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Motorsport

Rare Porsche 911 GT1 Goes For A Drive After Leaving The Museum

Porsche has created some incredibly fast road cars specifically designed for the race track, but there is one model that stands out with the prestigious GT1 badge. Only around 20 examples of the Straßenversion were ever made, and well-known YouTuber Tim Burton, also known as Shmee, had the amazing opportunity to drive Porsche’s very own prototype. Normally, the original 911 GT1 is kept locked up in the museum in Stuttgart for visitors to admire. However, on special occasions, it comes out of retirement for a spin.

The Porsche 911 GT1, together with the Mercedes CLK GTR of the same era, represents the pinnacle of homologation specials. The GT1 is essentially a race car built for the road. Its racing version achieved victory at the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans, two years after this prototype was manufactured. This particular GT1 prototype is an early 1996 build but features the updated 996-styled headlights. While all other 911 models before and after it have the engine mounted at the rear, the GT1 stands out as the only street-legal model to have a mid-engined setup. However, it’s worth mentioning that the RSR race car also has the flat-six engine mounted between the axles.


Featured

April-June 2023 Recap: All The Major Auto Events That Happened This Past Quarter


We witnessed several discontinuations, new launches, and crash test scores over the last three months.

Q2 2023 Recap

The second quarter of 2023 was both hectic and exciting, especially considering the Auto Expo 2023 that took place earlier, where many cars were unveiled. This quarter saw a mix of highly anticipated launches and disappointing discontinuations in the Indian auto industry. Here’s a detailed recap of all the key headlines over the past three months:

Discontinuations

Several cars were discontinued due to the implementation of the BS6 Phase 2 norms. Here’s a list of models that are no longer available:

Honda WR-V, Jazz and fourth-gen City

1. Honda Jazz, WR-V, and fourth-generation City: These models were already outdated compared to their rivals, especially the Jazz and WR-V.

2. Maruti Alto 800: After being on sale for over a decade, Maruti has discontinued its entry-level model with the sub-litre engine. However, the Alto nameplate still exists in the form of the K10, which has a 1-litre petrol unit.

Maruti Alto 800

3. Skoda Octavia and Superb: The new emission norms also affected the Skoda Octavia and Superb, leading to their discontinuation. The Superb might make a comeback in a new avatar, while the Octavia is rumored to return as an imported version at a higher price.

4. Other discontinuations include the Mahindra KUV100 NXT, Nissan Kicks, and Kia Carnival. The Mahindra and Nissan offerings were axed due to poor sales, while the Kia MPV was outdated compared to the global model.

Launches

MARUTI JIMNY

Maruti Jimny

The highlight of this quarter was the long-awaited launch of the Maruti Jimny. This compact SUV was announced for the Indian market three years ago and is now priced between Rs 12.74 lakh and Rs 15.05 lakh (ex-showroom). It comes in two trims – Zeta and Alpha – and offers features such as LED headlamps, a 9-inch touchscreen system, cruise control, six airbags, and a rear camera. The Jimny is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine with manual and automatic options, and it comes with 4X4 as standard.

MARUTI FRONX

Maruti Fronx Alpha Variant

Prior to the Jimny, Maruti launched the all-new Maruti Fronx, a compact SUV based on the Baleno. The Fronx has a unique SUV-crossover design inspired by the Grand Vitara and is priced between Rs 7.46 lakh and Rs 13.13 lakh (ex-showroom). It is available with two engine options: a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1-litre turbo-petrol, both offered with manual and automatic transmissions.

MG COMET EV

MG Comet EV

The most affordable electric vehicle in India, the MG Comet EV, was launched this quarter. It is a small two-door EV with a four-seat capacity, equipped with a 17.3kWh battery pack that provides a range of up to 230 kilometers. The Comet EV features LED headlamps, dual 10.25-inch displays for the touchscreen system and digital instrument cluster, dual airbags, and a rear camera. The prices for the Comet range from Rs 7.98 lakh to Rs 9.98 lakh (ex-showroom).

TATA ALTROZ CNG

Tata Altroz CNG

Tata introduced the CNG variant of its premium hatchback, the Altroz. The Altroz CNG is available in six variants, priced from Rs 7.55 lakh to Rs 10.55 lakh (ex-showroom). It is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol-CNG engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The highlight of the Altroz CNG is its dual-cylinder setup, which frees up more boot space. It offers features such as an electric sunroof, wireless charger, rain-sensing wipers, and dual front airbags.

