The city of Panipat is known for its battles, and in the modern era, it is referred to as the city of weavers, but now the historic city will be known for its Golden boy Neeraj Chopra, who clinched the gold in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 and became the first Indian to win a gold medal in Athletics. He also became the second Indian individual player to win a gold medal in the history of the Olympics.
The whole country praised and celebrated the javelin thrower Neeraj’s achievement and poured a bunch of prizes for the only Indian gold medalist of the Tokyo Olympics. Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra, who is known for promising and presenting the latest Mahindra cars to young players, again extended a special gesture by offering a yet-to-be-launch Mahindra XUV 700 to Neeraj Chopra.
Previously, Anand Mahindra had presented Mahindra Thar to the six young Indian Cricket players who performed well under pressure and turned the impossible situation into possible. Since then, it has become a ritual where people tag Mr Anand Mahindra in tweets and request him to offer a car to extraordinary young players. Mr Mahindra fulfils most of the requests, and this time, he has promised to gift Mahindra’s upcoming car XUV 700 to Neeraj Chopra.
About Mahindra XUV 700:
Mahindra XUV 700 is a more powerful version of the current XUV 500, and the leaked images of the car imply it will be the first model to sport Mahindra’s new Twin Peaks logo, designed by Pratap Bose. The car focuses more on technology and gadgets, including flush-fitting door handles, dual-tone alloy wheels, an angular rear end with split-LED tail lamps, AdrenoX infomatics suite with Alexa Auto, panoramic sunroof, and personalized safety alerts.
The XUV700 will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine, paired with manual and automatic transmissions. The petrol engine variant will produce a maximum output of 200 bhp, while the diesel variant will have a maximum output of 185 bhp. The 7-seater car will feature a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed Aisin-derived torque-converter automatic gearbox.
The car company unveiled its logo today, which they will carry forward with upcoming SUV cars. Also, the design team head of Mahindra recently revealed the XUV 700 they are gifting to the Gold medalist Neeraj Chopra is a specially designed car just for the athlete. The upcoming SUV from Mahindra will compete with the current market rivals Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus, and Tata Safari. The car is expected to be priced around ₹16,00,000 and is slated to unveil on 15th August 2021.
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.
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.
Nature has always inspired technology, and there is no denying that all our advancements are shameless mimics of Natural aspects. Nevertheless, “imitation is the best form of flattery,” and copying Nature is all too beneficial for humanity. To achieve a balance between technological advancements and our innate connection to nature, many automobile manufacturers worldwide are researching ways to blend natural processes with technology. Among them is Hyundai Motor Group, which recently announced a research collaboration Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). It explores new relationships between advanced technologies, public environments and personal experiences.
These interactions are defined as “adaptive ecologies”: the technological interfaces that exist between beings (such as living organisms and machines) and their surroundings (the vast spatial and material structures of nature). The joint study examines how artists and designers can use technology to build connections and shared experiences, covering topics ranging from community design and biomimicry, cellular life and biosensing to natural resource systems and infrastructures. Through RISD’s Research & Strategic Partnerships program, the partnership with Hyundai elevates the expertise of faculty and the experimental creativity of students to conceive of future realities.
“This collaboration aligns with Hyundai Motor Group’s vision of becoming a future-shaping innovator via open innovation. Last year, we collaborated with RISD to apply the school’s biomimicry solutions to the question of future mobility, and this year, we expanded our scope to the future city and pursued Group-wide collaboration with the participation of both Hyundai Motor and Kia’s global design centers. Our plan is to explore solutions developed from the outcomes of this partnership and apply them to tangible opportunities such as innovative vehicle design and smart city development,” said Dr Youngcho Chi, President and Chief Innovation Officer of Hyundai Motor Group.
This joint research project builds upon the new collaborative research platform created by RISD solely for Hyundai in 2020. In this second year of partnership, five faculty members at the world-renowned design school leveraged their expertise to explore study areas supported by 32 students. Students were selected through a highly competitive process involving 16 departments at RISD. The ten departments ultimately represented in the cohort include Architecture, Global Arts and Cultures, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture, Jewelry + Metalsmithing, Liberal Arts, Painting and Textiles. This year, a Hyundai task force created to support the students’ research included Hyundai Motor and Kia’s global design centres.
“Studying sustainability and taking responsibility for future generations is now a universal task. To keep a fundamentally new approach from the ground up through the Collaborative Research with RISD, the process of studying nature adapting and surviving changes allows us to draw a new optimal blueprint for our future,” said Mr Sangyup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai & Genesis Global Design Center.
“Cooperating and working with the brilliant staff and students at RISD is not only a mutual inspiration. We hope it can be the beginning of a new way of looking at design in general and integrating the lessons learned from nature in our industrial processes,” said Mr Karim A. Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center.
