Royal Enfield has launched the new Hunter 350 in Kolkata. Engineered and designed for the urban hustle, the new Hunter 350 is a remixed roadster with the character of a Royal Enfield reimagined in a stylish, compact-yet-muscular geometry, that can tackle crowded city streets, suburban backroads and beyond, with aplomb.

West Bengal continues to be one of the key growth markets for Royal Enfield with a significant customer base in the roadster segment. Over the last few years, Royal Enfield motorcycles have built a strong riding community in the state and enjoys a substantial market share in the mid-size motorcycle segment (>250cc-750cc). The Hunter 350 will open up new audiences for Royal Enfield in the state, thanks to its functional and simplistic design ingenuity that’s refreshingly new but exudes old school cool and retains that essential Royal Enfield DNA. The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 will be available across all its around 99 touch points in the state of West Bengal.

Commenting on the inspiration of the new Hunter 350, Royal Enfield CEO, B Govindarajan, said, “At Royal Enfield we are closely engaged with our consumers and community. Their desires and aspirations shape the motorcycles we make and we are always looking to create newer experiences and newer formats of pure motorcycling for them. There were always a set of passionate motorcyclists that loved our brand, but did not find the right kind of attitude within our portfolio. The Hunter 350 is for them. It is a motorcycle that combines the strengths of seemingly different species, and brings it together in a super stylish and fun package that is an all-new flavour of pure motorcycling with the unmistakable Royal Enfield character.”

The Hunter 350 is distinctly unique within the Royal Enfield line-up. Built on the award-winning 350cc J-series platform, combined with a highly flickable Harris Performance chassis, the Hunter delivers agility without fragility on city streets and sheer, grin-inducing pleasure on the open road.

Walk up to the Hunter 350 and you’ll long to jump on this fun, tactile motorcycle with its old school analogue meets new age vibes. Fire it up and you’ll be greeted with an appealing burble that transforms into a spine-tingling growl as you accelerate away. Cut through congested streets thanks to its compact geometry, nimble steering and confident braking. Take it beyond the city limits and this remixed roadster will glide along the straights on wide alloys and tubeless tyres. Then, angle it into twists and turns and its firm and ultra-responsive chassis and torquey 350cc engine will light up your senses.

Commenting on the launch of the Hunter 350 in Kolkata, V Jayapradeep, India Business Head, said, “The Hunter 350 is an outcome of several years of insight gathering and consumer studies from across the world. It is a motorcycle that feels right at home in big metropolises and is exciting for the experienced rider, and easy and accessible for a new rider. Its shorter wheelbase, more compact geometry and lighter weight makes it very nimble and maneuverable within the urban context. In West Bengal. we are very confident that this new reimagined roadster will usher in a whole new set of consumers, into our world of pure motorcycling.”

Sound, colour, styling, handling, performance – everything about the fleet-footed Hunter 350 is designed to wake you up with an experience like no other.

It comes in two distinct editions – Retro Hunter and Metro Hunter – both finished with on-trend, blacked-out engines and components. The Retro Hunter runs on 17-inch spoked wheels and has a 300mm front disc brake combined with a 6-inch rear drum brake, single channel ABS, an uncluttered retro-styled digital-analogue instrument cluster that displays just the right amount of essential information and a choice of two classical, single-colour tanks.

The Metro Hunter has a more contemporary look with dual-colour liveries, cast alloy wheels, wide tubeless tyres, and rounded rear lights. There are five colourways across two editions on the Metro Hunter. A selection of three chic tank colour and graphics options on one edition, and the top of the range edition, finished with a choice of three of the most distinctive and disruptive petrol tank designs ever to adorn a Royal Enfield. It is also compatible with Royal Enfield’s acclaimed Tripper TBT navigation which is available to order as a Genuine Motorcycle Accessory.

Both Metro editions are equipped with alloy wheels and wider 110/70 x 17-inch front and 140/70 x 17-inch rear tubeless tyres for superior handling and muscular good looks, 300mm front and 270mm rear disc brakes, dual channel ABS, and a handy centre stand. An LED tail lamp and premium digital-analogue instrument cluster that displays odometer, tripmeter, gear indicator, fuel graph bar with low fuel warning, clock and a service reminder complete this stylish package. All Hunter editions feature uncluttered handlebar controls, their rotary power and lighting switches giving a gentle nod to the past, and are fitted with a USB charging port.

The Hunter was conceived and developed by the talented designers and engineers at Royal Enfield’s two state-of-the-art technology centers, in India and the UK, and renowned chassis experts, Harris Performance. Their mission – to deliver an exhilarating ride experience; a fusion of the superlative J-series engine with refreshed chassis proportions for enhanced agility and responsiveness.

The chassis geometry on the Hunter 350 is designed to give the optimal height-to-weight ratio while offering superior comfort, thanks to its wide, long, one-piece seat. With revised rake and trail angles, a lower 800mm seat height and shorter wheelbase, the Hunter’s exceptional maneuverability encourages greater confidence when carving through cramped streets and feels planted and stable in every location and situation.

