Indian Car Blog – Carazoo.com

Honda Brio launched in Thailand…India next in sight

hondabriothai launch
The much-touted small car Brio, from Japanese carmaker Honda was launched in Thailand yesterday amongst much fan-fare. The car has been predominantly designed for the Asian markets.

Honda Brio was for the first time unveiled at the Thailand International Expo in November 2010. The dimensions of the ‘made-for-Thailand’ Brio read something like 3610mm in length, 1680mm wide and 1485mm in height. There are two variants in which the Brio is offered, namely S and V, both of which are equipped with a 4 cylinder, 1.2 liter, i-VTEC engine that produces 90bhp of power. Expect the dimensions of the car to be tweaked a little to suit the Indian needs when the car is launched In India.

The design inspiration for Honda Brio comes from the “man maximum, machine minimum” philosophy. The Brio is mated to a five speed gearbox, the ‘made for Thailand’ BRIO also comes with a CVT gearbox option, which will be available only on the V variant. Honda has provided safety technologies including dual SRS front airbags, disc brakes, anti-lock braking system and electronic brake distribution as standard in all variants.

In Thailand, the prices of the BRIO revolves around 4-5 lakh Baht, which roughly converted into Indian currency would read at Rs 5-7 lakh. The Brio in Thailand is qualified as an eco-car with the fuel efficiency, which reflects at 100km/5 liter. This particular aspect certainly would be the defining feature of the Honda Brio, when it comes to India.

posted by carazooblog @ Wednesday, March 30th, 2011 Comments Off links to this post

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March 30, 2011

Koenigsegg Agera in India for 12.5 crore rupees

koenigsegg-agera
As we had reported earlier, Koenigsegg Agera, the Swedish supercar from Koenigsegg has been introduced in India with a sticker price of Rs 12.5 crore.

Koenigsegg Agera is sold in India through Interglobe General Aviation‘s assistance, the company behind Indigo Airlines, a low-cost domestic operator. The cars would be sold directly to high networth individuals without any dealership network.

The sticker price of the Agera is a cool Rs 2 crore more than what we had earlier speculated.

“We will not set up dealerships but will sell these cars directly to owners that would be determined through our own database. We are dealing in a host of luxury products and would be retailing them directly to customers with complete service backup,” Nigel A Harwood, President & CEO of Interglobe Established Products, said. He, however, refused to confirm any sales projections for the car in India.

Koenigsegg-Agera_2011 instrument cluster

The Agera, with 5-litre bi-turbo V8 engine, boasts of a pulsating 1115 horsepower, gains 100 km/hr speed in just 2.9 second can go past 400 km/h in just 3 seconds. Koenigsegg had earlier produced the CCR model that broke the nine-year-old Guinness World Record of the McLaren – Bugatti in 2005. Keeping the same lineage alive, Koenigsegg churns our limited set of around 16-18 cars every year out of its single manufacturing facility in Sweden. It tunes every car specifically for any particular country, after carefully studying the quality of fuel on offer in local conditions. For example, to meet the needs of its customers in Brazil, the company has developed a bio-fuel run Agera R model specific to that market.

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In addition to Koenigsegg, there is a range of other high-end brands Interglobe plans to launch in the Indian market. Other super cars like the Gumpert Apollo along with Nostalgia’s that are basically Jaguar replicas and the Deronda race cars would also be available though direct sales channels.

posted by carazooblog @ Wednesday, March 30th, 2011 Comments Off links to this post

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March 30, 2011

Ford rolls out 1,00,000th engine from Chennai plant

ford-india
Ford India yesterday, rolled out its 1,00,000th engine from its manufacturing plant in Chennai.

“This significant milestone was achieved just 14 months after the engine plant opened for operations in January 2010,” the company said in a statement.

The engine plant has been set up as part of Ford’s $500-million investment at the Maraimalai Nagar site with a capacity to produce 2,50,000 engines per year. It has been designed to meet the growing needs of the Indian vehicle market and export opportunities, Ford India said.

“The plant achieved the 100,000 milestone amongst multiple variant launches for domestic and international markets,” it added.

Commenting on the achievement, Ford India President and Managing Director Michael Boneham, said: “This world-class manufacturing facility reinforces our intent and commitment to compete with great products and powertrains in all segments.”

