Monday, 31 December 2012
Sunday, 30 December 2012
Friday, 28 December 2012
Thursday, 20 December 2012
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
Sunday, 16 December 2012
Saturday, 15 December 2012
Friday, 14 December 2012
Maruti Suzuki A-star Aktiv launched at Rs 4.22 lakh
Being Maruti Suzuki’s flagship export model, the A-star has churned up the sales charts. While being frugal, the A-star also has an engine that performs well. However, it was time the A-star’s aging design was perked up. Maruti has therefore resorted to new livery for the VXi and VXi AT versions, for an extra Rs 14,990. The A-star Aktiv will have a base price tag of Rs 4.22 lakh for the VXi trim version and Rs 4.73 lakh for the VXi AT, both ex-showroom Delhi.
According to Maruti, the new limited edition is ‘packed with features that will complement the young generation’s personality’. “A-star is one of the most vibrant products in our portfolio. Some of its high points such as contemporary styling, dynamic handling and ride quality, best-in-class turning radius, power, flat torque and superior performance have made the A-star a popular choice especially amidst the youth. The stylish modifications in the A-star Aktiv are in line with our plans to offer our young and energetic customers a sleeker, more stylish and feature packed A-star. We are confident that this special edition will bring pride to select owners who possess it,” said Manohar Bhat, Vice President, Marketing, Maruti Suzuki.
There are no changes in technical specifications and the A-Star Aktiv is powered by the existing 998cc, K10B motor that produce
According to Maruti, the new limited edition is ‘packed with features that will complement the young generation’s personality’. “A-star is one of the most vibrant products in our portfolio. Some of its high points such as contemporary styling, dynamic handling and ride quality, best-in-class turning radius, power, flat torque and superior performance have made the A-star a popular choice especially amidst the youth. The stylish modifications in the A-star Aktiv are in line with our plans to offer our young and energetic customers a sleeker, more stylish and feature packed A-star. We are confident that this special edition will bring pride to select owners who possess it,” said Manohar Bhat, Vice President, Marketing, Maruti Suzuki.
There are no changes in technical specifications and the A-Star Aktiv is powered by the existing 998cc, K10B motor that produce
Thursday, 13 December 2012
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
Monday, 10 December 2012
Sunday, 9 December 2012
Friday, 7 December 2012
Thursday, 6 December 2012
KTM aims to become Europe's No 1 bike maker
A decade ago, KTM decided to go beyond its off-roading niche and become a more volumes-driven automaker with on-road bikes. The only way to that was to partner with a maker of bikes with lowerdisplacement engines - KTM bikes typically are in the engine range of 690 cc to 1190 cc. EnterBajaj Auto in November 2007.
Pierer says, "We have found a good base and a good relationship in Bajaj . We have developed common engine platforms that both brands can use. This has allowed us to enter new market segments of smaller displacement bikes. With Honda coming in strongly in India, Bajaj Auto can use all our high-end technology to take on the Japanese,".
The smaller-displacement engines sit on two platforms - one for bikes in the 125 to 200 cc range; and the other for engines between 270 and 390 cc.The 125 cc and 200 cc models have been launched; by the middle of next year, the others will follow. All these bikes are branded Duke. After these bikes,KTM will launch the Enduro based on components common to the two partners; the Enduro starts at 125 cc and goes up to 690 cc.To be sure, Bajaj is key to KTM's growth plans. In five years, Pierer wants to double volumes to 200,000 units, half of them coming out of the JV with Bajaj. Bajaj explains that the need was to find a partner with the same imagery and the best technology.
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Mahindra introduces Blue Sense app for smartphones
If you have the top end variant of the XUV5OO, Mahindra’s Blue Sense app will enable you to control the infotainment system and view vital information such as climate control temperature, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), fuel consumption, etc besides warnings of an open door or a refuel. Just pair the android based smartphone to the car’s infotainment system via Bluetooth.
“The Mahindra Blue Sense App is designed to take user experience to the next level. In keeping with our practice of bringing in many firsts on the XUV5OO, this first of its kind smart app will provide greater convenience, accessibility and information of the driver as well as co-passengers to ensure a safe, pleasurable and hassle-free driving experience. We have ensured that over 41,000 existing XUV5OO owners can also upgrade their XUV5OO with the Mahindra Blue Sense App. They just have to contact their nearest authorised dealership,” said Rajan Wadhera, Chief Executive – Technology, Product Development & Sourcing, Mahindra & Mahindra.
