Ford C-Segment SUV Design Almost Completed by Pininfarina. The front design Spotted Ahead of Launch. The spy image reveals the new attractive front chrome and glassy black design and Mustang-inspired LED DRL's. Also, It will get a completely different design, different wheelbase and It will be more enthusiast-focused, gives better driving dynamics than XUV500.

Ford India and Mahindra had formed a strategic alliance last year. The collaboration, using the strengths of both companies to deliver operational excellence and value to stakeholders. The partnership will allow Ford and Mahindra to offer a new product to

customers faster than before and will deliver profitable growth to both companies.  We have more received news that Ford’s new line-up of SUVs from the Ford-Mahindra joint venture will be designed by Italian design house Pininfarina which itself is now owned by Mahindra.

Ford Midsize SUV:

 This new mid-size 5 seat Ford C segment SUV is likely to be based on the next-generation Mahindra XUV500 which is currently in the testing phase. Both, the underpinnings and the powertrain of the XUV500 will be shared with the Ford SUV. The ford Version of the SUV will get a completely new design and different wheelbase and it will be enthusiasts focused and get better driving dynamics than the XUV590.   The Mahindra XUV500 is likely to be powered by a mHawk 2.2-litre diesel producing 156PS and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine from the mStallion engine family producing around 170PS. The new Ford ‘CX757’ SUV will rival the Jeep Compass, Tata Harrier and the MG Hector in the Indian market with a market launch expected to happen only after the launch of the new XUV 500 next year.

Ford Compact SUV:

 A smaller 4300mm length B-SUV will be launched after the C segment SUV. Codenamed ‘BX745’, the B segment SUV is likely to be based on an extended version of the XUV300 and is also expected to be designed by Pininfarina. The B-SUV is likely to arrive with a 1.5-litre TGDi (turbo-petrol) from Mahindra mStallion family producing around 150PS and a 1.5-litre diesel producing 120PS as well. The smaller B segment SUV will compete against the best selling Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos when launched later in 2022. 

Ford Sub Compact SUV:

  The last of the three new SUVs is the next-generation Ford EcoSport subcompact SUV. This new EcoSport is codenamed ‘BX744’ and is also likely to get the design inputs for Pininfarina. The next-generation EcoSport is expected to be powered by the Mahindra XUV300’s 1.2-litre TGDi (turbo-petrol) engine producing 130PS along with the familiar 1.5L 4 cyl diesel engine producing 120PS.

Stay tuned for further information on these new SUVs from the Ford-Mahindra alliance.

Source

Mercedes Benz has revealed the new 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-class a couple months after the debut of the new-generation S-class. Following S-class tradition, the new Maybach S-class promises to raise the bar for luxury limousines by offering greater interior space and a host of new comfort-oriented features.

Design:

At 5,469mm, the new Maybach S class is a  significant 180mm longer than the long-wheelbase version of the new S-class, which translates to the wheelbase, which is 3,396mm long – 31mm longer than even the outgoing Maybach S-class.

However, Mercedes-Benz has only made small exterior additions to help distinguish the Maybach from lesser S-classes. These changes

include the signature Maybach grille with slim vertical bars and a ‘Maybach’ inscription on top, a central chrome fin on the bonnet, a chrome applique for the lower parts of the front and rear bumpers, 34-spokealloy wheels, larger rear doors, Maybach insignias on the C-pillars and an optional two-tone paintjob with a ‘dividing line’, which can take up to a week to be completed.

Interior:

The Maybach S class retains the minimalistic interior design of the new S-class, while also including the second-gen MBUX infotainment system, a 12.8-inch tablet-style OLED infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument display and up to three screens for rear-seat passengers.

The interior also gets wood finishes for the front seatbacks, with a matching finish applied to the rear-centre console as well. The new Maybach S-class gets individual ‘Executive’ rear seats and a Chauffeur package as standard. The backrest of the Executive seats can be reclined by as much as 43.5 degrees, and the backrest of the front passenger seat can be tilted forward by as much as 23 degrees to free up even more room at the back, allowing the rear-seat passenger to stretch out and relax.

