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.