Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…

Tesla Model S Long Range Hit With $5,000 Price Hike

Tesla’s Model S Long Range has increased in price by $5,000. It’s the second increase in recent times, with prices raised a similar $5,000 just a few weeks ago. That means the Model S Long Range is $10,000 dearer than roughly a month ago. One theory as to why is that Tesla may be looking to maximise return on their cars before other competitors enter the market.

It’s Official: Lamborghini Is Bringing Back The Countach For The 21st Century

Settle down, this is not a drill. Lamborghini is preparing to reintroduce one of the most iconic names to have ever graced their line-up. Slated to be introduced at Monterey Car Week, the new Countach could be based on the Sian FKP 37, and feature an ultra-limited production run. Further details are fairly limited, although one report indicated that the production car will have all-wheel drive as well as an output of 789 hp (588 kW / 800 PS), named the LP 800-4.

The Spectre Type 10 Is A Coachbuilt RWD Mini With A Mid-Mounted 230WHP Honda K20 Engine

Spectre Vehicle Design is a new coachbuilding operation based out of Canada. Their first car will make an appearance at the Monterey Car Week. Based on an Austin Mini, the “Spectre Type 10” is a mid-engine monster with a 230 WHP Honda engine. It features a completely reimagined interior, and some exquisite design details — all of which you’d expect if you’re prepared to pay the $180,000 to buy one.

House Democrats Call On Congress To Back $85 Billion In Funding For EV Charging Infrastructure

28 House Democrats are calling on congressional leaders to back funding for EV charging infrastructure. The funds would cost almost $85 billion. It’s needed for “a rapid and extensive build-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure,” said lawmakers. President Joe Biden has already proposed an executive order which sets a target of making 50% of new cars sold in the US electric by 2030.

VW’s CEO Is Anything But Happy With Ionity’s EV Charging Stations

If you’re an EV driver in Europe, you’ve probably found an Ionity charge point at some point in your life. Ionity was established as a joint venture between BMW, Daimler, Ford, and Volkswagen a few years ago. In late 2020, Hyundai joined the partnership. But VW’s boss, Herbert Diess isn’t thrilled. On an Austrian road trip, Diess found that of the four charge points on his route, one of them wasn’t working and the other three were in use. Once he drove to Italy, he was disappointed with the lack of amenities at the charging station he found.

Fleets Are So Desperate For New Vehicles, They’ll “Take Anything Within Reason On Four Wheels”

It’s not only consumers who are desperate for new cars — fleets need them too. Despite reports that over a million fleet vehicles have already been purchased this year, the demand for more is great. The situation is so bad that Toyota Motor North America’s executive vice president of sales, Bob Carter, previously told Automotive News “fleet customers are saying I’ll take anything within reason on four wheels.”

Woman Filmed Repeatedly Ramming Car In Attempt To Flee After Causing An Accident

A Target parking lot played host to a crazy demonstration of road rage. After reversing into a Hyundai Sonata, the driver threatened the victim before repeatedly ramming her Camry into the car and the other party, before driving away at speed. Thankfully the incident, including her license plate, was caught on camera.

What Else Is Making The News

TikTok The Most Downloaded App Of 2020

Analysts have declared TikTok as the number one downloaded app in 2020, reports the BBC. The video-sharing app has endured, despite India banning it, and US President Donald Trump trying to enforce similar measures in the U.S.. Notably, the Chinese app is the only non-Facebook-owned app to feature in the top five.

Samsung S21 FE Leaked

It’s reported that Samsung’s rumoured S21 FE (fan edition) has leaked, with a post uploaded to Samsung’s official account quickly deleted. The image, which was captured by SamMobile before it was taken down, seems to show a new version of S21. Last year’s S20 “fan edition” phone was praised for bringing some of the much-loved aspects of the flagship into a more affordable package, especially important in the aftermath of the pandemic.