--- title: "BMW Sticking With V8 and V12 Engines Despite EV Pivot: TDS" date: "2026-01-26" modified: "2026-01-26" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/bmw-sticking-with-v8-and-v12-engines-despite-ev-pivot-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # BMW Sticking With V8 and V12 Engines Despite EV Pivot: TDS ![BMW M5 V8]() Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Dense, succinct, and quick, *TDS* gathers the latest automotive headlines from around the globe and puts them in one place. Stories are summarized in a single sentence accompanied by a link for those seeking more information. It's dark, it's cold, and it was a heavy emotion-filled weekend here in Minneapolis, so let's get into it. 🚘 What I’m driving: Spent the weekend with the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, which feels like a mashup of an underwhelming Mazda with the soul of a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. It's really a shame since it looks great. This could have, and should have, been better. ⛽️ A BMW spokesperson confirmed the German automaker will [continue producing vehicles with V8 and V12 engines]() as the core lineup moves to EVs; β€œHigh-performance engines remain a central part of our strategy,” a BMW spokesperson said pushing back against rumors of the automaker ending V8 engine production, which started because production of the V8 at the Steyr plant in Austria ended in 2025, but the move simply marked a relocation to BMW's Hall facility in the U.K. where three- and four-cylinder engines have been produced alongside large-displacement engines since 2022. πŸ§‘β€βš–οΈ [Michigan is suing oil companies]() for "suppressing" EVs as the state alleges that BP, Chevron, Exxon, and others acted as a "cartel" to "suppress innovation" around electric vehicles. 🏭 Volkswagen Group might [pull plans for a U.S. Audi plant]() unless the Trump administration reduces auto tariffs, according to CEO Oliver Blume. πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ The Trump administration reportedly [pushed out the head of the Commerce Department]() who was responsible for barring nearly all Chinese cars from the U.S. market. πŸ”Œ A judge ruled that the [Trump administration unlawfully suspended EV charger infrastructure program funds](), which Congress enacted in 2021. πŸ§₯ [Ford and Carhartt's partnership]() is starting to take shape with dealership uniforms and a co-branded Super Duty pickup truck. πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ [Toyota started production of the 2026 RAV4]() at its Canadian plant, which the automaker spent $1.1 billion retooling for the new hybrid-only model, while dismissing tariff risks tied to its best-selling North American model. πŸ€₯ The [Donkervoort P24 RS debuted]() with a 600-horsepower engine sourced from the Ford GT and a five-speed manual transmission along with a dash-to-axle ratio that would make the Batmobile blush. πŸ“ˆ The [BMW iX3 is racking up an eye-raising amount of orders](), including many from first-time BMW buyers who haven't even test-driven the EV. πŸ“Ί [Audi's Chief Creative Designer Massimo Frascella said]() "big screens are not the best experience," and "tactility is very important" noting that big screens are "technology for the sake of technology." 😎 The Bertone Runabout concept from the 1960s has [finally reached production]() five decades after being shown thanks to the Lotus Exige with a 25 unit production run planned, no two cars are set to be the same, and a price of about Β£400,000 (about $546,000). *Got a news tip or feedback? Drop us a line at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()