At the 24 Hours of Spa – one of the most anticipated racing events in the international motorsport season – Maserati unveiled to the world its latest track creation, the Maserati GT2.

After the announcement of the shakedown in early March, which was followed by an intensive series of tests to tune up the car, the House of the Trident officially unveiled its new gem of technology and performance, developed to bring the Maserati brand back to GT competitions. It had previously carved its name there with the winning MC12, which completely dominated the track from 2005 to 2010.

The Maserati GT2 is an exceptional synthesis between Maserati’s past, present and future: it draws on the living legacy of the MC12; it expresses the best potential, in the racing version, of the MC20 super sports car – taking the already exceptional 463-kW/621-hp Nettuno V6 engine to the extreme, and is preparing to chart a new course in the future of the Trident, which is determined to write exciting new chapters in the history of motorsport.

Maserati has designed and built a racing car dedicated to private teams and gentleman drivers. A masterpiece of performance that combines history, innovation and sporting attitude, features that have always characterised the Trident’s track and road cars. Conceived and designed to take part in championships or individual events reserved for the GT2 class, the Maserati GT2 will debut on the track in the final stages of the 2023 Fanatec GT European Series, and is due to participate in the entire 2024 season.

Davide Grasso, Maserati CEO, commented: “Our DNA and our spirit have always lain in racing. Our story began and developed from the track to the road. The decision to return to track racing forms part of a thorough strategic framework, inaugurated this year with the debut in Formula E, to which we have now added our return to the world of GT competitions. Now more than ever we want to rekindle and nourish that competitive passion that has always characterised and motivated us to achieve major milestones”.

The Trident thus celebrates its return to the world of exciting GT competitions with a cutting-edge product, the result of a creative and design partnership between the Maserati Innovation Lab, the Centro Stile Maserati and the technological excellence of the Maserati dynamic simulator.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd, commenced production of the Hyundai Exter from HMIL’s plant in Sriperumbudur near Chennai, on June 23, 2023. Hyundai Exter will elevate customer aspirations and provide unique and exciting experiences for new-age customers, inspiring customers to Think Outside.

Commenting on start of production of the Hyundai Exter, Mr. Unsoo Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. said, “At Hyundai we have always been driven to establish industry best manufacturing processes, achieving product excellence, thus inducing an elevated sense of delights amongst our beloved customers. With optimum utilization of Industry 4.0 automation, HMIL’s state-of-the art production facility harmoniously integrates over 700 – 4th generation robots and highly skilled HMIL workforce to create superior mobility experiences for our customers. With the Hyundai EXTER we are venturing into a new segment that further enhances HMIL’s position as a full range SUV manufacturer.”

The Hyundai Exter embodies the true outdoors with a contemporary and unique take on SUV design. The parametric front grill and H-Signature LED DRLs highlights the SUV’s bespoke appeal. Hyundai Exter creates a benchmark for customer safety by being equipped with 6 airbags (driver, passenger, curtain & side) as standard across all trims and offering 26 safety features across all variants and as an option on entry trims (E&S).

The Hyundai Exter will feature a smart electric sunroof and an inbuilt dashcam with dual camera. Hyundai Motor India’s first micro-SUV will also feature 60+ connected features via Hyundai BLUELINK making it the segment’s most connected SUV.

The all-new Hyundai Exter is scheduled for a launch on July 10, 2023.

With a significant shift in the preference for home deliveries, Spinny, a comprehensive used car retailing platform, has reported considerable growth in the demand for used cars in the vibrant city of Kolkata. According to the latest report from Spinny, customers are increasingly inclined towards taking home test drives, with almost 94% choosing home delivery as their preferred car-buying process. Additionally, 70% of customers are booking cars online, while the remaining opt for offline purchases.

Spinny’s findings also highlight some intriguing trends that will continue to set a standard in the used car market and deliver the best-in-class customer experience. According to the research, working professionals between the ages of 23 and 35 are leading the charge in buying pre-owned vehicles, with hatchback cars being the most popular among buyers in Kolkata. Maruti, Hyundai, and Renault are the preferred car brands, with the Wagon R 1.0, Kwid, and Alto 800 models dominating the charts.

Interestingly, blue, grey, and red have emerged as the most preferred colours among car buyers in Kolkata, adding a touch of elegance and uniqueness to their vehicles.