The Maybach also features a massage function integrated into the rear seat calf rests, a neck/shoulder heating function for the rear passengers, adaptive rear lighting, powered rear door opening and closing, an optional rear refrigeration compartment between the Executive seats and active road noise compensation included in the Burmester 4D sound system to produce counter-phased sound waves.

Other features include an active ambient lighting system, which employs 253 LEDs, a head-up display with augmented reality, along with an optional Interior Assist function, which uses cameras to track movements of the car’s occupants and proactively trigger certain functions.

Powertrains:

The new Maybach S-class gets only a 4.0L twin turbo V8 assisted by a 48V ‘EQ Boost’ mild-hybrid system that can provide as much as 20hp in short bursts. This powertrain can produce upto 496hp and 700Nm torque. A 9-speed automatic gearbox is standard, along with all-wheel drive.

The 2021 Maybach S-class also gets a rear-axle steering system, which turns the rear wheels by up to 10 degrees in the opposite direction of the front axle when parking, and by up to 4.5 degrees in the same direction as the front axle at speeds of over 60kph. This provide a tighter turning circle (11.2m) to the new Maybach S class.

Safety:

 The new Maybach S class is equipped with 18 airbags as standard.

Other safety features include the Pre-Safe Impulse side function (part of the E-Active Body Control suspension), which lifts the car up by 80mm when it detects an impending side-on crash. The E-Active Body Control suspension is a part of optional extras.

Like the standard S-class, the new Maybach S-class, too, gets Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities, and by the second half of 2021, will be able to drive entirely on its own on certain stretches with dense traffic upto a max speed of 60kph in Germany. As with all Level 3 autonomous-certified vehicles, the Maybach S-class will require the driver to be alert at all times and ready to take to the controls again, should the situation demand it.

Launch and price:

The new Maybach S-class will be launched in the first half of 2021 initially in China. An Indian launch is likely to happen only by the year 2022, only after the launch of the standard S500. When launched, the new Maybach S-class will be priced at around Rs.2 crore (ex-showroom).

Stay tuned for further updates.

Hello everyone! Y'all may have seen the videos on my 2017 Nano GenX XT. “He” has been a gem of a companion for all of my trips and travels. Fuel costs have been just around? 1600 per month. Mind you he has run more than 33,000kms now without any squeaks or rattles.

Here's my initial 21,000km review of my stock Gen X Nano from 2019:

After running purely in stock condition for 3 years, in 2020 I decided to get my Nano modified to my unique taste. The lockdown meant that I had a

lot of free time too. Here's a detailed summary of my Nano’s transformation. 

Buckle up for the journey folks!

I have always been fascinated by the Megapixel concept by Tata motors. Tata was planning an improved “Pelican” (1000cc engine) version of the Nano based on this concept. The GenX was a preview of this model and sported a lot of design elements seen on this concept. So I started to plan on my modifications phase by phase.

First, I bought a red Nano scale model and worked on the body decals. I previously had tried doing Photoshop renderings which looked rather good and made me seriously think of implementing this project. Since the Gen X design was already 70% based on the Megapixel concept, I decided to complete the look.

          

Phase 1:

• 90/100 Osram headlamp bulbs

• VW type trumpet horn (Hella)

• White LED cabin light

• Seat covers with improved driver seat comfort

• Interior ambient red lighting.

I thought I’d start with the essentials first. After some research, I got to know about the Nano zone, a rather small car modification shop near Lakshmi Mills in Coimbatore. So after enquiring details, I first got the horn and headlamps done. He suggested Osram 90/100 H4 bulbs and Hella trumpet (VW type) horn. Both were fitted with separate relays and the work was done by his boys up to good perfection. So after a few days, I left the car with him for 2 days to get the seat covers and ambient lighting done. I had thought of a custom design for the seat cover keeping in mind the interior theme colors and asked him to get it done. As the driver seat was not providing enough support for my long thighs, I thought of extending the seat base as well. He said it can be easily done, and yes indeed! Everything was done to superb perfection and the workmanship was great. Some extra foam had to be designed to extend the base, that’s all. All this was done for just around? 8750. Till date, the seat is very comfortable and can keep me fatigue-free on any long drive. Satisfied with the work, I started planning the next major works.

