Thursday, August 08, 2013

Jaguar F-Type Launched at Starting Price of Rs 1.37 Crore


Jaguar India has today launched the F-Type sportscar, with prices starting from Rs 1.37 crore for the V6 S version, while the V8 S will cost Rs 1.61 crore. These prices are ex-showroom Mumbai prices, pre-Octroi, meaning the on-road price for a new Jaguar F-Type  V8 S will set you back close to Rs 2 crore.

But for the money you do get an exhilarating sports car, one with true pedigree and character, and a which will, over the course of its lifetime, depreciate only slightly. Given the limited production run for the F-Type globally, this car has all the making of a classic.


As the designations suggest, the V6 S model is powered by a V6 engine, while the V8 S is powered by a V8 engine. Both engines are supercharged, and Jaguar claims the F-Type V6 S will accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, and on to a top speed of 275 km/h. The F-Type V8 S meanwhile gets to the ton in a mere 4.3 seconds, with a top whack of 300 km/h.


Both cars get a limited-slip differential to transfer all that power to the road as usable performance, and while the V6 S has a mechanical differential, the full-fat F-Type V8 S has an electronic differential or e-Diff, which uses complex electronics to ensure that both rear wheels provide maximum traction at all times. The go-faster tech extends to the Launch Control as well, which provides for maximum acceleration from a standing start. Another feature which is expected to be popular are the Active Exhausts; pressing a button on the centre console opens a valve in the exhaust for even more volume and entertainment.

Sales expectations for the F-Type in India are expectedly sober, and in the Indian market the F-Type will compete with the likes of the Porsche 911 and Audi R8.

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Hyundai to launch Grand i10 next month

India’s second largest passenger car manufacturer, Hyundai Motor India Ltd, will launch its fifth small car —Grand i10 — next month with an expected price of Rs. 5-7.2 lakh for the petrol variant and Rs. 5.5-7.5 lakh for the diesel variant.
Positioned between its two existing small cars i10 and i20, Grand i10 will compete directly with arch rival Maruti’s bestseller Swift. It’s small car line-up also includes Santro and Eon.http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/Popup/2013/8/07_08_13-buss21e.gif
With a 1.1 litre diesel engine, Grand i10 will be Hyundai’s cheapest diesel offering in the country. “This car is built on an absolutely new platform and will be offered with the 1.1 litre diesel engine in India for the first time,” said Rakesh Srivastava, senior vice-president, sales, Hyundai India. “It is very different from the current i10.”








Force Motors Launches Gurkha SUV




Force Motors launched the Gurkha SUV at the International Bus and Utility Show 2013 being held at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida. The Gurkha SUV is priced at Rs 6.25 lakh onwards.

The Gurkha is powered by the 2.6 litre Mercedes OM 616 derived turbo charged intercooled engine. This engine produces 82 PS of maximum power at 3200 rpm and pumps 230 Nm of peak torque at 1800-2000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5 speed synchromesh transmission with Hi - Lo option on transfer case.


Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors stated, “The vastly superior gradeability and its ability to negotiate undulating terrain makes the Gurkha an ideal vehicle for ‘off road’ conditions. The macho looking Gurkha has timeless classic appeal that would interest off-road enthusiasts across the nation.”

The Gurkha will be available in three colours options with body graphics.

The Prices for Ex-Delhi Showroom are:
Gurkha 4X2 - Rs 6.25 lakh (Soft Top)
Gurkha 4x4 - Rs 8.35 lakh (Soft Top)
Gurkha  4x4 -Rs 8.50 lakh (Hard Top)


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Wednesday, August 07, 2013

Chevrolet Cruze



General Motors announced the launch of its new Chevrolet Cruze. The revised Cruze gets a more powerful 2.0-litre engine, 6-speed manual and AT options with prices starting from Rs 13.85 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi).

The all new 2.0 litre VCDi engine under the hood of the Chevrolet Cruze delivers 166 PS of peak power and 380 Nm torque. The Engine Management System, coupled with variable geometry turbo-charger and Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) system promises impressive performance, better fuel economy and reduced emissions.

The new Cruze also gets a new six-speed manual gearbox in comparison to the five-speed unit that does duty in the old car. The saloon is also available with a six-speed automatic box, carried over from the earlier one.

