One of the world’s most iconic cars, the Aston Martin DB5, has turned 60 with Aston Martin leading the celebrations.

September marks exactly 60 years since Aston Martin unveiled its then newcomer, with the model going on to become an icon of British culture, design and innovation and firmly establishing Aston Martin as one of Britain’s most desirable luxury brands.

Six decades on, the DB5 continues to be one of the world’s most iconic and recognisable cars, and took centre stage of Aston Martin’s presence at the Goodwood Revival festival in Sussex alongside the latest addition to the marque’s revered DB bloodline, the world’s first Super Tourer, DB12. Marking Aston Martin’s proud past and exciting future, the two models have been photographed together in images released recently to celebrate the landmark anniversary.

Reflecting on the enduring appeal of the DB5 as it marks its 60th anniversary, Aston Martin’s Executive Chairman, Lawrence Stroll – himself a DB5 owner – said: “The David Brown era gave us so many great Aston Martin sports cars but none more recognisable, revered, and desired as the DB5, which laid the foundations of our identity as a British luxury brand synonymous with style, performance, and exclusivity.

“It is only right that, as it turns 60, we take a moment to look back and reflect on this car’s incredible role in our storied 110-year heritage. We’re incredibly proud that the DB lineage continues today with the critically acclaimed DB12, which like those came before it, is a celebration of all we love about British hand built sportscars, with a new injection of the latest technology and highest levels of performance.”

Sixties Icon
The year was 1963. Aston Martin was riding a wave of popularity and its DB4 had been selling consistently well since it was unveiled as an entirely new car for the marque in 1958. Yet with strong competition from luxury sports car makers both at home and on the continent, something new was needed to keep the brand on top.

Making its official public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1963 the newcomer featured several design, technical and equipment changes over its predecessor – most notably a major engine development delivering even more power – that justified the use of a name entirely new to the car world of the day, but now synonymous with the ultimate in style and desirability: DB5.

The saloon and, later, convertible bearing this unmistakable moniker were in production at the brand’s Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire factory and headquarters for a little over two years but, in that time, set about forging a reputation and fame that, today, make them among the most desirable cars of all time.

One fictious owner in particular springs to mind, of course, and there’s no doubt that the decision by film-makers EON Productions to put the world’s most well-known secret agent behind the wheel of the new DB5 in a series of James Bond movies over the course of more than half a century has cemented its place in the automotive hall of fame. But 007 is far from the only ‘celebrity’ to have been seen behind the wheel of this now iconic Aston Martin.

The Swinging Sixties were about to take off as crowds jostled for a glimpse of the new DB5 in Frankfurt and, within only a few years, many of the most famous actors, pop stars and celebrities of the day would be counting themselves fortunate to be among the exclusive ranks of Aston Martin ownership.

Celebrated DB5 patrons in the 1960s include The Beatles’ Sir Paul McCartney and George Harrison and Rolling Stone Mick Jagger. Master comedian Peter Sellers also acquired the model, while a plethora of notable names in the years since – from Robert Plant and Jay Kay to Elle McPherson and Ralph Lauren – have ensured that saloon and convertible versions of the car alike have rarely left the limelight.

Indeed, the DB5’s celebrity appeal proved to be a springboard for success and helped take Aston Martin from niche British sports car maker to global automotive superstar.

This is perhaps even more remarkable when set against the number of cars produced. In all, a mere 887 DB5 saloons, 123 convertibles and 12 bespoke coach-built shooting brakes were made originally. Even by the standards of the day, these numbers were tiny especially with UK car production totaling in excess of 1.8 million in 1963.

Power and glory
The DB5 displayed in Germany featured a new 4.0-litre (3,995cc) much reworked version of the 3.7-litre, twin cam, straight six that powered the DB4, with the new engine developing what was, then, a distinctly potent 282 bhp in standard form.

That welcome extra power was part of a raft of detailed technical and equipment changes, such as the debut of electric windows and the optional availability of air conditioning, which had been painstakingly engineered to meet increasingly sophisticated and demanding customer expectations.

