Oben Electric, one of India’s homegrown electric vehicle manufacturers, is kicking off the Dussehra season with a nationwide campaign packed with irresistible deals that promises to electrify the festivities. From September 29 to October 12, customers can purchase Oben Electric’s flagship performance electric motorcycle, Oben Rorr at an ex-showroom price of INR 1,19,99, a flat INR 30,000 savings on the original ex-showroom price of INR 1,49,999. In addition, each purchase includes an extended 5-year warranty and an opportunity to win iPhone 15, iPad Mini, and Sony headphones.
Adding to the festive excitement, Oben Electric will also host a special Dussehra Dhamaal Day across its showrooms in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Pune. These exclusive one-day events will give customers the chance to win up to a massive ₹60,000 in total savings on the Oben Rorr, dropping the price to an astonishing ₹89,999. The Bengaluru event will take place on September 29 (HSR Layout showroom), followed by Delhi (Dwarka showroom) on October 2, and Pune (Wakad showroom) on October 6.
Madhumita Agrawal, Founder and CEO of Oben Electric said, “At Oben Electric, we are always looking for ways to bring more value to our customers, and the Dussehra Festive Offer is our way of celebrating this joyous season with the people who are driving India’s transition to electric mobility. We aim to make our electric motorcycle a superior choice in performance, safety, and sustainability. This festive season, we’re excited to provide enticing discounts and offers, to ensure that more customers can experience the reliability and quality of Oben Electric’s innovative EV motorcycle.”
This festive announcement follows Oben Electric’s aggressive expansion plans, which include opening 60 new showrooms across key Indian cities in the coming months. With a strong presence in Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi, and Kerala, Oben Electric continues to grow its footprint, making electric mobility solutions accessible to every corner of India. The brand’s LFP battery technology sets it apart from competitors by offering superior performance, 50% greater heat resistance and extended lifespan, reinforcing Oben’s position as a trusted partner in India’s electric mobility revolution.
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), cumulatively the largest exporter of passenger vehicles by volumes from India, announced the expansion of its exports portfolio with the export of the Hyundai Exter. The model will now be available to customers in South Africa making it the eighth model to be exported to the country from India.
Commenting on the exports portfolio expansion, Mr. Jae Wan Ryu, Function Head – Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “South Africa has always been an important export market for HMIL, as most of the models that are manufactured at HMIL’s factory in Tamil Nadu are exported to South Africa. Also, 2024 is a milestone year for HMIL as it marks 20 years of exporting world class products to South Africa.‘Made in India, Made for the World’ is a testament to HMIL’s manufacturing prowess as it is evident that our products are not only loved by the Indian audience, but garner appreciation from customers the world over. I am confident that the Hyundai EXTER would be highly appreciated in South Africa, replicating its success story and tremendous popularity in India.”
HMIL commenced the export of Exter by dispatching the first lot of 996 units to South Africa. Exter will be Hyundai’s eighth model offering in the country after Grand i10 NIOS, Aura, i20, i20 N Line, Venue, Venue N Line and Alcazar.
JSW MG Motor India has launched the MG Windsor at the price of a manual compact SUV. The Windsor, combining the comfort of a sedan and the expanse of an SUV, will be offered with innovative aerodynamic design, spacious and opulent interiors, reassuring safety, smart connectivity, driving comfort, and many hi-tech features. It is built on ‘Pure EV Platform’ with BaaS – a unique ownership program, MG Windsor is offered at INR 9.99 Lakhs + 3.5 Rs. /km for battery.
For the first time in India’s passenger vehicle segment, JSW MG Motor India is introducing an innovative ownership plan through Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) offering, which makes owning an electric CUV at the price of a manual engine-based compact SUV possible. This flexible ownership program eliminates the upfront cost of the battery, enabling customers to pay only for its usage. Essentially, buyers pay a nominal fee per kilometre driven, which is 40% of the fuel costs of conventional vehicles. This model significantly reduces the initial acquisition cost and lowers the per-kilometre expense, ensuring an economical and hassle-free ownership experience.
In addition, the company is offering a first-of-its-kind lifetime battery warranty to the first owner of MG Windsor. With the eHUB by MG app, the company is offering one year of free public charging, making it easier than ever for Windsor owners to power up anytime, anywhere. JSW MG Motor India is also introducing its 3-60 assured buyback plan for the Windsor which ensures that it will retain 60% of its value after 3 years/45,000kms.
