Thursday, 11 July 2013
Audi A7
Audi A7
The
Audi A7 has been designed from a clean slate. As a completely new class
of vehicle, it combines the pure grace and functionality of a saloon
with the passionate dynamism of a coupe. Boasting of clear lines that
sculpt an elite stance, the A7 is definitely a striking looking
sportback. Performance oriented and feature rich, the A7 is truly a
connoisseurs car.
Mercedes CL 800
2012 Mercedes CL 800
Brabus has chosen the 2011 Dubai Motor Show to set the stage for the world’s fastest and most powerful luxury coupe. Together with some of the most amazing vehicles in the world, Brabus has revealed their Brabus 800 Coupe based off of the Mercedes CL600. This new package ensures the coupe pushes out 800 HP and a top speed of 217 mph while looking sporty and elegant.
Starting off the transformation is the upsizing of the vehicle’s V12 engine, from 5.5 L to 6.3L. Then, thanks to a high-end turbocharging system designed by Brabus engine specialists and a carbon-fiber ram-air intake integrated into the hood, the CL600 now pushes out a total of 800 HP and 1,047 lb-ft of torque. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is now made in just 3.9 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 217 mph.
Starting off the transformation is the upsizing of the vehicle’s V12 engine, from 5.5 L to 6.3L. Then, thanks to a high-end turbocharging system designed by Brabus engine specialists and a carbon-fiber ram-air intake integrated into the hood, the CL600 now pushes out a total of 800 HP and 1,047 lb-ft of torque. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is now made in just 3.9 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 217 mph.
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
2013 Jaguar F type
2013 Jaguar F type
Wednesday, 19 June 2013
MERCEDES BENZ E-Klasse Cabriolet (A207)
MERCEDES BENZ E-Klasse Cabriolet (A207)
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse Cabriolet comes with fresh styling which
is combined with the new sophisticated assistance system part of
Mercedes-Benz “intelligent drive”. The system includes new technology
that avoids crashing with other vehicles or pedestrians as well as an
upgraded Active Lane Keeping Assist system. The look has been refreshed
by the redesigned front fascia, with new headlamps that feature LED
lightning as standard while keeping the typical “four-eye” look of the
E-Klasse. Designers have played a little with the proportions too, the
convertible having a longer pointed nose, beefier rear wheel arches and a
flat roof. The restyled interior features fine materials and two-piece
trim stretching across the entire dashboard. Technical features include a
three-spoked steering wheel with Direct Select shift lever and shift
paddles, AIRCAP system to reduce air turbulence when the top is down and
the AIRSCARF neck-level heating that allows the car to be driven top
down even in colder weather.
Tuesday, 18 June 2013
The 2013 Aston Martin DB9 Volante
Taking stock of the revised Aston Martin DB9 is a little bit like revisiting a classic Corb chaise or Aalto stool, or even something as ubiquitous as an iPod. From the outside, not a lot appears to have changed. But with materials, manufacturing techniques and muscular forms all given a steady, ongoing and almost imperceptible improvement over the years, Lighter, faster, and more efficient, it has undergone the automotive equivalent of a chemical peel, rolling back the decades and keeping things fresh.
Monday, 24 September 2012
Ninja 300
Ninja 300
Kawasaki has unveiled their spanking new Ninja 300 abroad, bigger,
faster and far meaner than the outgoing 250cc model it is set to
replace. What the world thought would be the new Ninja 250R is really
the Ninja 300, slated for launch across various markets very shortly.
Cosmetically, the 300 comes with ZX-10R inspired dual headlamps, a
floating visor, revised instruments, larger fairing vents and a radiator
fan cowl that dissipates heat effectively and away from the rider.
The Ninja 300 houses a four-stroke, parallel-twin and liquid-cooled,
296cc engine. Fuel injection is standard, with Kawasaki claiming new
throttle valves have worked to improve mid range grunt, and engine
response. The latest Ninja is expected to output 39bhp at 11000rpm, with
peak torque of 2.8kgm built up at 10000rpm. And that’s not all;
Kawasaki has sunk much effort into perfecting the 300, its engine
optimized with flatter piston crowns, sleeveless die-cast cylinders and a
cylinder that accommodates 7.8mm longer stroke. Both intake ports are
wider, and seat larger dia valves. Power is directed to the road via a
6-speed gearbox, as aggressive downshifts are taken care of with a
slipper clutch system usually only seen on larger capacity motorcycles.
