Category: Cars

The ultimate celebrity seduction – Range Rover Sport SVR

Range Rover Sport SVR

The Performance British SUV gets a new attire.

With the Indian market currently obsessed with SUVs, no carmaker is leaving the stones unturned to attract buyers to their park. Fast performance road monsters are the favourite choice for many celebrities and wealthy folks out there. With the recent outburst of super-fast goliaths like the Audi RS Q8, BMW X5M, the AMG’s from Benz and Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo, JLR isn’t falling back. And to bridge this gap and to make others feel shy, the Range Rover Sport SVR is here to give a good game to the rest of the lot at this price range.

So, how much does this thing cost? A wee more than 2.19 Crore. And for that whopping amount, what do you get? A five-litre supercharged V-8 petrol engine that produces 567bhp of power and 700Nm torque and can accelerate from 0-100 kph in 4.5 seconds. That’s quite a bit for a luxury SUV.

The SVR is the most powerful Range Rover you can opt for. Designed, engineered and developed by JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations, the luxury performance SUV is hand-finished in Coventry, UK. 

 

How different is it from the regular Range Rover Sport SVR, you ask? 

For starters, the chassis bespoke enhancements, the SVR delivers more dynamic handling without compromising traditional Range Rover comfort or all-terrain capability.

The brilliantly engineered design of the vehicle ensures a controlled pitch under heavy acceleration and braking, and the damping hardware is tuned to provide exceptional turn-in, mid-corner grip and body control.

 

Styling on the outside of the Range Rover SVR? 

The redesigned front bumper design lends the Range Rover Sport SVR an aggressive appearance, with the massive vents designed to improve brake cooling and gulp and squish the air through its turbos. The performance brake pads and discs provide enhanced performance at higher temperatures, ensuring the braking system is more resistant to fade during dynamic driving. 

Body-coloured detailing along with blacked-out accents all across the body adorns and gives it a distinctive look you cannot mistake it for anything else. At the rear end, an SVR badge also helps to identify the SVR. A contrasting black roof gives it an even sportier stance. 

How’s it like from the inside? 

The lightweight SVR Performance seats create an athletic silhouette and provide exceptional comfort on long journeys. Finished in high-quality perforated Windsor leather, the SVR Performance seats reflect the SVR’s status as the ultimate high-performance luxury SUV. Seat backs finished in satin black with an embossed SVR logo on the headrests also deliver heightened exclusivity. The supportive seats also create more rear legroom and the impression of a cosseting four-seat interior while retaining flexible five-seat capability. The dual-tone tan leather coupled with sporty carbon fibre trims, gives it an uber-luxury cum sporty feel.

Continuing the high-performance theme, sound quality comes from a 19-speaker Meridian Surround Sound System, which combines 825 watts, a dual-channel subwoofer and Trifield technology for a thrilling personal sound experience in every seat.

 

Rohit Suri, President and Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India, said, “ Range Rover SVR redefines & further elevates performance and luxury in an SUV by leveraging the best of bespoke British design and engineering. I am sure that Range Rover Sport SUV enthusiasts and fans will simply love this latest offering combining formidable British engineering craftsmanship with high end and refined luxury. ”

 

All in all , a complete package to get the celebrity horses running.

 

5 Racing technologies that have been adopted for road use

5 Racing technologies that have been adopted for road use

Automobile racing as an organized sport began in the mid 19th century with the initial races between gasoline powered internal combustion vehicles. Sports car racing emerged as a platform for various automakers to prove themselves on the tarmac, which paved its path for a lot many automotive technologies which in future, would turn out to become an everyday usage tech. With the intention of dominating the streets, a lot of manufacturers, in time adopted ways and techniques to make better cars for everyone. From safety to increased power and handling, innovations in the sector have created numerous technologies for better road handling and drivability of cars. Lets look at 5 such innovations which proved a game changer in the industry. 

 

All Wheel Drive

Roots from rallying, all wheel drive systems were introduced by Audi’s Quattro technology which was the first ever all wheel drive system designed for use in regular everyday cars for all road conditions. All wheel drive means more power and of course better handling at the same time. Extra traction gives better stability to the overall driving dynamics of the vehicle making it easy to drive even on mud and ice. 

Turbo / Air intake 

A high performance engine needs to breathe properly so as to give out max output from the overall combustion process. The more air there’d be , the better performance and better burning of the air fuel mixture would happen. In turn churning out enough boost. Enhancements like turbochargers, superchargers, Ram air intake systems were all designed for this sole purpose. While this technology was derived from drag racing cars, today it can be found on regular production cars.

