Death of journalist Claudio Carsughi and launch of the new Renault Niagara

The Mitsubishi Pajero has returned after a five-year hiatus, maintaining its classic SUV essence, utilizing a chassis derived from the Triton and equipped with a turbodiesel engine, along with 4x4 low range traction, ready for long-distance rally competitions.

Visually, the new model presents a contemporary language, characterized by straight and muscular lines. It features side windows that merge with the rear glass and, in promotional images, displays a two-tone paint job, combining a glossy black roof with a bronze-toned body.

The front end features boomerang-shaped (or steak bone) LED headlights and an upper light bar on the grille. The taillights follow a similar concept, with vertical rectangular elements, although they are interrupted by an identification plate.

The dimensions of the new Pajero are 4.92 meters in length, 1.93 m in width, 1.91 m in height, and 2.87 m wheelbase, offering space for seven passengers in three rows. The suspension combines overlaid arms at the front and a multi-link arrangement with a solid axle at the rear, highlighting its off-road capability with a ground clearance of 230 mm.

In contrast to the dated architecture of the previous generation, the interior of the new Pajero adopts a more minimalist and horizontal design. However, much of the physical controls has been replaced by a 14.3-inch touchscreen, which serves as the main panel and replaces indicators such as altitude, compass, and inclination.

The interior finish is marked by the elevated center console, horizontal air vents on the dashboard, and extensive use of leather. The initial equipment list is robust, including tri-zone automatic air conditioning, ventilated seats, 3D external cameras, and a Yamaha sound system with 12 speakers. Safety features include eight airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and cross-traffic alert.

The initially announced engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel, based on the Triton's 4N16. While the Triton uses two turbochargers, the Pajero employs a variable geometry turbocharger. Furthermore, the SUV debuts a new eight-speed automatic transmission, unlike the pickup's six-speed automatic gearbox. The Super Select 4WD-II system allows for various traction configurations, working with S-AWC to offer seven driving modes.

The vehicle will be produced in Thailand and is scheduled to arrive in Japan and Australia, with a planned launch in over 100 countries, including Latin America, starting in 2027.

Lewis Hamilton rescues Ferrari F40 stored for 30 years

Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton managed to acquire an original Ferrari F40 that had been stored for three decades. The Scuderia driver announced the acquisition on his social media, confirming that the car would be completely restored by the Maranello engineering team.

Hamilton expressed great enthusiasm, describing the vehicle as the car of his dreams. After finding the dusty example, he first took it to Maranello, where specialists worked on its revitalization. He thanked everyone involved in the project.

This supercar, equipped with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, 478 hp, a manual gearbox, and traction, retains characteristics of the analog era of Ferrari, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed exceeding 320 km/h.

Previously, Hamilton had mentioned the idea of developing a modern supercar based on the F40, possibly named F44, keeping the manual gearbox but modernizing the engine and style, although preserving the originality of the F40 is considered superior by many.

Laguna Seca's Corkscrew is now called Zanardi Corkscrew

Those responsible for Laguna Seca announced that the Corkscrew curve will officially be named Zanardi Corkscrew, in tribute to Alex Zanardi and 30 years of one of the most iconic overtakes in Indy history.

This legendary maneuver occurred on the last lap of the CART season when Zanardi, chasing Bryan Herta, used the Corkscrew as his last chance to win. The Italian driver dove inside during braking, overtook Herta at the curve entrance, and crossed part of the runoff area before returning to the track in the lead, an action validated by the stewards.

The Corkscrew corresponds to the section formed by curves 8 and 8A, covering 137 meters between entry and exit, with a drop of approximately 18 meters in this section. The altitude difference between curve 8 and curve 9 exceeds 33 meters.

The official ceremony for the Zanardi Corkscrew took place last Friday during the final IndyCar events at Laguna Seca, attended by Chip Ganassi, owner of Zanardi's CART team, and Max Papis.

Audi Nuvolari may give rise to a new Porsche supercar

Despite the delicate situation of the Volkswagen Group, rumors suggest that the Audi Nuvolari, a supercar recently presented by Audi, could serve as a basis for a successor to the Porsche 918 Spyder.

According to Automotive News, Porsche is reportedly evaluating the use of the Nuvolari to create a new top-tier model, which would simplify the engineering process, avoiding a complete restart like what happened with the 918 Spyder. The Nuvolari shares components with the Lamborghini Temerario, including a four-liter twin-turbo V8 assisted by three electric motors, capable of generating 920 hp, while Audi promises something exceeding 1,000 hp.

Considering Porsche's current challenges, where the 911 sustains the brand while other models face changes and delays, utilizing existing parts would be a viable solution to introduce a new super sports car above the 911. However, Automotive News points out that negotiations between Audi and Porsche are still in the preliminary phase, awaiting an opportune moment for any announcement.

Porsche 911 GT3 receives special series in honor of the Alps

Porsche has launched a limited special edition of the 911 GT3 RS, named 911 GT3 Bergsport, as a tribute to the European Alps. Production will be restricted to only 100 units, and sales will be exclusive to Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and France.

This creation was developed by Porsche's Exclusiv Manufaktur division. The goal is to celebrate both the mountain roads of the Alps and the origins of Porsche itself, given that the dynamic development of Stuttgart's first road sports cars occurred on these routes, as well as some of the brand's early victories in competitions.

Based on the Touring version, the GT3 Bergsport maintains its original mechanical package, consisting of a four-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine with 510 hp and a six-speed manual gearbox. The main distinction lies in the body color.

The 2026 Interlagos Festival will feature the Ford Mustang GT Performance, alongside other models. During the event, Ford announced the arrival of this vehicle in the Brazilian market, which will compete with the Mustang Dark Horse, currently the only option available in the catalog.

