Audi Grandsphere Previews An Autonomous A8, 2022 Toyota 4runner Trd Street, And Jaguar C - Type Returns: Your Morning Brief

VW Reaches $42 Million Settlement With Owners Of Cars Equipped With Takata Airbags

Takata’s airbag scandal continues to roll on, with Volkswagen’s U.S. unit agreeing to a $42 million settlement covering 1.35 million vehicles equipped with faulty Takata airbag inflators. VW isn’t alone, with seven other major car manufacturers having announced similar settlements. Around 35 percent of the inflators in Volkswagen and Audi vehicles are yet to have been repaired. 

Audi Grandsphere Concept Completely Rewrites The Next Generation A8’s Script

Audi has revealed its Grandsphere concept, and it’s a dramatic reimagination of what the A8 could be. It features a heavy focus on level 4 automation, with the steering wheel and pedals hidden when not in use. Traditional screens are ditched in favor of projections on wooden services, and it’s built on Audi’s PPE EV platform. Could it give us a glimpse at a future luxury sedan? Quite possibly.

Toyota Adds Street-Focused TRD Sport Version To 2022 4Runner Range

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport is a road-focused version of the popular SUV that joins other TRD offerings that include the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro. The TRD Street brings with it an improved suspension that automatically adjusts itself depending on the road condition. It also adds visual upgrades such as a hood scoop, skid plate, color-keyed accents on the exterior, and TRD adornments inside.

Tesla Roadster Delayed Yet Again, Won’t Launch Until 2023… Probably

Elon Musk has announced that the second-generation Tesla Roadster has been pushed back to 2023, which means it could debut more than six years after it was first announced. Musk blamed 2021’s “super crazy supply chain shortages” for the delay, and cautioned that the 2023 date will be possible only if 2022 “is not mega drama.”

Subaru Unveils Facelifted 2022 Forester Alongside New Wilderness Edition Priced From $32,850

With a very mild refresh, the 2022 Subaru Forester features an updated front fascia, as well as new tech, safety, and convenience features. New to the range is the Wilderness trim, which made an early debut on Subaru’s Canadian website. The regular 2022 Forester will go on sale for $25,195, (not including destination and handling) while the 2022 Forester Wilderness starts at $32,820

The AC Ace RS Electric Is As Quick As The Original AC Cobra

With a 308 hp (230 kW) electric motor that can generate a continuous 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque, with bursts of 369 lb-ft (500 Nm), the new AC Ace is just as quick as an original small-block Cobra. It also has the advantage of being an original AC chassis and follows on from the Cobra Series 1 Electric.

Jaguar Is Bringing Back The Le Mans-Winning 1953 C-Type As Its Next Continuation Car

Continuation cars are becoming a big thing, so Jaguar has decided to have a piece of the action with the highly bespoke C-Type Project. The C-Type is known a being a Le Mans victor, and pioneered innovations such as all-around disc brakes. The main modifications pertain to FIA safety regulations, but it’ll be powered by a hand-built 3.4-liter straight-six engine with triple Weber carburetors that puts out is 220 hp (223 PS/164 kW).

What Else Is Making The News

Virgin Galactic Grounded Due To Branson Flight Mishap

The New Yorker published a report claiming that Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic craft flew outside its pre-agreed airspace. The FAA is now overseeing an investigation, which has effectively left the SpaceShipTwo grounded until its conclusion.

ABBA Returns After Forty Years

ABBA, one of the most successful music groups of all time, has announced its return after nearly 40 years with a new studio album and concert. https://t.co/NwwtkMA3eY pic.twitter.com/8D3ArBHJnV

— Variety (@Variety) September 2, 2021

Swedish pop sensation ABBA has returned with new songs and a new studio album. The bandmates will now prepare to perform virtual concerts, while Abba Gold became the first LP to spend 1,000 weeks in the U top 100 album chart.