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Saturday, February 18, 2012

HONDAS EARTH DREAMS TECHNOLOGY TO BE SHOWCASED AT 2012 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW HONDAS EARTH DREAMS TECHNOLOGY TO BE SHOWCASED AT 2012 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

HONDAS EARTH DREAMS TECHNOLOGY TO BE SHOWCASED AT 2012 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

At the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show Honda announced the outline for a new generation of engines featuring advanced technology that will aim to increase engine performance and efficiency much like Mazdaandrsquos SkyActiv technology. Honda calls their new-gen technology andlsquoEarth Dreams Technologyandrsquo and they are very serious about this initiative as they aim to become the industry leaders in fuel economy over the next three years.

The first engine to roll off the line developed along the lines of the andlsquoEarth Dreams Technologyandrsquo will be the 1.6-litre diesel engine that will find its way under the hood of the new Honda Civic by late 2012. The diesel motor will be the lightest in its class delivering class-leading performance and economy. The engine will churn out 120PS of power at 4000rpm and 300Nm of torque. A cut engine display of the 1.6 diesel motor will be showcased at the Honda stand at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Under the andlsquoEarth Dreams Technologyandrsquo Honda is developing new petrol and diesel engines that will feature direct injection higher thermal efficiency by reducing the thickness of the cylinder block and reducing the cylinder spacing of the engines. The new engines will be 10 percent more fuel efficient than the current generation of engines.

Honda is also developing a new SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system that will be mated to a new 3.5-litre V6 engine. The first car to feature both will be the new Honda NSX.

The new Honda NSX Concept will also be showcased at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show alongside the fourth generation Honda CR-V prototype and two new variants of the Honda Jazz featuring upgraded sports suspension and styling changes.

NISSAN UNVEILS 2012 370Z

Nissan has face-lifted the 2013 version of their 370Z sports coupe. The 370andrsquos history has become tradition as the 370Z dates back to October 1969 when the world first saw superiority in design and performance as Nissan rolled out their first Z tagged sports car called the andlsquoNissan Fairlady Zandrsquo and many that followed the successful series thereafter namely the 240Z the 260Z the 280Z the 280ZX the 300ZX the 350Z and the current 370Z that have all earned the best selling sports car series tag of all time since their inception and Nissan has never compromised on looks reliability performance and affordability of the vehicles making them any true blue enthusiastsandrsquo manageable goal to achieve. The hot new fair lady is attractive active and agile as always producing 332 horses from its 3.7 Litre V6 mill given the choice of a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic transmission gearboxes.

New additions on the Z facelift are features like the vertical LED daytime running lights rear reflectors 19-inch aluminium-alloy wheels and Euro-tuned shock absorbers that sound promising overall for a mere facelift. Apart from these things the lady will have two new paint colours - Magma Red and Midnight Blue. Also the brake callipers get a red finish. The coupe will be available as a convertible and in the official in-house tuner masked Nismo which will put out an even more impressive 350PS and 276Nm of torque that equals serious track-conscious road-hugging performance. The 370Z has an power to weight of 206 bhp/tonne which proves that the lady hails from a family of highly focused track bred sport coupes that have proved their mettle year in and out to enthusiasts and kept tradition alive to this date.

Mahindra XUV 5OO bookings close with over 25000 applications Mahindra XUV 5OO bookings close with over 25000 applications

Mahindra XUV 5OO bookings close with over 25000 applications

With applications for the XUV 5OO crossing the five thousand mark in just two days after Mahindra reopened bookings on January 25 2012 a phenomenal response was expected in the days to come. Mahindra has has now announced that bookings for the companyandrsquos flagship model have crossed over 25000 in the second phase.

The 10-day booking period that ended on February 3 2012 took place in 19 cities - Mumbai Delhi Chennai Bangalore Pune Hyderabad Kolkata Ahmedabad Chandigarh / Panchkula Ludhiana Jallandhar Patiala Kochi Trivandrum Calicut Trissur Coimbatore Nagpur and Nasik. As the total requests have crossed 7200 units Mahindra will allot the XUV 5OO through a draw validated by the audit firm Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Pvt. Ltd. (DTTIPL) as per a mutual agreement between the two firms. The details of the draw process can be viewed on the Mahindra XUV 5OO brand website.

