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News

Polestar 3 first ride: An early experience with the 510bhp sports SUV

The 3 is now available for ordering, starting at £79,900, and production is set to begin early next year.

For an additional £5600, the Performance Pack includes performance-based tweaks to the air suspension and unique 22in alloys.

The 3 will be the first Polestar model made at a Volvo factory in Chengdu, China. Starting in 2024, it will also be manufactured at Volvo’s factory in South Carolina, US.

The model will feature bi-directional charging, enabling the 3 to discharge energy from its battery back into a home or the electricity grid.

Polestar is participating in a project in Gothenburg, Sweden, focused on vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology with a fleet of 3s. The aim is to develop scalable and applicable business models and trial tangible use cases for V2G across regions. The project will commence in the first half of 2024 and run for two years.

The company has also joined a pre-study in California to explore vehicle-to-grid possibilities in the US state.

First ride: New 2023 Polestar 3

The Polestar 3 marks a departure from the company’s traditional performance-focused models. As a sibling to the Volvo EX90, the 3 is a spacious SUV with a sleek profile, standing out in its class.

During a short loop around a residential area of Santa Monica, we rode in the back, where the ample leg room and head room, along with the large panoramic roof, create a sense of airiness. The modern and high-quality material choices make for a pleasant environment. Although the dual screens in the front are also common to its Swedish sibling, the 3’s interior materials set it apart from Volvo models.

News

The exciting new cars to look out for in 2024

With the approaching end of the year and the changing weather, you may be wondering what cars are set to debut in the coming year. Well, wonder no more! Here’s a preview of the new cars making their way to the UK in 2024, ranging from Alfa Romeo to Zenvo.

The year is shaping up to be quite thrilling, featuring some significant arrivals such as Citroën’s new electric crossover priced at £22,000 and the next-generation Mini hatch.

And it’s not just electric cars that are making waves, as the new Ferrari Roma Spider and Lamborghini Revuelto, both exotics, will also be making their debut.

Furthermore, several big brands will be evolving in 2024. Renault will be launching a new electric Scénic, while Range Rover will introduce its first battery-electric car, just to name a couple.

Continue reading for a guide to the new cars arriving in 2024.

Alfa Romeo small SUV

2024 Alfa Romeo small SUV – Autocar render

Alfa Romeo’s first electric vehicle, shown in leaked images, is the sporty sibling of the Fiat 600e and the Jeep Avenger. It will be Alfa Romeo’s smallest car since the Alfa Romeo Mito was discontinued in 2018. The new design language features a squared rear end known as ‘Coda Tronca.’ While it’s expected to have an electric version, there’s still uncertainty about whether a mild-hybrid petrol engine model will be offered in the UK.

Everything you need to know about Alfa Romeo’s small SUV

Audi Q6 E-tron

Audi Q6 E-tron prototype front tracking

The Q6 E-tron is a technology-focused vehicle, offering a range of 372 miles and fast 270kW charging. Inside, it boasts multiple touchscreens and a new digital assistant that can learn a driver’s preferences and automatically adjust climate control and other functions accordingly.

Read our Audi Q6 E-tron review

Audi Q8

2024 Audi SQ8 at Qatar motor show – front quarter

The Audi Q8 receives a minor mid-life facelift with updated infotainment software and a slightly tweaked appearance, featuring new front and rear lighting signatures. The high-performance SQ8 will also undergo these improvements, and reports suggest that the hotter RSQ8 will receive similar upgrades in the upcoming months.

New Audi Q8 makes its public debut

BMW X2/iX2

2024 BMW iX2 at the Tokyo motor show – front quarter

The new and sleeker X2 will be the first to offer an electric powertrain. The iX2 will feature a dual-motor powertrain producing 309bhp and 364lb ft of torque, with a range of up to 279 miles. However, it’s not the fastest X2 available, as that distinction belongs to the petrol M35i, which reaches 62mph 0.2 seconds quicker, achieving the benchmark speed in 5.4 seconds.

News

Electric Mercedes-AMG GT63 replacement due 2025 with 1000bhp

Mercedes-AMG is gearing up to develop its first dedicated electric sports car, which is set to launch in 2025. This new model will feature innovative drivetrain technology developed in the UK and is expected to be the most powerful road car in the company’s lineup.

