Lamborghini achieved yet another record-breaking year in 2022. The Sant’Agata Bolognese company demonstrated the extent of its work over the years by improving on the already outstanding figures from 2021 and reaching unprecedented milestones.

Following the announcement that 9,233 cars were delivered last year, Lamborghini also posted record-breaking figures in terms of turnover, which topped €2 billion for the first time ever with a 56% increase in operating income compared to 2021.

Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, commented: “Our business continues to grow, and we can proudly confirm the achievement of truly remarkable targets once again in 2022. These figures come in a very important year for the company, which is marking its 60th anniversary and entering the second phase of the Direzione Cor Tauri program: an unparalleled investment plan that will guide our growth, lead to further improvements in our financial performance, and boost the value of our brand and our company. We are ready to face the many challenges and changes that await us in 2023 and we will keep pushing to the next level. We have an opportunity to really focus on our next objectives, thanks in part to our 18-month’ waiting list, which means we can confidently contemplate our future targets. This is a golden time for Lamborghini: we have made history even as we continue to pursue growth.”

Turnover reached €2.38 billion in 2022, marking an increase of 22% on 2021. At more than double the figure posted in 2017, it offers a tangible demonstration of the exceptional work carried out and underlines the company’s exponential growth. The ground-breaking operating margin of 25.9% was a best-in-class result in Lamborghini’s market and put it right at the top of the automotive luxury market. It translates into operating income of €614 million, which is 56% more than the record-breaking amount in 2021. In addition, in 2022 there was an increase in the operating margin for a fifth consecutive year, which is another milestone for the company.

Paolo Poma, the Managing Director and CFO of Automobili Lamborghini, noted: “The economic and geopolitical situation has been tough in recent years, but we’ve been able to show our resilience and our capacity to work towards excellent economic and financial results. 2022 was our best year ever on all financial and business fronts. It means we can take an optimistic outlook on the growth of our brand and our company.”

2022 was also a record-breaking year for deliveries. Lamborghini recorded its highest ever number of vehicles delivered and sold more than 9,000 cars for the first time in its history. The signs were extremely positive in all macro-regions, with distribution remaining even and consistent with the Lamborghini strategy. Asia was at the forefront with a 14% increase, followed by America with +10%, while EMEA was up by 7% on 2021. The United States remained in the top spot overall (2721 cars delivered, up 10% on the previous year); followed by the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong & Macao (1018 cars delivered, up 9% on 2021); Germany (808 cars delivered, up 14% on the previous year); the United Kingdom (650 cars delivered, up 15% on the previous year); and Japan (546 cars delivered, up 22% on the previous year).

In terms of models, the Urus Super SUV built on its success and led the way with 5367 units delivered (up 7% on 2021). Next in line – and experiencing a significant increase – came the Huracán (3113 units delivered, up 20% on 2021) and the Aventador (753 units delivered), which reached the end of its production run in September 2022.

2023, the year of Lamborghini’s 60th anniversary, will also be the beginning of a new era in the company’s history. The launch of the new V12 super sports car – the first plug-in hybrid from Sant’Agata Bolognese – will be the first step towards the hybridization of the entire model range, concluded at the end of 2024. The 2.5 billion EUR, invested within 2028, is the biggest investment ever for Automobili Lamborghini.

More than 300 employees of Bridgestone India created a world record by using 565 tyres to create the company’s Bridgestone logo for the Record Title “Largest Tyre Image-Logo”. The same has been certified by Guinness World Records Adjudicators who were present on the occasion. The record is measured by the total number of tyres used in the design and was awarded to Bridgestone India for the most tyres used to create an image or logo.

“Setting a world record is a great achievement and is also a reflection of the spirit and attitude of our teams that drive us every day in the market to build our brand leadership. It is this team spirit that helped us come together to create this proud moment. This event puts the company on a remarkable list of global record holders.” said Stefano Sanchini, Managing Director, Bridgestone India

“This is a fitting record that goes with the brand’s identity and offerings. I congratulate the team at Bridgestone India on setting a new Guinness World Records title for largest tyre logo with 565 tyres. This makes you, officially amazing!” said Swapnil Dangarikar, Official Adjudicator, Guinness World Records.

The event was part of the Company’s Annual Sales Conference.

