5 Racing technologies that have been adopted for road use
Automobile racing as an organized sport began in the mid 19th century with the initial races between gasoline powered internal combustion vehicles. Sports car racing emerged as a platform for various automakers to prove themselves on the tarmac, which paved its path for a lot many automotive technologies which in future, would turn out to become an everyday usage tech. With the intention of dominating the streets, a lot of manufacturers, in time adopted ways and techniques to make better cars for everyone. From safety to increased power and handling, innovations in the sector have created numerous technologies for better road handling and drivability of cars. Lets look at 5 such innovations which proved a game changer in the industry.
All Wheel Drive
Roots from rallying, all wheel drive systems were introduced by Audi’s Quattro technology which was the first ever all wheel drive system designed for use in regular everyday cars for all road conditions. All wheel drive means more power and of course better handling at the same time. Extra traction gives better stability to the overall driving dynamics of the vehicle making it easy to drive even on mud and ice.
Turbo / Air intake
A high performance engine needs to breathe properly so as to give out max output from the overall combustion process. The more air there’d be , the better performance and better burning of the air fuel mixture would happen. In turn churning out enough boost. Enhancements like turbochargers, superchargers, Ram air intake systems were all designed for this sole purpose. While this technology was derived from drag racing cars, today it can be found on regular production cars.
Automatic gear transmission
The elimination of engaging the clutch while shifting gears saved a lot of time for racers on track and even proved to be an added performance advantage as they could shift without using the clutch pedal. In today’s scenario, it makes driving a hassle free experience as you don’t have to fiddle around using the clutch pedal in tight bumper to bumper city traffic. Moreover, having an automatic transmission, quick maneuvers like sudden acceleration for overtaking become a less tiring process as the transmission is doing everything on its own.
Disc Brakes and Tyre
Braking is as important as the performance of any vehicle. The disc brake has by far been the most advanced and necessary technology since the inception of cars. Disc brakes have better performance as they have better cooling as compared to drum brakes, thereby decreasing the chances of overheating and hence improving performance. Also, brakes are of no importance if the rubber in contact with the tarmac is of no good. Tyre manufacturers have always used motorsport platforms to test and promote their rubber as it helps them test the durability and drivability of the tyre. Now there are purpose oriented tyre in the market depending on the kind of usage one wants. Highway, mud-terrain, all-terrain, track oriented and also eco-friendly tyre which help in better mileage are now all easily available.
Suspension
The overall driving dynamics and handling is based on the suspensions. Independent suspensions were adopted from race cars as it delivered better stability and drivability. Be it multi-link setup or McPherson struts, both are available on a number of production cars depending on the type. A proper setup helps keep the car stable through twists and turns, and provides comfort over bad roads.
Maruti Suzuki sales are banking on products that cater to mass-market audiences, at least in India. With the sales plateau and the world slow-down (read as lockdown), it is time for something new. Maruti has been studying the demographics in India and, adhering to the mindset of young professionals, launched the all-new Maruti Suzuki Celerio.
The new Celerio is available in six different colours – Speedy Blue, Arctic White, Solid Fire Red, Glistening Grey, Silky Silver, Caffeine Brown with a young audience in mind. The design is a complete overhaul compared to the ageing Celerio launched in 2014. Noticeable changes include curves that translate all over the exterior fascia and then some. The wheel arches are neatly designed to give a sense of bulge without actually protruding. The most exciting section is how curves on the front and rear doors make the car like a concept design made real for the masses. Curved headlights, curved front doors, a (mandatory to Indian markets) chrome strip splitting the nose grill, indicators integrated ORVMs, and a shrunk down Baleno inspired tail section make the Celerio look like a major overhaul to its earlier design.
The new Celerio is 55 mm wider than before. Also, its wheelbase is now 10 mm longer, making it 2,435 mm. The new Celerio has a 170 mm ground clearance, 5 mm more than the old model, making it easier to tackle all road undulations. Our top-of-the-line ZXi+ variant also comes equipped with keyless entry assist next to conventional upward pull door handles. Unlike its predecessor, the A-pillar is also sanely sized, which created a huge blind spot for the driver in the earlier model. What comes exclusively to the ZXi+ variant are the 15″ alloy rims with 175 section Yokohama tyres. All other variants come with standard 14″ rims and 165 section tyres.
Hop inside, and the all-new tagline feels justified cocooned in varied textures of black fibre all across the interiors. The earlier Celerio did come with part analogue and part digital console, but Maruti has overhauled the same approach on the new Celerio. The background textures are symmetrical geometric shapes with a clean and understandable round design that matches the new Celerio DNA. It looks amber clad, round, modern and youthful, with ample information for the driver. There are tonnes of textures on the dashboard, all in black fibre. Gone are the door controls from the doors, and everything now sits in the central bay. For better or for worse, the central console flaunts a 7-inch Smartplay touch infotainment system with support for wired Android Auto and Apple car play support. Do understand that only the top-end variants get this feature. The centre console extends adjacent to the front row seats ending with window controls for the rear seats.
