Ferrari CZ26 One-Off Brings a Touch of Luce to the SF90 Stradale: TDS

      Ferrari

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      Welcome to The Downshift, abbreviated as TDS, The Drive’s morning news summary that presents the key automotive headlines from across the globe.

      The Downshift summarizes news concisely and provides links to full articles for those who want more details. Here’s your update for Friday, August 14, 2026.

      🐎 Ferrari has unveiled a new unique model for an unidentified U.S. client. Named the CZ26, it is based on the SF90 Stradale with a redesigned exterior that draws inspiration from both the 12Cilindri and Luce. Although the latter might evoke mixed feelings, the final look is striking and noticeably more aggressive. [Ferrari]

      🎙️ The former Chief Creative Officer of JLR spoke to Autocar about the controversies surrounding his departure from the company and Jaguar’s contentious "Copy of Nothing" rebranding. "At that time, I wasn’t even aware of what wokeism was," McGovern stated on the outlet’s podcast, further noting, "We realized that this was being misunderstood from a communications standpoint. Therefore, we had to make adjustments." Now serving as an advisor to Norton Motorcycles, he also clarified that he "chose" to leave JLR and was not forced out, dismissing the notion that he was fired as "disinformation." [Autocar, Automotive News]

      🤝 The Big Three automakers in Detroit are reportedly worried about the implications of USMCA renegotiations, particularly as foreign competitors in Europe and Asia enjoy flat tariff rates that are more advantageous compared to manufacturing in Mexico and Canada. [Reuters]

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

      🔋 The 2027 Genesis GV80 Hybrid marks the brand's first vehicle with this powertrain, utilizing the Palisade’s 2.5 Turbo engine for a total output of 347 horsepower. [Genesis]

      🌬️ Among the many unveilings during Monterey Car Week, Czinger has launched a roofless variant of its 21C hypercar, boasting 1,250 horsepower and more downforce than any other open-top production vehicle, according to the company. [Czinger]

      ⚖️ A Polestar dealer in New Jersey, unhappy with the manufacturer's U.S. ban, is suing the company, claiming it "orchestrated" its exit from the market as it allegedly had plans to leave. [The Wall Street Journal]

      🏁 Weekend races to catch (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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