Skoda India, a fully owned subsidiary of Skoda Auto a.s. Czech Republic (Volkswagen Group), one of the fastest growing car manufacturers in Europe, today announced the launch of The New Laura at an enchanting theatrical and musical launch event. Exhibiting a robust and dynamic exterior design and luxurious interiors, the car truly blends beauty with power and economy to offer a perfect 10/10 driving experience. The New Laura is available in 3 variants; 1.8 TSI in Ambiente, 1.9 TDI PD in Ambiente & Elegance, and 2.0 TDI PD in L&K.

The Skoda Laura is recognized for its new engine technology, excellent safety and comfort features and good performance. Perfect handling, directional stability and enhanced braking ability have always been the hallmark of every Škoda automobile and are mirrored in the new Laura as well. Soaring high on the design, safety, security, comfort, and convenience aspects, The New Laura accelerates on the same track assuring the customers a perfect 10/10 driving experience.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Thomas Kuehl, Board Member, Sales & Marketing, SkodaA uto India said, “We are proud to present the 3 variants of The New Laura, which assures the customers a Perfect 10/10 driving experience. ŠkodaAuto India has achieved tremendous success since its inception in India and we are looking forward to achieve many more milestones with the support of our valued Indian customers."

"We have received encouraging reports on the recent launch of Skoda Superb with our customers embracing the all new Skoda Superb qualities of design, safety, comfort and state of the art technology. With the launch of the new Laura we are extending these qualities once again making it the best in its class.”

“With the New Laura we will reinstate our supreme position in the C+ segment and aim at increasing our segment share by penetration into smaller cities and towns in India for which we are also expanding our dealer network and infrastructure to 65 points by this year end with authorized outlets in Trichy, Salem and Haldwani”, added Mr. Ashutosh Dixit, General Manager, Sales & Network Development, Skoda Auto India.

Available in Arctic Breeze, Candy White, Diamond Silver, Black Magic and Cappuccino Beige colours, the variants are priced at:

Skoda Laura 1.8 TSI Ambiente - Ex-Delhi Price (12,98,767), Ex-Maharashtra Price (12,67,711), Ex-Chennai Price (12,96,645), Ex-Kolkata Price (13,07,257)

Skoda Laura 1.9 TDI Manual Ambiente - Ex-Delhi Price (13,30,681), Ex-Maharashtra Price (12,98,999), Ex-Chennai Price (13,28,559), Ex-Kolkata Price (13,39,171)

Skoda Laura 1.9 TDI Automatic Ambiente - Ex-Delhi Price (14,03,102), Ex-Maharashtra Price (13,70,000), Ex-Chennai Price (14,00,979), Ex-Kolkata Price (14,11,591)

Skoda Laura 1.9 TDI Manual Elegance - Ex-Delhi Price (14,69,844), Ex-Maharashtra Price (14,35,434), Ex-Chennai Price (14,67,721), Ex-Kolkata Price (14,78,333)

Skoda Laura 1.9 TDI Automatic Elegance - Ex-Delhi Price (15,40,801), Ex-Maharashtra Price (15,05,000), Ex-Chennai Price (15,38,678), Ex-Kolkata Price (15,49,290)

Skoda Laura 2.0 TDI Automatic L&K - Ex-Delhi Price (17,55,440), Ex-Maharashtra Price (17,15,541), Ex-Chennai Price (17,53,317), Ex-Kolkata Price (17,63,929)

The launch event witnessed a spectacular musical extravaganza presented by Shahriyar Atai, Dean Gregory, Ella Atai, Kyla D’souza and Amogh Pant. The musical show artistically presented The New Laura’s perfect 10/10 experience. Czech Consul General Ms. Eva Drdrkova, celebrities from the silver screen and corporate honchos added spice to the event with their presence.

Courtesy: Skoda India

Auto manufacturers are gathering in Switzerland for the 77th International Motor Show, which will take place from March 8-18. The Geneva auto show features cars that you'll probably never drive but will let your imagination run wild. Plus, there are electric and hybrid cars that you probably will be driving soon.

Bayer's Plastic Car:

Rinspeed is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a see-through concept car which debuts in Geneva. The all-plastic vehicle runs on a 2-cylinder 750 ccm Weber engine that sits above the transmission. The car also honors the 40th anniversary of Bayer's first all-plastic car which debuted in 1967.

Koenigsegg's CCXR:

Making its debut at Geneva, the Koenigsegg's CCXR could be the fastest car ever--and it runs on biofuel. The Swedish auto manufacturer says ethanol fuel has higher octane and better cooling power than regular gas which lets it boost the power up 25 percent over the CCX model to 1018 horsepower at 7200 rpm.

