Bajaj Auto and Renault-Nissan have come out with a solution on their ultra low cost (ULC) small car project. The agreement was signed on 10-11-09 to launch the ULC small car in India in 2010 at price at Rs 1.5 lakh.
Audi R8
If you are looking forward to buy an expensive sports car with oomph! Then your wait is on the finishing line as Audi, the luxury car manufacturer will be soon rolling out the hot and posh looking sports car the Audi R8. Built on the Lamborghini Gallardo platform, the Audi R8 is a mid-engine sports car, expected to hit the Indian roads by November, 2008. A brief technical detail about this super luxury car reveals that it is propelled by 4.2 litre engine offering 420 bhp to a 6 speed R Tronic transmission which allows the car to vrooms… 0-100 kmph in about 4.2 seconds at a top speed of 301 kmph. Porsche Panamera
Toyota Lexus
The elegant Toyota Lexus will arrive in India in late 2008. The Lexus LS 460 will be powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine that is coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The newly developed chassis helps deliver an amazing 380 bhp. The luxury sedan features next generation vehicle dynamics integrated with a management system, real time traffic update, intelligent park assist, hill ascend and descend assists, and an advanced air-conditioning technology. A DVD Player and a hidden cooler are also available. It is expected to have an estimated starting price of Rs 50 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).Bentley Continental GT Speed
The luxury car manufacturer, Bentley treats each unit as a masterpiece. The Bentley Continental GT is claimed to be one of the world’s fastest cars. This four-seater coupe is powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine that generates an amazing 552 bhp. This engine is teamed to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It can reach a maximum of 316 km/h. This speed machine comes loaded with the latest safety features and is available only at the Delhi showroom. Unfortunately for speed enthusiasts, the car will be made available only against orders and the waiting period can wary anywhere from 3-6 months. It is expected to have an estimated starting price of Rs 2.1 Crore (ex-showroom Delhi).Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead coupe/convertible
Once a car of Maharajah’s, the Rolls Royce has made a comeback to India with the Phantom Sedan and the Phantom Drophead Coupe/Convertible. The Phantom Drophead Coupe/Convertible is a two-door four-seater that is classified in the super luxury segment of cars. The Drophead possesses the classic Rolls Royce touch with exterior lines on the long bonnet and a contemporary 6.75-litre V12 engine that churns out 453 bhp and is paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. The body construction boasts of a rust-free steel bonnet and a typical RR grille. It has a choice of 44,000 different colors to choose from. The convertible gets a five-layered soft top that folds and opens without any noise and the boot gets a split tailgate. It gives the owner an array of features that help to customize the car to suit an individual’s taste. It is expected to have an estimated starting price of (don’t drop your head) Rs 5 Crore (ex-showroom Delhi)
In the list of samll cars, Fiat Bravo is manufactured in the brand name of Italian Auto maker. The name for the Italian car was revised after the name was given to it 'Stilo'. Bravo as a car is available in three door hatchback category and the Brava car an another variant is available in five door hatchback category. Presently available in two engien options one being the petrol and being the diesel version the car is a very powerful one with effective capacity to be offered to its customers.
Vehicles like the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe are responsible for Hyundai's reputation as a brand that offers quality and affordability. Where the previous Santa Fe had an odd but unique look, the recently redesigned, current version is about as mainstream as you can get. View the Santa Fe from various angles and you might notice a resemblance to more upscale midsize crossover SUVs such as the Lexus RX and VW Touareg. That's not to say it looks generic -- it doesn't. What the Santa Fe does offer is a familiar look and a top-notch interior that borders on luxurious, especially in Limited trim.
Auto major Volkswagen plans to launch its most awaited luxurious small car model Volkswagen Beetle in Indian market in C-segment. Volkswagen India announced that they will launch this luxurious small car in Indian market in the month of November this year. The new Volkswagen Beetle is a cute car which is a modernized version of its legendary vehicle Volkswagen Beetle. Volkswagen India speed up their process to launch Volkswagen Beetle very soon in India to compete with the C-segment hatchback model Fiat 500 and another upcoming model Fiat Bravo which might be launched in Indian market by the mid of next year in same segment. The company official refused to say about the exact pricing of Volkswagen Beetle but they indicated that it will be priced in the range of Rs 18-20 lacs.
