Car News Today: MG Luxury Brand IM Motors to Launch in Australia, Chrysler Hemi-V8 Production Rumored, and More
Welcome to today’s car news update, covering the latest developments in the automotive world. Here’s what’s making headlines:
MG Confirms ‘IM’ Luxury Brand to Launch in Australia
MG Australia has announced that its new luxury sister brand, ‘IM Presented by MG Motor,’ will debut at the Melbourne Motor Show on April 5th and 6th, 2025. IM, which stands for ‘Intelligence in Motion,’ will enter the Australian market with the aim of competing with established luxury EV brands.
The IM5 and IM6 are expected to be the first IM Motors vehicles to go on sale in Australia. Both models will be fully electric, with impressive performance figures and 800V architecture.
Chrysler Hemi-V8 Production Rumored to Resume in August
Reports from Mopar Insiders suggest that Chrysler/Stellantis may restart production of its iconic Hemi 5.7L V8, as well as the 6.4L and 6.2 SC Hemi V8 engines, a move that would counter earlier reports of the engine’s phase-out. The manufacturing location is rumored to shift from the Saltillo North Engine Plant in Mexico to the Dundee Engine Plant in Michigan, USA.
Zeekr G-Pilot Puts Drivers in the Passenger Seat
Zeekr is introducing its new L3-capable autonomous driving system, ‘G-Pilot.’ This system will enable drivers to take their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road in specific situations. The G-Pilot system will initially launch in Zeekr’s flagship 9X luxury SUV, and updates are expected for other models through future firmware updates.
Next-Generation Kia Sportage Could Be Hybrid-Only
According to a report by Korean news outlet ETNews, the sixth-generation Kia Sportage, slated for a 2027 launch, could be offered exclusively with hybrid or plug-in hybrid drivetrains. Kia’s move suggests a focus on the growing demand for hybrid vehicles in North America and Europe, where the Sportage is a popular model. The current generation’s hybrid powertrain is expected to be upgraded, with the plug-in hybrid system potentially using components from the Kia Niro and Sorento.
Reviewed: 2025 GWM Tank 300 Diesel
Chasing Cars deputy editor Curt Dupriez reviewed the 2025 GWM Tank 300 Diesel, examining its features and practicality. The Diesel variant boasts an increased braked towing capacity of 3000kg and a payload rating of 600kg, and it features a part-time 4×4 driveline, which differs from the petrol and hybrid versions. However, the review did mention a sharp throttle response and a torque deadspot during power delivery.
This edition of Car News Today concludes here, please come back next week at 4:30pm Sydney time for more car news.