The Renault Nissan Alliance has signed an agreement with Kamarajar Port Ltd (KPL) for the exports of cars manufactured in Chennai by Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt Ltd (RNAIPL) to regional and global destinations. The agreement was signed by Frank Torres, President, Nissan Motor India and Sunil Paliwal I.A.S., Chairman and Managing Director, Kamarajar Port Ltd in the presence of Venkatram Mamillapalle, Country CEO and Managing Director, Renault India Operations and Keerthi Prakash, Managing Director, RNAIPL.

The Renault Nissan Alliance was the first car manufacturer in the region to commence exports of cars through Kamarajar Port. So far, over more than 13 years, the Alliance has exported over 1.15 million cars from Kamarajar Port to around 108 global destinations. The agreement builds on the existing partnership between the Renault Nissan Alliance and Kamarajar Port Ltd and will facilitate further exports of cars via KPL.

Commenting on the milestone, Frank Torres, President, Nissan Motor India and Divisional Vice President Business Transformation AMIEO, said, “Chennai is an important export hub for us and since the beginning we have followed a ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ philosophy to serve markets across the world. We continue to add new export destinations to vehicles manufactured at our plant in Oragadam, building on our 1 million cars exported milestone from 2022. The global Renault Nissan Alliance has recently announced a new long-term vision for India, increasing production and R&D activities, introducing electric vehicles, and transitioning to carbon-neutral manufacturing. This agreement will help ensure that we are able to further strengthen our exports from India.”

Sunil Paliwal, CMD, Kamarajar Port, said, “We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with the Renault Nissan Alliance and to provide them with our world-class Port services for the export of vehicles to multiple countries from India. This partnership with the Alliance is an exciting opportunity for Kamarajar Port to further contribute to India’s growth story through positive impact from automotive exports.”

“The partnership with Kamarajar Port has been pivotal in driving the growth of automotive exports from Chennai. The agreement further strengthens our export operations and in reaching our global customers more efficiently,” said Venkatram Mamillapalle, Country CEO & Managing Director, Renault India Operations.

“RNAIPL is committed to manufacturing world-class vehicles targeted at customers both within India and in other export markets and we are constantly pushing the boundaries of excellence in automotive manufacturing. Kamarajar Port has been a valuable partner in strengthening our export capabilities, helping us serve our global customers more efficiently,” said Keerthi Prakash, Managing Director, RNAIPL.

The cars exported by the Renault Nissan Alliance from India via Kamarajar Port are manufactured at Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt Ltd.’s plant in Chennai. The plant spans over 600 acres and caters to both domestic market production as well as exports. Since its start, more than 2.4m Renault and Nissan vehicles have been manufactured at the plant, with vehicles exported to 108 countries. In that time Renault and Nissan have invested $1.8 billion towards the Indian economy and created direct and indirect employment and skilling opportunities for over 70,000 workers.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today unveils Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow to mark the end of production of one of the most transformative motor cars in the marque’s history. This Bespoke masterpiece, limited to just 12 examples worldwide, is also the last V12 coupé Rolls-Royce will ever make, as it embarks on its bold new electric era.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “Wraith is one of the most significant and influential cars we have ever made at Goodwood. Its extraordinary power, performance and presence opened the Rolls-Royce brand to an entirely new group of clients. It created its own following within contemporary culture and then expanded that further in its alternative Black Badge guise. As the last examples of this landmark motor car get ready to leave Goodwood, we commemorate Wraith’s status as the last series V12 coupé we will ever make. Both Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow and its inspiration, the V12-powered land speed record-holding Thunderbolt of the thirties, represent the culmination of many long years of achievement, and the end of their respective eras. This magnificent final V12 coupé Collection captures both the significance and spirit of Wraith through the marque’s hallmark and peerless Bespoke capabilities. A fitting finale for this transformative motor car.”

WRAITH: A CULTURAL ICON
Launched in 2013, Wraith is one of the most important and influential models ever designed and built at Goodwood. More performance-focused than its predecessors Phantom and Ghost, Wraith fundamentally altered perceptions of Rolls-Royce and brought new, younger customer groups to the brand for the first time. Its wider cultural significance is underlined by countless references to the Wraith in music, cinema, art and fashion.