Doors of the Celerio are barebones with no control units, but they make up for it with large door pockets, enough to place six full-size bottles across four doors. Apart from the base variant, all other variants get electronic controls for ORVM adjustment on the right side of the steering. This panel also features the switch for auto start-stop feature. Seats are cushioned well enough with integrated headrests for both front and rear seats. Thanks to the additional wheelbase, space at the rear is comfortable and ample for three teenagers. A healthy 313 litres boot space apart from a sink well for the spare wheel makes the car spacious enough for long trip luggage. Note that the boot storage lip is high and could be a hurdle when loading heavy baggage.
We drove the ZXi+ manual, and automatic variants, which come equipped with steering mounted controls, adjustable steering, height adjust for the driver seat and most bells and whistles of the lot. Such creature comforts are a welcome addition to the Celerio. That said, Maruti has also introduced the K10C 1-litre engine with this car. The engine is the same across the various variants, with AMT (AGS) offered upwards of the VXi variant. This engine is run by a 5-speed manual and automatic transmission and produces impressive 25+km/l mileage, a segment-leading number. Let’s check out how it feels to drive.
The new K10C engine is potent and carries the signature torque-oriented appeal. On paper, the engine makes 67bhp at 6000rpm and 89Nm of torque as low as 3500rpm. In the real world, the first gear seems short and to the point. Shifting up to the 2nd and 3rd gear with a bit of throttle reveals a healthy powerband that can stretch in 3 digits and way over the legal limitations on Indian roads. The engine is happiest over 1200rpm and pulls strong right up to 6000rpm. The 4th gear is excellent on highways with enough grunt to overtake, albeit in linear power delivery. 5th gear is best suited for comfort cruising which this engine does not mind doing all day long. The steering is electronically controlled, but the inputs are precise, and feedback is ample to feel the road underneath. What came as a surprise is how this car handles within city limits. At times, the steering, engine and chassis come together to make one feel like they are driving a much smaller car than the spec sheets suggest. This characteristic is excellent for novice and experienced drivers irrespective of their sex, age and other choices. The increased ground clearance and dimensions also make the car rock-solid on highway and in city speeds. There is a certain sense of body roll when carrying a few people and maneuvering the car at high speeds but never too intrusive in the overall driving experience.
One thing to be noted was the way this engine sounds when revved and performance-driven. We should make it clear that our cars were brand new off the assembly line. When stressed, the engine produces a growling noise, and the NVH levels aren’t the best in class either. While the sound felt like the engine was small, its performance did not match the sound output. Maybe a few oil changes would make this engine sound calmer, but it is worth noting nonetheless. The overall characteristic of the engine makes it a perfect choice to be driven on city and highway commutes without leaving the driver unsatisfied.
Increased wheelbase, better creature comforts, capable engine and new design language make the new Celerio look like a good competition in the crowded hatchback segment. Yes, some competitors like the Tata Tiago and Hyundai’s line-up add more features in comparison, but none have the K-series engine dynamics to match their stature. Still, in isolation, the Celerio matched with Maruti’s vast service network is a good budget option for anyone looking to get a new age hatchback with minimal running costs.
After nearly a legacy of about half a century, Land Rover has finally unveiled its flagship SUV, “Range Rover”, which made its premiere in the UK, ahead of its launch in early 2022. This Range Rover has been built on the triumph of its outgoing fourth-generation predecessor which became the synonym for the epitome of luxury full-size SUV around the world. Even though the overall silhouette remains the same, many indispensable changes have been carried out extensively on the technical front.
Exterior dimensions and looks:
At the first glimpse, it looks unneighborly to the outgoing generation, but many styling ques have been carried forward. Take a closer look, and you will notice that even though the overall delineation hasn’t changed, the transpose lies in its details. From its sophistically slated grill design to the digital LED headlights claiming a beam range of 500m to the wholly revamped bumpers and gills on the flanks. Crisp body lines with flushed door handles to accentuate the sleek, seamless design of the new Range Rover. From the back, a more futuristic design with vertical blacked-out LED tail-lights gives it a much broader appeal as they are visible only when lit up. With blacked-out pillars, the glance of a floating roof is much appreciated. The wheel size could vary from 21-23 inches, depending on the spec you opt.
These evolutionary changes made on the new MLA-Flex platform of JLR will be made available in two different versions- the short wheelbase sitting at 2997mm and the long-wheelbase measuring a whopping 3197mm. The maximum ground clearance is estimated at 295mm, with rear-wheel steering (moving up to 7-degrees) being offered as standard across the range. As per the Land Rover DNA, the new Range Rover is supposed to have a water wading depth of 900mm and can tackle as steep as 45-degree inclines with utmost ease.
Interior comfort and Features:
More compendious changes have been carried out on the inside with a completely re-designed dashboard which houses a thoroughly overhauled infotainment system and driving aid tech. A 13.1-inch floating Alexa integrated touchscreen with haptic feedback and a 13.7-inch fully digital instrument cluster (with heads-up display as an optional) adorn the fondness of the interior. An entirely new designed two-bar steering houses physical controls for ease of use. A panoramic sunroof lets the cabin feel roomier and light up than before. The use of high-quality materials like leather, matte finish wood and brushed aluminum can be seen generously spread across the beautifully designed clean interiors.
