Reporter reports having contacted car models associated with Ayrton Senna
Read more
AutoPapo
autopapo.com.br

Reporter reports having contacted car models associated with Ayrton Senna

During the Brazilian Formula 1 Grand Prix that Sunday (the 8th), the memory of Ayrton Senna, considered by many to be the greatest driver of all time and three-time champion, was prominent. Senna is so revered that all drivers consider him invincible.

The author of the report mentions that the closest he got to Senna was through two vehicles: the Lotus 87T, seen at the 2014 Auto Show, and the McLaren MP4/6, during an event on November 7, 2018, describing the experience as something supernatural.

The Auto Show is characterized by hustle and bustle, with numerous press conferences and launches. In addition to documenting the presentations, the reporter needs to seek out unique stories, such as industrial secrets or interactions with executives, to cover the event across various editions.

At the 2018 Auto Show, the São Paulo Expo venue displayed various advertisements, including the VW Tarok pickup, the Fiat Fastback concept, and the Mercedes AMG One. Amidst these stands, there was one featuring the new McLaren Senna, a supercar created in tribute to the three-time champion.

At the end of the first day of press conferences, while heading to the hotel, the reporter met Charles Marzanasco, who served as Senna's advisor and had worked for years in Audi's communications. Charles invited him to visit the McLaren stand, promising an interesting story angle.

On the morning of the second day of press conferences, the reporter visited the stand and found not only the McLaren Senna but also the MP4/6, the car with which the driver won his third world title in 1991. The opportunity was impressive.

The assigned task was to test the real McLaren Senna and its virtual version on an Xbox One simulator using the game Forza Horizon 4, which featured the model as a featured car. Access to the stand was controlled by security guards, as it was one of the 500 units of the Senna, valued at R$ 8 million at the time. However, Charles allowed the reporter to get into the car, manipulate the controls, play the video game, record videos, and take photos.

At that time, recording was done only in horizontal format for YouTube, and vertical video format was uncommon. Social media production was not yet established, and the equipment used was basic, lacking a wireless microphone, stabilizer camera, or 4K resolution, resulting in low quality.

Despite the technical limitations, the reporter documented the experience with the utmost care. Driving in the video game and then being inside the real Senna provided a distinct sensation, as the simulator represented a supercar speeding on British roads, but the real McLaren offered a sensory factor absent in the simulation. Although the ideal would have been to drive the authentic vehicle, it was one of 500 units and cost over R$ 8 million (the updated value by IPCA would be R$ 12 million, not counting appreciation).

However, the main desire was to admire the MP4/6. While the McLaren Senna was extraordinary and perhaps could not be seen again, the single-seater was sacred because Senna was champion with that car. For those who witnessed May 1, 1994, facing the MP4/6 requires meticulous respect and admiration, transcending journalistic professionalism.

The reporter felt like he was in another dimension when observing the steering wheel and tachometer of the MP4/6, in a cramped space where arms and legs barely fit. Unlike the McLaren Senna, he could not sit in the cockpit of the MP4/6, either because it wouldn't fit, or because the car was a rarity and doing so would be heresy.

At that moment, he stopped being a reporter and became a devotee of the great Brazilian hero, becoming so emotional that he forgot to film the car. However, he touched the steering wheel and kissed the fingers, a gesture compared to the veneration shown to images of saints in church.

Similar stories

Fiat Tempra: How Betim demonstrated the capacity to produce large vehicles
Read more
autopapo.com.br

Fiat Tempra: How Betim demonstrated the capacity to produce large vehicles

The Fiat Tempra was introduced in Europe in 1990 and later arrived in the Brazilian market in November 1991. This imposing sedan marked Fiat's entry into the segment of larger and more luxurious cars, an area previously dominated by models such as the Chevrolet Monza and the Volkswagen Santana. The Italian brand presented a design that was simultaneously modern, attractive, functional, and aerodynamic, surpassing its competitors.

The high and robust rear housed a large trunk with 552 liters, facilitating access to luggage through its lid. The doors featured an innovative construction characteristic, curving at the top and integrating with the roof, which aided the vehicle's aerodynamics, achieving a notable drag coefficient (Cx) of 0.32 at the time.

