New Car: 2012 Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon

Yet another limited edition, but this one’s for a good cause. The US market Fiat 500 “Pink Ribbon” limited edition was created in partnership with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), which mission is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.

Only 250 Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon units will be available at Fiat Studios in October. For each sale of the $22,500 car, Fiat will donate $1,000 to BCRF, with a minimum of $50,000 contribution from the carmaker.

Based on the 2012 Fiat 500 Lounge model, the Pink Ribbon is available in Argento (silver) and Bianco (white) exterior paint colours and features a signature dark pink body stripe with “500″ logo and an accenting “ribbon” in light pink.

Inside, highlighting this limited edition model are Nero leather front and rear seats with pink accent stitching on the perimeter and signature “500″ logo embroidered on the front seatbacks and a pink ribbon embroidered on the floor mats. Pink accents are also hand-stitched through the leather steering wheel.

And to match this specially appointed Cinquecento, a pair of uniquely designed Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon key fobs will act as a constant reminder that you’re driving a good cause.

Thanks to: Paultan

Spied: 2013 Toyota Avanza

Here are some shots of a Toyota MPV circulating in Indonesian forums and websites. Taken from a factory line, these images are likely to be of the new Toyota Avanza. The rear shot shows it lining up behind a Toyota Rush SUV, which of course shares the same platform as the Avanza.

The compact seven seater Avanza may be over eight years old now, but it still rules the sales charts in Indonesia. It’s also a success in Malaysia, but the late 2009 introduction of the Perodua Alza has seen Avanza sales whittle down to a couple of hundred units per month. Toyota recently gave its IMV trio of Innova, Fortuner and Hilux a revamp, and it looks like the Avanza is the next!

The front end is quite similar to that of the Etios and Etios Liva in India, and that wide grille is also seen in the Corolla Altis 2.0, so it looks like Toyota wants the Avanza to have more of a “car look”. None of the three recently facelifted IMV models carry this look. While the changed face brings a more rounded and sculpted look, it remains to be seen in the metal if it gels with the Avanza’s boxy shape.

At the back, the more rounded theme continues, and the tail lamps now wrap into the sides. We can also see a new line on the profile between the wheels that sweep up gently, in addition to the current curves that highlight the wheel arches.

Besides the latter, more evidence that this is more than just a simple front and rear nip/tuck is in the different shape of the rear quarter glass/D-pillars, as well as the rear screen, which appears to have more rake on the new car.

If this is indeed the new Avanza, it won’t be coming so soon, if at all. UMW Toyota will be busy rolling out the refreshed IMV trio first (Hilux is already out, click here to read our report) and Malaysia already has the more stylish and modern Perodua Alza for this segment, so perhaps the Avanza isn’t top priority.
Thanks to: Paultan

Hot News: Skoda to Expand its Line-Up

The new Skoda Citigo city car is the first model in a rapid expansion of Skoda's product line-up, which will include a new hatchback, MPV and a large SUV in the near future.

Future Skoda models in the new line-up, which will be increased at a rate of one new car every six months, will be “very attractive products at low prices with low costs”, according to technical chief Eckhard Scholz, adding that the firm was only interested in launching cars in “big volume segments, not anything niche”.

The Czech firm wants to be selling 1.5 million cars per year by 2018, up from the 762,600 it sold in 2010.

The three-door Citigo will be the sole member of Skoda’s New Small Family at launch, a line-up that will include a four-door version and possibly a small MPV.

Skoda has been buoyed by the success of the Yeti and sees room in its product range for a larger SUV, particularly to further fuel its growth in China.

Don’t expect to see a straight badge-engineered Skoda version of the VW Touran or Sharan for its new MPV, though, as Scholz pointed out Skoda “always goes its own way” in the VW Group when it comes to new models, except on cars such as the Citigo and Fabia that require partners in order to be profitable.

“We will launch a SUV bigger than the Yeti,” confirmed Scholz, “as such a car is important for China, as well as Europe. We’re also looking at a more conventional MPV, something bigger than the Roomster.”

