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Speaking to us ahead of the inaugural MotoGP race in India, Monster Energy Yamaha rider Franco Morbidelli discussed an array of topics, ranging from first impressions of the Buddh International Circuit, to the current state of affairs at Yamaha, and MotoGP technical regulations.

Having clinched the rider’s world championship with Fabio Quartararo in 2021, the factory Yamaha squad has since seen a downturn in results, with Quartararo failing to defend his title last year, and languishing down in 11th place in this year’s championship standings. In that time period, Yamaha has gone from fielding four bikes in MotoGP (an extra pair in the RNF Yamaha independent team), to just the two bikes in the factory squad. When asked about how this has affected bike development, Franco Morbidelli said it wasn’t a very influential factor. 

Yamaha’s performance struggles in recent times

In his words, “The problems that we are facing this year are similar to the previous years. For sure, when you’re struggling, more data can help you. So I think having more riders at your disposal can help for sure. But our problems have remained the same – it’s not the factor that has affected us this year. Over the last few years, it’s been Quartararo who has been able to push through and overcome the weakness of the package. This year, maybe that’s happened less and the two of us are more in the same boat.”

Another factor that Yamaha’s struggles have been attributed to is the factory’s continued use of an inline-four engine configuration – with the departure of Suzuki from MotoGP at the end of last year, the Yamaha YZR-M1 is now the only remaining inline-four cylinder motorcycle on the MotoGP grid (all the 4 other manufacturers use a V4 engine layout). However, once again, Morbidelli says that the issue isn’t necessarily down to engine configuration.

“Everybody else is racing a V4 engine, but Yamaha has great history with the inline-four. They have been able to win many championships and races with this configuration. I’m not an engineer and I don’t know in detail the positives and negatives of the two structures, maybe I’ll be able to tell you better next year (cheekily referring to his departure from Yamaha to Prima Pramac Ducati at the close of this season). But I believe that there is more potential or power in this, to reach the top even with an inline-four. Right now, our engine is still not on the level of our competitors, and actually this year we lost some rideability to add the extra power we’ve found this year. So the engine has become more nervous, more angry. Yes, it delivers more power, but to get that, we gave away some rideability.” said Morbidelli.

First impressions of Buddh International Circuit

Speaking about his first impressions of the Buddh International Circuit, the Italian says “The track is wonderful. Elevation changes, tricky corners, banking, it looks like an exciting track and I’m sure it will be tomorrow on the bike as well. I think turn 10 should really suit the Yamaha, that’s a corner where our bike should work well.” However, it was not all good news. “The only thing is that in some places the run-off area is a cause for concern. Turn 2 is a corner where we will be carrying a lot of speed and the run-off area is pretty short, turn 4 – we arrive there at a very high speed and the run-off area is very short. Turn 12 is a very fast right, and that’s also an area of concern.” said Morbidelli. Changes have been made to various areas of the track after the FIM visited the BIC earlier this year, but the majority of riders have still expressed concern over the run-off areas in a few spots. That said, the overall level of safety would still appear satisfactory enough for the race weekend to go ahead as planned.

Aerodynamics in MotoGP: good or bad?

As MotoGP makes its debut in India, aerodynamics continues to be a big talking point in the series. With a 1km+ back straight, the BIC features the 6th longest straight on the MotoGP calendar, and aerodynamics could play a big role here. Speaking about what effect the winglets and various other aero appendages have had on MotoGP machines, Morbidelli confidently states that they are definitely more of a help than a risk.

“I like aerodynamics on the bike. Aerodynamics go against the top speed, but it helps in many other areas, especially in terms of controlling wheelie, so it’s a give and take. Aerodynamics change the whole character of the bike. These bikes are very powerful, very peaky, very angry. And as soon as you put aerodynamics on them, they relax, and they are more rideable. The rider is able to extract more from the package. Every aerodynamic item that the engineers put on the bike actually helps settle down the bike and control the huge power.” said Morbidelli.

