Lotus reveals prices in Brazil and presents models, including the return of the Dodge Super Bee

Although the production of the Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman was discontinued in 2025, the future of the model remained uncertain. Subsequently, the German automaker revealed that the next generation of this rear-engined sports car would be fully electric, news that was initially not well received by the public.

In response, Porsche informed the press, back in December of the previous year, that the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) platform would be adapted to accommodate combustion engines. This fueled speculation that only track-focused variants, such as the 718 GT4, would be gasoline-powered.

However, in recent months, rumors have surfaced that the launch of the electric 718 would be delayed or even canceled. Nevertheless, CEO Michael Leiters clarified the situation when speaking with the German publication Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, stating that the original plan remains valid and the electric 718 will be launched.

The executive declared: 'Regarding the electric 718, we have concluded that we will produce this model,' adding that the choice is due both to economic viability and the fact that it is a 'fantastic car.'

The financial justification is supported by 2025 sales figures, when Porsche recorded 280,000 sales, with 22.2% being pure electric and 12.1% being plug-in hybrids. In Europe, the penetration of electrified vehicles was even higher, reaching 57.9% of Porsche sales that year.

Additionally, the development of the electric 718 was already quite advanced, and the delivery deadline was extended due to the rework of the platform to accept combustion engines. Canceling a project at this stage would represent a financial waste. Considering that Leiters took over from Oliver Blume with the goal of recovering Porsche's profitability, which faces difficulties related to the Volkswagen Group crisis, this would be an economically imprudent decision.

On the other hand, under Blume's management, Porsche saw its profit drop by $2.1 billion, a direct result of excessive investment in electric vehicles, which reinforces the strategy of adapting combustion engines onto the PPE platform.

Despite the lack of enthusiasm from enthusiasts for the electric 718, this has little impact on Porsche's decisions. If, ultimately, this change helps stabilize the company and ensure the survival of the 911, this reality must be accepted.

Meanwhile, in the United States, the Ram 1500 Rumble Bee received a power boost even before it started being sold. Its most extreme variant, the SRT, equipped with the 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 engine, already boasts 787 hp.

Ram announced that the pickup truck will also participate in the Direct Connection program, a Mopar performance parts catalog. This program allows for an upgrade of the 2.4-liter supercharger to 3 liters, increasing total power to over 900 hp while maintaining the warranty. This kit costs nearly $11,000.

The supercharger kit is available for other engine configurations: the 5.7-liter engine of the initial version goes up from 400 hp to about 600 hp, and the intermediate version's 392 V8 (6.4 liters) goes from 476 hp to approximately 700 hp. The SRT variant already exceeds 900 hp.

Those who purchase the supercharger kit can add a Magnaflow exhaust system. Furthermore, the Rumble Bee and Rumble Bee 392 versions can receive a suspension package with 24-position adjustable coilover shocks and stiffer springs, lowering the front by 2.5 cm and the rear by 7.5 cm, which, according to Ram, improves traction and cornering performance.

The manufacturer confirmed that these packages will be released alongside the trucks, scheduled for late 2026 for the Ram Rumble Bee and early 2027 for the 392 and SRT versions.

In another sector, GWM introduced a work version of the Poer P30 pickup, making it the most affordable double-cab mid-size pickup in Brazil, priced at R$ 205,000.

This new configuration is R$ 22,000 cheaper than the Poer P30 Trail (R$ 227,000) and R$ 42,000 cheaper than the Exclusive (R$ 247,000). Comparatively, the direct rival Fiat Titano Endurance costs R$ 238,490, showing a difference of R$ 33,490.

Entry options from competitors like Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S10, and Toyota Hilux cost between R$ 248,600 and R$ 256,390, but they are chassis-cab models, whereas the Poer P30 Pro already comes with a double cab and standard bed.

To achieve the R$ 205,000 price point, GWM simplified the trim: alloy wheels were replaced with 18-inch steel wheels, and details such as the grille, mirrors, and door handles were finished in matte black and dark gray.

Internally, the multimedia screen was reduced from 14.6 to 12.3 inches, and the digital instrument cluster decreased from 10.25 to seven inches. The Pro version also lost features such as 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, electric mirrors, inductive charging, connected services, and transparent vision system. The front seats no longer have electric adjustments, heating, or ventilation, and the interior is entirely black.

