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

As Aston Martin returns to Le Mans to defend its 2017 victory at the iconic 24-hour race, so the latest car in the exciting new AMR stable has been unveiled. Following hot on the heels of the DB11 AMR, Aston Martin has revealed the limited edition Rapide AMR. This production version of the concept shown at Geneva last year is limited to just 210 cars.

AMR stands for Aston Martin Racing and the brand draws a direct engineering and aesthetic link between the company’s successful race team and its road cars. As such the Rapide AMR is a sports car capable of comfortably transporting a team of race drivers to a circuit on the other side of a continent and then tackling the track when they get there.

Aston Martin President & Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer, commented: “AMR takes technology and inspiration from our motorsport programme to amplify the sporting prowess in our road cars which is clear to see in the Rapide AMR, Aston Martin’s most extreme, 4-door sports car. With enhanced performance, sharper dynamics and more powerful design language, Aston Martin has taken Rapide to new and exciting extremes.”

The design of the new 205mph Rapide AMR has changed little from the concept that was shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 2017, with a large and aggressive front grille that is reminiscent of the extreme track-only Vantage AMR Pro. Meanwhile the circular daytime running lights recall the recent Zagato models.

The Rapide AMR’s aerodynamics have been tuned to reduce lift while retaining a neutral balance and the extra aerodynamic bodywork such as the splitter, sills, rear diffuser and boot lid lip spoiler are all carbon fibre. The new bonnet with large ventilation inserts is also made from carbon fibre to minimise weight.

At the heart of the Rapide AMR is a naturally aspirated drivetrain that draws much of its technology and character from the potent Aston Martin Vantage GT12. Larger inlet manifolds with tuned length dual inlet runners enhance the airflow into the 6.0-litre V12 engine and, combined with new engine and gearbox calibration, this results in an increase in power. The legendary V12 now puts out 603PS and 630Nm of torque, while a new quad exhaust ensures a raucous sound befitting of the AMR badge.

To help harness all of this power and to launch from 0-60mph in just 4.2 seconds (0-100kmph in 4.4 seconds), the Rapide AMR has 21-inch wheels – a first for any Aston Martin – paired with ultra-high performance Michelin Super Sport tyres. The large, forged wheels have a multi spoke design that is not only very stiff but also aids brake cooling. To further aid thermal management of the brakes, the Rapide AMR utilises an evolution of the cooling system on the Vanquish S, with modified brake ducts and dust shields.

As standard, the Rapide AMR comes fitted with carbon ceramic brakes. Measuring 400mm at the front with six piston calipers and 360mm at the rear with four piston calipers, this is the first time that a Rapide has been fitted with such stopping power. The carbon ceramic discs are also part of AMR’s ethos to use lightweight components whilst reducing unsprung mass they have a noticeably beneficial effect on the driving experience.

Alongside the new tyres, brakes and aerodynamics, the Rapide’s suspension has also received considerable attention. The new Rapide AMR rides 10mm lower than a Rapide S and although the three stage adaptive dampers remain, they have been thoroughly reengineered to create a car that is more focused, agile and dynamic. Much of this development work has been completed at the newly opened AMR Performance Centre at the Nurburgring.

The Rapide AMR will be available in three different design schemes. The Standard and Silhouette schemes offer four colours – Mariana Blue, Scintilla Silver, Lightning Silver and Onyx Black – with the Standard scheme adding AMR Lime accents to the splitter, sills and rear diffuser. The Silhouette scheme eschews the Lime accents and instead adds a full-length contrasting stripe in China Grey or Clubsport White.

The Signature scheme matches Stirling Green paint with Lime accents and a Lime stripe for the definitive AMR look. This draws the closest visual link to the Aston Martin Racing team and the liveries of its race cars.

The interior of each Rapide AMR reflects the design scheme chosen for the exterior, with either AMR Lime or Galena Silver welting and stitching. There is a full-length carbon fibre centre console and the seats are trimmed in Alcantara – both firsts for a Rapide. Also available for the first time as an option is a One-77 style steering wheel. Every car has discrete AMR logos stitched into the seats in Galena Silver and each car will come with a limited-edition AMR inspection plaque as well as AMR branding on the carbon sill plaques. In addition to the three design schemes, customers will also be able make use of Q by Aston Martin to further personalise their car.

The much-awaited petrol variant of the all-new BMW X3 has been launched in India today. Locally-produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai, the all-new BMW X3 xDrive30i has further diversified the engine portfolio of the BMW X3 and can now be ordered in the Luxury Line design scheme.

Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “The BMW X range is a pioneer in the Sports Activity Vehicle segment. The BMW X3 has been extremely successful as it combines supreme SAV characteristics with comfort and everyday suitability. With the launch of the all-new BMW X3 xDrive30i, now our customers can also experience unadulterated driving pleasure in a refined petrol engine option. With cutting-edge BMW TwinPower Turbo technology is at its core, this engine spells power and performance. The xDrive technology in the BMW X3 ensures unhindered progress, not only when travelling along rutted gravel or sand tracks, over churned-up ground or in deep mud, but also on city roads with high speed bumps.”

