Tata Nano Gets Expensive

Tata Motors will hike price of its cheapest car Tata Nano by Rs. 9000 from Nov 01. The vehicle maker said in a statement the price rise was to partially neutralise the steep increase in input costs in the last two years.

“Tata Motors is taking a minor price increase on the Tata Nano, effective from November 1, to partially neutralise the steep increase in input costs in the last two years. The average increase is about Rs. 9,000 (ex-showrooms), with prices varying from city to city and model to model,” the company said in a statement.


So far Tata Motors has increased the rate of Nano only for one time. In July, 2010, company has hiked the Nano’s price ranging between Rs. 3,700 and Rs. 6,894 (based on ex-showroom, Delhi prices).

The company has tied up with 39 banks, NBFC, cooperative and grameen banks to offer customers with loans for purchasing the Tata Nano at attractive rates of interest. More such arrangements are in process. As a result of these tie-ups, the Tata Nano can be owned at an EMI of less than Rs 3,000.

PHOTO GALLERY

Hot News: 2013 Fiat-Abarth Roadster to Compete with Lotus Elise

Abarth is set to complete its revival as a stand-alone brand within the Fiat Group by launching a sports roadster in 2012 — and it won’t need to buy in a chassis from Lotus or KTM to bring the car to market.

The new model is the latest step in an Abarth revival programme begun three years ago with the Punto Abarth, and continued with the arrival of an Abarth 500 plus a comprehensive range of ‘Esseesse’ performance upgrades for small Fiat models.

The planned roadster’s shape will be all-new. Its proportions and transverse, mid-engined layout will be roughly similar to that of the Lotus Elise. Its cockpit is also believed to use the same layout as the Elise: a fixed rear window with a simple, lift-out roof panel.

However, speculation on the internet that the car will use the Lotus’s chassis, or even the ultra-expensive platform from the KTM X-Bow, are “wide of the mark”, according to Italian sources close to the project.

The styling will come from Abarth’s own in-house department, led by the recently appointed head of design at the firm, Rubén Wainberg. The move is intended to recall Abarth’s 1960s heyday, when a series of specially designed Abarth sports cars were built and raced, using mostly Fiat components.

Abarth is working on its own tubular spaceframe for the car, which will follow tradition by making good use of proven Fiat/Alfa modular suspension components, as well as advanced and lightweight engines such as the recently launched turbocharged 1.4-litre MultiAir, available with outputs as high as 170bhp. Fiat/Alfa is also on the point of launching its own six-speed, dual-clutch gearbox, and admits seven-speed versions are a possibility for the future.

The entry price for the Abarth roadster is tipped to be “affordable” at around £25,000. This also clearly negates any relationship with the X-Bow, which uses an all-carbonfibre chassis and an Audi engine and costs £50,000 to £80,000.

Though engineering and design are at an advanced stage, the Abarth project’s business case is still under review and awaiting sign-off from group supremo Sergio Marchionne. Despite the success of the Fiat 500, which draws much from Fiat history, Marchionne is famously unsentimental about projects he suspects will not generate healthy returns.

One sticking point may be the size of the investment required for a car that will command worldwide sales of no more than 5000 units. Lotus’s current Elise/Exige volume is half that.

One point in the new car’s favour is that Fiat will soon have an ideal plant ready for its manufacture, just outside Turin. The group recently acquired the Grugliasco manufacturing plant of the struggling Bertone coachbuilding firm (the design side has been retained by the Bertone family) and is currently rebuilding it for the manufacture of various low-volume models and variants.

Work is due to be completed next year; that would be perfect timing for a new Abarth sports car that would appear a further 12 months down the line.

Thanks to: Autocar

New Car: 2011 Citroen C3 Picasso Blackcherry

Citroen has popped its cherry! The French firm has just released details of a new limited edition special model which coincides with a number of updates to the supermini MPV range.

Called the BLACKCHERRY, the newcomer is based on the VTR+ model and is powered by the firm’s 1.6-litre HDI diesel engine. Modifications include cherry red and gloss black exterior and interior detailing to compliment the metallic black exterior paint. The C3 Picasso also gets body colour roof bars and 17-inch cherry red diamond-tipped alloy wheels.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, Citroen’s Connecting Box (USB socket and Bluetooth system), electrically adjustable door mirrors and front electric windows.

Changes to the rest of the C3 Picasso range include a new Euro 5-compliant HDi 110bhp engine and six-speed transmission. The new engine returns just under 59mpg, with CO2 emissions falling by 5g/km over the previous Euro 4 unit to 125g/km. The remaining engines in the Picasso line-up have been rehomologated to reach full Euro 5 levels, with tweaks delivering more miles for every gallon of fuel consumed.

