Aprilia’s Racing Legacy in Indian Market
The global roll-out of the Aprilia RS 457 aligns with the inaugural MotoGP race held in India, emphasizing the strong links between Aprilia’s rich racing pedigree and this outstanding two-wheeler's development. Aprilia's remarkable track record, with 297 Grand Prix World Championship victories under its belt, has been instrumental in shaping the brand's distinct identity and mechanical brilliance.
Michele Colaninno, the Chief Executive Officer of the Piaggio Group, pointed out the brand's recent expansion and revival efforts. He revealed, “The Aprilia brand has undergone a significant revitalization over recent years, spurred by continued advancements in the racing scene. The recent inception of the 660 family has broadened our target demographic and offered a complete and competitive range.” Furthermore, Colaninno expressed his optimism regarding RS 457's potential in domestic and international markets.
The RS 457 pays homages to its heritage, showcasing the classic design of the RS series, with an appealing dual front fairing, an underbelly silencer, and a chic 2-in-1 exhaust. The bike features a complete LED front headlamp that reflects the unique light signature of Aprilia’s larger super-sport motorcycles, while the dashboard flaunts a modern and sleek 5-inch TFT colour instrument cluster.
Introducing Aprilia RS 457: A Technological Masterpiece
Capitalizing on the success of the Aprilia RS 660, which holds the crown as the best-selling sports bike in Europe, the RS 457 delivers the same winning strategy that transformed the sports bike industry. With a light structure, easy handling, and advanced technological features, this latest bike is suitable for both streets and tracks.
The RS 457 showcases an advanced liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine with dual-overhead camshaft timing and four valves per cylinder. This robust engine has a significant output of 48 horsepower while reducing vibrations, delivering a unique and exciting riding experience. What sets the RS 457 apart from others is its impressive power-to-weight ratio with a dry weight of 159 kg (175 kg with fluids). This perfect balance between power and weight reflects Aprilia’s commitment to performance and rider satisfaction.
A Blend of Detailed Craftsmanship
Every detail of the RS 457 has been intricately designed by Aprilia, incorporating the latest technological advancements from the racing world into a bike fit for everyday use. Its aluminium chassis, influenced by decades of racing triumphs, provides incredible stiffness and agility. The suspension system comprises a ø41 mm fork with preload adjustability and a monoshock mounted on a steel swingarm and ensures sharp handling.
The braking mechanism is equally noteworthy, featuring a 320 mm front brake disc with a ByBre radial-mount 4-piston caliper and a 220 mm rear steel disc. A two-channel ABS system adds an extra dimension of safety. The RS 457 rides on 17-inch sports rims, fitted with 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tyres, which ensure impressive grip and manoeuvrability.
Superior Electronic Features
The New Aprilia RS 457 impresses with a sophisticated level of electronics expected from a superbike, including the Ride by Wire system with three riding modes. These modes adjust power delivery and traction control, allowing riders to customize their ride with three levels of traction control. Riders also have the option of deactivating it completely. An optional quickshifter raises the bar regarding this bike's performance.
The Aprilia RS 457 promises to cause a stir in the world of sports bikes, building on Aprilia's racing heritage and focus on performance. This technological marvel's arrival in India will allow local enthusiasts to experience this powerhouse both on the streets and the race track.
Royal Enfield is poised to make a significant entry into the electric motorcycle segment with the upcoming launch of the Flying Flea C6, scheduled for the fourth quarter of the 2025–26 fiscal year (January–March 2026). This marks the brand's first foray into electric two-wheelers, introducing a blend of classic design and modern technology.
Design and Heritage
The Flying Flea C6 draws inspiration from the original Royal Enfield Flying Flea used during World War II, known for its lightweight and agility. The modern iteration features a forged aluminum frame and a girder-style front fork, reminiscent of vintage motorcycles. A teardrop-shaped faux fuel tank houses a magnesium battery case with cooling fins, maintaining the retro aesthetic while accommodating modern electric components.
