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.

British supercar company McLaren Automotive has announced a multi-year partnership with engine supplier Ricardo to manufacture its next-generation V8 power unit as part of a long-term investment deal.

Designed in-house by McLaren’s powertrain team, the new high-performance V8 engine will power the next generation of lightweight, high-performance hybrid supercars as part of the company’s Future of Performance strategy.

The agreement sees a continuation of the long-term relationship between the two UK-based companies with Ricardo building both the V6 and V8 engines that will power McLaren’s existing and future high-performance hybrid supercars.

Since the introduction of the McLaren’s first series production supercar, the 12C in 2011, Ricardo has produced around 34,000 McLaren powertrains at its purpose-built assembly facility at Shoreham-by-Sea before delivering them around 50 miles away to the McLaren Production Centre, in Woking, Surrey, where McLaren designs and hand-builds its supercars.

The agreement ensures Ricardo will supply both hybrid and non-hybrid variants and, together with McLaren, make further significant investment in the high-performance engine production facility at Shoreham, with over 100 expert manufacturing engineers and technicians dedicated to supplying McLaren’s high-performance powertrains.

Michael Leiters, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive, said: “Our new high-performance, hybrid V8 powertrain will form an integral part of McLaren’s next generation product line-up delivering best-in-class performance and thrilling driver engagement.

“This new agreement with Ricardo is, therefore, an important part of our ‘Future of Performance’ strategy and builds on the enduring relationship between the two British companies, providing a boost for jobs and ensuring increased investment in what is a vitally important domestic engineering supply chain for future technologies.”

Graham Ritchie, Chief Executive Officer, Ricardo, commented: “We are extremely pleased to have concluded this new engine supply agreement with McLaren Automotive for their next generation high-performance V8 powertrain, which extends the long-term relationship between both companies into the next decade.

“Like McLaren, Ricardo has a proven track record of engineering excellence, delivering high performance technology and the highest standards of product quality supported by the upstream supply chain. With this agreement, we look forward to continuing our established and highly successful relationship with McLaren into its third decade.”

To celebrate the remarkable W12 engine that has powered its performance flagships and indeed the brand since 2003, Bentley has created the limited-edition Speed Edition 12. Powered by the most successful 12-cylinder engine of the modern era, the Speed Edition 12 models are a fitting farewell to an extraordinary engineering achievement.

Based on the Speed specification Bentayga, Flying Spur, Continental GT and Continental GT Convertible, the Edition 12 package features many unique design enhancements. These include Edition 12 badging, numbered engine plaque, Edition 12 embroidery, colour graduated seat contrast stitching, and a fascia in Grand Black veneer with the engine firing sequence etched alongside an inlaid Edition 12 badge.

Only 120 of each of four models will be produced, ensuring that the Speed Edition 12 will become a rare and sought-after tribute to an engine that has powered the company’s cars – and its fortunes – for two decades.

The Bentley W12
In 2003, Bentley’s W12 engine heralded a new era for the company as the powertrain for the first all-new model under Volkswagen Group ownership, the Continental GT. The unique W-formation of the 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 enabled it to be 24 per cent shorter than an equivalent V12 with no compromise in power, efficiency, or refinement. Ever since, continuous evolution has seen a 37 per cent increase in power and a 54 per cent increase in torque, along with a 25 per cent reduction in emissions. In the Speed Edition 12 models, the W12 now develops up to 659PS (650 bhp) @ 5000-6000 rpm, while the famed Bentley ‘tidal wave’ of torque sees a peak of 900Nm reached at just 1500 rpm and continuing unabated through to 5000 rpm.

Exterior
The external features of the Speed Edition 12 models are subtle yet carefully curated, making it instantly recognisable to those in the know. Among the distinctive details are silver brake callipers, which are not available for any other Bentley model. Continental GT and Convertible models feature Speed Edition 12 badging on the front fender while Bentayga and Flying Spur models carry Edition 12 badges on the rear quarter together with the existing Speed badge. Opening the bonnet reveals a numbered Edition 12 plaque in pride of place on the engine’s cover.

Other exterior features include Blackline specification exterior brightware, 22-inch black painted Speed alloy wheels, and self-levelling wheel badges. A new paint colour, Opalite, is available as an option: a light grey-green, it has a subtle copper effect that glows in bright sunshine.

Interior
Edition 12 welcome lamps and illuminated treadplates greet driver and passengers to an interior of hand-crafted individuality. All Edition 12 models are available with Bentley’s Speed colour splits; the main colour, Beluga black can either be chosen as the sole upholstery colour or complemented by Brunel blue, Cricketball red, Linen or Orange. Veneer in each case is high gloss Grand Black.

Unique features of this limited edition include seats with Mulliner Silver piping and embroidered Edition 12 namestyle. The upper seat areas are quilted, and contrast stitched in a graduated three-colour ‘fade’ from Anthracite through Porpoise to Stratos. Quilted door panels are contrast stitched.

The organ stop air vents are also unique, featuring the numeral ‘12’ machined from solid on the face of the control. As another delightful detail, the Grand Black veneer facia facing the front seat passenger features the firing sequence of the W12 engine etched alongside an inlaid Speed Edition 12 badge.

Commemorative 15% scale model W12 block
As a final touch, customers will receive a precise 15 per cent scale model of the Bentley W12 block as a commemorative artefact for display on desk, cabinet or shelf. The scale model W12 engines are cast using aluminium taken from a full-size W12 engine block and will serve as a permanent memento of one of Bentley’s most significant and powerful engines.

