Showing posts with label cars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cars. Show all posts

Monday, December 22, 2014

Honda files patent for Steer by Wire system


Honda is developing a fixed position steering wheel that senses the driver’s hands sliding rather than rotating to change the vehicle’s direction.
steer-by-wire
steer-by-wire-02The wheel uses piezoelectric sensors to monitor pressure and movement as the driver’s grip and slide across its surface. The system interprets those movements and translates them into steering directions that turn the front wheels. Honda filed a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on December 11. In the filing, Honda cites reduced vehicle weight and simplified component packaging as some of the potential reasons it is developing the technology. Honda representatives did not respond to a request for comments on the patent filing. 
But Honda isn’t the first automaker to tinker with steer-by-wire systems. The Infiniti Q50 currently uses one, though Nissan’s luxury brand still implements a rotating steering wheel.
Systems that don’t rely on traditional rack-and-pinion designs for turning allow vehicle engineers a greater degree of freedom in where they place vehicle components within a car. Systems like what Q50 uses and what Honda is developing will also play a significant role in large scale adoption of autonomous (self-driving) cars. Infiniti currently offers one of the automotive industry’s most advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems that is capable of semi-autonomous highway driving.
Honda’s application also said in its filing that the fixed wheel could sit at an offset to its axis, reducing the likelihood that the driver’s view of the gauge cluster would be obstructed.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

McLaren's Porsche 911 rival...Check it out...


McLaren's P13 Sports Series is edging ever closer to its debut in the second quarter of 2015. 

Part of the Sports Series range, the coupe we spied testing is likely to first appear at the New York Motor Show in April. Spider convertible and track focused versions of the sub-650S model code-named P13 are likely to follow in its footsteps.

McLaren has now confirmed that its latest model, previously referred to only by its internal codename ‘P13’, will be known as the McLaren Sports Series,' it said. 'It will join the range below the 650S, bringing McLaren credentials and exclusivity to the sportscar segment for the first time.’

A detuned version of McLaren’s 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 with upwards of 450bhp will provide power. The carbon chassis shared with both of its bigger brothers should also make the Sport Series the lightest in its class.

It uses the same carbonfibre MonoCell as the bigger 650S family - and essentially the same 3.8-litre V8, although detuned for its more lowly merely-got-to-beat-a-911-Turbo status.


This is more of a daily driver, and McLaren has consequently made the sills slimmer to ease access, the cabin is roomier and there’s more luggage space too.

The nose has been crafted with the same contoured bonnet, as too have the muscular haunches and gaping door vents. Unlike the P1 and 650S, however, the exhausts have been moved to the lower section of the rear bumper.


Ford to build the new GT, race it at Le Mans



Ford will return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with an all-new GT car in 2016, as part of a factory program that will also include a two-car GT Le Mans class effort in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship. Chip Ganassi Racing is expected to field a two-car GT-Le Mans entry for the entire TUSC season in 2016 as well as the Le Mans effort, with Scott Pruett and new team driver Joey Hand in the lead car.

The planned 2016 effort will mark Ford’s return to factory competition at Le Mans on the 50th anniversary of its first overall win in the twice-around-the-clock French endurance classic.


The race car should debut on track at the 2016 Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. The drivers of the other team car aren't known, but could be sourced indirectly from Multimatic, the Canadian company that is apparently leading the development of the new race car. There is also speculation that the car could be homologated later as a GT3, making it appealing to potential Ford Racing customers. 

Ford has a press conference scheduled for Monday, January 12 at the Detroit show, and the FIA's World Endurance Championship has a press conference scheduled for the following day.

Friday, December 19, 2014

2015 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Pirelli Edition



Lamborghini has announced production of an exclusive new special series, the Aventador LP700-4 Pirelli Edition, created to celebrate the long and ongoing history of collaboration with prestigious Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli. The partnership began back in 1963, the year the House of the Raging Bull was established, and since then all Lamborghini cars have been equipped with Pirelli tires. The two firms share not only their Italian origins but also, and above all, a constant quest for technological innovation.

