McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has completed a three-car retailer collection of bespoke McLaren 720S Coupes, commissioned by McLaren Brussels to mark a milestone in McLaren history. Among the most exclusive Super Series models to be offered by the Woking-based luxury sportscar and supercar manufacturer, the 720S trio honours McLaren’s debut Grand Prix victory 50 years ago, with company founder Bruce McLaren at the wheel.

Bruce McLaren recorded the first Formula 1 win for his fledgling team in the 1968 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, driving a McLaren M7A in signature Papaya Orange livery. Half a century on, the McLaren 720S Spa 68 Collection pays tribute to the achievement with a carefully-curated tailoring that’s sure to resonate with motorsport enthusiasts the world over.

Each of the three McLaren 720S Spa 68 Collection cars is finished in MSO Bespoke Anniversary Orange paint, formulated to echo the colour of the 1968 race car. The scene of the famous victory – the first of many that would make McLaren one of the most successful teams in the history of F1 – also features on the car in the form of a silver outline of the 14km Spa-Francorchamps track – as used in 1968 – ahead of the rear wheel arch and also embroidered onto the headrest.

From the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) Defined range, Extended Carbon Fibre Sill Covers are inscribed with the legend “1st McLaren F1 victory Belgian Grand Prix 9th June 1968 – Bruce McLaren”. Even the ignition key has an echo of the win with each of the MSO bespoke keys painted Anniversary Orange and featuring silver “Spa 68” text. All three cars also have a dedication plaque with its unique number.

MSO Bespoke Satin Black 5 Twin-Spoke Lightweight wheels set off the orange paintwork in dramatic fashion, while inside MSO Bespoke contrast stitching in McLaren Orange thread is specified – another nod to the colour so integral to the company’s winning heritage.

Bruce McLaren was acknowledged during the period as a master of Spa-Francorchamps. He had five top-three finishes in seven starts at the Belgian GP, but victory eluded him. That changed in 1968 when the ‘Speedy Kiwi’ returned to the challenging Belgian circuit with a car of his own construction for the first time. Dicing with drivers such as Chris Amon, John Surtees and Jackie Stewart, Bruce McLaren lasted the distance to come home first after what was a race of attrition.

It was Bruce McLaren’s fourth Formula 1 career win but his first victory driving his own McLaren car, at that time making him only the third driver to win a Grand Prix in a car of his own design and construction. The victory set the McLaren team on a path to eight World Constructors’ Championships and 12 World Drivers’ Championships.

McLaren’s motorsport achievements and its Formula 1 technology informs the design and construction of every sportscar and supercar built in Woking. Featuring carbon fibre construction for exceptional lightness and strength and innovative aerodynamics, the 212mph, multiple award-winning McLaren 720S delivers extreme dynamic performance allied to the broadest range of supercar abilities in a luxury coupe that is just as at home on the track as it is on the road.

The McLaren 720S Spa 68 Collection cars is available from McLaren Brussels, however with two of the three having already found buyers, you’ll need to hurry in order to secure the final car in the collection.

Introduction

Japanese carmaker Nissan has an enviable pedigree for producing world-class SUVs. Iconic nameplates like the Patrol, Pathfinder, X-Trail, Terra and the Jonga which was once extensively used by the Indian Army are testimony to Nissan’s SUV heritage. The top management at Nissan India has articulated that they will concentrate on leveraging their stronghold in SUVs and bring their world class products to India. In line with their India strategy, Nissan India is gearing up for the launch of the Nissan Kicks scheduled for January 2019.

So when the invitation to get up close and personal with Nissan’s most awaited SUV came our way, we were naturally excited to check out the latest thoroughbred from Nissan’s stable and took it for a spin from Bhuj to Rann of Kutch and back. Read on to find out how it fared.

Design and Engineering

The Nissan Kicks sports a wider and robust stance. The body is designed and built with GRAPHENE (Gravity-philic Energy Absorption) body structure, which has inherent capability to absorb impact energy making the new Nissan Kicks both safer and durable on Indian road.

Nissan Kicks offers a host of design signatures and features like the floating roof design created by blacked out pillars with stylish roof rail andstylish LED DRL, shark fin antenna, front fog lamps and door mounted ORVMs with indicators. The bold V-motion grille, a signature motif in Nissan’s design language adds to new Kicks’ distinctive presence. The uniquely designed headlamps and tail lights feature boomerang-shaped LED lamps to add panache.

