There are some simple and superb ways to spend your Sunday, none of which include spending the better half of the day in the blazing heat getting dehydrated. But for the scores of people who turned up for the Parx Supercar Show it was a truly sublime Sunday. In the flesh each one was worth spending a Sunday sweating it out in the Mumbai heat. It was the blast from the engines that sent spectators in a tizzy. The streets were lined people standing shoulder to shoulder, camera-phones out, frantically clicking away as the best, fastest and the most stunning cars in India whizzed past. All the drivers we spoke to - Bonito Chhabria, Gautam Singhania and Adar Poonawala were completely awed by the turnout and the enthusiasm of the spectators. The spectators had a bit of a raw deal though – despite over 4 hours of showtime it seemed a little too little ogle at cars as fine as these. We agree.
Indian roads are currently making way for the Volkswagen’s new Polo. And VW’s brand-new plant in Chakan, near Pune gives reason to believe that the company is bound to meet the broad demand for the fuel conservative, environment friendly, safe and value competent car.The new Polo retains Volkswagen’s trademark design -the wide grille and slim headlights. The car sports an air intake -located below the grille and bumper, with fog lamps and daytime running lights on either side, with the slight slope of the roof towards the rear, and the quarter-glass on the C-pillar adding to the Polo’s neat looks. A strong character line runs just below the window line, from the headlamps to the tail-lights, and this subtle detail gives it a unique dynamic stance. The tail-lights carry the same notched theme as the headlights. The tailgate extends down to the bumper, and is opened by leveraging the VW badge – very similar to the Jetta and Passat.A three-spoke steering wheel and the rectangular theme to the centre console blends well with fantastic interior fit and finish. With the seats up, the Polo manages 280 litres of luggage space, which can further extend to a massive 952 litres once the 60:40 split rear seat folds flat.One of the few shortcomings of the Polo is the tapering roof line eats into the 1454mm headroom. The new Polo is 30mm wider than the previous Polo, but VW says that the new Polo is still 7.5 percent lighter. The front wheels were also moved forward by five millimetres to achieve a greater castor angle, and therefore better directional stability. To provide optimum stability to the Polo on Indian roads, Volkswagen will put the MacPherson suspension up front and semi-independent layout at the rear, with re-worked springs and dampers.After seeing the Polo score five stars in the Euro NCAP tests, we know that Volkswagen have paid a lot of attention to the occupants, as well as for pedestrians safety. VW claims possible intrusions into the cabin in severe impacts has been reduced by as much as 50 percent. Wit high fuel economy being extremely important in the Indian market the Polo will include new power trains, leading to 19% increase in fuel efficiency compared to the previous Polo. Though not finalized, it’s likely that the 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol with 68bhp, will power the base version. We also wouldn’t mind a surprise 1.2 TSI motor which develops a sporty 102bhp soon to follow.We expect the 1.2-litre petrol hatchback to start at under Rs.5 lakh, ex-showroom, while the price of the base 1.6-litre petrol would probably touch the Rs.7 lakh mark. The Polo’s biggest competitor will be in-house — the Skoda Fabia — and while the two share the same platform, VW is sure the Polo will be a completely different cup of tea. A Polo Saloon anyone?More interestingly, Volkswagen has also confirmed a saloon version of the Polo. The saloon is expected to feature a 1.6-litre TDi (common-rail) diesel and 1.6-litre petrol with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearbox as an option. The estimate price is expected to be around Rs.8-9 lakh.
Spyker, the boutique Dutch sports car manufacturer is planning on entering the Indian car market with its new Spyker C8 Aileron. “We would be really stupid and arrogant not to come to look at one of the largest markets in the world,” said Hans Van Rennes, vice- president, Marketing and Communication, Spyker Cars. The completely bespoke handcrafted cars will offer ultimate exclusivity for the super rich and cost a whopping estimated Rs 3 crore after paying full customs duty. Spyker says the company would be happy selling even as little as two-three cars a year in India to begin with.
Precision Cars India reveals prices for the new Porsche PanameraPrices start at INR 1,41,74,000
New Delhi: Precision Cars India, the official Porsche importer for India, today revealed the price of the most eagerly anticipated Porsche model – the new Panamera. The luxurious Gran Turismo is the first four door sports car from Porsche and will be unveiled at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show 2009.
Announcing the prices of the new car, Mr Rod Wallace, Managing Director – Precision Cars India said “ Our dealers have already enjoyed considerable interest in the car and have received forward orders prior to the launch. This in itself is proof that the new Panamera meets the expectations of the discerning Indian luxury car buyer on all key considerations – luxury, sportiness and performance.”We are working on a simultaneous launch of the car in India as well and are hopeful of welcoming the car in India by late September-early October 2009, added Mr Wallace.Precision Cars India reveals prices for the new Porsche PanameraPrices start at INR 1,41,74,000
New Delhi: Precision Cars India, the official Porsche importer for India, today revealed the price of the most eagerly anticipated Porsche model – the new Panamera. The luxurious Gran Turismo is the first four door sports car from Porsche and will be unveiled at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show 2009.
