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BMW Gran Coupe Concept
by Aman Chaudhry24 CommentsBMW did not want to stay behind when it came to four-door coupes, so they have brought in a brand new concept called the Gran Coupe. With competetiors already in the field BMW has decided to take the Gran Coupe concept up against Mercedes-Benz CLS, VW CC, Porsche Panamera and Maserati Quattroporte.
BMW’s Gran Coupe concept has already made many heads turn towards itself at the ongoing Beijing International Auto Show.
BMW claims that the concept has been specially designed to mix both the Gran Turismo and a high performance sports car. Another interesting fact about the design of the Gran Coupé is the striking resemblance it bears with the next-gen 6 series. The sporty powerful looking concept is almost 5 meters in length and about 1.4 meters tall, which makes it almost 100 mm lower than both the 5 and 7 series sedans. The flat silhouette on the long wheelbase, which is a typical of BMW sedans with the coupe style roof, is what we like the most. Added to that are frameless doors with LED lighting all around and it’s difficult to take your eyes off this beauty.
“It’s true that the Gran Coupe points to a specific model, a saloon with the presence and elegance of a 7-series but a more dynamic, sporty character: much more of a driver’s car,” says BMW design chief, Adrian van Hooydonk. “We’re convinced that we should make a car like this,” the designer added.
Unfortunately no further details regarding the interiors or the engine have been revealed by BMW so far, although Autocar quoted that the production version of the Gran Coupe will appear in 2012 and the car will share the same platform with the 5-series and 7-series.
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The 2011 Maybach line-up
by Aman ChaudhryNo CommentsThe Beijing International Auto is getting to see a lot of action. Right from small affordable concepts to these over luxurious automobiles, it has it all.
Daimler, the premium brand has unveiled the latest updated versions of the 2011 Maybach line up namely the Maybach 57, 57S, 62 and 62S with a few subtle changes.
First few things that instantly come to notice are the new chrome radiator grilles, new LED lights in the bumper and re-styled door mirrors.
While the standard models rest on 21-spoke, 19-inch wheels, the S models get 12-spoke, 21-inch wheels.
The new Maybachs are also longer and wider than the predecessors (if that ever was possible).
The engine is the same V12, though it has been tuned for better fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions, the standard models give out 542 horsepower, and the S version has been handed over 18 more bhp to churn out 630 horsepower.
Once inside, you will find the seat piping of the cars embroidered or hand braided with crystals. The passengers can exclude themselves with the help of a partition between them and the chauffeur and once they are comfortable in the reclining seats available, the 19-inch rear screen can entertain them, while the perfume atomizer does a wonderful job. Oh, and there wireless Internet too.
Daimler has seen some choppy waters in the past. Will these Maybach models be the answer to the problems? Is it comeback time yet?
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Ford Motor Company unveils the Start Concept
by Aman Chaudhry1 CommentFord motor Company has unveiled the Start concept at the Beijing International Auto Show today. Start concept also happens to be the first concept by Ford in three years. Basic fundamentals behind this concept are kept very practical and simple.
Ford has developed the Start Concept addressing simple everyday problems in big cities such as fuel efficiency, parking space and traffic congestion. So Ford went ahead and built this concept using fewer raw materials making it an affordable car. “Our ambition with the Ford Start Concept was to design a car that goes beyond the practical realities of commuting in these mega cities, to go beyond just dressing the technology. We wanted to design a car you would also love,” explained Freeman Thomas, Design Director, Ford Motor Company.
The Start Concept is structured with a combination of aluminum and high strength steels that helps in keeping this car lightweight but safe at the same time. The body panels are made of pre painted recyclable composites.
The Start’s styling is basic, neat and simple yet giving it a beetle look-alike cute look.
“With the Ford Start Concept, we didn’t set out to design some sort of utilitarian concept to save the world, nor were we interested in following the competitive trend toward an overly noisy design language. What we did set out to do was design a personality driven car that exudes warmth, charm and aspiration…to design a car worth bonding with,” said J Mays, Group Vice President Design and Chief Creative Officer, Ford Motor Company.
Ford has revealed no plans for future production yet, and although no formal performance figures have been given, a 1.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine, which will have the same output as an aspirated 1.6-liter inline-four, powers the Start concept. The engine is mated with a six-speed manual transmission and it will be able to keep the CO2 emission levels below 100 g/km, something which has only been seen in diesels and hybrids till now.
The interiors look quite interesting and Ford has introduced the latest connectivity technology with MyFord Mobile that relies on smartphones to provide much of the functionality provided by MyFord Touch without going through the trouble of installing the extra hardware.
Ford also claimed that this small car has been designed to cater to a new global trend for ultra compact cars for the masses.
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The all new 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton
by Aman ChaudhryNo CommentsVolkswagen Phaeton has freshly been given a facelift, a nip here and a tuck there and is ready for it’s unveiling today at the Beijing Auto Show.
