Monthly Archives: April 2010

Toyota Prius to Come with Lithium Batteries

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Toyota EtiosThe automotive major, Toyota Motor Corp is all set to launch the Prius hybrid minivan using lithium ion batteries at a very reasonable price by early 2011. A Japanese business daily, the Nikkei just reported so and we just can’t wait to experience a drive in the special hybrid. Will new car ever come to India and when? Well, as of now, we only know that the hybrid minivan will be launched with the lithium ion batteries.

With the launch of the Prius, Toyota has been very enthusiastic about demonstrating its commitment to provide India with greener automotive technology and now we may have the new Prius minivan. Ever since the Prius became the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle in 1997, it has received worldwide acclaim. Today, the current Prius is already the most successful hybrid in the world with rising sales of around 1.5 million. The car maker has pledged to promote eco-friendly vehicles in India and contribute towards saving the environment.

It’s very surprising to note that Toyota would be keeping the price of the new Prius model at a level similar to those of current models. It is looking at strengthening its lead in the hybrid market. The new Prius minivan will offer roomy interiors and better mileage. It may also have three rows of seats for carrying five to seven people. Don’t you think that’s really great?

Toyota will initially produce the lithium ion batteries at its Teiho factory in Aichi Prefecture. Later the production may shift to Panasonic EV Energy Co, a battery joint venture with Panasonic Corp. A lithium-ion battery can pack more electricity than its nickel-metal hydride counterpart. That only means that the hybrid car will run longer on a single charge.

Prius in Latin means ‘to go before’. Staying true to the meaning of its name, the Prius sports the latest technology. It is equipped with the Toyota Hybrid System II or the Hybrid Synergy Drive. The Prius, with one of the best aerodynamic performances, has an amazing fuel economy. The third-generation Prius that we currently have in India comes with three driving modes – Power Mode, Eco Mode and Electric Vehicle Mode and a host of dynamic features that offer outstanding driving pleasure with superior environmental performance.

The Toyota Prius 2010 has been completely redesigned but still has four doors and can seat 5 persons. It is packed with a 1.8 litre gasoline engine along with two electric motors and a planetary gear set. In case of full acceleration both these power sources work in combination offering the maximum benefit. The Toyota Prius’ fuel efficiency is estimated to be about of 20 kmpl which is way better than most hybrids and regular cars. The lithium batteries are only going to add to the minivan’s performance.

The current Toyota Prius includes beautifully sculpted exteriors and more conventional interiors which hybrid car lovers just love. The digital speedometer, climate control buttons and stereo buttons are positioned in a more traditional way.
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Mercedes Benz launches Executive Edition C220CDI

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Mercedes Benz Executive Edition C220CDISomewhere, BMW India is being all smug. Here is the explanation. Mercedes Benz is following the strip down trend that was started by BMW India.

A few months back, BMW India launched a stripped out version of the BMW 320D and priced it attractively at Rs 24 lakh. As was predicted the BMW 320D Corporate Edition registered a never-before like sales and gave its rivals, Audi and Mercedes, many a sleepless nights. And all this happened even when the BMW 320D was in a stripped out guise.

Mercedes feigned nonchalance and said that it was content to see BMW launching cheaper variants which would help it retain the “Premium” status in India. But that was a long time ago. Mercedes-Benz India has finally given a thought to the ‘Special Edition’ trend. Mercedes, in an effort to get a piece of the Indian pie, has announced the launch of a stripped out Mercedes Benz C220CDI.

Named as the Executive Edition, the Mercedes Benz C220CDI has rid itself of a number of features. The Executive Edition C220CDI will not have the panoramic sunroof, Paramatric Steering Wheel, Multifunctional Steering Wheel and Mobile pre-installation. A few of the exterior features have been stripped too, including the xenon headlamps and the LED turn indicators. The Executive Edition has also excluded the Anti-theft Package, though the internal motion sensor & tow away protection are present.

