Latest news with #SomnathChatterjee
Time of India
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Asked for a smoking room': Kiren Rijiju recalls first request to Speaker - here's what he got instead
Image credit: Kiren Rijiju's Insta NEW DELHI: Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju shared an embarrassing yet unforgettable anecdote from his early days in politics, when his very first request to the Lok Sabha Speaker was for a 'smoking room. ' Recalling his first meeting with Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, Kiren Rijiju said he walked out with a 'good scolding' and a lasting lesson- to "approach such offices with more purpose." "The first time I met Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, I had gone to request a room for MPs who smoke. He scolded me, saying, 'This is your first meeting with the Speaker and this is what you've come for?' I got a good scolding that day and learned I should approach such offices with more purpose," PTI quoted him as saying on Saturday. He was speaking at Sansad Ratna Awards where he also expressed that his political opponents weren't his "enemies". "We are all colleagues. Before 2014, most of my parliamentary career has been on the Opposition benches. Political rivalries may exist, but there is no enmity," he said. Referencing Winston Churchill, Rijiju said, "A new MP once asked Churchill about the people sitting across the aisle, and he said they were political opponents. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AirSense 11 – Smart tech for deep sleep ResMed Buy Now Undo But when asked about those sitting on his side, he said they were our political enemies. That is politics, but we are not enemies." "There, one MP represents approximately 66,000 people. Here, it is over 20 lakh. They are not asked to fix drains or get someone out of jail. But our MPs deal with personal grievances, infrastructure and law enforcement issues and are still expected to perform in the House," he said. "Despite all this, they are often criticised. Every elected MP deserves respect, it is not an easy job," he added.
Man of Many
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Man of Many
Bentley's ‘EXP 15' Concept is a Sneak Peek at its First EV, Due in 2026
By Somnath Chatterjee - News Published: 21 Jul 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 4 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Futuristic concept showcases what future EVs from Bentley could look like Incorporates an illuminated grille which mimics the current design Upcoming EV will have an AWD electric powertrain Bentley is best known for its slightly imperious but lavishly trimmed luxury cars. Slightly more sporting than Rolls-Royce, though, Bentley manages to make luxury cars that also deliver the power to swallow vast distances with ease. However, with an electric future looming large, Bentley has had to do change with the times—but it's done so by looking into its glorious back catalogue. You see, Bentley used to make a car called the 'Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman' coupe in the 1930s which had an unusual body style: a high-riding coupe with a fastback sloping roofline. Now, the automaker's new 'EXP 15' concept follows in those footsteps but with an even more outrageous design, and shows what the next EV from Bentley could look like. Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley This concept hints at the brand's electric future and some design cues will eventually be added to the production EV due next year while the interior is made in virtual reality. Standing tall and measuring more than five-metres, the EXP 15 concept divides opinion in terms of its styling but, to us, the design screams Bentley. The grille is not the usual EV-esque body-coloured affair, and is instead an illuminated art piece. The new Bentley badge also now sits inside the grille while new vertical headlamps give it a menacing glare. Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley Move to the side and that's where things get interesting: the EXP 15 gets a unique 3-door design much like the Hyundai Veloster plus there are two active rear spoilers along with a large diffuser. The ride height is more than a typical sedan but still shorter than an SUV, delivering an interesting crossover of sorts. Inside, there is a 3-seat configuration as the space next to the driver has been reserved for taking pets or luggage—also a nod to the bespoke vintage cars. The rear seats and the passenger side seat can swivel 45 degrees for easier ingress/egress while the cabin is bathed in traditional luxury elements, and Bentley has designed the cabin to include both physical and digital design details, along with a mix of traditional, artisanal, and sustainable materials. You can even use the car's boot space as a picnic table. Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley 'The beauty of a concept car is not just to position our new design language, but to test where the market's going. It's clear that SUVs are a growing segment and we understand the GT market – through four generations of the Continental GT – but the trickiest segment is the sedan because it's changing,' said Robin Page, Bentley's director of design. 'Some customers want a classic 'three-box' sedan shape, others a 'one-box' design, and others again something more elevated. (The EXP 15 is) a chance for us to talk to people and get a feeling.' Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley Like any typical Bentley there is a lot of knurled switchgear too and the jewellery is in abundance with a superb attention to detail. The digital interface throughout the dashboard can be turned off to embrace a digital detoxication while being covered by some fine wood veneer for the passengers to ogle at. It seems Bentley is attempting to keep some balance between technology and giving its customers the feel of physical buttons, along with its traditional luxury vibe. The EXP 15 is purely a concept, not a work of science fiction, since we can expect many of these details to actually trickle down to its first EV. Whenever that arrives, we can expect a powerful AWD configuration with many motors developing more power than any of its current V8 cars along with a plethora of technology. Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley
Man of Many
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Man of Many
2025 LDV Terron 9 Ute Price and Specs Officially Revealed for Australia
By Somnath Chatterjee - News Published: 8 Jul 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 4 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. LDV has officially confirmed pricing for the upcoming 2025 LDV Terron 9 Ute . . Introductory prices start at AUD$49,990 for the Origin variant, while the top-of-the-line Evolve trim model is priced at AUD $54,990 . for the Origin variant, while the top-of-the-line Evolve trim model is priced at AUD . The new ute will hit showrooms in July with pre-orders available at the moment. with pre-orders available at the moment. LDV has also confirmed an electric version will arrive sometime in late 2025. At long last, LDV has lifted the covers on its flagship Terron 9 in Australia, with the unique all-terrain vehicle slotting in above the existing T60 Ute. Competing with segment stalwarts like the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger, the Terron 9 presents a unique opportunity. Larger than both current category leaders and decidedly cheaper at just $49,990 ($54,990 driveaway for ABN holders), the vehicle is bulky enough to satisfy the critics and affordable enough to make a serious splash. Make no mistake, the LDV Terron 9 could well prove to be the next big body killer. Admittedly, the new Terron 9 still costs a hefty $10,000 more than the T60 Max, but as mentioned, it significantly undercuts rivals like the Hilux ($50,420) and the Ranger ($50,880). Do note that these prices are available for a short-term period only, after which they will be $50,990 and $55,990. 2025 LDV Terron 9 Ute Price and Specs Officially Revealed for Australia | Image: LDV 2025 LDV Terron 9 Performance Available in two trims: Origin and Evolve, the Terron 9 will arrive in showrooms with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine developing 163kw and 520Nm of torque. The standard model also sports an 8-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, while the official fuel efficiency is pegged at 7.9L/100km. Crucially, the Terron 9's braked towing capacity is 3500kg, which makes for an impressive figure, all things considered. Measuring 5500mm in length, 3300mm in wheelbase and 1874mm in height, the Terron 9 is much longer than its T60 sibling and many of its rivals since it is 130mm longer, 79mm wider and 12mm taller than the popular double-cab Ranger Ute. The ground clearance is an ample 220mm (unladen) while it has a 29-degree approach and a 25-degree departure angle, along with a 20-degree ramp over. 2025 LDV Terron 9 Ute Price and Specs Officially Revealed for Australia | Image: LDV 2025 LDV Terron 9 Design Design-wise, the Terron 9 really makes a statement, and it's a divisive one. The new vehicle undoubtedly has a lot