Monthly Archives: November 2010

Dutch supercar maker Spyker cars to make India debut next year

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spyker-c8-spyder-t-logo India has become a preferred haven for the super cars. We have seen legendary Car-makers queuing up to bring their iconic super cars to India to feed on that small but niche market that’s opening up in recent days.

A couple of years ago, Super cars and India never went hand in hand. But the situation is fast changing as a host of super car makers like that of Mercedes Benz with their SLS-AMG, Lamborghini with Murcielago LP 670-4 SV and American Super car maker Ultimate Motors with its Shelby, Zenvo and Arash made it to India with its products.

And with the arrival of the Rs 16 crore Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport last month and 3 confirmed bookings later, those car makers who still thought India to be a land of snake charmers had to re-look their strategy for India. India has become a preferred destination for almost all the car manufacturers who have a super car in their portfolio.

There are more car-makers such as the fabled Aston Martin and Ferrari trying to make a cut in the Indian market. Latest in the list of inbound super cars is Netherlands based Spyker. Yes, the very Spyker F1 team which Dr. Mallya brought a couple of years back and named it Force India. This Dutch car-maker has already shortlisted potential partners to import its vehicles and two dealerships are expected to come in New Delhi and Mumbai. The company plans to launch the Spyker product in India in 2011 as soon all the arrangements are finalized.

2009-Spyker-C8-Aileron-car-picture

Spyker though has not shared the possible price tags of the models, we can just imagine how much these hand crafted body panels and hand built cars could cost. No? If we take the C8 Spyder Aileron, this car is priced at 2,20,000 pounds in London which roughly translates into Rs 1.6 crores here but we have deliberately excluded the duty it would attract here in India. Other models in Spyker’s portfolio include LM85, C12 Zagato and D8 Peking-to-Paris.

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The New Facelifted Suzuki SX4 2011

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2011-SX4 The Chinese version of the Suzuki SX4 is up for a facelift. And guess what, the leaked images of the facelifted SX4 sedan are already doing the rounds among the online automotive fraternity. But calling it a mere facelift would be an injustice, because along with facelift exercise, the new Suzuki SX4 becomes smaller also.

As of now, we do not have a lot of information on the upcoming SX4 except the look. The length of the new SX4 is now reduced by 20mm, but considering the mammoth length of the car, the reduction is likely to go unnoticed by a lot of people. Additionally, the front grille of the new SX4 is totally new and gets chrome treatment all over. The headlamp pair is slightly changed from the previous model, but then again, that might escape your eyes too. The reworked rear bumper, boot lid and tail lamps bring the new SX4 more in line with the Kizashi sedan.

The new Suzuki SX4 2011 will be equipped with two powerful petrol engines, a 1.6ltr and a 1.8ltr. Suzuki will be launching the new SX4 during Guangzhou Auto Show that is scheduled to start by December 2010.

2011-SX4 in China

Speculations say that the 2011 Suzuki SX4 will not be launched in the Indian market and the reasons more than obvious. When the Maruti Suzuki SX4 was launched in the Indian market, it generated quite a little interest among the people who always wanted a premium sedan from MSI. But as the competition increased in the segment with cars like VW Vento, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Verna, Fiat Linea and Honda City, Maruti Suzuki SX4 sales took a beating in the market.

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Hyundai Leaning towards Gujarat for its Third Plant

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Hyundai Motors these days is busy hunting location for its upcoming plant in India. The company already has two plants in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. But when it comes to the third plant, the South Korean company seems to favouring Gujarat as its preferred choice. Word has it that three top Hyundai officials have made a presentation on Thursday to top Gujarat Government officials who had come to Bangalore with their road show.

According to reliable industry resources, Hyundai needs close to 500 acres and an additional 200-300 acres for the vendors, for its third plant. The plant would require an investment of close to Rs 4,000 crore. And after the success of the Tata Nano plant, the Gujarat government seems very keen on getting Hyundai to set up its plant in the state and has agreed in principle to provide the infrastructure support required.

Hyundai Motors is currently fighting a battle with labour issues at its two plants near Chennai. The company is said to have been conducting a feasibility study to decide on a location for its next plant. The company does not have any personal issues against setting up its plant in Tamil Nadu itself, or even in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, but having a plant in Gujarat would give the company leverage in accessing the markets in north and western India, sources in the industry said.

Additionally, the proximity to ports would enhance the export activities of the company. Another important factor which would prompt Hyundai to choose Gujarat is that companies here are not mandated to recognise labour unions. Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, is on the verge of enacting a law that would mandate companies to have a registered and recognised labour union as Maharashtra and West Bengal do.

The annual capacity at the existing Hyundai plans is more than three lakh units, and the company has invested about Rs 9,000 crore in these units while the vendors have invested about Rs 4,000 crore. At these two plants, Hyundai’s employee strength is about 10,000, while the vendors have created more than 80,000 jobs.

The South Korean car manufacturer has about 20 per cent market share in the country and makes about $2 billion annually from exports alone. Hyundai is also the largest car exporter in India. HMIL currently exports the Santro, i10, i20 and the Accent to more than 115 countries in EU, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Asia.

