Official: Jaguar to build Project 7

Jaguar’s SVO skunkworks is officially up and running, and as statements of intent go, the nutty Project 7 will do nicely for starters. How does a 0-100kph time of 3.9 seconds, an 299kph top speed, and a resounding 567bhp grab you? All wrapped up in a roadster body that worships at the altar of the mighty D-type?

Project 7 is officially one of the fastest and most powerful Jaguars ever, but more than that, it suggests that Jag is deadly serious about its plans to create instantly collectable limited edition specials. We’ll see the XE saloon in a few months’ time, which is set to double the size of Jaguar’s business. But, backed by a brand new 20,000sq m ‘remote facility’ set-up at an as-yet undisclosed location, SVO’s team will be up to all sorts around the edges. Think AMG or BMW’s M division, but with a healthy dose of inspired British lunacy.

Project 7 takes its cue from last year’s Goodwood FOS special, a car that generated sufficient heat for Jaguar to give it the green light. Final demand is still being evaluated but the company says that ‘up to 250 cars’ will be made. ‘And if 500 people decide they want one, then we’ll have 250 unhappy customers to deal with,’ SVO boss John Edwards admits. Expect the car to cost around £135,000 (Rs 1.4 crore approx).

If you thought the F-type V8 S was a bit of a monster – we do – then Project 7 raises the stakes even higher. As well as that whopping great power output, the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 is good for ‘a minimum of 678Nm’ of torque, while a proliferation of carbon fibre bits – splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler – help reduce its weight by 80kg to 1585kg. Its reworked body and aero package gives it 177 per cent more downforce than the convertible.

Carbon ceramic brakes are standard, obviously, but 7 gets an overhauled suspension set-up – there are revised knuckles for more negative camber, tweaked top mounts, and new front and rear anti-roll bars. Spring rates and damper settings are also unique to this car, and Jaguar claims that it’s 50 per cent stiffer at the front, for greater agility.

‘Project 7 has been designed and developed for a very discerning audience,’ engineering boss and ex-Williams man and Jag CX-75 project leader Paul Newsome says. ‘It’s edgy, specialised and rewarding for the keen driver. It’s a car that has spent half of its development on the race track, the other half on the road.’ Needless to say, it’s done its fair share of Nürburgring laps, but Jag is yet to confirm a time. Maybe we should start a sweepstake…

Project 7 will be available in five colours: black, white, green, red and blue, all with the Ecurie Ecosse D-type-referencing nose stripe. As well as the rear fairing, the 7’s windscreen has been chopped by 114mm, reducing the car’s overall height by 30.5mm. It gets new side windows, and a Bimini roof clips onto the header rail to give the car some semblance of all-weather useability. Inside, the seats get a quilted, competition-style quilted diamond effect, and there are bespoke milled aluminium gearshift paddles and treadplates with the Project 7 logo. A four-point racing harness is available as an accessory.

‘I love this thing,’ Jaguar design director Ian Callum told TopGear.com. ‘It has a rebellious spirit. But I also love what it signifies, for Jaguar as a company. We actually did it, and there wasn’t even that much debate about it. That speaks volumes. We live in a commodity-driven world, and people will happily spend crores on a watch. So what they’re really looking for is something that gives them a real sense of identity and specialness.

‘As a designer, it’s incredibly appealing. Because when you’re talking about something like this, you’re not just talking about a car, you’re talking about an art form.’

Project 7 goes into production next Spring. Move fast, rich people, move fast…

For More info:- http://www.topgear.com/india/car-news/official-jaguar-to-build-project-7/itemid-50

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Toyota announces price for new fuel cell car at $70K

Tokyo Japanese auto giant Toyota will start selling its first fuel cell 
sedan this financial year, with a price tag of around USD 70,000, the 
company announced Wednesday.

The vehicles will be rolled out by 
March and beyond the home market during the summer of 2015, it said, in a
 move that will see the environmentally friendly cars available in the 
United States and Europe.

"Hydrogen is a particularly promising 
alternative fuel since it can be produced using a wide variety of 
primary energy sources, including solar and wind power," the automaker 
said in a statement.

