Author: Lakshya Agrawal

2014 Chevrolet Camaro to play Bumblebee in Transformers 4

Almost all cars from Michael Bay’s upcoming edition of the hugely successful Transformers franchise have been confirmed over the last few months, save for the pivotal Bumblebee.

It looks like the wait may be over now, after shots of the 2014 Camaro Concept at the shooting site were released. The new Camaro is a strong modern equivalent to the Bumblebee of old times which we’ve already been shown earlier. A serious reimagination of the Camaro was done, and the 2014 Concept could surely lead the way for the production model. With a very aggressively sculpted front end and piercing headlamps, the car looks ready to roll for Transformers 4.

Some of the other vehicles being used in the film include the C7 Corvette Stingray, Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, Lamborghini Aventador, Pagani Huayra and a Chevrolet Sonic Rally Racer.

July 4, 2013
Nissan launches facelifted Micra and cheaper variant called Active

The facelifted Nissan Micra has been launched in India, and it now comes with the option of a CVT to rid you of any gear-shifting troubles you may have. For those of you who aren’t aware, a CVT or a continuously variable transmission can shift steplessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios between specified minimum and maximum values. This rids the car of any sudden gearshifts and eliminates jerky changes which may occur in standard auto gearboxes.

Anyway, back to Nissan, who will also be offering a low-cost variant of the Micra called the Micra Active henceforth. Prices for the Micra Active start at Rs 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The new Micra has an updated front end with new headlamps, a larger grille and a deeper chin putting forth an aggressive face for the hatchback. The bonnet and front fenders have been played with as well, to accommodate the new headlamps. The overall length of the car is up by 45mm as compared to its predecessor. At the rear, there are LED tail-lamps, a new rear bumper and a plastic add-on for the tail gate lip. The new Micra also gets new alloy wheels.

Step inside and you’ll find new reshaped seats, to provide better support. The centre console is glossy black and plenty of silver highlights catch one’s eyes on the dash and doorpads. Keyless entry and go, climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and aux-in ports and a reversing camera have been added to the features list.

The CVT ’box is available only with the 1.2-litre petrol engine. The carmaker claims that the new gearbox is very fuel efficient (19.34kpl) and improves upon the standard five-speed manual’s economy (18.44kpl). The sound insulation has also been improved and the suspension has been tweaked. The 1.5-litre diesel delivers 23.08kpl (all fuel economy figures are ARAI claimed).

The 2013 Micra Diesel can be ordered in four trims, but the petrol is available in only three and the CVT ‘box option can be ordered only with the XV petrol variant.

It’s younger brother, the Micra Active is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol motor which provides 19.49kpl (ARAI claimed). Three variants are on offer, the XE, XL and XL (Safety). Dual airbags, central locking and EBD, among other features make it onto the car.

2013 Nissan Micra Prices (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

Diesel

XL: Rs 5.9L
XL (Option): Rs 6.43L
XV: Rs 6.9L
XV Premium Rs 7.14L

Petrol

XL: Rs 4.79L
XL (O): Rs 5.42L
XV CVT (Auto): Rs 6.39L

Nissan Micra Active Prices (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

Petrol only

XE: Rs 3.5L
XL: Rs 4.01L
XV: Rs 4.3L
XV (Safety): Rs 4.71L

July 4, 2013
2013 Audi RS5 launched in India, priced at Rs. 96.81 lakh

Audi has launched the 2013 RS5 coupe in India at a price of Rs. 96.81 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The high performance version of the A5 sedan, was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and will replace the current RS5, which has been on sale in the Indian market since 2011. The 2013 model was unveiled by Aditya Patel, Audi racecar driver in the presence of Michael Perschke, head of Audi India in Mumbai.

The 2013 RS5 gets its power from the same 4.2-litre V8 motor mated to a 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox, which puts out 444bhp at 8250rpm and 43.82kgm of torque at 4000-6000rpm. It goes from a standstill to 100 kmph in 4.5 seconds. Power is sent to all wheels courtesy of Audi’s legendary ‘quattro’ AWD system.

