Autoblog

SPOILER ALERT: The Fat Lady Sings at the 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix

Noah Joseph — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:47:00 EST

2009 Brazilian Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

"Everything can change in a New York minute." It's a good thing Don Henley wrote his hit song twenty years before this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix. Because "in an Interlagos minute" just doesn't have the same ring to it. But it does go to show how quickly fortunes can be reversed over the course of a race distance. Especially when the championship is on the line.

With two races to go, the F1 circus rolled in to Sao Paulo with Jenson Button - winner of six grands prix this season - leading his Brawn GP team-mate, hometown hero and chief rival Rubens Barrichello 85 to 71, with Red Bull challenger Sebastian Vettel - fresh from victory in Japan - trailing with 69 points. The most likely scenarios placed Button clinching the title right here at the penultimate championship round, if not at the final race in Abu Dhabi two weeks from now.

But the heavens seemed to have a different plan when torrential downpours put a hamper on Saturday's qualifying session. Once the rain stopped, yesterday's proved to be the longest qualifying session in Formula One history, and the order came out all messed up. Instead of placing up at the front of the grid, Button and Vettel found themselves way down the pecking order in 14th and 16th positions. In their place, their respective wingmen Barrichello and Webber started 1st and 2nd on the grid, with half a field's worth of back-markers separating them. Follow the jump to read how the race unfolded.

Gallery: 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix

Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: The Fat Lady Sings at the 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix

SPOILER ALERT: The Fat Lady Sings at the 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: GM debuts Chevy GPiX Concept in Sao Paulo

John Neff — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Chevrolet, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for high-res gallery of the Chevy GPiX Concept

General Motors officially debuted the GPiX Concept, which we previewed for you last week, at the Sao Paulo Auto Show in Brazil yesterday. It was designed entirely by GM Design in Brazil but retains those corporate styling cues that make it instantly recognizable as a modern Chevy around the world. This two-door crossover has a bit of ground clearance for what GM calls "the types of roads and conditions found in emerging markets." We think that means no roads and poor conditions. There's no mention of what powers the GPiX concept, though we assume it's either A) not a runner, B) has a fictional super efficient prototype powertrain underhood or C) uses a four-cylinder gas motor capable of running on E100 ethanol. GM also says that the GPiX could be a potential new segment for the automaker in South America, but in these tough times we doubt it's really interested in developing a solo vehicle for a single market. You can check out more high-res pics of the GPiX concept in the gallery below and read GM's official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Chevy GPiX Concept

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Officially Official: GM debuts Chevy GPiX Concept in Sao Paulo

Officially Official: GM debuts Chevy GPiX Concept in Sao Paulo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler/Nissan partnership bears fruit in South America: the Dodge Trazo C1.8

John Neff — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Chrysler, Dodge, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for high-res gallery of the Dodge Trazo C1.8

Early this year Chrysler and Nissan formed a partnership to share products. The big news at the time was that Nissan would be replacing its Titan pickup with a version of the Dodge Ram. But before that deal went down, the two automakers from different continents had already agreed on a partnership that would see the Nissan Versa sold in some South American markets as a Dodge. Today Dodge unveiled that vehicle at the Sao Paulo Auto Show in Brazil as the Trazo C1.8 sedan. It is a direct port of the Nissan Versa we know in the U.S. and the Tiida sold in Japan, though will only be offered as a sedan in South America and not as a five-door hatchback. As far as we can tell, not a body panel or interior appointment has been changed, save for new Trazo badging and slightly different black plastic grille. We couldn't even find a Dodge logo on the car's exterior. The Trazo's engine also appears to be the same 1.8L four-cylinder used in the Versa that's been made E100 ethanol-capable for South American markets. Reading the press release from Dodge after the jump is a bit trippy, as we've never heard one automaker speak so flowery about another automaker's product. If Chrysler thinks the Trazo is so good, should we buy the Versa instead of the Caliber in the U.S.?

Gallery: Dodge Trazo C1.8

[Source: Dodge]

Continue reading Chrysler/Nissan partnership bears fruit in South America: the Dodge Trazo C1.8

Chrysler/Nissan partnership bears fruit in South America: the Dodge Trazo C1.8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault debuts Sandero Sand'up concept in Sao Paulo

John Neff — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Coupe, Truck, Misc. Auto Shows, Renault

Click above for high-res gallery of the Renault Sanderos Sand'up Concept

Renault has thankfully brought more to the Sao Paulo Auto Show than just an F1 edition of its inexpensive Dacia Sandero with racy decals and a bodykit. The other car in its display is another Sandero, but this one is much cooler. Called the Sandero Sand'up concept, it's a 2+2 beach runabout that can go from a closed hard-top coupe to a convertible pickup thanks to its modular design. While not the freshest idea to appear on a concept, the Sand'up is charming enough with its big wheel arches, satin nickel roof rail arches and see-through doors. The first concept by Renault to be designed entirely in South America, the Sand'up is not surprisingly powered by a 1.6L Hi-Flex engine that produces 107 hp on gasoline and 112 hp on ethanol, the latter of which is a more popular fuel below the equator than above at the moment.

