British luxury car brand Aston Martin has revived its legendary Vanquish nameplate, and introduced the model in India with an ex-showroom price of INR 88.5 million (excluding options). The flagship model crowned Aston Martin’s next-generation sports car lineup is limited to just under 1,000 units annually.

At the heart of the Vanquish lies a new 5.2-litre Twin-Turbo V12 engine, delivering 835PS and 1,000Nm of torque – making it the most powerful V12 in Aston Martin’s core sports car range to date. With a specific power output of 160PS per litre, this engine propels the Vanquish to a top speed of 214mph (344kmph), the highest ever for an Aston Martin series production car. It is enhanced with a strengthened cylinder block, redesigned cylinder heads and high-speed turbochargers, the powertrain achieves unprecedented performance while meeting global emissions standards. A novel Boost Reserve function further sharpens throttle response, storing turbo boost for instant power delivery during overtaking or dynamic driving.

The Vanquish’s chassis is equally impressive, built on a bonded aluminium structure with a 75 percent increase in lateral stiffness over its predecessor, the DBS 770 Ultimate. Featuring Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers and an electronic rear limited-slip differential (e-diff), it offers a seamless blend of grand tourer comfort and supercar agility. The e-diff, integrated with an advanced Electronic Stability Control system, transitions from open to fully locked in just 135 milliseconds, enhancing traction and cornering precision. Paired with a recalibrated ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox and a Carbon Ceramic Brake system, the Vanquish delivers exceptional control, stopping power, and a dynamic bandwidth that adapts to any driving mood.

Visually, the Vanquish exudes contemporary elegance with its extended wheelbase, sculpted carbon fibre bodywork and a rakish teardrop profile. Drawing inspiration from Aston Martin’s motorsport heritage, including Formula 1 and the iconic ‘Project Cars’ of the 1960s, it features F1-inspired bonnet louvres and a Kamm Tail for aerodynamic efficiency. A panoramic glass roof, a first for an Aston Martin V12, floods the cabin with light, while Matrix LED headlights and a bold grille amplify its road presence. The interior, designed for two, combines luxury with driver focus, boasting a 10.25-inch digital dashboard, a pure black touchscreen infotainment system and tactile metal controls. A Bowers & Wilkins 15-speaker audio system comes standard, ensuring an immersive experience.

Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman, Aston Martin, said, “With the introduction of Vanquish we have crowned Aston Martin’s next- generation sports car portfolio. A true halo model in every respect, Vanquish makes an emphatic statement. One that further delivers on our mission to create the most potent, most beautiful and most exciting cars in the ultra-luxury sports car market. As such Vanquish is the truest of Aston Martins. Immaculately designed and impeccably engineered it sets extraordinary new standards of performance, style and luxury for a new generation of connoisseurs”.

Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin, said, “Vanquish is an iconic halo model for our sports car portfolio and we’re always designing for beyond the expected, rational and thoughtful. We captured the immensity of its performance and the imperiousness of its intended purpose while tempering the drama of Vanquish with a rare and unmistakable sense of elegance. Our team demonstrated bravery and curiosity in their quest to deliver unexpected design ideas throughout. The teardrop exterior features an all-new surface language and amplified front-engine proportions, and the interior environment combines the focus of a true driver’s car with elevated luxury and state-of-the-art technology. There is great passion in creating pure excitement and this new Vanquish is a culmination of fearless creativity and human ingenuity. We have combined next level, ultra-luxury performance with British-cool sports car styling to deliver a crowning Aston Martin V12 flagship for the ages.”

Simon Newton, Director of Vehicle Performance, Aston Martin, said, “Vanquish brings another dimension to the revitalised Aston Martin range. The new V12 engine is a larger-than-life character, with immense torque from just above idle combined with a truly ferocious top-end. It really is an extraordinary engine. This sense of boundless propulsion had to be matched by an equal level of control and finesse; something we have achieved by further exploring the tremendous scope of the new Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers, e-diff and latest generation electronics. We’ve also worked closely with Pirelli, developing a bespoke tyre tailored specifically to Vanquish. The resulting blend of dynamic precision, epic performance and luxurious refinement is uniquely special, with a bandwidth that sets a new standard for the marques halo model and is worthy of the Vanquish name”.