The wheel-oriented stance of the Nissan Kicks is enhanced by R17, 5-spoke machined-alloy wheels. The bold fender arch bring out the masculinity in the new Nissan Kicks, while substantial face and back style provide a rugged presence on the Indian roads. Body side moulding, skid plates and roof rails adds to the SUV character never ceasing to turn heads while on the go. NVH levels are well contained with minimal exterior noise filtering into the passenger cabin.

Interior and Comfort

Step inside the Nissan Kicks and you will be welcomed by a spacious cabin featuring a dual-tone brown and black interior theme with carbon fiber finishing which exudes class. Leather wrapped soft touch dashboard and door trims, auto AC as standard across variant line up, well bolstered seats with good lumber support, adequate shoulder and knee room, cooled and illuminated glove box and large configurable boot with 400 litre of luggage space are just some of the interior highlights which is sure to impress the prospective buyers.

From the technological standpoint, the Nissan Kicks is features loaded and comes equipped with segment-first Around View Monitor Display (AVM) 360 Camera which proves extremely useful, an 8.0-inch floating infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility which deliver good audio experience.

With rising concerns around safety and security while driving, Nissan has offered its customers greater control over their cars. Hence, the introduction of new Nissan Intelligent Mobility features aimed at offering control, convenience, safety and security and social sharing to transform your car into a more responsive partner. The new update introduces technology to monitor vehicle status and vehicle health status remotely through app called the NissanConnect.

Performance and Handling

The Nissan Kicks is available with the choice of two powertrains – 1.5H4K petrol mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and 1.5K9K dci diesel engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The petrol engine produces 106 PS of maximum power at 5600 rpm and 142 Nm of peak torque at 4000 rpm. While the diesel motor churns out 110 PS at 3850 rpm and 240 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm. These are the same engines that does duty on the Renault Captur as well.

We tested the 1.5-litre diesel which pulls well from low rev range and delivers linear power with very little lag. The motor is responsive and boasts of good drivability. The suspension is well tuned for Indian road conditions with the Nissan Kicks traversing over undulations on the road with relative ease. The steering feedback is confidence inspiring and grows heavier with increase in speed. The brake bite, however, felt slightly spongy and leaves room for improvement. There is also minor body roll while navigating sharp corners at high speed, but nothing majorly unnerving.

Safety features like intelligent trace control, ABS with EBD and braking assistance (standard across model range), cruise control, auto headlamps, cornering fog lamps and hill start assist makes the Nissan Kicks a safe SUV to drive.

Verdict

The Nissan Kicks is a well engineered product from Nissan’s stable and ticks most of the right boxes. It offers combination of intelligent technology and many segment first features. Boasting a rugged and robust appearance, the Kicks looks masculine and agile. It features tastefully designed interior which exudes class and spaciousness. The ride and handling is sorted with tried and tested engines doing duty on the Nissan Kicks.

The compact SUV segment is still growing and contributing significantly to the overall sales of many carmakers. Nissan would also hope that the Kicks will script a similar growth story for them. When it is launched in January, the Nissan Kicks will take on established rivals Hyundai Creta and Ford EcoSport along with others like the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross and Renault Captur. Nissan has to undercut the competition in terms of pricing to give the Kicks a fair chance to perform well. Given the product, the right price for the Nissan Kicks should be in the range of Rs 7.5 lakhs for the base petrol going upto Rs 11.5 lakhs for the range topping diesel.

Technical Specifications:

Length – 4384 mm

Width – 1813 mm

Height – 1656 mm (with roof rails)

Wheelbase – 2673 mm

Fuel tank capacity – 50 litres

Turning radius – 5.2 m

Engine – 1.5 H4K Petrol, 1.5 K9K dCi Diesel

Displacement – 1498 cc (Petrol), 1461 cc (Diesel)

Max Power – 106 PS @ 5600 rpm (Petrol), 110 PS @ 3850 rpm (Diesel)

Max Torque – 142 Nm @ 4000 rpm (Petrol), 240 Nm @ 1750 rpm (Diesel)

Ground Clearance – 210 mm

Boot space – 400 litres

Sanjeev Aggarwal, Vice President, Aftersales, Nissan India felicitating Ruhi Parvez Memon the first new Nissan Kicks customer from Pune

It was a special moment during the 10th edition of ‘Happy with Nissan’ service camp when the first customer to book the all New Nissan Kicks was identified from Pune. During this service camp, running between 14th and 24th December, the customers can avail attractive discounts and special offers at Nissan and Datsun dealerships across the country.