Volkswagen Virtus and Taigun Updates

Volkswagen Taigun Matte Edition

Volkswagen introduced new variants in the Taigun lineup – GT MT and GT Plus DSG. The Virtus also received an update with the introduction of the GT Plus MT variant, which features a 150PS turbo-petrol engine with a manual transmission. Additionally, two new limited-edition colors – Deep Black Pearl and Carbon Steel Grey Matte – were added to both models.

BS6 PHASE 2 Launches

All the cars were updated with BS6 phase 2 emission norms by April, resulting in a price hike. These updates also led to changes in power figures and fuel economy for several cars.

Crash Test Scores

Maruti Wagon R

Maruti Wagon R at Global NCAP

The Maruti Wagon R received a one-star safety rating in the global NCAP crash tests. It scored one star for adult occupants’ protection and zero stars for child occupants’ protection.

Volkswagen Virtus / Skoda Slavia

Skoda Slavia

The Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia emerged as the safest cars in India, scoring a full five stars for adult and child occupants’ protection.

Maruti Alto K10

Maruti Alto Crash Tested

The updated global NCAP crash tests awarded the Maruti Alto K10 a two-star safety rating. Although its body shell integrity was rated stable, the overall safety score was not impressive.

Unveilings And Teasers

Citroen C3 Aircross

Citroen C3 Aircross

Citroen showcased the C3 Aircross, its entry into the compact SUV segment in India. Expected to go on sale in August, this three-row SUV features a 10-inch touchscreen system, a 7-inch digital display, dual airbags, and TPMS. It will be powered by a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and may offer an automatic transmission. The expected price of the C3 Aircross is around Rs 10 lakh.

Honda Elevate

Honda Elevate

Honda unveiled the Elevate compact SUV, which is set to launch in India soon. It is a petrol-only SUV powered by the 1.5-litre petrol engine from the City, available with manual and CVT transmissions. The Elevate features a 10.25-inch touchscreen system, a digital instrument cluster, an electric sunroof, six airbags, and ADAS. The expected price of the Elevate is around Rs 12 lakh.

Hyundai Exter

Hyundai Exter sunroof

The Hyundai Exter, a micro SUV based on the Grand i10 Nios, was unveiled. It comes equipped with an electric sunroof, an 8-inch touchscreen system, automatic AC, six airbags, TPMS, and a rear camera. The Exter is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine with manual and AMT transmissions, and it also offers a CNG option. The expected price of the Exter is around Rs 6 lakh.

Maruti Invicto

Maruti Invicto MPV

Maruti is set to launch the Invicto MPV, which is a rebadged version of the Innova Hycross. The Invicto MPV will be powered by the Hycross’ 2-litre petrol-hybrid engine, claiming a mileage of up to 23.24kmpl. It will offer features like a panoramic sunroof, a 10-inch touchscreen system, dual-zone AC, a wireless charger, up to six airbags, and ADAS. The expected price of the Invicto is around Rs 19 lakh.

Events That Would Impact The Auto Industry

New Lithium Reserves

India’s Lithium Reserves Have Just Gotten Bigger

In February, India discovered its first lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir, and even larger reserves were found in Rajasthan in May 2023. These reserves position India as one of the world’s largest lithium producers, which will support the production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.

Tesla India Launch Confirmed

Elon Musk Narendra Modi

Elon Musk confirmed Tesla’s entry into the Indian market during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the USA. The Prime Minister invited Musk to explore investment opportunities in India, including setting up factories for local production of EVs.

Read More on : Maruti Jimny on road price

Motorsport

BMW Z4 With a Nascar Engine Designed to Dominate Hillclimbs

In motorsport events around the world, you’ll often find at least one BMW on the list of participants. These BMWs are typically modified in various ways. However, there are individuals who believe that merely turbocharging a naturally-aspirated BMW engine is insufficient. One such person is Jimmy Giannoccaro, the owner of G&H Transport in South Africa, who has a racing background in Zambia. With both the financial resources and the experience, Giannoccaro has created something truly unique – a BMW Z4 with a Nascar V8 engine under its hood.

The project began with a roughly 10-year-old 5.7-liter naturally-aspirated Nascar engine imported from the United States to South Africa. The engine was then meticulously fit into the engine bay of the BMW. However, as the owner recalls, the car performed poorly last year, so they decided to start from scratch to improve its performance for this year’s Knysna Simola Hillclimb, the premier motorsport event in South Africa.

