Catering to the growing popularity of the AMT vehicles in India, Tata Motors is all set introduce another product intervention – Nexon with HyprDrive Self-Shift Gears (S-SG). Tata Motors claims that the Nexon HyprDrive Self-SG is the first AMT in India to have Multi-Drive modes (3 modes – ECO, CITY, SPORT) in automatic transmission. The bookings for the car commences today, across all its authorised dealerships, in India, at an amount of Rs 11,000 only.

With the introduction of Nexon Hyprdrive S-SG, Tata Motors has branded all its 2 pedal transmission cars as Hyprdrive while all the AMT variants from the Company will be now termed as Self-Shift Gears (S-SG).Nexon Hyprdrive with S-SG will be available in both petrol and diesel option.

According to Mayank Pareek, President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, “Since its launch in 2017, the Tata NEXON has set new benchmarks in India’s fastest growing SUV segment and has been one of the most appreciated products from the house of Tata Motors. With the AMT market in India thriving, we are all set to leverage this opportunity by introducing our LEVEL NEX star player on the pitch – the NEXON with HyprDrive Self-Shift Gears. This car has been one of the most awaited products in the AMT segment and we are confident that this product will not only be high on convenience but will also thrill the customers with its sporty drive performance. We look forward to introducing many more such path breaking products in the near future.”

Highlighting the importance of the Chinese automotive market, Infiniti Motor Company have announced, ahead of the Beijing International Motor Show, that they will build five new vehicles in China over the next five years, beginning with the all new QX50 SUV.

Roland Krueger, Chairman and Global President, Infiniti Motor Company, Ltd. said “Over the next five years INFINITI is planning to localize five new vehicles in China, tripling our sales here in our fastest growth market, globally. As part of our roadmap to electrify our portfolio, we anticipate that by 2025, more than 50% of new INFINITI vehicles sold globally and in China will be electrified. Together with our partner Dongfeng Motor Company Ltd., INFINITI is pursuing localization in China for China, expanding our network footprint and introducing new technologies, such as our world’s first variable compression engine (VC-Turbo), and vehicle electrification, such as e-POWER. We will continue to strive to make INFINITI the top premium challenger brand in the market.”

The Beijing motor show will be the first time for Infiniti to show off its all-new Infiniti QX50 premium SUV in Asia, with local production of the vehicle expected to begin ramping up shortly at the company’s manufacturing facility in Dalian. These will be sold exclusively to the Chinese market and will be available for sale later this year.

Also making its Asian debut will be the stylish and innovative Infiniti Q Inspiration concept car which represents the next step in Infiniti design. It is the first manifestation of Infiniti’s new form language for saloons and the start an era of electrified powertrains.

In 2017, Infiniti sold a record 48,408 vehicles in China, a 16 percent increase from the prior year.

Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India at the launch of the all-new BMW X3

German luxury carmaker BMW has launched the all-new BMW X3 in India with prices starting from Rs 49.99 lakhs (ex-showroom) for the Expedition variant and going up to Rs 56.70 lakhs for the Luxury Line trim. Available in a locally-produced diesel variant, the all-new BMW X3 is now available at BMW dealerships effective immediately. The petrol variant will be launched later in 2018.

Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “BMW X3 established the premium mid-size sports activity vehicle segment in India and became a trailblazer with its modern character. The all-new BMW X3 is set to write the next chapter in its success story with an even more striking, dynamic design language, powerful yet efficient drive systems and luxurious equipment. Practical both on and off road, the all-new BMW X3 is fully equipped for the most diverse driving demands, combining everything you need for wherever your day takes you.”

The all-new BMW X3 features a compelling front with a boldly enhanced distinctive double kidney grille. Fully Adaptive LED headlights and LED fog lamps featuring the new hexagonal design ensure a prominent stance on any road. At the rear, LED expressive taillights combined with a low-slung roof spoiler and exhaust tail pipes on both sides in chrome make for a powerful conclusion. Automatic tailgate operation allows convenient opening and closing of the tailgate.

Luxury Line additionally features the chrome radiator grille bars, two-tone underbody protection in frozen grey matt with chrome trim, air-breather in chrome and classically designed 19-inch light-alloy wheels that adds to the elegance of the exterior design.

