Tag: autogyaan

Tesla Launches The Model 3 In Two Variants Starting US $ 35000
“Our aim was to make affordable electric cars that everyone could buy. We never wanted to just make expensive cars that no one would buy”, said the CEO of Tesla Inc. Elon Musk at the Model 3 event in Fremont, San Fransisco. Tesla revealed the fruit of its biggest ambition yet, the Tesla Model 3, bringing a top-of-the-line electric car to the masses.

Elon Musk, in his characteristically resolute tone, said: “In Tesla Model 3, we have managed to build the best car you can buy for $35,000.” The Model 3 has an acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, a mileage of 220 miles and will cost $35,000 while the long range version with a mileage of 310 miles will be sold at a price of $44,000. Elon Musk, one of the most famous innovators in the world had said 14 years ago that he would build an electric with top-notch specs at an affordable price, and with Tesla Model 3 he seems to have delivered on that promise.

For now, there will only be two versions of the Model 3. This is to supposedly keep things simple on the production front. There is a single motor driving the back-two wheels and an all-wheel drive version will follow in the coming months.

Here are the specifications of the Tesla Model 3-

Standard Battery
- Starting at $35,000
- Range of 220 miles
- 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 5.6 seconds
- Top speed of 130 mph
Long-range Battery
- Starting at $44,000
- Range of 310 miles
- 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 5.1 seconds
- Top speed of 140 mph
Interiors
- 15” touchscreen display
- Dual zone climate control system
- FM/Internet streaming radio
- Textile seating
- Front Center console with open storage and two USB ports
Convenience
- Onboard maps and navigation
- Wi-Fi and LTE internet connectivity
- Keyless entry and remote climate control using the Tesla app
- Voice activated controls
- Bluetooth hands-free calling and media streaming
- 60/40 split folding rear seat to maximize cargo options
- Backup camera
- Auto dimming rear-view mirror
- One-touch power windows throughout
- Power-adjustable side mirrors
- 12-volt power outlet
Safety
- Full LED exterior lighting
- Seven cameras, forward radar and twelve ultrasonic sensors enabling active safety technologies including collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking
- Six front row and two side curtain airbags
- Three-point safety belts with belt-reminders for driver and four passengers
- Two LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) attachments in the second row
- Electronic stability and traction control
- Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic parking brake
- Child safety locks
- Anti-theft alarm system
- Tire pressure monitoring system
Elon Musk repeatedly mentioned the ‘manufacturing hell they’re in.’ Musk said,

Floods, fires, tornadoes, ships sink if anything interrupts supply chains, that will interrupt the production. But we have simplified the manufacturing process dramatically. In the same amount of space to build 50,000 cars, we can build 250,000 Model 3s.

Tesla Model 3 will reportedly be released to the public later this year. How it holds up in the real world is yet to be seen.
July 29, 2017
Luxury Car price hike inevitable, thanks to Rupee devaluation

Luxury cars have always been something we love thanks to the comfort, quality and class they provide. But soon, one would have to pay more than before in order to own any luxury machine in Indian market.

Even after seeing a robust increase in sales on the back of new product launches, Mercedes is all set to increase prices on its models to offset the impact of rupee depreciation.

Price hike is inevitable. We can’t cover (rupee depreciation) and part of it (increase) would have to be passed on to customers,” said Eberhard Kern, managing director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India.

The company would take a call on the hike and the quantum within the next few weeks. This comes close on the heels of other German luxury carmakers BMW and Audi announcing 4%-5% increase in prices.The rupee has tumbled by about 12% since the beginning of May.

“We are getting future-ready. India is on our strategic roadmap and is one of the strategic markets,” Kern said. Bookings for the newly-launched GL class luxury SUV (sports utility vehicle) has been good and the diesel version of the B-class has a two-month waiting list, he said.

Mercedes GL Class

While sedans will continue to be an important part of Mercedes-Benz’s product portfolio, SUVs and compact cars will grow and expand, he said. The luxury car segment, which accounted for just 1.2% of the overall market for cars in 2012, would grow to 4% by 2020 when the Indian market is expected to produce 7 million cars, Kern said.

