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Fabia Scout, another lackluster performer on the sales chart

This might come as a blow to some of our long time readers. We know you love your Fabia, but it seems Skoda has decided its time to let this aging little car go. The Fabia has been subject to a number of price cuts since 2008 the cumulative total being nearly 40% which has led Skoda to incur losses to the tune of Rs. 1.5 Lakh per car. Skoda India has finally decided to pull the plug on the Fabia in India.

Skoda might put any relaunch plans on hold until their next generation Fabia codenamed SK260 has been launched in the international markets. Skoda is said to be now concentrating on the launch of the next generation Octavia.

“We can re-deploy our resources from the unprofitable Fabia towards brand building for our other products and dealer network expansion” said a company official reports AutoCar India.

Source ACI

Volkswagen Cross Polo 2

Having put plans for production of the affordable Up! hatchback in India on hold, Volkswagen will continue to focus on bringing in variants of existing platforms. The CrossPolo with its rugged looks has been spotted testing by Motoroids and confirms speculation that the launch is on the cards.

The CrossPolo sits 15mm taller than the Polo and has matt black plastic cladding running around the car. Also spotted up front and rear are the aluminium finish scuff plates. VW will try to appeal to India’s fondness for rugged looking cars.

Powertrain options are expected to be the naturally aspirated 1.2L petrol and the 1.2L TSI that powers the Polo GT. The diesel option might be the current 1.2L diesel or the yet to be unveiled EA 189 1.5L diesel powerplant.

Image Credit Motoroids
Volkswagen Cross Polo 1

Mercedes Benz India GL Class Launch 02

Unveiled at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, the new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class was launched internationally towards the end of last year. Mercedes-Benz India decided to bring its A game to the launch with tennis legend Boris Becker launching the new GL-Class in New Delhi. While the GL-Class is internationally available with either a diesel V6, a petrol V8 or the AMG 5.5-litre V8 Biturbo (available in the GL 63 AMG) India will currently receive only the V6 diesel, the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC. This mill is good for 619 Nm of torque @ 1600-2400 rpm and a power 190kW/258 hp @ 3600rpm. Mercedes-Benz India will be importing the first GL-Class SUVs to be sold in India as completely built units. These will be offered as the ‘Launch Edition’ with some premium features. The GL-Class assembly is scheduled to begin in Mercedes-Benz’s Chakan plant by September 2013.

Words: Vineeth Mohan
Photography : Sumeet Kumar Choubey

 

Mercedes Benz GL Class Launch India 01

The S-Class of SUVs is how Mercedes-Benz is marketing the new GL-Class internationally. Easy Entry system to help occupants get into the third row easily, interiors with open pore wood trim are some of the firsts the GL-Class can boast of.

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Mr. Boris Becker, tennis legend and Mercedes-Benz aficionado who was at the launch of the GL-Class said, “The GL-Class is the cornerstone of achievement for anyone across the world. It is a true blue SUV and the ultimate machine for off-roading. My association with Mercedes-Benz goes back to more than two decades. I identify with the values of the Mercedes-Benz brand – fascination, perfection and responsibility. I enjoy going for off-roading with my family I believe that the GL-Class is a perfect companion on those tracks. It is my pleasure to be a part of the launch of this majestic vehicle, here in India.”

 

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Powertrain

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The variant that will be launched in India is the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, powered by a 2987cc engine producing 619Nm of torque @ 1600-2400 rpm and a power 190kW/258hp @ 3600rpm. The GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC offers 14.8% lower fuel consumption than its predecessor. ECO start stop system is standard. Coupled with 7G-TRONIC Plus Automatic transmission 0-100kph is reached in 7.9 seconds and Mercedes-Benz claims a top speed of 220 km/hr.

Pre-Safe, Attention Assist, Crosswind Assist make the GL-Class one of the safest vehicle in its class.

 

Mercedes Benz 3 Litre V6 BlueTEC Diesel Engine

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Launch Edition

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As with the ML-Class, Mercedes-Benz India offers a ‘Launch Edition‘, CBUs with addtional features like AMG body styling comprising front and rear apron painted in body colors, 21-inch AMG 5 twin-spoke light-alloy, aluminium finish running boards with LED illumination and flared wheel arches. Designo Exclusive Package is also on the offer which includes AMG sports seats and rear seats featuring upholstery in designo leather, upper and lower dashboard sections and door beltlines in design leather, heated front seats, design headlining in Dinimica black.