A rigid, diamond type, steel frame is used on the Ninja 300, along with
37mm telescopic front suspension, a linked rear monoshock and Nissin
discs front (290mm) and rear (220mm). A compact ABS system is offered as
optional. Expect the Ninja 300 to be Kawasaki and Bajaj’s upgrade to
the current 250R in India, which gives Ninja enthusiasts here loads to
look forward to in months to come.
Ducati Multistrada
Ducati Multistrada
The latest generation Strada gets a second generation Testastretta, now twin spark, 11 degree L-twin engine that makes 150bhp at 9250rpm, with the torque boosted to 12.7kgm at 7500rpm and a smoother, more useable mid-range power delivery. The latest Strada also gets refreshed styling and revised ergonomics, and its engine now shares some cutting-edge technology with the supersports 1199 Panigale Superquadro engine.
The Multistrada 1200 comes equipped with a raft of up-to-date
electronic rider assist functions including Ride-by-Wire (R-b-W)
technology, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and Bosch-Brembo ABS, while
the Multistrada 1200 S Touring gets a novel, semi-active suspension
called Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS).The Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo is a new touring flagship with increased luggage capacity, added LED illumination, better wind protection and improved long distance tyres.
Finally, a Pikes Peak special Multistrada 1200 S comes adorned with livery made famous by the 2012 race-winning hill-climb bike and Marchesini-made forged alloy wheels.
The groundbreaking Multistrada first made news with its Sport, Touring, Enduro and Urban riding modes when launched in 2010, and continues to remain an ever popular model for its maker.
The 2013 Multistrada range will first be showcased at the INTERMOT motorcycle show (Cologne, October 3-7, 2012), and enters showrooms after December. Expect to see the new bike in Indian showrooms sometime in 2013.
Audi S4-TFSI 2012
Audi S4-TFSI 2012
Let’s get the numbers out of the way – they are quite stunning, but there’s a lot more to this car than its 0-100kph time of 5.6sec. You’ll get to its top-speed of 250kph very quickly too.
But what makes the S4 special is that it rides well. Yes, you heard
right – the ride is fantastic. Audi has resisted going the ‘Nürburgring
lap record’ way and stuck to a pliant, composed ride that never comes
close to realigning your vertebrae. This little fact has direct
consequences to this car’s usability – it means you can use it day-in
and day-out because it has the compactness of an A4, enough performance
to scare a few sportscars and can be absolutely civilised when you want
it to be, a fact that’s confirmed by how subtle it looks. Subdued looks
has always been a hallmark of Audi’s S-line models and it is painfully
evident in the S4. It looks so much like a well-specified A4, it’ll take
a rabid Audi fanatic to tell them apart. You have to look for discreet
S4 badges, the V6 T badge on the flanks, the quad exhaust pipes sticking
out the back and the aluminium-finish rear-view mirrors. This may not
be good, considering the S4 costs considerably more than its poorer
cousins. Owners might want a bit more distinction.
However, if you do like the restraint Audi’s designers have exercised,
you’re in for a treat. Most of this is down to the engine – it loves to
be revved, power delivery is very linear, and the way the shove gets
stronger as the needle swings towards the redline is absolutely
addictive. Even the exhaust note eggs you on to visit the redline just
to hear the noise and that delicious rumble every time you execute a
full-throttle upshift.The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission’s snappy responses and well-matched gear ratios also mean that there’s instant, spine-compressing acceleration wherever and whenever you want it.
It’s so responsive, partly because of the supercharger – there’s boost right from the word go – and partly because the supercharger sits in the ‘V’ of the cylinder banks. Compressed air has to travel a very short path to the cylinders and this sharpens the bite.
And, don’t think the comfy ride makes for soggy handling. Sure the S4 rolls a bit when you tip it into corners, but once there, it sits down and doesn’t move from its line. You can get the S4 to flow beautifully on a twisting stretch of mountain road, but the steering, though weighty and adequately direct, isn’t as feelsome as a BMW’s. There’s lots of grip too, thanks to the Quattro system but, like most Audi’s, the front starts to wash wide as you approach the limits. We do wish the brakes were a bit more feelsome though, and the car really sits down when it’s fully loaded, so it does ground out over speed-breakers.
