Hybrid Nano on the anvil

Tata Motors had earlier revealed plans of introducing a diesel engine option for prospective buyer's of the world's cheapest car. It has now emerged that the manufacturer is also planning to develop a hybrid engine for the Nano! The highest official of the Tata Group gave a quote to the Maeil Business (a South Korean newspaper).



According to Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Group, the automobile arm of the group is planning to produce a hybrid version of the the Nano to join in the environment friendly trend. He also said that low priced goods would create stronger demand than high end products in India, and the so called low price revolution would continue across the world.

When it comes to doing something good for the environment, we understand the need to have a herd mentality which is on the positive side. We sincerely hope that Tata sorts out its internal automobile quality issues first before launching another technology under the Nano brand. Well, a hybrid Nano going up in flames at a traffic stop owing to faulty (read poor quality) parts wont do the environment much good!

Hybrid Nano on the anvil

Tata Motors had earlier revealed plans of introducing a diesel engine option for prospective buyer's of the world's cheapest car. It has now emerged that the manufacturer is also planning to develop a hybrid engine for the Nano! The highest official of the Tata Group gave a quote to the Maeil Business (a South Korean newspaper).



According to Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Group, the automobile arm of the group is planning to produce a hybrid version of the the Nano to join in the environment friendly trend. He also said that low priced goods would create stronger demand than high end products in India, and the so called low price revolution would continue across the world.

When it comes to doing something good for the environment, we understand the need to have a herd mentality which is on the positive side. We sincerely hope that Tata sorts out its internal automobile quality issues first before launching another technology under the Nano brand. Well, a hybrid Nano going up in flames at a traffic stop owing to faulty (read poor quality) parts wont do the environment much good!

Scored a Cool Book Today

My long suffering wife and I were out enjoying the a late lunch in Fairhope today when she suggested we stroll through one of the many antique shops in town. Being a good husband (and desperately needing a few more husband points), I agreed.

Part way through the shop I noticed a stack of books and paused to scan the spines. Bingo - a book about Mini on the occasion of its 40th anniversary. Written by the legendary motoring journalist L J K Setright, it was published by Rover Group before their BMW masters flogged the company off to a (mis) management group.

See, it pays to be a good spouse!

When Did You Become a Car Guy (or Gal)?

I've had an interest in cars almost all my life with the afterburners kicking in during my teen years. Then as now, my interest was in nimble, good handling cars - mostly of British manufacture.

And I know exactly when I became a car guy - my dad took me to see the 1964 Mustang in April of 1964. He cajoled the salesman at the local Ford dealer in St. Charles, Missouri to let us see the car the evening before it was to be officially revealed to the public. We went back to the service department in the old brick building that housed the dealership and there, under a white tarp, sat the coolest silhouette that I had ever seen.

The salesman made a dramatic flourish and whipped the tarp off a white Mustang coupe. I was in awe. I was a car guy. Do you have a similar story? Be sure to share it in the comments section.

Photo via theautochannel.com

Car Breakdown Recovery

Have you ever experienced a car breakdown situation in a highway, ghat road or in the middle of the night, or during a rainy season. Ofcourse yes, many of us have, and we know how hard it is to get help. Those of us who have managed to get help have been very lucky. But TVS group now have the MyTVS 24x7 breakdown service which provides roadside assistance anywhere across India.


The service is available starting at Rs 555 per year. Ofcourse, you only get the basic service free on this package, however there are other offers available currently via the online registration scheme. If you want to know more about this service and how it benefits you, please visit the below link.


http://www.carsalesindia.com/breakdown_cover/

Car Breakdown Recovery

Have you ever experienced a car breakdown situation in a highway, ghat road or in the middle of the night, or during a rainy season. Ofcourse yes, many of us have, and we know how hard it is to get help. Those of us who have managed to get help have been very lucky. But TVS group now have the MyTVS 24x7 breakdown service which provides roadside assistance anywhere across India.


The service is available starting at Rs 555 per year. Ofcourse, you only get the basic service free on this package, however there are other offers available currently via the online registration scheme. If you want to know more about this service and how it benefits you, please visit the below link.


http://www.carsalesindia.com/breakdown_cover/

Fight for "The Cheapest"

EcoCa, a little know company in London, has its eye set upon snatching the 'Cheapest Car' title from Tata Nano, by churning out a 340cc two-seater petrol car for little less than a lakh! Even at this price tag, the company says, it will ensure healthy profit margins for the car makers.