Automatic gear transmission 

The elimination of engaging the clutch while shifting gears saved a lot of time for racers on track and even proved to be an added performance advantage as they could shift without using the clutch pedal. In today’s scenario, it makes driving a hassle free experience as you don’t have to fiddle around using the clutch pedal in tight bumper to bumper city traffic. Moreover, having an automatic transmission, quick maneuvers like sudden acceleration for overtaking become a less tiring process as the transmission is doing everything on its own.  

Disc Brakes and Tyre

Braking is as important as the performance of any vehicle. The disc brake has by far been the most advanced and necessary technology since the inception of cars. Disc brakes have better performance as they have better cooling as compared to drum brakes, thereby decreasing the chances of overheating and hence improving performance. Also, brakes are of no importance if the rubber in contact with the tarmac is of no good. Tyre manufacturers have always used motorsport platforms to test and promote their rubber as it helps them test the durability and drivability of the tyre. Now there are purpose oriented tyre in the market depending on the kind of usage one wants. Highway, mud-terrain, all-terrain, track oriented and also eco-friendly tyre which help in better mileage are now all easily available. 

 

Suspension

The overall driving dynamics and handling is based on the suspensions. Independent suspensions were adopted from race cars as it delivered better stability and drivability. Be it multi-link setup or McPherson struts, both are available on a number of production cars depending on the type. A proper setup helps keep the car stable through twists and turns, and provides comfort over bad roads.

Meet the all-new and all-curvy Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Meet the all-new and curvy Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Reviewed by – Pratik Ghone

Maruti Suzuki sales are banking on products that cater to mass-market audiences, at least in India. With the sales plateau and the world slow-down (read as lockdown), it is time for something new. Maruti has been studying the demographics in India and, adhering to the mindset of young professionals, launched the all-new Maruti Suzuki Celerio. 

The new Celerio is available in six different colours – Speedy Blue, Arctic White, Solid Fire Red, Glistening Grey, Silky Silver, Caffeine Brown with a young audience in mind. The design is a complete overhaul compared to the ageing Celerio launched in 2014. Noticeable changes include curves that translate all over the exterior fascia and then some. The wheel arches are neatly designed to give a sense of bulge without actually protruding. The most exciting section is how curves on the front and rear doors make the car like a concept design made real for the masses.  Curved headlights, curved front doors, a (mandatory to Indian markets) chrome strip splitting the nose grill, indicators integrated ORVMs, and a shrunk down Baleno inspired tail section make the Celerio look like a major overhaul to its earlier design.

The new Celerio is 55 mm wider than before. Also, its wheelbase is now 10 mm longer, making it 2,435 mm. The new Celerio has a 170 mm ground clearance, 5 mm more than the old model, making it easier to tackle all road undulations. Our top-of-the-line ZXi+ variant also comes equipped with keyless entry assist next to conventional upward pull door handles. Unlike its predecessor, the A-pillar is also sanely sized, which created a huge blind spot for the driver in the earlier model. What comes exclusively to the ZXi+ variant are the 15″ alloy rims with 175 section Yokohama tyres. All other variants come with standard 14″ rims and 165 section tyres. 

Hop inside, and the all-new tagline feels justified cocooned in varied textures of black fibre all across the interiors. The earlier Celerio did come with part analogue and part digital console, but Maruti has overhauled the same approach on the new Celerio. The background textures are symmetrical geometric shapes with a clean and understandable round design that matches the new Celerio DNA. It looks amber clad, round, modern and youthful, with ample information for the driver. There are tonnes of textures on the dashboard, all in black fibre. Gone are the door controls from the doors, and everything now sits in the central bay. For better or for worse, the central console flaunts a 7-inch Smartplay touch infotainment system with support for wired Android Auto and Apple car play support. Do understand that only the top-end variants get this feature. The centre console extends adjacent to the front row seats ending with window controls for the rear seats. 

Doors of the Celerio are barebones with no control units, but they make up for it with large door pockets, enough to place six full-size bottles across four doors. Apart from the base variant, all other variants get electronic controls for ORVM adjustment on the right side of the steering. This panel also features the switch for auto start-stop feature. Seats are cushioned well enough with integrated headrests for both front and rear seats. Thanks to the additional wheelbase, space at the rear is comfortable and ample for three teenagers. A healthy 313 litres boot space apart from a sink well for the spare wheel makes the car spacious enough for long trip luggage. Note that the boot storage lip is high and could be a hurdle when loading heavy baggage. 

