Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2

He has long been revered as one of the many legends surrounding the world's most uncompromising sports car brand - Valentino Balboni, a remarkable test driver with his own personal cult status. Automobili Lamborghini now presents a model in his honour and bearing his name - the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni.

The latest version of the Gallardo, Lamborghini's most successful model of all time - overall, more than 9,000 units of the model range have already been produced - boasts not only its own distinctive design and exclusive equipment, but its technology is unique too, as indicated by the model badge: the 550 stands for the power output in hp and the 2 is for rear wheel drive.

For several decades, Valentino Balboni has had a distinct influence on the character of the super sports car bearing the sign of the bull. With his fine-tuning and testing work, he has helped to shape many automotive legends, from the Lamborghini Miura of the 60s through to the current Lamborghini Gallardo and Lamborghini Murciélago models. Balboni was hired in 1967 by company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini himself. From early on, it was evident that the young Balboni had a special feel for cars, that most sensitive of all instincts that connects to the 'life blood' of an automobile and defines the soul of a test driver.

"A Lamborghini must always combine the precision of a race car with the reliability of a good friend," says Balboni. Since 1973, he has sat at the wheel of every prototype built by the brand, and even most production cars have passed through his hands before being delivered to their customers. This has turned Balboni into one of the most important representatives of the brand, with an outstanding reputation and status among the brand's fans and customers worldwide.

Limited to 250 units

After over 40 years with Lamborghini, Balboni is now officially retired. Yet, Valentino Balboni continues to travel to many countries around the world as an ambassador of the brand. The special exclusivity of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni is guaranteed - it is limited to 250 units.

Light-footed yet extremely safe

With this latest version of the Gallardo, Lamborghini is honouring its long-standing test driver in a very special way. The Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni was conceived in line with his own thinking, and it meets many customers' requests for a model with a unique character, which offers a very special kind of active driving fun. The Balboni model is the only current Lamborghini that delivers its power to the road via its rear wheels alone.

Rear wheel drive has a special appeal to those sports car drivers who enjoy a particular driving style. Thanks to the eminently powerful V10 driveline, controlled oversteer is no problem - naturally always to the extent defined by the driver - because refined road manners and perfectly tuned assistance systems mean that the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni is an exceptionally safe sports car to drive.

Driving fun with unique character

In order to shape this unique character that combines driving fun and safety, the engineers at Sant'Agata Bolognese have incorporated extensive modifications into the LP550-2 Valentino Balboni. It was not simply a question of moving the transmission to the rear axle, the vehicle had to be adjusted and tuned in every element of its driving dynamics. This includes springs, dampers, stabilisers and even the tyres. The aerodynamics were also adjusted to take account of the change to the power flow.

The rear axle differential, with a 45 percent limited slip, was also redeveloped, as was the calibration of the e-gear transmission. One significant point was the adjustments made to the ESP system. While the standard program is focused on high stability, the CORSA program permits greater drift angles, thus enabling drivers to enjoy the dynamics of the LP550-2 to their full extent.

Outstanding performance is guaranteed

Adjustments have also been made to the very heart of the Lamborghini Gallardo, the 5.2 litre ten-cylinder: the perfect synthesis of hi-revving pleasure, pulling power, a constantly exuberant temperament and a powerful symphony played in all keys. In the Valentino Balboni, the compact and lightweight power unit generates 405 kW (550 hp). At a dry weight of only 1,380 kilograms, this guarantees outstanding performance: the LP550-2 is catapulted from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62mph) in a breathtaking 3.9 seconds, while the top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph) guarantees its place among the ultimate in super sports cars.

Powerful elegance in its distinctive design

The Valentino Balboni is not only unique in terms of its technology: its design and equipment reinforce its exclusivity. Its classic sporting character is emphasised by a colour strip in white and gold running from the front panel over the roof and parts of the engine cover all the way to the rear spoiler, with inspiration from the classic sports cars from the '70s. This colour treatment underscores the powerful elegance of the Lamborghini Gallardo and emphasises the unique Lamborghini design DNA. The Special Edition is available in eight colours, from Bianco Monocerus through to Verde Ithaca, or Arancio Borealis to Nero Noctis. The Scorpius wheels retain their dark grey finish, while the brake callipers come in black, orange or yellow, depending on the exterior paint finish.

Classic sporting look for the interior, too

The characteristic colour combination is repeated in the interior. The basic colour of the full leather upholstery is black. Both seats, however, feature the colour strip in white. The centre console is completely upholstered in Polar white leather to create a powerful accent. A badge below the left side window bears the signature of Valentino Balboni and the production number of the car.

The exclusivity of the Valentino Balboni is augmented further by its extensive equipment. Alongside several new leather features in the interior, there is also the transparent engine cover, the rear view camera, the navigation system with Bluetooth and the lifting system for the front axle that makes it easier to drive over obstacles. In addition to the extensive standard equipment, a list of further options is available including e-gear transmission and carbon ceramic brakes.

Suggested retail price (without taxes)

• Europe: 162.000 €
• UK: £137.900
• USA: $219.800

Lincoln MKX

New, industry-exclusive technologies and engaging design featuring world-class craftsmanship and materials further elevate the 2011 Lincoln MKX midsize luxury crossover.

Leading the wide-ranging innovations is the all-new MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology, which delivers a smarter, safer, simpler way to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives. MyLincoln comes standard on the 2011 Lincoln MKX, providing drivers a whole new experience behind the wheel.

"With its combination of style, performance and uncompromising luxury, the Lincoln MKX has brought new customers into the Lincoln showroom in a way that very few products have before," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "Lincoln customers tell us they care most about style and technology, and the new Lincoln MKX meets these needs perfectly. The new MyLincoln Touch technology will change the way customers interact with their vehicles while its new design language gives the vehicle a distinctive and stylish silhouette we know customers will love."

