Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Cars made in Brazil blamed for country's high death rate]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/cars-made-in-brazil-blamed-for-countrys-high-death-rate/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/cars-made-in-brazil-blamed-for-countrys-high-death-rate/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/cars-made-in-brazil-blamed-for-countrys-high-death-rate/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Unsafe cars in Brazil

The Detroit Free Press reports the new generation of Brazil-built cars are to blame for the country's high death rate. Thanks to a booming middle class, Brazil is the fourth-largest vehicle market in the world, but four of the country's best-selling models have failed independent crash tests. Couple those machines with the country's notoriously dangerous roads and weather, and Brazil winds up with a traffic death rate nearly four times that of the US when weighted for the disparity in the size of both driving populations.

Automakers, meanwhile, say their products meet or exceed Brazil's safety laws - starting next year, manufacturers will be required to install front airbags and anti-lock brakes. Activists, meanwhile, say those changes aren't enough to make a meaningful impact on the country's death toll. Independent testing found that four of the country's top-selling cars from brands like General Motors, Volkswagen and Fiat received a lowly one-star crash rating.

Compounding the issue is the fact that manufacturers make more money on less safe, inexpensive Brazilian-made cars. The Detroit Free Press reports companies earn a 10-percent profit on vehicles built in Brazil compared to three percent from US-built models and an average of five percent from machines assembled elsewhere. Vehicles imported from other markets are more likely to have safety equipment that meets more stringent standards.

Cars made in Brazil blamed for country's high death rate originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilbrazil traffic deathssafetytraffic deathsWed, 15 May 2013 08:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567120/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/cars-made-in-brazil-blamed-for-countrys-high-death-rate/20567120/article-detail.xml 20567120 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/brazilunsafecars_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/brazilunsafecars.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Brazilian police ram a drug plane with their car to prevent takeoff]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/watch-brazilian-police-ram-a-drug-plane-with-their-car-to-preven/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/watch-brazilian-police-ram-a-drug-plane-with-their-car-to-preven/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/watch-brazilian-police-ram-a-drug-plane-with-their-car-to-preven/#commentsFiled under: , ,



After watching this video of Brazilian police ramming a suspected drug-smuggling plane with their car to prevent it from taking off, I've realized that Hollywood has once again lied to me. My last exposure to Brazilian law enforcement was courtesy of their portrayal in 2011's Fast Five, in which the country's police force was presented by Tinsel Town as easily corruptible and able to be defeated by a couple of Americans in Dodge Chargers towing a safe.

In reality, though, it appears not all Brazilian cops roll over that easily. The ones in this dramatic video did their own real-life stunt work when they decided to ram a suspected drug transport plane during takeoff. Appearing to take out the plane's tail section and then ram it from the side, the officers also braved some flying bullets, though it's unclear from the video who was doing the shooting. Huffington Post reports that five people were arrested and 230 kilograms of cocaine base paste were seized.

The Brazilian police aren't even newcomers to the plane-ramming business. An equally, if not more, dramatic video was captured in 2011 that showed Brazilian police using their car to shear off an entire wing of a plane while it was taking off. All of which makes me now believe that if Hollywood were more realistic, Fast Five would've been over in 20 minutes with Dom and Brian in handcuffs. Scroll down to watch this real-life car-vs-plane chase scene.

Continue reading Watch Brazilian police ram a drug plane with their car to prevent takeoff

Watch Brazilian police ram a drug plane with their car to prevent takeoff originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilbrazil policebrazilian policedrug planedrug tradedrug traffickingdrugsplane rammingvideoMon, 13 May 2013 16:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566792/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/watch-brazilian-police-ram-a-drug-plane-with-their-car-to-preven/20566792/article-detail.xml 20566792 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/brazil-police-ram-plane-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/brazil-police-ram-plane-car.jpg <![CDATA[Two-time Le Mans winner Melo arrested after high-speed chase and crash [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/two-time-le-mans-winner-melo-arrested-after-high-speed-chase-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/two-time-le-mans-winner-melo-arrested-after-high-speed-chase-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/two-time-le-mans-winner-melo-arrested-after-high-speed-chase-and/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jamie Melo at Le Mans (middle) with trophy

Brazilian race driver Jamie Melo, ex-Risi Competizione Ferrari driver, got into the wrong kind of race with the Brazilian authorities recently. According to reports on the BBC and Speed, Melo (above, middle) got into an argument with a man outside of a nightclub, and when the police showed up, he got in his car and drove away with the headlights off. A high-speed chase ensued, resulting in Melo crashing into a house, then trying to run away, only to be apprehended on the grounds of the 6th Military Police Battalion.

