Hello and welcome to The Downshift, or simply TDS.
Concise, sharp, and informative, TDS compiles the most recent automotive news from around the world and presents it all in one location. Each story is summarized in a single line with a link for further details.
Adam’s away for a trip on assignment, I’m taking the reins, and it’s a fresh week. Let’s dive in.
🚘 Currently testing: I spent the weekend with the 2026 Dodge Charger in its four-door variant equipped with the high-performance turbocharged inline-six engine. It’s a massive vehicle boasting plenty of design character, and that turbo-six engine sounds quite impressive. This beast accelerates off the line with nearly the same intensity as the outgoing Hellcat, despite having fewer cylinders.
🎮 Tesla has launched a new FSD (Full Self Driving) application making it simpler for users to subscribe to the FSD service, while also providing fresh statistics such as the number of “streaks” they have, indicating how frequently they utilize this feature during different trips or days; the whole experience, very much in line with Tesla’s branding, gamifies the use of FSD.
🛠️ Production has kicked off for the 2027 Infiniti QX65 in Tennessee.
🤖 Even Waymo taxis are looking to diversify, as self-driving cars now report potholes to city officials in their spare time.
📟 An Acura dealership celebrated its 40th anniversary by recreating a nostalgic 1980s set-up, and it looks fantastic.
💨 A potential fuel leak between the fuel pipe and fuel rail connection has led to the recall of 141,032 Kia Carnival minivans and 94,760 Genesis vehicles.
🔋 Samsung SDI has inked its first EV battery agreement with Mercedes-Benz, supplying the automaker with batteries for next-gen electric vehicles.
🏷️ A 2005 Scion tC, which Keanu Reeves once raced, has appeared on Bring-a-Trailer.
🚘 Following a push towards crossover SUVs, automakers are now reevaluating the sedan market.
🏁 Weekend Race Results:
- AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway – Tyler Reddick claimed victory for 23XI Racing
- NASCAR Xfinity Series Kansas Lottery 300 at Kansas Speedway – Taylor Gray emerged victorious for Joe Gibbs Racing
- ARCA Menards Series Tide 150 at Kansas Speedway – Gio Ruggiero triumphed for Joe Gibbs Racing
- IndyCar Series Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach – Alex Palou took the win for Chip Ganassi Racing
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