Those with an earlier version of the infotainment system will have to update to version 04.04.00 at aMahindra dealership.
Earlier Mahindra had introduced a ‘Tell Tale App’ that informs XUV5OO owners about the functions of the instrument cluster indications, that downloaded by more than 7,000 owners.
Over 41,000 units of the benchmark SUV have been sold in India.
“The Mahindra Blue Sense App is designed to take user experience to the next level. In keeping with our practice of bringing in many firsts on the XUV5OO, this first of its kind smart app will provide greater convenience, accessibility and information of the driver as well as co-passengers to ensure a safe, pleasurable and hassle-free driving experience. We have ensured that over 41,000 existing XUV5OO owners can also upgrade their XUV5OO with the Mahindra Blue Sense App. They just have to contact their nearest authorised dealership,” said Rajan Wadhera, Chief Executive – Technology, Product Development & Sourcing, Mahindra & Mahindra.
Those with an earlier version of the infotainment system will have to update to version 04.04.00 at aMahindra dealership.
Earlier Mahindra had introduced a ‘Tell Tale App’ that informs XUV5OO owners about the functions of the instrument cluster indications, that downloaded by more than 7,000 owners.
Over 41,000 units of the benchmark SUV have been sold in India.
Monday, 3 December 2012
Friday, 30 November 2012
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Monday, 26 November 2012
Sunday, 25 November 2012
Harley-Davidson Fat Bob launched in India
Harley-Davidson, the world renowned bike builder from America, launched its latest model, Fat Bob, today. Priced at Rs 12.8 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Fat Bob joins the Dyna family of motorcycles, which are completely knocked-down models (CKD). With that, the count of bikes in the Dyna segment has risen to six.
Anoop Prakash, Managing Director, Harley-Davidson India, said, "The launch of the Fat Bob as CKD will allow more customers to experience our Dyna range at an attractive price point. At Harley-Davidson India, we will continue to adopt and invest in strategies that make our products and ownership experience accessible to more enthusiasts and customers in India,"
The basic design of the bike is like any other Harley, but the details that distinguish it are the forward-mounted foot controls, double headlamps, a drag-style handlebar, meaty front tyre and a sleek, two-up seat, which all add up to give the Fat Bob a mean and aggressive stance
Saturday, 24 November 2012
Friday, 23 November 2012
Honda Amaze launched in Thailand
The much awaited Honda Amaze compact sedan that is based on the Brio hatchback has been launched in Thailand. At the moment, Honda has only launched the petrol version of the Amaze in Thailand that is powered by its 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine. Available in four variants (two automatic and two manual), theHonda Amaze has been priced between 454,000 THB and 521,000 THB (Rs 8.16 lakh and Rs 9.35 lakh).
The Japanese car maker will be launching both petrol and diesel versions of the Amaze compact sedan in India next year. And judging by the current market scenario the Honda Amaze is expected to be priced between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 6.5 lakh for the petrol variants and Rs 6 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh for the diesel models.
The petrol Amaze will be powered by the company’s 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that does duty in the Brio and Jazz hatchbacks.
As for the diesel engine, Honda had unveiled its 1.6 diesel engine at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. However, due to regulations in India diesel engines displ
Thursday, 22 November 2012
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Carmakers revise prices, incite advance buys
Buoyed by strong festive sales, carmakers have again created the hubbub of price hikes to increase showroom traffic and gain traction in a slowing market.
While most manufacturers blame perennial factors like rising input costs and the adverse impact of foreign exchange fluctuation, marketing experts say that announcements of price hikes are often strategic gambits to woo buyers to showrooms before the increase actually comes into effect.
"A higher price would persuade any potential customer to advance his purchase for a better bargain at older prices. It also helps in getting rid of older inventory, although with every such hike carmakers run the risk of their sales and market share getting hit in the long term," reckons Pradeep Saxena, senior vice president at market research firm's TNS Automotive.
The first off the starting grid in this round of price hikes is German luxury carmaker Audi, which has announced an average 5% increase that will be effective from the New Year; the carmaker did not share the exact revised price tags for the sedans and SUVs.
At current prices, the range starts from Rs 27.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and goes up to Rs 1.3 crore.
Michael Perschke, head Audi India, maintains that although market conditions are tough, a price hike is inevitable. "The overall market scenario is challenging.
