Brazilian cities are beginning to implement radars equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to monitor specific infractions, such as seatbelt usage and mobile phone use while driving, as speed limits have already been adjusted and no longer allow reductions without causing urban contradictions.
} , {In São Paulo, this type of monitoring is already active on the South and East sections of the Mário Covas Ring Road. After a testing and calibration period lasting almost a month, the new high-definition cameras, equipped with AI and infrared sensors, ceased to be merely educational. Since the beginning of July, the images captured by the system have begun to support real fines issued by the Highway Military Police (PMRv).
During the testing phase, which took place between May 12 and June 9, the SPMAR concessionaire's algorithm registered the seriousness of the situation, totaling 4,879 infractions, representing a notable average of 168.2 daily violations. Of these, almost half (49%) was motivated by drivers failing to use seatbelts, and 30% referred to passengers without belts. Mobile phone use while driving accounted for 21% of the infractions, indicating these are the focus areas for AI radar surveillance.
Unlike conventional speed radars, which use inductive loops or lasers at fixed points, these cameras monitor traffic continuously, 24 hours a day. The algorithm scans the interior of vehicles and, upon identifying the absence of a belt or the driver holding a phone, freezes the image and triggers an alert. It is important to note that the application of the fine is not automatic; the material is sent to a shared center, where highway police officers conduct a human verification of each record, confirming whether the classification follows the criteria of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) before issuing the notification.
The technology is not limited to the Ring Road. Since January 2026, the Anchieta-Imigrantes System has been operating with this same analytical monitoring model, supervising speed, seatbelts, and mobile phones on the descent towards the Santista Lowlands. The plan established by the concessionaires and the state government aims to progressively expand AI surveillance to the main São Paulo highways, prioritizing sections with the highest traffic volume and critical history of accidents caused by distraction.
In the automotive sector, the Dacia Striker emerges as a precursor to Renault's future coupe SUV in Brazil. Given the trend of all vehicles becoming SUVs in the Brazilian market, it is expected that the next step will be the expansion of the 'coupe SUV' niche, a segment proven to be profitable for brands like Volkswagen and Fiat. Although Renault's initial project for a mid-sized SUV above the Kardian had a coupe format, it reached the market as the Boreal, with a traditional SUV silhouette. However, plans for a model with a sloping roof were resumed with the presentation of the Dacia Striker in Europe.
Built on the RGMP (Renault Group Modular Platform), which also serves as the base for the Boreal and the Niagara pickup, the Striker is the Romanian version for the C-SUV coupe segment. It has a length of 4.62 meters, making it slightly larger than the European Bigster and the national Boreal (4.57 m). This dimensional increase is concentrated in the rear section, a design necessity to maintain the visual proportion after the roof slope and ensure a trunk capacity of 600 liters.
Internally, the Striker's architecture shares the Boreal's structure, featuring a raised center console to house the electronic parking brake, driving mode selectors, and the gear lever. When the model is localized by the French brand around 2027 in Brazil, its exterior look will shift from Dacia's rectilinear aesthetic to Renault's more fluid lines, aligning with the stylistic identity of the Niagara. The mechanical engineering of the European Striker also anticipates what Renault plans for Brazil. In Europe, the top-tier all-wheel-drive version uses an e-AWD system without mechanical connection between the axles: the 1.2-liter 140 hp turbo engine drives the front wheels, while an independent 31 hp electric motor assists the rear axle on demand in low-grip conditions or maximum acceleration. For the Brazilian market, this electronic architecture will be adapted to the 1.3 TCe Flex engine, combining light 48-volt electrification in the front with the auxiliary electric motor on the rear axle to enable 4x4 traction, with a planned launch in the country in 2027.
The Nissan Sentra has shown very low sales recently; in the first half of 2026, only 341 units were registered in Brazil. For context, the Toyota Corolla, the absolute leader among mid-size sedans, recorded 13,021 sales, while the hybrid BYD King came in second with 8,196 units. Given this performance, it is evident that the low commercial performance influenced the manufacturer's decision to end production of the model three years after the current generation was launched.
Although the Sentra is considered an attractive, well-equipped, and competent car, it used the same engine as the previous generation: a naturally aspirated 2.0L gasoline engine with direct injection, producing 151 hp and 20 kgfm of torque, coupled with an eight-speed simulated CVT gearbox. Despite this mechanical setup seeming dated in 2026, it could be a selling point for those who prefer a more traditional style. However, the successor is already under development and represents a complete break from the past. According to Autoesporte, it is the Nissan S7, an electric vehicle developed in collaboration with the Chinese company Dongfeng, which uses an electric motor on the front axle, powered by a 73 kWh battery. With 272 hp and 30.5 kgfm of torque, it can reach 100 km/h in 7 seconds, with a maximum speed limited to 160 km/h.
