The North American automotive manufacturer officially announced the arrival of mechanical updates for its large sports utility vehicle manufactured in the automotive hub of Goiana, in Pernambuco. The updated model focuses on the introduction of electrified powertrains and high-performance dual-fuel options for the national market. Dealers now offer configurations that integrate a 48-volt auxiliary electrical system and a new variant of the two-liter turbocharged engine, now capable of operating on ethanol. The commercial strategy maintains the initial price in the range of R$ 228 thousand, seeking to preserve competitiveness in the segment of vehicles with capacity for seven occupants.
Value structure and commercial positioning
The sales table for the new fleet is stable in most of the catalog offered to consumers. The access configuration, called Longitude T270, remains positioned at R$228,790, serving as a gateway to the large family utility vehicle category. The intermediate variants, which now incorporate light electrification technology, hit the market for R$255,690 in option Limited and reach R$283,790 in version Overland.
The financial highlight of the update falls on the top-of-the-line configuration, which saw a strategic market repositioning. The manufacturer applied a direct reduction of R$6,500 to the suggested value of the sports variant Blackhawk, setting the price at R$329,990. The option equipped with a diesel engine remains available in the catalog for R$ 319,990, remaining an alternative for consumers who demand greater road range and strength at low speeds.
Operation of the electrified mechanical assembly
The main technical modification applied to the intermediate versions consists of the adoption of the MHEV system, which works in conjunction with the 1.3-liter T270 turbo flex engine. Este combustion engine delivers 176 horsepower and 27.5 kgfm of torque, now supported by an electric generator and an additional 48-volt lithium-ion battery with 19.5 Ah. The electrical component provides up to 6.5 kgfm of additional torque during acceleration and speed recovery.
Electronic vehicle management recovers the kinetic energy generated during braking and deceleration, storing it in the auxiliary battery for later use. Esta Electric assistance relieves the effort of the combustion engine at times of greatest demand, resulting in more fluid operation in urban traffic. The mechanical set remains coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, with traction directed exclusively to the front axle in these specific versions.
Homologation data indicates consumption of up to 11 km/l with gasoline on urban routes, which translates into an improvement in efficiency of up to 9.4% compared to purely combustion models. The technology also provides a reduction of up to 5% in polluting gas emissions in the combined cycle. Proprietários of these vehicles are now entitled to government benefits, such as partial or total exemption from automobile tax in six states and the release of license plate rotation in the capital of São Paulo.
High-performance specifications in the sports variant
The Blackhawk configuration received the most significant update in terms of raw performance with the introduction of the Hurricane 2.0 turbo engine in the flexible specification. The mechanical assembly develops 272 horsepower at 5,200 revolutions per minute and generates 40.8 kgfm of force from 3,000 revolutions, regardless of the fuel used in the fuel tank.
Power transmission occurs through a nine-speed automatic gearbox, calibrated to withstand high torque and provide quick shifts. Factory numbers indicate acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in the region of seven seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 220 km/h. The all-wheel drive system acts on demand, distributing force between the front and rear axles according to the need for road grip.
The visual appeal of this version matches the performance figures, incorporating exclusive aesthetic elements in the body and cabin. The automaker applied darkened finishes to the front grille, logos and alloy wheels, contrasting with the brake calipers painted in red. The interior features seats with specific coverings and electrical adjustments, as well as details that reflect the line’s high-performance proposal.
The ability to overcome obstacles off the asphalt is guaranteed by the Active Drive Low system, which simulates the function of a reduced gear. The utility has a terrain selector that adapts the response of the accelerator, gearbox and traction controls to different surfaces, such as sand, mud or snow. The ground clearance of 21.1 centimeters ensures passage over rough roads without compromising the underbody or mechanical components.
Structural dimensions and load capacity
The sports utility vehicle’s architecture preserves the measurements that consolidated it in the family vehicle segment, measuring 4.76 meters in total length, 1.85 meters in width and a distance between the axles of 2.79 meters. Esta spatial configuration allows for the accommodation of three rows of seats, ensuring adequate space for the occupants’ legs and heads. Access to the last row is facilitated by the modular folding of the central seats, which slide on rails to expand the passage area.
The luggage compartment offers flexibility of use depending on transport needs. With a maximum capacity of seven passengers, the trunk offers 233 liters of useful volume. When folding the third row, which forms a completely flat floor, capacity increases to levels suitable for long journeys. The complete folding of the two rear rows transforms the cabin into a cargo compartment with a volume of 1,760 liters, supporting up to 540 kg of total weight depending on the version chosen. The fuel tank holds 61 liters, ensuring autonomy compatible with the road proposal.
Equipment package and driving assistance
The list of standard equipment includes an advanced driver assistance package, classified as level 2 automation, present in all units that leave the assembly line. The system integrates a front radar and cameras that operate collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, capable of identifying vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Blind spot monitoring works in conjunction with rear cross traffic alert, assisting with reversing maneuvers in perpendicular parking spaces. The lane keeping assistant actively corrects the steering wheel trajectory if it detects involuntary departure, while the fatigue detector analyzes the driver’s behavior and suggests breaks. Passive safety is reinforced by the presence of seven inflatable protective bags, including side curtains that cover the three rows of seats. The 10.25-inch digital instrument panel displays navigation and hybrid system operating information, working in sync with the 10.1-inch multimedia center, which features native integration with virtual assistants and wireless mirroring for mobile devices.
Market history and local production
The sports utility vehicle has accumulated a number of registrations of more than 80,000 units nationwide since the beginning of its production, less than five years ago. Assembly in the Pernambuco industrial complex involves a chain of local suppliers and integrated stamping, welding and painting processes. Maintaining national production ensures the availability of spare parts and agility in the distribution of vehicles to the dealership network spread across the country, serving different consumer profiles.
Technical details and finishing options
Engineering applied an independent MacPherson-type suspension system on both axles, calibrated to absorb irregularities in the asphalt without compromising directional stability at high speeds. The four-wheel disc brakes feature anti-lock systems and electronic force distribution, designed to contain the vehicle’s mass even on steep slopes or with maximum capacity.
– Bateria 12V lead with 72 Ah for conventional vehicle electrical systems.
– Rodas light alloy with diameters varying between 18 and 19 inches, depending on the version.
– Revestimentos interiors that mix black leather, suede and shades of brown in the most equipped configurations.
– Sistema premium sound from the brand Harman Kardon exclusive to the higher versions.
– Teto panoramic solar with electric drive and sun protection curtain.