Mercedes-Benz CLA-class sedan to launch on January 22

• We told you earlier that Mercedes-Benz would likely launch its CLA-class sedan early in the new year. We can now confirm that the company’s most affordable sedan will indeed be launching on January 22, 2015.

• However, some will already be somewhat familiar with the car, as in July 2014, Mercedes launched the CLA 45 AMG, the high-performance version of the CLA-class sedan. Its intention was to whet our appetites and show us what the ultimate iteration of the CLA was capable of. But the AMG version costs almost Rs 70 lakh, and its performance focus makes it less than ideal for everyday use. 
• The standard CLA-class, however, will be a much more accessible proposition, with more comfortable suspension, conventional petrol and diesel engines, and of course a more reasonable price tag. In fact, the CLA-class will be Mercedes’ most affordable sedan, sitting below the C-class in the range and going head to head with the Audi A3 sedan.
• The CLA-class uses Mercedes’ MFA platform, a front-wheel-drive architecture that also underpins the A-class, B-class, GLA-class and of course the CLA 45 AMG. With this baby sedan, Mercedes has focussed on youthful styling, and not surprisingly, the CLA looks gorgeous. The long nose, followed by the low, coupe-like roofline and ending with a small extension for a boot, makes for a sleek and attractive car. The CLA-class will use the same engines as the GLA-class crossover, a 135bhp 2.2-litre diesel and a 181bhp 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, both mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and powering the front wheels.
• Expect prices for the CLA-class to be in the range of Rs 27-32 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). However, while the CLA will go on sale as a CBU import like the A-class, B-class and GLA-class, all these MFA platform cars are likely to be locally assembled in India by the end of 2015, and this should help bring all their prices down by a fair bit.

Suzuki Alto RS Turbo revealed

• Suzuki has revealed a hotter version of the Alto for the Japanese market. A turbocharged version of the Kei car, the Alto RS Turbo, will make its debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2015.

• Like all Kei cars, the Alto RS Turbo uses a 660cc petrol engine; power output though, is still unconfirmed. The standard Suzuki Alto uses a naturally-aspirated 660cc engine that produces either 48bhp or 51bhp.
• Cosmetic enhancements on the Turbo RS include racing decals, abundant use of chrome, 17-inch alloy wheels, Recaro seats and ‘RS’ stickers. The bumper-lip, decals and wing mirrors are finished in the same colour as the alloys to further enhance the car’s sporty appeal.
• This will not be the first Alto RS Turbo. There have been a few versions earlier, and in fact, there have been hotter versions of Kei cars from other manufacturers as well. But obviously, all of these are restricted to the Japanese car market.

Google self-driving car revealed in production form

• Google has taken the wraps off its self-driving car, which is now in full production form. Earlier this year, when prototypes were being developed, Google said it “won't have a steering wheel, accelerator pedal, or brake pedal.” The company claimed it did not need any conventional controls, and that the software and sensors did all the work.

• This production model though, now comes with legally-essential things like a steering wheel, pedals, wing mirrors, and functional headlamps, tail-lamps and indicators. It also gets the terrain sensor perched on its roof.
• Despite a number of carmakers working on autonomous or semi-autonomous technology, there haven’t been any fully-autonomous production models yet. And although Google’s self-driving car looks like a “Skynet Marshmallow Bumper Bot”, it will have the distinction of being the first fully-autonomous road car.

Ariel Nomad unveiled

• Ariel, the British performance-vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled its latest model, the Nomad. The brand describes the Nomad as “Atom's mucky brother”. The Nomad is the off-road sibling to the Atom.

• The Nomad has a front-wheel-drive set-up and gets knobby tyres to handle off-roading. It also comes with a reinforced chassis, long-travel suspension and a rollover protection mechanism. It has pretty much the same mechanical set-up as the Atom, and retains its strengths of a compact structure and high power-to-weight ratio.
• It is likely to be powered by a Honda-sourced 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which is capable of delivering around 200bhp. It will be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox also from Honda. The Ariel Nomad weighs in at around 700kg, and also gets a mechanical limited slip differential.

Tata Bolt launch on January 20, 2015

• Tata Motors will launch its much-anticipated Bolt hatchback on January 20th 2015. The carmaker recently commenced online bookings for the Bolt hatchback at a booking amount of Rs 11,000. The Bolt is the second vehicle after the Zest, from the company's Horizonnext umbrella.

• The Bolt hatchback gets Tata Motors' new design language that was first rolled out with the Zest. It draws power from a 1.2-litre turbocharged Revotron MPFi petrol engine making 89bhp of power and 14.27kgm of torque. 
• Tata Motors has said that they have concentrated on quality in the Bolt hatchback. They have put into place a practice where the parts supplied by component makers are put through a thorough check, before they are allowed to proceed to the assembly line. The company held a five-day event for all component suppliers for the Zest and the Bolt. Around 300 auto component manufacturers arrived with over 600 different parts. Each part was fitted and checked for any niggles that could create an issue in the final-production model.

Kawasaki Ninja H2 bookings open

• Anyone who has been following the recent activities in the international biking scene knows about the Kawasaki Ninja H2. It is the relatively more restrained sibling of the frenzied H2R. With the launch of the Z250 and ER-6n naked bikes in India, Kawasaki gave us more than just an indication of its increased focus on our market. And then we broke the news that Kawasaki was working to bring the H2 to India in early 2015. It has now been confirmed that the first batch of Ninja H2s are up for booking.

• Kawasaki’s dealership has confirmed that they are accepting bookings for Rs 10 lakh. Now if that amount took you by surprise, the Rs 32 lakh (on-road, Mumbai) price for the bike will probably have you skip a heartbeat. There's one more catch: the first batch had five bikes, of which four have already been booked, and the booking is open only for the next two days. That leaves you with less than 48 hours to grab that last bike. Kawasaki will deliver these bikes by March 2015.
• Beyond the five bikes that were up for grabs first, you can continue booking later, but there is no specific timeline for its delivery. It seems like Kawasaki has allotted small initial batches for certain markets, which will allow it to gauge response to the bike and manage production of the "supercharged hypersport".
• Nonetheless, India seems like an important market for Kawasaki, and from the kind of response the H2 has received here, we could very well be on our way to being on par with the best motorcycle markets in the world.

SsangYong Tivoli revealed

• SsangYong’s compact SUV concept, the X100 which was previewed at the 2014 Paris motor show, has been revealed as a production model. The model was in development for the past three years, and it has finally been given a production name too – Tivoli. This name has interestingly been inspired by the city of Tivoli in Italy.

