Lexus ES 500e, the brand's first fully electric sedan, arrives in Brazil with a price of R$ 549,990

Volkswagen is relaunching its up! model as an all-electric vehicle, specifically aiming to compete with the BYD Dolphin Mini. The German automaker has prepared the ID. Up, a subcompact car scheduled to debut in Europe next year, with an estimated price around 20 thousand euros (equivalent to R$ 119 thousand), a value comparable to that of the Dolphin Mini in the Brazilian market.

VW requested the registration of the vehicle's name in the European Union on October 22. According to Quatro Rodas magazine, this project was developed exclusively by the company's headquarters engineers, without involvement from Chinese partners, unlike what happened with Stellantis, which partnered with Leapmotor, or with VW itself in China, where it develops vehicles in collaboration with Xpeng.

The ID. Up will use an adaptation of the MEB+ platform, incorporating elements from the ID. Polo, but will feature a battery with a capacity lower than the 37 kWh of the larger model's entry version, which contributes to reducing the final cost of the automobile.

The electric motor located at the front is expected to replicate the 95 horsepower of the ID. Every1 concept. The projected range reaches over 250 km under the European WLTP cycle, a more optimistic figure than that established by Inmetro, and its maximum speed will be limited to 130 km/h.

With dimensions of 3.88 meters in length, the ID. Up is 28 centimeters longer than the up! sold in Brazil and 10 centimeters taller than the Dolphin Mini. The trunk space accommodates 305 liters, and the vehicle seats four passengers.

The design of the ID. Up references characteristics of the up!, such as the rear tailgate with a darkened finish. Inside, the multimedia center stands out, while physical controls have been retained on the steering wheel.

Additionally, the ID. Up will feature the new electronic architecture developed by VW in collaboration with Rivian, the American electric vehicle manufacturer. This system concentrates functionalities in a few more robust processing units instead of distributing dozens of control units throughout the car. Such systems are capable of being updated via the internet, allowing the car to receive new functions and corrections without needing a dealership visit, a practice already adopted by Chinese and Tesla models.

Production of this model will take place at the Palmela plant in Portugal starting in the middle of next year. However, the commercialization of the ID. Up in Brazil has not yet been confirmed.

BMW Motorrad has launched the F 450 RR, a reduced version of the superbike S 1000 RR. This model was presented in Europe as the new entry option for the RR line, which encompasses the brand's faired sport motorcycles.

In Germany, the starting price for the motorcycle is approximately R$ 42 thousand, which corresponds to 7,250 euros. The F 450 RR is equipped with a 420cc twin-cylinder engine, derived from the F 450 GS engine, generating 48 hp at 8,750 rpm and 4.4 kgfm at 6,750 rpm. The manufacturer states that 80% of this torque is available from 3,000 rpm, and it features a six-speed gearbox.

The power has been specifically calibrated to meet the A2 category of the European license, which imposes a limit of 35 kW (equivalent to 48 hp) for novice riders.

Structurally, the unit is built on a steel tubular chassis and weighs 177 kg ready to ride. According to BMW, it can reach 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 177 km/h.

The fairing aesthetics reflect the characteristic design of the RR line, featuring a low front section, high rear, and side winglets for aerodynamics. The LED headlight replicates the lighting signature of larger BMW motorcycles, and the side air intakes have an asymmetrical design.

As standard equipment, the F 450 RR comes with a 6.5-inch TFT display with connectivity, electronic throttle, and three riding modes: Rain, Road, and Race. The front braking system uses a 310mm disc and a four-piston Brembo monobloc caliper, in addition to ABS Pro, which operates even during curves.

In Europe, the bike is available in four distinct configurations, offering visual and equipment packages adapted for both road use and track use. The more expensive versions may include the Easy Ride Clutch, an automated clutch system that eliminates the need to use the lever to start or stop the vehicle.

Currently, the 450 family has not yet been introduced to the Brazilian market. Although BMW has confirmed its intention to commercialize the F 450 GS in the country, no date or price has been disclosed. If it arrives, the RR will compete against models such as the Yamaha R3 and Kawasaki Ninja 500.

Maruti is working on creating a new seven-seater car model that was recently spotted during testing. This is not the first time a future seven-seater model from the company has appeared. It is assumed that Maruti is releasing an electric seven-seater MPV.

In the MPV segment, Maruti Suzuki dominates with the Ertiga model. However, other manufacturers have started offering electric vehicles in this segment, and Maruti intends not to fall behind, so the company began preparing for this project.

The latest spy shots allowed for a look at some details of the front end, side profile, and interior of the vehicle. The absence of an exhaust pipe in these pictures indicates that the car is electric. Additionally, signs of a battery pack under the floor and high-voltage cables are visible.

This upcoming electric seven-seater SUV is internally codenamed YMC (Maruti YMC). This will be Maruti's first electric seven-seater model. Currently, little is known about the car from Maruti Suzuki. The car's design features SUV characteristics, and its exterior appears inspired by the e-Vitara. It is possible that the company is using the Heartec-e/27 PL platform for this car, as the e-Vitara was developed on it.

The company could potentially introduce this vehicle next year, although Maruti Suzuki has made no official statements about it. The latest shots also showed the rear of the car, equipped with end-to-end LED taillights. The company may launch this model through Nexa showrooms. The car might be fitted with 18-inch wheels, as well as all LED lighting elements, body cladding, and other exterior options.

Furthermore, the car may be equipped with ADAS systems, a TFT instrument panel, and other features. This model could enter the market with a 61 kWh battery and a claimed range of 500 kilometers.