AUTHENTIC CARS

The Fiat 500X, a compact crossover that completes the Italian manufacturer's family of models based on its 500 supermini, has been revealed at the Paris motor show. It will go on sale internationally in the second quarter of 2015 and sit alongside the regular 500 and larger 500L derivatives in Fiat's line-up. Two versions of the new model have been created, mirroring a strategy adopted with the 500L and 500L Trekking. One is intended as a chic urban car, while the other has more rugged design themes. The 500X gets the same retro-inspired styling as the rest of the 500 family, but also includes a more prominent front-end grille design, with chrome trim used around the front bumper. Tinted windows, roof rails and a boot-mounted lip spoiler also feature. Designed at Fiat's Centro Stile design hub, the new 500X sits on a modified version of the SCCS platform that underpins the Fiat Punto. It measures 4.25 metres in length, while the rugged version is 2cm lon...

BMW is preparing a more potent version of the i8 for its centenary celebrations in 2016. The new model, rumoured to be called i9, would use the same carbonfibre tub as the i8, but would get more aggressive styling, a larger engine and a more powerful electric motor. The engine is understood to be the new modular 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit that is in development and set to appear first in the upcoming 7-series replacement overseas. The i9 will be the next model to join BMW’s i sub-brand. Also planned is the i5, a stretched version of the i3. Expect the i9 to improve on i8's 0-100kph sprint time of 4.4 seconds, as well as its 250kph top speed.

Mahindra has launched the much-awaited new Scorpio in India starting at Rs 7.98 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). A thouroughly updated model, the new Scorpio gets a host of changes in terms of mechanicals, cosmetics and interior. The chassis is brand new and is built using a hydroforming procedure, which makes it a lot stiffer than before. The five-speed manual gearbox is new and claims to improve shifts. These changes along with the suspension setup that has also has been tweaked, should offer better ride and handling than before. The face of the new Scorpio gets a slightly redesigned bumper, an updated grille and newly-designed projector headlamps with LED daytime-running lights. The rear gets subtle changes to the bumper, LED tail-lights and a roof-mounted spoiler. Also new are the foglamps, scuff-plates and 17-inch alloys. Changes on the inside include a power-window button on respective doors, horizontal AC vents, new instrument cluster, climate control and a new touchs...

Renault has launched the all-wheel-drive (AWD) Duster in India at Rs 11.89 lakh The new Duster gets a few cosmetic updates too. The most important change, the all-wheel-drive system, gets three modes – two-wheel drive, auto and four-wheel lock, and these can be changed on the go. The other highlight on the Duster AWD is an all-wheel independent multi-link suspension as opposed to the non-independent torsion beam setup in the front-wheel-drive car. Also on offer is Renault’s Electronic Torque control system, which helps distribute torque among all the wheels and allows torque balance at high speeds. Other changes include smoked-grey alloy wheels, darkened headlamp clusters and matte black B-pillars, and ‘AWD’ and 4x4 badging. On the inside, there's a new three-pod instrument cluster, a new three-spoke steering wheel, dual-tone grey and red seats, and soft-touch plastics on the upper portion of the new dual-tone, and a black and grey dashboard. Two variants are on off...

Aston Martin has resurrected its Lagonda nameplate for the production of limited-edition super sedans for the Middle-East. Previously, pictures of the car were released on Oman Air's website, the cargo division of which was responsible for shipping the car to Oman for hot weather testing. The new Aston Martin Lagonda, which is set to arrive in the Middle-East in 2015, will be made available to customers on an invitation-only basis. Styling cues come from the V8-engined Lagonda saloon, launched in 1976, which was designed by William Towns. Underpinning the new car is the company's VH architecture, which is used throughout its current line-up. Official technical details have yet to be released but it is understood that the production models use the 5.9-litre V12 from the Rapide S. In the Rapide, the naturally aspirated V12 produces 550bhp and 63.2kgm, granting a 0-100kph time of less than 5.0sec and a top speed of 306kph. Power will be sent to the rear wheels, most ...

Suzuki has released the official image of the new Vitara. The compact crossover will be internationally unveiled at this year’s Paris motor show. Suzuki is reviving the Vitara model name for its all-new five-door car, which will battle rivals such as the Nissan Juke and Ford Ecosport in the globally competitive and fast-growing compact crossover segment. Like the Grand Vitara, a four-wheel-drive option will be offered via the AllGrip system and power is likely to come from the 1.6-litre petrol and diesel powerplants installed in the SX4 S-Cross. Suzuki says the Vitara "will have a striking road presence with distinctive design." Customers, internationally, will have the option of personalising the car with various colour and trim customisation options. The Vitara production model is based on the iV-4 concept which was first shown at the Frankfurt motor show in 2013. The new car is based on an all-new platform, which is expected to underpin a number of future vehic...

