Monthly Archives: February 2010

Car makers announce increase in prices

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This is bad news for the new car buyers in India.

In a ricocheted effect, many major automakers of the country have indicated the rise in car prices which might as well go up to Rs 25,000. This decision comes in the wake of the Government’s decision to increase the central excise duty to 10 per cent.

Maruti Suzuki India, India’s largest car maker, has said that the Maruti Suzuki cars will become costlier by 2 percent, while Hyundai Motor India has hinted at a price rise of Rs 6,500 – Rs 25,000 on an average on all its cars sold in India.

Commenting on the price rise, R C Bhargava, said that the “car prices will go up by 2 percent”. Justifying the rise in price of the cars, he said it was quite essential to offset the increase in central excise duty by 2 per cent to 10 per cent partially rolling back the cut made earlier.

Volvo Auto India also has said that the increase in excise duty will result in an increase in the price of its cars.

If you can remember, the major car makers in India had raised the prices of their cars during the start of the year.
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Porsche Cayenne 2011- World debut at Geneva Motor Show

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2011 Porsche Cayenne HybridIt is official now. The new Porsche Cayenne range will make its grand appearance at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show and the absolute show stopper would be the Cayenne S hybrid. Everyone is waiting for the unveiling of the new Cayenne hybrid which is poised to prove the green credentials of Porsche.

Cayenne S Hybrid brings the power of an 8-cylinder engine with the fuel economy and emission rate of a 6-cylinder. It features a highly sophisticated parallel full hybrid drive with fuel consumption of just 8.2 litres/100 kilometres, which means CO2 emissions of just 193 g/km. This again means that the Cayenne S Hybrid is the cleanest in the history of both Cayenne and Porsche.

The new Porsche Cayenne range is going to set new fuel efficiency and performance
standards. Compared to the former Porsche models, fuel efficiency has improved in the new Cayenne by 23%, thanks to the “Porsche Intelligent Performance” principle which strives on more power with less fuel and lower CO2 emission.

The agility and handling has been improved with the new active and extra-light all-wheel drive concept which has brought the weight on Cayenne S down by 180 kilos. These features and new technologies will increase the driving pleasure of Cayenne, both on road and off-road. The wheelbase of the 2011 Cayenne is now 40 mm or almost 1.6” longer which makes it more spacious. Nevertheless, the new generation Cayenne is far more compact and dynamic that its predecessor.

The Cayenne diesel Turbo comes with a 3 litre V6 engine which reduces fuel consumption by 20 per cent, down from 9.3 to 7.4 ltr/100 km. Fuel consumption has significantly gone down on the very torquey Cayenne S with its 4.8-litre V8 power unit. Cayenne S is even more powerful with its 4.8-litre V8 power unit and generates 400 bhp instead of the former 385 bhp.

2011 Porsche Cayenne TurboWith the intelligent combination of the three-litre supercharged V6 and the electric motor, Cayenne S Hybrid brings out maximum efficiency and performance. Depending on the driving conditions, the vehicle shifts between either one drive unit operating or both the units operating simultaneously. Shortly after its Geneva debut, the Cayenne is likely to hit the UK market in May. India will be certainly on the list after India proves it is ready for the Hybrid technology.
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Which BMW Will You Buy?

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Have you heard of the new BMW? The BMW 3 series sedan has come out in 2 new variants; 1 petrol and 1 diesel variant. The cars were launched on 25th of Feb, 2010. The proud car makers are very confident about the vehicles’ quality, safety and performance. The complete package of the 3 series vehicles that includes the fresh technology, fuel-efficient engines, chic interiors, athletic performance and refined style make them the most widely selling premium vehicles in the world.

If you want the price, here it is. The BMW 320d diesel car is priced at Rs 23,95,000 and the 330i petrol variant is going to cost Rs 33,40,000 (All India Show-Room ). Choosing the colour will not be a problem when BMW has 6 striking colour list in its portfolio for these cars like that of; Alpine White, Sapphire Black, Monaco Blue, Space Grey, Platinum Bronze and Titanium Silver. The upholstery designs in Dakota leather are believed to be exotic too. The design of the car is simply too good and for those looking for an exhilarating driving experience; this BMW seems to be the best.

