Maserati Levante SUV begins testing

• Maserati is developing the Levante SUV and test mules have been seen on the international roads for the first time.

• The SUV will be based on the Maserati Kubang concept which was unveiled in 2003. The test car’s high-riding stance and large wheels suggest that it could be assessing a four-wheel-drive system. The Levante will use a version of Maserati’s ‘Q4’ all-wheel drive system. The all-wheel drive system will be modified for the Levante’s dual-purpose role, with Maserati expected to draw on sister brand Jeep’s expertise for the SUV’s rough-terrain capabilities.
• The Levante’s structure will draw on the Quattroporte, while some electronics will come from Chrysler and Jeep. Its underpinnings are a development of those used on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Levante is expected to contain a high level of weight-saving aluminium in its body and suspension.
• Engines for the Levante will include the firm’s new 410bhp twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 and a 530bhp twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V8. A 271bhp 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel will be the key powerplant internationally. The engines will be linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Tata Motors expands business to Algeria

• Tata Motors has launched the Indica, Indigo, Vista and Manza in Algeria. SPA Elsecom will be the authorised distributor for the vehicles in the north-west African nation. Johnny Oommen, head- International Business, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “Our entry into Algeria is aligned to our Horizonext strategy and aims to provide the best customer experience – from the best vehicle experience to superlative purchase experience and after-market service support.”

• In association with its local Algerian partner, the company has established dealerships at Algiers and Oran, with plans underway to establish 10 additional sales and service centres, to cover important regions, by the end of this year. Algeria has been identified as a focus market in the Tata Motors global strategy. Tata Motors said the vehicles are all equipped with safety features of ABS and dual airbags and a host of comfort and convenience features.

Volvo XC60 R-Design on sale for Rs 51 lakh

• Along with the recently launched S60 R-Design, Volvo has also put on sale the XC60 R-Design in India at Rs 51 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The R-Design trim gets cosmetic modifications and additional equipment.

• The redesigned front bumper gets a low, black honeycomb air dam. The black grille gets an R-Design badge. It also gets new 18-inch, five-spoke, diamond-cut alloys. The wing mirrors are finished in silver and there is a new paint shade – Passion Red, exclusive for the R-Design. At the rear, the two circular exhausts get chrome touches and there’s a prominent diffuser as well.
• On the inside, the XC60 R-Design gets paddle shifters on the steering wheel, new audio system, sat-nav and rear view camera.
• It is recently revealed that Volvo has introduced the new 181bhp 2.0-litre Drive-E engine and a new eight-speed gearbox. The XC60 R-Design also gets this new setup.

Infiniti Q50 launched

• Infiniti has officially launched the new Q50 at the newly relocated INFINITI Center Kuala Lumpur at The Icon, Jalan Tun Razak.

• Infiniti has offered an interesting choice of powerplants for the Q50. Customers can opt for the Mercedes-sourced 2.0-litre turbo delivering an output of 211hp and 350Nm of torque, or the 3.5-litre V6 Hybrid which produces an impressive 364hp and 546Nm of torque whilst ensuring a fuel efficiency of 16.1km/L.

• The Infiniti Q50 model range comprises of three variants, starting with the 2.0T GT at RM248,800, the 2.0T GT Premium at RM278,800, and the Q50S 3.5 Hybrid at RM398,800. All prices are OTR without insurance.

KTM RC 390, RC 200 launch on September 9, 2014

• Bajaj and KTM have officially announced the launch of the RC 390 and the RC 200 sportbikes, two highly anticipated motorcycles of this year.

• The fully faired motorcycles have often been spotted testing on the Mumbai – Lonavla highway by team, and are expected to be top-notch performance-oriented vehicles, just like their relative Dukes.
• The RC line-up, first revealed to the world at the 71st EICMA is based on the Duke models with a few notable changes. The RC are apt for track riding, get dual headlights in sharply styled front noses and fairing-mounted rear view mirrors. The LED tail-lights bring out the chiseled rear sections of the bikes.
• Visit the blog for more updates.

Mercedes E 350 CDI launch on September 11, 2014

• Mercedes Benz has confirmed that it will expand the E-Class India range by adding a new E 350 CDI model. The new Mercedes E 350 CDI will be launched on September 9, 2014.

• The updated E-Class will get both petrol and diesel variants, and a top-of-the-line E 63 AMG variant.
• The Mercedes Benz E 350 CDI will get power from a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox. The new car gets features like Active Lane Keeping Assist, Cross-traffic Assist and a blind spot warning system. 
• The expected price of the Mercedes E 350 is in the range of Rs.58 lakh.

New Suzuki Vitara revealed

• 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 All Grip 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 vehicles. It is likely to be built at the Suzuki's Hungarian plant and is part of a model expansion plan.
• The Vitara, in the international markets, is effectively a replacement for the previous-generation SX4 S-Cross, because the new S-Cross is bigger and takes on the likes of Nissan’s Qashqai. The SX4 S-Cross has also been confirmed for Indian markets; likely to be launched in 2015.

BMW X3 Launched in India-Price, Reviews & Specifications

BMW X3 Lunched in India

• BMW launched the X3 facelift in India today for Rs. 44.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).This X3 facelift keeps in line with the model that debuted at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show and sports primarily cosmetic changes.
• The new X3 gets restyled twin circular head-lamps, the trademark kidney grille, new front and rear bumpers, and ORVMs with integrated turn signal indicators, and restyled alloy wheels. Inside, the most noticeable changes include a new HVAC display, coverable cup-holders, and the overall premium interiors with chrome accents.

REVIEWS:

• The headlamps are the main change - now extending all the way into the kidney grille. This is in line with the new X5's styling, and so expect the feature to carry over to the new generation X6 which debuts in a couple of months too.
• On the inside the colour palette and materials have been tweaked. I do like the new seats as they're more attractive and more comfortable too. In India the car is now available with a new xLine trim that includes matt aluminium inserts in the bumpers, xLine grille and exhaust, and a sporty leather steering wheel amongst other things.

• But the bigger changes are invisible, and under the hood. The great news is that the car maintains its nice sporty driving dynamics which is some thing which I really liked about this new generation when it first came out. So the fact that this element remains intact is great for me.
• In India BMW has decided to ditch the 30d engine and now both variants get only the two litre diesel. The reworked engine belts out 190 bhp, and peak torque now kicks in at 1750 rpm, which is really great. It offers good response through the well mated 8-speed gear shift.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Body Style                                                                         -   SUV                                                         
Displacement(cc)                                                               -   1995                                            
Fuel Type                                                                          -   Diesel                                    
Transmission                                                                      -   Automatic                                
Mileage(City/Highway in KMPL)                                       -   14           
Gears Type                                                                        -   8-Speed Automatic                 
Front Brakes Type                                                             -   Disc
Rear Brake Type                                                               -   Disc
Front Suspension Type                                                      -   Double joint strut front axle
Rear Suspension Type                                                       -   Multi-arm rear axle
Peak Power (BHP@ Max RPM)                                      -   184
Torque (NM@ Max RPM)                                              -   380
Fuel Capacity (ltr)                                                            -   67
Seating Capacity                                                              -   5