Author: Lakshya Agrawal

Andretti Autosport Signs Up for All-Electric ‘Formula E’ Series

Four-time IZOD IndyCar Series champions Andretti Autosport has announced that it will field a team in the upcoming FIA Formula E Championship, the all-electric racing series that will debut next season. Andretti Autosport is the first U.S.-based team to sign up for the new racing series.

The Andretti team plans to create a two-car program for the series, which will compete in 10 cities around the world. The American outfit now the third team to sign on so far for Formula E’s inaugural season, joining China Racing and British-based Drayson Racing.

Andretti Autosport is run by none other than former racer Michael Andretti. Michael Andretti, who is the son of racing legend Mario Andretti and father of current Andretti Autosport driver Marco Andretti, was the 1991 CART IndyCar champion and raced in Formula One for McLaren in 1993. He has led Andretti Autosport to the status of IndyCar champions on four occassions, with drivers Tony Kanaan, the late Dan Wheldon, Dario Franchitti and last year’s title winner Ryan Hunter-Reay. Andretti Autosport also won the Indianapolis 500 with both Wheldon and Franchitti.

It’s an honour for Andretti Autosport to have been selected as one of the 10 founding Formula E teams for the inaugural season. I look forward to further exploring the series and helping build the future of open-wheel racing across the world.

– Michael Andretti

Interestingly, Andretti Autosport plans to run one of its cars for the Formula E championship but potentially use the second as a “star car” for well-known drivers. This in turn could mean appearances in the new category from their stable of IndyCar pilots – defending series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco Andretti, James Hinchcliffe and E.J. Viso.

We are absolutely delighted to welcome Andretti Autosport to the series; a team with an incredible racing pedigree and track record who I have no doubt is going to make a big contribution to the FIA Formula E Championship. It’s fantastic too for such a highly-established outfit to show its commitment to sustainable motoring and with two US races on the inaugural calendar – Los Angeles and Miami – I’m sure American motorsport fans will have a lot to cheer come race day.

– Alejandro Agag, Chief, Formula E

Formula E’s first season will run from September 2014 to June ’15, running entirely on street circuits, including one in London. Berlin was unveiled as the final venue on the calendar last week.

July 21, 2013
Ashok Leyland Stile MPV Unveiled

Ashok Leyland has unveiled the production version of the Stile MPV. The Stile is a rebadged Nissan Evalia and is stripped down to be priced lower than the Nissan. The Stile is ‘styled’ differently to its Nissan equivalent. It also gets a lower-spec version of the 1.5-litre Renault-derived K9K turbo diesel engine, which produces 75 bhp and 185 Nm of torque. Compared to this, the Nissan Evalia produces 85 bhp and 200 Nm of torque.

The Stile is expected to gain a CNG powered variant with a petrol engine serving as the base. Ashok Leyland has many body styles in mind regarding the Stile’s usage. These include but are not limited to 7/8 seat options for the passenger variant, an ambulance and a panel van.

The Ashok Leyland Stile is expected to be launched in September and further details including pricing will be revealed at the same time. The MPV was unveiled by Carlos Ghosn, the global Chairman and CEO, of Nissan and Renault, when he was in Delhi for the unveiling of the Datsun Go. The Stile will be sold from Ashok Leyland’s dealerships but will be manufactured by Nissan at Oragadam.

July 20, 2013
Honda Reveals Sketches of Brio-based MPV

Honda has unveiled sketches of a new Brio-based MPV in Indonesia, and the car is expected to debut at the Indonesia International Motor Show later in September. According to reports, it will be available with an updated version of City’s 1.5-litre iVTEC petrol engine, and Honda’s torque-heavy 1.5-litre 100 bhp diesel engine. 3 rows of seating for a total seating of 7 people will definitely increase its length over the 4 metre limit, so the car will not be eligible for an excise benefit.

