Saturday, February 20, 2010

sexy models at a Brazilian car show

sexy models at a Brazilian car show









sexy models at a Brazilian car show

Mini Opel Corsa

Mini Opel Corsa

Mini Opel Corsa

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Ford launched commercial production of Figo model in India

Ford launched commercial production of Figo model in India
Ford India Private Limited (FIPL), a fully owned subsidiary of US based Ford Motor Company, today launched the production of its much awaited small car model Ford Figo, at its Maraimalai Nagar production facility in Tamil Nadu. Mr M Karunanidhi, Chief Minister of the state inaugurated the production of Figo model which is expected to be launched in India by the end of this month. Ford Figo is company's first compact small car in India and it is expecting good response from middle-class buyers after analyzing the high sales of recently launched small car Chevrolet Beat in the country.

Ford to launch Figo model next month

Ford to launch Figo model next month
Ford India, a subsidiary of US based automobile manufacturer Ford Motors is all set to launch its much awaited compact small car Ford Figo in India, next month. Production of the Ford Figo model has been started at company's plant in Maraimalainagar, Chennai after inaugurated by the state Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. Ford India has invested around $500 million in its operations in Chennai. Michael Boneham, MD and President of the Ford India said in a statement given to the media that Ford Figo Model will be launched with a very competitive price tag as the Figo model will be launched in a segment which is already very competitive and accounts for 70% of the all new car sales in the country.

Ford Figo and Volkswagen Polo will be launched in India

Ford Figo and Volkswagen Polo will be launched in IndiaThe Indian auto Industry registered a record sales growth in the starting month of this year and the major contributor to this growth was small car segment. Where the sales of Maruti's flagship model Maruti Alto and Maruti Wagon R remain on top, Hyundai's Santro Xing and i10 models registered a good sales figures. But the show stopper was the Chevrolet Beat model which received a very good response from the Indian customers as company has already sold 2825 units of Chevrolet Beat model in the month of January this year. It is expected that the momentum of high growth will remain in coming months also as many new car models are expected to be launched in India in coming months. Ford Motors is all set to launch its Ford Figo model in India as the production of the model has already been started at its Chennai plant. Ford has invested nearly $500 in its operations in India and the company is targeting to make India its export hub for its small car Ford Figo.

Another world's cheapest car by EcoCa in India

Another world's cheapest car by EcoCa in IndiaAfter the launch and success of Tata Nano, several auto makers challenged the world's cheapest car by fixing lower prices of their small cars. But now the biggest wonder has appeared in the form of EcoCa Ltd-London based engineering and design firm. The company, EcoCa, has developed the prototype of the cheapest car. The new small car would be a two-seater car with automatic gearbox and convertible roof. It weights only 330 kg very less against Tata Nano's 635 kg. The initial fuel efficiency is around 27-28 kmpl as against 23.6 kmpl of Nano. The prototype has a peak speed of 70 kmph, much lower than Tata Nano's 103 kmph.

Tata Nano in New York

Tata Nano in New YorkTata motors had designed world's affordable car and will be on view at prestigious Smithsonian's Cooper -Hewitt Design Museum in New York from February 18 to 25 April 2010.

Latest yellow color designed by Indian Tata, will shown by diagrams and short film announced by Smithson's Institution on Friday. The meaning of Nano was only described its technology small size and small price, Tata Nano has planned to launch new version of Nano in European and American markets.

"Cooper Hewitt's mission is to present affordable with the latest development and Tata Motors has introduces more families in the country which is affordable" said by CaraMcCarly. He added that' we are pleasure to introduce Nano in our museum where visitors can easily see the world affordable car.'

Tata Motors plans to launch hybrid Nano

Tata Motors plans to launch hybrid Nano
Tata Group is now planning to come up with the hybrid versions of its Tata Nano, which is taged as the world's cheapest car with the aim to join in the environment-friendly trend. Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata Group, told 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. Tata Motors which is India's biggest vehicle maker, saw the car industry's future lying in economic-friendly models. The chairman did not commented on the possible launch of cheap hybrid versions.

