2012 Toyota Camry spied undisguised

     The 2012 Toyota Camry has been spied undisguised by KGP Photography. The new Camry was shot when it was out for a commercial.


     The 2012 Camry looks fresh with new exterior design. The head and tail lamps are sharper and remind us about the Honda’s futuristic design. However the grill looks to be very familiar with earlier Toyotas.

Source: Autoblog

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New Yamaha R15 spied again

     Last month we had posted the spy picture of the facelifted Yamaha R15. Yet another spy picture of the new R15 has emerged on the net. As seen in the picture below, the new R15 features a new tail fairing, tyre mounted mudguard and split seats. Expect R15 to be launched within a month.

Source: Motoroids

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Bugatti confirms Galibier production

     The world’s fastest car Bugatti Veyron will get a big brother next year. The Bugatti Veyron sedan christened Galibier will be produced and sold next year. Only 1000 to 1500 units will be produced which will be crafted to become the undisputed leader in the luxury segment.


     The Bugatti Galibier will feature a sixteen cylinder engine with power of whooping 789 Bhp to 986 Bhp. The Bugatti Veyron costs Rs. 16 crore in India and expect the Galibier to cost over Rs. 25 crore.

Source: worldcarfans

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Hero Honda is now Hero MotoCorp

     World’s largest two wheeler manufacturer Hero Honda Motors Ltd now becomes Hero MotoCorp Ltd. Hero Honda has officially received the necessary statutory approval from the Registrar of Companies to change the company’s name.


     Hero Honda split from Honda Motor Corporation by buying the later’s share in the company. Hero MotoCorp will unveil its brand identity in London on August 9th 2011.

Dr Brijmohan Lall, Chairman, Hero MotoCorp Ltd
“The change in name is the first big step towards further strengthening the company’s leadership in the two-wheeler industry. It marks the beginning of a new era of innovations – be it in the field of technology and product development or customer satisfaction and expanding our footprint across global markets. While I am announcing a new name for the company today, I assure you there is much more to follow. Do wait for August 9, 2011 for the unveiling of the brand new identity of Hero MotoCorp Ltd and the excitement that will unfold in the near future.”

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2012 Renault Twingo facelift revealed

     Renault has revealed the the 2012 Twingo facelift. The next generation Twingo will be unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show this year and will go no sale next year.


     The new Twingo features a big Renault logo in the front, a big grill and additional bumper mounted head lamps. The 2012 Twingo’s design signals a new design paradigm for Renault.


     Renault’s small car for India will be shown at the Auto Expo 2012 in January next year. Since the outline of the car which is shown in Renault India’s website resembles that of the Twingo (tall stance), we expect lots sharings between the two cars.

Source: worldcarfans

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Chevrolet launches Beat diesel, priced at Rs. 4.29 lakh

     Chevrolet has launched its much anticipated diesel Beat with an introductory price of Rs. 4.29 lakh ex-showroom, New Delhi. This makes Beat diesel the cheapest diesel car in the country.


     The diesel Beat is powered by a 3 cylinder 1 liter diesel engine which has been developed specifically for India by GM’s Technical center in Bangalore in association with GM Powertrain Europe. This is also GMs smallest diesel engine yet far.


     Chevrolet also hinted that the company is planning to launch a diesel powered ‘Spark’ with little modifications. The launch of diesel small cars opens a new era for General Motors in India. The company is banking on this engine for its future growth in the country. And why not, a small diesel engine is what the people of India were waiting for.

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Daihatsu A-Concept, will it be Toyota’s sub-Liva hatch for India?

     Daihatsu has unveiled a new small car concept named A-Concept at the 2011 Indonesian International Motor Show. Since Daihatsu is a sister company of Toyota, can we expect it to launch A-Concept in India below the Etios Liva?

     Toyota had expressed its concern to have a small car in India below the Etios Liva at the time of its launch. Toyota also said it is looking to have a sedan above Etios and a compact SUV for Indian market.

     As seen from the picture, the Daihatsu A-Concept looks pretty good with its futuristic design. With its small dimensions it could be a perfect recipe for Toyota to launch it below Etios Liva. Do you people think so? Your comments are welcome. 

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Scoop: Honda releases 2012 Honda CR-V picture

     Honda has released the picture of the next generation CR-V. We in our earlier posts had posted some spy picture of the vehicle being testing in US. From the picture, the vehicle bears a typical Honda styling of ‘space age vehicles’.


     The main domain of the 4th generation CR-V seen in the picture is the smoked headlamps, prominent front skid plate, gargantuan wheels, and polished black lower trim. Though the rear end of the new CR-V looks bulky, it looks pretty good from the front 2/3rd angle.

