Monthly Archives: September 2010

Maruti Offers Big Discounts During the Festive Season

1

seasons-sale The festive season in India has arrived, and so have car discounts. And Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) has already outdone the competition to take the lead and make the most of this opportunity. Despite enjoying record sales month after month, and long waiting periods on most of its models, MSI has increased discounts this festival season compared to the ones offered last year.

Typically when demand surpasses supply, which is the situation right now with MSI, a company would do one of these two things – reduce the discounts or charge a premium. But Maruti’s course of action seems quite different. What could be the reason for that? Let’s find out.

Sources are saying that the company is doing this to beat the competition, even though it is finding it extremely difficult to meet the current demand. MSI, in contrast to Tata Motors, Hyundai Motor India and General Motors, who have stocked up, has a very limited inventory that would last about a week to 10 days.

“What Maruti is doing is enticing customers with deeper discounts even as it tells them to wait for buying cars. This is quite a unique situation, but in an intensely competitive scenario, Maruti has little choice,” said a source.

Maruti Suzuki Alto F8 and K-10 are facing strong competition from Hyundai Santro, Tata Indica and the Tata Nano, and there is almost no waiting period for these models. To make matters worse similar discounts are also available on these cars.

“Surprisingly, in spite of robust demand, discounts are similar or higher on most models compared to last year. Most surprising is the discount of the recently launched WagonR. It also highlights the fact that even though demand has surprised on the upside, competitive intensity in the space would keep margins muted,” said Jatin Chawla, analyst at IIFL.

Maruti Suzuki Car Discounts

MSI is offering a great Rs 42,000 discount on the old WagonR, but what is more surprising is that the company is offering Rs 19,000 discount on the new WagonR. A still bigger discount of Rs 60,000 is offered on the SX4 sedan. Despite the refurbishment and all, the SX4 is struggling because of the competition, and those who are intent on having a Maruti sedan, opt for the DZire instead.

Surprisingly, the discount on Swift, which is one of the best sellers, is merely Rs 5000. Currently, buyers of the diesel variants of the Swift and Swift Dzire are facing a waiting period of over six weeks. The newly launched Alto K-10 has a waiting period of over four weeks and the remaining cars about three weeks each. Only the M800 and some variants of the Estilo are available without a waiting period.

    SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend     Add to Technorati Favorites                 Add New Post

India Is Now the 7th Largest Vehicle Producer in the World

2

Tata Nano stocked up Should we rejoice or brood over the increased car production in India? In India today, new cars(actually the traffic jams) are decelerating instead of infusing acceleration in our day to day life. We have more on this! The government just claimed that India has become the seventh largest vehicle producing nation in the world, six years ahead of the set target. Well, enough of worrying; this is something we need to be proud of!

At a Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) function in New Delhi, Secretary for Ministry of Heavy Industry B S Meena said, “When we were making the Auto Mission Plan (AMP) in 2006, we had projected India to become the seventh largest vehicle producing country in the world by 2016. We have already achieved this milestone good six years ahead of the set target.” He added that in the next ten years India would be among the top five automobile producers.

The current positioning is known to all. The hardworking China is perched at the top as the largest vehicle producer of the world followed by the U.S. According to the Auto Mission Plan, the automotive sector’s turnover was supposed to be increased to $145 billion besides offering employment to 25 million people, all within 10 years. In 2005-06, the turnover was $34 billion with 13.1 million people employed either directly or indirectly in the automotive sector.

Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) now claims that India’s automobile production increased to 1,40,49,830 units in 2009-10 which translates into a 25 per cent surge as compared to 11,172,275 units in the 2008-09 fiscal. Compare these figures with 2005-06 vehicle production numbers; a total of just 97,43,503 units were produced.

Meena added that during April-August 2009-10, the cumulative production of vehicles grew at 32.4 per cent over the corresponding period last year. “The passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and two-wheeler segments have all recorded impressive growth rates of 32 per cent, 49 per cent and 31 per cent, respectively, during this period,” he said.

He further added that the Indian passenger car market is projected to grow to around 9 million units by the next ten years, while the two-wheeler market is likely to reach 30 million units. Meena said, “The realisation of these volumes would position India as one of the top five vehicle producing countries in the world by 2020 with the domestic consumption growing by 4-folds to USD 120 billion.”

eco_maruti

The emission norms in India have and are getting stringent. The Secretary, however, warned that the automotive sector would have to bear in mind the adverse impact of new cars on the environment. That would be the sector’s most important challenge; it will have to ensure that growth in automobile production is accompanied by strategies aimed at justifying the unfavourable effect of automobiles on the environment.

    SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend     Add to Technorati Favorites                 Add New Post

Luxury Car Makers Turn to Compact Crossovers

2

Mercedes-Benz-BLK-front There was once a time when most people’s preferences were inclined towards large SUVs. And then suddenly, fuel prices started shooting up, and car manufacturers and people shifted their focus on smaller fuel efficient cars.

However, some luxury car manufacturers believe that matrimony between SUVs and small cars would be a harmonious one, to say the least. This way we have the great ride and handling of SUVs combined with the easy maintenance and efficiency of small cars.

2011-Audi-Q3-1

So what would the so called matrimony between the two result in? A compact crossover SUV, and then BMW brought in the X1 and started a new segment called premium compact crossover. The BMW X1 has been highly successful in the international market. Audi Q3 is already in the process of development and then we have the Mercedes Benz BLK which is in concept stage.

The new BLK, as is evident from its name, will be based on the next-generation B-Class platform which is itself based on Mercedes’ new MFA – Modular front wheel drive architecture. This architecture will also make an appearance in the new A-Class. The new BLK will be offered in both front and four wheel drive options. Mercedes Benz would bring a sedan and at least four vehicles based on the B-Class platform. Internally, the BLK is known as the SUC (Sports Utility Cruiser) or GLA.

BMW-X1

The features of the Mercedes BLK, such as a long hood, big wheels, steeply raked windscreen, flowing roof and wide rear fenders, make it resemble the Infiniti FX. The car, when gets launched in 2013, will compete with BMW X1, Range Rover Evoque, and Audi Q3.

Talking about the Audi Q3, test mules of the crossover have been spotted while testing and is expected to be launched in the Indian market sometime next year. Word has it that the Audi Q3 will be assembled at the company’s Aurangabad facility here in India, where the A4, A6 and Q5 are also assembled. The Audi Q3 will be positioned below the Q5.

    SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend     Add to Technorati Favorites                 Add New Post

Facelifted Chevrolet Captiva to be Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show

1

2011-Chevrolet-Captiva Ahead of the Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet seems to be in the best of forms. What else could explain the numerous launches that the car maker has planned for the prestigious motor show! First we got a feel of the superb looking Cruze hatchback, and then we had the production version of the new Aveo. And now we have something from Chevrolet in the SUV segment. We are talking about the facelifted Captiva SUV that the company is going to unveil at the upcoming motor show.

The new Chevrolet Captiva has got some massive changes, both on the exterior as well as the interior. As far as the engine options are concerned, there will three new additions to the existing range. The three new engines are: a 169bhp 2.4-litre petrol unit and two 2.2-litre, common-rail turbodiesel units with either 161 or 181bhp power outputs. All the three engine options would be available with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Chevrolet claims to have improved the car’s acoustic engineering to reduce road, wind and engine noise.

Exterior styling of the new Captiva is attractive and stylish. The new SUV gets the signature Chevrolet split grille with the logo in the middle. The side air-vents have now morphed into a more angular shape and the tail-lights have become narrower. The most noticeable changes to the front of the car are a sharply sculptured bonnet and a much larger grille, which comes as a result of a reduction in the size of the front bumper. Chassis of the new SUV has been re-tuned to enhance cornering, roll characteristics and ride feel.

The US based company says that the new styling captures the Captiva’s sporting intent and gives the car a more athletic stance. The interior of the Captiva has been upgraded. So, now you have new seat fabrics and interior décor to give the car a more youthful feel and look. The interior of the car looks every bit Chevrolet, right from the ice-blue backlighting to the wrap-around design of the front fascia, which flows into the front driver’s and passenger doors to the create a dual-cockpit look.

2011-Chevrolet-Captiva-2

Standard kit on the new Captiva includes electronic stability control, traction control, brake assist and hill start assist to prevent roll-back on hill starts. There are other comfort and convenience features like aux-in, a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity as standard, and a touch-screen navigation system with rear-view camera for parking assistance is an optional extra.

The new Chevrolet Captiva is expected to be launched in Europe in spring 2011. The fabulous SUV would be launched in India quickly after its Europe debut.

    SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend     Add to Technorati Favorites                 Add New Post

Volkswagen Polo 1.6 priced at Rs 6.16 Lakhs

Reply

Volkswagen-Polo-1.6-India 23rd February, 2010 was a lucky day for Volkswagen India. In fact, it was just the beginning of an era of happiness. That was the day the first Volkswagen Polo was launched in India. Even globally, the Polo has been a lucky charm for Volkswagen. It has been the recipient of the 2010 European Car of the Year (ECOTY) award and the prestigious World Car of the Year award.

If a 1.2-litre motor can work such wonders, VW must have thought, why not a 1.6-litre variant? That’s exactly what Volkswagen has finally done. After the successful debut of the 1.2L Polo in India, Europe’s largest car manufacturer, Volkswagen, introduced its powerful 1.6L Polo variant into the Indian market yesterday.

Commenting on this new variant, Mr. Neeraj Garg, Member of Board and Director Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd. said, “With the introduction of this variant, the Polo becomes even more exciting for our customers as it becomes more powerful and fun to drive while continuing to maintain all the features available in the 1.2L Polo variant.”

Here’s the most important detail about the new car. The new Polo variant flaunts a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol motor that churns out an impressive 103.5 bhp @ 5250 rpm and peak torque of 153 Nm @ 3750 rpm. The engine has been mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Volkswagen claims that the new Polo variant delivers fuel efficiency of 15.96 km/litre.

There seem to be no changes in the Polo’s appearance. It is as youthful and hot as the flashy 1.2L Polo. The VW Polo borrows designs from the Tiguan and Golf car and possesses a galvanized body backed by a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Body-coloured bumpers, the chrome strip in the front grille, body coloured outside door handles and mirrors, and halogen headlights add to the car’s sporty character.

The Polo hatch is a leader in segment when it comes to space, style, comfort, safety and fuel efficiency. The new Polo embraces chrome trims and the hefty 15-inch alloy wheels safe in their flared arches demand a second look. Fog lamps and the rear wipe with defogger enhance the car’s beauty and performance.

The Polo flaunts generous interiors with storage space everywhere. The compartment in the front door can easily hold a 1.5L bottle, and there’s space for your sunglasses inside the glove box. Unlike most luxury sedans in India, all open windows of the Polo can be closed by just a single touch of the remote. The tilt and telescopic power steering and height-adjustable driver seat ease out the strain on the driver during those tired road trips and offer better visibility too. Folding rear seat backrests and the two-tone dashboard are classic features too. The simply amazing ‘livon’ upholstery of the new Polo is matchless.

The super-mini hatchback allows keyless entry with remote opening and has a multifunctional display. It is also equipped with advanced occupant safety with strong wheels, an electronic anti-theft immobilizer, anti-lock braking system and airbags for the driver and passengers. For entertainment, the new car houses a CD MP3 Player changer with 4 speakers. The green-tinted sun-blocking glass is one of a kind in the Indian cars.

Manufactured at Volkswagen’s Chakan plant in Pune, the 1.6 l Polo is already available to customers. It will be available only in the highline petrol variant though, and is priced at Rs. 6.16 Lakh, ex showroom New Delhi.

    SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend     Add to Technorati Favorites                 Add New Post

Audi Dreams Big… New Showrooms, 30 Per Cent Market Share, Audi R8 Launch and More

1

Well, it is common for the common man to dream of owning a luxury car. But today, we have a luxury car maker dreaming a lot too. From increasing its market share in India’s luxury car segment to opening plenty of showrooms, we have noticed that Audi has been dreaming big. It wishes to have 18 showrooms in the country by 2011.

As a step towards transforming its dreams into reality, Audi India inaugurated one of the largest showrooms in Mumbai last week, on 8 September, 2010. More showrooms have been planned in Delhi, Jaipur, Chennai and Ludhiana. Earlier this year, the luxury automobile manufacturer had already opened new showrooms in Kolkata and Bengaluru.

Audi’s newly opened Mumbai showroom is apparently an incredible 18,000 sq.ft. facility, and can luxuriously hold 12 of Audi’s fine automobiles at once. This showroom, Audi Mumbai West, is located on New Link Road, Andheri (W). While celebrity and Audi owner Bipasha Basu graced the occasion as the ‘Guest of Honour’, Andre Konsbruck, Executive Director Region Overseas, Audi AG and Michael Perschke, Head – Audi India were also present.

“We have undertaken an intense growth strategy to expand our dealer network and offer an energetic product line and world-class services to our customers and are confident that our performance this year will mark the beginning of a new era for Audi in India”, said Mr.Andre Konsbruck.

