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Category: Automotive

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest Auto and Car news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • BMW X1 Faceflift Makes World Debut In Munich

    BMW X1 Faceflift Makes World Debut In Munich

    The youngest SUV in the BMW family has received a comprehensive update and despite being the smallest, it doesn’t look like one. The current generation BMW X1 surprised us with its grown proportions and bold styling and even car enthusiasts confused it with the X3. The new 2020 facelift model builds upon that with clear and prominent revisions made to its face and rear. It looks more dominant sporting larger kidney grilles which merge in the center. The new Adaptive LED headlamps to include sharper light iconography and the bumper along with integrated LED foglamps also houses larger air intakes. The rear end of the X1 also looks stylish. For instance, the new inlay in the body-color rear apron adopts the car’s main body color.

    The driver side wing mirror projects two-tone LED X1 image when the car is unlocked. The new BMW X1 also gets three new body colors- Jucaro Beige metallic, Misano Blue metallic (exclusively for the M Sport model) and the ultra-exclusive BMW Individual Storm Bay metallic along with four new wheel designs. The 2020 BMW X1 Facelift will be offered in three variants- the base X Line, Sport Line and M Sport. The BMW X1 M Sport gets lowered stance, thanks to the M Sport suspension and BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim gets additional features along with the M Aerodynamics package.

    On the inside, the cabin is finished in high-quality materials and it continues to get contrast stitching on the instrument panel which is finished in black on its upper section and adopts the color of the interior upholstery lower down. The contrast stitching is available for the xLine, Sport Line and M Sport models only. Moreover, the floor mats also gain colored edging and contrast stitching for the edging and customers will get a choice of three upholstery options. There is also a 6.5-inch screen which is standard while customers can also opt for an 8.8-inch or 10.25-inch touch screen which can be operated using the BMW iDrive Controller or voice control and gets built-in navigation. The latest version of BMW’s connected drive is also standard on the new X1. Moreover, the rear seats can be folded down in three sections (40:20:40) and can slide forward by up to 13 cm, however, that is optional. Features such as automatic tailgate operation and Comfort Access are optional as well.

    The new BMW X1 line up will get 16 engine and transmission options globally which will include a range of three-cylinder and four-cylinder engine options. The BMW X1 sDrive16d which is powered by the 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine will be available with either a manual six-speed gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and will develop 114 bhp and 270 Nm of peak torque. The xDrive 25d diesel will get the 2.o-litre, four-cylinder engine which puts out 228 bhp and 450 Nm of peak torque will be mated to an eight-speed auto transmission as standard and will clock triple-digit speed in 6.6 seconds. Finally, the petrol BMW X5 xDrive 25i will use the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine which puts out 228 bhp and 350 nm of peak torque and is also mated to an eight-speed auto transmission as standard. It’s 0.1 seconds quicker to 100 kmph than its diesel counterpart and clocks triple-digit speed in 6.5 seconds.

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  • Porsche Recalls Cars Worldwide Due To Faulty Transmission Unit

    Porsche Recalls Cars Worldwide Due To Faulty Transmission Unit

    Volkswagen’s sports-car brand Porsche has to recall almost 340,000 Cayenne and Panamera vehicles due to problems with their automatic transmission, the German company said on Tuesday.

    A Porsche spokesman said the cars might roll when parked due to a potentially fragile part in the connection between the gear lever and transmission.

    Almost 100,000 of the affected vehicles, which date back to 2002, are in the United States and almost 25,000 in Germany.

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  • New Flagship SUV From Audi Reveiled

    New Flagship SUV From Audi Reveiled

    The new Audi SQ8 breaks cover! It is the new flagship SUV from Audi and it gets a massive 4.0-liter V8 turbo-diesel engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. The V8 pumps out a mind-boggling 900 Nm of peak torque. The SUV gets an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Audi hasn’t revealed the power figures yet. The Audi SQ8’s 48-volt mild-hybrid makes up to 10 bhp under braking lets the SQ8 coast for up to 40 seconds without the engine being active, at speeds between 55 kmph to 160 kmph. Also, the diesel engine turns of one of the two turbo-chargers at city speeds to increase the efficiency as well. The Audi SQ8 has a 0-100 kmph sprint time of 4.8 kmph and a top speed of 250 kmph which is electronically limited.

    Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform, the Audi SQ8 can also be specified with an optional suspension package which also includes a sport differential and an adaptive air suspension. The air suspension can adjust the ride height of the SQ8 by up to 90 mm. The other feature is the electromechanical active roll stabilization which reduces body roll when cornering hard. Audi also offers all-wheel steering as an option on the SQ8.

    As far as looks are concerned, the Audi SQ8 gets a new grille with a silver frame along with re-designed air inlets. The rear end of the car gets a new diffuser in black color and gets quad exhaust tips. The cabin gets Alcantara leather upholstery along with ‘S’ logos embossed on the seats and stainless steel pedals. The Audi SQ8 also gets two touchscreens and the Audi Virtual Cockpit with displays specific to the SQ8.

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  • Lexus’ Safety System+ To Be Standard In All Cars In The US From 2020

    Lexus’ Safety System+ To Be Standard In All Cars In The US From 2020

    Collisions that result in injury can often be caused by a delay in a driver’s recognition of the situation and his or her ability to react accordingly. In a move to help prevent such accidents before they happen, the Lexus Safety System+ will be a standard feature in all US Lexus vehicles starting with the 2020 model year. Designed to help protect drivers, passengers and pedestrians, the Lexus Safety System+ is an integrated suite of four advanced active safety packages anchored by automated pre-collision warning and braking.

    David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division said, “We are working toward preventing crashes before they happen. That’s why we have developed some of the most advanced safety features on the road today, and now those systems will be standard equipment on every model we sell.”

    The Safety System+ will come with Pre-Collison System with Pedestrian Detection, a system which is engineered to help detect a preceding vehicle or a pedestrian in front of the Lexus under certain conditions. Should the system detect a pedestrian or a potential frontal collision, it’s designed to activate an audible and visual alert while automatically preparing Brake Assist for an increased braking response. If the driver does not break in time, the system is designed to automatically begin braking before impact and, in some cases, can even bring the vehicle to a stop.

    There will also be Lane departure alert which will utilize a high-resolution camera to monitor visible lane markings and determine the vehicle’s position within a lane. If an inadvertent lane departure or potential departure due to swaying is detected at speeds above 51 kmph, the system attempts to alert the driver with audio and visual warnings and steering wheel vibrations. Then there are the Intelligent High Beams which provide added visibility for the Lexus driver as well as other motorists, Intelligent High Beams offer added illumination to help keep the driver focused on the road. When the road ahead is clear, the system defaults to high-beam mode, then temporarily switches to low beams when it detects the headlamps or taillamps of vehicles ahead.

    And finally, there’s the dynamic radar cruise control which uses radar and camera technology to help maintain a preset speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead. If driving at highway speeds and the road ahead clears, the vehicle returns to its preset speed.

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  • Renault India To Double Sales In India By 2021

    Renault India To Double Sales In India By 2021

    Renault India found success with the Duster and even the Kwid in India and now it’s readying to bring in its compact MPV – the Triber – into India. The Triber too, like the Kwid is based on the CMF-A platform and comes with a heavy dose of local content, so prices will be competitive for sure. But Renault India has grand plans for the Triber and it’s made its intention to export the compact MPV to other markets too and with it help the company improve its sales in India too. In fact, the company is looking to double its sales in the country by 2021 and the Triber will play a big role in making this happen. Thierry Bolloré, CEO, Groupe Renault said, “It’s (The Triber) a significant contributor to the progress we want to make in order to double the sales of Renault in India for sure.”

    The Triber is actually a seven-seater tucked under the four-meter mark. At that size, the new Renault Triber is a direct rival to the Datsun GO+ and also the upcoming compact seven-seater from Maruti Suzuki. It gets a completely different design language from its rivals that help make for a roomier cabin. In fact, Renault is comparing the Triber to a number of B-segment hatchbacks, with the French model offering the additional third-row seating that is more practical. Renault also says the new offering will be 20 percent more affordable in terms of ownership than a conventional B-segment hatch.