The dramatic freshening of the 2011 Lincoln MKX extends to all areas of the vehicle: new features and technologies not available anywhere else, new exterior design, new interior design with increased use of genuine materials, new powertrain with unsurpassed fuel economy, improved driving dynamics and new tires and wheels all combine to deliver an unparalleled luxury experience.

"The 2011 Lincoln MKX represents no-compromise luxury," said Elaine Bannon, chief engineer. "Every attribute - technology, ergonomics, material selection, power, fuel economy, driving experience - is a standout. Plus, it's wrapped in a beautiful package."

The industry-first MyLincoln Touch experience, powered by Lincoln SYNC®, replaces traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with clear, crisp LCD screens and five-way buttons like those found on cell phones and MP3 players. The screens can be personalized to display information relevant to each individual driver using a simple button click, voice command or touch screen tap.

The electronic finish panel on the 2011 Lincoln MKX demonstrates all the advantages of this touch-sensitive technology in a beautiful, engaging package. Activated features display amber light. When turned off, signature Lincoln White lighting is displayed.

In addition to the usual audio and climate control features, the touch-sensitive technology also operates the volume and fan controls, which is exclusive to Lincoln.

Customers can swipe their fingers along the slider to adjust the volume. The slider features 10 distinct touchpoints; three full swipes bring the system to maximum volume. Customers also can touch anywhere along the slider to get a corresponding increase or decrease in volume.

The fan control is operated in a similar fashion. On both the volume control and the fan control, the distinctive Lincoln White lighting acts as a chaser.

Like the song? You can tag it

Also new on the 2011 Lincoln MKX is the world's first use of iTunes® Tagging in an available factory-installed HD Radio™ receiver. Enabled by the available Voice-Activated Navigation System through SYNC, iTunes Tagging provides customers with the ability to "capture" a song they hear on the HD Radio receiver for later purchase from iTunes. With a simple push of a "TAG" button on the radio display, the song information will be stored in the radio's memory.

Once a song is tagged and customers dock their iPod to the SYNC system, the "tagged" song information will transfer to that iPod. When the iPod is then synced to iTunes, a playlist of tagged songs will appear. Up to 100 tags on SYNC can be stored until the iPod is connected. When an iPod is connected, the tags are transferred from SYNC to the iPod. Customers then can preview, purchase and download tagged songs from the iTunes Store, if they so choose.

One significant benefit of HD Radio technology is that the sound quality of the broadcast is dramatically better because of the digital transmission - FM sounds like a CD and AM sounds like today's FM broadcasts. Plus, unlike analog broadcasts, digital broadcasts aren't susceptible to interference, fadeout and other issues.

2011 Lincoln MKX brimming with standard and class-exclusive technologies

Standard MyLincoln Touch and remote start lead the list of features or technologies that are new for the 2011 Lincoln MKX, including:

• Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support allows the driver to set the vehicle's speed and maintain it without using the accelerator pedal, and warns the driver of a potential collision risk. It also helps reduce speed and automatically pre-charges brakes and engages an electronic brake assist system to help drivers stop more quickly when the system detects a collision is imminent.
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert is a feature that helps detect vehicles in blind spots during normal driving and traffic approaching from the sides when reversing out of parking spots.
• MyKey™ is designed to allow parents to encourage teenagers to drive safely and more fuel efficiently, and increase safety belt usage. The standard MyKey feature allows owners to designate keys that can limit the vehicle's top speed and audio volume.
• Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel-Filler System is a standard Ford-exclusive feature that uses an integrated spring-loaded flapper door to eliminate the need for a fuel tank screw cap.

The 2011 Lincoln MKX has eight class-exclusive features: MyLincoln Touch, Lincoln SYNC, Easy Fuel, SecuriCode™ keyless entry, Blind Spot Mirrors, MyKey, Cross Traffic Alert and AdvanceTrac® with RSC (Roll Stability Control™).

Fun tuned in while noise is tuned out

A wealth of upgrades means the 2011 Lincoln MKX will provide a more connected feel between the driver and the road through responsive acceleration, engaging steering, spirited handling and confident braking.

The new 18-inch tires have increased grip and are mounted on larger wheels than the outgoing product, helping enable enhanced stopping and improved handling. Twenty-inch wheels are available as well.

The springs, shocks and stabilizer bars also have been retuned to give the Lincoln MKX a flatter response through turns and over hills while still providing the comfortable ride luxury buyers expect and demand.

The original Lincoln MKX set many benchmarks in overall quietness, and that tradition continues as Ford internal preliminary data show the 2011 MKX scores better in speech recognition, wind noise and sound package than competitors from Lexus and Audi.

Both road noise and wind noise are significantly decreased in the 2011 MKX because of improvements found throughout the interior and exterior, including powertrain. Additional actions include:

• Sound pack and acoustic glass: A more-absorptive sound pack is found throughout the interior, which reduces high-frequency noise more effectively than material that acts merely as a barrier. The result is an improved articulation index, which measures how easy it is to hear and understand someone in the vehicle. The 2011 Lincoln MKX also features an acoustic headliner, and the microphone for the SYNC system has been relocated so it is closer to the driver for improved voice recognition. The windshield also is thicker and acoustic-laminated for reduced wind noise. Acoustic glass in the front doors also is standard for the 2011 model. Finally, baked-on expandable foam baffles in the fenders and rear D-pillars help seal out unwanted road noise.
• Powertrain NVH improvements: Three main actions contribute to a quieter 2011 Lincoln MKX from a powertrain NVH perspective. One is the more robust engine cover. Intake and exhaust systems also have been completely retuned for a crisper note corresponding to Lincoln powertrain DNA. Finally, a "tighter" torque converter reduces engine rpm on launch and tip-in events, reducing engine noise.