This is the first time Toyota has given a 
specific timeframe for its fuel cell cars, which it had previously said 
would go on the market in 2015.

The price tag is also a nice 
surprise for potential customers - it had been widely expected that a 
fuel cell vehicle would cost around 10 million yen.

The company 
said it will initially start selling the model only in the regions 
"where hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is being developed".

The price ranges for the US and European markets have not been decided, Toyota said. 

MUMBAI: The Indian auto market is only just about recovering after three bad years, but the country's biggest car maker is betting that not only will buyers flock back to showrooms soon, but also many will be looking to upgrade from the company's bread-and-butter range of small cars

Maruti Suzuki IndiaBSE 2.56 % (MSIL), the company responsible for launching India's small-car revolution in 1983 with the 800, is shifting its strategy in line with this thinking - it's going bigger and hop ..

Read more at:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/37152402.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

MUMBAI: The Indian auto market is only just about recovering after three bad years, but the country's biggest car maker is betting that not only will buyers flock back to showrooms soon, but also many will be looking to upgrade from the company's bread-and-butter range of small cars

Maruti Suzuki IndiaBSE 2.56 % (MSIL), the company responsible for launching India's small-car revolution in 1983 with the 800, is shifting its strategy in line with this thinking - it's going bigger and hop ..

Read more at:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/37152402.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

MUMBAI: The Indian auto market is only just about recovering after three bad years, but the country's biggest car maker is betting that not only will buyers flock back to showrooms soon, but also many will be looking to upgrade from the company's bread-and-butter range of small cars

Maruti Suzuki IndiaBSE 2.56 % (MSIL), the company responsible for launching India's small-car revolution in 1983 with the 800, is shifting its strategy in line with this thinking - it's going bigger and hop ..

Read more at:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/37152402.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

MUMBAI: The Indian auto market is only just about recovering after three bad years, but the country's biggest car maker is betting that not only will buyers flock back to showrooms soon, but also many will be looking to upgrade from the company's bread-and-butter range of small cars

Maruti Suzuki IndiaBSE 2.56 % (MSIL), the company responsible for launching India's small-car revolution in 1983 with the 800, is shifting its strategy in line with this thinking - it's going bigger and hop ..

Read more at:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/37152402.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

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Renault India to launch its Alto 800 rival by 2015

Renault India is planning to launch its own take for the entry-level hatchback segment and is codenamed XBA. Instead of using Datsun Go as a base, Renault will use the CMF-A platform which it announced along with Nissan last year.
The CMF-A is a bit like the versatile Volkswagen MQB platform and allows various body style and power train combinations. The development work for CMF-A is being carried out in the Renault-Nissan plant near Chennai. This platform could also be used for Datsun redi-Go, although, the redi-Go will probably be placed above the Go.
The XBA will also mark the entry of a new 1.0-litre petrol engine from Renault. The engine has not been revealed yet and is still in the development stage. The Micra's 1.2-litre petrol is good but the entry segment needs an even smaller engine for better fuel-efficiency. Apart from India, the XBA car will also be manufactured in Brazil.

 

The upcoming car will be priced close to Maruti Suzuki Alto 800. This means that it will also compete with the Hyundai Eon and the Datsun Go. 

The Renault XBA car will be priced close to Maruti Suzuki Alto 800. This means that it will also compete with the Hyundai Eon and the Datsun Go. 

 

To Read More:- http://ibnlive.in.com/news/renault-india-to-launch-its-alto-800-rival-by-2015/479484-11.html

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Tata Nano Diesel

Tata Nano Diesel is one of the much awaited cars in the Indian auto market. It is anticipated that the car will be introduced in 2013 in the hatchback segment. As per latest updates, the Nano Diesel will have the smallest diesel power-train in the world, which will set another record in Nano’s history. Post launch, the car will be considered as the most fuel efficient diesel car in India. It is expected that the Tata Nano Diesel will hold a CRDI diesel engine from Bosch. The car maker has not provided much detail regarding the technicalities of the Nano Diesel.