The new Aventador Pirelli Edition, available in Coupé and Roadster versions, will be produced in a special series and is available to order now from dealers, for delivery early summer 2015. The super sports car maintains all its unique technical features, first and foremost the carbon fiber monocoque, the V12 engine, pushrod suspensions and the permanent all-wheel drive, which underlie the Aventador's global success. The special Pirelli series is enhanced by exclusive equipment specifically designed by the Lamborghini Centro Stile.

The exterior sports a two-tone color scheme in two options. The first is matte black for the roof, the pillars, the rearview mirrors, the engine hood, and the front, rear, side and moving air intakes, in contrast with six glossy finishes for the rest of the body (Giallo Spica, Rosso Mars, Bianco Isis, Nero Aldebaran, Grigio Liqueo, and Grigio Ater). The second option is glossy black for the upper parts of the car and the air intakes, in contrast with four matte finishes for the rest of the exterior (Bianco Canopus, Nero Nemesis, Grigio Adamas, and Grigio Titans).

Another distinctive element of the body is a thin red stripe that runs along the roof and the engine hood, the rearview mirrors, and the outer profiles of the air intakes, a stylistic feature designed to evoke the unmistakable Pirelli branding. The Pirelli logo, once again in red, is visible at the start of the two roof lines and on the tires.

Standard equipment for the exterior also includes the transparent engine hood, the engine compartment in carbon, glossy black Dione 20"/21"rims, P Zero tires with red logo and red calipers (yellow only in the case of the Rosso Mars exterior).

The interiors of the Aventador Pirelli Edition are upholstered with black Alcantara with red contrast stitching. The red stripe on the body is also repeated on the inside, running along the interior ceiling and the seats, which feature the Lamborghini and Pirelli crests embroidered in red. Leather inserts adorn the door panels and the seat sides. And finally, to underscore its exclusiveness, each car will have a "Pirelli special series" plaque inside.

The plucky powertrain providing 515 kW (700 hp) at 8.250 U/min combined with the ultra-fast ISR transmission enables top-level performance for the Pirelli model: 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 2.9 seconds and top speed reaching 350 km/h.

Lamborghini and Pirelli for more than 50 years

The collaboration between Lamborghini and Pirelli dates back to 1963, the year in which Ferruccio Lamborghini turned to Pirelli to supply the tires for the first car of his newly established automotive company: the 350 GTV, presented as a prototype at the Turin Motor Show the same year.

Both this model and the street version presented the following year at the Geneva Motor Show, the 350 GT, sported Pirelli Cinturato HS tires, specifically developed at the time to equip sports cars that were already capable of reaching a top speed of 240 km/h. The abbreviation HS stood for High Speed, indicating the tire's ability to withstand the high speeds of the newly developed super sports cars of the '60s.

The year 1966 marked the definitive confirmation of the Lamborghini brand, with the introduction of the legendary Miura. Entering the Pirelli catalogue of 1967 --- along with the Lamborghini 350 GT and 400 GT - the latest member of the Sant'Agata Bolognese family was equipped with a new generation of Cinturato HS tires: the CN72, in the 205 VR 15 size. From the traditional tread pattern of the classic Cinturato CA67, the new tire brought a quieter and more comfortable design and was adopted as original equipment for all the subsequent Lamborghini models, including the Espada, which appeared in 1968. A few years later, when Lamborghini requested for the Miura a lower profile "Series 70", i.e. a tire with a much lower sidewall with respect to the width of the tread, designed to considerably improve cornering, Pirelli introduced the new Cinturato CN73 size 225/70 VR 15. This paved the way for the "low profile" tire that led to the Pirelli P7, chosen in 1971 as original equipment for the Lamborghini's new super sports car, the Countach, which dominated the entire decade of the '70s. Once again it was Lamborghini who christened on the road another new product in the Pirelli family. In 1988 the Countach "Anniversary" version - launched to mark the company's 25th anniversary - was one of the first supercars to be equipped with the new Pirelli P Zero tires.
But the partnership between Pirelli and Lamborghini has not been limited to technological aspects alone. Pirelli advertisements have often featured the supercars of the House of the Raging Bull. The Lamborghini Countach Anniversary, for example, was used in a series of Pirelli advertising campaigns aimed at the American and Southeast Asian markets, just like the Miura had starred in a campaign in 1970 for high-prestige original equipment with the eloquent title: "The Miura chose Pirelli Cinturato".

