The New BMW 5 Series. Highlights.
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009
The New BMW 5 Series . Highlights.
Auto Industry Updates and Reviews
Rolls Royce has launched the Ghost has been launched in India and at Rs 2.5 crore and above, it’s now one of the most expensive luxury cars available in the country. Rolls-Royce expects to sell a total of around 75 cars in India in 2010, of which the Ghost could comprise 50-60 units. Rolls-Royce, which sold 15 units of the Phantom in India last year, sold a total of only 1,212 cars worldwide in 2008. Now, with the smaller, less expensive Ghost joining its line-up, the British luxury car manufacturer is hoping to double its sales in 2010 and expects future growth to come from countries like China and India.
Powered by a 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 that kicks out 563 horsepower and 780Nm of torque, the R-R Ghost is fitted with an eight-speed shift-by-wire automatic transmission from ZF. The car accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds and hits an electronically limited top speed of 248km/h.With dealerships only in Mumbai and Delhi, Rolls-Royce has a very limited presence in India, but has still garnered 25 bookings for the Ghost already.
[Via: cartadeindia]
Audi is all set to publically unveil the all new A8 on the eve of Design Miami on November 30th. The Audi flagship will be presented in a truly innovative way in a temporary museum structure, Audi pavilion which is focal point of “The Art Of Progress” which exhibits cultural and technological progress and echoes the value of the new A8: Vorsprung durch Technik and design expertise that stirs the emotions.
Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, commented on the exhibition concept: “Our claim “Vorsprung durch Technik” also embraces design, which is one of the outstanding elements of the Audi signature. And as top design has now emerged as an acknowledged art form, we see the bridge between art and architecture as a logical step in advancing our brand.”
The new Audi A8 promises to be an ultimate combination of performance, looks, luxury and technology. The flagship Audi luxury sedan will come with a slew of new engines which include V6 and V8 petrols and an all new Hybrid. A high performance model on the lines of the BMW 760Li and Mercedes S600 may also be launched.
[Via: CC]
Mercedes Benz India launched the all new E-Class on 23rd September, 2009. It was initially available in only one variant - the top of the line - Avant Garde which is priced at Rs. 47 lakhs (Ex-Showroom New Delhi).
But now as expected they are all set to launch the diesel variant of New E-Class in India which is going to be launched on 12th November. New E-Class 350 CDI will be powered by a 2987cc engine which generates 225 Bhp of power and 540 Nm of torque. The company will also introduce BlueEFFICIENCY technology in the diesel E-Class. This technology reduces CO2 emissions and increases fuel efficiency by upto 12%.
[Via: Cars India ]
Skoda is ready to bring a new low-cost budget sedan model in 2012 in the international market. The new sedan model will compete with Renault’s Dacia which has recorded the strongest sales in past few months, especially in the sedan segment. Dacia received most of the benefit from the government scrappage scheme and now Volkswagen Group intends to bridge the gap between Renault Dacia and Skoda models which have a big price difference.
Skoda currently sells Octavia as a popular sedan internationally especially in the emerging markets including India and China. Skoda intends to replace the Octavia with new budget model which will be smaller than Octavia. The new budget model will directly replace Octavia in the developed markets.
Skoda CEO, Mr Reinhard Jung, said the new model would cost between 10,000 and 12,000 euros (Rs. 6.7 lakh - Rs. 8.04 lakh) and would launch in two to three years. Skoda has not revealed any more details about the car which will be placed between Fabia and Octavia in coming years.
[Via: cartradeindia]
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 104 Bhp which is 2 Bhp up from previous 102 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.
The New engine is a 1600cc VVT(Variable Valve Timing) powerplant producing maximum power of 104 Bhp at 5600 rpm with maximum torque of 145 Nm at 4100 rpm. 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.
The VVT or Variable Valve Timing allows the timing of the intake valve to be changed while the engine is in operation, thereby ensuring that there is never a shortage or wastage of power. This leads to improved engine efficiency, optimized fuel consumption and lesser carbon emissions. With the advanced VVT technology, the car starts, accelerates and climbs steep slopes better. In essence, the technology is an intelligent system leading to a smoother, more luxurious drive and better mileage.
8 Additions & New Features Of Maruti SX4
1) Upgraded 1.6 Litre engine with VVT head which now develops 104 bhp. It also meets the Bharat IV norms.
2) All New Brown/Beige Interiors plus option of leather interior in ZXi variants.
3) USB Input for the Dash Integrated Music System - only in ZXi variants
4) Wooden finish door console for power window buttons and control of rear view mirrors.
