The new launch from Datsun "GO NXT" is launched for the financial year 2016.
Key Features:
Air bags for safety
1.2-litre gasoline unit
5-speed transmission
Showing posts with label Cars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cars. Show all posts
14 August 2015
The all new GO NXT from Datsun is launchd in INDIA
The new launch from Datsun "GO NXT" is launched for the financial year 2016.
Key Features:
Air bags for safety
1.2-litre gasoline unit
5-speed transmission
30 October 2013
The New Generation Dodge SRT Viper 2013
When the new generation Viper is offered on the market, the list of competitors will be long. Models like the Acura NSX and the next generation Lotus Esprit come to mind as future cars that will try to give the Viper a run for its money.
The new NSX is expected to go on sale as a 2014 model. All we have on the future NSX is based solely on speculations as well, but for now it is rumored to get a new V6 engine that will deliver up to 400 HP. This will be more than enough to sprint the NSX to an impressive speed of 200 mph.
As for the future Lotus Esprit, it will be powered by a 5.0 liter V8 engine that delivers an impressive 620 HP and 720 NM of torque. With a weight of 1450 kilos, the new Esprit will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and will hit a top speed of 205 mph.
These may be the competitors in the Viper’s category, but a true comparison can only be made once we know what the heck is going on with the 2013 Dodge Viper.
The new generation Viper will go into production at the end of 2012 and will go on sale as a 2013 model. The sports car has been priced at $97,395, which is around $15,000 less than what Chevrolet is asking for with the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Sounds like a sound deal to us.
When the last model for the previous generation Dodge Viper rolled off the assembly line, many of us took comfort in knowing that the next generation had already been confirmed for production. The new generation SRT Viper was rumored and teased for a good amount of time, building up the suspense for the new design and powerful engine. Now, it’s finally here, bringing its new look and ditching the Dodge title in the process.
The new SRT Viper has received an all-new, timeless exterior design with a new carbon-fiber hood, roof, decklid, and aluminum door panels. As a first, the Viper will be offered with LED taillamps that integrate stop-and-turn illumination in one element.
Under the hood, the new Viper features a new 8.4-liter all-aluminum, V-10 overhead-valve engine that will deliver a total of 640 HP and 600 lb-ft of torque. The new engine will be mated to an improved Tremec T R6060 six-speed manual transmission.
Specifications:
- Make: Dodge Model: Viper
- Engine: V10
- Transmission: Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission
- Horsepower @ RPM: 640
- Torque @ RPM: 600
- Displacement: 8.4 L
Bentley releases Continental GT V8 S with more power and luxury
Bentley has wrung out its 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine in the Continental GT so that it now produces more power to welcome the new Continental GT V8 ‘S'.
Of course, power is not the only thing you get, but it is the one we are primarily concerned with. Let's start with some numbers: instead of the standard GT V8's 500bhp, you get 521bhp in this new S, along with 502lb ft of torque (up from 487 torques).
There are more Better Numbers to further stick your senses with: the coupe's 0-62mph time drops from 4.8s to 4.5s - same as the 567bhp 6.0-litre W12 version - with a corresponding increase in top speed (192mph), while the convertible GT V8 S now hits 0-62mph in 4.7s (down from 5.0s) and tops out at 191mph (up from 187mph).
Economy and emissions remain the same as the standard GT V8 though (mid 20s for mpg, 246g/km CO2 for the coupe and 254g/km CO2 for the convertible), thanks in part to the V8's cylinder shutdown system - in this mode, four cylinders are turned off under light throttle ‘cruising' conditions, but the full banana is resumed when you engage Stig Level 10. We are told this elicits an ‘emotive growl' from the exhaust. Lovely.
To help deliver more of this grunt to the road, Bentley has (deep breath) lowered the sports suspension by 10mm, increased the spring rates (45 per cent on the front, 33 per cent on the rear), revised the damping, stiffened the bushes by 70 per cent and rear anti-roll bar by 54 per cent, recalibrated the steering for ‘improved precision and feedback' and loosened up the stability control to allow for ‘increased wheel slip at higher speed'. Best prepare the drift shoes, squire.