Meanwhile, between 1986 and 1988 Lamborghini produced the super-off-road vehicle LM002. For this precursor to modern luxury SUVs, Pirelli specially designed the Scorpion range of tires, with innovative features such as the use of Kevlar in the ply structure and run-flat construction. The LM002 participated in the 1988 Paris-Dakar Rally, marking the beginning of the Lamborghini/Pirelli duo in racing. The sporting collaboration between the two houses is still going strong, and Pirelli is the exclusive supplier of the one make series Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo.

1990 marked the arrival of the Lamborghini Diablo, built in 3000 units, all equipped with Pirelli PZero tires, while the early 2000s were dominated by the Murciélago (2002) and the Gallardo (2003), both fitted with PZero Rosso tires. In 2007, the Lamborghini Gallardo starred in the Pirelli film "Mission Zero" with Uma Thurman, and the same model launched Pirelli's Winter Sottozero II tire on the snows of Zermatt in 2008. In perusing this intensive album of memories, the images of today could not be left out, which continue to show Pirelli technology and safety side by side with the supercars of the House of the Raging Bull. The Veneno, a dream car created to celebrate Lamborghini's 50th anniversary, features specially developed Pirelli tires bearing a red logo that brings to mind the PZero Formula One tires. And then there's the latest entry, the Huracán, fitted with specially developed P Zero tires bearing a specific marking on the tire with the letter "L".





*Source - www.netcarshow.com

Thursday, November 27, 2014

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Specs:

Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 3-door

Engine Type: supercharged and intercooled V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 376 cu in, 6162 cc

Power: 650 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque: 650 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode


Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 106.7 in

Length: 176.9 in

Width: 77.1 in 

Height: 48.6 in

Curb weight: 3558 lb


Performance:

Zero to 60 mph: 3.0 sec

Zero to 100 mph: 6.8 sec

Zero to 160 mph: 22.9 sec

Saturday, November 22, 2014

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cup Race Car



The MX-5 Miata Cup Race car, will compete in a new global single-make Miata racing series.

Mazda hasn't  yet revealed the car's final specifications, but  performance enhancing upgrades to the exhaust, suspension, intake, and brakes to today's Miata look likely.

The MX-5 Miata Cup car will use a 2.0-litre four cylinder engine which will be locked to prevent any internal tampering and a six speed manual transmission. It is expected to weigh about the same as the roadgoing Miata around 2300 pounds.

The MX-5 Cup Race Car will cost less than $50,000 with all the upgrades so that the owners won't have to spend more time and money to add the performance kits.

The car will be fitted with a full roll cage and fire-suppression system.

A passenger seat will be optional while air condtioning will not be available. A roof and windows arent included.

Final power figures and exact specs for the 2016 MX-5 Miata Cup car will be out soon.



Tuesday, November 18, 2014

2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350



Features :

500 horsepower from Ford's first production flat-plane crankshaft 5.2-liter V8 — an engine usually associated with a European sports cars or race cars.

The 2016 Shelby GT350 has a six speed manual transmission and five different driving modes.

The 2015 Mustang, which is the base of the 2016 Gt350 is already 28% stiffer than the previous car and the GT350 is even stiffer still and the ride height has been lowered by about two inches.

The GT350 gets a new aluminium hood that has been sloped and lowered to look even better.

The aluminum front fenders accommodate the wider front track and wider wheel arches.

The GT350 has some advanced materials and technologies including Ford's first use of MagneRide dampers, a system long used by General Motors for continuous adjustment of the suspension for optimal handling.

To harness all its power, the car has Brembo brakes and the car has stiff 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires with customized sidewalls, tread face and compound for maximum grip on the road or at the track.

The car is also more aerodynamic.

The interior was designed around the driver with specially designed Recaro sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and upgraded gauges to monitor performance. Ford even took out a lot of the chrome trim that might otherwise distract the driver.