• As a concept, it was previewed alongside the XIV-Air and XIV-Adventure concepts. It followed the same design philosophy – ‘Nature born – 3 motion’ as the former two while it was still the X100. Now that pictures of it as a production car have emerged, it stays true to the philosophy. The new car has styling that seems to break away from the design language that the previous SsangYong cars have used. It has sharper and more angular lines. A hunkered down front, angular LED headlamps, a flat bonnet and straight lines across the nose add to the young and aggressive look. The sides and rear are rather plain, albeit a bit curvy in sections like above the wheel arches.
• On the inside, the cabin is rather well equipped, with a large touchscreen, an in-car entertainment system, a flat bottomed steering wheel, and an easy-to-read multi-information display. Seven airbags, a dual-zone climate control and a rearview camera are likely to make their way to the car as well.
• A 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol is rumored to be a part of the drivetrain, however, there is no official word from the Korean carmaker on that front.
• The Tivoli is expected to be officially unveiled in January 2015, and to go on sale towards the end of the second quarter. SsangYong (under Mahindra & Mahindra,) might position the Tivoli in the Indian market to compete in the fast growing Compact SUV segment, however that will be around the end of 2015.

Cadillac CTS-V revealed

• Cadillac has launched its most powerful model yet, the new CTS-V, which is scheduled to make its public debut at the Detroit motor show next month.

• It is powered by a 6.2-litre, supercharged V8 engine that makes 640bhp, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This gives the CTS-V an ability to sprint from 0-100kph in less than four seconds, while reaching a top speed of 322kph. At 640bhp, the Cadillac CTS-V is more powerful than both the BMW M5 and the Mercedes E63 AMG.
• Torsional rigidity of the CTS-V is up 25 percent compared to the standard car, as per Cadillac, while both the front and rear tracks have been widened. All in, the CTS-V weighs 1,880kg. It gets both, an electronic limited-slip differential and adjustable magnetic dampers. Two-piece, 390mm front rotors with six-piston calipers sit behind forged 19-inch alloys to provide stopping power. Cadillac states that the brakes “provide durability, consistency, and capability for track-day performance straight from the factory”. Abundant usage of carbonfibre has helped improve aerodynamics and weight reduction.
• The Caddilac CTS-V is expected to go on sale in global markets in mid-2015.

Detroit motor show 2015 preview

• As the first motor show in the calendar year, the Detroit show is expected to set the ball rolling for the year to come. With significant launches, debuts and concepts, just like any other automobile show, the Detroit motor show will be an opportunity for carmakers to gauge the response from masses and set a blueprint for the rest of the car’s timeline. The Detroit motor show 2015 starts on January 12, and automotive giants like Audi, BMW and Mercedes will be unveiling their newest creations.

Here what to watch out for –

Audi

New Audi Q7

BMW

6 Series Coupe

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Volt

Honda

Acura NSX

Infiniti

Next-generation Q60

Lexus

F Model

Mercedes

C-class & GLE Coupe

Mini

Mini Cooper S

• So these are all the new cars which will we can see in the upcoming motor show. Many other also there which are still unwrapped. For more updates keep visiting the blog...

Lamborghini Aventador Pirelli Edition revealed

• Lamborghini has taken the cover off a special Pirelli Edition Aventador. The limited edition car has been produced to celebrate the Italian carmaker’s "long and ongoing" partnership with tyre manufacturer, Pirelli.

• The Lamborghini Aventador Pirelli Edition comes with a special two-tone paintjob, a painted stripe running the entire length of the car and a stand-out Pirelli logo. It comes with a transparent engine cover, new carbonfibre and leather cabin trim, Pirelli P Zero tyres and new 20 and 21-inch alloy wheels. The cabin gets a special Pirelli inscription too.
• Mechanically, the Aventador Pirelli Edition is identical to the standard car. It gets powered by the 691bhp V12 engine, which is capable enough of taking the Aventador from 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds, while reaching a topspeed of 350kph.
• Lamborghini and Pirelli have been working together since Lamborghini's formation in 1963. Every Lamborghini since, has been provided with Pirelli tyres.
• The Aventador LP 700-4 Pirelli Edition has been made available in global markets, in both coupé and roadster forms. Pricing has not been confirmed yet.

Honda NSX production version to debut at Detroit

• Honda has confirmed that its long-awaited new NSX will debut at the Detroit motor show 2015. Also known as the Acura NSX in some international markets, the Japanese carmaker claims the car will offer a "new sports experience" when it goes on sale globally, early next year.

• The NSX was first present as a concept at the Detroit motor show 2012, updated later for the Detroit motor show 2013, and now the 2015 edition of the motor show gets the production-ready version. “After three years of intensive development work, we are excited to reveal this next-generation supercar, the Acura NSX, to the world,” said Ted Klaus, chief engineer and global project leader for NSX development.
• It carries over most of the styling from the concept; the stretched LED headlamps, bonnet vents, large wheel-arches and muscular haunches are all there. In terms of mechanicals, the NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, V6 petrol engine driving the rear wheels, while two electric motors will power the front wheels. It also gets a third electric motor which boosts the engine performance, taking the total output to more than 400bhp. 
• The assembly is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and the production NSX also retains the concept’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system. The entire setup should also provide it with sharp handling, as the two motors in the front also allow torque vectoring.

Bultaco Brinco E-Bike unveiled

• Spanish motorcycle manufacturer Bultaco has unveiled a new version of the Brinco. The original Bultaco Brinco 108 was powered by a 74cc, two-stroke powerplant while the latest edition is a pedal assisted electric mountain bike. 
• The Bultaco Brinco is powered by a 1kWh lithium-ion battery which takes just two hours to get fully charged. Being an electric bike, torque figures are set to be impressive and the Bultaco Brinco produces a notable 60Nm of torque. The Spanish manufacturer claims that the Brinco’s torque rating is 10Nm more than the Honda CBR500R.

• The Bultaco Brinco features three riding modes – ECO, Urban and Sport. If the rider uses ECO mode in conjunction with pedalling the E-Bike will have arrange of 160km. In sport mode, the motor utilises its torque rating to its maximum potential so that it can hit its top speed of 60kmph. The urban mode is a combination of the above two settings. Urban mode provides a level of performance and range between the other two settings. 