To celebrate the start of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Pagani Automobili presented the Huayra 70 Derecho. This is the second example of a 'few-off' series (a type of limited edition with more than one unit) created by the Grandi Complicazioni division to mark the 70th anniversary of the brand's founder. Unlike the tradition of naming its cars after specific winds, the choice 'Derecho' refers directly to a severe storm system of fast and linear displacement, which Pagani compares to the constant power delivery offered by the supercar.
The 70 Derecho stands out for its high level of technical finish, which is a trademark of the company located in San Cesario sul Panaro. The body features a two-tone scheme in Pearl Orange and Inky Blue. On the underside and the central monocoque, the blue tone is completely translucent, exposing the 'fishbone' pattern of the carbon fiber weave that constitutes the structural panels. Beneath the paint, the architecture combines a central monocoque made of Carbo-Titanium HP62 G2 and Carbo-Triax HP62, with front and rear chromoly steel subframes, externally complemented by block-machined aluminum parts anodized in bright titanium, a finish replicated on the new wheels.
Under the hood is the iconic 60° Pagani V12, with 5,980 cc and two turbochargers, developed by Mercedes-AMG. In this configuration, it generates 864 hp at 6,000 rpm and 112.2 kgfm of torque, available between 2,800 and 5,900 rpm. All this power is directed exclusively to the rear wheels via a transmission with an electromechanical locking differential and managed by a seven-speed transverse manual gearbox developed by Xtrac, allowing the car to reach its maximum speed of 350 km/h (electronically limited, as is usual).
Inside, the artisanal work combines Ceramic White leather and Tricolore Blue with custom stitching. The Pearl Orange of the body appears in strategic points of interaction with the driver, such as the '12-hour' marking on the steering wheel and the gear lever. The fact that it has a lever with a grille on the center console, connected to a genuine manual transmission—and not an automatic gearbox with simulated gears—already gives the Huayra 70 Derecho a special character. The vehicle also features independent suspension using superimposed triangular arms, equipped with upper wishbones, helical springs, and adjustable and interconnected electronic dampers. Contact with the asphalt is ensured by Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires (265/30 R20 in the front and 355/25 R21 in the rear), while braking is handled by a Brembo CCM system with four carbon-ceramic ventilated discs, measuring 398 mm in the front and 380 mm in the rear.
The elaborate style and watchmaking precision applied to a supercar may not please everyone, but they convey an unmistakable personality. Horacio Pagani reinforced the Renaissance philosophy guiding the management of his workshop. He stated: 'Our daily commitment is to dedicate maximum attention to every detail, seeking to approach that essential harmony between form and function, intellect and craftsmanship, exactly as Leonardo da Vinci taught us. Being able to present the world premiere of the Pagani Huayra 70 Derecho at Goodwood is a privilege for us: an opportunity to share the fruits of this work with those who share our deep love for the automobile.'
Continuing the theme of V12 engines and Goodwood, the Zenvo Aurora also participated in the event. This is the latest hypercar from the Danish manufacturer, which was unveiled almost a year ago with the ambitious goal of presenting the most powerful 12-cylinder engine ever installed in a road car. Now, Goodwood served as the stage for the debut of its production version.
Volkswagen is preparing the second generation of the compact crossover Nivus, which is expected to arrive in Brazil next year. Prototypes of the model are already being tested, disguised to hide the adoption of a new platform.
The new structure will be based on the MQB Hybrid architecture, replacing the MQB A0 due to its support for hybrid systems. This platform change will allow the Nivus to gain in length, wheelbase, and width, slightly distancing it from the traditional compact segment.
Prototypes were spotted by vehicles from the website Motor.es, appearing similar to the VW Taigo (European version of the Nivus), except for the front end, which uses a VW Tera bumper to accommodate structural changes, mainly in the front width. The wheelbase will increase by 9 cm, reaching 1.65m, which will significantly benefit the legroom for rear passengers, a weak point of the current model.
