KTM Duke 250, RC 250 showcased at Tokyo

KTM showcased two never seen before quarter-litre motorcycles at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show recently. The two motorcycles – 250 Duke and RC250 are equipped with a 250cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine that is KTM. The engine is reported to be a sleeved down version of the very potent 373.2cc engine found on the Duke and RC390, by Japanese news website – responsejp.com. 

The KTM 250 Duke shares the same chassis, design and suspension seen on the Duke motorcycles in India. The KTM RC250 also shares all components with the RC motorcycles in India apart from its 250cc engine.

If KTM does bring this motorcycle here, it will rival quarter-litre motorcycles in the sportsbike segment which currently has a diverse crop of single-cylinder and twin-cylinder motorcycles in the sportsbike segment. However this still remains questionable as the KTM 200 Duke and the RC200 sold in India are capable enough to compete in this segment that sees naked and faired motorcycles alike. KTM and Bajaj Auto may manufacture the motorcycles here and export them to foreign markets with Japan being the major importer. What remains to be unveiled are future plans from the Indo-Austrian partnership for India.

2015 Renault Duster launched at Rs 8.30 lakh

Renault has launched the updated 2015 Duster in India with more features. While it looks the same on the outside, there are major equipment add-ons on the inside.

The Duster front-wheel drive line-up now comes with an arm rest for front row passengers, soft-touch dashboard and new upholstery for the seats. Also on offer is the new Eco-mode feature which according to Renault, delivers upto 10 percent higher fuel economy.

The 2015 Duster FWD also comes with a new instrument cluster, cruise control, new steering column and speed-sensitive door locks. There is also a new multi-information display on offer which has a gear-shift indicator and a service reminder feature. Some of these features were earlier offered on the more-expensive Renault Duster AWD.

Three engines are on offer - a 103bhp 1.6-litre petrol motor, and two 1.5-litre diesels, tuned to make 85bhp and 108.5bhp. The diesel engines of the 2015 Duster are now tuned for better fuel-efficiency, and deliver 19.64kpl for the 108.5bhp and 19.87kpl for the lower-spec diesel motor.

The updated 2015 Renault Duster front-wheel drive range starts at Rs 8.30 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).


 

BMW developing touchscreen infotainment system

BMW is developing touchscreen infotainment systems for the near future, according to Adrian van Hooydonk, director of BMW Group design. The Bavarian carmaker currently offers infotainment systems that has a display screen, while inputs are made from a rotary controller.

“We will see some big steps in how you operate the vehicle, and voice control and head-up display is a big part of that. But, of course, using an iPad sitting on the sofa is easier than when you are on the motorway. This is a challenge that we’re working on, and there will be a role for rotary-controlled iDrive for the foreseeable future, even as we introduce touchscreen.”

Using touchscreen technology will affect the design of BMW interiors, although Hooydonk rejected the idea of a Tesla-style, flat, one-piece touchscreen dash. “A touchscreen is a big surface, and as designers we don’t like to see big, flat surfaces. However, flexible screens are around the corner, and we are pushing for that. We are dreaming of a seamless integration between display and shape.”

It was not confirmed how far away curved touchscreen interiors might be, but it seems possible that they might first appear on future electric ‘i’ cars. Hooydonk referred to the i brand as a “think-tank that encourages us that big leaps are possible, and helps us to prepare for whatever might come, and we want to keep the think-tank alive.”

Triumph launches new Tigers in India

Triumph Motorcycles have just launched its new Tiger range for the Indian market. The new Triumph Tiger XR is priced at Rs 10.5 lakh, the XCx is priced at Rs 12.7 lakh, and the Tiger XRx is priced at Rs 11.6 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi).

We have already ridden the top-of-the-line Tigers overseas, and came away impressed with Triumph's new motor, and how effectively the new riding aids like traction control and ABS brakes work. Triumph, now, also provides four new throttle maps that you can choose from, including road, rain, sport and off-road.

The Triumph XCx gets a 21-inch spoked wheel upfront, and a 17-inch one at rear which helps it go off the road too. The XRx, on the other hand, is a Tiger that is meant to stay on the road, and works well as a comfortable touring machine.

Hyundai announces 10-day Free Car Care Clinic

Hyundai have announced the launch of its 19^th Free Car Care Clinic, a 10-day service camp that will span from March 13 to 22.

The service camp will offer a 90-point check-up including examining the engine, transmission, electrical system, under-body, and the air-conditioning system. Hyundai customers will also be able to avail of discounts on spare parts, labour charges, selected accessories, and other value-added services. In addition to all this, Hyundai is also offering discounts of up to 20 percent on extended warranty, along with exchange offers on old cars.