Performance, an Aston Martin trademark even 60 years ago, was commensurate with the car’s svelte styling – the product of Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera – and a top speed exceeding 150 mph prompted the Aston Martin brochure of the day to claim: “The DB5 is the fastest regular 4-seat GT car in the world.”

That hugely impressive statistic, even today, helped British car magazine The Autocar to conclude in their first road test of the new model: “this is a car which cries out to be driven, to be driven well, and to be driven far.”

This grandest of grand tourers laid the groundwork for the cars that followed, with today’s DB12 – the world’s first Super Tourer – once again asserting Aston Martin’s position as a leader in performance, dynamics, engineering and technology.

French carmaker Citroën announced the start of bookings for the upcoming Citroën C3 Aircross SUV effective immediately. The introductory staring price of the all-new Citroën C3 Aircross SUV will be INR 9.99 Lakhs. With the deliveries planned from 15th October 2023, customers can pre-book at La Maison Citroën showrooms nationwide or through the official Citroën India website (Citroen.in) by making a token payment of INR 25,000.

The new Citroën C3 Aircross SUV features over 90 percent localisation and this mid-size SUV is intelligently designed to cater to the specific needs of Indian customers.

Talking about the new Citroën C3 Aircross SUV, Roland Bouchara, CEO & Managing Director, Stellantis India, said, “The C3 Aircross SUV has received an overwhelmingly positive response since its debut in April 2023. We’re pleased to announce the pre-launch bookings of the C3 Aircross SUV and I am happy to share an exciting introductory price of INR 9.99 Lakhs. This shows our commitment of delivering top-tier offerings in India with high localisation, and it reflects the comprehensive
research and invaluable insights gathered from our customers. The C3 Aircross SUV was meticulously designed to align with the evolving needs and aspirations of Indian customers who seek versatility in their driving experiences. We are confident that this vehicle will find its unique place in their hearts & home. “

Distinctly Citroën, yet a quintessential mid-size SUV, it combines a unique, muscular, and bold design with signature Citroën comfort and well-being for passengers. Additionally, it boasts segment-leading versatility for up to 7 passengers. The new C3 Aircross SUV, a desirable 4,323mm long midsize SUV, offers a tough, expressive design that exudes confidence. Its silhouette stands out with a 200mm ground clearance, muscular wheel arches with large wheels and tyres, and durable protective claddings. The robust bumpers and high ground clearance make it adept at navigating uneven road surfaces, when necessary, while the torsional stiffness of the body has been engineered to minimize vibrations and enhance passenger comfort. Protective elements such as wheel-arch claddings, side sill claddings, and front and rear skid plates underscore its SUV credentials, along with roof rails and a rear spoiler that not only improve aerodynamic performance but also add a touch of style to the silhouette.

Citroën’s unwavering commitment to innovative design and onboard comfort is evident in every aspect of the C3 Aircross SUV. Perfectly blending with one of the brand’s values ‘Comfort’ the SUV offers Citroën Advanced Comfort suspension with Flying Carpet effect. Carefully engineered underbody and approach angles enable the C3 Aircross SUV to tackle rough terrain and steep slopes with confidence.

Powered by Citroën’s globally acclaimed 1.2L GEN 3 Turbo PureTech 110ps Engine, the car offers unmatched driving performance, delivering a maximum power of 110ps @ 5500 rpm and a maximum torque of 190nm @ 1750 rpm.

The C3 Aircross SUV is exceptionally spacious. The 5-seater model offers impressive rear-seat knee room and up to 444 litres of luggage volume, while the 5+2-seater model adds intelligent modularity for various uses, featuring a third row of two individual seats. The rear seats can be folded down or removed individually, allowing for customizable space, with up to 511 liters of luggage capacity. The welcoming interior prioritises roominess and exceptional versatility for every family or individual need, from daily commutes or city school runs to weekend adventures. The SUV offers tropicalized air conditioning with first-in-segment roof-mounted air vents for quicker cooling during extreme summers.

The C3 Aircross SUV comes equipped with a standard Advanced Tech suite that includes Auto Stop/Start, Electronic Stability Program, Hill Hold Assist, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. The in-car experience is enhanced by a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless mirroring for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 7-inch TFT cluster offers an intelligent driver information system. In addition to the above, the car offers multiple utility features like USB ports for
device charging and clever storage solutions.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched the OBD-II A compliant 2023 CB300F. Drawing its DNA from ‘international big-bike’ design as a synergy of sporty performance and unmatched persona, the CB300F has the spirit of a true street fighter. The customers can now book the 2023 Honda CB300F at their nearest BigWing dealerships and it has been attractively priced at Rs 1,70,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Introducing the 2023 Honda CB300F, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “Since its launch, Honda CB300F has been a remarkable head turner. With the spirit of a true street fighter and the fine balance of performance, versatility & modernism, CB300F has fulfilled the aspirations of the next gen riders in providing unmatched style, comfort and power. The new 2023 model is further advanced with the OBD-II A engine and other modern technologies that will further elevate riding experience with punchy performance and agility on road.”

Commenting on the launch of 2023 CB300F, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are excited to introduce the 2023 OBD-II A complaint CB300F, a symbol of our commitment to delivering exhilarating riding experience to all our customers. Embodying the spirit of a true street fighter, the CB300F will conquer the urban style with its powerful and agile performance. We are excited to announce that bookings are now open, offering you the chance to be among the first to experience the thrill of the open road where style meets substance. Up-gear to the new CB300F and redefine your riding adventure.”

The 2023 Honda CB300F OBD-II A will be available in Deluxe Pro variant and three colours – Sports Red, Mat Marvel Blue Metallic & Mat Axis Grey Metallic.

Jeep amps up its award-winning Compass AT portfolio, tailored basis evolving market demands in India. Under the revamped variant lineup, aspirational features like automatic transmission, panoramic sunroof and connectivity will be offered from mid trims.

The MY24 Compass will also feature a new grille and new alloy wheels. In addition, the iconic SUV brand further introduces an elegant Black Shark edition with all black interior with red cues. The new gloss black grille, lower fascia, flares & cladding along with the gloss black 18-inch wheel accentuates the Compass Black Shark to an all-new level.

Announcing the new Jeep Compass range, Aditya Jairaj, Head of Jeep India Operations and Deputy Managing Director, Stellantis India, stated, “The Jeep brand has curated and led the CSUV segment in India since 2017 with industry best features on the Compass. The all-new Compass with 4X2 9AT caters to the aspiration of customers who always wanted a Jeep vehicle, treating them with several best-in-class offerings packed at a much more accessible price point. With the new variant range, we will quadruple our operating segment and offer a formidable choice of SUV for the discerning Indian customers.”

The MY24 Jeep Compass delivers impressive performance standard across the entire lineup, plus comfort and functionality with premium styling and craftsmanship inside and out. The nine-speed transmission is tuned to the legendary 2.0 Multijet II diesel engine, delivers performance and fuel economy with premium on-road manners.
Next-generation advanced systems evaluate road conditions for optimal engagement and stopping distances.

Segment exclusive features like Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Electronic Brake Prefill (EBP), Electronic Roll-over Mitigation (ERM) and Rain Brake Assist (RBA) on the new Compass works together to help maintain vehicle control during emergency braking.

Re-tuned fully independent suspension with segment-exclusive frequency damping front-and-rear-strut system and a set of Advanced Chassis Control Technologies work in tandem to deliver superior on-road driving dynamics.

The Frequency Selective Damper (FSD) and Hydraulic Rebound Stopped (HRS) systems absorbs undulations to improvise the overall ride comfort by 0.5 SAE over conventional damper.

Next-generation technologies offered on Compass include an available 10.25-inch frameless full-color thin-film transistor (TFT) digital cluster – one of the largest in the segment, standard 10.1-inch digital infotainment touchscreen, the new five-times-faster Uconnect 5 with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless
charging pad.

Volvo Car India has commenced deliveries of its born electric C40 Recharge. The first two cars were delivered in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The deliveries were made by Mr. R Krishna Kumar, CEO of Kerala Volvo and Mr. Arun Kumar, CEO of Volvo Tamil Nadu.

At an introductory price of Rs. 61,25,000 plus applicable taxes this is the second EV model from Volvo in India getting assembled at the Company’s plant at Hosakote in Bengaluru, Karnataka and it comes with an 11kW charger.

Volvo Car’s commitment to sustainability is showcased in the C40 Recharge with the floor carpet set being produced from 71 recycled plastic bottles and the interiors having been made from forest waste, wine corks and plastic bottles. The interiors and seats are leather free.

“Deliveries of the first born electric C40 Recharge are important milestone in our journey towards becoming an all-electric company by 2030.The C40 Recharge is the second car which is being delivered under our ambitious Online Direct Sales model. The trendy sporty look of the born electric C40 Recharge incorporates Volvo’s core value of responsible styling which includes usage of recycled materials for its interiors as well as leather free seats. The attractive introductory price of Rs. 61,25,000 and a range of 530 kms as per WLTP & 683 kms as per ICAT testing conditions on single charge have found favour with our customers” said Mr. Jyoti Malhotra – Managing Director, Volvo Car India.

The C40 Recharge is only sold online directly by the Company. Customers can place orders online directly on Volvo Car India website. Bookings can be done with a refundable deposit of Rs.1,00,000 on Volvo Car India website.

Volvo Car India’s network of its pan India retail partners will continue to support customers towards sales delivery by providing on ground support. There shall be no change in customer service and after-sales service operation businesses which continue to operate as it is.

Seventy years have passed since the Italian Grand Prix on September 13, 1953, where Juan Manuel Fangio celebrated his first and only victory of the season in the final race at Monza, at the wheel of his Maserati A6GCM.

The Argentine ace, one of the greatest of all time together with colleagues of the calibre of Senna and Schumacher – Fangio ceded the crown of the most titled Formula 1 driver to the latter after almost 50 years, took the Trident to the Olympus of the brands in the highest class of motorsport in 1954 and 1957, the year of El Chueco’s fifth and final world championship.

Seventy years ago, on the Brianza circuit, the curves of the temple of speed lit up for one final race, to wipe away a subdued season for the Argentine world champion, who would go on from that victory to win his second world title the following year.

An anniversary to remember for Maserati, in the year in which it has once again become a big name in the annals of international motorsport, as a result of the significance of its return to the track and of the announcement of a major, carefully thought-out racing strategy.

After its first year in Formula E, where Maserati took three podiums and one victory in the 100 per cent electric series, the Modena-based brand announced its return to GT competitions: in July, at the 24 Hours of Spa, it unveiled its latest disruptive 621-hp creation, dedicated to private teams and gentleman drivers, due to take part in the Fanatec GT2 European Series from the 2024 season.

With its constant longing for kerbs and laurels, in summer Maserati also unveiled the surprising MCXtrema, a car for a select few – 62 to be precise – fans of uncompromising performance and outstanding design, made to channel unique emotions exclusively on the racetrack.

Since its debut in the racing world – back in 1926, with Alfieri Maserati first in class at the Targa Florio in his Tipo 26, excellence in motorsport has been the hallmark of Maserati’s DNA. Its history is repeating itself, in its aspiration to write major new chapters in the greatest classes in motorsport, where the Italian brand has been confirmed as one of the prestigious brands that can guarantee the most distinctive performance, in its road cars and those designed for the track.

Nissan announced its 8th consecutive year of partnership with the International Cricket Council (ICC) as the Official sponsor for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. This highly anticipated event will take place in India from October 5 to November 19, 2023 and will feature the Nissan Magnite as the Official car of the World Cup.

To celebrate and commemorate its enduring partnership with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and embrace the festive cricket season with great enthusiasm, Nissan Motor India has introduced the all-new Nissan Magnite KURO Special Edition.

Commenting on the announcement Rakesh Srivastava, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India said, “Nissan is pleased to be the Official partner of all ICC tournaments and is delighted to have the Big, Bold, Beautiful Nissan Magnite as the Official car of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. It is a proud moment for Nissan to introduce the Nissan Magnite KURO Special Edition in commemoration of its 8th year partnership, for this tournament Nissan will engage with multiple activities with millions of cricket fans on their deep passion strengthening its bonds, especially in India where cricket is a festival.”

As the Official partner, Nissan will actively promote the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, showcasing the Nissan car at the stadium, in addition to exciting on-ground engagement initiatives across the country.

As a significant contribution to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Nissan is also promoting the tournament Trophy Tour, currently on a journey across multiple cities in India, with the introduction of a 3D trophy in malls.. This innovative initiative is designed to engage cricket enthusiasts by offering them exclusive access to the world cup trophy, allowing them to capture 360-degree images with this iconic symbol of cricket excellence. Nissan will introduce and display the ICC World Cup Nissan Magnite during the trophy tour. Customers can click selfies with the Nissan Magnite and share to win tickets.

The launch of the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Mulliner defines a new pinnacle for the Bentayga family and indeed the Bentley model range, adding a new level of modern craftsmanship to the already potent combination of supercar performance, go-anywhere ability, driving dynamics and limousine rear cabin of the Bentayga EWB. The flagship Bentayga EWB Mulliner offers more cabin space than any comparable luxury competitor and its bespoke enhancements make every journey an occasion to be savoured, equally as special from the driver’s seat or the expansive rear cabin, providing the world’s most luxurious SUV so far.

Unique design features inside and out make a striking statement, each one curated with painstaking care by the Mulliner team. The rear compartment, available in 4+1 and 4-seat configurations, features the Bentley Airline Seat specification – the most advanced automotive seating system in the world – as standard, to cosset occupants in unrivalled comfort. The Mulliner Harmony Diamond Quilt to the seats and doors demonstrates the craftsmanship that elevates the interior to a truly pinnacle position.

Using Bentley’s extremely potent 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft (770 Nm) 4.0-litre V8 engine, the Bentayga EWB Mulliner combines limousine comfort with exceptional performance for a car in this class – a 180 mph (290 km/h) top speed and 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds (100 km/h in 4.6 seconds). A chassis that includes Bentley Dynamic Ride (48V active anti-roll control), rear wheel steering and three-chamber air springs gives the Bentayga EWB Mulliner all of the dynamic ability of the standard wheelbase Bentayga, making the EWB Mulliner an accomplished driver’s car as well as a luxurious SUV limousine.

Elegant and distinguished
The lines of the Bentayga EWB convey style and presence, and Mulliner’s unique design features complement them perfectly. Exterior details include exclusive Mulliner 22-inch wheels in polished or grey painted and polished finishes, with self-levelling wheel caps that remain upright as the wheels rotate. Mulliner’s distinctive “Double Diamond” front grille and chrome front lower grille are complemented by Mulliner wing vents, with two-tone mirror caps in Satin Silver and body colour.

Customers can order the car from launch with Mulliner Blackline Specification, which applies a gloss back treatment to all exterior chromework and mirror caps, but excluding the Bentley badges. A gloss black 22” Mulliner wheel completes the darker look.

When opening the doors, a welcome illumination is projected on to the ground, one of many subtle details that go beyond the everyday into a higher level of luxury.

Curated three-colour combinations
Mulliner illuminated three-dimensional treadplates and deep-pile Mulliner overmats welcome passengers into the cabin, which is offered in a choice of eight three-colour combinations curated by the Mulliner Design team. The tri-tone split of main hide, secondary hide and accent colour hide are a Mulliner design signature and only available for Bentley’s pinnacle models.

Each combination has its own title, from the fiery combination of Hotspur, Beluga and Linen that comprise ‘Flare’ to the deep blues and black of ‘Storm’ – the latter with an accent colour of White like a flash of lightning across a night sky. Customers can also specify their own Mulliner Bespoke Interior, using any three colours, producing nearly 4,000 tri-tone interior colour combinations.

Complementing the curated colours, Grand Black veneer trim showcases the mirror-finish polished surface achieved by Bentley’s wood shop, with overlays of silver Mulliner lettering and the Bentayga silhouette to the passenger fascia, the Bentley ‘B’ on door waistrails and Mulliner chrome patterning on the rear picnic trays. A three-dimensional diamond milled finish to the centre console provides another visual and tactile highlight.

On the seat uppers, Mulliner’s intricate Harmony Diamond Quilt patterning consists of alternate lines of the secondary hide and accent colour, with the Mulliner namestyle embroidered on each seat. For the doors, lines of main hide and accent colour are alternated.

As a further thoughtful touch, owners will receive a Mulliner presentation key box and key pouches matched to their Bentayga’s chosen three-colour combination.

Olive Tan Leather and other sustainable materials
Olive Tan leather is used extensively throughout the cabin. The distinctive feature of this leather lies in a sustainable tanning process that uses an organic by-product of the olive oil industry. Derived from waste water extracted during the olive pressing procedure, the tanning agent remains free of harmful metals, minerals and aldehydes. The technique requires less water than a conventional tanning process and also offers a higher concentration of renewable chemicals. The resulting organic leather is incredibly soft and worthy of the world’s most sought-after luxury car brand. Bentley Motors is the first automotive manufacturer to use this industry-leading Olive Mill Wastewater (OMW) technology from the leather manufacture Pasubio SpA.

Olive Tan Leather is another milestone in Bentley’s sustainable leather strategy. The British marque already uses leather hides that are a by-product of the meat industry and highly traceable. Annually, global leather production recycles an estimated 270 million hides that would otherwise go to landfill. Leather manufacturing is regarded as a safe, compliant and heavily regulated means of recycling a sustainable product.

As standard for Mulliner models, new deep pile overmats are more luxurious than ever. Using 100 per cent pure wool, the deep pile Wilton carpets have an exceptionally luxuriant, velvety feel. A specially-selected wool variety is used due to its cleanliness and purity in colour which is tested to ensure quality standards are met before use. Colour is applied via the method of hank dyeing, which allows better control of the quality of the dye and ensures improved colour matching as required. During the manufacturing process no bleach is used and therefore the end result is a beautiful quality finished carpet from pure wool.

The standard cabin carpets have also been made more sustainable. The new cabin carpet is now 100 per cent recycled Nylon delivering the same level of comfort and feel of previous carpet which previously utilised 100 per cent virgin Nylon material.

Increased cabin comfort through innovation and technology
Whether the owner chooses 4-seat or 4+1 seating, the Bentayga EWB Mulliner features Bentley’s Bentley Airline Seat specification. This is the most advanced seat ever fitted to a car, with 22-ways of adjustment and world-firsts in a new auto climate sensing system and postural adjustment technology.

In Relax mode the seat can recline to nearly 40 degrees, whilst the passenger seat simultaneously motors forwards and a beautifully leather-trimmed footrest deploys from the back of the front passenger seat. In Business Mode, the seat moves into its most upright position to make working on the move more comfortable.

The auto climate seat technology senses occupant temperature and surface humidity and then determines whether to apply heat, ventilation or both simultaneously to keep the occupant at optimum thermal wellbeing.

The Postural Adjustment function uses new thigh and shoulder pockets, plus additional lumbar massage pockets, to subtly yet continuously change the shape of the seat to ease pressure points around the body, preventing dead spots and fatigue build up. The system goes beyond the 2D motions typical of adjustable seats, able to employ a three-dimensional twist to relieve pressure points. Six independent pressure zones can provide 177 adjustments every three hours to ensure that seat comfort is never compromised, regardless of the length of the journey.

Bentley Diamond Illumination
A further striking and elegant feature as standard for Bentayga EWB Mulliner is Bentley Diamond Illumination. The illumination effect is achieved using LEDs (12 on each of the front doors, 22 on each of the rear doors) that emit light through small perforations in the leather trim on the door panels. This is achieved by a combination of digital craftsmanship and precision technology.

Within each diamond, the flawless leather is perforated with holes of less than 1 mm diameter. Each hole has been digitally positioned with precision by one of Bentley’s interior designers to achieve a cohesive overall design – the ‘digital-crafting’ process. The finished result is a beautiful, elegant and unique design.

The intensity and colour of the illumination through the trim can be controlled by the customer through the infotainment system and Touch Screen Remote. The feature is linked with the mood lighting to ensure consistent colour and intensity of light throughout the car. This dramatic feature can transform the interior feel and look of the cabin, especially at night.

Beautiful instrumentation
A Mulliner clock flanked by chromed bullseye air vents provides a focal point on the centre console, featuring a silvered face and a bezel in a technical knurled finish. This design is echoed in the driver’s digital instrumentation, which features the same silvered finish and typeface for the numerals. The clock and instrumentation style are unique to the pinnacle Mulliner models.

Effortless performance and dynamic capability
The Bentayga EWB Mulliner is powered by Bentley’s 4.0-litre, 32-valve dual twin-scroll turbocharged V8 petrol engine. The design concept of the V8 engine has delivered a high level of power and torque, whilst still achieving lower emissions and the best possible efficiency. Mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and powering all four wheels, the V8 offers effortless performance, developing 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft (770 Nm) of torque, resulting in a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds (100 km/h in 4.6 seconds).

The new Bentayga has won critical acclaim for its dynamic abilities, with its performance on the road and its ride and handling universally praised. The Bentayga EWB Mulliner continues this ethos with the inclusion of Electronic All Wheel Steering and Bentley Dynamic Ride as standard.

Secondary ride comfort is another key variable that affects onboard wellness – the smoother the ride, the more calming the journey. At typical road speeds and in the crucial frequency range of 5 Hz to 20 Hz, the Bentayga EWB has up 27 per cent lower secondary ride vibration than its competitors.

Electronic All Wheel Steering provides two highly desirable benefits and ensures no compromise between high-speed confidence and low speed convenience.

At faster speeds – above 37 mph (60 kph) – the system makes small adjustments to the direction of travel of the rear wheels, in tandem with the direct steering inputs from the driver to the front wheels. This increases high-speed stability – making overtaking and lane changing more assured – and improves handling when driving through sweeping bends.

At low speeds, – below 37 mph (60 kph) – the All Wheel Steering has the effect of ‘shortening’ the wheelbase, reducing the turning circle, and increasing agility in tight urban environments making parking noticeably easier. This is achieved by steering the rear wheels (upto +/- 4.8 degrees off centre) in the opposite direction to the front wheels. The system actually provides a turning circle which is smaller than that of the standard wheelbase Bentayga by 7 per cent.

Bentley Mulliner
Bentley Mulliner is Bentley’s bespoke commissioning division and can trace its coachbuilding ancestry back to 1760. Synonymous with luxury, the new Bentayga EWB Mulliner joins the Flying Spur Mulliner, Continental GT Mulliner and Continental GT Convertible Mulliner – each at the very top of their model families.

In the world of Mulliner, anything is possible. Established to respond to the requirements of Bentley’s most discerning customers, the bespoke division is renowned throughout the automotive world for crafting some of the most individual Bentleys ever created.

YoBykes has announced the scheduled launch of its high-speed electric scooter and electric bike in the Indian market. YoBykes claims to have sold more than one lakh products in India making them a dominant player in the two wheeler electric mobility space.

Under the leadership of Managing Director Shailesh Bhandari, YoBykes aims to provide hassle-free and eco-friendly transportation solutions to Indian consumers. With a steadfast commitment to ease of mobility and affordability, YoBykes embarks on a mission to reduce the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels and curb the alarming pollution levels caused by traditional automobiles. An in-house R&D facility further gives YoBykes a competitive advantage in the electric mobility space.

Recognising the urgency of addressing environmental concerns, YoBykes conceptualised its mission in the year 2000. The company subsequently assembled a team of industry stalwarts and established a state-of-the-art research and development facility in India in 2006, ushering in a new era for the Indian automobile industry. To reach out to our customers, YoBykes, have a wide network of dealers at strategic locations across India helping it to serve their requirement including delivering quick after sales services

Reflecting on their journey, Shailesh Bhandari, Managing Director, YoBykes stated, “We have relentlessly pursued our vision for over two decades. We initiated awareness campaigns to educate the masses about the benefits of electric vehicles, and today, after 17 years, our steadfast efforts have positioned us as trendsetters. Even now, major players are striving to achieve the market penetration that we achieved nearly two decades ago.”

As YoBykes looks to the future, the company remains committed to innovation and technological advancement. “Our plans include the activation of all our dealers with the introduction of newer technologies,” the company said in a statement. With a state-of-the-art Research and Development centre already in place, YoBykes is poised to launch a new range of high-speed scooters and motorcycles in the near future.

The brand’s achievements have not gone unnoticed on the global stage. YoBykes has received an invitation to lead the development of the EV business in the African subcontinent, showcasing its industry prowess and innovation. In addition, the company’s dedication to delivering on its promises is evident in its record of completing all orders ahead of schedule. With the electric vehicle revolution gaining momentum worldwide, YoBykes is poised to continue its legacy as a true pioneer in the industry.

The city of joy was buzzing on Sunday evening as over 80 ladies took to the wheels to participate in the first ever all-women’s car rally held in the city- JK Tyre Ladies Power Drive. JK Tyre hosted this TSD (Time, Speed, Distance) event as part of its nationwide push to promote women in Motorsport. It was a landmark moment for the women drivers of Kolkata as they got to experience being part of an entry-level motorsport event for the first time in their home city.

Organised by Just Sportz & EMSAA (Eastern Motor Sports Automobile Associate) under the aegis of FMSCI, the event was flagged-off by Smt. Krishna Chakraborty, Hon’ble Mayor, Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation, along with Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj, Hon’ble Judge, Kolkata High Court, Sri. Jag Mohan, IPS, Director General of Police, Civil Defence, and actress Trina Saha. The event started from Hotel Westin in Kolkata and took in the beautiful landscapes around the city, before culminating at the same point.

Actress Trina Saha said, “Hats off to JK Tyre for bringing in such an innovative concept to Kolkata and I look forward to participating in this event in the next edition. Women are multi-taskers and kudos to all of them who are participating.”

The event had participation from women across all age groups from 21 years to 75 years. Conducted in the FMSCI-approved Time, Speed, and Distance (TSD) format, JK Tyre Ladies Power Drive served as a platform for participants to champion various causes related to the empowerment of women.

Mr. Sanjay Sharma, Head-Motorsport, JK Tyre, said. “It’s a moment of pride for all of us at JK Tyre as we hosted the very first edition of the Women’s Rally in the city. The turnout we had was overwhelming and I’m confident that with events like these, we’ll see a broadening of the female motorsport fan base in the city. We hope to see this excitement spread to more and more enthusiasts in the upcoming editions.”

Following the rally, the winners were declared, and an elaborate celebration ensued. It has been a vital platform for women drivers to come out together to break the stereotypes and own the road.

Podium Finishers

Position	Participants
Winner	Saswati Nag Chowdhury (Driver) & Ipsita Das (Co-Driver)
First-Runner Up	Sumantika Choudury (Driver), Sanhita Ray (Co-Driver) & Suparna Dutta
Second-Runner Up	Poulomi Pramanik (Driver) & Poonam Das (Co-Driver)