The mechanical assembly remains unchanged: it uses the 184 hp and 48.9 kgfm 2.4 turbo-diesel coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 4x4 traction offers 2H, 4H, and 4L modes, in addition to electronic rear differential lock. The safety package includes six airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, frontal collision warning, and license plate recognition.

Volvo reiterated the warning to owners of the EX30 involved in the battery recall: they should not charge the vehicles above 70% capacity until the repair is performed. The manufacturer identified a production flaw in the high-voltage battery cells of some units of the electric SUV, which could cause short circuits, overheating, and fire risk.

The recall covers EX30s manufactured between September 6, 2024, and October 25, 2025, affecting over 40,000 cars globally, with about 5,600 in Brazil. As a precaution, Volvo instructed owners to limit charging to 70% via the car's system until the batteries are replaced at a dealership. In certain markets, avoiding charging in enclosed or unsupervised locations was recommended.

Luis Rezende, Volvo's president for the Americas, emphasized in an interview with CBN radio that exceeding this limit is unsafe, asking all owners to comply with the recall. He stated: 'We ask the owners of the EX30, please follow the recall. The battery limit is indeed 70%. Charging above that is not safe and can really cause accidents.'

The recall requires inspection and replacement of battery components. The alert gained prominence after a Volvo EX30 caught fire in Rio de Janeiro, although there is no confirmation yet of a link between this incident and the fault that motivated the recall. Until the repair is completed, the guidance is to keep the charge at 70% and visit a Volvo dealership.

To celebrate 30 years of the manga Initial D, Seiko launched the Keisuke Takahashi RX-7 FD3S chronograph, in collaboration with the retail chain Premico. The watch is inspired by the character Keisuke Takahashi, driver of the iconic yellow Mazda RX-7 FD. The color appears on the dial, and the secondary dials replicate the car's instruments. The 12 o'clock marker mimics the rotor of a Wankel engine, and the RedSuns emblem is at the 3 o'clock position.

This quartz watch features a stainless steel case and bracelet. The back cover is engraved with the franchise logo and the individual unit number. 1,995 units will be produced, referencing the serialization year of Initial D in the Japanese magazine Weekly Young.

This is the second Seiko watch inspired by Initial D; last year, there was a release based on Takumi Fujiwara's Toyota AE86. It is common for Japanese watchmakers to partner with anime and manga, attracting a community of horology collectors.

The Seiko Keisuke Takahashi RX-7 FD3S began selling on August 3rd at the official Premico store for 65,780 yen (equivalent to about R$ 2,140). Importers like Hobby Genki also offer pre-sales for ¥ 71,980 (approximately R$ 2,340), with international shipping expected in January 2027. Due to the limited edition, prices on the parallel market can be significantly higher, as seen in the Takumi Fujiwara version, which can cost almost R$ 20,000 in Brazil.

Finally, Ford continues the development of its next Le Mans car. After confirming the Coyote-derived V8 and performing the first engine ignition, the racing division announced that the assembly can reproduce a complete lap at La Sarthe on the dynamometer.

Hennessey unveiled the new Hennessey Blackbird, a hypercar distinguished by its naturally aspirated V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, manual transmission, and lack of dashboard screens. This model is intended to replace the Hennessey Venom F5, which was equipped with a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V8 capable of exceeding 2,000 hp in the Evolution version.

Instead of focusing solely on raw power, Hennessey opted to prioritize the driving experience. The Blackbird, named after the SR-71 Blackbird fighter jet, utilizes an atmospheric V8 engine developed by Ilmor Engineering. This engine, based on the Chevrolet V8, has 6.2 liters and is expected to produce between 800 hp and 850 hp, with a rotational capacity exceeding 9,000 rpm.

The vehicle's specifications include 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 2.5 seconds and a top speed above 350 km/h. The company emphasizes weight reduction, aiming to keep the car under 1,360 kg, using a monocoque and carbon fiber panels. The chassis will be equipped with adaptive dampers, traction control, and ABS brakes, without other electronic aids.

The design reflects aeronautical inspiration, featuring active vertical stabilizers that rise at 114 km/h and four exhaust outlets styled after the Bell X-1. Internally, the goal was to create an analog and classic atmosphere, eliminating screens in favor of a large central tachometer, exposed manual gearbox, and physical ignition key. Connectivity is managed by the Hennessey Holster, a smartphone holder serving as the multimedia center.