Sunday, November 16, 2014

Hennessey Venom F5

The Hennessey Venom GT made quite a splash when it set a  Guinness World Record for the fastest production car from 0–300 kilometres per hour (0–186 mph) with an average acceleration time of 13.63 seconds. Also, the car set an unofficial record for 0–200 mph (0–322 km/h) acceleration at 14.51 seconds, beating the Koenigsegg Agera R's time of 17.68 seconds, making it the unofficial fastest accelerating car in the world. 


Here is its successor, the Hennessey Venom F5....



Why is it called F5? Here's the answer...The name F5 is derived from a top speed tornado. The Fujita scale pegs the strongest tornado as an F5, with windspeed of about 261 to 318 mph, which is in the region of the speed barrier that the Venom F5 was designed to break. Thus the name F5...


The new supercar from Hennessey Performance, Venom F5, will have 
an all-new design that is not only a powerful and unique but a vehicle that will achieve even higher performance through improved aerodynamics than its predecessor.



The next-generation twin-turbo powertrain is still under development, but turbo size for the longitudinally mounted V8 is increased, and the fuel system and intercooler capacity are upgraded to handle the demands of increased boost. Hard numbers for power are not yet available, but it’s conceivable that output could exceed 1400 bhp.


With extensive use of carbon fiber and aluminum, weight will remain under 1300 kg (2866 lb.), just slightly more than the Venom GT’s 1244-kg curb weight. So it’s highly probable the F5 will eclipse the Venom GT’s current acceleration records too, which stand at 14.51 seconds to 200 mph, and 13.63 seconds to 186 mph (300 km/h).


The Venom F5 will be unveiled in 2015 with deliveries to customers in late 2016. At least 30 Venom F5s will be produced for sale worldwide, at a price higher than that of the Venom GT, which currently sells for $1.2 million. The Venom GT will continue to be offered; at present, 16 cars of the 29-car total production run have been sold.

Saturday, November 15, 2014

VW will bring the 2015 Golf R 400 Concept to the L.A. Auto Show

Volkswagen unveiled the Golf R 400 Concept at the Beijing auto show earlier this year. And from news, it is clear that Volkswagen are bringing their famous hatch to the Los Angeles Auto Show.




To refresh the new version of the legendary car, the R 400 features a Haldex 5 AWD system  and a turbo-boosted 2.0-litre engine. The standard Golf R makes a healthy 292 horsepower. The extra hundred ponies on the R 400 are able to push the German icon to 60 mph in under four seconds.

VW claims 3.9 seconds, which puts it on terms with a 2014 Corvette Stingray. The Vette makes more power than the R 400, but the Golf uses all four wheels to move the much lesser weighted body.

The gearbox is a seven-speed DSG , the interior is laced with carbon, and two center-exit pipes protrude from the rear. In terms of looks, the Golf R 400 is aces, resplendent in silver with lemon-yellow accents.


Friday, November 14, 2014

Caterham F1 will race at Abu Dhabi

Just a few moments back, Caterham F1 team announced that they will be racing at the 2014 F1 season ender in Abu Dhabi. Caterham F1 team took up to social media to reveal the big announcement and thank all the fans for their contribution in generating money for the team. This is what they had to say...




Finbarr O’Connell of Smith & Williamson, joint administrator of Caterham Sports Limited: “We set ourselves a major challenge, but it’s definitely been worth it! In only a week the fans have made the impossible, possible. We knew that the best way to keep this team alive and attract possible buyers was to show that it’s still a racing team and be in Abu Dhabi for the finale, and there aren’t enough words to say how grateful we are to all the fans that have made this possible.

“We now head to Abu Dhabi ready to show what a hard-working and positive group of people this is and to hopefully secure a future for the team. During the past few days the interest of many potential buyers has increased massively and by racing in Abu Dhabi the team will be showcasing itself as a live and functioning team that deserves to continue into 2015 and beyond. It has hard-working people, team spirit and experience and now it only needs a secure financial future which I’m very hopeful we can achieve. Once again, I’d like to reiterate that we are racing in Abu Dhabi thanks to all the fans out there – an achievement that will go down in F1 history and one that we can all be very proud of. We still need to raise a bit more cash so please do keep an eye on the Crowdcube website. Let’s go racing!”