Pictured is the CCX model which is also being shown at Geneva. CCX will be re-engineered to run on biofuels.

Bugatti Veyron:

The Bugatti Veyron, a 1001 horsepower sports car, could be eclipsed by the Koenigsegg CCXR's 1018 hp engine. The 16 cylinder, 8.0 liter engine has a seven-speed transmission. Its speed record of 407 kph could be in jeopardy. The Veyron costs a mere $1,630,000.

A.D. Tramontana:

The single-seat Tramontana was inspired by fighter jets and racing cars according to Spanish carmaker A.D. Tramontana. Production of this twin-turbocharged, 720 hp vehicle is limited to 12 per year.

Gumpert Apollo Sport Car:

The Gumpert Apollo Sport races from 0 to 60 in three seconds flat. The two-seater (note the position of the driver) is powered by an 8-cylinder engine that revs up to 800 hp.

Lamborghini 'Superleggera' Car:

Lamborghini introduces a new version of the Gallardo that includes a standard robotized mechanical gearbox, enabling fast gear shifting without the driver removing their hands from the steering wheel. The Italian carmaker claims the 'Superleggera' model has the fastest acceleration in its class, going from 0 to 62 mph in about 3.8 seconds--just under the Ferrari 430 F1's 4.0 secs.

Rolls-Royce Phanton Drophead Coupe:

The Rolls-Royce Phanton Drophead Coupe makes its European debut in Geneva. But don't count on getting one of the two-door, four-seat convertibles this year as they are sold out--and they have few openings still available for 2008. The Phantom Drophead Couple offers a hand-brushed steel hood and rear teak deck.

KTM X-Bow Concept Car:

Motorcycle maker KTM built its first car, the exotic X-Bow concept which is on display at the Geneva auto show. The lightweight body is made of carbon fiber.

Turin's Istituto Europeo di Design Concept Car "beON":

Turin's Istituto Europeo di Design will present the "beON" concept as a full-scale model. This student-made off-road sports car has been designed to travel over deserts, beaches and wild terrain. It can also take you to the grocery store.

The BeON runs on a hybrid thermal-electric engine with a hydraulic transmission system within each wheel.

Russo-Baltique V12:

Russia celebrates 100 years of car design with a four-seat coupe that contains a V12, 555 bhp engine. The Russo-Baltique has a pneumatic suspension with changeable road clearance. It also has a glass roof.

Paganini Zonda Roadster F:

Pagani Automobili unveils the hand-built Zonda Roadster F. Only 25 of these vehicles will be built. The Roadster F offers the performance of the F Coupe--and has a removable top. Pagani calls it "the fastest, most exclusive, most powerful and most expensive Roadster in the world."

Jaguar XKR Car:

Jaguar Cars unveils the all-new special edition XKR Portfolio model for the Geneva auto show. The XKR features an engine capable of hitting 155mph and will go from 0 to 60 miles in 4.9 seconds. One of the highlights of the car will be the sound system. It has the first production example of its new partnership with audio entertainment specialists Bowers & Wilkins.

TechArt GTstreet:

TechArt brings its GTstreet, based on the Porche 911 Turbo, to Geneva. The modified Porsche 3.6-liter flat six turbo engine revs up to 630 hp. TechArt claims the 911 Turbo will go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds, and will hit a top speed of 214 mph.

Carver:

At the other extreme of these high performance cars is the Carver One, a three-wheeled, twin-seat tilting vehicle. The Carver One steers like a car but turns like a motorcycle. The car automatically adjusts the tilt angle of the vehicle to the speed and acceleration of the vehicle, ensuring an optimum balance.

Peraves Monotracer:

Think a three-wheels are still too much? You can check out the two-wheel Monotracer from Peraves. Its stabiler wheels allow the vehicle to safely lean up to 52 degrees.

Mazda Concept Car 'Hakaze':

Mazda Motor presents its Hakaze design concept at the Geneva show. The Hakaze is described as a four-seat coupe-style compact crossover SUV. The gull-wing doors make it look like it's ready to fly like a bird.

Hakaze is the third design concept of the series created around the "Nagare" design language, joining the Mazda Nagare and Mazda Ryuga which were revealed earlier this year.

Share Your Reviews on World Amazing Cars: Concept Cars, Hybrid Cars. Comments are Welcome

Source: news.cnet.com

Bajaj Auto is ready to re-launch the 125cc variant of its popular model Discover in India. Bajaj currently sells the 135cc variant of Discover in the country and the model was refreshed last year only. The company has recently refreshed its entire Pulsar family and now looks at the Discover model to lend a new look to the same.