The 16" alloy wheels, keyless go, steering mounted audio controls, six-way adjustable driver seat, dual airbags, ABS and a dead pedal comes as standard features across all variants. In addition to these features, the top-end LTZ variants (MT and AT) get foldable and heated outside mirrors, music streaming via Bluetooth, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, leather upholstery, rain sensing wipers, cruise control on steering wheel, rear parking assist, anti-glare rear view mirror and electric sun roof.

Available in three trim levels, the base LT manual variant is priced at Rs 13.85 lakh, the LTZ manual variant will be sold at Rs 14.77 lakh and the automatic LTZ variant costs Rs 15.67 lakh. (All prices ex-showroom, Delhi).

The new Chevrolet Cruze will compete with the likes of the Renault Fluence Volkswagen Jetta, and Skoda Laura.

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Chevrolet India Launches Sail Sedan at Rs 4.99 lakh


Chevrolet India has finally introduced the Sail sedan, with prices for the base petrol variant starting below the five-lakh-rupee mark. The Sail sedan will be available with the same petrol and diesel engine options as the Sail U-VA hatchback, and will be available in a total of four variants each.

The ex-showroom prices in Mumbai for the new Sail sedan are as follows:
Sail 1.2 Petrol Base Rs 4.99 lakh
Sail 1.2 Petrol LS Rs 5.49 lakh
Sail 1.2 Petrol LS ABS Rs 5.70 lakh
Sail 1.2 Petrol LT ABS Rs 6.42 lakh
Sail 1.3 Diesel Base Rs 6.29 lakh
Sail 1.3 Diesel LS Rs 6.59 lakh
Sail 1.3 Diesel LS ABS Rs 6.80 lakh
Sail 1.3 Diesel LT ABS Rs 7.52 lakh

Even the base variants of the Chevrolet Sail sedan will get front power windows, power steering and air conditioning as standard. Strangely though, the difference between the LS and LS ABS variants is not just ABS, but a stereo with Bluetooth connectivity as well.  Given that the price difference between the two variants is just Rs 21,000, it would make sense that most customers would opt for the LS ABS variant over the LS.
The driver’s airbag is available on both the LS and LS ABS, but a front passenger airbag is only available with the LT ABS variant.

The new Sail also comes with what Chevrolet India calls its “3-5-3 Advantage”, which includes 3 Years Chevrolet Promise (maintenance and repairs for 3 years/45,000 km, whichever is earlier), 5 year warranty on engine and transmission (or 150,000 km, whichever is earlier) 3 year vehicle warranty (or 100, 000 km, whichever is earlier).
The 3-5-3 Advantage however, is not included in the sale price of the Sail, and customers have to pay for it separately.

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Chevrolet India Introduces Enjoy MPV at Rs 5.49 lakh


Chevrolet India today took the wraps off its latest product, the all-new Enjoy MPV, which enters the fast growing utility vehicle segment in the Indian car market. The new Chevy Enjoy MPV will be available with both petrol and diesel engine options in a total of four variants each.

The Chevrolet Enjoy is the third product to be launched in India by General Motors, after the Sail U-VA hatchback and theSail sedan in just 7 months. The UV segment in India is growing at 20 % annually, and with the Enjoy, Chevrolet hopes to increase its market share, which currently stand at approximately 3 % of the total Indian passenger car market.

The two engines Chevrolet is offering in the Enjoy MPV include the now-ubiquitous 1,248 cc common-rail diesel, and a new 1.4-litre petrol engine. While the diesel engine is locally manufactured, the petrol engine is fully imported from GM’s Chinese subsidiary. Both engines are mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Up to 65 % of the Enjoy is sourced from local vendors, with the balance being imported from China. The new Chevrolet Enjoy is manufactured at GM India’s Halol facility, alongside the Tavera MPV and the Cruze sedan.

Uniquely for an Indian MPV, the Enjoy will be offered with a 7-seat configuration, with individual captain chairs in the middle row on all three variants. A middle bench seat is optional only on the cheapest LS variant. Chevrolet wants to position the Enjoy as a value-for-money product, and features like power steering, all four power windows and dual AC are standard across all variants. The higher LT trim offers a music system and alloy wheels, among other features, while the range-topping LTZ gets two airbags in the front and ABS with EBD.