The firm has also made Michelin’s low rolling resistance Energy Saver tyres standard kit across the range, while the Connecting Box is now fitted as standard on VTR+ and Exclusive trim levels. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Honda EV Concept to Debut at LA Show 2010

Honda has some electrifying news! The firm will whisk the dustsheet off what it describes as “an all-new Honda electric vehicle concept” at the LA motor show.

There are no further details as yet, but the car is significant, as the firm’s President and CEO Takanobu Ito will unveil the car, marking the first time a global Honda CEO has taken the stage during the Los Angeles Auto Show press days.

Ito has already made reference to Honda's electric car plans, stating in his mid-year speech that "Honda’s battery EV is scheduled to go on sale in Japan and the U.S. in 2012."

Honda will also reveal a plug-in hybrid platform which is designed to showcase the next-generation of the company’s hybrid technology. The hybrid system for mid-size to larger vehicles is currently under development. Vehicles equipped with this new system are scheduled to go on sale in 2012 in Japan and the U.S.

Both cars will be shown alongside Honda's FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell car (pictured). For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Volvo Begins Work on C30 Fuel Cell Electric

Volvo is looking to the future! The firm has announced its next step in the electrification of the car. Backed by the Swedish Energy Agency, Volvo will build two fuel cell range extender prototype chassis based on the Volvo C30 DRIVe Electric, to be ready for testing in everyday traffic in 2012.

Volvo boss Stefan Jacoby said, “This is an exciting expansion of our focus on electrification. Battery cost and size means that all-electric cars still have a relatively limited operating range. Fuel cells may be one way of extending the distance these cars can cover.”

The firm is working with Powercell Sweden to build a hydrogen range extender with a reformer, which breaks down petrol to create hydrogen gas. In the fuel cell, this hydrogen gas is converted into electrical energy, which is used to power the car’s electric motor. The only emissions are electricity, water and a small amount of carbon dioxide.

To test range extender, Volvo will fit the completed unit into two C30 DRIVe Electric models, testing of which should begin in 2012. This range extender is expected to increase the electric car’s operating range by up to 155 miles, giving a total of around 250 miles.

There is no word yet on when – or even if – this technology could make it to production. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2011 Dodge Avenger

The Avenger name is pretty sweet, evoking an image of speeding through an apocalyptic wasteland, charging toward a moment in time where revenge can finally, deliciously be exacted upon those who have wronged you. If you bought a 2008–2010 Avenger, of course, that group of offenders would include Dodge—the name was among the car’s few redeeming qualities. While it was an okay effort, delivering a modicum of sportiness and a dash of style, a low-buck interior and coarse powertrains ultimately doomed the car to also-ran status in the family-sedan segment, as well as a seventh out of seven showing in its only comparison test.

And so Chrysler has rejiggered the Avenger for 2011, tweaking the powertrain lineup and installing a wholly redone interior, while at the same time bridging the gap until an ostensibly better replacement arrives within a couple of years.

The boorish 2.4-liter four-cylinder remains the base engine, although it now mates to an automatic transmission with six gears instead of four, and Dodge says the engine itself has been “recalibrated.” As on its mechanical twin, the Chrysler 200 (née Sebring), the V-6 option is now the company’s 3.6-liter Pentastar, mated to a six-speed auto and churning out an eye-popping-for-the-class 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The previous 235-hp, 232-lb-ft, 3.5-liter V-6 has been tossed into the great abyss.

To correct some of its predecessor’s sloppy dynamics, the 2011 Avenger receives a heavily reworked suspension, with what Chrysler says is “completely rethought” geometry. Twenty-six of the 30 suspension bushings have been retuned or redesigned, and the tires are wider, resulting in a track that grows by one inch. Dodge promises less body roll, sharper and more communicative steering, and fewer rattles.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

New Car: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

Chrysler recently announced a small update for the 2011 Town & Country, and —predictably—Dodge’s Grand Caravan will mirror its sibling’s changes. For 2011, the Grand Caravan will receive a new crosshair front grille and a more sculpted front fascia. Around back are a redesigned bumper and a liftgate sporting sharper creases and new lettering.

Like the Town & Country—and most other Chrysler products—the Grand Caravan receives the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. It’s tuned for 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, more power than was offered by the 3.3-, 3.8-, and 4.0-liter sixes that it replaces in the engine lineup. The only transmission choice is a six-speed automatic with a “Fuel Economizer” button that adjusts shift timing for reduced fuel consumption.

