Automobile...

Volkswagen Phaeton

2011-06-21T17:04:00.000+05:30

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At a glance
		Handcrafted luxury. For the worthy few.

Overview

Highlights		ABS, ESP, EDL, ASR Tyre pressure monitoring system “Sensitive Classic Style” genuine leather upholstery Cruise control Refrigerator Body-coloured door mirrors with integrated indicators incorporating LED technology Aerodynamic windscreen wipers Genuine Poplar wood inserts Analogue clock in the dashboard
Engines		Petrol: 3.6L V6 Petrol Transmission: 6-Speed automatic with Tiptronic
Transmissions		6-Speed automatic with Tiptronic

Standard features

Exterior		Headlights cleaning system Body-coloured door mirrors with integrated indicators incorporating LED technology Exterior chrome package Day time running lights Aerodynamic windscreen wipers
Interior		Genuine Poplar wood inserts Front & rear centre armrest Analogue clock in the dashboard
Comfort		Power windows with one touch up & down “Climatronic” Auto AC with multi zone temperature control “Sensitive Classic Style” genuine leather upholstery Front seats with 18-way adjustment with memory function Leather multi-function wood steering wheel Cruise control Illuminated sun visors Rear electric sun blind Rain sensors Electric adjustable & foldable outside door mirrors Electric sunroof RNS810 music system with navigation, USB, 10 loudspeakers Telephone preparation with bluetooth Refrigerator Touch sensitive keyless entry system & ‘Start-Stop’ button Park distance control, front & rear, with rear view camera Electric adjustment for rake & reach of steering Electric height adjustment for front seat belts & headrest Tiptronic operation with shifting paddle on steering wheel Power operated boot lid Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror Air suspension with adjustable setting
Safety		ABS, ESP, EDL, ASR 8 Airbags Bi-Xenon headlights with cornering lights Front & rear fog lamps Active head restraints Anti-theft alarm system with interior monitoring Tyre pressure monitoring system

Engine
Engine Type		3.6L V6 Petrol
Displacement		3597 cc
Power		280 PS (206 kW) @ 6250 rpm
Torque		370 Nm @ 3500 rpm

Transmission
6-Speed Tiptronic		4-MOTION All wheel drive

Dimensions
Lenght (mm)		5175
Width (mm)		1903
Height (mm)		1450
Wheelbase (mm)		3001
Ground Clearance (mm)		128
Tyre size		235/55 R17 "Impression" Alloy wheels

Volkswagen passat New

2011-06-14T21:28:00.002+05:30

Volkswagen, Europe’s leading car manufacturer unveiled the all-new Passat with the highly innovative BlueMotion Technologies for India.

The all-new Passat will be available to customers in the diesel variant in both automatic and manual transmissions, starting at 20.80 lakh ex showroom Delhi. Sales of the all new Passat will start with the Highline and Comfortline which will later be followed by the Trendline.

The all-new Passat will be exclusively available with BlueMotion Technologies in India and the distinctive innovations will work together to achieve good fuel efficiency and reduced emissions without depriving customers from the fun of driving. It is a design into the future with upgraded comfort, convenience,
quality and safety, and more importantly cleaner and extremely fuel efficient.

BlueMotion Technologies .

BlueMotion Technologies is a range of innovations and refinements that represent the cleanest, most energy efficient cars in the Volkswagen range. These are technologies that work together to achieve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions without taking the fun out of driving.

The all-new Passat comes to India with a range of BlueMotion Technologies:

• TDI Engine: A 2.0L CR TDI engine with an output of 170PS and torque of 350 NM @ 1750-2500 rpm offers abundant torque, outstanding power output while assuring low fuel consumption

• Auto Start-Stop System: The efficient Start-Stop technology cuts emissions and saves fuel by automatically switching off the engine when waiting in traffic, and starts also automatically when the driver’s feat touches the gas pedal

• Brake Energy Recuperation: Recovers and recycles energy normally lost during braking, thereby saving fuel and cutting emissions

• DSG Dual Clutch Gearbox: Combines the comfort and convenience of an automatic transmission with the

efficiency and performance of a manual gearbox. Rapid and precise gear changes are the key advantages of this gearbox over automatic ones, besides ensuring higher fuel efficiency and reduction of carbon emissions. For those who still wish to change gears manually the tiptronic shift function makes it possible too.

• Gear Shift Indicator: An intelligent gear shift prompt that is available in the manual transmission that leads to significant reduction in fuel consumption

Best in Class Technologies:
• The Park Assist takes over during the parking process and maneuvers the car into any suitable parallel or perpendicular bay on its own.

• The new Attention Assist detects driver fatigue and warns him/her with an acoustic signal and a visual message on the instrument cluster recommending a break from driving

• The Acoustic Sound Lamination in the front and rear windshields substantially dampens the traffic noise from outside for a calm and pleasant cabin

• Climate Seats with active ventilation and massage function for the driver and front passenger to enhance driving comfort

Vehicle Outline

Exterior: The new front-end design gives the all new Passat an even more dominant, high-class look which is reinforced by the bixenon headlamps, along with rounded in-set headlamps and LED daytime running lights. Straight lines and cleanly sculpted surface is enhanced by a strong prominent C Pillar. interior: The all-new Passat is an epitome of luxury and comfort with the finest quality material, perfectly colour-coordinated panels and distinctively designed instrumentation that is effortless to read. Now available with electronic parking break, keyless entry and start options, the all new Passat emits a pure sense of luxury.

The All New Passat Price List **.
Trimline Price (INR)
Trendline: 20,80,000
Comfortline: 23,80,000
Highline: 25,65,000

** All prices are ex-showroom Delhi

Ford Focus 2012

2011-06-14T20:56:00.002+05:30

New Ford Focus combines expressive design with an exceptional array of smart new technologies, high levels of craftsmanship and occupant safety.Focus will deliver up to a projected 40 mpg on the highway, while offering the driver engaging performance and handling. Focus production begins at the company’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich.North American Focus hatchback and sedan models will go on sale – in S, SE, SEL and Titanium trim series levels – at Ford dealerships in early 2011
The all-new Ford Focus is gearing up for its North American launch with a sporty five-door hatchback and sleek four-door sedan.The all-new Focus will set a new standard in the small car segment, offering more technology and features than more expensive European cars, while delivering an expected 40 mpg, the only gas engine-powered vehicle with an automatic transmission in its segment to do so.
        “Focus brings a desirable combination of dynamic design, outstanding driver engagement, unmatched levels of technology and impressive fuel economy,” said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. “The new model should expand Focus appeal to a whole new generation of customers.”Focus is Ford’s most significant global nameplate. With more than 10 million units sold since launch in 1998, Focus has become a sales leader with consumers worldwide for its outstanding value, comfort, safety, technology and driving dynamics.
        Following an unprecedented global development program under the company’s One Ford strategy, the all-new 2012 Focus is set to continue its successful tradition. Focus demonstrates how Ford can scale to meet the universal needs of worldwide customers, while fine-tuning to suit regional preferences.“In every world market where Focus competes, customers are looking for expressive design, meaningful technologies, responsive performance and exceptional fuel economy,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. “Focus will set new standards for these comparatives and offer a class-leading range of standard and available content, enabled by its global scale.”
         Distinguished by its sleek and sporty design, the new Focus is packed with more affordable technologies and features than Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla or even larger competitors such as Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. In addition, Focus offers high standards of quality and craftsmanship and class-leading fuel economy, and it takes driving dynamics to a new level.Developed in Europe and for sale in more than 120 markets worldwide, the all-new Focus is a key element of the North American Ford product portfolio. Building on the quality leadership of the previous model, the next-generation Focus range has been expanded to include a high-series Titanium model that will please drivers shifting from larger and luxury-class vehicles.
Striking, streamlined design
Both Focus bodystyles share a sporty character, marking the next evolution of Ford’s acclaimed kinetic design form language. With its striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance, the new Focus signals the rewarding experience awaiting a driver.
The all-new Focus four-door has a drag coefficient as low as 0.297, compared to the current model’s 0.320. This is a lower drag coefficient than Chevrolet Cruze and Volkswagen Jetta. The slippery Focus shape and steeply raked windshield contribute to significantly reduced drag. Optimized aerodynamics help to reduce Focus wind noise at speed and contribute to improved fuel efficiency.