Tata Motors launches upgraded Sumo with 60 pc rise in SUV sales

Tata Motors launches upgraded Sumo with 60 pc rise in SUV salesIndia’s largest vehicle maker, Tata Motors expects sales of its sports utility vehicles to rise by 60 percent to 4.000 units a month, following the introduction of an upgraded version of its Sumo model. On Monday the company had launched the Sumo Grande MK II which will replace the Grande MK I and will cost around Rs 25K lesser than the outgoing model at Rs 6.43 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Rajiv Dube, head of the passenger vehicle division said that they are currently selling between 2,500 to 3,000 utility vehicles and expect it to increase by 1,000 vehicles a month.

Tata Nano at Rs 1 crore!

Tata Nano at Rs 1 crore!Believe it or not! If you want to own a latest Tata Nano, you will have to pay around Rs 1 crore. This new Tata Nano is designed by automobile designer Dilip Chhabria. It will have a bigger engine that is 1,600cc which develops a peak speed of 200 kmph supported by a seven-speed triptronic gear box. This very stylish car will be fitted with the Ferarri and the Lamborghini like doors which open towards the sky. Like other machines nowadays, the doors of the car would be opened through biometric check. Contrary to 12 inch wheels, the new Tata Nano will have 17 inch alloy wheels.

Tata may unveil Prima

Tata may unveil Prima at Auto Expo 2010One of the leading auto maker in India, Tata Motors is mulling to launch its concept luxury saloon model Tata Prima at the forthcoming Auto Expo 2010. The concept car was displayed at the Geneva Auto Show 2009 for the first time. The saloon model was designed by Italy based design studio Pinanfarina. However, official comment is awaited but sources close to the Auto Expo development confirmed the news. The car is expected to be introduced in India in next two-three years. On the other hand, the model will be shortly available in European market.

Tata Indicruz, Tata Indica Vista Igins at Auto Expo

Tata Indicruz, Tata Indica Vista Igins at Auto ExpoTata Motors, one of the largest auto maker in India, is expected to launch a couple of new vehicles at the up-coming Auto Expo. According to sources, the new launches will include Tata Indicruz and Tata Indica Vista Igins. Apart from these, the company will launch a Jaguar-branded luxury saloon. The Tata Indicruz is supposed to be a crossover utility vehicle (CUV) and might be priced at Rs 6-8 lakh in India. The CUV is to be pitted against Chevrolet Tavera, Mahindra Xylo and Toyota Innova. The Indicruz was displayed at Geneva Auto Show in 2005. The CUV is reported to be based on Tata Indica Vista platform.

Tata to showcase Indicruz model in the Delhi Auto show

Tata to showcase Indicruz model in the Delhi Auto show Tata Motors, one of the India's largest car manufacturer will showcase its Tata Indicruz model in the Delhi Auto Expo, starting 5th January next year. The Tata Indicruz model is expected to be officially launched in the first quarter of next year by the company. Tata Indicruz is a MUV (Multi Utility vehicle) that has been designed to provide a multi purpose vehicle which can be drove in cities as comfortably as in off road journeys.

The Tata Indicruz model has been manufactured at the platform of Tata New Safari model and it is coming with the same 2.2L Safari Dicor engine. Besides the latest engine the Tata Indicruz model is coming with all new safety features like antilock braking system and multiple airbags. It has been designed with a new and stylish exterior designing while the interiors of the car are comfort providing and spacious.

Tata Nano awarded as Car of the Year

Tata Nano awarded as Car of the Year
Tata Nano, world’s cheapest has bagged the award of Auto car India 2010’s’ Car of the Year. On this achievement Tata Sons' chairman Ratan Tata said that recognition they had achieved was for the full team and now they had to work harder to meet up expectations. There were different categories in Auto Car India Awards 2010 like Best Value for Money Car, Best Design and Styling, Best Variant of the Year, Car Ad of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, etc which were given to the best and the most deserving contributors to the Indian auto market.

