Premium SUVs to be developed alongside the F-Pace; larger seven-seater SUV models unlikely

With the F-Pace expected to launch internationally early next year, Jaguar is planning a line-up of SUVs to be offered alongside the F-Pace, with the smallest model in the family likely to rival the Mini Countryman and Audi Q1. It is however unlikely that the model range will extend above the F-Pace, with larger seven-seater models.

Company insiders have confirmed to our sister publication Autocar UK that Jaguar is readying not one, but a family of SUVs which will be positioned below and above the F-Pace in future. This could also lead to the development of coupé derivatives of the SUV, as seen with other prominent automakers such as BMW with the X6 and Mercedes with the new GLE Coupé.

Jaguar is unlikely to confine the new family of SUVs to just sporty-looking designs and the company is also expected to develop R and SVR models of the same, which could be marketed as technical flagships.

Jaguar has also all but confirmed an electric SUV with Jaguar design director Ian Callum saying “It’s coming” when asked about the electric Jaguar. It is expected to be built at the Magna Steyr factory in Austria with JLR having confirmed that it is shifting models out of its UK facilities to free up production capacity.

Courtesy : Autocar

Starting with the California T, Ferrari complete range will be available in India; bookings are currently underway.

Ferrari’s return to India is set to officially take place on August 26. The legendary sportscar maker will reveal the California T which, at Rs 3.3 crore (ex-showroom, Mumbai), will be the most affordable Ferrari an enthusiast can own.

The Ferrari California T is a GT convertible model, and the name is a throwback to the fabled Ferrari California models of the 1950s and 60s. It is powered by a 552bhp 3.9-litre bi-turbo V8 engine, and gets a feature called variable boost management, which delivers varying torque levels in different gears (increased torque at higher gears). The tech gives a sense of continuous rising acceleration as is typical of Ferraris, and eliminates turbo lag to a great extent.

Two new Ferrari dealerships – one in Mumbai and the other in Delhi – are currently being set up, while bookings are already open. In fact, reports suggest that the limited quota of the models for this year are already sold out, and the brand is now accepting bookings for 2016.

Alongside the California T, Ferrari will retail its entire line-up in India, barring the LaFerrari hypercar. Sitting at the top of the range is the F-12 Berlinetta, at Rs 4.72 crores. The prices for all the Ferrari models are just base asking rates, and the final amount is likely to vary depending on accessories and options chosen.

Ferrari's previous stint in India came to an end because of differences with the distributor, Shreyans Group.

Courtesy : Autocar.

The Iron 883, Forty-Eight, and Street 750 to get upgrades; Road King motorcycle to make a comeback.

 Harley-Davidson has announced updated versions of three of its Dark Custom motorcycles – the Iron 883, Forty-Eight, and Street 750. In addition, the American manufacturer’s new line-up will feature a broad range of performance and styling enhancements across the range. The company also announced the return of the Road King touring motorcycle.

Updates on the new Iron 883 include an all-new front suspension and an adjustable rear suspension, lighter mag wheels and improved seating. The Forty-Eight gets new mag wheels, a larger front end with 49mm forks, and a new adjustable rear suspension and seating. The new Street 750 model gets new front and rear braking systems.

Previously only seen on Harley-Davidson touring bikes, the High Output Twin Cam 103 engines will now be available on all Softail motorcycles – the Fat Boy, Heritage Softail Classic, and Breakout. The Heritage Softail Classic also receives refreshed styling for 2016.

All 2016 Sportster models are also set to get all-new front and rear suspension which pair emulsion coil-over shocks with new front cartridge forks, and new seats.

Speaking about the new line-up, Pallavi Singh, director (Marketing), Harley-Davidson India said, “This is another historic year for Harley-Davidson. We’re raising the bar on Dark Custom motorcycles with the new Iron 883, Forty-Eight and Street 750, the purest expression of the design. And we’re extending our lead in touring with the return of the Road King and redesign of the popular Heritage Softail Classic.”

Courtesy : Autocar

The Bespoke division's Rolls Royce Phantom Nautica gets a unique paint scheme on its exterior; draws inspiration from yachts.

After the limited-edition 'Inspired' series for the Rolls-Royce Wraith, to celebrate Rolls-Royce’s association with movies, haute-couture, and music, the Spirit of Ecstasy now has bestowed the Phantom with a new variant. Badged 'Nautica’, it has drawn inspiration from high-end yachts.  

The highlight of Rolls-Royce’s bespoke programme is how dramatically the character and feel of an automobile can be altered, just by adding in a few details and design elements. The Phantom Nautica features a two-tone paint scheme; Orchid White for the doors and fenders, and Arabian Blue on the bonnet, the panoramic roof, and the boot-lid. Besides the custom paint on the Nautica, the car features a double pinstripe below the shoulder line with anchor-shaped insignias on the front fenders, adding to the seafaring theme. The 10-spoke wheels come with Arabian Blue inserts as well.

Inside, the dashboard gets Tudor Oak veneer dashboard, along with white instrument dials, and Forest Fall white leather with Navy Blue piping to match the exteriors. Also tucked away in the drawer of the dashboard is a vintage style custom-made compass.

The bespoke Phantom’s underpinnings remain unchanged. It will be powered by Rolls-Royce’s 6.75-litre V12 engine rated at 453bhp and 73.4kgm of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Courtesy : Autocar.

UM will launch three different variants of the Renegade series of motorcycles, designed specifically for the Indian market and will price them below Rs 2 lakh

American two wheeler manufacturer UM Motorcycles has postponed plans of launching their bikes in India to February 2016.

UM was earlier slated to launch a new series of cruiser bikes in June 2015 and then later the launch was postponed to September 2015.

Three new bikes – the Renegade Commando, Renegade Classic and Renegade Sport – will be launched in February 2016, around the time the 2016 Auto Expo is held. All three bikes will share the same heart - a 300cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that is expected to make around 18PS of power.

UM’s three new bikes are expected to be priced below Rs 2 lakh and they will be officially unveiled in November 2015. All bikes will have features like dual disc brakes and ABS.

UM has already signed a 50:50 joint venture with Indian electric bike maker Lohia Auto. Manufacturing is believed to be underway at Lohia’s existing facility in Kashipur, Uttarakhand. Eventually, the manufacturing unit in India will serve as an export hub for UM to markets in South East Asia and Africa.