Sub four-metre sedan, a beauty or a blob in the eye?

Beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder, well they are lying. There are things that are truly beautiful and there are certain things are sadly not. Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus) is gorgeous, Majid station is not. Salma Hayak is beautiful, Uma Thurman is not. Now imagine full fledged sedans like Fiat Linea, Volkswagen Polo, Nissan Sunny, with no hindrances in design factor, everything proportional to the "T". On the other hand take sub-four metre sedans, a first glimpse and you cant resist twitching an eye, you cant help but wonder if something is wrong with this model.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Sub-four metre caught the trend due the stringent government's excise duty policy, forcing automobile gods to produce models of car that are anything but beautiful. Compare it with these scenarios: Railways suddenly decides to beautify the Masjid station like Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus with elaborate pillars, tinted glass roofs, gargoyles on roof tops. Or picture this Salma Hayek suddenly decides to have a breast reduction surgery, what would be your reaction, a big smear of absurdity and uncertainty would emerge on your face. So these scenarios prove a point that some things are beautiful and some things just aren't.

We know that a car's beauty is often defined by its curve and lines but the most simple yet complex matter it should retain its proportion. The only thing that I am good in designing is a hyphen and that too with a ruler, but I can even clearly predict the horrendousness that will be in store if someone tries to replicate the erogenous curves of an XK120 in the silhouette of an Ambassador.

Yeah I know India isn't well known in automobile industry for its design styling but rather known for its "Jugaadu" style of manufacturing cars and sub-four metre sedans fit this bracket perfectly. The problem with with the four metre sedans isn't the lack of beauty though. The problem is they are an embodiment of messed up priorities, and stifled innovations. India should be innovating cars with better fuel efficiency, better safety standards, rather than trying to include every nature of vehicular body into four metre bracket, be it be a SUV, MPV or a sedan for excise benefit.

In my opinion excise benefits should be imparted on car having six airbags, traction control, ESB, ABS, etc. A car should be benefited of its excise duty which gives more miles to the gallon, and if they are longer than four metre then I assure you we will survive.

As of now four metre sedans are scorching the sales chart but let me conclude its taking us, quite literally, nowhere.

The demise of Hindustan Ambassador

An end of an era for in Indian automotive industry with Hindustan Ambassador (My respect for Amby can only be shown in bold lettering) finally being relegated to history. The Amby will no longer roll out of depreciated production lines in Uttarpara and Gurgaon respectively. But the eternal question remains, has it left a void? Apart from few people bursting of emotions we think it existed far too long to be missed.

One of the early ads of Amby Source: Team-BHP

Often fondly referred as "The Grand Old Lady Of Indian Roads", Amby in the later part of its presence was only sold for its legacies and chequered history rather than its outdated styling, old technical artillery and safety standards reminiscent of Ford Model T. Based on Morris Oxford III in Britain, Amby was put into production in 1958 and was continued till May-2014, has only been re-tweaked with grille, parking lamps and taillight lenses. A major re-modelling was rumoured much like Royal Enfield, Fiat 500, VW Beetle but with the announcement of suspension of production, all those rumours bit the dust.

Yellow Amby Ferrying Passengers

I am a bong, born and brought up in Mumbai, so I was always biased of the cultures of Mumbai against the culture of my native place Kolkata, preferring good ol' wada pav over rasgullas! But I was always envious of one thing or rather trend that Kolkata had and Mumbai didn't, and that's the yellow Amby taxis. Mumbai's black and yellow PAL premier were always cramped of space, difficult to get in and almost made even a normal person claustrophobic, but come to Kolkata and these yellow Ambys were a joy to ride. The sofa like seats on back side making ease of entry for sari clad women, a build quality reminiscent of Russian T-50 tank, going through the potholes it would jutter up the bones of the passenger but its body and chassis would emerge without even a scratch.

Having seen people treating the Amby as a status symbol and later as a family member and I have also seen being no less than a God, with taxi drivers offering food and sweets to their Amby before taking a morsel of food for themselves, Amby is no less than a heritage, a culture to be cherished in the coming times, but with outdated artillery and diminishing demands, Hindustan Motors should rest this Grand Old Lady to peace.

I have wrote this article as my tribute to Amby rather than a report of it, so send in your comments, any suggestions, advice is welcome.
  

Google unveils its own 'driverless' car, surprises with a live demo too!