Bajaj XCD 125cc has not been able to make any significant impact in the market and the sales figures for the same have not been impressive either. Thus, Bajaj intends to re-vamp and introduce the 125cc model of Discover once again to the market to maintain healthy sales figures in the two-wheeler market segment.

Bajaj will manufacture the 125cc bike at its Pantnagar facility in Uttrakhand and the model is expected in the market between September and November 2009. Bajaj is also planning to launch the Kawasaki Ninja model in the super-bikes luxury models segment. The new super bike is also expected in the Indian market by end 2009.

Source: CarTradeIndia.com

Maruti Suzuki India Limited launched another small car in the Indian market today. India’s largest car manufacturer and second largest car exporter is ready to splash the domestic and the overseas market with its global model featuring the new K-series engine. The new model will be sold as “Ritz” in India and as Suzuki Splash in the European market. The new Suzuki Splash will mark Suzuki’s entry in Europe where it still lacks a strong presence.

The new Maruti Ritz is a hatchback model positioned in the A2 segment. It basically falls in between Maruti’s other premium hatchbacks A-star and Swift. The car has been built on Swift’s platform which enables the company to manufacture it at lower price and position it competitively in the market. There is also a high level of localization, nearly 85 percent, that makes the car still cheaper.

Ritz is yet another glamorous addition to Maruti’s small car product portfolio which is already the largest in the country. The company launched both the petrol and diesel variants today and the introductory price for the car will be in the range of Rs. 3.90 lakh to 4.99 lakh. The car will be available with two different engine options: a new 1.2-litre, four-cylinder 85 PS petrol version, and the group's successful 1.3-litre, 16-valve DDiS, 75 PS diesel engine. There are total five variants of the car that will be available for the Indian customers. There will be three variants with petrol engines – LXi, VXi and ZXi and two diesel variants – LDi and VDi.

The car has been designed for the Indian roads with a strong chassis and well-engineered suspension. The suspension is softened and raised as compared to the one present in Swift. The overall design portrays the European look. The car features its style, design, comfort and space keeping in mind demands of the middle and the upper middle class that asks for comfort and space at an extremely competitive price. Maruti positions the car as a complete family car catering to the small car demands from the Indian customers.

Maruti Ritz Actual Photos:

Photos by Avishek Dutta, Delhi

Source: CarTradeIndia.com

Maruti Suzuki Ritz, after a highly successful launch in European market is set for home coming,India launch. Launched as Maruti Suzuki Splash in European markets, this car will come to the indian market as Maruti Suzuki Ritz.

India's Major car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki is all set to expand its share in the A2 segment of cars with the launch of Maruti Suzuki Ritz, also known as Maruti Spalsh, in India. Maruti Suzuki Ritz, India's first BS-IV compliant passenger car, will be launched on Friday (May 15).The suspension of the vehicle with a ground clearance of 170 mm has been tuned for Indian road conditions.

Maruti Suzuki Managing Director and CEO Shinzo Nakanishi said: "K12M engine is another example of Maruti Suzuki's commitment to take engine technology in India to the next level,"

According to the company's official website, the car poses a clean, bold and stylish external and internal design, largely deviating from the traditional Maruti Suzuki car looks and feel.

The price of Maruti Suzuki Ritz will be set to target around A-star rage and would compete with Hyundai i series. Maruti Suzuki Ritz cost is expected to be around 4 to 5.7 lac.


The car will be made available in total six variants, three petrol type and three variants in diesel versions.

Maruti Suzuki Ritz Specifications include 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre common rail diesel engine. Its power specifications would be, for Petrol - 85bhp/114Nm and Diesel engine specifications include 75bhp/190Nm.

The tallboy hatchback has a contemporary European design and is positioned at the growing premium-end of the compact car market.

Keeping in mind the requirements of target group of middle and upper middle class families, Maruti Suzuki has designed the car with style, design, comfort, savings and space. The suspension of the vehicle with a ground clearance of 170 mm has been tuned for Indian road conditions.

The Maruti Ritz will be available with two different engine options: a brand new K-series 1.2 litre, four-cylinder, 85PS Petrol engine and the super-successful 1.3 litre, 16-valve DDiS, 75PS Diesel engine.

Maruti Suzuki Ritz's Striking Features:
* Fuel efficient K12M engine.
* Two front airbags
* Attractive looks
* Bharat Stage IV Compliant
* Well-designed Headlamps
* ABS Brakes
* Fog Lights
* Power windows and mirrors
* Central locking
* Smart Distributor Less Ignition (SDLI) system


New Maruti Suzuki Ritz is coming up with 3 variants in Petrol and 3 variants in diesel.