The Hunter is powered by the modern, globally acclaimed 349cc air-oil cooled single cylinder J-series engine, recently launched on the Meteor and Classic 350. Fuel-injected, it produces 20.2 bhp at 6100 rpm and 27 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm resulting in strong, low-end grunt, super smooth linear power delivery with an engine calibration to give a lively throttle response and a distinctive exhaust note to suit the character of the Hunter. With a primary balancer shaft to cut down vibrations, it feels both responsive and refined while its gear shifting is crisp and smooth thanks to an optimized 5-speed gearbox.

The Hunter is supported by an ecosystem of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories. These can be added when ordering the bike, on Royal Enfield’s user-friendly App and MiY (Make It Yours) personalisation platform or at a later date. The Suburban range features protective and functional attachments, such as engine and sump guards, pannier mounts and luggage, custom seat and touring mirrors. Options in the Urban range include a signature bench seat, black LED indicators, a tinted flyscreen and a minimalist ‘tail tidy’ rear end. All have a premium finish and are a hassle-free fit straight onto your motorcycle. For further self-expression, a selection of superior riding gear, including gorgeous helmets in complementary colours, t-shirts and smart personal accessories are available.

Aimed at young riders, the Hunter is available for test ride and bookings in West Bengal. The new Hunter 350 starts at INR 1,49,900/- for the Factory Series, INR 1,63,900 /- for the Dapper Series and INR 1,68,900 for the Rebel Series (ex-showroom, West Bengal). Available in exciting colour options such as Rebel Blue, Rebel Red, Rebel Black, Dapper Ash, Dapper White, Dapper Grey, Factory Black and Factory Silver.

Customers can discover, book a test ride, book and customize their Hunter 350 via the Royal Enfield App, on the company website at royalenfield.com or at their nearest Royal Enfield dealership.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. has announced the launch of Industry First In-App innovative digital services through its connected technology platform- Bluelink™. Hyundai has partnered with Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Park+ to provide a complete range of end-to-end timesaving fuel and parking services. These newly introduced In-App Value-added Services are innovative feature on Bluelink™ offering customers seamless services and contactless payment options for services like Fuel & Parking in just a few clicks.

Commenting on the announcement of the Bluelink In-App Value-added Services, Jae Wan Ryu, Executive Director – Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor India said, “Strengthening our brand philosophy of “Beyond Mobility”, we are delighted to share another strong move towards offering the most advanced technology with more exciting features, that will enrich and augment the future mobility experience of our customers. We have leveraged our tech prowess to take customer convenience a notch higher and realize our goal of delivering the connected mobility solutions of the future.With the rollout of these In-App service through Hyundai Bluelink™ connected technology platform, HMIL has become the First OEM in India to offer one-stop solution of contactless payment services for Fuel & Parking.”

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. V Satish Kumar, Director (Marketing), IndianOil, said, “IndianOil true to its continuous pursuit for innovative processes and superior customer experience, has brought another path breaking offering for the customers by partnering with Hyundai by leveraging their Bluelink In-App payment solution. We are quite excited about this partnership which is expected to unfold a unique digital payment experience and would further enhance the culture of digitization in our retail business processes.”

“Park+ has been making conscious efforts to partner with like-minded automobile OEMs, to enhance car ownership experiences for users. As part of this strategy, we are excited to collaborate with Hyundai Motor India Ltd and offer our smart parking services to its users. We at Park+ have taken something that has historically been painful & intimidating – finding a parking spot and made it effortless. Hyundai car owners will now be able to discover, book and pay for a parking spot, with a smile. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership, to bring car ownership delight to as many Hyundai car owners as possible”, said Mr. Amit Lakhotia, Founder & CEO, Park+, on the partnership with Hyundai Motor India Ltd.

Hyundai Bluelink™ is a connected technology platform that combines intelligent automotive and IT technologies in order to provide greater comfort, safety, and convenience for customers. Bluelink™ will now offer the In-App services with Hyundai only exclusive benefits such as rewards and discounts, contactless payment option, savings on refuelling and parking, as well as easy and secure transactions for utmost convenience.

The first step to accessing the In-App Value-added Services feature is downloading the Hyundai Bluelink™ App (available for both Android & iOS Mobile devices). After signing up through the smartphone application, the customers will be navigated to the Value-Added Services of IndianOil and Park+, followed by account registration, and purchasing of fuel and booking of parking slots, post which the customers will be directed to the payment portal within the app. All these transactions happening in the same platform to provide seamless Customer experience.

In-App Service – Fuel purchase

Hyundai’s partnership with Indian Oil Corporation Limited has made IndianOila pioneer to launch innovative and convenient prepaid fuel payment options. Customers will avail complete fuelling solution with ease of search, navigation, and advance payment options for refuelling before even visiting the fuel outlet. The partnership will also provide a dedicated customer base for IndianOil and reduce the turnaround time at the station.

