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Porsche could axe the Taycan by 2030

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Porsche could axe the Taycan by 2030
2027 Porsche Taycan front quarter

Porsche could axe the Taycan by 2030, reported German business magazine WirtschaftsWoche. This comes just a couple of months following the global unveiling of the 2027 Taycan, and about five months after Porsche’s plan to merge the Taycan and Panamera nameplates.

  • Plummeting demand cited as a major reason
  • Production of the Taycan has been halted several times

Porsche Taycan faces an uncertain future

Demand for the brand’s first fully electric car has been weak in recent years

After hitting a peak of 40,960 units in 2023, the whole of 2025 saw worldwide sales of the Taycan dropping by over 60 percent (at 16,339 units). Similarly dismal numbers have led Porsche to halt production of the Taycan several times over the years, Autocar UK highlighted. A phased ramp-down aside, Porsche’s plans with the Taycan also included an immediate cessation of its production, as per WirtschaftsWoche’s report.

2027 Porsche Taycan with the Manthey kit
2027 Porsche Taycan with the Manthey kit shown for representational purposes only.

Even though the automaker is yet to officially sign on the paperwork, the German report claims that an understanding has been realised with Porsche’s Executive Board and General Works Council agreeing to proceed with a gradual discontinuation. In effect, this means that the Taycan is likely to be made at the automaker’s Stuttgart facility till its production comes to an end.

While the Taycan may bow out, Porsche is unlikely to give up on its aspirations for high-performance electric sedans. A successor is likely to join the Panamera line-up and likely be unified under a single nameplate, similar to what the brand has done before with the Macan and Cayenne line-up, Autocar UK explained. During his interview with the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Porsche CEO Dr. Michael Leiters, said, “In the short term, we are not planning to discontinue the Taycan. We have invested a lot in the model and want to observe how demand develops.”

Porsche’s production road map

The Leipzig facility handles production of Porsche’s combustion and fully electric models

Porsche Macan GTS Electric
Like the Macan Electric, the Taycan’s successor could be produced at Porsche’s Leipzig facility.

Porsche’s Leipzig facility is where models such as the Panamera and Macan Electric are currently produced. However, its capacity isn’t being utilised as optimally as the automaker had once expected, according to Autocar UK. Meanwhile, WirtschaftsWoche’s insider sources claimed that Porsche was intending to move the Taycan’s production from the existing Stuttgart facility to the brand’s more accommodating establishment in Leipzig, whose production line can handle petrol, plug-in hybrid and fully electric models.

If Porsche wishes to consolidate and lower costs by benefiting from economies of scale, it could move the production of the expected Taycan successor to this facility. The German luxury marque has already written off EUR 1.8 billion owing to delays of this upcoming model’s platform development, according to Autocar UK.

Also read

Aston Martin Valen debuts as brand’s most powerful front-engined car

We see a drop in India due to PHEV import duty uncertainty: Lamborghini CEO

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Bajaj, TVS drive 33 percent rise in India’s motorcycle exports

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Bajaj, TVS drive 33 percent rise in India’s motorcycle exports
Bajaj, TVS drive 33 percent rise in India’s motorcycle exports

India exported 1.81 million motorcycles between April and July 2026, up 33 percent from the same period last year, according to SIAM data. Motorcycles accounted for 86 percent of India’s 2.10 million two-wheeler exports during this period.

  1. 1.81 million motorcycles exported between April and July
  2. Bajaj and TVS account for 76 percent of exports
  3. TVS exported over 85,898 more 125cc motorcycles than Bajaj

Bajaj, TVS lead India’s motorcycle exports

Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Company together accounted for 1.38 million motorcycle exports, or 76 percent of the total. Much of the demand is concentrated in the 100-125cc segments, which accounted for 1.22 million units, or 68 percent of all motorcycle exports.

Bajaj Auto exported 8,54,991 motorcycles between April and July, up 48 percent year on year. Its 100-110cc exports nearly doubled to 378,941 units, while 110-125cc exports rose 36 percent to 229,677 units.

