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.

Polestar has inaugurated its new design studio in Gothenburg, Sweden, nestled in a dense forest adjacent to the brand’s global headquarters. The dedicated facility provides a specialist home for up to 120 design team members, led by Maximilian Missoni, in an environment that combines modernist architecture with the brand’s clean, minimalistic Scandinavian aesthetic.

Born out of a historic former Volvo facility completed in 1984 by Italian Romaldo Giurgola and local architect Owe Svärd, the building has been fully upgraded while maintaining its unique architectural character. Here, the Polestar Design team will continue to build on the brand’s new design language, previewed by the Polestar Precept and electric roadster concept cars, and carried into production with Polestar 3 which launched in October 2022.

Prime materials and details from the original 1980s construction sit juxtaposed alongside a high-quality, modern Scandinavian design from plans drawn up by Maximilian Missoni. The new facility includes a specialist showroom area, clay working station, material and colour lab, auditorium and multiple digital studio spaces, management offices, VR rooms and meeting spaces.

Maximilian Missoni, Polestar’s Head of Design, comments: “When such care, attention to detail and material quality was so carefully considered at the point of construction back in 1982, it was important to me that we respected the original intentions when integrating our studio into the building. We deliberately showcase the original structure and detailing, respecting the very fabric that gives it its unique character.

“But while we wanted to respect tradition, we also wanted this to be a state-of-the-art home for our growing Design team. So, alongside the glorious views out west of the Gothenburg archipelago, the studio features the latest equipment on the inside to make our jobs easier and produce better results in the most efficient way.”

The same attention to detail paid to the building runs through Polestar 3. Aerodynamics were key to shaping the SUV for the electric age. The overall design, with its powerful and wide stance, and low, sweeping roofline, is introduced by the SmartZone and front aero wing. Signifying the shift from ‘breathing to seeing’ as the age of electrification intensifies, Polestar 3 also presented designers with a challenge – to impart a sense of intelligence.

Maximilian Missoni continues: “In today’s age of advanced product design it’s quite easy to display emotions like aggression and sportiness in a car. But try conveying intelligence in design – it’s not so easy. This is something we have spent a lot of time considering, to express the leading technology and sophistication of Polestar 3. It is distilled to the essence of an SUV but at the same time clearly shows a step into a new era.”

While exterior proportions are designed to reflect technology and impart a sporty stance, space inside Polestar 3 has been maximised thanks to the long body (4,900 mm) and wheelbase (2,984 mm). Reducing surface volumes around the cabin’s component architecture and increasing occupant space in all positions results in a more spacious and enjoyable interior.

Colours and materials have been carefully selected and combined to express Polestar’s Scandinavian heritage with a premium look and feel, while addressing sustainability and the redefinition of luxury. The full-length glass roof contributes to the airy feel, and Polestar’s signature logo is integrated into the glass roof in a new way – etched between two layers of the laminated glass and only visible when illuminated.

Polestar 3 goes into production in mid-2023 and first deliveries in launch markets1 are expected in the fourth quarter of 2023.

The jury of the Women’s World Car of the Year (WWCOTY) 2023 has awarded Nissan X-Trail the title of Best Large SUV 2023 for its thirteenth edition.

WWCOTY, the only international award made up exclusively of women automotive journalists, praised the new X-Trail for its spaciousness, effortless driving performance and electrified powertrain, e-POWER.

Speaking about the accolade, Makoto Uchida, Nissan’s CEO, said: “We are delighted that the jury of the Women’s World Car of the Year has awarded the honour of best Large SUV to the Nissan X-Trail. The X-Trail is our family SUV icon, with a heritage of over 20 years. It has remained true to its original recipe: robust SUV looks, advanced and efficient all-wheel drive powertrains and flexible practicality, which come together to enable family adventures. We took the voices of our female customers into consideration throughout the design and development process, so we’re particularly proud that the jury of eminent female automotive journalists from all over the world has recognized the X-Trail’s talents.”