The Octavia-sized MissionL saloon-come-hatchback concept was revealed at Frankfurt and will make production in 2012 with minimal changes. Scholz also referred to the production car as “Rapide” when speaking with Autocar, but Skoda is understood to still be deciding on a final name of the car. It will be priced between the current Fabia and Octavia, from around £12,000.

The VisionD hatchback from Geneva also looks to have a production future as a hatchback version of the MissionL. “We are already thinking of a different direction for MissionL,” said Scholz.

“We always have saloons and combis [estates] so maybe we should do something different with MissionL,” he said. “We already have too many combis.”

The MissionL is close in size in the current Octavia. The new Octavia, which will be Skoda’s biggest-selling model in the new range when it’s launched in late 2012/early 2013, will grow in size to fit between MissionL and the Superb.

The Superb is also due a facelift in the next 12 months, and early test cars have been spied recently.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: 2013 Ford Mondeo

Ford is gearing up to unveil the most desirable Mondeo ever. With a look inspired by the stylish four-door Evos concept car, plus a host of 
hi-tech kit, the saloon will hope to shift its everyday image.

Set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012, the car will hit the road next summer.

Our exclusive illustrations – based on insider information 
and recent spy shots – show the Mondeo gets the latest Kinetic 2 design language.

This includes the large, inverted trapezoidal grille from the Fiesta, Focus and C-MAX, yet more pronounced and mounted higher up. Another key feature is the narrow headlights.

But the look is about much more than simply the blue oval’s family face. Two boldly defined feature lines adorn the sides, while bulging rear wheelarches and a steeply raked roofline reveal the car’s sporty intentions.

It’s not only the looks that 
will be inspired by the Evos; 
the Mondeo will also lift its 
powertrain from the concept. The range-extending 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motors won’t be offered from launch, but will follow. This will allow for an electric-only range of around 50 miles and about 500 miles between fill-ups.

More conventional engines will make up the rest of the range, including Ford’s 1.6 
and 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol turbos. In the current car, 
the latter produces 200bhp and returns 36mpg economy, while the 1.6 – as found in the C-MAX 
– will offer 150bhp and 180bhp outputs. Also available will be a range of diesel models, including a 112bhp 1.6-litre TDCi and a 2.0 TDCi with 137bhp or 163bhp.

Even the traditional engines will be among the most efficient on the road thanks to eco 
tweaks currently used in 
the latest models, such as the 
Focus. These include stop-start, brake energy regeneration and active aerodynamics that close the grille at high speeds to improve fuel efficiency.

Under the skin will be a 
modified version of the current Mondeo’s front-wheel-drive 
chassis, which will include 
torque vectoring for the first time. 
This helps to shuffle power between the front wheels in 
corners to prevent understeer.

Inside, the impressive fit 
and finish and high-quality 
materials used in recent Fords will help the Mondeo bridge 
the gap to more expensive 
rivals from Audi and BMW. A range of hi-tech gadgets will make the newcomer one 
of the most advanced models 
on the road.

This includes the SYNC entertainment system, which can play audio, read text messages and deal with voice commands through wirelessly connected smartphones. In addition, the Mondeo will get features such as lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and parking assistance.For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2014 BMW M3 Sedan

Fans of the BMW M3 sedan rejoice. Rumors have surfaced in the recent past that the next-generation M3 would come only as a coupe or convertible, but our spy photographer caught pictures of what appear to be an M3 sedan testing at the infamous Nurburgring track in Germany.

Wider fenders front and rear, as well large intakes in the front bumper can be made out through the black and white swirl camouflage. Large brakes and quad exhaust tips – traditional M features – are also present.

There has been much speculation about the next M3’s powerplant. Most rumors indicate that the iconic BMW will return to six-cylinder motivation. There are three (probable) possibilities for the new engine: twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with enough changes to be considered a different engine than those found in the 335i and 335is; a tri-turbocharged 3.2-liter inline-six, featuring two exhaust-driven turbos and one electric, possibly shared with a future X3 M; and lastly a new twin-turbocharged V-6 engine – a first for BMW.

