All new Toyota Camry spied testing in India

     The next generation Toyota Camry which was showed at the Auto Expo 2012 was spied testing near Bangalore. Toyota hopes to regain the lost battle ground in the D+ segment with the launch of then the new Camry. The new Camry will be assembled at Toyota’s plant near Bidadi.

     The new Camry will be powered by a 2.5 Liter 4 cylinder DOHC 16 valve Dual VVT-i petrol engine. The engine pumps out 178 Bhp @ 6000 rpm. However the 268 Bhp 3.5 Liter V6 will not come to India.

Engine capacity and fuel options: 2.5 liter VVTi petrol
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Power: 178 HP at 6000 rpm
Torque: 230 Nm at 4100 rpm
Expected launch date: 14th march 2012
Expected price: Rs 17 to 21 lakh 

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Honda Brio diesel spied testing in India

     Feeling the heat of petrol price hike in India, Honda had announced that it is developing a diesel engine for its cars in India. There was also a report about Honda has already developed a 1.6L diesel for Civic which will be launched in India in the next generation avatar next year.

     The good news now is that, Honda’s baby Brio has been spied testing with diesel engine in India. Honda had hinted that Brio diesel will come to India by 2014, but as we see the Brio diesel being tested, the launch could be much earlier than expected.

     Honda known for its performance machine had a weakness in diesel engine technology. The new diesel from Honda means a new diesel technology from Honda and lot of speculation has been raised about the quality of the engines, as Honda is developing them for the first time. But from Honda’s history, there has been no vehicle or technology which has bitter dust and the diesel one will certainly match the qualities of its siblings. Infact Honda has invested heavily on the diesel technology to develop a clean and efficient diesel engine.

     Having said this, we get a feeling that finally a Maruti Suzuki Swift challenger is coming. The Swift has been an invincible car in its segments and much hyped entry of Etios, Polo and Micra could not even shake the Swift’s dominance. In fact Swift has been growing it popularity day by day, Swift is selling at 20,000 a month. The only factor which Honda has to work on the diesel Brio is the price. Honda has to price diesel Brio competitively, that is a price difference of Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 between the Brio and Swift diesels is what can make a strong competition going. What are your opinions?

Picture source: team-bhp

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Next generation Maruti 800/Alto spied testing

     Maruti Suzuki recently stopped the production of the iconic ‘800’ car and announced the new model will come by this year end. Oncars.in has provided us some spy pictures of the new 800/Alto from all the three angles. Earlier Autocarindia had also posted a spy picture of the new car tough taken from far. Here are the pictures, thanks to Oncars.in 

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Tata Indica with 90 Ps 1.3L Multi-jet spied

     Tata Motors has been exploring all possibilities on its Indica platform and this latest spy picture of Indica with changes to the front is one of the classic examples. From the picture the front of the Indica gets the Indigo CS treatment with double barrel headlamps, wider grill and prominent bumper.

     The major change is under the hood. From the badge on the rear and side it is evident that Indica now gets 90 Ps 1.3 L Multi-jet diesel engines. Till now Indica was available with 1.4L TDi and Turbo engine and a 1.3L Multi-jet diesel was long awaited. With the new engine, the price of Indica will go up which might not be a good news for cab drivers. Indica with power steering ss presently available at Rs. 5.75 lakh on-road Bangalore which might go up to Rs. 6.50 lakh with the new engine.

     Tata Indica has been a very good vehicle in terms of price factor. The running cost of Indica very cheap, no wonder cabbies prefer it to any other cars. Indica offers good interior space as well and can seat 5 persons in good comfort. With the new engine there will be a big boost in Indica’s performance, which it lacked right from its inception. 

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Facelifted Hyundai i20 spied undisguised

     Hyundai giving a facelift to its super hatch i20 is not new news. Hyundai has been testing the i20 facelift in India for quite some time and some spy pictures of the vehicle taken near Chennai has surfaced in the net world. But nothing like this photograph taken by Anythingonwheels, which clearly shows how the i20 facelift will actually look like. 


     Though the photograph shows the front left part of the car, the fluidic sculpture design being incorporated to i20 is very much evident. The headlamps which feature the fluidic philosophy reminds us of the next generation Elantra’s which will be launch soon in India.

     
     Hyundai gave a facelift to i10 last year. The i20 launched in 2008 was due for a facelift. With Hyundai incorporating the fluidic sculpture design to all its vehicles, the facelift to i20 which is the lone vehicle without fluidic design was evident. However the facelift will be just in the front and rear and to some extent in the interiors, but there will no change under the hood. The i20 will be powered by the same 1.2L petrol, 1.4L petrol and 1.4L diesel engines.

