motornews

With an aim to tap the growing compact SUV segment, Jeep is planning to bring in a new model that will be based on the modified Renegade platform. The model is likely to make its world debut towards the end of this year and its India launch could happen next year. The company has begun testing the vehicle, which was recently caught on camera with heavy camouflage. The prototype features a wide front grille, raised bonnet and black alloy wheels. The American SUV-maker has already confirmed that the new Jeep compact SUV will have AWD (all-wheel drive) setup. This will make it the first car in its segment to offer AWD system. The model is claimed to be “an off-road capable version”. Interestingly, Jeep is considering its electrification for adding AWD functionality as it has done in the Europe-spec Compass 4Xe and Renegade 4Xe. The plug-in-hybrid SUVs feature a 1.3L turbocharged petrol engine delivering power to the front wheels. The electric motor, which is mounted on the rear axle, ...

GaadiWaadi - Select Maruti Suzuki Arena dealerships across the country have begun accepting unofficial bookings for the soon-to-launch 2022 Brezza The next-generation Maruti Vitara Brezza is expected to launch in India in June. Ahead of that, a few Arena dealerships have begun accepting unofficial bookings for the new SUV, for a token amount of Rs. 5,000. The new-gen model will sport plenty of visual and mechanical changes over the outgoing model, as revealed by spy pictures. The next-generation Vitara Brezza is expected to drop the ‘Vitara’ suffix from its name. The 2022 Brezza will have a much sleeker design, with sharper-looking headlamps and taillights, a completely different front grille, sportier alloy wheels, and restyled bumpers. Also, the black plastic cladding all around would be much thicker than before. The interior of the 2022 Maruti Brezza will have a completely new design as well. Compared to the outgoing model, it will have a different dashboard, a large free-stand...

Mercedes-Benz has announced the appointment of Vyankatesh Kulkarni as the Executive Director and Head of Operations, India, effective June 1, 2022. Vyankatesh will be responsible for the production and procurement-related functions of Mercedes-Benz India, including the company’s transformation journey into electrification, digitization and technology-driven smart manufacturing prowess of the future. Vyankatesh joined Mercedes Benz Research and Development India Pvt. Ltd. (MBRDI) in 2008 and was instrumental in strategizing and setting up the ‘International tech-hub’ for Manufacturing and Supply Chain. With his professional insights and strategic direction, Vyankatesh played a leading role in many critical projects globally. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and pursued Data Science from IIM, Lucknow. Prior to Mercedes Benz Research & Development India, Vyankatesh worked with leading automotive companies such as TATA Motors-Technologies and Maruti Suzuki India. from...

GaadiWaadi - BSA will launch its first product since revival – Gold Star 650 – in the UK in the coming months, and an electric motorcycle is set to follow soon Last year, Mahindra & Mahindra-owned Classic Legends reintroduced the BSA brand to the world, at the Motorcycle Live Show in the UK. The first model showcased under the revived brand was the new-generation Gold Star, with retro styling inspired by the original model, which will go on sale in the UK this year. BSA is also planning to add electric motorcycles to its lineup. The news has been confirmed by Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director, Auto and Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra , who also stated that M&M/Classic Legends will focus on BSA’s global popularity to build the brand up. Reports about BSA launching an electric motorcycle have been floating around the internet for a few years now, even before the unveiling of the new Gold Star. The manufacturer had even received a grant from the UK government worth £...

GaadiWaadi - Royal Enfield Hunter 350 will be powered by the same 349 cc single-cylinder air- and oil-cooled fuel-injected OHC J-series engine as in the Classic and Meteor Royal Enfield is working on introducing a number of new motorcycles in the domestic market. The test mules of new 350 cc, 450 cc and 650 cc models have been caught on camera already. The Chennai-based manufacturer is expected to bring in the Hunter 350 next as part of expanding its entry-level middleweight range that already comprises Classic 350, Bullet 350, Electra 350 and Meteor 350. Amongst them, the Classic 350 came into the Indian market last year and it was preceded by the Meteor 350, which acted as a spiritual successor to the Thunderbird 350. The existing Classic and Meteor have several commonalities including the chassis, powertrain, mechanicals and other bits. The same formula will be applied to the upcoming Hunter 350. The more youthful-looking scrambler themed roadster with modern as well as retro d...