     

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New Maruti Swift launch on 17th August

     Maruti Suzuki will launch the new Swift of 17th of August 2011. The company has already started bookings for the new Swift. The new Swift will be priced slightly more than the current model.


     With the launch of the new Swift, an era of 2nd generation Swift will start in India. Swift has been highly successful car in India with over 10 lakh vehicles sold since it was launched in 2005. The muscular look and a brilliant engine did the trick for apprehensive Maruti Suzuki which was slowly losing its share to the new car launches.

     The new Swift sports some new features which make it unmatched value for money, of course if the price hike is minimal. The new features have been carried from the International Swift which are - Push button start, Electric operated outside rear view mirrors, Electric folding rear view mirrors, USB, Aux port, Bluetooth connectivity, Steering mounted audio controls, Climate control, 15-inch wheels, Rear wiper washer demister, Xenon headlights and Sunroof (Optional). A 4 speed automatic variant is also on the cards, though it will be only in the petrol Swift. A new ZDi variant will also be launched which was not present in the earlier swift.

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Scoop: New Maruti small car spied

     Thanks to Autocarindia for the spy picture of the new Maruti small car. We believe, the new Maruti small car was spied being tested near the Gurgaon factory.

     From the picture it is seen that the overall architecture of the new Maruti small car resembles that of the M800. Since the company discontinued the legendary M800, it has been working on its successor which could be priced close to Rs. 2 lakh to compete against the Tata Nano.It will be launched next year and its presence in the Auto Expo 2012 cannot be ruled out. 

     The new Maruti small car is built on the Alto platform and will be powered by the same 796cc Alto engine. The small car has been developed in-house in keeping the Indian conditions in mind.

     As seen from the spy picture, the car will get wraparound head lamps and the grill looks to be redesigned of Alto’s. The car looks to be taller the M800 and over all we feel the car looks to be a mixture of Wagon R and Alto. What are your opinions?

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Ford to unveil Focus sedan at Auto Expo 2012

     Auto Expo 2012 will be a much bigger event compared to the earlier Auto Shows in India. Many car companies are lining up their new launches at the Auto Expo 2012 which will be held in January 2012 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

     The Ford Focus sedan is one of the vehicles which will be unveiled for the first time in India. Ford has already started testing the Focus sedan on Indian soil. The spy pictures of the Focus sedan testing in India has come up in the net. The Focus sedan will be positioned above the All new Fiesta and will be priced around Rs. 15 to 17 lakh. It will take on the new VW Jetta, new Sonata, Toyota Corolla Altis, Honda Civic, Renault Fluence and Chevrolet Cruze in the segment.

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2012 Fiat Panda spied, will it come to India?

     The next generation Fiat Panda was spied testing in Italy. In our earlier post we had showed you some patent drawings of the 2012 Fiat Panda.


     The new Panda is has a streamlined appearance with a rounded hood, a wider grill, swept back headlights, larger air intake, a sloping roofline and a minimalist interior.


     The new Panda will debut in Frankfurt Motor Show in September this year. What is more interesting is weather the new Panda will make it to India. Fiat has announced that it is looking for a small car below Palio/Punto for India. We guess the Panda will be the perfect vehicle for India if priced around Rs. 4 lakh. With the new twin cylinder ‘Multiair’ engine, Fiat has a great chance to come back in the Indian market.

Source: Worldcarfans

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Ferrari announces its international design contest winner

     Italian sports car manufacturer Ferrari has officially announced the winner of its international design contest. The Eternità concept designed by students from South Korea’s Hongik University has won the contest beating students from IED Turin and RCA London in a close encounter.


     The Eternità concept is a futuristic roadster with aerodynamic styling, a wraparound windscreen and aggressive side skirts. The concepts from IED Turin and RCA London were Xezri and Cavallo Bianco concepts.

     Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo applauded the passion and commitment of the youngsters who took part in the competition and was overwhelmed by the talent shown by them. He also said that the suggestion from these students would come to light in the future Ferraris.

Source: Worldcarfans

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Daimler launches its Financial Services in India

     German luxury automobile Daimler AG has launched its Financial Services unit in India. The Daimler Financial Service is a 100% owned subsidiary of Daimler AG and is headquartered in Chennai.

     The Daimler Financial Services is formed with an initial investment of US $50 million. The investment is expected to be increased to US $500 million in the next five years. The company offers Finance and insurance offers to its customers and dealers.


     The company plans to launch a financial service to BharatBenz in 2012. BharatBenz is a subsidiary of Daimler AG aimed at commercial vehicles in India.


Official Press release:


Daimler AG today announced the official launch of its Financial Services unit in India. Headquartered in Chennai, Daimler Financial Services India is a 100% subsidiary of Daimler AG.


