The G80 BMW M3's final announcement is here: TDS.
BMW
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Welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short, where The Drive presents a morning roundup of automotive news, highlighting significant headlines from around the world.
We hope you enjoyed a pleasant holiday weekend. Here are the key stories to catch up on for Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Ⓜ️ According to Scott Stirling, BMW's product planner for the G80 M3 model line, 2027 will be the final production year for the G80 BMW M3. In North America, the sixth generation will conclude with the highly sought-after M3 CS Handschalter. [Bimmerlife]
🎉 Christian Weingaertner, managing director for Ford's passenger cars in Europe, mentioned in an interview that the company “[hasn’t] answered internally yet” regarding the potential return of the Focus and Fiesta to its overseas lineup. This statement follows a substantial hint about the Fiesta's possible comeback from Ford Europe boss Jim Baumbick. [Motor1]
⚖️ Kia has submitted a motion to dismiss a class-action lawsuit in Pennsylvania concerning its efforts to address defective piston rings in the Soul and Seltos models, but the motion was rejected by the judge, allowing the case to continue. [Car Complaints]
🥦 Lotus has introduced the lightest and most powerful variant of the Emira to date, named the 420 Sport, which produces a slightly lower-than-advertised 414 horsepower from an AMG-sourced 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Perhaps “414 Sport” didn't have quite the same appeal? [Lotus]
🐍 Alfa Romeo is reportedly set to bring back the Giulietta to compete with the Volkswagen Golf, with both ICE and EV options available. [Autocar]
🚙 Even Lancia is getting into the SUV market, having just released the initial images of the new Gamma, which will be built on the same platform as the new Jeep Compass and will offer both hybrid and electric powertrains. [Stellantis]
🐎 Maturo has introduced a restomodded Ferrari 308 GTB that may align more closely with what fans desire compared to the new Luce, boosting the coupe’s 3.0-liter Dino V8 power output from 250 to 400 hp. [CarBuzz]
🏍️ Legendary Formula 1 manager Ross Brawn is now part of the board of directors for the Pramac Racing MotoGP team. [Motorsport.com]
🏁 Weekend Race Results:
110th Indianapolis 500: Felix Rosenqvist secured victory for Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian.
Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli triumphed for Mercedes.
NASCAR Cup Series at Charlotte: Daniel Suarez emerged victorious 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
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.
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.
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.
Honda Having a Voice in IndyCar's 2028 Regulations Is 'Essential' for Remaining in the Sport
IndyCar will ultimately make the final decisions regarding the 2028 regulations, but it is hoped that Honda and Chevy will have provided their guidance.
Report: Honda Ridgeline Will Be Discontinued for 18 Months Until It Returns with a V6 Hybrid.
The midsize pickup will take a break until 2028 as Honda introduces a new dual-motor hybrid powertrain and updates its design.
Ferrari unexpectedly becomes the favorites in Monaco following Hamilton's rise.
Formula 1 | Ferrari has unexpectedly become a favored contender for Monaco, despite a shaky beginning to 2026 – with competitors now candidly acknowledging the Italian (…)
The G80 BMW M3's final announcement is here: TDS.
BMW will complete the current generation of its sport sedan with the limited-edition Handschalter, prior to the M3 transitioning to its next Neue Klasse phase.