BMW 3-series spy

BMW's next-generation 3-series has been scooped in winter testing for the first time.
The next 3-series will get a ground-up refresh later in the year. The underpinnings of the new ‘F30’ 3-series will take the model into new technology areas, with a future-proofed platform ready for hybrids and electric power.
The big news at launch is likely to be a 150bhp 1.5-litre, three-cylinder diesel, expected to produce lesser emissions and will be aided by further advances in BMW’s Efficient Dynamics tech.
BMW’s junior saloon will grow in size, getting close to the dimensions of the outgoing 5-series, courtesy of a longer, wider platform. As a result, the new 3-series will have a roomier cabin.
There are also plans of a new crossover 3-series GT after the saloon is launched.  Expect the new 3-series to be launched in India shortly after its global launch at Frankfurt in September.

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Toyota Prius C concept

Toyota recently showcased the all new Prius C Concept at the Detroit motor show.  Like the original Prius, the Prius C Concept also runs via a hybrid powertrain. According to Toyota, this concept will provide the inspiration for a Yaris-sized Prius supemini that will be launch in North America in the first half of 2012. Toyota claims this will be the most efficient and best value hybrid car in any segment yet.

Toyota is keen to offer an even more efficient smaller hybrid at a lower price point and to that end will aim the production version of the C Concept at “young singles and couples who want an eco-sensitive, high-mileage, fun-to-drive Prius”. 

Nearer to the launch date, a toned-down version will be showcased which will closer to actual production. Toyota promises that it will be the most fuel-efficient hybrid (that doesn't need a plug) and will be the most "value-oriented hybrid”.
Toyota has sold about close to a 100 Prius cars in India since its launch last year. The Japanese giant has racked up almost one million Prius sales in 10 years in the US alone and sees the name as a prize asset having becoming almost a by-word for hybrids. Toyota also showed another model in its Prius lineup, the Prius V, which is an MPV based off the original Prius.

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Audi A8L

 We’ve just been blown away by Audi’s brilliant new long wheelbase A8 in Jaipur. Their first generation car may not have made much of an impact and the second edition, though successful elsewhere, didn’t quite capture the imagination of the super rich in India. This car however is another kettle of fish.
Its solid and simple lines look stunning in the flesh and the extended wheelbase gives it that extra bit of elegance. A strong typically Audi shoulder line, strong definition between the wheels and those distinctive headlamps and grille mean this car is instantly recognizable as an Audi. Some say it looks a bit too much like an A4, but that’s only initially, and more so in pictures than in the flesh.
As expected, the technology on this car is considerable. Constructed around a lighter aluminum space frame, this car gets four wheel drive(Quattro), a direct injection petrol V8 and air suspension.
The V8 is a very special motor and its eight-speed gearbox helps it deliver a very strong continuous push when you floor the throttle. With 372bhp on tap and tremendous stability and braking power you can hit 200kph where 160kph in other cars would be a struggle, and the motor is silky smooth and refined and at the same time. The car shrinks around you as you drive it around corners and after 10 minutes behind the wheel it feels no larger than an A4, which is nowhere as long as this 5.27 metres long barge.
We’d driven this car earlier in Germany and commented on the hard edged ride, which would have made this car very unsuitable for our roads. However an increased ride height and higher profile tyres have taken the edge off the suspension of this car. There is still some stiffness evident, but ride quality now is far superior even at low speeds. And once you cross 60kph, the air suspension glides over everything silently. For very poor roads and steeply inclined driveways the new A8L, like the earlier car, even has a lift feature that increases the ride height even more.
The best bit arguably however is the cabin. Audi already the leader as far as interiors are concerned, have set a new benchmark for itself with this car. A top class design, an amazing blend of the finest raw materials and textures and a rear seat package that would do a first class seat proud, this car has it all. You can stretch your legs out if you fold the front passenger seat forward and place your feet on a footrest, there is a fridge at your elbow, the seats are cooled or heated, they massage you and you have your own DVD screen and MM-I controls. There’s even a small flip up table in the rear central console. The comfort seat however is optional and will push the on-road price of this car upwards of one crore.
However, with this incredibly charming car, Audi finally has the ammo to take on the BMW 7 Series, and even the Mercedes S Class head on. In addition to the 4.2 FSI, Audi will launch the 3.0-litre TDi as well. Going forward, the German giant will launch the 500bhp 6.0-litre W12 petrol variant during Diwali. This will be followed by the 4.2-litre V8 TDI variant – the same engine that made the A8 a popular choice in the foreign markets – by early 2012.

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Ferrari's FF

Ferrari has unveiled its first-ever production four-wheel-drive model, a front-engined V12 four-seater GT that not only replaces the 612 two-plus-two coupe but also aims to attract a new kind of “all-roads, all-weathers” Ferrari customer.

