The last week of May witnessed some fascinating auto launches in the higher price segment by top carmakers such as BMW and Porsche, while Tata Motors teased its highly anticipated Altroz Racer with the latest video.
Besides them, Hero MotoCorp unveiled its Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 and Bounce Infinity introduced a new battery-swappable variant to its Infinity E1 scooter -- Bounce Infinity E1X.
Here's a look at some of the latest updates in the auto sector this week:
1. 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera 4 GTS Porsche India has started the bookings for the all-new 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera 4 GTS after their global premiere earlier this week. While the Porsche 911 Carrera is available at a starting price of ₹1.99 crore (ex-showroom), the company has set ₹2.75 crore (ex-showroom) for the new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS.
The 911 Carrera is powered by a 3.0-litre flat-six boxer engine, which has been paired with twin turbochargers and the capability of producing 392 bhp of peak power and 450 Nm of maximum torque. The vehicle can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in just 4.1 seconds, which can further be reduced to 3.9 seconds with the optional Sports Chrono package. The vehicle's top speed is 294 kmph.
The 911 Carrera 4 GTS, on the other side, features a hybrid powertrain. It is the first-ever road-legal 911 with an electrified mechanism. It is powered by a 3.6-litre flat-six engine paired with two electric motors.
2. BMW M3 and M3 Touring German carmaker BMW has introduced the updated versions of M3 and M3 Touring to global markets. The performance sedan and estate have received some minor cosmetic and tech updates, while there is also a slight power increase for the all-wheel drive M3 Competition.
In M3, the engine develops 473 bhp and 550 Nm. For the M3 Competition, it is even stronger at 503 bhp and 650 Nm. However, it remains to be seen whether the company will introduce the updated M3 versions in India or not, as the current generation has not been launched in the market.
3. Altroz Racer Tata Motors recently teased the exterior and exhaust note of its upcoming mid-range car Altroz Racer in a video ahead of the launch in June. It showcases the upcoming car’s dual-tone exterior, which boasts a bright orange colour and a black roof, accompanied by the racing stripes and ‘Racer’ badges.
Earlier, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024, the company informed that the Altroz Racer will be backed by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine from the Nexon, which can develop 120PS power and 170Nm torque. This puts Altroz Racer in direct competition with the Hyundai i20 N Line.
4. Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 India's leading bike maker Hero MotoCorp this week unveiled its all-new Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 in the market, with a price tag of ₹82,911. The latest edition comes in new two-tone paint schemes of Gloss Black, Matte Grey and Gloss Red. The vehicle has a 100cc single-cylinder engine that can have 7.09bhp and 8.05Nm. The is linked to a four-speed gearbox and is popular for its frugal performance.
5. Bounce Infinity E1X Bounce Infinity E1X, a popular Infinity E1 scooter from Bengaluru-based Bounce Infinity has received a new battery-swappable variant, which will be available across different cities from June 2024 onwards. The latest variant has been priced at an introductory range of ₹55,000-59,000 (ex-showroom), having an energy cost of ₹1 to ₹1.5 per km depending on utilisation and the swapping operator.