• The Bultaco Brinco tips the scale at just 33kg; this can be credited to the aluminium frame that helps keep the weight under check. It employs USD forks at front and piggyback reservoir rear shock while braking is done by disc brakes. The Bultaco Brinco will not be a value for money proposition as it would retail for Rs 3.83 lakh with deliveries starting from April, 2015 in the European market. Production will be limited to just 175 units, the special number says Bultaco celebrates the birth of its founder Don Paco Bulto.

Lexus GS F confirmed for Detroit motor show

• Lexus has released teaser images of an F model. Set to make its first public appearance at the Detroit motor show 2015, it is very likely a production version of the GS F. It is a track-ready, performance model from Toyota’s luxury marque, and will go on sale in global markets in 2016. Lexus has only revealed that it is adding "second vehicle to its growing stable of high performance models". The GS F will sit beside Lexus’ RC F model that was revealed earlier this year.

• The GS F gets Lexus’ new design language like the RC F. The giant chrome-surrounded spindle grille, carbonfibre splitter and large air intakes are likely to give it an aggressive front end. It also gets a new design for the full-LED headlamps, and there are daytime-running lights underneath. The massive multi-spoke alloy wheels seem exclusive to the GS F, and cradle the much larger performance brakes on this model.
• The model gets powered by a mildly uprated version of the 5.0-litre V8 that powers the RC F, mated with an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox and a Torsen differential as standard. It is expected to deliver close to 500bhp with a maximum torque of around 55kgm. Expect a 0-100kph sprint time of around 4 seconds, and a top speed in the range of 270-275kph.
• The GS F is being touted as Lexus’ answer to the likes of the Audi RS7, Mercedes E 63 AMG and the BMW M5. Further details will emerge when the unveiling takes place in January 2015.

Sarath Kumar becomes first Indian to win Asia Dream Cup podium

• Twenty-two-year old Sarath Kumar from Chennai finished second in the CBR 250R class in the Honda Asia Dream Cup Road Racing Championship 2014.
• Sponsored by Honda, Sarath became the first Indian rider to win podium position at the Asia Dream Cup.

• Honda Asia Dream Cup is an intense 6 round motorcycle racing championship where 18 racers from 10 countries across Asia (Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Philippines, Sri Lanka and India) raced on specially modified CBR 250Rs in Asia’s best race tracks in Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and Qatar.
• From winning the Triple Crown in World’s most competitive Moto GP racing Championship, Honda aims to develop motorsport riders across the world. In India, Honda nurtures Indian racers through Honda One Make race platform. Asia Dream Cup is the next step of Honda Motor Company, Japan to promote and develop motorsport skills amongst Asian riders. Here, HMSI has sponsored 3 budding racers from India to compete with Asia’s best racers and improve their racing skill too.

• The final 6th round at Losial International Circuit, Qatar saw 22 year old Sarath Kumar from Chennai finishing second in the CBR 250R. In his trademark aggressive racing style, Sarath thrilled audiences with his skillful maneuver and bursts of speed. Continuing his momentum, he edged out his nearest competitor Mori Syunya Mori from Japan by a wafer-thin margin of 0:034 seconds. Sarath timed just 02:32:560 minutes for his fastest of 9 laps.
• Sarath Kumar is the current National champion rider in CBR 250R category of Honda One Make Championship. The trio of Indian riders that Honda is sponsoring for Asia Dream Cup also include 23 year old Ranchi boy Sumit Loucs Toppo (who finished 8th in overall Championship) and 24 year old racing star Arunagiri Prabhu (17th position) from Chennai.

Rolls-Royce Suhail Collection range revealed

• Rolls-Royce adds a new range to its limited edition models, this time it’s the Suhail Collection. Offered on the Phantom, Ghost and Wraith, the Suhail collection is named after a star constellation that is believed to have inspired the 10th Century Arabic mathematician, astronomer and physicist, Ibn-al-Haitham.

• The special edition Rolls Royce range comes with a bespoke interior with Crème light leather seats and Turchese Blue accents. Other important highlights of the special edtion include Ash Burr trim, a bespoke clock and Suhail star emblems.  
• According to Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, “Ibn al-Haitham was a notable pioneer whose scientific achievements represented a turning point in the history of science. We felt the Suhail constellation was the perfect inspiration for a very special Bespoke collection to celebrate his influence on Eastern and Western science."

CS Santosh to race in 2015 Dakar Rally

• From motocross to dirt track racing, CS Santosh has made his presence felt in all, and how. But now he has his eyes set on something big. A lot bigger actually – the gruelling Dakar Rally. The Bengaluru-lad will ride the Red Bull-KTM in the 2015 Dakar Rally that is set to commence on 4 January. 

• Talking about the upcoming challenge and his machine for 2015 Dakar Rally, Santosh said, “I rode the same motorcycle at the Morocco Rally two months ago and thankfully I am still fresh from that. I’m thrilled to be the first Indian to be at Dakar. From my crash at Abu Dhabi last year, which left me with third degree burns, to standing here right now, it’s been an amazing journey.”
• Santosh has been training hard to make it so far and for the big event in Argentina early next year. He participated in the World Cross Country Rally Championship this year, and came out with impressive results in Abu Dhabi and Qatar.
• Aside from his participation in the World Cross Country Rally Championship, on local soil Santosh has been a four-time Supercross Champion and the only rider to have won the Raid De Himalaya Trophy in the very first attempt. Santosh has also secured several victories in the Sri Lankan and Asian Championship. 

McLaren Sports Series officially previewed

• McLaren has once again generated interest towards its Sports Series, which will be the entry-level car from McLaren. It will be unveiled in 2015.

• The car has been previewed earlier in cryptic videos under the hashtag ‘#blackswanmoments’. Codenamed P13, the Sports Series will be the most affordable McLaren. It is, in essence, a sober version of the brand’s top-of-the-line cars. The Sports Series takes styling cues from the 650S and P1, but will definitely be significantly smaller. It gets a new rear diffuser, distinct taillamps and narrower side vents, but the butterfly doors are retained.
• The McLaren Sports Series is likely to be powered by a detuned version of the 3.8-liter V8 twin-turbo from the 650S, and will deliver around 500bhp. It is expected to be capable of a 0-100kph sprint time of around four seconds, while reaching a top speed of around 300kph.
• Claimed to be a "pure McLaren", the Sports Series will debut at the New York International Auto Show 2015 in April next year.

