The iconic red walls along the Judges Court Road in Kolkata, which once housed the famed Alipore Central Correctional Home, recently welcomed hundreds of visitors to marvel at the sight of classic and vintage cars and bikes.

The century-old establishment once again served as host to the Vintage and Classic Car and Bike Show organised by Classic Drivers Club (CDC), which entered into its second edition. The show is also recognised by the Federation International des Vehicules Anciens, which is the worldwide federative association of historic automobile clubs.

As the Sunday crowd stepped through the towering doors of this renowned symbol of societal order and rehabilitation, eager for a glimpse into the lives of inmates, their eyes were drawn to the vibrant signage that read, ‘The Alipore Museum & Classic Drivers Club Presents The Vintage & Classic Car & Bike Show.’

As one entered the courtyard through the gate, their eyes were immediately drawn to a stunning display of vehicles—cars elegantly arranged in a semi-circle on the left and bikes lined up neatly in the center. To the right, another delightful sight awaited, captivating both seasoned car enthusiasts and the young, eager crowd.

The excitement didn’t end there. As one walked past the exhibits on the right, another collection of motorcycles came into view. Stepping back and entering a side lane that led to a former jail storage space, visitors were greeted by a line-up of classic cars, featuring icons such as the Hindustan Motors Ambassador, Contessa and Willys MB.

The corridors were bustling with the murmur of the crowd that crossed the 6,000 mark by 3pm. Sound of camera clicking resonated through those thick walls. People from far-off places had come to lay eyes of these historical masterpieces that were still in optimum shape.

A man in his early 70s moved from car to car in a wheelchair, guided by his granddaughter. He paused in front of a 1923 Rolls-Royce 20 HP, lost in nostalgia, while his granddaughter snapped a selfie in front of the magnificent machine.

The automobiles had come from far-off places like Jamshedpur to give a glimpse of history. A total of 89 vehicles were exhibited including 64 cars and 25 motorcycles.

The Ford Model A (1930) and Chevrolet Fleetmaster (1947) stood proudly among the elegant line-up, their gleaming chrome reflecting the soft afternoon sun. Nearby, the Morris Minor (1951) and Austin 7 Ruby (1935) evoked memories of a bygone era, while the unmistakable curves of the Volkswagen Beetle (1958) drew curious onlookers.

As visitors moved through the display, the Rolls-Royce 20 HP (1923) stood as a testament to British luxury, positioned beside the sleek Triumph Spitfire (1963), a symbol of spirited motoring.

The two-wheeler section was just as mesmerising, with the legendary Yamaha RX 100 (1985) capturing the hearts of many, alongside the timeless Royal Enfield Bullet (1960s) and the Italian charm of the Vespa VBA 150 (1956). As the afternoon crowd swelled, nostalgia filled the air, with every turn revealing another masterpiece that had once ruled the roads, now standing as tributes to automotive history.

Speaking to Motoring Trends on the condition of anonymity, a car mechanic responsible for the upkeep of some of the cars said, “It is not easy to maintain these jewels, as original spare parts are hard to find, especially in the classic segment. Moreover, duplicate spare parts have flooded the market, hindering the performance of these powerful machines. I recently sourced a monogram for the owner of a 1962 Ambassador, which was transported from Bengaluru for a whopping INR 15,000 after a six-month search.”

He noted that the cars are taken to the roads at least twice a week and the engines are powered each day to keep them in running condition.

Besides the exhibition, an award ceremony was held at the auditorium to honour the owners, though it was strictly limited to CDC members. The event also included a special programme recognising the unsung craftsmen who work tirelessly behind the scenes to maintain historic vehicles in pristine condition.

As the sun set over the historic walls of Alipore Jail Museum, the echoes of admiration lingered in the air. The event was more than just a showcase; it was a celebration of automotive heritage, craftsmanship and nostalgia. With each gleaming car and roaring bike, the past came alive, reminding everyone of the timeless charm of these mechanical marvels.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German luxury automotive brand BMW Group extends its approach to sustainability to vehicle derivatives with the BMW X5, with an aim to optimise the vehicle lifecycle and minimise the carbon footprint across the supply chain, production, use phase and recycling.

Decarbonisation across the supply chain remains a lever for reducing CO2e emissions. The BMW Group focuses on renewables, recycled materials, and process innovations. During the product development process, CO2e emissions of the BMW X5 fell by 40 percent.

The body uses flat steel, of which 50 percent is electric arc furnace steel (EAF steel) with recycled material content, produced using renewables. This share of steel results from collaboration with suppliers in North America.

The BMW X5 uses recycled materials in components, including aluminium wheel rims, swivel bearings, wheel supports, rear axle supports and brake callipers.

Renewables power the electrolysis and production of these components. The aluminium for the doors contains 35 percent recycled material from the press shop at BMW Spartanburg. The material for the yarn of the headliner fabric consists of 100 percent recycled PET. In the BMW iX5 60 xDrive, one third of the vehicle consists of recycled materials, equivalent to a weight of 940 kilograms.

The Gen6 battery cells in the battery of the BMW iX5 include recycled materials in the cobalt, lithium and nickel content. Renewables power the production of anode materials, cathode materials and cell manufacturing. Compared with the Gen5 cell in the BMW iX, CO2e emissions fell by 28 percent per watt-hour.

The EfficientDynamics technology package optimises vehicle efficiency across subsystems during the use phase. This includes aerodynamics, lightweight construction, wheels, tyres and energy management.