Commenting on the growth, Mr. Aarko Adhya, City Head of Kolkata, stated, “The used car market in Kolkata has proven to be highly promising. The people of the city have come to recognize Spinny as a platform that places great emphasis on transparency. We will continue to offer a superlative experience to our customers in the city and adjacent areas through product innovations, service delivery, and a dedicated team committed to providing a simple and delightful car ownership experience.”

In recent years, Spinny has witnessed a substantial rise in its customer base, with a growing reputation for its exceptional services. With a wide range of product innovations and a dedicated team, Spinny aims to continue providing an unparalleled car buying experience to its customers in Kolkata and neighbouring areas.

Bentley’s ultimate grand tourer, the coachbuilt Batur by Mulliner, has completed its whole vehicle development programme, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of performance and durability. Work now commences on the build of customer cars, each of which will feature an exceptional level of bespoke craftsmanship and take around four months to handcraft – with the last one to be completed at the end of 2024.

Following on from the creation of two development vehicles (known as Car Zero and Car Zero-Zero), just 18 Batur customer cars will be produced by hand in the Mulliner workshops. However, no concession has been made in Bentley’s rigorous testing regime, which includes durability tests on handling tracks, real-world road conditions, high speed testing beyond 200 mph, and rough surfaces. Other tests included 600 hours of solar loading, equivalent to five years in an Arizona desert, to ensure that the sustainable materials used in the Batur’s construction will be robust enough to endure a lifetime’s use.

The original development Batur – Car Zero
Car Zero is no ordinary development mule. It was built to the same levels of craftsmanship as each of the 18 customer cars to come. Its bespoke exterior finish, Purple Sector, is complemented by front splitters, side skirts and rear diffuser in a high gloss natural fibre finish. The main matrix grille in Gloss Dark Titanium is accented with contrast chevrons in a horizontal ombré pattern that flows from Purple Sector in the centre, gradually darkening to Black Crystal at the periphery. The ‘endless bonnet’ line is finished in Satin Titanium, as are the 22-inch wheels which feature spokes in Gloss and Satin Black Crystal.

A second development Batur, Engineering Car Zero-Zero, is finished in the equally striking Marina Teal finish. These bespoke finishes, and new components such as the one-off LED headlamp units, faced a series of tough durability tests, which included a 2,500 km European tour, high speed testing at closed circuits, and extended exposure to the harshest environments. In total, over 800 unique and one-off components have been tested and proved in 160 simultaneous weeks of intensive development work.

The most powerful Bentley to date
The W12 engine that powers Batur can trace its origins back to the Continental GT of 2003. The W12 has both literally and figuratively powered Bentley’s ascent to the pinnacle of automotive luxury brands. It has continued to evolve, becoming more powerful, refined and efficient with each successive generation. Now, as Bentley begins its journey to full electrification, the Batur’s W12 represents a celebration of this remarkable engine as well as its swansong. Its 750PS peak output makes it the most powerful W12 and therefore the most powerful Bentley powertrain ever built. Its new air intake system, modified turbochargers, revised intercoolers and new calibrations for engine, transmission and electronic stability control were tested to the limit in over 100 weeks of powertrain development. The engine’s breath-taking performance is matched to the most advanced Bentley chassis specification ever. Highlights include Speed-tuned air suspension, electric active anti-roll control, eLSD, four-wheel steering and torque vectoring.

A new coachbuilding era
The advanced technologies used to create Batur make it possible for Mulliner to offer customers a level of individuality unheard of in the modern era. New sustainable materials such as natural fibres and technologies such as Additive Manufactured Gold give Mulliner’s designers a near-infinite palette of choice, enabling customers to realise their unique vision of the ultimate grand tourer. Every detail has also had to pass development scrutiny, including the 18ct yellow gold options for the Charisma Dial and the Organ Stop air vent control. Made from recycled, 3D printed gold, these parts have been subjected to tests as wide-ranging as thermal loading to resistance to sun cream.

The first customer cars
Having passed every test with flying colours, Batur is now ready for the next stage of its journey. All 18 examples of Batur have already been reserved, and each customer can now continue the process of co-creation, guided by Mulliner’s in-house design team. After the customer specification of the colour and finish of almost every surface of the Batur, each unique car will be handcrafted in the coming months at Mulliner’s workshop in Bentley’s carbon neutral factory in Crewe, England, with each one taking around four months to complete.