Monday, 19 November 2012
Ford EcoSport slated to launch early 2013
American carmakers Ford gave Indian masses a first look of their latest, up-and-coming automobile tailor-made for the Indian market, the EcoSport, at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo in January. The car did manage to create a whole lot of buzz back then, and as time progressed, more details have emerged about this one of a kind off-roader from Ford’s stable.
The compact SUV design that is somewhat unique to the EcoSport does give it a slightly different appearance from the other cars in its SUV gene pool. It’s sleek and aerodynamic rather than chunky and conspicuous, but with a 200mm ground clearance it’ll ride as well as any of the bigger SUVs out there.
The engine too is a departure from tradition. The EcoSport boasts of surprisingly diminutive one-litre, 3-cylinder ‘ecoboost’ petrol engine, but it’s been turbocharged to produce a respectable 120PS of power and 170Nm of torque. Ford claim the SUV will give 16kmpl, which is quite decent for a vehicle its size.
The car comes pre-loaded with a few toys, too. Microsoft’s SYNC voice control lets you make calls, reads out your texts, and even allows you to browse through your music collection without taking your hands off the steering or looking away from the road. The manufacturers also proudly proclaim the car contains an insane 20 different storage spaces, including an ample 346 litre boot space, air-conditioned glove box, a James Bond-esque hidden compartment under the front seat that slides in and out, and a designated space to store an umbrella!
Sunday, 18 November 2012
2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 on sale
The 2012 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 that debuted in March 2012 went on to win a number of races across the globe including the Super GT series (GT 300 class), Taikyu (GT3 class), British GT Championship and the GT Cup.
Nissan’s motorsport division, Nismo, has used all the data from these races along with customer feedback as well as track and dyno tests to develop the 2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3.
The most significant enhancements to the model are on the car’s brake balance, gear ratios, aerodynamics, suspension and, of course, the engine for higher performance and durability.
The engine has been given new camshaft timing, while all moving parts have been reinforced to maximise durability. There are new canards at the front, the front fender louvers have been enlarged and the position of the rear spoiler has been further optimised to improve aerodynamic balance between the front and rear as well as to increase downforce for overall enhanced aerodynamic performance. The reworked gear ratios complement the engine’s higher power output.
Saturday, 17 November 2012
Thursday, 15 November 2012
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Launched
First showcased as a production ready model at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year, the Gran Coupe is BMW’s larger iteration of the already established 6 Series Coupe that really sizzled up things in the GT space and introduced an all new dimension to luxury travel in the country.
However, looking to give worthy competition to its arch German rivals Mercedes-Benz and Audi, who have already drawn first blood with offerings like the CLS350 Coupe and A7 Sportback, BMW has now launched its four-door version of the 6 Series sedan, namely the Gran Coupe.
Build on pretty much the same rear-wheel drive platform as most current generation Bimmers the 6-Series Gran Coupe achieves its larger proportions with a longer wheelbase measuring 2968mm as opposed to the 2780mm wheelbase of the 6 Series Coupe and Convertible and a length that is now barely 0.6 inches lesser than flagship 7-series sedan.
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Friday, 9 November 2012
Thursday, 8 November 2012
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
Mahindra XUV500 DC Lounge : First Drive
Dilip Chhabria needs no introduction. Founder of DC Design and the brains behind some of the most wonderfully outlandish one-off cars India has ever seen, he has also been churning out what are called DC Lounge kits for everyday cars for a little while now. The DC Lounge concept is simple – take a regular (and slightly large) car, strip out the interiors and replace them with a set-up more lavish than even the most luxurious of luxury cars can offer. And this service is absolutely brilliant for those who want something opulent to sit in, but don’t want any sort of flash to be seen from the outside
Tuesday, 6 November 2012
BMW 7 Series facelift set for November launch
The current 7 Series available in the market is soon going to be replaced by the newly enhanced model, which essentially is a midlife makeover on the current firth generation car. For India, BMW is set to introduce the 7 Series only in its long wheelbase avatar and a single engine option, namely a 3.0 litre diesel unit. Visually, the major changes to the BMW 730Ld have been focused on the front and these include the new LED headlights, new BMW kidney grille, revised front bumper, side indicators incorporated on the bottom of the ORVMs and a thin chrome strip connecting the two slim reflectors in the rear apron. Apart from that, the 7 Series retains its quintessential chiseled styling and proportions including the long hood and set back passenger cabin. Interior changes are limited, however, major changes include narrower front seats and a new 1,200 watt Bang and Olufsen high end surround sound system with 16 speakers.
Monday, 5 November 2012
Sunday, 4 November 2012
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