Yearly Archives: 2012

Mr. Viren Popli, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Market Development at the unveiling of the Mahindra Rodeo RZ

Mahindra’s premium scooter offering, the Rodeo gets a new engine, new features and a new name – the Rodeo RZ. The feature laden scooter from Mahindra shares the powerplant with the Duro 125 DZ we reviewed towards the end of last year. The Dual Curve Ignition System in the 125cc engine helps the Rodeo RZ deliver a ARAI mileage of 59.38 kpml while laying down a peak power of 6 kW @ 7000 rpm and maximum torque of 9 Nm @ 5500 rpm.

Mahindra Rodeo RZ unveiled 03

Mahindra is calling its 125cc engine the Z Series engine.

Ground clearance has been raised to 154mm from the previous 130mm and inevitably the seat height has also increased to 780mm from 760mm.

Mahindra Rodeo RZ unveiled 04Mahindra Rodeo RZ unveiled 05

A number of design tweaks are obvious in the contours of the headlamp and the ornament between the headlamp and the number plate. The various other features on the Rodeo are retained. We are just back from test riding the Rodeo RZ in Mumbai, do come back for our review of the new Rodeo RZ.

New colours available include Mystique Violet, Electric Green and Flame Orange. No prices have been announced as yet, expect the launch to happen soon.

Mahindra Rodeo RZ unveiled in Flame Orange and Electric Green colours

Audi Q3

Audi India launched the Q3 in India in two variants, the Base Grade Audi Q3 priced at Rs 26,21,000 onwards (Ex-showroom Maharashtra) and the High Grade Q3 at Rs 31,49,000 onwards. the High Grade variant gets the Audi sound system and Driver information system with colour display over the features available on the Base Grade variant.

“The Audi Q3 is a sporty, efficient and versatile urban vehicle. Every aspect of the Audi Q3 showcases Audi technology – the body, the drivetrain, the chassis and the assistance and multimedia systems and of course it has ‘quattro’. In fact, it is the ‘only’ compact SUV in its segment that offers quattro. These qualities make it an apt choice for the younger customer. The Audi Q3 positioning of “start young” clearly defines the category and segment that we are targeting. It is a car that inducts you into the Q life; a life of excitement, glamour and glitz. Going by the initial excitement that the Audi Q3 has raked up it is clear that it is not only the high-flying jetsetters who are driving in the Audi luxury but it is also a hot favourite with the young go-getters that want a slice of the Q life”, said Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India.

With the Q7 and Q5 becoming one of those automobiles you can flaunt your social status in, Audi India is projecting the Q3 as an aspirational vehicle for ‘Young’ India.

Audi Q3

Audi S4 Coming To India 01

After the first glimpse during the Audi Driving Experience where Karun Chandhok drove it on the tracks of the Buddh International Circuit, Audi launched the campaign asking its Facebook fans to lay their stamp of approval on the S4 for India. ‘Vote for S4’ has finally brought us the Audi S4, at a price of Rs. 45,31,000 ex showroom.

The Audi S4 for India will be powered by the V6 3.0 TFSI engine that develops 333 hp and propels the S4 to 100 km in 5.0 seconds. Fuel consumption is claimed to be 10.34 km/l as per ARAI and the top speed is of course limited to 250 kph.

For a detailed look at the Audi S4, check out our design feature on the Audi S4 here.

“With impressive sales growth in the first five months of this year and the launch of the Audi TT, new Audi A4 and now Audi S4, 2012 is proving to be an exciting time for us. From the introduction of innovative products and services to customer initiatives, we are making great strides in our endeavor towards customer delight. We are continuously reviewing our plans vis-à-vis market trends and changing customer preferences in order to satisfy the growing demand for luxury cars in the country. After the introduction of the new Audi A4 we saw a lot of Audi ‘fans’ requesting for the Audi S4, and we responded to this demand. The new Audi S4 joins the successful league of our sedans and we are confident that it will also script a success story similar to its predecessors”, said Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India.

