All posts by : Car Bima

The Mahindra Thar family is all set to expand with the introduction of the Thar 5-door early next year. It is already known that the more practical Thar 5-door will have a lot in common with its shorter 3-door sibling, however, the latest spy shots suggest that it could also receive minor styling tweaks and feature additions, including a much larger touchscreen system.

1. Thar 5-door could get a bigger touchscreen
2. Will come with petrol and diesel engine options
3. Will also come with a single-pane sunroof

Mahindra Thar 5-door to be loaded with features

With the Thar 5-door, Mahindra will be targetting SUV buyers who want a practical vehicle that can be used for daily commuting as well as for off-road and outdoor sorties. Therefore, a longer features list and more creature comforts are expected on the 5-door version.

Spy shots have confirmed that some variants will get a sunroof, front and rear centre armrests and a few other features, including an all-new infotainment screen. The 3-door model currently comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, while the unit seen on a latest test mule could be around 10-inches, or an even larger, and comes in a completely new housing that has a floating look.

Mahindra currently offers touchscreens in various sizes in its SUV line-up, starting with the 7-inch on the Thar 3-door, going up to an 8-inch on the Scorpio N, the 9-inch unit on the XUV300 and XUV400, and a large 10.25-inch version on the XUV700.

The 7-inch screen on the Thar 3-door has been criticised for its mediocre interface and display, and also for its relatively smaller size as opposed to 8-inch units that’s pretty much the norms on almost every other mainstream car or SUV. The larger screen on the Thar 5-door will then be a major step up.

Mahindra Thar 5-door launch early next year

The production-spec Thar 5-door with petrol and diesel engines will go on sale only next year. The brand currently has its hands full with over 2.8 lakh vehicles to be delivered; the Thar itself has over 68,000 open bookings as of August 2023. The SUV currently garners 10,000 fresh orders every month for the 2WD and 4WD models. Mahindra has confirmed that the Thar 2WD’s demand is skyrocketing and it currently has a 15-month waiting period. The more expensive Thar 4WD has around a five-month waiting period at most locations.

Apart from the Thar 5-door, Mahindra is also readying a major update on the XUV300 compact SUV for a 2024 launch. Last week, Mahindra also unveiled the Thar.e concept as well as a Scorpio N-based pickup truck concept at its Futurescape event in Cape Town, South Africa.

Image Credit – Charles Naveen

Also See:

Mahindra Thar.e concept walkaround video

Production-spec Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV teased 

A little over a week ago, Ola revealed its updated e-scooter line-up alongside four radical-looking electric bike concepts. Now, we have learnt that the company has also trademarked four names supporting those concepts. 

The most talked-about concept at the event was the Diamondhead sportbike, and Ola has trademarked that name, although it is unlikely to go into production featuring that same outlandish design. 

The three other trademarks are M1 Adventure, M1 Cruiser and M1 Cyber Racer. The first two names are pretty straightforward and leave nothing to the imagination when it comes to which e-bike they’ll find themselves on down the line. The third one could possibly be what Ola calls its interpretation of a roadster. 

Despite these trademark filings, we think an official launch is still quite some time away because at the Independence Day event, very few details of the bikes were shown and absolutely no specifications were shared. The only clue launch timeline shared was ‘end 2024’ mentioned on a presentation slide. 

Also See:

Ola S1 X launched at Rs 89,999, gets 3 variants

Lexus India has released the first set of teasers of its upcoming LM MPV. The Lexus LM is now in its second generation and is based on the new Toyota Vellfire MPV, which recently launched in India. The second-gen LM MPV was revealed at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show a few months ago.

1. Second-gen Lexus LM launch in the coming months
2. Expected to get petrol-hybrid powertrain
3. Gets noise-reducing wheels and tyres 

Lexus LM: first Lexus MPV for India

So far, the LM has been a China-only model and now at the global debut of its second-gen, Lexus announced that the new LM will be sold in left- and right-hand-drive layouts, and in markets like Europe, Asia, the Middle East, the United Kingdom and China as well. The new LM, which stands for Luxury Mover, has now been designed specially for customers who are not looking for a chauffeur-driven SUV.

New Lexus LM: platform and styling

The second-gen Lexus LM is now based on Toyota’s GA-K modular platform, which is a common base for a long list of cars, including the Camry, the Lexus ES, the Lexus RX and SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Highlander sold overseas. It gets the latest iteration of Lexus’ oversized grille, stylish headlamps and more. In profile, a reworked glasshouse and subtle creases throughout the length help reduce the slab-sided look.

Talking of dimensions, its length remains the same at 5,130mm; it is 1,890mm wide and 1,945mm high. Two seating options are on offer on the Lexus LM overseas. It comes with sliding doors on each side and sits on a set of 17-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels.

