Author: Joydip Sur

I'm a journalist with over a decade of experience and an all consuming passion for automobile and motorsports.

Bentley Motors Debuts New Continental GT And Flying Spur Models At Auto Shanghai 2025

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Bentley Motors has presented three brand new models for the Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible and Flying Spur line-ups at Auto Shanghai 2025. Each car now includes a benchmark model identified simply by its nameplate, an Azure variant, prioritising wellness and comfort, and a Speed model, with its absolute focus on performance.

The new Azure models mark the arrival of Bentley’s new High Performance Hybrid powertrain, which unites an advanced 4.0-litre V8 engine and powerful electric motor to develop a maximum power output of 680 PS and a maximum torque output of 930 Nm. Completing the stand display is a pinnacle Bentayga EWB Azure, finished in a Mulliner bespoke colour, Nila Blue. Far more than just a luxury car, this extended wheelbase SUV is a showcase of advanced, wellbeing technology.

Commenting from the press conference, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, said: “Positioned alongside the acclaimed Speed variants, with the introduction of Azure, Bentley customers can now choose the model that most closely reflects their aesthetic values and driving priorities. Our China customers and the luxury market here continues to inspire and push us to explore new boundaries, so we are excited and motivated by the future opportunities in this market with these new options.

“Being at the forefront of progress and innovation is part of our DNA and now as we transform our organisation as part of our Beyond100+ strategy, we commit to being always, relentlessly extraordinary.”

New Continental GT Azure and GT Convertible Azure
Elegant design, a lavish specification and a strong focus on wellbeing are the distinguishing features of the new Azure models. This is apparent from the very first impression of the exterior’s new gloss black matrix grille with its bright chrome surround and vertical vanes, displayed on stand by the Breeze finished Continental GT Convertible. Beneath this, a gloss black front splitter provides a contrast to bright grilles on the front bumper and lower intakes. A new silver and bright machined 22” Azure wheel design, and Azure badging on the front fender, complete the exterior package. Inside, the seats and door inners feature new 3D Harmony diamond quilting with the Azure namestyle embroidered on the seat headrests.

An extensive specification includes Wellness seating, open pore crown cut walnut veneer trim, Azure interior treadplates with illuminated Bentley namestyle and contrast stitching on the leather upholstery. The Touring, Comfort and Lighting Specification packages are also standard. The Continental GT Azure, finished on stand in Light Windsor Blue, includes a panoramic sunroof, while the Continental GT Convertible Azure is equipped with the neck warmer for comfortable roof-down motoring in cooler weather.

New Flying Spur Azure
As with the stand-displayed Continental GT Azure, the new Flying Spur Azure features a new chrome matrix grille with 11 vertical vanes. Other distinguishing features include Azure fender badging, bright chrome lower grilles, chrome brightware and the new 22” Azure wheel, which is finished in a combination of silver and bright machined metal.

All Azure models focus on reducing stress and promoting wellbeing, complemented by driver assistance technologies for smoother, safer journeys. Accordingly, both the two front seats and the two outer rear seats of the Flying Spur Azure feature Bentley’s Wellness seating, with heating and ventilation to maintain the occupant’s optimum temperature for comfort and alertness. A massage function with six programmable settings promotes the constant micro-adjustments in muscle and posture that are essential in preventing fatigue.

Other tactile and visual delights include mood lighting, Harmony quilting to the door inners and seats, Azure embroidered headrests, open pore crown cut walnut trim and the Touring, Comfort and Mood Lighting specification packages. As a finishing touch, illuminated Bentley treadplates feature the Azure namestyle.

Bentayga EWB Azure
The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Azure prioritises your wellbeing, offering a carefully curated selection of features for ‘wellbeing behind the wheel’ that enhance comfort as a driver or passenger.

Developed with the help of wellbeing experts and neuroscientists, the Bentayga EWB Azure includes the Touring Specification of advanced driver assistance technologies for safer, more relaxing journeys. The stress-free interior ambience is enhanced by reduced levels of NVH, or Noise, Vibration and Harshness.

The relaxing and re-energising environment of the Azure cabin, that reduces driver fatigue, through its multisensory and science-informed design, only further helps to enhance the safety of the car. Studies have shown that in 20 per cent of all road collisions, tiredness has played a role. The Bentayga EWB Azure will keep you alert, but comfortable and rested in the safe hands of your cabin.

As well as a wide range of technologies incorporated in this suite, the Bentayga EWB Azure also offers elegant and timeless design tailored specifications including unique 22” ten-spoke directional wheels, bright lower bumper grilles, an exceptionally spacious interior offering a cosseting experience, unique quilted seats, mood lighting, a heated steering wheel, and increased driver’s assistance aids.

