--- title: "The Next Porsche Taycan and Panamera Could Be One and the Same: TDS" date: "2026-03-09" modified: "2026-03-09" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-next-porsche-taycan-and-panamera-could-be-one-and-the-same-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # The Next Porsche Taycan and Panamera Could Be One and the Same: TDS ![Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid]() *\Adam Ismail\* Good morning and welcome to *[The Downshift]()*, or *TDS* for short. *TDS* aims to get you the top automotive industry headlines from around the world in one breezy read, and it's best served with a cup of tea or coffee. In each item, you'll find a link if you'd like to follow along for more information. It's Monday morning, time to boogie! šŸš˜ What Iā€™m (still) driving: The Subaru Ascent, for being quite a dated vehicle, has been a loyal companion these last few days. It's comfortable and easy to live with, and its anachronisms (almost fully physical gauge cluster!) are a little charming. It swallowed a new IKEA TV stand with ease over the weekend, and I've been averaging around a combined 20 mpg. šŸ’² Porsche may choose to unite its two sedans, the Taycan and Panamera, under one model as part of a cost-saving plan, *[Autocar]()* reported citing sources familiar. āš” In other Porsche news, the CEO of Porsche Australia, Daniel Schmollinger, teased the next-gen 718 Boxster and Cayman to *[Carsales]()*, saying, "We can't tell yet when it's coming, but I had the chance to drive it, and it is actually amazing." It does appear Schmollinger was referring to the all-electric versions of the sports cars, which [*The Drive* reported]() were very recently on the chopping block. āš–ļø Mercedes-Benz has settled a dispute with the National Labor Relations Board over allegations that it threatened employees in favor of organizing at its Alabama plant, per *Bloomberg* via *[Auto News]()*. šŸŒ Speaking of Mercedes, the company may leverage technology from Chinese automaker Geely for its next small car architecture, *[CarNewsChina]()* has reported. šŸŒŽ General Motors is launching Cadillac in South America starting with Brazil, the brand's Global VP Kristian Aquilina [shared on LinkedIn](). šŸ”¢ A number of updates for the Ford Bronco over the back half of the year's production have been detailed by *[Bronco Nation]()*, including a revival of the keypad entry system option on four-door models. šŸ Weekend Race Results: Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix - George Russell wins for Mercedes IndyCar Grand Prix of Phoenix - Josef Newgarden wins for Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix - Ryan Blaney wins for Team Penske NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series at Phoenix - Justin Allgaier wins for JR Motorsports *Got a tip or feedback? Reach out to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()