Welcome to The Downshift, The Drive’s morning automotive news roundup, covering the biggest headlines from around the globe. Here’s the key automotive news to catch up on for Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Jaguar Reveals Type 01 Interior Ahead of Debut
Jaguar has released the first images, though they are more like renders, showing the interior of the production version of its controversial Type 01 electric coupe.
The cabin has a simple, austere design, highlighted by a large digital instrument cluster spanning half the dashboard. A small central panel sits between the front seats and handles climate and media functions.
The steering wheel features generous controls, although they appear to use capacitive technology rather than physical buttons. Jaguar will fully debut the Type 01 in New York on October 6.
Dodge GLH Could Get an SRT Version
Dodge CEO Matt McAlear is offering new hints about the upcoming GLH, a model that appears to have characteristics of both a compact crossover, similar to the short-lived Hornet, and a hot hatch.
The exact body style remains unclear, but McAlear said, “We want to design a Dodge first, and we’ve got some ideas that we’re working on that’s really going to separate it and be unique to market, and some things that make it stand out.”
An SRT version of the GLH is also definitely being considered.
U.S. Auto Loans Hit Record $211 Billion
Auto loans in the U.S. reached a record $211 billion from April through June, according to the New York Fed.
When adjusted for inflation, however, the increase in borrowing among car buyers remains below the level recorded in 2021 during the pandemic.
Rivian Recalls Nearly 4,000 R1S and R1T Vehicles
Rivian is recalling just shy of 4,000 R1S and R1T vehicles because their front turn signals may not work properly.
The recall follows a similar action announced last year. Rivian’s supplier apparently failed to quarantine good replacement parts from defective ones, resulting in the same issue occurring again.
Porsche Turns to Xpeng for European Emissions Data
Porsche will pair its emissions data for Europe with Xpeng, the Chinese EV maker involved with Volkswagen Group, instead of Volkswagen Group itself as it has done previously.
The move will reportedly help Volkswagen Group achieve its emissions targets and should also be easier for Porsche because Xpeng only makes EVs.
GM Moves to Strengthen Supply Chain
General Motors will work with third-party firm Procura Auto Parts to guard against future supply chain disruptions.
Under the deal, Procura Auto Parts will handle the purchasing of certain components from suppliers and manage inventory.
The Drivecast Returns Wednesday
The latest episode of The Drivecast, The Drive’s new weekly podcast, will go live later Wednesday. The episode will be available on The Drive, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
After the episode, the show will take a two-week break as Kyle heads to Pebble Beach for Monterey Car Week and Joel takes a vacation.