Displayed at Auto Shanghai in new bespoke colour, Nīla Blue, the exterior paint colour is available exclusively to Mulliner customers. Deeply inspired by acclaimed British fashion designer, Supriya Lele’s Indian heritage, Nīla Blue draws its name from the Sanskrit word for “sapphire” and represents a seamless blend of personal history and artisanal craft. This distinctive hue, infused with personal and cultural significance, represents the seamless fusion of automotive luxury and high fashion, reflecting the ultimate in craftsmanship, innovation, and personalised expression.

Additionally, as all Bentley Azure models, the EWB features the Front Seat Specification which includes 22-way adjustable seats for passengers of all heights and weights, and heating and ventilation functions that help to maintain the body’s optimum temperature for comfort and alertness. Customers also have the opportunity to choose from 24 billion different trim combinations, with finer sewing threads creating Bentley’s softest quilt to date.

Goodwood Revival To Celebrate Jim Clark’s Life And Career

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Goodwood is honoured to announce that this year’s Revival will celebrate the extraordinary life and career of Jim Clark – the Scottish farmer who is widely regarded as the most naturally gifted driver of all time.

2025 marks the 60th anniversary of Clark’s greatest season – indeed, arguably the greatest season by any driver in history. As well as winning six Grands Prix en route to his second World Championship, he also became the first driver to win the Indy 500 in a rear-engined car, and the first to do so at an average speed of more than 150mph. He remains the only driver to win the F1 World Championship and Indy 500 in the same season. Not only that, but he won the Tasman Cup (a single-seater series in Australia and New Zealand, run during the European winter and contested by the leading F1 teams and drivers), the French and British Formula 2 Championships, and races in everything from touring cars to sports prototypes.

Alongside these achievements, Jim Clark also won the final Formula 1 race at Goodwood, on Easter Monday 1965. This Saturday (19 April) marks the 60th anniversary, to the day, of that race, during which Clark, in a Lotus 25, also shared the lap record of 1m20.4 with his fellow Scot Jackie Stewart, in a BRM P261. Their joint time was never beaten, before the circuit closed to racing in July 1966, and so stands in perpetuity as the classic Goodwood lap record. Remarkably, on the same day he won the Sunday Mirror Trophy Formula 1 race, Clark also won the St Marys Trophy (a round of the British Saloon Car Championship) in a Lotus Cortina, and the Lavant Cup sports prototype race in a Lotus 30! His driving that day epitomised the virtuosity and versatility he exhibited across the whole season.

Jim Clark, who tragically died in an accident during a Formula 2 race at Hockenheim on 7 April 1968, ended his career with a then-record 25 victories and 33 pole positions from just 72 Grands Prix. Even now, six decades later, he still holds the record for the most ‘Grand Slams’ in Formula 1, when a driver takes pole position, victory, fastest lap, and leads every lap. Clark’s record of eight is two more than his nearest rival, Lewis Hamilton, whose score of six has come from 361 races!

Despite his extraordinary achievements as a driver, Jim Clark remained a humble farmer at heart, and liked nothing more than spending time on his farm, Edington Mains, near the village of Chirnside in the Scottish Borders, where he grew up. Even as he was winning World Championships and the Indy 500, and appearing on the cover of Time Magazine (as he did after his Indy win in 1965), he would return to Edington between races.

We look forward to celebrating all aspects of the remarkable achievements and legacy of Jim Clark – “farmer and world champion motor racing driver”, as the inscription on his gravestone reads – which, to this day, remain at the heart of motorsport at Goodwood.

Sir Jackie Stewart, three-time World Champion and joint Goodwood lap record holder said: “Jim Clark was not only a first-class racer, but he was a first-class friend. Jimmy and I enjoyed so much camaraderie both on and off the track and I am personally so pleased that Goodwood are choosing to celebrate this great man in this way”.

Dario Franchitti, four-time IndyCar Champion and three-time Indy 500 winner, said: “As a fellow Scot, Jim Clark has always been an inspiration to me, and following in his footsteps at the Indianapolis 500 was the highlight of my career. I have had the honour of driving a number of his cars over the years, and am proud to be a patron of the Jim Clark Trust. I’m looking forward to joining Goodwood in celebrating the life and achievements of a true legend of our sport and will also be attending the Jim Clark Trust event at Duns Castle in June.”

The Duke of Richmond CBE DL said: “It’s such a privilege to celebrate Jim Clark at the Goodwood Revival this year. His achievements in 1965 are the stuff of legend, including uniquely winning the Formula 1 World Championship and Indy 500 in the same season. I vividly remember watching him win the final F1 race at Goodwood, on Easter Monday 1965, in which he and Jackie Stewart set the ultimate Goodwood lap record. Having such strong links to Goodwood, and in a year that marks several significant anniversaries, we are hugely proud to be paying tribute to Jim Clark – considered by some to be the greatest driver of all time– over the Revival weekend.”