In terms of mechanics, the engine and transmission were transversely mounted at the front. The 2.0 engine featured dual overhead camshafts, hemispherical combustion chambers, and centralized ignition spark plugs. Despite this refined engineering, the Fiat engine delivered only 99 hp of maximum power, a value that coincided with the tax payment limit for a specific bracket, as an increase of just one hp would elevate the car to a more burdensome tax category.

The transmission, always manual, offered five quick and precise shifts. The suspension system was advanced, being independent on all four wheels. However, the rear used a different solution than that employed in the European model, as the assembly chosen for the Brazilian Tempra provided greater resistance to handle the conditions of local roads and streets. This rear suspension also conferred greater handling sensitivity, requiring smooth and cautious steering movements near the adhesion limit to prevent the rear from losing control.

Initially launched in Brazil only in the four-door sedan version, the Tempra gained a two-door configuration, affectionately nicknamed 'coupe' due to the slope of the rear pillars. This sportier variant was made available in the Brazilian market in 1992, already under the 1993 model year.

In 1994, the wagon version of the Tempra appeared, equipped with a 2.0 engine and multi-point injection. It is important to note that this configuration, called Tempra SW, was imported from Italy, as its sales volume was estimated to be too small to justify domestic production.

Throughout its trajectory, the Tempra introduced constant innovations for the Brazilian consumer. In 1994, the market received the four-door sedan, the two-door coupe, and the SW family version. Mechanically, the Tempra pioneered in Brazil by incorporating a 16-valve head. Again, coincidence or not, this new 16-valve engine generated 127 hp, approaching an important tax threshold of the time. In the first half of 1994, the Turbo version of the Tempra was also launched, which maintained the eight-valve engine but produced 165 hp, offering impressive performance for a Fiat sedan and making it the fastest national car in the Brazilian market during that period.

Production of the Fiat Tempra in Brazil continued until the end of 1998, when it was succeeded by the Fiat Marea, available in sedan and wagon versions, both with four doors. During these seven years of manufacturing, just over 204 thousand units of the national Tempra were produced, including the two- and four-door versions. The wagon imported from Italy was not included in this total due to low sales volume in the country. On average, about 30 thousand Tempras were sold annually during the national production period, a modest number compared to higher-volume models, but relevant for a segment where Fiat had just entered.

Rafael Câmara debuts at Haas in Interlagos; Toyota confirms Celica's return to WRC
Read more
flatout.com.br

Rafael Câmara debuts at Haas in Interlagos; Toyota confirms Celica's return to WRC

Rafael Câmara will make his debut with the Haas team ahead of schedule. Although initially contracted for the 2027 Formula 1 season, the Brazilian driver will participate in the next round in Interlagos, which takes place this weekend. Haas officially announced this change yesterday (3).

The change in plans occurred due to a disagreement between Esteban Ocon and team principal Ayao Komatsu during the Mexican Grand Prix. As a consequence of this discussion, Ocon was prematurely removed from Haas, and reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa took his place starting from the third free practice.

This will be the first time since 2016 that two Brazilian drivers will be on the F1 grid in Interlagos, the time when Felipe Massa (Williams) and Felipe Nasr (Sauber) competed for the championship. Haas also confirmed Rafael Câmara's presence at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, scheduled for the 22nd. However, in the two most recent races of the season—the Qatar and Abu Dhabi GPs—the Pernambuco native already has commitments with the Formula 2 finals, which will take place in a double round on the same weekends. Currently leading the championship, Câmara chooses to focus on winning the F2 title while awaiting his definitive spot at Haas.

Toyota confirms Celica's return to WRC

The Toyota Celica, which transcends the status of a mere street classic or Gran Turismo icon, has a long history in the WRC. In the 1990s, the GT-Four versions (ST165, ST185, and ST205) brought four titles to the manufacturer in the World Drivers' Championship (in 1990 and 1992 with Carlos Sainz, 1993 with Juha Kankkunen, and 1994 with Didier Auriol) and two in the Constructors' World Championship (in 1993 and 1994). Now, it is returning to competition.