Regardless of the upcoming M3’s (and possible M4’s) motivation, most believe the new turbocharged mill will make horsepower in the neighborhood of 450 – approximately 36 more than the current V-8 and around 100 lb-ft more torque than the naturally-aspirated V-8’s 295 lb-ft.

The M3 sedan is expected to appear summer 2013 – ahead of coupe and convertible body styles. Coupe and convertible versions of the next-generation 3-series are rumored to get the 4-series nomenclature and if they do the M versions may be called M4. Still, things could change between now and then.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2013 Ram Tradesman HD

Finally, Ram is catering to buyers who need to tow or haul with the new Ram 1500 Tradesman Heavy Duty — an uprated version of the existing Ram 1500 Tradesman. It is rated for a payload of up to 3100 pounds, a tow rating of 11,500 pounds, and a gross vehicle weight rating of 17,500 pounds — all figures which top other half-ton pickups.

The Tradesman comes only with rear-wheel drive and an eight-foot bed. Power comes from a Heavy Duty version of the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with 383 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Upgrades to help the truck cope with the higher weight ratings include a strengthened frame, tougher wheel hubs, larger brakes, and a standard Class IV hitch with trailer wiring connectors. The Tradesmen HD goes on sale in spring 2012.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2012 Mini London 2012 Edition

To celebrate the upcoming 2012 Olympic games, which are to be held in London, Mini has unveiled a special batch of cars for the U.K. market. Just 2012 copies of the special London 2012 Edition cars will be built.

In a big show of patriotism, the cars are available only in colors matching the Union Jack flag: Chilli Red, White Silver, or Lightning Blue. The mirror housings and roof are slathered with the logo for the 2012 Olympics, and a tiny Union Jack stripe runs the length of the car. The cars wear bespoke 17-inch gray alloy wheels.

Inside, the dashboard wears a graphic showing the London skyline and the words “London 1 of 2012.” The leather seats, handbrake, shifter boot, and floor mats all receive red and blue stitching with white piping.

Standard toys on the London 2012 cars will include leather sport seats, digital radio, air conditioning, cruise control, chrome interior trim, and engine stop-start. The cars are available in Mini Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper S, and Cooper SD trims, with prices ranging from £17,800 to £20,860 (about $27,900 to $32,700). The cars go on sale in March 2012, but can be pre-ordered now.

If the special trimmings and graphics don’t convince you of Mini’s commitment to British success in the upcoming Olympics, perhaps this video will. It shows England long-jump champion J.J. Jegede vaulting over the roofs of three Mini London 2012 Edition cars.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Spied: 2013 BMW X6

BMW’s new corporate headlight and taillight scheme is now making its way across its lineup, and it’s looking like the X6 will be the next Bimmer to sport LEDs. Our European spy photographer spotted this X6 with some very light camouflage on its headlights and taillights.

Look closely at the X6’s headlights, and we can make out BMW’s new squared-off LED ‘eyes’ sitting pretty behind the lens. As for the tape, that likely covers two strips of LED running lamps. If you’re having a hard time visualizing it, picture the current X6’s circular ‘halo’ headlamps replaced with LED’s similar to those found on the new 6 Series. As for the rear of the X6, we’re not expecting the taillights to change much. The taillights are shaped exactly the same as the current ones, and they’re unlikely to change shape in the update. Instead, like the front, BMW will freshen them up a bit with some new LEDs, and call it a day.

We should mention that our spy photographer has heard rumors that the X6 will also get new front and rear bumpers when it receives its mid-cycle refresh in 2013.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2012 Toyota Tacoma T|X Baja Series

Toyota’s newest special edition pickup doesn’t celebrate motorcycles or the wild west–Toyota’s special edition 2012 Tacoma is called the Baja Series, and it turns up the small truck’s off-road ability.

As the name suggests the T|X Baja is inspired by the Baja 500 and 1000 desert races, in which Toyota’s Toyota Racing Development (TRD) wing been quite successful. Fittingly, TRD has tweaked the 2012 Tacoma to make it more of an off-road warrior, and tossed in a few visual upgrades to make it look the part.