THE V12 CONNECTION
Wraith’s dramatic ‘fastback’ silhouette signalled the motor car’s dynamic intent, which was further amplified in 2016, with the introduction of Black Badge Wraith: a potent, subversive and even more powerful expression of this transformative motor car, offering some of the highest levels of performance ever achieved by a V12-powered Rolls-Royce.

Yet when considering how best to mark the end of the Wraith era, Goodwood’s designers and engineers took inspiration for the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow Collection from an equally significant V12 in Rolls-Royce’s long and storied legacy. In 1938, Captain George Eyston – whose bold, brave endeavours encapsulate the Black Badge spirit – set a world land speed record of 357.497 mph (575.335 km/h) with Thunderbolt, a seven-tonne, eight-wheeled leviathan equipped with two Rolls-Royce V12 ‘R’ Series aero engines. The outbreak of the Second World War in the following year ended Eyston’s endeavours; all subsequent records have been set with different engine types and configurations, enshrining Thunderbolt in perpetuity as the fastest V12-powered motor car ever built.

Thunderbolt’s record attempts took place on the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Against the glare of the brilliant white surface, and under a blazing desert sun, the reflections from the car’s polished aluminium body made it almost impossible to tell precisely when it passed the timing equipment. Eyston’s simple but ingenious solution was to paint a large black arrow on the car’s sides, incorporating a yellow central circle motif that could be seen clearly even at high speed. This is what gives today’s Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow Collection both its name and unique historical context.

GRADIENT PAINT
Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow’s exclusive Bespoke finish features a full colour graduation between two tones – Celebration Silver and Black Diamond. A glass-infused ‘Crystal’ paint over layer has been applied to the Black Diamond paint to enhance the transition between the two colours, achieving a striking motion blur effect from front to rear. This exclusive Bespoke technique also gives the coachwork a subtle texture inspired by the crusted surface of the Bonneville Salt Flats, set beneath a high gloss lacquer, which is polished for more than 12 hours to achieve a glass-like finish.

The realisation of this extraordinary finish required the marque to undertake 18 months of surface testing and development before the marque’s Bespoke Collective of engineers, craftspeople and designers achieved a result befitting to Rolls-Royce standards. The total investment in time developing the material chemistry, application technique and surface finishing makes Gradient Paint one of the most technically complex paints that Rolls-Royce has ever created.

CONTRAST PALETTE
Contrast to the Gradient Paint is provided by Bright Yellow bumper inserts and Bespoke wheel pinstripes, subtly recalling the yellow circle within Thunderbolt’s black arrow. In another Rolls-Royce first, Black Arrow’s V-struts, located behind the radiator grille and in front of the engine, are also finished in Bright Yellow, subtly drawing the eye to the V12 engine behind the Black Badge dark chrome grille surround. This use of Bright Yellow extends to the base of the motor car’s layered carbon fibre Spirit of Ecstasy, which incorporates a Bright Yellow ring detail and an engraving of the Collection name.

V12 LEGACY FASCIA
To commemorate Rolls-Royce’s last-ever V12 coupé, the marque’s Bespoke Collective of designers, craftspeople and engineers collaborated to create a unique artwork for Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow’s fascia. The intricate, tactile design skilfully depicts the contemporary V12 engine in Wraith. In keeping with the Black Badge family’s noir ambience, the highly complex design – itself the product of two months of development – is engraved in a single sheet of black-coated aluminium to reveal the gleaming metal beneath, providing a bold visual link to Thunderbolt’s polished aluminium body.

BESPOKE VENEER
Black Arrow’s coach doors are lined with open-pore Black Wood, in a complex design comprising over 320 multi-directional and lasered marquetry pieces that mimics the cracked, irregular surface of the Bonneville Salt Flats. This extraordinary feature also extends onto the rear ‘Waterfall’ panel, which separates the two rear seats.

CONSOLE SPEEDFORM
Thunderbolt underwent a series of design iterations during its lifetime. Its final shape, in which it captured the records commemorated in Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow, is preserved forever in the illuminated, polished aluminium Speedform encapsulated behind glass on the front console.

