Porsche Macan Turbo

As an instrument of driving joy, the Porsche Macan is a whole different kind of special. It’s no mean feat achieving the title of Best Driving SUV in the World, but that’s just what we dubbed it when we first drove it in India back in August 2014. It’s not so much a sporty SUV as it is a somewhat tall sportscar. Porsche has done this by taking the Audi Q5 as a base and then promptly re-engineering it to the point of no recognition. And all that...

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Range Rover Evoque facelift

Land Rover took the wraps off the facelifted Range Rover Evoque in February 2015 at the Geneva Motor Show, so you can imagine our disappointment in March 2015 when the ‘updated’ car launched in India wasn’t this one. That was a locally assembled version of the old car, with the new nine-speed automatic gearbox and a bit more standard equipment. Now, however, just eight months on, the ‘proper’ Evoque facelift has been launched. Trouble is, since...

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Mercedes GLE 450 AMG Coupe

   The transformation of the M-class into the GLE has spawned not just a facelift but a four-door coupé body style as well. Apart from taking up the same amount of road space as the regular GLE on which it is based, visually it is completely different and more like a CLA that’s been pumped up. In fact, all the sheet metal is different to get the right proportions and sitting on those massive 21-inch wheels, the GLE Coupe will...

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Volkswagen Beetle 2016

 One of the most recognisable shapes in the world. So deeply engrained in pop culture is the Volkswagen Beetle that anyone, young or old, could pick it out in traffic with merely a glance. And that’s despite the fact that this new version has done its bit to move away from the cutesy, rounded look of its predecessor and, of course, the original. The roof is flatter, the tailgate is more upright, the tail-lamps aren’t cute little blobs...

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New BMW 7-series

The new sixth-generation BMW 7-series is the latest in a long line of luxury cars from BMW. Often a pioneer as far as technology is concerned, the new 7 combines a strong focus on opulent luxury, plenty of new tech and an even stronger focus on driving manners The new 7-series will come to India in the long-wheelbase guise, powered by a six-cylinder diesel and a twin-turbo V8 petrol. The car has an evolutionary design that looks similar at first...

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Volvo XC90

The XC90 is Volvo’s new full-sized seven seater luxury SUV. An all-new version of what was once a bestseller for the brand globally, this new XC90 is also the first car off its new Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) and the first since the takeover by the Chinese company Geely. This new SPA platform uses a high content of hot-formed Boron steel which is stronger and lighter than other forms of steel. At 2,171kg, the SUV is lighter than its...

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Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe

While the S-class in the name does link it to the sedan we’re familiar with, the Coupe’s distinct design doesn’t. The Coupe sits lower, has a more rounded roofline and rightfully has a sportier air about it. You’ll also find a more aggressive front end here (replete with Swarovski crystal-encrusted headlamps!) and a unique, rounded tail. Of course, the AMG version gets sportier bumpers, the signature twin-blade grille and quad exhausts but even...

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Mercedes-Maybach S 600

This car was earlier going to be called the Maybach edition; and that, despite the double barrel Mercedes-Maybach name, is exactly what it is; an even more special version of the S-class. So, what exactly is an S600? Basically, a longer, taller and more spacious version of the long-wheelbase S-class. With an additional 207mm thrown into the wheelbase for good measure, this is simply the most luxurious version of the S-class yet (an even longer...

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Acura NSX

Acura's 1991 NSX put an end to the era when sexy supercars could be unreliable, ill-handling, ergonomic disasters. The all-aluminum mid-engine marvel delivered laser-sharp handling and high-revving acceleration suffused with Japanese quality, while advancing the state of the production-car art with firsts like four-channel ABS, titanium con-rods, and electric power  Since NSX production ended in 2005, the world has eagerly awaited...

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Chevrolet Corvette Z06

A few years ago, during the darkest hours of the GM bankruptcy, Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter found himself on a conference call with company execs and government overseers. A conversation on the bolts and screws of bailing out GM suddenly halted when one of the federales, a Corvette fan, wanted to know the plan for the C7. “At the time, there was no plan,” recalled Juechter as we stood trackside at Road Atlanta this past October....

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New Mahindra Scorpio

The Mahindra Scorpio has been around for more than a decade. As a result, it’s an SUV that is familiar to most. Over the years, there have been several significant updates - new engines, updated interiors and improved dynamic ability amongst them. This new Scorpio, however, is more new than just an update. Mahindra & Mahindra’s second-generation Scorpio, the new W105, is a car that is seriously improved – a genuine leap forward over...

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Lamborghini Huracan

Lamborghini's new Huracán that replaces the successful Gallardo, is a new-age, hi-tech approach to Lambo's four-wheel-drive V10 supercar formula. Immediately, it's much more attractive to look at in the flesh. That ground-hugging stance, the rakish nose and that slatted matte black engine cover make it look otherworldly. Getting into the impossibly low-slung Huracán is an event in itself. You step in with your left leg and lower yourself...

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