Blackbird production is extremely limited, with only 71 units planned for 2029 and 2030, and each will cost US$ 2.5 million before options. Hennessey reported that more than two-thirds of this batch have already been reserved.

Best-Selling Cars in July 2026

In the Brazilian market, July recorded the sale of 265,148 passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, representing a 2.1% increase compared to the previous month. Although monthly volume grew, the sales pace slowed down, partly because July had two more business days than June.

The Fiat Strada led the ranking with 14,912 units sold, followed by the Volkswagen Polo (10,340) and Volkswagen Tera (10,165). Chevrolet Onix and Fiat Argo completed the top five. However, the scenario changes drastically when considering only retail sales, as fleet operators and rental companies account for almost half of the total market.

The top five were significantly dependent on fleet or rental sales: 74.4% of Strada registrations, 66.1% of the Polo, 56% of the Tera, 61.1% of the Onix, and 75.5% of the Argo went to this sector. In the second half of the top 10, there were three electric vehicles: BYD Dolphin Mini, Dolphin, and Geely EX2, which sell predominantly in retail.

Among urban SUVs, Chinese models gained prominence; the GWM Haval H6 entered the retail top 10 with over 5,500 units, the BYD Song Pro reached 4,158, and the Jaecoo 7 had 3,061 registrations. Together, these Chinese brands accounted for about 23% of the Brazilian market in July, their highest monthly share to date.

In compact SUVs, the Volkswagen T-Cross maintained the lead with 7,070 units, followed by the Hyundai Creta (5,880), Chevrolet Tracker (5,582), and Toyota Yaris Cross (5,036). Toyota's launch is already positioned ahead of established models such as the Fiat Fastback, Jeep Compass, Honda HR-V, Volkswagen Nivus, and Corolla Cross.

In mid-size pickup trucks, there was a fierce competition, with the Ford Ranger finishing July with 3,402 units, surpassing the Toyota Hilux, which registered 3,369. In mid-size sedans, the Corolla also achieved a narrow victory, with 1,666 units against 1,605 from the BYD King.

Ram 1500 Big Horn Arrives with 426 hp at Mid-Size Pickup Price

Ram introduced the new 1500 Big Horn in Brazil, which now serves as the entry-level version of the 1500 line. With a price of R$ 449,990, it is positioned below the Laramie, which starts at R$ 584,990, placing the 1500 in a price range previously dominated by more expensive mid-size pickup versions.

Despite being R$ 135,000 more affordable than the Laramie, the Big Horn maintains the 3.0-liter Hurricane biturbo inline six-cylinder engine, generating 426 hp and 64.8 kgfm. It comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4x4 traction. Weighing 2,663 kg, the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and reach 180 km/h, which Ram claims is the most powerful and fastest performance among full-size pickups available in the country.

This combination of price and performance suggests that Ram seeks to compete not only with the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado but also with the Ford Ranger Raptor. Although both have sporty and high-performance proposals, the Ranger focuses on off-road use, while the Ram has a profile more geared towards road and utility.

To reduce costs, the Big Horn features simpler finishes and equipment lists than the Laramie, but still includes 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, a 12-inch multifunctional screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, inductive charging, electrically adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. In terms of safety, it features adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and six airbags.

BMW Abandons Rival for Mercedes-Benz G-Class

There were strong rumors that BMW would enter the rugged SUV segment, with the G74 project being pointed out as a direct competitor to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the Land Rover Defender. However, this plan has been canceled.

The idea emerged about three years ago after Bavarian automaker engineers were impressed by the capability of the Rivian R1T electric pickup during comparative tests. Initially conceived as a pure EV based on the Neue Klasse platform, the project evolved into the flexible CLAR architecture, receiving the codename G74. This change would allow for combustion, hybrid, and electric versions, with production planned for the Spartanburg, USA factory, in a three-row SUV with a rear spare tire, similar to the G-Class.

The main factor leading to the project's shelving was the extremely high development cost required to create a luxury 4x4 with extreme off-road capabilities, a niche market with limited sales volume. Additionally, BMW prefers to follow the recent strategy of portfolio simplification, concentrating efforts on segments where it already has a strong presence, avoiding risks of entering saturated markets.

The German brand never officially confirmed the project, which was widely speculated by the press. Although the original launch was scheduled for 2029, there remains a possibility that management in Munich could reconsider the decision if the market shows changes in the coming years. For now, the project's development has been suspended.