Jaguar is expected to reveal a new design language and will adapt it in the new models expected in the next 12-24 months. The carmaker will consolidate the look established by the XF, XJ, F-type and XE, which means that the new XF, due in that time frame, will be evolutionary in terms of looks. Expect the next XF to get a lightweight aluminium body structure. It currently uses a steel body. Sources  know that the next-gen XJ, however, "will be a big of a jolt, but will work for people". It is also likely that the C-X17 SUV, which is under "close consideration", will also get the green light, given the popularity of premium SUVs. This new look will be noticeable from 2017. While the rectangular grille developed for the sedans will remain, "everything else will change", sources have confirmed. It's also possible that Jaguar will introduce a new ' white space' range to complement the five-car line-up (with the SUV) it will have by 2017...

Maruti has launched the much anticipated Ciaz sedan in India starting at Rs 6.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the petrol model and Rs 8.04 lakh for the diesel. First shown as a concept at the Auto Expo earlier this year, the Ciaz is Maruti's fresh attempt at the midsizer segment after the Baleno and SX4. The new Ciaz is quite the looker and is one of the most upmarket offerings from Maruti yet. Power comes from a 91bhp 1.4-litre petrol or an 89bhp 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced diesel. Both engines are borrowed from the Ertiga, but the carmaker claims to have tuned them for improved responsiveness and drivability. The petrol engine is coupled to a five speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic while the diesel gets a five-speed manual gearbox only. Maruti is offering four trims on the new Ciaz – V, V+, Z, Z+ – and has packed it with equipment, with top trims getting front airbags, a touchscreen infotainment system, rear-view camera, leather upholstery, keyless entry and g...

Porsche has revealed the new 911 Carrera GTS ahead of its public debut at next month’s Los Angeles motor show. As with its predecessor in international markets, the new GTS is available as a coupé and a cabriolet with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. All variants have an updated version of the Carrera S’ 3.8-litre flat six engine. Power has risen by 30bhp over the Carrera S to a new peak of 424bhp. The increased reserves are channeled through a standard seven-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The new GTS is fitted as standard with Porsche's Chrono package and PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system, which makes the ride height 10mm lower than the Carrera S. Porsche's GTS coupé is claimed to accelerate from 0-100kph in 4.0 seconds when fitted with the PDK gearbox. All versions top out at 299kph but the GTS coupé with the manual gearbox is claimed to be the fastest, at 305kph. The Carrera GTS is differentiated from existin...

Volvo has just taken the wraps off the most powerful version of its new 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, Drive-E engine family. This new petrol motor makes 444bhp, a huge 222bhp per litre. Volvo's current top engine, the T5, makes 245bhp. The carmaker, however, has not revealed a likely launch date yet. The new engine uses two conventional turbochargers supplemented by an electrically powered ‘turbo-compressor’. Its triple-charging setup is also supplemented by a fuel pump running at an unusually high 250 bar pressure. The turbo-compressor is used to ‘spool up’ the two turbochargers when the engine is running at low revs, thereby dramatically reducing turbo lag and off-boost performance. Volvo engineers claim that this new forced-induction set-up “enables a very dynamic drivability without any turbo lag.” All of Volvo's suppliers, including AVL, Denso and Volvo Polestar Racing, have all been involved in the engine development, the company said. Volvo's research...

The facelifted Porsche Cayman has been spotted testing on international roads. It is set to arrive in global markets in late 2015 or early 2016. Revisions to the front-end styling, including a restyled bumper with different air intakes, and what appear to be new headlamps are visible in the spy shots. The updates extend to the rear, where both the rear bumper and tail-lights been tweaked. Other changes include new wing mirrors and mountings. Currently, the Porsche Cayman, in standard trim, is powered by a 2.7-litre flat-six engine that produces 271bhp and 29.6kgm, which is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Porsche claims a 0-100kph time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 266kph. Porsche also recently launched a flagship GTS variant capable of 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds.

Bugatti has revealed the sixth and final car in its Legends series, with the model celebrating company founder Ettore Bugatti. ‘Les Légendes de Bugatti’ are exclusive editions that include the Jean-Pierre Wimille, Jean Bugatti, Meo Costantini, Rembrandt Bugatti and Black Bess editions. As with other models in the series, the car is based on the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, which is capable of 409kph and can sprint from 0-100kph in just 2.6 seconds. Power comes from an 8.0-litre W16 engine with 1184bhp and 153kgm of torque. According to Bugatti the design of the model is "dedicated to Ettore Bugatti's passion for the unusual", and as such features body panels crafted from clear-coated carbonfibre and polished aluminium. The exterior styling is designed as homage to the original Type 41 Royale of 1932. Bespoke diamond cut alloy wheels also feature, while Ettore Bugatti's signature is engraved onto the fuel filled cap. Inside, two different types of l...

