Bentley Motors will unveil its third coachbuilt model for the modern era on May 7, 2024. Of course, Mulliner’s expertise has been employed here because, unlike the Bentaygas and Continentals, this new model will be limited to just 16 units. That means it follows the sold-out Batur and Bacalar beauties. And yes, the iconic W12, “in its most potent iteration”, will be on duty here, making the upcoming limited-run Brit among the last Bentleys to use this engine before it is shelved for good.

Excited? Of course, you are!

2026 marks a landmark year in the history of Formula1. Apart from the introduction of monumental changes to the race car regulations, 2026 will witness German carmaker Audi’s entry to motorsport’s most elite race. And as early as mid-2024, the Audi Factory team has announced the signing of its first driver – Nico Hülkenberg. The German racer with over 200 F1 races under his belt is one of the most experienced drivers in the sport and now signs a multi-year contract with Sauber. While Hülkenberg will appear in Audi factory team colours in 2026, he will be driving for Sauber as early as 2025, thereby making a return to F1 next year post a multi-year hiatus and accompany the transformation to the factory team. Nico Hülkenberg commented: “The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special. When a German manufacturer enters Formula 1 with such determination, it’s a unique opportunity. To represent the factory team of such a car brand with a power unit made in Germany is a great honor for me.”

In an attempt to showcase the brand’s commitment to innovation, progress, and cultural resonance within the Middle East, Audi Middle East has appointed Chef Izu Ani as its inaugural regional brand ambassador. A long time Audi fan and customer, Chef Izu Ani’s regional footprint and storytelling prowess is said to have made him an ideal partner for the brand and become Audi’s first regional brand ambassador. His ability to craft gastronomic masterpieces has attracted fans from royal families to his establishments across the UAE and Qatar and remains passionate towards adrenaline-fueled activities, including driving his Audi RS Q8 and pushing the limits on his road bike. “Audi and Chef Izu is more than a partnership; it’s a shared journey of innovation, storytelling, and a commitment to excellence. Having admired Audi for many years and being a proud owner of the Audi R8 performance, amongst others, I am honoured to join forces with Audi to inspire audiences across the Middle East. I look forward to creating unforgettable experiences together.” 

About a month ago, JLR’s Defender released the first set of details about an upcoming derivative – the OCTA – alongside a set of teaser images. The Brits also confirmed that the Defender OCTA will be the new range-topper and is being put through the harshest testing regime in the company’s history. Well, all their efforts will be revealed on July 3, 2024. That’s when the Defender OCTA will make its world premiere.

Before that happens, however, the British marque will host exclusive events for prospective clients worldwide. For the first year’s allocation of Defender OCTA, one could register to check out the vehicle up close and finalise the specification. These events will occur in the UK, Germany, Italy, USA, Japan and Dubai (UAE).

Compared to the standard Defender’s testing programme, the OCTA has undergone over 13,960 additional tests. Examples include handling and durability testing at Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife, wet tarmac at Ladoux in France, ice in Sweden, challenging rally stages at Lastours in France, sand deserts in Dubai, and Moab rock crawls in Utah, USA. The OCTA also completed all extreme trails at JLR’s Eastnor testing facility.

In a bid to offset the rise in input and transportation costs, Audi India will increase the prices across its model range from June 1, 2024. Those planning to purchase a new Audi after the date mentioned can expect to pay up to 2 per cent more than the present ex-showroom prices.

Here’s what Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said in an official release:

Rising input costs are compelling us to increase prices by up to 2 per cent, effective June 1, 2024. The price correction aims to ensure sustainable growth for Audi India and our Dealer partners. As always, it’s our endeavour that the impact of rising costs is as minimal as possible for our customers.

Audi India registered a growth of 33 per cent in FY23-24. The brand’s pre-owned car business – Audi Approved: plus – also clocked 50 per cent more sales than the previous financial year.

Auto China, or what is formally known as the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, will open its doors on April 25, 2024, after a multiple-year hiatus courtesy of the pandemic. Chinese carmaker OMODA & JAECOO has announced its participation in the 2024 Beijing Auto Show. The global event will witness OMODA unveil its first pure electric model – the OMODA E5 and JAECOO launch its line-up of hybrid vehicles comprising the J7 PHEV and the J8 PHEV. Shawn Xu, CEO of OMODA & JAECOO Automobile International, said: “It is an exciting time for OMODA & JAECOO as we reveal our groundbreaking innovations at the 2024 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. Debuting our new energy off-road product matrix, which comprises the OMODA E5, JAECOO J7 PHEV and J8 PHEV, marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to revolutionising travel.” OMODA & JAECOO’s booth at the event will adopt a “New Energy, New Eco, New Era” theme to showcase the brand’s off-road new energy capabilities to international visitors. Additionally, OMODA & JAECOO are also set to launch the all-new OMODA 7 globally by April 28th.