Africa has been a major growth driver for Bajaj, with the company reporting that its African retail volumes doubled in Q1 FY2027. The Boxer 125 Heavy Duty has been one of the key models behind this growth, particularly in Nigeria. Bajaj has also seen strong demand in Latin America, with Brazil retail volumes rising 50 percent in Q1.

TVS exports rise 31 percent

TVS Motor exported 529,041 motorcycles in the first four months of FY2027, up 31 percent. This was 35,509 units more than its domestic motorcycle sales during the same period.

Its 100-110cc exports, comprising models such as the Sport and Star City, rose 54 percent to 156,308 units. The 125cc category grew 27 percent to 315,575 units, with the Star City 125, sold as the HLX 125 in overseas markets, being a major contributor. TVS exported 85,898 more 125cc motorcycles than Bajaj during the period.

India’s motorcycle exports could cross 5 million

India exported a record 4.47 million motorcycles in FY2026. The 1.81 million units shipped in the first four months of FY2027 already represent 40.5 percent of that figure.

At the current monthly run rate of around 4.53 lakh motorcycles, India could export approximately 5.44 million motorcycles in FY2027, taking annual exports beyond the 5-million mark for the first time.

 

 

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Is Hero bringing the Impulse back?

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Is Hero bringing the Impulse back?
New Hero dual-sport motorcycle

Hero MotoCorp has filed a design patent for a new dual-sport motorcycle, with some details indicating that the model could enter a segment the brand last played in with the Impulse.

  1. Air-cooled engine with kickstarter visible in the patent drawings
  2. Carburettor suggests it could also be for export markets
  3. Disc brakes at both ends with what looks like long-travel suspension

New Hero dual-sport motorcycle: What the patent reveals

Design cues drawn from existing Hero models across different segments

The new motorcycle in the patent filing has an air-cooled engine with no oil-cooler, suggesting that it will likely be a smaller-capacity powerplant displacing somewhere in the 150-200cc range, well below the liquid-cooled Xpulse 421 that’s currently under development. The images also reveal that the engine will feature a kickstarter, but it’s safe to assume that an electric starter will also be present. If this is indeed a small-capacity engine as we suspect, the Impulse moniker could even be in contention for a revival. 

While this means the new model could sit close to the existing XPulse 200 4V and XPulse 210, the overall profile appears slimmer, and the potentially smaller engine could also make it lighter and easier to handle.

The overall silhouette and tank shrouds also bear a closer resemblance to the old Impulse than to the current XPulse range. Lighting elements seem to be drawn from existing Hero models – the tail lamp resembles the unit on the Xtreme 125R and XPulse 210, while the headlight is similar to the Xtreme 160R and now-discontinued Passion Pro 110 XTEC unit. Other visible elements include a raised front mudguard and a high-mounted exhaust, a telescopic fork and monoshock suspension setup, and disc brakes at both ends.

However, there is one aspect that is a little puzzling. In the images, we can see what looks like a fuel tap on the left side of the engine and a choke knob on the left handlebar – both indicating a carburetted setup. It’s highly unlikely that it would comply with our country’s emission norms, so the bike in this specific form could be intended for export markets where carburetted engines are still permitted.

That said, other details suggest a different version of the bike seen here could make it to India. Regulatory requirements like the front number plate and a saree guard are both visible, suggesting Hero could also be designing the bike with the local market in mind.

There’s little other information right now, but we’ll update this story as we learn more. A patent filing also doesn’t necessarily mean that the bike will go on sale in the near future. In terms of confirmed upcoming products from the brand, we can expect the production-ready Xpulse 421 to make its official debut at EICMA 2026.

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Mahindra scores double podium at Formula E London E-Prix

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Mahindra scores double podium at Formula E London E-Prix
Mahindra Formula E London E Prix

Mahindra wrapped up the 2025-26 Formula E season on a high note, securing a double podium finish at the London E-Prix finale with Nyck de Vries P2 and Edoardo Mortara P3. This helped the Indian team clinch third place in the teams’ championship, matching its strongest Formula E result.

