After introducing the BMW 7 Series Protection and i7 Protection a few weeks ago, the German luxury car brand has now introduced the X5 Protection, which is based on the revised iteration of the SUV. The BMW X5 Protection VR6 comes as an armour-plated bulletproof luxury SUV. The car will be showcased in the flesh at the upcoming Munich Motor Show next month.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 30 Aug 2023, 16:40 PM
BMW X5 Protection VR6 comes on the heels of the introduction of BMW 7 Series Protection and i7 Protection.
Despite being an armour-plated SUV, the BMWX5 Protection VR6 is not easily distinguishable from other BMW X5 models. As the automaker states, stealth is the first line of defence for this car. It sports twin M bars in the front kidney grille, high-gloss black M mirror caps, BMW Individual roof rails in high-gloss Shadow Line, and the twin pairs of exhaust pipes typical of the M exhaust system.
Beneath the familiar skin, the SUV features moulded high-strength steel plates shaped to fit the body in areas like doors, side frames, roof and bulkhead. The car also gets an armoured trunk divider and an aluminium underbody shrapnel shield. The fuel tank comes with a special casing that can seal punctures to prevent leaks in case a bullet or shrapnel penetrates the tank. The SUV meets VPAM ballistics requirements. However, customers can further enhance the protection level of the SUV by choosing optional underbody armour and additional roof armour.
Powering the BMW X5 Protection is the same 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that powers the standard BMW X5 M60i xDrive. This engine is paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to generate 515 bhp peak power and 750 Nm of maximum torque. The car brand has not disclosed the weight of the X5 Protection but the armour plates have certain added extra weight on it, impacting the performance. It can sprint 0-100 kmph in 5.9 seconds, which is a significant drop from the M60i’s 4.2 seconds timing. However, this matches the previous armoured X5’s performance. The SUV’s suspension and braking system too have been re-tuned to handle the additional weight.
It will use the same engine as the Apache RR 310 and the BMW G 310 range.
TVS has released another teaser of its upcoming 310cc naked bike, which is based on the Apache RR 310, ahead of its launch just a week from now.
Adjustable levers, twin-horn setup, horizontal dash visible in teaser
Design will be very different when compared to the BMW G 310 R
India launch on September 6
We have seen multiple teasers for this new machine, and we already know that the design won’t have much in common with its BMW counterpart, the G 310 R. The design, while literally under wraps for now, is quite edgy and sharp, and it’s must obviously visible in the sharp tank extensions and minimalist tail section.
The rear subframe and split seat setup appear to be new and the wheels are also different when seen in the light of any other TVS model on sale currently. The dash also appears to be a horizontally-mounted unit, as opposed to the vertical one found on other BMW-TVS 310 platform bikes. While it’s not visible here, the instrument cluster will most likely be a TFT unit. The trapezoidal mirrors also look different than anything seen on any previous TVS model.
The fork tops do not appear to have adjusters, but the BTO kit offered on the RR 310 could well be offered as an optional extra. What can also be seen here is a large radiator, LED indicators from the Ronin, adjustable levers, and a twin-horn setup. The naked TVS 310 also runs on the same grippy Michelin Road 5 tyres as the Apache RR 310, which is good news.
The exhaust muffler is the same as other Indo-Bavarian 310cc bikes, which means that while the styling and feature-set will likely be very different, expect the mechanicals to be quite familiar.
The rider in these images is TVS Motor Company’s Managing Director, Sudarshan Venu, who seems to be using a TVS-branded BluArmor-sourced Bluetooth intercom. To read our review of the TVS S20X Bluetooth communicator with mesh connectivity, tap here.
The flex-fuel Toyota Innova HyCross MPV is compatible with BS 6 Stage II norms.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 29 Aug 2023, 17:47 PM
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Toyota Motor has introduced the world’s first car that can run fully on alternative fuel – ethanol and is equipped with a flex-fuel engine. The model is based on the Innova HyCross MPV and was officially launched at an event presided over by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
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The electrified Innova HyCross flex-fuel is prototype in nature and is compatible with the latest emission norms of Bharat Stage 6 II. The electrified flex-fuel Innova HyCross will also be able to generate electric power on its own and able to run on EV mode as well as it gets a lithium-ion battery pack.
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Toyota Innova HyCross flex-fuel MPV will run entirely on ethanol, a fuel derived from plants. The ethanol is graded E100, signifying that the car run fully on the alternative fuel. However, it is not yet known if and when the production version of the electrified flex-fuel model will hit the Indian roads.
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For the flex-fuel version of the Innova HyCross, the company had to tune the engine so that it could run on E100 grade ethanol. The fuel tank and fuel pipe have also been modified. The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine unit, also used in the standard Innova HyCross, is compatible with E85 fuel. The spark plugs and piston rings of the MPV have been changed too.
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Toyota has also added a cold-start system to the vehicle which allows it to power up in cold conditions as low as minus 15 degrees Celsius. The standard Innova HyCross hybrid MPV can generate 181 bhp of power and offer fuel economy of 23.24 kmpl. Toyota says the flex-fuel model can offer 30 to 50 per cent more efficiency.
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India’s push for biofuel or alternative cleaner fuel gained momentum last year when the Centre rolled out petrol mixed with ethanol. India aims to achieve 20 per cent ethanol mixed in petrol by 2025.
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Gadkari has been advocating use of alternative fuel every now and then to reduce costly import of crude oil, which is processed to produce conventional fuels like petrol and diesel. The introduction of alternative fuel also aims to reduce pollution as well as India’s carbon footprint.
Maruti Suzuki plans to invest a whopping ₹45,000 crore to double its annual production capacity in the next eight years, reported PTI. Maruti Suzuki India’s chairman RC Bhargava reportedly said on Tuesday that the automaker plans to produce 40 lakh cars annually by 2031 with the influx of investment it is making to double production capacity. This comes at a juncture when the Indian auto industry like the rest of the global automobile industry is witnessing the introduction of new technologies and Maruti Suzuki is aiming to take a lead in that.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 29 Aug 2023, 15:25 PM
Besides focusing on doubling production capacity to 40 lakh cars annually by 2031, Maruti Suzuki is also emphasising on development of new technology for its vehicle fleet.
Despite being the largest car brand in India, Maruti Suzuki is yet to penetrate the EV segment, while Tata Motors, Hyundai, MG Motors and Mahindra along with several luxury car brands have already launched their respective products in the country’s electric car segment. Speaking about this, Bhargava accepted that the company is late in the segment but believes that it will not impact the brand by damaging its ability to get an adequate market share in the space.
Watch: Maruti unveiled eVX EV Concept at Auto Expo 2023
He also said that Maruti Suzuki aims to launch six electric cars by the decade’s end, which would give it a strong position in the market. “Yes, we are behind some companies in launching EV but that does not mean that we are late in the market or that when we are coming in 2024-25, we will have in any way damaged our ability to get an adequate market share,” he added.