Performance and Technology
While specific performance figures are yet to be disclosed, the Flying Flea C6 is designed for urban commuting, with an expected range of approximately 100 km on a single charge. The motorcycle will feature a circular TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, providing access to navigation, diagnostics, and other functionalities. Advanced safety features such as traction control and cornering ABS are also anticipated, marking a first for Royal Enfield motorcycles
Development and Launch Timeline
Royal Enfield has invested significantly in the development of the Flying Flea C6, with a dedicated team of over 200 personnel working on the project and filing 45 patents to date. The motorcycle is currently undergoing testing, with the launch planned for early 2026.
Expected Pricing and Market Position
The Flying Flea C6 is expected to be priced around ₹2.5 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it as a premium electric motorcycle in the Indian market. With its unique blend of classic design and modern technology, the Flying Flea C6 aims to appeal to both traditional Royal Enfield enthusiasts and new riders seeking an eco-friendly urban commuting option.
Volkswagen has officially confirmed the development of an all-electric Golf GTI, marking a significant shift in the brand's performance lineup. Set to debut before the end of the decade, this electric hot hatch aims to uphold the GTI's legacy while embracing sustainable mobility
A New Era for the GTI
Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer announced that the upcoming electric Golf GTI will be a "monster car," emphasizing its performance credentials. The vehicle will be built on the Volkswagen Group's Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), a versatile architecture designed for future electric models across the brand's portfolio
Technical Highlights
Drivetrain: The electric Golf GTI will retain a front-wheel-drive configuration, staying true to its internal combustion engine (ICE) predecessors
Platform: Built on the SSP, the vehicle will benefit from advanced electric vehicle technology, offering improved efficiency and performance
Design: While the final design is still under development, digital modeling has provided a clear vision of the vehicle's dimensions and aesthetics .
Performance Expectations
Although specific performance figures have not been disclosed, the electric Golf GTI is expected to deliver power outputs surpassing the current 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol variant, which produces 265 hp. The electric motor's instant torque and precise control are anticipated to enhance acceleration and handling .
Driving Experience
To preserve the engaging driving experience characteristic of the GTI, Volkswagen plans to incorporate features such as simulated gear shifts and engine sounds. Additionally, a drift mode may be included to offer dynamic handling options .
???????? Implications for the Indian Market
In India, the Golf GTI has garnered attention, with the first batch of the current model reportedly fully booked ahead of its launch . The introduction of an electric GTI could further strengthen Volkswagen's presence in the Indian performance car segment
Conclusion
The forthcoming electric Volkswagen Golf GTI represents a fusion of tradition and innovation, aiming to deliver the performance enthusiasts expect while embracing the future of mobility. As development progresses, more details will emerge, offering a clearer picture of this exciting evolution in the GTI lineage.
Honda Cars India has recently increased the price of its hybrid sedan, the Honda City e:HEV, by ₹29,900. This adjustment brings the ex-showroom price of the sole available ZX variant to ₹20.85 lakh. Since its launch in May 2022 at ₹19.50 lakh, the City e:HEV has seen a total price hike of ₹1.35 lakh over the past two years .
Powertrain & Performance
The City e:HEV is powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 124.27 HP and 253 Nm of torque. This setup is mated to an e-CVT transmission, enhancing fuel efficiency and providing a smooth driving experience .
Features & Safety
The hybrid sedan comes equipped with Honda Sensing, an advanced driver-assistance system that includes:
Despite the price increase, the Honda City e:HEV remains a unique offering in its segment, being the only hybrid sedan available in this price range. It competes with models like the Hyundai Verna, Skoda Slavia, and Volkswagen Virtus, which are primarily available with petrol engines. The City e:HEV's hybrid technology offers superior fuel efficiency, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking both performance and economy
** Conclusion**
The Honda City e:HEV's recent price hike reflects the rising input and operational costs in the automotive industry. However, its advanced hybrid technology, comprehensive safety features, and premium offerings continue to make it a compelling choice for consumers looking for an efficient and feature-rich sedan in the Indian market.