Pascal Wehrlein, meanwhile, secured his second Formula E title despite not scoring any points in the finale.

  1. Mahindra P3 in teams’ championship 
  2. Barnard wins London E-Prix finale, ahead of de Vries and Mortara
  3. Wehrlein defeats Dennis and Evans to win the drivers’ championship

Wehrlein seals Formula E title

Barnard becomes youngest Formula E race winner

Pascal Wehrlein Formula E

Heading into the London E-Prix double-header, Wehrlein stood third overall behind Andretti’s Jake Dennis and Jaguar’s Mitch Evans. Victory in Race 1 handed him the overall lead, though, five points ahead of Dennis. 

Wehrlein remained in the top five for the majority of the finale race, but both Dennis and Evans made impressive recoveries to keep the title battle alive in the closing laps. Evans used his Attack Mode to pass Antonio Felix da Costa and Wehrlein, moving up to fourth place. Da Costa then squeezed Wehrlein on Lap 27, dropping the latter down to P12. 

Dennis, meanwhile, battled his way through the field after starting P16 on the grid. Towards the end of the race, Dennis and Wehrlein were running P9 and P10, respectively. The pair ran side-by-side on Lap 32, but Wehrlein tagged the back of Joel Eriksson, who spun and collected both Wehrlein and Dennis. The incident forced Eriksson to retire, while Dennis had to pit for a tyre change and finished down in P18. 

Wehrlein was handed a three-place grid penalty for the incident, which he will serve at the Jeddah E-Prix at the start of next season. He nursed his car to P14 but was still able to clinch his second Formula E title, defeating Dennis by five points. “Today was intense. A lot of games being played, far beyond the line, but it is what it is,” Wehrlein said after the race. 

“[We] still kept our head cool and brought it home. So, yeah, a special thanks to my team, to everyone involved in that project. We are the most successful manufacturer in this Gen3 era, and I couldn’t be happier and more proud of the team.”

Evans lost out on the title, but his P4 result helped Jaguar win the teams’ championship, 17 points ahead of Porsche.

Mahindra third in teams’ championship

Mahindra Formula E

Mahindra Racing locked out the front row for the finale, with de Vries taking pole position ahead of Mortara. Both drivers made a clean getaway at the start and held their positions. The pair remained in control at the front for most of the race, swapping positions among themselves through the various Attack Mode activations. 

But with just two laps to go, Taylor Barnard’s late Attack Mode activation saw him muscle past both Mortara and de Vries to take a surprise win. The DS Penske driver becomes the youngest-ever Formula E race winner at 22 years and 76 days old.

De Vries and Mortara had to settle for P2 and P3, but a strong 42-point haul from London was enough for Mahindra to finish third in the teams’ championship, defeating the likes of Andretti, Citroen and Nissan. 

Over the course of the season, the Indian team scored a total of 252 points, two wins, five further podiums and five pole positions. “To finish the season with our first front-row lockout, both cars on the podium and third in the Teams’ World Championship says a great deal about the level this team has reached,” said Mahindra Racing team principal and CEO Frederic Bertrand. 

“Last season, we finished fourth with 186 points. This season, we finished third with 252, alongside two wins, five pole positions and seven podiums. The numbers show the progress, but they come from the standards, ownership and consistency across the whole organisation, from the team at the circuit to everyone in Banbury, our colleagues in India and our partners. Mahindra took the first pole of the Gen3 era and the last. We can be proud of the way we have closed this chapter, and now our responsibility is to carry this level of work into Gen4.”

