Adrian Hallmark, CEO of Bentley since February 2018, is slated to depart the company in an agreement that is simultaneously voluntary and mutual. This exit comes with an interesting twist though. Hallmark, now 61, has chosen not to enjoy a quiet retirement in the leisure of a golf club but instead will be transitioning over to Aston Martin, a move that is stirring quite a buzz in the automotive industry.
Hallmark's anticipated departure is quite monumental and is set to decidedly impact matters at Crewe where he held his position. Hallmark assumed his place amid challenging business conditions and made his tenure remarkable by launching some superior Bentley models. Additionally, he also propelled the brand forward on the path to electrification through the introduction of diverse hybrid models. Even though there was an 11% drop in 2023, record sales in 2021 and 2022 are indicative of the positive influence Hallmark had on Bentley. He leaves the company in a much better state than when he joined, with his prowess highly recognized.
Aston Martin is readying for Hallmark to assume his position no later than October 1, 2024, succeeding Amedeo Felisa at Gaydon. Felisa, who has devoted a couple of years working at Gaydon and is now 78 years of age, has certainly earned a break from the labors of employment. In advance of this change, Felisa will complete the launch of revamped front-engined sports cars, with the groundbreaking Vantage set to launch in the subsequent month and a Roadster launch coming soon.
Shifting focus to Aston Martin, the brand is expected to greatly benefit from Bentley's loss. Hallmark, a CEO with extensive experience from working with a larger competitor, brings a richness of knowledge and know-how along with him. Aston Martin itself is facing a host of challenges including the successful launching of the mid-engined Valhalla hybrid and the DBX that is in urgent need of internal amelioration as seen in the DB12. Additionally, Hallmark will oversee the launch of a series of plug-in replacements for key models and potentially a few more V12s. Despite delays, an electric Aston Martin is also on the horizon, ensuring Hallmark's calendar remains packed.
Speaking of his new position, Hallmark expressed his enthusiasm for the transformation Aston Martin is undergoing, describing it as "one of the most exciting projects within the ultra-luxury automotive industry". He also shared his anticipation in utilizing his experience and passion to further tap into the brand’s potential and elevate its success. Lawrence Stroll, the Executive Chairman, reciprocated this sentiment saying, "In Adrian Hallmark, we are attracting one of the highest caliber leaders not just in our segment, but in the entire global automotive industry", augmenting Aston Martin with incomparable experience in both ultra-luxury automotive and British manufacturing sectors, thereby continuing the firm's excellent momentum.
While the exchanges for now seem civil and bordered on fondness, it can't be denied that this move signifies a significant overhaul of the leadership at two of the U.K.'s most treasured car manufacturers, not to mention an unexpectedly bustling Friday.
Reflecting on his time at Bentley, Hallmark stated, "To redefine luxury mobility for the future with such a strong brand is a task that I took on with full commitment and great pleasure”. Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Audi Board added, "Adrian Hallmark has achieved a great deal at Bentley…On the path to carbon-neutral electric vehicles in the luxury segment, he has taken important steps towards the long-term success of the company. I would like to thank Adrian Hallmark for his significant commitment over the last years and wish him well in his personal and professional future”. Although the transition may cause a measure of discontent, it also creates an opportunity for new leadership to rise at Bentley amidst an essential phase of change for the company. Particularly following news that the first EV has been postponed, and plug-in hybrids persist.
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Ather Rizta S 3.7 kWh Variant Launched – Longer Range at Lower Price
Ather Energy has expanded its Rizta family scooter lineup by launching the Rizta S with a larger 3.7 kWh battery, priced at ₹1.37‑1.39 Lakh ex-showroom across major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai
What’s New with the Rizta S 3.7 kWh?
Features the larger 3.7 kWh battery, previously exclusive to Z variants, delivering a claimed 159 km IDC range
Strips back some premium features like the colour TFT touchscreen and high-end aesthetic trims, keeping costs in check through pared-down spec while retaining key essentials: 7″ DeepView LCD, auto‑hold, turn‑by‑turn navigation, and fall-safe feature
Powertrain unchanged: mid-drive motor with 5.76 PS and 22 Nm, top speed limited to 80 km/h; 0–40 km/h in approximately 4.7 seconds
Practical Specs
Underseat boot: 34 litres of deep storage—with optional 22 litre frunk, totaling up to 56 litres in storage space
Features include flat wide seat, telescopic front fork, 12″ alloy front wheel, front disc brake, combined braking system, and reverse mode—ideal for daily use
Owners get access to Ather Grid's fast-charging network, now over 3,900+ locations nationwide
Price Positioning & Offers
City ex-showroom rates:
Delhi: ₹1,37,047
Mumbai: ₹1,37,258
Bengaluru: ₹1,37,999
Chennai: ₹1,39,312
Why This Variant Matters for Buyers
Best of both worlds: Extended range at sub‑₹1.4 L price without unnecessary luxuries.
