Posts in category: Electric vehicles cars

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.”

Click here to buy the September 2023 issue of Autocar India

Click here to subscribe to the Autocar India magazine

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

At the Munich motor show, Ford took off the wraps on its latest offering: a rally-focused version of the all-electric Mustang Mach-E. Building on the strengths of the Mach-E crossover, the Mach-E Rally receives a major styling overhaul, enhanced power, and greater off-road capabilities.

• New Mach-E Rally features an updated version of the Mach-E GT’s dual-motor system
• Will get four-wheel drive
• Design inspired, in part, by the Ford Focus RS

Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: performance

As mentioned above, the Mach-E Rally features an enhanced version of the Mach-E GT’s dual-motor system, an, with its focus on rallycross, the Mach-E Rally also sports a bespoke four-wheel drive system. Unofficial figures indicate the Mach-E Rally will produce 486 horsepower and a staggering 879Nm of torque. This will give the Mach-E Rally an impressive 0-100kph time of 4 seconds. It also comes with an ‘intelligent’ Rally Sport driving mode, giving it better throttle response for improved acceleration control and improved grip on slippery surfaces. The Rally Sport driving mode also adapts the traction and stability control systems “to allow bigger slides”.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: design

The Mach-E Rally sits 20mm higher than the standard Mach-E, on specially tuned springs and Magenride shocks, lending it enhanced off-road capabilities. There’s also Michelin CrossClimate tyres, wrapped around gloss white 19-inch rally wheels.  Underneath the shell, thick underbody shielding provides robust protection for the 91kWh battery and electric motors from rocks and bumps. Ford has also coated the body cladding with a protective spray to reduce the risk of chips.

The Mach-E Rally also has a tow hook fused into the front bumper, “should off-highway adventures ever get a little too spicy”. Ford has stated the Mach-E Rally’s styling and design were inspired, in part, by the legendary Ford Focus RS hot-hatch, in particular the rear spoiler. Other elements include a contrasting body trim, chunky front splitter, a black roof panel, rally-style fog lights, and racing stripes.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: interior

The interior features subtle differences from the Mach-E GT, with exclusive elements like white accents throughout the cabin to match the wheels. There’s also bespoke Mach-E Rally badging and sports seats, along with a 15.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is similar to other Mach-E variants. However, the Rally misses out on the panoramic sunroof found in other premium Mach-E versions.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: development

Speaking to our sister publication Autocar UK, Darren Palmer, head of Ford’s EV programmes, shared how the idea for the Rally came from a rallycross enthusiast in Ford’s new Always On Team. He said, “One of them does rallycross and he seeded the idea…” “Our attitude is: if you’ve got an idea, bring it forward and try it out. So they created a model for the car with pure passion. They put the wheels on and lifted it. They styled what it could be. We gave them the freedom to make it.”

Palmer also explained that the project reached its conclusion at a blistering pace courtesy of the Mach-E Rally being a part of Ford’s “go-fast” programmes. This meant the time taken from its conception to its unveiling at the Munich motor show was just over 18 months. “It was crazy fast,” Palmer said.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: will it come to India?

Ford exited the Indian car market in 2021 citing growing operational costs, among other reasons. While they did offer the previous-gen Mustang for Indian customers for a while, Ford’s exit from the Indian market means the Mach-E Rally wouldn’t be coming to Indian shores.

Also see: 

Ford Mustang Mach-E review, test drive

Ford Mustang GTD revealed, becomes brand’s most powerful car

We were the first to break the story about Kawasaki bringing the Ninja ZX-4R to India, and the little inline-four screamer has just been officially launched at Rs 8.49 lakh (ex-showroom, India). At this price, it is even more expensive than the Versys 650 adventure tourer, and only Rs 71,000 less than the much larger Z900 street naked, which is also an inline-four.

1. 399cc, 80hp, 39Nm inline-four
2. TFT dash, riding modes, quickshifter
3. Trellis frame, USD fork, monoshock

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R engine

At its heart lies a 399cc liquid-cooled inline-four motor producing a heady 80hp (with ram air assistance, 77hp without) – that’s nearly as much as something like the Honda CB650R. However, peak power on the Kawi comes in at a stratospheric 14,500rpm, so this is definitely an engine you’ll have to work hard to get the best out of. It creates its power using RPMs rather than torque – its 39Nm torque figure puts it exactly on par with the newly launched KTM 390 Duke.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R underpinnings

Kawasaki has only launched the base variant in India – the higher-spec SE variant and the ZX-4RR have not made it here. So the bike we receive is held together by a trellis frame suspended on an upside-down fork and monoshock. Up front, it’s an SFF-BP unit from Showa, while the monoshock is preload adjustable. Dual-channel ABS is standard and braking is handled by twin 290mm discs at the front and a single 220mm unit at the rear. Tyre sizes (120/70-ZR17 front and 160/60-ZR17 rear) are similar to the larger capacity, but less powerful Ninja 650.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R features

The control centre here is a familiar 4.3-inch Bluetooth-equipped colour TFT dash, which enables turn-by-turn navigation and notification alerts. It also has a separate Track layout, and you can cycle through the four preset riding modes – Sport, Road, Rain and a customisable Rider mode, which allows the rider to adjust the traction control and power modes.

We chat with Abhay Aggarwal, Entrepreneur, about his love for automobiles.

Published On Sep 10, 2023 09:00:00 AM

What are you driving and why?

I’m currently driving a Lamborghini Huracán Performante, arguably the best Huracán ever made as I feel it has the perfect balance between a track car and street car. Whenever I drive it, I feel so alive!

What’s next on your wish list?

The Lamborghini Revuelto, as it still has a V12 with an added electric dose.

The most fun you’ve had in a car?

Driving swiftly on the old ghat roads up to Lonavala, 30 years ago.

Dream money-no-object car?

At the moment, it’s the Lamborghini Revuelto. Although I’m very impulsive and change my mind easily, so who knows what it will be tomorrow.

The Revuelto is next on Abhay’s wishlist.

Who is your all-time greatest motorsport hero?

Juan Manuel Fangio.

Favourite road?

The derestricted sections of the Autobahn in Germany.

What’s on your automotive bucket list?

To drive the iconic Route 66 in the USA in 2025.

What would you do with your last litre of fuel?

I would burn it all up by doing a launch in my Performante. Not sure I’d cover more than a kilometre with that though!

Your ideal 5-car garage would be?

Lamborghini Revuelto
Ferrari 296 GTB
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Lamborghini Urus
Ferrari 250 GTO

What was your first car?

A 1998 Honda City. I miss that car and wish I’d kept it for nostalgia’s sake.

Also see:

Me and my cars: Dr. Prafulla Hede

Me and my cars: Prakash R Hattangadi

Me and my cars: Purazar Fouzdar