2026 Formula E London E Prix Round 17 results

Pos

Driver

Team

1

Taylor Barnard

DS Penske

2

Nyck de Vries

Mahindra Racing

3

Edoardo Mortara

Mahindra Racing

4

Mitch Evans

Jaguar Racing

5

Sebastien Buemi

Envision Racing

6

Nick Cassidy

Citroen Racing

7

Jean-Eric Vergne

Citroen Racing

8

Josep Maria Marti

Cupra Kiro

9

Oliver Rowland

Nissan

10

Norman Nato

Nissan

11

Max Guenther

DS Penske

12

Nico Mueller

Porsche

13

Felipe Drugovich

Andretti

14

Pascal Wehrlein

Porsche

15

Antonio Felix da Costa

Jaguar

16

Dan Ticktum

Cupra Kiro

17

Zane Maloney

Lola Yamaha ABT

18

Jake Dennis

Andretti

NC

Joel Eriksson

Envision Racing

NC

Lucas di Grassi

Lola Yamaha ABT

 

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Jeep Compass 85th Anniversary Edition launched at Rs 26.70 lakh

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Jeep Compass 85th Anniversary Edition launched at Rs 26.70 lakh
Jeep Compass 85th Anniversary Edition front quarter static

Jeep has launched the Compass 85th Anniversary Edition in India to commemorate 85 years of the brand globally. It is based on the higher-spec Model S (O) trim with identical prices starting at Rs 26.70 lakh (ex-showroom). It has a limited production run of only 85 units. Compared to the standard Compass, it offers some exterior decals, black alloy wheels, an all-black cabin with gold-coloured accents and a few additional features. 

  1. Equipped with a 2.0L diesel engine with MT, AT options
  2. Offered with both RWD and 4WD setups

Jeep Compass 85th Anniversary Edition: What’s new?

Gets new decals and gloss-black alloy wheels

On the outside, the only changes are the new ‘85’ decals on the doors, tailgate and wheel hub caps, and gloss-black 18-inch black alloy wheels. Everything else is the same, including the LED headlights with eyebrow-shaped LED DRLs, a black grille with 7 slats, LED fog lamps, alloy wheel design, LED taillights and LED rear fog lamps. 

Sports an all-black cabin with gold accents, and offers some new features

Jeep Compass 85th Anniversary Edition dashbaord
Jeep Compass 85th Anniversary Edition seats
 

Inside, the Jeep Compass 85th Anniversary Edition is offered with an all-black cabin that looks sporty, with Mayan Gold accents for contrast. The seats also get black leatherette upholstery with the same gold-coloured stitching. This golden hue is also extended to the ambient lighting and illumination on the panoramic sunroof’s sides.

Jeep Compass 85th Anniversary Edition illuminated panoramic sunroof elements
Jeep Compass 85th Anniversary Edition seats
 

The Compass 85th Anniversary Edition is also available with an 85th Anniversary AXS accessory pack that equips it with additions like illuminated elements on the panoramic sunroof, a digital inside rearview mirror (IRVM), and front and rear dashcams. Other features are the same as the standard Compass, including powered and ventilated front seats, memory function on the driver’s seat, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 9-speaker Alpine sound system, dual-zone climate control and a wireless phone charger.

Gets the same powertrains as the standard Compass Model S (O) 

The Compass 85th Anniversary Edition is powered by the same 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 170hp and 350Nm. It is offered with a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic transmission, the latter of which is also available with a four-wheel-drive (4WD) option.

Notably, the Jeep Compass 85th Anniversary Edition shares its entire price range with the Model S (O) trim, but Jeep has yet to announce the price of the 85th Anniversary AXS accessory pack. Bookings are open at pan-India Jeep dealerships and the Jeep India website. 

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E3 Electric opens its first store in Bengaluru

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E3 Electric opens its first store in Bengaluru
E3 Electric opens its first store in Bengaluru

E3 Electric.AI – the newest entrant in India’s growing electric 2-wheeler market has opened its doors to customers at its first flagship experience centre in Koramangala, Bengaluru, spanning over 2,500 square feet offering sales, service and spares backup under one roof. Along with this, the brand has also highlighted its expansion across the country. 

  1. The flagship store spans over 2,500sq. ft.
  2. E3 Electric.AI currently has three models on offer
  3. 6 more stores in Bengaluru and 100 more stores planned across India in the current financial year.