Focus features new active grille shutters to block airflow through the cooling system when not required. In addition to an aerodynamic improvement at higher speeds, active grille shutters reduce underhood temperatures at low speed, increasing thermal efficiency.
Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels have been reduced and driving dynamics enhanced by the improved stiffness of the body structure, with 30 percent greater rigidity than the previous Focus model.

Stylish, functional interior
The dynamic quality of the exterior is reinforced by the distinctive design of the interior. Focus has a modern, cockpit-style interior, with a stylish center console.
The most significant interior innovation is SYNC® with MyFord Touch™, which replaces many of the traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with clear, colorful LCD screens and five-way buttons. The screens can be personalized to display information relevant to each driver using a simple button click, voice command or touch screen tap. MyFord Touch is powered by a new generation of the company’s award-winning SYNC system, which includes a sophisticated voice control system for vehicle functions, connected Bluetooth® devices, MP3 players and a wide variety of external media.
The interior combines functionality with outstanding craftsmanship. The cabin’s bold and contemporary graphics, the sculptured shape of the soft-touch instrument panel and the choice of superior trim materials combine to give occupants a premium-class experience.
Focus brings C-car interior space to a new level, rivaling larger vehicles. It offers more shoulder room than an Audi A4, and more front headroom than a Toyota Camry. In the spacious second row, Focus provides more hip room than the Audi or Toyota.

Smart technology for safety and practicality
The worldwide scale of Ford’s C-car program makes additional technologies and features more economically viable than ever for cars in this segment. This enabled Focus engineers to make a wide range of innovative technologies available to meet the diverse needs of global consumers.
While the number of features offered in each market will vary according to local customer demand and acceptance, the full range of technologies has been engineered for Focus, meaning additional features could be made available to meet changing market requirements.
Focus was designed to exceed global safety standards for occupant and pedestrian protection. Featuring next-generation front and sides airbag technologies to tailor deployment to individual passengers, Focus includes segment-exclusive Safety Canopy® curtain airbags.
The comprehensive range of smart technologies and features available on the new Focus for North America includes:

Active park assist

SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information

HD Radio™ with iTunes® Tagging

Ambient lighting

Torque vectoring control

Rear view camera

Intelligent Access with push-button start

Unmatched driving quality

The original Ford Focus brought new levels of driving agility to this segment of cars. Now Focus raises the benchmark to target class-leading driving quality, blending communicative steering with significantly improved ride quality. To achieve this, Ford engineers have optimized new designs for the Control Blade™ multilink rear suspension and semi-isolated front subframe.
The Focus chassis design is complemented by a completely new electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, which has been carefully tuned to deliver precise response at speed while remaining light and maneuverable for easy parking.
Ford engineers have enhanced Focus cornering stability and agility with an advanced torque vectoring control system, behaving like a limited-slip differential to constantly balance the distribution of torque between the front wheels. This results in reduced understeer, improved traction and better turn-in.
The system is particularly effective as the car accelerates through corners, applying an imperceptible amount of braking to the inside front wheel so that more of the engine torque goes to the outside wheel with greater traction. This makes the car feel smaller, more agile and responsive. Torque vectoring control provides handling characteristics that will flatter novice drivers and reward the expert ones.

Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 2011

2011-06-14T20:16:00.000+05:30

     The 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 continues to build on a tradition that spans nine Harley-Davidson
F-150 models. The newest edition combines the smooth handling and legendary durability of America’s best-selling line of trucks with the authentic styling of Harley-Davidson.
     Custom finishes are used throughout the 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150, with themes extending from the exterior to the interior. New graphics on the hood and bodyside of the truck are executed in an engine-turned finish and feature dimensional satin chrome “Harley-Davidson” lettering. The graphics are reminiscent of the “speed scallops” used on hot rods.
     Interior trim panels are covered in Tuxedo Black paint, while the door scuff plate and console lid also carry the engine-turned finish. All interior chrome surfaces feature a new satin finish. Premium leather- trimmed seats come with accent color inserts and a unique cloisonné badge.]

New technology features
Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 receives several technology upgrades to ensure customers are connected on the road. One technology is a standard 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen, which offers menu options, giving the customer important information related to fuel economy and towing performance. For the customer who wants more control of transmission gear selection, SelectShift Automatic™ transmission functionality also is available.

Other standard features on the 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 include:
• Power moonroof
• Rear view camera
• Second-row heated seats
• Ambient lighting
• Remote Start System
• Voice-activated touch-screen Navigation System
SAFETY/STANDARD

• Safety Canopy® side-curtain airbags
• SecuriLock® Anti-Theft Engine Immobilizer System
• SOS Post-Crash Alert System™
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• MyKey®
Most powerful edition ever

Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 is taking power to the extreme with the new standard 6.2-liter V8 engine, which debuted earlier this year on the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor. It’s the most powerful and capable Harley-Davidson F-150 ever. Ford tapped into a bit of its proud racing heritage to create the new 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine, which uses big-bore architecture to produce impressive horsepower and torque. The new gasoline engine delivers 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque and provides improved maximum trailer towing capability of 7,500 pounds.

Powertrain: 6.2-liter V8, 411 hp @ 5,500 rpm, 434 lb.-ft. torque @ 4,500 rpmProduction location: Dearborn Truck

Mercedes Benz G 55 AMG

2011-03-27T23:20:00.001+05:30

It is now 30 years since production of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class began. The Stuttgart-based car maker first unveiled this robust off-roader to the public in 1979, since when it has delivered a total of some 200,000 units of the G-Class to customers around the world. Its still striking appearance, which has remained substantially unchanged throughout its 30-year career, plus outstanding engineering, has secured this Mercedes-Benz off-roader cult status in the automotive world, and made it one of the most coveted vehicles of its type on the market.

This model family, which is acknowledged to be the best in the off-road sector has won the Paris-Dakar Rally, is a means of transport considered fitting for the Holy Father, has become an automotive styling icon, continues to emerge victorious in reader votes and represents the gene pool for the Mercedes-Benz SUV family.

Continuous model updates keep the G-Class up to the latest technological development status and guarantee a superior drive system, but without diluting its essential character. Thanks to a combination of permanent all-wheel drive, the electronically controlled traction system 4ETS, ESP®, a "low-range" gearbox and three selectable differential locks, the G-Class is equal to any off-road challenge while ensuring the handling safety expected of a Mercedes on the road.

Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales & Marketing of Mercedes-Benz India: "Globally, we have sold over 200,000 units of the G-Class till date. Mercedes-Benz is celebrating its 125th anniversary of its invention of the automobile. The G-Class is the longest-serving passenger car series in the 125-year history of Mercedes-Benz and it is fitting that the flagship model of the G-Class is introduced to mark the celebrations in India. At an aggressive price point of INR 1.10 crores, the iconic G-Class has received significant interest from customers who want highest capabilities from their luxury SUV."

G 55 AMG: an off-roader with the heart of a sports car
The top model in the G-Class - the G 55 AMG - is equipped with a supercharged 5.5-litre V8-engine developing 373 kW/507 hp and a maximum torque of 700 Newton metres. These figures ensure a decidedly superior performance: the G 55 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, and has an (electronically limited) top speed of 210 km/h.

The AMG version also sets the pace where handling safety and comfort are concerned. The Electronic Stability Program ESP® has a modified, highly efficient control unit. Its integrated lateral acceleration control allows the more precise recognition of extremely dynamic driving manoeuvres to optimise the stability of the vehicle. The G 55 AMG is also equipped with Hill Start Assist. If its sensors detect that the vehicle is stopping on a gradient, the brake pressure is briefly maintained so that the G-Class cannot roll backwards. The driver has enough time to switch from the brake pedal to the accelerator. The advantage is that in most situations, this makes it unnecessary to engage the parking brake.

The G 55 AMG is distinguished by its design refinements. The most obvious feature at the front end is the radiator grille with its three prominent horizontal louvres painted in the vehicle colour with exclusive chrome inserts. When viewed from the side, the eye is drawn to the new, high-gloss titanium grey 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design. With a width of 9.5 inches and size 275/55 R 19 tyres, they fill out the wheel arches to impressive effect. The standard AMG body styling continues to include bumpers painted in the vehicle colour and flared AMG wings. Beneath the stainless steel running board on each side, the two oval, chrome-plated twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system are an unmistakable indicator of the power potential residing in the supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8.

The G 55 AMG also emphasises its exclusive interior character with a roof lining in anthracite Alcantara and a designo leather interior as standard, also featuring new, silver-coloured designo emblems on the front seat backrests. The colour scheme is matched by the design wood trim and the wood/leather steering wheel and selector lever with G 55 lettering.. The G 55 AMG is equipped with the latest-generation COMAND APS Mercedes telematics, reversing camera & rear seat entertainment as a standard option.

Audi R8 5.2 FSI

2011-03-27T23:08:00.000+05:30

Audi unleashes the breathtaking Audi R8 5.2 FSI

• Achieving record sales in 2010, Audi India enters 2011 by reinforcing leadership position in the high-performance sports car segment
• New V10 engine follows the successful V8 engine in line with Audi’s rich motorsport tradition
• A zero to 100 km/h sprint in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 316 km/h exemplify the breathtaking dynamics of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro 
• Audi R8 V10, winner of 2010 “World Performance Car” blends world class performance with city drivability
Mumbai: Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, today announced the launch of the much awaited all new Audi R8 5.2 FSI for India, thereby strengthening its leadership position in the super sports car segment. Propelled by a powerful V10 quattro engine and built using the lightweight Audi Space Frame (ASF) design, the new Audi R8 V10 goes from zero to 100 km/h in a mere 3.9 seconds, boasting of a top speed of 316 km/h. The Audi R8 5.2 FSI will be priced at INR 1, 32,49,000 (ex-showroom Maharashtra).

“The Audi R8 V10 exemplifies our belief in developing and delivering world class automobiles to sports car enthusiasts in India. Embodying our philosophy of “Vorsprung durch Technik,” every Audi R8 5.2 FSI is hand-built and demonstrates paramount engineering excellence that is skillfully blended with distinct design cues which will enable us to establish new benchmarks in the performance sports car segment. ,” said Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India.
The new Audi R8 5.2 FSI is firmly rooted in Audi’s great motorsport tradition. The Audi R8 5.2 FSI will be available with a manual six-speed transmission or R tronic which enables the driver to change gears in an instant via rocker switches on the steering wheel. The quattro permanent all wheel drive technology used along with the “Launch Control” function, which is integrated with both types of transmission, helps maintain absolute stability and driving comfort while catapulting the car forward from a standing start to give owners a premium performance car experience.
Built of aluminum in the Audi Space Frame design, this high performance automobile weighs a mere 210 kgs without compromising on handling, drive quality and safety standards. The exterior of the Audi R8 5.2 FSI is refreshed with newly designed sideblades to increase air intake and maximize performance. A very distinctive design highlight of the R8 V10 is the all-LED headlights as standard equipment.
Completely hand-built with an extensive list of standard equipment, the Audi R8 5.2 FSI is customizable right down to the finest detail, giving performance car enthusiasts an absolutely premium experience. Precisely stitched interiors for leather packages add to the luxuriousness of the segment defining Audi R8 5.2 FSI.
“Progressive and sporty, the Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro is a category winner. A powerful combination of performance and design excellence, this 2010 World Performance Car winner follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, (the 2008 World Performance Car award winning V8 powered R8), to create exhilarating experiences for drivers in India. We are confident that the Audi R8 V10 will help us consolidate our leadership position in the super sports car segment in India and replicate the success we enjoy in the luxury SUV segment with the Audi Q7. Our fast expanding dealer network will ensure that our buyers have an optimum ownership experience and deliver on values our brand stands for,” added Michael Perschke.  In 2010, Audi sold 3003 units, exceeding targets to achieve record growth of 81%. For 2011, Audi India will continue to expand its product lineup and deliver path breaking and award winning automobiles to customers in India.
Audi India is also focused at strengthening its dealer network across India with the forthcoming openings of showrooms in Delhi and Ludhiana. Last year, the company inaugurated showrooms in Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur and Bengaluru.
The Audi model range in India includes Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A8, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi TT and the super sports car Audi R8. The entire Audi model range is available across the country: in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Mumbai West and Pune. Further developments include Surat, Mumbai South, Coimbatore, Indore and Lucknow.

Ford India to Bring its All-New, Global Award-Winning Fiesta in India in 2011

2011-03-27T22:52:00.000+05:30

Ford’s all-new, award-winning Fiesta is coming to India this year. This marks the first in a series of eight new global products that Ford plans to introduce in India by the middle of this decade.

Announcing the new Fiesta’s eagerly awaited arrival, Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India said, “We are delighted the new Fiesta is coming to India. It will provide Indian customers a premium sedan that reflects their personality in terms of style, technology and performance, and will add a new level of diversity and dynamism to our showrooms."

The new Ford Fiesta will be built at Ford's state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Chennai and the Indian consumers can look forward to a hi-end sedan that will provide sporty design, great ride, dynamic performance and array of smart technologies.

"The new Fiesta will augment the current range of Fiesta vehicles in India, which remain an integral part of our product line-up,” Boneham added. “Our stepped-up launch plan builds on the incredible consumer response to the Ford Figo, which in 12 months has transformed our presence in India and attracted many new customers to the Ford brand."

The new, global Fiesta, which is available in more than 100 markets throughout the world, has sold more than one million units worldwide.

