Good day and welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short.
Concise, informative, and streamlined, TDS compiles the latest automotive news from across the globe and presents them in one location. Each story is encapsulated in a single sentence, with a link provided for deeper exploration.
The first cup of coffee is finished, spring vacation has wrapped up (at least in this household), and it’s time to return to reality. Let’s get started.
🚘 What I’m driving: I’ve been enjoying the 2026 Dodge Durango Hellcat, and I must say, it feels quite retro. It’s remarkable that the foundation of this model has been available for nearly 15 years.
⚙️ Mikio Hayashi, marketing manager for Toyota Gazoo Racing, stated that the automaker is continuing to enhance its mid-engine Yaris M Concept sports car, mentioning, “we’re improving this car daily;” he further added, “all insights and experiences gained from racing this car – they’ll be transformed into something else for a street car or mass production vehicle in the future, potentially. We’re committed to this direction.”
🛑 Production of the Jeep Cherokee has been suspended due to a supplier disagreement between Stellantis and ZF concerning chassis components since March 14.
💨 The legendary 5-cylinder engine will conclude its run at Audi in Europe as Euro 7 emissions standards approach; however, the iconic engine will remain in the RS3 in the U.S. for the time being.
🤑 General Motors anticipates that OnStar and Super Cruise subscriptions will “fundamentally change” its business landscape in the coming years.
💣 The situation in Iran is jeopardizing the profitability of luxury automakers such as Ferrari, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce.
💸 Depreciating older EVs are set to cost financial divisions of automakers billions as lease agreements conclude.
🤺 Following Rivian’s success in making car dealers concede in Washington, other states may follow suit.
🚙 Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk suggests the automaker might be gearing up to unveil an urban transport vehicle that would be “cooler” than a minivan.
💰 Rivian just reached another achievement, unlocking an additional $1 billion from Volkswagen.
💵 The founder of Bollinger Motors has repurchased the electric vehicle startup’s assets for $250,000.
🏁 Weekend Race Results:
- Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix – Kimi Antonelli clinched the victory, making history for Mercedes-AMG Petronas
- NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 – Chase Elliott took the checkered flag for Hendrick Motorsports
- NTT IndyCar Series Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix – Alex Palou triumphed for Chip Ganassi Racing
- MotorGP Grand Prix of the Americas – Marco Bezzecchi won for Aprilia Racing
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