The company added it’s the widest range of performance and dream cars by launching AMG C63 Coupe and AMG GTR Coupe recently.

Launching it virtually, Martin Schwenk, Managing Director, and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, announced the features and price of the new cars. Priced at INR 1.33 crore the new C63 Coupe is cheaper than its predecessor model while it is not the case with the new GT R, which is priced INR 2.48 crore.

AMG C63 Coupe

The new C63 Coupe is powered by 4 litre V8 engine. It combines sportiness with emotion and intelligence offering design and driving pleasure. The interior offers an authentic sports car atmosphere. Every facet of the inside of the vehicle reflects the performance philosophy. There are perfectly matched elements, characteristic touches and an ambience geared to sportiness in every detail.

The steering wheel is lined with fine Nappa leather and perforated in the grip area. Ergonomically positioned touch control buttons ensure intuitive user-friendliness and are conducive to focused driving.  The fully digital instruments and larger displays, including a new infotainment generation, are state-of-the-art features that make operating the car a highly individual affair. Depending on the precise specification, the instruments can also feature the ‘Classic,’ ‘Sporty, or ‘Progressive display styles.

The high-resolution media display with 10.25-inch screen diagonal adds a particularly high-quality touch to the interior of the car. Using finger movements (multi-touch), the touchpad is as intuitive to operate as a smartphone. The head-up display transforms the windscreen into an exciting digital cockpit.

In the exterior the front splitter, diffuser and spoiler lip reduce lift at the front and rear, and make the car look even sportier in combination with the inserts in the side skirts. The adaptive multi-beam LED headlamps with individually controllable LEDs react to the traffic situation. Partial main beam omits other road users without dazzling them. Ultra-range high-beam increases the range to the permitted maximum. The cornering light and active light functions also illuminate the field of vision to optimum effect.

The electric panoramic sliding sunroof is opened either continuously or by using the one-touch function. When the vehicle is parked, the panoramic sliding sunroof can also be opened and closed from outside – using the vehicle key with the functions ‘summer opening’ and ‘comfort closing.’ Electrically folding exterior mirrors protect the car vehicle from annoying damage when parking, the lowerable exterior mirror on the front passenger side makes parking easier and the self-dimming function protects the eyes.

Carbon-fibre has been used lavishly to reduce weight and improve performance and aesthetics. The material has been used in several places including front apron A-wing, side sill panels, rear apron, side facings for the air vents, mirror housings and spoiler lip.

AMG GTR Coupe

Demonstrating AMG's development and racing expertise the GT R Coupe pushes the limits of dynamic driving even further, making AMG’s DNA even more enjoyable. Thanks to direct knowhow transfer from motorsport the sports car impresses with a top speed of 318 kmph and acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.6 seconds. With rear-axle steering the car offers maximum agility and stability even at critical limits.

The lower a vehicle’s centre of gravity, the better its performance and this phenomenon is achieved through the installation of a low-set front mid-engine in a transaxle configuration, in GT R Coupe. This results in beneficial weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent between front and rear axles. The torque tube, as it is called – made out of carbon fibre in GT R provides a flexurally and torsionally rigid connection between the engine and the transmission. At the same time an extremely light and torsion-resistant drive shaft made of carbon fibre rotates inside the tube, which ends up in saving about 14kg of weight. This transfers the output from 4-litre V8 bi-turbo engine to Speedshift DCT 7-speed sports transmission, which has been redesigned for the vehicle with a longer first and shorter seventh gear. The uniball joints are wear resistant metal linking elements attached to the lower wishbones of the rear axle in a design that allows minimal play, so facilitating even more precise driving.

With the rear axle differential lock, the car is even more agile offering greater driving pleasure. The electronically controlled differential lock enables optimum power distribution between both wheels when cornering. It continually adjusts to the driving situation and increases driving stability even when changing lanes. The interventions of rear axle differential lock are optimized for the respective driving situation and ESP mode. As such it widens the spread between driving dynamics and handling, comfort and driving safety.