That meant a night in the clink on charges of drunk driving, driving under the influence of narcotics, driving with a suspended license and resisting arrest. To start with...

He's apparently out now on bail, and his father said he left the country soon afterward to drive a race in Europe. Melo won the ALMS GT2 Championship in 2007 and Le Mans in 2008 and 2009 in GT2. If you're interested, there's a video of him below in better days winning the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2007 in a Ferrari, battling a Porsche throughout the last half of the last lap.

Continue reading Two-time Le Mans winner Melo arrested after high-speed chase and crash [w/video]

Two-time Le Mans winner Melo arrested after high-speed chase and crash [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>braziljamie melomelopolicepolice chaseWed, 24 Apr 2013 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548063/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/two-time-le-mans-winner-melo-arrested-after-high-speed-chase-and/20548063/article-detail.xml 20548063 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/jamie-melo-driver-le-mans-2009_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/jamie-melo-driver-le-mans-2009.jpg <![CDATA[Brazilian woman destroys cheating husband's car in public]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/brazilian-woman-destroys-cheating-husbands-car-in-public/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/brazilian-woman-destroys-cheating-husbands-car-in-public/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/brazilian-woman-destroys-cheating-husbands-car-in-public/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



It's a tale as old as time. Boy meet girl... boy cheats on girl... girl goes to town on boy's car with a hammer. Wait, what?

Okay, maybe not the most orthodox of love stories, but according to the poster of this video, it's exactly what happened in Sao Paulo, Brazil last week. The description claims that the fiery redhead was enraged by her husband's apparent infidelity, leading her to take out her frustrations on what looks like a '90s fifth-generation Honda Accord.

She wailed on the defenseless Honda with a hammer, hitting the hood, windshield and completely destroying the rear window as many looked on in a mix of curiosity and amusement. At no time did anyone intervene or try to calm the woman down, but she was, after all, wielding a hammer. When enough damage had been done, the scorned lover picked up her bag and strutted off to the sound of applause and whistling. Check out the (admittedly shaky and grainy) video of the destruction, and let it serve as a warning to all cheaters out there - hell still hath no fury like a woman scorned.

Continue reading Brazilian woman destroys cheating husband's car in public

Brazilian woman destroys cheating husband's car in public originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accordbrazilhondahonda accordsao paloyoutubeFri, 14 Dec 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20402401/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/14/brazilian-woman-destroys-cheating-husbands-car-in-public/20402401/article-detail.xml 20402401 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/aftermath-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/aftermath-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels advertises microcars with life-size monuments]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/hot-wheels-advertises-microcars-with-life-size-monuments/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/hot-wheels-advertises-microcars-with-life-size-monuments/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/hot-wheels-advertises-microcars-with-life-size-monuments/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you ever thought your car was as cool as one sold by Hot Wheels, then a parking lot at Shopping Center Norte in São Paulo, Brazil had your name all over it. Mattel's ad agency there, AGE Isobar, placed a giant rendition of Hot Wheels packaging at the front of the lot for one day last month. Instead of putting a giant Hot Wheel inside, however, the 'box' was empty, and customers could drive their cars inside and then have their pictures taken.

As with the miniature cars themselves, the marketing activation was just that simple and just that awesome. Now we'll have to ask again, how come we don't see this when we go shopping?