Externally you get a new front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser, new 20in wheels, V8 S badging, a contrast centre stripe on the roof lining inside, knurled chrome detailing to the gear shift lever and ventilation controls, and an 8-inch touch screen complete with a 30gb hard-drive. You can also appoint many options if you have many more pounds, naturally, though we've not had any details on price. Expect it to be a healthy chunk more than the standard V8's £123k.
26 October 2013
S660 sports concept car to be sold only in Japan - Honda
Honda Motor Co. Ltd has released a press release announcing that the Honda S660 concept car. This convertible sports car could be one of the major attractions of the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013 wich is plannd to begin from November 20 2013. Apart from it other notable cars would be the global unveiling of the production version of the Urban SUV concept and the Japanese premiere of the NSX concept.
The Honda S660, a 21st Century adaptation of the brand’s S600 sports car, first seen in the 1960s. The tiny two-seater roadster but Honda UK gave red signal to release it in Britain. The fourth model in the N Series of the Honda mini-vehicle range, the N-WGN would also make its debut along with the all-new Accord Plug-in Hybrid and the Fit equipped with Earth Dreams Technology. Looking very similar to 2011’s electric EV-STER concept, the S660 swaps batteries for internal combustion power, and ushers in an interior not pinched from the set of Star Trek, indicating a step closer to showroom-ready condition.
Honda S660 is an "open-top sports-type mini-vehicle", the S660 looks a lot like the EV-STER concept from 2011 but with a conventional engine in the form of a small 660cc three-cylinder turbocharged motor outputting 64 bhp (48 kW) linked to a seven-speed CVT. The concept will emerge into a production version with a fully retractable roof sometime in 2015 but it will be sold only in Japan. However, some reports are indicating an export version equipped with a bigger 1.0-liter turbo engine rated at 100 bhp (74 kW) could happen sometime in the future. An exact weight figure has not been released but it's most likely somewhere in the 900 kg (1,984 lbs) region.
The S660 name refers to the front-mounted engine’s capacity: it’s a 660cc three-cylinder petrol powerplant, boosted by a teeny turbocharger and free of the hybrid nonsense forced upon the slow-selling (and moving) CR-Z coupe. The engine is thought to be mated to a CVT automatic gearbox, though paddleshifters behind the steering wheel allow selection of stepped ‘ratios’, like a proper automatic. Engine spec sounding familiar? The recently-revealed Caterham Seven 160 uses an identically-sized Suzuki-derived three-pot, which develops 80bhp. The 660cc capacity comes about from Japan’s miniature ‘Kei-car’ regulations, which demand such cars boast no more than 660ccs under their dinky bonnets.
25 October 2013
Daihatsu planning to bring back the glory to Copen
Daihatsu launching its own revival Copen with more addons to it, planning for its production at this point, but it could be changed at any point. Honda is presenting the S660 concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, the latest reports indicate that Daihatsu is planning to attack wit a Copen revival, has showcased a couple of concepts hinting at the prospect over the past few years since the Copen's cancellation.
Whether the new Copen would strictly comply with Kei car regulations that limit both size and engine capacity, or grow beyond that class remains to be seen. As does the question of its export, but considering Daihatsu is more or less a division of Toyota these days, we could see room in the Scion lineup for a baby FR-S. There are titan rivalries – 911 vs GT-R, Ferrari vs Lamborghini, Viper vs 'Vette – and there are smaller ones. But the smaller ones can be just as fierce. Like the rivalry between the Daihatsu Copen and Honda Beat.
Chevrolet Cruze launched by General Motors
General Motors India launched the facelifted version of the popular Chevrolet Cruze in Indian market. The new Cruze comes with refreshed styling and a whole host of added safety features. The new Cruze comes with a new dual-port front grille with a neatly tucked ‘Gold Bowtie’ Chevrolet logo, a redesigned front and rear bumper and new dual bezel headlamps. The new Cruze also gets a set of newly designed alloy wheels and chrome bezels around the fog lamps. With it’s refreshed styling, the new Cruze exhibits a touch of sporting character to the already aggressive and muscular styling.