Built on the Alliance CMF-C platform, the new X-Trail boasts of muscular design and advanced technologies offering effortless EV drive feeling thanks to e-POWER technology together with a twin-motor e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system. The new X-Trail is available as a five- or seven-seater, offering a convenient option for days out with extended family or friends. As an electrified seven-seater SUV, it is unique in its segment.

e-POWER is Nissan’s innovative drive system that offers an EV-drive feeling without the need to recharge. The new X-Trail’s e-POWER system is comprised of a high-output battery and powertrain integrated with a variable compression ratio petrol engine, power generator, inverter and 150kW front electric motor. This unique powertrain means that power to the wheels comes only from an electric motor, which results in instant, linear response to the accelerator.

The X-Trail is one of Nissan’s most successful global vehicles, with sales in over 100 markets and has been enabling family adventures for over 20 years. The fourth generation X-Trail draws from a well-established DNA that runs through all three of the previous generations of X-Trail.

As a consequence of it being awarded Best Large SUV, the X-Trail has been shortlisted for the highest award of the WWCOTY, Best Car of the Year 2023, to be announced on March 8.

BMW Motorrad India launched the BMW R nineT 100 Years and the BMW R 18 100 Years limited edition motorcycles in India. These motorcycles can be booked at BMW Motorrad India dealerships from today onwards.

In December 1922, BMW chief designer Max Friz puts the first full-scale BMW motorcycle on the drawing board. At its heart is an air-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine. The first BMW motorcycle, the R 32, was presented in September 1923. This heralded the beginning of BMW motorcycle production and launched an unprecedented success story.

To celebrate its 100-year history, BMW Motorrad is now presenting the two protagonists of the Heritage experience world – the R nineT Roadster and the R 18 Cruiser with big boxer – as 100 Years edition models. In keeping with the year in which BMW Motorrad was founded, both models are limited to 1923 units each.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India, said, “One hundred years ago, the R 32 kick-started a unique success story. Today we are celebrating our exciting history with two new icons: the BMW R nineT 100 Years and the BMW R 18 100 Years. Limited to only 1,923 units each, these models are for absolute aficionados and convey a feeling of nostalgia. The iconic design and the unmistakable boxer engine illustrate that it’s about the roots of BMW Motorrad, about historically inspired shapes and details, about an authentic riding experience and about reducing motorbikes to the essentials. In short: The Heritage world of experience is all about a unique attitude to life, shaped by the legendary boxer engine.”

The ex-showroom prices are as follows:

The BMW R nineT 100 Years – INR 24,00,000

The BMW R 18 100 Years – INR 25,90,000

BMW R nineT 100 Years:

The reduced design language of the R nineT is shaped by 100 years of motorcycle construction and BMW Motorrad’s unbroken passion for the boxer engine. Classic roadster design skilfully sets the scene with a compact tank and upright seating position as well as high-quality materials and stylish design elements. The new R nineT 100 Years becomes an exclusive anniversary edition thanks to numerous other special features. The heart is still the air/oil-cooled, 80 kW (109 hp) two-cylinder boxer engine. In the anniversary edition the legendary engine is accompanied by a wide range of options and an elaborate surface concept.

Paint finishes in combination with chrome surfaces also have an almost 100-year tradition in motorcycle construction. Chrome surfaces, usually consisting of a copper, nickel and final chrome layer are characterised by their hardness and resulting high durability, very good protection against corrosion, but above all by a radiant, mirror-like shine. This made chrome a common stylistic device for designers from the late 1920s onwards, in combination with high-quality paint concepts. The BMW R 75/5 with chrome-plated tank sides and side covers, for example, is legendary at BMW Motorrad. With the new BMW R nineT 100 Years and R 18 100 Years and the Classic Chrome surface concept, BMW Motorrad is reviving this incomparably sophisticated interplay of paint and chrome.

The tank is a combination of black with chrome and white double-lining and is complemented by knee pads and a 100 Years badge. Classic chrome is also found on the seat hump. The front wheel cover is also painted in black and features white double lining. The seat bench in two-tone combination black/oxblood rounds off the high-quality look.

Numerous black components such as fork tubes, air intake snorkel and some Option 719 components complement this harmoniously. The R nineT 100 Years includes the 719 Classic wheels option with black anodised rim rings, the Option 719 Shadow milled parts package with milled cylinder head covers, engine housing covers, seat holders, oil filler plug and the Option 719 Shadow II milled parts package, consisting of adjustable hand levers and a footrest system, pillion footrests as well as expansion tank covers and handlebar end mirrors. Adaptive turning light and the Comfort Package with heated grips, cruise control and Driving Modes Pro complete the extensive equipment of the edition model.

