At the 2008 New York International Auto Show, Mitsubishi revealed it is looking to the U.S. market as a possible fit for the company’s tiny 4-passenger car, the i. And if there’s a place for the diminutive car on U.S. roads, then perhaps there might also be a market for an electric version.
Mitsubishi i-MIEV Photo: Sean Frego
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Mitsubishi i-MIEV Photo: Rod Hatfield
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Mitsubishi i-MIEV Photo: Sean Frego
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Mitsubishi i Car Photo: Rod Hatfield
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Mitsubishi also featured this sporty version of the electric i-MIEV on their display in New York. Photo: Sean Frego
Already sold in Japan where it has gained considerable popularity, the i-car is about 10 inches shorter than a MINI Cooper but makes excellent use of available space. Four adult passengers fit easily in the i-car, while still allowing for a bit of cargo — although only a grocery bag or two. Headroom is quite plentiful due to the i-car’s shape. The shape is even possible in this small of a package because the engine sits below the floor and just forward of the rear axle. This allowed designers to give the rear-wheel-drive i-car a larger passenger compartment while putting the wheels at the corners. The other advantage to this rear-mid engine layout: converting to an electric version of the i-car does not require any major structural changes. So Mitsubishi replaced the gasoline-powered engine with an electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries stored under the floor. This new version of the i-car is called the i-MIEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle). An even more interesting advantage when converting the i-car into the i-MIEV: With the batteries in the floor, the center of gravity is lowered so much the electric version actually handles better than its gas-powered sibling. Mitsubishi plans to put the i-MIEV on sale in Japan late next year, but to get an early indication of the viability of this car in America, the company brought a few cars to the New York show. MSN Autos’ editors got the chance to take this little car for a spin around Manhattan and found the car would probably feel right at home zipping and lunging between the taxicabs of the Big Apple.
This is it. The car the BMW faithful have been waiting for. The 4.0-liter V-8 up front barks as the tach needle zings around the dial — 6000, 7000, 8000 rpm. I grab fourth just before the 8400 rpm redline — no, that’s not a typo — and turn into the fast right-hander.
The nose pushes gently. Feather the gas momentarily to get the bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport tires up front to bite, then back on the go pedal. Hard. The rear end starts to drift, but that’s okay — your backside feels hardwired into this thing, and you know within a quarter inch how far it’s going to step out. Sliding… sliding… There! The tail brushes past the cones on the outside of the track before the red coupe straightens up for the short chute into a tight right hairpin.
Mash the brakes. The track-spec pads — available over the parts counter at your friendly BMW dealer — grab the massive vented and cross-drilled rotors front and rear. There’s some momentary chatter from the ABS, but it stops like a cat on Velcro as you grab second gear. Then it’s off the brakes as I dive for the apex, getting on the gas early to bring the tail around. The stability control — in track mode — wags an electronic finger, but gets the car straight and aimed at the next turn in point with minimal loss of momentum.
It’s quick and precise; beautifully balanced and brilliantly responsive; deeply confident and inspiringly competent when you ask it the big questions. Yep, the new BMW M3 is everything the BMW faithful have been waiting for — and then some. But ironically, it’s the “then some” bit that might have a few of those faithful scratching their heads.
2008 BMW M3
You see, at first acquaintance the new M3 appears to have — whisper it, now — gone soft. It feels remarkably refined as it loafs along the freeway in sixth gear, even with the optional 19-inch wheel/tire combo fitted to our tester. And although that screaming V-8 develops more than 100 horsepower per liter, it’s a pussycat around town, pulling cleanly from as little as 1500 rpm. The four-cylinder E30 that founded the M3 dynasty 22 years ago was as rowdy and rambunctious as a punk rocker in a ripped T-shirt; by comparison this fourth generation version is as smooth and suave as a banker in a Brioni suit and $1000 wingtips.
REVIEW-2
The new M3 Convertible from the BMW stables feature a retractable hard-top roof and is powered by the new V8 engine, which has won the ‘International Engine of the Year’ award.
The new BMW M3 Convertible has been optionally equipped with the very first double clutch transmission designed for a high revving V8 engine.Compared with the two previous generations of the M3 Convertibles the new E93 generation boasts a retractable hard-top, 4.0-litre V8 engine and manual six-speed gearbox as standard.
2008 BMW M3
Mechanically identical to the hugely popular M3 Coupé, which was introduced last October, and voted Car of the Year by drive.com.au in December 2007, the new BMW M3 Convertible also introduces the new seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic. This advanced, electronically controlled transmission is available in the M3 Coupé from next month.
The new generation BMW M V8 engine was awarded Best Engine in the 3.0 - 4.0-litre class by the global judging panel of the International Engine of the Year Awards 2008.The convertible has been designed from the ground up as an open-top four-seater equipped with supercar performance and everyday driveability.
The 309 kW V8 engine produces 400 Nm of torque and sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds in the six-speed manual transmission guise, while the double-clutch gearbox with its seven speeds and seamless gear shifting allows this sprint time to be reduced to an amazing 5.1 seconds.