Hot Wheels advertises microcars with life-size monuments originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingage isobarbrazilhot wheelsmarketingsao pauloWed, 12 Dec 2012 08:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20398235/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/12/hot-wheels-advertises-microcars-with-life-size-monuments/20398235/article-detail.xml 20398235 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/hotwheelslotstunt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/hotwheelslotstunt.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Brazilian Grand Prix: The circle is complete, and what a circle it's been [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The track between the lakes, the Circuit d'Interlagos in Sao Paulo, Brazil, yet again served up a fitting finale to the Formula One season. There were all kinds of ways for the two Driver's Championship contenders - Sebastian Vettel in the Red Bull and Fernando Alonso in the Ferrari - to win and lose during the 71 laps of the Brazilian Grand Prix, and that was before the rain, before the yellow flags and safety car periods, and before the accidents.

The World Championship lead swapped hands at least three times during the race. By the end of Lap One, in fact, it was a fair question if either driver would have hands, or a car, steady enough to hold it...

Continue reading 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix: The circle is complete, and what a circle it's been [spoilers]

2012 Brazilian Grand Prix: The circle is complete, and what a circle it's been [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 brazilian grand prixbrazilf1fernando alonsoferrariformula 1interlagosjenson buttonlewis hamiltonmclarenred bullsebastian vettelworld championshipMon, 26 Nov 2012 13:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20388045/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/20388045/article-detail.xml 20388045 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/bgp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/bgp1.jpg <![CDATA[Brazil becoming a major world market for automakers... again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/brazil-becoming-a-major-world-market-for-automakers-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/brazil-becoming-a-major-world-market-for-automakers-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/brazil-becoming-a-major-world-market-for-automakers-again/#commentsFiled under: ,

Brazilian flag

Brazil is now the world's fourth-largest national automotive market.

If your image of Brazil has anything to do with "The Girl from Ipanema" played by 1,001 Strings, you may be a little out of date. The country that will host the 2016 Summer Olympics has come a long way since the dawn of the bossa nova craze a half century ago, though it still has plenty of nagging problems left to deal with.

The recent Sao Paulo Auto Show provided one clear clue as to how much things have changed in recent years. When I first visited Brazil 15 years ago, the vehicles available to Brazilian motorists were, for the most part, decades out of date - common practice among automakers like Ford, Volkswagen and General Motors, who would dump generations-old tooling into these backwater markets rather than anything close to new.

Today, however, Brazilians motorists are likely to get the latest and greatest. Indeed, October's Sao Paulo show gave local buyers - and the rest of the world - a look at a number of all-new offerings, some designed specifically for the Portugese-speaking nations, others for global markets, such as the next-generation Ford Fiesta sedan. Significantly, the new model will land in Brazilian showrooms well before it reaches dealers here in the States.

Paul EisensteinPaul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

Continue reading Brazil becoming a major world market for automakers... again

Brazil becoming a major world market for automakers... again originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbrazilfordgmnissansao paulosao paulo auto showTue, 06 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20367878/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/06/brazil-becoming-a-major-world-market-for-automakers-again/20367878/article-detail.xml 20367878 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/dv269047c-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/dv269047c-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Troller R-X Concept is a Brazilian Ford Bronco for the new age]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/27/troller-r-x-concept-is-a-brazilian-ford-bronco-for-the-new-age/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/27/troller-r-x-concept-is-a-brazilian-ford-bronco-for-the-new-age/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/27/troller-r-x-concept-is-a-brazilian-ford-bronco-for-the-new-age/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Troller R-X Concept (Brazil)

Until Ford bought it in 2007, Troller was an independent Brazilian brand that made the T4 and the Pantanal pickup. The T4, still in production, looks like a Jeep Wrangler hooked up with an old Ssangyong Korando and a snorkel. With Ford blood coursing through its design offices, the TR-X concept shown off at the São Paulo Auto Show looks like a Wrangler hooked up with an old Bronco and Toyota FJ Cruiser behind one of the booths at SEMA.

The TR-X is said to symbolize the essence of Toller, and while it hasn't been approved for production, we have a feeling that an appropriate response from the Brazilian public could give it a chance of seeing daylight. There's a press release below, as well as a couple of high-res photos.