The new RS5 has performance upgrades in the form of upgraded dampers and springs in the front suspension, as well as improved throttle response. It rides lower than before helping in reduction of body roll and features a new electric power-steering (EPS) setup which replaces the engine-driven hydraulic assist. Audi has also fitted the RS 5 with its recuperation system fuel saving technologies.

Cosmetically, the 2013 RS5 puts on a revised front grille, modified bonnet styling and new Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) which are now typical of an Audi. A retractable rear spoiler exclusive to this model and a blacked-out trapezoidal grille with matching lower intakes are present as well, apart from updated LED tail-lamps and new bumpers. The interiors include Bluetooth connectivity for the stereo and minor cosmetic updates. Red cam covers and a carbon-fibre intake manifold find their way onto the new RS5 as well.

In terms of optional equipment, the RS5 can be equipped with heated and cooled seats, piano black trim, 20-inch graphite-coloured wheels, a sport exhaust system with black finishers, a Bang and Olufsen sound system, a sports suspension with dynamic ride control and variable damping and Audi’s Drive Select driving dynamic system.

The Audi RS5 will be sold as a CBU costing Rs 95.28 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra) and Rs. 96.81 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

July 2, 2013
Mahindra launches Centuro at Rs. 45,000

Mahindra 2-Wheelers has launched its Centuro commuter bike at a competitive price of Rs 45,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Closely following their Pantero, the Centuro is Mahindra’s next assault on the 110cc segment, a relatively more up-market bike. The Centuro brings a lot of features to the segment for the first time, as Mahindra hopes to attract the attention of the Indian two-wheeler buyer.

The Centuro uses the same engine as the one found mounted to the Mahindra Pantero, launched earlier this year. The unit is a single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled engine having a displacement of 106.7cc, putting out a maximum power of 8.4bhp at 7500rpm and peak torque of 0.87kgm at 5500rpm. The engine is mated to a 4-speed gearbox.

The comprehensive instruments panel offers an analogue tachometer, digital speedometer, odometer, trip meter, clock, service-indicator, economy-mode indicator and a distance to empty read-out. The Centuro offers a flip-to-open 96 bit encrypted key, making it impossible to start using a duplicate key. This key also enables riders to flash their motorcycle headlight when they want to locate it in the dark. The helpful ‘follow-me’ function keeps the headlight illuminated a while after the ignition is switched-off to show its rider the way when it is dark.

The Centuro is held together by a twin downtube frame, using telescopic fork front suspension and adjustable shocks at the rear, bolted onto an old fashioned tubular steel swingarm. The motorcycle seats its rider in an upright riding position, as required by a city-commuter like this. The Centuro comes equipped with drum brakes.

Ten new two-wheelers will be launched by Mahindra over the next year. The first 10,000 Centuro bikes are being offered at an introductory price of Rs 44,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Even with its competitive pricing, the Centuro will face stiff competition by rival motorcycles including Hero’s Passion series, Bajaj’s Discover 100T and Honda’s new Dream Yuga.

Specifications

Engine

Fuel                                         Petrol

Installation                              106.7cc, single cylinder, air-cooled, four stroke

Power                                      8.4bhp at 7500rpm

Torque                                     0.87kgm at 5500rpm

Power to weight                      70bhp per tonne

Transmission

Gearbox                                  4-speed, 4-up

Dimensions

Length                                     2031mm

Width                                      735mm

Height                                     1111mm

Wheelbase                               1265mm

Ground clearance                    173mm

Chassis & Body

Weight                                    120kg

Wheels                                    5-spoke alloy

Tyres                                       2.75 x 18- 3.00 x 18 inches

Suspension

Front                                       Telescopic forks

Rear                                        Twin shocks, tubular swingarm

Brakes

Front                                       130mm drum

Rear                                        130mm drum

[Image source: The Hindu]

July 2, 2013
Datsun reveals sketches teasing first model

Reborn Datsun has revealed design sketches of its first model in 32 years which will make its world debut on July 15^th in New Delhi. The car will mark the return of the Nissan-owned Datsun brand after it was discontinued in 1986. The first new-generation Datsun model is a five-seater hatchback designed for growing economies like India, Russia, Indonesia and South Africa, targeted at an aspirational middle class that is fast embracing car ownership.