Doug Niven, Jim Clark’s cousin, and a family trustee of the Jim Clark Trust, said: “The Jim Clark Trust is delighted to support the Jim Clark tribute at the Goodwood Revival in September. Along with my fellow family trustee Ian Calder (Jim’s nephew) I attended the Revival in 2013, when the Duke of Richmond formally launched the Jim Clark Trust – of which he is still a patron. 1965 was such a special year for Jim, and we look forward to celebrating his life and career at Goodwood in September, as well as at our own event, at Duns Castle on 28-29 June.”

Kia Introduces AI Voice Assistant To Enhance Connectivity And Driver Experience

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Kia has announced the rollout of its new, generative AI-powered voice recognition system, called AI Assistant, across Europe, following its introduction in the Korean and US markets last year.

The AI Assistant transforms the user experience by enabling customers to engage in smooth and natural conversations with their Kia. It also enables them to quickly and easily learn more about their vehicle’s advanced features to make the user experience easier and more convenient.

What are the key advantages of Kia’s AI Assistant?
Kia’s AI Assistant features enhanced intelligence, enabling it to listen to users’ voice commands and queries, providing the information they need. The system understands users’ intent and context, enabling them to converse with the vehicle in a relaxed, natural, and smooth manner.

If a user gives more context and a greater level of detail when asking a question, Kia’s AI Assistant will provide a smarter and more accurate response.

Continual Over-the-Air (OTA) updates will enhance the AI Assistant over time, making the system more intelligent and adding greater functionality, while this OTA technology also allows Kia’s voice recognition system to be upgraded to the latest AI Assistant for EV3s using the connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system.

How do users engage with Kia’s AI Assistant?
Users can engage with Kia’s AI Assistant by simply pressing the voice recognition button on the car’s steering wheel, or by saying: “Hey Kia.”

What questions can users ask Kia’s AI Assistant?
Users can ask Kia’s AI Assistant virtually anything. They can even start by asking the system exactly what services it can provide, by saying: “Hey Kia, tell me what you can do.”

The services provided by Kia’s AI Assistant go far beyond those offered by previous-generation voice recognition systems. This technology could, for example, enable users to ask for the location of restaurants selling specific foods.

Now, users can ask Kia’s AI Assistant open-ended questions that can further enhance their experiences beyond their car, such as:

“I am going camping tomorrow, what items should I take?”
“What are the advantages of an EV compared with an ICE car?”
“I am going to meet a Spanish friend tomorrow – are there any important table manners or customs I should be aware of?”
The possibilities are endless. If driving through an unfamiliar city, users can ask Kia’s AI Assistant where the best place is to park to enjoy the sunset or a night view of the cityscape. They can even ask the AI Assistant to suggest some music to suit a relaxed city vibe.

The more specific conditions the user sets, the more able Kia’s AI Assistant is to provide responses best suited to the situation. For example, users could say: “Hey Kia, can you tell me why the sky is blue and explain it in a way that a child will understand?” That way, everyone in the car can comprehend and enjoy the answer.

How can Kia’s AI Assistant make driving more convenient?
Drivers can ask Kia’s AI Assistant for help on how to use various in-car features (where fitted) to enjoy a more pleasant and comfortable ride. For example, if the road becomes congested, they can say: “Hey Kia, let me know about any driving assistance systems that can make driving easier in heavy traffic.”

Kia’s AI Assistant can then recommend Highway Driving Assistant (when fitted) to the driver and tell them how to engage it, as well as explaining how it works and how to get the most from the system to make their journey smoother and more relaxing.

Which models will feature Kia’s AI Assistant?
Kia’s AI Assistant has previously been fitted as standard to the Kia K4 in the US and the Kia EV3 in Korea, and it is now being offered on the European-specification EV3. The rollout of AI Assistant will later be expanded to other models fitted with Kia’s ccNC system (currently EV3, EV6, EV9 and Sorento in the UK).

Which markets will receive Kia’s AI Assistant, and when?
Kia’s AI Assistant was introduced in Korea in July 2024 and in the United States in November 2024. European EV3 models built from March 2025 onwards will feature Kia’s AI Assistant as standard, and vehicles already produced will receive it through the latest OTA update.

Nissan Motor India Celebrates ‘Poila Boishakh’ With First-Ever Heritage Night Drive For Women Customers

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Nissan Motor India celebrated Poila Boishakh, the beginning of the Bengali New Year, by organizing India’s first-ever ‘Heritage Night Drive’ exclusively for women customers. Championing the spirit of women empowerment, this first-of-its-kind initiative brought together over 70 spirited women Nissan Magnite owners and their families for an enthralling night drive through the historic and cultural landmarks of Kolkata.

