Honda sells 1,00,000 diesel in india

Honda has sold more than one lakhcars powered by its 1.5-litre i-DTECdiesel engine in India, since its launch 16 months ago.

The company claims that its diesel models of the Amaze, the City and the recently launched Mobilio MPV have clocked over 90 crore kilometres cumulatively.

The 1.5 i-DTEC diesel engine, which is based on Honda’s Earth Dreams technology, was developed exclusively for India and its driving conditions. With an all-aluminium cylinder head joined to an open deck engine block, it is the lightest engine among engines with a similar torque configuration. Honda says the use of a lightweight crankshaft and a number of friction-reduction technologies helped reduce friction in the diesel engine to bring it down to petrol engine levels, enabling it to achieve greater cooling and fuel efficiency. Introduced in India, in April 2013 with the Amaze sedan, the 1.5 i-DTEC diesel motor was later introduced in the fourth-generation City in January 2014 and the Mobilio last month. The claimed fuel efficiency of this engine is 26kpl in the City, 25.8kpl in the Amaze and 24.5kpl in the Mobilio.

Before the i-DTEC engine’s launch a year back, Honda did not even have a history of oil-burners in India. Since then, the engine has turned the company’s fortunes and has been very positively accepted by the Indian market, which is remarkable. The i-DTEC unit has been successful thanks to its efficiency, drivability and decent power output. The only drawback, if any, has been the poor Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) levels filtering into the cabin. Honda is working on progressively threading out this issue.

Jnaneswar Sen, senior VP (marketing & sales) said, “It (i-DTEC engine) has been well accepted in the country and is attracting new customers. The one lakh sales of i-DTEC-powered cars is a major milestone for us and we are really proud of this achievement.”

Lamborghini Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo RWD Racer Revealed

Saurabh khatri

This is the all-new Huracán-based race car that starting from next year will compete in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo one-make racing series, currently held in Asia, Europe and North America. The car is the 2015 Lamborghini Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo, and as its name suggests its specifications are very different to those of the outgoing Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo—the biggest being the new car’s rear-wheel-drive configuration.

Yes, the Huracán Super Trofeo drives the rear wheels only, and it also has slightly more power than the road-going Huracán LP 610-4 on which it’s based. Both are powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10 but the race car is rated at 611 horsepower versus the 601 horses of the road car.

Lamborghini says the decision to switch to rear-wheel drive for the new season is to help accelerate the Super Trofeo drivers’ preparation for GT racing, perhaps hinting at a wider scope for the Italian marque’s motorsport future. Switching to rear-wheel drive has also allowed engineers to reduce the weight of the cars, which now tip the scales at just 2,800 pounds. That’s a saving of about 330 pounds compared to the weight of the road-going Huracán.

The new aerodynamics package also provides better efficiency as well as improved traction and downforce. Key components include a ten-position rear wing, front and rear diffusers as well as adjustable front air intakes. The tires are from Pirelli.

The Huracán Super Trofeo was developed by Lamborghini’s new motorsport division, Squadra Corse, together with Dallara. The two firms have close ties, with Dallara founder Giampaolo Dallara having worked for Lamborghini in the past, even helping with engineering for the legendary Miura supercar.

“The Huracán Super Trofeo is an all-new car built from scratch with a clear racing concept,” Lamborghini R&D boss Maurizio Reggiani says. “We believe the car will be as fun for fans to watch as it will be rewarding for our racers to drive.”

Note, even with the Huracán set to take over from the Gallardo in next year’s Super Trofeo series, teams that have already bought a Gallardo-based racer will still be able to compete in the new season. Lamborghini has confirmed that both the Gallardo and the Huracán will share the grid but will race in different classes.

The Huracán is also due to be developed into a GT3-spec car that will serve as a replacement for the present Gallardo GT3. The Gallardo GT3 competes primarily in the Blancpain Endurance Series, with one of the cars fielded by Lamborghini motorsport partner Reiter Engineering.

Lamborghini choose to debut its Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo at this weekend’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where also on show is a special Aventador LP 700-4 developed by Lamborghini’s personalization department Ad Personam.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to Go Mid-Engine

Saurabh khatri

You've heard it all before, but here it is again: there is talk of a mid-engine Corvette in the pipeline. At Motor Trend report that the next Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, possibly named after Corvette “father” and engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, will arrive with its own distinct platform that could birth a high-end line of mid-engine C8 Corvettes.

