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

Tesla Profits Soar To Record $3.3 Billion In Q1 Thanks To Higher Prices And Strong Demand

Tesla has posted a record profit of $3.3 billion in Q1 2022, which is a sizeable $1 billion more than what the company achieved at the same time last year. The company has seen steep increases in the price of many of its vehicles over the past few years, with the Model 3 now priced 34 percent higher than it was three years ago. 

2023 BMW 7-Series Gets Model’s First EV Variant And 31-Inch Widescreen TV For Rear Passengers

BMW has pulled the wraps off the brand-new 2023 7-Series. Sharing the rather polarizing face with the recently revealed X7, the latest flagship sedan range also includes the i7 as the first-ever fully-electric 7er to come from the brand. Unlike the EQS and S-Class, the i7 remains integrated into the 7-Series lineup. The ICE options at launch will consist of an inline-six and a V8, both assisted by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. BMW will soon introduce two more performance-oriented models, including one plug-in hybrid, and a higher-performance electric version.

2023 Ferrari 296 GTS Hybrid Is An 819-HP Tanning Machine

Say hello to a new drop-top addition to the Ferrari 296 range. The 2023 296 GTS Hybrid features a retractable hardtop that can be opened in 14 seconds and up to speeds of 28 mph (45 km/h). The headline specs are carried over from the fixed-roof GTB, including a V6 engine that can generate 654 hp (663 PS) combined with 165 hp of electric power for a total output of 819 hp (830 PS). Both the GTB and GTS share the same 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 2.9 seconds, but the roadster’s 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h) time is 0.3 seconds slower.

Lexus RZ 450e Debuts As A Posher Toyota bZ4X With 309 HP And 0-62 In 5.6sec

Lexus’ first take on the electric e-TNGA platform is a sibling to the Toyota bZ4x and Subaru Solterra, but aims to differentiate itself in a number of ways. It comes with a different body, a more powerful drivetrain, and premium features. The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e features dual electric motors and all-wheel drive as standard. Together, the motors produce a combined 309 hp (230 kW / 313 PS) and 435 Nm (321 lb-ft) of torque – a significant boost over the 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 309 Nm (228 lb-ft) of the dual-motor Toyota and Subaru electric crossovers. The RZ has an estimated WLTP range of over 400 km (249 miles), which is down on the confirmed 470 km (292 miles) WLTP range of the EU-spec Toyota bZ4x. Inside, there’s an optional yoke-style steering wheel and the premium materials you’d learn to expect from a Lexus.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Looks Like The New All-Electric Luxury King Of Its Class

Not to be confused with the similarly-named EQS Sedan, the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV looks like it could be top of its class. Despite having somewhat drab styling, the EQS SUV gets all the tech of its sedan counterpart, including options such as the MBUX Hyperscreen, rear-seat entertainment, and advanced AI. The driving range is down on the EQS Sedan, with the SUV managing 373 miles (600 km) on the WLTP scale vs 479 miles (770 km) of the sedan.

New Lincoln Star SUV Concept Is The Brand’s Guiding Light Into The Future Of EVs

With the brand enjoying a purple patch of global sales, Lincoln is leveraging its success to plan for a future with half of its volume being from EVs. Although the new Star SUV concept hasn’t been announced as a product itself, it previews the brand’s EV trajectory. Some of the highlights include a “coast to coast” screen for the interior, a beverage chiller in the back seats, and a “lounge mode” which transforms the rear hatch into outdoor seating.

Audi Urbansphere Concept Is An Electric Minivan That’s Longer Than A Cadillac Escalade

The Urbansphere is the third and final vehicle to be introduced from the brand’s “Sphere” range, which has seen the Skysphere roadster and the Grandsphere luxury sedan. The Urbansphere is essentially a luxurious take on an electric minivan and has been designed with the Chinese market in mind. Audi describes the concept as “a lounge on wheels and a mobile office, serving as a third living space during the time spent in traffic” while bragging that it has the most interior space of any of its models, helped both by its shape and the packaging of the EV platform.

2025 Audi Q5: Design, Engines And Everything Else We Know About The Last ICE Version

There’s a new Audi Q5 on the horizon, with the third-generation SUV likely to be introduced in 2024 as a 2025MY. It’ll be the last Q5 to sport internal combustion engines but will feature a range of hybrid options, including mild and plug-in versions. The independent illustration by CarScoops’ artist Josh Byrnes shows what we expect from Audi’s volume seller, based on what we’ve already seen from spy shots.

Watch Cop Dodge Bullets And PIT Maneuver A New Jeep Grand Wagoneer

An Oklahoma State Trooper displayed exemplary car control and calmness while engaged in a high-speed pursuit of a suspected armed robber in a Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Despite coming under fire from the driver of the Jeep, officer Miller continued to engage in the pursuit, eventually using his much smaller Dodge Charger to complete a PIT maneuver.

What Else Is Making The News

Netflix Loses $50 Billion Value

Netflix shares have dipped by 35 percent as the company announced that it lost subscribers for the first time in a decade. Subscriptions fell by over 200,000 in the first four months of 2022, while the company also struggled with raising prices and leaving Russia. According to the BBC, one of America’s best known investors, William Ackman, ditched his $1.1bn investment in Netflix on Wednesday, taking a loss of more than $400m.

Lewis Hamilton Confirms Interest In Chelsea Bid

Lewis Hamilton has confirmed his interest in buying Chelsea FC. In an interview during the press sessions at the Imola Grand Prix, Hamilton recalled how his sister made him an Arsenal fan, but that his uncle was a big fan of the blues. He described himself as a sporting fan, confirming his interest in the consortium that’s bidding for control of the club.