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Robert Kubica Takes Ferrari To Victory At The 24 Hours Of Le Mans

Robert Kubica, Yifei Ye & Philip Hanson Won The 24 Hours Of Le Mans In The No. 83 AF Corse Ferrari

The No. 83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P won the 24 Hours Of Le Mans in the hands of Robert Kubica, Yifei Ye and Philip Hanson. They won the prestigious endurance race ahead of Porsche and the factory Ferrari team. AF Corse is the first customer team to win Le Mans in over 20 years.

Kevin Estre, Laurens Vanthoor, and Matt Campbell piloted the No. 6 Porsche Penske to a sensational drive from P21 to P2. Antonio Giovinazzi, Alessandro Pier Guidi, and James Calado in the No. 51 finished P3 in the factory Ferrari effort.

Hypercar Class

Whilst the Ferrari took the victory, Cadillac set the pole position after showcasing strong pace. However, it never translated into race pace. Initially, the No. 51 Ferrari led the battle with the No. 83 AF Corse.

With the four hours remaining, the No. 78 Lexus LMGT3 crashed, which caused a full-course yellow. Alessandro Pier Guidi spun in the pit lane, which beached the No. 51 Ferrari. This handed the lead to the No. 83 AF Corse in the chaos. This is where Robert Kubica started to showcase his racing experience and led in his last stint for nearly 3.5 hours.

The Polish driver drove nearly 43% of the race-winning laps of the No. 83 AF Corse. The victory was also a first for Robert Kubica and Yifei Yei, being the first Polish and Chinese drivers to win the prestigious endurance race. Ferrari has also maintained dominance at Le Mans for three consecutive years.

Porsche was the closest challenger to Ferrari, but they were disqualified from qualifying as they were underweight. Kevin Estre battled to P5 within the first hour and finished P2, just 14.084 seconds behind the AF Corse. Notably, the No. 51 Ferrari suffered technical issues in the closing hour, which made the team ask the drivers to hold positions.

LMP2 Class

Jakub Smiechowski, Tom Dillman, and Nick Yelloly secured victory in the LMP2 class for No. 43 Inter Europol Competition. It was a close-fought battle with No. 48 VDS Panis Racing driven by Oliver Gray, Esteban Masson and Franck Perera. With just 32 minutes remaining, the No. 43 car was given a drive-through penalty for speeding in the pit lane.

However, the luck was on the No. 48 car’s side. Inter Europol Team secured its second Le Mans class win in three years with this opportunity. PJ Hyett, Dane Cameron, and Louis Deletraz drove the No. 199 AO by TF car to finish P3.

LMGT3 Class

The No. 92 Manthey 1ST Phorm Porsche claimed the class victory by dominating the LMGT3 class. It was driven by Ryan Hardwick, Riccardo Pera, and Richard Lietz. They secured a back-to-back victory at the French endurance race.

Richard Lietz secures his 6th Le Mans victory in addition to winning GT races in 2007, 2010, 2013, 2022, and 2024. Francois Heriau, Simon Mann, and Alessio Rovera drove the No. 21 Vista AF Corse Ferrari to a second-place finish in the class. The No. 81 TF Sport Corvette took the final step of the podium, driven by Tom van Rompuy, Rui Andrade and Charlie Eastwood.

The post Robert Kubica Takes Ferrari To Victory At The 24 Hours Of Le Mans appeared first on MotorBeam.

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8 New Mahindra SUVs Arriving Soon In India – Key Details

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Mahindra is all set to bring in as many as 8 new SUVs within the next 12-18 months in India and most of them have been caught on camera testing

Mahindra & Mahindra has ambitious plans to expand its domestic lineup in India as a host of new offerings are waiting to arrive. While has brand will step into the hybrid space in the near future, its existing ICE and electric portfolio will see new additions too and here we have explained about the upcoming SUVs that are arriving within the next 12-18 months:

1. New-Gen Mahindra Bolero Neo:

In August, Mahindra will reportedly unveil a brand new ladder frame chassis which will underpin the all-new Bolero Neo. Considering that the test mules have often been caught on camera, we can expect the production-spec model to feature in the same event on the Independence Day.