New Skoda Superb - first official design sketch revealed

• Skoda has released the first design sketch of its new Superb, which will make its debut in February 2015 before going on display at the Geneva motor show in March.
• Skoda says the new Superb, which takes design inspiration from the VisionC concept car, offers "striking, expressive shapes" and will aim to make "a visual impact in the automotive mid-class segment".

• Measuring 20mm longer and 50mm wider than the outgoing car, the new Superb offers improved torsional rigidity and a kerb weight that's claimed to be 75kg lighter than that of its predecessor. Key rivals for the Superb include Ford's new Mondeo and the Vauxhall Insignia.
• Power will come from a range of Euro 6 emission regulation-compliant engines, ranging from a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol with 123bhp to a 2.0-litre unit with 276bhp. Three diesel engines, with up to 188bhp, will also be available alongside the option of both two and four-wheel drive.
• Official economy figures for all of the engines have yet to be revealed, but it has been announced that the 1.6 TDI Greenline model will come with a headline-grabbing CO2 emission figure of 96g/km.

Swede sets record for fastest wheelie on ice

• Twenty-three year old Swede Robert Gull set a new Guinness World Record with an overall speed of 183.8kmph over 100 metres on ice at Lake Kakel in northern Sweden.

• Gull was riding a bike from Northbike, a standard Honda CBR 1000RR, fitted with a race fairing and studded Dunlop tyres for the ice equipped with power studs from Best-Grip.
• Gull, who has raced in the Red Bull Rookies Cup and CEV Moto2, reportedly took on the challenge because finding sponsors to fund racing in his native country are hard to come by so he thought he would try something new.
• Gull set the record just a year after recovering from a superbike crash which put him temporarily in a wheelchair. He beat the previous record of 176.2kmph set by stunt rider Ryan Suchanek. The record was set in March this year, but it has just been confirmed and approved by the Guinness Book of Records.

Tata Bolt online bookings

• Tata Motors has announced that it has opened online bookings for the Bolt hatchback, the second vehicle after the Zest, from the company's Horizonnext umbrella. Interested customers can book their car for Rs 11,000 on the company's website (http://bookonline.tatamotors.com/).

• The Bolt hatchback gets Tata Motors' new design language that was first rolled out with the Zest. It draws power from a 1.2-litre turbocharged Revotron MPFi petrol engine making 89bhp of power and 14.27kgm of torque.
• Tata Motors has said that they have concentrated on quality in the Bolt hatchback. They have put into place a practice where the parts supplied by component makers are put through a thorough check, before they are allowed to proceed to the assembly line. The company held a five-day event for all component suppliers for the Zest and the Bolt. Around 300 auto component manufacturers arrived with over 600 different parts. Each part was fitted and checked for any niggles that could create an issue in the final-production model.

Hyundai to showcase new Infotainment system at CES 2014

• Hyundai will showcase a new Display Audio system at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. This new system features a seven-inch touchscreen display optimized for enhanced smartphone integration. It wont come with a navigation system or a CD player, but will make up for that by coming equipped with Apple CarePlay and Andriod auto-compatibality. 
• This feature will help users connect their smartphone device via a USB port. When connected, users will be able to access their phone features such as contacts, music, navigation, text-messaging and other apps through the system.

• This system will be introduced in Hyundai offerings from the year 2016 onwards and according to the manufacturer, entry-level models will also feature this system depending on the market.

New Honda CB Unicorn 160 launched at Rs 69,350

• Honda has launched its new 160cc bike, the CB Unicorn 160, in two variants. The CB Unicorn 160 standard that comes with a front disc brake and rear drum setup is priced at Rs 69,350 and the CB Unicorn 160 equipped with a Combi-Brake system costs Rs 74,414 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

• Styling-wise, the new CB Unicorn 160 resembles the CB Trigger with minor tweaks. The headlamps and the tail lamps have been restyled slightly in order to differentiate the CB Unicorn 160 from the CB Trigger. The fuel tank and saree-guard design are also unique to the CB Unicorn 160, which comes with an LED tail light, a chrome-finished muffler and floating side cowls.
• The Honda CB Unicorn 160 is powered a 163cc motor that is good for 14.5bhp and 1.5kgm of torque. This motor is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The manufacturer's claimed top speed is 106kph and fuel economy figure is 62kpl. Six paint shades will be on offer. Prime competitors to the new Honda CB Unicorn 160 include the Suzuki Gixxer, the Hero Xtreme Sports and the Yamaha FZ Fi.

Ford develops SYNC 3

• Ford has revealed the next-generation of its SYNC infotainment system. The SYNC 3, according to the carmaker, is now faster, has improved voice recognition, comes with a smartphone-like touchscreen and features, and an easier-to-understand user interface. “Reducing the number of things on-screen also makes control easier and is designed to limit the number of times a driver has to glance at the screen,” said Parrish Hanna, Ford global director of Human Machine Interface.

• In order to promote easy usage, there are dedicated touch buttons for audio, phone, navigation, climate, apps and settings. The touchscreen is bright, and is receptive to smartphone-like controls such as pinch-to-zoom and swipe gestures. The large buttons come with high-contrast fonts to enable clarity in sunlight, while at night, the system automatically changes to a dark background to reduce reflection on windows and avoid eye fatigue.

•  “We considered all the modern smartphones and mobile operating systems and created something familiar but unique,” said Hanna.

McLaren 650S Limited Edition unveiled

• McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has taken the wraps off the 650S Limited Edition. As the name suggests, the MSO is a special wing of McLaren, and is in charge of developing special editions, limited editions or other unique models. This 650S Limited Edition commemorates the 20th anniversary of the McLaren F1 GTR acing the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

• McLaren has made no changes to the car’s engine, which means, the heart of the 650S Limited Edition is still the 641bhp 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 motor. This helps it go from 0-100kph in a claimed three seconds. What has changed in this limited edition, though, is that it draws inspiration from the race-winning Chassis #01 F1, which gives it a roof snorkel and fender-vents at the front. 
• The 650S Limited Edition also gets newly designed forged alloys, orange brake calipers, carbon fiber splitter, rear bumper and rear diffusor. It wears an MSO-special dark blue paint.
• Production of this McLaren 650S will be limited to 50 units only, with all of them being coupes.

Volkswagen showcases 10-speed DSG gearbox

• Volkswagen has showcased a new DSG gearbox. This new twin clutch automatic gearbox not only has two distinct clutches that allow it to change the gear faster and be more efficient, it also has the added flexibility of ten gears.