Also aiding fuel economy are a half-inch reduction in the van’s ride height, lower-rolling-resistance tires, and a drag-reducing roof spoiler. Dodge hasn’t completed official EPA testing, but expects fuel economy will match or exceed the 16–17-mpg city and 23–25-mpg highway ratings of the previous engines even though the new V-6 is more powerful.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

World's fastest car Bugatti Veyron launched in India

Bugatti Automobiles, the Volkswagen Group company launched its super premium sports model  Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport on Thursday, 28th Oct, 2010. With this new launch in the country, the benchmark for luxury cars in India  just got higher.
The price of the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport begins at Rs. 16 crore. It is said to be the most expensive car  to ablaze the Indian roads. Guy Caquelin, Bugatti Automobiles Sales Market Manager (Middle East, Europe and India) commented that Bugatti has been performing good in Europe, Middle East and in America. Now they find the Indian automobile market as an emerging market for the company. That is why the company has decided to bring the model to India, added Caquelin.
    
The distribution of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport which is priced at Rs. 16 crore onwards will be done by the Indian dealer Exclusive Motors of the company. Till now, India’s most  expensive cars have been the Maybach and the Rolls Royce Phantom. These cars are available with the price of about Rs. 5 crore. Exclusive Motors Managing Director Satya Bagla commented that the cost  of the model will be dependent on the foreign exchange fluctuation. It will also be dependent on the levels of customisation which a buyer asks for. However, he commented that there is a sure chance for such expensive models because the Indian luxury car market is growing at around 25 per cent. The model Bugatti Veyron is approximately four times more expensive than those which are being sold in India. That is why, at present, they are testing the response of customers. When Caquelin was asked about any order for the model, he replied that the delivery for the same will take around six-eight months from the order date. Caquelin also said that this year, Bugatti is targeting between sixty and eighty units of the car for sale all over the world. He further added that globally, there have been certain queries from three to four Indians.

The company is also claiming that on production, the Bugatti Veyron is also the fastest car. The model has been prepared to drive on the general roads of the world offering a top speed of 407 km/hour . This includes an acceleration of 0-100km/hour in 2.7 seconds.

To Know More About Bugatti Veyron [PHOTO GALLERY] Click Here

Hot News: Jaguar Looks for Chinese Partner

Jaguar is “in negotiations” with a possible partner in China, Tata boss Carl-Peter Forster has said.

The partnership would see Jaguar entering into a joint venture with a firm which would both manufacture and sell its vehicles. Forster said that the firm was in "good discussions" with an un-named Chinese car maker.

He also told journalists in China that the believed the firm "tremendous potential" around the world, but it was "not as strong as we should be, most notably in China". Forster believes the firm had been "somewhat under-managed" before Tata took ownership of Jaguar Land Rover from Ford.

PSA Peugeot Citroen has this week confirmed its own assault on the luxury car market in the China, while both Volkswagen and General Motors are among several manufacturers looking to increase capacity there.

Forster added that Tata has also received a lot of overseas interest in the Nano, although no export markets have been agreed. “We have a lot of interest, certainly more interest than we can satisfy,” he said.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: 2014 Porsche Cajun

Meet the baby Porsche with added spice! Our exclusive images preview a new SUV coupé that’s set to join the firm’s ranks.

Due to be called the Cajun, it slots into the range below the Cayenne and will go head-to-head with the Range Rover Evoque and BMW X4, which we revealed in Issue 1,137.

The Cajun is the first car to be developed under Porsche’s new owner, VW. And as the Cayenne was created alongside the VW Touareg and Audi Q7, so this model will have much in common with Audi’s Q5.

It will be slightly lower and shorter than the Q5, but around 90mm wider, giving an imposing, sporty stance. And it will tip the scales at around 1,700kg.

In a bid to distance the Cajun further from other models in the family, Porsche will offer it only as a three-door initially. Engines will be sourced from Audi, with buyers getting a choice of two petrol units, two diesels and a petrol-electric hybrid.

Kicking off the range will be a pair of four-cylinder variants: a 237bhp 2.0-litre petrol turbo and a 188bhp 2.0-litre TDI. Top-spec cars will get either a 3.0-litre TFSI petrol V6, producing 328bhp, or 3.0 TDI with 237bhp and 550Nm of torque. Flagship Cajuns are expected to cover 0-62mph in less than six seconds.

A six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed PDK twin-clutch auto will be offered, while the four-wheel-drive system is to be biased towards tarmac use, so off-road features will be limited to hill descent control and all-weather tyres. The hybrid model is based on Audi’s forthcoming green Q5, which features a 210bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a 47bhp electric motor, and gives a zero-emissions range of 1.8 miles.

