Corolla Altis Diesel comes with 1.4L in-line 4-cylinder D-4D Common Rail Diesel Engine that generates a peak power of 88.4 PS at 3800rpm and a peak torque of 205 Nm between 1800-2800rpm. It is also BS-IV emission norms compliant and has been developed with the concept of ‘optimum balance of performance and economy’.

1.4L D-4D engine of the Corolla Altis is mated with a 6-Speed Manual Transmission – a ‘first-in-segment’ offering, which according to Toyota, provides flat torque curve, which would lead to fewer gear shifts and better fuel efficiency.

Toyota is claiming best-in-class mileage of 21.43 km per liter for the Corolla Altis Diesel, which it hopes would be one of its main USP.

Corolla Altis Diesel also gets a differentiating sporty mesh grille, better aerodynamic characteristics, and the lowest NVH and best ground clearance in its segment.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Nakagawa (MD, TKM) said, “The Corolla DNA that has been handed down for 40 years is now in its 10th Generation with over 35 million happy customers worldwide. The car made its debut in India in 2003, and now has more than 60,000 satisfied owners in the country. As part of our long-term commitment to bring the best of Toyota’s technology to India, we are very proud to introduce the Corolla Altis Diesel. The Corolla Altis Diesel has Toyota’s proven D-4D technology, and I am happy to say will have the best fuel efficiency in its segment. ”

Mr. Sandeep Singh (Deputy Managing Director-Marketing, TKM) said, “Apart from the spacious interiors and luxury features of the Corolla Altis, the diesel variant has the best fuel efficiency, lowest NVH and the best ground clearance in its segment. Our target customers are individuals who are business professionals, in the 35 to 45 age group looking for a perfect balance of performance and economy. The launch of the Corolla Altis Diesel has enhanced Toyota’s line-up in India, and we are looking at consolidating our leadership position in the C-segment with a sales target of 10,500 units for the Corolla Altis in 2010.”

The Corolla Altis Diesel would be available in three manual transmission variants; D-4D J, D-4D G and D-4D GL has been priced between Rs. 10,95,000 and 13,75,000, ex-showroom Delhi and will be available in seven colours;- Silver Mica Metallic, Champagne Mica Metallic, Dark Red Mica Metallic, White Pearl Mica, Light Blue Mica Metallic, Super White and Black Mica.

Toyota Corolla Altis Diesel launched is a post from: The India Car

The super expensive and powerful SLS AMG is priced between 2 to 2 and a half Crore Rupees and is powered by a 6.3 liter V8 engine, which produces 420HP at 6800 rpm and 650Nm of torque at 4750 rpm. Enough power to propel this 1.6 ton car to 100kmph in 3.8 seconds and go on to hit 317kmph top speed!

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India said, “The SLS AMG represents the true spirit of our brand- ‘The Best or Nothing’! It embodies passion, performance, design, technology and engineering excellence- values that make us one of the most exciting brands in the world, today.”

Mercedes Benz already has 10 orders for the magnificent piece of German Engineering and will likely have a waiting period of 6-8 months!

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG launched in India is a post from: The India Car

To participate in the contest, people need to buy 4 liter pack of Shell Helix Ultra or 3/3.5liter pack of Shell Helix HX5 and coupon would be provided along with the lubricant, which can not only win you assured gifts like an Adidas bag, a digital camera or a gold coin, but also this once in a lifetime chance.

Last date of entries is 30th September and winners will be declared and notified in October.

Here is the full press release from Shell India.

Shell Lubricants for the third consecutive year gives a golden opportunity to its consumers to visit Maranello (Italy), the home of Ferrari with Shell Helix Motor Oils.

Have you ever dreamt what it would be like to be taught how to drive a new Ferrari by a Formula One driver? Just buy a pack of Shell Helix Ultra (4L) or Shell Helix HX5 (3L/3.5L) and get a chance to be one of the few lucky people who will have this lifetime experience.

Only a few people from around the world, will get the chance to race around Ferrari’s famous test track, experience the exhilaration of a Ferrari road car, and go behind the scenes at the home of Ferrari with Shell Helix. A select group of winners will be flown to the famous town of Maranello, the home of Shell’s long-standing technical partner Ferrari, Italy in November 2010 to take part in an exclusive driving day with Ferrari.

Throughout the two-day experience of a lifetime, guests will begin to understand what it is like to be part of the Ferrari legend. From racing around Ferrari’s famous test track with a Ferrari Formula OneT driver in Ferrari road cars to eating in the renowned Ristorante Cavallino, the winners will experience the emotion and excitement that only Shell together with Ferrari can provide.

In addition to becoming a Ferrari driver for the day, the winners will get an exclusive look behind the scenes of the Ferrari GT factory where Shell engineers work hand-in-hand with their counterparts at Ferrari to develop the latest engine lubricants that help to clean and protect the engine of each car that drives off the production line.

