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Left to right, Norton Atlas, Norton's upcoming single-cylinder motorcycle render and Norton Manx R.

We first rode the Norton Manx R superbike overseas in May and this was followed by the Atlas adventure bike in July. At the time in June, TVS had said that the Atlas would be introduced in India later in the year. It had also scheduled the launch of TVS Paddock, its premium retail channel, for the second quarter of FY27. Paddock will serve as the retail outlet for both Norton products as well as select TVS premium vehicles across the country.

Norton motorcycles will be retailed out of a few exclusive Norton outlets as well as a new TVS Paddock dealer network
Three paddock outlets will be set up by December 2026
Norton line-up will be initiated with the Atlas, followed by Manx R and the new single-cylinder motorcycle

Norton’s reach in Europe, US and India

Indian dealer network still being established

We recently reported on the company’s new 450cc class liquid cooled single cylinder roadster making its debut at ECMA 2026. In its official response to our queries sent, a company spokesperson said, “Norton is set to launch in India soon following the brand’s presence at EICMA this year, when the next key stage of the resurgence will be revealed”.

However, the company did not provide an updated Paddock rollout schedule. Current preparations are understood to point to around three Paddock outlets by December, although a larger network is being sought. The number of outlets that will be operational when motorcycle sales begin has yet to be finalised.
Under the tentative India rollout plan, the Atlas could launch in January 2027, with the Manx following by March if that schedule holds. The sequence could see Norton introduce three to four products during 2027, although the final model mix and launch dates have not been announced. As for the new single cylinder roadster, that bike is likely to be launched in India alongside overseas markets in the second half of next year.

While Norton’s India innings is yet to begin, the company spokesperson says that the Manx R and Atlas launched earlier this year are being delivered to customers across Europe. The naked Manx and road-biased Atlas GT have not yet been formally launched. The company said it now has more than 50 retailers across 10 markets, including the UK, Italy, France, Germany and Spain. Preparations for a United States launch are continuing, subject to the final stages of vehicle certification.

“As Norton continues to build the brand globally, it is important to ensure that Norton’s entry into India is equally meaningful and thoughtfully executed,” the spokesperson said. “The positive response to Norton’s products in Europe gives us confidence, and more on Norton’s India plans will be shared in due course.”

With inputs from Anurag Chaturvedi.

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Dion Gowda stepping up to F3 with Lando Norris’ team

Posted on October 19, 2026October 19, 2026 by admin

Dion Gowda will make his Formula 3 debut next season, joining Lando Norris’ LN4 Fusion team. This will make him the third Indian racer to compete in the junior racing series, following Jehan Daruvala and Kush Maini.
“I’m really excited to be joining LN4 Fusion for the FIA Formula 3 Championship next year,” said Gowda. “Racing in FIA F3 is a dream come true and I’m really grateful for the opportunity. There are amazing people in this team, and I can’t wait to get started!”

Gowda will be the third Indian to compete in F3
He’s currently racing in the Formula Regional European Championship

Dion Gowda to make F3 debut in 2027

Dion Gowda Formula Regional European Championship

After making his way through the karting ranks in Asia and Europe, Gowda made his single seater debut in the 2023 F4 UAE winter series. He then enjoyed an impressive rookie campaign in the British F4 championship, claiming four race wins, three pole positions and six podiums enroute to finishing P4 in the championship.

Since then, he’s also participated in F4 UAE, Italian F4, Euro 4 and most recently in the Formula Regional European Championship (FREC) where he’s been competing for two seasons. In 2025 he also took home the 2025 FREC rookie title.

The 18-year old is now set to race alongside James Egozi and Gabriel Gomez in Lando Norris’ new LN4 Fusion F3 team next year. This will also be the newly-founded team’s inaugural F3 campaign.

“We are delighted to welcome Dion to LN4 Fusion, and we are very happy to be working with him,” said LN4 Fusion Chief Executive Officer Dan Richards.

“He showed promising speed in Formula Regional this season, regularly running in the top 10. We believe there is plenty of room for him to keep growing as a competitor, and on top of that he is a great person to work with. Everyone in the team is looking forward to starting this new journey together.”

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Jeep may revive Willys nameplate for upcoming electric SUV

Posted on October 19, 2026October 19, 2026 by admin

Jeep may revive Willys nameplate for upcoming electric SUV

Jeep is mulling a revival of its iconic Willys military off-roader for an affordable electric SUV after 2030. The proposed model is part of Jeep’s plans to develop compact EVs and strengthen its position against growing competition from Chinese carmakers, particularly in Europe.