Volvo Car India has revealed its Born-Electric SUV – the C40 Recharge. This will be Volvo’s second electric car in their line-up, after the very successful XC40 Recharge which made its India debut last year.

The new C40 Recharge is a bold progression of the compact SUV line-up. It is built on the CMA platform (Compact Modular Architecture).

The C40 Recharge, with a range up to 530 km per charge, has all the benefits of an SUV but with a sleeker and stylish crossover design. One of the standout features of the Volvo C40 Recharge is its 100 per cent leather-free interior.

Introduction of C40 Recharge is in line with company commitment to have 100 percent electrified vehicles in the portfolio by 2030.

The Volvo C40 Recharge aims revolutionize the Indian automotive market, offering consumers a perfect blend of sustainability, style, and cutting-edge technology.

Mr. Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director Volvo Car India, “The reveal of the Volvo C40 Recharge marks a significant milestone for Volvo Car India’s commitment to the Indian market. Building on to the success of XC40 Recharge, I am sure C40 Recharge would help us widen our luxury market share. This car represents the future of mobility, combining innovative design, advanced electric technology, and our unwavering dedication to environmental consciousness. We are proud to introduce this 100% leather-free electric crossover, setting a new standard for sustainable luxury.”

With the introduction of the Volvo C40 Recharge, Volvo Car India further consolidates its position as a leading force in the luxury electric vehicle market. In addition to the XC40 Recharge, the C40 Recharge launch would further strengthen Volvo’s commitment to the electrification of their entire product lineup.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars marks the 110th anniversary of its success in the Alpine Trial in 1913 – an event whose significance in Rolls-Royce’s legend cannot be overstated. It was this challenge, held over eight days and 2,600km, that established Rolls-Royce’s reputation as ‘the best car in the world’ – a crown it retains to this day. Rolls-Royce looks back on the characters, cars and conditions that helped make automotive history.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said: “At the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, we design and hand-build what many call ‘the best car in the world’. That title was first bestowed on Rolls-Royce 110 years ago, following the Silver Ghost’s total domination of the daunting Alpine Trial in 1913. As custodians of this unique legacy, we proudly uphold the exceptional design and engineering excellence that made those early Rolls-Royces so successful. These exquisite examples of our founders’ art are a true inspiration; thanks to the skilled care and attention today’s proud owners lavish on these astonishing motor cars, we are still able to experience and enjoy their remarkable attributes. The Silver Ghost’s unequalled marriage of performance, strength, reliability, technological innovation, driver engagement and comfort provides a template for everything we do more than a century later.”

A DAUNTING CHALLENGE – AND UNMISSABLE OPPORTUNITY
From its foundation in 1904, Rolls-Royce immediately earned an enviable reputation for quality and reliability. This was cemented in a faultless performance by the new 40/50 hp, or Silver Ghost as it came to be known, in the 1907 Scottish Reliability Trials, followed by a peerless demonstration at the famous 1911 London to Edinburgh Top Gear Trial and Brooklands 100mph Run.

These endeavours earned Rolls-Royce the soubriquet ‘the best British car’. However, for energetic, ambitious managing director Claude Johnson, who described himself as the hyphen in Rolls-Royce, this was merely the beginning. He wanted to conquer the European market and knew that success in a high-profile continental event was the key. The 1913 Alpine Trial would provide precisely the opportunity he was looking for.

PERFECTLY PREPARED
Johnson personally selected a Rolls-Royce Works Team, with Eric Platford – one of the company’s most trusted employees and former mechanic to Charles Stewart Rolls himself – as manager. The specially prepared Silver Ghosts would be driven by Curt Friese, the marque’s representative in Austria, experienced Alpine driver Jock Sinclair, and EW Hives, a senior member of the Experimental Department at Derby and the first man to drive the Silver Ghost at 101mph.

Johnson also invited an enthusiastic privateer Silver Ghost owner, James Radley, to act as the team’s pacesetter.

The Works cars were meticulously prepared for the hazards of a springtime crossing of the Alps. Then as now, these included extreme temperatures, high altitudes, punishing gradients and vertiginous descents – but all without the benefit of the modern road surfaces of today.

