Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
Rivian To Install EV Charging Points In 56 State Parks Throughout Tennessee
Rivian is installing charge points throughout Tennessee. Although not fast, providing 11.5 kW an hour, they’re said to be useful for those looking to camp outdoors with their EV. The charging points will be open to all makes.
Tesla Model S Plaid Caught Testing On The ‘Ring With Two Different Steering Wheels
Not everyone is a fan of Tesla’s yoke steering wheel. Now, it seems even testers prefer a conventional steering wheel to the awkward K.I.T.T-alike unit. Our spies caught the Tesla Model S Plaid at the Nurburgring with what looks to be two different wheels, one yoke, and one standard.
Bentley Bentayga To Get The Largest Carbon Fiber Wheels Ever Offered On A Production Vehicle
In the quest to reduce all-crucial unsprung weight, Bentley has introduced the biggest-ever composite wheels to be offered on a production vehicle. Each carbon fiber wheel will save around 6kg, as well as being much stiffer than the aluminum alternative.
VW Planning Three Distinct Variants Of The ID.BUZZ Electric Van
There are few things that van-lovers have been waiting more patiently for than Volkswagen’s microbus resurrection. With the ID.BUZZ launch getting closer, it’s been reported that there will be three distinct variants of the EV. These will include six and four-seater ride-hailing versions, and a commercial edition.
This One-Off 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Was Modified By The Legendary George Barris
George Barris — the man behind the original Batmobile, updating Knight Rider’s K.I.T.T, and the Munster Koach — worked his magic on this 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. Christened, “The Red Demon”, it was the first Challenger to feature vertically-opening doors. Missed yesterday’s auction? Don’t worry, because the reserve wasn’t met.
New Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain Wagon Getting Ready For A 2022 Debut
Although an off-road version of the C-Class is certainly not as bonkers as a modern-day Safari 911, it still feels heartwarming that such a creation may exist in the world of the crossover SUV. The All-Terrain C-Class will feature a raised ride height, and plastic cladding.
Land Rover Reportedly Working On A Hotter Defender With 600+ HP
Not content with the Defender V8 introduced earlier this year, Land Rover is reported to be working on an even more mental version. It’s rumored that it’ll ditch the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 for a BMW-sourced twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 600hp (447 kW / 608 PS).
SsangYong Reveals Next-Gen SUV Design But Jeep Might Have Something To Say About It
Even receivership can’t stop the plucky SsangYong from teasing us with future model plans. Codenamed the X200, the sketches seem to share a design language of Jeep. This makes sense because SsangYong looked back to its original Korando SUV as the basis for its design, and of course, the Korando was based on the Jeep CJ.
Drone Target: Police Using UAVs To Catch Bad Drivers And Ticket Them In Poland
Polish police have started using drones in order to catch and fine drivers breaking the law. In the above video, you can see errant motorists who have crossed the unbroken center line get pulled up, completely unaware that big brother had been watching. I suppose we’ll add drones to the long list of things to worry about when behind the wheel.
What Else Is Making The News
Jeremy Clarkson Launches Farming Book
I’ve done a thing https://t.co/k73oA7bPZl
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) July 27, 2021
If You’ve watched Clarkson’s Farm, you’ll know it features no cows. However, the TV presenter-turned-farmer seems to be skilled at milking the show, as he’s published a book based around the antics depicted on Amazon Prime. Of course, if it’s anywhere near as enjoyable as the recently renewed program, it can only be a good thing.
Lewis Hamilton Pledges £20m To Foundation
Seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton has pledged £20 million ($27.5 mn) to his new foundation, ‘Mission 44.’ The aim is to narrow the gap in employment and education systems and will strive to increase representation from diverse backgrounds in studying STEM and engineering subjects, reports Sky Sports.