It is not surprising that most sporty compact models desire to be like the BMW 3 series car. The 330i has an in-line six-cylinder petrol engine with high-precision injection that delivers fuel exactly where it is needed. The car features a 2996cc engine with maximum output of 255 bhp at 6600 RPM and maximum torque of 300Nm at 2500-4000 RPM.

As for the new diesel variant, the 320d has a four-cylinder engine with an aluminum crankcase and third-generation common-rail direct injection. Electronically controlled injectors deliver fuel to the cylinders. The third-generation common rail operates at pressures of up to 2000 bars and is more precise in the amount of fuel injected. The BMW 320d features a 1995cc engine with the maximum output of 175 bhp at 4000 RPM and maximum torque of 350 Nm at 1750-3000 RPM.

Any takers yet? The company seems to be doing really well in India. Headquartered in Gurgaon, BMW India had invested Rs 1.1 billion initially. Right now, the company has spread its wings all over the country with 17 locations. Did you know that just the Chennai plant has a capacity of making 3000 units per year on a one-shift basis? Amazing, isn’t it? They are now challenging other car makers by providing quality service to all its customers. At the moment, trying to set higher standards seems to be the name of the game.

If anyone wants a BMW, but is not too interested in the 3 or 5 series, don’t get disappointed. BMW also has the 6 Series, 7 Series, X3, X5, X6, Z4, and the BMW Gran Turismo. All these cars are available in the country as completely built-up units. Interested? If you visit the BMW dealers, there are some other cars that will just mesmerize you. You just can’t get your eyes off the BMW M3 Coupé, M3 Convertible, M5, M6 Coupé, M6 Convertible, X6 M, 6 Series Individual and BMW 7 Series Individual cars.

So, which one draws your attention? Will you buy a BMW at all? If I can afford it, I will surely go for it. Let’s see how well the German auto makers succeed in impressing the Indian buyer.
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Hyundai i45 soon to be launched in Australia

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2011 Hyundai Sonata aka i45After a maintaining a low-profile in the last year, Hyundai seems totally energized and rearing to go in 2010. Even though there were very few launches, new i20, and a few facelifts, Hyundai managed to be high on the sales front with its Flagship model i10.

Hyundai Sonata, that was recently launched in the US market, has got pretty good reviews from the automotive media and car enthusiasts. It is creating quite a buzz among Hyundai lovers and other car buffs.

Hyundai has confirmed that they would be launching the Sonata sedan in Australia as Hyundai i45 in the 2nd quarter of 2010. Since Sonata has adopted Hyundai’s European nomenclature, it will be known as Hyundai i45 on the continent “Down Under”.

The all-new Hyundai i45 features Hyundai’s brand-new styling approach called the “fluidic sculpture”. It has got modern powertrain technology and new luxury features. In spite of all this jazz, Hyundai i45 be your one of the best values for money.

According to Hyundai, the mid-size sedan i45 has the same technical specifications as the Sonata sedan launched in the US. The i45 is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission mated to new 2.4L Petrol Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder engine. It also offers the best-in-segment fuel economy ratings and provides class-leading safety features for the driver and passengers.

So what is it that makes the i45 different from the Sonata? Nothing apart from the location where Hyundai builds them. While the US-spec Sonata is manufactured at the Hyundai plant in Alabama, the one to be launched in Australia are built at Hyundai’s plant in South Korea.

“We are very excited to be launching the all-new Hyundai i45 mid-sized sedan in Australia in the coming months, said Oliver Mann, managing director at Hyundai Motor Company Australia. “The all-new Sonata is already breaking sales records at its home South Korean market and receiving awards in the U.S. market, so the all-new i45 sedan is also expected to make a considerable impact in the competitive Australian mid-sized segment.”

So much for adopting a different name!
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Toyota’s Number Game

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Does your name have anything to do with numbers? We Indians have many beliefs when it comes to choosing names. But as far as we here in Carazoo.com know, the selection of names does not depend on the number of strokes the pen takes to write the name. Does it? Here’s an example of well-known Japanese car company which exactly did the same.