    But it’s not just the sales in India that will help Renault achieve this target. The company is banking on exports as well, something it has been doing with the Kwid too. Bolloré said, “Export is key because this is a car made in India, for India and having the genes for a great exporter to other markets.”

    Not everything has worked for Renault in India though. Cars like the Lodgy and the Capture have failed to pick up in terms of sales and establish themselves as strong contenders in their respective categories and Renault isn’t shying away from that reality. Bolloré explains, “The mistakes we have done sometimes, well, we have learned from that. We are quite humble you know, and we know it’s necessary, step-by-step, to understand, and to be better and better for sure, Triber is one key contributor.”

    There will be some other contributors, coming fast after the Triber which will help Renault achieve its set target for 2021.

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  • BMW X7 And BMW 7 Series Facelift Launch Date Revealed

    BMW X7 And BMW 7 Series Facelift Launch Date Revealed

    BMW has announced that it will be launching the new 7 Series facelift and the all-new X7 SUV in India on July 25, 2019. Talking about the new 7 Series facelift, the most apparent of all the design changes is the massive kidney grille which is 40 percent larger than the one on the outgoing model. The headlights still look sleek and go well with the long bonnet which now looks more sculpted and has even gained muscle along with the fenders. The profile looks almost similar to the outgoing model and there have been subtle changes in the design at the rear.

    The new BMW 7 Series will also get a range of engine options including a new 6.0-liter, V12 motor which churns out 592 bhp and 850 Nm of peak torque and will make its way under the hood of the top-end M760 variant. Then there is the 4.4-liter, V8 motor which produces 516 bhp (up 78 bhp) and 750 Nm of peak torque (100 Nm up) and propels the car to 100 kmph in 3.9 seconds. Finally, the most in-demand of the lot will be the 740L which will now be a plug-in hybrid variant. It will get the same 3.0-liter, in-line six-cylinder engine which produces 276 bhp and 450 Nm of peak torque but will be coupled with an electric motor which will add 111 horses more taking the combined power output to 384 bhp.

    The BMW X7 is an all-new model and it will be the new flagship SUV for BMW, positioned above the X5. The BMW X7 is based on the CLAR platform which also underpins its sedan counterpart- the 7 Series and several other BMW models like the 5 Series and new generation X3. BMW is also developing the next-generation X5 on the same platform. Visually, the new X7 takes design quotient a notch higher with that massive kidney grille, slim LED headlamps and muscular bumper with wheel arches.

    Petrol engine options on the 2019 BMW X7 include the 3.0-liter, in-line six-cylinder petrol with 335 bhp and a 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 petrol with 456 bhp. There will also be the 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel with 256 bhp, along with a more powerful 400 bhp version. A plug-in hybrid version is also said to be in the works, while an M badged model is the one we look forward to. All engines use the 8-speed automatic transmission and get all-wheel drive as standard. The system does come with the option to send power only to the rear wheels, while you get BMW’s Dynamic Handling Package and the Off-Road Package. Upon launch, the BMW X7 will be going up against the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Range Rover Sport and the Audi Q7.

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  • Aston Martin Valhalla To Be Featured In The Upcoming 25th James Bond Movie

    Aston Martin Valhalla To Be Featured In The Upcoming 25th James Bond Movie

    Further extending its deep connection with the James Bond franchise, Aston Martin has recently revealed the carmaker’s new mid-engined hypercar Valhalla will be a part of the upcoming 25th Bond movie, staring actor Daniel Craig. In addition to the recently unveiled Aston Martin Valhalla, the new 007 movie will also feature the classic Series II V8 Vantage and the iconic DB5. While the Vantage was last seen in a Bond film more than 30 years ago when Timothy Dalton drove it in The Living Daylights, the Aston Martin DB5 has been a series regular driven by almost all major 007s. Last time we saw the DB5 was in the 2015 movie Spectre.