The ride control suspension contributes to improving driving safety. The spring rate of the shock absorbers is increased in ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ modes. The stiffer suspension configuration together with the continual damping adjustment for each individual wheel reduces pitching and rolling of the body during dynamic driving manoeuvres. This increases safety and ride comfort at the same time.

Among the many notable features in the exterior is the headlamp that spits uniform warm-white light quality, which is close to the colour temperature of daylight and illuminate the road considerably more precisely than conventional halogen or xenon headlamps. The LED tail lights impress with their extremely flat and horizontal lines.

Carbon-fibre has been judiciously used in GT R Coupe. For instance, the roof is made of carbon fibre yielding maximum performance. In addition this material has been used in air curtains in the front bumper, active panels in the front bumper for better aerodynamics, long bonnet with power domes and A-type grille.

A look at the interior gives a glimpse of the high-tech features beginning with the cockpit. The user interface concept with fully digital instruments cluster of 12.3 inches and a 10.25-inch display fills the eyes. The steering wheel in Dinamica microfibre with steering wheel buttons gives the freedom to focus on the road when looking away is not an option. High-quality materials give the interior a handcrafted character. The centre console turns the interior of the sports car into something very special. The stylized V8 arrangement of the controls has been enhanced with the facelift and supplemented with innovative display switches to select the various settings. The centrally positioned touchpad enables intuitive control of the infotainment system.  

Adds Top-end Petrol, Diesel Variant To LWB GLE

Mercedes-Benz has also strengthened its SUV offering by adding two new top-end variants to its popular GLE portfolio - 450 4MATIC LWB and 400 d 4MATIC LWB. The current LWB GLE range comprises the BS-VI GLE 300 d 4MATIC LWB and the top-end CBU GLE 400 d 4MATIC LWB Hip Hop variants.

The locally made GLE 450 4MATIC LWB and 400 d 4MATIC LWB features the same design, power, plush interiors, just like the other variants in the current generation GLE range. The differentiation is in the packaging of latest technology, including the cutting-edge Mercedes-Benz MBUX system with interior assistant. The permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution capability together with 9G-TRONIC transmission ensures it is just as agile and capable as an off-roader as its diesel siblings.

Schwenk said, “The new long wheelbase GLE has already created a benchmark in the luxury SUV segment and we are very satisfied with the customer response. Encouraged by this response we are now introducing a petrol and a diesel variant of the GLE LWB. We are confident that the GLE 450 4MATIC and the 400 d 4MATIC will help this SUV retain its top billing in the luxury SUV segment. The GLE LWB is an important pillar in our expansive SUV portfolio, leading our product offensive in the SUV segment and it remains Mercedes-Benz’s highest selling SUV in India. With the addition of these two new variants, we once again reiterate our customer focus and our commitment to the Indian market.”

An in-line six-cylinder engine systematically electrified with 48-volt technology powers the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 LWB 4MATIC. Its performance data of 270 kW (367 hp) and 500 Nm of torque, with a further 250 Nm of torque and 16 kW/22 hp available via EQ Boost over short periods is quite commendable. The integrated starter/alternator (ISG) is responsible for hybrid functions such as EQ Boost or energy recuperation, while allowing fuel savings that were previously reserved for high-voltage hybrid technology.

Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) eliminates the need for a belt drive for ancillary components at the front of the engine, which reduces its overall length. The slim design, together with the physical separation of intake/exhaust, creates space for near-engine exhaust after treatment. The 48-volt on-board power supply serves not only high power consumers such as the water pump and air-conditioning compressor, but also the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), which also supplies energy to the battery by means of highly efficient energy recuperation.

The GLE 400 d 4MATIC LWB comes equipped with an OM 656 in-line six-cylinder diesel engine which generates 243 kW (330 hp) and 700 Nm of torque. The most powerful diesel engine in the history of Mercedes-Benz bundles together state-of-the-art technology components. As a result, the engine sets standards in terms of agility and consumption.

