Renault develops autonomous military vehicle using 70% of its passenger car parts

The Sentra, a mid-size sedan known for being a more traditional vehicle and which was discontinued in Brazil in July, has been transformed into a high-performance sports model in the United States.

On Wednesday, the 28th, Nissan presented the Sentra Spec-V Concept. This concept features a 2.0 turbo engine that generates 304 horsepower, a six-speed manual transmission, and incorporates several components taken from the GT-R supercar.

This concept car serves to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Sentra SE-R, a sporty version that captured enthusiasts in North America. It will be exhibited at the Sema Show, the main automotive accessories and tuning fair in the US, which will take place in Las Vegas between November 3rd and 6th.

In the standard version, the Sentra's 2.0 engine is naturally aspirated and produces 151 hp. However, in the concept version, it was equipped with a Garrett G25 turbocharger, front intercooler, JE forged pistons, and Carrillo connecting rods, along with other internal reinforcements. These modifications raised the wheel-measured power to 304 hp, doubling the original output.

The transmission system includes a six-speed manual gearbox and an automatic locking differential, both sourced from the Juke Nismo RS, the sporty version of the compact SUV. The assembly is complemented by a lighter engine flywheel supplied by Centerforce.

The brakes were inherited from the GT-R Nismo, featuring Brembo six-piston calipers and 39 cm discs in the front, and four-piston calipers with 38 cm discs in the rear. Other supercar elements given to the concept include the rear spoiler and Recaro front seats.

Aesthetically, the Sentra received a widened body kit, an air scoop hood, a side-exit exhaust system, and 19-inch Nismo forged wheels mounted with Yokohama Advan tires.

To optimize track performance, the suspension was enhanced with front shock absorbers that have external reservoirs, stiffer springs, and new stabilizer bars.

Despite its advanced features, Nissan clarifies that the Sentra Spec-V is strictly a concept car and will not be available for commercial sale. According to Kim Less, Vice President of Aftermarket and Customer Loyalty for Nissan in the Americas, such projects function as a way to inspire fans and demonstrate the potential that can be achieved with models like the Sentra and the Z.

Maruti Suzuki has introduced a new edition of its powerful SUV, the Victoris. This special edition, named Maruti Suzuki Victoris Aurum Edition, was launched to commemorate the vehicle's first anniversary.

This version is designed for users who are technology-oriented and wish to have more features. In the year since the original Maruti Suzuki Victoris model was launched, it surpassed sales milestones of 110,000 and 150,000 units, prompting the release of this anniversary edition.

The word 'Aurum' originates from Latin and means 'gold,' which the company chose to demonstrate the car's golden success. The new edition comes equipped with a hybrid version.

The additional Aurum Edition accessory package is available for purchase for 22,990 rupees. The base price of the Maruti Victoris starts from an export price of 10.49 lakh rupees, while its powerful hybrid version starts from an export price of 16.42 lakh rupees and reaches an export price of 19.98 lakh rupees. The company emphasized that this edition is intended for young buyers interested in technology adoption.

The car features a unique design concept, although the overall appearance remains unchanged. It incorporates elements in contrasting and copper colors. Copper accents are present on the front, side, and rear splitters, as well as on the wheel arches. Additionally, chrome accessories are installed on the grille, wings, bumper, side body panels, and window pillars. The interior includes a 3D cabin mat, a 3D trunk mat, and rear trunk protection. However, the engine and main characteristics of the car have not been altered.

The hybrid version is fitted with a 1.5-liter engine, which provides up to 116 hp in hybrid configuration. The transmission is equipped with e-CVT. The car has front-wheel drive, and the declared ARAI fuel consumption is 28.65 kilometers per liter. This model has received a 5-star safety rating.

Volvo has developed a truck equipped with technology capable of identifying when the driver shows signs of drowsiness while driving, potentially triggering autonomous braking if the driver does not react. This feature, called Controlled Stop, will be presented by the Swedish manufacturer at Fenatran 2026.

Controlled Stop will be available as an option on the heavy models FH, FM, and FMX, sold starting from the event, which will take place at São Paulo Expo from November 9 to 13. Volvo states that this feature is exclusive to the brand.

In comparison, the Mercedes-Benz Actros has offered a similar emergency stop system in Europe since 2021, although this is activated by the absence of interaction with the steering wheel, and not specifically by the eyes.

The mechanism is activated when sensors detect that the driver keeps their eyes closed for more than five seconds or when they do not identify hands on the steering wheel. Initially, the system issues alerts. If there is no response within the subsequent five seconds, the truck initiates lane keeping with directional correction and subsequently activates the service brakes, gradually reducing speed until stopping in the same lane.

During this stopping maneuver, the hazard lights are turned on. When movement ceases, the doors are unlocked to facilitate the arrival of rescue teams. For context, at 80 km/h, a truck covers approximately 110 meters in five seconds; adding the time of closed eyes and waiting for a reaction, over 220 meters are covered before the procedure begins.

The driver retains the ability to interrupt the stop at any time, simply by pressing the accelerator, applying force to the steering wheel, or deactivating the Attention Detector. This detector represents the first level of warning. In its second version, a sensor was added to monitor whether the driver's eyes are closed, looking down, or looking sideways, intensifying warnings in frequency and volume as drowsiness persists.

This component is part of Safety Packages 5 and 6, with the latter including Volvo Dynamic Steering, a system that uses an electric motor to make steering more stable and light.

In the European Union, cameras designed to monitor driver attention have become mandatory in new trucks since July of this year. In Brazil, the issue of fatigue and sleep is recognized; the Brazilian Traffic Medicine Association (Abramet) points out that these factors are responsible for 60% of road accidents involving professional drivers in categories C, D, and E.

Furthermore, Volvo will introduce the Safety Score, a report accessible via the Volvo Connect application. This tool collects data on sudden braking, collision warnings, and activations of stability control and ABS brakes, allowing carriers to direct appropriate training.

Another improvement is in the automatic electronic parking brake, which now has new activation conditions. With the doors closed, it locks the vehicle ten seconds after stopping, even if the driver has not pressed the brake pedal or left the seat. If the doors are open and the driver is outside the seat, three seconds without using the pedals are sufficient for locking.

This innovation arrives in the brand's most popular model, the Volvo FH 540, which is the best-selling heavy truck in Brazil since 2019. According to the National Federation of Motor Vehicle Distributors (Fenabrave), 5,403 units of this model were registered in 2025.