    The new Valhalla will be the first mid-engined Aston Martin car to be driven by a James Bond, and only the second among all. Last time a James Bond character drove a mid-engined car was in the1981 movie For Your Eyes Only, and it was Roger Moore driving the Lotus Esprit Turbo.

    As for the Aston Martin Valhalla, the all-new hypercar will be positioned below the company’s flagship, Valkyrie, which is more track-focused, and instead be a more road-friendly usable everyday car. An outcome of the collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing, the Valhalla was earlier known as the AM-RB 003. The car uses a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6, assisted by a battery-powered electric hybrid system. The powertrain system is expected to offer a combined power of up 986 bhp. The exhaust system uses dual outlets, which are positioned on top of the car, similar to the Porsche 918 Spyder.

    While we are likely to see a pre-production model in the movie, the new Aston Martin Valhalla is expected to officially enter production in 2021. It is expected to compete with the upcoming successor of the McLaren P1.

  • Most Affordable Harley-Davidson Will Be A 338 cc Motorcycle

    Most Affordable Harley-Davidson Will Be A 338 cc Motorcycle

    Harley-Davidson confirmed the development of a small capacity motorcycle earlier this year and now the American bike maker has officially released details of what will be its smallest motorcycle yet. Harley has joined hands with China-based company – Qianjang Motorcycle – and willl be building a 338 cc naked motorcycle. The bike will be manufactured in China, one of the biggest auto markets in the world, and will be exported to a number of countries including India. Harley has also released a render image of the 338 cc motorcycle, which is more of an aggressive street-naked than the traditional cruiser design that the manufacturer is known for.

    Speaking about what will be most affordable offering from the company, Matt Levatich, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson said, “Harley-Davidson has always been about inspiring riders around the world. Our More Roads plan is all about bringing our brand of freedom to more people, in more places, in more ways. We’re excited about this opportunity to build more Harley riders in China, one of the world’s largest motorcycle markets, by creating new pathways to our brand.”

    The upcoming Harley-Davidson 338 cc naked will be co-developed by the US-based manufacturer and Qianjang. The styling is a mix between a street-fighter and a scrambler, and is more of an urban naked. Considering that a lot of potential buyers for the upcoming offering will be young first-time Harley owners, the company will aim to provide a mix of old and new in design and technology. Although not much has been said about the underpinnings of the new motorcycle, the bike is likely to be underpinned by a Trellis frame with possibly a liquid-cooled, parallel-twin motor, telescopic front forks, dual disc brakes and an analogue instrument console with a digital readout.

    The new Harley 338 cc motorcycle will be launched in China first by the end of 2020, and is likely to make it to other parts of Asia and other emerging markets by 2021. That’s also when we expect the India launch to take place with the model likely to be locally assembled at the company’s Haryana-based facility. With its smallest offering, Harley will be taking on Royal Enfield as well as the models to be produced under the Bajaj-Triumph alliance in the 350 cc cruiser segment. Royal Enfield currently rules this space growing aggressively in the middleweight motorcycle segment worldwide. Expect prices to be around the ₹ 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom) mark for the entry-level Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

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  • Kia Seltos Teased Again Ahead Of India Debut

    Kia Seltos Teased Again Ahead Of India Debut

    It was February 2018 when Kia Motors showcased the SP Concept, which was supposed to be the first Kia offering in India. Needless to say, it was an SUV too. Fast forward a year and a half and Kia Motors India is all set to take the wraps off the Kia Seltos, the first model from Kia for India. The company has been releasing teasers of the Kia Seltos SUV for some time now and the latest teaser reveals certain features on the SUV along with insight into the design language as well. The latest teaser video of the Kia Seltos reveals in-cabin features such as steering mounted controls for audio and cruise control. There is climate control along with analogue tachometer and speedometer. Plus the Seltos Compact SUV also gets front parking sensors along with a sunroof, not a panoramic one, but similar to the one on the Hyundai Creta.