The company is likely to decide on the plant location as well as capacity and investments within the next two quarters, as the new plant will take two years to go on stream. Hyundai Motors is also expected to announce its decision on its new diesel engine plant in the next two months during which the feasibility study would be completed.

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Tata-Fiat’s plant crosses 2,00,000-mark

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Fiat Logo Fiat India, the Indian subsidiary of the Italian auto giant has pulled a unique feat for itself. The auto major, which produces the powertrains for Fiat and Tata cars has rolled out the 2,00,000th powertrain engine from its Rajangoan plant yesterday.

Fiat India’s plant in Ranjangaon was built to manufacture enigines for Tata and Fiat Cars as well as for exporting engines to other Fiat facilities across Europe. The plant started functioning in July 2008.

“The Tata-Fiat manufacturing facility epitomises our commitment towards bringing cutting edge technology to India. The remarkable figure of 2,00,000 engines in a short span of time is a testament to the commitment of both the partners and to the tireless efforts of the team which has worked to make this a world-class facility,” Fiat India Automobiles Vice-President (Power Train Technologies) Gurpratap Boparai said in a statement.

Fait Linea

“Fiat’s powertrain engines are powering the new generation Tata cars, additionally, the engines are also being exported to other countries, which indicate that India could really be developed as a hub for the manufacture of technologically advanced engines,” Tata Motors Vice-President- Commercial (Passenger Car Business) R Ramakrishnan said.

Fiat India Automobiles is an equal joint venture between Fiat Group Automobiles and Tata Motors Limited. Fiat India sells the Grande Punto, Linea and premium hatchback Fiat 500 in India.

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Images and Brochure of Next-Gen Suzuki WagonR Leaked

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2012-Suzuki-Wagon-R-Solio-front-brochure-image At the beginning of this year, Maruti Suzuki India launched the new WagonR, and since then the car has been doing pretty well in the Indian market. Now, you would find it interesting to know that the same car is sold in several overseas markets as Suzuki Solio. And now the Japanese car maker is ready to introduce the new Suzuki Solio 2011 model, which had earlier arrived in the international market in 1997 as the box-shaped hatch-back model.

Japanese auto magazine Autoten has reported that the next generation Wagon R that will hit Japanese markets by February 2011. And the funny part, as has become the custom with most car launches, is that the brochure of the next generation WagonR has leaked and doing its round over the web.

According to the magazine also reveals that the new generation of Solio will share its chassis and engine with the tried-and-tested Swift model. But don’t get mislead, the new WagonR will look totally different from the Swift.

The next generation of Solio will run under the codename YK8, and have a body size of about 3750mm length, 1685mm width and 1660mm height, with 2430MM wheelbase. The new model seems to be featuring similar tall-boy design, but will have more leg space to offer. It will also be more spacious from inside, all thanks to a longer wheelbase. Our only gripe is that with each passing generation, the WagonR seems to getting taller and boxier.

Suzuki Solio jpeg

Other features in the next generation WagonR include short roof antenna, a small grille, large front air dam, straight tail group, multi-channel body lines, and 15-inch alloy wheels. The new car will share its power plant with the new Swift and have the same inline four-cylinder 1242cc DOHC VVT equipped with variable valve naturally aspirated gasoline engine. It will churn out an estimated maximum power output of 90hp/6000rpm, torque 11.8kgm/4800rpm. The estimated mileage is 23.0-24.0 kmpl.

Currently, the Solio is sold in Japan and Taiwan market, and we would not really be unhappy if Maruti Suzuki does not launch this car in the Indian market.

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Mercedes Benz Adds Two New Variants in M-Class

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Mercedes-Benz-M-Class-Grand-Edition-photo German luxury carmaker Mercedes Benz has launched two new variants of its M-Class in the Indian market. The two new variants are called Grand Sports and Grand Executive. While the “Grand Sports Edition” flaunts a price tag of INR 54.11 lakh, the “Grand Executive Edition” is priced at INR 47.91 lakh Ex-showroom Pune.

The two new variants look distinctively different from the other M-Class models. The Grand edition variants look stylish and smart with darkened headlights with LED daytime driving-lights and some very eye catching 19 inch alloys with 10 spokes. The interior colour is now two-tone and features a sporty and ergonomically designed AMG steering wheel. Adding extra style to the new car is the Grand Edition badge on the center console.

The Mercedes Benz M-Class has been in the Indian market for a decade now, and the company had launched a refreshed version of the same in 2009 with restyled looks and performance. The features and technologies stuffed inside the M-Class are capable of satisfying the Indian customers.

Plenty of safety features have incorporated in the Mercedes Benz M-Class Grand Edition such as AIRMATIC suspension with height control, PARKTRONIC parking sensors, a permanent 4WD with 4ETS traction control system, which helps downhill traction control, acceleration skid control (ASR), off-road ABS system, adaptive damping system(ADS), NECK-PRO head restraint etc. All these have made it possible for the M-Class to grab a 5-star safety rating in the prestigious European NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) crash testing.

