August 2024 evo India issue Team EVO India
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Gordon Murray’s legendary McLaren F1 meets the GMA T.50 on the cover of the August 2024 issue of evo India

We also have reviews of the new Porsche 911 GTS, Lamborghini Revuelto, Porsche 930 Turbo by Singer, Nissan X-trail, Skoda Octavia, and the India-made Range Rover. And a Ferrari F40 poster!

Abhinav Seta

The McLaren F1 is not just a car, it’s a legend. With its blend of raw power, low weight, central driving position and a focus on the driving experience over the numbers it has gone down in history as one of the greatest cars ever made. The hugely successful F1 designer Gordon Murray was the genius behind that machine from the ’90s, and now we finally have a successor. The GMA T.50. It follows the same philosophy that the McLaren F1 did – a focus on lightweighting and driver involvement. Power and torque are irrelevant numbers when the sensations are so overwhelming. For the first time, these two go head to head with each other. Does the T.50 eclipse the iconic F1, or does the original still reign supreme? Dive into our latest issue to find out.

There’s more. The new Porsche 911 has arrived, now featuring hybrid assistance for the first time and we’ve driven it at Ascari. We’ve also put the Nissan X-Trail, Skoda Octavia, India-made Range Rover, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor through their paces. But perhaps the most desirable machines in this issue are the Lamborghini Revuelto, tested on the road for the first time, and the Porsche 930 Turbo reimagined by Singer. To keep you in the loop with the latest in the automotive world, we have in-depth features on the Red Bull RB17, the forthcoming Tata Curvv, and the new Audi A6 e-tron. Plus, don’t miss our report from the AMG Experience, where we invited 60 AMG customers for an unforgettable day of high-octane fun at the Buddh International Circuit. If you’ve become weary of hatchbacks masquerading as SUVs, we’ve brought in the originals – the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, Land Rover Defender, and Jeep Wrangler – to battle it out and see which of these “proper” SUVs is the one to buy. But if you’re in the market for a compact SUV, particularly a used one, we offer insights on what to look for when buying a pre-owned Hyundai Creta. On two wheels, we bring you reviews of the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450, Hero Mavrick 440, the CNG-driven Freedom 125, and the Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2. And we even strapped ourselves in to a race car in the Polo Cup

Continuing with our stunning posters collection, this time we present the iconic Ferrari F40 – the ultimate poster car, ready to go up on your wall.

Dive into our latest issue for all this and more. Get your copy here! 

McLaren F1 v GMA T.50

The McLaren F1 never really had a true successor. McLaren Automotive has been around for more than a decade but they haven’t gotten down to building a machine with the same extreme philosophy as the F1 – light weight, big power and a clear focus on the Thrill of Driving. However, the original F1 designer Gordon Murray is back in the game with GMA and the new T.50. It is, in many ways, a spiritual successor to the F1 not just in the way it looks, but the philosophy with which it approaches driving. Now, the two go head to head on the cover of the August issue of evo India. A world exclusive!

Murray’s latest supercar, the GMA T.50, compared with McLaren F1

Land Rover Defender v Mercedes G-Wagen v Jeep Wrangler

These were the SUVs before SUVs were cool. The Defender, G-Class and Wrangler were all born in the last century but have lived through the decades and remain incredibly popular to this day. Today, in a world where the term ‘SUV’ has been perverted, these three legends are a sobering reminder of what those letters actually mean.

The G-Class is around ₹1.8 crore expensive then the Wrangler — enough to get a whole Defender with the difference

Porsche 911 GTS hybrid

The 911 finally goes hybrid. An e-motor in the gearbox, and a second one inside the turbo electrifies the drivetrain to boost power and performance significantly, without too much of a weight penalty. Does the 911 retain its DNA of being a simple, fun sports car despite the complicated tech underneath? The Ed drives it on road and track to find out.

Porsche 911 GTS hybrid does 0-100kmph in just 3 seconds

Lamborghini Revuelto tested on the road

Following the tread tracks of the Aventador was never going to be easy. However the Revuelto picks up the mantle  with ease, courtesy of a V12 paired with three e-motors making a total 1001bhp. It left us slack jawed at the Vallelunga Circuit in Italy. But now it’s time for the second test – to see how it performs on the road. 

Lamborghini Revuelto has a power-to-weight ratio of 574bhp/ton

Singer Porsche 930 Turbo tested

Singer Vehicle Design has gained a name for itself by transforming classic Porsches into modern-day showstoppers. The base for their latest restomod Porsche 930 Turbo. Underneath is a heavily reworked 3746cc twin-turbo flat-six engine producing 510bhp and 599Nm, but what really takes the cake is the craftsmanship. The result is a car that maintains the 930’s iconic styling while offering better performance and sophistication courtesy of the amazing interior job done by Singer.

Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer

Nissan X-Trail

The X-Trail is finally back in India, now as a 7-seat SUV and set to rival the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq, Jeep Meridian, Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan. However, is it up to the mark? The turbo-petrol 3-cyl is deceptively quick and the ride is comfortable but the Indian market has lofty demands of what an SUV should come packing. 

Nissan X-Trail is priced at ₹49.92 lakh

Skoda Octavia

The facelifted Skoda Octavia is on sale in Europe with updated styling and more kit. Now in its fourth generation, this sedan continues to capture the imagination of the enthusiast with its performance, space and all-round capability. The big question is, will Skoda bring it back to India after burning its fingers with the last one?

The Octavia is likely to make a comeback in India with a 1.5-litre TSI engine

Red Bull RB17

This track-only hypercar is a showcase of Red Bull’s might and Adrian Newey’s design prowess but without the constraints of a rule-bound racing series. This V10-hybrid monster boasts 1184bhp, even more than Red Bull’s own F1 cars. Weighing under 900kg, it features active suspension and aero systems delivering a peak downforce of 1700kg. But this isn’t just a concept. The RB17 will have a limited production of 50 units, arriving in late 2025.

Red Bull RB17 V10 is designed to run for 24 hours without a pause

Tata Curvv

We get our first look at Tata’s mid-size SUV contender, the Tata Curvv, at Tata Motors’ design studio in the UK. We go behind the scenes with Martin Uhlarik, global head of design for Tata Motors, who talks us through the design elements of this coupe SUV and gives us a tour of the UK facility. 

Tata Curvv to compete in mid-SUV space

Racing in the 2024 Polo Cup

The 2024 Polo Cup is back with a roar, thanks to new promoters Buzzing Hornets. The series features factory-spec Polo race cars, meticulously maintained and tuned. The Ed, though a little rusty, gets back behind the wheel of a racecar to see if he can still compete with the young guns on the grid. 

The race-spec Polo gets a 1.8-litre GTI engine putting out 205bhp and 320Nm

AMG Experience at the Buddh International Circuit

We unleashed the entire AMG line-up in India at the AMG Experience at the Buddh International Circuit. Customers of the brand drove the Mercedes-AMG lineup, from the A 45 S to the all-electric EQS 53, under the guidance of global AMG instructors, participated in autocross laps, and even performance tested the EQS 53. The highlight, though, was setting a new lap record for a hybrid car at the BIC in S 63 E Performance with AMG’s global chief instructor behind the wheel. 

Customers experienced entire Mercedes-AMG lineup at BIC

Used Hyundai Creta buying guide

Should you get a new Exter or a used Creta? First gen Creta prices are now under `9 lakh, and that makes them a great pick for someone scouring the second hand market for an SUV. But what should you be looking for in a second-hand Creta? We give you a detailed rundown of how to look for a good one, running through everything you need to know about exterior condition, interior integrity, and mechanical health.

First-gen Creta can be bought for as little as ₹7 lakh

Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 tested

Following the Himalayan 450 comes a new motorcycle based on  the same Sherpa 450 platform – but this one is a roadster. With a genuine road bias, funky colours and styling that pushes the boundaries for RE, the Guerilla 450 impresses at our first ride in Barcelona. Best handling Enfield yet? We think so!

RE Guerrillia 450 prices start from ₹2.39 lakh and goes up to ₹2.54 lakh

Hero Mavrick 440

Hero is dipping its toes in the big bike game! Sharing a platform with the Harley-Davidson X440, the Mavrick 440 is Hero’s biggest bike yet. However, this is more than just a cut-paste job. Hero’s deep understanding of the Indian customer has allowed them to fettle with the spec and set-up of this motorcycle, to make a machine that feels rather different. Is it good, though? We get on the saddle to find out. 

Hero Maverick 440 is the brands biggest motorcycle ever

Bajaj Freedom 125

The world’s first CNG motorcycle aims to redefine the commuter segment with its multi-fuel capabilities. Bajaj is pushing the boundaries by rethinking the motorcycle – a new CNG cylinder sits where the tank would traditionally be and the fuel tank moves under the seat. The fuel efficiency is impressive, but is the rest of the package sound enough to draw away price conscious buyers from the Splendours of the world?

Bajaj Freedom is the world's first hybrid CNG motorcycle

Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2

The F77 Mach 2 has just hit the road with some much-needed updates and a significant price drop. You now get a 10-level regenerative braking system and improved ride quality thanks to a stiffer steel trellis frame. The new model comes with a larger 10.3kWh battery, offering an impressive 323km range. We’ve ridden it!  

Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 is priced at ₹3.99 lakh (ex-showroom)

Tuned: BMW E60 523i

Wrapped in a striking satin purple with forged carbonfibre fenders, this flame-shooting 523i packs a 2.5-litre straight-six engine, tuned to 210bhp, a straight-pipe exhaust and lowering springs. 

The BMW 523i modified by Piston Wolves