The Formula One inspired V8 engine comfortably exceeds the BMW M division’s internal 100 bhp per litre target, and has a 10 percent better power to weight ratio than its E46 generation predecessor, the previous benchmark open-top sports convertible.
2008 BMW M3 INTERIORS
The new M3 Convertible produces more than twice the power of the original 1988 E30 model, yet the spirit and design philosophy remains the same.
While the original E30 M3 Convertible was the epitome of exclusivity, greater numbers of successive generations have been sold as the word spread about how much fun the M3 Convertible was to drive. Thus around 13,000 examples of the E36 generation M3 Convertible were built, increasing to 30,000 copies in the E46 generation.
The new M3 Convertible is both more fuel efficient and produces less C02 than its predecessor, despite this breathtaking V8 performance. In typical BMW style, running costs and emissions are kept to a minimum. The car returns 12.9 litres per 100 km on the combined cycle (12.3 litres per 100 km for the double-clutch gearbox).
A new option for all M3 buyers is BMW’s new seven-speed double-clutch transmission (M-DCT). Offering drivers the chance to enjoy seamless gearshifts with no interruption in power delivery, this state-of-the-art transmission is so efficient that it outperforms the manual gearbox car in terms of acceleration, fuel economy and emissions.
This is the first M car to feature a retractable hard-top as standard. The electro-hydraulic roof is fully automatic and can be lowered in just 22 seconds. The M3 Convertible is also fitted with SunReflective leather, allowing owners to leave the top down for extended periods without the risk of the seat leather overheating. SunReflective leather was initially developed by BMW Motorrad to keep motorbike riders cool in hot climes. The surface temperature of the upholstery can remain up to 20 degrees Celsius cooler than conventional leather.
Underneath the M3 Convertible’s muscular torso lies a chassis and suspension system tailor-made for the demanding requirements of an open-top car. Torsional rigidity has been significantly improved over the previous model, while the suspension has been fine-tuned to take into account the specific weight distribution of a convertible.
The combination of a strong structure and advanced occupant restraint systems means the BMW M3 Convertible offers the highest possible standards of passive and active safety for occupants. Like the 3-Series Convertible, the M3 version is equipped with a rollover sensor system that constantly monitors the vertical and horizontal movement of the car. If the sensors (which are located in the centre of the car, on the B pillars and in the doors) detect that a rollover is imminent, roll bars located behind the rear headrests pop up. At the same time, the front seatbelt pre-tensioners are activated and the head/thorax airbags are deployed.
The Bentley Brooklands is a stunning new model that marks the company’s return to the luxury coupé market and reaffirms its reputation as creator of the world’s most exclusive coupés. It is the ultimate Bentley: a stylish, four-seat, grand touring coupe with classic British proportions and muscular performance.
The world’s most exclusive coupé: limited to just 550 cars
The most powerful V8 engine Bentley has ever produced
Inspired by the exploits of the ‘Bentley Boys’ at the famous Brooklands racetrack
Powerful, muscular and rakish with classic British proportions
Bentley’s chairman Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen describes the motivation behind the new coupé: “Bentley’s proud sporting pedigree, forged by the exploits of the immortal ‘Bentley Boys’ on the famous Brooklands racetrack in the 1920s, was the inspiration for our new coupé, capturing all the style, power and splendour of that era.” *
Sporting design cues are matched by the phenomenal performance engineering of Bentley’s legendary Crewe-built V8 engine. The new Bentley Brooklands possesses the most powerful V8 the company has ever produced – a 530bhp, twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre unit that also produces a prodigious 1050Nm of torque.
Each Brooklands coupé will be hand-assembled, employing traditional coach-building techniques and the craftsmanship skills in wood veneer and leather hide for which Bentley is renowned. To ensure exclusivity, lifetime production will be strictly limited to just 550 cars, with deliveries expected to start in the first half of 2008.
Exterior Design: Classic British Proportions
Bentley’s rich coupé heritage provided the stimulus for Director of Styling, Dirk van Braeckel and his design team. For van Braeckel, the task was very clear: “To create a powerful, muscular and rakish grand touring coupé with classic British proportions, in the finest Bentley tradition.”
Interior Design: Peerless Craftsmanship with a Sporting Character
Dirk van Braeckel describes the mission for the Bentley interior design team: “To create the perfect Bentley coupé: sumptuous hand-crafted luxury with a distinctly sporting character.”
As in every Bentley, peerless craftsmanship is to the fore, enhanced by the warmth and richness of the finest natural materials. To tailor for their individual requirements, customers may choose from an extensive palette of hides, veneers, carpet tones and seat belt colours.
Its four-seat architecture and deeply bolstered seats lend the Brooklands’ interior a distinctly sporting atmosphere, complemented by design accents such as aluminium foot pedals and footrest. A new, single-piece, hide-trimmed roof lining flows uninterrupted from the front windscreen all the way to the rear of the car, mirroring the long, sleek profile of the elegant exterior.