The company will also provide customers of over four years, with scratch card offers. Customers interested can book an appointment through the ‘Hyundai Care’ mobile app or visit Hyundai’s customer care website.

Mercedes-Benz B-class facelift launched at Rs 27.95 lakh

Mercedes-Benz has launched the updated B-class in India with prices starting at Rs 27.95 lakh for the B 180 Sport petrol version, while the B 200 CDI costs Rs 28.95 lakh.

The updated B-class gets exterior styling tweaks in the form of a new front bumper and grille, LED headlights and re-profiled tail lights. There’s also a new chrome insert on the lower bumper that mimics a twin-exhaust setup. On the inside, the steering wheel is new, and so is the instrument cluster. It also gets a new seven-inch screen for the COMAND infotainment system.

Apart from the above cosmetic updates, the major mechanical change in the B-class facelift is the updated diesel motor. The new B 200 CDI comes with a 134bhp 2.1-litre engine as opposed to the 107bhp version in the earlier car. The petrol engine, however, is the same 121bhp 1.6-litre unit.

Along with the updated B-class, Mercedes-Benz also unveiled the 2015 A-class lineup. Like the 2015 B-class, the A-class hatchback also gets the updated 134bhp diesel motor. Apart from the updated engine, the 2015 A-class gets new 16-inch alloy wheels. The 2015 A-class comes with a standard panoramic sunroof in both petrol and diesel variants.

The 2015 A-class, however, is not a facelifted car like the B-class, Mercedes is working on a subtly updated model, which is expected to debut internationally later this year and will hit our shores shortly after.

Mercedes-Benz B-class facelift prices (ex-showroom, Mumbai) 

Mercedes-Benz B180 Sport petrol Rs 27.95 lakh 

Mercedes-Benz B200 CDI Sport diesel 28.95 lakh

Mercedes has also launched the 2015 A-class; prices for the same are as follows:
(ex-showroom, Mumbai)

2015 Mercedes A 180 Sport: Rs 25.95 lakh

2015 Mercedes-Benz A 200 CDI Sport:  Rs 26.95 lakh

 


 

Top-spec Tata Zest diesel automatic launched

The Tata Zest was launched last year amidst a lot of expectations. It became the first diesel sedan to be launched with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), and thereby became the most affordable diesel automatic in the country. Tata introduced the AMT on the mid-level diesel trim, and though market response was fairly okay, customers looking for the automatic Zest, had to miss out on a number of features available higher up in the range.

Tata seems to have taken market feedback into consideration, and has now introduced a new XTA trim. Like the name suggests, the XTA is the XT trim with the automatic gearbox. It is the top trim, and comes with all the features and equipment available in the XT trim. This means that customers looking for the automatic variant can now choose to have the Harman infotainment system, dual airbags, automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, height adjustable driver’s seat, rear defogger and daytime-running lights.

The Tata Zest XTA (diesel only) is priced at Rs 8.07 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Although this move comes across as an attractive offering, the Rs 8.07 lakh price tag means, you have to shell out more than Rs 70,000 over the Rs 7.31 lakh XT diesel trim; and this seems quite pricey only for the AMT gearbox addition.

Tata hasn’t officially announced the new trim, but a number of dealers have started accepting bookings for the new model. Some dealers have confirmed a waiting of 2-4 weeks for the Zest XTA. 

Volkswagen Vento Magnific launched

Volkswagen has announced the launch of a special edition Vento sedan called the Vento Magnific. This special edition Vento will be offered in both Highline and Comfortline trim. Customers can opt for the Magnific edition instead of the standard car at no additional cost.

The Vento Magnific in Highline trim will offer a Blaupunkt infotainment system with front and rear display units and 3G internet connectivity, along with all the other standard features that the regular Vento Highline gets.

The Comfortline trim will sport alloy wheels, a Garmin navigation device, and Volkswagen-badged scuff-plates, apart from the standard features on the regular model.

As with the updated Vento, the special edition will also sport dual front airbags, dual beam headlamps and a flat-bottomed steering-wheel.

The car will be available at all Volkswagen dealerships from March 10.

Rolls Royce Phantom coupe ‘Al-Adiyat’ unveiled

The Phantom coupe ‘Al Adiyat’ sports a red paint scheme with white pinstrips on the exterior, with a hand-stitched red and white dual tone interior. This exterior and interior theme will continue onto the nine Wraiths included in the collection.