Ok, so it's true that wild theories of mid-engine Corvettes have swirled for decades. The word is that before General Motors went bankrupt, Bob Lutz and Tom Wallace, then chief engineer for the Corvette, were plotting a mid-engine layout for the C7 generation of the brand's iconic sports car before the plan was scrapped. Assuming General Motors dusted off those plans, things start to come into focus when you consider that Chevrolet just trademarked the name “Zora” for a potential future automobile. For some context, it was widely known that Zora was supportive of a mid-engine Corvette, and he helped create numerous concept vehicles which nearly came to fruition with the mid-engine V-8 Aerovette.


Motor Trend anticipates that the C7-generation, mid-engine Corvette ZR1 would arrive on its own platform, although it would be “doable...[but] freakishly expensive] to tool the current platform for mid-engine duty.” With two distinct platforms, the next step would be to create two separate lines of Corvette vehicles for the C8 generation—a base range with the current front-engine C7 Stingray platform at its core, and a high-end range populated by the mid-engine, Zora-badged Corvette ZR1.


The thinking is that the lower range of front-engine Corvettes would remain as a popular lower-priced American alternative to the Porsche 911, freeing up the mid-engine Zora Corvette ZR1 to tackle the Ferrari 458, Audi R8, Lamborghini Huracan, and McLaren 650S. Sound crazy? That's only the tip of the iceberg. Motor Trend also speculates that General Motors could spin-off a Zora Corvette ZR1 supercar into a more luxurious Cadillac supercar, reminiscent of the poor-selling Cadillac XLR which was based on the C5 Corvette (albeit in a much, much higher price bracket).


If you'd like to feast on some figures, rumors suggest that the Zora Corvette ZR1 would be endowed with an 800-hp+ version of the Z06's 650-hp supercharged LT4 V-8 engine. Expectedly, the range-topping Corvette wouldn't be for the faint-of-wallet—about $150,000-$200,000 for the mid-engine ZR1 and $50,000 more for the Cadillac variant.

Tesla Model S Gets Awesome “Infinite Mile” Warranty

Saurabh khatri

The American electric automaker has announced that the Tesla Model S drive unit warranty will now match the warranty of the battery pack, which is an eight year, infinite mile warranty. According to the announcement posted by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, there will be no limit on the number of owners during the warranty period either.

The warranty extension will apply to all current Model S owners and Musk believes in hindsight that this should have been the policy from the very beginning. He also acknowledged to Tesla investors that the change will have a moderately negative effect on Tesla’s earnings in the short term but believes it’s the right thing to do and is confident that it will work out well in the long term.

Rendering – Mercedes AMG-GT is the company’s most “beautiful” car ever made

Saurabh khatri

Seen here is an accurate rendering of the upcoming Mercedes AMG-GT sportscar. Autocar UK, which created the rendering, managed to get a sneak preview recently of the car’s exterior and interior design at Mercedes’s design center in Sindelfingen, Germany. The publication also spoke about the car to Gorden Wagener, Mercedes’s head of design.

According to Wagener, the AMG-GT’s design will mark a new chapter for Mercedes-Benz, and not simply be a successor to the SLS AMG. Unlike the SLS AMG, the AMG-GT will get conventional hinged doors, and feature fewer sharp edges. Dimensionally, it will be 2 cm shorter than the SLS and will have a shorter wheelbase as well.


Inside, the AMG-GT gets design inspiration from aviation and jet themes, according to the car’s interior designer Jan Kaul. To prove this point, some of the buttons are located on the roof of the car for a cockpit like feel. Other design elements include turbine-like AC vents and a center control panel designed like an aeroplane’s air duct. Wagener states that the AMG-GT is the “most beautiful car” ever to be made by the company.


The AMG-GT is expected to be revealed next month ahead of a public debut at the Paris Motor Show. An Indian launch should happen sometime in 2015 or could be the star attraction at the 2016 Auto Expo.


Competitors: Jaguar F-Type, Porsche 911, Audi R8
Expected Price in India: INR 1.5 – 2 crores, ex-Showroom
Launch date in Europe: End of 2014

2014 fiat punto evo. video review

http://youtu.be/SIqwqhEL8h4

Saurabh khatri

Discounts on hatchbacks this month

Saurabh khatri

With some new arrivals like the Fiat Punto Evo and Volkswagen Polo facelift in the hatchback segment last month, dealers are offering hefty discounts on outgoing models to clear out stocks.