Instead of the traditional V8 engine found in the GT 63 4-Door Coupé, AMG’s electric sports car will offer an electric alternative. It will compete with other highly acclaimed electric sports saloons such as the Porsche Taycan, Audi E-tron GT, and Lucid Air.

While AMG has already introduced performance versions of the Mercedes EQE and EQS models, this upcoming electric car will be designed from the ground up as a true performance vehicle. It will prioritize dynamic performance and engagement, rather than focusing solely on straight-line speed.

The new electric car will be built on the AMG.EA platform, specifically developed for performance-oriented EVs. This platform aims to maintain the low and sleek appearance typical of AMG’s combustion sports cars. To achieve this, Mercedes has integrated advanced electric motor technology from British company Yasa, which it acquired in 2021.

Yasa’s disc-shaped axial-flux motors offer higher power and torque density compared to conventional radial-flux motors. They are lighter, more compact, and operate more efficiently. A Yasa motor used in one of Mercedes’ production cars weighs just 24kg but delivers an impressive 590lb ft of torque and 480bhp of power. Combining multiple motors in a twin-motor system could potentially result in a power output approaching 1000bhp and 1000lb ft of torque.

It’s worth noting that BMW M and Audi have electric platforms capable of supporting over 1300bhp for their own upcoming sports EVs. However, neither brand has provided specific details about their direct rivals to AMG’s new super-saloon, the next-generation M3 and the RS6 E-tron.

Interestingly, a recent Mercedes concept called the One-Eleven features both electric motors on the rear axle, suggesting that four-wheel drive might not be standard for AMG’s next-generation sports cars.

News

GM to Reenter European Market with Cadillac Lyriq in Switzerland

General Motors (GM) is making its comeback in the European market as an exclusively electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer. The company will launch the Cadillac Lyriq SUV in Switzerland this week as its first step.

In 2017, GM withdrew from mainland Europe and the UK after selling Opel and Vauxhall to the PSA Group. However, it retained a limited import operation for Cadillac and the Chevrolet Corvette.

This year, GM established a new European arm based in Zurich, Switzerland, and has been preparing to reintroduce itself with a lineup of all-electric cars. The Lyriq SUV will be available for sale in Switzerland starting tomorrow, with plans to expand to five additional countries, starting with Sweden and France, over the next two years. There is currently no information available about GM’s plans for the UK.

The Lyriq will be positioned as a competitor to Mercedes-Benz and BMW and will be priced at CHF82,000 (£73,700) in Switzerland. In the US, the starting price is $58,000 (£52,200). The large SUV features a 102kWh battery, providing a range of up to 330 miles, and a twin-motor setup with 521bhp.

GM has committed to having a fully electric lineup globally by 2035 and has invested significantly in developing the new Ultium EV platform, which serves as the foundation for the Lyriq and GMC Hummer EV, among other vehicles.

Unlike GM’s previous European endeavors that focused on distinct European brands, this time the company intends to utilize its existing portfolio of American brands. Cadillac will be the initial focus, as it has experienced a revival and renewed focus on the premium market in the US. However, GM is also considering incorporating the more mainstream Chevrolet brand. The availability of the Hummer EV in the region is being explored, although its weight may pose a challenge as it would be classified as a heavy goods vehicle.

In 2023, Cadillac returned to motorsport by participating in the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race with an LMDh endurance racer, which further enhances its global reputation.

GM Europe has been tasked with a rapid startup, leveraging the fact that it does not have a legacy internal combustion engine division in Europe. This advantage will facilitate the promotion of its EVs. To achieve this, GM plans to adopt a streamlined, online-only retail model similar to Tesla, Polestar, and Genesis, thereby eliminating the need for significant investment in a dealer network. GM will establish an “experience center” in Zurich to showcase its vehicles but will exclusively offer online sales.

GM’s aspirations in Europe extend beyond selling cars. The company plans to offer products and services under its new Brightdrop last-mile-delivery brand as well.

Jaclyn McQuaid, who assumed the position late last year, will lead the GM Europe division for the relaunch.

