Renault of France has started using the industrial waste from its plant at Sandouville to provide heating for the entire manufacturing plant at the same place. The benefits of this recycling are mind boggling. This produces the equivalent of 25,000 MWH of energy per annum while reducing the CO2 emissions by 4,500 tonnes!!! That is environment friendly indeed. Who says the auto manufacturers are irresponsible? Renault please start doing this in India as well instead of giving horrible electric cars like your partner Nissan’s Leaf. Please the Leaf out of Nissan’s product portfolio book and take one from your own efforts at Sandouville. Please.
Some of us here at Riot Engine are big fans of Chris Bangle. We were sad when Bangle left the auto industry and were sadder still when Adrian Van Hoydoonk’s designs hit the BMW showrooms. Gone was the flair and the edge that Bangle’s designs provided. But to be fair to Van Hoydoonk the 6 series convertible and coupe managed to excite our senses, as they did with most people. The new 3 series is also capable of that excitement. Now BMW has announced that the 6 series convertible and coupe will be available with the famed BMW xDrive and the inline six cylinder diesel engine. A good thing has got better. Now the question. When is this coming to India?
Colours play a very important role in our daily lives. Whether it is trivial things like colour of lipstick or nail polish (no we are not sexist), or the colours that are used for painting houses, or the colour of clothes that we wear, colour is an important aspect that we keep talking about but rarely ever stop think about. Ford is working on the importance of colour to keep drivers within the car alert along with passengers. It believes that this can go a long way in promoting safety and has therefore taken up research in providing the right internal ambiance in a car.
According to Mahendra Dissanayake, Technical Director of Ford Design
“Lighting gives you a sense of orientation. It’s a unique combination of functionality and comfort. Lights, graphics and displays are critical to drivers; we need to make sure that information is presented to the customer in an effective way.”
Here are some of the findings of the Ford team.
“Developing the ice blue color available in the ambient, or accent, lighting palette was critical, since it is a shade that can help keep drivers and passengers more alert. This makes it easier for a driver to absorb all the other messages coming from inside the vehicle. The same balance has been used to make sure that the ambient colors available in the Ford Fusion enhance the driving experience. Ford researchers have tested how the lighting affects the vehicle’s interior from the driver’s perspective, checking the textures and materials under a multitude of lighting conditions to make sure that glare and reflection are limited on smooth surfaces and that eye strain would be minimized”.
Hmm, something to reflect on (pun unintended). Lets hope these benefits trickle down to products that Ford offers in India.
Ford is proving to be new media savvy. It has started using new social media networks to disseminate information about its new Mustang car. The new Mustang is to be revealed to the world during the Daytona 500 weekend on the 26th of February. But Ford is teasing its prospective customers with sneak peaks on the Ford Google Plus Hangout first and later on You Tube and the Mustang Facebook page. We think not only Ford but even Google Plus will benefit from this strategy. Talk about synergies between companies.
First it was the Ford Focus and now it is the new Ford Ranger pick up truck that gets a full five star rating for safety in the tests conducted by the independent agency Euro-NCAP. To sell in the markets of Europe a good rating (usually at least four star) is required since there is a growing importance being attached to safety not just of the occupants of a car but also pedestrians as well, in case they are hit by a car. In Europe, all manufacturers worth their salt have been focussing on increasing the rating of their products. Ford claims that its new Ranger is the only pick up truck that managed to get the full five star rating from Euro-NCAP.
This news was confirmed by Euro-NCAP spokesman Michiel van Rantigen
“Our scoring system has been revised to place even greater emphasis on the importance of pedestrian protection. The new Ford Ranger is the only vehicle in its class to achieve the marks we now demand of a five-star safety rated vehicle.”
Stuart Southgate the Director of Ford Automotive Safety added
“The 2012 Euro NCAP crash tests are the safety barometer all new cars will be measured against and for Focus and Ranger to achieve five stars again is a great achievement. Safety is a core value for Ford Motor Company and we’re delighted that the Ford Ranger and Ford Focus have met and exceeded the highest standards demanded by Euro NCAP.”
We happen to know that the Ford Ranger is manufacturer in Thailand as well. And it will be the basis for the new Ford Endeavour SUV in India and we sincerely hope that the same level of safety is maintained for the Thai and Indian vehicles as well.
In addition to the Abarth 695 ‘Assetto Corse’ and the new Abarth 500 range, Abarth will also showcase the new Limited Edition Punto Scorpione. Only 199 vehicles produced. The ton-sur-ton livery looks stunning. The Scorpione Black of the body becomes matt on the bonnet and roof. The glossy black “passband” element stands out on the roof, with a hand-polishing treatment carried out at Abarth&C. itself, with a view to ensuring customisation with genuine craftsmanship.
Equipped with a 1.4 MultiAir engine boosted to 180 HP (132 kW) at 5750 rpm and with a maximum torque of 270 Nm at 2500 rpm, the Abarth Punto Scorpione reaches a top speed of more than 216 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds.