There have been a few replacements in Executive Edition C220CDI, including single CD changer, 7 spoke 16″ alloy wheels and Artico man made leather. But, the best part of the Executive Edition deal is the common rail diesel engine that can churn out 400 Nm or torque. And though, it is no match for the BMW 320D, it still makes for a powerful ride. The Blue Efficiency tag in the Executive Edition C220CDI carries a lot of value too.

The constant competition (or rivalry) between these German luxury car manufacturers has always brought out the best results. And every time, the customers are the ones to benefit. So no one would hear us complaining.

Brand name carries a lot of value for Indian car buyers and car manufacturers seem to have caught wind of that. For many Indians, the Merc logo carries more value than the actual features of the car. What about you? Would you buy a car just for the brand or for the features that should be there in a premium luxury car?

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Mini Coupe Concept – On its Way to Reality

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Mini Coupe Concept CarMini had celebrated its 50th anniversary in a very fashionable way. The Coupe Concept was exposed. The 2009 Frankfurt show will be remembered for this reason. The automotive brand owned by the BMW Group had revealed the Coupe and Roadster concept at the auto show. The Coupe sure was a model that redefined the Mini’s design language. It will probably become Mini’s flagship model in future. Don’t you think so?

The 2-seat concept vehicle had been inspired by the classic Mini. As its name suggests, it had a coupé body and made use of the engine used in John Cooper Works vehicles. It had the very attractive chrome radiator grille from the Cooper S. The inner sections of the grille, however, were finished in the body colour. The cargo space in the coupe is quite commendable with 250 litres.

The Mini Coupe will be packed with a 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged power unit carried over from the MINI John Cooper Works. The power-packed engine will deliver 211 bhp and a peak torque of 260 Nm. The beautifully carved Mini Coupe is 3,714 millimeters long and 1,683 millimeters wide. The Coupe’s stunning appearance and advanced features may prove to be a weapon against competitors. It may take some time for the final beauty to hit the roads and then we’ll know which car gets to stay on top.

The all-new car comes with an invigorated look with the windshield laid back making the car look less boxy. Great design must say. The Roadster concept that was unveiled at the same time as the Coupe at the Frankfurt Motor Show gets its power from a 1.6 Liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine, the same power plant that is used in the MINI Cooper S. The advanced mill produces a maximum output of 175 bhp and a peak torque of 240 Nm.

The Coupe and Roadster, both seem to be chasing closely to the forward momentum Mini is trying to acquire in order to spread out its market and enhance sales. The very fact that Mini is using John Cooper Works engine in its models further illustrates this point. It certainly looks Mini has been using this model to appeal to the male portion of the population.

Hopefully, both models will be reasonably priced and sales may begin next summer. When will the new car finally reach the Indian road? Let’s wait for some time. It will probably not take too long.

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Tata Indica Vista EV to hit India in 2011

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Tata Indica Vista EVJust yesterday, we reported that Volkswagen may launch its range of electric and hybrid cars in India. And here is another piece of equally interesting information. Tata Motors may launch its Indica Vista EV (Electric Vehicle) in India in 2011. Yes, you heard it correct. Rediff has reported that the electric version of the Tata Indica will finally be available to the Indian customers next year.

The Tata Indica Vista EV will also be exported to the European countries where the infrastructure for electric vehicles is great. However, things are different in India. India is yet to come up with a plan for the installation of proper facilities which are necessary for enhancing the popularity and feasibility of electric vehicles. In the past, we have heard many times that auto companies are working with the government to make it possible. But talk is cheap.

So far, India has not seen a proper four seater electric car. Though the Reva claims to be a four seater, it can accommodate only two children and two adults. And, if the adult happens to be a rather tall one, the car gets really cramped. When it comes to luggage space or features, Reva cannot match up to the standards of a petroleum powered automobile.

That’s the gap that Tata Motors is trying to fill up with its Indica Vista electric vehicle. General Motors is trying stay ahead of the competition that is expected to rise in the Indian electric vehicle market with its Chevrolet E Spark. These vehicles would offer the ease of having a proper four seater car which also bring the added advantage of low maintenance and running costs.