of presence, and while much of the design does play it safe, the larger grille is certain to divide opinion. The same can be said for the interior, which admittedly packs in a decent amount of kit standard like dual 12.3-inch screens, sox-way electric seats, a 360-degree camera, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto and 18-inch alloys. Further up the range, the Evolve model gets more features than the original since it adds bigger 20-inch wheels, heated and ventilated massage seats, a JBL audio system, heated rear seats, ambient lighting, and a front differential lock. The Terron 9 will be available in limited numbers from July and will come in six colour options: White, Black, Spruce Green, Jewel Blue, Desert Yellow, and Concrete Grey. Picking any colour other than white will add another $500 to the price. As standard, it will also come with LDV's seven-year/200,000km warranty. 2025 LDV Terron 9 Ute Price and Specs Officially Revealed for Australia | Image: LDV 'We want to make sure when a Ute buyer walks into an LDV showroom, we have a vehicle that offers value across a range of price points,' said the general manager of LDV Australia, Dinesh Chinnappa. 'We are not going to leave our traditional Ute buyers behind. Rather, the LDV Terron Ute series will broaden our offering across the Ute segment. He further added: 'We have seen the Ute market evolve in recent years, including in the trade and workhorse space. These customers work hard and are often on the road all day, and they appreciate space and comfort as much as family buyers do. So, the new-generation LDV Terron 9 has been developed to reflect the changing demands on these vehicles.' 2025 LDV Terron 9 Ute Price and Specs Officially Revealed for Australia | Image: LDV 2025 LDV Terron 9 Pricing & Availability Extensively tested across local conditions, the Terron 9 is aimed at taking a slice out of the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux sales and the predicted range would be further bolstered by the arrival of the eTerron 9 electric version later this year. 2025 LDV Terron 9 Ute Price and Specs Officially Revealed for Australia | Image: LDV 2025 LDV Terron 9 Ute Price and Specs Officially Revealed for Australia | Image: LDV
Man of Many
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Man of Many
2026 Ferrari Amalfi is a Twin-Turbo V8 with Real Buttons!
By Somnath Chatterjee - News Published: 5 Jul 2025 |Last Updated: 4 Jul 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 6 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Italian automobile marque Ferrari has announced the 2026 Ferrari Amalfi , a 2+ coupé with a front-mid-mounted turbo V8 engine. , a 2+ coupé with a front-mid-mounted turbo V8 engine. Capable of high-performance and everyday versatility, the upcoming vehicle is said to be the 'evolution' of the Grand Tourer concept. concept. The 640 cv turbo V8 engine comes complete with track-derived technologies and the classic Ferrari sound. comes complete with track-derived technologies and the classic Ferrari sound. Interior features include a triple-display HMI, advanced onboard comfort, and a premium audio system. Generally speaking, the announcement of a new Ferrari comes laden with new performance modules, power increases and technological advancements, but it appears the boffins at Maranello have had enough of the power wars. The Italian marque has just confirmed its long-awaited Roma replacement, and it's a sleek, sharp little number that gets a similar petite power increase. The 2026 Ferrari Almalfi, for all its good looks, has only copped a mild 20bhp increase, but alas, there is good news. After much deliberation and a furore from fans online, Ferrari has officially reintroduced physical buttons. That's right, while Ferrari's new racy GT V8 coupe maintains a sleek silhouette, the return of tactile physical buttons signals a renewed focus on tactile experience. In many ways, this is a little like Volkswagen reversing back to proper switchgear rather than the fiddly touch-sensitive buttons. Fret not though as there is still plenty more to talk about the Amalfi which is incidentally named after the famous holiday retreat in Italy. 