Donning bold, black exteriors, the Sport Edition of Ford Endeavour has been launched in India priced at Rs 35.10 lakh.

Featuring a dozen exterior changes, the Ford Endeavour Sport will be the new top-trim variant in the Ford Endeavour vehicle lineup, available only with an all-wheel-drive or 4X4 driveline.

“Ford Endeavour Sport in black makes a bold statement – whether it is your regular commute during the week or your off-road adventure during the weekend,” said Vinay Raina, Executive Director of Marketing, Sales & Service at Ford India. “We are thankful to our customers for their faith in Ford Endeavour & hope the special edition Sport will strengthen it further.”

The Ford Endeavour Sport’s impressive black and butch exterior is bound to turn heads on the go. The all-new ebony black front grille looks even more domineering and catches your attention first, as a symbol of raw power. The front fender as well as the front and rear bumper skid plates get an ebony black treatment to add to the SUVs imposing stance.

The special black edition smoked headlamps complete the Ford Endeavour Sport’s impressive look. Ford Endeavour features all-LED headlamp for both low and high-beam that provide up to 20 per cent greater lighting penetration for enhanced night-time visibility.

The black theme is carried through to the side with ebony black ORVMs, fender grille and dark inserts on side steppers. A smart sport decal will embellish the doors and tailgate. One of the most noticeable changes on the new Endeavour Sport is its ebony black premium alloy wheels and roof rails that make the SUV sporty yet elegant.

The Bharat Stage VI compliant 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine on the Endeavour Sport delivers 170 PS peak power and 420 Nm peak torque. The special variant will only be offered with a 4X4 driveline that offers outstanding capabilities yet returning a decent fuel efficiency of 12.4 kmpl.

The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission that is responsive, faster and facilitates smoother acceleration in all driving conditions. Progressive Range Select or SelectShift on the Ford Endeavour is another first for the segment. The innovative feature gives drivers the ability to lock gears in the desired range to deliver an engaging and more controlled drive experience – especially in challenging driving situations such as slippery roads or steep off-roading conditions.

The Endeavour Sport will also offer Ford’s mobility and connectivity solution FordPassTM at no additional cost. Owners will be able to perform several vehicle operations — like starting, stopping, locking or unlocking the vehicle, know remaining fuel levels & distance to empty and locating their vehicle– remotely, via the FordPassTM app.

All variants of Ford Endeavour come with a factory-fitted, cloud-connected device that communicates with vehicle owners in real-time via the FordPassTM smartphone application.

Standard 3-year or 100,000 KM factory warranty, and scheduled maintenance cost as low as 73 paise per kilometre.

The Ford Endeavour Sport will be available in three colours – Absolute Black, Diffused Silver and Diamond White.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today launched the all-new Toyota Urban Cruiser aimed at catering to its growing number of young customers. The Toyota Urban Cruiser is the second model to be launched in India under the global Toyota-Suzuki alliance following the Toyota Glanza.

The Urban Cruiser compact SUV was launched in an event today in the presence of TKM Managing Director – Masakazu Yoshimura, Naveen Soni, Senior Vice President, Sales and Service and Tadashi Asazuma, Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana also took part in the launch event and spoke about his inspiring journey from being a Radio Jockey to a successful actor.

The all-new Urban Cruiser will be powered by the new K-Series 1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine and will be available in a choice of Manual Transmission (MT) and Automatic Transmission (AT) with a superior fuel efficiency of 17.03 kmpl and 18.76 kmpl respectively.

In terms of safety, the Toyota Urban Cruiser offers Dual Front Airbags, ABS with EBD, Advanced Body Structure, Electrochromic IRVM, Hill Hold Control, Reverse Parking Camera with Display in Audio and ISOFIX Child Seat Restraint System.

