NEW DELHI: Luxury car maker Volvo Car India on Thursday said it has cut the prices of its flagship sports utility vehicle XC90 by Rs 4 lakh to boost sales amidst the current economic downturn.

The XC90 D5 will now come at Rs 42.5 lakh, while the XC90 32 and XC90 V8 would be available for Rs 43.5 lakh and Rs 49.5 lakh, respectively.

"In lieu with current economic scenario and to provide luxury at right price, the prices for the flagship model Volvo XC90 SUV has been reduced by 7-8.5 per cent with effect from July 9," Volvo Car India said in a statement.

The company also announced opening of new dealerships at Pune and Chennai, taking the total number of dealerships in the country to seven.

"The expansion of our dealer network signals the importance of the Indian market to Volvo Cars. We believe that India holds tremendous potential for our brand and want to make sure that we fully capitalise on the opportunities available...," Volvo Car India MD Paul de Voijs said.

Recently, other car makers including Hindustan Motors, Ford India, Honda Siel Cars India and Hyundai Motor India had announced price cuts of Rs 6,000 on some of their models following additional duty excise reduction announced by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee during the Budget on July 6.

Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

Maruti Suzuki India Limited which has reported a 25.3 per cent jump in its net profit at Rs. 583.54 crore during the first fiscal of this financial year, has got another feather in its cap as it rolled its 10th lakh KB-series-powered cars within ten months of its production at its Gurgaon engine plant which commenced production last October'08.

At present, India's largest passenger carmaker is rolling out two different KB-series petrol engines- 1.0 litre strapped on its premium compact car 'A-star' and 1.2 litre in the newly-launched 'Ritz' superhatch. Riding on the success of this new fuel-efficient technology, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) has planned to incorporate KB-series engines in other existing as well as new models in the next few years. The company has, however, refused to reveal the name of the next model which would be equipped with the KB-series engine.

It may be recalled that Shinzo Nakanish, MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki had earlier said: "The company will be expanding its K-series line up in which it'll have 1 litre, 1.2 litre and 1.4 litre petrol engines initially with the 1 litre is already being used in the A Star while the 1.2 litre is in Ritz."

It may be recalled that, Maruti Suzuki, on 21st October'08, had inaugurated its next-generation 'KB-series' engine plant at Gurgaon. The new series engine is another significant initiative undertaken by India's largest passenger carmaker towards offering the latest technology to its customers. The KB engine plant has an installed annual capacity of 240,000 engines. The aforementioned engine, while fully complying with the prevalent BS III norms, is ready to meet the future emission norms in the country. Spread over an area of 20,300 m2, the new engine plant is part of the Rs. 9,000 crore investment plan drawn by Maruti Suzuki and Suzuki Motor Corporation announced earlier.

Source: wheelsunplugged.com

The Ford Fiesta is one of those compact cars that has gained popularity very quickly in India, which is more of a price sensitive market. But it’s been nearly three years since the car has been released. Now Ford India reveals that they have launched the new Fiesta SXI here.

Nigel Wark is the executive director for marketing, sales and service at Ford India. Wark stated, “The new Fiesta SXI will make a statement with its premium new style persona. Based on our customer feedback, the new Fiesta SXI has been introduced to appeal to the young, suave and style-oriented professionals who want their cars to reflect their individual personality, signifying success, confidence and accomplishments.”

So what to expect from the new Ford Fiesta SXI? The car exemplifies luxury as it features mahogany wood-finished center console as well as brushed aluminum finish adorning knobs, vents and the steering wheel and even grain beige leather interiors. It also includes a 2 DIN MP3 player with Aux-in capability. The car has a chrome finish exterior look.

Coming to the engine, there are two options, one is the 1.6 Duratec petrol while the other is the 1.4 Duratorq common-rail, turbo diesel engine. Ford claims that these engines will not only offer great performance but also will be fuel efficient. Ford reveals that the driver and front passenger get airbags and these are standard.