The interior impresses with an accomplished balance of dynamic driver-orientation and luxurious comfort. The exquisitely embossed X logo in the elegant chrome located on the doors and the centre console is a true eye-catcher. The interior is well thought out with more space than ever before. A clever concept provides numerous easily accessible storage compartments. A relaxed and harmonious lounge atmosphere is created thanks to optimised cabin noise insulation, adjustable rear seat backrest, rear window sunblind and enlarged panoramic roof.

The range of fine upholstery combinations in the all-new BMW X3 Expedition includes Leatherette Beige and Leatherette Black and in the all-new BMW X3 Luxury Line include Leather Vernasca Beige and Leather Vernasca Mocha.

Ambient Lighting with six dimmable light designs creates an atmosphere for every mood. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 550 litres extendable to 1,600 litres thanks to a 40/20/40 split including through-loading system. Interior details in Luxury Line such as leather upholstery in Vernasca, a Sensatec-covered instrument panel with contrast stitching and Fine-wood trim in poplar gain grey all catch the eye.

The all-new BMW X3 comes with technologies such as the BMW Display Key that allows drivers to keep in contact with their car round the clock. Welcome Light Carpet, which is projected from the side sill, welcomes passengers in glamorous style. Rear-view camera with Park Assist assists in parking or maneuvering into parallel or lateral space. The smartphone holder integrated into the centre console allows inductive, Wireless Charging for mobile phones and the BMW Display key.

The all-new BMW X3 is equipped with an extensive range of BMW ConnectedDrive systems like the 12.3-inch Multifunction Instrument Display, BMW iDrive, including touch controller, BMW Navigation Professional (with 10.25-inch touch screen), 600 Watts high-end Surround Sound system from Harman Kardon, Apple Car Play, BMW Apps and Connectivity through Bluetooth and USB.

The innovative diesel engines from the BMW EfficientDynamics family offer considerably more spirited power delivery as well as spontaneous responsiveness even at low engine speeds. Thanks to the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, they blend power with efficiency. The two-litre four-cylinder diesel engine of BMW X3 xDrive 20d produces an output of 140 kW / 190 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0-100 kmph in just 8 seconds.

The eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission performs smooth gear shifts. At any time, in any gear, the transmission collaborates perfectly with the engine, enabling it to develop its full power and efficiency. For even greater driving pleasure, the eight-speed Steptronic transmission is available with steering wheel paddle shifters.

BMW xDrive, an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, in the all-new BMW X3 monitors the driving situation constantly and is quick to respond. The compact, low-weight and efficient all-wheel-drive system distributes the engine’s power between the front and rear axle exactly to suit the driving situation and the surface. Adaptive suspensions, electronically controlled ‘Automatic Differential Brakes/locks (ADB-X)’, extended ‘Dynamic Traction control (DTC)’, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control helps to conquer every terrain.

BMW EfficientDynamics increases the Sheer Driving Pleasure with features such as Auto Start-Stop, Eco Pro mode, Brake-Energy Regeneration, Electronic Power Steering, 50:50 Weight Distribution and many other innovative technologies. Using the Driving Experience Control switch, the driver is able to choose between different driving modes (Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport) to suit diverse driving conditions.

The all-new BMW X3 features cutting-edge safety technologies. It provides optimal support in any situation with six airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Cornering Brake Control (CBC), electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensor, ISOFIX child seat mounting and integrated emergency spare wheel under the load floor.

BMW Service Inclusive and BMW Service Inclusive Plus are optionally available with the all-new BMW X3. These service packages cover all routine service and maintenance work with a choice of plans from 3 years / 40,000 kilometres to 10 years / 2,00,000 kilometres. These include original BMW parts required for routine service work irrespective of how many times the service is done. The all-new BMW X3 also comes with optional BMW Repair Inclusive that covers the car additionally from third year of operation to maximum sixth year, after the completion of the standard two-year warranty period. Thus, the car is covered for warrantable repairs for up to six years without any mileage limitations.

The all-new BMW X3 is available in the following metallic paintworks: Mineral White, Sophisto Grey, Black Sapphire and Phytonic Blue.