Apart from that, there's also some other deals to be had on compact city runabouts this month. Here's a look.


Fiat dealers are offering an exchange or loyalty bonus of up to Rs 1 lakh on the outgoing Punto. If you're not trading in, you could settle for a Rs 70,000 cash benefit on the hatchback.


Volkswagen has adopted a similar strategy with the pre-facelift Polo and there's flat Rs 50,000 off on the outgoing model. There's also an exchange bonus of Rs 20,000 on offer.


There's also an attractive cash discount of up to Rs 40,000 on any variant of the Maruti Ritz. And if you exchange your existing Maruti car at the dealership, there's Rs 35,000 more to be saved.


Toyota dealers are offering 'Toyota Genuine' free accessories worth up to Rs 25,000 or Rs 20,000 off on the price tag of the Etios Liva hatchback.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Becomes Most Expensive Car Ever Sold at Auction

Saurabh khatri

History was made at this year's Quail Lodge auction at Monterey, where visitors witnessed the sale of the most expensive automobile ever to cross the auction block. As expected, the honors went to a pristine 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO which sold for a monumental $38,115,000.

Some predicted that the historic 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO would fetch as much as $50 million.

The $38-million 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is one of 39 sports racers Ferrari ever built, and it's the first time in decades that one has come up for auction. Normally, involved parties conduct the sale of such a rare and well-cared-for vehicle behind closed doors. In these dealings previous Ferrari 250 GTO examples have sold for as much as $52 million, but a GTO has not neared that mark at auction.
Last year's Quail Lodge auction saw a Ferrari 275 GTB/4 N.A.R.T Spider (sold for $27.5 million) rise to the top as the most expensive series-production vehicle ever sold at auction. At the July 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed, a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 R F1 race car sold for $29.6 million to become flat-out the most expensive vehicle ever sold at auction. Due to the still-high demand for classic Ferraris in the collector community, combined with the vehicle's detailed history and 49 years of stewardship by a single owner, this year's 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO was able to decisively eclipse both of those records.

Still awaiting auction is another gorgeous Ferrari, a 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale. When the classic Italian racer goes up for sale on August 16, it is expected to sell for at least $10 million.

2016 Ford Fusion Spied with Interior Overhaul, Exterior Tweaks

Saurabh khatri

The 2016 Ford Fusion is looking more like an Aston Martin on the inside, and less like one on the outside. 

A prototype of the 2016 Ford Fusion has been spied testing and despite being heavily camouflaged, we get a good glimpse at the updated front and rear ends that appear to give the Fusion a sleeker appearance, toning down the Aston Martin-esque grille that was introduced with the current model. More importantly, the 2016 Fusion will be equipped with an all-new nine-speed transmission that the American automaker is co-developing with General Motors.


The spy photos also reveal a thoroughly revamped interior with an all-new design sporting a more upscale feel with soft-touch surfaces, contrast stitching details and a new matte-finish wood trim. On the center console, we can spot a new rotary gear selector for the nine-speed transmission.

Interestingly enough, the prototype sports a Microft SYNC badge, meaning that Ford’s switch to Blackberry’s QNX infotainment system might not make it in time for the 2016 Ford Fusion’s introduction. There is the possibility that the move could be done in time, since the infotainment system doesn’t affect testing of the prototype and the SYNC system could be used for convenience purposes.

Mahindra launches the new Rodeo UZO 125 at Rs 47,957

Saurabh khatri

Mahindra two wheelers claim an average of 59kmpl as per ARAI. There are four colors on offer with sporty graphics and coloured wheels giving a sporty look to the scooter. The scooter is on sale now at Rs 47,957 (ex-showroom Delhi)

Mahindra two wheelers is expected to launch their new scooter, which they internally call the G101, in the last week of August or first week of September.

Mahindra Two Wheelers launches sporty new Rodeo UZO 125

• Designed for youth, the UZO 125 offers racing inspired styling and performance
• Equipped with path breaking technology and range of innovative features

Mahindra Two Wheelers Ltd. (MTWL), a part of the USD 16.5 billion Mahindra Group, today launched the sporty new Rodeo UZO 125. With this scooter, Mahindra aims to redefine current benchmarks in the scooter market with head turning style, rally winning performance and unique features.

The UZO 125 has striking new racing style body graphics and coloured wheels which give it a dramatic and sporty presence. The look is further enhanced by the two tone dual texture seat which has been especially designed to minimize slippage when accelerating and under sharp braking.