Other interesting features of both the variants include multi-beam LED headlamps with ultra range high beam, 4MATIC with VTD (Variable Torque Distribution), Airmatic suspension with ADS+, 20-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, Auto Park Assist 360 degree surround view camera, widescreen cockpit, easy pack tailgate, electric sun blinds, blind spot assist and Active Brake Assist. (MT)

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State Bank of India (SBI) has entered into a strategic partnership with Uber to offer low-cost, tailored financing solutions as well as hassle-free loan disbursement to Uber’s fleet partners.

Both new and current Uber fleet partners will benefit from the partnership, which will enable them to easily grow their businesses and support the continued expansion of the ride-hailing sector in India. Easy loan disbursement will be made possible by the integration, assisting fleets in maintaining peak performance. The partnership guarantees that fleet partners can effectively manage their money and grow their businesses more quickly by utilising SBI's vast financial services network and Uber's technologies.

Vinay M Tonse, MD (Retail Business & Operations), SBI, said, “At SBI, we are committed to offering innovative financial products that support businesses across India. Our partnership with Uber highlights our focus on providing tailored solutions to a diverse set of customers. By offering affordable financing solutions to Uber fleet partners, we are helping to fuel the growth of the ridesharing sector while also ensuring that fleet owners have access to the capital they need to succeed.”

Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India & South Asia, said, “This partnership reinforces Uber’s commitment to its fleet partners and aligns with our vision of fostering growth in India’s ride sharing ecosystem. By providing affordable loans through SBI’s customised offerings, we aim to create an enabling environment that provides fleet partners with the tools they need to scale effectively and contribute to the overall development of the industry.”

Toyota Kirloskar Motor, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has attained a new wholesales milestone for its Innoa HyCross SUV.

Launched in November 2022, the Innova HyCross has crossed 100,000 unit sales milestone in India. The Innova HyCross is powered by the 5^th Generation self-charging strong hybrid electric system and comes with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine and an e-drive sequential shift delivering 137 kW (186 PS) of power.

The hybrid system the company claims enables the Innova HyCross to operate 60 percent of the time in electric (EV) mode. The 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with a direct shift CVT in select variants, delivers 129 kW (174 PS) of power.

Sabari Manohar, Vice-President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “We are thrilled to share that the Innova HyCross has achieved milestone of 100,000 units. Heartfelt thanks to our customers for their trust and support as we continue to drive unparalleled mobility experiences. The hybrid technology option in the Innova HyCross continues to impress customers with its exceptional performance and remarkable mileage. Beyond efficiency, the HyCross strikes an ideal balance of space and luxury, making it a practical choice tailored to a family’s diverse needs. Its superior handling, unparalleled comfort, and top-notch safety features further amplify its appeal. Combined with Toyota’s trusted service standards, the Innova HyCross delivers a holistic ownership experience that resonates deeply with its growing base of satisfied customers.”

AstaGuru will showcase some of the world’s most coveted vintage and classic cars at its upcoming ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction, which will take place from 20 to 22 November 2024.

The auction will offer an exclusive collection of rare and meticulously curated vintage cars, providing a unique opportunity for collectors and automotive enthusiasts to acquire iconic pieces of automotive history.

The auction will feature an impressive lineup of vehicles, including a 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Limousine, a 1946 Singer Nine Roadster, a 1946 Bentley Mark VI, a 1947 Lincoln Continental V12 Convertible and a 1948 Jaguar Mark IV, among others. These stunning machines, each a testament to the engineering marvels of their era, promise to transport bidders back in time, celebrating the golden age of motoring.

A Growing Market in India

AstaGuru’s Vintage and Classic Car Specialist, Muzammil Kazi, shared his insights on the evolution of the vintage car market in India. “We did our first auction in 2018, and it was a surprising success,” Kazi noted. “At the time, these cars weren’t available online or marketed in the way they are now. You’d have to go to a dealer or connect with a seller directly, which made it hard to find these rare cars. But our first auction was a hit, with all lots selling successfully.”