The Intelligent CUV features an AeroGlide design language, which is futuristic and transcends the concept of traditional segmentation. The interiors are opulent and luxurious with spacious aero lounge seats that can be reclined to 1350, coupled with the expansive infinity view glass roof, adding to the business class experience. Immersive entertainment and smart connectivity features are powered by a massive 15.6-inch Grand View Touch Display in the central console.
The Windsor comes with the powerful PMS Motor which is IP67 certified. Impressive performance is derived through a 38 kWh Li-ion battery pack and four driving modes (Eco+, Eco, Normal and Sport) that deliver 100KW (136PS) power and 200Nm of instant torque, offering a range of 331 kms. It can be charged in 40 minutes at any DC fast charger.
Speaking at the launch, Parth Jindal, Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The MG Windsor is the realization of the vision and promise behind JSW MG India and marks a significant milestone in this journey. The Windsor is the first car that has come out of the JV and the team has worked very hard in developing and bringing it to the Indian market. This vehicle embodies our commitment to delivering to our Indian customers the best of innovation the world has to offer. As a crossover utility vehicle, the Windsor merges the comfort of a sedan with the expanse of an SUV, making it an ideal car for the Indian household. With its advanced features, innovative design, and disruptive pricing, the Windsor sets a new benchmark. I look forward to seeing the MG Windsor on our Indian roads, delighting our customers and helping them travel sustainably with comfort, style and power.”
Sharing his views on the occasion, Rajeev Chaba, CEO Emeritus, JSW MG Motor India said, “With its delightful features and easy to drive dynamics, MG Windsor will certainly invite newer sets of customers to try EVs. Enabling this, we have created a clear channel for smart and unique ownership through the BaaS program, complemented with additional benefits. With these initiatives, we are addressing the barrier of incremental upfront cost of owning an EV and supporting easy and hassle-free ownership through the user-friendly eHUB by MG app that brings the EV ecosystem to the fingertips of customers. I am confident that the overall package of the Windsor will prove to be a catalyst in strengthening the EV segment further for prospective car buyers.”
MG Windsor is a vision to bring the luxury of business class lifestyle and travel to the lives of every Indian. It is an ideal vehicle for customers looking to beat the bustling urban roads and tighter spaces in smaller towns, in comfort and style. The MG Windsor is being offered in three variants: Excite, Exclusive, and Essence; and four colours: Starburst Black, Pearl White, Clay Beige, and Turquoise Green.
BMW India has launched the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase in the country. The car can be booked at BMW dealerships across India and at http://www.bmw.in. Deliveries will commence from September 2024.
The BMW 5 Series is at the heart of the BMW brand. Globally, it has been the market leader in the prestigious executive sedan segment for years. Around 10 million units of the 5 Series have been sold since the first generation was launched in 1972. The eighth generation of the world’s most successful business sedan is more dynamic than ever, featuring a wealth of digital innovations.
Mr. Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India said, “More comfortable, more digital and more dynamic, the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase provides a completely new expression of modernity, presence and clarity, featuring unparalleled space and luxurious comfort. It stands for outstanding technological expertise and a progressive attitude combined with sporty, elegant design and hallmark driving pleasure. India is the first right-hand drive market in the world to introduce the all-new 5 in its long wheelbase avatar. It is tailor-made to suit the requirements of our premium clientele in India, and offers exceptional comfort and versatility for any occasion, business or personal, urban or long-distance travel.”
Locally produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai, the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase is available exclusively as a petrol variant.
The introductory ex-showroom price is: BMW 530Li M Sport : INR 72,90,000
The all-new BMW 5 Series evolves the character of the dynamic business sedan in an impressive fashion, bringing a new expression of modernity, presence and clarity to the established attributes and different ways of experiencing it.
