AUTHENTIC CARS

Bugatti has revealed the sixth and final car in its Legends series, with the model celebrating company founder Ettore Bugatti. ‘Les Légendes de Bugatti’ are exclusive editions that include the Jean-Pierre Wimille, Jean Bugatti, Meo Costantini, Rembrandt Bugatti and Black Bess editions. As with other models in the series, the car is based on the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, which is capable of 409kph and can sprint from 0-100kph in just 2.6 seconds. Power comes from an 8.0-litre W16 engine with 1184bhp and 153kgm of torque. According to Bugatti the design of the model is "dedicated to Ettore Bugatti's passion for the unusual", and as such features body panels crafted from clear-coated carbonfibre and polished aluminium. The exterior styling is designed as homage to the original Type 41 Royale of 1932. Bespoke diamond cut alloy wheels also feature, while Ettore Bugatti's signature is engraved onto the fuel filled cap. Inside, two different types of l...

Testing of the new BMW 7-series is at an advanced stage ahead of the car’s debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2015 before going on sale internationally, in 2016. Key among the goals for the new 7-series is a significant weight reduction via the use of a combination of aluminium, magnesium, high-strength steel and carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), the latter of which is set to be used not only for the bonnet and roof but also in load-bearing areas in the floorpan and body. BMW boss Norbert Reithofer said, “It will set a new standard in its class in terms of weight saving.” Engineers say processes developed for the i3 and i8 hybrid cars have been adopted on the new BMW flagship in a bid to shed up to 200kg over the current generation car. This should ensure that the successor to the lightest of today’s 7-series models, the 740i, tips the scales at around 1650kg, or less than the existing 535i. As is with the current car in the international markets, the l...

Mercedes has revealed a new armoured version of the S-class, for the international markets. Dubbed the S-class Guard, it joins the firm's range of special Guard vehicles. Offering protection to occupants against bullets, explosions, grenades and mines, the new S-class Guard is ranked as offering VR9 levels of protection, the highest accolade available. Mercedes says the Guard is the first car to have been certified to this level in terms of ballistic protection. Modifications to the car, including reinforced body shells, double-plated welds, and toughened and thickened glass significantly alter the standard S600's kerb weight of 2165kg, though the model's official weight has not been revealed. The S-class Pullman Guard clocks in at 4815kg - more than the 3775kg G63 AMG 6x6. The S-class Guard is based on the S600 and power comes from a twin-turbocharged V12 engine with 523bhp. Inside, the car appears almost identical to the standard S-class, although Guard-sp...

Land Rover has revealed the new Range Rover Sport SVR for the international markets. The Range Rover Sport SVR draws power from a 542bhp supercharged 5.0-litre V8, which helps propel the SUV from 0-100kph in just 4.5sec and reach a top speed limited to 261kph. Honed at the Nürburgring, the SVR is the work of Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Operations unit, which is headed by former Land Rover boss John Edwards. It is the latest in an increasing number of SUVs with supercar-baiting levels of power and performance, its rivals including the likes of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, and BMW X5 and X6 M. The SVR’s supercharged V8 engine is also found in some of Jaguar’s most potent models, including the F-type R coupé and XFR-S saloon. The 5000cc all-aluminium unit produces 69.3kgm of torque. Despite the higher power and torque, over the 503bhp Range Rover Sport Supercharged, economy and CO2 emissions remain unchanged over the less powerful model. Drive is sent t...

Tata Motors is launching its much anticipated Zest sedan.  With this new car, Tata is looking to claim back ground in the compact sedan segment that it had kickstarted with its Indigo CS. While it is a heavily modified version of the Indica Vista platform (with a boot added), the manufacturer has re-engineered almost every mechanical component and this is an all-new car. Here's a brief look at what you can expect on Tata's new compact sedan. What stands out on the new car is the styling, which is a refreshing change for Tata. While it can still be identified as a Tata, the Zest is a lot more upmarket and modern looking. The lines are more sculpted and there are additions like daytime running lamps as well (on top-spec car). And like the outside, the interiors too look on par with rivals from Honda or Maruti, a significant improvement for Tata. The cabin is smartly designed and fit-finish is a marked improvement as well. The dash gets dual-tone treatment, the seats a...

The upcoming Bentley SUV has started testing on international roads ahead of going on sale in 2016. New chrome detailing around the large front grille can be clearly seen. Company bosses have already revealed the car's styling has been finalised, with Bentley design boss Luc Donckerwolke saying it will have no relation to the original EXP 9 F concept car. The main feature of the new SUV is its large, prominent front mesh front grille. Oval headlight clusters can also be seen alongside large dual air vents lower down on the front bumper. Those air intakes will be vitally important in keeping the SUV's 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine cool. Large light clusters can also be seen at the rear, alongside prominent rear-end styling and large oval-shaped dual exhausts. The new Bentley SUV’s interior features a large digital dashboard similar to that seen on the new Audi TT. As well as the main digital instrument display, a large central infotainment screen should al...