Speaking to Autocar UK, Xavier Peugeot, the head of Jeep Europe, said that the Willys is the brand’s “key attention” for the future, and that its electric revival is one of several “new ideas” that could be realised in the coming years. He described Jeep’s heritage as a key advantage in countering new rivals, especially from China, stating: “One of our main assets to counter this offensive is our DNA.”

Jeep Willys revival: All we know so far

A recent teaser image released by Stellantis shows the original Willys MB military Jeep parked in front of the silhouette of a larger, closed-roof SUV with a bootlid-mounted spare wheel. The boxy design of this SUV looks to draw heavily from the original Willy’s utilitarian trappings, and the “Not Fragile” lettering on the crate implies ruggedness, and perhaps a focus on off-road prowess.

Specifics about the proposed Willys revival are yet to be finalised, but Peugeot noted “BEV affordability” as an important attribute, suggesting the EV could be aimed at the more attainable end of the price spectrum. To that end, the electric Willys may use a new low-cost EV architecture being developed by Stellantis for models that comply with the European Union’s proposed ‘E-car’ regulations – the production version of the recently-revealed Citroen 2CV concept is also expected to use this platform.

Peugeot additionally said that “each model in [Jeep’s] future range will be 4×4-compatible,” which could help set the electric Willys revival apart from the rest of Stellantis’s upcoming EVs. The project is expected to move forward after Jeep completes its current ‘Road to 2030’ strategy.

That said, Peugeot did remark that Jeep is “not confirming any concrete launch for this year or that year,” and that “ideas around Willys [will be] confirmed” by the end of this decade.

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2027 Ducati Desmo450 MX Image Gallery

Posted on October 16, 2026October 16, 2026 by admin

For 2027 Ducati has made changes throughout the Desmo450 MX in order to improve functionality, performance, reliability and ergonomics. The rear sprocket has been changed to a larger 51-tooth version, compared to the earlier 49-tooth one, in order to improve the rear wheel torque while exiting corners. The easiest way to differentiate the new model from the outgoing version is the new livery, featuring black logos instead of white.

On the Desmo450 MX Factory version, Ducati has increased the equipment on offer while trimming off 800g from its kerb weight. The factory model exclusively gets extra dark Kashima coating on its 49mm fork and monoshock, plus a titanium oxide (TiO) treatment for superior wear resistance. It also receives more accessories as standard, and a different drive chain than the standard version. The factory version also gets a new Ducati Corse livery featuring the red and black Ducati logo.

Prices for both Desmo450 MX models have dropped significantly in Europe. The Desmo450 MX is priced at GBP 9,495 (Rs 12.02 lakh) and the 450 MX Factory at GBP 10,795 (Rs 13.67 lakh). That’s a GBP 1,750 (Rs 2.22 lakh) drop on the regular MX and a GBP 2,400 (Rs 3.04 lakh) drop on the MX Factory compared to their respective 2026 versions. In India, the 2026 Desmo450 MX is available for Rs 17.23 lakh (ex-showroom).

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BS-VII emission norms rollout proposed from April 2029: Report

Posted on October 15, 2026October 15, 2026 by admin

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved a proposed timeline for Bharat Stage VII (BS-VII) emission norms, with implementation set to begin in April 2029, according to The Economic Times. The proposed rules will be introduced in phases over six years, ending in April 2035, and are aligned with Europe’s Euro 7 standards.

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Hyundai Bayon N Line revealed at Paris Motor Show

Posted on October 13, 2026October 13, 2026 by admin

Alongside the recent reveal of the India-spec Bayon, Hyundai unveiled the SUV’s sporty N Line version at Paris Motor Show 2026. The Bayon N Line shares its top hat with the standard India-spec model, but has sportier touches all around and different engines.

2026 Hyundai Bayon N Line exterior design

Much like the India-spec Bayon, the N Line features design cues like L-shaped front and rear lights, squared-off headlamp units, boxy wheel-arch cladding and flared fenders, a Bayon wordmark on the bootlid, and a heavily kinked windowline. However, the Bayon N Line differentiates itself with sportier styling elements.

Up front, the Bayon N Line has a different bumper with a more open design, blacked-out cladding, winglets, and a honeycomb pattern for the grille. An ‘N Line’ badge can also be seen on the left side of the bumper, and the headlamps look to have a smoked finish.

