The 15th edition of Royal Enfield’s Himalayan Odyssey was flagged off from India Gate on Monday, July 9. Considered the holy grail of motorcycling, Himalayan Odyssey saw 60 motorcyclists including 10 women riders embark on a journey where they will be traversing some of the roughest terrains and highest mountain passes in the world, covering a distance of over 2,200 kilometres in 18 days on their Royal Enfield motorcycles. The contingent was flagged off by Rudratej Singh, President, Royal Enfield. As a long standing tradition, the lamas chanted prayers and blessed the riders at the flag-off ceremony held at India Gate.

Addressing the riders at the flag-off ceremony, Rudratej Singh, President Royal Enfield said, “Himalayan Odyssey is a testimony of Royal Enfield, which has for over 15 years been encouraging riders to do more with their motorcycles. The ride is symbolic of motivating others to make motorcycling a way of life. We are certain that the riders who have embarked on this journey ultimately come back as explorers because we are not just about motorcycles but pure motorcycling and exploration.”

This year, participants for the Himalayan Odyssey congregated from across India, including cities like, Chennai, Erode, New Delhi, Bangalore, Kochi as well as overseas locations like Dubai and Barcelona, to be a part of the expedition.

Though both the rides, Himalayan Odyssey and Himalayan Odyssey Women, was flagged off from Delhi together, they will take different ride routes before finally converging at Leh. Through the ride, the participants will traverse across the picturesque regions of the Himalayas in Ladakh as well as Spiti. Both the regions will throw hostile challenges at the riders in terms of weather and terrain.

Each turn exposing the riders to a new landscape like no other, eventually leading them to overwhelming beauty of the great Himalayan range.

Celebrating the fifth anniversary in India since reveal, Datsun has launched ‘Peace of mind’ package for a hassle-free ownership experience. Available to Datsun redi-GO, GO and GO+ customers across the country, this will be the first in class five-year extended warranty package offered by Datsun.

Commenting on the occasion, Jerome Saigot, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. said, “As Datsun, our aim is to deliver optimum value to our customers in India not just through the Japanese engineering and technology in our products, but also through a delightful after sales experience. With our new offering “Peace of mind”, we are taking the responsibility to deliver a hassle-free ownership experience that further enhances the promise of progressive mobility to our customers.”

‘Peace of mind’ will serve as a comprehensive service package which is set to offer a host of services that includes 24×7 road-side assistance, free insurance, with free pick-up and drop facilities along with a special scheme for Government employees both in service and retired.

5 years / unlimited km warranty : Takes care of entire car’s technical health with coverage for engine, AC Compressor, ECU, alternator, shock absorber and much more.

Free Insurance: During the first year of your ownership.

Special offer: Special Scheme for Government employees both in service and retired

Road Side Assistance: Free road side assistance, towing to the nearest Nissan-Datsun workshop. 24×7 customer helpline, lost key assistance, fuel assistance, battery jump start and hotel and cab arrangement in case of breakdown related emergencies.

Free Pick and drop: Free pick and drop for the car for servicing at Nissan-Datsun authorized workshops.

A vital advantage of the package is that it is transferrable to the new owner, in case the car is sold to someone else during the ownership period. Not only this, to ensure maximum customer satisfaction Peace of Mind is valid at all Nissan-Datsun touch points across the country.

Charles Frump, Managing Director, Volvo Car India at the launch of the all-new Volvo XC40 

Volvo Cars launched the much awaited entry luxury SUV – Volvo XC40 based on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA). It is the first product on the new CMA platform and completes the SUV line-up for Volvo. The platform is future-ready with electrification and active safety features. With a special introductory price of Rs 39.90 lakhs (ex-showroom, India) for limited stock, the XC40 R-Design is ready to take on the competitive and growing compact luxury SUV segment with its impressive list of technology and features.

“The XC40 is our first offering in the entry-level SUV segment and with this, Volvo completes its range across all luxury SUV segments – Compact, Mid-size and Full-size,” said Charles Frump, Managing Director, Volvo Car India. “It has an edgy design and a host of segment first intuitive technology that makes life less complicated. The launch of XC40 and our aggressive dealer expansion of one new dealer per month this year are the key success factors in achieving our ambition of doubling segment share by 2020.”

