VR Tech Times

Somewhere in the folds of the Western Ghats, where the Mumbai-Pune Expressway peels off from Lonavala into quieter country, a piece of land is being reshaped into what will, by this time next year, become Maharashtra’s first race track. Except to call it just a race track undersells the ambition entirely. What is rising here, on the grounds of the Nanoli Stud Farm, is a race resort, where cars are not just driven or raced, but lived with. The Dhunjibhoy family has owned this land for decades, ever since the Nanoli Stud and Agricultural Farm was set up in the early 1990s. Khushroo Dhunjibhoy has spent a lifetime around shipping and thoroughbreds, and it is that same instinct for breeding something exceptional that he and his son, Zahir, have turned toward motorsport. Aerial view of Nanoli before the tarmac is laid. This 3km circuit will be Maharashtra’s first and a haven for enthusiasts in western India. Their plan is not a bare circuit with a pit lane bolted on. It is villas, high-end...

Honda has been steadily expanding its premium motorcycle portfolio in India and recently unveiled multiple new models across different segments. The brand is expected to launch the XR300 L and XR300 Rally in the Indian market in November 2026, marking the brand's entry into the entry-level dual-sport and adventure motorcycle segment. Honda XR300 L and XR300 Rally are expected to launch in India in November 2026. XR300 L expected price: Rs 2.00 lakh and Rs 2.10 lakh (ex-showroom). XR300 Rally expected price: Rs 2.20 lakh to Rs 2.30 lakh (ex-showroom). Both bikes use the same 293.5cc engine. The Honda XR300 L is expected to be priced between Rs 2.00 lakh and Rs 2.10 lakh (ex-showroom), while the more adventure-focused XR300 Rally could carry an expected price tag of Rs 2.20 lakh to Rs 2.30 lakh (ex-showroom). While Honda has not officially confirmed the launch timeline or pricing, the two motorcycles are expected to cater to riders looking for capable yet accessible machines. The XR...

Renault Group India CEO Stephane Deblaise took charge of the company in September last year, and since then, the carmaker has been busy expanding and refreshing its India line-up. In this interview, Deblaise talks about the response to the new Renault Duster and the possibility of a more affordable automatic variant, the company's upcoming product plans, progress on the Bridger compact SUV concept, and how Renault plans to strengthen its position in the Indian market. On the response to the 1.0-litre Duster It’s still early, so we don’t know the exact response, but it’s a key part of our phased strategy, which was to first focus on the 160hp DCT that is the high-end version in the ICE car. And then we want to introduce the 100hp, the more ‘regular’ car, which is less expensive. That Rs 10.5 lakh price is very, very good for people who want to enter the B+ SUV segment, and it has very good fuel efficiency. Moreover, the Duster is a very good car, and people are loyal to good cars...

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/oI4BXEL

The Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV 3XO offer buyers two types of turbo-petrol engines. All turbo-petrol versions of the Nexon use multi-point fuel injection (MPFI), with lower trims being mated to an AMT (automated manual transmission) gearbox, while higher trims use a dual-clutch automatic (DCT) gearbox. Meanwhile, all turbo-petrol versions of the XUV 3XO feature a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission (AT), with gasoline direct injection (GDI) only reserved for the top-spec version. So, if you want the convenience of a proper automatic gearbox plus the performance associated with a turbo-petrol engine without sacrificing fuel economy, which of these two cars should you consider? Explore full specs, features and a price breakdown in our Nexon vs XUV 3XO comparison. Tata Nexon vs Mahindra XUV 3XO turbo-petrol automatic: Specifications While torque spread is comparable in both, the XUV 3XO has a distinct power advantage Tata Nexon vs Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic: Specifications...

The Hyundai i20 has long been one of the benchmarks in the premium hatchback segment. Along with a spacious cabin, comfortable ride and a feature-rich interior, it offers buyers a choice of manual and automatic transmissions, while those seeking more performance can opt for the sportier i20 N Line. However, its premium pricing (Rs 6 lakh to Rs 11.59 lakh) means it faces stiff competition from both premium hatchbacks and similarly priced compact SUVs. Here’s a look at the Hyundai i20’s biggest strengths and weaknesses. Pros 1. Spacious and comfortable cabin One of the i20’s biggest strengths is its cabin. It offers generous rear-seat space for a premium hatchback, with enough legroom and headroom to comfortably accommodate taller passengers. The front seats are supportive, the dashboard layout is intuitive, and the cabin feels airy thanks to its low-set dashboard. Practicality is another strong point, with a 311-litre boot that’s well suited to everyday use and weekend trips. 2. Well-...

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed a new set of regulations for two-wheeled road ambulances, outlining dedicated safety, equipment and periodic fitness standards under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Two-wheeled ambulances to get dedicated fitness inspection norms Fitness certificate renewal proposed every two years Full AIS:209 compliance for new vehicles from October 1, 2027 What the draft rules propose Under the draft amendments, two-wheeled road ambulances will undergo dedicated fitness inspections covering the structural integrity of the patient unit, tyres and wheels, emergency warning lights, stretcher mounting and locking mechanisms, patient restraint belts, stretcher loading systems and the presence of a valid fire extinguisher. The proposal also fixes the validity of renewed fitness certificates for these vehicles at two years. Compliance timeline MoRTH has proposed that top-mounted warning lights on two-wheeled ambulances comply with AI...