There is also the Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with EBD and collapsible steering column. What’s more it has a fuel cut-off inertia switch that cuts off fuel if there is a crash. They have added Passive Anti-Theft system, which stops the engine when the key is turned off. And yes, it has central locking.

The premium new Ford Fiesta SXI will hit Ford dealerships in India on August 3, 2009. The top-end SXI petrol variant will come with a price tag of Rs. 6.99 lakhs while the diesel variant costs 7.99 lakhs. The prices mentioned are ex-showroom New Delhi. Also, Ford informs that the Fiesta comes with a 2 year / 1, 00,000 km warranty and there are other options such as Extended Warranty also.

Source: autotantra.in

Tata Motors is pleased to announce that Mr. Ashok Raghunath Vichare of Mumbai has become the first customer in India of the Tata Nano. Mr Ashok Raghunath Vichare also become first owner of the world's cheapest car. Mr. Vichare received his choice, the Tata Nano LX (Lunar Silver), at the hands of the Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, at the company's dealership, Concorde Motors, today.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tata said, "I hope the Tata Nano will bring motoring pleasure to those who will be buying their first car as also those who currently own cars but want a modern, contemporary, emission-friendly city car."

Along with Mr. Vichare, two other customers, Mr. Ashish Balakrishnan (Tata Nano LX – Sunshine Yellow) and Kores India Limited (Tata Nano LX – Lunar Silver), also received their cars today.

As planned, Tata Motors has commenced deliveries of the Tata Nano this month to different towns and cities of the country. Despatches to dealerships have begun from the Pantnagar plant, where the car is being produced, in accordance with schedules informed to customers.

About Tata Motors
Tata Motors is India's largest automobile company, with consolidated revenues of Rs.70,938.85 crores ($14 billion) in 2008-09. Through subsidiaries and associate companies, Tata Motors has operations in the UK, South Korea, Thailand and Spain. Among them is Jaguar Land Rover, the business comprising the two iconic British brands. It also has an industrial joint venture with Fiat in India. With over 4 million Tata vehicles plying in India, Tata Motors is the country’s market leader in commercial vehicles and among the top three in passenger vehicles. It is also the world's fourth largest truck manufacturer and the second largest bus manufacturer. Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and South America. (www.tatamotors.com )

Source: Tata motors Press

NEW YORK: Talking cars aren't science fiction anymore - thanks to scientists who have developed a set of algorithms that will allow robotic cars of the future to communicate with each other to help avoid collisions.

An international team, led by Indian-origin scientists Dr Bhibhya Sharma and Dr Utesh Chand of the University of the South Pacific, has developed the mathematical equations which would also instruct robotic cars how to change lanes safely.

According to Dr Sharma, the series of mathematical equations would instruct robotic cars when and how to merge lanes, which could lead to less accidents and ease traffic congestions.

"Flocking is a biologically inspired technique and a strategy commonly used in robotics. One of the advantages of flocking is that robots can work together and achieve what would take individuals far longer," he said.

In fact, according to the scientists, each car will be controlled by a centralised brain guided by a series of algorithms. The brains will talk to each other and instruct the cars to merge lanes and move in formation together.

The team demonstrated the technique using computer simulation and is currently trialling it in two wheel robots.

Team member Dr Chand has said that the cars have targets they move towards and maintain and when the cars find themselves in a merging situation, one of them will be given the position of leader, the rest will follow.

The team has written equations for attraction towards the target, enabling cars to stay inside their lanes and avoid crashing into each other. The challenge now is to allow the robot to automatically plan how to avoid crashing with the side of the road and cars travelling close by, they said.

The scientists have presented their findings at the 1st Rim Mathematical Association (PRIMA) conference in Sydney.

Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

Customer Referral benefit for Yamaha FZ Series Bikes:

On the referral Coupon (Per Vehicle)
Benefit to Person referred – Rs. 2500/-
Benefit to Referee - Rs. 500 /-

Terms & Conditions:
(a) Time period:- 6th July 09 to 31st Aug 09
(b) Applicable State:- All India, Applicable Model:- FZ 16 & FZ S

On the referral Coupon (Per Vehicle):
For Referee: Copy of Old RC showing the
For Referred Customer: Copy of Invoice Showing Rs. 2500 benefit

Student benefit offer on Yamaha FZ16 & Yamaha FZ S:

Benefit:
Under Student Scheme, Student to get a cash benefit of Rs. 3000/- on purchase of FZ16 &FZS.

Terms & Conditions:
(a) Time period:- 6th July 09 to 31st Aug 09
(b) Applicable State:- All India, Applicable Model:- FZ 16 & FZ S

Documents Required:
(a) Copy of Invoice Showing Rs. 3000 benefit passed
(b) Student I Card Copy OR Mark sheet of 2008/2009

Source: India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd.

Bajaj Auto to launch all-new 100cc Discover bike in India on 27th July. Bajaj Discover 100cc Bike will come with the 2.0 DTS-Si engine.

"There is a fairly large gap between consumer expectations and what the present bikes can deliver. Our R&D has been able to give this "long distance bike" package. The mileage achieved is one major element which will have a huge appeal and relevance for the cost conscious customer. We have very ambitious plans for this bike and together with other brands target a monthly sale of 200,000 bikes this festive season," said S Sridhar, CEO, two wheelers, in a press note. The bike has a proprietary twin spark technology, specially designed pent-roof combustion chamber and 5-speed gearbox. All these technologies are available in this segment for the first time, the release said.

Bajaj Discover 100cc Bike price is not decided yet. Bajaj 135cc Bikes are in range of 50000 Rs. New Bajaj Discover 100cc bike will be very good competitor of best selling Hero Honda Splendor and Passion.

Yamaha India launches Yamaha Fazer 150cc bike in India. It has been an addition to FZ series bikes of Yamaha. Yamaha already have FZ series bikes Yamaha FZ16 and Yamaha FZ-S in India.

Yamaha Fazer Concept:
The Yamaha Fazer, gets its DNA from the global Fazer series known for their sports touring, awesome looks. It has a "Look-at-me" appeal with the triple macho design concept giving it a concentrated form with excellent ergonomics. It has the beautifully contoured color – coordinated aerodynamic cowling to keep the wind blast at bay. With its comfortable riding position and seat the rider can enjoy a week end getaway or head off on a touring holiday.

Just like Yamaha FZ16 and Yamaha FZ-S, Fazer carries the Monocross suspension to ensure agile running performance and handling. The placement of this model's 'MidShip Muffler' toward the center of the machine gives it a good concentration of mass, exhaust efficiency and handling. Yamaha Fazer has the '140/60-17' size rear radial tyre with a 60% aspect ratio contributes to better grip and handling stability.

The New Yamaha Fazer will be available in four color Electric Blue, Midnight Black, Lava Red and Flaming Orange.

Estimated Price (Cost): Rs 72,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Yamaha Fazer 150cc Colors:

Lava Red

Midnight Black

Flaming Orange

Electric Blue

Yamaha Fazer 150cc Wallpapers & Photo Gallery:

Source: India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd.

- 1.4 litre CRDi to power new i20 line-up
- 1.4 litre petrol Automatic transmission for urban comfort
- HMIL becomes first manufacturer to offer Automatic option across all segments

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), the largest exporter and second largest car manufacturer in the country, is revving up the Indian compact car market with a diesel offering of its premium compact hatchback, the i20. The i20 has already taken the Indian and overseas compact car market by storm with its contemporary styling, feature rich interiors and class leading safety features. For the first time, Hyundai also announces the availability of the i20 automatic loaded with exciting features to delight its customers.

