Toyota launches Fortuner

Toyota Kirslokar India launches the new Fortuner SUV in India. The new Fortuner powered by 3.0L D-4D diesel engine developing 171PS of Max power and 343 Nm of max torque. Fortuner is avialable only with 5-speed manual transmission mode.

The seven seater SUV comes with an all time four wheel drive system. The dimensions of this massive SUV are 4695mm in length, 1840mm breadth and height of 1850mm. On the safety front, Toyota is a miser! Fortuner is loaded with only two airbags – driver and passenger and ABS. The features of the Toyota Fortuner are – chrome ORVM, front fog lamps, foof rails,bonnet scoop,front wiper with intermittent function and 6 spoke alloy wheels.

The suspension at the front is double wishbone and at the rear it is 4-link with lateral rod. Riding on massive 265/65 R17 tubeless radials Fortuners has ventilated disc brake at the front and drum at the rear. Riding on 17? alloys it gets climate control system as a standard fitment. Toyota Fortuner will be available in five colours – white,silver,grey,black and blue.

Toyota Fortuner is priced Rs18.45lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)

Chevrolet Cruze – Pictorial Preview|Xroadies-preview

Chevrolet has said that it unveil the new optra magnum in the upcoming paris motor show early October. Chevrolet’s c-segment which is known as optra and optra magnum is called by different name in different countries. Lacetti in Australia and NewZealand, Optra in Canada, India, Thailand, Malayasia,singapore and Indonesia, excelle in china and Forenza in America. It is also called as Nubira in some countries. Chevrolet Cruze will be the global name for an all-new sedan from the next generation of General Motors’ compact car family. Actually the cruze badge is not an all new one, Cruze was last applied to GM’s first Japan built compact SUV in association with Suzuki. The growing clamor for small cars might have tempted the GM to christen it latest C-segment car as Cruze.

1) Chevrolet Cruze: Cruze will be the first vehicle to build on GM’s new Global Compact Vehicle Architecture or Delta 2 platform. Delta 2 is said to be designed with developing market in mind and is considered to be the lower-cost alternative to the current Delta platform. The Cruze was engineered at GM’s German development center and was designed in Korea by GM Daewoo. Cruze will be assembled in plants around the world. Chevrolet introduced the optra in 2003. Even after four years of launch the car is yet to make a mark in India. Optra struggled against the competetion and in 2007 GM introduced the new optra magnum with 2.0L diesel engine which sells in decent numbers. Coming back to the new Cruze, the car will usher in a new styling language for Chevrolet. Cruze will carry Chevrolet’s new design language, including the two separate front grills and golden bow-tie logo.

2) Chevrolet Cruze: Along with the new design, GM bets on new ultra fuel efficient engines for the success of Cruze. Cruze will be fitted with a GM’s new direct-injection, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The turbocharged 1.4 liter Ecotec engine which might power the Indian cruze will return a fuel efficient figure 20kmpl. The 1.4 liter Ecotec turbo will come in various stages of tune ranging from 120 PS to 140 PS. GM hopes to take on the might Toyota prius with the Cruze which means the car will match the fuel efficiency of a hybrid car. According to GM, cruze would return 20km for a litre.

3) Chevrolet Cruze: Similar to other Chevrolet models, Cruze will also come with loads of space. The Cruze has an overall length of 4.6 meters and will offer ample room for five passengers and cargo space. Enough cost cutting measure has also gone into the Cruze to make the car price competetive. Cruze would feature a torsion-beam rear suspension.

4)Chevrolet Cruze: The Cruze including the right-hand-drive form for UK will go on sale across Europe in the spring of 2009 and with other markets (including India) following soon afterward. For the european market GM plans to sell the cruze along with the Lacetti sedan for about 18 months before the older car is phased out. Chevrolet may follow the same strategy in India and position the Cruze against the Volkswagen Jetta and Honda civic.

2008 Chevy Orlando Concept

2008 Chevy Orlando Concept





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.

2011 Chevy Volt Revealed

After months of speculation, skeptical claims of vaporware, and leaked photography, GM pulled the wraps off the 2011

Chevrolet Volt - its great green hope - at its centennial celebrations in Detroit.

It's easy to see this isn't the concept Volt, which debuted at the 2007 Detroit auto show. Engineers needed to improve aerodynamics for production, which explains why the flat, sharp surfaces of the show car transformed into long, rounded forms on the final product.

