Good morning and welcome to our daily round-up of automotive news from around the world, starting with …
UK approves e-highway program and installs overhead lines on motorways to charge trucks
If you’ve ever heard of or seen a trolley bus, this new project piloted in the UK will look familiar. It will cost 2 million pounds ($ 2.8 million) and will run a 20 km stretch of the M180 motorway near Scunthorpe, UK, using overhead electrical wires. The trucks will be equipped with retractable portals that allow them to draw electricity while driving, so that – in theory – smaller batteries can be installed for use off the highway.
Audi A6 E-Tron should go into production in 2023
A report claims that a production version of the Audi A6 e-tron concept will go into production from 2023 and will be presented as early as next year. The A6 e-tron shown at the Shanghai Motorshow was a four-door coupe on an A6, although that would normally be an A7. Regardless, it offered a claimed range of over 700 km (435 miles) and a twin-engine configuration delivering 350 kW (470 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque.
Gazoo Racing in detail about its two 2022 Toyota GR 86 concepts
The GR 86 has already received Gazoo Racing treatment – which is a bit confusing as the “GR” in GR 86 stands for Gazoo Racing. Does that make these two concepts for Gazoo Racing’s interpretation of a Gazoo Racing 86? Regardless, the concepts offer functional aero additions, with an extreme version and a slightly more reserved interpretation. Suspension, brakes and interior trim are also improved.
France is testing noise radar to improve noisy cars and motorcycles
A few days ago we reported about drones that drivers pick us up. Another technical element is now being used in France, this time to catch those who are considered to be disruptive to peace. Microphones that monitor the noise level of cars and bicycles can automatically issue tickets to criminals. These systems have been present in Paris since 2019. Now they are also being rolled out in other parts of France.
2023 BMW X8 M: Spy Shot-based renderings don’t paint a pretty picture
The BMW X8 is coming, and if these renders by Instagramer Mangus Concepts are anywhere near true, it could be the most dramatic interpretation of BMW’s new-age design language yet – and yes, that says something. Based on spy footage we’ve already seen of the X8 and a supposed X8M, it features gigantic grills, massive intakes, and an even more dramatic rear end.
One-of-a-kind Porsche 911 Turbo S celebrates Mexico’s greatest driver that will be auctioned for charity
On the 50th anniversary of the death of Pedro Rodriguez, Mexico’s most successful racing driver, this Porsche 911 Turbo S will be auctioned, the proceeds will go to charitable causes. It’s painted in colors reminiscent of the Gulf livery 917 KH that Rodriguez piloted. There are also some unique elements and combinations that have been made unrepeatable in the Porsche configurator.
Exceeding speed by the BMW driver wipes two cars and overturns after crashing into a tree
In today’s daily dose of stupidity, here is another reminder that dangerous car driving can end so badly. The video shows a BMW and a Mercedes seemingly racing through traffic. It doesn’t take long before the BMW jams a car, loses control and slams into another innocent road user before climbing a guardrail, crashing into a tree and rolling several tons.
What else makes the headlines
Uber stocks decline as Softbank plans to sell
Softbank’s sale of a third of its Uber shares wiped Uber’s share price by 5%, reports CNBC. The sale of the Japanese multinational holding company is in response to losses at Didi, a Chinese driver service company that may face fines in its home country.
Harry Potter book sells for $ 112,000
A rare first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first book in the series, sold for a whopping 80,000 pounds ($ 112,000), the BBC reports. It’s not the highest changed hands for, however – this award is on a similar edition signed by author JK Rowling that grossed £ 125,000 ($ 174,000) last year.