Over to the side, the N Line gets gloss-black finishes for the cladding and ORVMs, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and N Line badging on the front fenders. The roof rails are also slimmer than the ones seen on the India-spec Bayon. At the back, the Bayon N Line sports a bigger twin-ridge roof spoiler, dual exhaust tips, a fully black bumper, and black finishes for the Hyundai emblem and Bayon wordmark on the bootlid.

The Europe-spec Bayon stretches the tape at 4,245mm long, 1,810mm wide, and 1,565mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,600mm. These dimensions place it perfectly between the Venue and Creta in terms of size, and you can expect the India-spec Bayon to not stray that far off from them.

2026 Hyundai Bayon N Line interior and features

Similar to the outside, the core interior layouts of the India-spec Bayon and the N Line are identical, including a curved pair of 12.3-inch displays, a vertical design for the centre console (à la the fourth-gen i20), vertically oriented air vents, an open storage space on the co-driver side of the dashboard, among others. The Bayon N Line, however, brings in sportier touches like a black interior colour scheme with red accents and contrast stitching, Alcantara-esque seat upholstery, and an N-Line-specific steering wheel and gear lever.

As for features, the Bayon N Line offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, reclining rear seats, a digital key, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, Level 2 ADAS, connected car tech, a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and more. Notably, Hyundai has not mentioned the inclusion of a generative AI voice assistant for the Bayon N Line, which the India-spec model will get. Coming to boot space, Hyundai claims 440 litres for non-hybrid versions of the Europe-spec Bayon.

2026 Hyundai Bayon N Line engine and gearbox

Where the India-spec Bayon will be powered solely by a 115hp 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine mated to either a 6-speed manual or CVT automatic, the N Line will be offered with Hyundai’s 1.0-litre three-pot direct-injection turbo-petrol motor in two states of tune – 90hp and 115hp – along with 6-speed manual and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox options.

Hyundai claims a 0-100kph time of as low as 10.8 seconds for the Bayon N Line – likely the 115hp DCT version – going up to 14.1 seconds for presumably the 90hp MT variant. Additionally, a strong-hybrid version will join the Europe-spec Bayon line-up at a later date, comprising a 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine, an electric motor, and a 6-speed DCT for a combined output of 138hp. It will also get adaptive regenerative braking that can be controlled by the steering-mounted paddle shifters.

Similarly, the India-spec Bayon is expected to receive a CNG version sometime after launch, which will strap an underbody tank to the SUV and allow it to directly rival the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder.

Will the Hyundai Bayon N Line come to India

Hyundai is yet to confirm whether the Bayon N Line will be available in India, but given the positioning and target demographic of the model that will soon go on sale here, the prospect is unlikely (at least initially). The India-spec Bayon’s relatively sedate 1.5-litre engine, borrowed from the Creta, encourages smooth and relaxed driving over outright sportiness, and the incoming CNG version further reinforces the notion that this model will serve as Hyundai’s answer to the Victoris – a practical, no-nonsense midsize SUV that’s high on feel-good factor and low on running costs.

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Ducati Desmo450 MX models updated for 2027

Posted on October 13, 2026October 13, 2026 by admin

2027 Desmo450 MX Factory and 2027 Desmo450 MX from left to right.

Closely following the reveal of the Desmo450 SM, Ducati has now unveiled the 2027 version of its first off-roader, the Desmo450 MX. Like earlier, there’s also a Desmo450 MX Factory version that gets a slightly different look with additional equipment over the standard model. The Borgo-Panigale manufacturer has also dropped the prices for both models, by up to GBP 2,400.

Desmo450 MX gets bigger rear sprocket with reliability focused improvements elsewhere
Desmo450 MX Factory gets additional accessories such as a sump guard and disc guard as standard
Both models have become cheaper compared to their 2026 versions

2027 Ducati Desmo450 MX and Factory: What’s new?

Changes aimed at better performance and durability

Starting with the standard model, Ducati has made changes throughout the motorcycle in order to improve functionality, performance and ergonomics. The rear sprocket has been changed to a larger 51-tooth version compared to the earlier 49-tooth one, in order to improve the rear wheel torque while exiting corners. Both the gear and the brake lever tips have also been changed to offer better ergonomics and allow for more ergonomic foot movement during gear shifts and braking. The company has also upgraded numerous other components for improved reliability. These are all nuanced changes and the most identifiable way to differentiate the 2027 model from the 2026 version is with a new livery that features black logos instead of white.