The company is scouting for a joint- venture partner in India to build this car under the same brand name. EcoCa percieves India as a lucrative market to achieve the lowest possible price tag and yet be able to earn profit margins. Some Indian carmakers have positively shown keen interest in the company and the car, which seems, will directly compete with the Tata Nano. The prototype of the car has already been invited by the car makers, to evaluate the car's performance, fuel efficiency and safety standards. EcoCa's top choice is believed to be Mahindra & Mahindra. Top officials from M&M, however have refused to confirm any such development.

The small car in question is said to infuse an investment of 8 million pounds, whose design will be inline with the VW Beetle. The car will don a convertible roof and automatic gearbox. EcoKa will weigh less than 330kg and will boast a fuel efficiency of 27- 28 km/litre of petrol. Optional front bags will also be available.

India's best car portal, buy or sell cars, compare, research, find on road price, car valuation and car reviews.

Fight for "The Cheapest"

EcoCa, a little know company in London, has its eye set upon snatching the 'Cheapest Car' title from Tata Nano, by churning out a 340cc two-seater petrol car for little less than a lakh! Even at this price tag, the company says, it will ensure healthy profit margins for the car makers.

The company is scouting for a joint- venture partner in India to build this car under the same brand name. EcoCa percieves India as a lucrative market to achieve the lowest possible price tag and yet be able to earn profit margins. Some Indian carmakers have positively shown keen interest in the company and the car, which seems, will directly compete with the Tata Nano. The prototype of the car has already been invited by the car makers, to evaluate the car's performance, fuel efficiency and safety standards. EcoCa's top choice is believed to be Mahindra & Mahindra. Top officials from M&M, however have refused to confirm any such development.

The small car in question is said to infuse an investment of 8 million pounds, whose design will be inline with the VW Beetle. The car will don a convertible roof and automatic gearbox. EcoKa will weigh less than 330kg and will boast a fuel efficiency of 27- 28 km/litre of petrol. Optional front bags will also be available.

India's best car portal, buy or sell cars, compare, research, find on road price, car valuation and car reviews.

Chevy Spark tops the 2009 JD Power quality award in its category

Chevrolet Spark has won the top award for quality for the third consecutive year in the India Automotive Initial Quality Study announced by J.D Power Asia Pacific 2009. Despite stiff competition, the Chevrolet Spark was ranked the highest in the compact car segment in this year’s JD Power study, which is the industry benchmark for new vehicle quality.
The Chevrolet Spark was ranked first and won the top award in the Compact Car Segment, with a score of 116 PP100. This is the third year in a row that the Spark has bagged this prestigious award. The Chevrolet Tavera has bagged the second position in the MUV / MPV category while the Aveo U-VA was ranked third in the Premium Compact Segment.

The JD Power India IQS study, which serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality, is measured at two to six months of ownership. The IQS examines more than 200 problem symptoms covering eight vehicle categories. Overall quality performance is based on both design quality and production quality problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), with lower scores indicating a lower rate of problem incidence and higher vehicle quality. The 2008 India Initial Quality Study, now in its twelfth year, is based on evaluations from more than 6,600 owners who purchased a new vehicle between November 2008 and July 2009. It included 50 vehicle models covering 13 makes and was fielded from May to September 2009 in 20 cities across India.

Chevy Spark tops the 2009 JD Power quality award in its category

Chevrolet Spark has won the top award for quality for the third consecutive year in the India Automotive Initial Quality Study announced by J.D Power Asia Pacific 2009. Despite stiff competition, the Chevrolet Spark was ranked the highest in the compact car segment in this year’s JD Power study, which is the industry benchmark for new vehicle quality.
The Chevrolet Spark was ranked first and won the top award in the Compact Car Segment, with a score of 116 PP100. This is the third year in a row that the Spark has bagged this prestigious award. The Chevrolet Tavera has bagged the second position in the MUV / MPV category while the Aveo U-VA was ranked third in the Premium Compact Segment.