Most powerful Crewe-built V8 ever – 530bhp, 1050Nm
Beneath its muscular, rakish, coach-built body lies the most powerful Crewe-builtV8 engine ever produced, developing 530bhp. Maximum torque is an astonishing 1050Nm, the highest ever developed by a production V8 engine. Although performance figures are subject to final confirmation as part of the on-going development programme, the new Bentley coupé will deliver supercar levels of in-gear acceleration combined with Arnage refinement.
Skoda is set to storm the upmarket family car sector with the all-new Superb hatchback. Skoda insiders have confirmed that the new Superb – masterminded by the engineer behind the VW Phaeton - is targeted directly at the new Ford Mondeo
Škoda Auto is going to present the successor to its flagship model at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show – the new Škoda Superb.
Bigger and more versatile
The Superb is loosely based on the same architecture as the VW Passat, and is currently in its final stages of testing around the globe, including late modifications to refinement in Death Valley, California. Despite the notchback appearance, the Superb gets a new, versatile hatchback layout, making it much more competitive in the large family car sector than the old model.
The entry-level engine is likely to be the 138bhp 1.4-litre TSI unit first seen in the Golf. 158bhp and 200bhp 1.8-litre TSI units will make up the rest of the Superb petrol range.
Diesel engines will be switching to a more refined common rail injection system, and the range-topping motors are likely to be V6 petrol and diesel units with the option of four wheel drive. Most models will be equipped with a six-speed manual box, with a DSG autobox on the options list.
A high-performance 3.6-litre V6 4x4 VRS Superb, with just shy of 300bhp, is already understood to be on test.
Sitting on the same Delta II platform that will underpin the Chevrolet Cruze, the Orlando rides higher and taller. General Motors said it "explores the potential of combining the versatility attributes of a sport utility, a family van and a wagon in a single execution." We think it looks quite a bit like a 2008 Dodge Caliber, particularly in its C-pillars and its exaggerated fender flares. But compared to the Caliber, as well as the current Chevrolet HHR, the Orlando brings more crossover credentials. It has three rows of stadium seating, fitting up to seven people or folding down to make room for cargo. The show car is powered by Chevrolet's new 2.0-liter turbo-diesel, which makes 150 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque.
Mercedes-Benz will show its ConceptFASCINATION at the 2008 Paris Motor Show next month, further watering down the definition of a coupé and more importantly, previewing key elements of the next E-Class.
Mercedes said the ConceptFASCINATION's proportions "interpret the emotional appeal of a coupé in a new way." In fact, the concept comes off as a cross between a conventional sedan and a three door wagon. The squared-off hood, grill and headlamps seem to share more with the latest C-Class models than the current E- Class, while its missing B-pillars and steeply raked roofline clearly take cues from the CLS Coupe.
Under its skin the ConceptFASCINATION provides us further hints at the future. It rides on the next generation E-Class Coupe platform, and is powered by Mercedes' new 2.2-liter 204 hp diesel engine, which is being introduced to Europeans this fall in the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY.
Inside the concept introduces a few interesting packaging details, most notably its inclusion of both a refrigerated compartment and a humidor.
Vehicle Summary: 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Coupe
The stylish Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Coupe has a strong V6 engine and an even-stronger optional V8. It delivers good performance and comfort across the line. The V8 is the most significant change since a number of styling updates and other recent upgrades, the biggest of which was a more-powerful V6 engine in the CLK350. A new racing-inspired CLK63 AMG Black Series is also available for hardcore enthusiasts.
A beefy V8 engine adds muscle to the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Coupe.
Highs
Stylish and comfortable
Good performance, especially with optional V8 engine
Seven-speed automatic transmission
Sharp handling with a fairly smooth ride
Lows
Tight backseat area
Coupe not offered in higher-performance AMG version
Lousy V8 fuel economy
What's New
CLK350 receives a standard sport suspension and six-spoke 18-inch wheels
Racing-inspired CLK63 AMG Black Series newly offered with a 500-hp 6.3-liter V8 engine, unique Black Series performance upgrades and trim items, and added features, including active headlamps, navigation system, and Keyless Go entry/start system
Standard Features: GPS, Power driver seat, Weather band radio, Brake assist, Driver front impact airbag, Passenger front impact airbag, Driver side impact airbag, Passenger side impact airbag, Overhead airbag, Electronic stability, Split folding rear seat
Optional Equipment: GPS, Heated front seats, Rear side impact airbag
The opulent and agile BMW 6 Series Coupe delivers strong acceleration via a powerful 4.8-liter V8 engine. All that power can be mated to a choice of three transmissions: a six-speed manual, a traditional automatic or the automaker's auto/manual-hybrid, called a Sequential Manual Gearbox. The BMW 6 Series Coupe is stylish and well equipped and offers plenty of comfort, at least for front-seat passengers. Rear legroom is nonexistent. Like other BMWs, it also remains saddled with the automaker's confounding iDrive system, which combines various dashboard controls into a single console-mounted knob.