The car features motifs of horses and reigns throughout the vehicle and gold plated horse-shoe stamps on the door sills. The scheme of horses continues onto the seats with intricate horse logos stitched into the front headrests, while the rear headrests sport reigns.

The ‘Al-Adiyat’ coupe will feature the standard Rolls Royce 6.75-litre V12 engine generating 460bhp and a 0-100kph time of 5.8 seconds. The top speed of the car is limited to 250kph.

Mercedes-AMG GT3 will debut in Geneva

The Mercedes-AMG GT3 has been revealed prior to its debut at the Geneva motor show next week. This is the track-bred, race version of the powerful AMG GT roadcar.

Power for the AMG GT3 comes from the same 6.3-litre V8 engine as 2010’s SLS AMG GT3, which produces around 600bhp. The engine is connected to a six-speed sequential transmission. Such outputs give the GT3 a clear advantage over the standard GT road car, which gets 503bhp from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine in its most powerful S form.

The GT3 to be presented at the Geneva show, is in matte grey paintwork, and features a widened body, large air intakes at the front, a new diffuser and a prominent rear spoiler.

Racing modifications include a stripped-out interior and an integrated steel rollcage. Weight-saving measures include replacing the standard engine cover, doors, front wings and aprons, side skirts, diffuser and boot lid with new elements made from carbonfibre. Double wishbone suspension has also been fitted.

While the GT3 racer will compete as part of the FIA GT3 championship from next year, the racer will also inspire a more hardcore version of the GT road car. Speaking to one of the leading publication, Moers already called the go-faster GT project “a pretty good idea”. The new car will be targeted directly at the Porsche 911 GT3, although it will use neither that name, nor will it be a Black Series model. “GT3 belongs to the other company,” said Moers. “We will find another name for our car.”

McLaren 675LT revealed

The McLaren 675LT has been revealed prior to its debut at the Geneva motor show. This is a lighter and more powerful version of the 650S. The LT, in the coupé-only 675LT's name, refers to its long-tail aerodynamic design, something first used on the 1997 F1 Longtail.

The 675LT features a more powerful and significantly modified 666bhp version of the 650S’s twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8. McLaren says 50 percent of the parts in the V8 engine are new, including new turbos, new camshafts and connecting rods, a faster-flowing fuel pump and delivery system, and detail changes to the cylinder heads and exhaust manifolds.

Power rises 25bhp over the 650S to 666bhp, while torque is up from 69.1kgm in the 650S to 71.33kgm in the 675LT. Like the 650S, the engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Extensive use of carbonfibre for the bodywork and aerodynamic features, and other lightweight elements in the engine, chassis and body, give the 675LT a dry weight of 1230kg, which is 100kg less than that of the 650S. As a result, the power-to-weight ratio has improved from the 650S’s 493bhp per tonne to 541bhp per tonne in the 675LT. The combination of lighter weight and new engine outputs result in a 0-100kph time for the rear-drive 675LT of 2.9sec, and a top speed of 330kph.

The 675LT’s look is significantly altered and reprofiled from that of the 650S, sporting many aerodynamic features and more aggressive style overall. The Longtail Airbrake is a key part of the new design, being 50 percent larger than on the 650S. Other new features are the polycarbonate rear screen, the carbonfibre rear wings and twin circular exhaust pipes made from titanium.

The new rear bumper and diffuser are both made from carbonfibre. At the front, there is a larger carbonfibre splitter and new front bumper design aimed at improving cooling and downforce, channelling the air to the rear of the car through several aerodynamic features.

The interior of the car is yet to be revealed, but the sportscar manufacturer has promised a driver-focused interior with P1-inspired lightweight carbonfibre bucket seats wrapped in Alcantara leather.

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider to debut at Geneva

Alpha Romeo will debut the convertible version of its mid-engined sports car, the 4C at the Geneva Motor Show. From the front, the 4C Spider and the 4C Coupe are identical. The Spider sports a more pronounced rear, three heat extractors and a subtle spoiler. It also gets a body coloured engine cover. The coupe will also get all-new wheel designs.

To turn the coupe into a Spider, the company has built an all-new aluminium rollover structure, custom carbonfibre windscreen frame and high-strength steel engine cross bars. The Spider will also come with an all-new carbonfibre air intake system. It will also get an optical carbonfibre hardtop.

The 4C Spider will be powered by the same engine as the coupe, a 240bhp TBi. Alpha has claimed a 0-100kph time of 4.5 seconds for the Spider.

The Spider will offer a premium leather interior with accent stitching. The cabin will also get carbonfibre vent surrounds, along with an all-new audio system.

The car will be revealed alongside the updated 4C Coupe.