•  The new gearbox, called the DQ511, is a development of the seven-speed DQ500 used in cars like the Jetta and Octavia, and is designed for a peak torque of 56.1. Applying conventional logic, a ten speed gearbox should be proportionately larger and heavier than a seven-speed gearbox of the same design. But the new 10-speed is no larger than the current seven-speed, and doesn't weigh more either. Amazingly, the new box uses the same amount of gear sets as the seven-speed DQ500. This is done by employing an entirely new shifting strategy, so that the existing gears combine differently to form new ratios.
• Moreover, only two new additional linkages are used. This also works perfectly for VW's platform strategy as it allows the 10-speed to be seamlessly integrated into all the new VW MQB cars.
• VW says it will customise ratios in accordance with the cars' requirement, so you can either have densely stacked gears for strong performance, well spread out ratios for overall benefits, or even super tall ratios for ultra efficient cruising. In fact, one of the biggest benefits of the new 10-speed gearbox is the increase in the average gear ratios over the earlier seven-speed, without any compromise in driveability; the new box has an overall average ratio of 10.2 versus 7.9 for the earlier seven-speed.

Jaguar C-X75 to feature in next Bond movie

• The Jaguar C-X75 hybrid supercar will be seen in the upcoming James Bond film, Spectare. This project supercar was cancelled for production earlier by Jaguar.
•  Currently, the carmaker is working on the C-X75 to make it suitable for filming use, according to our sources.

• For production purposes, the C-X75 will be equipped with Jaguar’s supercharged 5.0-litre V8 instead of the original hybrid powertrain seen in concept form. There are rumours that the car may be driven by the prime antagonist in the film.
• Jaguar has not officially confirmed which cars are involved in the film at this stage but has indicated that official announcements will be made next year. This is not the first time that James Bond’s enemies will be driving Jaguars, in the 2006 movie Casino Royale, both the Jaguar XJ8 and XJR had made appearances.
• A Jaguar XKR also starred prominently in 2002's Die Another Day, battling Bond's Aston Martin Vanquish.
• The car James Bond is expected to drive in the upcoming production will be the recently revealed Aston Martin DB10. Aston Martin itself has been using the hashtag "Good to be Bond" on Twitter, imitating the official Jaguar line and further indicating the brand's involvement with the upcoming film.

New Value Up Hatchback Concept Developing by Renault

• Renault is developing a hatchback concept called Value Up. The concept looks to be lightweight, efficient and, when it goes into production, will look at keeping costs low. It is built on a new 3.8m long platform, and which is also likely to underpin some of Renault's future cars. Dimensionally, the Value Up concept is somewhere between the Twingo and the Clio models which Renault offers in global markets.

• In an effort to retain strength but keep weight low, the concept makes use of bamboo. It weighs in at 830kg, and reports also suggest that it uses a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol motor under the hood.
• There is abundant use of bamboo inside the cabin too. The dashboard is largely made up of a touchscreen display that spreads across the width of the car. The part accessible to the driver is used for AC, navigation and changing the direction of the wing mirrors, whereas the part closer to the passenger, is for entertainment purpose.
• The Renault Value Up is being worked upon purely for research purpose – research to help develop future models for the brand.

Audi readies more stylish A6 for 2017 launch

• The design for the next-generation Audi A6 has already been signed off, design chief Marc Lichte has revealed.
• The new saloon and estate range is set to launch in 2017, and its design will be inspired by the Prologue concept car seen at the recent Los Angeles motor show.
• Lichte, along with technical chief Ulrich Hackenberg, has promised much greater visual differentiation between future Audi models.

• The design for the new A6 was done alongside the next-generation A7 (due 2017) and A8 (due late 2016) to ensure the designs were suitably different and not just scaled-up and scaled-down versions of the same car.
• The Prologue concept car was done after the future production models, Lichte claimed, to ensure that its design was relevant to the future and would not over-promise and under-deliver.
• The new A6 will be underpinned by the second-generation MLB platform, which will appear first on the Q7 SUV early next year before being rolled out across a whole range of Volkswagen Group products sized from the Audi A5 and upwards.
• Its arrival in 2017 is timely, its launch coming in the months after that of next-generation versions of its two biggest rivals, the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-class.
• A new Jaguar XF is also in the works in the executive saloon class and will beat all of its next-generation rivals to market. It will be revealed at the New York motor show in April 2015 before going on sale in the UK later in the summer.

Next-gen 918 Spyder revealed by Porsche

• Porsche's head of research and development, Wolfgang Hatz, revealed at the LA motor show that all 918 units of the 918 Spyder have sold out and that there will be a successor to the petrol-electric hybrid hypercar.

• “I was always convinced we’d sell out, and what is most satisfying is that the sales have accelerated as reviews confirmed the car is everything we promised it would be,” said Hatz.
• Hatz said the know-how learned while developing the 918 would serve Porsche well in future years, and added that the car had now set a blueprint for investing in pioneering technology that the firm would follow in the future.
• “Will we build a successor to the 918? Yes,” said Hatz. “Not immediately, but not in 20 years' time either.”
• The Porsche 918 was launched at the same time as the LaFerrari and McLaren P1 hypercars. All 499 examples of LaFerrari sold out immediately, while all 375 McLaren P1s sold out a few months after the car’s launch.

Autocar Performance Show 2014: Batmobile replica showcased

• The 2014 edition of the Autocar Performance Show (APS), which is underway right now, is hosting some truly eyeball-grabbing car models. One of the brands using the APS floor this time is Executive Modcar Trendz. Like the name suggests, the brand is into modifying cars and creating unique one-offs, and for the APS they’ve brought in a Batmobile.

• Of the many Batmobiles that have made it to the screen, one of the most memorable one is that of Tim Burton’s Batman Returns. This is the Batmobile that the company has replicated. Based on the Mercedes S-class, the modifications will cost about Rs 25 lakh. It is still a work-in-progress, but the skin looks promising. The Batmobile at the show is just like the one in the movies, both in terms of cosmetics and dimensions. Mechanical details though, are still unclear.

New Italjet Buccaneer 250 unveiled

• The bike is called the Buccaneer 250i, sharing its name with the Italjet Buccaneer 125 of the ‘70s, a Yamaha engine twin which scored three victories in the Italian Junior 125 series.

• Visordown reports that the bike is believed to be the same machine as seen in patents filed by Longija, except now it’s branded as Italjet, pointing to a partnership between the Chinese and Italian firms.
• Italjet has had a presence in India as well, with an 80:20 partnership with Kinetic, through which the Blaze scooter was launched and subsequently discontinued. Kinetic also had plans to launch the Italjet Jupiter, a premium 250cc liquid-cooled scooter making 25PS and with features like front and rear disc brakes, but those plans were shelved too.
• Almost a decade on, it seems Italjet SpA has found a new partner in China. 

