Entry-Level Merc GT53 Exchanges Triple-Motor Performance for Extended Range: TDS

      Mercedes-Benz

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      Welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short, The Drive’s morning roundup of automotive news presenting the top headlines from around the world.

      The Downshift condenses articles into a couple of sentences, including links for those interested in exploring further. Here’s what’s on the agenda for Thursday, August 6, 2026.

      🔊 The newest episode of The Drivecast, The Drive’s weekly podcast, was released yesterday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

      🔋 Mercedes-AMG has unveiled a new electric four-door GT model, the GT53, which produces 536 horsepower through two electric motors, compared to three for the GT63, resulting in less than half the power. However, it boasts an improved range of up to 503 miles according to WLTP testing, versus the GT63’s 432 miles. [Mercedes]

      🗓️ Honda anticipates that its two plants in Japan may not resume production until at least August 19, as one of its main suppliers is working to recover following the earthquake on July 28 that also affected Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Nissan. [Automotive News]

      🏕️ The 2027 Toyota bZ Woodland is priced just $80 higher than its predecessor, starting at $45,380. In contrast, Subaru’s Trailseeker, which features standard dual-motor all-wheel drive but is roughly $5,000 less and has fewer features, has proven to be more popular with consumers. From the beginning of deliveries in spring through June, Subaru sold 2,436 units of the wagon, while Toyota managed to sell 554. [Autoblog]

      🔌 EVgo plans to roll out hundreds of Tesla V4 Superchargers under its branding as part of its network. While specific locations are not yet known, the first sites are expected to appear in the latter half of this year. [Electrek]

      🤑 Bugatti has introduced another one-off vehicle based on the Bolide, named the Destrier, which features a distinctive design inspired by the Type 57SC Atlantic. [Autocar]

      🤫 Earlier this year, the Netherlands approved Tesla’s Full Self-Driving semi-autonomous software following a safety review. However, the details of that review are being kept confidential, reportedly due to pressure from Tesla over concerns about revealing commercial secrets. [Reuters]

      🫣 Rockstar Games will provide “an extended look” at Grand Theft Auto VI at 3 p.m. Eastern on August 27…on Netflix. Later, at 9 p.m., Rockstar will release the same footage on its YouTube channel. [Rockstar Games]

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