Audi Isn't Prepared to Leave the Five-Cylinder Behind: TDS

The Drive’s “The Downshift” roundup for Tuesday, August 18, 2026 highlights multiple auto industry developments. Audi, while not signaling the end of its trademark five-cylinder engine, is still pressured by tightening emissions rules; Rolf Michl says evaluations continue and emphasizes the engine’s “historical meaning,” noting it’s currently used only in the RS3. Stellantis faces a backup camera recall covering just under 850,000 vehicles across 15 model lines tied to Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram. Negotiations aim to reduce the U.S. tariff on Canadian vehicles from 25% toward 15%, possibly even lower depending on content rules. Honda and Acura reportedly cite cost barriers to adding hybrids in the HR-V/ADX segment, while Tesla’s Cybercab robotaxi fleet could launch in Austin as soon as this month. Jaguar Land Rover is also targeting U.S. production.