Want to know what a 2018 F1 car will look like? Then look no further. Haas have become the first team to release images of their latest challenger, with digital renderings of the VF-18 showing just how different this season’s machines will look compared to their predecessors.

Described as an evolution of the team’s second car, the VF-17, which carried the American team to eighth in the constructors’ standings last year, the most obvious visible differences to the VF-18 are the addition of the halo cockpit safety device and the removal of the sharkfin engine cover and T-wing – which have both been outlawed this year.

“The biggest part of the car’s evolution was the addition of the halo,” said Guenther Steiner, Team Principal. “It took quite a bit of study by the aerodynamicists, but the designers had to work hard to modify the chassis so the halo could survive the mandated loads.

“The total minimum weight of the car increased because of the halo, and there’s a higher centre of gravity simply because of the halo’s position. But, everyone is in the same boat.

“The regulations stayed pretty stable between 2017 and 2018, so the VF-18 is an evolution of our car from last year. It’s less about reinvention and more about refinement. You see elements we had from last year on the car this year.

“Our 2017 car was actually pretty good, but we didn’t always get the best out of it, and that’s what we aimed to change in 2018. We got the car as light as possible to carry more ballast. We were able to do a better job of putting the weight where we wanted it.”

As with previous machines, the VF-18 relies heavily on technology from Ferrari, including power unit and transmission. As such Gene Haas, the American squad’s founder and chairman, says the Italian team will be the benchmark for performance in 2018.

“It’s no secret we use a lot of Ferrari equipment, so we’re using them as our baseline,” said Haas. “We need to be within a half-second of the Ferraris in order for us to be competitive. We weren’t last year. I would say we were a second to a second-and-a-half slower than the Ferraris. Overall, we were maybe two seconds off the pole qualifiers, so we need to knock a second off that if we really want to be competitive.

“We’ve eliminated a lot of the variables where we knew we were weak, and we knew where we needed to focus. We need to be able to go to the majority of races and put the car down on the track and be fast. We’ve focused on what it’s going to take to get the cars to be consistent and to close that gap between the top cars.”

The VF-18, which retains the grey, red and black livery of 2017, albeit in a revised guise, will hit the track for the first time at the opening pre-season test of the year in Barcelona, beginning February 26.

This one-of-a-kind McLaren 570S Spider, commissioned in honour of Saint Valentine by an incurable romantic, will take to the road on the saint’s special day, February 14.

Hand-assembled in Woking, England, the two-seat 570S Spider brings supercar attributes such as carbon fibre construction, a mid-mounted V8 engine and extreme performance to the luxury sports convertible market. Choosing Vermillion Red paint from the McLaren Elite colour palette, matching it with a By McLaren Designer Sport Interior in red and black leather and specifying further red enhancements adds true romance to the exotic sportscar recipe.

The combination of Apex Red and Jet Black Nappa Leathers and Carbon Black Alcantara trim material is complemented by carbon fibre components on the doors and centre tunnel. MSO Defined Extended Sill Finishers in the same material and featuring McLaren branding further individualise the interior, with Indian Red seatbelts – also by McLaren Special Operations (MSO) – and a steering wheel with Apex Red leather trim completing the St Valentine’s Day look inside the car. Outside, red brake calipers and personalised ‘Color Edition’ P ZERO tyres from McLaren technical partner, Pirelli, add to the sense of occasion.

The sophisticated cabin blends exceptional levels of craftsmanship, quality and technology, hand-stitched leathers sitting side-by-side with a 10-inch TFT main instrument cluster and centrally-mounted, 7-inch IRIS touchscreen through which climate control and infotainment are managed.

Aluminium bodywork shrink-wrapped around a powerful mechanical package gives the 570S Spider an athletic appearance, with instantly recognisable McLaren styling cues such as a teardrop-shaped cabin; unique-in-class dihedral doors; and distinctive LED lighting front and rear, the Daylight Running Lights recreating the signature McLaren Speedmark badge.