We drove the ZXi+ manual, and automatic variants, which come equipped with steering mounted controls, adjustable steering, height adjust for the driver seat and most bells and whistles of the lot. Such creature comforts are a welcome addition to the Celerio. That said, Maruti has also introduced the K10C 1-litre engine with this car. The engine is the same across the various variants, with AMT (AGS) offered upwards of the VXi variant. This engine is run by a 5-speed manual and automatic transmission and produces impressive 25+km/l mileage, a segment-leading number. Let’s check out how it feels to drive. 

The new K10C engine is potent and carries the signature torque-oriented appeal. On paper, the engine makes 67bhp at 6000rpm and 89Nm of torque as low as 3500rpm. In the real world, the first gear seems short and to the point. Shifting up to the 2nd and 3rd gear with a bit of throttle reveals a healthy powerband that can stretch in 3 digits and way over the legal limitations on Indian roads. The engine is happiest over 1200rpm and pulls strong right up to 6000rpm. The 4th gear is excellent on highways with enough grunt to overtake, albeit in linear power delivery. 5th gear is best suited for comfort cruising which this engine does not mind doing all day long. The steering is electronically controlled, but the inputs are precise, and feedback is ample to feel the road underneath. What came as a surprise is how this car handles within city limits. At times, the steering, engine and chassis come together to make one feel like they are driving a much smaller car than the spec sheets suggest. This characteristic is excellent for novice and experienced drivers irrespective of their sex, age and other choices. The increased ground clearance and dimensions also make the car rock-solid on highway and in city speeds. There is a certain sense of body roll when carrying a few people and maneuvering the car at high speeds but never too intrusive in the overall driving experience. 

One thing to be noted was the way this engine sounds when revved and performance-driven. We should make it clear that our cars were brand new off the assembly line. When stressed, the engine produces a growling noise, and the NVH levels aren’t the best in class either. While the sound felt like the engine was small, its performance did not match the sound output. Maybe a few oil changes would make this engine sound calmer, but it is worth noting nonetheless. The overall characteristic of the engine makes it a perfect choice to be driven on city and highway commutes without leaving the driver unsatisfied. 

Increased wheelbase, better creature comforts, capable engine and new design language make the new Celerio look like a good competition in the crowded hatchback segment. Yes, some competitors like the Tata Tiago and Hyundai’s line-up add more features in comparison, but none have the K-series engine dynamics to match their stature. Still, in isolation, the Celerio matched with Maruti’s vast service network is a good budget option for anyone looking to get a new age hatchback with minimal running costs.

Future of electric mobility in India

Clean, green and surprisingly fun

The Indian Automobile Industry is ranked as the 5th largest in the world and is expected to move up to be the 3rd largest by 2030. Despite this impressive growth, India still needs a dramatic shift in the mobility sector so as to cater to its vast, ever-growing population. With the crude oil prices drifting up internationally, as well as the rocketing fuel prices, the existing models might not suffice in the coming years; as technology needs to be environment-friendly and cost-effective at the same time. What, then, should be the alternative? 

Electrification certainly seems to be the talk of the town in this regard. It would do a great deal in reducing vehicular emissions – which are a key contributor to air pollution, a major and looming issue today in all the big, crowded cities of the country. The Indian auto industry has been buzzing with new innovations and trends with respect to this in the recent years. It all started with the “Reva” electric car which made its debut in the year 2001 (and later got acquired by Mahindra), and a few e-rickshaws which entered the market at that time. Since then, there have only been a few automakers (both four & two wheelers) to fill the gap. But the concept of electric vehicles, that used to turn just a few heads, is now catching everyone’s attention. It can definitely be said that electric vehicles are on their way to becoming a lucrative solution & a bright reality.  

Besides the strengthening of EV and related component manufacturing, the battery prices are also expected to fall by more than 30% by 2025, which will make electric vehicles more affordable over the period of time. Also, the government of India has announced various tax redemptions and subsidies to further encourage more people to consider EVs. Under the Make In India programme, the manufacturing of EVs and their associated components is expected to increase. On the economic front, large-scale adoption of electric vehicles is expected to bring down the dependency on foreign oil & petroleum imports. The running cost of EVs, as compared to fuel could fall as low as Rs 1.1/km from that of Rs.6-10/km of a diesel or petrol vehicle , helping an electric vehicle owner save up to Rs. 20,000 for every 5,000km traversed. 

Further, a holistic e-mobility ecosystem is complete only with an effective charging infrastructure & e-mobility service providers (rentals, charging spots, battery swapping stations etc.) and related regulations. Currently, charging infrastructure for EVs is an area of concern; however, there have been some positive developments with more and more OEM’s entering the market with their products and collectively helping set and grow the infra across the country.