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Chevrolet/ Wuling Sunshine van spied, could be launched at Auto Expo 2012

     Chevrolet’s Chinese minivan Sunshine has been spied again on Indian roads and as the Auto Expo 2012 is getting nearer, we can expect its launch very soon. Chevrolet has brought Wuling vehicles to India and has been testing them for quite a sometime.

     Apart from Sunshine, Chevrolet is also testing a minivan of the Maruti Eeco size in India. We in our earlier post (few months back) had showed you the spy pictures of this Maruti Eeco sized minivan. Seeing the sizes of these two Chinese vehicles we can asses that Chevrolet wants to tap Maruti Eeco and Mahindra Xylo/Tata Sumo segment.

     If Chevrolet can bring in good diesel engines for these vans, the can turn the fortunes of Chevrolet in India. But having said this no one can expect a vehicle’s success than the cautious Indian customer!

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Next generation Nissan Pathfinder spied

     The legendary Nissan Pathfinder is the SUV anyone will like to do off-roading with. The current generation model built on Nissan’s F-Alpha platform will undergo transformation to a new platform FF-L (Front-engine, Front-Wheel-Drive, Large) in 2013. Spy photographers of Worldcarfans has caught some spy pictures of then next generation Pathfinder testing in US.

     The FF-L platform underpins the Murano and Quest and by the spy pictures we can assume the new Pathfinder will have the same sleek styling of the Murano. Before speculating anything let’s wait till next month where Nissan will preview the new Pathfinder at Detroit Motor Show.

Current Nissan Pathfiner	2013 Nissan Pathfinder
2013 Nissan Pathfinder	2013 Nissan Pathfinder

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Chevrolet Sail spied in India

     Chevrolet’s new B plus segment hatchback ‘Sail’ has been spied in India. The Sail will replace the existing Chevrolet U-VA and a sedan version of Sail is also expected which will replace the Aveo sedan.  

     The Sail hatch has been designed nicely unlike the U-VA. The well proportionate front and rear ends have been designed to give a big car feel. The side profile also gives roominess to the car. In the rear, the tall tail lamps embedded in the D pillar make the Sail look like a MUV.

     When launched, the Sail will get Beat’s 1.2 liter petrol engine and a 1.3 liter Multi Jet diesel will come after an year. Chevrolet will display the Sail hatch and sedan at the upcoming Auto Expo 2012. 

Picture Source: Zigwheels & Autocarindia

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Kia Picanto spied testing in Chennai

     We guess Kia is the last company in the world to launch its car in India, and guess what? Kia Motors of South Korea has been found testing its Picanto small car in Chennai. Kia is less a known automobile company world over. But the fact is, it is the second largest automobile manufacturer in South Korea next to Hyundai. In fact Hyundai partly owns the Kia Motors.

     The Kia Picanto (which is also know as Kia Morning) seen in the picture is a left hand drive one which might have been imported to India for testing as red temporary number plates are seen. The Picanto is very similar in construction with the Hyundai i10 but has a different design theme. The Picanto very well sits in the entry B segment category in India which means, when it is launched, it will be priced around Rs. 5 lakh. A diesel Picanto could be a game changer in the segment but we guess it will happen less likely.

     The Picanto has a bold front end with tall bumpers and high bonnet. The side profiles nothing but reminds us of the Hyundai i10 and to some extent the Eon. The rear of the car is something which makes it different. The C shaped tail lamps and scooped boot are the differential highlights of this car.  We guess the Picanto will definitely make it at the Auto Expo 2012. 

Picture Source: riotengine

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Volkswagen Up spied in India, could be for Auto Expo 2012

     Volkswagen Up which was unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show this year has been spotted in Delhi, mounted on a truck. Mr Sandeep Singh has posted these images on NDTV’s Car And Bike facebook page. We guess the car has been imported from Europe for the coming Auto Expo 2012.

     The Up is the smallest car in Volkswagen’s portfolio which the company plans to launch in India soon, ofcourse in 5 door version unlike the 3 door one seen in the picture. Price of the Up is expected to start from Rs. 3.5 lakh. The Up unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show had a 1 litre petrol engine with 75 Ps of power and 23 Kmpl of fuel efficiency. A diesel option, it is still a secret. 

