South Korean automaker Kia will observe ‘Kia EV Day’ on October 12 in Yeoju, Korea, where it will shed light on its future EV roadmap and display its entire EV lineup including two new concept EVs. During the event, the company will announce its global vision and strategy for battery-powered vehicles. The move is in line with the OEM’s vision to become a key player in sustainable mobility.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 04 Oct 2023, 16:25 PM
The Kia EV Day event in mid-October will see the company displaying its entire EV lineup, including the Kia EV5, EV6 GT and EV9, as well as two new concept EVs.
The event is set to become an annual tradition for the company, starting this year, wherein it will encourage stakeholders to discuss about sustainable mobility and future growth plans. At the event, Kia will showcase its new electric models, concepts, and technologies.
The event in mid-October will see the company displaying its entire EV lineup, including the Kia EV5, EV6GT and EV9. The EV5 was launched at the Chengdu Motor Show in August this year, and during the event, attendees will be given a detailed specification of the electric model. Kia will also introduce two new concept EVs.
Kia introduced the EV5 in production model in China last month, which comes as an all-electric alternative to the Kia Sportage. The compact electric SUV is slated to launch in China later this year before being introduced to other markets.
The EV6 GT debuted last year in August and the brand claims it to be the most powerful Kia production vehicle ever. With 800V multi-charging architecture, the Kia EV6 GT is ultra-fast DC charging enabled, implying that it can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in under 18 minutes.
The event will also see keynote speakers taking the stage to shed light upon topics significant to Kia’s transition to a sustainable mobility solutions provider. Subjects will include the brand’s comprehensive EV strategy, its ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, updates on innovative customer experience strategies, and new product insights.
Two of these already exist globally, while more details on the rest are expected at the upcoming Kia EV day.
Kia has trademarked as many as eight new electric vehicles in India – the range starts with the EV1, goes all the way up to the EV9. The EV9 is Kia’s flagship electric model, and we already know its slated to arrive in India sometime next year, but while there’s no confirmation on the others, trademarking the names suggests that Kia could have its entire born EV portfolio in India in the future.
Kia has trademarked EV1 to EV9 born EVs in India
EV6 is already on sale in India
Kia’s future EVs: what do we know so far?
The nomenclature of the models suggests their size and positioning relative to each other with the EV1 sitting at the base of the range while the EV9 serves as the flagship.
Of these, the EV6 crossover is already on sale here, and the EV5 debuted in production form just a couple of months earlier. The 4.6-meter-long SUV will be offered for sale only in the China initially, but will also make it to select global markets eventually. Crucially, the trademarking comes just before Kia’s EV day on October 12, which is when we can expect more details on the remaining models.
Recently, in markets abroad, a Seltos-sized upright SUV was spotted testing that will likely be called the EV4 upon debut. It will measure about 4.2 meters in length and it is this model that we are expecting more details on at the upcoming Kia EV day.
A teaser for the event also shows the silhouette of an EV6-like coupe-crossover with distinctive LED lighting elements, although it’s not known what its size will be relative to the EV6.
There are, however, no details on the body style or size of the remaining four vehicles, neither is it known which of these will be brough to India. Expect more details to be revealed at the upcoming Kia EV day 2023.
Tata Motors has officially teased the facelifted version of the Harrier and Safari for the very first time. The manufacturer will start accepting bookings of the Harrier and Safari facelift on 6th October. The updated SUVs will come with a revamped design language that will look like Curvv. The interiors will also be updated and there is a possibility that Tata might also introduce the petrol engine finally.
By: Paarth Khatri | Updated on: 03 Oct 2023, 18:17 PM
The Harrier and Safari will now come with a connected lightbar in the front.
Tata will continue to sell the Harrier and Safari with a Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 168 bhp and 350 Nm of peak torque. It comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. There is a possibility that Tata will also introduce its new 1.5-litre petrol engine that uses direct-injection technology. It puts out 168 bhp and 280 Nm of peak torque.
The updated design language means that up-front there will be a split headlamp setup with the LED Daytime Running Lamp connected via a light bar. The main headlamp housing is new and is now positioned vertically. The grille on the Safari does look more up-market than the one found on the Harrier. It will probably be a big distinguishing factor between both the SUVs. On the sides, there will be a new set of alloy wheels. At the rear, it is expected that Tata will carry the same tail lamp setup but now there will be a connected lightbar.
The interior will also get a new steering wheel that has a digital Tata logo. There is a possibility that the manufacturer will bring in the new infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster from the Nexon to the Harrier and Safari. The HVAC controls will also be updated that debuted on the Nexon. Apart from this, the dashboard can be redesigned as well.
Carmaker aims to attract more customers with these special editions during the festive season.
Honda has launched two new special editions of the Honda City and Honda Amaze called the ‘Elegant Edition’ and ‘Elite Edition’, respectively. The City Elegant Edition is priced at Rs 12.57 lakh for the manual and Rs 13.82 lakh for the CVT, while the Amaze Elite Edition costs Rs 9.04 lakh for the manual and Rs 9.86 lakh for the CVT-equipped version. Honda will sell these cars in limited volumes and come in all colour options.
Honda special edition prices
Variant
Price
Honda City Elegant Edition MT
Rs 12.57 lakh
Honda City Elegant Edition CVT
Rs 13.82 lakh
Honda Amaze Elite Edition MT
Rs 9.04 lakh
Honda Amaze Elite Edition CVT
Rs 9.86 lakh
Both editions get a rear spoiler
Amaze gets tyre inflator, anti-fog wing mirrors
Honda City Elegant Edition features
The Elegant Edition is based on the ‘V’ trim, which means it comes equipped with features such as a sunroof, 15-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch infotainment unit and a lane-watch camera.