Tata Nano Diesel will be assimilated with a 0.7 litre diesel engine, which will have a displacement of 700 cc. The maximum power churned out by the engine of this car is 33 bhp, which is quite acceptable in this segment. In addition, maximum torque attained by this engine is 51 Nm at 4000 rpm. In order to assist the mechanism of this car, the engine of Tata Nano is expected to be assimilated with a four speed manual transmission. Tata Nano diesel is equipped with a performance oriented engine and thus it is bound to deliver low emission and a decent fuel economy. The company has not made any official declaration regarding the test figures of Tata Nano’s fuel economy, but it is expected that the car will cover a distance of 40 kmpl, which is excellent in this segment.

In order to deliver a hassle free drive to its passengers, the company has incorporated independent McPherson Struts, coil spring suspensions in the car. Along with this, analysts are also expecting revamped suspension system and a power assisted steering wheel, which are some of the mechanical upgrades that will be incorporated within the car.

Tata Nano Diesel will be incorporated with improved interiors with upmarket upholstery. As per speculations, the car will have better bolstered seats to provide optimum comforts to its passengers. Tata Nano Diesel will be provided with sufficient space for the passengers of both the rows, resulting in a peaceful journey. Four passengers can comfortably travel in the car. A boot space of 80 litres enhances the comfort of this small car.

Tata Nano Diesel will be almost identical to the current petrol version of Nano. The length, width and height of Tata’s new car are 3099 mm, 1495 mm and 1652 mm, respectively. Fuel tank capacity of the car is 30 litres, which is quite sufficient since its performance oriented engine delivers an impressive fuel economy. Apart from these advancements, the company has also made a special provision for the security of its passengers, and thus the car holds some of the advanced safety features. The company has offered seat belts in front as well as rear portion, remote central locking system, fog lamps in front as well as rear end and door ajar warning system.

About Tata Nano Diesel

Almost two years after launching the petrol version of its small creation Tata Nano in the Indian market, Indian auto giant Tata Motors is now planning to launch the diesel version of this car in the country by Sep 2011. The engine capacity of the Nano Diesel is speculated to be in the range of 600 to 700 cc and the Nano Diesel will boast the world’s smallest Bosch Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) system.

The Tata Nano diesel will be the smallest diesel run car in the Indian market as so far there are only petrol run cars available in the starting range segments A (Maruti 800) and A+ (Maruti Alto). Tata Nano diesel will be the only such car in the country and will thus create a segment of its own in the Indian auto market.

Fact Sheet:

Make	Tata
Model	Nano
Fuel Types	Diesel
Price	Rs.1.75 lakhs to Rs.2.5 lakhs
Key Specifications	0.7 litre CRDI engine of 700 cc Maximum power produced 33 bhp at 5500 rpm, whereas highest torque attained is 51 Nm at 4000 rpm.
Body Type	Hatchback

Source:- http://www.cartrade.com/new-cars/Tata-Nano-Diesel

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Maruti Suzuki Cervo

Maruti Suzuki Cervo, the much awaited compact hatchback will be launched in the festive season. The largest car manufacturer of India has decided to launch the Cervo during Diwali to grab maximum sales. A replacement of Maruti 800, the Cervo plans to overtake the most successful model Alto. After introducing the car in Japan, the company has already attained huge market response. Auto analysts believe that post launch Maruti Cervo will emerge as a best-seller in the Indian auto market.

Maruti Suzuki Cervo’s USP includes performance oriented engine, attractive price tag and extremely stylish appearance. As per as design is concerned, Cervo will be offered as a five door compact car having a spacious passenger cabin. Maruti Suzuki believes that Cervo will be counted among the most designed influenced cars, which have been introduced by the company in the Indian auto market.

Maruti Suzuki Cervo holds a 0.7 litre petrol engine, which is incorporated with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) technology that assists the engine to deliver low emissions with a decent fuel economy. Although the engine emission of Maruti Suzuki Cervo is low, it does not compromise on the grounds of fuel economy. The power-train of Cervo enables the car to deliver an impressive mileage of 22 kmpl in city and 26 kmpl on highway.

Maruti Suzuki Cervo has a wheelbase of over 2,000 mm, which will provide good stability to the car. The company anticipates that Cervo will attract the youngsters as it is provided with sporty and appealing exteriors and interiors. The Cervo flaunts funky exterior, which incorporates fascinating curves and smooth lines that connects front fascia with its rear end. The eye designed headlights offered in the Cervo are quite stylish. In order to make the front fascia attractive, the car holds a honeycomb radiator grille, finished with chrome strip.