In-App Service – Parking slot booking

Hyundai’s partnership with Park+ and its integrated solution with Bluelink™ offers users seamless parking solutions with an easy search of parking slots, hassle-free digital payment solutions, and timesaving before even visiting the Park+ enabled outlets for utmost comfort and convenience.

The In-app services on Hyundai Bluelink™ is an innovation in connected technology that has the potential to improve the lives of Hyundai customers. The customer centric platform enables Hyundai customers to make payments without switching to a different payment application platform thus enhancing the overall user experience.

These 2 In-App services are only the beginning and with this innovative platform, Hyundai aims to regularly introduce new services to provide utmost convenience to daily lives of customers.

MG Motor India has announced new i-SMART features in the upcoming Advanced Gloster. The ‘Advanced Gloster’ will now offer more than 75 Connected Car features.

The i-SMART intelligent system enables customers to connect with their car thus enhancing their overall driving experience. They will be able to monitor their car much more easily, activate any features they wish, and smoothly connect to their lifestyle choices.

Customers of the “Advanced Gloster” will be able to utilise the app as an in-car remote for the audio, air conditioning, and mood light in addition to the current i-SMART functions. Moreover, in addition to the current Apple Watch users, the i-SMART app will be made accessible for Android watch users as well, providing connectivity to a vast audience.

The navigation experience, powered by MapmyIndia, is further enhanced with live weather and AQI information on the navigation screen. The Advanced Gloster puts convenience at the forefront with the integrated ‘Discover App’, an inbuilt feature of MapmyIndia co-powered by Dineout, and Kogo. It simplifies and customises search results for restaurants, hotels, and more for customers. Additionally, the new Park+ headunit App will enable users to pre-book and pre-pay for parking slots even before they reach their destination.

The Advanced Gloster also features an advanced VR system, a distinguishing feature of i-SMART, that offers 100+ commands to control the Sunroof, AC, Music, Navigation, and newly added 35+ Hinglish commands. Customers can also personalise their in-car experience with customisable lock screen wallpaper.

Due to very high demand and increased waiting period for the diesel variant of Innova Crysta, TKM has decided to temporarily stop manufacturing. As a customer centric company, TKM are making efforts to supply the vehicles to customers who have already made bookings with their dealers. However, TKM will continue to take orders for the petrol variant of Innova Crysta.

The Toyota Innova, TKM’s flagship offering in India has come a long way ever since its introduction in 2005. Having created a niche of its own, the versatile segment leading Innova has always remained a notch above when compared to other models in the segment. Over the years, the vehicle has undergone several enhancements be it luxury, comfort or performance features , in order to meet the ever-changing needs of the Indian customers. Similarly, the second generation Innova Crysta, continues to win customer hearts , being a segment leader itself. Having found its home in close to 1 million households in India.

The first episode of ‘Beyond the Visible’, the new docuseries that takes the public behind-the-scenes of Alfa Romeo’s F1 Team ORLEN, is now live. For the first time ever, F1 enthusiasts and newcomers can discover the adrenaline-fuelled daily routine of over 500 experts who work tirelessly to excel in the world’s most watched motorsport competition.

‘Before we hit the ground’, the series’ opening episode, reveals the intensity and concentration involved in the preparation for a new season, whilst shedding light on the meticulous detail Team Managers put into their race strategies to maximise performance and keep the focus on the obvious goal: moving as fast as possible.

The opening episode displays the abundance of emotion, anticipation, and mental and physical preparation, which is rarely seen outside the F1 world. Daring to go ’beyond the visible’, Alfa Romeo has provided fans with a report of everything that precedes the highly anticipated inaugural race of the world championship.

Viewers will be able to gain an understanding of the perfect alchemy linking Alfa Romeo and Sauber, which goes far beyond the F1. These two brands have always focused on sporting and technological excellence, on and off the track. Alfa Romeo has been known as a ‘manifesto of noble sportsmanship since 1910’, actively working with the Sauber factory in Hinwil. Drivers, mechanics and engineers all collaborate in refining constantly evolving strategies and everchanging technical solutions, vital to competing at this level. This includes work on Alfa Romeo’s aerodynamic solutions, which will hopefully lead to the design of a single seater for exceptional performance levels.

Cristiano Fiorio, Alfa Romeo F1 Manager said: “Beyond the Visible” is an ambitious project that perfectly represents the values of the brand. Alfa Romeo represents noble Italian sportiness and has always distinguished itself throughout its history by a bold attitude capable of transferring visceral emotions to all car and performance enthusiasts. The “Beyond the Visible” project is no exception: engaging and inclusive, true to the brand’s DNA.”

Away from the limelight, more than 500 professionals of the Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN work tirelessly every day to chase perfection in strategic, mechanical and engineering decisions, to give their team the best chance to compete in Formula 1. The new ‘Beyond the Visible’ series allows fans to have the opportunity to feel part of all this.