As before, it will be offered in four, five and seven-seat configurations to choose from different variants amongst the long and short wheelbase layout. With active noise cancellation, a 1600-watt Meridian Signature sound system has moved a step forward with 20-watt speakers built into the four main headrests for an exhilarating experience. Loaded with the latest tech like power-assisted doors, an air purifier and a smartphone application to control vital features of the car, the range-topping spec will also get 24-way adjustable rear seats with massager. The central console will house a fridge with auto-folding tables, a large 13.1-inch entertainment screen, & an 8-inch touch control panel for the rear seat occupants will add up to the overall exquisite experience.
Drive & Powertrains:
With the four-cylinder engine options going obsolete, the patrons will get to choose from a 3-litre six-cylinder (both petrol & diesel) mated to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system churning outputs ranging from 250hp to 400hp and a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 530hp propelling the Range Rover from 0-100kmph in just under 4.6 secs. The eight-speed ZF auto transmission will be standard across the range.
Later, a plug-in hybrid version will follow with a 3-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with a 143 hp electric motor which will derive its power from a 38.2 kWh lithium-ion battery delivering a combined output of 450hp (P450e) or 510hp (P510e). Range Rover claims that its PHEV battery will take just about an hour to charge up to 80%.
Land Rover has also confirmed that the all-electric variant may hit the roads by 2024, which will be the first EV from the brand.
Speaking about the drivetrain, a 48-volt electronic anti-roll system with an active rear differential locking system, five-link rear axle, and twin-valve Bilstein dampers makes it accurate to the off-road capabilities. The “Integrated Chassis Control” aids the driving by using navigational data to project oncoming terrain and adjust the suspensions accordingly. With as many as six drive modes to choose from, the famed Terrain Response 2 system has been integrated in the vehicle.
Will we get this in India?
Of-course! But as a CBU like before. Land Rover has started taking the orders for the 2022 facelift and is expected to start deliveries by 2022. With the current generation priced from 2.10 crore to 4.30 crore (ex-showroom) , this particular one might see an increase in its pricing.
What would you do if you had unlimited time, money and resources? You would definitely strike off everything that comes on your bucket list, but unfortunately, we can’t have all of these above things together. You can earn tons of money which will buy you resources, but time, it’s the only thing you can’t buy, and that’s why we decided to strike off one more place from my bucket list and hopped on Volvo XC90 & XC60 to reach Leh-Ladakh via road from Delhi.
We fuel our bodies with food, our minds with knowledge, our hearts with love and our life with memories. When you’re on your deathbed, the only things that matters are the memories you created when you were fit and fine. It’s necessary to take time for things you enjoy in life, and what’s a better option to enjoy and create last-long memories than going on a luxury trip. Leh & Ladakh is a place that exists on almost every bucket list, and I’m no different from the majority.
Atal Tunnel
We decided to pick Volvo XC90 & XC60 cars for our ride to reach the lush meadows, Chinar forests, and apple orchards of Ladakh. We stayed for a night in The Himalayan, one of the top luxury boutique resorts in Manali and left towards our destination early in the morning. On the way, we drove on Atal Tunnel, which is named after India’s former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s name. Atal or Rohtang tunnel is a highway tunnel built under the Rohtang Pass in the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas on the Leh-Manali Highway in Himachal Pradesh.
The 9.02 Km long tunnel reduces the travel time and overall distance between Manali and Keylong on the way to Leh, and currently, it is the world’s longest single tube highway tunnel at an altitude above 3,000 m(10,000 ft). Volvo XC90 and XC60 are two of my favourite cars from Volvo’s Swedish design and craftsmanship, but they have noticeable differences between each other. The major differences are that the XC90 can seat up to seven passengers while the XC60 can seat five passengers. The XC90 has an optional Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, while the XC60 has a Polestar Engineered trim package paired with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The well-rounded SUVs have calm and collected interiors that keep you focused on the drive ahead, and that’s why we recommend you to either travel in a well-equipped SUV or don’t take more than two halts while driving towards up in the hills. More halts will eventually result in breathlessness, which is not a good thing to deal with when you’re travelling in high altitude areas. While driving in places like Leh and Ladakh, one must always stay aware of the situation because landslides are a widespread disaster.
The Hospitality of the Locals
People around the Leh & Ladakh towns are amicable and helpful, they’ll help you choose the best route to the destination, they’ll help you if your vehicle is stuck in the mud and the essential things they offer on these deserty roads is Dhaba-cooked Maggies, which tastes delicious. The roads around this region are dubious, has bumpy stretches, and are unpaved. So, if you’re not an experienced driver who’s comfortable driving in India, especially in the hills, self-drive is a big no-no for you.