Gallery: Renault Sandero Sand'up Concept

[Source: Renault]

Renault debuts Sandero Sand'up concept in Sao Paulo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leakage: Chevrolet GPiX concept to debut in Sao Paulo

John Neff — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Chevrolet, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for gallery of the Chevy GPiX Concept

The Sao Paulo Auto Show is shaping up to be more interesting than we thought, but that's no surprise considering how important the South American market is to automakers. As such, Chevy will be revealing a new concept in Brazil called the GPiX that will reportedly inspire a new line of vehicles to replace the Corsa on sale there now. The new line will include sedan, hatchback and truck variants, as well as a small crossover not unlike the GPiX concept itself. While the rear end looks something like that of a Suzuki SX4, the front clip of the GPiX is all Chevy with the now familiar split corporate grille. We do, however, really like the vertical stack of LED lights that flank the long air intake on the lower bumper. We should have more details and high-res images of the GPiX concept after its official debut on Monday at the Sao Paulo Auto Show, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Chevy GPiX Concept

[Source: Motor Tips via World Car Fans]

Leakage: Chevrolet GPiX concept to debut in Sao Paulo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault rolls out F1 edition Dacias in Brazil

Noah Joseph — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Misc. Auto Shows, Renault

Click above to view more of the Dacia Sandero F1 edition

Oh, this is just precious. We have no problem with Renaultsport rolling out F1-themed versions of its hot hatches because, well, they're pretty hot. Some of the hottest hatches around, actually, it's worth re-iterating. But we can't help but feel this is pushing things a little too far.

Renault's Dacia division is supposed to be a budget-oriented, no frills sub-brand. And while F1 may be working on the budget orientation, spec'ing out some low-cost econo-boxes with go-fast bits is a little much. But that's what they're doing at the Sao Paulo auto show soon to kick off in Brazil. To compound the issue, the pair of F1 Team editions of the Dacia Sandero and Dacia Logan receive no mechanical upgrades whatsoever, just a fresh coat of paint and some decals. So while American driving enthusiasts may look longingly at F1 Team editions of the Clio and Megane, this is one we can do without.

Gallery: Dacia Logan and Sandero F1 editions

[Source: Argentina Auto Blog (no relation)]

Renault rolls out F1 edition Dacias in Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat to unveil Bugster concept in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Noah Joseph — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Misc. Auto Shows, Fiat

Click above to view more of the Fiat Bugster concept

South America is a vital market for Fiat, and with the Sao Paulo International Auto Show coming up, the Italian automaker's Brazilian subsidiary has cooked up an intriguing concept. Called the Bugster, it looks like the love child from a grappa-induced affair between a KTM X-Bow and a Jeep Wrangler.

Few details are known at this point, save to say that its green color isn't accidental. Its undisclosed powertrain is good for zero-emission transportation, and the body panels (if you could call them that) are made out of renewable natural fibers. More details are bound to surface as the Sao Paulo show nears its opening at the end of this month. In the meantime, you can check out the pair of design renderings in the gallery below.

Gallery: Fiat Bugster concept

[Source: CarScoop]

Fiat to unveil Bugster concept in Sao Paulo, Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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S�o Paulo produces another CUV concept: the Ford Fiesta Trail

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

From Autoblog Spanish we have info about a gussied up Fiesta Trail that Ford is showing at the Brazilian auto show in São Paulo. Looks like Fiat and Chevy had extreme CUVs on display so Ford had to have one, too. It slapped on some Outback-like cladding and jacked up the regular Fiesta Trail, slipping some aggressive alloys under the fenders.

A new, more muscular front end with new lights and grille, side sills and new exclusive rear lights complete the look. Developed by Ford's Center of Design in Camaçari, Brazil, it uses a raised suspension to help accomodate those oversized alloy rims. If reaction to the prototype is favorable, it could reach the market, although with slight changes.

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

S�o Paulo produces another CUV concept: the Ford Fiesta Trail originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Oct 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat Brazil showing FCC Adventure concept in Sao Paulo

Noah Joseph — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 09:04:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Crossover, Misc. Auto Shows

Fiat's Brazilian division, Fiat Automoveis, has prepped this concept car for the Sao Paulo Auto Show. The Fiat Concept Coupe (FCC) Adventure is a crossover, off-road coupe, that combines rugged styling with a swept-back, insanely raked windshield for a sportscar-on-'roids look.

The FCC Adventure concept uses the 167-hp 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine from the Fiat Stilo Abarth. It rides on 18-inch rims clad in Pirelli PZeros with a four-wheel independent suspension and adjustable shocks. The unique paintjob uses a color-changing paint that ranges from yellow to red, while inside the cabin the FCC gets equipped with competition-themed five-point racing harnesses.

Although the concept looks ready to storm the dunes, it's strictly front-wheel-drive and rides on road tires. Interesting design, but even in concept form it still lacks the theoretical go for all that show.

More pics after the jump.

(Thanks for the tip, Bruno!)

[Source: BestCars - click here for transaltion]

Continue reading Fiat Brazil showing FCC Adventure concept in Sao Paulo

Fiat Brazil showing FCC Adventure concept in Sao Paulo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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