Rafael Câmara confirmed as Haas driver, plus news on GTA VI and automotive launches
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Rafael Câmara confirmed as Haas driver, plus news on GTA VI and automotive launches

Haas Team announced the hiring of Rafael Câmara to replace Esteban Ocon. The Brazilian driver joins the team and will be a teammate of Oliver Bearman in the 2027 Formula 1 season.

Câmara expressed great satisfaction with the opportunity, thanking Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for the trust placed in his career. He also expressed gratitude to the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy for continuous support in his development, as well as to his family.

The rise of the Pernambuco native to Formula 1 is the result of a consolidated career in junior categories, including victories in Formula 3 and outstanding performance in Formula 2, where he scored 207 points and led the championship. His talent caught the attention of Gene Haas during tests held in Portimão, Portugal, where he surpassed the times of Oliver Bearman and other competitors. The technical collaboration between Haas and Scuderia Ferrari, maintained by the Drivers Academy program, was also a relevant factor.

With this confirmation, Rafael Câmara becomes the 34th Brazilian to compete in Formula 1. Considering that Audi has already confirmed Gabriel Bortoleto's permanence in the team in 2027, the category will once again have two Brazilian drivers on the grid, something that had not happened since 2016, when Brazil had Felipe Massa and Felipe Nasr.

Grand Theft Auto VI gets launch trailer

Grand Theft Auto VI received a launch trailer less than a month before its premiere, scheduled for November 19. Although the video does not show many elements to justify the term 'Auto', a short night race scene featuring supercars appears around the 1:00 mark. However, the big attraction lies in the possibility of virtually stealing and driving any vehicle on a vast open map, representing the return of Vice City, the setting of the classic GTA from 2002.

It is speculated that the new iteration will bring more realistic physics, requiring greater caution while driving, and that vehicle damage will be more severe, significantly impacting drivability compared to GTA V. Another notable point is the soundtrack, composed by the French duo Justice. The track 'Flower in a Hurricane' features appearances by SZA, Tame Impala, and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard and was created specifically for GTA VI, combining eighties pop rock with synthesizers.

Porsche Mission S spotted with fan inspired by the 917

Porsche's new supercar, the Mission S, was scheduled for a launch on the 15th, but a specific detail leaked online. An aerial photo revealed a fan located at the rear of the vehicle, above the engine compartment, which strongly resembles the part used in the iconic Porsche 917, which competed at Le Mans in the 1960s and 1970s.

This leak occurred during an official photoshoot on the streets of New York, before the formal presentation. The images show a mid-rear engine supercar with robust fenders and an integrated spoiler in the style of the Porsche 959. The silhouette also recalls recent projects, such as the Marc Philipp Gemballa Marsien, and features a roof with dual glass panels and a prominent ridge extending from the windshield to the base of the rear pillar.

The presence of two sets of overlapping exhaust outlets indicates that the prototype uses combustion propulsion, with speculation about the use of an eight-cylinder boxer engine combined with a hybrid system featuring electric motors on the front axle. The model aims to position Porsche in a segment of supercars with higher production volume and better profit margins, unlike ultra-limited hypercars such as the 918 Spyder. More details will be provided by the manufacturer at the official event.

Chevrolet says electric Corvette is inevitable

Four years have passed since Mark Reuss, President of General Motors, disclosed plans for a fully electric version of the Corvette. In 2022, the E-Ray, a hybrid variant of the American mid-rear engine sports car, was also presented.

Although the E-Ray was later discontinued (replaced by the ZR1X and the Grand Sport X, the latter expected next year), the electric Corvette remains a non-negotiable goal, according to Chevrolet, merely postponing its arrival. Tony Roma, chief engineer of the Corvette and high-performance vehicle division at GM, confirmed in an interview with the podcast The Drivecast that a 100% electric Corvette is the brand's ultimate goal, although he avoided defining deadlines or release dates.

Given the maturity of the C8 generation in the market, the most likely prediction is that the project will be reserved for the next generation, the C9. This strategy also reflects the market's caution regarding fully electric supercars, which still face resistance among purist audiences. Thus, it is expected that the battery version will coexist with the combustion versions, facilitating a gradual transition without losing the traditional appeal of the Corvette.

Renault receives R$ 181.8 million from BNDES for new hybrid powertrain

The National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) will invest R$ 181.8 million in Renault's operation in Brazil. This contribution, granted through the BNDES Mais Inovação program, aims to support the development of a new electrified propulsion system. This amount is part of a total investment of R$ 5.8 billion planned by the automaker between 2025 and 2027, focused on modernizing the industrial complex located in São José dos Pinhais, PR.

