BMW Group launches BMW i8 in India priced at Rs 2.29 crore

BMW Group India introduced the new sub-brand BMW i in India with the launch of the BMW i8, the most progressive sports car of its time, at an event in Mumbai.

The first plug-in hybrid vehicle from the sub-brand BMW i, the BMW i8 is available at BMW i dealerships in Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai as a CBU (Completely Built-Up) unit from today onwards.

Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India said, “The world we live in is changing and a changing world constantly demands new ideas. The global automotive industry is witnessing a paradigm shift from the conventional combustion engine to sustainable mobility solutions. And, so is India. This iconic change is inevitable. At BMW, we are constantly working to create cutting-edge mobility solutions for the future. We will spearhead this revolution with BMW i – a ground-breaking concept for sustainable mobility and a new understanding of what premium means – strongly defined by sustainability.”

The BMW i8 is purpose-designed as a plug-in hybrid sports car offering agile performance and outstanding efficiency.

The BMW i8 is available at an all India ex-showroom price of INR 2,29,00,000.

The BMW i8 is available in four variants : Ionic Silver with BMW i Blue accent, Protonic Blue with Frozen Grey metallic accent, Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect with BMW i Blue accent and Crystal White Pearl Effect with BMW i Blue accent.

Von Sahr, President, BMW Group India added, “The BMW i8 is no ordinary car – it is a new culture. It is an example of futuristic technology which is an evolution of BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy. Most of the futuristic technologies used in the BMW i8 are already implemented in current BMW models in some form or the other that enable enhanced performance and lower emissions. To put it simply, the BMW i8 is a remarkable vision that has become an exciting reality today. With growing urbanization and increasing environmental challenges, the BMW i8 is the perfect solution to the mobility needs of the Indian luxury consumer living in the upcoming megacities of the country. With the launch of the BMW i8 – the most progressive sports car of the twenty first century, the future is here.”

The BMW i8.

The BMW i8 features a completely new, sports car design that includes comprehensive, sophisticated aerodynamics features and environment friendly materials. The fluid lines and flat silhouette of the BMW i8 give a distinctive impression of powerful forward thrust that reveals its intriguing dynamics even when it is at a standstill. Everything about this car is designed for honed aerodynamics paired with the highest aesthetic standards. The extremely broad BMW kidney grille stretches over to the slim headlights, accentuating the width of the BMW i8 and its road-focused stance. Highlights such as the handle-free ‘scissor’ doors and strongly expressive LED headlights reveal at first glance a compelling vision of the future – today.

The interior of the BMW i8 takes its cue from the fluid, dynamic exterior with a reprise of the layered surfaces that underpin the unique design of this car. Every feature in the cockpit is systematically focused on the driver. The centre console is angled towards the driver at twelve degrees, putting all displays, instruments and controls in their direct line of sight.

The intelligent plug-in hybrid system in the BMW i8 combines the benefits of an electric motor and a petrol engine into an extraordinary driving experience: highest efficiency and maximum dynamics are simultaneously possible.

The electric drive, a powerful 96 kW (131 hp) lithium-ion battery, is located on the front axle. The rear axle is driven by BMW TwinPower Turbo 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with 170 kW (231 hp) of peak performance. The petrol engine combined with the electrical boost of the hybrid system guarantees typical BMW driving pleasure. Together, the two units deliver a total of 362 hp, accelerating the BMW i8 from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds using all four wheels in the process. Running on battery power, it achieves the top speed of 120 km/h with a maximum range of 35 kilometers. In conjunction with the combustion engine, the electric motor takes the e-powered supercar to up to 250 km/h, and depending on driving style the driving range can be up to 600 kilometers. Another impressive characteristic is record low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, at an average of 47.45 km/l and emission of 50.36 g/km.

The BMW i8 was conceived from the very beginning to meet the demands of a hybrid sports car. A distinctive feature conceived exclusively for BMW i is the LifeDrive vehicle architecture which significantly contributes towards weight optimisation. It includes the Life module comprising passenger cell made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and the Drive module comprising an aluminium frame for the combustion engine and electric motor, the battery pack and the suspension. With BMW eDrive, the new BMW drive technology, the battery can be charged from any mains socket with a BMW i Wallbox or while driving. A standard accessory, the BMW i Wallbox enables the high-voltage battery to be recharged in less than two-and-a-half hours using a conventional 220 V mains socket.

The four-wheel drive system in the BMW i8 can deploy the power reserves through all four wheels for added traction and control. It uses the high-torque output of the electric motor and the performance of the petrol engine, which arrives via the specially modified six-speed Steptronic transmission. At any time, in any gear, the transmission collaborates perfectly with the engine, enabling it to develop its full power and efficiency.

The Intelligent Energy Management and the driving modes have been tuned perfectly to offer the driver a choice of five different driving modes: the ‘D’ transmission setting in COMFORT and ECO PRO mode, the SPORT mode and the eDRIVE mode for all-electric driving (with a choice of COMFORT or ECO PRO). The vehicle always starts in COMFORT mode, with a balance between sporty and efficient driving styles. Move the gear lever to SPORT mode, and the car automatically becomes more dynamic while when driving in ECO PRO mode, the driving range increases thanks to a particularly efficient driving style that optimises the energy use of both power sources.