Launched in September 2011 the XUV 5OO has sparked a frenzied rush among people wanting to buy the car. Winner of the ET-ZigWheels andlsquo2011 Car of the Yearandrsquo and andlsquo2011 SUV of the Yearandrsquo awards the XUV 5OO impresses with a number of features available in cars priced comparatively higher.

Having tasted success with the XUV 5OO Mahindra is now eyeing a slice of the MPV segment with the face-lifted version of the Xylo launching on February 8 2012. The updated Xylo sports several design cues that resemble the XUV 5OO perhaps in a bid to cash in on the SUVandrsquos popularity.

BMW ANNOUNCES NEW ENGINE OPTIONS AND ALL WHEEL DRIVE FOR 2012 3 SERIES

Popular German luxury car maker BMW recently announced its plans come up with some new engines for the 2012 version of its bread and butter 3 series sedan.
Of these, the first one to come to us should be a 184 PS 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine in a new 320i. The motor will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission and the car should be capable of going from nothing to a ton in about 7.5 seconds. Also on offer will come two new 2.0 litre motors that will burn the dirtier fuel. The new 318d will have 143 PS and 320 Nm to play with and should hit the 100kmph figure on speedo in a reasonably quick 9.1 seconds and max out at 210 kmph. The younger sister of this car will be the 316d, This version of the 3 series will have 116 PS and 260 Nm of torque. The car should be as much as 1.5 seconds slower to the 318d and should top out at 200kmph. Expect this car to have a very pocket friendly fuel consumption figure.
In another news coming from the Munich based manufacturer and that is of its plans to offer an all-wheel drive system – xDrive – on the 320d, 320i, 328i and 335i.

Rs.22,00,000 is all you need to own this Lamborghini Reventon

Now, the Lamborghini Reventon needs to be one of the most impressive car designs of this era. The car won’t look odd playing the role of a batmobile in a Batman flick. Also, the car took forward the styling from other Lamborghini cars being produced at Italian company’s Sant’Agata Bolognese facilities. Now, the Reventon is certainly among the most exclusive and most expensive bulls to be ever made. Only 20 of these were made during the production run from 2009-2010. The car came with an eyewatering price tag of about Rs. 14,00,00000.(Yeah, took me a fair time typing all these zeroes.)
Now, we get all sorts of third copies and fakes of expensive watches and many of you must have also heard of kit cars. This time, it is the mighty Reventon that has been victimized.
This here comes from Spain. The copy is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces about 272PS (268bhp). If rumors are to be believed, the motor here is a Volkswagen 2.0 TFSI unit.
Now comes the juicy bit. The Reventon replica goes for merely Rs. 22, 50, 000. Sounds perfect for those who have always had wet dreams of this car and really desperately wanted to have it in the garage. However, I wonder how an Octy vRS will look smoking this ‘Reventon.’
*wicked grin

Nissan Evalia to be launched in August

Sunny sedan and Micra hatchback posting good numbers on sales chart, a top award for Quality, a representation in sportscar segment and lot of plans for near future-Japanese giant Nissan is surely enjoying its time in India. It was the first time that Nissan had a presence at the recently held Delhi Auto Expo and the manufacturer’s hall already had the almighty GT-R on show. More important for Indian market was Nissan deciding to unveil a brand new & ‘made for India’ vehicle at the Expo. On show was the Nissan Evalia. The seven-seater family car is the first Urban-Class Utility Vehicle from the Japanese car maker.Evalia should have a best in segment fuel economy, clever interiors that have high functionality and also boasts of upmarket features like a rear View Camera and Intelligent Key. The Evalia uses a dash mounted gear lever to maximize the feeling of spaciousness in the front.
If sources are to be believed, Nissan has planned an August 2012 launch for this MPV. It may be noted that this MPV is known as the NV200 globally and has been doing quite good for itself.As we earlier reported, this Nissan will be launched with the 1.5 dCI engine from the Renault-Nissan alliance and the motor should be in re-tuned form and produce 105PS. The Nissan Evalia has a strut type suspension in the front and leaf springs at rear. Safely expect Nissan to provide the MPV with a power steering as a standard feature on all variants. Nissan claims that their MPV will have car-like ride and handling characteristics.
The seven-seater MPV will battle it out with Toyota Innova, Mahindra’s Xylo and upcoming Maruti Suzuki Ertiga & Chevrolet Enjoy. It may be noted that this MPV has sliding rear doors, a la Maruti Eeco. Evalia’s 2725mm wheelbase is well short of Innova’s 2750mm but if sources are to be believed, Evalia will be close to being as spacious as the popular Toyota. Nissan will be offering only a manual transmission in this MPV. The manufacturing of Evalia will be done at Nissan’s Oragadam plant in Chennai. Expect a starting price between INR 8-10 Lakhs for the Evalia.

