All posts by : Car Bima

BYD has rolled out a mid-lifecycle update for the Atto 3 electric SUV overseas, and the updates include new paint options and an updated infotainment screen with more features. However, it remains mechanically unchanged. The BYD Atto 3 is the company’s highest selling EV in several markets, including India.

1. Atto 3 gets larger touchscreen from the Seal EV
2. Exterior gets a new all-black paint option
3. Remains mechanically unchanged

BYD Atto 3 exterior and interior: what’s new?

There aren’t any cosmetic changes on the outside, but the Atto 3 gets a new ‘Cosmos Black’ exterior colour shade. The chrome window surround and the silver textured D-pillar trim have also been blacked-out. Furthermore, the alloy wheels have a slightly updated design and the ‘Build Your Dreams’ logo on the boot lid is now just spelt as BYD.

The more significant update is on the inside – the 12.3-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment has made way for a larger 15.6-inch unit that’s borrowed from the Seal EV. It also gets a new black-blue interior colour scheme that replaces the previous beige-blue colours. There, however, aren’t any cosmetic changes, but it does get a new ‘intelligent start’ system that allows the driver to start the car by just pressing the accelerator pedal.

BYD Atto 3 powertrain, specs and range

The Atto 3 is powered by a front-axle mounted electric motor that develops 201hp and 310Nm, allowing the Atto 3 to do the 0-100kph run in 7.3 seconds (claimed). It packs a 60.48kWh blade battery that has an ARAI-certified range of 521km. The Atto 3’s battery pack can be charged in around 10 hours using a 7kW Type 2 AC charger, while a 80kW fast charger takes around 50 minutes to go from 0-80 percent.

Given that the Atto 3 is already on sale in India, we expect the updated version to be available here pretty soon. BYD recently also launched the Seal EV as its third product in India.

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The Porsche 911 hybrid has been confirmed for a debut later this year, and this powertrain upgrade for the iconic 911 line-up is a part of a major model update that’s been two years in the making.

1. Four new Porsche unveils in 2024
2. Porsche 911 992.2-gen to get styling tweaks as well
3. Porsche 911 has been in production for six decades now

Porsche 992.2-gen 911 coming this year

The ‘992.2’-generation Porsche 911 receives a host of mid-life revisions, including subtly altered exterior styling, a reworked interior and updated six-cylinder petrol engines. It is one of four new Porsche models arriving in 2024 – one of the German marque’s busiest years on record for new launches – alongside the new Panamera, Taycan and electric Macan.

The changes are intended to sustain the 911’s appeal through to 2027, when an all-new ninth-generation model will join the increasingly electrified Porsche line-up.

Porsche 992.2-gen 911 powertrain

The most significant change to the 911 in its sixth decade of production is the adoption of a unique petrol-electric hybrid system. Set to appear in a new four-wheel-drive model being revealed in the summer, it combines a tuned version of Porsche’s turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a specially designed electric motor housed within the front axle. The petrol engine provides drive to the rear wheels, while the electric motor drives the front wheels. A 48V integrated starter motor in the dual-clutch automatic gearbox will provide an electric boost and power ancillary components.

The new 400V system is claimed to generate its own energy reserves using the engine as a generator – in a function similar to that of a range-extender drivetrain – as well as via brake regeneration, negating the need for external charging.

Electric energy is stored in a specially developed lightweight lithium-ion battery. With an energy capacity well below the batteries used by Ferrari and Mercedes-AMG in their plug-in performance models, it has been configured specifically for rapid energy charge and discharge properties.

Secrecy surrounds the output of the new hybrid drivetrain, though Porsche is eventually expected to offer the new petrol-electric unit in a range of different performance levels. Both Turbo-E Hybrid and Turbo S E-Hybrid models have been mooted for introduction in line with the Cayenne and Panamera line-ups.

Before the eighth-generation 911 bows out later this decade, Porsche is also set to launch an 800hp-plus hybrid successor to the fearsome GT2 RS. A fully electric 911 is not immediately planned, and Porsche instead envisages them progressing into the future with electrified combustion engines in combination with new e-fuel derivatives to provide net-zero emissions.

Porsche 911 992.2: what else will be new? 

Apart from the powertrain, the changes on the facelift include:

Enhanced cooling: To boost cooling for the front-mounted radiators and brakes, Porsche has given the new front bumper distinctive air ducts that house five vertical louvres on each side, in place of the three horizontal louvres of the existing model. It is most likely that they will incorporate some sort of active operation to better balance cooling and aerodynamic drag. There is also a larger central air duct book-ended by additional cooling channels on either side.