As Maruti Suzuki is thriving towards greener and cleaner powertrain technology, it will increasingly focus on a wide range of new technologies including electric vehicles, hybrids, CNG, ethanol and compressed biogas in the coming days, said Bhargava. Speaking about these technologies, he also said that it is difficult to predict what will happen in the next eight to ten years.
Bhargava also said that Maruti Suzuki has reached the 20 lakh units annual production and sales milestone. Now, it is aiming to double that figure by reaching the 40 lakh units annual production and sales milestone, he said. The plan will be part of the automaker’s ‘Maruti 3.0’ strategy, under which the company is targeting to add another 20 lakh units of production capacity with about 28 different car models in the market by FY 2030-31.
The Maruti Suzuki chairman said that the era ahead is going to be a very uncertain and challenging one. “The era before us is going to be a very uncertain era, a very challenging era. Putting up these two million cars itself will cost us something close to ₹45,000 crore. It depends how inflation goes but at the moment we estimate the cost about ₹45,000 crore for two million cars,” Bhargava said.
The Karizma XMR is the most affordable bike in India to get an adjustable windscreen.
Published On Aug 29, 2023 05:42:00 PM
The brand-new Hero Karizma XMR has been launched in India, which means it’s time we stack it up against its primary rivals, and another fully-faired Hero, on paper.
Hero Karizma XMR vs rivals: engine & output
Engine & output
Hero Karizma XMR
Yamaha R15 V4
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250
Bajaj Pulsar RS200
Hero Xtreme 200S 4V
Engine
Liquid-cooled, 210cc, single-cylinder
Liquid-cooled, 155cc, single-cylinder
Air/oil-cooled, 249cc, single-cylinder
Liquid-cooled, 199cc, single-cylinder
Air/oil-cooled, 199cc, single-cylinder
Power
25.5hp at 9,250rpm
18.4hp at 10,000rpm
26.5hp at 9,300rpm
24.5hp at 9,750rpm
19.1hp at 8,500rpm
Power-to-weight ratio
156hp/tonne
130.49hp/tonne
164.60hp/tonne
147.59hp/tonne
123.22hp/tonne
Torque
20.4Nm at 7,250rpm
14.2Nm at 7,500rpm
22.2Nm at 7,300rpm
18.7Nm at 8,000rpm
17.35Nm at 6,500rpm
Gearbox
6-speed
6-speed
6-speed
6-speed
5-speed
The Karizma XMR has the second-most powerful engine here, and packs in some Hero firsts, such as DOHC, liquid-cooling and a 6-speed gearbox (also seen on theHarley-Davidson X440 made by the company). The outlier here is the Xtreme 200S 4V, which is a notch down compared to the others, and is only here is a reference point as the other fully-faired Hero motorcycle.
Hero Karizma XMR vs rivals: dimensions & weight
Dimensions & weight
Hero Karizma XMR
Yamaha R15 V4
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250
Bajaj Pulsar RS200
Hero Xtreme 200S 4V
Kerb weight
163.5kg
141kg
161kg
166kg
155kg
Seat height
810mm
815mm
800mm
NA
795mm
Wheelbase
1351mm
1325mm
1345mm
1345mm
1344mm
Fuel capacity
11 litres
11 litres
12 litres
13 litres
12.8 litres
Ground clearance
160mm
170mm
165mm
157mm
165mm
Despite having the smallest tank here (the same size as the Yamaha R15 V4), the Karizma XMR is the second heaviest bike here. It also has the longest wheelbase, which should make it quite a stable machine at highway speeds. However, we’ll only be able to vouch for that when our review drops on August 31 at 10am, so stay plugged in. The Yamaha R15 is, by far, the lightest machine here, and is the only serious sportbike, while the others are sport-tourers. This is reflected in the superior chassis componentry it packs in, such as a deltabox frame and a lightweight aluminium swingarm.
Hero Karizma XMR vs rivals: suspension & brakes
Suspension & brakes
Hero Karizma XMR
Yamaha R15 V4
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250
Bajaj Pulsar RS200
Hero Xtreme 200S 4V
Suspension (f)
Telescopic fork
USD fork
Telescopic fork
Telescopic fork
Telescopic fork
Suspension (r)
Monoshock
Monoshock
Monoshock
Monoshock
Monoshock
Brakes (f)
300mm disc
282mm disc
300mm disc
300mm disc
276mm disc
Brakes (r)
230mm disc
220mm disc
230mm disc
230mm disc
220mm disc
Tyres (f)
100/80-17
100/80-17
110/70-17
110/70-17
100/80-17
Tyres (r)
140/70-17
140/70-R17
150/60-17
150/60-17
130/70-17
Cycle parts are an area where the Karizma isn’t the best-equipped in this company. The Yamaha R15 V4 boasts of a KYB USD fork, not found on any other bike in this comparison. Both, the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 and the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250, also have wider tyres than the XMR. Braking hardware is where the Karizma claws some ground back; it has the largest discs here (a three-way tie between it, the Pulsar RS200 and the Gixxer SF 250).
With an adjustable windscreen, bluetooth connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation, a slip and assist clutch, all-LED lighting and dual-channel ABS, it’s safe to say the Hero Karizma XMR is a feature-packed machine. However, the Yamaha R15 V4 is the only bike to have a traction control system and a quickshifter here.
Hero Karizma XMR vs rivals: price
Price
Hero Karizma XMR
Yamaha R15 V4
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250
Bajaj Pulsar RS200
Hero Xtreme 200S 4V
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Rs 1,72,900 (introductory)
Rs 1,81,700 – Rs 1,86,700
Rs 1,81,400 – Rs 2,05,501
Rs 1,72,358
Rs 1,41,250
At its introductory price, the Hero Karizma XMR undercuts its primary rivals, the R15 and Gixxer SF 250, by a good deal. In fact, its so aggressively priced that its price is almost on par with the dated Bajaj Pulsar RS200. Once the introductory price window closes, prices will rise up to Rs 1,82,900. Bookings have already commenced for the Hero Karizma XMR, and it remains to be seen if this modern reincarnation will achieve the success of the original Hero Honda Karizma.
Self-driving capability is central to Tesla’s financial future, according to Musk, whose own reputation as an engineering leader is being challenged with allegations by plaintiffs in one of two lawsuits that he personally leads the group behind technology that failed. Wins by Tesla could raise confidence and sales for the software, which costs up to $15,000 per vehicle.
Tesla faces two trials in quick succession, with more to follow. The first, scheduled for mid-September in a California state court, is a civil lawsuit containing allegations that the Autopilot system caused owner Micah Lee’s Model 3 to suddenly veer off a highway east of Los Angeles at 65 miles per hour, strike a palm tree and burst into flames, all in the span of seconds.