2. Mahindra XUV 3XO EV:

The electric version of the XUV 3XO ICE is expected to arrive in the coming months and it has been caught testing multiple times already. To be slotted below the XUV 400, it could come with a claimed range of around 450 km while the interior and exterior will boast minor differences compared to its ICE counterpart.

3. Mahindra XEV 7e:

Mahindra’s upcoming XEV 7e is underpinned by the flexible INGLO platform – the same EV-first modular architecture used by the BE 6 and XEV 9e – and is expected to share its battery configurations with them. The XEV 7e will take inspiration from the XUV.e8 concept in terms of design and proportions. Its market arrival could take place before the current calendar year wraps up.

4. Mahindra XUV700 Facelift:

Camouflage-heavy prototypes of what appears to be the refreshed Mahindra XUV700 are now being tested in early development stages. Some of the visible changes point toward a revised front-end setup. The headlamp enclosure seems to have been reworked and a reshaped bumper is also likely to be part of the visual update. Along the flanks, the flush-mounted door handles from the current model continue unchanged. However, other exterior elements will also likely be revised including tail lamps. Let alone, the cabin will endure updates too.

5. Mahindra Thar 3-Door Facelift:

Caught running test laps in camouflage, the three-door Mahindra Thar appears to be inching closer to the debut of its mid-cycle refresh. Early signs hint at the facelift adopting select cues from the Thar Roxx as its headlamps, bumpers, alloy wheels, etc will be updated along with interior enhancements.

6. Mahindra BE Rall-E:

BE Rall-E 1

The Mahindra BE Rall-E serves as an off-road-ready counterpart to the BE 6. The recent test mule sightings point toward the possibility of its market debut unfolding over the next few months. The production model is expected to stay visually close to the concept unveiled a while ago.

7&8. Mahindra XEV 9e & BE 6 Hybrid:

The BE 6 and XEV 9e are among the models expected to adopt a new hybrid powertrain layout and there is a strong chance they will undercut their electric counterparts on pricing. To integrate combustion setups into these nameplates, both vehicles will need extensive re-engineering, given that their current modular INGLO skateboard architecture has been designed exclusively around full-electric propulsion.

The post 8 New Mahindra SUVs Arriving Soon In India – Key Details appeared first on Gaadiwaadi.com - Latest Car & Bike News by Surendhar M.

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5+ Much Awaited New Midsize SUVs Arriving Soon In India

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Outlined below are seven of the most eagerly awaited midsize SUVs projected to arrive on Indian roads within the next year and a half

India’s midsize SUV field is on the verge of a major shakeup over the coming year and a half. Carmakers such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Mahindra, Tata, Kia, Renault and Nissan are lining up all-new launches and significant mid-life updates. While some models will return in evolved form under known badges, others are expected to debut new nameplates altogether. Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming contenders expected to leave a mark in this high-stakes segment:

1. Maruti Suzuki e Vitara:

maruti-e-vitara (1)

Maruti Suzuki is inching closer to its debut in the EV space with its first all-electric model, the e-Vitara, on track for a market launch around September. The five-seat SUV will sit on the Heartect-e skateboard platform and it will offer two battery configurations – a 49 kWh and a 61 kWh. The latter will come with a claimed range of over 500 km on a full charge. Sales will be channelled through the Nexa dealership network.

2. New Tata Sierra

2025 tata sierra

The all-new Tata Sierra will be introduced in its electric form first later this FY before the arrival of the ICE version. The former will have a lot in common with the Harrier EV while the latter will utilise a new 1.5L turbo petrol and a 2.0L diesel engine.

Also Read: 5+ Upcoming Hybrid SUVs You Should Know – Maruti To Hyundai

3. New Hyundai Creta:

Hyundai Creta N Line_-10

Before the end of next FY, Hyundai will likely bring in the next generation Creta to India and it will get a barrage of changes inside and out compared to the existing model while a new hybrid engine could also be introduced and it could be shared with the forthcoming Kia Seltos.

4. New Kia Seltos:

Caught testing several times already, the second generation Kia Seltos will more likely arrive sometime next year in India with a thoroughly revamped exterior and interior while the cabin will feature a host of revisions as well.