The demand for electric vehicles in our country is driven by the concern of fast-charging batteries coupled with great performance & extended driving range. Indians are known for being value-conscious & thus the number of EVs selling today is less. Talking money, the running cost of a diesel/petrol vehicle can be tremendously more than that of an EV, but the initial investment is what gets heavy on the pockets. It is this mentality which needs to be changed.

For automotive players today, the primary challenge is to develop quality battery packs with extended range and longer lifespan; batteries which are safe and can store & deliver a lot of energy. In the current ecosystem, lithium ion batteries have emerged as the most suitable option.

Reservations do exist among consumers today due to the limited range of these vehicles and the lack of charging facilities, as well as the high operating costs behind setting up Public Charging Stations (PCS) – the burden of which would be passed on to them in the form of higher tariffs. As a result, EVs are only used for short, irregular trips and have yet to become the norm. However, despite these infrastructural limitations, continuous investments are taking place in the research and development arena to make EV and associated technology more cost-effective. Along with this, an increasingly facilitative role is being played by the Government in providing concessions to encourage their adoption. Finally, with the realization of the practical realities surrounding traditional vehicles and their externalities, these factors will cumulatively begins to shape the consumer’s preferences favourably towards EVs. They will surely become a viable and optimal alternative in the coming future, with immense potential to transform the landscape, and usher in a new era for the automobile sector. 

India can benefit on a large scale with the widespread adoption of e-mobility. Various government interventions can definitely play a vital role in advancing electric mobility in the country. Indian policymakers have been actively pushing EV adoption in the recent years, by introducing various plans like NEMMP (National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, 2020) , the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles (FAME) and other electric campaigns under different state governments.

The wait is over, for the all new Range Rover !

         

The all-new 2022 Range Rover

After nearly a legacy of about half a century, Land Rover has finally unveiled its flagship SUV, “Range Rover”, which made its premiere in the UK, ahead of its launch in early 2022. This Range Rover has been built on the triumph of its outgoing fourth-generation predecessor which became the synonym for the epitome of luxury full-size SUV around the world. Even though the overall silhouette remains the same, many indispensable changes have been carried out extensively on the technical front.

Exterior dimensions and looks:

At the first glimpse, it looks unneighborly to the outgoing generation, but many styling ques have been carried forward. Take a closer look, and you will notice that even though the overall delineation hasn’t changed, the transpose lies in its details. From its sophistically slated grill design to the digital LED headlights claiming a beam range of 500m to the wholly revamped bumpers and gills on the flanks. Crisp body lines with flushed door handles to accentuate the sleek, seamless design of the new Range Rover. From the back, a more futuristic design with vertical blacked-out LED tail-lights gives it a much broader appeal as they are visible only when lit up. With blacked-out pillars, the glance of a floating roof is much appreciated. The wheel size could vary from 21-23 inches, depending on the spec you opt.

These evolutionary changes made on the new MLA-Flex platform of JLR will be made available in two different versions- the short wheelbase sitting at 2997mm and the long-wheelbase measuring a whopping 3197mm. The maximum ground clearance is estimated at 295mm, with rear-wheel steering (moving up to 7-degrees) being offered as standard across the range. As per the Land Rover DNA, the new Range Rover is supposed to have a water wading depth of 900mm and can tackle as steep as 45-degree inclines with utmost ease.

Interior comfort and Features:

More compendious changes have been carried out on the inside with a completely re-designed dashboard which houses a thoroughly overhauled infotainment system and driving aid tech. A 13.1-inch floating Alexa integrated touchscreen with haptic feedback and a 13.7-inch fully digital instrument cluster (with heads-up display as an optional) adorn the fondness of the interior. An entirely new designed two-bar steering houses physical controls for ease of use. A panoramic sunroof lets the cabin feel roomier and light up than before. The use of high-quality materials like leather, matte finish wood and brushed aluminum can be seen generously spread across the beautifully designed clean interiors.

As before, it will be offered in four, five and seven-seat configurations to choose from different variants amongst the long and short wheelbase layout. With active noise cancellation, a 1600-watt Meridian Signature sound system has moved a step forward with 20-watt speakers built into the four main headrests for an exhilarating experience. Loaded with the latest tech like power-assisted doors, an air purifier and a smartphone application to control vital features of the car, the range-topping spec will also get 24-way adjustable rear seats with massager. The central console will house a fridge with auto-folding tables, a large 13.1-inch entertainment screen, & an 8-inch touch control panel for the rear seat occupants will add up to the overall exquisite experience.