Internally known as the K2, the first Datsun model will be based on the Nissan Micra platform and will get its three-cylinder, 1.2-liter gasoline engine but with different tuning. Although no interior pics were provided, it is believed the gear lever and handbrake will be positioned on the center console to free space between the front seats.

In direct competition with the Hyundai i10 and Maruti Wagon R, the Datsun hatch is expected with a sticker price of around Rs. 3.2 lakh when it goes on sale in mid-2014.

July 2, 2013
Hero MotoCorp buys 49.2% stake in superbike company Erik Buell Racing

HMCL, A fully owned subsidiary of Hero MotoCorp in the USA, has scooped up 49.2% stake in the US-based superbike company Erik Buell Racing. The buyout has lightened Hero’s account balance by about US $25m (Rs. 148 crores).

Soon after parting ways with longstanding partner Honda, Hero MotoCorp announced a two-wheeler technology sharing agreement with Erik Buell Racing in February 2012. Hero has since been in the process of building up their own R&D base in India, with Erik Buell Racing on-board to help develop new age and cutting edge motorcycle technology to be applied to future Hero motorcycles and scooters.

The first bikes and scooters using EBR tech are still to launch here, but this buyout may help Hero’s case in pushing for new technology sooner than expected. While Hero has already pumped in US $15 million towards this buyout, transfer of the balance US $10 million amount will be completed over the next nine months, in the fiscal year 2013-14.

July 1, 2013
Sebastien Loeb obliterates course record at Pikes Peak

Sunday witnessed the 2013 edition of the iconic Pikes Peak International Hill Climb at Pikes Peak, Colorado, USA. All eyes were on Sebastien Loeb in the 875 bhp Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak as he smashed the course record by an unbelievable 1 minute and 33 seconds. Loeb, previously known for winning the World Rally Championship nine times in a row (a record in its own right) completed the Pikes Peak climb in 8:13.878

The Frenchman mastered the legendary Colorado course, featuring 156 wrist-sapping bends winding up the 12-mile route towards the 14,000 feet high finish line. Loeb became the first driver to complete the famous and challenging course in less than nine minutes. The previous Pikes Peak record of 9:46.164 was set by Rhys Millen last year. This year around, Millen broke his own record by 44 seconds with a time of 9:02.192 in his Hyundai RMR PM580-T. Millen who finished second, was still a whole 49 seconds slower than Loeb.

Congratulations to the legendary Sebastien Loeb for this amazing feat. We can’t wait to see him in the World Touring Car Championship next year with his long time partner, Citroen.

You can watch Loeb’s run in the following video:

[youtube id=”6QKdnz8i14E” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

July 1, 2013
Next-gen Honda Jazz pictures leaked, due in 2014

Press shots of the next generation of the Honda Jazz, also called the Fit in some markets have been leaked in a magazine, as reported by Indian Autos Blog. It’s kind of hard to tell the car’s proportions because of the way the magazine was scanned, but it gives us a pretty decent idea of what the next car might look like.

As is typical of Hondas in recent years, the new Jazz is expected to grow in both length and trunk size. Here’s what Indian Autos Blog had to say:

Under the hood, for Indian and European markets, Honda’s recently launched Earth Dreams diesel engine comes into play. For Europe the 1.6-liter i-DTEC will fill the engine bay while for India, the well-localized 1.5-liter variation would come in as the trump card. The car will get 1.2-liter and 1.4-liter engines in other markets. The former, used on the Brio and Amaze, should complete the engine range here.

