BMW Motorrad has showcased the R 1250 RT, a road-friendly touring variant of the R 1250 GS at this year’s Intermot in Cologne, Germany. The 1,170cc boxer engine has been upsized to 1,254cc, and the German marque has also implemented BMW ShiftCam Technology. This feature enables the variation of valve timings and valve stroke on the intake side. It results in more power across the rev range, improved consumption and better refinement as well. From 125PS, the peak power output has now increased to 136PS at 7750rpm, and peak torque is up from 125Nm to 143Nm at 6,250rpm. It works in tandem with a 6-speed transmission linked to a shaft drive. Coming to electronic nannies, there are two riding modes, Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and Hill start control - all offered as standard.

Complementing the analogue speedometer and tachometer is a large 5.7-inch TFT multifunction colour screen. An Intelligent Emergency Call option automatically sends out the bike’s location and information for determining the direction of travel to the BMW Call Centre in case of an accident. It needs mobile phone to be paired with the bike to work.

The motorcycle employs BMW Motorrad Telelever up front and an adjustable BMW Motorrad Paralever at the rear. The brand offers “Dynamic ESA”, a semi active electronic suspension which automatically adapts the damping to suit the speed and terrain.

The range of colours available are Alpine White, Carbon Black Metallic, Mars Red Metallic / Dark Slate Metallic Matt. In the UK market, the price of the motorcycle starts from GBP 14,415, and competes with Harley-Davidson Street Glide. In the Indian market, the R 1250 RT is expected to replace the already-existing R 1200 RT next year, and is likely to cost around Rs 50,000 more than its Rs 18.35 lakh (ex-showroom pan-India) price tag.

Courtesy:- ZigWheels

Peugeot has showcased its very own retro take on the future of mobility by introducing the e-Legend concept at the ongoing Paris Motor Show 2018. With autonomous tech at the heart of the design dynamics, the e-Legend seems like the right blend of futuristic tech and old school looks for an all-electric autonomous sports car.

At first sight, the e-Legend looks like a GT from the future brimming with nostalgia. With its uninhibited design, the concept’s styling re-interprets the popular 504 Coupé from the 70’s. As a result, what you get is a lightweight, athletic and chiselled shape that takes you right down the memory lane. Even the cab is arched towards the back with broad glazed surfaces, while the front and rear signature lights share the three, trademark claws. Peugeot has reinforced the nostalgia value of the concept by introducing it 50 years after the first 504 was sold.

The concept is powered by an all-electric powertrain, that can churn out a sizeable 340kW of power along with a hefty 800Nm of torque, taking the real-world performance close to Tesla territory. Its 100kWh battery pack is enough to last for upto 600km and Peugeot claims its fast charging tech can juice it up to 83 per cent in just 25 minutes. The top speed is capped at 220kmph and the e-Legend can clock the 0-100kmph sprint in under 4 seconds.

There are four driving modes available, including two autonomous and two manual modes on tap. Among the two autonomous modes, there’s a ‘soft’ mode for enhanced drive comfort with minimal connectivity and information display. The ‘sharp’ mode, on the other hand, is for maximum information exchange through the immersive 49-inch curved screen. Focal acoustics on board, along with the curved screen can reportedly provide a totally immersive experience for occupants in autonomous modes.

The two manual modes feature a ‘legend’ mode, with a dashboard reminiscent of the 504 Coupe’s triple dials for information display and a ‘boost’ mode for high-spirited performance.

The latest concept from Peugeot definitely provides us a glimpse into the future of the ever-changing mobility landscape. While not all the tech showcased in the concept would make it to production immediately, full marks to the French carmaker for the oomph the e-Legend oozes.

With its latest concept, Peugeot has also jumped on the autonomous bandwagon like its German peers such as Mercedes and BMW, which have also showcased their vision concepts earlier. And with these exciting new design philosophies, the future of mobility certainly seems bright.

Courtesy:- ZigWheels

Courtesy:- ZigWheels

Mercedes-Benz expanded its rather exhaustive portfolio in India by driving in the new E-class All-Terrain. The new car from Mercedes-Benz has been priced at Rs 75 lakh (ex-showroom, all India). The E-class All-Terrain is the first estate offering from the German automotive giant in India and further expands the E-class line-up. With this new addition, the new E-class portfolio in India now boasts three different body styles – the long-wheelbase sedan (standard model), the standard wheelbase sedan (AMG E 63) and the new estate.

This is the second model after the recently launched C-class facelift to feature Merc's new BS-VI-compliant four-cylinder diesel motor, with the E-class sedan scheduled to get it later this year.  The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine makes 194hp and 400Nm of torque. Transmission duties are handled by a 9-speed automatic transmission that transfers powers to all four wheels using Mercedes’ 4Matic system. Similar to the Mercedes-Benz S-class, the OM654 engine on the All-Terrain complies with the upcoming BS-VI emission norms despite running on the existing BS-IV fuel. There are five drive modes on offer including an ‘All-Terrain’ mode and an ‘Individual’ mode.

The new estate is based on the standard-wheelbase E-class; however it is about 116mm shorter in length (at 4,947mm) and has a 158mm shorter wheelbase (at 2,939mm). More importantly, the longer rear overhang has helped liberate 640 litres of boot space. And if you think that isn’t adequate, folding the rear seats expands boot space to 1,820 litres. Adding to the visual appeal are the 19-inch alloy wheels, while the plastic cladding on the lower section of the bodywork and bumpers visually differentiate it from the E-class sedan.

The interiors are similar to the standard E-class and include the Comand infotainment system, air suspension, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, three-zone climate control and an electrically operated tailgate. Although the estate doesn’t feature the seat-recline function and soft pillow headrests seen on the sedan.

The Mercedes-Benz E 220d All-Terrain competes against the Volvo V90 Cross Country, which carries a sticker price of Rs 65.31 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India).

SOURCE: Autocar India

The first set images and details of Volvo’s new V60 Cross Country have been released. The rugged estate benefits from new front and rear skid plates, chunky lower body cladding and a 75mm ride height increase compared to the standard V60.

However, the V60 Cross Country isn’t just a styling upgrade – a new specially developed chassis and suspension package aims to boost the model’s off-road capability. All-wheel drive is standard, alongside Hill Descent Control and a new off-road driving mode for the drivetrain.

For international markets, the V60 Cross Country’s sole engine choice will be the 190hp D4 Diesel engine mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, that helps achieve a claimed 0-100kph time of 8.2 seconds. Mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants are expected at a later date.

Like the regular V60, the Cross Country will get City Safety with Autobrake tech as standard, which can recognise pedestrians, cyclists and large animals. Run-off Road Mitigation and Oncoming Lane Mitigation will also be standard, while Cross-Traffic Alert is optional.

The Swedish brand is not expected to bring the V60 Cross Country to India any time soon, seeing as the standard V60 is not part of its India line-up either. However, Volvo India does have the V40 Cross Country and the V90 Cross Country on sale in India, which retail at Rs 32.83 lakh and Rs 65.31 lakh, respectively.

All prices, ex-showroom, India

SOURCE: Autocar India