On the Desmo450 MX Factory version, Ducati has increased the equipment on offer, while trimming off 800gm from its kerb weight. Considering the Desmo450 MX weighs 104.8kg on an empty fuel tank, that number becomes all the more important for the Factory version. In addition to receiving all the standard model’s improvements, the factory model gets extra dark Kashima coating on its 49mm fork and monoshock, plus a titanium oxide (TiO) treatment for superior wear resistance. The factory model exclusively gets a full Akrapovic exhaust system, which is said to reduce the overall weight by 1.7kg. The triple clamp unit is also machined from a single billet, to reduce weight even further. Ducati has given the factory version a sump guard, a disc rotor guard, and an RK MXU chain with O-rings. In addition to these existing pieces of equipment, a holeshot device is also standard, allowing the rider to manage acceleration and stability better during starts.

Ducati has also brought the WiFi module to the Factory version, last seen on the Desmo450 SM, that enables predictive maintenance and customisation of the motorcycle’s two ride modes via the company’s X-Link mobile app. For 2027, the factory version also gets a new Ducati Corse livery, featuring the red and black Ducati logo.

The prices for both Desmo450 MX models have dropped significantly in Europe. The 2027 Desmo450 MX is priced at GBP 9,495 (Rs 12.02 lakh) and the 450 MX Factory at GBP 10,795 (Rs 13.67 lakh). That’s a GBP 1,750 (Rs 2.22 lakh) drop on the regular MX, and a GBP 2,400 (Rs 3.04 lakh) drop on the MX Factory compared to their respective 2026 versions. Both are already arriving at various European dealerships, with the rest of the world to follow. However, the USA won’t be one of them where the limited edition MY26 model will be available exclusively instead. In India, the 2026 Desmo450 MX is available for Rs 17.23 lakh (ex-showroom). Neither the 2027 Desmo450 MX nor the 2027 Desmo450 SM are available here yet, and it remains to be seen if our market also sees similar price revisions at launch.

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Renault E-Space Concept revives MPV body style for iconic nameplate

Posted on October 12, 2026October 12, 2026 by admin

Renault E-Space Concept revives MPV body style for iconic nameplate

Renault unveiled the E-Space concept at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, hinting at a potential electric MPV comeback for the iconic nameplate. Explicitly pitched as a “real alternative to SUVs and saloons”, the E-Space concept goes back to Renault’s ‘voitures à vivre’ philosophy, which puts the human experience, comfort, and everyday lifestyle at the centre of vehicle design.

Introduced in 1984, the Renault Espace was Europe’s first MPV and retained this body style till its fourth generation. In 2023, it was transformed into a stretched version of the Austral SUV.

Renault E-Space Concept exterior details

Retro-modern MPV concept has some elements that link it to the previous Espace models

The Renault E-Space concept has an overall clean design, which Renault’s brand design director Alexandre Malval says is “stripped of anything that might distract the eye.”

At the front, it gets U-shaped LED lighting elements on the blanked-off grille. The grille itself features an illuminated Renault logo that appears to float over it. One design cue that links to the original Espace is the heavily raked windscreen, which appears to extend to the bonnet like the French TGV train.

In profile, the E-Space Concept sports huge 24-inch alloy wheels and a large glasshouse that places “natural light at the heart of the concept”. It is 4.70 metres long, 2.02 metres wide and 1.67 metres tall, and Renault says its height- and length-to-width ratios are similar to the original Espace, albeit with shorter overhangs.

At the rear, the rear spoiler appears similar to the roof bars prominent on the 3rd- and 4th-generation Espace. The U-shaped lighting elements mimic the front LED design, and their placement on a gloss-black panel makes the windscreen appear larger.

Renault E-Space Concept interior details

3-row, 6-seater electric MPV aims to maximise interior space and comfort

The E-Space Concept revives Renault’s voitures à vivre philosophy. This approach focuses on the human experience and everyday family life rather than raw performance or luxury, all of which are clearly visible in the electric MPV concept’s cabin. It also brings back the vibrant pop interior colours Renault was known for back in the 70s.

The concept features an ‘OpenR Panorama’ screen which spans the entire width of the dashboard. Renault says this display will be in the next-generation Rafale and Scenic models. While this expansive display is not touch-enabled, there is a smaller infotainment touchscreen suspended from the dashboard that can be used to control functions such as music and navigation.

The E-Space concept uses a yoke-style steering wheel and a steer-by-wire system, which frees up space for the driver’s footwell due to a missing mechanical steering column. The steering wheel features touch-sensitive buttons to interact with the OpenR display.

It gets 6 seats spread across three rows. There are folding tables mounted on the front-row seatbacks which second-row passengers can use if they do not spin around to face the third row. The second-row seats can also be folded flat to form a table for those in the third row.

