Automobile events this week: April 16 - 22
There is so much happening in the world of automobiles. From the launch of the 2018 Mahindra XUV500 facelift to the locally-produced BMW X3, and the 2018 Ford Freestyle in the country, to motorsport action from third MotoGP race of the season, as well as a host of upcoming events there is much for you to know, see, do. OVERDRIVE helps you stay up to speed with this quick rundown of all things automotive happening from April 16 to 22, 2018:
April 18: 2018 Mahindra XUV500 facelift launch
Event type: Product launch
Location: Mumbai
What is it?
After months of being spied in camouflaged state and also in undisguised versions at the dealerships, Mahindra will be launching the XUV500 facelift in India. A larger front grille with the updated headlight assembly with projectors and DRLs, redesigned bumper with a substantial rear profile update will be seen. It will also house an updated 2.2-litre powertrain will now make 155PS and generate 360Nm of torque between 1,750 to 2,800rpm, and an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figure of 15.4kmpl.
April 19: 2018 BMW X3 (locally assembled) launch
Event type: Product launch
Location: India
What is it?
BMW has begun local production of the all-new 2018 X3 at its plant in Chennai. The luxury mid-sized SUV is expected to arrive with new iterations of the two diesel engines already available in India. The suspension has been updated with lighter aluminium components and BMW has also switched to aluminium calipers for the brakes, the result is a car that is as much as 55kg lighter depending on the selected trim. Prices are expected to be in the Rs 50-55 lakh (on-road) bracket.
April 22: MotoGP 2018 - GP of the Americas
Event type: Circuit race
Location: Austin, Texas
What is it?
This is the third race of an already sensational season of the premier class of motorcycle racing. While the previous Argentina GP sprang a surprise in terms of winner and championship leader, it also had a dark part with a showdown between Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi. And with temperatures soaring, the action will only get more intense.
Upcoming events:
April 26: 2018 Ford Freestyle compact SUV launchEvent type: Product launch
Location: India
What is it?
OVERDRIVE has learnt from sources that Ford will officially launch its Freestyle compact SUV on April 26. In terms of design, the front end of the Freestyle looks similar to the Figo. However, the new grille looks more distinctive, though the biggest visual differentiators up front are the C-shaped surrounds for the fog lamps. There are faux skid plates at both ends as well as black plastic cladding all around, including the wheel arches, to add to the SUV-like feel. The Freestyle also gets a set of roof rails and we're told these aren't merely ornamental and can hold up to 50kg of weight.
April 25: 2018 Beijing Motor Show
Event type: Exhibition
Location: Beijing, China
What is it?
It is one of the most important auto shows in Asia, as major manufacturers have been lining up their displays with new models and some surprises each year at this event. You can expect to see the chaos and following that the latest in auto trends here. Brands including Buick, BMW, Pininfarina, Hybrid Electric, Lexus, and Ferrari are some of the exhibitors. Follow us right here for all the updates from the show. Info here.
April 26: Ducati Dream Tour - Hidden Himachal
Event type: Ride experience
Location: Himachal Pradesh
What is it?
The Ducati Dream Tour is a chance to experience a 4-day one of a kind guided excursion where riders will find themselves immersed in an atmosphere and landscape of adventure. It is being organised by Helmet Stories.The group will follow the Chandigarh-Narkhanda-Jibhi-Bir Billing-Chandigarh route that will riders savour the best of the Himachal trails and tarmac.
Can I go?
Yes, you can. Provided you are an existing Ducatisti (Ducati owner) with a Scrambler (except Cafe Racer), Multistrada, Hypermotard, and Hyperstrada. The cost per rider is Rs 39,000. This will include stay, dinner, support vehicles, spares and route guidance, videography, as well as a memorabilia. Register here.
June 2: TWO / OVERDRIVE track riding school - Level 1
Event type: Track riding training
Location: Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore
What is it?
Throttle Wide Open (TWO) is India's first track riding school, where you will learn the art of riding your motorcycle to the limit in a safe, quick, and smart way from motorcycling gurus including Anand Dharmaraj and our editor Shubhabrata Marmar. This Level 1 course teaches you all the basics of riding on a racetrack.
Can I go?
Of course, but you will have to hurry. Registrations are open on the IndiMotard website for only 30 spots in all for the Level 1 Session. The Open Session costs Rs 10,750, while the Level 1 training course will cost Rs 16,000. Bring a motorcycle and an open mind.