    Spy images of the Kia Seltos’ interior reveal piano black finish inserts on the dashboard, black leather seats and rear AC vents. The front and rear seats both get hand rests for added convenience, while there are a couple of cup holders and storage spaces. Kia Motors India has already confirmed a number of features on the upcoming Seltos SUV that will include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, head-up display (HUD), MID, cruise control and more. The model will also come with ambient lighting, electronic parking brake, hill assist and multiple driving modes.

    As far as exterior design is concerned, the Kia Seltos will feature Kia’s signature ‘Tiger-Nose’ grille along with LED headlamps and stylish fog lamps which are vertical. Also, we expect the top trims of the Seltos to have a dual-tone colour scheme (The roof having a different colour). The design of the 5-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels is also different from that of the concept model. The teaser video also shows the Seltos taking on some off-road terrain but we don’t know if the SUV will get an off-road kit such as driving modes, AWD or anything on those lines.

    The Kia Seltos will get a 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel and both engines will get manual and automatic gearbox options. It may be possible that Kia also offer a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine which could have a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. As far as competition is concerned, the Kia Seltos will be going up against the likes of the Tata Harrier, Nissan Kicks, Renault Captur and its sister model, the Hyundai Creta. The top-spec models of the Kia Seltos could also rival the MG Hector and the Jeep Compass.

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  • The Aston Martin Valhalla Is The Company’s New Hypercar

    The Aston Martin Valhalla Is The Company’s New Hypercar

    Formerly identified by its codename AM-RB 003, Aston Martin’s latest mid-engined hypercar collaboration with Red Bull Advanced Technologies and Adrian Newey has been officially named the Aston Martin Valhalla. Named after the warrior’s paradise celebrated in ancient Norse mythology, Valhalla employs a lightweight construction method and radical aerodynamics pioneered in the Valkyrie. The Valhalla will be propelled by a combination of a high-efficiency, high-output turbocharged V6 petrol engine and a battery-electric hybrid system. Of course, it’s a limited edition model and only 500 examples of this all-carbon fibre hypercar will be built.

    Together with the recently announced Vanquish Vision Concept, Valhalla continues this proud, seven decade old ‘V’ car naming strategy, providing an evocative and powerful moniker fit for one of the world’s most compelling ultra-high performance cars.

    Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Andy Palmer said, “Aston Martin model names always attract a lot of attention. They do so because they invariably capture an emotion or tell a story. In following the Valkyrie we knew the Aston Martin Valhalla needed to make a strong statement of its own, yet also offer continuity and a clear connection. Norse mythology contains such powerful language and rich storytelling it felt only right that the AM-RB 003 should follow the Valkyrie’s theme. For those fortunate enough to own one I’m sure they will recognise and appreciate the name’s connotations of glory and happiness, for there can be few more hallowed places than the driver’s seat of an Aston Martin Valhalla.”

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  • Kia Seltos India Launch Details Out

    Kia Seltos India Launch Details Out

    Kia Motors India has unveiled the Seltos compact SUV and yes, we all are waiting for the company to launch the car. The Kia Seltos will be launched in India in August 2019. We still do not have a confirmation on the date but it will be in the second half of that month. The company has invested more than $2 billion in India and the Seltos is the first of many product offerings to come to the country. The Seltos will be exported to other markets too from India including Latin America, the Middle East and other parts of Asia, which shows how important a product it is for Kia Motors globally. It is also equipped with a host of segment-first features which should give it an edge in its segment.

    The Kia Seltos enters a very crowded segment which has seen more players enter than ever before. Of course it has to deal with contenders like the Hyundai Creta, which has been the segment leader, but there are newer challengers to deal with too, the Tata Harrier and even the first connected compact SUV – the MG Hector.

    But while the Seltos too is a connected car, there are a host of segment first features that it brings to the table. To begin with, it’s the first carmaker to make a car available in a dual trim option. It also gets a first in segment 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. Adding to the premiumness, is an 8-speaker sound system by Bose. Kia has also provided an air purifier which has been placed between the front two seats and provides for an AC vent for rear seat passengers. There’s a 360 degree surround camera added to the segment first list as well which provides for better visibility.