The JD Power India IQS study, which serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality, is measured at two to six months of ownership. The IQS examines more than 200 problem symptoms covering eight vehicle categories. Overall quality performance is based on both design quality and production quality problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), with lower scores indicating a lower rate of problem incidence and higher vehicle quality. The 2008 India Initial Quality Study, now in its twelfth year, is based on evaluations from more than 6,600 owners who purchased a new vehicle between November 2008 and July 2009. It included 50 vehicle models covering 13 makes and was fielded from May to September 2009 in 20 cities across India.

Ford India is vying for larger market share

Ford Motor India intends to become a mainstream player in the hatchback segment. The manufacturer has announced that it will be launching a new car model every year for the next five years. It is also aiming to triple its car sales by the end of 2010. As we have revealed earlier first up will be its new Figo hatchback.

According to Micheal Boneham, President and Managing Director, Ford Motor India, if one wants to be in the game in India, then one has to be in that segment otherwise one will be an interesting niche player not a mainstream player.

The B segment car sales constitute around 70% of the total car sales in the country. Ford Moor India currently holds only 2% of the car market in terms of sales figures. The American auto major currently sells iis sedans Ikon, Fiesta, Fusion along with its SUV Endeavour in India.

Ford India is vying for larger market share

Ford Motor India intends to become a mainstream player in the hatchback segment. The manufacturer has announced that it will be launching a new car model every year for the next five years. It is also aiming to triple its car sales by the end of 2010. As we have revealed earlier first up will be its new Figo hatchback.

According to Micheal Boneham, President and Managing Director, Ford Motor India, if one wants to be in the game in India, then one has to be in that segment otherwise one will be an interesting niche player not a mainstream player.

The B segment car sales constitute around 70% of the total car sales in the country. Ford Moor India currently holds only 2% of the car market in terms of sales figures. The American auto major currently sells iis sedans Ikon, Fiesta, Fusion along with its SUV Endeavour in India.

Production of Nano to commence at Sanand in fourth quarter

The upcoming Nano factory in Gujarat will begin the trial production in the fourth quarter of this financial year, Tata Motors announced on Tuesday.

The company had decided to move its factory site for the Nano at Sanand near Ahemdabad, following the Singur fiasco in West Bengal last year, where protests over land acquisition emerged super headed by Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress. Mr. PM Teland, India MD for Tata Motors said that the full scale production at Sanand could begin in six to eight months. The company plans to set up an initial production capacity of around 2.5 lakh units, which can be further infused to 5 lakh units. He further mentioned that the current production site for the Nano at Pantnagar in Uttarakhand, was producing around 3000- 4000 units per month.

The company had moved to Sanand in October last year where it will set up a mother plant for the small car, apart from vendor park, on an area of about 1100 acres.

Production of Nano to commence at Sanand in fourth quarter

The upcoming Nano factory in Gujarat will begin the trial production in the fourth quarter of this financial year, Tata Motors announced on Tuesday.

The company had decided to move its factory site for the Nano at Sanand near Ahemdabad, following the Singur fiasco in West Bengal last year, where protests over land acquisition emerged super headed by Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress. Mr. PM Teland, India MD for Tata Motors said that the full scale production at Sanand could begin in six to eight months. The company plans to set up an initial production capacity of around 2.5 lakh units, which can be further infused to 5 lakh units. He further mentioned that the current production site for the Nano at Pantnagar in Uttarakhand, was producing around 3000- 4000 units per month.

The company had moved to Sanand in October last year where it will set up a mother plant for the small car, apart from vendor park, on an area of about 1100 acres.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor planning to localize production

Toyota Kirloskar Motor is setting up its second car assembly unit plant in Bengaluru. The company is also planning to set up a engine and transmission plant in India. This move is being considered because it will bring down the prices of its cars as vehicle components can be manufactured here rather than being imported.

According to Hiroshi Nakagawa, Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, the company is keen to set up a transmission and engine unit in the future in order to localize production. Speaking about the company’s upcoming second plant he revealed that the initial production will be 70,000 units and depending on the demand it can be ramped up to 2 lakh units.