Launched: Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8 G-HV at Rs.1,376,000

Japanese car giant Toyota today launched a cheaper variant of its Corolla Altis D segment sedan. The new variant comes with an automatic transmission and being called as 1.8 G-HV. The car’s seven speed automatic gearbox is mated to a 1.8 liter VVT petrol engine.
This variant is price at Rs.1,376,000 and is almost Rs.125,000 cheaper than top of the line automatic variant. The car also comes with a few upmarket features like a touchscreen DVD console with Bluetooth connectivity. However, features like electric seats, leather upholstery, Xenons with headlamp washers, retractable rear sun shade, start/stop button, smart entry and wooden wrap on steering wheel have been shown the door in interest of competitive pricing. Expect this budget end automatic variant of the car to battle it out against a host of auto tranny equipped D segment cars.

Volvo releases V40 teaser, even as official images leak

Frankly, most of the teasers do not really look like a commendable effort to us. Joining the likes of many manufacturers who are making use of social networking sites to reach out to the world, the Swedish car maker has created a dedicated section on its Facebook page that announces about the official Live Launch that is to take place on March 6th. The company has also released a teaser image of the car’s silhouette with a glorious sun as the backdrop.Volvo has confirmed that the new car will carry the V40 name that was last seen on a Volvo station wagon that was ultimately discontinued in 2004.

In the meantime, the official images of the car have managed to leak out of the Volvo system and have been revealed by the scribes at Autoblog.nl. The V40, which is a compact station wagon is an exponent of youthful and vibrant new Volvo design earlier seen on the S60 and the XC60. The V40 with is size, engine options and styling seems to be a good product for the Indian market. The v40 is expected to be similar in size to a VW Golf or a Honda Jazz.
The car is expected to be powered by sub 1.4 liter to 1.8 liter new generation engines. Exact details and specs about these mills is not available but expect the new powerplants to be frugal, clean and reasonably powerful. Expect more details to emerge out before the Geneva show in March. We’ll keep you updated. Here we have some more of the leaked images.

Skoda Rapid

I will admit it. Skoda Rapid has a soft corner in my heart. What with it being my career’s first ever car test drive. Emotions apart, the car makes quite a case for itself as a pocket friendly alternative to the Vento from its parent manufacturer. The car was launched in November 2011 and has quickly become the best seller in the C-segment. It may be noted that the Rapid, which is highly based on the VW Vento, was first launched in Indian market to fill in the gaping void between Fabia hatchback and Laura D segment sedan. Now, Skoda India’s mid size sedan is all set to have a rendezvous with international audience at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Sources say that details about specification, positioning and pricing will be announced at the unveiling. Going by the car’s price in Indian market, the Czech sedan should be priced at 13,000 Euros and should battle it out against other entry level budget sedans.
Other than the engine options that we have seen in the country, the car should also get a 2.0 litre 140 Bhp TDI unit from the Octavia, nay, the Laura. It will be interesting to see if the Czech car will gain as much popularity in the European market as the last gen Octi did.

Rolls Royce launches more customization options for Ghost

ROLLS ROYCE LAUNCHES MORE CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS FOR GHOST

The announcement that more than half of Rolls-Royce Ghosts commissioned are specified with ‘Bespoke’ personalization evokes a tradition that stretches back to the pioneering Silver Ghost models of the pre-war era. Echoes of the seemingly limitless imagination employed when the Maharajas commissioned their incredible motor cars can be seen in the desire by India’s new elite to own a vehicle with very special personal flourishes.
The good people at RR surely were inspired from the rich lineage when developing the Ghost Bespoke Commission Collection. As many as 24 new magnificent exterior paint options have been added to the 44,000 Phantom bespoke colours that are now available on Ghost. Subtle yet stylish touches to the interior include colored instrument panel tops, colour options for the steering wheel and special Commission Collection leather options with many choosing to match the colour of their hand painted coachline to the interior leather shade.
For customers wishing to make a slightly grander statement, a resplendent gold plated Spirit of Ecstasy can be commissioned to adorn the top of Ghost’s iconic radiator grille whilst special ‘R-R’ monogrammed door cappings elegantly expresses the precision craftsmanship of the team at Goodwood. For the ultimate in personalization, Bespoke tread plates stating the provenance of the car or even the owners name or business can be added to the interior door sills.