Further contributions to performance come from the modified ride and safety, as well as the adoption of floating, perforated and self-ventilating front disc brakes with oversized four-piston yellow brake calipers, perforated rear disc brakes, high-performance front brake pads, combined with glossy black 18″ alloy wheels and front and rear Koni shock absorbers with FSD (Frequency Selective Dumping) valve and specially lowered springs. The exhaust pipe, oversized in the central section, is taken from the now famous “Esseesse” kit says Abarth.
Inside, this special Abarth Punto Scorpione features “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” black technical fabric seats, with red and yellow stitching and matt black backrest, type-approved and lightened in keeping with the car’s sporting spirit. Enriching the interiors are the aluminium kick plate, the stainless steel pedal unit with Abarth shield, and the leather steering wheel with double red and yellow stitching, just like the seats and the sporty Jaeger driving instruments.
After the series of teasers from Volvo, the official images seem to have been leaked, courtesy of Polish magazine Motodziennik.
The V40 will be Volvo’s entrant for the premium hatchback wars with entrants like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes Benz B-Class.
If Volvo can work its magic as it did recently and bring the V40 to India at competitive prices, and also get Robert Pattinson to drive this Volvo in the next Twilight sequel, Volvo just might get to its target of selling 20,000 units and becoming one of the top three premium brands in India by 2020.
Motor Authority also reports that the V40 will not make a US debut but reports that a crossover variant, the XC40 that Volvo is working on, might.
Images of the 2013 Audi A3 have found their way to the internet before the official unveiling at the 2102 Geneva Motor Show.
The 2013 Audi A3 is definitely a looker, and should give the other Germans stiff competition. The 2013 A3 will be built on Volkswagen’s MQB platform as most front engined, front wheel drive cars in the group will be in the future.
Aston Martin’s entry-level V8 Vantage, (Coupe as well as the Roadster) gets some tweaks for its Geneva Motor Show debut. The engine is of course the 4.7-litre 420bhp unit. In addition to the six speed manual that is standard on the V8 Vantage, the optional Seven-speed Sportshift™ II transmission, previously available only on the more expensive Vantage S,replaces the six-speed Sportshift™ unit. With an additional gear, closer ratios, lower final drive and a quicker, refined shift quality, this new gearbox provides faster, precise shifts and optimises acceleration, says Aston.
The steering ratio, now at 15: 1 from the previous 17: 1 provides quicker steering response, also thanks to a new steering column installation and re-valved power-steering pump. This also has improved steering feedback and improved handling.
Stopping power and pedal feel have been significantly increased thanks to new 380mm two-piece ventilated cast-iron front discs and six piston callipers. Aston Martin also points out that this new braking system also includes Hill Start Assist (HSA) for more precise control on steep inclines.
The V8 Vantage also comes with tyres that are 10mm wider than the outgoing model. This increases the contact area of rubber on the road, and in turn improves road-holding and allows the more responsive steering and stronger brakes to be fully exploited.
Styling Changes
Taking cues from the V8 Vantage S and the N400, the 2012 V8 Vantage has received a number of styling changes. At the front a new and lower bumper, with an aerodynamic splitter houses a larger air intake that feeds the engine and front brakes. At the rear there’s a new diffuser and on the sides, sculpted race-derived side sills, all of which complete the V8 Vantage’s more muscular look.
The interiors have not been subjected to the scalpel, and are as always, stunning, classy and so on.
So what sets apart the Vantage S now, apart from the price tag? For starters, you get the powerplant developing 430bhp at 7300rpm and 490Nm of torque at 5000rpm, the Sportshift™ II close-ratio seven speed automated manual transmission is standard and a sports exhaust system unique to the ‘S’ .
Carbon fibre detailing of the Vantage S’s motorsport-derived aerodynamic package makes a discreet and highly appealing visual distinction from the V8 Vantage. Fully integrated satellite navigation system developed in conjunction with Garmin is now fitted as standard along with Bluetooth and cruise control.
V12 Zagato production begins
Having enthusiastically followed the V12 Zagato from the time when we gave you the teasers, design sketches and so on, it really does gladden us that the V12 Zagato is going into production.
The V12 Zagato features hand crafted aluminium panels, formed using an ‘English wheel’. Aston Martin says each front wing comprises of seven separate pieces of aluminium combined and hand finished to give the ‘flowing’ form. The double bubble roof is another Zagato trait.
The V12 Zagato is based on the V12 Vantage and combines Aston Martin’s most dynamic bonded aluminium platform with the power of the 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque. While Zagato worked on the design of the V12, it was engineered by a team led by Aston’s Chief Engineer Chris Porritt.