“Based on Audi’s philosophy of ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’, this showroom offers a luxurious experience that truly reflects our brand values of sportiness, progressiveness and sophistication,” said Mr.Michael Perschke.

‘Audi Terminal Concept’ happens to be the brand’s international theme for all its new dealerships across the world, and Audi Mumbai West has diligently followed the design theme. The showroom also features Audi Shop and the Audi Exclusive Elements – where customers can purchase a variety of Audi branded merchandise apart from ordering customised products.

At the event, everybody found it quite impossible to take their eyes off the bronze Audi R8. By the way, before we forget, Audi has announced that their flagship model, the new Audi A8 will be launched in the country by this year end. Another luxury auto maker, Mercedes, had earlier announced its Diwali Gift for the Indian roads, the new Mercedes R Class. So, if the Audi R8 comes at the same time, there’s definitely more reason to celebrate.

Back to Audi’s ambitious dreams, the luxury car manufacturer is said to be eyeing to grab 30 per cent stake in the luxury segment in India from its 24 per cent present market share. Of late, India’s luxury car segment too has been seeing high competition with plenty of foreign players finding their way into the country.

So far, Audi has managed to sell 15,000-20,000 units in the country this year. Audi India Head Micheal Perschke said, “We are looking at increasing our market-share as well as focusing on profitability. By next year we target around 30 per cent share in the Indian market. We expect a huge growth coming from the metros as well as Tier II cities.”

So far this year it has sold around 1,876 cars (January-August), as against 1,128 units in the year-ago period. In August alone, it sold 250 cars, a 46 per cent jump from 171 units in the same period last year. The car maker is targeting a 45 per cent growth rate for next year.

“We are looking at increasing our distribution network. India is a strategic market and is growing as demand is coming from smaller cities such as Bhubaneswar and Patna in the Eastern region. We are looking at a 45 per cent growth next year. We are planning to open more showrooms in cities such as Surat, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Indore and Coimbatore,” said Michael Perschke.

    SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend     Add to Technorati Favorites                 Add New Post

Chevrolet to Launch the New Aveo Hatchback

1

New-Chevrolet-Aveo The upcoming Paris Motor Show would become a battleground as car manufacturers get ready with their latest offerings. While Volvo will be showcasing two new engines offered in the all-new Volvo S60 saloon and V60, General Motors is ready with its Chevrolet Cruze hatchback, and the new production ready Aveo hatchback.

Yes, you read it right. Earlier during the Detroit Motor Show in January, we saw the concept version of the Aveo, and now the car maker is ready with the production version of the car, and we can feast our eyes during the upcoming show. And the good news is that much of the features and design elements from the concept version have been carried over into production version.

Much like the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback, the Aveo looks phenomenal too. At the front, the Aveo gets twin headlamps and Chevrolet’s new signature split front grille, the ones that we have earlier seen in the Beat and the Cruze sedan. The fog lamps that we saw in the concept Aveo is not carried over. Some of the features that have been carried over from the show car include the rear handles being hidden in the C-pillars like the Beat and the rising shoulder line, along with a sharply creased bonnet.

The new Aveo is wider and longer than the car it is replacing. The company has not released any interior pictures of the production car, but it is rumoured to include a Beat-like motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster, a wrap-around fascia and blue backlighting for the centre console. And just to take the competition a bit higher, USB and Bluetooth connectivity are standard in this car.

Chevrolet says that the Aveo’s chassis has been tuned specifically for European customers, while also claiming that the car will be comfortable as well as responsive. The hatchback will be available in two petrol and a diesel engine options. While Petrol engines include an 85bhp 1.2 and a 99bhp 1.4, there would be 1.3 diesel unit featuring the stop-start function. Chevrolet will bring in a six-speed automatic transmission as an option on the 1.4 petrol engine, manual options include five- or six-speed depending on the engine choices. The new Aveo comes equipped with Electronic Power Steering and ABS brakes as standard along with Electronic Stability Control.

General Motors has not given a hint as to when the car could possibly be launched in India, but it is expected to arrive here somewhere in mid 2011. And when it does, it will compete with the likes of Volkswagen Polo, Honda Jazz and i20 amongst others.

The company will reveal the final price and detailed technical specifications of the new Aveo at the Paris Auto Show that starts on October 02, 2010.

    SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend     Add to Technorati Favorites                 Add New Post

Alonso Makes a Fantastic Comeback after Monza Victory

Reply

t1larg.alonso When the 2010 Formula One Championship reached the birthplace of Ferrari, we were all keeping our fingers crossed for a phenomenal performance from the Ferrari team. Though we would have been happier with a one-two from the Ferrari F1 team, a 1-3 makes us a happy lot too.