The exterior of the new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase is about motion and strikingly sporty character. The car has a steeply sloping A-pillar, gently flowing roof line towards the rear and slightly sloping luggage compartment line, creating an elegant and dynamic 2.5 box design. Length: 5,165 mm, width: 2,156 mm, height: 1,518 mm and wheelbase: 3,105 mm make the all-new BMW 5 Long Wheelbase the biggest car in the segment. The BMW kidney grille, stylistically inspired by the so-called ‘Sharknose’ and projecting far forward, functions as the visual centre of the vehicle front. With its wide surround and BMW Iconic Glow contour line lighting, the BMW kidney grille gives the front view a distinctively dynamic and sporty appeal. The side flanks have a pronounced athletic look thanks to the two visually distinct character lines, a high shoulder line and the prominent muscular look above the rear wheel. The fixed Panoramic glass roof connects almost the entire roof surface with its dark glass surface and gives the side view a more dynamic look. The newly interpreted Hofmeister kink is shallower and broader with an elegantly embossed ‘5’ badging. The kidney grille surround, front bumper stripes, rear bumper accents and window graphics (frame, mirror base and C-pillar trim) are available in two exclusive finishes – Titanium Bronze and Aluminium. Black side skirts, flush-mounted door openers, 5 pattern welcome carpet light and the 18-inch light alloy wheels / 19-inch M alloy wheels with tubeless tyres are further eye catchers. Adaptive LED headlights with the hallmark four-eye face with vertical strips set the scene for new, visually appealing daytime running lights. The slim LED taillights feature the hallmark L-shaped with an innovative ‘twin light’ design emphasizing the car’s width.
The interior of the BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase creates an ideal environment for enjoying hallmark BMW driving pleasure and comfort in everyday traffic and long- distance journeys. Generous space, innovative equipment with modern functionality, and fine workmanship optimize the travelling comfort and characterize the ambience of the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase as a dynamic business sedan for digital age. Comfort seats with perforated vegan leather upholstery have active seat ventilation at the front and the rear seats have an increased knee room (+71mm). Cabin temperature can be individually adjusted with Four zone air conditioning. Bowers G Wilkins Surround Sound System has an exceptional audio experience at concert hall level. Additionally, first 500 customers of the 5 will get individually customized headrest cushions in the rear.
Adopted directly from the BMW 7 Series, the driver-oriented BMW Curved Display and BMW Interaction Bar with touchscreen functionality define the revolutionary cockpit design. The BMW Curved Display consists of a 12.3-inch Information Display behind the steering wheel and a Control Display with 14.9-inch screen. They merge into a single fully digital and high- resolution display unit. The illuminated BMW Interaction Bar looks like a piece of crystal jewellery. It extends below the trim strip across the entire width of the dashboard, far into the door panels. It integrates the ambient light, AC controls and almost invisible air vents into an aesthetic experience.
The latest BMW Operating System 8.5 offers all the possibilities for interaction between occupants and the vehicle – using touch or voice. It is complemented by the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant system that adopts driver’s individual habits and proactively provides useful tips on driving functions. Regular Remote Software Upgrades ensure that the car is always up to date.
MyBMW App functions include popular options for keeping an eye on the current vehicle status at all times. The innovative digital key services turn any smartphone into a car key and can be transferred up to 4 additional users, along with their personal vehicle settings. One can remotely lock/unlock and configure top speed, engine power, audio and more. Wireless Apple CarPlay® / Android Auto for smartphone opens up access to a range of functions and apps.
The new control panel on the center console has – iDrive Controller, new gear selector switch, start/stop button, My Modes buttons, volume control and buttons for controlling other vehicle functions. Additionally, CraftedClarity visually enhances the interior and consists of a handmade crystal glass element for selected controls. An interior camera can take photos and record videos including sound and also via the smartphone through the MyBMW app. Wireless mobile charging trays are integrated in the front console and rear armrest along with multiple USB-C ports. Travel G Comfort System provides entertainment on personal devices with WiFi Hotspot using a personal e-sim. In addition, mounting options are available for tablets/personal devices to serve as rear entertainment screens.
Thanks to the unrivalled BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the petrol engine melds maximum power with exemplary efficiency and offers spontaneous responsiveness even at low engine speeds. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine of the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase produces an output of 190 kW / 258 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm at 1,500 – 2,500 rpm. Additionally, the engine features a 48V Electrical Motor with a power output of 11 hp and torque output of 25 Nm to achieve better efficiency and dynamics. The car accelerates from 0 -100 km / hr in just 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h.
The 8-speed Steptronic transmission performs smooth, almost imperceptible gearshifts. At any time, in any gear, the transmission collaborates perfectly with the engine, enabling it to develop its full power and efficiency. Comfort Suspension gives a luxurious ride with minimum body roll giving a high degree of stability with sporty dynamics. M Steering wheel, with a flattened bottom, has paddle shift functions. BMW My Modes (Personal, Efficient, Sport, Expressive, Relax and Digital Art) can be used to turn every journey into an individual driving experience with a combination of sound, light, temperature and seat functions to create a particular mood.