“Before we hit the ground” is only the first of the five episodes to be posted on the Alfa Romeo’s official social media pages and YouTube channel throughout the 2022 racing season. Multitudes of behind-the-scenes stories will be told in the five episodes of the all-digital project: from strategic choices and driver training to the very complicated logistics; from innovative technological solutions to the endless resources invested in research and development. Stay tuned!

British luxury supercar maker McLaren Automotive has confirmed its imminent entry into the major Indian market, the brand’s 41st global territory.

With the opening of first retail outlet McLaren Mumbai in October, McLaren’s arrival in India forms a key part of the marque’s global expansion plans and extends the brand’s already well-established and growing presence in the Asia Pacific region.

McLaren’s range of supercars and hypercars are the ultimate in personalisation, high-technology and super lightweight engineering, combined with cutting-edge design and innovation to deliver breath-taking experiences. They are designed at the iconic McLaren Technology Centre opened by Her Majesty The Queen with every supercar hand-build at the adjoining McLaren Production Centre, both in Woking, Surrey south of London.

Racer, engineer and entrepreneur Bruce McLaren’s dream was to build the world’s most iconic supercars. Now almost six decades on, McLaren remain pioneers at the forefront of high-performance automotive engineering who hand-build every supercar and hypercar.

McLaren’s racing DNA has naturally led the brand to continuously showcase innovation with an exciting product range of race and road cars. None more so than the all-new McLaren Artura, a distillation of every attribute inherent in a McLaren. A blend of thrilling performance, driving dynamics, and engagement with EV driving capability.

Set to formally open in Mumbai in the third quarter for 2022, the first retail presence in the country will offer the ultimate immersive McLaren brand experience with a direct window into Woking, where every McLaren is created by hand.

It will also provide customers with full levels of support, offering sales, aftersales and servicing on the complete range of McLaren models.

The supercar manufacturer will offer the breadth of its model range to Indian customers, including the Everyday McLaren GT and the marque’s first ever high-performance hybrid – the Artura. The core supercar range also includes the universally acclaimed 720S coming in Coupe and Spider variants, along with the 765LT Coupe and Spider as the latest addition to the legendary LT product family.

“We welcome Lalit Choudary of McLaren Mumbai to the expanding retailer network here in the Asia Pacific region. India remains an important market where our fans and select clientele can enjoy the best of McLaren in Mumbai. Looking ahead, we will shortly welcome the Artura to India, the all-new high-performance hybrid supercar.”
Paul Harris, Managing Director – APAC and China, McLaren Automotive

With the launch of the country’s inaugural retailer, Indian customers will now be able to enjoy the McLaren ownership experience through an official retail partner, McLaren Mumbai. An event commemorating the opening will be set for the second half of 2022.

Lalit Choudary, McLaren Mumbai said, “It is an honour to be appointed as McLaren Automotive’s first retail partner in India – McLaren Mumbai. As a globally renowned supercar manufacturer, McLaren is the pinnacle of modern supercar luxury. We look forward to opening the McLaren Mumbai retail experience and offering McLaren customers an outstanding opportunity to engage with the brand and to be part of the McLaren owners’ community.”

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic BMW M GmbH, BMW India has launched an exclusive ‘50 Jahre M Edition’ of the BMW M4 Competition Coupé in India.

BMW India had announced that it will launch 10 exclusive ‘50 Jahre M Editions’ to celebrate the M sub-brand that stands for high-performance adrenaline gushing cars. Available as a completely built-up unit, only a limited number of this special BMW M4 Competition Coupe ‘50 Jahre M Edition’ are being offered by BMW M GmBH.

For the last 50 years, BMW M has stood for those who enjoy high performance and supremacy of excellence. The BMW M4 Competition Coupe delivers an uncompromised track and street experience at a whole new level with distinctive combinations. Superior engineering promises unparalleled driving dynamics, adrenaline-fueled body styling, head-turning road presence, while still holding the famous legacy of its motorsport lineage. The limited edition is available at an attractive ex-showroom price of INR 1,52,90,000.

The exterior of the BMW M4 is headlined by immense presence and exquisite sporting style with large, clean and tautly drawn surfaces. Sitting proudly above the BMW Kidney Grille is the iconic M Emblem. Visually distinct from the conventional BMW emblem, it signals passion for racing and for the roots of the BMW M brand. The M emblem adorns the front and rear logo as well as the wheel hub caps. Visually striking exterior includes the M-specific version of the large, vertical BMW kidney grille with hallmark double bars in a horizontal design, the powerfully sculpted wheel arches with eye-catching M gills and the prominently extended side sills with attachment parts for front and rear aprons. Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Laserlight are specified as standard. The M-specific exterior mirrors have aerodynamically optimized contouring and are painted in High-gloss Black. The car also sports aerodynamically optimised fins, a rear spoiler and two pairs of exhaust tailpipes finished in Black Chrome.

