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

Feds Open Investigation Into Ford Bronco 2.7L V6 Over Catastrophic Engine Failures

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into Ford Broncos equipped with the 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost engine. The move comes after many owners complained of catastrophic failure due to a faulty valve. Of particular concern are reports of engines losing power while the vehicles are in motion, which could put the occupants at risk, especially at highway speeds.

Ford CEO Wants To Sell EVs Online-Only With Non-Negotiable Prices, Rethink Advertising

In news that’s sure to send shockwaves across the auto dealer industry, Ford CEO Jim Farley says the company’s electric vehicles should be sold 100 percent online, with a non-negotiated price. Farley praised Tesla for their sales approach and stated his opposition to big-bucks ad campaigns. “If you ever see Ford Motor Co. doing a Super Bowl ad on our electric vehicles, sell the stock,” said Farley.

Polestar 2 ‘Beast’ Edition 270 Goes From Concept To 470 HP Limited Special Priced At $75,500

The high-performance Polestar 2 concept that was shown at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed is making the transition to a production model. Yes, so positive was the response to the concept that the Polestar 2 BST Edition 270 was born. Limited to 270 units, the 2’s dual electric motors have been tuned to produce a combined 470 HP (350 kW / 476 PS) and 680 Nm (501.5 lb-ft) of torque — that’s a marked increase over the 402 HP (300 kW / 408 PS) of the Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor.

Turn Any Body Panel Into A Light Show That’s Hidden When Off With Magna’s Breakthrough Lighting

A new lighting technology from automotive parts supplier Magna could revolutionize car design forever. Dubbed “Breakthrough Lighting,” the new tech can be used to turn any vehicle’s body panel into a lighting element. Breakthrough Lighting is hidden in the material until lit, making it look like a regular body panel. That makes it easier (and potentially cheaper) to incorporate lighting into a vehicle’s design.

EU-Spec 2023 Toyota Corolla Gains Improved Hybrid System And Mild Tech Upgrades

The EU-spec Toyota Corolla has received a mild facelift and brings with it the brand’s new fifth-generation hybrid system, as well as tech improvements within the cabin. There’s an improvement in power for both the 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter cars while the hybrid control unit has been recalibrated for more natural and linear acceleration. There are a few tweaks to the exterior, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard from the mid-level trims.

2022 Jeep Wrangler 4-Door Tips Over Yet Again In IIHS Crash Test

It’s not great news for fans of Jeeps and Safety, as the latest 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4-Door has once again rolled onto its side in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash testing. It’s despite modifications made by Stellantis to specifically address this problem, which occurs during the safety organization’s driver-side small overlap protection crash test.

McLaren Goes Airborne After Crashing Lamborghini Aventador SV, Then Hits BMW i8 At Atlanta’s Gumball 3000

https://youtu.be/mhgYAKqx0LM

As an event, the Gumball 3000 has never really been known as a spectacle of safe and sensible driving practices. That’s been reinforced by the latest accident caught on camera, involving a McLaren 570S and a Lamborghini Aventador SV. The Lamborghini also speared into a BMW i8. The collision occurred in Atlantic Station, Georgia, just outside Atlanta, but thankfully no injuries were reported.

What Else Is Making The News

Consumer Groups Call Out Developers For Exploiting Children In Gaming 

Consumer groups have backed a report that concludes that gaming loot boxes are exploitive and claim that gamers are manipulated into purchasing these chests. Loot boxes have been compared to gambling, as players cannot see the contents until they’ve been paid for.

Cruise Given Green Light To Charge Passengers 

General Motors’ autonomous vehicle unit has been given the green light to charge riders for rides in its San Francisco driverless robotaxi service. The autonomous Chevrolet Bolts had been free to ride in since February.