The new XC40 is an embodiment of modern Scandinavian design. Signature Thor’s hammer in a different rendition, unique tail-lamp cluster and a sculpted exterior in dual-tone colour makes this SUV look edgy. Its exterior proportions give the XC40 a true SUV stance. The interior has black leather and lava orange faux-wool tones to add to the trendiness and the cabin with 9-inch touchscreen has a good mix of materials that exudes a plush feel.

The XC40 is the only car in its segment to have radar based active safety features like city safety with steering assist, active at speeds up to 50 kmph it avoids collision from other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and large animals. Adaptive cruise control lets the XC40 maintain a safe distance on highways and other features like on-coming lane mitigation, driver alerts, run-off road protection and roll stability control reassures the driver and its occupants. The protective safety cage and 7 airbags keep the occupants safe in an unlikely event of a collision.

The XC40 is available in the R-Design trim with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder twin-turbo D4 diesel variant producing 193PS (190hp) and 400Nm of peak torque. The new generation powertrains are clean and comply with stringent European and Indian emission norms. The powertrain has an 8-speed geartronic gearbox and Haldex AWD with different drive modes – eco, comfort, dynamic, off-road and individual modes that provides you a varied choice of settings apt for your drive to work or an adventurous journey to your weekend destination.

Intuitive touchscreen in the centre stack simplifies the user experience in the XC40. All functionalities of the car are ergonomically designed to keep the driver focused on driving. Harmon/Kardon 13-speakers 600W surround is unique audio experience for any cars in the segment and the woofer is placed inside the dashboard for better acoustics. The cabin comes with leather seats as standard and the dashboard has piano black inserts around the touchscreen with aluminum inserts on the front to provide you with a sporty feel.

Other features worth highlighting includes panoramic sunroof, induction charging for mobile phones, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, two-zone climate control, 12.3-inch instrumentation cluster, 9-inch centre display touchscreen, distance alert, rear and front park assist pilot, diamond cut alloy wheel, power tail gate, hands-free power tail gate opening and closing.

These technologies and features standard in the XC40 R-Design makes it an attractive package in the compact luxury SUV market in India. The launch variant in Crystal White, Bursting Blue and Passion red is available across dealerships starting today.

The McLaren 600LT marks the beginning of the next chapter in the McLaren ‘Longtail’ (LT) story and at the same time sets a new sportscar benchmark as the fastest, most powerful and most track-focused – yet road legal – Sports Series McLaren has created.

Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive said, “The McLaren 600LT is only the fourth ‘Longtail’ McLaren in more than two decades. The McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ that began the lineage was one of the purest race cars in modern motorsport history. The 675LT resurrected the revered name, creating the purest distillation of the sheer driving pleasure embodied by all McLaren cars. Now we are further extending our very special LT family –albeit in limited numbers – and once again showcasing the ethos of optimised aerodynamics, increased power, reduced weight, track-focused dynamics and enhanced driver engagement that are the hallmarks of a McLaren ‘Longtail’.”

Inspired by the renowned McLaren 675LT and its iconic ‘Longtail’ racing predecessor, the McLaren 600LT is built to excel on roads and race circuits alike. The new addition to the LT family has all the physical hallmarks of a true McLaren ‘Longtail’, including a silhouette elongated by 74mm; it also has an extended front splitter, lengthened rear diffuser and fixed rear wing. In total, more than 23 per cent of parts (by number) are different on a standard McLaren 600LT compared to a McLaren 570S Coupe.

Extreme weight-saving measures were at the heart of the McLaren 600LT programme from its outset, with a reduction of 96kg against the DIN weight of a 570S Coupe targeted and achieved. Built using the lightweight carbon fibre monocoque chassis for which McLaren is renowned, the 600LT further benefits from new carbon fibre bodywork that lowers vehicle weight as well as optimising aerodynamic performance. Unique top-exit exhausts ensure that the new LT model has a distinct aesthetic appearance that identifies it as something particularly special, as well as delivering a substantial weight saving and an incredible aural experience.

The minimalist, track-focused interior has Carbon Fibre Racing Seats first seen on the McLaren P1, and lightweight Alcantara trim material features extensively. Super-Lightweight carbon fibre seats developed for the McLaren Senna are available in lieu of the standard seats if customers are looking for further weight savings, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) offers a range of features that includes a carbon fibre roof and cantrails and vented carbon fibre front fenders. With every lightweight option fitted, the lightest dry weight of the new McLaren 600LT is as low as 1,247kg.