The UZO 125 is one of the most technologically advanced scooter on Indian roads today. It is also the only scooter in the country to be equipped with advanced DCDI technology and the ATLA system ensuring better performance and lower maintenance over the long term. The UZO 125 rides on a finely tuned suspension with heavy duty telescopic suspension up front, giving it the ability to win in dirt rallies and on rough Indian roads.

The UZO 125 is packed with technology features not found in any other scooter in India including external front fuelling and a fully digital dashboard that incorporates the functions of a speedometer, tachometer, odometer, tripmeter, fuel indicator, clock, high speed alarm and an accelerometer. The UZO 125 comes with an easily accessible charging point which is standard to charge mobiles and other digital devices. It also has the largest storage space amongst scooters in India at 22 litres. This space is illuminated and protected by a 4-in-1 antitheft key to ensure the UZO 125’s security is never compromised.

The UZO 125 delivers ARAI mileage of 59 kmpl and comes in 4 exciting sporty color choices – Racetrack Black, Colt Black, Victory Violet and Blazing Blue.

The Rodeo UZO 125 is a complete package and has been designed keeping the youth in mind. It comes at an extremely competitive price of Rs. 47,957/- (ESR- Delhi).
Speaking at the launch, Viren Popli, Chief of Operations, Mahindra Two Wheelers Ltd. said “The Rodeo UZO 125 redefines the scooter segment on many fronts, creating new benchmarks on performance, technology, features, convenience and style. The UZO 125 is targeted at youth looking to own a scooter that reflects their winning style and modern outlook.”

The new Rodeo UZO 125 has

Head Turning Styling

a. Racing style body graphics
b. Accented body coloured impact resistant mirrors
c. Striking coloured wheels
d. Sporty seat with anti-slip dual texture finish
e. 4 exciting sporty colors

Rally Winning Performance

a. 125cc engine with DCDI & ATLA system
b. Heavy duty front telescopic suspension
c. Aerodynamic design
d. ARAI mileage of 59 kmpl
e. High ground clearance of 154 mm

Ground Breaking Technology

a. 6 colour feature-loaded fully digital dashboard
b. Easy external front fuelling
c. Accessible mobile charging point
d. Largest illuminated underseat storage of 22 litres
e. 4 in 1 Anti-theft key
f. Side stand safety buzzer

 

courtesy: overdrive.com

Rolls-Royce SUV “a Fantastic Idea” Says CEO

Saurabh khatri

Rolls-Royce has already started an internal SUV project and the creation of high-riding Rolls seems like more of an inevitability than a dream hints the company’s CEO.



Speaking during a stopover breakfast with the media in Toronto, Canada on his way to Pebble Beach, Törsten Müller-Ötvös says the question “is not, does I make sense,” but “how will it fit the brand?” He continues; “It definitely makes sense.”


When asked point blank if Rolls is building an SUV, Müller-Ötvös commented that there is “no final decision,” but “we’re on it.”

While purists may say no to the idea, they’re the vocal minority. Müller-Ötvös commented that the night before he hosted a dinner with local owners in the Greater Toronto Area and their reaction to the idea of a Rolls SUV was that “it’s a great idea.” In fact, he insists, “everybody thinks it’s a fantastic idea.”


Of those customers, Müller-Ötvös said 90 percent have one thing in common: they have a Land Rover in their driveway. Luxury SUVs are obviously on his mind and he believes the super-luxury SUV segment is only going to grow. Land Rover just introduced a new $184,000 version of the Range Rover and Bentley’s upcoming SUV is expected to top the $200,000 mark while Lamborghini is also planning to attack the segment with its upcoming Urus model.


And demand for a Rolls-Royce SUV is strong, in developed markets as much as developing ones. While much has been said about building SUVs to sell models in China, Müller-Ötvös isn’t interested in that. “We want to be globally balanced,” he says.


As for when this new SUV will arrive, it’s unlikely for at least two years. Next year Rolls has announced the debut of a new convertible model and a plus-in hybrid is also a possibility and Müller-Ötvös says it could arrive in the next five years.

stay tuned for more about auto world

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz: Undisguised pictures, Variants & Colour options

Saurabh khatri

The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz has been been spotted again, this time undisguised and in India. Maruti’s offering in the premium Mid-size segment has finished its testing regime and is about to be launched sometime in the month of September. The sedan carries forward the big-car feel associated with the SX4, production for which has been discontinued.

