Introducing the completely redesigned Mitsubishi Montero, making its debut after two decades: TDS.

      **Mitsubishi**

      Welcome to The Downshift (TDS), The Drive’s morning round-up of the latest automotive news, featuring the most significant headlines from around the world.

      The Downshift presents brief summaries of stories, accompanied by links for those who want to explore further. Here’s what’s happening on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

      🔊 A new episode of The Drivecast, our weekly podcast, will premiere later today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.

      ♦️ Mitsubishi has officially unveiled the long-anticipated Pajero for international markets. Built on a ladder frame and equipped with a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine, the SUV features Super Select 4WD with four modes, including a center differential lock. It meets the expectations of fans of Mitsubishi's classic SUVs. Its design is appealing, with a practical exterior and a cabin that balances functionality and a degree of luxury. The SUV will first launch in Thailand, followed by releases in Japan and Australia, with plans for availability in the Middle East and Latin America afterward. It's not yet determined whether the Montero offered in the U.S. will be this model or a different one linked to existing Nissan products. [Mitsubishi]

      🚢 In related news, Nissan has expedited the launch of its first domestically produced hybrid SUV in some time, the new Rogue, to the U.S. earlier than expected. Originally, Nissan intended to introduce the next-gen Rogue in the States around mid-2027 but will now begin by importing limited numbers of high-trim models from Japan. [Automotive News]

      🔋 The Range Rover Electric has officially launched, and it resembles its gas-powered counterpart closely. It will feature a 119-kWh battery providing 333 miles of range and employs an 800-volt architecture for rapid charging, starting at $140,550—about $25,000 more than the most affordable gasoline Range Rover. The transition to electric power has compromised some towing capacity, with the EV version able to tow a maximum of 5,500 pounds, compared to approximately 7,700 pounds for the six- or eight-cylinder models. [Land Rover]

      🚕 Zoox, the Amazon-backed robotaxi service, is expanding to San Diego and Houston, while Waymo, affiliated with Google, is entering Denver, San Diego, and Tampa, as announced by both companies this week. [Reuters]

      🔧 Ford has issued a recall for 10,000 vehicles equipped with EcoBoost engines, including Broncos, Mustangs, Explorers, and Rangers, due to improperly manufactured piston domes, which may lead to piston failure and loss of drive power. Dealers will assess and, if necessary, replace the engine long block. [Ford Authority]

      🛻 In additional Ford news, the company has taken its upcoming Fathom small electric pickup on a photo shoot in Las Vegas. [Road & Track]

      ⚡ The Lexus NX SUV has been updated for the 2027 model year, and will only be available in conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. [Lexus]

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