Porsche Abandons Electric Vision, Concentrates on Hybrids: TDS

Porsche Abandons Electric Vision, Concentrates on Hybrids: TDS

      Chris Tsui

      The most significant car news and reviews, without the nonsense.

      Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the important stories directly to your inbox every weekday.

      Good morning and welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short.

      Concise and informative, TDS collects the latest automotive news from all over and presents it in one place. Each story is summarized in a single (sometimes lengthy) sentence with a link for those who want more details.

      We welcome and encourage feedback on TDS through comments or via email at [email protected].

      I've had two cups of coffee this morning, so let’s dive in.

      🚘 What I’m driving: I’m saying goodbye to the 2025 Ford Expedition Platinum today. I’ve gotten accustomed to the two-spoke steering wheel and the dual-screen dashboard layout, but that black tailgate continues to be an eyesore.

      🪫 Late Friday, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume informed investors that the German manufacturer is shifting direction again. They will scale back their EV plans, retain combustion engines for top-tier 718 models, introduce the new three-row SUV known as K1 with gas and plug-in hybrid options instead of electric, and persist in developing gas-powered Panamera and Cayennes into the 2030s, all costing the company $2.1 billion due to this abrupt change.

      💦 BMW revealed an initial look at the next-generation X5, which is currently being tested and camouflaged. The automaker emphasized that this version features a hydrogen powertrain beneath the exterior, and the Neue Klasse design influence is evident.

      🏎️ The Yangwang U9 Xtreme, built in China, has claimed the title of the world’s fastest production car after achieving a speed of 308.4 mph at ATP Papenburg’s high-speed oval in Germany, surpassing the Bugatti Chiron.

      🛻 Rivian discreetly unveiled the third version of the R1T’s electric power tonneau cover following several iterations that faced issues.

      ‼️ Hyundai has recalled 31,042 Ioniq 6 electric sedans due to a potential problem that could cause the charging port door to detach.

      🤖 Nissan showcased its next-gen ProPilot hands-free driver-assist system, which is powered by AI.

      ‼️ Ford has recalled 101,944 Taurus sedans because of the risk of trim detaching while driving.

      🏁 Weekend Race Results:

      Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Max Verstappen secured victory for Red Bull Racing.

      NASCAR Cup Series Mobil 1 301 – Ryan Blaney took the win for Team Penske.

      IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Brickyard – Jack Aitken and Pipo Derani triumphed for Cadillac Racing.

      Have any feedback regarding the formatting of TDS? Feel free to contact us: [email protected]