The 2019 crash, which has not been previously reported, killed Lee and seriously injured his two passengers, including a then-8-year old boy who was disemboweled. The lawsuit, filed against Tesla by the passengers and Lee’s estate, accuses Tesla of knowing that Autopilot and other safety systems were defective when it sold the car.
Musk ‘de facto leader of Autopilot team
File photo of Tesla CEO Elon Musk. (REUTERS)
The second trial, set for early October in a Florida state court, arose out of a 2019 crash north of Miami where owner Stephen Banner’s Model 3 drove under the trailer of an 18-wheeler big rig truck that had pulled into the road, shearing off the Tesla’s roof and killing Banner. Autopilot failed to brake, steer or do anything to avoid the collision, according to the lawsuit filed by Banner’s wife.
Tesla denied liability for both accidents, blamed driver error and said Autopilot is safe when monitored by humans. Tesla said in court documents that drivers must pay attention to the road and keep their hands on the steering wheel. “There are no self-driving cars on the road today,” the company said.
The civil proceedings will likely reveal new evidence about what Musk and other company officials knew about Autopilot’s capabilities – and any possible deficiencies. Banner’s attorneys, for instance, argue in a pretrial court filing that internal emails show Musk is the Autopilot team’s “de facto leader”.
Tesla and Musk did not respond to Reuters’ emailed questions for this article, but Musk has made no secret of his involvement in self-driving software engineering, often tweeting about his test-driving of a Tesla equipped with “Full Self-Driving” software. He has for years promised that Tesla would achieve self-driving capability only to miss his own targets.
Tesla won a bellwether trial in Los Angeles in April with a strategy of saying that it tells drivers that its technology requires human monitoring, despite the “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving” names. The case was about an accident where a Model S swerved into the curb and injured its driver, and jurors told Reuters after the verdict that they believed Tesla warned drivers about its system and driver distraction was to blame.
Stakes higher for Tesla
The stakes for Tesla are much higher in the September and October trials, the first of a series related to Autopilot this year and next, because people died.
“If Tesla backs up a lot of wins in these cases, I think they’re going to get more favorable settlements in other cases,” said Matthew Wansley, a former General Counsel of nuTonomy, an automated driving startup and Associate Professor of Law at Cardozo School of Law.
On the other hand, “a big loss for Tesla – especially with a big damages award” could “dramatically shape the narrative going forward,” said Bryant Walker Smith, a law professor at the University of South Carolina.
In court filings, the company has argued that Lee consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel and that it is not clear whether Autopilot was on at the time of crash.
Jonathan Michaels, an attorney for the plaintiffs, declined to comment on Tesla’s specific arguments, but said “we’re fully aware of Tesla’s false claims including their shameful attempts to blame the victims for their known defective autopilot system.”
In the Florida case, Banner’s attorneys also filed a motion arguing punitive damages were warranted. The attorneys have deposed several Tesla executives and received internal documents from the company that they said show Musk and engineers were aware of, and did not fix, shortcomings.
In one deposition, former executive Christopher Moore testified there are limitations to Autopilot, saying it “is not designed to detect every possible hazard or every possible obstacle or vehicle that could be on the road,” according to a transcript reviewed by Reuters.
In 2016, a few months after a fatal accident where a Tesla crashed into a semi-trailer truck, Musk told reporters that the automaker was updating Autopilot with improved radar sensors that likely would have prevented the fatality.
But Adam (Nicklas) Gustafsson, a Tesla Autopilot systems engineer who investigated both accidents in Florida, said that in the almost three years between that 2016 crash and Banner’s accident, no changes were made to Autopilot’s systems to account for cross-traffic, according to court documents submitted by plaintiff lawyers.
The lawyers tried to blame the lack of change on Musk. “Elon Musk has acknowledged problems with the Tesla autopilot system not working properly,” according to plaintiffs’ documents. Former Autopilot engineer Richard Baverstock, who was also deposed, stated that “almost everything” he did at Tesla was done at the request of “Elon,” according to the documents.
Tesla filed an emergency motion in court late on Wednesday seeking to keep deposition transcripts of its employees and other documents secret. Banner’s attorney, Lake “Trey” Lytal III, said he would oppose the motion.
“The great thing about our judicial system is Billion Dollar Corporations can only keep secrets for so long,” he wrote in a text message.
In this article, we’ll estimate the ex-showroom price range of the new Punch EV 2023 — Tata’s upcoming electric SUV in the B1 segment. It will compete with other affordable electric cars like the MG Comet EV, Citroen eC3, Tata Tigor EV and Tata Tiago EV. We’ll explain the logic behind the expected price along with the reasons to support our estimations. As and when we get more information affecting our Tata Punch EV price estimations, we’ll update this article to accommodate new findings.
New Tata Punch EV 2023 — Battery Pack, Motor
Here’s a look at the specs of the affordable electric cars currently on sale in India:
AFFORDABLE ELECTRIC CARS
SPECS COMPARISON
eC3
Tiago EV MR
Tiago EV LR
Tigor EV
Comet EV
Power
57PS
61PS
75PS
75PS
42PS
Torque
143Nm
110Nm
114Nm
170Nm
110Nm
Battery
29.2kWh
19.2kWh
24kWh
26kWh
17.3kWh
Range
320km
250km
314km
315km
230km
Efficiency
10.96kmpu
13.02kmpu
13.08kmpu
12.11kmpu
13.30kmpu
Since the Punch and the Tigor share the petrol powertrain options, we should expect the Punch EV and Tigor EV to also have similar specs. That means a power output of 75PS and a torque figure of 170Nm.
In terms of range, the heavy kerb weight of the Punch EV could also impact its efficiency. Tata have maintained a range of at least 300km with all of their electric cars. The Tiago EV medium-range is the only exception and even in this car’s case, there’s an option of long range with 314km of range.
Assuming that the Punch EV gives a range of 310 – 320km with an efficiency of 11.5kmpu, it should get a 27 – 28kWh battery pack. 1-2kWh of extra battery should help it cope with the slightly higher kerb weight and a less aerodynamic body style.
The jump from a comparable petrol car to electric costs around Rs. 4.0 lakh in the case of the Tiago. For the Tigor, the jump from petrol-automatic to EV is around Rs. 4.80 lakh. For the Comet EV, we don’t have a petrol-automatic version to form a baseline.
However, in the case of the Citroen C3, the jump from 1.2L normal petrol to electric powertrain will cost you around Rs. 3.50 lakh. Please note that the petrol C3 doesn’t get an automatic transmission. The eC3 will work just like an automatic as it doesn’t need gear changes. Once you factor the cost of an affordable AMT automatic, you’ll get a tentative price jump of Rs. 4.0 lakh for the eC3.