Featured

Upcoming Cars In October 2023: Nissan Magnite AMT, Lexus LM MPV, Force Gurkha 5-door And Others


Apart from a few launches, Citroen will also begin customer deliveries for the new C3 Aircross compact SUV in October

The past few months have seen several new cars enter the market, including the Tata Nexon facelift, Honda Elevate, and the Hyundai i20 facelift. While most of the highly anticipated models for this year have already been launched, there are still a few expected to go on sale in October 2023. Let’s take a look at these upcoming cars:

Nissan Magnite AMT

Expected Price- Rs 7.60 lakh

Nissan Magnite

The Nissan Magnite, launched in late-2020, has so far been available with a CVT automatic gearbox only for its turbo-petrol variant starting at Rs 10 lakh. Now, Nissan will introduce a 5-speed AMT gearbox option for the naturally aspirated 1-litre engine, similar to its sibling, the Renault Kiger. No additional features are anticipated with the new transmission option. The Magnite comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, auto AC, and cruise control. Safety features include dual front airbags, a 360-degree camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

 

Nissan Magnite Kuro Edition

Expected Price- Rs 8.10 lakh

Nissan Magnite

The Nissan Magnite has been recently announced as the official car for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Alongside this announcement, Nissan has introduced a special Kuro (meaning ‘black’ in Japanese) edition of the sub-4m SUV and opened bookings for it. The special edition is expected to feature black accents inside and out, along with possible additional features. It is likely to be offered with both the powertrain options, including the soon-to-be-launched AMT gearbox.

Lexus LM

Expected Price- Rs 2 crore

2023 Lexus LM

In October 2023, the second-generation Lexus LM MPV, based on the new Toyota Vellfire, is expected to debut. The luxury MPV started accepting bookings towards the end of August 2023 and has reportedly received a positive response. It features a striking design with electronically sliding rear doors and a prominent spindle grille. The cabin offers opulent seating arrangements in 4-, 6-, and 7-seat layouts, with wide reclining ottoman seats, a 23-speaker surround sound system, pillow-styled headrests, and a massive 48-inch TV. The India-spec LM is expected to be powered by a 2.5-litre strong-hybrid powertrain.

Also Check Out: These Are The 7 Car Launches We Saw In September 2023

5-door Force Gurkha

Expected Price- Rs 16 lakh

Five-door Force Gurkha Export

The 5-door version of the Force Gurkha SUV, a highly anticipated model, is likely to debut soon. It has been spotted testing multiple times, with recent sightings suggesting the possibility of a 3-row configuration. The 5-door Gurkha is expected to feature revised lighting setup and larger 18-inch alloy wheels compared to its 3-door counterpart. It will likely be powered by the same 2.6-litre diesel engine (90PS/250Nm) and offer a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. The SUV is expected to come with a four-wheel drivetrain, and safety features may include dual airbags, a reversing camera, and rear parking sensors.

BYD Seal

Expected Price- Rs 60 lakh

BYD Seal

The BYD Seal, a premium electric sedan, is expected to make its entry in October 2023. The carmaker showcased this model at Auto Expo 2023 and is now featuring it on the BYD India website, indicating its imminent official debut. Details about the battery pack are yet to be disclosed, but it could potentially feature an 82.5 kWh battery pack. It may also come with a dual motor setup, delivering impressive performance with a 0-100kmph acceleration in just 3.8 seconds. The BYD Seal claims a range of 700km and will compete against the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.

Few Special Editions

As the festive season is in full swing, several special edition models have already been launched, following the usual trend in the Indian automobile industry. Additionally, some carmakers might take the opportunity to introduce new limited or special editions to celebrate the big festive occasions to come.

Citroen To Begin Delivering The C3 Aircross

Citroen C3 Aircross

The Citroen C3 Aircross, the newest member in the compact SUV segment, will start customer deliveries in October. The C3 Aircross stands out by offering the option to seat either five or seven occupants with the availability of a removable third row. It is powered by a single 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Features include a 10.2-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, dual front airbags, and a reversing camera. The SUV has been open for bookings since September 15, and deliveries are set to begin in mid-October.

These are all the new cars expected to arrive in October. Which one are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.