The interior has clearly structured surfaces and an ergonomically impeccable cockpit design that ensures the driver’s focus remains one hundred per cent on the intense driving experience. Reminiscing an era gone by are the design lettering elements in places such as the door sill panels bearing, a metal plaque on the centre console and seat headrest. Reminiscing an era gone by are the design lettering elements in places such as the door sill panels bearing, a metal plaque on the centre console and seat headrest. Functions such as M Seat belts, Multifunctional M steering wheel, seat heating with lumbar support, electrical seat adjustment with memory function, and automatic anti-dazzle function in all mirrors add a further sporty touch to the interior. Extremely lightweight high-tech Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) roof lowers the centre of gravity, reduces weight and enhances agility. Ambient Lighting creates an atmosphere for every mood while the automatic 3 zone A/C further enhances the in-cabin experience.

The car is equipped with Adaptive M-Specific Suspension, M Sport Differential, M xDrive, M high performance compound brakes and 19″/20″ M forged wheels Double-spoke style 826 M double-spoke wheels in polished Orbit Grey and Gold Bronze. The car is available in striking paint finishes including Macao blue and Imola Red. Customers can further enhance the sporty character of the car with its exclusive accessories such as M Performance steering wheel in carbon fibre/alcantara options, tailpipe trim in carbon fibre etc.

The unrivalled 3.0-litre straight-six unit combines the hallmark high-revving character of BMW M GmbH engines with the latest version of M TwinPower Turbo technology. The petrol engine of the BMW M4 produces an output of 510 hp and a maximum torque of 650 Nm at 2,750-5,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 3.5 seconds.

The eight speed M Steptronic transmission enables extraordinary short shift times and fast, precise responses to every nudge of the accelerator. The driver can access three clearly distinct setups in both automatic and manual mode – comfort oriented, sports focused, or track optimized. The Setup button on the centre console provides direct access to the settings options for the engine, chassis, steering and braking system, plus traction control. 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.

A host of BMW ConnectedDrive technologies continue to break the innovation barrier in automotive industry – Telephony with wireless charging, Head Up Display, Smartphone Integration, Active Protection including attentiveness assistant with Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear and Parking Assistant. Options include the Driving Assistant, Parking Assistant Plus, Comfort Access System, Gesture control, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, as well as the BMW Drive Recorder. The modern cockpit concept BMW Live Cockpit Professional running on latest BMW Operating System 7.0 includes 3D Navigation, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display behind the steering wheel and a 10.25-inch Control Display. Harman Kardon surround sound system with 16 speakers provides an intense musical feast for the ears.

For utmost safety, the BMW M4 Competition 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. DSC with M xDrive further enhances the safety aspect.

The BMW M4 Competition 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.

Bentley Motors has unveiled the Bentley Mulliner Batur – a new two-door grand touring coupé limited to 18 series pieces that embodies the start of a design revolution at Bentley.

Created by Director of Design Andreas Mindt and his team, the Batur is a showcase of a new design DNA that will ultimately guide the design of Bentley’s future range of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).

The collection of just 18 series examples of the Batur is the latest project by Bentley’s in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division, Mulliner, and succeeds the Bacalar – a run of 12 individually specified, designed and handcrafted Barchettas that relaunched coachbuilding at Bentley. Like its predecessor – the Bacalar – the Batur is named after a beautiful natural body of water. Lake Batur is an 88m deep, 16 km2 crater lake in Kintamani on the island of Bali, Indonesia, and provides nutrient-rich water to both local hot springs and agriculture.

The Batur will also be the most powerful Bentley yet, with a 740+ PS version of the iconic, hand-assembled 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine that has metaphorically and literally powered Bentley’s success for the last two decades. As the engine enters its twilight years as part of Bentley’s Beyond100 transformation journey to being fully electrified, the Batur forms the first part of a celebration of the W12’s extraordinary power, torque and refinement. Engine performance will be matched to the most advanced Bentley chassis ever, with speed-tuned air suspension, electric active anti-roll control, eLSD, four-wheel steering and torque vectoring.

All 18 examples of the Batur have already been reserved. Each one will be designed collaboratively with each customer, guided by Mulliner’s in-house design team. Customers will be able to specify the colour and finish of practically every surface of the Batur, to create a car as individual as they are. Each one will then be handcrafted over the course of several months in Mulliner’s workshop at Bentley’s carbon neutral factory in Crewe, England, with first deliveries expected in mid-2023.

The Batur was unveiled at Bentley’s Signature Party at Monterey Car Week, in front of almost 500 VIP guests, by Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Adrian Hallmark, who comments:

“The Batur is a significant car for Bentley. Far more than the heir to the highly successful Bacalar, the Batur showcases the design direction that we’re taking in the future as we develop our range of BEVs. Andi Mindt and his team have reimagined the classic Bentley design cues into a stronger, bolder design that remains both elegant and graceful.