Tata Indica eV2

2011-03-27T22:11:00.007+05:30

Tata Motors today launched the Tata Indica eV2, the most fuel efficient car in India with a mileage of 25 kmpl, certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for the CR4 diesel engine. Built on the Tata Indica platform, the Tata Indica eV2 succeeds the highly successful Tata Indica, India's favourite hatchback.
The Indica eV2 sports an all new CR4 Common Rail Diesel engine that has a displacement of 1396 cc delivering 70 PS @ 4000 RPM. With a higher torque of 140 NM at a lower 1800-3000 RPM, improvements in the gear ratios, starter motor protection and reduction in the weight of the car by around 10 kg, the Tata Indica eV2 ensures a better pickup. The new CR4 engine has resulted in 32% increase in power, 65% increase in torque as well as a 46% improvement on fuel efficiency. The Tata Indica eV2 is also available with the MPFI petrol engine to provide customers with a wider choice. Both these engines are compliant with BS4 emission norms.
This mileage of 25 kmpl is hinged on three technological advancements.
1) SMART EMS (Engine Management System) CHIP that involves perfectly calibrating every minute engine component to optimize functionality - Right from valve timing to compression ratios to pressure volume ratios, it flawlessly synchronizes every engine function to deliver this mileage.
2) MAXIMUM CHARGE COMBUSTION - An innovatively designed engine block and piston assembly that ensures effective intake and circulation of charge (mixture of air and fuel), thereby almost preventing friction between parts. The result is max combustion of charge, increased efficiency and power.
3) DRAG REDUCTION - Redesigned wheel arches and subtle alterations on the exterior combined with a lighter shell and engine have collectively contributed to making the car more aerodynamic, reducing the drag coefficient.
Besides, improved driveability, the new Tata Indica eV2 also offers two class defining features. The Auto-Drive Assist ensures that while climbing a gradient the engine will not stall even if the foot is completely taken off the clutch, thus enabling the driver to easily shift his foot to the accelerator. Another first is the Clutch-To-Start feature that will ensure that one cannot crank the engine unless the clutch is fully engaged, hence there is no risk of re-crank if engine is on.
The interiors of the new Tata Indica eV2 are in elegant shadow beige colour. The top trim sports a wooden finish centre console and host of other features like power windows, keyless entry, Bluetooth enabled music system and USB port, 4 spoke collapsible steering wheel, tachometer, rear parcel shelf, 60:40 rear seating, front and rear fog lamps.
The exterior styling gets enhanced by sporty alloy wheels, attractive decals, a new tail light cluster and rear bumper.
The Tata Indica eV2 range is available in four exciting colours- Apple Green, Neo Orange, Arctic Silver and Mint White.
The car comes with a warranty of 24 months or 75000 km whichever is earlier.
The Tata Indica eV2 is in the range of Rs. 3.95 lakhs and Rs. 4.77 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi for the CR4 diesel engine and in the range of Rs. 2.95 lakhs and Rs. 3.58 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi, for the MPFI petrol.

About Tata Motors
Tata Motors is India's largest automobile company, with consolidated revenues of Rs. 92,519 crores ($ 20 billion) in 2009-10. Through subsidiaries and associate companies, Tata Motors has operations in the UK, South Korea, Thailand and Spain. Among them is Jaguar Land Rover, the business comprising the two iconic British brands. It also has an industrial joint venture with Fiat in India. With over 5.9 million Tata vehicles plying in India, Tata Motors is the country's market leader in commercial vehicles and among the top three in passenger vehicles. It is also the world's fourth largest truck manufacturer and the second largest bus manufacturer. Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and South America. (www.tatamotors.com).

2010 BMW 7 Series

2010-04-16T17:48:00.002+05:30

The BMW 7-Series is the athlete of the super luxury class. A car for those who love to drive, it offers the handling balance of a sport sedan in the body of a luxury cruiser.

The BMW 7-Series was redesigned just last year, but the new car appeared fairly late in the year, so even some BMW loyalists aren't very familiar with the new design. It carries into 2010 unchanged.

It's been a critical hit. With balanced lines, it's a graceful looking car -- something that not many said about the previous-generation 7-series. Its sleek exterior houses an interior filled with advanced electronics and comfortable expanses of leather.

But the best seat in any BMW is the driver's seat, and the 7 is no exception. Technological advances like driver-adjustable chassis tuning and four-wheel steering make this the most athletic 4,500-pound luxury car on the market. Choosing one super-luxury car over another is now primarily a matter of taste. The BMW exudes an air of performance that most of its rivals don't match, but they're all extraordinary cars.

But competition in the segment is heating up. A new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, built for the 2010 model year, adds safety features this car doesn't have. A new Jaguar XJ due out later in the year may even challenge it athletically - and from early reports, it appears to be the best-looking car of the group.

For 2010, the 7-Series is offered in two trim levels - the 750i and long-wheelbase 750Li. The two are mechanically identical rear-wheel-drive cars powered by a direct-injection, twin-turbocharged V8. All-wheel drive may be an option on future versions of the car, but is not yet offered. A hybrid version is reportedly in development, but may not reach showrooms until 2010. If that appeals to you, you may want to investigate the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid and the Lexus LS hybrid, both of which are already in showrooms.

2010 Mercedes Benz S Class

2010-04-16T17:45:00.001+05:30

The flagship sedan of the world’s oldest automaker, the exemplary 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows off everything that Mercedes engineers can do. It offers a level of luxury even some similarly-priced cars can’t match, and safety systems no other automaker builds. Much of the same can be said, however, of its less-expensive E-Class sibling.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the most luxurious and exclusive sedan built by the legendary engineers at Mercedes-Benz. It is a well-balanced luxury cruiser, offering refined road manners, sumptuous luxury and high-end technology packaged within an old-world ambiance that many rivals can’t approach. Available with a powerful V8 or an astonishing twin-turbo V12, it is as fast as many sports cars. With exceptional Napa leather upholstery and a revised technology package including an updated navigation system that stores Zagat reviews of thousands of restaurants and hotels, it coddles its occupants like few cars ever have. Its unique, optional Drive Dynamic seats, which actually change shape to cradle passengers in response to the car’s movements, are something no rival can match.

For 2010, the S-Class also debuts some extraordinary new safety systems, such as Mercedes’ new, heavily-advertised Attention Assist driver drowsiness monitor, which attempts to detect and alert a tiring driver..

2010 Lexus LS

2010-04-16T17:43:00.000+05:30

The Lexus LS offers one of the finest interiors available anywhere, and an options list longer than any of its major rivals. It’s powerful, but clearly trails European rivals in driving excitement.

In the rarified class of Super Luxury Cars, every car does most things very well. Still, the Lexus LS has a distinct personality within that group. The only non-European entry, it offers the quietest, smoothest ride, the longest option list, and, to some reviewers, the most luxurious cabin. However, it can’t hold its own against its German rivals as a performance car.

The LS is driven by a powerful V8 engine (reviewers love its rumbling exhaust note, but you can only hear it from outside the car), and is available with a sport package that includes paddle shifters and a re-tuned, firmer suspension. But its electronic power steering still lacks the road feel most cars at this price point offer, its standard suspension settings give the impression the car is floating over the road, and the big V8s from Mercedes and BMW still out-accelerate this car.

The LS is an outstanding highway cruiser and a lavish place to spend a commute, not an Autobahn-storming rival for Germany’s flagship sedans. For many, that will make it the best choice -- the LS may be the best of the group at the things most owners need their car to do each day.

