Today in Cars: Toyota GR GT, Lexus Electric Halo, EV Policy Shifts, and a Recall You Shouldn’t Ignore

I started the day grinning at spy shots of the Toyota GR GT and a rumored Lexus electric halo, then ended it elbow-deep in policy PDFs. That’s the job: one minute dreaming about future icons, the next deciphering how your EV might end up paying for potholes. Coffee got cold. The cars? Still hot. Let’s dive in.

Fresh Metal on the Horizon

2026 GWM Ora 5: Cute Face, Serious Intent

CarExpert caught the 2026 GWM Ora 5 testing ahead of an expected Australian launch. If you’ve spent time with the current Ora hatch—I did school runs for a fortnight with one—you’ll know GWM loves a bit of character. This new one keeps the playful vibe but looks more upright and grown-up, edging toward a small SUV stance. Kids at zebra crossings will still point and grin, but it looks like adults might now fit better in the back.

What I’ll watch when it hits local roads: how the ride copes with coarse-chip surfaces (the last Ora I tried got a bit fidgety), whether the charging curve holds up in summer heat, and if GWM’s driver-assist tuning has matured. My previous test car was relaxed in town, but at 110 km/h with crosswinds it went a little floaty. If they’ve tightened that, this could be a very likable urban-family EV that doesn’t mind a long-weekend run up the coast.

Toyota GR GT and Lexus Electric Halo: Two Future Supercars, One Philosophy

Carscoops reports Toyota and Lexus are cooking up a pair of halo machines that share some tech DNA but chase very different souls: a V8-powered Toyota GR GT and a fully electric Lexus that channels LFA energy without the petrol. Same roots, different flowers. I’m very into that idea—the “one platform, two symphonies” approach.

• What excites me: distinct personalities despite shared bones—Toyota for grit, Lexus for scalpel-cut precision.
• What could go wrong: too much platform commonality bleeding through, or software that makes them feel like fast clones.

I’ve driven plenty of corporate siblings that felt copy-pasted. When Toyota and Lexus get it right—think Supra vs LC—their cars deliver totally different moods even when some hard points match. Fingers crossed the Toyota GR GT and Lexus electric halo stay far apart in flavor.

Mid-Engine Pontiac Flashback

Also from Carscoops: a mid-engine Pontiac throwback. Before the C8 Corvette made it mainstream, GM flirted with the idea via the Fiero. I once hustled a mate’s V8-swapped Fiero on a crisp morning—period-correct tires, questionable alignment, maximum laughs. Today’s “radical” concepts? They tend to have a dusty Polaroid ancestor hiding in a glovebox somewhere.

Toyota GR GT Outlook: Why It Matters

Big engines aren’t dead; they’re just pickier about where they live. A V8-fed Toyota GR GT would give the brand a true celebration of analog feel—pedal feedback, engine texture, the stuff you notice on a 6 a.m. run when the road’s yours. It’s also a clever lighthouse for the rest of Toyota’s GR lineup: set the tone up top, and everything below borrows the attitude.

Lexus Electric Halo Outlook: The Silent Assassin

The rumored Lexus electric halo aims to do what the LFA did, just without the noise. That means confidence at the limit, freakishly consistent lap after lap, and software that fades into the background. If Lexus nails the brake-by-wire feel and torque vectoring, it could be the car that converts old-school skeptics who still think EVs are numb. I’m not one of them—as long as I can feel the front tires talk, I’m happy.

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 used vehicle-to-load at a campsite to run string lights and a skillet—breakfast never tasted so smug. Scale that up and you’re helping the grid breathe easier at peak times. If tariffs play fair, your battery could earn its keep while you sleep.

• Good for: grid stability, credits on your bill, disaster resilience
• Watch-outs: battery warranty fine print, compatible hardware, utility enrollment hoops

California’s New EV Road-Fee Math

Over in California, Carscoops reports a fresh way to get EVs contributing to road funding as fuel taxes dry up. Mileage-based fees? Targeted registration charges? Probably some blend. Philosophically, I get it—those asphalt arteries don’t patch themselves. Just don’t punish the early adopters who dragged the charging network into existence.