Sharing his views on the launch of Toyota Urban Cruiser, Masakazu Yoshimura, Managing Director, TKM said, “Our entry into the compact SUV space comes at a time when the segment has gained much popularity due to its body type and superior road presence thereby garnering greater connect and appeal among today’s youth. At TKM, the focus is always on delivering the best products and services to our customers who have remained loyal to the brand over the years while looking for ways to welcome more customers, particularly the youth, to the Toyota family. The launch of the all-new Toyota Urban Cruiser is an important step in that direction. It is our ambition to enable more people to buy and experience a Toyota vehicle and our renowned after-sales service, which is a differentiator for us in this segment. We will continue to emphasize on introducing ever-better cars, better technologies and environment-friendly products and services. Our alliance with Suzuki allows us to surge ahead on that path while building a self-sustaining local ecosystem of suppliers and partners.”

Speaking on the new offering, Naveen Soni, Senior Vice President, Sales and Service, TKM, said, “We are truly humbled by the faith reposed by the customers who made the bookings without even knowing the price points and the full list of features. To demonstrate our gratitude and provide an early-movers advantage for customers who pre-booked the Urban Cruiser, we recently announced the ‘Respect Package’, no-cost periodic maintenance for up to two years (or 20,000 kms whichever is earlier), that our customers are appreciating. Further, we are confident that the all-new Toyota Urban Cruiser will exceed their expectations and delight them in every aspect, be it performance, comfort and convenience or safety. We are glad to bring our new offering in time for customers to make their festive season purchase decisions. We are anticipating increased demand for SUVs in the coming months and years ahead. The Toyota Urban Cruiser will play an important role in catering to this demand particularly from first-time Toyota buyers who are brand conscious and want to experience an international brand.”

Ex-showroom prices are as follows:

Mid MT – Rs 8,40,000

High MT – Rs 9,15,000

Premium MT – 9,80,000

Mid AT – Rs 9,80,000

High AT – Rs 10,65,000

Premium AT – Rs 11,30,000

Volvo Car India today introduced Volvo Car Financial Services in collaboration with HDFC Bank to enable buyers receive easy finance for a Volvo car of their choice. The service facilitates finance of upto 100 per cent of ex-showroom price of the car and offers convenient repayment options, with no foreclosure charges under specific conditions.

Loans can be availed for upto 7 years. There is also an option to finance insurance, extended warranty, service package and accessories. Volvo Car Financial Services allows a faster loan approval and a uniform processing fee, giving a hassle-free finance experience to buyers.

Volvo Car India Managing Director Charles Frump said, “Volvo Car Financial Services is a faster, flexible and cost-optimised solution to finance a Volvo car. It is an extension of our people-centric approach that allows customers the ease of owning our cars. We are extremely happy to partner with HDFC Bank – a premier banking institution and we are confident that this partnership would certainly instil customer confidence in our brand even more .”

HDFC Bank Country Head, Retail Lending Mr. Arvind Kapil said,“We are excited to partner with Volvo Cars to bring this service across its dealerships in India. Our endeavour is to provide not just convenience but an experience to customers availing of our range of products and services. To this end, this partnership is a win-win for all concerned as it offers customized and cost effective offers to customers ”.

BMW Motorrad India has launched the all-new BMW R 18 in the country, marking the brand’s entry into the cruiser segment. The much-awaited motorcycle invokes the history and iconic hallmarks of BMW brand. The all-new BMW R 18 can be ordered as a completely built-up unit (CBU) from today onwards through BMW Motorrad dealer network.

The all-new BMW R 18 stands entirely in the tradition of historical BMW motorcycles – both technically and in design. The largest displacement boxer engine ever built is the epicenter of its riding pleasure. The all-new BMW R 18 is all about motorcycling in its purest form.

Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “The all-new BMW R 18 is BMW Motorrad’s much-anticipated entry into the cruiser segment. Fans and motorcycling enthusiasts in India have been eagerly waiting for this day. The all-new BMW R 18 is a modern interpretation of motorcycling in its most authentic form. It seamlessly invokes the essence of the famous BMW Motorrad classics into the modern era while retaining a purist design. It delivers unadulterated riding fun with the biggest boxer engine ever built by BMW. Riders are in for a complete treat with the cruiser’s presence, attitude and promise in equal measures. They know when you ride, emotion is all that matters, and the all-new BMW R 18 is set to win the heart and soul!”