“We have been receiving requests for the new Audi S4 from car enthusiasts all over the country eversince it was first seen at the Audi Driving Experience where Indian motorsport ace and Audi S4 owner, Karun Chandhok drove it on the tracks of the Buddh International Circuit. We decided to utilize the power of our huge fan base to gauge customer sentiments for this. We started the ‘Vote for S4’ campaign on various social media platforms and the outcome was overwhelming as thousands of fans participated on a daily basis and unanimously voted to bring the S4 to India”, added Mr. Perschke.

Road To London For Sic 01

Marco Simoncelli was probably the most loved rider on the MotoGP grid. Members of the Vespa Club di Morciano di Romagna will ride from Romagna to England on 14 vintage Vespas in a journey dedicated to the memory of Simoncelli. Proceeds from the “Road To London for Sic,” will go to the Marco Simoncelli Foundation. The riders will carry a replica helmet donated by Paolo Simoncelli and signed by Drudi Performance designer Davide Degli Innocenti to be handed over to Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta upon arrival.

Road To London For Sic : Aldo Drudi designed sweatshirt for auction

The helmet, a portrait of ‘Sic’ and a sweatshirt designed by Simoncelli family friend Aldo Drudi will also be auctioned off. A part of the money raised will be used to aid the disadvantaged via the Marco Simoncelli Foundation’s various projects. The adventure will last a week, taking the historic Vespas 1958km over six different stages, spreading the message of the Foundation established in honour and in memory of the late Marco.

The “Road To London for Sic” will start from Vespa Club HQ, Bar Joe in Morciano di Romagna, on June 8th. The stages of the journey include Morciano di Romagna, Coriano, Merano Fussen, Augsburg, Francoforte, Nurburg, Maastricht, Bruxelles, London and finally Silverstone.

“MotoGP without Sic is like coming to Romagna and not eating a piadina!”– said a member of the Vespa Club di Morciano di Romagna – “We shall honour in a simple fashion the name of one of the most genuine Romagna representatives of all time. We don’t know what the journey will be like yet, but I am sure that we will scream ‘THIS IS AMAZING!” once we arrive at our destination. We are honoured and proud to be organising this intiative and spreading the word about the foundation and its charity efforts to an international audience in Marco’s name.”

Limited Edition Toyota Altis Aero

10 Years in India is reason enough for any manufacturer to introduce a limited edition. The Toyota Corolla Altis Aero limited edition comes in two exclusive colours Silver Mica Metallic and Black Mica and is based on the J variant of the Altis petrol.

The Aero edition gets the Aerodynamic Front Bumper Spoiler, Aerodynamic Rear Bumper, Lip Spoiler with LED, Smoked lamps up front and at the rear, in addition to the dual tone seats with Aero Logo and exclusive ‘Aero Emblem’. The exhaust tip is chromed, and on offer are the 7 spoke alloys.

Mr. Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director – Marketing, TKM, said “We are delighted to announce the launch of the all new Corolla Altis Aero, on the occasion of, the completion of ten successful years, in India. Corolla Altis has become a very popular brand and has catered to happy and satisfied customers through the years. This is a limited edition that will provide exclusivity and newness to our customers. Its aerodynamic design and new features lends it a sporty appearance. It is a perfect combination of attractive design and powerful functioning. Corolla Altis Aero is being introduced in petrol variant only. Based on the demand we will introduce the diesel variant as well. 500 exclusive units of the Corolla Altis Aero will be on sale till Sept 2012. The vehicles are on display at our dealerships from today. The all new Corolla Altis Aero is priced at Rs 11,47,748/- ex-showroom Delhi (petrol variant).”

The engineers at Affalterbach just cannot stop. The quest for higher and higher standards of automotive excellence has now resulted in a faster, more throaty SLS AMG GT, to be available as a coupe and a roadster. Needless to say, both variants look stunning.