New Lexus LM MPV: more luxurious than Vellfire

The new Lexus LM is armed with features airline-style recliner seats, a 48-inch widescreen TV, a premium, 23-speaker surround-sound audio system and pillow-style headrests. Passengers also get fold-out tables, several USB ports, wireless phone chargers, reading lights and vanity mirrors, a fridge, rear gloveboxes and an umbrella holder. Lexus also offers a dimmable glass panel that can be raised or lowered for privacy.

The new LM also gets a new voice control system that Lexus says is the first in the world to cater specifically to rear passengers, while an overhead console controls the doors, storage compartments and cabin temperature. Rear passengers also get a separate smartphone-style control panel to adjust the climate, seat functions, interior lighting, window blinds and audio settings.

Sound deadening and insulation has been key for Lexus with the second-gen LM as it gets a specially designed headliner along with improved sealing enhancing insulation by 40 percent. The MPV also gets noise-reducing wheels and tyres, and active noise control that cuts sounds detected through a microphone while driving. Drivers benefit from a digital rear-view mirror, a panoramic-view monitor, a digital infotainment system and digital dials.

New Lexus LM MPV: petrol-hybrid powertrain options

Two petrol-hybrid powertrain options are available on the new Lexus LM. The 2.5-litre self-charging hybrid engine, seen on other Toyota and Lexus models, will be available on the Lexus LM350h, which also gets four-wheel drive as standard. This could be the powertrain option for India as well. There will also be a more powerful LM500h that will join the global line-up at a later stage.

New Lexus LM India launch details

Lexus showcased the first-gen LM earlier this year in India at Auto Expo. While the new LM is yet to make its India debut, going by fresh details shared by Lexus India, we expect a price announcement in our market in the coming months.

Also see:

New Lexus GX 550 revealed; previews future Land Cruiser Prado SUV

Lexus LBX revealed, becomes brand’s smallest model

Geoffrey Emmanuel made an impressive debut in the Malaysia Superbike Championship. The 18-year-old finished on the podium in both races, with a pair of P3 results at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

• Emmanuel third overall in the championship
• Also competing in JuniorGP World Championship

Geoffrey Emmanuel P3 at Sepang

Earlier this year, Emmanuel – son of seven-time National Champion Emmanuel Jebaraj – became the first Indian to compete in the FIM JuniorGP World Championship. The series is considered a crucial stepping stone to MotoGP.

Alongside his JuniorGP commitments, the young Indian is now undertaking a campaign in the 2023 Malaysian Superbike Championship. He’s competing astride a Honda CBR250 in the 250cc category (A class) with team Gusto Racing India.

Despite limited track time to prepare for his championship debut, he collected a pair of P3 finishes. It was an especially close finish in Race 1, with Emmanuel missing out on the second place by just 0.039 secs.

“It was a very challenging weekend for me. We had barely three days to set up the stock CBR250 bike, apart from learning the track. Racing at the SIC was a big opportunity for me and another step towards achieving my goal of making it to MotoGP,” he said, summing up his debut weekend.

“The race itself was very competitive, but I managed to hold my position till the finish and I am absolutely delighted that I made the podium in both races.”

2023 Malaysia Superbike Championship

This year’s Malaysia Superbike Championship comprises six races across three rounds – all to be held at Sepang. Round 2 is scheduled for September 8-10, followed by the finale round on December 15-17. 

Emmanuel is currently third overall with a total of 32 points, eight points behind second-placed M.Farid Hakimi Farid Sezli and 18 points behind championship leader Muhd Irfan Haykhal Amidi.

Also see:

MotoGP India guide: Tickets, track updates explained

MRF Tyres seals European Rally Championship title for second year running

Honda is all set to launch its long awaited Elevate SUV on September 4, with static display vehicles now reaching dealerships. The Elevate is Honda’s contender in the ever growing midsize SUV market, which includes the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara, among others. 

1. Honda Elevate prices could start at Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom)
2. Gets a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two gearbox options
3. Customer test drives to commence soon

Honda Elevate powertrain, fuel efficiency

Post its global debut in India, in July, the Elevate was recently homologated for our market. The Elevate shares its powertrain options with the City – 121hp, 145Nm, 1.5-litre petrol mated to either a 6-speed manual or 7-step CVT automatic. Honda has confirmed that it will not offer a petrol-hybrid powertrain on the Elevate, but will launch an all-electric SUV in future.

As far as fuel efficiency goes, the manual Elevate returns a claimed 15.31kpl, while the CVT returns 16.92kpl. Expect the real-world figures to be slightly different.

The Honda Elevate is sized on par with its arch rival, the Hyundai Creta. It measures 4,312mm in length, 1,790mm in width and 1,650mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,650mm. The Elevate also gets segment-leading 220mm ground clearance.