A new exterior detail on the elegant edition is a rear spoiler on the boot with an LED high-mount stop lamp. Other exterior additions include an ‘Elegant Edition’ badging and a side step panel with ‘City’ illuminated. On the inside, the sedan gets an illuminated footwell and beige seat covers with ‘Elegant Edition’ markings.
Honda Amaze Elite Edition features
The Amaze Elite Edition is based on the VX variant, and like the special edition of the City, it gets exterior badging, a spoiler on the trunk and an illuminated sidestep. It also gets an anti-fog film on the wing mirrors.
On the inside, the Honda Amaze Elite Edition gets seat covers with special badging and a sliding armrest. This edition also comes equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system and a tyre inflator.
Honda City and Amaze powertrains
The Honda City is offered with a 121hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine paired to either a 6-speed manual or a CVT gearbox, while the Amaze is offered with a 90hp, 110Nm, 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. The City rivals the Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen Virtus, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and the Hyundai Verna, and the Amaze rivals the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Aura and Tata Tigor.
Tesla reportedly sent out special apparel for the vehicle launch team members of the Cybertruck pickup truck. Tesla Cybertruck is one of the most anticipated electric vehicles in the world. The official launch of the electric pickup truck is inching closer and ahead of that, the automaker has sent out special apparel for the launch team, reported the Cybertruck Owners Club forum.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 02 Oct 2023, 16:27 PM
Tesla Cybertruck is one of the most awaited electric vehicles in the world. (Image: Cybertruck Owners Club)
Tesla has already started production of the Cybertruck pickup truck. However, the production of this pure electric pickup truck with an unusual design has started at a limited number. Tesla plans to ramp up its production numbers from early 2024. However, before that, the official launch event is expected to take place in a few weeks.
A user of the Cybertruck Owners Club forum has shared an image of the official apparel. The apparel comes with the ‘Cybertruck’ word printed on it along with the ‘Launch Team’ words.
Back in April this year, Tesla CEO Elon Musk hinted that the Cybertruck handover event would happen towards the end of the third quarter. Considering that, the third quarter has been already over. However, given Tesla’s reputation of keeping with the deadlines, that is not very unusual. But now with the apparels sent out to the launch team, we can expect the event to take place in a few weeks. Also, over the last few months, the prototypes of the Tesla Cybertruck spotted have hinted that the EV is in its final phase of testing.
Tesla Cybertruck was first unveiled back in November 2019. Since then, the automaker has set multiple deadlines for the launch of the EV but failed to keep its promises again and again. It was supposed to enter production several times in the past two years, but that never happened, partly because of the global microchip shortage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Slavia also gets a new Matte Black edition, and both cars have been updated with new features.
Skoda has introduced a new Matte Black edition of the Slavia sedan, and has also revised the base price of both Slavia and Kushaq to now start at Rs 10.89 lakh. That makes the base Slavia Rs 50,000 cheaper, and the base Kushaq Rs 70,000 cheaper, although both prices are limited just for the festive season. The Slavia Matte Black edition will also only be available for the festive season.
Slavia gets new Matte Black Edition
Slavia, Kushaq get powered front seats, footwell illumination
Base price of both models reduced for festive season
Skoda Slavia Matte Black Edition
The Slavia Matte Black edition gets the Carbon Steel exterior paint shade finished in matte, along with gloss-black finishing for the door handles and wing mirrors. The chrome finish for the grille, bumper garnishes and window lining, however, has been retained as is. The Kushaq has also been meted out a similar treatment before.
The Slavia Matte Black edition is available with all existing powertrain options, although Skoda hasn’t yet quoted a specific price for the special edition model.
Skoda Slavia, Kushaq get new features
Skoda has also updated both the Slavia and Kuhsaq’s top-spec Style trim with powered front seats and footwell illumination. These feature enhancements also extend to the Kushaq Monte Carlo variant. While Hyundai also offers powered adjustment for the driver’s seat on the Verna, powered adjustment for the front passenger seat is a segment first.
Royal Enfield on Sunday announced in a regulatory filing that the company witnessed marginal growth for the motorcycles that come with engines bigger than 350 cc. On the other hand, the motorcycles powered by engines of up to 350 cc displacement, recorded marginal growth in September. The homegrown motorcycle giant sold 70,345 units in September 2023 in the 350 cc segment, down by five per cent from 74,206 units registered in the same month a year ago.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 01 Oct 2023, 16:01 PM
Royal Enfield witnessed a sales slump in the 350cc category, while bigger motorcycles posted four per cent growth.
In the bigger bikes segment, where Royal Enfield sells models like Scram 411, Super Meteor 650, Continental GT, Interceptor etc., the company posted four per cent sales growth last month. In this category, Royal Enfield claims to have sold 8,235 motorcycles last month, as compared to 7,891 units retailed in the same month a year ago. However, sales in this segment in the first six months of this financial year were down by 10 per cent to 50,790 units. The company sold 56,387 units during the same period in the last financial year.
Watch: Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: Road test review
On the other hand, in up to 350 cc segment, sales of the auto company between April and September this year were 406,196 units, up by 20 per cent as compared to 338,582 units sold during the first six months of last financial year. Royal Enfield’s total sales in September were down by four per cent to 78,580 units, as compared to 82,097 units recorded in the same month a year ago. The company claims to have sold a total of 456,986 motorcycles in the first six months of this financial year, up by 16 per cent, as compared to the same period a year ago when it retailed 394,969 units.
