| |
| Sexy to Sexier – the 2012 CLS Breaks Cover. And the E goes Topless! |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Back in 2003, Mercedes-Benz created something unique – a car that, in theory, didn’t fit in any of the prevailing segment at the time. And so, it created a separate category for itself. The CLS was a sedan, only sexier, or a coupe, only sexier and more practical – whichever way you’d prefer to look at it. This style icon managed to etch itself as a cult car, and had no competition for a long time. Only recently, rival companies have tried to take a shot at this segment, and Audi’s A7 certainly looks like a worthy competitor. BMW too is making an effort with a concept called the Gran Coupe, which is scheduled for production in 2012.
Mercedes, however, has just gone one better. The proportions of the new CLS are as glorious as ever. The front end treatment has SLS AMG written all over it, and it’s in perfect harmony with the long, sporty hood. The strong wheel arches, and a flowing waistline blends seamlessly into the in-your-face rear. But it’s not just about the looks.
Though Mercedes is tight-lipped about the specs of the 2012 CLS, and will reveal them only at the Paris Motor Show in October, we expect the CLS to come in two diesel variants – a 250 CDI capable of 205bhp, and a 350 CDI that’ll be good for 265bhp. A 3.5 litre petrol V6 will also keep the petrol-heads happy. But, the new CLS is still quite some way off as far as an India launch is concerned. So, for now, let’s concentrate on what the German giant has in dealerships presently.
 |
Mercedes is happy to be back in the number one spot, and rightly so. Continuing an assault of product launches, the German carmaker recently unveiled another one of its latest luxury models for the Indian market – the new Cabriolet, a four-seat, two-door, soft top convertible version of the E-Class. The Cabriolet will add a little spice to the Mercedes line-up, as it’s sleek, luxurious and powerful all at the same time. The E-Class Cabriolet is powered by a 3.5 litre, six cylinder engine, which produces 272bhp and peak torque of 355Nm. Meanwhile, it’s 7G-TRONIC transmission should ensure that you always drive in the optimum engine-speed range, which means that fuel consumption can be reduced, as well as carbon emissions. The Cabriolet claims a reasonable combined fuel consumption figure of 10km/l. The car comes equipped with all the latest Mercedes-Benz high tech gadgetry, such as Attention Assist, Parktronic, Anti-Theft Protection, and a Media Interface. However, it will set you back a hefty `65 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). |
And yes, the standard E Class might not have the drool factor of the CLS or the Cabrio, but it’s certainly the highest selling of the three. And to strengthen its portfolio further, Mercedes has introduced the E200 CGI BlueEfficiency. This ‘green’ offering features a 1.8-litre turbocharged motor (that also powers the C200 CGI), which develops 183bhp and 294Nm of torque. The E200 CGI is priced at a more reasonable, but not inexpensive, `38.76 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Aston Martin set to enter India |
|
| |
If you’ve lusted after the Astons in Bond films, new and old, you’re about to get very lucky indeed – that is, only if you’re already very lucky by being really quite wealthy. Aston Martin, the British legend, is getting ready to make a grand entry into the Indian market, and has tied up with Infinity Cars to open its first showroom in Mumbai.
For those of you looking for an alternative to Bentley, Lamborghini, and Porsche, you’ll now be able to choose from four stunning Aston Martins – the V8 Vantage (estimated at 1.3 crores), the DB9 (at 1.9 crores), the four-door Rapide (at 2.3 crores), and the DBS (at 2.8 crores).
So, how long before you can have one of these stunning beauties in your garage if your bank balance consists of an incomprehensible number of zeros? Well, they’re taking orders now, but you’ll have to wait a few months at the very least.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Hyundai reveals another striking new sedan |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Hyundai’s sedan portfolio in India is ageing. The Accent, Verna, and Sonata that we have here have all been replaced in international markets. HMIL recently facelifted the Verna to give it a new lease on life, but it’s on its last legs nonetheless.
At the 2010 Moscow International Motor Show, Hyundai debuted an all-new sedan concept for the Russian market. It’s a striking sub-compact family sedan named the Concept RB. This new concept carries forward the ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language that we’re seeing on all new Hyundai models.
It consists of sharp creases and continuous character lines, and, in this case, also includes a hexagonal grille, and a coupe-like profile. Hyundai aims to gain market share globally by giving their model line-up an air of sophistication with this cutting edge design philosophy.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
This new model will hit the roads in Russia in January 2011, and will join the Hyundai line-up in its home market of South Korea in the spring of next year. At launch, it’ll feature two four cylinder petrol powerplants, a 1.4 and 1.6, mated to a four-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.