Although the Cajun is heavily based on the Q5, Porsche will fit unique suspension, damper and braking set-ups. The firm will also recalibrate the stability control for a sportier drive, and offer Porsche Active Stability Management as an extra, to control the new dampers.

The Sports Chrono package will be an option, too. This brings a sports exhaust to increase engine power, as well as launch control on cars with the PDK gearbox. VW Group design chief Walter de’Silva has already expressed interest in working on Porsche’s new models, and aims to move away from the controversial design seen on the Panamera. But the Cajun will still be striking, with a low, swooping roofline and short overhangs.

Inside, the four-seater cabin promises more luxury than the Q5. The centre console will be set higher, to cocoon the driver and give the car a small and nimble feel. Plus, the Panamera-inspired dash design and switchgear, set to appear in the new Boxster and Cayman next year, will ensure the model looks like a true Porsche.

When it goes on sale in 2013, it will be priced between the Q5 and Cayenne, which start from £27,980 and £41,404 respectively. The entry-level Cajun is likely to be slightly more expensive than the base Evoque Pure, which will cost from around £30,000. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: 2013 Volvo C30 5-Door

Watch out Volkswagen, Volvo is teeing up its Golf rival. The Swedish firm is set to launch a practical, five-door version of its C30 hatch. But creating the newcomer doesn’t merely involve grafting on an extra set of doors.

To compete with the best in the class, such as the Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, the C30 will be given a complete design makeover. Its look will usher in a more distinctive Volvo styling language, which new chief executive Stefan Jacoby is keen to implement.

He is concerned that the marque’s DNA has become diluted by pursuing its German rivals too intently. Instead, the firm’s new cars will have a renewed emphasis on Scandinavian design, which means keeping things simple and elegant on the outside, while interiors remain minimalist but with more interesting choices of materials. Technology inspired by Apple’s latest products is likely to make its debut in the new car, too.

Jacoby believes the XC60 is the model that’s closest to what Volvo should be doing, so expect the new five-door to be heavily influenced by the look of the SUV, with a distinctive nose, sculpted flanks and L-shaped tail-lights.

The model, due in 2012, will also require an overhaul inside. While the current three-door C30 looks the part, its rear seats are very cramped. The new car’s passenger and luggage space will rival that of the class leaders.

The five-door project has been promoted to the top of Volvo’s priority list, forcing the brand to put development of a replacement for the XC90 SUV on hold. It’s hoped that the new car will re-establish Volvo as a more significant player in Europe, as hatchbacks are still not big sellers in the US.

The firm will also seek to use its new Chinese owner Geely to its advantage, rapidly expanding its presence in that market and building a new factory there. Volvo is also putting the finishing touches to its US strategy, with the ultimate goal of increasing sales from the current 335,000 per year to 800,000 in a decade’s time. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2011 Peugeot 207 Sportium

Peugeot has hatched a new special edition! Called the Sportium, the model is based on the 207 hatchback and comes with a choice of one petrol and one diesel engine.

The petrol unit is a 95bhp 1.4-litre four-cylinder which returns CO2 emissions of 137g/km, while the diesel is the 92bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder which emits 113g/km and returns 65.7mpg.

The Sportium model picks up where the previous Millesim special edition left off, and benefits from a raft of standard equipment. All cars get air conditioning, front fog lights, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, 15-inch alloy wheels on petrol models and 16-inch on the diesels, and a Sportium interior pack with dark tinted rear window glass.

All 207 Sportium models also come with a free Nokia 5230 smart phone with Satellite Navigation and in car mounting kit.

The newcomer goes on sale in November, priced from £12,595. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied Up Date: 2012 Mercedes SLS AMG Convertible

It wasn't exactly a well-kept secret, and now it's officially out: Mercedes-Benz "is working on an SLS roadster," the company confirms. Stuttgart has simultaneously leaked pictures of a prototype that seems to be production-ready.

The open version of the SLS AMG, of course, loses not only its fixed top, but also its gullwing doors. The doors of the roadster version cut down deeper into the flanks and are operated with utterly conventional, Mercedes-sedan-style door handles, as opposed to the coupe’s pop-out pulls. In addition, the doors stretch farther forward than on the coupe, but the impression of an extremely long hood is still intact.

The photograph taken from above somewhat conceals the fact that the trunk lid is actually substantially taller, in order to cover the electrically operated convertible roof—and we don't believe there will be much space left for your luggage, either. Rollover protection is provided by two fixed roll hoops, and the seats don't look much different from those in the coupe. We doubt the leather-lined interior will be waterproof with the top down, despite the fact that the pictures were taken in the rain.