Prices for the new Chevrolet Enjoy are as follows:
Chevrolet Enjoy LS Petrol 8-seater: Rs 5.49 lakh
Chevrolet Enjoy LS Petrol 7-seater: Rs 5.54 lakh
Chevrolet Enjoy LT Petrol 7-seater: Rs 6.31 lakh
Chevrolet Enjoy LTZ Petrol 7-seater: Rs 6.99 lakh
Chevrolet Enjoy LS Diesel 8-seater: Rs 6.69 lakh
Chevrolet Enjoy LS Diesel 7-seater: Rs 6.75 lakh
Chevrolet Enjoy LT Diesel 7-seater: Rs 7.42 lakh
Chevrolet Enjoy LTZ Diesel 7-seater: Rs 7.99 lakh

These are introductory prices, and Chevrolet is likely to increase prices within a month or so of the launch. The Chevrolet Enjoy will compete mainly against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Nissan Evalia.       
      
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Refreshed BMW 7 Series Launched in India at Rs 92.9 Lakh


Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India at the launch of the refreshed BMW 7 Series in Mumbai

The flagship of the BMW brand, the new BMW 7 Series was launched during an event in Mumbai.

The new BMW 7 Series is available in diesel and petrol variants at all BMW dealerships across India and the deliveries will start from May 1, 2013 onwards.

The BMW 730Ld will be locally produced at the BMW Plant Chennai in a diesel variant. The BMW 740Li, BMW 750Li and the BMW 760Li will be imported as CBU (Completely Built-Up Units) in petrol variants.

Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India said, “For seven decades, the flagship from BMW has stunned the world through highest level of style and contemporary luxury with maximum driving dynamics. It represents the best we have to offer. The new BMW 7 Series makes a compelling individual statement convincing you not only with its high-quality, exclusive character, but also with its functionality. It achieves something extraordinary: you enjoy being a passenger as much as a driver.”

The new BMW 7 Series is available in Alpine White as non-metallic paintwork and in the following ten metallic paintworks - Black Sapphire, Cashmere Silver, Glacier Silver, Havanna, Imperial Blue Brilliant Effect, Midnight Blue, Milano Beige, Sophisto Grey II Brilliant Effect, Space Grey and Mineral White. The standard Dakota and exclusive Nappa leather upholstery is available in Barrique Red, Black, Ivory White, Oyster, Saddle Brown light and Veneto Beige colour combinations.

Interior trims offered are Fine-wood trim Burr Walnut with inlays, Fine-wood trim Ash Grain Anthracite, Fine-wood trim Fineline high-gloss and Finewood trim Polar Grain Light high-gloss.

“The most successful 7 Series ever, the fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series is prepared for the second phase of its life. This is the most extensive overhaul a BMW model has ever seen. As the benchmark in the luxury segment, it now boasts considerably enhanced product substance that provides unmatched levels of luxury, comfort and technology,” said Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India.

The new BMW 7 Series is available in diesel and petrol variants and the all India ex-showroom prices are as follows:

BMW 730Ld : Rs 92,90,000

BMW 740Li : Rs 1,12,70,000

BMW 750Li : Rs 1,29,10,000

BMW 760Li : Rs 1,73,00,000

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Audi India Launches R8 V10 Plus Coupe


Audi has just launched the top-of-the-line R8 V10 Plus Coupe in the Indian market, at a starting price of INR 2.06 crore. This flagship Audi sportscar sits at the pinnacle of the German company’s range, and is the fastest, most powerful model in the company’s line-up.

The main talking point of the new Audi R8 V10 Plus Coupe is the V10 FSI petrol engine, which pumps out 550 PS of power. This engine is derived from the V10 powerplant which powers the Lamborghini Gallardo. With this engine, the R8 is capable of getting to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 317 km/h.

The R8 is not a new model, having been around for a few years now, but Audi has improved upon it both inside and out. The new R8 V10 gets a slightly reshaped front grille, painted in matte black. The gearshift paddles on the steering column are larger too, making them easier to operate. Audi has not lost focus on making the R8 more luxurious on the inside either, and this car has a high-end Bang & Olufsen stereo too.

With this latest market introduction, Audi has bared its fangs. The supercar market is growing strongly in India, albeit on a very low base, and Audi wants to capitalise on the heavy-spending new rich. The Audi R8 might not have the brand image of something like a Lamborghini Gallardo, but it has as much performance with the V10, and is arguably as well built. For value seeking customers, the Audi R8, which is more than 20 % cheaper, could seem like an absolute bargain.