Ideal for practical use: Spacious boot, comfortable seat, and enough tech for city commuting.
More inclusive ownership: Part of Ather’s drive to make EVs affordable yet practical for wider adoption.
Final Take for CarTopNews
The new Ather Rizta S 3.7 kWh variant bridges a smart gap in the range by offering longer endurance and essential comforts at a competitive price. It’s a calculated move to broaden appeal in urban markets while keeping the core product strategy intact.
Kia Carens Clavis EV India Launch & Price Details
Kia India is all set to unveil the Carens Clavis EV on 15 July 2025, priced right around ₹16 lakh ex‑showroom, marking its debut as Kia’s first locally made mass-market EV and one of the first 7‑seater electric MPVs in India
Launch Highlights
Debut date: 15 July 2025
Price estimate: ₹16‑18 lakh ex-showroom, slightly undercutting rivals like BYD eMax7 and Creta Electric
Battery Options & Performance
The Carens Clavis EV is expected to offer two battery packs borrowed from the Hyundai Creta Electric:
42 kWh variant delivering ~135 hp; range ~390 km
51.4 kWh variant with ~171 hp; range up to 470–473 km
Fast charging support and V2L/V2V features expected
Styling & Design Enhancements
Though largely based on the ICE Clavis, the EV will stand out with:
Sealed-off grille, aero-optimized alloy wheels, and subtle EV body accents
Slim LED DRLs and refined bumpers tailored for efficiency
Interior Features & Safety
Specs onboard will closely mirror the ICE Clavis, including:
Dual 12.3″ panoramic displays, front ventilated & powered seats, ambient lighting, Bose audio, and panoramic sunroof
Safety suite: 6 airbags, 360° camera, Level‑2 ADAS (adaptive cruise, AEB, lane assist), TPMS, ESC
Cabin layouts in both 6- and 7-seat configurations with premium comfort enhancements
Segment Significance
India’s only mass-market 7-seater electric MPV, positioning it uniquely in its segment alongside BYD eMax7
Strong value proposition: Three-row seating and long range at a sub‑₹20 lakh price point
Enhances Kia’s EV lineup beyond premium cars like EV6/EV9, for broader consumer reach
Final Take for CarTopNews
With the Carens Clavis EV, Kia is eyeing a transformational leap in India’s EV space—offering ample space, premium tech, advanced ADAS, and compelling pricing. Set to launch officially on 15 July, it could quickly become the electric family MPV benchmark.
MG M9 Luxury EV MPV: India-Spec Launch Details for CarTopNew
MG is set to debut the India-spec MG M9, its first all-electric luxury MPV, in 2025, available via the brand’s premium MG Select dealerships. Bookings have already commenced with a token amount of ₹51,000
Powertrain & Range
Equipped with a 90 kWh NMC lithium battery powering a 245 hp / 350 Nm electric motor driving the front axle
WLTP-certified range: 430 km, while MG cites 548 km based on internal testing
Charging: 160 kW DC charger offers 20–80% recharge in about 90 minutes; 11 kW AC home charging takes ~10 hours
Dimensions & Styling
Overall size: 5,200 mm long × 2,000 mm wide × 1,800 mm tall, with a 3,200 mm wheelbase—larger than the Kia Carnival and Toyota Vellfire
Exterior design** includes sliding** rear doors, split LED DRL and headlamp clusters, 19‑inch alloy wheels, and a chrome-trimmed front fascia
Interior & Comfort Features
Premium cabin with cognac-brown leather and suede, ambient lighting, and dual sunroofs (single-pane front, panoramic rear)
Seating: 7- or 8-seat layouts. Second-row “Presidential” captain chairs offer heating, ventilation, massage, and fold-out ottomans—adjustable with touchscreen controls on headrests
**Cabin kit includes **a 12.3‑inch touchscreen, 7‑inch driver display, wireless charging, JBL sound system, drive modes, and PM 2.5 air filters
Rear passengers get standard USB-A connectors, AC vents, and third-row seating for three
Tech & Safety Suite
Comes with Level 2 ADAS (adaptive cruise, lane‑keep assist), 7 airbags, 360° cameras, ESP, TPMS, electric park brake, and ISOFIX points across variants
While Bharat NCAP rating isn’t available yet, the model is already rated five stars in Euro and ANCAP tests
Pricing & Competition
Expected price: ₹65 to 80 lakh (ex-showroom) for India-spec models, potentially launching around ₹70 lakh
Positioned against luxury MPVs like the Toyota Vellfire, Kia Carnival, and upcoming EVs such as BYD Sealion 7, Volvo EM90 (if India launch materializes)
Why It Matters for CarTopNews Readers
The MG M9 reinvents luxury mobility in India, combining high-capacity EV powertrain with lavish features normally found in premium MPVs. Its slide-door opulence, massaging ottoman seats, and long-range efficiency present compelling value in a crowded segment. MG’s decision to use Select dealerships further reinforces its premium positioning in the market.