The all-new BMW R 18 will be offered in two variants and the ex-showroom price is:

The all-new BMW R 18 : INR 18,90,000

The all-new BMW R 18 First Edition : INR 21,90,000

The all-new BMW R 18 comes with a standard warranty for ‘three years, unlimited kilometers’, with an option to extend the warranty to fourth and fifth year. Roadside Assistance, a 24×7 365 days package further ensures prompt services in case of breakdown and towing situations.

The all-new BMW R 18 is BMW Motorrad’s interpretation of a cruiser that continues in the brand’s tradition and confidently exhibits the style of the times gone by. Its purity of functional and stylish design elements such as the double cradle frame, the tear drop tank, the exposed driveshaft and the paintwork with finely drawn double pinstripes are reminiscent of the legendary boxer from 1936. The classically designed circular instrument with integrated display is enclosed in a metal housing with decorative chrome ring.

The ‘BERLIN BUILT’ inscription on the face reinforces the bike’s origin. The state-of-the-art LED headlights ensure superior visibility on all roads. The sickle shaped graphical LED daytime running light further enhances the hallmark BMW Motorrad heritage face. Starting from the steering head, the central frame tube and swingarm top frame tubes visually form a continuous line that functions as a central design feature. In combination with the swingarm down tubes, which are also aligned with the frame down tubes, this gives the new R 18 a distinctly flat, elongated and muscular appearance.

Superior ergonomics ensure a high level of long-distance comfort and an unadulterated cruiser feeling. The BMW Motorrad ergonomic triangle consisting of distance to handlebar–seat and the ‘mid-mounted foot peg’ position is traditionally the key factor that offers an active and upright seating position.

The all-new BMW R 18 ‘First Edition’ combines the classic R 18 look with exclusive equipment features in paint and chrome. The highlights of this special model include Blackstorm metallic paintwork with elaborate pinstripes in lightwhite, an eye-catching seat badge, Headlight Pro, Adaptive Headlight, Daytime Riding Light First Edition Pack and a ‘First Edition’ chrome clasp on the side cover. The First Edition ‘Welcome Box’ contains exclusive insignia, lifestyle accessories, collectibles and a prized book on the near 100-year history of BMW Motorrad.

The centerpiece of the all-new BMW R 18 is a newly developed air/oil cooled two-cylinder boxer engine – the most powerful boxer in series production by BMW. The massive 1802 cc engine resulting from a 107.1 mm bore and 100 mm stroke. It produces an output of 91 hp at 4,750 rpm. The maximum torque of 158 Nm is already available at 3,000 rpm, with more than 150 Nm available at any time from 2,000 – 4,000 rpm. This elemental pulling power is combined with a full, resonant sound.

A single-disc dry clutch transmits the torque to the transmission. For the first time, it is designed as a self-reinforcing anti-hopping clutch, thereby eliminating unwanted rear wheel hop. The constant mesh 6-speed transmission is in a dual-section aluminum housing and is designed as a 4-shaft transmission with helical gear pairs. The gearbox input shaft with lug dampers drives the two gearbox shafts with the gear wheel pairs via a countershaft. A reverse gear is available as an optional extra.

In terms of the suspension, the all-new BMW R 18 sports a double loop steel tube frame. The rear swing arm surrounds the rear axle transmission in authentic style. The suspension elements deliberately dispense with electronic adjustment options. Instead, a telescopic fork and a directly mounted central suspension strut with travel-dependent damping and adjustable spring preload ensure superior wheel control and better suspension comfort. The braking system consists of a twin disc brake at the front and a single disc brake at the rear in conjunction with four-piston fixed callipers.

Unusual in its segment, the all-new BMW R 18 offers three standard riding modes – ‘Rain’, ‘Roll’ and ‘Rock’ to suit individual rider preferences. In ‘Rain’ mode, throttle response is gentler and riding dynamics allow a high safety over slippery road surface. In ‘Roll’ mode, the engine offers optimum throttle response while riding dynamics achieve ideal performance on all roads. ‘Rock’ mode allows riders to tap into the full dynamic potential – throttle response is very spontaneous and direct, while Automatic Stability Control allows a little more slip.