Testing of the new BMW 7-series is at an advanced stage ahead of the car’s debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2015 before going on sale internationally, in 2016. Key among the goals for the new 7-series is a significant weight reduction via the use of a combination of aluminium, magnesium, high-strength steel and carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), the latter of which is set to be used not only for the bonnet and roof but also in load-bearing areas in the floorpan and body. BMW boss Norbert Reithofer said, “It will set a new standard in its class in terms of weight saving.” Engineers say processes developed for the i3 and i8 hybrid cars have been adopted on the new BMW flagship in a bid to shed up to 200kg over the current generation car. This should ensure that the successor to the lightest of today’s 7-series models, the 740i, tips the scales at around 1650kg, or less than the existing 535i. As is with the current car in the international markets, the l...

Mercedes has revealed a new armoured version of the S-class, for the international markets. Dubbed the S-class Guard, it joins the firm's range of special Guard vehicles. Offering protection to occupants against bullets, explosions, grenades and mines, the new S-class Guard is ranked as offering VR9 levels of protection, the highest accolade available. Mercedes says the Guard is the first car to have been certified to this level in terms of ballistic protection. Modifications to the car, including reinforced body shells, double-plated welds, and toughened and thickened glass significantly alter the standard S600's kerb weight of 2165kg, though the model's official weight has not been revealed. The S-class Pullman Guard clocks in at 4815kg - more than the 3775kg G63 AMG 6x6. The S-class Guard is based on the S600 and power comes from a twin-turbocharged V12 engine with 523bhp. Inside, the car appears almost identical to the standard S-class, although Guard-sp...

Land Rover has revealed the new Range Rover Sport SVR for the international markets. The Range Rover Sport SVR draws power from a 542bhp supercharged 5.0-litre V8, which helps propel the SUV from 0-100kph in just 4.5sec and reach a top speed limited to 261kph. Honed at the Nürburgring, the SVR is the work of Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Operations unit, which is headed by former Land Rover boss John Edwards. It is the latest in an increasing number of SUVs with supercar-baiting levels of power and performance, its rivals including the likes of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, and BMW X5 and X6 M. The SVR’s supercharged V8 engine is also found in some of Jaguar’s most potent models, including the F-type R coupé and XFR-S saloon. The 5000cc all-aluminium unit produces 69.3kgm of torque. Despite the higher power and torque, over the 503bhp Range Rover Sport Supercharged, economy and CO2 emissions remain unchanged over the less powerful model. Drive is sent t...

Tata Motors is launching its much anticipated Zest sedan.  With this new car, Tata is looking to claim back ground in the compact sedan segment that it had kickstarted with its Indigo CS. While it is a heavily modified version of the Indica Vista platform (with a boot added), the manufacturer has re-engineered almost every mechanical component and this is an all-new car. Here's a brief look at what you can expect on Tata's new compact sedan. What stands out on the new car is the styling, which is a refreshing change for Tata. While it can still be identified as a Tata, the Zest is a lot more upmarket and modern looking. The lines are more sculpted and there are additions like daytime running lamps as well (on top-spec car). And like the outside, the interiors too look on par with rivals from Honda or Maruti, a significant improvement for Tata. The cabin is smartly designed and fit-finish is a marked improvement as well. The dash gets dual-tone treatment, the seats a...

The upcoming Bentley SUV has started testing on international roads ahead of going on sale in 2016. New chrome detailing around the large front grille can be clearly seen. Company bosses have already revealed the car's styling has been finalised, with Bentley design boss Luc Donckerwolke saying it will have no relation to the original EXP 9 F concept car. The main feature of the new SUV is its large, prominent front mesh front grille. Oval headlight clusters can also be seen alongside large dual air vents lower down on the front bumper. Those air intakes will be vitally important in keeping the SUV's 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine cool. Large light clusters can also be seen at the rear, alongside prominent rear-end styling and large oval-shaped dual exhausts. The new Bentley SUV’s interior features a large digital dashboard similar to that seen on the new Audi TT. As well as the main digital instrument display, a large central infotainment screen should al...

