Good morning and welcome to our weekly digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
Russia Bans Car Exports, Stellantis, And Hyundai Suspend Operations
Russia’s response to western embargoes and sanctions has been to restrict the export of some 200 items. The list includes telecommunications and medical equipment, vehicles, agricultural machinery, locomotives, and railway cars. Stellantis told CarScoops that it had stopped the import and export of cars from Russia, while Hyundai and Kia have also suspended manufacturing operations.
New VW ID. Buzz Unveiled As A Delicious Microbus EV In Both Passenger And Cargo Van Flavors
After years of development, rumors, and a few false starts, a near production-ready version of the ID. Buzz has been revealed. The carmaker unveiled the European-spec “near-production” concepts of the standard wheelbase and cargo ID. Buzz, which will go sale later this year. However. U.S. customers won’t get a look in at either model. North America will only get an extended wheelbase passenger version that’s set to debut in 2024.
2023 Acura Integra Detailed In Production Form, Marries 200 HP With Roughly $30,000 Starting Price
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The production version of the 2023 Acura Integra has finally been revealed. The model remains largely unchanged compared with the Integra Prototype shown last year, with the same striking exterior styling, but an interior that perhaps shares a little too much with the Honda Civic. The turbo 1.5-liter engine can be paired with either a manual or a CVT. Deliveries are slated to begin this spring, and pricing will start at around $30,000.
2022 Mazda CX-60 Debuts As Brand’s Most Powerful Production Car, Gets Straight-Six Engines And PHEV
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The CX-60 brings Mazda’s first production six-cylinder engines and is the most powerful production car made by the Japanese automaker. Slightly bigger than the CX-50, the CX-60 sports an all-new platform and is available with an e-Skyactiv X petrol and a 3.3-liter e-Skyactive D diesel inline-six, both coupled to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. There’s also a 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.
The mildly revamped S60 and V60 have been quietly introduced by Volvo for the 2023 model year. Visual changes are limited to the slightly revised bumper intakes finished in gloss black and the new rear apron with hidden exhaust pipes. We can also see a new wheel design with six spokes. There are new trim levels, too, while the interior sees the introduction of Volvo’s Android-based infotainment system.
2022 Renault Austral SUV Replaces Kadjar, Debuts New Esprit Alpine Trim Level
The new Renault Austral replaces the Kadjar and becomes the third model in Renault’s C-Segment arsenal, along with the Arkana and Megane E-Tech Hybrid. The Esprit Alpine trim level fails to bring any performance upgrades but does add some nice touches, such as Alcantara upholstery with blue stitching, a Nappa leather steering wheel, and aluminum pedals.
Get A Closer Look At Apocalypse’s Six-Wheeled Ford Bronco’ Dark Horse’
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The world’s first Bronco 6×6 is going for auction on April 9th at Barrett-Jackson. Created by Apocalypse Manufacturing, it features a tuned version of the twin-turbo V6 that makes 400 hp, 20-inch SJF wheels, 37-inch Patagonia tires, a 4-inch lift kit, steel side steps, and a steel front bumper that’s been coated in Kevlar.
Ford Bronco Somehow Survives Rollover While Rock-Crawling
@txbroncbuster When your off-road addiction ruins your wife’s day! #broncbuster #bronco #yougottabenuts #themaze #badday #brokenbronco ♬ original sound – BroncBuster
This was a lucky escape for one Bronco owner who managed to roll over while trying to go rock crawling. Not only did the driver avoid serious injury, but the damage to the vehicle also appears to be relatively light too. The engine reportedly cut out during the climb, prompting the driver to hit the brakes, but to no avail, as he gradually lost control.
What Else Is Making The News
Elon Musk And Grimes Have Second Child Together
This interview, where a reporter discovers Grimes and Elon Musk’s secret second baby because it’s crying upstairs, is one of the wildest things I’ve read https://t.co/te5K9e4aEU pic.twitter.com/vlKyU6KViP
— Greg Barradale (@GregBarradale) March 10, 2022
Exa Dark Sideræl Musk joins X Æ A-Xii as the latest member of the Musk family. Grimes and Musk’s second child, a daughter, is nicknamed “Y,” and was supposedly going to be a secret until a Vanity Fair reporter interviewing Grimes heard a baby crying.
Russia Makes Piracy Legal
Russia is reportedly easing its copyright laws to offset sanctions imposed by Western nations in response to its invasion of Ukraine – in doing so it’s effectively legalizing the piracy of games, movies, TV shows, and more. https://t.co/fgaqOIshQh pic.twitter.com/uUI5Ee4nS6
— IGN (@IGN) March 12, 2022
In another response against economic sanctions due to its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has decided to effectively make it legal for citizens to pirate entertainment such as video games and movies.