And its interior is simply opulent. All super luxury cars offer supple leather, but some reviewers say the grade of upholstery found in the LS is actually a step up from what other manufacturers build into their six-figure cars. Its cabin technologies also raise the bar, including what may be the best sound system available in a car, period.

But perhaps the most important note in its favor is the car’s value -- the LS has the lowest starting price of any super luxury car.

2010 Porsche Panamera

2010-04-16T17:37:00.002+05:30

Perhaps the world’s most uncompromising sedan, the all-new Porsche Panamera combines breathtaking performance with indulgent accommodations for four adults. Some Porsche purists may detest the car’s unusual appearance, and few can afford it (a look at the pricing list for options would make Warren Buffet gasp), but the automotive press agrees that the car is simply an epic achievement.

The Porsche Panamera can coddle four adults in opulent surroundings at 170 mph, and holds its own with some six-figure sports cars on a winding mountain road. It can carry as much cargo as some full-size SUVs, but in turbocharged form, goes from zero-to-sixty faster than a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. It offers four sumptuous seats, a stereo system that’s among the best offered anywhere, and available four-zone climate control, and 500 horsepower.

The Porsche Panamera’s combination of blistering speed, hairpin cornering precision and astonishing brakes have set a new standard for what a sedan can do. It may be the most high-performance four-door car in the world. Auto writers attempt to compare it to sport sedans from performance-tuning divisions of other automakers; but so far, we’ve yet to find a comparison the Panamera loses. Despite its high-performance character, reviewers say it’s an easy car to live with as a daily driver. If you can afford the extravagance, the Panamera may be the best balance of performance car and sedan available today.

Mercedes Benz

2009-04-24T22:12:00.002+05:30

Mercedes Benz SLClass- 2009
Vehicle Details
Available Transmissions---Automatic,Auto Manual
EPA Fuel Economy------City: 13, Highway: 21
Available Engines-----V-8
Available Body Types---Convertible

A celebration of the automotive design and engineering genius, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class represents the highest of expression of a two-seat luxury roadster, with each model boasting colossal power, a retractablein hardtop roof, and abundant, alluring luxury features.

All of the four models in the SL-Class feature is a larger front air dam, pronounced side grills and new, sleek side mirrors.
The SL550 Roadster .kicks off, the SL-Class with a 5.5-lit.er 382-horsepower 32-valve V8 engine—and that is just the tip of the Mercedes-Benz SL iceberg..
The 7-speed automatic transmi,ssion will take you from 0 to 60 in just 5.3 seconds on 18-inch 5-spoke wheels.
The SL600 packs a wallop with ,a 5.5-liter, 510-horsepower 36-valve biturbo V.-12 engine and 612 lb-ft of torque.,
That means 0 to 6_0 in 4.4 seconds. 18-inch 10-twin-spoke wheels and split {dual chrome exhaust make the SL600 both bold and sophisticated.
Safety and security features in include driver and passenger front air bags, side-impact head thorax air bags, Antilock brakees, 4-wheel disc brakes and an Electronic Stability Program .
All three trims come with Tele Aid. Tele Aid provides 24-hour live assistance for emergency aid, information and roadside as_sistance.
If you are in an acciden t and the airbags are deployed, Automatic Collisio.n Notification sends a signal to operators who quickly notify par amedics.
here are few of luxury roadsters in the world that can parallel the power, prestige and excellence of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

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Bluebird

2009-04-16T23:14:00.002+05:30

the new Sylphy officially listed on the country, divided into two displacement 1.6L and 2.0L, for a total of 10 levels (including optional 2-level), its official price guide for: 1.6XE comfortable version of the hands 124,800 yuan fixed block, 1.6XE comfortable automatic version of 134,800 yuan, 1.6XL sunroof deluxe version手动挡135,800 yuan, 1.6XL Deluxe Edition automatic sunroof 145,800 yuan, 2.0XL Deluxe Edition 154,800 yuan, 2.0XL luxury sunroof version of 161,800 yuan, 2.0XL technology version of 160,800 yuan, 2.0XL technology version of 167,800 yuan skylights, 2.0XL luxury version option sunroof 177,800 yuan, 2.0XL technology version of the optional sunroof 181,800 yuan.

Nissan as a global strategic model, the predecessor of Sylphy in China dates back to the first generation of luxury cars on behalf of - Bluebird (Bluebird), its excellent product performance and driving experience of respected noble known for the world to create the industry's marvel of the "Bluebird myth." Blue high standard in the technology platform, the Dongfeng Nissan to take "half a step ahead" of a strategy for the integration Sylphy many innovative design and advanced process technology to maximize the advantages. Sylphy available after the upgrade to each section represents the trend of mid-size city consumer innovation.

The new Sylphy Sylphy in our pursuit of comfort until space and science and technology ideas and equipment, based on the current market家轿pay special attention to the appearance, space, power and fuel consumption in four areas to upgrade and improve the whole car 20 details of more than fully reflects the concerns "extremely atmospheric," "the extreme right width," "extremely smooth" and "the most energy-efficient" four ultimate standard, set a Chevrolet "家轿full-size flagship" of the new standards.

"The very atmosphere": in the design, the new Sylphy closely integrated with the trend of the times. Change the front air grille with a new generation Teana is more similar to the grid to increase so that the entire vehicle is even more powerful, cross-cutting around the waistline so that the new car looks more dynamic, extended smooth, full of mellow style , the appearance of more tough, more mellow lines, the overall shape tends to younger.

"The extremely wide right": by virtue of innovative design concept, the new Sylphy 4665mm long in the body to achieve ultra-long wheelbase with large rear knee space, compact body with large space within a "super-contrast space," creating Zoran open home hospitality; seat to blend with the unique comfort of scallop-type design, so that every moment of the driving experience is the highest honor. In order to enrich humanity with a leading, such as vice driver seat electric adjustment, auxiliary side airbags, active head restraints, ASCD cruise control system, automatic air-conditioning Catanionic, as well as high-grade interior design, fully reflects the aesthetic and practical design of "super-concept", so in honor of every possible way.

"Extremely smooth": the new Sylphy MR20DE with 2.0 liters engine and a new generation of XTRONIC CVT Continuously Variable Transmission, a perfect combination of both, power is very smooth convergence, taking into account fuel economy, brought about by "super-technical experience."

"Extreme energy": the new Sylphy wuji CVT transmission with the transmission than ordinary energy saving 15%. At the same time, new 1.6L manual files, the largest reduction in energy-efficient environment, to provide consumers with more choices.

Italian Cars-Most expensives...

2009-04-16T23:09:00.000+05:30

Italian car design is the Holy Land, where the majority of the world's renowned professional design studios, designers shape the world of the sacred temple of worship, many of the world's people vehicles come from the Italian designer's inspiration. Soccer is like the fans, the fashion capital in the model, the Italian sports car is sacred in the eyes of fans. Italy is a strange country, always filled with all kinds of opposition: the Apennine peninsula, one of the "small" country, there is a "big" group of fans; ancient cultural and architectural history of the dissemination of a long breath, but it is also world-renowned fashion capital; Italy's largest automobile company Fiat to produce mainly low-cost car, but expensive sports car in order to conquer the whole world.