Thiksey Monastery
The massage seats of the Volvo XC90 & XC60 are some of the bests I’ve ever been seated. The five preset massage programs are- Swell, Tread, Advanced, Lumbar or Shoulder. Thanks to these cars’ massage seats, we’ve reached the Thiksey Monastery in a single piece. The famous Buddhist Monastery is located on top of a hill in Thiksey, approximately 19 kilometres east of Leh in Ladakh. The 12-storey complex houses many items of Buddhist art such as stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings and swords. The views from the Monastery are breathtaking, and given its popularity, it needs no introduction about its beauty.
Nubra Valley
The valley is popular amongst the tourist for its orchards, scenic vistas, Bactrian camels and monasteries. Nubra or Ldumra (means the valley of flowers) valley is situated 10,000 feet (3,000 m) above sea level, and the common way to access this valley is to travel over the Khardung La pass from Leh. The Volvo XC90 and Volvo XC60 cars accompanied us to reach one of the most challenging terrains globally, and all happened because these two cars have a Hill-start assist feature. The advanced feature automatically stops your vehicle from backrolling when you press and release the brakes on an uphill gradient by holding the brake pressure. With that, we have covered a number of sites during our trip but left one of the famous spots for the next time, which is Pangong Lake. The Leh & Ladakh is truly a road trip that one will recall in the late years of their life.
So far, we have discussed EVSE, Battery Capacity Segmentation, and Battery Swapping when we reviewed NITI Aayog’s Policy Document on Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure. If you missed all of these sections, along with concrete recommendations made by Exhibit, you could read all of them here. Let’s move on and go further with this document to assess what all things are here for you.
Public Charging Points
Not so important section, but you cannot ignore it. Well, it becomes important for stakeholders to think about bringing establishments and distance between such closest points. NITI Aayog has given the example of the EU and how they have kept different charging points or stations for several categories of vehicles. However, one should only see the good practices present in the EU countries and not adopt them as the conditions in India will be pretty different. In addition to this, Exhibit will also suggest you check how electricity for charging is getting produced. Even, Government and private players who will get involved in this domain need to ponder about green production of electricity. One such example is of setting up a Solar-powered electric vehicle charging station in Karnal (midpoint of Delhi and Chandigarh in the Delhi Chandigarh highway by BHEL).
Setting Targets
Don’t worry; you are not playing a cricket match where one of us has set a target for another. The Indian team had proved its mettle on Lord’s again a few days back when they defeated the England team by 151 runs. Since the core discussion is on electric vehicle charging infrastructure, we will stick to it. The Government of India, through different ministries, has set a target of where to install a charging station, be it in a public place, semi-public place, or private place. But, the issue is that again all this is going through different branches. Rather, the focus should be brought to a special-purpose vehicle or working group that will formulate everything in this sector. No doubt NITI Aayog has talked about nodal agencies and working groups. However, NITI Aayog has assigned different niches to them.
Assessing Demands
Trust me, but this section is very confined on which the policy formulation team has worked properly. Under this, NITI Aayog has laid out the assessment plan with which you as a stakeholder can understand the demand. NITI Aayog is right in its place to record data of how many vehicles are coming, along with the charging time it takes to refuel the batteries installed in EVs. Also, you have to examine the timeline to understand how this demand is increasing.
Leveraging Streets & Electricity Grids
NITI Aayog has also provided information on how a Germany-based startup has utilized the street poles to upgrade them and build mini charging points. Hence, there is optimum space for leveraging the street and its essential points where one recharges their EV batteries. And, to tap such poles for electricity, it becomes important to ponder electricity grid and street poles connection. But, if one thinks of such connections, one has to consider electricity tariff rates. For this purpose, all the state governments have to come up with a consolidated strategy. Consolidated strategy means instructing DISCOMS to establish a parallel framework or bring a new connection for such electricity supply.
Final Remarks on NITI Aayog Policy’s on Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
No doubt, NITI Aayog has laid down a vibrant framework to ensure a country like India can create a conducive ecosystem. But, it also becomes necessary to work upon eliminating loopholes. For other Auto-Tech section articles, click here.
Ducati is a brand decade in the making. Their name is synonymous with speed, design and performance. Today, the Italian bike maker dominates globally with its vast array of motorcycles ranging from adventure tourers to sports bikes. So far in India, Ducati has dominated the premium segment with a series of successful product launches. How do they do it, and what it takes to run a successful brand? We discuss all of this with our special guest, Bipul Chandra, MD Ducati India.
Q – Ducati has been on a roll this year; you guys are putting out one great product after another. To what would you attribute this change in strategy?
Ans: 2020 was, as you know, quite a challenge. Many of our bikes, which we wanted to introduce in India following BS6 norms, were delayed. This in part and our growing BS6 portfolio, combined, resulted in our aggressive plans for 2021. As an industry, we had grown and were better prepared to deal with COVID related restrictions. We were confident we would deliver on our plans and introduce our long-awaited bikes in the Indian market in 2021. So far, we are right on the mark as the first four months of the year were positive. We are eagerly looking forward to more launches and infusing the market with our entire line-up of BS6 bikes.
Q – Ducati recently launched the brand-new Streetfighter V4, and it features some significant improvements since last time. How well do you think it’d be competing for this time around?