BMW R 18 100 Years:

The unmissable centrepiece of the R 18 100 Years is the 67 kW (91 hp) boxer engine with the largest displacement ever installed by BMW Motorrad. Both technically and visually, the BMW R 18 borrows from famous BMW models such as the BMW R 5 and puts the focus back on the essentials of motorcycling: Purist, no-frills technology and the boxer engine as the epicentre of riding pleasure. The big boxer is also complemented by numerous special features as well as a high-grade surface concept in the anniversary edition of the R 18.

The colour scheme of the R 18 100 Years, like that of the anniversary model of the R nineT, is in Classic Chrome and thus combines black paintwork and high-gloss chrome surfaces as well as white double lining and a 100 Years badge. The paint-on-chrome concept in Classic Chrome is also found on the rear wheel cover in combination with white double lining. The front wheel cover and the side covers are painted in black, complemented by white double lining on the front mudguard. The Option 719 seat upholstered in the bicolour combination black/oxblood with high-quality diamond embossing blends in harmoniously.

Black as a symbolic colour scheme of great BMW Motorrad tradition also adorns the engine, transmission housing and rear axle drive. The exact designation is Avus Black – a reminiscence of the legendary high-speed racetrack in Berlin, where BMW Motorrad once celebrated great racing successes and where the Avus monument with BMW Motorrad factory rider Ernst Henne still commemorates it today. Berlin is also home to the BMW Motorrad production plant. The plant located in Berlin-Spandau is not only a production site, it is also the lead plant for the international motorcycle production of BMW Motorrad.

The R 18 100 Years is complemented by numerous chrome parts from the Chrome design option. The high-quality and durable galvanic surface coating can be found on these parts: Handlebar fittings, gearshift and foot brake levers, handlebar clamps, handlebar weights, mirrors, brake master cylinders, brake calipers, engine casing covers, cylinder head covers and intake manifold trims.

Other features of the BMW R 18 100 Years also include chromed Akrapovič rear silencers with perforated tailpipe trims in the “propeller style” of the BMW brand logo. Safety and comfort are ensured by Headlight Pro with adaptive turning light, reversing aid, electronic cruise control and heated grips.

Maserati continues its partnership with The I.C.E. St. Moritz – International Concours of Elegance – hosted in the glamourous setting of the frozen lake of St. Moritz, bringing together the best in classic cars with collectors, car enthusiasts and jet setters from all over the world.

Over the course of the two-day event in the name of elegance and luxury, the lake will be the stage for an open-air exhibition, celebrating the classic cars as true artworks and allowing the public to admire their beauty and history, while collectors will be able to enjoy the unprecedented experience of driving their roaring cars on the snow-covered track carefully assessed by a prestigious jury.

Maserati will bring its passion and strong legacy presenting rare masterpieces from its past, such as the Maserati 420M/58 Eldorado – a one-off single-seater race car purpose-built for the second edition of the 500 Miles of Monza in 1958 – the classy 3500 GT with Touring bodywork as well as the legendary Mistral, that in 1963 inaugurated the brand’ tradition of naming its cars after famous winds.

The house of the Trident will also showcase its contemporary collection of sculptures on wheels designed by Klaus Busse – Maserati’s Head of Design as well as member of The I.C.E. jury – such as the Grecale SUV in its Fuoriserie ‘Mission from Mars’ one-off edition, the one-of-a-kind spyder MC20 Cielo in its Fuoriserie version, the all-new powerful Granturismo Trofeo and the thrilling Granturismo Folgore – the first 100% electric car in Maserati’s history – projecting the Trident forward into the future.

This was no ordinary Sunday in Kolkata as The Lake Club in collaboration with Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG) geared up to host a bevy of timeless beauties which set the temperature soaring on the morning of February 12.

After the stupendous success of its inaugural edition held last year, The Lake Club EIMG Concours D’ Elegance – the only Concours ever held in Kolkata – was back and this time is was bigger and grander with as many as 90 exotic and rare vintage and classic vehicles taking part in this annual heritage motoring extravaganza. The icing on the cake was the nine Rolls-Royces which adorned the club lawns like nine grand jewels. Keeping them company was the 1906 Renault Freres – a show stopper – which wears the crown of being the oldest car of Kolkata.