More stopping power, increased braking technology

New four-wheel disc brakes provide enhanced stopping power. Key brake system upgrades include steel pistons, larger rear rotors, revised brake friction materials, revised brake booster gain and revised pedal ratios, all of which enable more initial bite and a firmer, more confident feel when customers press on the brake pedal.

The 2011 Lincoln MKX also offers several new brake-related features: Hill Start Assist, which reduces rollback on hills; Trailer Sway Control, which provides greater towing stability when equipped with the available trailer tow package; Hydraulic Brake Assist, which provides greater braking force in emergency stops; and available Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support.

Improved performance without sacrificing fuel economy

Power for the 2011 Lincoln MKX is supplied by the 3.7-liter Duratec V-6, which employs advanced technology and clever control strategies, such as Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) to increase horsepower and torque without compromising fuel economy.

Customers of the 2011 Lincoln MKX will enjoy a luxury crossover that has best-in-class power and torque versus all V-6 competitors with unsurpassed highway fuel economy of 25 mpg - all on regular fuel. Horsepower has been increased to 305 - a 15-percent increase compared with the outgoing product - while torque is up to 280 ft.-lbs., marking a 12-percent improvement.

The 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V-6 is mated to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, which gives customers the option of a fun-to-shift manual experience.

In SelectShift mode, the transmission doesn't second-guess the driver, giving him or her control over gear selection and performance feel. Upshifts, for instance, are not commanded at redline, and downshifts are allowed at the lowest gear possible as defined by the engine speed.

For instance, when a lower gear is selected while descending a long downhill grade, the 2011 Lincoln MKX in SelectShift mode will hold that gear until the driver manually upshifts or returns to the fully automatic setting. To help ensure safe shifting, the transmission will downshift to the lowest acceptable gear, based on a calculated maximum speed. That means if a vehicle is traveling at highway speeds, the driver cannot downshift to first gear in SelectShift mode.

Improvements to engine hardware and powertrain control strategies account for the gains in power and fuel economy. Other strategies in addition to Ti-VCT are aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff; torque-based deceleration control and battery management through "smart charging."

All-new interior brimming with functionality and craftsmanship

The interior of the 2011 Lincoln MKX reflects an even greater emphasis on what defines Lincoln DNA: luxury, craftsmanship, genuine materials and sharper execution.

Gentle details that bring out Lincoln standards of quality and excellence include brightwork on the vents, genuine stitching on the doors and softer armrests with upgraded materials. The cupholders, with available ambient lighting, are found beneath the independent sliding leather-covered console lids, which feature decorative stitching. A power tilt/telescoping steering column and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel are available.

All-new leather-trimmed seats, comfort sections and standard tuxedo stripe embrace the new Lincoln DNA sew style. More genuine aluminum appliqués are standard, with aluminum accents on the door added to the spears on the instrument panel.

The two available wood accents - Olive Ash and Walnut Swirl - on the steering wheel, dashboard and doors add character and form; each selection has a livelier, natural appearance, adding even more character to the interior. Whether customers select aluminum or wood, the increased use of genuine materials in the 2011 Lincoln MKX ensures that each interior will be distinctive.

"Everything about the 2011 Lincoln MKX is vibrant and luxurious," said Bannon. "Our MyLincoln Touch system will draw people in, helping them discover that the new Lincoln MKX delivers a total driving experience not found anywhere else."

The 2011 Lincoln MKX will be built at Oakville Assembly Plant; Ontario, Canada.

Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet Camaro is an excellent car at a suitable Price in India. Chevrolet Camaro is expected in India in December, 2010 @ a Price range 20 -25 lakhs with various variants. This car consists of 3 type of Engines in form of different variants. All details regarding these variants and engine specifications are given below. General Motors is planning to present this luxurious sports car in Indian Auto Market soon. Chevrolet camaro comes featured with very luxurious interiors, elegant exteriors best suits the needs of new generation. This car is packed with safety features as well.

Lets have a look on Chevrolet Camaro Price, Features and Specifications  

Chevrolet Camaro Features

• six speed gearbox
• Driver Air Bag
• Passenger Air Bag
• Side Impact Air bag
• Rear Body Air Bags
• Side Impact Air Bags
• Rear Head Curtain Side Impact Air Bags
• High intensity discharge headlights
• Large diameter
• stylish aluminium & steel wheels
• Intermittent wipers
• Mirrors Traction Control System
• StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System

Chevrolet Camaro Specifications

Engine
Chevrolet Camaro comes with three engine types in form of different variants.
1.

• Petrol Engine 3.6L V6
• Maximum Power 3.4@ 6400 RPM
• Maximum Tarque 273@ 5200

2.

• Petrol Engine 6.2L V8
• Maximum Power 426@ 5900 RPM
• Maximum Tarque 420@ 4600 RPM

Mileage and Fuel -

• City Mileage – 8.2 kmpl
• Highway Mileage – 12.0 kmpl.
• Fuel Base – Petrol

Chevrolet Camaro Variants -

1. Chevrolet Camaro LS - 3.6L V6 Engine
2. Chevrolet Camaro 1LT – 3.6L V6 Engine
3. Chevrolet Camaro 2LT – 3.6L V6 Engine
4. Chevrolet Camaro 1SS – 6.8L V8 Engine
5. Chevrolet Camaro 2SS – 6.8L V8 Engine

Chevrolet Camaro Price

Chevrolet Camaro Price in India – Rs. 20,00,000/-

Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2

What a rush, I tell you! If you’re one to scoff at the idea of a 2-wheel drive  Lamborghini, you ought to get behind the wheel of the new LP 550-2 and belt  the thing down a race track. I did just that, on the Shanghai F1 circuit and t he raging Bull galvanised every hair follicle I had! Think blood rushes, because that’s what the 550 causes when you shift up  and stomp on the throttle. The engine whooshes like the opening of a dam’s  sluice gates and you are pinned to the seat. The pace picks up and your  facial muscles automatically contort into a shakey smile. Before you know it,  you’re approaching the braking marker, always too fast for the Lamborghini i nstructor sitting beside you, who’s already clawing at the door in panic — and  all of this with the Corsa mode switched off. Brake hard and your innards  are flung forward, though you’re held in place by those seat belts. Before  your intestines emerge through your ribcage, you attack the corner, trying to  remember what racing lines are all about. Enter on the outside, straighten out the corner by taking the inside near the  apex and then exit wide. All that sounds easy, but when you're being shoved  by 550 bhp from behind your tail and your heart’s pounding like a howitzer,  it's a different story. The Gallardo sticks like glue, though, its potential far  exceeding what my driving ability can ever be, and I get out of the kink with t he car in third gear. In return, I get a thumbs up from the instructor. Maybe t hat’s the cue that he wants to get the hell out of the car. Or maybe he’s impressed.  Who knows?