 

Drive & Powertrains:

With the four-cylinder engine options going obsolete, the patrons will get to choose from a 3-litre six-cylinder (both petrol & diesel) mated to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system churning outputs ranging from 250hp to 400hp and a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 530hp propelling the Range Rover from 0-100kmph in just under 4.6 secs. The eight-speed ZF auto transmission will be standard across the range.

Later, a plug-in hybrid version will follow with a 3-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with a 143 hp electric motor which will derive its power from a 38.2 kWh lithium-ion battery delivering a combined output of 450hp (P450e) or 510hp (P510e). Range Rover claims that its PHEV battery will take just about an hour to charge up to 80%.

Land Rover has also confirmed that the all-electric variant may hit the roads by 2024, which will be the first EV from the brand.

Speaking about the drivetrain, a 48-volt electronic anti-roll system with an active rear differential locking system, five-link rear axle, and twin-valve Bilstein dampers makes it accurate to the off-road capabilities. The “Integrated Chassis Control” aids the driving by using navigational data to project oncoming terrain and adjust the suspensions accordingly. With as many as six drive modes to choose from, the famed Terrain Response 2 system has been integrated in the vehicle.

Will we get this in India? 

Of-course! But as a CBU like before. Land Rover has started taking the orders for the 2022 facelift and is expected to start deliveries by 2022. With the current generation priced from 2.10 crore to 4.30 crore (ex-showroom) , this particular one might see an increase in its pricing.

 

 

Self-Driving Cars Subscriptions Launched by Tesla

The year 2014. A gimmick started floating – Acche din aayenge. Now, many may start a discourse about the same where it is, or it has arrived. But when it comes to technology, this Hindi idiom always takes a new writeup due to the advancement humanity is making with each lap. With the UK becoming the first country in the world to give a green signal to self-driving cars, the race has begun. And, with the race to better technology, you cannot keep Elon Musk away. Tesla has declared a full self-driving subscription beta model. With this Exhibit blog, get more details on this subject.

Steering Not in My Hands

Gimmicks and charming words have always attracted people. Indian media floated one a few days back – “Not in my name.” With driverless cars taking the center stage, you will find something like “Steering not in my hands” for sure. With $199 (around 14.8k INR) in a month, Tesla has announced that people who are craving a driverless car can start toying around the streets. Those who bought a Tesla car between 2016 and 2019 have to go through a hardware installation and update to ensure that they can witness such an experience too. For FSD chips and enjoying its features, Tesla has said they will give free hardware upgrades for hardware 2.0 and 5.0. 

Future of Autonomous Vehicles

Suppose someone asks me what the future of autonomous vehicles is. In that case, I will say watch TheWire interview of Kerala’s Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, where he was asked about the future of Muslims. Now, please don’t tag me as a communitarian. Just use an analogy. What analogy? Well, the answer to the question is whatever is the future of AI, same as that for the future of autonomous vehicles/driverless cars. Yes, the way AI & mechatronics will take turns will determine how many driverless cars you will see on the road. The current advancement has already forecasted that there will be more than 55 million autonomous vehicles on the road by 2040. 

Working Principle of Self-Driving Cars

The essential part of autonomous vehicles or self-driving cars is Computer Vision. Yeah, these cars will detect signals and check the proximity of objects near them. As per the dataset, the steering of these cars will take turns and move accordingly. The dataset will help to generate an algorithm for moving ahead and taking turns. Hence, machine learning and artificial intelligence will get more importance.

Major Concerns for Self-Driving Cars

The two-word answer is low reliability. Yeah, we are bringing this technology solely because they can reduce road accidents as a convention ratified in the Brasilia Declaration. But, still relying on a machine is a major concern that is creating hiccups for sovereign states to take any decision on self-driving cars. 

Affair of the heart – Nissan Magnite

Since 1933, Nissan has been creating the kinds of cars that move people’s hearts. In their pursuit of this ideal, the Japanese have always challenged the limits of what is possible by rejecting assumptions and turning conventional wisdom on its head. It’s a brand that has never lost sight of the importance of their relationship with the society and has always remained focused on the effects they have on people’s lives.

Thanks to this approach, the Nissan’s innovations have come a long way to transcended the realm of auto manufacturing and product offerings. The Magnite, Nissan’s newest offering, is a car that debuted in India but is ready to appeal to customers globally. The brand is very passionate about driving experience, not only with cars like the Skyline and Nissan GT-R but with all of the cars they produce and offer.

