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Cars, News

Ford Mustang Dark Horse R Takes The Pony Car To The Track

The Ford Mustang Dark Horse R takes the classic pony car and transforms it into a track-ready beast. It is equipped with the powerful 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine found in other Dark Horse models, such as the Mustang GT3 and GT4. Although specific details about performance enhancements have not been disclosed, previous versions of this engine have been known to produce over 500 horsepower and 418 pound-feet of torque.

Sharing components with its Dark Horse counterparts, the Dark Horse R features a Tremec six-speed manual transmission, a Torsen limited-slip differential, and larger Brembo brakes. However, it distinguishes itself with track-focused modifications. These upgrades include essential safety features like a safety cage, adjustable anti-roll bars, FIA-certified seats, harnesses, and a safety net.

The Dark Horse R also comes with unique “beskope” wheels, which are wider than those found on the standard Dark Horse model. The front wheels measure 10.5 inches wide, while the rear ones are 11 inches wide. Ford has also made improvements to the oil system, as well as the cooling systems for the transmission and differential. In terms of aesthetics, the Dark Horse R sports a rear spoiler, custom Borla exhaust, and tow hooks on both the front and rear ends, reflecting its track-centric design.

Motorsport

Nissan’s Yokohama Plant achieves milestone with 40-millionth engine

This year, Nissan’s Yokohama Plant reached a significant milestone by producing its 40-millionth engine. This achievement coincides with the automaker’s 90th anniversary, showcasing the plant’s long-standing history. The Yokohama Plant has been operational since 1935, launching just two years after the company’s establishment. Throughout its existence, the factory has manufactured several innovative engines.

One notable achievement occurred in 1979 when the plant introduced the L20ET engine. This engine marked Japan’s first turbocharged engine for passenger cars, powering popular models like the Fairlady Z. Another milestone arrived in 1983 when the plant started producing Japan’s first mass-produced V6 engine. This development was a significant contribution to the automotive industry. Additionally, in 2007, the plant commenced the manufacturing of Nissan’s VC Turbo engines, incorporating variable compression ratio technology.


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Hyundai Exter Fuel-efficiency Figures Out


The Hyundai Exter comes with the same 1.2-litre petrol and CNG powertrains as the Grand i10 Nios

Hyundai Exter

  • The 1.2-litre N.A. petrol unit claims a mileage of 19.4kmpl (MT) and 19.2kmpl (AMT).

  • With the 1.2-litre petrol-CNG unit, Hyundai claims a fuel efficiency of 27.1km/kg.

  • Hyundai is offering the Exter in five broad variants: EX, S, SX, SX (O), and SX (O) Connect.

  • Deliveries of the micro SUV to begin on July 11; prices start from Rs 5.99 lakh (introductory ex-showroom pan-India).

The micro SUV space in India now has a new contender in the form of the Hyundai Exter. Hyundai is offering it in five broad variants: EX, S, SX, SX (O) and SX (O) Connect. While revealing the micro SUV’s technical details, the carmaker also shared its powertrain-wise claimed fuel efficiency figures.

Let’s check them out:

Powertrain Details And Fuel Efficiency

Hyundai Exter petrol engine

Specification

1.2-litre Petrol

1.2-litre Petrol+CNG

Power

83PS

69PS

Torque

114Nm

95Nm

Transmission

5-speed MT, 5-speed AMT

5-speed MT

Claimed Mileage

19.4kmpl, 19.2kmpl

27.1km/kg

Hyundai has provided the Exter with the same engine options as the Grand i10 Nios. It even gets the CNG option as seen on its hatchback sibling which offers the highest claimed mileage in its range of powertrains. The Hyundai 1.2-litre is a well-refined unit that has been around for a long time now and is a positive for the micro SUV.

Also Read: Hyundai Exter Had Garnered Over 10,000 Bookings Before Launch

Even with the automatic gearbox, the claimed economy of the Exter hasn’t dropped down by a huge margin, which is sure to increase its appeal in addition to the convenience over the manual transmission.

