yesterday that this is about pace, not direction," she told Seven's Sunrise program on Wednesday. "The RBA has already cut interest rates twice this year and is kind of indicating that they want to keep moving on that, but they're being very cautious." Speaking on Tuesday after a two-day meeting on monetary policy, Ms Bullock sympathised with young people hoping to buy homes, but said interest rates aren't the only roadblock. "In fact, I've heard criticisms that we shouldn't lower interest rates because housing prices will go up," she said. "So we can't win really." The governor said the question of housing prices was largely one for governments to address. Further insights into the interest rate decision could be revealed in a public speech by the central bank's deputy governor Andrew Hauser on Wednesday at the Australian Conference of Economists in Sydney.
The Advertiser
17 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
2026 Aston Martin Vantage S revealed with 500kW V8
The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage S has been revealed with a 500kW twin-turbocharged V8 powertrain and driver-focused chassis upgrades ahead of its public debut at this weekend's 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Described by the British brand as "the most performance focused Vantage", the S adds more power, more prestige and, ultimately, more performance – for a yet to be announced price. The Vantage S is yet to be confirmed for Australian release, but will be available in both Coupe and Roadster (convertible) body styles in the UK, where first deliveries are scheduled by the end of this year. Based on previous Aston Martin model launches, it is likely to become available in Australia sometime in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. If it's sold here, the Vantage S Coupe is expected to be priced around $450,000 before on-road costs, around $40,000 more than the regular Vantage V8 Coupe ($410,000 plus on-roads). The same price premium would see the Vantage S Roadster start at around $475,000. In the Vantage S, the Mercedes-AMG sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 produces 500kW – an additional 11kW – and the same 600Nm of torque, but the latter is delivered over 3000-6000rpm rather than 2000-5000rpm in the standard version. The more highly strung V8 powers the rear wheels through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and carbon-fibre driveshaft, shaving 0.1 seconds from the official 0-100km/h acceleration claim (now 3.4 seconds), with 0-200km/h pace now quoted at 10.1 seconds. Aston Martin says the Vantage S has the same 202mph (326km/h) top speed, despite the increased power. Yet the figures don't tell the full story, with Aston Martin also having made significant chassis changes to give the S greater point-to-point capability. The driving experience has been a key focus, with retuned front dampers designed to deliver better front-end steering feel, while revised rear suspension damping aimed at improving low-speed ride quality. Steering directness and feedback is also said to be sharper, with the rear subframe now mounted directly to the chassis instead of via rubber bushes, while the transmission tunnel is claimed to be 10 per cent stiffer. The throttle pedal, too, has been recalibrated for better feel and more precise modulation, while wheel camber, toe and caster settings have all been 'finessed' to further sharpen the steering, and to maximise the front-end's mechanical grip when the car is under load. On the outside, the Vantage S has a new front bumper air-dam and venturi vanes which, combined with underbody aero changes and a larger rear deck spoiler, adds a claimed 67kg of extra downforce at the car's 326km/h top speed. There are also two 'bonnet blades' finished in either gloss black or '2×2 Twill Carbon Fibre', while hand-made forged brass 'S' badges with red details grace on the front guards and bootlid, with red also splashed around the front spoiler and rear diffuser. Optional 21-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels in satin black with red details also follow the red theme, which is carried through to the cabin where leather-trimmed sports seats wear S logos on their 'shoulders' and head restraints. The British automaker says 16 metres of thread was used in the cabin, including more than 2500 individual stitches. Buyers can also choose an optional red or silver anodised knurled metal version of the centre rotary drive-mode selector, with the colour choice matched to the seatbelts, stitching and cabin embroidery. An 'Inspire Sport' interior package is also optional, bringing aniline leather and Alcantara materials. Previous versions of the Vantage S have included V8 and V12 versions, but Aston Martin has previously said the latest Vantage – which was heavily facelifted in 2024 – will offer V8 power only. That's despite Aston Martin launching a brand-new V12 in its third-generation Vanquish in 2024, which is currently priced at $737,000 before on-road costs in Australia. The 614kW/1000Nm 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 came as the UK brand declared V12 engines still had years left in Aston Martin showrooms, despite tightening emissions laws and the auto industry's push towards electrification globally. The Vanquish V12 followed the 2023 release of the rival Lamborghini Reuvelto, fitted with a hybrid V12 powertrain, while the Ferrari 12Cilindri (which translates to 12 cylinders) was launched in May 2024. MORE: Everything Aston Martin Content originally sourced from: The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage S has been revealed with a 500kW twin-turbocharged V8 powertrain and driver-focused chassis upgrades ahead of its public debut at this weekend's 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Described by the British brand as "the most performance focused Vantage", the S adds more power, more prestige and, ultimately, more performance – for a yet to be announced price. The Vantage S is yet to be confirmed for Australian release, but will be available in both Coupe and Roadster (convertible) body styles in the UK, where first deliveries are scheduled by the end of this year. Based on previous Aston Martin model launches, it is likely to become available in Australia sometime in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. If it's sold here, the Vantage S Coupe is expected to be priced around $450,000 before on-road costs, around $40,000 more than the regular Vantage V8 Coupe ($410,000 plus on-roads). The same price premium would see the Vantage S Roadster start at around $475,000. In the Vantage S, the Mercedes-AMG sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 produces 500kW – an additional 11kW – and the same 600Nm of torque, but the latter is delivered over 3000-6000rpm rather than 2000-5000rpm in the standard version. The more highly strung V8 powers the rear wheels through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and carbon-fibre driveshaft, shaving 0.1 seconds from the official 0-100km/h acceleration claim (now 3.4 seconds), with 0-200km/h pace now quoted at 10.1 seconds. Aston Martin says the Vantage S has the same 202mph (326km/h) top speed, despite the increased power. Yet the figures don't tell the full story, with Aston Martin also having made significant chassis changes to give the S greater point-to-point capability. The driving experience has been a key focus, with retuned front dampers designed to deliver better front-end steering feel, while revised rear suspension damping aimed at improving low-speed ride quality. Steering directness and feedback is also said to be sharper, with the rear subframe now mounted directly to the chassis instead of via rubber bushes, while the transmission tunnel is claimed to be 10 per cent stiffer. The throttle pedal, too, has been recalibrated for better feel and more precise modulation, while wheel camber, toe and caster settings have all been 'finessed' to further sharpen the steering, and to maximise the front-end's mechanical grip when the car is under load. On the outside, the Vantage S has a new front bumper air-dam and venturi vanes which, combined with underbody aero changes and a larger rear deck spoiler, adds a claimed 67kg of extra downforce at the car's 326km/h top speed. There are also two 'bonnet blades' finished in either gloss black or '2×2 Twill Carbon Fibre', while hand-made forged brass 'S' badges with red details grace on the front guards and bootlid, with red also splashed around the front spoiler and rear diffuser. Optional 21-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels in satin black with red details also follow the red theme, which is carried through to the cabin where leather-trimmed sports seats wear S logos on their 'shoulders' and head restraints. The British automaker says 16 metres of thread was used in the cabin, including more than 2500 individual stitches. Buyers can also choose an optional red or silver anodised knurled metal version of the centre rotary drive-mode selector, with the colour choice matched to the seatbelts, stitching and cabin embroidery. An 'Inspire Sport' interior package is also optional, bringing aniline leather and Alcantara materials. Previous versions of the Vantage S have included V8 and V12 versions, but Aston Martin has previously said the latest Vantage – which was heavily facelifted in 2024 – will offer V8 power only. That's despite Aston Martin launching a brand-new V12 in its third-generation Vanquish in 2024, which is currently priced at $737,000 before on-road costs in Australia. The 614kW/1000Nm 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 came as the UK brand declared V12 engines still had years left in Aston Martin showrooms, despite tightening emissions laws and the auto industry's push towards electrification globally. The Vanquish V12 followed the 2023 release of the rival Lamborghini Reuvelto, fitted with a hybrid V12 powertrain, while the Ferrari 12Cilindri (which translates to 12 cylinders) was launched in May 2024. MORE: Everything Aston Martin Content originally sourced from: The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage S has been revealed with a 500kW twin-turbocharged V8 powertrain and driver-focused chassis upgrades ahead of its public debut at this weekend's 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Described by the British brand as "the most performance focused Vantage", the S adds more power, more prestige and, ultimately, more performance – for a yet to be announced price. The Vantage S is yet to be confirmed for Australian release, but will be available in both Coupe and Roadster (convertible) body styles in the UK, where first deliveries are scheduled by the end of this year. Based on previous Aston Martin model launches, it is likely to become available in Australia sometime in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. If it's sold here, the Vantage S Coupe is expected to be priced around $450,000 before on-road costs, around $40,000 more than the regular Vantage V8 Coupe ($410,000 plus on-roads). The same price premium would see the Vantage S Roadster start at around $475,000. In the Vantage S, the Mercedes-AMG sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 produces 500kW – an additional 11kW – and the same 600Nm of torque, but the latter is delivered over 3000-6000rpm rather than 2000-5000rpm in the standard version. The more highly strung V8 powers the rear wheels through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and carbon-fibre driveshaft, shaving 0.1 seconds from the official 0-100km/h acceleration claim (now 3.4 seconds), with 0-200km/h pace now quoted at 10.1 seconds. Aston Martin says the Vantage S has the same 202mph (326km/h) top speed, despite the increased power. Yet the figures don't tell the full story, with Aston Martin also having made significant chassis changes to give the S greater point-to-point capability. The driving experience has been a key focus, with retuned front dampers designed to deliver better front-end steering feel, while revised rear suspension damping aimed at improving low-speed ride quality. Steering directness and feedback is also said to be sharper, with the rear subframe now mounted directly to the chassis instead of via rubber bushes, while the transmission tunnel is claimed to be 10 per cent stiffer. The throttle pedal, too, has been recalibrated for better feel and more precise modulation, while wheel camber, toe and caster settings have all been 'finessed' to further sharpen the steering, and to maximise the front-end's mechanical grip when the car is under load. On the outside, the Vantage S has a new front bumper air-dam and venturi vanes which, combined with underbody aero changes and a larger rear deck spoiler, adds a claimed 67kg of extra downforce at the car's 326km/h top speed. There are also two 'bonnet blades' finished in either gloss black or '2×2 Twill Carbon Fibre', while hand-made forged brass 'S' badges with red details grace on the front guards and bootlid, with red also splashed around the front spoiler and rear diffuser. Optional 21-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels in satin black with red details also follow the red theme, which is carried through to the cabin where leather-trimmed sports seats wear S logos on their 'shoulders' and head restraints. The British automaker says 16 metres of thread was used in the cabin, including more than 2500 individual stitches. Buyers can also choose an optional red or silver anodised knurled metal version of the centre rotary drive-mode selector, with the colour choice matched to the seatbelts, stitching and cabin embroidery. An 'Inspire Sport' interior package is also optional, bringing aniline leather and Alcantara materials. Previous versions of the Vantage S have included V8 and V12 versions, but Aston Martin has previously said the latest Vantage – which was heavily facelifted in 2024 – will offer V8 power only. That's despite Aston Martin launching a brand-new V12 in its third-generation Vanquish in 2024, which is currently priced at $737,000 before on-road costs in Australia. The 614kW/1000Nm 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 came as the UK brand declared V12 engines still had years left in Aston Martin showrooms, despite tightening emissions laws and the auto industry's push towards electrification globally. The Vanquish V12 followed the 2023 release of the rival Lamborghini Reuvelto, fitted with a hybrid V12 powertrain, while the Ferrari 12Cilindri (which translates to 12 cylinders) was launched in May 2024. MORE: Everything Aston Martin Content originally sourced from: The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage S has been revealed with a 500kW twin-turbocharged V8 powertrain and driver-focused chassis upgrades ahead of its public debut at this weekend's 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Described by the British brand as "the most performance focused Vantage", the S adds more power, more prestige and, ultimately, more performance – for a yet to be announced price. The Vantage S is yet to be confirmed for Australian release, but will be available in both Coupe and Roadster (convertible) body styles in the UK, where first deliveries are scheduled by the end of this year. Based on previous Aston Martin model launches, it is likely to become available in Australia sometime in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. If it's sold here, the Vantage S Coupe is expected to be priced around $450,000 before on-road costs, around $40,000 more than the regular Vantage V8 Coupe ($410,000 plus on-roads). The same price premium would see the Vantage S Roadster start at around $475,000. In the Vantage S, the Mercedes-AMG sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 produces 500kW – an additional 11kW – and the same 600Nm of torque, but the latter is delivered over 3000-6000rpm rather than 2000-5000rpm in the standard version. The more highly strung V8 powers the rear wheels through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and carbon-fibre driveshaft, shaving 0.1 seconds from the official 0-100km/h acceleration claim (now 3.4 seconds), with 0-200km/h pace now quoted at 10.1 seconds. Aston Martin says the Vantage S has the same 202mph (326km/h) top speed, despite the increased power. Yet the figures don't tell the full story, with Aston Martin also having made significant chassis changes to give the