Good morning and welcome to our daily 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 started the new year with a bang, posting a record profit of $3.3 billion in Q1 2022. It’s $1 billion more than what the company achieved at the same time last year. The increase in profits is partly down to the rise in pricing for the company’s vehicles, with the Model 3’s prices starting 34 percent higher than three years ago. Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, had stated that rising costs and soaring demand prompted the price increases. 

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

The latest in the line of BMW‘s flagship sedans has been revealed, and in addition to the rather polarizing design, it’s the first time the 7-Series gets a fully-electric version in the form of the i7. ICE options 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, too. These are slated for a 2023 introduction, with the M760e combining a 3.0-liter inline-six with a plug-in hybrid system for a total of 563 hp (571 PS) and 591 lb-ft (800 Nm). This will be joined by an i7 M70 xDrive, which will push out over 597 hp (600 PS) and 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm).

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 Announces All The Changes Coming To Its Lineup For 2023

Audi has announced plans for a wave of changes that encompass just about every model in the brand’s lineup. Many models, such as the A3, A4, A5, and Q3 will get LED headlights as standard for 2023. The Audi Q5 and SQ5 get adaptive cruise control as standard, with Premium Plus trim adding a B&O sound system, and the Q5 55 getting unique OLED taillights. The Q7 and Q8 feature revised four-cylinder engines with more power in their 45 TFSI guise, and the Q8 gets Matrix-design LED headlights as standard too. The full list of changes can be viewed from the link above.

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.

Mercedes-AMG A35 And CLA 35 Celebrate AMG’s 55th Anniversary With New Special Edition

To celebrate the 55th year of AMG, Mercedes has introduced the Edition 55 versions of the A 35 and CLA 35. These feature the AMG Aerodynamics Package, AMG Night and Night II Packages, a choice of two colors (Cosmos Black metallic or Digital White metallic), 19-inch alloy wheels with a matte finish and contrasting “high-sheen rim flange,” and an upgraded interior. The A35 and CLA 35 Edition 55 models join the G 63 Edition 55 that was launched last month.

What It Took To Salvage That Drowned Ford Bronco In Maine From The Guy Who Saved It

You may have already read about the now infamous Ford Bronco that was seemingly claimed by the sea, but the rescue effort that got it back on dry land is an equally interesting story. The recovery took over two days, with the help of airbags, two boats, and a flatbed truck. We wonder what’s next for the downed Bronco.

What Else Is Making The News

Inventor Turns Imaginary Friend Into An AI Microwave, WhIch Then Tries To Kill Him 

An inventor who tried to bring a childhood imaginary friend to life has detailed how the artificial intelligence tried to kill him. Lucas Rizzotto used OpenAI’s GPT-3 and an Amazon microwave to bring his creation to life, giving the deep learning program a near-100 page backstory. The AI then proceeded to ask Rizzotto to climb into the microwave, before switching itself on, as revenge for abandoning it.

Carlos Sainz Extends Contract With Ferrari

Carlos Sainz has signed a contract extension with Ferrari until the end of 2024. The extension means that the Spaniard’s contract is as long as that of current championship leader and teammate Charles Leclerc.