WhichCar weekly news wrap

It’s customary to introduce the WhichCar weekly recap with a reference to the news story or event that you simply couldn’t have missed unless you had been under a Martian rock for the last seven days. Curiously though, we couldn’t think of a single thing this week. Weird.

All the free world’s political leaders appear to be doing the right thing and, for the life of us, we can’t find a single sporting event that’s about to conclude anywhere on the planet. So let’s get straight into the most important stuff and what’s been happening in the motoring world.

5

Following on from our first drive of the new Audi Q3 Sportback in Germany last week, the Ingolstadt icon has revealed a version that will keep the petrolheads happy, with a mighty RS Q3 Sportback due to arrive at a point after the standard version’s debut mid next year.

And if you're a fan of Audi Sport machinery then you’ll love the new RS7 which we also got our hands on for a first blast Germany’s unlimited Autobahns.

Speaking of the ultimate performance sedan, would you go Audi's twin-turbo V8 or perhaps the zero-emissions electric route? Our first spin in the incredible Porsche Taycan Turbo S might change your mind because it sure has us looking at electric vehicles differently.

Not once did anyone think Porsche’s newest model is a little lacking in the trouser department, apart from American mega modifier Hennessey, which has already taken the Taycan and given it a boost just days after it was officially launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

5

We also put another eagerly anticipated EV to the test this week with the Tesla Model 3 hitting the drag strip to see if it’s as fast as its maker claims. There’s no doubt it’s fast, but when we say it’s still a very polarising car, we’re not just taking the opportunity to make a great pun.

It’s not all good news for the inevitable EV future, with a very different Tesla – this time the larger Model S – which is currently (another pun, thank you) serving in the Californian police service almost losing a fleeing crim because its battery was about to go flat.

Let’s hope the same fate doesn’t hit a massive fleet of Rivian electric vans on Amazon’s order books, or your delivery definitely isn’t going to be on time.

5

Does combustion power still have a place in the looming shadow of electrification? It seems BorgWarner thinks so and has invested big in a brilliant turbo innovation.

Too much high-performance hardware making you break a sweat? Relax, it’s been a big week for off-roaders and SUVs too.

At the top of the pile, Hyundai Australia has finally gone on the record and confirmed its forthcoming ute will be a proper red-blooded one-tonner with the capability to equal any other competing in the fierce local battle. If you need to get up to speed on all the latest dual-cab ute safety features, look no further.

Away from the beaten trail, we followed a big-budget film crew as they shoot the next Supercheap advert in a quarry using a Porsche as a camera rig! A monstrous six-wheeled Toyota proves that you can’t go too big for touring Australia and if you need any help planning your next adventure, Instagram might be the best place to start.

5

As if that wasn’t enough action, we got behind the wheel and kept the steady stream of reviews coming including the Renault Megane RS Trophy R (It could do with a longer name), the gorgeous Porsche 718 Spyder, Something even faster that you’re not allowed to drive on the road, Citroen C5 Aircross, a seriously quick Range Rover, Volkswagen T-Cross, Ferrari 488 Tributo, Alpina XD3, Mercedes GLC, Subaru WRX and even a Peugeot Expert van.

Finally if you’re really keen to test your automotive knowledge, check out our new weekly automotive quiz. Competition is already fierce amongst our teams here at WhichCar HQ!