Not only Mercedes other manufactures like Audi, which has increased price last month by 4% across its model range available in India. It led to an increase of 1.52 lakh on the Q5 price and the price of Audi A6 sedan increasing by 1.80 lakh. While the top-end Audi R8 price increased by about 4.42 lakh.

Market conditions are challenging, but luxury segment has seen some propelled demand due to fresh launches. A depreciating rupee and the rise in input costs have made increase the prices of the entire range, though we are offering customised and innovative finance options from Audi Finance to make the purchase more attractive for our customers,” said Michael Perschke, head, Audi India.

While, BMW India has not decided the quantum of the hike. “Following a path of sustainable growth, BMW Group India has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. We are making price decisions with all due care and consideration ensuring that they pay off in the long-run and the real quantum would be announced in next few days,” Philipp von Sahr, president, BMW Group India, said.

BMW

We will have to see if price hike can be something that decreases sales for these giant manufacturers. However, considering the new launches and the increase of luxury cars on Indian roads we don’t think that 4-5% of price hike would stop anyone to buy the car they admire.

August 10, 2013
More 2014 Mercedes S Class Images Prove it to be like a Private Jet

Earlier leaked images of the 2014 Mercedes S class showed of the extensive use of LED lighting and the extremely plush interiors. We now know that the 2014 Mercedes S class will make its official debut on May 15th will have electronically reclining rear seats, and radical new exterior. The new entertainment system will also control the massaging seats for the rear passengers.

The steering wheel of the 2014 Mercedes S class will also have access to the full setup of controls, right from the drivers fingertips.

Reclining Rear Seats

New LED Light Cluster and Front Design

LED Rear Cluster

Steering Wheel and Front Controls

[via]

May 6, 2013
Autogyaan: Maruti Suzuki Launches Limited Edition Swift

One of India’s top hatchbacks, the Maruti Suzuki Swift has crossed yet another landmark. The model has reached sales of 30 lakh units globally, and to celebrate this achievement, Maruti Suzuki has launched a limited edition trim called the ‘Swift Star’.

Largely featuring cosmetic changes, the Swift Star will offer a Double DIN audio unit with bluetooth connectivity, a rear roof spoiler, steering wheel cover, art leather seat covers and designer floor mats. The regular Swift is available with a 1.3-litre diesel engine producing 74 bhp and 190Nm of torque as well as 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 85bhp and 114Nm of torque. The diesel variants start at Rs. 5.6 Lakh and go upto Rs. 6.9 Lakh, and the petrol variants start at Rs. 4.5 Lakh and go upto Rs. 5.8 Lakh (all ex-showroom Delhi). The special edition ‘Swift Star’ will be available with both engines and will cost Rs. 23,000 over the regular variants.

The Swift has been on sale in the global market for 8 odd years, and Maruti Suzuki reports that a massive 45% of the 30 lakh units were sold in India. These sales figures epitomise the huge popularity the Swift enjoys in the Indian market. Recently there was news that Maruti Suzuki was offering the Swift at a discount of Rs. 5000 for the first time ever in its lifetime. It also announced that there was no waiting period on the diesel Swift at all. Market slowdown has affected bigger players like Maruti Suzuki as well, and the Swift Star may be a smart move by the Indo-Jap carmaker to keep its inventories moving.

March 24, 2013
Autogyaan: 5 Hatchbacks We’d Love to See in India

We as Indians love hatchbacks. We love how they are practical and economical. We love how they can be easily manoeuvred out of any traffic jam and parked in the tightest of corners, doing all this while not emptying our bank accounts. Here are 5 hatchbacks we’d love to see on Indian roads (only if they were assembled here, of course).

1) Volkswagen Golf

The quintessential hatchback, the VW Golf is one of the all-time best selling cars, and has graced international ‘car of the year lists’ time and again. The newest iteration is over a 100kg lighter than the previous one, and has impressive safety features such as lane keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control. It’s still a great ‘driver’s car’ and does everything that a hatchback should, and how.