The Indica Vista EV has made its round at various auto expos including 2010 Delhi Auto expo and the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The Indica Vista EV will be available at all dealer showrooms in 2011. The EV is expected to be priced between Rs 6 lakh to Rs 7 lakh. The pricing seems to be good, considering that it is spacious and costs a fraction to run. The India Vista EV will be comparatively very silent and also have extra torque.

Tata Indica Vista EVIt is interesting to note how the electric vehicle market is heating up in India. With electric vehicles finally catching the fancy of the Indian customers, major global auto manufacturers are rushing to give the customers what they want.

Just a word of advice to Tata Motors. Tata could actually hand out a few Indica EV’s to its Indica Vista diesel/petrol customers on a trial basis. Their feedback could be used for making improvements in the car. This seems like a more efficient process than selling a car, getting a feedback and then bringing changes in the car.
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Fate of the Fiat-Chrysler Joint Venture to be out this Week

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It’s been long now since Fiat and Chrysler merged, and this week, Fiat SpA will be revealing its first strategic plan since teaming up with the U.S. car maker. Two years ago, CEO Sergio Marchionne had outlined a timeframe for selling stakes in a combined company and over a year ago he had predicted that there would be a drastic consolidation in the automotive industry which has so many ups and downs. He had emphasized on the need to lay out plans for new products to show he could achieve a lot and even have cost cuts with Chrysler.

The week will be real hectic with presentations from all of the company’s business units. The over six hour presentation is also going to involve battalions of journalists and analysts. It was decided well in advance, during the day-long Chrysler presentation in November 2009 that each unit would present product plans and business targets and a focus on strategy to win market share.

Marchionne may have something to say. Either they keep the autos or they do something. It can’t just go on like this, both from an investor and employees standpoint. It looks like Marchionne’s strategic plan will answer all questions regarding the possible separation of the autos business. He has said that he expects to meet criteria laid out by the Obama administration for raising his stake in Chrysler to 35 per cent in two years.

Once that is achieved, he could put Chrysler and Fiat together and offer investors a slice of the enlarged pie; all this assuming that the autos industry recovers pre-crisis confidence. He also foresees the car market going back to normal in the next three years. Marchionne has dismissed the idea of any other tie-up for Fiat. But, earlier this month, he did mention that France’s Peugeot, once in talks with Fiat, would be next to find a partner. Will such a merger work? It may, but wouldn’t make it past politicians keen to save jobs.

There’s considerable overlap between the two carmakers and that’s great news in terms of economies of scale. However, it is very bad news in terms of job cuts. To add to this, Peugeot’s controlling family shows no signs of wanting to sell.

Coming to Fiat’s future, Marchionne will have to show he has a strong inventory of new cars to tempt the public which just faced the recession blows. Car sales are expected to fall worldwide. Marchionne believes Fiat will see flat profit in 2010. Fiat would also report first-quarter results on Wednesday.

The Fiat-Chrysler collaboration could give Fiat a lifeline to remain a competitor in the more expensive and popular C and D cars where its Alfa Romeo and Lancia brands have small market shares. If alone, Fiat may just disappear from those segments.

Fiat’s Alfa Romeo model, the Giulietta would launch in May. Hopefully, it will propel the brand’s sales, together with the MiTo, to 120,000 this year, up by 10,000 units. 200,000 Alfa Romeo’s are likely to be sold from 2011 to prove the 100-year-old brand has turned around under new head Harald Wester.

The fate of Fiat’s Lancia is closely tied to the Chrysler range. Models may be sold under the Lancia badge in southern Europe, especially Italy, while Chrysler will be the marque for the U.S. and parts of northern Europe.

Fiat will have the much-wanted new products this year and next at a presentation to unions on Dec. 22, with five based on Chrysler models and five other new products. This week’s presentation may also have Fiat’s plans for fast-growing emerging markets like China, India and Russia in the spotlight. It has joint ventures in these nations.