2008 BMW 6 Series Coupe 650i
Power and Performance
Engine : 4.8L V-8 32 valve DOHC SMPI
Horsepower : 360hp @ 6,300RPM
Torque : 360 lb.-ft. @ 3,400RPM
Transmission : 6-spd manual w/overdrive
Drive Type : Rear-wheel drive zero
Axle Ratio : 3.46 axle ratio notzeroz
0-60 mph : 5.3 seconds zero
1/4 mile time : 13.8 seconds notzeroz
1/4 mile speed : 103 mph zero
Power to weight ratio : 10.6 lb/hp notzeroz
Lateral acceleration (g) : .9 zero
Slalom speed : 61 mph notzeroz
Miles per gallon (city/hwy) : 15/22 zero
Payload : 838lbs (380kg) notzeroz
Dimensions
Seating capacity : 4
Curb weight : 3,814lbs (1,730kg)
Wheelbase : 2,779mm (109.4")
Exterior length : 4,831mm (190.2")
Exterior body width : 1,854mm (73.0")
Exterior height : 1,374mm (54.1")
Front headroom : 955mm (37.6")
Rear headroom : 904mm (35.6")
Front legroom : 1,067mm (42.0")
Rear legroom : 765mm (30.1")
Cargo interior volume : 368L (13.0 cu.ft.)
Active and Passive Safety
Braking System : 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS)
Ignition Security : Ignition disable
Driver front impact airbag : Standard
Passenger front impact airbag : Standard
Driver side impact airbag : Standard
Passenger side impact airbag : Standard
Overhead airbag : Standard
Traction control : ABS and driveline
Brake assist : Standard
Lane departure warning : Optional
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air Conditioning : Dual zone front automatic air conditioning
Saleen Automotive is celebrating its twenty-fifth year in business by offering the first $100,000 new, nonracing Ford Mustang - the Sterling Edition S302E. The "302" refers to the 5.0-liter V-8's cubic-inch displacement, which was achieved by stroking the Mustang's stock twenty-four valve, 4.6-liter mill. An intercooled, twin-screw supercharger and reinforced internal components help the revised engine produce a mind-blowing 620 hp at an enhanced 6400 rpm and 600 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm. Saleen reports a 0-to-60-mph time of less than four seconds - about a second quicker than the 500-hp Ford Shelby GT500. All S302Es will feature a six-speed manual transmission, twenty-inch wheels, and we-mean-business brakes.
All those Benjamins also get you a custom-trimmed interior with nicely done leather and Alcantara seats, a sterling silver (yet tacky) serial-number badge, and a push-button starter. Unique touches on the exterior include beautiful silver paint, carbon-fiber front and rear diffusers, a Gone in 60 Seconds Eleanor-like face, and an aluminum hood.
Still, this Saleen doesn't feel or look like a $100,000 car. Exclusivity is a big part of the equation, though, since only twenty-five S302Es will be built. Buyers also receive a custom leather jacket (probably not Members Only, but it'll do) and a first-class plane ticket to Detroit, where they'll tour the factory (where the car was unveiled in January 2008) and dine with a Saleen executive.
For the man or woman who has everything, perhaps a six-figure Mustang makes sense. But we can think of a lot of other cars on which we'd rather blow $100 grand.
Click the link below for high-resolution Saleen S302E images.
Hyundai which buoyed by the sucess of i10 (6500 bookings in first 15days of the launch) is planning to add more values to the car. The launch of i10 has increased the traffic in the Hyundai showroom by almost 30% Hyundai is really surprised not because of the response it received but due to indian’s passion for features like sunroof. Since most of the i10 on lookers are professionals, they opt for high end variants. Hence hyundai plans to add more values to i10 by offering an automatic transmission and by strapping an all new CRDi engine. Apart from the santro AT there are no small car with automatic transmission. Maruti Suzuki which tested the automatic with zen ditched it after a poor response. The new i10 automatic will have a more powerful engine compared to the the 1.1L engine(santro’s). The automatic i10 will launched first in western markets and then it will be introduced in india. Hyundai will also strap a new 1.1L CRDi engine under the hood of the i10 in 2008. Hyundai i10 CRDi will also be launched in 2008. Hyundai will display the i10 in Bologna motor show in December and will launched in europe soon after that. Rush to the Hyundai’s showroom, since Hyundai has already indicated that the current i10 price is the initial launch price and from January 2008 it may go in for an adjustment.
Notable announcements at the Industry conference and SIAM convention
Honda Siel to launch Jazz
Honda will launch the company’s first small car possibly the Jazz in the December quarter of 2009. Honda Siel Cars India’s first phase of a new plant in western Rajasthan state will be completed by the end of this month, Jnaneswar Sen, vice president of marketing at Honda’s Indian unit told on the sidelines of an industry meet.
General Motors new Beat and diesel engine
* GM plans to launch an another small car in India which would be launched in second half of 2009. Engineers at its Bangalore R&D centre have been working on the small car, which would also be exported to overseas markets.
* GM is planning to ramp up its dealership network to 200 by the end of December.
* GM is also planning to manufacture a smaller diesel engine which will power its future small cars. We understand that the natural tendency in India is to look at a smaller diesel and we are actively exploring that option through GM Powertrain.” Dittoed Nick Reilly, president, GM Asia Pacific and GM group vice president, said: “We are looking at different displacements and there is an opportunity for a small diesel as well.” “The diesel engine (in the new plant) will come from the (1.3 litre Fiat multijet) family,” Mr Reilly said.