NEW ‘CLUB’ LEATHER
Inside, Black Arrow’s interior is provisioned with a new material type developed specifically for the Collection. The armrests, seat gussets, transmission tunnel, door detail, door panniers and lower dashboard panel are all finished in ‘Club Leather’ – its intentional greater sheen and even deeper black colouration provide a subtle contrast to the matte Rolls-Royce natural-grain black leather. The leather’s natural markings are intentionally emphasised to give the interior more visible ‘life lines’, and a closer resemblance to what was described at the time as “the club-armchair type of driving seat which George [Eyston] prefers above all others”. In keeping with the Black Badge series’ use of daring pulses of colour, Bright Yellow is employed for the front seat leather. Atop the seat, the outer headrest features an arrow embroidery motif, providing rich, tactile detail and referencing the arrow symbol painted on Thunderbolt’s aluminium body to enable the electric timing equipment to ‘see’ and capture the car at full speed.

TRACK GUIDE
When the steering wheel is set in a straight-ahead position, a dark marking at the twelve o’clock position aligns with a similar pattern in the seats. This references the black lines Eyston’s team painted on the white Salt Flats to help him maintain direction – his sole point of reference at speeds of over 350 mph. In recognition of the significance of this marking, this track guide flows in a deliberately asymmetric line from the steering wheel to the driver’s and rear passengers’ seats.

RECORD CONSTELLATION
Given Thunderbolt’s record-breaking status, it is only fitting that Black Arrow incorporates a record of its own. Casting a dramatic night’s-sky ambience over the interior suite, Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow’s Bespoke Starlight Headliner incorporates 2,117 fibre-optic ‘stars’ – the greatest number ever seen in a Rolls-Royce motor car. All individually arranged by hand, the ‘stars’ depict the Milky Way as seen from vast open spaces, and the constellations precisely as they would have appeared over the Salt Flats in Utah on 16 September 1938, the date of Eyston’s final, immutable record.

BLACK ARROW CLOCK
Inspired by the analogue instruments of the 1930s, the fascia clock bezel references the raw, technical aesthetic of Thunderbolt’s interior, enhanced by black hand-tips that mimic the original car’s side-arrows; the surround is inscribed with the legend ‘Bonneville’ and Thunderbolt’s everlasting record speed for a V12-engined car of 357.497 mph. A further ‘arrow’ detail appears on the motor car’s Bespoke treadplates.

ENGINE BADGE
An exclusive Bespoke plaque is mounted on the engine cover to signify this as the last V12 ever to be fitted to a Rolls-Royce coupé. Machined from a single piece of polished metal, the plaque is inscribed with the V12 monogram in Bright Yellow, and the legend ‘Final Coupé Collection’ in Black.

All 12 motor cars in the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow Collection have been allocated to clients around the world.

India’s Jehan Daruvala swept to a double podium finish in the Saudi Arabian round of the Formula 2 championship this weekend.

The 24-year-old, who races for Dutch team MP Motorsport, had gone from fifth to third after engaging in a hard-fought battle for the win in Saturday’s Sprint Race.

He followed that up with another drive to the final podium spot after a perfectly-executed, measured display in Sunday’s longer Feature event, making him the only driver to finish in the top-three in both races this weekend.

Jehan said, “This was a really strong weekend for us and some much-needed results after the disappointment of Bahrain. We were quick and consistent all throughout and we executed everything perfectly which allowed us to capitalise on our potential. We can take a lot of confidence away from the Saudi round and I’m really looking forward to the upcoming races.”

This is the second successive year that Jehan has finished in the top-three in Jeddah, having gone from 14th to third in the Feature Race at the track last year.

Jehan made a lightning start off the line in Saturday’s Sprint Race but was boxed in by the Campos cars of Ralph Boschung and compatriot Kush Maini.

A second-lap safety car that bunched the field up gave him a shot at passing Maini and Jehan duly seized the opportunity to muscle his way past his fellow Indian and set off in pursuit of Red Bull-backed racer Jak Crawford.

Jehan despatched Crawford on Lap 7 just seconds before a collision between Theo Pourchaire and Oliver Bearman triggered a second safety car period.

Jehan was hot on second-placed Boschung’s heels as the race got underway. The Swiss racer was powerless to resist the MP Motorsport racer’s charge as he swept around the outside of Turn 1 to take second.

He then battled Iwasa, while also keeping the rapid Martins behind him at bay, before ultimately having to concede after his turn 1 gamble for a fifth F2 win failed to pay off.