Skoda Yeti Review - Rare Species

There are SUVs and then there are crossovers. Manufacturers take pains to point out the differences between the two and tell you why  one is better than the other (as long as they aren’t making the other).  Engineers in R&D get into defensive positions when comparisons  are made, while marketing honchos think offence is the best defence.  And it’s a battle that doesn’t look like it’s going to end any time soon. But sometimes, there are vehicles that tread both paths and find a niche  within a niche. Well, I didn’t know such an ultra-niche existed till the Skoda  Yeti came along. The Yeti doesn’t look traditional — it even could pass off  as a slightly extended hatchback on stilts. How else could one justify its rather compact 4.2 metre length? It even  has a second row of seats that can not only be moved on its rails in all  four directions, they can even be removed completely to create space for  a pair of baby elephants. The Skoda Yeti then could probably be called  the most interesting vehicle on sale this year, but is it the best? Let’s go find out.  More Photos:

Prima-ry School - Tata Prima Truck!

At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, a Prima was unveiled at  the Tata Motors pavilion. And it had nothing to do with the  machine you see here. The Prima was a gorgeous executive  saloon concept designed by Pininfarina that indicated where  Tata was looking at entering next. But before you know it,  barely had a few months passed that the manufacturer unveiled the Prima in India – and the badge was affixed on a big rig,  instead of a car! Never mind what the sedan will be called,  we got behind the wheel of the bigger Prima instead. If you took three Kartiks or 3.2 Kyles (I suck at math, you see) and  stacked them one above the other, the roof of the truck and the skull of the third would just about fall in line. It's so long  with the trailer attached that I doubt if our entire team of eight lying down one behind the other head to toe would measure up.  But really that is hardly an excuse to drive it now, is it? The true reason is simple. Think of the good ol' Tata 1612.  Those hot interiors, an apology for a dashboard, gears that  would refuse to stick and with a steering wheel so thin, you  could actually use them for hula-hoops. Now place it next to  the Tata Prima and you get the drift. The jump is monumental.  So monumental that it is enough to change the face of trucking  in India forever and take Tata Motors straight into the backyard  of the Renaults, Volvos and DAFs of the trucking world. More Photos:

Mercedes Benz E63

The weather was bleak and more suited for commuting than thrashing super sedans and coupés on the autobahn. But a job is a job and I had to bring you the story, right? After puttering around in an AMG-tuned ML, which was more like a baby elephant on banned substances, I was longing to drive what was ahead of me. I lowered the windows of the ML just to hear its potent engine crackle and pop as it sent a prodigious amount of torque to its rear wheels. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the world of the E63 AMG — pure madness in a taxi-shell! Make no mistake, this E-Class can look the part in a Stuttgart taxi stand, if not for the minor skirting and initials revered by petrolheads around the world. There are three women in my life whom I continuously try to impress. While my wife and my daughter give in easily, my mother-in law can be a tough act. So, to impress her, I borrowed a Mercedes-Benz E-Class fifteen years back — the occasion being the coming home of my newborn son. Heck, I even drove one some 2,500 km on another occasion to…er…show off! Impressed in-law or not, I love the E-Class Mercedes-Benz— age no bar! And after seventeen years as a motoring scribe and editing this page for 15 years, I can tell you that there is no better overall car than the W124 Mercedes of early nineties vintage.  More Photos:

Toyota Etios Review - Finally!

It’s been four years in the making. It has made the second-largest automotive manufacturer in the world go back to the drawing board again and again. It has made them do things they have never done before. At the end of it, Toyota has this to show, the Etios sedan (the hatchback follows next year). This is the car they have pinned their hopes on, to get the volumes in a country where car sales have been shooting through the roof. While Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata, Ford and even General Motors have accelerated their activities in the country, Toyota has been slow and late in bringing in a mass-market model. But try telling them that and they say that they cannot be hurried. They set their own pace. Well, that comes out of some sort of confidence, I would say. It’s the same sort of confidence they had when they introduced the Qualis in the country — all of us knew it was a dated vehicle, but that did not stop us from buying it, right? Even though it was a dinosaur in automotive terms, it was the best machine in its category. So: is the Etios worth the wait? Let’s find out what the Toyota for India is all about.   More Photos:

Toyota Prius

 

The good: Getting around 50 mpg on average, the 2010 Toyota Prius is a stellar car for fuel economy, and you can choose accelerator sensitivity. Traffic reports are integrated with the navigation system.

The bad: The Prius isn't designed for handling. There isn't full iPod or USB drive integration for the stereo. The DVD-based navigation system reacts slowly.

The bottom line: The 2010 Toyota Prius is a better car than its predecessor, although there are some areas, especially in the cabin, where we would have liked to see more improvement.
 

 

 

After the success of its predecessor, the advent of the 2010 Toyota Prius created a lot of expectations. But instead of incorporating sought-after features such as a lithium ion battery pack or plug-in capability, Toyota opted for incremental changes, tweaking the power train to get more power and better fuel economy.

