Honda's tribute to Ayrton Senna with a brilliant video!

Ayrton Senna racing in Mclaren Honda

I'll be frank that I wasn't quite born to witness the era, the dominance of Ayrton Senna. I first came to know about the legend when race drivers likes of Schumakers and Hamiltons used to tell how they were inspired by his driving.

So gradually I googled him up followed by viewing his race videos on youtube and then I was stunned by the shear skill of this man. Lapping around the chicanes of Monte Carlo, missing the corner wall by an inch or so gave me goosebumps! and made me realize why he will always be known as the best racing driver in this earth.

Honda's glory days were associated with Ayrton and Mclaren in Formula One Racing in the late 80s and early 90s. Eight world championships, 44 grand prix wins, 53 pole positions, record fastest lap set 30 times – all in the space of just four years tells about the chemistry between Honda and Ayrton.

Honda decided to remember with the legend, giving a tribute to him by reconstructing a flying lap in Suzuka circuit with an impeccable display of lights and sound of the growling V10. 

Using telemetry data and audio samples from the 1989 Japanese Grand Prix Honda has recreated the nostalgia of viewing the legend drive, see for it yourself in the video above and relive those golden moments.

Royal Enfield Continental GT reported to be launched at UK by September.

Royal Enfield Continental GT

We had earlier posted a spread on the spied shots of Royal Enfield Continental GT being tested near its manufacturing facility is reported to its debut in UK before making its way in India by September.

Bertrand D’souza, Editor, Overdrive.in has tweeted stating the cafe racer will be launched in the UK this September and its Indian debut is still uncertain as the cafe racer style of motorcycles is still relatively new and unknown to Indian crowds. With recently erected plant in Oragadam near Chennai, Royal Enfield aims to increase its brand power by reducing waiting period for its product and inroducing new models more frequently.

Unlike the its family bloodline developing thumping cruisers, this product is more of a sports bike with a classic feel to it with leaning riding position, clip on handlebars and adjustable foot pegs.

A 535cc single cylinder 4-stroke, twinspark, fuel injected engine is planted into the Continental GT and is speculated to reach the max speed of 150 km/h.

With Royal Enfield developing a strategy to promote the Continental GT in the European market, it might be a while for the product to make its way in India.

source: BetrandOD

Yamaha D'elight 114cc scooter enters into European market

Front and rear of Yamaha D'elight

Yamaha has just added a new scooter in a rather extravagent fleet of performance scooters in the European market. Yamaha global lineup consists of scooter ranges from puny 50cc to monstrous 350cc performance scooter. Their latest addition is a light, peppy, retro styled  114cc Yamaha D'elight .

D'elight profile

The scooter is plunked with a nippy 114cc air cooled 4-stroke YMJET-FI (Yamaha Mixture Jet-Fuel Injection) engine that delivers 7.7 Nm of torque which is more than enough to pull the 98kg scooter.

D'elight three-quarters

The retro styling of the scooter complete with handlebar mounted eye shaped headlamps is a clear indication that this product is pitted against the likes of Vespa LX 125. The scooter also has modern elements to it 180mm disc brakes, integrated tail light and rear indicators, flush fitting streamlined front turn indicators, 3-spoke 12 inch cast alloy wheels and a generous splash of chrome. Thus the scooter is playful blend of old classic and 21st century contemporary design.

Fuel filler of Yamaha D'elight

Yamaha D'elight comes with an under space storage enough to keep a helmet and a fuel filler, open glove compartment on the front of the scooter for daily practical use.

The scooter being light, is nimble also with 1.8m turning radius and low seat height being a added bonus for commuting in narrow roads and heavy traffic.

Yamaha D'elight is priced at 1,799 Pounds (around Rs. 1.64 lakhs) in the UK which makes it quite affordable in European market.

The Yamaha D'elight may take some time in making its entry in India but given the determination of Yamaha India to conquer the Indian scooter market we might see a stripped down version of D'elight which certainly could be a game changer for Yamaha in Indian market given the pricing is right.

