GM launches Aveo in India!

General Motors Corp. on Wednesday unveiled three new cars in India, including a hatchback model, in a bid to boost sales in one of the world's fastest growing automobile markets.

The hatchback model, the Chevrolet Aveo U-VA, is powered by a 1.4-liter petrol engine, while the second model, the Chevrolet Aveo sedan, has a 1.6-liter petrol engine.

The third car is a sportier version of the sedan it currently sells in India, the Chevrolet Optra, that has a 1.8-liter petrol engine. The company would announce the prices of the three models later.

World's First Car Celebrates 120th Birthday

The automobile celebrates its 120th birthday on January 29. On this date in 1886, Karl Benz applied for a patent for his "vehicle with gas engine operation." Patent DRP 37435 for the Benz Patent Motor Car granted in November of the same year is regarded as the birth certificate of the automobile. In later years the Benz organization and the company formed by fellow automotive pioneer Gottlieb Daimler would merge to form Daimler-Benz. Karl Benz is, therefore, credited as co-founder not only of Mercedes-Benz but also the automotive industry itself.

Seven months after Benz filed his patent for the automobile, Daimler with his master engineer Wilhelm Maybach attached his Daimler engine to a four-wheeled coach producing the first "horseless" carriage. Following Daimler's death in 1900, his largest distributor, Emil Jellinek, asked Maybach to design a car more advanced than any other; it will be named for Jellinek's daughter, Mercedes. The resulting Mercedes of 1901 defined the car as we essentially know it today.

Unlike other inventors, Benz did not merely install an internal combustion engine into an existing coach chassis. His design extended to the entire vehicle: it was quite clear to him that a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine was subject to engineering principles quite different from those applying to a horse-drawn carriage.

Benz created innovative technology with classic engineering methods: a small horizontal, single-cylinder four-stroke engine running on gasoline, electric ignition, carburetor, water-cooled radiator, steering and tubular frame. With these features, the first motor car came into being in 1886. The vehicle was an absolute original. All automobiles produced since that time stand as heirs of the Patent Motor Car.

The rest of the Patent Motor Car story belongs to history. Three vehicles were completed by 1888. One of them was secretly taken out by Bertha Benz, the inventor's wife, who drove it with her sons 53 miles from Mannheim to Pforzheim. Thus Bertha Benz became the "first woman driver." The journey gained much publicity for the vehicle, and Benz sold a number of cars to customers as a result.

A four-wheeled vehicle, the Benz "Victoria," followed in 1893. This again incorporated numerous innovations, including double-pivot steering, which is still employed in today's automobiles. And so it continues: with each new vehicle, the automobile improves just that much more -- to this very day with the introduction of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class which exemplifies the essence of generations of innovative technology from Mercedes-Benz, the world's first car company.

In addition to the original patent for the automobile, further Mercedes-Benz "firsts" include: development of the safety car body with rigid passenger cell and front and rear crumple zones (1951); electronic anti-lock brake system "ABS" (1978); and Electronic Stability Program "ESP" (1995).

Ashok Leyland to enter luxury bus segment

COMMERCIAL vehicles manufacturer Ashok Leyland today said it would enter the luxury bus market with the launch of its top end vehicle `InterCentury Luxura' by the second quarter of the next fiscal.

``The plan is to launch the Luxura from the southern market by the second quarter of next fiscal. While the metro cities would be the preferred markets, we have also identified cities such as Pune,'' the Ashok Leyland Special Director (Vehicle Sales), Mr B. Khaitan, told reporters at a preview of the company's new product offerings ahead of the upcoming Auto-Expo here.

He said the Luxura would be competitively priced at around Rs 50 lakh. Mr Khaitan added the company is eyeing a 50 per cent share of the luxury buses market, which is about 1,200 units a year.

The company is also showcasing its concept heavy commercial vehicle Newgen Aero at the Auto Expo.

Source: The Hindu

Chrysler Unveils Groundbreaking Vehicles @ Detroit Auto Show

Chrysler opened 2006 by introducing its first SUV and a unique new compact car at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.



Chrysler opens 2006 by introducing its first SUV and a unique new compact car at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

With a design inspired by the Chrysler 300 and Crossfire, the Chrysler Aspen features a fuel-saving HEMI V-8 engine, the most powerful engine in the full size SUV class, which uses more or less power depending on driving conditions. The Aspen also includes premium amenities such as a full-screen navigation radio, heated seats and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system – all of which Chrysler hopes will allow the SUV to challenge higher priced luxury competitors. Chrysler says the Aspen is more fuel-efficient and maneuverable than large SUVs, includes an Electronic Stability Program which gives the driver more control over the vehicle, and has more interior space and hauling capability than full-size SUVs.