Skoda to launch Fabia sport, new superb and new Octavia
Skoda plans to introduce as many as eight models in next five years to make India amongst the top-five of its global markets.
“We are looking at introducing sports utility vehicles (SUVs), multi-purpose vehicles and a car below Fabia,” Skoda Auto India Member of the Board (Sales and Marketing) Thomas Kuehl said on the sidelines of the 48th SIAM Annual Convention 2008.
Skoda’s small car would be in the price range of 3-5 lakh and would compete with Hyundai I10 and Chevrolet Spark. Skoda also plans to bring the recently launched new generation Superb in 2009. Skoda is also planning to introduce a sporty version of its hatchback Fabia, which could be priced around Rs 10 lakh. Skoda will also launch a replacement for Octavia sedan. Skoda is also working on a station wagon version of its hatchback Fabia
Fiat’s cheapest car
Similar to its Indian partner, Fiat also plans to launch a cheaper car in 2010. However the small car will not come under Fiat brand and will not be manufactured in India. “By 2010, Fiat is planning to launch a low-cost car, not under the Fiat brand, but under another brand,” Fiat CEO Sergia Marchionne said on the sidelines of the 48th SIAM Annual Convention 2008.
Mercedes - Benz may bring A-class
Mercedes Benz says it is evaluating a possibility for introducing its small range A-Class car in India. “We are evaluating the Indian market regarding price positioning and overall perception of the company as far as the A-Class range is concerned. However, we have not taken any decision so far whether and when to introduce the A-Class car in India,” Mercedes Benz COO Rainer Schmuckle said on the sidelines of the 48th SIAM Annual Convention 2008
Maruti Suzuki to launch A-star
As announced, Maruti suzuki will unveil its ‘A-Star’ compact car model in India in October. Also with the launch of new A-star Maruti Suzuki will introduce the K-series engine in India. he global compact car A-Star uses the advanced K-series engine which is not only fuel-efficient but also complies with Euro-V emission norms, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) chairman RC Bhargava said. He also added Maruti Suzuki will launch the splash in India early 2009.
Nissan to launch Murano,new Teana and new X-trail
Nissan which will launch indian based models in 2010 plans to bring the new Teana and Xtrail in India.Nissan also plans to bring the Murano Crossover to India.”We will launch a high-end crossover vehicle Morano along with new Xtrail and a new Teana sedan, which could be launched in 2009,” Kimura said on the sidelines of the 48th SIAM Annual Convention 2008
Chrysler knows the 2008 Dodge Challenger will be showing up late to the retro pony car party. The company has carefully foreshadowed the second coming of the long-nosed Hemi-powered contender since Ford proved it could sell the 1965 Mustang all over again in 2005.
Standing on the sidelines while Ford took the initial retro risk saved Chrysler the potential embarrassment of making a bad decision, but Dodge has also been using the Challenger's late arrival to tease buyers and build interest in the forthcoming muscle car. Strategically planted rumors and radical orange concept car renderings in 2005 had the public drooling for sheet metal.
A relatively long hood and Chrysler's characteristic gangster window line flow into widened and raised rear haunches, barely housing giant 21-inch wheels, and black stripes of unpainted carbon fiber run the length of the body. There's no disputing it — the Challenger Concept looked positively boss when the sheet was whisked off.
Soon after the car's unveiling, Inside Line visited Chrysler's Pacifica Design Studio in Carlsbad, California, where the 2008 Dodge Challenger Concept was designed. There we interviewed the two men responsible for the car's look. "Early on, we just tried to capture 'Mopar' in the designs," Mike Castiglione told us during our visit. "We tried to capture the beveled edges that were uniquely Mopar back in the muscle car days. If you look at an old Challenger or Charger, the lines have a snap to them. Once we figured that out, then we got more focused." Mike beat out two other designers for the gig and it's fair to say he was the right man for the job.
Two Challenger Concepts were built, both powered by the famous 6.1-liter Hemi V8. The first was a hot orange Challenger Concept designed to be a street car with 425 horsepower. The second, a 525-hp flat-black Challenger Super-stock concept, is shod with massive Goodyear slicks and is good for one thing — knocking off 11.0-second quarter-mile runs.
The concept cars are based on a shortened Dodge Charger platform and are topped with bodies made entirely of carbon fiber. And both are real runners. In fact, we took the orange Challenger Concept out cruising in Southern California to the famous Donut Derelicts car show. Then we drag-raced the flat-black Challenger Super-Stock Concept at the Mopars at the Strip event in Las Vegas.
The release of the 2009 Dodge Challenger won't be the first time Chrysler introduced a car at the tail end of the muscle-car craze — the original Challenger hit the streets in 1970, six years after the Ford Mustang and four after Chevy's Camaro, which will be getting its own resurgence with the release of the 2009 Chevy Camaro. There's a reason the car is named "Challenger."
Late to the party or not, the 2008 Dodge Challenger is poised to crash it. Big time.