The all-new BMW R 18 boasts a list of important standard features. The disengageable traction control Automatic Stability Control provides perfect control, whether the road is dry or wet. Dynamic Engine Brake Control electronically prevents the sliding of rear wheel by sudden closure of throttle or back spacing. Hill Start Control makes starting off on a hill particularly easy. Keyless Ride system replaces the conventional ignition steering lock.

The all-new BMW R 18 brake system is equipped with the well-established BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (partially integral) that adapts the distribution of brake force between the front and rear brakes to the dynamic wheel load distribution and the load state. In addition, the dynamic brake light signals function warns following traffic in two stages when the brakes are applied sharply and in the event of an emergency brake manoeuvre.

BMW Motorrad has also collaborated with renowned international brands to further add to the diverse range of accessories and customization. Created in collaboration with Roland Sands Design, two different design collections of milled aluminium parts are available – ‘Machined’ and ‘2-Tone-Black’. In cooperation with Mustang Seats, high-quality, hand-made seats are offered in different variants for a variety of purposes. Developed in cooperation with Vance & Hines, a custom exhaust system is available in chrome or with a scratch-resistant black ceramic coating.

Nissan has unveiled the Z Proto, signaling the company’s intent to launch a new generation of the legendary Z sports car. Shown at a virtual event beamed around the world from the Nissan Pavilion in Yokohama, the prototype car features a new design inside and out, as well as a V-6 twin turbocharged engine with a manual transmission.

First hinted at in a video named “Nissan A-Z” in May, the Nissan Z Proto pays full respect to 50 years of Z heritage. At the same time, it’s a thoroughly modern sports car.

“The Z, as a pure sports car, represents the spirit of Nissan,” said Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida. “It’s a key model in our Nissan NEXT transformation plan, and it’s proof of our ability to do what others don’t dare to do, from A to Z. As a Z fan myself, I’m excited to announce that the next Z is coming.”

A global community of fans young and old attended the virtual unveiling. Members of the Z Club in Japan, ZCON participants in Nashville, Tennessee, and enthusiasts in various other markets tuned in for the event.

Penned and developed by the design team in Japan, the Z Proto boasts a fresh, attractive exterior design with a silhouette that communicates respect for the original model. It sports a bright yellow pearlescent paint – a tribute to a popular paint scheme on both the first-generation Z (S30) and the 300ZX (Z32) – and a black roof.

Combining a retro theme with one that also projected futurism was challenging, said Alfonso Albaisa, head of design at Nissan.

“Our designers made countless studies and sketches as we researched each generation and what made them a success,” Albaisa said. “Ultimately, we decided the Z Proto should travel between the decades, including the future.”

The shape of the hood and the canted, teardrop-shaped LED headlights are both unmistakable reminders of the original Z. The rectangular grille’s dimensions are similar to the current model with the addition of oval grille fins to offer an updated modern look. The form continues to exude both sportiness and elegance.

“The LED headlights have two half-circles that hark back to the Japan market-only 240ZG of the 70s,” Albaisa explained. “The ZG has clear dome lenses over the headlight buckets, which under light give off two circular reflections over each headlight. We liked that unique characteristic and discovered that it naturally fit with the Z’s identity.”

The link to the original Z is most striking when viewing the Z Proto from the side. The roofline flows from the nose to the squared-off rear to create a distinctive first-generation Z profile whose rear edge was slightly lower than the front fender height giving the Z its unique posture. The signature transition from the rear quarter glass to the low-slung position of the rear tail adds to the effect.

The rear takes inspiration from the 300ZX (Z32) taillights, reinterpreted for the modern world. Set within a rectangular black section that runs across the rear and wraps around the outer edges, the LED taillights convey a sharp glow.

Lightweight carbon fiber treatments on the side skirts, front lower lip and rear valance ensure nimble performance. 19-inch alloy wheels and dual exhausts complete the Z Proto’s striking road presence.

