Tag: motorsport

  • Bentley Continental GT To Summit Pikes Peak

    Bentley Continental GT To Summit Pikes Peak

    Bentley Motors is all set to return to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with the Continental GT. Well, of course, it’s going there with a purpose, as the company aims to capture the production car record with the car. Joining forces with Bentley is former ‘King of the Mountain’ Rhys Millen who has already helped Bentley set the record for the fastest SUV up the hill by driving the Bentayga up the 19.99 km course in just 10:49.9s – nearly 2 minutes faster than the previous record averaging 107 kmph and climbing almost 5,000 ft through 156 corners.

    The expectations with him behind the wheel of the Continental GT are no different. Powered by the world’s most advanced 12-cylinder engine, the car develops 626 bhp and 900 Nm of torque. 0-100 kmph is done in just 3.7 seconds and it’s complimented by an advanced 48-volt roll control system for extraordinary dynamic ability. Twin-scroll turbochargers minimising turbo response time coupled with high and low pressure direct fuel injection optimise power and torque delivery. The Bentley Motorsport team – based at the company’s headquarters in Crewe, England – will prepare the car over the coming months.

    Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush, said, “Bentley’s success last year along with the experience we gained will prove to be instrumental in preparing for our return to the mountain. The challenge to set the outright record for production cars is not one we underestimate, but we are confident in the combination of our W12 engine, the dynamic ability of the new Continental GT and the outstanding skill of Rhys Millen.”

  • Royal Enfield sets up shop in Bangkok, Thailand

    Royal Enfield sets up shop in Bangkok, Thailand

    Royal Enfield has just opened up its first exclusive showroom in Thailand, which is located in Thonglor, Bangkok. The Royal Enfield’s retail store there has been set up by General Auto Supply Co Ltd. The showroom will sell the Royal Enfield Bullet priced at THB 1,79,800 (approximately Rs 3.45 lakh), the Royal Enfield Classic 500 which will cost THB 1,89,800 (approximately Rs 3.64 lakh) and the Royal Enfield Classic Chrome for THB 1,98,800 (approximately Rs 3.81 lakh). The Royal Enfield Continental GT café racer, which displaces 535cc, will be sold in Thailand for THB 2,19,800 (approximately Rs 4.22 lakh). All-prices are ex-showroom.

    An inside view of the new Royal Enfield store in Bangkok

    A Royal Enfield proudly stands at the new the company's new exclusive store in Bangkok launched today

    Natavude Charoensukhawatana, Executive Director, General Auto Supplies Co Ltd-Palakorn Suwanarath, Privy Councillor, Thailand-Arun Gopal, Royal Enfield, international Business head

    From left to right: Natavude Charoensukhawatana, executive director, General Auto Supplies Co Ltd, Palakorn Suwanarath, privy councillor, Thailand, Arun Gopal, Royal Enfield, international business head

    “Royal Enfield is today one of the most profitable automotive brands in the world and we believe that our future growth will come from our international markets such as Thailand where motorcycles are a popular medium of commuting. Our phenomenal success in India gives us the confidence to thrive in similar markets like Thailand and Indonesia, which will play an instrumental role in fuelling our growth in Asia. We see a huge potential for our evocative, all purpose, and middle-weight (250-750cc) motorcycles that will allow customers an optimum choice for upgrade,” said Arun Gopal, the international business head of Royal Enfield.

    Royal Enfield opens Thailand’s first exclusive store in Bangkok

    Royal Enfield, the fastest growing motorcycle brand in the world, today launched its retail operations in Thailand, with the price announcement of its complete range of motorcycles, apparel and accessories at the launch of its first exclusive store in Thonglor, Bangkok. Royal Enfield’s first retail store in Thailand has been set up by the prestigious General Auto Supply Co. Ltd.