The ‘Launch Edition’ will also have heated seats, and temperature controlled cup holders. This Launch Edition of the GL 350 CDI 4MATIC will be available at INR 77.50 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi and is limited to 100 numbers most of which have been booked already.

The GL-Class assembly is scheduled to begin in Mercedes-Benz’s Chakan plant by September 2013. Expected the locally assembled variant to cost less.

Mercedes-Benz offers more equipment as standard in this generation of new GL models. These include comfort details such as electric sliding sunroof, electrically operated EASY-PACK tailgate, EASY ENTRY system, high-dampening acoustic windscreen or electromechanical steering. Inside, the standard equipment includes a colour screen with photo-realistic display or dashboard finished in ARTICO man-made leather. While we know that EASY ENTRY is available on the India spec GL-models, we are yet to confirm if the rest of the features that are available as standard in the new generation GL-Class models are also standard in India.

Mr. Eberhard Kern, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “2013 is the ‘Year of Offensive’ for Mercedes-Benz India and we are excited to present the all new GL-Class to our valued customers. Exclusivity and dynamism are two of the most enigmatic features of an ultimate SUV and the GL-Class imbibes both these as it established the SUV image of Mercedes-Benz in India with its launch in 2010. We have already succeeded with the new M-Class and now the introduction of the new GL-Class will further strengthen our dominance in the Luxury Large SUV segment. The GL-Class with its proven off-roading prowess and luxurious appointments exudes the Absolute Supremacy statement during on and off-road situations and is ideal to suit the taste of the growing number of off-roading aficionados in India”.

The GL 63 AMG variant is expected to make its way to our shores soon, while there’s no information available on the petrol V8.

 

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Ayrton Senna 1989 Australia GP Honda McLaren

There has been speculation about a possible rebirth of the legendary team that was Honda & McLaren. Honda announced at a press conference on Thursday their decision to participate in the FIA Formula One (F1) World Championship from the 2015 season under a joint project with McLaren.

Honda will be in charge of the development, manufacture and supply of the powertrain, including the new 1.6 litre direct injection turbocharged V6 and energy recovery system (KERS), while McLaren will be in charge of the development and manufacture of the chassis, as well as the management of the new team, McLaren Honda.

From 2014, new F1 regulations require the use of a downsized 1.6 litre direct injection turbocharged V6 engine with energy recovery systems. McLaren will continue their partnership with Mercedes-Benz for the next year, which means the team will run Mercedes’ new engine for just one year.

AutoSport reports that Jenson Button has already expressed his joy about the revival of the hallowed ‘McLaren Honda’ team.

“McLaren Honda: I know how much passion, success and pride are encapsulated within just those two words,” said Button. “That’s why I’m so thrilled and excited about what is not only a fantastic opportunity for the team but also a great development for Formula 1 fans and the sport as a whole. I grew up watching McLaren-Honda Formula 1 cars racing and winning around the world – they wrote their own glorious chapter of F1 history.”

Honda’s decision to re-enter Formula 1 is primarily motivated by the new F1 regulations that require renewed engineering effort by the teams. Honda wants its participation to be a catalyst in encouraging further technological progress in the areas of internal combustion engine efficiency and energy management technologies like hybrid systems. Honda also hopes the new generation of Honda engineers can experience the challenges and the thrills of operating at the pinnacle of motorsport.

Ever since its establishment, Honda has been a company which grows by taking on challenges in racing. Honda has a long history of advancing our technologies and nurturing our people by participating in the world’s most prestigious automobile racing series. The new F1 regulations with their significant environmental focus will inspire even greater development of our own advanced technologies and this is central to our participation in F1.” said Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

“The names of McLaren and Honda are synonymous with success in Formula One, and, for everyone who works for both companies, the weight of our past achievements together lies heavily on our shoulders. But it’s a mark of the ambition and resolve we both share that we want once again to take McLaren Honda to the very pinnacle of Formula One success. Together we have a great legacy – and we’re utterly committed to maintaining it.” said Martin Whitmarsh, CEO of McLaren Group Limited.