Tata Nano undergoing modifications

Tata Nano undergoing modificationsTata Nano, the world’s cheapest car is being modified to make it readable for sale in U.S. The car is going under the process of modification to meet emissions and safety standards of U.S. The company has not disclosed the price but it is expected that the price would be more than the price charged in India. Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata group of companies has said that the car would take three years for US distribution. Before Tata Nano can be sold in US the car’s 623cc would have to be retrofitted to meet U.S. pollution standards. The few things that have to be modified like airbags have to be added, the roof has to be strengthened and the front bumper has to be lengthened.

Tata Nano, now available in used car market

Tata Nano, now available in used car market
One of India's most popular and most news gathering car Tata Nano is now available in used car market too. The car was launched in the month of March last year and it first hit the Indian roads in the month of July09. Then what made the Tata Nano to enter in used car market so early. According to market watchers it is a combination of many reasons which made Tata Nano to enter just in 5-6 months to its launch. Where some users believe that driving Nano is some what below status to them, others are blaming the lack of passenger comfort for its early entrance in used car market.

Tata Motors, M&M increase prices

Tata Motors, M&M increase prices The rise in prices of inputs has forced the car makers to increase prices of their models. It’s not only Maruti which has raised the prices of its models; there is hike in the prices of Tata Motors’ Indica and Indigo, and Mahindra and Mahindra’s Xylo, Mahindra Scorpio and Mahindra Bolero. The raise in the prices of Tata Indica and Tata Indigo will vary from Rs 5,000-8,000. Utility vehicle maker Mahindra and Mahindra has also raised the prices ranging from Rs 6,400 and Rs 9,300 on its Sport Utility Vehicle. While its Utility Vehicle Xylo price is increased by Rs 4,600, Bolero sees Rs 4,800 hike.

Tata replaced Hyundai as second largest car maker

Tata replaced Hyundai as second largest car makerTata Motors, India's highest revenue earning automaker has replaced Hyundai India as India's second largest domestic passenger car selling company , said company officials. As Maruti Suzuki India is poised on number 1 spot with about 54% market share, the second position is always been a competitive spot for major domestic car manufacturers like Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra and Hyundai India. It took 2 years to Tata Motors to regain its position as India's second highest passenger car selling company, officials added.

In the passenger vehicle segment, Tata Motors sold 31,081 units last month which accounts for a growth of 48 percent compared to sales in January, last year, as per the data provided by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). At the same time Hyundai India sold 29,601 units in passenger vehicle category in its last month's sales. But the show stopper was Maruti Suzuki which sold a whooping 81,087 units last month, much higher than Tata's total domestic sales.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Maruti Suzuki Alto launched

Maruti launched new limited edition of Maruti Alto. This new car. Alto Xcite, is priced at Rs 13,500 more than the regular version. This car houses a number of great features such as manual central locking, power windows and remote boot opener. The company said in a statement that the high-end model of the car is priced at Rs 2.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Approximately 20,000 car units are being sold every month. It may be recalled that Maruti Alto is the largest selling car in India. On the other hand, Ford Fiesta and Hyundai i10 are the other popular cars in India. The company had introduced the Maruti Alto in September 2000, with two variants. At present, Maruti sells three variants (Base model, LX, Lxi) in the domestic market. It is powered by a 796 cc gasoline engine with 3 cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder MPFI engine with 32bit Engine Control Module (ECM). All models are equipped with 5-speed manual transmission. In the current year, most parts of the world will get a brand-new Maruti Alto, which will be sold as the Maruti A-Star in the Indian market. The current Alto will continue its innings in the Indian market.Maruti Suzuki Alto launched