E3 Electric.AI to open 6 more stores in Bengaluru

This startup currently has three models on sales – C1, C1X, C2

While this flagship store is situated in Koramangala, Bengaluru, E3 says that there are six more stores opening in Bengaluru in the coming months, although a clear timeline hasn’t been provided. In addition to that, the brand also plans to expand in Mysuru as part of its Karnataka expansion.

In terms of its pan-India expansion, the brand aims to open about 100 stores in 90 markets during the current financial year. With a similar ethos as the first store – customer-first and experience-led.

As for the products on offer, this Bengaluru based startup has 3 models on offer – C1, C1x and C2. The entry-level Trion C1 uses a removable 2.3kWh LFP battery, while the C1x and C2 get larger, fixed 3kWh LFP units. 

The Trion rides on 14-inch wheels, which are larger than those on most electric scooters currently on sale in India.

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All you need to know about the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler

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All you need to know about the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler
Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler front quarter static

The Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler will join the pickup truck segment upon its launch sometime before April 2027. Based on the Scorpio N SUV’s ladder-frame platform, Mahindra’s new pickup truck will simply carry the ‘Lifestyler’ moniker in markets abroad. While the automaker is yet fully disclose most of this car’s details, it has confirmed a starting price of under Rs 19.79 lakh (ex-showroom). So, if you’re awaiting the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler, here are some important points to keep in mind.

1. Does the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler’s design reflect its name?

There’s enough visual drama here to draw in buyers wanting a lifestyle pickup truck

Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler front

An upright and boxy silhouette, a squared-off front fascia, rugged-looking body cladding, deep wheel wells and of course, a sizeable bed – the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler has all basic ‘pickup truck’ design aspects covered. Backing its ‘lifestyler’ suffix visually are three avatars as shown during the model’s reveal. There’s the Valley Edition that’s finished in Artemis Grey, Reef Edition with an Aquareef colour, and a Trail Edition that sports the so-called Sahara Beige colour scheme. Each of these get their own unique exterior decals and badging.

While there are some visual cues that this is the Scorpio N’s platform sibling (such as the ‘Scorpio’ badging at the top of the front grille), the Lifestyler pickup has several design cues that are unique to it. One of these is the prominent Double Cab body and a short bed at the back, which appears to be shorter than the one found on the Hilux. The headlamps are sleeker and more intricately styled units with a different LED DRL pattern. Depending on the avatar chosen, the chunky front bumper of the Scorpio Lifestyler can be had with an integrated bullbar, whilst vertically aligned fog lamps are available too.

Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler rear quarter

The top portion of the boxy-looking grille is finished in black and gets orange reflector elements, which match the orange tow hooks placed either side of a bash plate. The lower portion of the grille features large squares arranged in a mesh pattern. This design is mirrored on the rear bumper, which also features static reflectors on the sides and an integrated footstep that’s lit for better visibility in the dark. There are large C-shaped DRLs, LED tail-lamps, plus ‘Mahindra’ and ‘Lifestyler’ branding on the tailgate. The Scorpio Lifestyler also gets roof rails and side steps, and a kinked rear windowline.

2. How is the interior of the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler?

The interior of this pickup truck combines modern with rugged quite well

The squircle steering of the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler looks busy with its assortment of physical buttons and scroll wheels. Placed behind this on the dashboard is a fully digital instrument cluster with a multi-information section in the centre. In the middle of the dash is a large portrait-oriented touchscreen, flanked by vertically arranged central air-con vents. Placed below this screen are some physical switchgear, with the centre pedestal home to a few more important controls and cupholders.

Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler Reef Edition interior

The upright design of the dashboard with its flat top, along with the large door handles and pillar-integrated grab handles, add to the rugged appeal of this interior. The Reef Edition gets a blue & black dual-tone interior with white stitching, while the Valley Edition features a brown & black theme with brown and white stitching. As for the Trail Edition, its cabin sports contrasting yellow stitching. The interior of the Scorpio Lifestyler also includes leatherette and satin silver trim, plus some chrome detailing.