Ans: The Streetfighter V4 has developed an insane following amongst riders and enthusiasts alike, making it a halo product in the segment. To experience the best in the super naked category, the Streetfighter is undoubtedly in a league of its own. We were the first to introduce and popularise the “Naked Bike” category, and with the Streetfighter, we have raised the bar yet again. Our team has nailed the design, the power, and the stance. No doubt, it won the ‘Most Beautiful Bike’ at EICMA 2019. I am happy to share that we have sold out the initial shipment assigned to India, and we are already looking to get another one ready for the customers. This is a testimony to how eagerly the Ducati fans were waiting for the Streetfighter, and I am thrilled that we finally have it here.
Q – An year after the lockdown, we’re in another one, and with countries preparing for a third wave worldwide, do you think “work from home” is a permanent change?
Ans: We are still bound to our home offices with minimal movement of our staff to oversee the supply chain and the delivery aspect of the bikes to our customers. We have taken extra precautions to allow for easy and safe servicing and delivery of new bikes at home. Ducati has always been a very customer-oriented brand, and that’s why, last year, we introduced the ‘Ducati Cares’ program, which has a detailed and a defined SOP related to sanitisation, social distancing, temperature checks etc. at our showrooms. Understandably, it has not been smooth sailing for every operation to go remote. Still, with the vaccination drive picking up steam in the country, it looks like working from home will be a thing in the past if we all do our bit to take suitable precautions to prevent the pandemic.
Q – How has lockdown affected brand marketing? Are there new opportunities emerging as we move ahead?
Ans: Due to the ongoing situation, most of our advertising is via social media and digital platforms. We have a highly engaged community on Facebook, Instagram and we use lead generation advertising to reach out to prospects and book their test rides for when things are better. We also promoted posts on social media and Google Display Network to amplify our new launches for the Streetfighter V4, which got an exceptional response on social media and our website. We constantly promote initiatives like our Bike Configurator on the website. A customer can accessorise and customise his Ducati via an extensive range of accessories and get the new bike delivered precisely as they configured it online. Yes, the experiential marketing has taken a hit as we have consciously decided not to conduct any on-ground launches or events to do our bit in containing the spread of the virus. I hope that we will be back with DRE activities this year or in 2022 if the Covid situation is under control and the government regulations allow us.
Q – The second wave has affected us in ways unimaginable: how has Ducati helped its employees to ease this situation?
Ans: We have introduced flexible hours for our employees and dynamic structure implementation so that our team members can take time off to manage the home duties as well. We have also created a support group for internal purposes where our employees can reach out if they need assistance of any sort. As a team, we are constantly checking in on our employees to ensure their mental health. And being a lean team, we are always in touch with each other.
Q – With Ducati in Italy, its factory in Thailand, and India’s office, you effectively work in three time zones. What’s your strategy to manage all that?
Ans: I am proud to share that as a team, we are very well coordinated. Our plans develop keeping the time zones in mind and the flow in which our announcements are made to not hamper our strategy in any of our markets. I am also always in awe of how fast our team’s turnaround is to any request from our office/dealerships. 2021 has already seen eight new bikes from Ducati hit the roads, from the updated Scrambler range including Nightshift, Desert Sled, Icon, Dark Icon, and 1100 Dark Pro to the super naked, the Streetfighter V4 joined by Panigale V4 and Diavel 1260, which were just launched! This goes on to show the speed with which we are proceeding.
Q – What’d you say is the best way to market to a niche audience?
Ans: It is very subjective, but we believe in the age-old saying ‘Race on Sunday, sell on Monday.’ We are associated with various racing events and competitions such as MotoGP, WSBK Championship, AMA Superbike Championships etc. These associations are an incredible way to continually improve and deliver products that our customers have come to expect of us. Furthermore, our team and athletes enjoy these events, so that’s an advantage. It also helps us incredibly engage with our key audience. We also focus a lot on organising demo ride events riding events on the racetrack, off-road tracks, etc. We try to share the experience of riding a Ducati. We are super confident of the product and believe that a customer can take an informed decision only when he has experienced the quality and the character of a Ducati motorcycle.
Q – Any inside scoop that you’d like to share for the Ducati fans?
Ans: I do have one: this year, we will have our entire international BS6 line-up available in India. Next on the launch timeline is the Multistrada V4, which will be launched in India in the first half of July, so that’s an exciting development that we’re looking forward to.
It may seem like a distant dream, but we are finally looking to resume on-ground events and activities to reconnect with our customers via our world famous DRE events like Track Days, Off-Road Days, Dream Tour and Scrambler “Land of Joy” riding experiences. If the situation permits, we would love to launch our bikes at on-ground events, meet our friends in the media and, of course, attend MotoGP events with the Ducatisti.
Q – With the used vehicle market jumping through the roof due to the pandemic, do you see brands officially venture into this particular market in the future?
Ans: We are also a part of that market in the form of Ducati Approved. The service team at our dealer network follows a stringent 35-point checklist while inducing a used bike to ensure that it is in good condition and can earn the Ducati seal before being sold to an interested customer. I feel that Ducati Approved is a brilliant stepping-stone for customers to enter the world of Ducati. The prices are attractive, and the after-sales service costs have also gone down considerably. It will not be long before we see more people opting to buy pre-owned luxury superbikes.
