2026 Aston Martin Vantage S revealed with 500kW V8
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: CarExpert.com.au
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: CarExpert.com.au
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: CarExpert.com.au
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: CarExpert.com.au
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The White House has defended its shutting down of DEI programs within government, calling the framework a form of discrimination and says its transgender policy protects women by keeping transgender women out of shared spaces. But Mr Zahra, who led the retailers association through the COVID-19 pandemic which was one of the toughest periods in retail history, said he had seen time and again how diverse leadership teams outperformed homogeneous ones. "As this continues in the US, more of the talent will be forced out and Australia has a real opportunity to capture that talent," he said. "When your competitors abandon proven business practices, Australia can capture the talent that values inclusion." Recent Diversity Council Australia research shows some progress has been made in Australian workplaces towards diversity and inclusion but opposition to these efforts has doubled to seven per cent since 2017. 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Once completed, the building is expected to accommodate 150 to 200 people, and result in $70-80 million invested in the Williamtown region for the AIR6500 facility. Defence contractor Lockheed Martin has confirmed it has gone back to the drawing board on plans to lease a building at the Williamtown aerospace hub to be built by Newcastle Airport's property development arm. Both the global giant and Newcastle Airport have declined to comment on an industry report that Newcastle Airport's finances were a "key issue" in Lockheed Martin's rethink. The new approach could see Lockheed Martin build its own factory at an estimated cost of $74million, delaying its initial plans to be operational at Williamtown in the first quarter of next year. Williamtown is proposed to be one of three Australian sites delivering a $500 million defence contract awarded last year for Lockheed Martin's integrated air and missile defence system, AIR6500. The company told the Herald in March that it was moving ahead with a long-term lease on a building to be built by Newcastle Airport's property-development arm, Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis (GNAPL), at the 76-hectare innovation, defence and aerospace hub. It has now confirmed it is rethinking its Williamtown plans. "Lockheed Martin is currently assessing the most suitable facility option to support Australia's Integrated Air and Missile Defence ecosystem," a spokesperson said. "Commercial builders were recently engaged to inform both build costs and schedules." Property Daily reported in June that Lockheed Martin had gone to tender and reviewed submissions from construction firms Multiplex, Built and Richard Crookes. The commercial leasing news outlet had previously reported that the defence tech giant had "effectively paused planning for its upcoming 3500sqm office fitout in the NSW regional city of Newcastle". "The defence prime contractor had seen delays with the development of the new building, it has agreed to pre-commit to - and at this stage it remains unclear if the project will proceed as envisaged. "A key issue was Newcastle Airport not having the readily available capital to proceed with a pre-commitment leasing deal." Lockheed Martin declined to respond to the Herald when asked whether the airport's position was a factor in its reconsideration. Newcastle Airport declined to answer this week if its financial situation had an impact on the plan falling through or reveal how much money it spent trying to secure the deal. A spokeswoman said this week its role was to help Lockheed Martin obtain development approval and provide infrastructure. "Newcastle Airport is continuing to work with the preferred contractor to support the project," she said. "Questions regarding the project are best directed to the Commonwealth." Newcastle Airport documents seen by the Herald reveal Lockheed Martin and the airport signed a preliminary agreement for the long-term lease of the proposed building in July last year, after lengthy negotiations. A solvency resolution presented to Newcastle Airport's board late last year detailed concerns about spending on the project, given the airport's financial constraints. "The protracted negotiation and planning of Lockheed Martin and Kongsberg Defence Australia projects has required GNAPL Board approval for $1.2 million in unbudgeted, non-recoverable, capital expenditure approvals in FY2024/25, plus a further $0.5 million requested for approval at the October 2024 meeting," it reads. "If the projects are successful in reaching bank-funded construction phase, there is a mechanism by which legal and management costs incurred to date could be retrospectively funded by a bank loan approval, however, this is subject to negotiation and approval with CBA, and is currently unapproved by CBA. There is a risk that not all funds expended are recovered under bank funding, once a loan is approved." The document also details "insufficient funding headroom for further unbudgeted funding approvals" last financial year, without cost savings, due to fears that the airport's cash reserves would "fall below the $15 million working capital policy limit". The news comes after Herald scrutiny of the