Delivery Update And Competition

Hyundai Exter rear

The Exter’s deliveries are set to commence from July 11. Hyundai has priced its micro SUV from Rs 5.99 lakh to Rs 10.09 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom pan-India). The Exter goes up against the Tata Punch and Maruti Ignis while also taking on the Renault Kiger, Citroen C3 and Nissan Magnite.

Read More on : Hyundai Exter AMT

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Volkswagen Taigun Proves Itself Yet Again With 5 Stars In Latin NCAP Crash Tests

After its 5-star performance in Global NCAP last year, the compact SUV has done the same in the stricter Latin NCAP

Volkswagen Taigun Crash Test

The Volkswagen Taigun is the safest compact SUV in India right now with its 5-star Global NCAP safety rating. Following its impressive performance, it has just been crash tested in the more strict Latin NCAP, where it also scored a 5-star safety rating. Let’s see how it performed:

Safety Equipment

The Taigun that was crash tested was equipped with six airbags and electronic stability control (ESC) as standard. The crash-tested unit also had optional autonomous emergency braking, which is not offered on the India-spec model. The made-in-India Taigun gets other safety features like ISOFIX child seat anchors, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and a rearview camera. 

Also Read: Volkswagen Virtus GT Line Gets More Affordable With New Entry-level DCT Variant

Adult Occupant Protection

In adult occupant protection, the SUV scored 92 percent (39.99 points), which includes the overall scores of both frontal and side-impact tests. This test came with a 5-star adult occupant protection rating.

Frontal Impact

Volkswagen Taigun Crash Test

In the frontal impact, the driver and passenger got ‘good’ protection on the head and neck. Chest protection was ‘good’ for the passenger and ‘marginal’ for the driver. Knee and tibia protection for both was ‘good’ and both of the driver’s feet also got ‘good’ protection. 

Side Impact

Volkswagen Taigun Crash Test

In the side impact test, the driver gets ‘good’ protection on the head, chest, abdomen and pelvis. 

Side Pole Impact

Volkswagen Taigun Crash Test

Just like in the side impact test, the driver gets ‘good’ protection on the head, abdomen and pelvis, but protection on the chest was ‘marginal.’

Child Occupant Protection

In child occupant protection, the Taigun got 92 percent (45 points). Here is how it performed:

Frontal Impact

Volkswagen Taigun Crash Test

In the frontal impact test, the child seats for both the 3-year-old and 18-month-old were installed facing the rear. In both cases, they were able to prevent head exposure and offered ‘good’ protection. For the younger child, the seat provided full protection. 

Side Impact

Volkswagen Taigun Crash Test

In this test, both the child restraint systems (CRS) offered full protection. The Taigun has ISOFIX anchorages as standard and also has all the necessary markings. All seats are also equipped with three-point seatbelts.

Also Read: Volkswagen Taigun Gets New GT Variants And Limited Editions With New Colours

Pedestrian Protection

Volkswagen Taigun Crash Test

The Volkswagen SUV scored 55 percent (26.47 points) in this aspect. Here, in most parameters, the Taigun got ‘good’, ‘marginal’ and ‘adequate’ protection. While protection on the lower leg was ‘good’, the upper leg protection was ‘weak’, which might be the reason for its low score. 

Safety Assist

The Latin NCAP also tests the safety assist features of a car and the Taigun scored 83 percent (35.81 points). The SUV comes with seatbelt reminders for all passengers and electronic stability control (ESC) as standard. Although the Taigun does not get a full suite of ADAS features, the crash-tested model had autonomous emergency braking (AEB) as optional, thus meeting Latin NCAPs requirements.

Taigun In India

The India-spec Volkswagen Taigun comes with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC) and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) as standard. Depending on the upcoming regulations, it could also be updated to offer six airbags as standard. It is currently priced between Rs 11.62 lakh and Rs 19.46 lakh (ex-showroom).