The lucky winners will also get a tour of the Sporting Department where the team makes the world-famous Formula One cars. Finally, a look at Ferrari historic race and road cars in the Galleria Ferrari museum will combine to make the Shell Helix Ultra Ferrari Adventure the most exclusive and memorable two days in the life of any motoring fan.

To reach closer to its customers, Shell Lubricants is running a 360 degrees marketing campaign including on-ground activation programs in malls and car clusters in India. The company has simultaneous trade offers for dealers & franchisees.

The engine of every Ferrari, whether it’s a road car or racing thoroughbred, that rolls out of the famous gates at Maranello is lubricated by Shell Helix Ultra. The two companies first started working together in the 1930s, immediately gaining a technological advantage over the competition and developing products together for the race track that could then be transferred to the road. The same is true today as Shell engineers who develop the highly-advanced Shell Helix Ultra blend for Ferrari’s Formula One car also oversee the development of the Shell Helix Ultra product range – using the same active cleansing technology found in the Ferrari Formula One engine’s lubricant.

Every customer who purchases Shell Helix Ultra (4L) or Shell Helix HX5 (3L/3.5L) needs to scratch the coupon on the pack to win the assured gift like an Adidas bag, a digital camera or a gold coin. The closing date for entries is 30 September 2010. The winners will be chosen in October and duly informed.

Buy Shell Helix and get a ride in Ferrari! is a post from: The India Car

The 1248cc Multijet engine manages to produce 93 Ps of power at 4000rpm and 209 Nm of torque at 2000rpm, thanks to a variable geometry turbocharger instead of the fixed geometry turbocharger doing duty on the existing variant of 1.3L multijet Punto, which only manages to produce 76 Ps of power at the same 4000rpm and 197 Nm of torque at 1750rpm.

Priced at Rs. 6.79 lakhs (Ex-Showroom Delhi), Fiat Punto 1.3 liter 90HP Multijet would only be available in Emotion Pack and is surely going to be a hit with car enthusiasts in India, who crave for more power.

Fiat launches Punto with 90bhp engine is a post from: The India Car

This little hatchback has managed to not only rack up a nice milestone for Ford India, it has also helped it achieve 235% growth over last year’s sales figure, with still half a year left!

Mr. Michael Boneham, President and MD, Ford India said, “Reaching the 25,000 sales booking milestone in close to 100 days continues the Figo’s remarkable rise and rise in popularity among Indian consumers. Figo’s success has exceeded expectations in terms of sales and target markets. Our debut compact car offering is being very well received by a wide range of customers and this response has been instrumental in our efforts to increase market share.”

While it looks like Ford is out to capture quite a bit of market share in the hatchback segment, it would be interesting to see the response of other established manufacturers like Suzuki India.

25000 Ford Figos sold in 100 days! is a post from: The India Car

Nissan Mirca is being touted by Nissan as their global car, which would be sold in India as well as Europe, Middle East, Africa and other developed and emerging markets.

In India, Nissan Mirca will be available in three variants; XE (Entry), XL (Mid) and XV (Top) and would come in 6 colors; Sunlight Orange, Brick Red, Pacific Blue, Storm White, Blade Silver and Onyx Black.

While the entry level variant (XE) would cost Rs. 3,98,000, Mirca XL is priced at Rs. 4,69,500 and Rs. 528,800 is the price tag of Nissan XV, the top end variant of Mirca (all prices mentioned are Ex-Showroom Delhi).

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Kiminobu Tokuyama, M.D. & CEO, Nissan Motor India said, “The moment that we all have been anxiously waiting for has finally arrived! We begin our product offensive in India with the launch of the Micra and the Indian customers can look forward to a long and fruitful association with our product and services. The Nissan Micra is the right product at the right time that will offer the customers a good means of urban mobility with a complete package of performance, features, safety and comfort. We expect Micra with its latent advantage and its unique features to do well in the Indian market and carve a niche of its own compared to other competitive models in this segment.”

Nationwide sales of Nissan Mirca will commence from today and consumers would be able to book one at their nearest Nissan showroom.

Nissan Mirca launched in India is a post from: The India Car

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Juergen Eder, Managing Director, BMW Plant Chennai said, “The BMW 5 Series is the core product in our model range and has significantly contributed to the image and success of BMW in India. The team at BMW Plant Chennai is proud to roll out the new 5 Series with highest standards of quality, distinguished workmanship and uncompromising engineering. We are confident that the new BMW 5 Series produced in Chennai will further increase our momentum in the Indian luxury car segment.”

The new BMW 5 Series was launched in India on 30 April 2010 in Mumbai with two petrol variants – 535i and 523i and two diesel variants – 530d and 525d. The 523i, 530d and 525d are produced as CKD (completely knocked-down) units at the BMW Plant Chennai, while the 535i is available as a CBU (completely built-up unit).

BMW 5 series rolls out of Chennai plant is a post from: The India Car

Only available in the highline trim, Polo 1.6 would come with a 1598cc petrol engine, producing 105 ps at 5250 rpm and 153 Nm of torque at 3750 rpm. Polo 1.6 is expected to be full 3 second quicker in reaching 100kmph mark and has a company claimed top speed of 183.8kmph!

