July 2022

Upping the exclusive ante — Audi RS 7 special edition



(July 8, 2022) HERNDON, Va. — The RS 7 exclusive edition joins the Audi Sport portfolio featuring tailored design cues and standout performance. Limited to 23 units, the RS 7 exclusive edition is characterized by refined design elements on both the exterior and interior while maintaining the visceral performance capabilities of any Audi Sport product.

Old car graveyard



We discovered an old abandoned car graveyard near Erick, Okla., along Route 66. The problem with getting up-close pictures was an outgrowth of plants with very sticky burrs, which took 30 minutes to pull off socks and pants. See how many vehicles you can identify. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

Mini USA confirms sponsors for Mini Takes the States 2022



(July 7, 2022)  Mini USA has announced its official list of sponsors for Mini Takes the States (MTTS) 2022. The biennial road rally for Mini owners will take place from July 9 – 17, kicking off in Burlington, Vt., and ending in Spartanburg, S.C. As the first rally since 2018, this year’s MTTS will welcome SiriusXM as a new sponsor, in addition to the Mini card and Mini Value Service.

2022 SEMA Show to highlight vehicle electrification trends, technologies



(July 7, 2022) DIAMOND BAR, Calif. — The 2022 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show will feature an expanded SEMA Electrified section. Located in the North Hall, the specialized exhibit area will feature the latest advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology, including new products and solutions for EV platforms and conversions.



Hyundai drops several cars from U.S. lineup



(July 6, 2022) Hyundai is further trimming its car lineup to focus on crossovers and its budding battery-electric Ioniq sub-brand. For the 2023 model year, the Korean automaker will cut the Accent subcompact sedan, the Veloster N hatchback and both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants of the Ioniq compact car.

UK's best selling car in first half of 2022 — Vauxhall Corsa



(July 6, 2022) LUTON, England  — The Vauxhall Corsa is the UK’s best-selling new car for the first six months of the year, according to the latest new car registration figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). With 5,014 sold in June, and 22,212 in total for the first half of 2022, the Corsa is also the best-selling B-segment vehicle so far this year.

Survey finds UK van drivers still leery of EV adoption



(July 5, 2022) LONDON — Ford’s latest Go Electric report has uncovered that, while there are more electric vehicles on the road, the UK’s knowledge of electric vans still lags behind. The report includes the views of 500 van drivers in the UK and found considerable gaps in their knowledge of electric vans and the benefits to their businesses, leading to barriers preventing full electric adoption. This comes as the first jumbo E-Transits are delivered and the smaller E-Transit Custom is announced.

World record $1.65 million paid for 1970 HEMI Superbird


1970 Plymouth HEMI Superbird

(July 5, 2022) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Barrett-Jackson delivered the ultimate automotive lifestyle experience during this year’s Las Vegas Auction, June 30-July 2, in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Fittingly, American muscle cars led the way over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, including a 1970 Plymouth HEMI Superbird that sold for a world auction record $1.65 million. In total, 663 vehicles sold with No Reserve for over $48.2 million.

World’s oldest Bentley returns to the Isle of Man 100 years later



(July 4, 2022) CREWE, England — Last weekend saw the return of the oldest remaining Bentley in the world — EXP2 — to the Isle of Man, 100 years since it was part of Bentley’s team win in the 1922 RAC Tourist Trophy. Seventy-eight Bentleys and period competitors returned to the famous island to pay homage to one of the most famous and challenging race circuits in the world. On the morning of the June 25, all of the cars gathered on Douglas promenade to form one of the largest static displays of Bentley 3-Liter models ever seen.