The most significant technical modifications to the Silver Ghosts included a new four-speed gearbox with a special low gear, strengthened chassis and suspension, a larger main fuel tank together with a reserve, and a new starting system that could get the engine running in under a minute even in freezing temperatures.

After a successful reconnaissance mission in May – in which the cars overcame appalling conditions with perfect composure – the team travelled to Vienna for the start of the Alpine Trial on June 22, 1913.

DAY 1 (260 MILES, MAXIMUM ELEVATION 4,000 FT)
As the most powerful vehicles taking part, the Silver Ghosts were sent off first, led as planned by James Radley. Starting at 5.00am, Radley crossed the first day’s finish line in a little over eight hours, followed 45 minutes later by the rest of the Works Team. No other cars came near to matching their pace, and even this relatively straightforward stage saw the event’s first retirements.

DAY 2 (262 MILES, MAXIMUM ELEVATION 5,700 FT)
The second day saw the competitors tackle the oldest road over the Alps, the Tauren Pass, which rose 2,900 ft in just 12 miles with a maximum gradient of 27.9%. Compounded by atrocious weather and road conditions, the task proved impossible for many. The Silver Ghosts, however, sailed over at half-throttle, with Radley averaging 25mph and never falling below 17mph, even on the steepest slopes.

DAY 3 (246 MILES)
On a much easier, largely level run finishing at the shores of Lake Garda, the Rolls-Royce team led from the start, with Radley complaining about the slow pace set by the officials’ car in front.

DAY 4 (192 MILES, MAXIMUM ELEVATION 7,400FT)
Stage four took the teams over the Dolomites and included the Trial’s highest point, the Pordoi Pass. Rain soon turned to heavy snow, but the Rolls-Royce team were undaunted and took the first four places on the day.

DAY 5 (205 MILES, MAXIMUM ELEVATION 3,500 FT)
Despite freezing conditions, the Works Team again led from start to finish on a long drive through southern Austria via steep, rugged and copiously hair-pinned roads including the Wurzen and Perdils passes to the port city of Trieste.

DAY 6 (242 MILES, MAXIMUM ELEVATION 3,500 FT)
After a rest day in Trieste, the teams took on the steepest pass of the entire event – the Loibl, which gained 2,300 ft in just three miles – en route to the final overnight stop in Klagenfurt, where the Rolls-Royce team completed another clean sweep. Radley reduced the record time for the ascent from six-and-a-half minutes to just five, delighting onlookers by taking a drink as he rounded the final hairpin.

DAY 7 (260 MILES, MAXIMUM ELEVATION 5,000FT)
Between Klagenfurt and the finish in Vienna lay the notorious Stubalpe Pass. The road included 125 gullies that drained water across the road and could only be negotiated at walking pace. As usual, the Silver Ghosts were untroubled and led onto the fast, final stretch to Vienna, where Radley hit 70mph on three occasions.

However, as they passed through the village of Guntramsdorf, Jock Sinclair’s Silver Ghost was struck by a speeding car driven by a non-competitor and forced into a telegraph pole. After repairing the near-side front wheel and tyre, Sinclair limped into Vienna in his one functioning (third) gear. It was the first and only time the team failed to take the first four positions in the event.

UNDISPUTED CHAMPIONS
Of the 46 starters, only 31 reached Vienna. The Rolls-Royce cars’ outstanding speed, strength and reliability made them the event’s unrivalled stars. This earned their drivers the most prestigious individual prizes, presented by Archduke Leopold Salvator of Austria. Radley received a special prize from the city of Trieste.

The marque’s exceptional performance drew universal praise and admiration across the automotive world. Of perhaps even greater importance to Claude Johnson, this success translated into European sales that quickly grew to match those in the UK.

Although the Alpine Trials continued until 1973, Rolls-Royce never again entered a Works Team; there was no need. The title of ‘the best car in the world’ had been won – and would never be relinquished.

A LASTING LEGACY
The Silver Ghost remains arguably the most famous Rolls-Royce ever made. That so many examples remain not only in perfect working order, but able to undertake the same extraordinary endeavours they did over a century ago is a testament to their proud owners’ care and attention. These devoted enthusiasts play a central role in conserving and celebrating this priceless automotive heritage, and are an inspiration to all who know and love historic Rolls-Royce motor cars.