We also see a possibility of the presentation hinting at partners for its Iveco truck unit. Marchionne had said last year that Iveco could get involved in mergers and acquisitions.
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Schumacher’s F1 return – A Disaster?

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Micheal SchumacherWe have already seen the results of the first four Formulas One races and one thing that we are missing the most is one magnificent performance from our very beloved Michael Schumacher.

Michael Schumacher holds majority of the Formula One driver records, including most championships, race victories, fastest laps, pole positions, points scored and most races won in a single season. But you would hardly believe the statistics if you consider his latest F1 performances.

He does not seem to be the invincible driver that he has been in the past. He has won the Formula One Championship for seven times, for God’s sake, and that is not a feat that someone can easily achieve in one lifetime.

Formula One fans all over the world had a difficult time coming to terms with the retirement of Michael Schumacher. It looks like he was having a difficult time too. What else could explain the unplanned and totally unnecessary move to return to a sport that requires the adrenaline rush typical to twenty year olds.

Younger drivers are now finding it so easy to match up (and in most cases beat) his steps. The racing aura that was so much a part of Schumacher seems to have faded post-retirement. Now, his performances are anything but outstanding, and it is fact that has been voiced out (not so directly, though) by his McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton.

“It’s just as exciting as racing with any other driver” was Hamilton’s response when asked what it is like to compete against a legend called Michael Schumacher.

Another bitter evidence of Schumacher’s downfall is that his fellow teammate Nico Rosberg, who is 17 years his junior, is driving better than him. And even the Mercedes looks more competitive than it actually is, whereas Schumi makes it look sluggish.

Nico is being so much faster than Schumacher in the qualifying races, placing himself on the first three rows of the grid where the chances of traffic and accidents are lesser.
Nico has shown a good streak in the races too. With the Malaysian GP being an exception, he is placing better in the race or finishing.

Schumacher is a different matter altogether. At the season opener Bahrain GP, he could make himself a place, from seventh in qualifying to sixth at the finish. But, apart from that, there is nothing much to say. In the Australian GP, he took almost ages to overtake Jaime Alguersuari in his modest Toro Rosso only to finish at the tenth position.

Though, we can bail him out for the wheelnut failure which marred his chances at the Malaysian GP, there is no explanation for his lousy performance in the Chinese GP where he finished at the tenth position. “One of those races that you do not want to remember,” Schumacher said later. “Not good for me and not good from me.”

At 41, Schumacher is showing his age or that is what it looks like. His career had rather ended well when he decided to retire from the sport. But his recent performances seem to be ruining the hard earned laurels. Though the four races so far have proved to be disastrous for him, he can try to save his face by doing well in at least a few of the upcoming races.
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Volkswagen to take the Electric route in India

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VW GolfWhile the small car market is still hot in India, there is something else that is getting the full attention of the car manufacturers. Yes, we are talking about the emergence of electric cars in India. Indian customers are slowly warming up to the idea of an electric drive, global car manufacturers are trying to gain an early entry in the segment. So far Maini Reva has been the one to satisfy the electric car needs of the Indian crowd.

The latest one to announce its plans of launching electric cars in India is Volkswagen. The largest car manufacturer in European market has decided to enter the Indian electric car market much ahead of its competitors. And if you think that Volkswagen will have just a single launch, think again, because it is planning to penetrate the segment with a range of electric car launches.

As per the German Press Agency DPA, Volkswagen’s electric version of Golf will be launched in India in 2013. The German automaker is following a very comprehensive strategy which would likely make it the leader in the electric car segment in India. Earlier the company had decided that it will bring its electric range with the city car Up with E-Golf, and the E-Jetta would follow soon.

But now things have taken a different turn and plans have been modified. Now the company will commence with the E-Golf. VW believes that Golf is one of the most important models for the company and it will help establish the company’s position in the segment.

Volkswagen’s Chief Executive Officer Martin Winterkorn has announced that the company is looking to produce an electric car that can be easily affordable by every user from all segments.

‘We want to attain an electric vehicle market share of three percent within our entire range of products. We will take the hybrid out of its niche status with our high-volume models. In the future, the heart of the VW brand will also beat with electricity,’ Winterkorn added.