Also Read: 6 New 7-Seater Hybrid SUVs Likely Arriving In India – BIG LAUNCHES!

5. New Mahindra XUV700:

Mahindra has begun groundwork on the updated XUV700 which is expected to arrive sometime in early 2026. The existing powertrains – the 2.0-litre turbo petrol and 2.2-litre diesel – are expected to be carried over without major changes. Most of the revisions will likely revolve around exterior design tweaks and minor updates to the cabin. However, enhancements to the features list are also expected.

6. New Renault Duster:

Renault is preparing to reintroduce the Duster to the Indian market, this time based on the CMF-B+ architecture currently undergoing localisation for production. Alongside its Nissan twin, the next-generation model is likely to feature a hybrid option in the powertrain lineup. In contrast to the earlier version, the upcoming Duster is shaping up to be a more advanced offering, not only in terms of visual appeal but also with improved features.

7. Nissan Midsize SUV:

Nissan is gearing up to roll out four brand new models for the Indian market with a compact MPV topping the list. It will be underpinned by the same platform as the Renault Triber. Another major addition is a new midsize SUV, effectively stepping in as the spiritual successor to the long retired Terrano. This SUV is expected to make its way to showrooms within the next financial year.

The post 5+ Much Awaited New Midsize SUVs Arriving Soon In India appeared first on Gaadiwaadi.com - Latest Car & Bike News by Surendhar M.

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8 Upcoming Compact Electric Cars You Should Wait For In India

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The compact electric car space will see a flurry of action in the coming years and here we have listed the possible upcoming offerings in India

The compact EV segment is set to witness significant activity in the near future. Here is a look at the expected electric hatchbacks and small SUVs likely to arrive in India from manufacturers such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata, Mahindra, Kia and Nissan:

1. Kia Syros EV:

The electric version of the recently launched and well received Syros is expected to launch sometime next year in India and it could have a lot of similarities with the soon-arriving Carens Clavis EV. It will compete with the likes of Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV400.

2. Maruti Suzuki eWX:

In the future, Maruti Suzuki is expected to bring in a compact hatchback based on the eWX concept showcased in Japan a long while ago. It will emphasise interior space with upright front and rear ends and tall pillars – essentially acting as a more advanced evolution of the WagonR.

Also Read: 6 Upcoming Hybrid SUVs From Maruti Suzuki & Hyundai In India

3. Tata Punch EV Facelift:

The Punch EV is one of the top-selling EVs currently on sale in India and it will get a facelift sometime early next year. The updated model will receive latest design cues the brand has accustomed to while the features list could also be upgraded alongside improved driving range.

4. Mahindra XUV 3XO EV:

Spotted testing multiple times already, the electric iteration of the XUV 3XO compact SUV will slot below the XUV400 and it will share a lot with its bigger sibling including the battery pack. Expect minor cosmetic and interior changes compared to the regular model.

Also Read: 5 New Mahindra Cars Spied On Test Ahead Of Launch Soon

5,6&7. Hyundai i10 EV, Inster Based EV & Venue EV:

Hyundai is working on an assortment of new vehicles for India including a number of EVs. In 2026, Hyundai is expected to introduce the global Inster-based electric SUV for India while the zero-emission versions of the Grand i10 Nios and the soon-launching second generation Venue could also be considered.

8. Nissan A-Segment EV:

New Nissan MICRA EV 1 — Representational

Amongst the four products set to launch over the next two years is an A-segment EV from Nissan. While specifics are yet unknown, we do expect it to target high volume sales upon arrival with a claimed range of over 400 km per charge.

The post 8 Upcoming Compact Electric Cars You Should Wait For In India appeared first on Gaadiwaadi.com - Latest Car & Bike News by Surendhar M.

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3 Upcoming CNG Cars In India You Should Know About

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This article details the 3 upcoming CNG cars in India from the leading automotive brands such as Tata, Skoda and Kia

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has emerged as the best alternative fuel choice in the Indian market. The sales of CNG vehicles even surpassed diesel ones for the first time in FY25. The reasons behind the rise in sales of CNG-powered vehicles are quite simple: they are affordable, fuel efficient and environment friendly. In the last couple of years, we have seen more and more auto brands moving towards this fuel and introducing the CNG versions of their existing petrol and diesel models. In this piece, we will discuss the 3 upcoming CNG cars in India.