Though it may look somewhat different than the slinky concept shown at the 2007 Detroit auto show, the premise behind the Volt is still the same. Deemed an "extended-range electric vehicle", the car is designed to operate as an electric vehicle until the batteries are depleted. At that point, a small gasoline engine kicks in to recharge the batteries - not drive the wheels. Owners will also be able to recharge the Volt by plugging it into either a 120- or 240 volt outlet when parked at home or at work.

Electric propulsion comes courtesy of a 150-hp motor, primarily sourcing its power from a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack which runs the length of the car. GM says the Volt will travel up to forty miles in EV mode, before turning to the gas engine. We've not yet seen official specs on that "generator," but previous reports suggest it's a 1.4-liter I-4 which burns gasoline or E85.

Unlike GM's previous electric car, the EV1, the Volt's chassis isn't entirely unique. Like the 2010 Chevrolet Cruze and the forthcoming Saturn Astra, the Volt makes use of GM's next-generation Delta platform. Though much of the car is unique, sharing some bits - like the McPherson strut front suspension - allows GM to reduce development and production costs.

Designers did try to differentiate the Volt from its siblings inside, carrying over some of the high-tech look from the concept. The main instrument cluster is customizable, while the center console, trimmed with a white finish and fitted with touch-sensitive controls, is reminiscent of an iPod. Bluetooth connectivity for both phones and audio devices is standard, while a navigation system is optional.

Still uncertain are the Volt's production timing and pricing. Last we heard, GM hopes to build the Volt in Hamtramck, Michigan, and should reach dealers with a sticker price of approximately $30,000 to $40,000.

Chevrolet’s Optra Magnum diesel

a more serious Chevrolet..

General Motors may have lost the top spot to Toyota in North America but in India it is growing exponentially and it is far better than its international peers. When Honda and Toyota is drawing plans for India, already Chevrolet has become a serious player in India. While Chevrolet’s Spark and Aveo – UVA is to take on Maruti and Hyundai, Chevrolet’s upcoming products - the ‘captiva’ SUV will take on Honda CR-V and the ‘epica’ sedan will take on the Honda accord and Toyota Camry.. Now General Motors has decided to grip its stands in all segments. General Motors has launched the diesel optra to strengthen its grip in the D segment. The optra magnum is offered in three variants i.e. max, LS and LT variant (LT is the higher variant).

Engine and Powertrain:

Long awaited diesel mill finally finds a place in the optra’s hood. The 2.0L, 16V TCDi engine (Turbo Charged Common Rail Direct Injection) which pumps out 120.5PS at 3000rpm and maximum torque of 314Nm at 2125rpm. Both these figures are greater than its competitors Skoda Octavia and Hyundai Elantra. General Motor claims the optra magnum can reach a maximum speed of 190kph and Chevrolet’s dealer claim optra magnum will deliver 14kpl. The engine struggles little bit in the bottom end, noisy in the top end but the mid range could be the optra magnum’s biggest USP. 5 speed manual transmission is only offered for the new Chevrolet’s optra magnum. Unlike the petrol optra, the gears are sharp and the gear shift is smooth.

Design and Engineering:

What’s new?

• SR-V like front end for the new optra magnum
• New optra magnum features large front grille and wraparound headlamps also the huge bumpers incorporates the airdam and fog lamps
• Other changes in the new optra diesel includes new doors and mirror mounted indicators
• new three-tone dashboard looks along with light colours and faux wood makes the optra magnum far more upmarket
• Ride is more comfortable in the optra magnum than the petrol optra as the suspension is fine tuned for the optra magnum.
• Reduced ground clearance and increased length when compared to petrol optra
  

For the new Optra Magnum though the GM has retained the width and the height, length is increased by 25mm. The diesel optra’s ground clearance is 165mm compared to its petrol sibling which has 173mm. Optra Magnum features Disc brake on all wheels and for the higher end variant of Magnum GM offers alloy wheels. Suspension for the optra magnum is through Mcpherson strut with anti roll bar and twin tube gas filled shock absorber in both front and the rear. With the fine tuned suspension the diesel optra magnum scores over the skoda Octavia in ride but in handling Octavia still leads Hyundai Elantra and the new optra magnum. GM calls the safety system for the new optra magnum as X-PRO system. ABS and Dual airbags are only for the optra magnum higher end LT variant. Impact proof bumpers and rear integrated fog lamps are additional safety features.