While AMG is starting to replace its high-revving, naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 with the twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 (as seen in the S- and CL-classes), we suspect that the SLS roadster will keep the crazy 563-hp 6.2, which produces 479 lb-ft of torque. It is not only a trademark engine for the SLS, it fits the character of this sports car exceedingly well—and, with the top down, you will be even better able to listen to this engine's awesome soundtrack. With structural reinforcements and the convertible-top mechanism no doubt adding weight, performance could drop slightly.

Does the SLS AMG need an open-top version, since it is really defined by its gullwing doors? Well, this roadster proves that Mercedes is truly paying homage to the original 300SL, code-named W198; the gullwing W198 came in 1954, followed by a roadster version in 1957. Unlike its historical role model, however, the SLS AMG won't be entirely replaced by the roadster version. Rather, it will be complemented by it, with both cars being sold alongside each other.

While the SLS AMG coupe comes in at $185,750, the SLS roadster might break the $200,000 barrier. Mercedes-Benz could get away with it, as people are still lining up to get the revived gullwing coupe, so there is certainly no reason to sell this new variant at discount prices.

There's no rush for the carmaker, either: We don't expect to see the final car sans cover and tape before the Frankfurt show in September 2011, likely as a 2012 model. It will then compete with the Audi R8 Spyder, the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, and the top-level variations of the Porsche 911 Turbo cabrio.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Hot News: Chevrolet Plans Baby SUV

Chevrolet is set to enter the baby SUV market with an Aveo-based five seater.

Although designs have yet to be finalised, the new car is being designed and engineered by GM Dat in Korea and could launch as early as 2012.

At a sneak preview of the clay model of the car at the Korean R&D centre, GM execs confirmed that it will be built on a slightly stretched Aveo platform and could be offered in both four-wheel drive and front-drive guises.

GMDAT design director Taewon Kim confirmed that it will have the same family look as the new generation Chevy models, but that pains were being taken to vastly increase interior quality over the Aveo.

There will also be more attention paid to colour and trim than current Chevy models, but the new SUV will also carry over the company’s trademark ‘dual cockpit’ design, seen on the Cruze small saloon.

A sneak peak at an interior styling buck also showed that the company is planning to use some switchgear sourced from the Vauxhall Astra and Insignia. It will also use a new generation digital display that will also appear in other future Chevy models. However, Taewon Kim was quick to point out that this didn’t mean that future Chevys will go head-to-head with Opel models. ‘There have to be differences between Chevy and Opel’ he told Autocar ‘but because of Opel we don’t want to push Chevrolet down’.

The company also showed off an Aveo saloon, which is likely to be first seen at the Detroit show in January, although it hasn't been confirmed whether it will go on sale in the UK. The hot Aveo RS, first seen at this year's Detroit show, was also being displayed, although it still hasn't been confirmed whether it will make production, although GM insiders are confident that it will get the green light soon.

Thanks to: Autocar India

New Car: 2011 Citroen C5

It’s facelift time for Citroen’s Mondeo-rival. The revised C5 saloon and Tourer estate feature new front and rear lights, re-homologated engines and the introduction of Citroen’s new eTouch Emergency & Assistance System.

Design changes are limited to headlights which feature daytime LED running lights, and new taillights which have darker light clusters.

More significantly, the C5 range now benefits from a fully Euro 5 compliant engine line-up. Citroen has introduced a cleaner Euro 5 1.6-litre diesel to replace the Euro 4 version, and re-homologated the 1.6-litre THP petrol engine and the 3.0-litre V6 diesel.

Both engines now offer improved fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions - fuel economy increases from 39.8mpg to 42.2mpg and 38.2mpg to 39.2mpg respectively, while CO2 emissions are down 14g/km and 6g/km respectively.

All Exclusive models now feature Citroen’s eTouch Emergency & Assistance System as standard. This service automatically or manually makes emergency calls and allows manual assistance calls - using a built-in SIM card - for a rapid response in the event of an accident. The service is free and available 24-7.

All model upgrades apply to both Saloon and Tourer versions and are available from November 2010. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Fiat Linea T-Jet Review

It could be conveniently said that the Fiat Linea was the first step in the reformation and resurgence of the Italian marque which has had a presence in India for a few decades now. While the Palio was still a car that had a more real world appeal, the model available in India was slightly dated, and nowhere close to the design and style oomph that the Italians have been known to incite amongst car lovers

. With the Linea, the company looked to change its image, and to some extent the C-segment sedan game in India-and it would not be inaccurate if we were to say that Fiat managed to do that to an agreeable extent. More heartening than anything was the fact that a properly Italian compact sedan, with the same drop dead gorgeous looks with which it graces streets in Europe, was available to be used and enjoyed by Indian car lovers.