    So, the Seltos becomes the second connected compact SUV after the MG Hector. Kia calls it UVO and you can, just like we’ve seen in the Venue, use your phone to operate the car’s ignition, AC controls and more. There’s also Apple Carplay and Android Auto on offer. That’s not the end of the segment first features yet, the Seltos SUV also gets an 8 inch heads up display which gives you all the information you need without being distracted. There’s also a sound mood lamp, rear sunshade curtain and a 7-inch colour TFT unit for the instrument console, which add to the premiumness of the Seltos.

    With all these features expect the Seltos to be priced competitively and that’s because of the local content that it gets. The Seltos is expected to be priced between ₹ 11 lakh – ₹ 17 lakh when it’s launched, but we’ll know more about the car when we drive it and also at the launch.

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  • Bajaj Triumph Alliance To Be Finalised In A Few Months

    Bajaj Triumph Alliance To Be Finalised In A Few Months

    Bajaj Auto Limited and British motorcycle brand Triumph Motorcycles are close to finalising the alliance that will see small displacement Triumph motorcycles to be manufactured by Bajaj and sold in India, and other markets. The alliance between the two motorcycle brands was announced almost two years ago, in August 2017, but now a senior official of Bajaj Auto has confirmed that the discussions between the two brands are at an advanced stage and will be finalised in a matter of months. However, the first Triumph motorcycle to be fully manufactured by Bajaj in India is still some time away, although sources have revealed that the development has been ongoing, and in fact, at an advanced stage, with the designs coming from Triumph’s headquarters in Hinckley and the engine and chassis development handled by Bajaj.

    Bajaj Auto’s Executive Director Rakesh Sharma has now said in an interview that the talks with Triumph are at an advanced stage, and a final agreement is expected to be reached very soon, maybe even before the year is over. So, that could mean we may well see some sort of a concept at one of the motorcycle shows later this year, with possibly a production model sometime by late 2020, or early 2021.

    What remains to be seen is what type of motorcycle the new Bajaj-Triumph alliance will develop. From all indications, and Triumph’s expertise and legacy of modern classic motorcycles, the first model from the alliance could well be a small displacement modern classic – something like a Triumph Bonneville with a 300-500 cc engine. While using Bajaj Auto’s manufacturing facility and supporting supply chain infrastructure, this new model could well be priced very competitively to take on established players like Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle space.

    In any case, Triumph has dabbled in building some small displacement prototypes in the past, targeted specifically at markets like India, which were shelved. These include a small Daytona-like sportbike, as well as a small displacement naked roadster, which never saw production. But we can’t rule such models out as well from the Bajaj-Triumph alliance, once manufacturing begins after the first product is launched.

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  • BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Revealed

    BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Revealed

    BMW has revealed the four-door 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe. The 8 Series Gran Coupe will be available in the rear-wheel drive 840i, all-wheel drive 840i xDrive and M850i xDrive models. The new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe showcases a sweeping four-door body with wide flanks and sharp creased modern lines. In fact, with a rear track of 1671 mm, the 8 Series Gran Coupe stands on the widest rear track of any BMW automobile; a design criteria which required an update of the Plant Dingolfing assembly line in order to accommodate the new, wider platform.

    From the A-pillar, the 8 Series Gran Coupe design differs from that of the Coupe to both increase interior space and deliver a vehicle with strong presence and authority. The windshield features less rake than in the Coupe to allow the roofline to raise to a higher point above the front seats, providing increased headroom for both front and rear passengers. The roof then merges into the rear trunk lid with fin-like transitional lines to create the visual of a long and flowing body. The rear glass is mounted with increased rake to increase the size of the trunk opening and also acts to from a fixed part of the body’s structure to increase torsional rigidity and reduce noise entering the cabin.