Monday, November 10, 2014

Hennessey 2015 HPE700 Supercharged Ford Mustang

Ever since the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat brought the number 707 out to the whole world, it was expected that muscle car tuners and enthusisasts would try and better that palindromic figure.

The tuners at Hennessey decided to raise the number to 717 for their 2015 HPE700 Ford Mustang. The HPE700 Ford Mustang is now packed with 717 horsepower and 632 pound-feet of torque.

The HPE700 Mustang is a standard Mustang GT with its 5.0-liter V8 and produces power which is up by a few hundred notches with a Roots-type supercharger running at 7.25 psi.

Hennessey claims that this boosted Mustang can rocket up to 60 miles per hour in about 3.6 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds at 131 mph. These numbers are very very similar to that of the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat.

To stay in control of this power packed Mustang, the engine gets a high-flow throttle body, upgraded injectors, new fuel pump, stainless steel exhaust and Hennessey's calibration for the engine management.

Hennessey is also offering a host of upgrades to make the Mustang even more aggressive, like carbon fiber pieces for the front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser and spoiler. Further enhancements include 20-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport 2 tires and 15.1-inch Brembo front rotors.


This is what Hennessey press release looked like;

Texas-tuned HPE700 Mustang has firepower to battle Corvette Z06 & SRT Hellcat

Sealy, Texas- Hellcat and Z06, be very afraid. Because when that 2015 Mustang 5.0L with the Hennessey script on its decklid sidles up next to you at the stoplight, it might very well be packing 717 supercharged horsepower. Dig the spurs in, pilgrim, and she'll bolt to 60 mph in a scant 3.6 seconds. Keep your foot down, and the pressurized Coyote 5.0-liter 4-cammer will blaze to a white-hot 11.2-second quarter mile at 131 mph. It's ponycar meets supercar.

"We're very excited about the 2015 Ford Mustang and so are our performance-minded clients," said John Hennessey. "Our HPE700 Supercharged upgrade will elevate this Motown Missile's performance to rival some of the fastest European sports cars. We can't wait to share our specially tuned Mustang with the world!"

"This thing is uncaged, absolutely nuts," says Hennessey partner Don Goldman. "We're thrilled to offer a 2015 Mustang that will outperform some of the fastest cars currently offered, at a lower price point."

Key to that 717 bhp (and the HPE700's deep well of torque-632 lb-ft at 4400 rpm) is the Roots-type high-helix supercharger packing 7.25 psi of boost. Helping the Coyote V8 breathe more deeply is a high-flow throttle body and stainless-steel exhaust system. Upgraded injectors and fuel pump help feed the V8, under command of Hennessey's proprietary engine management calibration.

Just 500 units of the HPE700 will be produced for the 2015 Mustang model year. Pricing starts at $59,500 USD including the base 2015 5.0L Mustang GT. But greater personalization and performance can be had by adding options such as CarbonAero carbon-fiber bodywork (front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser and rear lip spoiler), 20-in. Hennessey H10 wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport 2 tires, and a Brembo brake package with 15.1-in. front rotors. As a package, they give the Mustang improved downforce, cornering and braking to keep pace with the colossal supercharged power.

New 2015 Hennessey Mustangs can be ordered through any of AutoNation's 37 Ford dealerships across America. A high-performance upgrade for the 2.3-liter EcoBoost-powered Mustang is also under development.

###

Power
* 717 bhp @ 6,600 rpm
* 632 lb-ft torque @ 4,400 rpm

Performance
* 0-60 mph: 3.6 sec.
* ¼ mile: 11.2 @ 131 mph

HPE700 Supercharged 5.0L V8 Engine Upgrade
* Roots-style Supercharger System
* Throttle Body Upgrade
* Stainless Steel Exhaust System Upgrade
* Upgraded Fuel Injectors
* Upgraded Fuel Pump
* All Necessary Gaskets & Fluids
* Professional Installation
* HPE Engine Management Calibration
* Dyno Tuning & Road Testing
* Hennessey Exterior Badging
* HPE700 Exterior Badging
* Supercharged Exterior Badging
* Hennessey Premium Floormats
* Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques
* 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty

Additional Upgrades
* CarbonAero Carbon Fiber Bodywork
* CarbonAero Front Splitter
* CarbonAero Side Sills
* CarbonAero Rear Diffuser
* CarbonAero Rear Lip Spoiler

Wheels & Tires
* Hennessey H10 Lightweight 20-inch wheels
* Michelin Pilot Super Sport 2 tires









*information taken from autoblog

Ken Block's 1965 Ford Mustang Hoonicorn RTR

Why is the Hooonicorn getting people mad? Here's the reason....