The two-piece retractable hardtop is constructed of lightweight composite panels that are significantly more weather- and fade-resistant than fabric; the roof of this bespoke car is in optional Dark Palladium grey rather than body colour. Stowed beneath a beautifully crafted carbon fibre tonneau cover – another feature on this car from the MSO Defined range – the convertible roof is electrically operated from the driver’s seat using one simple control and can be opened or closed in just 15 seconds, at vehicle speeds of up to 40kmph (25mph).

When the 570S Spider’s retractable roof is closed, its lines mirror those of the 570S Coupe, giving a flowing, uncluttered appearance. With the roof open the silhouette is equally dramatic, additional attention being drawn to the two distinctive buttresses that taper into the bodywork either side of the engine. The one-off Saint Valentine’s Day 570S Spider features numerous exterior carbon fibre body enhancements from the MSO Defined range of options, including door inserts; front splitter; rear deck; rear bumper and rear spoiler.

A 3.8-litre, twin-turbocharged McLaren V8 engine gives the 570S Spider acceleration from standstill to 100kmph (62mph) in 3.2 seconds and to 200kmph (124mph) in just 9.6 seconds. Top speed is 328kmph (204mph) with the roof closed – identical to the 570S Coupe – and even with the roof lowered, the new Spider can reach 315kmph (196mph).

Driving with the roof down is an even more immersive and exhilarating experience than with it raised. A glazed wind deflector can be electrically closed or lowered at the push of a button, providing further versatility by reducing wind-buffeting when the roof is down or by allowing additional sound and fresh air into the cabin with just the glass lowered.

The McLaren 570S Spider employs racecar-style, double-wishbone suspension all-round, with the same suspension and steering settings as 570S Coupe models to ensure exceptional body control and a particularly pure and rewarding drive. The 570S Spider is also extremely comfortable, as befits a sophisticated, luxurious convertible; a driver can choose from Normal, Sport or Track chassis modes for progressively softer or firmer suspension that best suits prevailing conditions.

Three years ago in the pages of The Financial Times, Rolls-Royce announced to the world that it would create an all-new, high-bodied car that would redefine luxury travel by making it effortless, everywhere. Since that day the world has waited, anticipating the arrival of this mould-breaking new Rolls-Royce.

Today, the wait is almost over as Rolls-Royce confirms that its new motor car will be called Cullinan.

“The name Cullinan has been hiding in plain sight since we revealed it as the project name some years ago,” comments Torsten Muller-Otvos, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce. “It is the most fitting name for our extraordinary new product. Cullinan is a motor car of such clarity of purpose, such flawless quality and preciousness, and such presence that it recalibrates the scale and possibility of true luxury. Just like the Cullinan Diamond, the largest flawless diamond ever found, it emerges when it is perfect and exists above all others.”

The story of how this new Rolls-Royce came to be named Cullinan is itself one of the pursuit of perfection. Like the diamond, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan has undertaken a fascinating journey. From the searing deserts of Africa and the Middle East to the freezing snows of the Arctic Circle; from the grassy glens of the Scottish Highlands to the towering canyons of North America, the designers, engineers, craftspeople and artisans of the house of Rolls-Royce have shaped, tested and polished this unique motor car to eliminate any flaw and make it effortless, everywhere.

“We were inspired by the epic processes, over many millennia, which went into the creation of the Cullinan Diamond. The name embodies the many facets of our new motor car’s promise. It speaks of endurance and absolute solidity in the face of the greatest pressures; it tells of rarity and preciousness and it alludes to the pioneering, adventurous spirit of The Hon. Charles Rolls and the engineering innovation of Sir Henry Royce; and, of course, it speaks of absolute luxury, wherever you venture in the world” continued Muller-Otvos.

Cullinan is the second Rolls-Royce to sit atop the company’s recently announced all-new proprietary aluminium spaceframe ‘Architecture of Luxury’. Unique and unequalled in its brilliance, every facet of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan scintillates.

