Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
Tesla Stops Taking Cybertruck Orders From Europe And China, But Continues In North America
Despite suffering from significant delays, demand for Tesla’s new Cybertruck continues to increase — so much so that the EV pioneer will no longer be accepting orders from Europe or China. According to Electrek, in May 2021 the Cybertruck forum released a crowdsourced reservation tally that showed over one million reservations for the electric pickup, and at the time of writing, that number is reportedly close to 1.5 million, though this isn’t something that Tesla has confirmed.
2023 Nissan Z Starts At $39,990 In The U.S., Undercuts Supra 3.0 By $12,925
The 2023 Nissan Z will start at $39,990 in the United States, excluding a $1,025 destination and handling charge. For that, you’ll get the base Z Sport with either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Stretch to $49,990, and you’ll get the Z Performance, which gets a mechanical limited-slip differential, larger front and rear brakes, 19-inch Rays forged wheels, Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires, launch control, aluminum pedals, front and rear spoilers, and a rev-matching system for the manual gearbox. Finally, a limited number of 240 Z Proto Spec cars are on offer for $52,990, each sold with exclusive bronze-painted 19-inch Rays wheels, yellow brake calipers, a special Ikazuchi Yellow paint finish, and yellow accents throughout the interior.
2023 BMW XM Coming With 644 Hp Of Electrified V8 Power And A 50-Mile Range In Base Form
BMW has confirmed the output figures of its new upcoming XM, along with revealing a slew of new imagery of the performance flagship undergoing testing. The standard version of the XM will use a V8 coupled to an electric motor to output 644 hp (480 kW / 653 PS) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. A higher output variant will follow later, which will boast a whopping 738 hp (550 kW / 748 PS) and 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft), as seen in the Concept XM from last year. Although the battery details haven’t yet been specified, the plug-in hybrid drivetrain will allow a fully electric range of around 80 km (50 miles) in the WLTP cycle, and about 30 miles (48 km) in early EPA estimates.
See You Lada, Renault Sells Off Russian Assets As War In Ukraine Continues
Renault has decided to part ways with Russia, selling 100 percent of its stake in Renault Russia to the city of Moscow. The company is also selling its 67.69% stake in AvtoVAZ to NAMI (the Central Research and Development Automobile and Engine Institute). However, there’s a caveat that allows Renault to buy back the stake at “certain times during the next six years.” While it’s a setback for the company, the options were limited due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Google Updates Android Auto With New Look, Optimized For Information
Google is refreshing Android Auto, bringing with it an improved new look, more features, and making it easier to navigate. The new design takes on a split-screen approach, allowing you to use other features, such as changing songs, without worrying about missing an exit. The new system will be designed to fit more screen types, while Google Assistant will offer more contextual suggestions to respond to messages with just one touch. The updated version of Android Auto will be rolled out this summer.
2023 Toyota Camry Nightshade Edition Sports Bronze Wheels, Subtle Updates
The 2023 Toyota Camry receives some subtle updates as America’s best-selling mid-size sedan approaches a presumable retirement. The changes focus mainly on the revised Nightshade Edition, featuring 19-inch wheels with a matte Bronze finish. The sedan’s color palette has been updated too, with the new Reservoir Blue as well as Midnight Black and White. The 2023 Camry Nightshade Edition also features black-trimmed headlights and taillights.
Maserati Confirms It Will Reveal Open-Top MC20 “Cielo” On May 25
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Maserati has confirmed the unveiling of the new Cielo — an open-top version of the MC20 supercar. The new car will make its debut on May 25, with camouflaged prototypes already seen in official photos. Just like the coupe, the body of the MC20 Cielo will be made of carbon fiber, which should help keep it light, and we expect it to be powered by the same drivetrain, which is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 621 hp (463 kW / 630 PS) and 730 Nm (538 lb-ft) of torque.
What Else Is Making The News
Uber Launches Robot Food Delivery
Uber has launched two new robot food delivery services in California. One service will utilize autonomous vehicles, while another will use sidewalk robots. Both will be monitored by human operators, while Uber stated that it’d be some time until the system is scaled, reports Reuters.
McDonald’s Leaves Russia After 30 Years
After temporarily closing its 850 outlets in March, McDonald’s has announced it will be leaving Russia for good. The fast-food chain cited the humanitarian crisis and the unpredictable operating environment from the Ukraine War.