Fernando Alonso started from the pole position but lost the lead to McLaren’s Jenson Button during the first few laps. A quick recovery came in order during the pit stop and Alonso finished ahead of Button. For Alonso, this is the third victory of the season; the last one came three races ago at the German Grand Prix. Now, Alonso, with 166 points, has been catapulted to the third position in the driver’s standings.

“This only compares to winning my home Grand Prix in Barcelona,” said Alonso. “After the start it was difficult, but the team made a fantastic pitstop and we were able to overtake. The possibilities were to come one lap earlier or one lap later. We saw Jenson pit, and we pushed and took the lead.”

McLaren driver Jenson Button finished second 2.9 seconds behind Alonso. “I got a good start and was able to squeeze through at the start,” said Button. “I was using the high-downforce setup which made it tricky to keep these guys behind. I was using the TV screens to see where they were. All-in-all, it was some good points, and we have helped our championship out very well.”

But it was a totally disastrous day for Lewis Hamilton in the other McLaren. Hamilton was racing at the fourth position when Massa’s left rear wheel came into contact with his front right, and before he could think of anything, he was in the gravel.

Hamilton said, “I made a good start, gained a position, got up to fourth, and, at that moment, perhaps I should have just stayed there for a while. But I put my car up the inside of Felipe into Turn Four, trying to get third, and that was probably a little bit too much. I was trying to position the car in a certain way, I was too close to Felipe, and his left rear clipped my right front. The car was damaged after that, and there was nothing I could do; you try your best, but some things just don’t go your way.”

Alonso’s victory was complemented by teammate Felipe Massa’s third position finish.

“I had a very good start, and then I saw Alonso, and Button braking very late into the first corner,” said the Brazilian. “Then I felt Lewis hit my back. I don’t know what happened there, I just felt something on my back. In a way, it was a great race seeing all of these people on the main straight!”

It seemed like a bad day for the Red Bull team. While Vettel struggled with a momentary brake problem, Webber suffered from an alleged engine problem. While Vettel finished fourth, Webber finished at the sixth position.

monza

Team Mercedes put on a good show too. And as expected, Nico Rosberg finished fifth, while superstar Michael Schumacher finished at the ninth position. The Williams team is getting better as the Championship progresses. Hülkenberg got some very important point for the team with his seventh position finish. Teammate Rubens Barrichello rounded up the out the point finisher.

Race Standings: Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)-1:16:24.572, Jenson Button (McLaren)-+2.9 secs, Felipe Massa (Ferrari)- +4.2 secs, Sebastian Vettel (Redbull)- +28.1 secs, Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)- +29.9 secs, Mark Webber (Red Bull)-+31.2 secs, Nico Hulkenberg (Williams-Cosworth)-+32.8 secs, Robert Kubica (Renault)- +34.0 secs, Michael Schumacher (Mercedes)- +44.9 secs, Rubens Barrichello (Williams-Cosworth)-+64.2 secs

Driver Standings: Mark Webber (Red Bull)- 187, Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)- 182, Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)- 166, Jenson Button(McLaren)- 165, Sebastian Vettel (Redbull)- 163, Felipe Massa (Ferrari) – 124, Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)- 112, Robert Kubica (Renault)- 108, Michael Schumacher (Mercedes)- 46, Adrian Sutil (Force India)- 45

    SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend     Add to Technorati Favorites                 Add New Post

Fiat Linea T-Jet to Be Launched in India Next Month

Reply

Fiat_Linea_Tjet At the onset of the festive season, here comes the first news of a launch during the happy season. It’s the news of the entry of the Fiat Linea T-Jet. Oh yes! Last month, we told you that the car would be launched this month. But for some reason or the other, the launch has been postponed to October. Fiat hasn’t decided a specific week or date for the launch yet.

The Grande Punto, especially the 90HP Punto, has earned Fiat a lot of fame. Ever since the 90HP Punto’s launch, Fiat had been busy marketing the new car and has finally taken its eyes off. We finally have news of the Linea T-Jet. But thanks to the success of the new Punto, Fiat is quite confident about the T-Jet’s performance too.