Final Take
With class-leading range, a sanctuary-like cabin, and cutting-edge ADAS, the MG M9 is poised to redefine electric family mobility in India. If priced within expectations, it will offer a strong alternative to internal-combustion luxury MPVs—without compromise.
Toyota Innova Hycross Achieves Full 5-Star Rating in Bharat NCAP
Toyota’s flagship MPV, the Innova Hycross, has earned a 5-star rating in the Bharat NCAP crash tests, making it the first MPV and first Toyota model in India to achieve perfect ratings for both adult and child occupant protection
Safety Performance Breakdown
Adult Occupant Protection (AOP):
Scored 30.47 out of 32, with full marks (16/16) in side barrier crash and strong performance in frontal barrier impact (14.47/16).
Most body regions rated “good”, with the chest rated “adequate”—still within acceptable safety thresholds
Child Occupant Protection (COP):
Achieved 45 out of 49 points, including a perfect 24/24 in dynamic testing and 12/12 for CRS fitment.
The overall child protection score highlights excellent crash and restraint system performance
tandard Safety Equipment Onboard
All variants, including the GX 8‑seater (petrol), VX 8‑seater, and ZX 7‑seater (hybrid), share the same safety structure and equipment. These include:
Six airbags (seven on higher trims with curtain airbags)
ISOFIX mounts, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill-start assist, and seatbelt warnings
Top trims feature ADAS (adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitor, pre-collision alert)
Rearview cameras, 360-degree view monitor, and e-call functionality in ZX(O)
Why It Matters for Indian Families
Being the first MPV and first Toyota to earn a full five stars from Bharat NCAP positions the Innova Hycross as the safest large family vehicle sold in India. This enhances its appeal as a family-hauler built not just for comfort and versatility, but exemplary occupant protection.
Final Take
The Innova Hycross’s 5-star Bharat NCAP rating reinforces its reputation as a safe, robust, feature-rich MPV. With top marks in both adult and child safety categories, it sets a new benchmark in the Indian segment—combining hybrid efficiency, cabin space, and now, unmatched safety credentials.
KTM 390 Adventure X Set for Electronics Upgrade, Cruise Control & More
KTM is poised to enhance the 390 Adventure X by adding the same advanced electronics found on the top-spec 390 Adventure. Dealers have halted bookings for the current version as the 390 Adventure X Plus is expected to arrive within weeks
Full Electronics Suite to Arrive
Cruise Control with dedicated switchgear—ideal for highway touring
Lean-sensitive cornering ABS & traction control, backed by an IMU for improved safety in turns
Three ride modes: Off-road, Street, and Rain, each adjusting throttle mapping, ABS, and traction settings
What Remains Carried Over
Powertrain: 399cc LC4c single-cylinder engine with ~46hp and 39Nm torque
Mechanical parts: Long-travel non-adjustable suspension, 19"/17" cast alloy wheels, Apollo Tramplr tyres
Bike retains its touring-oriented setup, with quickshifter available
Pricing & Availability
Current price: ₹2.91 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Expected price increase: ₹10,000–15,000 for the Plus version
Although bumped up, it will still be priced lower than the fully loaded 390 Adventure with spoked wheels and adjustable suspension
Final Take for CarTopNews
The upcoming 390 Adventure X Plus bike brings major value enhancements—adding cruise control, cornering safety aids, and ride modes—while preserving its robust touring DNA. With only a modest price hike, it becomes a stronger rival to the top-spec model and competitors like Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.
TVS Introduces 2025 Apache RTR 160 with Dual‑Channel ABS
TVS Motor Company has rolled out its updated 2025 Apache RTR 160, now featuring dual‑channel ABS for both wheels. The new variant is priced at ₹1.34 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and also complies with the latest OBD‑2B emission norms
Safety & Compliance Upgrade
Dual-channel ABS ensures enhanced braking stability during sudden stops or on slippery surfaces—a first for this segment
OBD‑2B compliance enables advanced diagnostics for emissions and system faults, aligning with new regulatory standards
Mechanical & Tech Specs
Engine: 159.7 cc air-cooled single-cylinder, producing 15.82 PS and 13.85 Nm torque
Paired with a 5-speed gearbox, it maintains the lively character of the RTR line-up.