Volkswagen is collaborating with Japanese companies like Toshiba and Sanyo as well as Chinese battery and car producer BYD. Volkswagen believes that the key to making an electric car is the powerful and affordable lithium-ion batteries.

VW PoloApparently Volkswagen is also planning to bring the LPG version of its recently launched Polo. The Polo BiFuel will be equipped with a 1.4-litre 84bhp engine that can run on both petrol and LPG and you can switch between the two fuels with the push of a button. And that is not all; you can switch between the fuels while the car is still in motion. In the LPG mode, the Polo’s emissions become considerably, about 10%, lower compared to when it’s running in the petrol mode.

Judging by the way things have been planned out, VW has got everything in place to beat the heat from competitors. Let’s just hope that everything goes the way it has been planned by the German carmaker.
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The All-New Citroen GT Concept Car

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Citroen GT Concept CarWhat comes to your mind when you listen to the name Citroen and French-made automobile? There’s no doubt that it’s going to be a small, funky, eco-friendly green car. Well, you needn’t be too embarrassed for stereotyping.

We first judge cars and then we begin to love or avoid some of them. Some of them are not worth owning. But this new French car has so much in it that it is a real wonder. One will just love to ride through the countryside in this special car. It is so amazing, so appealing. Have a nice look and you will see future car lines present in every feature of its design and styling. Yes, we are talking about the new Citroen GT concept car.

It’s lustrous, sexy, the only one of its kind, and cent per cent exotic in this stage of its development. The all-new Citroen GT is sure not a boxy pedal-powered car. Running on the Ford V8 engine, the same one used in the Ford GT, speculation says that this exotic car can stir up around 500 bhp. We have also heard that Citroen plans to make just 6 units of the Citroen GT. Any guesses about the price? Well, it may be $1.8 million dollars a piece.

The models are being tested right now and hopefully the car is only going to get even better. The car makers want to make an eco friendly version of this exotic sports car. Yes, the Citroen GT will be an inspired green dream car. Initially, news was that the design was inspired by an automobile in a video game. The automobile engineers then brought the idea to execution by designing the real life concept car.

Last week, Joseph Eckhart, member of the Italianizzato Club, said that the video game Gran Turismo had inspired the design of the new Citroen GT. To add to the power rumors, we have this. Citroen is considering dropping in a 789 bhp X4 Hydrogen engine with a 6 speed sequential gearbox and this will truly make the Citroens popular as the makers of futuristic green exotics. But the question remains, will Citroen drop in the 789 bhp X4 Hydrogen engine with that gearbox?

With the beginning of the new week, on the 18th of this month, we hear that the Hydrogen engines may take more energy to produce than the power they make. Everyone nods in approval. However, the emissions are cleaner than a carbon fuel based model and therefore greener.
Green is the latest trend in the automobile world and we now know that Citroen is trying its best to fit in the amazing Citroen GT in the green exotics auto world in a spectacular fashion. The green light is flickering bright and we can all hope to see more and more eco friendly new cars.
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Ferrari F10’s aerodynamics get revised

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McLaren started it, Sauber followed and now Ferrari is trying to match its steps with these two teams. You must be wondering what we are talking about. So here is the unravelling of the mystery. McLaren first introduced the F-duct and other teams, including Sauber and Ferrari, have tried to emulate this technology in their vehicles. The idea is quite simple but the implementation becomes a complicated procedure because the cars have been homologated and significant changes to the chassis are difficult to make.

So what is an F-duct and what does it do? Let’s fins out. The F-duct is designed to reduce the rear wing drag at high speeds, and downforce on straights. In the McLaren, the F-duct is controlled via the driver’s leg. Once the duct is open, air is drawn into the duct at the front of the car and released just in front of the rear wing. This helps achieve greater speeds by reducing the effectiveness of the rear wing. This may not be considered as a big advantage; however, the effect can be noticeable over an entire lap as it allows the driver to apply more downforce for greater speeds during the turns, while the rear wing stalling to maintain a competitive top speed.

