The automotive industry has presented several new developments, including the redesign of the Volkswagen ID.4 to the ID. Tiguan name, and the launch of new models such as the BYD Dolphin Mini and the Hyundai i20 N Line. Simultaneously, a Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series prototype suffered a serious incident during testing.
Volkswagen ID.4 gets new name: ID.Tiguan
Volkswagen appears to be seeking to integrate its electric line with conventional vehicles, following industry trends. After the ID. Polo and the ID. Cross, the ID.4 will be restyled and renamed to ID. Tiguan, replacing both the ID.4 and ID.5 models. The company justifies this change by wanting to clearly guide the consumer regarding the powertrain, leveraging the global recognition of the Tiguan name, which is one of the best-selling models in the Volkswagen group.
Although it maintains the silhouette of the ID. 4, the visual changes will focus on the front and rear, especially the headlights and taillights, which will adopt a more straight and futuristic shape. Internally, a significant change is expected, with the replacement of touch-sensitive controls with physical buttons for functions such as air conditioning, windows, and parts of the multimedia system.
This naming change also highlights the difference between the Brazilian and European markets. In Brazil, the ID.4 should start being sold in dealerships for the 2027 line, after three years of being offered only via subscription. Scheduled for October, the VW ID.4 will have a cost of R$ 299,990 (equal to the Tiguan R-Line), equipped with an electric powertrain of 286 hp and 55.6 kgfm of torque, offering an autonomy of 389 km according to Inmetro.
New BYD Dolphin Mini reveals interior without instrument cluster
The new generation of the BYD Dolphin Mini is being gradually revealed, initially through leaks in official documents from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, followed by appearances in promotional photo sessions. Now, BYD itself has released body sketches and interior images.
Externally, the Dolphin Mini will be larger and more sophisticated, approaching the style of other brand models. With the increase in dimensions, which would place it in a size similar to the VW T-Cross, the engine will be boosted from 75 hp to 129 hp. However, the most notable aspect of the interior photos is BYD's decision to eliminate the traditional instrument panel, centralizing all driver information on the multimedia screen.
This approach follows the path of models like those from Tesla, although it is a point of criticism for some users. Although central panels are not new—remembering the 1990 Renault Twingo or the Toyota Etios—in the Dolphin Mini, the multimedia center will also have its rotary function removed, becoming fixed. Furthermore, contrary to the recent trend of returning to physical controls, the car will feature even fewer buttons and selectors, prioritizing voice commands and the screen itself.
Hyundai i20 will have N Line version in 2027
The Hyundai i20, the brand's latest model in Brazil, will receive an N Line version next year. According to sources, this sporty variant will maintain the 1.0 TGDi flex engine, delivering 115 hp and 17.5 kgfm of torque, always coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission.
As is common with these special editions, the i20 N Line will occupy the top of the lineup, presenting a robust package of equipment and a sporty look inspired by the Creta N Line. This includes a honeycomb pattern grille, darkened wheels, and black paint on the roof and mirror caps. The standard equipment list will follow the Ultimate variant, featuring 17-inch wheels, projector LED headlights, a 12.3-inch color digital dashboard, synthetic leather seats and steering wheel, automatic digital air conditioning, keyless entry, push-button start, adaptive cruise control, wireless charging, and a rearview camera.
Hyundai's most comprehensive set of driver aids includes autonomous braking, lane keeping assist, fatigue detection, blind spot alerts, rear cross traffic alerts, adaptive high beams, tire pressure monitoring, electronic traction and stability controls, six airbags, and an auto-hold parking brake.
Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series prototype catches fire at Nürburgring
An unreleased Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series prototype gained negative attention after catching fire during tests conducted at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The vehicle, covered in heavy camouflage, was filmed driving, with flames appearing near the right rear wheel.
Subsequent images showed the fire intensifying rapidly, forcing the driver to stop and urgently abandon the car. People nearby intervened promptly, using extinguishers to control the flames. Fortunately, the driver escaped unharmed, and there were no other injuries. As of yet, the cause of the fire has not been determined, despite the right taillight stopping functioning at some point, which does not confirm an electrical origin for the fire.
The new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is expected to be the most extreme version of the grand tourer. There are strong indications that it will use the new AMG flat-plane V8 engine, designed to exceed the 646 hp of the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, given that its predecessor, the AMG GT Black Series, had 730 hp.