There was a small bit of a problem though. While the widespread opinion amongst car lovers and automotive journalists around the country seemed to be that the engines that were being offered in the car were lacking power, the same powerplants seemed to work just fine on Tata and Maruti Suzuki cars. We traced the problem to gearboxes with ratios inappropriate for Indian driving conditions ? they just didn?t work well in cohorts with the engines. The cars were still in line with the tenet that India prefers small, frugal engines, but for a vehicle that had inherently great underpinnings and suspension which imparted it with impressive handling and ride quality, the engine-gearbox combinations were game spoilers to a small extent. The shortcoming though is about to solve itself after a year and a half of the car being around, with the entry of the turbocharged, direct injection 1.4-litre T-Jet engine.

Before we get into the nitty-gritties of the car itself, a quick word on Fiat?s T-Jet engine. Based on a direct-injection technology in which fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber as opposed to in the manifold, the T-Jet family of engines subscribes to the new philosophy of European manufacturers opting to maximize the potential of small displacement engines. Volkswagen has been following a similar approach to petrol engines with its TFSI technology, and despite initial reservations the new way of treating fuel has taken off this side of the Atlantic in a big way. What seals the case massively in the favour of turbocharged direct injection is the responsiveness it imparts to engines ? from big torque of good driveability and fuel efficiency, to the high revving performance one would expect from a petrol mill. And all this with big savings in fuel and emissions, thanks to cleaner and more efficient burning inside the cylinderse.

The introductory drive of the Linea with its new powerplant took the cardunia team to the airstrip at the Amby Valley City at Lonavla near Pune. While testing and experiencing the car on a 1.5 kilometre straight with cones thrown in to test the car?s response to change in direction was far from the perfect way to evaluate the new car, it did bring a lot of things into stark notice. To start with, the quickness of the T-Jet engine in a straight line is encouraging. We?ll still need to subject it to real words roads, in different gears and over different gradients, but preliminary impressions are good. The figures on paper are interesting too ? pumped by a 2.2 bar turbo, the 1.4-litre T-Jet engine makes 114PS of power at a high 5000 rpm, but also manages to churn out a startling 207Nm of torque, which is commendable for a small-displacement petrol engine. The T-Jet version also gets bigger 16-inch wheels and wider 205/55 tyres, which should aid handling sufficiently for the enhanced speeds.

In a nutshell, the experience when compared to the current versions of the Linea is much more exciting, and looks further in the direction of customer satisfaction, especially so for performance minded buyers. Our final tests on real roads and surfaces will be more telling, and the ultimate judgment on the car will depend on how Fiat prices the car, so log on to www.cardunia.blogspot.com for our report on the car, real soon!

Toyota Prius Hybrid To Be Built in Thailand

Gas prices might not be high here in the Untied States currently, but they sure are in other countries and Toyota is reaping the benefits. The Priushybrid is selling so well, that Toyota is looking to extend production of the car to Thailand.

According to Japan’s Nikkei, Toyota would use Thailand as an export base for all of Southeast Asia. That might even include Japan, where the Prius has been the best-selling car for 15 straight months.

Thailand is currently building the Camry Hybrid, which should make it easy to expand Prius production. It will be so easy in fact, that production could begin by the end of this year. The car’s batteries and other various components will still come from Japan.

Currently, the hybrid is built in China and Japan. Toyota was going to bring production to the United States, but a slumping economy last year threw that plan into the grave.

PHOTO GALLERY

Nissan Micra Car Review in India

Read latest review on new Nissan Micra cars in India. Make a detailed research on Nissan Micra by knowing its features, specifications and highlights before making up your mind on buying a new Nissan Micra for you.

* Fuel Economy 18.6 km/l (Overall), 1.2L I-3 Petrol Available Engines 1.2L I-3, 74.9 bhp, Petrol Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Overview

Following the launches of the X-Trail and Teana, Japan's third largest auto maker launched its iconic sports car 370Z in India. All these cars managed to redefine the standards of automotive excellence in their respective segments. Now, to cater to the highly competitive small car segment, Nissan offers the all-new Nissan Micra based on the ground-breaking 'V' platform. The Nissan Micra is a true global car as it will be manufactured in four plants across the world and will be exported globally. However, the Micra is a product that has been specifically designed keeping in mind the discerning consumer needs of India. The car will showcase an excellent combination of newer generation avant-garde technology, outstanding design and highly developed features.