SUV. One term which not many will associate the Korean giant - Hyundai with. It is that segment of the auto industry which is tantamount with big, brawny, imposing looking machines to which the word ‘car’ will not really be able to do justice.
Hyundai was one of the first to sight the growing potential of the SUV segment and introduced Terracan. Result? It failed to capture the imagination of the buyer. Reason? Price and brand image. Also that it was not really all that great a car! Hyundai thought about it, phased it out, and drove in with another SUV - Tucson. A good car this, which was aimed at beating Honda’s CR-V at its game. Result? The same as Terracan’s.
Hyundai Santa Fe InteriorYou see, Honda has more snob value than Hyundai and at 12-13 lakhs, people become increasingly conscious about their image. Why else do you think that SUVs like Honda CR-V and Ford Endeavour have been selling more than Tucson? Your guess is as good as ours.
Terracan - the Pajero-based SUV is history, and so will be the Tucson when Santa Fe enters India to try its luck at establishing Hyundai with the image of a maker of capable and desirable SUVs.
Hyundai has no dearth of engineering capabilities and is one of the auto-makers which has been upping its ante all this while. The Santa Fe is a testimony to this statement. Alluring, in-yer-face, dynamic, aggressive are adjectives that will fail to describe the curves and flowing desing elements of this SUV.
Hyundai Santa Fe RearIt is big and that imposing grille with an “I-am-bored” look will only add to its character. The gradually rising waistline makes the rear look a little odd though. The flared wheel-arches will house massive wheels. Hyundai plans to import the Santa Fe in India and will offer a delicious 2.2-litre, 148bhp diesel motor which might be tuned to suit Indian fuel quality.
This SUV is going to be as bang up-to-date as the intelligence reports of the US of A! Expect some tension at Honda and Ford camps when Santa Fe comes in during the last quarter of 2008.
Biggies have been pouring in with well-packaged family sedans to lure the fancy of the Indians. It was Honda which came in with its City and then Ford introduced the Fiesta. Hyundai joined the bandwagon too and its Verna became instantly popular. The latest entrant in this segment has been Maruti which has hit the bulls eye with the hot-selling SX4.
Fiat on the other-hand has been miserable as far as sales chart and success in India is concerned. The Italian marque tried its hand at the C-segment with Siena and later Petra. Both did not sell. Now, with the new alliance in place in form of the JV with Tata, Fiat is thinking big for this segment. Thinking big in the shape of Linea.
A lot has been talked about this car internationally as well. The Fiat Linea has been designed from dot by FiatStyleCenter. The main objective was to design a sedan which would appeal to all. So the car had to look uncluttered yet elegant. Sporty even, if possible! Which the Linea manages to look, with aplomb.
The Fiat Linea is not just a Grande Punto with a boot. It is a far cry from that! Linea sports smooth lines and there is a perfect harmony between the sharply raked windscreen, A, B and C pillars and it gives the car a uniform look from nose to tail. The front is characterized by large projector type headlamps which have a ‘Bravo-inspired’ look to them. The grille gives a stubbly look and helps the car look intimidating. The neatly integrated fog-lamps also add to the look. The rear is dominated by a simple yet attractive boot and those tail-lamps endows the behind with a luxury-car look. Standing at over 4.5m in length and 1.7m in width, the Linea is 1.5m tall and carries a wheelbase of 2600mm. It looks stunning, specially in profile. A gorgeous machine this.
Equally good looking is the inside of the Linea. The interior, as expected from Fiat, has a spacious and airy feel about it. The well-sculpted seats and ergonomically laid-out dash and center console speak of a focussed approach towards comfort and practicality. The quality of materials used is right up there with the best in the business and steering mounted controls will elevate the comfort factor all the more. The orange back-light looks super cool!
Fiat has always been known for good ride and handling compromise, so it will be business as usual for Linea as well. Expect comfy ride quality and dynamic handling with accurate steering response and a delightful gearbox. Hope Fiat has gained knowledge from its past experience and will offer the Linea with all the safety and luxury options like ABS, airbags, climate control, leather upholstery etc.
An array of engines are there in Fiat’s kitty that it could offer the Linea with. A 1.3-litre multi-jet diesel that already powers the Swift could come in as an entry-level diesel option which will be complemented by a 1.4L diesel and petrol option too. It is our personal wish that the Linea be powered with a 1.6L petrol motor in addition to the 1.9L diesel. Giving another petrol option might be a 1.4-litre, 78bhp engine.
The Fiat Linea is going to precede the Grande Punto as far as the launch date is concerned and should be here by mid next year. Expect a good-looking, well-behaved and comfortable sedan which would have all the ingredients to disturb the sound sleep of its rivals. A winner it can be for Fiat, provided the pricing is bang on with the adversaries.
Luca di Montezemolo had reasons to be worried. Not a man to get bogged down, he took the challenge of putting Fiat back from shambles to the peak of the mountain. For this, he needed a car, a good one at that. A car that would appeal to the masses and bring in good numbers. The Grande Punto was just that.
