Find Your Vehicle

Ducati Monster 2026: New V2 Engine, Sharper Design and Advanced Technology

Ducati has given its legendary Ducati Monster a major transformation for the 2026 model year. The latest-generation naked motorcycle combines the unmistakable character of the original Monster with a new V2 engine, lighter construction, updated electronics and improved everyday usability. Ducati describes the new model as the fifth generation of the Monster, a motorcycle nameplate that first appeared in 1992 and helped establish the modern naked-bike category.

Fresh and Muscular Design

The 2026 Ducati Monster receives a completely redesigned appearance while retaining familiar styling cues. The muscular “bison-back” fuel tank, compact tail and round-inspired LED headlight continue the visual connection with earlier generations. At the same time, sharper bodywork and modern lighting give the motorcycle a more contemporary and sporty personality.

The new design is not simply about appearance. Ducati has worked to keep the motorcycle slim and compact, helping the rider feel more connected to the bike during everyday riding and spirited cornering.

New 890cc V2 Engine

One of the biggest changes is the introduction of Ducati's new 890cc V2 engine. It uses intake variable valve timing technology and produces around 111 hp, with peak torque of 91.1 Nm. The engine has been developed to deliver smooth performance at lower revs while providing stronger acceleration as engine speed rises.

According to Ducati, more than 80% of maximum torque is available between 4,000 and 10,000 rpm. This broad torque delivery is designed to make the Monster responsive in city traffic while still providing exciting performance on winding roads.

Lighter Construction

Weight reduction is another major highlight of the new Monster. The motorcycle weighs 175 kg without fuel, making it 4 kg lighter than the previous generation. Ducati uses a monocoque frame, with the V2 engine serving as a structural component. The chassis also incorporates a double-sided swingarm and a lightweight rear subframe.

This reduction in mass should contribute to quicker changes of direction and easier handling, particularly on urban roads and technical corners.

Improved Riding Position

Ducati has also concentrated on rider comfort. The standard seat height is now 815 mm, while accessories can lower it to 775 mm. A higher and more forward-positioned handlebar gives the rider greater control while also making the riding position more comfortable for everyday use.

The redesigned ergonomics are intended to make the Monster accessible to a wider range of riders without taking away its sporty character.

Premium Suspension and Brakes

The 2026 Monster gets a 43 mm upside-down Showa front fork and a Showa rear monoshock with preload adjustment. Braking hardware includes twin 320 mm front discs paired with Brembo M4.32 radial calipers.

The motorcycle rides on Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres, measuring 120/70 at the front and 180/55 at the rear. This combination is designed to provide a balance between road grip, braking confidence and agile handling.

Advanced Electronics

Technology is a major part of the new Monster package. The bike features a six-axis IMU and electronic systems including Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Engine Brake Control, cornering ABS and Ducati Quick Shift 2.0.

Four Riding Modes—Sport, Road, Urban and Wet—allow the motorcycle's character to be adjusted according to road and riding conditions. A new 5-inch full-TFT display provides key information, while the bike is prepared for Ducati Multimedia System and turn-by-turn navigation.

Monster and Monster+ Versions

Ducati offers the motorcycle in Monster and Monster+ versions. The Monster+ adds a cowl and passenger-seat cover, giving the motorcycle a slightly more premium appearance. Both versions are offered in Ducati Red and Iceberg White, while a Sport Livery was subsequently added to the colour range in 2026.

Maintenance Advantage

Despite its performance-focused nature, the new Monster has been designed with maintenance costs in mind. Ducati says the valve-clearance inspection interval is 45,000 km, a particularly long interval for a performance motorcycle. This could make ownership more convenient for riders who use the Monster regularly.

See Also This: Mahindra Scorpio N 2026 Price Mileage Features Specifications

Conclusion

The 2026 Ducati Monster represents a significant evolution of Ducati's iconic naked motorcycle. With its new 890cc V2 engine, 175 kg weight, modern chassis, Brembo brakes, sophisticated electronics and improved ergonomics, the latest Monster aims to combine thrilling performance with everyday usability.

Rather than abandoning its historic identity, Ducati has modernised the formula that made the Monster famous. The result is a lighter, more technologically advanced and more approachable naked bike that continues the spirit of the original 1992 machine while preparing the nameplate for a new generation of riders.

Mahindra Scorpio N 2026: Powerful SUV Gets Major Feature Upgrade, New Technology and Premium Cabin

Mahindra Scorpio N continues to hold a strong position among India's popular body-on-frame SUVs, and the 2026 Scorpio N facelift has brought a substantial technology and feature update to the familiar SUV formula. Mahindra has focused on improving the cabin experience, connectivity and convenience while retaining the model's rugged character and established powertrains. The updated SUV is available in India with prices starting at ₹13.69 lakh and going up to ₹25.49 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant and configuration.

Updated Exterior Design

The 2026 Scorpio N retains its recognizable upright silhouette, muscular stance and signature front-end design. Instead of making dramatic styling changes, Mahindra has concentrated on subtle enhancements that preserve the SUV's identity.

The updated model gets 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels on higher variants, along with revised detailing that gives the SUV a more premium appearance. Its tall bonnet, prominent grille and squared-off body continue to deliver the commanding road presence that has become synonymous with the Scorpio name.

Major Interior Upgrade

The biggest changes can be found inside the cabin. Mahindra has upgraded the Scorpio N with a substantially larger 12.29-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The larger displays give the dashboard a more modern appearance while improving access to navigation, entertainment and vehicle information.

The SUV also continues to offer premium features such as connected-car technology, wireless smartphone connectivity, dual-zone climate control and a Sony audio system on higher variants. Earlier Z8 versions also received ventilated seats, an auto-dimming IRVM and a wireless charger with active cooling.