Despite being a major player in the Indian motorcycle market, Royal Enfield has a strong international business as well. However, the company witnessed a major slump in its export numbers in September as well as during the first six months of the current fiscal. Last month, the auto manufacturer shipped 4,319 motorcycles to overseas markets, down 49 per cent from 8,451 units sold in the same month a year ago. Between April and September this year, Royal Enfield sold 40,099 motorcycles in the overseas markets, down 26 per cent compared to 54,260 units sold in the same period a year ago.
Upsizing the wheels will have an impact on your ride and handling balance.
Published On Oct 01, 2023 09:30:00 AM
Can I retrofit larger 18-inch tyres in place of 17 inchers without voiding the warranty on my Invicto Alpha+? I also want to upgrade to a 9-speaker JBL system instead of the current six, change captain seats to bench seats and install fog lamps. Please help me decide.
J Neri, Mohali
Autocar India says: While it is possible to retrofit most of the parts – 18-inch rims and tyres, 9-speaker JBL audio setup, bench middle-row seat – in the Toyota Innova HyCross-derived Maruti Suzuki Invicto, it would not be advisable purely from a warranty standpoint.
In case of the upsized alloy wheels and tyres, Maruti Suzuki may reject any future warranty claim on the suspension components, citing the bigger rims and tyres.
Moreover, the existing wiring harness in the Invicto will not support the 9-speaker setup from the top-end HyCross, and a retro fitment would need replacing the existing harness with that of the HyCross. The installation would further entail stripping down the entire car, and if there is any electrical-related warranty claim in the future, Maruti Suzuki will reject it simply on the basis of non-standard wiring harness being fitted inside the car.
While a bench middle-row seat fitment looks like a bolt-on job, one would need to notify the RTO about the change in the vehicle’s seating capacity from 7 to 8 occupants, and get it endorsed on the car’s registration certificate. Since, the three-point seatbelt provision for the middle passenger will not be possible, the RTO will reject it. Future insurance claims will also be rejected due to the illegal conversion of the car to an eight seater.
Finally, while the HyCross offers it, there is no provision in the Invicto’s front bumper to house a pair of fog lamps. Hence, they cannot be retrofitted at all.
The jacket now comes with Ergo Pro Tech armor which is a Level 2 armor. It is fitted at the shoulders and elbows. There is space for a back protector as well as reflective elements for enhancing visibility during nighttime. Speaking of back protector, Royal Enfield’s Ergo Pro Tech Level 2 back armour is compatible with the jacket. The jacket is made up of Cordura fabric and has a mesh design. Royal Enfield says that the Streetwind V3 weighs just 1.17 kg and can be packed in laptop bags.
The jacket is made up of 90 per cent high abrasion-resistant polyester and 10 per cent 600D polyester. There are adjustable tabs located on the cuffs, waist, biceps, and forearms. Apart from this, two zipped pockets increase the practicality of the jacket. Royal Enfield is using YKK zippers which are considered one of the best in the segment. Other small elements that Royal Enfield is offering are a sunglass loop, velcro patch, pre-curved arms and snap fastener for the neck.
In other news, Royal Enfield is currently working on launching the Himalayan 450. It will be the manufacturer’s first motorcycle to come with a liquid-cooled engine. The training for the new motorcycle has been completed and the motorcycle will be launched in the coming months. It will sit above the current Himalayan which has a 411 cc engine. The new engine produces 40 bhp of max power and the initial response from the people who have ridden the motorcycle is quite positive.
Retrofitting an EV powertrain would cost anywhere between Rs 3 lakh-5 lakh.
Published On Sep 30, 2023 09:30:00 AM
Can I convert my Maruti XL6 into an EV? If yes, how much will it cost, and is it safe? Also, what are the legal formalities I need to go through?
Abhinav Srivastava, Hyderabad
Autocar India says: It is not advisable to retrofit an EV kit in an ICE vehicle as the conversion would entail a thorough changeover of all major vehicle components. This would pose a huge risk to the dynamics, safety and reliability of the vehicle.
Additionally, the risks involved with a high-voltage EV powertrain can be humongous – the quality of critical components such as the battery pack, motor, controller and wiring harnesses being the key determining factor in the safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.
Given the complexity, it is not easy to precisely calibrate each sub-system of an EV powertrain with the limited resources and capabilities of aftermarket players. Hence, there are high chances of encountering troubles in the long run, wherein it could be tough getting the desired service support from small-scale installers.
An EV retro fitment could cost anywhere between Rs 3 lakh-5 lakh, while also making a significant dent on the existing resale value of the vehicle in its ICE form. Since the EV space is continuously evolving, we would not recommend retrofitting at this juncture. You could instead buy an EV from trusted carmakers like Tata Motors, MG Motor India, Mahindra & Mahindra and others.
Volvo Cars has increased the prices of the XC60, XC90 and S90 in India with immediate effect. Though there has been no formal announcement, the official website of the Swedish carmaker in India reflects the new price list, confirming the hike. All three models have received uniform price hike of ₹35,000. These models are all hybrid versions launched by Volvo in the last couple of years. Prices of all other cars in Volvo’s lineup in India remain unchanged.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 29 Sep 2023, 16:25 PM
Volvo has increased the prices of Volvo XC60, XC90 and S90 mild-hybrid models for the second time in 2023.
Volvo had recently upgraded its entire fleet to mild hybrid models. Last year it launched the XC40 and XC90 mild hybrid variants. The price hike has been implemented on the Volvo XC60, XC90 and S90 mild hybrid models. The price of the XC60 SUV now stands at ₹67.85 lakh (ex-showroom). Volvo XC90 SVU will cost ₹98.85 lakh (ex-showroom) while the S90 sedan will come at a price of ₹68.25 lakh (ex-showroom).