Starting from the iconic Taj Bengal’s Mandarin Hall, the convoy of 25 Nissan Magnite SUVs drove across the city’s iconic landmarks – Victoria Memorial, Prinsep Ghat Park, Eden Gardens, Park Street and more. Renowned heritage expert and historian Tuhina Chatterjee accompanied the convoy, sharing stories and anecdotes about Kolkata’s rich history and legacy through the decades.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India said, “At Nissan Motor India, we believe in creating memorable brand experiences that go beyond the drive. This unique and first of its kind ‘Heritage Night Drive’ is a tribute to the empowered and resilient women who are redefining the Indian auto landscape. There couldn’t have been a better occasion than Poila Boishakh, and no better canvas than the City of Joy, to bring this experience to life. The state of West Bengal has been an important market for Nissan Motor India, and we intend to expand rapidly here to serve our customers better.”

Participants also received professional driving lessons from certified experts, who shared advanced techniques and safety tips tailored to urban driving conditions. Through this initiative, Nissan Motor India reinforces its commitment to inclusive innovation and customer-first engagement, with each participant receiving a certificate of participation to commemorate the memorable night drive experience.

Nissan Motor India continued its consistent and sustainable growth in India with consolidated sales of 99,000+ units for FY2024-25, delivering its best single-year performance in the last seven years. The year was marked by the continued success of the New Nissan Magnite, which remains a key pillar of Nissan’s domestic business, selling 28,000+ units annually, and by the expansion of export operations from 20 markets to 65+ international markets, resulting in unprecedented export sales of 71,000+ units, further strengthening India’s position as a global export hub for Nissan.

Mahindra Delivers 3000 All-Electric Origin SUVs Across India

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Mahindra today announced a major milestone in its electric mobility journey, with over 3000 customer deliveries of its all-electric Origin SUVs—the XEV 9e and BE 6—completed since the commencement of deliveries on March 20, 2025.

The response to Mahindra’s new electric SUV portfolio has been overwhelming. Both the XEV 9e and BE 6 continue to witness strong booking momentum, with majority of the customers opting for the fully loaded Pack Three variant. Current booking trends indicate 59% demand for the XEV 9e and 41% for the BE 6. The waiting period currently extends up to six months in select regions, and Mahindra is actively scaling up deliveries nationwide to reduce wait times and ensure a seamless ownership journey.

In line with its commitment to delivering a customer-first EV experience, Mahindra has introduced an intuitive new ‘Default’ drive mode. Designed especially for first-time EV adopters, this mode offers a driving feel akin to internal combustion vehicles—making the transition to electric smoother, more natural, and instantly comfortable.

Each vehicle delivery is accompanied by a curated set of video guides that walk customers through best practices for EV ownership. These include tips on efficient charging, driving techniques to optimise range, and a walkthrough of the vehicle’s advanced connected technologies—empowering owners to unlock the full potential of their electric SUVs from day one.

As Mahindra continues to redefine the future of mobility, this milestone underscores the growing trust and excitement among customers towards sustainable and intelligent transportation.

Ultraviolette Makes A Grand Showcase of Design And Technology With Its Exclusive Product Line; Unveils World’s Most Advanced Electric Scooter ‘Tesseract’

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Ultraviolette, makers of the ‘Fastest Indian Motorcycle’, proudly announced the debut of its cutting-edge product range in Kolkata. With a strong presence across thirteen cities, this showcase marks yet another milestone in Ultraviolette’s remarkable journey and underscores its dedication to serving customers across India.

Kolkata will now be able to experience Ultraviolette’s technologically advanced and performance-driven two-wheelers that have long captivated customers across the country. As part of its commitment to enhancing customer service, Ultraviolette is also set to establish its state-of-the-art experience centre in Kolkata this year. The 3S Experience Centre will offer comprehensive ownership services, ensuring an unparalleled experience for customers in Kolkata and its surrounding regions in West Bengal.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-founder of Ultraviolette, said “Kolkata has always stood out with its passion for cutting-edge design and its embrace of future-forward technology. Over the years, we have seen a strong and growing interest in high-performance, next-generation two-wheelers here. Today marks a significant milestone as we launch our full product portfolio in this dynamic city – underscoring our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation, design excellence, and user experience. With the launch of our Electric Scooter Tesseract, which boasts several world-first features, we are not just introducing a new product – we are ushering in a new era of intelligent and connected mobility. This is a bold step towards reshaping the urban mobility narrative, not only for Kolkata but for the wider West Bengal region.”