Baja Series trucks are based on standard Tacoma four-wheel-drive models equipped with the existing TRD Off-Road package. Available in both Access (i.e. extended) and Double (i.e. crew) Cab forms, Baja trucks are available only with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine, along with either a six-speed manual (a new addition for the 2012 Tacoma lineup) or a five-speed automatic. The TRD package also adds an electronically locking rear differential, hill-start assist, and a brake-based downhill speed control.

The T|X Baja adds a few new components designed to increase suspension travel. Up front, the truck receives 60mm Bilstein race shocks and TRD-tuned coil springs up front. In back, the Baja truck uses 50 mm Bilstein dampers with a remote oil reservoir. Toyota says the front suspension travel is an inch greater than stock, while the rear suspension can articulate by an extra inch and a half. Cosmetic upgrades include special 16-inch gunmetal wheels with BF Goodrich tires, a TRD-crafted cat-back exhaust system, and special Baja Series graphics along the length of the pickup bed.

Why unveil the T|X Baja in Texas? Toyota says the launch commemorates the fact that the truck – like all 2012 Tacomas – will be built within Toyota’s assembly plant in San Antonio. Expect the special-edition truck to arrive in showrooms in spring 2012. Pricing has yet to be announced for the package.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Spied: 2013 Lincoln MKS

In our September 2011 issue, we presented an in-depth feature about how Ford intends to turn the Lincoln brand around, noting that the plan will begin in November with the debut of the updated MKS and MKT. We now have spy photos of the former, which gives us a first look at a number of the updates.

There’s been a lot of chatter about Lincoln sending its current waterfall grille design to the scrap yard, but new head designer Max Wolff apparently will start by refining—not erasing—Peter Horbury’s work. As you can see through the black cladding on this car, the 2013 MKS grille still features two sections filled with vertical bars. Now, though, they are crowded with more, thinner chrome vanes. Also visible are foglight housings that are smaller and lower on the bumper.

Out back, the taillights, which are currently very linear and vertical, will get new C-shaped LED strips, while the trunk panel between also will be redesigned. What’s the giveaway? Notice that the license plate, which was once centered in the trunklid, is now mounted low on the bumper.

The news inside the cabin is good or bad depending on how you feel about the controversial MyLincoln Touch technology (known also as MyFord Touch) and the touch-sensitive volume- and fan-control strips introduced on the 2011 MKX. Based on our own experiences—we hate the system—this won’t be a positive change.

We don’t know what will change under the hood, but we do at least have starting points to make some guesses. The 2013 Ford Taurus shown earlier this year at the New York show hints at some of the smaller tweaks, like a larger brake master cylinder, as well as bigger brake rotors on the EcoBoost V-6 model. The MKS also will adopt the MKX’s 305-hp version of the 3.7-liter V-6. At this point, we’re guessing that Lincoln will skip the Taurus’s new four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, but we aren’t ruling it out completely. We’ll know for sure in a few months.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Mahindra Launches Global SUV XUV500 at a Price of Rs.10.8-12.88 Lacs - Mahindra XUV500 Photos, Images

 

Mahindra and Mahindra once again stunned the world by launching its much awaited global SUV "SUV500" at a very competitive price of Rs. 10.8 Lacs. Mahindra XUV500 launches in 3 variants and bookings commence on the 1st of October in Phase I cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Pune.

Mahindra XUV500 is powered by mHawk140  micro Hybrid engine that boasts 140bhp and 330Nm of torque that transfers power to all the wheels with 6-speed manual transmission also gets twin exhaust pipes. The SUV is also packed other features like various safety features that include ABS, 6-airbags and the ESP.

Mahindra XUV500 has specially designed this SUV for international market as launching in South Africa tomorrow and other market in coming months and at this introductory price as everyone expecting above 14-15 lacs bracket  it will give tough fight to industry leader Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Captiva, Honda CRV, Hyundai Santa Fe, newly launched Renault Koleos and much ahead of Tata Aria.