GaadiWaadi - Kia Forte D-segment sedan could make its way into India sometime next year to take on Hyundai Elantra and Skoda Octavia In 2021, Kia revealed the facelifted version of the K3 in its homeland of South Korea and similar updates were introduced to the North America-spec model known as Forte. It is also known as the Forte K3 or Shuma in China and Cerato in South America and other markets. The sedan is manufactured in many global markets since 2008 and is currently in its third generation. Kia India commenced its operations with the Seltos midsize SUV in 2019 and it was followed by the Carnival MPV in early 2020 while the Sonet joined the way ahead of Carens. With Kia focusing on building its passenger utility vehicle range further, it is expected to launch its first sedan in the premium space in India as the Forte could arrive next year to take on Hyundai Elantra and Skoda Octavia. In North America, Kia continues to use the Forte name and in its latest iteration, it gaine...

GaadiWaadi - Check out this customised Mahindra Thar, built by NorthEast Motors Guwahati, which features plenty of brilliant mods, including a panoramic sunroof Mahindra & Mahindra launched the second-generation Thar in India back in September 2020. The SUV quickly gained a lot of popularity in our market. However, due to the way-too-strong demand for it and the semiconductor chip shortage, the latest-gen Thar has one of the longest waiting period of all vehicles currently on sale in India. The second-generation Thar enjoys strong aftermarket support as well in India. We’ve seen some brilliant customised examples online, and recently, we came across another one, built by NorthEast Motors Guwahati . The video below, posted by All in One Entertainment , gives us a detailed close look at this custom vehicle. The workshop claims this to be the first-ever second-generation Mahindra Thar with a panoramic sunroof. The SUV features plenty of other modifications as well. At the fro...

GaadiWaadi - Plenty of new SUVs are expected to launch in India in 2022, and here, we’ve listed the ones that are slated to launch in June 2022 In the Indian car market, SUVs continue to grow in popularity with each passing day. As such, it is not surprising that many new SUVs are set to launch in our country in the near future. In fact, a few of these upcoming models are expected to arrive within the coming weeks. Here, we have listed four SUVs that are expected to launch in the Indian market next month, i.e., in June 2022. 1. Hyundai Venue facelift Hyundai’s subcompact crossover will receive a midlife facelift soon, likely by mid-June. The design of the facelifted model was recently leaked online, revealing changes to the split headlamps, front grille, taillights, bumpers (front and rear), and alloy wheels. The interior of the SUV will only see minimal changes, and a few additional features may be offered here. The powertrain options are expected to remain unchanged. Source: ...

The South Korean automaker has stopped taking online bookings for the existing Hyundai Venue subcompact SUV. The model has been delisted from the company’s official website. Just so you know, the Venue is ready to receive its first mid-life update in coming weeks. Its official launch date, however, is yet to be announced. We have seen the new 2022 Hyundai Venue facelift multiple times during its test rounds in the country. In fact, its latest 3D rendering gives us a fair idea how the updated model will look like. New 2022 Hyundai Venue Unofficial bookings for the new Venue facelift have already been commenced across the nation. Design of the SUV’s updated model will be slightly different from the existing one. At the front end, it will feature Hyundai’s parametric grille as we have seen on the new-generation Tucson. While the front bumper will be revised and has faux skid plates, the split headlamp setup and fog lamp assembly will be carried forward from the pre-facelift model. The ...