Maruti Suzuki Cervo’s rear end is provided with a unique look which is complemented with stylish rear wiper and spoiler. Taillight cluster is almost identical to the headlight cluster but has compact dimensions. Rear-end cluster holds dotted LED brake light and turning indicators. The appearance of rear end is further improved by fitting a compact antenna on the roof which also provides a sporty look to the car.

Maruti Suzuki Cervo apart from mesmerising exteriors is also provided with charismatic interiors that have spacious seating arrangements for the passengers of both rows. All seats are provided with seat belts, which add to its safety essence. As per as the driver console of the car is concerned, it is expected that it will be provided with a three spoke adjustable power-assisted steering wheel, which will assist the driver to hold complete control over the car.

Maruti Suzuki Cervo is also believed to come with broad dashboard, air conditioning vents at both ends and a colour illuminated instrument panel just behind the steering wheel. Analysts further expect that the car will hold 12 inch wheels. All these minor features add to the appeal of the car, making it a head turner. In addition, it is also anticipated that the car will be provided with a spacious boot which will help the passengers to carry sufficient amount of luggage.

About Maruti Suzuki Cervo

Maruti Cervo is the upcoming starting range small car in India that will replace Maruti’s iconic and oldest small car – Maruti 800 – in the country. The Maruti Cervo is expected to come powered by a 0.7L, 660CC petrol engine along with maximum power capability of 60bhp. The car would be shelved in the price segment of sub Rs 2 lakh where it will further shorten the price gap between the Alto series and India’s cheapest car Tata Nano.

The Cervo model is already available in the Japanese market where it has been receiving an overwhelming response from the Japanese buyers. However, the company is expected to shed a few features in the Indian version of the car, in order to keep its price as competitive as possible.

Blessed with a new generation sporty look, the Maruti Cervo will be targeted at the young buyers who give more preference to the design and style of the car over the engine power. The major competitors of the Cervo model in the country will be Tata Nano, Hyundai Eon and upcoming ultra low cost (ULC) car from Nissan-Renault-Bajaj joint venture. The new Maruti Cervo is expected to be launched in the country in first half of next year.

Engine & Specifications of Maruti Cervo

As mentioned above, the Maruti Suzuki Cervo is expected to be powered by a 660CC petrol engine that would be capable of generating a peak power of 60 bhp along with a top torque of 64 Nm. The new generation petrol engine of Cervo is expected to come blessed with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) that would boost the fuel economy of the car considerably. Considering a rising demand for automatic transmission run cars, the company may decide to roll-out Cervo in both 4-speed manual and an automatic transmission version.

Performance of Maruti Cervo

Blessed with a range of new generation performance enhancing features, the current model of Maruti Cervo has been highly appreciated for its powerful performance. The Variable Valve Timing (VVT) technology of the Cervo model ensures minimum power-loss along with maximum fuel efficiency and lower carbon emission level. The Cervo model is expected to deliver a high fuel economy in the range of 20 to 24 kmpl.

The highly sophisticated automatic transmission of Cervo enables it to zip through the city traffic, effortlessly. The car is speculated to cross the speed barrier of 100 km/h in 25 seconds and will have a top speed of 115 km/h.

Exterior, Interior & Safety of Maruti Cervo

The Cervo is a hatchback model with five doors and sitting capacity for four. The car looks sporty. The design of head lamps, fog lamps and the tail lamps have been done well and add to the beauty of the car. The interiors are made in a well balanced fashion with plenty of classy and contemporary features.

The Maruti Cervo is a youthful car that carries a sporty appeal  thanks to the sexy curves and unique flow lines used throughout the exterior. The car has been provided with a compact face by using a human-eye like head-light cluster along with a smiling grille, right below the headlamps. The interior is admirable and spacious and comes loaded with a range of new generation comfort & convenience features that comprises of power windows, power steering, AC etc.

