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The legendary Spanish manufacturer returns to the market with a compelling proposal for professionals and adventure seekers.

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The new Santana 400 marks the comeback of a historic brand to a segment where it has always excelled: the world of rugged, reliable, long-lasting off-roaders and pick-ups. Based on the Nissan Frontier Pro, this model arrives in the Spanish market with two highly appealing powertrain options: a 190 hp diesel and a plug-in hybrid with 429 hp. This dual strategy positions it as a direct competitor not only to Chinese contenders such as the Foton Tunland V9 and Maxus T60 MAX, but also to established references like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.

Diesel or Plug-In Hybrid: Two Powertrains Designed to Dominate the Segment

A man working on his laptop and writing in a notebook at a desk.

In its diesel configuration, the Santana 400 uses a 2.3-litre 190 hp engine delivering up to 500 Nm of torque when paired with the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. Regardless of whether it is equipped with the manual or automatic gearbox, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds and reaches a maximum range of 848 kilometres. It also offers a payload of 815 kg and can tow up to 3,200 kg–figures that place it among the leaders in its class. For strictly professional use, the base trim features a rear rigid axle with leaf springs, while the 400 DS adds rear coil springs, driving modes, and ventilated and heated leather seats.

Meanwhile, the Santana 400 PHEV is aimed at buyers seeking superior performance without sacrificing efficiency. Its system combines a 142 hp 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with two electric motors delivering an additional 287 hp, resulting in a total of 429 hp and enabling 0–100 km/h acceleration in 6.5 seconds. It maintains the 3,200 kg towing capacity, offers a payload of 765 kg, and features a 32 kWh battery that provides 120 km of electric range and up to 1,046 km of total range. Fast charging at 60 kW allows the battery to go from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes, and it includes V2V and V2L functionalities, as well as all-wheel drive with low-range gearing and an optional rear differential lock.

Beyond the technical specifications, Santana has reinforced the ownership experience with a five-year official warranty and an after-sales logistics network developed alongside Grupo JPG, ensuring parts availability for its more than 30 dealerships within 24 to 48 hours. This is a key advantage for professionals who depend on their vehicle’s uptime.

As for pricing, customers who can certify professional use are exempt from VAT. Pre-tax prices start at €29,900 for the Santana 400 D and go up to €49,100 for the PHEV S. With taxes included, the range spans from €40,600 to €59,400–an extremely competitive proposition for a pick-up that blends Spanish heritage, modern technology, and top-tier capabilities.

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Kia EV3 Named Green Car of the Year

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The all-electric Kia EV3 won Green Car of the Year, while the Carnival Hybrid was named Green Minivan of the Year by Green Car Journal.

Kia has collected two major environmental honors from Green Car Journal.

The all-new 2027 Kia EV3 was named Green Car of the Year, while the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid received the Green Minivan of the Year award.

EV3 Wins Green Car of the Year

The Kia EV3 is the brand’s most attainable fully electric vehicle and is designed to make EV ownership more accessible.

The compact SUV combines styling inspired by the EV9 with a focus on technology, practicality, and range.

The 2027 Kia EV3 was named Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal.

The EV3 uses Kia’s 400-volt E-GMP platform and can deliver up to 321 miles of range on select versions.

It can also charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 31 minutes using a 350-kW DC fast charger, with NACS compatibility available without an adapter.

Kia says the EV3 will arrive at U.S. dealerships nationwide in late 2026.

Carnival Hybrid Wins Green Minivan Award

The 2026 Carnival Hybrid was named Green Minivan of the Year, giving Kia recognition in both electric and hybrid segments.

The turbocharged hybrid system produces 242 horsepower and delivers an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined.

The 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid combines 242 horsepower with an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined.

The Carnival Hybrid can accommodate up to eight passengers and offers up to 145.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row.

That makes it a practical option for families looking to improve efficiency without giving up interior space.

Kia Highlights Its Electrified Lineup

Kia says the two awards demonstrate the breadth of its electrified vehicle strategy.

The EV3 targets customers looking for an affordable all-electric SUV, while the Carnival Hybrid provides another path to improved efficiency for larger families.

Kia says the EV3 and Carnival Hybrid demonstrate the breadth of its electrified lineup.

The Green Car Awards are presented annually by Green Car Journal, which has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and the environment since 1992.

