The Lexus LX has returned for its fourth generation, sporting a fresh platform, new engines and more technology than ever before. Since 1996, Lexus has had its own niche with the Toyota LandCruiser-based LX line, compared with other more on-road focused crossovers. Although it shares its bones with a lesser […]
Mitchell Jones
Mitchell is a contributing journalist at PerformanceDrive. He has been a passionate petrol-head from a very young age. He is excited by the future of the industry, and considers himself as a bit of a fanatic when it comes to the technical aspects of cars. He is also fascinated by new cars that are popping up in developing markets.
2022 Nissan Patrol Ti review (video)
To anyone who says the V8 is dead and electrification has taken over, the 2022 Nissan Patrol Ti is a 2715kg punch in the face. Yes, bent-eights are undeniably disappearing and becoming a thing of the past – with even arch-rival Toyota switching to a twin-turbo V6 for the LandCruiser […]
2022 Mazda CX-9 Azami review
There are few market segments in Australia’s automotive market more hotly-contested than the large seven-seat SUV category. Mazda’s second-generation CX-9 is one of two entrants for this class from the Japanese brand – the other being the somewhat smaller CX-8. This current incarnation of CX-9 has been with us since […]
Editorial: How we could revive Australian vehicle manufacturing
There are many who believe Australia needs to come thundering back on all cylinders. The loss of our car manufacturing sector has left people scratching their heads, considering it thrived for decades and amassed a cult following. Countries as diverse as Vietnam, Ghana and Turkey are ramping up their auto-manufacturing […]
Top 10 Italian sports car tax specials
Italy is renowned for making some of the world’s most desirable supercars, but the working-class vehicles made do with very tiny engines. Due to a punitive tax for vehicles over 2.0-litres, some unique specials were created with Italy (and Portugal) in mind. Even supercars were not immune to this tax, […]
Top 10 Underpowered Brazilian Hatchbacks
People love Brazilians and getting a Brazilian, but this breathless bunch couldn’t pull a Rio Carnival float over black ice. Around the world, the necessity of capacity taxes as a means of reducing emissions has created some very interesting vehicles. The Latin American nation penalised car makers for having capacities […]
Top 10 Experimental Australian engines / abandoned programs
The archetypal Australian engine became either a large displacement six-cylinder or V8, thanks in no small part to Ford and Holden. Throughout the years, there have been experiments aimed at boosting the export prospects of our local metal, satisfying emissions requirements or making them a bit less thirsty. Some notable […]
Top 10 rarest Ford models produced in Australia
Just as is the case with Holden, Ford is woven into the fabric of Australia’s automotive atmosphere – the local arm did build cars here for 91 years after all. The Falcon and other models assembled at Ford’s Campbellfield, Victoria, became enthusiast mainstays, winning races and hearts across the nation. […]