The ‘low’ MPV or ‘LMPV’ (Codename: 2NH) has been given aggressive styling which should go down well with the masses. This is another attempt by Honda to do away with the admittedly staid designs of recent years, and the bulky LMPV seems to have enough character to push the Japanese automaker in the right direction. The front end is clearly inspired by the Brio with large inlets on both bumpers, The elongated wheelbase and low-slung roof line give it a sporty stance. A kink in the window line, attempts to reduce the MPV’s length visually and complements the dimensions of the car well . The car is flanked by very prominent character lines, and the flared wheel arches will surely grab some attention. A very interesting feature is the floating D-pillar which ends in a smooth curve halfway to the boot.

Unfortunately, this is all the information Honda has revealed as of now, but more news is expected in the coming months. The ‘low’ MPV should ideally make its India debut at the 2014 Auto Expo in Delhi. The MPV has tough competition with the Toyota Innova and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in the Indian market. But with it’s eye catching and aggressive styling, good engine options and the ever reliable Honda badge, it may just give them both a run for their money, as long as Honda are smart with the pricing. Watch this space for updates.

July 20, 2013
This is the 2014 Honda Jazz

So as it turns out, the images leaked in a Japanese magazine a few weeks ago were spot-on accurate. This is the 2014 Honda Jazz, and is expected to be launched in India somewhere in mid-2014.

This a major stepping stone for Honda as it aims to do away with accusations of dated styling across its range in recent years. The Jazz also suffered in the Indian market due to its relatively higher price tag and sales numbers never really took off despite it truly being one of the best hatchbacks in its segment. The 2014 Jazz may just do away with all those issues.

The new Jazz will be offered with three powertrain options, one of which is a hybrid! The Jazz Hybrid packs a 1.5-liter, Atkinson-cycle engine coupled to a 22-kw electric motor and battery. It will carry a brand-new seven-speed dual clutch transmission. And unlike Honda’s current integrated motor assist hybrid system, the new hybrid drivetrain allows driving in electric-only mode. HOWEVER we’re highly doubtful that the hybrid option will make it to India, due to the lack of a market. The other two options are the 1.5-litre i-DTEC ‘Earth Dreams’ diesel engine and a 1.2-litre petrol engine, both of which will be on offer in the Indian market.

It’s the first car to be released with Honda’s new design language, which they call “Exciting H. It’s sleeker, bolder and more aggressive than the outgoing car. The Jazz maintains its tall-hatchback look with MPV-like proportions, and offers a completely redesigned exterior. A new, narrow grille is bookended by Civic-like headlights. In fact, the entire front end reminds us of the European-spec Civic. There’s a new bumper with large air vents and a prominent character line running down the sides of the car, flowing into the new taillamps, part of which are on the boot. The restyled wheels are a nice touch, and all in all, the 2014 Jazz’s sporty looks are a breath of fresh air.

The 2014 Jazz will produced at Honda’s Tapukara plant, using a large amount of content locally to keep costs down. Since the Jazz shares its platform with the new City (due here in early 2014), it will definitely be more affordable than the earlier car. The Jazz should also be eligible for the sub-four-metre excise benefit.

All in all, the new Honda Jazz is a promising car, and it may just turn around Honda’s fortunes in the coming years, if priced appropriately. We can’t wait to see it on Indian roads, what do you think of the new Jazz?

July 19, 2013
BMW M5 Nighthawk Limited Edition Unveiled

The BMW M5 has quite a reputation in the automotive world for being one of the best performance sedans in history. For some reason, BMW felt that it could do with even more power and now we have the very limited edition BMW M5 Nighthawk.

The Bavarian automaker’s high performance ‘M’ division has managed to squeeze 15 hp more than the ‘regular’ M5 and shave off 0.1 seconds from the time for the 0-100 km/h dash. Now, maximum power output from the 4.4-liter V8 M TwinPower Turbo engine stands at a ferocious 575 hp and the car goes from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The unit also produces 680Nm of torque and comes mated to a 7-speed M-DCT transmission.

The M5 Nighthawk seems to built for stealth with its ‘Frozen Black’ paintjob. Other visual treats distinguishing it from the base M5 are the dark chrome kidney grille, adaptive LED headlights and matte black 20-inch alloy wheels. Door handles, four exhaust pipes and side vents also get the ominous dark chrome treatment. On the inside, you can find two-tone Merino leather upholstery, carbon fiber trim and an individually-numbered badge.

