The automotive industry brings several pieces of news: Renault may introduce the compact Bridger crossover to the Brazilian market, while Honda is auctioning its collection of classic models in New Zealand. Additionally, new developments from Aston Martin, Jensen Interceptor, and Porsche are being discussed.
Renault is considering releasing its small SUV, the Bridger, in Brazil. This vehicle, positioned as more compact than the Duster, has registered a patent with INPI (National Institute of Industrial Property). Although patent registration itself does not guarantee the model's arrival, it indicates such a possibility.
The Bridger was presented as a concept in March, and a production version is apparently expected in early 2027. Developed in India, this small SUV uses the RGMP Small platform, which is geared towards emerging markets, and previously debuted in the Renault Kardian. However, the Bridger's design resembles an SUV more than a crossover, thanks to its many straight lines, high hood, tailgate spare wheel, and two-tone paint with a glossy black roof.
The Bridger measures less than 4 meters long and has a trunk capacity of 400 liters, allowing it to fall into a special tax category in India. Despite the lack of official information, Renault CEO Fabrice Cambolive mentioned in the press the possibility of commercializing the Bridger in Brazil, with production at the San José dos Pinhais (PR) plant, subject to approval by the company's Brazilian division.
If this happens, the most likely powertrain will be the 1.0 turbo TCe engine, already used in the Kardian, which produces 125 hp and 22.4 kgm of torque, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Furthermore, abroad, the Bridger will also be equipped with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, with hybrid and electric variants expected in the future.
Aston Martin
Aston Martin is testing an exotic single-seater supercar on the Algarve track in Portugal. This open-top racer with a long wheelbase and elements reminiscent of Formula 1 racers (such as a rear wing and a protective cockpit halo) is generating significant interest. The company remains silent about the project, but an Instagram video revealed details: the engine sound is very similar to that of a naturally aspirated V12, which was recorded for the first time, as the car was previously shown without sound, suggesting it might be a fully electric hybrid.
Rumor has it that this mysterious Aston Martin could have power of at least 1200 hp, which does not seem fantastical given that the Valkyrie itself approaches this figure with its 1176 hp Cosworth hybrid engine. More specific information came from the German publication Auto Motor und Sport, which reports that the car was ordered by billionaire Ken Griffin, an investment magnate, and is allegedly 10 seconds faster than a Formula 1 race car on the Algarve track.
Jensen Interceptor GTX
The Jensen Interceptor, a legendary grand tourer with American mechanics, is getting a successor—the Jensen Interceptor GTX. Unlike previous restomods that modernized the original Interceptor, the GTX is an entirely new model that inherits only the brand, name, philosophy, and silhouette of the grand tourer.
The GTX will be handcrafted at the manufacturer's headquarters in the UK, using an aluminum chassis and body, along with a supercharged V8 engine (the source and details of which are currently confidential). The brand's CEO, David Dorden, stated that initially, the Interceptor GTX will be intended exclusively for the track. This means the first units will be improved prototypes sold without road certification but suitable for racing. The car's release is planned before the end of the current year.
Honda New Zealand has decided to hold an auction of its Heritage Collection after the final closure of its local facility, which operated for 46 years. Nineteen classic models are up for bid, with proceeds going to local charities. Most cars are offered without a reserve price, with open bidding until the end of July.
Although valuable specimens such as the original NSX, S2000, and Integra Type R remain with the head office, the lot includes attractive models. The main star is a 2000 Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Civic Type R EK9, imported from Japan. This hot hatchback features classic Championship White paint, original red Recaro seats, and the legendary B16B engine, complemented by tuned intakes and exhaust. It has covered 154,000 km.
The catalog also includes two exclusive track days (2005 and 2022) and a rare manual Honda Jazz RS (Fit) equipped with Mugen parts. Among the time capsules is a 1995 Accord LXi with a 2.2 engine, manual transmission, and only 7,600 km mileage. The list also retains a 1989 Accord with 33,000 km and a 1988 City with 24,000 km.
In contrast to the perfectly preserved vehicles, Honda added a 1992 Civic hatchback with a 1.3 engine and manual transmission to the auction, which has 418,000 km—these kilometers were accumulated by one owner before the company took it for display in its museum as a testament to reliability.
While Porsche is considering discontinuing production of models like the Taycan and the successor to the 718, the 911 remains strong. Information has emerged about a potentially new modification of the 911 GT3 spotted at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. A distinctive feature of this version is an interesting ducktail rear spoiler, which references the classic 1970s Carrera RS 2.7.
Although Porsche has applied this element to the 991 generation Carrera GTS Club Coupe and the 992 Sport Classic generation, this is the first instance of it appearing on the GT3, which is traditionally track-focused and uses more aggressive aerodynamic components. Photos published by Road and Track do not appear to be unofficial and also show a central brake light on the element—a mandatory component according to GT3 category regulations. If confirmed, the ducktail could become an option for the 911 GT3 in the near future.
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.
Renault has released an updated version of its most compact car, the Kwid. The 2026 Renault Kwid was presented with design changes and updated features. The car is available for 4.53 lakh rupees, including the exterior.
The new Renault Kwid is offered in two trims: Evolution and Climber. Both versions are available with either a manual or automatic transmission. The base version costs 4.53 lakh rupees including the exterior, while the manual Climber version will cost 5.15 lakh rupees. The version with an automatic transmission (AMT) in the base trim will be priced at 4.90 lakh rupees including the exterior, whereas the top-spec AMT version is priced at 5.61 lakh rupees.
Renault also offers the option to install a retro CNG kit for an additional payment of 70,450 rupees. This option can be chosen for the manual version, and the company provides a standard three-year or 100,000 km warranty when the retro-CNG is installed.
It should be noted that the base version of the new Kwid has become 22 thousand rupees more expensive compared to the previous one. Meanwhile, the current Evolution and Climber trims have become cheaper by 14 thousand and 32 thousand rupees, respectively. The company has discontinued the production of the Authentic trim with basic specifications and the Techno trim with mid-range specifications for the 2026 model.
The exterior of the 2026 Kwid has received minor modifications, including a new three-dimensional Renault badge. A redesigned two-tone plastic cover has been developed for the 14-inch steel wheels. The way the Kwid name is written on the tailgate has also changed, although most external elements remain the same. Small adjustments have also been made inside the cabin: a three-spoke Kaiser-style wheel design equipped with multimedia control buttons has been introduced. The car is equipped with an 8-inch infotainment system supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Regarding safety systems, the base model is equipped with two airbags, while the top model has six. Additional features include a rear parking camera and sensors, a tire pressure monitoring system, as well as hill start assist, keyless entry, central locking, ABS, and seatbelt reminder with EBD. The car uses the old 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine, which produces 69 hp and 92.5 Nm of torque. It is available with a five-speed manual transmission and a five-speed automatic manual transmission. Competitors to the Kwid are the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and Alto K10, which are priced at 3.50 lakh and 3.70 lakh rupees, respectively.