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Scoop: Renault Duster spied in India

     The Renault’s SUV for India, the Duster has been spied for first time in India. According to Renault’s Indian website, the Duster will be launched in India in September next year, which means we see Duster on Indian roads by March-April 2012. The Duster will be Renault’s 4th launch after Fluence, Koleos and Pulse. The Pulse small car which is based on Nissan Micra will be officially launched at Auto Expo 2012 in January.


     The Duster is a key vehicle in Renault’s Indian portfolio. The current launches – Fluence and Koleos have not made a good impact on the Indian customers, thanks to their high prices and slump in car sales. This leaves Renault to depend heavily on the Pulse and Duster. Since Pulse is just a facelift of Nissan Micra, we doubt it will have anything to turn around Renault’s fortune. The only vehicle which according to us can keep the Renault on a success path is the Duster, but of course if Renault prices Duster sensibly.

     Now coming back to the spy picture of the Duster, Autocarindia could manage to get couple of snaps which the SUV was undergoing test runs. We have often seen car manufacturers test their new vehicles with camouflage in India before it is launched. There was a speculation about Duster’s launch in India, but since it has been spied here, it is definitely going to be launched in India.


     According to Autocarindia, the Duster will be available in 5 variants. The base variant will come with a 1.6 L petrol engine and is likely to be priced at Rs. 7 lakh. There will be two versions of diesel engine, both with 1.5L capacity (currently powering the Fluence) but with different power outputs. An entry level diesel variant will have 85 Bhp output where as the top of the line variant will get 110 Bhp output engine.

     Since the Duster is based on Logan platform, it will have the same interiors and switches of the Logan. But we guess Renault redesign the Duster interior to keep it fresh and attractive. The Duster will not come into under 4 meter length mark, so it will not have any excises sops. But according to sources, the Duster range in India will be priced between Rs. 7 -11 lakh. Let’s wait and see what Renault does.

Picture Source: Autocarindia

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Tata Y1 Light Commercial Truck spied

     The next generation Tata Y1 light commercial trucks have been spied. The Tata Y1 LCVs will replace the Tata 407 and 708 EX series which gave phenomenal success to Tata Motors.  The Y1 series of light commercial vehicles come in 4-9 ton capacity range with a 11 ton truck possibility cannot be ruled out. Developed at Tata Motor’s Pimpri plant, the Y1 series of light commercial trucks will be manufactured at Tata’s Dharwad plant.

     The Y1 series of light commercial trucks will feature improved driver ergonomics which will reduce driver fatigue and consequently accidents. Apart from driver ergonomics there is possibility of bringing in CRDi turbo charged and intercooled engine to the lineup which will boost the truck’s performance and fuel efficiency. The Y1 series of light commercial trucks will be displayed at the 2012 Auto Expo.

Tata Y1 Series of Light Commercial Trucks

* Tata Y1 Series LPT 410

* Tata Y1 Series LPT 712

* Tata Y1 Series LPT 812

* Tata Y1 Series LPT 912

* Tata Y1 Series LPT 1112

Picture Source: Indiancarsbikes

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2012 Toyota Camry spied in India

     If you think we are mentioning about the US spec Camry, you are wrong. Toyota is testing its next generation global model Camry in India. The spy pictures of the 2012 Camry was taken near Toyota’s plant in Bidadi, outskirts of Bangalore.

     The 2012 Camry looks very similar to the current model from its dimensions. However there will be some changes in the front and rear in the form of redesigned head and tail lamps, bumper and the grill. Interiors have also been tweaked to stay with the time.


     Expect the 2012 Camry to reach Toyota dealers by August 2012. We feel Toyota should come up with new pricing and marketing strategies to push Camry sales in India. The current Camry is priced too high and no wonder we see very little Camrys on Indian roads.


     Currently Toyota is focusing on positioning the Etios and Etios Liva in a suitable position as the segments they are in area already crowded. Since the B+ and entry level C segment is the most happening one, Toyota will divert its all attention on Etios twins rather than thinking much about Camry.

Picture Source: Indianautosblog

2012 Toyota Camry

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Tata Winger CNG spied

     Tata Motors is best at tapping the untapped market. The success of Ace mini van is a classic example and the Nano is doing its best live upto the expectations. Tata Motors bought the dyes of the Renault Traffic mini van and launched the vehicle in India as the Tata Winger. Tata Winger has been a successful vehicle with the call center cabbies switching to it from the old Qualis and Taveras.


