Autoblog

Hot Wheels advertises microcars with life-size monuments

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:44:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, South America

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.

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

Paul Eisenstein — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, South America

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If your image of Brazil has anything to do with "The Girl from Ipanema" played by 1,001 Strings, you may be a little out of date.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I first visited Brazil 15 years ago, the vehicles available to Brazilian motorists were, for the most part, decades out of date - common practice among automakers like Ford, Volkswagen and General Motors, who would dump generations-old tooling into these backwater markets rather than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 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.

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

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows, South America, Off-Road

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.

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

Chris Tutor — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows, South America

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.

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Chevy unveils Onix subcompact hatchback in Brazil

Zach Bowman — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, South America

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.

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VW shows Taigun small CUV at São Paulo motor show

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows, South America, Design/Style

We didn't have to wait very long for recent reports of a new small Volkswagen crossover to come true... well, sort of. In a side note to our report on a seven-passenger VW CUV last week, we also mentioned the possibility of a new sub-Tiguan crossover, and we may have gotten our first look at such a vehicle courtesy of this Volkswagen Taigun Concept that is debuting at the São Paulo motor show.

Although the Taigun Concept suggests that VW has all but given up on imbuing its new vehicles with comprehensible names, this new softroader also looks to balance practicality and fuel economy. With a slightly smaller footprint than the current Golf, the Taigun actually has more interior space (including more front headroom), but it's the powertrain that could really make this B-segment CUV standout if it sees production. Using a small gasoline 1.0-liter direct-injected and turbocharged three-cylinder under the hood, the Taigun Concept still has pretty respectable small car numbers, generating 108 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque. However, the true beauty of this engine is that VW puts its fuel economy numbers at 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers - around 50 miles per gallon on the EU cycle.

Even the styling of the Taigun shows that VW's current design language looks good on just about any size, with its boxy shape and short overhangs, but the automaker says that it is using Brazil's emerging auto show to gauge interest for such a vehicle before making any decisions as to whether or not to put it into production.

For more info on VW's latest concept, check out the official press release below.

Continue reading VW shows Taigun small CUV at São Paulo motor show

VW shows Taigun small CUV at São Paulo motor show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan showing Extrem new crossover in São Paulo

Chris Tutor — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 12:44:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows, South America, Design/Style

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.

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

Noah Joseph — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, South America

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.

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2010 Brazilian Grand Prix closes ranks to season's end [Spoilers]

Noah Joseph — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 15:05:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, South America

2010 Brazilian Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

The naysayers dismiss Formula One racing as elitist. They say the same handful of teams win every year and nobody else has a chance. Maybe once upon a time, but with teams like Brawn GP and Red Bull Racing climbing out of nowhere to compete for victories and world championship standings, who could say it's still the case today?

Of course when one team rises, others must fall. While teams like Ferrari and McLaren are still veritable forces to be reckoned with, others have fallen by the wayside - arguably none more emphatically than Williams. The team of Damon Hill, Nelson Piquet, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna; the team with nine constructors' titles to its name and seven drivers' championships; the team that once struck fear into the hearts of all challengers has long since fallen off its perch.

It's all the more surprising, then, when the team's young talent Nico Hulkenberg knocked the others off theirs this weekend in Brazil by taking pole position in qualifying on Saturday. Would he be able to defend the lead at such a vaunted circuit against such a formidable field of title-seeking adversaries? Follow the jump to find out.

[Images: Mark Thompson/Getty | Ricardo Mazalan, Silvia Izquierdo, Andre Penner/AP Photo]

Continue reading 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix closes ranks to season's end [Spoilers]

2010 Brazilian Grand Prix closes ranks to season's end [Spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Nov 2010 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault unveils Sandero Stepway concept in Brazil

Noah Joseph — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Crossover, Misc. Auto Shows, Renault, South America

Renault Sandero Stepway Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've ever heard of the Dacia Sandero, it's probably from Clarkson teasing James May about it on Top Gear. The no-nonsense, bare-bones hatchback - sold alternatively as a Renault in markets where its budget subsidiary Dacia doesn't exist - is a favorite of Captain Slow.

In South America, the Sandero also comes as a crossover version called the Stepway, and taller though it is, it's just as decidedly spartan. That didn't stop Renault from drumming up some excitement over the budget range, however, with the show car you see here.

Envisioned as a successor to the current model and closer to a junior Duster, the Sandero Stepway Concept dials up the glitz factor just a touch with a sporty body kit, three-tone paint scheme and enough blue LEDs to light up the trendiest of night clubs. Also, some flower decals... for some reason. The result is something akin to a futuristic cup of cappuccino, and you can check it out in further detail in the high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Renault Sandero Stepway Concept

[Source: Renault]

Renault unveils Sandero Stepway concept in Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat boosts Uno with Cabriolet concept and Sporting trim in Sao Paulo

Noah Joseph — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, Fiat, South America

Fiat Uno Cabriolet Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've traveled overseas and seen the tiny Fiat Panda zipping around town, you'd probably scratch your head in bewilderment as to how much more "no frills" a car could get. Well, the Fiat Uno is your answer. Like the Fiat 500, the Uno is built atop the same chassis as the Panda, but unlike the retro-hatch with its cutesy charm, the Uno is all about getting back to basics. But even basic cars can get an added dose of excitement..."excitement" here being used as a relative term.