On Sunday, starting fourth after moving up a spot thanks to a penalty for Theo Pourchaire, he was among the drivers to make an early stop before then managing his pace and tyre wear to perfection.

He crossed the behind winner Frederik Vesti and second-placed Jack Doohan.

The Formula 2 championship now heads to Australia for its March 31-April 2 fixture where the series will race around Melbourne’s Albert Park for the first time.

After successful tournaments in Delhi NCR and Chennai, Nissan Motor India has brought its ‘Move Beyond Golf Tournament’ to Kolkata, where it showcased its recently unveiled Global Premium SUVs X-Trail and Qashqai at The Tollygunge Club. Abhinav Apjit Bindra, was a special guest at the event, doing the tee off and presenting the prizes to the winners of the one-day golf tournament.

The tournament, which caters to a group of over 100 customers provides the participants with a day of golf and an opportunity to experience Nissan’s global, premium SUVs. The SUVs – the X-Trail and the Qashqai were first unveiled in October. The tournament will see members of the golf club compete under their respective categories. The categories of prizes will be Handicap Category Winners, Handicap Category Runner Up, Gross Winner, Gross Runner Up, Spot Prize Winners – Longest Drive, Closest to Pin, Nissan Powerful Drive Award, and Nissan Stylish Player Award.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rakesh Srivastava, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India Pvt Ltd, said, “At Nissan Motor India, we believe in constantly enhancing the customer experience. We are thrilled to organize the Nissan Move Beyond golf tournament, a multi-city initiative designed to bring the Nissan brand experience closer to our premium customers and we are confident that this event will be a significant step towards building stronger relationships with them. The X-Trail and the Qashqai are globally renowned products, and the interest we have seen in both since our first showcase last October has been heart-warming.”

Nissan Motor India is committed to strengthening its presence in the Eastern India Region, which contributes to 15% of its overall sales. With around 20 dealers and sales points, Nissan is expanding its dealership network to provide customers with hassle-free buying and servicing experience. The Nissan Magnite has received an overwhelming response with 9,000 units in the Eastern India Region, reflecting the growing demand for Nissan’s products in this area.

In October last year, Nissan showcased its premium SUVs X-Trail, Qashqai, and Juke in India and announced the launch plans of these SUVs. X-Trail and Qashqai are undergoing feasibility tests in and around the company’s facilities in Chennai. Nissan aims to assess the SUVs’ suitability for the Indian car market and each vehicle’s ability to meet the needs of buyers.

Nissan has also announced that X-Trail would be the first model that would be introduced in the Indian market once the tests conclude successfully. The Nissan X-Trail is a premium SUV, available in both 5 and 7-seater. This X-Trail is equipped with Nissan’s innovative e-POWER drivetrain to power up family adventures.

A segment-defining model, the Nissan Qashqai marked with striking design is offered with two distinct powertrain options – one with 1.3-liter petrol with mild hybrid, which is offered with two outputs, and the other, powered by Nissan’s exclusive e-POWER technology.

AC Cars, Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer – having been in business since 1901, will fully unveil its stunning new model, the AC Cobra GT Roadster, this April with the first customers then given the opportunity to see the car for themselves at exclusive spring and summer preview events in Europe.

The all new, and exclusive high-performance roadster is the return of one of motoring’s most famous names. With a clean sheet design, the AC Cobra GT Roadster is a cutting-edge modern sports car, produced using the latest technology and engineering processes, yet it remains faithful to the spirit of the original AC Cobra from the 1960s.

A highly accomplished and usable GT sports car, the new model shares no components with the original yet is instantly recognizable. Once again powered by the V8 petrol engine, but this time delivering up to 654bhp (663PS), the new AC Cobra uses a highly advanced extruded aluminium spaceframe chassis developed specifically for the car.

Extremely strong and light, the new chassis allows for the perfect layout as well as optimized suspension geometry and weight distribution. Incorporating competition derived engineering, the car is a pure-bred sports car with phenomenal handling and performance.

Styled by a team of world class designers, the exterior bodywork and interior of the new AC Cobra retains a modern personality but with a timeless aesthetic, and incorporates some of the latest materials and technology. The interior includes hand finished unique elements, unseen in the automotive world before, and the augmentation of analogue instruments with Digital Glass displays – a bespoke combination. Substantially improved ergonomics mean that the cabin suits drivers of all sizes, with the space afforded by the new chassis design providing a high level of comfort and refinement.

