2015 Fiat Novo Uno

A new phase. Yes, the charming successor of the legendary Uno is launching the 2015 line with evolution, sophistication and bringing leading-edge technologies affordable for Brazilian consumers.

Novo Uno has an even more modern exterior design, a brand-new interior, with more comfort and sophistication on board, as well as new technologies – some unprecedented in its segment and even in the Brazilian market. Follow the major evolution below:

• The 2015 Novo Uno is the first national car to use the Start&Stop technology – one more example of the pioneer spirit of the brand Fiat in Brazil. It is also the first time this innovation comes on a flex engine, running both on gasoline and ethanol. The last-generation Start&Stop turns the engine off and on again automatically during traffic stops, and also becomes a national benchmark in fuel saving low emissions of CO2.
• The model was also chosen by Fiat to offer the new concept of the brand’s renowned Dualogic® transmission. Now, the new gearshift is controlled by buttons in the central console and by “butterflies” (paddle shifts) behind the steering wheel to shift gears manually. An unprecedented sophisticated item in national cars, only found in the most luxurious vehicles.
• These are not the only new technologies. The 2015 Novo Uno now has an instrument panel with high-resolution 3.5” LCD display, electric external rearview mirrors with Tilt Down function, rear parking sensor, radio integrated to the dashboard with bigger display and new functions, direction indicator switch with Lane Change function, among other features.
• The revolutionary design of Novo Uno has gained important enhancements from Fiat’s Style Center. The success of its round square shapes has evolved, gaining new, more prominent and robust lines, as well as more refined design elements, such as fractals in headlights and lamps – never losing the model’s identity.
• The interior of the 2015 Novo Uno has plenty of new features. Completely reformulated, it brings a new concept in design, with more refined and modern finishing.

2014 Renault Duster Oroch Concept

Renault is set to unveil the Duster Oroch show car in a world premiere at the 28th Sao Paulo Motor Show in Brazil (October 30-November 9). Designed by the Renault design centre for Latin America (RDAL) in Sao Paulo, the Duster Oroch show car is a styling exercise for a recreational pick-up truck with enough room for five people and the robust stance of a true SUV.

Due to be premiered by Renault at the 28th Sao Paulo Motor Show, the Duster Oroch show car is a styling exercise for a five-seat recreational pick-up truck featuring the robust looks of a true SUV. Pick-ups account for nearly 75% of the light commercial vehicle market in South America, representing just over 920,000 units. Renault has already announced plans to enter the pick-up market with at least two models.

The Duster Oroch is a creation of the Renault design centre for Latin America (RDAL) in Sao Paulo, one of Renault’s five design centres worldwide.

2015 Audi R8 Competition

Audi of America announces the debut of the powerful 2015 R8 competition at the upcoming 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The R8 competition redefines the iconic R8 as the pinnacle of Audi performance with 570 hp and racing-inspired, lightweight matte carbon elements.

“The limited-edition Audi R8 competition is the closest road car to our R8 LMS ultra race car that has won virtually every race around the world,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “It is designed for the driving enthusiast and we’re excited to bring 60 units as a limited-edition to the U.S.” 

The high-performance R8 competition features a 570hp 5.2L V10 mated exclusively to a seven-speed S tronic and a sport exhaust system with black high-gloss tailpipes. This combination results in a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph, making it the fastest R8 ever offered.

The R8 competition is engineered to push the limits, sharing the same naturally aspirated V10 FSI engine as the Audi R8 LMS race car which has won Daytona and Nuerburgring 24 hour races as well as all other major GT races around the globe. The award-winning GT-engine represents the pinnacle of durability, requiring its first major service after approximately 13,000 miles under race conditions or approximately one full race season. Competitor engines require a major service after one 24 hour race.

2015 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint

At the Balocco Test Centre, the Giulietta Sprint was presented to the international press. This new version pays homage to the iconic Giulietta Sprint of 1954, the first in a whole class of cars and one of the products that are emblematic of Italian style and construction.

With its international preview at the recent Paris Motor Show, the new Giulietta Sprint celebrates 60 years of the model that, in the wake of the 1900's success, was launched at the Turin Motor Show in 1954 and made short work of winning over enthusiasts worldwide. The Giulietta was the Fifties dream car of motorists, the vehicle that, for the first time, made the desire of owning an Alfa Romeo an accessible one. Today it's the turn of the new Giulietta Sprint to take on that mantle, offering a more distinctive style, thrilling performance and state-of-the art technology.

In particular, the new Giulietta Sprint embodies the true "Alfa Spirit", expressed: in "Lightness & Efficiency", through some elements that increase the dynamic efficiency of the car, such as the rear dam with sports extractor and the side skirts; in "Italian Style", that is, the work carried out on the Giulietta's character to further emphasise the Italian nature of its style; in "Advanced Technology", with the new 150 HP 1.4 engine, the latest addition to the MultiAir family, which represents the state of the art in petrol engine technology; and in "Dynamics", the famous pleasure of driving an Alfa Romeo, achieved in part through the model's innovative architecture and the many electronic systems with which it is equipped.

2014 Nissan Kicks Concept

The Nissan Kicks Concept premiered at the São Paulo International Motor Show, a compact crossover reflecting the design inspiration from Brazil.

"This concept is a product of global collaboration, but it was inspired by the streets of Brazil and designed for its people," said Mamoru Aoki, Executive Design Director of Nissan's Global Design Strategy Department.

Nissan's design team saw a disconnect between vehicles on Brazilian roads, which were mainly silver, black and white in color, and the exuberant nature of the country and its people.

Kicks Concept was intended to bridge that gap and showcase the distinct design signature of Nissan cars.

"What we try to achieve is this kind of duality. It fits your pragmatic needs but also provides a sense of style and an extra sense of substance that we feel is missing in the market right now," said Project Lead Designer Hiren Patel of Nissan Design America.

Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 (2015)

Chevrolet introduces the 2015 Suburban and Tahoe – all-new versions of the industry’s best-selling duo of full-size SUVs. They offer more functionality, greater refinement, new safety features and an increased range of advanced technologies to appeal to two distinct customer groups who want the unique combination of features only Tahoe and Suburban provide.

All-new styling advances the Tahoe and Suburban’s design, which contributes to a quieter ride. A more-efficient, direct-injected EcoTec3 powertrain coupled with improved aerodynamics help offer greater estimated highway fuel economy based on GM testing while preserving overall performance and capability. Official EPA estimates are not yet available. 

“There are several new features and enhancements at the core of the all-new 2015 Suburban and Tahoe that will extend the legacy Chevrolet has built as the segment leader,” said Tim Mahoney, Chevrolet global chief marketing officer. “Customers will experience greater refinement, efficiency and safety with the same capability that has made Chevrolet the go-to brand for full-size SUVs.” 

With more than 117,000 sold in 2012 and sales up more than 16 percent for the first six months of 2013 over last year. Chevrolet’s full-size SUVs continue to play an important role in the brand’s success and General Motors’ profitability. Introduced in 1935, the Suburban is the segment’s founder and the industry’s oldest continuously available nameplate, while Tahoe is the segment’s sales leader.

Honda Civic Sport (2015)

Ahead of the 2014 Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris, Honda has released images and details of several enhancements across the 2015 Civic model range and the launch of the new Civic Sport derivative.

Both the Civic and Civic Tourer benefit from a new front exterior design, providing a new sporty outlook for the model featuring new headlamps with integrated daytime running lights and a new sleek front bumper. The Civic hatchback also features a new rear bumper, side skirts, a rear spoiler finished in black, and LED rear combination lamps.

In-keeping with these premium enhancements on the outside, the 2015 models also receive a specification upgrade inside; with new seat fabrics and stitching on the headrests, new door trims with chrome door handles and a control panel finished in a metallic black.

These aesthetic enhancements combine nicely with the class-leading interior space for which the range is renowned. The Civic’s 477-litre and Civic Tourer’s 624-litre trunk capacity remain the best in their respective segments.

The 2015 Civic range will also premiere the all-new Honda Connect in-car audio and information system. Honda Connect offers convenience and connectivity whilst on the road, with key features including; AM/FM, DAB and Internet Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, internet browsing, satellite navigation* and rear-view parking camera.

The system runs Android 4.0.4 and features the familiar pinch, swipe and tap functionality of a smartphone on a seven inch display screen.