On this occasion, Sanjeev Aggarwal, Vice President, Aftersales, Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd said, “Happy with Nissan is our after sales initiatives and showcases our commitment to providing our customers a good ownership experience. And today we are extremely delighted to felicitate the first customer of the new Nissan KICKS from Pune.”

Nissan is providing customers with a 60-point free vehicle check-up, free top wash, attractive discounts on accessories, up to 20 per cent discount on labour charges, apart from assured gifts. The one-week service camp will also provide customer-focused communications about the benefits of authorised Nissan and Datsun service centres and the use of Nissan genuine spare parts, oils and accessories.

The Ferrari Museum is dedicating a special exhibition to Michael Schumacher, which will open on the occasion of his 50th birthday on 3 January 2019. It is intended both as a celebration and a mark of gratitude to the most successful Prancing Horse driver ever.

Schumacher has a special place in Ferrari’s history, which has been marked by his many records. Between 1996 and 2006 the German champion won five consecutive Drivers’ titles, from 2000 to 2004, and made a major contribution to the Scuderia’s haul of six Manufacturers’ titles over those years.

The Museum’s rooms will look back over the memorable seasons that the seven-time World Champion gifted to all Ferraristi, and that created a legend now bigger than ever in the hearts of all fans.

The exhibition will also show Michael’s crucial contribution to the development of extraordinary GT cars in his years at Maranello, as a driver and later as a consultant.

The ‘Michael 50’ exhibition is in collaboration with the Keep Fighting Foundation.

Infiniti will preview a vision of its first fully electric crossover at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January – revealing a new form design language for electrification, infused with Japanese DNA.

“The concept car we will show in Detroit is the beginning of a new era for INFINITI, and an illustration of where we want to go with the brand. Electrification and other new technologies have given us the opportunity to evolve our design philosophy,” said Karim Habib, Executive Design Director, Infiniti.

Last January, the company announced Infiniti would electrify its portfolio from 2021 onward, using either e-power (serial hybrid) or pure EV powertrains.

The Q Inspiration – revealed at the 2018 NAIAS, and Prototype 10, seen at the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d ’Elegance – both provided elements of a futuristic design language. At the 2019 NAIAS in January, these elements will come together to provide the clearest vision yet of the future of Infiniti in an era of electrified design.

The advent of electrified platforms heralds a fresh approach to what crossover and saloon platforms look like, both inside and out. With new exterior proportions, electrification also gifts interior space, enabling spacious and lounge-like interiors, rich in welcoming and assistive technologies.

“The industry is at a technological inflection point,” said Roland Krueger, Chairman and Global President of Infiniti Motor Co. “As such, INFINITI has a compelling vision as a luxury challenger brand to bring a full portfolio of beautifully-designed electric vehicles to customers around the world. We will focus on developing the full portfolio of e-power and EVs.”

The SEAT factory in Martorell, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary, reached another milestone in 2018 by exceeding the figure of 10 million vehicles produced. In the past quarter century, 39 different models have rolled off the production lines of Spain’s largest car factory, ranging from the second generation SEAT Ibiza and the first SEAT Cordoba to the SEAT Arona or the Audi A1, which is now into its first few weeks of production.

The factory was inaugurated in 1993 following an investment of 244.5 billion pesetas (1.47 billion euros). SEAT transferred production there after 40 years in the old Zona Franca factory in Barcelona and since then, the brand’s main models have been made in Martorell, as well as Audi’s Q3 and A1. The factory is the Volkswagen Group’s third largest in Europe, and has become the benchmark smart factory of Industry 4.0.