This is the second time that these models have received a price hike this year. The price of these vehicles were increased earlier in February this year by up to two per cent due to the rise in customs duty as announced in the Union Budget 2023.
Volvo S90 and XC60 mild hybrid models were launched in India back in October 2021. A year later, Volvo updated its entire lineup, including the XC90 SUV, with mild-hybrid powertrain. Volvo uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine under the hood of these vehicles. The engine in all three models use a 48V battery pack for more efficiency. The Volvo S90 sedan offers up to 250 hp of power and has 350 Nm of peak torque. The XC60 SUV can churn out 250 hp of power and has 350 Nm of peak torque. The XC90 SUV can generate 300 hp of power and 420 Nm of peak torque.
Also Watch: Volvo C40 Recharge electric SUV review
Besides these three, Volvo also offers the XC40 SUV with mild-hybrid powertrain. Volvo also has two electric vehicles in its lineup – the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge. The Swedish carmaker launched the C40 Recharge electric SUV at a price of ₹61.25 lakh (ex-showroom) earlier this month. Drawing power from a 78 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the SUV can generate 402 hp of peak power and 660 Nm of maximum torque. It promises to offer 530 kms of range in a single charge.
The X2 will be a smaller sibling to the BMW X4 and X6.
The second-generation BMW X2 is gearing up for an imminent unveiling, with previews confirming it will adopt a rakish new roofline and much larger grille as part of a total design reinvention aimed at positioning it as a bona fide ‘baby’ X6.
Coupe version of the existing X1 SUV
Could be offered with a range of powertrains
More powerful X2 M35i spied testing recently
BMW X2 design and interior
Shown in a teaser video released by BMW ahead of a reveal in the coming weeks, the new X2 will swap the raised hatchback silhouette of the current car for a more coupé form and will be a smaller sibling to the BMW X4 and BMW X6.
Also visible is an expansive new grille, which will bring the X2 into line with its newer SUVs. There is an illuminated surround on the grille like that of the new BMW i7 – flanked by X1-shaped headlights with a bespoke LED light signature.
The redesign will cement the X2’s positioning as the style-focused sibling of the BMW X1, much like the X4 does for the X3 and the X6 for the X5. Like those larger coupé-SUVs, it is expected to be technically identical to the X1.
On the inside too, all variants are expected to be largely identical to the X1, doing away with the current car’s rotary infotainment control knob for a touch-control-heavy arrangement centred around a 10.7-inch infotainment screen and 10.25-inch digital driver display. The primary difference will be a slight decrease in headroom and boot space, courtesy of the sloping roof.
BMW X2 powertrains
The BMW X2 should be offered with a range of petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains ranging in output from 170hp to 326hp – and it has already been confirmed that the reinvented SUV will be available for the first time with pure-electric power.
The new electric BMW iX2 will rival the likes of the Volkswagen ID 5 and Volvo C40 with the iX1’s 313hp twin-motor arrangement, which will get it from 0-100kph in around 5.6sec and a range of 440km from its 66.4kWh battery. Charging speeds will peak at 130kW.
The BMW X2 M35i is also set to return, having been spotted testing at the Nürburgring recently. It’s distinguishable from its less powerful siblings by its quad-exit exhausts and will go after the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 with a 300hp turbo four-cylinder engine that will do 0-100kph in 5.4sec.
BMW X2 global reveal and launch
As confirmed by BMW chairman Oliver Zipse at the German car maker’s annual conference in March, the cars will be launched at the end of 2023. BMW recently launched the all-electric iX1 SUV this week for Rs 66.9 lakh ( ex-showroom). The X1 has been popular among Indian buyers with it being BMW’s best-selling luxury SUV for FY2023.
The all-new BMW iX1 comes with the automaker’s xDrive all-wheel drive technology and promises up to 440 km range on a single charge. Powered by the automaker’s fifth-generation eDrive technology, the iX1 also promises instant acceleration of 0-100 kmph in 5.6 seconds. Powering the EV is a 66.4 kWh battery pack paired with dual electric motors, fitted to each axle and channelling power to all four wheels through an AWD. The electric luxury SUV claims to be capable of running at a top speed of 180 kmph. The electric powerplant onboard the iX1 churns out 308 bhp peak power and 494 Nm of maximum torque.
Watch: 2023 BMW iX1 electric SUV: First Look
The all-new BMW iX1 comes with fast charging technology. Using a 130 kW DC fast charger its battery pack can be topped up from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 20 minutes. BMW claims the battery pack can ensure a 120-kilometre range with 10 minutes charge using the fast charger. An 11 kW AC charger tops up the battery pack fully in about 6.3 hours.
The BMW iX1 comes with a standard two-year warranty for unlimited kilometres. Also, the battery pack is covered by an eight-year or up to 160,000 kilometres warranty.
The electric luxury SUV comes with a bold and muscular design, in line with BMW’s contemporary styling philosophy. An almost square BMW kidney grille with a closed glossy black panel, and distinct ‘i’ identification make it different from the conventional fuel-powered X1. Other design elements include segment-first adaptive LED headlights, square wheel arches, 18-inch M light alloy wheels, a large surface diffuser at the back and L-shaped LED taillights. The BMW iX1 is available in Alpine White non-metallic paint and Space Silver, Black Sapphire and Storm Bay metallic colour options.
Inside the cabin, the choice of upholstery includes Veganza Perforated Mocha and Veganza Perforated Oyster. The first thing that catches attention inside the cabin is the fully digital BMW curved display. The automaker has used M Sport leather on the steering wheel, while the blue ring finisher logo also adds distinctiveness. It sports ambient lighting, dual-zone AC, a 12-speaker audio system, and multiple massage options for the front seats.
