Author: Lakshya Agrawal

Bentley Continental GT3 debuted at Goodwood Festival [w/Video]

Bentley’s Continental GT-based race car was first unveiled in concept form at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Now, the Continental GT3 has made its world debut in its final form at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where the bigger than usual race car made a dramatic run in the famous hill climb event.

The Continental GT3 has an even more aggressive design than the original concept, with a new air dam and splitter extending even further forward and a huge rear wing now mounted to the trunk lid instead of the rear of the car. The engineers from Bentley’s skunkworks division have waved their magic wands and managed to make over 1000 kilograms of weight disappear off the base model. Even with the addition of the comprehensive aerodynamics package, that results in a sub-1300 kilogram weight. The Continental GT’s 4.0-liter V8 engine has been pushed to the back of the engine bay and paired with a carbon-fiber propshaft to drive the rear wheels. It’s now tuned to produce a mammoth 600 horsepower. The engine is mated to a new gearbox – an Xtrac six-speed sequential, with a limited slip differential and pneumatic shifting, controlled via steering wheel paddles.

A near-perfect weight distribution of 52-48 and double wishbone suspension at both ends of the car make it very capable in the corners, especially for a car of its size. Four-way adjustable dampers, hydraulic power-assisted steering and 18-inch OZ Racing Wheels also find their way on to the British race car. Stopping duties are handled by ventilated iron discs on all wheels, combined with six-piston calipers on the front end, and four-piston calipers on the rear.

The Continental GT3 will start testing later this year before entering the world of endurance racing in the FIA Blancpain Series in 2014. The competitive series was established in 2011 and currently enjoys five races taking place in Europe. Rival GT3 contenders will include the likes of the McLaren 12C GT3, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 and the new Lamborghini Gallardo GT3.

Teaser video:

[youtube id=”mtKqQg3GdWo” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

[Source: Bentley]

July 12, 2013
2013 Audi S6 now for sale in India for Rs. 85.9 lakhs

Its been a long wait, but Audi has finally realised that a demand for sports sedans does exist in the growing Indian market. After launching the S4, the German automaker has now launched the S6, which is of course the ‘hot’ variant of the A6 executive sedan.

The S6 is propelled by a big 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 putting out some serious power, 415 bhp to be precise. An impressive 56kgm of torque is produced and A 7-speed S-Tronic DSG transfers power to all four wheels thanks to the Audi’s iconic ‘Quattro’ all-wheel drive system. Audi claims the S6 can go form a standstill to a 100 kmph in 4.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 248 kmph. The S6 also packs Cylinder on Demand technology, which shuts off four cylinders during low load conditions, due to which it has a claimed fuel efficiency of 9.7 liters per 100km (10.3km/l).

Since the S6 is based on the A6, the styling is mostly similar, except for a few aggressive upgrades which help distinguish the sporty variant. Chrome and aluminium accents find their way to the front grille and a small rear spoiler is also added to the mix. The S6 gets larger wheels wearing lower profile tyres and a stiffer suspension setup, in tune with the more powerful engine.

Directly in competition with the extremely capable BMW M5, the Jaguar XFR and soon to be launched Merecedes Benz E63 AMG, the Audi S6 finds itself in a highly competitive segment. However, a relatively cheaper price, at Rs. 85.99 lakhs may work in its favour.

July 12, 2013
Ford EcoSport diesel recalled over glow plug issue

Well, this is slightly awkward. Launched just over 2 weeks, ago, the diesel Ford EcoSport is being recalled to relocate the glow plug module in the car.

The American manufacturer has released a statement saying that a potential concern with the diesel variants of the compact SUV was found during routine checks. This suspected issue can be fixed by relocating the glow plug module, and Ford is contacting customers to take their vehicle to their dealership to have the work carried out.

The highly anticipated EcoSport was launched on the 26th of June with an offer of 3 engines, one of which is a 1.5-litre diesel. According to reports, public response has been great with more than 20,000 cars already booked. However, Ford would’ve definitely wanted to avoid a product recall so early in the car’s life cycle. Could this affect the EcoSport’s future in the market? Let us know what you think, in the comments section below.

July 12, 2013
BMW Concept Active Tourer goes Outdoor, does 40 kmpl

The BMW Concept Active Tourer was unveiled to the world at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Now BMW has premiered a sturdy, adventurous variant called the Concept Active Tourer Outdoor. Showcased at OutDoor Friedrichshafen, a trade fair held this month in Germany, the wagon is tweaked with new materials, accessories and ConnectedDrive features for those who spend more time under the sky, than inside their cars.

The same plug-in hybrid drive system as found on the original Concept Active Tourer handles the power duties under the hood of the Outdoor variant. A transversely-mounted, 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a battery pack produce a total output of 190 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels and gets the car from nought to a 100 kmph in under eight seconds. The Concept Active Tourer Outdoor has a pure electric range of up to 19 miles, a top speed of 198 kmph hour and claimed fuel economy of around 40 kmpl.