And this passion is growing more intense with the passing of time. Through their long years of experience in motorsports, Nissan has learned a great deal about making cars that are faster, more beautiful, safer, more responsive, and simply more fun to drive. In our eight-month stint with the Nissan Magnite, these pillars of the brand have become all the more visible.

The Magnite grabs headlines for its value for money proposition, the same reason why it’s been crowned our Compact SUV for the year 2020. It offers features that would make you question the extra bills being spent on other purchases. Consumers were drawn to its value for money proposition and may ditch their traditional hatchbacks for this. Why not, if you can get yourself a bigger vehicle for the same buck, and with more features, it would seem half-witted to not consider one.

How has Nissan managed to achieve this? Long hours behind the wheel kept me wondering, and it comes down to just one fact – efficient and smart Japanese engineering. Nissan has applied what they’ve learned in their automotive experience in India and globally, to come up with a vehicle that ticks all the right boxes. Technology has introduced possibilities of manufacturers providing features that weren’t familiar to this segment of cars. And that’s where the Magnite pushes the envelope.

We’ve begun to see its merits a lot clearer. It’s an inexpensive daily runabout that has all the features that you’d ever need, and some. For instance, families would feel reassured by its four-star ASEAN NCAP crash test. Even today, it looks as striking as it was first showcased as the concept. The sharp creases haven’t been toned down and that lends it a very new-age design.

I’ve lost count of how many people have showered interest when we’re out with it. They want to see it up close, admire those sleek headlamps and DRLs, the dual-tone color scheme, the uniquely-styled alloys. For a lot of eyes out there, the Magnite does look striking, matching their expectations on a good-looking compact SUV. There’s even a LED foglamp that lends this all-LED face a very premium look, which is only accentuated by the dual-tone color scheme that extends to the ORVMs as well. The Magnite fender badging along with the plastic cladding gives it a much-desired SUV stance. Then there’s the bulged-out hip and the sharp crafter spoiler, which sits flush with the creases that extend through the roof.  Serrated, sporty. Distinctively Japanese.

The exteriors are striking and the interiors; just so comforting. You’re greeted to a well-appointed cabin that feels roomy and airy on the inside. As you look around, you’d realize that the Magnite comes with plenty of segment-first like an all-digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree parking camera, and wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play. The seating position lets you buckle in for a commanding view and the JBL sound system, well they set the right tone for every occasion. There’s also the Nissan Connect app also allows you to enjoy 50 plus connected features accessible from your phones. Fast-paced tech-savvy buyers will also cherish the addition of a dedicated wireless phone charging pad to keep gadgets topped up.

Ferrying your friends or family would be ceremonious thanks to the more-than-plenty space on offer for the rear occupants. Headspace, knee room, shoulder space, and a flat floor for the third passenger – you name it and the Magnite has it all. Keeping them cool isn’t a worry either, thanks to uniquely placed AC vents as well.

The space on the back might be great but for enthusiasts like me, that’s not the place to be. I would instead find myself strapped behind the seatbelt on the driver’s seat because the Magnite’s engine delivers. The energetic 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit produces a healthy 98bhp and 160Nm of torque, and combined with a five-speed manual, it lets me play around a little bit. Zipping past through traffic, making those tiny gaps usable, it’s all very exciting and fun. It’s no GTR, but with the right skill sets, it’s not a slouch either. And backing the performance is the driving manners, it remains pliant and sure-footed as you push it through corners, and even soaks up the broken tarmac very well.

It’s evident then, that our love for this Nissan is just warming up. A one-sided relationship after all? Possibly, but you could blame it on the pandemic and the local guidelines around it. Now that things are springing back to normalcy, it’s the perfect time to stretch the Magnite’s legs a little bit, possibly to a neighboring state for a liberating drive. The perfect setting to rekindle with the Japanese SUV, a suited setting to explore this world together. Because that’s what the Magnite does for the masses, it enables them to choose a vehicle that can double up as a great adventure companion.

 

JLR Introduces New Velar In India With Base Price Rs 79.87 Lakh!

JLR India today announced that it had begun deliveries of the new Range Rover Velar in India. The SUV is available in the R-Dynamic S trim on Ingenium 2.0 l petrol and diesel powertrains. The 2.0 l petrol engine delivers a power of 184 kW and 365 Nm of torque, and the 2.0 l diesel engine provides a power of 150 kW and 430 Nm of torque. The new Range Rover Velar is priced from ₹ 79.87 Lakh, ex-showroom in India.

Rohit Suri, President & Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India, said, “Range Rover Velar is one the most aspirational SUV’s in India because of its peerless blend of avant-garde design, luxury and technology. In its latest avatar, with introduction of new technology and convenience features, the Range Rover Velar has become more desirable than ever.” 