The front features a large grille which has four strips of chrome running horizontally, while the Suzuki emblem sits proudly in the middle. The large, upward sweeping headlamps have a projector setup, although it isn’t confirmed if the base variant will get them too. The Ciaz’s side profile suggests it could be the longest sedan in the segment, whereas, compared to Sx4, the height has been reduced to lend the car a sporty look. The wheel base has been increased to 4545 mm, while the rear bench has been designed, prioritising back-seat comfort.

The tail-lamp section looks very similar to the new Honda City. However, the recessed space in the bumper which incorporates reflectors, helps in differentiation. Like the concept version though, the car doesn’t come with twin-exhausts

On the inside the sedan will sport a  dual tone dashboard with wooden trim inserts, which will also extend on the door panels. The Ciaz will feature a 6-speaker audio system, rear AC vents , driver side arm rest , electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors , a deal pedal, front & rear power windows , remote central locking, rear defogger, speed sensitive auto-lock feature for the doors and a Tilt adjustable steering wheel. Sources suggest these features will be standard on all variants.

The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz will share its petrol engine with the Ertiga’s 1.4 litre 1373cc K series (K14B) powerplant, which produces 95 PS. The Ertiga diesel will be powered by the 1.3 DDIS engine, tuned for 90 PS of power and 200 NM of torque.

The Ciaz will launched in 3 variants each for the Petrol and Diesel powered models:
Petrol Variants – VXi , VXi+ & ZXi
Diesel Variants – VDi , VDi+ & Zdi

Standard features on the Vxi/Vdi are as follows:

• Projector Headlamps
• Rear Ac Vents
• Driver-side Arm Rest
• Electrically adjustable ORVM’s
• Foot rest
• Front & Rear power window
• Remote Central locking
• Rear Defogger
• 6-speaker audio system
• Speed sensing door locks
• Tilt adjustable steering wheel
• Beige interiors
• Dual tone dash board with faux-wood inserts

Feature available in the Ciaz Vxi+ / Vdi+ in addition to the above will be as follows :

• Steering mounted audio controls
• Reverse parking Sensors
• ABS
• Height adjustable driver seat
• Front Fog lamps

Feature details of Ciaz Zxi / Ciaz Zdi as follows :

• Alloy wheels – 16inch
• Automatic climate control system
• Dual Airbags
• Start/ Stop button
• 5-inch TFT display for the audio system with optical parking assist system.
• Auto dimming rear view mirror
• Premium fabric seats

The car will be available in 7 shades:

• Pearl metallic arctic white
• Midnight black
• Silky Silver
• Glistening Grey
• Clear Beige
• Chocolate Brown
• Fire Brick Red

Looking at Maruti’s pricing strategy historically, the Ciaz should be priced competitively, while the big-car feel, looks and reliable engines should attract a lot of buyers. The Mid-Size segment will definitely witness some sweltering October heat this season in the form of the Ciaz. How we wish Cameron Diaz features in the commercial, which involves Miss Diaz foaming the Ciaz at a car wash. 

Launched: Hero Photon introduced at Rs 54,110

Saurabh khatri

Hero MotoCorp has forayed into electric scooters segment with the introduction of ‘Photon’ at the 2014 Auto Expo in Delhi. Now, the Indian two-wheeler manufacturer has launched this electric scooter across India at an ex-showroom Delhi price tag of Rs 54,110. With the festive season right around the corner, Hero MotoCorp thought it to be the opportune moment to introduce this electric scooter. Therefore the company introduced this veritable product with attractive features like front telescopic suspensions, anti-theft alarm, float-cum-boost charger, aerodynamic style, Economy & Power Mode.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Sohinder Gill, CEO of Hero Electric said, “Hero Electric has continued innovating and developing remarkable products for the EV market in India. There is a lot of potential in India and we are ready for the EV invasion. Companies are recognizing this fact and are working on products and technologies. Keeping in mind the varied needs of customers, it has been our constant endeavour to innovate in the e-two wheeler category, strengthening the trust of our valued customers. We are confident that the new Hero Electric High Speed Photon will further augment our growth in the EV segment.”

