Ferrari CZ26 One-Off Adds Some Brilliance to the SF90 Stradale: TDS

      Ferrari

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      Welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short, your morning news summary from The Drive featuring the key automotive headlines from around the globe.

      The Downshift provides brief news recaps, along with links to full articles for those wanting more details. This is your update for Friday, August 14, 2026.

      🐎 Ferrari has unveiled a unique model for an unnamed client in the U.S. named the CZ26. It is based on the SF90 Stradale, showcasing a new exterior design inspired by both the 12Cilindri and Luce. While the latter may be contentious for some, the finished product appears striking and noticeably bolder. [Ferrari]

      🎙️ The former Chief Creative Officer of JLR has spoken with Autocar, sharing insights about the circumstances surrounding his departure from the company, as well as Jaguar’s contentious “Copy of Nothing” rebranding. McGovern stated on the podcast, “At the time, I didn’t even understand the term wokeism,” and noted that they recognized the misinterpretation from a communications angle and had to make necessary changes. Now working as an advisor for Norton Motorcycles, he clarified that he “chose” to leave JLR and wasn’t forced out, dismissing rumors of being fired as “disinformation.” [Autocar, Automotive News]

      🤝 The Big Three automakers in Detroit are reportedly worried about the consequences following the renegotiations of the USMCA, especially since foreign competitors in Europe and Asia are benefiting from lower tariff rates that are more advantageous than those for manufacturing in Canada and Mexico. [Reuters]

      🆕 The 2027 Lincoln Nautilus has been unveiled, featuring a refreshed appearance, a new rear lightbar, and additional interior color options and trim levels. Ford plans to start producing the Nautilus in the U.S. after it was previously manufactured only in China. [Ford]

      🔋 The 2027 Genesis GV80 Hybrid marks the brand's first vehicle equipped with a hybrid powertrain, utilizing the Palisade’s 2.5 Turbo engine to achieve a combined output of 347 horsepower. [Genesis]

      🌬️ Among the various debuts during Monterey Car Week, Czinger has also launched a roofless variant of its 21C hypercar, boasting 1,250 horsepower and providing more downforce than any other open-top production car, according to the manufacturer. [Czinger]

      ⚖️ A Polestar dealer in New Jersey, dissatisfied with the automaker's ban in the U.S., is suing the company, claiming it “orchestrated” its exit from the market since it reportedly had plans to withdraw already. [The Wall Street Journal]

      🏁 Upcoming weekend races to watch (all times Eastern):

      NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Richmond: Friday at 7:30 p.m. on FS1

      NASCAR Cup Series at Richmond: Saturday at 7 p.m. on USA

      IndyCar at Ontario: Sunday at 12 p.m. on Fox

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