Electric SUV available in single trim with a range of 440km.
BMW has launched the all-electric iX1 xDrive30 SUV for Rs 66.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The SUV is based on the popular BMW X1, which was not just the bestselling luxury SUV for the brand in FY2023 but also the bestseller overall. We broke the story earlier this month that the EV SUV is set to come to India.
10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment
Gets ADAS features
4th electric BMW on sale in India
BMW iX1 exterior and interior
Since it’s based on the combustion-engined X1, the electric iX1 gets an almost identical design, with an ‘i’ on the front grille to differentiate it from the ICE vehicle. The SUV rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and gets adaptive suspension. It’s available in four monotone colours – grey, silver, black and white.
On the inside, the SUV features a 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit that is operated using BMW’s iDrive operating system; the digital information display is a 10.25-inch unit. The interiors are finished in Aluminium ‘Mesheffect’ with chrome highlight accents, and it gets a reclining rear bench. The SUV has a boot space of 490 litres.
BMW iX1 features and safety
The iX1 gets two-zone climate control, front seats with massage functions, a Harmon Kardon sound system with 12 speakers, 6 ambient lighting modes and a panoramic sunroof. The SUV also gets adaptive LED headlights, automatic tailgate operation and parking assist.
The iX1 gets similar safety equipment as the ICE SUV with features such as ABS, ESP, traction control and ADAS. Since it’s an electric vehicle and has no engine noise, it comes equipped with a feature that plays an artificial sound to alert people on the road, which works at speeds of up to 30 kph only.
BMW iX1 battery, range and performance
The BMW iX1 comes equipped with a motor at each axle that gives it all-wheel drive capability. The combined power output figures are 313hp and 494Nm, which give the EV a 0-100kph speed of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 180kph. The SUV utilises a 66.4kWh battery pack and has a claimed range of 440km.
Using a standard 11kW AC charger, the BMW’s battery can be charged from 0-100 percent in 6.3 hours, while a 130kW DC fast charger charges it from 10-80 percent in just 29 minutes.
BMW iX1 price and rivals
The BMW iX1 xDrive 30 is the most affordable electric vehicle BMW offers in the country. It also sells the i4 sedan, the iX SUV and the opulent i7.
The BMW iX1 sits between the Mercedes EQB (Rs 77.50 lakh) and the Volvo XC40 Recharge (Rs 56.9 lakh), and also rivals the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (Rs 45.95 lakh) and Kia EV6 (Rs 60.95 lakh). The brand could locally assemble the EV here in the future, as they are doing with the X1, to lower its prices.
Mumbai-based racer Jehan Daruvala has been signed by Maserati MSG Racing to compete in Season 10 of the FIA Formula E World Championship. Daruvala is the second Indian driver after Karun Chandhok to participate in Formula E and only the third Indian (after Narain Karthikeyan and Chandhok) to race in a world car championship. Jehan will join Maximilian Gunther at Maserati, which makes the duo one of the youngest driver pairings on the grid at 24 and 26 years respectively.
Jehan Daruvala becomes the second Indian driver to compete in Formula E after Karun Chandhok
Jehan climbed the ropes of racing with Formula 3 in 2019, progressing to Formula 2 in 2020. The driver went on to secure four race wins and 18 podiums in F2 between 2020 and 2022. He also went on to drive the 2021 McLaren F1 challenger last year with test opportunities. Daruvala progressed to Formula E at the end of 2022 as a reserve driver for Mahindra Racing in Season 9. The driver made two rookie test appearances earlier this year with the Indian team and now comes on board as a full-time driver for Maserati MSG Racing.
Very excited to kick-start this new chapter of my professional racing career!😁 A big thank you to everyone who has supported me in my journey to get here and to @maseratimsg for giving me this opportunity. Can’t wait to get started!✅🔱 pic.twitter.com/6ltArcCJDL
Jehan Daruvala said, “Formula E is a championship that I have admired for a long time, and after taking part in two test sessions, I’m very happy to have the opportunity to step up to a full-time race seat. From my experiences so far, the GEN3 car is completely unique to drive, but I’ve found it to be a very rewarding experience. I would like to thank James and Maserati MSG Racing for giving me this chance and I can’t wait to learn more about the car and get to know the team better in pre-season testing, before hitting the ground running in Mexico City in January.”
James Rossiter, Team Principal, Maserati MSG Racing, said, “We’re excited about our driver lineup for Season 10, and we’re confident that the blend of Max’s experience with Jehan’s determination will prove to be a competitive combination. Max impressed us throughout the 2022/23 season, and continuing our relationship was a natural decision. He has brilliant speed, a strong understanding of Formula E’s GEN3 package, and with five seasons of experience – despite being aged only 26 – has an impressive amount of knowledge. That experience will be invaluable for Jehan, who has already shown good promise in his two rookie test outings with Mahindra earlier this year. Over the past four years, he has shown hunger and determination in Formula 2 and has clearly demonstrated that he has what it takes to win races. Now, Jehan is ready to do the work it takes to succeed in Formula E.”
Maximilian Günther, Driver – Maserati MSG Racing, said, “I’m very proud to continue with Maserati MSG Racing. We had a great first season together, particularly with the momentum we built in the second half of the year with one win, four podiums and two poles. Continuing to build on this base is something that I‘m very much looking forward to in 2024, alongside working with Jehan as my new teammate. After seeing our performance trajectory unfold this year, I‘m confident we can go on to achieve bigger and better things in the future.”