Hyundai i20 Coupe revealed

Hyundai has unveiled a three-door version of its i20 hatchback. The Korean car manufacturer’s new entrant will compete with the likes of Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo in the international markets.

The i20 coupe gets a large hexagonal grille. It is flanked by fog lights to the side, and the LED headlamps have LED daytime running lamps incorporated into them. The front looks more muscular than the current generation i20, while the bonnet and the sides retain Hyundai’s fluidic lines. At the rear, the i20 Coupe gets larger tail lights, and the roofline at the back gets a spoiler. This, and the more raked A, B and C pillars add to the overall sporty look of the coupe. The car also gets 17-inch wheels, which look perfectly well suited for the look of the car.

• Despite the roofline being 25mm lower than the current generation i20, Hyundai says that the headroom, legroom and shoulder space have remained unchanged. In fact, the manufacturer claims that boot space has actually gone up by 10-litres.
• For power, Hyundai has unveiled four engine options – two diesel and two petrol. The petrol offerings include the 82.9bhp, 1248cc petrol engine and a 98.6bhp, 1,368cc petrol engine. 74bhp, 1,120cc and 88.8bhp, 1,396cc diesel engines are also available. Both the diesel cars come with a six-speed manual transmission, and so does the 1.4-litre diesel engine. The 1.25-litre petrol engine is available with a five-speed manual, and the 1.4-litre petrol is also available with a four-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai may add a new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine to the range in 2015.
• Based on the Elite i20 hatchback sold in our market, the new i20 Coupe will go on sale in the international markets next year. We dont expect Hyundai to launch the three-door i20 in India.

Akrapovic reveals Full Moon concept

• Slovenian exhaust manufacturer Akrapovic unveiled the Full Moon concept at the Bad Salzuflen Custombike show in Germany last week.

• The large 30-inch front wheel, which gives the bike its “Full Moon” name, is made of aluminium and carbon and is equipped with a composite perimeter disk brake that itself is larger than most motorcycle wheels.
• The S&S Knucklehead displaces 1524cc, but the engine looks small in contrast to the large wheel and arc of the frame. The frame and bodywork are made entirely of sheet metal and form an extension to the exhausts.
• The steering is completely automated, which allows a minimalist steering rod without any visible cables that would otherwise be required for the bike to function. And the Full Moon can also stand upright when parked, courtesy of its hydraulic suspension. 

Autocar Performance Show 2014

• The Autocar Performance Show brings some of the hottest cars and bikes, cool accessories, high-performance upgrades and performance tuning products each year. Last year, the list of luxury brands that showcased their cars and products went far and wide. This year, Lamborghini has brought in the Huracán, which was launched earlier this year. Also showcased will be a re-created Batmobile, Range Rover long wheelbase version and the Bentley Continental GT. The recently-launched-in-India BMW M4 and the new Minis are also on display this year.

•  The Autocar Performance Show is undoubtedly a landmark event on all Mumbai-based petrolheads’ calendar every year. This year’s APS finally kicked off today at the MMRDA Grounds in Mumbai. In its 10th year this time, this four-day event is being held over December 11-14.

• The 2014 edition is even more special because the Fiat Abarth 595 Competizione hot hatchback and the luxurious Hyundai Genesis are making their India debut at the show. On the two wheeler front, the Italian motorcycle maker Benelli has also showcased its entire soon-to-be-launched line-up, for its first public showing. Triumph and Harley-Davidson will also be grabbing the centre stage among two wheelers.
• If you’re more of a person who likes to get involved in the action, Maruti is back with its autocross track at the show, to give people a chance to drive their own cars under expert supervision. Here, anyone can go pedal-to-the-metal and experience the dirt track. On the other hand, if off-roading is your thing, then there is the Mahindra & Mahindra 4x4 Zone where one can experience overcoming loads of slush, gravel, dust and mud obstacles in a Mahindra & Mahindra SUV.
• Also held alongside the Autocar Performance Show is the Stuff Gadget Show, which is in its third year this time. With a long list of brands participating, the highlight is the Gaming Zone, where all participants have a chance to win some exciting Dell Alienware goodies. Also showcased are some of the hottest gadgets on the market.
• Nishant Padhiar, editor, Stuff Magazine India said, “The Stuff Gadget Show received a tremendous response in its first two years, and we expect a similar response this year. We have a broad range of some of the most exciting gadgets that are on the verge of re-shaping the future of consumer technology products in India, and we are proud of being the first ones to bring them here”.

Audi A3 Cabriolet launched at Rs 44.75 lakh

• Audi has launched the A3 Cabriolet in India at Rs 44.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Cabriolet carries a higher price tag than its sedan counterpart because it will be fully imported by Audi as a CBU. This soft-top iteration of the A3 was first showcased at the New Delhi Auto Expo 2014.

• In terms of design, the Cabriolet looks pretty similar to the sedan. The fabric roof of this two-door, four-seater can be retracted in less than 18 seconds, and till speeds of up to 50kph. It retains the bi-xenon headlamps with daytime running LEDs and LED tail lamps.
• The cabin is similar to the sedan model, and features and equipment too are similar to those found in the A3 sedan. Mechanically, the A3 Cabriolet drops the diesel engine and comes with the petrol option only. Power comes from the 177bhp 1.8-litre TFSI engine mated to a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Mercedes-Benz GLE coupé revealed

• The Mercedes-Benz GLE coupé was set to debut at the North American International Auto Show but images of the car were leaked online early on. This led Mercedes-Benz to go ahead and officially unveil the coupe. The GLE is positioned to take on the BMW X6.
• The GLE coupé features a prominent front fascia with a single bar grille that runs across a wide front radiator opening with LED headlights flanking it. It has a dynamic roofline and a rear end which resembles that of the S-class coupé. It gets plastic body cladding, and chrome trims on the front and rear, dual exhaust system and 20-inch wheels as standard. 21- and 22-inch wheels will be available as options for those looking to upgrade. As for the interiors, a sports steering wheel, sports seats, and a new infotainment system make it to the GLE. Aluminum or wood trims with silver shadow accents are also added in.