Read More on : Volkswagen Taigun Automatic

Motorsport

Dodge Turbo Interceptor From The Wraith Built On Porsche Boxster Chassis

The Dodge Turbo Interceptor from the movie “The Wraith” may not be as well-known as the Bullitt Mustang or Eleanor from “Gone in 60 Seconds”, but it is just as impressive and cool. Surprisingly, there are very few replicas of the Interceptor, making this one built on a Porsche Boxster chassis even more remarkable.

“The Wraith” is a forgettable 1980s movie that follows the typical storyline of a teenage protagonist coming of age, dying, coming back to life for revenge, and winning the girl’s heart. It stars a young Charlie Sheen and Sherilyn Fenn. The real attraction of the movie, however, is the Dodge Turbo Interceptor.

Originally created by Chrysler as a concept vehicle and Indy pace car prototype, the Dodge Interceptor M4S was a mid-engine sports car with a powerful engine. It featured a specially modified version of a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, equipped with dual overhead camshafts, sixteen valves, and twin Garrett turbochargers, producing an impressive 440 horsepower.

Unfortunately, the Dodge Interceptor never actually paced an Indy Car race, and Chrysler never put it into production as a limited-run vehicle. As a result, there are very few replicas and only one original running prototype known to exist. Nevertheless, someone managed to build an exact replica of the Interceptor, which is truly remarkable.

This tribute car perfectly recreates the dimensions of the original Dodge Interceptor. However, if you look beyond the bodywork, you’ll notice that it is a clever blend of various other cars. For instance, the door handles come from an Aston Martin, the seats are from an Audi, and the dashboard and underlying structure are unmistakably from a first-generation Porsche Boxster.

Despite the mashup of different car components, this replica captures the essence of the original Dodge Interceptor. The interior, complete with a Porsche Boxster dashboard, has a futuristic appearance with a customized instrument cluster. What sets this replica apart is that it is not just a movie prop but a street-legal car that is regularly driven.

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These Were The Most Sought-after Cars In June 2023

The list featured the same cars in the top five rankings as seen in May 2023, with a slight shuffling in their order

Top 15 best-selling cars in June 2023

The list of best-selling cars for June 2023 is now out. From the 15 models mentioned below, 10 witnessed sales over 10,000 units. However, a majority of them experienced a decline when their year-on-year (YoY) figures are considered.

Here’s the entire list:

Model

June 2023

June 2022

May 2023

Maruti Wagon R

17,481

19,190

16,258

Maruti Swift

15,955

16,213

17,346

Hyundai Creta

14,447

13,790

14,449

Maruti Baleno

14,077

16,103

18,733

Tata Nexon

13,827

14,295

14,423

Hyundai Venue

11,606

10,321

10,213

Maruti Alto

11,323

13,790

9,368

Tata Punch

10,990

10,414

11,124

Maruti Brezza

10,578

4,404

13,398

Maruti Grand Vitara

10,486

–

8,877

Maruti Eeco

9,354

10,130

12,818

Maruti Dzire

9,322

12,597

11,315

Mahindra Bolero

8,686

7,884

8,170

Mahindra Scorpio

8,648

4,131

9,318

Maruti Ertiga

8,422

10,423

10,528

Also Read: A Pair Of Icons: Amitabh Bachchan Seen Driving A Mahindra Thar

Takeaways

Maruti Wagon R

  • One of the usual table-toppers, the Maruti Wagon R, witnessed total sales of close to 17,500 units. While its month-on-month (MoM) number went up, its YoY figure plummeted by 9 percent.

  • The Maruti Swift stood second for another consecutive month, this time with cumulative sales of nearly 16,000 units.

Hyundai Creta

  • Taking the final spot on the podium was the Hyundai Creta, therefore the best selling SUV of June 2023. With almost 14,450 units sold, it surpassed the Maruti Baleno by 300-odd units whose sales stood just over 14,000.

  • The Tata Nexon moved neither up nor down on the sales chart compared to its May 2023’s ranking (read fifth spot), although it did record a drop in sales by around 600 units. Do note that these figures also include sales of the Nexon EV Prime and Max.

  • Following Tata’s sub-4m SUV were the Hyundai Venue and Maruti Alto, both with sales falling in the 11,000- to 12,000-unit range. Both enjoyed MoM growth. The Hyundai SUV’s sales also includes the numbers of the Hyundai Venue N Line.

