Good morning and welcome to our weekly roundup of automotive news from around the world, starting with…
Tesla earnings rise to $3.3 billion in the first quarter on higher prices and strong demand
Tesla posted record earnings of $3.3 billion in the first quarter of 2022, which is a substantial $1 billion more than what the company made at the same time last year. The company has seen prices rise sharply on many of its vehicles in recent years, with the Model 3 now being 34 percent more expensive than it was three years ago.
The 2023 BMW 7 Series gets the first EV variant of the model and a 31-inch widescreen TV for rear passengers
BMW has unveiled the all-new 2023 7 Series. Sharing the rather polarizing face with the recently unveiled X7, the latest flagship sedan range also includes the i7 as the brand’s first all-electric 7 Series. Unlike the EQS and S-Class, the i7 remains integrated into the 7 Series. The ICE options at launch consist of a straight-six and a V8, both supported by a 48-volt mild hybrid system. BMW will soon unveil two other performance-oriented models, including a plug-in hybrid, and a more powerful electric version.
2023 Ferrari 296 GTS Hybrid is a tanning machine with 819 hp
Say hello to a new drop-top addition to the Ferrari 296 range. The 2023 296 GTS Hybrid features a retractable hardtop that can be opened in 14 seconds and up to a speed of 45 km/h. Headline specs carry over from the fixed-roof GTB, including a V6 engine capable of producing 654 hp (663 hp) combined with 165 hp of electric power for a total output of 819 hp (830 hp). Both the GTB and GTS have the same 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 2.9 seconds, but the Roadster’s 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h) time is 0 .3 seconds slower.
Lexus RZ 450e debuts as plush Toyota bZ4X with 309 hp and 0-62 in 5.6 seconds
Lexus’ first approach to the e-TNGA electric platform is a sibling of the Toyota bZ4x and Subaru Solterra, but aims to differentiate itself in many ways. It comes with a different body, a stronger powertrain and premium features. The Lexus RZ 450e 2023 comes standard with two electric motors and all-wheel drive. Together, the engines produce 309 hp (230 kW / 313 hp) and 435 Nm (321 lb-ft) of torque – a significant increase over the 215 hp (160 kW / 218 hp) and 309 Nm (228 lb-ft) . ) of the twin-engine electric crossovers from Toyota and Subaru. The RZ has an estimated WLTP range of over 400 km (249 miles), which is below the confirmed WLTP range of 470 km (292 miles) for the EU-spec Toyota bZ4x. Inside there’s an optional yoke steering wheel and the premium materials you’d expect from a Lexus.
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV looks like the new all-electric luxury king of its class
Not to be confused with the EQS sedan of the same name, the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV looks like it could be best in class. Despite its somewhat drab design, the EQS SUV gets all the technology of its sedan counterpart, including options like the MBUX Hyperscreen, rear-seat entertainment and advanced AI. Range is less for the EQS sedan, with the SUV doing 373 miles (600 km) on the WLTP scale versus 479 miles (770 km) for the sedan.
The new Lincoln Star SUV concept is the brand’s vision for the future of electric vehicles
With the brand enjoying a purple speck of global sales, Lincoln is using its success to plan for a future where half of its volume comes from electric vehicles. Although the new Star SUV concept hasn’t yet been announced as a product itself, it does give a preview of the brand’s EV evolution. Highlights include a “Coast to Coast” screen for the interior, a beverage cooler in the rear seats and a “lounge mode” that converts the tailgate into an outdoor seating area.
Audi Urbansphere Concept is an electric minivan longer than a Cadillac Escalade
The Urbansphere is the third and final vehicle in the brand’s ‘Sphere’ lineup, which already includes the Skysphere roadster and Grandsphere luxury sedan. Essentially a luxury version of an electric minivan, the Urbansphere was developed with the Chinese market in mind. Audi describes the concept as “a lounge on wheels and a mobile office that doubles as a third living space during time on the road,” and boasts that it has the largest interior space of any of its models, both by its shape and by which is supported packaging of the EV platform.
2025 Audi Q5: Design, engines and everything else we know about the last ICE version
There’s a new Audi Q5 on the horizon, with the third-generation SUV expected to launch in 2024 as the 2025MY. It will be the last Q5 to feature internal combustion engines but will offer a range of hybrid options including mild and plug-in versions. Independent illustration by CarScoops artist Josh Byrnes shows what we’ve come to expect from Audi’s volume seller, based on what we’ve already seen from spy footage.
Watch cops dodge bullets and PIT maneuver a new Jeep Grand Wagoneer
An Oklahoma State Trooper displayed exemplary vehicle control and calm while in a Jeep Grand Wagoneer in pursuit of a suspected gunman at high speed. Although the Jeep’s driver came under fire, Officer Miller continued the pursuit, eventually using his much smaller Dodge Charger to perform a PIT maneuver.
What else makes headlines?
Netflix loses $50 billion in value
HBO Max & HBO gained 3 million subscribers in the first quarter of 2022 while Netflix lost 200,000. pic.twitter.com/odhizdUmWh
– Pop Base (@PopBase) April 21, 2022
Netflix shares plummeted 35 percent after the company announced it had lost subscribers for the first time in a decade. Subscriptions fell by over 200,000 in the first four months of 2022, while the company also struggled with price hikes and exiting Russia. According to the BBC, one of America’s best-known investors, William Ackman, abandoned its $1.1 billion investment in Netflix on Wednesday, suffering a loss of more than $400 million.
Lewis Hamilton confirms interest in Chelsea bid
🗣️”I’ve been a football fan since I was a kid.”
Lewis Hamilton explains why he has joined a consortium bidding to buy Chelsea FC.pic.twitter.com/RjmKLTH2WZ
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) April 22, 2022
Lewis Hamilton has confirmed his interest in buying Chelsea. In an interview during press sessions at the Imola Grand Prix, Hamilton recalled how his sister made him an Arsenal fan, but his uncle was a big blues fan. Describing himself as a sports fan, he confirmed his interest in the consortium vying for control of the club.