Category: AutoGyaan

Cars, Bikes, Alternative Vehicles, Air Transport et All

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
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