1. Skoda Kylaq CNG

Presently, Skoda Kylaq is the highest-selling model for the European brand with monthly sales close to 5000 units. Recently, Ashish Gupta – Brand Director for Skoda India, stated that the Kylaq CNG is under consideration but it will not happen immediately. Sources close to the development told us that the company is currently evaluating whether its turbo petrol engine can work with CNG fuel or not. Skoda Kylaq is priced in a range of Rs 8.25-13.99 lakh (ex-showroom) in the Indian market.

Also Read: Affordably Priced Kylaq Dominates Skoda’s Sales In May 2025

2. Tata Curvv CNG

Last month, Tata Curvv CNG was spotted testing for the first time around Pune. It is on the verge of becoming only the second passenger vehicle in India to come with all four fuel options namely petrol, diesel, CNG and EV after Tata Nexon. Needless to state, the Curvv CNG will be offered with Tata’s twin-cylinder technology which we have already seen in the CNG versions of Nexon, Altroz and Tiago.

Tata Curvv CNG will directly rival Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, both of which come with the conventional single-cylinder setup. It is likely to launch during the festive season of Diwali (Oct-Nov) later this year. The CNG variants could be around Rs 1 lakh more expensive than their petrol counterparts. Besides the standard manual gearbox, we might see an automatic transmission too as an option.

Also Read: Kia May 2025 Sales Analysis – Sonet, Seltos, Carens, Syros

3. Kia Carens CNG

Kia India will launch its first CNG powered vehicle in the form of the Carens Clavis by the end of 2025. It was confirmed by Hardeep Singh Brar = Senior Vice President & Head of Sales and Marketing, during a media interaction. Kia Carens Clavis CNG will be at loggerheads with Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in the Indian market.

“As CNG volumes are increasing, we are working on the CNG option as well. But we want to make sure that when we give a CNG option, like all our products, it has to be the best CNG car. If our testing proves to be successful, we will bring it (in the Carens),” said Brar.

The post 3 Upcoming CNG Cars In India You Should Know About appeared first on Gaadiwaadi.com - Latest Car & Bike News by Team GaadiWaadi.

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Affordably Priced Kylaq Dominates Skoda’s Sales In May 2025

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Skoda’s first sub-4 metre model in India since the Fabia becomes its new best-selling product mainly thanks to its affordable pricing

Skoda’s sales in India have reached a whole new level since it launched the Kylaq. Although not as good as the record-breaking March 2025, May 2025 was quite a decent month for the Czech automaker, all thanks to the new sub-4 metre SUV.

The Kylaq was unsurprisingly Skoda’s best-selling model in India in May 2025. The company delivered 4,949 units of the small SUV last month, far more than any of its other models. The Hyundai Venue rival accounted for 73% of the brand’s total sales in May 2025, which stood at 6,740 units.

For the record, a year ago when Skoda didn’t have the Kylaq in showrooms yet its sales were less than half of last month. In May 2024, the company had sold just 2,884 cars, meaning it recorded a year-over-year growth of 134% (3,856 units) last month.

Also Read: Upcoming Skoda & Volkswagen Cars In India – Kushaq Facelift To VW Tayron

skoda Kylaq

While the Kylaq registered 4,949 units in sales in May 2025, Skoda’s other mass-market, locally manufactured models in India sold in three-digit figures. The Slavia contributed 937 units, marking a year-over-year decline of 39% (May 2024: 1,538 units). The Kushaq saw an even bigger year-over-year decline of 44%, registering just 644 units in May 2025, compared to 1,157 units in the same month last year.

The Kyaq is Skoda’s first sub-4 metre model since the Fabia in 2013. The company offers it exclusively with a 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, tuned to produce 85 kW (114 hp) and 178 Nm of torque. It gives customers a choice of two transmissions: 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic. The small SUV delivers a fuel economy of 19.68 km/l with the former and 19.05 km/l with the latter.