Price: Rs 2,24,835* - Rs 2,72,824*

Suzuki SX4 Overseas Model

Maruti Suzuki had recently launched its sedan model SX4 in India. Suzuki SX4 comes with VVT engine with an option of automatic transmission. The international model of Suzuki SX4 model is a compact hatchback and crossover model. This model is available as 2WD and 4WD. There are four models offered with SX4 2WD. It is available as 2.0L DOHC engine which is a bullet proof, smooth running power train. It delivers power of 150hp which is up from 143 and its fuel economy is at least 10 percent more than before.Suzuki SX4 Overseas Model

Maruti increases prices of its models

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car maker raised prices of its models by an estimated up to Rs 10,000 to recover the increase in input costs arising out of raw materials including steel. As per the current on road prices of various models the raise would range between Rs 100 to as high as Rs 10,000 per car. Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) said in a statement that while the average increase in prices is of around 0.6 per cent, it varies from 0.12 per cent for the Ritz VDi at the lower end to 1.9 per cent for the Dzire LXi models but did not share the hike in rupee terms.
Maruti increases prices of its models

Google study concludes Maruti Suzuki as most searched car brand

ccording to Google India study it has been reflected that the favorite car maker among the potential buyers looking for online information is Maruti Suzuki India. Google study conducted on 'The Role of the Internet in Automotive Buying' showed that 56per cent searched for Maruti Suzuki before buying a car while 33 per cent bought the vehicle after the online search. Maruti Suzuki is followed by Honda with 46 per cent respondents agreeing that they searched information on the Honda models and 17 per cent respondents said that after the online research they bought a Honda car. Tata Motors grabbed third position with 43 per cent search which is followed by Hyundai, Ford and Toyota.Google study concludes Maruti Suzuki as most searched car brand

Cool car: Ford Ikon ikool launched

Ford India introduced its new variant, Ikon ikool, of Ford Ikon in India. Equipped with Duratorq TDCi 1.4 diesel and ROCAM 1.3 petrol engines, these models will be available from tomorrow. The ex-showroom price of the car in Delhi is Rs 4.82 lakh for petrol version and Rs 5.42 lakh for diesel version. Ford India said in a statement that the engines of the car are designed in a way to give class leading fuel efficiency.Cool car: Ford Ikon ikool launched

Next week will see brand new Ford Endeavour

Ford is ready to take on the competition head on with recently launched Toyota Fortuner. If Toyota Fortuner has been a runaway success for Toyota, Ford is not ready to step aside. It’s brand new Ford Endeavour being launched in Indian market next week. The premium SUV from Ford will be completely face lifted and launch of this advanced vehicle means to cater to the rising demand of the vehicles in market, says a senior company official.

"We will launch the Ford Endeavour by next week. It will be an automatic version and we hope to achieve a significant market share after the launch," Ford India president and managing director, Michael Boneham said. No price has been declared though for the new model. “Some new mechanical bits have been added. The new Ford Endeavour SUV is equipped with Borg Warner’s Shift-on-the-Fly system which will enable you to switch between 2wd and 4wd up to 100kmph. There will be some cosmetic changes like changed headlights, grille, with the rear side likely to be the same,” says a Delhi-based Ford dealer.Next week will see brand new Ford Endeavour

A new small car from Ford will launch in India by middle of 2010

Ford will also export this product from India by end of next year. Ford intends to tap the fast growing small car market in India which is world’s largest small car market. Ford Motor executive vice president for Asia Pacific John Parker said that the launch will be a game changer and it will take us into the centre of indian market. He did not reveal any numbers targeted for exports from India.A new small car from Ford will launch in India by middle of 2010

Ford car demands on a high

Indian counterpart of American car maker, Ford India Motors, expects higher sales volumes during the festive season. It will increase its vehicle production by almost 30 percent. "We have been producing about 130 vehicles a day but this will be increased to 174 vehicles a day this month," Ford India President and MD Michael Boneham.