The vintage car market in India, according to Kazi, is far from saturated. “The market is 100 percent growing. These cars were imported to India in limited quantities, and you wouldn’t find brands like Ford or General Motors here in the same way as abroad. Cars like the Fiat, Ambassador, or old Maruti SS80 were more common, but the rare vintage gems we are showcasing today are difficult to find.”

Kazi also emphasised that the scarcity of such cars means the market still has significant potential for growth. “The cars we have on display today are curated from various collectors across India, and it’s very rare to see them come together in one auction,” he explained.

Safeguarding Online Bidders

AstaGuru’s online auction platform also ensures that bidders are fully protected throughout the process. “We have a strong set of terms and conditions for the cars we sell,” Kazi explained. “We only auction cars with up-to-date paperwork and in proper running condition. Once a car is sold, we ensure the buyer receives it only after the seller submits a No Objection Certificate (NOC), making the transaction smooth and secure.”

Record-Breaking Bids

The auction has seen some impressive bids in the past. Kazi highlighted one of the highest bids to date: a Mercedes-Benz 111 230S, which was estimated at INR 2.1 million but eventually sold for INR 6.8 million. Another standout was a Rolls-Royce, which had an estimated value of INR 7-8 million but sold for a remarkable INR 18 million.

A Rare Opportunity for Collectors

For classic car enthusiasts and connoisseurs, the ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction represents an unmissable opportunity to acquire some of the rarest and most beautifully restored vehicles in the world. With its rich history and pedigree, each car in the auction is a testament to the artistry and engineering excellence that defined its era. Whether a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of vintage automobiles, this event promises a truly memorable experience for all involved.

As the vintage car market continues to grow in India, AstaGuru is setting the stage for an exciting future for collectors and car lovers alike. The ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction is expected to draw attention from around the world, offering a rare chance to own a piece of automotive history.

Tata Motors-owned British luxury car brand Jaguar has unveiled its new brand identity, which it says recaptures an ethos to Copy Nothing that traces its roots back to the words of its founder, Sir William Lyons. 

The new identify is based on Exuberant Modernism, a creative philosophy, which the company says underpins all aspects of the new Jaguar brand world. 

Professor Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer, Jaguar, said, “Jaguar has its roots in originality. Sir William Lyons, our founder, believed that ‘A Jaguar should be a copy of nothing’. Our vision for Jaguar today is informed by this philosophy.  New Jaguar is a brand built around Exuberant Modernism. It is imaginative, bold and artistic at every touchpoint. It is unique and fearless. This is a reimagining that recaptures the essence of Jaguar, returning it to the values that once made it so loved, but making it relevant for a contemporary audience. We are creating Jaguar for the future, restoring its status as a brand that enriches the lives of our clients and the Jaguar community.”

The four symbols of change – Device Mark, Strikethrough, Exuberant Colours and Makers Marks - each representing the future design philosophy for the luxury carmaker.

Device Mark celebrates modernism through the geometric form, symmetry and simplicity.

Strikethrough sees the linear graphic generate a unique presence and an immediately recognisable visual for Jaguar.

The Exuberant use of colours marks a cornerstone of Jaguar’s new brand identity.

Makers Mark consists of the newly reimagined Jaguar ‘leaper’, which the luxury brand said is part of its mark of provenance. 

On 2 December 2024, Jaguar will present its first global public installation under its new brand philosophy at the Miami Art Week.

Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar, said, “To bring back such a globally renowned brand we had to be fearless. Jaguar was always at its best when challenging convention. That ethos is seen in our new brand identity today and will be further revealed over the coming months. This is a complete reset. Jaguar is transformed to reclaim its originality and inspire a new generation. I am excited for the world to finally see Jaguar.”