    In Bangkok, Royal Enfield’s iconic motorcycle– the Bullet, world’s oldest motorcycle in continuous production since 1932, is available at a price of THB 179800 for 500cc. Royal Enfield’s retro street model, known for its post war, timeless styling – the Classic 500 is available for THB 189800 and Classic Chrome for THB 198800. The Royal Enfield Continental GT 535cc café racer is now available at a price of THB 219800.

    “Royal Enfield is today one of the most profitable automotive brands in the world and we believe that our future growth will come from our international markets such as Thailand where motorcycles are a popular medium of commuting. Our phenomenal success in India gives us the confidence to thrive in similar markets like Thailand and Indonesia, which will play an instrumental role in fuelling our growth in Asia. We see a huge potential for our evocative, all purpose, and middle-weight (250-750cc) motorcycles that will allow customers an optimum choice for upgrade”, said Mr. Arun Gopal, International Business Head, Royal Enfield.

    “Also, Thailand is home to one of the most enthusiastic and seasoned riding communities in the world, with thousands of riding clubs and a prevalent culture of leisure riding. With Royal Enfield coming into the market riding enthusiasts will have an option to ride a unique product that is known for its leisure riding experiences”, he added.

    With a view to become the leader in global mid-sized motorcycle segment, Royal Enfield has been expanding its global retail footprint across UK, Europe, Latin America, Middle-East and now in South East Asia, with its most recent launch in Indonesia. Royal Enfield announced its entry into Thailand, the fifth largest two wheeler market in the world in Dec 2015, at the Thailand International Motor Expo. With its aspirational yet accessible range of motorcycles suitable for riding within the city, as well as long-distance rides during weekend, the 115 years old iconic motorcycle brand intends to revolutionize and reinvigorate the mid-size motorcycle segment in Thailand.

    “As part of our international strategy, we are focused on building the brand and creating demand in nodal cities across the world such as London, Bogota, Medellin, Dubai, Madrid, Paris, Jakarta and now Bangkok. We are working to create a robust eco-system comprising of highly differentiated retail experience and aftermarket capabilities, rides and community events and other adjacencies that bring to life the heritage and world of Royal Enfield. We believe that once we are successful in Bangkok, our brand and products will resonate very well in other key Thailand cities as well”, Arun added.

    Delivering the brand philosophy of “Pure Motorcycling” in every aspect of ownership experience, Royal Enfield’s exclusive store will be the first ever in the country. The 1190’ square feet store creates an ambience of motorcycle enthusiast’s living room by featuring an interesting visual merchandising format, comfortable sitting spots in several corners, and innovative product displays, which include a wall display of a stripped down Continental GT showcasing the bike’s internals and frame. The store will house not only Royal Enfield’s motorcycle range, but also its complete range of apparels and accessories, including purpose-built protective riding gear and lifestyle gear. The space of store has been designed not just as a point of purchase but also a meeting point for enthusiasts to have conversations around motorcycling.

    The 3685’ square feet retail outlet located at 842 SoiSukhumvit 55 (Thonglor), Sukhumvit Road, KlongtanNua, Wattana, Bangkok, is a full-service dealership by General Auto Supply Co. Ltd, is equipped to provide service and aftermarket capabilities. Royal Enfield will work closely with General Auto Supply to bring a differentiated experience for motorcycle enthusiast in the region.

    Royal Enfield designs classic styled motorcycles that are simple, evocative, tactile and fun to ride, providing riders with a “Pure Motorcycling” experience. Blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, as a means to achieve the perfect balance between the man, machine and the terrain, Royal Enfield motorcycles creates a unique experience for riders that is more approachable and unintimidating.

    In Calendar Year 2015 the company sold over 450,000 motorcycles across the globe to support its global growth strategy and also announced its plan to produce upto 900,000 motorcycles by end of 2018, from two of its existing manufacturing facilities and a third upcoming facility, in Tamil Nadu, India. With a view to become the leader in the global mid-sized motorcycle industry, Royal Enfield is also building two new technology centres – one in India and one in UK, to enhance capability and execute long term product strategy. Royal Enfield recently announced its entry into Brazil along with the launch of its first subsidiary outside India in North America.