Toyota confirmed that its next competitor in the WRC will be a new Celica, debuting in the 2027 season, competing alongside the GR Yaris. Both models are going through the final homologation phases for the new championship regulations, which will be implemented starting next year. According to Motorsport.com, the new Celica will be driven by Elfyn Evans, Oliver Solberg, and Sami Pajari, while the GR Yaris will feature Ott Tänak, Takamoto Katsuta, and Kalle Rovanperä.

Images of prototypes photographed and filmed months ago, which increasingly resemble a mid-rear engine sports car, suggest they are the preliminary version of the new Celica. However, this does not clarify the future of Toyota's new street sports cars, given that both the return of the Celica and a new MR-2 have recently generated speculation. The manufacturer neither confirms nor denies anything, only suggests that both cars may materialize in the near future.

October Sales and Automotive Launches

Analyzing the October sales ranking, it can be noted that the Fiat Strada maintains its leadership in the Brazilian market, as has been happening in recent months. However, looking at lower positions, the BYD Dolphin Mini stands out, having surpassed the Fiat Argo and the Volkswagen Polo, two of the country's most popular vehicles.

In October, the Strada secured overall leadership for the tenth consecutive month, with 14,566 registrations. Second place was occupied by the Hyundai HB20, which rose from 11th place in September to register 9,037 units, representing a 43.1% increase in just one month. The biggest transformation came with the BYD Dolphin Mini, which reached third place with 8,432 registrations, slightly surpassing the Fiat Argo (8,331 units) and widening the gap to the Volkswagen Polo, which dropped from second place to fifth place, with 8,125 units. This is a significant achievement for an electric vehicle introduced in Brazil less than three years ago, which now competes directly with combustion compact hatchbacks, historically the highest volume models in the national market.

The rest of the ranking demonstrates market evolution. Among the top ten best-selling vehicles are three SUVs: the Volkswagen T-Cross (sixth, with 7,567 units), the VW Tera (seventh, with 7,489), and the Toyota Yaris Cross (which finished the ranking with 6,243 registrations). The Chevrolet Onix (7,016 units) and the Renault Kwid (6,346 units) also featured. In total, 253,298 new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles were registered in October, representing a 5.3% reduction compared to September, but a 2.2% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Electrified vehicles accounted for 24.4% of this volume, and Chinese brands achieved a 22.7% market share. BYD alone registered 24,114 vehicles, equivalent to 9.5% of the market. That is, almost one in ten new vehicles sold in Brazil in October was a BYD.

Finally, an important correction: previous interpretations regarding BYD's leadership in retail sales as an indication of predominantly private purchases cannot be made solely with this data. According to Fenabrave, the distinction between retail sales and direct sales does not depend on the buyer's profile, but rather on who issues the invoice. When the invoice is issued by the manufacturer, the transaction is classified as direct sale, even if mediated by a dealership. In other cases, it is considered retail sale. Both modalities can involve buyers with CPF or CNPJ. Therefore, BYD's leadership in retail does not allow us to state that its cars are predominantly bought by individuals, just as the volume of direct sales does not reveal how many vehicles were destined for rental companies, fleets, or individual buyers; for that, it would be necessary to know the buyer's profile, not just the billing channel.

Pagani Huayra 70 Anima Revealed with V12 Biturbo and Manual Gearbox

There is always deep respect for Pagani, as the manufacturer is one of the main contributors to the popularization of carbon fiber in supercars, and its creator, Horacio Pagani, is an example of fidelity to his ideals. Pagani follows its own guidelines in manufacturing its vehicles, maintaining this tradition, and works closely with clients to customize each unit, ensuring that no Pagani is identical to another of the same model. This constitutes the concept of tailor-made.

In this context, the last of the Huayra 70—a trio of cars built custom to celebrate Horacio Pagani's 70th anniversary—was presented yesterday (3). The mere existence of this vehicle is remarkable: even with Pagani producing the Utopia, its successor, the Huayra still demonstrates technical capability. Its mechanical package reflects principles and personality: the engine is the well-known 6-liter Mercedes-AMG derived V12 biturbo, generating 862 hp at 6,000 rpm and 112.2 kgfm of torque. The gearbox is a seven-speed manual from the Xtrac brand, and the drivetrain is rear-wheel drive, equipped with a mechanical locking differential, without electric motors.