3. What are some of the features of the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler?

The Scorpio Lifestyler is to be well-equipped with several modern conveniences and safety gear

Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler Valley Edition interior

Some of the kit that the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler is expected to offer include dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, powered front seats, a powered sunroof, push-button start, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, drive/terrain modes, a premium audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. On the safety front, there will be multiple airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, surround-view cameras and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.

4. What engine and gearbox options will the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler offer?

The Scorpio Lifestyler is expected to offer buyers both petrol and diesel powertrains

Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler front quarter static

Powering the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler are likely to be a choice of two engine options: a mHawk 2.2-litre diesel and an mStallion 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine, which are the same units found under the bonnet of the Scorpio N SUV. The exact output of these powerplants will be revealed closer to the launch of this pickup. Meanwhile, transmission choices could include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque-converter automatic. With a starting price of under Rs 19.79 lakh (ex-showroom), the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler will find itself positioned closer to the Isuzu D-Max rather the more expensive Toyota Hilux.

Also read

What to expect from Skoda Slavia facelift ahead of launch tomorrow?

Which variant of the Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq should you buy?

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Aston Martin Valen revealed at the Monterey Car Week

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Aston Martin Valen revealed at the Monterey Car Week
Aston Martin Valen front quarter static

Aston Martin has revealed the Valen as its most powerful front-engined production car at the 2026 Monterey Car Week. An 850hp, 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine, derived from the Vanquish, powers this GT car. Only 150 units of the Valen are being built by the manufacturer’s ‘Q’ personalisation department, with deliveries commencing in the second quarter of 2027.

  1. Claimed 0-100kph time is 3.1 seconds and top speed is 345kph
  2. Uses carbon fibre, aluminium, titanium, and magnesium elements in plenty
  3. Weighs 110kg less than the Aston Martin Vanquish

Aston Martin Valen powertrain details

Produces 15hp more than the Vanquish and is 0.2s faster in a 0-100kph sprint

The Aston Martin Valen is powered by the same 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine as the Vanquish GT, but with more performance. It produces 850hp (15hp more) and 1,000Nm (same as the Vanquish) and is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels (RWD). The gearbox software has, however, been remapped with the Vantage GT4 racecar’s software for “more engaging shifts in all drive modes”. With the Valen, Aston Martin claims a 0-100kph time of 3.1 seconds (0.2s faster than the Vanquish) and an electronically limited top speed of 345kph.

The Valen is 110kg lighter than the Vanquish due to the use of lightweight motorsport-inspired materials, including carbon fibre, aluminium, titanium and magnesium. Aston Martin has also made “significant hardware changes and targeted software calibration” to the ESP, throttle, braking and steering systems. The suspension system uses stiffer springs for reduced roll and pitch motions to driver inputs for increased agility. 

Aston Martin Valen exterior design

Looks sportier and brutish than the other Aston Martin models

The Valen looks sportier than the gentlemanly designs Aston Martin is generally known for and, as per chief creative officer Marek Reichman, “the Valen is a significant departure from what has gone before”. At the front, the Valen sports a new snout with an aggressive bonnet featuring a functional top vent to draw more air to the engine. The signature Aston Martin grille motif extends to the ends of the fascia. The LED DRLs and LED headlights are slim horizontal bars that make the Valen look menacing. It also gets an “acutely angled” front splitter to channel the air into the GT’s internals. 

In profile, it sports lightweight magnesium wheels shod with Pirelli P Zero R tyres (275/35 ZR21 front, 325/30 ZR21 rear), specifically developed for the Valen. The GT also gets Pirelli’s latest Cyber Tyre technology, allowing real-time tyre data sharing with the vehicle’s dynamic control systems. The traditional side strakes incorporate large functional vents that extract air from the wheel arch, guiding it towards the rear for improved downforce.