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Renault has unveiled the name of its latest show-car, the Bridger Concept, as part of its continued international expansion. This model serves as a precursor to a forthcoming production vehicle, specifically an urban SUV designed with new dimensions to accommodate the evolving needs of city-dwelling families.

The Bridger Concept stands out with its bold and robust design, featuring surprisingly compact proportions. Measuring under four metres in length, it maximises interior space, demonstrating that a smaller footprint does not necessitate a compromise on roominess. The name itself, derived from the English word ‘bridge’, was chosen for its connotations of strength, connection and linkage. This choice highlights the vehicle's assertive styling and reinforces the brand's commitment to fostering human connections within the cabin, a core aspect of its ‘voitures à vivre’ philosophy.

A comprehensive reveal of the Bridger Concept is scheduled for 10 March 2026. This unveiling will occur during the presentation of Renault Group's futuREady strategic plan, with the entire event being streamed live from the company's official events platform.

Explaining the thinking behind the name of the new show-car, Sylvia dos Santos, Head of Naming Strategy with Renault's Global Marketing Division, said, “With Renault Bridger, we are adding to our family of names based on English words.  This one comes from the word 'bridge', with the letters 'ER' added for identification. The name Renault Bridger is part of the same approach as the name of Renault Duster. It’s a powerful, robust and versatile name, ideal to identify our new urban SUV show-car and open a new page in our international offensive!”

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Axis Bank has announced its appointment as a preferred financer for Tesla in India, which will see the company provide financing solutions for customers purchasing Tesla vehicles as part of a nationwide rollout.

The collaboration covers major metropolitan areas and emerging electric vehicle (EV) hubs. The initiative is designed to integrate with Tesla’s global ownership model by using digital onboarding to manage the purchase journey.

Axis Bank has developed specific auto-loan products for the premium EV segment. These offerings focus on repayment flexibility and digital processing speeds.

It includes loan tenure options extending up to 10 years. Customised structures designed to align with individual customer cash flows. A fully digital onboarding process intended to reduce sanction turnaround times. Coverage across all-India locations to support Tesla’s market entry.

Munish Sharda, Executive Director, Axis Bank, said, “As electric mobility gains momentum in India, Axis Bank is proud to collaborate with Tesla to help accelerate this transition. Through this collaboration, we are bringing together world-class electric vehicles with innovative, tailored financing solutions and seamless customer engagement. This makes it easier for customers to adopt sustainable mobility without compromising on convenience or flexibility. This initiative reflects our continued focus on responsible banking and future-ready solutions.”

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Vietnamese electric vehicle brand VinFast has announced the completion of its strategic restructuring into three automotive brand lines. The company officially unveiled two flagship models, the Lac Hong 800S and the Lac Hong 900S, to head its ultra-luxury marque.

The restructuring divides the portfolio into the Lac Hong ultra-luxury line, the VF passenger vehicle range and the Green commercial mobility brand. VinFast has maintained a leadership position in Vietnam for 16 consecutive months, delivering 175,099 vehicles in 2025.

The three brands target different market segments to support the company's next phase of development:

• Lac Hong: Comprises the 900 LX, 900S, and 800S models.
• VF: Includes a portfolio of passenger EVs from the VF 3 to the VF 9 and the VF MPV 7.
• Green: Developed for commercial mobility, featuring the Limo Green, Herio Green, Nerio Green and Minio Green models.

The new Lac Hong 800S and 900S models use design elements inspired by Vietnamese heritage, such as a grille with vertical slats and emblems evoking the Lac bird. Interior materials include Nappa leather, wood and gold-plated accents.

They are equipped with a tri-motor system with one front motor and two rear motors; a combined output of 460 kW and a fully active suspension system for ride comfort and stability.