The engineering of this project centers on the Hybrid E-Tech 4x4 flex fuel system, which eliminates traditional mechanical connections between the axles. The setup combines a 1.3 turbo flex engine in the front with a 48-volt network and an electric motor dedicated exclusively to driving the rear wheels on demand. Although the final specifications for the national market have not yet been detailed, the arrangement uses references from existing international configurations with a secondary rear drive and high-efficiency batteries.

For BNDES, this initiative fulfills a crucial role in the decarbonization strategy of the Brazilian automotive sector. The institution emphasizes that betting on flexible electrified architectures positions the local industry competitively in the global energy transition, ensuring the development of solutions suitable for the country's energy matrix. Information indicates that the Boreal SUV will be the first national model to integrate the electrified 4x4 system starting in 2027.

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Jaguar reveals electric Type 01; Porsche plans to unveil new supercar in Paris
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Jaguar reveals electric Type 01; Porsche plans to unveil new supercar in Paris

Jaguar has finally unveiled the Type 01, an electric grand tourer that symbolizes the brand's rebirth. This vehicle features a futuristic and minimalist design, distinct from any previous Jaguar model, to the point where it is difficult to identify without the manufacturer's emblem.

Although the Type 01 does not differ significantly from the concept version shown a year ago, elements have been added to make it more suitable for public road use, such as rearview mirrors, four doors, an expanded glass area, and a more functional interior. Jaguar maintained the characteristic design of the LED strip headlights and taillights.

Despite Jaguar suggesting that the name 'Type 01' refers to a classic British GT and references the brand's heritage, the current design does not resemble any previous Jaguar. However, the car presents a ready-to-drive concept look and attracts significant attention.

The interior, which had already been partially shown, maintains a horizontal architecture and a clean design. It features a two-spoke steering wheel and seats, along with a 24-inch screen that functions as the instrument cluster and multimedia center. There is also a smaller seven-inch vertical screen on the center console for air conditioning and audio control (with 38 speakers), and a third screen at the base of the windshield, called the ClearSight Rear View Display, which replaces the rear glass.

Jaguar's ambition is to compete with Bentley, but the minimalist design, despite using high-quality materials and excellent finishing, does not convey an aura of ultra-luxury, which is considered a bold approach.

Technically, the Type 01 uses three combined electric motors, generating 1,029 hp and 139.2 kgfm of torque, powered by an 118 kWh NMC battery with an 850V architecture. Jaguar assures a range of 644 km and the ability to fast charge from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes using the 350 kW system. Orders for the Type 01 will begin in early 2027, with deliveries expected in the second half of the year.

Brazilian Ram Rampage to be sold in the US; details on new models and automotive launches
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Brazilian Ram Rampage to be sold in the US; details on new models and automotive launches

The Ram Rampage pickup truck, developed in Brazil, will be available for sale in the United States. Its main objective in the American market is to establish itself as the brand's lowest-cost model.

The Rampage was the first Ram vehicle designed outside of North America. After its launch in 2023, the truck manufactured in Goiana (PE) began being distributed in other South American countries, including Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. In 2025, Stellantis confirmed the export of the Rampage to Europe, but the most significant development was announced by Stellantis CEO, Antonio Filosa, during an interview with The Detroit News: its arrival in the US.

Even though it is of Brazilian origin, the Rampage destined for the American market will likely remain at the Pernambuco factory due to financial barriers. Vehicles produced outside of North America are subject to a 25% tax, known as the Chicken Tax, a protectionist tariff implemented by the US in the 1960s.

To avoid this tariff and maintain price competitiveness, the most probable route for Stellantis is to produce the Rampage at the Toluca plant in Mexico. This factory already manufactures the Jeep Compass, sharing the Small Wide 4x4 architectural platform with the pickup. This component integration helps reduce operational costs and allows for local production with tax exemption for the North American market.

Considering that the debut in the US is expected in 2028, coinciding with the Rampage's fifth year in the Brazilian market, the vehicle should arrive in North America already with its first mid-life facelift. Improvements are expected in the front design, cabin changes, and the inclusion of specific equipment packages for the American consumer. Additionally, there may be modifications to the engine lineup; currently, in Brazil, the line offers the 2.0 turbo gasoline engine with 272 hp and the 2.2 turbodiesel with 200 hp, both with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

GWM starts pre-sale of Haval H7

GWM started the pre-sale of the Haval H7 in Brazil on the 5th. Reservations are only available for current brand customers, requiring a deposit of R$ 9,000. This SUV aims to occupy the intermediate space between the H6 and H9 models, with an estimated price below R$ 300 thousand. The official launch is scheduled for Wednesday, the 7th.

With a look reminiscent of more traditional utility vehicles, the H7 stands out for its rectangular lines, robust front end, and spare tire mounted on the tailgate. Despite its considerable size, its structure is unibody, unlike the H9, which uses a body-on-frame chassis. It has a length of 4.80 meters, a wheelbase of 2.74 m, and a trunk capacity of 586 liters.

