Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
General Motors Sells Off Its Entire Stake In Lordstown Motors
It’s recently come to light that General Motors sold its entire stake in Lordstown Motors late last year. GM had initially bought 7.5 million shares in the company, which was around 5 percent. The news is another setback to the brand struggling to get production rolling at the Lordstown plant.
New Polestar O2 Concept Is A Sexy Convertible Evolution Of The Precept
The Polestar O2 concept is a stunning sports car GT version of its Taycan-challenger Precept concept. It features 2+2 seating and a retractable hardtop for a striking design that pushes the brand further away from its Volvo roots. For now, it’s just a concept, but would you like to see it in production?
Ferrari Purosangue SUV Resumes Testing In Full Disguise After Internet-Melting Factory Leak
Even though a pretty convincing factory leak told us much of what to expect from the upcoming Ferrari Purosangue, the Italian brand is still going to great lengths to disguise its SUV challenger. This week, our spy photographers spotted one particular prototype being put through its winter paces.
Ford Splits Up ICE And EV Divisions Into ‘Ford Blue’ And ‘Ford Model e’
Ford has announced that it’s splitting up its automotive business. The two companies will be named Ford Blue and Ford Model e, with the former taking care of ICE vehicles and the latter encompassing electric cars and digital connectivity. Ford Model e will take care of software engineering, design, and UX, as well as EV platforms and associated tech. Ford Blue will continue to take care of legacy ICE models such as the F-150 and Mustang, and will also develop brand and vehicle experiences.
How Ford Killed Tesla’s SEX Drive Taking The “Model e” Trademark
Ford’s Model e brand announcement may not have been possible had it not challenged Tesla’s attempt to introduce the Model 3 as the Model E. In fact, with a Model S and a Model X, Tesla wanted the Model E name for its own puntastic uses. But Ford stepped in to block it, saying it sounded too much like Ford’s historic Model T. A good job, as it’s given way to a brand new division for the blue oval.
Vinfast And Pininfarina VF 8 And VF 9 Electric SUVs Will Have Up To 402 HP, 300+ Mile Range
Vinfast’s e35 and e36 have been renamed the VF 8 and VF 9, two D- and E-segment EV SUVs designed by Pininfarina. US deliveries are set to begin later this year, shortly after they go on sale in Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The two-row VF 8 will cost €36,133 ($41,000) for the Eco model, and from €42,669 ($48,000) for the Plus version, while the bigger VF 9 stickers at €49,280 ($56,000) for the Eco and from €53,413 ($61,000) for the Plus before any available EV tax incentives are applied.
This Sweet Looking White Audi RS e-tron GT Is Ken Block’s Latest Ride
Ken Block is going full-on electric with his new friends at Audi. This white-out take on the Audi RS e-tron GT has been given a white wrap, mismatched wheels from Rotiform, and a few gloss black contrasting parts. Elsewhere, Block’s new ride features a roof carrier that he will use to hold snowboards and boots as he lives in the mountains of Utah.
What Else Is Making The News
F1 Cancels RussianGrand Prix
Formula One has terminated the contract it held with the Russian Grand Prix, meaning that the series won’t just skip this year, but will likely not return for some time.
Epic Games Acquires Bandcamp
Bandcamp is joining Epic Games! Read more here: https://t.co/dvLEhURZYG pic.twitter.com/4t1MRvugmG
— bandcamp (@Bandcamp) March 2, 2022
Epic Games, publisher of the popular title “Fortnite,” has announced it is acquiring independent music storefront Bandcamp. Epic Games acquired then shut down group video chat Houseparty, but Bandcamp co-founder and CEO Ethan Diamond stated that “The products and services you depend on aren’t going anywhere.”
Keyword: Polestar O2 Concept, Ford Splits ICE And EV Businesses, And Vinfast’s Electric SUVs: Your Morning Brief