Toyota Kirloskar Motor currently sells the Corolla, Camry, Innova and Fortuner in India. The Camry lands in India as a CBU (Completely Built-up Unit) while the engine and transmission of the Corolla and Innova are imported from its plant in Japan. The company is aiming to launch its small car in the country in 2011 and the new factory once set up will serve as a production aid.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor planning to localize production

Toyota Kirloskar Motor is setting up its second car assembly unit plant in Bengaluru. The company is also planning to set up a engine and transmission plant in India. This move is being considered because it will bring down the prices of its cars as vehicle components can be manufactured here rather than being imported.

According to Hiroshi Nakagawa, Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, the company is keen to set up a transmission and engine unit in the future in order to localize production. Speaking about the company’s upcoming second plant he revealed that the initial production will be 70,000 units and depending on the demand it can be ramped up to 2 lakh units.


Toyota Kirloskar Motor currently sells the Corolla, Camry, Innova and Fortuner in India. The Camry lands in India as a CBU (Completely Built-up Unit) while the engine and transmission of the Corolla and Innova are imported from its plant in Japan. The company is aiming to launch its small car in the country in 2011 and the new factory once set up will serve as a production aid.

Mercedes F1 sign on Nico Rosberg

The reigning F1 world champions Mercedes (previously known as Brawn GP) have signed on the German ‘Britney’ a.k.a Nico Rosberg as one of their title contenders for 2010.
Williams Chief executive Nick Fry admitted that Nico’s Brawn switch had happened long ago and had been kept under wraps until the end of the season.

However the second Mercedes seat is still up for grabs. Rumors suggest that Nick Heidfeld is the most likely candidate for the seat making it an all-German party, but some other big names have been linked to the seat as well. Michael Schumacher might even make a comeback to F1 just to thank Norbert Haug and Mercedes for supporting him all through his pre F1 struggle. It could also be the incredibly talented Pole, Robert Kubica if Renault decides to quit of F1. But it could also be Kimi Raikkonen re-united with a ‘Silver Arrows’. Hope it somehow works out that way.

Mercedes F1 sign on Nico Rosberg

The reigning F1 world champions Mercedes (previously known as Brawn GP) have signed on the German ‘Britney’ a.k.a Nico Rosberg as one of their title contenders for 2010.
Williams Chief executive Nick Fry admitted that Nico’s Brawn switch had happened long ago and had been kept under wraps until the end of the season.

However the second Mercedes seat is still up for grabs. Rumors suggest that Nick Heidfeld is the most likely candidate for the seat making it an all-German party, but some other big names have been linked to the seat as well. Michael Schumacher might even make a comeback to F1 just to thank Norbert Haug and Mercedes for supporting him all through his pre F1 struggle. It could also be the incredibly talented Pole, Robert Kubica if Renault decides to quit of F1. But it could also be Kimi Raikkonen re-united with a ‘Silver Arrows’. Hope it somehow works out that way.

The Grill Badges are Coming!

The club has recently re-ordered a supply of grill badges - they should be here in time for the January meeting. They will be $20.00 each and they come with some rudimentary fasteners to attach it to your British pride and joy.

Have You Ever Seen Anything More Beautiful?

The Bentley Continental R is, in my humble opinion, one of the most gorgeous cars ever produced. To my eye, there's not a single bad line.

Bodied by the coachbuilding firm H J Mulliner, the Continental R was designed to be a 'lightweight' Bentley with aluminum body panels, window frames and bumpers. Only 208 of these beauties were built from 1952 to 1955.

Photo via automobile.automotive.com

Tatas Omni Challenge : Ace Van

For the past two and a half decades, Maruti's little van, the Omni has been the only 'really cheap' mode of transporting 6-7 people around in our country. Rivals have come and gone, but thanks to their optimistic price-tags, none of them have been able to make a dent into the popularity of the 'lil Omni.

Even though the demand for the other Maruti, the 800 has dropped from 20,000 units (per month) to just 2500 these days, the Omni remains popular as ever with steady sales of 8,000+ examples.

Tata wants a piece of this pie, and have it, it will with its Super hit, Ace-based Van that you see here in the pics. The re-worked grille and tail-light do give it an upmarket air compared to the utilitarian Ace. Interiors too seem to be more than a match for the Omni. The chassis and power train will be carried over from the Ace albeit with modifications, as it will no longer be expected to haul its usual 1 tonne legal + 1 tonne illegal cargo. So modification to the suspension to improve its ride quality and to the gearing for improving the drivability must have been on the cards.

