“Australian lightweight champion from lil ol’ Swan Bay”

By Samantha Elley

Maddog boxing’s Sunny McLean has been going from strength to strength this past year, grabbing titles from each of the events he has been fighting in.

Sunny McLean and his coach, Scott Smith, who runs Maddox Boxing, were recently picked to represent Queensland as the fighter and coach team to compete in the national titles in Gosford.

Sunny won all his elimination bouts and beat the NSW champion in the gold medal fight, to become the newly crowned Australian champion in the lightweight division.

They were surprised with a visit from Jason and Andrew Moloney, world champion professional boxers.

“Every state in Australia was there with all the best fighters and the (Moloney brothers) came to support us, so we felt so special,” said Scott.

“They came to help me prepare Sunny for his last two fights in this event.”

Sunny was competing for Queensland as he already holds the title of QLD/NSW interstate champion.

“His first opponent, the referee stopped the fight in the 3rd round,” said Scott.

“His second opponent was the favourite from Tasmania and Sunny won that fight to go through for the gold medal against the NSW champion.

“Andy (co-trainer) and I worked out a plan to beat him and Sunny did exactly what he was asked and never last control of the situation.

“He is now the Australian lightweight champion from lil ol Swan Bay.”

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2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Review: Affordable Supercar Thrills

By Jeff Gibbs

The 2025 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray breaks new ground in the supercar segment by delivering exceptional performance, striking design, and everyday usability—all at a fraction of the cost of European rivals. With prices starting at $195,000 for the 3LT Coupe, it’s a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking luxury and power without sacrificing practicality.

A Revolution in Corvette History

Launched over 70 years ago, the Corvette has undergone significant transformations, but none more groundbreaking than the eighth-generation C8. This is the first Corvette with a mid-engine layout, improving balance, traction, and overall performance. It’s also the first to arrive in Australia with factory-built right-hand drive, eliminating the need for aftermarket modifications.

Pricing and Variants

The Stingray range includes:

• 2LT Coupe: $175,000 (+ ORCs)
• 2LT Convertible: $190,000 (+ ORCs)
• 3LT Coupe (tested): $195,000 (+ ORCs)
• 3LT Convertible: $205,000 (+ ORCs)
• Z06 Coupe: $336,000 (+ ORCs)

The tested 3LT Coupe includes optional upgrades such as machined-face alloy wheels ($4,940), red brake callipers ($1,625), and chrome badging ($507), bringing the price to $202,072 before on-road costs. Wait times for the Stingray have dropped to five months, with nine months required for the Z06, which offers an even more exhilarating experience.

Performance

The Stingray’s 6.2-litre LT2 V8 produces 369kW and 637Nm, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This powertrain propels the car from 0-100km/h in just 2.9 seconds, delivering ferocious acceleration. The Z51 Performance Package, standard in Australia, enhances handling and cooling, featuring:

• Brembo brakes
• Adaptive Magnetic Ride Control dampers
• Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres
• Limited-slip differential
• Performance exhaust

The Stingray is built for track and road, offering grip and balance that rival cars costing twice as much. Fuel economy is officially rated at 13.5L/100km but is likely higher with spirited driving.

Driving Experience

The C8 Corvette offers a thrilling yet refined driving experience. The four standard drive modes—Weather, Tour, Sport, and Track—adapt the car’s character to various conditions. For everyday use, Tour mode provides a comfortable ride, soaking up bumps with ease. Sport mode dials up responsiveness, while Track mode unleashes its full potential with firm suspension, razor-sharp steering, and a ferocious exhaust note.

The Michelin tyres and balanced chassis deliver outstanding grip, allowing drivers to corner confidently at speed. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts seamlessly and quickly, while the paddle shifters provide precise manual control when desired.

Despite its supercar performance, the Stingray is remarkably liveable. The adaptive suspension ensures a compliant ride over uneven surfaces, making it suitable for daily driving—a rarity in the supercar world.

Interior and Technology

Step inside, and the Corvette’s cabin is unmistakably driver focused. The tested 3LT features a bold red leather and suede interior, though the colour may polarize opinions. The cockpit is equipped with an array of technology, including:

• 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Colour head-up display
• 14-speaker Bose audio system
• Performance Data Recorder for track enthusiasts

The vertically mounted climate control panel and button-heavy design may feel overwhelming at first, but familiarity improves usability. The removable roof panel stows neatly in the boot, adding practicality without sacrificing storage space. Front and rear trunks offer enough room for groceries or overnight bags.

Safety Features

While the Corvette lacks official crash test ratings (common among supercars), it includes a robust safety suite:

• Forward collision warning with low-speed AEB
• Lane assist with departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Automatic high beams

Front and rear parking sensors and cameras enhance manoeuvrability, though visibility remains a challenge—a typical issue with mid-engine supercars.

What Sets the C8 Apart?

The C8’s mid-engine layout improves weight distribution and handling, placing it in direct competition with far more expensive rivals like Ferrari and McLaren. The Z51 package, standard on Australian models, ensures it delivers track-ready performance straight from the factory. Its price, however, is what truly sets it apart, offering a supercar experience for $200,000, a fraction of the cost of its European peers.

Verdict

The 2024 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray 3LT is a game-changer, offering supercar performance and looks at a price that makes it accessible to more enthusiasts. With breathtaking acceleration, sharp handling, and a surprising level of comfort, it’s as thrilling on the track as it is manageable on city streets.

While visibility and interior quirks may deter some, the Stingray’s value, performance, and legacy make it a standout choice for anyone seeking the ultimate driving experience without a supercar price tag.

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2025 Kia Sportage Unveiled with Fresh Updates

By Jeff Gibbs

Kia has revealed the refreshed 2025 Sportage SUV in Korea, ahead of its Australian debut, where it will compete with the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Hyundai Tucson. As Kia’s best-selling model in Australia, the updated Sportage showcases subtle yet impactful design changes and enhanced functionality.

Exterior and Interior Updates

The 2025 Sportage now features a black grille, hook-style headlights inspired by the EV9, and a redesigned front bumper, giving it a rugged, bold look. Inside, a new steering wheel complements the dual curved screens for multimedia and driver information. Kia’s over-the-air update capability ensures the vehicle’s tech remains current, while higher trims may include a head-up display.

Powertrain Improvements

Replacing the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the new eight-speed torque converter automatic offers smoother performance, addressing prior concerns. Engine options remain:

• 2.0L four-cylinder (115kW/192Nm)
• 1.6L turbo petrol (132kW/265Nm)
• Hybrid variant (169kW/350Nm)

While diesel is unconfirmed in Korea, it may still arrive in Australia, along with a base manual option.

Pricing and Arrival

Expected to arrive in Q2 2025, Australian pricing may slightly rise from the current starting point of $32,995 for the base model and $45,950 for the hybrid.

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