I have detailed the first phase of modifications in my Nano’s second 30,000km update review on our Youtube channel.

Phase 2:

           As I was already planning for the Megapixel mods since the start of this year, I came across a few Nano images in Sri Lanka, which was running on 13” alloys from the Renault Kwid. So I too decided to get it done. However since I didn’t have the budget for alloys, I was trying to source some used Steel rims of the Kwid. Sadly, no luck. I tried asking the service centers but they too didn’t have 5 rims. At that time in February, a good friend helped me out in sourcing 5 Steel rims in Chennai.

         In the month of June, I had ordered a rear fog lamp assembly unit for my Nano from Boodmo. All GenX Nanos have this empty slot on the rear bumper which would perfectly fit the OEM rear fog lamp offered on the Zest, Nexon, Altroz, and even the original Nano LX. Did it cost me just around? 500 was a perfect fit in that slot. I asked the Nano Zone guys to make it work in tandem with the brake lights. Till date, it works perfectly.

Upgrading wheels:

           The wheels were received on 22nd June by paying a transport charge of? 500. Meanwhile, I had enquired about the cheap and best tire brands for 13-inch wheels, shortlisting CEAT, and Firestone. Did Firestone seem the cheapest? 2600 per tire whereas a CEAT would cost? 2750. After considering the fact that Firestone indeed was owned by Bridgestone and is the OEM tire offered on the Jeep compass, I decided to go ahead with it. However, after a couple of days when I went to get the new wheels fitted, Firestone was out of stock. I had to go ahead with CEAT, with a bargain of? 2700 per tire.

           The larger wheels and 155/65 R13 tires were a perfect fit on the hubs. However, I had to remove the front mud flaps as they were rubbing on the tires every time I turned the wheel. Since there were only 4 tires in stock, I had to return a couple of days later for the spare tire. Every Nano owner, including the Nano Zone shop owner, warned me that the 13” tire wound never fit in the small bonnet of the Nano. However, it was an easy cakewalk. The new spare tire was fitted to the new wheel and in no time was inside the bonnet of the Nano. The old tires were almost worn out and were given as exchange for? 700 only.

Fitting these larger wheels drastically improved the feel of the Nano. Here are the observations after a few days running:

• Road noise is non-existent

• Ground clearance increased by 15mm approx

• Grip is excellent

• Braking feels improved, although needs slightly more effort.

• Ride quality significantly improved

• Feels confident at higher speeds

On the flip side, there were a few down points:

• Increased body roll

• Front mud flaps can’t be fitted

• Fuel economy reduced by approx 0.2kmpl

• Speedo error of -3kmph

Overall, I was happy with the modification and so was my mother. I sold and couriered the stock 12” rims and wheel covers to another Nano owner in Bangalore for? 3550 including shipping. (The courier service idea was a mistake as the transport charge itself was 70% of the total cost of the wheels) The next thing the Nano needed was good looking wheel covers. However, I wasn’t able to find the right design suitable for my future modifications.

        I asked the Nano Zone owner to help get the right design. One of the available designs from PRIGAN seemed to impress me. Though it was a plain design, it seemed ideal for the re-design I had in mind. So I started working on a custom design based on the plain one. 

 

This was the custom redesign I had rendered.

Since repainting was not a good idea on the plastic surface as suggested by the Nano Zone owner, I asked him to do it using stickers. Gloss black and red reflectors were used to create this design and after a couple of days, on the 1st of July I got them ready my Nano was ready to cruise.

These custom wheel covers cost me? 1000. Impressive?

