Advait Berde, Author at Exhibit Tech

Honda Africa Twin: The definition of off-roading renewed!

If you are into luxury vehicles but like to take them off the road, this motorcycle could be your dream come true. Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt Ltd has officially begun the delivery of the latest iteration of the Africa Twin Adventure Sports. It is the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer’s flagship adventure-tourer and is the first 1000cc ‘Make in India’ model by Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India.

The motorcycle is also the company’s first BSVI-compliant big bike in India. It was first launched in 2017 and has since garnered over 200 customers in the country. Its latest iteration was launched in March 2020 by Ricky Brabec (Reigning 2020 Dakar Rally World Champion from Monster Energy Honda Team).

Honda has made the 2020 Africa Twin better than before, making it smaller, slimmer and 5 kg lighter. This delivers 12 percent more peak power, 11 percent more peak torque and 10 percent increased power to weight ratio. It also gets cruise control via Throttle by Wire (TBW), as well as wheelie control, rear lift control and 3-stage cornering lights. The motorcycle also gets a bigger engine, new lightweight chassis, new electronics and new suspension units. Other updates include a bigger 24.8-litre fuel tank, 5-stage adjustable windscreen and heated grips. Honda has also equipped the motorcycle with Apple CarPlay, which can be accessed via a 6.5-inch MID TFT touch screen.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Starting the BSVI era of its premium motorcycle business, Honda introduced the brand new 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports in March this year. We are pleased to announce the first delivery to the proud #TrueAdventure lover. The 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports takes the ‘go anywhere’ spirit one step ahead. So, pack your bags & get ready as #TrueAdventure is back!”

For the first time, Honda has launched the Africa twin with the option of a manual gearbox. While the original Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) unit gets the Darkness Black Metallic colour, the new manual option gets a Pearl Glare White colour. Honda is also offering genuine accessories such as top box, visor, quick shifter, main stand, rally step, engine guard, front fog light, and a smoked wind screen for both the variants.

If you are looking to go for dedicated off-roading, the DCT variant poses as a better option, simply due to the option of changing gears with your hands. This will help the rider shift gears when it is not possible for him to reach the footpegs, such as while water wading. Other riders who wish to enjoy all the benefits of the motorcycle without shelling out extra can opt for the manual transmission option.

The Africa Twin has already set the benchmark as a potent off-roader in India. Now, with a relatively cheaper alternative of the manual transmission, the motorcycle is expected to garner a larger audience, especially fans of the manual gearbox. It commands an ex-showroom price tag of Rs 15,35,000, while its DCT counterpart sells for Rs 16,10,000 (ex-showroom).

Planning a road trip to America? You can take this route!

If you have ever dreamt of taking a long drive or going on a road trip, you must have probably pictured going to the tips of our country, or crossing the border into the neighbouring nation. But have you ever considered travelling halfway across the world without leaving the road? Well, it seems Russia plans on turning that dream to reality.

As per a report in The Siberian Times, Vladimir Yakunin has proposed a plan for a trans-Siberian highway. The Russian Railways president stated that the highway would link Russia’s eastern border with Alaska, an American state. This highway crosses a narrow stretch of the Bering Sea, which separates Asia and North America. It would connect Russia with North America via Russia’s far eastern Chukotka region, across the Bering Strait and into Alaska’s Seward Peninsula.

Vladimir Yakunin. Image: The Siberian Times

It is called the Trans-Eurasian Belt Development (TEPR) and should be constructed along the existing Trans-Siberian Railway, along with gas pipelines and a new network of trains for oil. The highway is expected to run across the entirety of Russia and will connect with existing road systems in Western Europe and Asia.

Viktor Sadovnichy, rector of the Moscow State University, said the network would help the Far East and Siberia feel more in touch with the rest of the world. He said: ‘Recently I returned from Khabarovsk, where I met with rectors of universities of the Far East – about 100 of them in total.

Russia’s western and eastern borders are separated by almost 10,000 kilometres of land and is connected by the Trans-Siberian railway. It runs from Moscow to Vladivostok and covers 9,258 kilometers. If the highway connects Europe to the US, it should take about 13,000 kms for a road trip from London to Alaska via Moscow.