On the cabin tech side, we expected big advances, as competitors have stepped up the game with such options as external data sources, which provide useful location information, and better compatibility with electronic devices. In this area, the 2010 Prius takes a few steps forward, but not as many as we hoped.

The new Prius model can be had in four trim levels, which Toyota dubs II, III, IV, and V, apparently preferring simple Roman numerals to arcane combinations of S, E, and L. Our test model was the Prius IV, which included navigation, upgraded JBL audio system, Bluetooth phone system, a back-up camera, and, most interestingly, the solar-roof option.

A horizontal crease in its rear gives the Prius a spoiler and lends a unique look to the taillights.

From the outside, the 2010 Prius shows some subtle, but smart, body changes. When spotting the new Prius in the wild, you will want to look for the notched back, a horizontal rear crease that lets the hatchback lip stretch out a little, creating a spoiler effect. Less obvious will be the roofline change, which moves the peak back a few inches for better aero efficiency and to add a little headroom for rear passengers.

Looking inside, Toyota adopted the floating console that Volvo started using a few years ago, creating an airy feeling in the cabin and a little storage space. Strangely, Toyota chose to put the Prius' seat heater controls in that open space, so you'll have to reach down in cold weather. Otherwise, the dashboard is still bare of analog gauges, retaining the monochrome digital strip just below the windshield. The steering wheel has a slightly flattened bottom, something more commonly seen on sports cars.

Hybrid driving
As with the previous version, the 2010 Prius starts out under electric power, creeping forward silently at low speeds and with light acceleration. And light acceleration is all you get with even half throttle applied--the Prius doesn't feel like it wants to move at all, which is one way to save gas. It takes almost full pressure on the accelerator to feel some pull from the front wheel drive, but that also takes the Prius out of electric drive. We found a constant tension while driving the 2010 Prius between playing the maximum mileage game and actually trying to get to a destination.

Initial acceleration may be unsatisfying, but Toyota gave Prius drivers options with the 2010 model in the form of three buttons labeled EV, Eco, and Power. While driving city streets, we tried the EV button, a program designed to maximize the use of the electric drive. The first time, a message on the car's display said our speed, 27 mph, was too high. The second time we tried it, a similar message gave the excuse that the battery was too low. We wondered if the car would cite a headache as the next excuse.

The buttons control programs that remap the accelerator, changing its sensitivity.

As we expect, Eco mode makes that slow acceleration even worse. But Power mode is tolerable. These modes are merely throttle programs, so a light touch on the accelerator when in Power mode can still produce good mileage. Although we enjoy getting the Prius moving under electric power, in the real world, we found it necessary to stab the accelerator to get moving from a stoplight, engaging both gas engine and electric motor and working toward the peak hybrid system's 134 horsepower. Once up to speed, easing back on the accelerator lets the Prius cruise at speeds of 25 to 30 mph under electric power.

Traffic conditions
Before getting on the freeway, the navigation system shows us the traffic conditions, a new feature for the 2010 Prius. But this unit is still DVD-based, and searching through the points-of-interest database to find a destination takes some lengthy pauses to retrieve information. New, nice-looking graphics indicate the different means of destination entry through the touch-screen LCD, but most of these are locked out while under way.

However, the voice command system does an excellent job of recognizing our inputs, and offers feedback on the LCD showing which commands are available at each step. With route guidance active, the navigation system shows familiar graphics mapping out upcoming turns and which lanes to be in for freeway junctions. We also discover another new feature for the Prius' navigation: it does text-to-speech, reading out the names of streets.

While driving on city streets, we noticed the new Prius still had the wobbly feeling in turns from which its predecessor suffered. On the freeway, the Prius wanders in its lane as wind buffets it around. The steering feels solid, making it easy to control, but it doesn't have that stable road feeling offered by similar midsize cars.

At freeway speeds, we fight to keep the instantaneous fuel economy gauge above 50 mpg while maintaining reasonable freeway speeds of 65 to 70 mph. Toyota has migrated its various power and fuel economy displays to the monochrome instrument screen, from their former placement on the LCD. Although not as graphically rich, it's safer. We find ourselves settling on the Eco screen, which uses a horizontal bar to show how much throttle we are applying. 

The Eco screen shows our average fuel economy, but doesn't show range to empty. We have to dig through a few other screens to find that information. You can't get average fuel economy and range to empty on the same screen--an annoyance. These screens are informative, and let you maximize mileage, but they are a far cry from the hybrid instrument display Ford uses in the Mercury Milan Hybrid.

Tech tricks
Another instrument display feature in the new Prius is a graphic that mimics the steering wheel buttons when you press them; the idea being that you don't have to look down at the wheel when you press a button, keeping your eyes closer to a front view. In concept it's pretty cool, but in practice we find it unnecessary. After a few minutes of driving, we remember the button positioning, and don't bother to look at the instrument display feedback.

These graphics activate when you touch a steering wheel button, offering visual feedback.

The freeway is a good spot to listen to the stereo characteristics. We were disappointed on getting into the 2010 Prius to find no iPod port, but Toyota built in stereo Bluetooth support for MP3 players. And, as luck would have it, the new OS for the iPhone includes stereo Bluetooth. We paired an iPhone to the car's Bluetooth phone system when we first got in, and were happy to see the car ingested the phone's contact list as well.

But using the iPhone as a music player meant we had to pair it again, this time to the stereo. You can't use the iPhone for music and phone at the same time with the 2010 Prius. We thought this lack of integration would be a real problem, but switching from Bluetooth music player to Bluetooth phone proves fairly easy, merely requiring a touch on the car's onscreen connect button. Still, if you were to get a call while using the phone as a music player, it wouldn't switch to the car's hands-free system. Also, the Bluetooth audio source screen in the car doesn't show what music is playing and offers no music browsing capability. You only get a play and a pause button. Toyota really should have put in true iPod support.