Giovanni Tommaso Sgro, Head of Maserati Corse, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Jehan to the Maserati family. Together with Max, they will form a talented young pairing, and we are excited ahead of the new season. Every year, Formula E fields experienced drivers, alongside some of motorsport’s most promising young talents, confirming itself as the series of the future. We’re confident that Jehan’s arrival will give an extra boost to the whole team. He will also be making a major contribution thanks to his previous experience as a test driver.”
The 2024 Formula E Season 10 is set to kick off in January next year with the Mexico City e-Prix. The electric racing championship will be the longest next season with Tokyo added to the calendar. However, it’s still not clear if the championship will return to Hyderabad for the second time next year. That said, Formula E is yet to announce the venue for Round 4 and 5 to be held on February 10 and 24, respectively.
While Daruvala will begin his stint in Formula E, Max has been on the grid for longer. Gunther joined Dragon Racing as a test and reserve driver in Season 5 and was promoted to a full-time role in 2018. He moved to BMW i Andretti Motorsport in 2019 and later to Nissan e.dams in 2022. The driver joined Maserati in 2023 and went on to secure two pole positions, four podiums and Maserati’s first victory in world championship single-seater races since 1957. Jehan and Max will begin preparations for the 2023/24 campaign with pre-season testing at Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo between October 23-27, 2023.
In related news, Mahindra Racing signed Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara as their new driver line-up on multi-year contracts.
After a brief stint in F1, Nyck de Vries returns to Formula E with Mahindra.
Mahindra Racing will field an all-new driver line-up in Formula E next year. In a surprise move, 2021 Formula E championand former F1 driver Nyck de Vries has joined the team alongside former Maserati driver Edoardo Mortara.
Both drivers have signed multi-year contracts with Mahindra and will play a key role as the team looks to bounce back to form.
De Vries and Mortara share 10 E-Prix wins between them
Both drivers have signed multi-year contracts
Mahindra downplays 2024 Formula E expectations
The M9Electro struggled with reliability and efficiency this year, resulting in Mahindra finishing 10th in the championship. The two-season homologation rule means the team will have to field the same car in 2024, too, although it can make some software tweaks to find added performance.
Mahindra Racing CEO Frederic Bertrand has stressed that the team is playing the long-term game, with a number of key structural changes being made as well. “We anticipate next year will be another year of development and progress, and in a championship like Formula E, success is impossible to achieve overnight. But the signing of Nyck and Edo, along with new recruits within the wider team, puts down a solid foundation on which we can build,” he said.
“As a team, we are all embarking on a journey to bring Mahindra Racing back to the front of the grid in the coming years,” Bertrand added. “Equally important for the team are the drivers’ appetites for a long-term project, which makes them the perfect fit for Mahindra Racing at the beginning of this journey.”
Mahindra Racing 2024 Formula E drivers
Mahindra has parted ways with both of its 2023 drivers. Oliver Rowland left the team mid-season and was replaced by Roberto Merhi for the last few rounds. Meanwhile, Lucas di Grassi just recently announced that he’ll be leaving Mahindra after just one season. Reserve driver Jehan Daruvala, meanwhile, has moved to Maserati for a full-time racing role.
But the Indian squad has wasted no time in announcing its revised line-up. Nyck de Vries returns to the championship after a season away. While his F1 stint with AlphaTauri didn’t go to plan, he says that coming back to Formula E “will feel like coming home”.
Despite their recent poor form in the championship, Mahindra now finds itself with one of the stronger driver line-ups on the grid. Both de Vries and Mortara have 10 E-Prix wins between them. De Vries says being part of this process of steering a team back to winning form played a crucial role in his decision to join Mahindra.
“I’m particularly excited about the future plans for the team. The basis is already strong, and the team has all the attributes to succeed. I believe going forwards we will be able to extract even more potential from the project and the organisation, so to be a part of that process was very appealing for me,” he explained.
Mortara echoed the same sentiment, adding, “What I could also feel from the people here is that we share the same values. We have a great project in front of us, but I can see a lot of determination and motivation from everyone in the team, and this is so important.”
Pre-season testing for the 204 Formula E season gets underway next month at Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo from October 23-27.
Yamaha Motor has launched the R15 V4 in Japan updated for the 2024 model year. The 2024 Yamaha R15 V4 joins the 2024 R125, also launched in the bike maker’s home market. Both bikes get new colour options while retaining the same mechanicals. The 2024 R15 V4 gets a new all-black paint scheme ‘Black Metallic 12’, which seems to be inspired by the larger R7. The colour option is complemented by the new blacked-out components.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 26 Sep 2023, 21:58 PM
The 2024 Yamaha R15 V4 gets three new paint options in Japan including the all-black ‘Black Metallic 12’
Up next is the new ‘Deep Purplish Blue Metallic C’ that is essentially a blue and black shade borrowed from the larger R1, and ensures the R15 looks a part of the R1 family. Lastly, the 2024 R15 V4 gets the new ‘Dark Bluish Gray Metallic’ shade that brings more flare to the full-faired offering. This includes the neon yellow finished alloy wheels complementing the bodywork finished with the grey-blue shade with neon yellow pinstripes.
The 2024 Yamaha R15 V4 for Japan also gets the neon yellow and Dark Bluish Gray Metallic shade
Apart from the new colour options, the 2024 Yamaha R15 V4 retains the same hardware as the outgoing model. Power comes from the familiar 155 cc single-cylinder, SOHC, liquid-cooled, four-valve engine with VVA system. The motor is tuned to develop 18.1 bhp and 14.1 Nm of peak torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The bike gets a bi-directional quickshifter as well as an assist and slipper clutch. The bike also comes with dual-channel ABS.
