The FlatOut portal presents a daily selection of relevant news from the automotive sector, focusing on important updates without including superficial or AI-generated content.
Details of the new Hyundai Tucson
In a context where balance or 'middle ground' is criticized in the automotive universe, Hyundai has revealed the fifth generation of the Tucson. This model, which previously introduced the design with headlights integrated into the grille, now boasts a renewed look called 'Art of Steel' by Hyundai itself.
One of the most prominent visual elements is the new 'H'-shaped light clusters, present both at the front and rear. Hyundai opted to use indirect lighting instead of exposed LEDs to achieve a more uniform effect. For those who find the standard Tucson too angular, there is the XRT variant, which features more robust bumpers, underbody protectors, and bulkier fender moldings, accentuating its adventurous aesthetic.
The interior changes are less drastic. The dashboard has been redesigned to be more horizontal and incorporates a large central screen. However, Hyundai avoided turning all controls into touch, keeping physical buttons on the steering wheel, and introduced light materials along with wood applications.
The mechanical specifications of the new generation have not yet been released, as Hyundai has not detailed the powertrains, although the Tucson was already under development with a focus on hybrid systems. There is also uncertainty about whether the vehicle will return to Brazil, which would benefit the diversification of the generic car market.
BMW adapts first-generation X5 with V10 engine
The fifth generation of the BMW X5 was launched at the end of June, bringing the 'Neue Klasse' visual identity and a 612 hp plug-in hybrid version as the top trim, while the M model with the V8 engine has not yet arrived. However, BMW developed a more unique project: adapting a first-generation X5 with the naturally aspirated V10 engine from the BMW M5 E60.
This project is part of an ongoing collaboration between BMW and the American brand Kith. Unlike a previous BMW XM, this new project is more substantial. Using the BMW X5 2000 of Kith founder Ronnie Fieg as a base, the goal was to create a classic restomod. The original look of the car was preserved, with modifications limited to trim details, such as 'KITH' inscriptions on the brake calipers and instrument panel, in addition to sportier designed bumpers.
The main change occurred in the engine bay, which now houses the BMW M5 E60's V10 S85, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, maintaining the all-wheel-drive system. According to BMW, the project took over a year to complete, including a complete restoration of the body and interior to original standards, simulating that the V10 had always been present.
Although mechanical details were not provided, the vehicle retains the characteristics of the first-generation X5, presenting 507 hp at 7,750 rpm and 53 kgfm of torque at 6,100 rpm. The suspension was also redone, and the project is compared to the X5 with the V12 engine created by BMW to celebrate its victory in the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Additionally, BMW and Kith created a customized X5 with Frozen Titanium Silver paint.
The mid-size pickup Kia Tasman was finally launched in Brazil after almost a year of confirmation, aiming to compete against the Toyota Hilux, the sales leader in the segment, and other rivals such as the Chevrolet S10, Ford Ranger, and Mitsubishi Triton.
Initially, the Tasman arrives in the GL version, priced at R$ 249,990. It is equipped with a 2.2L turbodiesel engine producing 210 hp and 45 kgfm of torque, identical to the one used in the Sorento SUV. The vehicle features an eight-speed automatic transmission, 4x4 traction, and a terrain selector. Its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 10.2 seconds. The Tasman offers driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, and MyDrive) and three terrain settings (Sand, Snow, and Mud).
To handle adverse conditions, Kia specifies that the Tasman has an approach angle of 28.9°, a departure angle of 25°, and a ground clearance of 23.1 cm. Despite lacking a snorkel, it supports immersion of approximately 80 cm.
With dimensions of 5.41 meters in length, 1.93 m in width, 1.89 m in height, and 3.27 m wheelbase, the Tasman is slightly larger and wider than the average competitor. The bed measures 1.51 m in length by 1.57 m in width and 54 cm in depth, totaling a volume of 1,173 liters, with a payload capacity of 1,190 kg.
Visually, the Tasman adopts a bolder style than its competitors, characterized by prominent fenders with black plastic accents and a lower hood. The headlights and taillights are discreet, and the overall shapes are rectilinear and functional—a design that generates divided opinions but attracts attention.
The interior presents a more conventional aspect, following contemporary style with an instrument cluster integrated into the multimedia center, both featuring 12.3-inch screens and a raised center console. Equipment includes a five-inch touch-sensitive digital air conditioner, keyless entry, push-button start, LED headlights, wireless charging, and front and rear parking sensors. Safety is reinforced with seven airbags (front, side, and curtain), electronic traction and stability control, hill descent assist, ramp start assist, trailer stability system, and automatic post-collision braking.
Finally, the Tasman is not yet available in the Kia configurator, but it is expected to arrive at dealerships soon.
Bugatti's Desire: V16 with manual gearbox
The possibility of a Bugatti equipped with a V16 engine and a manual gearbox is an emerging reality, indicating that hypercar manufacturers are meeting the demand from customers willing to pay for a clutch pedal. Mate Rimac, President of Bugatti, confirmed this possibility during the Monterey festival in California, emphatically stating: 'Yes, certainly. Definitely. I agree 100%. Imagine a V16 with a manual gearbox. A real manual gearbox.'
This statement directly refers to Ferrari, which recently presented the 12Cilindri with an automatic gearbox option that simulates manual shifts and a clutch pedal. Given that Bugatti allows exclusive models through its Solitaire program, it is plausible that a billionaire could finance the development of a Tourbillon with three pedals.
However, this represents a significant challenge, as the current Bugatti hypercar uses a naturally aspirated V16 designed to operate in conjunction with three electric motors and an automatic gearbox. On the other hand, considering Rimac's enthusiasm, it is not unlikely that an exclusive model or a limited edition will completely abandon the hybrid system, using only the 1,014 hp generated by the V16, aligning with the trends in the hypercar segment.
Mercedes scraps new V8 for C63 AMG
The new flat-plane twin-turbo V8 from Mercedes, used even in Maybach models, will not be implemented in the C63 AMG, nor even as a replacement for the C63 2.0. The reason, according to experts, is financial.
Klaus Rehkugler, responsible for product management and global training at Mercedes-Benz, confirmed that the new V8 will be destined for the high-performance versions of the CLE Coupé and Cabriolet, but practically excluded from use in the C-Class. He justified that the cost-benefit does not justify itself, since the C-Class of this generation has been on the market since 2021 and has just undergone its mid-life update, making investment in a new V8 unfeasible within the remaining production time.
Currently, the C 63 S E Performance has replaced the traditional eight-cylinder engine with a four-cylinder 2.0 turbo linked to a hybrid system, generating 680 hp, although maximum power is achieved only for short periods. Historically, the identity of the C63 was built upon the legendary 6.2L V8 of the W204 generation, and the W205 maintained the four-liter eight-cylinder with two turbos, presenting a character closer to the European muscle car.
The decision to switch to the 2.0 from the A-Class, with technology inspired by Formula 1, resulted in the fiasco that was the C63 W206. Although AMG insisted on the V8, leading to the current flat-plane engine, this should remain in production for at least ten years. However, a new generation of the C-Class is expected to launch at the end of 2028, at which point Rehkugler did not rule out the possibility of the new engine being included, should the C63 not absorb the CLE 63.
Meanwhile, the space left by the C 63 will be occupied by a new C 53, which should come equipped with a six-cylinder engine, without the complex hybrid system of the current model, which is considered acceptable given that the C-Class AMG started with six cylinders. The return of the V8, which gave the model its status as a desire, is expected in 2028.