- Bugatti
- Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition
- Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition
- Chiron Super Sport 300+
- W16 Mistral
Four Bugattis Represent Pure Automotive Innovation
- By Bhushan Mhapralkar
- January 16, 2025
There are four Bugatti sports cars that represent automotive innovation like no others cars do.
It would come as a surprise that the four cars that represent innovation in automobiles in its purest form are all Bugatti sports cars. Showcasing the evolution of automobiles in a way that is unique and amounts to flexing the boundaries of what machines can really be or do what they are expected to do to the fullest, the four Bugatti cars are the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition, Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition, Chiron Super Sport 300+ and the W16 Mistral World Record Car.
Successful in carving out a niche, each of the four cars – ultra super cars – have come to represent Bugatti’s incomparable legacy. The Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition, on a beautiful day of April 2010, achieved a new land speed world record for production cars on the proving grounds of the Volkswagen Group at Ehra-Lessien (nearby its headquarters at Wolfsburg). In the presence of the German Technical Inspection Agency (TÜV) and a representative of Guinness Book of Records, the Super Sport achieved an average top speed of 431 kmph!
Bugatti’s Pilote Officiel Pierre Henri Raphanel put his helmet and gloves on, pulled the safety belts tight whilst the engineers checked the car a very last time for tyre pressure, temperature and all the systems.
The orange-black Super Sport crossed the light barrier within one hour by driving from South to North and then in the opposite direction. The driver being the only one to touch the car during the record run, the description of the Veyron as its headlights appeared at a certain point of the track was of a jumbo jet coming closer and simply jetting by.
The GPS-tachometer recorded a speed of as much as 933 kmph. The average speed generated by the TUV and Guinness representatives was a whopping 431.072 kmph, which surprised even the Bugatti team.
The roadster version of Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition, Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition, set the world speed record for open-top production sports cars at the Volkswagen Group’s proving grounds in Ehra-Lessien.
TÜV, the renowned independent German organisation for technical inspection and certification, officially confirmed that a top speed of 408.84 kmph was achieved when the super car was driven by the Chinese racing driver Anthony Liu in 2013.
On the market since the spring of 2012, the open-top sports car is fitted with an 8.0 litre W16 engine that pours 1,200 PS and a torque of 1,500 Nm at 3,000 to 5,000 rpm on the road. Its high-performance handling can be attributed to a racing chassis, which together with extremely fast-acting shock absorbers and reinforced anti-roll bars, guarantees exact control of both the four-wheel drive system and the entire vehicle.
The other factors that enable such performance at the upper limits include a standard carbon monocoque with high torsional rigidity and an outer shell made entirely of carbon fibre. With wind noise and air turbulence a particular concern with open-top vehicles, the Vitesse is offered with a specially developed roof spoiler along with an intricately designed windbreak that guarantees calm open-top driving.
The Chiron Super Sport 300+ is the fastest Bugatti ever made, redefining what is possible when it comes to speed and aerodynamics. Piloted by Bugatti’s Pilote Officiel Andy Wallace, the hypercar smashed through the 482.803 kmph (300 mph) barrier in 2019. Never had a production car reached such speeds ever!
Occupying a spot in the history and standing as a marker in the quest for greater performance and speed, the hypercar was fitted with a re-engineered version of Bugatti’s legendary 8.0 litre W16 engine that produced 1,600 PS of power. A new thermal management system for the engine and gearbox were developed. Refinements to the software governing the engine, gearbox and turbochargers were also made.
To ensure top notch stability, the car was fitted with a ‘longtail’ that extended the car length by approximately 25 cm. This allowed the laminar flow to pass over the body for a longer period of time, reducing aerodynamic stall by more than 40 percent. Air curtains adorning the hyper sports car’s front corners dispersed excess air pressure towards the car’s sides. Simultaneously, air outlets at the wheel arches and behind the front wheels guided excess pressure away from each wheel arch, reducing drag by also producing a small amount of negative lift. Liberal use of exposed carbon fibre – flowing through into the car’s engine cover and the windscreen wiper, thereby contributing to crucial weight-saving that helps the hyper sports car push the envelope of performance – was resorted to. Extremely light and strong magnesium alloy wheels were deployed.
Andy Wallace – Bugatti Pilote Officiel and winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours – assumed the controls of the one-off W16 Mistral World Record Car, warming up the vehicle’s bespoke high-performance tyres on a first anticipatory lap. Ascending to a specified speed of 200 kmph into the banking of the track (of ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg GmbH), he increased the speed before unleashing the full power of the vehicle as the straight opened up coming off the banking, taking it to new heights of record speed in November 2024. Under the meticulous control of SGS-TÜV Saar GmbH, the achievement of a new world top-speed record for an open-top car was officially confirmed at the end of the run, with Andy reaching an incredible 453.91 kmph.
The EUR 14 million hypercar is powered by an 8.0-litre, quad-turbo, W16 engine that does an impressive 1,578 bhp. Innovative is the W16 Mistral’s X-taillight arrangement, which channels hot air from the radiators through ducts towards the rear of the vehicle. The air is expelled through the vents in the X-taillight arrangement.