The chassis adopts the classic Huayra configuration, including overlapping triangular wishbone suspension, electronic adjustable dampers on all four wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes with Brembo calipers, and imposing 20-inch wheels in the front and 21-inch wheels in the rear, using Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R 265/30 and 335/25 tires, respectively. Pagani demonstrates an ability to build an extremely refined supercar, which certainly demands a skilled driver if the goal is to use it rather than keep it in a climate-controlled environment.

It is impossible to ignore the car's style. Naturally, the Huayra is an elaborate and, to some extent, exaggerated vehicle, which is part of its essence; those seeking elegance and discretion should look to the competition or give up on a supercar. In the specific case of the Huayra 70 Anima, the level of ostentation can be excessive. The combination of blue over blue colors, the chrome trim (both on the body and in the cabin), and the white leather upholstery highlight that the owner likes to attract attention and does not want to be compared to other Huayra owners. However, as mentioned earlier, part of the charm of owning a Pagani lies in the possibility of choosing every finishing detail.

The Huayra 70 Anima reminds one of some Jacob & Co. watches, those grandiose pieces with unconventional style, often inspired by supercars, which sometimes feature miniature replicas of V12 engines operating alongside the caliber. They are impressive complications, encased in high jewelry worthy cases, but everything is very flashy, bordering on vulgar. One admires and respects the art, but one cannot say it is beautiful in the strict sense of the word. However, the mechanical package deserves emphasis: V12 biturbo, manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, and absence of electric motors. This is where the importance lies.

Cadillac May Sell Formula 1 Team After Only One Season

Cadillac invested over US$ 1 billion to enter Formula 1 in 2026, but it seems the team owners are already considering selling the venture, potentially for more than the amount invested. According to a Sportico article published on Monday (2), businessman Mark Walter, controller of TWG Global, is evaluating the sale of his stake in the team for a minimum value of US$ 3 billion. Furthermore, there are already at least seven potential interested buyers.

The Cadillac team is managed by TWG Motorsports, a division of Walter's group that also manages operations such as Andretti Global and Wayne Taylor Racing. General Motors acts as a partner and provides the Cadillac name to the project, although the exact distribution of shares has never been disclosed. Thus, the US$ 3 billion refers to the valuation of the entire team, and not necessarily the amount Walter would receive for his share.

This figure is notable because Cadillac is still in its first season in Formula 1 and faces challenges in establishing itself competitively. The operation required about US$ 450 million just to compensate other teams for the entry of a new participant in the championship, in addition to an initial investment of at least US$ 1 billion in competition infrastructure, facilities, and development. Despite this, the valuation proposed by Walter approaches the average of Formula 1 teams, which reached US$ 3.42 billion in 2025.

Ibovespa drops drastically after Lula's re-election; some stocks register declines exceeding 59%
Read more
g1.globo.com

Ibovespa drops drastically after Lula's re-election; some stocks register declines exceeding 59%

The Brazilian stock exchange experienced a day of great instability last Monday, the 26th, motivated by the re-election of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT). The Ibovespa, which is the main indicator of B3, suffered a drop of over 10% right at the start of trading and activated the circuit breaker mechanism.

As the trading session approached its close, the index showed a retraction of 14.88%, reaching the mark of 174,568 points. This market reaction was a reflection of the shock felt by some investors regarding the electoral result and the subsequent reassessment of projections related to economic policy management, interest rates, and public finances.

The circuit breaker functions as a protection system for the stock exchange, temporarily suspending trading whenever the stock market registers very sharp declines. Its purpose is to give investors a period to reconsider their choices and reduce the potential for chaotic buying and selling movements, with trading resuming after the pause.

Among the stocks that suffered the largest losses, Magazine Luiza led the ranking with a devaluation of 59.5%. Other notable companies in the declines were Vamos, with a loss of 56.01%, and Hapvida, which registered -52.55%. Stocks belonging to companies in the retail, consumer, and real estate sectors also recorded significant reductions.

Popular