Tata Motors is breaking into the high-performance division scene, planning to compete with the likes of Hyundai's N Line through the debut of the new Altroz Racer. Developed to bring the competitive dynamics of a race car to mainstream consumers, this vehicle has already turned heads with a demonstration by Narain Karthikeyan, India’s first F1 driver, at the CoASTT High Performance Centre in Coimbatore.
Altroz Racer's mission is to allow users to "Race Past The Routine", targeting Indian car buyers in search of adrenaline-pumping performance. To fulfill this vision, Tata Motors joined forces with Narain Karthikeyan. His expertise played pivotal role in fine-tuning the car's dynamics and handling, especially for race track conditions.
The media drive event featured an in-depth session with the Altroz Racer at CoASTT High Performance Centre, where Karthikeyan showcased the car’s potential with expert demonstration. He showcased the playful, fun temperament of the car under skilled handling and highlighted its capabilities, outclassing the standard model.
Based on the robust foundation of Tata Altroz, the development team added innovative suspension technology to create the Altroz Racer. Focused on optimising damping, bump absorption and rebound, the outcome is a vehicle that provides remarkably precise handling, with body movement minimised even compared with popular FWD hatchbacks in India.
The Altroz Racer does not sacrifice everyday drivability in pursuit of high track performance. According to Karthikeyan, "The adaptation of the Altroz Racer to the race track is unbelievable”. Demonstrating its neutral handling, Karthikeyan cornered aggressively and even provoked the car, showing its versatility.
The interplay between the car and the track is effortless. The reconfigured steering system on the Altroz Racer requires minimal input to handle high-speed corners smoothly. The vehicle would likely exceed expectations with wider, stickier tyres that could fully tap into the potential of the Altroz Racer. Also, the re-tuned hydraulic clutch makes the car quick and perceptively responsive.
Karthikeyan pushed the Altroz Racer to around 140 km/h on the high-speed sections of CoASTT, a compelling performance mirrored by other drivers. This underlines the user-friendly nature of the Altroz Racer, and its ability to hold its line and maintain overall composed posture lap after lap.
When benchmarked against the formidable competitor, Hyundai i20 N Line, the Altroz Racer reportedly outperforms in terms of output and other metrics. It features an upgraded i-Turbo+ engine – a 1.2L 3-cyl turbo petrol powertrain capable of generating 120 PS of maximum power and 170 Nm of top torque, paired with a sole 6-speed manual gearbox. Sprinting from standstill to 100 km/h is claimed to take a mere 11.3 seconds.
Aesthetically, the Altroz Racer conveys sportiness with features like side skirts, racing stripes, an enlarged spoiler, and more, all accentuated by a throatier exhaust note. Through the Altroz Racer, Tata Motors aims to fuel the hot hatch culture in India, which could outperform the impact of the JTP twins.
With the goal of offering a hot hatch that is accessible yet potent, the Altroz Racer is priced affordably among its competitors. While reckless driving is not promoted, the appeal of a mass-market hot hatch is close to irresistible with the Altroz Racer, showing potential to bring new enthusiasts into this niche.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the 2025 CLA, introducing both electric and hybrid variants to its lineup. This move signifies a shift from developing separate electric models to integrating diverse powertrains within a single model range.
Electric Variant:
Porsche is working on an all-new SUV that will be available with both petrol and hybrid powertrains, expanding its portfolio beyond its existing electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) offerings. This upcoming model is expected to provide customers with a blend of performance, efficiency, and adaptability to evolving market trends.
New Model Strategy and Market Positioning
Engine Specifications:
New Turbocharged Engine: The foundation of this hybrid system is a newly developed 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, internally designated as the G20E. This engine is engineered to support both plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid configurations.
Compact Design: Featuring a shorter piston stroke and lightweight construction, the Toyota G20E engine is optimized for hybrid integration without significantly increasing the vehicle's weight.
Performance Expectations:
Power Output: In standard road versions, the G20E engine is anticipated to produce over 400 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. For motorsport applications, outputs exceeding 600 horsepower are projected.
Motorsport and Production Integration:
Versatile Application: The G20E engine is designed for both competitive motorsport and consumer vehicles, aligning with Toyota's strategy to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions across its performance lineup.
Prototype Testing: The engine has been showcased in the mid-engined GR Yaris M Concept, indicating ongoing development and testing efforts.
Future Outlook:
By integrating hybrid technology into its GR sports cars, Toyota aims to balance high performance with environmental responsibility, ensuring compliance with stringent emission standards in various markets.
As development progresses, more detailed specifications and launch timelines for these hybrid-powered GR models are expected to be announced.
Aston Martin is set to introduce its latest flagship grand tourer, the 2025 Vanquish, to the Indian market on March 22.
This new model succeeds the DBS Superleggera and positions itself as a direct competitor to the Ferrari 12Cilindri.
Performance and Powertrain:
At the heart of the Vanquish lies a formidable 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, delivering an impressive 835 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that channels power to the rear wheels, the Vanquish accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a swift 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 345 km/h.