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Audi 2013 RS5 Coupe Launched at Rs 95.28 Lakh


Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India (left) and Audi Race talent Aditya Patel at the launch of the 2013 Audi RS5

Audi India has launched the 2013 RS5 coupe at Rs 95.28 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra).

Under the bonnet of the 2013 Audi RS5 is the same 4.2-litre V8 engine mated to a 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox. The engine produces 456PS of maximum power at 8250rpm and 430 Nm of peak torque at 4000-6000rpm. The 2013 Audi RS5 can travel from 0 to 100kmph in a claimed 4.5 seconds.

On the exterior, the 2013 Audi RS5 gets a revised front grille and more pronounced bonnet styling. It also gets a new-look Audi signature DRLs and updated LED tail-lamps along with refreshed front and rear bumper designs. The RS5 also comes equipped with a sport exhaust system and 20-inch alloys.

Changes to the interiors include a Bang and Olufsen sound system, Bluetooth connectivity for the stereo, heated and cooled seats, and Audi’s Drive Select driving dynamic system.

“The new Audi RS 5 Coupe truly epitomizes progressiveness and is unmatched in terms of style, performance and driving dynamics designed to maximize the thrill of driving. The award winning Audi RS 5 just got better with its powerful V8 engine; the new Audi RS 5 Coupe offers superior performance with good fuel efficiency. With this introduction and after the launch of new Audi R8 V10 in January followed by the Audi R8 V10 plus in April, we now offer a wide range of performance cars in India. I am confident that the new Audi RS 5 Coupe will allow us to further consolidate our leadership position in the super sports car segment in India based on the genes of our twelve times Le Mans success,” added Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India.

The Audi RS5 will be imported as a CBU and will competes against the likes of the Jaguar XFR, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

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Mercedes-Benz Launches the Powerful E 63 AMG


Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India at the launch of the new E 63 AMG at the Buddh International Circuit

Mercedes-Benz India has taken a major step forward in consolidating its product portfolio in India with the launch of dynamic and efficient performance car E 63 AMG, at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. The comprehensively modernized E 63 AMG provides perfect amalgamation of high performance and low fuel consumption with its new efficient engine, new Intelligence Assistance Systems and a new design idiom. The new E 63 AMG was launched by Eberhard Kern, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India.

Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented on the launch of the new E 63 AMG: “The E 63 AMG combines the attributes of a sports car with the practicality of a luxury sedan. The stunning new design idiom is in line with the new AMG design philosophy. The connoisseurs of Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles will now experience the performance and driving dynamics of the E 63 AMG more with the broader scope of standard equipment and appointments. The new E 63 AMG continues to be the pinnacle of technical prowess with added power and enhanced performance making it a practical super car. With the launch of the new E 63 AMG Mercedes-Benz India reiterates the philosophy of Best or Nothing for its customers.”

Eberhard Kern further added: “The year 2013 has been marked as the year of offensive for Mercedes-Benz India. We already have received phenomenal response for the products which were launched this year. After pioneering a new segment with the A-Class and launching the most sought after luxury executive sedan E-Class, the launch of the new E 63 AMG further reiterates our promise of bringing fascinating cars and providing a memorable brand experience for the valued customers of the Three Pointed Star in India.”

The vitality and performance generating from the captivating technology of the new E 63 AMG are also conveyed by the design as defining characteristics of the vehicle. The AMG high-performance automobile sets new design styles in the process. The E 63 AMG presents the new AMG design theme. Principal rudiments are the AMG "twin blade" radiator grille in silver chrome and the so-called "A-wing". The new, three-dimensional air deflector covers the entire width of the AMG front apron, presenting the stylized "A" which is a trademark of AMG vehicles. The "A-wing" painted in the car's exterior colour with a trim strip in silver chrome offers the backdrop for three large cooling air intake openings. On the side air intakes, black flics ensure for an ideal inflow of air into the cooling modules, while at the bottom a front splitter painted in the car's exterior colour helps to decrease lift. Convex and concave surfaces dynamically blend the new front end of the E 63 AMG featuring a sculptural design with the distinctive flared wings on which "V8 BITURBO" lettering indicates the superior engine power on board. The outstanding air outlet openings at the sides, the black grille and the two sets of twin chrome tailpipes belonging to the AMG sports exhaust system provide the rear an impression of width. The black diffusor insert with pronounced fins provides the E 63 AMG with a powerful touch of race track atmosphere at the rear.

