McLaren launches McL 6GT with manual gearbox; Porsche 911 Carrera S returns to manual option; Ferrari presents CZ26

While Dodge works to revitalize the appeal of the Charger for enthusiasts and Ford seeks to increase the profitability of the Mustang in the next generation, the Chevrolet Camaro is on pause, at least temporarily.

Sources linked to the brand, spoken to by GM Authority, provided information about the seventh-generation Camaro, which is expected to launch in 2029. This new model would be significantly different from previous ones, presenting itself as a four-door sedan.

Chevrolet plans to develop this new Camaro using the GM Alpha 2 platform, the same one used in the future Cadillac CT5 and in a sedan that Buick is expected to introduce soon. Production would take place at the GM factory located in Lansing Grand River, Michigan, replicating the manufacturing location of the previous Camaro before its discontinuation in 2024. The sedan would have dimensions comparable to the Chevrolet Malibu.

A positive point is that, following the tradition of American automakers, the new Camaro would not abandon internal combustion; the small block V8 engine is expected to remain under the hood, and, crucially, the manual transmission option would be maintained.

However, the transition to a four-door body raises questions, especially considering that the North American market has driven the migration from sedans to SUVs and pickup trucks. Furthermore, the Dodge Charger itself demonstrates the viability of offering the same vehicle as both a coupe and a sedan.

Despite the optimism, there is some skepticism regarding this information, but the prospect of a Camaro sedan is seen as better than having no Camaro at all.

News on the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 2027

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350, one of the brand's most popular models, has received updates for the 2027 version, including new equipment and color options. All versions of the Meteor now come equipped with assisted and slip clutch, which reduces effort when operating the lever and prevents rear wheel lock during abrupt downshifts.

Additionally, the Tripper navigator, which uses pairing with the mobile phone's GPS to guide the route curve by curve, has been standardized across the entire line, not limited only to the more expensive variants. The Meteor 350 has also started including full LED lighting and a USB Type-C port on the handlebars, features welcomed by long-distance travelers.

The only exception is the entry-level Fireball version, which did not receive adjustable levers, a feature exclusive to the Aurora and Supernova variants. The Supernova, in turn, now features alloy wheels and tubeless tires, while the Aurora retains its spoked wheels. Visually, the Fireball gains the Fireball Orange color, and the other versions are available in Stellar Matt Grey, Aurora Retro Green, and Supernova Black shades.

The prices for the 2027 line are: Meteor 350 Fireball Orange for R$ 24,990; Meteor 350 Stellar Matt Grey for R$ 25,990; Meteor 350 Aurora Retro Green and Meteor 350 Supernova Black for R$ 26,490. The mechanics remain unchanged, maintaining the 349 cc single-cylinder engine, with 20.2 hp and 2.75 kgfm, and the five-speed gearbox.

Bill proposal aims to annul hidden radar fines

A new legislative initiative under discussion in the National Congress proposes to prohibit the imposition of penalties for speed radars installed in a hidden manner or without proper signage. Bill Project 2364/26, presented by parliamentarian André Fernandes, suggests that the Brazilian Traffic Code requires complete visibility of these devices. The central argument of this proposal is that road enforcement should prioritize awareness and accident prevention, rather than acting as a revenue collection tool.

It is important to note that, although the text has begun its analysis process to proceed through the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, no fine issued to date will be automatically canceled. Current regulation continues to be defined by the National Traffic Council through Resolution 798/2020, meaning that all records made currently maintain their legal validity while the parliamentary debate continues.

According to current regulations, fixed meters require preliminary technical studies and indicator signs on the track, while portable devices must be operated exclusively by uniformed officers and in visible locations. The main innovation of the new measure is elevating this requirement for transparency from the merely administrative level of resolutions to the definitive body of federal law, eliminating opportunities for disguised inspections.

Current rules provide for escalating punishments for disrespecting speed limits: excesses up to 20% constitute a medium infraction (four points and R$ 130.16); transgressions between 20% and 50% are considered serious (five points and R$ 195.23); and violations exceeding 50% are classified as a very serious offense, resulting in a debt of R$ 880.41 and immediate suspension of the driver's license.

Aston Martin launches DB12 S inspired by 1950 Le Mans cars

Aston Martin prepared three special editions of the DB12 S for the Monterey Car Week. The distinctive aspect of these units is subtle, as the colors were inspired by the Aston Martin DB2 that competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1950. At that time, the vehicles were identified by British plates starting with 'VMF' and had grilles painted in distinct colors to facilitate identification on the track: one in red, another in yellow, and the third in blue.

This specific detail is what differentiates this special series from other DB12S. The three models received Carbon Black paint, but each incorporates one of the Le Mans colors in the grille: the VMF 63 sports Rosso Red, the VMF 64 features Speed Yellow details, and the VMF 65 uses Ellwood Blue. These colors also appear on the carbon fiber side intakes and in small interior and exterior trims. Aston Martin also added the silhouette of the competition DB2 to the bottom of the rear spoiler, functioning as a surprise element, whose design is also embroidered on the seats.

In terms of specifications, they are identical to the DB12 S presented last year, equipped with a 4.0-liter AMG V8 biturbo engine, generating 700 hp, an eight-speed automatic transmission, carbon-ceramic brakes, recalibrated Bilstein adaptive dampers, and stiffer stabilizers than those on the standard DB12. Aston Martin has not yet confirmed whether these three cars will be marketed after the Monterey Car Week, but given the company's situation, it is likely they will be sold to the brand's most engaged customers at a price yet to be disclosed.

