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

New Car Sales Forecast To Plunge Over 20% Compared To Last May

New car sales are predicted to fall by 20.9 percent this month in comparison to the same time last year — that’s a staggering drop of $8.3 billion. The decrease in sales is not because of any reduction in demand; in fact, it’s sky-high. Rather, the inability of manufacturers to make cars fast enough due to supply chain issues has meant low stock and soaring prices.

2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo Spyder Gets Retractable Glass Roof That Changes From Clear To Fully Opaque

Say hello to the 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo Spyder that comes with a roof that can be retracted in just 12 seconds, as well as turned from clear to opaque at the tap of a button. The new drop-top Maserati adds 143 lbs (64 kg) to the MC20’s weight (now 3,395 lbs / 1,540 kg), but the engine specs remain the same as the fixed-head version, with 621 hp (630 PS) and 538 lb-ft (730 Nm) from the 3.0-liter bi-turbo V6.

2023 Honda CR-V For North America Teased Ahead Of Summer Debut

Having recently seen China’s version of the new CR-V from Honda, the latest teaser of the North American car makes it clear that the two will be identical — bar any trim differences. What that means is sharper headlights in the style of the HR-V, a larger grille, and tweaked taillights for a more mature look overall, just like with the latest Civic. Sales will begin in the Fall, shortly after a Summer reveal.

The ORA Ballet Cat Has A ‘Warm Man Mode’ For That Time Of The Month

While the rest of the world is trying to get rid of the shackles of sexism that looks down upon female drivers, it seems not everyone has got the memo. In fact, the ORA Ballet Cat may as well have been gunning for the title of “most sexist car ever made.” The “Warm Man Mode,” which is designed for women to use during menstruation, is problematic enough. It only gets worse with a dedicated make-up box, a selfie camera, and a “Lady Driving Mode” that uses adaptive cruise control, voice-controlled parking, and voice-controlled reversing, among other features, to make driving easier.

Other Stories

Hotter Lamborghini Urus Wants To Crash Ferrari Purosangue’s Party

329-HP Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years Edition Is Most Powerful Golf Yet

Rowing Your Own No More: Mercedes To Kill Manuals In Europe From 2023

Driven: 2022 Kia Sportage GT-Line 2.0 Diesel Will Knock Your Socks Off

Having spent two weeks and over 5,300 km (3,300 miles) behind the wheel of the 2022 Kia Sportage GT-Line 2.0 Diesel, we’ve come away fairly impressed. Granted, the looks aren’t for everyone, but the interior is a well-thought-out place to be. The Sportage can even be competent in performing some light off-roading duties. Read our full review for all the details!

ALPINA’s Facelifted 3-Series And BMW‘s 50 Jahre Edition M3 Sedan And M4 Coupe Specials

It’s been a busy past few days for fans of BMW. Just a week after the facelifted 3-Series range was announced, the latest editions of Alpina equivalents were revealed too. Meanwhile, the celebration of 50 years of M GmbH will see the return of some classic colors, thanks to the North American-exclusive 2023 BMW M3 Edition 50 Jahre BMW M. These include Cinnabar Red which was found on the E30 M3, Techno Violet from the E36 M3, and Deep Interlagos Blue from the E46 M3. The rest of the world will be treated to the BMW M4 50 Jahre Edition, which includes Carbon Black, Macao Blue, Brands Hatch Grey, Imola Red, and San Marino Blue. China gets two exclusive colors of their own for the M4, including Fire Orange and Stratus Grey, to celebrate the year of the Tiger.

Brake-Checking Florida Cop Almost Kills Motorcycle Rider In Florida

Brake checking is a phenomenon that is, and always will be, dangerous, stupid, and generally means you’re asking for trouble. It’s also probably the last thing you’d expect an officer of the law to do. And yet, that’s exactly what one cop did in an unmarked Florida Highway Patrol Dodge Charger. What’s worse is that the sudden stoppage was performed on a motorcycle, the rider of which could have been severely injured or killed. While the biker wasn’t without fault, did it justify the cop’s actions?

What Else Is Making The News

Australian Numberplate Sets New Sales Record 

The Australian number plate “VIC14” has sold for AU$2,384,025 (US$1,700,000 at current exchange rates) at an auction. Two-digit heritage plates are reported to be extremely rare, with this sale setting a new record for Victoria.

F1 Drivers’ Jewelry Rules Get Further Extension 

Drivers have been given a further extension on the FIA’s clampdown on jewelry being worn during races. In particular, this means that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has objected due to his piercings, will be allowed to race at the Monaco circuit this weekend.