GaadiWaadi - In the Indian market, Kia EV6 will be available with a 77.4 kWh battery pack, which can offer an official driving range of up to 528 km on a single charge Kia EV6 is all set to launch in India on June 2, as the brand’s first EV for our market. The brochure of the soon-to-launch electric crossover has already leaked online, giving us details about the powertrain and the equipment list. Now, a new report claims to have uncovered its price list as well. In the Indian market, Kia EV6 will be priced at Rs. 65 lakh for the GT-Line variant, and at Rs. 70 lakh for the GT-Line AWD variant. This puts it in the same price range as the newly launched BMW i4, which retails for Rs. 69.90 lakh (all prices mentioned are ex-showroom). Kia EV6 will only be available via 15 dealerships across 12 cities in India. Bookings for Kia’s new EV are already underway on a first-come-first-serve basis, for a token amount of Rs. 3 lakh. A cancellation fee of Rs. 50,000 will be levied if a customer...

Volvo Trucks North America announced that the Volvo Trucks Academy opened a new facility in Tinley Park, Illinois, to expand access to battery-electric truck training in the central U.S. The new 14,865-square-foot facility is larger and more modern than the previous Illinois training facility, enabling Volvo Trucks to provide more robust, hands-on learning opportunities for customers and dealers interested in electromobility solutions, including the Volvo VNR Electric model. Course work at Tinley Park will provide technicians with the proper training and understanding of all safety procedures when servicing high-voltage electric drivetrains and components. Other courses will focus on Volvo VNR Electric sales and operations support, in addition to offering continued guidance for diesel trucks, such as engine overhaul, transmission design and function, and parts sales and warranty fundamentals. The Tinley Park facility has two full-time instructors who provide two technical courses pe...

GaadiWaadi - Citroen will enter the EV space in the Indian car market next year, and Jeep could utilise that electric vehicle platform for its own future EVs Earlier this year, Jeep unveiled its first-ever all-electric model, as an unnamed concept SUV, at an online Stellantis event. This upcoming EV will be built on the eCMP architecture, and it is expected to be showcased in production-ready form early next year. It will likely go on sale in the US and European markets in 2023. Jeep has not mentioned anything about its EV plans for India, but we do expect the brand to introduce electric vehicles in our market in the near future. Electric mobility is gathering pace in India, and many automakers are currently developing new EVs. It is also worth mentioning that Jeep’s sister brand Citroen is planning to introduce an EV in the Indian car market next year. Citroen’s upcoming EV for the Indian market will be based on the CMP architecture, similar to C5 Aircross and the soon-to-launch ...

GaadiWaadi - Mahindra Scorpio-N will be powered by the 2.0-litre four-cylinder mStallion petrol and the 2.2-litre four-cylinder mHawk diesel engines found in the Thar and XUV700 Mahindra & Mahindra is all set to launch the new generation Scorpio dubbed the Scorpio-N on June 27, 2022. It will celebrate twenty years since the debut of the original model and will feature a myriad of revisions inside and out. The 2022 Mahindra Scorpio-N will be sold alongside the existing model, giving customers a wide range of offerings to choose from. The Scorpio-N is based on a new ladder-frame chassis and it could enable slightly bigger proportions and the kerb weight could go down as well. The off-roading capabilities of the SUV are not expected to be compromised though as a 4WD system will be available in the top-spec variants. Besides differences in exterior, the Scorpio-N will have a forward-facing third row compared to the existing model, which will be christened the Scorpio Classic. The ...

The large-screen WS HUD (Wind Shield Head-Up Display) developed by Panasonic is installed in a new model crossover EV, the Ariya from Nissan. This is the 6th car model from Nissan to use the WS HUD of Panasonic, following the Skyline, Rogue, Qashqai, Pathfinder, and QX60. The WS HUD is a system which presents a variety of information such as vehicle speed, navigation instructions, and ProPILOT 2.0 driver assist information in the driver’s line of sight by projecting it on the windshield. Since the display is projected near the center of the driver’s field of view, it reduces the burden on the driver by reducing eye movements and enhances the smooth interaction between driver and system. With our expertise in optical technologies acquired through development of digital cameras, Panasonic has applied high precision free-form mirrors and a high-intensity PGU (Picture Generation Unit) to the HUD, successfully providing a large, bright, sharp screen (11.5 inch) with minimal distortion. ...