Expected launch: March 2010.
Expected Price: Rs. 3.25 Lakh (on-Road).

Tatas Omni Challenge : Ace Van

For the past two and a half decades, Maruti's little van, the Omni has been the only 'really cheap' mode of transporting 6-7 people around in our country. Rivals have come and gone, but thanks to their optimistic price-tags, none of them have been able to make a dent into the popularity of the 'lil Omni.

Even though the demand for the other Maruti, the 800 has dropped from 20,000 units (per month) to just 2500 these days, the Omni remains popular as ever with steady sales of 8,000+ examples.

Tata wants a piece of this pie, and have it, it will with its Super hit, Ace-based Van that you see here in the pics. The re-worked grille and tail-light do give it an upmarket air compared to the utilitarian Ace. Interiors too seem to be more than a match for the Omni. The chassis and power train will be carried over from the Ace albeit with modifications, as it will no longer be expected to haul its usual 1 tonne legal + 1 tonne illegal cargo. So modification to the suspension to improve its ride quality and to the gearing for improving the drivability must have been on the cards.

Expected launch: March 2010.
Expected Price: Rs. 3.25 Lakh (on-Road).

Tata Motors developing electric powered Indica

Tata Motors has annouced that it is currently working on developing an electric powered Indica along with a Norweigan firm. The electric Indica will be first launched in the European market around 2011. Tata Motors have not confirmed if its electric powered B segment car will be launched in India when its ready. The manufacturer has revealed that it will be conducting a feasibility study before launching its electric Indica in the country. One must not forget that price is an important deciding factor in car buying decisions for majority of Indians.

According to Prakash Telang, Managing Director for India operations, Tata Motors, the company has not started the feasability study for India and will do so at a time when its product is close to being ready. He said that the company will have to look into the cost equation and market demand in India as it will be an expensive vehicle.

The electric Indica was first showcased in 2008 at the then Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers convocation. It was also displayed at this year's Geneva Auto show.

Tata Motors developing electric powered Indica

Tata Motors has annouced that it is currently working on developing an electric powered Indica along with a Norweigan firm. The electric Indica will be first launched in the European market around 2011. Tata Motors have not confirmed if its electric powered B segment car will be launched in India when its ready. The manufacturer has revealed that it will be conducting a feasibility study before launching its electric Indica in the country. One must not forget that price is an important deciding factor in car buying decisions for majority of Indians.

According to Prakash Telang, Managing Director for India operations, Tata Motors, the company has not started the feasability study for India and will do so at a time when its product is close to being ready. He said that the company will have to look into the cost equation and market demand in India as it will be an expensive vehicle.

The electric Indica was first showcased in 2008 at the then Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers convocation. It was also displayed at this year's Geneva Auto show.

Volvo's new car line-up for India

Volvo has decided to enrich its existing product portfolio for India. The Scandanavian manufacturer will be launching the latest variant of its luxury sedan S80, premium utility vehicle XC60 and the S60 sedan in the country. The new S80 will be powered by a twin turbo, Euro V compliant, diesel engine. Volvo Auto India has not revealed the pricing of its soon to be launched cars but said it will be announced closer to their launch early next year.

According to Paud de Vojis, Managing Director, Volvo, the first batch of containers carrying the new S80 sedans is on its way to India and should be here around the time of the Delhi Auto Show. He further said that Swedish manufacturer will be focusing its resources towards the new car launches planned for 2010 and are working towards expanding their product portfolio in India with the proposed launch of Volvo XC60 in the first half of 2010. He also commented that the XC60 and the S60 are good products for the Indian market.

Paud de Vojis further stated that the luxury car market in India, comprising of cars priced above Rs.24-25 lakh has grown at 11% this year while Volvo Auto India has grown at 16%. He revealed that Volvo Auto India sold 900 cars last year and expects to beat the 10% increase it had earlier projected this year. Speaking on behalf of Volvo cars he said that the manufacturer has decided internally to not participate at the upcomming Delhi Auto Show.

Volvo's new car line-up for India

Volvo has decided to enrich its existing product portfolio for India. The Scandanavian manufacturer will be launching the latest variant of its luxury sedan S80, premium utility vehicle XC60 and the S60 sedan in the country. The new S80 will be powered by a twin turbo, Euro V compliant, diesel engine. Volvo Auto India has not revealed the pricing of its soon to be launched cars but said it will be announced closer to their launch early next year.