2) Ford Focus

Like the Golf, the Focus is hatchback royalty. It has been an unmitigated success since its launch in 1998. The 2013 model manages to improve upon an aging design with new stylish looks and a well thought out interior. Very refined and practical, it still handles brilliantly and the pricier sporty versions offer some of the quickest engines in the range. Hot hatches really don’t get better than this (just look at those alloy wheels!).

3) Renault Clio

First things first, the Clio’s menacing looks ooze character, you can’t help but notice it. The supermini ticks all the boxes its accomplished predecessor dealt with, and still manages to improve upon others. It’s wider, lower and lighter than before making it handle much better and providing a very composed and comfortable ride. It has a bold, lively interior and comes with a punch-filled economical engine. It may not be as refined as some of its competitors, but it might put a bigger smile on your face.

4) Volkswagen Up

Volkswagen has built more than its share of hatchbacks, and there have been quite a few misses (read VW Fox) to go with the hits. But let there be no doubt, the Up belongs with the latter. This agile, little city car has a lot more space than it seems, and an interior that will put many pricier hatchbacks to shame. It’s not the most powerful or the best equipped car in its class, however it more than makes up for it with a very forgiving ride and a snappy gearbox. The Up does a lot more than is expected from it, and is just too much fun to drive for us to ignore it.

5) Kia Rio

Considerably cheaper than the Golf and the Focus, the Kia Rio will fit in well in the Indian market. Although its performance and handling is not at par with most of its pricier competitors, it has an extremely spacious and stylish interior. Coupled with great modern looks, the gulf between it and its rivals isn’t as big as you’d expect it to be. Boasting a five star NCAP crash test rating, it’s very safe and sturdily built. On top of what is simply a very solid and reliable car, Kia offers a mind-boggling 7 year warranty on all its models in more than 20 European countries. If that won’t sell a car, god knows what will.

March 24, 2013
Edit : Lamborghini, A Different Breed

Back in the 50s, there lived a man in Italy, who had a very successful tractor business. His name was Ferruccio Lamborghini, and like any other wealthy Italian industrialist, he had a penchant for fast, expensive cars. The proud owner of a vast and stunning collection including a Mercedes Benz 300 SL and a Jaguar E-Type, he decided to gift himself the legendary Ferrari 250 GT. He liked it a lot but was also disappointed with the lack of refinement. Repeated trips to Maranello for maintenance added to his annoyance. Legend has it, that he was so frustrated with the gearbox in his 250 GT that he went to visit Enzo Ferrari personally to discuss the matter. In reply, the proud Modenan dismissed him, telling him to stick to tractors and to let him build the sports cars. At this point, he decided that there was nothing Ferrari could do which he couldn’t do better, and so began the tale of Automobili Lamborghini.

Today, Lamborghini is famous globally for producing some of the world’s fastest cars, very easy on the eyes and very heavy on the wallet. The current flagship model, the Aventador has quickly become one of the most desired cars in the world. A spectacle to see and a dream to drive, it boasts a 6.5 L V12 engine producing a mammoth 690 BHP. It goes from 0 to 100km/h in 2.9 seconds and using its pushrod-actuated double wishbone suspension, it can manoeuvre any corner without so much as breaking a sweat. The Aventador is named after a valiant bull, keeping with the long-standing Lamborghini tradition of associating itself with bullfighting. Dripping with character and typical Italian flair, it reeks of the identity Ferruccio Lamborghini worked so hard to build, right from the beginning.

The Miura, popularly known as the first supercar ever made, was truly an engineering marvel when it arrived in 1966. It looked like nothing anyone had seen before, and went faster than was thought possible. At the same time, the clutch was too heavy, the ride was unbearably stiff and it was easier to turn an 18-wheeler. Driving it would surely cause a case of arthritis, but none of it mattered one bit. Time stood still when a Miura drove by.

The Lamborghini Miura

Much of the same followed when the Countach was launched in 1974. Featuring a striking and revolutionary design, the Countach was the first production car to feature ‘scissor doors’, which have since then become a trademark for all flagship Lamborghinis. It was again, extremely uncomfortable to drive, but became an instant icon because of its outrageous design.