Now though the idea seems like a dream come true for many, it will take a long time to be realized. The project is expected to cost trillions of dollars and will be one of the most comprehensive projects around the world. Yakunin is supposed to be a close friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin, which could mean a national interest in this project. He also stated that the project would give massive economic returns that will compensate for the massive investment.

If and when this project turns to reality, it would be a massive opportunity for automobile enthusiasts around the world to exchange their cultures. While cross-country trips are possible and undertaken by a few fanatics, it is not feasible for most. The extreme costs of crossing the borders, coupled with exhaustive hours of driving and multiple weather conditions discourage many.

Want a free Harley Davidson? Just purchase this watch!

Sometimes it is necessary for you to match your wrist watch to your vehicle. While most owners make do with aesthetic similarities, Swiss watchmaker Carl F. Bucherer has taken it one step ahead. Collaborating with American motorcycle manufacturer Harley Davidson, the company has created the ‘Bucherer Blue’ watch.

The watch is based on the manufacturer’s Patravi TravelTec II and gets a rose gold finished case with a black bezel and a blue face. Its front has a sapphire anti-reflective face while its back sports a transparent window. Its rubber strap is also designed as a tyre tread. The watch runs on CFB 1901.1 calibre automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve. Apart from the hour, minute and second dials, it also shows a date counter and three different time zones.

The owner of this watch will probably get the world’s most expensive watch holder. It is a customized Harley Davidson Softail Slim S which is called the Blue Edition. It has two armoured glass domes inside its fuel tank, which hold the watch and a solitaire ring. The holder, which is insulated with silicone rings to absorb the motorcycle’s vibrations, also doubles up as a watch winder. This charges the watch while it is sitting in the box.

Harley Davidson roped in chop-shop specialists Bundnerbike to complete their project. The basis for this bike is the Harley-Davidson Softail Slim from 2017, which was rebuilt in detail. Even the smallest parts, including bolts, were made by hand and given a high-quality finish. The wheels were specially designed for the Blue Bike, and the saddle is also hand-stitched – made in Switzerland.

The motorcycle is also embedded with heat-resistant LEDs on the inside that illuminate the various gold-plated components of the motorcycle. The tank doubles up as the watch holder, as well as the holder of a six-prong solitaire ring with a 5.4 carat diamond.

Mechanically, the motorcycle remains unchanged and carries forward its 107cu.in. (1753cc) V-twin engine that makes 92HP of maximum power and 145Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Patrick Graf, Chief Commercial Officer at Bucherer says, “We are delighted to be able to take advantage of our many years of experience and our close relationships with our partners to create exquisite, one-of-a-kind watches and products as part of the Bucherer BLUE collection, which are available for purchase exclusively at Bucherer.”

The iridescent paint job of the motorcycle was achieved after an elaborate process of silver plating the motorcycle completely. It was then painted with six coats of different colours, that has resulted in the rich, deep blue colour.

As expected, this luxury comes with an incredible price of Rs 15 crore (when converted) of which almost Rs 12 crore go towards the costing of the motorcycle, making it the most expensive one in the world! Still, Rs 3 crore for a wrist watch is quite a fancy deal, don’t you think? Naturally, it is safe to assume that the Harley Davidson Softail S Blue Edition will definitely not be an everyday sight.

Lamborghini Squadra Corse SCV12: The Italian’s newest stallion

This lockdown has bored most of us almost to death and we don’t have much to rejoice about. Luckily, a new hypercar has been teased to rejuvenate your spirits and make you smile again. If you are a Lamborghini collector and you are wondering which one to add to your collection next, this has to be exciting news for you. For track enthusiasts, this is even better news. The Italian luxury car manufacturer has unleashed its latest track-only weapon today. Called the Squadra Corse SCV12, it features the company’s most powerful V12 engine to date.

Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s GT motorsports expertise, using its racing experience has created the car with a clear track intent. Several aspects of the SCV12 have been developed particularly for the hypercar, with specific racing solutions devised by Squadra Corse engineers, including a new fully carbon fibre chassis that allows for a greater power-to-weight ratio as well as the best handling and circuit driving experience.

Since the SCV12 is a track-only car, it does not feature compulsory street elements such as lights. Instead, the engineers have optimized every component of the car to improve its performance. For instance, The SCV12’s front bonnet has a double air intake and a central rib directing airflow to the ram-air intake scoop located on the roof. It also has a prominent splitter at the front, lateral flicks and vertical fins on the side sills, while at the rear is a custom-built carbon fibre rear wing.