Ferrari introduced a host of aerodynamic changes during the Chinese Grand Prix 2010. A new under-body behind the front wing and a new double-decked floor, very similar to the one used by Renault during the Malaysian GP, has been attached. The Ferrari F10’s diffuser now has a revised central section.

So what if Ferrari does not have the F-duct feature that makes the McLaren proud. Ferrari has something else up its sleeve. The F10 now has, instead of splitting the airbox in two like on the MP4-25, two small openings, which is also seen on Force India’s VJM03.

There are two very distinct airflows, which are quite similar to the McLaren. One flows, the bottom yellow line, via the pipe to the diffuser’s top leading edge. The other one, the top yellow line, flows on to the rear wing flap and also features a slot like the on McLaren.

All the items have been tested by Fernando Alonso and the data have been collected. The data will be used to build a final version of the solution for the Spanish Grand Prix, which is happening next month.

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Turbocharged 1500cc Engines for 2013 F1 Season?

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Proposed F1 turbocharged enginesThree years down the line F1 may switch to 1.5 litre powerplants along with the return of turbochargers. Yes, you’ve heard it right. The years 1977 through 1988 saw the greatest times in the history of sport. It was the turbocharged era. There were the super-fast machines which were regarded the most powerful open-wheel circuit racing cars in the history of motorsport. These turbocharged super powers took motorsport at its peak. They helped the sport live up to its ‘pinnacle of motorsport’ tag.

1977 to 1988 was indeed the best period during which F1 got most of its name and fame. The F1 grid was filled with turbo engines from a variety of builders. The racing cars touched the highest level of performance in the history of motorsport. The then racing cars proved to be true missiles with even 1,100 bhp turbo engines.

Forced induction really took off in 1983 to improve engine power, efficiency, and emissions without much extra weight and minimal modifications to the engine architecture. Till 1988, Formula 1 cars with those extra-wide tyres pushed over 1000 bhp each and travelled round the globe. In 1988, the turbo engine saw an end, its last gasp behind World Champion Aryton Senna’s McLaren, powered by a turbocharged Honda V-6. It now looks like that technology is going to return. The F1 team bosses are looking at switching to 1.5-litre turbocharged engines from 2013.

But, if you’re expecting the same power, please don’t. The Formula 1 turbochargers will focus on efficiency and the engines are not going to develop the same power. In the new engines, only the inline-four configuration will be permitted. Earlier, we had the six- and eight-cylinder mills roaming on the racetracks. The good news is that the new engines would only need half the amount of fuel currently required to race the entire race distance. New F1 trends will now be dictated and the new cars will likely display higher performance with lower consumption of fuel and emissions too. Isn’t that great news? We would have to wait till 2013 though.

With the four-cylinder engine, it sure seems like FIA is looking at re-adopting the standard Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems or KERS technology, just another element of sportiness without excess fuel. This technology is believed to be made use of. Doesn’t this sound exciting? It does. But unfortunately, the KERS technology cannot be adopted by old car manufacturers. Brands like Ferrari do not have makes that can adopt the new kind of engines. So, while most manufacturers are happy about the downsized engines, Ferrari has been largely opposing the move.

If you’re wondering what is bringing about all this talk, well, don’t you think more sponsors will now get attracted towards the race? The smaller race engines would influence the opinions of sponsors and manufacturer works teams who still haven’t made up their minds completely. Rumours say promoting F1’s green credentials can work its way in getting the unnamed sponsors. Just like any other professional motorsport, the importance of sponsorship funding cannot be simple here too.

We have heard that Volkswagen, long on the F1 radar, is likely to look for an entry spot if the turbocharged engines are made mandatory. The German auto maker is looking at entering into the sport. Will it come as an all new team or will it take over Williams? Let’s wait. With Bridgestone leaving the sport, Michelin is looking at coming in again and has forced several conditions, the main one being, switching to 18-inch rims to make its F1 tyres more relevant to its road and sports car programmes.

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