Designed to fit driver and passenger like a glove, the Z Proto’s cabin seamlessly blends modern technology with vintage Z touches.

The interior design team sought advice from professional motorsports legends to give the Z Proto an ideal sports car cabin, both for road and track. This can be seen in the Z’s instrumentation. All vital information is found in the 12.3-inch digital meter display and arranged to help the driver grasp it at a glance, such as the redline shift point at the twelve o-clock position.

The new, deep dish steering wheel offers the driver quick access controls without losing its vintage aesthetic.

Yellow accents are found throughout the cabin, including stitching on the instrument panel. The seats feature special yellow accenting and a layered gradation stripe in the center of the seats to create depth.

The original Z was built to bring the joy and excitement of sports car ownership to as many people as possible.

“The Z has always been a strong dynamic performer, making it easy for customers to enjoy its capabilities and feel as connected as possible to the car,” said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist of the Z Proto. “This has been true through all its generations, and this is what drives our passion to innovate and challenge the norm.”

Each new generation had a more powerful engine, although the Z is about more than power increases.

“Z is a balance of power and agility,” Tamura continued. “It is a vehicle that creates a connection with the driver not just on the physical level, but emotionally, and responds to the driver’s impulses.”

Make no mistake though, the Z Proto packs a powerful punch. Under the elongated hood is an enhanced V-6 twin-turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. As a prototype, work is now underway on synchronizing the power with the grace and control that has defined the Z for the past 50 years.

“With the launch this summer of the groundbreaking Ariya EV, we’ve started a new era of electrification and autonomous driving technology,” said Uchida. “With the Z, we’re bringing drivers the excitement of a pure sports car. For more than 50 years we have been creating the legend of Z together. I’m glad you’re with us for the next exciting chapter. The new Z is on its way.”

Z Proto specifications
Engine	V-6 twin turbo
Transmission	6-speed manual
Length	4,382 mm
Width	1,850 mm
Height	1,310 mm
Wheel and tire size	Front: 255/40R19 Rear: 285/35R19

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt Ltd. have made an entry in 180-200cc motorcycle segment with it’s all new Hornet 2.0 priced at INR 126,345 (ex-showroom Gurugram).

Talking on the launch Mr. Atsushi Ogata, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Inspired by the dreams of the new age customers & their passion for riding, we are pleased to introduce all new Honda Hornet 2.0. With its advanced technology & thrilling performance, new Hornet 2.0 is set to create a new benchmark among the young motorcycle enthusiasts. It is the beginning of Honda’s new era of portfolio expansion catering to a wide range of customers in India”.

Introducing the new Hornet 2.0, Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “The new Hornet 2.0 is a transformation of Honda’s racing DNA into sheer thrill of street riding. Fully satisfying the needs of riders seeking performance and style in one machine, the powerful higher capacity HET BSVI Engine, best in class features like Golden USD front forks, fully digital negative liquid crystal meter, dual, petal disc brakes and aggressive design enhances the overall riding experience. Simply put, Hornet 2.0 is a call out to those who want to FLY AGAINST THE WIND!”

The all-new Hornet 2.0 is powered by a new Bharat Stage VI compliant higher capacity and advanced 184cc PGM-FI HET (Honda Eco Technology) engine. PGM-Fi system uses 8 onboard sensors to constantly inject optimum fuel and air mixture to provide greater performance and efficiency.

Hornet 2.0 is equipped with Dual, Petal Disc Brakes with single channel ABS. The mono shock rear suspension gives an excellent riding experience while cornering and provides stability. It also features the Golden Upside Down (USD) front fork – a first in sub 200cc segment.

Engine stop switch provides the convenience of turning-off the engine on brief stops with flick of a switch. Ensuring safety of riders in low visibility conditions is the hazard switch feature.

Wider tubeless tyres at front (110mm) and rear (140mm) boosts rider confidence by providing superior road grip and handling.

The fully digital negative liquid crystal meter displays information like gear position indicator, service due indicator, battery voltmeter and comes with customizable brightness (can be adjusted manually up to 5 levels). It also comes with seal chain which needs less frequent adjustments and low maintenance cost.