The Nighthawk offers a special ‘Competition Package’ which includes special suspension and steering settings, a sports exhaust system, lane departure warning system and an M dynamic mode setting. M carbon-ceramic brakes are fitted as standard.

Now for the bad news. Only ten of the BMW M5 Nighthawk cars will be made, and will be sold only in Japan. Unsurprisingly, they are rather expensive too at 18.2m yen (US $183k, INR 1.09Cr) for each. If there is more interest, BMW will run a lottery to find the lucky customer who gets one.

[Images source: BMW]

July 18, 2013
Formula 1 Chief Ecclestone Indicted on Bribery Charges

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has been indicted by German prosecutors on a bribery charge. The charge is related to a US $44 million payment to German banker Gerhard Gribkowsky of Bayern Landesbank, linked to the sale of a stake in F1.

Ecclestone has denied the bribery accusations, saying that the money was intended to stop the banker from exposing him to a UK tax inquiry. Gribkowsky was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in jail in Munich.

I have just spoken to my lawyers and they have received an indictment. It’s being translated into English. We are defending it properly. It will be an interesting case. It’s a pity it’s happened.
– Bernie Ecclestone to the Financial Times

The charges are related to the sale of a 47% stake in Formula 1 by Bayern Landesbank to private equity group CVC Capital Partners in 2006. Gribkowsky, who was in charge of managing the sale, admitted to corruptly receiving US $41.4 million in bank commissions and a large payment via the Ecclestone family’s Bambino Trust at his trial last year. He maintained he had been paid to undervalue the Formula 1 shares, whereas Ecclestone says he believed the banker was planning to give false information to the UK authorities about his tax affairs, and paid him to keep him quiet.

Bernie Ecclestone faces a possible jail term if found guilty, which would force him to stand down as head of Formula 1, as stated by him previously. He has six weeks to respond to the indictment.

July 18, 2013
Mercedes Benz S63 AMG Officially Revealed

The Mercedes Benz S63 AMG has finally landed, and officially this time. Mercedes Benz gifted the world an unofficial and unintentional peek at the high performance variant of its flagship luxury sedan last month but the German automaker has now released photographs ahead of a planned public debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

Mercedes Benz seems to be pacifying the exteriors of its high performance AMG range of late. The 2014 CLA45 AMG and E63 AMG seemed slightly restrained as compared to earlier models, and the S63 AMG has gone down a similar route. There’s a new front apron and splitter, side sill panels with 3D inserts in silver chrome, a black rear diffuser with chrome trim and a pair of twin exhaust pipes. “Twin-turbo V8” badges along its flanks and lots of AMG badges both outside and inside more or less sum up the the features visually distinguishing it from the base “non-AMG” variants.

The list of features distinguishing it mechanically however, goes on for a while. It’s powered by the same twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 which is found in other big AMGs like the E63 and CLS63. The unit produces 585bhp and a massive 900Nm of torque. That makes it faster than a manual Porsche Carrera 911 4S in terms of acceleration, and that makes it properly quick. The twin-turbo engine is hand-built by one man – as is written in AMG’s rules – and comes with an aluminium crankcase, direct injection, an air-to-water intercooler, and a lightweight composite oil pan.

A new AMG sports exhaust is found in the powertrain as well. It has special flaps that automatically open and close depending on the transmission selection on the seven-speed gearbox. In ‘controlled efficiency’ mode (‘C’), they’re closed, but switch over to ‘Sport’ (‘S’) or ‘Manual’ (‘M’) and the S63 AMG may just scare the neighbourhood kids.

It will also be available as a four-wheel-drive version, the 4Matic, which will get it to 100 kmph in a blistering 4.0 seconds. In comparison the rear-wheel drive S63 AMG still gets to 100 kmph in 4.4seconds. Top speed remains limited to 250 kmph, but can be increased to 300km/h in combination with a optional driver’s package. All this has been made possible due to extensive weight-saving measures which have resulted in a kerb weight of 1995 kg for both RWD and 4WD models. That is a genuine achievement by Mercedes Benz.

