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Honda today has announced its plans to world premiere the new small vehicle concept in near production ready version as a prototype at the upcoming 27th Thailand International Motor Expo 2010 which will start from November 30.

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The new prototype builds upon the New Small Vehicle Concept which was showcased at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi and will represent packaging that is closer to the mass produced model.

Honda intends to introduce two different models of the small sized vehicle, both based on the same platform and sharing the same basic shape but catering to different market needs. For Thailand, the model will comply with the high fuel efficiency standards prevalent in the country while the Indian model is being developed exclusively for the ever growing small car market.

Honda has not given out any powertrain details but a fuel efficient 1.2 liter petrol engine is expected for the Indian market. The new small car will be launched in the year 2011 and is expected to be priced close to Rs 5 Lakhs.

Stay tuned for more updates!

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India’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki today handed over first lot of Two Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid cars and One ‘Eeco Charge’ to Mr Arvinder Singh Lovely, Hon’ble Minister of Transport for NCT Delhi. The vehicles intended for use at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, were handed over by Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, in the city.

Maruti Suzuki has made ready a lot of 14 future technology vehicles for the use at Commonwealth Games. These include 10 Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid Cars and 4 Maruti Suzuki ‘Eeco Charge’ vehicles. The balance vehicles will be handed over to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee for use by the Officials during the Commonwealth Games.

On the occasion Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi said, “I am happy that engineers at Maruti Suzuki have developed these future technology vehicles. This project has helped our engineers to increase their knowledge and enhance their R&D capability. We are grateful to the Government for their leadership to promote green technology in automobiles. Maruti Suzuki is happy to be associated with the Commonwealth Games national initiative, through these vehicles.”

Maruti Suzuki has developed the SX4 Hybrid vehicles and ‘Eeco Charge’ concept vehicles as a part of the demonstration fleet. The demonstration of the fleet of SX4 Hybrids and ‘Eeco Charge’ vehicles at the Commonwealth Games 2010, is in line with the ambitious NHPP and MNRE program outline.

SX4 Hybrid and ‘Eeco Charge’ concept development has been taken up by Maruti Suzuki as a part of the Government initiated and SIAM coordinated NHPP & MNRE National Hybrid Propulsion Program (NHPP) and the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Sources (MNRE)’s High Energy Density Battey Development Program.

More details on SX4 Hybrid and Eeco Electric after the jump.

‘SX4 Hybrid’

SX4 Hybrid is a Full Parallel Hybrid with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) on a sedan platform. SX4 Hybrid presents a case of evolution of transportation system with elements of flexibility, style and eco-friendliness. SX4 Hybrid offers mobility solution in an eco-friendly yet stylish manner.

The hybrid system used in the SX4 Hybrid features an electric motor and twin clutch arrangement with advance Lithium-ion battery technology. This concept combines a 1.2 litre K-series petrol engine and a 50 kW electric motor along with 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission. Together, these provide high fuel economy with lower emissions. The SX4 Hybrid is also capable of running solely on its electric motor, offering a further boost to fuel efficiency and zero emission modes in city driving. The SX4 hybrid offers 25 per cent more fuel efficiency compared to conventional gasoline vehicle.

‘EECO Charge’

‘Eeco Charge’ is a zero-emission, pure electric vehicle developed on a MPV platform. It is powered by a 50kW motor and a 24kWh Lithium-ion battery. On full charge it promises a driving range of around 100km and attains top speed of 100 km per hour. The ‘Eeco Charge’ also has the ‘Sport Mode’ for acceleration enthusiast. The battery for ‘Eeco Charge’ has been packaged under floor for better drivability and retaining ample boot space. The real time display of State of Charge and ‘Distance to Empty’ addresses user’s anxiety. The ‘Eeco Charge’ can be charged using household power source

Source: Maruti Suzuki

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Suzuki has shown the Kizashi Turbo Concept which made its public debut at speed channel’s Test Drive program.

The concept was prepared by Road Race Motorsports, one of the chief suppliers of the go faster bits for Suzuki, who began working with a pre-production Kizashi. The base 2.4 litre 4-cylinder engine has been topped with a 16G Turbocharger, high flow intercooler, extreme spray injectors, a blow off value, custom fuel management, velocity air intake and a velocity air intake. The result of all this is an impressive 290 bhp, up more than 100 bhp on the naturally aspirated engine.