Muller-Otvos concludes: “Quite simply, the name Cullinan is perfect and brilliant.”

The Tata Motors Group global wholesales in January 2018, including Jaguar Land Rover, were at 114,797 units, higher by 20 per cent, over January 2017.

Global wholesales of all Tata Motors’ commercial vehicles and Tata Daewoo range in January 2018 were at 44,828 units, higher by 32 per cent, over January 2017.

Global wholesales of all passenger vehicles in January 2018 were at 69,969 units, higher by 13 per cent, compared to January 2017.

Global wholesales for Jaguar Land Rover were 49,631 vehicles in January 2018 which includes CJLR* volumes of 8,125 units. Jaguar wholesales for the month were 16108 vehicles, while Land Rover wholesales for the month were 33523 vehicles.

*CJLR – It is a JV between JLR and Chery Automobiles and is an unconsolidated subsidiary for JLR

Cleveland CycleWerks has unveiled two models of its classic design bikes in India at the Auto Expo 2018. The retro-inspired motorcycles – ‘Ace’ and ‘Misfit’, the two models from the existing range of Cleveland CycleWerks motorcycles, will have various design options for the Indian consumers. Under the ‘Ace’ model of bikes, three sub-models – Ace Deluxe, Ace Scrambler, Ace Cafe all under the 250 cc segment will be launched in India. In the ‘Misfit’ model, Gen II Misfit, the second generation of original Misfit which was a raging success will be launched at the Auto Expo alongside the Ace models.

The Cleveland Ace motorcycles comes powered by an air-cooled, 4-stroke, 229 cc single cylinder engine, with maximum power of 15.4 hp and peak torque of 16 Nm. The Ace is positioned towards the young crowd who want retro-style biking experience with superior technology. Ergonomically designed with superior technology for daily commutes, the Ace is an all-seasons bike convenient for rides across town or weekend highway rides. The Ace Deluxe and Ace Cafe variants feature aluminium wheels, inverted front forks and twin hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear.

The Gen II Misfit maintains the design of the original Misfit model while giving it a whole new design statement to the bike. It also comes with a 229cc air-cooled, single cylinder motor giving it a peak power of 15.4 hp and 16 Nm of torque. The Gen II Misfit comes with a 320mm single disc brake up front and 220mm disc at the rear as well gold-finish inverted forks adjustable for compression and rebound at the front.

The Cleveland CycleWerks motorcycles is aimed at catering to the young and massive middle class in India with an ever-growing ambition and disposable income looking for bikes that stand out in terms of performance, classic looks, and competitive price point.

Having established itself as a strong brand in a short span of time globally, Cleveland CycleWerks with its distribution spread across 23 countries is entering India by joining hands with Laish Madison Motor Werks Private Limited (LMMW) to bring the classic-retro style, high-quality American branded motorcycles. Headquartered in Mumbai, the brand has a fully integrated assembly facility in Pune which to ensure timely delivery of its latest innovations and exceptional service to the consumers in India.

Commenting on the occasion, Scott Colosimo, Founder, Cleveland CycleWerks said, “India is today the largest two wheeler market in the world with nearly 18 million units sold last year and is a strategically important market for Cleveland CycleWerks. Our DNA comprises of passion put into engineering skills to create an absolutely unique biking experience that is truly American. We are launching two amazing bikes keeping in mind the Indian rider, traffic, and road conditions. Aesthetically, the bikes stand out in the market.”

According to Sandeep S. Budala, Founder & Chairman, Laish Madison Motor Werks Pvt. Ltd., the company which is bringing the American brand in India, the company is delighted to bring Cleveland CycleWerks to India. He further added, “Without a doubt it is an exciting time for a globally establish brand like Cleveland to come to India as the customers are becoming more discerning by the day and aspiring to buy the very best. In the next 5 years we plan to ramp our presence across India and develop a cult following of millions.”

