Luxury Italian coachbuilder ARES Modena has released details of its bespoke Defender V8 Hardtop. Combining robust yet beguilingly elegant design, exquisite levels of hand-crafted luxury, state-of-the-art technology, and phenomenal performance, it represents a modern-day tribute to the timeless off-road icon and a compelling acquisition for any collector or aficionado, the company said in a statement. 

Dany Bahar, ARES Design CEO, said, “We created our first Defender Ultra V8 in 2018 and launched it to great acclaim. The project gave us exceptional experience and knowledge of the model, so when it came to designing the new ARES Defender V8 Hardtop we were determined to raise the bar higher still. The third edition boasts an even more distinctive style and refined finish inside and out. Powered by the hugely responsive V8 engine, the ARES Defender V8 Hardtop retains the characteristics of the Defender, but is beautifully reimagined to express modernity and luxury, and represent the ultimate incarnation of this iconic vehicle." 

The ARES Defender V8 Hardtop follows on from the company’s Defender Ultra V8, which was unveiled in 2018. The new model is designed by the company’s Centro Stile in Modena and assembled in the ARES smart factory using a combination of contemporary OEM-level technology and traditional handcraft skills. These include CAD, carbon fiber ovens, electrical system engineering specialists, drivetrain assembly, paint shop, artisan leather works and metal coachbuilding facilities. 

With a design heritage that can trace its routes all the way back to the first Land Rover Series 1 of 1948, the Defender's taut, square lines are treated with due reference by the ARES design team, the release pointed out.  

A series of subtle enhancements bring additional layers of modernity and sophistication. Devoid of all visible body bolts, the ARES Defender’s elegant lines are further enhanced by larger rear tinted windows, while a premium-grade panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with sunlight. 

Based on a Land Rover Defender chassis and featuring a suspension lift kit, the ARES Defender V8 Hardtop rides 35mm higher than the standard model on striking 18-inch ARES Design alloy wheels wrapped in Cooper Discoverer tires. Wider wheel arches, an ARES Design carbon fiber bonnet, a new single-piece carbon fiber front end featuring powerful LED headlamps nestling in a contemporary-themed grille and new rear circular LED taillights amplify the Defender’s purposeful styling, it said.  

Inside, the ARES designers and artisans have transformed the Defender’s utilitarian cabin into a sumptuous environment that cocoons its occupants in the lap of luxury. The very finest leather, carbon fiber, wood and aluminum trim are used throughout the cabin. They combine to create an aura of assured quality and unsurpassed comfort, which fully extends to every part of the cabin, including the bench seats in the luggage compartment, the release claimed. 

The Defender’s in-cabin technology has undergone a similar metamorphose. The vehicle is replete with all-round electric windows, a six-speaker state-of-the-art infotainment system with subwoofer, featuring satellite navigation and Apple Car Play & Android Auto Bluetooth connectivity. A bespoke instrument panel and a beautiful hand-stitched leather steering wheel place the driver at the heart of the action, within easy reach of the upgraded and modernised switchgear and controls. 

A press of the starter button summons a new 5328cc V8 engine – which replaces the outgoing 4-cylinder turbodiesel – to life. Integrated as part of an extensive engineering program undertaken by ARES, the V8 engine dispatches its 355hp and mammoth 519Nm of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. 

The ARES engineers have further bolstered the transmission system, axle shafts and CV joints to accommodate the significantly enhanced performance of the ARES Defender V8 Hardtop. The braking system has been similarly upgraded and sports larger performance discs and 6-piston calipers. An advanced electronically adjustable ORAM suspension system offering sport and comfort modes, ensures a relaxing ride, engaging handling, and precision body control whatever the terrain. 

ARES will coach-build a limited series of ARES Defender V8 Hardtop models, each priced from EUR 235,000 ex VAT. Orders can now be placed at aresdesign.com, the release added. (MT)

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Maruti Suzuki India has announced that cumulative exports of its Fronx model have passed 200,000 units in under 38 months following the commencement of overseas shipments in June 2023.

Manufactured at the company's Hansalpur plant in Gujarat, the SUV is exported to nearly 90 markets, including Japan. The Fronx reached its initial 100,000 export milestone within 25 months, with the subsequent 100,000 units shipped over the following 13 months.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Every vehicle exported by Maruti Suzuki carries the hard work and pride of our people. Together, these vehicles take a piece of Indian manufacturing to nearly 120 countries. Fronx has been a key contributor to Maruti Suzuki’s success in exports. Since FY 24-25, it has been India's No. 1 exported passenger vehicle* and is now shipped to nearly 90 countries. After crossing the milestone of 100,000 exports in record time, Fronx reached its second lakh significantly faster, underlining its growing demand in the international markets.”

“Aligned with ‘Make in India, Make for the World’, Maruti Suzuki continues to showcase the prowess of India’s manufacturing ecosystem. Sustained focus on exports has earned the Company the number one position in passenger vehicle exports from India*. Illustrating this leadership, all three of India’s top exported passenger vehicles in Q1 FY 26-27^ were from Maruti Suzuki. The growing export volumes year-on-year are a strong endorsement of the reliability and appeal of the Company’s products across global markets,” added Takeuchi.