There is no car can be like the Italian sports car to the fans as they hear the name of a feeling of excitement. Often the legendary Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati described as a model of elegance and passion by the Ferrari Maserati M & A, in the super sports car market hard, has gone beyond a century. Track in the GT's performance on the eye-catching, but also prepare the world to praise its performance. However, in the listing of products, the positioning of Maserati and Ferrari are totally different. Compared to the unrestrained Ferrari, Maserati of people is a elegant, luxurious without losing the feeling of movement. Today let us all work together to taste some of the two Maserati's cars: elegant, president of the Quattroporte S (below the "president" instead of) and the publicity GranTurismo S (below use "GT S" in place of)

The Most Expensive cars In The World...

2009-02-28T16:48:00.002+05:30

1.Bugatti Veyron

2.Ferrari Enzo

3.Pagani Zonda C12 F

4.SSC Ultimate Aero

5.LeBlanc Mirabeau

6.Saleen S7 Twin Turbo

7.Koenigsegg CCX

8.Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

9.Porsche Carrera GT

10.Maybach 62

11.Maybach 57 S

ways to lower auto insurance cost...

2009-02-26T17:20:00.001+05:30

1} Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Car insurance premiums are based in part on the car’s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety
record, and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft. These include daytime running lights and anti¬theft devices. To help you decide what car to buy, you can get information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety .

2} Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40 percent or more. Before choosing a higher deductible, be sure you have enough money set aside to pay it if you have a claim.
Deductibles are what you pay before your insurance pol¬icy kicks in. By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 to 30 .

3} Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to shop around. Get at least three price quotes. You can call companies directly or access informa¬
tion on the Internet. Your state insurance depart¬ment may also provide comparisons of prices charged by major insurers. (State insurance department phone numbers and Web sites can be found on the back cover.) You buy insurance to protect you financially and provide peace of mind. It's important to pick a company that is financially stable. Check the financial health of insurance companies with rating companies such as A.M. Best.

4}Establishing a solid credit history can cut your insurance
costs. Insurers are increasingly using credit information to price auto insurance policies. Research shows that those who effectively manage their credit also are more responsible drivers. To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, don't obtain more credit than you need and keep your credit balances as low as possible. Check your credit record on a regular basis and have any errors corrected promptly so that your record remains accurate.

5} Some companies offer reductions to drivers who get insur-ance through a group plan from their employers, through professional, business and alumni groups, or other associ¬
ations. Ask your employer, and if you are a member of such a group or club, see if discount plans are available.

Latest Mercedes car Technology...

2009-02-26T16:56:00.003+05:30

The Latest Mercedes technology that will be used in its future cars are follows:

1) Highly improoved navigation console systems that includs computer−like screens on the dash, global positioning satellite and on board DVDs which can easily flash directions, maps, vital information on busineses like hotels, hospitals etc will be installed in every Mercedes. Getting lost wil be a lot harder with these in your car.

2}Safety systems with radar and cameras that watch out for danger as you drive. These safety equipment will be able to warn you of imminent danger by using advance mathematics to calculate the possibilities & th chances of danger occurring. This will be the future's way of fortune telling.

3}Wi−Fi hook−ups in almost every vehicle will provide weather, news, and other information. Long trips won't be the same wih tese kinds of entertainment on board.

4}Keyless entry is already being used on other vehicles like the Cadillac, Infinity and BMW models, Mercedes on the other hand is o its way to using a credit card style system which will replace car keys in the near tomorrow. That will make for lighter pockets.

5}Programmable Mercedes vehicles will arrive in the foreseeable future. It allows the driver to choose the type of vehicle to driv & uses electronics to adjust his Mercedes according to his personal preference like lowering or raising ground clearance for varied grouund effects. The choice between sporty and luxurious, stylish and chic has never been easier

6}Voice prompts allows you to "talk" to your car and command it to operate various basic functions such as locaating a radios station. This technology is already used in certain BMW's, Jaguar, Lexus and Mercedes models and will continue to be used and adapted as standard features on all trims and models

7}) 40 Volt Electrical Systems wil be a standard feature on the Mercedes which will allow for more electrical equipments to be brought into the vehicle.

8}Various parts of the vehicle will be connected to a computer program which will be able to store relevant data to aid delers, manufacturers and your mechanic in diagnosing the problem. With a handy cellular phone or laptop, you can transfer the data to the Internet and get a long−distance troubleshoot for your Mercedes. New technologies such as these, nothing IS impossible.

9}Electronically controlled pedals, already used by Mercedes, will be installed in more of its vehicles. It snds an electronic signal rather than set the brake or accelerator in motion through physical contact whic allows a split−second action.

Mercedes Benz SLClass- 2009

2009-01-17T18:07:00.003+05:30

Vehicle Details
Available Transmissions---Automatic,Auto Manual
EPA Fuel Economy------City: 13, Highway: 21
Available Engines-----V-8
Available Body Types---Convertible

A celebration of the automotive design and engineering genius, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class represents the highest of expression of a two-seat luxury roadster, with each model boasting colossal power, a retractablein hardtop roof, and abundant, alluring luxury features.

All of the four models in the SL-Class feature is a larger front air dam, pronounced side grills and new, sleek side mirrors.
The SL550 Roadster .kicks off, the SL-Class with a 5.5-lit.er 382-horsepower 32-valve V8 engine—and that is just the tip of the Mercedes-Benz SL iceberg..
The 7-speed automatic transmi,ssion will take you from 0 to 60 in just 5.3 seconds on 18-inch 5-spoke wheels.
The SL600 packs a wallop with ,a 5.5-liter, 510-horsepower 36-valve biturbo V.-12 engine and 612 lb-ft of torque.,
That means 0 to 6_0 in 4.4 seconds. 18-inch 10-twin-spoke wheels and split {dual chrome exhaust make the SL600 both bold and sophisticated.
Safety and security features in include driver and passenger front air bags, side-impact head thorax air bags, Antilock brakees, 4-wheel disc brakes and an Electronic Stability Program .
All three trims come with Tele Aid. Tele Aid provides 24-hour live assistance for emergency aid, information and roadside as_sistance.
If you are in an acciden t and the airbags are deployed, Automatic Collisio.n Notification sends a signal to operators who quickly notify par amedics.
here are few of luxury roadsters in the world that can parallel the power, prestige and excellence of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

Mercedes BenZ-G Class - 2008

2009-01-17T17:45:00.002+05:30

Mercedes-Benz G-Class features ,rugged styling, a luxurious interior, and dominating V8 power.
it features a standard 5.0 liter V8 engine produces 292 horsepower and 336 lb.-ft. of torque, which supplies the G500 with ample towing capabilities and excellent passing power.

The standard 7-speed automatic transmission adjusts shift points to reflect your driving style and features Touch Shift for manumatic shifting ability. As the high-performance G55 AMG, it boasts a 5.5 liter supercharged V8 engine producing 493 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque as one of the most powerful SUVs in the world.
With an established off-road pedigree, a wealth of luxury features, and ample power, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a formidable luxury SUV that appeals to buyers looking for something a little more rugged.