The Uno is built by Fiat's South American unit for the Brazilian market where the Italian automaker is, in more ways than one, a driving force. And for the Sao Paulo Auto Show currently under way there, Fiat unveiled two sporty(er) versions of the little economy car.

The more exciting of the two is the Uno Cabriolet, which receives modified bodywork in a roadster style with two seats, a molded cowl, an aggressive aero kit and 17-inch wheels. Under the hood resides a 1.4-liter turbo four producing 152 horsepower, which is a whopping figure for a car that looks like it could fit in your shirt pocket.

Unfortunately the Uno Carbio is strictly a showcar for the time being, but while they were at it, Fiat also took the occasion to introduce the new Uno Sporting, pictured at right. The new (production) trim level packs an 85-horsepower 1.4-liter engine, a sport suspension lowered by 20mm and it rides on 15-inch alloys. A special body kit, badges, interior trim and unique shade of orange paint round out the package, which you can see for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: Fiat Uno Cabriolet Concept

Gallery: Fiat Uno Sporting

[Source: Fiat]

Fiat boosts Uno with Cabriolet concept and Sporting trim in Sao Paulo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rossin-Bertin Vorax guns for entry into supercar club with BMW V10 power

Noah Joseph — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows, South America

Rossin-Bertin Vorax - Click above for image gallery

Wiesmann may have been forced to switch from V10 power to the new twin-turbo V8 for their top-of-the-line MF5, but a Brazilian upstart apparently thinks it can secure an adequate supply of ten-cylinder BMW engines even after they're discontinued. That's what's powering the vehicle you see here.

The Rossin-Bertin Vorax is set to debut at the São Paulo Auto Show later this month. It features a carbon fiber body over an aluminum chassis, cradling the Bavarian ten-pot in two states of trim: naturally aspirated with 570 horsepower, or supercharged with 750. The former is said to be good for a 3.8-second 0-62 mph time and a 205 mph top end. The latter marginally improves the acceleration time to 3.6 despite its 180-horse boost, but supposedly raises the top end to 231 mph. Of course, those figures are likely theoretical, as the vehicle appears to exist only in renderings at the moment.

Bankrolled by meat industry scion Natolino Bertin, Jr. and realized by former General Motors designer Fharys Rossin, the Vorax coupe is targeted to hit the market late 2011 or early 2012. A convertible version is slated to follow a year later, with overall production targeted at 500-1000 units in all and prices hovering around $400k.

Gallery: Rossin-Bertin Vorax

[Sources: Argentina Auto Blog, Carscoop]

Rossin-Bertin Vorax guns for entry into supercar club with BMW V10 power originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rain can't dampen excitement of IndyCar season opener in São Paulo, Brazil [SPOILER ALERT]

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Honda, Racing

Rooster tails followed heavy rain at the 2010 São Paulo Indy 300 - Click above for image gallery

The 2010 Izod IndyCar Series Championship started off with a bang down in São Paulo, Brazil this weekend, with a first turn pileup and a thunderstorm that turned the race into a timed event instead of the planned 75-lapper. Even though it was cut short, it ended up being a pretty exciting kick-off to the season, the 15th for the series and third since the reunification with the Champ Car World Series. Following Brazil, the teams are headed back to the States for most of the remaining 16 races on the schedule, with two races in Canada and the Indy Japan 300 from Motegi rounding things off.

Besides the addition of Brazil to the schedule, the 2010 season sees a few rules changes - Gone is the drivers' four-position fuel mixture switch, the "push-to-pass" Honda Overtake assist button is back but twice as effective as before giving a boost of 10-40 horsepower when pushed, and all of the cars will now have a reverse gear for road and street courses. Another big change was the signing of Izod as the series title sponsor, putting a few more bucks into the revenue sharing pot.

The driver lineup stayed pretty consistent over the off-season, with a couple of teams dropping out and another group joining the field, a few new drivers coming into the series, some as novices and others making the jump from other series, including Formula 1. While some feel the real season won't start until the teams make it back to American soil at the next race in St. Petersburg, São Paulo made a lot of fans sit up and take notice as IndyCar action was back in all its ethanol-burning, open-wheel glory. Follow the jump to read how the opener unfolded.

Gallery: 2010 São Paulo Indy 300

Continue reading Rain can't dampen excitement of IndyCar season opener in São Paulo, Brazil [SPOILER ALERT]

Rain can't dampen excitement of IndyCar season opener in São Paulo, Brazil [SPOILER ALERT] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

Filed under: Motorsports, South America

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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