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