But masterpieces like those participating in the anniversary reenactment also represent part of a larger legacy. Around 80% of all Rolls-Royce motor cars ever made are still in existence and in active service – a lasting, tangible monument to our founders’ skill, vision, technical expertise and relentless pursuit of perfection.

As their successors, the team at the contemporary Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, which marks its own 20th anniversary in 2023, are the fortunate custodians of that indelible legacy. Every motor car hand-built at Goodwood today upholds the standards for performance, strength, reliability, comfort, driver experience and engineering excellence first established by the Silver Ghost, and recognised and respected around the world ever since.

Today, Rolls-Royce marks the 110th anniversary of the 1913 Spanish Grand Prix in which Silver Ghosts took first and third places – a technical and tactical domination that would set the template for the marque’s legendary triumph at the 1913 Alpenfahrt a few weeks later.

It was a victory built on three foundations: the Silver Ghost’s overwhelmingly superior engineering and performance; deliberate team tactics executed to perfection; and the self-sacrifice of one of Rolls-Royce’s most experienced and devoted employees.

Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said: “Rolls-Royce’s dominance of long-distance trials in the early 20th Century is well-known; but motor racing, especially in continental Europe, was also crucial in securing the marque’s reputation for performance and reliability. Today, we look back on the Silver Ghost’s victory in the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix on 15 June 1913, which was a triumph not only of Henry Royce’s technology, but also of team spirit and self-sacrifice.”

RACING AHEAD
In the early 20th Century, endurance trials were the principal means for motor manufacturers, including luxury marques like Rolls-Royce, to demonstrate their products’ capabilities. Rolls-Royce had an enviable record in these gruelling tests, having demolished the field in a series of blue riband events including the 15,000-mile Scottish Reliability Trial in 1907, and the legendary run from London to Edinburgh in 1911, which was completed entirely in top gear.

During the same period, motor-racing was also rapidly growing in both sophistication and popularity. In 1906, France staged its first Grand Prix, under the auspices of the Automobile Club de France, of which the Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls, a successful motor-racing pioneer himself, had been a member since the age of 18.

As a rule, the company preferred trials to racing; but by 1913, three years after Rolls’ tragic early death, managing director Claude Johnson was keen to boost sales in Europe, and saw Continental racing as another important promotional opportunity.

The company therefore entered two Silver Ghosts in the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix, to be held on June 15, 1913.

HIGH ENDEAVOURS
The Spanish Grand Prix appealed to Rolls-Royce because it was a test of endurance and reliability – at which the Silver Ghost naturally excelled – not just raw speed.

The 192-mile course comprised three laps and included two formidable passes in the rugged Guadarrama mountains, northwest of Madrid. It was open exclusively to four-seater touring cars, which had to be fitted with mudguards, lamps, hoods and two spare tyres. Bonnets were sealed, and no water could be added to the radiator once the race was under way, despite a shade temperature well above 30°C at the start in La Granja.

Two modified Silver Ghosts were among the 17 starters. The first was owned and (against the company’s express wishes) driven by Don Carlos de Salamanca y Hurtado de Zaldivar, later Marqués of Salamanca, who had recently become Rolls-Royce’s new agent in Madrid.

The second was a company-owned Silver Ghost driven by Eric Platford, one of Rolls-Royce’s most experienced and dedicated engineers, who had been responsible for many of the marque’s previous trials successes.

STRATEGY AND SACRIFICE
Three hours into the race, Platford had built up a commanding lead of more than 20 minutes. But this was a hard-headed commercial undertaking, not just a sporting challenge, and Platford was racing under strict instructions. Setting aside his own personal ambitions, he therefore pulled over and allowed Don Carlos de Salamanca to pass him. The company’s Madrid agent went on to win his home nation’s first-ever Grand Prix race in a time of 3 hours, 34 minutes and 12 seconds, at an average speed of 54mph.

Sadly for Platford, his selfless manoeuvre also opened the door for another rival, the Marqués de Aulencia in a Lorraine-Dietrich, who took second place just three minutes ahead of him ­– a very narrow margin in an age when races could still be won or lost by hours.

JUST REWARDS
Platford’s sacrifice did not go unrewarded, however. After the race, he drove his car to Madrid, where he received a congratulatory telegram from Claude Johnson; he was later awarded a holiday in Venice, partly as a gift and partly to escape the inevitable press attention. He also received two gold watches by way of compensation: one presented by the Rolls-Royce directors ­– and the other by a very grateful Don Carlos de Salamanca.