The ex-showroom prices for the all-new BMW X3 xDrive30i is as follows –

BMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury Line : Rs 56,90,000

Any McLaren 675LT is a very special car that already stands out from the crowd, although if a customer desires something even more dramatic – and even more exclusive – McLaren Special Operations (MSO) is on hand to ensure that bespoke requirements are met, no matter how complex.

Challenged to produce a road-going homage to the McLaren F1 GTRs that performed so strongly in endurance racing in the 1990s, winning the 1996 BPR Global Endurance Series and the GT1 Class at the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1997, MSO has created a McLaren 675LT that combines a famous racing livery with personalised and bespoke features to the customer’s brief. The project, which was undertaken with agreement from Gulf Oil International Ltd that its famous racing livery colours could be used, occupied more than 1,000 hours of MSO time. The paintwork – including airbrushing – accounted for 800 hours of that total.

“Creating a car like this unique McLaren 675LT, crafted to individual customer specification, is exactly the type of demanding commission that MSO Bespoke was formed to embrace,” explained Ansar Ali, Managing Director, McLaren Special Operations. “Transforming the existing car from its original single colour paintwork to a tribute to the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ in Gulf Racing livery was incredibly demanding in its own right, but was only part of the brief; we also replaced numerous standard 675LT components with MSO parts and further personalised the car to clearly identify it with its owner, a service that an increasing number of MSO customers request.”

The light blue, black and red hues of the exterior paint – and of course the trademark orange centre stripe – are an unmistakeable recreation of the Gulf Racing colours that adorn the 1997 McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ race car, one of the cars that inspired McLaren to produce the 675LT. The 20-spoke wheels, finished in Dayglo Orange, continue the theme. The same orange colour is used for sill badges that bear the customer’s initials. The car is fitted with louvered front wings, roof scoop upgrade and carbon fibre airbrake from the MSO range of options for the McLaren 675LT, all featuring body colour paint.

The interior of the car was designed and executed to complement both the exterior theme and the personalisation. MSO Bespoke racing seats finished in Carbon Black Alcantara feature orange and blue contrast stitching, with the initials of the owner again featuring, this time embroidered in blue on the headrest. The seat belts are from the MSO Defined range and are orange in colour.

The handling and powertrain bezels on the Active Dynamics Panel are finished in Gulf Blue, while the vent bezel surrounds and surround to the stop/start button are in Gulf Orange.

Now with extraordinary visual impact courtesy of MSO, this 675LT has the appearance to truly match its dramatic performance; with a twin-turbocharged McLaren V8 engine producing up to 675PS (666bhp) and 700Nm (516lb ft) of torque, the 675LT can accelerate to 100kmph (62mph) from standstill in just 2.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 330kmph (205mph).

From L to R: Charles Frump, Managing Director, Volvo Car India; Nikunj Sanwaria, Dealer Principal, SPL Volvo; and Jyoti Malhotra, Director-Sales & Marketing, Volvo Car India

The Swedish luxury car company Volvo Car India has opened a new facility in Kolkata today. The dealership is a 3S facility with showroom in Rajarhat – The new auto-hub of the east and the workshop nearby. The Kolkata facility was inaugurated by Charles Frump – Managing Director, Volvo Car India. Adding a showroom every month for the next six months will not only support Volvo Car India’s ambition to take the overall dealership count to 28 but also double its segment share from 5 per cent presently to 10 per cent by 2020.

SPL Volvo, Kolkata is built on an 8100 square feet showroom with a dedicated service centre in 20,000 sqaure feet plot. This fully operational state-of-the-art facility will cater to the increasing demand of the high-end luxury cars in West Bengal and its catchment.

Inaugurating the dealership in the city Charles Frump – Managing Director, Volvo Car India said, “Kolkata is the gateway to the east and home to a lot of affluent families. It is a high growth potential hub that caters not only to the metropolis, but also to nearby markets. Having strong partners is the right step in achieving our mid-term goal of doubling our segment share by 2020. I am confident that our partners SPL Volvo will help us in achieving our sales and service objectives in the market.”

Nikunj Sanwaria – Dealer Principal, SPL Volvo said, “We are delighted to associate with Volvo Car India and have already generated a lot of interest in the market by getting good enquiry for Volvo cars. Customer Service is the core differentiator for us and we will strive to provide unmatched service for our customers. The entire range of Volvo cars will be retailed and serviced from our new facility.”