The power is transmitted to the road via 19 inch Dunlop high performance tyres while the handling has been improved by using a rear mounted spoiler supplied by Delta Tech and sports suspension of all four corners.

source: speed channel via worldcarfans

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BMW has surprised everyone by unveiling the Concept Gran Coupe which the automaker calls a four door coupe at the ongoing Beijing Motor Show.

The concept looks almost production ready and is BMW’s asnwer to the competition from the next generation Mercedes Benz CLS, Porsche Panamera and the upcoming Audi A7. The car could sport a 8-Series monikor on the boot creating a whole new segment for the Bavarian automaker.

Loosely based on the aggressive 2007 Concept CS, the Gran Coupe is five meters long and has a lot body height of just 1400 mm making it upto 100 mm flatter when compared to the already low 5-Series and the 7-Series. The car sure has powerful presence with a sporty flat silhouette and striking dynamic proportions, something which BMW mentions in its press release.

Although we dont have any powertrain details, the 4.4 litre twin turbo V8 with 408 ps could find its way into that long bonnet along with the range toppping 6.0 litre V12 with 544 PS from the BMW 760Li but it may just turn out to be wishful thinking.

For our complete coverage of the Beijing Motor Show, click here!

Source: carscoop

Jump over for the image gallery.

Image Gallary: 2010 BMW Concept Gran Coupe

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Image Courtesy: www.worldcarfans.com

Aston Martin has finally debutted the Cygnet concept at the ongoing Geneva Motor show in all its glory for all of us to see.

The Cygnet according to Aston Martin is a new form of transportation – a luxury commuter car, quite oxymoron if you ask us. The new Cygnet will allow Aston Martin customers to enjoy the same levels of design, quality and innovation the brand stands for.

“Many of our customers have a need for a small car for urban and city use,” says Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez.

“The Cygnet Concept brings intelligence, innovation and artistry to the small car market. The Cygnet Concept represents the natural choice for those customers looking for a premium commuter car.” he added.

The Cygnet is based on the ‘very clever’ Toyota iQ which at three meters long is one of the smallest car anywhere in terms of foot print and can seat 4 people in 3+1 configuration. And though it is small, it hasn’t stopped Aston Martin from offering hand stitched leather/alcantara/ aluminium blended interiors and plenty of customization and personalization options.

The company has not revealed the powertrain details but its expected to retain the same driveline as the European version simply because Aston Martin doesn’t have any engine as small as this. Developing a brand new engine for a car this small is out of question simply because the amount of time, money and R&D effort involved isn’t worth the volumes the car will be doing.

Jump over for the Press Release and the image gallery.

Image Gallery: Aston Martin Cygnet @ Geneva 2010

Press Release

The Aston Martin Cygnet Concept is a bold step towards a new form of transportation; the luxury commuter car, a form of personal transportation that sees the company’s core values engage with a new environment.

The Cygnet Concept enhances the marque, pointing to a future of ongoing innovation, design and technology; allowing Aston Martin customers a greater degree of freedom without compromising the levels of design, quality and innovation that embody the brand.

An Aston Martin delivers the pleasure and exhilaration of driving combined with an appreciation of craftsmanship, design and technology. But Aston Martin is also about innovation, forging new links and associations; and bringing the brand’s qualities to new sectors of the market.

“Many of our customers have a need for a small car for urban and city use,” says Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, “The Cygnet Concept brings intelligence, innovation and artistry to the small car market. The Cygnet Concept represents the natural choice for those customers looking for a premium commuter car.”

“Our past, our future and our backbone will always remain sports cars, but the Cygnet Concept will support this by offering our customers a greater degree of freedom in the urban context.”

The Cygnet Concept is the result of a unique and intelligent collaboration, the coming together of two companies that are leaders in their respective fields. The project has required a close intellectual and engineering partnership, resulting in an inventive solution that unites volume and niche automotive engineering.

Aston Martin has always understood the importance of an emotional engagement with its products. As the company continues to innovate and diversify its product portfolio, emotional design will remain at the heart of its strategy, be it through the exhilarating sound of a V12 engine, the unmistakeable silhouette of an Aston Martin sports car or the quality, craftsmanship and skill that is evident in an Aston Martin interior. The Cygnet Concept exemplifies this latter attribute, demonstrating the high levels of detail design and craft that are integral to every Aston Martin, presented within a compact and highly advanced technological package.