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the flagship new S-Class sedan in style at the Airbus 380 delivery centre in Finkenwerder. The new S-Class model range comprises of the S 500, S 400 Hybrid, S 350 BlueTEC and the S 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, all of them available in either the short or the longwheel base variant. This is the first S-Class in which the long wheelbase variants were developed first and the short wheelbase models derived from them, thanks to a number of markets where the S-Class is mostly chauffeur driven. The S-Class also dispenses with electric bulbs and uses only LEDs everywhere. The V8 model (S 500) also gets ROAD SURFACE SCAN technology that uses a stereo camera to detect bumps and sets up the suspension instantaneously to deal with it, another world first.

Design

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The the radiator grille is now larger, upright and more three-dimensional. The S-Class stands elegant with its long bonnet, flowing roof line and gently slanting rear. The ‘Dropping Line’ dominates the side profile and the interplay of convex and concave surfaces makes the side profile interesting. The rear is dominating by horizontal lines that emphasize the width of the car. The tail lamps are new and the level of detail is astounding. Mercedes-Benz says the other signature design feature is the rear windshield cutting into the C-pillar. The rounded corners on the rear windshield as well as the powerful roof line add a coupe touch to the new S-Class.

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Mercedes Benz S Class 2014 slightly sloping rear

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Mercedes Benz S Class 2014 Rear Tail lamp

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All LED illumination; no electric bulbs anywhere

Almost 500 LEDs are used in crafting an S-Class. Headlamps include upto 56 LEDs, tail lights upto 35 LEDs and in the interior more than 300 LEDs are used. The functionality of the LEDs is very impressive. The brake lights dim at night or while standing at traffic signals.

Powertrain

During launch, the S-Class line-up will feature two hybrid versions(S 400 Hybrid, S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID), a petrol model (S 500) and a diesel variant ( S 350 BlueTEC). Mercedes-Benz says the new generation S-Class have upto 20 percent lower fuel consumption than the outgoing model series. Mercedes-Benz also says there is a S 500 Hybrid in the making, which will be the first class to boast of a fuel consumption number less than 4 litres per 100 km.

Suspension

The new S-Class is the world’s first car to be able to detect bumps on the road ahead. The new S-Class has ROAD SURFACE SCAN technology that detects road conditions using a stereo camera and MAGIC BODY CONTROL instantaneously sets up the suspension to deal with the pothole or bump. Mercedes-Benz is offering this only on the flagship eight-cylinder model, the S 500. Standard equipment for the new S-Class includes the continuously operating Adaptive Damping System ADS PLUS and an enhanced version of the full air suspension system AIRMATIC.

Interiors

Mercedes Benz S Class 2014 Interiors Twin TFT screen

There are two high-resolution TFT colour displays in 8:3 format that together form the new information centre in the S-Class. The one on the left performs the functions of the driver’s instrument cluster while the one on the right has controls to the infotainment system.

Addresses can be entered by voice into the navigation system in one go without pausing in between. Mercedes-Benz calls this LINGUATRONIC system. The telephone and audio systems can also be voice-controlled. New feature for this year is the ability to have text messages read out loud.

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How much does the new S-Class pamper occupants? Where does one even start? ENERGIZING massage, is based on the hot stone massage technique and uses 14 separate air cushions that also have an integrated warming function. The electric arms rests are also now heated. There is a choice of five different rear seat variants including an Executive seat with a backrest angle of 43.5 degrees. Active seat ventilation using reversible fans draws cool air from the interiors to reduce the seat temperate for 4 minutes after which it switches back to normal mode where it acts as a blower!

 

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A host of safety features complete the S-Class package. Prices for the new S-Class in Europe are as follows.

Model : Short Wheelbase/Long Wheelbase Price in Euros
S 350 BlueTEC : 79,789.50/85,323.00

S 400 HYBRID : 85,204.00/91,094.50

S 500 : 104,601.00/107,635.50

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Volvo VEA I ART Technology Diesel Engine 01

Volvo has been using Ford engines various models for some time. In a move towards more independence, lesser engine variants, greater flexibility and more influence over quality Volvo has invested in developing and producing its own range of four cylinder petrol and diesel engines. These engines are part of the new Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA) family. These engines have been developed by a Swedish team of engineers and will deliver more performance than current day six cylinders while offering fuel efficiency higher than that of current day four cylinders.