The rear design is bold as well, replacing a traditional fixed rear windscreen with a solid tailgate that opens to reveal 170 litres of boot space. The tailgate features an aerodynamic wing that acts as a Gurney flap that “generates downforce with minimal drag and negates the need for a conventional rear wing”. Beneath this wing is a slim LED taillight bar and 3D-printed quad titanium exhausts stacked in a 2-up, 2-down arrangement. The upper exhaust outlets are always open, while the lower ones open in the raciest drive modes.

The Valen is available with an optional fully exposed carbon fibre exterior that can be tinted in both satin- and gloss-finished hues by the ‘Q’ customisation department. 

Aston Martin Valen interior design

Features a minimalistic dashboard and a well-loaded cabin

The Valen’s interior is heavily influenced by the Vanquish and hence offers a minimalistic dashboard with a 10.25-inch-inch digital driver’s display, a 3-spoke steering wheel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. What’s different from the Vanquish is that the centre console has been 3D-printed for “greater precision to the surfaces you regularly interact with”. This console has a carbon fibre finish and features a push-button start-stop and an aircraft-style drive mode selector.

The Aston Martin Valen offers an option between ‘Sport Plus’ seats that “combine support with long-distance comfort” or carbon-fibre ‘Performance’ seats that offer “a more focused driving experience”. Features include a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, a 360-degree camera system, a digital inside rearview mirror (IRVM), a powered steering column and a wireless phone charger. 

Reichman says, “Valen gave us the opportunity to explore and express more extreme emotions through a new form language and surface treatment.” Reflecting this bold design approach, Aston Martin has priced the Valen at 1.5 million pound (approximately Rs 19.46 crore), before buyers choose from the extensive catalogue of optional extras.

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Defender Dakar goes road legal with 635hp V8

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Defender Dakar goes road legal with 635hp V8
Dakar

Defender has revealed the Dakar, a limited-run road-legal version of its Dakar Rally-winning D7X-R competition car. Previewed as a Design Preview Model at Monterey Car Week, the Defender Dakar is based on the Defender OCTA and retains the rally car’s body architecture, transmission, driveline and 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. Reservations are scheduled to open in early 2027, while full technical specifications will be revealed during the 2027 Dakar Rally.

  1. Based on the Dakar-winning Defender D7X-R rally car
  2. Gets 635hp twin-turbo V8 and rally-derived suspension
  3. Reservations to open in early 2027

Defender Dakar exterior

The Defender Dakar features several changes inspired by the D7X-R rally car. These include a wider track, increased ride height, 35-inch all-terrain tyres on forged 20-inch wheels, and coil suspension with Bilstein Advanced dampers. It also introduces new Dunes and Gravel drive modes, along with Flight Mode, which has been developed to improve stability during landings over uneven terrain.

The exterior also gets roof-mounted auxiliary lights, a fixed metal roof, carbon-fibre bonnet, carbon-fibre raised air intakes, extended wheel arches with exposed rivets, signature mud flaps, a tailgate blanking panel, a front undershield and additional underbody protection. Buyers will be able to choose from several paint finishes, including the Dakar Sand and Yanbu Turquoise combination inspired by the race-winning D7X-R.

Defender Dakar interior

Dakar Rally-winning D7X-R competition car’s cabin showcased here,

The cabin adopts a more purpose-built layout than the Defender OCTA. It features a 2+2 seating configuration with unique front race seats, while four-point racing harnesses will be available as an option. The rear storage area has been designed to accommodate race helmets, and the load bay includes dedicated mounting points for the spare wheel and an air compressor.

Defender Dakar powertrain

Powering the Defender Dakar is the same 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine used in the D7X-R rally car and based on the Defender OCTA. The engine develops 635hp and 750Nm, with Defender stating that it runs unrestricted compared to the competition version. The SUV also retains the D7X body architecture, transmission and driveline from the rally car.

The Defender Dakar has been revealed as a limited-run model and will be available to reserve from early 2027. Defender has not announced pricing or production numbers yet. Additional technical details and final specifications will be revealed during the 2027 Dakar Rally.