Continue reading Troller R-X Concept is a Brazilian Ford Bronco for the new age

Troller R-X Concept is a Brazilian Ford Bronco for the new age originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilfordsao paulosao paulo auto showtr-xtr-x concepttrollertroller tr-x conceptSat, 27 Oct 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20362880/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/27/troller-r-x-concept-is-a-brazilian-ford-bronco-for-the-new-age/20362880/article-detail.xml 20362880 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/trollertr4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/trollertr4.jpg <![CDATA[VW ending Kombi production after 63-year run]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/vw-ending-kombi-production-after-63-year-run/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/vw-ending-kombi-production-after-63-year-run/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/vw-ending-kombi-production-after-63-year-run/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



No, the picture above is not that of a fully restored Volkswagen Bus. It is actually a 2012 Volkswagen Kombi that is still in production in Brazil... for now. Due to tougher safety regulations, the Kombi's days are numbered as Brazil's government is requiring all new cars to come with dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes as standard equipment. No word on a replacement for the long-lived Kombi, but it won't be the VW Bulli.

Originally known as the Type 2, the iconic Volkswagen van first debuted back in 1950. Matching its classic styling, Car and Driver points out that the Kombi replaced the original air-cooled engine with a liquid-cooled mill only within the last decade.

Volkswagen has quite a history of squeezing every last year out of its designs between the original Beetle that was produced from 1938 through 2003 in Mexico and the MkI Golf that was introduced in 1974 and ended production in South Africa in 2009.

VW ending Kombi production after 63-year run originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 volkswagen kombibrazilkombimicrobusvolkswagenvwWed, 24 Oct 2012 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20359470/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/24/vw-ending-kombi-production-after-63-year-run/20359470/article-detail.xml 20359470 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2012-vw-kombi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2012-vw-kombi.jpg <![CDATA[BMW planning $261 million plant in Brazil]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/bmw-planning-261-million-plant-in-brazil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/bmw-planning-261-million-plant-in-brazil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/bmw-planning-261-million-plant-in-brazil/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BMW Emblem

BMW has announced plans to invest 200 million euro ($261 million by current exchange rates) in a facility in Brazil. The move is an effort to counter Audi in one of the world's quickest-growing markets. BMW says it plans to produces upwards of 30,000 units a year at the Santa Catarina factory by 2014, though that number could swell significantly if the automaker sees the demand. Audi, meanwhile is set to build 150,000 vehicles per year at its location in San Jose Chiapa, Mexico. Reports indicate that automakers are looking outside of the contracting European and slowing Chinese markets in search of more sales.

Ian Robertson, member of the BMW board said, "Brazil is a market with tremendous potential for the future for the BMW Group. For that reason, we are strengthening our long-term commitment to this country."

BMW has focused on emerging markets to help step up sales by 20 percent by 2016. The automaker originally announced its plans to build construct a facility in Brazil in 2011, but the move was postponed due to shifts in the country's tax codes. Now Brazil is offering new tax brakes to any carmaker that aims to invest the area.

Scroll down to read the full BMW press release.

Continue reading BMW planning $261 million plant in Brazil

BMW planning $261 million plant in Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audibmwbrazilsouth americaWed, 24 Oct 2012 08:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20357651/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/24/bmw-planning-261-million-plant-in-brazil/20357651/article-detail.xml 20357651 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/bmw-emblem_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/bmw-emblem.jpg <![CDATA[Bugatti brings Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse "Gris Rafale" to Brazil]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/bugatti-brings-veyron-grand-sport-vitesse-gris-rafale-to-brazi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/bugatti-brings-veyron-grand-sport-vitesse-gris-rafale-to-brazi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/bugatti-brings-veyron-grand-sport-vitesse-gris-rafale-to-brazi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse

Bugatti's Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is downright well-known around these parts. Not only have we reported on the 1,200-horsepower Veyron selling for a pretty penny at Pebble Beach, we've seen a funnyman Leno take one for a pleasure cruise in SoCal.