airport's financial situation revealed the airport was looking to cut staff, had asked Defence to waive its rent, had been in discussions with councils to access a financial injection of up to $40 million, had been diverting millions in cash reserves to prop up its burgeoning property-development arm and was looking to borrow more money. Last month, the airport announced flights to Perth, and earlier this month, it said it had secured its first ongoing international service beyond Australasia, with flights direct to Bali. The Herald reported in April last year that the Lockheed Martin project included contracts to build a mixed office building with a workshop, collaboration space, training room, and car parking. Lockheed Martin Australia employs about 30 full-time staff in the Newcastle region, and this number is expected to grow to about 60. Once completed, the building is expected to accommodate 150 to 200 people, and result in $70-80 million invested in the Williamtown region for the AIR6500 facility. Defence contractor Lockheed Martin has confirmed it has gone back to the drawing board on plans to lease a building at the Williamtown aerospace hub to be built by Newcastle Airport's property development arm. Both the global giant and Newcastle Airport have declined to comment on an industry report that Newcastle Airport's finances were a "key issue" in Lockheed Martin's rethink. The new approach could see Lockheed Martin build its own factory at an estimated cost of $74million, delaying its initial plans to be operational at Williamtown in the first quarter of next year. Williamtown is proposed to be one of three Australian sites delivering a $500 million defence contract awarded last year for Lockheed Martin's integrated air and missile defence system, AIR6500. The company told the Herald in March that it was moving ahead with a long-term lease on a building to be built by Newcastle Airport's property-development arm, Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis (GNAPL), at the 76-hectare innovation, defence and aerospace hub. It has now confirmed it is rethinking its Williamtown plans. "Lockheed Martin is currently assessing the most suitable facility option to support Australia's Integrated Air and Missile Defence ecosystem," a spokesperson said. "Commercial builders were recently engaged to inform both build costs and schedules." Property Daily reported in June that Lockheed Martin had gone to tender and reviewed submissions from construction firms Multiplex, Built and Richard Crookes. The commercial leasing news outlet had previously reported that the defence tech giant had "effectively paused planning for its upcoming 3500sqm office fitout in the NSW regional city of Newcastle". "The defence prime contractor had seen delays with the development of the new building, it has agreed to pre-commit to - and at this stage it remains unclear if the project will proceed as envisaged. "A key issue was Newcastle Airport not having the readily available capital to proceed with a pre-commitment leasing deal." Lockheed Martin declined to respond to the Herald when asked whether the airport's position was a factor in its reconsideration. Newcastle Airport declined to answer this week if its financial situation had an impact on the plan falling through or reveal how much money it spent trying to secure the deal. A spokeswoman said this week its role was to help Lockheed Martin obtain development approval and provide infrastructure. "Newcastle Airport is continuing to work with the preferred contractor to support the project," she said. "Questions regarding the project are best directed to the Commonwealth." Newcastle Airport documents seen by the Herald reveal Lockheed Martin and the airport signed a preliminary agreement for the long-term lease of the proposed building in July last year, after lengthy negotiations. A solvency resolution presented to Newcastle Airport's board late last year detailed concerns about spending on the project, given the airport's financial constraints. "The protracted negotiation and planning of Lockheed Martin and Kongsberg Defence Australia projects has required GNAPL Board approval for $1.2 million in unbudgeted, non-recoverable, capital expenditure approvals in FY2024/25, plus a further $0.5 million requested for approval at the October 2024 meeting," it reads. "If the projects are successful in reaching bank-funded construction phase, there is a mechanism by which legal and management costs incurred to date could be retrospectively funded by a bank loan approval, however, this is subject to negotiation and approval with CBA, and is currently unapproved by CBA. There is a risk that not all funds expended are recovered under bank funding, once a loan is approved." The document also details "insufficient funding headroom for further unbudgeted funding approvals" last financial year, without cost savings, due to fears that the airport's cash reserves would "fall below the $15 million working capital policy limit". The news comes after Herald scrutiny of the airport's financial situation revealed the airport was looking to cut staff, had asked Defence to waive its rent, had been in discussions with councils to access a financial injection of up to $40 million, had been diverting millions in cash reserves to prop up its burgeoning property-development arm and was looking to borrow more money. Last month, the airport announced flights to Perth, and earlier this month, it said it had secured its first ongoing international service beyond Australasia, with flights