Rendering: Yamaha YZF-R25 new entrant in the class of quarter litre sportsbike

YZF-R25 front fascia 

Speculations were doing rounds that Yamaha will step into the quarter litre segment for quite some time now, just when the rumors were getting cold we get a pleasing reminder in form of speculative rendering.

A Japanese magazine called 'Young' has come up with a rendering in form of the bike's front fascia. Its still early days to come up with a conclusion as the bike is still under development except that its a quarter litre bike.

The product is dubbed by Yamaha enthusiastic and media as Yamaha YZF-R25 or Baby R1,  will be fully faired and resemble the styling of its older sibling. Currently under development the bike will make its debut in the later half of 2014 and will be first available in Indonesia.

As the rendering submits, the styling borrowed by R1 features the trademark split slanting headlamp design with projector lamps making it look cruel, aggressive, hungry for speed. The LED turn signals are simple and neat, not too fancy. The bike footed with a broader front tire around 100 or 110/17.

Currently Yamaha is too busy shaping the scooter market but Yamaha is a brand known in India for performance bikes and with 250cc bike segment booming in India, we bet Yamaha India will introduce this product sooner than other international markets. Looks like Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Honda CBR 250 have some tough competition ahead not the KTM 390 is already eating their long ruled market.  

Source: TMC blog

Renaultsport Megane Red Bull Racing RB8 launched

RB 8 Front end

Renault are still the festive mood after their engine mounted Red Bull cars won Formula One Constructor's Title for three times in a row. Well now they want their customers to be part of the success so Renault and Red Bull have launched a limited edition Renaultsport Megane RB8.


This edition has loads of cosmetic changes rather than mechanical one. The car is enveloped in twilight blue color, inspired by shades that Red Bull F1 cars don. The rear spoilers, the door handles, wing mirrors and F1-inspired splitter in the front bumper are all finished in Platinum Grey to give it a exquisite limited edition feel. The car is christened with Red Bull logos on both sides of the body.

RB 8 Interior

The interior gives it a race car feel complete with bucket seat, drilled aluminium pedals, pitch black dashboard with sporty red lining an infotainment system screen. The carpet mats, kickplates and headrests are branded with Red Bull Racing logos.

RB 8 Rear end

 The RB8 boasts the same 261bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, Brembo brakes and limited slip differential as the standard car.

Only 30 of them will be sold in UK, the Renaultsport Megane Red Bull Racing RB8 is priced at £28,245.
So all you Sebastien Vettel fanatic grab a piece while you can!

Honda sheds light on India bound 2014 Honda Jazz (2014 Honda Fit)

2014 Honda Jazz three-quarters

After being introduced with fanfare in the Indian market Jazz didn't seem to deliver as much as Honda would have wanted. Well come 2014 Honda has decided to redeem themselves with bringing in majorly revamped 2014 Jazz (2014 Fit).

Initial glances indicate completely new fascia, deeper body lines overall much refreshed aggressive look than the old conservative one. The interior also new features digital information display, touch screen navigation display, funky gear shifting knob.

Jazz's interior

 We follow up another story on its technical specifications as Honda hasn't revealed it yet. The 2014 Jazz will be pitted against the German giant Volkswagen Polo so it seems like finally Honda managing its weak point, 'Pricing'. Honda also claims the car to have best handling in its class. Also the 2014 Honda Jazz will sold all over the world  with 3 engine options: a 1.3-liter petrol, a 1.5-liter petrol, a 1.5-liter hybrid and a diesel engine as well. Manual and automatic transmission options are available. But in India Honda they are likely to play it safe by launching it conventional petrol and diesel version.

2014 Honda Jazz Hybrid shifter

The 2014 Jazz will longer with a 60mm increase into the leg space and a bigger boot space of 400 liter. Honda can really make a sale out of this model if its pricing is right as the competition stiffens into this segment.

2014 Honda Jazz rear end

Honda 2014 Jazz will make its debut in market at Japan in September this year and will be introduced in India around the earlier next year. Looks like the new Jazz may undercut the heavy weights like Maruti Suzuki Swift and VW Polo.