5) Flush fitting central rear seat arm rest - but surprisingly without cup holders
6) New Honeycomb Grille - looks much better than the grille of outgoing model
7) New 10 spoke 16″ alloy wheels - but the 5 spoke design was more muscular and sppealing
Automatic Transmission Option - only in Zxi variants
Maruti has launched New SX4 in five variants - SX4 VXi, SX4 ZXi, SX4 ZXi Leather, SX4 ZXi Automatic & SX4 ZXi Leather Automatic. The extra features in ZXi in comparsion to base model VXi are Dual SRS airbags, Alloy Wheels, ABS (Anti Lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), Audio system controls on steering wheel, Front fog lights, Body colored door moulding, Automatic control system and Silver finish interior door handles. The ZXi leather variants have leather clad steering wheel, gear knob and leather seat covers.
The Automatic variant has same features like the ZXi variant - the only difference is that it comes with 4-speed automatic transmission. A cluster of computer controlled sensors constantly manage the throttle input and optimize the engine response accordingly, thus requiring no changing of gears. The overdrive mode in the Automatic Transmission provides additional power on the tap, whenever needed.
Here is a price list of New Maruti SX4, Ex-Showrrom New Delhi:
- New SX4 VXi ————— Rs. 6,68,000.00
- New SX4 ZXi ————— Rs. 7,37,000.00
- New SX4 ZXi Leather —– Rs. 7,71,000.00
- New SX4 ZXi AT ———– Rs. 8,02,000.00
- New SX4 ZXi Leather AT - Rs. 8,35,000.00
Shades Available In New Maruti SX4
New Maruti SX4 is available in seven shades. Two new shades have also been introduced - Oyster Blue & French Eclair. Following shades are available:
- Azure Grey
- Pearl Arctic White
- French Eclair - New Shade
- Oyster Blue - New Shade
- Clear Beige
- Silky Silver
- Midnight Black
[Via: Cars India]
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
2009 has been a grand year for Tata Motors. They started deliveries of cheapest small car - Nano - this year and also launched some new products including Xenon XT, Jaguar and Land Rover cars. And now Tata has launched the next gen Tata Manza which is expected to increase the overall Tata sales in mid to luxury car segment.
Tata Indigo Manza is available in both petrol and diesel. Both the engines have been picked from Fiat’s stable and are mated to 5-Speed manual transmission.
- Quadrajet 90, 1.3 Litre, 89 Bhp - 200 Nm, Diesel
- Safire 90, 1.4 Litre, 89 Bhp - 116 Nm, Petrol
The Qudrajet90 diesel engine develops maximum power of 89 Bhp at 4000 rpm with maximum torque of 200 Nm at 1750 rpm and Safire90 generates maximum power of 89 Bhp at 6000 rpm with maximum torque of 116 Nm at 4750 rpm. Tata has launched Indigo Manza in eight variants - 4 of diesel and 4 of petrol. The variants has been christened as Aqua, Aura, Aura (ABS) and Aura+.
Tata Indigo Manza has been priced very competitively at Rs. 4.90 lakhs for the base model of petrol and Rs. 6.85 lakhs for the top model of diesel. It is for sure that Indigo Manza is going to heat up the competition as it features more fuel efficient engines, more features and spacious interiors in comparsion to its major rival sedans which include Dzire, Logan, Fiesta, Accent and Aveo.
Tata Manza is available in seven shades. Tata Motors has announced a new shade with the launch of Indigo Manza - The Gold Satin shade. In addition to Gold Satin Manza is available in 6 more shades:
- Minimal Grey - Grey Noir - Monarch Red
- Dew White - Infinity Black - Breeze Blue
Active safety features in Tata Manza will be Dual Front Airbags that offers safety in case of collision, ABS (Anti Lock Brake System) and Front Disc Brakes. Passive safety features in Tata Manza are expected to include Side Impact Beams, Height Adjustable Front Seatbelts, Warning Lamp for Driver Seatbelt, Front Passenger Seatbelt Reminder, Child Locks and Central Locking.
Chevrolet India has shaked the D-Segment with the launch of its flagship sedan - The Cruze. It is expected that Cruze is going to beat the likes Skoda Laura, Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Corolla Altis, Hyundai Sonata Transform & Honda Accord. Chevrolet has chosed the best time for the launch of Cruze which is around Diwali and wants to cash in this festive season.
For time being Chevrolet India has launched Cruze with diesel engine and manual transmission only, which is a 1991cc 4 Cylinder VCDi diesel engine. This engine generates maximum power of 148 Bhp at 4000 rpm and maximum torque of 327 Nm @ 2600 rpm.
Chevrolet Cruze is available in 2 variants:
- Chevrolet Cruze LT
- Chevrolet Cruze LTZ.
Chevrolet Cruze LTZ comes with some extra features like 5 spoke 17″ alloy wheels, electric sunroof, chrome garnish, In-dash 6 CD changer, rear parking assist, rain sensing wipers, power foldable and heated outside rear view mirrors, leather upholstery and cruise control.
Chevrolet India has launched Cruze in six shades in India.
- Atlantis Blue
- Light Gold
- Velvet Red
- Olympic White
- Mystic Lake
- Caviar Black