Hot on the heels of the forthcoming domestic launch of Kia's K7/Cadenza, we bring you the latest spy shots of Kia's upcoming replacement for the mid-size Optima sedan, to be called K5 in the Korean market. The current-generation Optima, badged as Lotze in Korea, made its debut in November 2005 and was significantly revised for 2009 with major styling updates. Scheduled to make its Korean debut in April 2010, the upcoming Optima/K5 (code-named "TF") will be a complete redesign. As indicated by spy shots, Schreyer's latest work will also be substantially larger compared to the current model. Stylistically, the K5 is a stunning departure from the mundane style of the generation it will replace. The front end will feature Kia's sleek corporate fascia(for reference, see the new Sorento and Forte) incarnated by Peter Schreyer. As evident in a close-up shot, the K5 will also be available with LED headlights in the Korean market. The side profile is highlighted by a sweeping chrome window sill that extends to the trunk lid. The rear-end will ostensibly resemble the K7/Cadenza. As of now, we have no confirmed details on what engines will be available for the new K5. The 2.4L Theta II 4-cylinder will certainly be one offering, as well as the 2.4L GDI (gasoline direct injection) 4-cylinder with an output of 201 horsepower. In addition, we expect an array of diesel and LPI engines to be offered in various markets. The North American model will likely be available with a 3.5L Lambda II V6 as well. Stay tuned for more information and spy shots in future posts.
The outlook of the Korean auto industry is certainly bright as it prepares to be bombarded with a wave of new car launches in the coming months. It is indicative that while American automakers are facing the nadir of their times, the devastating slump has not affected the ambitious Korean companies that are enjoying sales successes both in their home market and abroad. Continue reading for theEXCLUSIVE in-depth look at new car releases in Korea for 2009 and 2010. To kick off the summer car bonanza in Korea, Kia is readying the domestic launch of the automaker's first 2-door coupe, Forte Koup. To be unveiled next week on the 11th, the Forte Koup will feature the same 1.6L and 2.0L powertrains as its four-door sibling and will be priced nearly on par with it. Intriguingly, the "koup" will have equivalent insurance premiums to its sedan counterpart. The Forte Koup will go on sale next month. Renault Samsung is preparing for the launch of its redesigned SM3 compact sedan. The current model, based on the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy, will be replaced by a larger model based on the new Renault Megane. Despite the significant increase in size, the New SM3 will receive major fuel economy improvements that will put the car at the top of its class. The SM3 will be available with either a 1.6L or 2.0L engine, mated to a CVT (continuously variable) transmission. Production has already begun last month, so look for the New SM3 to reach showrooms next month. Hyundai will roll out updated versions of the i30 hatchback and Avante (Elantra) sedan for the 2010 model year. The i30 will receive minor equipment upgrades such as redesigned wheels, but the main highlight is the addition of a more powerful 2.0L Theta II 4-cylinder engine alike the 2010 Kia Forte. The Avante is slated to undergo its first facelift for the 2010 model year. Revisions and upgrades include a new front and rear fascia, black-bezel headlamps, intelligent DMB navigation, push-start button, and a blue Supervision dashboard cluster. The 2010 i30 will go on sale in July, while the revised Avante is slated for a late August release. Hyundai will unveil the production model of the long-anticipated Avante (Elantra) LPI Hybrid on July 15th. The prototype already made its formal debut at the past Seoul International Motor Show. The automaker's first production hybrid car will run on LPG (liquified petroleum gas) and achieve an estimated fuel economy of 17.2km/L. Hyundai emphasizes affordability for the new hybrid technology, and will price the Avante LPI Hybrid around 20 million Won. Hyundai originally planned to begin sales of the hybrid this September, but has pulled the release date earlier to July 22nd. Hyundai will continue its series of new debuts with the unveiling of the all-new Tucson (LM) this August. The compact crossover will bear the styling of the ix-onic Concept revealed earlier this year, a much needed departure from the aging design of the current model. In an effort to further distinguish the Tucson and the larger Santa Fe, the redesigned Tucson will only be available with four-cylinder engines. The state-of-the-art 2.2L R diesel engine, co-developed between Hyundai and Kia, will also make its way into the Tucson. This coming September will be hotly anticipated as Hyundai will formally unveil the sleeker, redesigned Sonata (YF). The new Sonata features a more rakish, 4-door coupe design, and will pack a standard 6-speed automatic transmission. The new Sonata will reach American shores in February 2010. In the same month, GM Daewoo will release the local market version of the Chevrolet Spark, badged as the Matiz (M300). The prototype was already unveiled at the last Seoul International Motor Show and changes are only going to be a few. The new Matiz will be a radical departure from the current model, which is essentially a reskined version of the original model that debuted in 1998. Kia Motors will officially unveil its new premium sport sedan, code-named "VG", in late November this year. The "VG" made its concept debut as the KND-5 Concept at the last Seoul International Motor Show. Penned by Kia's design guru Peter Schreyer, the "VG" will slot below the Opirus/Amanti and be available in three powertrain options (est. 2.4L, 2.7L, and 3.5L V6). The "VG" will also be sold in North American markets early next year. Kia Motors also plans to take the wraps off its "YN" compact MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) this coming December. Launched in concept guise as the No3 Concept at the last Geneva Motor Show, the MPV received garnered spectacular press and public praise for its stunning design and slick practicality. Unfortunately, Kia will market the "YN" exclusively within the European market.