The spread of Connected Drive and Driver Assistance Systems that support comfort and safety is more extensive than ever. Standard systems include – Cruise Control, Attentiveness Assistant, Parking Assistant Professional, Comfort Access and Remote Parking via smartphone, Manoeuvring Assistant, Reverse Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Cross Traffic Warning, Front G Rear Collision Warning, Exit Warning and Active Pedestrian Protection. BMW EfficientDynamics includes features such as 8-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission, Auto Start-Stop, ECO PRO mode, Brake-Energy Regeneration, Electronic Power Steering, 50:50 Weight Distribution and many other innovative technologies.
BMW Safety includes eight airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Cornering Brake Control (CBC), electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer with crash sensor and child seat mounting.
BMW Motorrad India has launched its first electric offering – the all-new BMW CE 04, starting at an ex-showroom price of INR 14,90,000. The urban electric scooter will be available as a Completely Built-up Unit (CBU) in select metropolitan cities in India. Deliveries will commence from September 2024.
With its electric drive, forward-looking design and latest technology, the new scooter is built for a fresh mobility experience. The lightness of a scooter paired with the technology of a motorbike has been perfected for an urban environment.
Mr. Vikram Pawah, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMW Group India said, “The all-new BMW CE 04 is the beginning of a whole new era of electro-mobility at BMW Motorrad India. It is the new electric star, made for the city. Quiet, quick and agile, the BMW CE 04 slips easily through the city, turning the urban sprawl into a playground. It’s big on design statement with futuristic and innovative style. Impressive power, latest technology and abundant range deliver a fun riding experience that you want to wake up for every day. An ideal companion for anyone who feels part of new urban living.”
The design of BMW CE 04 combines functionality and clear aesthetics with digital reality. The shape is dominated by large, calm surfaces, contrasted by sharp edges. The long, stretched form envelops the slim energy storage unit in the underfloor assembly and the compact drivetrain. The front end is excitingly broken up while the rear end reveals technological components, a typical feature of motorcycles. Powerful LED lighting all round increases safety. The floating seat underscores visual lightness. Side design is practical too, for instance, the charging compartment and helmet storage unit fold out towards the side. Trend-setting 15-inch standard wheels have a disc-like look and the side stand seamlessly blends in the styling. The low center of gravity represents a further benefit: fun handling, surprising dynamism and timeless riding pleasure.
Two striking colour concepts convey the modern and unmistakable design of BMW CE 04. The base variant is available in Light White and the optional Avantgarde style in Imperial blue metallic colour. The use of bright orange in seat of Style Avantgarde and the tinted wind shield creates an interesting contrast.
BMW CE 04’s innovative electric drive with liquid-cooled electric motor delivers a maximum output of 42 hp (31 kW). The permanent magnet electric motor is mounted in the frame between the battery and the rear wheel, similar to BMW cars. For the classic ‘traffic light starts’ from 0 to 50 km/hr, it gives instant acceleration in just 2.6 seconds. The maximum speed is 120 km/hr for speedy progress not just in the city but on main roads and motorway sections, too.
The lithium-ion battery with net capacity of 8.5 kWh provides abundant range of 130 kms and energy consumption of 7.7 kWh/100 kms. BMW CE 04 will come with a complimentary 2.3 kW home charger which takes 3 hrs 30 mins for 0 – 80% charge. An optional BMW Wallbox charger is also available.
Directionally stable suspension with one-piece tubular steel main frame provides smooth handling and a high level of ride comfort. At the front, the double disc brake is designed for reliable deceleration, assisted by the single disc brake at the rear. BMW Motorrad Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) adds additional active safety. Just as with conventionally powered BMW Motorrad models, the BMW CE 04 also comes with Automatic Stability Control (ASC). The new BMW CE 04 features three riding modes ECO, Rain and Road.
The multifunctional instrument cluster comes with a 10.25-inch TFT colour split screen with Bluetooth connectivity. The smartphone stays safe in the watertight and ventilated storage compartment and can be charged at the same time using a 12-volt port.
With the optional ‘Comfort Package’, riders can add Heated Grips and Backrest Comfort Seat. The optional ‘Dynamic Package’ offers Riding Modes Pro, Headlight Pro, ABS Pro, Adaptive Headlights and Daytime Riding Light. A comprehensive range of optional equipment and original BMW Motorrad accessories is available for individualization.