Bentley has launched the Flying Spur V8 in India priced at Rs 3.10 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Flying Spur V8 is slotted below the Flying Spur flagship W12 model. The new Flying Spur V8 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine that delivers 500bhp and 67.3kgm of torque. Power is driven to all four wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. A 0-100kph sprint timing is claimed to be 5.2 seconds while top-speed is a claimed 295kph. It gets cylinder deactivation technology, which can close-off up to four cylinders as per requirement, to improve fuel efficiency.  Visually, the Flying Spur V8 does not differ too much from the W12. Subtle styling differences include newly designed chromed exhaust finishers and a red center to the Bentley Wings badges to denote the V8 engine. The front lower bumper grills are finished in matt black. Most of the equipment that comes with the W12 can all be had as options on the V8. The Flying Spur V8 has a price tag Rs ...

Fiat India has confirmed that it will launch the Punto Avventura and Abarth 500 here by the end of the year. The carmaker had showcased the two new products at the Auto Expo 2014 in February. The first of the upcoming two launches will be the Fiat Punto Avventura. Fiat's Avventura is essentially a more rugged version of the Punto. It is expected to get 200mm ground clearance and larger wheels, which are likely to improve its rough road tackling capabilities. It also sports a tail-gate-mounted spare wheel, mouldings on the side, protective skid plates and fully functional roof-rails. The Fiat Punto Avventura will be launched within the next couple of months. The second launch will be the Fiat Abarth 500. This car is based on the Fiat 500 hatchback. It sports aggressive styling and is expected to be powered by a 137bhp 1.4-litre turbo engine. It also gets stiffer springs and dampers for better handling. Fiat will bring the Abarth 500 in India via the CBU route initial...

Mercedes-Benz is developing an extended range of AMG Sport models to be positioned underneath its traditional line of AMG cars, in the international markets. Intended to challenge the various performance orientated models from the Audi Sport and BMW M Performance line-ups, the new AMG Sport models are set to receive exclusive exterior and interior styling touches and upgraded engines. They'll also use uniquely calibrated chassis tuning and electronics, according to sources familiar with Mercedes-Benz’s plans. As with the performance car strategies pursued by Audi and BMW, Mercedes-Benz plans to offer its upcoming AMG Sport models with a choice of either petrol or diesel engines, although not in every model. Among the features differentiating them from the standard Mercedes-Benz models upon which they are base will be widened tracks similar to those used by full-blown AMG models. “We have identified growing demand for our more overtly sporting models, both in petrol ...

If Volkswagen's plan of buying Fiat Chrysler Automobiles had come through, VW could have become the biggest carmaker in the world. Ferdinand Piech, chairman of Volkswagen's supervisory board, has long wanted to see the VW Group become the largest automaker in the world. They even had a name for it - Auto Union.   Earlier this year, according to sources at VW, company strategists had come up with a plan that could have seen the VW Group expand in size by around 50 per cent and become the unassailable leader in the global car market. The scheme was remarkably simple: it envisaged VW buying a controlling stake in Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and folding the Italian and American brands into its ambitious global platform strategy. The resulting 17-brand conglomerate could have sold nearly 15 million cars per year. Volkswagen currently has 12 brands that manufacturers everything from city cars to heavy trucks. Toyota is the world's largest carmaker with 9.98 million sa...

Hyundai has unveiled the all-new i20 in official sketches. The new Hyundai Elite i20 features clean crisp lines and very few exaggerated ‘fluidic’ like flourishes. The design language is in fact very similar to that seen on the Grand i10 and the Xcent, with plenty of Peugeot influence on the nose. The low mounted grille forms the focal point of the design - the headlights, bonnet ‘V’ and even the strong shoulder line emanating from there. The upturned headlights have metal inserts that give definition to the overall design; the placement of the number plate is also interesting. The overall stance of the car is also sporty. The rising shoulder line and sloping roof meet at the steeply angled ‘C’ (or rearmost) pillar. What also work well are the elongated wrap around tail lights, which make the rear of the car look up-market and very European.  With its long wheelbase and ample cabin, it is expected that this new Elite i20 will be large and comfortable on the inside. ...

Audi plans to bring its electrically assisted turbocharging system to production on a high-performance 'S' version of the next Q7 SUVfor the international markets, in 2016. Versions of the system – which combats turbo lag and improves response – are already fitted to two concept cars, the322bhp Audi A6 TDI Concept and the 380bhp Audi RS 5 TDI-e.The system is set to make its production car debut on the Audi SQ7, which will follow the introduction of the next-generation Q7, due in international markets, in 2015.Audi's board member for technical development, Ulrich Hackenberg, told, “The new Q7 will be available in the market next year but the electric turbo will come a bit later in the Audi SQ7 available in 2016.” The SQ7 would be a new variant, although Audi currently offers the smaller SQ5 SUV in the global markets, its first-ever diesel-fuelled 'S' model, which is powered by a bi-turbo oil-burning engine producing 309bhp.Car makers and turbocharger manu...