VW is trying (almost desperately) to boost its luxury car sales in the market with its competitors like Mercedes- Benz and BMW already marking territory. The history hasn’t been great either for the Phaeton as this ‘people’s car’ did not quite match up to the sales in Europe and subsequently had to be dropped out of America.
The first thing to notice in the new 2011 Phaeton is the new front end flaunting the typical VW front grille, LED running lights and bi-xenon headlamps.
A subtle change in the front wings and the bonnet can be noticed along with the chrome strips on the bumper.
The Phaeton MY2011 comes packed with technology and gadgets including a brand new steering wheel. There’s a Google maps enables satellite navigation system, roadside recognition and four-zone climate control system. This all-wheel drive system comes with adjustable air suspension and Continuous Damping Control (CDC)
Buyers can choose from six, eight or twelve- cylinder engines ranging in power from 240 hp to 450 hp. The base train is supposed to be a V6 with 280 PS of torque and can attain 0-60 in 8.2 seconds with a top speed of 147 mph.
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Ken Block’s new ride: The Gymkhana Three Fiesta
by Aman ChaudhryNo CommentsKen Block needs no introduction. It’s no news that he has moved on from Subaru Impreza WRX STI to 2011 Ford Fiesta .The Gymkhana Three Fiesta was unveiled at an event in San Francisco and it was for everyone to see the extra wide, sporty, imposing vehicle it is.
The same team that made his Monster World Rally team hatch has built the Fiesta. The specialists at Swedish Rallycross Olsbergs Motorsport Evolution have specifically developed a 2 litre 4-cylinder Duratec that will offer 850 horsepower, (restricted to 650 hp for more low-end torque) and 650 pound of torque and weighs 2425 pounds.
The Maktrak six speed sequential transmission all wheel drive, Gymkhana 3 will zoom from 0 to 60 mph in 2 seconds flat.
Check out some videos of the Gymkhana Three Fiesta here and here.
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2011 SMS 302 Ford Mustang by Steve Saleen
by Aman Chaudhry1 CommentSteev Saleen, well known racing driver and tuner of SMS Supercars launched a new version of the 2011 Ford Mustang GT, named the 2011 SMS 302 Mustang. This is the second release of the trilogy of Amrican Supercars by SMS as it follows the release of 2010 SMS 570 Challenger and later this year we will see the release of the 2011 SMS 620 Camaro.
The 2011 Mustang GT was launched last week marking Ford Mustang’s 46th birthday at the company headquarters in Corona, CA. Perfect timing we say.
Two engine variants will be offered, namely the SMS 302 4V and the SMS 302 SC. Thanks to a few powertrain tweaks the naturally aspired 4V model along with a 5 litre V-8 engine will produce 440 horsepower and 400 lb of torque. The high flow exhaust system, an all-new four-valve head design, an optimized pulley drive system and performance filtration, all together will give surely give exciting results. The 302 4V Mustang will cover 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
On the other hand the more powerful SMS 302 SC will be capable of producing over 535 horsepower and 450 lb of torque with the help of SMS 296 Supercharger Sytem. Combined with a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission, SC will dash from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds only.
Other standard features include a new performance suspension system, Pirelli PZero tires covering 20-inch wheels, cross-drilled brakes and a custom bodykit. The interiors have been also given a special treatment with lots of leather and a two toned color scheme. The vehicles will also come with aluminum SMS doorsill plates and embroidered floor mats.
“Many automotive enthusiasts have embraced our SMS 570 Challenger, but I know our core fans have been waiting for the first Mustang to come from the new company, SMS Supercars,” said Saleen. “Our line of SMS Mustangs will be the only Mustangs authorized to bear my name, to use the benefit of my heritage and to incorporate performance innovations derived from my over thirty years of racing and manufacturing experience.”
The 2011 SMS 302 Mustang is priced at $54,990 and will hit the showrooms by May.
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No Comments
Bentley Motors is going to launch two special edition Continental models exclusively for the China market. The two models, Continental Flying Spur Speed China and the Continental GT Design Series China, will be making their debut at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show.
Bentley has claimed that the Chinese market has proved very special in terms of sales for them, as the sales have grown ten fold since 2002 when Bentley entered China. The Chinese market is presently the third most important market for Bentley and the proof lies with Bentley ready to open four new showrooms in the course of 2010 and 2011.
The Continental GT Design Series China will be the first to go up at the Auto China Motor Show. The pictures tell us that it’s a wonderful blend of Bentley’s exclusive creativity and style to produce imaginative colors and vibrant designs.
The main highlight is the three-tone interiors, which blend the main, hide leather color with accent and insert colors making the overall look very appealing. These colors have been carefully used in minute details as the hand stitching on the steering wheel, seat belts, floor mats and seat piping. This is the first time Bentley will be using exciting colors as Orange Flame and Magenta Metallic as accent colors.
Bentley’s styling team has further added some selected wood veneers such as Piano Black and Burr Walnut, which have been reserved for the Design Series China edition.
These cars will be further decorated with some subtle design features or motifs that include exterior wing badge, treadplate, and name badge. All these features will have Design Series China signature.