Offering different perspectives and technological tools, four distinct areas of “adaptive ecologies” were examined: surfaces, societies, futures and textile research.
Adaptive Ecologies: Bio-Interactive Surfaces
Faculty lead: Katia Zolotovsky, Digital + Media
This group examined the applications of programmable living cell technology and biosensing. Designs include interactive surfaces to facilitate communication between humans and their surroundings for a healthier and sustainable future. Researchers experimented with various material systems to host biochemical interactions, such as microfluidics, biomaterials and fabrics—interactive surfaces range from responsive textiles to urban displays.
Faculty leads Soojung Ham, Industrial Design and Ryan McCaffery, Architecture.
In studying the reciprocal relationships between natural ecosystems and the infrastructures of our built environments, this group worked with models and scenario-based planning, examining how designs can transform these technologically mediated environments into new experiences and forms of social value.
Adaptive Ecologies: Envisioning Futures
Faculty lead: Rafael Attias, Illustration
This group explored how to visualise complex information by developing multidimensional concepts, exploring new modes for narrative through simulation, crossover experimentation, collaborative processes and connective environments. Student researchers used the visual expression, interactive media, sound, animation and spatial concepts.
Adaptive Ecologies: Fabric Connections
Faculty lead: Joy Ko, Textiles
This study is a personal, critical exploration of the interactions between information technology and aspects of everyday life: our bodies, the textiles in which we envelop ourselves, communities in physical and networked mediated space. This group looked at analysing and understanding human behaviour through tracking, sensing and mapping tools to guide the generation of “fabric” in its broadest sense ranging from textiles that empower personal data to community design in virtual reality.
At RISD’s Edna W. Lawrence Nature Lab, staff worked with Hyundai and RISD faculty and students on design topics, including biomimicry, biomaterials, and biosystems applications. Additional support in research activities came from Co-Works, RISD’s interdisciplinary research lab focused on emerging technologies.
This summer, 18 researchers who have previously participated in the Hyundai Research Collaborative will spend eight weeks of intensive, continued activity on expanding Future of Cities research from spring 2021 through collaboration with the design team at Hyundai Motor and Kia. An exhibition is tentatively planned for fall 2021 to share the results of these collaborations.
Today, Jaguar Land Rover India announced that following a successful Defender 110, Defender 90 is now available in India. The Defender 90 is available in three powertrain options. These include a 2.0 l petrol delivering 296 bhp and 400 Nm of peak torque, a 3.0 l petrol producing 394 bhp and torque of 550 Nm and a 3.0 l diesel delivering 296 kW and 650 Nm.
Rohit Suri, President and Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India, said, “Demand for Defender 110 continues to be strong and introduction of Defender 90 will further enhance the appeal of Defender and the Land Rover brand. We are extremely excited to introduce the epitome of iconic Land Rover design, the Defender 90. It is the toughest and most capable Land Rover ever made and provides new age connectivity with unstoppable off-road performance.”
The Defender 90 offers six-seat practicality thanks to the innovative front central jump seat. It embraces 21st-century technologies and features Land Rover’s Pivi infotainment system with an intuitive interface and backup battery for always-on responses. Advanced software-over-the-air updates also ensure customers benefit from the latest software at all times, wherever they are in the world.
Configurable Terrain Response allows drivers to fine-tune the vehicle’s set-up to suit the precise off-road conditions like never before. The Terrain Response 2 system also includes a new Wade programme to provide the ultimate reassurance when driving through water by optimizing all vehicle systems accordingly.
The Defender 90 is available in several models, including Defender, X-Dynamic and Defender X. Furthermore, Defender and X-Dynamic will come with S, SE and HSE Specification Packs.
Customers will be able to personalize their vehicle in more ways than any previous Land Rover with four Accessory Packs. These include the Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban Packs, giving each Defender a distinct character with a specially selected range of enhancements. Prices of the Defender 90 start from Rs 76.57 lakh, ex-showroom in India.
BMW Motorrad recently launched the updated 1250 GS twins in India. Along with aesthetic updates, the off-roaders also get a host of electronic and mechanical updates. Here are some of the most interesting ones:
The new BMW R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure get light white solid paint and ice grey solid colour in their respective basic colour versions.
The optional Style Triple Black enhances the two motorcycles with the Blackstorm metallic/black / agate grey colour combination.
The limited ‘40 Years GS’ edition scheme is dedicated to the ‘40 Years GS’ anniversary. It honours the iconic BMW R 100 GS and comes in black and yellow.
New lighting functions, cruising light, and function-integrated turn indicator bulbs are available as optional equipment.
Both models feature the powerful 1254cc, twin-cylinder in-line Boxer engine, producing 136 bhp with a maximum torque of 143 Nm.