To deliver the extreme performance appropriate for an LT, the McLaren 600LT is powered by a twin-turbocharged, 3.8-litre V8 engine that benefits from an uprated cooling system and reduced back pressure in an exhaust system that is even shorter and more extreme than that of the McLaren Senna. Peak power is 600PS (592bhp), with maximum torque of 620Nm (457lb ft) and the power-to-weight ratio of the McLaren 600LT at lightest dry weight is an astonishing 481PS/tonne.

The essence of a McLaren ‘Longtail’ is more though than its physical silhouette and more even than reduced weight and increased power; the absolute remit of the McLaren 600LT is to engage and excite drivers to the highest levels imaginable. To this end, the new model features the forged aluminium double-wishbone suspension and lightweight braking system from the second-generation McLaren Super Series; bespoke, track-focused Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres; quicker steering; sharpened responses from the throttle and brake pedals; significantly firmer engine mounts and exhausts that are mounted virtually behind the driver’s shoulder to bring the incredible sound of the powertrain into the cabin.

The new carbon-fibre bodywork and large rear diffuser deliver substantially increased downforce to further enhance the 600LT dynamic experience, especially on a track. The driver is encouraged by the deep-rooted and incredibly pure connection with the car to fully exploit the optimised aerodynamics, reduced weight, increased power and track-focused dynamics. This higher level of excellence and engagement is the ethos at the heart of the McLaren 600LT, just as it was with the McLaren 675LT models and the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ before them.

The dramatic ‘Longtail’ iteration of the McLaren F1 GTR made its debut during the 1997 season, the distinctive stretched silhouette earning it the now-iconic name. Only nine examples and the development prototype were built. In addition to the elongated bodywork that reduced drag and increased downforce, there were further developments beneath the stretched skin, including fully adjustable suspension and a sequential transmission.

Optimised through extensive weight-saving measures, the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ was more than 100kg lighter than the already flyweight, 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning, McLaren F1 GTR and became one of the most illustrious GT race cars of its time. The McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ took victory in five of the 11 rounds of the 1997 FIA GT Championship and finished first and second in the GT1 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The nearest opposition was almost 30 laps behind.

McLaren Automotive revived the legendary ‘Longtail’ name at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show, with the launch of the 675LT Coupe. Weight was minimised and aerodynamics were optimised, in parallel with power and driver engagement increasing. The track-focused dynamics were proudly obvious and only a limited number were available. True to the spirit of its ‘Longtail’ predecessor and the traits inherent to a car wearing the LT badge, the 675LT Coupé was at the time of launch acknowledged as the purest, most involving series-production McLaren supercar to date.

Responding to customer demand after the production run of Coupes rapidly sold out, McLaren created the McLaren 675LT Spider. The most focused, fastest and exhilarating open-top model to ever wear a McLaren badge, all 500 examples were sold within two weeks.

Volume of the new McLaren LT will also be strictly limited. Production of the 600LT Coupe will begin in October 2018 and last for around 12 months, with build slots scheduled around existing Sports and Super Series models, as well as the sell-out Senna, Senna GTR and BP23. The specialist carbon fibre body panels of the 600LT will also ensure that it is significantly rarer than its Sports Series brethren.

Like its 675LT predecessors, each 600LT will be hand-assembled at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, Surrey.

FCA India today rolled out the Jeep Compass ‘Bedrock’, a Limited Edition to commemorate its 25,000 sales milestone, achieved in less than a year of the SUV’s launch in the market. Bedrock will be available in the ‘Sport’ trim, comes with the 2.0-litre 173 PS turbo diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, in 4×2 drive configuration.

Commenting on Jeep Compass Bedrock Kevin Flynn – President and Managing Director, FCA India said, “We are proud of what we have achieved with the Jeep Compass in less than one year of it being in the market. With the Jeep Compass, FCA India has secured its best sales within a 12-month period, in the last 10 years. We are celebrating our 25,000 sales milestone with Indian customers by giving them the Jeep Compass Bedrock Limited Edition.”

The Jeep Compass Bedrock Limited Edition will come with features like Reverse Parking Camera, 16-inch gloss Black Alloy wheels, side step for ingress, Bedrock-branded seat covers, black roof rails, premium floor mats, Bedrock decals and the Bedrock monogram.

