Good morning and welcome to our weekly digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
Paper License Plates Coming To Washington After Metal Plate Shortage
The pandemic has caused disruption to supply chains across the globe. And while the tech and automotive arenas have been severely impacted, we hadn’t quite bet on anyone running out of number plates. But that’s exactly what’s happening in Washington, where they will instead issue paper plates until the supply of metal ones are restored.
2023 BMW X8 M: Spy Shot-Based Renders Don’t Paint A Pretty Picture
Instagramer Mangus Concepts used spy shots as a basis to show what could very well end up becoming the production X8 M. The rendering previews massive grilles, gaping intakes, and a rather different rear end. We’re not certain what would power the X8 M, although some reports speculate that it will be the manufacturer’s most powerful production model with as much as 750 hp.
Photos of a Honda/Acura NSX with camouflage on the front and rear could indicate that Honda is readying a refresh for the five-year-old model. It comes as good news for fans of Honda’s supercar, as declining sales have seen the model withdrawn from certain markets. There’s also speculation that the test car could in fact be the long-rumored Type S or Type R variant, with more power to keep the NSX alive in light of younger competition.
Audi Not Happy With YouTuber Who Used RS6 Avant Press Car To Help People During German Floods
In the aftermath of the devastating flooding in Germany, including the area around the Nurburgring, YouTuber Misha Charoudin decided to help relief efforts. The car he chose was an RS6 Avant on loan from Audi, helping drive dozens of volunteers and haul necessary supplies to areas in need. But apparently, Audi’s press department wasn’t pleased, voicing their concerns to Charoudin and saying that it wasn’t the purpose of the test car. According to Charoudin, the Audi press team was also eager to ensure that the car was in perfect condition when he returned it to them.
Netflix Buys Global Rights To Michael Schumacher Documentary, Will Premiere In September
Netflix has bought the rights to a documentary chronicling the life of Michael Schumacher. The piece will feature interviews with his family, rivals, and team members, as well as previously unseen archival footage from Schumacher’s past. The story will reflect on his journey from karting to becoming a seven-time Formula One World Champion, as well as a look at both his private and public life. It will premiere on the 15th of September.
Nikola Founder Trevor Milton Indicted For Fraud By U.S. Department Of Justice
Electric truck startup Nikola may not be all it seems, as its founder has been charged with three counts of fraud. Trevor Milion is accused of misleading investors on nearly all aspects of the electric truck startup. The charges follow an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission into the company and its CEO in September 2020.
Gazoo Racing Details Its Two 2022 Toyota GR 86 Concepts
Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s in-house equivalent to the likes of AMG, has unveiled two new concepts of the GR 86. Both examples feature revised suspension and brake components and plenty of functional aero, while the interior bits see upgrades as well.
VW Hatched Another Crossover, The 2021 Taigo ‘Baby’ Coupe-SUV
If this new sub-compact coupe-SUV looks familiar, it’s because it’s already appeared in South America as the Nivus. VW says that it’s the “first SUV coupe to be launched in the small car segment,” and is based on the same platform as the T-Cross. The interior is virtually the same as the one in the Polo, which means you get VW’s latest infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Chevrolet Camaro To Be Replaced By A Performance Electric Sedan In 2024, Claims Report
A report has claimed that the existing Camaro and Malibu will not be replaced by an ICE version and will instead be dropped in favor of an all-new electric sedan. This would fall in line with GM’s plan to go all-electric by 2035, but removing the Camaro nameplate, or slapping it on an electric sedan, would be a bold move.
2023 BMW M2: Here’s What We Know About The Punchy High-Performance Coupe
With BMW‘s 2022 2-Series Coupe already unveiled we now turn out attention to its forthcoming performance variant. Thanks to our illustrators, and a few spy shots, here’s exactly what we think the bulging top-spec model will look like when it’s finally unveiled.
Drone Target: Police Using UAVs To Catch Bad Drivers And Ticket Them In Poland
Polish police are using drones to catch and fine drivers breaking the law. The drones, which are difficult to spot when driving, were monitoring a stretch of road with an unbroken white line, with uniformed officers kept up ahead to nab anyone caught crossing. It seems like drones are now yet another tactic for drivers to be fearful of.
What Else Is Making The News
F1 World Championship Reaches Boiling Point As FIA Disregards Red Bull Review
After a controversial incident on the first lap of the British Grand Prix, Red Bull’s right to review the penalty awarded to Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton was dismissed by the FIA. The collision between Max Verstappen and Hamilton ignited a war of words on social media and is likely to continue into the weekend as the F1 circus takes to the Budapest circuit in Hungary.
Amazon Gets $886 Million Fine For Data Breach
Amazon has been hit with an $886 million fine for breaking EU data protection laws. It was issued by Luxumberg’s data protection agency and alleges that the online retail giant didn’t comply with EU laws, reports the BBC. Amazon disputes the fine, saying that it complied with laws and that no data was sold to a third party.