With the Rabindra Sarobar in the backdrop, clear blue sky above, the sprawling green lawn and some of the very best vintage and classic cars & bikes on display, the setting was perfect for The Lake Club EIMG Concours D’ Elegance 2023 – a memorable date with history and legacy.

The Concours was curated and judged by Mr. Shrivardhan Kanoria, Founder & President of EIMG who had painstakingly selected the 90 heritage cars and bikes which were invited to participate in the event.

The heritage vehicles were judged on the basis of Authenticity, Restoration, Maintenance, Historical Importance, and Rarity and segmented under the following categories.

1. Vintage Car upto 1930
2. Vintage Cars from 1930 to 1940
3. Vintage Two Door Cars
4. Classic Cars from 1941 to 1950
5. Classic Cars from 1951 to 1975
6. Classic Two Door Cars
7. Two Wheelers
8. Indian Heritage Cars
9. Off Roaders

Other top honours of the Concours included The Oldest Car Award, The Preservation Cup, The Restoration Cup, The Resurrection Cup, The Admirable Cup, Judges Choice Award, Special Car Award, and Momen Sahab Memorial Best Of Show (instituted in the loving memory of EIMG member and vintage car connoisseur Mr. Golam Momen).

The Lake Club EIMG Concours D’ Elegance 2023 results were as follows:

1. Vintage Cars upto 1930 – 2nd Runners Up – 1926 Studebaker – Kunal Banerjee
2. Vintage Cars upto 1930 – Runners Up – 1930 Plymouth – Purnima Dutta
3. Vintage Cars upto 1930 – Best in Class – 1927 Dodge – Surendra Dugar
4. Vintage Cars from 1931 to 1940 – 2nd Runners Up – 1939 Morris – Gadai Dey
5. Vintage Cars from 1931 to 1940 – Runners Up – 1933 Austin – CP Verma
6. Vintage Cars from 1931 to 1940 – Best in Class – 1932 Ford – Late Sanjay Ghosh
7. Vintage Two Door Cars – 2nd Runners Up – 1935 Ford – Ranajit Gooptu
8. Vintage Two Door Cars – Runners Up – 1929 Rolls-Royce- Jaywardhan Kejriwal
9. Vintage Two Door Cars – Best in Class – 1937 Opel – Rajiv Ghosh
10. Classic Cars from 1941 to 1950 – 2nd Runners Up – 1949 Buick – Late Sanjay Ghosh
11. Classic Cars from 1941 to 1950 – Runners Up – 1948 Plymouth – SK Lahiri
12. Classic Cars from 1941 to 1950 – Best in Class – 1948 Buick – Captain P Naha
13. Classic Cars from 1951 to 1975 – 2nd Runners Up – 1951 Morris – Subrata Sarkar
14. Classic Cars from 1951 to 1975 – Runners Up – 1968 Mercedes – Sourojit Palchoudhury
15. Classic Cars from 1951 to 1975 – Best in Class – 1959 Ford – Sarojesh Mukerjee
16. Classic Two Door Cars – 2nd Runners Up – 1965 Hilman – Sharmistha Hazra
17. Classic Two Door Cars – Runners Up – 1947 MG – Rupak Ghosh
18. Classic Two Door Cars – Best in Class – 1963 Triumph Spitfire – Saikat Dutta
19. Two Wheelers – 2nd Runners Up -1956 Arial – Harjit Dhanjal
20. Two Wheelers – Runners Up – 1940 Triumph – Terence Lobo
21. Two Wheelers – Best in Class – 1923 Panther – Hossain
22. Indian Heritage Cars – 2nd Runners Up – 1961 Ambassador – Baladev Majumdar
23. Indian Heritage Cars – Runners Up -1964 Standard – Subhajit Kumar
24. Indian Heritage Cars – Best in Class – 1957 Fiat – Rajiv Ghosh
25. Off Roaders – 2nd Runners Up – 1957 Land Rover – Sarojesh Mukerjee
26. Off Roaders – Runners Up – 1952 Willys – Saikat Dutta
27. Off Roaders – Best in Class – 1942 Ford – Ravi Khedwal
28. The Oldest Car Award. 1921 Rolls-Royce – Lalit Bagla
29. The Preservation Cup – 1925 Rolls-Royce – Ashok Bubna
30. The Restoration Cup – 1964 Ford Anglia – Amrit Roy
31. The Resurrection Cup – 1958 Mercedes – Prithvi Nath Tagore
32. The Admirable Cup – 1937 Rolls-Royce – SK Karnani HUF
33. Judges Choice Award – 1937 Rolls-Royce – Azam Monem
34. Special Car Award -1931 Lancia – PR Agarwal
35. Overall Third – 1925 Rolls-Royce- Ashok Bubna
36. Overall Second – 1937 Rolls-Royce – SK Karnani HUF
37. Momen Sahab Memorial Best of Show – 1937 Rolls-Royce – Azam Monem