Ford India is gearing up for the market launch of the much awaited all-new Ford Freestyle. This global product from Ford combines SUV-like design ques, peppy drive and innovative technologies to target the young brigade who aspire to own a SUV-like vehicle in a compact size and a pocket friendly price.

The Freestyle will be produced at Ford India’s Sanand factory in Gujarat, for consumers in India and all around the world, including parts of Europe and Africa. India will be the lead market for Ford Freestyle sales to commence, with bookings having already begun from April 7. With all the excitement surrounding the latest offering from Ford’s stable, we travelled all the way to The Pink City of Jaipur for an exclusive date with the all-new Ford Freestyle. Read on to discover how she fared.

Design and Engineering

The designers at Ford deserve a pat on the back to create a car that is both contemporary and dynamic in appearance. The Freestyle uses design elements common to SUVs, albeit in a more compact dimension. The Freestyle grille with three-dimensional mesh gives this car a sportier look. The front bumper has sculpted sections – that add to its SUV-like look and rigidity. While the skid plates on the front and rear, makes the car every bit the off-roader.

The 190 mm ground clearance helps the Freestyle to smoothly sail over the speed-bumps and undulations on the road without the fear of causing any damage to the under-carriage. The 15-inch tyres with stylish alloys wheels add to the masculine look of this cross-hatch.

The Freestyle will be available in six colours, including a new White Gold, Canyon Ridge, Moondust Silver, Oxford White, Smoke Grey and Absolute Black.

Interior and Comfort

Step inside, and the Ford Freestyle will welcome you with its dual tone interiors that looks elegant. The seats are well cushioned and provide good lumbar support. The passenger compartment is spacious with adequate leg room for both front and rear passengers. Like all Fords, the Freestyle has several storage compartments, more than 20 of them, to tuck away everything that you may need on your trips – from water bottles and munchies to your umbrellas and change to pay the toll – there is space for everything.

The Ford Freestyle will also feature Ford’s in-car infotainment system, SYNC 3 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen which allows drivers to control their entertainment and their connected smartphone with conversational voice commands. SYNC 3 system is also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.

The Freestyle will come with a host of convenience features including, a reverse parking camera, keyless entry and a push start. The automatic climate control on the Freestyle is a chiller and capable of bringing cabin temperature down from upwards of 40-degrees to a comfortable 20-degrees, in less than 15-minutes, something that we have experienced in Jaipur this month.

Performance and Handling

Powering the Freestyle is Ford’s all-new, three-cylinder 1.2L TiVCT petrol engine that is small, light, and aims to combine performance with fuel efficiency. The naturally aspirated engine generates 96 PS of peak power and 120 Nm of torque to deliver a spirited drive and is sure to appeal to the young and the young-at-heart. Customers will continue to have a choice to opt for Ford’s tried and tested 1.5L TDCi diesel powertrain that generates 100 PS of peak power and 215 Nm of torque.

Both engines will be paired with an all-new, five-speed manual transmission that is slicker and more responsive. Ford claims that this new manual transmission is almost 15 per cent lighter and helps improve fuel economy while reducing NVH. According to the company, the new transmission requires 40 per cent lesser gear oil than its predecessor too.

The engineers at Ford has done a commendable job in achieving the right balance between ride quality and handling making the all-new Ford Freestyle a joy to drive. The suspension set up is well tuned for Indian road conditions and absorbs most undulation with relative ease. The all-new Ford Freestyle stays firmly grounded while making  sharp turns at corners and has no body roll.

Safety 

Ford has been championing the cause of safety in their vehicle for some time now and has introduced the Active Rollover Prevention (ARP) with the Freestyle. The system works with Electronic Stability Control and applies brakes on relevant wheels to decrease engine torque and help prevent any potential rollover situations.

The Freestyle also comes equipped with other safety features like TCS, ABS with EBD, hill launch assist and EPAS among others. In addition to this the Freestyle also comes with standard dual airbags across the variant line-up. For those looking for greater safety, Freestyle will offer up to six airbags on top Titanium+ trim.

