Autocar Performance Show: 15 things to watch out for

The Autocar Performance Show (APS) is back, and like every year, it will be the place to get an eyeful of the most beautiful and powerful four and two-wheelers. And with the Stuff Gadget Show under the same roof, there will be something for everyone – petrolheads, techies and those just out to have a fun time. Below are just a few of the many highlights of APS 2014.

Lamborghini Huracan

Part masterpiece, part beast, the Lamborghini Huracan will be there in all its glory at the APS. Its sci-fi design is just one of the many elements that make it a worthy successor to the legendary Gallardo. Of course, the other is its 5.2-litre V10 engine that makes more than 600bhp.

Batmobile

Mumbai will get a taste of Gotham City at the APS. Batman Returns was one of the finer iterations of Batman’s cinematic avatar, and it also gave us one of the more memorable Batmobiles. The Dark Knight’s ride has been re-created, and it is no gimmick. It is based on the S-class’ chassis and will be made fully functional eventually.

Audi R8 Spyder

The Audi R8 has been a crowd favourite for a long time now, and this time too it will be there to wow visitors. Audi will dial up the drama quotient by displaying the R8 Spyder. Yes, the utterly seductive convertible version of the R8. To match the show, the R8 Spyder gets a 500bhp engine.

Maruti Autocross

Mashing the throttle hard, and going berserk on dust is not something you’d get to do every day. It’s also something best done under expert supervision. And that’s where Maruti and the APS come in. Maruti will give people a chance to drive their own cars on a purpose-built autocross track at the APS. Professionals will be at hand to give you all the tips you need to drive hard and drive safe.

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Mahindra 4x4 zone

Fancy a ride in a Mahindra SUV on an off-road course? If so, definitely visit the Mahindra 4x4 zone at the APS. This is your chance to get away from the rut of the city traffic and enter a terrain complete with slush, gravel, water and even see-sawing ramps. Word of advice. Get there soon because this one’s always packed!

Super Nano

You wouldn't associate a Tata Nano with performance, would you? Well, that's about to change. JA Motorsport is bringing a super Nano to the show this time. What makes it super, you ask? How about a 1.3-litre engine that makes 230bhp, six-speed gearbox with paddle-shifters, race-tuned suspension, slick tyres and some body kit to go with it.

Bentley Continental GT

Bentley represents British luxury at its finest. And you’ll get a chance to get up close with one of its special cars – the Continental GT. It’s beautiful as ever and also as fast as ever. But that’s just half the story. Because it’s new V8 engine is also a technological showcase - it’s got cylinder deactivation tech that shuts four-cylinders at low engine loads.   

Benelli line-up

DSK is all set to launch the Benelli range of bikes in India and they will get their first public showing at the APS. The entire line-up of bikes for India will be on display, so expect to see some striking Italian hardware at the exhibit.

BMW M4

BMW may have just launched the M4 in India but it’s already on its way to the APS. The latest in a line of mad M cars, the M4 has the makings of being one of the world’s best driving cars. Why so? Part of the answer lies in its twin turbo, straight-six engine and 50:50 weight distribution.  

Fiat 500 Abarth

As we’ve informed you earlier, the 500 Abarth will be making its India debut at the APS. A hot hatch in the truest sense, this chic little machine will definitely have your attention. Fiat hopes to position this powerful little 500 as a halo product. And yes, it gives off the vibes of a bug, a manic one at that.

New Mini

This three-door hatchback has a certain legacy, and now the new generation also adds some practicality with the five-door version. We’ve driven both the cars extensively, and we can tell you they drive just like Minis should – brilliantly, that is. Catch these quirky little hatchbacks at the APS this time.

Mercedes models on display

Mercedes will be showcasing two of its latest models from the AMG wing, the CLA 45 AMG and the GLA 45 AMG. Both the cars get the same four-cylinder engine which is one of the most powerful four-cylinder units in the world, and both cars get quintessential AMG treatment inside and out. The CLA 45 AMG is the power-packed version of the CLA sedan, while the GLA 45 AMG is the enhanced version of the elegant GLA crossover.

Hyundai Genesis

Hyundai has been looking to bring its luxury sedan, the Genesis, to India and the good news is the car will get its first Indian showing at the APS. Hyundai will gauge feedback to see if there is indeed a market for the car here. So if you do like its rather attractive design, do let the good folk at Hyundai know!

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Triumph Daytona

Triumph has been in India for a while now, and will be making its presence felt at the APS 2014. The British motorcycle manufacturer will be bringing in its eyeball grabbing line of models. Our pick of the litter, however, would be the Daytona 675. It is, after all, one of the finest track bikes ever.

Harley Davidson custom Street 750

The Street 750 is a pretty well-known Harley by now. At the APS though, Harley-Davidson will be bringing in a customised Street 750. It is not just a cosmetic job, but a full-fledged mechanical job. Abundant use of aluminium has helped the bike drop weight, and tweaked suspension has not only helped raise the ride height, but has also improved handling and manoeuvrability.

For people looking for more and not satisfied with just the thousands of bhp we’ve just mentioned, there will also be the supercar gallery. It’ll have the most powerful, exquisite machines adorning the stands, and we’re pretty sure it’ll be awesome enough to keep to excited till until the next year when it returns. 

The Autocar Performance Show will be held at the MMRDA grounds, Mumbai from December 11 to 14, 2014.

Click here to purchase Autocar Performance Show 2014 tickets online