Ford opens 45 Sales and Service

FORD OPENS 45 SALES AND SERVICE OUTLETS ACROSS INDIA IN ONE DAY!

Ford India today inaugurated as many as 45 new sales and service outlets in 35 different locations across the country. If nothing else, this development surely shows the seriousness of the American car maker in the country.Michael Boneham, president & managing director, Ford India inaugurated a brand new 3S facility at MPL Ford in Chennai, Tamil Nadu with S. Ravindranathan, Dealer Principal, MPL Ford.Ford India’s pan-India network now stands strong with 230 sales and service outlets in over 123 cities.
“Ford has started 2012 with a new promise and is committed to going further to enrich the lives of customers across India. Adding to our commitment of bringing eight new products to India by mid-decade, we are focused on augmenting the customer experience with our world class service initiatives, The path-breaking event being celebrated across multiple dealerships in India today signifies that focus and is aimed to inspire those willing and waiting to join the Ford family.” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India.
With over 40 per cent percent of the sales and service network in tier II and III cities, this expansion should enable Ford customers to enjoy world-class products and services near their door step.
Of these new sales and service outlets inaugurated across India, 20 will offer full 3S (Showroom, Sales and Service) facilities, while 14 will be service workshops, providing a full line of after sales services and 11 standalone sales showrooms.
“From sales and service expansion to localization to affordable spares and child parts strategy, Ford has truly redefined what consumers want and desire – offering peace of mind and convenience. Today Ford dealerships are located across the length and breadth of India and offer world class after sales service plans at a competitive cost. As we broaden our portfolio, we are committed to growing closer to customers through our sales and service network to create delightful experiences” said Boneham.
These new facilities have opened in New Delhi, Noida, Rohtak, Sonepat, Panipat, Kanpur, Lucknow, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Alwar, Bikaner in the North; Rourkela, Agartala, Kolkata in the East; Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Gulbarga, Hyderabad, Belgaum, Thanjavur, Tirupur in the South; and Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Goa, Jabalpur, Indore, Sagar, Solapur, Bhillai, Jamnagar in the Western region. (phew!)
Initiatives such as Quick Service, a unique vehicle servicing process that allows routine service to be performed in less than 90 minutes is now available across 90 dealerships and Ford has also added a fleet of more than 10 Mobile Service vans across India.

Ferrari California facelift to debut at Geneva Motor Show

The facelifted version of the popular Ferrari California will debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The production of this refreshed version has already commenced and the revamped car has quite a few changes in some of the mechanical and electronics bits. The torque curve of the direct-injection V8 has been optimized and the motor now pumps out 490 hp of power and a peak torque of 505 Nm at 5,000 rpm. The changes in this area include a new exhaust manifolds and a remapped ECU.
The new version uses “cutting-edge aluminium fabrication techniques and construction technologies used by the Scaglietti Centre of Excellence” and is 30 kgs lighter than the outgoing model. This is not all! Ferrari has also developed a Handling Speciale pack that has stiffer springs and a 10 percent quicker steering among other tweeks.

Bentley SUV concept expected to make an appearance at Geneva Motor Show

Bentley SUV concept expected to make an appearance at Geneva Motor Show.

We have been reporting in detail about the Italian Supercar manufacturer-Lamborghini introducing its second ever SUV at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Now, the news had set us excited, what with the bull coming out with an SUV after a few decades.
Seems like it is time to be surprised. Sources say that Bentley will unveil its SUV concert at the same venue. The SUV will take on the likes of Audi Q7, Land Rover Evoque and Porsche Cayenne. It may be noted that some time back, Bentley’s COO and President Christophe Georges said that the Brit automaker was exploring the possibility of introducing a Sports Utility Vehicle.
We expect to find a 6.0 L 600 bhp W12 motor under the hood of the Bentley SUV. This SUV should hit its home market by early 2013 with starting price of around $240,000.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga brochure, images, design commentary, engine specifications and other details.

MARUTI SUZUKI ERTIGA BROCHURE, IMAGES, DESIGN COMMENTARY, ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS AND OTHER DETAILS.