The vehicle number 10 million, an Arona FR 1.5 TSI combining the colours Desired Red and Midnight Black, is on display this week in the Martorell factory as a part of the exhibition to commemorate the plant’s 25th anniversary. This Arona was built on the MQB A0 platform, which it shares with the Ibiza and newcomer Audi A1. SEAT was the Volkswagen Group’s first brand to use this platform, which allows for greater manufacturing flexibility as it supports various models and enables different kinds of body styles within the same segment, and has made it possible for Martorell to add three new models to its lines in the past 18 months.

SEAT Vice-president for Production and Logistics Dr. Christian Vollmer stated that “since its inauguration in 1993, the heart of SEAT has been known for being at the forefront of innovation. Thanks to continuous investment in technology and a highly qualified workforce, the factory has improved the quality of products and processes year after year until becoming what it is today – the factory that makes the most cars in Spain and a benchmark of Industry 4.0 and digitalisation.”

In these past 25 years, the production processes in the factory have evolved considerably. In this sense, SEAT is firmly committed to transforming the Martorell plant to Industry 4.0, with the goal of creating a factory that is smart, digitalised and connected, which adapts to production needs and processes, and which manages resources and communication among areas with greater efficiency.

As an example of this transformation, today the factory has more than 2,000 robots which play an essential role. They are in constant movement to assemble the more than 3,000 parts that go into every new car, and they will play an even more important role in upcoming years. All of these 4.0 novelties coexist with the 8,000 workers at the factory, who turn out 2,400 cars every day, which is the equivalent of one car approximately every 30 seconds.

SEAT’s product offensive over the past two years has required a record investment and R&D expenditure figure, which last year amounted to 962 million euros. Today, the factory produces the Ibiza and the Leon, which will launch a new generation in 2019, as well as the urban crossover Arona. In addition, the Audi A1 has recently been added to the production lines. It is only being made in the SEAT factory and distributed to all the markets where it is sold. Audi allocated it to Martorell in the wake of the production success of the Audi Q3, which was made there exclusively for seven years.

Owing to the increase in production and in the number of models produced at the Martorell factory, as well as the launch of strategic projects related with car connectivity and the company’s digitalisation and the development and launch of the Tarraco, the workforce has increased to more than 15,000 professionals. Of these, more than 12,500 work In Martorell, both on the production line as in the company’s central services and the SEAT Technical Centre, where all of the brand’s vehicles are designed and developed. In 2018 alone, more than 500 employees joined the company with an open-ended contract.

Nissan India commenced bookings of the new Nissan Kicks at Rs 25,000 across all Nissan dealerships in India. Customers can also book the Kicks online on http://www.nissan.in

Commenting on the announcement, Hardeep Singh Brar, Director, Sales and Commercial, Nissan Motors India Ltd., said, “The new Nissan KICKS is a testimony to our commitment to bring the best of global products and technology to our customers in India. We are confident that with its progressive SUV design and advanced technology, the KICKS will appeal to new-age urban adventure seekers.”

The Nissan Kicks sports a wider and robust style underlined by a Dynamic Sonic Plus line, Wheel-oriented Stance and a Distinctive 3-dimensional presence. The body is designed and built with GRAPHENE (Gravity-philic Energy Absorption) body structure, which has inherent capability to absorb impact energy making the new Nissan Kicks safer and durable on Indian roads.

The Nissan Kicks offers a host of established design signatures and features e.g. floating roof design created by blacked out pillars with stylish roof rail and signature LED DRL, shark fin antenna, front fog lamps and door mounted ORVS with indicators. The bold V-motion grille, a signature motif in Nissan’s design language adds to new Kicks’ distinctive presence. The uniquely designed headlamps and tail lights feature iconic boomerang-shaped LED signature lamps to add character.

The wheel-oriented stance is further enhanced by R17, 5-spoke machined-alloy wheels. The bold styling with dynamic stance and glamorous fender arch bring out the solidity and elegance in the new Nissan Kicks, while substantial face and back style provide a masculine and rugged presence on the Indian roads.

Luxury motorcycle brand, Ducati has announced its entry in the pre-owned bike market in India through the Ducati Approved program. The program allows motorcycle enthusiasts to enter the world of Ducati with a pre-owned motorcycle with the certainty of its quality and performance for a true Ducati experience.