The T-Jet will be equipped with a 1.4 L T-Jet engine carved to offer peak power of 110 bhp at 5000 rpm and maximum torque of 200 Nm at 2500 rpm. The new Fiat Linea T-Jet is in fact India’s first to be equipped with a turbo-charged version of the naturally aspirated 1.4-litre petrol motor. Speed is gonna be no problem when behind the wheels of the new Linea T-Jet. The car can accelerate from a standstill to a hundred kilometres per hour in just about 9.2 seconds. The car can touch an impressive top speed of around 200 kmph.

Talk of transmission of the upcoming car and you’ll notice many other cars back up in shame. The T-Jet comes with a slush box crafted to deliver 10 per cent better fuel economy than traditional gear boxes. The steering wheel alignment is simply perfect with brilliant maneuvering of the gearshift.

Next, let’s discuss about the Linea T-Jet’s styling. Fiat Style Centre has taken responsibility of styling the car and nobody dares doubt the centre’s potential to carve a masterpiece. Fiat Style Centre has been successful in creating a car graceful enough with captivating smooth lines. Behold the work of art! Truly Italian! The sedan’s powerful-looking front grille, drop-shaped headlights and forward sloping windscreen add a healthy and aggressive look to the refined profile.

The interiors of the new car very well agree with the external lines. Spacious and cushy interiors add luxury and sophistication. So, there’s grace, aggressiveness and sophistication; an exotic car in the real world. The instrument panel and other controls have been positioned just right so as to offer the driver perfect visibility with ease.

The car features an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution, power lock doors and reverse parking sensors that ensure safety. Rain sensing wipers and automatic headlamps are clever additions too. The T-Jet Linea has also been equipped with Fire Protection System that stops fuel supply to the engine during crucial situations. The ‘Hill Holder’ function allows the car to stop automatically in order to prevent it from rolling backwards.

Driving experience has been made particularly enjoyable with perfect positioning of pedals, armrest and footrest. The new form of the Fiat Linea is certainly outstanding with the ideal combination of facility, style and performance. It is a powerhouse of performance and may be worth the Rs. 9,00,000 tag which it may come with next month.

Fiat is said to be running some special finance schemes during the festive season. The car maker has not planned any special editions or models, apart from the T-Jet for this year.

    SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend     Add to Technorati Favorites                 Add New Post

2011 Bentley Continental GT Launched

3

New Continental GT Well, this is something that needs no prelude at all. So we get right down to the real thing and tell you that Bentley has launched the new 2011 Continental GT online prior to its world premiere at the upcoming 2010 Paris Auto Show. And if the officially released pictures are anything to go by, the new car looks like a piece of very exquisite art.

The length, height, and wheelbase of the new Continental GT are same as its predecessor, but the body is wider at the wheel arches to accommodate wider tracks (increased by 41mm front and 48mm rear). Thanks to the radiator grill, which is now lower and much upright, the bonnet is longer to counteract the previous impression that the Conti’s nose is a little short.

Bentely interiorsjpg

The new Continental GT 2011 gets modern headlight treatments; the inner of the headlights is now much larger than the outers and surrounding LEDs. The tail-lamps are nothing but the same twin ellipses of the outgoing model when lit. The bootlid reinstates the ‘double horseshoe’ shape that we recently saw in the new Mulsanne, and there is a new diffuser.

The sharp and muscular new Continental gets more powerful W12 engine which produces a maximum power output of 567bhp and a torque of 516lb ft. The engine is paired with paddle-shift ZF six-speed automatic which features a ‘quickshift’ function that reduces the shift time by half. Bentley would also bring in an all-new flex-fuel 4.0-liter V8 engine. This engine will come a year after the new Conti’s launch next March.

The in-car infotainment system in the new Continental GT includes advanced new touchscreen technology with rich map imagery and a 30GB on board hard drive. The 8-inch screen displays the audio system, telephone, ride and comfort settings and the very latest navigation system, which uses both an in-car hard-disc drive and a DVD player to access route data.

An eight speaker sound system employs the latest Balanced Mode Radiator technology. These unique compact, flat-panel speakers provide exceptional clarity with a very wide frequency range.

Bentely rear

“We’ve distilled nearly 90 years of engineering excellence into the new Continental GT coupe. It represents everything Bentley stands for: breathtaking performance, beautiful design and unparalleled quality, comfort and luxury,” said Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board, Engineering, Bentley.

Bentley plans to start the sales of the revised Continental GT in the international market by March 2011. Prices, which will be revealed during the Paris Motor Show, are expected to be a little higher than the current £124k entry level. For now, let’s just hope that we see the launch of this car in the Indian market too.

    SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend     Add to Technorati Favorites                 Add New Post