Panoramic Sunroof and 540-Degree Camera

One of the headline additions to the facelift is the panoramic sunroof, available on the higher-specification Z8L variant. Another major technology upgrade is the 540-degree camera system, which combines the vehicle's surrounding camera views with a view designed to assist drivers around the front and underbody areas.

The system is particularly useful when negotiating tight parking spaces or challenging terrain. A blind-view monitor has also been added to improve visibility during manoeuvres.

Engine and Performance

Despite the extensive feature upgrades, Mahindra has retained the existing mechanical package. The Scorpio N continues with its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines.

The turbo-petrol engine produces up to 200 PS and 380 Nm, while the diesel develops up to 175 PS and 400 Nm. Both engines are offered with manual and automatic transmission choices, while selected diesel variants continue to offer Mahindra's 4XPLOR four-wheel-drive system.

The 4WD setup, combined with selectable terrain modes, helps the Scorpio N retain its reputation as a capable SUV beyond paved roads.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety remains an important part of the Scorpio N package. The SUV offers multiple airbags, electronic stability control, parking assistance and other safety technologies. Mahindra had previously introduced Level 2 ADAS on the premium Z8L variant, adding technologies designed to assist the driver in different traffic situations.

Mahindra Scorpio N Price in India

The 2026 Mahindra Scorpio N facelift starts at ₹13.69 lakh and extends to ₹25.49 lakh ex-showroom. Prices vary according to the selected engine, transmission, seating configuration and drivetrain.

Competition

The Scorpio N competes with SUVs including the Tata Safari, MG Hector, Hyundai Alcazar and other premium seven-seat offerings. However, its body-on-frame construction and available four-wheel-drive system give it a distinct identity compared with primarily road-focused rivals.

See Also This: Volkswagen Virtus Anniversary Edition Price Mileage features

Conclusion

The 2026 Mahindra Scorpio N is not a complete mechanical transformation, but its latest update makes the SUV significantly more modern. The larger screens, panoramic sunroof, advanced camera system, improved connectivity and premium cabin features address areas where the Scorpio N previously faced stronger competition.

At the same time, Mahindra has wisely retained the powerful petrol and diesel engines, rugged body-on-frame architecture and available 4WD capability that define the Scorpio N. With prices beginning at ₹13.69 lakh, the updated SUV continues to offer a combination of road presence, practicality, performance and technology that should keep it firmly on the radar of Indian SUV buyers.

Hyundai Company Records Strongest-Ever Monthly Performance with 75,360 Units

Hyundai Motor India has delivered a powerful performance in July 2026, recording total wholesale dispatches of 75,360 units. The figure represents a 25.4% year-on-year increase and marks the highest monthly sales recorded by Hyundai’s India operations. Strong demand for SUVs, improved exports and continued customer interest in popular models such as the Creta helped the automaker achieve this important milestone.

Domestic Sales Drive Growth

Hyundai dispatched 54,210 vehicles in the domestic market during July, registering 23.3% growth compared with July 2025. Hyundai’s broad product portfolio helped the company maintain momentum despite intense competition across nearly every passenger-vehicle segment.

SUV Portfolio Remains the Main Growth Engine

Hyundai’s SUV range continues to play a central role in its sales strategy. The Creta remained the star performer, with 18,088 units dispatched in July. This was the model’s monthly sales performance of 2026 and reinforced its position as one of the company’s most important products.

The growing preference for SUVs among Indian buyers has given Hyundai an important advantage as customers increasingly prioritize higher seating positions, road presence, practicality and feature-rich cabins.

Exports Reach a Major Milestone

Exports provided another significant boost to Hyundai’s July performance. The company shipped 21,150 vehicles from India to international markets, representing a 31.4% year-on-year increase. This was reportedly Hyundai India’s highest monthly export figure in more than eight years.

The strong export number highlights the importance of India within Hyundai’s global manufacturing strategy. Vehicles produced at the company’s Indian facilities serve markets across regions including Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

Creta Leads the Lineup

The Hyundai Creta’s 18,088-unit performance deserves special attention because the mid-size SUV operates in an increasingly competitive segment. It faces rivals such as the Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Mahindra Scorpio-N and Tata Curvv. Despite this competition, the Creta continues to attract buyers through its combination of styling, cabin comfort, technology, safety equipment and multiple powertrain choices.

i20 Adds Support

Hyundai’s premium hatchback portfolio also contributed to the positive month. The i20 recorded 6,738 units in July, its best monthly performance of calendar year 2026.

EV Strategy Expands

Hyundai is also working to strengthen its electric-vehicle presence in India. The company has already expanded its EV portfolio with the Creta Electric and is preparing additional localized electric products.

Production Recovery Supports Momentum

The July performance also comes after production challenges affected Hyundai’s June operations. Hyundai had reported 51,335 total sales in June, including 39,635 domestic units and 11,700 exports, after a supplier-facility fire caused a temporary production disruption. The company said production operations returned to normal across its facilities from June 22.

Strong July dispatches therefore indicate that production and supply-chain conditions have improved considerably, allowing Hyundai to capitalize on market demand.

See Also This: Volkswagen Virtus Anniversary Edition Price Mileage features

Conclusion

Hyundai’s 75,360-unit performance in July 2026 represents more than just a strong monthly sales figure. It demonstrates the company’s ability to combine domestic demand with an expanding export business while relying on a balanced lineup of SUVs, hatchbacks and electric vehicles. With the Creta leading the charge, the i20 providing additional volume and exports reaching an eight-year high, Hyundai has started the second half of 2026 on a positive note. If demand remains strong and new products continue arriving, the company could sustain this momentum through the rest of the year.