Car AC Care during Summers

Now that the summer is in its full swing and the AC is a necessity while traveling in the car. There are many thing you need to take care of so that you are being cared by your car.

Few steps that you can take for your car AC function properly.

1. When getting inside your car, roll down the windows and drive your car for a minimum of 500 meters without switching your AC on. This lets the hot air that was there in your car while your car was locked, leave your car. Now roll up your car window and start your AC.

2. Start you blower first then switch on the AC as it outlets all the dust that has seep into the AC vents.

3. Get your car serviced regularly.

4. Speed of the blower should also increased gradually.

With these small steps you can enjoy your journey in you lovely car.

TVS Motors to launch Apache RTR 180

TVS Motors Limited will launch the much awaited Apache RTR 180 (Previously referred as RTR Menace) in the Indian market soon.

The bike will come with a 180cc engine which will produce 17.3 PS of power. The basic styling remains the same as the RTR 160 with the same tank extensions. To add some visual weight to the rear and aid handling, the rear tyre is now fatter 110/80-17 variety.

TVS will supposedly price it around 80k so as to compete with with all the performance oriented bike in the Indian two-wheeler industry such as Yamaha R15, HH Karizma, Bajaj Pulsar 180 & 200 to name at the top.

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Maruti Suzuki ready with the heart of Ritz

Maruti Suzuki, unveils the all-new K12M engine for its soon-to-be-launched hatchback Ritz in its Gurgaon plant. K12M engine is BS-IV compliant and this is the first time that a BS-IV compliant engine will power any Passenger car in the country.

Ritz will be fitted with this all new four cylinder, 1197cc all aluminum engine, which will produce 85 BHP at 6000 RPM and 113 NM of Torque at 4500 RPM. The is relatively higher on the revs due to its shorter strokes of 71.5mm as compared to its bore which is 73mm and hence the power-band is peaky at 6000 RPM.

The engine will run on a Semi Synthetic engine oil providing improved changeover time from 1,000 km to 10,000 km. Another added technological advancement is the use of the timing chain instead of the conventional belt design which hinders performance and durability of the engine.

“The K12M engine is another example of Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to take engine technology in India to the next level. The K12M engine further strengthens Maruti Suzuki’s efforts for fuel efficient, green engine technology for Indian customers,” Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Maruti Suzuki said”

The engine promises to be a best in class fuel efficient, high performance, low emission, light weight, with lower NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness). The skirt area of the piston has been shortened to make the aluminum engine lighter, whereas the resin-coated piston helps reduce friction and increase fuel efficiency

Casey Stoner's Night-hunt at Arabian soil

It was Casey Stoner who took the headlines with a perfect race and a third consecutive win on the Losail race circuit in the rescheduled MotoGP race this Monday night. He dominated the entire race from the starting grid to the finish line, leaving a second place Valentino Rossi a massive 7.771 seconds behind.

The opening MotoGP contest of the year in the Arabian desert, the first race in the new single tyre supplier era, but it was a familiar story with Stoner crossing the line first, ahead of World Champion Valentino Rossi.

Rossi never got closer than 1.9sec and then started to fade. Rossi would later say that his front tire started to ruin and it was slow down or crash out, also adding that he lost time in the begining of the race.

Lorenzo took third place on the podium staying behind with over 8 seconds from Rossi and 16.244 from Stoner.

After being passed by Rossi, Lorris Capirossi was passed by Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso, and then on the eigth lap lost his front and crashed out and was unable to rejoin the race. The Italian Rizla Suzuki Rider felt sorry for his team, that all the pre season efforts that had been put in went waste due to his crash and he could not score any points.

Dovizioso was fifth after losing fourth place to Colin Edwards on lap 14.

A good perfomance by Alex De Angelis, but his position may be contested by the race direction after hitting Dani Pedrosa’s Honda, who despite the considerable force of the hit managed to hang on, but seemed considerably shaken by the incident, considering he was riding at 60/70% fitness after his recent wrist and knee surgery. Pedrosa had fought his way up from 14th to 6th and after the incident was passed by several other riders and finished 11th. Pedrosa after the incident was seen not sliding his knee that much down as compared to earlier making him lose valuable time and position in the race as well as confirming injury to have escalated.

Second Malboro Ducati rider Nicky Hayden also riding injured after his crash during qualifying, finished 12th just behind Pedrosa.

Vermeulen on his Suzuki took home seventh position, and rookie Mika Kallio, second best Ducati rider 8th. Toni Elias on his San Carlo Gresini spec Honda was 9th and Randy de Puniet without his Playboy livery, completed the top ten.

Behind Hayden, returning Sete Gibernau on his Ducati finished 13th while Marco Melandri debuting the Hayate, formerly known as Kawasaki, took a trip into the gravel trap in the first lap but managed to get back in the race and finish 14th in front of Yuki Takahashi, Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider James Toseland, who also ran off track was 16th and rookie Pramac rider Niccolò Canepa, 17th.