With BMW ConnectedDrive solutions, the BMW i8 boasts a high degree of connectivity. This includes the next generation of BMW iDrive (the on-board Driver Information System) with touch controller and handwriting recognition, BMW Navigation Professional (integrated Global Positioning System – GPS) with 8.8-inch colour display, 3D maps, full-colour BMW Head-Up Display; Connectivity through Bluetooth and USB devices and Harman Kardon Surround Sound system. Park Distance Control (PDC) rear and front along with rear view camera come as standard features.

Hyundai launches new Verna

Hyundai Motor India, on Wednesday, launched the updated version of its mid-size sedan Verna, priced between Rs.7.74 lakh and Rs.12.19 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

“Our aspiration is to reach 5 lakh sales mark in the domestic market. The updated Verna would definitely play a significant role in achieving this milestone,” Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) Senior Vice President, sales and marketing, Rakesh Srivastava said. Last year, Hyundai Motors had sold 4.11 lakh units in the domestic market.

He, however, did not give any timeline to achieve the target. “We are looking to achieve this target soon,” Mr. Srivastava said.

The new Verna that will compete with Honda City and Maruti Ciaz, will be available in both petrol and diesel options and have ten variants.

The company has so far sold 2.78 lakh units of Verna in the domestic market since its launch in 2006.After initial success, Verna began losing out to rivals in the mid-size sedan segment.

For the April 2014-January 2015 period this fiscal, Honda City sold 61,102 units, while Maruti Ciaz, which was launched in October last year, sold 23,490 units till January. On the other hand, Verna had sold 25,216 units during the period.

“The changes which we have brought in the new Verna will definitely help in making it a strong player in the mid-sized sedan segment. The company has a line up of products,” he said.

Suzuki launches the Hayabusa Z

Suzuki India has shipped in the Hayabusa Z, a limited-run variant of the legendary 'Busa that comes with Yoshimura R77 carbon-tipped slip-on exhausts.

The slip-ons don't do much (power figures stay the same at 194bhp and 155Nm) apart from making the big Suzuki sound a bit angrier. The Z will only be available in two paint schemes: blue and silver, and white and silver.

What the buyers of the Z will also get is a 1:48 scale model of the Yoshimura Hayabusa X1 and a racing calendar.

It's priced at Rs 16.20 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Honda launches Activa 3G, refreshes CB Shine, Dream Neo, Dream Yuga and Dio

This news piece starts with some good news, and some bad news. The good news is that Honda will be launching a grand total of seven completely new two-wheelers in India this year. The bad news is that none of those were launched at today's five product-strong unveil in Delhi.

What Honda gave India today were five of its eight model refreshes scheduled for 2015, starting with the Activa 3G. Nope, the newest iteration of the trusty Honda doesn't come with a mobile data connection. Since it is a third-generation model, Honda's marketing men have creatively titled it the 3G. But, for a generation change, there isn't much, actually. All that's new here is a slightly tweaked tail-light, redesigned side panels and a 3D Activa badge. The 110cc motor puts out exactly the same amount of power as it did before, and it'll still do 60kpl, according to Honda. It ain't broke, and so, Honda's clearly not trying to fix anything. Price goes up by a few hundred rupees to Rs 48,852 (ex-showroom, Delhi), and there are two new colours: blue and red.

Honda's going ballistic with stickers, and it has slapped new ones onto the Dream Neo, Dream Yuga, Dio (with new dual-tone paint schemes) and CB Shine (which can now also be had with the Combi Brake System).

That's that. If you're waiting for the CBR650F (like us), you'll have to wait a little longer. It may just be one of the seven new ones that are due in 2015.

The BMW i8 has arrived

We've just witnessed the launch of what is probably the most exciting hybrid car there has ever been: the BMW i8 is here, and you can buy one for a stratospheric ₹2.29 crore (ex-showroom, India). But then, the i8 looks other-worldly, too.

BMW says this is the most forward-looking of all sportscars, and you can't disagree. It's got the typical low and slinky sportscar stance, along with those handle-free scissor doors. But then, you've got layered surfaces inside out, full LED headlights, and if the front still conforms to BMW values, the rear end is completely mad. We quite like it.

This is a ground-breaking project - only BMW's second 'i' model, the i8 brings in stuff like a super-stiff passenger cell moulded entirely out of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), a material stronger than most others, aluminium-CFRP doors, a full aluminium chassis, a slim piece of glass separating the seating area from the boot, and optional CFRP wheels, all made from a majority of recycled materials. The result of all this new-age trickery is that even though the i8 is a hybrid, it only weighs 1,490kg and boasts of perfect 50:50 weight distribution. And, those numbers aside, the i8 can seat four at a pinch.