He then went on to give a practical explanation of how the downforce-generating wings are making the sport safer – “The biggest impact is that up until a few years ago, braking with MotoGP bikes was very tricky. In many braking zones, you would reach the braking point with the front tyre either entirely up in the air, or feeling very light. It was very important for the rider to be careful of the front tyre before braking, and make sure it was really on the ground before braking. Now this is an issue that has completely gone away, because the faster you go, the harder the wings are pushing the front tyre into the ground, so that improves the comfort during braking very much, also improving safety.”

Morbidelli will compete in practice sessions, qualifying, a sprint race and the big blockbuster main race on Sunday, along with the rest of the MotoGP grid. You can read all about the very first Indian MotoGP round here.

Mahindra XUV300 pricing updates

Talking about price cuts, the W6 AMT is now available for a fresh price of Rs 10.70 lakh – reduced by Rs 15,000. The W8 (O) manual and AMT trims are also marginally cheaper at Rs 12.60 lakh and Rs 13.30 lakh, with prices dropping by Rs 8,000 and Rs 7,000, respectively. 

Mahindra has decreased prices for the 1.2-litre, 3-cyl turbo-petrol options across the board, barring the base W4 trim, which sees no changes in its price. The W6 trim sees the biggest price cut of Rs 21,000 (now priced at Rs 10.50 lakh), while the W8 (O) variant sees a price drop of Rs 18,000 with the new price set at Rs 13 lakh.

The W8 variant, now available at a price of Rs 12 lakh, sees a Rs 2,000 deduction when compared to the original price.
 

Mahindra XUV300 diesel prices

The XUV300 W4 manual diesel variant is now Rs 31,000 more expensive, with the revised price being Rs 10.21 lakh. The manual variant of the W8 (O) trim sees a price hike of Rs 2,000 and is now available for an ex-showroom price of Rs 13.92 lakh, while its AMT variant sees no changes in its price.

Meanwhile, the rest of the variants see marginal price cuts. The W6 AMT and W8 MT Sunroof variants both see a price cut of Rs 5,000 each, with new prices of Rs 12.30 lakh and Rs 13 lakh, respectively. Finally, the W6 manual sees a marginal price cut of Rs 3,000 with a revised ex-showroom price of Rs 11 lakh.
 

Mahindra XUV300 facelift due soon 

We expect Mahindra to continue with the same powertrain options as the current-gen XUV300, but there’s been no word on whether they opt for updated transmission options in the XUV300 facelift. Currently, the XUV300 is available with a manual and an AMT transmission.

Also see:

Tata Nexon.ev Fearless+ offers the most bang for the buck as it comes loaded with many features.

Published On Sep 19, 2023 09:00:00 AM

Tata Motors has launched the Nexon.ev at Rs 14.74 lakh for the entry-level Creative+ MR. The top-spec Empowered+ LR variant is priced at Rs 19.94 lakh. The Nexon.ev has two battery pack options – a 30kWh Medium Range (MR) and a 40.5kWh Long Range (LR).

Tata Nexon EV facelift powertrain, variants explained

The Nexon.ev is available with a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) that produces 129hp in the MR variants and 145hp in the LR variants. Torque output for both variants remains the same at 215Nm, which is up to 38Nm down from the outgoing model. The Nexon.ev comes in three core trims – Creative, Fearless and Empowered. Each trim gets its own special colour option – Creative Ocean, Fearless Purple and Empowered Oxide. These trims also get optional packages denoted by a ‘+’ suffix.

Here’s what you get in each trim:

Tata Nexon.ev Creative+ – Rs 14.74 lakh

Powertrain: 192hp PMSM motor with 30kWh battery

• Dual-function Daytime running lamps
• LED tail lights
• Express cooling
• Height-adjustable driver’s seat
• Powered tailgate
• Touch-based HVAC controls
• Umbrella holder in front doors
• 7.0-inch touchscreen
• 4 speakers
• Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
• Steering-mounted controls
• Image and video playback
• 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• 6 airbags, ESC
• 3-point seat belts for all passengers
• Connected car tech
• Keyless go
• Reverse camera
• TPMS
• Hill ascent control
• ABS with EBD