ON TO THE ALPENFAHRT
The 1913 Spanish Grand Prix victory came just a week before the start of the 1913 Alpenfahrt, the daunting 1,600-mile trial through the Alps. Platford, as team manager, would lead the Rolls-Royce Works Team to a clean sweep of the top four places, sealing the Silver Ghost’s reputation, described in the media as ‘the best car in the world’. In his team spirit, dedication, selflessness, courage and constant pursuit of excellence, he perfectly exemplifies the ethos of Inspiring Greatness, which continues to resonate at the heart of the marque today.

It’s not unusual for manufacturers to spend years rolling out a new visual identity across their model line-up, but true to its innovative approach and famed ‘good thinking’, Dacia pulled it off in only 24 hours!

With the brand’s bold new visual identity ready to transform the look of its vehicles, Dacia switched the design of all its models at its three manufacturing plants in Pitesti (Romania), Tangier and Casablanca (Morocco) to the new style all at the same time. Starting at 9 AM on October 24, 2022, production of the entire model range was seamlessly updated to the new visual identity over a single day – a feat which is unprecedented in the automotive industry.

In total, 3,100 vehicles rolled off the production lines over the course of the day, equating to one every 50 seconds. The manufacturing achievement marked the completion of the roll-out of the brand’s new identity, which began with a change in communications materials in mid-2021, followed by its adoption by Dacia retailers. Beyond a simple shift in design, the new identity embodies commitments for the future and builds on the strongly held values that are behind the Dacia success story.

It took over a year to ensure that such a monumental undertaking went without a hitch and that Dacia’s robust quality was maintained throughout the transition. Meticulous preparation and co-ordination took place across all the brand’s departments, spanning from IT to logistics and training to marketing.

Notably, the logistics team had to handle 190 new components from 57 different suppliers, including the logo, new emblem and new colours. What’s more, this all took place during a spare-parts and raw-material shortage, meaning that the team had to take on the additional challenge of making up for delays and making sure all the parts met the agreed standards.

The 20,000 personnel across the plants played a huge role in the successful transition. In a display of extraordinary teamwork, they negotiated all the possible challenges, moving fast while following the full development and industrial production procedure. Ahead of the switch, operators were trained at the same time as a substantial production plan was rolled out, ensuring that quality was uncompromised from day one.

On the successful transition to the new visual identity, Christophe Dridi, Dacia’s VP of Industry said: “We believe this is the first time an automotive company has revamped its entire range, at three plants, at the same time. It goes to show how flexible and how agile Dacia really is.”

The most famous race car of the modern Bentley era, the 2003 Speed 8, made its return to Le Mans this weekend to take part in the centenary celebrations of the ultimate motorsport marathon – the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The dynamic demonstration of the highly popular fan-favourite precedes the return of a new Works Bentley to Le Mans, with a pair of Blower Continuation Series cars to compete at this year’s Le Mans Classic.

The very same car that won the race in 2003 – Speed 8 chassis 004/5 – took to the track on Saturday afternoon as part of a centenary parade. It was piloted by Guy Smith, the same driver who took the chequered flag twenty years ago, as the car turned a wheel at the circuit for the first time since.

After being reunited with the car and completing two laps of the circuit, Guy commented: “This car delivered Bentley’s first Le Mans victory since 1930, and became the springboard for my racing career, and so it’s incredibly special to me. While I’ve driven it a couple of times since 2003, this is the first time it’s been back to Le Mans and driving it here brought back so many memories and emotions. It feels exactly the same as it did when it crossed the line twenty years ago. Bentley is part of Le Mans, and Le Mans is part of Bentley, and it’s been an amazing weekend of celebrations of 100 years of history here.”

Le Mans Classic will then see a Works Bentley race at Le Mans for the first time since the victory in 2003 – as a pair of Blower Continuation Series cars take part in the Grid 1 race. Both the factory-owned Blower Car Zero and a customer car will be racing, with the former building on its recent first test race at Donington Park in the UK. The entries mark not only the first official Bentley entries to a Le Mans race since 2003, but also the return of a Works-supported Blower to the track for the first time since 1930, when the legend of the Bentley Blower was born.