Block's ASD Motorsports and Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s RTR built the Hoonicorn over the course of two years using input from Block’s twisted mind and inspiration from just about every corner of motorsport. Gymkhana 7 should be the best thing ever.


  • The 1965 Ford Mustang packs a 410 cubic-inch Roush Yates Ford V8 engine used in NASCAR, good enough to produce 845 horsepower. 
  • It is an AWD (All Wheel Drive) and a six-speed manual gearbox dumps power to the pavement.
  • The wide Mustang body is the work of RTR and Block’s own Hoonigan Racing Division, while the 18-inch fifteen52 wheels are shod in Pirelli Trofeo R tires that use a specialized compound exclusive to Block.
  • Block has basically married a NASCAR stock car with a WRC racer.








*information taken from autoblog

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat




The Dodge Challenger has come into the world in three completely different generations. 

The first generation Challenger was a pony car produced from 1970-1974. 

The second generation ranged from 1978-1983 and was a badge engineered Mitsubishi Galant Lambda. 

The third, current generation came about in 2008 and was produced to compete against the Mustang and the Camaro, two legendary muscle cars that had started the pony car era. 

The current generation Challenger is built on the Charger/Chrysler 300C platform and features rear-wheel drive and an independent rear suspension. 

Officially the Dodge Challenger SRT is the only Chrysler Group model confirmed to receive the Hellcat under its bonnet.

Engine

Power : 425 kw (570 bhp / 578 ps) @ 6200 rpm

Displacement : 6.4 litre (392 ci)

Bore & Stroke : 103.9 mm (4.1 in) x 94.5 mm (3.7 in)

Compression : 10.9 to 1

Engine type : Chrysler 392 HEMI V-8 Supercharged

Engine Location : Front

General Data

Gearbox : Tremec TR6060 6 Speed Manual and Chrysler 8 Speed Automatic

Drive : Rear Wheel Drive

Fuel Capacity : 72 litres

Year of Introduction : 2014

Home Country : USA

Power to Weight ratio : 301 bhp/tonne

Dimensions

Curb Weight : 1892 kg (4162 lbs)

Size : 5.02 m (198 in) long, 1.92 m (76 in) wide and 1.45 m (57 in) high

Wheelbase : 2.95 m (116 in)


Track Width : 1.6 m (63.1 in) front, 1.6 m (63.1 in) rear

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

All about the Volkswagen Cross Polo

The Cross Polo has the same sheet metal similar to that of its earlier version but you will see a matte black band of plastic tightly holding the lower section of this car. Also you will see new front and rear bumpers, 5 spoke alloy wheels, stylish silver roof rails, new chrome grill, silver painted mirrors, moulded covers for wheel arches, halogen headlamps with a black finish and 'Cross Polo' decals on the rear doors in the new Cross Polo. All these upgrades give a much cooler look to the Cross Polo. Length is increased 17mm, width by 16mm and height by 21mm and also it has put on 10kg of weight.

The interiors of the Cross Polo get a titanium black upholstery. The steering wheel, handbrake lever and the gear shift knob are all wrapped in leather. There is a sunglass holder in the glove box and also it has front door storage compartments.

The Cross Polo has a 'Climatronic' automatic air conditioning system with dust and pollen filter. It has a multifunction display (MFD) , an adjustable steering wheel, a music system with USB, auxiliary input, sd card, bluetooth and 4 speakers.

It will be available in three colours: flash red, reflex silver and deep pearl black.

Passenger safety has been given more importance in the Cross Polo. It has ABS, dual air bags, high mounted third brake light, fog lamps and front and rear emergency exits.