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT : Coupe

As you would expect in a ‘GT’ variant, the engine has been worked upon, with maximum output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine now 591 hp, 20 more than the previous variant, while the maximum torque is 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. The SLS AMG GT Gullwing will accelerate to 100 in 3.7 seconds, 0.1 faster than before.

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT Roadster

Mercedes-AMG says the increased output has been achieved “through in-engine dethrottling measures in conjunction with an increase in peak pressure”. When the throttle flap isn’t completely open, it restricts the flow of air in the intake system resulting in resistance and these losses are termed as throttle losses. Dethrottling involves a number of measures to ensure the throttle losses are minimum. These measures working together with the increase in peak pressure has resulted in increased output with minimal loss in fuel efficiency.

Mercedes AMG also says that with new gear change functions and optimised transmission control, the gear changes have become faster. The automatic double-declutching function when shifting down is also more pronounced in the SLS AMG GT. Mercedes AMG also claims that due to an increase in engine torque, in manual mode the shifting is faster, and sounds fantastic too.

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT : AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather

Also now available for all SLS AMG models is a new, highly exclusive optional extra in the form of AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather. This high-quality extra is available in single or two-tone finishes and comprises distinctive upholstery with a diamond design with contrasting stitching. The lavishly finished diamond design features not only on the AMG sports seats, but also on the door centre panels.

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT Interior 03Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT Interior 04

There have been slight changes to the interior otherwise too, including the red 12 o’clock marking on the upper part of the steering wheel.

Now with the introduction of the SLS AMG GT, the number of SLS AMG models is five. The original SLS AMG Coupe, Roadster, the SLS AMG GT3 customer sports racing car, and new SLS AMG GT Roadster and Coupe will be accompanied by the sixth model, expected to follow in 2013 in the form of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL: Mercedes-AMG is planning an exclusive series-production run of the purely electric-driven super sports car.

While autoblog reports that the GT will replace existing SLS AMG variants in the US, Mercedes AMG has said in its press release that the two GT variants will increase the count in the SLS AMG stables to five. We will get back with updates once we have more information from Mercedes AMG on its plan for India.

Jorge Lorenzo won the battle of the home GP boys by beating the Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa while the Tech3 Yamaha of Andrea Dovizioso finished a surprising third ahead of defending World Champion Casey Stoner’s Repsol Honda RC213V.  Lorenzo’s factory Yamaha teammate Ben Spies started well only to get involved in an incident that saw him drop to the end of the field before he recovered to a top 10 finish.  The second Tech3 Yamaha M1 rider Cal Crutchlow maintained his superb form this season by finishing in fifth position, which incidentally is his lowest thus far this season.  This year comparisons were drawn between Crutchlow’s style and Casey Stoner’s style (it must be said that these discussions were initiated by Crutchlow himself once Casey Stoner announced his retirement) but Stoner has been very firm in denying any similarities.  It is interesting that Crutchlow at one point said his style of riding came closest to Lorenzo’s.  If you put these two statements of his together it is obvious that Crutchlow is trying to find a seat either at the factory Yamaha team or at the factory Honda team which the Repsol Honda is.  The Englishman is playing the opportunist, but no one can blame him for he has shown great form on satellite spec machinery.  There are many who doubt if he is factory team material though.

Casey Stoner attributed his fourth place showing to issues of rear wheel chatter as well as wrong choice of tyre which happened to be the harder compound Bridgestone.  At the end of qualifying Stoner scathingly said of his opponents that he did not see any point in running with a soft compound tyre just to get a good one lap time when the heat of Barcelona meant that the tyres would degrade very fast during the distance of the race.  However, it rained on the morning of the race, and those who chose the softer compound Bridgestone fared better than Stoner.  Technical analysis also seems to point that the Yamaha motorcycles are kinder on their tyres making it possible to use the soft compound tyre over race distance whereas the aggressive Honda is perhaps unsuited to the soft compound tyre but does not use the hard compound very well either.  That seems to be the reason for the chatter that Stoner has been consistently complaining about.