Chrysler also unveils the compact Dodge Caliber. The Caliber features a crossover design that combines a small car with a sport-tourer. Dodge says the Caliber has the versatility of an SUV with the affordability and fuel-efficiency of an entry-level compact car. It includes a front passenger seat that folds forward, a rear seat that folds flat for versatile interior room, and stain-resistant seat fabric. The Dodge Caliber will enter the U.S. market priced below the outgoing Dodge Neon, while offering more features like standard side-curtain air bags.

The 2007 Chrysler Aspen will be available in U.S. dealerships in the fall of 2006. The 2007 Dodge Caliber will be available in the first quarter of 2006.

Concept To Reality

America’s premier auto show – the North American International Auto Show in Detroit – is taking place this week. And no doubt, the most anticipated cars introduced at the show aren’t for sale – they’re concept cars.

Maruti hikes prices

Maruti's price hike becomes effective today after announcements were made in December last year. Price hike ranges between Rs 3,000 and Rs 15,000.

Maruti has increased prices for maximum number of models in a price bracket of Rs 3,000. This includes Maruti800, Alto, Esteem and Baleno. While M800’S variants will cost between Rs 2,03,850 and Rs 2,26,754, Alto’s variants will vary from Rs 2,46,430 to Rs 3,02,317. Maruti’s C+ offering Baleno’s variants will now cost between Rs 5,83,173 and Rs 6,65,556 while its C segment offering, Esteem is now priced between Rs 4,44,968 to Rs 5,10,520.

Maruti’s aggressively priced model, Swift will be costlier by Rs 3,500 to Rs 10,000. Swift‘s variants are now priced at Rs 3,99,524 to Rs 5,06,076. Both Zen and Wagon R’s price have been raised by Rs 5,000 and while Zen will cost between Rs 3,49,796 to Rs 4,01,617. Wagon R will now cost between 3,44,582 to 3,96,890.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

A supercar that seats five, the Cayenne Turbo S packs the wallop of 520 turbocharged horsepower. Combined with chassis dynamics tuned for enthusiasts, and sophisticated all-wheel-drive underpinnings, the Cayenne Turbo S sets the performance benchmark for SUV's.

In addition to boosting power output, Porsche engineers also modified suspension components, revised software controls for the Porsche Active Suspension Management system and beefed up the braking hardware. An optional SportDesign exterior body kit, developed in conjunction with Porsche's styling studio, is also available for the Cayenne Turbo S.

In the Cayenne Turbo S, engine output gets a 16 percent boost over the 450-horsepower Porsche Cayenne Turbo, to an impressive 520-horsepower peak at 5500 rpm. The torque generated by the twin-turbocharged, 4.5-liter V-8 engine grows to 530 lb.-ft. -- a 15-percent increase over the 2006 Cayenne Turbo.

The torque curve for the Turbo S model is better described as a plateau, with maximum torque delivered from 2750 to 3750 rpm, and more than 510 lb-ft maintained from 2500 past 5000 rpm. The horsepower-per-liter figure for the Cayenne Turbo S is an amazing 115.4, compared to 99.7 for the already impressive Cayenne Turbo.

Flowing through intelligent all-wheel-drive and stability management systems, the additional power of the Cayenne Turbo S produces a standing start to 60 miles per hour (96 km/h) time of just 4.8 seconds. And on the test track, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S is capable of achieving 167 miles per hour (270 km/h).

To provide such performance, Porsche engineers revised the engine control system's throttle map, and installed larger intercoolers that improve volumetric efficiency by lowering the temperature of the air entering the V-8 engine's intake tract. Thanks to the increase in the system's cooling efficiency, engineers increased turbo boost pressure by 4.3 psi (0.3 bar) to a maximum of 27.5 psi (1.9 bar).

Providing further control of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, the braking components have been upgraded. Up front, six-piston aluminum monobloc calipers clamp down on 1.5-inch-thick internally vented discs measuring 14.96 inches (380 mm) in diameter. At the rear, four-piston aluminum monobloc calipers bite onto internally vented 14.09-inch (358 mm) discs. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S rides on standard 20-inch Cayenne SportTechno wheels. Optional are 20-inch Cayenne SportDesign wheels. Whether standard or optional, the 20-inch wheels are wrapped in size 275/40 high-performance tires.

Like Porsche's Boxster(R), Cayman S and 911(R) sports cars, the Cayenne possesses amazingly athletic capabilities, and thanks to technologies such as Porsche Traction Management, these capabilities are not limited to paved roads. While many SUVs have an inherent tendency towards nose-heavy handling characteristics, Porsche engineers direct the majority of the engine's torque (62 percent) from the Cayenne's powerful engine to the rear wheels. This provides the Cayenne with handling dynamics more in line with Porsche's rear- drive sports cars, and sets the Cayenne apart in the SUV marketplace. These traits are so sought after by enthusiast drivers that the Cayenne has become the best selling of all Porsche models.

The 2006 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S goes on sale today in North America. U.S. and Canadian pricing for the new model is $111,600 (USD) and $157,000 (CAD). Complete information on all Porsche models can be found at in the 2006 Model Year Press Kit section.