Braking: Dual-channel ABS with front disc and rear disc—previously non-existent on this model.
Features: Includes ride modes, LCD console with Bluetooth, turn-by-turn navigation, and LED lighting in higher trims
Market Position & Segment Context
Price tag of ₹1.34 lakh positions the RTR 160 slightly above its top-end predecessors—a premium justified by the safety upgrade
TVS continues to offer** the RTR 160 4V**, which already includes dual‑channel ABS and USD front forks, with prices ranging from **₹1.24 lakh **to ₹1.40 lakh across variants
With ABS becoming mandatory for 125 cc+ bikes in 2026, TVS’s proactive update places the RTR 160 ahead in rider safety and regulatory compliance.
Final Take
The 2025 Apache RTR 160 Bike sets a new bar in the 160cc commuter category with its dual‑channel ABS and regulatory readiness. Priced competitively at ₹1.34 lakh, it delivers both performance and peace of mind at a crucial price point. Ideal for buyers seeking a feature-rich, safe, and sporty ride.
Mercedes‑AMG GT 63 & GT 63 Pro Officially Launched in India
Mercedes-Benz India has added two formidable additions to its performance lineup—the 2025 AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ and the track-focused GT 63 Pro 4MATIC+—with prices starting at ₹3 crore and ₹3.65 crore respectively (ex-showroom)
Powertrain & Performance
Both models are driven by AMG’s hand-built 4.0 L twin-turbo V8, paired with a 9-speed dual-clutch and AWD.
GT 63 Pro adds +27 PS and +50 Nm over GT 63
Track-Ready Enhancements on GT 63 Pro
The Pro variant introduces significant mechanical upgrades:
603 PS & 850 Nm, active aero, carbon-fiber wing, extended diffusers
**Two extra radiators **(front arches, diff transfer case), underbody aero, 21‑inch forged wheels
Ceramic brakes: 419 mm fronts, titanium rear, 6-piston front calipers
Design & Usability
The Mercedes GT 63 features a longer wheelbase and a 2+2 seating layout
Inside features include AMG performance seats, a 12.3″ digital cluster, and an 11.9″ vertical infotainment screen
Pro model adds sharper visual cues, fixed rear wing, carbon-fiber bits, and active cooling vents
Availability & Booking
Bookings open from 27 June 2025
Deliveries:
GT 63: Q4 2025
GT 63 Pro: Q1 2026
Final Take for CarTopNews
The arrival of the AMG GT 63 duo reaffirms AMG's commitment to high-performance coupes in India. With staggering power, race-inspired tech, and experiential variants, these models will thrill enthusiasts and broaden Mercedes’ supercar catalog in the luxury-performance segment.
Callum Reinvents the Classic: 110 hp Wood & Pickett Mini
Callum Design, led by legendary British designer Ian Callum CBE, has teamed up with Wood & Pickett to breathe new life into the final-gen Mk5 Mini, delivering a meticulously crafted restomod that marries vintage charm with performance and modernity
Exterior & Interior – Classic with a Modern Twist
Revamped bodywork retains the iconic proportions of the Mk5 Mini (last built 1997–2001), enhanced with bespoke valances, side skirts, and a redesigned rear end that echo Wood & Pickett’s coachbuilding pedigree
Upgraded LED lighting, Callum-designed 13‑inch alloy wheels, road-tuned suspension, and uprated disc brakes deliver a sophisticated yet purposeful aesthetic
Inside, expect a piano-switch dashboard, touchscreen infotainment, and luxurious Bridge of Weir leather trim—quality that “British Leyland could only dream about”
Under the Bonnet – Genuine Go-Kart Feel
Powertrain: Stage 3 1.3‑litre A‑Series motor, rebuilt to produce 110 hp, nearly doubling standard output
Mated to a re-engineered gearbox with twin-exit exhaust, the car promises lively performance reminiscent of early hot-hatch legends
Handling is enhanced via bespoke suspension and quality brakes, completing the transformation into a light-footed go-kart classic
Limited Editions & Customisation
Each restomod is hand-built in the UK, with customers invited to collaborate from day one—ensuring no two builds are identical
Starting price is around £75,000 (~₹80 lakh), reflecting its exclusivity as a David Gandy-commissioned first example, due to debut at the Heveningham Concours this weekend
Final Take for CarTopNews
The Wood & Pickett Mini by Callum reinvigorates classic Mini DNA with bespoke design, performance upgrades, and modern luxury—all while preserving its authentic character. This restomod isn’t just a tribute; it’s a statement in selectors and craftsmanship, appealing to design purists and hot‑Mini enthusiasts alike.