The new Hornet 2.0 will be available in four colour schemes – Pearl Igneous Black, Matte Sangria Red Metallic, Matte Axis Grey Metallic and Matte Marvel Blue Metallic.

As another industry first, Honda will also be offering a special 6-year warranty package (3 years standard + 3 years optional extended warranty) on Hornet 2.0.

 

Bridgestone India announced the launch of Pick Up and Drop Service, which is a contactless service aimed at enabling consumers to book a valet to get all their tyre-related needs and services addressed, without stepping out of their homes. The initiative also lets the consumers track the vehicles once they leave their homes to the time they come back. The ‘Pick Up and Drop Service’ caters to all tyre-related needs and requirements of the consumers, ranging from wheel alignment, balancing or fitting new ones. The service extends to new purchases as well as existing tyres.

“At Bridgestone, we are committed to Serving Society with Superior Quality. This is reflected through our offerings as well as in the services we provide to our consumers. In the New Normal, customer and channel partner safety is our number one priority. Our Contactless Pick Up and Drop Service is designed to ensure complete safety of our consumers, valet and channel partners with high standards of sanitization and social distancing. While our valet partners will ensure complete contactless and hygienic customer experience, additionally the valet will sanitise the car at delivery to ensure complete peace of mind and convenience for our customers.” said Rajarshi Moitra – Consumer Business Head

Initially, the Service is being offered in– Mumbai, Pune, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Gurugram, Lucknow, Guwahati, Kolkata, Jaipur, Indore. The cities of Kanpur, Surat, Chandigarh, Nagpur, and Goa will follow soon.

Customers just need to get in touch with the Bridgestone Select store, and all tyre services will be taken care off without having them leave their homes. Booking of the Pick-Up and Drop Service can be made via bridgestonebookmyservice.in/
The country is unlocking, and the recovery rate also seems to be improving slowly but steadily. However, with the daily increase in COVID-19 cases, people are still hesitant to venture out of their homes, and hence Bridgestone came up with the solution by launching a Pick-up and Drop Service to cater to all the tyre-related needs and requirements of the customers ranging from wheel alignment, balancing or fitting new ones. It extends to new purchases as well as existing tyres.

Nissan India today revealed the design approach taken to create its latest B-SUV, the Nissan Magnite Concept, along with the newer design elements of its interiors and exteriors. The newest offering in the Nissan family that will take its global SUV legacy into the future is designed for India and for export countries.

The interiors of the Nissan Magnite Concept are wide and spacious due to the horizontal instrument panel, followed by the air ventilators that have a distinctive shape and cliff section, which makes it look sporty and enhances the SUV feel. It also includes a sporty mono-form shape seat which enhances comfort and the rear seats offer robust pattern and rich cushioning adding to the premiumness of the car.

Takumi Yoneyama, Design Manager, Nissan Motor Corporation, said, “The Nissan Magnite Concept embodies Nissan’s spirit in every way. Our design approach was based on the art of sculpting and not just drawing lines on paper. We sculpted a solid and dynamic feel by carving shape from a big, overhanging body. We followed the core of Japanese sense and aesthetic by extracting pure dynamism and shedding the unnecessary. We are proud to introduce our newest creation and we hope that our customers in India will love it.”

Rakesh Srivastava, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “The Nissan Magnite Concept is designed in Japan while keeping in mind the requirements and aspirations of the Indian customers. The front section and the grill frame feature a vertical motion to enhance rigidness. In contrast, very sleek and sharp LED Head lamps and L-shape Daytime running light create a strong impression. This dynamic combination gives the car a confident and bold look; special tinted red color adds further depth and makes it look solid and vibrant.”

Bentley is introducing a new Styling Specification for the Flying Spur, allowing customers to emphasise the sporting credentials of the world’s fastest production sedan and give the car an even more sporting aesthetic to match its unrivalled performance.