Verdict:

The optra petrol version despite being priced lower than the competition by over half-a-lakh was left behind, mainly due to GM’s reputation of poor after sales service. Much worse is the case for the spark. Though the segment leader is also worse in after sales service (both Chevrolet and Skoda ranked 8^th and 9^th in JD power Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI)). GM has to learn lessons from Fiat – even the excellent products can fail if the service is bad and it is difficult to change the image once it gets the bad reputation. The real test for General Motors India is in not bringing good products but lies in developing good service network. Over a period Skoda has built a strong image as a diesel maker among Indian customers. To make strides in this segment, GM has to break this mould and optra magnum is certainly a good beginning to break the mould.

The ex-showroom Bangalore price of the optra magnum will vary between Rs 8.77 lakh and 9.02 lakh. Optra Magnum is thus cheaper and a more attractive offer. Optra Magnum is available in seven attractive colours – icy blue, intense black, Casablanca white, sparkling diamond, blazing red, cashmere and platinum metallic.

General Motors India ambitious plan:

General Motors plans to launch another small car in India soon. GM which is eyeing 10% market share by 2009 has already slot in the India’s top 5 car sellers with mass segments cars like aveo-UVA and Chevrolet spark. GM aims to become a top 3 player in India. General Motors 2nd small car will be produced in its India’s second plant at Talegaon which will be commissioned by the middle of 2008. Chevrolet 2nd small car is expected by the end of 2008. Chevrolet will also launch petrol versions of the Magnum with 1.6 and 1.8 litre power trains would follow next year, while the much expected captiva SUV would be launched by the end of the 2007.

next generation Aveo U-VA

The next generation Aveo U-VA is ready, Chevrolet will unveil its 2008 Aveo U-VA(aveo in europe) in the upcoming Frankfurt motor show. Expected to be launched in India in 2008.

13) The new Aveo U-VA sports new design features, as characterised by the big horizontally split radiator grille with a body-coloured crossbeam and the brand logo sitting prominently in the center. The dynamic detailing of the new Aveo U-VA includes large, curved, clear-glass headlamps and fog lamps that project like spotlights from the lower part of the bumper.The 2008 aveo U-VA is expected to be powered by the same engine which powers the current U-VA.

2009 chevy camaro

2009 Chevrolet Traverse Preview

Chevrolet unites with GM !

Chevrolet will sooner be joining hands with GM crossover, the 4th family vehicle - Traverse. Traverse is built on the mechanicals which are based on Buick enclave, Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia. As per the sources from the company, they are mainly targeting Ford Edge, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander which were seven or eight passenger Traverse.

The new machine goes on sale in the mid of 2009 models, the model has similar styling as that of 2008 Chevrolet Malibu in terms of theme and design. The look of the new model is distinct compared to its earlier models, it has more of crisp lines than Outlook or Enclave. The detailed description of the model would include a tailgate spoiler and also chromed grills surround giving it an altogether different category from other GM triplets. The machine’s large gauges and dual cockpit design ties it with other latest Chevrolet
models.

The 2009 Traverse is being offered in 3 different types of models that is LT, LS and LTZ. All of these trims would be available in a front or all wheel drive mechanics. The range of wheels would e 17-, 18- or 20- inch wheels. The interiors of the car would contain XM, a rear entertainment system, Blue tooth connection and a wonderful panoramic sunroof giving protection from deadly sun rays.

The Traverse’s standard engine is GM’s 3.6 liter V-6 producing 281 horsepower and has a 253 pound feet of torque. The machine also boosts 6 speed automatic which is its sole transmission. The company takes great care in giving maximum protection to the users, it offers standard safety features in all of its models that include anti-lock brakes, six airbags, traction and stability control. The more options would include a rearview camera, a power liftgate, rear parking assist, navigation system, DVD entertainment system, remote start and heated mirrors. The model would be manufactured at the Saturn plant in Spring Hill at Tenn.

2008 Chevrolet HHR

2008 Chevrolet HHR

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.

Prices of cars SUVs and MUVs in India. All prices are in Rs lakhs, Ex-showroom Mumbai. As on Apr 2007

Image Model Variant Price
optra model
Optra 1.6 Elite (beige interiors) 8.30
Optra 1.6 Elite CNG (beige interiors) 8.79
Optra 1.6 LS Elite 9.04
Optra 1.6 LS Elite CNG 9.53
Optra 1.6 LT Royale 9.73
Optra 1.6 LT Royale CNG 10.22
Optra 1.8 LT (MT) 11.15
Optra 1.8 LT (AT) 11.83
aveouva model
Aveo U-VA 1.2 4.19
Aveo U-VA 1.2 LS 4.62
Aveo U-VA 1.2 LT 5.04
Aveo U-VA 1.2 LT Option Pack 5.36