According to Paud de Vojis, Managing Director, Volvo, the first batch of containers carrying the new S80 sedans is on its way to India and should be here around the time of the Delhi Auto Show. He further said that Swedish manufacturer will be focusing its resources towards the new car launches planned for 2010 and are working towards expanding their product portfolio in India with the proposed launch of Volvo XC60 in the first half of 2010. He also commented that the XC60 and the S60 are good products for the Indian market.

Paud de Vojis further stated that the luxury car market in India, comprising of cars priced above Rs.24-25 lakh has grown at 11% this year while Volvo Auto India has grown at 16%. He revealed that Volvo Auto India sold 900 cars last year and expects to beat the 10% increase it had earlier projected this year. Speaking on behalf of Volvo cars he said that the manufacturer has decided internally to not participate at the upcomming Delhi Auto Show.

New BMW 5-Series Unveiled

The oldest surviving mainstream BMW, the 5 Series is up for replacement. (has been around since the 3rd season of TopGear, you know!). Here are some leaked pictures released on the internet ahead of its release tomorrow. Thanks to Adrian Van Hooydonk’s (BMW’s design head) de-Bangling of all BMWs, the new 5 series looks much more conservative than its predecessor.

It is based on the recently-launched 5 series GT’s platform, which itself is based on a shortened 7-Series’ platform.


What will be music for the enthusiast’s ears is the fact that the M division has already started work on the next M5, which will get the X5M’s force-inducted heart, a clean departure from its naturally aspirated lineage. And for the benefit of the geeks, BMW has gone all out and progressed one character further in their nomenclature calling it the F10 (there will be separate codes for the estate/touring – F11, F10M for the M5 and F7 for the GT).

New BMW 5-Series Unveiled

The oldest surviving mainstream BMW, the 5 Series is up for replacement. (has been around since the 3rd season of TopGear, you know!). Here are some leaked pictures released on the internet ahead of its release tomorrow. Thanks to Adrian Van Hooydonk’s (BMW’s design head) de-Bangling of all BMWs, the new 5 series looks much more conservative than its predecessor.

It is based on the recently-launched 5 series GT’s platform, which itself is based on a shortened 7-Series’ platform.


What will be music for the enthusiast’s ears is the fact that the M division has already started work on the next M5, which will get the X5M’s force-inducted heart, a clean departure from its naturally aspirated lineage. And for the benefit of the geeks, BMW has gone all out and progressed one character further in their nomenclature calling it the F10 (there will be separate codes for the estate/touring – F11, F10M for the M5 and F7 for the GT).

Mug & Motors a Rain Magnet?

It seems that way. Of the four M & M events we've had this year, three of them were held under the threat of - or actual - rain.

This month's event was at Serda's on Royal Street in downtown Mobile. The place was really nice with great coffee and baked goodies. The atmosphere was pleasant in the old, re-purposed building. Of course, the company was first class with about a dozen SABCC'ers making it to the coffee house.

The threat of rain (100% chance) kept most of the group in snug modern cars. The handful of classic British motors were parked on Royal Street and drew a steady stream of admirers.

We'll do a few more Mugs & Motors events next year - we might even have some official Mugs & Motors coffee mugs to hand out as event door prizes. Stay tuned!

Photo courtesy of Ron Wolverton

Hyundai Verna to get some nip-tuck

After the Ford Fiesta and the Maruti-Suzuki SX4, now it is the Hyundai Verna’s turn to go under the surgeon’s knife. Just like the ‘A-Star’ is actually the current Alto and the Laura, is actually the current Octavia, the Verna is actually the current Hyundai Accent for the rest of the world. But, it has been renamed as ‘Verna’ so that Hyundai can keep selling the old Accent in India as well. Thanks to some new competition in the form of the Linea and the recent botox shot filled rivals, Verna’s market share has diminished. To regain the lost numbers, it will soon get a mostly external makeover. The major changes will be the grille, the headlights and the front bumper as well as some tit-bits like the turn indicators housed on the RVMs. The mechanicals will be carried over unchanged.

We have never really been big fans of the Verna’s looks any ways and in our honest opinion, the face-lift just makes it look ‘different’ but not really any better.