Design and Features:
Exterior:
The 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish is anticipated to be priced above ₹6 crore (ex-showroom) in India, excluding optional features. This pricing positions it as a premium offering in the luxury sports car segment.
With its blend of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology, the Vanquish aims to set new benchmarks in the Indian automotive landscape.
Tesla is advancing its plans to enter the Indian market by submitting homologation applications for its Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles (EVs). This crucial step ensures that the vehicles comply with India's regulatory standards before their official launch.
Progress Towards Indian Market Entry:
The Indian government is considering reducing import duties on specific EVs from the previous range of 70%–110% to 15%. This reduction aims to encourage foreign manufacturers like Tesla to enter the Indian market. However, to benefit from these concessions, manufacturers are required to commit to domestic production by investing at least $500 million within three years.
Implications for the Indian EV Market:
Tesla's potential entry is poised to invigorate the Indian EV sector, offering consumers advanced electric mobility options. The Model 3 and Model Y are expected to appeal to a broad audience, aligning with India's push towards sustainable transportation solutions.
As Tesla progresses through the homologation and certification stages, further details regarding the official launch dates and vehicle specifications tailored for the Indian market are anticipated.
Design and Dimensions:
Despite the heavy camouflage, the Tata Sierra's distinctive boxy silhouette is reminiscent of the original model. When observed next to the Hyundai Creta, the Sierra's larger dimensions are evident, suggesting a more spacious interior and commanding road presence. The test vehicle was equipped with alloy wheels, indicating a focus on both style and functionality.
Powertrain Options:
The upcoming Tata Sierra is expected to offer both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) variants:
ICE Version: Anticipated to feature a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine delivering 168bhp and 280Nm of torque. Additionally, a 2.0-litre diesel engine, currently powering the Harrier and Safari models, may be available, producing 168bhp and 350Nm of torque.
EV Version: Set to utilize Tata's Gen2 EV platform with the acti.ev architecture, the Sierra EV is expected to debut later this year, aligning with Tata's commitment to sustainable mobility.
Market Positioning:
The Tata Sierra aims to blend nostalgic design elements with modern features, targeting consumers seeking a robust and versatile SUV experience. Its availability in both ICE and EV formats reflects Tata Motors' strategy to cater to a diverse customer base in the evolving automotive landscape.
As testing progresses, more details regarding the Tata Sierra's specifications, features, and launch timeline are anticipated, generating excitement among automotive enthusiasts and potential buyers alike.
Tata Motors has refreshed the Tiago NRG for 2025, introducing subtle design enhancements and updated features. The cross-hatch variant, known for its rugged aesthetics, is now priced between ₹7.2 lakh and ₹8.75 lakh, depending on the chosen powertrain.
Variants and Pricing:
The 2025 Tiago NRG is available exclusively in the top-spec XZ trim, offering four engine and transmission combinations:
Petrol Variants:
The 2025 iteration features subtle exterior modifications, including:
Inside, the Tiago NRG aligns with the standard Tiago XZ trim, boasting:
Land Rover is set to officially launch the Defender Octa in India on March 26, 2025. Initially unveiled in July 2024, the Octa represents the pinnacle of the Defender lineup, boasting significant mechanical enhancements to elevate its off-road prowess.
Pricing and Availability:
Last year, Land Rover announced a starting price of ₹2.65 crore for the Defender Octa; however, no units were delivered to customers at that time. With the forthcoming formal launch, it's anticipated that the pricing may see a slight increase
Off-Road Enhancements:
6D Dynamics Suspension System: The Octa introduces an advanced suspension setup that eliminates the traditional anti-roll bar by hydraulically linking the dampers. This innovation aims to virtually eradicate pitch and body roll during on-road driving while allowing greater wheel articulation in challenging terrains.
Enhanced Components: The vehicle features longer and more robust wishbones, increased underbody protection, a 28mm boost in ground clearance, and an improved wading depth by 100mm. Additionally, it offers a bespoke drive setting with an off-road launch mode and the quickest steering rack among all Defender models to date.
Improved Angles and Articulation: Redesigned front and rear bumpers enhance the Octa's approach angle by 2.5 degrees, departure angle by 2 degrees, and breakover angle by 1.1 degrees. Maximum wheel articulation has been increased to 569mm from the standard Defender 110's 430mm.
Exterior Design:
Available exclusively in the 110 body style, the Octa distinguishes itself with flared wheel arches, a more open front grille, and reduced perforations in the front skid plate. It boasts a ground clearance of 319mm and comes equipped with unique 22-inch alloy wheels fitted with all-season tires.
Interior Features:
Infotainment: The Octa is equipped with an 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, providing seamless access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings.
Comfort and Convenience: The cabin includes a center console refrigerator and performance seats designed for both comfort and support during dynamic driving.
The Defender Octa's upcoming launch underscores Land Rover's dedication to blending luxury with exceptional off-road capabilities, offering enthusiasts a vehicle that excels in both performance and refinement.