The new E 63 AMG is unparalleled in this segment with its diversity and novelties. The vehicle is fortified with the AMG 5.5-litre V8 BITURBO engine with a displacement of 5461 cc, the eight-cylinder engine generates a peak output of 557 PS @ 5500 rpm and a torque of 720 Nm@ 1750-5250. E 63 AMG also achieves extraordinary performance: acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achived in merely 4.2 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).The new E 63 AMG features an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. The transmission modes “C” (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) and "M" (Manual) augment the car's agility and driving dynamics quite noticeably. Race Start function ensures shorter response times, higher engine speeds and more spontaneous gear changes, representing the full potential of the new AMG V8 BITURBO engine. In S, S+ and M modes, the stop/start function is deactivated but also at full load, the engine management system somewhat suppresses the cylinders. This carefully structured interruption to ignition and injection leads to faster gear changes and an emotive acoustic effect. The automatic double-declutching function in reverse gear supplies the harmonious complement. The new E 63 AMG continues to set new norms here – the AMG 5.5-litre V8 BITURBO engine remains the most efficient series production V8 engine around. The fuel consumption confirms its outstanding credentials, offering 10.2 km/l. The new E 63 AMG establishes in imposing fashion how charming dynamics and low fuel consumption can be mixed with precision. A major influence to the car's trend-setting reduction in fuel consumption figures is also made by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission.

The AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package attaches a sporting knack to the new E 63 AMG. Salient features of AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre Package include the A-wing of the AMG front apron, inlays in the AMG side skirts, and the carbon-finish top section of the AMG rear apron. This package further augments the dynamic charm, presenting an effective contrast to the vehicle paint finish.

The attractive full LED headlamps have been introduced in the country with the launch of the new E-Class. The radiator with central Star, also a new design theme, attaches an independent and sportier front-end look. The intelligent drive with new assistant systems like the ECO Start Stop come as standard, Intelligent Lighting Systems featuring variable light distribution with cornering function, reversing camera, Attention Assist, COMAND Online with remote control and a tyre pressure loss warning system.

Also forming part of the standard equipment is ATTENTION ASSIST, which warns of inattentiveness and drowsiness across a wider speed range, and also informs the driver about their level of fatigue and the amount of driving time which has elapsed since the last break. It also offers an adjustable sensitivity level, and then there is the reversing camera.

An arresting feature of the interior is the new AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design. The rim of this wheel is flattened at both top and bottom to enable enhanced control
of the vehicle. Further classifying features of the new steering wheel: aluminium shift paddles, the perforated leather in the grip areas and the three-dimensional design of the airbag cover with its "Silver Shadow" metallic trim component. This is perfected by the new E-SELECT shift lever with embossed AMG badge on the centre console. Optimum grip comes courtesy of the new 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design, fitted with 255/R 40 R 18 tyres on the front and 285/35 R 18 on the rear. The "flow forming" production process already used with the SLS AMG optimises the strength of the light-alloy wheels, while also reducing weight by up to 0.8 kilograms per wheel. This helps to improve both driving dynamics and ride comfort. The AMG instrument cluster features an 11.4 cm TFT multifunction display with an AMG main menu that covers RACETIMER, AMG start-up screen and 320 km/h speedometer dial.

The vibrant atmosphere inside the car is emphasised by the Nappa leather upholstery.  The black interior of the E 63AMG features grey contrasting topstitching on the AMG sports seats, the door centre panels, the door armrests and the centre console. Silver seat belts also come with this standard interior. The rim of the AMG Performance steering wheel in black Nappa leather is flattened at the top and bottom and boasts grip areas in Alcantara and grey contrasting stitching. The front head restraints of the AMG sports seats integrate exclusive embossed AMG emblems. Superior-quality materials, excellent workmanship and an exclusive atmosphere are parts of all E 63 AMG models. The newAMG-specific analogue clock in IWC design is a gorgeous show-stopper between the two central air vents.

Safety has always remained a prime consideration for Mercedes-Benz which is very well implemented with the eight airbags equipped in the new E 63 AMG. There is an adaptive dual stage airbags for driver and front passenger, side impact air-bags for driver and front passenger and window airbags. Intelligent Light System is attached with a variable light distribution with cornering function, that enables adjusting to any road condition during night driving, ensuring the safety of the driver, and this is perfected by Adaptive High Beam with automatic switching between high and low beam.

The price of the new E 63 AMG is Rs. 12,900,000 (ex-Showroom Delhi).

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