At the tape, the 2014 Honda Jazz is 3,960mm long, about 60mm longer than the current car. The wheelbase is 8cm longer to stretch an already spacious cabin. The boot volume would enlarge to 400 liters. With every passing attempt, Honda has set the bar higher in interior packaging efficiency. Honda’s “Magic Seats” technology that diversifies seating combinations (in 180 ways to be exact) is not going to miss out either.

The new Honda Jazz will come with design upgrades both outside and inside. The leaked press shots suggest that the vehicle gets a wider grille and elongated headlamps. The front fascia of the new Jazz has a much more aggressive bumper than the current model with larger air dams. The rear too features a new tail-lamp clusters, which gets a vertical assembly, rising up to the C-Pillar from the bumper. Only one picture of the interiors was shot that of the instrument console.

The next-gen Honda Jazz will be previewed at the Tokyo Motor Show in November.

[Indian Autos Blog]

June 29, 2013
Peugeot Citroen to allow GM takeover due to financial troubles

Reports suggest that the founding family of PSA Peugeot Citroen is running out of cash and could step back to let US-owned GM take over the ailing business. Sources have already warned that PSA could get close to not having enough free cash to run the business by the end of 2013, having burned 3 billion euros in operating cash last year. GM, which operates Vauxhall, Opel and Chevrolet in Europe, already owns 7% of PSA having invested in March 2012.

Both GM and PSA are suffering from over-capacity, in spite of plans to scale back production. A report from news agency Reuters suggests that if GM were to take control of PSA, it would want to shut down factories and make redundancies in France and Germany, something that would be especially unpopular with French president Francois Hollande.

Peugeot is reported to have sought finance for the business elsewhere, but a lack of willing bidders has forced it to turn to GM, which owns seven percent of the current business. The move was made with the support of current PSA Chief Executive Phiippe Varin.

The Peugeot family initially asked for financial support from Chinese partner Dongfeng, but turned to GM when those talks came to nothing. According to Reuters, GM is ‘playing hardball’ by holding out for assurances that it can cut plants and jobs at a reasonable cost. It’s also reported that any decision is unlikely to be made before the German general election in September.

The Peugeot family has now accepted that they’ll lose control.

Plans are already afoot to produce a range of Peugeot, Citroen, Vauxhall and Opel models with shared engines and platforms, including a new Vauxhall Zafira, Peugeot 3008 and Citroen C3 Picasso.

Overall the Peugeot family owns a 25.4 per cent stake in the company, but controls 38.1 per cent of the voting rights. Peugeot currently employs 77,000 people in France, while sales of Peugeots and Citroens fell 13.9% in the first five months of 2013 versus 2012, slightly worse the GM Europe’s drop of 11.0%. Neither Peugeot nor GM has commented on the story.

[Reuters]

June 29, 2013
Honda CBR250R now available in Repsol race livery

Honda’s CBR250R sports bike has been a success since it was launched on Indian soil in 2011. Honda has now announced that customers can buy the CBR250R in its Repsol race livery at a higher cost. The Repsol CBR250R will be a special edition on sale for a short period ot time, and available only in limited numbers.

Initially the motorcycle was offered in three paint schemes, red, silver and black. Later on Honda decided to bring its famous Fireblade inspired Pearl Heron Blue. We will also see a white paint scheme for this bike priced at Rs. 1,62,091 for the standard variant and Rs. 1,91,636 for the ABS variant (both ex-showroom, Pune). The Repsol paint scheme will be available at a premium, it will be sold at a price of Rs. 1,97,699 (ex-showroom, Pune).

The CBR250R’s special edition is yet to be dispatched from the Honda factory hence waiting periods may be prolonged, but dealerships are accepting bookings for this paint scheme.