The car is available in 4 variants; the XE, XL, the XE Plus which comes with factory-fitted accessories and the advanced XV. The six blazing colours that the Micra puts on to draw attention towards itself are Sunlight Orange, Blade Silver, Storm White, Pacific Blue, Onyx Black and Brick Red.

 Performance

Nissan Micra comes in a single engine variant - 1.2 litre petrol with 3 in-line cylinders. The powerful engine can churn out a maximum power of 75 bhp @ 6000 RPM and will give you a maximum torque of 104 Nm @ 4000 RPM. Paired with the engine is a five speed manual transmission. Micra boasts of optimum performance, ride and handling combined with agility and refinement.

Mounted on the Nissan's new signature V-platform, the suspension minimizes intrusion and takes on well to the Indian roads. The suspension set up comprises of McPherson Strut at the front and torsion beam at the rear. The cute looking hatchback also offers a great fuel economy of 18.06 kmpl.

Build & Styling

When it comes to interior & exterior style and features, Nissan Micra scores better than most of it contemporaries. Nissan Micra is a global car and hence the look is more international and also has a touch of sophistication.

Nissan Micra is adorned with stylish headlamps and fog lamps which are strategically placed next to the front grille. Body coloured bumpers, door mirrors add extra style to the Nissan hatch. Also featured in the car are sporty Bumpers, body colour door handles and tinted front headlamps covers.

The interior of the Micra feels quite spacious, thanks to its extra long wheelbase which enables a 'wheels-at-each-corner' stance. The hatchback can comfortably seat 5 adults and the 226 litre boot can accommodate two small bags and few small items.

The Micra hatch is available with attractive interiors featuring dual tone attractive dashboard that houses the advance instrument cluster including Drive Computer, digital clock and tachometer. The advance features in the Micra include electric power steering with tilt adjustment, climate control AC, comfortable seats, electric speed sensitive front and rear power windows, door ajar warning lamp, low fuel warning lamp, passenger side front and rear grab handles, rear sliding seat with 60:40 Split, electric heated door mirrors, driver and passenger vanity mirror and front map reading light.

Nissan's concept of safety shield is reflected in the Micra. The Nissan Micra has a full assortment of safety features such as driver and front passenger airbags, engine immobilizer, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, and security alarm system. Central Door Lock, Remote Keyless Entry and Intelligent Key With Push Button Ignition features are also available in the top end variant of the car.

PHOTO GALLERY Of Nissan Micra Click here

Maybach launches the XENATEC Coupe

ENATEC in colloboration with Maybach has launched a luxurious coupe model priced at Rs. 4.14 Crore. XENATEC wants to be on the same lines with the G-Power Hurricane RR BMW that set the world record of 372 km/hr, becoming the fastest sedan. XENATEC plans to offer the designer coupe to those with the need of speed but with a touch of luxury.

XENATEC made by Karosserie Manufacture Weinsberg, a segment of XENATEC Group in collaboration with Maybach is an outstanding, skillful and meritrious coupe. The luxury four wheeler is diagrammed and designed by Fredrik Buruchhardt, who is also the designer of Exelero. The XENATEC is an amalgamation of the most advanced features, exceptional driving performance and use of the topmost quality materials which is used in Maybach.


In the lines of the flambouyant Maybach 57 S limousine, this charaismatic machine will be driver friendly which will set new parameters for the luxurious four wheelers. Exclusitivity is what it will stand for, limited number of XENATEC will be crafted for distinguised car lovers worldwide. The luxury dip will come with a price tag of Rs. 4.14 Crore (excluding the local taxes).

The limousine sized to a sedan still holds the immaculate heart of the orignal luxury. The drive force is the same, the long luxury has been made into a two door luxury. There are major changes in the bodywork as it has been squeezed and also in interiors, keeping the driving pleasure the same.

The major noticeable changes is in the strong bodywork which has been redone. New doors without frame sidescreens which allow easy access to the rear are the changes made in the frontline.

The wind and rear screen is steeply put up for the sporty look, the roofline is lowered but it doesn't compromise with the comfort of the passengers. If you desire for more style, a glass roof can also be fitted.

The XENATECH Coupe offers rear track which has been increased by 20 mm and the standard wheel 20-inch or an optional of 21- inch which will leave you only to love speed. It will increase the overall performance of the super luxury car.

PHOTO GALLERY

Unofficial Picture: 2012 BMW 6-Series Convertible

The secrets of the 6 have been revealed! BMW debuted its all-new 6-Series with the four-door Concept Gran Coupé at April’s Beijing Motor Show, and then unveiled the two-door coupé in concept form at the recent Paris expo. And now, our spies have caught the 6-Series Convertible ahead of its public debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

The drop-top will be the first to appear in dealerships, arriving in March. That’s followed by the coupé in July, with the four-door Gran Coupé launching in 2012.