Maruti Suzuki India Limited is silently working on to introduce the much talked about Ertiga, that should come to us in Mid-2012. At Indonesia, the progress seems to be a tad more pronounced, what with car brochures already been printed (& leaked!). These brochures are carrying “ready for a stylish car” tagline. Now, the car surely is not the works of Pininfarina but it is yet to be seen if the car will be perceived as being stylish by the Indonesian market.
Here, we bring to our readers some info on the upcoming product.

To Start with, the Ertiga marks the entry of Maruti Suzuki in the Utility Vehicle segment. The company is calling the Ertiga ‘India’s first compact MUV’. According to Maruti Suzuki, the Utility Vehicle (UV) segment in India accounts for around 14 per cent of the automobile industry. Of this, about 66 per cent are Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) – the segment where Ertiga is positioned. In the Indian automobile industry, the MPV is the fastest growing sub-segment amongst UVs showing a growth of around 15 per cent in the last four years.
The salient features of the Ertiga MPV are:

Marks the entry of country’s leading car maker in the Utility Vehicle segment
A sub-segment created in Utility Vehicles
Powered by next generation K-series 1.4litre VVT engine, first offering in the Suzuki portfolio to have this engine
Reinforces that what is displayed at Auto Expo is launched in India
Redefines space utilization in compact vehicles
Built on theme of togetherness
Fuel efficiency (Indian cycle) Diesel 20.77 and Petrol 16.02 Km per litre
Compact dimensions for easy parking and maneuver

The Ertiga will be launched in India with an aim to pioneer a new market of compact 3-row vehicles. The company’s designers have tried to build the features and attributes of a sedan. Built on the central theme of ‘togetherness’, Ertiga has ‘young dynamic confident’ Indian who want to retain individuality yet retain Indian custom of ‘togetherness’ as it’s TG.
Exterior

When viewed front on, the Ertiga looks distinctively Suzuki with the grille having a faint resemblance to the one seen on last generation Swift hatchback. The swept back headlights,again, seem to carry hints of those found on Swift hatchback and the creases on the bonnet remind me of the Ritz. Overall, the vehicle looks smart in the front profile but nothing ground breaking here.
Talking about the side profile of the the Ertiga, the front door, again, has more than a hint of the one on the Ritz. It is the rear quarter glass that gives the vehicle a uniqueness to its design. Having said that, I cannot refrain myself from mentioning that the quarter glass does reminds me of Honda Jazz.
Rear profile is where the game changes and how! The only resemblance to the Ritz are the reflectors incorporated in the bumper and the light holder unit for the rear number plate. From behind, the MPV looks unique enough with a well styled hatch and smart tail lamp units.
Overall, we are quite happy about the way the car looks. Nothing path breaking though. Do not expect the excitement that the last generation Swift generated back when it was launched.
Interior

The interior of the Ertiga boasts of an all new three spoke tilt adjustable electric steering wheel unit. There is a certain degree of freshness to the Ertiga’s interior comparing with other Maruti Suzuki cars, but it isn’t exactly very exciting. The interior also features a twin AC, audio system (USB Compatible, 4+2 speakers), steering mounted audio controls, central door locking and keyless entry, multi information display, power windows with auto down and electrically adjustable mirror.
The Ertiga offers a three-row flexi-seating options for 7 passengers (2x3x2) that is easier to operate. The storage space after all 7 seats are occupied is rather less though, with a little over 139 liters. With the last row of seats dropped down, however, the car gets a boot space of 400+ liters.
Engine specs
The Ertiga will be the first Maruti Suzuki car to get the all new, reasonably powerful and light weight K-14 VVT petrol engine. In that way it’s also a global unveiling and extension of the `K’ family engines. The engine produces 95PS of peak power at 6000 rpm and 130Nm of peak torque at 4000 rpm. The petrol engine will deliver fuel efficiency of 16.02kmpl (according to CMV Rule 155 of IDC).
The car will also be available with the acclaimed 1.3 litre DDiS Super Turbo diesel engine. With that engine the car will have peak power of 90PS@4000rpm and a top end torque of 200Nm@1750rpm. The Certified fuel efficiency (CMV Rule 155, India cycle) of Diesel Ertiga is a class leading 20.77 km per litre.
During the car’s unveiling at the Indian Auto Expo, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi said, “The global premier of the Utility Vehicle portfolio at the Auto Expo is an iconic event as it is a reflection of the Company’s preparedness for the future competitive scenario. The Ertiga brings space, style and compactness to Utility vehicles for customers in India. As India gears to be amongst the largest global automobile markets by 2020, with the foray into UV segment, Maruti Suzuki will strengthen its leadership position in the industry. With Ertiga the Maruti Suzuki will step into the Utility Vehicle segments and effectively create a new Compact MPV segment in India.”