We always classify people into two types, one that consider cars as mere modes of transport and the other that can’t resist grinning from ear to ear every time an opportunity to sit behind the wheel presents itself. Unfortunately, whichever group you classify yourself into, the reality is that driving in cities has become a chore these days. 

You might even be piloting a Porsche 911 but what’s the fun in being stuck for hours in a traffic congestion that leaves you scratching your head? That’s why, when Google announced that it is working on driverless cars, we were all ears! Though a handful of mainstream automotive manufacturers have tried their hands at driverless cars before, when it comes from the world’s leading tech giant, we better pay attention.

Weeks, months and years passed and all we heard about Google's progress in this project were several instances of mainstream cars fitted with weird equipments being tested, often in locations out of sight of the general public. While we just about started shaking this thing off our brains, Google sprung a surprise last week when it unveiled its own ‘driverless’ car. Yup, that’s right. Not content with making all of us hyper-dependent on its search engine, Google built a car on its own albeit without a steering wheel, an accelerator, a brake pedal and the creature comforts.

Now, stop screaming “What constituted the car then?” and scroll down.

Google's Indigenously Built Driverless Car 

A cute toy-like thing with four wheels, one at each end, is what this car actually is. Visualize our very own Tata Nano, this isn’t far off! It’s just that this Google thing is a whole lot cuter. It has two seats, space to accommodate passengers’ belongings, buttons to start and stop and a screen that shows the route inside. Of course, Google has loaded it with software, complex integrated circuits, a host of sensors and navigation equipment that ensures that this car can drive all by itself. With a restricted top speed of 25 mph, Google claims that the sensors in the car can remove blind spots and ‘see’ objects in all directions as far as two football fields away.

Doesn't that sound better than a human-being behind the wheel that can only ‘see’ ahead but has to rely on mirrors to know what’s behind?

Watch this cool video revealing how awesomely practical this car can be in real life basis.

Will you or one of us be able to buy one? No. Atleast, not now! About a hundred of these prototypes with purpose-built manual controls would be built to primarily be tested by Google’s safety drivers. If that’s successful, a small pilot program would be run in California, the hotspot of technology. And, if the tech develops and evolves as Google hopes it would, we might see a few of these on road. Now, that’s a lot of ‘if’s before we could see one on road for sure.

Chances are, if you aren’t working for Google and if you weren’t one of the lucky few that were part of the live demo last week, you might not stumble upon this car ever, like us! Sigh!!!

This whole thing written by me only, nobody else has the swag to write like this, the ones that doubt can try to write like me but you'll fail as always.

I am celebrating my 1 year since my article got selected for Indian Autos Blog, so please do write in how did you like my blog. your comments will be an encouragement for me.

Ducati bring its Middle Weight contender Monster 821 into naked bike lineup

Naked bikes are often considered raw, aggressive, ugly, hooligans, but the Italians read "Ducati" have managed to bring a certain finesse, beauty to these beasts by introducing 'Monster' range of naked motorcycles, you will be in awe of her curvaceous beauty rather than its beastliness.

Ducati Monster 821 Three-Quarters

Their newest offering Monster 821 promises to be a serious contender in the middle weight category and will bring in some serious sweat to its competitors like Triumph, MV Augusta, Kawasaki, KTM to name a few.
Monster line-up of naked bikes have always a sweetheart for throttle frenzy bikers, and the new 821 doesn't disappoint with its short ratio gearing and torque similar to a freight train, this bike will never make you bore be it be endless straights or twisty and crisp turns.

New Monster 821

  The Monster 821 gets 8-stage traction control, 3-level ABS and 3 different fuel mapping options, integrated into a riding mode system much like other Dukes. It also gets an adjustable seat height, which is nice, and it weighs in at 179.5 kg (395.7 lbs) dry, so it should feel quite nimble on the go. 
Also unlike the traditional air-cooled engine normally boasted into that beautiful trellis frame, this beaut comes with a relatively new oil-cooled engine owing to the stricter emission norms being floated in numerous countries.

Back Three-Quarters Monster 821

This bike is placed between entry level 696 version and the big bad boy 1200 version so one can assume the days of 796 version to be numbered.

You can get this sexy beast in red or white with a red trellis frame or their is a dark black version. Make mine the black!

Do write in your comments, how do you like my blog, your comments is going built up my confidence to carry forward my passion.