Specs:

Engine:

Fuel :      Diesel
Installation :  Front, transverse
Type :     3cyls, 1199cc, common-rail, turbo diesel
Power :   74bhp at 4200rpm
Torque :   18.3kgm at 2000rpm
Transmission
Gearbox :    5-speed manual

Dimensions:

Length :     3987mm
Width  :     1698mm
Height :     1474mm
Wheel base :    2456mm
Ground clearance :   168mm

Chassis & Body:

Wheels :    15-inch alloy
Tyres  :      185/60R15

Fuel:

Tank size :   45 litres
Economy : 13.5 kmpl

Price: Rs 7.75 lakhs (ex showroom Delhi )

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Another one joins the family..!!

A wise move, after the heroics shown by the Renault Duster since its launch, a couple of months back Ford launched one of the compact SUV, Ecosport,  to take on the Duster. The launch of the Ecosport marked the start of the fastest growing and one of the most exciting segments called the compact SUV. The Ecosport was also a huge success after the company had to stop bookings. And now Nissan looks to give it a go in this segment with its all new Terrano.

The Terrano is based on the Duster platform with Nissan giving it there own touch by making few changes to the interior and the looks of the vehicle. The traditional headlights and the grille give it a Nissanish look to the front. It looks neat on the front and the rear end as Nissan have kept it simple by giving it body colored front and back bumper. After looking at the Terrano you feel like you are looking at the Duster but it has few more features than that of the Duster.

At the rear, the Terrano looks neat and tidy. The tail lights are clustered and stylish and spread  onto the shoulders of the car from the boot lid. As spoken earlier the rear bumper is body colored with the towing hooks covered by a body colored plastic lid.

It's available in three variants, the 1.6 litre petrol, 1.6l in line four petrol and 1.5 litre dCi diesel. The 1.6l petrol and the 1.5l diesel have a five speed manual gearbox whereas the 1.6 l in line four petrol has a six speed manual gearbox.

As it is based on the Duster platform, the interior looks Dusterish with minute changes in the console.

The Terrano will be priced somewhat more than the Duster. With the rivals making it big in the market, it will be quite interesting to see what kind of impact the Terrano has on the market.

Verdict:

The Terrano is just a redesigned version of the Duster by Nissan.
Neat looking, stylish and with the same features of the Duster.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Mahindra Verito Vibe

Mahindra made a surprising move when they launched an under four metre hatch.

Verito sedan also known as Logan when Mahindra and Renault were together was a huge success story.
Vibe is actually a trimmed version of the Verito. Vibe cannot be called as a hatch because when we open the boot, the rear glass remains at its fixed position. This actually is one of the problems in the Vibe. The fixed position of the glass makes loading luggage or bulky stuff very difficult.

Moving in, Vibe is one of the few cars that can easily and comfortably seat 3 people at the back. There's enough shoulder and leg room for the passengers at the back. That's one of the many good things about this car.

Coming to the fuel efficiency,  it can do just better than 12 kmpl in the city and around 16 kmpl on the highway which are very good figures.

The Vibe has the same 1.5l diesel engine that we saw in the Logan and now in the Verito and also the Duster. It is available in 3 variants,  D2 , D4 and D6. D2 is priced at Rs. 6.8 lakhs, D4 at Rs. 7.1 lakhs and D6 at Rs. 8 lakhs.

At 172mm, the ground clearance of the Vibe is more than some of the SUV's which allows it to take on any kibd of roads.

The major let down of the Verito Vibe is the cost. It is priced at Rs. 8 lakhs which is higher than the expected cost.

The overall on road dynamics are very good. The Vibe can easily reach 100s on the highway and gives a good control. The looks are same as the Verito. The interiors are good but not that great. They could have been better considering what Mahindra have done to the XUV.

The Vibe is a nicely built spacious and a tough car which is a bit low on the styling and also loses out on the price. It could have done much better had Mahindra priced it better.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

What to expect from Hyundai's Grand i10?

                                                 Hyundai Grand i10: From my sketchbook



The new Hyundai Grand i10 is not an extension of the current Hyundai i10. The Grand i10 has a slight increase in its dimensions as compared to the i10. This new hatch from Hyundai will be in between the i10 and the i20. The increased dimensions help in increasing the cabin and boot space. The wheelbase in increased by 100 mm which adds to better stability and control when driving.