The Cygnet Concept is a demonstration of Aston Martin’s unrivalled skill at creating hand-crafted interiors. The rich blend of hand-stitched leather, Alcantara and aluminium is shared with Aston Martin’s sports cars. The company’s extensive experience of traditional processes and richly detailed craftsmanship gives each Aston Martin a unique feel, bringing together detailed design work, high technology and exquisitely tactile materials.

As a luxury commuter car that can slip easily and unobtrusively into the city, the Cygnet Concept is a highly intelligent solution to urban mobility. Using tried and tested technology, together with Aston Martin’s acclaimed levels of personalisation and customisation, material quality, craft skill and tactile delight, the Cygnet Concept is innovative and forward-thinking, a genuine solution for future mobility and a natural partner for Aston Martin’s line-up of acclaimed luxury sports cars.

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I.DE.A (Institute of Development in Automotive Engineering) the famous Italian design house responsible for our very own Tata Safari and Tata Indica will display an all new sports sedan amusingly named ‘Sofia’ at the upcoming Geneva motor show.

Although nothing else apart from the three computer generated images and name is known, the design house states that the new 4-seater sedan sports concept will be instantly recognizable by its “italian styling and beauty”.

Come Geneva and we will have all the possible details for you. 

Source:carscoop.blogspot.com

Jump over for the gallery images.

Image Gallery: IDEA Sofia 4 seater sports sedan concept

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Menacing front would make the lesser cars pee in their pants errr paths!

Old is gold... and we know you agree!

Audi has one of the most impressive display at the Auto Expo 2010, befitting a company celebrating its centenary in the Auto world. The company had everything from the 1935 225 Roadster to the gorgeous A7 Sportback at display which gives you an insight as to where the Audi design is headed in the future. The A7 Sportback according to Audi symbolizes the sportback principle in its purest form with combination of elegance, sportiness and variability.

A "Stunner" from every angle!

An Audi from yesteryears but no less gorgeous!

Audi also took this opportunity to launch the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI having the most powerful diesel engine in its class and the limited edition A6 which will be available for an attractive Rs 37 Lakhs onwards (Ex-Showroom, Mumbai). The company also announced the production of its highly successful Audi Q5 SUV at its group production facility at Aurangabad and plans to launch an extended warranty program later this month.

The eye of the tiger

Audi A7 Sportback Concept

The stall built on the lines of Audi pavilions at any of the major auto shows abroad gives auto enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the entire Audi range available in India which includes Audi A4, A6, A8, Q7, new Q5, the TT sports car and the R8 supercar together with two international exhibits in the form of the A7 Sportback Concept and the 1935 225 Roadster.

Jump over for the Audi @ Auto Expo image gallery.

Image Gallery: Audi @ Auto Expo 2010

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Toyota Etios Sedan Concept

We will now start our Auto Expo coverage and what better way than to start with one of the largest car makers on the planet, Toyota.

Toyota Etios Htachback Concept

Apart from the usual suspects the Innova, the recently launched Fortuner and the giant Land Cruiser, Toyota unveiled the all new Etios small car concept, a model which when launched later this year will the first mass market product for the Japanese giant in India. 

The company is hoping to capture 10% of the Indian car market by 2012, an aim which rests almost entirely on the shoulder of their new small car.

The company also showcased the Etios Sedan concept which would take the fight to the other C segment rivals like Hyundai Verna, Ford Fiesta, Fiat Linea, Tata Indigo Manza and the king of the crop Honda City.

The Etios follows Toyota’s age old mantra of playing it safe. Its not designed with the passion and verve of a Fiat’s Grande Punto nor its as futuristic as Honda’s Jazz but one thing that all Toyotas do and do very well at that is being functional and reliable.

The Etios Rear is quite frankly Boring!

Whats amply is clear is that looks will never be the USP of the Etios. Its safely styled and even though the show car was dressed in a striking Imprezish blue color and snazzy gold color alloy wheels, it looked rather boring. The side profile is the best part of the looks with a strong shoulder line that runs across the length of the car ending at the tailights. The front is ok too with the huge chrome grille and nicely creased bonnet in the centre. Its the rear which sort kills a good looking car. It seems that Toyota designer lost the will when it came to designing the rear. For example that chrome bar on the hatch door frankly looks very much out of place!

Toyota Personal Mobility Concept

Toyota also displayed the personal mobility concept, the fuel cell powered low slung concept car which looked like it was designed in the nineties and the soon to be launched Hollywood green brigade’s favourite Prius Hybrid.

Jump over to see more images from the Toyota stall at the Auto Expo.

Toyota @ Auto Expo 2010

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