The BMW iX5 features the ‘Heart of Joy’ from the BMW iX3 and BMW i3, with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control driving stack developed in-house. The system enhances efficiency: during deceleration, energy is recovered through recuperation down to a standstill.

Depending on the drivetrain variant, mileage and electricity source for charging, the BMW iX5 60 xDrive achieves a CO₂e advantage over a model with an internal combustion engine after one to two years of use.

The sustainability approach extends to vehicle manufacturing at Plant Spartanburg. Power for production at Plant Spartanburg comes from renewables. Between 2006 and 2025, energy consumption per produced vehicle decreased by 66 percent. The volume of waste sent to landfills fell by 88 percent over the period. The battery assembly plant in Woodruff runs without fossil fuels in operation.

The BMW Group will publish the Product Carbon Footprint for the BMW X5, validated by the German Technical Inspection Association (TÜV), to accompany the series launch. The report, including the calculation methodology, will be available to the public. The BMW Group provides transparency regarding raw materials and CO2e emissions across the vehicle lifecycle.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German luxury carmaker BMW India has launched the new X6 M60i xDrive, a performance Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) as a Completely Built-Up Unit (CBU) at INR 17.79 million (ex-showroom).

At the heart of the new X6 M60i is a 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine featuring a 48V mild-hybrid system. The powertrain delivers 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque, enabling the SAC to accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in 4.3 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 kmph.

The SAC comes is equipped with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic with paddle shifters, BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive with an M Sport differential. For handling it gets integral Active Steering and Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. The stopping power comes with M Sport braking system with red-painted callipers.

The exterior features a coupe silhouette, slim Adaptive LED headlights with M Shadowline accents and an M-specific kidney grille. The vehicle comes standard with 21-inch M light-alloy wheels.

The interior is anchored by the BMW Curved Display, which houses a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display under a single glass surface. The cabin is upholstered in Sensafin and includes features such as Harman Kardon surround sound, ventilated comfort seats with memory functions, and an ambient light bar. Customers can further personalise the vehicle with optional BMW Individual paint finishes and Merino leather upholstery.

The X6 M60i xDrive runs on BMW iDrive Operating System 8.5 and includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Connected features provided through the My BMW app include Digital Key Plus, remote services and real-time traffic information.

Driver assistance systems include a 360-degree surround view for parking assistant, reversing assistant, which records and executes the last 200 metres of steering input. Safety suite features Six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).

Through BMW India Financial Services, customers can access BMW SMART Finance, which includes an assured buyback offer of 60 percent after three years or 10,000 km. Financing packages for service, secure advance and extended warranties are also available.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “The new BMW X6 M60i xDrive is an absolute powerhouse engineered to command the road with an unmistakable, muscular stance. Positioned at the pinnacle of expressive luxury, this sports activity coupé is crafted for individuals who demand a distinct lifestyle. At its heart lies the legendary V8 engine, offering raw, emotional power.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Renault India has introduced four variants to its Kiger SUV range, updating the model’s powertrain and trim options. The changes include the addition of an Evolution+ variant and an expanded selection of turbo-powered models.

The French automaker has added the Evolution+ trim across its naturally aspirated (manual and AMT) and turbo (manual) engines. Features included in this variant comprise a keyless entry and start system, driver seat height adjustment, smartphone replication, automatic climate control and fabric upholstery.

Additionally, Renault has expanded its turbo-powered range from three to five options by offering the Techno trim with a 5-speed manual transmission. The naturally aspirated range has increased from six to eight variants.

With these updates, the Kiger turbo-powered line-up now starts at INR 789,000 (ex-showroom). The base price for the Evolution+ variant is INR 699,000 (ex-showroom).

Francisco Hidalgo, VP – Sales and Marketing, Renault India, said, “At Renault, our focus has always been on making innovation and mobility more accessible to customers. With the New Kiger range, we are taking this commitment further by bringing turbo performance, premium features, and greater choice within easier reach. As customer expectations continue to evolve, accessibility today goes beyond price—it is about enabling a more complete and rewarding ownership experience. This update reflects our effort to democratise features and technologies that matter most, while staying true to Kiger’s core promise of performance.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Stellantis-owned Citroen India has introduced the Aircross Comfort Edition, a limited-run series starting at INR 909,000 (ex-showroom). The launch coincides with the brand’s 108th-anniversary celebrations and aims to provide premium features and comfort-oriented upgrades across all trim levels.

A standout inclusion in this edition is the standardisation of premium leatherette interiors across all Comfort Edition trims, a move the company describes as a segment-first. Other ergonomic improvements include adjustable headrests for both front and rear seats, as well as refined interior finishes with soft-touch materials.

Citroen has introduced a structured accessory pack strategy to allow customers to personalise their vehicles.

YOU Pack (INR 36,600): Includes soft-touch IP, fog lamps, a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reverse camera with guidelines and door cladding with chrome inserts.

PLUS Pack (INR 8,460): Adds a reverse camera with guidelines, a wireless charger, and door cladding with chrome inserts.

MAX Pack (INR 40,000): Focuses on technology and audio, featuring a JBL speaker system with an amplifier and an advanced front, cabin and rear dashcam with predictive safety alerts (e.g., front collision, lane change and pedestrian detection).

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “At Citroen, comfort is at the heart of our product philosophy. We have been closely listening to our customers, who are increasingly seeking more features, enhanced comfort, and a premium in-cabin experience at value-driven price points. The Aircross Comfort Edition is a direct response to this evolving demand.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!