.jpg)
The next Audi A8 looks more luxury and elegant. Next-gen A8 planned as for a model year 2009, but a significant revision is due for 2010, and we should expect to see that car unveiled sometime during the upcoming show season.
Today Automobiles markets are emerging in India in very fast rate. Most of the new generation is very exciting about the new bikes in Indian markets. Bikes are very popular among them. Hence there is a big market for Two Wheelers in India and to seize this big automobile field lots of companies are launching their new range of bikes in upcoming years also.
Maruti had launched Maruti SX4 in May 2007 to compete with the likes of Honda City which is the most popular and successful sedan in its segment. Maruti Suzuki was the first automobile company to introduce class leading premium features such as air-bags, steering-mounted audio controls, auto climate control, glass antennae and many others in an A3 segment car for customer benefit. The tradition continues in the new SX4 with the company bringing in advanced VVT technology, which has so far been used only in the luxury SUV, Suzuki Grand Vitara.
But Maruti SX4 could not compete with City's superior technology and brand image. At the time of launch SX4 has been very well recieved by indian customers, as it was a true value for money sedan which comes fully loaded with all the features at a very affordable price. But with the launch of 2009 model of Honda City, the sales of SX4 started to decline.
Now Maruti Suzuki India is back with new improved SX4 to make the deal better in comparison to Honda City, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Aveo & Hyundai Verna. They have plonked new 1.6 VVT engine in SX4 so that it complies with the strict emission norms which will be in effect from April, 2011 in 11 cities in India. The new engine is a 1600cc VVT(Variable Valve Timing) powerplant producing 104 Bhp which is 2 Bhp up from previous 102 Bhp. Maruti has also given some cosmetic design upgrades to the exterior and interiors to make it look more muscular and smart in comparison to Fiat Linea and Honda City.
There seems to be some kind of electrical problem behind the Brabus S V12's dashboard. The wire from engine to tachometer has clearly shorted with that from gearbox to speedo, because when we accelerate flat-out in this 640bhp Mercedes SL600 the needles on both instruments flick across their dials at the same rate. I jest, but only slightly. They almost do.
With the possible exception of the 1988 Le Mans-winning Jaguar XJR9 and a dragster powered by a jet engine, this is the most powerful car I've ever driven. At 1750rpm it develops 757lb ft of torque and would develop a large chunk of that even further down the rev-range if Brabus hadn't programmed the engine management to pin the torque back a bit to save the powertrain, the rear tyres, your no-claims bonus and the world.
This is what they do at Brabus's factory in Bottrop, in Germany's industrial Ruhr. A fully-loaded SL600 is ordered from Mercedes-Benz. The engine is then hoiked out and completely stripped down. The cylinders are bored out to 83mm and a crankshaft with a 96mm stroke is ordered from a specialist crankshaft manufacturer in the UK because, says Brabus, the Brits make the best cranks (they should see the British crank at evo who has spent £30,000 on a Ford Capri). In go 12 steel conrods (Made in England) and a dozen 9.0:1 compression ratio German Mahle pistons. That little lot brings the cubic capacity up from 5.5 to 6.3 litres, which is a nice number if you know your M-B performance history (yes, the late '60s 300 SEL 6.3). Different camshafts are fitted and the engine management is re-written, along with countless other honings and fettlings. The result is an engine that cranks out 640bhp at 5300rpm - and costs £27,500.
The standard five-speed automatic is pulled apart and fitted with stronger clutch packs, then popped back in again and an oil cooler fitted. You can see it through the bespoke Brabus front skirt on the front offside of the car. The differential on this car is standard SL600, but Brabus is developing a full-on lsd that will slip less than the standard unit.