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Ford India Vice-President, Powertrain Operations (PTO) Radhakrishnan Balasundaram who heads the India Engine Plant said the company is confident that the next 100,000 engines will be produced at an even faster pace.

The Chennai engine plant is the first Ford facility to feature a flexible production line manufacturing petrol and diesel engines. It produces five ‘Duratec’ petrol engine variants and one ‘Duratorq’ diesel engine variant for Ford vehicles.
The plant has also exported more than one-third of the engines produced to South Africa and Thailand so far.

posted by carazooblog @ Wednesday, March 30th, 2011 Comments Off links to this post

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March 29, 2011

Volkswagen India has launched its all new 2011 Passat saloon in India

New-VW-Passat-India
Volkswagen India has launched the new 2011 Passat sedan in India. The prices of the new Passat starts from Rs 20.80 Lakh (Ex-Showroom Delhi). The New Passat was launched with a 2.0 TDI BlueMotion diesel engine but we speculate that 1.8 TSI petrol will be launched on a later date.

The 2.0 TDI BlueMotion engine pumps out a healthy 170 bhp, which again is about 32 bhp power more than the previous model. The new Passat sedan comes with an option of a manual or a DSG gearbox. The new Passat sports features such as reduced engine idle speed, longer gear ratios, Start-stop technology, Regenerative braking, etc to save fuel.

Though the New 2011 Volkswagen Passat that also is in its seventh generation is essentially based on the previous Passat’s platform, there has been some considerable styling changes that include a fresh front grille along with a newer headlight treatment. The chrome, which the new –age Indians like, has been used in abundance along. The new Passat also gets a new tail lamp cluster. The new car is four mm longer than the old car, at 4769 mm, but the height and width remain the same.

On the interior’s front, the New Passat looks pretty much the same as the previous car, with the wide horizontally split dashboard and inset instrument dials.

What’s new is the quality of the interiors which is far better cry from the previous model and gives an upmarket feel. As mentioned earlier, Chrome has been used in abundance.

The new Volkswagen Passat is available in 5 exciting colors i.e white, pearl, black, silver and brown.

The prices for the Passat diesel variant are Rs 20.80 lakh for the base 2.0 TDI BlueMotionTrendline, Rs 23.80 lakh for the 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Comfortline variant and Rs 26.65 lakh for the top level 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Highline variant, all prices (ex-showroom, Delhi). Bookings for the new Passat begin today and deliveries will start in April

posted by carazooblog @ Tuesday, March 29th, 2011 Comments Off links to this post

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March 29, 2011

A Brief about BMW EfficientDynamics

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Since, we have been using the word BMW EfficientDynamics quite frequently, we thought why not give you guys a heads-up of what the term actually means. To begin with, BMW EfficientDynamics is the world’s most comprehensive technology package for the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions, which means Getting More for Less.

BMW EfficientDynamics reduces fuel consumption and emissions while simultaneously increasing driving dynamics. The result is sensational driving pleasure combined with low fuel consumption. This feature is standard across all BMW models.

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Another feature in the BMW EfficientDynamics is the Brake Energy Regeneration, which means as soon as the driver takes his foot off the accelerator, the car’s redundant kinetic energy is transformed into storable electrical energy that charges the car battery in the process. The result: Less engine power is needed to feed the battery which saves fuel.

Electronic Power Steering: The electromechanical steering only operates during the actual steering process. When driving straight ahead, or at a constant steering angle, the electric motor does not consume any energy.

BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology: This innovative turbocharging process very efficiently recycles exhaust gas flow through two turbochargers.

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Intelligent Lightweight Design has been achieved primarily through the use of high-strength multi-phase steels, high-strength hot-moulded steels and aluminium and design construction of the soft-top roof and stowage compartment.

posted by carazooblog @ Tuesday, March 29th, 2011 Comments Off links to this post

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March 29, 2011

New BMW 6 Series Convertible debuts in India

BMW-650i-India
The last dying days of March 2011 seems to be the preferred days for the Luxury carmakers to launch their products. Yesterday, you have read about the Audi launching its R8 Spyder Convertible and a variant of the Q5 here in carazoo.com.