    The standard panoramic glass moonroof stretches from the front windshield all the way back to the rear window and the multi-functional antenna is integrated into the rear glass, eliminating the need for the roof-mounted shark fin antenna, thus allowing for a larger glass roof. The 8 Series Gran Coupe gets Icon Adaptive LED Headlights with Laserlight flank the one piece hexagonal BMW kidney grille surround which frames active air intake slats inside. Large openings in either side of the front bumper give the low-slung front end of the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe an aggressive appearance. Functional Air Breathers let air flow through the front fenders improving both aerodynamics and styling. The Hofmeister kink in the expansive c-pillar ties the flowing side profile lines of the new Gran Coupe to heavily sculptures rear fenders and trunk lid. Slim LED rear lights stand high above trapezoidal twin exhaust pipes.

    An intelligent mix of lightweight materials helps to reduce weight in the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe. Aluminium construction is used for the doors, hood, roof, front bulkhead, engine subframe and rear bumper support. The trunk lid is made from dent-resistant plastic while the cabin dashboard support is made from magnesium and parts of the center driveline tunnel are made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic.

    The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe seats five people and the longer wheelbase and wider rear flanks of the car have allowed for sizable increases in interior space. Front head room increases by 0.2 inches while rear headroom is up by 3.4 inches. Rear legroom increases by a substantial 7.1 inches while rear shoulder room improves by 7.7 inches. The extended centre console in the 8 Series Gran Coupe is unique to the model and continues into the rear space, dividing the individually-styled right and left seats while still allowing for the rear centre seat space to be used when needed. The rear console offers passengers individual right and left climate controls, air vents, storage tray and USB-C ports.

    The standard heated front sport seats feature integrated headrests and are designed with a thinner profile to allow for greater rear knee space. All four main seats offer generous levels of lateral support so that the performance capabilities of the 8 Series Gran Coupe can be enjoyed by all passengers. The rear seats can be folded down in a 40:20:40 configuration allowing for any variation of passengers and cargo on both short and long trips.

    Under the hood the BMW 840i and 840i xDrive Gran Coupe models are powered by the latest iteration of BMW’s TwinPower 3.0 litre inline 6-cylinder Turbo engine which produces 335 horses and 499 Nm of torque allows the rear-wheel drive 840i Gran Coupe to accelerate from 0 to 98 kmph in 4.9 seconds while the added traction of BMW xDrive allows the 840i xDrive Gran Coupe to reach 98 kmph in 4.6 seconds.

    Both vehicles feature an electronically limited top speed of 209 kmph when equipped with all-season tyres and 249 kmph when equipped with performance tyres.  The new 6-cylinder engine features an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head, a twin-scroll turbocharger with quicker response and direct injection technology working at an increased maximum pressure of 350 bar.

    The BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe is powered by the latest generation of the BMW TwinPower 4.4-liter eight-cylinder Turbo engine. Power production is rated at 523 horsepower while torque figures stand at 750 Nm between 1,800 – 4,600 rpm which allow this model to accelerate from 0 to 98 kmph in 3.7 seconds.

    Both engines transfer power to the driveline through the latest improved version of the Steptronic Sport automatic transmission featuring a weight-reducing design, a newly developed controller and a wider gear ratio spread. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional in the 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe combines the latest-generation of the iDrive, featuring a high-resolution digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster display behind the steering wheel and a 10.25-inch centre display diagonally across.

    The system offers many hardware upgrades including new haptic controls on the iDrive controller, an advanced tablet-like touch interface, and stunning visualizations. The multi-modal approach of the iDrive touch controller, large touchscreen center display, cloud-based voice control, and gesture control allow users to interact in the way of their choosing.  Elements of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional are the Navigation Professional system, a hard-drive-based multimedia system with 32 GB of memory and two USB ports, plus Bluetooth interfaces. The driver can be automatically detected and personal settings activated either using the traditional vehicle key or by downloading the driver’s personal settings to the BMW Cloud.