Among the modifications made to the Z4, the Americanized coupe was equipped with a sequential gearbox and a drivetrain borrowed from a BMW M5 to deliver power to the rear wheels. The engine was also converted from carburetors to fuel injection, which posed its own set of challenges. Additionally, the car’s brakes were upgraded to an AP Racing set with 15-inch rotors on all corners. The car now features luxuries such as a traction control system, ABS, and launch control, which were absent in the previous iteration.

The 5.7-liter Hendrick Motorsports engine is located behind the front wheels, effectively making the BMW Z4 a front mid-engine machine. Currently, the engine is limited to 7,500 rpm, but the owner plans to increase it to an ideal target of 9,000 rpm in the future. The car currently produces around 590 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque, which is commendable for a naturally-aspirated race car.

In terms of aesthetics, the team imported a genuine GT3 body kit from Germany, making Giannoccaro’s Z4 the first in South Africa to have such a appearance. It’s truly an impressive creation. After watching the video above, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

Featured

Toyota Innova Hycross Waiting Period Stretches Up To Twice That Of The Innova Crysta This July


In a few cities, the strong-hybrid MPV can make you wait over a year before delivery

The Toyota Innova Hycross entered the Indian market last year as a more premium MPV than the Innova Crysta. Both MPVs have different underpinnings, their own sets of powertrains on offer, and distinct designs. While the diesel-only Crysta remains popular and attracts a somewhat high waiting period, the better-equipped Hycross with its petrol and hybrid powertrains is commanding delivery times of over a year this July.

Also Read: Toyota Innova Hycross Enters Malaysia As Innova Zenix

Here are the waiting periods of both these models in 20 major Indian cities:


Cities

Waiting Period

Toyota Innova Hycross

Toyota Innova Crysta

Key Takeaways

  • The Innova Hycross has an average waiting period of 8 months in most cities.

Toyota Innova Hycross

  • The highest waiting period is in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru where buyers will have to wait for up to 15 months to take delivery of their Innova Hycross.

Toyota Innova Crysta

  • The longest wait time it has is in Delhi, where buyers will have to wait for up to 8 months, which is almost half of what the Hycross asks.

Also Read: Too Good To Be True? Massive Discounts On Toyota Hilux Officially Denied

  • For reference, the Toyota Innova Hycross is priced from Rs 18.55 lakh to Rs 29.99 lakh, while the Innova Crysta’s price ranges between Rs 19.99 lakh and Rs 25.43 lakh (both ex-showroom, Delhi).

Read More on : Toyota Innova Hycross Automatic

News

From the archive: on this day in 1937

The LEVC TX of modern London has a heritage stretching back to 1930, spanning over six generations of taxi.

In 1925, a new Tory government imposed tariffs on commercial vehicles to cover war costs. This made the expensive French Unic taxis unaffordable, leading Mann & Overton, a dealer, to ask Austin to create a new model.

Austin decided to reuse the chassis of their old “heavy” Twelve car. They kept the 27bhp four-cylinder engine but made adjustments to the gearbox and steering for a tighter turning radius.

Coachbuilders provided the bodies, usually landaulet style, which had extra height compared to other taxis. This earned them the nickname “high lot” and made them popular among top-hat wearers.

According to the 1906 Conditions of Fitness, one side of the taxi was open, which was unpleasant on wet and windy days. It had a squeezer horn and an external carburettor killer for security. The upright driving position offered excellent visibility, and combined with great maneuverability, it allowed the driver to confidently navigate seemingly impossible spaces.

The performance of the taxi was sufficient for city traffic, although attempting higher speeds, such as at Brooklands, proved to be “amusing.” The taxi’s weight of around 1420kg gave it a stable feel while driving, but the constant vibration from the metalwork countered the comfort of the leather-lined seating area.

It’s remarkable how little has changed in the past 86 years, yet also how much has.

Lancia’s Aprilia masterpiece

Lancia’s Augusta gained popularity in the UK in 1933, so there was anticipation for its successor, the Aprilia. This pillarless saloon achieved a new aerodynamic record with a coefficient of drag of 0.47Cd. Despite its humble 45bhp from the 1.4-litre V4 engine, it had a remarkably low weight of 890kg due to its unitary body construction (a concept developed by Lancia in 1922), resulting in brisk performance. The engine was so smooth and refined that it felt like a six-cylinder.

The Aprilia boasted fully independent suspension, a rarity at the time, providing exceptional riding comfort and a reassuringly safe handling experience. It was the final car designed by Vincenzo Lancia – truly a remarkable vehicle.