GaadiWaadi - The India-spec Maruti Suzuki Jimny will be introduced by the middle of next year and it will reportedly get five- and seven-seater variants A report surfaced on the internet indicates that Maruti Suzuki is preparing to launch the long-awaited Jimny off-roader In India by mid-2023. It is focusing on strengthening its SUV lineup locally in order to claw back the lost share and to directly compete against rivals like Hyundai, Mahindra and Tata Motors in the midsize and other segments. In June 2022, the Indo-Japanese manufacturer is expected to launch the heavily updated Brezza while an all-new midsize SUV internally codenamed YFG is bound for late 2022. Maruti Suzuki is also suspected to be developing a crossover based on the Baleno and it could draw design inspiration from the Futuro-e concept displayed at the 2022 Auto Expo. By 2023, the largest car producer in India will launch the fourth generation Jimny as well and is developed with Indian customers in mind. The thr...

GaadiWaadi - Before the launch of the new Mahindra Scorpio-N SUV, people are already craving to know what its potential pickup truck version would look like Mahindra & Mahindra will launch the new Scorpio-N in India on June 27. The new SUV will be sold alongside the current-gen Scorpio, which will continue on as ‘Scorpio Classic’. The availability of two different versions will help Mahindra Scorpio gain even more popularity in the Indian market, but people are wishing for a pickup truck version to arrive as well. Shoeb R. Kalania ( SRK Designs ) has digitally designed a pickup truck version of the upcoming Mahindra Scorpio-N. The artist started off with a picture of the stock model, and then elongated the rear section for the loading bed. The wheelbase has been increased as well, and a set of bed bars has been added here. The stock wheels have been replaced by new offroad-spec alloy wheels, shod with BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain tyres. A set of auxiliary LED lights has also been i...

GaadiWaadi - Yamaha Motor India is expected to launch the Neo’s electric scooter soon, and here, we’ve listed everything that we anticipate to see here In April this year, Yamaha showcased two electric scooters – Neo’s and E01 – at a dealers’ meet in India. The Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer is planning to enter the EV market here, and Yamaha is already drawing plans on how to market Neo’s in the Indian market, which is expected to launch here in the near future. Here, we have listed all the things that we expect from Yamaha’s forthcoming electric scooter for the Indian market. 1. Sleek design Yamaha Neo’s is quite a handsome scooter – cool yet practical. The front apron and side panels look fairly sleek and stylish, and the long single-piece seat is slightly stepped up. There’s plenty of room on the floorboard and handlebars are placed fairly close to the rider, thus offering a good, comfortable seating position. 2. Features There are plenty of features available on the sc...

GaadiWaadi - Here, we have a custom Royal Enfield drag-racer, based on a Continental GT650, built by Paris-based Bad Winners Motorcycles Think of custom motorcycles, and Royal Enfield is likely the first brand to come to your mind. Interestingly, it’s not just RE motorcycle owners who love to modify their rides. The manufacturer has also officially commissioned plenty of custom projects over the years, and recently, RE shared pictures of their latest one. The pictures featured here are of a custom Royal Enfield Continental GT650, built by Bad Winners , in collaboration with the manufacturer. The project has been named Pegasus l’Étalon Noir (French for Pegasus Black Stallion), and except for the engine, nothing here is recognisable from the stock motorcycle! This modified model gets black carbon fibre body panels all over, including the tiny front cowl, fuel tank cover, and the entire tailpiece. The bike also gets a pair of custom clip-on handlebars, with Beringer levers, and the ...