A retuned version of the standard S500’s air suspension complete with Mercedes’ new ‘Magic Body Control’ system find their way on to the luxury sedan. A camera mounted within the windscreen scans the road and alters the settings of the air springs according to the conditions for maximum levels of comfort or sportiness, depending on the chosen mode. Other options for the Mercedes Benz S63 AMG include carbon ceramic brakes for the first time, a chauffeur pack, a ‘first-class’ rear suite, an air-balance pack, coloured calipers among many other expensive extras.

So what do you think of the 2014 S63 AMG? Let us know in the comments below!

[Images source: Mercedes Benz]

July 17, 2013
Volvo Pure Tension Concept has Folding Solar Pavilion

Everyday we come across concept cars which promise to change the future, but aren’t much more than a carbon fibre monocoque riding on magnesium rims. The “Pure Tension” Volvo V60 Pavilion however, is really something else.

Commissioned by Volvo Italy and the winner of the Pure Volvo Pavilion Design competition, the Pure Tension solar pavilion is an experimental creation, developed by Synthesis Design + Architecture, Buro Happold, and Fabric Images. The mysterious floating sculpture of sorts seen floating above the rendered Volvo V60 is a pavilion, like the ones erected for trade shows or outdoor events. The pavilion is a tensioned membrane structure constructed using a flexible HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) mesh skin, held in place by carbon fibre rods, which can fully collapse and fit inside the trunk of the V60 when not in use. The Pure Tension however isn’t designed to just provide shelter and look pretty while doing it; It doubles up as a power source as well.

The mesh is embedded with photovoltaic cells so that the pavilion can absorb energy from the sun or indoor lighting, making it a portable charging station. It can power itself or the V60 which aptly so, is a diesel hybrid that plugs straight into the pavilion.

According to reports, the Pure Tension Volvo V60 Pavilion concept will be shown in September in Rome. The creation however is lightyears away from being market ready, and chances of us ever seeing such a car on the road are quite small. But the Pure Tension is a great example of true innovation in the automotive industry, and is comfortable proof that the ability to think differently about the cars of the future, isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

[Source: Synthesis +DNA]

July 17, 2013
Lexus’ LFA Works making $10K Carbon Fibre Bicycles

Engineers at the LFA Works that produced the Lexus LFA supercar, have had a lot of time on their hands since the 500th and last LFA rolled down the production line in December 2012. Now we know what all those carbon fibre experts have been doing with the world’s best Carbon Fibre machinery in their free time. They’ve been working on bicycles, called the Lexus F Sport. Now obviously, these aren’t your everyday go-to the market bicycles. There will be only 100 units in total and each will cost US $10,000 each.

The black-and-white one-seater is very hi-tech, which it should be given the exorbitant price tag. The front derailleur is electronically controlled, for an instantaneous, smooth click into gear. And the shift levers are modeled after the paddle shifters in Formula One racers. The bike is heavy on lightweight carbon fiber. The frame, forks, seat, handlebars, seat post, rims and crankshafts are all made of the superexpensive, superstrong material. Except none of it is manufactured by Lexus, with all the carbon fibre being sourced from Takumi, in Taiwan. The Lexus F Sport also packs a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset with electronic shifters and weighs an astonishing 6.8 kilograms. Lexus crafstmen polish each frame for three hours to bring out the glow in the lacquer finish and exclusivity is still the norm for the Lexus LFA Works, with only one bike headed for Canada and two for the US.

The LFA was Lexus’ halo sports car and about a decade was spent by Lexus in its development. Even at US $375,000 per car, Lexus made a loss on each one they sold. Only 500 were produced, and the F Sport bicycles are touted by Lexus, as embodying the “principles and philosophy” of the LFA.

[Images source: Lexus]

July 16, 2013
Vespa 946 Automatic Scooter to be Launched Soon

Premium Italian two-wheeler manufacturer Piaggio has confirmed that the Vespa 946 will be launched in India very soon. Piaggio recognised a potential in the ever growing Indian two-wheeler market for its premium scooters, and has been gradually expanding its product portfolio in the Indian market since. After the LX125 automatic scooter arrived here last year, Piaggio recently introduced the Vespa VX, which was basically an LX125 with a front disc brake and a choice of new colours.

