Bentley Continental GT Speed: The Pinnacle of Performance Grand Touring
- By Venkatesh P Koushik
- May 06, 2021
Bentley has pushed the boundaries of performance grand touring with the 2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed.
Moving away from the philosophy of previous Speed models, Bentley has focused on improving the handling and driving dynamics, making the new Continental GT Speed the most dynamic road car in Bentley's history.
The company has introduced its most advanced chassis built using four chassis technologies that give the Continental GT Speed a new level of agility, performance and ride quality, improving the cars driving characteristics.
The Bentley Dynamic Ride and three-chamber active air suspension with adaptive damping help the new GT speed maintain the balance of the car while going through turns and bad roads while the addition of rear-wheel steering helps turn the car better at low and medium speed by turning the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels by up to four degrees.
The Continental GT Speed becomes the first Bentley to use an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD). Tuned hand-in-hand with the traction control and active chassis system, the eLSD adds high-speed traction, improved lateral capacity and longitudinal stability.
The rearward biased all-wheel-drive system of the new Continental GT Speed combined with the intelligent eLSD and electronic stability control gives the driver a greater level of freedom before the safety systems intervene to correct any animalities. This clever combination makes this Bentley a born drifter.
The car also features the world's largest carbon-ceramic brake that stands 440 mm in diameter with a ten-piston calliper. The brakes have been designed specially to provide class-leading braking performance with copper-free brake friction material for reduced environmental impact.
The new carbon-ceramic brakes reduce the car's weight by around 33 kg, helping lower the car's inertia and aid handling.
In terms of the engine, the Continental GT Speed continues to carry forward the 6.0l twin-turbo W12 engine from the standard model with a slight increase in power to 650 hp. This increase in power translates to shaving a tenth off the 0-100 kmph time and an increase in top speed from 332-335 kmph.
Aesthetically, the Continental GT Speed features a blacked-out front grille with slightly redesigned side sills and 22-inch rims as standard. On the inside, there is a new dual-tone colour split for the leather and embroidered Speed badges on the headrests. (MT)
Maruti Suzuki India, AU Small Finance Bank Launch Suhana Safar Initiative
- By MT Bureau
- July 02, 2026
AU Small Finance Bank has partnered with Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, to introduce 'Suhana Safar', a scheme that links Recurring Deposits (RD) to auto loans. The initiative is aimed at first-time car buyers and applies to the Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio and WagonR models.
Under the programme, customers open an RD account with AU Small Finance Bank and deposit a monthly amount equivalent to the future car EMI for 3 to 6 months. Upon maturity, the accumulated funds, which have earned interest, are used as the down payment for the vehicle, after which the bank provides the auto loan.
The scheme allows customers to save and earn interest while demonstrating repayment capacity before committing to a loan. The bank also uses this process to evaluate creditworthiness.
AU Small Finance Bank offers RD interest rates of 4.75 percent to 7.40 percent per annum for the general public, and 5.25 percent to 7.90 percent per annum for senior citizens.
Skoda Kodiaq RS Launched At INR 6.69 Million In India
- By MT Bureau
- July 02, 2026
Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has introduced the new Kodiaq RS, the first SUV to carry the performance-focused RS badge in the Indian market at INR 6.69 million (ex-showroom).
The company limited the initial release to 50 units, which were sold out within six minutes of launch. This release aligns with the 50th anniversary of the RS badge and the 125th year of the brand’s motorsport history.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The RS badge represents an iconic performance legacy. Bringing it to our flagship 4x4, all-terrain, 7-seater SUV combines luxury, capability and motorsport DNA in one offering. The overwhelming response, with all units sold out in minutes, reflects the strong enthusiasm among customers.”
The Kodiaq RS features a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive. The vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 231 kmph.
The vehicle is equipped with progressive steering and the latest-generation Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) Plus, which allows drivers to adjust damping characteristics. The Driving Mode Select offers multiple settings, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow and a dedicated Off-Road mode.
The exterior includes black accents on the grille frame, mirrors, window frames, roof rails, and the D-pillar. The front features a bumper with black elements and a horizontal light strip in the grille. The rear includes a full-width reflector, blacked-out lettering, and stainless-steel exhaust tips. The SUV is fitted with 20-inch Elias alloy wheels and is available in Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.
Honda Cars India Reports 5,243 Unit Wholesales In June 2026
- By MT Bureau
- July 01, 2026
Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced wholesales of 8,788 units in June 2026.
In the domestic market, the company sold 5,243 units and 3,545 units for export, which marks 71.5 percent YoY, when the company sold 4,618 units domestically and exported 506 units.
Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, "The launch of new City and India Premiere of global SUV Honda ZR-V has generated strong momentum for our overall sales including Amaze and Elevate during June, driven by healthy customer demand and a positive market response. With Monsoon conditions expected to improve during July, we hope to sustain this positive momentum in the months ahead.
“The deliveries of ZR-V are also scheduled to begin from July. It will draw discerning new customers and prospects into Honda showrooms, enhancing our premium brand appeal and unlocking new growth opportunities,” he added.
Renault India Reports 4,063 Unit Wholesales For June 2026
- By MT Bureau
- July 01, 2026
French automotive company Renault India has recorded 4,063 domestic wholesale units in June 2026, a 55 percent YoY increase compared to the previous year. This also marks the 10th consecutive month of double-digit growth for the company.
Interestingly, for H1 CY2026, the company reported sales of 25,844 units, representing 61 percent YoY growth.
During June, Renault India began exports of the Duster, dispatching 750 units to South Africa. The company stated that this performance reflects customer response to its product strategy and demand across its portfolio.
Comments (0)
ADD COMMENT