Ford’s entry level sedan Ford Ikon is the highest selling model in India. Its demand is already high. Ford Endeavour and Ford Fiesta models have also registered healthy sales growth in recent months. Ford launched new Ford Endeavour this week is priced between Rs. 15.99 lakh and 17.99 lakh..Ford car demands on a high

New Ford Endeavour launched in India

New Ford Endeavour has been launched in India on Wednesday. The much-awaited premium SUV has a fresh look. Once a very popular car, now, comes with a number of advance and stylish features. This five-speed automatic transmission vehicle is to compete with Toyota Fortuner. The price tag for 3.0L 4X4 automatic transmission is Rs. 17, 99, 000 while the manual variant of Ford Endeavour 2.5L 4X2 is priced at Rs 15, 99, 000. Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty launched the vehicle in New Delhi. Customers of North and West region can book their vehicle from today but SUV lovers from Southern and Eastern markets have to wait for a while. The new grille design three features, detailed horizontal bars that seem to float in the grille opening, the middle of which supports a proud ford oval badge. The top edge of the grille features a wide header bar with the Ford Endeavour embossed boldly into its surface.New Ford Endeavour launched in India

New Ford Mondeo to be launched in January

New Ford Mondeo to be launched in January
New Ford Mondeo is all set to be launched in India in January 2010. This luxury sedan is in process to revamp in the company's Chennai facility. The outgoing version of Ford Mondeo was not as successful as it was sold 5 to 10 units since its launch in 2001. The old Ford Mondeo had a price tag of Rs 16.30 l lakh but the new version will see a minor change. Ford India, Vice president (sales and marketing), Vinay Piparsania, said that the new model is already there in India for upgradation.