“Beneath the beautiful exterior lies the most powerful engine we’ve ever developed. Our W12 engine is easily the most successful twelve-cylinder automotive engine in history, and as it approaches its retirement to make way for future hybrids and BEVs, we want to mark its accomplishments.

“The 18 lucky customers who have already reserved their Batur will enjoy an unrivalled co-creation experience with our Mulliner Design team in specifying their cars. The Batur is the next step in Mulliner’s expansion, demonstrating the demand for truly bespoke vehicles that combine luxury and performance in ways that only Bentley can deliver.”

A Design Revolution
The design of the Batur is the work of Bentley’s Director of Design, Andreas Mindt, and his team including Head of Exterior Design, Tobias Suehlmann and Head of Interior Design, Andrew Hart-Barron. The Bentley design DNA that has driven the creation of the Continental GT, Flying Spur and Bentayga families has been revolutionised for the Batur, introducing new themes, approaches and details. The new form language defines a new chapter for Bentley design, as part of Bentley’s Beyond100 transformational journey to become the world’s leading sustainable luxury mobility company.

The Batur previews the design principles that are driving the development of the company’s first BEV – due in 2025 – and the families of cars that follow.

Andreas Mindt explains the design: “For any design team, the chance to redefine our own rules is the most exciting challenge. We have reimagined the Bentley design language, keeping some continuity to the past and present while also drastically changing key elements.

“The design of a modern Bentley should always be potent, inspirational and harmonious. The form has to be strong and muscular whilst remaining graceful – there must be both elegant flow and muscularity. The term we use is the “resting beast stance” – picture a lion or tiger, laying low in attack position in long grass. That powerful shape – of ultimate power at rest, that looks fast even when stationary – is one that drives our new interpretation of the classic Bentley power line and haunch.

“A mark of power and prestige has always been a long bonnet. Our new design cues include a line that stretches from the bonnet along the whole length of the car, connecting the bonnet into the body, making the car long and lean and giving an elongated proportion to the front end. We call this feature the “endless bonnet”, and it’s the only accent highlight to the cleaner shape. Meanwhile the visual mass of the car is moved rearwards, giving the impression that the car is sat on the rear axle, which adds further depth to the haunches.

“At the very front of the car, we’ve modernised the famous Bentley grille and made it lower and more upright, to give a stronger face and a more dominant stance. This upright elegance bring self-confidence with a luxury stance. The grille is flanked by a new headlight shape and design, an evolution of the design used on Bacalar and maintaining the single large headlight either side. These are matched with all-new tail-lamps at the rear, that sit either side of a deployable spoiler.

“Overall, the form is cleaner and simplified, and we rely more on curvaceous surfaces bisected in the right places to reflect light and dark and bring more muscle to the design.”

The Next Exceptional Mulliner Project
The Batur is the heir and successor to the Bacalar, the 12-off Barchetta design that brought coachbuilding back to Mulliner. Mulliner has become adept at delivering complex projects, including the Bacalar and the Blower Continuation Series – the world’s first continuation of a pre-war car. The coachbuilding skills that have been reborn through both projects will combine with generational handcraftsmanship to deliver the 18 Baturs that are to be built, each one entirely and meticulously by hand.

Paul Williams, Director of Mulliner, comments: “With Bacalar, we proved the appetite of our clients for truly bespoke and individual Bentleys. We’re building on that story with the Batur, and the fact that all 18 cars are already reserved is testament to the fact that our design team is creating cars that our clients want to buy. Batur is not only a beautiful handcrafted Bentley – it is the next member of a distinguished line of cars coachbuilt by Mulliner, which include the W.O. Bentley’s favourite car in the 8 Litre and the now truly-iconic R-Type Continental.”

Mulliner’s in-house design team will co-create every Batur with its customer, working together for several hours through a specially-created Mulliner visualiser that allows any part of the car to be customised in colour and surface finish. Endless samples of unique materials bring texture to the process, and the resulting designs will be truly individual and created by the customer – limited only by their imagination. From the main exterior paint to the surface finish of the air vents, and literally everything in between, each customer will specify even the tiniest of details.

Through handcrafted materials and exceptional colours, each Batur will then be brought to life by Mulliner’s team of automotive artisans in a process taking several months for each car.

Exterior Details
Beyond the exterior form of the car lies an almost endless array of choices for each car’s future owner to make. Paint choice is infinite – starting with the full Mulliner colour palette and travelling beyond into fully bespoke paint and even hand-painted graphics.

The aerodynamic additions of front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser can be crafted in both carbon fibre or new, sustainable Natural Fibre composite.

The exterior brightware can be any mix of light and dark, satin or gloss or even titanium. As per the first car, another option is graduated contrast colour to the front grille, for a vibrant ombre effect.

The Batur sits on unique 22” wheels, with the ‘standard’ option being painted in Black Crystal and then surface bright machined and polished. A darker option combines dark gloss faces with satin spokes, while customers can also choose to paint-match the wheels to the body with or without contrast finish, or to choose a totally different contrast colour.