Apparently, Bugatti believes that the Grand Sport Vitesse is likely to be just as popular in South America as it has been elsewhere in the world, as the company has officially announced that it will be bringing the model to Brazil. Not wanting to merely send out a press release, the French supercar maker has gone and created a one-off Grand Sport Vitesse "Gris Rafale" to mark the occasion.

The new car has been finished in a fetching light shade of gray called Gris Rafale (French for "Gray Burst", with accent pieces done in striking blue carbon fiber. The interior treatment is a reversal of that motif, with blue leather and gray stitching. A special edition that only features a new colorway might seem like a weak effort for any other car, but on one of the most expensive, highest performance road-going vehicles of all time, we'll take it.

Scroll down to continue reading Bugatti's full press release.

Continue reading Bugatti brings Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse "Gris Rafale" to Brazil

Bugatti brings Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse "Gris Rafale" to Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilbugattibugatti veyron 16.4 grand sport vitessegris rafalerafaleveyronTue, 23 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20357944/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/23/bugatti-brings-veyron-grand-sport-vitesse-gris-rafale-to-brazi/20357944/article-detail.xml 20357944 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/bugatti-grand-sport-vitesse-rafale-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/bugatti-grand-sport-vitesse-rafale-628.jpg <![CDATA[Renault shows DCross Concept in Brazil]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/renault-shows-dcross-concept-in-brazil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/renault-shows-dcross-concept-in-brazil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/renault-shows-dcross-concept-in-brazil/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The São Paulo Motor Show continues to heat up and bring us interesting new vehicle unveilings. Next year, we may have to tough it out and trek down to Brazil for the 28th edition of the auto show. The most recent development from São Paulo is the Renault DCross concept. In what appears to be a gussied-up Dacia Duster, the DCross gets a bright green and matte black paint scheme, a raised ride height, roof racks and a spare tire atop the concept. If off-roading is your thing, the DCross, at the very least, looks the part.

Little else is given in details other than what we can gather from the photos. The concept, which catches the eye far more in the live shots than in the OEM image, was joined on the Renault stand by the Fluence GT, Clio 2013, and Captur concept.

Will this concept predict the future for a Renault SUV/CUV? We're not sure, but its bullish looks seem ready for the Dakar Rally. The 2013 edition of Dakar is not until May of 2013, but the DCross already has us thinking of the grueling endurance race, held Peru, Chile and neighboring Argentina. Read up on Renault's debuts from Brazil in the press release below.

Continue reading Renault shows DCross Concept in Brazil

Renault shows DCross Concept in Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilcrossoverdakardcrossoff-roadrenaultrenault dcrosssao paulo auto showsuvTue, 23 Oct 2012 15:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20357863/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/23/renault-shows-dcross-concept-in-brazil/20357863/article-detail.xml 20357863 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/renault-dcross-concept-628-1351002764_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/renault-dcross-concept-628-1351002764.jpg <![CDATA[Honda shows Fit Twist for Brazil, promises Acura launch in 2015]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/honda-shows-fit-twist-for-brazil-promises-acura-launch-in-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/honda-shows-fit-twist-for-brazil-promises-acura-launch-in-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/honda-shows-fit-twist-for-brazil-promises-acura-launch-in-2015/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Honda Fit Twist - Brazilian market lifted Honda Fit/Jazz

Today at the São Paulo Motor Show, Honda unveiled the its new Fit Twist softroader. Based on the familiar Fit/Jazz subcompact, the Twist gets its own, distinctive grille and roof rails, along with unique front fascia, matte fender lips and what looks like more ground clearance for the region's notoriously rough roads. Inside, the Twist gets its own seat coverings as well.

As there's no official word to the contrary, we assume the Twist will be powered by the Fit's 115-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The sportier-looking Fit Twist is the first model Honda has designed locally in Brazil, and it's intended solely for the local market. Honda says sales will begin next month.

In recent months, the Japanese automaker has been rumored to be investigating a new small crossover vehicle based on the Fit architecture. While this Outback-like Twist treatment certainly qualifies, our sources suggest there is still a different vehicle under consideration in the halls of Honda.

In related news, Honda also took advantage of the São Paulo limelight to confirm plans to launch its upscale Acura brand in Brazil in 2015. Check out the official press release below for more information on both.