The Diablo, launched in 1990, was the first Lambo capable of exceeding 200mph and was a humongous hit, not only for its head-turning looks, but for record-breaking performance as well. Automotive engineers, race car drivers and car designers were equally in awe of the machine, which was the fastest car in production at the time.

But despite the uproar over the Countach & the Diablo, Lamborghini had been suffering from financial troubles for almost half its existence. In 1998 Audi acquired Lamborghini, and soon followed the asphalt hugging Murcielago. The ‘baby Lambo’ called the Gallardo was also launched soon after, and the two along with responsible management by Audi phenomenally turned the manufacturer’s fortunes, slowly achieving unprecedented sales figures.

The Murcielago with its big V12 engine was still plagued with the typical handling issues of all the big Lambos which came before it, but stayed true to their extraterrestrial performance figures, reaching a top speed of 340km/h. Calling it understated would be a bit of a stretch, with its low, wide stance and aerodynamically designed body. However, it seemed to lack the madness of the Countach and the Diablo. Much more refined, and engineered, it was a lot more civilised than its ancestors.

Rear, left to right: Miura, Countach
Front, left to right: Murcielago, Aventador, Diablo

And then, there was one. In early March 2013, Lamborghini unveiled the Veneno, a limited edition hypercar which looks like Megatron on steroids. A grand total of 3 Venenos were produced for sale as part of the 50th year celebrations at Lamborghini, and all were sold by invitation for a jaw-dropping $ 4.6 million before the buyers had even seen the car.

The Lamborghini Veneno

Fanaticism of this sort comes as no surprise when you take a look at some of the other recent show cars, the fighter jet inspired Reventon & the lightest Lambo ever, the Sesto Elemento. Literally translating to ‘poison’, the 740 BHP Veneno has brought back the era of the poster car, and will surely grace the bedroom walls of 14 year old boys for years to come.

The madness is back.

March 24, 2013
AutoGyaan : Ferrari Q1 Result : 42.1 Million Euro Profit : New Hybrid Enzo Plans

The Board of Directors of Ferrari S.p.A. reported a very positive first quarter of 2012, revenues rose to 556.1 million euro (+13.2 per cent) and 1,733 cars were delivered to the dealership network, an increase of 11.5 per cent on the same period last year. Trading profit grew by 13.4 per cent to 60.5 million euro, while net profits rose by 17.2 per cent (42.1 million euro).

Ferrari’s industrial net cash position on March 31st was the strongest in its history at 860 million euro.

Sales in Europe in the United Kingdom were up (+31 per cent, 177 cars delivered) and in Germany (up 24 per cent). Italy is the exception to this trend with sales of 121 cars, down 65 compared to the first quarter 2011 as a result of the economic situation and the local government’s recent financial initiatives.

In the Far East, the Greater China market (China, Hong Kong and Taiwan) continued to grow with 154 cars delivered in the first quarter. On May 18th, a major new Ferrari exhibition will open at the Shanghai Expo in China where a 1,000 square metre space will host some of our most iconic road models as well as Formula 1 cars. The display will also feature simulators and interactive points where visitors can learn about Ferrari’s history and the Maranello campus.

The Middle East also delivered extremely significant results with sales this first quarter up by 23 per cent and 81 cars delivered.

But, the most interesting news of the result came form Ferrari chairman, who declared that the company is working on a Hybrid Enzo which should be out at the end of the year.

[quote]

After an extraordinary 2011, starting the year with all the economic indicators on the rise is very satisfying indeed, We have a complete new model range brimming with technological innovations, and which deliver significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, down by 30 per cent on average. At the end of the year, we’ll also be unveiling the new Enzo, a limited series model and our first ever hybrid car.

– Ferrari’s Chairman, Luca di Montezemolo.

