New 2011 BMW X3 Launched

BMW India has launched its all-new X3 SUV. The new X3 is available with a 2.0 184bhp and 3.0-litre 258bhp diesel engines. The X3 packs BMW’s eight-speed gearbox along with a Dynamic Damper Control and an engine start-stop function as standard. Also standard is BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system which uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute torque between the front and rear axles.  The new model gets muscular styling as compared to the one it replaces and is 83mm longer and 28mm wider than the model it replaces and it sits on a slightly longer wheelbase. It also weighs 90kgs less than the earlier 2.0 diesel car Additional features include bi-xenon headlights with LED rings.  The X3 2.0-litre gets...

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Nissan Sunny Review, Test Drive

Nissan's all-new Versa is an all-new entry level saloon, built on the same ‘V’ platform as the cute-looking Micra.  The all-new car is a tailor-made assault on the surprisingly similar requirements of car compact saloon buyers in the US, China and even India. Since the Versa name belongs to Maruti in India, Nissan has chosen to badge it the Sunny here. The Sunny is built to make an impression. It looks quite large, especially when viewed from the rear three-quarters, with its big boot, long wheelbase and massive cabin. It’s closer in size to something like a Civic or a Laura; compact it is not. Although based on the same platform as the Micra, the Sunny looks nothing like it. Only the Nissan badge appears to be common. ‘V’ for...

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New Toyota Camry Unveiled

These are the first pictures of the all-new Toyota Camry that is scheduled to go on sale across the globe in 2012. We expect the car to hit Indian shores by early next year.In the styling department, Toyota has gone in for a far bolder look than the ‘please-all’ styling of the current car. The front comprises of larger, more angular headlights with an elegant kink at the base. Two chrome slats with the Toyota logo in between make the grille look more pronounced than earlier. Larger fog lamps further enhances the new Camry’s front end.The side profile however, does not carry the drama visible in the front styling on the car – the dull window line playing spoilsport here. The shoulder line that broadens as it approaches the boot is an interesting...

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Aston Martin V12 Zagato Revealed

The road car variant of the new Aston Martin V12 Zagato, which will go into production from the middle of next year, it has been revealed.The hand-built Zagato is based on the V12 Vantage and features a body of aluminium and carbonfibre. The race-bred machine is powered by a 6-litre engine, developing 510bhp and 58kgm of torque. Developed half a century after the introduction of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, the new V12 Zagato broke cover at the Villa D’Este Concours on Lake Como, Italy, in May. It won the coveted design award for the concept and prototypes class.Two prototypes were then honed during endurance races at the Nürburgring, including the 24-hour event at the German track in June. The pair of Zagato racing machines will appear on Aston’s...

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New Porsche 911 Revealed

These are the first official pictures of the all-new Porsche 911.Known internally as the 991, the new 911 — the sixth truly independent model in an illustrious 48-year history — is set to make its world debut at next month’s Frankfurt motor.The new 911 will initially be sold in rear-wheel drive Carrera and Carrera S coupé guises. Cabriolet and four-wheel-drive variants will follow in 2012, and pave the way for a range-topping Turbo packing 523bhp in 2013.Developed under Porsche design boss Michael Mauer, the visual changes are subtle but effective enough to set the new car apart from its predecessor.The traditional round headlamps are set on the front of a wider, slightly higher front bumper. The lights have been made bigger and house more...

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Mercedes Allies With Buddh Circuit

Mercedes-Benz has joined hands with the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) with an aim of taking motorsports closer to Indian fans.The German carmaker has chalked out aggressive plans to provide boost to the ever growing spirit of motoring in India. Mercedes-Benz and JPSI have concluded an agreement whereby Mercedes-Benz cars will be utilized as safety cars for all events taking place at the BIC.Both partners will jointly set up a Performance Driving Academy by next year to foster potential talent and popularise performance driving. The new academy will offer structured programs, cars, trainers and help groom new talents on the racing circuit. In addition, the company also plans to popularise motorsports through promotional activities, road...

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Hard-Top For Ferrari 458 Spider

The new Ferrari 458 Spider will feature a retractable hard-top roof when it breaks cover at next month’s Frankfurt motor show. Although Ferrari has already produced a hard-top convertible in the current California, the 458 Spider will be the first time that it has fitted a folding hard roof to a mid-engined two-seater.The F430 Spider, released in 2005, was given a soft-top to keep weight down, but Ferrari has made the new machine’s roof using lightweight aluminium, which means the whole roof and its mechanism is 25kg lighter than a soft-top’s would be. Ferrari’s figures give a dry weight of 1430kg for the 458 Spider, making it about 50kg heavier than the Italia.Packaging considerations also dictated Ferrari’s choice of the hard-top, which...