It turned around Fiat’s fortune in a way that could be possible only in dreams. The Grande Punto is the third generation of the Punto and was launched globally in 2005. Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Grande Punto has a beautiful body to exhibit with sloped back headlamps and muscular wheel arches which lends it a mean yet attractive look. The rear section integrates well into the bumper and the large tail lamps give added character to the overall stance of the Grande Punto.
The interior are also pleasing and compliment the overall aura of the car. The red coloured display on white dials look funky and the layout of the dash is neat. The ergonomically placed controls and knobs are within easy reach. The steering wheel sports buttons to control the audio system. The interior is airy and comfortable. Build quality is something that Fiat has always been appreciated for and the Grande Punto continues that trend. The plastics inside have a built-to-last feel to them and should age well with time.
The car is likely to offer a choice of three engines. A 1.2L and a 1.4L petrol that pump out 65 and 77 horses respectively will be joined in by a 1.3L multi-jet diesel engine that Fiat is now famed for. This engine is known for its tractable nature and delivers 88PS of power to the front wheels. Our speculation speaks that since a 1.6L motor is already on offer in the Palio Stile, something similar might be presented with the Grande Punto as well. The car will be packed with safety features like ABS and EBD, though the same cannot be said about the airbags as of now.
Entering the action-packed B segment, this car will be at war against names like the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Getz and Chevrolet UV-A. Skoda will do its bit by making things interesting with the launch of the Fabia in this segment. The Grande Punto will roll out from the Ranjangaon facility of Fiat near Pune. The company revealed that it will have high levels of localization for the car and this should help as far as the pricing is concerned.
We suspect that the Fiat Grande Punto will be priced Rs.5 lakh onwards and might see the upper limit close to Rs.7lakh. How close are we in our guess? We’ll find out soon.
The 2008 Chevrolet HHR is a great competition to Chrysler PT Cruiser, the new wagon is tall with a retro like theme exteriors in style. It has been inspired by the great classic 1949 Suburban. The new machine shares its platform with Cobalt sedan and coupe. The name HHR stands for High Heritage Roof; it produces 143 horsepower rating with a 2.2 liter 4 engine. Its also available in a 2.4 liter version with higher trims, this version is capable of producing 172 horsepower of rating. Both of these trims rides on front wheels through 5 speed manual gearbox, or even 4 speed automatic can be used. The 4 speed version has a unique remote start feature.
The safety feature in the new model boosts of 4 wheel disc brakes having anti lock controls and also comes with standard assortment of airbags. The new machine has got good stability control feature with side airbags which is an optional feature. The new HHR SS profile has new grille and a rear spoiler which an 18 inch wheels with SS badging. The new machine is available in 3 colors including a new steering wheel, sueded seat trim and a boost gauge with a 140 mph speedometer.
The different HHR trims have different unique features and equipments, the topmost LT model has a sport suspension giving you good responsive handling. It also includes a flexible cargo management system with a flat folding rear and front passenger. There are storage bins and also the cargo panel to keep goods. Another LT panel version of the new vehicle is helpful as a city delivery vehicle and its rear quarter glass are made of solid body panels. The new HHR offers stability control and also the tire pressure monitors featuring cool 16 inches wheels with rear seats intact.
The new machine is said to give smooth, quiet ride and offers lots of cargo spacing in the vehicle, the cabin features are attractive and gives great visibility. The overall style and modeling of the new machine has been inspired by Chevy Suburban of 1949. The new machine gives HHR classic car styling and good mechanicals. The sporty new wagon gives tall compartment to its users and lots of other spacious rooms. The styling of the new machine is truly refreshing and appealing.
When reporters asked about the new city Takedgawa, Honda’s MD said he has no idea. Unlike other manufacturers, Honda never reveal anything about their future products. But we all know the new city is cooking when the all new Honda jazz is out. Honda new city: The current city is based on the previous generation Jazz and is more a hatch with a boot rather than a sedan. The front heavy design makes it look ugly at some angles. The 2008 Jazz or Fit on which the new city is based has a less boxy look, with a plunging nose and upswept waistline. From the spy shots of new city, it seems that the new city inherits the same. Thailand is the major market for the city family and in the local market it has to compete with Toyota’s vios. The sharp radical design is gone. Bland look is in. The new city looks bulky from the front with large stepped grille. The hood lines flows through the grille to large front bumper which houses the large fog lamp inserts. Except for the sleek headlamps everything is big. But never put aside this kind of styling, this kind of design often makes the car spacious and easily tops the list of chauffeur driven cars. Also unlike the current city the boot gels well with the car.
Honda 2008 city: All our future cars will feature ABS,aitbags,G-CON body and i-Vtec engine” said Takedgawa, Honda’s MD at the Auto expo. Hcnce the 1.3 liter Jazz’s i-VTEC engine which cranks out 100 PS of max power at 6,000rpm and 127Nm of max torque at 4,800rpm and an 1.5 liter Jazz’s i-VTEC engine whcih makes 120 PS at 6,600rpm and 145Nm of torque at 4,800rpm will get under the hood of the new city. A continuously variable transmission may also be offered for the new city.