On the inside, it gets executive seating and power-assisted doors. The 900S includes a privacy partition, a projection entertainment system and a workstation.

The Lac Hong 800S and 900S are scheduled for commercial launch in 2027.

At present, VinFast operates manufacturing facilities in Vietnam and India, with planned operations in the United States. The facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, represents a USD 500 million investment and is designed to produce 150,000 vehicles annually.

Duong Thi Thu Trang, Deputy CEO of Global Automotives, VinFast, said, “Following a period of accelerated growth - achieving the No.1 position in Vietnam and establishing our presence in key regional markets - the completion of our three-brand structure lays the foundation for our next phase of development: structured, professional and breakthrough-driven. The Lac Hong 800S and 900S stand as further proof of VinFast’s technological mastery, product development capability and advanced manufacturing expertise. We believe products created by Vietnamese intellect, craftsmanship and resilience not only inspire national pride but also convey a powerful message about Vietnam’s cultural heritage and technological stature in this new era of global advancement.”

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Mercedes-Benz has introduced the all-new V-Class to the Indian market, a model poised to transform the landscape of private luxury transportation. This vehicle is designed to offer an ambiance of spaciousness, freedom and serenity, effectively functioning as a personal sanctuary for those who value both privacy and sophisticated comfort while traveling. By merging progressive design with exceptional roominess and lavish appointments, it establishes a new benchmark in its category.

The vehicle is built on an extended wheelbase platform (5,370 mm length, 3,430 mm wheelbase, 1,928 mm width, 1,880 mm height), which provides the foundation for its generous interior. Its primary focus is on creating what the brand describes as a 'Private Suite' on wheels, ensuring each journey is tailored to individual preferences. The cabin is configured with six seats, with the second row featuring premium individual seats equipped with ventilation, massage functionality, calf rests and integrated wireless charging. In a segment-first move, the third-row seats also offer ventilation, ensuring passenger comfort is prioritised throughout the vehicle. The front seats are fully electric and include ventilation and adjustable cushion length, establishing a commanding position for the driver.

The sensory experience within the V-Class is meticulously curated. A 64-color ambient lighting system allows passengers to personalise the cabin's mood, complemented by a high-fidelity Burmester surround sound system with 15 speakers. Climate comfort is managed by an advanced automatic system, and the ENERGIZING Comfort package offers a selection of up to 10 wellness programs that harmonise various in-car systems. Practical luxury is evident in the electrically operated sliding doors on both sides and the split tailgate, which can be controlled through multiple touchpoints for effortless access and loading in any situation.

The V-Class offers both petrol and diesel powertrain options, each paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It is the first market globally to offer the AIRMATIC air suspension system on both fuel types, ensuring a supremely comfortable ride across varying terrains. The vehicle's exterior is defined by the AMG Line package, featuring a distinctive radiator grille and LED lighting. Advanced technology includes the MBUX infotainment system, MULTIBEAM LED headlights that adapt to traffic and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems for safety and convenience. Available in five metallic exterior shades and two interior leather choices, the all-new V-Class represents a holistic approach to mobile luxury, combining space, technology, and personalized comfort in a locally produced package.

In a significant strategic development, Mercedes-Benz India will produce the new V-Class locally. This decision reinforces the company's long-standing dedication to the Indian market and follows the recent announcement of local production for another ultra-luxury model. The V-Class thus becomes the second high-end vehicle this year to be assembled domestically, underscoring the brand's commitment to deepening its roots in the country. Customer bookings are now open, with an initial deposit of INR 500,000 securing priority delivery and an introductory price for existing clientele.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “We are delighted to introduce the all-new V-Class for the Indian market, redefining the concept of a ‘private suite’ offering luxury, space and privacy to our exclusive customers. The V-Class addresses a growing trend amongst India’s opulent customers and trend setters, who seek an oasis of personal space, tranquillity and privacy while travelling in the lap of luxury. The decision to start the local production of the V-Class further reinforces our India commitment, adding significant value to our customers.”

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