Porsche 911 Targa 4 launched in India

Porsche has launched the 911 Targa 4 in India, priced at Rs 1.59 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi). The more powerful Targa 4S costs Rs 1.78 crore.

The name Targa signifies a semi-convertible body style, and is the main selling point of this model. The 911 Targa 4 gets a wraparound window at the rear instead of the C-pillar, and a thick bar instead of the B-pillars. The roof above the front seats is movable, and it takes 19 seconds for the roof segment to open or close.

“The 911 is a sports car which has won more races than any other. The car’s arrival here in India signifies a new chapter in the legendary model’s evolution and I am incredibly proud and excited to welcome it.” said Anil Reddi, director, Porsche India.

Both 911 Targa 4 and 4S offer all-wheel drive. The 911 Targa 4 is powered by a 3.4-litre six-cylinder petrol engine that makes 345bhp and 39.8kgm of torque, while the Targa 4S is powered by a 3.8-litre unit that puts out 395bhp and 44.9kgm of torque. Both cars use a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Equipped with the Sport Chrono package, both the Targas can achieve a 0-100kph timing of under 5 seconds. The 911 Targa 4 reaches a top speed of 282kph, and the Targa 4S tops out at 296kph. The Targa 4S can also be had with an optional Carrera S Powerkit that boosts output by 29.5bhp.

Other tech features in the 911 Targa 4 and 4S include electrical system recuperation, map-controlled thermal management of the engine coolant and an auto stop-start function.

Mercedes-Benz C-class diesel launch on Feb 11, 2015

Mercedes-Benz will launch the diesel version of its C-class luxury sedan in India on Feb 11, 2015. It will use the ‘220 CDI’ engine specification, which means a 2.1-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that in the previous C-class produced 170bhp. However, there is a chance this motor could get a little more power in the new C-class.

Like the C 200 petrol model, at the time of its launch the new C-class diesel will be a CBU import. Local assembly of the C-class will commence later this year, but Mercedes-Benz understandably wants to bring the all-important diesel version of its luxury sedan here as quickly as possible.

And like the CBU C-class petrol, the C 220 CDI will be launched in a fully loaded top trim only. That means it will have features like a high-res, 8.4-inch screen for its COMAND infotainment computer, satellite navigation, LED ambient cabin lighting with three selectable colours, push-button start, a panoramic sunroof and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. You will of course get the basics like three-zone auto climate control, rear-view camera and Bluetooth connectivity as well.

We found the C 200 petrol to be an accomplished and grown up luxury sedan, but to better compete with its rivals in our market, a diesel version is essential. Being an import, the C 220 CDI is likely to be on the pricey side – around Rs 1 lakh higher than the C 200 petrol. Buyers are likely to baulk at the Rs 50 lakh plus on-road price (in certain states) however good the car maybe. Mercedes needs to introduce the locally assembled and hence cheaper versions of the new C-Class sooner rather than later to compete with its rivals on an even footing. 

Upcoming Renault-Alpine racer for Gran Turismo revealed

Renault has revealed a new, virtual Alpine race car for the Vision Gran Turismo design series. The new Alpine race car will be available for download and driving within the game, and serves as a prelude to the return of the Alpine brand in 2016.

Renault's in-house design teams submitted 15 designs for the concept, with designers and engineers working together to make the digital car. While no individual element of the concept will make it to production, officials say that several details on the car have been "directly inspired" by the upcoming sports car.

The new Gran Turismo concept is based on a carbonfibre monocoque chassis and is powered by a mid-mounted 4.5-litre V8 engine producing 444bhp and 59.17kgm of torque. Its top speed is pegged at 320kph, with power sent to the rear wheels by a seven-speed sequential transmission. It weighs 900kg.

Alpine says that the concept stands “at the crossroads of the past, present and future”, and it provides “a link between the virtual and real worlds”.

Much like other manufacturers, Renault has also produced a full-scale model of the concept. After the collaboration between Alpine and Caterham collapsed, Renault had previously confirmed that its upcoming sports car could be used to assess the business case for a new family of Alpine models. This was back in 2012, when Renault had first showcased a new-generation Alpine concept car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Players will be able to download the Alpine concept car from March.

Volkswagen Jetta facelift to launch on February 17

Volkswagen will launch the Jetta facelift on February 17, 2015. The facelifted Jetta will get a thorough update to give its competitors, the Skoda Octavia and Hyundai Elantra, stiffer competition. Prior to this, VW had launched a mildly refreshed version of the Jetta in October 2013.

The Jetta facelift will get a grille and headlamps that appear like a single continuous element, while the new and wider air dam will aim to improve aerodynamics. At the back, the LED tail-lamps are slimmer and now placed higher than before.

Inside, there's a new corporate steering wheel; bigger, cleaner dials in the instrument cluster, and a new high resolution trip computer.

Mechanically, the Jetta facelift will continue with the same 1.4-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines. The diesel engine, however, will get a 10bhp increase in power.

Expect Volkswagen to price the Jetta facelift in the Rs 16-20 lakh price range.