Porsche Abandons Electric Vision, Concentrates on Hybrids: TDS

Other articles

Mazda The most significant automotive news and reviews, without any fluff. Subscribe to our complimentary daily newsletter, delivering the essential stories directly to you every weekday. Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, the visionary behind iconic Mazda sports cars such as the Miata and FD RX-7, passed away on September 20 at the age of 76. Widely regarded as “the Father of the Miata,” Matano played a crucial role in its development alongside Bob Hall. However, his career encompassed various automakers. After earning an engineering degree from Tokyo’s Seikei University in 1969, he relocated to California to study design at the Art Center School of Design in Pasadena before joining General Motors in 1974. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Australia to work for Holden, where he developed liveries for the brand’s touring cars, among other responsibilities, before heading to BMW in Munich, contributing to the E36 3 Series development. Yet, it was Matano’s time at Mazda that truly defined his legacy, inspiring countless automotive enthusiasts and professionals. He began as Mazda North America's Chief Designer in 1983 and spent the following 20 years rising through the ranks until he managed Mazda’s global design team. During this period, he was responsible for iconic models such as the original NA and second-generation NB Miata, as well as the third-generation FD RX-7. By the time he left Mazda in 2002, he had also taken on the role of Executive Director of the Academy of Art University’s School of Industrial Design in San Francisco. A significant aspect of why Matano’s passing resonates deeply within the automotive community is his continued involvement up to the end of his life. He was a familiar presence at public events, particularly among Miata enthusiasts. In the last two days, social media and enthusiast forums have been filled with heartfelt tributes, memories, and photos of Matano interacting with those inspired by his work. Rest in peace, Tom—you will be greatly missed, but your legacy will undoubtedly endure. To conclude, I would like to share a quote from an interview he gave to Auto & Design in 2023 that reflects his philosophy, especially resonant for anyone like me who aspired to design cars as he did: “We must start over from the human. From the users’ real needs, above all, from offering them solutions in a ‘warm’ and in some ways ’empathetic’ way. I remember that when I drew the lines of one of the Mazdas I worked on, the RX-7 FD, I was deliberately envisioning an athletic but not overly muscular body, as if it needed to be washed gently. I achieved a result that inspired affection: the owners kept it in the garage with smiles on their faces. My point is, design should never lose this intent.” Tom Matano. Academy of Art University Mazda The most significant automotive news and reviews, without any fluff. Subscribe to our complimentary daily newsletter, delivering the essential stories directly to you every weekday. Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, the visionary behind iconic Mazda sports cars such as the Miata and FD RX-7, passed away on September 20 at the age of 76. Widely regarded as “the Father of the Miata,” Matano played a crucial role in its development alongside Bob Hall. However, his career encompassed various automakers. After earning an engineering degree from Tokyo’s Seikei University in 1969, he relocated to California to study design at the Art Center School of Design in Pasadena before joining General Motors in 1974. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Australia to work for Holden, where he developed liveries for the brand’s touring cars, among other responsibilities, before heading to BMW in Munich, contributing to the E36 3 Series development. Yet, it was Matano’s time at Mazda that truly defined his legacy, inspiring countless automotive enthusiasts and professionals. He began as Mazda North America's Chief Designer in 1983 and spent the following 20 years rising through the ranks until he managed Mazda’s global design team. During this period, he was responsible for iconic models such as the original NA and second-generation NB Miata, as well as the third-generation FD RX-7. By the time he left Mazda in 2002, he had also taken on the role of Executive Director of the Academy of Art University’s School of Industrial Design in San Francisco. A significant aspect of why Matano’s passing resonates deeply within the automotive community is his continued involvement up to the end of his life. He was a familiar presence at public events, particularly among Miata enthusiasts. In the last two days, social media and enthusiast forums have been filled with heartfelt tributes, memories, and photos of Matano interacting with those inspired by his work. Rest in peace, Tom—you will be greatly missed, but your legacy will undoubtedly endure. To conclude, I would like to share a quote from an interview he gave to Auto & Design in 2023 that reflects his philosophy, especially resonant for anyone like me who aspired to design cars as he did: “We must start over from the human. From the users’ real needs, above all, from offering them solutions in a ‘warm’ and in some ways ’empathetic’ way. I remember that when I drew the lines of one of the Mazdas I worked on, the RX-7 FD, I was deliberately envisioning an athletic but not overly muscular body, as if it needed to be washed gently. I achieved a result that inspired affection: the owners kept it in the garage with smiles on their faces. My point is, design should never lose this intent.” Tom Matano. Academy of Art University This 25-year-old classic hot rod was full of character, but lacked in power. This modification addresses that issue. Prices for the Dodge Challenger Hellcat are plummeting, and buyers couldn't be happier about it | Carscoops Prices for the Dodge Challenger Hellcat are plummeting, and buyers couldn't be happier about it | Carscoops Having only 646 miles on the odometer, this lightly used model was sold for significantly less than its MSRP, indicating declining values and appealing deals. Designer and 'Father' of the Mazda Miata, Tom Matano, Passes Away at 76 Designer and 'Father' of the Mazda Miata, Tom Matano, Passes Away at 76 Beyond being the designer of one of the most significant sports cars in history, Matano interacted with fans and guided students aspiring to emulate his career. In Terms of Grilles, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS Remains Distinctive | Carscoops In Terms of Grilles, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS Remains Distinctive | Carscoops Spy pictures of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS reveal that it will feature updated lights and a redesigned grille. This 'Easter Egg' was once a standard element in Chevy trucks. This 'Easter Egg' was once a standard element in Chevy trucks. Initially a basic piece of standard gear, GM's retractable Trouble Light has become a charming artifact from the time before the iPhone.

Porsche Abandons Electric Vision, Concentrates on Hybrids: TDS

The sudden decision to reintegrate gas-powered models into the future lineup is resulting in a $2.1 billion impact on Porsche's profit.