The suggested powertrain options indicate a change in the strategy for the new Nivus. The 1.0 turbo engine should be replaced by the 1.5 TSI Evo 2, which can run on gasoline or ethanol and will be combined with a 48V mild hybrid system in entry-level versions. This configuration generates 150 hp and 25.5 kgfm of torque, using a six-speed automatic torque converter gearbox.
In higher versions, the MHEV system will be replaced by a full hybrid (HEV) setup, keeping the 1.5 turbo engine but with more power: 170 hp and 31.6 kgfm of torque. In this case, the transmission will be a seven-speed dual-clutch unit.
To celebrate Fiat's 50 years in Brazil, which began with the iconic 147 in 1976, the manufacturer launched a special series for the Toro pickup and the Fastback crossover, both with 550 units available.
The Toro, based on the Volcano version, features exclusive 'Maximum Steel' gray paint, commemorative emblems, and darkened details on the wheels and trim. It has a black roof, and the interior features suede upholstery on the doors and seats, with 'Fiat 50 Years' embroidery and a special message on the dashboard. It is equipped with a 10-inch multimedia center and an ADAS package, including automatic braking, lane departure warning, front parking sensors, blind spot sensor, and rear cross-traffic alert. Its engine is the 1.3 turbo flex with direct injection and a 48V mild hybrid system, delivering 176 hp and 27.5 kgfm of torque, coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The Fastback Special Edition Fiat 50 Years follows a similar aesthetic but in Amalfi Blue. Based on the Fastback Impetus, it stands out with a panoramic sunroof. It includes a digital dashboard, a 10.1-inch multimedia system with wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an ADAS package with emergency automatic braking and lane keeping assist. The engine is the 1.0 GSE turbo flex with a mild hybrid system, producing 130 hp and 20.4 kgfm of torque, connected to a simulated seven-speed CVT gearbox. Fiat has not yet disclosed the prices for this special series, which will start selling next Thursday (9).
Previously, it was explained that the growth of Chinese EVs was driven by local incentive policies. However, preliminary data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) shows a 13% contraction in the market compared to the previous year, after hundreds of brands were created and supply exceeded demand.
Several factors contribute to this decline, such as local economic instability, leading Chinese consumers to wait for a possible price war. Additionally, the gradual withdrawal of government subsidies has reduced the appeal of EVs compared to hybrids. The Chinese government has already cut tax exemptions this year and confirmed that it will completely eliminate annual incentives for electric, hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles starting January 1, 2027.
This local slowdown may impact the global market, especially large importers like Brazil. Due to excess stock, reduced margins, and financial risks, Chinese manufacturers need to export this surplus. Brazil has an incentive program for these vehicles coming from China. Analysts predict that China will continue to break export records in 2026, projecting 10 million units, a 41% increase over last year.
Currently, only three manufacturers actually profit in China—BYD, Xiaomi, and Leapmotor—two of which are strong in Brazil. Consulting firms like AlixPartners estimate that at most four more brands will survive this crisis, citing GWM and Geely. The others will face bankruptcy or merger.
Bruce McLaren is a prominent figure in motorsport history, known for victories in Formula 1 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and for founding McLaren. His main aspiration, however, was to apply his track experience to creating road cars. Although McLaren became a major supercar manufacturer, the New Zealander died in 1970 during testing of the McLaren M8D.
The M6GT, the car conceived by Bruce McLaren, was a closed, street-homologated version of the CanAm prototypes. More than half a century later, McLaren officially realized this concept through McLaren Special Operations (MSO), creating a unique example based on the final design of the 1960s.
The project focused on historical fidelity, avoiding modernizations. The chassis was taken from a contemporary M6A race car, and the body replicates the original molds, preserving even minor development modifications made during tests of that decade. Mechanically, the vehicle uses a central-rear V8 small-block engine with heads identical to the originals, along with period transmission and suspension. The artisanal work included the manual fabrication of hidden structural elements and the replication of the windshield via digital scanning. The interior features green vinyl seats and a walnut wood gear knob. The exterior paint, Colnbrook White, pays tribute to the region where Bruce began his activities, evoking the look of the 1966 McLaren M2B Formula 1.
The M6GT will be displayed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, alongside models such as the Can-Am M8A and the McLaren F1 GTR, representing the DNA of all McLaren road supercars.
After ceasing operations in Russia in March 2022 due to economic blockade, the Avtotor factory in Kaliningrad was not dismantled. Instead, it ignored the end of the partnership and resumed production of the X5, X6, and X7 models using spare parts left in the warehouses, without authorization from the German headquarters, which disclaimed any responsibility.
