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

The Cadillac Lyriq EV Has Completed Its “80 Percent” Validation Drive

Cadillac has announced that its upcoming all-electric SUV, the Lyriq, has successfully completed its “80 percent” validation drive. The test includes a series of simulated scenarios in varying conditions to appraise the vehicle’s performance. After successfully reaching this level of development, Cadillac just needs to do some ‘fine-tuning’ before the Lyriq is ready for production, which is said to begin in spring 2022.

Shelby American Promises “Something Special” On December 15, But What?

No one can settle on what Shelby American is teasing, as the company posted a cryptic image of an upcoming car. The post highlights what looks to be just a cloaked current-generation Mustang. Fans have been on a rampage in the comments section, speculating that it could be the new GT500 or even an electrified version of the Mustang, but all that Shelby American wrote was “December 15, 2021… something special will be unveiled…”

Did The Chevrolet Malibu Miss Its True Calling As An El Camino Pickup Truck?

If you’ve been following news around this year’s Guangzhou Auto Show, then you probably have a good idea about how far carmakers have gone to make themselves stand out. Chevrolet — celebrating their 110th anniversary — wasn’t about to miss out on the action as it showcased a UTE-ified version of the Malibu. The conversion captures modern tuning and retro style with a ‘Robins Egg Blue’ and White two-tone exterior, not forgetting the significant amount of detail given to the interior. Elsewhere was the Chevrolet Malibu Code X Coupe, with a Camaro face and rear door delate.

GAC Aion LX Plus Has A 626-Mile Range According To China’s Test Cycle

GAC Group showcased its latest achievement at the Guangzhou Auto Show by unveiling the Aion LX Plus. The fully electric SUV has some impressive figures, to say the least, and among them is a 144.4kWh battery giving the LX Plus a range of 1008km (626 miles) according to China’s light-duty vehicle test cycle (CLTC). While design updates might not be drastically different compared to the LX it’s replacing, the LX Plus’ dual electric motors produce 725hp to all four wheels. That’s enough to send the vehicle from 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds, which is an excellent way to compensate for visual similarities.

See The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain From Every Angle And Next To The C-Class Wagon Too

Mercedes recently shared an abundance of images showcasing the 2022 Mercedes-Benz All-Terrain, including it shown right next to the C-Class Estate it’s based on. The shots highlight the difference between the road-going Estate and its rugged all-road sibling. The new car sports off-road bumpers, simulated underside guards in the front and rear, and a special radiator grille. The car also sits 40mm (1.5) higher than the Estate, giving it the appearance of something between a wagon and a crossover. The All-Terrain will arrive at German dealerships this year with prices starting at €53,014.50 (equal to $59,682.93 at current exchange rates) for the gas model. Unfortunately, the car won’t be available for the North American Market.

Skoda Shows Off The Facelifted Karoq SUV In New Teaser Video

With its official debut set for the 30th of November, Skoda released yet another teaser of the updated Karoq. The video shows bits of the facelifted crossover, with its ‘slimmed-down headlights’ and a similar, minimalistic approach to the rear. But the new Karoq is more than just a light cosmetic upgrade; Skoda has guaranteed a “technology upgrade” as well but has remained hush about engine specifics.

Kia Niro Official Teaser Confirms Quirky Styling And November 25 Debut

Kia has published a video and sketches of the upcoming second-gen C-segment SUV, the Niro. The Niro has been spotted several times during testing, and the South Korean auto manufacturer revealed that its debut would take place at the 2021 Seoul Mobility Show scheduled for the 25th of November. The teaser shows nothing more than the Niro’s head and taillights flickering to life, as well as sketchings of its redesigned interior, but more specific details will follow right after its reveal.

What Else Is Making The News

Adele Interview Cancelled After Reporter Admitted He Didn’t Listen To Her Album 

An exclusive interview with Adele was canceled as the interviewer, who flew 10,000 miles to conduct it, admitted to the singer that he hadn’t listened to the album. Adele was apparently offended, reports Insider, with Sony withholding the footage. Matt Doran, the Channel 7 reporter, later said that he had received an email with a link to the album but that he had missed it while traveling. It would have been Australia’s sole interview with Adele before the “30” album was released, with Chanel 7 paying $725,000 to secure the rights.

Director Of UN Outlines Plans To Musk 

David Beasley, the director of the United Nations’ World Food Programme, has laid out a plan to spend $6.6 billion to combat world hunger. It was a direct response to Elon Musk’s challenge to the UN over a claim that giving $6 billion, or 2% of Musk’s net worth, could help solve world hunger.