The front end of the Grand i10 shows improvisation and it now looks a bit more stylish than the i10. It now has a huge trapezoidal grille. The headlamps of the Grand i10 are in 3D with multi-reflector chrome surround fog lamps from the HID Projector headlamps with Angel Eye. The front end of the Grand i10 now looks sporty and more aggressive than the i10.
The rear end is a curvy one which was flat in the i10. The light cluster is a elongated wraparound which stretches into the sides. The rear bumper is body colored and curvy and has reflectors at its ends.




The Grand i10 is definitely more spacious and provides more head and leg room than the i10. The Grand i10 provides a modern and good looking central console with climate control and a music system with 1GB inbuilt storage capacity. Also it has 2 tone interiors and electrically adjustable rear view mirrors.


The price is expected to be in between the i10 and the i20. Hyundai will try to price it so that it can grab hold of the market that is currently occupied by the Maruti Suzuki. The Grand will come with two engines, the 1.2 Kappa petrol and Hyundai's 1.1 U2 CRDi diesel.

Competitors:
Maruti Suzuki Ritz and the new Nissan Micra


Verdict:

It is a more spacious, good looking and an improvised version of the i10 we already know with even more features than the i20.
Now it all depends on how Hyundai decide to price it for the Indian market.




Thursday, August 15, 2013

Ford Ecosport : Auto breakdown verdict

                                                  Ford Ecosport : From my sketchbook.


With its price being pretty low than other cars in its segment, it was always believed that the Ford Ecosport would grab a huge market after it was launched. Measuring just an inch under the 4 meter mark, the Ford Ecosport provides you with a new less known segment of cars called to be the "compact SUV".


The size still doesn't matter as it still has got all the requirements to be called as an SUV. It has got a ground clearance of 200 mm, then it has large 16-inch wheels, an approach angle of 25 degrees and a departure angle of 35 degrees.

The only short coming of the Ecosport is that it is a front wheel drive. However Ford have made it sure that they won't be looking to bring in a 4WD variant.

Efficiency:

The EcoBoost engine is a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, direct-injection, turbo-petrol that gives 118 bhp. The 1.5 L engine is whereas somewhat known to us through the Ford Figo and Ford Fiesta. The fuel efficiency of the EcoBoost engine is quite impressive. 

The 1.0 L EcoBoost Petrol gives 18 kmpl on highway and around 12 kmpl in city. The 1.5 L diesel variant gives 21 kmpl on highway and 14.5 kmpl in city. The 1.5 L Petrol variant gives 16 kmpl on highway and 11.6 kmpl in city.


Attractive pricing:
The EcoSport comes in three engine options: 

  • 1.5L diesel engine priced between Rs6.69 lakh and Rs8.99 lakh.
  • 1L EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine between Rs5.59 lakh and Rs8.45 lakh. 
  • 1.5L petrol engine between Rs7.90 lakh and Rs8.29 lakh.
Competitors:
  • Renault Duster.
  • M&M Quanto.
  • Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.


Specs:

Engine:
Fuel:                 Petrol / Diesel
Installation:       Front, transverse
Type:         4 cylinder, 999 cc / 4 cylinder 1498 cc turbo diesel
Compression ratio: 10.0, 16.0:1
Power: 123 bhp at 6000 rpm

Transmission:
Type :               Front wheel drive
Gearbox:         5-speed auto/manual

Dimensions:
Length:    3999 mm
Width:     1765 mm
Height:     1708 mm
Wheel base:    2520 mm
Boot volume:    362 litres
Ground clearance:     200 mm

Body:
Construction:    Five-door
Weight: 1259/ 1290 kg
Wheels: 16-inch

Suspension:
Front:    Independent, MacPherson strut, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Rear:    Semi-independent, stabilizer bar

Steering:
Type:    Rack and pinion
Type of power assist:    Electric
Turning circle:  10.6 m

Brakes:
Front:   Ventilated discs
Rear:    drums
ABS:    Yes

Verdict:
It has got everything an average Indian consumer desires. 
It is strong, fuel efficient, stylish, compact.
It has a great EcoBoost engine.
It has a short cabin and boot space.
It is a good buy at a low cost.