Hyundai Verna to get some nip-tuck

After the Ford Fiesta and the Maruti-Suzuki SX4, now it is the Hyundai Verna’s turn to go under the surgeon’s knife. Just like the ‘A-Star’ is actually the current Alto and the Laura, is actually the current Octavia, the Verna is actually the current Hyundai Accent for the rest of the world. But, it has been renamed as ‘Verna’ so that Hyundai can keep selling the old Accent in India as well. Thanks to some new competition in the form of the Linea and the recent botox shot filled rivals, Verna’s market share has diminished. To regain the lost numbers, it will soon get a mostly external makeover. The major changes will be the grille, the headlights and the front bumper as well as some tit-bits like the turn indicators housed on the RVMs. The mechanicals will be carried over unchanged.

We have never really been big fans of the Verna’s looks any ways and in our honest opinion, the face-lift just makes it look ‘different’ but not really any better.

Merc Baby SLS on the Anvil

Now that you have just recovered from the one-sided love affair with the Mercedes SLS, behold another mantrap from the same family. What you see here is the second installment of pure automotive bliss from AMG. Just like the bigger (and costlier) SLS which is the first car to be developed, grounds up by AMG, the baby SLS will give some serious competition to biggies like the 911, Audi R8, Ferrari California and Aston Martin V8 Vantage.


It is rumored that the baby SLS will revive the SSK tag from 1928. It will use a lightweight aluminum space-frame chassis and a double wishbone suspension, at all four corners. It will sport an all-new 500bhp twin-turbocharged 5.4-litre V8 engine that is being developed for the upcoming CLS55 AMG mated to a seven-speed double-clutch transaxle and locking diffs from the SLS.

However, the best part of the news is that the SSK will be around £70,000 cheaper than the SLS which means that it will retail for £85,000 (Rs. 66 lakh, excluding taxes). So whenever Merc decide to get their baby to India, which will be around mid-2013, expect it to retail for a cool 1.5 Crore Rs.


*** Image courtesy autocar.co.uk***

Merc Baby SLS on the Anvil

Now that you have just recovered from the one-sided love affair with the Mercedes SLS, behold another mantrap from the same family. What you see here is the second installment of pure automotive bliss from AMG. Just like the bigger (and costlier) SLS which is the first car to be developed, grounds up by AMG, the baby SLS will give some serious competition to biggies like the 911, Audi R8, Ferrari California and Aston Martin V8 Vantage.


It is rumored that the baby SLS will revive the SSK tag from 1928. It will use a lightweight aluminum space-frame chassis and a double wishbone suspension, at all four corners. It will sport an all-new 500bhp twin-turbocharged 5.4-litre V8 engine that is being developed for the upcoming CLS55 AMG mated to a seven-speed double-clutch transaxle and locking diffs from the SLS.

However, the best part of the news is that the SSK will be around £70,000 cheaper than the SLS which means that it will retail for £85,000 (Rs. 66 lakh, excluding taxes). So whenever Merc decide to get their baby to India, which will be around mid-2013, expect it to retail for a cool 1.5 Crore Rs.


*** Image courtesy autocar.co.uk***

FIAT's city car confirmed for 2011

A few days back, we revealed Honda’s plans of launching a small car specifically for India powered with a 1.1-litre petrol engine. Close on the heels of this news, we learn that even FIAT is readying a small car that will be designed and developed specially for India. With the design finalized, we hear that a clay prototype of the car is ready with the Italian’s firm design studio in Turin. A fully functional set of prototypes are expected to reach the firm’s Ranjangoan factory by early 2010 where the rigorous testing will commence.

If pointers given by FIAT are to be believed, then expect the new car to employ a wide array of engines ranging from a frugal 600cc to a competitive 1.1-litre mill. The car will be powered by petrol initially, while a small turbo-diesel engine might be in the pipeline. Designed specifically for India and its traffic conditions, the car will be placed between the A and B segments in terms and pricing and features – where it will take on the likes of the i10 and A-star. Similar to Hyundai and Suzuki, FIAT too will make India a production hub for the city car and will export it to the European markets to begin with. The car may well be christened the ‘Topolino’ – an old classic like the 500, which FIAT has hinted at reviving since early last year.

