Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
Chevy Dealer Reportedly Asks A Giant $100,000 Markup On 2023 Corvette Z06
Markups are a common point of discussion on the interwebs, with dealers keen to cash in on scarcity that has seemingly become a part of the “new normal.” For one dealer, that means tacking on a $100,000 premium over MSRP for a Chevrolet Corvette. In January, General Motors North American President Steve Carlisle said that they would be forced to take action on unethical sales practices and brokering activities. Having reached out to GM, the reply we got was considerably murkier.
2023 Rolls-Royce Phantom Updated With Illuminated Grille And New Options
The 2023 Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II brings a host of subtle updates to the range, although at first glance you may be hard-pressed to spot them. It’s an intentional move, as Rolls-Royce wanted to preserve the look of the Phantom but have added a few flourishes, such as the illuminated front grille and updated headlights with laser-cut bezel starlights. There are two new wheel designs, with the coolest being the new disc design, inspired by cars of the ’20s.
2023 Subaru Legacy Slaps Some Lipstick On, Sport Trim Gains 2.4L Turbo
Subaru has released an updated Legacy sedan with a bolder new look. By bold, they may mean ugly because the new look isn’t doing it for us. There’s a large front grille, new LED headlights, and a wide central intake with plastic fog light surrounding either side. Customers who want to stand out can opt for the revised Sport trim with a red grille accent and magnetite gray metallic flourishes on the side mirrors and rear spoiler. The model also comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels that feature a gray finish. Other updates include additional safety equipment such as Reverse Automatic Braking and a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, as well as wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay
VW Coming After Ford’s Bronco And Rivian With Scout Revival Electric SUV And Truck In 2026
Volkswagen is resurrecting the Scout brand as an alternative to the electric pickups and SUVs from Tesla, Rivian, Ford, Jeep, and General Motors. The first concepts for the brand have been teased with the above sketches and preview models that will go into production in 2026. The two EVs won’t just be focused on the U.S. market; they’ll be built stateside too.
McLaren Honors The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee With A Special Paint On An Elizabeth II-Branded Artura
McLaren Automotive is celebrating its British heritage by offering a new paint code celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign. The special color was developed by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), and was shown off on an Artura featuring a one-off color-matching “Elizabeth II” platinum badge on the hood. While the specific Artura won’t be for sale, customers will be able to spec their car in the new shade “for years to come.”
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Comes To America, Will Go On Sale Later This Year
Mitsubishi will honor the Saint Paul area in Minnesota for being the top-selling Outlander PHEV market by unveiling the new model at the Twin Cities Auto Show later this week. The 2023 Outlander PHEV is billed as the company’s new flagship as the crossover will become the “most advanced and best-equipped vehicle we have ever sold.” The specs are still being kept under wraps, but we know that the crossover will have a larger battery pack and a new twin-motor 4WD PHEV system with more powerful front and rear electric motors.
What Else Is Making The News
Sebastian Vettel Appears On BBC Panel Show
“You've talked a lot about energy…does that make you a hypocrite?”
“When I get out of the car, of course I’m thinking, is this something that we should do?”
On #bbcqt tonight, F1 driver Sebastian Vettel and the panel discuss the energy crisis.
Join us at 10.40pm on @BBCOne. pic.twitter.com/LVMMs4CuvY
— BBC Question Time (@bbcquestiontime) May 12, 2022
Sebastian Vettel made an appearance on the BBC’s Question Time panel show alongside politicians, a comedian, and an economist. While the appearance may have surprised some, judging by the response on social media, Vettel’s approach to the questions posed was praised by many.
UK’S Royal Mail Wants To Start Drone Deliveries
UK's Royal Mail aims to open up to 50 drone routes for rural deliveries https://t.co/s0yP5LFt1a pic.twitter.com/6wY5ugN7sJ
— Engadget (@engadget) May 12, 2022
The UK’s Royal Mail is planning to create 50 drone routes to help serve remote communities. The plans consist of using 200 twin-engined drones that can carry a payload of up to 100 kg of mail and take two return flights each day. Test flights started earlier this year, although the plan requires approval from the Civil Aviation Authority first.