With the navigation option in our car, the disc changer goes from six slots to four, and is hidden behind the LCD. This arrangement is the same as is in the previous Prius model, and we would have expected some improvement here. That disc changer can, of course, read MP3 CDs. There is also satellite radio and a simple auxiliary input.

Our car includes the upgraded, eight-speaker JBL audio system, which sounds surprisingly good, especially considering what we are used to hearing in Toyota cars. Although lacking a subwoofer, this system puts out bass strong enough to feel, yet still retains well-modulated highs and mids. Instrument definition is good, making the different layers in a recording distinct. This is an above-average audio system.

Proceeding along our route, the navigation system pipes up, warning of slow traffic ahead. It doesn't offer a detour, but looking at the map, we see the freeway marked in yellow, indicating speeds of 20 to 40 mph. This navigation system is supposed to find a route around any red sections, which would mean traffic moving under 20 mph.

The art of braking
As in the previous model, using the brakes is an art in the 2010 Prius. Hit them too hard, and you use the actual pads and calipers. The trick is to anticipate stops and slowdowns and lightly apply the brakes well in advance, which uses the car's regenerative braking system only, thereby feeding the battery and saving wear and tear on the pads.

We employ this braking technique as we get off the freeway and approach our destination. Leaving the car in a parking lot on a hot day, we get to experience one of the more unique features of the Prius: the optional solar roof, which on our car powers a fan in the cabin, so when we get back to the car it's a little cooler than it would be otherwise. We also had a rearview camera on our car, but Toyota implemented a back-up beeping, similar to what you find on big trucks. This gets kind of annoying, although it's probably a pedestrian safety feature, as the Prius will usually be running under quiet electric power when it reverses.

This monochrome power animation shows when the engine and motor are driving the wheels.

Other tech options available at the V trim level include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and an automatic parking system. We had the opportunity to try these features in a different Prius earlier. The cruise control and lane departure work well, similar to what we've seen in much more expensive cars. The parking system is hit or miss: it does an excellent job of guiding you into well-marked parking spaces, but requires too much adjustment for others.

Driving in the city and on the freeway, we see our average fuel economy range between 48 and 52 mpg, in keeping with the EPA's rating for the 2010 Prius of 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway. Where the previous model had a 1.5-liter engine, Toyota bumped the displacement up to 1.8 in the 2010 Prius, and also made some refinements in the electric drive system. Toyota claims the larger engine actually gets better fuel economy in some circumstances than the smaller one.

In sum
We can't say that we really enjoy driving the 2010 Toyota Prius, but as an economical means of transportation, it's hard to beat. Fuel economy is its major virtue, and we give it a high performance rating for showing an average of around 50 mpg. For cabin tech, Toyota has made a few improvements, but the lack of good MP3 player support is an oversight. Live traffic reports and the JBL audio system are worthwhile improvements. It gets a high score for design, partly because of its body style, which makes it stand out in the crowd while giving it an extremely low drag coefficient. Design also benefits from the nice graphic treatment for the navigation system.

Spec box

Model	2010 Toyota Prius
Trim	IV
Power train	1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder with hybrid system
EPA fuel economy	51 mpg city/48 mpg highway
Observed fuel economy	50 mpg
Navigation	Optional DVD-based with live traffic
Bluetooth phone support	Standard
Disc player	Four-disc CD changer, MP3 CD support
MP3 player support	Bluetooth streaming, auxiliary input
Other digital audio	Satellite radio
Audio system	Standard JBL, eight speakers
Driver aids	Rearview camera
Base price	$25,800
Price as tested	$30,709

Test Drive – Hyundai i20 CRDi Asta – Likes and Dislikes

After spending almost a week with the i20, this is how we sum up -

Things we dislike -

1. Soft suspension during city drives.
2. Music system sound quality could have been better.
3. Absence of a live fuel mileage meter.
4. Rear seats offering less thigh support.
5. Horn provided is inappropriate for India.
6. Seats could have been leather at least in the top-end variant.
7. Gear shifting could be better, the Hyundai Verna diesel has one of the best gear shift feel in the Hyundai line-up.
8. Rear headroom is less due to the swooping roofline for tall passengers.
9. Instrument cluster backlight dimming function not present.
10. Absence of the front quarter glass like the which could come in handy during turning.
11. Price. Due to the level of export content, Hyundai is unable to offer this car at a lower price. If they did, it would mean even more VFM.
12. Absence of bottle holders or map pockets on the rear door pads.
13. Absence of vanity mirror on the sun visor.
14. Seat belt height adjuster absent.

Things we like -

1. Awesome engine with up market feel and refinement.
2. Loaded with gadgets which are only found on the top end variants of the mid-size sedans.
3. Belongs to a breed of Euro 5 Star safety rating cars.
4. Meaty tires with alloys helping a big way in improving the ride quality and handling.
5. Awesome mileage figures, we managed to get a figure of 14.5 kmpl with a heavy foot and 18.5-19 kmpl (combined) with a nice relaxing drive.
6. Braking ability of this hatch, remember this has all wheel discs aided by ABS .
7. Very stylish design from outside, very trendy and a sure head turner.
8. Superb interior design, very different design element used.
9. Super comfortable driver and co driver seats, they just wrap around you.
10. Huge huge glove box, not seen on may Luxury cars too, can sallow a laptop, its also cooled.
11. The windshield washer spray literally thrusts water on the glass, the cleaning is exceptional and very different from any other car.
12. Audio controls on the steering – not many hatches have it.
13. Retractable mirrors, noteworthy here is the function even works when you have removed the keys out of the ignition slot.

Standard features that the Hyundai i20 CRDI Asta comes with -

1. CD MP3 player with steering mounted controls.
2. AUX and USB ports.
3. Climate controlled AC.
4. Power windows front and rear.
5. Power mirrors and Retractable mirrors
6. Two Airbags.
7. Seat height adjusters on driver side.
8. Steering wheel adjuster for reach and height.
9. ABS.
10. All wheel discs.
11. Rear defogger with washer.
12. Broad tires with nice alloys.
13. Remote locking.
14. Trendy key remote.

