Team MRF Tyres has won the final round of European Rally Championship 2024 at the Rally of Silesia, Poland. Andrea Mabellini and Virginia Lenzi (ITA) steered the team to victory, participating in Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, and became the eighth different winner of the eight round 2024 FIA European Rally Championship.

Mabellini's maiden European career triumph was made possible by the exceptional performance of the Italian crew, who was placed second in the last championship round at the JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion. As the first Italian to win a European rally outside of Italy in 13 years, this is a noteworthy outcome. With this outcome, Mabellini concluded the season in fourth position, just a few points below third place, and made a substantial contribution to Team MRF Tyres' second-place finish in the rankings.

As the only driver to fight two-time European champion and former WRC driver Hayden Paddon, Mabellini was in the running from the beginning, finishing second in the opening show stage. After a fierce duel that lasted down to the tenths of a second, Mabellini's triumph on SS11 on Day 2 marked a turning point and put him in the lead. The pivotal moment came three stages from the finish: following a largely dry rally, the rain and shifting weather conditions made tyre selection extremely important. Mabellini showed maturity by driving with both speed and precision while Team MRF Tyres made no mistakes. By the finish, he had increased his advantage from a slim 1.9-second cushion to 18.3 seconds.

Amaury Molle (B) and Alex Dubois (FRA) of Team MRF Tyres also finished in Katowice with their Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo. After an accident at the Barum Czech Rally Zlín two months ago, the Belgian driver returned and showed steady performance. Molle fought hard to restore confidence and consistency, achieving outstanding times, including sixth on SS11, despite the extremely unpredictable circumstances.

Mabellini said, “I’m extremely happy. I want to thank Team MRF Tyres for believing in me from the start. We’ve worked hard together, and achieving this result is a huge satisfaction for all of us. A big thanks also to Virginia, who understands me perfectly, guides me, and without whom I wouldn’t be able to give my best, and to everyone who supported us from Italy. It’s been an incredible weekend, a season finale to remember. We’re enjoying this moment.”

Molle said, “It’s been a weekend full of positives. I know it will take time to fully regain my rhythm and the confidence to push at 100 percent, but I felt a great connection with the car, and Alex and I did a good job, improving stage by stage. We made a small mistake on the final stage but that doesn’t change our outlook on the weekend’s result. Thanks to Team MRF Tyres for this opportunity; now we have the winter to prepare and focus on our 2025 season.”

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Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles has concluded its All Stars trilogy with the unveiling of a comprehensively reworked Jawa 42, a machine that represents the most profound evolution of the model since it pioneered the modern classic category in India. The launch serves as the final chapter in a three-part strategy that began with the contemporary 42 FJ and continued through the individualistic 42 Bobber, now bringing the brand's vision to its logical culmination.

A transformed stance defines the new motorcycle, with engineering teams widening the rear section and equipping a larger 150/70-17 tyre to create a more commanding road presence. The sculpted seat, positioned at 790 mm, receives enhanced cushioning while maintaining the flat profile that has become synonymous with the brand, complemented by redesigned side panels and a compact upswept exhaust that improves both aesthetics and water-wading capability.

Handling dynamics receive substantial attention through adjustments to frame stiffness, swingarm rigidity and overall mass distribution, resulting in improved agility for city navigation without sacrificing stability at higher speeds. The mechanical foundation remains a 294.72 cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine paired with a six-speed gearbox, while dual-channel ABS works in conjunction with 280 mm front and 240 mm rear disc brakes to deliver confident stopping performance.

The All Stars philosophy draws from a rider community characterised by self-assurance and a distinctive blend of individualism with collective identity, a dynamic observed in defence forces and sporting teams where personal excellence coexists with shared purpose. This ethos manifests across the range, with the Bobber celebrating non-conformity, the FJ embracing contemporary sportiness, and the new 42 serving as the flagship that unites these expressions under a single insignia of belonging.

Preservation of iconic design elements ensures the motorcycle remains recognisably Jawa, with the signature 13.2-litre fuel tank, round headlamp and bench-style seat carried forward even as the model receives over 60 distinct enhancements. These refinements build upon the 2018 original that disrupted the market with its off-centre instrumentation and unconventional colour schemes, marking a significant advancement for the brand's modern-era journey.

Deliveries are scheduled to commence on 14 September 2026, with pricing starting at INR 179,942 for the Black and Ivory variant and reaching INR 189,942 for the All Stars Black option across six colourways. The Ownership Assurance Program provides a standard four-year or 50,000-kilometre warranty, extendable to six years, alongside eight years of roadside assistance and five years of AMC coverage, all accessible through more than 450 sales and service touchpoints nationwide.

Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Classic Legends, said, “The most interesting communities are built by people who share a way of conducting themselves even when there is no audience. That is what we have come to understand about the Jawa rider. The codes of character, conduct and courage we see in places as different as defence and sports. We live by it by launching new formats for rider needs, motorcycles with a distinct design and recognising those who live by these codes every day. The Jawa 42 helped launch India’s modern classic category. The All Stars 42 carries that same instinct forward, not by abandoning what made the Jawa 42 but by asking what it should mean to the rider of today.”

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Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), a leading two-wheeler manufacturer in the country, has introduced new colour options across its GIXXER motorcycle line-up, covering the GIXXER, GIXXER SF, GIXXER 250, GIXXER SF 250 and GIXXER SF 250 FFV models. The updates bring revised aesthetic options to the manufacturer's sub-300cc product portfolio, available across dealerships nationwide.