The 2024 Yamaha R15 V4 in Japan is priced at 550,000 Yen (approx. ₹3.08 lakh), which makes it nearly twice as expensive as the Indian version. The India-spec R15 V4 is priced from ₹1.82 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) onwards. The R125, meanwhile, is not on sale in the Indian market.
Flying Spur is the second hybrid by Bentley and has an electric-only range of up to 41km.
Bentley has launched the Flying Spur Hybrid at Rs 5.25 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi, before options). Powering the plug-in hybrid Bentley is a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine paired with an electric motor, and combined, it has a range of up to 805km.
Gets a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 paired with an e-motor
Combined, the hybrid powertrain has a range of up to 805km
By 2024, Bentley’s entire portfolio will have a hybrid powertrain option
Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid exterior and interior
The Flying Spur Hybrid will be available in 60 colour options, including Mulliner customisation options as well. Bentley is also offering its blackline specification for the Flying Spur Hybrid that gets a blacked-out treatment for the chrome trims like the grille, window surrounds, headlight surrounds, door trims and handles as well as exhaust pipes and the Flying B mascot. Furthermore, the only identifier that this Flying Spur is a hybrid is the ‘hybrid’ badge on the boot lid.
Inside, Bentley offers customers 15 colour options for the upholstery, with five standard and 10 optional colours. They also get an option of eight veneer options for the dashboard. To up the customisation quotient, Bentley also offers contrast stitching, piping and emblems on the seats.
Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid powertrain
As mentioned, the plug-in hybrid Flying Spur is powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor that, combined, produced 544hp and 750Nm. Bentley claims that the Flying Spur Hybrid can do the 0-100kph spring in 4.3 seconds and has a range of up to 805km with up to 41km of electric-only range.
Future Bentley models
Bentley also mentioned that by 2024 its entire model range – Continental GT, Flying Spur and Bentayga – will be available with a hybrid powertrain option. Now, with the Flying Spur and Bentayga getting a hybrid powertrain option, only the Continental GT remains. In 2025, the British Marque will launch an all-electric model and by 2030, its entire portfolio will only consist of EVs.
Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid rivals
Globally, the Flying Spur Hybrid rivals the Mercedes-Maybach S580e but does not have any direct rivals in India. The standard Flying Spur competes with the likes of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class (Rs 2.69 crore – 3.40 crore) and the Rolls Royce Ghost (Rs 6.95 crore – 7.95 crore).
Under this initiative, Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) has embarked on a meticulously designed program to conduct operational trials of 15 Fuel Cell buses powered by Green hydrogen.
These trials will encompass designated routes in Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The project’s inaugural moment saw the launch of the first set of two fuel cell buses from India Gate. This program is the first of its kind in India to dispense green hydrogen at 350 bar pressure for operating fuel cell buses.
Furthermore, Indian Oil has established a cutting-edge dispensing facility at its research and development (R&D) campus in Faridabad. This facility can refuel green hydrogen produced through electrolysis using solar photovoltaic panels.
According to SM Vaidya, Chairman of Indian Oil, the launch of these two buses signifies the commencement of a comprehensive assessment of the performance and durability of this new technology. The trial period, spanning more than 3 lakh kilometres across all buses, will generate vital data that will serve as a national repository.
This repository is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of zero-emission mobility in India, powered by green hydrogen. In his address, Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized, the Indian government’s commitment to clean and green energy. Hardeep Singh Puri said, “The Future of our transport will be on green hydrogen”.
BMW is among the automakers who have been working on hydrogen fuel cell technology over the last few years, as hydrogen could be a potential green and clean fuel for future cars.
India’s endeavours in the realm of low-carbon development, including emerging fuels like hydrogen and biofuels, are central to these efforts. Puri said, “India has one of the largest synchronous grids in the world, capable of handling intermittent renewable energy and we have achieved ‘One Nation-One Grid-One Frequency’.”
India, with its extensive synchronous grid capable of handling intermittent renewable energy, is poised to be a global champion in hydrogen production and exports. “We have recently witnessed the launch of the world’s first Bharat Stage 6 (BS 6) (Stage II) Electrified Flex Fuel vehicle prototype that encompasses both the flex fuel engine as well as an electric powertrain that offers higher use of ethanol combined with better fuel efficiencies. With Industry and Government collaboration, India is on its way to becoming a global hub for cleaner technologies and achieving self-reliance in energy soon”, Puri said.
Hydrogen, hailed as the fuel of the future, holds immense potential in helping India achieve its decarbonization targets. The global demand for hydrogen is projected to surge four to seven times by 2050, reaching 500-800 million tonnes. Domestically, demand is set to quadruple, from the current 6 million tonnes to 25-28 million tonnes by 2050.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is actively driving initiatives related to green hydrogen, including production and utilization in refineries, hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines, localization of electrolyzer-based technologies, and promoting bio-pathways for green hydrogen production.
Fuel cells, the heart of these green hydrogen-powered buses, employ hydrogen and air to generate electricity for propulsion.
These buses are environmentally friendly, with the only byproduct being water, offering a stark contrast to conventional buses running on diesel and petrol.
Fuel cells are also highly efficient compared to internal combustion engines. Fuel cells boast an electrical efficiency of 55-60 per cent, a notable improvement over the thermal efficiency of 25 per cent for conventional internal combustion engines.
These buses are set to achieve a remarkable fuel economy of around 12 km per kilogram of hydrogen, compared to 2.5-3 km per litre for diesel buses.
Hardeep Singh Puri commended IOCL and Tata Motors for their collaborative efforts in developing indigenous solutions for fuel cells and hydrogen infrastructure for heavy-duty buses in passenger transport applications.
