Next generation Land Rover Defender under development

     Tata Motors owned British Iconic SUV manufacturer Land Rover is developing the next generation Defender. The Defender which is an Icon itself from a bygone era will be built on an all new platform and be available in variety of body styles. The next generation Defender concept can be seen by 2013 and a production model by 2015.

2011 All new Ford Fiesta sedan unveiled in India

     Ford India has launched its all new Fiesta sedan in India. The company has not yet announced the price details of the car but it is expected to be priced much below its competitor Honda City.


     Ford had announced earlier that it would launch eight new products in India by 2015 and the all new Fiesta sedan is one of them. Following the sedan will be the hatchback version of Fiesta which has been found testing in Indian soil.
The all new Fiesta is built on the platform shared with the Mazda 2. Ford has tuned this platform to its own standards which give it a very comfortable ride and agile handling.

     Powering the new Fiesta is a 1.6 litre petrol engine with 120 Bhp of power and a 1.6 liter diesel mill with 64 Bhp of power and 20.7 Kg of torque. The diesel engine with good torque gives a very petrol like feel.


     Lots of technology features keeps the new Fiesta apart from its competitors specially the Honda City. The new Fiesta comes with lot of features such as voice control tech with Bluetooth to pair with mobile phones, pull drive compensation, a suspension that helps reduce understeer in a front wheel drive car and rear parking sensors.

Source: ACI

Force India F1 Team Academy launched, racing talent search begins

     India’s only F1 team Force India has launched Force India F1 Team Academy with an idea to search the racing talent in India and providing vocational and academic training for young Indians aspiring to a serious professional career in motorsports.

     The Force India F1 Team Academy is a non-profit entity which will devote in three key areas 1. Talent Vertical – Identifying and nurturing racing talent in India, Vocational Training Vertical – Providing vocational training for a career in motor sport or related industries and Academic Programmes Vertical – Providing specialized academic courses/programmes related to the field of motorsports.




Dr. Vijay Mallya, Chairman & Team Principal, Force India Formula One Team - 
“The setting up of the Force India F1 Team Academy is a historic milestone in the sports arena in India especially since it marks the first time ever that anyone has embarked on such an ambitious programme to create a pool of talent and groom aspirants who show exceptional promise by providing them the necessary corporate funding and support backed with a crystal-clear professional career path in motorsport so that one day, they can go on to represent India in the international arena and hopefully bring glory to the nation”.

Renault COO resigns, could hit Indian operations

     French automobile company Renault has reported that Mr. Patrick Pelata, the Chief Operating Officer of the company has resigned from the post. Mr. Patrick Pelata was involved greatly with Renault’s Indian operation and his exit would means some trouble for Renault in India.


     Renault has been looking Indian market for some time and sees huge potential here as Indian automarket is growing leaps and bounds. The company’s exit from JV with its Indian partner Mahindra could be the first set back and with the resignation of COO Renault’s Indian dream could be a distant one.

     Sources say Mr. Patrick Pelata was an important link from Paris with the top management here in India. He managed Renault’s Indian operations for 5 years and was bullish over Indian market inspite of initial setback of Logan. His resignation could be linked with removal of 3 Renault staff who were caught spying in the company. However, the company maintains that its Indian operations will not have any affect and would go on as per the plans.

Source: Wheelosphere

Yamaha official team partner of Deccan Chargers

     Japanese two wheeler giant Yamaha has tied up with IPL franchise Deccan Chargers (DC) as an official team partner for the IPL season 4. The deal entitles Yamaha the right to mention it as the “Official Team Partner” status in all its advertising and promotions, including web promotions, right to be mentioned in all official media release by the team, right to unlimited usage of team name and logo. Yamaha can also use images and signatures of minimum three players of the team along with access for two players for promotional events.

     IPL being the most watched sports event after the ICC World Cup, Yamaha wants to capitalize itself by strong branding and reaching out to customers. It wants to capture the youth share of market by promoting its products through youth studded IPL.

Source: ET

Mahindra W201 SUV spied again, now in Bangalore

     Mahindra’s W201 SUV is in the news every alternate days these days. IAB reader Vijayakumar could snap the Mahindra W201 being tested in Bangalore. Mahindra is extensively testing the vehicle to sort out all the niggles before its launch. By the size it is evident that Mahindra will position it to rival Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. Expect the W201 to be priced around Rs. 16-17 lakh.

     The W201 is the Global SUV from Mahindra. With minor alterations it can be sold in other markets as well. US market is the one Mahindra is aiming for and the W201 project holds a lot to the company’s future plans abroad.


     The W201 is expected to be powered by the Scorpio’s 2.2 liter CRDI engine coupled to both automatic and manual transmissions. A micro hybrid could also be expected soon after the launch. The monocoque chassis and front wheel drive with horizontally mounted engine is one of the salient feature of W201.


     Mahindra has tried to give W201 a unique design. This is evident from the door handles and the arch over the rear quarter glass. The tail lights have barrel bulges like the recent Scorpio. Interiors is also been designed to meet the latest trends.

Next generation 2013 Audi A3 sketches preview

     Audi has released three new tease sketches of its upcoming next generation A3 model. Sketches reveal a three-door hatch and a four-door sedan which look alike.

     The next generation A3 has bigger dimensions than its preceder. The next A3 will also feature a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric drivetrain options as well as the usual crop of petrols and diesels.