Toyota's unorthodox Atkinson cycle engine gives 78mpg

While the car giants are trying to find innovative ways to improve efficiency from the conventional Otto cycle engine, Toyota's engineers have showed their ingeniousness with finding the holy grail in automobile industry by improving efficiency by a whooping 37 percent improvement over current vehicles.

Instead tweaking the same old Otto cycle engine, Toyota have re-engineered the Atkinson cycle engine and were successful churning out a mind boggling 78mpg.

Toyota has announced the development of these hyper fuel efficient engine in the avatar of three cylinder 1 litre and four cylinder 1.3 litre, the smallest one will be boasted into Toyota Aygo delivering 70mpg (US).

Toyota's VVT-IE engine

Atkinson cycle engine are famous for their incapability in low and mid range torque but Toyota has claimed to have addressed these issues. In order to improve the thermal efficiency, the Atkinson cycle engine have been lavished with numerous innovations including a re-shaped intake port, increased compression ratio (11.5 : 1), idling-stop, Variable Valve Timing Intelligent Electric (VVT-IE), and a cooled exhaust gas circulation system.

Cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation System (Highlighted in the image)

The end result is a maximum thermal efficiency of 37 percent and a fuel efficiency improvement of "approximately 30 percent over current vehicles" – that's the difference between 60 mpg (US) and 78 mpg (US) and it's an astonishing improvement.

Toyota Aygo owners prize the car for its performance at the petrol pump, not the traffic light Grand Prix, and the Aygo is largely purchased for use in tight, congested, urban roads. The appeal of the Aygo and the other compact Toyota vehicles which will use the unit will be greatly increased.

Toyota Aygo 2014 (source: Autoevolution.com)

The Japanese manufacturer plans to introduce 14 variations of the 1.0-liter three-cylinder and its 1.3-liter four-cylinder bigger brother by 2015.

Newly revealed Ecotec engines to be boasted in next gen Chevrolet Cruze

So following the new trend of engine downsizing, GM has flaunted their engineering capabilities with revealing of the new range of Ecotec engines.

New Range of Ecotec Engines

Following into the steps of automotive giants like Volkswagen and Ford, engine downsizing certainly seems to be the answer to the dipping sales of cars and GM claims to have made the engines only better than their arch rivals.
GM claims that the Ecotec engines to be quieter than the engines currently available in the market. GM compares their 1.4-liter Ecotec engine with VW and Ford saying that noise intensity is up to 50-percent quieter than Volkswagen’s EA211 1.4L four-cylinder TSI (seen on the Jetta TSI and Octavia TSI in India) and up to 25-percent quieter than Ford’s 1.0L turbo three-cylinder (seen on the EcoSport in India).

Opel Adam

This new range of engines will first show its glimpses on the new Opel Adam, later on this range will be boasted on 27 models of GM by 2017. 

Current Generation Chevrolet Cruze

Production of Ecotec engines will take place in five global locations, however, India is not listed to make these engines.

GM has announced that the next generation Cruze, specifically tailor-made for China, will be launched by the end of this year. For the Chinese Cruze, power will come from a 1.4-liter turbo-petrol engine producing 148 hp and 235 Nm of torque, or a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine producing 113 hp and 146 Nm of torque. The 1.4-liter motor will use an all-new dual-clutch gearbox.

The next gen Cruze may be introduced in India early next year but reports are still yet to be confirmed but possibilities are that the model being introduced will have similar or same features as that of Chinese.

Stand back, everyone: it's the new Koenigsegg Agera One:1

Agera One: 1 Three Quarters

A few weeks back, Koenigsegg released a very short statement. "What if we were to produce something that is clearly above the hyper car category... what would you call that class?"

Well, we'd call that class bloody terrifying. Now we learn just what form that terror will take, because Koenigsegg has released more details and pictures of the car that will sit above the already really hyper Agera R.

It shall be called the Agera 'One:1'. And the Agera One:1 will not only be the most powerful Koenigsegg ever built, but possibly the fastest car ever built, full stop. The Swedes are claiming a potential top speed of more than 440kph, which would make it the fastest production car in the world, ahead of the Bugatti Veyron Supersport's piffling 434.3kph and, of course, the recent challenger to the crown, Hennessey's Venom GT which recorded 435.31kph just last week. 