As for the interiors, there are some special bits that tell you you’re
in something different. The S4’s three-spoke steering, grippy Alcantara
upholstery and the grey dials look classy, and the black and aluminium
theme goes well with the sporty nature of the car. The interior remains a
terrific place to spend time, with fabulously supportive seats, and
that deep sense of quality, regardless of which surface you’re touching.
And because the S4’s dimensions are similar to the A4, the cabin is as
spacious and the boot is big as well.At Rs 45.3 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra), it is approximately Rs 15 lakh more than an A4 1.8T, which is expensive. But look at it this way – if you want explosive performance, practicality and everyday usability, then here’s a car that offers it all at a realistic price.
Mercedes B 180
Mercedes B 180
The sports kit no doubt adds to the ground-hugging looks of the
B-class, but look past the eye candy and you’ll see what looks like a
shrunken R-class. There’s that low bonnet, steeply raked windshield and
high roofline, and despite the unusual shape, it won’t take long for
even untrained eyes to tell it’s a Benz. Every current Merc styling cue
is present – the oversized grille with the huge three-pointed star in
the centre, the clamshell bonnet and the bumper with its integrated LED
lamps all point to Stuttgart.Viewed in profile, your eyes are drawn to the sharp upswept kink that runs along the flanks and the unusually long space between the front and rear axles – yes, the wheelbase is a massive 2699mm. The rear is pure Merc too – it’s the most uncomplicated part of the design. Also impressive is the extremely slippery shape – the B-class’ drag coefficient is a low 0.26.
Under the skin, the new B-class (W246) retains its predecessor’s -
the W245’s - front-wheel-drive architecture, but ditches the old car’s
complex and expensive ‘sandwich structure’ chassis for a more
conventional monocoque. The advantages of the less complicated setup
(aside from a cut in manufacturing costs) are a liberation of interior
space and lower seats that are easier to slide into.Not that the B-class is very tall – with its 1557mm height, it fits in somewhere between a soft-roader and a saloon. The suspension is independent all round, with a MacPherson strut, wishbone setup up front and a four-link, wishbone setup at the rear. Brakes are discs all around and the steering is an electrically assisted rack-and-pinion system. The spare wheel is an inflatable space-saver and the B-class comes with an electric tyre inflator. All in all, the B180 weighs a hefty 1425kg.
Toyota Fortuner
Toyota Fortuner
As facelifts go, this is a good one, especially from the front. Toyota has thought it important enough to upgrade the entire nose of the car and, as a result, looking at it head-on gives you the impression that this car is all new. Sharp lines replace the outdated rounded forms, the new Fortuner’s wider wraparound headlights and wider chin give it a fuller-looking face, and with cuts on the bonnet bumper and chin, this Toyota SUV looks more Land Cruiser than Fortuner. The chrome grille is now much wider, the rounded, pod-like Xenon elements in the headlights look good and the new alloys are smarter and lighter looking. The wheel and tyre size, however, are the same. Also the same, expectedly, are the doors, the general glass area, and the big wheel arches. Toyota has made changes to the rear too, but the changes here aren’t as well thought out or executed. The rear wheel arch now extends back into the rear bumper, which does look nice, and there is a new Land Cruiser-like bar of chrome across the tailgate. But the transparent tail-lights with their odd- looking red elements look distinctly aftermarket and cheap.
Toyota has updated the cabin of the Fortuner and though it hasn’t done as thorough a job as with the exteriors, perceived quality has gone up. The swathe of piano black wood running across the dash is quite impressive, the Camry steering wheel looks better than the Innova wheel used earlier, and the automatic gearlever looks pretty upmarket too. You get a reversing camera, powered seats and even cruise control. The double-DIN touch-screen audio system is easy to use as well, but the silver satin finish contrasts with the design of the interiors and makes it look like an aftermarket addition. The shiny plastic surrounding the vents is cheaper looking still. The seats of the Fortuner remain the same – the driver’s seat is supportive and adequately padded, there is sufficient room in the rear for three, though the third row is best for kids.