Bedrock Limited Edition, 4×2, 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 6-speed manual transmission is priced at Rs. 17.53 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) will be available in three colours – Vocal White, Minimal Grey and Exotica Red.

FCA India celebrated the first year of Jeep Compass production on June this year in Ranjangaon, which is one of FCA’s four global manufacturing and export hubs. The Company has already exported over 8000 Jeep Compass SUVs to seven automobile markets now including developed destinations such as Japan, Australia, the UK and Ireland.

Flynn added, “The Jeep brand has gained a considerable amount of recognition in India and we thank our customers who have placed their faith in our brand and products so far. The FCA team has been working tirelessly to strengthen that faith by providing them with a top notch after-sales service experience, which is backed by our Mopar promise. ”

Currently, FCA India has 65 sales and service outlets across India and will increase the count to 70 this calendar year.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo was launched with a new diesel engine variant. Available now in both petrol and diesel options, the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo is locally produced and available in two design schemes – Luxury Line and M Sport – at all BMW dealerships across India effective immediately.

Along with introduction of diesel variants, the current petrol variant of the 6 Series Gran Turismo will now also be available in a new design trim from July 2018 onwards. The new BMW 630i Gran Turismo Luxury Line will get chrome design elements on the exterior and fine-wood trim on the interior.

The three-litre six-cylinder diesel engine of BMW 630d Gran Turismo produces an output of 195 kW / 265 hp and a maximum torque of 620 Nm at 2,000 – 2,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0-100 kmph in just 6.1 seconds.

Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “With the launch of the first-ever BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, we created a new segment in the Indian luxury car market. The first-ever BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo immediately stands out from the crowd due to its striking presence and alluring coupe style. With the trademark BMW driving pleasure and long-distance comfort, it creates an unrivalled experience for both the driver and passengers. The success of the first-ever BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo will now be taken forward as we present it in a new diesel variant, broadening the range of choices for our discerning customers.”

The ex-showroom prices of the BMW 630d Gran Turismo are as follows –

BMW 630d Gran Turismo Luxury Line : Rs 66, 50,000

BMW 630d Gran Turismo M Sport : Rs 73, 70,000

The ex-showroom price of the BMW 630i Luxury Line is as follows –

BMW 630i Gran Turismo Luxury Line : Rs 61, 80,000

Hyundai Motor India announced the launch of a Digital Campaign – #SaveMyGame for all the football fans across the country. The campaign will be live from June 14 to July 15, 2018 where football fans can ‘Save Their Game’ by giving a missed call on a special Hyundai Football Fan Helpline and create an entertaining experience for their interruption (like a family member or a friend).

The FIFA enthusiasts can give a missed call on helpline number to participate and win an opportunity to free themselves from any interruption (like a family member or a friend) for an uninterrupted FIFA experience. Hyundai Motor India will invite the nominated family member or friend of the ‘Save My Game’ lucky winner and engage them in exciting activities such as interactions with well-known radio jockeys, TV stars or an e-voucher which can be used to avail a movie ticket, spa, dine out, or test drive of a Hyundai model during the selected match timing. More than 100 fan helpline dialers will get a chance to ‘Save Their Game’ on each match day. The helpline number will be active from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM on all match days.

Commenting on the campaign launch, Puneet Anand, Sr. GM & Group Head – Marketing, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. said, “Hyundai has a long-standing history in football as a proud Automobile official Partner of FIFA since 1999. Football is not just a sport, it’s an emotion full of passion and joy. As a Dynamic and Modern Premium Brand Automotive Brand, Hyundai has always connected with youth and sport enthusiasts globally.  The upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup is a big moment for all football fans in India and across the world. We are committed to supporting football by providing fans with unique and enjoyable experiences in the same way as we are committed to caring for our customers by ensuring special and rewarding Hyundai Ownership Experiences. We are confident that #SaveMyGame will strike an instant chord with both the fans and their friends and family by adding ‘Brilliant Moments’ to their lives and helping us become Lifetime Partners in Automobile and Beyond.”

In addition, Hyundai will create exciting Hyundai-FIFA ‘Home Dug Out’ experiences for 15 lucky football fans across India at their homes. These home dug out zones will have live screening of a match from the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with exciting Hyundai and FIFA merchandize, cheering kit and more, made available for the fans and their fellow football enthusiasts.

