A century ago, a Bentley 3 Litre would become the first British car and the first Bentley to compete at the gruelling Le Mans 24 Hours race in its debut year. As this iconic race – a 24-hour full- throttle test of man and machine – celebrates its centenary, that very first Bentley has been sold to a British enthusiast for in excess of £3m.

Brokered by Kidston SA, a company founded by Simon Kidston – the nephew of Glen Kidston, who won the 1930 Le Mans 24 Hours at the wheel of a Bentley – this car represents the beginning of the Bentley legend, and the establishing of the tradition of ‘The Bentley Boys’. Kidston, Clement, Duff and others like Sir Tim Birkin, Dr Dudley Benjafield or one-time Bentley Chairman Woolf Barnato would become known as The Bentley Boys for their hard-charging racing lifestyle. As company founder W.O Bentley said of this group’s antics: “The public liked to imagine them living in Mayfair flats. Drinking Champagne in nightclubs, playing the horses and the Stock Exchange, and beating furiously around the racing tracks at the weekend. Of several of them, this was not such an inaccurate picture.”

This car, Chassis 141, was entered and driven by Canadian WW1 veteran, adventurer and Bentley dealer John Duff at the Double 12 Hour Record at Brooklands (24-hour racing was banned so locals could sleep), covering 2,082 miles at 86.79mph and setting 38 international records. He then asked W.O Bentley to prepare his dependable car for a new 24-hour race to be held at a place in France called Le Mans. Although Bentley thought it mad, he agreed and lent factory test driver Frank Clement to co-drive. After 24 hours at the wheel – during which they set the lap record of 66.69mph, in a car with rear brakes only – they finished joint 4th, despite having run out of fuel due to stones puncturing the tank

Bentley and The Bentley Boys would return to Le Mans for the following year’s 24-hour race. And this time they would win. From 1927 to 1930, Bentley won the Le Mans 24 Hours four times in succession, marking one of the most dominant runs in the history of the race. And it’s all down to the pioneering achievements of Chassis 141 in convincing company founder, W.O. Bentley, that his cars were capable of not only completing a 24-hour race, but winning it.

W.O himself said that he owned a great deal to John Duff and Chassis 141. Following the Le Mans 24 Hours races in 1923 and 1924, Bentley sold 700 vehicles in two years – all of this from a young manufacturer that had only delivered its first car in 1921. It’s not an overstatement to say that the success of the Bentley brand as a whole can be traced back to these achievements.

But, in time, Chassis 141 lived a more mundane life. It was later used as a tow vehicle, and then had its rear bodywork altered into a shooting brake by the local undertaker. During the late ’40s it was used by its lady owner to transport her St. Bernard dogs to shows. And then it was forgotten, only resurfacing again in the early 1980s when the owner of the Donington Car Museum, Tom Wheatcroft, received a call from a 97-year-old lady offering him two old cars in her barn, a Bentley and a Voisin. He bought them with no idea of the Bentley’s history, and it sat as a project until a motoring journalist identified it as the long-lost first Bentley to race at Le Mans. A deal was eventually reached with Australian collector Peter Briggs, whose Brabham Formula 1 car was on loan to the Donington Museum. The Brabham stayed at Donington, and the Bentley headed to Australia to be restored and eventually become a centrepiece of Briggs’ York Motor Museum near Perth. Its return to Britain brings its history full circle.

Commenting on the transaction, Simon Kidston said: “This week the most famous motor race in the world celebrates its 100th birthday and its pioneering early competitors remain as intriguing as ever. This Bentley isn’t just an old car, it’s a turning point in motor racing history and a cornerstone of the Bentley legend. And personally, having inherited a family passion for cars which was accelerated by my ‘Bentley Boy’ uncle, helping to bring this Bentley home feels really satisfying. It won’t be leading a quiet life: it’ll be lining up on the grid of the Le Mans 100th anniversary race for vintage cars next month. I hope its original drivers will be looking down and smiling.”

