The Downshift, a daily roundup of the latest news from the automotive sector and car culture, compiled by The Drive’s editorial staff. Each article features a brief summary and a link to the original piece for those who wish to explore further.
Here’s what’s happening on Thursday, September 10, 2026:
🔊 The newest episode of The Drivecast, The Drive’s weekly podcast, was released yesterday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other podcast platforms.
👋 It’s confirmed: Porsche no longer owns any part of Bugatti. On Thursday, a consortium led by HOF Capital finalized its acquisition of Porsche’s minority interest in Bugatti Rimac. Rimac continues to hold the majority share at 55%, ensuring Porsche’s exit from the future of the French hypercar brand. Following this development, Bugatti COO Christophe Piochon, whose involvement traces back to the Veyron era, has stepped down, with Marko Brkljačić, the former COO of Rimac Technology, stepping in. [Bugatti Rimac]
🚙 We’ve previously noted Hyundai’s intent to make its XRT badge a permanent part of its offerings, but the extent of their investment in the off-road label was unclear. On Wednesday, an executive from the automaker’s Australian division stated in an interview that the company is “considering factory-built XRT Pros or XRTs across essentially any model within a range.” With Hyundai’s diverse lineup of SUVs, numerous XRT models could emerge soon. [Drive.au]
🤷 A Ford representative responded Wednesday to the pointed letter of criticism from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy regarding the company’s partnerships with Chinese firms, while simultaneously receiving praise from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and the White House during the same week, commenting: “This entire situation is quite perplexing. Our dialogue with the administration has been so fruitful, and this letter was unexpected.” [Reuters]
🆕 At a recent dealer meeting, McLaren outlined its plans for the future. These include their “first four-door performance utility model; a 1,258-hp hypercar; a grand tourer styled like a front-engine sedan; and a new series of ultra-exclusive, heritage-focused supercars.” A vehicle informally titled P34—a new V6 hybrid coupe positioned between the Artura and 750S—is also on the horizon. [Automotive News]
📱 Land Rover has clearly taken customer feedback into account and plans to reduce the size of its interior screens moving forward. However, this reduced display area may not signal a return to physical buttons. This seems odd considering that if you’ve spent any time in a recent Range Rover, you’d notice that, aside from a large central display, there is virtually nothing to interact with on the dashboard. [GoAuto via Autoblog]
🔋 Lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries are set to become the next cost-efficient battery chemistry for EVs, though their long-term durability is still uncertain. LG reports discovering potential methods to enhance LMR lifespan, aiming to prevent substantial capacity degradation over time. [InsideEVs]
🌍 Volvo will take on the role of exclusive distributor of Lynk & Co vehicles in Europe starting in January. Both brands fall under the purview of Chinese corporation Geely, which has been seeking to expand its business overseas as the domestic market becomes oversaturated and shows signs of stagnation. [Reuters]
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**Bugatti Concludes VW Association as Porsche Exits Rimac Collaboration: TDS**
In a notable change within the automotive sector, Bugatti has officially terminated its long-held relationship with the Volkswagen Group, signaling the end of an era that started in 1998 when VW acquired the luxury performance vehicle maker. This move is part of a larger restructuring trend in the automotive industry, especially as Porsche, another significant member of the VW Group, has opted to exit its partnership with Rimac Automobili, a Croatian electric hypercar manufacturer.
Bugatti’s decision to cut ties with VW stems from the shifting market landscape and a growing focus on electric vehicles (EVs). Renowned for its high-performance combustion engine models, Bugatti is now striving to reshape its brand identity in an age where sustainability and electrification take precedence. The company’s goal is to innovate and adapt to evolving consumer preferences while preserving its legacy of luxury and performance.
Porsche’s exit from the Rimac partnership adds an additional dimension to this narrative. Initially, Porsche had invested in Rimac, acknowledging the potential of electric hypercars and the capabilities Rimac provides. However, as the automotive sector pivots towards electrification, Porsche’s strategic direction seems to be moving towards the development of its own electric vehicle technologies and platforms. This shift indicates a wish for greater autonomy over its electric vehicle future, potentially leading to increased in-house innovations.
The ramifications of these changes hold significant weight for the automotive industry. Bugatti’s withdrawal from VW may lead to a more independent strategy, freeing the brand to explore new technologies and collaborations aligned with its vision for the future. Concurrently, Porsche’s choice to step away from Rimac suggests a recalibration of its strategy as it seeks to bolster its electric vehicle lineup without dependence on outside partnerships.
As both Bugatti and Porsche navigate this transitional period, the automotive community will be closely observing how these alterations influence their product offerings and market standing. This change highlights the broader trend in the industry, where traditional automakers reassess their strategies in response to the swift progression of electric vehicle technology and shifting consumer expectations.
In conclusion, the conclusion of Bugatti’s association with VW and Porsche’s exit from Rimac represent crucial moments in the automotive landscape. As these brands chart their distinct courses, the emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and performance will likely define the future of luxury automotive manufacturing.
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