Revised headlamps: Instead of being housed within the top section of the bumper insert, the indicators are now integrated into the revised headlight assemblies that feature a new graphic design. As with the units used by the facelifted Cayenne, the new headlights are expected to offer HD matrix LED functionality with more than 32,000 pixels per unit and the capability of lighting up to 600 metres ahead.

Restyled rear end: The updated 911 receives new-look brake lights integrated into the top of a restyled rear bumper, and it also features inboard-mounted tailpipes within a revised diffuser.

Interior upgrades: The changes to the interior of the new 911 are more subtle. Prototypes use the existing dashboard architecture and other features, suggesting that most tweaks will involve software upgrades. Among the expected developments are new digital instrument graphics and the latest Porsche Communication Management system for infotainment functions.

Also see: 

Porsche 911 GT3 RS video review

New 536hp Porsche Panamera e-Hybrid gets 95km EV range

Porsche India records highest ever sales of 914 units in 2023

Less than 2 months after the 2024 Hyundai Creta facelift’s prices were announced, the Korean company has brought in the sportier N Line – in N8 and N10 trims – priced between Rs 16.82 lakh-20.30 lakh, which is quite close to our estimate. This is Hyundai’s third N Line model in India, and the second major expansion of the Creta line-up after the launch of the Alcazar. Bookings for the N Line had opened for Rs 25,000 on February 29 and Hyundai has already received over 80,000 orders.

1. Creta N Line N10 DCT priced Rs 30,000 higher than Creta SX(O) Turbo
2. Powered by 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with MT and DCT options
3. More than the usual N Line treatment outside; interior sees minor changes

2024 Hyundai Creta N Line prices, rivals

The top-spec Creta SX(O) with the 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine comes mated to only a 7-speed dual-clutch auto, and is priced at Rs 20 lakh. The equivalent N Line trim, N 10, costs Rs 30,000 more. Meanwhile, the N8 trim costs Rs 19.34 lakh. Hyundai claims that the automatic version does the 0-100kph sprint in 8.9 seconds.

However, the Creta N Line is also available with a 6-speed manual gearbox, priced between Rs 16.82 lakh-18.32 lakh. Both powertrains come with three drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport – and three ‘Traction’ modes – Snow, Sand and Mud. Hyundai claims the dual-clutch version delivers 18.4kpl, while the manual is rated at 18kpl.

The Creta N Line is priced lower than special range-topping versions of rivals like the Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo 1.5 TSI (Rs 19.09 lakh-20.49 lakh), Volkswagen Taigun GT Plus and GT Edge (Rs 18.18 lakh-20 lakh) and the Kia Seltos X-Line (Rs 19.60 lakh-20.30 lakh).

2024 Hyundai Creta N Line exterior highlights

Cosmetically, Hyundai seems to have upped the ante with the Creta N Line compared to previous N Line models. Along with the usual sportier bits, the model sports all-new front and rear bumpers, a new front grille, pronounced side skirts, and larger 18-inch alloy wheels – the N Line has relatively lower profile 215/55 R18 tyres (compared to the Creta SX(O)’s 215/60 R17 units).

Hyundai offers three monotone exterior finishes – Abyss Black Pearl, Atlas White and Titan Grey Matte (exclusive to the N Line trim) – along with three dual-tone ones – Atlas White, Shadow Grey and Thunder Blue – which get a contrasting black roof. Red accents are seen in various places, both inside and out; the Creta N Line also sports a prominent rear spoiler and twin exhaust tips.

2024 Hyundai Creta N Line interior highlights, features

The interior is all-black with red accents – the standard Creta gets a dual-tone interior theme. The N Line adds metal pedals, N-badged steering, gear knob and leatherette seat upholstery, and red ambient lighting.

The features list on the top-spec Creta N Line N10 is the same as the top-spec SX(O). Safety features such as rear disc brakes, 360-degree cameras, blind-sport monitors, a tyre pressure monitor, an electronic parking brake, Level 2 ADAS tech, six airbags and more are standard. Creature comforts include a panoramic sunroof, dual 10.25-inch instrument cluster and infotainment screens, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, an 8-way powered driver’s seat and an 8-speaker Bose audio system. A dual dash cam is also standard with the Creta N Line.