[Mr. H.S.Lheem, MD, HMIL, Mr. Ashok Jha, President, HMIL, Mr. Arvind Saxena, Sr. Vice President, Marketing & Sales,HMIL at the Launch of Hyundai i20 Diesel in New Delhi on Tuesday]

Powerful yet fuel-efficient, the Hyundai i20 diesel comes with a 1.4L CRDi engine with a maximum power of 90PS@4000rpm and a peak torque of 22.4kgm@1750~2750 rpm. The engine delivers unmatched power, best-in-class torque, class leading technology and excellent fuel efficiency.

With the launch of i20 diesel, Hyundai plans to tap the vast potential that exists in the diesel car segment in India. The powerful, CRDi powerplant boasts of state-of-the-art technological innovations like the Electrical EGR (Exhaust Gas Re-circulation) with EGR cooler and eco-friendly oil filter that reduces pollution and the maintenance cost; LAMBDA sensor that delivers maximum fuel efficiency, Swirl Control Valves that guarantees enhanced class-leading performance, Roller swingarm & HLA (Hydraulic Lash Adjusters) that ensures peak performance with low noise and low maintenance and the DOHC, 16 Valve engine provides maximum driving pleasure with high fuel economy.

For the first time in the premium compact segment, Hyundai also introduces the i20 Automatic Transmission (AT) with the power-packed 1.4L GAMMA petrol engine. The engine uses a DOHC, 16 Valve, VTVT technology that ensures quick acceleration, smooth drivability, low emissions and optimum fuel mileage. Its impressive power of 100PS@5500 rpm, the highest in the segment and a maximum torque of 13.9 kgm@4200 rpm makes for a comfortable city driving. The revolutionary Automatic Transmission i20 uses a 4-speed gearbox with an overdrive lock switch.

The i20 AT launch was necessitated keeping in mind the ever-increasing city traffic with its start-stop-go driving cycles, especially during peak hours, resulting in repeated usage of clutch and gear-shifting which in-turn leads to driver fatigue. With the i20 now available with automatic transmission, the diesel and the petrol engine variant, consumers can now look forward to the entire range for the i20 model. With the launch of the i20 Automatic, HMIL becomes the first manufacturer to offer an automatic option across all the segments starting from the compact to the premium.

HMIL is also the first manufacturer in India which has produced a car which was awarded the 5 Star Euro NCAP rating. Recently, the i20 was awarded this safety rating by the Euro New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) which rates all cars on safety parameters like active, passive and pedestrian safety. The i20, boasting of a high array of safety features is the first car in its segment to offer 6 airbags, rear disc brakes with ABS and EBD which are standard equipment on the diesel and the automatic variant. To enhance the driving experience a panoramic sunroof is also offered as an option across all variants.

Commenting on the launch of the i20 diesel, H S Lheem, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor India Limited said, “The launch of i20 diesel is a proud moment for us, especially after the immense success of i20, both in India and overseas market. The i20 will also be available now with an automatic transmission – a first in the premium compact car segment. Both the variants, while offering the much needed fuel-economy to our customers, will also provide superior technology and best-in-class performance. The large and powerful 1.4 litre diesel engine represents the ultimate in fuel efficiency, safety, driving pleasure and economy. In fact, the immaculate performance and safety feature of the i20 has made it the first India produced car to meet the stringent European safety norms and in fact enjoys a 5 Star Euro NCAP rating making it the safest car available in this segment.”

Hyundai created a new era in the Indian compact segment by introducing the i20 at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008 with distinctive styling, refreshing features and unmatched safety features. All these have made Hyundai one of the fastest growing and preferred automobile companies in India. It enjoys a high customer confidence and satisfaction levels both in India and abroad. The i20 since its launch in India on December 29, 2008 has sold over 72,000 units with domestic sales accounting for over 12,000 units while the export market covering different continents from Europe, Africa and Asia lapped up over 60,000 units in a short span of six months.