honda history

Popular manufacturer Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. (HSIL) recently stated that it’s Greater Noida manufacturing facility has resumed normal production with two shift operations commencing from today. It may be noted that owing to the Thai floods, the production at the plant was under severe production constraints since November 2011.
“We are delighted to announce that we have resumed two shift operation from today. We will have production of 370 cars per day from today and from next week it will ramp up to 440 units per day. We are confident to achieve peak production output in March 2012. We are thankful to our valued customers for their patience and understanding during these challenging times. Honda has been carefully monitoring the part supply process and have taken all the necessary recovery actions to normalize production situation with critical components now being sourced from Japan & China.Our top priority at the moment is to reduce the backlog and closely work with our dealers to ensure prompt deliveries. We are hopeful to clear most of the current Brio bookings within March 2012 and deliver cars to these waiting customers. We will also be launching a comprehensive communication campaign to communicate the Brio availability and increase activities at dealerships to enhance touch and feel experience with the car.” Honda Siel Cars India Senior Vice-President (Marketing & Sales) Jnaneswar Sen said.
Honda produced 1500 units of City midsize sedan in January. The production of Honda Brio will be resumed in mid February 2012. Least popular of the trio, the production of the Jazz will be resumed in March. This all simply means that unusually high waiting period for the Brio hatchback is soon going to be a thing of the past.

Maruti Suzuki Ritz facelift round the corner?

MARUTI SUZUKI RITZ FACELIFT ROUND THE CORNER?

Back in 2009, Maruti introduced its second offering in B+ segment by launching the Ritz hatchback. Since then, the car has been positioned below the bread and butter hatchback- the Swift. Maruti Ritz a.k.a Suzuki Splash a.k.a. Opel Agila a.k.a Vauxhall Agila (phew!) became the first car from the popular manufacturer to sport the much publicized K-series motor. It also became the second vehicle in Suzuki line up to sport tall boy architecture that had made its world debut on the WagonR. Maruti Ritz is available with both petrol and diesel engine options.
Powering the petrol variants of Ritz is the now popular 1.2L, 1197 cc, K12M KB series all aluminium engine that delivers 85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp) of maximum power at 6000 rpm with 113 N·m (83 lb·ft) of maximum torque 4000 rpm. The diesel variants of Maruti Ritz are powered by the much acclaimed Fiat 1.3L Multijet diesel engine. This 1.3L common rail diesel engine with a fixed geometry turbocharger produces 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) of maximum power at 4000 rpm with 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) of maximum torque at 2000 rpm.
Thanks to the newer and fresher competition fast getting popular, the hatchback has suddenly started looking dated and pretty ordinary. A mid life facelift is certainly what the car requires and it seems like Maruti is upto just that. Recently, a member of TeamBhp.com caught a camouflaged Ritz being tested around Gurgaon-home to MSIL’s manufacturing plant. If the said sighting is anything to go by, the car’s front end was heavily camouflaged.The rear was same as the current model but with blacked out badges. What we do not understand is the need of camouflaging the badges as even a school kid can recognize the car just by looking at it.

Now, heavily camouflaged front end surely means that the popular car maker is tinkering with the fascia. Rumors are doing rounds that the car’s very ‘Audi-ish’ Bulgarian beard is getting the boot in favor of a front end that looks much like that on the Opel Agila. In this case, the car not just gets a new grille but also a pair of very stylish headlamps.
Currently, not much is known of the raelift, but if this picture and the rumors are to be believed, we should have a refreshed Ritz within a few months.

Mahindra XUV500 SUV draw winners announced

Sometime back, we had reported that Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) will allot the XUV 500 as per the results of a lucky draw. This process was retorted to as a result of a very high demand for the product. The flagship brought to M&M more than 25000 bookings in a matter of 10 days. The booking amount was Rs.80000 and the applications were submitted at Mahindra dealerships across 19 cities in India.
Mahindra conducted a city-wise draw to ensure a fair chance for all applicants during the second phase of bookings. Applicants not selected in the draw are entitled to the refund of the deposit amount.