The Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition has made a triumphant return, featuring notable improvements in handling and updates to its features. This special edition stands out with its captivating Ridge Green paint, completing its look with a flatter finish compared to its predecessor, thus diminishing the overly shiny appearance of the original model.
Introduced in 2020 for the American market, the Hakone Edition pays homage to the renowned Hakone Turnpike in Japan. Based on the redesigned GR86, which was recently unveiled for the Japanese market, this unique edition has been revived for the model year 2025. Sticking closely to the design strategy of the 2020 model, the Hakone Edition is built on the Toyota GR86 Premium grade and is finished in the striking Ridge Green color. This revival follows last year's Trueno edition, bringing with it a Performance package that includes enhanced dampers and brakes.
In terms of design, the Hakone Edition boasts a Ridge Green paint job, just like its 2020 counterpart. The flatter finish adds a matt-like feel, toning down the shininess of the original. The aesthetic is completed with a color-matched prominent ducktail spoiler at the rear, a distinctive Hakone badge, and 18-inch satin bronze wheels.
Inside the Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition, luxurious tan leather and Ultrasuede upholstery upgrade the sports seats. Additional interior improvements include a new shift knob and a GR special edition plaque. The Performance Pack enhances the car with modified Brembo brakes that feature the requisite red calipers and Sachs dampers.
As a special edition based on the Premium trim level of the GR86, the Hakone Edition comes standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, with a six-speed automatic gearbox also available as an option. The Performance Pack, which first appeared with last year's Trueno edition, includes larger-diameter rotor Brembo brakes and Sachs dampers for improved performance compared to the regular model.
The enhancements are not limited to the Hakone Edition alone. Toyota has also made significant updates to the entire GR86 lineup for the 2025 model year. The company has introduced new shock absorbers to improve handling, along with engine torque management for better throttle responsiveness and linearity. Throttle mapping has been refined to ease blipping for vehicles with manual gearboxes, and the electric power steering has been adjusted for greater responsiveness.
Powering the GR86 Hakone Edition is the same 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 225bhp and 249Nm of torque. This engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, and a Torsen limited-slip differential is standard across both models. Manual transmission models come with a Track option to enhance performance, while automatic versions get a new Sport mode for better shifting dynamics.
While the exact pricing details for the Hakone Edition and the rest of the 2025 GR86 models remain undisclosed, the Hakone Edition is confirmed to be limited to 860 units in the United States. We anticipate more information on pricing before these models go on sale in the fall.
Nissan's best-selling Magnite has received a facelift, retaining its starting price of Rs 5.99 lakh. The updated model boasts subtle design changes, new features, and the same powerful engine options.
The 2024 Nissan Magnite facelift offers a refreshed design, enhanced features, and powerful engine options, making it a compelling choice in the sub-4m SUV segment.
KTM has officially launched the 2024 200 Duke in India, priced at Rs 2.03 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This updated model demands a premium of Rs 4,000 over its predecessor.
The 2024 KTM 200 Duke Bike is priced at Rs 2.03 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), slightly higher than its predecessor (Rs 1.99 lakh). With its enhanced features, design, and functionality, this updated model promises a richer riding experience.
Kia India has officially unveiled its highly anticipated EV9, a three-row electric SUV, priced at ₹1.30 crore in the Indian market. Originally showcased as a concept at the Auto Expo 2023, this luxury vehicle boasts an impressive ARAI-certified range of 561 kilometers on a single charge.
The Kia EV9 exemplifies luxury and innovation in the electric vehicle sector, offering Indian consumers a high-end SUV option that combines performance, technology, and safety.
Jeep India has unveiled the Compass Anniversary Edition to commemorate eight years in the Indian market, priced at Rs 25.26 lakh (ex-showroom). This limited-edition model is designed for adventure-seekers and features exclusive accessories.
