The Royal Enfield Bullet has for decades been the byword for rugged, refined cool and a bike handcrafted to perfection. The Bullet Classic was unveiled by Royal Enfield at Intermot exhibition in Germany. They have already launched this mouthwatering classic version of its legendary motorcycle abroad. Bullet Classic was first launched in Germany followed by European launch. But for India Royal Enfield has removed the “Bullet” tag from the name and it is going to be sold as “Royal Enfield Classic” for Indian Market.
The Classic 500 is powered by a 499cc, single cylinder engine which generates maximum power of 27.2 Bhp at 5250 rpm and peak torque of 41.3 Nm at 4000 rpm. And the Classic 350 is powered by a 346cc engine from Thunderbird Twinspark which generates 19.8 Bhp of maximum power at 5250 rpm with 28 Nm of maximum torque to price it competitively in a range of 85-90000 rupees. What is really new in the Royal Enfield Classic is a UCE (Unit Construction Engine). In the Royal Enfield Classic’s engine, the clutch and gearbox are situated outside, they are both integrated into the crankcase. Royal Enfield claims that the UCE construction gives the Classic less moving parts, less transmission loss and less maintenance issues.
Maruti had launched Maruti SX4 in May 2007 to compete with the likes of Honda City which is the most popular and successful sedan in its segment. But Maruti SX4 could not compete with City’s superior technology and brand image. At the time of launch SX4 has been very well recieved by indian customers, as it was a true value for money sedan which comes fully loaded with all the features at a very affordable price. But with the launch of 2009 model of Honda City, the sales of SX4 started to decline.
Now Maruti Suzuki India is back with new improved SX4 to make the deal better in comparison to Honda City, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Aveo & Hyundai Verna. They have plonked new 1.6 VVT engine in SX4 so that it complies with the strict emission norms which will be in effect from April, 2011 in 11 cities in India.
The new engine is a 1600cc VVT(Variable Valve Timing) powerplant producing 106 Bhp. Maruti has also given some cosmetic design upgrades to the exterior and interiors to make it look more muscular and smart in comparison to Fiat Linea and Honda City. Facelift is a regular one including new front grille, new alloys and spruced up interiors. ARAI has also announced the mileage figures of new SX4 - the manual version willl return 15.5 kmpl while the automatic variant is expected to return 12.5 kmpl.
Main Additions & Features Of New Maruti SX4
- Upgraded 1.6 Litre engine with VVT head which now develops 106 bhp. It also meets the Bharat IV norms - All New Brown/Beige Interiors - USB Input for the Dash Integrated Music System - Wooden finish door mounted power window console - Flush fitting central rear seat arm rest - New Honeycomb Grille - New 10 spoke 16″ alloy wheels - Automatic Transmission Option
Mercedes-Benz India announced the national launch of its new, third-generation Mercedes-Benz Actros 4841K. The New Actros 4841K takes these aspects to an even higher level thus setting new standards in the heavy duty truck segment in India.
The new Mercedes-Benz Actros has both an emotive and practical design. The most eye-catching improvement in the design is the three-millimetre-thick, pressure-tight guard plate for the radiator and engine. This stainless steel component reduces damage in the region of the radiator and engine, while accentuating the powerful styling of the new mining Actros. Also, thanks to the additional protective parts, operators can avoid expensive repairs and at the same time reduce downtimes of their trucks.
Now, Actros drivers can enjoy the safety and convenience of a feature previously confined to cars: the multifunction steering wheel and the Driver Information System. All these various control and driver assist systems effectively ensure the safety of driver, vehicle and cargo during transportation. The Telligent Engine System uniquely combines economy with ecology by enabling the optimum fuel injection to make the combustion cleaner, more efficient and capable of delivering increased power.