Announcing the prices of the new car, Mr Rod Wallace, Managing Director – Precision Cars India said “ Our dealers have already enjoyed considerable interest in the car and have received forward orders prior to the launch. This in itself is proof that the new Panamera meets the expectations of the discerning Indian luxury car buyer on all key considerations – luxury, sportiness and performance.”We are working on a simultaneous launch of the car in India as well and are hopeful of welcoming the car in India by late September-early October 2009, added Mr Wallace.Precision Cars India has revealed that when the Porsche Panamera comes to India the prices will start at Rs 1.4 crore. Porsche have already received forward orders and the launch is slotted for late Septermber or early October this year. The entry level car will have the 4.8-litre V8 making over 400PS and feature Porsche's well-liked new seven-speed double clutch gearbox. The car claims a 5.4 second run to 100kph and is going to hit 283kmph before it maxes out. The middle variant is quicker and gets four-wheel drive, while the top model has the 500PS turbo V8, which makes it 1.2 seconds quicker to 100kph.
Here's a quick roundup of the prices (ex-showrooom, includes VAT and duties)
Variant
New Delhi
Mumbai
Panamera S
Rs 1,41,74,000
1,44,36,000
Panamera 4S
1,47,11,000
1,49,83,000
Panamera Turbo
2,01,84,000
2,05,58,000
New Delhi: Precision Cars India, the official Porsche importer for India, today revealed the price of the most eagerly anticipated Porsche model – the new Panamera. The luxurious Gran Turismo is the first four door sports car from Porsche and will be unveiled at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show 2009.
Announcing the prices of the new car, Mr Rod Wallace, Managing Director – Precision Cars India said “ Our dealers have already enjoyed considerable interest in the car and have received forward orders prior to the launch. This in itself is proof that the new Panamera meets the expectations of the discerning Indian luxury car buyer on all key considerations – luxury, sportiness and performance.”We are working on a simultaneous launch of the car in India as well and are hopeful of welcoming the car in India by late September-early October 2009, added Mr Wallace.Precision Cars India reveals prices for the new Porsche PanameraPrices start at INR 1,41,74,000
New Delhi: Precision Cars India, the official Porsche importer for India, today revealed the price of the most eagerly anticipated Porsche model – the new Panamera. The luxurious Gran Turismo is the first four door sports car from Porsche and will be unveiled at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show 2009.
Announcing the prices of the new car, Mr Rod Wallace, Managing Director – Precision Cars India said “ Our dealers have already enjoyed considerable interest in the car and have received forward orders prior to the launch. This in itself is proof that the new Panamera meets the expectations of the discerning Indian luxury car buyer on all key considerations – luxury, sportiness and performance.”We are working on a simultaneous launch of the car in India as well and are hopeful of welcoming the car in India by late September-early October 2009, added Mr Wallace.Precision Cars India has revealed that when the Porsche Panamera comes to India the prices will start at Rs 1.4 crore. Porsche have already received forward orders and the launch is slotted for late Septermber or early October this year. The entry level car will have the 4.8-litre V8 making over 400PS and feature Porsche's well-liked new seven-speed double clutch gearbox. The car claims a 5.4 second run to 100kph and is going to hit 283kmph before it maxes out. The middle variant is quicker and gets four-wheel drive, while the top model has the 500PS turbo V8, which makes it 1.2 seconds quicker to 100kph.
Here's a quick roundup of the prices (ex-showrooom, includes VAT and duties)
Variant
New Delhi
Mumbai
Panamera S
Rs 1,41,74,000
1,44,36,000
Panamera 4S
1,47,11,000
1,49,83,000
Panamera Turbo
2,01,84,000
2,05,58,000
Precision Cars India reveals prices for the new Porsche PanameraPrices start at INR 1,41,74,000
New Delhi: Precision Cars India, the official Porsche importer for India, today revealed the price of the most eagerly anticipated Porsche model – the new Panamera. The luxurious Gran Turismo is the first four door sports car from Porsche and will be unveiled at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show 2009.
Announcing the prices of the new car, Mr Rod Wallace, Managing Director – Precision Cars India said “ Our dealers have already enjoyed considerable interest in the car and have received forward orders prior to the launch. This in itself is proof that the new Panamera meets the expectations of the discerning Indian luxury car buyer on all key considerations – luxury, sportiness and performance.”We are working on a simultaneous launch of the car in India as well and are hopeful of welcoming the car in India by late September-early October 2009, added Mr Wallace.
New Delhi: Precision Cars India, the official Porsche importer for India, today revealed the price of the most eagerly anticipated Porsche model – the new Panamera. The luxurious Gran Turismo is the first four door sports car from Porsche and will be unveiled at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show 2009.
Announcing the prices of the new car, Mr Rod Wallace, Managing Director – Precision Cars India said “ Our dealers have already enjoyed considerable interest in the car and have received forward orders prior to the launch. This in itself is proof that the new Panamera meets the expectations of the discerning Indian luxury car buyer on all key considerations – luxury, sportiness and performance.”We are working on a simultaneous launch of the car in India as well and are hopeful of welcoming the car in India by late September-early October 2009, added Mr Wallace.