UK government fails to deliver on road-building promise

In 1935, with the effects of the 1931 European banking crisis fading and the number of cars in Britain reaching 2.5 million, the government decided to embark on a significant road-building plan. The Ministry of Transport announced a £100 million fund for this purpose.

However, by 1937, when an additional 500 vehicles were joining the traffic every day, there was very little noticeable progress. It was revealed that only £6.45 million had been spent in the first two years. We observed that the majority of funds were being allocated to national armament, which, in hindsight, turned out to be a good thing…

Motorsport

Porsche 911 Reimagined By Singer is a 964 with 934/5 Style and 700 HP

Singer, known for their exceptional restoration and reimagining of the Porsche 911, has once again delivered with their latest project. The Dynamics & Lightweighting Study (DLS) – Turbo combines the beloved air-cooled 964 generation with the racing legacy of the Porsche 934/5 race car from the 1970s. The result is truly remarkable.

To understand the inspiration behind this masterpiece, we have to go back to the 1970s when Porsche was dominating the racing scene with their 911 Turbo. The 934 and 935 models were specifically built for FIA competition, but a hybrid version called the 934/5 was created for IMSA in 1977. This unique car was so impressive that it was soon banned by IMSA, leading Porsche to compete in SCCA events where the 934/5 continued its winning streak and even claimed the 1977 SCCA Trans Am championship.

Porsche 911 964 Dynamics & Lightweighting Study Track-Focused By Singer
The track-focused version of the Porsche 911 964 Dynamics & Lightweighting Study By Singer

The design of the new Singer creation pays homage to the bold and aggressive styling of the 934/5 race car. Carbon fiber bodywork, including wide fenders, rear intakes, NACA ducts, and an adjustable spoiler, captures the essence of the 935 portion of the 934/5. The track-focused version features an orange color and a massive splitter for maximum aerodynamic performance on the track. However, for those looking for a less aggressive option, Singer also offers a road-focused version with a classic ducktail spoiler and a more relaxed splitter.

Porsche 911 964 Dynamics & Lightweighting Study Road-Focused By Singer
The road-focused version of the Porsche 911 964 Dynamics & Lightweighting Study By Singer

Singer paid attention to every detail to capture the essence of the 1970s era. Black trim replaces the bright elements typically found on later Porsches, and the short 930-style hood adds to the authentic look of the car. The challenge for Singer was to merge the ’70s style with a ’90s 964 platform while incorporating elements of the 934/5 in two interchangeable configurations. According to Singer, developing the rear wing and front fascia for both the high-downforce track version and the low-drag road version was particularly challenging.

Under the hood, all versions of the 911 964 Dynamics & Lightweighting Study boast a Singer-designed 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine with air-to-water intercooling. This powerhouse is capable of producing over 700 horsepower and can rev beyond 9,000 RPM. It’s important to note that while Singer has partnered with a Porsche subsidiary to build engines, the DLS mills used in this project are still crafted by Nicholson McLaren Engines at Singer’s facility in the UK.

Overall, the Porsche 911 964 Dynamics & Lightweighting Study By Singer is a true work of art that combines vintage racing heritage with modern performance. Whether you choose the track-focused or road-focused version, you can expect an unparalleled driving experience.

Motorsport

Fiat Introduces Colorful Options, Drops Gray Cars

In 2022, more than 65 percent of new cars sold in the United States were white, black, or gray. Gray cars, in particular, accounted for just over 18 percent of total sales. However, Fiat is not impressed by these statistics. The Italian automaker has decided to stop producing gray cars and instead focus on offering more vibrant color choices.

Fiat’s current model range in the European market, including the 500, 500 Hybrid, Panda, and Tipo, already comes in a diverse array of shades. Some of the available colors are Gelato white, Sicilia orange, Paprika orange, Passione red, Blu Dipinto di Blu, Italia blue, Venezia blue, Rugiada green, Foresta green, Rose gold, and Cinema black. And now, Fiat is planning to add a new color option to its palette.


Featured

Upcoming Car Launches in the Second Half of 2023


Introduction

In the second half of 2023, car enthusiasts can look forward to the launch of more than five brand new cars. From electric vehicles to facelifts, here are the top 10 upcoming car models:

Kia Seltos Facelift

The Kia Seltos compact SUV is getting a major update after four years. It will feature refreshed exterior and interior designs, along with new features like dual 10.25-inch screens, a panoramic sunroof, and radar-based ADAS technology.