Expected: Q2 2011

Price bracket: Rs. 2.5-lakh to 5-lakh
Engines: 600cc & 1.1-litre petrol

FIAT's city car confirmed for 2011

A few days back, we revealed Honda’s plans of launching a small car specifically for India powered with a 1.1-litre petrol engine. Close on the heels of this news, we learn that even FIAT is readying a small car that will be designed and developed specially for India. With the design finalized, we hear that a clay prototype of the car is ready with the Italian’s firm design studio in Turin. A fully functional set of prototypes are expected to reach the firm’s Ranjangoan factory by early 2010 where the rigorous testing will commence.

If pointers given by FIAT are to be believed, then expect the new car to employ a wide array of engines ranging from a frugal 600cc to a competitive 1.1-litre mill. The car will be powered by petrol initially, while a small turbo-diesel engine might be in the pipeline. Designed specifically for India and its traffic conditions, the car will be placed between the A and B segments in terms and pricing and features – where it will take on the likes of the i10 and A-star. Similar to Hyundai and Suzuki, FIAT too will make India a production hub for the city car and will export it to the European markets to begin with. The car may well be christened the ‘Topolino’ – an old classic like the 500, which FIAT has hinted at reviving since early last year.

Expected: Q2 2011

Price bracket: Rs. 2.5-lakh to 5-lakh
Engines: 600cc & 1.1-litre petrol

Mercedes SLS AMG rolled out in Germany

Mercedes’ news supercar, the SLS AMG is now available across all AMG showrooms in its homeland, Germany. The SLS retails for a whopping price tag of 177,310 Euros, which translates to 1.22 Crore rupees without taxes. And if Mercedes were to get a couple of them for their favorite Indian clients it would cost them Rs. 3.08 Crore (On-Road). If however, these lucky folk decide to tick some of the ‘optional extras’ boxes, then they would have to shell out some more, for example, 11,305 Euros (Rs 7.81 lakh) for the carbon ceramic brakes and 1200 Euros (Rs. 83,000) for the AMG performance suspension.

Thankfully though, with the SLS’ ballistic performance and the fact that it’s the purest handling Mercedes so far, the price tag seems like a bargain. Its predecessor, the SLR McLaren was almost twice as expensive and not even half as good!
 
Specs:

6.2 - litre V8
563 bhp, 650 Nm
1620 kg

Mercedes SLS AMG rolled out in Germany

Mercedes’ news supercar, the SLS AMG is now available across all AMG showrooms in its homeland, Germany. The SLS retails for a whopping price tag of 177,310 Euros, which translates to 1.22 Crore rupees without taxes. And if Mercedes were to get a couple of them for their favorite Indian clients it would cost them Rs. 3.08 Crore (On-Road). If however, these lucky folk decide to tick some of the ‘optional extras’ boxes, then they would have to shell out some more, for example, 11,305 Euros (Rs 7.81 lakh) for the carbon ceramic brakes and 1200 Euros (Rs. 83,000) for the AMG performance suspension.

Thankfully though, with the SLS’ ballistic performance and the fact that it’s the purest handling Mercedes so far, the price tag seems like a bargain. Its predecessor, the SLR McLaren was almost twice as expensive and not even half as good!
 
Specs:

6.2 - litre V8
563 bhp, 650 Nm
1620 kg

Honda is developing small car for India

Honda will be launching its small car for the Indian market by mid 2012. The research and development department of the company is currently working on its small car codenamed 2CV. Honda's small car will be manufactured at its factory in Rajasthan and powered by a 1.1 liter engine. The Japanese auto major has officially revealed that all plans of the new small car are going as per schedule. The company is aiming for an affordable price range of around Rs. 4.5 lakh for the 2CV.


According to Takanobu Ito, President and CEO, Honda Motor Corporation, the company had to prioritise the market as selling cars has become very difficult the world over.He revealed that the company's top priority is India and China where it would like to grow as much as possible. He further said that India is a market with great potential though the company does not have any plans for an ultra low-cost car but it believes that it can develop a product to be sold across various customer segment.


Takanobu declined to comment on a likely date for the formal launch of this product. He said that they are currently researching on a small car for India which has to be packaged to meet the requirement of Indian customers. He revealed that this car would be smaller than Honda's Jazz.