Today in Cars: Future Icons, EV Policy Shifts, and a Recall You Shouldn’t Ignore

I started the morning grinning at spy shots and ended it nursing a lukewarm coffee while reading policy proposals. That’s the car world this week: a mash-up of dream machines, sensible electrification, and the occasional sobering recall. Let’s get into it.

Fresh Metal on the Horizon

2026 GWM Ora 5: Cute Face, Serious Intent

CarExpert caught the 2026 GWM Ora 5 out testing ahead of an expected Australian launch. If you’ve driven the quirky Ora hatch (I’ve had a couple of school-run weeks with one), you know GWM likes personality-first design. This new one leans into the cutesy vibe but looks more grown-up—think small SUV stance, likely roomier cabin, still the kind of thing that makes kids point and smile at crosswalks.

What I’ll be watching when it lands: ride comfort on coarse-chip Aussie roads, charging curve consistency in summer heat, and whether GWM’s driver-assist tuning has matured. The last Ora I sampled was easygoing at city speeds but got a bit floaty at 110 km/h with crosswinds. If they’ve tightened that, this could be a very likeable urban-family EV.

Toyota and Lexus: Two Future Supercars, One Philosophy

Carscoops reports on a pair of halo projects from Toyota and Lexus that allegedly share tech DNA while chasing different souls: a V8-powered Toyota GR GT and an all-electric Lexus that riffs on the LFA legacy. Shared bones, divergent character. I love that. It’s the old “one platform, two symphonies” approach.

I’ve driven plenty of shared-architecture cars that feel identical behind the wheel. When Toyota and Lexus get it right, they don’t. The LC and Supra deliver totally different moods despite corporate ties. Fingers crossed.

Mid-Engine Pontiac Flashback

Also from Carscoops: a throwback to the mid-engine Pontiac that lived the dream long before the C8 Corvette. If you’ve ever hustled a well-sorted Fiero on a crisp morning (mine was a friend’s V8-swapped special on period-correct tires—terrifying and terrific), you know GM flirted with the concept for decades. Fun reminder that today’s “radical” ideas usually have yellowing Polaroids in a drawer somewhere.

Policy & The Price of Plugging In

Australia Wants Your EV to Give Back

CarExpert notes the Australian Government wants EV and PHEV owners to send power back to the grid. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) isn’t theoretical—I’ve used vehicle-to-load at a campsite to run lights and a skillet, and that’s the small end of the trick. V2G could help smooth peak demand, and if tariffs are fair, owners might actually make a few bucks while the car sits overnight.

• Good for: grid stability, earning credits, disaster resilience
• Watch-outs: battery warranty language, hardware compatibility, utility enrollment hoops

California’s New Way to Make EV Owners Pay

Over in California, Carscoops reports a new approach to EV road fees. The gist: as fuel taxes shrink, the money to fix roads needs a new home. That often points to a mileage-based system or targeted registration charges for plug-ins. Philosophically, I get it—roads don’t maintain themselves. Just don’t punish the early adopters who helped decarbonize the fleet.

Two Strategies, One Goal

It’s interesting, isn’t it? Australia is trying to unlock value from the battery you already own; California is trying to replace revenue you’re not paying at the pump. Different tools, same destination: a functional, funded, lower-emissions transport system.

• Australia: incentivize energy services from EVs (V2G/V2H)
• California: re-balance road funding as gas tax revenue drops

Ads, Safety Ratings, and a Recall to Act On

Kia Tops Australia’s Most-Complained-About Ads

CarExpert says Kia led the list for most complained-about ads in Australia. Honestly, car ads have a tough job—show excitement, still look responsible. Sometimes the pendulum swings too far. A few owners told me they found recent commercials “try-hard,” others loved them. Either way, if the ad gets you talking, it’s doing something right.

New Safety Ratings: HiLux, Palisade, ASX, and Fresh Faces from China

Also via CarExpert, a slate of updated safety ratings landed for the Toyota HiLux, Hyundai Palisade, Mitsubishi ASX, plus newcomers from Denza and GAC. Ratings always spark parking-lot debates, but they’re a useful shorthand when you’re cross-shopping. If you’re hauling family or tools daily, spend time on the details: active-safety calibration, child-seat fit, and headlight performance. I’ve had a Palisade on a rainy highway stretch where the lane centering was almost eerily calm—and I’ve driven an older ASX with fewer assists that made me work for it. Progress matters.

Ford Transit Recall: Fire Risk

CarExpert reports a recall for the Ford Transit due to a potential fire risk. If you run a fleet—or just live in your van on trail weekends—pay attention. My advice:

• Check your VIN against the official recall notice.
• Schedule the inspection/repair as soon as parts and appointments are available.
• Follow interim guidance from the manufacturer (parking, charging, or usage limits if applicable).

I’ve had a fleet manager ring me once about a similar-sounding issue; downtime is money, but so is peace of mind. Don’t wait on safety.

Industry Watch: Badge Engineering, But Make It 2025

Carscoops asks if we’re entering a new era of badge engineering. The answer is “sort of.” The lazy copy-paste jobs of yesteryear gave badge engineering a bad name. Today’s shared platforms can still deliver distinct personalities—if the teams are allowed to tune ride, steering, and software differently. I’ve driven siblings that feel like cousins and others that feel like clones. Software-defined vehicles are the new battleground; differentiation can be one over-the-air update away.

Quick Hits

• GWM Ora 5 spy shots suggest a more mature, small-SUV look without losing the charm.
• Toyota/Lexus halos: one V8 symphony, one silent assassin—both chasing icon status.
• Australia leans into V2G; California leans into road-fee reform. Same destination, different roads.
• Safety ratings refresh for familiar favorites and rising Chinese brands—shop the details, not just the stars.
• Ford Transit recall: book the fix, protect your downtime.

Conclusion

From cutesy EV crossovers to high-dollar halo cars, from grid-balancing schemes to road-fee reality checks, the week reads like a snapshot of the industry’s split personality: bold, practical, and occasionally bureaucratic. I’m here for all of it—so long as the good stuff still makes the hair on my arms stand up when a V8 fires, and the smart stuff makes my power bill a little less rude.

FAQ

Is the GWM Ora 5 coming to Australia?

CarExpert reports it’s been spied ahead of an expected Australian launch. Timelines and specs aren’t confirmed yet, but testing suggests GWM is serious.

What is vehicle-to-grid (V2G)?

V2G lets an EV send electricity back to the grid or a home, potentially earning credits and helping stabilize demand. You’ll need compatible hardware and utility participation.

What’s California’s new EV fee approach?

Per Carscoops, the state is moving to ensure EVs contribute to road funding as fuel-tax revenue declines, potentially via mileage-based or registration fees.

Are Toyota and Lexus really launching two halo supercars?

Carscoops highlights plans for a V8 Toyota GR GT and an all-electric Lexus halo. They’re said to share tech foundations but target very different driving experiences.

What should Ford Transit owners do about the fire-risk recall?

Check your VIN against the official recall, contact your dealer, and follow any interim safety guidance. Prioritize the inspection and remedy when available.