Image source: motortrend

Rendering: Contemporary new design for 2015 Ford Mustang

Artist rendition of Mustang 2015 credit: wild speed

Aside from pumping fresh pornography, stalking your crush on her facebook profile, you know what else is Internet good for?

Delivering renderings and speculations for 2014 Ford Mustang or 2015 Mustang, or 2014.5 Mustang, enough already! We are trying to gather bits and pieces of rumours and bring you complete picture of the pony.

World's most popular muscle car Ford Mustang is stepping into 50 years of its existence and Ford leaving no ends to make 'The Stang' most beautiful and technologically apt one.

The beloved pony was made popular in the car maps again during its fifth generation emergence and it did carry the essence of the old design. The renditions for 2015 Mustang designs however indicates a rather contradictory European influence and sleek contours giving it a supercar feel rather than muscle car one.

Credits: wild speed

  Wild Speed and Mustang6g were the first to predict the design for the sixth generation Mustang. They show a design inspired by the Evos Concept and in line with the Blue Oval's new design language and by the looks of it may be most close to the production model.

The Ford are planing to launch the model in Europe and Asia hence the radical design change and it will boast a new 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine as its powerplant and should offer independent rear suspension as standard. However, both the V6 and V8 models will likely still be offered.

The 2015 Ford Mustang is expected to be unveiled during the later half of 2014 at the Detroit Motor Show or the New York Auto Show and production will commence shortly after launch. 

Source: Autoevolution

KTM RC390 Cup, younger sibling of KTM RC8 previewed.

KTM RC390 Superbike

KTM has revealed fully clothed version of 390 Duke. The bike will be a part of participation 2014 ADAC Junior Cup.

The bike is race prepped version consists of aggressive sharp edges, body hugging riding position and back end being exposed just like the RC8. The orange tubular trellis frame, WP suspension, titanium Akrapovic exhaust makes it a signature KTM product.

KTM RC390 profile

The race bike's power is reduced to 38 BHP which considerably less than its stock version but weight is reduced to 130 kg so the bike hasn't been compensated on the top speed. The ADAC Cup is held in Germany and is mainly organised to harness the younger talent. 

RC 390 three-quarters

Stefan Pierer hinted that the cup version will be turned into production by saying, "We developed a pure GP racing machine for the Moto3 World Championship. In contrast, the RC 390 Cup is based on a series model project. Both of these two projects were given the highest priority because the development of lower displacement, high quality street bikes are among our core activities. The new KTM RC 390, which will be available for sale in 2014 will meet a big demand for affordable, quality sport bikes for the lower displacement class."

The bike is likely to be launched in the later half of 2014. We expect the RC390 production version will take on the like of Kawasaki Ninja 300, Honda CBR 250, Hyosung 250 GTR. With 390 Duke being launched at such an eye riveting price, the RC 390 is likely to eat up the market which the Japanese stalwarts ruled for a long time.

Presenting you the successor of Lexus LFA. Err.... A bicycle !

The bike only weighs 7 kg (15 pounds)

Well the lexus fans were eagerly waiting for a worthy successor of the F1 engine sounding LFA. The Lexus may have disappointed them with the launch of new product from the LFA stable, a bicycle.

In a desperate attempt  to save the performance pedigree of the Toyota department, the Japanese carmaker has decided to use the motorsport expertise in making a light weight bicycle with virtually every part being made of carbon fiber composites. The frame, forks, seat, handlebars, seat post, rims and crankshafts are all made of the superexpensive, superstrong material.

The bike costs 10,000 dollars

 The Toyota Motor Corp.'s secretive workshop known for producing F1 engines while Toyota was in Formula Racing passed on its racing baton to Lexus LFA. The $ 375,000 car had a fire spitting 4.8 ltr V10, possibly the sweetest sounding engine but its successor is a paddle operated 22 speed two-wheeler!

