Thursday 28 November 2013

'S8' to succeed S7, the latest supercar to emerge from the stable of Saleen

Saleen is the name to go for when you want highly modified aftermarket tuned Mustang, Camaro, Challenger and also recognized as the makers of S7 supercar, is all set to make a comeback in performance car segment with the S8.


Saleen S5S Raptor Concept Showcased in New York Auto Show 2008
Steve Saleen made the rumours true in the LA Auto Show that Saleen is try revive itself as a supercar brand and the replacement of the S7 will be christened as S8. 

Saleen had showcased the S5S Raptor in 2008 at the New York Auto show but things took a downward spiral when the company was sold in 2009 and the Saleen became extinct from the supercar species and so its DNA was buried uptill now.

Steve Saleen was heard saying they haven't forgotten the supercar genre and they have been developing a car for quite some time now and the results will be showcased in the new S8.


Saleen's Last Supercar S7
 The S8 is expected to have similar specs as the S5S Raptor, having a heart of 5.0-litre V8 engine producing 650 hp and 855 Nm of torque could do duty in the American supercar. A six-speed manual transmission would be mated to the engine.

The company is trying to get into newest of technologies and been working a high performance electric vehicle, though details about this car are unavailable as the California based car manufacturers are remaining tight lipped on that. 

Source: Autoevolution

Wednesday 27 November 2013

The New Royal Enfield Continental GT can be yours for INR 2.05 lakhs

Royal Enfield has finally launched the much awaited Continental GT at a gala event in Goa. RE has priced the Continental GT at Rs 2.05 lakhs (on-road, New Delhi) and 2.14 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). With the bike, Royal Enfield is making a bold move in Indian motorcycle market bringing a flavor of motorcycle the “Cafe Racer” culture that was prevalent in the 1960s in UK and totally new to the mileage frenzy Indians.
Siddharth Lal With The New Continental GT 
The Continental GT is brought to life a 535 cc Unit Construction Engine (UCE) that churns out a power of 29.1 bhp and a peak torque of 44 Nm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox. 


The New Continental GT
The hardcore biker are going to love the naked double tube cradle chassis embracing the engine complete with a front telescopic 41 mm forks, with a travel of up to 110 mm, and rear twin gas-charged shockers, with 80 mm travel, from Paioli. The chassis has been developed by the legendary Harris Performance from UK. 

The single seat body only adds a bit more rebellious character to the bike reminiscent of the 60s era and side view mirrors by the handle gives it an elegant retro touch to the look of the bike.
Continental GT Three Quarters
So only time will tell if this newest thumper will be success or a dud for Royal Enfield but one thing is for sure this bike has brought up a whole new revolution in the Indian motorcycle industry.


Sunday 24 November 2013

Honda Vezel make its debut in 2013 Tokyo Motor Show

Crossovers and Compact Crossover are the segments that Honda hadn't fully ventured in but that is uptill now, Honda Vezel is the newest entry to the most trending segment in the automotive industry 'Compact Crossover'.
Honda Vezel Three Quarters
The all new Vezel made its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show 2013 is based on the platform which is shared by Jazz and City and is more of a crossover with a feel of driving a hatchback and a body of a SUV.

As per the new trend of automobile companies like the Hyundai's and Volkswagen's Honda too is bringing in the similar design policy to its and so the Vezel borrows its cues from the other Honda models like Jazz, City, CR-V. The design consists of double lines embracing the whole body, one starting headlamps and other from the taillamps which in my opinion muddies up the flow the car. Same philosophy is adapted on the front end too with too many edges cluttering up the fascia with the three-part grille, the angular headlights and the bumper ridges shrieking for a bit of attention.
Honda Vezel's Rear End
 The door handles of the rear door has been located on the rear side pillar so that handles doesn't mess up with the lines of the car. The rear end is edgy like the front end with sharp tail light clustering and the strong character lines making the rear end apparently look more attractive than the front end.
Interior of Honda Vezel Pic: Paultan.org
The interior perhaps is the thing to watch for in a Honda car with practicality triumphing over flashy design and so everything from the switches, buttons to the infotainment screen looks properly placed and made only to be practical for the driver and the passengers.
Honda's New VTEC Turbo Engine
But the Japanese car makers is known more for their highly efficient engines rather than their design philosophy, with the announcement of new range of Turbo VTEC engines which they claim will make the award winning Ecoboost range of engines from Ford bite the dust will be boasted in the new Vezel.

There's no confirmation from the Honda as to when they are going to launch the vehicle in India but given the steep rise of sales in the compact crossover segment in India leaded by Renault Duster and Ford Ecosport, the Honda will be smacking their lips to bring what is perhaps the tailor made car for Indian market.

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