“Two out of five Mercedes-Benz cars and every fourth commercial vehicle of the Daimler group worldwide is financed or leased by Daimler Financial Services. We intend to replicate this success story in India as soon as possible”, commented Mr. Klaus Entenmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler Financial Services AG. “Daimler Financial Services aims to reach a contract volume of USD 500 million in India in five years”, he added.


Daimler Financial Services operates in 40 countries worldwide. With a contract volume of Euro 63.7 billion at the end of 2010, it is one of the world’s largest automotive financial services providers for passenger cars and the world’s largest provider of financing for trucks, buses and vans. Furthermore it provides automotive insurance solutions with a contract portfolio of more than 1.8 million contracts. The new subsidiary in India is registered as Daimler Financial Services India Pvt Ltd. The company offers comprehensive finance, leasing and insurance products to customers and dealers of Mercedes-Benz cars in India under the brand ‘Mercedes-Benz Financial’ with immediate effect.


“In 2010, we sold more than 5.800 units in India, nearly double of our previous year’s sales figure. The luxury car market in India and Mercedes-Benz India in particular is on a dynamic growth path. With 75% of Indian car customers opting for vehicle finance, our financial services solutions and innovative products will be a catalyst in the purchase process. It is here that Mercedes-Benz Financial with seamless integration across all our dealerships will play a pivotal role”, says Mr. Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India.


By 2012, Daimler’s truck brand BharatBenz is expected to be operational. Daimler Financial Services will then also support sales with financial services for BharatBenz. Daimler Financial Services has announced an initial investment of USD 50 million as part of its market entry and has put in place an electronic point-of-sales system to deliver speedy loan approval decisions and contract processing across all Mercedes-Benz dealerships. With 50 experienced industry professionals already on board and more to join soon, Daimler Financial Services India has set out for itself an ambitious growth path and a robust business outlook. Right from the beginning Daimler Financial Services India will offer a motor insurance product that was developed together with the strategic partner Bajaj Allianz.


Mr. Sidhartha Nair, Managing Director of Daimler Financial Services India, elaborated further: “We want to be the first choice provider of financial services products for our dealers and customers in India in the near term. Our one-stop solution for customers who buy a vehicle and demand finance and insurance in a quick and efficient manner will differentiate us from others.”

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Tata Safari Merlin spied without camouflage

     We came across the rear picture of the soon to be launched Tata Safari Merlin without camouflage. The picture of the Merlin below shows you the mod job on the rear with a new set of tail lamps, rear bumpers and the tail gate. You can see a chrome strip running almost on the middle of the tail gate. Aslo seen are twin chrome exhausts.


     Just by seeing the tailgate we get a feeling that Tatas have taken lot of design cues from Land Rover. The flat back almost squarish proportions remind us of the LR Discovery 3. The door handles now get chrome and the most important features is the absence of spare tyre on the tail gate. Since we have seen the vehicle without camouflage, the launch of Safari Merilin is around the corner.

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New Maruti Swift teaser site up

     Maruti Suzuki stopped production of the old swift last week and announced the launch of the new Swift in the month of August. Even the customers who have booked the old Swift were given option to change to the new Swift with a privilege that is, if they opt for the new Swift, they will be considered first among the new buyers, something like jumping in the que.

     Maruti has come up with a teaser site, which in fact is the original site of the Maruti Swift which now displays the new Swift in the background with a tag – Hold your breath little longer, coming soon the new Swift.


     The website also has a drag drop slider showing the exterior and interior of the new Swift. The slider gives you 20 seconds to form the exterior and the interior of the new Swift.


     The website also has a link which leads to the page describing the evolution of the car. Here is the link to evolution of the Swift.

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Chevrolet Beat diesel website goes live

     A week before the launch of the diesel Beat, the website of the car has already come alive. Visit the diesel Beat website Here. Chevrolet will launch the diesel Beat on 25th of July 2011. In our earlier post we had showed you the leaked brochure of diesel Beat will the all the specifications and features.

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2012 Honda CR-V more spy pictures emerge

     The next generation Honda CR-V which is expected to be launched in 2012 is the hot topic among automobile discussions. We managed to get the spy pictures of the 2012 Honda CR-V from MotorAuthority website. Though the vehicle has been camouflaged heavily, the rear tail light suggest that it is indeed the 2012 Honda CR-V. In our earlier post we had posted the spy pictures of the CR-V and also the teaser website of Honda USA which said 2012 Honda CR-V is coming soon. Have a look at the spy pictures.... and say what you think. 

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New Maruti Swift spied without camouflage

Maruti will launch the new Swift next month in India and we have you the new Swift completely distinguished. The red new Swift in the video tells you all you need to know about it.

As it is designed, the new Swift looks to be bigger in dimension as compared to the older one. The change in the headlamps and tail lamps is clearly seen which are now become sharper. The rear seat room also looks to be more which was lacking in the current swift.