Mahindra XUV500 Price in India: (Ex Showroom Delhi)

W6 - Rs. 10.8 Lacs

W8 - Rs. 11.95 Lacs

W8 All Wheel Drive - Rs. 12.88 Lacs

Mahindra XUV 500 Exterior Photos:

Mahindra XUV 500 Interior Photos:

New Car: 2012 Mahindra XUV500

Mahindra has just taken the wraps off the new XUV500, its most important SUV since the Scorpio. Designed to appeal to Indian as well as global SUV buyers, this thoroughly modern SUV is the first Indian off-roader to be built around a car-like monocoque chassis.

The design is very forward looking and, undoubtedly, the styling is clearly the talking point here. The stance of the car is spot-on. Almost Mitsubishi Outlander like in the way it carries its weight, the long wheelbase, tapering roof and rising beltline makes this car look quite dynamic and modern. The best part however is that the stand-up awkwardness of the Scorpio is gone, and that’s fantastic. The detailing and aggressive cuts and slashes all over the body make this car look even more modern and futuristic.

The XUV500 also has a tough build, plenty of space on the inside and is well equipped too. It has LED reading lights, ESP, tyre pressure monitoring and even six airbags. Under the hood is the familiar 2.2-litre mHawk engine similar to the one in the Scorpio. However, it now makes more power and torque – 140bhp and 33.33kgm - and the engine is placed transversely. The XUV will be launched in front-wheel-drive as well as all-wheel-drive versions and there is a new cable-operated six-speed manual gearbox, developed with the help of Riccardo, capable of handling more torque than the Scorpio’s gearbox.

Assuming Mahindra doesn’t get carried away with the price and the car drives, rides and handles well, it looks like Mahindra are on a good wicket. Stay tuned for our first drive tomorrow.

Thanks to: Autocar India

New Car: 2013 Skoda CitiGo

Skoda will launch its new £7000 city car, the Skoda Citigo, in the UK in mid-2012. It will be the first model in an aggressive product roll-out that will result in a new car launched every six months.

The new three-door Volkswagen Up-based city car, set to be part of a range of new city cars Skoda collectively calls ‘New Small Family’, will be a major part of Skoda’s ambitious growth plans. The Czech firm wants to be selling 1.5 million cars per year by 2018, up from the 762,600 it sold in 2010.

The Citigo’s styling mixes its current cues from the Fabia with the look of its recent VisionD and MissionL concepts cars. It features a finned grille set in chrome-plated frame, similar to that seen on the MissionL seen at Frankfurt motor show earlier this month.

It is 3560mm long, 1650mm wide and 1480mm high, although Skoda claims a 2420mm wheelbase offers enough interior space for four passengers on long trips. Boot volume is 251 litres, or 951 litres with the rear seats folded down.

The Citigo is will be offered initially in the UK with the Up’s 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine with two power outputs: 59bhp and 74bhp.

The standard engines will offer 62.8mpg and 105g/km of CO2 for the 59bhp version and 60.1mpg and 108g/km for the 74bhp unit.

Highly economical variants under the Green Tec banner will also be available. The 59bhp Green Tec will return 67.3mpg and 97g/km, while the 74bhp powerplant will boast 65.7mpg and 99g/km. Alongside the manual gearbox, Citigo will also be available with an automatic transmission.

Interior kit includes satnav – which comes in the shape of a detachable, portable five-inch touchscreen – Bluetooth and numerous storage compartments. The car will also feature Skoda’s new brake assistance system for collision avoidance.

The three-door Citigo will be the sole member of the New Small Family at launch, but Skoda technical chief Eckhard Scholz said the four-door version, previewed by the VW Cross Up at the recent Frankfurt motor show, would be "the most important" of the new cars.

"The three-door looks good, but the four-door is even better in my opinion," he told Autocar. Scholz also confirmed an "aggressive price" for the Citigo, with some sources suggesting a price of around £7000.

An electric version of the Citigo is also under consideration, but not yet confirmed. "We need to learn about the technology first," said Scholz.