The Flying Spur sets the luxury benchmark in agility and dynamism using the latest chassis technology including active all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, torque vectoring and 48V electric anti-roll bar system – first introduced by Bentley. The aesthetics of the new Styling Specification complement the Flying Spur’s peerless capabilities, ensuring that Bentley’s new flagship looks as stunning as it is to drive.

Crafted by hand in high gloss carbon fibre to exact tolerances following an extensive development programme, the Styling Specification includes a front bumper splitter, side skirts with metallic Bentley badges, rear diffuser and boot lid spoiler.

Like the veneer that adorns the cabin space, the carbon fibre exterior components are mirror-matched across the centreline of the car for precise visual appeal. The carbon fibre weave is a 2×2 twill pattern, woven in the same direction for all components to ensure consistency. The carbon fibre is laid-up in multiple layers, each oriented for optimum strength and durability whilst maintaining minimal weight.

The side skirts include an exquisite detail with the inclusion of a three-dimensional electroformed Bentley badge. The profile of the badge was developed specially for the Styling Specification, to minimise the risk of air bubbles forming in the lacquer overcoat while still providing the eye-catching faceted appearance.

The Styling Specification is specifically designed to complement the aerodynamic performance of the Flying Spur. The first designs are assessed and refined using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software for aerodynamic performance including front and rear lift and overall drag. Simulations are also made of the effect on powertrain cooling, brake cooling and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Electrical testing seeks to minimise any affect that the carbon fibre parts may have on vehicle systems from PDC (park distance control) to radar systems and antennae for on-board communications and entertainment.

Only once these virtual assessments are complete are the first physical prototypes manufactured, before being refined in the wind tunnel and on the test track. The parts are also assessed across all driving conditions up to and including top speed, for stability, feel and performance under both acceleration and braking to ensure that the Bentley driving dynamic is maintained.

Once functionality is signed-off, the parts are assessed through a variety of validation tests. These include durability programmes – including overall vehicle tests of 100,000 km – to abuse testing such as wading, kerb strikes, and rough roads. Rig testing in Bentley’s Quality lab assesses performance through the rigours of vibration, thermal cycling, point loading and impacts.

Once all test and development work is completed, the manufacturing process is refined over a number of development cycles to give consistent, repeatable manufacturing tolerances meeting the exacting requirements expected of a Bentley. 3D scanning and comparison to a nominal metrology buck assess manufacturing accuracy.

The Styling Specification is available to order through Bentley’s network of retailers, and can be specified when a new car is ordered or retrofitted at a later date to enhance a customer’s existing car.

When the new Bentley Flying Spur was introduced in 2019 it set a new benchmark in performance, agility and dynamism. A key element when designing the new Flying Spur was moving the front axle position forwards to improve weight distribution, enabling improved dynamic precision, handling and balance when coupled with active all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering and Bentley Dynamic Ride.

Depending on the road conditions, the powertrain can vary up to 480 Nm of torque from the rear of the car to the front axle offering greater grip and driveability, through the active all-wheel drive system. The front end now feels much lighter and turn-in response is also dramatically improved. The understeer effect experienced with fixed all-wheel drive is virtually eliminated, making the car feel more balanced overall.

Torque distribution varies according to the selected Drive Dynamics Mode. In Sport, the system limits the available torque to the front axle to 280 Nm, maintaining a higher torque level at the rear for a more dynamic feel. Torque is also managed across each axle by a torque-vectoring-by-brake system.

Electronic all-wheel steering enhances both stability at highway speeds and manoeuvrability around town. During low-speed manoeuvres, the system steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels. This has the effect of shortening the wheelbase, reducing the turning circle nearly to that of the Continental GT, increasing agility and making parking noticeably easier.

During high-speed manoeuvres, the system steers the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels, increasing stability and making overtaking and lane-changes more assured. Electronic all-wheel steering means no compromise between high speed confidence and low speed convenience.

The Flying Spur uses three-chamber air springs which contain 60 per cent more air volume compared to the previous model. This allows more scope to vary from sporting levels of spring stiffness to luxury limousine refinement depending upon which mode the driver has selected. The new car features CDC (Continuous Damping Control), which allows continuous regulation of the dampers.