The full-size SUV market in India is heating up! The Toyota Fortuner, which has ruled the segment for years, will soon face serious competition from two new rivals – the MG Majestor and the Volkswagen Tayron. Both SUVs are expected to launch in the coming months and promise modern features, powerful performance, and a fresh alternative for buyers.
What’s Coming?
1. MG Majestor
- The Tayron is a global SUV based on the same platform as the Tiguan.
The Toyota Fortuner has been the top choice for buyers looking for a rugged, reliable, and powerful SUV. But with MG and Volkswagen entering the scene:
Key Highlights of the Speed Triple 1200 RX
The RX could cost slightly more than the current Speed Triple RS (around ₹17.95 lakh). It will rival bikes like:
Mahindra & Mahindra has introduced the Bold Editions of its popular SUVs, the Bolero and Bolero Neo, in the Indian market. These special editions focus on aesthetic enhancements, offering a refreshed look while retaining the mechanical specifications of their respective top-end variants.
Exterior Enhancements
The Bold Editions feature distinctive dark chrome accents on various exterior elements, including:
Inside the cabin, both SUVs receive black upholstery, enhancing the premium feel. The Bolero Neo further benefits from:
Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
Neck pillows
Seat belt covers
These additions aim to elevate passenger comfort and the overall driving experience.
Unchanged Mechanical Specifications
The Bold Editions maintain the existing powertrains:
Toyota has introduced the 2025 Corolla Cross GR Sport, a performance-oriented iteration of its popular SUV, featuring both aesthetic and mechanical enhancements. This marks the first time the Corolla Cross receives the GR Sport treatment, aligning with Toyota's Gazoo Racing performance sub-brand.
Mechanical Enhancements
The GR Sport variant distinguishes itself with a lowered suspension setup, reducing the ride height by 10mm. This modification aims to enhance handling dynamics and provide a more engaging driving experience. Additionally, the Sport mode in the e-CVT gearbox has been recalibrated for more aggressive acceleration and deceleration responses.
Exterior and Interior Design
Externally, the Corolla Cross GR Sport boasts a more assertive appearance, featuring:
The GR Sport retains the existing hybrid powertrains of the standard Corolla Cross:
While the Corolla Cross GR Sport has been unveiled for international markets, Toyota has currently shelved plans to introduce the Corolla Cross in India. The model was previously under evaluation for the Indian market, with considerations for local production at Toyota's Karnataka facility. However, due to concerns regarding commercial viability and projected sales volumes, the launch has been deferred indefinitely.
Jaguar is poised to unveil its groundbreaking Type 00 electric vehicle (EV) concept in Mumbai on June 14, 2025. This marks the concept's first appearance in India, following its global debut in December 2024 and subsequent showcases in cities like Miami, Paris, Monaco, Munich, and Tokyo.
A New Era for Jaguar
The Type 00 concept signifies more than just a new model; it represents a complete reimagining of Jaguar's brand identity in the electric age. The "00" in its name symbolizes zero emissions and a fresh start, aligning with Jaguar's commitment to an all-electric future.
Built on the newly developed Jaguar Electric Architecture (JEA), the Type 00 is designed to deliver a WLTP-certified range of up to 770 kilometers. Additionally, it boasts rapid charging capabilities, offering approximately 321 kilometers of range with just a 15-minute charge.
Design and Performance Insights
While specific design details remain under wraps, the Type 00 concept is expected to showcase a radical and futuristic aesthetic, signaling Jaguar's new design direction. The production version, anticipated to debut in late 2025, is likely to be a four-door electric grand tourer (GT), featuring an elongated bonnet, rear-set cabin, and a sleek coupe-like roofline.
Prototypes of this upcoming model have been spotted undergoing testing in the UK, indicating Jaguar's commitment to bringing this vision to reality.
Global Rollout and India Launch
Jaguar plans a phased global rollout for its new electric GT, with initial launches in markets like the UK and the US by late 2025. India is slated to receive the model in the second phase, expected by late 2026 or early 2027.
Event Details