But you will still glimpses of the supercar in the F Sport Road Bike with F1 inspired paddle shifters and an electronically-controlled derailleur for smooth gear changes. Like its predecessor this one seater doesn't come cheap, this bike cost 1 million yen or $ 10,000. This bike will be a true collector's piece for any bicycle fanatic with craftsmanship it has gone through, the body is polished for 3 hours to give the carbon fiber body a lacquer finish.

22-speed derailleur gear assembly

  The purpose for the making of the bike is to keep the workers busy and LFA workshop afloat. Ironically Lexus imports the carbon fiber parts from Taiwan despite of having a extensive carbon fiber spinning, molding and autoclaving equipment. F Sport Road Bike is limited edition and available only in Japan.

Source : Auto News

Next gen Ford Figo/Ka to be the civilian ride in city for Bond... James Bond!

New Ford Ka front fascia

We are well aware that world's most famous superspy James Bond 'With a license to kill!' drives a Aston Martin to match his persona, his style, aura. But he is also known to drive everyday civilian cars like Ford Mondeo to blend into crowd and now his new ride will be Ford Figo/Ka.

Various spyshots and speculations are doing rounds in internet of the new Ford sub-hatch and is likely to replace the existing and ageing Figo/Ka. The initial spyshots and renditions of the next gen Ford seems to have taken inspiration from Aston Martin with a wide mouthed grill, stretched back headlamps on the front fascia and new edgier design on the taillamps gives it a sportier look and is going to appeal younger generations.

Ford Ka rear end

The new car is certainly bigger than the Ka which is a three-door hatchback. The next gen Figo/Ka gets a curvy roofline which is a clear departure from the current Figo’s design features.

We expect the interior to be matching the ones present new Eco-sport and Fiesta but Ford may design a completely new interior as this model is due 2015 and the features should be modern for the new gen model.

Ford is likely to plunk its famous Eco-boost engine into the new model and distribute the power to wheel through powershift (automatic) transmission.

Ford are likely to launch this model by 2015, so it looks like James Bond are one of the first fortunate ones to get these wheels. These are perks you get when you are a famous secret agent, well that and girls!

Source: carblog.br 

Scrooser, giving new definition to a cruiser

Scrooser, a new definition to a scooter

Here is a scenario, you have newly acquired your license and you want to take a feel of carefree and easy leisure riding and you want the thrills that you had experienced in childhood while driving a scooter or bicycle for the first time . With a scrooser you can ride hassle free without getting concerned about your driving skills and get goosebumps while riding it. That's the 'USP' of this vehicle.

Created by a bunch of Germans, Scrooser is one of the coolest concept electric mobility vehicle that is making news in the last six months. When the vehicle is made by German expect extreme engineering, precision and practicality and Scrooser doesn't dissapoint here, with a "free-form 3D bending" aluminium frame which looks extremely cool despite its minimalist design, Scrooser may be described as a push scooter on steroids.Direct drive 1kW rear hub motor with motor braking and disc brake for the front move and stop the Scrooser. 

The Scrooser comes with impulse drive, and this expands the range. Impulse drive means the Eco mode will automatically engage and disengage the motor to help you go faster and easier... as you use foot-power to go further, just like when riding a traditional scooter. The scooter stands upright without any stand because of its fat tyres but it has a stand never the less and key ignition, locking cable are some of the basic security features added.

Scrooser can carry up to 125 kg (275 lbs) of man and luggage and weighs in at 28 kg (61 lbs). It goes as fast as 25 km/h (15 mph) and the 35 km (22 miles) range can expand to 55 km (34 miles) on impulse drive. Charging takes 1.5 – 3 hours, depending on the source. LED daytime running lights and rear position red LEDs are also on the menu.

We're waiting for the pricing and the Scrooser team says they'll also prepare a GPS locator beacon for even more security. This could be the next cool and happening thing among youth roaming around the European streets.

Given the USP and modernness of the vehicle $3,950 (€3,030) seems a fair bit of bargain for the modern lifestyle city vehicle.  