However, some of these features are expected to be absent in Indian version of the car. The safety features that are expected to find place in this car include two airbags, front and side impact beams, engine immobilizer, passenger side rear view mirrors, child safety lock, seat-belts, anti-theft system etc.

Source :- http://www.cartrade.com/new-cars/Maruti-Suzuki-Cervo

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Volkswagen Tiguan 2WD

The Volkswagen Tiguan is synonymous with power packed performance. Indeed, in its compact format it is a true performer with some of the best features rolled into one. While performance is one of the biggest advantages of the Volkswagen Tiguan, it is a pleasure to note that this SUV is well equipped to provide other vital aspects like comfort, luxury and safety.

As it can be anticipated, the Tiguan has an extremely powerful turbo, four cylinder engine and this propels the car way ahead of its immediate competitors. The other features that attract attention are improved navigation system with rearview camera and the hard disk that can be used for storing useful data. The car exhibits a long list of safety features which includes Traction Control, anti skid system, airbags in different positions, and Anti lock Braking system.

The Volkswagen Tiguan surpasses the fuel efficiency standards and has amazingly low emission rates. This environment friendly car is a pleasure to drive. While on the one hand the car has perfect technical specifications, on the other hand the perfect design and the stylish features just add to the charisma of the car.

Source:- http://www.cartrade.com/new-cars/Volkswagen-Tiguan-2WD

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Maruti Suzuki Celerio - Petrol Vs CNG

The Celerio hatchback from Indian carmaker Maruti Suzuki has been an instant hit for its manual as well as AMT technology. Celerio reportedly crossed the 35,000 sales mark within just about two months post launched in the Indian market. The car is avialable in manual as well Automated Manual transmission technology. The key factor that made it a grand success is the lucrative starting price tag of Rs. 4,36,677 (Ex-showroom Mumbai) for the Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) technology version. Recently, Maruti has also launched Celerio in CNG variant at an attractive price tag of Rs 4.92 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai).

The Celerio comes with EZDrive technology which is a comfortable replacement of the manual shift. The Auto Gear Shift system has no manual clutch and thus there are only two pedals. It is based on an electronic control unit which drives the precision hydraulic actuator to control the clutch engagement and the gear shifting. It also ensures that the gear and clutch operations happen at optimal timings. Some of the factors that are responsible for higher efficiency is the optimized compression ratio, reduced frictional losses, low viscosity engine oil, and re-designed valves and springs.

 

The new CNG variant also uses the current 1.0-litre K-Series engine, that generates about 68 Ps of power with about 90 Nm of torque. The hatchback is stated to be highly fuel efficient and delivers an impressive mileage of about 23.1 kmpl in petrol, whereas the CNG variant shall return a fuel economy of about 31.79 km/kg.

The interiors in the Maruti Suzuki Celerio is said to be intelligently designed to maximize space and comfort. The rear seats get 60:40 split option known as 'XpanDesign' for more luggage space. The cabin space is neat and has a premium feel too it. Moreover, the occupants get ample headroom, legroom and shoulder-room for a comfortable travel. News has now been doing rounds that Celerio may be launched in diesel version soon. Based on unconfirmed reports, the Celerio hatchback may receive a 800cc diesel engine. Currently the engine is at a development stage and the popular hatchback Celerio shall be the first one to receive it. When successful, it may find its way into the Eeco van as well. With the launch of the cars in a diesel variant, the Indian manufacturer aims at gaining an entry in commercial vehicle segment.

Source  :- http://www.cartrade.com/car-bike-news/maruti-suzuki-celerio-petrol-vs-cng-124140.html

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Maruti stock up 10% on plan to seek approval for Gujarat plant

MUMBAI: Shares of Maruti Suzuki India on Tuesday surged nearly 10 per cent after the company decided to seek minority shareholders' approval for the controversial Gujarat plant, which its parent Suzuki Motor Corp had decided to take over from it.

After a strong opening, shares of the car-maker further zoomed 9.37 per cent to Rs 1,899.90, its 52-week high on the BSE.

On the NSE, the stock jumped 9.81 per cent to touch a one-year peak of Rs 1,909. The scrip was the best performer among the blue-chips on both the key indices Sensex and Nifty during the morning trade.

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