Tata Nexon.ev Fearless – Rs 16.19 lakh-18.19 lakh

Powertrain: 192hp PMSM motor with 30kWh battery/ 145hp PMSM motor with 40.5kWh battery

In addition to Nexon.ev Creative+, it gets

• 10.25-inch touchscreen
• 4 speakers and 4 tweeters
• Wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with navigation
• Projector LED headlights
• Front fog lamps with cornering function
• Sequential turn indicators
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Rear AC vents
• Height adjustable front seat belts
• Electrically adjustable wing mirrors with auto-fold
• 45W USB chargers
• Hidden rear wiper and washer
• Rear defogger
• Leatherette steering wheel
• Cooled glove box
• Electronic parking brake (LR only)
• Auto vehicle hold (LR only)

Tata Nexon.ev Fearless+ – Rs 16.69 lakh-18.69 lakh

Powertrain: 192hp PMSM motor with 30kWh battery/ 145hp PMSM motor with 40.5kWh battery

In addition to Nexon.ev Fearless, it gets

• Arcade app suite
• Fabric-lined grand centre console with armrest
• Wireless charger
• Hill descent control

Tata Nexon.ev Fearless+ S – Rs 17.19 lakh-19.19 lakh

Powertrain: 192hp PMSM motor with 30kWh battery/ 145hp PMSM motor with 40.5kWh battery

In addition to Nexon.ev Fearless+, it gets

• Voice-assisted sunroof
• Auto headlights
• Auto wipers

Tata Nexon.ev Empowered – Rs 17.84 lakh

Powertrain: 192hp PMSM motor with 30kWh battery

In addition to Nexon.ev Empowered, it gets

• Air purifier
• Ventilated seats
• Charging indicator in front DRL
• Auto-dimming IRVM
• Rear seat centre armrest
• 360-degree camera
• JBL-tuned speaker system
• Blind spot monitor
• Front parking sensors

Tata Nexon.ev Empowered+ – Rs 19.94 lakh

Powertrain: 145hp PMSM motor with 40.5kWh battery

In addition to Tata Nexon.ev Empowered, it gets

• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Emergency and Breakdown call assist

While the base-spec Creative+ trim gets many nice features, it’s the Fearless+ trim that offers the most bang for the buck. It gets a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Arcade app suite, wireless charger and more. Moreover, the Fearless+ trim is also available with the Medium Range and Long Range powertrains. 

Tata Nexon.ev rivals

As before, the Nexon.ev continues to rival the Mahindra XUV400 EV (Rs 15.99 lakh-19.39 lakh), MG ZS EV (Rs 23.38 lakh-27.90 lakh) and Hyundai Kona Electric (Rs 23.84 lakh). The pre-facelift Nexon EV won our comparison test with the XUV400 as it offered much more in terms of features. This continues as the Nexon.ev now has many more features with a very marginal price hike over the pre-facelift model. 

Also see:

Tata Nexon facelift price, variants explained

Tata Nexon, Nexon EV facelift colour options detailed

Copyright (c) Autocar India. All rights reserved.

With the recently launched Nexon EV facelift, Tata Motors further demonstrated how it is continuously evolving its electric vehicles. The updated SUV uses an entirely new electric motor, which is likely the same one that will propel its upcoming Gen 2 EVs. And it’s the inherently more adaptable nature of EVs, compared to ICE cars, that’s allowed the brand to do this, according to Anand Kulkarni, chief products officer and head of HV programs, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility.

EVs are easier to upgrade than ICE cars

“Electrification gives you a certain freedom, it gives you certain flexibility,” Kulkarni said in an interview with Autocar India. “You can choose to be slow about it. But if you really want to be quick and agile, then that’s also possible.” This was part of a bigger discussion about how the Nexon EV has already evolved so much from its original launch avatar, which hit the market only as recently as January 2020.

Even before this latest facelift, the Nexon EV in that short three and half years gained a larger battery option, the addition of selectable regeneration modes, more power and torque, longer range, a more powerful AC charger, and various other quality of life and feature upgrades. And with this facelift, it also gained V2V and V2L reverse charging, revised battery management and cooling algorithms, a more aerodynamic body, increased regen, more efficient tyres and the aforementioned new motor.