Puri stated, “I would like to congratulate the IOCL team for undertaking this collaborative approach along with Tata Motors for the development of indigenous solutions pertaining to Fuel Cell and hydrogen infrastructure in the country, for heavy-duty buses for passenger transport application. I am sure that the ecosystem developed through efforts like these can integrate a larger economy with the energy sector”.
He stressed that this green hydrogen-powered bus initiative could potentially transform India into a net exporter of clean hydrogen energy and set a global precedent in technology transfer and green hydrogen production.
The initiative has plans to soon operate an additional 15 fuel cell buses in the National Capital Region (NCR). Minister Puri expressed his commitment to closely monitoring this project, highlighting its importance on the national stage and its potential to revolutionize city transport in India.
India’s foray into green hydrogen technology signifies a significant stride toward achieving energy self-reliance and global leadership in the realm of sustainable energy solutions.
The Buddh International Circuit was a hit with riders, but did the Indian GP do enough to earn a spot on next year’s calendar? We take a look.
“We kind of made it against all odds,” is what Amit Sandill – co-founder of Fairstreet Sports said to Autocar India when asked about the first ever MotoGP race on Indian soil. There was a lot resting on the event going ahead; after all, it’s the first time that the Buddh International Circuit has hosted a world championship event in a decade.
Given our history with F1 and with next year’s Formula E Hyderabad round under threat, pulling off this MotoGP race was crucial to establish India as a country ready to host international motorsports. So did the inaugural edition do enough? We take a look at all the key talking points.
1. BIC exceeded expectations
Riders were pretty apprehensive about the Buddh International Circuit heading into the race weekend, especially given that the circuit was still pending FIM homologation with just a handful of days to go. The track was originally built for F1, so a number of changes had to be made to make it suitable for motorcycle racing. This included extending the run-off areas and gravel sections, installing upgraded barriers and more.
It was a very different story once the riders actually got some track time, though, with several of them praising the technical nature of the track with its significant elevation changes. The banked parabola section of Turn 8/9 was another hit among riders and MotoGP fans alike.
“The track is very technical, you must be very precise, but all in all, it is beautiful,” said reigning MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia after the opening practice sessions on Friday. Of course, the fact that it is a new track also levelled the playing field a bit, allowing riders like Marc Marquez and Fabio Quartararo – who’ve had a tough spell recently – to shine.
2. The heat was on
With temperatures ranging from 32-35 degree Celsius all weekend, and humidity levels above 80 percent, it was a gruelling venue for the riders. So, it was no surprise when riders asked for the race distances to be shortened. And following feedback from the official tyre suppliers, Dorna and the FIM obliged – the MotoGP Sprint and junior class races were shortened by one lap each, while the Sunday MotoGP race was shortened by three laps.
And we still saw Jorge Martin suffer from dehydration in the closing stages of the race. Running on a medium rear tyre, compared to most of the grid on softs, the Prima Pramac racer wore himself out trying to hold on to second place and later had to be attended to by the MotoGP medical team.
So, it’s not surprising that organisers are now looking to give the race an October slot if it does go ahead next year, with Sandill saying “[the track is] technical, therefore it’s tiring, and the weather doesn’t help. It’s probably a good idea to have it in October, or November even.”
3. Not a sell-out crowd
Around 58,000 fans attended the race in person on Sunday and over 1,11,000 across the weekend. While those aren’t necessarily bad numbers (Qatar had an attendance of just 17,972 in 2022), it doesn’t paint a good picture to see empty stands, that too when India happens to be one of the largest markets for two-wheelers in the world. Some events like the French GP see over 2,70,000 fans make their way to Le Mans over the weekend.
Organisation plays an important role here. Ticket sales only started in late-June, just three months before the race, with prices ranging from Rs 800-40,000. But uncertainty surrounding the race also had a role to play, potentially holding back people from booking tickets.
Work on the track started fairly late following a legal battle between the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) and Jaypee Associates Ltd. Ultimately MotoGP organisers took on the responsibility to foot the bill for all the repair work. Given this race against time, Sandill admits the focus was simply on making the event happen: “We did it in three months. The event had to happen looking at the time constraints. Marketing did take a bit of a backseat, which to me is not the best way to do it.”
4. Still plenty of work to do for 2024
While the track itself exceeded expectations, there’s plenty of work to be done if MotoGP returns here in the future. Several key staff and even riders like Marc Marquez were affected by visa issues. There were also a number of uncanny track delays; Autocar India understands that Friday’s Moto3 track action was delayed by 45 minutes due to a drinking water shortage for the marshals.
The track itself could also do with some tiny tweaks, with riders pointing out some areas where the walls are a bit too close to the track. There were also some instances where marshal action was not as prompt as one would hope for, but that improved as the weekend went on. But these are all areas that can be worked on.
“There are improvements which will be done, this is the first time. To an extent, it’s also a learning curve for us. If there are any shortfalls, next year we’ll take care of all that,” said Sandill. “I think for the first time, it has been successful. The services have to be improved, I do think that we need more awareness to be built. But that’s not a showstopper.”
He added, “The buildings are a bit dated now and need a proper renovation, which we will do for the following year.”
Dorna and Fairstreet Sports have signed a seven-year deal for the Indian GP. But with several new venues like Hungary looking for a spot on the MotoGP calendar, it remains to be seen if the first edition of the Indian GP did enough for the race to stay on the calendar.
5. Title fight thrown wide open
It’s game on in the 2023 MotoGP championship following the Indian GP. Bagnaia’s costly crash dealt a big blow to his championship hopes, as Marco Bezzecchi cruised to a dominant win at the BIC.
Martin’s second place finish means he’s just 13 points behind leader Bagnaia now. Bezzecchi, meanwhile, is 31 points behind Martin.
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