AFFORDABLE ELECTRIC CARS
PRICE RANGE COMPARISON
eC3
Tiago EV MR
Tiago EV LR
Tigor EV
Comet EV
Price
Rs. 11.5 – 12.43 lakh
Rs. 8.69 – 9.29 lakh
Rs. 10.24 – 12.04 lakh
Rs. 12.50 – 13.75 lakh
Rs. 7.98 – 9.98 lakh
Tata Punch EV — Expected Price Summary
Assuming that the Punch electric won’t get a barebones base variant, we should expect the Punch EV to start with a variant comparable with the Punch Adventure. With an estimated Rs. 4.0 lakh price jump for the electric powertrain over the petrol-automatic, we end up with an estimated starting price of Rs. 11.50 lakh for the Punch EV.
On the higher side, it could stretch up to Rs. 14.0 lakh, which is about Rs. 4.0 lakh more than the Creative Flagship automatic. A price range of Rs. 11.50 lakh to Rs. 14.0 lakh will put it squarely in competition with the Citroen eC3.
They’re both affordable SUV/crossover options but the Citroen C3 is a larger car than the Punch. Meanwhile, the Punch EV is likely to have a higher ground clearance to justify the SUV tag and make up for the smaller dimensions. The eC3 has a ground clearance of 170mm.
Please note that we’re expecting the Punch EV to maintain the status quo of costing around Rs. 4.0 lakh more than the comparable petrol-automatic variant. Even in the case of the Nexon petrol-automatic and Nexon EV Prime, the price gap is around Rs. 4.0 lakh only.
With our price estimates, the Punch EV will plug the gap between the Tigor EV and the Nexon EV Prime in Tata’s electric vehicle portfolio. Meanwhile, an SUV body style should make it quite popular too. In my opinion, Rs. 15.0 lakh (on-road) for a car the size of Punch is quite a lot of money. Moreover, even on the cost savings side, the equation is likely to remain just as absurd. With fuel cost savings, EVs currently take around 1,00,000km to recover the higher cost you’re paying upfront.
Hyundai Motor is facing a crisis in its home base of South Korea after a government organisation gave the green signal for unionized workers of the carmaker to go on strike. The protesting workers have been demanding a hike in wages and for the retirement age to be increased.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 28 Aug 2023, 15:13 PM
File photo used for representational purpose. (REUTERS)
South Korea’s National Labor Relations Commission has permitted for Hyundai’s unionized workers to go on strike. Reuters, citing local reports, highlighted that these workers are now planning to gather and chart out their next course of action even though talks with the company management will continue as well.
The protesting workers had previously threatened to walk out unless Hyundai management agreed to their twin demands of wage increase and extension on the retirement age. The talks thus far has led to nothing significant.
Wage war at Hyundai: Potential fallout
If the unionized workers do go ahead with a general strike, this would turn out to be the first wage-related conflict at Hyundai in South Korea in five years. And it could not come at a worse time for the Korean car giant as it has been looking at ramping up production that has already taken a hit due to supply-related shortages.
A strike in the times to come could wreck havoc with delivery timelines of Hyundai models to the South Korean buyers, potentially ushering these customers towards rival brands. This especially so because the current inventories are rather minuscule.
It is further reported that Hyundai may be facing an operational loss of 1 trillion won ($755.37 million) if the strike does go ahead.
Arjun S Nair also notched double wins in the JK Tyre Novice Cup.
The 2023 edition of the JK Tyre National Racing Championship (JK NRC) got underway, with Round 1 held at the Kari Motor Speedway.
Tijil Rao started the season on a strong note, securing two wins in the headlining LGB Formula 4 category. Arjun S Nair was another driver to score double wins, with a strong showing in the JK Tyre Novice Cup. Read on for the full results.
LGB Formula 4
The LGB Formula 4 category features made-in-India single seaters, powered by a 1,298cc Suzuki engine. Rao pulled off a last lap overtake to win the opening race, with his Dark Don Racing teammates, Arya Singh and Diljith TS, completing the podium. Race 2 saw the team take a 1-2 finish, this time with Singh defeating Rao.
Singh led most of Race 3, but MSport driver Ruhaan Alva gained ground quickly and passed him on the final lap to take victory. Alva looked set to win the reverse grid Race 4 as well, but spun out of the race. Rao ended up overtaking Diljith TS to score his second win of the weekend.
Results
Race 1
1. Tijil Rao (Dark Don Racing) – 23mins 21:171secs
2. Arya singh (Dark Don Racing) – 23mins 21:369secs
3. Diljith TS (Dark Don Racing) – 23mins 21:586secs
Race 2
1. Arya Singh (Dark Don Racing) – 22mins 28.087secs
2. Tijil Rao (Dark Don Racing) – 22mins 28.370secs
The Novice Cup is for amateurs taking their first steps into the world of formula car racing. Momentum Motorsports’ Arjun S Nair won both races on Saturday. But he failed to repeat this feat on Sunday, with his teammate Neythan McPherson and DTS Racing’s Joel Joseph winning a race each.
Results
Race 1
1. Arjun S Nair (Momentum Motorsports) – 13mins 23:275secs
The JK NRC also hosts the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup, where amateur and professional riders compete together on the same grid astride identical, race-prepped Continental GT-R650s.
Anand R survived an incident-packed race and fended off Md. Samrul Zubair to win Race 1. The next race was won by Abhishek Vasudev, but Zubair made another podium appearance, this time in third place.
Results
Race 1
1. Anand R – 14mins 53.242secs
2. Md. Samrul Zubair – 14mins 53.806secs
3. Abhishek Vasudev – 14mins 54.196secs
Race 2
1. Abhishek Vasudev – 13mins 53.248secs
2. Ullass Nanda – 13mins 53.651secs
3. Md. Samrul Zubair – 13mins 57.403secs
JK Tyre 250 Cup
The JK Tyre 250 Cup race, featuring the Suzuki Gixxer 250cc bikes, was won by Sarvesh Balappa. Polesitter G. Abhinav maintained a good pace, and even set the fastest lap — 1min 25.00secs — but that wasn’t enough to defeat Balappa, who started from P2 on the grid.
Nissan is planning to launch 27 electrified cars globally by 2030 and 19 among them will be pure electric new models. The wide range of electric cars will be launched under both the Nissan and Infiniti brands, revealed Automotive News. The Japanese car brand has reportedly showcased the new generation Nissan Leaf EV at the brand’s annual dealer conference in Las Vegas earlier this week.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 27 Aug 2023, 16:54 PM
Nissan aims to launch a total of 27 electrified cars by 2030 and 19 among them will be pure electric cars. (REUTERS)
The report claims that the upcoming electric cars from Nissan and Infiniti will include a crossover coupe that will replace the Leaf EV. Also, there will be a performance sedan that will take place the current internal combustion engine-powered Maxima. Besides that, there will be a pure electric crossover based on the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya crossover.