Speaking of the motor, while its power and torque outputs are not significantly different, it is said to contribute significantly to 7.5 percent better efficiency overall. It’s 20kg lighter and more compact, plus it’s quieter, despite spinning faster (16,000rpm compared to 12,000rpm of the old motor). But it’s the next round of electric vehicles – Generation 2 in Tata speak – that will be the most significant.

“I would say it is an evolution from Gen 1 to Gen 2,” Kulkarni said of the latest Nexon EV. “I wouldn’t put a number on whether it is 1.5 or 1.7, but the point is to keep on evolving to meet customer expectations.”

Tata Gen 2 EVs: next-gen batteries, but also petrol engines

While Gen 1 models are ICE models with small, inexpensive modifications to accommodate electrification, Gen 2 cars will have significantly retooled floor plans that allow for larger, more advanced batteries, new-gen motors and even dual motors with AWD – as will be the case with the Harrier and Safari EVs.

“When you get into Gen 2, you make significant changes to the underfloor and therefore you are able to expand the size of the battery, as well as, more importantly, you are able to go format agnostic,” Kulkarni said. “Meaning, you are no longer constrained to use only a certain type of battery. For example: cylindricals would lend themselves most easily to Gen 1, but you could then start using prismatics, or you could then use large-format cylindricals. The choices open up. And that’s with Gen 2 itself; not even Gen 3.” 

However, the important thing to remember about the Gen 2 cars is that while they are frequently spoken of as EVs, they will also have petrol powertrains. Some Gen 2 cars will be based on today’s ICE models, like the Punch EV, Harrier EV and Safari EV. However, two all-new models – the Curvv and Sierra – will be Gen 2 EVs from inception, and will also get petrol engines, as was shown at Auto Expo 2023.

“You can make the Gen 2 compatible with a large number of other power propulsion systems, and Gen 2 could therefore be a platform that can use ICE power plants as well,” he said. “And what we have showcased in Sierra, for example, and the Curvv; those are Gen 2 products and they are going to be backward compatible.” 

3-generation approach benefits both Tata and consumers

In many ways, then, the Gen 2 models will act as the perfect bridge between ICE and EV models – a hybrid platform, rather than a hybrid vehicle. But if Gen 2 itself brings so many advantages, is there even a need for Gen 3? Absolutely, says Kulkarni, because a born-electric skateboard platform has inherent benefits. 

“When you go to Gen 3, apart from the battery choices, you can also make some fundamental changes to the underlying architecture, which not only gives you a significant amount of space for the battery, but also the ability to leverage space inside the cabin for more comfort and spaciousness, and to give you, therefore, more features that you would want.”

The advantages of the three-generation strategy are plain to see. The quick conversions of Gen 1 allowed Tata Motors to move quickly and beat rivals to the EV punch, while the flexibility of Gen 2 will allow a gradual push into newer tech, at the same time keeping ICE alive for the transition phase. Subsequently, this will give Tata enough time to develop Gen 3 properly behind the scenes, launching it when the market has evolved a bit more. 

Also see:

Auto Expo 2023: Tata Harrier EV concept to go on sale by 2024

Nexon EV facelift review: Feels like a generational jump

Earlier this week, we brought you multiple spy shots of the Mahindra XUV.e8 EV SUV being tested with XUV700 body panels. Today, a new set of spy shots has surfaced online giving us a much better look at what to expect from Mahindra’s upcoming Harrier EV rival.

1. XUV.e8 will take on Harrier EV, Safari EV
2. Gets EV-specific exterior styling tweaks
3. Three dashboard-mounted screens will be offered

Mahindra XUV.e8 fresh exterior details

While the price announcement is more than a year away, the XUV.e8 test mule seen in these spy shots seems to have body panels and an interior design that look close to production, if not production-ready. While the entire bodyshell and glasshouse look similar to the XUV700, major styling changes can be seen upfront.