Q – Electrification increasingly seems to be the next step in transportation. How well do you see it play out in the Indian market?
Ans: We are proud of our rich history, legacy, motorsport success, and our ability to transform these experiences into high quality, performance-oriented, tech-infused products that are used daily by both motorcycle enthusiasts and new riders. It has allowed us to understand our customers and share our passion with people worldwide to experience and relish in the joy of owning a Ducati. Satisfaction and experience are high on every Ducati product that comes into the creativity and ultimately creates an odd sensation. To get all these experiences into fruition, you have to test ride a Ducati, and that is how confident we are of the product. In addition, we ensure that every motorcycle produced in Italy makes its way to India. Therefore, we are a few manufacturers with such a diverse range of motorcycles, from racing to sport touring to heritage and ensuring that each model makes its way to India.
Coming to electrification, Ducati invests a lot in R&D, and we are weighing the options. We are transparent about one thing; no matter what the source of power is, we will not compromise with the signature experience of riding a Ducati.
Q – Lastly, what’d you like to say to Ducati riders and fans moving forward in 2021?
Ans: I would like to request every Ducatisti, Ducati enthusiast and fan to stay safe and follow all COVID guidelines so that we can all come out of this pandemic safer and stronger than ever. We have great plans for the Indian market, and I can promise that the following years will be eventful in Ducati’s Indian journey.
Q – What’s your dream car and bike?
I would love to lay my hands on a Lamborghini Countach and a Ducati 916
Q – What’s on your reading list nowadays?
I am reading the Multipliers by Liz Wiseman and Find your Why by Simon Sinek. Then I have a couple of more books waiting for me.
Q – What’s the best life lesson you learnt?
Character is the only thing that matters.
Q – Any advice for upcoming marketers and directors?
Actually, a couple of them: One may be deprived of time, but it always pays to look for the devil in the details, never compromise on ethical issues and always stand for your team.
Q – Your favourite non-work-related activity?
Watching YouTube videos about technological advancements and documentaries about historical events.
Q – How’d you sum up your experience working at Ducati in three adjectives?
The year 2014. A gimmick started floating – Acche din aayenge. Now, many may start a discourse about the same where it is, or it has arrived. But when it comes to technology, this Hindi idiom always takes a new writeup due to the advancement humanity is making with each lap. With the UK becoming the first country in the world to give a green signal to self-driving cars, the race has begun. And, with the race to better technology, you cannot keep Elon Musk away. Tesla has declared a full self-driving subscription beta model. With this Exhibit blog, get more details on this subject.
Steering Not in My Hands
Gimmicks and charming words have always attracted people. Indian media floated one a few days back – “Not in my name.” With driverless cars taking the center stage, you will find something like “Steering not in my hands” for sure. With $199 (around 14.8k INR) in a month, Tesla has announced that people who are craving a driverless car can start toying around the streets. Those who bought a Tesla car between 2016 and 2019 have to go through a hardware installation and update to ensure that they can witness such an experience too. For FSD chips and enjoying its features, Tesla has said they will give free hardware upgrades for hardware 2.0 and 5.0.
Future of Autonomous Vehicles
Suppose someone asks me what the future of autonomous vehicles is. In that case, I will say watch TheWire interview of Kerala’s Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, where he was asked about the future of Muslims. Now, please don’t tag me as a communitarian. Just use an analogy. What analogy? Well, the answer to the question is whatever is the future of AI, same as that for the future of autonomous vehicles/driverless cars. Yes, the way AI & mechatronics will take turns will determine how many driverless cars you will see on the road. The current advancement has already forecasted that there will be more than 55 million autonomous vehicles on the road by 2040.
Working Principle of Self-Driving Cars
The essential part of autonomous vehicles or self-driving cars is Computer Vision. Yeah, these cars will detect signals and check the proximity of objects near them. As per the dataset, the steering of these cars will take turns and move accordingly. The dataset will help to generate an algorithm for moving ahead and taking turns. Hence, machine learning and artificial intelligence will get more importance.
Major Concerns for Self-Driving Cars
The two-word answer is low reliability. Yeah, we are bringing this technology solely because they can reduce road accidents as a convention ratified in the Brasilia Declaration. But, still relying on a machine is a major concern that is creating hiccups for sovereign states to take any decision on self-driving cars.
In a blog post, Microsoft said that its recently announced service, Windows 365, provides a new hybrid personal computing category called Cloud PC, which uses both the cloud’s power and the device’s capabilities to provide a full, customized Windows experience. Users can stream all of their apps, tools, data, and settings from the cloud across any device with the instant-on boot to their personal Cloud PC. The whole PC experience is available in the cloud with Windows 365. The cloud also offers flexibility in terms of processing power and storage, allowing IT to scale up or down depending on their requirements. With an option of Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Features of Windows 365
Microsoft’s goal with Windows 365 is to provide an experience that looks, feels, and functions as a regular Windows PC but can be accessed via a native app or a Web browser. It allows users to access full Windows 10 (or Windows 11 when it becomes released) from an app or a web browser. Users will be able to access their apps, tools, data, and settings as well.