The report further claims that the next-generation Leaf EV will reportedly offer 25 per cent more range than the current iteration of the electric vehicle. It would come looking like a mini Ariya. The current Nissan Leaf has a range of 341 km on a single charge thanks to the 60 kWh battery pack. The upcoming one would come offering a 426 km range on a single charge.
Interestingly, Nissan is also working on solid-state battery technology that will ensure a significantly longer range compared to the current crop of lithium-ion battery packs. The next-generation Nissan Leaf EV will reportedly feature solid-state batteries and a dual-motor all-wheel drivetrain. Also, it claims to promise a high level of comfort and an energizing driving experience.
The EV offensive from the Japanese car brand is aimed at grabbing a large chunk of the global electric vehicle market that is bulging fast thanks to the growing focus on electric mobility from consumers, tightening emission norms and push from governments around the world through supportive incentives.
The previous record for fast production EV was set by the Tesla Model S Track Pack.
The Rimac Nevera has broken the Nurburgring lap record for a production electric car, posting a blistering time of 7min 5sec to complete a full lap of the 20.6km circuit. The Croatian company celebrated the record by launching a limited-edition Nevera called the Time Attack at Pebble Beach.
Lap record was set by Croatian racing driver Martin Kodrik
Nevera produces 1914hp, 2369Nm
Rimac also unveiled a limited edition Nevera Time Attack
Rimac Nevera Nurburgring lap time
Driven by Croatian racing driver Martin Kodrik, the Nevera shattered the previous record for a production EV of 20 seconds by the Tesla Model S Track Pack, which posted a time of 7:25.231. The Nevera produces 1,914hp and 2,369Nm from its four electric motors, and with its 120kWh battery pack, it has a range of up to 490km (WLTP).
Rimac Nevera Time Attack edition details
Alongside setting the lap record, Rimac also unveiled the first of the 12 Nevera Time Attack limited edition cars at Monterey Car Week in the USA. The first Nevera Time Attack is finished in black with highlights – twin stripes, lower half of the body, wheels as well as parts front and rear bumpers – finished in lightning green. Inside, it gets black Alcantara fabric with green contrast stitching and highlights on the seats and door panels, along with a ‘Time Attack: 1 of 12’ plaque.
Rimac Nevera’s other records
Recently, the Nevera set 23 acceleration and braking records. It achieved a 0-400-0kph time of 29.93 seconds at a test track in Germany, however, less than a month later, the Koenigsegg Regera set a new record of 28.81 seconds. Additionally, the Nevera had done the 0-100kph sprint in just 1.81 seconds, and it also bested the times set by Autocar India in a Pininfarina Battista earlier this year.
The Indian government has announced that it will lease 20 Audi bullet-resistant cars at the cost of ₹18 crore for the upcoming G20 Summit scheduled for September 9-10, 2023. The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) fact check handle on X, formerly known as Twitter, confirmed the development. The Audi armoured cars will be used for the security needs of the foreign dignitaries who will attend the G20 Summit.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 26 Aug 2023, 18:52 PM
Delhi Police along with Traffic Police officials conducts a Carcade Rehearsals for the G20 Delegates ahead of G20 summit at Kartavya Path in New Delhi (Raj K Raj/ Hindustan Times)
India will host the G20 Summit for the first time, which will have leaders from over 20 nations in attendance. The cars will be used to ferry the visiting dignitaries over the two-day period. PIB Fact Check also clarified that the provision of bullet-resistant cars is a standard protocol procedure for all Head of State (HoS) and Head of Government (HoG) visits.
✔️ The Government of India has leased 20 Audi Bullet Resistant cars for 18 crores to accommodate the security needs of #G20 visiting Leaders. No cars have been purchased.
✔️Provision of BR cars is a standard protocol procedure for all HoS/HoG visits.
The G20 Summit will be held in New Delhi next month and is scheduled to take place at ‘Bharat Mandapam’ at the ITPO Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan between September 9 and 10. Apart from the ITPO Convention Centre, foreign dignitaries will be visiting other venues including Rajghat, IARI Pusa, and NGMA (Jaipur House). The guests will also visit the new convention centre at Pragati Maidan in the national capital.
This year’s G20 Summit is open for discussion on several important issues including advancing green growth and climate finance; promoting rapid, inclusive, and adaptable economic expansion, expediting progress towards sustainable development goals; navigating technological transformations and developing digital public infrastructure, reforming multilateral institutions to suit the 21st century and fostering Development under women’s leadership.
The G20 Summit comprises 19 countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, T¼rkiye, United Kingdom, United States and the European Union. The countries invited this year include Bangladesh, Comoros, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain, and the UAE.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the 2024 EQA and EQB facelifts for the global markets with a bunch of updates. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB and EQA facelift get cosmetic tweaks as well as new features, while there are improvements to the mechanicals as well. Both electric SUVs are one of the most affordable from the automaker and are expected to arrive in India at a later date. The EQB is already on sale here, which makes the arrival of the facelift imminent.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 26 Aug 2023, 17:53 PM
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB and EQA arrive with subtle changes on the cosmetic and feature front, and are likely to arrive in India next year
Visually, the facelifted Mercedes-Benz EQB and EQA electric SUVs get a new black panel grille with the star pattern, while there are new alloy wheels on offer. Most of the other cosmetic elements have been carried over. Inside, there’s a new 10.25-inch infotainment system as standard with an updated steering wheel with touch control panels borrowed from the newer EQ model range. The cabin gets the new brown lime open-pore wood trim for a premium feel.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQB get a new black panel grille with the star pattern and new aerodynamically optimised alloy wheels
Powertrain options on the 2024 EQA and EQB remain the same with the power output ranging between 187 bhp and 288 bhp, while peak torque output stands between 385 Nm and 520 Nm. Mercedes says it has been able to optimise range on either electric SUV with the EQA now returning 560 km (WLTP) on a single charge, up by 130 km over the pre-facelift version. This has been made possible by aerodynamic optimisation and new high-rolling-resistance-optimised tyres. On the other hand, the 2024 EQB gets a range of 536 km in the 250+ variant with a 70.5 kWh battery pack.
Other upgrades include a trailer hitch including ESP trailer stabilisation on the Mercedes EQB. This brings a towing capacity of 1,700 kg on the electric SUV. Both electric SUVs also get the Plug & Charge function that brings more convenient charging at public charging points. This will require the charging solution to be pre-determined with the Mercedes Me app and will ensure that the vehicle automatically connects with the charging station.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB gets a trailer hitch while both electric SUVs get Plug & Charge functionality via the Mercedes Me app
Furthermore, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQB get an optional Burmester surround sound system with a Dolby Atmos experience, the latest generation MBUX user interface with three customised display styles – Subtle, Sporty and Classic. Mercedes has also improved the sensor technology with a new mono-multipurpose camera and a new backup camera that makes safety systems like Active Lane Keeping Assist more accurate with steering intervention instead of ESP.