direct to Bali. The Herald reported in April last year that the Lockheed Martin project included contracts to build a mixed office building with a workshop, collaboration space, training room, and car parking. Lockheed Martin Australia employs about 30 full-time staff in the Newcastle region, and this number is expected to grow to about 60. Once completed, the building is expected to accommodate 150 to 200 people, and result in $70-80 million invested in the Williamtown region for the AIR6500 facility. Defence contractor Lockheed Martin has confirmed it has gone back to the drawing board on plans to lease a building at the Williamtown aerospace hub to be built by Newcastle Airport's property development arm. Both the global giant and Newcastle Airport have declined to comment on an industry report that Newcastle Airport's finances were a "key issue" in Lockheed Martin's rethink. The new approach could see Lockheed Martin build its own factory at an estimated cost of $74million, delaying its initial plans to be operational at Williamtown in the first quarter of next year. Williamtown is proposed to be one of three Australian sites delivering a $500 million defence contract awarded last year for Lockheed Martin's integrated air and missile defence system, AIR6500. The company told the Herald in March that it was moving ahead with a long-term lease on a building to be built by Newcastle Airport's property-development arm, Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis (GNAPL), at the 76-hectare innovation, defence and aerospace hub. It has now confirmed it is rethinking its Williamtown plans. "Lockheed Martin is currently assessing the most suitable facility option to support Australia's Integrated Air and Missile Defence ecosystem," a spokesperson said. "Commercial builders were recently engaged to inform both build costs and schedules." Property Daily reported in June that Lockheed Martin had gone to tender and reviewed submissions from construction firms Multiplex, Built and Richard Crookes. The commercial leasing news outlet had previously reported that the defence tech giant had "effectively paused planning for its upcoming 3500sqm office fitout in the NSW regional city of Newcastle". "The defence prime contractor had seen delays with the development of the new building, it has agreed to pre-commit to - and at this stage it remains unclear if the project will proceed as envisaged. "A key issue was Newcastle Airport not having the readily available capital to proceed with a pre-commitment leasing deal." Lockheed Martin declined to respond to the Herald when asked whether the airport's position was a factor in its reconsideration. Newcastle Airport declined to answer this week if its financial situation had an impact on the plan falling through or reveal how much money it spent trying to secure the deal. A spokeswoman said this week its role was to help Lockheed Martin obtain development approval and provide infrastructure. "Newcastle Airport is continuing to work with the preferred contractor to support the project," she said. "Questions regarding the project are best directed to the Commonwealth." Newcastle Airport documents seen by the Herald reveal Lockheed Martin and the airport signed a preliminary agreement for the long-term lease of the proposed building in July last year, after lengthy negotiations. A solvency resolution presented to Newcastle Airport's board late last year detailed concerns about spending on the project, given the airport's financial constraints. "The protracted negotiation and planning of Lockheed Martin and Kongsberg Defence Australia projects has required GNAPL Board approval for $1.2 million in unbudgeted, non-recoverable, capital expenditure approvals in FY2024/25, plus a further $0.5 million requested for approval at the October 2024 meeting," it reads. "If the projects are successful in reaching bank-funded construction phase, there is a mechanism by which legal and management costs incurred to date could be retrospectively funded by a bank loan approval, however, this is subject to negotiation and approval with CBA, and is currently unapproved by CBA. There is a risk that not all funds expended are recovered under bank funding, once a loan is approved." The document also details "insufficient funding headroom for further unbudgeted funding approvals" last financial year, without cost savings, due to fears that the airport's cash reserves would "fall below the $15 million working capital policy limit". The news comes after Herald scrutiny of the airport's financial situation revealed the airport was looking to cut staff, had asked Defence to waive its rent, had been in discussions with councils to access a financial injection of up to $40 million, had been diverting millions in cash reserves to prop up its burgeoning property-development arm and was looking to borrow more money. Last month, the airport announced flights to Perth, and earlier this month, it said it had secured its first ongoing international service beyond Australasia, with flights direct to Bali. The Herald reported in April last year that the Lockheed Martin project included contracts to build a mixed office building with a workshop, collaboration space, training room, and car parking. Lockheed Martin Australia employs about 30 full-time staff in the Newcastle region, and this number is expected to grow to about 60. Once completed, the building is expected to accommodate 150 to 200 people, and result in $70-80 million invested in the Williamtown region for the AIR6500 facility.