The hypercar’s ramp-design diffuser accelerates the air’s journey from the rear of the vehicle, which increases downforce and helps the model excel at high speeds. Contributing to the vehicle’s excellent stability are bespoke high-performance tyres.
MT
JSW MG Motor India Unveils MG MAJESTOR
- By MT Bureau
- February 12, 2026
JSW MG Motor India has unveiled the MG MAJESTOR, positioning it as the country’s first D+ segment SUV. Designed for discerning customers who prioritise commanding aesthetics, dependable engineering and sophisticated comfort, the vehicle made its debut at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 and now stands as the brand’s most rugged and premium offering tailored for diverse Indian driving conditions. With a focus on all-terrain capability, road presence, luxury and safety, the MAJESTOR introduces advanced 4x4 technologies and segment-first features. Pre-bookings commence today, while full pricing and availability will be confirmed nearer to the official launch.
The exterior of the MAJESTOR conveys strength and stature through its imposing proportions. With an overall length of 5,046 millimetres, width of 2,016 millimetres, height of 1,870 millimetres and a wheelbase measuring 2,950 millimetres, it surpasses competitors in every dimension. Design elements such as the Mosaic Matrix Combination Grille, Dragon Eyes Daytime Running Lamps, split headlamps, sequential turn indicators integrated into connected LED tail lamps, a raised hood and 19-inch alloy wheels collectively reinforce its bold yet polished character. The vehicle presents a commanding silhouette suited equally to metropolitan roads and long-distance travel.
Inside, the cabin offers a spacious and refined environment finished in black with premium leather upholstery and a streamlined centre console. Ventilated front seats come equipped with massage functionality, memory settings and multi-way power adjustment, with 12-way adjustability for the driver and 8-way for the passenger. A panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of openness, while sixty-four colour ambient lighting allows customisation of the interior mood. Three-zone automatic climate control ensures individual comfort across rows. Offered in six-seat and seven-seat configurations, the MAJESTOR adapts to both family use and adventure travel. Technological features include dual 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, wireless smartphone integration, a 12-speaker JBL audio system, dual wireless charging pads, a 220-volt power outlet and over 70 iSMART connected features.
At the core of the vehicle lies a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine generating 215.5 PS and 478.5 Nm of torque, figures that lead its segment. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission available in both two-wheel drive and advanced four-wheel drive configurations. The four-wheel drive system offers ten off-road modes and operates intelligently, remaining in two-wheel drive under normal conditions and shifting to four-wheel drive automatically when traction is compromised. This ensures optimal fuel efficiency during daily commutes while delivering enhanced grip on wet, slippery or uneven terrain. The MAJESTOR is also the first in its class to incorporate front, rear and centre differential locks, enabling the vehicle to extract itself from challenging conditions even when multiple wheels lose contact with the ground. Complementing this capability are Crawl Control, 219 millimetres of ground clearance and a water wading depth of 810 millimetres.
Safety engineering remains integral to the MAJESTOR’s design. The vehicle is equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, offering features such as assisted braking, steering and acceleration to support driver confidence across varied scenarios. Additional protective technologies include a 360-degree high-definition camera and Electronic Stability Programme, which integrates Anti-lock Braking, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Traction Control and Roll Movement Intervention.
The model will be available in Sharp and Savvy variants, with both two-wheel and four-wheel drive options. Colour choices include Pearl White, Concrete Grey, Metal Black and Metal Ash. JSW MG Motor India’s Complete Peace of Mind Program applies to the MAJESTOR, offering a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five-year roadside assistance and five labour-free services. Through a collaboration with ICICI Bank, customers also receive an invitation for the ICICI Emeralde Credit Card with no joining fee. Early reservation holders will receive priority in the delivery sequence, along with invitations to exclusive previews in March 2026 and specially arranged driving experiences.
Pre-reservations open on 12 February 2026 via the official website at a token amount of INR 41,000. Price announcement, public display and test drives are scheduled to begin in April 2026, with deliveries expected to commence the following month.
Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, “India’s premium SUV customer is evolving rapidly, looking not just for space but for a vehicle that projects stature, inspires confidence and integrates seamlessly into a more ambitious lifestyle. With MG MAJESTOR, we have created an SUV that is rugged in its capability, refined in its comfort and dependable in its engineering. MAJESTOR for us represents our vision of what a true, full-size SUV should stand for, which is a commanding presence, sophisticated premium craftsmanship, intelligent in technology and uncompromising in performance.”
Mahindra Reports Consolidated PAT Of INR 46.75 Billion For Q3 FY2026
- By MT Bureau
- February 11, 2026
Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has announced its financial results for Q3 FY2026, reporting a consolidated Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 46.75 billion, representing a 54 percent YoY growth.
The automotive division recorded quarterly volumes of 302,000 units, up 23 percent YoY. SUV revenue market share rose by 90 bps to 24.1 percent. The automotive business reported consolidated revenue of INR 303 billion, up 30 percent YoY, while PAT stood at INR 19.93 billion, up 42 percent YoY.