The F77 MACH 2 and F77 SuperStreet redefine electric performance, accelerating from 0 to 60 kph in just 2.8 seconds. Equipped with a 10.3 kWh battery pack and delivering a peak power output of 30 kW (40.2 hp), the motorcycles offer a staggering 100 Nm of peak torque. It accelerates swiftly from 0 to 60 km/hr in just 2.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 km/hr with an impressive IDC range of 323 kms. Ultraviolette’s ongoing optional packages are also available to all F77 customers, aimed at magnifying the riding experience further.

F77 Mach 2 and F77 SuperStreet are priced at ₹ 2,99,000. Bookings for F77 Mach 2 and F77 SuperStreet are open on the company website- http://www.ultraviolette.com.

The company also unveiled two new mainstream products – The World’s Most Advanced Electric Scooter -‘Tesseract’ and a Disruptive Electric Motorcycle- ‘Shockwave’. The Tesseract features a segment first integrated radar and dashcam, seamlessly coupled with Omnisense mirrors, providing advanced safety technologies such as Blindspot Detection, Lane Change, Overtaking Assist, and Collision Alerts. It is also equipped with Traction control and Dynamic regen for enhanced safety and optimizing energy consumption. In addition, Tesseract boasts a 7″ touchscreen TFT display, and multi-colour LED displays embedded in the ORVMs.

Shockwave – a meticulously designed and engineered motorcycle that meets the demands of riders who seek an exhilarating riding experience and reigniting the joy in riding. It promises the same iconic thrill of the ‘2-stroke’ motorcycling era that represented the lightweight, fun, and accessible motorcycles.

The Tesseract is priced at ₹ 1,45,000 and the Shockwave is priced at ₹ 1,75,000. Pre-bookings for Tesseract and Shockwave are open on the company website for ₹ 999.

“Kolkata represents a fascinating blend of heritage and forward-looking innovation, making it a compelling destination for our next-generation mobility solutions. The city’s rapid advancements in technology and its growing inclination toward smart infrastructure reflect a strong appetite for intelligent, sustainable transportation. We are excited to bring our performance two-wheeler portfolio to this evolving landscape – designed with cutting-edge engineering and a deep commitment to redefining mobility”, said Niraj Rajmohan, CTO & Co-founder of Ultraviolette.

By FY 2026, the company aims to extend its reach to fifty cities across India, with a strategic focus on fast-paced global markets such as UK, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and France.

Japanese Journalists Yumi Kawabata Joins WWCOTY

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The Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY), the only international automotive award judged exclusively by female automotive journalists, is pleased to announce the addition of Yumi Kawabata to its panel of judges.

With Kawabata’s participation, WWCOTY, which now consists of 81 judges from 55 countries, will further strengthen its role in Asia, where the award is already well recognized in China, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Japan, and other nations.

Yumi Kawabata is one of Japan’s leading automotive journalists. With her extensive knowledge of the automotive industry, she is frequently sought after by both domestic and international media for articles and expert opinions.

She earned a master’s degree in engineering from Gunma National University and has served as an expert committee member in key governmental bodies, including the Cabinet Office, Cabinet Secretariat, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), and the Digital Agency.

Kawabata specializes in cutting-edge automotive technologies and environmental issues. Her coverage spans a wide range of topics, from global discussions on environmental and energy policies to everyday aspects of sustainable living, such as organic lifestyles.

She is also widely recognized as a mobility commentator on Japanese television and online platforms. In addition, she has contributed to various media, ranging from automotive magazines to business publications, and has authored several books, including Can Japanese Cars Survive?, published by Kodansha.

Hyundai Motor’s Gaming-Inspired Concept Car ‘INSTEROID’ Debuts In Seoul

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Hyundai Motor Company continues to push the boundaries of automotive design with the unveiling of its visionary design concept car, INSTEROID, today in Seoul, Korea. INSTEROID embodies Hyundai Motor’s bold approach, merging gaming influences with extensive customization to captivate a new generation of drivers.

Based on the successful Hyundai INSTER electric sub-compact urban SUV, which launched last year and quickly became a global hit, INSTEROID takes the concept of sporty design and user experience to new heights. INSTER’s acclaim, including its selection as a top three finalist for the 2025 World Car of the Year award, sets a solid foundation for this radical ‘What if?’ project.

Crafted in secrecy by Hyundai Motor’s European design team, INSTEROID is a true concept car. Its name cleverly fuses the playful essence of ‘INSTER’ with the dynamic energy of ‘STEROID’, reflecting its spirited nature and muscular look.

Much like the off-road-inspired INSTER CROSS derivate shown at INSTER’s debut in 2024, INSTEROID is another step in the hot-selling production model’s journey. Its mission is clear: to challenge conventions, create emotions and redefine what a sporty EV can be.