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Renault Boreal: Global version of Dacia Bigster revealed
The Dacia Bigster — the budget brand's largest SUV to date — has been given a glow up and transformed into the Renault Boreal for sale in Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Mediterranean basin. With Dacia largely confined to Europe, Renault has rebadged many models from its Romanian marque for sale in other markets, primarily Africa and Latin America. Typically this involves swapping Dacia badges for Renault ones, and maybe tweaking the grille. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Boreal goes a step further by having completely distinct exterior panels, except for maybe the roof. Up front, the simple lines of the Bigster have given way for a split headlight treatment integrated into an egg-crate grille. Along the sides the Boreal has smoother surfacing, and a vast section of chiselled faux brushed metal trim on the D-pillar. At the back, the Boreal ditches the Bigster's awkward arrowhead tail-lights for a set that wouldn't look out of place on a Skoda. Despite these changes, the Boreal is clearly very closely related to Bigster with the two sharing the same overall shape, as well as door apertures, and both feature hidden rear door handles. The Boreal is 4556mm long, 1841mm wide, 1650mm tall, and rides on a 2702mm wheelbase. Boot space with a rear seats up is rated at 522 litres. The differences continue on the inside, with the Bigster having its own unique dashboard design where the 10.0-inch instrumentation screen flows into the 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the Bigster's interior makes a virtue of its assortment of hard, but durable plastic, the Boreal's dash has soft-touch material. The Renault also features more realistic-looking faux metal elements, leather-look seats with contrast stitching, and more generously padded armrests, at least up front. The Boreal will be made in Brazil for Latin American markets from late 2025, and in Turkey for the Middle East and Mediterranean basin some time in 2026. While the Bigster is available with a choice of mild-hybrid and hybrid drivetrains, as well as the option of all-wheel drive and a manual transmission, the Boreal will be available exclusively with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine matched with six-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. For Boreals made in Turkey the engine develops 103kW and 240Nm, while Brazil-made models are available in petrol or FlexFuel derivatives, the latter of which can use almost any mixture of petrol and alcohol. Brazilian petrol models make 116kW, and FlexFuel variants develop 122kW and 270Nm. Available features include dual-zone climate control, a refrigerated centre bin, and a Harmon Kardon sound system. The infotainment system runs on the Android Automotive operating system with built-in Google Maps for navigation and Google Assistant voice recognition, and has access to the Google Play app store. Safety items include blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking, safe exit monitoring, and drowsiness alerts. The Dacia Bigster (above) was launched at the end of 2024. Closely related to the third-generation Dacia Duster, both cars use the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's CMF-B LS platform. While the Duster has been sold as a Renault in many global markets since the first generation, it has only just landed in Australia No word yet on whether the Boreal will be sold in Australia, but so far it doesn't look like the car will be produced in right-hand drive. MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from: The Dacia Bigster — the budget brand's largest SUV to date — has been given a glow up and transformed into the Renault Boreal for sale in Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Mediterranean basin. With Dacia largely confined to Europe, Renault has rebadged many models from its Romanian marque for sale in other markets, primarily Africa and Latin America. Typically this involves swapping Dacia badges for Renault ones, and maybe tweaking the grille. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Boreal goes a step further by having completely distinct exterior panels, except for maybe the roof. Up front, the simple lines of the Bigster have given way for a split headlight treatment integrated into an egg-crate grille. Along the sides the Boreal has smoother surfacing, and a vast section of chiselled faux brushed metal trim on the D-pillar. At the back, the Boreal ditches the Bigster's awkward arrowhead tail-lights for a set that wouldn't look out of place on a Skoda. Despite these changes, the Boreal is clearly very closely related to Bigster with the two sharing the same overall shape, as well as door apertures, and both feature hidden rear door handles. The Boreal is 4556mm long, 1841mm wide, 1650mm tall, and rides on a 2702mm wheelbase. Boot space with a rear seats up is rated at 522 litres. The differences continue on the inside, with the Bigster having its own unique dashboard design where the 10.0-inch instrumentation screen flows into the 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the Bigster's interior makes a virtue of its assortment of hard, but durable plastic, the Boreal's dash has soft-touch material. The Renault also features more realistic-looking faux metal elements, leather-look seats with contrast stitching, and more generously padded armrests, at least up front. The Boreal will be made in Brazil for Latin American markets from late 2025, and in Turkey for the Middle East and Mediterranean basin some time in 2026. While the Bigster is available with a choice of mild-hybrid and hybrid drivetrains, as well as the option of all-wheel drive and a manual transmission, the Boreal will be available exclusively with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine matched with six-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. For Boreals made in Turkey the engine develops 103kW and 240Nm, while Brazil-made models are available in petrol or FlexFuel derivatives, the latter of which can use almost any mixture of petrol and alcohol. Brazilian petrol models make 116kW, and FlexFuel variants develop 122kW and 270Nm. Available features include dual-zone climate control, a refrigerated centre bin, and a Harmon Kardon sound system. The infotainment system runs on the Android Automotive operating system with built-in Google Maps for navigation and Google Assistant voice recognition, and has access to the Google Play app store. Safety items include blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking, safe exit monitoring, and drowsiness alerts. The Dacia Bigster (above) was launched at the end of 2024. Closely related to the third-generation Dacia Duster, both cars use the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's CMF-B LS platform. While the Duster has been sold as a Renault in many global markets since the first generation, it has only just landed in Australia No word yet on whether the Boreal will be sold in Australia, but so far it doesn't look like the car will be produced in right-hand drive. MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from: The Dacia Bigster — the budget brand's largest SUV to date — has been given a glow up and transformed into the Renault Boreal for sale in Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Mediterranean basin. With Dacia largely confined to Europe, Renault has rebadged many models from its Romanian marque for sale in other markets, primarily Africa and Latin America. Typically this involves swapping Dacia badges for Renault ones, and maybe tweaking the grille. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Boreal goes a step further by having completely distinct exterior panels, except for maybe the roof. Up front, the simple lines of the Bigster have given way for a split headlight treatment integrated into an egg-crate grille. Along the sides the Boreal has smoother surfacing, and a vast section of chiselled faux brushed metal trim on the D-pillar. At the back, the Boreal ditches the Bigster's awkward arrowhead tail-lights for a set that wouldn't look out of place on a Skoda. Despite these changes, the Boreal is clearly very closely related to Bigster with the two sharing the same overall shape, as well as door apertures, and both feature hidden rear door handles. The Boreal is 4556mm long, 1841mm wide, 1650mm tall, and rides on a 2702mm wheelbase. Boot space with a rear seats up is rated at 522 litres. The differences continue on the inside, with the Bigster having its own unique dashboard design where the 10.0-inch instrumentation screen flows into the 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the Bigster's interior makes a virtue of its assortment of hard, but durable plastic, the Boreal's dash has soft-touch material. The Renault also features more realistic-looking faux metal elements, leather-look seats with contrast stitching, and more generously padded armrests, at least up front. The Boreal will be made in Brazil for Latin American markets from late 2025, and in Turkey for the Middle East and Mediterranean basin some time in 2026. While the Bigster is available with a choice of mild-hybrid and hybrid drivetrains, as well as the option of all-wheel drive and a manual transmission, the Boreal will be available exclusively with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine matched with six-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. For Boreals made in Turkey the engine