The GT Performance version uses the same five-liter Coyote V8 engine found in the Dark Horse, but with a slightly reduced calibration, delivering 492 hp compared to the Dark Horse's 507 hp. The torque remains identical, reaching 57.8 kgfm, as does the ten-speed automatic transmission. This model also incorporates Brembo brakes both front and rear.

Although Ford has not provided all the details, it is speculated that, being the entry point for the model in Brazil, the GT Performance might have distinct adjustments to the suspension and steering, allowing the Dark Horse to maintain its focus on track use with firmer suspension and more direct steering. However, this remains only a hypothesis.

What is confirmed is the differentiated design of the GT Performance, which includes darkened trim on wheels, grille, headlights, emblems, and the rear wing. Furthermore, this version will debut the new Avalanche Gray color, with a solid finish. The Mustang GT Performance is expected to arrive at dealerships this year, at which time Ford should detail the differences between it and the Dark Horse and announce the price. Currently, the Mustang Dark Horse costs R$ 649,990.

Rockstar finally reveals GTA VI gameplay

The highly anticipated GTA VI was presented with more details. Rockstar Games released a more detailed preview, titled GTA VI: An Extended Look, initially on Netflix and later available on YouTube for non-subscribers. The content is considered very promising.

The clip is over 25 minutes long and consists purely of gameplay, without commentary or behind-the-scenes footage, including combat sequences and a lot of vehicle action, as well as story scenes without major spoilers.

A notable point occurs around 17:45 in the video: a short race demonstrating that the Vice City map now includes a real racetrack. Initially, it was speculated that the track would be a replica of the Sebring International Raceway road course in Florida, but it is now known that only the start/finish line and the opposite straight have any resemblance to the original track. Additionally, the vehicle behavior and interface information, such as lap times and a positioning map, suggest that GTA VI will have a dedicated racing mechanic, and not just improvised moments during missions.

This reinforces the theory that car physics in GTA VI will be more realistic, requiring the player to control acceleration and braking at the right moment to navigate corners, which appeals to players critical of the previous physics considered too 'arcadey'. Visually, the game presents a very attractive title and graphics that seem next-generation compared to GTA V, released in 2013. Despite the age of GTA V, GTA VI maintains the characteristic 'vibe' of the franchise in photographic treatment, camera movements, and dialogue.

New Lotus Esprit will have a hybrid V6 version

The rebirth of the Lotus Esprit, scheduled for 2028, marks the return of the British supercar after more than two decades of absence, with the last unit produced in 2024, concluding a trajectory of over 30 years.

The current scenario demands changes, and the Esprit, internally known as Type 135, will also be adapted. Previously, Lotus had confirmed that the propulsion system would use a V8 engine with hybrid technology. This adoption was guaranteed by the manufacturer as necessary to meet emission limits while ensuring the expected performance of a Lotus supercar.

Lotus plans for the Esprit to fill the gap between the Emira, its current entry-level sports car, and the electric hypercar Evija, justifying the choice of the hybrid V8. Simultaneously, the company reaffirms its commitment to an 'exciting and mechanical' dynamic for the Esprit, which implies considerations regarding weight. It is in this context that the V6, already used by the Emira, comes into play.

According to Autocar sources, Lotus decided to include a V6 engine variant in the Esprit specifically to make it more accessible and lighter, aiming for a weight of around 1,500 kg, bringing it closer to the original Lotus philosophy. Although the original Esprit used a V8, the new powertrain could reach about 1,000 hp, which many enthusiasts consider inadequate for a Lotus. In the Emira, the V6 generates approximately 540 hp assisted by an electric motor, which seems more consistent with the Lotus profile. The central issue was precisely seeking lightness and simplicity.

It is important to note that the name Esprit has not been fully confirmed. Sources linked to Lotus indicate it is the preferred name, but the manufacturer is still evaluating other options.

Porsche comments on factory 911 Slantnose: 'not impossible'

Among the icons of the classic 911 silhouette are the special editions that deviate from this format. A notable example is the Porsche 911 Slantnose, a unique specimen ordered over 40 years ago and remains one of the most emblematic one-offs in history. This car was custom-made for Mansour Ojjeh, owner of TAG, and was essentially a competition Porsche 935 adapted for road use, maintaining the body with flared fenders and, crucially, the lowered nose with retractable headlights.

At that time, the vehicle generated significant buzz, leading Porsche to produce, according to its own estimates, 948 units on order for high-net-worth clients. Moving to 2026, Porsche launched the 911 Flachbau, created through its exclusive Sonderwunsch program upon request from an anonymous client. Based on a 2018 911 GT2 RS, Porsche developed a modern version of the 80s classic, featuring an entirely new body and a low front end without retractable headlights due to current safety regulations.

This car was immediately acclaimed by the community, raising the question of whether such a design could become a factory option or, at least, a limited series outside the Sonderwunsch program. Alexander Fabig, Vice President of Products and Customization at Porsche, responded affirmatively, but with reservations.

In conversation with American journalists from The Drive, Fabig detailed that the concept of the Sonderwunsch program has always aimed to inspire the company's standard products. He cited several examples from the last 50 years where elements started as individual requests and subsequently migrated to the production line, moving from exclusive Manufaktur options to options and, finally, standard products. Fabig mentioned the X50 and X51 packages, which increased the power of the 993 generation Porsche 911 Turbo, and the 911 Turbo S itself, which began as a special order.

He also commented on custom colors: when a customer requests a color, they sign a term that allows Porsche to include it in the standard catalog within a year, diluting development costs. Therefore, Fabig concluded that it is quite likely that elements or reinterpretations of the Slantnose will appear as a factory option, although this is not a formal promise from Porsche. The mere fact that it was declared potentially viable, without question, is already considered relevant.

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.