Speaking on the occasion, Lowell Paddock, President and Managing Director of General Motors India said, “The Cruze has received an overwhelming response from consumers across India since its launch in 2009 and continues to be the largest-selling Chevrolet nameplate globally. With new stylish exteriors, modern comfort features and added safety, we expect the all new Cruze to continue exceeding expectations of car buyers and keep up the excitement in the festive season.”
The Cruze is equipped with a 2.0-litre VCDi engine that makes 166PS and 380Nm of torque. The Chevrolet Cruze comes equipped with either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox. Price for the new 2013 Chevrolet Cruze (ex-showroom, Mumbai) starting from 113.75 Lakh to 16.15 Lakh.
On the interior front the Cruze comes with features like blue ambient lighting matched with a set of black leather interiors. The integrated infotainment system and premium speakers coupled with the three spoke steering wheel with steering mounted audio controls adds to the premium feel. The Cruze also features a Push-button start, steering-mounted cruise control and an auto-dimming inside rear view mirror. On the safety front, the Cruze is equipped with two front and two side airbags enhancing safety in case of a collision.
Volvo launched S60 and XC60
Volvo India has launched its best selling XC60 and S60 in indian market at a starting price of Rs 40.5 lakh and 29.9 lakh respectively (ex-showroom Delhi), Volvo India have launched two refreshed and facelifted versions of their best sellers in the Indian market, the all-new Volvo S60 and Volvo XC60. Although there are major changes in exterior design, technology and after market solutions, the new Volvo S60 and XC60 also come with much refreshed interiors. Common exterior changes that can be seen on both the new Volvo S60 and Volvo XC60 models include-new bonnet, premium wipers, LED daytime running lights, new grille, new aluminium wheels, new exhaust pipes and varied colours for Indian market.
Having said that, the interior changes for 2014 Volvo S60 and XC60 include TFT crystal display-with three choices - Performance, ECO and Elegance; gear shift paddles, a newly designed steering wheel and new gear shift design. There is also a lot more chrome on the interior and new and more comfortable sports seats. The most interesting upgrade includes the City Safety feature up to 50km/hr that prevents collisions by pre-charging the brakes and applying them incase the driver loses focus. As far as the engines are concerned, Volvo S60 and XC60 base variants come powered by a 1984cc engine and offer a claimed mileage of 18-19kmpl for the new Volvo S60 and 14-15kmpl for XC60. The two models will be available only in diesel.
The cars will be available across all Volvo dealerships in India and will replace the existing S60 and XC60 models. Prior to these, Volvo India had launched Volvo V40 Cross Country earlier this year and has plans to sell over 1,000 units in the next financial year, in which 70-80 percent of the share will be that from the new S60 and XC60.
24 October 2013
Floating car by Nissan: The Note ashore
In the recent days the experiments proved that the cars can fly and can go underwater but Nissan proved that it can be rowed also, but Nissan has made some modifications to turn its new Versa Note hatchback into a makeshift rowing shell.
Nissan replaced the car's rear seats with a sliding rear rowing seat, modified the doors to open wider at 90 degrees and fitted a pair of oars. Most importantly, they put the whole thing on a floating platform to keep it from sinking into Eton Dorney Lake, the site of the 2012 Olympic rowing competitions in England (where the car is simply known as the Nissan Note).
Then they invited medal-winning competitive rowers Helen Glover, Sophie Hosking and Polly Swann to come along and row the thing, making use of the around-view monitor system to see where they were going. All in all it may not be quite as cool as the boats which Fiat made out of the 500 or Mini made out of its convertible, but it's still enough to float our boat. Check it out in the video clip and press release below and the image gallery above.
23 October 2013
Toyota launched limited edition Fortuner TRD Sportivo
Toyota launched the brand new Fortuner Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Sportivo Limited Edition version of the popular SUV. This top selling model featuring a 3.0 litre four cylinder diesel engine, the Fortuner Sportivo generates more than 169 bhp of power at the peak along with 343 Nm of torque. There's a five speed manual transmission gear box that comes as standard and power gets distributed to all the four wheels as it is going to be a four wheel drive vehicle. The TRD Sportivo is available in two colors - Super White and the Silver Mica with price tag of Rs. 24.26 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), with this release Toyota Kirloskar Motors is focusing on the upcoming festive season which usually boost sales.
