It's Officially the Final Call for the G80 BMW M3: TDS
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Welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short, The Drive’s morning roundup of automotive news offering the most significant headlines from around the world.
We hope you enjoyed a pleasant holiday weekend. Here are the updates worth noting for Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Ⓜ️ According to Scott Stirling, BMW’s product planner for the G80 M3, 2027 will be the final production year for this model. In North America, it will conclude the sixth generation with the extremely rare and appealing M3 CS Handschalter. [Bimmerlife]
🎉 Christian Weingaertner, Ford's managing director for passenger cars in Europe, recently indicated in an interview that the company has not yet decided internally whether the Focus and Fiesta will return to its lineup in that region. This follows a substantial hint regarding the Fiesta’s comeback from Ford Europe leader Jim Baumbick. [Motor1]
⚖️ Kia attempted to dismiss a class-action lawsuit in Pennsylvania concerning its efforts to fix defective piston rings in the Soul and Seltos, but the judge rejected the motion, allowing the case to proceed. [Car Complaints]
🥦 Lotus has introduced its lightest and most powerful Emira to date, named the 420 Sport, which delivers a somewhat lower-than-advertised 414 horsepower from an AMG-sourced 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Perhaps “414 Sport” didn’t have the same appeal? [Lotus]
🐍 Alfa Romeo is reportedly set to bring back the Giulietta to compete with the Volkswagen Golf, available in both ICE and electric versions. [Autocar]
🚙 Lancia has ventured into the SUV market, unveiling the first images of the new Gamma, which will share its platform with the new Jeep Compass and will support both hybrid and electric powertrains. [Stellantis]
🐎 A company named Maturo has presented a restomodded Ferrari 308 GTB that aligns more with what fans of the brand desire compared to the new Luce, enhancing the coupe’s 3.0-liter Dino V8 from 250 to 400 hp. [CarBuzz]
🏍️ Ross Brawn, a managerial legend in Formula 1, has joined the board of directors for the Pramac Racing MotoGP team. [Motorsport.com]
🏁 Weekend Race Results:
110th Indianapolis 500: Felix Rosenqvist claimed victory for Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian
Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli emerged victorious for Mercedes
NASCAR Cup Series at Charlotte: Daniel Suarez triumphed for Spire Motorsports
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Charlotte: Ross Chastain won for JR Motorsports
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Charlotte: Layne Riggs took the win for Front Row Motorsports
Other articles
Di Montezemolo did not like the first Ferrari electric car.
On the eve, the company Ferrari presented its first electric car – Luce. The novelty is equipped with four electric motors, with a total power of 1050 hp. Not everyone is thrilled with Luce, including former company president Luca di Montezemolo.
The CEO of Audi has confirmed that the V8 is still alive: Here's its future direction.
Gernot Dollner states that there is no justification for removing the V8 engine from Audi's largest SUVs, despite the shift towards electrification in models such as the RS5.
The Audi CEO has just informed us that the V8 is not finished: Here’s its future direction.
Gernot Dollner believes there’s no need to remove the V8 from Audi's biggest SUVs, despite the shift towards electrification in models such as the RS5.
Ferrari unexpectedly emerges as favorites in Monaco following Hamilton's rise.
Formula 1 | Ferrari has unexpectedly become a leading contender for Monaco, despite an uneven beginning to the 2026 season - with competitors now candidly recognizing the Italian (...)
Audi's CEO responded with a laugh and said "Good idea" when questioned about a third-generation R8.
Gernot Dollner didn’t officially announce a new R8, but he didn’t dismiss the idea either, and he was well aware of the Lamborghini Temerario's redline.
The Ferrari Luce needed to completely rethink the windshield wiper due to its design, which offered no available space for conventional wipers.
Ferrari's latest car, which could be the most controversial in its history, is peculiar, even in the subtle details you might overlook.
It's Officially the Final Call for the G80 BMW M3: TDS
BMW will complete the current generation of its sport sedan with the limited-edition Handschalter, before the M3 transitions to its next Neue Klasse phase.