The Polestar 1 is set to make its first appearance at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed from 12-15 July. Festival goers will see prototype #004 of the two-door Electric Performance Hybrid charge up the famous hill climb, set in the grounds of Goodwood House in West Sussex, England.

Driven by Polestar chief test driver Joakim Rydholm, the drive is part of the continued global launch of the Polestar brand and the Polestar 1. It’s an opportunity for enthusiasts and the public to get a closer look at the design and performance of the car as it continues its real-world performance, chassis and suspension-testing programme.

“I am really excited to drive the Polestar 1 prototype up the hill at Goodwood,” enthuses Joakim Rydholm. “Driving the hill climb has been a long-time ambition for me, and to be able to do it in the same prototype in which we’ve spent so many months of development time, is truly special.”

Polestar will also be present in the manufacturer area. In contrast to the camouflaged prototype, two production-specification Polestar 1 cars will be on display, representing yet another opportunity to experience the car in detail ahead of the first customer deliveries in mid-2019.

Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer of Polestar, comments: “I’m thrilled that we’re going to be at the Goodwood Festival of Speed – it’s everything a big car event should be: full of passion, enthusiasm and a chance to get really close to the cars. The response to the Polestar 1 from the UK and northern Europe has been fantastic and we see this event as a vital part of our continued ‘global handshake’ with enthusiasts and our customers around the world. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet so many people who share our passion for Polestar and the future of the brand.”

Following the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Polestar 1 will make its North American debut at Monterey Car Week in California from 23-26 August.

Sergi Canovas, Managing Director of Ducati India with the Monster 821

In continuation with the celebration of 25 years of Monster, Ducati India announced the launch of Monster 797+ which is an upgraded version of the Monster 797. Customers can now buy the 797+ at the same price of Rs 8.03 Lacs (Ex-Showroom India). The Monster 797+ features a distinctive look with essence of the Monster and Ducati values making it sporty, compact, and essential but at the same time sophisticated and modern.

In addition to the Monster 797 the 797+ version comes with a front fairing and passenger seat cover, both matching the tank and front mudguard. The front fairing optimises the rider’s aerodynamic protection furthermore enriching riding comfort, making it even more unmistakable.

Ducati also commenced the deliveries of Monster 821 in India at an introductory price of Rs 9.51 lacs (Ex-Showroom India). The Monster 821 pays homage to the legacy of the Monster 900, embodying the essence of true naked sport.

Sergi Canovas, Managing Director of Ducati India said: “We are constantly trying to give more to our customers. Since decades the Monster family has been upholding the elements of sportiness, fun and contemporary. Monster is an important family for Ducati’s portfolio and we are confident that Monster 821 and 797+ will excite the luxury biking enthusiasts in India.”

Both Monster 797+ and Monster 821 are now available in India across all Ducati dealerships in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Kolkata and the very recently inaugurated dealership in Chennai.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. today commenced the deliveries of the Gold Wing at an event in Jaipur, Rajasthan. 2018 Gold Wing made its India debut at the 2018 Auto Expo.

2018 Gold Wing is lighter, more powerful and nimble. Revolutionary technologies in the flagship tourer include a newly-developed horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder engine, 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and is the first Honda to get a double wishbone front suspension.

Speaking on the momentous occasion, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “2018 Gold Wing was the showstopper of Honda 2Wheelers India Auto Expo pavilion. After receiving an overwhelming response and over 35 bookings, we are pleased to announce the first delivery of the 2018 Gold Wing. The revolutionary model is fully loaded with features including ‘Apple CarPlay’, first on any motorcycle in the world, which can be accessed on the swanky new 7-inch TFT display.”

The 2018 Gold Wing will be available in Candy Ardent Red colour and is priced at Rs. 26.85 lacs (Ex-showroom, Delhi).

Key Features of the 2018 Honda Gold Wing

· Advanced Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

· Cruise control via Throttle By Wire (TBW)

· Electric windscreen adjustable for angle and height

· Apple CarPlay Integration allows iPhone users to connect their smartphones with the Gold Wing

· 7-inch TFT colour display

· Full LED lighting and auto-cancelling indicators

· Smart key control, which adds convenience for ignition and luggage