According to our source, the Convertible in our main picture was being photographed for an official 6-Series accessories brochure – which explains the large alloy wheels and deep side skirts. Our spy shot also reveals that BMW has elected not to adopt the folding hard-top seen on the Z4 and 3-Series Convertible; the new 6 will retain a traditional fabric roof to keep manufacturing costs and weight to a minimum.

As with the two and four-door models, the drop-top features BMW’s more reserved, elegant design language. The flowing tail and wraparound rear lights are a stark contrast to the current 6-Series’ challenging look. In a first for BMW, the newcomer will also feature all-LED headlamps.

Inside, the emphasis is on quality materials and hi-tech gadgets, including an optional Bang & Olufsen stereo. The top-seller is expected to be the 640d, with its six-cylinder twin-turbo diesel. This will go on sale alongside two petrol variants: a six-cylinder turbo 640i petrol and the 650i, which has a twin-turbo V8 offering close to 500bhp.

BMW is unlikely to offer an M6 version of the new model in order to distance it from the forthcoming Audi R8-rivalling supercar, inspired by the Vision EfficientDynamics seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Concept Car: Audi A1 Quattro

The S1 Quattro lives again! Audi is set to resurrect the name of its firebreathing world rally champ from the Eighties for a spectacular performance flagship of the A1. And purists needn’t worry – because the newcomer will pack plenty of power, style and, of course, the quattro four-wheel-drive system that made the original such a success.

Audi had considered using the name for the 182bhp 1.4 T version of the A1, revealed at the recent Paris Motor Show. But it backtracked at the last minute, fearing that the model’s two-wheel-drive layout would put off customers loyal to the brand.

Instead, bosses have decided to develop a new S1 alongside the Polo R, which is being readied by VW’s performance division in Germany. The cars will share underpinnings, to keep costs down, while VW may also add the scaled-down four-wheel-drive technology to its rugged CrossPolo and subsidiary Skoda’s Fabia Scout to further increase economies of scale.

But the full, sophisticated version of the quattro system will be reserved for the S1. And the car will continue Audi’s recent push to use innovations from its larger models on smaller products – the S1’s 4WD will have the option of the torque vectoring rear sport differential from the 
S4 and RS5, which promises agile handling.

Engine choices are still being considered, although the 1.4 TFSI from the current flagship won’t be used. Instead, to distance the S1 from the rest 
of the line-up, Audi is likely to employ one of the VW Group’s larger petrol turbos, which currently power the Golf GTI in 2.0-litre form and the top-spec Skoda Yeti in 1.8-litre tune.

A further option is a new 1.6-litre unit. Audi has already said it won’t return to rallying, but VW is planning an entry with a car prepared by a new team set up by Spanish former WRC ace Carlos Sainz. This is likely to be based on the Polo R, and as the sport’s rules dictate that cars be powered by a 1.6-litre turbo, the engine from this model could make it into the S1.

The Audi is likely to deliver around 240bhp – more than the 208bhp of the MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works – and offer scorching performance. The sprint from 0-62mph should take around six seconds, and top speed will be limited to 155mph. A choice of six-speed manual and seven-speed S tronic gearboxes will be available.

Despite the fireworks under the bonnet, the S1 won’t look vastly different to the 1.4 TSI. It will get a unique, deeper front bumper, more pronounced wheelarches to fit larger alloys, a gloss black rear diffuser and special badging. Two-tone paint will also be offered.

The high-spec interior boasts sports seats and a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, plus drilled pedals and carbon fibre trim. The S1 is expected to debut as a concept later next year, before going on sale in 2012, with an anticipated starting price of around £25,000. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

First Sketch: 2014 BMW X4

Small but packed with style – that’s the new baby brother to the X6, which these official sketches show is on the way. We stumbled across drawings of an ‘X4’ buried within the press material at the launch of the new X3.

Rumours of an aggressive SUV coupé based on the X3 have been circulating for some time, but these images give the clearest idea yet of how BMW’s three-door rival to the Range Rover Evoque will look. We spoke to the man responsible for the sketches, X3 designer Erik Goplen – and he told Auto Express that he would “love to see it made”.

We also cornered Markus Braunsberger, the project manager for the firm’s X models, who said: “There is certainly space in the product line-up for an X4 – but we have to make sure it doesn’t steal sales from
the X3.”

The newcomer is likely to use similar hardware and interior components to the X3, including its 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo engine, which offers 300bhp-plus. According to our sources, the X4 has already gone from drawing board to concept stage, and we could see a show car next year, with a production model in 2013. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express