Akio Toyoda does believe in numerology. This famous personality is the president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation and grandson of the company’s founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. In 1937, Kiichiro Toyoda chose a nick name for himself. In this name, d, the last consonant of his real name was replaced with a ‘t’. Why the switch in name? One reason could be the softening of the last syllable. Is that all? No!

In katakana, a Japanese syllabary, the name ‘Toyoda’ takes ten brushstrokes while ‘Toyota’ takes exactly eight. The Japanese and Chinese believe that eight is a very lucky number. Eight, which is written as two strokes side by side, looks more like an open mountain top. Toyoda believed luck would arise from this symbol. For the Japanese, the wide mountain base stands for growth and abundance in future. While choosing the nick name, this is what Toyoda hoped. For his company too, he gave the name Toyota instead of Toyoda. Toyoda wanted both his company and country to grow and prosper.

By the year 2000, Toyota Motor Corporation was not just Japan’s largest car company but the world’s third largest too. Toyota was producing around five million units every year in the late 1990s. Its profits declined substantially during the global economic downturn of the early 1990s. However, Toyota responded by cutting costs and moving production to overseas markets including India. The company has represented one of the true success stories in the history of car manufacturing.

The name Toyoda in Japanese had the literal meaning of fertile rice fields. Changing it to Toyota would give Japan’s agricultural past a complete twist. The company would instead focus on growing fertile in the car industry. Why did all these thoughts hit my mind? Oh yes! Akio Toyoda was in the news on Wednesday. Lawmakers were questioning him about the safety issues of Toyota cars and the recent recalls.

Did the change in spelling not help the company this time? Well, life cannot be a bed of roses all the time. At times, there can be few thorns here and there. What matters most is the performance over a long period of time. In the long run Toyota has been doing very well. But once again, was it the number game? Did the numbers help, or, was it the company’s intelligence, innovation and car manufacturing skill that worked wonders for the company? That certainly depends on what one believes.
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Hyundai Sonata hybrid to be unveiled at New York Auto Show

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2011 Hyundai Sonata HybridAs people become more comfortable with the hybrid technology, global manufacturers are rushing to get it right and launch their hybrid cars. Recently Toyota launched its hybrid car, Prius, in India.

While the rest of the auto manufacturers were sweating it out with their hybrid car competition, Hyundai maintained a low profile. But now seems to be the right time for the Korean car manufacturer to join the race. Hyundai is all set to unveil its new Sonata hybrid during the upcoming New York Auto Show which is scheduled in April. Soon after this Hyundai hopes to launch its own plug-in hybrid some time in 2013.

The hybrid Sonata is equipped with a 2.4-liter engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission coupled with a 30kW electric motor and a 1.4kWh battery pack. The battery pack will use lithium-polymer batteries rather than the NiMH batteries used by the other hybrids in its class. The polymer batteries are said to be more durable and cheaper to manufacture.

The Sonata hybrid will run on a parallel hybrid system. An electric motor and gas-burning engine will work in concert to increase fuel economy. It will be the first mass-produced vehicle to feature a lithium-ion battery under its hood.

Indian customers have still not warmed up to the concept of hybrid cars. One among the many reasons is that they are really expensive and so far the government has not done anything to bring relaxation on import duties.

Honda cars have a fan following in India but still when Honda launched its hybrid Civic in India in June 2008; it could not manage to get a warm response, mainly because of the price factor. But still, after the launch of Toyota Prius in India which is priced at around Rs 26.5 lakh and onward will give a tough competition to Hyundai’s hybrid Sonata when it is launched in India.

No words have been spilled on the pricing of the hybrid Sonata, but considering the technology, we can assume that it will cost much more than the petrol engine variant Sonata which are priced at Rs.13,84,841 and onwards in India.

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The James Bond Car Key

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What is the cost of your car key? I’m sure none of us have even thought of it. But here’s something new. A new key has been launched and those wanting to own the car key will have to be bothered about its price too. Yes, I’m talking about the Bond key. If you want to flaunt your James Bond characteristics, then I am a cent per cent sure this key will help. Will you buy it?

Just wait! Let me tell you its worth. The special Aston Martin car key will cost you just over 20,000 pounds. Converting this, it will cost you over 1,400,000 Indian Rupees! This, I feel, is a real mighty sum for just a key. Are you wondering what is so special about the key? It is unique, but surely not worth the money. At least that is what I feel.