Yamaha already two big motorcycles in India - the YZF-R1 and the MT-01 - both of which were launched last year. And now they plan to launch another big bike, the Yamaha FZ1 soon.
The FZ1 is powered by a four cylinder 998cc liquid-cooled engine, producing a maximum power of 150 PS at 11000 rpm. The 2009 Yamaha FZ1 comes with optional ABS (anti-lock braking system. Abroad, the motorcycle is available either with a quarter fairing a la the Hero Honda Karizma, or will get rid of entirely and opt for the complete naked bike look. It looks good in either guise, anyway.
Rumors say that the bike will take the SKD (Semi-Knocked Down kit) route - not imported as CBU, completely built units. That will help Yamaha keep the price of the FZ1 in India under control. Right now, the Honda CB1000R is the cheapest imported liter-class motorcycle, and the SKD route may mean that the FZ1 may be priced even less than that.
Even with the low price, it is still going to cost quite close to the Rs 10 lakh mark. At that kind of price, this is a motorcycle targeted only at the very top end of the market in India. In the international market, the Yamaha competes with Suzuki Bandit and Kawasaki Z1000S in the international market.
In India, Suzuki and Ducati are also planning to introduce liter-class motorcycles.
At this point, we have no more specific info regarding exact launch date or
Yamaha FZ1 Specifications:
Engine: 998cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder; DOHC, 20 valves
Bore x Stroke: 77 x 53.6mm
Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
Fuel Delivery: Fuel injection
Ignition: TCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition)
Transmission: 6-speed w/multi-plate clutch
Final Drive: O-ring chain
Chassis, brakes and suspension
Suspension/Front: 43mm fork; fully adjustable, 5.1-in travel
Suspension/Rear: Single shock; adjustable preload and rebound damping, 5.1-in travel
Brakes/Front: Dual 320mm floating discs w/4-piston calipers
Brakes/Rear: 245mm disc w/single-piston caliper
Tyres/Front: 120/70-ZR17
Tyres/Rear: 190/50-ZR17
Dimensions
Length: 84.3 in
Width: 30.3 in
Height: 47.4 in
Seat Height: 32.1 in
Wheelbase: 57.5 in
Rake (Caster Angle): 25.0°
Trail: 4.3 in
Fuel Capacity: 18 liters
Fuel Economy: 9.24kmpl
Wet Weight: 485lb.
The much awaited Tata Nano is out, and from what we have seen from the comments, there is a lot of curiosity about the top end version of the world’s cheapest car, the Tata Nano LX.
Frankly we have worn ourselves out writing about the Nano, but can’t disappoint all those who land up here. So now we bring you the top end Tata Nano details, Ta Da!
The Tata Nano LX comes with an ex-showroom price of Rs 1,70,335 in Pantnagar where the Nanos are now manufactured right now. In Delhi, the price of the LX variant goes up to Rs 1,72,360 - Rs 2000 more - and as is normal, price is the highest in Mumbai with the tag showing Rs 1,85,375.
While you can book the Nano right now from any of the preferred finance partners by paying the Rs 2,999, the actual booking amount once a car is alloted to you is Rs 1,40,000.
The top-end Tata Nano is Bharat Stage III emission norms compliant, and comes with metallic paint.
The Tata Nano LX model will have power windows, central locking and fog lamps, as well as an air conditioner with a heater. All Nano models come with a warranty of 18 months or 24,000 kilometers.
Of course, you can customise the Nano by adding stuff from the huge amout of accessories available at the Tata Nano website, and make it even more special.
The on-road price of the Nano LX will cros Rs 2 lakhs for sure, and is likely to be around Rs 2.1 lakhs.
At that price, however, there is a question you should consider: If the price tag is going to cross Rs 2 lakh for the Nano, should you consider plonking in even more and look at any of the alternatives such as the Alto, or even the Chevrolet Spark?
Obviously, if you are someone who decides to go in for the Nano LX, you are not exactly the low-end customer who is looking for ‘just a car’. You want your luxuries, and you are willing to pay more than Rs 2 lakh on the road for a little car - why not go in for a bigger, more powerful car that is also reliable? That is a question you should seriously consider.
The engine specs of the LC version are otherwise the same as the standard and the CX variants.
Tata Nano specifications for standard, CX and LX models
Engine: 624cc, Parallel twin, petrol
Transmission: 4-forward, 1-reverse, manual
Max power: 34.5 bhp@5250 rpm
Max torque: 4.9 kgm@2500-4000 rpm
Dimensions of the Nano:
L/W/H (mm): 3099/1495/1652 mm
Wheelbase: 2230 mm
Ground clearance: NA (quite good, no water-logging problems)
Turning radius: 4 m
Kerb weight: 600 kg
Fuel tank capacity: 15 litres
Boot volume: 80 litres
Tyres: 135/70 R12 (F), 155 R12 tubeless
0-60 kph: 8.66 secs
0-100 kph: 31.3 secs
Top speed: 106 kph
Mileage (overall): 23 kpl (claimed)
PRICE: 1.25 to 1.75 lakh (estimated)