Pranav T. Desai, CEO, Laish Madison Motor Werks Pvt. Ltd. said, “The classic American biking experience come with the most reliable service network. With presence in top 12-14 states across metros and tier 1 cities we aim to sell 5000 bikes in the initial phase. Subsequently, we can significantly increase the numbers as our Pune facility has production capacity of 35,000 bikes per annum. We firmly believe that our customer centric approach and world class product offering will win the hearts of customers within a short span of time.”

The company is looking at building a strong partners network in the country by identifying the right dealers in the 12-14 cities to ensure and maintain an exceptional standard of service to its customers in India. By end of this year, the brand aims to grow its family of partners by adding 35 key partners across the country.

Volkswagen is kicking off the new automotive year with the world premiere of the new Touareg. The brand’s flagship is the next milestone in the largest model campaign by Volkswagen. Standing at the top of the model range, the Touareg shows all of the brand’s power with its expressive design, innovative technologies and dynamic handling properties. The world premiere of the top vehicle will take place in China, the world’s strongest growing SUV market and the company’s largest individual market.

The new Touareg makes the brand’s standards clear. The expressive design by Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Design, and his team give it an unmistakable appearance that is strong in character. A myriad of innovative assistance systems gives it a maximum degree of safety and comfort. One of the largest digital cockpits in its class, the Innovision Cockpit, opens up a new type of infotainment environment. Its connectivity makes it a driving internet node. The drivetrain, air suspension, rear-wheel steering and roll stabilisation all ensure a safe and dynamic driving experience.

With the new Touareg, Volkswagen is continuing the success story of this model series into a third generation. Like its predecessors, it will satisfy the rigorous standards of the premium automotive class and its customers. The exclusive SUV C-segment is currently one of the fastest growing segments in global automotive markets and is expected to double its volume by the year 2023 in China, for example.

The Touareg has demonstrated its performance power and driving capabilities impressively in around one million units ever since the model series launched in 2002: on-road, off-road and on rally trails around the world. Highlights include wins in the Dakar Rally events in the years 2009-2011.

Volkswagen is revealing the new Touareg and the entire range of its technical capabilities and comprehensive features for the first time in a world premiere on 23 March 2018 in Beijing.

‘Daabang Girl’, Sonakshi Sinha raised the glamour quotient at the Auto Expo when she unveiled the awe inspiring ‘DC TCA’. The occasion was a perfect semblance of beauty and elegance as the ‘DC TCA’ was showcased, a car that evoked jaw dropping reactions from the people thronging the DC pavilion.

‘DC TCA’ an abbreviation for ‘Titanium, Carbon and Aluminium’, is the latest creation from Dilip Chhabria’s repertoire and is a showstopper to say the least, one amongst the many masterpieces that will create history in the niche space of Indian auto design fraternity. The bespoke and luxurious car stupefies the ingenuity of Dilip Chhabria and the passion that resonates through his unique design creations. After the success and the mesmerizing trance of India’s first and only super car the ‘Avanti’, the ‘DC TCA’ is all set to beguile the Indian customers with acclaimed European aesthetic sensibilities of sophistication and refinement.

Addressing the press conference Dilip Chhabria, Chairman and Managing Director, DC Design Pvt Ltd said, “The ‘DC TCA’ is an aspirational car and we are confident the Indian consumer will accept it very well. The customized sports car market in India is constantly evolving to cater to the burgeoning aspirations of the new breed of go-getters. There is a lot of interest for customized and signature vehicles, a niche that is constantly progressing. We, at DC Design share a passion to create cars that can push the limit and are an amalgamation of aesthetic opulence that would be the gold standard of design automation excellence in India.”

The mid-engines, powered by a euro 6, 3800 cc, 320 HP, 6 speed automatic transmission is a powerful car that draws inspiration from ‘La Ferrari’ and the ‘Pagani Zonda’. The ‘DC TCA’ offers futuristic design and mind boggling interior design and exotic materials, contemporary audio video electronics and instrumentation, with an aim to provide the most exquisite features to the discerning Indian connoisseur keeping in mind the Indian operational conditions.