[Autocar India]

June 28, 2013
Polaris to bring Indian and Victory bikes to India

Globally famous marques Indian and Victory are going to set up shop in India sometime in 2014. Minnesota based Polaris Industries is planning to bring both their motorcycle brands after witnessing the success of similar motorcycles such as Harley Davidson. Polaris India Pvt Ltd is headed by Indian two-wheeler industry veteran Pankaj Dubey who plans as managing director to import the new motorcycles in via the CBU route. Contrary to popular belief, Indian and Victory motorcycles will sell from independent showrooms, not sharing space with ATVs from the same parent company.

It is unknown when the brands will be launched, and which will come first. Indian and Victory motorcycles rely mainly on V-twin configuration engines, which will mean competition for Harley-Davidson, once these new motorcycles are available in the exponentially growing Indian market. That said, HD holds the early bird advantage, and brings most of their motorcycles into India via the more affordable CKD route, giving its motorcycles a pricing edge.

Polaris acquired Indian Motorcycles in 2011 to complement their Victory brand and give direct competition to HD in the cruiser and tourer bike segments.

Polaris India remains tight lipped about further details at this stage. Watch this space for updates!

[Autocar India]

June 28, 2013
Webber to leave F1 after 2013 season for Porsche’s sportscar team

Red Bull driver Mark Webber has announced that he will leave Formula 1 at the end of the season. The 36-year-old Australian is joining Porsche’s new sportscar programme and will compete in the classic 24 Hours of Le Mans race for the German manufacturer.

Webber was first linked to Porsche earlier this season. He drove in sportscars with Mercedes in 1998-99, participating in the 24 Hours of Le Mans both years, before returning to single-seaters in Formula 3000 and joining F1 with Minardi in 2002. After spells at Jaguar and Williams, he joined Red Bull in 2008. He won a race for the first time with Red Bull and became a genuine title contender with the team, but was unable to match team-mate Vettel’s success. He had a turbulent relationship with the German, exemplified by Vettel’s famous disregard of team orders at this year’s Malaysian Grand Prix. Webber had the option of staying with Red Bull for another season, and as also offered a seat from another big team, but, with a big change in regulations next year that will dramatically alter the demands of F1, he has decided to seek a fresh challenge. He has also been critical of the Pirelli tyres that F1 teams have been forced to use since 2011, claiming their rapidly degrading nature prevents drivers pushing to the limit throughout a race.

It’s an honour for me to join Porsche at its return to the top category in Le Mans and in the sports car World Endurance Championship and be part of the team. Porsche has written racing history as a manufacturer and stands for outstanding technology and performance at the highest level. I’m very much looking forward to this new challenge after my time in Formula 1. Porsche will undoubtedly set itself very high goals. I can hardly wait to pilot one of the fastest sportscars in the world.
– Mark Webber

Neel Jani, Romain Dumas and Timo Bernhard are the other drivers who have already signed for Porsche’s LMP1 programme. This will be Porsche’s first assault on outright Le Mans 24 Hours honours since its 1998 triumph.

I’m very pleased to have secured Mark Webber for our LMP1 project as one of the best and most successful Formula 1 pilots of our time. Mark is without doubt one of the world’s best race drivers, he has experience at the Le Mans 24 hour race and on top of that he’s been a Porsche enthusiast for many years.
– Wolfgang Hatz, Porsche’s board member for research and development

The Australian’s decision leaves the second Red Bull seat alongside world champion Sebastian Vettel available for 2014, with Kimi Raikkonen already strongly linked to the drive. Toro Rosso’s Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne are also options, with many fans hoping for Force India’s Paul di Resta getting a shot as well.

In 12 years in Formula 1, Webber won 9 grands prix, achieved 36 podium finishes, 11 pole positions, 15 fastest laps and twice finished third in the World Championship. His best season was 2010, when he led the championship for much of the year before faltering in the final three races, falling behind team-mate Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso.