The i20 diesel and the petrol will be available in three different variants starting with Magna, Asta and the Asta Option which comes with a panoramic sunroof. The i20 Automatic will be sold in two variants namely the Asta and the Asta Option. The base Magna offers options like power windows, electric power steering with tilt and telescopic adjustment and air-conditioning/heating. The top-end Asta Option offers class leading premium features like six airbags, sunroof and alloy wheels. With the launch of the diesel and the Automatic variants the i20 is now available in eight variants and seven exciting colours.

Source: Hyundai Motor India Ltd.

Here is the brand new list of the top 5 fastest bikes in the world! Includes the BMW K1200S, Ducati 1098s, Aprilia RSV 1000R Mille, Yamaha YZF R1 and the Honda CBR 1100XX!

5. BMW K1200S 167 mhh (268 km/h)

With enough raw power to shock even the most seasoned adrenaline junky, the K 1200 S hurls you from a dead stop to sixty mph in just 2.8 seconds. Once you're over the whiplash, you'll keep climbing, topping out at speeds that run neck-and-neck with the fastest production motorcycles in the world.

4. Ducati 1098s 169 mph (271 km/h)

The Ducati 1098 is a 1099 cc L-twin sport bike manufactured by Ducati. It was announced on November 8, 2006 for the 2007 model year and replaces the 999. The 1098 makes a manufacturer claimed 160 horsepower, 90.4 ft-lb torque, and weighs 173kg. These figures gives the 1098 the highest torque-to-weight ratio of any production sport bike ever made.

3. Aprilia RSV 1000R Mille 175mph (281 km/h)

The RSV Mille and limited-edition RSV Mille Factory are high performance V-twin powered motorcycles made by Aprilia with a 143 HP 998 cc engine built by the Austrian company Rotax. For 2006. the RSV Mille Factory won the Maxisport category for Masterbike 2006 and overall Masterbike of the year.

2. Yamaha YZF R1 176mph (283 km/h)

The Yamaha YZF-R1 motorcycle, introduced in 1998, was the first significant motorcycle in the true litre class (1,000 cc) "handling arms race" between the Japanese Big Four motorcycle manufacturers (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha). When introduced, it took the class closer to a true racing motorcycle, and increased the handling capabilities.

1. Honda CBR 1100XX Super Blackbird 178mph (286 km/h)

Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird is a sport-touring motorcycle built by Honda. It combines big engine power, Easy operational error-tolerance with touring comfort. The Blackbird production started in 1997 and the last year of production was 2006. The Blackbird was the result of Honda's attempt to build the world's fastest production motorcycle, stealing the crown from Kawasaki.

Source: funonthenet.in

When it first debuted, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano set a new standard in terms of performance that remains a benchmark for new sports car development to this day. Now Ferrari is introducing the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) package for the model to further underscore its sportiness and handling.

The package includes a modified set-up with stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar as well as new calibration settings for the magnetorheological shock absorbers when the manettino is at its sportier settings. The ride height has also been lowered which in turn lowers the car's centre of gravity. This combined with the new set-up helps improve body control. The package also includes specifically optimised tyres featuring a compound that offers even better grip.

The car's electronics have also evolved to ensure even more prompt response to driver commands. The F1 gearbox's shifts are now even faster in high-performance settings, while a new engine software strategy has improved accelerator response.

The exhaust silencer has also been modified with the result producing an even more marked and thrilling sound under hard usage whilst still delivering just the right comfort levels at cruising speed.

From a styling point of view, the package also includes some distinctively sporty exterior and interior features with carbon-fibre widely used in the latter. The 20" split-rim wheels are new with a special diamond-cut and matte silver finish. The rear diffuser is finished in matte black to underscore the car's new set-up and highlight the chromed tail pipes. The cabin is sportier too thanks to a sophisticated mix of full-grain leather, black Alcantara and carbon-fibre trim.

The new seats are trimmed in a new two-tone combination of leather with black Alcantara inserts, and the seat backs are trimmed entirely in carbon-fibre. Embroidered in contrasting stitching on the headrest are a Prancing Horse and the words "Handling GTE".

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE Photo Gallery:

Source: netcarshow.com