The car revealed in Monterey has been specified to showcase the Batur’s form language. The exterior paintwork is a bespoke colour – Bonneville Pearlescent Silver – that provides flowing contrast across the curvaceous surfaces. The bodywork is underscored by carbon fibre front splitters, side skirts and rear diffuser painted in Black Crystal. The front of the car features a grille of exceptional art – with the main matrix finished in Gloss Dark Titanium, accented with contrast chevrons in a horizontal ombre pattern that flows from Hyperactive Orange in the centre and gradually darken to the sides to Black Crystal. The “endless bonnet” line is finished in Satin Titanium paint, as are the 22-inch wheels – with the spokes in Satin Dark Titanium to match the grille.

A Cabin Of Sustainable Bespoke Beauty
The two-seat interior space of the Batur is designed for ultimate personalisation and long-distance grand touring. Inspired by the success of the interior design of the Bacalar, the Batur builds on the core elements of the Bacalar’s cabin design and adds new sustainable luxury features:

Low-carbon leather sourced from Scotland, which travels significantly smaller distance than leather sourced from outside the UK.
Sustainable tannage leather from Italy, in five different colours.
Dinamica, an alternative suede-like sustainable material to leather.
The range of veneers available for the fascias include a new material for Bentley – Natural Fibre composite, which is a sustainable alternative to carbon fibre. Available as a 2×2 twill weave and finished in satin lacquer, the Natural Fibre composite brings a new sustainable texture to the cabin. Regardless of the veneer chosen, the passenger fascia panel is finished with a unique etching of the audio signature of the W12 engine – and bespoke etching is also available.

The final sustainable elements are the carpets, which are matched to the leather and made from recycled yarn, in a first for Bentley.

Clients will choose between bright or dark treatments to the interior brightware and titanium options are also available. Certain controls – like the organ stops for ventilation – are even available in 3D-printed 18K gold.

The interior of the launch Batur has been trimmed by hand in a stunning combination of black, red and orange – specifically, Beluga, Hotspur and Hyperactive. Beluga main hide is contrasted with new, even more sustainable low CO2 Mulliner Hyperactive Orange leather. A complementary texture is provided through the use of Dinamica – a suede-like alternative to leather – in both Beluga and Hotspur. Unique “Batur Chevrons” to the outer wings of the seats are finely embroidered by hand in Snap Orange thread, whilst the remainder of the upholstery carries a white thread in contrast throughout. The soft elements are completed with a new feathered artisan piping in Beluga, with Hyperactive Orange piping to the seat centres and a Hyperactive Orange finish to the lower spoke of the steering wheel.

The veneers to the Instrument Panel, fascias and doors are Gloss Black painted, with a ‘guitar fade’ to Fine Brodgar that flows from the fascias to the doors, before fading back to black. The fascia is completed with a unique piece of art – a laser-etched sound wave, which represents the unique sound generated by the W12 engine. The metallic elements of the interior are a blend of Black Anodised Aluminium and Satin Titanium, completed with a hallmarked 18 karat gold Bentley Dynamic Drive Selector and ‘12 o’clock’ steering wheel centre band.

The Mighty W12
The Batur features the most power engine yet fitted to a Bentley. The 6.0-litre W12 that started the rebirth of Bentley with the Continental GT in 2002 has been through several design iterations since, and is now the most advanced twelve-cylinder engine in the world. It has always been hand-crafted in Bentley’s carbon neutral factory in Crewe, England.

For the Batur, a new intake system, upgraded turbochargers, new intercoolers and extensive recalibration more than 740 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque, to deliver exceptional performance for this new pinnacle grand tourer. This development of the engine is in celebration of its achievements over 20 years, over which time it has been developed to produce nearly 40 per cent more power while fuel economy has improved by 25 per cent. For the Batur, the W12 is paired with Bentley’s eight-speed double-clutch transmission, and a sports exhaust to provide a soundtrack in keeping with the level of performance. The entire exhaust system is in titanium, while the finishers are 3D-printed in titanium in a first for Bentley.

As Bentley moves towards the era of electrification, the W12 is entering its twilight years. Before its retirement, this engineering masterpiece is worthy of commendation, and the Batur is the perfect home for the ultimate development of W12 performance.

A Chassis System to Match
As well as being the most power and most exclusive Bentley coupe to date, the Batur will also be the most dynamic.

Adaptive three-chamber air springs each have three switchable chambers, changing the volume of the air spring and so its effective stiffness. The driver can select the balance between ride comfort and body control using the four-mode Drive Dynamics Control in the centre console, choosing between Sport, Bentley, Comfort and Custom.

The Drive Dynamics Control also changes the behaviour of the 48V electric active anti-roll control system, which can provide up to 1,300 Nm of anti-roll torque in 0.3 seconds or completely decouple the wheels at either end of each axle. The anti-roll control system can also be used to adjust the roll stiffness front-to-rear, giving the Batur sharper turn-in and greater ability to balance the car on the throttle when in Sport mode.