The Photon has a High Mag-Flux with 46 magnetic poles for high efficiency and high torque which helps to accelerate even on slopes without overloading. It also has electronic controllers with 12 mosfets, 24MHz High-Speed controller for giving instant response to the drive train with minimum signal losses. The Photon is installed with AGM VRLA battery made of the highest purity materials, using patented electrolyte having extremely low internal resistance.

The Photon’s multi-stage intelligent charger with in-built memory regulates the charge based on the battery condition, giving the better charge efficiency. It also has a miniature circuit breaker for extra safety and battery charge conservation during long storage along with a fire-resistant wiring harness for a high safety factor. Unlike a few other models in its class, the new Photon requires its rider to have a license and complete registration for the two-wheeler.

The scooter is targeted at working women, youngsters, senior citizens as well as professionals. It is available on sale across all the 5 metro cities in India and in three colors -Vivid Burgundy, Vanilla White and Velvet Black.

Stay tuned into BLOG for all the updates from the world of auto.

Mercedes GLK AMG Planned for Next Generation

Saurabh khatri

The upcoming 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 will first be used in the new AMG GT sports car but will find its way into various models in the AMG lineup including the C63 AMG, E63 AMG and an AMG variant for the next-generation GLK. Initially, the new powerplant will serve as a replacement for the company’s naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 powerplant but will also eventually take the place of the 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8. At some point in the future, the engine will also likely make its way to the S63 AMG and ML63 AMG models.

The biggest reason why the German automaker is downsizing to a 4.0-liter powerplant is for tax purposes in some global markets, similar to what other companies such as Audi is doing for its twin-turbo V8. As for the GLK, the second-generation crossover was spotted testing late last year heavily camouflaged and is expected to make its debut later this year.

1000+ bhp. 1400+ Newton metres. Power. Bulk. Lunacy. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, two of Germany’s finest heavyweights, go toe-to-toe in one epic TG showdown...

http://www.topgear.com/india/car-gallery/porsche-cayenne-turbo-vs-mercedes-ml63-amg/itemid-89?currentid=13435

Royal Enfield Bullet 350 vs. Royal Enfield Classic 350

Saurabh khatri

Toyota FT-1 Concept Re-Revealed With Sinister New Look

Saurabh khatri

The Japanese automaker will be unveiling a second version of its FT-1 concept at this year’s Pebble Beach Automotive Week, this time finished in what its calling a graphite shade, which is essentially a classy grey. The company has also revamped the interior outfitting it with what Toyota designers are calling “saddle.” Both versions of the FT-1 concepts will be on display in Monterey, California as Toyota hopes to further gauge consumer interest in North America.

The original FT-1 concept debuted at this year’s Detroit Auto Show with a sporty red finish that also had a race-inspired interior. This time around, Toyota is wanting to see if the FT-1 concept can exude a more luxurious, premium feel simply be changing its exterior and interior colors.

Range Rover Sport SVR: the fastest-ever RR

Saurabh khatri

As Land Rover has mentioned a few times recently, it has spent the last several months working on a range-topping, really-bloody fast version of the Range Rover Sport. This is it. It's called the Range Rover SVR, and it's the fastest production Land Rover... in the world.

How fast? 542bhp, 681Nm and 261kph fast, that's how. And such is the fashion these days, LR has thrown this two-tonne megabomb around the Nürburgring, thus giving James May a mild aneurism.

This SVR pumped around the Green Hell in eight minutes and 14 seconds, making it faster than - if you believe in such fairytale times at the ‘Ring - the Lexus IS-F, original Honda NSX and as quick as a Merc C63 AMG.

Underneath sits Jaguar's lovely 5.0-litre all-aluminium supercharged V8 pinched from the F-Type R, offering up 40bhp more than the previous range-topping RRS V8. Then there's uprated suspension and firmer bushings, and recalibrated torque vectoring.

All that power reaches all four wheels through a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox with shift times reduced by a whopping 50 per cent (and throttle blipping on downshifts). Noise comes courtesy of a two-stage active exhaust, to give a ‘racecar-inspired' soundtrack at higher revs without, we're told, compromising refinement.

Elsewhere you'll notice the new front bumper, a new aluminium wing panel, lots of SVR badging, a spoiler, quad exhaust pipes and 22-inch alloy wheels. Brakes come courtesy of Brembo with six-pistons, 

Renault Duster 4X4 to be Dubbed 'Duster AWD' in India; Launch, Price Details.

Saurabh khatri

Renault's upcoming Duster 4X4 variant in India will be reportedly called 'Duster AWD', claims report.

