Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
Mercedes Eliminates Most V8 Models In The U.S. Over Supply Issues
The 2022 model year will see the demise of Mercedes’ V8 engines in the U.S., as nearly all have been confirmed to leave the stateside line-up. The only survivors will be the S 580 and S 580 Maybach. The German manufacturer blames supply issues but didn’t elaborate much more. It means the departure of many loved models, including versions of the C, E, GLC-, GLE, GLS, and G-Class, hopefully only temporarily.
U.S. Safety Regulators Open Formal Investigation Into Tesla Autopilot After Crashes
Tesla is being investigated after a spate of collisions involving their cars and emergency vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration claims it identified 11 crashes involving Tesla cars and emergency vehicles. The first responder vehicles had been parked at existing incidents, while the crashes occurred while Tesla’s Autopilot system was active. According to the NHTSA, those 11 crashes have resulted in 17 injuries and one death since January 2018.
Gunther Werks 993 Speedster Remastered Makes Public Debut In Monterey
Just 25 examples of the Gunther Werks 993 Speedster Remastered will be built, the car being officially introduced at Monterey Car Week. Considerable effort has been put into stiffening the chassis for this chopped-roof custom, while it also features a carbon fiber top, tonneau cover, and an integrated roll cage and roll bar system. It’s powered by a 4.0-liter flat-six that has been tuned to produce slightly more than 435 hp and 335 lb-ft (454 Nm).
Ford Asks Court To Dismiss GM’s Lawsuit Regarding BlueCruise
GM, last month, filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Ford claiming that the name of the BlueCruise feature is too similar to GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology. Now Ford has asked the U.S. District Court in San Francisco to dismiss the lawsuit. Ford argues that consumers are familiar with the term “cruise” and said the lawsuit is “meritless and frivolous.” For has also asked the U.S. Patent Office to rescind GM’s trademarks on the terms “Cruise” and “Super Cruise.”
Boxy Mercedes EQG Electric G-Class Debuting As A Concept At September’s Munich Auto Show
The EQG, aka an Electric G-Class, is coming to September’s Munich Auto Show. The electrified SUV will preview a production model that’s expected to debut in 2024. The battery and motor technology will come from the EQS sedan, which potentially means up to 107.8 kWh of juice, sending 516 hp and 631 lbs-ft to all four wheels in top-spec guise.
Range Rover Sport SVR Spied With Huge Brakes And Quad Exhaust Pipes
We’ve already glimpsed the next-generation Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, but now our spy lenses have managed to capture the more potent SVR performance variant of the RR Sport. It features larger diameter wheels that are needed to clear massive brake discs, four exhaust pipes, larger intakes, a bigger rear spoiler, and SVR badging. According to the latest rumors, the Range Rover Sport SVR will use a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine sourced from BMW, that will produce close to 600 hp.
2022 Nissan Note Aura Nismo Has Bold Looks And Real Downforce
Taking inspiration from Nissan’s Formula E race car, the new Nissan Note Aura Nismo features a new front end, 17-inch aluminum wheels, red mirror caps, red side skirts, and an aggressive rear fascia that includes a distinctive bumper and diffuser package. The cabin gets bucket seats with fancy covers and Nismo embroidery. There are also new drive modes to enhance the experience. However, there are no specific performance enhancements, as it uses the same 134 hp e-Power system as the regular model, combining a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine acting as a generator to a pair of electric motors to drive the wheels.
Tesla Model X Driver Hits Double-Decker Bus With Open Falcon Wing Door
Perhaps one of the most distinctive features of the Tesla Model X are those gorgeous falcon doors. What this technically allows you to do is drive around with them open — although as this video proves, perhaps you’d want to think twice before flaunting that particular ability.
What Else Is Making The News
Hydrogen Power Could Lead To More Jobs Says UK Govt.
The UK is set to unveil a strategy that will kick start their hydrogen industry, reports the BBC. The plans will focus on using hydrogen to both power transport, as well as heating homes. The proposal will include subsidies, as well as promoting hydrogen production.
Chinese Electric Scooter Maker Predicts Strong Sales After Slump
Niu, a U.S.-listed scooter company based in China, predicts that demand for its EV scooters will further pick up as it turns profitable post a pandemic-induced slump. As reported by CNBC, Niu’s second-quarter revenue rose by 46.5% compared to 2020. Although foreign sales are being hurt by the rise in global shipping prices, sales were also up by 34.8%.