Bentley’s Flying Spur sedan – the ultimate four-door Grand Tourer – is set to be reborn with the company’s new 782 PS (771 bhp) Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. Launched recently in Bentley’s new Continental GT Speed, the all-new, performance-focused V8 hybrid powertrain will make the new Flying Spur the most powerful, most dynamic and most efficient four-door car in Bentley’s 105-year history. The new Flying Spur will replace the current model, which was launched in 2019.
With 782 PS and 1000 Nm (738 lb.ft) available from the union of a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a powerful yet compact electric motor, the Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain is Bentley’s future, delivering astonishing flexibility from incredibly accessible supercar performance to silent, effortless electric luxury. When fitted to the new Flying Spur, the powertrain will create the ultimate Bentley sedan – potent and tranquil in equal measure, with the added benefit of soundless electric motoring for at least 45 miles. For the Flying Spur, CO2 emissions will be below 40 g/km, with an overall range of more than 500 miles – a truly modern grand tourer.
The new powertrain follows Bentley’s long-standing tradition of supplementing class-leading combustion engines with technology to increase performance. Supercharging in the 1920s was the early forebear to the use of turbocharging from the 1980s to present day. Bentley now goes one step further – bringing even more performance through ‘electrocharging’ – using a potent hybrid system to create the most technologically advanced and most powerful powertrain in Bentley’s long history. The new system delivers almost 150 PS more than the W12 engine in the current Flying Spur Speed, with an additional 100 Nm of torque.
Due to the combination of the V8 engine and electric power, Bentley’s engineers have been able to deliver improved power and torque across the full rev range. This includes a vital boost from the electric motor for strong acceleration from low speeds and throughout the mid-range, combined with increased performance from the V8 engine at higher speeds too. A significant amount of development has also been invested in the exhaust note too, emphasising the cross-plane quality – and without the use of artificial, electronic enhancement.
For the very first time, a ‘preserved’ car has won Best of Show at a world-class concours event – a moment of huge significance for the historic vehicle movement.
At last month’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2024, the coveted Trofeo BMW Group – overall award for Best of Show – went to the 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 by Figoni, owned by 27-year-old Belgian collector Thibault De Meester.
“The huge significance of this moment is that a car which has been largely preserved, rather than restored, took the highest accolade,” says Tiddo Bresters, President of FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens or international federation of historic vehicles).
“It clearly highlights the trend towards preservation over restoration, a shift that FIVA has long championed. We are proud to say that FIVA has been a frontrunner in the battle for preservation and authenticity, having launched our FIVA ‘Best Preserved Vehicle’ award at Pebble Beach in 1999. Nor is the Villa d’Este result a one-off. In 2023, a Duesenberg SJ that was last restored more than 20 years ago won Best of Show at Villa d’Este, and now this perfectly preserved 1932 Alfa Romeo has confirmed that attitudes have changed.”
Bresters concludes: “Looking ‘brand new’ isn’t the point – the importance of a car is in its history; its authenticity; its place in our automotive heritage. It’s extremely encouraging to see this appreciation of a well-preserved car spreading through the highest echelons of the historic vehicle world, as well as through the bedrock of the classics owned, maintained and enjoyed by the millions of enthusiasts we represent around the globe.”
FIVA now looks forward with great interest to Pebble Beach 2024. Whether or not a ‘preserved’ vehicle takes the top prize there in August, FIVA – in partnership with the Hagerty Drivers Foundation – will again be presenting trophies during Monterey Week, at both The Quail Motorsports Gathering and Pebble Beach, awards that have been renamed ‘in honour of Dr Frederick Simeone’, the preservation award judge and automotive historian who passed away in 2022.
Kia India has announced the achievement of a significant milestone of surpassing 250,000 vehicle exports. Since 2019, the company has shipped 255,133 units internationally to over 100 markets from its Anantapur manufacturing facility. The Seltos has been the major contributor, accounting for 59% of the company’s overall overseas dispatches. Kia’s other innovations – Sonet and Carens follow in second and third places, contributing 34% and 7%, respectively.
Kia India is one of the key export hubs for the Kia corporation. However, in recent years, the company has focused more on selling its cars in the domestic markets and is now going to make 90% of products for India from this year. At present Kia India exports to over 100 international markets from its Anantapur facility. A few of the major markets for Kia India exports include South Africa, Chile, Paraguay and Latin America. Kia’s dedication to innovation and excellence has secured its place as a global leader in the automotive industry, both in India and globally.