The ‘DC TCA’ will be available for a limited production run of 299 cars, each personally signed by the dreamer and creator, whose goal is to put India at the forefront of design, quality and now super cars, a feat that even today not many countries can boast of.

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd. today introduced their popular sports model, YZF-R3 at the Auto Expo 2018 in the presence of Bollywood star and Yamaha’s brand ambassador John Abraham. The new YZF-R3 is enabled with dual channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) technology and high grip Metzeler radial tyres. The motorcycle will be priced at Rs 348,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) and will be available at select authorised Yamaha dealerships.

The dual channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) technology will further ensure reliable braking on slippery roads by automatically adjusting the brake fluid pressure. The new YZF-R3 will also come with additional new features, including the premium Metzeler radial tyres for high-safety performance and enhanced grip.

The model will be available in two colour variants – Racing Blue and Magma Black. The winner of industry’s most prestigious “Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY)” awards in 2016, YZF-R3 will retain all of its original features of a twin cylinder model along with a dual channel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS).

The 321 cc motorcycle is equipped with liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, in-line 2-cylinder, fuel-injected engine for smooth power delivery and driving pleasure. YZF-R3 is known for a solid combination of power and a lightweight body that achieves high levels of riding performance and styling.

On the occasion, The Chairman of Yamaha Motor India Group of companies, Motofumi Shitara said, “The success and popularity gained by the YZF-R3 in India is a major achievement by the company. The development team has put all of their engineering skills and passion into developing this new model with dual channel ABS in order to provide improved riding experience and more excitement to the customers.”

Roy Kurian, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd. said, “The new version of YZF-R3 carries the testimony of Yamaha’s commitment to its customers. The award winning, twin cylinder motorcycle is now available with the dual channel ABS technology and Metzeler radial tyres that disburse extraordinary grip and high performance. Known for its riding controls and nimbleness, Yamaha is confident that the new YZF-R3 will earnestly appeal the biking enthusiasts and will continue to be the preferred choice for the customers.”

Bollywood star and Yamaha’s brand ambassador John Abraham said, “It has been an exciting journey for Yamaha till now as the company has always surprised its consumers with innovative and stylish products year after year. With the launch of the new YZF-R3, it is certain that the riders will experience an improved art of technology.”

Renegade Thor

UM showcased its prowess for the India market today by unveiling three motorcycles at the Auto Expo 2018 – The Renegade Thor, which is also the world’s first electric cruiser, along with the Renegade Duty S and the Renegade Duty Ace.

The Renegade Thor produces 30 kW of power along with 70 Nm of torque, and is equipped with a 5-speed transmission gearbox, with a hydraulic clutch and a liquid cooled motor with a controller. The Renegade Thor also comes equipped with reverse gear allowing for easy maneuvering.

Renegade Duty S

Speaking on the occasion, Rajeev Mishra, CEO UML said, “We have received an overwhelming response to our cruisers since we launched them at the last expo. By unveiling the Thor we want to establish our technological advancement for the Indian market, reiterating the fact that we’re here to stay. The Indian market is opening to electric motorcycles, and with the Thor we have a first mover’s advantage. The Renegade Duty S and the Duty Ace cater to a special segment of motorcyclists who are seeking fun and adventure from their motorcycles and we’re quite sure these will appeal to such young guns.”

Renegrade Duty Ace

The Renegade Duty S and the Duty Ace come with a 223 cc single cylinder engine mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The four- stroke oil cooled engine churns out 17 PS of power at 8000 rpm and 17 Nm of torque. Weighing at 142 and 140 kgs respectively, the Renegade Duty S and the Duty Ace have the potential of being ridden on-road as well as off-road, allowing the light weight to aid in their nimble handling and maneuverability. Pricing for the Renegade Thor starts at Rs 4.9 lakh, while the pricing for the Renegade Duty S and the Renegade Duty Ace starts at Rs 1.10 lakh.