  • While the Tata Punch’s YoY sales went up by approximately 600 units, its MoM number saw a marginal drop of 100-odd units.

Maruti Brezza

  • The Maruti Brezza’s YoY sales shot up by a whopping 140 percent to breach the 10,500 sales mark, but dropped in MoM figures. The YoY spike is likely down to the drop in the production of the previous model while leading into the introduction of the more premium and loaded second-gen model of the SUV in June 2022.

  • With up to 10,500 units dispatched of the Maruti Grand Vitara in June 2023, it was the last car on this list whose sales went beyond the 10,000-unit mark, and not far behind its more affordable sibling.

Maruti Eeco

  • Next up were the Maruti Eeco and Maruti Dzire, with the two having a difference of barely 30-odd units in their June sales. The sub-4m sedan was also the worst affected model on the list in terms of YoY numbers.

  • The bottom three spots on this list were taken by the Mahindra Bolero, Mahindra Scorpio and Maruti Ertiga, respectively, with their sales in the 8,000- to 9,000-unit territory. The Scorpio’s numbers are inclusive of figures for both the Mahindra Scorpio Classic and Mahindra Scorpio N.

Also Read: Maruti Eeco: Good At Doing What It Does Best

Read More on : Wagon R on road price

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Toyota Innova Hycross Enters Malaysia As Innova Zenix


The Malaysian-spec Toyota Innova Zenix gets the same powertrains as the India-spec Toyota Innova Hycross

Toyota Innova Zenix

  • The Innova Zenix is offered in only one feature-rich variant.

  • Gets the same design inside and out, save for an all-black cabin theme.

  • Features on board include a 10-inch touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof (hybrid only) and ADAS.

  • Prices range from RM 165,000 to RM 202,000, equivalent to Rs 28.96 lakh and Rs 35.45 lakh.

  • India-spec Innova Hycross is priced from Rs 18.55 lakh to Rs 29.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Six months after entering the Indian market, the Toyota Innova Hycross has made its way into Malaysia, although rebranded as the “Innova Zenix.” While it has retained the powertrain options found in its Indian counterpart, Malaysian buyers are treated to a fully loaded variant. Here are the variant-wise prices of the MPV in the Southeast Asian nation:

Variant

Price

Petrol

RM 165,000 (Rs 28.96 lakh)

Strong-hybrid

RM 202,000 (Rs 35.45 lakh)

Same Design Formula

The Malaysian-spec Innova Zenix has the same design language inside and out as its Indian counterpart, including the same 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, and honeycomb pattern for the grille. That said, it gets an all-black cabin theme, which we expect to find in the upcoming Maruti Invicto.

The Malaysian-spec petrol-powered Toyota MPV is available in an 8-seater layout while the hybrid variant can be had in only the 7-seater version.

A Similar Features List

Toyota is offering the Malaysia-spec Innova with a 10-inch touchscreen, 8-way powered driver seat, panoramic sunroof (hybrid variant only), a 7-inch digital driver’s display, and paddle shifters.

Safety kit includes a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, six airbags, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The ADAS suite consists of adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane departure assist.

The India-spec Innova Hycross offers all the kit mentioned above in its top variant too.

Also Read: You Will Have To Wait For Up To 8 Months For A Toyota Innova Hycross

Identical Powertrains

As mentioned earlier, the Malaysia-spec model also gets the choice of two petrol powertrains as the India-spec Innova Hycross. They are a 174PS 2-litre naturally aspirated unit, and a similar engine with the strong hybrid system rated at 186PS. The former gets a CVT option, and the latter comes with an e-CVT gearbox.

Premium Innova MPV At Home

Toyota Innova Zenix rear

The India-spec Toyota Innova Hycross is available in six broad variants, priced between Rs 18.55 lakh and Rs 29.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Its only direct rival will be the upcoming Maruti Invicto, while continuing to be a premium offering over the likes of the Kia Carens and Toyota Innova Crysta.