Agera One: 1 Top View

Koenigsegg claims “high power and high rpm capability in combination with strong tyres and active aero” will allow it to hit that top speed. And the car will produce 1340bhp and weigh in at just 1340kg. Hence the name: one horsepower for every kilogram. Yowch. 

Koenigsegg have also confirmed that that power comes from an uprated version of the twin-turbocharged 5.0-litre V8 we saw in the Agera R; a car that produces a not-inconsiderable 1115bhp. With this extra power comes extra stickiness: we're promised 2g of lateral grip, active aero, an active chassis and 600kg of downforce, the same amount the McLaren P1 produces at 257kph.

It'll be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next week. However only six examples will be built, and they've all already been pre-sold. As have all the McLaren P1s. So, it is said, are all 499 LaFerraris. Looks like if you're after insane top speed, you need to get your order in for a Porsche 918 Spyder or Hennessey Venom GT quick...

Agera One: 1 Rear View

The mighty Indian Chief has landed on Indian soil

Well after months of rumours and speculations Indian Motorcycles have finally entered the Indian market. Seeing to the recent trend of premium segment bike manufacturers hoarding off their models in India, Indian Motorcycles could not resist this lip smacking opportunity and after a bit hesitation has brought a fleet of exquisite motorcycles.

Indian Chief Vintage

Now lets clock back to some history of this brand. Indian Motorcycle is an American motorcycle maker that has been manufacturing bikes since 1901. It has changed ownership several times over the course of its history, but in 2011, Indian Motorcycle was acquired by Polaris Industries, a company best known in India for its range of specialised off-road vehicles. In 2013, Indian Motorcycle launched a new line-up of three cruisers, namely the Chief Classic, Chief Vintage and Chieftain, and these are the models that have been launched in India too.

Indian Chief Classic

The three bikes will be brought into India as CBUs or completely built units (and are hence subject to full duty) and are built around Indian’s new Thunder Stroke 111 engine. The ‘111’ here refers to the engine capacity in cubic inches, which equates to 1,811cc. It’s an air-cooled and fuel-injected engine that produces 14.1kgm at 2,600rpm. New engine apart, the new Indians look very much like the Indians of the past. There’s lots of chrome, studded seats and the traditional flowing rear fender. However, the three bikes do differ slightly on styling and equipment.

Indian Chieftain

The Indian Chief Classic that has been priced at Rs 26.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) comes with ABS, cruise control and keyless start as standard. The Indian Chief Vintage (Rs 29.5 lakh) sees the addition of leather saddle bags and a quick-release windshield. Priced at Rs 33 lakh, the range-topping Chieftain is identifiable by its curvaceous fairing and hard saddle bags. This model also gets tyre-pressure monitoring and even 100W speakers that can stream music from a smartphone! 

Motorcycle customisation will also be introduced in India in a phased manner. Indian Motorcycle is not very ambitious about sales in India and unlike its traditional rival Harley-Davidson, the manufacturer has no plans to venture into the smaller segments or local manufacture.

Spied and Rendered – Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL

Rendered: Kawasaki Ninja 250SL

Recent spyshots have emerged on the internet hinting that Kawasaki could introduce a new baby sportsbike. The new single-cylinder Kawasaki motorcycle has been caught nearly uncamouflaged in Indonesia, and based on those images, Moto Blast has rendered the bike.

The rendering shows a well proportioned, fully-faired sportsbike featuring a single headlight unit. If you compare this with the spyshot attached below, the rendering seems pretty accurate.

While details on the new Ninja are unknown, Moto Blast thinks it would be called the Ninja 250 SL. The single-cylinder bike would sport features such as front and rear disc brake and a fully digital instrument console.

The year 2013 saw a product offensive from Kawasaki as the brand launched 5 motorcycles in India. The Ninja 300, ZX-10R, ZX-14R, Z1000 and Ninja 1000 were introduced in India last year.

New Spied Kawasaki 250 SL

Further, company officials announced that a new product could be launched which we think would Z800. And apart from the above mentioned bikes, reports have also indicated that the Versys 1000 and ER-6n would be brought into the country by the middle of this year.


So what are your expression from the new Kawasaki Ninja 250SL?

Image Source: Motoblast.com

Finally Lamborghini sheds light on its new raging bull 'Huracán'

Lamborghini after all the hype and hoopla has revealed the successor of its best selling model Gallardo, the mighty Huracán.