The Fronx remains the company's primary export model within its passenger vehicle lineup, supporting its total export volume across international regions.

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Stellantis-owned Jeep India has launched the Jeep Compass 85th Anniversary Edition, limited to 85 units at prices starting at INR 2.67 million (ex-showroom).

The anniversary edition incorporates visual updates to the exterior and interior of the vehicle platform. External changes include 18-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black alongside anniversary badging. The interior cabin features a black colour scheme paired with gold accents and contrast trim detailing.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director of Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "The Jeep Compass has always been central to the Jeep story in India, bringing the brand's legendary capability, design and authenticity to customers who expect more from their SUV. As Jeep celebrates 85 years globally, the Compass 85th Anniversary Edition gives this iconic nameplate a distinctive new expression. With exclusive anniversary-inspired styling, curated accessories and safety technologies, this special edition has been crafted for customers who seek a Compass that feels even more personal, intelligent and exclusive."

The vehicle is offered with optional accessory packages under the brand's personalisation options. These packages add functional and cabin features, including sunroof illumination, ambient lighting, a digital inner rear-view mirror and integrated front and rear dashcams. Bookings for the limited-run vehicle have opened across the company's dealership network and online sales platform.

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German luxury car brand Mercedes-Benz India has opened its new sales facility in Lucknow in partnership with dealership operator T&T Motors. The outlet expands the company's network in Uttar Pradesh to 10 touchpoints across cities including Lucknow, Noida, Ghaziabad, Agra, Kanpur and Varanasi, contributing to a national presence of over 150 locations across more than 60 cities.

The new facility occupies 9,000 square feet, including over 5,000 square feet of carpet area and was completed in five months. The showroom accommodates four vehicle display bays, private and semi-private consultation zones, a lounge section for vehicle lines and a dedicated delivery bay. To support battery electric vehicles, the location incorporates a 180 kW DC fast charger with two charging bays, backed by a staff of 88 employees.

Brendon Sissing, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Mercedes-Benz continues to strengthen its luxury retail footprint across India, reflecting our ‘Go to Customer’ strategy. The inauguration of T&T Motors’ new facility in Lucknow marks yet another important milestone in bringing world-class luxury products, services and experiences closer to our customers. Uttar Pradesh remains an important emerging market for Mercedes-Benz, and the growing aspiration for luxury mobility in Lucknow presents strong growth potential for Mercedes-Benz. Through modern luxury infrastructure, personalised consultations, digital capabilities and EV readiness, we are elevating luxury retail experience for our discerning customers in the city.”

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Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled its first global pick up christened Lifestyler, which will be launched in India as the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler. The vehicle will go on sale by April 2027 with prices starting below INR 1.97 million ex-showroom. 

First shown as a concept in Cape Town, South Africa, in August 2023, the pickup was designed at the Mahindra India Design Studio in Mumbai and developed at Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai. It is built on Mahindra’s next-generation body-on-frame architecture and is intended for both payload and lifestyle use. The company claims to have around 267 patents in terms of innovation for the Lifestyler.

Dr Velusamy R, President, Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “From the outset, our vision was to create a world-class global pickup that raises the bar for the segment while remaining true to Mahindra's strengths in authentic capability and value. The Scorpio Lifestyler is a testament to the strong product development capabilities at Mahindra Research Valley (MRV). Built on our advanced next-generation body-on-frame architecture, it has been engineered to deliver the capability, durability, safety and refinement demanded by customers around the world.”

Pratap Bose, Chief Design and Creative Officer, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “The Scorpio Lifestyler is inspired by how our customers work, play and explore. Combining bold exterior design, plush interiors and SUV-like comfort with unmistakable Mahindra toughness, it brings style and refinement to every journey. This philosophy is reflected in the three editions showcased today: Valley celebrates purposeful refinement, Reef embodies freedom and exploration, and Trail captures the spirit of boundless adventure. Together, they express our vision of a pickup that celebrates individuality while remaining rooted in capability, authenticity and the freedom to explore without limits.”

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “The Scorpio Lifestyler represents the convergence of global engineering and evolving customer aspirations. As we prepare for its India launch, we see a growing appetite among customers for a vehicle that delivers authentic capability without compromising on technology, safety, comfort or everyday usability. We are investing in building awareness, strengthening our network and creating the right ownership experience for this category. We believe the Scorpio Lifestyler has the potential to redefine expectations and shape the future of the pickup segment in India.”

While the technical details are still under the wraps, the company showcased three editions - the Valley Edition finished in Artemis Grey, the Reef Edition uses an Aquareef finish and the Trail Edition finished in Sahara Beige.

The Mahindra Lifestyler is aimed at the midsize lifestyle pickup segment in Australia and New Zealand, South Africa, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. It has been developed to meet requirements for capability, durability, safety, technology and everyday use across those markets.

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