Monday, February 1, 2010

SPORT MEETS THE 2009 LEXUS IS350

To follow up on the IS300/Altezza story that was published earlier today on Speedhunters, I thought I'd post up a new car story, featuring this newly revamped 2009 Lexus IS350, which is built up with F-Sport accessories. In case you haven't yet heard of F-Sport, it's the newly branded line of performance parts available from Lexus - basically the same concept as TRD parts for Toyotas, but for the Lexus brand.
As almost all our readers know, I'm a huge fan of, and owner of several Toyota/Lexus vehicles. I recently heard from a friend at Lexus that the corporate offices just received the kouki (late model) versions of the IS350s, which had minor exterior revisions from the early, or zenki model, so I asked him if I could stop by the office and see the newly re-done IS.
The subtle differences in Toyota's zenki and kouki (before and after minor change) models are often difficult to to spot unless you have both cars right next to each other, so I thought I'd just explain some of the new styling differences in the cars. New for 2009, Lexus revised the IS model's front bumper and front grill. While I like the overall sporty appearance of the front grill and bumper, I'm quite honestly a bit saddened by the fact that there isn't an available front lip spoiler at the moment, due to the bumper redesign. I sure hope someone makes a bumper lip kit pretty soon. Vertex lower lip kit, anyone?
Aside from the exterior changes, this F-Sport equipped IS350 also comes fully equipped with the F-Sport suspension, which consists of TRD/Bilstein shocks, F-Sport lowering springs, F-Sport rear chassis brace, larger diameter F-Sport sway bars and polyurethane bushings. Nice! These suspension improvements will surely make a difference in the high and low speed handling of the F-Sport equipped IS models, as if the IS350 didn't handle well enough already! This is great news!
Wheels are important for the looks and performance of any car. This new F-Sport equipped IS350 features new lightweight forged alloy wheels with a staggered fitment - specifically, 19x8J up front with 225/35/R19 tires. The matching back wheels are actually 19x9J; I think it would look awesome to have 19x9J wheels all the way around the car. That would look awesome, due to the inceased fat lip of the wheels, from front to back. Aggressive.
Even when randomly glancing at the car, it's impossible not to notice the F-Sport brake upgrade, which consists of 6-piston calipers and cross drilled 355mm rotors, which are mounted on very nice looking black anodized aluminum hubs. Stainless steel braided brake lines also replace the factory rubber lines for added stopping performance - no danger of the brake lines expanding and bulging when the brake fluid gets hot from use on the racetrack or your favorite winding road.
New for 2009 models, Lexus has this slick looking turn signal incorporated into the side mirrors. I think these mirrors will be an extremely cool upgrade for owners of first generation IS250s and IS350s.
Inside the car, D-mode paddle shifting functions behind the steering wheel have been added to the normal IS350s, as well as contrast stitching on the door panels, leather covered center console/armrest lid and seats. Very nice way to step up the styling of the car, Lexus! As if it weren't classy enough. IS350 owners with high attention to detail may notice that the center panel instrument cluster is different as well.
While I prefer driving the 6-speed manual transmission version of the IS, I must admit, the automatic version is pretty fun to drive as well, especially with the paddle shifters. Nice looking shift knob and center console too.
If you look closely, you can notice the double contrast stitching on the leather seats and center console armrests. It's details like this that make me like Lexus a whole lot.
If you look closely, you can notice the double contrast stitching on the leather seats and center console armrests. It's details like this that make me like Lexus a whole lot.
Even though the particular IS350 F-Sport in the photos doesn't have it installed, Lexus makes an additional optional F-Sport carbon fiber engine cover for the IS350. Although, to be extremely honest, I don't see the point in paying big money for a carbon fiber piece that just covers your engine. It doesn't make the IS350 perform better, but I'm sure some people out there will buy it just because.
Even though the particular IS350 F-Sport in the photos doesn't have it installed, Lexus makes an additional optional F-Sport carbon fiber engine cover for the IS350. Although, to be extremely honest, I don't see the point in paying big money for a carbon fiber piece that just covers your engine. It doesn't make the IS350 perform better, but I'm sure some people out there will buy it just because.
What I think does matter for performance, however, is the addition of the slick looking F-Sport intake system, which has a high flow air filter, and nicely badged piping system, as we can see here in the photo. Whoever designed that metal F badge did a hell of a good job. And I never like anyone's logos! Good job as usual, Lexus.
For the 2009 model year, the rear bumper of the IS350 has been revised, as well as the taillights.
From here, you can see the flat lip on the 19x9J rear wheels, which have 255/35/R19s mounted to them. Like I mentioned before, I think I'd like to see these 19x9s all the way around, with 225s mounted to them. That would look awesome, especially if the car was lowered a couple more inchers, and used spacers to improve the offset. You could do that, too... because these F-Sport accessories are just accessories, there's nothing stopping you from ordering rear F-Sport wheels only, especially if you're ordering the wheels from an easy-to-deal-with Toyota parts counter guy like Herb at Cabe Toyota in Long Beach, or Jay at Glendora Toyota.
The exhaust uses polished stainless steel pipes and mufflers, and looks pretty nice with the exhaust tip style subtly placed under the bumper. Don't worry about getting pulled over by the local five-oh though... this exhaust system is certified street legal, and doesn't affect emissions compliance, and isn't too loud either - it is under the 95 decibel legal limit. So take that, officer. Go harrass someone else.

All in all, the F-Sport equipped Lexus IS250 and IS350 are really well done in my opinion. The big brakes and suspension modifications drastically improve the high speed and low speed cornering characteristics of the car, while retaining the smooth and luxurious Lexus ride quality. Even though installing an aftermarket intake system and exhaust are very simple mods, the beauty of the F-Sport packaged IS250 and IS350 is that the car comes with better-than-stock looking wheels, amazing big brakes, engine performance bolt-ons, and a good all-around suspension setup... and everything can be financed from the dealer as part of your monthly payment plan.
Good job, Lexus. I honestly think that the IS series cars are great for daily driving, and even more so if they are F-Sport equipped! Now the only difficult question is... which one to choose? IS250 F-Sport, IS350 F-Sport, or the monstrous ISF? Either one is pretty effin sporty.
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...