The biggest change, however, is that the Fortuner now gets an automatic gearbox. Now this is 2012 and we are well into the era of eight-speed autos and twin-clutch gearboxes, but Toyota’s automatic is pretty basic. This is strange, because competitors are literally throwing gears at their SUVs these days. The Ford Endeavour comes with a five-speed automatic, Hyundai’s recently launched Santa Fe comes with six and even the cheaper-by-half Scorpio Automatic has six gears. And the Fortuner has no paddle-shifters and no tip-tronic either. All you get are three regular forward gears plus one overdrive; as simple as a spanner. But simple doesn’t mean it doesn’t work.
With 35kgm of torque produced from just 1400rpm, the Fortuner has plenty of pulling power, and that means Toyota can use tall gearing. So second on the Fortuner is as tall as third on the Endeavour and the gearing gets even more spaced out after that. What also helps performance is that this two-wheel-drive automatic Fortuner is 95kg lighter than the four-wheel-drive manual. So it feels pretty lightfooted and full of energy as you step off the line. Toyota’s 3.0-litre lump is also pretty smooth and so pottering around town, with the high-geared motor ambling along, is really relaxing. You can cruise up to speed quite effortlessly; you always feel like you have plenty of torque to dip into, and the leviathan really does feel effortless, even when pulling up inclines. Things are pretty relaxed out on the highway too. The Fortuner accelerates well on half-throttle, the big diesel motor merrily gurgling along, and getting to its natural cruising speed of approximately 130kph is no sweat too.
Things, however, get a bit sticky when you’re in a hurry. The gearbox’s lack of ratios and sluggish nature mean kickdowns are only executed after a bit of a pause. You really need to ‘kick’ the accelerator to get a downshift going and the gearbox seems to get flustered, even jerky at times. Still, the automatic Fortuner is no slouch and in fact is much quicker than the manual four-wheel-drive car in a straight line. It is a second faster to 100kph at 11.8 seconds, three seconds faster to 140kph which comes up in 23.9sec, and by the time you get to 150kph, the automatic car is four seconds clear of the four-wheel-drive manual. Dropping the front drive-shafts, differential and low-ratio transfer case sure seem to have made a difference. This very strong performance also makes it substantially quicker than the four-wheel-drive Ford Endeavour 3.0 auto, which is approximately two seconds slower to 100kph and a full 10sec slower to 140kph. And despite having fewer ratios, the Fortuner is quicker in-gear too. It only gets out-dragged by the monocoque Hyundai Santa Fe which, despite having four-wheel drive, is a second and a half quicker to 100kph. What’s also noticeable however that is the Toyota motor doesn’t get too strained or vocal when it is on the boil; the common-rail unit remaining strain- and stress-free as well.
Toyota has also left the tuning of the suspension largely untouched, so there is some amount of stiffness at low speeds and you do feel the bumps on broken surfaces. Up the pace, however, and the ride smoothens out, and that little bit of extra stiffness in the springs means that there is not much boat-like pitching. What’s also different and quite nice on this car is the lighter steering. Now devoid of the push-pull of the four-wheel drive system, it’s much lighter to use and this is particularly impressive when the Toyota is driven in city conditions. Full-fat SUVs are seldom great driver’s cars – the physics just aren’t in their favour – and the Fortuner is no different. Body roll is still considerable, body control is loose, and it feels progressively top-heavy the harder you drive. The light steering that is devoid of feel around the centre doesn’t help either. What Toyota has improved considerably are the brakes. In 2010, Toyota upgraded the Fortuner’s weak brakes with larger and thicker front discs and this has really improved things. Pedal feel is better, the Toyota has more stopping power and you don’t need to pay attention to braking as much as you had to earlier. Hit the brakes hard at 80 and, with help from the ABS system, the new Fortuner comes to a dead halt in 24.6 metres, a full four metres shorter than the earlier car.
Though this version has no four-wheel drive or low range, the torque of the motor and the impressive traction of the rear wheels mean you can actually go dirt tracking. The ground clearance is the same, so rocky ground isn’t as much of an issue and you can go pretty far off-road too, as long as you keep things real and don’t try anything too ambitious. Deep sand and slush, however, are best avoided.
At the pumps, the Fortuner 2WD Auto isn’t too bad. We got 7.8kpl in the city and, thanks to the tall fourth gear, 12.7kpl on the highway.