srv model
SRV 1.6 7.32
SRV 1.6 Option Pack 7.89





aveo model
Aveo 1.4 LS 6.67
Aveo 1.6 LT Limited Edition 7.11
Aveo 1.6 LT Option Pack 7.60
Aveo 1.4 6.24



tavera model
Tavera B1-10 seats (BS-II) 6.18
Tavera B1-7 seats (BS-II) 6.30
Tavera B1-10 seats (BS-III) 6.36
Tavera B1-7 seats (BS-III) 6.49
Tavera B2-10 seats (BS-II) 7.02
Tavera B2-10 seats (BS-III) 7.16
Tavera B2-7 seats (BS-II) 7.15
Tavera B2-7 seats (BS-III) 7.29
taveraneo model
Tavera Neo LS B3-10 seats (BS-II) 7.55
Tavera Neo LS B3 - 7(c) seats (BSII) 7.58
Tavera Neo LS B3-7 seats (BS-II) 7.58
Tavera Neo LS B4- 7 seats (BS-II) 7.59
Tavera Neo LS B3-10 seats (BS-III) 7.69
Tavera Neo LS B3-7 seats (BS-III) 7.71
Tavera Neo LS B4- 7(C) seats (BS-II) 7.70
Tavera Neo LS B4- 7 seats (BS-III) 7.72
Tavera Neo LS B3 - 7(c) seats (BSIII) 7.82
Tavera Neo LS B4- 7(C) seats (BS-III) 7.84
Tavera Neo LT - L - 9 seats (BSII) 8.50
Tavera Neo LT - L - 7 seats (BSII) 8.61
Tavera Neo LT - L - 9 seats (BSIII) 8.62
Tavera Neo LT - L - 7 seats (BSIII) 8.74
Tavera Neo SS-D1-8 seats (BS-III) 9.57
Tavera Neo SS-D1-7 seats (BS-III) 9.83

Chevrolet’s Beat, CNG Aveo U-VA and a new spark variant

Chevrolet which has become the fifth largest automaker in India is planning aggresive launches in 2008. GM plans to capture 10 percent market share in india by 2010. Though it plans many new launches like captiva SUV, new optra,aveo diesel and hummer H3, GM realises unless it populate cars in small car segment (which accounts for 2/3rd of indian car industry)like Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki, GM could not make it. “The mini car segment is not a segment: it is several segments and several consumers, from first-time buyers to those looking for a second car, so we need to look at it differently”, said Karl Slym, president and managing director of GM india. If General Motors able to capture 10 -15% in the small car segment, it can easily achieve the target. GM officials at the ongoing Los Angeles Auto Show have indicated that the Chevy Beat concept(showcased in Newyork auto show) will go into production and will focus on non-North American markets. Hence After Aveo U-VA and spark, chevrolet’s ‘beat’ codenamed M300 might be GM’s next small car for india. Beat will go into production in mid 2009 and it will be slotted between spark and U-VA. The production model will carry the spirit of the expressive Beat concept, offering compact, city-friendly dimensions and a small-displacement engine that delivers excellent fuel economy.
Chevrolet beat is styled at GM’s Design Studio in Bupyeong, South Korea , with input from GM’s global network of designers. the beat is based on the same platform on which suzuki’s splash is built (soon to be launched in india).
Unlike the spark and aveo U-VA, chevrolet can price the beat very competetively. This is possible since GM is constructing its own engine plant in india(GM currently import engines for all its models except tavera from korea which attracts haevy import duty). Chevrolet will use the 1.3L multijet (swift’s engine) diesel engine for the new beat. Beat will also be powered by an 1.2L petrol engine. GM is developing a new 1L diesel engine for asian markets which also may be used for the beat (but only after 2010).
a new spark variant and a CNG Aveo U-VA:
Before the beat, chevrolet may launch an another variant of spark possibly in 2008. “In the near future, we plan to roll out a mini car which is likely to be a variant of Chevrolet Spark”, GM India vice-president P Balendran told. The new spark variant may be equipped with the much proven 1.3L multijet (swift’s engine) diesel engine. GM could source its requirements from Fiat or Suzuki(1.3L multijet engine is jointly produced by Suzuki-Fiat and opel).
Chevrolet which has already launched a CNG variant of its mid-size sedan Optra is now planning a CNG variant of its premium hatchback Aveo UV-A. In 2007, General Motors has launched spark and optra magnum this year and will launch captiva SUV in january 2008. GM’s indian line-up is full - starting from a refreshed aveo U-VA, new spark variant, a small car, new optra and aveo diesel and the luxury sedan epica.