Good morning and welcome to our weekly digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…

NHTSA Asks Tesla Why It Has Not Issued Recall On Autopilot

Tesla is in hot water with the NHTSA as the agency believes the EV maker should have recalled its cars equipped with autopilot. Tesla issued an over-the-air update to help vehicles detect stationary emergency vehicles. But the NHTSA seems to think this update should have been applied via a recall, in accordance with the law. 


2022 Lexus LX 600 Is America’s Posh Land Cruiser With A Twin-Turbo V6 And New Four-Seat Ultra Lux Trim

The 2022 Lexus LX 600 brings more to the table than what must be the most enormous waterfall grille we’ve seen yet. It’s essentially a U.S.-bound upmarket version of the Land Cruiser 300 Series that was launched in Japan earlier this year and it’s billed as the brand’s “ultimate sport-utility flagship” with more tech, expansive screens, and new trim levels.


Petrolheads Rejoice, 2023 Acura Integra Will Come With A Six-Speed Manual

Acura continues to tease the new Integra, this time by confirming what many had hoped: that a six-speed manual gearbox will be available. In a short video clip, Acura shows a series of manual shifters featured through the models’ generations before culminating with a brief shot of the new car’s six-speed knob. We already know that the compact premium car will feature a liftback five-door body style and suspect it’ll be based on the Civic chassis.


Driven: The 2022 Toyota Tundra Is A Tougher, More Capable Pickup With Available Hybrid Power

We all know pickup trucks are big business, which is why is a bit surprising that Toyota took its time launching an all-new Tundra. However, the designers seem to have used the 15 years since the last truly new model was introduced wisely, creating a truck that we feel is much improved over the previous generations. Will it be enough to sway buyers from their favorites, though?


Ferrari Invites Customers To November Icona Launch, Sends Them A Manual Shift Gate

Although we’re not expecting the next Ferrari in the Icona range to feature a manual gearbox, the Italian brand is at least channeling nostalgia by sending out gated-shifters to their event invitees. The car will be unveiled to a select few in November, before a wider reveal to the world.


2022 Ford Focus Gets Huge Screen, 7-Speed DCT For Mild Hybrids; ST Gains £3600, Loses Recaros

The Ford Focus has been refreshed for the 2022 model year. Although no longer a best seller thanks to the popularity of crossovers, the Focus is still a vital model to Ford’s European operations. The facelifted car features minor changes to its exterior appearance but substantial tweaks to boost safety, economy, and showroom appeal. Sadly, the Focus ST loses the old car’s Recaro seats, yet gains over £3000 on the list price.


First Look Inside The 2022 Honda Civic Type R

We’ve finally got our first glimpse at the upcoming Honda Civic Type R’s interior. It mainly carries over from the regular hatch but introduces the classic red sport seats, Type R motifs, a six-speed manual with a metal knob, red seatbelts, and red contrast stitching on the center console.


New 2022 Subaru WRX Wagon Confirmed For Australia, Looks Like A 1.8 GL

Subaru Australia has confirmed the WRX Sporwagon, which, although featuring the same engine as the WRX sedan, will not be available with a manual transmission. The WRX estate is actually a rebadged Levorg, which might be a tad disappointing for those expecting an all-new model. There are no plans to bring it to the U.S.


2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6: Everything We Know About The Electric Sedan As It Goes From Prophecy To Production

A production car based on the stunning Hyundai Prophecy concept is a go, so we’ve rounded up all we know about the upcoming four-door coupe from Hyundai. Dubbed the Ioniq 6, our renderings shed some light on what will be a toned-down interpretation of the swoopy coupe concept launched in early 2020.


What Else Is Making The News


Xbox Mini Fridge Available To Pre-Order Soon

When the first images of the Xbox Series X were revealed, some joked the monolithic design looked more like a mini-fridge than a gaming console. So, Microsoft leaned into the memes, and the result is a 12-can capable mini-fridge shaped just like an Xbox. The Xbox Mini Fridge will be priced at $99.99 (£89.99 / €99) and will be available to preorder on October 19th in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Europe.


California Is Banning Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers And Lawnmowers 

Items such as gas-powered lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and weed trimmers are set to be banned in California in 2024, reports Business Insider. The bill, which was signed on Saturday, says that small engines emit a lot of air pollution. Gas-powered chain saws, weed trimmers, and golf carts are also affected by the new law. To help make the transition easier, the state has set aside $30 million that will be used as rebates for professionals who will have to switch to electronic equipment.