Both electric SUVs get a new 10.25-inch infotainment screen with the latest gen MBUX UI, optional Burmester sound system and improved sensors for safety tech
Mercedes will begin sending the EQA and EQB facelifts to European dealers by early 2024 and you can expect the EQB to land in India first. The EQA could also make its way to the market as the most affordable electric SUV from the German automaker. The EQB arrives as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), which could be the case with the facelifted version as well.
The Global NCAP will hand over the reins of Indian vehicle crash testing to Bharat NCAP, bringing an end to the ‘Safer cars for India’ programme.
Published On Aug 26, 2023 02:28:00 PM
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) recently launched the new Bharat NCAP norms that are set to come into effect from October 1, 2023. The programme has been formulated on the latest GNCAP protocols, and while most testing procedures and standards are identical between the two, there’s one major difference that sets them apart.
Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP: the one difference
Under GNCAP, the maximum a vehicle can score in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) is 34 points, while under BNCAP, it’s 32 points. Both testing protocols award 16 points each for front and side impact test, but GNCAP awards two additional points for seat belt reminders – half a point for each of the front seats and 1 point for the second-row.
BNCAP, on the other hand, does not award any points for seat belt reminders. However, it mandates it for a 3-star rating or higher, albeit only for the front seats. The MoRTH had previously issued a draft notification mandating rear seat belt reminders, which was promptly followed up by manufacturers who installed it in their vehicles. So it’s strange that this has been given a miss.
Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP: the similarities
1. Child occupant protection – For child occupants, the scoring and assessment procedures are identical in both programmes. Both NCAPs award 16 points for the frontal impact test, 8 points for the side impact test, 12 points for CRS installation and 13 points for vehicle-based assessments such as ISOFIX usability, integrated CRS, provision of three-point seatbelts and more.
2. ESC requirement – As of 2023, ESC is optional without a minimum fitment rate, but from 2024, for vehicles to secure 3 stars or higher – under both GNCAP and BNCAP – it has to be a standard fitment. However, there is a clause involved in making ESC standard fitment. The protocols state that fitting ESC in cars must be a two-step process – as standard in the bestselling variant of the vehicle or in equal number in other variants. Both NCAPs also require manufacturers to make ESC standard across all variants within two years of the test result publication. In the same time period, it must also be offered as a ‘standalone’ option, and not combined with any other feature.
3. Side pole impact test – Both GNCAP and BNCAP state that for a vehicle to be tested for pole impact, it has to be fitted with some kind of head protection system, such as side and curtain airbags. Pole tests will not be allowed if side head protection systems are absent. For a 5-star rating, both NCAPs also require at least 50 percent of the vehicle’s variants to be fitted with head protection systems by the end of 2023, 70 percent by the end of 2024, 90 percent by the end of 2025 and 100 percent by 2026.
Interestingly, if a vehicle is tested for side impact in 2023, it could get a 3-star rating or higher, provided it qualifies all other criteria. This is regardless of whether it has a head protection system.
4. Pedestrian Protection – Lastly, Bharat NCAP requires all vehicles to comply with AIS100 norms which is similar to the UN127 norms that’s required by Global NCAP.
Pune-based Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions Limited has announced it delivered over 200 Flex electric scooters to the Madhya Pradesh government. These electric scooters have been awarded to the government school students for their outstanding performance in class 12. The Kinetic Green Flex electric scooters were handed over to students in the presence of MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan in the city of Damoh.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 25 Aug 2023, 19:51 PM
The Kinetic Green Flex electric scooters were awarded to the Madhya Pradesh government school toppers for their outstanding performance in class 12
The Kinetic Green Flex is a high-speed electric scooter that promises a range of 120 km on a single charge from its 3.1 kWh battery pack. The e-offering gets a detachable lithium-ion battery that takes about 3-4 hours to fully charge. The retro-styled e-scooter comes with a round headlamp, flat seat, BLDC hub motor and alloy wheels. The e-scooter has a top speed of 72 kmph.
Commenting on the occasion, Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder and CEO of Kinetic Green, said, “I congratulate the students who have performed exceptionally well in class 12. I am honoured that these students will be the proud owners of Kinetic Green Flex. This makes me extremely happy to see that this generation is readily adopting electric mobility. I would like to thank the Madhya Pradesh government for giving us the opportunity to support them in the success of the initiative. It is a significant step towards promoting sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions in India. I hope that the program will inspire more people to adopt electric vehicles in the country.”
Kinetic Green said that its dealers located in and around Madhya Pradesh made the delivery possible with support from the district education department. On the feature front, the model gets the Central Braking System (CBS), a Home mode that keeps a charge in reserve; an anti-theft alarm, a digital display and more. The Kinetic Green Flex is priced at ₹1.18 lakh (ex-showroom).
This is the review of the Gran Turismo — a movie based on the real-life story of a gamer who became a professional racer. The story walks us through the real-life #Gamer2Racer Jann Mardenborough. His obsession with racing in the Playstation and Gran Turismo opened the gates to his podium finish of the most brutal race of all — 24 Hours of Le Mans. Nissan and Sony risked a lot more than just money to get Jann’s Nismo LMP2 race car to 3rd place. They had their reputation on the line. They risked living with blood on their hands, should the incompetence of a “noob” driver become the cause of someone’s death.
If you’re reading this, you’re either into racing games and simulators or love cars enough to want to drive them instead of relaxing in the back seat. First of all, I’d like to personally thank you for keeping the spirit of driving alive as more and more travellers (myself included) are choosing to take cabs instead of driving themselves. There are fewer cars on sale today that connect us to the road like they used to. What struck me most after watching the Gran Turismo movie was that it’s fighting to keep cars from becoming Point A→B appliances and keeping the spirit of driving alive.
Warning: Since the movie is based on a true story, there isn’t much I can spoil. Still, I’ll give you a spoiler warning in case you want to watch it before you learn anything else. I knew a good part of what happened as I tracked the news when Nissan brought the GT Academy to India. Still, the movie ended up rocking me with a nice roller coaster of storyline.
I distinctly remember reading online about GT Academy and how a gamer became a real-life racer because around the same time, I was busy playing Real Racing and Real Racing 2 by Firemonkeys Studios on my iPod Touch 4th gen. It was unlike any racing game I had played because it wasn’t a game; it was a simulator. That’s when I started researching other options in the field of affordable racing simulators and found out about Gran Turismo — a Playstation-exclusive title. Nothing materialised but I still hold immense respect for the PS GT.
But watching it all unfold in about 2 hours added to my appreciation, not only for Playstation and Gran Turismo but also for Nissan for taking such a big risk. This project proved how good the PS GT was to begin with. That you didn’t need a million dollar cheque to get a pretty good experience of most cars would feel like around most race tracks. That’s an excellent example of Paretto’s 80/20 principle in action.
The fact that the Gran Turismo movie is making me reminisce of my time fantasising about buying a PS3 and a Logitech G27 is proof that it did a number on me. It may not pull your strings with the same intensity but the movie certainly hits the right chords even if you’re not a fan of racing sims yet. My colleague, Aryan Tyagi, who is still a teenager and gave me company to watch the Gran Turismo movie, was literally jumping in his seat at every plot twist.
Tempo, Tension, Stakes
Back to the movie, what I absolutely loved was the editing and the pacing. Even some of the best movies sometimes lose grip over the audience. You can tell when a movie is losing pace if you see people getting up in the hall for refreshments or bathroom breaks … or worse, phone calls.
The Gran Turismo maintains a fantastic pace and the editors deserve good credit for this. There’s tension throughout the movie as the stakes keep racking up. Almost like an orchestra playing An die Freude (Ode To Joy) along Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, the Gran Turismo keeps building up the tempo and stakes until the nailbiter of a grand finale.
It won’t just feel like you have a front-row seat to a race; you’ll have full pit access.
While the storyline itself is quite engaging, the story writers also did a fantastic job of cutting out anything that would slow it down. There’s just enough character-building to allow you to enjoy the movie even if you don’t know anything about Jann Mardenborough or Nissan GT Academy or Playstation. So, you can certainly bring non-car people along for the ride.
I studied more about the story before I watched the movie and still, I kept getting closer to the edge of the seat until Jann (played by Archie Madekwe) crossed the finish line of Le Mans 24 Hours.
Aural & Visual Experience
Sound is almost as important to a good movie-watching experience as the visuals and the storyline. I have watched a bunch of action movies in several big-brand halls and the speakers seem to crackle at least a few times with high-volume, low-frequency rumbles. This time, I watched the movie in an IMAX hall and the quality lived up to the hype. There were no crackles in the lows and the highs were never too sharp. So, my recommendation is that you choose IMAX for GT if you don’t want to gamble with the aural experience.
Note: I’ll also soon watch the Gran Turismo in 4DX format to see how it improves the movie experience. Then, I’ll update my review to include my top recommendation for the best format to enjoy the Gran Turismo movie.
On the visual front, Jann’s cockpit morphing into a sim seat during an actual race and the sim seat transforming into a car’s cockpit were the most memorable moments I took with me. The graphics reminded us that even when Jann was on the track, he was connected to it because he had been there on his sim. And, when he was in his sim seat, he could experience it like he was on a track — minus the G forces and the actual risk of life, of course. They felt so emotional as they reminded us of how well Polyphony Digital’s Gran Turismo sim worked.
What’s Bad
While there are a lot of good things to talk about, there were a couple of things that appeared to be over the top. First, transitioning the visuals from outside the car to jumping straight inside the engine’s cylinders was too much. It briefly disconnected me from the story and killed my emotions. There were more than a few occasions where the director chose to use these graphics and every time it felt out of place in a movie about a real-life #Gamer2Racer.
The other thing that annoyed me was the decision to show that at high speeds, in high gears, you could just “punch it” and the car would accelerate like it just ignited its rockets for additional thrust. Cars don’t work like that. At least not at high gears. The other guy you’re overtaking is not an incompetent driver behind the wheel of a junker. He’s already full throttle. So, you can’t just shove it and expect enough acceleration to overtake another, really fast race car.
Dear director, if I wanted to watch some over-the-top car-gasm, I’d go watch a Fast and Furious movie. I was expecting more maturity from Gran Turismo, like I witnessed in Ford v Ferrari. In many ways, it was as good as Ford v Ferrari but moments like these put a dent in the respect I’d have otherwise had for Neill Blomkamp.
Product Placements – Marketing Galore Or A Legal Nightmare
You’ll find a bunch of product placements throughout the movie, especially Bell Helmets. Although, they feel natural. In fact, Bell’s association with the GT Academy project gave me a few reasons to appreciate my 6-year old Bell helmet and not find a replacement for some time.
Speaking of natural product placements, Nissan didn’t poke around with the director’s decisions and they didn’t influence the story. What I absolutely loved about the movie’s approach towards product placement was that you’ll see the actors taking names of other cars and car brands openly, like they’d do in real life. You’ll see Nissan GTR racing against Ferrari, Lamborghini and many other cars. No de-badging. No logo blurring.
In fact, you’ll even see the protagonist drive a Porsche GT3 RS around Nurburgring. Considering that he was a Nissan-sponsored race car driver, the director could have taken a few creative liberties. Neill could’ve easily chosen to have a Nissan car there and it wouldn’t impact the story one bit. But the fact that they chose a Porsche for the scene demonstrates Neill’s courage and commitment to stick to the real-life as much as possible.
Take A Cab – #SafetyBeyondStars
As much as this movie invites us to get behind the wheel of a car and drive like a racer, I’m here to encourage you to instead take a cab to the movie. The Gran Turismo movie is about a regular kid who became a real-life racer and won a podium finish at the legendary 24 Hours Of Le Mans. In his first attempt, no less. It may impact you psychologically and lead you to overestimate your driving abilities. In the interest of your own and other road users’ safety, it’s better to take a cab to go watch this movie. The euphoria should die down after a good night’s sleep and it’s safer to resume driving the next morning onwards.
Disclaimer: Nissan invited V3Cars to experience the movie ahead of its India release. They covered the costs for the movie and refreshments and even handed us a Gran Turismo-branded gift, which we will give away to 2 winners in our contest on Instagram. However, Nissan had no editorial input or influence in my review.
The Amaze is Honda’s compact sedan that goes against the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Tata Tigor and Hyundai Aura. Honda has priced the Amaze between ₹7.05 lakh and ₹9.66 lakh. Both prices are ex-showroom. The Amaze is available only in three variants – E, S, and VX and five monotone colours – Lunar Silver Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Radiant Red Metallic and Golden Brown Metallic.
Honda sells Amaze only with a 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated, four-cylinder engine. It produces 89 bhp of max power and a peak torque output of 110 Nm. It comes mated to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic transmission.
Honda is currently preparing to launch its mid-size SUV in the Indian market. It is called the Elevate and it will be going against the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Citroen C3 Aircross, Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun.
Watch: Honda Elevate SUV: First drive review
The Elevate will be offered only with a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine. It puts out 119 bhp of max power and 145 Nm of peak torque. This is the same engine that is doing duty on the Honda City as well. The Elevate will be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic transmission. Honda will not sell Elevate with a diesel engine or a hybrid powertrain. Instead, Honda has confirmed that they will be launching the electric version of the Elevate by 2026.
The latest GT from the British brand uses a 680hp version of its predecessor’s AMG-sourced V8.
The Aston Martin DB12 will hit Indian shores for an official launch on September 29, 2023, just four months after its global debut. The car will make its India debut at the British High Commission in New Delhi, and deliveries are expected to begin in the last few months of 2023.
The successor to the DB11, the lineage is clear to see in the car’s design, but there are differences. The grille is much larger, the nose entirely more aggressive, and the new swept-back headlamps feature the brand’s new LED DRL signature. Around the sides the lines are more aggressive too, including a huge air vent emerging from the front wheel arch. The front and rear tracks, meanwhile, have been widened by 6mm and 22mm respectively, and that shows in the stance as well.
Aston Martin DB12 engine and performance
The Aston Martin DB12 uses an updated version of its predecessor’s chassis and mechanicals. This includes the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 sourced from Mercedes-AMG, which has now been uprated to 680hp and 800Nm. The V12 engine option has been dropped entirely, although with a weight saving of 100kg as a result, real-world performance is said to be even greater. Power goes to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox and new electronic rear differential, 0-100kph is claimed to be covered in 3.6sec, while the top speed is said to be 325kph.
Aston calls the DB12 a ‘super tourer’, alluding to its greater performance and handling. This is aided by a 7 percent stiffer chassis, uprated adaptive dampers, and an entirely new ESC system, all of which are said to give it a “wider breadth of abilities”, both on the performance and comfort fronts.
Aston Martin DB12 interior and features
The Aston Martin DB12 has been given an entirely new interior, an area that drew some criticism in its predecessor. Apart from a greater use of higher-quality materials all around, customers can avail of a much greater deal of customisation than before via the brand’s Q catalogue of options. As before, the two-door Grand Tourer features a set of rear seats.
The bigger news comes is the brand’s new proprietary electronic architecture and infotainment system, which will soon make its way into other Aston Martins. Ditching the generations-old Mercedes system of the DB11, the new system includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The latter features, among other things, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, onboard 4G connectivity and over-the-air updates.
Aston Martin DB12 Price and Bookings
The Aston Martin DB12 is priced from Rs 4.80 crore, ex showroom – India, before options. Of course, with the brand’s extensive ‘Q’ customisation programme, this price could easily shoot up quite a bit as customers personalise their own coupe, which can be done here. India bookings for the new luxury sports coupe were opened in June this year, shortly after the car’s global debut.
The Morris Garages (MG) name enters its 100th anniversary and to celebrate the same, MG Motor India, the brand’s Indian subsidiary, has announced a host of offers, discounts and benefits for customers across its vehicle range. The offers kicked off with the ‘100 years of Driving Smiles’ centenary campaign, under which customers can avail of several benefits.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 24 Aug 2023, 19:20 PM
The offers extend to all MG Motor India models starting from the Comet EV, Astor, Hector, ZS EV to the Gloster SUV (HT Auto)
MG Motor India’s centenary year offers include 20 per cent off on accessories, up to 40 per cent on value-added services, 10 per cent off on extended warranty and roadside assistance as well as a free vehicle check-up and wash. Furthermore, all MG vehicles sold between August 10 and November 30, 2023, will get the exclusive “100 years” badge.
The offers includes discounts on accessories, extended warranty and RSA, value-added services, as well as free vehicle check-up and wash for new and existing customers
Existing customers who offer referrals also stand a chance to win a staycation, subject to terms and conditions. The offers can be availed by MG customers at authorised dealerships or on the ‘My MG’ mobile app.
Speaking on the 100-year celebrations, Gaurav Gupta, Deputy Managing Director – MG Motor India, said, “As MG embarks on this remarkable journey of a hundred years, it’s an absolute pleasure to celebrate this milestone with our valued consumers, who have been an integral part of this incredible journey. As a brand committed to exceptional customer service, this initiative will enhance MG’s affinity among our customers. We are excited to celebrate this milestone with them and provide valuable offers that enhance their ownership experience. Join us in commemorating this remarkable journey, filled with accomplishments, milestones, and a future of excitement and innovation.”
MG Motor India has cemented its position as one of the foremost players in the Indian electric car space with the ZS EV and the recently launched Comet EV. The latter remains one of the most affordable electric cars on sale in the country. MG has also been actively working towards setting up electric charging stations across the country. MG Motor’s ICE lineup comprises the Astor, Hector, Hector Plus and Gloster SUVs.
Yuma Energy, a joint venture between Magna and Yulu, has announced setting up battery-swapping stations across Delhi to strengthen the national capital’s charging infrastructure. The energy-as-a-service company partnered with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) for the same with the first battery-swapping station inaugurated at Siri Fort Auditorium in Delhi.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 24 Aug 2023, 19:19 PM
The first Yuma Battery swapping station in Delhi is located at Siri Fort Auditorium
Yuma Energy is one of the bigger players in the battery charging and swapping stations business. The company already has over 120 swapping stations located across Bengaluru, Gurugram, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Delhi. The company says it supports half a million swaps and serves 125,000 customers every month. Yuma’s primary customer base includes Q-commerce (quick commerce) and food delivery platforms.
Muthu Subramanian, Managing Director and General Manager, Yuma Energy said, “We thank MCD and BRPL for their ongoing support in helping accelerate electric mobility in the Delhi region. We look forward to working together as MCD and BRPL advance their green-mobility initiatives, and we continue to grow Yuma’s footprint in Delhi.”
“MCD is making an all-out effort to create an optimal e-mobility eco-system in Delhi through the establishment of EV battery swapping stations and EV charging stations. Inauguration of battery swapping station at Siri Fort Auditorium by Yuma Energy, an EV charging infra partner of BRPL will help augment EV transportation in Delhi. We hope Yuma will bestow a great EV charging experience to the citizens of Delhi through their state-of-the-art EV charging infrastructure,” said Sh. Amit Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, MCD.
Sanjeev Gupta, Senior VP – BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, said, “BSES is leading the efforts in putting up e-vehicle infrastructure in Delhi. This partnership to set up battery-swapping stations in the national capital is the latest testimonial in these efforts. We will continue to drive innovation along with like-minded partners to make Delhi the EV capital of India.”
While Yuma’s battery swapping stations primarily cater to Yulu’s electric bike fleet, the company aims to open its services to more OEMs and electric mobility operators in a bid to make swaps more accessible to the end user. This should also promote shorter swap times.
.jpeg&w=700&q=90&c=1 "BNCAP crash test ratings, testing protocols, star ratings, differences and similarities with GNCAP")
