Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
Tesla Driver Who Caused Eight-Car Pileup Blames Full Self-Driving Mode Malfunction
A thanksgiving pileup on the San Fransisco Bay bridge that involved eight cars was triggered by the owner of a Tesla, who allegedly claims that the vehicle was in Full Self Driving mode at the time. According to the police report, the Model S was cruising at 55 mph (89 km/h) when it suddenly slowed down to 20 mph (32 km/h) while performing a lane change. The sudden slow-down is what caused the crash, with nine people injured.
The New Aehra Electric SUV Has A Massive Extendable Screen
We’ve now been treated to images of the new Aehra Electric SUV’s cabin. The Aehra is an unconventionally shaped vehicle with front scissor doors and rear gullwing doors. The interior showcases the massive infotainment screen, which can extend upwards when parked. Also found inside is a yoke-shaped steering wheel, while the only physical buttons are the gearbox selector on the floating center tunnel and the knobs on the multifunction steering wheel.
Lexus Makes The Old RC And RC F Feel A Touch More Modern In Japan For 2023
Lexus has updated the Japanese market RC and RC F for the 2023 model year, focusing on improving handling and subtly making the package more modern. The updates begin with new hub bolts for the wheels, and alterations to the characteristics of the AVS and EPS systems to further improve steering stability and ride comfort. A new set of Enkei wheels are available for the RC, while the RC F gets new BBS forged rims. Inside there’s now an electronic parking brake for the RC F, while both cars gain a new infotainment screen and improved active safety systems.
DeLorean Motor Sues NBC Over ‘Back To The Future’ Royalties
The DeLorean Motor Co. (DMC) claims that it is owed money for NBCUniversal’s use of the car in toys and other products and is suing the entertainment company. According to DMC, NBCUniversal has delayed, deflected, and refused requests for accounting on money owed. It’s a messy situation, as DMC is not associated with John Z. DeLorean nor his estate, but it says it acquired the intellectual property and trademarks of the original company in 1997.
Subaru Forester XT-Edition Debuts In Japan Celebrating 50 Years Of AWD
Subarus and all-wheel drive go together like PB and J, so no wonder they’ve been a thing for the past 50 years. To commemorate the occasion, Subaru is offering the Forester XT-Edition in Japan. It features the option of the Geyser Blue exterior shade — a first in Japan but borrowed from the North American model — black body accents, water-repellent fabric / synthetic leather upholstery for the seats, LED lights in the interior, and, oddly, no infotainment system.
The Problem-Plagued McLaren Artura Already Needs Repairs In The U.S.
After numerous delays and needing to sell $123 million worth of its car collection to fix technical issues for the Artura, McLaren has already issued the first recall for the hybrid supercar. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall notice has revealed that 164 McLaren Artura models were produced with a defect related to the fuel delivery system. To fix the issue, McLaren will now install new high-pressure fuel pipes with 16.5 mm fully machined nuts with cut threads.
What Else Is Making The News
Meta Settles Largest US Data Privacy Class Action For $725 Million
Meta has settled the data breach that involved Cambridge Analytica for $725 million. Meta does not admit wrongdoing but says that it has revamped its approach to privacy in the three years since. According to BBC News, the payout is 1/10th of what the company spent on creating the Metaverse last year.
FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Released On $250 Million Bail
Former FTX Sam Bankman-Fried has been released to his parents by a US Judge on a bail of $250 million. During the hearing, the 30-year-old former billionaire did not admit or deny guilt. Federal prosecutors in New York have described the alleged financial fraud as one of the biggest in US history.