But today, we are bringing in some news on the big launch that happened last Friday. BMW India unveiled the new 6 series convertible in Udaipur. The new 650i, a perfect symbiosis of aesthetics, dynamism and flowing elegance in every detail, offers an unmatched open-top driving experience that doesn’t get any better.

The convertible was launched as a petrol variant and can be ordered at BMW dealerships across India. Big things certainly does not come cheap as the price tag bore a price which read as Rs 95,00,000 (ex-showroom). The 2011 BMW 6 Series Convertible will be available in India as a Completely Built-up Unit (CBU).

During the launch, Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India said, “The new BMW 6 Series Convertible with its breathtaking aesthetics is the perfect vehicle for an exclusive lifestyle. The elegant silhouette, torquey engine, perfect road holding and refined interiors with perfection to the smallest detail, create an ultra-luxurious open-top driving experience that could not possibly get any better.”

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible sets a benchmark for exclusive open-top driving. Sophisticated styling with aesthetic proportions, elegant lines, sporty ‘shark nose’ of the BMW kidney grille, closeness to the road and wide and low design language make the new BMW 6 Series Convertible appear uncompromisingly dynamic. Exclusive interior with clear driver orientation, sleek styling, masterfully crafted details and room for four adults set a new bar in this segment.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible comes with an eight-speed sports automatic transmission with rapid and precise gear changes with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. It also features Drive Dynamic Control, which allows drivers to vary the car’s sporting characteristics and comfort by choosing the desired suspension settings (Normal, Sports and Sports+).

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible conceals unmatched power beneath the hood, combining instantaneous power development, majestic torque and outstanding smoothness. A 4.4 litre V8 engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and direct injection develops a maximum output of 300 kW/407 hp between 5,500 – 6,400 rpm as well as maximum torque of 600 Nm all the way from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm. The new BMW 6 Series Convertible accelerates to 100 km/h in just 5 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/hr.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible embodies an extremely contemporary form of luxury, one not defined by the wasteful use of resources but instead spawned directly from superior technology. BMW EfficientDynamics has innovative technologies such as Intelligent Lightweight Design*, Electronic Power Steering*, TwinPower Turbo Technology* and Brake Energy Regeneration.*

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible will be available in Alpine White as non-metallic paintwork and in the following metallic colours: Orion Silver, Titanium Silver, Black Sapphire, Havanna, Space Grey, Deep Sea Blue and Vermillion Red.

Dakota leather is the standard upholstery and is available in the following colour combinations: Black, Ivory White and Cinnamon Brown. The following interior trims are available: Fine-wood trim poplar grain grey and Fine-wood trim American Oak.

posted by carazooblog @ Tuesday, March 29th, 2011 Comments Off links to this post

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March 28, 2011

Audi R8 V10 Spyder Launched in India

Audi-R8-Spyder-
We just wrote a blog on Audi India launching a new variant of the Audi Q5 in the market. But there was a prelude to this launch just days before and last Friday Audi introduced the 2011 Audi R8 Spyder “drop top” supercar at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai.

Audi R8 Spyder is essentially a convertible version of the hard top Audi R8. The convertible version of the R8 features a 5.2 Liter, FSI V10 engine that pumps out 525 bhp and 530 Nm of torque. You can call the Audi R8 Spyder an opulence for the price tag of Rs 1.47 crore (Ex-showroom Maharastra) it carries.

The Audi R8 Spyder can become a coupe to convertible in just 19 seconds, if you want that wind in the hair feel and 0-100 in just 4.1 second if you are looking for a feel of tornado in your hair. The super car with a top speed of 313 kmph has a full time all-wheel drive quattro and rides on 19 inch wheels.

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The super car is extremely light at 1,720 kgs as it is made up of lightweight aluminum with the required reinforcements to make sure that the car’s body remains stiff at the extreme speeds and performance. This means the R8 Spyder is 160 kgs lighter than the coupe version.

posted by carazooblog @ Monday, March 28th, 2011 Comments Off links to this post

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March 28, 2011

Audi India introduces Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro

Audi Q5
Audi India seems to be on a roll. Just days after it launched the R8 Spyder super sports car in India, it has again hit the limelight with its Q5. This time around, Audi India has introduced the 2.0 TDI quattro diesel engined Audi Q5 at a price tag of Rs 39,05,000 (ex-showroom Maharashtra).