For Kia EV3, winning the overall Green Car of the Year award adds another major recognition ahead of its U.S. launch.

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Toyota Donates Final GR Supra MkV to Disaster Relief

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Toyota has donated the final fifth-generation GR Supra to Reach Out WorldWide, with the one-off sports car set to support disaster relief efforts.

Toyota is giving the GR Supra MkV a meaningful final chapter.

The automaker has donated the very last fifth-generation GR Supra produced to Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), with the one-of-one sports car intended to help support the organization’s disaster relief mission.

The Last MkV Supra

The donated Supra is a highly collectible Final Edition featuring a six-speed manual transmission and 382 horsepower.

It also includes commemorative details and factory-exclusive specifications that distinguish it from other fifth-generation Supras.

Toyota donated the final GR Supra MkV ever produced to Reach Out WorldWide.

The vehicle represents the end of the MkV Supra’s production story and gives collectors and enthusiasts an opportunity to contribute to a charitable cause.

Turning a Collector Car Into Relief

ROWW will use the historic vehicle to support its disaster relief efforts.

Toyota and the organization described the donation as a full-circle moment that connects the Supra’s legacy with efforts to help communities affected by disasters.

The one-of-one GR Supra MkV Final Edition combines Toyota’s sports-car heritage with a charitable mission.

The car’s rarity and special specifications are expected to make it particularly attractive to collectors, potentially helping generate significant support for ROWW.

A Special Ending for the Supra

The fifth-generation GR Supra became one of Toyota’s most recognizable performance models, and its final example now has a purpose beyond simply ending production.

The final fifth-generation Supra features a six-speed manual transmission and commemorative Final Edition details.

For the Toyota GR Supra MkV, the donation provides a fitting conclusion to the generation’s production run while giving enthusiasts an opportunity to turn an important piece of Toyota history into meaningful support for disaster relief.

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RACING

Aston Martin Scores Double Podium in Austin as Vantage Wins at COTA

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The Heart of Racing Team delivered Aston Martin’s first 2026 WEC victory with the Vantage GT3, while the Valkyrie finished fourth in the Hypercar class.

Aston Martin enjoyed a huge weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, with the Vantage GT3 claiming its first FIA World Endurance Championship victory of 2026 and the Valkyrie scoring its best Hypercar result of the season.

The Heart of Racing Team took the LMGT3 victory with Ian James, Mattia Drudi, and Zach Robichon, while its sister Vantage finished third.

Vantage Finally Takes Its First WEC Win

The #27 Vantage GT3 started second and remained near the front through the opening stages.

Robichon moved into the class lead during the second hour before handing the car to Drudi.

The sister #23 Vantage GT3, driven by Gray Newell, Dudu Barrichello, and Jonny Adam, completed the podium.

The car remained inside the top six for much of the race before Barrichello fought for third place after the final Safety Car period.

The #23 Heart of Racing Vantage GT3 finished third for Aston Martin’s first WEC double podium.

The result gives Heart of Racing its first WEC double podium.

It also moves both crews closer to the LMGT3 championship leaders with three rounds still remaining.

Valkyrie Comes Within Three Seconds of a Podium

Aston Martin’s Hypercar program also delivered a strong result.

The #007 Valkyrie, driven by Tom Gamble and Harry Tincknell, finished fourth at COTA, less than three seconds behind the final podium position.

The Aston Martin Valkyrie finished fourth at COTA, its best WEC result of the 2026 season.

The result extended Valkyrie’s points-scoring streak to eight consecutive WEC races.

The car has now scored points in every WEC round of 2026, showing significant progress only 18 months into the program.

Aston Martin remains in a close battle with Alpine for fifth in the Hypercar manufacturers’ championship, with Fuji, Barcelona, and Monza still to come.

More Success for Vantage in British GT4

The Vantage also secured another championship elsewhere.

Grange Racing by FSR’s Daniel Lavery and Darren Turner clinched the British GT4 Pro-Am title with one race remaining after taking their fifth consecutive class victory.

Turner collected his third GT4 Pro-Am championship, while Lavery completed an impressive debut season.

For Aston Martin Vantage WEC, the COTA weekend represented a major breakthrough: the Vantage finally delivered its first 2026 WEC victory, the sister car joined it on the podium, and the Valkyrie came within seconds of another top-three finish.

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