Continue reading Honda shows Fit Twist for Brazil, promises Acura launch in 2015

Honda shows Fit Twist for Brazil, promises Acura launch in 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 honda fitacurabrazilfitfit twisthondajazzsao paulosao paulo international motor showTue, 23 Oct 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20358032/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/23/honda-shows-fit-twist-for-brazil-promises-acura-launch-in-2015/20358032/article-detail.xml 20358032 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-honda-fit-twist-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-honda-fit-twist-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy unveils Onix subcompact hatchback in Brazil]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/chevy-unveils-onix-subcompact-hatchback-in-brazil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/chevy-unveils-onix-subcompact-hatchback-in-brazil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/chevy-unveils-onix-subcompact-hatchback-in-brazil/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chevrolet Onyx

The Sao Paulo Auto Show is in full swing, and General Motors has chosen the event to showcase the manufacturer's newest subcompact, the Onix. Penned specifically for the Brazilian market, the little creation rides on the same platform as the Chevrolet Sonic and Buick Encore. Buyers can look forward to sinking their teeth into a 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission as well as a MyLink infotainment system.

GM is on a war path to expand its B-segment offerings in South America, and the Onix is the latest fruit of those efforts. The manufacturer has shoveled $5 billion into Brazil since 2008, according to CEO Dan Akerson, and the Onix was entirely engineered and designed in the country. Brazil is the third largest market for GM products outside of the US and China.

Chevy unveils Onix subcompact hatchback in Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto showbrazilchevroletchevrolet onyxgeneral motorsgmonyxsao paulosao paulo auto showMon, 22 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20356991/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/22/chevy-unveils-onix-subcompact-hatchback-in-brazil/20356991/article-detail.xml 20356991 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/chevrolet-onyx-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/chevrolet-onyx-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan showing Extrem new crossover in São Paulo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/nissan-showing-extrem-new-crossover-in-sao-paulo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/nissan-showing-extrem-new-crossover-in-sao-paulo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/nissan-showing-extrem-new-crossover-in-sao-paulo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Nissan Extrem crossover concept - front three-quarter view

Less than a week ago, Nissan teased us with what it called a "high character" concept to be unveiled in São Paulo, Brazil this weekend. We were skeptical, suggesting the concept might be less than sporty considering the show's traditional emphasis on inexpensive workaday iron.

Well, look who's surprised! The Nissan Extrem concept is indeed a "high character" concept and, as the Japanese automaker says, "a radical concept car aimed squarely at young (and young-at-heart) car enthusiasts keen to make a statement."

"We call it Baby Beast," says Robert Bauer, senior design manager for the project at Nissan Design America. We see it as an urban rally car, a tough little street fighter that can handle the urban jungle with agility and confidence."

Wraparound glass and a "see-through" A-pillar reminiscent of Volvo's Safety Car Concept (circa 2001) are interesting features that could enhance safety, while overlapping body panels "create a feeling of layered armored toughness."

Such a vehicle could definitely compete with the similarly styled Veloster from Hyundai. But with its higher ground clearance and possible all-wheel-drive, the Extreme could offer a light-use off-road alternative. If anything, the Extrem is arguably most similar to Nissan's own Juke, albeit with fewer doors.

The Extrem concept is built on Nissan's V-platform, which is also used on its March supermini, albeit with larger dimensions. The Extrem is larger in every exterior dimension except wheelbase, as it retains the March's 96.4-inch track.

According to Nissan, power "would come" from the company's 1.6-liter, direct injection, turbocharged engine - an engine also seen in the Juke.

The company's press release (available below) cautions us not to expect the Extrem to make it into production any time soon, though.