[/quote]

[toggle_box title=”Ferrari Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]

Very positive Ferrari first quarter growth

– Revenues of 556 Million Euro (+13.2%)
– 1,733 cars delivered (+11.5%)
– Net profits of 42.1 Million Euro (+17.2%)
– Record industrial net cash of 860 Million Euro

Excellent results from the USA (+16%), United Kingdom (+31%), Germany (+24%) and Middle East (+23%)

Maranello, 10th May 2012 – The Board of Directors of Ferrari S.p.A. met today under the chairmanship of Luca di Montezemolo to examine the company’s accounts for the first quarter of 2012.

On March 31st, Ferrari recorded a string of excellent results: revenues rose to 556.1 million euro (+13.2 per cent) and 1,733 cars were delivered to the dealership network, an increase of 11.5 per cent on the same period last year.

These results are the fruit of the success of the 12-cylinder FF and the continuing popularity of the 8-cylinder models, most notably the Ferrari California, which is the company’s best-selling GT, and the coupé and spider versions of the 458 which top the sports car segment.

One hundred per cent of Ferraris are personalised by their owners who, since the start of 2012, have also been able to avail of the innovative Tailor Made programme, which allows each client to tailor their own bespoke car using an extensive variety of unique and exclusive materials, colours and finishes, with the assistance of a specialist team.

The F12berlinetta, the most powerful and high performance Prancing Horse car ever built and the first in a new generation of V12s, made no contribution to these results as deliveries will not commence until the second part of the year.

Trading profit grew by 13.4 per cent to 60.5 million euro, while net profits rose by 17.2 per cent (42.1 million euro).

Ferrari’s industrial net cash position on March 31st was the strongest in its history at 860 million euro. This was achieved despite keeping product investment extremely high and thanks to a net cash flow for the first quarter of 152 million euro.

The one-make series of the Prancing Horse, the Ferrari Challenge, is also proving to be very successful with the 2012 racing season starting with 100 458 Challenge cars on the tracks in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

In terms of sales, the US remains Ferrari’s most important market recording growth of 16 per cent even after the excellent figures recorded in 2011.

Sales in Europe were also very positive with excellent results in the United Kingdom (+31 per cent, 177 cars delivered) and in Germany (up 24 per cent). Italy is the exception to this trend with sales of 121 cars, down 65 compared to the first quarter 2011 as a result of the economic situation and the local government’s recent financial initiatives.

In the Far East, after a record 2011, the Greater China market (China, Hong Kong and Taiwan) continued to grow with 154 cars delivered in the first quarter. On May 18th, a major new Ferrari exhibition will open at the Shanghai Expo in China where a 1,000 square metre space will host some of our most iconic road models as well as Formula 1 cars. The display will also feature simulators and interactive points where visitors can learn about Ferrari’s history and the Maranello campus.

The Middle East also delivered extremely significant results with sales this first quarter up by 23 per cent and 81 cars delivered.

“After an extraordinary 2011, starting the year with all the economic indicators on the rise is very satisfying indeed,” declared Ferrari’s Chairman, Luca di Montezemolo. “We have a complete new model range brimming with technological innovations, and which deliver significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, down by 30 per cent on average.” He continued: “At the end of the year, we’ll also be unveiling the new Enzo, a limited series model and our first ever hybrid car.”

Brand activities (retail, wholesale, licensing and e-commerce) are up by 10 per cent overall: there are now 50 Ferrari Stores worldwide, including a new store in Madrid which opens officially at the end of May.

Ferrari also retains its leadership in online activities with over 8 million friends on Facebook and almost one million on Google +.

[/toggle_box]

May 14, 2012
AutoGyaan: BMW recalls 89,000 Minis

The German automaker BMW, has recalled 89,000 of its sub brand Minis cars in the US market. The US traffic safety agency announced Sunday, citing the threat of a smoldering circuit board that could set the cars on fire.

The electric auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger has an electronic circuit board that can malfunction and overheat,”

-the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The strange thing is that the recall is not only of a particular model but of various cars built through 2006-2011, several models of Mini roadsters including the Cooper S, Cooper S Countryman, and Cooper JCW convertible are included in the list.

BMW said that all water pumps of the recalled cars will be replaced free of charge.

