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

Ford Stops Making Cars In India Following $2 Billion In Losses Over Last Decade

Ford is ending car manufacturing in one of the world’s largest markets: India. The company had previously offered locally produced vehicles like the Figo, Aspire, Freestyle, EcoSport, and Endeavour, all designed with the Indian market in mind. But it seems that, over the past 10 years, Ford has accumulated more than $2 billion in losses due to its Indian manufacturing unit. Engine production at the Sanand manufacturing plant will continue for export, while the EcoSport will quietly bow out of the U.S.

2022 Nissan GT-R Unveiled In Japan, “T-spec” Edition Coming To US Priced At $138,490

The 2022 Nissan GT-R has been revealed and will be offered in Japan in two new limited editions: the GT-R Premium Edition T-spec and the GT-R Track Edition Engineered by Nismo T-spec. The T-Spec cars are limited to just 100 units with Japanese owners being selected by a lottery, while the U.S. will get the T-Spec in very limited numbers.

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Spied Looking Like An Electric Four-Door Coupe For The Masses

A four-door EV coupe is what we were promised, and if these spy shots of the upcoming Ioniq 6 are anything to go by, that’s exactly what we’ll be getting. The prototype looks to be largely toned-down from the Prophecy concept. But what we know is that it will be roughly the same size as the Sonata and serve as a replacement for the original Ioniq.

Facelifted 2022 Ford Fiesta Unveiled With New Digital Gauges And Smarter Looks

Ford’s 2022 Fiesta features a larger front grille, reshaped headlights, and minor changes to the taillight surrounds. Inside, there is a fully-configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that changes color and appearance according to the selected drive mode. In addition to the three- and five-door configurations there’s also a commercial van, while the much-loved ST returns with 197 hp (147 kW / 200 PS) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) on offer.

Tesla Wants To Use Lasers To Zap Dirt From Windshields

Tesla has a proposal on how to improve the humble windsheild wiper. The American EV-maker has been granted a patent for the system, which is designed to clean dirt from a windshield (and other similar surfaces) using lasers. The tech may prove to be especially useful when it comes to autonomous driving, which relies heavily on clear images from multiple cameras.

2022 Mercedes-AMG SL Strips Off Camouflage Before Imminent Debut

The latest set of spy pictures we’ve got our hands on give us our best look yet at the Mercedes-AMG SL’s design. With very little camouflage, the car features a shark-like front, gaping Panamericana grille, and a curvy rear end. The prototype also dons large diameter rims finished in black with yellow brake calipers. We will learn more about the new SL in the coming months as production is expected to start sometime in late 2021 or early 2022.

2022 Mazda CX-5 Revealed With Standard AWD And Refreshed Styling

Not long after it was leaked, the 2022 Mazda CX-5’s subtle refresh was officially announced. The updated SUV features a redesigned front bumper and grille, new LED headlights, and thinner LED taillights. There are new trim levels, dependent on where you live, and the interior also gets a few upgrades. Cabin changes include redesigned seats, a wireless phone charging tray, as well as a new off-road mode in the drive select options.

Driven: The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Mixes Crossover Comfort With Truck Capability

Is it a truck? Is it an SUV? Well, that’s what CarScoops’ Michael Gauthier set to find out when he got behind the wheel of the 2022 Santa Cruz. Hyundai themselves refer to the Santa Cruz as a “sport adventure vehicle” and a “lifestyle crossover with an open bed.” What Michael found is a stylish and practical alternative to the norm, although it might not be as capable as your traditional pick-up.

Watch What Happens When You Try To Drive A Tesla Model S Plaid Under 7 Feet Of Water

You might think water and EVs don’t mix — but in fact, it’s theoretically easier to drive an electric vehicle underwater than it is to drive an internal combustion vehicle. Well, that’s the theory. In practice, it’s not as simple, especially because of the mighty power of buoyancy.

What’s The Best Used Sports Car For Less Than $8,000?

Here’s a good one: what’s the best affordable (and by that we mean used and under $8,000) sports car you can buy? In contention are the obvious favorites like the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota MR-2. But could a BMW Z4, Mercedes SLK, or Porsche Boxster float your boat too?

What Else Is Making The News

iPhone 13 Revealed With Portrait Video And The Option Of 120Hz

The brand new iPhone range was unveiled this week, bringing incremental changes to the series of phones, including new colors and the Super Retina XDR display. There is also a new “portrait video” mode where users can use selective focus to blur out the background while filming and a 120Hz ProMotion display available on the Pro and Pro Max.

Lewis Hamilton Buys $300,000 Table At Met Gala For Young Black Designers

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTyUyYpM4tV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The Met Gala returned for 2021 and saw some of the world’s most famous faces attend the event at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday. Among the usual actors, models, and musicians was seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton. He’s reported to have spent $300,000 on a table, to which he invited four young black designers as his guests.