Norton Motorcycles has launched its first naked sport motorcycle and the most powerful British café racer: the Norton V4CR.

The rebellious younger sibling of the V4SV, the V4CR delivers artistic modern design coupled with a riding experience befitting its 185 brake horsepower.

With just 200 set to be made, the naked superbike café racer is the first brand-new motorcycle produced by TVS-owned Norton, following on from the re-engineered V4SV and new-generation Norton Commando 961 launched last year.

Meticulously hand built at the company’s Solihull headquarters, the new bike inherits all the hallmarks of Norton’s DNA with beauty in its flowing lines, the distinctive forward angle of the engine and the signature hourglass silhouette.

The stripped-back carbon-fibre fairing reveals the scrupulous attention to detail in the handmade aluminium frame, titanium exhaust system and precision welding. Exposed air intakes at the front, combined with the short body and compact tail unit, gives the V4CR its unique aggressive stance.

By taking the exquisite engineering of the V4SV, the V4CR offers the same surefooted handling and pinpoint power delivery, only without the barrier between the rider and the ride. It is an experience without the filter, marrying design and beauty with the intoxicating thrill of the wind in your face and a road yet to be discovered.

Available in two colour schemes, Carbon or Manx Platinum, the superbike café racer features an under-seat carbon fibre 15-litre fuel tank, with Kevlar reinforcement, and carbon-fibre body panels.

It is also the second motorcycle to be powered by Norton’s own liquid-cooled 1200cc, 72-degree V4 engine, which has been optimised to produce 185bhp at 12,000rpm and 125Nm of torque at 9,000rpm.

The combination of a handmade exhaust system and sound of the V4 engine ensures that roads reverberate with the iconic snarling of a Norton engine once more.

A quick shifter and auto blipper system, adjustable Öhlins front and rear suspension, Brembo brakes, solid aerospace grade aluminium billet-machine yokes, a sophisticated lean-angle sensitive traction-control and three engine modes (wet, road and sport) are all featured on this British-made motorcycle.

As standard, the Norton V4CR has a traditional single round headlamp fitted with a modern LED unit, keyless ignition and a full-colour six-inch TFT display.

When it comes to the finishes, the Manx Platinum option presents platinum-coloured bodywork complemented by carbon panels, a striking orange seat and forged aluminium OZ racing wheels. The second option, the V4CR Carbon, features exposed carbon fibre bodywork, with a black seat and carbon fibre BST wheels.

Dr. Robert Hentschel, CEO of Norton Motorcycles, said: “The Norton V4CR is a raw expression of impeccable design and intoxicating performance. We’ve taken the engineering of the V4SV and stripped back the outer shell to ensure the rider gets a truly uninhibited motorcycling experience.

“The V4CR is the first completely new model we’ve built. Our engineering and design teams have been meticulous in their approach, from initial sketches to concept production, through to the final finishing touches. The bike is the culmination of all our learnings and investment over the last three years and we’re delighted that we can now share this taste of Norton’s future.”

Hyundai Motor Company celebrated the restoration of the Pony Coupe Concept car during the inaugural Hyundai Reunion held at historic Villa Pliniana in Lake Como, Italy.

The event brought together former and present Hyundai engineers and designers to commemorate the previously announced restoration of the 1974 concept car that led to the creation of the brand’s Pony line-up, Korea’s first independently developed mass-production models.

Hyundai Motor collaborated with Italian design firm GFG Style, notably its father and son founders Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro to rebuild the influential 1974 Pony Coupe Concept that young Giorgetto created for Hyundai’s debut at the 1974 Turin Motor Show.

At the event, Hyundai Motor also showcased its N Vision 74 concept, which was inspired by the Pony Coupe Concept. These two vehicles represent a shared lineage between the company’s past and future, illustrating the continuation of its ambition to be innovative and daring.