[Image Source: Porsche via Facebook]

June 27, 2013
Ford EcoSport Launched, Starts At Rs. 5.59 Lakh

The much awaited Ford EcoSport compact SUV has been launched in India at an astonishing base price of Rs. 5.59 Lakh. The EcoSport will be offered in no less than 10 variants spread across 4 trims, 3 engine options and 7 colours.

The EcoSport is the first Ford vehicle in India to offer the famous turbocharged 3 cylinder, 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. Despite being the smallest in the range, the 2-time Engine of the Year award winning EcoBoost churns out the maximum power output of around 122bhp and 170Nm torque. It also returns a claimed fuel efficiency of around 18 kmpl. The other two engines – 1.5L petrol and 1.5L diesel are the same as those which fulfill the power needs of the Fiesta sedan. The petrol unit puts out 110 bhp and 140 Nm of torque whereas the diesel mill produces 90 bhp and 204 Nm of torque.

The sub-4 metre compact SUV is also the first car in India to offer Ford’s voice-enabled in-car connectivity system, SYNC. This means you can operate your Bluetooth-enabled phone and USB devices, dial calls, read out text messages and browse and select music tracks via voice commands. In terms of safety equipment, the EcoSport will come with Ford’s Emergency Assistance system. This system enables the car to deliver a voice message directly to emergency operators in the event of an accident in which the airbags have been deployed or fuel pump shut-off is triggered.

The EcoSport is available in four trims – Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium Optional.

The Ambiente version comes with a quite a bit of equipment despite being the base version. Tilt and telescopic steering, a music player with Aux-in and Bluetooth, electric wing mirrors, remote locking, a multi-function display, front power windows and 15-inch wheels make up most of the Ambiente trim.

Next up the ladder is the Trend trim, which comes with rear power windows, steering-mounted audio controls and driver-seat height adjust over everything that the Ambiente has to offer. Both these trims will be available only with manual transmissions coupled to 1.5-litre petrol or diesel engines.

Further up is the aptly named Titanium trim. The famous 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is available only with the Titanium trim which also comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, cooled glovebox, roof rails, front fog lamps, reverse parking sensor, and dual airbags. An option pack for the Titanium is also available, which offers push-button start, leather seats, keyless entry, and side and curtain airbags. The EcoBoost engine is mated to a manual gearbox but an automatic-gearbox-equipped Titanium version is available with the 1.5-litre petrol engine. There is no diesel version available for the top-spec EcoSport.

The Ford EcoSport will not only compete with the likes of the Renault Duster as was expected, but with its aggressive pricing, it may have a drastic impact on other hatchbacks in the similar price range. Ford seems to have a winner on its hands with the EcoSport.

Ford EcoSport prices (ex-showroom, Delhi):

1.5-litre Petrol Manual

Ambiente: Rs 5.59 lakh

Trend: Rs 6.49 lakh

Titanium: Rs 7.51 lakh

1.5-litre Diesel Manual

Ambiente: Rs 6.69 lakh

Trend: Rs 7.61 lakh

Titanium: Rs 8.62 lakh

Titanium (O): Rs 8.99 lakh

1.0-litre EcoBoost Petrol Manual

Titanium: Rs 7.89 lakh

Titanium (O): Rs 8.29 lakh

1.5-litre Petrol Auto (DCT)

Titanium: Rs 8.44 lakh

June 26, 2013
KTM launches 390 Duke at Rs. 1.8 Lakh

The much-awaited KTM 390 Duke can be yours now for Rs. 1,80,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Bajaj Auto and KTM launched the attractive streetbike today and is expecting a good response from the Indian market. The 390 Duke is aggressively styled with minimalistic body work and an exposed bright orange trellis frame, giving it a very typical KTM look and feel.