Windows 365 is now available.
Windows 365 is a new way to enjoy virtual cloud-based PCs running Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating systems, according to Microsoft.
Similar to its cloud-based game service, the subscription-based service allows customers to stream a Windows PC from anywhere.With Windows 365, you can securely stream the whole Windows experience—including all your apps, data, and settings—to your personal or corporate devices.
This strategy establishes a whole new personal computer category, tailored to the hybrid world:
PC in the Cloud
The Redmond-based software behemoth claims that it is Windows 365 service that allows customers to save apps, files, and documents and access them from any device, including tablets and Apple Macs, using a native Remote Desktop application or web browser, at any time.
On August 2,2021 the service, which makes use of Azure Virtual Desktop, will be available.
Microsoft world 365
Beginning August 2, Microsoft announced that Windows 365 would be available to businesses of all sizes. Any device, including a Mac, iPad, Linux, and even an Android phone, will be able to access it. Windows 365 Business and Windows 365 Enterprise will be the two cloud PC configurations available. However, no pricing information has been released.
Windows 365 also includes the Endpoint Insights dashboard, which provides analytics and access to network-wide Internet connection status. There’s also a new Watchdog Service that allows IT professionals to execute diagnostics.
In addition to remote access, Windows 365 is said to be built using a Zero Trust architecture to address some of today’s security issues. Using a connection with Microsoft Azure Active Directory, the service includes multi-factor authentication (MFA) to verify login or access attempts to the cloud PC. Specific permissions, such as licensing, can also be delegated.
Windows 365 offers an instant-on boot experience that allows users to stream all of their personalized apps, tools, data, and settings from the cloud to any device, including a Mac, iPad, Linux device, or Android smartphone.
Regardless of the device, the Windows experience is consistent.
The service supports business apps, Microsoft 365 apps, and any other Windows app that can be installed on a standard PC that is needed in the company.
The business intends to provide several sizes of Windows 365 Cloud PCs, with monthly prices based on the number of users.
Windows 365 Business and Windows 365 Enterprise will be the two editions available.
Microsoft’s Windows 365 service is billed as a “new personal computing experience.”
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the 1971 war victory, and Jawa Motorcycles has come to the fore to offer a tribute to the gallantry of our Forever Heroes. Continuing its #ForeverHeroes initiative, the brand has introduced two new colours of its modern classic Jawa to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the 1971 war victory.
To further contribute to the ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ celebrations throughout the year, Jawa Motorcycles will be a part of various celebratory rides with the Indian Army that mark important landmark occasions like Kargil Vijay Diwas, Battle of Turtuk and Battle of Longewala, with the Jawa Khakhi and Midnight Grey leading the charge. What makes these motorcycles unique is the commemorative emblem that features the prestigious Indian Army insignia flanked by a ‘laurel wreath’ symbolising the 1971 victory.
The two new colours honour the spirit of courage, service, and sacrifice of the Indian Army and embody the brave and bold spirit. The Jawa Khakhi signifies the spirit of selfless service to the nation by the men in uniform. On the other hand, the Jawa Midnight Grey is inspired by the Battle of Longewala, fought in the western frontier along the Rajasthan border. This battle played an essential role in India’s victory in the ’71 war. Brave soldiers from the Indian Army and BSF thwarted the enemy attack and defended our motherland, fighting bravely through the night. Jawa Midnight Grey is an ode to the bravery of these soldiers and the victory that we achieved on this night. The wheel and tyre sizes remain unchanged from before, but these motorcycles ride on blacked-out spoke rims to go with the overall black theme.
Setting the context for this Tribute, Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Classic Legends, said, “How we measure success as a company is not by how many motorcycles we sell. It is by how much we’re able to give back.”
Picking up from the sophisticated styling of the Jawa, the new Jawa Khakhi and Midnight Grey add a dark sophistication and a more outdoorsy feel to the Jawa character. Both shades are finished in matte and feature an all-black theme that runs across the motorcycle’s mechanical parts. The engine now features brushed fins adding to the attention to detail. The 1971 War Victory commemorative insignia occupies the place of pride on the fuel tank flanked by tricolour stripes.
The entire Jawa range features a new 293cc liquid-cooled and fuel-injected engine that makes 27 bhp of maximum power and 27 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a six-speed transmission. The engine now features a repositioned lambda sensor that monitors internal and external variables more efficiently to give consistent performance and cleaner emissions regardless of any road condition. The throttle response has been made crisper to respond to even the slightest inputs with precision through improved fuelling. The overall result is a more linear performance across the rev range, with a noticeable punch in the mid-range resulting in stronger acceleration.