Vehicle Details
EPA Fuel Economy------City: 12, Highway: 15
Available Transmissions------Automatic,Auto Manual
Available Body Types---SUV

BMW M5 - 2009

2009-01-17T17:41:00.000+05:30

highlights-----classic styling,sophisticated refinement ,Otherworldly power,The advanced 5.0-liter, 500-horsepower V-10 engine

A new exterior color, Carbon Black Metallic gives the already sleek M5 a bolder look, while a new Smartphone Integration option charges the phone, allows access to music stored on the phone and can improve phone reception. The M5 is as comfortable as it is fast.
Standard 18-way power adjustable heated front seats include adjustable bolsters and headrests, lumbar and thigh support, and 2-setting memory function for balanced support and pure luxury. Automatic climate control is standard, with separate controls for driver and front passenger. The standard Navigation System includes an 8.8-inch screen, detailed maps and directions, and Real Time Traffic Information to make your travels easy. The Premium Sound audio system with enhanced bass incorporates 16 high-performance loudspeakers and a maximum output of 825 watts goes to show that the M5 is just as powerful inside the cabin as it is under the hood. The iDrive controller operates your iPod, radio tuner and CD player.

As the preeminent luxury sports sedan in the world, the 2009 BMW M5 continues to set the bar by which all others are judged.

Audi S8-2009

2009-01-17T17:34:00.000+05:30

The S8 is basically the A8 on steroids.
The S8 boasts a 5.2-liter V-10 engine that generates 450-horsepower and 398 pounds-feet of torque, and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual shifting. Feel what it’s like to fly and go from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The standard quattro® permanent all-wheel drive system imbues the S8 with maximum grip and excellent agility in a variety of weather and road conditions.
The advanced Adaptive Air Suspension offers a lower ride height and increases the limits of handling and cornering ability. 20-inch split-spoke alloy wheels a deck lid spoiler and deep grille with lower side portals add to the S8’s menacing exterior. The S8 ranks well with the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG and Jaguar XJR when it comes to power and refinement.

State-of-the-art safety features include first-in-class Side Assist that monitors both sides of the vehicle and flashes a warning signal if a car enters your blind spot.
Standard dual front airbags, front knee and side airbags, and optional rear side airbags protect all occupants in a collision. Standard Lane Assist uses an array of sensors to detect when the car is outside of the traffic lanes, sending a warning via a vibrating steering wheel. A large, 18-inch brake system provides supreme stopping power with minimal fade.

Vehicle Details

EPA Fuel Economy - City: 13, Highway: 19

Available Engines - V-10

Available Transmissions- Automatic
Auto Manual

Available Body Types - Sedan

Maserati GranTurismo S - 2009

2008-10-19T17:35:00.000+05:30

The good burghers of Metz, France, haven't heard a racket like this since Prussian Prince Frederick Charles besieged the place back in 1870. Trundling along the narrow cobblestone streets, our Maserati GranTurismo S - the brand-new, hooligans-rejoice version of Maserati's sexy coupe - clatters raucously on overrun and shakes the picturesque rafters of the medieval buildings with barely muffled blasts of V-8 pandemonium. We pull into a parking lot beneath the soaring spires of a Gothic cathedral and squeeze into a ridiculously cramped space after much gratuitous revving of the engine. By the time we kill the ignition, the parking attendant is hopping up and down with what we hope is enthusiasm. "Bruit magnifique!" he shouts over and over. Magnificent noise!

We hear you, dude. There are faster cars than the GranTurismo S, but none of them make more intoxicating sounds when you select the Sport mode, thereby opening a bypass in the exhaust and liberating countless decibels of race-car-style mayhem. Luca Dal Monte, Maserati's affable chief of public relations, had advised us to avoid the Sport mode in confined spaces because, as he put it: "Even when you're going 30 miles per hour, it sounds like you're speeding." But photographer Mark Bramley and I have agreed that Sport mode is a must in small towns, when leaving tollbooths, and, especially, when blasting through long tunnels, where the GranTurismo S sounds like a prototype wailing down the Mulsanne straight at Le Mans. Along the way, we get respectful salutes from French gendarmes, see thumbs-up from motorcycle racers, and nearly blow unsuspecting commuters off their motor scooters.

Although the GranTurismo S isn't quite loud enough to wake the dead, we're betting that its howl is spine-tingling enough to conjure up the ghosts of racetracks past. Fifty years ago this summer, Maserati stood at center stage during a historic changing of the guard. First came the Race of Two Worlds on the banking at Monza, which pitted Indy roadsters against grand prix-style monopostos. One week later was the 1958 edition of the French Grand Prix at Reims, where three Americans - Phil Hill, Carroll Shelby, and Troy Ruttman - made their world championship debuts and Juan Manuel Fangio, driving a fourth Maserati 250F, ran his final race.

By 1969, both the banking at Monza and the grandstands overlooking the circuit at Reims had been rendered obsolete by modern safety regulations. But they still stand today as monuments to a bygone era. To mark the fiftieth anniversary of the events of 1958, we thought it would be appropriate to make a pilgrimage to these historic sites and genuflect at the silent sentinels that stand guard over them. And what better vehicle for our journey than the GranTurismo S, a car that looks to Maserati's past even as it points to the future?

Maserati has been through more ups and downs than a crystal meth fiend since the Maserati brothers founded their eponymous marque in 1914. There have been transcendent highs (Fangio winning the championship in 1957), and there have been unspeakable lows (waiting for a Biturbo to commence its inevitable self-destruction sequence). With Fiat's purchase of the company in 1993 came the promise of financial security - especially welcome after disastrous associations with Citroën, Chrysler, and De Tomaso. But Maserati remained a poor sister to Ferrari until 2004, which brought the new four-door Quattroporte. The company's renaissance continued with last year's debut of the GranTurismo coupe.

Based on a shortened version of the Quattroporte's architecture and featuring a Pininfarina body that was at once brawny and voluptuous, the GranTurismo was a stylish four-seat grand tourer that harked back to the Maserati 5000 of the '60s. The new GT S is a GranTurismo, but mo' better. The most noteworthy improvement is found under the hood, where the 4.2-liter V-8 has been bored and stroked to displace 4.7 liters. Tarted up with red valve covers, the engine in the GT S makes 433 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque while spinning to 7600 rpm. The GT S also gets a sequential manual transmission with six gears (and six modes) that can serve as an automatic, a clutch-pedal-less semiautomatic, or a faux-F1 gearbox, dubbed MC-Shift, that swaps gears in a mere 100 milliseconds if you're turning more than 5500 rpm and you have the throttle cracked open 80-plus percent

BMW 135i - 2008

2008-10-19T17:33:00.000+05:30

The BMW 1-series, available as a coupe and a convertible, seems poised to be a very exciting addition to the company's lineup. The 1-series uses the same, highly regarded mechanicals as the benchmark 3-series, but wraps them in a smaller, lighter, and less expensive package. From a driving standpoint, one can hardly argue with the results. But what is open to debate is whether the cost and weight savings of the 1-series are significant or does the car too closely overlap to the 3-series.

A glance at the window sticker for our 135i convertible certainly suggests the latter. The bottom-line number of $48,445 sure sounds like 3-series money. It is in fact very close. The 335i convertible starts at $50,400, and it comes with a retractable metal hardtop, as opposed to the 135i's fabric roof. The 328i convertible starts at $44,300.

To be fair, our test car was larded with options. The premium package (power seats and a bunch of minor items) was a whopping $3300; the six-speed automatic was $1275; the sport package (seats, steering wheel with shift paddles, eighteen-inch wheels, performance tires, and Shadowline trim) added another $1100; additional items (heated seats, iPod adapter, HD radio, satellite radio, and rear parking aid, among others) pushed the price up by $2895 more.

