Good morning and welcome to our weekly digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
NHTSA Investigating 12th Tesla Autopilot Crash With Emergency Vehicle
Tesla’s Autopilot continues to court controversy, as the system was alleged to have been engaged in a crash with a Flordia police cruiser. This is the 12th such crash being investigated by the NHTSA, which has sent an 11-page letter to Tesla demanding the car manufacturer answers dozens of questions.
Audi Grandsphere Concept Completely Rewrites The Next Generation A8’s Script
Think A8-replacement and a swoopy, lounge-based “experience on wheels” might not be what you expect. And yet, the GrandSphere concept may just be hinting at the future of Audi’s flagship sedan. It features a heavy focus on Level 4 automation, with the steering wheel and pedals hidden when not in use. Traditional screens are ditched in favor of projections on wooden services, while the concept is built on Audi’s PPE EV platform.
Subaru Unveils Facelifted 2022 Forester Alongside New Wilderness Edition Priced From $32,850
The 2022 Subaru Forester features an updated front fascia, as well as new tech, safety, and convenience features. New to the range is the Wilderness trim, which sports beefier cladding, roof rails, skid plates, increased ride height, and 17-inch black wheels mounted on all-terrain tires. The regular 2022 Forester will go on sale for $25,195 excluding destination and handling, while the 2022 Forester Wilderness starts at $32,820.
2023 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 E Performance Lands With 831 HP
The 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 E Performance is the brand’s most powerful production vehicle (bar the upcoming Project One). It features a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine coupled with an electric motor. Yes, it’s a hybrid, but the GT 63 E Performance only has 7.4 miles (12 km) of all-electric range — outright performance is the aim of the system. Combined, it’s enough for 831 hp and more than 1,023 lb-ft (1,400 Nm) of torque. That’s enough for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of just 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph (316 km/h).
2022 Kia Sportage Debuts In European Spec With A Shorter Body, Hybrid, PHEV, And Diesel Powertrains
The less eagled-eyed among you may think that the European 2022 Kia Sportage looks no different to the global model. However, the European Sportage is 33 mm (5.2 inches) shorter. Under the hood, customers can choose from a plug-in hybrid, conventional hybrid, mild hybrid, or diesel powertrain. The Euro car gets a few other minor additions, such as the option of a black roof. The car will be on sale in early 2022.
The ‘Carolina Squat’ Will Be Officially Banned In North Carolina As Of December 1, 2021
Sad news fans of the Carolina Squat, Tennessee Tilt or Cali Lean, because the controversial modification trend has been officially banned in North Carolina. Under the new law, effective December 1, car owners cannot modify the front suspension of a vehicle by more than 3 inches at the front and no more than 2 inches at the rear. Safety concerns were cited as the reason for the new law. Anyone who breaks the rule three times will have their license suspended for at least one year.
2023 Honda Passport Spied With A More Rugged Look
The Honda Passport will be updated for the 2022 model year, and we’ve captured the first look at what those changes will entail. Evident is an all-new grille with a mesh design not dissimilar to the rugged Honda Ridgeline HPD. The facelifted Passport prototype also sports a chunkier front bumper, new rear bumper, and new red taillight lenses.
2023 Subaru Solterra Electric Crossover Looks Just Like The Toyota bZ4X
Subaru and Toyota have never shied away from a team-up, and the former’s upcoming 2023 Solterra Electric Crossover is almost identical to the Toyota bZ4X revealed earlier this year. The Solterra is, as yet, only being teased, so not much is known about motor configurations or batteries. Expect more info over the coming months.
Hyundai Casper Breaks Cover With Funky Design And Compact Dimensions
The Casper has been unveiled to Hyundai’s home market of South Korea, with customers offered the new mini-SUV through its own dedicated website. It features elements that attempt to beef it up, such as split headlights with large circular LEDs, and boxy, almost muscular, fenders. It will also soon go on sale in India to do battle with the likes of the Maruti-Suzuki S-Presso and the Renault Kwid.
2024 VW ID. Buzz: Iconic Design, Tech And Everything Else We Know About The EV Microbus Resurrection
Our independent illustrations of what we predict the new ID. Buzz to look like capture the long-awaited form of the much-delayed electric van. We don’t expect the exciting homage to the original Kombi to launch stateside until the 2024MY, but thanks to our spy photographers and our talented illustrator cum super sleuth, we’ve got all you need to know about the Microbus resurrection.
2022 Dacia Jogger Unveiled As An Adventurous 7-Seater Crossover Wagon
The Dacia Jogger is a three-row crossover wagon with seven seats. It shares much with the Sandero Stepway but adds a heap of practicality thanks to the added length. Engine consist of a turbo three-cylinder unit, as well as a bi-fuel version. A hybrid option will appear at a later date.
What Else Is Making The News?
Kimi Räikkönen Retiring From Formula 1 At The End Of The 2021 Season
A stalwart of Formula 1, Kimi Räikkönen has announced that he will be leaving the sport at the end of the season. At 41 years of age, Räikkönen, who won the Driver’s Championship in 2007, is the most experienced driver on the grid, having first raced with Sauber in 2001. His announcement is expected to trigger a series of moves that may see Valtteri Bottas, Alex Albon, or Mick Schumacker replace him at Alfa Romeo.
Louis Vuitton Makes a Bicycle For $28,900
https://youtu.be/WTKapq6xJpk
Luxury goods manufacturer Louis Vuitton has revealed details of their bike collection, which starts at a rather hefty €22,000 (US$28,900). Problem is, according to Cycling Tips, most of the specs are gibberish — the bicycles are, for example, supplied with “a crutch”, which is presumed to mean kickstand.