     The CNG version of the Winger mini van was spied testing near Tata Motors Pune factory. Currently the Winger is available in 2 diesel engine options with 68 bhp and 90 bhp outputs. The Winger is also available with various seating configurations ranging from 9 to 13 seats. Tata Motors by bring in the CNG version aims to reduce the operational cost of the Winger as most of the vehicles are owned by the drivers themselves who would be defiantly benefited with the low maintenance. And being CNG the Winger will be more eco friendly as well.

Picture Source: Indiancarsbikes

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Chevrolet Tavera facelift spied

     Chevrolet had announced that it will give a facelift to its MPV Tavera with an engine change. The facelifted Tavera was spied by Motorbeam.com while testing under cold weather conditions at Manali.

     The facelifted Tavera will have a new front bumpers, new grill along with clear lens headlamps. The major change will be under the bonnet which will have Sonalika souced 2.0L TDCi diesel engine which produces 100 Bhp of power. However there will be no change in the rear and interiors as well. 

     The Tavera facelift will be launched by the end of this year with a marginal hike in the price. 

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Force Traveller spied with new LED lights

     Force Traveller was spied with new LED light while testing on road. This is the second facelift Force is giving its highly successful bread winner.


     It is powered by a 2.6 L TCIC (Turbocharged InterCooled) engine with 82 Hp of power at 3,200 rpm.


     Force Motors is planning to launch Merecedes Viano in near future. The company is consolidating its product portfolio and aims to become a major player in medium sized mass mobility segment.

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Mahindra Xylo facelift spied

     It is barely 2 years old and Mahindra has tried to give a facelift to its MPV Xylo. This is the magnitude of the competition taking place in all the segments in India. The best seller and market leader Honda City is also getting a facelift just after its launch 3 years ago.


     We manage to get the spy pictures of the Xylo facelift from oncars.in which mentions that the new Xylo could be a special edition variant. The Xylo spied has clear lens blinkers on the tail lamps, orange coloured indicators on the headlamps and a rear spoiler. In the interior there is steering mounted controls and added new features such as cruise control, voice controls, steering mounted audio and phone controls. There was also an E9 badging on this vehicle as mentioned by oncars.in. Currently Mahindra Xylo comes with a top end E8 variant.


     We feel these changes would bring in fresh look to the boring & boxy designed Xylo. Mahindra Xylo received good response when launched but Mahindra could not carry on the hype for too long as it did with the Scorpio. Now with Maruti Ertiga (R3) to be launched soon the Xylo has some serious competition.

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Long Wheel Base Tata Indica spied, or is it LWB Indigo CS?

     Tata Motors when launched the Indica car had announced it will develop different variants on the Indica platform. This happed way back in 1998 and since then Tata Motors has been developing different variants on Indica platform. Honestly speaking nobody had guessed Tata Motors will create so many variants based on a single platform.

     To count, till now Tata Motors has created close to a dozen variants on the Indica platform which are Indica, Indigo, Indigo Marina, Indigo XL, Indigo CS, DICOR engines on Indica, Indigo and Indigo XL, XETA petrol engine (1.2 and 1.4) on the Indica prior to which a 75PS petrol engine was used, CR4 engines across the lineup and the XL model has a 100PS petrol engine on introduction, CNG and LPG models on various cars at different timelines, EV version that made it to many international shows and formed the basis for the Vista EV, Indica Silhouette concept having a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 330PS.

     Now Tata Motors is readying a stretched Indica. This is not a joke but true. The spy pictures of stretched Indica have been taken, thanks to Indianautosblog. From the picture we could deduce that it is not the stretched Indica but a stretched Indigo CS doing the test runs. What do you guys say? Tata Motors to mask and mislead the spy photographers has added some extra stuff on the boot which looks like the vehicle is a station wagon.


     Tata Motors with the development of long wheel base Indigo CS is targeting the fleet operators who are looking for better rear seat comfort with the limited boot space. The LBW Indigo CS might not compete with modern latest entries in Rs. 6 lakh bracket, but surely it will find a niche for itself in taxi segment.

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Next Generation 2013 Porsche Panamera spied

     Panamera is the first 4 seater saloon from the Porsche family. It was launched just two years ago and went on to become the fasted sedan in the world. We found some spy pictures of the next generation 2013 Panamera at leading automotive website.


     The spy photos reveal new headlamp cluster and new front fascia. The headlamp cluster with an array of LED lights can be seen. The front fascia has been newly sculpted that resembles the new 2012 Porsche 911.


     Engine options of 2012 Panamera is likely to remain same but could be tweaked for improved performance and fuel economy.

Source: worldcarfans

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