Volkswagen Polo 1.6 would likely be priced at around Rs. 625,000 (Ex-Showroom New Delhi) and interested individuals can book it at Volkswagen dealers for a booking amount of Rs. 50,000. Deliveries are expected to begin by October this year.

Polo 1.6 booking opens in India is a post from: The India Car

A name slightly apt for a car, which has although, received a facelift and slight spec upgrade inside, but underneath, is the same car, powered by the same 1.6 liter petrol or 1.5 liter diesel engine.

So what has changed?

For starters, Verna Transform gets better and sharper headlamps, new bumper and front grill with body colored inserts, new circular fog lamps, LED turn indicators on outside rear view mirrors, a new set of rear combination lamps and dual tone chrome rear garnish along with two tone rear bumper with reflector.

While on the inside, Hyundai has decided to add a new instrument panel to Verna Transform and all the displays are now backlit by a blue LED.

Engine like we mentioned earlier, remain the same and so do rest of the specifications.

Here is the press release from Verna Transformation launch:

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), the country’s largest exporter and the second largest car manufacturer, today launched the all new Verna Transform, a ‘Dynamic by DNA’ luxury sedan. Loaded with dynamic features and a distinctive sporty styling, the all new Verna Transform aims to answer the customer’s need for dynamic styling by complementing the power-packed performance.

Commenting on the launch, H W Park, MD & CEO, HMIL, said, “The Verna Transform is all set to boost Hyundai’s already superior line-up of products in India by raising the benchmark in the sedan segment, even further. The car’s distinctive sporty styling and dynamic features complement the refined power and thrilling performance that the Verna brand stands for. We are confident that the new Verna will prove to be very popular with car enthusiasts and will transform ownership into a thrilling experience. ”

When the Verna was launched in September, 2006 it not only won many awards including the prestigious ‘Car of the Year 2007’ but it also introduced to the segment many class leading premium features such as clutch lock system, dual height adjustable driver’s seat and maximum power (110PS) for any diesel car in this segment besides offering the only diesel automatic transmission in the segment. The tradition continues in the new Verna Transform with the company bringing in several advanced features that make it truly distinctive and sporty with head-turning looks.

The exteriors of Verna Transform gets a fresh, new look with features like ‘Sharp eye’ headlamps that provide better illumination and also complement the new bumper design. The stylish new front grille with body coloured styled inserts gives Verna Transform a more aggressive look. The ‘cascade mesh’ air dam provides for a smooth yet dynamic look. New circular front fog lamps in stylish trapezoidal bezels make it much safer and easier to drive during the foggy winters. To complement the sporty looks, the Verna Transform has trendy LED Turn Indicators on Outside Rear View Mirrors that enhances visibility. A new set of rear combination lamps and dual tone chrome rear garnish along with two tone rear bumper with smartly placed reflector gives the all new Verna Transform an unmatched road presence and a distinctive sporty look. And as if all this was not enough, the exhaust tip with chrome finish adds to the overall sporty appeal.

The interiors of the Verna Transform have been changed to increase user convenience and driving comfort. With a view to enhance the interior appeal, a unique blue LED illumination has been introduced that gives the cockpit a refined and premium look and also makes it more soothing for the eyes. The luxurious interiors are complemented by a new instrument cluster with silver surround dials that is neatly arranged and is capable of giving vital vehicle information at a glance.

While the interior and exterior features have been given a completely fresh look the Verna Transform retains the powerful & popular powertrain of its predecessor. The petrol variants include – 1.6 VTVT & 1.6 SX VTVT – while the diesel variants include – 1.5 CRDi VGT, 1.5 SX CRDi VGT & 1.5 SX VGT (AT). In order to appeal to a larger target group, Hyundai will be offering the customer choice of factory fitted or after market audio system on the VTVT and VGT variants.

The 1.6 litre petrol variant develops an impressive power of 103.2PS@5500 rpm and torque of 14.9kgm@3000 rpm. The 1.5 litre diesel variant develops a whopping power output of 110 PS@4000 rpm and an impressive torque of 24kgm@1900 – 2750 rpm. The top end diesel variant will be available with both – a 5-speed manual and the unique to segment 4-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai Verna Transform launched is a post from: The India Car

While cumulative sales figure in April 2010 – May 2010 have been 157,548 units, 52% higher than the corresponding period in 2009-10.

Biggest jump in sales figures was witnessed by Jaguar Land Rover, which managed to sell 19,053 vehicles globally in the month of May, a growth of 72%, compared to same month last year. Out of these, 5,120 units were of Jaguar brand of vehicles (growth of 34%) and Land Rover sales stood at 13,933, witnessing a whopping jump of 93%!

Tata Motors Group global comprises of Tata, Tata Daewoo and Hispano Carrocera range of commercial vehicles Tata passenger vehicles along with distributed brands in India, and Jaguar and Land Rover.

Tata’s global sales grow by 50% is a post from: The India Car