The luxury SUV market is on the boil now , with many SUVs hitting the market with downsized engines and pricetags. Expect the heat to linger for some time around before it wanes down. The deliveries of the new variant of the Audi Q5 will begin in April.

“We are confident that the addition of the powerful 2.0 TDI q engine to the Audi Q5 range in India will strengthen and sustain our leadership position in the luxury SUV segment. The all new Audi Q5 2.0 TDI q, resonates higher efficiency and dynamic performance with its new engine and refreshed array of characteristics…,” Audi India Head Michael Perschke said.

The Audi Q5 range is also powered by a petrol engine, the 2.0 TFSI q and a diesel engines, the 3.0 TDI q. The new 2.0 TDI q engine would be available as CKD. Audi India sold 3003 cars in 2010, exceeding targets yet again to achieve a record growth of 81 per cent.

“This encouraging performance reinforces the increased aspiration for technical finesse and progressive sophistication among luxury automotive customers in India. Audi India will continue to expand its product line-up and deliver path-breaking and award winning cars to cater to this rising need,” Perschke said.

The Audi India portfolio now includes the Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A8, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi TT, the super sports car Audi R8 and the recently launched Audi R8 Spyder.

posted by carazooblog @ Monday, March 28th, 2011 Comments Off links to this post

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March 25, 2011

Koenigsegg to start Indian innings from March 29

Yes, it is out in open, Swedish supercar Koenigsegg is coming to India on March 29. Remember, we had written a blog on the same some time back stating that Koenigsegg had collaborated with InterGlobal Enterprises, the parent company of Indigo Airlines as their Indian distributor.

The supercar in question here is Koenigsegg Agera, which will be competing with other super cars such as Bugatti Veyron. Koenigsegg Agera, with a speed more than 400 kmph (249 mph) is a replacement for the old CCX. The Agera comes with an 5.0 litre, twin supercharged V8 which can pump out 940 bhp@ 6900 rpm and an supernatural 1000Nm of torque which is available right from 2700 to 6170 rpm.

What sets this car part is the carbon fibre combined with aluminium honeycomb body structure with integrated fuel tanks for optimal weight distribution and safety. This again means the car itself is light improving acceleration. Agera can sprint from 0-100 in just 3 seconds and rides on 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels. For the brakes, 392 mm ventilated ceramic discs for the front and 380 mm ventilated ceramic discs at the rear have been added.

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The supercar which combines all drool worthy features certainly does not come cheap and expect the price tag to Rs.10 crore upwards. And for those essential people in India with a question “Mileage Kay hai”, it returns with a 6.8 km per litre overall as per the European driving conditions.

A small trivia fact for those who didn’t know about the car: Christian Von Koenigsegg, than 22 years old, started the supercar company in 1994 with the intention of producing a world-class supercar.

posted by carazooblog @ Friday, March 25th, 2011 Comments Off links to this post

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March 23, 2011

Hyundai Accent with minor facelift launched

Accent-2011-edition-image
Hyundai Accent has been around for almost a decade now the going seems quite strong, as Hyundai does not want to alter the Accent’s course in India. Despite the contemporaries such as Ford Ikon, Open Corsa, Maruti Suzuki Esteem and many others have been phased out of the Indian market, the good folks at Hyundai still want to run the Accent here in India seeing some cash churning potential in the car.

This sedan, the first from Hyundai for India was once the hottest selling car of its time, but the car has aged gracefully and Hyundai Motors still feel that there is some life left in the car before they phase it out of the market and have given the car a minor facelift. Do not expect the facelift to be tremendous, as it has just changed the grill and added some chrome as the newer Indian car buyers like the chromed look in their cars.

The chrome finish front grill has a premium look and other addition face-lifts for the car has been the body coloured waistline molding which now comes with chrome inserts. The rear portion of the car also receives a little attention as there is a chrome garnish over the license plates that makes the car classic.

Commenting on the new offering, Arvind Saxena, Director, Marketing and Sales, HMIL said, “The Accent 2011 edition comes with elegant styling which makes it more sophisticated and desirable. It is our continuous effort to gauge changing customer preferences and keep introducing new features in our products. We are confident that with the new styling the Accent 2011 edition will become even more popular”.

The Accent 2011 edition will be available with a special price of Rs 501,900 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).