Continue reading Nissan showing Extrem new crossover in São Paulo

Nissan showing Extrem new crossover in São Paulo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilextrem conceptnissannissan extremnissan extrem conceptsao paulosao paulo auto showMon, 22 Oct 2012 12:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20356718/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/22/nissan-showing-extrem-new-crossover-in-sao-paulo/20356718/article-detail.xml 20356718 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2012-extrem-concept-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2012-extrem-concept-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Brazilian crosswalk guardians pick up, carry car out of intersection]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/brazilian-crosswalk-guardians-pick-up-carry-car-out-of-intersec/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/brazilian-crosswalk-guardians-pick-up-carry-car-out-of-intersec/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/brazilian-crosswalk-guardians-pick-up-carry-car-out-of-intersec/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



To promote National Traffic Week in Brazil, a group has posted a video of how it is taking pedestrian safety into its own hands. The Hermann Blumenau Rotary Club is being called the "Brazilian Crosswalk Guardians," and this video shows exactly why.

When what looks to be a Fiat Panda rolls into the striped crosswalk area, the eight men sprint into action lifting the car up and moving it out of the way of pedestrians. This is apparently just a demonstration put on a marketing agency, but we'd be interested to see how things would play out if this were an actual crosswalk intervention.

The whole point of this group, and the video, is to point out how bad pedestrian safety has gotten in Brazil, especially in the city of Blumenau. According to the article in the Huffington Post, 13 people are killed each year in this city alone which is double the average rate for the rest of Brazil.

Check out the Brazilian crosswalk guardians in the video below.

Continue reading Brazilian crosswalk guardians pick up, carry car out of intersection

Brazilian crosswalk guardians pick up, carry car out of intersection originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilbrazil pedestrian safetycrosswalk safetypedestrian safetysafetyvideoThu, 06 Sep 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20317634/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/06/brazilian-crosswalk-guardians-pick-up-carry-car-out-of-intersec/20317634/article-detail.xml 20317634 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/brazilian-crosswalk-guards_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/brazilian-crosswalk-guards.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Brazilian Grand Prix wraps up the season at Interlagos [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/27/2011-brazilian-grand-prix-wraps-up-the-season-at-interlagos-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/27/2011-brazilian-grand-prix-wraps-up-the-season-at-interlagos-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/27/2011-brazilian-grand-prix-wraps-up-the-season-at-interlagos-spo/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Brazilian Grand Prix

It's been one heck of a season in Formula One racing. Not since the days of Michael Schumacher at the pinnacle of his career with Ferrari have we seen the kind of domination that his fellow countryman Sebastian Vettel has smote upon the championship.

Leading into this weekend's final round in Brazil, Vettel had already won eleven out of eighteen rounds from fourteen pole positions. As a result he'd been crowned champion early on, and helped secure the constructors' title for his Red Bull Racing team as well. But would the young champ - the youngest multiple champion in F1 history, in fact - be able to tie up the season in as grand a style as he'd displayed all year? Follow the jump to find out.

Continue reading 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix wraps up the season at Interlagos [spoilers]

2011 Brazilian Grand Prix wraps up the season at Interlagos [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 brazilian grand prixbrazilbrazilian grand prixf1formula 1formula onegrand prixinterlagossao pauloSun, 27 Nov 2011 18:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20115177/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/27/2011-brazilian-grand-prix-wraps-up-the-season-at-interlagos-spo/20115177/article-detail.xml 20115177 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/019brazil628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/019brazil628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Brazilian police intentionally ram car into plane during takeoff]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/04/watch-brazilian-police-intentionally-ram-car-into-plane-during-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/04/watch-brazilian-police-intentionally-ram-car-into-plane-during-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/04/watch-brazilian-police-intentionally-ram-car-into-plane-during-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Brazilian police prepare to ram plane with car

Yesterday, we got to see the first trailer for Grand Theft Auto V, and today we have video of one of the missions. But wait just a second - this isn't a video game, it's real life.

An in-car video camera has captured footage of two unnamed Brazilian police officers going after some bad guys on a remote runway, Cops-style. One officer can be seen firing a machine gun, just before the driver rams the wing of a plane in an effort to prevent it from taking off.

According to the Associated Press, a Brazilian federal police spokesman indicates that the pilot and four others were arrested, but nobody was hurt in the takedown. The video does appear to show plenty of contraband electronics that were seized from the alleged smugglers, however.