The SCV12 has completed its development program and is now ready to hit the track for its world première, scheduled for summer 2020. It will be assembled entirely within the Lamborghini Squadra Corse factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese, as a limited edition.

Customers will become members of a very exclusive club: they will participate in advanced driving programs at some of the world’s most prestigious circuits, with the technical assistance of Squadra Corse engineers and the special tutoring of Emanuele Pirro, five-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Lamborghini Squadra Corse Special Projects Consultant.

We cannot wait to check the car out at the first opportunity we get. Till then, all we can do is drool over its photos and wait with all eagerness!

Luxury Cars that adorn Indian Roads

Luxury cars in India have always been considered to be elite. Hence, though Indian automobile market is open to a plethora of cars from global car brands, some manufacturers prefer to focus on the niche and elite crowd and offer some premium models. Each manufacturer offers multiple models across different segments and customers have a lot to choose from, but luxury models are not an everyday sight on Indian roads.These are not only expensive to buy, they’re also difficult to drive. Their sheer power combined with unmatched luxury automatically place their owners a notch above the rest. Here are some of the best luxury cars that adorn Indian roads:

1.AMG C 43 Coupe

Mercedes-Benz, who specializes in ultra-luxury cars, is offering the C 43 Coupe. It is not an ordinary C-Class though, as it has been specially tuned by the German manufacturer’s special division, Mercedes-AMG. Its lower ride height, frameless doors and sloping roofline differentiate it from the ordinary, while its four exhaust tips give the car a mean look. The immense power of its twin-turbocharged engine is commanded by five driving modes, while the car itself commands a steep price tag of Rs 75 lakh (ex-showroom).

2.BMW Z4 M40i

German car manufacturer BMW has made the Z4 with only one motive: to give the owner as much fun as possible. Armed with a powerful engine, it is offered as a two-door convertible sports car. This means you can look rich, go fast and have an open rooftop! It also has 10 loudspeakers, giving any music enthusiast an unforgettable experience. Its ex-showroom price tag of Rs 78.9 lakh also means that you will not see another model similar to yours anytime soon.

3.Jaguar XJ50

Jaguar’s recent addition to its lineup was the luxury sedan XJ50. However, it is not just another car, but a celebration of 50 years of the XJ being on sale in the international market. The British carmaker has retained its signature XJ styling, but has amped up the luxury parameter considerably. Packed with premium features, the car offers the thrill of high-speed with the comfort of safety. Combined with an ex-showroom price tag of Rs 1.12 crore, the XJ50 will surely give the owner an experience that money can’t buy.

4.Porsche 911 Carrera S

Among the fastest cars sold in India, the Porsche 911 Carrera S offers an unparalleled experience to its owner. Its exclusivity and rarity mean it’s a paparazzi magnet, with every other motorist redder than the car with jealousy. It has an immersive Bose sound system, though the rumble of its beastly engine can still be faintly heard. An authentic two-door coupe, the car has an ex-showroom price tag well above Rs 2 crore, ensuring that it will only be with the truly luxurious!

Driving any of these cars on the road will not only ensure a wide berth on the road from other vehicles, but also luxury unlike any other. Each manufacturer of these cars has put special effort and technology in their making and this makes the models exclusive to their owner.

Car Brands That Redefine Luxury

Automobiles have long been a symbol of wealth, with even the simplest of cars being the objects of pride. Over the years, the industry has evolved from limited and niche brands to full-blown luxurious pieces of art. While cars became available to the public and hence lost their exclusivity, car brands rose to make their products even fancier, even better and even costlier.

Luxury cars have always been kept apart from the general category, as a castle separates the king from his people. They have also been called special names– ‘auto di lusso’ in Italy or ‘voiture de luxe’ in France, both meaning luxury cars. The Germans call them Oberklasse which directly means “upper class”.

Many car brands across the world manufacture models across multiple segments. Automobile giants like Volkswagen and General Motors even have plants worldwide. In order to segregate the luxurious cars from the mass-produced models, many car brands often choose to sell their luxuries under a different banner. This has led to Toyota forming Lexus and Nissan forming Infiniti, among others. Even popular brands like Citroen, Ford and Geely have DS, Lincoln and Volvo respectively.