Production of the Citigo will begin at Skoda’s Bratislava plant in October. The car will go on sale in the Czech Republic before the end of this year, ahead of the UK and European roll-out next summer.

Thanks to: Autocar

New Car: 2012 Toyota Pixis Space

Toyota has launched its first-ever minicar for the Japanese market, called the Pixis Space. The petite vehicle is designed to meet Japan’s kei car rules, which permit drastically lower taxes for tiny vehicles with small engines.

According to The Detroit News, kei cars must measure no more than 133.8 inches long, 58.3 inches wide, 78.7 inches tall, and can have engines displacing no more than 660 cc (0.66 liters). Minicars of this ilk now account for about a third of all cars on Japanese roads; Toyota hopes to sell about 60,000 copies of the Pixis Space annually.

For comparison, a 2012 Fiat 500 measures 139.6 inches long and 64.1 inches wide. Fittingly, the Toyota’s name was inspired by the English word “pixy”, denoting a tiny elflike creature.

The Pixis Space is not a unique Toyota design, but a car supplied by subsidiary Daihatsu as part of an agreement between the two companies reached in September 2010. The Pixis Space, which is essentially a badge-engineered Daihatsu Move Conte, will be offered in the basic L and X trims, along with the fancier Custom X, Custom G, and Custom RS models. The basic models get a naturally aspirated 660-cc engine with dual variable valve timing, while the Custom RS receives a turbocharged version of the same mill. All models have a continuously variable transmission and front- or four-wheel drive.

Toyota says front-wheel-drive Pixis models return the equivalent of 60 mpg in Japanese testing, qualifying them for 75 percent less vehicle registration tax in Japan. The Pixis Space can seat four adults and has “sufficient” cargo space. The bench front seat is said to be “reminiscent of a sofa.” The Custom X, G, and RS models are differentiated mostly by HID headlights, more sporty-looking fascias, and interior accent lighting.

Pricing for the front-drive Toyota Pixis Space L starts at 1.12 million yen, about $14,607; the Custom RS commands the equivalent of $21,015. It’s safe to say that the car will not be making an appearance in the American marketplace.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Honda launches new Small Car Brio, Priced @ Rs.3.95-5.1 Lacs - Honda Brio Photos

SIEL Honda launches their much awaited small car "Brio" in the Indian market on 27th September, 2011. Honda Brio comes below their other hatchback Jazz and powered by the same 1.2 liter i-VTEC engine,giving 88 PS with a better fuel efficiency of 18.4 km.


Honda Brio comes in 4 variants EMT, SMT, S(O)MT and VMT. The interior is spacious and central locking and immobilizer is standard across all variants and ABS with EBD and SRS Airbags are on the top end and SMT option variant. Honda Brio will compete with newly launched Toyota Etios Liva, Chevrolet Beat, Ford Figo, Maruti Ritz, Tata Vista, Fiat Grande Punto and VW Polo.

Honda Brio Prices in India: (Ex Showroom Delhi)

EMT: Rs.3.95 Lakhs
SMT: Rs.4.35 Lakhs
S(O)MT: Rs.4.90 Lakhs
VMT:  Rs.5.10  Lakhs

Honda Brio Exterior Photos:

Honda Brio Interior Photos: 

Nissan launches new Sedan Sunny, priced @ Rs.5.78 to 7.68 Lacs - Nissan Sunny Photos, Images

Nissan India increasing their products in the Indian market and after launching small car Micra they are ready with entry level sedan "Sunny" to compete the second best segment in India. Nissan Sunny is currently launched in the petrol version only and powered by a 1.5 liter equipped with Variable Timing Control makes 99 PS of power at 6000 rpm with a 134 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, giving a decent mileage of 16.5 km/liter.

Nissan Sunny comes with Anti-locking Braking System with Electronic Brake Distribution across all models. Nissan Sunny will compete with Maruti Swift Dzire, Tata Manza, Toyota Etios and Ford Fiesta Classic.

Nissan Sunny Prices in India: