Skoda launches Rapid in India

Czech car-maker Skoda on Wednesday launched its midsized sedan Rapid in India priced between Rs.6.75 lakh and Rs.9.19 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The car is available in both petrol and diesel variants will be powered by a 1.6 litre engine. It is based on group firm VW's Vento platform.

"India is a very important market for us. There was a gap between our compact car Fabia and the sedan Laura. To fill that gap, we have launched the Rapid in the C segment," Skoda Auto India marketing head Tarun Jha told reporters.

"This car is specifically designed for India and the launch will be the global launch for the car. At a later stage, it may be introduced in different markets across the world. At present, the company is not exporting any car from India," Jha said.

The company said it is targeting sales of more than 2,000 cars per month. The petrol variant of Rapid is pitched against the Honda City, while it will be Hyundai for the diesel variant.

On sales, Jha said, "It may become the best-selling car for us in India. It may be a game changer for us."

Hyundai shows off the 2012 Azera at L.A. Auto Show

Hyundai Motor America debuted its 2012 Azera sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It fits in between the midsize and the full-size car segments. The new Azera is equipped with a 3.3-liter Lambda II engine and six-speed automatic transmission. It produces 293 horsepower and combined fuel economy of 23 mpg. The new model includes nine standard airbags, 18-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlights with LED accents. It features a navigation system and rearview camera standard on all models.

Hyundai had the fourth press conference during the first day of the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. It took place in front of the automaker's display inside the L.A. Convention Center's South Hall.

"The new Azera means new thinking and new possibilities to the midsize segment," said John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America. "It's roomy, comfortable, safe and powerful. We give our owners the peace of mind of Hyundai Assurance, the industry's best warranty, the industry's only trade-in value guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. This is what our customers have come to expect from Hyundai."


Other standard features of the Azera include leather interior with heated front and rear seats, the Blue Link telematics platform and manual side window sunshades. It also comes with a Bluetooth hands-free phone system and ventilated front seats. Three months of XM Satellite Radio is included.

"Two years ago here at the L.A. Auto Show, the all-new Sonata and Tucson ushered in a new era of Hyundai design," said Michael O'Brien, vice president of corporate and product planning for Hyundai Motor America. "Inside, Azera combines modern elegance, craftsmanship and lots of space. Azera provides more total interior volume than Avalon. Azera also includes standard features not available from its competitors."

Alfa Romeo Planning MX-5

There are few sexier ways to announce a big return than with a cherry red coupe like the Alfa Romeo 4C. And, by all indications, that's exactly how Alfa plans to make its grand return to the United States market.


Not only is the 4C a looker, but it's also a good amount of car for a decent price. With a weight well under 2,000 pounds, a 200-horsepower engine, a 0-60 mph time under 5 seconds, and an expected price around $60,000, the 4C packs a whole lot into a small, affordable package.

It's definitely an attractive competitor to other small sports cars like the Porsche Cayman and Lotus Elise.

Alfa Romeo MX-5

Audi A1 Sportback SA-bound in 2012

Audi has released details of the A1 sportback, a five-door, long-tailed hatch on its smallest platform - and it'll be here in the second quarter of 2012 in three petrol and two diesel variants.


It's the same length as the three-door at 3.95 metres overall on an identical 2.47 metre wheelbase, but is 6mm wider and 6mm taller at 1.75 metres and 1.42 metres respectively, which provides a little extra room for rear-seat passengers, which number two in the standard version, although a three-seater rear bench is a no-cost option.

The front styling is derived directly from the three-door A1, but with a longer, more elegant roofline and sculpted LED tail lights.

The bonnet and rear hatch wrap around the body, the shoulder line encircles the whole car and the flowing roof with its integrated spoiler curves crisply into a steeply sloped C pillar. It's also available with a contrasting roof line in one of three special colours, as well as with a sporty S line exterior package.

The passenger cell is reinforced with very strong hot-shaped steel, to increase rigidity and reduce weight - the base 1.2 TFSI model weighs only 1065kg.

2012 Mastretta MXT - 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

The Mastretta MXT is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter Duratec inline-4 that produces 250 bhp at 5200 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque that peaks at 3950. It comes mated to a MTX-75 5-speed manual gearbox. The car weighs only 2050 lb., thanks to the use of aluminum in the chassis and carbon fiber in the body. The suspension consists of upper and lower A-arms front and rear, while the steering via rack-and-pinion.

2012 Mastretta MXT

According to Mastretta, the MXT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph). Mastretta also says the MXT’s handling is first rate, the car able to generate 1.1g around a skidpad. Even with impressive numbers like those, the MXT is meant for everyday commuting on public roads. The asking price? About $60,000. Mastretta is expected to produce 200 cars per year.

2012 Mastretta MXT Engine

Jaguar XKR-S Convertible

At-A-Glance

• The XKR-S Convertible is the most powerful and fastest convertible Jaguar has ever built

• Supercharged V8 engine produces 550 hp and 502lb-ft of torque
• Top speed of 186 mph and 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds (0-100 kmh in 4.4 seconds).
• MSRP of $138,000*
• Only 25 examples of the 2012 model year XKR-S Convertible will be sold in the US
• Performance Active exhaust enables higher power and torque and gives the XKR-S its own distinctive soundtrack
• Lightweight aluminum architecture provides high torsional rigidity
• Revised front and rear suspension means increased agility, precision and control without sacrificing comfort
• Uprated Adaptive Dynamics system allows the enthusiastic driver to safely exploit the exhilarating handling
• Styling changes developed with Computational Fluid Dynamics to reduce lift and maximize aerodynamic stability
• New front bumper design with wider, lower air intake, carbon fiber air splitter and twin side nacelles
• New rocker sills smooth the horizontal airflow and emphasize the 0.4-inch reduction in ride height
• Unique rear wing with a carbon fiber insert and a rear apron ensure balanced aerodynamics front and rear
• Convertible top opens and stows in just 18 seconds at speeds up to 15mph.
• Flagship interior features 16-way adjustable Performance seats trimmed in carbon leather
• 2012 model year production of the Coupe version, introduced at the Geneva show, has already sold

Maserati Gran Turismo Superior Turned Black By Anderson In Germany

Specialized in manufacturing sporting playful scowl after receiving special treatment, Anderson German car tuner Germany seems to be to see a gentleman of the night in every creature with four wheels. Take the last packet for the Maserati GranTurismo S.


It is now known, Superior Black Edition, this incarnation comes with several changes in vision, but better performance is also available.

Take one step at a time, tuning specialists have chosen to cover the Gran Turismo S in a silky matte surface, while the remains of the elements, such as headlights and taillights, window frames, grille and logo on the back also received a dark treatment.

In addition, as part of the Black Edition Higher Anderson in Germany too, the supercar will have a set of glossy black wheels and a pair of sporty looking aprons. The Maserati Gran Turismo The package is rounded off with a pair of carbon components include mirrors, tailgate, roof edges and side air inlets.

Tuners are also determined to strengthen the rear of the car, which does not seem more aggressive with the new exhaust system and endowed with the remote control valves. This adds an extra 12 horsepower and out of the car.

BMW Thinking to rename its naming Strategy For Its New Car Brands

One of the ways BMW enthusiasts were able to directly identify a model of an era, both for its traditional nomenclature as the 3 Series and 5 Series, or its internal chassis code F10 as the current 5 series. However, BMW has announced it will begin a new term strategy for models of all brands.

The announcement comes as BMW believes that the question of what the model name below the 1 Series, BMW to enter.

"There will be a change in the name of all brands," said the director of BMW, sales and marketing, Ian Robertson. "There is a lot number that can be exploited in the future," says Robertson.

Next Hyundai Genesis To Offer Optional All-wheel Drive

Hyundai has just confirmed that the next generation of the Hyundai Genesis will receive an option for all-wheel drive, after seeing that almost half of BMW sedans in the United States are ordered with AWD.

"We have a plan to fix this (the current lack of an AWD option for the Genesis sedan) with the next major paradigm shift," said Hyundai CEO, John Krafcik.

Moreover, since the new 5.0L V8 engine with R-Spec model was just released, the source said Hyundai, which offers two different 4.6L V8 5.0L standard speed, is "an unusual practice." Hyundai is an initiative to simplify the amount of building configurations, mainly to keep customers get confused, what we have seen with other cars such as Volkswagen and Chevrolet.

It is not confirmed, but the source said that the next generation of Genesis can strengthen their chances by offering only a V8 5.0L Tau V8, but is detuned to the base model V8 and the 5.0L is normal Tau V8 Genesis in the current R-Spec.

Number 4 2013 Infiniti JX teaser Reveals The Front Fascia

Infiniti has just dropped to number 4 teaser for the future Infiniti JX Concept, which debuted in 2011 at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance next month.

This is certainly the most revealing teaser we saw on the car, and we like what we see so far from the 7-passenger crossover.

Production in 2013 was the debut of Infiniti JX 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Toyota Tacoma Extended Updated Interior Design Is October

In the first six months of 2011, Toyota has sold more than Tacoma pickups to full-size Tundra pickup. In this sense, Toyota plans to sell the revised version of the Tacoma pickup in October, one of the many vehicles the Japanese automaker will be rebuilt.

Bob Carter, group vice president and brand manager for Toyota, said that the Tacoma is experimenting with new exterior and interior redesign to date.

"It 'an important segment for us, because it gives us a young clientele," said Carter.

Tacoma currently dominates the market compact pickup FoMoCo, GM and Chrysler have stopped investing in small pick-up and higher margins for the full-size trucks.

Mercedes-Benz CLC Will Be A Baby With A CLS AMG Variant

A bit of speculation. Reports indicate that Mercedes-Benz is preparing a small sedan with the end of 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-inspired design. The car will be based on the upcoming front-wheel-drive class B, which will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011.

Internally known as Mercedes-Benz CLC or C117, the model will be available at the finish AMG. While the standard versions of the model can be run on a front wheel of the platform, the AMG model will receive a configuration of four-wheel drive.

Supply models come with a base 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines in Europe with a production ranging from 108 hp to 207 hp.

AMG Mercedes-Benz CLC will be powered by a twin-turbo 2.0-liter makes 296 hp. It is coupled to a gearbox with double clutch.

Subaru Impreza XV Patents Based Images Found Outback

Subaru has introduced a concept version of the Subaru XV for the first time at the Auto Shanghai 2011 show then earlier this month at the International Automobile Salon de l'2011 in Australia. Images for patents is already describing the appearance of the production version.

These images of patents, first published by the Times of cars in China, similar to the concept of Subaru XV closely, offering the same robust two-tone appearance. As noted above, occurred in Malaysia XV Subaru part of an agreement between Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru) and Tan Chong group, a production capacity of around 5,000 per year. These are sold in Asian markets.

The second production base in Japan, with other sales organizations XV, including the United States, and most likely here in Australia. Local official release date has not yet been confirmed, but Subaru managing director Nick Senior, has indicated that the model has "enormous potential" in Australia.

Range Rover Evoque Enthusiastic Tourists In The United Kingdom

Land Rover's most recent model, the Range Rover Evoque already become a tourist attraction in good faith in its "home" of the city of Liverpool in Britain.

Evoque is not only visually impressive, but it is also the cheapest Rover Range ever and as such, will open a brand new set of buyers around the world.

The child has been built alongside the Ranger Rover, Land Rover Freelander is Halewood, and should be the best selling of the company more than doubled the factory nearly 100,000 vehicles a year.

For those who doubt Evoque off-road features to give a thin line and avant-garde design, you're probably not going to end up with egg on your face if the public event in Liverpool is to be believed.

Land Rover has always said that the vehicle is a Land Rover and Range Rover badge you will always be the best in class off-road ability and Freelander2 certainly shows. Colin Green said that the orders of society, when he said that, although few people ever need to make full use of off-road ability Evoque, let alone want to use it, it's there.


“We couldn’t build a Range Rover that didn’t have full off-road capability.”


Just a point to prove, Land Rover has hosted 700 global media launch for the Evoque over the next six weeks, where they can explore the limits of the vehicle some rather unusual environment. Some run the program involved three km course through the Edge Hill cutting and tunnels (the old disused railway line - a semi-submerged), which is said to be the least, challenging.

2012 Audi A7: Sporty, quick

The A7 is a different sort of animal. With its sloping roofline, it could fool you into thinking it's a sport coupe. But it is a four-door luxury sedan with the practicality of a large, rear hatchback for easy access to the golf clubs.


The next-generation A6 shares much of the underpinnings here, but the A7 is longer and wider.

Flying up the ramp and onto the interstate is a brisk run with its 3.0-liter V-6 fitted with a belt-driven supercharger and direct fuel injection. It's the same engine as the current A6 and it's good for 295 horses and 325 pound-feet of torque. Top speed is factory-limited at 130 mph.

Regulating the speed is a smooth-shifting eight-speed transmission that gets some credit for the estimated 28 mpg on the highway - if you behave. The Tiptronic tranny also lets you select any of those eight gears manually.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of its acceleration is in the midrange torque. Fifty-to-70 mph can be had in 3.4 seconds.

Riding the uneven roads is better than in most Audi models, in spite of its rather stiff suspension. Handling is clean and predictable, and it can be pushed on the corners in spite of its size.

You can choose from four driving modes that make adjustments to the steering, tranny and engine. They're all good, and you just might find the "auto" mode quite satisfactory and not need to mess with the rest.

2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe Configurator is Up and it Starts at $83K

The 2012 BMW 6 Series coupe will hit dealerships on October 1st, and it can be yours for a cool $83,000. That is, before you tick any of the boxes for options. BMW just launched the online configurator for the 650i coupe, and with every option selected, you'll go just a hair over $100,000.

While the 650i coupe goes on sale first, BMW will also offer the turbocharged, six-cylinder 640i in the U.S. at a later date. For now, though, only the V8 can be built online, so head to BMW's website and start playing around

2012 Volvo V70

The Swedish car maker announced that it will offer a couple of upgrades for its new model year V70, XC70 and S80. This upgrades includes the introduction of the latest looping of its infotainment system as well as refined D5 and D3 diesel engines with increased performance and lower fire consumption.

The V70, XC70 and S80 are the first Volvos to feature higher performance versions of the five-cylinder D5 and D3 turbodiesels. The 2.4-liter D5 diesel unit now develops 215 horsepower and 440 Nm (324.5 lb-ft) of torque (up 10HP and 20 Nm respectively), while posting an 8 percent reduction in fuel consumption.

2012 Volvo XC70

How many Volvo XC70 owners actually realise just what their cars are capable of? At the launch of the refreshed model in Sweden, Volvo let Autoblog try what many buyers never will - tackle some seriously rough off roading.

Seen by many as simply a jacked-up version of the V70, Volvo was keen to demonstrate just how capable its refreshed model is when the going gets grubby - and its performance was seriously impressive.



Boasting a new D5 diesel unit, which offers 10bhp more than the outgoing five cylinder diesel lump, the 4x4 model tackled rutted, muddy tracks with ease.
On standard road tyres, the XC70 rarely put a foot wrong - only one car was marooned in around a foot of mud, rescued eventually by a quad bike with a winch. But it was certainly the exception.

Chrysler may revive Dodge Magnum wagon

The distinctive-looking wagon also was the lone full-size, five-door wagon in a market full of look-alike SUVs (wagons dressed up for U.S. market tastes). The company gave that up, killing the Magnum, as it wandered in the bankruptcy wilderness.

But now Fiat-run Chrysler seems to have its mojo back. It's no longer apologizing, thanks to a redone lineup. It has interiors you'd actually sit in and proof it can walk and chew gum, from its stylish Fiat 500 city car to four new in-your-face 2012 SRT models it priced last week (post on SRT pricing here).

Now Gilles tells the New York Times that Chrysler may revive the hulking wagon that proved to be a tuner and customizers' dream after landing in 2004 as a 2005.

Shelby SuperCars Newest Creation: Tuatara

American supercar manufacturer Shelby SuperCars (SSC) is the same company behind the Ultimate Aero. This company has recently taken the wraps off its latest creation, which will be named name Tuatara (pronounced twu’tar’ah).

“The design specifications for the Next Generation SSC were so extreme; we knew early on that a proper name would be a key piece of the puzzle for this project,” says Jerod Shelby, Founder, Lead Designer and CEO of SSC.

This word – Tuatara – comes from a lizard that lives down in New Zealand. Tuatara comes from the Maori language, and means “peaks on the back,” which is quite fitting, given the winglets on the back of the new car. It seems the tuatara lizard is a rather unique creature, and the reptile possesses the fastest evolving DNA on the planet. Also, the Tuatara supercar features a set of rear peaks of its own, courtesy of the uniquely styled rear wings.

With 630 bhp Aston Martin DBS Facelift To Unleash in 2013

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From late 2012, Aston Martin’s lineup of revised DB9 supercars is scheduled to be launched. This will be spearheaded by the revamped Aston Martin DBS. The DBS prototype was seen in Germany, showing very clear that the new DB9 will feature a revised front grille and bumpers, fresh bodyside styling and a modified cockpit. An all-new car is due to be launched only in 2015/2016. Aston Martin made very subtle revisions to the exterior of the DB9 and DBS but they will receive the first major changes on the platform.

Spyshots: 2013 Range Rover

Land Rover are expected to announce a successor to the popular Range Rover during the second half of 2012, we recently discovered a number of spyshots showing the mule out testing.

Weight losses are expected on the new model thanks to an aluminum chassis, expect a 300 – 400 kg lighter finished product. Performance and economy will benefit from this. The spyshots reveal a longer, lower range rover. The new platform is expected to underpin a new Range Rover Sport too.

2013 Porsche 911

The 911 is the most successful model in Porsche’s history. It started its long history back in 1963 and since then Porsche has offered five distinct generations: 911 classic, 964 Series, 993 Series, 996 Series, and 997 Series. Moreover, the sixth one is already under intense testings and will make its official debut in 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.


It may be a little unorthodox for Porsche to be bringing out a new generation 911 despite the fact they just revealed a facelift version, but the requests keep changing and Porsche must answer the call of duty. Their latest target is improving both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The sixth generation 911, or the 998, will be a completely new vehicle, even though everyone will recognize it as a 911 model. Shortly after the launch of the 998 911, Porsche will also be releasing the Turbo, GT2, and GT3 in 2012.

Kelleners Sport Tunes the BMW 1-Series M Coupe to 410HP

German aftermarket firm Kelleners Sport is one of the first official tuners to get its hands on the new BMW 1-Series M Coupe and offer a complete conversion. Named KS1-S, the modified 1 M Coupe’s turbocharged straight-six now delivers 410-horses, or a good 20% more than the standard car, and just 10HP short of the E92 M3, while torque is increased from 450 to 550 Nm or 405.7 lb-ft.

As a result, the power to weight ratio drops from 4.4kg per HP in the stock model to 3.8 kg per hp in the KS-1 S.

Visually, the KS1-S differs from the standard 1 M Coupe thanks to new aerodynamic parts designed to minimize drag and increase downforce at high speeds, as well as the quad 83 mm exhaust pipes.

Kellener’s 1 M Coupe now rides on new 20-inch alloy wheels shod in tires size 245/30 at the front and 265/30 at the rear.

BMW 1-Series M Coupe by Kelleners Sport

BMW 1-Series M Coupe by Kelleners Sport

2011 BMW X6 Interior

2011 BMW X6 Interior

2011 BMW X6 Interior

2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Photos and Specs

2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG


The 2012 Mercedes-Benz AMG is also features a new electromechanical AMG speedsensitive sports steering system with a more direct ratio of 14:1 and variable power assistance that adapts according to the suspension mode.

New Feature Transmission AMG :

new technologies AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission also play a major role in the rate of consumption the car example. conventional torque converter, the MCT uses a compact wet start-up clutch. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is also equipped with ECO Stop / Start function that is active in Controlled Efficiency (“C”) transmission mode and eight-cylinder engine switches off when the vehicle comes to a halt.

higher engine speed and sharp teeth change to utilize the full potential of the new AMG V8 biturbo engine. In all three modes of transmission, not only is the ECO Stop / Start system is turned off but the engine management system of partial pressure cylinders at full load.

When the transmission mode “C”, the vehicle will always start off in second gear. The system also will shift early and avoid high engine speeds. Fuel pump and demand-driven generator using braking energy during deceleration to further increase fuel economy.