With orders already taken, following the release of the new AC Cobra’s first details last December 2022, the car’s limited production means customers will need to act quickly to secure one of the first cars due in 2024.

David Conza, Chief Executive Officer of AC Cars, said: “Developing and delivering a car worthy of the AC Cobra name has not been an easy task, but I am delighted and immensely proud of what we have achieved. This is a sports car like no other, and we have employed some of the industry’s leading designers and engineers to craft an outstanding automobile that is extremely beautiful as well as fantastically quick and amazing to drive.

“We wanted to respect the AC Cobra’s heritage, and while the design has taken influence from the restomod approach it has a more sophisticated feel in keeping with a classic British roadster. This, along with the race-bred personality of the original AC Cobra, means we have produced an unrivalled vehicle that’s totally modern and relevant to today’s connoisseurs – a true 21st century sports car.”

The new AC Cobra GT Roadster is expected to cost from £285,000 including VAT in the UK, with prices varying according to exchange rates and taxes in the country of delivery.

Inheriting a profile rightly regarded as legendary, but delivering a revolution in design, the new AC Cobra GT Roadster is the result of more than three years’ intense investment and development. Focused on producing the most advanced Cobra ever, AC Cars is scheduled to unveil its exclusive new sports car in April 2023.

The new AC Cobra was conceived as a true grand tourer, combining speed, agility and balance with comfort and practicality. Designed to be fully road legal, meet homologation standards were applicable, and incorporate modern safety features, every aspect, from the styling through to ergonomics, has been considered.

With its own facilities in the UK and Germany, AC Cars is working with leading industry suppliers for the AC Cobra’s design and development, and construction of the new car heralds the return of European production for the company’s vehicles. In addition to its new Donington HQ, AC Cars will continue to expand its development and production capabilities in the UK.

Instantly recognisable as an AC Cobra, the new model’s styling is a measured development of the historic car’s shape, albeit with some modern attributes, and it artfully preserves the original proportions. With work from the Icona Design Group, the beautiful carbon composite body delivers crisp styling details and an overall aesthetic that is perfectly balanced and highly evocative of the cars that left AC Cars’ Thames Ditton factory in the 1960s.

Talking of the new AC Cobra GT Roadster, Samuel Chuffart, Global Design Director Icona Group, said: “The design challenge was a delicate one: to bring the AC Cobra back into a century of technology and advanced ergonomics, yet with a natural evolution that would not betray the car’s past. The finished roadster catches up on more than 50 years of progress, to offer a truly Iconic everyday super car with unmatched power and glamour.

“On top of integrating important standards such as cabin space, ease of access, safety and usability, the transition of the roadster into an all-weather car required creating an important step forward. We had to allow the driver to enjoy long distance trips with all the excitement or the legendary AC Cobra, but with none of the compromises.”

The vehicle’s cutting edge, extruded aluminium space frame chassis, produced specifically by AC Cars with support from Cecomp s.p.a. in Italy, means the two seater will provide a benchmark in driving and dynamics. Extremely light and stiff, and with exceptional torsional rigidity, the chassis allows for better packaging of the powertrain, steering and suspension.

The new chassis has a wheelbase of 2570mm, 284 mm longer than the AC Cobra Mk. VI, yet the car’s overall length has gown only 110mm, up to 4225mm. The car’s track has also been optimised to give it a wider stance, which, along with the car’s weight distribution and centre of gravity, has drastically improved handling and agility.

In keeping with the original AC Cobra’s competition pedigree, the car’s suspension configuration and geometry has been developed in close collaboration with a professional UK race team, which has consulted for AC throughout the development period. Tuned to be compliant yet responsive, it suits the nature of this high-performance sports car and makes the most of the car’s lightweight design.

Using a V8 engine developing up to 654bhp (663PS) and 575lb ft (780Nm), and with the choice of a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic gearbox in a car weighing under 1500kg, acceleration will be nothing less than spectacular – with a 0-60mph sprint of approximately 3.4sec. As you would expect from such an engine, the new AC Cobra GT Roadster’s soundtrack will be equally breath-taking.