In the farm sector, tractor volumes reached 150,000 units, up 23 percent YoY, which translates to a market share of 44 percent for Q3. The revenue came at INR 115 billion, up 21 percent YoY, while PAT came at INR 10 billion, up 7 percent YoY.
Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & Managing Director, said, “We are delighted to report solid operating performance across the group in Q3’F26, reflecting our strong focus on growth coupled with disciplined execution. Auto & Farm has maintained its leadership position on the back of steady customer demand, strong product acceptance and unwavering focus on operational excellence. TechM continues to make meaningful progress. Mahindra Finance delivered another solid quarter with meaningful PAT growth while maintaining strong asset quality. We are especially pleased to see breakout performance from two of our growth gems, Mahindra Logistics and Mahindra Lifespaces.”
Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director & CEO (Auto and Farm Sector), said, “Auto and Farm businesses delivered strong performance in Q3’FY26. We have achieved a 90 bps YoY increase in SUV revenue share and 10 bps YoY increase in LCV (< 3.5T) market share in Q3. Our tractor business gained 20 bps YoY to reach an impressive 44.1 percent share for YTD FY26. Our new launches XEV 9S, and the XUV 7XO have received very positive response in the market.”
Amarjyoti Barua, Group Chief Financial Officer, added. “Our Q3 consolidated results reflects the strength and depth of our diversified portfolio. Our services businesses continue to increase their contribution to the overall results. Our results are also translating into a very strong Balance Sheet.”
- CEER
- Saudi Arabia
- Abdul Latif Jameel
- Zamil Trade & Services
- Zamil Plastics
- NSSPC
- KK Nag
- Mino
- FEV
- AVL
- MK Tron
- XYG
- Sika
- AITS
- FPI
- James DeLuca
CEER Inks 16 Agreements Worth USD 996 Million To Expand Saudi EV Supply Chain
- By MT Bureau
- February 10, 2026
CEER, Saudi Arabia’s first electric vehicle (EV) brand and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), has signed 16 commercial agreements valued at over SAR 3.7 billion (USD 996.90 million). The deals were announced at the 4th PIF Private Sector Forum, following SAR 5.5 billion (USD 1.4 billion) in agreements secured at the previous year's event.
The partnerships are part of a localisation strategy that aims to source 45 percent of vehicle materials and components from Saudi companies by 2034. The supply chain will support CEER’s production plan of seven models over the next five years.
The agreements cover a range of essential automotive components and services:
- Fluids and Plastics: Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) will supply windshield washer fluid and EV coolants. Zamil Trade & Services and Zamil Plastics will provide brake fluids and aerodynamic covers.
- Materials and Polymers: NSSPC is contracted for PP resin and polymer compounds, while KK Nag will provide Expanded Polypropylene (EPP).
- Engineering and Infrastructure: Mino will install steel Body Shop equipment. FEV and AVL will provide engineering services.
- Manufacturing: MK Tron will produce small stampings, window regulators, and door hinges. FPI will supply front-end modules and XYG will provide glazing solutions.
- Chemicals and HVAC: Sika is contracted for structural adhesives and cavity baffles, while AITS will work on HVAC localisation.
The project is expected to contribute SAR 30 billion (USD 8 billion) to Saudi GDP by 2034 and improve the trade balance by SAR 79 billion (USD 21 billion). CEER estimates the creation of 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, aligning with the industrial diversification goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
James DeLuca, CEO, CEER, said, “These agreements are a cornerstone of CEER's wide and deep localisation strategy, which targets sourcing 45 percent of vehicle materials and components from Saudi companies by 2034. Our approach goes beyond mere assembly, we are utilising local raw materials and empowering Saudi companies to become global suppliers, directly contributing to Vision 2030’s mission to diversify the national automotive industry and drive sustainable economic growth.”
“These agreements represent a major step in building a comprehensive automotive ecosystem in the Kingdom. By using local materials and resources, attracting advanced technology and foreign investment, and localising the production of heavy and labour-intensive components, we aim to reduce CO2 emissions and create meaningful job opportunities for Saudi nationals,” added DeLuca.
Cars24 Introduces Refreshed Brand Identity
- By MT Bureau
- February 09, 2026
Cars24 has unveiled a refreshed brand identity, moving from its original transactional focus towards a car ownership ecosystem.
Founded in 2015, the company originally utilised an all-caps logo – CARS24 – to establish a presence in a fragmented market. The updated identity shifts the name to sentence case, Cars24, which the company states reflects maturity and a focus on trust.
The core of the redesign features an open circular logo. According to the company, this form represents the continuity of car ownership, where vehicles change hands and user needs evolve. The open shape is intended to signal flexibility rather than closure.
The brand has also replaced its traditional blue with a brighter shade. This ‘younger blue’ is intended to make the brand appear more attentive and human as it scales its operations.
The identity update was the result of over 1,200 hours of design and iteration. The goal of the project was to create a look that remains relevant as the company expands its services beyond buying and selling into broader ownership systems.
Vikram Chopra, Founder & CEO, Cars24, said, “When we started, being loud helped. But as the company and the team grew up, the work started speaking for itself. This change is about reflecting who we are today, calmer, more human and focused on earning trust over time.”

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