Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
The NHTSA Wants Automakers To Record More Data From Your Car’s Black Box In The Event Of A Crash
NHTSA wants more data from your car crashes, as the organization strives to know more about how advanced driver assistance technology is involved. Since 2006, NHTSA has required that automaker-installed EDRs record a number of key data points both before and during a crash, recording five seconds of pre-crash data. The proposal will increase that to 20 seconds of pre-crash recording at a higher frequency.
It’s bad news for over 5,300 owners of brand new Subaru Solterras and Toyota bZ4Xs, as a recall over a risk of one or more wheels coming loose and falling off. At the heart of the issue seems to be a hub bolt that can loosen, and the issue can be exasperated by sharp turns and sudden braking. It goes without saying that the vehicles affected should be parked up until fixed.
UK’s Viritech Apricale Is A 1,073 Hp Hydrogen Hypercar Designed By Pininfarina
The Viritech Apricale has been created by the UK-based firm as a 1,073 kg hypercar with a 1,073hp hydrogen powertrain. The Pininfarina-designed body is made up of lightweight composites, while the hydrogen tanks are incorporated into the carbon-fiber monocoque chassis. The Viritech Apricale will be produced in a limited number of 25 units with the help of Pininfarina. Autocar reports that the model will be priced close to £1.5 million ($1.8 million) before taxes.
2023 Toyota RAV4 Gains New Digital Instrument Cluster And Larger Infotainment Touchscreen In Europe
The Toyota RAV4 is getting an update for the 2023 model year, with the SUV gaining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a slightly updated Toyota Safety Sense suite. Toyota is also offering a four-year over-the-air “Smart Service” package bringing extra connectivity and remote functions (lock, unlock, climate control, windows, lights, etc.) using the MyT application.
The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX has beaten its own range record. In April it achieved a 626-mile (1,008 km) road trip on a single charge. Going one better, Mercedes drove the Vision EQXX from Stuttgart, Germany, to Silverstone, UK. If that wasn’t enough, once at the track Mercedes Formula E champion Nyck de Vries pushed the car for 11 laps of the circuit until the battery completely ran out. The total distance covered was 747 miles (1,202 km) on a single charge.
Range Rover Sport SVR Shows Off Angry-Looking Bodywork In Latest Spy Shots
We’ve snagged another look at the upcoming Range Rover Sport SVR undergoing testing, with the latest shots giving us a clearer look at some of the performance SUV’s aggressive bodywork additions. The SVR is now wearing production bumpers and a set of 23-inch alloy wheels. The SVR-specific bumper has larger intakes with a honeycomb pattern. There are also a set of deeper side sills, quad exhaust pipes, and a rear diffuser.
What Else Is Making The News
Netflix Confirms New Tier With Adverts
Netflix plans to introduce a new tier to its lineup that supports advertising. Netflix with ads will be priced lower than the existing options, and the feature has been rumored for some time — especially following the news that the service lost subscribers for the first time earlier this year. Netflix’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos has now confirmed the move, reports The Hollywood Reporter.
Khaby Lame Becomes Most Followed TikToker
22-year-old Khaby Lame has become the world’s most-followed TikToker with 142.7 million followers. The Senegalese-born content creator has developed his following without uttering words, but by reacting to many lifehacks and producing silent skits. Lame passed American TikTok star Charli D’Amelio.