What’s special about the car, is the transformable compartment which can be found behind the rear seats. Its capable of stowing two bikes on built-in, retractable carriers and once the front wheel and seat from the bikes have been removed, the frames can be locked into place using two rails and brackets. The wheels can be stowed in a holder attached to the right rear seat, the saddles can go into a compartment in the load floor. If you need to make a quick adjustment or a fix, you can do so since the bikes are aligned across the load bay.

The Concept Active Tourer Outdoor, which by the way doesn’t look like a 21st century concept at all, gets tough interiors to take on the wild outdoors. The load floor is a studded plastic in MoonRock Gray, the forward parts of the cabin are in MoonRock Gray and MoonWhite leather, plastic, Alu Mesh and Steron trim. Gold Race Orange trim inside matches the color of the body outside, and the wagon rides on 20-inch wheels.

July 11, 2013
Mercedes Benz launches Diesel B-Class

The Mercedes Benz B-Class is now available with the option of a diesel engine, at a price of Rs. 22.6 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai).

The B-Class was launched last year in India with only petrol options, but now can be purchased with a 107 bhp 2.2-litre diesel unit under the hood. This engine comes mated to a seven-speed DCT gearbox with two drive options, Sport and Manual. The hatchback returns a claimed fuel efficiency of 18.98 kmpl and goes on to a top speed of 190 kmph.

The B180CDI will be available in only one trim, called ‘Style’. A fully powered driver’s seat, leather upholstery, seven airbags, a COMAND interface with a variety of media connectivity options and a whole lot of safety tech comes standard with the diesel B-Class. However, it misses out on features such as the dual-sunroof, parking camera and sat-nav which are available on the more expensive petrol variant.

It still gets 7 airbags, ABS, EBD and ASR. The Audio 20 CD player, 14.7cm screen. It gets bi-xenon headlamps and even paddle shifts are standard. It rides on 16-inch wheels compared to the 17-inch ones which come with the petrol variant.

July 11, 2013
Honda Dream Neo launched, starts at Rs. 46,140

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has launched the Dream Neo commuter motorcycle. The Dream Neo is the manufacturer’s first motorcycle to come equipped with Honda Eco Technology (HET).

The four-stroke, air-cooled and single-cylinder 110cc engine comes mated to a four-speed gearbox, which is operated via a heel-and-toe shifter in an all-up pattern. The carbureted motorcycle is good for 8.25 bhp of maximum power at 7500rpm.

The motorcycle features an analogue speedometer and fuel gauge, a pass-light flasher, an 8-litre fuel tank, and a hinge-less fuel filler cap. The base model comes with 18-inch wire-spoke wheels while higher variants are available with six-spoke black alloy wheels.

Coming to the suspension system, the Dream Neo uses telescopic front forks and a set of hydraulic rear shock absorbers, coupled with a rectangular section swingarm. Save for the base model, the bike rides on tubeless tyres.

Honda Dream Neo Prices (All ex-showroom Mumbai):

Base model (drum brakes/ spoke wheels/ kick start): Rs 46,140

Mid-range (drum brakes/ alloy wheels/ kick start) :47,187

Top-spec (drum brakes/ alloy wheels/ self start): Rs 50,426

July 10, 2013
Meet the single-seater Jaguar Project 7 concept [w/Video]

This is the Jaguar Project 7 concept. It’s a one-off car based on the new F-Type convertible, and will debut at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. It’s called the Project 7 in homage to Jaguar’s seven victories at Le Mans between 1951 and 1990.

The aluminium bodied roadster was created in just four months, and pays tribute to the Jag D-type with an inspired rear fairing with an integrated rollover hoop. The model has also been equipped with a new front bumper, an enlarged grille and a variety of carbon fiber components not found on the base F-Type. A rear wing, 20-inch wheels and Pirelli P-Zero tyres with a white sidewall make their way on to the road racer as well.

Project 7 has the kind of racing-inspired form that designers dream about. It has one purpose: to be driven fast and enjoyed. Jaguar sports cars are known for exceptional performance and clean design. Project 7 captures that spirit in its purest form.

– Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Project 7

The Project 7 is powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 550 HP (405 kW) and 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed Quickshift transmission which enables the car to go from a standstill to 100 kmph in 4.2 seconds and hit an electronically-limited top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). The Project 7 also has a sports-tuned suspension, an electronic rear differential and a sinister sounding free-flowing exhaust.

The interiors have been done up as well. Elegant diamond-quilted leather upholstery and carbon fiber trim make the inside of the Project 7 a very nice place to be. Only one composite racing seat with a four-point harness is to be found, with the passenger seat making way for a bespoke helmet holder that secures a matching Project 7 helmet.