Overall traction and cornering grip is maximised through the use of an electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) that actively vectors drive torque across the chassis. This is complemented by torque vectoring by brake, whereby the car can lightly brake the inside rear wheel on turn-in for greater front-axle response, and also lightly brake both inside wheels on corner exit to move power across to the outside, loaded wheels for better traction.

Braking is via Bentley’s CSiC (Carbon-Silicon-Carbide) braking system, with 440 mm front and 410 mm rear discs, matched with 10-piston front and four-piston rear calipers. The Batur rides on bespoke 22” wheels with Pirelli tyres.

Indian tyre major and the market leader in Truck Bus Radial segment, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. has launched two new product offerings – Jetsteel JDH XM and Jetway JUC XM thereby further expanding their radial tyre portfolio.

To capitalise on growth opportunities and overcome the rising input costs incurred by transporters, JK Tyre has developed these products in order to ensure long-term benefits to its customers.

Catering to the increasing demand for All-Wheel Fitment tyres in the market along with customer’s expectations of a longer tyre life – the company has introduced its Next-Gen Semi-Lug tyre Jetway JUC XM. Equipped with even-wear characteristics, the Jetway JUC XM is specifically designed to provide a premium tyre life ensuring better fuel efficiency thus reducing the cost of ownership for truck owners.

In addition to the JUC XM tyre, the company also introduced Jetsteel JDH-XM to cater to Long-Haul application in the country. JDH-XM, with its unique tread compound and high tread depth is designed to deliver high tyre life. Fitted with the segment first “Jet-OCT” technology, the tyre is capable of delivering high casing strength resulting in higher retreadability.

Speaking on the new launch, Mr. Anuj Kathuria, President (India), JK Tyre & Industries Ltd, said, “The tyre industry landscape in India is constantly evolving with the advent of new technologies and norms being introduced. Being at the forefront of advanced technological developments, we at JK Tyre are committed to introduce and offer our customers with the best in class products by always staying ahead of the curve. The eastern market is an evolving opportunity for us and we are diligently working towards developing products that ensure higher longevity with reduction in costs. We are confident that our new product offerings will further strengthen our position in the region.”

Having an in-depth understanding of the current load and road conditions, the company has developed these tyres in order to handle the rub-offs caused due to the increase in movements of goods like FMCG, e-commerce goods, perishable goods and industrial goods.

India is known to be one of the world’s largest two-wheeler markets. Estimates from India Emissions Model of the International Council for Clean Transportation indicate that two-wheelers accounted for 70 per cent of petrol, and 25 per cent of oil consumption from road transport in 2021. India’s dependence on fossil fuels will more than double by the year 2050 if we continue to promote petrol-powered two-wheelers.

In the past few years, the healthy uptake of electric two-wheelers in India has been instrumental in accelerating the country’s transition to e-mobility. According to a recent report by the NITI Aayog and the Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), there is a possibility of 100 per cent penetration of electric two-wheelers in the Indian market by FY26-27.

Experts from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the International Council for Clean Transportation (ICCT) have weighed in with their views on vehicle electrification and how it can reduce India’s dependence on oil imports, thereby paving the way for an energy-independent and self-reliant future.

Mr. I. V. Rao, Senior Visiting Fellow, TERI, said, “Two-wheelers in India have always been considered as the key vehicle segment, where EV transition could take place faster than in any other segment. This is due to several reasons – low dependance on public charging stations; comparatively low vehicle price due to FAME2 and state incentives; rising purchasing power of consumers; and very low operating costs. The growth in this segment is also largely driven by newcomers in the auto industry, with a focus on technology-based, user-centric solutions. A faster transition to e-mobility in the two-wheeler segment would lead to a significant impact on petrol demand, eventually lowering import dependency and emissions. Higher penetration of EVs in this segment will have a significant positive impact on the environment and air quality, besides yielding cost savings for users.”

Ms. Shikha Rokadiya, Researcher (Consultant), ICCT, said, “Achieving 100% electrification of new two-wheeler sales by 2035 can lower India’s cumulative petrol demand by more than 500 Mtoe (Million Tonnes of Oil Equivalent) and associated costs by over US$740 Billion between 2020 and 2050. From a pollution standpoint, India has made some bold policy moves in the past decade, including transitioning to BS-VI emission standards. This has arrested the rise in air pollution to a considerable degree. However, with increasing volumes of vehicles on the roads, PM and NOx emissions from two-wheelers will continue to rise despite such standards being in effect. In view of this, large-scale electrification of two-wheelers is the most cost-effective pathway for bringing exhaust emissions to near-zero.”

As India celebrates 75 years of independence, large-scale vehicle electrification will be crucial for India in the years ahead to achieve its transport decarbonization and net-zero goals. The transition to e-mobility will also support several other national goals including reducing oil imports, improving air quality, and supporting actions to mitigate climate change. Furthermore, it will foster India’s industrial competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market.