develops 103kW and 240Nm, while Brazil-made models are available in petrol or FlexFuel derivatives, the latter of which can use almost any mixture of petrol and alcohol. Brazilian petrol models make 116kW, and FlexFuel variants develop 122kW and 270Nm. Available features include dual-zone climate control, a refrigerated centre bin, and a Harmon Kardon sound system. The infotainment system runs on the Android Automotive operating system with built-in Google Maps for navigation and Google Assistant voice recognition, and has access to the Google Play app store. Safety items include blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking, safe exit monitoring, and drowsiness alerts. The Dacia Bigster (above) was launched at the end of 2024. Closely related to the third-generation Dacia Duster, both cars use the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's CMF-B LS platform. While the Duster has been sold as a Renault in many global markets since the first generation, it has only just landed in Australia No word yet on whether the Boreal will be sold in Australia, but so far it doesn't look like the car will be produced in right-hand drive. MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from: The Dacia Bigster — the budget brand's largest SUV to date — has been given a glow up and transformed into the Renault Boreal for sale in Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Mediterranean basin. With Dacia largely confined to Europe, Renault has rebadged many models from its Romanian marque for sale in other markets, primarily Africa and Latin America. Typically this involves swapping Dacia badges for Renault ones, and maybe tweaking the grille. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Boreal goes a step further by having completely distinct exterior panels, except for maybe the roof. Up front, the simple lines of the Bigster have given way for a split headlight treatment integrated into an egg-crate grille. Along the sides the Boreal has smoother surfacing, and a vast section of chiselled faux brushed metal trim on the D-pillar. At the back, the Boreal ditches the Bigster's awkward arrowhead tail-lights for a set that wouldn't look out of place on a Skoda. Despite these changes, the Boreal is clearly very closely related to Bigster with the two sharing the same overall shape, as well as door apertures, and both feature hidden rear door handles. The Boreal is 4556mm long, 1841mm wide, 1650mm tall, and rides on a 2702mm wheelbase. Boot space with a rear seats up is rated at 522 litres. The differences continue on the inside, with the Bigster having its own unique dashboard design where the 10.0-inch instrumentation screen flows into the 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the Bigster's interior makes a virtue of its assortment of hard, but durable plastic, the Boreal's dash has soft-touch material. The Renault also features more realistic-looking faux metal elements, leather-look seats with contrast stitching, and more generously padded armrests, at least up front. The Boreal will be made in Brazil for Latin American markets from late 2025, and in Turkey for the Middle East and Mediterranean basin some time in 2026. While the Bigster is available with a choice of mild-hybrid and hybrid drivetrains, as well as the option of all-wheel drive and a manual transmission, the Boreal will be available exclusively with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine matched with six-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. For Boreals made in Turkey the engine develops 103kW and 240Nm, while Brazil-made models are available in petrol or FlexFuel derivatives, the latter of which can use almost any mixture of petrol and alcohol. Brazilian petrol models make 116kW, and FlexFuel variants develop 122kW and 270Nm. Available features include dual-zone climate control, a refrigerated centre bin, and a Harmon Kardon sound system. The infotainment system runs on the Android Automotive operating system with built-in Google Maps for navigation and Google Assistant voice recognition, and has access to the Google Play app store. Safety items include blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking, safe exit monitoring, and drowsiness alerts. The Dacia Bigster (above) was launched at the end of 2024. Closely related to the third-generation Dacia Duster, both cars use the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's CMF-B LS platform. While the Duster has been sold as a Renault in many global markets since the first generation, it has only just landed in Australia No word yet on whether the Boreal will be sold in Australia, but so far it doesn't look like the car will be produced in right-hand drive. MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from:
