Gedi Junction

Maruti hikes prices with Immediate Effect

2010-04-03T18:40:00.001+05:30

Maruti has increased the prices of its cars with immediate effect and has stated “rising input costs and introduction of BS IV norms” as the main reason behind it. List of car models and their respective price rise -

A-Star/Ritz	by Rs. 1000
Estilo/Omni/Swift	Rs. 2500 – 3750
Dzire	Rs. 7000
SX4	Rs. 9000
Eeco (New)	Rs 10000
Maruti 800/Omni LPG (BS III)	Rs 3000

New Skoda Superb variant Launched

2010-04-02T19:03:00.001+05:30

Skoda India has launched a new variant of its premium sedan, the Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI (Petrol) with manual transmission (MT) priced at Rs 18.28 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This one is 1.5 lakhs cheaper than the existing 1.8 TSI Automatic model which retails at Rs. 19.81 Lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi). The company had launched the Superb in March 2009 and has sold 3000 units of the car since then.

Harley announces dealerships for India, Bookings to Start from April

2010-04-01T17:54:00.001+05:30

Legendary bike maker Harley Davidson has announced its dealerships for India. The dealerships will be opened in 5 cities viz. Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chandigarh and Hyderabad. Harley will be offering 12 models from its 2010 line-up with prices ranging from Rs. 6.95 to Rs. 34.95 Lakhs. The bookings will start from April and deliveries will start from June. The company started the dealer selection process in September last year. A total of 100 applications for the dealerships were received by the company out of which these 5 have been selected. All the 12 models will be imported from US as CBU’s.

TVS to launch unisex “Wego” this Month

2010-04-01T17:41:00.001+05:30

TVS will be launching its new scooter "wego” in phases all over the country, starting this month. The metal bodied scooterette will have an unisex styling. So it’ll be fit for driving for drivers from both the sexes.

Porsche theme for Google Chrome

2010-03-31T07:39:00.001+05:30

Some days back I installed the latest version of the Google Chrome Browser on my PC and it offered me some free themes. One of the themes my eyes fell upon was the Porsche theme in which all the previous generations of the Porsche have been lined up. So, for all the Porsche fanatics out there, download and install the Porsche theme for Google Chrome from the Official Link -> https://tools.google.com/chrome/intl/en/themes/index.html

Hero Honda to launch 14 new models

2010-03-31T07:33:00.001+05:30

Bike major Hero Honda will be launching 14 new models in India in the next 18 months which will include 4 all-new products with 4 major variants and 5 minor variants. Hero Honda is targeting a sales figure 5.6 million units for the next fiscal and an overall growth of 15 percent.

How about this Lamborghini in your Living Room

2010-03-31T07:18:00.001+05:30

Where do the rich park their cars? A: In their living rooms. When I saw this pic, the very first thing that came to my mind was that sequence in Iron Man when Robert Downey Jr.’s workshop has all the expensive supercars lined up. One day, as Gizmodo says, we’ll all have a living room Lamborghini ;)

Hyundai to launch 800 cc car in India Soon!

2010-03-31T06:51:00.001+05:30

Hyundai will be launching an 800cc petrol car in India by 2011-2012. Currently the lowest cost model from Hyundai is the Santro. But the company wants to launch a car which costs even less than the Santro and the i-10. It wants to produce the car on scale comparable to the Maruti 800 (which has been phased out in 13 metro cities all over the country because of the stricter BS-IV emission norms). Though the company said the car will be cheap, it made it clear that it does not have in mind to compete with the Tata Nano because it can’t afford to produce a Rs 1 lakh car right now. The car will be for both the domestic and international markets.

Spy Shot – Next Gen Hyundai Verna/Accent

2010-03-31T06:40:00.001+05:30

Does this maroonish beauty look like the current Verna you see on the Indian roads? Not by any chance, no? This was caught during a commercial shoot in Korea's Incheon International Airport. This Verna (codename:RB) has striking similarities to the Elantra and the Sonata YF with the stretched headlamps and steeper windshield. Looking forward to see this stunner in flesh in India!

Indian Car Makers to Hike Prices

2010-03-30T23:04:00.001+05:30

Almost all the major Car-makers have said that they'll be hiking prices of their models from next month.
This April onwards, India will adopt stricter emission norms under which 13 major cities will upgrade to BS IV from BS III and the rest of the country would move up from BS II to BS III as per the recommedations of the Mashelkar Committee to control pollution. This will cause the car manufacturers to upgrade their equipment and hence the price rise. General Motors will increase the prices of its cars by upto Rs 6000. (Chevrolet Beat and Spark will remain unaffected by this rise). Hyundai will also be increasing the prices by upto Rs 5000.

Mercedes Mini A-Class - Coming Soon to India

2010-03-27T07:13:00.002+05:30

Mercedes Benz is planning to launch its small car in India – the A-Class in a couple of years. But if you think its gonna be cheap, forget it.
Even this ‘entry level’ Mercedes will be priced between Rs 16-20 Lakhs. More of a Beetle for Indians, this A-Class Isn’t it?
Earlier there were reports of a similar small car Mini by BMW in India, but the company has cancelled the plans for now.

Bentley unveils Mulsanne in India

2010-03-13T18:00:00.001+05:30

Bentley, today, unveiled its super luxury car Mulsanne at the British High Commission in New Delhi. The car is priced at Rs 2.9 Crores and will be available in the market in October.

According to Chris Buxton, regional director, Bentley (India, Middle-East and Africa)

We have debuted this car in the Indian market for Bentley car connoisseurs. India has a very strong and vibrant economy. We are very hopeful about the future prospects of our business here.

Bentley's legendary hand-assembled 6.8-litre V8 engine pays homage to its predecessors yet for the new Mulsanne it has been comprehensively re-engineered to employ advanced technologies that deliver unstressed, refined performance. The engine is capable of producing 512 bhp with 1,020 Nm torque.

The new Bentley V8 engine is lighter and features cylinder de-activation and variable cam phasing, a combination that can significantly reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

It will be a highly customizable car and the buyers will be able to choose from 114 paint colors, 21 carpet colors, 9 wood veneers & 24 interior leather hides all of which will be tanned using a decades-old process to ensure this future classic retains its distinctive scent.

In addition, through Bentley's bespoke service, unique colours can be developed which will match a customer's vision and taste. With more standard leather and wood veneer than any other Bentley in the modern era, it is understandable that each Mulsanne will take nine weeks (about 650 hours) to build.

Facelifted 2010 #Mitsubishi #Outlander #India launched, #CR-V Challenger?

2010-03-03T06:42:00.001+05:30

Mitsubishi India has discreetly launched the facelifted 2010 Outlander. The SUV now gets more aggressive front looks, with styling cues adopted from the Outlander GT Prototype which was first displayed at last year’s New York International Auto Show.

The 2010 Outlander gets contemporary design elements such as new headlamp cluster, Lancer Evo inspired ‘jet fighter’ style front grille, reshaped bumper and hood, new roof rails, and door mirrors with integrated turn lights.

No changes have been made to the rear and Mitsubishi hasn’t touched its power plant either. It retains the same all-alloy twin-cam 4-cylinder in-line 2.4-litre engine petrol motor that produces 167bhp of power and a max of 23kgm of torque. Coupled with a 6-speed CVT box, the Outlander can touch 0-100 in under 10secs and reaches a top speed of 190kph.

With the updated looks Mitsubishi has given the Outlander a fresh lease of life and with a price cut of Rs 60,000, it hopes to take the fight to the Honda CR-V, which is the current segment leader. The Outlander now retails at Rs 23.58 lakh (on-road Mumbai), making it more than Rs 2 lakh cheaper than the CR-V.

Owner Review - Yamaha R1 by Vikas #India [with #Pics]

2010-03-03T06:29:00.001+05:30

It all started with a dream. When I was in 12th grade, I saw this Yamaha R1 one day in my area and I was overwhelmed by it. I went up to the guy and chatted with him for a while about the bike and clicked a few pics. I came home and updated my Hi5 profile (which I stopped using years ago, and had lost all the passwords), and wrote, “I’ll own this baby one day”. It can be seen even today…

It was a 2001 R1, and I had clicked the pic sometime in 2003, I guess. Damn, I was thin that time ! :)

Present Day: Now coming to 2009. After I picked up the 220 DTSi, one of my good friends told me about this nice R1 on sale in Yamaha showroom, as the owner was picking up the VMAX. I got a good deal on it and bought it the next day. It had done just 1200 kms and was spanking new. In between I could have picked up a gray market bike, but I never wanted to take the risk.

R1 Looks: The bike, it’s just a beauty at any and every angle, it’s just too beautiful. You don’t need to be a good photographer for the pics to come out good. Just shoot the bike, in any angle, and it will still look just great. Some fellas in my building were asking me if I have got my R15 modified :) . My mum also said it looks like the R15 :) he he. I said, “Ma, never mind”.

When you sit on it, you feel like God. Period. Well that’s at least how I felt. It’s quite comfortable actually, but not in traffic. In traffic you’ll get cooked with the heat.

Performance: The power and acceleration is mindblowing, nothing like what I’ve felt before. Actually after 7k rpm, the exhausts are no longer exhausts, but feel like rocket packs :). They feel as if they cannot support the amount of gases coming out, as if they were gonna tear the exhausts apart. You really have to be careful with your right hand. The day I picked up the bike, I was so full of josh that as soon as I got out of my building lane and came on the main road, I whacked open the throttle and straight away. I had the front tyre in the air. I was overwhelmed and scared at the same moment but somehow had to control my wrists. Also, I have to be careful with mud on the road, had a wheelspin once.

Handling & Comfort: The bike is actually very light and easy to handle. I never thought a SBK would be this easy to ride. The bike only looks heavy but it isn’t really that heavy. Brakes are good. I never use the rear one though. The front 6 piston calipers do their job very well. Max speed I’ve done with it is 190 on the Mumbai – Ahmedabad highway. Taking a U-turn at times could be a problem though, because of the large turning radius. Pillion comfort isn’t too good. But for a girl it isn’t too bad. All she has to do is hold you tight. ;)

Lights & Plastic Parts: Lights couldn’t be better. The 2 projectors + 2 halogens are a sight at night. It’s more powerful than some of the cars we have. Sadly the 2010 R1 has only two lights. The fairing plastic quality is extremely poor. Even the R15 fairing is stronger than the r1. I was quite surprised to see such an expensive bike having such bad quality plastic.

Conclusion: After using the bike for 4 months, unfortunately, I was leaving the country for some time so I decided to sell the bike. Managed to get a decent deal and that’s when I parted with the bike.

Even now as I’m sitting in Singapore writing this article, I dream of riding the R1 back home. Once you ride a SBK, It’s like an addiction. It’s difficult to stay away. Well, few more months from now, hopefully I should be writing another article on another SBK.

Take care and ride safe. :)

Regards,
Vikas

Source – Bikeadvice

Bentley Supersports Convertible – The most Powerful Open-Top Bentley till date

2010-03-03T06:00:00.001+05:30

Bentley’s new Continental Supersports Convertible will be the fastest and most powerful open-top Bentley ever when it goes on sale in June.

Supersports models are the most extreme interpretations of the Continental — hence the name, which was made famous by 1925’s Bentley Supersports, the fastest and most powerful car of its day.

The Supersports Convertible’s twin-turbocharged W12 engine produces 621bhp and 81kgm of torque. It takes 3.9sec to get from 0-100kph and 9.6sec to reach 160kph from a standstill, and can reach a top speed of 325kph.

Power is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed ZF Quickshift automatic gearbox, which cuts shift times to just 93 milliseconds and allows double downshifts.

As in last year’s Supersports coupé, Bentley has reduced the weight of the four-seat Supersports Convertible over the standard car. Almost 100kg has been shaved off the base car’s 2485kg kerb weight, through the use of lightweight 20-inch alloys, carbon-ceramic brakes, lightweight seats and carbonfibre in its cabin.

The Supersports Convertible is the latest Bentley to receive the firm’s FlexFuel technology, which allows it to run on petrol, E85 biofuel or any mix of the two. Bentley says FlexFuel cuts ‘well to wheel’ emissions by 70 per cent and the technology will be standard across the Continental range from the 2011 model year.

Bentley has revised spring, damper and steering settings, and the four-wheel drive system has a 40/60 rear-biased torque split to cut understeer. The rear wheel arches have been flared to accommodate a 50mm increase in rear track, and the ESP has been tweaked to intervene less at low speeds.

Source - Autocarindia

Revealed – New Nissan Micra @ Geneva [Pics]

2010-03-03T05:51:00.001+05:30

Nissan planning Rs 2.5 Lakh for India with Ashok Leyland

2010-03-03T05:35:00.001+05:30

Nissan has revealed that it is seriously studying the feasibility of a US$ 5000 car (approximately Rs. 2.5 lakh) for markets like China and India.

According to Colin Dodge, Executive Vice-President, Nissan Motor Company -

"We believe there is huge potential for a car in the gap between the ultra-low cost car that Bajaj is developing and the Nissan Micra"

Colin Dodge also indicated that the car may be developed with Indian partner Ashok Leyland.

"Our relationship with Ashok Leyland is growing and we believe there is an opportunity to develop a price entry vehicle with them"

Nissan feels that India with its unique low cost base and frugal engineering skills is well placed to develop such a car.

"In Europe or Japan engineers can no longer go back to basics and they have lost the ability to engineer products that meet the low end of the market. Indian engineers challenge everything from a cost point of view"

Tata Nano EV Launched @ Geneva

2010-03-03T05:19:00.001+05:30

Image courtesy - AutoExpress

Tata, yesterday, launched the Nano EV – the electric, battery operated version of the Nano at the Geneva Motor Show. This Nano is primarily aimed at the European Market and as of now, the company has no Nano EV plans for India.

According to AutoCarIndia, “The compact electric motor and battery pack has been neatly packaged without compromising on the cars functionality”

The Nano will use the same lithium super polymer batteries as the Indica, which will allow it to reach 37mph from rest in a rather sedate 10 seconds. However, this allows the Nano to travel 99 miles on a single eight-hour charge.

The price hasn’t been disclosed, but the company says that the EV will be very ‘price conscious’.

Land Rover beats BMW for the No.2 Spot in SUV Segment [India]

2010-03-02T21:23:00.001+05:30

The SUV sales in India this January saw the Tata owned Land Rover overtake the BMW SUV sales with the Land Rover selling 35 units in January and BMW selling 16 units of its SUVs. Audi, however, remained at no.1 position by selling a whopping 114 units. Mercedes, seemed to struggle, selling only 6 units of the M-Class.

This rise in the sales of the Land Rover is being attributed to its lower starting price of Rs 35 Lakhs as compared to the Rs 55 lakhs which is the price of BMWs entry-level SUV X3. However, BMW plans to catch-up on this by assembling X1 at its Chennai plant which will become its entry-level SUV at a price tag of Rs 26 Lakhs.

According to analysts, another reason for the increase in sales is that Land Rover has a wider range of models available for India which include the Freelander 2, Discovery 4 Sports Tourer, the Range Rover Sport and the Range Rover as compared to BMW’s smaller range comprising of the X3, X5 and X6.

Another thing worth mentioning, here, is that Land Rover has been able to project itself as rugged SUV model, fit for rough terrains, while BMW pitched for a lifestyle alignment in the market.

Delhi’s first Super Car Show Tomorrow!

2010-02-20T17:23:00.001+05:30

Delhi will witness its first super car show tomorrow (21st Feb, 2010). The show is being organised by Bellset entertainment.

Forty-eight (super) cars are confirmed - including two Ferrari F430, 599GTB Fiorano, three Audi R8's, Aston Martin DB9, Vantage, two Lamborghini LP560's, Lambo Spyder, Merc SL55, CL500, Maserati GTS, Chevy Camaro SS, Bentley GTS, Porsche Carrera S, 911, Cayman S, four BMW M3's, two BMW M5's, BMW Z4, Rolls Royce Phantom, Bentley Arnage, Jag XFR.

Venue – The Claridges, Delhi
Time – 11:00 AM

Volkswagen Polo’s India Price out on February 23

2010-02-12T13:17:00.001+05:30

The Volkswagen Polo is finally all-set to hit the roads in February. The price which has been a closely guarded secret will also be announced on February 23. VW has been working aggressively on localisation to price the Polo competitively so you can expect the base Polo to start at around Rs 4.5 lakh.

There will be three engine options available, but the first one to hit the showrooms will be the 1.2-litre 75bhp petrol. The other two engines – 1.2-litre 75bhp diesel and a 1.6-litre 104bhp petrol will follow shortly. The Polo promises to bring class leading levels of quality and comfort to the segment and will be available across three trim levels – Trendline, Comfortline and the Highline.

Source - Autocar India

Coming Soon - Renault’s Twizy Z.E. Concept

2010-02-12T12:47:00.001+05:30

French car manufacturer Renault is looking for an Indian partner with whom its Zero Emission cars can be developed for India. The Twizy Z.E Concept occupies the prime spot in Renault’s zero emission plans for India.

The Twizy Concept has a four-wheel chassis and offers the driver and passenger – seated one behind the other – an all-electric means of transport which produces zero CO2 emissions. With 2.30 meters long and just 1.13 meters wide, the Twizy ensures that it sneaks through the urban traffic without much problem.

It has a turning circle of just three meters and a footprint barely larger than that of a scooter. So, parking should not be an issue in India’s crowded streets. Powered by a 20 bhp electric motor the car develops 7.14 kgm of max torque and can attain a top speed of 75 kmph. It combines comfort with responsive performance at all engine speeds and it can accelerate at a similar rate to a 125cc bike.

Become Autocar India’s Young Driver 2010 !

2010-02-12T12:11:00.001+05:30

So, you think you are the best driver in India, eh? Well, some news that might interest you! Autocar India and Maruti Suzuki have come up with Young Driver 2010 - a competetion for India's safest driver.

The competition will be held in three phases – an online theory test, a simulator session and the final driver analysis at the Institute of Driving Training and Research (IDTR) at New Delhi.

The Rewards? Well, the winner of the competetion gets a brand new Maruti Suzuki A-Star alongwith the title of being India's safest driver.

Interested? head to www.youngdriver.in to register. (Last Date for Registration -> 25the February 2010

Spied – New Ford Endeavour Variant in Chennai

2010-02-12T11:25:00.001+05:30

IAB published the images of what could be the new variant of the Ford Endeavour in India. The Endeavour spied is said to be the same as the showroom model the only difference being that this one had a “On Test” badge on the rear windshield.

Michael Boneham, President and Managing Director, Ford India last year hinted at 2.5 Litre – Automatic & 3 Litre Manual Transmission versions of the Endeavour. This one here, could well be one of the two!

TVS Apache 220 coming soon!

2010-02-11T17:34:00.001+05:30

The Apache RTR 180

Taking cue from other bike manufacturers’, TVS will soon introduce a power-centered bike for enthusiasts in India – the Apache 220. It will have a 220 cc engine (as the name suggests) and is expected to produce 22 bhp with a top speed of 150 kmph.

The production of the bike will start in February 2010, i.e this month and it will hit the showrooms sometime around April 2010 with a price tag of about Rs 95,000.

We’ll keep you updated on this information. Stay Tuned.