2026 Ferrari Amalfi | Image: Ferrari 2026 Ferrari Amalfi Design & Styling According to Ferrari, the new Amalfi represents a new interpretation of the archetype of the 2+ coupé berlinetta. The front-mid-mounted V8 is a stellar throwback to the heyday of the combustion engine, and the visual approach follows suit. At first glance, it's clear that Flavio Manzoni, chief design officer for the Ferrari Styling Centre and his team, have taken immense inspiration from the Roma, albeit with a few new features. Compared to the curvy lines of the earlier model, the Amalfi introduces some added sharpness to the design, most notably on the front-end. The bonnet is seamless and the haunches are less pronounced now but the basic simplicity of the Roma has been preserved here too. Ferrari describes the exterior as a 'sleek, monolithic speedform that gives the car a strong and dynamic identity'. The front, devoid of a traditional grille, is distinguished by a 'floating body-coloured wing' above a dark recessed band, discreetly integrating sensors and headlights. Of course, you can't go past the launch colour, Verde Costiera, which is a stunning teal green hue inspired by the reflections of the sea along the Amalfi coast. How very Ferrari of them. 2026 Ferrari Amalfi | Image: Ferrari 2026 Ferrari Amalfi Performance Top speed 320 km/h 0–100 km/h 3.3 s 0–200 km/h 9.0 s 100–0 km/h 30.8 m 200–0 km/h 119.5 m Scroll horizontally to view full table Underneath the tighter lines, the Amalfi retains a true V8, sans any kind of electrification, with the 3.9-litre twin-turbo engine developing 631bhp. Hence, the 0-100 km/h time of 3.3 seconds is just 0.1 second quicker than the Roma, but to focus solely on that figure would be to entirely miss the point. The Amalfi is not so much a track car built to decimate lap times, despite its ample power, but rather a true evolution of the Grand Tourer concept. A high-performance framework, built on the architecture of a versatile everyday driver, the 2026 Ferrari Amalfi is every bit the ultimate Ferrari indulgence. It even retains some staple elements that many would have thought long gone. Of course, the twin-turbo V8 architecture remains paramount, but the Italian marquee has also opted to stay true to the 8-speed dual-clutch. Instead, the vast majority of changes were concentrated on making the engine more responsive, providing quicker acceleration through the gears. Look a little closer and you might even notice the new aero elements that help to feed more air to the turbochargers. It's an inherently positive move, particularly when you consider the Amalfi's positioning within the Ferrari portfolio. While official pricing has yet to be confirmed, it's likely that this new vehicle will slot in at the very end of the buying catalogue, serving as a unique entry point for many first-time Ferrari buyers. As a result, Ferrari has done an admirable job of broadening its horizons, creating a car that rests at the intersection of luxury performance and everyday usability. 2026 Ferrari Amalfi Interior | Image: Ferrari 2026 Ferrari Amalfi Interior | Image: Ferrari 2026 Ferrari Amalfi Interior | Image: Ferrari 2026 Ferrari Amalfi Interior Inside, the cabin is less fussy, and the aforementioned return of the red starter button marks a welcome familiarity. Once in the driver's seat, the new 10-25-inch touchscreen dominates the view and is flanked by a new centre console milled from a single block of aluminium. There is still a three-screen affair, including one for the passenger, but the cabin now has far more drama, despite still being practical. Ferrari also explained that you can even spec 'comfort seats' with various adjustments, including a massage setting that will no doubt settle the nerves as you devour the winding, unkempt roads of the South of France (we assume). Buyers will also most likely tick the option for the front-axle lift feature, which is essential for a GT like this. 2026 Ferrari Amalfi | Image: Ferrari Launch Information At present, Ferrari has not confirmed when the 2026 Amalfi will be making its way Down Under; however, you can expect to see the first models arrive sometime in Q3-4 next year. As is tradition, the first examples will trickle through the European market slightly earlier, whihc will give an indication of how much we can expect the 2026 Ferrari Amalfi price to be. While Ferrari continues to make high-performance hypercars and supercars, the Amalfi and the 12 Cilindri continue to form the backbone of its GT product range. 2026 Ferrari Amalfi | Image: Ferrari 2026 Ferrari Amalfi – Technical Specifications Powertrain Type Twin-turbo V8 – wet sump Total displacement 3855 cc Bore and stroke 86.5 x 82 mm Maximum power 640 cv at 7,500 rpm* Maximum torque 760 Nm at 3,000–5,750 rpm Maximum revs 7600 rpm Compression ratio 9.4:1 Specific power output 166 cv/l Transmission and Gearbox 8-speed dual clutch F1 DCT Scroll horizontally to view full table Weights and Distribution Length 4660 mm Width 1974 mm Height 1301 mm Wheelbase 2670 mm Front track 1652 mm Rear track 1679 mm Dry weight 1470 kg Dry weight/power ratio 2.29 kg/cv Weight distribution 50% front / 50% rear Fuel tank capacity 80 litres Boot size 273 litres Scroll horizontally to view full table Tyres and Wheels Front 245/35 R20 J8.0 Rear 285/35 R20 J10.0 Scroll horizontally to view full table Brakes Front 390 x 223 x 34 mm Rear 360 x 233 x 32 mm Scroll horizontally to view full table 2026 Ferrari Amalfi | Image: Ferrari 2026 Ferrari Amalfi | Image: Ferrari 2026 Ferrari Amalfi | Image: Ferrari 2026 Ferrari Amalfi | Image: Ferrari