Final Results of the CommercialBank Grand Prix of Qatar:

1 Casey STONER Ducati Marlboro Team
2 Valentino ROSSI Fiat Yamaha Team +7.771
3 Jorge LORENZO Fiat Yamaha Team +16.244
4 Colin EDWARDS Monster Yamaha Tech 3 +24.410
5 Andrea DOVIZIOSO Repsol Honda Team +27.263
6 Alex DE ANGELIS San Carlo Honda Gresini +29.883
7 Chris VERMEULEN Rizla Suzuki MotoGP +33.627
8 Mika KALLIO Pramac Racing +34.755
9 Toni ELIAS San Carlo Honda Gresini +39.481
10 Randy DE PUNIET LCR Honda MotoGP +42.284
11 Dani PEDROSA Repsol Honda Team +48.526
12 Nicky HAYDEN Ducati Marlboro Team +48.883
13 Sete GIBERNAU Grupo Francisco Hernando +52.215
14 Marco MELANDRI Hayate Racing Team +56.379
15 Yuki TAKAHASHI Scot Racing Team MotoGP +1′00.286
16 James TOSELAND Monster Yamaha Tech 3 +1′14.978
17 Niccolo CANEPA Pramac Racing +1′15.028

Did not finish
Loris CAPIROSSI Rizla Suzuki MotoGP

The round 2 of Moto GP at the Polini Grand Prix of Japan takes place at the Motegi circuit from 24th-26th April.

Image & standings : motogp

Fortuner launch preponed by a month

Toyota said on Wednesday that it will launch its Fortuner SUV in India by September 2009. Fortuner, the hardcore SUV is likely to come with Common Rail Diesel Engine and is likely to challenge the likes of Chevrolet Captiva and Ford Endeavour.

“The Fortuner is an important addition to our product line-up in India and we are currently in the process of finalising details for the launch,” said Mr Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director, Marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

He added, “We are still working out the price details of the Fortuner, taking into account variations in exchange rates, but expect it to be around Rs 20 lakh.”

The Fortuner will be brought as a completely knocked down (CKD) unit and will be assembled in India which means that this product will be less expensive and more value for money as the import cost that the company has to bear is only 20% which when compared with the completely Built unit (CBU)is 120%.

As stated earlier by Toyota on Fortuner here there price of the vehicle was expected around Rs16 - Rs18 lakhs.

You can view the previous statement HERE

Mahindra Bolero emerged as India’s No.1 SUV for the third time in a row

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) Bolero has emerged as India’s No.1 SUV for the third time in a row, selling a record 55,924 units in 2008-09. Bolero is the first product in the SUV/UV/MPV category to cross 50,000 units for two consecutive years.

M&M launched the New Bolero in 2007 as a product which offered a bold new style, greater comfort and conveniences. In September 2008, Mahindra introduced the most powerful Bolero yet - the Bolero VLX powered by CRDe technology followed by the launch of the Bolero SLX with Micro-Hybrid technology which ensures better fuel efficiency by reducing wastage in October 2008

Speaking on the occation Mr. Vivek Nayer, Senior Vice President – Marketing, Auto Sector, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd said, “The Mahindra Bolero continues to create new records and scale greater heights as India’s No. 1 SUV. In fact, Bolero is among the top selling brands in the passenger vehicle segment, excluding small cars. This clearly points to the immense popularity enjoyed by this evergreen brand. The Bolero’s superior value proposition of style and rugged appeal coupled with our customer-centric approach to business have been major contributors to its success over the years”

The Bolero has evolved significantly since its launch in 2001, yet has retained its core DNA of ‘tough and rugged.’

Skoda Superb diesel and Superb V6 4X4 are here

As announced earlier by Skoda that Indian market will be able to see more variants of Skoda Superb in months to come, Skoda auto India, yesterday launched all New Superb in Diesel & V6 4×4 Petrol versions in India. The Skoda Superb Diesel 2.0TDI PD is geared with an automatic 6-speed, DSG, with manual Tiptronic gear changing. The 2.0 litre engine equipped with the Pumpe Düse (PD) technology has an inbuilt turbocharger with a high pressure direct injection system. The success of this engine can be attributed to the fact that it posses a lethal combination of power and fuel efficiency perfectly suited for Indian terrain. The all new model has been designed with a clear focus on user-friendliness, which augments the overall ‘Skoda’ experience. Through the distinctive, individualistic and exceptional design of the all new Superb Diesel, Skoda reclaims the 7-star experience on wheels. Skoda Superb 3.6V6 4×4: The new 3.6 litre engine is the largest powerplant fitted into a modern-era Skoda. Producing 260 bhp (350Nm) of torque between 2500-5000 rpm, and a top speed of 250 km/h this range-topping engine accelerates the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds - a new record for a Skoda production car. It is equipped with a DSG gearbox as a standard and delivers power to the road via a fourth-generation Haldex clutch variable four-wheel drive system.