Also Read: Skoda Octavia RS To Make A Comeback To India This Year

skoda Kylaq-5

Skoda offers the Kylaq with exterior features like LED projector headlamps, LED fog lamps with (static) cornering function, 17-inch alloy wheels, and LED tail lamps. Interior highlights include an electric sunroof, 6-way power front seats with a ventilation function, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless smartphone charger.

On the safety front, Skoda offers features like six airbags, hill hold control, electronic stability control, traction control system, and a reverse camera. The Kylaq’s ex-showroom prices start at 8.25 lakh rupees.

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VinFast India Factory To Commence Production From July As VF 7 Nears Launch

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VinFast prepares for India with local production, premium electric vehicles, and a comprehensive green ecosystem, led by its parent company, Vingroup.

Vietnamese EV giant VinFast is set to commence local production at its India factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, by July 2025. As one of the most ambitious global entrants into India’s electric vehicle market, VinFast is making rapid strides with its premium and affordable EV lineup. The spotlight is currently on the upcoming VF 7, a stylish, high-performance SUV crafted with Indian consumers in mind. But that’s just the beginning—VinFast also plans to introduce its compact VF 3 electric car next year, a move that could revolutionise EV adoption among first-time car buyers.

Backed by Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private enterprise, VinFast was founded in 2017 and initially made waves with its internal combustion cars showcased at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. However, the company boldly shifted to electric mobility by 2022 and hasn’t looked back. Today, VinFast stands as a symbol of Vietnam’s innovation and sustainability-first approach, offering a full range of EVs—from scooters to premium SUVs.

Vinfast 4

Vingroup is not just bringing a car brand to India; it’s introducing a complete green ecosystem. The parent group’s diverse clean mobility portfolio includes:

V-Green: Developing EV charging infrastructure across Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
GSM: An electric ride-hailing platform operating 100% with VinFast vehicles, already running in Vietnam and Indonesia, with expansion plans on the horizon.
FG: An EV leasing arm making ownership easier and more accessible, especially for new adopters.
VinBus: A non-profit subsidiary running electric buses in Vietnamese cities, promoting cleaner and quieter public transport.

Vingroup’s broader vision includes expanding Vinpearl Hotels & Resorts to India, reinforcing its commitment not just to green mobility, but also to holistic lifestyle infrastructure. The possibility of electric two-wheelers (2W) for the Indian market is also being explored, which would further enhance VinFast’s presence and relevance in the country’s vast EV space.

Vinfast VF7 (1)

VinFast’s entry into India was officially announced during the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, where it unveiled its comprehensive EV lineup. From the rugged urban VF 3 to the luxurious three-row VF 9 SUV, the lineup caters to diverse consumer segments. However, it was the VF 6 and VF 7 that generated the most buzz—both tailored for Indian roads and urban lifestyles.

Styled by Italy’s Torino Design, the VF 6 and VF 7 are premium SUVs featuring tech-loaded cabins, bold aesthetics, and multiple drivetrain options. The VF 6 delivers up to 150 kW of power and 310 Nm torque, while the VF 7 offers an AWD variant with a punchy 260 kW and 500 Nm torque. Both models come equipped with panoramic sunroofs, vegan leather interiors, large infotainment displays, and Level 2 ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.

Vinfast VF61

The Thoothukudi manufacturing plant, VinFast’s third after Vietnam and the U.S., spans 400 acres and is designed to produce up to 150,000 EVs annually. The facility will create around 3,500 direct jobs and is expected to play a key role in making India a strategic export and production hub. VinFast has also pledged to adopt green manufacturing practices in alignment with India’s sustainability goals.

What truly sets VinFast apart is its multi-pronged strategy—affordable EVs like the VF 3 for first-time buyers, premium offerings like the VF 7 for the tech-savvy urban class, and an expanding service, charging, and leasing infrastructure. The VF 3, in particular, holds the potential to be a game-changer in India’s EV adoption curve, offering a budget-friendly, compact city car with rugged styling and daily usability.

As India races toward an electric future, VinFast is not merely joining the race—it’s ready to lead from the front. With deep manufacturing roots, a commitment to clean mobility, and a vision that extends beyond automobiles, VinFast and Vingroup’s arrival marks a new era in India’s green mobility journey.