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.
The Thar 3 door comes with a much smaller 7-inch infotainment screen at the moment.
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.
Thar 5-door could get a bigger touchscreen
Will come with petrol and diesel engine options
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.
Larger touchscreen seen on a latest test mule of the Thar 5-door.
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.
By: Paarth Khatri | Updated on: 23 Aug 2023, 17:21 PM
The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari launched India’s own crash test norms on Tuesday. It is called Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) and it will be enforced across the country from October 2023. Now, Maruti Suzuki has announced that they will send out their vehicles to be tested under the Bharat NCAP crash test.
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso in Global NCAP crash test
This information was confirmed by CV Raman, CTO, Maruti Suzuki India. Moreover, Mr Rahul Bharti, Executive Officer of Maruti Suzuki also said that they will offer at least three models for Bharat NCAP crash testing in the first batch. As of now, the name of the models has not been confirmed. However, it can be the manufacturer’s recent launches such as Grand Vitara and new-gen Baleno.
The past record of Maruti Suzuki is not very strong when it comes to crash test ratings. The S-Presso, Alto and Eeco have scored zero stars in the adult safety rating and two stars in the child safety rating. The WagonR and Swift scored two stars in adult as well as child safety rating whereas the Ertiga scored three stars. The safest car that the Maruti Suzuki currently makes is the Brezza with four and two stars for adult and child safety ratings respectively.
According to CV Raman, CTO, Maruti Suzuki India, “It is a welcome step and we are proud as we had been working along with the government and test agencies in the discussions around formulation of the standards. We will be volunteering to get our cars tested under the BNCAP standards, which are same as the revised GNCAP protocols.
“Any car that is launched in India follows the mandatory safety standards set by the government. For consumers seeking extra safety information the Bharat NCAP system is an authentic and objective rating system to empower the customer to make an informed choice. Maruti Suzuki welcomes this initiative of the Government and will offer atleast 3 models for BNCAP testing in the first lot itself. At the same time, we would request all users to fasten seatbelts whether in the front or rear seats as that is the most critical factor in keeping passengers safe.” said Mr Rahul Bharti, Executive Officer, Maruti Suzuki
Defending Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen could be prosecuted for exceeding speed limits in a viral video. The Red Bull Racing driver was seen driving the Aston Martin Valkyrie in Monaco and was said to be going at 120 kmph in a 90 kmph zone. While the video initially went viral on a positive note, it seems to have now landed the F1 champion in a soup of sorts.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 23 Aug 2023, 16:01 PM
Max Verstappen was seen exceeding speed limits in a viral video while driving the Aston Martin Valkyrie in Monaco
According to reports, at the General Directorate of the National Gendarmerie, a specialised cell tracks down such videos broadcasted on social networks. Going by the video, Verstappen stands accused of “endangering the lives of others” and could be prosecuted for the same. Apart from the fines imposed by local authorities, F1’s governing body, the FIA could also take cognisance and penalise the driver, should the allegations prove to be true.
The viral video shows Max Verstappen driving the $2.1 million dollar worth Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar that produces in excess of 1,000 bhp. The 20-second-long video shows the Dutch driver taking the car for a spin on the Nice Nord motorway. The Valkyrie is one of the most advanced hypercars known for its sharp design and performance built in collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing.
The Valkyrie coupe uses 100 per cent carbon fibre in its construction minimising load and enhancing the power-to-weight ratio. The 6.5-litre V12 motor develops 1,140 bhp revving up to 11,100 rpm. The Valkyrie can sprint from 0-100 kmph in under 3 seconds and has a top speed of over 321 kmph.
On the racing front, Max Verstappen is dominating the 2023 F1 season with little to no competition from his contemporaries. The F1 driver will most likely be unfazed by all the chatter as he prepares for his next home race, the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort on September 4. The two-time world champion is aiming to secure his third world championship this season.
Alongside the Diamondhead, a trio of names starting with the prefix M1 have been trademarked.
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.
Hero MotoCorp is preparing to launch the Karizma XMR on 29th August in the Indian market. The manufacturer has been releasing new teasers and they even brought back Hrithik Roshan as the brand ambassador for the motorcycle. Now, the latest teaser that the manufacturer has released reveals new information about the engine of the Karizma XMR.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 22 Aug 2023, 17:58 PM
Hero Karizma XMR will come with a new 210 cc engine.
The teaser shows 210 looking on the motorcycle which confirms that the Karizma XMR will come with a 210 cc engine. It is expected to be a liquid-cooled unit with a single-cylinder setup. The power output of the engine is not yet officially confirmed. However, it can be expected to be around 25 bhp whereas the torque output will be around 30 Nm. The gearbox on duty is expected to be a 6-speed unit.
Another thing that the teaser confirmed is that Hero is using DOHC or Double Overhead Cam Setup for the engine. This setup allows more intake which helps the engine in breathing better. Moreover, it also helps the engine to rev freely and higher.
As we’re racing closer and thrilled to see all the ❤️ that you’re pouring in, here’s a sneak peek on the specs of the yet again “Most 💪🏻 in its class” legend. 🔥
How deep will you dig into your pockets for this? 💰
Speaking of revving, the instrument cluster of the Karizma XMR has also been revealed which shows a redline of 10,000 rpm. Hero is using a digital instrument cluster which shows a gear position indicator on the left side, just below that there is a temperature gauge and below it there is time.
The centre stage is taken by a circular tachometer with a speedometer right between it. Below the speedometer, there is a screen that should show various information. On the right-hand side, there is a fuel gauge and there would be other information also that the cluster would show. For instance, service reminder, odometer and trip meters.
Other features on offer that Hero has confirmed are LEDs for Daytime Running Lamp, headlamp and tail lamp. There will be a dual-channel Anti-lock braking system on offer. Hero will offer alloy wheels, telescopic forks in the front and a monoshock at the rear with disc brakes at both ends.
Along with exchange support, the company is also offering a complimentary service package of up to four years. It is also offering corporate benefits of up to ₹70,000 as well as extended warranty with benefits up to ₹4,000.
Earlier this month, the company carried out a monsoon service campaign, offering various maintenance-related discounts to customers. Skoda currently sells three models in India – Kushaq, Kodiaq and Slavia.
The company recently achieved a milestone of exporting 6,00,000 cars that were produced at its manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune. This achievement cements the position of India as a key export hub for the VW Group. The India-made models are finding strong demand in Mexico, GCC countries, Sub Sahara, North Africa and other Asian markets, to name a few, further solidifying the Group’s global footprint. Notably, the Kushaq is also the first Skoda vehicle to be exported from India.
The India-made Skoda Kushaq and Skoda Slavia models are set to be exported to Vietnam as parts and components in 2024. To facilitate this expansion, an advanced 16,000 sq. m plant is currently under construction in Chakan, Pune, dedicated to manufacturing these.
In June, the company entered into the NFT space with the launch of Skodaverse India – a Web 3.0 platform to engage users with NFT sales. It will offer unique digital art enabling customers to unlock bespoke utilities and experiences. The aim is to create a community of Skoda fans to interact, engage and co-create in the long term. Skodaverse India is a part of the existing global Web 3.0 initiative Skodaverse.
The Vellfire-based Lexus LM MPV gets two powertrain and seating options overseas.
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.
Second-gen Lexus LM launch in the coming months
Expected to get petrol-hybrid powertrain
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.
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