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

GM Introduces Their New Ultium Drive Electric Motors, Offer Up To 342 HP

General Motors has introduced three different electric motors — one for front-mounted applications, one for both front and rear placement, and another “all-wheel-drive assist motor.” All three motors can be used in one vehicle, as is the case with the tri-motor versions of the GMC Hummer EV.

Ford Officially Announces The Bronco Raptor, Says It Will Be Available In 2022

Ford has officially announced the Bronco Raptor. Teased in a short video that shows only the grille of the vehicle, it’ll presumably introduce a high-performance drivetrain when it comes in 2022. A dealer ordering system leak revealed earlier this month that the Raptor model will be available in two trims, while spy pictures have hinted at big fender flares for an aggressive stance.

2022 Acura RDX Debuts With Revised Styling And Improved Technology

The facelifted 2022 RDX includes a new front fascia that falls in line with the style of the MDX, a lightly revised rear bumper, and a new rectangular dual exhaust system. You also get new 19- and 20-inch wheels, as well as a new “Liquid Carbon Metallic” color. There are minor updates inside, including a new 7-inch digital speedometer as well as Amazon Alexa integration, and support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other highlights include active safety improvements, retuned suspension, and a quieter cabin.

BMW And Daimler Sued In Germany For Insufficient Climate Actions, VW Could Be Next

The heads of a German environmental NGO have sued BMW and Daimler for failing to adequately tackle climate change. It could be a landmark ruling, being the first time private companies have been sued for climate change by German citizens. Greenpeace is expected to file similar action against Volkswagen in the near future.

Meet The Contenders For 2022 North American Car, Truck And Utility Of The Year

The semi-finalists for the 2022 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year have been announced at Motor Bella. No less than 23 vehicles will be competing, including eight cars, six trucks, and nine utility vehicles. The car category includes the likes of the Audi A3, Honda Civic, VW Golf Mk VIII, and Mercedes EQS. In the truck category, the GMC Hummer EV and Rivian R1T will go up against a selection of fossil-fueled cars, and the utility vehicle class will be battled by cars such as the Ford Bronco, VW ID.4, and Jeep Wagoneer among others.

Ken Block Signs Up With Audi To Work On Electric Cars

Audi and Ken Block have announced a new partnership that centers around electric vehicles. In a video signifying the new collaboration, Block can be seen in the Audi Sport quattro S1, the Audi V8 quattro from DTM, and the Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo. What will come of the partnership beyond “exclusive joint projects in the field of electric mobility,” has not yet been made clear, but we suspect it’ll involve plenty of video content.

What Else is Making The News

US Space Force Unveils New Uniform

The newest branch of the US military, the US Space Force unveiled a new prototype uniform for its “Guardians”. Former President Donald Trump established the US Space Force in 2019 creating the newest military service and the first new service since the US Air Force was created in 1947.

Google May Cut Pay For Work From Home Employees

The tech giant Google has developed a pay calculator that lets employees see the effects of remote working and moving offices, says the BBC. It could see workers who have long commutes see their pay cut if they remote work.