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

EPA Calls For New Vehicles To Get 52 MPGe For The 2026 Model Year

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed that fuel economy standards are significantly increased by 2025. Currently 2026 MY vehicles are to average a real-world rating of 32.2 mpg or 43.3 mpg equivalent. The EPA is asking that the standard be raised to an average of 38.2 mpg or 52.0 mpg equivalent. The increase, if mandated, could cost vehicle manufacturers over $1000 per car, but the EPA says the fuel savings passed on to consumers would pay that back within a year. 


Morgan Plus Four CX-T Shows You’re Never Too Old To Safari

Morgan appears to have taken direct inspiration from the popular Facebook group “Safari All The Cars,” with this, the new CX-T. The CX-T is based on the classically inspired Plus Four roadster but features a significantly different approach. Additions include improved ground clearance, chunkier tires, an external roll cage, new rear bodywork, an aluminum toolbox, two fuel cans, and a pair of spare wheels. It isn’t cheap though, with prices starting at £170,000 ($236,000). Plus, only eight will be built.


Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta Headed To Monterey With 816 HP

The Pagani Huayra is 10 years old, which has us asking, “where did all those years go?” To celebrate this milestone Pagani is readying the world premiere of the Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta. It features a raft of aero updates and a 6.0-liter V12 engine with 816 hp (608 kW / 827 PS) and 811 lb-ft (1,100 Nm) of torque.


Valentino Rossi Will Stop Racing Motorbikes As He Lines Up A Switch To Four-Wheeled Competition

With 115 race wins, 235 podium finishes, and over 400 race starts, Valentino Rossi has left an indelible mark on motorsport. However, it won’t be the last we see of him, not least because he plans to use his retirement to race (and win) in a different breed of machine: cars. Although what exactly he’ll be driving hasn’t been confirmed, he’s expressed an interest in having a crack at the Le Mans 24 hours.


Porsche And Manthey Team Up For The Wicked 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 Special Edition

Porsche-owned tuning firm, Manthey Racing, turns 25 this year. To celebrate, say hello to the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25. The model incorporates cues from the 935 Clubsport, and focuses on lots of carbon fiber, and aero improvements. It features a twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-six engine that produces 690 hp (515 kW / 700 PS) with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and rear-wheel drive.


Lynk & Co’s Striking 05+ Has 265 HP, Carbon Fiber Add-Ons

The Lynk & Co 05+ is a hotted-up version of the Chinese market SUV. It’s painted in a striking shade of green, features a new front splitter, larger wheels, color-coded brake calipers, and a rear diffuser. The 2.0-liter engine now produces slightly more power: 265 hp and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) compared to the 251 hp and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of standard models.


Burn Baby Burn: Russian Guy Turns His Lada Into An Insane Flamethrower

With the potential to turn any road-rage incident into an inferno of destruction, this Lada 2106 has been transformed into an amusing — if not very dangerous — flame thrower. Most notably, rather than the more conventional method of spitting flames from the tailpipe, this Russian creation can shoot flames some 30 feet ahead of it, meaning that you better get out of the passing lane if this rolls up behind you. 

What Else Is Making The News?

Google Maps Will Warn Drivers Of Low-Emissions Zones 

 

Low and Ultra-low emissions zones are employed in many cities trying to reduce pollution. Driving a car that doesn’t conform can result in fines and penalties. Now Google Maps will alert drivers if they’re entering such a zone, a useful feature for the navigation app that has cornered close to 70–80% of the market.

China Reports Stong Electric Vehicle Sales

 

Electric vehicle sales are on the rise in China, reports Reuters. Sales of EVs at Li Auto and Xpeng Inc more than tripled in July from a year ago, while at Nio Inc they doubled. The global economic recovery coupled with China’s policy of promoting electric vehicles has means trends are expected to continue.