The Range Rover Velar comes with new features such as 3D Surround Camera, Electronic Air Suspension, Cabin Air Ionisation with PM2.5 filter and a new Pivi Pro infotainment system. The SUV is sure to shake up its competition and make headlines. Let’s see how it fares in the market!

Apart from the new SUV, Jaguar Land Rover is also progressing in leaps and bounds in sustainable technology. The company is developing a prototype hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) based on the new Land Rover Defender, with testing scheduled to begin this year.

The FCEV concept is part of Jaguar Land Rover’s aim to achieve zero tailpipe emissions by 2036, and net-zero carbon emissions across its supply chain, products and operations by 2039, in line with the Reimagine strategy announced last month.

FCEVs, which generate electricity from hydrogen to power an electric motor, are complimentary to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on the journey to net-zero vehicle emissions. Hydrogen-powered FCEVs provide high energy density, rapid refuelling, and minimal loss of range in low temperatures, making the technology ideal for larger, longer-range vehicles or those operated in hot or cold environments.

Octavia Fans: Some Interesting Facts About Your Beloved Škoda!

Škoda Auto India recently unveiled the all-new Octavia at an ex-showroom price of Rs 25.99 lacs nationwide. In its fourth generation, the sedan carries forward Škoda Auto’s model offensive campaign for India that it began two decades ago. Along with a new look, here are some exciting updates that the sedan gets:

  1. The new Octavia is 4,689 mm long, 1,469 mm tall, 1,829 mm wide,  and comes with a wheelbase of 2,680 mm. 
  2. In Octavia’s front section is a classic robust grill, followed by narrower, new headlights featuring Bi-LED technology and daytime running lights as standard.
  3. The Octavia is available in five paint schemes: Lava Blue, Candy White, Magic Black, Brilliant  Silver, and Maple Brown, with the last two exclusively available at the Laurin & Klement. 
  4. The Octavia also gets premium beige suede leather upholstery complemented by chrome highlights. 
  5. It has a two-spoke, multifunction steering wheel with paddle shift and black leather.
  6. Passengers can choose from different shades of colours, called the ‘mood tiles’, or customise a colour, precisely to his or her liking, on a bar.

  7. A first for the Czech auto manufacturer in India, the fourth generation Octavia features  ‘shift by wire’ technology and an electric parking brake. 
  8. A turbocharged 2.0 TSI petrol engine powers the Octavia that makes 190 PS of maximum power and a peak torque output of 320Nm.
  9. The new 25.4 cm display infotainment system with an innovative touch slider adjusts the volume or the map. 
  10. Smartphones can be paired to the infotainment system, offering access to infotainment apps. 
  11. The premium Canton Sound system on Octavia Laurin & Klement features 12 speakers, including a subwoofer, and has a power output of 600 plus watts. 
  12. The Two Zone Climatronic air conditioning system, with  Air Care function, enables different temperatures to be set for the front passengers.

  13. There are storage pockets, and the cargo space is fitted with Velcro to stop the unnecessary movement of luggage. 
  14. The Octavia offers 600 litres and 1,555 litres of luggage space after folding down the rear seats.
  15. The standard safety equipment on the Octavia Laurin & Klement includes eight airbags, iBuzz Fatigue Alert and AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System). 
  16. In addition, security equipment and safety support functions include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), tyre pressure monitoring system, acoustic etc. among others.
  17. The Octavia is also equipped with “MyŠKODA Connect”, which allows the user to stay connected with the car using a smartphone.
  18. MyŠKODA Connect has inbuilt technology that offers emergency relief features such as Road Side assistance and SOS. It also helps keep the car secure in the owner’s absence with features like Geo fence, Time fence etc.

Porsche Mumbai delivers its first 718 Cayman GT4 through Infinity Cars.

Porsche Centre Mumbai recently delivered its first 718 Cayman GT4 through its newly opened dealership under Infinity Cars. The keys of not only a GT4 but a Macan as well were handed over to the proud owner through an intimate celebration yesterday. The Cayman GT4 costs around Rs 2 crores (ex-showroom).

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is the perfect sports car for those who like to push the limits, for those who take fun seriously and would rather sit in a sports seat than a leather armchair. The 718 Cayman GT4 is fitted with everything which makes your pulse race. 4.0-litre six-cylinder horizontally opposed and naturally aspirated engine with 420PS, manual transmission, rear wing. With a diffuser that demands respect and extremely output-oriented aerodynamics. The result is a razor-sharp driving machine that has never even heard of autonomous driving.

