MotorBeam Daily News Roundup – 22nd December

Tata – The Indian carmaker has sent out a ‘Block Your Date’ invitation for an event on 13th January, 2021. We believe it’s nothing else but Tata Altroz Turbo launch. The hot hatch has been spotted on test without camouflage in a new blue shade a few months ago. Now it is expected to hit the showrooms next month with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine along with a new 7-speed DCT auto gearbox.

Jaguar – The British luxury carmaker is now focussing big on their electric vehicle plans. They are now coming up with a new all-electric SUV based on the next generation XJ. It is likely to be called Jaguar J-Pace. It will compete with the Tesla Model X and come with a range of around 500 km.

Volvo – Now this is the other big carmaker which is switching their entire lineup to electric-only within a few years of time. They have scheduled a launch for their new electric car for 2nd March. It is likely to be the production version of the Concept 40.2. This EV is most likely to be the successor to the Volvo V40.

BMW – The BMW X7 is a flagship full-size SUV from the German luxury carmaker. Now Manhart has turned it into a hardcore off-road machine, well at least in terms of aesthetics. The car gets a matte black wrap along with huge wheels having Maxxis Bighorn off-road tyres. The air suspension has been modified as well to increase the ground clearance by 40 mm.

Motor Trivia – Did you know, Tesla cars have a Dog mode which keeps the car ventilated while its parked and displays a message on the screen “My owner will be back soon”.

Comment of the day – I have spoken! – “Mahindra -Sanggyong- Pinninfarina partnership heading in the same direction as Hero-EBR partnership, unlike Hero, atleast Mahindra launched good products in partnership like XUV300 & Alturas.. whereas Hero completely wasted money.”