The variable camshaft control BMW ShiftCam is a new technology that increases power across the entire engine speed range.
It also offers reduced emission and fuel consumption levels, optimised running smoothness and refinement.
The standard Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) ensures the best possible traction.
The set-off assistant Hill Start Control Pro (HSC Pro) is a standard feature in both models and noticeably improves the starting function in all conditions.
Comfort features now include heated grips, two power sockets as standard for charging smartphones and other compatible devices.
A 12-volts onboard socket is installed under the rider’s seat. A USB-A socket with a 5-volt power supply is also available for quick charging.
Both motorcycles are equipped with a 6.5-inch full-colour TFT display. Integrating operation via the BMW Motorrad multi-controller gives the rider quick access to vehicle and connectivity functions.
Riders can use phone and media functions without having to install an app.
In addition, the BMW Motorrad Connected app offers everyday-suitable and practice-oriented arrow navigation directly via the TFT display.
The new BMW R 1250 GS and the new BMW R 1250 GS Adventure will be available as Completely Built-up Units (CBU) and can be booked at BMW Motorrad dealerships with a base price of Rs 20.45 lakhs (ex-showroom)
BMW Motorrad India recently launched the S 1000 R in India. Along with three variants, the naked roadster is available with a plethora of electronic and mechanical upgrades. The German manufacturer has ensured to offer class-leading features at a competitive price. Here are some of the best ones:
It is derived from the BMW S 1000 RR and enhances its character as a dynamic roadster.
The ‘tail up – nose down’ look gives the all-new BMW S 1000 R a significant visual impact along with its new body elements.
The new LED headlamp lends an even more muscular look. The fuel tank side panels, the tank centre cover, the side panels in the shape of a stylised ‘R’ and the engine spoiler have also been redesigned.
It also gets a reversible handlebar clamp for increased reach and better riding position and options for seat height adjustment.
In addition to the primary colour Racing Red non-metallic, the M Motorsport paint finishes are available with the Style Sport and the M package options.
The S 1000 R is the first model in BMW Motorrad’s portfolio to inherit the iconic colours of the all-new BMW M 1000 RR.
The exclusive M Motorsport paint finish is reserved for the M package with the base colour Light White non-metallic in combination with Light Blue, Dark Blue and Red.
The S 1000 R is fitted with a newly developed 999cc, water-cooled 4-cylinder in-line engine.
It is based on the all-new BMW S 1000 RR engine and generates 165 hp of maximum power and 114 Nm of peak torque.
The bike has a 0-100 Km time of 3.2 seconds and can achieve an electronically limited maximum speed of 250 km/h.
It features a ‘Flex Frame’, which is the optimum interplay between the frame design and the engine as a load-bearing element. It improves the aerodynamics of the motorcycle and helps keep the weight low.
The BMW S 1000 R is fitted with the four modes ‘Rain’, ‘Road’, ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Dynamic Pro’ as standard. These enable individual adaptation of the most diverse control functions such as Engine (throttle), Engine Brake, Traction Control, Wheelie-Control, ABS and ABS Pro to suit the rider’s own skill level and riding style.
JLR India today announced that it had begun deliveries of the new Range Rover Velar in India. The SUV is available in the R-Dynamic S trim on Ingenium 2.0 l petrol and diesel powertrains. The 2.0 l petrol engine delivers a power of 184 kW and 365 Nm of torque, and the 2.0 l diesel engine provides a power of 150 kW and 430 Nm of torque. The new Range Rover Velar is priced from ₹ 79.87 Lakh, ex-showroom in India.
Rohit Suri, President & Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India, said, “Range Rover Velar is one the most aspirational SUV’s in India because of its peerless blend of avant-garde design, luxury and technology. In its latest avatar, with introduction of new technology and convenience features, the Range Rover Velar has become more desirable than ever.”
The Range Rover Velar comes with new features such as 3D Surround Camera, Electronic Air Suspension, Cabin Air Ionisation with PM2.5 filter and a new Pivi Pro infotainment system. The SUV is sure to shake up its competition and make headlines. Let’s see how it fares in the market!
Apart from the new SUV, Jaguar Land Rover is also progressing in leaps and bounds in sustainable technology. The company is developing a prototype hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) based on the new Land Rover Defender, with testing scheduled to begin this year.
The FCEV concept is part of Jaguar Land Rover’s aim to achieve zero tailpipe emissions by 2036, and net-zero carbon emissions across its supply chain, products and operations by 2039, in line with the Reimagine strategy announced last month.
FCEVs, which generate electricity from hydrogen to power an electric motor, are complimentary to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on the journey to net-zero vehicle emissions. Hydrogen-powered FCEVs provide high energy density, rapid refuelling, and minimal loss of range in low temperatures, making the technology ideal for larger, longer-range vehicles or those operated in hot or cold environments.
