The main political groups of the European Parliament reached a consensus to soften the rules regarding the end of combustion engines in new cars in Europe, revising the initially established deadline of 2035.
The original legislation, sanctioned in 2023, stipulated that the average CO2 emissions of new vehicles should be reduced by 100% compared to 2021 levels, serving as an indirect method to ban the sale of combustion engine cars. Previously, the European Commission had suggested a reduction to 90%, allowing the remaining 10% to be compensated by credits derived from the use of low-carbon steel and renewable fuels.
Recently, France and Germany agreed to lower this target to 90% without the requirement for compensation. The new agreement between the parliamentary groups proposes reducing the effective requirement to 87.5%, leaving the remaining 7.5 percentage points subject to compensation through credits linked to the use of low-carbon steel produced in Europe. This measure aims to allow manufacturers to continue selling combustion engine vehicles after 2035, including hybrid models, provided they meet their fleet emission targets.
The pact also stipulates a decrease to 80% in light commercial vehicle emissions by 2035 and opens the possibility for vehicles powered by renewable fuels to be classified as zero-emission vehicles. For the year 2030, the groups advocate maintaining the 55% reduction for passenger cars and lowering the target for light commercial vehicles from 40% to 35%.
Despite the political retreat, the agreement still requires formal approval from the three parliamentary groups and subsequent negotiation with the governments of the European Union member states. However, given the current situation in Europe and the local industry, implementing the change seems inevitable.
Jetour confirmed that it will launch the G700, its most robust and expensive SUV, in the Brazilian market this month. The confirmation occurred during the Chery Group's world convention, held in Wuhu, China. The full commercial presentation, including price disclosure and final equipment list for Brazil, is scheduled for the end of October.
This will be the fifth Jetour model introduced in Brazil and will represent the brand's new top line. The version intended for the country uses a plug-in hybrid configuration, combining a 2.0 turbo gasoline engine with two electric motors, one on each axle, resulting in 904 hp and 115.7 kgfm of torque. The vehicle has all-wheel drive and promises to reach 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.
In addition to high power, the G700 seeks to be more than just a Chinese SUV with a powerful number; it offers six seats in three rows and reinforces its off-roader vocation thanks to its 'body-on-frame' construction, where the chassis is separate from the body. The declared combined range reaches up to 1,000 km in the WLTC cycle. The LFP battery has 34.13 kWh and, according to the manufacturer, allows for up to 100 km in purely electric mode.
Although the G700 was already displayed in Brazil in August, during the Interlagos Festival, without a defined commercial debut date, the new 904 hp specification differs from the previously mentioned 761 hp. This positions the SUV in an unusual niche: a luxury family utility vehicle with off-road capabilities, but with power exceeding many supercars.
For those seeking sound quality, even in automotive environments, Pioneer launched the Heritage Collection, ideal for those who own older vehicles and wish to add components with a period-appropriate look.
This collection includes box speaker type speakers (known in Brazil as 'overlay speakers'), model TS-X40SXT. These speakers reproduce the classic design of old acoustic cabinets and can be installed over the rear dashboard without requiring large openings. The TS-X40SXT features a square appearance, with a silver frame and black cones, containing a separate 13 cm subwoofer, a mid-range, and a tweeter, and displays the old Pioneer logo on the back, totaling 25W RMS power.
Complementing the set, Pioneer has made the SXT-C10PS audio system available since last year. This equipment faithfully replicates the look of the Pioneer KEH cassette player series, featuring an amber illuminated digital display. Despite the retro aesthetic, it incorporates modern functionalities such as digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB and auxiliary ports, the latter hidden under a cover that perfectly mimics the tape input of classic models.
However, there is a caveat: none of these products are officially available in Brazil. The radio was first launched in Europe and is now arriving in the United States for US$ 499 (approximately R$ 2,500 in direct conversion), while the speakers cost US$ 299 (about R$ 1,500), both available for pre-order. Direct purchases from Pioneer may result in a nearly doubled price due to shipping and import taxes.
An Alfa Romeo Giulia GT 1300 from 1967 suffered an accident in a race, and its owner transformed the vehicle into an almost brand-new machine, equipped with an aluminum body, customized front end, lowered roof, aerodynamic rear, and a 180 hp engine. This car, nicknamed Red Submarine, is currently for sale in the United Kingdom.
The transformation began in the early years of the Giulia's life when an incident damaged its original structure. Instead of restoring it, the owner opted to replace it with an aluminum body, which underwent modifications over the decades. The current configuration exhibits an extremely low fastback profile and a Kamm-style rear, reminiscent of 1960s endurance prototypes, although it was not developed by Alfa Romeo or Autodelta.
The original 1.3-liter engine was replaced by an Alfa Romeo Nord four-cylinder engine, with a displacement of 1,962 cm³, aluminum block and head, dual overhead camshafts, and prepared to generate about 182 hp, according to the owner's statement. The transmission system is a five-speed manual. The car also features a roll cage, a simplified interior, original instruments, and alloy wheels with a unique design.
The current owner acquired the Alfa in Belgium approximately ten years ago and has since dedicated himself to developing the mechanics and bodywork for track use. He claims the vehicle is exceptionally fast and stable, although there is no official performance or weight data. Interestingly, despite its racing appearance, the Red Submarine remains legalized for circulation on British roads and is being auctioned by Car & Classic, with the closing date set for October 25.
In the 1990s, Hans-Joachim Stuck competed in IMSA GTO using an Audi 90 Quattro. Due to its remarkable performance, the competition jokingly applied a sticker with his face crossed out by a prohibition sign. In retaliation, the driver added a small figure to the rear of his Audi simulating the act of 'mooning' (showing buttocks), with a mechanism that made the toy move, repeatedly lowering and raising the pants.
Mattel decided to replicate this joke in its miniature of Stuck's Audi 90 Quattro. This figure, known as the 'mooning doll,' is difficult to see without disassembling the model, which was done by an enthusiast. Upon disassembly, a considerable level of detail could be noted under the chassis, including a simplified replica of the five-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder and over 700 hp.
This represents a positive point against common criticisms that Hot Wheels miniatures are becoming simpler and poorly executed. Although many current miniatures use thinly textured plastic floors, Mattel occasionally succeeds in modeling and in accurate historical references.