2024 Hyundai Creta N Line mechanical changes

The Creta N Line gets a retuned suspension setup and reworked steering dynamics for a sportier drive, along with a sportier-sounding exhaust.

All prices, ex-showroom, India

Also see:

Hyundai Alcazar long term review; 42,000km report

Hyundai Creta facelift review: Even more wholesome now

Hyundai Venue, i20 get discounts up to Rs 30,000 this month

Max Verstappen took a commanding victory at the Saudi Arabian GP to secure his 100th podium finish in F1. Interestingly, this is the first time that he has won the opening two races of a season.

Sergio Perez overcame a penalty to finish second, handing Red Bull their second straight 1-2 finish this season. Charles Leclerc bounced back from a disappointing Bahrain GP to finish third at Jeddah. Ferrari’s 18-year-old reserve driver Oliver Bearman, who was subbing in for an ill Carlos Sainz, won the fan vote for Driver of the Day after scoring points on his F1 debut.

1. Verstappen wins, 13.643secs ahead of Perez
2. Leclerc third for Ferrari
3. Bearman P7 on F1 debut

Verstappen leads Red Bull 1-2 at Jeddah

Red Bull remain undefeated two rounds into the season. Verstappen led the way from pole position and delivered yet another controlled and commanding drive to take victory.

“I think overall of course a fantastic weekend for the whole team, but also from my side, I felt really good with the car,” said Verstappen. “The last stint was a bit longer than we would have liked, but with the Safety Car we had to go for it. So, the last few laps, also with those backmarkers, with the cold tyres, it was a little bit slippery. But we had good pace so we could manage it quite well. Overall, very, very pleased.”

Perez was given a five-second time penalty for an unsafe release into the path of Fernando Alonso. But he held enough of a gap to Leclerc behind him to hold on to second place.

Leclerc on podium

Leclerc struggled a bit on the medium compounds. While he couldn’t quite capitalise on Perez’s penalty, he did score an additional point for setting the fastest lap of the race.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished fourth, ahead of Fernando Alonso, who was the sole Aston Martin driver in the race after his teammate Lance Stroll clipped the wall and hit the barriers early on. Mercedes’ George Russell was chasing Alonso in the closing stages, but had to settle for sixth place.

Bearman makes strong F1 debut

It’s been a fairytale weekend for Oliver Bearman. The 18-year-old had just secured pole position in F2 when he was called up as a last-minute replacement for Sainz, who was diagnosed with appendicitis.

Despite less than an hour of practice time, Bearman managed to qualify P11. He then pulled off some spirited overtakes on Yuki Tsunoda and Nico Hulkenberg, and even resisted pressure from Norris towards the end of the race to finish seventh on his debut.

“What a great experience and opportunity to have my first race in Formula 1 with Scuderia Ferrari. It was physically demanding, especially in the end when I had Lando (Norris) and Lewis (Hamilton) behind me on Softs. I had to push flat out to maintain the gap and had to stay really focused, always checking my mirrors,” said Bearman.

“I’m confident that I maximised everything today and had great fun out there. I’ll never forget this weekend.”

Norris ended up eighth, ahead of Lewis Hamilton. Hulkenberg rounded out the top 10 to score Haas’ first point this season. The German was aided by his teammate Kevin Magnussen, who helped back up the field, giving Hulkenberg enough of a gap to pit and re-join the field without losing ground.

2024 F1 championship standings

Verstappen leads the standings,15 points ahead of his teammate Perez. Leclerc is third overall, eight points behind Perez.

Next up on the F1 calendar is the Australian GP on March 22-24.

2024 Saudi Arabian GP results

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With million-dollar cars, track days and amazing private collections, Dubai just might be one of the best holiday destinations for auto enthusiasts.

Published On Mar 09, 2024 09:30:00 AM

This private collection even had a small aeroplane (right) on display.

The Hatta Dam Reservoir is one picturesque location for kayaking.

Think about an automotive-themed holiday and you invariably think of road trips in the Swiss Alps, top speed runs on the German Autobahn, cruising around the Italian lake district or perhaps a track day at Silverstone. But there’s another destination that’s closer to home, has some of the most insane and exclusive cars in the world, and a number of attractions to keep the auto enthusiast in you entertained – Dubai.

The Flat12 cafe is the place to visit for some great cars and coffee.