Mr. Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India said, “Our dedication to quality and innovation has driven us to this milestone. The success of our Made in India vehicles internationally shows our commitment to quality. We’ve quickly become a major market for Kia Corporation and aim to maintain this momentum. While our focus is on the domestic market, we plan to keep our exports steady this year.”
Kia’s Anantapur plant, which commenced production around five years ago, has quickly become a crucial export hub within the company’s global network. The facility’s advanced production capabilities and adherence to the highest quality standards have enabled Kia to meet the demand for RVs worldwide.
Bridgestone has been chosen by Maserati to develop bespoke 20-inch tyres for its first all-electric SUV, the Maserati Grecale Folgore.
After recent collaborations including fitments for the Maserati MC20 supercar and the Maserati Grecale, Maserati looked to its long-term partner for a tyre that could enhance the on-road capabilities of its first-ever all-electric SUV. Bridgestone responded with custom-developed Bridgestone Potenza Sport ENLITEN tyres, its flagship ultra-high performance tyre.
Providing top performance in dry conditions and supported by a premium wet package, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport ENLITEN has been custom engineered to keep Maserati Grecale Folgore drivers in control with superior handling performance in challenging conditions on both dry and wet surfaces.
The bespoke Bridgestone tyre delivers against the Maserati Grecale Folgore’s specific needs and enhances its performance thanks to the use of ENLITEN Technology, Bridgestone’s innovative approach to tyre development. This combination of multiple cutting-edge technologies provides maximum safety and outstanding tyre performance for Maserati Grecale Folgore drivers, while improving the sustainability characteristics of the tyre.
Alongside a successful, long-term partnership, Bridgestone and Maserati also share a strong commitment to electrification. The Bridgestone tyre specifically developed for the new Maserati Grecale Folgore delivers very low rolling resistance performance – achieving a best-in-class EU Label A-grade – to extend the Maserati Grecale Folgore’s 500km range.
Through a fully integrated approach, Bridgestone is investing to make electric mobility more efficient and accessible to drivers and fleets. The company is pioneering premium tyres and tyre technologies for EVs, as well as dedicated fleet and mobility solutions, while partnering with leading EV manufacturers and developing an EV-ready retail and service network. On its side, Maserati is the first Italian luxury brand to launch 100 percent electric vehicles, with a commitment to produce electric versions of all its models by 2025 and full-electric vehicles alone by 2028.
Consistent with Maserati’s deep-rooted Italian heritage, the Maserati Grecale Folgore was designed and produced in Italy, and so were its bespoke Bridgestone Potenza Sport ENLITEN tyres.
Bridgestone’s proprietary Virtual Tyre Development technologies was combined with Maserati’s driving simulator to ensure that the bespoke tyre could be created and tested in a digital environment – reducing physical prototyping and testing, cutting raw material consumption and carbon emissions, and enabling a faster time to market.
Speaking on this announcement was Steven De Bock, Vice President Original Equipment at Bridgestone EMEA: “The Grecale Folgore is a historic launch for Maserati on its pioneering electrification journey, and we’re very proud to help bring its performance to life with Bridgestone tyres. We both have a strong commitment to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles; it’s a great moment to see our collaboration break new ground in electric mobility.”
Hyundai N returns to the Nürburgring Nordschleife aiming for its fourth consecutive TCR class victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours (N24) race.
At the event, the company has also unveiled its IONIQ 5 N TA (Time Attack) Spec variant for the upcoming The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (hereafter Pikes Peak International Hill Climb or PPIHC) and shared its collaboration plans with Gran Turismo, the popular sim-racing video game franchise made for PlayStation consoles.
“We are thrilled to return to the Nürburgring 24 Hours with drivers from Europe, North America and China, showing the growth of our motorsport program around the world,” said Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand and Motorsport at Hyundai Motor Company. “We are investing in the future of motorsport with our first ever electric Pikes Peak racer and collaboration with Gran Turismo. Motorsport passion continues to be at Hyundai N’s core as we move into the future.”
Hyundai N to run three-car TCR team at Nürburgring 24 Hours Hyundai N heads back to the Nordschleife with three ELANTRA N TCR cars, chasing a fourth consecutive class win.
Drivers from three continents, including defending class winners and champion Hyundai Motorsport customer drivers from the competitive TCR series, are competing in the #830, #831 and #832 cars. The #830 crew of Mikel Azcona, Marc Basseng and Manuel Lauck return after claiming TCR-class victories in 2022 and 2023. Basseng and Lauck also won the TCR class at the 2021 N24 during the ELANTRA N TCR’s debut.