James Bond style. The car key has been brilliantly implanted inside a watch. The watch has a touch sensitive face. We had touch-sensitive computers and mobile phones, and now, the touch-sensitive watch with the key hidden inside. If you have an Aston Martin car, the bond key will open the doors to it.

How does the key work you might ask? The owner just has to press the space between 8 and 9 o’clock. The Aston Martin will greet you with doors wide open. If the opposite side is pressed, the car will shy away. Yes, it gets locked. If the watch or key is pressed on both sides together, what do you think will happen? The car will get flirtatious. It will wink. Yes, the car’s lights will flash.

You can take your friends to a place thickly populated with cars. Then, pretend that you are unable to locate your car. The next moment you can you can just press both sides of the watch. The lights will flash. What an effect it is going to create! Wow! This is all I can say about this small wonder. A great way to show off too. This wonder key has been created by the engineers at Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Jaeger-LeCoultre or JLC is one of the world’s most prestigious luxury watch and clock manufactures based in Switzerland. Last year, they had created the world’s most complicated wristwatch with 26 complications. This year, however, is going to take their popularity to new heights. The bond key is the first of its kind.

There seems to be just one question in my mind. With that big moolah attached to the car key, will anyone just buy it here in India? Even if someone can afford it, will they be ready to spend extravagantly for a key? I’m sure, a James Bond fan can only dream of it. Only a diehard James Bond fan who is extremely rich may be able to buy it. Please do let everyone know if you find someone who’s bought it.



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New Continental Supersports Convertible from Bentley

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2011 Bentley Continental Supersports ConvertibleIt is fast, it is expensive, and it will make heads turn. Gear up for a never-heard-of open-top driving pleasure in the New Bentley Supersports Convertible that is going to set new records in the history of four-seat convertible cars.

Prior to the Geneva Motor Show, Bentley has released the specifications of its new Continental Supersports Convertible and if words are anything to go by, it will be the world’s fastest four-seat convertible (top speed of 202mph) and the quickest (0-96.5 kmph in 3.9 seconds) drop-top in the automaker’s history.

One look at the specs and you know it is more or less similar to its Supersports coupe sibling which was launched in 2009. The Continental Supersports Convertible inherits the 621bhp twin-turbocharged W12 engine and features an all-wheel drive system with a revised ZF six-speed Quickshift automatic gearbox that cuts shift times by 50% and enables double downshifts.

And as is the custom with all Bentley Continentals, the Supersports Convertible can run on either petrol and E85 bioethanol, or any combination of the two. This reduces CO2 emissions up to 70% (well-to-wheel), a measure of a fuel’s net contribution to the atmosphere and not just tailpipe emissions. This just goes on to reaffirm Bentley’s ongoing commitment to make all its cars bio-fuel compatible by 2012.

2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible
The new Continental Supersports Convertible has a very muscular styling and the lavish interiors are designed using satin-finished carbonfibre, Alcantara™ and ‘Soft Grip’ leather.

The Continental Supersports Convertible has got what it takes to show the spin magic. It rides on 20-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels shod with Pirelli 275/35Z R20 high-performance rubber. To further enhance the high-speed capabilities of the car, Bentley has widened the rear track, retuned the suspension system and fitted carbon-ceramic brakes.

Other design changes for the new Supersports convertible include flared rear wings to accommodate the wider track, revised air intakes and hood vents and a spoiler in the back for improved aerodynamics.

A range of new vibrant colours have been added to the Bentley palette, including Citric, White Satin, Kingfisher, Magenta, Orange Flame and St James Red Pearl.
2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible
It has everything, right from performance to looks. So here comes the next question: what’s the price? Although Bentley has not given any price details, it is expected to be starting at Rs 1.5 crore and onwards.


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Volvo is Playing Games

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It started with the Aircel Chennai Open 2010 and then with the Ocean Race. Yes, I am talking about the Volvo. Looks like Volvo is looking up and down and right and left to promote its cars. It is doing its best to enhance the brand. Now, it has entered the world of cricket. The tennis courts of Chennai Open showcased the luxurious SUV, the Volvo XC90. This time, the Volvo S80 D5 takes over.