“Despite the poor industrial environment in the 1970s, my grandfather and Hyundai’s Founding Chairman Ju-young Chung poured his heart and soul into rebuilding Korea’s economy and improving the lives of its people after the devastating Korean War. He finally realized his vision of making Korea a country capable of developing its own vehicles with perfection,” said Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group. “I express my sincere gratitude to everyone from both Italy and Korea who played a critical role in the success of Pony.”

Hyundai Reunion, a heritage brand platform that reflects on Hyundai Motor’s past and its future direction, has brought together all the designers and engineers involved on N Vision 74 and the original Pony Coupe Concept, including Giorgetto Giugiaro and former Hyundai Motor President Chung Goo Lee, for the celebration.

“In the age of electrification, a key condition for Hyundai Motor Company to become a leader in future mobility will be our ability to remain faithful to the unshakable values we inherited,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “Moving forward, through Hyundai Reunion and other heritage communication initiatives, we will continue to leverage our past as a unique vector for our future innovation.”

Hyundai Motor introduced the original Pony Coupe Concept at the 1974 Turin Motor Show, which was a major international auto show at the time. The two-door sports car’s exterior featured a sleek roofline, pure surfaces, dynamic proportion profiles and a unique shape for the B pillar, which elevated its daring spirit. The interior showcased an iconic sensibility with the Giugiaro monocoque design and driver-centered floating architecture.

With its unique aesthetic sensibility, the 1974 Pony Coupe Concept was a groundbreaking model in its time. Unfortunately, due to the adverse global economic conditions in the late 1970s, what could have been Hyundai’s first sensational sports car was unable to reach commercial production and was lost to history. Nevertheless, the concept helped awaken an appreciation for innovative design principles at the company during its early days, and so it has served as a significant influence on the design direction of its current and future endeavors.

The 1974 Pony Coupe Concept embodied Hyundai’s Founding Chairman Ju-yung Chung’s desire to create a ‘high-performance sports car’ at a time when Hyundai didn’t yet possess the capability to design or develop a model on its own. Eventually, the ambition for Hyundai to export automobiles to developed countries, invigorate the Korean economy and improve the standard of living for Koreans materialized. Nearly half a century after the concept’s debut, the first Hyundai Reunion paid tribute to both the original Pony Coupe Concept and Italy, celebrating the human-centered innovation that has, and still is driving Hyundai Motor’s endeavors.

Introduction

MG Motor India, a British automobile brand with a 99-year-old legacy, has created a stir in the auto market with the launch of its smart electric vehicle, the MG Comet EV, ushering a new chapter in urban mobility solutions for India. The versatile GSEV-platform-based pure EV has a minimalist yet spacious design and possesses an inherent agility that allows smooth, stress-free commuting within the city. The Comet is the second EV in MG Motor India’s portfolio and comes with futuristic and user-friendly smart technologies.

But does the MG Comet have all that it takes to woo the present generation car buyers? Will the price sensitive Indian consumer be willing to buy a 4-seater micro car for INR 7,98,000? As we test drove the MG Comet on the roads of Delhi NCR during the national media drive, we slowly unraveled the answers to several pertinent questions. Read on to find out what we discovered.

Design and Engineering

The design of the MG Comet EV manifests the future-tech world. The Comet measures 2,974mm in length, 1505 mm in width and stands 1640 mm tall with a 2010 mm wheelbase. Designed on the concept of BICO—’Big Inside, Compact Outside’, Comet EV is comfortably spacious and offers sufficient legroom, shoulder room and headroom in the front row. In the second row, there is adequate space to accommodate two medium-built adults or two children.

The curved tech body line accentuates the aerodynamic and stylish aspects of the Comet EV from the outside. The sides of the Comet EV carry a futuristic rear-view mirror design with a floating motif. The aero-craft cabin window in the second row allows for added visibility in the Comet EV. With both the rear seats upright, there is zero boot space, which is a bummer. However, with the rear seats folded, there is enough luggage space for your weekend getaway. While not being a traditional 5-seater might sound like a deal breaker for some, however, a recent survey reveals that as many as 70% of the Indian travel solo within the city during their daily commute.

