Category: AutoGyaan

Cars, Bikes, Alternative Vehicles, Air Transport et All

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
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