Maruti Suzuki Ritz variants are:
Maruti Suzuki Ritz LDi
Maruti Suzuki Ritz LXi
Maruti Suzuki Ritz VDi
Maruti Suzuki Ritz VXi
Maruti Suzuki Ritz ZDi
Maruti Suzuki Ritz ZXi

Maruti Ritz Price:
New Maruti Suzuki Ritz is all set to revolutionize the Indian car market by bringing out of box and comfort car design and at the same time keeping the Maruti Suzuki Ritz cost and Maruti Suzuki Ritz price low.

Maruti price has always known for its competitiveness and low cost. Maruti Ritz price has been set to be in level with the upper segment of the compact car market. Maruti ritz price are planned to be set.

Maruti Ritz on road price is expected to be around 4 to 5.7 lac. To keep the Maruti Ritz on road price or Maruti Ritz on road cost Ritz will be continently modified to better soot Indian price standards and conditions.

Maruti Ritz performance is expected to be top notch, as with all other Maruti car models. Maruti Ritz performance is expected to match that of swift and A-star performance. The Maruti Ritz petrol price or cost and Maruti Ritz diesel price or cost would be set to match the price and performance aspect of other variants and models in its class.

Maruti Suzuki Ritz's Technical Specifications:

Engine
Engine type	Petrol and diesel engine available with types of 1.2 and 1.3 litres respectively.
Cylinders	4
Displacement	1248cc
Max. Power (Ps at rpm)	85@6000
Max. Torque (Nm at rpm)	113@4500
Transmission
Transmission	Available in 5 speed manual and 4 speed automatic transmission
Braking System	Anti-Lock Breaking System (ABS)
Brake Front	Ventilated discs
Brake Rear	Disk Break
Steering System	Electronic Power Steering
Wheels	16" Alloy Wheels
Tyre Size	165/70 R14
Body
Body	4 Door and 5 Seater
Drag Coefficient cw	0.30
Outside Dimensions
Length [mm]	3715
Width [mm]	1680
Height [mm]	1590
Ground clearance [mm]	145
Weights
Kerb weight [kg]	1150
Liquids
Tank capacity [l]	45

Official Website for Maruti Suzuki Ritz Test Drive: http://www.marutisuzukiritz.com/testdrive.aspx

Today BMW launched the most anticipated new sport bike in recent memory, the S 1000 RR, at the famed Monza racetrack, during the Superbike World Championship race weekend.

This new Superbike from BMW weighing only 404 lbs, and putting out 193 hp, is one of the most powerful, sophisticated and lightest sport bikes to be unleashed on the planet. The BMW S 1000 RR introduces new technical features, such as the first ever 4-stage ABS system, with settings for Rain, Sport, Race and Slick conditions.

With its highly distinctive asymmetrical headlights, which follow the very elegant and unique asymmetrical body panels, this first BMW Superbike promises to standout from the crowd.

Look for the S 1000 RR, the major new entry in the sport bike arena by BMW, in the US by early 2010.

BMW S 1000 RR Superbike Features & Specifications:

Engine & Drivetrain:
* 999 cc
* Bore/Stroke (mm) – 80.0/49.7
* 193 hp @ 13,000 rpm
* 83 lb/ft @ 9,750 rpm
* Compression – 13.0:1
* 48mm throttle bodies
* 14,200 rpm redline
* Valves operated by single cam follower
* 6 speed gearbox
* Slipper clutch
* Multi disc wet clutch
* Chain final drive

Suspension:
* 46mm USD forks
* Adjustable preload, rebound, and high and low speed compression
* Single Shock with linkage
* Adjustable preload, rebound, and compression
* Pressure cast (forged) aluminum wheels
* 3.5 x 17 front
* 6.0 x 17 rear
* Dual 320mm floating rotors in front
* Radial mounted 4 piston Brembo calipers
* Single fixed 220mm rear rotor
* Single piston floating rear caliper

Special Features:
* 1st time available Race ABS & Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
* E-gas (ride by wire) that works with Race ABS & DTC
* Four Settings:
* Rain
* Sport
* Race
* Slick
* Aluminum gas tank
* Built in laptimer
* Optional Gear Shift Assistant
* Variable intake runners
* Asymmetrical headlights derived directly from endurance racing
* Dry weight of 404 lb. 450lb wet with full tank, 455.3 wet with full tank and ABS.
* Available colors are Acid Green Metallic, Mineral Silver Metallic, Thunder Gray Metallic, and BMW Motorrad Motorsport colors.
* Black frame with all colors
* Mineral Silver and Thunder Grey come with Ostra Gray swingarm and wheels
* Acid Green and Motorsport come with a silver swingarm and gloss black wheels

