The Flickr Frenchautomaker Image Generatr

Delahaye was a French automotive manufacturer founded in 1894 by Emile Delahaye. Initially, the company focused on building stationary engines and motorized vehicles, but soon shifted its focus to producing luxury cars, trucks, and fire engines. Delahaye's commitment to innovation was evident in its early adoption of belt-driven cars and its development of the V6 engine. The brand quickly gained a reputation for its craftsmanship and engineering prowess, attracting the attention of discerning customers and racing enthusiasts alike.

During the 1930s and 1940s, Delahaye's collaboration with talented coachbuilders like Figoni et Falaschi resulted in some of the most elegant and iconic automobiles of the era. These bespoke creations, often featuring flamboyant curves and luxurious interiors, were considered the epitome of automotive artistry. The company's success in motorsport further solidified its reputation, with notable victories in events such as the Monte Carlo Rally and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, despite its acclaim, Delahaye struggled to compete in the post-war market, leading to its acquisition by Hotchkiss in 1954 and eventual dissolution in 1955. [Source: Wikipedia]

“Complementing the major maritime, air and rail lines, Panhard serves the road network.” [From the ad copy]

French automaker Panhard et Levassor was one of the pioneering companies in the automobile industry. The company was known for its unique and advanced engineering solutions, which made its cars stand out in the early automotive market. The 1932 Panhard X49, for example, is a notable model from the French automaker and a direct competitor to luxury cars like the Bugatti Type 46 and Hispano-Suiza H6B. The X49 was designed with lightweight engineering principles, focusing on efficiency rather than just large displacement. It featured a four-cylinder sleeve-valve engine with a displacement of 4845cc. Despite its smaller engine size, it was powerful and well-regarded for its performance.

[Sources: Wikipedia, Supercars.net and TheTruthAboutCars.com]

“Superior in every way. Incomparable handling, mechanical brake booster, 3 large seats per bench, ideal suspension, remarkable elegance. The Nerva Renault dominates all other cars.”

With its 1931 luxury models, the 6-cylinder Monastella and Vivastella and the 8-cylinder Nervastella and Reinastella, Renault presents to you its most modern and refined cars.

The fruit of a 30-year effort, coming from factories that are powerfully equipped for precision manufacturing, the luxury RENAULT models have triumphed in the most diverse tests, demonstrating the excellence of their construction.

At the Salon you can admire the elegance of their lines, the impeccable execution of their bodies. A trial will convince you of their superiority. [Ad copy]

“Modern Travelers. . . know the value of time. They know that RENAULT cars and CAUDRON-RENAULT planes allow them to travel the longest distances with maximum comfort and safety, the greatest comfort and the strictest economy. Modern travelers always choose empirical solutions for modern living.” [Ad copy]

For the “Dynamic,” Panhard et Levassor’s in-house designer Louis Bionier came up with a Streamline Modern design, featuring front and rear wheel spats, two or three windscreen wipers and headlights integrated into the bodywork. Despite its size, the “Dynamic” was the first French car in the luxury class to feature a steel body electrically welded together and constructed without a separate chassis. It was also ahead of its time in having independent wishbone front suspension. But the feature that attracted the most comment when the car appeared at the 1936 Paris Motor Show was the centrally mounted steering. [Wikipedia]

Weekly news round-up: Volkswagen Virtus launched, New Vitara Brezza launch date, 2022 Kia Seltos facelift spotted

In the week gone by, we have witnessed a series of spy shots for upcoming new cars in the country and a new car launch. Additionally, we have also come across new details for upcoming models. Read below to learn more about the top stories in India last week.

New Kia Seltos facelift begins testing in India
Volkswagen Virtus Right Rear Three Quarter

The upcoming Kia Seltos facelift was spied testing on Indian roads for the first time. The updated Seltos will get a fresh set of cosmetic and feature updates. Mechanically, the vehicle is expected to be powered by the existing petrol and diesel engine options. These include the 1.5-litre NA petrol, 1.4-litre turbo petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine option.

Volkswagen Virtus launched in India; prices start at Rs 11.22 lakh
Volkswagen Virtus Right Front Three Quarter

Volkswagen launched its much-awaited mid-size sedan in India last week. The vehicle is available in four variant options. The colour options of the sedan include Carbon Steel Grey, Wild Cherry Red, Candy White, Reflex Silver, Curcuma Yellow, and Rising Blue. The sedan is available in both 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI EVO petrol engine options.

Citroen C3 to be launched in India on 20 July; pre-bookings to open on 1 July
Volkswagen Virtus Right Front Three Quarter

French automaker, Citroen will launch its second product in India on 20 July. The pre-bookings for the vehicle will commence from 1 July and it will be available in two petrol engines options. The C3 will be offered in four mono-tone and two dual-tone shades. The mono-tone colours will include Polar White, Steel Grey, Zesty Orange, and Platinum Grey. The two-tone hues are Zesty Orange with Platinum Grey roof and Polar White with Zesty Orange coloured roof.

Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus specs leaked ahead of launch
Volkswagen Virtus Front Windshield/Windscreen

The specs for the long-wheelbase version of the Mahindra Bolero Neo, christened the Neo Plus, was leaked ahead of its debut in India later this year. The upcoming new model will be available in both seven-seat and nine-seat layout options. In terms of dimensions the vehicle measures 4,400mm in length, 1,795mm in width, and 1,812mm in height, while the wheelbase is rated at 2,680mm.

New Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza to be launched in India on 30 June, 2022
Volkswagen Virtus Left Front Three Quarter

The country’s largest automaker, Maruti Suzuki will introduce the 2022 Vitara Brezza in India on 30 June. The updated model has started reaching dealerships in the country, while its pre-bookings are likely to commence soon. The compact SUV is expected to continue being powered by the existing 1.5-litre petrol engine.

Toyota’s new SUV (Creta rival) to be unveiled on 1 July
Volkswagen Virtus Left Front Three Quarter

Toyota’s upcoming new SUV will be officially unveiled on 1 July. The vehicle will compete against the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos in India. The upcoming model is likely to be equipped with features like a 360-degree camera, a Heads-Up Display (HUD), an electric sunroof, a large touchscreen infotainment system, split headlamps, and connected car technology.

Mahindra to re-introduce five-seat versions for KUV100 NXT
Volkswagen Virtus Right Side View

The Mahindra KUV100 NXT will soon get a five-seat version. Currently, the vehicle is limited to a six-seat version. The five-seat option will be offered in the K2, K4, K6, and K8 variants. Additionally, it is also expected to get a Trip variant for the fleet market.

Hyundai i20 variants rejigged
Volkswagen Virtus Right Front Three Quarter

Hyundai India has revised the variant line-up of the i20 premium hatchback. The company has discontinued select Asta variants and has also hiked prices for the Asta (O) 1.2 NA IVT dual-tone variant.