Alvaro Bautista is doing his best to stake a claim for a factory seat when the musical chairs will begin in a couple of weeks’ time with all leading riders out of a ride for the next year.  Bautista on the prototype Gresini Honda managed to overtake a fighting Valentino Rossi whose Ducati had destroyed the rear tyre and was snaking around due to lack of traction and Bautista seized this opportunity to overtake Rossi towards the end and clinch sixth place.  Despite this set back Valentino Rossi pronounced himself happy for the moment since this was the best that the Ducati had been ever since he joined the team.  However, he did warn the team that 7th place was not something that either he or the team should be happy about and wanted further developments and fast ones at that to close the gap to the leading Hondas and Yamahas.  At the Mugello test Rossi had tried an aluminium swing arm and pronounced that to be better than the carbon fibre one  but when he actually used it on Friday at the Montmelo circuit he found that it was not as good as the carbon fibre one and hence used the the latter for both qualifying and the race.

Both Rossi and his teammate Nicky Hayden complained that the electronics settings that they found useful at Mugello actually took them backwards with the engine not being responsive enough at low revs. They also talked of the continued under steer problem and Rossi in fact said that one of the reasons why his rear tyre degraded was because he was trying to counter the under-steer with rear wheel steering. Hayden also complained of numbness in his right arm due to the demands of heavy braking and this led to his coming home only in ninth place despite having qualified better than Rossi.  Stefan Bradl split the two factory Ducatis with an eighth place.  Bradl while not doing too badly for a rookie, will still be concerned that Bautista is finishing better than him since there has been some talk that Bradl could possibly replace the departing Casey Stoner next year in the Repsol Honda team.  Whatever the truth behind those claims it is not going to hurt Bradl’s cause if he were to beat Bautista consistently in the races, especially if the talk that Bradl is virtually riding a factory spec Honda which was meant for the late Marco Simoncelli.

The underperforming Ben Spies who dragged himself home in tenth place is finding himself  under more and more pressure from Yamaha to perform or perish, though this thing is not being openly said, at least not yet.  Ben Spies’ lack of decent results, eighth being his best thus far, contrasts with the results of Lorenzo who has won three races so far and is leading the championship.  The likes of Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow has made their intentions clear that they are looking to replace him in the factory Yamaha team.  The honour of being the best CRT performer of the day went to Aleix Espargaro who managed to beat back the challenge of teammate Randy De Puniet as well as that of Michele Pirro on the Gresini CRT Honda which uses an FTR frame.  The CRTs are becoming a cause for concern since after five races there is nothing to show that they are closing the gap to the prototypes, especially the Avintia and the Ioda racing machines.

The Repsol Honda Team put on a strong performance in Qualifying today for the 2012 MotoGP Grand Prix of Catalunya and if not for Dani Pedrosa braking late in turn 10 and going off track during his hot lap, we might have a seen a Honda 1-2 on the grid tomorrow.

“It was a difficult qualifying session because I spent a major part of the hour testing the used soft tyres and I was down in the classification. But I was not worried because I knew that I had two new soft tyres for the end of the practice. When we put the first one on, I immediately improved my lap times and I jumped to second place then on my final flying lap I braked too late, I had a big shake on the bike and I ran wide. From this side it’s a pity because I missed my chance at pole position or, at least, the front row of the grid.” said Dani Pedrosa, who will start fifth on grid tomorrow.

Casey Stoner Repsol Honda Team 2012 MotoGP Grand Prix Of Catalunya Qualifying 01

Casey Stoner, who dominated today’s qualifying session, was his usual best. “We were in and out a lot during the session trying a few different things, hoping to reduce the chatter which is still proving to be a problem, as soon as I touch the throttle the bike starts to chatter in the rear and it’s making things very difficult. Towards the end of the session we managed to improve it slightly but I think we need to make another step before the race. Tomorrow, for sure tyre degradation is going to play a role so we’re going to have to wait and see but I’m happy to start from pole”. he said after today’s qualifying session.

