Bluetooth-enabled digital virtual key can be downloaded into a smartphone app that will be available on iOS, Android and Windows devices.

Volvo has confirmed that it plans to replace the traditional car key by introducing virtual-key technology, which uses mobile phone technology, to its car range in 2017. According to Volvo, the move will offer more flexibility to its customers.

The Bluetooth-enabled digital virtual key can be downloaded into a smartphone app that will be available on iOS, Android and Windows devices. The app replicates typical key functions such as locking, unlocking and boot release, while also enabling drivers to start the car’s engine remotely.

Additionally, multiple virtual keys can be stored on a single device, allowing easier access to a number of Volvo cars. In order to protect the car from potential hackers, Volvo will use its current security systems in which both, the car and the key, hold part of an encrypted key combination. However, if the car's battery goes flat and cannot recognise the key, drivers must call for roadside assistance.

The new technology could also be used for car rental and car-sharing schemes, where a key can be downloaded with your rental agreement. Physical keys will still be offered to the customers who want them. Trials of the new virtual-key technology will be carried out later this year with car-sharing firm Sunfleet, which is based in Sweden.

Courtesy : Autocar

The proceeds from the sale of the DB10 will go to 'Doctors without Borders'.

The Aston Martin DB10 driven by Daniel Craig in the James Bond film Spectre was sold at an auction for £2,434,500 (Rs 23.96 crore). The DB10, one of two remaining out of the 10 examples made exclusively for use during the filming, was donated by Aston Martin for the charity auction at Christie's in London. It is the only one of the remaining cars that will ever be put on sale by the Gaydon-based car company.

An anonymous buyer paid £2,100,000 (Rs 20.67 crore) for the car, well above the £1.5 million estimate that had been placed on it ahead of the auction. With buyer's fees taken into account, the final sum came up to £2,434,500, although this fee will also go to charity once the auction house's costs have been taken into account. Proceeds from the sale will go to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). MSF, or ‘Doctors without Borders’, is a global humanitarian-aid organisation that provides medical care and support to victims of armed conflict, epidemics and other disasters.

Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer said: “The DB10 is one of the rarest cars ever created. Only 10 will ever be made and this is the only one that will be made available for sale. It’s great to see this DB10 raising vital funds for Médecins Sans Frontières. It is a fantastic charity that we are delighted to support”. The DB10 was the star lot out of 10 Bond-related items being auctioned for charity.

The second-most expensive item was the Day of the Dead costume worn by Craig in the movie. It went for £98,500 (Rs 96.95 lakh). In total, the 10 lots raised £2,785,500 (Rs 27.41 crore) for MSF and other charitable causes. 

Courtesy : Autocar

New Maserati dealership in Mumbai is located in the Taj Santacruz hotel; is the third dealership in India.

Maserati opened its third dealership in India, in Mumbai. The Mumbai showroom, the first one for the western India region, has been opened in partnership with Group Planet Petal. It is located in the new TajSantacruz hotel.

The showroom will showcase all of Maserati’s India offerings – the Quattroporte, the Ghibli, the GranTurismo and the GranCabrio. The showroom will be supported by a workshop located in Marol, Andheri, which Maserati claims “houses 6 work bays, a parts warehouse and is equipped with all high-tech tools and equipment required for servicing the entire Maserati range of cars.”

Group Planet Petal also owns Nissan, Hyundai, Yamaha, Suzuki (two-wheelers) and Ashok Leyland (light commercial vehicles) dealerships, and operates exclusively in western India. 

Courtesy : Autocar

The Levante is expected to be powered by a choice of two petrol and one diesel engine; could get a hybrid model.

Maserati has released official images of its first-ever SUV model, the Levante, prior to its public debut at the Geneva motor show 2016.

The images reveal that the SUV features a dramatically sculpted bonnet with a bold interpretation of Maserti's front grille, a new design of tapered headlights split into two elements and large front air intakes. The SUV also features the company’s signature three air vents on the front wings, and other styling cues like frameless door windows, a trapezoidal C-pillar featuring the 'Saetta' logo seen on the Ghibli and other Maseratis, a roof-mounted spoiler and four exhausts.

There are also a few styling elements seen earlier on the 2011 Kubang concept car, which first signalled Maserati's intent to enter the SUV market.

Though no official interior images were released, leaked images of the new car's interior show that the model gets steering-wheel mounted paddles for the automatic transmission and a large central infotainment screen.

Mechanically, the SUV will share its engines with the Ghibli and Quattroporte and though not officially confirmed, reports state that the Levante will be using the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 from the Ghibli and Quattroporte in two states of tune along with the 3.0-litre V6 diesel. Power will be channelled to all-four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and Maserati’s ‘Q4’ all-wheel-drive system.

As per the report, the petrol models are to be badged as 'Levante 350' and 'Levante 430' as per their engine outputs. The 350 is claimed to sprint from 0-100kph in 6.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 243kph while the more powerful 430 is claimed to do the sprint in 5.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 264kph. The diesel is claimed to complete the sprint in 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 230kph.

The Levante is also expected to get the V8 powerplant from the Quattroporte as a range-topping performance model. A hybrid model is also being planned.

The Levante is part of Maserati’s plan to improve its annual sales to around 70,000 units by 2018, internationally. The SUV will rival the likes of the Mercedes GLE, BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne.

Courtesy : Autocar

The upgraded model is powered by Bentley's 521bhp twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine; gets variable displacement technology

Bentley has revealed the new Flying Spur V8 S ahead of its public debut scheduled for next month at the Geneva Motor Show.

The new V8 S sits between the V8 and the W12 flagship model and is powered by Bentley’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine which is tuned to produce 521bhp and 69.40kgm of torque. The luxury saloon has a top speed of 305.77kph and can go from 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds.

Power is delivered via an all-wheel-drive system with a 40/60 rear-biased torque split. The ‘S’ mode is said to provide a sharper throttle response and additional engine braking from the transmission. Bentley has also revised the suspension, damping and electronic stability control to improve handling.

The V8 S also gets variable displacement technology, which shuts down four of the eight cylinders when cruising, thus reducing fuel consumption.

When it comes to the exterior, the new luxury saloon gets a number of sporty features, including a black radiator grille, rear diffuser, V8 S badging, bespoke tread plates and a choice of 20-inch alloy wheels. Additional sporty elements such as dark-tinted headlights and tail-lights, black gloss ORVM covers and unique black 21-inch Mulliner six-spoke alloy wheels are also available.

The interiors feature piano black wood veneers and a three-spoke sports steering wheel as standard. Customers can control the car’s climate and infotainment systems from the comfort of the rear seats through a touchscreen remote control which can be deployed from the veneered rear centre console at the touch of a button. The model also gets Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity.

When launched, the V8 S is expected to cost more than the regular car.

Courtesy :  Autocar