“INSTEROID is a celebration of pure fun – a journey where we explored new ways to ignite emotion and imagination in every detail,” said Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center. “It’s not just about how it looks, but also how it sounds and how makes you feel. From its bold visual language to the immersive sound experience, it’s a concept that invites everyone to dream a little louder and smile a little longer.”

More than just a car, INSTEROID represents a limitless vision of automotive innovation and imagination. It is engaging users on new levels of interaction through shape, light and sound.

“INSTEROID represents a modern take on the idea of a dream car. It is designed to inspire and create enthusiasm,” said Eduardo Ramírez, Chief Designer at Hyundai Design Europe. “This project allowed us to fully embrace unrestrained creativity, drawing inspiration from video games to create an emotional and engaging vision of Hyundai’s brand.”

Gamified design concept boasts sporty styling and eco-conscious materials
INSTEROID takes the INSTER production model to the next level with sporty, gaming-inspired features that include an extended, widened body, track-optimized wheels, and a prominent wing spoiler, diffuser and wheel arch air vents delivering advanced aerodynamics.

Inside, the cockpit offers a stripped-down layout, with bucket seats, a roll cage and a specialized instrument cluster creating an immersive driving experience. Every element is fully adjustable, reflecting the user-centered spirit of a garage-built machine true to the motto: “Build it, play it, break it, repeat.” Adding to its multisensory experience, INSTEROID produces a unique sound signature, leaving an unforgettable impression.

Building upon INSTER’s charismatic design, INSTEROID aims to transform the driving experience with its Drift Mode, promising competitive thrills paired with light-hearted driving enjoyment. Playful details, such as the integrated Beat House sound system and Message Grid, enable personalized interactions, further enhancing driver engagement. Located throughout the design, the Boost icon represents multiple unique personas, reinforcing the deep emotional connection between car and driver.

To optimize performance and reduce overall weight, lightweight lattice structures are seamlessly integrated. The striking exterior, finished in soft white shade, is punctuated by a single bold orange highlight – an unmistakable visual statement. Completing the vision, a reflective race suit with prominent INSTEROID lettering captures the fusion of car culture and youthful expression.

INSTEROID also embodies Hyundai Motor’s commitment to sustainability by pioneering innovative approaches to eco-conscious materials. The interior showcases 3D knit fabric crafted from recycled yarns, using a single-piece, made-to-measure process.

INSTEROID generates buzz on the way to Seoul Mobility Show
Hyundai Motor unveiled INSTEROID during a launch event for media and content creators at the Peaches D8NE(Dowon) cultural and retail space in Seoul’s Seongsu neighborhood, culminating with a private ‘Night Garage Party’ on April 1. The exhibition space also featured INSTER and the rugged, outdoor-focused INSTER CROSS, allowing for discussions with product and design specialists.

A dedicated space was established at the event venue, allowing visitors to experience a variety of games featuring INSTEROID. One of these games, developed by Hyundai Motor, is a time attack-style challenge where players collect ‘steroid’ items in INSTER, enabling the car to evolve into INSTEROID. This game is set to be unveiled to the public in April via a URL, eliminating the need for app downloads. Additionally, Hyundai Motor revealed the INSTEROID Kart, which will be released later as a powerful tool in ‘Kartrider Rush+.’

This collaboration reflects Hyundai Motor’s growing partnerships in the gaming industry. Following successful ventures with platforms like Roblox and ZEPETO, this initiative aims to connect with younger audiences through authentic engagement.

The concept car will be showcased from April 3 to April 13 at the Seoul Mobility Show, offering the public a chance to experience this innovative concept firsthand. Serving as a halo model for the INSTER lineup, INSTEROID is set to make a lasting impression at major auto events in key markets such as Korea and Europe, delivering a refreshed brand image while further boosting consumer interest in INSTER.

Hyundai INSTER has experienced high demand globally since its launch last year and continues to resonate with customers worldwide. Initially introduced in Korea and Europe, Hyundai Motor will further expand the rollout in 2025 to select markets across the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Central and South America regions.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom VII

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At one minute past midnight on 1 January 2003, the Chairman & Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars handed the keys of the first Phantom VII to its new owner. The moment marked the beginning of a new era for the brand and was the culmination of a process dubbed ‘the last great adventure in automotive history’.

In 1998, BMW Group acquired the rights to manufacture Rolls-Royce motor cars. In less than five years, it had designed and constructed a new head office and manufacturing plant, and designed, tested and built an entirely new motor car worthy of the Rolls-Royce name – a timescale almost unprecedented in the industry.

THE REBIRTH OF A LEGEND
The design for Phantom VII was initially developed in a secret studio, discreetly located in a former bank building on the north side of London’s Hyde Park. For Chief Exterior Designer, Marek Djordjevic, the project was a dream come true. He was instructed to begin with a clean sheet of paper, and was given only three stipulations: the car, codenamed RR01, should have very large wheels; the famous radiator grille; and, of course, the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot.

To understand the essence of what a Rolls-Royce should be, and the characteristics that made it so special and identifiable, Djordjevic turned to designs from the past for inspiration. Three in particular caught his eye: the classically elegant Silver Cloud; the contemporary, understated Silver Shadow; and above all, a coachbuilt Phantom II of the early 1930s.

The heritage Phantom provided him with classic Rolls-Royce signature elements that would profoundly inform the new model’s design: a roofline just over twice the height of the wheels; a long wheelbase, with the front wheels well to the fore and a minimal front overhang; a long bonnet, visually linked to the passenger cabin by an accent line of brightwork; and an imaginary line drawn rising from rear to front along the lower edge of the body, reminiscent of a motor yacht at speed – the famous ‘waft line’ still exhibited by every Rolls-Royce model today.

THE EPITOME OF COMFORT
Phantom VII was designed first and foremost around the comfort of its occupants – an overarching design approach known as the Authority Concept. The driving position provided a commanding view of the road ahead, with the primary controls intuitively positioned, in groups and shapes to make them operable by touch alone so the driver could keep their eyes on the road. Secondary controls were either concealed in compartments, such as the centre armrests, or operated by the Controller. A solid metal cylindrical dial, exposed by opening part of the front-seat armrest, the Controller took care of functions including communication, navigation, entertainment and the motor car’s setting configuration, all displayed on a rotating central fascia screen.

For rear-seat passengers, the Authority Concept manifested itself in wide, rear-hinged coach doors allowing them to enter and exit the cabin easily and decorously. Once inside, the doors closed with the touch of a button. The seats themselves were offered in a choice of configurations: ‘Individual’ with a fixed centre armrest and console; or ‘Theatre’ with a raisable armrest and angled side-bolsters permitting occupants to sit at a slight angle towards one another to aid conversation. The seats were also slightly higher than the front seats, so the passengers could see through the windscreen more easily – and admire the Spirit of Ecstasy proudly crowning the long sweep of the bonnet ahead.

Rolls Royce Series II Phantom Coupe

WHERE PAST AND PRESENT MEET
While Phantom VII’s overall silhouette reflected traditional Rolls-Royce proportions, and its interior upheld the marque’s reputation for peerless comfort, its engineering and construction were at the leading edge of 21st Century technology.

Of all the engineering innovations introduced by Phantom VII, the most enduringly important was its construction method. Instead of the usual monocoque structure, in which the bodywork and frame are integrated into a single shell, Phantom VII was built on an aluminium spaceframe – a skeletal framework of some 200 extruded sections to which the suspension, engine and body panels are attached. This method is often used in racing and high-performance vehicles, owing to its superior strength-to-weight ratio. The Rolls-Royce version was also designed around the marque’s requirement for hand-built perfection; when measured from bumper to bumper, the length of every motor car built on it would be accurate to within 0.5mm. Achieving this precision required skilled craftspeople to hand-weld 150 metres of seams in 2,000 separate locations. The Phantom VII spaceframe provided the foundations for the contemporary Architecture of Luxury, which underpins every model built at the Home of Rolls-Royce today.

EXTENDING ITS INFLUENCE
The Architecture of Luxury harnesses another key benefit of the spaceframe. Infinitely scalable and modifiable, it gives Rolls-Royce engineers and designers the freedom to create motor cars of different shapes and dimensions on the same underpinnings. Today, that remarkable flexibility is demonstrated in models as diverse as Spectre and Cullinan; but the original Phantom VII spaceframe provided the first example of this adaptability.

At the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, Rolls-Royce unveiled an experimental car, 100EX. Four inches shorter than Phantom VII, it was a two-door drophead coupe, with a V16 cylinder engine and a fabric hood concealed by marine-style bleached teak decking, inspired by the classic J-Class racing yacht of the 1930s. It was so well received that a production version, with a V12 engine, was approved; Phantom Drophead Coupé, as it was known, is now one of the rarest and most desirable motor cars of the entire Goodwood era.

The following year, Rolls-Royce launched Phantom VII Extended Wheelbase (EWB), in which the chassis was lengthened by 250mm (9.8in) to create additional space in the rear cabin.

In 2006, another experimental Phantom, 101EX, appeared at Geneva. This was a fixed-head coupé based on the Drophead, and was the first to feature the Starlight Headliner now seen on almost every Rolls-Royce motor car. The Phantom Coupé also became a series production car, again in extremely limited numbers.