Ducati Approved is a certified pre-owned motorcycle program wherein Ducati entrusts the work to qualified Ducati Service technicians who select and inspect every bike, certifying its history. Only a bike less than 5 years old, with certified mileage lower than 50,000 km and that has passed 35 rigorous technical checks can be certified as Ducati Approved.

Ducati Approved program includes specialised assistance by the official Ducati network in India including Roadside Assistance. The program extends 12-month warranty coverage with the possibility of warranty transfer to the new owner in case of sale. Under this program, costs of materials and labour charges will be covered by Ducati dealers without any advance payment and as per agreed terms & conditions.

Sergi Canovas, Managing Director, Ducati India, said “Our entry in the pre-owned segment in India will make Ducati more accessible to passionate bikers who aspire for the luxurious & premium experience offered by Ducati motorcycles. I believe that Ducati Approved program will help bike enthusiasts in upgrading themselves to their dream machine in a cost efficient and assured manner. With this program, our aim is to sell bikes with the same level of sophistication and authenticity as offered with a new Ducati.”

L to R: Biju Balendran, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Renault Nissan Automotive India (RNAIPL) and Takashi Hashimoto, SVP, RNTBCI (Renault-Nissan Technology and Business Centre India Private Ltd)

Nissan India today announced the start-of-production of New Kicks by rolling out the first vehicle from its Chennai plant. With this, the company is gearing up for the launch of this SUV in January 2019.

“Commenting on the announcement, Thomas Kuehl, President, Nissan India Operations said, “We are excited to announce the start-of-production of New Nissan KICKS at our plant in Chennai. We had recently showcased the New Nissan KICKS which has created a lot of buzz and excitement amongst SUV enthusiasts across the country. Designed to appeal to the new-age urban adventure seeker, the KICKS is a testimony to our commitment to the Indian consumers and also reflects the SUV heritage of Nissan.”

With interest in classic cars growing every year and values of heritage models at an all-time high, Aston Martin Lagonda has pioneered a bold new plan: to future-proof these increasingly precious machines by creating the world’s first reversible EV powertrain conversion.

Conceived as an integral part of the company’s wider EV strategy, the Heritage electrification concept has been led by Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell. Developed around a so-called “cassette” EV powertrain, the objective is to mitigate any future legislation to restrict the use of classic cars by offering a zero emissions conversion.

Using knowledge acquired by Aston Martin during the final phase development of the Rapide E and future planning of the all-new range of Lagondas, the Aston Martin Works’ Heritage EV conversion employs state-of-the-art thinking and technology. Production versions of the revolutionary EV cassette will include key components from the Rapide E programme.

The first car to receive the radical new EV powertrain is an original 1970 DB6 MkII Volante, which would have been originally hand-crafted at Newport Pagnell. Sitting on the original engine and gearbox mountings, the cassette is enclosed within its own self-contained cell. Umbilical cords from the power unit then feed the car’s electrical systems. Power management is operated via a dedicated screen, which is discreetly fitted to the car’s interior.

Given the historical significance of these collectors cars it’s vital any EV conversion is sympathetic to the integrity of the original car. The cassette system offers the perfect solution, offering owners the reassurance of knowing their car is future-proofed and socially responsible, yet still an authentic Aston Martin with the ability to reinstate its original powertrain if desired.

Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group Chief Executive Officer, said of the Heritage EV concept: “We are very aware of the environmental and social pressures that threaten to restrict the use of classic cars in the years to come. Our Second Century Plan not only encompasses our new and future models, but also protects our treasured heritage. I believe this not only makes Aston Martin unique, but a truly forward-thinking leader in this field.”

Paul Spires, President Aston Martin Works commented: “We have been looking for some time to find a way of protecting our customers’ long-term enjoyment of their cars. Driving a classic Aston Martin on pure EV power is a unique experience and one that will no doubt be extremely attractive to many owners, especially those who live in city centres. We also foresee collectors adding another dimension to their collection by commissioning EV-converted heritage cars.”

Having handled the initial concept evaluation and build of the proof-of-concept DB6 Volante, Aston Martin Works will also be responsible for completing customer Heritage EV conversions, which are expected to commence in 2019.

A bold and progressive solution to a growing issue, the Heritage EV programme ensures Aston Martin’s glorious past also has a sustainable, bright and exciting future.