The MG Comet is available in three trim levels – base variant Pace, mid-level trim Play and top-of-the-line variant Plush. In addition to this, MG has also introduced two special editions of the Comet EV- the Gamer edition and the LIT edition – tailored to vibe with the personalities of the next generation of urban commuters—gaming and tech communities, and fashionistas.

MG Comet EV is available in five colour schemes – two dual tones and three mono tone shades with several personalisation options including 250 plus decaloptions, and graphics to add to the fun and tech vibe of the smart EV for its different genres of Gen Z customers.

Most importantly, in terms of road presence the MG Comet is a head turner. It was a just few days before its market launch when we test drove the Comet in Delhi NCR and the public reaction was simply superb. At every traffic signal that we would stop, motorists from the neighbouring cars would roll down their windows to enquire about the name, launch date and price. There was just immense inquisitiveness among the general public about the MG Comet; something which we have never witnessed before. And that speaks volumes about its stylish and cute looks. The designers at MG deserve a pat on their back for pulling this off.

Interior and Comfort

Despite its compact dimensions, the MG Comet EV has a comfortable and roomy cabin with a 4-seater configuration with 50:50 settings on the second row of seats. The modern-style cabin space is combined with smart technology configurations with many functions to support this modern urban EV’s comfort and interactive aspects.

The Comet EV’s multi-function and uniquely designed steering comes combined with intelligent tech and futuristic pod-like controls that lend the EV a modern gadget-like feel. The rotary gear selector is a transmission operation with a futuristic rotary knob decorated with chrome rings and unique patterns. In addition, the centre console is equipped with useful features such as electric window operation buttons and a 12-Volt charging port. The air conditioning is very effective and quickly cools the passenger cabin while the factory-fitted music system boasts of decent acoustics. Overall, a neat job done by MG.

Ride and Handling

The MG Comet EV is powered by a 17.3 KWH Li-Ion battery and claims to have an evaluated range of 230 kilometres on a single charge; however, the real life figures will certainly be lower. The Comet offers a linear power delivery with zero lag. It is very responsive to throttle inputs and overtaking within the city feels like a walk in the park. However, on open highways, the Comet could run out of breath.

Given its compact dimensions, the Comet is really easy to maneuver even in congested city roads and incredibly easy to park in tight spots. The suspension set up is thoughtfully engineering keeping the Indian road conditions in mind as the Comet absorbs the undulation on the road with relative ease. Overall it’s fun & zippy to drive and despite its slight tall boy design remains planted on the ground during sharp turns and corners. 

Technology

MG Comet EV is equipped with in-built iSmart system which comes with 55 plus connected car features and 100 plus voice commands. It has a floating twin display widescreen with a 10.25-inch head unit and a 10.25-inch digital cluster. Moreover, the entertainment system is equipped with widgets with three fully customizable pages to give customers access to a range of entertainment, and connectivity options. Another unique feature of the MG Comet EV is the smart key. The stylish design of the key adds to the tech-vibe of the Comet EV.

Safety

The Comet EV is a safe vehicle in all aspects, be it its exterior or the interior. It comes powered with a 17.3 kWh Li-ion battery with Prismatic Cells that have undergone 39 battery plus car safety tests for a longer cycle life. It is IP67-rated, making it highly resistant to water and dust. All these ensure maximum safety for every possible condition. The high strength vehicle body with 17 hot stamping panels makes the overall structure of the MG Comet EV strong and safe. The Comet EV comes loaded with segment-leading active and passive safety features such as dual front airbags, ABS +EBD, front & rear 3 point seat belts, rear parking camera & sensor, TPMS (Indirect) and ISOFIX child seat.

Verdict

With the Comet EV, MG aims to change the way we commute in our cities.  The Comet is built on the pure electric GSEV platform; the fastest to hit the 1 million EV sales mark globally. The car seamlessly blends style, technology, and sustainability, offering a versatile and spacious ride with safety features. MG understands that the future of mobility is electric and connected. With the Comet EV, MG aims to woo the Generation Z car buyers.   

