Ferrari's former boss states unequivocally that he would not have developed the Luce: TDS

      Pope Leo XIV and Ferrari Chairman John Elkann stand next to the Ferrari Luce, the brand's inaugural electric vehicle, on May 26.

      Simone Risoluti/Ferrari

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      Welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short, The Drive’s morning automotive news summary that highlights the top headlines from around the world.

      TDS condenses stories into one or two sentences, along with links for those wishing to explore further. Here’s what’s on the agenda for Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

      💡 The Ferrari Luce has faced intense backlash from nearly everyone, with the sharpest criticism coming from the brand's former chairman, Luca di Montezemolo. On Tuesday, he remarked to reporters, “If I were to express my true opinions, it would hurt Ferrari. We’re on the brink of destroying a legend, and I truly regret that. I hope they at least take the Prancing Horse off that car. This is definitely a vehicle that even the Chinese won’t replicate.” Meanwhile, Italy’s transport minister, Matteo Salvini, pondered, “What would Enzo Ferrari think?” [Politico]

      🚢 The U.S.-U.K. trade agreement, which imposes a 10 percent tariff rate on U.K. auto imports for the first 100,000 vehicles brought in annually (or 25,000 per quarter), could face pressure due to the new U.K.-manufactured Toyota GR Corolla. Should British imports surpass this limit, the tariff rate would increase to 27.5 percent per vehicle. [Automotive News]

      🏷️ Pricing information for the 2027 Kia Seltos appears to have been leaked, indicating an increase of $900 at the low end and up to $1,900 for specific trims. For reference, the current Seltos starts at $25,285, including fees. [CarsDirect]

      🔧 Hyundai is launching a mobile service program across the U.S. allowing customers to request “approved maintenance and routine repairs such as oil changes, tire rotations, software updates, brake pad and rotor replacements, service campaigns, and wash/detailing” for their vehicles from home or work. [Hyundai]

      ✅ Volvo has received “a specific authorization” from the U.S. Department of Commerce to carry on with importing and selling its China-made connected cars in the U.S., despite earlier regulations put in place during the Biden administration that aimed to prohibit Chinese vehicles from the market beginning with the 2027 model year. [Reuters]

      ⚡ Honda intends to expand sales of its lively Super-One EV to right-hand-drive markets beyond Japan, including the U.K. and Australia. [Automotive News]

      🤖 New regulations in Europe have facilitated the introduction of automated valet parking in new vehicles. This feature would enable cars equipped with the necessary technology to navigate themselves between designated drop-off locations and valet areas. However, so far, its implementation has been limited to a few Mercedes S-Class and EQS models at Stuttgart Airport in Germany. [Automotive News]

      💎 Gucci is entering the racing scene, announcing its role as the title sponsor for the Alpine Formula 1 team starting next year through a new subsidiary, Gucci Racing. [Gucci via Instagram]

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