Joining The Continental GT Design China will be the Continental Flying Spur Speed China which is the World’s fastest luxury four-door saloon but with a range of engineering and design upgrades developed specially for the Chinese market.
Emphasis has been given to the superior ride quality of the car by adding a bespoke ‘comfort’ suspension for a better ride quality for both driver and passengers. While the performance of the W12 engine is no way hampered and the performance figures remain the same, the exhaust has been re tuned for a quieter performance.
The more obvious design features that adorn the ‘Speed China’ accentuate the special edition status and can be seen on the treadplates, center console and wing badges. Bentley’s famous ‘B’ emblem will be seen affixed to the both the ‘C’ pillars. Along with this custom leather cushions will be found on the passenger seat with embroidered Bentley wings on them.
“Bentley has a long and proud tradition of creating exclusive cars designed to meet the styling and driving tastes of our customers, wherever in the world they might be. Designed and offered exclusively for our customers in China, these special-edition Bentleys showcase our styling and engineering teams’ abilities and also underlines our desire to create cars for this influential market” said Geoff Dowding, Regional Director, Asia and Middle East
Both models can be seen on the Bentley stand in Hall E5 of the Auto China Motor Show in Beijing which runs between 23rd April and the 2nd May in the New International Exhibition Centre.
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Ferrari to Launch Six New Models by 2013
by Aman Chaudhry1 CommentThe Ferrari Family will expand by six new members before 2013. Ferrari has announced that it will produce not less than six new models as a part of Fiat’s restructuring plans.
The six models include the Ferrari 458 Spider, the 458 Scuderia, the new 2012 Ferrari Enzo, the new 612 Scaglietti, the 2012 Scaglietti 599 and the Ferrari California.
Ferrari claims that they will reveal The Spider variant of the entry level 458 to begin with in 2011, which might come with a soft top.
The following Ferrari plans to produce the much-anticipated successor for the Ferrari Enzo that is considered to be a really special model because it will not be a part of the standard range and will be produced in limited numbers only.
2012 Enzo will be powered with a V12 engine and Ferrari has claimed that it will benefit from the company’s new active aerodynamics technology, which improves the airflow around the bottom of the car. They also plan to launch an all-new version of the 599 GTB Fiorano in the same year.
The 2012 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti will probably be the company’s first production hybrid but whether it will go by the same name is not yet clear.
Ferrari California will receive a major facelift before 2013 and goes by the codename of California M.
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Renault launches Monaco GP Laguna Coupe Special Edition
by Aman ChaudhryNo CommentsThis is the Monaco GP version of the new Renault Laguna Coupe limited edition. The coupe comes in a special two-tone paint job as you can see, while pearl white is what covers the majority of the car, the matt black covers the roof, 18 inch alloy wheels and the side mirrors.
There will be ‘Monaco GP’ badges on the front grill, sides and rear wings of the car. A Bose sound system, electric heated seats, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitor and satellite navigation are also available.
Once inside you will see mostly charcoal leather finish with embroidered ‘Monaco GP’ badges and GT Steering wheel.
Surprisingly this Monaco GP version Laguna comes with three diesel variants and only one petrol variant options.
Another special feature of the Laguna Coupe is the 4-control, which is a four-wheel steering system, which helps, in better handling and better turning radius to the car.
This limited edition Renault Laguna Coupe Monaco GP edition will be on sale around June.
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No Comments
Toyota’s two most eagerly awaited vehicles have been unveiled at the New York Auto Show. Addressed as the ‘new dimension of Scion’, we have the new 2011 iQ premium sub compact car and the 2011 tC sports coupe making their debut in America.
Toyota iQ will be seen in the U.S. with a Scion badging all over although, remaining close to its European and Japanese siblings. It is fitted with a 1.3 litre, four-cylinder engine that generates around 90 hp and is joint with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Toyota claims that the iQ will be an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II) offering very interesting fuel economy figures.
The iQ is also supposed to be the world’s smallest four-passenger car that fits three adults and a child. With a wheelbase of 78.7 inches, it has a length of 120 inches and is 66.1 inches wide.
Small and economical does not mean cheap and unreliable. Safety features such as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with EBD, Brake Assist, Traction control and ten SRS airbags are available.
Now we will talk about the second-generation Scion 2011 tC compact coupe which has a combination of sporty looks, aggressive stance and a more refined experience. It is equipped with a new 2.5 litre inline four-cylinder engine that offers 180 horsepower and 173 lb or torque. The Scion tC comes with six speed transmission in both manual and automatic
The coupe is underpinned on a new platform and has a specially tuned MacPherson strut front suspension and a double wishbone rear suspension.
On the inside the cabin space has been increased for more comfort for passengers while offering a driver-oriented instrument panel, center console and gauge cluster.
Both the Scion iQ and the Scion tC are expected to hit the American market sometime in fall this year, thought the pricing has yet not been revealed by the Japanese automaker.




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