Automobile events this week: April 23 - 29

There is so much happening in the world of automobiles. From the launch of the 2018 Ford Freestyle to this year's Beijing auto show, 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 23 to 29, 2018:

April 25: 2018 Beijing Motor Show

The BMW package will make its debut in Beijing

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: 2018 Ford Freestyle compact SUV launch

Event 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 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.

April 27: Indian National Rally Championship - Round 1

Event type: Motorsport

Location: Chennai

What is it?

The INRC is India's biggest rallying event, organised by the FMSCI. The first round kicks off in Chennai and is on a dirt track. The highlight of this year's event is Vicky Chandhok's one-off return to the sport in a Volkswagen Polo R2, developed by Volkswagen Motorsport India. R Chandramouli from Bangalore will be Chandhok's navigator at the event.

April 29: F1 - Azerbaijan GP

Event type: Motorsport

Location: Baku city circuit

What is it?

The fourth round of this year's calendar, this should be an interesting one. Both Ferrari and Red Bull have challenged Mercedes' dominance this season and this race should continue that trend as well. The circuit is 6.003 km, making it the second-longest circuit on the Formula One calendar.