The new car, dubbed FF for its four seats and four-wheel-drive, is designed by Pininfarina under the direction of Ferrari’s own chief designer, Flavio Manzoni. The first Ferrari of modern times to accommodate four full-sized adults and their luggage, it will be unveiled at next month’s Geneva show, and go on sale soon afterwards.

Ferrari hopes it will appeal in particular to buyers who usually use all-wheel-drive saloons or SUVs for winter driving and especially ski trips at this time of the year. The revolutionary Ferrari has an all-new, longer wheelbase chassis with a new-design, all-independent suspension that incorporates the latest-generation magnetically adjustable dampers and standard Brembo carbon ceramic disc brakes.

The four-wheel-drive system, claimed to be around 50 per cent lighter than comparable applications, preserves the desirable rear weight bias of recent V12 Ferraris. Called 4RM (for ‘Ruote Motrici’) the system is unique to Ferrari, using the car’s electronic systems seamlessly to direct torque to the front wheels when slippery conditions demand it, but mostly leaving the car in its desirable (and understeer-free) rear-wheel-drive state.

Though the FF is more versatile than traditional Ferraris, Maranello counters any suggestions that it is “soft” by giving it a newly developed 6.25-litre V12 with just under 10 per cent more swept volume and 22 per cent more power than the 612, and a seven-speed double-clutch gearbox to replace the previous six-speed manual.

The FF also gets the package of efficiency-building measures introduced in the California, including stop-start and smart charging to improve economy by about 10 per cent. The FF engine produces 650bhp at 8000rpm and 504lb ft of torque (up 16 per cent) at 5000rpm. Despite these higher outputs, CO2 output is dramatically slashed from 470 to 360g/km (23 per cent) while combined fuel consumption improves from a distinctly average 13.8mpg to 18.3mpg. The FF’s 0-62mph acceleration time of 3.7sec also undercuts the 612’s by 0.4 sec, while its 208mph top speed beats the 612 by about 10mph.

Ferrari claims an impressive kerb weight of 1795kg for the FF, undercutting the 612 by 50kg despite the presence of the new on-demand 4x4 system.

This and the fact that the FF is almost identical in length and width to the outgoing 612, (and only 30mm taller) suggests Ferrari has scored a considerable packaging coup, since the graceful lines allow full adult headroom in the rear, and the boot provides 450 litres of space with all passengers aboard, or 800 litres with the rear seats folded, figures which match many four-door models.

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Hyundai Santros

 Hyundai Motor India has reached a milestone of exporting 5 lakh units of Santro’s to global markets.

The Santro was the first car to be launched by Hyundai in India and it was also Hyundai’s first model to be exported to other markets from India in 1999. According to Hyundai, the Santro is now exported to more than 80 countries across continents.

Till date, Hyundai Motor India has exported about 10 lakh cars to more than 115 countries across EU, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Out of all the cars manufactured in India by Hyundai, 40% are for export markets. The models being exported are Santro, i10, i20 and the Accent.

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Tata Indica V2

Tata Motors will soon launch a powerful diesel version of its Indica hatch, called the Indica V2 Turbomax. The diesel hatch will also adhere to the stricter BSIV emission norms.
The new 1405cc CR4 diesel motor will develop a healthy 70bhp and 13.7kgm of max torque. As per the car manufacturer claims, the new Indica V2 Turbomax will be India’s most fuel efficient car with 46percent improvement on fuel efficiency over the older Indica V2.
The Indica V2 Turbomax will sport bigger 14inch wheels, fresh exterior and interior looks and come loaded with added features. At present, the Indica V2 diesel is powered by a 1396cc unit producing 52bhp and 8.5kgm of max torque. This gives the new Indica V2 Turbomax a power boost of 32percent and 65percent increase in torque as compared to the older V2.
Official prices of the Indica V2 Turbomax are yet to be announced, but be ready to pay a small premium over the Indica V2 prices. The new Indica V2 Turbomax will hit the showrooms by the first week of March 2011.

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Mercedes G-Wagen

Mercedes Benz India launched the G-Wagen which is short for Geländewagen (cross country vehicle) at the Juhu Aerodrome in Mumbai. Widely called the G-Class, the version coming to India is the AMG tuned G55. The G55 has a 5.5-litre petrol V8 under the hood developing 507bhp at 6100rpm and 71.4kgm of torque at 2750rpm. The G55 can hit the 100kph mark in a mere 5.5 seconds which is remarkable for a SUV tipping the scales at 2.5 tonnes.
The G-Wagen’s design has largely remained unchanged through its 31 year life-span. It was conceptualized to serve the German military at first but in 1979 a civilian version was offered. The G55 AMG is very popular in the middle-east due to Arabs taking a liking to its off-road abilities.
Although the design hasn’t evolved much, the G55 is loaded with technology. It gets a permanent all-wheel drive with three locking differentials, a 5-speed automatic transmission, ESP and electronic traction control system and high performance 350mm front and 330mm rear ventilated disc brakes.
The G55 which will come as a CBU has been priced at Rs 1.1 crore (ex-showroom Mumbai).

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