motornews

Honda is making history at the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with the CR-V e:FCEV, the first-ever hydrogen-powered vehicle to take on the iconic “Race to the Clouds.” Driven by Dai Yoshihara—Formula Drift champ and class winner at Pikes Peak—the CR-V e:FCEV will tackle the 12.42-mile, 156-turn course on June 22 in the Exhibition Class. Built on the 2025 production model, the CR-V e:FCEV runs a zero-emissions setup featuring a second-gen Honda fuel cell system, plug-in hybrid capability, and a 17.7 kWh battery. Minor race tweaks include a lowered suspension, racing pads, lightweight wheels, and a roll cage—leaving the hydrogen powertrain untouched. Also read: Max Verstappen Drives Honda 0 SUV Prototype at Exclusive Red Bull Event The vehicle is hand-assembled in Ohio at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center and is the only hydrogen FCEV made in the U.S. It offers 270 miles of range, 29 miles of EV-only driving, and fast hydrogen refueling. Hydrogen fueling at Pi...

Toyota ’s Indiana plant in Princeton has hit a major milestone with the production of its 1-millionth hybrid vehicle—a 2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum in Wind Chill Pearl. This marks a proud moment for the facility, which has been assembling the Sienna since 2003. Built by a dedicated team of 7,650 members, the latest Sienna is a fully hybrid minivan offering an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined. With a refreshed interior focused on comfort and practicality, the Sienna continues to be a top choice for families. Its reputation was recently reaffirmed when it topped the minivan segment in the 2025 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study. Hybrid success is growing across Toyota’s portfolio, with Sienna sales jumping over 95% year-over-year in May. Nearly half of Toyota’s sales that month came from electrified vehicles, underscoring the brand’s strong push toward carbon neutrality by 2050. Also read: Toyota Adds Mild-Hybrid Tech to Fortuner, Legender Toyota Indiana, with $8 billion in tota...

Jeep India has launched the Grand Cherokee Signature Edition, a special variant tailored for India’s premium SUV buyers. This exclusive edition elevates the flagship Grand Cherokee with luxurious upgrades while preserving the bold American character that defines the Jeep brand. The Signature Edition gets a notable style and comfort boost. Motorized side steps lend elegance and ease of access, while the rear cabin transforms into a tech hub with dual 11.6-inch Android-based entertainment screens. These high-res IPS panels run on a Cortex A55 2.0 GHz processor and include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Aux support, built-in speakers, and dual-screen controls—bringing an executive lounge vibe to the back seat. Also read: Jeep Compass Sandstorm Edition Debuts with Rugged Style and Premium Touches Adding to its appeal are integrated front and rear dash cameras, offering 360° visibility for enhanced safety. Jeep’s signature 4x4 DNA, paired with these high-end features, positions the Signature Ed...

Mercedes-Benz has launched the ultra-exclusive Mercedes-AMG G 63 ‘Collector’s Edition’ in India, marking a new standard in bespoke automotive luxury. Limited to just 30 units, this edition is tailored specifically for the Indian market, combining iconic AMG performance with personalized design elements curated in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz R&D India (MBRDI). This special edition G 63 comes in two India-exclusive MANUFAKTUR colours—Mid Green Magno and Red Magno—highlighting the nation’s cultural vibrancy while preserving the G-Wagen’s unmistakable presence. Unique touches include a personalized grab handle engraved with the owner's name, a “One of Thirty” badge on the spare wheel cover, and exclusive exterior trim with ‘Collector’s Edition’ branding. Also read: Mercedes-AMG GT 63 and GT 63 Pro Set for India Debut on June 27 The cabin is finished in two-tone nappa leather (Catalana Beige/Black) and open-pore walnut wood trim, showcasing handcrafted elegance. 22-inch Te...

Hyundai has revealed the first teaser images of the upcoming IONIQ 6 N, a high-performance electric sedan that continues the brand’s aggressive push into EV performance. Following the global acclaim for the IONIQ 5 N, this sleek new offering aims to build on that momentum with sharper styling, advanced aero elements, and a clear focus on dynamic driving. The IONIQ 6 N showcases a streamlined silhouette paired with performance-focused design cues like flared fenders, lightweight wheels, and a bold rear wing. These visuals reinforce its alignment with N’s three core performance pillars: Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability, and Everyday Sports Car. Also read: Hyundai Delivers First Ioniq 9 Electric SUV Developed with high-speed stability and track-ready credentials in mind, the IONIQ 6 N blends racetrack DNA with daily usability—offering enthusiasts a true performance EV experience. With this model, Hyundai signals a strong commitment to pushing boundaries in electric mobility an...

Maruti Suzuki ’s all-new Dzire has made history by becoming India’s first sedan to receive a 5-star safety rating under the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP). The rating was awarded by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, marking a major milestone in Indian automotive safety. Built on Suzuki’s 5th-gen HEARTECT platform, the new Dzire comes loaded with advanced safety features including 6 airbags, ESP+ with Hill Hold Assist, ABS with EBD, 360-degree HD camera, TPMS, and ISOFIX mounts—setting a new benchmark in the compact sedan segment. Further strengthening its safety push, Maruti Suzuki announced that all its passenger vehicles will come equipped with 6 airbags across all variants by the end of this year. The brand already leads the segment with ESP+ being standard across all models and variants—well ahead of mandatory norms. Also read: Maruti Suzuki Dispatches Record 5.18 Lakh Vehicles via Indian Railways in FY25 The company’s gr...

The all-new 2025 Nissan Murano has earned the prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), following a bold redesign and enhanced safety features. Built in Smyrna, Tennessee, the Murano joins its SUV siblings—the 2025 Armada and Pathfinder—in meeting the IIHS’s most rigorous criteria. This includes a revamped moderate overlap front crash test, which now evaluates rear-seat protection with the help of a back seat dummy. To achieve the Top Safety Pick+ status, vehicles must score “Good” in this test, the highest rating possible. With both Murano and Pathfinder receiving the award, Nissan becomes one of just three automakers to have two midsize SUVs meet the tougher 2025 safety standards. Also read: Next-Gen Nissan Micra Returns in 2025 as Bold, Fully-Electric Urban EV Beyond safety, the 2025 Murano impresses with a striking new design, a 241 hp 2.0L VC-Turbo engine, and a premium cabin. Highlights include quilted semi-aniline leat...