Now, its the turn of the very stylish and upmarket Vespa 946 automatic scooter to make its way to India. The Vespa 946 is powered by a Piaggio 125cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder and air-cooled three valve engine, making a maximum power of 11.7 bhp. However, the Vespa 946 will also be launched with the option of a 150cc engine in some markets, which will produce about 13 bhp.

It gets better though. Disc brakes at both ends as well as ABS, traction control and a long list of accessories such as a windscreen, chrome carrying luggage rack and options of colours of the seat, palm grips and leather helmet bag all make the scooter a very impressive piece of kit. The handmade scooter looks sleek and very contemporary with a handlebar mounted headlight encased within minimal bodywork. The 946 front apron gets a small chromed grill with slender turn indicators on either side.

However, as you may expect, all these brilliant features come at a price, and although we don’t know what it will be, we’re pretty sure it will be much higher than the average automatic scooter available in India.

[Images source: Vespa]

July 16, 2013
Edit: The Best of the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed

For the uninitiated among you, The Goodwood Festival of Speed (FoS) is an annual hill climb featuring historic motor racing vehicles, held in the grounds of Goodwood House, West Sussex, England, every June/July. Visitors can expect to see lots of cars and motorbikes from over 100 years of worldwide motor racing history as well as newer models take a shot at the hill run. An immensely popular event, 1,50,000 people regularly attend the FoS. Here are some of the newer cars which were seen at the 2013 FoS, which was held over the last weekend.

Peugeot RCZ R

Dubbed the RCZ R, this striking coupe is the most powerful production Peugeot in history and was unveiled at the 2013 Goodwood FoS. The RCZ R uses an updated version of the 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the standard RCZ, which produces an impressive 270 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. It can hit 100 kmph in 5.9 seconds and sports a beefier twin-scroll turbocharger, as well as a racing-derived steel exhaust manifold. Lots of mechanical upgrades have been done to the pistons, connecting rods, dampers and anti-roll bars making it a very capable little car. The Peugeot RCZ R will get its auto show reveal at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in September before hitting European showrooms in early 2014.

McLaren P1

McLaren’s latest offering and part of the new breed of hyper cars, the McLaren P1 is the spiritual successor to the legend which was the McLaren F1. Unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the P1 packs some serious performance under the extremely aerodynamic carbon-fibre body. With a 903 hp hybrid powerplant which will slingshot the P1 from a standstill to 100 kmph in under 3 seconds, and to 300 kmph in 17 seconds, the P1 is a member of a very small and elite group capable of crunching numbers like those. If you haven’t noticed yet, the body is styled with the McLaren logo making multiple appearances all over the car’s sleek construction. McLaren really wants you to recognise this car when you see it fly past on the expressway. And if you want another number to feed on, the base model retails for a cool US $1,150,000.

Citroën DS3 Cabrio Racing

We at iGyaan love hot hatchbacks. Brimming with character and ambition, they really epitomise everything that’s wonderful about car culture. The Citroën DS3 Cabrio Racing is one such sporty little car, and was shown for the first time to the world at the FoS. A roll-top version of the DS3 Racing that was introduced three years ago at the Geneva Motor Show, it keeps the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 202 horsepower and 19-inch wheels. The entire package is coated in a stunning textured Moondark matte grey with black chrome, Carmin Red and DS-pattern accents. In fact, according to a few reputed sources, this isn’t just a concept anymore and is expected to go on sale in the UK next year. Unfortunately, it seems like we’ll have to wait a couple years more for the hot hatchback segment to really hit Indian markets.

Porsche 918 Spyder

Another member of the new group of hyper cars, the Porsche 918 Spyder is truly an engineering marvel. The 918 is testament to Porsche’s belief that hybrid supercars will not only successfully exist, but they will dominate the automotive industry. By far the most complex vehicle ever to come out of the Stuttgart-based automaker’s labs, the 918 Spyder is propelled by a hybrid gasoline-electric unit making use of a race-spec 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 795 hp, supplemented by two electric motors drawing power from a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack. It starts up with the hum of a small electric fan, gently floats about without any combustion, and then takes off like a fighter jet when you put the pedal to the metal, onto a top speed in excess of 320 kmph. The base price is US $845,000 and considering the top-mounted exhaust pipes like the flare launchers on the 1966 Batmobile, we think its worth every penny.