The Jeep Compass Anniversary Edition is a unique offering that combines adventure, design, and innovation. With its exclusive features and robust performance, this limited-edition model is perfect for Jeep enthusiasts in India.
Mahindra has launched the ZEO EV, a 4W electric pickup truck, priced at Rs 7.52 lakh (ex-showroom), marking its entry into the electric commercial vehicle segment. This innovative vehicle targets those seeking sustainable transport solutions, aligning with Mahindra's vision for a greener future.
Mahindra's recently launched Thar Roxx SUV has achieved an unprecedented milestone, garnering 176,218 bookings within a mere hour of availability. This overwhelming response has resulted in an extended waiting period for prospective owners.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx has created a buzz in the automotive world, shattering records with its impressive booking numbers. As the company prepares to deliver its highly anticipated SUV, Mahindra is poised for a milestone moment in meeting customer expectations.
Kia Motors India has launched the 2024 Kia Carnival, a premium offering in India's luxury automotive market, priced at Rs 63.9 lakh (ex-showroom). This fourth-generation model embodies a perfect blend of luxury, space, and advanced features, creating a new era in luxury mobility.
The 2024 Kia Carnival offers an unbeatable combination of luxury, comfort, and practicality at a competitive price point. With its unique positioning and lack of direct competition, it is poised to capture a significant share of India's luxury automotive market.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has reaffirmed its dedication to the Halewood factory, with investments now surpassing a significant £500 million. Initially, back in 2022, the company laid out its vision for transitioning the factory to support electric vehicle (EV) production, and since then, it has shown substantial progress. Over the past 12 months, the company has dedicated an impressive 'one million hours' to construction, resulting in a 32,000-square-foot extension to the historic facility, which originally began as a car factory for the Ford Anglia in 1963.
This half-billion-pound investment includes an initial outlay of £250 million, primarily aimed at modifying the production line to accommodate JLR’s forthcoming Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) platform. This platform will support a new generation of medium-sized electric luxury SUVs. Though these future models remain officially unnamed, there is widespread speculation that the next generation of Range Rover Velar will be the first to roll off the new production line in 2025.
However, plans for Halewood to transform into an exclusively electric vehicle manufacturing facility have been postponed. Last month, JLR announced it would extend its investment in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles longer than previously planned. As a result, Halewood is now set to produce ICE, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV) side by side, before eventually becoming the company's first all-electric production facility—though, notably, without a fixed timeline.
Looking ahead, JLR has earmarked an additional £250 million to fully realize its objectives for Halewood. Considerable advancements have already been made, including the installation of 750 autonomous robots, ADAS calibration rigs, and laser alignment technology to ensure perfect part fitment. In the pursuit of creating a 'factory of the future,' state-of-the-art cloud-based digital plant management systems have also been integrated.
These investments have expanded the length of the production line from 4km to 6km, accommodating new battery fitment processes. Additionally, seven-metre build stations have been installed to cater to the different proportions of EMA electric vehicles. Previously, the factory was mainly focused on the production of the current Land Rover Discovery Sport, highlighting the substantial scale of transformation JLR is undertaking.
Moreover, JLR has prioritized training, offering High Voltage Training to over 1,600 employees, and has constructed a new body shop capable of producing 500 vehicle bodies per day. The paint shop has also been modified to meet the higher demand for contrasting roofs.
Sustainability remains a core focus. Halewood plans to install 18,000 photovoltaic panels, projected to satisfy 10 percent of the facility’s energy needs. This move aligns with JLR’s broader goal of becoming a carbon net zero firm by 2039. Despite significant progress, the company acknowledges there is still much work ahead to meet this ambitious target but proudly asserts that they are moving in the right direction.
In summary, Jaguar Land Rover's continuous and exponential investments in Halewood underscore its commitment to transforming the factory into a state-of-the-art facility capable of producing a diverse range of vehicles. As it carefully balances ongoing ICE production with its ambitious EV goals, JLR is set to position Halewood at the forefront of automotive manufacturing innovation.