Ford Freeform Fabrication Technology produces sheet metal prototypes in hours instead of days or weeks

Ford Freeform Fabrication Technology Prototype

Stamping sheet metal is an efficient form of manufacturing, capable of cranking hundreds or thousands of items an hour. The annoying thing is that making new stamping dies is a long, costly process. This is bad enough when it comes to retooling a factory, but creating prototypes for new products can leave designers waiting weeks. The Ford Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn, Michigan has taken a page from the 3D printing handbook and is developing a new way of forming sheet metal that allows designers to create prototypes in hours instead of weeks.

Ford Freeform Fabrication Technology embosses the sheet metal line by line

In design work, making a special die can take months from first design to finished product. The Ford Freeform Fabrication Technology (F3T) gets around this bottleneck by eliminating dies. Instead, the patented process uses a sort of embossing similar to a 3D printer. Like a printer, F3T takes a CAD file and uses it to form a product. The difference is that where a printer adds layers of materials, the F3T gradually presses the sheet metal into shape.

The F3T uses CAD process to execute the die making process

It does this by clamping a piece of sheet metal in place, after which a pair of computer-controlled styluses press from opposite sides and move about line by line to form the metal into the desired shape. A computer controls the path of the styluses, which also form the metal to specified dimensional tolerances and surface finish.

F3T setup

According to Ford, F3T introduces a high degree of flexibility into what is otherwise a time consuming process with the ability to produce a sheet metal prototype in three days. For some jobs, it can be a matter of hours.

Ford sees a great deal of potential in F3T. The company claims that it can not only make design work faster and cheaper, it can also make custom orders much easier, so bespoke car bodies would be much more common. In addition, Ford sees applications in the aerospace, defense, transportation and appliance industries.

The project is part of a three-year, $7.04 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to advance next-generation, energy-efficient manufacturing processes. Led by Ford, other collaborators include Northwestern University, The Boeing Company, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Penn State Erie. Five innovative manufacturing projects were awarded a total of $23.5 million by the Department of Energy in March to advance clean manufacturing and help U.S. companies increase their competitiveness

Source : Ford

The video below outlines the capabilities of F3T.

Chevy Says Spark EV Has More Torque than Ferrari 458 [Video]

Chevy Spark EV

Ohhhh no they didn't! Chevrolet just released a commercial for the brand new Spark EV in which they say this little car has 542 Nm, more torque than a Ferrari 458 Italia supercar. Awesome, right?

Except the 458 Italia has exactly 540 Nm, so a 2 Nm difference isn't going to impress anybody. Also, the Maranello marvel takes the 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 kmph)stride in 3.4 seconds while the Spark probably takes three times as much. Official figures claim the Spark EV has 100 kW (130 hp) and gets to 60 in 8 seconds.

How is that possible? Well, comparing torque form electric engines to that from petrol ones is like apples and oranges apples.

The only speed you should be concerned about is the speed at which the battery is charged. It's also worth nothing that unlike the 458, which you can probably buy in probably every partof the world, the Spark is basically only available in California and Oregon.

“Being able to provide our customers with the best overall efficiency of any retail EV has always been a key target for the Spark EV engineering team,” said Pam Fletcher, GM executive chief engineer for electrified vehicles. “We’re poised to deliver to the market an EV that’s not just efficient, but also thrilling to drive thanks to the 400 lb-ft torque output of its electric motor.”

Mercedes B Class 180 CDI make its way to India for INR 22.6 lakhs

Merc B-Class

Mercedes-Benz has launched the diesel variant of B-class in Mumbai. The 'Luxury Tourer' made its debut last year with the petrol variant and now the diesel variant B180 CDI

The ongoing rivalry between the luxury carmakers is quite entertaining with everyone bringing in their A-game  and with this launch the fight has just got intensified. Following this launch Audi is going to launch their performance products S6 and RS5 by tomorrow.

Merc B-Class three quarters

Mercedes is adopting a rather contradictory strategy of selling their products in India. The brand known for luxurious and speedy sedans and SUVs has opted for   'Hatchback' as the selling mantra for India in order to reach to wider spectrum of customers.

