Volkswagen Tukan set for early 2027 with four versions, while Nissan adapts V6 biturbo engine to Datsun 240Z

Aston Martin recently unveiled the open version of the Valkyrie, named the Aston Martin Valhalla Spider. This supercar inherits the same twin-turbo V8 engine combined with three electric motors, generating 1,078 hp and 112.2 kgfm of torque.

Maintaining the carbon fiber monocoque of the coupe with minor modifications, the Valhalla Spider preserves structural rigidity, adding only 25 kg to its total weight of 1,680 kg. It comes standard with a removable fabric roof, but buyers have the option of choosing a rigid carbon fiber roof. Notably, with the fabric top, the top speed is limited to 200 km/h; only with the composite hardtop can it reach the 350 km/h of the closed version.

Aston Martin implemented aerodynamic adjustments on the Valhalla Spider to maintain performance, such as adding a front splitter to guide airflow over the cabin and a higher air intake behind the seats to optimize intake. The seats in this open version are more comfortable than those in the coupe, although customers can acquire the same carbon fiber seats found in the closed Valhalla at no extra cost.

Regarding cost, Aston Martin has not disclosed the price or the number of units that will be produced. There is speculation that it could exceed the $3.5 to $4.5 million requested by the coupe, and that it will be even more exclusive, given that the closed version has a production limit of 999 units.

VW Polo Track 1.0 to Have Ethanol Version in 2027 Lineup

Several manufacturers are introducing new alcohol or ethanol-powered versions to take advantage of government tax incentives. Previous reports indicated that the ethanol Polo Track would use the 116 hp 1.6 engine from the Saveiro Robust, but it seems Chevrolet intends to use the tax reduction to make this variant, which is already the most affordable, even more attractive to the entry-level public.

Similar to the ethanol Saveiro, the Polo Track will also benefit from the new calculation of IPI (Industrialized Products Tax), which will allow Volkswagen to lower its value, falling below the current R$ 97,990 of the flex-fuel version. While the current flex Polo Track pays 6.3% IPI, the ethanol version should receive a 0.5% reduction in the rate.

The 1.0 flex engine currently used in the Polo Track generates 84 hp and 10.3 kgfm when fueled with ethanol. The necessary adaptations to run exclusively on alcohol are minimal, consisting only of an ECU adjustment, without changes to internal components or compression ratio. Consequently, the power and torque values should remain unchanged. There were previous speculations about converting the Polo Track with the 1.6 engine to ethanol, and some units were seen in tests, but this has not yet been confirmed.

The 2027 line of the VW Polo was presented last week, and the Track version now includes a reverse sensor, electric rear door windows, alarm, and start-stop system as standard items. It is expected that the ethanol version will follow the same logic, with a launch scheduled for the coming weeks.

New Mercedes-Benz CLA Starts Selling for R$ 364,900

Mercedes-Benz has started accepting reservations for the new generation of the CLA in Brazil. The sedan will initially be launched in the CLA 200 AMG Line configuration, with a suggested price of R$ 364,900. This will be the first model from the automaker in the Brazilian market to incorporate the new MMA (Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture) platform, designed to accommodate both electric and hybrid configurations.

In Europe, the new CLA 200 uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine from the M252 family, coupled with a 48-volt hybrid system. The combustion engine produces 163 hp, and the 30 hp electric motor, integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, raises the combined power to 184 hp and the torque to 33.7 kgfm. Although classified as a mild hybrid, the system allows the vehicle to move solely on electricity at low speeds, thanks to the 1.3 kWh battery. Mercedes-Benz has not officially confirmed the mechanical specifications of the model intended for Brazil.

The mechanical setup represents one of the most significant changes compared to the previous generation. The new 1.5 engine replaces the old 1.3 turbo, developed in collaboration with Renault, and operates on the Miller cycle, using early closing of the intake valves to reduce pumping losses and increase efficiency at partial load regimes. The electric motor also assists in energy recovery during the eight gears and allows the combustion engine to decouple in certain driving situations.

The Brazilian version will come equipped with the AMG Line visual package, 18-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, and the new MBUX multimedia system with Superscreen, which unites the dashboard screens into a continuous surface, giving the cabin a look similar to a Macau casino. Like any modern vehicle, it will also feature a digital key via smartphone, online voice commands, and driving assistance features, including Distronic adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistants, automatic braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The delivery date for the first cars has not yet been announced by Mercedes-Benz.

Dodge Celebrates 90 Years of Mopar with Special Charger Series

To celebrate Mopar's 90th anniversary, a limited edition based on the Dodge Charger has been created. Presented at the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals and set to debut at the SEMA Show, the Mopar '27 seeks to add an aggressive element to the muscle car's appearance, resulting in an interesting design.

However, there is a point of caution: the central engine of the Mopar '27 is the three-liter twin-turbo Hurricane six-cylinder. While undeniably fast and superior to the electric version as a base, this contrasts with the brand's identity, which is intrinsically linked to V8 engines. It is acknowledged that the V8 Charger will return soon, but the arrival of this model cannot be attributed solely to the Mopar anniversary.