The Comet EV has around 230 km certified battery range, on a single charge. With its practical aspects like easy to drive, easy to manoeuvre, easy to park, easy to charge, and easy on the pocket and environment, the Comet EV is not only a definitive segment creator but also an important and timely offering for urban commuters and EV enthusiasts in India.

For the urban-young commuter, savings really matter. The Comet EV has been evaluated by MG to provide an encouraging charging cost of Rs 519 per 1,000 km. MG has also priced it smartly making the Comet the most affordable EV on sale in India and has the potential to pave the way for MG’s next success story after the Hector and Astor in India.

Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. (NMIPL) today introduced the Magnite GEZA Special Edition of the best-selling B-SUV for Indian customers. The Magnite GEZA Special Edition offers a premium audio and infotainment experience, making it the perfect companion for every journey.

The Magnite GEZA Special Edition is inspired by Japanese theatre and its expressive musical themes. Based on this concept, the Magnite GEZA Special Edition offers advanced infotainment features that deliver an enhanced sensory experience. The Nissan Magnite GEZA Special Edition is now available for booking and the prices will be announced on May 26, 2023.

The Magnite GEZA Special Edition comes with several feature enhancements including high-resolution 22.86cm touchscreen, Android CarPlay with wireless connectivity, premium JBL speakers, trajectory rear camera, ambient lighting with app-based controls, shark fin antenna, and premium beige colour seat upholstery.

Rakesh Srivastava, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India commented on the introduction, saying, “The Big, Bold, Beautiful Nissan Magnite is a game changer with its unmatched value, high safety ranking and low cost of maintenance. We are introducing the Magnite GEZA Special Edition with best-in-class contemporary features that enhances the Magnite’s value proposition for discerning customers”.

The Nissan Magnite has achieved a 4-Star Safety Rating for Adult Occupant Safety from Global NCAP offering the best safety standards within its segment. Nissan has recently enhanced the Magnite by introducing additional safety features across all variants, in addition to transitioning to BS6 Phase 2, increasing its value. These safety features include Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The Magnite has proven to be the preferred choice of vehicle in India’s B-SUV segment. The model was launched in December 2020, has been designed in Japan and manufactured in India, aligning with Nissan Motor India’s manufacturing philosophy of ‘Make-In-India, Make for the World’.

Formula 1 star Lando Norris has collected his own McLaren 765LT Spider, personalised by McLaren Special Operations (MSO) and originally presented to him at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, England.

The 23-year-old chose a unique specification for his car, heavily influenced by his personal branding. The MSO Lando Norris 1 of 1 is instantly recognisable by its Gloss Blue Tint Visual Carbon Fibre exterior with contrasting Satin Visual Carbon Fibre details, which echoes the lightweight and strong material that has formed the basis of all McLaren road and race cars since the revolutionary MP4/1 Formula 1 car in 1981.

The distinctive exterior finish of Lando’s 765LT is complemented by Satin Black wheels and is contrasted by Lando Yellow brake calipers, the same colour used for Lando’s own four stripe Graphic – reflecting his race number – which appears above the right-side eye socket and under the active rear wing, the latter feature visible only during high-downforce deployment. The wing also features MSO branding in Gloss Blue Tint Visual Carbon Fibre on a Satin Carbon Fibre insert on its upper surface.

Other external features include all three Carbon Fibre Exterior Upgrade Packs, which incorporates the Front Splitter, Front fenders & Rear Diffuser, Air Intakes, Side Skirts and Door Mirrors. The roof Tonneau and Rear Aero Bridge are also finished in MSO Defined Carbon Fibre. The exterior is finished with the MSO Defined Carbon Fibre Hood, adorned with a lightweight Dark Chrome McLaren badge. In addition, the Stealth Pack adds a discreet finish to the Rear Wing mechanism and the Titanium Exhaust’s signature quad-exit.