A NEW POWER RISING
Another link to the past was provided by the engine. Rolls-Royce had used a V12 engine with Phantom III in 1936, and again in Silver Seraph in the late 1990s. That Phantom VII should be similarly equipped was obvious and indisputable.

Rolls-Royce’s engineers were aware that the Phantom VII engine required a significant amount of power to deliver the effortless ‘waftability’ they wanted from their new model. Phantom VII was therefore fitted with a brand-new, specially designed engine with a capacity of 6.75 litres – the traditional displacement for a Rolls-Royce motor car engine. A derivative of this engine is still used in Rolls-Royce motor cars today – with the obvious exception of the all-electric Spectre and Black Badge Spectre.

THE ULTIMATE CANVAS FOR BESPOKE
Phantom has long been revered as the ultimate canvas for Bespoke, enabling clients to create truly singular expressions of their vision. Among the most notable Private Commissions and Collections were Phantom Aviator, which paid homage to the golden age of flight with aviation-inspired details and a cockpit-like interior; Phantom Serenity, a masterpiece of handwoven silk and delicate embroidery that redefined luxury craftsmanship; and the Art Deco Collection, which celebrated the bold geometric forms and opulent materials of the Roaring Twenties, translating the era’s glamour into a contemporary Rolls-Royce aesthetic. Each of these creations exemplified the boundless possibilities of Bespoke, reinforcing Phantom’s status as the pinnacle of individualisation.

A CRUCIAL LEGACY
Phantom VII remained in production until 2017, when it was replaced by the current eighth generation. For 14 years, it was the marque’s pinnacle product and re-established, then reinforced Rolls-Royce’s long-cherished reputation as ‘the best car in the world’. As the first – and until the launch of Ghost in 2009, the only – motor car to be handmade at Goodwood, it was the foundation on which all Rolls-Royce’s subsequent growth and success was built.

Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations and Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said: “For those of us working at the Home of Rolls-Royce today, Phantom VII is where it all began. The first motor car ever to be built at our Global Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence, it ushered in our modern era in 2003 and, in terms of design, engineering, craft and manufacturing, set the template for everything we’ve done since. Though it marked a decisive new beginning for the brand, echoes of earlier Rolls-Royce models are everywhere: from one angle you see Silver Shadow, from another Silver Cloud; and elsewhere an undeniable link to the coachbuilt limousines of earlier decades. Through these inherited traits, Phantom VII represented an up-to-the-minute interpretation of the traditional, formal British saloon. At the same time, it started completely new conversations in modern luxury, and the unlimited possibilities of Bespoke.”

Ashok Leyland Defence Business Secures Multiple Orders Worth INR 700 Crore

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Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group, and the largest supplier of logistics vehicles to the Indian Army, has announced that its Defence business has won multiple orders valued more than INR 700 crore.  The vehicles to be supplied under these orders are to fulfil Defence sector needs of troop transportation, logistics, and other specialised mobility requirements under the Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS) program. With these new orders, Ashok Leyland further solidifies its position as a leader in advanced land mobility solutions for the Armed and Paramilitary Forces.

The recently awarded contracts encompass a diverse range of specialised vehicles, including the Stallion 4×4, Stallion 6×6, Short Chassis Bus, and Mobility System Travelling Platform. These vehicles combine superior reliability with exceptional off-road capability, ensuring seamless manoeuvrability across country’s most demanding terrains, meeting a variety of operational requirements.

Mr. Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland said, “For decades, Ashok Leyland has been a trusted partner in Defence mobility. We are immensely proud to have secured these new orders, which reinforce Ashok Leyland’s leadership in the sector and reaffirms our commitment to deliver cutting-edge solutions for the armed forces. The defence business remains a key pillar of Ashok Leyland’s future growth.”

Mr. Amandeep Singh, President – Defence Business, Ashok Leyland said, “As a proud proponent of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ we are committed to strengthening India’s defence capabilities through indigenous design and manufacturing in the Defence mobility sector. Our vehicle platforms ranging from 4×4 to 12×12, packed with contemporary Defence specific requirements, including armouring, known for their versatility and durability, remain the backbone of logistics and specialist needs of Armed Forces. As the largest supplier of logistics vehicles to the Indian Army, we take immense pride in supporting our forces and remain committed to delivering these orders on time. Our future Defence order and tender pipeline is also quite robust.”

Ashok Leyland remains committed to developing indigenous mobility solutions that not only fulfill the operational needs of the armed forces but also advance India’s self-reliance in defence. With a legacy of excellence and a spirit of innovation, the company continues to power the Indian Army’s logistics backbone, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in strengthening the nation’s defence capabilities.