Puma plots their return

The latest prototype of the resurrected Puma 

For some years, Puma Automobiles has been working to develop a new model to bring to market in Brazil and worldwide. It was a brand that became famous between the 1960s and 1980s in Brazilian motorsports, and they want to make a new generation of models following the spirit of the past, but adding technologies and meeting the desires of new customers.

On its Instagram account, Puma has released two new photos of the P-054, the latest prototype, built for component testing. Unlike the P-053,it already brings more elements of a street car, including LED headlights and various design details that will likely be in the production model. According to sources, the body will have some changes yet and parts such as rear view mirrors, headlights and wheels are still provisional.

The P-052 Puma prototype

The new Puma will have a decidedly "racecar-like" construction. A tubular chassis, with rear-central engine, and reinforced fiber body. Many components were tested on the P-052, one of the first prototypes built in this new endeavor, that has been "converted" into a race car and will compete in some national Endurance categories. From this car, lessons learned will be transferred to the street car and to preparation kits.

Puma Automobiles is still tight-lipped about the mechanicals of the new model, but it will probably have a four-cylinder engine, with manual gearing, and rear-wheel drive. But the P-052, a prototype that will be raced in competition, can give some insights on what we will see in the final models. The brand is preparing to enter the approval process for sales with the Brazilian government.

Watch this space.

Photo credits:
Puma Automobiles

CG Render of P-0154

CG Render of P-0154

CG Render of P-0154 interior

CG Render of P-0154

Pre-production Puma P052 & P053 roadsters

Pre-production Puma P052 interior

Pre-production Puma P052 & P053 roadsters,
with a classic Puma at left in racing tune.

The pre-production prototype, Puma P-054.