January 16, 2012
AutoGyaan : 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid coming to India starting 23 Lac

Hyundai is planning to bring the 2012 Sonata Hybrid to India sometime next year. The Hybrid revamp of 2011 Hyundai Sonata, one of the most sold cars of this segment in the US in 2011, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid will also be launched in India at a starting price of 23 Lakhs.

The new Hybrid Sonata comes with a 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI engine which offers 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 – 4,500 rpm with regular fuel and offers a Mileage of 13.16 KM/L . The new breakthrough Hybrid Blue Drive technology lithium polymer battery pack with powertrain with engine decoupling, significantly reduces the amount of energy required to maintain speeds, resulting in a increase to 19 KM/l sustained.

The Sonata Hybrid comes with a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control or a standard six-speed manual transaxle. The addition of a sixth gear enables closer spacing between gear ratios providing a better balance of performance and fuel economy while the wide overall gear ratio helps deliver strong acceleration.

The Sonata Hybrid shares the same “Fluidic Sculpture” design language with all other 2012 Sonatas. The new design features re-shaped front and rear fascias with a deeper air dam, extended rocker panels and lower drag wheels allow the air to flow around the body with less resistance.

For safety the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (and non hybrids) have a hot stamped ultra-high-strength steel body structure, advanced airbag technology with 6 air-bags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard. As an option – higher models will include four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Other passive safety features include shingle-style rear-seat head restraints for improved visibility, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front-seat seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, and a rear-seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for child seats.

It is unknown if in Car entertainment will be the same in the Indian version of the Sonata. All international versions come standard with a 7 inch multitouch Navigation system and Digital Radio(N/A in India). The Unit supports iPhone and Bluetooth Mobile phone pairing, Also features voice activated- and voice guided Navigation. The in Dash Unit also has iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs and an 8GB of flash memory.

December 28, 2011
AutoGyaan : Hyundai to reveal all new i-oniq concept at Geneva Auto show 2012

Hyundai is all set to ramp up its new line up of cars with what they call the new “fluidic sculpture,” but before they can include any of that in their new lineup they want to tease buyers with a preview of the concept. Hyundai has released a stylized teaser image of what it’s calling the i-oniq concept, which will premier at the 2012 Geneva auto show. This same structure is to follow through on the new Sonata, Elantra and US only i30 Hatchback. More information is promised to be made available once the Auto show nears.

December 16, 2011
AutoGyaan : Bridgestone shows off Air-less tire concept

Looks like the next-gen tire is actually closer than we imagined. With Michelin already working on their concept of the Tweel, Bridgestone walks in with the air-free concept tires that use a tough and flexible thermoplastic spoke technology. These spokes remove any horizontal force and make the tire puncture free, since there is actually no air. The tire is currently suitable fro personal mobility and electric lightweight carts, each wheel holds upto 150Kg in weight. The company plans to use this technology for commercial users and eventually replace the traditional wheel. The only issue is the fact that items might get stuck in the spokes of the wheel making them prone to breakage. A full wheel with these spokes in the center would do, don’t you think so ?

December 8, 2011
AutoGyaan : 2012 CRV shown of at LA motor show (PR)

The 2012 CRV is a no brainer, the anticipated SUV has been a little bit of disappointing in India for the past couple of years. With a a slightly revamped exterior that looks like the prime finish on a Mahindra XUV 500 (especially in the Rear).

Honda’s 2.4-liver i-VTEC four-cylinder powers this not-so badboy, with 185 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is still the old one from the existing one, poor old dying gearbox. The company did not make major changes to the design or the technology behind the vehicle.

New Age features in the 2012 CR-V will include standard Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a multi-angle rearview camera and a full-color information display. The CR-V will also receive SMS text messaging capability, which reads incoming text messages over the audio system.

The new CRV is expected to Hit India sometime in Q2 2012, Pricing seems to be upwards of 25 Lac.

[toggle title_open=”Press Release” title_closed=”Press Release” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]All-New, Completely Redesigned 2012 Honda CR-V Debuts at LA Auto Show

Popular SUV introduces innovative features for music and SMS texting, new Real Time AWD system debuts, and FWD model achieves 31 mpg highway EPA rating

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16, 2011 – The all-new, the fourth-generation Honda CR-V debuted today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2012 CR-V introduces an upscale styling direction, greater fuel efficiency, and added features and functionality. The CR-V will go on-sale at Honda dealerships nationwide on December 15th.

With the previous-generation CR-V recognized as a “Top Recommended Vehicle” and having the “Best Retained Value SUV under $25,000” by Edmunds.com, and named top compact crossover SUV in dependability by J.D. Power and Associates, the all-new 2012 model introduces the latest evolution of Honda’s successful CR-V formula. Compact on the outside and roomy inside, the CR-V represents an ideal balance for size and capability in the entry SUV segment. The all-new five-passenger CR-V offers improved car-like interior comfort, a smoother and quieter ride, and even more innovative features than the previous model.

Powerful and Efficient 4-Cylinder Engine
Leading the changes are a more efficient engine design with improved horsepower and torque, along with an all-new Real Time All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System™. All CR-Vs are powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 163 lb-ft. of torque paired with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy is rated at 23/31/26 mpg city/highway/combined (FWD) (an increase of +2/+3/+2 mpg compared to the 2011 CR-V), and a compact SUV-class leading 22/30/25 mpg city/highway/combined (AWD) (an increase of +1/+3/+2 mpg compared to the 2011 CR-V). Eco Assist, a new feature on the CR-V for 2012, indicates to the driver when the vehicle is being operated in an efficient style via “green” visual cues surrounding the speedometer, and a selectable ECON Mode alters operating characteristics of the vehicle to support an efficient driving style.

New Standard Features
New for 2012 standard features include an Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat and a range of standard technology features. New high-tech features on all models include a Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® phone interface (previously an available feature), a full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines. As a first for Honda, every 2012 CR-V includes an SMS text messaging function, which can read received texts from compatible cell phones aloud over the audio system. Another first is the introduction of a Pandora® Internet Radio interface , compatible with the Apple® iPhone®, which works with the vehicle’s audio controls and i-MID.

Model Range
The CR-V lineup starts with the CR-V LX model, now with more standard equipment for 2012. The CR-V LX is equipped with air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, i-MID, remote entry, a 160-watt, a 4-speaker audio system, Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS). The CR-V EX adds an upgraded six-speaker audio system, power moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels and more. The CR-V EX-L builds on the rich features of the CR-V EX and adds a leather-trimmed interior, 10-way power driver’s seat, automatic dual-zone climate control, 328-watt 7-speaker audio system with XM® Radio and much more. Available features for the CR-V EX-L include the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ and FM Traffic, or a DVD Rear Entertainment System (not available with Navigation). Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ is an available feature on each model.

Design
The 2012 CR-V body adopts a more dynamic and sophisticated appearance compared to the previous generation. The CR V’s spacious interior layout is more accommodating with a roomy new center console (now standard) and an overall lower cargo floor height for easy loading and unloading. The new Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat makes accessing the full capability of the cargo area much more convenient than traditional folding seats. Each side of the rear seat can fold nearly flat into the front of the cargo area using one of the release levers located near the tailgate, or a pull-strap positioned on the seat side.

Safety
Every CR-V incorporates as standard equipment VSA, an electronic stability control system; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist; side-curtain airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. An Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure in the front of the vehicle helps make the vehicle highly effective at absorbing and dispersing the energy of a frontal crash.

Warranty
The 2012 Honda CR-V is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.[/toggle]

November 17, 2011
AutoGyaan: This is how you showoff a new Car : BMW M5 2012 (Video)

The BMW M5 is an achievers car, with a history of unmatched performance the vehicle has long been the envy of many a competitors for BMW. The new 2012 M5 takes all that and then takes it up a notch. The car priced at 50 Lacs (before you add the burning taxes and duties) and seems totally worth it. With a revamped exterior, interior and under the hood, the new M5 is ready fro the Highway, track or even drift circuit.

Check out the Video from BMW UK to prove a point.

November 14, 2011