Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
Tesla Plant Faces Backlash Over Planned 15,000 Person Opening Party
Following protests at Tesla’s newly-opened Berlin Gigafactory, their Austin Plant faces objections before it even opens its doors. The controversy surrounds a party planned for the opening of the factory, with Tesla planning to host 15,000 invitees. “This grand opening is not a substitute for real community engagement,” said Paul DiFiore, a representative of the Colorado River Conservancy and the Austin-based environmental-justice group PODER.
Honda Previews New Electric SUV With e:Ny1 Prototype, Confirms America’s 2023 HR-V For Europe, and 2023 Honda HR-V For North America Will Debut On April 4
Honda has revealed that the next CR-V will be electrified and that there will be two new crossovers the brand is introducing to the European market: one hybrid and one EV. The electric crossover is believed to be based on a stretched Honda e platform and is called the e: Ny1 prototype. The design is strongly reminiscent of the already-in-production European HR-V. Speaking of the HR-V, the North American variant will make its debut on April 4, with the crossover featuring a different design from its European and Japanese (Vezel) cousins.
2022 Honda Civic e:HEV Hatch Debuts In Europe With 181-HP Hybrid Powertrain
In more Honda news, the 2022 Civic e:HEV hatch has been revealed with a 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) hybrid powertrain under the hood. The ICE component is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine coupled to two electric motors at the front. The Honda Civic e:HEV will be available in Europe starting from Autumn 2022. Prices will be announced closer to the market launch.
Dealer Markups Are Easier To Spot Thanks To A New Crowdsourced Website
A new crowdsourced website aims to combat the rising costs of the new car market, which has seen dealer markups soar, compounded by the chip shortage, the pandemic, and inflation. Markups.org allows buyers to search its crowdsourced database that covers the entire nation. You’re able to filter the state, vehicle, or markup amount. While not entirely foolproof, the site could serve as a great way to name and shame those dealerships with exorbitant fees.
2023 Ferrari Purosangue SUV Official Teaser Is Quite Revealing
Not long after a rather revealing leak, Ferrari has shown off an official teaser image of the all-new Purosangue SUV. The image of the front end pretty much confirms that the earlier leak was genuine and showcases the massive air intakes, tall design, increased ground clearance, and LED headlights. Production of the Purosangue will commence in 2022, closely followed by an online debut, while first deliveries are expected in 2023.
2023 Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series Is The Most Powerful Yet, But It’s Not Street Legal
Mercedes has revealed the fastest, most capable AMG GT model yet with the new Track Series. This track-only supercar has 734 hp and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque, meaning it has 14 hp and 37 lb-ft (50 Nm) more than the Black Series. Power is transmitted through a new Hewland HLS six-speed sequential racing transmission with an adjustable differential routing power through the rear wheels. These are along with a host of modifications throughout the car, and the Track Series will be limited to just 55 units.
Camaro Shape Shifts Into A Mustang When Driver’s Burnout Goes Wrong
We had to double-check the footage to make sure it wasn’t a Mustang, but one Camaro driver proved that you don’t have to be behind the wheel of a blue oval muscle car to get a burnout monumentally wrong. After doing two donuts on a public road, the driver of the Camaro floors it, and things get very wrong very quickly, crashing into a signpost.
What Else Is Making The News
Vin Diesel Says Fast And Furious 10 And 11 To Make Us Proud
In a lengthy post on social media, Vin Diesel tells us that he’s approaching the final of the Fast And Furious saga, which will be a two-part finale shot back to back. “I can’t believe that universal studios is committed to a two-part finale… their support and belief in this mythology surprises me and makes me smile. There are angels coming to this mythology that will make you all smile,” Said Diesel.
Aston Martin Unsure Of Driver Line-Up For Saudi Arabian GP
Sebastian Vettel is yet to return a negative Covid test for his flight to Jeddah, resulting in Aston Martin delaying the announcement of their driver line-up for this weekend’s Grand Prix. Nico Hulkenberg, the team’s reserve driver who substituted for Vettel last weekend, will fly to the track on standby.
Keyword: 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series, Ferrari Purosangue Teaser, And Honda’s Electrified Assault: Your Morning Brief