Watch the video below to see more of the Jaguar Project 7 Concept:

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

[Source: Jaguar]

July 10, 2013
Mahindra ‘W4’ XUV500 coming soon as entry-level variant?

According to reports, Mahindra is working on a lower-spec version of its popular XUV500 SUV. Likely to be called the W4, it is expected to be identical mechanically and styling wise to its older siblings, the W6 and W8. However unlike the W8, it will be 2WD only. The W4 will get a more basic infotainment system and an air-con unit without automatic climate control, and will do away with convenience features like rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlamps.

Even though the W4 has been finalised internally, Mahindra has not yet green-lighted this new variant for showrooms. Reportedly Mahindra is waiting to see if new, modified W6 and W8 variants can increase their sales again. The W6 and W8 will now be sold with lesser ground clearance. As a result of the SUV taxes introduced in the 2013 Union Budget, the prices for these models will be lower than current prices as well. Mahindra is looking at a target of about 3,000 units a month, and if it can meet this with the existing models alone, the W4 will be kept on hold.

Sales of the XUV500 have slowly dipped over the last few months. After the new SUV taxes introduced in the budget, the Mahindra XUV500’s prices went up, and the cheaper Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport stole some of its market. With the lowering of the ground clearance, and/or the launch of the smaller W4, the XUV500 may still have a future in the mainstream SUV market.

July 9, 2013
2014 Volvo XC90 to offer world-first safety features
The Volvo XC90 has been around for 10 years now, but unlike its rivals, it has undergone almost no changes in its decade-long life. Competing SUVs like the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 have uprooted its market, and it isn’t known for its safety features, as much as Volvo would like it.

Keeping this in mind, Volvo has announced groundbreaking safety features which will be present on the 2014 XC90 and will hopefully rebrand them as the safest manufacturer globally.

When the first XC90 was introduced in 2002, it featured a number of groundbreaking safety features, including a world-first solution that helps prevent rollovers. By revealing a number of systems for the next generation XC90 we once again confirm our leadership in automotive safety

– Thomas Broberg, senior safety advisor, Volvo Car Group

The 2014 XC90 will have a very impressive set of safety features:
- Pedestrian detection in darkness: Volvo’s auto brake technology is updated to work in the dark. According to the automaker, the system includes detection and auto brake for other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
- Road edge and barrier detection with steer assist: This system detects if the car is about to drive off the road and automatically applies steering torque to correct its course. Volvo claims it also works on roads without side markings. “Being able to monitor where the physical road ends is a world first,” the automaker said in a statement.
- Adaptive cruise control with steer assist: The technology helps the driver stay in the lane and automatically follows the vehicle ahead. The car will slow down and/or brake if and when the car ahead slows down and/or brakes, and will accelerate on its own too.
- Collision mitigation for animals: The system — which Volvo calls a world first — detects and automatically brakes for animals in daylight and darkness. It will join the options list after the SUV debuts.
Volvo has long been known the pioneer of safety systems when it comes to the automotive industry. Last year Volvo announced that by 2020, no one will be killed or seriously injured in one of the automaker’s new vehicles. We can’t wait to see the XC90 and its hi-tech systems being tested in the real world!

[Images Source: Volvo]
July 9, 2013
Jaguar launches F-Type supercar in India

Jaguar has finally launched its stunning new supercar, the F-Type in India. The convertible will be offered in two variants.

The V6 S variant packs a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 under the hood producing 375 bhp and 460 Nm of torque. It can get the F-Type from 0-97 kmph in 4.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 275 kmph. The top of the line F-Type V8 S has a massive 5.0-litre supercharged V8 power plant under the hood producing 488 bhp and a tire-shredding 625 Nm of torque. This translates from nought to 100 kmph in 4.3 seconds and on to a 300 kmph top speed.

The front-engined, rear-drive sportscar is based on an all-aluminium structure, which translates to a kerb weight of 1597kg in its lightest form.

The V6 S is priced at Rs 1.37 crore, while the V8 S is priced at Rs 1.61 crore (ex-showroom, Mumbai). Click here to read more about the F-Type’s design and hi-tech features!

July 8, 2013
Minerva announces 400 kmph J.M. Brabazon supercar

Meet the J.M. Brabazon, a plug-in hybrid built by Minerva. Reportedly named after a famous British racing driver, the supercar built with a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis and Kevlar-carbon bodywork boasts an estimated maximum speed in excess of 400 kmph (248 mph). But if you have no clue what Minerva is, we can’t blame you.

The automotive manufacturer was founded in the fall of 1897 by a certain Sylvain De Jong, who had prior experience with bicycles, motorcycles and journalism. After building more than 50,000 passenger cars in the early 20th century, with names such as Type C, Type D and Type E, the company shut its doors in 1956. Now, more than 50 years later, the manufacturer has “risen again from the ashes”, as put by Minerva itself, and just announced its first modern vehicle – the J.M. Brabazon.