Volkswagen launches the GX3!

In a world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Volkswagen presents the GX3 - a completely new type of motorcycle. The GX3 was conceived by the Moonraker team and VW's Design Center in California, exclusively with the U.S. in mind, to bring an exciting idea to a fully functioning concept. With its three wheels and unique design, this Volkswagen opens up a new driving dimension.

A motorcycle with VW features: Light, fast, and environmentally friendly, the GX3 shows that conceptually it is much closer to a motorcycle than to a classic type automobile. This two-seater Volkswagen is one of a kind - bold, young, and affordable. It opens a new driving dimension, turns even the daily commute to work into a small trip to freedom, allows you to cruise in the carpool lane, even if you're driving solo (the GX3 is a motorcycle, after all!) and with its keen handling it opens up completely new horizons for recreational driving.

Amazing dynamics for less than US$17,000: The GX3 will be driven by a VW 1.6 liter engine. The four-cylinder delivers 92 kW / 125 hp. So far, so good. However, the GX3 is a pure driving machine, a motorcycle with two seats positioned side-by-side. And that's why you can find 125 hp and 112.5 ft-lbs (152 Nm) in a mere 1,257 lbs (570 kg) Volkswagen. This results in a power-to- weight ratio of 10 lbs/hp 4.56 kg/PS). In just 5.7 seconds, the GX3 can reach a speed of 62.5 mph (100 km/h) and the possible lateral acceleration reaches 1.25g - values typical of sheer performance cars but delivered from a vehicle under the US$17,000 price range. No comparable sports machine in the world, however, can come even close to the low fuel consumption of the GX3: 46 mpg. Fact is: a production counterpart of the GX3, could be on the market very soon. It all depends on the American driver's feedback.

Tradition of the exceptional: Conceptually and visually the Volkswagen GX3 differs from anything currently on the roads in the U.S. And that's a tradition at Volkswagen. It was with exceptional and unique products - today all of them legends - that Volkswagen propelled itself to the top in the USA during the 50's and 60's. Whether the Beetle, the Thing (Type 181) or the Microbus, all were the cult cars of their time and still are. In 2006, with the GX3, Volkswagen once again presents something totally unexpected and exceptional, a VW in every sense. VW - Being different.

Moonraker: The GX3 was designed in close collaboration between VW's Design Center California (DCC) and an international, cross-functional group of young engineers, designers, manufacturing and marketing experts, also based in California. The team started its work in the US in early 2005. The job: To convert the wishes, dreams and needs of American drivers into mobility. The goal: highest possible customer satisfaction. Background: In addition to the models developed in Germany and sold in the US, in the future Volkswagen will be building more models catering especially to the needs and requirements of U.S. customers. One of the most dramatic and tangible early results of Moonraker: the GX3. Responsible for the design of the new Volkswagen is the Volkswagen Design Studio in Santa Monica. The team there will be working in the future in close cooperation with the product strategy staffs in the U.S. The GX3 offers a look into the exciting and comprehensive spectrum of totally new motor vehicles which are currently being conceptualized by Volkswagen of America for the US market.

Design dynamics: The focus for Volkswagen's design team in California was to create a quintessential and pure driving machine. Inspired by the minimalist design language often expressed in contemporary GP motorcycles and F1 race cars, the GX3 has a true feeling of authenticity. These influences are seen throughout the exterior with an exposed single sided swing arm, aggressive central exhaust, open front wheels and stealthy matte finishes. The progressive dynamic on the GX3 is emphasized with a strong graphic dividing the body as it wraps up to the aggressive forward leaning roll hoops. Anodized gold and black suspension components and LED lighting are further examples of track inspired designs. The GX3 interior is all about business with nothing to distract from the absolute driving experience. The driver's cockpit is equipped with five point racing harnesses; "moto" style instruments and a GTI inspired stainless shifter. Most distinctly, the rear boasts a massive single 18"x12" back wheel dressed with 315 rubber. The front end proudly displays a bold V graphic consistent with Volkswagen's vehicle lineup, most notably the GTI. The GX3 in no way denies that it is a motorcycle, but rather plays it up as a unique design advantage.

Space-Frame: The basic structure of this driving machine is formed by a high-density, warp-resistant, steel construction space frame. The paneling of the interior and exterior parts of the space frame is made of high density fiberglass. A 2.83 tf3 (80 l) trunk is located behind the seats.

Advanced chassis: The 215/45 R17x8J front wheels are controlled by a double lateral steering axle. While the front axle resembles the layout of an automobile, the rear axle shows more parallels to a motorcycle. The right side of the vehicle also makes use of a monoswing arm. The engine's power is delivered via 6-speed transmission and chain drive to the rear wheel, which has a tire size of 315/30 R18x12J - a new super bike dimension. And that suits the GX3. A Volkswagen that breaks away from the conventions and that redefines driving fun and freedom of mobility.