Aston Martin Will Maintain V12 Engines, Though Perhaps Just Marginally: TDS

      Aston Martin

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      Good morning and welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short, The Drive's daily news roundup that compiles the most important automotive headlines globally.

      The Downshift condenses stories into a few sentences and offers links for those interested in further details. Here’s your update for Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

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      🪽 Aston Martin has devised a strategy to prolong the production of its V12 engines, though it has a condition. “We’ve worked to ensure the V12 meets European and US [regulations],” stated Adrian Hallmark, the brand's CEO, in a recent interview. “As long as our V12 sales remain below 1,000 units per year, we’ll be exempt from legislation until at least 2035.” This imposes a strict limit on the company’s production, but high volume was never really Aston's focus. [Auto Express]

      📉 Mercedes-Benz’s Q2 2026 results show an 8% decline compared to the previous year. The automaker attributed this drop to intense competition in China. (Where else?) [Reuters]

      📹 Honda is recalling over 325,000 Odyssey minivans from model years 2018-2020 due to defective rearview cameras that could allow water ingress and potentially damage the system. [Reuters]

      💵 If you're interested in a 2026 Lucid Air or Gravity, the electric vehicle manufacturer is providing substantial discounts this month, including $10,000 credit for cash buyers, an additional $3,000 for trade-ins, and another $3,000 for returning Lucid customers. [InsideEVs]

      👔 BYD is said to have attempted to acquire a stake in Renault twice in recent years, but both proposals were declined, according to a report from a French publication. [Automotive News]

      🐭 Are you familiar with the Fiat Topolino, which has recently launched in North America? The company is reportedly contemplating a sporty Abarth version. I hope it features more than just ropes for doors. [Autocar]

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