The interior continues Lando’s colour scheme, which is visible from the outside when the Retractable Hard Top – featuring a glass Electrochromic Roof – is lowered. The Carbon Fibre Racing Seats are trimmed in Navy Blue with Napier Stitching. In addition, the head rests are embroidered with Lando’s personal initial ‘LN4’ branding. There are also Navy Blue Alcantara and Napier Stitching highlights on the door and dash trim and the door appliques have a painted white pinstripe.

There are additional hidden interior features, most noticeably the MSO Custom Dark Tint Carbon Union Flag Sill with Lando Graphic visible when opening the doors. Below the MSO Custom Steering Wheel with Blue Tint Carbon Fade, 12 O’Clock Marker in white and Lando Yellow Lando Graphic, is the MSO Custom Floor Mat – repeated on the passenger side – with LN4 branding and Napier Stitching, placed ahead of Blue Anodised Pedals. The distractive interior is completed with a unique MSO Dedication Plaque confirming the exclusive commission by Lando.

The personalisation is complete with the keyfob finished in Gloss Blue Tint Visual Carbon Fibre with Lando Graphic in Lando Yellow.

The McLaren 765LT is the latest car to carry the hallowed Longtail name, which was first associated with the legendary McLaren F1 GTR in 1997. The 765LT is powered by a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine developing 765 PS and 800 Nm, delivering a blistering acceleration time of 0-200 kmph in just seven seconds. Astonishing levels of driver engagement, ultra-light weight and sophisticated track-developed suspension contribute to a thrilling driving experience.

With just 765 examples made – all of which have been sold – Lando’s McLaren 765LT Spider is one of the most exclusive of the production run.

Lando Norris, McLaren Racing Formula 1 Driver, said: “I’ve been able to drive a lot of different McLarens, but this is the first car that I’ve designed; this is me in a car. I’m a carbon lover, the more carbon I can have, the better but I didn’t want to have my logo everywhere, I wanted something a bit more subtle and MSO has done a fantastic job to realise my vision. My first custom car has been designed by McLaren and MSO and is even more perfect than I can imagine.”

Mick McDonagh, Director of McLaren Special Operations (MSO) & Motorsport commented: “The 765LT has really captured the imagination of our customers and it’s been a particular privilege to realise Lando’s dream car specification, which is a very unique design and looks absolutely stunning. We’ve experienced unprecedented levels of demand for our bespoke services with this car and this is a particularly stylish example of the specialist design and craftmanship skills available to our customers.”

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Shell India Markets Private Limited to install 60 kW DC Fast Chargers across 36 of its EV Dealerships in India. The collaboration with Shell India is a part of Hyundai’s EV charging infrastructure expansion plan for providing customer centric solution towards a cleaner and greener future through adoption of environment friendly Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV). Shell India Markets Private Limited will also consider installing DC 120 kW Fast Charger in dealers instead of DC 60 kW Fast charges if feasible.

The MoA was signed between Hyundai Motor India Ltd. and Shell India Markets Private Limited in the presence of Mr. Jae Wan Ryu, Executive Director, Hyundai Motor India Limited and Mr. Sanjay Varkey, Director, Shell India Markets Private Limited, at HMIL’s headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana. The strategic partnership aims to increase the expansion of charging infrastructure for BEV in India.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Unsoo Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “As a customer centric organization, we are constantly striving to enhance customer convenience and pursue strategic partnerships that would support the government’s vision of clean mobility. We are glad to announce our partnership with Shell India to further expand Hyundai’s EV ecosystem in India and enhance our BEV charging network. Such strategic partnerships are fundamental in accelerating the adoption of Electric Vehicles by customers to achieve national goal of carbon neutrality. This partnership will power-up the nations’ electric mobility mission by offering end-to-end EV charging infrastructure at HMIL Dealerships.”