The folks at Indianautos Blog have learnt from their sources that car could be named 'Duster AWD' and the preview of the vehicle will start in the country this week. Renault Four-Wheel Drive Duster is tipped to reach Indian shores in September this year.


The new variant of the Duster range-topping four-wheel-drive version is likely to include features like feature touch-screen infotainment system, steering-mounted Controls, 2-DIN stereo system, rear air-conditioning vents, keyless entry and rear-parking sensors.


Antilock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist and Dual SRS Front Airbags will also be available in Indian variants.

I do not have much information on the India-bound version of Duster 4X4, but we are sure it is not much different from the two-wheeler drive.

Though it is offered with two engine options in the international market, India is likely to get only the diesel version.


Globally, Renault Duster 4×4 is sold with diesel and petrol engines. The diesel model is powered by K9K 1.5-litre four-cylinder eight-valve diesel engine, which can generate a power of 107 hp and peak torque of 240 Nm.


The petrol version comes with 1.6 litre four-cylinder engine. The petrol model offers max power of 105 hp and peak torque of 148 Nm and both the engines come mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.


When launched in India, the new model of Duster will compete with Mahindra Scorpio 4×4 and Tata
 Safari Storme 4×4 and the word is that the Renault Duster 4X4 would be priced ₹1 lakh higher than the top-end variant of Duster.


In India, Renault recently launched a new edition of Duster as part of the celebration of Duster's second anniversary. The Second Anniversary Edition Renault Duster comes in new Amazon Green colour and packs features like front armour with lamps, Neon interiors and smoked headlamps. The vehicle gets its power from the same 1.5l dCi engine, which can churn out a power of 83.3 bhp and 200 Nm of torque and comes mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

Exlusive -- HONDA JAZZ 2015

Saurabh khatri

Honda has officially confirmed a March 2015 launch for the Jazz hatchback. Hiroshi Kanayama, President and CEO, Honda Car India confirmed the news in an exclusive interview with Autocar India and Bloomberg TV India.


Honda has also made it clear that it doesn’t want to repeat the same mistake it made with the earlier Jazz, which got priced out of the market. The Jazz, despite being the most cleverly engineered
hatchback in the country was seen to be too expensive for a hatchback when it was launched in 2009.


The problem was that the Jazz cost about the same as a well-specced mid-size sedan, which was seen as better value. As a result, there was hardly any demand for the Jazz and this forced Honda to drastically chop the price by over Rs 1 lakh. The price cut no doubt spurred demand but Honda, believed to be losing money on every Jazz, was then reluctant to increase supply.

 This led to long waiting lists and impatient customers, which threw up a different set of issues for Honda. The company felt if best to pull the plug on the Jazz, which it did in early 2013. Kanayama admits Honda messed up the pricing strategy of the first Jazz in India. “There was some gap between our perception and reality and we learn from various experiences” he said.


Honda has since understood the importance of competitive pricing, especially in the price sensitive hatchback segment. Unlike before, Honda now has the advantage of economies of scale and deeper localisation to eke out cost efficiencies as never before. The new Jazz will be aimed squarely against premium hatchbacks such as the Maruti Swift, all-new Hyundai Elite i20 and the new Volkswagen Polo. The top end of the hatchback segment accounted for about 290,000 units in the last fiscal year and Honda is keen to grab a slice of this high volume segment.


Besides, the Jazz plugs a crucial gap in the carmaker's portfolio between the Brio hatchback and City sedan. As for size, the Honda Jazz is longer than the Brio but will still duck under the 4 metre mark to avail of excise duty benefits.  Mechanically, the Jazz will be powered by the same 1.5-litre diesel engine that's in the Honda Amaze and City sedans and the smaller capacity 1.2-litre petrol motor that does duty in the Brio and Amaze.

Awesome news--- petrol price cut in india from 15 august

Petrol price will be cut by Rs 1.89-2.38 per litre from August 15, the second reduction in rates in a month and the steepest in 11 months.

Petrol price, which were last cut by 90 paise (Rs 1.09 a litre after including local sales tax) on August 1, will be further reduced by Rs 1.81 per litre. After including local sales tax or VAT, the reduction in Delhi comes to Rs 2.18 per litre. Petrol from August 15 here will cost Rs 70.33 a litre as compared to Rs 72.51 currently.