The “Man of The Series” in the ongoing India-South Africa ODI tournament will be awarded the recently launched Volvo S80 twin-turbo diesel car. If playing well in three matches can get the lucky one this luxurious car, I wished I could play too. Moreover, this is going to be the most luxurious car ever to be given to a cricketer in India. Nice trick Volvo! This is surely going to drive your sales up and up and up.

Since a very long time sports sponsorship has been a very successful strategy for promoting products. When it comes to cars, Volvo wants to grab the opportunity. It wants to take maximum advantage. The managing director of Volvo Auto India, Paul de Voijs feels that sports sponsorship gives them inspiration as well as exposure. He also said that it served as the ideal platform to showcase the Volvo brand and at the same time, gave them an opportunity to interact with potential customers.

The Volvo S80 D5 AWD displayed at the three stadiums in Jaipur, Gwalior and Ahmedabad looks simply amazing. The car features a fine blend of reliability, performance, style, and comfort.

The success of this car is very crucial as it can help Volvo decide the future or the introduction of new cars into the Indian car market. The spacious car looks big enough where the whole cricket team can squeeze in for some time at least. The elegant look and dynamic styling will surely make the owner proud. Lucky chap! Who do you think is going to win the series? Who will be the man of the series? Who will be driving the car home on the 27th of this month? Our own Sachin Tendulkar who hit an unbeaten 200 runs( A world record ) in today’s match might be a strong contender for the Volvo S80 D5 AWD as it seems by the way the battling maestro is hammering the South Africans.

The silver car with the anthracite black with beige interiors is being displayed at the three stadiums. The car has the latest twin-turbo and peizo high-pressure technology. Let’s see if the performance of the cricketers is going to be as good as the Volvo SUV. Hope the advanced five-cylinder state -of-the-art technology inspires the players on the field.

As of now, it looks like the two teams equal each other in performance. I’m just waiting to see who will be the one taking away the man-of-the-series trophy. I’m more excited to see who takes away the Volvo S80. You too? Anyway, the car serves as a catalyst for the players as well as Volvo. We are the only ones who gain nothing but are still as enthusiastic as the players and Volvo.
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Volkswagen finally launches its much awaited Polo

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Volkswagen PoloVolkswagen India launched its new Polo in Mumbai. The super- mini hatchback is finally out. The price varies from Rs.434,000 for the petrol Trendline to Rs.670,000 for the TDI Highline Polo. The diesel variant will take a little while though. All variants will be equipped with 1.2L engines. Fret Not, For those who always wanted a powerful engine fitted in their Polo will get an option of 1.6 L petrol engine as well for a cool sum of Rs.700,000. Any takers yet? Yes, the price looks a bit problematic. One would be paying too much for the class as far as the Polo is concerned.

The features seem to be excellent though. A compartment for drinks and another for the sunglasses are a sure attraction. We also heard that the rear seat backrests can be folded and the driver’s seat will move up or down as one pleases. Doesn’t the bonnet look like it is smiling all the while? We felt so. What more? The exteriors carry a 6-year warranty! That seems to be a real challenge for the car maker, doesn’t it? The petrol version of the Polo will be ready for delivery next month and the diesel version will sent to the owners by May, 2010.

Volkswagen is very excited and very confident too that Indians will love driving the new Polo. Are you looking to but one already? I completely agree that the Polo’s looks are flashy and jazzy with coloured bumpers and halogen headlights. We also heard that the space, style, comfort, safety and fuel efficiency are amazing. Is that so? To add to its looks, it is armed with fog lamps and a rear wipe with defogger as well. You needn’t perform hand drills turning and turning. The windows will move as you like with just a touch. Yes, the remote works for the windows.

Inside the car, the upholstery is so good! Too cool! The fabric looks like it’s of the best quality. There’s something else very special about the Polo. Yes, the green-tinted sun-blocking glass that’s not there in any other car in India. A CD MP3 player changer with 4 speakers just adds to the already satisfying comfort features.

When you’re getting something like the Polo, does the price really matter? If you have the money, why not go for it? Looks like the big price for the small package is worth it.
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