Winning Lola rotary from Le Mans goes to auction

One of the most notable cars that participated in Le Mans is available for sale. The Lola T616-Mazda, chassis HU-2, which won the C2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1984, will be auctioned during the Monterey Car Week, with an estimated sale price in the range of US$ 300,000, a considerable amount for a car that was not a main protagonist of the event.

Its highlight lies, firstly, in the Mazda 13B engine, the famous 1.3-liter two-rotor Wankel, and in the fact that it won its class at Le Mans using street tires. In fact, the T616 was part of a BF Goodrich project aimed at promoting radial tires. The company already supplied tires for Mazda RX-7s in the United States but decided to create its own team to compete in endurance races with C2 class prototypes.

They prepared two Lola T616s with the 13B engine from the RX-7 and tires that maintained the structure of street tires, only adapted in size for the prototype wheels. Despite having a street compound and carcass, the prototype finished the race in tenth overall but won the C2 class. The second Lola of the team achieved third place in the category and twelfth overall. This participation also entered Mazda's history, marking the second consecutive victory of a car with a Wankel engine in its class at Le Mans, seven years before the conquest of the 787B in 1991.

Both cars survived and were restored by members of the project in the 2000s, participating since then in historical events and races. Currently, both will be sold by Mecum Auctions. The HU-2, the Le Mans winner, is valued at about US$ 300,000, while its sibling, the HU-3, is expected to reach approximately US$ 200,000.

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.

Ferrari has announced that its order backlog is completely filled until the end of 2027, implying that customers will need to wait until 2028 to receive their new vehicles. This situation reflects Ferrari's strategy of limiting annual production to around 14,000 units, aiming to create controlled scarcity that preserves the value of used cars and optimizes operational margins.

Despite a slight reduction in deliveries due to the shift of assembly lines to new models, Ferrari's revenue remained high, driven by customization packages and SP models. Combustion engine vehicles account for 70% of total sales.

The order volume was reinforced by the brand's recent launches, including the Amalfi Spider, Purosangue Handling Speciale, and Luce, as well as being the first full year of commercialization for the Testarossa and 296 Speciale. Three of the five new models announced by Ferrari have already been presented, with the 12Cilindri Manual being particularly sought after.

Two more launches are expected this year: the F80 Aperta, which has already been seen in testing, and the likely 296 'Challenge Stradale', which should complete what CEO Benedetto Vigna called 'the most complete line in Ferrari's history'. Additionally, Ferrari's stock performance on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is expected to close the day above $400, reaching its highest level since the announcement of electrification investments.

Lamborghini Revuelto celebrates 60 years of the Miura

The Lamborghini Revuelto, equipped with a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, three electric motors, over 1,000 hp, an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and all-wheel drive, embodies the essence of contemporary supercars. Although distinct from the classic Lamborghini Miura—recognized as a pioneer of sports cars for its rear-mounted V12 and wedge body—the Revuelto draws inspiration from the Miura. Therefore, Lamborghini launched a special edition to commemorate the 60th anniversary of this icon.

However, this tribute does not follow the model of the 2021 Lamborghini Countach LPI-800, which was essentially an updated Aventador with a refreshed body. Instead, the Lamborghini Revuelto Miura 60 Homage features traditional Miura color palettes: Rosso Arancio (red), Arancio (orange), Giallo (yellow), Verde Scandal, Verde Metallic, Blu Tahiti (blue), Blu Notte (another blue), Nero Noctis (black), and Bianco Monocerus (white).

These tones are complemented by 'Miura 60' emblems distributed across the vehicle, gloss black brake calipers, matte black exhaust tips, and 'cannelloni' style stitching on the seats. Gold paint options for wheels and side skirts are also available, following the Miura tradition. 99 numbered examples of the Revuelto Miura 60 Homage will be produced, allowing buyers to add personalized items.

Details of the new Volkswagen Amarok emerge in candid shots

With the launch approaching, the new Volkswagen Amarok is losing its camouflage. Images released by the @placaverde profile show the pickup circulating with less disguise, providing a clearer view of its future design.

While the first generation of the Amarok (launched in 2010) was an autonomous Volkswagen project, the second (rolled out in 2022 but did not reach Brazil) was very similar to a Ford Ranger with Volkswagen logos. The third generation, however, will be the result of a collaboration with Chinese companies, using the SAIX Maxus Terron 9 (also known as Interstellar X) as a base.

The photographs highlight this Chinese origin, despite Volkswagen's efforts to give it its own visual identity, such as a raised front with exclusive headlights, grille, and bumper. Elements like the silhouette, door contours, C-pillar, and bed shape exhibit typically Chinese characteristics, with straighter lines and defined creases, as well as a more vertical windshield, contrasting with the Western style of more muscular and sculpted pickups.

Even with the Asian base, Volkswagen assures that the chassis tuning—covering suspension, steering, and overall dynamics—will be developed internally. The mechanics have not yet been detailed, but the top version is expected to use the 800 TSI name, referencing the 81.6 kgfm (800 Nm) torque of the plug-in hybrid system. This variant is estimated to generate about 470 hp, allowing the new Amarok to reach 100 km/h in under five seconds. There will also be simpler versions, sharing mechanical components with other Volkswagen models.

Like the current generation, the new Amarok will be manufactured in Pacheco, Argentina, with a debut scheduled for early 2027, followed by its arrival in Brazil.

Mercedes-Benz admits excess in touch-sensitive controls

Consumers who dislike the replacement of physical buttons and selectors with touch-sensitive controls may be satisfied, as manufacturers appear to be reassessing this trend. In a recent conversation with the British publication Autocar, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius admitted that the company may have exaggerated its campaign against physical buttons.