This Mopar '27 package, available for the R/T and Scat Pack versions, costs US$ 10,995 and will be limited to only 270 units, distributed in three colors: 'Bludicrous' blue, 'Diamond Black' black, and 'White Knuckle' white. In exchange, the vehicle receives a front splitter, air intake hood, and carbon fiber spoiler, in addition to exclusive graphics and a numbered plate. The R/T maintains 420 hp, while the Scat Pack boosts power to 550 hp through larger turbos and forged internal components, reducing the 0 to 100 km/h time to under four seconds.

A regrettable aspect is that Mopar itself will display a classic 1969 Charger Daytona equipped with a Hellcat V8 next to it at SEMA, intensifying the contrast. It would have been preferable for the V8 to be present in the Charger from the beginning.

GM Patents Engine That Changes Piston Stroke

General Motors has registered a patent for an inline six-cylinder engine that employs a articulated connecting rod mechanism to modify piston movement and vary the compression ratio. The application, released by the U.S. Patent Office on October 22, details a system capable of generating an expansion stroke up to 40% greater than the compression stroke, optimizing the energy released by combustion.

In the GM patented system, instead of connecting the piston directly to the crankshaft, the connecting rod connects to an intermediate articulated piece, which in turn connects to the crankshaft and a second connecting rod, connected to a control shaft parallel to the crankshaft. A gear mechanism adjusts the relative position of these two shafts, altering the piston's trajectory inside the cylinder.

This allows the engine to operate with compression ratios varying between approximately 7:1 and 11:1, while expansion ratios range from 10:1 to 15:1. This difference allows the combustion gases to continue generating work during a longer piston stroke, recovering some of the energy that would otherwise be lost in the exhaust. The thermodynamic principle is analogous to the Atkinson cycle used in Toyota hybrid engines, but GM achieves a greater effective expansion ratio by physically altering piston movement.

The concept is not new; GM itself has been investigating prolonged expansion mechanisms since 2014, and Nissan already uses a variable compression system via articulated connecting rods in its VC-Turbo engines. The main distinction in the GM system lies in the location of the control shaft, which is positioned above the crankshaft. This change frees up space for steering components, engine mounts, and all-wheel-drive systems, facilitating longitudinal installation of the assembly. According to GM, this new arrangement also improves the lubrication conditions of the joints, which operate under compression during the expansion period.

However, this technical sophistication implies the addition of moving parts, increased weight, friction, and complexity that would be unnecessary if the vehicle were not transformed into an experimental project. The patent application does not provide data on displacement, efficiency, or fuel economy gains, nor does it indicate GM's intention to produce such an engine.

Rubens Barrichello, known as Rubinho, will return to the Williams FW33 cockpit at Interlagos. This car, with which he finished his Formula 1 career in 2011, will be used on November 8th, before the start of the São Paulo GP, under the initiative called Historical Lap.

This event is part of the celebrations of Rubinho's 45-year career and is sponsored by ALE Combustíveis. The driver will have about ten minutes on track with the Williams, which will be equipped with the 2.4-liter naturally aspirated Cosworth V8 engine.

The choice of this vehicle carries a particular significance, as Rubinho competed in his last F1 race at the 2011 Brazilian GP, finishing in 14th place with the FW33. That season, Williams only scored five points in the championship. Although he tried to return to the grid in 2012 and came close to competing in the 2014 Brazilian GP for Caterham, the team's financial problems prevented this return.

When announcing the event, Rubinho expressed that he did not imagine it would be his last farewell in Interlagos in 2011, stating: 'I didn't think it would be the last goodbye when I greeted my audience in Interlagos in 2011. And it's a good thing it wasn't.' He promised to accelerate intensely, saying: 'I want to tear up the Interlagos straight with you.'

BMW reveals never-before-produced four-door Series 3 E36 Compact

A functional prototype of a four-door variant of the BMW Series 3 E36 Compact, which was never put into production, was revealed by BMW Classic. This novelty intrigued because the initial idea was for a two-door hatchback with the style of the E36 sedan and rear-wheel drive.

The exhibited example, of the 316i variant, was the most basic model, equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 102 hp. Unlike simply adding two doors to an E36 Compact, this project started from a sedan, whose trunk was shortened and received the hatchback tailgate.

The car's construction featured unusual characteristics, such as the center console having controls for all four windows, while the rear ones used a crank. BMW was apparently testing proportions and shapes, opting to create a functional car rather than a model. Originally, the vehicle was supposed to be 'Boston Green', but ended up receiving the 'Hellrot' red paint.

The main reason the Series 3 E36 Compact was never manufactured was the high production cost. BMW sought to minimize expenses on the hatchback, even using components from the E30 generation, such as the rear suspension with semi-trailing arms and much of the interior.