Suzuki Swift R Concept – A Swift that I’d want to buy

The Suzuki Swift has always been a boy racers car. Its fast, its cheap, handles well, easy to repair and it looks good as well.
You can see a lot of them modded on city streets. But those are all aftermarket jobs. But when the company itself rolls up its sleeves, what you get is an R Concept or simply put a really mental Swift.
The Suzuki Swift R Concept, which will debut at the upcoming Beijing Auto Show, takes its inspiration from the GSX-R bikes and is quite evident from the really aggressive body work and very fat tires that it sits on. This front wheeled drive hot hatch is expected to be powered by a 1.4L liter turbocharged petrol unit that makes a whooping 180 bhp! All this power is harnessed by a 7 speed dual-clutch transmission borrowed from VW.
All said and done, we just can’t wait for the Beijing Motor Show later this year.

The Limited-Edition Maruti Suzuki SX4 Royale Launched

A while ago, we had spoken about the upcoming Limited-Edition Maruti SX4, and here it is finally. Yes friends, we hear that the Maruti Suzuki SX4 Royale Dealer Limited Edition has been launched in Mumbai and Goa. So, those interested in the SX4 Vxi or SX4 Zxi can now avail the car with the addition of a host of attractive features. Maruti Suzuki certainly has been fighting back with all its strength. It wants to prove that it was, is and will be the leader in the Indian car market.

It’s not even a week since the car maker brought into the market CNG variants of five of its popular models. Maruti Suzuki launched CNG variants of compact cars Estilo and WagonR, MPV Eeco, mid-sized sedan SX4 and India’s dearest and best selling model, the Alto. The last one mentioned here, the Alto, had received a new sibling very recently. Remember the Alto K10 launch on 4th of August? That was just two weeks ago. Car makers, time to stop laughing over Maruti Suzuki’s dwindling market share. Get ready and equip yourselves with more models.

Now, back to the royal SX4 Royale! Here’s a note on the additional features. The new car comes equipped with ORVM with indicator and an athletic spoiler as far as the exterior of the SX4 is concerned. The interiors, however, flaunt plenty of changes. To enhance the inner beauty of the SX4, the limited-edition Royale comes with floor mats. After beauty, Maruti Suzuki seems to have taken care of luxury. The cushy seats now come with fine leather covers and the steering too receives a leather cover adding a touch of opulence. Then, there’s the neck support so that the driver doesn’t complain of a pain in the neck.

The SX4 Royale is as modern as anybody or anything else. Yes, to ensure you are fully entertained and stay connected while on the drive, the new car comes with Bluetooth compatible integrated stereo. For the voracious readers who just won’t stop even in the car, there’s a reading light, your own personal lamp. Speak of car scratches, and it’s the doorsills that are the major areas of attraction. So, to protect your dear car from scratches, there’s the doorsill guard. To help the driver while reversing the SX4 Royale, Maruti Suzuki has embedded the reverse sensor in the car.There’s more that comes with this dealer limited-edition Maruti Suzuki SX4. You get a stylish Royale decal, plus four years of extended warranty, a Maruti Suzuki Auto card and a Rs 8000/- worth Shoppers Stop gift vouchers. Isn’t that wonderful? The magnificent car with its appreciable ground clearance costs somewhere around Rs. 8.7 Lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) and is available in 7 royal colours: Azure Grey, Pearl Arctic White, Clear Beige, Silky Silver, Midnight Black and two new shades French Eclair and Oyster Blue. Interested in buying one? Hurry!

A New Ford

The new Ford's here! The new Ford's here! And is he more qualified than ever or what?

Anybody who can keep junior high school kids not only in their seats but focused on a lesson plan can deal with any supplier issue, boardroom dispute or labor-contract negotiations he's ever likely to encounter.

Yeah, that's for su... What? This has been the secret all along? Not years in the industry but a couple of years teaching readin', writin' and 'rithmetic? Jesus.

Look out Mulally, Krabappel is comin' fer ya!

Referenced articles
autoweek.com: Henry III, Act I: Henry Ford's great-great grandson will soon enter the stage

Time To Make A New Category

Dodge truckNot that we care all that much for Trucks* but what the hell is Chrysler thinking? A brand just around the RAM trucks? It's not like these things have been selling like hotcakes... so WTF?

Is Chrysler going to spin off the Challenger, too? Oh, look, the Challenger brand is up 100% (when they sell their second car).

Seriously, we almost started the WTF category when Penske was going to buy Saturn but we scrapped it when Penske scrapped their plans. We decided we'll move ahead with the WTF category if Konenenishooterglavenberg makes the Saab purchase official, but now we're wondering if we should do it now.

WTF!

Referenced articles
PickupTrucks.com: Dodge Trucks To Be Separated From Cars Under Ram Brand

Honda Falls

How did Honda fall so far so fast? With the release of the photos of the Crosstour, one has to wonder who quit in the last few years since the original Acura TL was released.

Seriously, how many ugly vehicles does Honda (we're including Acura) make now?

* Accord
* Crosstour
* Pilot
* Insight
* Element (which we sorta like, but it's not a pretty thing to look at)
* Acura TL
* Acura RL
* Acura TSX

They don't make too many more vehicles that those... All we know is that it's time to bring back the NSX. Yeah, the one from 1991. That was damn near perfect.

Referenced articles

autoblog: Officially Official: This is your 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

Posted at 10:22 AM in Acura, Honda | Permalink | Comments (2)

Can't Be Real

Pontiac_solstice There is no way that DeLorean Motor Company is considering building a car based on the Pontiac Solstice.

That car helped kill Pontiac and Saturn. No, it did not single car-ily kill both companies, but it was a great example of why both companies failed.