Two Strategies, One Goal

Australia wants to unlock value from the battery you already own; California wants to replace revenue you’re not creating at the pump. Different tools, same destination: a funded, lower-emissions transport system that actually works on a Monday morning.

• Australia: incentivize V2G/V2H energy services
• 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 Australia’s ad complaints chart. It’s a tough brief: show excitement, stay responsible, dodge the fun police. A couple of owners told me recent spots felt a bit try-hard, others loved them. Either way, the ad did its job—we’re talking about it.

New Safety Ratings: HiLux, Palisade, ASX, plus Denza and GAC

Also via CarExpert, fresh ratings landed for Toyota HiLux, Hyundai Palisade, Mitsubishi ASX, and newcomers from Denza and GAC. Stars are helpful, but the devil is in the calibration: lane-keeping that doesn’t pinball you, child-seat fit that doesn’t require yoga, headlights that actually light rain-slicked tarmac. I had a Palisade on a grim, rainy stretch and its lane centering was eerily calm. An older ASX I drove made me do more of the heavy lifting. Progress matters, especially after sunset.

Ford Transit Recall: Fire Risk (Don’t Sleep on This)

CarExpert reports a Ford Transit recall over a potential fire risk. If you run a fleet—or live out of your van on trail weekends—pay attention. My take:

• Check your VIN against the official recall notice.
• Book the inspection/repair the moment your dealer has parts and time.
• Follow any interim guidance (parking, charging, usage limits) to the letter.

A fleet manager rang me once with a similar-sounding issue. Downtime is money, sure, but peace of mind is priceless. Don’t wait for the dashboard to light up.

Industry Watch: Badge Engineering, But Make It 2025

Carscoops asks if we’re entering a new era of badge engineering. Sort of. The lazy copy-paste jobs of the past gave it a bad name. Today’s shared platforms can still deliver distinct personalities—if teams are free to tune ride, steering, and software differently. I’ve driven siblings that feel like cousins and others that feel like twins. With software-defined vehicles, one over-the-air update can be the line between “meh” and “must drive.” Here’s hoping the Toyota GR GT and Lexus electric halo land firmly in the “must” column.

Quick Hits

• GWM Ora 5 spy shots: still charming, now more mature and likely roomier.
• Toyota GR GT vs Lexus electric halo: one V8 symphony, one silent assassin—both chasing icon status.
• Australia leans into V2G; California rethinks road fees. Same goal, different spanners.
• Safety ratings refresh for old favorites and rising Chinese brands—read past the stars.
• Ford Transit recall: book the fix, protect your downtime.

Conclusion

From a cutesy EV evolving into a legit family shuttle to the heady promise of the Toyota GR GT and a Lexus electric halo with LFA spirit, the week sums up the industry’s split personality—bold and pragmatic in equal measure. I’m all for it. Give me a V8 that raises the hair on my arms and an EV that quietly lowers my power bill. And yes, I’ll take my coffee hot next time.

FAQ

When will the Toyota GR GT be revealed?

No firm date yet. Reports suggest development is underway. Expect Toyota to drip-feed teasers before a full reveal—just enough to keep us twitchy.

Is the Lexus electric halo a true LFA successor?

Spiritually, yes: front-row focus on feel, precision, and tech. Mechanically, it’s a different beast—battery-electric instead of a screaming V10.

Is the GWM Ora 5 coming to Australia?

CarExpert’s spy shots point to an expected launch, but timing and specs are TBC. Testing suggests GWM is serious about the market.

What is vehicle-to-grid (V2G), and do I need special gear?

V2G lets your EV send power back to the grid or your home. You’ll need compatible hardware, a supportive charger, and utility participation. Check your warranty language before you dive in.

What should Ford Transit owners do about the recall?

Run your VIN, contact your dealer, and follow manufacturer guidance immediately. Schedule the fix as soon as parts are available—don’t gamble on safety.