The car features a bespoke interior, designed and commissioned for the roadster to reflect both its legacy and its modern approach to sports car engineering. With a high degree of hand finishing essential to deliver the required quality, the cabin elegantly fusses both analogue instrumentation and digital technology to enhance the driving experience. The new Advanced Driver Information Center (ADIC) technology shows all relevant engine information in direct eyeline, without disrupting the outstanding interior design or creating unwanted reflections on the windscreen.

Highly equipped as standard, the new AC Cobra GT Roadster will include features such as electric windows, climate control and a sat nav/infotainment system. A full list of options will be detailed at the car’s launch.

When the lights go out for the start of the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season in Bahrain this Sunday, Aston Martin will raise the intensity by unleashing the might of the DBX707, as an Official FIA Medical Car of Formula 1.

The critically acclaimed DBX707 has received significant engine, transmission, suspension, and brake upgrades, which have elevated the Aston Martin brand to the pinnacle of SUV performance. Add to that pin-point dynamics, new commanding body styling and an upgraded interior, and DBX707 becomes the point at which performance meets luxury. It is the fastest, most powerful, best handling and most engaging car of its kind.

Responsible for the vital task of transporting the sport’s medics to the scene of an incident, the previous DBX Medical Car saw its share of action during the past two Grand Prix seasons, and now DBX707 is ready to take its natural place on the world’s greatest circuits.

Achieving 0-60mph in just 3.1 seconds, DBX707 boasts 707PS with 900NM of torque. Engineered with an abundance of character and compelling capability, the drivers of the Official Medical Car of Formula 1 will now be able to get the medics to where they are needed faster than before.

Supplying the official cars has supported Aston Martin’s product development, with data gathered from the DBX being driven by a professional driver around the Grand Prix circuits helping its vehicle dynamics experts push boundaries while developing the high-performance DBX707.

One of the key upgrades is the introduction of a new wet clutch transmission, providing noticeably faster gear changes and an improved launch capability known as “Race Start” that is ready and waiting for the call to action from Race Control. Also key to the dynamic feel of the car, Pirelli, Formula 1 Global Tyre Partner, provides specifically developed P Zero tyres underlining the DBX707’s driver-focused credentials.

The DBX707 will be fully adapted and equipped for its role as Official FIA Medical Car. The essential equipment required, such as fire extinguishers, medical bags and a defibrillator all has its own place in the DBX707 so it is easy to check everything is onboard. The car is fitted with FIA-approved racing seats, each with a six-point racing harness as it will be driven to the limits on the track. The passengers will have access to communications from Race Control, and be able to see not only the FIA Marshalling system but biometric data from the F1® drivers and live television images, which will allow early assessment of any incident.

Roberto Fedeli, Aston Martin Chief Technology Officer, said: “DBX707 is the perfect vehicle for the critical role as an Official FIA Medical Car of Formula 1®, providing the performance and punch required for the world’s greatest racing circuits, in addition to the flexibility and space required by the sport’s officials and medics.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Formula 1® and the FIA this season, with the pinnacle of motorsport a perfect environment for Aston Martin to showcase the capabilities of our ultra-luxury high-performance cars. With the eyes of the world on our products, there is pressure to perform, but that intensity pushes us to constantly improve. Seeing our cars used in an official capacity at such prestigious events is something that everyone at Aston Martin is very proud of.”

The now familiar sight of the Aston Martin Vantage FIA Safety Car leading the F1 cars around on the formation lap will remain in 2023 with a specially-adapted and equipped Aston Martin Vantage continuing as the Official Safety Car of Formula 1. Developed by the Engineering team at Aston Martin’s world-leading sports car design and engineering facility in Gaydon, UK, this one-of-a-kind Vantage is the fastest of its kind and equipped with FIA-specified safety equipment for its crucial role in F1.

Alan van der Merwe, FIA Medical Car driver said: “The updated FIA Medical Car is an impressive step forward and ensures that we will keep pace in the high-speed world of Formula 1®. It’s definitely going to allow the Medical Car team to fully focus on the job and respond quickly and safely during any on-track deployments. It’s great to be heading into a new season well prepared and well equipped.”

Driven by the vastly-experienced Bernd Mayländer, the Vantage FIA Safety Car is also packed with performance learnings from the many Aston Martin Vantage race cars that compete across the globe every year. The multiple-championship-winning Vantage continues to storm the international GT racing stage, and has already had a winning start to the 2023 racing season by taking the GT victory in January’s Rolex 24 at Daytona.

