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

The FBI Says Motor Vehicle Thefts Rose 11.8 Percent Last Year

The latest figures from the FBI show a nearly 12 percent rise in car thefts in 2020. Common components that can be easily removed and resold are frequent targets. The majority of car thieves who were arrested were males between the ages of 25 and 29, although six arrests were of those under the age of 10!


Acura Confirms 2023 Integra Will Have A Five-Door Liftback Body In New Teaser

Acura has confirmed that its upcoming rebirth of the Integra badge will be attached to a “sleek, five-door design.” Granted, it might be a bit of disappointment for those hoping for a two or three-door coupe, but the Integra was first offered as a five-door liftback, so it’s not breaking with tradition at all. Acura has also protected the Integra Type S trademark, hinting at a high-performance version on the horizon.


Lucid Air Goes Into Production, Deliveries Set To Begin Next Month

Hot on the heels of Rivian, Lucid has started production of the Air, with first deliveries set for October. After funding-related delays, the Air, which is built in Arizona, comes with all-wheel drive as well as an output of up to 1,111 hp (828 kW / 1,126 PS). The company has received more than 13,000 reservations.


How I Dodged Britain’s Fuel Supply Crisis…Twice

In case you didn’t know, Britain is going through a bit of a fuel crisis. It’s not so much that there isn’t enough of the stuff, more that there aren’t enough drivers to deliver it. Add in panic buying, and, well, you get the picture. Thankfully, our man across the pond, Chris Chilton, is doing just fine, thanks to the Ford Kuga PHEV that’s currently occupying his drive. It’s not the first time he’s been able to look smug, too, as he tells us of the last time it happened.


The Latest 2022 BMW M3 Touring Teaser Hints At Top 503HP Competition Spec

Audi better watch out, as the fast wagon market is about to get a whole lot more competitive. The 2022 BMW M3 Touring has been teased and spied in the past, but new fuel economy figures point towards a full-fat competition-spec Touring being available, with a possible 503 hp (375 kW / 510 PS) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque.


Watch The 2022 Acura NSX Type S Set A New Long Beach Production Car Lap Record

https://youtu.be/5ptVq3pbxoE

Although it’s already sold out, the new 2022 Acura NSX Type S has been doing some impressive PR work. Piloted by IMSA Prototype Series champion Ricky Taylor, NSX broke the production car record around the Long Beach street circuit by nearly three seconds. The previous record was coincidently also set by an NSX, a 2019 standard spec version.


What Else is Making The News


A Hamster Is Making More Money Trading Crypto Than You Are 

Up some 19.4 percent, Mr. Goxx, a stock-trading hamster, is performing better than Bitcoin. The project created by two best friends involves the rodent selecting a currency via a hamster wheel and choosing whether to buy or sell it by running through a couple of tubes. While the creators are keen to stress it’s just for fun, there’s no denying the stellar performance of their fury friend.


Oil Prices Rise To Three Year High

Oil prices have climbed above $80 a barrel, with investment bank Goldman Sachs predicting that Brent crude could hit $90 per barrel by the end of the year. According to the BBC, demand has risen as economies around the world have started to reopen. Global oil supplies have also taken a hit from hurricanes Ida and Nicholas damaging US oil infrastructure.