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  • BMW S 1000 RR Recalled Ahead Of India Launch

    BMW S 1000 RR Recalled Ahead Of India Launch

    The 2019 BMW S 1000 RR has had its first recall on a certain production batch in Europe, because of a problem in the gearbox. However, BMW Motorrad clarifies that only a certain batch has been affected, around 340 motorcycles in all, of which 113 are intended for the German market. Only a few of the recalled 340 motorcycles were delivered to customers, and these few customers have already been contacted by BMW Motorrad, a senior press spokesperson is quoted as having said. The issue is with a manufacturing tool which had an “unnoticed defect”, and as a result, an oil hole in the gearbox may not have been executed correctly, which could lead to gearbox damage in the long term.

    “We are now looking at all 340 of the S 1000 RR produced in the time. For those who were made with the help of that machine, we change the engine for safety’s sake,” press spokespersons Gerhard Lindner and Tim Diehl-Thiele are quoted as saying by Motorradonline. “The few customers who already have such a motorcycle are now contacted by BMW,” Lindner is quoted as saying.

    The 2019 BMW S 1000 RR will be launched in India on June 27, and the news may be disheartening for some prospective customers in India. But BMW Motorrad has clarified that only a limited number of motorcycles have been affected by the recall, “during about three weeks of production period” in May. Needless to say, BMW Motorrad has pro-actively issued a recall on the affected motorcycles, and the ones to be made available in India would have gone through a proper quality check before being shipped. Despite the recall, there is an unprecedented demand for the BMW S 1000 RR in Europe and BMW Motorrad is anticipating delays in delivery, owing to the high demand. In the UK alone, delivery may even be delayed in individual cases until the end of 2019.

    The 2019 BMW S 1000 RR is a completely new model, with updated design, new bodywork and a new engine with even more performance and new technology. The all-new 998 cc, in-line four-cylinder engine now puts out 204 bhp at 13,500 rpm with peak torque of 113 Nm kicking in at 10,500 rpm. The engine also sports BMW’s ShiftCam technology, essentially a variable valve timing system, which offers a wider range of torque across the rev range. Also new is an updated electronic suite, with separate riding modes, and a 6-axis IMU-aided cornering ABS, Dynamic Traction Control, Wheelie Control, and rear-wheel lift mitigation. An optional ‘M’ electronics package allows even more customisation of the electronics suite, including Race Pro modes. The 2019 BMW S 1000 RR is expected to be priced at around ₹ 20.5 lakh (ex-showroom).

  • Honda e Electric Vehicle Details Revealed

    Honda e Electric Vehicle Details Revealed

    Honda’s new compact electric vehicle, the Honda e, is the first Honda to be built on a dedicated EV platform, designed from the ground up but finally, there are details that have poured out which give more information about the specifications. The Honda e platform has been developed focussing on urban environments. The battery is positioned at a low level under the floor, and centrally within the wheelbase of the car, affording a 50:50 weight distribution and low center of gravity for optimal handling and stability. Power from the high-torque electric motor is delivered through the rear wheels, enabling steering precision even at high acceleration.

    The four-wheel independent suspension is engineered to offer better stability in all conditions, a smooth ride and responsive handling. Elements of the suspension components are forged aluminum to reduce weight and benefit performance and efficiency. The compact size of the Honda e sees it get a short overhang and it’s also best suited for the urban environment.

    The Honda e gets a 35.5 kWh Lithium-ion high-capacity battery, can be charged using either Type 2 AC connection or a CCS2 DC rapid charger. It’s range on a full charge stands at 200 km, and the fast charging capability sees it charge up to 80 percent in just 30 minutes. The Honda e charging port is integrated into the bonnet, with LED lighting visible through a glass panel to illuminate the port for the driver and highlight the battery charging status. The positioning of the charging port allows easy access from the front of the car or from either side. Displays on the dual touchscreens inside the car present the current level of battery charge, while a drivetrain graphic charts the current power flow and the regeneration and recharging status.

    The battery pack is water-cooled to maintain an optimum thermal state, therefore, maximizing the efficiency of the battery and charge state, while also ensuring its size and weight are minimized so that it does not compromise cabin room.

    Honda has already received 31,000 expressions of interest, and customers can make a reservation for priority ordering online in UK, Germany, France and Norway

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