Škoda India returns to make an emphatic fashion statement as the sponsor of Lakme Fashion Week Spring Summer 2010 where the latest trends in style and design make their debut. The much awaited event celebrating its 10 th year, which attracts not only the fashion conscious but also the glitterati from bollywood and the social circuit, will feature the New Škoda Laura 10/10 as the ‘Official Car’ of this season.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Thomas Kuehl, Board Member, Sales & Marketing, ŠkodaAuto India said, “We are glad to announce our partnership with the Lakme Fashion Week for the third consecutive season as it presents us with an ideal platform to showcase our avant-garde automotive designs flanking the best from the fashion world. The style, sophistication and exemplary design of the New Laura Perfect 10 is without doubt a fitting model to adorn the fashion world.”
The Škoda Laura is recognized for its new engine technology, excellent safety and comfort features and good performance. Perfect handling, directional stability and enhanced braking ability have always been the hallmark of every Škoda automobile and are mirrored in the new Laura as well. Soaring high on the design, safety, security, comfort, and convenience aspects, The New Laura accelerates on the same track assuring the customers a perfect 10/10 driving experience.
Tata Motors is all set to launch a top end variant of Indica Vista - Indica Vista Ignis, The changes in the new Indica Vista Ignis is not just cosmetic but skin deep. Yes, Indica Vista Ignis will get the advanced 1.4L SAFIRE engine. The 1.4L which already powers the Fiat Grand Punto develops 90PS of max power at 6000rpm and 115Nm of peak torque at 4500rpm.
Tata Motors will also equip the Indica Vista Ignis with lot of new features. When Tata Motors launched the Indica Vista, the company said it would soon come up with variants fitted with ABS and airbags. Trust Tata will use this opportunity to equip vista with those safety features.
Volkswagen is now inviting its European customers to book the new Polo, with deliveries scheduled to start by mid-October this year. Depending on the variant, the car is priced at the equivalent of Rs 8-12 lakh.
The fifth-generation VW Polo, which will also be launched in India next year, is one of the best selling small cars in the world. The new one is being made available with a choice of five engines - three petrol and two diesel - and a choice of five-speed manual and seven-speed DSG twin-clutch automatic gearboxes.
When the Polo comes to India in 2010, we expect it to be offered with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, though a 1.6-litre TDI diesel might also be offered at a later stage. Prices in India could start at around Rs six lakh, though the ‘Indian Polo’ will probably not be as well-equipped as its European sibling, in order to keep prices in check.
The new upcoming Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics, just to name a few.
A two-seater berlinetta, the Ferrari 458 Italia, as is now traditional for all Ferrari’s road-going cars, benefits hugely from the company’s Formula 1 experience. Once again input from Michael Schumacher - who was involved from the very start of the 458 Italia project - played an invaluable part.
The new 4499 cc V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted. It has a very low piston compression height typical of racing engines which contributed to achieving its compression ratio of 12.5:1. Maximum torque is 540 Nm at 6000 rpm, over 80 per cent of which is available from 3250 rpm. Specific torque is a record 120 Nm/litre. However, what is truly extraordinary is the amount of torque available while still maintaining high levels of power at low revs. The company claims the car has an efficiency of around 7km/l.
The 458 Italia is equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which increases performance whilst providing very smooth shifts even at full throttle. The engineers have developed specific, sportier gear ratios to match the power and torque curves of the new V8, guaranteeing high torque even at lower engine speeds and allowing the car to reach its maximum speed in top gear.
The Ferrari 458 Italia’s performance: 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed in excess of 325 km/h. For the new chassis, once more in aluminium, Maranello’s engineers incorporated various types of advanced alloys along with aerospace industry-derived manufacturing and bonding techniques.
Piaggio has launched a lithium-ion battery-powered version of its three-wheeler, the Ape Calessino, which is manufactured in India and sold in various European countries. While the standard Ape Calessino is fitted with a 422cc DI diesel engine, the battery-powered version is a limited edition model, only 100 units of which will be built.
Fitted with a lithium-ion battery pack, the electric three-wheeler has a range of 75km, a top speed of around 50km/h and a charging time of less than four hours. Piaggio claims the Calessino EV’s batteries are good for up to 800 recharge cycles and 60,000km. The Ape Calessino Electric Lithium is priced at €19,900 (US$28,300) plus VAT, which is almost twice the standard version’s price.