Four ride height sensors constantly measure the distance between the axle and the body. If the system detects a difference compared with the normal height, the air volume in the springs is corrected accordingly to restore the normal height.

The Bentley Dynamic Ride System is designed to improve both handling and ride comfort. A 48-volt system controls an electronic actuator unit which manages the stiffness of the anti-roll bar, changing the stiffness on demand to combat cornering forces and keep the Flying Spur level.

Driving in the rain can be fun, but also dangerous at times. While one must be sure to drive safely, especially on tricky terrains, the car needs to be cared for to avoid any hiccups along the way.  In India, where water logging can be an issue in some cities, there are certain essentials that you need to follow to keep your vehicle out of harm’s way. Power Drive spoke to Atul Aggarwal, Head – After Sales, Nissan Motor India Pvt Ltd and here is what he had to say.

Tyre check

Tyres are the only part of a vehicle that come in direct contact with the road. So, checking on them before going on the road in the monsoons is vital for avoiding any unpleasant incidents. Uneven and worn out tyres don’t give a proper grip on the thin layer of water that accumulates on the road after heavy rains. Keeping a check on tyre pressure also impacts the grip. Contrary to popular belief of deflated tyres, they need to be inflated to the optimum pressure, which helps them push out enough water and give the best grip.

A dangerous practice prevalent in our country is that of changing single or two tyres. This not only affects the quality of drive but may accelerate wear and tear. Also, always use tyres as per specifications provided in the user manual. Align them regularly to extend their durability and avoid any untoward incident. All tyre brands have tread indicators that help check their wear and tear. It is advisable to inspect and replace old tyres before the monsoons.

Treat the interiors before it pours

Not many people do it, but it is important to disinfect the air conditioning system to avoid growth of bacteria, thereby keeping the interiors free from foul smell. The AC should run at ideal settings (as per instructions) to avoid frosting. Check with your authorised brand executive to know the correct settings. Electricals should also be inspected thoroughly to avoid contact with water. Try and keep a portable vacuum cleaner handy to dry the dampness in the seat covers to avoid foul odour in the car. No matter how much one tries to avoid it, there can be times when rainwater may enter the car. Small hacks can save one from long term damage to the interior. One option is to use fabric mats instead of rubber mats.

Wipers for visibility

Windscreen wipers are possibly the most neglected part of a car and this despite them being right there in front of our eyes all the time. Most car owners use the same wiper blades much beyond their usability. However, in monsoons, this can hamper visibility. One should get them replaced at the right time, ideally before the rainy season begins.

Monsoon hacks

There are two kinds of people.  Those who enjoy driving in rains and those who wait for rains to stop. It does not matter which group you belong to; you will find yourself driving in the rain anyway. Some simple hacks can be applied to avoid inconvenience. Use map apps to check heavy traffic zones after rains in the city. Consult friends before going to a new area or whether there are any chances of it getting flooded easily. Parking in a well-ventilated area is a good option. If in case you are carpooling, then there could be high chances of your car seats falling prey to careless passengers. It therefore makes sense to use old seat covers and mats during rainy days. Finally, apply branded rain repellent on the wind screen to avoid zero visibility while driving in torrential Indian rains.

If your car is stuck in water: Do Not Panic!

When the car gets stuck in water, a common reaction is to crank it. This, however, is the worst thing to do. Instead, begin by switching off the engine. If you feel that the damage is not much, then wait; or else, without wasting any time, call the 24×7 road-side assistance. Keeping emergency contacts handy is vital. In any case several automakers, today have their own apps like the Nissan Connect, which comes with features to book emergency services.

After care maintenance

After you have had fun driving around in the rain, it’s time for some after care maintenance for the vehicle. Wash your car thoroughly to clean all the mud and dirt. Make sure you vent the car by opening all the windows to prevent any damp odor from building inside and remove the floor mats to put them out to dry.

These are just a few essential car maintenance and driving tips to help you drive better during monsoons and take good care of your car. Enjoying responsibly, risking neither the vehicle nor your life should be the mantra for this season. Have fun and drive safe!