In the spy shots, the bodyshell, including the alloy wheel design, is fully covered but one can still make out that the production-spec XUV.e8 would have largely similar styling cues to the concept shown last year by Mahindra at its annual Independence Day event in the UK. The XUV.e8 gets a unique front fascia with a full-width LED light bar that extends vertically into the bumper at both corners.

The front grille will be all-new and completely sealed and will be flanked by an all-new headlamps. It continues to have flush door handles, but gets a new alloy wheel design. At the back, the design changes seem to be minimal, and the only addition over the standard XUV700’s looks would be a connected LED light bar and new rear bumper design. The XUV.e8 will also get unique copper-themed design highlights that made its debut in the XUV400 EV.

Mahindra XUV.e8 interior gets three dashboard-mounted screens

The big reveal in these spy shots is the interior, which has not been seen before. Like the exterior, the XUV.e8’s interior too seems almost production-ready. The flat-bottom steering wheel is all new, with a two-spoke design, similar to the recently launched Nexon facelift. While the steering boss looks gloss back, it may have an illuminated logo, like on the updated Nexon.

The dashboard design looks new, especially the top half which houses not one but three horizontally oriented screens, with the one behind the steering wheel serving as the digital driver’s display, the one in the centre serving infotainment duties, and the third one for the passenger providing multiple details about the vehicle and more.

The AC vent design and positioning seem to be the same, but the panel below for controlling HVAC and other bits seems to be gloss back with touch-sensitive buttons. The centre console remains the same as the XUV700, and it also gets the traditional automatic gear knob, but for drive selector duties. There is another round knob behind it, which could control drive modes and other functions.

Mahindra XUV.e8 dimensions and expected power output

The XUV.e8 will measure 4,740mm in length, 1,900mm in width and 1,760mm in height, and will have a wheelbase of 2,762mm. That means it will be 45mm longer, 10mm wider and 5mm taller than the XUV700, while the wheelbase will be longer by just 7mm. Mahindra had previously confirmed that the XUV.e8 will come with an 80kWh battery and all-wheel drive tech, with two power outputs – 230hp and 350hp.

Mahindra XUV.e8 launch timeline

Mahindra has confirmed that the XUV.e8 (XUV700 EV) will go on sale by late 2024. This means it will launch more or less around the same time as its direct rivals from Tata Motors’ stable – the Harrier EV and Safari EV. The SUV coupe version – XUV.e9 – will follow soon after.

Image source

Also see:

Mahindra Thar.e, BE EVs to be powered by VW APP550 electric motor

Mahindra future EVs specifications, features, launch timeline revealed

The country’s largest biking festival, India Bike Week, will be held for the 10th time this year, taking place on December 8 and 9 in Goa. Aside from the 2021 edition that was held at Aamby Valley due to complications brought on by COVID-19, the festival has always been held in Goa.

As always, there will be a selection of activities and events on offer, including live music performances, seminars and workshops, and some amateur races. Additionally, there will also be a range of shopping stalls, as well as rides planned around the event, across Goa. The lead-up to the festival will also see ‘Chai Pakoda’ rides taking place across the nation, with the aim of bringing like-minded motorcyclists together over short breakfast rides. These will be held on Sunday mornings in 20 cities pan-India, starting on September 17.

Speaking on the occasion, Martin da Costa, CEO and Founder, Seventy EMG (the organising entity), said, “I am delighted to partner with Gulf Oil for the ten-year anniversary of IBW in Goa this year. Over the past decade, India Bike Week has been instrumental in the astonishing growth of motorcycling culture in the country. Tens of thousands of riders from across the country come together to celebrate all the essential joys of life – comradeship, fun, adventure, travel, independence, and meeting like-minded souls. In its tenth edition, we are positive that the IBW will be witnessing its most epic edition till date, with a huge line-up of events including Chai-pakoda rides, ride-outs, music festival, food trails, etc.”

