Good morning and welcome to our weekly digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
Lamborghini CEO Says Aventador Successor Will Have An All-New V12 Engine
We originally thought that the last V12 Lamborgini would feature a similar hybrid system to the Sian. But not willing to let the 12-pot legacy be merely a reimagination of something already in production, Lambo CEO Stephan Winkelmann has confirmed it won’t share tech and instead will be an engine created from scratch.
2022 Porsche Macan Facelift Brings A Power Boost To Base, S And GTS Models
You’ll be hard-pressed to see the differences, but Porsche’s Macan has some mild updates to both the exterior and interior of 2022 model year cars. More notable is that each model in the range features increases in power.
Six New GM Models Getting Super Cruise, Trailering Now Possible
Super Cruise, which is GM’s hands-free driving technology, will be added to the Cadillac Escalade, CT4, and CT5, Chevrolet Silverado GMC Sierra, and Hummer EV Pickup from the 2022 model year. It will allow drivers to take their hands off the wheel on roads that have been mapped by GM, and will now be operational even if trailering.
Toyota Allegedly Forbids New Land Cruiser Customers From Reselling Citing Global Security Concerns
Citing security concerns, Toyota has allegedly issued a document forbidding resale by customers planning to pre-order the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser in Japan. It would seem that Toyota doesn’t want their popular SUV falling into the wrong hands. However, it’s also been suggested that, with long waitlists predicted thanks to 22,000 pre-orders already, the Japanese carmaker is trying to avoid a black market of inflated cars being flipped.
Audi RS Q e-tron Revealed For The Dakar Rally, Features Electrified Powertrain With 671 HP
Audi’s all-electric ambitions extend to its motorsports arm, as the RS Q e-tron aims to take on the 2022 Dakar Rally. It features the same motors as found in Audi’s Formula E race car, producing a combined output of 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS).
Dump Truck Crashes Into Georgia Bridge So Hard It Moves Six Feet, Is Now Being Demolished
I-16 bridge July 16 morning update…
The bridge span demolished as of 2:15 a.m. Debris has been separated and hauling to commence shortly.
More images in thread below ⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/WHjRGiARZS
— GDOT East (@GDOTEast) July 16, 2021
A stretch of road that saw 21,000 vehicles per day was closed after a dump truck, with its bed in the raised position, struck a bridge, moving the structure some six feet. The unprecedented damage means that the entire bridge will be demolished and reconstructed.
2022 Audi RS 3 Sportback And Sedan Are The New Compact Performance Kings
The new Audi RS 3 will be available as a sedan in North America, with an additional hatchback version available to the rest of the world. The good news for those who are deprived of the hatch is that US models will get slightly more power. The five-cylinder turbo unit under the hood produces 394 hp (294 kW / 400 PS) in Europe and up to 401 hp (299 kW / 407 PS) in the US, both offering 500 Nm (368 lb-ft) torque.
Uber Charged London Passenger $455 for 1.75-Mile Trip
If you’ve ever used Uber there’s a chance you’ve experienced their surge charge system, where you pay more for a ride if car availability is reduced. These fees are usually given upfront, so it’s not exactly a shock. However, one Uber rider was understandably taken aback when they learned that their ride cost them £332 ($455) for a 1.75-mile journey across London. The driver had run his meter for over 16 hours following an argument. Ouch.
Every New Mercedes Model Will Get An All-Electric Version, Starting In 2025
“The EV shift is picking up speed – especially in the luxury segment, where Mercedes-Benz belongs,” said Ola Källenius, CEO of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG. To cater to demand, Merc will be unveiling three new EV-only architectures in 2025, ensuring that every offering will have a pure-EV option.
Kia To Kill Off The Stinger By Q2 Next Year
It’s reported that the Kia Stinger is being killed off, as teh Korean automaker pushes forwards with more electrified vehicles. The Stinger exceeded reviewers and enthusiast’s expectations, but the sales numbers don’t seem to have been enough to justify a second generation.
2022 Subaru BRZ Combines RWD With 228 HP For $27,995
Subaru’s redesigned BR-Z coupe will start at at $27,995. That’ll get you an entry-level “Premium” spec, which includes LED headlights and 17-inch alloys, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and a new tire pressure monitoring system. At the top of the range is the $30,495 BRZ Limited with 18-inch wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, Ultrasuede upholstery and leather bolsters, an upgraded infotainment system, and more safety tech.
What Else Is Making The News?
Jeff Bezons Blasts Off In A Rocket, Thanks Amazon Employees For Paying For It
Video: Jeff Bezos thanks Amazon employees and customers for paying for his trip to space.pic.twitter.com/HTLORzbfnY
— The Recount (@therecount) July 20, 2021
Jeff Bezos has faced social media backlash after he held a press conference following his successful trip to space. He said, “I want to thank every Amazon employee, and every Amazon customer because you guys paid for all this.” The remarks didn’t sit well with many, as the web giant has come under criticism for providing inhumane working conditions, avoiding taxes, and busting unions.
Intel Predicts That Chip Shortage Could Stretch Into 2023
It’s not just cars that have been hit with chip shortages. Techradar reports that Intel predicts the shortage of semiconductors, which also afflicts some electronic equipment manufacturers, will last well past next year, into 2023. Part of the reason is that Taiwan — the world’s primary source of chips — has been hit by severe drought, compounding matters.