Have a look at the video...

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Toyota to make Etios in Brazil by 2012

     World’s number one automobile manufacturer Toyota plans to make Eitos in Brazil by 2012. The Etios was tailor made car for India and emerging markets like Brazil.


     Toyota said it will be setting up a plant in Brazil to make Etios small car with a capacity of 70,000 units per annum. Over 4000 engineers from Toyota spent 5 years to develop Etios.


     Toyota received overwhelming response by its customers in India for Etios sedan. With the launch of Etios hatchback, Toyota is aiming to dominate the Indian market as well.

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Hindustan Motors conducting a road show

     India’s oldest car maker Hindustan Motors is conducting a 15 day road show to connect with it customers. During the road show the company will showcase its existing product base and future models. The road show will cover Assam (Guwahati), West Bengal (Durgapur, Siliguri and Asansol), Orissa (Bhubaneswar, Puri, Sambalpur and Bargarh) and Bihar (Patna, Hazipur and surrounding areas).


     The existing models of the company include age old Ambassador and a new LCV Winner. The company will also showcase the new shortened Ambassador which now comes under 4 meters length to get small car excise duty.

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Honda celebrates Civic’s 39 years of Heritage

     Honda is celebrating 39 years of Civic history this year. The ‘Civic’ was first launched in 1973 and since then Honda has 19,000,000 Civic customers worldwide. Honda recently launched the 2012 7th Generation Civic which is also slated for India launch next year.


     The Civic was just a car to its customers. It rewrote the history of driving performance cars are not just for the multi rich. The refined engine and strong chassis created lots of smiles on the ‘spirited driving’ enthusiasts.

     Its time for Honda and millions of customers, enthusiasts and well-wishers worldwide to cheer and celebrate the 39 years of existence of the Civic. Honda - The Power of Dreams

Honda Civic Heritage Video

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Ford launches all New Global Fiesta sedan in India

     Ford India has launched its all new global Fiesta sedan in India priced at Rs. 8.23 to Rs. 9.27 lakh, ex-showroom, New Delhi. The global Fiesta will be available in both petrol and diesel options.

     Both the petrol and diesel engine have 1.5L capacity with 108 Bhp and 90 Bhp power respectively. The petrol engine is basically the scaled down version of 1.6L which powers the Fiesta Classic. It now comes with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) which boosts the engine power. The diesel motor is again the enlarged version of 1.4L Duratech engine and now comes with an intercooler. The diesel engine produces 90 Bhp of power and 20.8 Kgm of torque. Both the engines are coupled to a 5 speed manual transmission.


     Ford claims the all new Fiesta will give class leading fuel efficieny of 17 Kmpl for petrol and 23.5 Kmpl for diesel under ARAI test conditions. 

All New Ford Fiesta Specifications

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Honda City hatchback? Not a bad idea

Ever wondered how a Honda City hatchback would look? Here it is

     Thanks to Theophilus Chin, who has rendered the Honda City hatchback. Indeed, the idea is not bad. Honda, are you noticing?

Source: TheophilusChin

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Indian Govt. to establish 2 more automotive manufacturing hubs in India

     The Govt. of India will establish two new automotive manufacturing hubs in India, one each in central and eastern India. The hubs combined will have over 10,000 acres of area.


     Currently Haryana, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are the main automotive manufacturing zones in India. The move is aimed at consolidating India’s position as important destination for low cost automotive production.

Praful Patel, Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises -
"There is need to make India cost competitive and a large-scale manufacturing destination that would help it emerge as a front-runner for low-cost production globally."

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Chevrolet Beat diesel Brochure leaked

     Chevrolet will launch the diesel powered beat very soon and ahead of its launch we managed to find the diesel Beat’s Brochure leaked and posted on Team-Bhp forum. As seen in the brochure, the Beat will be powered by Chevrolet’s Smartech diesel engine which the company claims to deliver fuel efficiency of 24 Kmpl.


About the Engine:


     The Chevrolet’s Smartech diesel engine is a 3 cylinder, 1 liter, common rail diesel injection with power of 58PS @ 4000 rpm and torque of 150 Nm @ 1750 rpm. It has Dual head camshaft and Turbocharger with intercooler. You also find an exhaust gas recirculation in it.

Source: Team-BHP

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Mahindra to launch two new variants of Verito by December 2011

     Mahindra will launch two new variants of its lone sedan Vertio by December this year. While one variant will be just a refreshed one of the current Verito, the other one will be the hatchback version.


     The Verito hatchback has been designed to come under 4 meters to avail small car benefits. With solid Mahindra brand coupled with interior space of Verito and a good 1.5L Renault diesel engine, the Verito hatchback will give serious competition in the already crowded B segment category.

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