Verdict

Over the years, the image of brand Ford has evolved in the Indian market. There is a sense of reliability and peace of ownership that Ford India has been able to successfully instill in the minds of the Indian consumer. Unlike yesteryears, when a first-time car buyer would inevitably opt for either a Maruti Suzuki or Hyundai, today many of them are opting for a Ford. The EcoSport is a great success story and a leading flag-bearer for Ford in India. So today, any new product offering from Ford is awaited with great enthusiasm in the Indian market.

The all-new Freestyle has been positioned to appeal to the consumers who aspire to own a compact-SUV at the price of a premium hatch. Its boasts of good ride quality and handling. It comes equipped with technology that help you stay connected. Ford has been championing the cause of safety for many years and ensure that every product that they put on the road are safe to drive. The Freestyle is no different with a host of safety features and some of them first-in-segment. Overall, it is a great product which combines style, practicality, comfort, performance and safety. Ford also offers a reasonably solid service back-up and low cost of ownership which would further augment Freestyle’s bid to consolidate its position in the segment.

Ford India has always been aggressive about pricing their products competitively and we expect nothing different in case of the all-new Ford Freestyle. With the right price tag, this product has the potential to be the giant killer when it is launched in end-April in India.

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M Ltd.) has announced that the Bolero SUV has touched a new milestone, having sold 10 lakh units, since inception.

The Bolero has also regained its position in the list of Top 10 Passenger Vehicles of India where it features as the third highest selling SUV in the country. It is significant to note that the Bolero has registered year-on-year growth of 23 per cent, outperforming the industry which has witnessed 17 per cent growth.

Speaking on this achievement, Veejay Ram Nakra, Chief of Sales & Marketing, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “This is a proud moment for us as our iconic brand, Bolero crossed the 10 lac units milestone, since launch. In fact the Bolero has regained its position in the top 10 passenger vehicles in India, which is a validation of the confidence consumers, in semi urban and rural India, have reposed on the brand. Further the successful launch of the Bolero Power+ has helped the brand to grow steadily, inspite of several new launches in the UV space. I am sure that the Bolero will continue to be as popular on Indian roads in the years to come”.

The auto industry produced a total 29,075,605 vehicles including Passenger Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles, Three Wheelers, Two Wheelers and Quadricycle in April-March 2018 as against 25,330,967 in April-March 2017, registering a growth of 14.78 per cent over the same period last year.

The domestic sale of Passenger Vehicles grew by 7.89 per cent in this fiscal year over the same period last year. Within the Passenger Vehicles, Passenger Cars, Utility Vehicle and Vans grew by 3.33 per cent, 20.97 per cent and 5.78 per cent respectively in FY 17-18 over the same period last year.

The overall Commercial Vehicles segment grew by 19.94 per cent in April-March 2018 as compared to the same period last year. Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles (M&HCVs) grew by 12.48 per cent and Light Commercial Vehicles grew by 25.42 per cent in April-March 2018 over the same period last year.

Three Wheelers sales grew by 24.19 per cent in FY 17-18 over the same period last year. Within the Three Wheelers, Passenger Carrier & Goods Carrier sales registered a growth of 28.65 per cent and 7.83 per cent respectively in April-March 2018 over April-March 2017.

Two Wheelers sales registered a growth at 14.80 per cent in April-March 2018 over April-March 2017. Within the Two Wheelers segment, Scooters and Motorcycles grew by 19.90 per cent and 13.69 per cent respectively, while Mopeds declined by (-) 3.48 percent in FY 17-18 over FY 16-17.

In April-March 2018, overall automobile exports increased by 16.12 per cent. Two and Three Wheelers Segments registered a growth of 20.29 per cent and 40.13 per cent respectively, while Passenger Vehicles and Commercial Vehicles declined by (-)1.51 per cent and (-) 10.53 per cent respectively in April-March 2018 over the same period last year.

The next rounds of the 2018 French Rally Championship will see Michelin Motorsport present the sport’s first connected tyres. They will be capable of communicating with drivers and co-drivers thanks to a downloadable smartphone application (iOS and Android) that has been conceived to help competitors improve their performance by optimising the tyre factor.