(L-R) Mark Wells, Head-Global Product Strategy & Industrial Design; Rudratej (Rudy) Singh, President Royal Enfield India and Shaji Koshy – Head India Business, Royal Enfield India at the launch of Classic 500 Pegasus

Royal Enfield has launched the limited edition Classic 500 Pegasus motorcycle in India. The ‘Pegasus’ is inspired by the legendary RE/WD 125 Flying Flea motorcycle that was manufactured at Royal Enfield’s facility in UK during the World War 2. Conceived as a tribute to the Flying Flea and Royal Enfield’s military heritage, the Classic 500 Pegasus is a chance to own a piece of motorcycle history with only 1000 units available globally. In India, 250 motorcycles, in wartime colour of Service Brown, will go on sale at a price of Rs. 2,49,217 (on-road Mumbai) on July 10, 2018.

Each of these 250 limited edition commemorative models will be available along with a set of bespoke military-style canvas panniers bearing the Pegasus logo, one helmet and a t-shirt from the Pegasus collection. Launching the limited edition Classic 500 Pegasus motorcycles, Rudratej (Rudy) Singh – President Royal Enfield said: “The association with the Pegasus Parachute Regiment is another reminder of how Royal Enfield history is deeply steeped in motorcycling pedigree. I am confident that the Classic Pegasus edition will, like many of our other armed forces inspired variants, become a collectors’ piece. We have been making army tough and versatile machines – ‘Made Like a Gun’ – since 1901, and we will continue to share some of these ‘hidden gems’ and stories through our motorcycles”.

As the motto ‘Made Like a Gun Since 1901’ suggests, Royal Enfield has a long and proud history of building tough, versatile machines. Royal Enfield produced munitions, artillery equipment and motorcycles during both World Wars and supplies the Indian armed forces with motorcycles to the present day. But by far its most storied wartime creation was the airborne troops’ ‘Flying Flea’, a compact but hugely capable two-stroke 125cc motorcycle used by airborne forces. The Flying Flea was the only proper motorcycle to be dropped by parachute with paratroopers. Often used by commanders to carry vital messages, the Flying Flea’s strength and go-anywhere handling made it almost unstoppable, even over the harshest terrain. Confronted with a fence, stream, bomb crater or ditch, the rider could simply dismount and lift the 56 kilo bike over the obstacle. Simple, tough and resilient, the Flying Flea (or WD/RE to use its official title) was deployed extensively during World War 2 as a front line combat machine.

An invaluable asset to the elite soldiers of the newly-formed Parachute Regiment, it was dropped from aircraft in a protective steel cradle or carried in assault gliders towed by aeroplanes. On the ground, it was used for reconnaissance, communications and transporting soldiers into battle. Inspired by that military heritage, the new Classic 500 Pegasus collector’s edition motorcycle is destined to become a sought-after modern classic. To celebrate the Flying Flea and share its extraordinary untold story, Royal Enfield officially teamed up with Britain’s Ministry of Defence and Parachute Regiment to create the Classic Pegasus.

Mark Wells, Royal Enfield’s Head of Global Product Strategy and Industrial Design explains: “It was really important to work closely with the Ministry of Defence, so we approached the Parachute Regiment about 18 months ago and the collaboration has been great. These new Classic 500 Pegasus motorcycles encapsulate a lot of the history and legacy of Royal Enfield. This is something only Royal Enfield could have done. Many brands have military motorcycles in their past but only Royal Enfield has the Flying Flea. We wanted to authentically recreate the inspiration, so we have paid great attention to details. We have even recreated the yellow stripe on the engine cover which, on the Flying Flea was originally used to denote the motorcycle’s centre of gravity, when it was loaded on the aircraft”.

Just 1000 of these special edition will be available across the world out of which only 250 will be available in India. Each of the Classic Pegasus motorcycles wears a maroon and blue Pegasus emblem – the official Parachute Regiment insignia – on the fuel tank along with an individual stencilled serial number. The famous Royal Enfield ‘Made Like a Gun’ decal on the battery box is another reminder of the machine’s military heritage and is used after a long time on the motorcycle. Keeping alive its authenticity, the Pegasus motorcycles’ markings are based on a genuine World War 2 Flying Flea used by the 250th (Airborne) Light Company, now in Royal Enfield’s official collection at the company’s UK Technology Centre.

Revealing the price of the new limited edition Classic 500 Pegasus motorcycles Shaji Koshy – Head India Business+, Royal Enfield said: “250 of the Classic Pegasus will be on sale on July 10th exclusively on the Royal Enfield website. Each motorcycle will include canvas panniers, helmet and a Pegasus collection t-shirt. The online registration for interested customers will begin today itself on our website”.

An array of gear, inspired by this decorated motorcycling legacy, are also going to be available. Ranging from shirts, t-shirts, caps, lapel pins, bags and helmets, the limited-production apparels & accessories of this collection are also adorned by the official military insignia & the Pegasus emblem. Each of the limited edition motorcycle comes with a set of military-style canvas panniers bearing the Pegasus logo. Each motorcycle will have authentic markings of military motorcycles, including brown handlebar grips, a leather strap with brass buckles across the air filter, blacked out silencers, rims, kickstart, pedals and headlight bezel to complete the period look. In addition, consumers can also buy a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories that are compatible with the motorcycle.