For the past four years, The Lake Club, Kolkata has been successfully hosting ‘The Vintage Car Show’ in collaboration with Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG), for their members and guests.

Each year, this event has witnessed a great turnout of exotic heritage cars, as well as a huge footfall of members and heritage motoring enthusiasts, making this one of the grandest and most popular Vintage Motoring Events of Kolkata.

This endeavour of The Lake Club in collaboration with EIMG has been a big step towards preserving the Motoring Heritage of Eastern India.

Shrivardhan Kanoria, President – EIMG said, “Organising an event of this magnitude is never possible without the support of our patrons and partners. I’m grateful to the entire team of The Lake Club led by Club President Dr. Saibal Chakrabarti, The Joint Secretaries, Mr Subrata Guha & Mr Debabrata Dutta, Mr. Subhajit Kumar and all the Committee Members of the Club, for providing us with the breathtaking venue.

My deep gratitude to Mr. Julia Patnaik (Bhubeneshwar), the leading Vintage and Classic Car collector of Eastern India who has sponsored the beautiful mementos and trophies which has been be handed over to all the participants and winners. Special thanks to EIMG member Mr. Avik Naha who has graciously hosted The Cocktail Dinner for the EIMG Members.”

Images courtesy EIMG photography team – Sourish Meryson, Ranadip Mandal, Deepanjan Sarkar and Kingshuk Sarkar.

Following the positive feedback on the one-off presented in summer 2022, MINI is going ahead with a small series of all-electric MINI Convertible representing another big step in the direction of electric mobility.

“Three years ago, we launched the MINI Electric, and today one in five MINI models sold in Europe is an all-electric MINI. This success has spurred us to implement the small series of the MINI Electric Convertible within only a few months. I’m delighted that we can offer 999 MINI customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI Brand.

The MINI Electric Convertible is offered with a fixed specification and two exterior paint choices for customers: Enigmatic Black or White Silver. Door handles, side scuttles and the surrounds of the front and rear lights are finished in Resolute Bronze, and the MINI logo and model lettering feature in Piano Black. The E logo – also found on the MINI Electric – is situated on the front apron and on the rear. Edition-specific details are found on the side scuttles and door sill trims, featuring consecutive numbering for each of the 999 units available.

The MINI Electric Convertible also showcases edition-specific 17-inch Electric Power Spoke 2-tone alloy wheels, made from 100 per cent secondary aluminium. The combination of green electricity during production and the use of the secondary raw material, significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to conventional manufacturing processes.

For the interior, MINI Yours sports seats in Leather Lounge design offer seat heating and adjustable thigh support, while the multifunctional sports steering wheel – finished in Nappa leather – is also heated and features the MINI Electric logo. Interior surfaces are finished in Piano Black, while ambient lighting and signature MINI Electric yellow colour accents, such as the start-stop toggle switch, complete the interior design.

Premium interior materials are complemented by eDrive services, providing the driver with current energy consumption, range, and tips for economical driving, all displayed on the MINI Head-Up Display. On longer journeys, the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, and MINI Driving Assistant enhance comfort.

The MINI Electric Convertible is powered by a compact, yet powerful 135kW/ 184hp electric motor, enabling harmonious axle load distribution, agility, and controllable handling while delivering 0-62 mph in just 8.2 seconds. Offering a range of 124 miles, the dimensions, including boot space, remain unchanged and provides 160 litres.

The MINI Electric Convertible will be produced in a limited run of 999 units alongside the conventional MINI Convertible in the Netherlands.