BMW S 1000 RR Superbike Photos:


Source: BMW Group

Hyundai's luxury flagship Genesis sedan recently was named a "New Model" in the "Sedans $30,000 - $45,000" category by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. The magazine named the top new models in 11 categories and Genesis sedan topped competitors such as the Acura TL, Audi A4 and Nissan Maxima to earn the distinction. "Picking this car as a standout was easy," said Mark Solheim, automotive editor, Kiplinger's Personal Finance. "As the first true luxury car from Hyundai, the Genesis earns its name. The exterior may remind you of other luxemobiles, but its simple lines, sleek interior and Euro driving dynamics will impress all but the most hard-core snobs. Remaining skeptics need only check out its price – at around $33,000, it offers extraordinary value."

The top models in each category represent the best values based on Kiplinger's ranking system. Kiplinger's editors sort the new 2009 models by price and category then pit them against their peers, looking at performance, value, safety, roominess and driving impressions.

"Hyundai Genesis sedan is the perfect blend of luxury, technology, and advanced safety features with an affordable price," said Michael Deitz, Genesis product manager, Hyundai Motor America. "Being named a Best New Model by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance is a testament to its combination of exhilarating performance, sophisticated design and tremendous overall value, and we continue to be honored by the awards the vehicle has earned."

Hyundai's new Genesis sedan sets a new benchmark in the premium car category. With a starting price of just $33,000, Genesis includes performance and luxury features typically found on vehicles costing thousands of dollars more. In addition to great features, Hyundai's generous 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty, numerous standard features, good reliability and affordable price made the Genesis a clear winner for Kiplinger's editors. Other notable features include a quiet and luxurious cabin, V-6 and V-8 engines that are more powerful and efficient than many in competing models, and a smooth, responsive six-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai Genesis Luxury Car Exterior & Interior Photos:

Source: HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

American Honda is proud to announce the latest early introduction of another 2010-model-year machine, the Elite Scooter.

Modern, sporty styling, comfortable seating with two-up capacity and strong, responsive performance in a sleek and highly economical scooter are the hallmarks of the new 2010 Elite. This stylish new scooter has it all. Featuring a new 108cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected four-stroke engine and a light-handling chassis, the new Elite provides all the comfort and quality of a Honda in an affordable around-town runabout that anybody can enjoy.

Quick trips to the store and other errands are the Elite's specialty, thanks to a generous under-seat storage area that's big enough to stow a full-face helmet and more.

Look for the Elite to add more fun than ever to your summertime adventures.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and personal watercraft in the U.S. American Honda's Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers.

Source: American Honda Motor Co. Inc

The Tata Nano has drawn over 2.03 lakh fully paid bookings amounting to nearly Rs.2,500 crores, in an encouraging response to the car launched on 23rd March.

The Tata Nano website recorded an unprecedented 3 crore (30 million) hits from the date of launch of the car to the closure of the booking period (25th April, 2009), nearly 1 million hits a day. About 14 lakh people walked in to Tata Motors’ Showrooms, Croma and Westside stores across the country to catch a glimpse of the car. A total of 6.10 lakh forms were purchased from the booking centres. 70% of the 2.03 lakh bookings received were financed, while 30% of the applicants booked in cash by paying fully. About 4,000 cash bookings were made online through www.tatanano.com, a first for the auto industry in India. Among the three variants of the car, 20% bookings are for the Nano Standard, 30% for the Nano CX and the remaining 50% for the top-end Nano LX.

As announced on 23rd March, the first 100,000 allottees from among the applicants will be chosen through a computerised random selection procedure, and the announcement will be made within 60 days of closure of the booking. Deliveries will start in July 2009, and are expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2010, while all efforts would be made to ramp up production and deliver earlier.

Simultaneously along with the announcement of the first 1 lakh successful allottees, Tata Motors will also announce the allotment of those booking applicants who have expressed their interest in retaining their bookings with the company even if they do not form part of the first 1 lakh allottees. The retainees will earn an interest on their booking amount, effective from that date. The booking amounts of unsuccessful applicants who have not chosen to retain their booking amounts will be refunded at the same time.

Tata Motors places on record its gratitude to the people of India for according such a warm welcome to the Tata Nano, and to all its preferred financiers, dealers and partner companies in making the Tata Nano far more accessible.

Source: Tata Motors India