1. BYD admits a Shark 6 "defect" after Four Corners hacking probe
Big week for connected-car security: BYD has admitted a "software defect" in the Shark 6 ute after the ABC's Four Corners (Australia's flagship investigative TV show) aired a segment where cybersecurity researcher Dan Hreszczuk spent two weeks with the ute, accessed its infotainment system, and was shown listening in on the microphone and phone calls. BYD says the breach came through the Android Debug Bridge — a developer tool that's meant to be disabled when the car leaves the factory — and its engineers reproduced the exploit. A free over-the-air software fix is coming once validation is done, and BYD is checking whether other models need it. It pushes back on the wilder footage, though: disabling the headlights and wipers required physically tapping into the car's wiring, not a remote attack. Separately, BYD Australia boss Stephen Collins has again called for national legislation covering internet-connected cars — a standard applying to every brand, not just Chinese ones.
Source: Drive
2. The 2027 Tesla Model 3 is now $45,900 in Australia — Tesla's cheapest car ever sold here
Tesla has quietly launched its cheapest car ever sold in Australia: a new base-model Model 3 RWD (formerly known as the Standard overseas) priced from $45,900 before on-road costs — $9,000 under the Premium RWD, and cheaper than the BYD Seal ($52,900) and Mazda 6e ($49,990), sitting near mid-spec Toyota Camry money. It runs the same 208kW motor and 62.5kWh LFP battery as the Premium RWD, and claimed WLTP range actually climbs from 520km to 572km (323 to 355 miles) thanks to aero 18-inch wheels and low-resistance tyres — though 0–100km/h (0–62mph) slows a tick to 6.2 seconds. To hit the price, Tesla stripped the fake leather for cloth, killed the seat ventilation, rear touchscreen, two speakers, powered steering column, heated rear seats, FM/DAB radio and ambient lighting beyond the footwells. Same battery and motor. Less of everything else. New across the range: a bigger 16-inch screen and vehicle-to-load power (via an extra-cost Tesla Outlet Adapter). Order now, test drives later this month, first deliveries by year's end.
Source: Drive
3. Uber picks Madrid for its first European driverless taxi rollout
Uber's going driverless in Madrid: the Spanish capital is the pick for its first commercial robotaxi rollout in Europe. In September 2026, Uber, Chinese AV firm WeRide and local operator AVOMO received Spain's first national permit for Level 4 passenger autonomous vehicles on public roads, issued by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) under the ES-AV framework in collaboration with the Regional Government of Madrid. The official announcement says commercial operations are expected to begin by the end of 2026, once deployment preparations and the remaining regulatory milestones are done. Spanish media report the first pilot will run around 20 WeRide GXR robotaxis in Madrid and Alcobendas. Temper expectations: the opening phase puts a trained safety operator in every car — fully driverless rides come later — and Uber won't start until regulators give full approval. If it proceeds on schedule, Madrid could become the first European capital with a commercial driverless robotaxi pilot.
Source: WeRide/Uber/AVOMO (official announcement) / Gasgoo / RUSSPAIN
4. The Lexus RZ600e F Sport Performance is coming to Australia — and it's rarer than the LFA
Here's a genuine collector's EV: Lexus has confirmed the limited-edition 2027 RZ600e F Sport Performance for Australia — and just nine examples are allocated nationwide, making it rarer Down Under than the legendary LFA supercar, of which 10 arrived here. Global production is fewer than 200 vehicles. Priced from $135,000 before on-road costs, it packs 313kW for a 4.4-second 0–100km/h sprint, keeps the aircraft-style steer-by-wire yoke with simulated gear shifts, and adds 21-inch Enkei wheels, bigger brakes, a 20mm lower ride height, performance dampers, and a full carbon aero kit. Four of the nine go to NSW, two each to Victoria and Queensland, one to Western Australia. The cars land between October and December this year. So if you want one, your Lexus dealer already has your number. Probably.
Source: Drive
That's your lot. Get every Daily Drop first thing each morning — and check the store. Only stuff we'd run on our own cars makes the cut.