Presenting the two new colours of Jawa as a tribute to the 1971 victory, Ashish Singh Joshi, CEO, Classic Legends, said, “We have a special place in our heart for the men and women who protect our nation. We call them Forever Heroes and it’s the cornerstone of Jawa’s existence. It gives us immense pride to dedicate the Jawa Khakhi and Jawa Midnight Grey to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the 1971 war victory. As a company we are honoured to carry the Indian Army’s insignia on our motorcycles that will forever remind the riders of the bravery and sacrifices made by our soldiers to keep our motherland protected.”
The Jawa Khakhi & Midnight Grey will be available across Jawa Dealerships and priced at Rs 1,93,357 (ex-showroom). The new colours will only be available in the Dual ABS version.
Since 1933, Nissan has been creating the kinds of cars that move people’s hearts. In their pursuit of this ideal, the Japanese have always challenged the limits of what is possible by rejecting assumptions and turning conventional wisdom on its head. It’s a brand that has never lost sight of the importance of their relationship with the society and has always remained focused on the effects they have on people’s lives.
Thanks to this approach, the Nissan’s innovations have come a long way to transcended the realm of auto manufacturing and product offerings. The Magnite, Nissan’s newest offering, is a car that debuted in India but is ready to appeal to customers globally. The brand is very passionate about driving experience, not only with cars like the Skyline and Nissan GT-R but with all of the cars they produce and offer.
And this passion is growing more intense with the passing of time. Through their long years of experience in motorsports, Nissan has learned a great deal about making cars that are faster, more beautiful, safer, more responsive, and simply more fun to drive. In our eight-month stint with the Nissan Magnite, these pillars of the brand have become all the more visible.
The Magnite grabs headlines for its value for money proposition, the same reason why it’s been crowned our Compact SUV for the year 2020. It offers features that would make you question the extra bills being spent on other purchases. Consumers were drawn to its value for money proposition and may ditch their traditional hatchbacks for this. Why not, if you can get yourself a bigger vehicle for the same buck, and with more features, it would seem half-witted to not consider one.
How has Nissan managed to achieve this? Long hours behind the wheel kept me wondering, and it comes down to just one fact – efficient and smart Japanese engineering. Nissan has applied what they’ve learned in their automotive experience in India and globally, to come up with a vehicle that ticks all the right boxes. Technology has introduced possibilities of manufacturers providing features that weren’t familiar to this segment of cars. And that’s where the Magnite pushes the envelope.
We’ve begun to see its merits a lot clearer. It’s an inexpensive daily runabout that has all the features that you’d ever need, and some. For instance, families would feel reassured by its four-star ASEAN NCAP crash test. Even today, it looks as striking as it was first showcased as the concept. The sharp creases haven’t been toned down and that lends it a very new-age design.
I’ve lost count of how many people have showered interest when we’re out with it. They want to see it up close, admire those sleek headlamps and DRLs, the dual-tone color scheme, the uniquely-styled alloys. For a lot of eyes out there, the Magnite does look striking, matching their expectations on a good-looking compact SUV. There’s even a LED foglamp that lends this all-LED face a very premium look, which is only accentuated by the dual-tone color scheme that extends to the ORVMs as well. The Magnite fender badging along with the plastic cladding gives it a much-desired SUV stance. Then there’s the bulged-out hip and the sharp crafter spoiler, which sits flush with the creases that extend through the roof. Serrated, sporty. Distinctively Japanese.
The exteriors are striking and the interiors; just so comforting. You’re greeted to a well-appointed cabin that feels roomy and airy on the inside. As you look around, you’d realize that the Magnite comes with plenty of segment-first like an all-digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree parking camera, and wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play. The seating position lets you buckle in for a commanding view and the JBL sound system, well they set the right tone for every occasion. There’s also the Nissan Connect app also allows you to enjoy 50 plus connected features accessible from your phones. Fast-paced tech-savvy buyers will also cherish the addition of a dedicated wireless phone charging pad to keep gadgets topped up.
Ferrying your friends or family would be ceremonious thanks to the more-than-plenty space on offer for the rear occupants. Headspace, knee room, shoulder space, and a flat floor for the third passenger – you name it and the Magnite has it all. Keeping them cool isn’t a worry either, thanks to uniquely placed AC vents as well.
The space on the back might be great but for enthusiasts like me, that’s not the place to be. I would instead find myself strapped behind the seatbelt on the driver’s seat because the Magnite’s engine delivers. The energetic 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit produces a healthy 98bhp and 160Nm of torque, and combined with a five-speed manual, it lets me play around a little bit. Zipping past through traffic, making those tiny gaps usable, it’s all very exciting and fun. It’s no GTR, but with the right skill sets, it’s not a slouch either. And backing the performance is the driving manners, it remains pliant and sure-footed as you push it through corners, and even soaks up the broken tarmac very well.
It’s evident then, that our love for this Nissan is just warming up. A one-sided relationship after all? Possibly, but you could blame it on the pandemic and the local guidelines around it. Now that things are springing back to normalcy, it’s the perfect time to stretch the Magnite’s legs a little bit, possibly to a neighboring state for a liberating drive. The perfect setting to rekindle with the Japanese SUV, a suited setting to explore this world together. Because that’s what the Magnite does for the masses, it enables them to choose a vehicle that can double up as a great adventure companion.