The reduction would vary from Rs 1.89 to Rs 2.38 per litre in different cities depending on local levies, according to Indian Oil Corp, the nation's largest oil firm. This is the steepest cut in rates since October 1 when petrol price was cut by Rs 3.05 per litre, excluding VAT (Rs 3.66 per litre in Delhi after including VAT).

In perhaps the first instance of a minister announcing the reduction in price of a petrol which was deregulated or freed from government control in June 2010, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan took to his twitter account to say that the fuel price will be cut from midnight of August 14/15.

"Price of Petrol will be reduced from midnight of 14/15 August 2014 in the range of Rs 1.89-2.38 (Rs 2.18/litre at Delhi)," he tweeted. Pradhan made the announcement more than 31 hours before the price cut is to be implemented.

Till now, state-owned oil firms announced the price revision only on the eve of the change being effected. If a reduction is announced well in advance, petrol pump owners will refuse to take supplies from oil companies till the new rates are effected, thereby risking pumps going dry.

They stand to lose money if they buy petrol from oil firms today or tomorrow and sell at lower rates from August 15. In case of a price hike, the opposite happens with petrol pumps hoarding all supplies and displaying no stock boards in order to get higher rates for supplies they procured at lower price.

India's cheapest automatic diesel car---att thing you need to know about zest

Tata Motors on Tuesday launched a passenger car, its first new offering in four years, in a bid to regain market share and plug losses in its domestic business. The car, called Zest, is a compact sedan built on a new platform and, in a departure from previous models, boasts user-friendly features such as touch-screen control panels.

The base petrol variant of Zest will be available at Rs 4.64 lakhs onwards (ex-showroom Delhi) and the base diesel variant will be available at Rs 5.64 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi).
Production of the compact sedan has started at the Tata-Fiat joint venture plant in Ranjangaon, Maharashtra, last month.


The Zest is available with a petrol and a diesel engine. The petrol engine is Tata's new turbocharged 1.2-liter Revotron engine which is capable of producing 90 PS (88.73 bhp) and 140 Nm of torque, and comes with a 5-speed manual transmission. The diesel Zest makes use of the Fiat-sourced 1.3-liter Multijet engine to make 90 PS (88.73 bhp) and 200 Nm of torque. The diesel is available with a 5-speed manual or a segment first 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). A base diesel variant in the 75 PS tune is also available.


The Revotron engine is good for 17.6 km/l and the 90 PS diesel engine is rated at 23 km/l (ARAI figures).

Based on the Vista's platform, the compact sedan rivals cars such as the Maruti Dzire, Honda Amaze and Hyundai Xcent. The Zest is produced at the Tata-Fiat joint venture plant located in Ranjangaon, Maharashtra.

Zest will come with 6 colour options: platinum silver, sky grey, buzz blue, dune beige, pristine white and venetian red.

Tata is offering a 3 year/1,00,000km warranty, along with a 3 year/45,000 km maintenance package and free 3 year 24x7 roadside assistance.

Based on a revised Manza platform, the Zest is the first of Tata's 'new' cars, which is to be followed by the Bolt hatchback later this year.

As part of its new strategy, Tata Motors plans to launch two new vehicles every year until 2020.
Tata Motors' domestic business has posted losses in four of the last eight quarters and Ranjit Yadav, head of passenger vehicles, said the Zest was key to the automaker's revamped domestic strategy.

"The Zest is the first step and an important proof point of what we want to do with our passenger vehicle business," Yadav told Reuters. "We have taken some hard calls in the last 12 to 18 months to set right our fundamentals."

Tata's domestic car sales fell 39 percent year-on-year in the year that ended on March 31 and its market share also dropped to 4.2 percent at end-June from 10.2 percent two years ago, industry data showed.

Investors, however, say it won't be easy for Tata Motors to convince buyers of the merits of its passenger cars after being largely absent from that market for so long.

Some analysts said Tata has taken a well-calculated risk by launching a compact sedan because of the popularity of smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles. Deepesh Rathore, analyst at Emerging Markets Automotive Advisors, however, said the company still had to change its image, adding: "It will not happen in a hurry."

Tata Zest prices in lakh (Petrol): XE Rs 4.64, XM Rs 5.25, XMS Rs 5.43, XT Rs 5.99
TataZest prices in lakh (Diesel): XE Rs 5.64 (74bhp), XM Rs 6.27, XMS Rs 6.45, XMA (AMT) Rs 6.99, XT Rs 6.99 (89bhp)