From relevant facelifts to state-of-the-art limited runs, August has something in automobiles for everyone
This month, we witness the launch of and upgrades for a range of automobiles that has something in store for everyone. Here’s taking a closer look.
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Pininfarina PURA Vision concept
The Pura Vision is an impressive electric Luxury Utility Vehicle that boasts a stunning design. It blends classic elegance with intricate details, creating a look that exudes confidence. Notable features include its slim glass windows and three-opening doors that allow for easy entry to the luxurious interior. The vehicle's solid proportions and impressive design elements showcase an ideal combination of form and function, lending a glimpse of its autonomous driving features. According to Paolo Dellachà, CEO of Automobili Pininfarina, the "PURA Vision" is a crucial component that will lead the brand into a new and exciting chapter of its history, also defining the brand’s future strategies. Pininfarina aims to pay tribute to its heritage while introducing a modern design philosophy that will shape a collection of luxurious new cars. This balance between the past and the future is expected to promote more sustainable alternatives.
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Audi Q8 e-tron
The Audi Q8 e-tron SUV and Sportback are updated versions of the previously released e-tron SUVs. Along with cosmetic improvements, they now bear the name Q8. The exterior design boasts a newly reworked grille, lights, bumpers and tailgate, giving the SUV a sharper, sportier look. The top-of-the-line Audi electric SUVs also feature electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, heating, ventilation and massage controls. The centre console includes two touchscreen units, with a 10.1-inch infotainment system at the top and an 8.6-inch screen at the bottom for climate control. In addition, the Q8 e-tron range includes:
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A Bang & Olufsen sound system
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A panoramic sunroof
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A 360-degree camera
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Four-zone climate control
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TPMS
From ₹ 1.14 crore
Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail
The Droptail is a modern take on the classic roadster body style and is part of Rolls-Royce Coachbuild's latest offering. Only four of these cars will ever be produced, each resulting from the collaboration between Coachbuild artisans and visionary clients. The first model, the Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail, is inspired by the Black Baccara rose and is a limited-edition, open-topped roadster that draws inspiration from 1930s yachts. This car reimagines the traditional four-seat sedan as a two-seat roadster, along with a price tag of over US$30 million. Fun fact for all horologists: The first of four unique Rolls-Royce Droptail commissioned comes with a bespoke Audemars Piguet watch mounted to the dashboard using a clasp mechanism.
Aston Martin DB12 Volante convertible
In 1948, the model series was first introduced and became famous when Agent 007's iconic DB5 drove it. Now, 12 generations later, Aston Martin released the new DB12 Volante, a convertible. The DB12 is the latest version of Aston Martin's sports car, described as a Super Tourer. It replaces the DB11, which was built from 2016 until this year. The new design has a more elegant and classic look with both visceral and visual improvements. The car is powered by the high-output 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG, which is now the only choice as the Aston Martin-designed V12 has been removed from the range.
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New Toyota Vellfire
The latest version of Toyota's Vellfire MPV has been launched in India in two trim levels: ‘Hi’ and ‘VIP’. This fourth-generation luxury MPV maintains the impressive persona of its predecessors, offering a comfortable interior with a new 14-inch infotainment system and buttons to control various luxurious features in the second row. The Vellfire is equipped with up-and-down sunshades and powered by a 2.5L petrol hybrid engine that generates 190hp and 240Nm of peak torque. This car is a popular choice among celebrities. The top-spec Vellfire has an Executive Lounge package, two captain chairs in the second row, retractable tables, heating, ventilation and a new detachable control panel that allows passengers to adjust media and climate settings and sunshades.
From ₹1.20 crore
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Lamborghini Lanzador
During Monterey Car Week, Lamborghini revealed a concept car called the Lanzador, their fourth pure electric model set to release in 2028. This car gives an idea of what the brand’s electric future will look like. The Lanzador is not a supercar but a grand tourer with high ground clearance, similar to the Huracán Sterrato and Urus SUV. Although it still looks like a Lamborghini, it differs from their traditional line of cars. It is an ultra GT, according to Lamborghini CEO Stephen Winkelmann. As the Urus is their best-selling model, Lamborghini is betting on a smaller SUV coupe with two doors and four seats, each with its own touchscreen display.
The interior of the Lanzador is designed with sustainable materials made in Italy. It has a remarkable transport capacity both under the front and at the back, with foldable seats. The car will be powered by two electric engines producing approximately 1340 HP, powered by a new-generation battery with significant autonomy. The engines are placed on both decks, giving the car integral and permanent traction.
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