Good morning and welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short.
Tight, light, and right, TDS gathers the latest automotive news from around the world and puts it all in one place. Stories are summarized in a single, sometimes long, sentence accompanied by a link for those seeking more information.
🚨 Just a reminder I’m in Los Angeles this week for 2026 World Car of the Year testing, the 2025 LA auto show, and some time with Volvo. This is why TDS is being published a smidge later than our normal schedule today and likely the rest of the week.
The first cup of coffee is gone and the second is underway, so let’s get into it.
🚘 What I’m driving: Continuing to roll around LA in the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq, but spent yesterday hopping between new electric Volvos and classic performance models, which, let me tell you what a trip down memory lane. But more on that another time.
🌭 One of Subaru’s latest seven ads sees the return of the Barkley family, but an American icon that is a rolling hot dog, yes it’s the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, made a salivating cameo.
🏎️ Hyundai hasn’t even brought the Ioniq 6 N to the U.S. yet, but the automaker’s already revealed $7,500 carbon fiber body kit.
🚐 The 2026 Ford Transit van debuted with more, and larger, screens with claims of increased productivity and functionality.
🎮 A one-off Rolls-Royce Ghost Gamer model debuted celebrating vintage arcade gaming culture.
🪦 Mercedes-Benz AMG is reportedly killing the turbo-four plug-in hybrid C 63 S E Performance and GLC 63 S E Performance models, both of which received lukewarm receptions with their small displacement engines.
📟 A new retro aftermarket front bumper treatment for the current Mazda MX-5 Miata gives the roadster a throwback look.
‼️ Kia recalled 250,547 K5 sedans due to a damaged fuel tank that could pose a fire risk.
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