---
title: "Non-Existent Tesla Roadster Claimed To Be ‘Last Best Driver’s Car:’ TDS"
date: "2025-07-28"
modified: "2025-07-28"
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/non-existent-tesla-roadster-claimed-to-be-last-best-drivers-cartds"
categories:
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
  - "The Downshift"
---

# Non-Existent Tesla Roadster Claimed To Be ‘Last Best Driver’s Car:’ TDS

![Tesla Roadster](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/09/20180905-tesla-roadster.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Good morning and welcome to *The Down Shift*, or *TDS* for short.

*The Down Shift* is a new weekday early morning quick rundown of the latest news that's bubbling. It's meant to be something that can be easily glanced at while drinking that first cup of coffee.

Each day *TDS* will start with a quick paragraph, maybe an update on what I'm driving, and then about five headlines each summarized in a sentence with a link for those seeking to read more and go deeper into the stories. The formatting will absolutely evolve, and feedback in both the comments and via email are welcome at tips@thedrive.com.

*TDS* is light, it's quick, and it's meant to pair with your coffee. I'm already one cup into the day. Lets get into it.

🚘 What I'm driving: I just spent a long weekend with the 2025 Lexus LC 500 Convertible and it makes the most lovely sounds.

🔋 Tesla's Vice President of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy [claimed in front of a crowd](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULaxgSFv0w4>) at X Takeover 2025 that the upcoming Tesla Roadster, which debuted in 2017, will be the "last best driver's car."

💰 Audi had a "challenging" first half of the year due to "tariffs and expenses," and the result will be a "fundamental realignment of Audi," [according to the automaker](<https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/press-releases/challenging-half-year-audi-realignment-gains-momentum-16748>).

⚙️ Santo Ficili, CEO of both Maserati and Alfa Romeo, [said a "few-off" set of cars](<https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/maserati-plots-new-manual-super-gt-flagship-twinned-alfa>) could come from the Trident and the manual transmission might even be revived.

🌎 As the midwest gets pummeled with heat and storms the [EPA reportedly drafted a plan](<https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/22/climate/epa-endangerment-finding-rescind.html>) to end the agency's ability to fight climate change and remove limits on tailpipe emissions.

🏎️ With the results of the F1 Belgian Grand Prix over the weekend it sounds like Max Verstappen won't be able to [trigger his supposed exit clause](<https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/max-verstappen-cannot-use-clause-in-red-bull-contract-heading-into-f1-2026/10746109/>) with Red Bull for the 2026 season, if that was part of the champ's plans.

*Have feedback on the formatting of TDS? Send us a note: 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](<https://www.instagram.com/joelfeder/>)  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelfeder/>)  
[Bluesky](<https://bsky.app/profile/joelfeder.bsky.social>)  
[Email](<mailto:joel@thedrive.com>)