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.

The London Concours, presented by Montres Breguet, has announced the latest class for June’s unmissable event: Grand Tourisme. The carefully curated category will bring together the finest examples of France’s ingenious, idiosyncratic automobiles through the decades; cars that do things their own way, often with a dash of madness and always with consummate style. The gallic machines will join a display of close to 100 fabulous privately owned cars in the immaculate grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company, from June 6-8, at what is set to be London’s best automotive garden party yet.

The class will include one of the most elegant French GT cars of all: the Facel Vega Facel II. Introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1961, the grand, Chrysler V8 powered machine was billed as the fastest four-seater coupé in the word; the top speed was billed as 150mph for the 390bhp, four-speed manual equipped cars. In its time, the Facel II was not only one of the fastest cars in terms of top speed, but also one of the fastest accelerating; it was quicker from 0-60mph than the Aston Martin DB4 and Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing. Such performance came with an imposing price tag: this car cost fifty percent more than its direct rivals, and three times more than a Jaguar E-Type. Owners in period included Pablo Picasso, Christian Dior and Sir Stirling Moss. It remains one of the greatest – and one of the last – substantial French coupés. Facel Vega declared bankruptcy shortly after the 180-car production run ended, making this the last of an era.

June’s show will feature another elegant French coupé, to many, one of the most stylish vehicles of all: the Citroen SM – in particularly desirable 5-speed manual, 2.7 injection form. This variant featured a soulful V6 under the stunning bodywork – sourced from Maserati, who the French marque had bought in 1968. The SM, with an impossibly sleek body and supremely smooth ride was designed to cruise across Europe at high-speeds, in total comfort, thanks to its innovative hydro-pneumatic suspension. The compellingly stylish package proved irresistible to many famous faces; a Citroen SM owners’ club might have counted football star Johan Cruyff, Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, musician Carlos Santana, and the Shah of Iran as members. Ugandan dictator Idi Amin was perhaps the most committed SM enthusiast of all though, at one point reportedly owning seven of the sleek French machines.

Some of France’s more sporting, lightweight coupé offerings will also star this June, including the delightful Alpine A110, in high-performance 1600S trim. The long serving A110 was in production from 1963 until 1977, using diminutive dimensions and featherlight weight to deliver superb performance, whether on road or on a rally special stage. The sub-700kg 1600S variant launched in 1969, and featured a feisty twin-Weber carb equipped 4-cylinder motor, sending 138bhp to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual ‘box – enough for 0-60mph in under 7 seconds and over 130mph flat out. Another special example of French engineering ingenuity.

The Honourable Artillery Company will also welcome the modern incarnation of the A110, the very latest variant, in ultimate ‘Légende GT’ form. The A110 has won over enthusiasts alike since its introduction in 2017, with a driving experience defined by refreshing lightness and fluid handling. Many consider the GT Légende to be the sweet-spot of the range, combining the softer suspension of the standard A110 with the punchier, ‘S’ spec, 296bhp version of the 1.8-litre turbocharged four. Mounted amidships, it drives through a snappy dual-clutch ‘box. With only 1,134kg to motivate performance is serious: 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. June’s show will offer a great opportunity to examine this modern Alpine alongside its ancestor.

The display of French icons will also include a contender for the coolest ‘80s car of all: the Renault 5 Turbo. Introduced in 1980 the wild, mid-engined rear wheel drive machines bore little resemblance to the cooking Renault 5s. A true homologation special, the Turbo was extensively reworked with one goal in mind: success on the fearsome special stages of Group B rallying. Aluminium was used for the Turbo’s roof and doors, while the shell was strengthened and widened to give a cartoonish stance. The 1.4-litre boosted motor put out 160bhp on road trim, and with just 900kg to shift, gave the pugnacious looking hatch a real turn of pace: it could hit 0-60mph in just 6.6 seconds, at a time when a conventionally quick car, the Golf GTI, took 9 seconds.

The 5 Turbo will be joined by its mad spiritual successor, the Clio V6, which arrived on the scene in 2001. The V6 again shared little with the standard Clio supermini on which it was technically based, transformed with a widened shell, rear wheel drive and a sweet, mid-mounted 227bhp 3.0-litre V6. The first ‘Phase 1’ cars were built in Britain by Tom Walkinshaw Racing, while the later Phase 2 machines were assembled by Renault Sport in Dieppe. Today the V6 stands out as another shining beacon of French automotive independent thinking, as well as one of the wonderful flashes of madness that, for many, rendered the early 2000s a high-water mark for the car industry.

This is just a taste of what to expect from this June’s event which will feature a spectacular range of machinery from a range of exotic marques. Further class announcements will follow in the coming weeks and months, as we build towards the 7th edition of this unmissable event.

Andrew Evans, London Concours Director, said: “We’re delighted to announce that our event this June will celebrate the most fabulous French cars ever produced. The Grand Toursime line-up, carefully curated by our team, will highlight the consistently idiosyncratic genius of the French automotive industry, machines that delight with both their engineering ingenuity and stunning looks. They’re going to add real colour and gallic charm to our show which is now under two months away. It’s going to be our most spectacular yet! Stay tuned in the coming weeks for further exciting class announcements.”

In addition to a fantastic selection of cars – the best yet assembled – guests to the Honorary Artillery Company will be treated to a decadent range of food and drink options – including a brand-new Club Concours hospitality experience, engaging live stage discussions, as well as a carefully selected line-up of luxury brands and boutiques. London Concours 2023 is set to be another occasion of total automotive indulgence.