Audi, India is on a roll. Actually Audi is on a roll worldwide. Their sales in most parts of the world have have been on the rise despite the various economic crises and the general recession that have been plaguing the economies of developed countries in Western Europe and the Eurozone Crisis. Way back in 1996 Mercedes Benz came into India and as far as luxury cars were concerned they were then number one in a field of one. Mercedes Benz has a tremendous brand value in India, only next to Rolls Royce. But however they have been on the back foot for a while now. BMW has assumed the role of the leader not just in India but in many other markets as well. Even though BMW was a late entrant there is no denying that it too had a brand value in India. But the thing is that the third of the techno-intensive luxury car maker Audi came into India with only one memorable event that built their brand in the minds of Indians.
We Indians love cricket. I know I am stating the obvious here but there is a reason. Sports writers and commentators have a way with words. In Spain, sports commentators said that most popular sport is motorcycle racing. Somebody then said “isn’t football the number one sport”. The repartee was “oh football is not a sport in Spain, it is a religion”. Our commentators to have picked up the line and applied that to cricket in India. Our good old ex-cricketers turned TV commentators started saying cricket is a religion in this country. One of the ex-cricketers turned TV commentators who very regularly mouths this platitude goes by the name of Ravi Shastri. I can see your brows deeply furrowed. You are asking yourself, what in God’s name is this fellow going on about. Some of you may have found the clue to what I am saying when I mentioned Ravi Shastri, but those of you who did not get it yet deserve to be told the full story.
In 1983 India won the World Cup of cricket under the able stewardship of the great Kapil Dev. But that is not the last time that India won a World Championship in the 1980s. You see the Australians were experimenting with day-night pajama cricket. Many Australian cricket grounds were equipped with flood lights for night cricket action. Australia wanted to show case this and therefore created a championship which it called “World Championship of Cricket” a one off tournament. All the cricketing countries were there, and against all odds India won this championship as well. But the Aussie enterprise was not just limited to pajama cricket under lights. They also started the trend of giving away cars to the player of the tournament. But in this case the player of the tournament was given the fancy designation of “Champion of Champions”. Ravi Shastri became that and he was presented with a car which happened to be an Audi 100 in gold colour.
Cricket fanatics and afficionados know that Channel 9, the broadcaster of cricket from Australia had the most wonderful way of showing cricket. And when the good Mr. Shastri won the Audi 100 they showed him driving the car around on the cricket ground with various members of the Indian cricket team perched on the bonnet, the dicky, the roof and some standing on the door sills with the doors wide open. The four rings of the Audi brand were prominently visible thanks to the incredible pictures that Channel 9 was putting out. So Audi entered the mainstream of Indian people. The teenagers and the early twenties aged people of the 1980s have become the successful generation of the new century and so a few years ago when Audi came into India it did so at a time when the starry eyed lads and lassies of the 1980s acquired purchasing power. And so Audi despite having the smallest number of dealers started selling well above everyone’s expectations. It is trend that has been continuing and given the nature of their products one sees no reason why this trend should get reversed. Audi of course, is doing its bit to ensure that it goes beyond the once teeny bopper generation and talk to the present youngsters as well.
Audi is a trend setting manufacturer. It has taken diesel engined cars to the Le Mans series and has dominated it. Peugeot was its only real opposition. But its success is not on the same scale as Audi’s. Audi has brought its entire range of cars to India and they are all doing quite well thank you. In the range of cars that Audi has brought are the very sporty R cars. The R8 cars sport a V10 engine and can give sister brand Lamborghini and competitor Ferrari a run for their money. The R8 V10 and the RS5 are true sports cars. Now driving sports cars is a thing that should come with responsibility. Otherwise one will end up with incidents such as the one in Delhi when a Lamborghini Gallardo was crashed by a driver who died instantly. Audi is therefore giving lessons in how to drive the R8 V10 Spyder and the RS5.
It has brought the Audi R Drive to India and many Indian cities will get covered in this initiative. The idea is to give driving lessons to Audi customers so that they know when and how to extract the maximum out of their cars. The Audi R Drive will feature both the R8 V10 Spyder and the RS5. Here is the itinerary that Audi has created.
The ‘Audi R-Drive’ schedule is as follows:
| Date | City |
| 17 February | Delhi |
| 24 February | Chandigarh |
| 02 March | Ahmedabad |
| 16 March | Mumbai |
| 23 March | Pune |
| 06 April | Hyderabad |
| 13 April | Bangalore |
| 20 April | Chennai |
About the Audi R Drive this is what Michael Perschke had to say.
“The start of ‘Audi R-Drive’ reiterates our unwavering commitment to offer to our customers and prospects an experience of our products of highest technical perfection and design finesse. Our super sports cars, the Audi R8 V10 Spyder and the Audi RS5 exemplify our belief in developing and delivering world class automobiles to sports car enthusiasts in India. Embodying our philosophy of “Vorsprung durch Technik”, the ‘Audi R-Drive’ demonstrates paramount engineering excellence and progressive technology, which our brand believes in. Customer delight is one of the pillars on which we plan to build our future and events like these are designed to give our guests a truly once in a lifetime experience”
We exhort you the existing customers and prospective ones to attend this Audi R Drive and be responsible. It is not just your life, the lives of other road users are also at stake here.