Dubai in February is a great place to be. The weather is perfect, there’s loads of events and gatherings happening, and of course, there’s the automobiles. If you are a keen car spotter, there isn’t a better place in the world than Dubai. From the huge showrooms flanking Sheikh Zayed road selling ultra-exclusive, multi-million dollar supercars and hypercars, to the exotics parked carefree on the streets and in mall parkings, it is truly a sight to behold. My personal street car spotting highlights were a Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34), a Mercedes-McLaren SLR and a Bugatti Chiron, and this was just the tip of the iceberg.

Agile and punchy BMW M240i was good fun to drive on the Dubai Autodrome.

A select few Indian media personnel were invited by Dubai tourism to experience what the city has to offer, and apart from some interesting and insightful ‘touristy’ activities planned, our event itinerary involved a few auto-centric activities. The one I was most excited about, by far, was the track driving experience. I had a lot of pent-up excitement before we even got to the Dubai Autodrome; after all this would be my first ever track drive experience. And that excitement only grew tenfold once we entered the track. The car park was littered with your ‘usual’ Dubai cars – Audi R8s, Lamborghini Huracans, Rolls-Royces, Dodge Challenger Hellcats and the likes. But through the half-drawn garage doors, I could see some really special track machinery. A Ferrari 488 Challenge Cup Car, plenty of Formula 4 open wheel race cars and even some superbikes.

Dubai Autodrome track experience

Post a quick briefing session, where we were told what to and what not to do out on the track, I got to meet the car I would be driving. It was a BMW M240i coupe, which with its sweet B58 straight six motor, rear wheel-drive configuration and short wheelbase was sure to be a hoot to drive. And it was! It was dusk by the time I got to the track but that didn’t stop me from enjoying myself. The focus was not on flat-out lap times but on proper track driving techniques and following the racing line. And to keep me in check, I was accompanied by Charles who was one of the instructors at the Dubai Autodrome; it was a good thing considering a near million dollar Ferrari Cup car was also on the track at the same time.

You can literally arrive and drive at the track.

And it wasn’t like this was open to just racing license holders or media people, anyone with a valid driving license can literally arrive and drive at the Dubai Autodrome. The choice of track weapons are also plentiful – the M240i, the M4 Competition, the Ferrari Challenge Cup cars and even an older Jaguar Formula 1 car!

Dubai car culture

It’s not just the cars or the track driving experience that you’ve got to look forward to. There’s a bustling and growing car culture as well, with regular cars and coffee meets taking place, and one of the best places to experience this is the Flat 12 cafe. We visited this cafe that’s situated in a huge warehouse by Port Rashid, on a relatively off day. Still, there was some serious eye candy in store, from a mint condition Audi Quattro, to a Lancia Delta Integrale, two Jaguar E-Types (one was a restomod), a BMW M3 (E46), a Honda Integra Type R and a Porsche 911 (991.2), all on display inside the cafe. The delicious food and coffee was an added bonus. We also dropped by a special, private collection of some eclectic classic and vintage cars in the heart of Dubai, which also had a small aeroplane parked inside!

Seeing the Dubai skyline from behind the wheel of a car, in the sea, was an unusual experience.

The Marina is another place where Dubai really flexes its muscles, with huge shiny yachts parked in the harbour on one side and tall shiny skyscrapers on the other. This is also where I got to drive the Jet Car, which was essentially a jet ski with a car’s body. It was an unnerving experience, thanks to the choppy waters, but exciting and unique nonetheless.

Michelin-starred 11 Woodfire’s food was as delicious to eat as it was to look at. 

While in Dubai, I also got to experience some amazing food from around the world, with the highlight being 11 Woodfire, a Michelin star restaurant. Then there was the exhilarating Edge Walk, which is a 55-storey high platform that provides stunning, uninterrupted views of the entire city and the mammoth Burj Khalifa right in front. We also drove down to the town of Hatta, which is near the Oman border and experienced kayaking in the picturesque Hatta Dam reservoir. We also had an informative tour on honeybees and how they make the precious honey, which was concluded by a very sweet tasting session.

There was also an insightful tour on the life of honeybees. 

Mind you, these are just the experiences we had but Dubai has so much more to offer. From exotic car rentals, to dune bashing in the desert in Toyota Land Cruisers and Nissan Patrols, auto enthusiasts and tourists are well catered to in this city. This jewel in the middle of the desert should be on your bucket list of places to visit.

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