Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
President Biden Bans Russian Oil, Gas, Coal And Other Energy Imports To U.S.
President Joe Biden banned Russian petroleum products and natural gas yesterday, as it piles on the economic sanctions in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Biden admitted that there would be costs “as well here in the United States,” and we could start to see higher gas prices as time goes on, despite the White House approving an emergency sale of 30 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
Lamborghini And Ferrari Suspend Business With Russia, Make Humanitarian Donations To Ukraine
Ferrari and Lamborghini are the latest automakers to suspend business with Russia. Ferrari has committed to donating one million euros to support Ukrainians in need, while Lamborghini is also making a donation. They join Volkswagen, Porsche, Chevrolet, and Ford in exiting the country.
2022 Mazda CX-60 Debuts As Brand’s Most Powerful Production Car, Gets Straight-Six Engines And PHEV
The Mazda CX-60 has been officially revealed as the most powerful production car in Mazda’s history. Slightly bigger than the CX-50, the CX-60 sits on a new platform and brings the brand’s first six-cylinder engines. These include a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder e-Skyactiv X petrol and a 3.3-liter e-Skyactive D diesel inline-six, both coupled to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Buyers will also be able to opt for the 2.5-liter four-cylinder combined with an electric motor, which puts out 323 hp (241 kW) and 368 lb-ft (500 Nm, for a limited top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h) and a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 5.8 seconds.
Russia Threatens To Nationalize The Factories Of Foreign-Owned Companies That Pause Operations
While manufacturers continue to pull out or idle production in Russia in protest of the country’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, a senior member of Russia’s ruling party has proposed nationalizing the factories of companies that shut down operations. “We will take tough retaliatory measures, acting in accordance with the laws of war,” said Andrei Turchak, the secretary of the general council of Russia’s ruling party.
MINI Celebrates International Women’s Day With New Pat Moss Edition
MINI celebrated International Women’s Day with a new special edition based on the Cooper S and John Cooper Works (the latter being the only one offered to U.S. customers). The namesake model pays tribute to Pat Moss, who made motorsport history in 1962, scoring the first international rally victory for the British carmaker during the International Tulip Rally. Just 800 cars will be produced, with special touches such as tulip graphics on the side scuttles, hubcaps and C-pillars, and a graphic of Pat Moss’s signature, among others.
VW Virtus Facelift Debuts In India With Upmarket Styling, Two Engine Options
Volkswagen’s facelifted Virtus has been unveiled for the Indian market and will be offered in 25 countries worldwide. It shares a lot in common with the Skoda Slavia. The VW Virtus is available with two engine options – the Dynamic Line with a 1.0 TSI three-cylinder producing 113 hp (85 kW / 115 PS), and the GT-badged Performance Line with a 1.5 TSI EVO four-cylinder making 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS).
New Lotus Type 132 Electric SUV Uncovered Thanks To Design Patents
Here’s your first good look at the upcoming Lotus Type 132, courtesy of design patent drawings published by the intellectual property office. It shows off angular styling and a forward-leaning nose, with proportions unmistakably SUV-like.
What Else Is Making The News
McDonald Shuts Down All 850 Russian Stores
McDonald’s is temporarily shutting 850 outlets in Russia in response to the “unspeakable suffering to innocent people” in Ukraine, according to CEO Chris Kempczinski.
Obi-Wan Kenobi Returns
A Jedi Master returns to @EW. Check out this exclusive cover featuring Ewan McGregor as #ObiWanKenobi. The limited series starts streaming May 25 on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/6bMWv6ltCp
— Star Wars (@starwars) March 9, 2022
Ewen McGregor returns as Obi-Wan Kenobi on the cover of Entertainment Weekly. The cover spread is in anticipation of the new Kenobi Disney+ series set to air in May 2022.
Keyword: All-New 2022 Mazda CX-60, Mini Pat Moss Special Edition, And Russia’s Threats To Auto Companies: Your Morning Brief