At the moment, it’s not clear if the Concept RB will be brought to India, or where it’ll be positioned – but it’s hard not to draw a comparison with the Vento, which is a sedan version of the Polo hatchback designed for the Russian and Indian markets. Now, the styling of the RB certainly looks a lot more dramatic, but it does fit the perceived dimensions of an i20-based sedan. Our guess is that Hyundai will further intensify competition in that segment by the end of next year. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
GM to source Tavera engines from Sonalika |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
General Motors has entered into an agreement with International Cars and Motors (ICML) to source Bharat Stage IV engines for its multi-utility vehicle, the Tavera. The announcement comes in lieu of the enforcement of Euro IV emission norms in 13 cities across the country.
GM will source a 2.0 litre common rail diesel unit, which is Euro IV compliant, and currently does duty in the Rhino Rx MUV. General Motors India points out that the older version of the Tavera will continue to be sold in the rest of the country – where the Euro IV norms are not yet applicable.
GM’s new powertrain facility at its plant in Talegaon, Maharastra, is also expected to come on stream towards the end of the year. The plant will produce both petrol and diesel engines for passenger vehicles such as the Beat and Cruze, as well as a new sub-one-tonne LCV planned under the joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC).
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Yamaha goes on the Offensive |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Buoyed by the success of the deluxe and premium segment bikes, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. recently unveiled three new bikes, the SZ, SZ-X, and YBR 125 – with brand ambassador John Abraham present for the festivities.
Powering the new SZ and SZ-X is an all-new 4-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC, single cylinder 153cc engine that’s been tuned for optimum performance in the low-to-mid range in an effort to ensure a stress-free ride on Indian roads. The bikes are also equipped with an AI System and a large-capacity muffler with a catalyzer for a cleaner exhaust. The bikes flaunt some cutting edge design like the headlight cowl with three-dimensional slanting lines, which, along with a sporty fender, enhance the overall look of the bikes. There is a large capacity 14 litre fuel tank, and a long cushioned seat, that ensures comfortable riding while commuting long distances. The new YBR 125, meanwhile, is a bike targeted towards customers who want a commuter bike with satisfactory mileage at an affordable price. The bike is equipped with a 123cc engine and a 4-speed gearbox. The YBR 125 will run you `47,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the SZ and SZ-X will be available for `49,000 and `52,000 respectively. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
The Avenger Gets a Bigger Heart |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Bajaj Auto recently launched its new 220cc Avenger DTS-i. Courtesy of its larger capacity engine, the new Avenger boasts better performance statistics like more power to the tune of 19bhp, and a torque figure of 17.5Nm. The bike will also come with a DC circuit that gives it a constant light beam at all riding speeds. Further improvements like dual density seating, a battery charge level indicator on the tank, and a maintenance free battery have also been provided for greater comfort and ease of cruising. The bike now also has a DC ignition system with low trigger-start rpm to ensure an easy button-start.
The 220cc Avenger DTS-i is a product of Bajaj Auto’s Research and Development acumen, and is priced at `69,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). The 220cc Avenger DTS-i also has a stepped up warranty of 18 months.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Enfield heads West |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Chennai based Indian biking legend, Royal Enfield, is getting ready to launch the all-new 500 Classic range of motorcycles in the state of California in the US. California is the leading market for motorbikes in the US, and accounts for nearly half the market. Enfield has been present in the United States for many years now, but doesn’t have any dealers in the ‘Golden State.’ California is a lucrative bike market because its sunny weather allows for year-round biking. The first shipment of bikes is already on its way. Enfield currently sells about 500 units annually in the US market, excluding California. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Suzuki Launches its SlingShot |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Suzuki Motorcycles India may hold 50% of the premium or superbike market in the country, but they don’t, as yet, have the portfolio to truly take on the mass market segment. The only product, and a very good one, which they offer is the GS150R. However, now, in order to cater to the masses and grab some market share, Suzuki has launched its 125cc SlingShot.
Inspired by its bigger siblings, the GSX-R series, the Suzuki SlingShot boasts of sharp edgy head lamps, an all new front fender design, and a convenient gear position indicator for ease of riding in city traffic. A state-of-the-art engine, fed by a BS carburetor, with a Throttle Position Switch (TPS), optimizes the ignition timing. Suzuki’s Pulsed-secondary AIR-injection (PAIR) system results in obtaining high combustion efficiency for enhanced mileage and reduced emissions. The SlingShot is priced at `43,945 (ex-showroom Delhi). |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