The wraps will come off this new system just one year after the launch of Michelin Motorsport’s My Rally Engineer application. “Our initial My Rally Engineer app, which was introduced in 2017, is a digital tool designed to allow amateur crews to track and optimise the performance of their tyres,” says Serge Grisin who is in charge of Michelin Motorsport’s Innovations Programme. “Today, we have gone a significant step further since Michelin Motorsport Connect enables competitors to collect data in real time and benefit from two-way dialogue with their tyres by means of a practical and intuitive new application.”

This new solution is the fruit of Michelin Motorsport’s understanding of the needs of those rally drivers and co-drivers who do not benefit from the presence of a Michelin technical advisor on events.

“Connected technology is a reality in today’s tyre industry and we are exploring ways of making these innovations a real asset for our customers,” adds Serge Grisin. “Rally crews clearly need information that can help them optimise tyre performance.”

Making correct tyre choices, carefully adjusting tyre pressures and adopting an efficient driving style not only allows performance to be maximised but it also contributes to making motorsport safer. At the same time, the regulations concerning tyres in rallying are becoming increasingly draconian, so it is vital to exploit their full potential.

Checking tyre pressures before and after special stages is key to understanding how rally tyres function. It is not always an easy task to carry out, though, especially when it entails parking up on a narrow road. Also, with the clock ticking down to a stage start, it can generate additional stress. With Michelin Motorsport Connect, drivers and co-drivers can permanently monitor tyre pressures, while at the same time benefiting from tyre-related information and being able to log data during rallies. Analysing this data makes it easier to identify the adjustments that need to be made ahead of subsequent competitive sections.

“Thanks to Michelin Motorsport Connect, all rally competitors have access to in-car data,” concludes Serge Grisin.

Michelin Motorsport Connect combines re-usable sensors located in specific housings glued inside Michelin rally tyres, an in-car receiver and a smartphone application (iOS or Android). Available from approved Michelin Motorsport distributors at process starting from €400, it will initially be released in France in the coming months before being introduced elsewhere in Europe and the rest of the world.

TVS Motor Company has launched the new 2018 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V for the West Bengal market. The new TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is born of the six-time Indian National Motorcycle Championship (INMRC) winning motorcycle – (Group B RTR 165) and gets the 4-valve, oil-cooled engine that offers impressive performance.

Arun Siddharth, Vice President (Marketing), Premium Two-Wheelers, International Business & TVS Racing said, “Over the last 10 years, the TVS Apache RTR series has always embodied pure racing performance. The new TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is a compelling offering for racing enthusiasts, being the most powerful motorcycle in the segment. We are confident that the new TVS Apache RTR 160 4V will create customer delight with Racing performance; Dynamics and looks.”

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is available in both Carburetor and EFI variants, with the latter christened as TVS Apache RTR 160 Fi 4V.  The motorcycle gets a 159.7 cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, 4-valve, oil-cooled engine that churns out, 16.8 PS @8000 rpm (EFI) and 14.8 Nm @ 6500 rpm(EFI)16.5 PS @8000 rpm (Carb) and 14.8 Nm @ 6500 rpm (Carb)
The engine is mated to a 5-speed super-slick gear box that offers a precise and dynamic riding experience.

Staying true to its racing pedigree, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V has a powerful 160cc engine, enabling it to achieve a top speed of 114 kmph (EFI), 113 kmph (Carb) and can sprint from 0-60 kmph in 4.8 seconds(EFI) and 4.73 seconds (Carb).

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V comes with the TVS Motor Company patented Double-cradle Split Synchro Stiff Frame Design, which gives high-speed stability and impressive handling on/off- track. The mono-shock suspension contributes to the sharp handling and agility through the corners.  Placing importance on safety, the TVS Apache RTR 160 Fi 4V comes with both rear and front disc brakes while the Carburetor motorcycle is available in Disc and Drum variants.

With a fully-digital speedometer, the design of the new TVS Apache RTR 160 4V offers sleek styling along with the race-spec aspects of the INMRC race machine – RTR 165.  The forward biased stance with tight proportions is complemented by the aggressive headlamp, chiseled body and a sleek, sharp tail.  The motorcycle boasts of a compact race design with chequered flag decals on the tank, a fitting homage to its winning streak on the race track.

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V series is available in three colour options – Racing Red, Metallic Blue and Knight Black.