The Safety Car is inspired by Aston Martin’s highly desirable Vantage Formula 1 Edition, which has proved a huge commercial success since being launched in 2021 to celebrate the marque’s return to the pinnacle of motorsport. Attracting a new breed of customers to the brand, customer research indicates that more than 72% of Vantage Formula 1 Edition owners have never previously owned an Aston Martin, further demonstrating the importance of Formula 1 as a crucial pillar of Aston Martin’s overall brand strategy.

With both the Vantage and DBX707 painted in the same iconic Aston Martin Racing Green colours as the two Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team cars driven by experienced racer Lance Stroll and two-time F1 World Champion, Fernando Alonso, they will be impossible to miss when the 2023 Formula 1 season roars into life this weekend.

Building on its nearly century-old legacy of producing iconic automobiles, MG Motor India today announced the name of its upcoming Smart EV as ‘Comet’. The name derives inspiration from the iconic 1934 British airplane which participated in the England-Australia MacRobertson Air Race.

The ‘Comet’ is here at a time when driving in congested urban cities is becoming a stressful chore that calls for an urgent need for agile and futuristic solutions amidst skyrocketing fuel costs, sparse parking spaces, and increasing pollution. Electric vehicles can help reduce environmental impact, save costs, and offer convenience as well as comfort. The ‘Comet’ goes a step further to achieve this goal by providing seamless mobility, which is connected, automatic, electric and shared.

According to Mr. Rajeev Chaba, President and Managing Director, MG Motor India, “Urban mobility is at a point of inflexion where New Age solutions are needed to address both the current as well the forthcoming challenges. As we move further into the digital age, we will witness an exceedingly large number of innovations that could range from futuristic technologies to unique designs to clean mobility and many others. We at MG, through ‘Comet’, intend to take the needed decisive steps and a ‘leap of faith’ in the direction of creating solutions for a better future for each one of us.”

MG Motor India’s current portfolio includes vehicles such as the Hector which was named after a World War II fighter British biplane built in the late 1930s. Similarly, the Gloster is named after a prototype jet-engine aircraft that was made in Britain and first flown in 1941.

With the Heritage Vehicle movement gaining popularity in all major cities across the world, it would not be long before Howrah – a 500-year-old city of West Bengal, India – had their very first Heritage Drive which was held on Sunday, February 19, 2023.

A joint initiative between Icche Dana – a group dedicated to protect our socio-cultural heritage joined hands with Deborshi Sadhan Billy Bose – Chairman of EMSAA (Eastern Motor Sports Automobile Associate), who himself is the 6th generation of the Howrah Ramkrishnapur Bose Family and a vintage car & bike enthusiast himself decided to present Howrah its first ever Heritage Drive event.

The event was held at the Domurjala Stadium in association with HIDCO and Howrah City Police with Yamaha as one of the main sponsors.

There were about 60 cars and bikes with famous marques like Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Studebaker, Rover, Citroen, Morris, Fiat, Ford, Land Rover, and Toyota to name a few in the 4-wheeler category and James Villiers, Triumph, Matchless, Royal Enfield, Lambretta, and Bajaj among others in the 2-wheeler category.

Come the morning of February 19 and Howrah woke up to witness the beauties parked in the Domurjala Stadium. All the owners along with their family members and support staff were welcomed by the organising committee with rose petals and tilak. This was followed by the breakfast.

The Heritage Drive was flagged off by Shri. Arup Roy (Honourable Minister), Dr. Sujoy Chakraborty (Chairman, HMC), Mr. Debangshu Das (Vice Chairman, HMC) for a short four kilometre drive around the stadium with Howrah Police escorting these vehicles.

The crowds cheered with the mobile cameras clicking at random as the heritage cars and bikes hit the road. Later, the gathering witnessed a musical and dance performance which was followed by the handover of appreciation mementos and certificates to all the owners.

The day ended with a confirmation from Barun Karaty, Co-ordinator of Icche Dana and Deborshi Sadhan Billy Bose of EMSAA that this event which marked the beginning of the Howrah Heritage Drive will henceforth be an annual affair. This announcement brought joy to all those who were present, especially the residents of Howrah.