While the B-class's younger sibling A-class making its debut last year in both diesel and petrol variants, the B-class diesel is launched with an interesting price. The starting price is Rs. 22.6 lakhs (ex-showroom: Mumbai) which is lower than the petrol variant. Sounds fascinating doesn't it! But in order to reduce the price the German carmakers has sacrificed some of its features found in petrol variant. They have dumped the Park Assist and the reversing camera. This one also misses out on electronic adjustment for the passenger seat and a sunroof. Will the Indians miss these features? We assume not, we will be more elated owning a 'Three Pointed Star' badge car with such an interesting price.

Lets talk about the engine specs in B-class. Mercedes has plumped B-class with a 2.2 liter four cylinder engine which has been detuned to produce 109bhp at 3,200rpm and 25.5kgm of torque from 1,400-2,800rpm. A 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox sends the power to the front wheels. The top speed is rated at 190km/h.The same engine powers the C Class and E Class, though they are in a higher state of tune in the sedans.
Mercedes is claiming a fuel efficiency of 18.98 km/l. (Not ARAI approved)

      
The B180 CDI will be available in Jupiter Red, Cirrus White, Polar Silver, Monolith Grey are the available colors.

So you see the Merc lovers are spoiled for choice between the more eye-catching stylish A-class or a more practical B-class. 

With pricing the diesel variant lower than the petrol one, Mercedes are likely to set a new trend in Indian automotive industry.

Revamped Skoda Yeti spied

Spied pics of facelifted Yeti. Credit: worldcarfans

Here are the first pictures of the facelifted Skoda Yeti. The first impressions from the spied pics aren't so interesting. The body has remained the same, the main noticeable changes are the front headlight's design. The light design is more edgier and sporty, the signature big fog lamps are retained and the taillights are illuminated with LEDs.

Rear end of Skoda Yeti credits: worldcarfans

The compact SUV made by the Czech carmakers was spotted doing testing in Czech Republic is reported to be one of the first prototypes and one can expect significant aesthetical changes that will include new hood  design and aggressive front grill design. Overall the front fascia will resemble with their other recently revamped models like Rapid, Octavia and Superb.

Skoda Yeti three-quarters credit: worldcarfans

'World Car Fans' were the first to bring up this update and they speculate that the car might also see a new front & rear bumpers with the changes stated above.

The facelifted Yeti will be unveiled by September 2013 in the Frankfurt Motor Show and is expected to hit the market by the end of year or early next year.

Source: worldcarfans. 

Caterham has raised the curtain of its fastest seven ever ,Caterham7 R620

Caterham R620 front end

Here are the first glimpses of the fastest Caterham to be ever produced. The super lightweight sports car was revealed ahead of its world debut in Goodwood Festival of Speed this week.

The car is quite a spectacle with a blend of traditional styling and modern components. The 7 series is a continuation of the sporting bloodline of Lotus which stretches back more than 50 years where you can still find tresses of Colin Chapman in its design. 

The car consists of a powerplant of 2.0 liter supercharged 310 bhp engine which revs from 0-62 mph (0-100 kph)  in just 2.8 seconds. The reason for the car being quick is it just weighs over 500 kgs and has a topspeed of a neck wrenching 155mph (approx 250 km/hr) making it the most powerful Caterham ever.

R620 three-quarter

Sounds like cracker of a deal then wait till you hear the price! The new line up that will replace the old Caterham R500 is going to cost £49,995, seems too much for a car with no air conditioning, no stereo, no roof etc. but one thing you will get for sure that is sheer pace.

The answer to the question of the car being light weighted lies underneath its body, The 620R also features a new gunmetal chassis, an air-flow optimised nose cone and a race-developed cooling package. There’s also high-performance dampers and 13-inch lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in track-ready Avon ZZR tyres.