The mid-mounted engine will be a twin-turbocharged V12, mated to a six-speed sequential F1 gearbox, with two electric motors powering the front wheels. Any one of five performance modes (Economy, Normal, Sport, Race and Safe Mode) may be selected, each intended to keep the coupe aligned with the driver’s mindset.

With a promised power-to-weight ratio of 1:1, we can expect mindnumbing performance from the Belgian manufacturer. Minerva has not announced an on-sale date, but a prototype should make an appearance during the upcoming auto show season.

July 7, 2013
Novitec tunes the Aventador to produce 969 hp [w/Video]

German aftermarket tuner Novitec has completed its tuning program for the Lamborghini Aventador, under the name Torado. The already imposingly aggressive Aventador is given a lot more grunt both outside and under the hood.

A new body kit complete with carbon fiber vents, spoilers and scores of protrusions lining the body from front to back has been mounted on.

Novitec says it’s good for daily use, with four different stages of power tune and a fifth completely outrageous injection called “Bi-Kompressor.” The power bumps start at 722 horsepower and 519 pound-feet and go up to 969 hp and 672 lb-ft with the bi-kompressor. The exhaust systems included in those packages are also good for shaving around 20 kilos from the car’s weight.

Watch the video below to see the Novitec Torado Lamborghini Aventador in a wind tunnel.

[vimeo clip_id=”69088523″ width=”100%” height=”300px”]

[Source: Novitec via Vimeo]

July 7, 2013
BIC now open for Arrive & Drive
The Buddh International Circuit (BIC) has started an ‘Arrive & Drive’ program in association with Volkswagen Motorsport India. As a part of the program, one can drive the older-spec Volkswagen Polo R Cup TDI race car, which was phased out last year.

Every Saturday from 9am – 6pm, customers can walk into the circuit and hire the 1.6-litre, 130bhp race car for anything from a three-lap taxi drive to a whole hour of self drive around the 5.14-km circuit.

The BIC launched track days late last April, where enthusiasts were permitted tho thrash their own cars around the track, but hesitant drivers can now enjoy the thrill of a car meant to be raced around a track.

Package prices
- Race Car experience taxi ride (with a professional) 3 laps: Rs 4,500
- Five laps self-drive: Rs 5,000
- 30 minutes self-drive: Rs 10,000
- One hour self-drive: Rs 15,000
VW Polo R Cup specifications
- 1.6 ltr TDI engine, modified to 130 HP
- 6 speed + 1 reverse manual transmission
- Sachs racing suspension
- Internal roll cage
- OMP racing seat with 6 point racing harness
More details may be found on the circuit website here.
July 6, 2013
This is the last BMW M3 Coupe, ever

Its a sad day for Bimmer fans, as the last BMW M3 Coupe has rolled down the production line. This bright orange two-door, fixed-roof M3 is the last there will be. But we don’t just mean the last M3 Coupe of this generation – this is the last M3 Coupe ever, since the next-generation car will be launched under the M4 tag.

This is courtesy of BMW’s new naming nomenclature, where coupes and convertibles use even numbers. The new 3 Series Coupe will be called the 4 Series 2014 onwards. The M3 badge will still be in existence, but only on the 4-door sedan model.

BMW first launched the M3 Coupe in 1986, and since then, more than 40,000 examples have been built. Sedan and convertible versions were added later in the car’s life, and BMW says that the current 2013 model year convertible will remain in production until September of this year. The M3 Coupe was widely known as one of the greatest sport coupes ever built.

[Image source: BMW]

July 6, 2013
Nismo Micra may be in Nissan India’s plans

The Micra has performed averagely in the Indian markets since its launch in 2010 and Nissan is well aware of it. The hatchback’s facelifted version was launched in India, immediately after its international unveiling, and with more universally attractive styling too. Reports from Autocar India suggest that Nissan is now pondering over the introduction of a hot version of the Micra, tuned by its performance division, Nismo (Nissan Motorsport).

The new Nismo Micra was revealed internationally soon after the base version and features lots of tempting updates. The Nismo Micra (or March, as it’s called in Japan) offers new bumpers, side skirts and wheels and lots of typical Nismo red accents. The international version gets a different exhaust, stiffer suspension and bigger brakes as well, but these features may not make it to India due to cost-cutting, assuming the car makes it to India at all. The Nismo Micra also has sporty and comfortable interiors.

The international model’s 114bhp, 16kgm, 1.5-litre petrol engine should however make it on to the Indian version. Nissan is working hard to make the deal go through, and introduce the Nismo Micra in the increasingly competitive Indian market, however the move has not been finalised yet. If it does go through, we can expect the car to cost upwards of Rs. 8 Lakh.

[Autocar India]

July 5, 2013