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Next-gen BMW M3 likely to retain manual gearbox

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In welcome news for enthusiasts, BMW has indicated that the next-gen ICE-powered M3 will continue to offer a manual gearbox. BMW M chief executive officer Frank van Meel stated in a recent interview that the performance division intends to keep the three-pedal option alive “as long as possible” despite tightening regulations and dwindling supplier support. Manuals offer a way better mechanical connection, says BMW M boss M2 manual sees particularly strong demand in the automatic-dominated US market BMW M3 Handschalter manual gear lever. Image used for representative purposes only. Speaking to Autocar UK, van Meel noted that manual transmissions remain an important part of BMW M’s identity because of the driver engagement they provide. “We want to have this mechanical connection, shifting by yourself. It’s an emotional thing; it’s not just an engineering thing, and it’s still there,” van Meel said. He pointed to the BMW M2 as proof that demand for manual gearboxes remains strong. In ...
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BMW Concept RR design patented in India

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BMW Motorrad has filed a design patent in India for what appears to be the Concept RR – the supersport concept the brand first unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este at Lake Como in May last year. Concept RR is based on the M 1000 RR and produces over 230hp Patent filing suggests the production version could eventually make its way to India BMW Concept RR design patent: What we know The Concept RR previews the future direction of BMW's RR superbike range When BMW Motorrad unveiled the Concept RR at Lake Como last year, it was explicit about its intent – the concept was presented as a preview of the design and engineering direction for the next generation of its high-performance RR superbike range. Built on the M 1000 RR platform, the Concept RR uses a liquid-cooled inline-four engine derived from BMW's WorldSBK race bike, producing over 230hp. The bodywork makes extensive use of carbon fibre and aluminium, with aerodynamic winglets integrated into the fairing...
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Hyundai Bayon-based SUV to offer petrol and CNG engine options

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Hyundai has been testing the upcoming Bayon-based SUV , and now, our sources indicate that the model will launch with a naturally aspirated petrol engine, with a CNG-powered version to arrive soon after. Unlike its mid-size sibling, the Bayon-based SUV will likely not offer a diesel engine or a hybrid powertrain, which will be offered with the next-gen Creta due next year.  Hyundai Bayon-based SUV powertrain details The Bayon-based SUV is likely to utilise the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with manual and CVT gearbox options from the current Creta. Soon after, Hyundai will follow up with a CNG kit paired with this engine. CNG-powered versions will arrive with an underbody-mounted tank, whilst retaining a spare wheel. This would make it the first Hyundai model over 4 metres to have CNG power. As of now, the carmaker offers CNG only on sub-4-metre models such as the Exter, Grand i10 Nios and Aura. Currently, only the Victoris offers a CNG version with an underbod...
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Vinfast patents Viper e-scooter and new electric motorcycle in India

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Vinfast has filed design patents in India for two electric two-wheelers – the Viper e-scooter and what appears to be an electric motorcycle based on the Sulad concept revealed earlier this year. The filings suggest Vinfast is expanding its India product plans beyond the three electric scooters it had previously indicated it would bring to the country. Vinfast Viper electric scooter design patented in India Sulad concept-based electric motorcycle also patented Vinfast had earlier indicated plans to launch e-scooters in India in 2026 VinFast Viper and new electric motorcycle details The electric motorcycle appears to be based on the VinFast Sulad concept revealed earlier this year We had previously reported that a sporty-looking scooter resembling the VinFast Viper had been patented in India in June, although at the time we noted a few visual differences, including a twin-pod headlight instead of the Viper's single-piece unit and more rounded body panels. This latest patent filing i...
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Renault Duster road test review

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The Renault Duster impressed us at the first drive event with its muscular design, modern interior and ride and handling balance. We’ve now subjected all versions of the new Duster to our in-depth performance and efficiency testing to tell you how it stacks up against its established competition in the midsize SUV segment.  Renault Duster Exterior Design and Engineering - 9/10 Butch, muscular SUV has good road presence; India model based on RGMP platform Renault Duster dimensions and specs Length 4,346mm Width 1,815mm Height 1,701mm (with roof rails) Front track 1,565mm Rear track 1,539mm Ground clearance 212mm Construction Monocoque, five-door crossover Weight 1,316kg (1.0TP MT) / 1,372kg (1.3TP MT) / 1,393kg (1.3TP DCT) Tyres 225/60 R17 (1.0TP), 225/55 R18 (1.3TP) Boot capacity (f/r) 518 litres Renault has absolutely nailed the design of the new Duster. While it retains clear visual links to its predecessor, the styling feels thoroughly modern. Up front, large LED headlamps are...
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6 things to know before buying the updated Royal Enfield Classic 350

