Ram introduced two significant novelties at the Interlagos Festival. The first was the launch of the special Rebel Ignition edition for the Rampage, a limited series of 400 numbered units. This version uses the Rampage Rebel as a base and incorporates elements inspired by the TRX line, such as darkened finishes on emblems, wheels, and headlights, in addition to a matte black graphic applied to the hood and bed. All 400 vehicles are manufactured in Pacific Blue, a prominent metallic shade, and the interior follows the theme with black upholstery and blue stitching details on the seats, steering wheel, and door panels.
The Rampage Rebel Ignition will be available with two engine configurations: the 2.2 turbodiesel, which generates 200 hp, or the 2.0 Hurricane, a flex option with 272 hp. The diesel model is priced at R$ 270,990, while the flex costs R$ 250,990. Both models are equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4x4 traction with low range. To reinforce its off-road capabilities, the vehicles come with 17-inch wheels and Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires, size 235/65.
Regardless of the chosen engine, the equipment list includes electric seat adjustments, seven airbags, and a complete package of Level 2+ ADAS driving aids, which covers adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane keeping and centering systems. Additionally, there is a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch multimedia center, digital air conditioning, and a rearview camera. The arrival of the Rampage Rebel Ignition at Ram dealerships is expected in the coming weeks.
The second major novelty announced by Ram is the return of V8 engine equipped models for sale in Brazil, although without specific details. The intention is to replicate the scenario observed in the United States: after the introduction of the six-cylinder Hurricane engine, more traditional consumers expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of the eight cylinders, which motivated Ram to reintegrate the V8 engine in the latest line update, both in standard and sport versions, giving rise to the Rumble Bee line, which offers various V8 engines, including the 6.2-liter Hellcat with over 800 hp.
In the Brazilian market, the V8 was replaced by the three-liter turbocharged Hurricane, producing 426 hp and 64.7 kgfm of torque, allowing the Ram 1500 to reach 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. However, the symbolic factor of the V8 in the trunk prevailed, leading Ram to decide to bring back the Hemi engine. This engine is expected to be launched at the end of 2027, and Ram plans to gradually disclose the details. There are speculations about the possible inclusion of the Ram TRX in the catalog, given that a previous generation unit, equipped with a 712 hp and 89.9 kgfm V8 Hellcat engine, is displayed at the Ram stand at the Interlagos Festival.
BBC confirms Top Gear return
After a four-year hiatus, the BBC confirmed the relaunch of Top Gear. The announcement was made discreetly by Ed Havard, the broadcaster's entertainment director, during the TV Festival held in Edinburgh, Scotland. Havard stated: 'After much speculation... we can confirm that yes, Top Gear is coming back.' The executive provided no further information, refusing to comment on dates or potential presenter lineups.
Among the names considered are the British comedian Jimmy Carr, known for his sharp and controversial humor, and former rugby player Joe Marler, who began presenting TV shows after retiring in 2024. It will be challenging to reproduce the charisma and atmosphere of the golden age of Top Gear, which featured Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. Since the trio left the BBC due to controversies involving Clarkson and assault on a producer, the show has not achieved the same success, not even with Matt LeBlanc, who hosted the show between 2016 and 2019.
Meanwhile, the classic trio developed The Grand Tour, an original Prime Video series, which for many fans represented the true successor to Top Gear. The situation became even more complicated when Freddie Flintoff, a member of the last trio alongside Chris Harris and Paddy McGuinness, suffered a serious accident during filming, resulting in severe facial injuries. Freddie ended up receiving compensation of £9 million, and the show was suspended indefinitely.
New Toyota Celica should be based on the Corolla
The resurgence of classic sports cars for the 21st century demonstrates a growing trend. Toyota, for example, has plans for a new MR2 and has confirmed the return of the classic Celica, both under the responsibility of its sports division, GR (formerly Gazoo Racing).
New information about the Celica indicates that the coupe will be the brand's entry-level model and will complete a trio of sports cars alongside the Supra and the future MR2. To optimize costs, the new Celica will use the next-generation Corolla platform, following a similar model implemented by Honda with the Prelude, which shares components with the Civic. Regarding propulsion, Toyota is evaluating the adoption of a 2.0 turbo engine with hybrid technology, which can be conventional or plug-in. Although the 1.6 engine from the GR Yaris was an option, the automaker mentioned that this three-cylinder engine is close to emission limits, making its use in the future Celica difficult. All-wheel drive is considered certain, regardless of the selected engine.
Although it is premature to define the street version's launch date, a prototype with an unprecedented two-door body was spotted in preparatory tests for the 2027 World Rally Championship (WRC) season. Replacing the current Yaris with the new Celica in competitions would serve as the main promotional tool for the model, being a logical choice given the emblematic rally history of the Celica in the 1990s.
Dodge may revive the Shelby GLH—or something close to it
Dodge may be reigniting enthusiast interest in the US with the possible return of the Shelby GLH hot hatch, or something very close to it, as reported by Car and Driver magazine. However, the vehicle will not be a traditional hatchback and will not carry the name of Carroll Shelby, but it will offer comparable features.
This car will serve as a form of redemption for the brand, acting as a replacement for the Dodge Hornet, a compact SUV recently launched in the United States that received negative reception. The Hornet, which was essentially a rebranded Alfa Romeo Tonale, was sold for only three years, between 2023 and 2025. To correct this failure, Dodge should employ the new STLA One platform from the Stellantis group, a modular architecture intended for at least 30 new models.
The GLH will have an intermediate format between SUV and hatchback, presenting more robust proportions and fenders, but maintaining a low center of gravity, wide stance, and a driving position closer to the ground. In internal meetings, the project was named 'muscle hatch'. Although the launch of the Dodge GLH is distant, scheduled only for 2028, the American publication speculates that it may use the Hurricane 4 four-cylinder engine, currently present in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This engine delivers 328 hp at 6,000 rpm and 46 kgfm of torque between 3,000 and 4,500 rpm, figures that promise remarkable performance for a hot hatch or muscle hatch.
Dongfeng debuts in Brazil with DFM brand and two electric models
The expansion of Chinese automakers gained a new participant with the debut of Dongfeng in Brazil under the DFM brand, initially bringing two electric models. The goal of this entry is to compete with already established brands in the country, such as BYD and Geely.
The models arriving are the DFM Box and the DFM Vigo. The DFM Box is a compact urban hatchback designed to rival the BYD Dolphin Mini and the Geely EX2. With dimensions of 4.02 meters in length, 1.81 m in width, 1.57 m in height, and a wheelbase of 2.66 m, it is powered by a 95 hp and 16.3 kgfm electric motor. Its 43.89 kWh battery supports charging of 88 kW in direct current (DC) and 6.6 kW in alternating current (AC), ensuring a range of up to 275 km according to the Inmetro standard.
The DFM Vigo is an SUV comparable in size to the Hyundai Creta, measuring 4.30 meters in length, 1.87 m in width, 1.64 m in height, and having a wheelbase of 2.71 m. Positioned above the Box, it features a 163 hp and 23.4 kgfm electric motor, powered by a 51.8 kWh battery, providing a range of 302 km on a single charge. According to DFM, this model's battery accepts charges of up to 167 kW in direct current, allowing it to charge from 30% to 80% in just 18 minutes.
In addition to these two initial models, DFM plans to introduce nine more vehicles in Brazil by 2028. Following the strategy of Chinese manufacturers, the brand opened an official store on Mercado Livre to present the first two models, and pre-sale will be available soon, although no date has been set.