Maruti Invicto

The Maruti Invicto MPV, launching on July 6, is the brand’s most expensive model. It is a rebadged version of the Toyota Innova Hycross with minor styling tweaks. The Invicto comes with a 2-liter petrol engine and strong hybrid technology.

Hyundai Exter

The Hyundai Exter is an entry-level SUV and a competitor to the Tata Punch. It will be available in manual and AMT transmissions, with a CNG version also offered. The Exter will feature an electric sunroof, an 8-inch touchscreen system, and six airbags.

Honda Elevate

The Honda Elevate is a compact SUV powered by a petrol engine. It will feature an electric sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen system, and ADAS technology.

Citroen C3 Aircross

The Citroen C3 Aircross is a three-row SUV priced competitively against the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Honda Elevate. It will have a 110PS 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine and offer a 10-inch touchscreen system, dual airbags, and TPMS.

Hyundai i20 Facelift

A facelifted version of the Hyundai i20 hatchback is expected soon. It will sport a refreshed exterior design, and the interior will see minimal changes. The powertrain options will remain the same.

Force Gurkha 5-Door

The five-door version of the Force Gurkha is likely to be available for sale in the next six months. It will have the same engine as the three-door version but with a stretched rear profile.

BYD Seal

The BYD Seal is an electric sedan with a large 82.5kWh battery pack that claims a range of up to 700 kilometers. It offers features such as a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, and radar-based ADAS.

Tata Punch EV

The Tata Punch is not only getting a CNG version but an electric version as well. It will feature multiple battery packs, offering a claimed range of up to 350 kilometers.

Nissan X-Trail

The Nissan X-Trail is a full-size SUV that is expected to launch towards the end of this year. It will be a rival to the Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster, featuring a 1.5-liter mild-hybrid turbo-petrol engine or a strong hybrid powertrain.

(All prices mentioned are ex-showroom prices.)

Featured

Maserati Confirms Long-Term Commitment To Formula E

Maserati recently held a roundtable discussion to talk about its performance and future in Formula E, reaffirming its long-term commitment to the sport. The discussion was led by Giovanni Tommaso Sgro, head of Maserati Corse, along with drivers Edoardo Mortara and Maximilian Günther. The team achieved its first victory in the sport at the 2023 Jakarta E-Prix, which was also Maserati’s first single-seater victory since 1957.

Prior to the race in Portland, OR, Sgro emphasized the importance of Maserati being the first Italian carmaker to compete in Formula E. This aligns with Maserati’s goal of offering electric versions of its cars by 2025 and transitioning to full electric by 2030. As a result, Maserati plans to stay in Formula E for the long term.

In addition to striving for high-level performance in a growing sport, Maserati recognizes the significance of its fanbase in Formula E. Sgro highlighted that the fanbase is not only comprised of traditional car enthusiasts but also includes a large number of tech enthusiasts. Maserati sees this as an opportunity to tap into a previously untapped customer base.

Maserati’s participation in Formula E allows it to reach a new audience while showcasing its electric vehicles, such as the recently released all-electric GT Folgore and upcoming EVs like the Grecale Folgore.

Although Maserati is committed to electrification and Formula E, it also plans to compete in other areas of motorsport. This includes the MC20 GT2, which was recently unveiled, and the limited production track-only Project 64. These endeavors demonstrate Maserati’s dedication to its racing heritage and long-term involvement in motorsport.

Technology

5 Of The Best Websites For Finding 3D Print Files

TurboSquid is a leading website for finding 3D print files. It has a vast library of over a million models that can be downloaded and used in various projects. TurboSquid was established in 2000 by a team of 3D artists and has gained millions of active members and customers.

It has become popular among game developers, architects, visual effects studios, advertisers, and other creative professionals worldwide. TurboSquid’s extensive collection provides a time-saving solution for users who need high-quality 3D assets for their projects, allowing them to meet deadlines and focus on essential elements.

One unique aspect of TurboSquid is its marketplace model, where artists can set their own prices for their items. However, TurboSquid provides pricing guidelines to help artists determine appropriate pricing based on factors such as realism, complexity, polycount, file formats, textures, rigging settings, and the age of the model.

TurboSquid also offers additional services like 3D Digital Asset Management, StemCell for seamless model conversions, and Shutterstock Studios for custom asset creation, enhancing its value proposition to users.

When it comes to popular items on TurboSquid, the website offers a wide range of 3D models across various categories. These models have different pricing options based on factors like complexity and quality, giving customers a range of choices to suit their specific needs. TurboSquid also provides different licensing options, including Enhanced Licenses for projects and organizations requiring higher protection and indemnification levels.