The Brabus S V12 looks seriously gangsta in black. The wheels are Brabus's own 20in Monoblock alloys in 9J at the front and 10.5J at the back with rubber band-like 255/35 ZR20 and 305/25 ZR20 Contis front and back respectively. Ah, the tyres. These are the most suitable tyres that Brabus could come up with but unfortunately they're not rated above 310kph so the S V12 has had to be limited to only 194mph. This is a bit of a bugger if you're being hassled by an Enzo or a Macca, but don't fret too much over this detail because I can assure you that most other vehicles on the road are not going to be a problem.
Just a short squirt from Bottrop is autobahn A31. This is the Bonneville of Europe. It runs for about 35 miles and then finishes, just like that, in the middle of the countryside. The beauty of it is that you can stooge around at the end, waiting until nobody has joined it for a few minutes. Then you can take off safe in the knowledge that you'll have a clear run for a few miles to the first exit. The only snag is that the S V12 covers that distance in just a few moments.
We mentioned earlier that the SL600 base car is fully-loaded. We meant it. Heated front seats with cooling fans and the back massager gizmo, telly and nav, you name it, it's here. And all this lot brings the SL's weight from a standard 1915kg up to 2000kg. Do the sums and you'll see that this gives us a power-to-weight ratio of 320bhp per ton, which, as evo readers know full well, isn't that massive. Cut out some of that weight and the Brabus SL would manage an even better performance than its 0-62mph time of 4.3sec and 0-125mph in 13sec. But this car wasn't built to rule Santa Pod. Its trick is decimating everything on the autobahn from 100mph upwards. The initial acceleration from, say, 60mph is not particularly shattering by modern high performance standards, but how it continues to gather speed certainly is. Ever driven a Suzuki Cappuccino and seen how it rips to its limited 90mph and then stops? The same with the Brabus, except that it blasts to 190mph and stops. We do it loads of times. Slower car (and most are) gets in the way, brush the brakes; car moves over, squeeze throttle and we're at one-ninety again.
Sometimes, though, we have to more than brush the brakes. Two tons takes a lot of stopping. More anchorage than a factory set-up could manage, that's for certain. The S V12 uses 12-piston Alcon front callipers (another verse of God Save The Queen, please) and whopping 375mm discs, and four-piston callipers and 355mm discs at the back. Aral racing brake fluid is used because these mighty retarders get so hot that they'd boil standard fluid. A temperature strip on one of the front callipers has gone off the scale at 380 Fahrenheit. They struggle, but they do the job. Time and time again.
The A31 is beautifully smooth, which is a blessing because it only takes an errant ant strolling across the tarmac and under the Contis to send mighty shocks up through the tyres, through the seats and up through your cooled and massaged backside. Sven Gramm, Brabus's tyre-smoking PR man ('I'm not really allowed to burn rubber,' he says, 'but sometimes I misjudge the throttle'), looks horrified when I move to press the damping control button.
Apparently if you select the sport setting the ride firms up so much it's an instant visit to the spinal injuries clinic. And that's on smooth German roads. Then there's the traction control, which Brabus has the technical capability to disable (merely switching off a stock Benz's traction control doesn't remove Big Brother entirely) but doesn't since a large chunk of its business is repeat business and it's keen not to have any customers wipe themselves out. To further improve this already dynamically excellent car, Brabus re-programs the ABC suspension to lower the car 15mm.
It's mad, this car. Mad, beautifully engineered, both by Mercedes-Benz and Brabus, and gloriously excessive. Is it worth £35,000 over the standard £95,440 SL600? Well, if you do a bhp per/£ calculation it certainly is, especially when compared with a Ferrari 575 Maranello. And do you need 640bhp when you can already get an SL55 with 493bhp? Just remember, when the pedal hits the firewall you've had what you've got. Better be sure it's enough.
It is a concept car by Volvo, which is slick and stylish. The car's exteriors are similar to the Ford Iosis concepts and is different from what traditionally Volvo makes. The car's interiors are quite stylish and overall the car has very good looks. The car will have floating console-dash panel. Volvo XC60 is based on the platform of Land Rover LR2. The car is expected to be available for buyers in the year 2009.
The car was revealed in production form at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. It went on sale in Europe in late 2008, and is scheduled to go on sale in North America in 2009 for the 2010 model year.
Volvo will produce the XC60 with both gasoline- and diesel-burning engines. In North America, only the gasoline-engine will be available. The XC60 shares technology with the Land Rover Freelander of 2007, using a modified version of the Volvo P24- platform. The Land Rover LR3 will set the stage for these corporate siblings to enter the market, as much of the engineering and tuning of this CUV was done by Volvo in Sweden, only offroad capabilities were done at Land Rover in England.