Man of Many
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Man of Many
Toyota Unveils ‘First-Ever' Performance Hybrid LandCruiser 300 Series
By Somnath Chatterjee - News Published: 22 June 2025 |Last Updated: 21 June 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 3 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Toyota has announced a new LandCruiser 300 Series with a powerful one-motor hybrid powertrain . . The automaker claims this will be the ' most powerful LandCruiser to date '. '. The first-ever performance hybrid LandCruiser 300 Series will arrive in Australia in H1, 2026 . . Further details on the new LandCruiser will be made available closer to its Australian introduction. The most powerful LandCruiser ever is headed Down Under. Toyota has announced that the much-loved LandCruiser 300 series is getting a major upgrade, confirming that for the first time, it will be available with a one-motor hybrid powertrain instead of the traditional diesel engine. That's right, come early next year, you can expect to see a LandCruiser hybrid hit the road with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 engine paired alongside a large electric motor. The big off-roader's watershed moment marks a significant step in Toyota's continued electrification strategy, with the brand outlining plans to offer customers a 'mix of powertrain technologies to support their varied lifestyles'. Hybrids are not new to the Toyota brand, having first appeared in October 2001 with the introduction of the Prius to Australia. This time around, however, the brand is introducing the technology on its flagship off-road model. 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series GXL Model Interior | Image: Toyota Australia Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series Hybrid According to Toyota, the parallel hybrid configuration means that both the engine and the motor can power the wheels either together or separately. In terms of the numbers, the petrol hybrid LandCruiser comfortably sails past its diesel sibling with figures of 341kW/790Nm vs 227kW/700Nm on the diesel model. Harnessing all that power is a standard 10-speed automatic, paired with a four-wheel drive system with a low-range transfer case. As Toyota Australia vice president sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley revealed, the new hybrid configuration not only continues the brand's electrification journey, it also makes this LandCruiser the fastest iteration ever released. 'For decades, Australians have trusted the LandCruiser to get them to the furthest reaches of the country and back again – it is synonymous with Australian outback touring thanks to its incredible capability and dependability,' Hanley said. 'We have always said that Toyota aims to offer the right powertrains to suit our customers, and we are excited to introduce the first performance hybrid LandCruiser next year, which will offer a level of capability never before seen on our flagship four-wheel drive.' Also, the hybrid powertrain will add more refinement and greater touring range, with an efficiency of about 10.9 km based on the specs of the model available in the UAE market. Details will be revealed for the Australian market close to the launch. 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series Hybrid Revealed | Image: Toyota Australia Hybrid LandCruiser Release Information Set to arrive by the first half of 2026, the LandCruiser's performance hybrid powertrain has been extensively tested across the world's harshest environments to match the capability and rugged nature of the LandCruiser moniker. The performance hybrid LandCruiser 300 Series is clearly aimed at the Nissan Patrol, which in turn will come later next year with a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine. It seems that the new battleground for these SUVs is combining petrol power with electrification of some sort as carmakers look to maintain the rugged appeal of these beasts while expanding their appeal to cater to a wider market.