The Bryan Herta Autosport team, supported by Hyundai Motor America, achieved a third straight one-two finish in class for Hyundai Motorsport in 2023. The #831 team returns in 2024 with drivers Mason Filippi, Harry Gottsacker, Mark Wilkins and Bryson Morris.
The #832 entry for 2024 is driven by TCR China stars Martin (Hongwei) Cao, Rainey He, Andy Yan and Zhang Zhen Dong. Cao is the reigning 2023 national series champion.
Hyundai N’s entrants into the 2024 N24 also includes the Hyundai Driving Experience i30 Fastback N in the VT2 Front-Wheel-Drive class. In 2023, this team secured a class victory by nine laps despite a late technical issue. The 2024 crew features last year’s winners, including Marcus Willhardt and Michael Bohrer, journalist-racer Jens Dralle, and Korean Junior driver Gyumin Kim, who demonstrated his talent by winning the Hyundai N Festival and helping his team achieve podium finishes in their class at the first two NLS races of the season.
IONIQ 5 N TA Spec showcases award-winning high-performance EV prowess At its N24 showcase, Hyundai Motor today unveiled the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec. Two of these specially equipped models will join two IONIQ 5 N production vehicles as part of an all-electric four-car effort at the 102nd running of America’s legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado Springs, CO, on June 23, 2024. The team is targeting Electric Production SUV/Crossover and Electric Modified SUV/Crossover records.
The 687 PS IONIQ 5 N TA Spec is designed to highlight the production-spec IONIQ 5 N’s strengths without fundamentally altering the car. Notably, the production IONIQ 5 N’s standard high-performance power electric (PE) system is carried over. The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec’s maximum output has been increased through software tuning to maximize performance. This was implemented by increasing the output of the rear motor by 37 horsepower (27 kW).
In addition, Hyundai N has chosen to utilize N Active Sound+ with modified speakers (over 120 dB) to both enhance feedback for the driver and replace sirens typical of electric Pikes Peak race cars.
To adapt the car for Pikes Peak, new shock absorbers, motorsport-spec brakes, 18-inch Yokohama ADVAN 005 slick tires, and a unique high-downforce aerodynamic package have been specially applied. Additional safety enhancements include a Recaro Pro Racer SPA Hans seat, Sabelt six-point Hans safety harness, a PPIHC specification roll cage and an EV fire suppression system.
At PPIHC, the two IONIQ 5 N and two IONIQ 5 N TA Spec entrants will make the grueling ascent along a twisting 12.42-mile (20 km) course that climbs over 4,700 feet (1,438 meters) to the summit of Pikes Peak. They will face 156 turns, rapidly changing weather and high-altitude conditions that can affect both drivers and vehicles.
The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec models — wrapped in a special ‘N’ design livery — will be driven by Robin Shute, a four-time overall winner at Pikes Peak and current ‘King of the Mountain’ title holder, and Dani Sordo, a Spanish World Rally Championship driver for Hyundai Motorsport. The IONIQ 5 N production models — wrapped in a special N performance colour livery — will be driven by Paul Dallenbach, 11-time PPIHC winner and three-time ‘King of the Mountain,’ and Ron Zaras, a PPIHC rookie and automotive media personality.
Hyundai Motor first competed in the PPIHC in 1992. Rod Millen won the 2-Wheel Drive Showroom Stock division with a time of 13:21.17, driving a Hyundai Scoupe equipped with the company’s then-new turbocharged dual overhead camshaft Alpha engine. Another highlight of Hyundai’s history at Pikes Peak came in 2012 when the brand set a course record of 9:46.164 with a Hyundai Genesis Coupe driven by Rhys Millen.
Hyundai N plans to collaborate with Gran Turismo Hyundai N also announced today that it plans to collaborate with Gran Turismo (GT), the popular sim-racing video game franchise made for PlayStation consoles.
Hyundai N has a long history with Gran Turismo with the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo released back in 2015. And this time, Hyundai N and Gran Turismo will collaborate again for various sim-racing activities including Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) participation. More details will come later in this year.
In the meantime, visitors to Hyundai’s N24 booth can also experience 10 Gran Turismo simulators. Hyundai will also be holding an on-site competition event for visiting customers during the N24 period.
Power Drive 