Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
We had a lot to digest from the multiple announcements from Stellantis’ EV Day. A lot was teased, but one thing we did get some concrete info on are the upcoming platforms that will underpin the future.
Bentley Mulliner Celebrates 1,000 Bespoke Creations With A Special Bentayga
It’s been seven years since Bentley’s in-house customization arm, Mulliner, was formed, and the team has since been able to produce 1,000 bespoke Bentleys. The 1,000th car was a special Bentayga with a unique eggplant over tan color scheme with black exterior accents.
QOTD: What Do You Want To See In Bugatti’s Future After Rimac Partnership?
After last week’s announcement that Buggati will join forces with Rimac, we ask you what you’d like to see blossom from the venture. An expanded line-up? A production version of the Galibier concept?
GM, Wuling Make Just $14 Profit Per Car On China’s Best-Selling EV
The Hong Guang MINI EV was China’s best-selling electric car last year, and it’s projected to achieve similar success in 2021. But according to one report, the little city EV may only net a profit of around $13.73 per car. There’s more to the story, though, as China has a scheme similar to the US’ carbon credits, making outright profit per unit not the only thing about this volume seller.
Manual Gearbox Ferraris Are Now Worth Up To Twice As Much As Paddleshift Cars
While it’s not too surprising that the manual version of a driver-oriented car like a Ferrari is priced higher on the second-hand market than its auto equivalent, a 100% difference is quite the kicker.
QOTD: How Slow Is Too Slow And What Kind Of Performance Is At Least Adequate?
We take a deep dive into the borderline-philosophical conundrum of what’s too fast and what’s too slow. Does it depend on where you live? What about your previous barometers of “speed?”
Despite multiple financial woes, SsangYong refuses to die, which is no bad thing if this funky J100 becomes a reality. Our illustration previews a very bold design of the midsized J100 crossover, which the Korean manufacturer says will spawn a pick-up truck variant.
Driven: 2021 Kia Sorento GT-Line Diesel Is Very Hard To Fault
Brad got his hand’s on an Australian-spec Kia Sorento and concludes that, in its 2.2-liter diesel spec form, that it’s a quiet, refined, and comfortable experience that can handle a bit of light off-roading.
See How The 2022 BMW 2-Series Coupe Stacks Up To Its Predecessor In A Visual Showdown
Last week we got to see official confirmation of what the 2022 BMW 2-Series Coupe will look like. And for the first time in a long time, this new BMW design might just look as good, if not better, than the car it replaces. Take a look at these comparisons to see what we mean.
Insane 1,050 HP Audi RS7 Sportback Can Hit 62 MPH In Just 2.4 Seconds
Who said that ICE acceleration is no match for electric power? Well, we suspect not many will argue it’s comparatively easier with an EV, as this 1,050 hp features more than a few mods to get there. Still, get there it does, with 2.4 seconds to 62 mph (100 km/h) and 62 mph to 124 mph (100 km/h – 200 km/h) dispatched in just 4.63 secs!
What Else Is Making The News
The Euros Didn’t Come Home
https://youtu.be/bvPNU1Wv7SU
Despite hoards of cheering England supporters at the Wembley Stadium, the UEFA Euro 2020 championship went to Rome instead of coming home. The score was 3-2 on penalties, crowning Italy the European victors.
Richard Branson Beats Bezos In Space Race
Richard Branson has successfully visited outer space. He did so aboard “SpaceShipTwo,” a plane developed by Bransons’ company Virgin Galactic, after two decades of development. His main competitor in the commercial spaceflight sector, Jeff Bezos, will attempt to do the same with his rival craft in just nine days.