Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
If you were you pleased to see Honda include an Si model in its all-new Civic lineup, but disappointed to notice the 200 hp 2022 car had dropped 5 hp since last year, here’s some great news. Honda tuner Hondata strapped one of the new Si models to its dyno and found it made 222 hp, which is more than advertised, and also more than Hondata recorded in the old car.
Polestar is ramping up the hype for next year’s 3 SUV with the release of a teaser image giving us our best look yet at the “premium electric performance SUV”. Toyota has also been playing the teaser game, though the sneak peek at the upcoming GR Corolla and clues to its powertrain spec were certainly cryptic by comparison.
Lexus has shown us a glimpse of the production version of the LZ-F Electric SUV concept it revealed earlier back in March. Though based on the same e-TNGA platform as the Toyota bZ4X and its Subaru Solterra twin, the RZ gets its own sheetmetal to help it stand out in the city. And to help you attract admiring glances in the dirt, Lexus has come up with the ROV Concept, an upscale take on the hugely popular side-by-side buggies from the likes of Polaris.
Ford has stopped taking orders for the Maverick Hybrid and won’t accept new ones until summer 2022, according to a new report. Though Ford hasn’t commented on the reason, it’s believed to be a combination of semiconductor supply problems and far greater demand for the 42 mpg Hybrid version versus the more expensive, thirstier straight ICE alternative.
Tesla’s Cybertruck might have been delayed to 2022, but the company did manage to deliver the $1,900 kids quad bike it designed to fit in the bed. Created for children aged eight and up, it can carry a 150 lb (68 kg) rider at up to 10 mph and has a 15-mile range. Don’t tell your kids, though: they’ll be expecting one for Christmas, but they’re all sold.
Remember back in the 1980s and 1990s when America got inferior versions of 911s and M3s? Those days are alive and kicking at Toyota dealers. The European version of the Corolla Cross has a better gauge setup and significantly bigger console touchscreen than the U.S. model, plus 28 extra horses.
Most people would be more than happy with the 405-hp turbo’d six in BMW’s M2, or perhaps might treat themselves to a few extra ponies courtesy of a remap. But Filippo Speed added 302 horses by swapping the BMW motor for a Hellcat V8.
What Else Is Making The News
Porsche Invests in German Startup Creating Carbon Neutral Homes
Porsche has taken a minority stake in 1Komma5, a five-month-old German startup aiming to offer households everything needed for a carbon neutral home, including energy storage, charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and solar, TechCrunch reports. The size of the investment has not been disclosed.
Spend Christmas At The “Home Alone” House Via Airbnb, But Watch Out For The Booby Traps
Home Alone is one of the most loved Christmas movies, and from December 7 you can make a booking to stay in the McCallister family home, but for one night only. According to The Washington Post guests staying at the house, either alone, or with family, will be treated to pizza, a microwaveable Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, and can even dress in the valvet robe worn by Kevin in the movie.
Keyword: 2023 Lexus RZ Electric SUV, Tesla Cyberquad, Honda Civic SI Makes More Power Than Advertised: Your Morning Brief