Skoda is preparing a facelift version of its Yeti which will go on sale on September 10 this year. The Yeti has failed to make its mark in the Indian market, but Skoda is still optimistic about the car and has decided to update it. The facelifted Yeti is available in two different avatars in the international market - a standard 'City' version and a more beefy 'Outdoor' version, the latter featuring bolder cues in its body cladding and scuff plates. Skoda had displayed the Yeti Outdoor at the 2014 Auto Expo and the same car was seen testing in India, which confirms that this version will make its way to India. The frontal styling on the Yeti facelift has been revamped to conform to Skoda's new corporate look. A part of this is a wider grille, more angular headlights (the round fog lamps are gone) and a different front bumper. While the facelifted version looks much sharper than before, it has lost some of its quirkiness from the original car. The distinctive...

The upcoming festive season will see Renault launch a range-topping four-wheel-drive version of the Duster SUV in India. The model is already available in international markets badged as a Dacia. The new Duster 4x4 model will be powered by the familiar 108.5bhp, 1.5-litre K9K diesel engine while transmission duties will be handled by a six-speed manual gearbox which will power all four wheels. Three different modes – a two-wheel drive high, four-wheel drive low and four-wheel drive high – will be on offer. The export 4x4 model is available in both petrol and diesel guise, but the carmaker is expected to launch only the diesel variant in the Indian market. In terms of equipment, the new 4x4 model will get similar fare as on the top RXZ diesel variants with a touchscreen infotainment system, steering-mounted controls, 2-DIN stereo system, rear air-con vents, keyless entry, rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD, emergency brake assist and dual SRS front airbags. When launched ar...

Aston Martin has resurrected its Lagonda nameplate for a small production run of limited-edition super sedans. Lagonda is a luxury car marquee, wholly-owned by Aston Martin. The new Aston Martin Lagonda is set to arrive in the international market, in 2015. Styling cues come from the original Lagonda, which was designed by William Towns and launched in 1976. Underpinning the new car is the company's VH architecture that is used throughout its current line-up. Official technical details are yet to be released, but it is understood that the production models will use the 5.9-litre V12 from the Rapide S. In the Rapide, the naturally aspirated V12 produces 550bhp and 63.2kgm, granting a 0-100kph time of less than 5.0sec and a top speed of 306kph. Power will be sent to the rear wheels, most likely via a six-speed ZF automatic transmission. Sales are by invitation only and official pricing has not been released, with Aston Martin simply stating that "it will be commensur...

A facelifted version of the strong selling second-generation Porsche Cayenne, for the international markets, has been revealed ahead of a planned public debut at the Paris motor show in October. Included as part of the updated range is a new 410bhp petrol-electric S E-Hybrid model that is claimed to offer a 0-100kph time of 5.9sec. That's alongside a 243kph top speed and a zero-emission electric range of up to 35.4km at up to 125.5kph. The reworked Cayenne further benefits from a series of exterior and interior design changes that bring it in line with the manufacturer's current cars. There's also a range of reworked petrol and diesel engines allied to new fuel saving technology – all aimed at providing it with fresh appeal. The mid-life styling changes appear subtle but bring some significant changes to the front-end design of the Cayenne. Updates include a larger grille, a new bumper with additional blades within the air ducts for more efficient cooling of the...

When we first learnt that Porsche’s baby SUV, the Macan, was making its way to India, we knew it would be expensive, and quite close in price to the bigger Cayenne. However, Porsche has launched the Macan in India today, starting at Rs 98.18 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra), which is a fair bit higher than we expected. The Porsche Macan SUV is currently available in two variants, the S Diesel and the range-topping, petrol-powered Turbo; the former costing Rs 98.18 lakh  and the latter Rs 1.08 crore (ex-showroom, Maharashtra). So why does this small Porsche SUV carry a price tag higher than its bigger sibling? The answer lies in the equipment specification. All Porsche cars, including the Cayenne, are offered with not too much standard equipment and a long list of paid options, which means it’s quite easy to double the car’s ‘base’ price with additional equipment. The Macan, on the other hand, is available with a substantial amount of standard equipment. On the Macan Turb...

Bentley is considering the development of two new models for the international market after its SUV, currently in the prototype stage, is launched internationally in 2016. Chairman and chief executive officer Wolfgang Dürheimer said the company is looking at launching a two-seater sports car or a more conventional model that will sit between the Continental and Mulsanne. The company will concentrate first on whichever is more profitable, he said. "My own preference would be to build them both" said Dürheimer, "providing a business case for each can be made," he told. Planning for the models is included in a new R&D spending round, the biggest in Bentley's history. The company will spend 800 million pounds (around Rs 6,482.3 crore) between now and 2016, mostly at Crewe, England, on new model development. The said SUV, which is currently in prototype stage, will appear towards the end of 2015 and reach its first customers in 2016, Durheimer sai...