Huracán Front Three-Quarters

Keeping up with the tradition Lamborghini named its car 'Huracán' after a bull that fought in Alicante in 1879. With its triple meaning of storm, Mayan god, and raging bull, this might be the coolest car name ever.

Initial specs do make this car the worthy successor of 'Gallardo' which has probably raked up half of the sales for Lamborghini since 1963!

Huracán Rear End

Power is sourced from the same 5.2-liter V10 engine as the Gallardo’s. However, thanks to the IDS (Iniezione Diretta Stratifica), Lambo’s way of combining direct and indirect gasoline injections, the Huracán produces 610 hp at 8,250 rpm and 560 Nm of torque. What this means is that the Huracán does 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, and 0-200 km/h in 9.9 seconds. Top speed? In excess of 325 km/h.

Huracán Side View

Lamborghini new found design philosophy making their cars look like jet fighters has been borrowed in Huracán too, with protruding lines making the car look voluptuous, sexy, complimenting the razor sharp headlight and tail light design. The body weight is 1422 kg owing to the new hybrid chassis marrying carbon-fiber and aluminium making the car light and nimble like a trademark Lamborghini would be.

Huracán's Interior

Huracán gets jet fighter feel in the interior too with Start and Stop button getting missile activating toggle switch type theme, the instrument cluster is displayed in a 12.3 inch TFT screen.

The car will make its public debut in Geneva Motor Show 2014 and will be privately showcased to potential customers around 60 cities beginning in January.

So start planning of robbing a bank or marrying a rich girl if you want to get your hands behind this voluptuous beauty's steering wheel!   

'Old Delhi Motorcycle' A film justfied for a legacy like Royal Enfield Bullet

Surfing into the you tube for reviews of bikes and cars, the latest music and the usual mumbo-jumbo I stumbled across this video with you tube telling me "recommended for you", the video titled 'Old Delhi Motorcycles The Film' and the kind of petrol head I am I decided to watch this film only to be left astound, spellbound, speechless 19 mins later making me doubt about my passion for motorcycle is hard enough or these guys have just created a whole new meaning for the word passion.

The film revolves around the people most of whom are mechanics who dedicated their entire lives to repairing and reviving motorcycles and that too for only one that is 'Royal Enfield Bullet'.

The way they see this motorcycle is like as if she is a human being not a piece of metal, like a family member of theirs'. They cherish their talent of making and repairing this motorcycle and pass on this talent to generations ahead as if it is some kind of a treasure.
In this film I was moved by a guy's words which I quote "Being a mechanic here is like a 'stigma' people want their kids to be a engineer or a doctor nobody wants to be a mechanic" which I agree as we Indians see mechanic as a profession people are compelled to do due to the poor conditions, well this film will certainly make a Indian look into a mechanic in a different light from now on.

Royal Enfield Bullet

Their dedication for this motorcycle which I can only respect with only bold lettering and a couple of apostrophes make me sound puny to them. Hats-off to these mechanics for making Bullet the name more popular and stronger than the brand it represents.

So if you are a thumping fanatic then watch this film for sure as it will make you respect a mechanic and the 'Royal Enfield Bullet' even more, the only motorcycle which if you own you can proudly say "Bhaisahab ye average nahi deti !"    

Rejoice! It’s the all-new ‘Stang with right-hand drive and a big V8

So all these rumors and rendering were finally brought to rest today with the launch of the new pony from the stable of Ford.

2015 Ford Mustang Front Quarters

So what is new in this 10th gen model that created such a fuss?

The model is expected to be launched on what will be its 50th birthday. Ford has sold more than nine million of them to date, so expect this new one to see the Mustang over the 10m mark some time around 2016.

Has it still got the stang left in it?

The model design is more evolutionary with the tweaking of the old orthodox styling into more feminine slender one, more European design language influenced. The result is some may like some may hate it but it still has the persona of prancing mustang left in it with long bonnet and the rearward fastback feel. 
The MkX, built on the latest Ford S550 platform, is a completely fresh rethink of the classic. There's less than two per cent carry over in componentry from the current model.

2015 Ford Mustang Rear Quarters

The signature body designs are still evident are the shark bite grille, bluff front end, power dome on the bonnet, triple rear taillights, etc. The overall design of the car highlights its length and lack of rake plus the fact that it is 38mm lower and 40mm wider. The window area is narrower, the A-pillar slightly (30mm) more rearward.