The GIXXER and GIXXER SF models feature a new Metallic Oort Gray and Pearl Blaze Orange dual-tone combination. The GIXXER 250, GIXXER SF 250, and GIXXER SF 250 FFV receive a Glass Sparkle Black and Metallic Oort Gray option. Additionally, a standalone Glass Sparkle Black finish has been added for the flex-fuel GIXXER SF 250 FFV model.

The new GIXXER colour scheme range can be had for prices starting INR 137,221 (ex-showroom Delhi) and INR 140,729 for the GIXXER SF. The quarter-litre models are priced from INR 184,517 for the GIXXER 250, INR 192,768 for the GIXXER SF 250 and INR 198,476 for the GIXXER SF 250 FFV.

Furthermore, customers will also benefit from the promotional purchase incentives of up to INR 1,500 for 155cc variants and up to INR 3,000 for the 250cc variants, alongside retail financing options starting from an interest rate of 5.99 percent.

The motorcycle range remains mechanically unchanged. The 155cc GIXXER and GIXXER SF are powered by an OBD-2B compliant single-cylinder engine producing 13.6 PS and 13.8 Nm, equipped with single-channel ABS and connectivity features. The 250cc series utilises a oil-cooled single-cylinder engine developing 26.5 PS and 22.2 Nm, paired with a six-speed transmission and dual-channel ABS. The flex-fuel GIXXER SF 250 FFV variant operates on ethanol blends up to 85 percent, generating 27.9 PS and 22.5 Nm.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “The GIXXER series has established a distinct identity through its sporty styling and engaging riding character. With the introduction of new colour combinations, we are adding a fresh visual expression to the range while retaining the design and performance attributes associated with GIXXER. We believe these updates will offer our customers more choices to complement their individual style.”

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Anand Mahindra, the Chairman of Mahindra Group, has unveiled the Jawa All Stars 42 Bobber at the Global Chess League 2026. The unveiling represents the second release under the company's All Stars series.

The Jawa All Stars 42 features a 334 cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled DOHC engine with electronic fuel injection and a twin exhaust system. The engine delivers 29.9 PS at 7,500 rpm and 30.01 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, paired with a six-speed transmission.

Built on a double cradle frame with a 1,485 mm wheelbase and 145 mm ground clearance, the motorcycle incorporates 35 mm telescopic front forks and a seven-step adjustable gas-filled rear monoshock absorber. Weighing 177 kg with a 12.5-litre fuel tank, it utilises a 280 mm front disc brake and a 240 mm rear disc brake supported by dual-channel ABS. Additional dimensions include a seat height of 740 mm, an 18-inch front wheel with a 100/90 tyre and a 17-inch rear wheel with a 140/70 radial tyre.

The All Stars edition introduces revised graphics, chequered patterns and updated colour schemes, including Silver Knight and Shadow Black variants.

The Jawa All Stars 42 can be had for prices starting INR 208,942 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the Mystic Copper shade, extending to INR 219,942 for the Black Mirror variant. Additional pricing includes INR 215,942 rupees for the Jasper Red finish and INR 217,942 rupees for the Shadow Black model.

Anand Mahindra said, “The Global Chess League has shown how individuality and collective purpose can exist side by side. Every player approaches the board with their own style yet contributes to something larger than themselves. The new Jawa All Stars 42 Bobber reflects a similar idea. It celebrates those who are confident in their own choices and understand that every meaningful move on a chessboard or on the road, begins with intent.”

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Royal Enfield has launched the Himalayan 440 motorcycle at prices starting at INR 229,000 (ex-showroom Tamil Nadu) at the inaugural Himalayan Basecamp event in Ladakh. The launch marks 10-years since the introduction of the initial Himalayan series.

The model features an updated 443cc single-cylinder, long-stroke engine paired with a six-speed transmission. The Himalayan 440 produces 25.4 bhp at 6,250 rpm and 34 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Built on a half-duplex split-cradle frame, the motorcycle includes 41mm telescopic front forks with 200mm of travel and a linkage-type rear monoshock with 180mm of wheel travel. The chassis incorporates 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheels, providing 220mm of ground clearance alongside an 800mm seat height and a 15-litre fuel tank.

Braking is managed by a 300mm front disc with a two-piston floating caliper and a 240mm rear disc, supported by switchable dual-channel ABS. Additional specifications include an LED headlamp, digital-analogue instrument panel, Tripper navigation system, and a USB Type-C charging port.

B Govindarajan, Managing Director, Eicher Motors and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Enfield, said, “Over the past decade, the Himalayan’s journey has been deeply gratifying and emotional for us - one shaped by both the mountains and a global rider community that transformed a simple adventure motorcycle into an international phenomenon. One of our most cherished products, it opened the doors to adventure touring and exploration, paving the way for extraordinary journeys from Everest Base Camp to the South Pole. The Himalayan 440 marks a celebration of this incredible journey. Driven by the messages from our community and guided thoughtfully by authentic rider feedback, the Himalayan 440 delivers precisely what was asked for - a simple, accessible, and uncomplicated adventure tourer - the same essence that defined the OG Himalayan.”

Initial production units will carry a 10-year anniversary emblem on the fuel tank. The vehicle is offered in three colour options, namely Sela Black, Mustang Brown and Nelong White.

Royal Enfield is also providing optional 7-year extended warranty package alongside roadside assistance for the Himalayan 440.

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