With the E-Space concept, Renault appears to be not only considering a return to the model’s MPV roots, but also hopes to replicate the success of its electric revivals of iconic nameplates such as the Twingo, Renault 4 and Renault 5.

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Honda to scale two-wheeler production to 80 lakh units by 2028 and expand export

Posted on October 12, 2026October 12, 2026 by admin

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is significantly scaling up its manufacturing capacity in India, with company President and CEO Tsutsumu Otani confirming plans to increase output across its four Indian plants from the current 62.5 lakh units per year to 80 lakh units by 2028.

HMSI to expand production capacity from 62.5 lakh to 80 lakh units annually by 2028
CB350 already being exported to Europe; CB500 being evaluated as the next export model
Africa, Central America and South America identified as key future export markets

HMSI production and export plans

The expansion is expected to create over 2,000 jobs

Otani said the expansion over the next 18-24 months is aimed at serving both domestic demand and a growing export business. “With the eight-million-unit capacity planned in 2028, we will be well equipped to handle customer demand for ICE or EV products,” he said. The company’s current production is already running at full capacity.

On the export front, HMSI has begun shipping India-made models to Europe, starting with the CB350, for which Otani said the “sales situation is also very good”. The CB500 is being evaluated as the next potential export model, although he described these plans as being at an early stage.

Beyond Europe, Otani highlighted Africa, Central America and South America as important future markets, with Africa singled out as particularly significant. “India’s geographical proximity can provide an advantage in serving the African market, especially if one were to factor in transportation costs,” he said.

To support its export ambitions, HMSI is also looking to deepen localisation. Otani acknowledged that several components currently undergo final assembly in India but rely on parts imported from Thailand, Japan and Europe. “We intend to accelerate localisation and manufacture more in India as our next step,” he said, adding that resource circulation and the recycling of steel and aluminium remain areas the company is working through, given India’s limited domestic supplies of these materials.

Source: ET Auto

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Skoda to debut Epiq Sportline at Paris Motor Show

Posted on October 9, 2026October 9, 2026 by admin

Skoda will debut a new Sportline variant of the Epiq, the brand’s smallest EV, at the Paris Motor Show 2026. The Epiq Sportline will be the prime attraction at Skoda’s stall alongside 14 other models that the brand plans to showcase at the upcoming motor show. As with other Sportline models, one can expect the Epiq Sportline to sport a blacked-out exterior and interior theme. The Paris Motor Show will be held from October 13 to 18.

Epiq Sportline to be Skoda’s hero car at Paris Motor Show
Expected to come with blacked-out exterior and interior theme
Skoda Peaq Tour De France, 130 RS to also be showcased at Paris Motor Show

Skoda Epiq Sportline: what to expect?

Skoda’s official teaser doesn’t reveal much about the Epiq Sportline, but if other Sportline models from the brand’s portfolio are anything to go by, expect the Epiq Sportline to get several blacked-out cosmetic enhancements. The blacked-out treatment can extend to the alloy wheels, ORVMs, front and rear bumpers and perhaps to the roof as well. On the inside, it will likely come draped in all-black upholstery with contrast re stitching, and perhaps a dark-themed dashboard as well. A few feature additions could also be part of the package.

The Epiq is the brand’s most affordable EV and is based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ platform. It’s available with two battery pack options – 38.5kWh and 55kWh – with front-mounted motors (FWD). There are three variants on offer: 35, 40 and 55. The 35 and 40 variants, equipped with the 38.5kWh battery, develop 116hp and 135hp, respectively, while the torque is the same 267Nm for both. The top-spec Epiq 55, meanwhile, comes with the 55kWh pack and produces 211hp and 290Nm.

The Sportline variant could be offered with the top-spec 55 version. Coming to claimed range figures, Skoda cites 310km for the 38.5kWh battery and 440km for the 55kWh unit.

What else is Skoda showcasing at the Paris Motor Show?

Skoda will be showcasing its full range of new EVs at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, which means the Elroq and the Peaq will also be display. Other key displays will include the iconic Skoda 130 RS, which was one of the most successful rally and racing cars in Europe in the late 1970s and early 1980s. During its active career, this beautifully designed two-door coupe collected countless laurels on tracks at home as well as abroad.

Also on display will be the Peaq Tour de France ‘Red Car’. Based on the Peaq Sportline, it serves as a specially modified mobile command center for the Tour de France multi-stage bicycle race. Equipped with six antennas, warning beacons and a refrigerator stocked with champagne hidden inside, the so-called Red Car is a symbol of the entire Tour de France.