Today’s Drive: Nissan’s Aussie reset, Ford’s budget EV ute, Pajero rumors, BMW’s Spider‑Man ads, and a 1,032-hp Bee

I started the day with a flat white and a full inbox. By lunch, we had an automaker admitting a tough year ahead, a new budget electric ute from Ford with a very nautical name, fresh Pajero rumors, in-car Spider‑Man ads (yes, really), a sharp van discount for tradies, and a Texas tuner turning a Ram pickup into a 1,032-horsepower wasp. Buckle up.

Nissan Australia: Short-term pain, long-term Patrol gain

Nissan’s local boss is calling 2026 the brand’s nadir—the low point before a rebound. It’s a rare bit of corporate candor, and honestly, refreshing. The recovery roadmap? Product. You can feel momentum building already with whispers about the next Patrol.

2027 Nissan Patrol Y63: Grades leak as anticipation builds

Leaked Australian model grades for the 2027 Patrol Y63 suggest Nissan’s getting its ducks in a row. No official specs yet, but if you’ve run a current Patrol across corrugations (mine has the dash creaks to prove it), you’ll know what matters:

• Powertrain that hauls a van up the Toowoomba Range without breaking a sweat
• Second-row comfort and third-row access that won’t make grandparents groan
• Real off-road chops—clearance, cooling, and a decent crawl ratio
• Tow tech that’s more than a brochure line item

Globally, big SUVs are moving toward downsized turbos and some level of electrification; don’t be shocked if the Aussie Y63 lineup reflects that. What I’m watching: how Nissan splits luxury and off-road focus across those leaked grades, and whether Australia gets a locally tuned, off-road‑leaning variant out of the box.

Ford Fathom: A budget electric ute with the right brief

Ford has named—and priced—its new budget EV ute, the Fathom. The name’s a little oceanic for a tool of the trade, but if the number on the window sticker undercuts early EV utes, tradies and fleets will give it a look. I’ve run electric pickups on job sites; the math is simple:

• Range that survives a day’s work with tools on board (and the heater on)
• 3.5‑tonne towing is nice, but honest, stable 2–2.5 tonnes is what most actually use
• 11 kW AC plus solid DC charging—because nobody wants to babysit electrons
• On‑site power outlets that don’t torpedo range the moment you fire up a saw

If Ford nails the price and keeps the spec smart (think: durable vinyl where it counts, intuitive software, sensible tray setup), the Fathom could be the first EV ute that feels less like a pilot program and more like a proper workmate.

Quick take: Utes and vans moving the market

Mitsubishi’s Pajero play: From RAV4-size to a Jimny rival

A report suggests Mitsubishi is expanding the Pajero family with two new bookends: a RAV4-sized SUV and a pint-sized, Jimny-style off-roader. If true, that’s smart. The Pajero name still carries trust out bush and in the burbs.

• Mid-size (RAV4 rival): Likely the sales engine—school runs all week, fire trails on weekends
• Mini off-roader (Jimny rival): Lightweight fun with real trails capability; roof tents at dawn, espresso by nine

The big question is hardware. A proper 4x4 needs thoughtful gearing, suspension travel, and cooling. If Mitsubishi keeps the spirit right—and the weight down—the badge could mean something again beyond nostalgia.

LDV slices up to $9,000 off vans: Fleet managers take note

LDV has chopped as much as $9,000 from selected commercial vans. That’s not a rounding error—that’s insurance, rego, and a few tanks of fuel (or electrons) covered. The fleet buyers I chat with care about three things:

• Total cost of ownership: Servicing, tyres, and real-world economy
• Uptime: Dealer coverage and parts availability
• Driver comfort: Because a happy courier is a safer, more productive courier

If you’ve been holding off on a replacement cycle, this might be the nudge. Pro tip from a recent airport run: check sliding-door aperture height against your most common parcels—you’ll thank yourself every rainy Friday.

BMW infotainment shows Spider‑Man ads in some markets (Australia spared)

Some BMW owners overseas saw Spider‑Man promos on their infotainment screens. Australia’s not getting it, but it’s a reminder that our dashboards are becoming billboards. I’ve already sat in press cars where subscription upsells pop up like whack‑a‑moles; it’s not the future anyone asked for.

• Context matters: Ads while parked? Maybe. While navigating? Hard no.
• Consent and control: Clear settings to opt out, and they should stay opted out
• Design restraint: The car’s UI is a safety device, not a Times Square takeover

BMW’s kept it away from Australia for now. Good. Let’s keep the cabin a sanctuary, not a sales funnel.

America does America: A 1,032‑hp Ram and a unicorn Cadillac racer

Hennessey’s Ram 1500 Rumble Bee SRT: 1,032 horsepower

Texan tuner Hennessey is turning the Ram 1500 Rumble Bee SRT into a four-digit monster—1,032 hp. Subtle? Not remotely. Useful? In the way an espresso martini is “hydration.” But I’ve driven a few Hennessey builds and the punch is so preposterous you can’t stop laughing. Tyres, meet cardio.

One of three: Cadillac CTS‑V.R Coupe is up for sale

Also poking the collector nerve today: one of just three Cadillac CTS‑V.R Coupes ever built is on the market. Factory-backed American GT thunder, scarce as hen’s teeth. If you’ve got the space (and the bravery) it’s the kind of garage centerpiece that makes every key handoff feel like a pit-lane moment.

Why today’s moves matter

• Nissan’s honesty about 2026 clears the runway for a stronger 2027, led by Patrol Y63 hype
• Ford’s budget EV ute could be the tipping point that pulls tradies into the plug‑in era
• Mitsubishi’s Pajero expansion—if it lands right—bridges daily life and dirt tracks
• LDV’s van discounts turn spreadsheets in their favor—expect rivals to react
• In-car ads are a line in the sand; carmakers must treat the cockpit like the safety-critical space it is

Off-road SUVs at a glance

Conclusion

From Nissan’s reset to Ford’s value play and Mitsubishi’s ambition, the next 18 months look busy—and better—for buyers. Add real discounts on work vans, and even the weekday grind gets a little brighter. Just keep the movie ads out of my instrument cluster, thanks.

FAQ

When does Nissan expect its turnaround in Australia?

Nissan says 2026 will be its low point locally, with a return to growth expected afterward as new products arrive.

What’s known about the 2027 Nissan Patrol Y63 for Australia?

Leaked information points to multiple Australian model grades. Official specs aren’t out yet, but expect a clearer split between luxury and off-road focus, and close attention to towing and long-haul comfort.

What is the Ford Fathom?

It’s Ford’s newly named, budget‑oriented electric ute. Pricing has been revealed, positioning it as a value play aimed at tradies and fleets looking to test EV running costs without premium sticker shock.

Are BMW’s Spider‑Man infotainment ads coming to Australia?

No—BMW has confirmed those ads appeared in some markets, but not in Australia.

How big are LDV’s van discounts?

LDV has cut up to $9,000 from selected commercial vans, which could materially shift total cost of ownership for small businesses and fleets.