Bentley has launched the Flying Spur V8 in India priced at Rs 3.10 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Flying Spur V8 is slotted below the Flying Spur flagship W12 model. The new Flying Spur V8 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine that delivers 500bhp and 67.3kgm of torque. Power is driven to all four wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. A 0-100kph sprint timing is claimed to be 5.2 seconds while top-speed is a claimed 295kph. It gets cylinder deactivation technology, which can close-off up to four cylinders as per requirement, to improve fuel efficiency.  Visually, the Flying Spur V8 does not differ too much from the W12. Subtle styling differences include newly designed chromed exhaust finishers and a red center to the Bentley Wings badges to denote the V8 engine. The front lower bumper grills are finished in matt black. Most of the equipment that comes with the W12 can all be had as options on the V8. The Flying Spur V8 has a price tag Rs ...

Fiat India has confirmed that it will launch the Punto Avventura and Abarth 500 here by the end of the year. The carmaker had showcased the two new products at the Auto Expo 2014 in February. The first of the upcoming two launches will be the Fiat Punto Avventura. Fiat's Avventura is essentially a more rugged version of the Punto. It is expected to get 200mm ground clearance and larger wheels, which are likely to improve its rough road tackling capabilities. It also sports a tail-gate-mounted spare wheel, mouldings on the side, protective skid plates and fully functional roof-rails. The Fiat Punto Avventura will be launched within the next couple of months. The second launch will be the Fiat Abarth 500. This car is based on the Fiat 500 hatchback. It sports aggressive styling and is expected to be powered by a 137bhp 1.4-litre turbo engine. It also gets stiffer springs and dampers for better handling. Fiat will bring the Abarth 500 in India via the CBU route initial...

Mercedes-Benz is developing an extended range of AMG Sport models to be positioned underneath its traditional line of AMG cars, in the international markets. Intended to challenge the various performance orientated models from the Audi Sport and BMW M Performance line-ups, the new AMG Sport models are set to receive exclusive exterior and interior styling touches and upgraded engines. They'll also use uniquely calibrated chassis tuning and electronics, according to sources familiar with Mercedes-Benz’s plans. As with the performance car strategies pursued by Audi and BMW, Mercedes-Benz plans to offer its upcoming AMG Sport models with a choice of either petrol or diesel engines, although not in every model. Among the features differentiating them from the standard Mercedes-Benz models upon which they are base will be widened tracks similar to those used by full-blown AMG models. “We have identified growing demand for our more overtly sporting models, both in petrol ...

If Volkswagen's plan of buying Fiat Chrysler Automobiles had come through, VW could have become the biggest carmaker in the world. Ferdinand Piech, chairman of Volkswagen's supervisory board, has long wanted to see the VW Group become the largest automaker in the world. They even had a name for it - Auto Union.   Earlier this year, according to sources at VW, company strategists had come up with a plan that could have seen the VW Group expand in size by around 50 per cent and become the unassailable leader in the global car market. The scheme was remarkably simple: it envisaged VW buying a controlling stake in Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and folding the Italian and American brands into its ambitious global platform strategy. The resulting 17-brand conglomerate could have sold nearly 15 million cars per year. Volkswagen currently has 12 brands that manufacturers everything from city cars to heavy trucks. Toyota is the world's largest carmaker with 9.98 million sa...

Hyundai has unveiled the all-new i20 in official sketches. The new Hyundai Elite i20 features clean crisp lines and very few exaggerated ‘fluidic’ like flourishes. The design language is in fact very similar to that seen on the Grand i10 and the Xcent, with plenty of Peugeot influence on the nose. The low mounted grille forms the focal point of the design - the headlights, bonnet ‘V’ and even the strong shoulder line emanating from there. The upturned headlights have metal inserts that give definition to the overall design; the placement of the number plate is also interesting. The overall stance of the car is also sporty. The rising shoulder line and sloping roof meet at the steeply angled ‘C’ (or rearmost) pillar. What also work well are the elongated wrap around tail lights, which make the rear of the car look up-market and very European.  With its long wheelbase and ample cabin, it is expected that this new Elite i20 will be large and comfortable on the inside. ...

Audi plans to bring its electrically assisted turbocharging system to production on a high-performance 'S' version of the next Q7 SUVfor the international markets, in 2016. Versions of the system – which combats turbo lag and improves response – are already fitted to two concept cars, the322bhp Audi A6 TDI Concept and the 380bhp Audi RS 5 TDI-e.The system is set to make its production car debut on the Audi SQ7, which will follow the introduction of the next-generation Q7, due in international markets, in 2015.Audi's board member for technical development, Ulrich Hackenberg, told, “The new Q7 will be available in the market next year but the electric turbo will come a bit later in the Audi SQ7 available in 2016.” The SQ7 would be a new variant, although Audi currently offers the smaller SQ5 SUV in the global markets, its first-ever diesel-fuelled 'S' model, which is powered by a bi-turbo oil-burning engine producing 309bhp.Car makers and turbocharger manu...