If the 135i isn't far from the 335i in price, the two models are largely identical mechanically. Both use the same 3.0-liter turbocharged straight six and (optional) six-speed automatic. The super-sweet engine seamlessly integrates its two turbochargers, creating a stepless wave of power as the revs climb. Peak output is 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. It wasn't long ago that those were M3 numbers. In the 335i, they're enough for a 0-to-60 mph run of 5.7 seconds, whereas the lighter (by 286 pounds) 135i does it in 5.5 seconds. Both cars have the same EPA ratings, 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The automatic wouldn't be our preference - the slick manual is more rewarding from both a tactile and a financial standpoint - but we couldn't fault its logic and its response is instaneous.

The 135i is more than eight inches shorter than the 3-series, and the stretch between the axles is trimmed by four inches exactly. Both convertibles are strictly four-seaters, and both require the cooperation of front-seat occupants (moving their seats up) in order to accommodate adults in back. In fact, their factory-measured rear-seat legroom figures are within an inch of each other. Similarly, their trunk-space measurements are very close as well, with the 3-series having a slight edge when the top is up, but the 1-series winning out when their lowered, as its fabric roof stows more compactly than the 3-series's retractable hardtop.

Like the 3-series, the 135i convertible's handling is sublime; the car eats up curves and begs for more. The steering - without the curse of the 3-series' optional active steering - is pure and true. It was a pleasure threading the 135i along narrow winding parkways that can be a white-knuckle affair in other cars. And its nimble size was a source of pleasure as well. But the larger, eighteen-inch wheels mean that bumps are sometimes fairly pronounced.

The insulated fabric roof does a fairly good job of keeping out road noise, but of course not as good as the 3-series' metal hardtop. The metal roof also holds the advantage in outward visibility with the top up, thanks to its thin C-pillars. But the fabric top provides fewer body cutlines and a more traditional convertible appearance; ours was the optional "moonlight black" soft top, which has silver threads woven into the black fabric, a subtle but cool effect for a relatively inexpensive $100. Just like its bigger brother, the 1-series convertible has pop-up rollover bars that emerge from behind the rear seat headrests if a rollover appears imminent. Another convertible-specific item is specially treated leather (standard in the 135i) that doesn't get as hot when exposed to the sun, to keep from searing your backside when you first sit down.

Overall, we very much enjoyed our time in the 135i convertible. A close examination of the similarities between the 1-series and the 3-series helps explain why the two are so close in price, but we never fully accepted the notion that this was a nearly $49,000 car. Of course, a 335i similarly equipped would likely have cost $10,000 more, which wouldn't have been any easier to swallow. If you think of the 1-series as a bargain BMW, you're likely to be disappointed - there are no bargain BMWs. Expensive as it is, the 135i convertible is substantially less costly than the 3-series equivalent, only slightly more cramped, but every bit as fun to drive, if not more so. It's an excellent BMW, but a dubious bargain.

2008 BMW 135i Convertible

Base Price: $39,875

As-Tested: $48,445

Powertrain

Engine: Turbocharged 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve I-6

Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque: 300 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Drive: Rear-wheel

Measurements

L x W x H: 172.2 x 68.8 x 55.6 in

Legroom F/R: 41.2/31.3 in
Headroom F/R: 38.6/37.0 in

Cargo capacity: 8.0 cu ft

Curb weight: 3671 lbs

EPA Rating (city/highway): 17/26 mpg..

Ford F150 - 2009

2008-10-19T17:30:00.000+05:30

The 2009 Ford F-150 doesn't bring any wild new hardware to the table. There's no two-mode hybrid like the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado and 2010 Dodge Ram will offer. Leaf springs still connect the rear axle to the frame, unlike the 2009 Dodge Ram which uses coil springs. Ford may introduce a diesel F-150 to compete with the upcoming diesel trucks from Chevrolet and Dodge, but the company seems to favor the impending EcoBoost engine which will combine direct injection and turbocharging to deliver diesel-like performance without the prohibitive cost of a diesel engine or diesel fuel. In true Ford fashion, this engine will not be available at launch.

The only significant changes for the 2009 Ford F-150 are the introduction of six-speed automatic transmissions, a larger crew cab, and a new 4.6-liter three-valve V-8 engine. The rest of the truck is just a freshening of the 2008 F-150, something you realize just as soon as you hit the road.

A Dizzying Array of Choices

Ford is very proud of the fact that the 2009 F-150 offers more possible configurations than any competitor truck. If you decide to buy an F-150, you'll first need to determine which cab style fits your needs (regular, super, and crew cabs are available), then decide how much bed you require (there are three choices ranging from 5.5 to 8 feet in length), and, finally, determine how luxurious you'd like the truck to be, since there are seven different trim levels. Once you've figured out all of that, you can choose among the three V-8 engines, then decide between rear- and four-wheel-drive. There are 35 different core configurations for the F-150 just taking cab size, bed length, and trim level into account. Fourteen of those possible combinations are available with the SuperCrew cab

A Bigger Cab

The SuperCrew cab is the F-150 body style that has changed the most for 2009. Ford lengthened the cab by six inches between the A- and B-pillars and gave the rear a flat load floor. The larger SuperCrew cab means you can put large items, like a 50-inch plasma TV, right in the cab of your F-150. Competitors still force you to place large items in the bed of your truck, which must be horribly inconvenient for those who only make large purchases on rainy days. But that extra length also means the truck won't fit in everyone's garage.

Inside the F-150, things are very quiet. Extra sound insulation materials make the F-150's cabin almost as quiet as a luxury car's. The Platinum trim level, which is new for 2009, is the most luxurious truck interior on the market and features brushed aluminum accents and wood trim.

Tech Toys Galore

Step inside the F-150 and you'll discover a variety of new technology. Ford's Sync system, a new option on the F-150, includes the ability to dial 911 in the event of an accident and offers a vehicle health report in addition to the usual Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. The F-150's navigation system can join forces with Sirius Travel Link to locate the cheapest fuel, give real-time traffic reports, and provide weather reports for anywhere in the country. This system looks and works much better than the last-generation navigation system.

Ford Work Solutions are designed to improve the capability of the 2009 F-150 as a mobile office for contractors and offer a range of features from internet access to fleet management tools which help managers track maintenance and locate vehicles in the field. Tool Link allows owners to tag tools with RFID chips and ensure all the tools brought to a job are loaded back in the truck before heading home. A cable lock system allows contractors to lock large, expensive tools in the bed.

The Death of the V-6 and Manual Transmission

The heart of a pickup is the powertrain, but Ford didn't make many changes here. A new 4.6-liter three-valve V-8 is the big news; it slots between the base 4.6-liter two-valve V-8 and the 5.4-liter three-valve V-8. We prefer the 4.6-liter three-valve V-8, because it provides nearly as much power as the previous 5.4-liter (292 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque) and offers slightly better fuel economy than the larger engine. The V-6 engine was dropped from the F-150 line because the two-valve V-8 has the same fuel economy numbers as the old V-6 as well as more power (248 hp and 294 lb-ft of twist). Those looking for maximum towing will require a 5.4-liter V-8 and its full 310 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque.

A smooth six-speed transmission is standard on the three-valve engines, but the two-valve engine makes do with an ancient four-speed automatic. There is no manual transmission for the 2009 model year.