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 represents a powerful performance and stands true to the brand’s ‘sports luxury’ ethos. While Porsche’s are born for the track, these cars are suitable for everyday usage.

 

Maserati Trofeo Collection: The Pinnacle Of Luxurious Technology!

Maserati has been determined to redefine modern parameters of automobile technology. Following the 2018 launch of Levante Trofeo, the SUV’s most extreme, most potent version, the new Quattroporte and Ghibli Trofeo are now available. To highlight Maserati’s all-Italian identity, the colours chosen for the Trofeo collection launch are those of the country’s flag: green for Quattroporte, white for Levante and red for Ghibli. Among the plethora of features it has to offer, here are some of the best:

  1. The heart of Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeo is the 3.8 litre Twin Turbo V8 that makes 580hp of maximum power and a peak torque of 730 Nm.
  2. The engine, which has already revealed all its power on Levante Trofeo, is built at the Ferrari plant at Maranello to Maserati’s specifications.
  3. Although entirely new for Ghibli, the V8 engine has already been used in the past on Quattroporte GTS, in the 530 hp version.
  4. Today the 580 hp V8 engine is available on the new Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante Trofeo, in full compliance with fuel efficiency and emissions standards.
  5. Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeo claim to be the fastest Maserati sedans ever, with a top speed of 326 km/h. Levante Trofeo’s maximum speed is 302 km/h.

  6. The whole Trofeo collection is distinguished by the red details that characterise the bottom profiles of the side air vents and the lightning bolt on the Trident badge on the C-pillars.
  7. There are significant changes at the rear of the car, where the light clusters have been completely restyled, with a boomerang-like profile inspired by the 3200 GT and the Alfieri concept car.
  8. The ADAS system has evolved to include new functions, and thanks to Active Driving Assist, drivers can now activate the assisted driving function on urban roads and ordinary highways.
  9. New technologies also appear in MIA (Maserati Intelligent Assistant), the multimedia screen with upgraded resolution and larger size – 10.1” on both Ghibli Trofeo and Quattroporte Trofeo, while Levante retains the 8.4” display, but with improved resolution and graphics.

Dogefather Elon Musk’s SpaceX Accepts Dogecoin, Names DOGE-1 As Upcoming Satellite

When CEO and founder of Tesla Motors, Elon Musk, appeared and hosted an episode of a television show Saturday Night Live last weekend, he joked about various things, from his son’s name to his strange tweets, but the one thing that affected the most to the world was his anticipation of the cryptocurrency, as he joked about Dogecoin being a hustle. Due to one short segment, the cryptocurrency crashed overnight and everybody owning a crypto investment got worried, but within 24 hours, Musk tweeted SpaceX launching a Dogecoin-funded satellite to the Moon, and now, everybody is in awe.

Elon Musk, who holds a history of strange tweets, has been tweeting about the SpaceX mission and Dogecoin, but most people considered and treated it as a meme, and now for the first time, he mentioned the commercial rocket company accepting the meme-inspired cryptocurrency dogecoin as payment.

The mastermind behind the design of SpaceX said the satellite DOGE-1 would be the first crypto and the first meme in space. The DOGE-1 is a CubeSat intended to acquire ‘Lunar-spatial intelligence’ using onboard cameras and sensors. It’s being sent and paid for by a Geometric Energy Corporation company, and it’ll fly beyond the earth on a Falcon 9 rocket in the first quarter of 2022.

Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency that started off as a goofy meme, is invented by software engineers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer, who determined to create a payment system that is fun and free from traditional banking fees.

Elon Musk-led Electric carmaker Tesla Inc bought $1.5 billion worth of bitcoin in February and would soon accept it as a form of payment for its electric cars. After vouching for Bitcoin, Elon Musk now supports Dogecoin cryptocurrency, and he’s been tweeting about Dogecoin memes and referring to himself as the Dogefather.

Earlier, right after Musk describes Dogecoin as a hustle in Saturday Night Live show, the value of Dogecoin crashed severely, but when he tweeted late on Sunday about SpaceX is now accepting the cryptocurrency Dogecoin to launch an upcoming satellite named DOGE-1 to the Moon, caused the price of Dogecoin to grow by more than 30 percent immediately. Previously this year, Elon Musk tweeted ‘a literal dogecoin on the literal moon’, which also created a buzz and the price shoot up briefly.

Other details on the DOGE-1 mission, including exactly what it will do in lunar orbit, have not yet been released. However, about the Dogecoin cryptocurrency, what started as a joke is now anything but nearly 113 billion mined coins.

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