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

The successor to the Ferrari 599, the ~~F12berlinetta~~ F12 Berlinetta is one of the fastest production Ferraris ever built. The 6.3-litre V12 produces an unadulterated 740 hp and 509 lb-ft of torque propelling the big grand tourer from nought to 100 kmph in just 3.1 seconds. But the true measure of any Prancing Horse is the lap time around the Ferrari-owned Fiorano circuit near Ferrari’s hometown, Maranello. Ferrari claims that the F12 can go around the test track in 1:23. To put things into perspective, the previous record-holder was the 599 GTO at 1:24, while the Enzo clocked in at a ‘slow’ 1:25. A 0.299 Cd and 76 percent more downforce allows a top speed of over 337 kmph.

Ferrari SP12 EC

The only one of its kind in the world, the SP12 EC was specially built by Ferrari for legendary guitarist, Eric Clapton, who was happy to let them use his initials in the name. Based on the chassis of the 458 and the bodywork of the 512 BB, the SP12 EC was designed by Centro Stile in Maranello, in collaboration with Pininfarina, the famous Italian car design firm. Mechanically, it utilises the important bits of the 458 Italia, including a 4.5-litre V8 engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, but not many people know what the technical specifications of the one-off supercar really are. It reportedly set Mr. Clapton back by US $4.7 million.

Rolls Royce Wraith

On to the maker of the ‘best car in the world’, the Rolls Royce Wraith made its dynamic debut at the Goodwood FoS. The most powerful Rolls ever, the Wraith was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. Although we’re wildly guessing that most people who end up buying the Wraith won’t be plowing it down racetracks too often, they very well could if they wished to. The 6.6-litre twin turbo V12 engine under the long hood of the luxury coupe produces 625 PS of power and a massive 800 Nm of torque. This along with Rolls Royce’s unique Satellite Aided Transmission technology fitted eight-speed ZF gearbox means that you go from nothing to 100 kmph in 4.4 seconds. Keep in mind that this is a 5.3m long car weighing 2.36 tons and those figures become a whole lot more impressive. The interiors are typical Rolls Royce, providing the ultimate in luxury making use of all the features of the Ghost while also flaunting ‘premium’ creature comforts like the “Starlight Headliner” cabin ceiling southern French wood panelling featured in the superior Phantom models.

Mercedes Benz A45 AMG

The Mercedes Benz A-Class was recently launched in India, and its AMG variant may soon be on its way as well. The striking A45 AMG hatchback had an impressive showing at the FoS as well, and unsurprisingly so. The potent little Benz only has a 2.0-litre engine under the hood but turbocharging helps it attain the highest specific output among production car engines, an astonishing 355 bhp. The hot hatch features a four-wheel-drive system for greater traction which helps it get from a standstill to 100 kmph in 4.6 seconds onto a top speed of 250 kmph. Those are some serious numbers for a hatchback. The car is expected to be priced upwards of Rs. 50 lakh if it finds its way to India.

The coveted spot on the lawn of the Goodwood House was given to Porsche this year, where a sculpture is erected annually to serve as a backdrop to the FoS. This year, Porsche has put up three 911s, new and old, in celebration of 50 years of the iconic car’s existence.

Other eye-catching cars at the Goodwood Festival of Speed included the stunning Jaguar Project 7 Concept, which is based on the new F-Type as well as the Bentley Continental GT3 race car. The FoS also saw the record-breaking auction of a Fangio-driven Mercedes Benz W196R Silver Arrows F1 car, at an unbelievable price of US$ 29.65 million. The 285 hp sub-700 kg Mexican Vuhl 05 as well as the eyecatching Alfa Romeo 4C were on display, as was the new Caterham 620, which may look like a small buggy to those who aren’t aware of it, but has a 0-100 kmph time of 2.8 seconds, making it one of the most fastest cars in the world in terms of acceleration. The Pikes Peak record smashing Peugeot 208 T16 also got a run around the much less challenging Goodwood hill and the Volkswagen XL1, known as the world’s most fuel-efficient car (at a truly staggering 132 kmpl) was on show as well.