Also Read: Ola Gigafactory For Its Own Battery Cells Now Under Construction

Read More on : Innova Hycross Automatic

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Renault Achieves 10 Lakh Production Milestone in 16 Years


The carmaker also achieved the 9-lakh sales milestone in the same timeframe

Renault

Renault has reached a significant milestone by producing 10 lakh cars in India. The company had recently achieved the 9 lakh sales mark in over 16 years of operation in the country. 

In 2005, Renault entered the Indian market and introduced its first car, the Logan, in 2007. However, the sedan was sold through a joint venture with Mahindra. In 2011, Renault launched its first independent car, the Fluence. This premium sedan was followed by models like the Koleos, Pulse, Duster, Scala, KWID, Lodgy, Captur, Triber, and Kiger. 

Renault Triber

Also Read: Renault And Nissan Planning On Entry-level EVs For India To Rival Tata Tiago EV

Renault and its joint venture partner Nissan plan to launch six new vehicles, including four new SUVs and two new compact EVs, by 2025. 

Here’s the official statement from Renault: 

Renault, the leading European brand in India, is proud to announce a production milestone of 10,00,000 vehicles in India. This achievement showcases Renault’s manufacturing capabilities and commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles to Indian customers.

Renault’s advanced manufacturing plant in Chennai has played a crucial role in this extraordinary accomplishment. With a production capacity of 480,000 units per year, the facility demonstrates Renault’s dedication to excellence and innovation. The company has made significant investments in manufacturing, technology, and talent to create a robust production infrastructure that ensures the highest standards of quality and efficiency. The Renault-Nissan alliance has committed a major investment of INR 5,300 crore to support the development of six products. 

Renault Kwid

As Renault India celebrates this remarkable milestone, it reaffirms its dedication to delivering high-quality vehicles and exceptional customer experiences. All the models in the Renault range are equipped with advanced features and safety technology, along with exciting customer benefits. Renault also offers its existing owners an outstanding loyalty program, providing them with an opportunity to upgrade to a new Renault vehicle with enhanced benefits designed specifically for them. With a strong foundation, an expanding network, and a customer-centric approach, Renault is well-positioned for continued success and growth in the Indian automotive market.

Read More on : Kiger AMT

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Volvo C40 Recharge: A Stylish Electric Vehicle with a 530 Kilometer Range


The Volvo C40 Recharge is an upcoming electric vehicle from Volvo that will launch in August. It’s the sleeker version of the popular XC40 Recharge, offering the same features but with a higher driving range.

Volvo C40 Recharge

The Volvo C40 Recharge is the newest addition to Volvo’s lineup in India. It has been recently unveiled and will be available for sale in August. Bookings will start once the prices are announced, and deliveries are expected to begin in September.

Positioned as the coupe-styled version of the XC40, the C40 caters to the growing demand for sleek SUV designs.

Powertrain Details

The C40 Recharge comes equipped with a 78kWh battery pack, which is the same capacity as the XC40 Recharge. However, due to its slightly more aerodynamic design, the C40 boasts a higher WLTP-claimed range of 530km. It features a sporty dual-motor AWD setup that produces 408PS and 660Nm of torque. The C40 Recharge can accelerate from 0-100kmph in just 4.7 seconds.

Furthermore, it supports 150kW fast charging, allowing the battery to be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 27 minutes.

Familiar Interior

The C40 Recharge shares the same interior as its counterparts. It features a 9-inch vertically-oriented infotainment touchscreen at the center of the dashboard, along with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. The fully-loaded trim includes electrically adjustable front seats with heating and cooling functions, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system.

As one of the first brands to introduce Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) in India, the C40 Recharge offers features such as collision avoidance and mitigation, lane-keeping aid, post-impact braking, driver alertness monitoring, and run-off mitigation. Safety-wise, it also includes seven airbags and a 360-degree camera.

Rivals

The Volvo C40 Recharge is expected to have a starting price of around Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom). While it doesn’t have any direct rivals at the moment, it will compete with other electric vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, BMW i4, and its own sibling, the XC40 Recharge.