As part of the rejuvenation of Bentley’s Heritage Collection, Speed 8 004/5 has recently undergone a complete rebuild to return it to as-new standard as it was before its most famous victory. The car is one of eight motorsport vehicles in the Heritage Collection, all of which are maintained in running order alongside the 37 road-going members of the fleet, all of which will be road legal by the end of the year.

The Speed 8 now stays at the circuit for the rest of June, on display in the Le Mans Museum until Le Mans Classic at the end of the month, where Bentley will have a significant presence and exhibition alongside the race programme. The Speed 8 will then make a number of other dynamic appearances this summer, before returning to Crewe to be positioned on display with its sister cars from 2001 and 2002, and the rest of the Bentley Heritage Collection, in three new and purpose-built areas that embed the fleet into any visit to Bentley’s campus.

The all-new BMW M2 was launched in India. This compact two-door, four-seater high-performance sports car will be available in the country as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) model effective immediately.

The all-new BMW M2 is the ultimate embodiment of driving pleasure for the purist. It excites and delights with the skill set of a classical high-performance sports car – reproduced in highly concentrated form, with fresh intensity and cutting-edge technology. A highly potent inline 6-cylinder engine works alongside superb adaptive M suspension that is designed to maximise road contact and traction in all driving situations.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “The all-new BMW M2 embodies an unadulterated racing passion that owners can enjoy day in, day out. It builds on the brand’s tradition of ultra-sporty models with compact dimensions. The expressive looks of the all-new BMW M2 act as a clear signpost to sporty driving pleasure and stem primarily from its extremely powerful proportions. The car melds extraordinary speed with maximum control ensuring a smooth, dynamic drive no matter how far you push the limits.”

The all-new BMW M2 is available in a petrol variant at an ex-showroom price of INR 98,00,000.

The distinct character profile of the all-new BMW M2 is reflected in a visually powerful design that makes no secret of the car’s comfortably segment-leading power, even before it turns a wheel. The M specific features accentuate the performance-led character of the all-new BMW M2. It exudes an aggressive presence with its M frameless kidney grill, showcasing horizontal bars. The elements of the M-typical three-section lower air intake have almost rectangular contours and optimise cooling of the powertrain components and brakes. The boldly contoured adaptive headlight units are positioned to the outer edges of the front end. The optional M shadow line lights offer a dark tint around the headlamps. Prominently flared side skirts team up with broad, muscular wheel arches to create an appearance that is characteristic of BMW M and inspired by racing cars. This air-directing element adopts a pared-back racing look and incorporates another signature M feature: the two pairs of exhaust tailpipes. The optional M carbon roof is an aerodynamic masterpiece, lowering the car’s centre of gravity, increasing control at every turn. Staggered 19-inch/20-inch wheel configuration allows the all-new BMW M2 to skim the ground with grace. The option to upgrade to 19-inch/20-inch alloys style 930 M jet black is also available. The M Sport brake callipers are painted in blue metallic as standard, with a red finish available as an option.

The interior of the all-new BMW M2 boasts a cockpit with a driver-centric design. When it comes to functionality, control and comfort, the standard equipment features emphasise squarely on focused driving pleasure. The all-new BMW curved display features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central information display – giving an intense focus for peak performance. The standard M Sport seats come with electrical adjustment, including for the height of the head restraints. The newly designed and exclusive seats have much pronounced bolsters and contour lines around the backrest and head restraint in BMW M GmbH colours. They are upholstered in Vernasca leather with perforated surfaces and can be ordered in either black or cognac. The integral head restraints feature an illuminated M logo. Also available are M Seat belts with a woven stripe pattern in BMW M GmbH colours. The easy-entry function slides the front seats forward in a controlled movement when the backrests are folded, making it easier for passengers to access the rear compartment. The contours and integral head restraints of the two rear seats give them an individual-seat character, allowing passengers in the rear to enjoy a sense of sporty driving pleasure as well. The rear backrest has a 40:20:40 split, allowing one or more sections to be folded down as necessary in order to accommodate very long items of luggage. When the backrest is upright, the all-new BMW M2 offers 390 litres of boot space.