Interior of R620

To further make it light the cockpit has been splashed with a generous amount of carbon fibre. With the ergonomics of the car completely focused on performance, this isn't a car where you can desire any comfort.

R620 profile

With a car where performance is the main priority over comfort, this car isn't for the light hearted ones or the ones who would want to flash their money power by buying a fancy car, this car is only for the hardcore racers, flat tarmac lovers. Bookings are now open, deliveries are expected in the later half of this year.


Source: Auto express, UK

It's here! The sportiest Jag F-type to be launched today in India

Fastest Jag F-type

We petrolheads just got one more reason to rejoice as the sportiest, fastest Jaguar has landed on the Indian shores. Dying to know the price? Lets just first gorge on to lip smacking details then we will tell you if how heavy your wallet must to get one these sitting into your garage.

 The convertible two seater is available with two engine options, the F-Type S will be powered by a 3-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine, good for 375bhp. The range-topping F-Type V8S will be powered by Jag's 5-litre supercharged V8 petrol developing 488bhp that promises to take 4.3secs to a dash to 100kph, before reaching its top speed of 300kph. The V6 motor won't be a slouch either, completing the 0-100kph drill in 4.9secs, with a top whack of 275kph. 

The Jaguar F-Type is the official heir of the sporting heritage that the Jaguar has for the past 75 years. Joining the XK convertible and coupe models, the new F-Type provides Jaguar with a broader line of sports and GT models. Rohit Suri, Vice President, Jaguar & Land Rover India, said, "The Jaguar F-Type is our all-new, two seater sports car and we believe it will be a game changer for the Indian sports car market. With its stunning design and driver focused engineering, this car will further enhance the appeal of our brand and I am confident that it will arouse senses and stir emotions like no other car in India”.

Sound like your dream car right! Lets go down to the price now, the Jaguar F-Type S V6 is priced at Rs 1.37 crore, while the top of the line F-Type V8S can be yours for Rs 1.61 crore (ex-showroom, Mumbai). Too much, thats what you pay a head turning, neighbor envying charms of a Jaaaaggg!

Mahindra & Mahindra is set to roll out cheaper version of XUV 500

"The price of the XUV500 will go down by between Rs 27,000 and Rs 33,000 as we produce the vehicle with the new specifications,"  said by Pawan Goenka, president of Mahindra & Mahindra. 

Mahindra is set to roll out cheaper XUV 500 following some ingenious methods to make the car cheaper.
The company has reduced the ground clearance of its flagship model to utilize the lower excise duty. The ground clearance, which was 200mm earlier, has been cut to 160mm, giving the company a 3% savings in excise duty on the vehicle. 

"The price of the XUV500 will go down by between Rs 27,000 and Rs 33,000 as we produce the vehicle with the new specifications," said by Pawan Goenka, president of Mahindra & Mahindra.

The companies like Mahindra and Tata bore the brunt of the new definition made by the government on the excise duty in the budget. The government had announced in the Union Budget earlier this year that SUVs having engine capacity of over 1,500cc and ground clearance upwards of 170mm will have to pay an excise duty of 30% against 27% before. While the government justified the higher duty on the "greater road and parking space" the vehicles occupied, many in the industry cried foul over the move as only a section of vehicles fell within the definition that slapped higher duty. These made the companies to make changes into their existing models to sustain into lower duty.

Apart from XUV 500, Goenka suggested that the changes would be made to other models also like Bolero, Scorpio as these vehicles also come into higher duty bracket but firm decisions has not been taken. Goenka was heard saying that the off road capabilities of XUV 500 would be affected owing to lower ground clearance. The company has installed a "Stone Gaurd" under the engine to protect from gravels, stone and un even road as the body is now more prone to ground contact but Goenka justified the decision by saying  "I am not happy about doing this, but we had to do it as the higher price due to the increased duty was hitting our potential customers." Given the new dimensions of the ground clearance in XUV 500, Mahindra has also made certain other changes to the XUV500 in areas like electronics, brakes and clutch systems. 

Other car companies in India are likely to follow the same trend to lower the price of their vehicles.