The government authorized tests with gasoline containing 35% ethanol (E35), realizing a previously discussed possibility. This test plan was formalized by the Ministry of Mines and Energy and is set to begin next week following the publication of an ordinance in the Official Gazette of the Union.
The justification for this measure is outlined in the text of the Future Fuel Law (14.993/24), which prioritizes reducing pollutant emissions in the Brazilian fleet and aims to limit dependence on fuel prices relative to fluctuations in the international oil market.
However, the approval of the tests does not guarantee the immediate arrival of E35 gasoline at gas stations. Although the schedule was accepted by the Permanent Technical Committee for Future Fuel (CTP-CF), approval of the new proportion by the National Council for Energy Research (CNPE) is still required, creating some uncertainty due to the previous negative reaction from industry and the public to the increase to 32%.
GM seeks to change homologation rules to introduce Escalade, Tahoe, Suburban, and GMC in Brazil
General Motors (GM) has expressed its desire to expand its presence in the Brazilian market with models such as Escalade, Tahoe, Suburban, and GMC. Currently, Cadillac's debut in Brazil has only been with electric versions, despite having models with greater commercial appeal, such as the Escalade and the Blackwing sports cars.
The main barrier to the entry of these vehicles is the need to change Brazilian homologation standards. Brazil does not automatically accept American homologation, and GM argues that low-volume models do not justify the high cost of developing a specific version for the local market, unlike high-circulation models.
For this reason, GM filed a request with Brazilian regulatory bodies to have US standards recognized in the country, negotiating this change in Brasília. According to Fabio Rua, Vice President of GM South America, the goal is not to reduce safety requirements but rather to recognize that different regulations can achieve the same result through different means.
An example cited by the company is the Escalade, whose American configuration differs from a Brazilian requirement regarding the headrests of the third row. While a headrest is mandatory for all occupants in Brazil, the occupant of the middle seat does not have this feature in the US. Adapting the design to Brazilian legislation would incur a cost considered prohibitive by GM.
If this restriction is removed, the Escalade would just be the starting point. Chevrolet is also considering introducing the Tahoe and Suburban, which are already sold in Brazil through independent imports in significant quantities for their size and price. Additionally, the change could enable the return of GMC to Brazil, allowing the sale of the Sierra 1500, considered the most sophisticated version of the Silverado and a direct competitor to the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.
Partnership between Maserati, JAC, and Huawei aims to ensure the brand's survival
Maserati faced a scenario of great uncertainty, with the future of the Italian luxury brand at risk, while Stellantis remained silent on the matter. The answer came with the confirmation of a collaboration with Chinese companies.
Industry sources, cited in an article on the Chinese website EET China, reported that Maserati, JAC, and Huawei signed an agreement to develop new models jointly, optimizing financial, technical, and human resources.
The first results of this Sino-Italian cooperation will be a grand tourer and a large SUV, both fully electric. These vehicles will serve as replacements for existing Maserati models, specifically the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore and the Grecale Folgore, targeting markets in the Middle East, Germany, France, and Italy.
In China, these models will be marketed under different names, using JAC's Maextro sub-brand. JAC will be responsible for the engineering and manufacturing of the vehicles, using the same plant where current Maextro models are produced. Huawei will provide the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) electronic platform, which covers the Qiankun semi-autonomous driving system, electric propulsion systems, and all driver controls. Maserati will maintain responsibility for the design, although the final assembly of models destined for the West will be done by Maserati, even if most of the production is handled by JAC.
New generation of Nissan Skyline receives launch date
The arrival of a new version of the iconic Nissan Skyline has been scheduled for December 2026. This information was confirmed by the manufacturer's CEO, Ivan Espinosa, during an interview given to the Japanese publication Asahi Shimbun.
Espinosa highlighted that the new Skyline is part of Nissan's renaissance and mentioned that its development was relatively fast, taking only 26 months from start to finished product, a period considered short by industry standards compared to the 55 months of the previous generation.
In homage to the past, the new Skyline will incorporate elements inspired by the iconic 1970s Hakosuka, notably in the taillights and the emblem, which returned to using a cursive font, as seen in recent teasers.
Nissan also clarified that, contrary to previous rumors, the Skyline will continue to be produced in Japan, with no plans to transfer production to the United States or China. It will be manufactured at the same Tochigi plant where the Fairlady Z is currently produced, a complex that Nissan plans to convert into a sports car-focused factory.
Although there is no confirmation yet about a GT-R derived from the new Skyline, the possibilities are real. The platform promises to be rear-wheel drive, and at least one of the engine options will be the manufacturer's current biturbo V6, capable of generating around 400 horsepower. The use of hybrid technology is highly likely, although it is an acceptable concession to enable a new Godzilla.
In another event, Max Verstappen participated in a challenging race organized by Red Bull, where he competed against 100 amateur kart drivers. The Dutchman won the race, demonstrating great skill by moving from last place on the grid and overtaking 60 opponents in the first lap.
Verstappen reached the podium quickly, being among the top five on the eighth lap. According to the event rules, every pilot he overtook was eliminated. After 35 minutes and 14 laps, he maintained the lead until the end of the programmed 30 laps.