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New Volkswagen Up Unveiled

These are the first pictures of Volkswagen’s all-new Up hatchback, a model poised to become the company’s biggest seller and a key component in its plans to assume worldwide market leadership by 2018.Volkswagen will also manufacture the Up for the Indian market however it will be a four-door version and will be positioned below the Polo. Holding true to the look of the original concept, the production Up has a simple two-box silhouette. VW design boss Klaus Bischoff says the layout provides optimal space utilisation within a compact footprint, making the car highly suitable for city driving.Among the more distinctive design flourishes is a large front bumper featuring a low-set, rectangular grille. This, together with round foglights and...

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Mercedes SLK55 AMG Revealed

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its most powerful SLK ever, the Mercedes SLK55 AMG.Power comes from a naturally aspirated AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine that boasts 415bhp (almost 60bhp more than its predecessor), 55.02kgm of torque and a 0-60mph time of 4.5sec and can take the SLK to a limited top speed of 250kph.The roadster has an AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic automatic transmission that features three modes – sport, manual and 'controlled efficiency'. It features AMG performance components including sports suspension with a Direct-Steer system that enhances handling and agility, Torque Vectoring Brakes that provide selective brake actuation at the rear wheel during cornering and a high-performance braking system.An optional AMG Handling Package comprises...

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Force One Review And Test Drive

Force Motors, the maker of Traveller minibuses and the Trax utility vehicle, has taken a whole new direction and moved upwards into the passenger car space with its all-new Force One. Here are our first impressions after driving this Scorpio and Safari challenger.On the looks front, the Force One’s boxy design looks quite outdated and not in synch with the modern shapes customers expect from SUVs these days. Though the overall shape is inoffensive, the small glass area and horizontal lines give it a 1990s look. A quick search on Google further explains that Force One’s design language is inspired by the Explorer III, a Chinese SUV that finds a mention in Guangdong Foday’s product portfolio.The Force One uses the same body panels as the Explorer...

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Indian GP Tickets Now On Sale

Tickets for the inaugural Airtel Indian Grand Prix are now officially on sale. Prices will start from Rs 2500 and will go up to Rs 35,000.The Buddh International Circuit (BIC) has a total capacity of about 110,000 spectators and the ticket slabs will ensure entry for students as well as corporate entities. Weekend tickets for the main grand stand (west zone) will cost Rs 35,000.If you don’t mind watching the drivers battle it out on the 16-corner of the 5.14km track from an open stand, then you should opt for the general admission ticket (south zone) which is priced at Rs 2500. The south stand tickets for the race weekend will cost Rs 2500 and can go up to Rs 12,500 for premium seats.For F1 enthusiasts, it’s the north and west stands where...

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Skoda’s 24x7 Assistance Initiative

Skoda Auto India announces its 24x7 assistance programme for its new car customers. Called the Skoda Assistance Non Stop Help on the Road, it is a complimentary service to all new Skoda customers for the first two years.The roadside assistance programme can be availed by new car customers with an effective purchase date starting from March 1, 2011. The services include telephonic assist, roadside assistance, battery related issues, emergency fuel, flat tyre scenario, in case of loss of keys, towing and transportation, and accident co-ordination.In addition to this, the premium program services also include taxi services, accommodation if required, rental vehicle services and vehicle recovery as well.Speaking on the initiative, Thomas Kuehl,...

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Updated Jazz Now From Rs 5.5 Lakh

Honda has launched a refreshed version of the Jazz and has also announced a major price cut. The refreshed Jazz is now over Rs 1.5 lakh cheaper than the outgoing model.  The base Jazz now starts at Rs 5.50 lakh whereas the earlier model was priced at Rs 7.12 lakh. The mid-level Select version is priced at Rs 5.75 lakh (Rs 7.24 lakh earlier) and the top-end Jazz X is priced at Rs 6.06 lakh which was Rs 7.48 lakh for the outgoing model. All prices ex-showroom, DelhiThe updated Jazz features exterior upgrades like re-styled bumpers and lights and a new paint shade while interiors get dual tone (beige and black) shade, a height adjustable driver seat, and power retractable outside rear view mirrors for the top-end version. USB-interface...

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Jaguar's new C-X16 concept

Jaguar is all set to unveil its all-new C-X16 ‘production concept’ car, at the Frankfurt motor show on 13 September. The manufacturer says the car is “a precursor to future Jaguar sports cars that will aim to set new class benchmarks in design, vehicle dynamics and technology”. Jaguar is saying very little about the car ahead of its debut, but Autocar understands that the production version of the C-X16 is based on a shortened version of the next-generation aluminium XK platform. Although the car will be the same width as the XK, it is expected to be nearly 300mm shorter, with much of the extra length removed from the structure in front of the rear wheels. It’s expected to be sold as a strict two-seater in both roadster and coupé forms. The front-end styling of the C-X16 willbe a development...