The standard M interior trim strips in aluminium rhombicle anthracite inject the cabin with a sporting panache. If the optionally available M interior stripes in carbon fibre are specified, the shift paddles and trim on the M leather steering wheel will have a CFRP finish. The car is equipped with adaptive M-specific suspension, M Sport differential, M high performance compound brakes that guarantee an outstanding driving experience. Exclusive functions such as multi-function for steering wheel, seat heating with lumbar support (driver and front passenger) and automatic anti-dazzle function in all mirrors add a further sporty touch to the interior.

The M twinpower turbo six-cylinder in-line petrol engine impresses not only with its inimitable performance characteristics but also its clearly superior power. The straight six engine captures the imagination with its hallmark M attributes in the version developed for the all-new BMW M2. Urgent response, a healthy appetite for revs and linear power delivery into the highest reaches of the engine speed range together form an unmistakable skill set that defines the performance experience in the all-new BMW M2. The engine generates maximum output of 453 hp and peak torque of 550 Nm at 2,650 – 5,870. The car can achieve 0-100 kmph acceleration in just 4.1 seconds, when paired with automatic transmission and 4.3 seconds, when paired with the manual transmission. The performance experience is also raised another notch by the inclusion of the M driver’s package, which increases the car’s electronically limited top speed from 250 kmph to 285 kmph.

The all-new BMW M2 comes as standard with an eight-speed M steptronic transmission with drivelogic that offers extremely sporty gear shifts. The broadly spread gears assist efficiency while enabling an intense build-up of power from low road speeds. The driver can access three clearly distinct setups – comfort oriented, sports focused, or track optimized. Efficient, Sport and Sport Plus settings can be engaged to modify the engine’s characteristics, while selecting the Comfort, Sport or Sport Plus chassis mode provides access to the three settings for the electronically controlled dampers.

As an option its six-cylinder in­-line engine can also link up with a six-speed manual gearbox creating a performance experience in the classical mould, rooted in the intense interaction between the driver and car. This is the first time ever that BMW is offering a manual transmission in the Indian market. The gear ratios and gear spread are perfectly matched to the performance characteristics of the engine. A precisely defined shift action enables rapid, easily executed gear changes. Plus, the gear shift assistant uses engagement speed control to ensure slip-free operation when downshifting under braking into corners.

The exhaust system comes with an innovative flap concept. The electrically controlled flaps, positioned just before the rear silencer, minimise exhaust back pressure for optimised efficiency and create a distinctively unmistakable BMW M sound across the entire rev range.

BMW ConnectedDrive technology breaks the innovation barrier and turns the car into an interconnected digital device. Host of connected drive features include BMW ID, BMW app, digital key, emergency call, real-time traffic information, remote services and smartphone parking. BMW Live cockpit professional includes the freestanding BMW curved display with navigation with real-time traffic information and augmented view, a 12.3-inch digital information display behind the steering wheel, a 14.9-inch control display and BMW head-up display.

The latest BMW iDrive with operating system 8, offers all the possibilities for interaction between occupants and the vehicle – using touch, gesture or speech. It is complemented by the BMW intelligent personal assistant system which has a self-learning intelligence that adopts a driver’s individual habits, proactively provides useful tips on new driving functions and seamlessly integrates smartphone apps. Wireless smartphone integration and regular remote software upgrades ensure that the car is always up to date. My BMW app functions include popular options for keeping an eye on the current vehicle status at all times as well as learning navigation, which offers destination suggestions and traffic information based on the owner’s driving habits. In addition, customers can use the My BMW app to generate the BMW digital key which turns a smartphone into a digital vehicle key. It will enable customers to physically open the doors when unlocking them this way. If the digital key is activated, it’s also possible to perform automated parking manoeuvres.

The spread of driver assistance systems support and relieve the driver, thus increasing comfort and safety. Standard equipment includes functions like cruise control, the attentiveness assistant and reverse assistant. Also, parking assistant professional with surround view camera, drive recorder, remote parking via smartphone are available as options.

The all-new BMW M2 delivers maximum driving pleasure coupled with an outstanding performance and fuel consumption ratio thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics measures such as intelligent lightweight design, brake energy regeneration, auto start-stop function, electric power steering, differential and transfer case with optimised warm-up behaviour and aerodynamics.

For utmost safety, the all-new BMW M2 comes with head and side airbags for driver and front passenger as well as head airbags for rear seats as standard. Additional standard equipment includes Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Automatic Stability Control (ASC), M Dynamic Mode (MDM), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dry Braking function and Active M Differential.