But the most attractive part of the M-Class Grand Edition is the very competitive pricing from the carmaker. Commenting on this bold pricing move by Mercedes for the new M-Class Grand Edition, Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India said, “The M-Class has been a popular model series in India. The “Sports Edition” and the “Executive Edition” are very aggressively priced considering the loadings and features of this marquee. We are confident that customers who expect highest standards from their vehicles will find the M-Class a vehicle that exceeds their expectations- both on and off the road.”

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Hyundai bags two awards at 12th FIEO ‘Niryat Shree’ Awards, 2008-09

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hyundai-logo Hyundai Motor India, the largest passenger car exporter and second largest manufacturer in India, has just earned itself another feather in its cap. The Korean giant in India been conferred with the coveted “Niryat Shree” Gold and Silver Trophies for 2008-09 by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).

HMIL was awarded the Gold Trophy in the Engineering and Metallurgical products – Non-MSME category and the Silver Trophy in the Highest Foreign Exchange Earner category. Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, gave the award to Hyundai in recognition of its efforts to excel in the field of exports.

Receiving the award, Mr. Arvind Saxena Director – Marketing & Sales, HMIL said, “We are extremely delighted to receive this award from FIEO, the apex body of export promotion organizations in India. This recognition is an acknowledgement of our continuous efforts to make India the export hub for compact cars.”

HMIL is the first automotive company in India to achieve the export of 10 lakh cars in just over a decade, and exports vehicles to more than 115 countries across EU, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Asia Pacific. It is the number one exporter of passenger cars in the country for the sixth year in a row.

HMIL exports 45% of its total production from India. HMIL started exporting with a batch of 20 cars to Nepal in the year 1999 and in less than a period of ten years it has increased its export market to span over 115 countries across continents. HMIL currently exports the Santro, i10, i20 and the Accent. Hyundai recently launched the Santa Fe SUV here in India.

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Tata Merlin to replace Tata Safari

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Tata-Merlin-Safari-replacement-photo TataMotors’ Safari replacement is finally around the corner. We have heard that the new Tata Safari will be christened as “Merlin” and should be available by March-April 2011. The SUV, which had been codenamed safari18 internally, was in developmental stages since last two years.

We have now come across several spy pics of the car doing rounds on the blogosphere, courtesy TeamBHP. The Tata Merlin will be powered by a 2.2 litre DICOR which is now doing the duty in the Tata Aria, which means refinement is not an issue any more. The Merlin will be equipped with better and refined interiors and improved gearbox.

The other things Merlin has borrowed from the newly launched Aria are the transmission, alloy wheels and a host of advanced features that is already present in the Aria. The Tata Merlin should have ABS, ESP, side airbags, and traction control as standard fitment.

Watch this space for more on the Tata Merlin.

News and Image courtesy:TeamBHP
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Lamborghini reveals new V12 Engine with 700 HP

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lamborghini_aventador Here comes more of mouth-watering news from the house of Lamborghini. The Italian super-car maker has announced details on its new V12 powerplant which is expected to debut in the upcoming new beast speculated to be named Aventador, a supposedly Murcielago replacement. Now wasn’t that mouth-watering indeed?

Now speaking about the V12, this particular new engine is a naturally aspirated 6.5 liter V12, known internally as the L539, with a total output of 515 kW (700 PS) at 8,250 rpm and 690 Nm of torque available at an engine speed of 5,500 rpm.

Lamborghini developed the new V12 at its Sant’Agata Bolognese facility. It comes with a classic cylinder bank of 60 degrees and is compact, measuring 665 millimeters tall, 848 mm wide and 784 mm in length. It has a bore diameter of 95 mm and a cylinder stroke of 76.5 mm. The nitride-hardened crankshaft weighs just 24.6 kg while the engine weighs a total of 234 kg. The 6.5 liter V12 also comes with two mufflers in a single casing – one low-volume and the other high for that pitch-perfect Lambo sound.

A new 7-speed, single clutch gearbox with exceptionally quick shift times due to the ISR (Independent Shifting Rods) transmission for the beast has been developed to accompany the above-mentioned engine. Lamborghini claims almost 50 percent less than a standard dual-clutch gearbox. The independent shift rods work similar in concept to a dual-clutch – as one rod is disengaging the current gear, the second rod is already engaging the next one.

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Weight reduction is a theme here too, as the new gearbox weighs in at just 70 kg. The transmission comes with three driver settings – Strada, Sport and Corsa mode – with Corsa mode made for high-performance driving that also includes a launch control function.

It looks like Lamborghini is taking the game to the next level by constantly being in news for all the good reasons. It must be remembered that we had reported on Lambo’s go ahead signal for the limited production run of the concept car Sesto Elemento. We also had reported on the last Lamborghini Murcielago produced in the Sant’Agata plant. Then we also had some say on the Lambo Jota in our blog as well. With good days like this it is tiring to be a true blue fan of the Lambo…

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