July 15, 2013
Fangio-driven Mercedes F1 car auctioned for record $29M at Goodwood

The Bonhams auction at the Goodwood Festival of Speed is known for hosting some iconic race cars in its history. The race car in the picture above adds to that list, and how. This Mercedes W196R was driven by legendary F1 driver, Juan Manuel Fangio, to wins in the 1954 German and Swiss Grand Prix races. When the hammer fell at the auction yesterday, it was sold for $29.65 million, making it the most expensive car ever sold at an auction. With that sale, It also earned the honour of being the most expensive F1 car ever sold and the most valuable Mercedes Benz in the world.

Fangio’s wins gave Mercedes its first back-to-back post-war Grand Prix victories, and it introduced F1 cars to fuel-injection, tubular spaceframe chassis and inline eight-cylinder engines.

The most important historic Grand Prix racing car ever offered for sale.

– Robert Brooks, Bonhams Chairman

The Mercedes W196R came close to the record price for a car sold privately, with the current holder being a 1962 Ferraro GTO built for Sterling Moss that went for a reported $35 million in a private sale last year.

July 14, 2013
Watch Honda’s brilliant new advertisement, Hands [w/Video]

Honda is known for making some pretty entertaining advertisements, the most famous of which has to be Cog (2003). Cog is popularly known as the greatest car commercial ever made, but Honda may have outdone themselves with their new advertisement, Hands.

The two-minute video starts and ends with a nod to Cog, and highlights just about all facets of Honda’s universe of products. Passenger cars, racecars, the HondaJet, motorcycles, ATVs, Asimo and even leaf blowers make an appearance. The advertisement celebrates 65 years of innovation on Honda’s part. Watch the video and decide for yourself if its one of the best car commercials ever made:

[youtube id=”Dxy4n0UT82o” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

For those of you who haven’t seen it, this is the video to the popular advertisement, Cog:

[youtube id=”_ve4M4UsJQo” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

[Source: Honda via YouTube, WebRidesTV via YouTube]

July 13, 2013
Bajaj Discover 125T launched at Rs. 52,500

In order to appeal to a larger audience, Bajaj has launched a variant of the Discover 125ST. It’s called the Discover 125T, where the lack of the ‘S’ makes all the difference.

The Discover 125T is a lower-spec variant of the relatively premium Discover 125ST. Both bikes are aesthetically identical, with the only visual differences being changes to the tank graphics, and the absence of a tyre hugger. Mechanically, the Discover 125T is powered by the same 124.6cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. However, the 125T makes slightly less power; 12.3 bhp at 9000rpm

Peak torque remains the same at 1.1 kgm on the 125T, however it’s available at 6500rpm, which is 500rpm earlier in the powerband in comparison to the 125ST. The 5-speed, 1-down, 4-up shifting gearbox remains the same, but the Discover 125T gets a set of gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear end, unlike the 125ST which packages a Nitrox monoshock.

The Bajaj Discover 125T is available in two trims. The variant with a drum brake on the front wheel will set you back Rs. 52,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi) while the one with a disc brake is priced at Rs. 55,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

July 13, 2013
Chevrolet Beat gets a minor interior upgrade

General Motors has given the Chevrolet Beat two minor cosmetic upgrades. The exterior is unaffected, with both changes taking place on the inside of the budget hatchback. These updates come in the form of driver-side seat height adjust and additional silver accents on the otherwise unchanged dashboard. These accents were earlier seen only on the steering wheel.

The Beat continues to be available in a choice of petrol, CNG and diesel powerplants. The same 1.2-litre petrol and the India specific 1.0-litre diesel engines are on offer with, the petrol engine producing 90PS of power and 108Nm of torque, and the diesel churning out 58PS and 150Nm of torque.

Owing to poor sales figures, GM has also introduced a limited period offer of Rs. 3.39 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the base PS petrol variant. Additionally, all versions of the Chevrolet Beat are on offer with free insurance that saves you upto Rs 15,000. There’s a Rs 10,000 loyalty bonus for those who currently own a Chevrolet and want to also buy the Beat. In case this is your first Chevrolet car, Rs 15,000 will be offered as exchange bonus when you trade in your old car at the showroom.

July 13, 2013