S greater point-to-point capability. The driving experience has been a key focus, with retuned front dampers designed to deliver better front-end steering feel, while revised rear suspension damping aimed at improving low-speed ride quality. Steering directness and feedback is also said to be sharper, with the rear subframe now mounted directly to the chassis instead of via rubber bushes, while the transmission tunnel is claimed to be 10 per cent stiffer. The throttle pedal, too, has been recalibrated for better feel and more precise modulation, while wheel camber, toe and caster settings have all been 'finessed' to further sharpen the steering, and to maximise the front-end's mechanical grip when the car is under load. On the outside, the Vantage S has a new front bumper air-dam and venturi vanes which, combined with underbody aero changes and a larger rear deck spoiler, adds a claimed 67kg of extra downforce at the car's 326km/h top speed. There are also two 'bonnet blades' finished in either gloss black or '2×2 Twill Carbon Fibre', while hand-made forged brass 'S' badges with red details grace on the front guards and bootlid, with red also splashed around the front spoiler and rear diffuser. Optional 21-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels in satin black with red details also follow the red theme, which is carried through to the cabin where leather-trimmed sports seats wear S logos on their 'shoulders' and head restraints. The British automaker says 16 metres of thread was used in the cabin, including more than 2500 individual stitches. Buyers can also choose an optional red or silver anodised knurled metal version of the centre rotary drive-mode selector, with the colour choice matched to the seatbelts, stitching and cabin embroidery. An 'Inspire Sport' interior package is also optional, bringing aniline leather and Alcantara materials. Previous versions of the Vantage S have included V8 and V12 versions, but Aston Martin has previously said the latest Vantage – which was heavily facelifted in 2024 – will offer V8 power only. That's despite Aston Martin launching a brand-new V12 in its third-generation Vanquish in 2024, which is currently priced at $737,000 before on-road costs in Australia. The 614kW/1000Nm 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 came as the UK brand declared V12 engines still had years left in Aston Martin showrooms, despite tightening emissions laws and the auto industry's push towards electrification globally. The Vanquish V12 followed the 2023 release of the rival Lamborghini Reuvelto, fitted with a hybrid V12 powertrain, while the Ferrari 12Cilindri (which translates to 12 cylinders) was launched in May 2024. MORE: Everything Aston Martin Content originally sourced from:
West Australian
an hour ago
- West Australian
AFLW stars urge officials to take short term pain for long term gain in the face of massive losses
Melbourne premiership star Kate Hore is adamant ongoing investment in the AFLW will be worth it in the long run, insisting the elite women's competition will only improve in future years. The AFL has reportedly told clubs the women's competition is losing $50 million a year as it approaches its 10th season, which starts next month. League officials have made improving on-field performances the top priority for the AFLW, which is also facing declining crowds and television audiences. AFLW players are pushing for an expanded season, in which every team plays each of its opponents once, by 2031. But a review by league officials has reportedly showed that would come at a $200 million loss. Hore, a seven-year AFLW veteran, urged league officials and sponsors to have faith in the competition, which she believes is growing its on-field product each year. 'I'm super confident that the AFLW is an amazing competition already and we're only 10 seasons in, so I think we just need to keep investing, both as players and then more broadly as well, into the game,' Hore said. 'I compare myself as a player in my first season in 2018 and if I was that same player now I certainly wouldn't be getting a game. 'The standard and the investment from players is only growing, and the competition's only going to keep growing as the investment comes.' Hore, a three-time All-Australian and a premiership player in 2022, said the continuing influx of young players who have developed through talent pathways will lift the AFLW's standard. 'The skill levels are going to continue to grow and I've really seen that in our new girls and our draftees this year,' she said. 'They've been playing the game since they were five years old. 'I compare it to myself, I played from five until 10 (years of age) and then didn't play for 10 years. 'It's a pretty long time where I didn't get to develop my skills. 'These girls are coming through the pathways now ... it makes me really, really excited for the future.' Hore on Wednesday helped Melbourne launch a new sponsorship with Swedish automotive manufacturer Polestar, who will partner with the Demons' women's team this season. 'This partnership just shows that there's so many businesses and organisations that really want to help grow the game and support us girls,' Hore said. 'It's an investment really and the competition's growing. We're celebrating our 10th season but only nine years in, so the competition is going to continue to grow. 'Sponsorships like this show that there's real investment from organisations and businesses out there, which we really love.'