Although sales in authorized dealerships dropped drastically to 505 units in 2023, the brand managed to regain leadership in the Russian premium segment in 2025, thanks to the importation of wheels from China and neutral countries. However, the Kaliningrad scheme is considered marginal. Local media reports that more than 145 of these 'unlicensed' SUVs were sold between 2025 and 2026 to wealthy clients. The price of an X5 produced under this scheme starts at 11.9 million rubles (approximately US$ 155,000), making it more competitive than that practiced by independent importers.
A notable aspect of this survival engineering is the embedded technology. Since Avtotor workers are merely assembling a puzzle with what remained before the embargo, the cars are dated 2025 and 2026, but retain the mechanics and appearance of 2022 models. Later aesthetic or technological facelift updates are absent. Furthermore, since BMW no longer participates, the ECUs do not receive official updates, which has become a selling point: these SUVs cannot be remotely blocked or disabled by BMW programmers in Germany.
To keep production active, the factory had to improvise with components from Russian manufacturers, expanding local production to models like the X6 40d, which was not originally manufactured there. Parallel production will only cease when the core stock runs out, unless they find a local or Chinese supplier to replicate the components.
Recent research indicates that practicing driving a vehicle with a manual transmission acts as an exercise for the brain, aiding in maintaining mental health. This finding was revealed by neuroscientists from the Institute of Development at Tohoku University, located in Japan.
The study, led by Professor Ryuta Kawashima, discovered that the physical coordination required to operate a manual gearbox directly stimulates the prefrontal cortex. This brain area is fundamental for essential cognitive functions such as focus, short-term memory, attention, and quick decision-making.
Researchers observed that the need to constantly monitor the tachometer, mentally calculate the appropriate gear for the car's speed, ease off the accelerator, and precisely synchronize the left foot and right hand constitutes low-intensity daily brain training. Thus, the brain of someone who drives a manual car daily is forced to remain active and agile, which helps reduce the natural cognitive decline associated with aging. The study also points out that this benefit does not occur when driving an automatic car, as the driver adopts a more passive cerebral posture.
Interestingly, this scientific basis emerged at a time when manual cars are in great scarcity, being mostly restricted to sports models. In Japan itself, only 1% to 2% of new cars sold leave the factory with a manual transmission. In the United States, the proportion is even smaller, fixed for decades at only 0.7% of the market, with about 24 brand-new models available. Western Europe remains the main global refuge, with countries like Spain and Italy showing adoption rates of 41% and 48%, respectively.
In parallel, the Brazilian automotive sector is receiving announcements of new features. Renault confirmed the official presentation of the Kwid restyling in India for July 3rd, signaling future changes in Brazil. The gasoline Kwid will incorporate visual elements from the E-Tech electric version, such as a split optical unit with Y-shaped LED daytime running lights on the new grille, while the main headlights will remain on the redesigned bumper with halogen lamps to control costs.
Domestically, Renault will renew the Kwid dashboard with a 10-inch multifunctional screen and wireless mirroring, using the Kardian steering wheel. However, in the national model, it is expected that the safety package will remain basic, and advanced electronic features, such as autonomous emergency braking, will likely be omitted, maintaining simplicity in entry-level configurations. The national engine will continue to be the naturally aspirated 1.0L three-cylinder SCe, coupled exclusively with the five-speed manual transmission.
MG announced that in addition to the electric MG4 Urban, it is developing new flex engines for its hybrid models intended for the Brazilian market, and there are strong indications of new SUV launches. The company will invest R$ 400 million, with R$ 60 million allocated to preparing the PACE factory in Ceará, and the remainder for R&D.
In the Japanese scenario, Honda and Nissan resumed talks about a possible collaboration, seeking to mitigate costs after Honda recorded a historic loss of US$ 46 billion last year. Reports indicate that the two companies may jointly develop a crossover and a mid-size SUV, following a resource-sharing strategy. Honda, which canceled the development of a purely electric vehicle line to contain losses, is now focusing on hybrids, such as the new generation Civic, aiming for recovery by 2030.
Finally, Lada presented its new utility vehicle, the Lada Iskra SW, which has a naturally aspirated engine, manual transmission, and stamped steel wheels. Based on the Renault Kardian platform, this updated version replaced the CVT with a six-speed manual gearbox. The entry-level version omits luxuries, offering modest performance, with 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 12.7 seconds, but includes amenities such as an 8-inch multimedia center and heated front seats.