Commenting on this strategic partnership, Mr. Sanjay Varkey, Director, Shell India Markets Private Limited said,“As a solution-driven and customer-centric organization, our effort is to offer integrated Mobility solutions, including convenience retail, enhancing the overall journey for our customers, and meeting the growing demand for electric mobility Our strategic partnership with Hyundai Motors India Limited, aims to improve the charging infrastructure for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) in India by offering easy access and dynamic availability for a safe, reliable, and seamless charging experience. “

HMIL currently has an existing network of 72-EV Dealers in 45-cities. Phase-1 for establishment of public EV charging facility across EV dealerships of HMIL was concluded in the past. Phase-2, has been initiated with Shell India across 36-additional dealerships for installation of DC 60/120 kW fast chargers, which will deliver a hassle-free, reliable, fast & safe charging experience through innovative, customer centric hardware solutions.The Collaboration enables the customer value proposition of Fast Charging, Green Energy and a 24×7 customer support, creating a new benchmark in customer experience in this transformational drive towards clean mobility.

HMIL in its commitment towards a sustainable future has invested and built its own Charger Management Systems (CMS), which is an open platform and enables EV customers (regardless of brand) to avail seamless EV charging experience. With this collaboration, Shell’s network of chargers would also be available in Hyundai CMS along with HMIL’s own chargers and those from third party Charge Point Operators. Advanced functions like, Locate, Navigate & Pay digitally on CMS, make this platform a unique, industry leading initiative by any auto manufacturer for facilitation of EV charging in India.

Renault has unveiled the name of its future top-of-the-range coupe SUV: Rafale.

Rafale completes the brand’s line-up powered by E-Tech hybrid engines and built on the CMF-CD platform. Following on from the All-new Austral SUV, the All-new Rafale is Renault’s next highlight and will boost its offensive in the D segment.

The name is inspired by Renault’s celebrated past in the air. You have to travel back in time to the early 20th century to see the connection between Renault and aviation. At the time, Renault was a pioneering manufacturer of combustion engines for cars, as well as for trains and planes. In 1933, Renault took over Caudron, another manufacturer, and established Caudron-Renault. All the planes were named after a notable wind. Accordingly, the C460, a single-seater racing plane engineered to break records, was renamed Rafale in 1934.

Renault is reconnecting with its history and harnessing the legendary Caudron Rafale’s features in a new high-end car. The semantics point to wind and capture something about its camouflaged silhouette, which instantly conjures up visions of performance, daring, excitement and character.

All-new Renault Rafale’s world premiere will take place at the 54th Paris Air Show in Le Bourget this 18 June.

MG Motor India, a British automobile brand with a 99-year-old legacy, has announced the launch of its smart electric vehicle, the MG Comet EV, ushering a new chapter in urban mobility solutions for India. The versatile GSEV-platform-based Pure EV has a minimalist yet spacious design and possesses an inherent agility that allows smooth, stress-free commuting within the city. The Comet EV is the second EV in MG Motor India’s portfolio and comes with futuristic and user-friendly smart technologies. The MG Comet EV will be available at a special introductory ex-showroom price of INR 7,98,000.

Commenting on the occasion, Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India, said, “We are delighted to launch the MG Comet EV in India, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of urban mobility. The Comet EV is more than just a car; it represents our determination to change the way we commute in our cities.”

“The Comet EV is built on the pure electric GSEV platform, the fastest to hit the 1 million EV sales mark globally. The car seamlessly blends style, technology, and sustainability, offering a versatile and spacious ride with unparalleled safety features. At MG, we understand that the future of mobility is electric and connected. With the Comet EV, we aim to empower our customers to make a smart choice without compromising on style or convenience,” he added.

Design

The design of the MG Comet EV manifests the future-tech world. Designed on the concept of BICO—’Big Inside, Compact Outside’, Comet EV offers comfortably spacious and enhanced legroom as well as headroom.  The curved tech body line accentuates the aerodynamic and stylish aspects of the Comet EV from the outside. The sides of the Comet EV carry a futuristic rear-view mirror design with a floating motif. The aero-craft cabin window in the second row allows for added visibility in the Comet EV.