I also got the Probus mobile holder for Rs.650 from Amazon and did some DIY to get that stuck on the steering column panel. It doesn’t hamper road visibility and also works like a jugaad version of the Digital cluster navigation screens seen on premium cars.

Phase 3:

      I was planning on a few exterior modifications:

• LED DRLs with 3 way switch

• Black roof and door sills

• Megapixel front makeover

• Dashboard leather wrap

• Flip key

I don’t prefer overtly flashy modifications, however, I wanted to have unique looking LEDs.

With black roofs being the trend, I wanted to get that done as well along with black on the running board door sills. 

I was never a big fan of the thin French mustache of the stock Gen X, so decided to give it a larger, grille-like cohesive look as seen on the Megapixel concept.

A Nano club member had wrapped the gloveboxes in tan leather. I loved the idea and wanted to get something done on my Nano, but in line with the interior color theme. I decided to get red and black again.

I still had the stock key with the separate central locking buttons dangling on the rings. I wanted the keys to match the modifications carried out. So decided to get flip keys similar to other Tata cars.

         On 10th August I decided to get the LEDs done. Initially, I had planned the LEDs in the lines of the Nano Europa concept, but that seemed too simple. So after a lot of head-scratching, based on the suggestion of Mr. Nano Zone, I finalized this Feline-eye design. Nano Zone has some good quality options of flexible LED DRLs and the Cyan Blue seemed very cool and unique to me. So finalized on that.

I wanted these LEDs and the ambient red lighting to be connected to a 3-way switch:

1. The first point will keep them always ON irrespective of locking the car.

2. The second point is the total OFF position.

3. The third point is connected to the Nano’s central locking and doors and they work like follow me lights. Unlocking the car/opening the door turns them on and locking the car/starting the engine turns them off. Since they are connected to the interior cabin lamp, they too have a theatre dimming function which looks absolutely cool! I loved it!

The work quality and fitment were genuine and the end result was simply WOW! No matter where we go, they make a statement and turn heads. Here are some glimpses:

     The next thing in line was the black detailing. I left the car with them the whole day of 13th August and took delivery in the evening. The work was again impressive and the Nano started to look more mature and sporty.

     The gloveboxes and the speakers had to be removed from the dashboard to get the wrapping done.  So had to drive without music and storage boxes for 2 days. On the final day when the boxes were ready, I decided to get the flip keys done. Left the car with them on the 20th morning and got the keys done by evening. Since the gloveboxes needed a bit more time, I got them fitted the next day afternoon. Though there is a bit of misalignment with the stitching line of the wrap and the gloveboxes take a bit more effort than before to open and close, the overall look is very premium and modern. Additionally, I also got noodle mats for the floor.

All this cost me a total? 7700 which is quite an impressive bargain.

After getting all these done, I made a teaser video of my Nano Megapixel edition for our channel and followers 

By the second week of September, I decided to finish the mods and left my Nano at Nano Zone. I had to be with them to direct them with the cutting and shaping since it was not an easy design, to begin with. The badges on the boot were removed and the work was started. The front and rear grille lights too were to be done. After 2 days of work with black and silver stickers, the Megapixel edition was ready. The Nano Zone guys were kind enough to do a full-body wash before polishing and handing over the key to me.

Here's the “angry Bulbasaur” face at night:

All these mods cost me? 36,250 starting with the headlamps, horn, and completing with the body stickering.

Here is the detailed video on my “Tata Nano Megapixel edition”. I have covered all accessory details and drive feedback with the new 13” wheels:

As of now, I have also fit a center armrest for the front seats with a storage box. Due to the unusual size of my Nano's seats, the armrest had to be custom designed in order to fit perfectly. It is a removable unit and works perfectly well. Long drives will be even more relaxing than before!

As of today, my Nano has run around 33,700km and still going strong. Regarding service and repairs, I have spent just around? 6800 till date and hope the maintenance costs stay that way for years to come.

I am loving my Nano and living the Nano life, the Megapixel way!