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The 24th anniversary issue of Autocar India is out now and is headlined by our exclusive scoop into Lotus’ India launch plans. We have first drives of the Citroen C3 Aircross and the Toyota Land Cruiser 300, and our special features include driving an EV from the east to the west coast of India and Autocar’s Off-road Day 2023. Moving to the bike section, we have a first ride of the Hero Karizma XMR.

Lotus in India

Renowned British marque Lotus is all set to bring in its Emira sportscar and Eletre EV SUV to India. Read more in the anniversary issue of Autocar India.

Mahindra Thar EV first look

We take a close look at the Thar.e concept and understand how it falls into the scheme of things for Mahindra as it aims to emerge as a global EV player.

Tata Nexon facelift review

Tata’s bestseller Nexon has received another facelift, although one could confuse it for a new generation due to the changes inside and out. But can it still hold its class-leading position?

Citroen C3 Aircross

The Citroen C3 Aircross has got French flair, a brilliant ride quality and a few quirks that make it stand apart from the crowd. However, is that enough to take on the segment?

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 review

Land Cruisers are known to have bucketloads of personality, are luxurious and have the reputation of being reliable. The LC300 takes the game forward.

East coast to west coast of India in an EV

Driving 476km in a day is no daunting task. So we attempted it in the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback, with a few caveats: the aforementioned distance has to be done on a single charge, and in a single day.

Skodas to India’s highest passes

We took the Skoda Slavia and Kodiaq to three highest motorable passes in India – Umling La, Chang La and Khardung La. Can they survive at altitudes they weren’t even tested in?

Off-road day 2023

We’ve taken family crossovers off-road this season on popular demand. But can they scramble out without battle scars?

Russian military jeep

From serving in the second World War to becoming a PUBG star, Russia’s military jeep UAZ has been there, done that. We get a chance to take it for a spin.

Hero Karizma XMR review

Hero has brought back the Karizma brand after years, but is the XMR a worthy successor?

BMW R18 Transcontinental review

The BMW R18 Transcontinental is the German manufacturer’s take on luxury cruising on two wheels that’s been America’s forte for so long.

Nissan India will soon add another option to the Magnite SUV’s powertrain line-up – an automated manual transmission (AMT) – that’ll be offered with the 1.0-litre naturally aspirated engine. The price announcement for the 1.0-litre AMT variant is expected in the coming weeks, and it will be a more affordable option for customers looking for a Magnite with an automatic gearbox. 

1. Magnite AMT will come with a 1.0-litre NA petrol
2. Magnite Black Edition expected to join the line-up too 
3. Will go on sale in the coming months

Nissan Magnite to have four powertrain options

The Magnite went on sale in December 2020 and has been the backbone for the brand in India, with a decent amount of sales here as well as in export markets. Since launch, however, Nissan had not provided an AMT on the SUV, and the only available automatic was the CVT mated to the more powerful 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. Interestingly, its sister SUV, the Renault Kiger, which is also built on the same assembly line, has offered the AMT with 1.0-litre naturally aspirated engine right from launch in February 2021.

The 1.0-litre petrol on the Magnite only gets a manual gearbox currently, and the addition of the AMT will bring down the entry price for automatic gearbox-equipped Magnite variants. With this, the Magnite will then have four powertrain options in India.  

Nissan Magnite Black Edition in the pipeline

Additionally, Nissan will also introduce a Magnite Black Edition soon, which, as the name suggests, will have blacked-out accents, and an all-black exterior and interior colour scheme. As far as features go, barring a sunroof, the Magnite already has a decent features list, including an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even a 360-degree camera among others.

Sources tell us that the Magnite Black Edition will be based on the top trim and will likely be available with both manual as well as automatic gearbox options. 

Nissan Magnite rivals 

The Magnite is positioned at the lower end of the compact SUV segment, which means it directly rivals the Renault Kiger, and also takes on the likes of the higher variants of sub-compact SUVs like the Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter and Citroen C3. On the other end of the price range, it has a long list of rivals starting from the recently updated Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Fronx and the Kia Sonet. 

Also see:

Nissan Magnite Geza Special Edition launched at Rs 7.39 lakh

Hotter Nissan Z Nismo gets power boost to 425hp