The MG Comet EV has a comfortable and roomy cabin with a 4-seater configuration with 50:50 settings on the second row of seats. The modern-style cabin space is combined with smart technology configurations with many functions to support this modern urban EV’s comfort and interactive aspects. The Comet EV’s multi-function and uniquely designed steering comes combined with intelligent tech and futuristic pod-like controls that lend the EV a modern gadget-like feel. The rotary gear selector is a transmission operation with a futuristic rotary knob decorated with chrome rings and unique patterns. In addition, the centre console is equipped with useful features such as electric window operation buttons and a 12-volt charging port.

Electric package

The Comet EV has a claimed range of around 230 kilometres certified battery range, on a single charge. With its practical aspects like easy to drive, easy to manoeuvre, easy to park, easy to charge, and easy on the pocket and environment, the Comet EV is not only a definitive segment creator but also an important and timely offering for urban commuters and EV enthusiasts in India.

Technology

In the tech dashboard section, MG Comet EV presents a touch of sophistication.  The in-built iSmart system comes with 55+ connected car features and 100+ voice commands. It has a floating twin display widescreen with a 10.25-inch head unit and a 10.25-inch digital cluster. Moreover, the entertainment system is equipped with widgets with three fully customisable pages to give customers access to a range of entertainment, and connectivity options. Another unique feature of the MG Comet EV is the smart key. The appealing and stylish design of the key adds to the tech-vibe of the Comet EV.

Big on savings

For the urban-young commuter, savings really matter. The Comet EV has been evaluated by MG to provide an encouraging and empowering charging cost of INR 519 per 1,000 km. Actual cost may vary depending upon per unit cost of electricity in that particular state of the country.

Safety

The Comet EV is a safe and robust vehicle in all aspects, be it its exterior or the interior. It comes powered with a 17.3 kWh Li-ion battery with prismatic cells that have undergone 39 battery plus car safety tests for a longer cycle life. It is IP67-rated, making it highly resistant to water and dust. All these ensure maximum safety for every possible condition. The high strength vehicle body with 17 hot stamping panels makes the overall structure of the MG Comet EV strong and safe. The Comet EV comes loaded with segment-leading active and passive safety features such as dual front airbags, ABS +EBD, front & rear 3 point seat belts, rear parking camera & sensor, TPMS (Indirect) and ISOFIX child seat.

Special Editions

In addition, MG has also introduced two special editions of the Comet EV- the Gamer edition and the LIT edition – tailored to vibe with the personalities of the next generation of urban commuters—gaming and tech communities, and fashionistas. MG Comet EV will come with several personalisation options including 250+ decaloptions, graphics etc. to add to the fun and tech vibe of the smart EV for its different genres of Gen Z customers.

A pre-production design model of MG’s dramatic new sports car, the Cyberster, has made a first appearance at a special preview event held at the MG Motor UK headquarters in Marylebone, London. Advanced design director Carl Gotham and his Marylebone team – who played a key role in creating the Cyberster – revealed the model for the first time.

Removing the covers, Carl commented: “It is a special moment for all of us who have played a part in designing this unique car. The Cyberster will offer MG customers a striking, all-electric roadster which will be as exciting as MG sports cars of the past.”

To celebrate the upcoming arrival of the Cyberster, MG is releasing a new film focusing on the design story. Presented by Carl Gotham, it reveals how his team has created a sports car that is set to be the first all-electric roadster on the market.

The Cyberster’s stand-out styling – envisioned by Gotham and his design colleagues at MG’s design studio in Marylebone, London – draws inspiration from MG’s heritage, with signature design highlights including a distinctive long bonnet, low nose and curvaceous surfaces. The Cyberster will also introduce some striking new features, including scissor doors and a Kammback rear design.

The two-seater Cyberster marks a keenly anticipated return to sports car production by the MG marque, with the car bringing the story right up to date with a high performance all-electric powertrain and modern cabin featuring an array of advanced driver technology.

The Cyberster is scheduled to arrive in the UK and Europe in the summer of 2024 and MG will shortly announce further details of its first public appearance this year.