There's more new tech that has filtered through to the i8. BMW's new 1.5-litre, three-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol motor makes its debut, and it sends 228bhp and 320Nm of torque to the rear wheels through a six-speed auto 'box. Giving it company is an eDrive synchronous electric motor that churns out 128bhp and 250Nm of twist, which drives the front wheels through a two-stage transmission. Together, both these powerplants send drive to all four wheels, and provide the i8 with a total output of 356bhp and 570Nm of torque. BMW claims this will take the i8 from 0-100kph in 4.4 seconds, and on to a top speed of 250kph. No doubting its sportscar credentials, then.

Using the Driving Experience Control switch and eDrive button, the driver can choose from a total of five driving modes - electric only, in which case the i8 will do up to 35 kilometres on electric power alone with a top whack of 120kph, Comfort to balance efficiency and power, Sport mode, where the electric motor provides instant boost, and Eco Pro mode to maximise efficiency. Driven with sufficient caution, the i8 will offer a combined range of 600km. BMW also quotes a fuel efficiency figure of 47.45kpl for the i8 in Indian conditions.

As standard, you get satellite navigation, a full-colour head-up display, fully-digital instrument display, BMW iDrive with a freestanding Control Display, a Harman Kardon stereo with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, cruise control with braking function, and front and rear parking sensors with a reverse camera. BMW's also providing - as standard - the i Wallbox to let owners charge their car at home in just two and a half hours using a 220V mains socket.

Shipped in as a completely built unit, the i8 will be available in four colours: white, silver, blue and grey, and will be sold only through BMW i dealers in Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. Want one?

Meet the weirdest self-driving car yet

Mercedes-Benz's new self-driving S-Class and Audi's self-piloting RS7 are missing just one vital ingredient for ultimate RoboCar kudos: a giant, roof-mounted Frickin' Laser Scanner. Oh, and tiny, on-board robots.

Yes folks, it's another concept car from Switzerland's 'automotive powerhouse of ideas', Rinspeed, with a heavily modified, self-driving BMW i3.

Of course, it stopped being an i3 as soon as Rinspeed - makers of such wondrousness as this Microcmax, the Dock+Go, and the iChange - decided to mount its steering wheel upon a giant robotic arm that stays safely stowed away during automated driving, or extends out to the driver (or passenger) should the urge to steer arise.

Oh, but it gets much, much better. While stowed, the creepy arm-wheel-thing can function as a table, or indeed an 'attentive personal valet'. While driving, it uses steer-by-wire tech from Paravan.

To the i3's worthy base, Rinspeed's tech partners have added air suspension with adjustment up to 100mm, aforementioned LASER SCANNER on the roof, which monitors the road ahead, and adjusts the suspension accordingly, to avoid obstacles. And - our favourite bit - two electric 'mini vehicles' housed in the rear. The idea, of course, is that these tiny two-wheelers offer urban mobility when you near your destination. Robots inside robots!

There are electric doors. There's a central screen built by Harman, many other screens in the visors, a curved dash and space for two (don't forget your robot friends in the rear). Not only that, but tuning firm Mansory - ever a byword for subtlety and grace - has added some flourishes to the interior. Hence why it's orange. And silver. And purple.

It won't become real. Rinspeed's creations rarely do. But still, isn't the Budii just brilliant? If Jeremy's piece on the BMW i8 from last night's show gave us the future, here's what the future looks like after a few disco biscuits. We can't wait for the Geneva Motor Show now.

Volkswagen launches the updated Jetta

This is the new Jetta. Well, actually it's not... albeit a few, subtle updates that VW has given it.

Jumping straight into things that are new – the first thing that you'll notice is the new face, with a new bumper, new daytime-running lamps and new fog lamps, amongst other things. At the rear, there are new taillamps, reworked rear bumper and a redesigned boot lid.

A few things have changed even on the inside as well, like the 'twin-tube' instrument cluster and a new flat-bottom steering wheel.

The most important updates however, are to the safety equipment. Instead of the two airbags that the older Jetta offered, the new car offers six airbags - including side and curtain bags - as standard across all variants. Stability control system and ABS too are standard. We like the importance that VW has given to the safety of the passengers in the updated Jetta.

What has not changed though, are the mechanicals. It has an option of a petrol and a diesel engine – both turbo-charged. The petrol motor displaces 1.4 litre, whereas the diesel displaces 2.0 litre. The petrol is good for 122bhp and 200Nm, while the diesel churns out 140 horses and 320 newtons. The claimed fuel efficiency figure for the petrol and the diesel are 14.7kpl and 19.3kpl respectively.

A change in Volkswagen's corporate strategy was quite obvious, with the Jetta being the first VW model that's cheaper than its rival from Skoda. The Jetta now starts at ₹13.87 lakh for the 1.4 TSI and goes up to ₹19.77 lakh for the diesel DSG. All prices ex-showroom, Mumbai. But while the Skoda Octavia is based on the brilliant MQB platform, the Jetta continues to sit on the older platform, and is built as CKD in VW group's Aurangabad, Maharashtra plant.

The ex-Mumbai prices for the updated Volkswagen Jetta are...

1.4 TSI - ₹13.87-15.36 lakh

2.0 TDI - ₹15.01-18.76 lakh

2.0 TDI DSG - ₹19.77 lakh