Volvo will stick to four cylinder engines in the near future with turbocharging and electrification to vary the levels of performance offered.

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“This marks a milestone in Volvo Cars’ history. With our new engine family we are focusing on two additional vital properties – driving pleasure and fuel efficiency,” says Derek Crabb, Vice President Powertrain Engineering.

Volvo has invested about two billion Kronor in the Skovde engine plant. Preparations have been on for about two years now. The engine line is flexible and can build all the engine versions.

“One of the biggest challenges was the remodelling of the line for cylinder block processing. 30 machining cells were replaced or converted at a cost of about half a billion kronor,” says Oskar Falk, Vice President Global Engine Production.

VEA will replace nearly eight engine architectures on three different platforms that Volvo has been using. The new engines will be introduced between 2013 and 2015. The first variants will be fitted to the Volvo S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 in autumn 2013. The introduction of the new engine family will also see a new 8 speed automatic transmission.

The VEA engine family boats of world first technologies. The diesel engines will feature the i-ART technology, which enables monitoring the and adapting fuel injection per combustion cycle in each of the four cylinders. The injection pressure will also be higher at 2500 Bar allowing improved fuel efficiency.

Mercedes Benz S Class 2014 02

In a quite dramatic unveiling, Mercedes-Benz flew the new flagship S-Class from Stuttgart to the Airbus A380 delivery centre in Finkenwerder, in an Airbus A300-600 DHL cargo plane.

“Rather than being about safety or aesthetics, power or efficiency, comfort or dynamism, our aspirations were ‘the best or nothing’ in every respect. No other car stands for the Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the S-Class,” said Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The new S-Class features a number of firsts, as is tradition at Mercedes-Benz. ENERGIZING massage seats will relax you with techniques based on the ‘hot stone’ principle. The seats are actively ventilated with what Mercedes calls reversing fans. Each passenger can choose how much car fragrance is required. The front bass system we saw on the A-Class hatchback makes it’s appearance on a Mercedes-Benz sedan for the first time, in the S-Class. Burmester 3D surround system takes care of enhancing your entertainment experience.

The new S-Class also completely dispenses with electric bulbs replacing them with LED technology. For a car in this segment the S-Class can stake its claim to fantastic fuel efficiency courtesy of the new S500 Hybrid.

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Mahindra Verito Vibe

The sub 4m hatchback from Mahindra based on the Logan/Verito, the Verito Vibe has been spotted in Bangalore. IAB reports that the Vibe was in Bangalore for an TVC shoot.

The Vibe is expected to be powered by the same 1.5 litre K9K diesel engine.

Mahindra Verito Vibe Rear Taillight

Mahindra Verito Vibe Rear

Mahindra Verito Vibe Front
Source: IAB

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe 02

After the phenomenal success of BMW and Zagato at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este last year, BMW continues to partner with design studios all around the world to continue to bring breathtaking concepts to the world.

This year BMW is collaborating with Pininfarina design team and will present the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé, a new high end luxury coupe. A one off creation, the Gran Lusso Coupe draws from design traits of the Italians as well as the characteristic traits of Teutonic BMW design. A long wheelbase, stretched bonnet, short overhangs and a set-back greenhouse with smoothly sloping roofline are all very BMW, while taut corners and stunning surface design are very Italian.

BMW says the side profile feature ‘convex tapering’ surfaces that add dynamic elegance. While not clearly visible in these teaser images we expect the real deal to offer a better picture.

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe 01BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe 03

Suzuki Inazuma Testing Goa 02

After the Inazuma’s last Indian excursion, when it was caught being ridden by Salman Khan speculations were rife that the Inazuma was after all on its way to India. The Inazuma has again been spotted in India, this time in sunny Goa where it is reported a commercial shoot was on.

This 250cc will go up against other 250s on sale in India. We cannot help but wonder why anybody would spend their dough on a Inazuma when you have actually desirable entry level sportbikes on sale in India.

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Source: GearHeads