Read More on : Nissan Magnite on road price

Motorsport

VW ID. Buzz Mystery Machine Features Custom Wrap, Coilover Suspension

Customizing the Volkswagen ID. Buzz has become popular, and one creative customization idea is to give it a custom wrap. In this case, the van has been transformed into the iconic Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine with psychedelic colors.

The choice to apply the Scooby-Doo theme to the ID. Buzz is not a mystery. This electric van is a modern version of the classic Volkswagen Transporter. An Indonesian company called Concept Motorsport was responsible for the customization, which involved a vinyl wrap created by TeckWrap and other modifications.


Featured

Citroen C3 Aircross Launched From Rs 9.99 Lakh, Bookings Now Open


Citroen will begin delivering the C3 Aircross to customers from October 15

Citroen C3 Aircross

  • The C3 Aircross is priced from Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 12.45 lakh.

  • Bookings can be made for Rs 25,000 both online and at Citroen dealerships.

  • The C3 Aircross is offered with both 5- and 7-seater layouts.

  • Exterior highlights include sleek headlights with LED DRLs and C-shaped taillights.

  • Inside, it gets a 10.2-inch touchscreen, manual AC and a 7-inch digital driver’s display.

  • Powered by a sole 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, mated to a 6-speed MT.

  • Safety tech on board includes dual airbags, TPMS and reversing camera.

The compact SUV segment has further been expanded with the arrival of the Citroen C3 Aircross. Citroen has opened pre-bookings for the same, and also revealed its entire price range, which falls between Rs 9.99 lakh and Rs 12.45 lakh (introductory ex-showroom pan-India). Here are the variant-wise prices for the French compact SUV:

Variants

5-seater

5+2 Flexi Pro

You

Rs 9.99 lakh

N.A.

Plus

Up to Rs 11.30 lakh

Up to Rs 11.45 lakh

Max

Up to Rs 11.95 lakh

Up to Rs 12.10 lakh

There is a Rs 35,000 premium for the 7-seater layout over the standard 5-seater configuration. The dual-tone option and Vibe pack are priced at a premium of Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000, respectively. Neither of those options are available with the base variant. You can reserve a C3 Aircross starting today for a deposit of Rs 25,000 both online and at the carmaker’s pan-India dealerships. Citroen will begin deliveries of the SUV from October 15.

Here’s a quick rundown of what the C3 Aircross exactly packs:

Familiar Design

Citroen C3 Aircross front

One of the biggest identifiables of the C3 Aircross is similar design elements with the C3 hatchback. The SUV’s fascia has similar styling including the sleek LED DRLs and the headlights flanking the grille. It gets a chunky bumper but most of it is taken up by the air dam with a skid plate below, cladding on both doors and a muscular rear end with C-shaped taillights and a massive bumper.

Similar On The Inside As Well

Citroen C3 Aircross cabin

Even the cabin of the C3 Aircross resembles that of the C3, though with some minor revisions. Citroen has given the compact SUV a dual-tone cabin theme while the AC vents and dashboard layout remains the same.

Citroen C3 Aircross third row

The big difference, however, is that the C3 Aircross is available in two seating configurations: five and seven. The third-row seats are removable as well, for when you have more luggage than people.

Also Read: Nissan Magnite Is The Official Car Of The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023

Gets The Essential Features

Citroen C3 Aircross 10.2-inch touchscreen

Citroen has equipped the C3 Aircross with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, five fast-charging ports, roof-mounted AC vents, and manual AC.

Occupant safety is covered by hill-hold assist, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, reversing camera, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Under The Hood

Citroen C3 Aircross 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine

The C3 Aircross gets only one powertrain option for now: a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine (110PS/190Nm) paired with a 6-speed manual transmission only, offering a claimed fuel efficiency of 18.5kmpl. The C3 Aircross will offer an automatic transmission at a later date.

Related: Citroen C3 Aircross Review: This One’s Different

Competitors

Citroen C3 Aircross rear

The Citroen C3 Aircross goes up against the Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Volkswagen Taigun, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate and MG Astor.

Read More on : Citroen C3 on road price

News

What is Android Auto and how does it work?