• The GLE also gets the AMG treatment, with the GLE 450 AMG. It gets an aggressive AMG body kit, and 21-inch light alloy wheels. It also gets air suspension, an adaptive damping system and adjustable ride height. On the inside, it gets a nappa leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and a carbonfibre trim.
• On the engine front, there is a 254bhp 3.0-litre diesel and a 3.0-litre V6 petrol tuned to make 328.5bhp in the standard car and 362bhp in the AMG version. Power is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox which offers a driving mode selector system with five modes – Comfort, Slippery, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. In the AMG version, the different driving modes not only modulate chassis, suspension, steering wheel and powertrain settings but also other aspects like engine sound and driving lights.
• "The GLE coupé combines typical coupé attributes, such as sportiness, dynamism and agility, with the confident presence, versatility and robustness of an SUV", said Thomas Weber, board member responsible for group research and Mercedes-Benz Cars development.

New Volvo XC90 T8 hybrid revealed

• Volvo has introduced an all-new plug-in hybrid, the XC90 T8. The XC90 T8 gets power from a twin-engine set up - a specially modified Drive E petrol four-cylinder petrol engine powering the front wheels and an electric motor that will power the rear axle. Volvo has designed this hybrid from the ground up.

• The new XC90 T8 is based on the new modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) chassis system, which had been in development for the past four years. The powertrain has also been optimized specifically for plug-in hybrid technology. The four-pot Drive E engine gets a supercharger and a turbocharger, and has been tuned to produce 318bhp and 40.78kgm of torque.
• The electric motor is capable of making 80.04bhp and 24.5kgm of torque. It gets power from a high voltage battery operating in the range of 270-400V. Transmission duties are handled by a specially adapted eight-speed automatic gearbox.
• The Volvo XC90 T8 uses a brake-by-wire system to recover and transmit energy back into the car, which can be used to recharge the battery. Volvo says that it has also equipped the car with a unique stability function that controls the amount of energy that may be safely regenerated. The battery, crankshaft-mounted starter generator and the electric motor are cooled by a unique system, which uses the radiator (passively) or through integration with the car’s climate control system (actively).
• As far as driving modes go, the Volvo XC90 T8 has five, which can be selected using a scroll wheel on the centre console. The Hybrid mode alternates between the engine and the electric motor to get the best overall fuel consumption. The Power mode allows for the use of the electric motor and the combustion engine together, to get the best of both worlds. In the pure electric mode, the battery serves as the only power source for the car, and run the car for up to 40km on electric power only. The AWD mode allows for the use of all-wheel-drive on demand. Last, but not the least, in the Save mode, if the battery is charged, the system saves as much battery life as it can for later use with the Pure Electric drive.
• With the XC90 T8, Volvo Cars has said that it assures performance of a luxury SUV, while keeping emission levels to a minimum and fuel efficiency at a high 40kpl.

Executive Edition of Jaguar XF Launched at Rs. 45.12 Lakh

• Jaguar has launched a cheaper version of the Jaguar XF 2.2-litre diesel, which was until now only available in the Luxury trim. This new Jaguar XF Executive Edition has been priced at Rs 45.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). It, however, misses out on some features that the Luxury trim gets.

• In comparison to the standard Jaguar XF, the Executive Edition does not get memory function for the driver seat and mirrors; it gets rear parking sensors but no rearview camera; and no Front Passenger Seat Away button.
• The Front Passenger Seat Away button comfortably lets the driver or the passenger in the backseat adjust the front seat for better legroom.The Jaguar XF Executive Edition also misses out on a sunroof and a TV tuner.
• In place of leather seats, it gets fabric seats, and the interior mood lighting here has been kept simple.The new Jaguar XF Executive Edition will continue to draw power from a 2.2-litre diesel engine, mated to an eight speed automatic gearbox, which is the same motor that the higher trim gets. 

New Ferrari Sergio revealed in Abu Dhabi

• A year after the passing away of Italian design house Pininfarina’s figurehead, Sergio Pininfarina in 2012, the company built a concept as a tribute to him. After getting a 2013 Geneva unveil and a positive response from the public, it was decided that six models of the Ferrari Sergio will be made in collaboration with Ferrari. Each of the six cars will be made according to specifications given by their owner in a series of sessions at Ferrari's workshop in Maranello, while the final assembly will be done at the Pininfarina plant in Italy.

• Ferrari has now revealed the first of the six examples of the ‘Ferrari Sergio’ in Abu Dhabi. The Ferrari Sergio is based around the Ferrari 458 Spider, and features the latest iteration of the company's 597bhp 4.5-litre V8 engine, which also powers the Ferrari 458 Speciale. With this engine, the Sergio will be capable of achieving 0-100kph in 3.0sec.
• As for the design of the Ferrari Sergio, the core structure of the 458 Spider has been retained. It also uses all of the interior components of the car, although the cockpit has been reworked to include black leather upholstery with red stitching, a carbon dashboard, door well trims and Alacantara leather seat inserts. The wheelbase and the track remain unchanged. However, the Sergio’s bodyshell has been claimed to be stiffer than the 458 Spider’s, and it is about 100kg lighter too.

• Fabio Filippini, Pininfarina's chief designer said, "We asked Ferrari before even drawing the car, if we could do it and Luca di Montezemolo said we had all of his support. We decided it should be a mid-engined Ferrari because the first Sergio Ferrari was the Dino Berlinetta Speciale, the ancestor of all mid-engined Ferraris."
• Luca di Montezemolo recently stepped down from his post of chairman at Ferrari.
• The pricing of the Ferrari Sergio has not been revealed, however it is estimated to be around 2.5 million pounds (approx Rs 24 crore).

BMW unveils Two New SUV's

• Following the recent debut of the new X5 M and X6 M at the LA motor show, BMW has put the two performance SUV through some "Individual" customisations. The BMW X5 M Individual and X6 M Individual get a couple of visual and equipment upgrades over the standard models.

• Both cars get special paintjobs. The X5 Individual gets a Pyrite Brown metallic paint, which has Xirallic pigments that make certain areas appear like a darker hue than the others, while the X6 Individual gets Azurite Black metallic paint with shades of blue in it. On the inside, both the X5 M Individual and X6 M Individual benefit from white Merino leather upholstery & a matching white Alcantara leather headliner. They also get some piano black inserts and a leather-wrapped dashboard with contrast stitching.
• Power to the two models comes from the same engine as the standard models. The 4.4-litre V8 twin turbo engine makes 564bhp and 76.5kgm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
• BMW will not sell these models in India.

