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

NHTSA Asks Tesla Why It Has Not Issued Recall On Autopilot

The NHTSA believes that Tesla should have recalled its cars equipped with autopilot. Tesla issued an over-the-air update designed to help vehicles detect flashing emergency vehicle lights, but the agency, in a letter sent to the EV manufacturer, asked why it has not issued a recall in accordance with the law.

2022 Lexus LX 600 Is America’s Posh Land Cruiser With A Twin-Turbo V6 And New Four-Seat Ultra Lux Trim

America’s upmarket take on the Toyota Land Cruiser is here, and it looks just as “bells ‘n’ whistles” as you’d imagine. The 2022 LX 600 is billed as the brand’s “ultimate sport-utility flagship,” with an imposing (see also: giant) front grille and a seemingly expansive array of infotainment screens. There will also be new Ultra Luxury and F Sport trims joining the Standard, Premium, and Luxury lines.

Honda Introduces Five New EVs For China, First Two Arrive Next Year

Honda’s new e: N Series will consist of five new EVs destined for China, with the first two going on sale this spring. The two models to arrive are known as the e:NS1 and e:NP1, and appear to be based on the new HR-V. Both are crossovers with a similar design that incorporates a fully enclosed grille, slender headlights, and a minimalist interior. The e:N Coupe, e:N GT, and e:N SUV concepts preview upcoming production models, which should arrive in the next five years.

NASCAR Could Transition To Hybrid Powertrains In 2024

NASCAR could embrace electrification as soon as 2024, with NASCAR President, Steve Phelps, saying that from 2024, the series will have “some type of hybrid engine system with an electrification component.” It remains unclear what kind of system could be used and raises the question of whether the series would transition to racing on more road courses and fewer ovals, as areas of heavy braking will be needed to recharge batteries.

2022 Ford Focus Gets Huge Screen, 7-Speed DCT For Mild Hybrids; ST Gains £3600, Loses Recaros

The Focus continues to soldier on, despite these crossover-crazy times. And to help keep it relevant, Ford has introduced a mid-cycle refresh to the range, with minor changes to the outwards appearance but substantial tweaks to boost safety, economy, and showroom appeal. But sadly, the Focus ST loses the old car’s Recaros but costs £3630 more, with no changes underhood.

First Look Inside The 2022 Honda Civic Type R

We’ve finally got our first glimpse at the upcoming Honda Civic Type R’s interior. It mainly carries over from the regular hatch but introduces the classic red sport seats, Type R motifs, a six-speed manual with a metal knob, red seatbelts, and red contrast stitching on the center console.

What Else Is Making The News

Captain Kirk Returns From Space

An emotional William Shatner said, “I hope I never recover from this,” just after experiencing space travel. He took the Blue Origin space flight with Jeff Bezos and emphasized what a profound and overwhelming experience the flight had on him when he finally reached space.

Police Reassure Motorists That Sign Isn’t Directing Them To Squid Game

The UK Police have jokingly reassured motorists that a diversion sign does not direct anyone to Netflix’s Squid Game. The symbols used in the sign resemble those use in the Korean drama, which has become the most popular show on the streaming service, being watched by 111 million users in its first 28 days.