The 390 Duke is powered by a four-stroke, single cylinder, 373.2cc engine putting out maximum power of 43bhp at 9500 rpm and peak torque of 3.57kgm at 7250 rpm. The engine is fuel-injected, liquid-cooled and operates using a quartet of valves driven by a twin camshaft. This big Duke gets a six-speed gearbox that shifts in a one-down five-up pattern. In India, the 390 Duke will be sold with a larger radiator.

The bike is equipped with illuminated switchgear, dimpled palm grips, a comfortable set of levers and good mirrors. The compact but comprehensive digital instruments show speed, fuel level, an odometer, trip meters and a tachometer. The 10.2-litre fuel tank offers deeply recessed, appropriate thigh support. A side stand-down warning light is standard. Overall build quality, fit and finish is expectedly great.

The 390 Duke deploys a rigid, steel trellis frame and chunky 43mm diameter front upside down forks developed by suspension specialist WP, and at rear a cast alloy swingarm supporting a monoshock. The suspension setup will be slightly tweaked on the Indian spec bike making it more suitable to harsh Indian road conditions. The 390 Duke uses an ABS enabled 300mm single disc brake in front and 230mm unit at rear, a radial mounted, four piston caliper biting the front, and both controlled by steel-braided hydraulic lines. The bike rides on tubeless Metzeler radial tyres and will be sold through Bajaj’s existing network of 75 Probiking dealers.

Detailed specifications:

Price: Rs 180,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi)

On Sale: July 2013

L/W/H: 2002/873/1267mm

Wheelbase 1367 +/- 15mm

Ground clearance:172mm

Fuel tank capacity: 10.2 litres

Kerb weight: 154kg

Engine layout: Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-stroke

Displacement 373.2cc

Power 44bhp at 9500rpm

Torque 3.57kgm at 7250rpm

Specific output 117.9bhp per litre

Power to weight 285.7bhp per tonne

Gearbox 6-speed, 1-down, 5-up

Front suspension: Upside-down forks

Rear suspension: Monoshock,alloy swingarm

Front brake: 300mm disc

Rear brake: 230mm disc

Wheels: 10-spoke alloy

Rim size (f-r): 17 inches

Tyre size (f-r) :110/70 x 17 / 150/60 x 17 inches

June 25, 2013
New Mercedes Benz E-Class launched at Rs. 41.50 Lakh

Luxury car giant Mercedes-Benz has launched the 2014 E-Class in India. The new E-class (codename W212) gets a refreshed design with this mid-cycle facelift and has gone back to a single headlight unit for the first time in 18 years. The headlamp is now encased in a single flowing lens with LED elements for the low beam and daytime running lamp.Mercedes will also be offering the E-class with the option of full LED headlamps. Other changes include a bigger, more aggressive grille flowing into a restyled bumper devoid of fog lamps. The rear sports new taillights and a new bumper as well.

Inside, you’ll find a new sportier steering wheel as well as minor updates to the central console. The dials are new, the COMAND system gets a new screen and Merc is bringing in a sat-nav and a DVD player as well.

The E-class will be offered in India with a choice of two engines – a 2.0-litre, direct injected petrol unit making 184bhp and a 2.1-litre diesel mill putting out 204bhp. Both are four-cylinder engines and will be mated to Merc’s 7G-tronic automatic transmission.

Slightly surprisingly, Mercedes Benz has done away with the cheaper Classic and Elegance variants for the E-class. Both versions are available only in the top-spec Avantgarde trim, unlike its predecessors. Additionally, the German manufacturer has also introduced a ‘launch edition’ spec of the E 250 CDI, of which only 100 units will be sold. The launch edition E 250 CDI gets a panoramic sunroof, rear tyres that are larger than the front (245/40 R18 (F), 265/35 R18 (R)), a space saver and Merc’s illuminated central star.

New Mercedes E-Class Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi)

E200 Petrol: Rs 41.50 lakh

E250 CDI: Rs 44.8 lakh

E250 CDI launch edition: Rs 49.90 lakh

June 25, 2013