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Royal Enfield has updated the Classic 350 for 2026. The changes aren't extensive, but they bring the retro roadster in line with most of the brand's 350cc lineup. Here's everything you need to know. 1) What's new on the 2026 Royal Enfield Classic 350? The biggest update is the addition of an assist and slipper clutch, which reduces clutch lever effort and smoothens downshifts. The Classic 350 also gets a USB Type-C charging port. However, these features are available only on the dual-channel ABS variants, while the entry-level Redditch Red variant continues unchanged. 2) Does the 2026 Classic 350 get any mechanical changes? No. The Classic 350 continues with the same 349cc, air/oil-cooled, single-cylinder J-series engine that develops 20.2hp and 27Nm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. There are no changes to the chassis, suspension or braking hardware either. 3) Which variants get the assist and slipper clutch? The assist and slipper clutch is offered on all dual-channe...
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Renault Duster 1.3L turbo MT vs DCT: Performance compared

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The Renault Duster was one of the first midsize SUVs in India, which was relaunched in 2026 after being absent from the Indian automotive space since 2022. With the new-generation model, Renault has equipped the Duster with not only a fresh design and more modern-day amenities, but also two turbo-petrol engine options. Among these, the larger 1.3-litre turbo-petrol mill is offered with both manual and DCT choices. But which one offers better real-world performance? Let us find out. Renault Duster 1.3L turbo MT vs DCT: Specifications and price The MT’s lower weight helps it with higher power- and torque-to-weight ratios Renault Duster 1.3L turbo-petrol MT vs DCT: Specifications and price   Duster 1.3TP MT Duster 1.3TP DCT Engine 4-cyl, turbo-petrol 4-cyl, turbo-petrol Displacement (cc) 1333 1333 Power (hp) 163 163 Torque (Nm) 280 280 Gearbox 6-speed MT 6-speed DCT Kerb weight 1372 1393 Power-to-weight* 118.80 117.01 Torque-to-weight^ 204.08 201 Price range (Rs, lakh) 12.99-17.19 1...
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Jeep Wrangler Rubicon long term review, 27000km report

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Cross-town excursions in Mumbai need some planning in the Wrangler Rubicon . Will there be parking when I get there? Will I be allowed to park it myself rather than give it to a valet who might find the size and width intimidating? And most importantly: will the on- and off-ramps be wide enough to access the parking levels easily? A quick phone call to NMACC, the Ambani cultural center in BKC Mumbai, confirms all of the above. “Some of our parking spaces and access ramps have been designed to house the largest and widest luxury cars,” comes the polite answer, “and, of course, you can park yourself.” With its wheels pushed out and big plastic fenders, it’s pretty wide and, at times, is a squeeze. The early morning trudge up along the coastal road brings its own set of challenges. While the wide, open vistas of the sea are an absolute treat, as is the road’s ability to shrink time and distance in the city, what you do have to contend with at highway speeds is the loud hum from the off-r...
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All you need to know about the Suzuki e-Access

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The Suzuki e-Access is the first electric two-wheeler from Suzuki Motorcycle India, built on an entirely new platform developed in-house rather than shared with the petrol Access 125. It brings Suzuki's reputation for reliability to a segment increasingly crowded with newer entrants. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about it. What is the price of the Suzuki e-Access? The Suzuki e-Access is available in a single variant priced at Rs 1.88 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). At this price, it is one of the more expensive electric scooters from a mainstream manufacturer in the country, sitting above the TVS iQube S and Bajaj Chetak C3501, and closer to the Ather Rizta S in pricing. What motor and battery does the Suzuki e-Access use? The Suzuki e-Access is powered by a hub-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 3.5kW of rated power and 6kW of peak power, with 90Nm of torque at the rear wheel. The battery is a 3kWh LFP (Lithium Ferrous Phosphate) pack ...
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Road tripping through Lancashire in a Bentley Bentayga: Finesse in the Fells

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We left London at quarter past two on a Monday afternoon, and for the next four hours, the Bentley Bentayga did what most cars can only pretend to do on the M40 and M6. It made the motorway disappear. Settle into the driver’s seat of this Speed variant, and the first thing you notice is how little there is to notice – and yet how much there is to appreciate. The cabin is hushed to the point of unease, wind and road noise simply refusing to show up, leaving you enveloped in a space that celebrates analogue tactile pleasure in an increasingly digital world. Front and centre on the dashboard sits a Breitling analogue clock, anchoring the cabin with old-world authority. Below it, the knurled metal organ stop levers for the air vents operate with a satisfying mechanical resistance that no touchscreen has ever replicated.  A cabin that celebrates tactile touch in an age that has forgotten it. Leather-stitched with the patience of people who still care. The audio system is by Naim – the ...
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