Why DeLorean would want any part of this… Feels like a lot of car companies are just grasping at anything.

Referenced articles
Autoblog: Rumormill: DeLorean Motor Company considering rescuing Pontiac Solstice?

The Kizashi Breaks Land Speed Record at Bonneville

If you thought that the earlier land speed record of 325.5 kmph was too hard to cross, you got it wrong. Road & Track’s international editor Sam Mitani drove the Suzuki Kizashi into the record books. The modified 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Bonneville Special driven at this year’s Bonneville Speed Week ran at 327.8 kmph. The Suzuki motorcycle riders have done it past; they have broken plenty of records. However, this happens to be the first official crack at the Bonneville Salt Flats by Suzuki’s automotive arm. Kudos to Sam Mitani and the Kizashi!

Richard Holdener, Tom Habrzyk and Scott Bailey from Advanced Product Engineering were happy as everything went on as expected. The conditions weren’t favourable though. Mercury levels were as high as 100 degrees and the Kizashi was working its way at a density altitude on the flats of 6,303 feet. The modified 2010 Kizashi, however, proved to be the perfect vehicle for qualifying with the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), the sanctioning club for all Bonneville records. The average of the two-way pass was calculated as 327.8 kmph.
2010-suzuki-kizashi-bonneville-special-05

The Kizashi had to be heavily modified to be race ready and also winner ready. The interior safety features had to be modified along with instrument modifications. Once this work reached completion, the team installed the SCTA-approved roll cage, racing seat, seat harnesses, window net and an aluminium bulkhead in the rear. Under the hood, they disassembled the engine to confirm stock measurements, while the cylinder head was flowed and ported. The record breaking Kizashi was strapped with a 2.4 litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine that threw 513 bhp at 7,700 rpm.

A new intake manifold, a tuned ‘long tube’ header and forged rods and pistons for high rpm endurance in the Kizashi Bonneville helped the racer. The car’s increased power also demanded air-to-water inter-cooling, snow water/methanol injection and a new ACT clutch and pressure plate. A scatter shield was added and the team welded the oil pan for a new drain fitting. An all-new 8.9 cm exhaust was fabricated behind of the turbocharger. Thanks to the full synthetic 5W-20 racing oil, the Kizashi got the required additional protection for the high-boost.
2010-suzuki-kizashi-bonneville-special-Rear

The changes were finally over and the Kizashi platform with seam welded steel wheels, new coilovers and speed-specific 15×7-inch Goodyear Front Runner rubber seemed perfect at the Salt Lake Flats in Bonneville, Utah. Every minute detail was given taken care of. An air dam ensured the Kizashi’s nose stood in place, while the window straps and hood pins made sure the hood and glass stood intact. A parachute could bring the high speed show to a controlled and shortened stop.

The Kizashi was ready, but was Mitani? A dual fire system offered him that extra assurance. How we wish Suzuki’s new warrior races to India soon!

Suzuki_Kizashi_Bonneville_speed_record

Tata Motors Launches the Indica V2 Turbomax

Did you have any idea that a new horse with power equivalent to that of 70 horses was coming out of the Tata stable? Here it is already. Yes friends, Tata Motors has launched the all new Indica Turbomax which proudly flaunts the 70 bhp BS IV motor.

Long time ago in India, the Tata Safari was launched, and then came the Safari with a new DICOR engine coupled with modified car interiors and exteriors. The auto maker’s popularity grew in the country and by then, Tata Motors found itself completely in the midst of the Indian passenger car segment. In response to its own desires, the car maker launched the Indica in 1998. In no time this car started boosting the company’s sales figures. Tasting success once again, the company brought in different versions and variants of the Indica car from time to time on to the Indian roads.

A diesel Indica was launched in the year 2000 followed by a multi-point fuel injection petrol engine Indica launch the same year. Mileage and power output were a problem though. So, in response, Tata came out with the new Indica V2 in 2001. A CNG Indica V2 was also launched and that added to Tata Motors’ fame. Re-work, creativity and innovation by Tata engineers gave rise to the Tata Indica Vista or Tata Indica V3 cars in 2008. Now, Tata claims to have added muscle to the car.

The Indica V2 delivers 52.7 bhp @ 5500 rpm while the new V2 Turbomax spews out 70 bhp @ 4500 rpm. While the Indica V2’s maximum torque is 85 Nm @ 2500 rpm, 135 Nm @ 2500 rpm is what the new V2 Turbomax delivers. For an India gripped with fuel economy, the new car comes with good news. The V2 Turbomax offers a mileage of 19 kmpl which is a kilometre more per litre as compared to the Indica V2.

The front grille with the chrome strip uplifts the car’s front fascia. The Turbomax DLS comes with stylish body-coloured bumpers that can endure the collisions. While the new clear lamp headlamps offer great visibility in the dark, the taillights offer impressive illumination of the rear during braking. The Independent Wish Bone type front suspension with Mc Pherson Strut with coil spring and the rear Independent Semi Trailing Arm with coil spring mounted on hydraulic shock absorbers swallow all the humps and bumps on the roads leaving the family inside the car safe and comfortable. The 165 X 65 R 14 tyres of the new Turbomax offer maximum traction as compared to the Indica V2’s 165 X 65 R 13 tyres.

The new Indica V2 Turbomax DLS and Indica V2 Turbomax DLE have ample space for entire Indian families. There’s sufficient space for 5 individuals. The new electronic cluster with digital odometer and two trip meters with light intensity control not just add refinement to the interiors but are also easy to read and offer the driver all required information.

The car comes in soothing colours Arctic Silver and Mint White. The Turbomax DLS is also available in Furnace Red and Magnesium Gray. A look at the car and a ride in it make it very clear that the reliable Indica V2 just got more powerful with the launch of the V2 Turbomax DLE and DLS.