Honda Elevate features and equipment

The Honda Elevate is available in four trims – SV, V, VX and ZX. The entry-level SV gets LED projector headlamps, automatic climate control, 16-inch steel wheels and dual front airbags.

The fully loaded Elevate ZX gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen, six airbags, a single pane sunroof, ADAS, eight speakers, leatherette brown upholstery, soft-touch dashboard and auto-dimming interior mirror. It also gets a unique Phoenix Orange exterior paint shade on this variant, along with a few, optional dual-tone shades.

Honda Elevate test drive details, expected pricing

Test drives for the Elevate will commence soon and dealer sources tell us that it is expected to start from Rs 11 lakh. The Elevate will rival the Hyundai Creta and the recently launched Kia Seltos facelift, which get more features and a diesel engine option, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Toyota Hyryder, which get petrol-hybrid powertrain options, and the Skoda Kushaq and the Volkswagen Taigun.

Image source

What are your thoughts on the Honda Elevate? Let us know in the comments section.

Also see: 

Honda Elevate to skip hybrid and go straight to EV

Honda Elevate review: Was it worth the wait?

Honda Elevate to get 4 variants, features revealed

The new Ford Mustang GTD is a carbonfibre-bodied, aerodynamically optimised, track-ready “technological tour de force” that takes the crown as Ford’s most powerful road car yet. It will be built in limited numbers starting late next year, and initially be sold in the North America. The GTD is said to have been conceived with the aim of creating “a Mustang to take on the best of European sports cars”.

Ford is targeting a sub-seven-minute lap time at the Nurburgring, a feat that would put the GTD on par with European supercars, including the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, Lamborghini Aventador SVJ and Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. Designed and engineered in partnership with motorsport outfit Multimatic, which built the Ford GT supercar, the new arrival is effectively a road-legal reworking of the Mustang GT3 that will race at Le Mans next year. It falls under the IMSA Sportscar Championship’s GTD classification, for cars built to the FIA’s GT3 specifications.

Ford Mustang GTD engine, performance

A targeted output of more than 811hp from the heavily reworked, supercharged V8 makes the GTD the most powerful Mustang yet, outpunching even 2019’s snarling 709hp Shelby GT500.

The bespoke 5.2-litre engine is larger than that fitted to the standard road-going Mustang and packs a suite of motorsport-derived modifications – including a dry sump, dual air inlets and a titanium active-valve exhaust system (which generates “exceptional notes”) – in pursuit of Lamborghini-aping performance figures.

It delivers its reserves to the 345mm-wide rear wheels via a lightweight carbon fibre driveshaft and eight-speed transaxle – the latter fitted in place of a standard gearbox to ensure “near 50:50” front-to-rear weight distribution, and because simulations proved that to be the most effective way to “put power to the ground”.

Ford Mustang GTD suspension tweaks, aero

The GTD is equipped with semi-active suspension, which brings variable spring rates and a 40mm lower ride height in Track mode. A motorsport-inspired “short-long arm” set-up for the front suspension is said to boost stiffness and responsiveness, and the rear suspension is mounted to a lightweight tubular subframe, as it is in the GT3 car. The suspension control units are housed alongside the transaxle cooling system at the rear, where the boot used to be.

The GTD has a track that’s nearly 100mm wider than that of the standard Mustang, which, together with massive 325mm-wide front tyres (wider than the rear tyres of the GT) boosts grip and cornering stability substantially. Buyers are offered a choice of 20-inch forged aluminium wheels or optional magnesium items available on the GT3 racer.

The aero package is obviously lifted nearly wholesale from the GT3 racer, with a massive hydraulically adjustable rear wing, a vented bonnet, chunky air scoops, a beefy front splitter and a wind-cheating rear diffuser boosting downforce at speed and stability through bends.

Stopping power is provided by huge carbon-ceramic disks, engineered to resist fade under repeated braking.

Ford Mustang GTD interiors

Inside, the GTD is closer to the standard Mustang than the race car, retaining digital displays and the standard infotainment system with over-the-air software-update functionality.

Notably, though, the rear seats have been removed to save weight, the front seats are swapped for track-ready Recaro buckets and the rotary dial, build plaque and paddle shifters are all 3D-printed using titanium recovered from retired F22 fighter jets.

Ford hasn’t given a weight figure for the GTD, but the carbon body panels and stringent lightweight methods mean it’s likely to tip the scales at substantially less than the 1,768kg Mustang Dark Horse.

The previous-gen Mustang was on sale in India for a short period, but since exiting the Indian market, Ford does not sell any new cars here anymore.

Also see: 

Ford Mustang Mach-E review, test drive