However, car brands have always competed to extend their luxuries to as many segments as possible, creating further division in luxury cars.

There are entry-level luxury cars, also known as Premium compacts. These became popular in the mid-2000s after European manufacturers introduced a cheaper alternative to their bigger luxury cars. Some models in this category are the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X2, Lexus CT2000h and the Volvo C30. These cars might be smaller than their executive siblings, but they’re at par in luxury.
Then come the compact luxury cars that are also smaller than their executive siblings and can also be called compact executive cars. It includes Alfa Romeo’s Giulia, Tesla’s Model 3 and the Infiniti Q50, among others.
The Executives are bigger than the prior two and act as a gateway to ultra-luxury. Executive car is a British term for an automobile larger than a large family car. Jaguar XF and Volvo S90 are some examples in this segment.
Germany’s Oberklasse segment and Europe’s F-segment are reserved for full-size luxury sedans. Most of them are flagship models of the company and feature the newest technology that the car brands have to offer. Also called luxury saloon or luxury limousine, these include the BMW 7 Series, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Lexus LS and the Porsche Panamera, among others.
The Ultra-luxury segment is reserved for the elite, with all cars costing well above the Rs 10 crore mark. Here car brands offer models that will focus primarily on offering as much luxury as possible,making almost each piece unique to its owner. Names like the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Maybach 57 and the Bentley Arnage are enough to tell people one thing: You got deep pockets.

These are the car brands that will help you redefine luxury. Each car falling under this segment has not only been manufactured to carry its passengers, it has been made to set standards of luxury and style.

Electric Cars: The Luxurious Future

Electric cars have gained global recognition over the years, due to the rapid depletion of fossil fuels and the ever-rising demand of personal cars. While it has become important for manufacturers to look for an alternate power source, they’re also looking at adding luxury to the segment.

Electric cars are considered to be the future of the automobile industry, mainly due to their practically unlimited potential. When Mahindra came up with REVA-I for the Indian market, it went quite unnoticed because of its small, diminutive structure, cramped and awkward seating position, and an all-electric drive. This was the first stint of an electric car operating in India. However, the international market is seeing a flooding of electric car across multiple segments, with luxury cars getting special attention.

Tesla’s range of fully electric cars have paved the way for other manufacturers since 2003. The Model S, Model 3 and Model X are some of the most iconic models from the company, while Elon Musk recently confirmed that Tesla’s five-seater Model Y is set to be relaunched as a seven-seater version this year.

Probably early Q4

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 21, 2020

The company is also the manufacturer of the Tesla Roadster, which is the quickest car in the world. Its latest addition, the Cybertruck promises to revolutionize the world of pickup trucks, merging it with the luxury segment.

Though Tesla is widely regarded as the pioneer and most successful electric car manufacturer, it hasn’t dissuaded other manufacturers from trying. Jaguar became the first mainstream manufacturer to break Tesla’s monopoly at high-end luxury SUVs. The Jaguar I-Pace, whose base models sells for Rs 50 lakh while the top trim demands Rs 61 lakh, offers outstanding performance coupled with unmatched luxury. Hyundai too tried their failsafe i20 chassis, giving it the name Hyundai Kona. Indian brands were not to be left out either, with giants like Tata and Mahindra coming up with a fleet of EVs of their own.

Along with Indian conglomerates, international manufacturers have also invested their resources in the research and development of fully electric cars. Porsche’s first-ever electric car, the Taycan is a four-door grand tourer that borrows the looks of a Panamera, but is a whole another deal in terms of performance. Even after being the first electric car of the company, it gets a befitting price range of Rs 1.1 crore to Rs 1.4 crore for the Turbo S version. BMW also has its share of EVs, among them being the two-door sports car, the i8. It gets an additional flair of luxury with butterfly doors.

Not to be left behind, Aston Martin has also declared its entrance in the electric car market. With an all-electric Rapide sedan that is ready for production, the company is looking to redefine electric performance and luxury. While it has not been officially announced yet, it is expected to make its way to the Indian market post launch.

On one hand while IC engines are the best option for cars at the moment, the possibility of a completely electric future of automobiles in India does not seem bleak anymore. Coupled with the ambitious plans to make India an all-electric nation by 2030, we might be looking at the next revolution in automotive history.