Toyota is Improving Its Mid-Engine Sports Car 'Every Day,' According to TDS.

Toyota is Improving Its Mid-Engine Sports Car 'Every Day,' According to TDS.

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      Good morning and welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short.

      Concise and packed with information, TDS compiles the latest automotive headlines from across the globe in one convenient location. Each story is summarized in a single sentence, along with a link for those who want more details.

      The first cup of coffee has been consumed, spring break has wrapped up (in our household), and it's time to face reality again. Let’s dive in.

      🚘 What I’m driving: I’ve been spending some time with the 2026 Dodge Durango Hellcat, and I must say, it feels very old school. It’s impressive that the foundation of this vehicle has been available for nearly 15 years.

      ⚙️ Toyota Gazoo Racing marketing manager Mikio Hayashi stated that the automaker is continuing to enhance its mid-engine Yaris M Concept sports car and is "improving this car every day." Hayashi noted, "All the knowledge and feedback gained from training this car in motorsport will likely be translated into something for road cars or mass production in the future. We are committed to this path."

      🛑 Production of the Jeep Cherokee has been suspended due to a supplier dispute between Stellantis and ZF regarding chassis modules since March 14.

      💨 The well-known 5-cylinder engine will be phased out at Audi in Europe as Euro 7 emissions regulations approach; however, it will remain in the RS3 in the U.S. for the time being.

      🤑 General Motors anticipates that OnStar and Super Cruise subscriptions will “fundamentally transform” its business moving forward.

      💣 The ongoing conflict in Iran poses a threat to the lucrative market for luxury car manufacturers, including Ferrari, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce.

      💸 Depreciating used EVs are projected to cost automaker finance companies billions as leases near their end.

      🤺 Following Rivian's success in persuading car dealers in Washington to retreat, other states may follow suit.

      🚙 Tesla CEO Elon Musk is hinting that the company might be unveiling an urban transport vehicle that would be “cooler” than a minivan.

      💰 Rivian has reached another milestone, unlocking an additional $1 billion from Volkswagen.

      💵 The founder of Bollinger Motors has repurchased the assets of the EV startup 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 crossed the finish line first for Hendrick Motorsports.

      NTT IndyCar Series Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix – Alex Palou secured the win for Chip Ganassi Racing.

      MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas – Marco Bezzecchi took the win for Aprilia Racing.

      Have a news tip or feedback? Reach out to us at tips@thedrive.com.

Toyota is Improving Its Mid-Engine Sports Car 'Every Day,' According to TDS.

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Toyota is Improving Its Mid-Engine Sports Car 'Every Day,' According to TDS.

According to Mikio Hayashi, the marketing manager for Toyota Gazoo Racing, the efforts invested in Toyota's mid-engine powertrain might eventually be applied to a road car or a mass production vehicle in the future.