The Toyota Fortuner TRD Sportivo features a newly designed dual tone front and rear bumper spoiler that is painted in a two tone color to accentuate sportiness. The TRD Sportivo also gets an integrated roof spoiler, a new radiator grille with an embeded TRD logo, a TRD side body stripe and a TRD logo at the rear. Based on the TRD Sportivo 4×4 manual transmission variant, the limited edition Fortuner adds features such as a dual tone front and rear bumper spoiler, TRD engraved side body stripe, rear roof spoiler, radiator grille with TRD emblem and a TRD Sportivo emblem at the rear. Commenting on the launch, TKM Deputy Managing Director & COO (marketing and commercial) Sandeep Singh said: "Fortuner has been the leader in its segment since launch and has sold more than 54 thousand units. With an aim to provide newness, we have introduced the Fortuner limited edition for the festive season."
The Fortuner on the exterior features 2-Spoke Alloy Wheels, Rear View Mirrors with Electrical Adjust & Retract and Side Turn Indicators. Also you can see are the Automatic HID Headlamps with Washer, Front Fog Lamps, Roof Rails Rear and a Wiper and a Defogger. On the interiors, there is a MID (Multi Information Display), Optitron Combimeter with Illumination control, Black Wood-like finish panels, Lockable Glove Box Light & Key Reminder. For the safety and security of the passengers, there's ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) & BA (Brake Assist).
Speaking on the occasion, Sandeep Singh, Chief Operaring Officer of Toyota Kirloskar Motors said, "Fortuner has been the leader in its segment since launch and has sold more than 54,000 units. With an aim to provide newness, we have introduced the Fortuner Limited edition for the festive season. Sought after for both off-roading and city driving, the limited edition with its sporty image will provide exclusivity to our customers."
21 October 2013
McLaren new P1 gives 62 mph in 2.8 seconds
After what McLaren terms as an "extensive testing and development programme", the new P1 has now been revealed to run from 0-62 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds. Keep the accelerator down and it'll hit 124 mph in 6.8 seconds and 186 mph in 16.5 seconds – which may seem a little abstract, so for reference, consider that it took the legendary McLaren F1 a massive 5.5 seconds longer to reach 186, and that was long considered to be the fastest car on the road. Run out of said road and the P1 will shave off that speed in a hurry too, braking from 62 mph to a standstill in less than 100 feet, which McLaren claims is a third the distance it would take most vehicles.
Those are some massive performance stats, and come as the result of an extensive build process. Woking says it takes 82 technicians 17 days of work to complete a single example, culminating in a "monsoon test" that involves dumping over 4,000 gallons of de-ionized water onto the finished car to make sure all the seals are tight. Once production gets up to speed, it'll roll out one unit per day until all 375 examples are built – projected to take until the middle of 2015.
Via - Autoblog
20 October 2013
Concept electric car can travel 100 km on a 10-min charge
- The car can travel 100 km (62 miles) on a 10-minute charge and has a maximum speed of 60 km per hour (37 miles per hour)
- With a click on a smartphone, the experimental 'Armadillo-T' electric car made in South Korea will park itself and fold nearly in half, freeing up space in crowded cities.
- The quirky two-seater, named after the animal whose shell it resembles, may never see production but it is part of a trend of developing environmentally friendly vehicles for urban spaces.
- When it comes time to park, the rear of the vehicle folds over the front, almost halving its body length to just 1.65 meters (65 inches).
- 'They can be parked in every corner of the street and buildings, be it apartments, shopping malls or supermarkets,' said Suh In-soo, a professor at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology who led development of the car.
- Suh did away with rear-view mirrors by adding tiny digital cameras that show the back and sides of the car on a flat screen on the dashboard.
- A Windows-based computer system communicates with the driver's smartphone and enables self-parking.
- The Armadillo-T cannot legally venture on to the road in South Korea because it does not meet certain mandatory criteria, such as withstanding crashes. Suh said South Korea should relax rules for micro cars, exempting them from crash requirements because of their relatively low speeds.
- A video demonstrating the prototype has been viewed more than 780,000 times on YouTube
18 October 2013
Volvo introduced new system by carbon fiber body panels contain tiny nano batteries
Volvo has come up with a solution to replace heavy batteries in cars, the technology could also be used in electric vehicles to replace larger batteries that are needed. The new system is made up of carbon fiber body panels, that contain tiny nano batteries and super capacitors, the panels batteries are recharged using a regenerative braking system, the diagram below shows how the system will work.
Volvo has said that this new system charges faster than standard car batteries, they have been testing out this new platform on a Volvo S80, and they replaced the trunk of the car and some other parts. There is an added benefit to using these panels, their is a significant weight saving which means that the vehicle uses less of the battery, thus giving it a longer range and improved performance.
Volvo also placed a new panel under the hood of the car, and this panel alone is capable of replacing a vehicle’s 12v battery, so the technology could also be applied to standard cars as well as electric vehicles. It certainly does sound very interesting, and the technology could be applied to existing electric vehicles by other manufacturers, which would allow them to increase the range of their vehicles and also make them more energy efficient by reducing the weight.
Via - Techdigg.info
James Bond Submarine car purchased by Elon Musk for $886,000
The serial entrepreneur and current CEO of Tesla Cars Elon Musk, has purchased the iconic James Bond submarine car for an estimated $886,000 with plans to fit an electric motor into the shell and transform it into a transforming submarine car.
Unfortunately the iconic James Bond submarine car used in the movie “The Spy Who Loved Me” is basically just a film prop and does not contain any submarine components or the ability to transform from a car and was guided underwater by a stuntman equipped with scuba gear for the film’s action sequences. Yesterday a Tesla Motors spokeswoman confirmed that the submarine movie prop, modelled after a Lotus sports car, had been bought by Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk.
Who is now looking to transform the movie prop into a fully working transforming submarine car equipped with an electric motor. In a statement provided by Tesla Elon Musk explained: “I was disappointed to learn that it can’t actually transform,”-”What I’m going to do is upgrade it with a Tesla electric powertrain and try to make it transform for real.”
And it will be interesting to see whether the billionaire entrepreneur will be able to transform the iconic James Bond car into a real-life working model similar to that which allowed Roger Moore to drive the Lotus Esprit off a pier and into the water and then transform it into a submarine to then drive it back out onto a beach under the gaze of bemused sunbathers.
Via - Techdigg.info
17 October 2013
Lotus power back with Spyker B6 Venator
Spyker unveiled the B6 Venator concept at the Geneva Motor Show this past March and then again with the debut of the convertible version at Pebble Beach in August. But aside from revealing that the compact sportscar is powered by an unspecified V6 with 375 horsepower, the niche automaker from Holland didn't reveal much in the way of details.
Reports coming in from Europe indicate that Spyker chief Victor Muller sent out a letter to prospective buyers that reveals the source of the Venator's power: a 3.5-liter supercharged V6, based on Toyota architecture and tuned by Lotus. In other words, the same engine that powers the Evora S and Exige S. In those forms, it produces 345 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque – a good 30 horses shy of Spyker's original claim. Whether that means the Venator itself is also based on Lotus architecture is another matter.
Mahindra launched Xylo D2 MAXX 9-seater
The Mahindra launched a 9-seater version of it's successful Xylo at Rs 7.12 Lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai), this is being the successful model in recent years and now Mahindra have decided to boost sales by launching the 9-seater variant of the Xylo, the MAXX. Availble in both BS3 and BS4 versions, the Xylo MAXX comes with 9 seats to mainly woo the Taxi and Tour operator markets. The new Mahindra Xylo MAXX comes only in the D2 spec, base model Xylo thereby making it excellent value for money. With the advent of rivals like the new Tata Sumo Gold, the Ashok Leyland Stile and the newly refreshed Evalia, there seems to be a lot of movement in the industry, which is specifically targeting mass buyers like fleet and taxi operators. As these buyers are critical for large volume manufacturers, expect a lot of special variants of existing vehicles targeted specially for tour and taxi operators in the near future.
Equipped with the 2.5-Litre MDi CRDe engine, Mahindra claims a fuel efficiency figure of 14.95Kmpl as per ARAI certifications. As mentioned earlier, the Xylo D2 MAXX comes in both BS3 and BS4 specs thereby making it more accessible to the smaller towns and cities that do not have stringent emissions norms. The Xylo D2’s 2.5-Litre engine makes 95PS and 200Nm of torque. Speaking on the occasion, Vivek Nayer, Chief Marketing Officer, Automotive Division, Mahindra and Mahindra Limited said, Today, we are delighted to offer our customers the 9 seats option with side-facing rear seats – a feature preferred by the tour and travel segment. Given that the Xylo has best-in-class space, the side facing seats will provide a great deal of flexibility for carrying people or luggage.”
16 October 2013
Early call from BMW to increase production for i3
The 2014 BMW i3 is to hit US showrooms until the second quarter of next year, but the response BMW has received for the all-electric hatchback has been positive enough that the automaker is already considering boosting production capacity. Bloomberg Businessweek reports that more than 8,000 customers have reserved an i3 so far, which is high, especially considering that BMW only planned to sell 10,000 i3s total in 2014.
Talking to BMW CFO Friedrich Eichiner, the report says that if the demand holds for the i3, BMW would increase capacity accordingly. The i3 goes on sale next month in Germany before a global roll out in the US, China and Japan, and with a starting price of $41,350, it is priced slightly higher than current small plug-in vehicles offered in the US like the Chevy Volt, Ford Focus Electric and Toyota Prius Plug-in, though features more use of advanced, lightweight materials.
Customers have reserved more than 8,000 of the compact city car, which will cost $41,350 in the U.S., even before the battery-powered model hits European showrooms next month, Chief Financial Officer Friedrich Eichiner said late yesterday. “If demand holds, which is what it’s looking like, we will soon have to invest more,” he said at a press conference in Amsterdam. BMW expects to sell more than 10,000 of the i3 next year and “will adjust capacity according to demand.”
The i3 will go on sale in Germany for 34,950 euros ($47,440) on Nov. 16, followed by the U.S., China and Japan in the first half of next year. The model made its public debut July 29 at simultaneous events in New York, London and Beijing. The push to sell the electric car and recoup investments in the technology underpinning the vehicle include an international print, TV and Internet advertising campaign.
Camaro Z/28 from Chevrolet
Chevrolet preparing the deck to launch Camaro Z/28 by 2014, Al Oppenheiser the chief engineer for the Chevrolet Camaro, tell it, the brand-new 2014 Z/28 is "the car everyone expects." The modern Camaro concept first debuted at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, and in early 2014 – over eight years later – the Z/28 will finally be available for public consumption. It is perhaps the most highly anticipated Camaro model to spawn from the modern interpretation of General Motors' 'Murican muscle car. After all, when we first spied the track-focused 1LE, we assumed it would be called Z/28. And then when Chevy surprised us with the ZL1 at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, we were sort of shocked that it wasn't called Z/28, either.
Chevy invited us out to GM's Milford Proving Grounds for a proper deep dive. And instead of just telling us what the new top-dog Camaro can do, we buckled into the passenger seat of the very car that recently set a 7:37.47 Nürburgring lap time – with the very driver that set the time as our pilot – and stormed the 2.9-mile Milford Road Course, this model have been flooding in since we first heard the Camaro nameplate would be making a comeback. But Oppenheiser was saving the best for last.
Image Source: General Motors
The future versions of Jaguar
Jaguar is setting the platform for 2015, the two-door coupé version is planeed to hit the market in 2018.
The upcoming compact Series fighters from Jaguar, often referred to as the Jaguar XS, could consist of a sedan, wagon and possibly a coupe and GT model (think BMW 5 Series GT). The car's all-aluminum architecture also will provide the basis for two new sports utility vehicles.
Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar's global brand director, claims Jaguar will "build the most advanced, most efficient, most refined car in that [compact luxury sedan] segment. Not almost as good as, but better than the best in the world."
"We selected a suspension architecture that, whichever the classes of cars that we're even thinking about, we know we'll deliver an uncompromised product in that class," says Kevin Stride, a Jaguar vehicle line director.
The X760 was developed as a large-scale project that would satisfy more than Jaguar's need for a new vehicle in the compact luxury sedan segment. The architecture also will spawn two new SUVs, a Jaguar and the Land Rover Evoque XL, which share the codename X761.
The Jaguar SUV is to compete with the BMW X3 and X4 and Jaguar plans to beat Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz at their own game by launching a new offensive which will result in four new models by 2018, says JLR's new strategy boss.
According to a JLR executive quoted by automotive analysts in a recent Bernstein Research report, the new baby Jaguar project is the brand’s last chance. “This is the only choice as Jaguar is not viable at 60,000 units [per year]. If the X760 fails, it will be probably be the end for the brand.”
However, all the signs are that the baby Jaguar project will not be a failure, especially as its financial viability will be propped up by the production of a new Range Rover Evoque XL, based on the same aluminium architecture as the Jaguar models. The Evoque XL will add much-needed volume and healthy profit margins.
The compact premium segment that Jaguar wants to break into is set to grow by another half a million sales by the end of the decade.
According to figures from London-based analyst ISI Auto, the global market for compact premium cars is currently dominated by the three German premium brands. Between them, the BMW 3-series family, Mercedes-Benz C-class and Audi A4 are expected to sell 1.15 million units next year, the majority of the total market segment sales of 1.3 million.
These figures show the huge uphill struggle that has faced Japanese premium brands Lexus and Infiniti, but they also provide hope for Jaguar. While Japanese brands and Cadillac could account for just 147,000 sales globally next year in this segment, Jaguar’s arrival in 2015 could finally shake it up. However, this time Jaguar is coming at the compact premium market with a complete bespoke and freshly engineered car. It is surely Jaguar’s best and last chance to become a true global player.
15 October 2013
Honda's Accord Hybrid with Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive
Honda's first attempt at an Accord Hybrid, released in 2005, put dynamic performance first, but it didn't match the public's maturing perception of what a hybrid is all about: fuel economy. The 2005 version was capable of a measly 28 miles per gallon combined, 25 in the city and 33 on the highway. And remember those numbers, and that the first-generation Accord Hybrid lasted all of three model years before being axed.
Despite all that, the idea of an Accord Hybrid makes sense, especially in an era of tightening fuel economy regulations. After all,Honda sells around 350,000 Accords a year, and improving the fuel economy of your most mass market vehicle, even by a little, makes a big difference when you're concerned about the "A" in CAFE. While Honda won't say what percentage of Accord sales it expects the Hybrid to make up – "We'll sell as many as we can" was the refrain – the addition of the 50/45/47 (city/highway/combined) Hybrid version means Honda finally has a deep lineup of powertrains and trim levels for this ninth-generation Accord family, with prices that range from $21,955 for the base standard version to $39,780 for the Accord Plug-In.The Accord Hybrid starts roughly in the middle at $29,155, though doesn't in any way feel $10,000 cheaper than the Accord Plug-In, in part because its non-EV mileage figures are actually better than its more expensive brother (except for a 1-mpg win by the Accord Plug-In on the highway). The reason lies in the near-identical powertrains the two cars share.
The Honda Accord Hybrid is the first application of this two-motor system, but it will not be the last. Honda calls it Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD), and it is very different than the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system used in other Honda hybrids we know in North America.
Via - Autoblog
Video of Jaguar F-Type V8 S - Jay Leno's Garage
Jay Leno gets to drive a lot of nice cars, and the Jaguar F-Type V8 S he pilots in the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage is no exception. Eric Johnson, vice president of Jaguar Western Region brought the car to Leno's garage, which impresses the comedian with its 5.0-liter V8 that makes 495 horsepower, 460 pound-feet of torque and a muscle car-like roar.But there's a surprise this episode: Leno secured a drive in the Project 7 Concept at Pebble Beach this year, and the experience was caught on video. Based on the F-Type, the Project 7 is a functional concept car that nods to Jaguar's seven wins at Le Mans and features bespoke styling cues, a special exhaust system and, perhaps most importantly, 50 more horsepower from the supercharged V8.
Watch the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage in the video below. You'll need a little over 23 minutes to see the whole thing.
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