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

Did Subaru’s Decision To Axe WRX STI Plans Have Anything To Do With Toyota’s GR Corolla?

Could the fact that Subaru has dropped plans to build a new STI have anything to do with the introduction of Toyota’s GR Corolla? With all-wheel drive, 300 hp, and a six-speed manual transmission, the GR Corolla seems to have all the ingredients we would have expected in a new Subaru WRX STI. And, considering the relationship the two brands have with each other, it wouldn’t be all too surprising if they didn’t want to cannibalize sales from each other, right?

2030 Tesla CyberTrail: We Envision An Electrified Jeep Wrangler Fighter

With the Cybertruck given a new release date of next year, we’ve started to imagine what an altogether different Tesla could end up looking like. Thanks to this independent illustration from CarScoops’ artist Josh Byrnes, we’ve come up with our own take on an EV Jeep Wrangler fighter. We’ve given it suitably chunky wheels and tires, a large 15” OLED infotainment screen, surround-view cameras, and dual motors. Could it have a place in a future Tesla lineup?

Mazda Boss Confirms Next-Gen MX-5, Says Will Continue With The Same Recipe

A fifth-generation Mazda MX-5 is guaranteed to appear in Mazda’s future lineup, despite its focus on expanding its SUV line. The news was confirmed by Joachim Kunz, head of product development and engineering at Mazda Europe. Speaking to Autocar about the future of the MX-5, the sports car was referred to as a “brand icon.” The presence of an ICE — albeit potentially with some hybrid tech — was also all but confirmed. Kunz also said that “having one generation for ten years is not a problem for us,” indicating that the next-gen car could debut in 2024.

Which Countries Pay The Most And Least Tax On Their Gas

With growing uncertainty in world markets and gas prices on the rise around the globe, cost-per-gallon has become a hot news topic for many countries. But it’s not just the increase in crude oil prices that is to blame for how much your visits to the pump cost: your government is taking a slice of the pie too. So, Do you know which country’s drivers have it easy and which are getting a raw deal? Click the link and find out more.

Split Headlight Design Trend: Audi And BMW Are The Latest Newcomers

Design trends are a fascinating way of seeing changes within the automotive industry and are one reason why we can quickly identify makes and models by generation. The latest trend we’ve picked up on? Split headlights, like the ones that Audi and BMW are planning on using in their future models. But they’re far from the first to employ this design technique. Cars such as the Pontiac Aztec, Fiat Multipla, and Nissan Juke (all of which coincidently were panned for their styling) seem to have predated this new trend by some decades.

LEGO Brought A Life-Size Version Of Their McLaren F1 Race Car Model To The Australian GP

Lego brought a life-sized replica of the McLaren F1 racecar to the Australian GP this weekend. Although there’s a subtle twist: this was a recreation of the purchasable McLaren Lego set released earlier this year, rather than being based solely on the actual car. Some of its standout features include moving pistons in the engine, a locking rear differential, and a fully detailed steering wheel that actually steers the car complete with knobs, buttons, paddles, and a screen.

QOTD: Which Car Has The Saddest Face Ever?

Emotions and car design aren’t as far apart as you may think. For years designers have been subtly including anthropomorphic elements into their creations, sometimes to convey a sense of purpose to a car. With this in mind, we ask you, our readers, what car has the saddest face ever?

What Else Is Making The News

Charles Leclerc Wins Down Under

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc obtained a so-called grand slam at the 2022 Australian Grand Prix, clinching pole, the win, and the fastest lap. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was forced to retire while in second position due to a suspected hydraulics leak. Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, inherited second, while Mercedes’ George Russell rounded out the podium.

Brie Larson To Join Fast And Furious Franchise

https://www.instagram.com/p/CcJ-Yw0rCqd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Brie Larson, perhaps best known for playing Captain Marvel in the MCU, is joining the Fast And Furious family. The news was revealed by Vin Diesel in an Instagram post of the two laughing. It’s unclear exactly what role Larson will play, but Diesel tells us that she will be “timeless and amazing.”