The propulsion system is a plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive, combining a 1.5 turbo engine with two electric motors (one on the front axle and one on the rear). This setup generates about 364 hp and 77.5 kgfm of combined torque, managed by a two-speed DHT transmission. With this configuration, the Haval H7 can reach 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds.

Internally, the vehicle features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch multimedia center with wireless connectivity, in addition to a complete package of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). GWM's strategy for the Brazilian market foresees at least two trim levels, maintaining the same mechanics and differentiating only the level of standard equipment.

Lexus LS from Street Fighter gets a 'real' version

In an initiative to promote the new Street Fighter franchise movie, the production chose to evoke nostalgia by recreating the Lexus LS400 present in the iconic bonus stage of Street Fighter II in reality. This Japanese luxury sedan was presented at ComplexCon in Los Angeles and was modified to faithfully replicate a 16-bit model taken directly from 1991 arcades.

The project was led by Vehicle Effects, a workshop headed by Dennis McCarthy, known for his work on the cars in the Fast and Furious franchise. The customization was deep, going beyond a simple graphic decal: the car received exclusive three-dimensional parts to simulate the pixelated look, replacing components such as the front grille, side mirrors, and even door handles with pixelated elements. The headlights were also covered with caps imitating 2D sprites.

The cabin followed the same rigor regarding gamer culture. The interior was completely upholstered and featured headrests embroidered with the famous phrase «YOU WIN». A notable creative detail is the seat heater control, which was adapted to operate within a decorative slot mimicking the arcade coin slot. As expected, the movie actors participated in the presentation, delivering the first punches and kicks on the car's body.

To finalize the promotion, the pixelated Lexus will not be a museum piece; it will be raffled off in a contest for fans, accompanied by a cash prize worth exactly US$ 25,400.69.

New BMW 5 Series may have leaked in video

Following the launch of the controversial new BMW 3 Series, attention turned to the rest of the line. There are indications that the Bavarian manufacturer may have exposed the first images of the 5 Series update. This slip-up was noticed by a Reddit user in a frame of an institutional video filmed at the Dingolfing factory in Germany. Although the recording, focused on the presentation of the 3 Series, was quickly removed by the manufacturer, the assembly line footage revealed a sedan in the background with front characteristics and proportions different from the smaller model.

It is crucial to note that this does not represent an entirely new generation. The current eighth generation of the 5 Series (code G60) is relatively recent, having been launched globally in 2023. Therefore, the vehicle seen in the video is likely the mid-life update, expected to be launched in 2028. A complete renewal of the executive sedan is only expected towards the end of this decade, around 2030.

Although the silhouette and side profiles remain very similar to the current model, the update will bring significant changes to the front end. The leaked image shows redesigned headlights, bumpers with softer lines, and the abandonment of the oversized grille, giving way to a smaller, more horizontal double ring, aligned with the new visual standard introduced in the 3 Series. Inside the cabin, the implementation of the Panoramic Vision screen on the windshield and the possible discontinuation of the iDrive rotary control on the console are expected.

Fiat Argo X production has begun

Fiat began the production of the Argo X on the 5th at the Betim (MG) factory, marking what is considered its most relevant launch of the year. Derived from the European Grande Panda model, this compact introduces the CMP platform to the Minas Gerais complex, an architecture that will serve as the future basis for the new generations of Pulse, Fastback, Strada, and Mobi.

The car will arrive at dealerships in mid-November, aiming to gradually replace the current Argo. The version lineup will be segmented into two mechanical proposals. Entry-level versions will use the 1.0 Firefly flex engine, which delivers up to 75 hp and 10.7 kgfm of torque, coupled with a five-speed manual transmission. The more expensive options will feature the 200 hp 1.0 Turbo unit, equipped with a 12V mild hybrid (MHEV) system capable of generating 116 hp and 20.4 kgfm, always combined with a seven-speed simulated CVT automatic transmission.

A notable advancement lies in safety and electronics. The Argo X will be the first model produced in Betim to leave the factory with six standard airbags at all levels, complemented by an ADAS package that includes autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and fatigue detection, except for adaptive cruise control (ACC). In top configurations, the 10-inch digital dashboard will be integrated into the multimedia center.

Aesthetically, the hatchback will maintain the square lines of its European sibling, but with adaptations and simplifications for the local market. At least in the more expensive versions, the Argo X will preserve the LED 'pixelated' headlights of the Grande Panda, while the most basic variants will have more conventional halogen lighting. Furthermore, no version will feature the LED signature on the grille, and the brand and model names stamped on the body will be omitted.

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