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
2012 Concorso Italiano celebrates Lamborghini, Fiat, Bertone
2012 Concorso Italiano celebrates Lamborghini, Fiat, Bertone
Shelby isn't the only company celebrating a major anniversary in Monterey this year. Lamborghini marked its 50th year in business, and the 2012 Concorso Italiano is packed with Raging Bulls from every era of company's history. While the show serves as a showcase for all Italian makes, the Laguna Seca Golf Ranch always sees a wide cross section of manufacturers and models from around the globe.
This year, Fiat showed off the new 500T as part of the brand's 55th anniversary, and the show grounds were filled with a rash of classic Fiat models. Those included one very gorgeous Cinquenento Abarth, as well as a few examples of the new 500.
Finally, Bertone is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2012, and the Concorso Italiano featured plenty of concepts and production models by the design firm. Even the Nuccio Concept showed up on the green in all of its 80s futuristic splendor. As you may recall, the last time we saw that machine, it was lounging under the lights of the Geneva Motor Show.
Lamborghini Gallardo recalled for possible power steering fluid leak
Lamborghini Gallardo recalled for possible power steering fluid leak
Up to 1,491 examples of the 2004-2006 Lamborghini Gallardo coupe and Spyder are being recalled due to potential power steering system leaks. Fluid can escape from high-pressure pipes located near the hydraulic pump, and if the fluid comes into contact with an ignition source a fire could result.
Lamborghini is notifying the affected owners, who can take their Gallardos to their dealers for repairs free of charge. For more information, read the bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration below
Saturday, 15 September 2012
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450
But the full-size luxury SUV and its brethren didn't vanish from the face of the Earth. Far from it. Clever product planners and marketing managers quickly worked to repackage everything buyers loved about their oil-field-sucking family haulers into new, modestly more efficient and socially acceptable packages. Thus began the reign of the crossover. Mercedes-Benz became something of an artisan in this field, and its efforts have been well rewarded. Last year, the company sold more light trucks alone than it did all of its models combined in 2005.
At the top of that high-riding food chain is the GL-Class. The mammoth utility services the company's youngest average buyer at 48 years old and recently eclipsed the aforementioned Escalade as the most popular full-size luxury SUV in the States. For 2013, the GL has grown in every measurable dimension, offers subtly more fuel-efficient drivetrain options and a rash of standard and available technology, all supported by a miracle-working air-ride suspension. The changes are enough to put the GL that much farther ahead of the ancient Cadillac, but the recipe isn't perfect.
2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 GZ8
2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 GZ8
While everyone is waiting for the final edition Gallardo, Lamborghini has decided to offer its faithful Chinese customers a new special edition called the Gallardo LP550-2 GZ8 Edizione Limitata. The name is quite a mouthful, but it has a purpose. The GZ stands for Guangzou, while the number 8 indicates the number of units that will be built. The downside to this special edition is the price tag usually associated with a limited special edition; all eight customers will have to fork over 4 million Yuan (or about $600,000 at the current rates) to park this baby in their garages.
For that kind of money, they’ll get a very special set of orange wheels and a carbon fiber rear wing, matte black engine cover, and glossy black roof borrowed from the Super Trofeo Stradale Edition. The package continues with carbon fiber exterior rear view mirrors, carbon fiber side skirts, special black and orange striping in the Superleggera style on the side, and a new front bumper. Since this is a special edition, there will be "’GZ8 Edizione Limitata" logo on the outside of the super car, as well as aGZ8 logo on the headrests, to further differentiate them from the rest.
2013 Audi SQ5 TDI Exclusive Concept
2013 Audi SQ5 TDI Exclusive Concept
At the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Audi will be bringing along a special edition SQ5 TDImodel called the Executive Concept.
To be fair, we’re looking forward to seeing this car on the showroom floor for a number of reasons including a unique body color that we haven’t seen before from an Audi. The concept also promises a luxurious interior befitting its "Exclusive Concept" designation.
Other than that, there’s not a whole lot to be excited about when it comes to the SQ TDI Exclusive Concept. (Wait until you hear how much it’s going to cost).
In any case, the car is scheduled to make an appearance in Paris, which, in itself, is worthy of coverage. It won’t be the sexiest or the most eye-popping of the cars headed to France, but we’re still interested to see if Audi can change our minds on our initial underwhelming opinion of this production-ready, limited-run concept.
2013 Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series Coupe
2013 Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series Coupe
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