Android Auto is a service that allows you to connect your Android phone to your car’s infotainment system. It enables you to display sat-nav apps, make phone calls, respond to messages, and play audio, all through your car’s screen. The system is designed to minimize distraction while driving, with easily accessible icons and voice commands.

Many drivers prefer using mirroring services like Android Auto over their car’s standard operating system, as it keeps up with the rapid pace of smartphone development. Currently, approximately 150 million cars are equipped with the Google-developed Android Auto system.

To use Android Auto, you can either use the pre-installed app on Android 10 or above, or download it from the Google Play Store for free.

You can connect your phone to your car using a USB cable, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi, depending on the capabilities of your car. If you’re unsure, refer to the car’s manual for more information on the available connection options.

Is my phone compatible with Android Auto?

There are a few compatibility requirements for using Android Auto. When connecting via USB cable, your phone must be running on Android 8.0 (Oreo) or a newer version, and it must also have an active data plan.

If you want to connect wirelessly to the infotainment system and you have an Android phone that is not made by Samsung or Google, it needs to be running on Android 11.0 or a later version. Samsung or Google phones can use Android 10.0 or a later version, while Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, or Note 8 work with Android 9.0 or a later version.

Featured

Tata To Launch 4 New SUVs By Early 2024


The SUV onslaught will begin from this year, as the Tata Nexon facelift will arrive in time for the festive season

Tata SUVs

  • Tata has lined up three other new SUV models to be launched, including the Harrier facelift, Punch EV, and Curvv EV.

  • Tata may also release an updated version of the Nexon EV by the end of this year.

  • The Harrier facelift is expected to come in late 2023, while the other two models will be launched in early 2024.

  • The Harrier will also have an EV version, which was displayed as a concept at the 2023 Auto Expo.

  • Tata plans to sell a total of 10 EVs by 2025, including the all-electric Harrier and Sierra.

During the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Tata Motors, Chairman N Chandrasekaran confirmed that the company will launch four new SUVs by early next year. These models are expected to include both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles (EV). The lineup is likely to consist of the Tata Nexon facelift, Tata Harrier facelift, Punch EV, and Curvv EV.

What Did He Say?

2023 Tata Nexon

Chandrasekaran stated, “We will launch the upgraded version of Nexon anytime soon. Then we will launch the Harrier in the later part of this year, then Punch EV, and then the new product Curvv EV sometime towards the first quarter of next year.”

Also Read: 5 Features Tata Punch Gets Over The Hyundai Exter

Potential Launch Schedules

Tata Harrier facelift

It is expected that the Nexon facelift will be available for sale just before the festive season, around September-October 2023. Tata may also release an updated version of the Nexon EV shortly after. The Harrier facelift is likely to be introduced towards the end of 2023, with its EV version following later (as showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo). In 2024, Tata plans to launch the all-electric Punch and the all-new Curvv EV based on the Gen2 platform.

A Recap Of Tata’s Electric Portfolio

Tata is currently a leader in the mass market for EVs, with the highest number of electric cars on sale and strong sales figures. Its current EV lineup includes the Tata Tiago EV (entry-level model) and Tata Nexon EV Max (current flagship EV). In 2021, Tata announced plans to launch 10 new EVs by 2025. Alongside the Punch EV and Curvv EV, upcoming EVs in Tata’s plans include the Tata Sierra, Harrier EV, and Avinya EV.

Also Check Out: Tata Sierra To Be First In Its Segment To Offer 4-Seat Lounge Layout

Science

Everything We Know About NASA’s DRACO Nuclear-Powered Rocket

Nuclear-powered rocket tests will begin as early as 2027. According to NASA, a nuclear-powered spacecraft will be safer for crews than traditional rockets. This may sound counterintuitive, but it’s because it will reduce the time it takes for pilots to reach Mars, thus minimizing the risks to crew members during the journey. NASA aims for a round trip to the Red Planet to take about two years if everything goes according to plan.

In the 1960s, the Saturn V rocket used kerosene and liquid oxygen as fuel to launch astronauts to the moon. However, NASA’s DRACO project will utilize nuclear thermal propulsion technology. This means that the heat generated from nuclear reactions will ignite the liquid fuel, propelling the spacecraft. This technology is expected to be up to three times more fuel efficient compared to previous launch vehicles.