Welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short, The Drive’s morning roundup of automotive news featuring the leading headlines from around the world.
TDS condenses articles into brief summaries, along with links for those seeking further information. Here’s what’s on the agenda for Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
💡 The Ferrari Luce has faced intense backlash from nearly everyone, but the sharpest critiques come from the company’s former chairman, Luca di Montezemolo, who stated to reporters on Tuesday, “If I were to express my true feelings, I would harm Ferrari. We’re in danger of ruining a legend, and that troubles me greatly. I hope they at the very least take the Prancing Horse off that vehicle. This is definitely a car that at the very least the Chinese won’t replicate from us.” Meanwhile, Italy’s transport minister, Matteo Salvini, queried, “Who knows what Enzo Ferrari would think?” [Politico]
🚢 The stipulations of the U.S.-U.K. trade deal, which imposes a tariff of 10 percent on U.K. auto imports for the first 100,000 cars brought in each year (or 25,000 per quarter), could be challenged by the new, U.K.-assembled Toyota GR Corolla. Should British imports surpass that limit, the tariff jumps to 27.5 percent per unit. [Automotive News]
🏷️ Pricing details for the 2027 Kia Seltos seem to have surfaced, indicating an increase of $900 at the lower end, and up to $1,900 for specific trims. For reference, the current Seltos starts at $25,285, including delivery fees. [CarsDirect]
🔧 Hyundai is introducing a new mobile service initiative across the U.S. allowing customers to request “approved maintenance and routine repairs like oil changes, tire rotations, software updates, brake pad and rotor replacements, service promotions and wash/detailing” for their vehicles, from home or workplace. [Hyundai]
✅ Volvo has secured “a specific authorization” from the U.S. Department of Commerce to keep importing and selling its China-manufactured connected cars in the U.S., despite previous regulations established during the Biden administration aimed at prohibiting Chinese vehicles from the market starting with the 2027 model year. [Reuters]
⚡ Honda intends to expand sales of its lively Super-One EV to right-hand-drive regions beyond Japan, including the U.K. and Australia. [Automotive News]
🤖 Newly enacted regulations in Europe have opened the door for automated valet parking in new vehicles. This feature would enable cars equipped with the necessary technology to navigate themselves between designated drop-off zones and valet parking spots, but as of now, it has been very limited in implementation for Mercedes S-Class and EQS models at Stuttgart Airport in Germany. [Automotive News]
💎 Gucci is entering the racing world, announcing it will be the title sponsor for the Alpine Formula 1 team starting next year through a new subsidiary, Gucci Racing. [Gucci via Instagram]
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**Former Ferrari CEO Claims He Would Not Have Approved the Luce: TDS**
In a recent discussion, former Ferrari CEO, Louis Camilleri, shared his thoughts on the creation of the Ferrari Luce, a model that has ignited significant debate among car enthusiasts and industry analysts. Camilleri, who steered Ferrari from 2018 until 2020, asserted that during his tenure, the choice to introduce the Luce would not have been taken.
The Ferrari Luce, launched as part of Ferrari’s strategy to diversify its vehicle offerings, was crafted to attract a wider customer base, including those in search of a luxury sports vehicle prioritizing comfort and practicality. However, Camilleri’s statements indicate a departure from the classic Ferrari philosophy, which has historically emphasized high-performance sports cars and exclusivity.
Camilleri articulated that his vision for Ferrari was to uphold the brand’s legacy and fundamental principles, which emphasize performance and racing heritage. He suggested that the Luce, although it might attract a new clientele, diverged too significantly from what he considers the essence of Ferrari. His remarks highlight a broader issue within the automotive sector about finding a balance between innovation and maintaining brand identity.
The conversation surrounding the Luce also addresses the difficulties luxury manufacturers face in adapting to evolving consumer desires. As the market shifts, companies like Ferrari must carefully tread the line between broadening their product lines and preserving the core attributes that have rendered them legendary. Camilleri’s perspectives emphasize the critical nature of strategic choices in safeguarding brand integrity while pursuing new avenues.
In summary, Camilleri’s position on the Luce serves as a reminder of the intricate challenges inherent in luxury automotive development. As Ferrari continues to innovate and respond to market needs, the legacy of its brand and the expectations of its devoted customer base remain crucial factors in any forthcoming initiatives.