Daily Drive: AMG GT shakes up its lineup, GM’s powertrain pragmatism, and a Senna-scented Mercedes you can actually buy

Some days, the car world feels like a neatly organized parts bin. Today isn’t one of those days. We’ve got Mercedes-AMG dropping a four-cylinder into the GT (and turning up the wick on the V8), GM reminding everyone it can walk and chew bubble gum with EVs, hybrids, and V8s, Australia pushing biofuel while Toyota’s big hybrid 4x4 still can’t outrun emissions penalties, and a genuine Ayrton Senna daily-driver coming to market. Oh, and a reminder that former racetracks are not, in fact, your personal time-attack stage.

AMG GT adds a four-cylinder and a hotter V8: new flavors, same attitude

Mercedes-AMG is broadening the GT’s personality for 2026, adding an entry four-cylinder and a spicier V8 at the top. I’ve always loved the GT’s long-hood swagger—on a cold dawn blast, the current V8 car feels like an old-school brawler who’s learned Pilates. The news here is twofold:

• A new four-cylinder variant joins the range, likely leveraging AMG’s compact, high-output turbo tech. Expect a lighter nose and a different rhythm—more snarl and spool than baritone thunder.
• A hotter V8 arrives above the current car, bringing more shove and, presumably, some meaningful chassis and cooling upgrades to match.

What does that mean on the road? If the last GT I drove is any guide, the platform can wear multiple hats. The four-cylinder should sharpen front-end bite and reduce fatigue in tight stuff, while the flagship V8 will be the trip-you-up sort if you’re greedy with the throttle on a bumpy backroad. Either way, the character split is smart: one for drivers who like to work the chassis, one for those who prefer tidal-wave torque and long straights.

AMG GT lineup snapshot

One practical note: four-cylinder GTs often package better for urban life—less heat soak, easier to cool in summer traffic, and the lighter front end can make speed bumps less dramatic. The flipside? You’ll miss that V8 idle that makes valets twitch.

The powertrain crossroads: EVs, hybrids, V8s—and biofuel in the mix

GM says EVs are the “North Star,” but it’s not abandoning hybrids or V8s

GM’s strategy makes sense if you’ve watched the EV market mature in fits and spurts. The company is still pointing to EVs as the endgame, but it’s keeping hybrids and V8s in the playbook. That’s pragmatic. There are buyers who want an electric daily for the commute, but their hearts (or work) demand cylinders for the weekend—or for towing. From my time in a few recent GM V8s, there’s still unique value in the immediacy and range, especially when you pull off a highway in the middle of nowhere and don’t have the luxury of a 250-kW charger.

• EVs: the long-term target for urban air quality, tech leadership, and fleet average wins.
• Hybrids: bridging range needs and regulatory pressures, particularly for heavy or high-mileage users.
• V8s: cultural and functional holdouts—towing, performance halos, and markets where fuel is affordable and distances are massive.

Genesis plans a product blitz with new flagships and hybrids

Genesis is coming hard with fresh metal and electrified options. The brand’s recent cars already have that “I could road trip this across a continent” calm, and hybrids would only add to the smoothed-out, big-range appeal. If they layer in a proper flagship to go with their handsome design language, watch out—this could be the moment Genesis graduates from left-field choice to default premium option in some garages.

Australia’s $1.1b low-carbon biofuel push meets the reality of big, thirsty SUVs

Australia has earmarked $1.1 billion to scale low-carbon biofuels. Think production capacity, logistics, and standards to get cleaner liquid energy into vehicles that won’t be electric overnight. Good move—because in the same news cycle, we learned the Toyota LandCruiser Hybrid still isn’t clean enough to dodge local emissions penalties under the country’s efficiency rules.

I’ve run hybrids up outback-style roads; they do clever work in low-speed crawling and cut idle waste, but a big 4x4 is still a big 4x4. Mass and aero don’t negotiate. Biofuel could be the short- to medium-term tonic, especially for fleets that can’t electrify tomorrow or for regional drivers where charging isn’t yet reliable. The key will be availability at the pump and transparent labelling so owners know what goes in and what it means for warranty and performance.