Lorenzo who finished third, was also not entirely happy with his Yamaha. “I almost crashed in T3 on my first hot lap on the bumps so second place is good for tomorrow. We still need a little good feeling on the front; we are struggling on some corners so we need to improve the feeling or it’s going to be difficult in the race. We would have liked to be on pole, but we are happy with the position.” he said.

Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha Factory Racing 2012 MotoGP Grand Prix Of Catalunya Qualifying 01

Team mate Ben Spies was finally back in a fighting position, landing 4th on the grid. Spees though, seems to be entirely happy with his bike. “I’m a little frustrated as I lost a couple of tenths on one of the splits which would have put me on the front row. I think I had almost too much grip through T1 and T2 with the soft tyre! The bike is working really well, the team’s worked hard to deliver a good set up so I’m confident we can run a competitive pace and stay with it tomorrow. It’s going to be a tough race and I’m hoping the rain stays off!”

Cal Crutchlow’s provided the excitement for the afternoon, moving up and down the grid with no time waster. Crtuchlow did lead the timesheets with just over 10 minutes left on the clock when he posted a time of 1.41.922, but the onslaught began when the others started posting faster times on soft tyres. With just over two minutes remaining, he posted another hot lap and will start third on grid tomorrow, just as he did in Estoril.

Leaving no doubts about the capability of the Yamaha YZR-M1, Dovizioso moved to the top of the table with a time 1.41.931 for a while. He finished the qualifying session with a time of 1.41.687 and will start from sixth on the grid.

Nicky Hayden, Stefan Bradl, Valentino Rossi, Alvaro Bautista complete the top ten.

Randy de Puniet riding the ART machine for Power Electronics Aspar was the fastest CRT on track and will start 13th on grid tomorrow. Colin Edwards, who missed out on the LeMans race after the crash at Estoril will start behind Randy de Puniet.

Porsche Leipzig Plant Expansion 01

As Porsche’s Strategy 2018 progresses steadily, Porsche has been working on expanding the Leipzig production plant over the last seven months. Porsche says the expansion is primarily to accommodate the production lines for the Porsche Macan. Porsche also says this will create 1000 new jobs.

Porsche has named its baby Cayenne the Macan, the Indonesian word for tiger hinting at suppleness, power, fascination and dynamics, which are all characteristics of the car says Porsche. The Macan will be smaller than the Cayenne and will be based on the Audi Q5 chassis with changes to make it more Porsche.

The SUV will start coming off the production lines in Leipzig in 2013.

This expansion is the biggest building project in the history of Porsche, which is investing a total of 500 million euro in the construction of a body assembly line and a paint shop.

Mercedes Benz B Class Spy Spotted Testing Ahmednagar India 01

The B-Class has a Five star Euro NCAP for Occupant Protection. New engines include the series M270 petrol engines with displacement of 1.6 and 2.0 litres and the downsized new 1.8 L OM651/D18 diesel engine. Transmission is either a new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission or the new manual transmission codenamed F-SG 310. ECO start/stop function will be standard on all models.

Mercedes Benz B Class Spy Spotted Testing Ahmednagar India 03Mercedes Benz B Class Spy Spotted Testing Ahmednagar India 04

The B-class will be built on the new front-wheel drive (MFA) platform.

These spy pics were caught by Autocar India reader Vishwajeet Sawant.

ACI also reports that the Mercedes-Benz B-Class may be priced at Rs. 18 Lakhs, making it the most affordable Mercedes-Benz in India.

Source: Autocar India

Mercedes Benz B Class Spy Spotted Testing Ahmednagar India 02