Click past the jump to see the brief but action-packed footage.

Continue reading Watch Brazilian police intentionally ram car into plane during takeoff

Watch Brazilian police intentionally ram car into plane during takeoff originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilbrazilian policedash camplane crashpolice ram airplanepolice videoram airplanesmugglerssmugglingvideoFri, 04 Nov 2011 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20098835/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/04/watch-brazilian-police-intentionally-ram-car-into-plane-during-t/20098835/article-detail.xml 20098835 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/brazil-police-plain-ram_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/brazil-police-plain-ram.jpg <![CDATA[Fake Kia ads cause uproar, get creatives banned from Cannes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/fake-kia-ads-cause-uproar-gets-creatives-banned-from-cannes/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/fake-kia-ads-cause-uproar-gets-creatives-banned-from-cannes/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/fake-kia-ads-cause-uproar-gets-creatives-banned-from-cannes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



First, Kia Motors Brazil disavowed the ads done in its name by Brazilian agency Moma Propaganda, and now, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is doing the same. If you'll remember, some creatives at Moma put together a rather suggestive, comic diptych to advertise the dual-zone climate control in the Kia Sportage. The ads got people everywhere rather hot - and not in a good way - and the automaker quickly went on record saying that it didn't commission them.

The ads won two Cannes Lions earlier this year - basically, the Oscars of ad agency awards. Responding in its own way to the 'revelations,' the Cannes overseers stripped the five credited creatives of their awards, and banned all five of them from participating in next year's festival. It is the first time in its history that such an action has been taken.

This has nothing to do with Kia Motors America, only Kia Motors Brazil, and the 'ads' never actually ran. They appear to have been created just to win Lions, which is perhaps why Kia Motors Brazil didn't distance itself until after the festival. Or, perhaps not, since according to Ad Age, even after having its name (quite unfairly) associated with the word "pedophilia" for a month now, the Korean firm remains a client of Moma.

Fake Kia ads cause uproar, get creatives banned from Cannes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad agencybrazilcannes lionsCannes Lions International Film Festival of Creativitykiakia motorskia motors brazilsouth americaMon, 25 Jul 2011 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19998676/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/25/fake-kia-ads-cause-uproar-gets-creatives-banned-from-cannes/19998676/article-detail.xml 19998676 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/kiabraziladlions_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/kiabraziladlions.jpg <![CDATA[Kia gets wickedly suggestive with children's fairy tales for Sportage print ads [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/22/kia-gets-wickedly-suggestive-with-childrens-fairy-tales-for-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/22/kia-gets-wickedly-suggestive-with-childrens-fairy-tales-for-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/22/kia-gets-wickedly-suggestive-with-childrens-fairy-tales-for-spo/#commentsFiled under: ,

kia sportage suggestive ads
Kia goes hot and cold with suggestive Sportage ads - Click above for high-res image gallery

Advertising here in the United States is rather tame compared to what the rest of the world sees. At a recent festival in Cannes, creative works from around the globe were shown, and one of the advertisers at the awards event was Brazilian agency Moma, a company that works with Kia. The Moma team cranked their creativity up a notch by producing an ad to display around the festival, and it's the type of work that won't be coming Stateside anytime soon.

Moma was looking for a unique way to highlight the dual-zone air conditioning found inside the Kia Sportage. A poster was created showing two very different climates of the same situation - the left being relatively mild, with the right being heated up a bit - and the result is both hilarious and creative. We found two examples of the campaign on IBelieveInAdv.com, and you can take a look at each in the gallery below.


[UPDATE: Kia has disavowed having a hand in the creation of these ads, and has even gone so far as to condemn them.]

Kia gets wickedly suggestive with children's fairy tales for Sportage print ads [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilcannescannes lionskiakia sportagemoma agencymoma brazilsportage adWed, 22 Jun 2011 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19974022/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/22/kia-gets-wickedly-suggestive-with-childrens-fairy-tales-for-spo/19974022/article-detail.xml 19974022 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/airconditionerteacheribelieveinadv-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/airconditionerteacheribelieveinadv-lead.jpg -1 2