Is the chassis still stoneage?

For the first time the mustang is going to jewel itself with an independent rear suspension making it the most agile and nimble pony ever. The rear setup is joined by an all-new front perimeter subframe, and double-ball-joint MacPherson struts.

So will all mustangs be growling with mammoth V8s ?

Well the answer is sadly no, the car is going to be on sale with three engine options. The V6 version will beefier and throaty 300 bhp and 365 Nm of torque than the current one and just for US the V8 version will a 5 litre one churning out 420 bhp of pure muscle power. The stang will also be boasted with  2.3-litre version of the twin-scroll turbo EcoBoost motor pumping a little over 305 bhp of power.

A four cylinder Mustang seriously?

The new Mustang is made to pull in European as well as Asian customers and this four cylinder Ecoboost engine is just apt for Ford to broaden its reach on more potential buyers and this mustang is engineered to start from either right or left side steering.

Interior of Ford Mustang

Inside, Ford has bedazzled the muscle car with their SYNC multimedia system, MyKey keyless start and Blind Spot warning system.

So the new stang is bound to get many sighs and boos the same time, the verdict will reach following its launch in 2015 or 2016.

Source: Indian Autos Blog

Kawasaki Z800 rumored to be launched in India soon

 Some of the bike fanatics claim this bike to be Undisputed Middle Weight Champ in the naked motorcycle segment, what I claim is that she's the porn star of the naked motorcycle segment with naughty raunchy styling bearing a fearless attitude, lines and edges so sharp and aggressive that you could slit your fingers while caressing its body.

The design theme so bold that its nearest contender seems a generation older, it can give Italian motorcycle makers a complex with their bikes as they are known for present the best designed for some time now.
Kawasaki Z800 is the newest bike offering from the Japanese manufacturers Kawasaki to bear the iconic 'Z' tag which has been into existence for well over 40 years now is finally going to make its presence felt in India.

Side View of Kawasaki Z800

 The bike originally styled for the European market is rumored to be in India as finally the bike giant are the potential that is there in the Indian market with the Emerging Markets Automotive Advisors (EMMAAA) has forecasting a growth of a whopping 532 percent from its 2012 levels for the Indian big bike market.

Kawasaki earlier this year had launched their ZX-10R superbike and the behemoth Ninja ZX-14R and so they might introduce their naked bike segment as well. The bike may be introduced in Indian market anttime now with a rumored date of early 2014.

Kawasaki Z800 on the run

The pricing is still a mystery but if 'Completely Built Unit' (CBU) are up for circulation then the bike wont be cheap to get into one's hands.

Here's a video describing the details of bike exhaustively.

Source : Autoevolution

Renault Duster with a swanky new facelift, is more duster than ever

Recently there were some leaked images of newly refurbished Renault Duster emerging out in the internet raising the rumors that could this be the new avatar of the robust SUV. Renault made it official yesterday
with a press release of the new model.

The Renault Duster Facelift is the Dacia version with a different looking grille.

So to put it bluntly the Renault Duster facelift is the Dacia Duster facelift with Renault badges and a different design for its grille.

The front fascia receives a more confident look with double optical headlamp complete with daytime running lights. The other modifications noticeable in the exterior are the overhead rail bars getting the duster logo and the dark metal shade 16" alloy wheel to make look the SUV tag given to be taken more seriously.

The Rear End of the New Duster 

The rear end gets a tit-bit of modification with a 'castellated nameplate trim', chrome exhaust tip and a new reprofiled taillights. To make the character lines of the car more pronounced the body comes paint with 'concrete grey' shade.

Interior of the New Duster

The interiors see a new center console and a new instrument cluster. Renault have also added a few features which are listed below:

1. Cruise control and speed limiter
2. Rear park assist
3. Electronic Stability Control
4. Dual front airbags fitted as standard

On the engine front, Renault haven’t announced the option for the Duster facelift. 

The engineers have worked their bit in the car as well, the press release states 

'Engines mated to the six-speed manual gearbox also benefit from improved acoustics at high speed; the noise level at 130 kph in New Renault Duster is comparable to that at 90 kph on the previous version.'

The duster had set ablaze the Indian market in the 'compact crossover' segment, winning accolades and prizes, lets see if Indians welcome this new avatar of their favorite compact SUV.  

'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

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.