Alfa Romeo: 'Time to end screens in cars'

Alfa Romeo has joined the movement advocating for the end of touchscreens in vehicles. According to Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, the brand's head of design since 2021, the industry has exaggerated in this aspect, and it is time to reevaluate this trend.

The designer told Autocar that there was a 'war for screen centimeters,' which made no sense, as the screens had already become excessively large and were dominating the dashboard design. He also raised the issue of durability, predicting that these screens would become obsolete and expensive in a few years.

In response, the Cuorerosso concept, supervised by Mesonero-Romanos, eliminated a conventional multimedia unit. In its place, there is only a small screen on the center console that hides when not in use, sharing space with real physical controls.

Another highlight of the car is the instrument panel, which reinterpreted the traditional Italian concept of two circular dials, the cannochiale. These dials are digital and can reorganize to form a single screen, displaying only essential information without causing distraction. Mesonero-Romanos expressed a desire to drive at night with a single red-lit cannochiale.

Sensor tires may reduce braking distance

Cyber Tyre technology, presented by Pirelli in 2019, consisted of a tire with a sensor capable of communicating with the car's electronic systems. Tests conducted by the British magazine evo on a wet track demonstrated that a car equipped with the Cyber Tyre needed 5.7 meters less to stop from approximately 110 km/h compared to a car with equivalent tires but without the connected system.

The difference of the Cyber Tyre is not just pressure monitoring; each tire contains an internal sensor that collects data such as pressure, temperature, wear, load, and grip level. This information is transmitted in real-time to the vehicle's electronic control unit, which uses Pirelli algorithms to adjust the operation of ABS, stability control, and traction control according to the immediate conditions of the tire.

This overcomes a limitation of current systems, which operate with more generic calibrations. With the electronic sensor, the car precisely identifies the tire used, its condition, and its grip level, allowing for more precise interventions instead of just reacting to loss of traction. According to evo, the improvement was noted in both braking and wet cornering behavior, where the car maintained its trajectory for longer before exhibiting understeer.

Ram 2500 gets new top-of-the-line version

The Ram 2500 has received a new top-tier version in Brazil, the Laramie Night Edition. This version stands out for its darkened aesthetic appeal, replacing chrome elements with more sober finishes, such as grille trim, mirror caps, side steps, 18-inch wheels, and emblems. The bumpers are also painted in the body color.

To give it a more robust look, the hood now includes a central air intake, giving the front of the vehicle a sporty touch. This dark treatment extends to the interior, where seats, dashboard, steering wheel, and doors are upholstered in black leather. The equipment remains identical to the Ram 2500 Laramie, including a 12-inch multimedia center with wireless pairing for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 12.3-inch digital dashboard, 360-degree external cameras, a complete ADAS package, ventilated and heated front seats with electric adjustments, and dual-zone air conditioning.

The mechanical assembly remains unchanged, maintaining the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel, which generates 436 hp and 148.7 kgfm of torque, coupled with the eight-speed ZF TorqueFlite transmission. The drivetrain offers 4x2, 4x4, and 4x4 low options, and the brakes consist of ventilated discs with dual pistons and floating calipers. The load capacity is 1,287 kg, and the maximum towing capacity reaches 8,948 kg.

Since it is essentially an aesthetic package, the Ram 2500 Laramie Night Edition does not present an exorbitant price increase, costing R$ 10,000 more than the standard Laramie, totaling R$ 569,990 against R$ 559,990 for the common version.

Gunther Werks creates 872 hp Porsche 911 in tribute to Martin Brundle

Martin Brundle, known in Brazil as a rival to Ayrton Senna in English Formula 2, accumulated a vast career, competing in 158 Formula 1 GPs, winning the endurance world title, and winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He is currently recognized for his interviews on the starting grid of Formula 1.

In his honor, Gunther Werks produced a 872 hp Porsche 911. The special project was designed by Brundle's own daughter, Charlie Brundle, who is an automotive designer and has collaborated with McLaren, Aston Martin, and Jaguar Land Rover.

The vehicle, named Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo, is based on the Porsche 993, but with an increased displacement to 4.0 liters and the addition of two turbos, resulting in 872 hp and 84.4 kgfm. It features a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. The 911 Brundle was enhanced with independent suspension using overlapping triangular arms, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, modified aerodynamics with an adjustable rear wing, and forged magnesium wheels. Martin Brundle participated in tuning the suspension and the Sport and Track modes.

Charlie handled the aesthetics, creating a two-tone pearlescent paint inspired by her father's helmet. The name Brundle replaces the Porsche logo on the rear, and the initials MB are engraved on the carbon fiber seats. There are also references to the driver's career in the interior finish, including a Bell helmet with the same paint, signed by Brundle. On the dashboard, Charlie included a recurring phrase from her father: 'The most important bit of the car is the nut holding the steering wheel.'

Only five units of the Brundle Edition Turbo will be manufactured. Gunther Werks has not yet disclosed the price, but given that other modified 911s from the company exceed US$ 1,000,000, a high price is expected.