Honda 2008 city: Though the sales of the current city is still strong even after the advent of SX4 from mighty Maruti Suzuki. But as a company policy Honda will replace the existing one with the new city. The new city is expected around the festive season. Spy shot by Arjun Warty of Team bhp.
Fiat's Bravo is an attractive-looking five-door hatchback - squint carefully and there's shades of Maserati about its front end - but it's generally overlooked in favour of the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Astra and suchlike. But here's a reason to remember it: the new 1.6-litre MultiJet 105 diesel engine delivers, in combination with the optional Eco pack, an impressive 62.8mpg and 119g/km of carbon dioxide. This output allows the 1.6 Eco to slip into Band B for tax purposes (currently just £35 a year) and to evade the London congestion charge as of October 2008, if new mayor Boris doesn't change the rules. And with list prices from £14,150, this model also comes up cheaper than both the Focus 1.6 TDCI Econetic and the Golf Bluemotion, its Band B counterparts - even before you take into account the large discounts around on pre-registered, nearly-new and even brand-new Fiats (no-one pays full list price for a Bravo). The Eco pack (a £295 option) comprises different ECU settings, lower rolling-resistance tyres and revised gear ratios; this improves fuel consumption by 5mpg and lowers carbon dioxide output by 10g/km, though the mods do mean that this model can't meet the Euro 5 standards for other emissions. It comes with a six-speed manual gearbox and a choice of Active or Dynamic specifications.
The Bravo range also includes the non-Eco but Euro 5-compliant 1.6 MultiJet 105, the 1.6 MultiJet 120 with extra turbo boost, and the continuing 1.9 16v Multijet 150 diesel engine, as well as the 1.4 16v 90, 1.4 16v T-Jet 120 and T-Jet 150 petrol engines.
The new Indica, code-named X1 till now, has been launched by Tata Motors. The Indica which initially faced teething troubles after its launch several years back has improved tremendously over time in all departments. The new Indica takes the successful model a step further.
The new Indica will co-exist alongside the older Indica versions, but will be priced higher.
The most important thing you notice are the different looks. It is overall sleeker and smoother - and even the Tata grille is beginning to look better! The swept back headlamp cluster, and the full length tail lamp cluster look attractive indeed. The new Indica has prominent wheel arches. The car will sport a 5 speed synchromesh gearbox with overdrive, bigger 175/65 R 14 tubeless tyres and a twist beam suspension.
Size: The new Indica is longer than the current version by 320mm. Width is 1695mm, height is a respectable 1550 mm, and the wheelbase has also been lengthened by 70mm to 2470 mm.
The rear windscreen, according to Tata, helps give the passengers a more spacious feel in the cabin.
The new Indica will also sport new diesel and petrol engines and a new suspension.
The car will be available in the market towards the second half of 2008. So if you like what you see and want to buy it immediately, you are out of luck. A minimum of 6 months wait for availability is what you are looking at.
The car will be offered with a new 1.3 litre Quadra-Jet Common Rail Direct Injection Diesel engine and a 1.2 litre Safire MPFI VVT Petrol engine, which will be manufactured at the new Tata-Fiat joint venture plant at Ranjangaon in Maharashtra, besides existing Tata powertrains.
ANOTHER REVIEW...
Tata Motors kept the buzz going around its stall at the Auto Expo 2008 by unveiling the new Indica V3 on the first day. The new Indica will come into the market by the middle of 2008 and would sell alaongside the current Indica but with a different name. The new Indica is light years ahead of the current Indica in terms of design and performance. It has a more proportionate and sporty stance with the front end getting extra stretched headlamps and a larger grille.
The car looks like its the old Indica on steroids, its pumped up. The new Indica would compete with the premium B segment hatchbacks including the Getz, Swift, Aveo-UVA and Palio. The interiors are still under development and were not opened to the media at the expo however the instrument cluster has been moved to the center, a trend which i dont quite approve of for more reasons than one.
The new Indica is longer and wider than the current model with more legroom inside. The new Indica would be powered by a 1.3 litre quadra jet common rail diesel engine (sourced from Fiat and the same engine which does duty in the Swift) and a 1.2 litre VVT petrol engine which would be manufactured at the Fiat-tata plant at Ranjangaon in Maharashtra. The new Indica would have larger 14 inch wheels with 175/65 spec tubeless tyres and finally the tyres fill up the wheelarch unlike the current Indica. The new Indica is likely to be priced between Rs.4 - 5 lakh and would be launched by the middle of 2008.
I am sure the new Indica would be a success no matter what its called but Tata Motors would need to keep in check the small niggling problems which crop up and the fit and finish which was not upto the mark on their show car at the Auto Expo (see picture of door rubber beading coming off)
MORE PICTURES OF THE NEW INDICA FROM THE AUTO EXPO 2008
this car will be at war against names like the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Getz and Chevrolet UV-A. Skoda will do its bit by making things interesting with the launch of the Fabia in this segment. The Grande Punto will roll out from the Ranjangaon facility of Fiat near Pune. The company revealed that it will have high levels of localization for the car and this should help as far as the pricing is concerned.