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Stoner Dominates Czech GP

Casey Stoner increased his MotoGP World Championship lead to 32 points over Jorge Lorenzo by winning the Czech Grand Prix at Brno.The Australian inherited the lead when his Honda team-mate Dani Pedrosa crashed out on lap three, the Spaniard losing the front end of his RCV212 and sliding off into the Turn 4 gravel.Pedrosa had only hit the front two corners previously, the polesitter overtaking Lorenzo as the world champion had a major slide exiting Turn 1 and lost momentum while exiting the corner.His exit left Stoner - who also passed Lorenzo after the Yamaha rider's moment - in front, and the 2007 world champion was able to pull out a comfortable 6.5-second margin and take his sixth win of the year.Lorenzo - the only one of the front-runners...

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Suzuki Swift Sport Revealed

Suzuki has revealed a performance variant of its Swift, called the Swift Sport. The Japanese carmaker will unveil the car at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.  Based on the all-new Swift that will be launched in India very soon, the Swift Sport is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine linked to a six-speed manual gearbox, and produces 134bhp at 4400rpm and 16.31kgm of torque. In a brief statement Suzuki revealed the Sport “offers superior cornering stability and brisker, more responsive handling, thanks to struts with internal rebound springs and an exclusive rear-suspension design.” Styling changes include a larger front grille and more aggressive bodywork. Suzuki promises “a cabin (that) combines essential sportiness...

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Toyota Innova Crysta Launched

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd (TKM) has added a new limited edition variant to its Innova lineup called Innova Crysta. According to Toyota, the name ‘Crysta’ is derived from the word ‘Crystal’ which symbolises the car’s premium image.  In addition to the features available on Innova’s top-end VX variant, the Innova Crysta adds  smoked alloy wheels, body graphics, dual-tone leather seat covers, rear spoiler and dark-wood panel inserts to the interior among others. Like all Innova’s the Innova Crysta is powered by a 2.5-litre 102bhp diesel engine. It is available in Euro III and Euro IV.  Since it is limited edition, Toyota will only manufacture 1000 units of the Innova Crysta. It is priced at Rs 13,12,570 (ex-showroom,...

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LR Defender Concept For Frankfurt

Land Rover will reveal a Defender concept car at the upcoming Frankfurt show; a ploy intended not only to demonstrate that the company is serious about replacing the 63-year old classic, but also to gather feedback on whether it is heading in the right direction with the replacement.Producing a successor to one of the world’s best-known vehicles is never easy, and it’s even harder when it must compete in a market that brand director John Edwards describes as ‘cut-throat’.Despite this, Edwards says that he ‘can’t imagine not producing a successor’ to the 63 year old four-wheel drive that established the Land Rover brand. But, JLR cannot compete on price with the pick-up and utility four-wheel drive offerings of its high volume rivals, so it...

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New Mercedes SLK Launched

Mercedes-Benz has launched the new 2011 SLK 350 roadster in India.The new SLK's exterior styling is inspired from the SLS AMG and it continues to eschew a fabric roof for a reworked version of the old model’s folding hard-top.  It now offers the choice of standard aluminum, fixed-tint glass or electro-magnetic variable-tint glass panel. Inside, there’s an angular new dashboard, again modeled on that of the SLS, with distinctive vents, reworked instruments, more contemporary switchgear and a new range of trims.The 2011 SLK made its global debut at the manufacturer’s 125th birthday celebrations in Stuttgart in January this year. It has a new rear-wheel drive platform. The SLK 350 features Mercedes’ new V6. The 3.5-litre...

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Hero Moto Reveals Expansion Plans

World number one two-wheeler company, Hero MotoCorp revealed its bold new face and logo, along with one new bike and another scooter at a gala, superstar-studded mega event in London. Performing on stage were Shahrukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, tennis legend Boris Becker, F1 veteran David Coulthard, star Indian music composer, A R Rehman and rap singer Akon.Hero Honda has over the last few months consistently manufactured and sold an incredible 500,000-odd two-wheelers across India every month -- a new two-wheeler every 18 seconds. And Hero MotoCorp aims at sustaining and expanding this going forward, leveraging its existing infrastructure of a mammoth dealer network spread across India.Looking ahead, Hero MotoCorp knows it requires...

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SCOOP! Compact Cars Of The Future

Small is the next big thing for saloons and mini-SUVs and almost every manufacturer is planning sub-four-metre cars witha vengeance. We are beginning to see a whole string of compact saloons and UVs lining up over the horizon, and that means plenty of desirable cars, at affordable prices set to be released in near future.VW and Skoda Up saloon (expected 2013-2014)Volkswagen will launch the new hatch, the Up. It will be its first attempt at making a car cheaper than the Polo for global markets. Rather than a rear engine and a rear-wheel drive, VW has decided to go for a more conventional front engine and front-wheel drive to reduce costs. The Up hatch may be too expensive to convert into a volume seller in India, which is why the saloon...

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