Safety watch: MG vows improvements after a “critical failure” and an e-bike hit-and-run raises eyebrows

MG promises a safety reset

After what’s been described as a “critical failure,” MG’s leadership is publicly committing to stronger safety outcomes. Translation: expect renewed focus on crash performance, active safety tech, and consistency across global markets. It’s the right call. A few MG owners I’ve spoken to love the value story but get twitchy about inconsistent safety spec by region. A clean, five-star target—without expensive option packs to unlock key features—would go a long way.

• Clear standard fit for AEB, lane support, and junction assist
• Consistent airbag and restraint systems globally
• Better communication on updates and recalls

Rented e-bike hit-and-run highlights a messy gray area

Over in the UK, a motorist is fuming after a collision with a rented e-bike rider who allegedly scarpered. It’s a modern mobility tangle: rental bikes, app accountability, and the limits of enforcement. Practical advice I’ve picked up from similar incidents:

• Record the bike’s ID number, time, and location immediately.
• Get dashcam or phone footage, plus witness details.
• Report to both the rental company and local police—paper trails matter for insurance.

Shared micromobility is here to stay, but the rules and responsibilities need to be as visible as a high-vis vest.

From the “don’t do that” file: a Kia Stinger ‘blast’ at Oran Park

Police say a Kia Stinger driver treated suburban Oran Park—yes, the one built on the bones of the old raceway—like it was still a circuit. It isn’t. I get the nostalgia; I’ve lapped the old track, and it had a rhythm that begged for one more hot lap. But modern Oran Park is a neighborhood, with kids on scooters and dogs that refuse to heel. If you need a fix, pay for a track day. You’ll get smoother tarmac and a timing sheet that doesn’t end with a court date.

Garage gold: Ayrton Senna’s Mercedes 190E Cosworth is up for grabs

This is the kind of listing that makes collectors go very quiet and start doing mental math. A Mercedes 190E Cosworth that served as Ayrton Senna’s daily is heading to market. I’ve driven a 190E 2.3-16 before—there’s a precise, slightly gritty feel to the way the Cosworth-breathed four comes on cam, and the dogleg ‘box makes every commute feel like an out-lap. With Senna’s provenance, this isn’t just a great old sport sedan—it’s rolling motorsport literature.

• Cosworth-tuned four-cylinder with a signature, metallic rasp
• Chassis balance that still feels modern on a tight road
• Provenance premium: this is the one you’d take to a Cars & Coffee and just leave the hood up

Quick hits and takeaways

• AMG GT’s wider lineup gives buyers real choice: lighter, keener or louder, meaner.
• GM’s multi-pronged approach is the sensible middle lane while EV infrastructure catches up.
• Australia’s biofuel spend could be the bridge for heavy vehicles and remote-region drivers.
• LandCruiser Hybrid shows the limits of electrifying big bricks; policy nudges will keep coming.
• Safety culture isn’t optional: MG is right to go back to basics and rebuild confidence.
• E-bikes need clearer accountability; cameras and IDs help when things go wrong.

Conclusion

Today’s theme is adaptability. AMG reshapes a classic GT recipe without losing the flavor. GM hedges smartly while chasing an electric future. Governments try to clean the air without stranding drivers who live far from a DC fast charger. And in the midst of it, a Cosworth with Senna’s fingerprints reminds us why we care about cars in the first place: feel, story, connection. Just keep the hot laps where they belong—on a circuit that hasn’t been turned into a cul-de-sac.

FAQ

Is the new four-cylinder AMG GT a downgrade from the V8?

Not necessarily—expect a different character. The four should bring a lighter nose and sharper front-end response, while the V8 keeps the theater and big torque. It’s about preference, not hierarchy.

Why is the Toyota LandCruiser Hybrid still facing emissions penalties?

Because even with hybrid assistance, a large, heavy 4x4 has challenging fuel and CO2 numbers. Australia’s efficiency rules are strict, and hybrids aren’t a silver bullet for big vehicles.

What does GM’s “EV North Star” mean for V8 fans?

V8s aren’t disappearing overnight. GM will keep them where they make sense—performance halos and work-focused vehicles—while continuing to expand EVs and hybrids.

Will biofuel damage my car?

Use the blend your manufacturer approves. As biofuel supply scales, clear labelling and OEM guidance are key. Many modern engines can run approved blends without issue.

How do I handle a collision with a rented e-bike?

Document everything: bike ID, photos/video, time/location, witness details. Report to police and the rental operator promptly for insurance and accountability.