Prices across variants (ex-showroom West Bengal):

Carburetor (Drum) – Rs 83990

Carburetor (Disc) – Rs 86990

EFI (Disc) – Rs 93990

Repsol Honda Team rider Dani Pedrosa underwent surgery to his right wrist yesterday at the Hospital Universitari Dexeus in Barcelona, Spain, to treat the injury suffered in a crash during Sunday’s race at the Argentina Grand Prix.

A 3D CT scan confirmed that Dani had suffered an intra-articular fracture of the right distal radius. The fracture reduction and internal fixation with a titanium screw were carried out by Dr. Xavier Mir and his team from the Catalan Institute of Traumatology and Sports Medicine (ICATME) at the Dexeus Hospital.

The result of the operation was satisfactory, and Dani will undergo an evaluation of his progress in 48 hours. If the results are positive, he will be able to begin his rehabilitation on Saturday. His participation in the Austin GP will be decided consequently. The Repsol Honda Team will release information on Pedrosa’s progress as it becomes available.

With the fully electric ‘Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo’ concept car, Audi is now turning electric mobility into a tangible experience in a unique way. Originally developed exclusively for virtual races on PlayStation 4, Audi is making the new race car reality in conjunction with Formula E. Starting with the race in Rome on Saturday, April 14, the Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo will be deployed as a race taxi.

“E-Mobility is rapidly gaining importance,” says Peter Mertens, Member of the Board of Management, Technical Development, Audi AG. “That is why in 2017 Audi was the first German manufacturer to enter Formula E with a factory-backed commitment. In our development laboratory motorsport, we are continuously expanding our expertise in e-mobility and gathering valuable experience also in extremely demanding conditions. With the Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo race taxi we are turning electric mobility into a tangible experience for our customers and guests as part of the Formula E races – in the middle of the world’s metropolises.”

The customers and guests of the brand with the four rings will be able to experience Formula E’s city circuits as passengers in the Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo starting at the race in Rome (April 14). Employees at Audi’s pre-production center developed and produced this one-of-a-kind car within the space of just eleven months based on the example of the Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo from the ‘Gran Turismo’ PlayStation game. The million-selling ‘Gran Turismo’ game has long acquired cult status with gamers around the globe. Audi has been working together with Sony and Polyphony Digital – the creators of ‘Gran Turismo’ – for nearly 20 years. Audi designers created the Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo for the ‘Vision Gran Turismo’ competition that was launched on the market on the occasion of the popular game’s 15th anniversary. Numerous automobile manufacturers developed virtual race cars for the contest.

Many of these concept cars were subsequently built as full-scale models as well and presented at trade shows. The Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo, however, is the first concept car of this range to be deployed to real-world race tracks as a fully functional vehicle. “This is what we are particularly proud of,” says Audi’s Chief Designer Marc Lichte. “Although the design of a virtual vehicle allows much greater freedom and the creation of concepts which are only hard to implement in reality, we did not want to put a purely fictitious concept on wheels. Our aim was a fully functional car. The Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo shows that electric mobility at Audi is very emotive. This car incorporates numerous elements of our new design language such as the inverted single frame in the vehicle’s colour that will be typical for our new e-tronmodels.”

Audi has deliberately taken up design elements and the colour of the legendary Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO with which the company in 1989 thrilled motorsport fans in the North American IMSA-GTO racing series with drivers like Hans-Joachim Stuck, Walter Rohrl, Hurley Haywood and Scott Goodyear. Featuring a combination of systematic lightweight design and quattro drive paired with a powerful five-cylinder turbo engine, the car was far ahead of its time back then.

The Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo has permanent all-wheel drive as well, the fully electric e-tron quattro all-wheel drive with variable power distribution. Three electric motors, each with output of 200 kW, propel the concept car. Two electric motors drive the rear axle and the third one the front axle, using individual components from the future Audi e-tron. System output is 600 kW (815 hp). With a curb weight of 1,450 kilograms the electric race car has a power to weight ratio of 1.78 kilo­grams per horsepower with ideal 50:50 percent weight distribution between the front and the rear axle. The Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in less than 2.5 seconds.

The futuristic race taxi will be deployed at all European Formula E races and numerous other events in 2018. At the wheel will be former DTM driver Rahel Frey from Switzerland or Le Mans winner Dindo Capello from Italy.