On the occasion, Mr. Thomas Kuehl, Board Member, Sales & Marketing, ŠkodaAuto India said, “It makes us proud to add the diesel and V6 versions with the newest technologies to the all new Superb range. The response from auto critics and our customers post the launch of the 1.8TSI version last month has surpassed our expectations and motivated us to introduce these versions as well soon after. With the diesel engine Skoda once again stands by their claim to offer cars with the best technology and fuel efficiency and with the new 3.6L V6 will set new records in power and performance and also bring to India, the first 4×4 wheel drive in its segment.”

Available in visually appealing range of colors – Black Magic, Rosso Brunello, Cappuccino Beige, Diamond Silver & Candy White, Platinum Grey (Exclusive for the V6) the Superb sets its own charectar a class appart.

The price range of the cars would be:

Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI PD

Ex-showroom Delhi Rs. 22,04,943
Ex-showroom Maharashtra Rs. 21,50,000
Ex-showroom Kolkata Rs. 22,21,921
Ex-showroom Chennai Rs. 22,00,697
Ex-Showroom Bangalore Rs. 22,00,697

Skoda Superb 3.6 V6 FSI 4×4

Ex-showroom Delhi Rs. 25,31,343
Ex-showroom Maharashtra Rs. 24,70,000
Ex-showroom Kolkata Rs. 25,48,322
Ex-showroom Chennai Rs. 25,27,098
Ex-Showroom Bangalore Rs. 25,27,098

Although the new 3.6L V6 4x4 is awell placed car in the competition but we have to indestand that being a 4x4 it reduces the chances of Superb to be the fastest Indian car as 4x4 terrain produces more drag coefficient but hindering speed.

Porshe to launch the new Panamera in India by October 2009

Porsche will launch its 4 door sports car Panamera in India by October, 2009. The Porsche Panamera in India will be priced at Rs 1,41,74,000 for the Panamera S, Rs 1,47,11,000 for the Panamers 4S and a whopping Rs 2,01,84,000 for the Panamera Turbo (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi and is inclusive of VAT and import duty). Panamera is the first four door sports car from Porsche and it will be unveiled at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show 2009.

Stating on this development, Rod Wallace, MD, Precision Cars India said, “Our dealers have already enjoyed considerable interest in the car and have received forward orders prior to the launch. We are working on a simultaneous launch of the car in India as well and are hopeful of welcoming the car in India by late September-early October 2009,”

The entry-level Panamera S will be powered by a 4.8-litre V8 developing maximum output of 400 bhp, whilst the range topping Panamera Turbo will feature a 4.8-litre V8 biturbo developing maximum output of 500 bhp. All variants of the Panamera will come with Direct Fuel Injection, low-friction drive systems and lightweight bodyshells. Porsche’s seven-speed PDK or double-clutch gearbox will be available as standard on all models and will be an option only on the Panamera S.

Stay tuned for more action in the premium level cars caegory in India in the 3rd Quarter

Buy and Sell pre owned cars at Chevrolet OK

General Motors India has launched its Chevrolet OK Cars program to buy and sell pre-owned cars. The Chevrolet OK network of outlets is being rolled out nationally in a phased manner and will also buy all popular brands of cars in exchange for the sale of new cars from the Chevrolet stable. The pre-owned program from Chevrolet has since become operational in 9 outlets across 6 cities, with three outlets in Delhi and NCR, two outlets in Mumbai and one each in Pune, Hyderabad, Jalandhar and Ludhiana. The Chevrolet OK program will expand to 30 country-wide outlets by this year-end.

“With Chevrolet-OK Cars, GM India plans to set up a country-wide network of branded, pre-owned car sales outlets to offer our valued customers an experience very similar to buying a new car. The program will offer our customers mechanically and physically sound pre-owned cars, which will first be certified by highly qualified GM India-trained engineers after passing through a system of stringent checks and refurbishment,” P. Balendran, Vice President, GM India, said.

The cars offered through CHEVROLET OK, outlets will go through a strict, 110-point checklist by GM India trained engineers, a thorough vehicle reconditioning program, besides a detailed history check. Chevrolet OK Cars will be sold with a 1-year/15,000 km limited warranty, along with three labour-free services for Chevrolet cars.

The program will also provide an opportunity for additional revenue to GM India’s dealers across the nation and ensure the quality of pre-owned cars available to the customer. General Motors India, is in the process of appointing more dealers and authorized service outlets in urban and semi-urban cities to widen its network and reach out to its valued customers across the nation. GM India’s rapidly growing network of Chevrolet dealerships and service centres include 170 authorized sales points and 177 service outlets, while more are in the pipeline to support the increasing market demand for its products.

The innitiative from Chevrolet is a following move after the similar innitiatives taken their compettitors in India. Looking at the market structure and the number of Chevrolet cars present in the market, this innitiative might stay restricted.