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

Hydrogen, Not Electric, Will Be “Hippest Thing To Drive” Says BMW Boss

BMW hasn’t lost faith in hydrogen-powered cars, with the company’s Chairman Oliver Zipse saying that in about 10 years, “hydrogen will be the hippest thing to drive.” Zipse went on to tell Bloomberg that while electric power has its uses, no one power source should sideline others.


2024 Rolls Royce Spectre EV Is A 6500-LBS Luxury Land Yacht With A 320-Mile Range

Rolls Royce has unveiled its first-ever production EV, the 2024 Spectre, which takes the form of a luxury coupe. Details on the battery capacity and the powertrain configuration are not yet known, but we do know the Spectre will output 577 hp (585 PS / 430 kW) and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm). Despite weighing a colossal 6,559 lbs (2,975 kg) the EV coupe will get from rest to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.4 seconds while being able to cover 320 miles (520 km) on the WLTP cycle on a full charge.


Foxconn Debuts Electric Model B Compact SUV And Model V Pickup Prototypes

Foxconn, better known as the manufacturer of motherboards and Apple’s iPhone, has revealed two new EV prototypes. The Model B is a compact crossover that has been styled by Italian design house Pininfarina, and the Model V is an in-house-designed double-cab pick-up.


Driven: The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Is More Compelling Thanks To Extra Oomph And Available AWD

We got behind the wheel of the lightly-refreshed Toyota Corolla Hybrid, which features minor changes visually, but larger updates inside. The revision includes two new Hybrid trims, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto compatibility, and a new color palette. Under the hood sees the most significant changes, with the 2023 Corolla Hybrid gaining 13 hp (10 kW / 13 PS) and 10 lb-ft (14 Nm). There’s also a newly-announced SE Infrared Edition that brings with it sportier looks and firmer suspension and steering.


The 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera T Is The Not-So-Rich Person’s GT3

Porsche has unveiled the 2023 911 Carrera T, and like its predecessor, it features weight-saving measures and the option of a 7-speed manual transmission. The rear seat has been ditched, there’s reduced sound insulation, and the glass is thinner. There’s even a smaller and more compact battery. All-in, the lightweight approach has managed to shave off 100 lbs (45 kg) from the PDK-equipped 911 Carrera.


Audi RS3 Performance Has Extra Power And Hits 186 MPH

The Audi RS3 has sprouted a special edition that will be limited to just 300 units globally. The RS3 Performance Edition is powered by the same 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine but has seen the boost raised to increase output by an extra 7 horsepower, setting the total at 401 hp. The torque figure stays the same, while other changes include a new set of adaptive dampers, a black rear diffuser, black badging, and more minor tweaks in the cabin.


Does The Celestiq Really Move The Needle For Cadillac?

With reaction to the newly-unveiled $300,000 Cadillac Celestiq somewhat mixed, we’re left wondering whether it’s the kind of car the brand needs right now. Positioned as a competitor to the likes of Rolls Royce, the car’s 200kW charging lags behind that of the Hyundai Ioniq’s, while the rear seat passengers have to make do with a 12.6-inch inch screen in the back compared to the BMW i7’s massive 31-inch screen. Even the Celestiq’s range of approximately 300 miles (483 km) isn’t remarkable when the Lucid Air can travel up to 520 miles (837 km) on a single charge.


What Else Is Making The News


Instagram Reportedly Considering Profile Song 

Meta-owned social media platform Instagram is reportedly considering adding song choices for users to select for their personal profiles. The idea mimics what was once employed by the erstwhile social media platform MySpace.


First Edition Apple iPhone Sells For Over $39,000

An unopened unit of Apple’s first iPhone was sold for over $39,000. The iPhone was first introduced in 2007 and went on to sell one million units in just 74 days. The mint-in-box example was sold by LCG Auctions, on behalf of a buyer who decided to sell it after seeing another similar phone sell for $35,000 in August.