Ferrari One-Off Series Debuts

A new Ferrari from the One-Off series – a part of the Special Projects programme – was unveiled recently at the Ferrari Racing Days in the Circuit of the Americas. It is called the HC25 and designed by the Ferrari Centro Stile under the direction of Flavio Manzoni. 
A mid-rear internal combustion engine V8 model that has been derived from the F8 Spider, the HC25 is part of the most exclusive segment of the range – a collection of unique cars – that are sketched and then built according to the wishes of a single client, who reaches the pinnacle of personalisation offered by the Prancing Horse. 
The main distinguishing feature of the HC25 lies in its ambition to reinterpret the forms and aesthetic codes of Ferrari’s mid‑rear‑engine spiders with a bold, forward-looking perspective. 
Developed on the F8 Spider platform – the last open‑top Prancing Horse model to feature the non‑hybrid turbo V8 in a mid‑rear position – it stands markedly apart from it. The styling of the HC25 remains voluptuous and sensual, expressing around the wheels the muscularity typical of Ferrari models, almost echoing the aesthetic language of the F80. 
This One-Off supercar can be seen as an ideal bridge, concluding on one hand the story of the iconic mid‑rear‑engine V8 platform and projecting itself into the futuristic path Ferrari has taken with its flagship models on the other hand. The futuristic path includes models like the Ferrari 12Cilindri and F80. 
The forms of such machines are pure and simple. They are defined by vertical flanks bordered by sharp crests, cleanly carved lines and geometric rhythms that harmonise with the natural sensuality created by Ferrari’s signature surface transitions across the car’s volumes. 
The HC25 is characterised by a strong graphic identity: the dual-volume structure creates an interplay in which the front and rear appear as two distinct bodies, joined by a wrapping, highly three‑dimensional central band. This element appears as a functional black ribbon incorporating essential thermal-management components, including air intakes for the radiators and heat extraction for the powertrain – the true heart of the car.
The design of the HC25 is powerful and assertive. The side view gains momentum from the arrow-shaped movement of the band, which runs from the base of the rear wheels towards the front, then curves vertically over the door up to the sculpted handle, before sweeping back and merging into the rear screen. 
This movement is designed to emphasise the rear muscles, almost pushing visually towards the front and shifting the cabin volume dynamically forward. The door handle is not immediately recognisable as such, as it is integrated into a long blade milled from solid aluminium, which stretches like a bridge between the two sides of the bodyshell, themselves separated by the central black ribbon.

The proportions of the HC25 have been refined to minimise the visual impact of the glazing and to lower the perceived shoulder line that shapes the car’s silhouette. The lighting units blend seamlessly into the design. 
At the front, the headlamp has been created specifically for this car, using modules never before featured on any Ferrari, so as to achieve a very slim lens with a central indentation that perfectly mirrors the split design of the rear lights. The DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) here adopt for the first time a vertical arrangement, exploiting the leading edge of the front wings to create a distinctive boomerang shape. 
By contrasting glossy and matt surfaces, an ideal interplay has been created between the car body – finished in matt Moonlight Grey to give solidity and fullness to the forms – and the glossy black band running through it, generating a bold, decisive contrast. 
The yellow accents of the Ferrari logos and the brake callipers are echoed in the cabin, where the same dialogue appears between the sophisticated grey of the technical fabric and the yellow graphics that recall the boomerang shapes seen both on the flanks and in the DRLs. 
The wheels feature a distinctive and daring design: the five‑spoke configuration highlights the diamond-finished outer rim, with a double recessed groove on the outer channel that visually enlarges the wheel itself. The spokes, slender and dynamic, are finished in dark tones to emphasise the diameter. 
 

Renault Kwid Climber Variant Now Priced At INR 499,000

Renault Kwid

French automotive brand Renault India has introduced the new Renault Kwid hatchback, featuring updates to its design and a simplified two-variant structure: Evolution and Climber.

The company has also adjusted its pricing, with the Climber variant now available at an effective price of INR 499,000 following an online purchase benefit of INR 15,000. Prices for the Kwid range begin at INR 452,000 lakh with the Climber.

The updated model incorporates the Renault brand identity and includes features such as an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a digital LED instrument cluster and a rear-view camera. Safety equipment includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and seat belt reminders.

The vehicle is powered by a 1.0-litre petrol engine and is available with either a 5-speed manual or Easy-R AMT transmission. It offers a ground clearance of 184 mm and a boot capacity of 279 litres.

Francisco Hidalgo, VP - Sales and Marketing Renault India, said, “For millions of Indians, owning their first car remains an important milestone. With an increasingly aspirational middle class and a large base of two-wheeler owners looking to upgrade, first-time ownership continues to be a strong and enduring aspiration. Over 4.5 lakh customers in India have started their journey with Kwid, and that trust is something we deeply value. With the new Kwid, we are building on this legacy by making the offering simpler, clearer, and more relevant.”

Maruti Suzuki India, AU Small Finance Bank Launch Suhana Safar Initiative

Maruti Suzuki India - AU Small Finance Bank

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

Skoda Kodiaq RS

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

Honda City

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.