"EClutch" - New Technology Developing by Bosch

• The healthy consumer response to the automated manual transmission variant of the Maruti Celerio shows that India is ready for clutch-free driving. While the market may not be ready for the more expensive pure automatics, traffic congestion in cities, with stop-and-start driving, is paving the way for automatic transmission vehicles here. Technologies that give users an automatic-like driving experience are set to gain ground.

• Among the technologies that could hold sway is Bosch’s eClutch. Unlike a fully automatic transmission, the eClutch automates the clutch only, not the transmission. The cable-less clutch pedal transmits an electric signal to an actuator, which decouples the clutch. In congested traffic conditions, this allows the driver in a manual transmission car to use first gear without using the clutch.
• Apart from the cost factor, the eClutch promises savings in fuel and lower emissions. Bosch claims that in start-stop coasting mode, the fuel consumption can come down by 10 percent. In India though, Bosch will initially offer idle coasting. “Europe is doing it (eClutch) with a big-bang approach. For them, carbon dioxide reduction is the main factor. We will create the subsystem where we pick what is necessary, enter and then slowly make our way up the value chain,” says Sandeep N, regional president India, Gasoline Systems, Bosch India. The eClutch may well be introduced here in 2016.

• Bosch also plans some inorganic moves in growing its two-wheeler business through new- age technologies. One motorbike that caught this correspondent’s eye at the Bosch facility is a ‘connected bike’. On the outside, it looks like any bike. However, it is the software inside that makes it interesting. Bosch engineers have developed a software development kit platform which offers developers to come up with a variety of mobile applications (apps). The connection with the bike is established through Bluetooth.
• The above project is being conducted on a KTM Duke, a premium bike. Bosch is also developing some technologies for the mass bike market. One product is the stop-start feature. Along with it, Bosch’s low cost EMS and a low-cost ABS for two-wheelers in India and India-like markets will play key roles in realising the German supplier’s plans of being a major player in the two-wheeler industry too.

Ferrari FXX K revealed based on LaFerrari

• Ferrari has unveiled a more track-focused version of its latest hypercar, the LaFerrari, and has called it the Ferrari FXX K. The Ferrari FXX K churns out a massive 1,021bhp and will be seen in action from next year, available only to an elite group of owner-drivers selected into Ferrari’s XX driver development programme.
  
• The Ferrari FXX K name refers to its KERS or Kinetic Energy Recovery system that works in tandem with the standard car’s 6.3-litre V12 motor. The 1,021bhp it can make is 71bhp more than the standard LaFerrari, where 835bhp comes from the V12 motor and the rest 188bhp from the electric motor setup.

• Although Ferrari hasn’t disclosed the new car's 0-100kph time, it is expected to rival that of the McLaren P1 GTR. The Ferrari FXX K is expected to outdo the LaFerrari’s 0-100kph timing of less than three seconds. It’s also expected to top its 349kph plus top speed. Drive is channeled through a seven-speed paddle-shift dual-clutch automatic transmission, the same unit that does duty in the LaFerrari.
• The Ferrari FXXK is 194mm longer and 59mm wider than the LaFerrari, but it's height and wheelbase are unchanged from the standard car. On the outside, the Ferrari FXX K looks like a race-inspired version of the LaFarrari. The front gets a new twin-profile spoiler with a large splitter, which is 30mm lower than on the La Ferrari, and comes with a central gap to channel airflow. 

• A large, twin-pronged spoiler sits at the rear alongside a secondary mobile spoiler that can be extended on the move. The shape of the rear is distinctive, and is designed to boost downforce, which is further aided by a new rear diffuser. This setup, according to Ferrari, has helped boost the downforce by as much as 50 percent compared to the LaFerrari, which has resulted in the FXX K producing 540kg downforce at 200kph.
• The Ferrari FXX K gets special slick Pirelli P-Zero tyres with sensors to maintain acceleration, temperature and pressure. Brembo-made carbon ceramic brakes are also offered. The vehicle’s traction control, side slip angle control and electronic differential come specially calibrated to suit the performance tyres. Drivers can also control the car’s ABS settings via the steering wheel.

• The Ferrari FXX K adapts a multi-link rear setup instead of a double wishbone setup as seen on the LaFerrari. On the inside, the FXX K comes with a digitised instrument panel but does away with the luxury equipment that is seen on the LaFerrari. Mechanically, major changes made to the LaFerrari’s V12 motor include new camshafts, tweaked valve train, redesigned intake manifolds and the use of mechanical rather than hydraulic tappets.
• The Ferrari FXX K also features a modified exhaust. Its HY-KERS system has also been upgraded, and now gives the drivers an option of controlling the car’s power with four different modes via the Manettino controller. The Ferrari FXX K’s Qualify mode provides maximum power for a short number of laps, while the Long Run mode optimises performance for longer stints. Manual Boost mode delivers instant maximum torque, while Fast Charge mode can be used to recharge the car's battery.

• Ferrari says, the FXX K is not homologated and will “never” be used in competition. The car was developed “to be completely uncompromising, incorporating technological innovations that will guarantee an unprecedented driving experience”. Ferrari hasn't revealed how much it will charge potential owners to take part in its driver programme, which it hopes to roll out over the next two years. It's also likely that only existing LaFerrari owners will be eligible to buy the FXX K. Previous entries in Ferrari's exclusive owner-driver programme include the Enzo-based FXX, which is powered by an 848bhp 6.2-litre V12 engine, and the 720bhp 599XX.

Bajaj Pulsar SS200 coming in early 2015

• The Bajaj Pulsar SS200 has just been spied a number of times in its production ready guise, and there are a lot of rumors surround the launch of the motorcycle. This is understandable because this smashing looking new Pulsar has been one of the more eagerly anticipated motorcycles since it was officially unveiled by Bajaj at the Delhi Auto Expo 2014. Sources say, the SS200 is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2015.

• The SS200 is the next generation of Bajaj’s famous Pulsar sportsbike, a faired variant built upon the Pulsar 200NS platform. The SS200 is expected to come with a similar specced 200cc engine, with suitable tweaks made to the one currently in use on the 200NS. We expect Bajaj to fine tune the engine to give the SS200 a more sporty performance-based character than the 200NS. Bajaj has also given the motorcycle twin projector headlamps and split LED tail lights, which add to the sharp styling it gets.

• When Bajaj launches the Pulsar SS200, it will go up against the likes of the Yamaha R15 V2.0, the Honda CBR150R and the KTM Duke 200.