The New Land Rover LRX

This stylish compact crossover coupe is Gerry McGovern's first concept vehicle since becoming Land Rover's design head. As such, it provides a revealing look at where Land Rover may be heading, at least stylistically.With an emphasis on luxury and performance, the LRX concept places a special emphasis on weight reduction with polycarbonate windows that are 40 percent lighter than glass.The interior features various recycled materials, the vehicle was on display at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.

Mégane Coupé Concept from RENAULT !

Distinctive looks that exude personality and dynamism

Mégane Coupé Concept provides a foretaste of the forthcoming Mégane Coupe.
Of a total length of 4.51 metres, Mégane Coupé Concept features a modern, dynamic silhouette with taut lines that seem to suggest perpetual movement, while its alert, expressive front-end looks point at once to a truly dynamic personality.

The boot, which pulls open and then lifts to minimize vertical travel, echoes the kinematics of the doors which are divided into two sections. The panelled door itself is topped by a separate glazed area and, as they open, the two parts deploy gracefully and elegantly in an independent movement redolent of dragonfly wings.

The cabin: a compelling extension of the exterior's dynamic voluptuousness

The interior is redolent of the world of contemporary furniture. The independent, asymmetric front seats, which rise up from the sills, seem to float in midair.Meanwhile, the interior's contrasting colour-scheme underpins the dynamic exterior thanks to the blend of fire red lacquer (dashboard, upper part of the centre console, front seatbacks, etc.) and softer black leather or nubuck for the door panels, seat cushions and centre console).

Mégane Coupé Concept is locked and unlocked using a Samsung F700 mobile phone which serves as a hands-free card and connects to the centre console.

A show car dedicated to passion and driving pleasure

Mégane Coupé Concept is powered by a 200hp (147kW) 2.0 Turbo petrol engine which delivers torque of 280Nm at 2,600rpm and peak power of 200hp at 5,800rpm to ensure punch and flexibility at all engine speeds for everyday motoring pleasure. Mated to a manual six-speed gearbox, the 2-litre turbocharged unit drives Mégane Coupé Concept from a standstill to 100kph in just 7.2 seconds, yet it returns economical fuel consumption of just 6.5 litres/100km (154g of CO2/km).

THE NEW HYUNDAI i10- CAR OF THE YEAR 2008

New Hyundai i10 – first drive

Hyundai launched its latest weapon in the small car segment, the i10. Better known by it’s code name the PA, the i10 was unveiled to the world in Delhi today by none other than Bollywood hero Shahrukh Khan.

An initial first drive of the i10 revealed a car that is clearly a generation ahead of the Santro. Comfort and refinement levels are higher, the dashboard looks modern and well equipped and ride comfort for both front and rear passengers is much improved. The i10 also displayed much better stability at high speeds; due to it’s stiff modern body structure.

In other areas the i10 is similar in character to the very successful Santro. The motor feels peppy, the steering is direct and quick to respond and the car feels well engineered and put together. It is powered by a re-worked version of the Santro engine 1.1-litre, the same 66bhp version of the motor that powers the larger Getz hatch.

It will be sold in three variants with the base version costing Rs 3.55 lakh and the top-end Magna O with sunroof costing 5.18 lakh (both ex-showroom, Mumbai). Available in a choice of ten colours all variants boast of beige interiors. A highlight of the interiors is the console mounted gearshift, which liberates decent space in the cabin. airbags and ABS is available on the top variant. And there is an automatic gearbox equipped version on sale as well. Hyundai also offer an optional sunroof, making it the first small car to have this feature.

More images, views and reports can be found here at our forum.

Audi TT TDI

Price as tested £24,900

Audi TT TDI offers unrivalled combination of performance, looks and economy

What is it?

This is something rare – a mid-sized, two-plus-two, diesel coupe, the TT’s only direct opposition the seriously handsome and seriously flawed Alfa Romeo Brera, and the more able but less handsome BMW 123d.

The diesel engine in question is Audi’s new and excellent 168bhp common rail 2.0 litre TDI, which runs to 140mph, zipping through 62mph in 7.5seconds on the way. Not bad at all, but what’s really compelling is that this performance comes with a combined fuel consumption figure of 53.3mpg, promising the real world possibility of consumption in the high 40s, and CO2 emissions of just 139g/km.

Just as pleasing, the diesel pushes out 258lb ft of torque – the same as the TTS musters – promising effortless cruising and easy overtaking. That there’s so much torque is why the TDI comes with a Quattro drivetrain as standard, the front wheels unable to cope with this kind of thrust on their own.

Otherwise, this oil-burning TT is largely as for the stock 2.0 turbo that we already know, and it can only be had with a six-speed manual transmission despite the availability of a twin clutch S Tronic gearbox on the TTS.

What’s it like?

Civilised, effortless and a very satisfying way to beat the system, few other cars this fast and this sexy managing around 50mpg.

You sometimes hear a low, dull drone from this diesel if you listen hard, but what you won’t hear is the harsh cackle and thrum that you get from so many oil-burners, making the TDI’s presence beneath the TT’s shapely bonnet seem entirely appropriate.

It will seem even more so when you get this car on a fast, open road, the generous torque reserve providing useful acceleration even at 80mph in sixth when you’re cruising, and much stouter urge if you drop a couple of ratios.

And pick-up from low engine speeds is prompter than you’ll find with many turbodiesels, the variable vane turbocharger helping here.

This TT can optionally be had with magnetic dampers - they do little for its ride in sport – but in standard form it is comfortably firm, if a little jostling over smaller, sharper bumps. Otherwise this is a very refined car, no small part of its sophistication down to its high standard of finish, the high-grade furnishings of its cabin, a good driving position and comfortable, supportive seats.

Handling is tidy and confident, but tight, slippery bends taken hard betray its basic urge to understeer, a condition the Haldex all-wheel drive system is too slow to counter.

Should I buy one?

Yes, if a super-economical, sexy coupe is your desire, and as mentioned, there are precious few of these.

Apart from its looks, the diesel TT plays another strong hand with its exceptional combination of performance and economy, which should appeal to both company and private buyers. The TDI model successfully adds another dimension to this desirable coupe.

LAMBORGINI NEED LESS AUDI

Future Lamborghinis will use no more than 20 per cent of Audi parts in an attempt to stave off criticism that the firm’s Gallardo shares too many key characteristics with the Audi R8.

Company president Stephen Winkelmann has ordered a change in policy designed to maintain Lamborghini’s integrity. “We have an internal rule that in future common parts will never exceed 20 per cent,” he said.

“In the future, we will always work together just on the hidden parts — parts that will not touch the DNA of Lamborghini.

“That could include things like the electrical platforms that need high investment, or hoses and filters, but we have to safeguard against too much of it.”

The new Gallardo LP560/4’s V10 is cast in the same factory as several Audi engines, and its block and cylinder heads are built on the same line as all of Audi’s petrol engines.

Lamborghini industrial director Klaus Peter Korner said component and technology sharing with Audi was beneficial for the larger company, too.

“Audi had no experience at all with a car like the Murciélago,” he said. “They learn from us to use smaller tools and cheaper tools for small series cars. In this way we are working together.

“We have a quality benchmark with Audi. We get the best and the fastest, and Audi gets us the cheapest.”

He believes that Lamborghini customers are not interested in the origin of minor components. “The customer isn’t interested in Audi or VW logos on a tube, or who each clip is produced by. We use the same parts [as Audi] when it’s possible and when it gives us higher quality.

“That way, for the customer, it has to be an improvement when we share parts. When it’s better to have a unique solution, we should do it.”

A COOL TYRE FOR YOUR CAR !

Hi friends , How often do you check your tire pressure? Gradual tire deflation over time is a key factor in relation to road safety and reduced fuel economy, not to mention the replacing wear out tires before the end of their expected life-span. Czech Republic based CODA DEVELOPMENT s.r.o. unveils an integrated system that inflates itself using atmospheric air as you drive.

The Self Inflating Tire (SIT) system consists of a tube chamber integrated into the tire wall that acts as a peristaltic pump, inflating the tire as it turns against the road, regardless of the speed at which the vehicle is traveling. Once a pre-set pressure is achieved a managing valve automatically shuts down any further inflation, resulting in a simple, maintenance free way to keep tire pressure at an optimal level without the use of externally stored compressed air.

2008 Scion Hako Coupe Concept

Some brands have what you might call an image problem. Some of these are companies

The Hako Coupe is different all right, but it would bring back the boxy profile to the Scion lineup if built, as well as the subcompact size. (Photo: Scion)

that don't have congruent, styling to define their corporate identities. Others don't know who their target market is, and are building cars for a certain demographic only to have them purchased by completely different kinds of buyers. Other than a propensity of older fixed income singles and couples who initially snapped up the xB due to its frugal price point, economical running costs and flexible practicality, Scion isn't one of those car companies. They have a direct market and know who their customers are, and more often than not they're hip and urban people. But just the same Scion is in a bad fix. Consumers aren't buying their cars, not at least in the numbers that they ought to be.

The basic premise of Scion's business model was to get young people into Toyota products, offering the automaker's reputation of durability and quality without the stodgy, often bland image. Scion taps into the idea that Generation Y (late teens to late 20s), the relative newcomers to driving, not only need cars, but need cool cars. Combining Japanese culture of design and trends with the tuner and sport compact world, Scion delivers a lineup of vehicles at prices that the masses can really afford. The first Scions to land were essentially range-topping domestic Japanese market cars based off of the Toyota Echo, and they proved to be quite popular. As a means of expressing one's self,

Profile reminds us of hot rods. The rest of the car... well, that's different. (Photo: Scion)

the concept of the car as a blank canvas, an automotive clean sheet, is brilliant, especially given that Scion offers dozens of accessories of all types to enhance their cars.

This is a brand that for all intents and purposes should make hotcakes look like stale bread. The cars it sells are economical, affordable and cheap to run. They look different from the average subcompact or compact, and even though most people might not consider this aspect of their designs, they're quite practical too. But the thing is that dealers are having a hard time moving cars. Vehicle sales, in less than scientific terms, are in the toilet, despite the fact that the brand has expanded its dealer network significantly, and for 2008 two thirds of its product lineup is new, not to mention that small car sales are up due to rising fuel prices. What gives?

Recently, Scion's VP Jack Hollis said that the brand would be expanding its product lineup in the future, and potential candidates for one of the slots could include a pickup, a roadster or a sports car of sorts. A not so subtle hint could very well be the Hako Coupe, which was shown in

Patterned roof gives the Hako an airier feel, but with a twist. (Photo: Scion)

New York just recently.

The idea behind this bright orange concept is that it's what a box would look like if it were sporty. The concept of the box is particularly strong with Scion - the brand was built around the original xB (now out of production), which was little more than a four-wheeled box. Its successor, the new xB, is bigger and roomier, although it now has curved, rounded edges and is subsequently less box-like. Not that Scion has alienated its customers, but it wouldn't hurt the Toyota subsidiary to return to thinking back inside the box, not to mention bring back a smaller wagon-like vehicle. The Hako Concept is actually about 2.0 inches shorter than the current Yaris Liftback, and some 0.8 inches smaller than the smallest 2008 model year Scion, the xD.

Styling is a big part of the Hako. Unlike the xB, which was designed to be a box, pure, minimalist and simple, the Hako was conceived to create a reaction, and not unlike Chrysler's PT Cruiser when it first debuted, it reverses the typical engineering belief that form follows function.

Orange driver's seat is the hot seat. Cabin looks like a gaming room. (Photo: Scion)

What makes the Hako so unusual is its combination of shapes; there's almost no congruency to it. It has a (relatively) long hood and short overhangs like a sports car, but its nose is tall and blunt. Bulldog, anyone? Then it has pronounced fender flares with integrated headlamps, a pontoon look similar in concept to the Mazda RX-8. And if that weren't enough of a curve ball, there's the trademark Scion box part of the design. The combination of a perfectly vertical windshield, with a low profile height and thick pillars, reinforces the box part of the message, but also brings something new to the automotive scene - from the side it looks like a custom hot rod. True to its tuner side, the Hako is filled with aesthetic components, such as the extra-thin side view mirrors and the large diameter deep-dish alloy wheels.

Scion also thinks that youthful people like gadgets. I'd be willing to reckon that anyone in their 20s or 30s who could afford to buy a new car, the people that blur the end of Generation X and start of Generation Y,

Joystick used to control the screens. A neat twist. (Photo: Scion)

would be on the up and up when it comes to electronic gear; items like your iPod, your laptop, your Bluetooth-equipped cellphone. The Hako Coupe embraces this, and actually pushes the use of cameras and displays to new levels. Because so much of the vital information can be displayed on screens, why bother having a curvy shaped dashboard when simple straight-up screens will do?

The Hako seats four in two benches; the driver's is orange and the rest are black. The front passenger is separated from the driver by a molded arm rest console that houses a trackball for controlling the audio system, nav and other goodies. The whole cabin is upholstered in easy-to-clean neoprene and rubber surfaces, and features storage space for gizmos and gadgets, plus magazines. While the layout of the cabin is improbable, this screen system is plausible sometime down the road.

As a styling exercise, the Hako Coupe is certainly different. Nothing on the floor in Manhattan's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center looked anything remotely like it. But is this what young consumers really want - a modern day, hot-rod inspired vehicle? Scion says that it will be taking auto show goers' feedback into consideration in determining what its plans for future vehicles might be. And although I happen to think the Hako is sort of cool looking, most of the show goers didn't like it. There are plenty of different vehicle types for Scion to experiment with, so expect to see many more concepts from this interesting new brand in the coming months and years.

Volkswagen small car for India

The call of emerging markets has sparked a race amongst manufacturers to build BRIC spec models. These are primarily cheaper than the cheapest models and Volkswagen, known for the Beetle, which put millions on wheels, is joining the bandwagon with its own small car apart from larger siblings.
Chairman of the board of management for Volkswagen, Martin Winterkorn, in the annual press conference 2007, confirmed that Russia and India are two nations with great growth potential. “We will construct a production plant at which we will start producing a small car model tailored to the needs of our Indian customers, beginning in 2009,” Winterkorn said, describing it as “an economical, everyday small car that looks attractive and is affordable.”

VW is currently developing an all-new small car, which happens to be a two-door, rear engined machine. However, this new car is due to arrive as late as 2011 as it’s still in its initial development stages. According to sources, this model will primarily be for the European markets. In addition, it will have small engines, like a single cylinder unit!

For India on the other hand, VW has announced it will launch a small car based on its current Polo platform. And this particular car is due to arrive here in 2009. Now, putting two and two together will tell you that this two-door, rear-engined car, will not be VW’s first small car in India, contrary to whatever you might have read elsewhere. The artist’s impression you see here however, will actually be the car you can buy starting in 2009. This one’s a variant of the Fox, which in turn is based on the Polo.

But does it look familiar? Sure - after all it’s a redesigned version of the Fox. But it seems the tall boy theme is fast getting out of fashion. The front end of the car looks aggressive. The bulges on the hood coupled to the sharp headlamps look hot. The large sculpted front bumper exudes a bold aura. However it’s the grille that gives the car character. VW has used similar grille designs in a host of other cars and it is fast becoming its corporate identity. The lower half serves the purpose of the air dam while the metal chunk in between will house the registration plates. Fog lamps too are positioned in the bumper and are surrounded by plastic inserts.

From the side the car has an angular look and the lines exude a sporty theme. Bulging wheel arches look meaty and endow the overall design with a sense of power. The rear window reveals the original lines of the Fox. Coupled with large alloy wheels and tyres this VW small car is sure to catch the fancy budget car buyers.
We had featured scoop pictures of Volkswagen Polos being tested in and around Pune recently, which surprisingly were not shrouded in disguise since the company was primarily testing the engines. Each car was scheduled to do at least 20,000 kilometres in a stipulated time frame; what confirmed it was absence of engine capacity decals.

Presuming that VW too would be eyeing excise duty benefits, they would probably have the 3-cylinder petrol engine from the Polo line in the new small car. Displacing 1198cc, this engine develops power in the region of 66PS@5400rpm and torque of 112Nm@3800rpm.

VOLVO XC 90

The premium SUV market is burgeoning. First came the Mercedes M-class, BMW X5, Range Rover and Mitsubishi Pajero that set hearts aflutter and dealer cash registers ringing. The Porsche Cayenne and Toyota Prado followed soon after to whet appetites further. VW and Audi jumped on to the SUV bandwagon and unleashed the Touareg and Q7. Now Volvo is ready to launch the XC90 in India.

Volvo has always been perceived as a manufacturer of safe and reliable cars. So it isn’t surprising that Volvo actually managed to keep the SUV bashing green brigade at bay when they launched the XC90 in 2002, their first attempt at a ute after the TP21 of the 1950s. Since then it has surpassed its intended target of 50,000 units a year, selling 90,000 units in 2005. To put it into perspective, BMW sold 1.01 lakh units of the X5 in 2005 while Audi aims to sell 40,000 units of the Q7 in its first full year. Not only have toddlers in the third row approved of the SUV in markets like the US, which incidentally accounts for 50 per cent of all XC90s sold, even the swish set have taken a liking for this Swedish ‘jumped up’ mommy wagon.

Designed under the tutelage of Peter Horbury, the then vice president of design for PAG, the XC90 appears subtly aggressive without the steroid pumping overtones seen in other SUVs. It isn’t conventionally pretty, what with that egg crate grille and runny egg headlamps. But that’s where Volvo stopped with their poultry excursion and created lines that are unconventionally beautiful. Right from the V-shaped hood that snakes itself to the A-pillar, the broad shoulders, the uncharacteristically shaped tail lamps that blend itself with the D-pillar and those wheel arches that hark back to SUVs from the 50s, the design is a study in retro-futuristic marriage. Sure it won’t cause your hair to stand when it passes by, unlike a Range Rover or an X5, but its quirkiness might cause you to give it a second look.

This approach hasn’t led to compromise in the vehicle architecture. Split tailgate in 70/30 proportion allows for groceries to be dumped without the need for Herculean forearms. Black bumpers and a toughened guardrail accentuate the SUV profile. On the inside too the vehicle typifies Scandinavian pragmatism. The wide side glass area gives the vehicle a feeling of airiness, a largesse bestowed upon the occupants by the designers. While the 2-3-2 passenger layout isn’t new, the fact that it is a genuine seven seater is quite evident by the use of bucket instead of jump seats for the last row. Flexibility is accorded prime importance as all five rear seats can be folded flat, making house moving less of a chore. The middle row has 40/20/40 split enabling adventure seekers to carry skis or foldable bikes with ease. The dashboard is an expanse of black with either a silver or wooden strip, depending on trim. A three-spoke steering features controls for the audio and trip computer with the steering embodying the interior theme of the car. The centre console is lined with a bevy of buttons and rotary knobs that control the audio, navigation and climate control systems. No expense has been shorn in adorning the car with the best of hides that brighten up the interiors, something found wanting in the pre-facelift model.

Based on the E2 platform which is also the basis of the S80, the XC90 has a monocoque frame with MacPherson type strut suspensions in the front and a rear-multi-link set-up that

PORSCHE CAYMAN - S

Having just driven the Boxster S a few months back, I was head over heels (or vice versa) in love with the superb dynamics of the poor man’s Porsche, revelling in the superb craftsmanship of virtually everything associated with the vehicle. The thought and detailing that went into each aspect of the vehicle was apparent as was the DNA of the car which is present in every Porsche - everything meant to appease the enthusiast, everything meant to excite him and a few things that he could only find in a Porsche.
The shape of the car for instance - unmistakably Porsche, unmistakably exhilarating. With the Boxster having been labelled as it was, and the huge gap between the pricing of the roadster and the true blue sports coupe, the rear engined 911, there existed the place for another car to be positioned, something that the Cayman S owes its existence to.

The Cayman S takes its place in a classic Porsche line-up without a hint of difficulty as even at the very first sight it can be seen boasting classic design features reminiscent of the Porsche 550 Coupé introduced way back in 1953 and the Porsche 904 Carrera GTS Coupé. While the two large oval headlights and three symmetrically arranged large cooling air intake scoops create the typical Porsche face, uniqueness is added by the fog lamps with their positioning lights integrated via horizontal bars in the outer air intake scoops. Even though the Cayman S is based on the Boxster platform, its looks are far removed even though the front end of the car is just as characteristic as the side-line with air intake scoops in the front of the rear axle, the strong curvature of the roof and the rear end slowly tapering down to the bumper at the back - all classic Porsche design elements.

The overall effect is that of any even more muscular car than the Boxster could pretend to be. The chunkiness also comes a bit from its size and dimensions. Positioned between the two sports car offerings the Cayman S is longer than the Boxster but shorter than the 911, slightly higher than the Boxster but has the same width.

In keeping with Porsche’s classical drive concepts, the latest Porsche is powered by a horizontally opposed six-cylinder unit which is based on that of the Boxster S with the cylinder heads entirely from the 911 Carrera, a six-speed manual or tiptronic gearbox and rear wheel drive. The all aluminium dohc 24-valve engine features variable valve timing (Vario Cam Plus), hydraulic valve play compensation, switchable intake manifolds and two start up and two main catalysts and churns out a maximum of 295PS of power at 6250rpm and a whopping 340Nm of torque that is available from 4400rpm right through till 6000rpm. What amazed me most as I cranked up the engine was its eagerness to rev right up to its redline of 7300rpm. This has been made possible by incorporating the extremely short stroke of the Boxster S and combining it with the bore of the 911 Carrera. Thus the oversquare engine features cylinders with a bore diameter of 96mm combined with a stroke of 78mm. The VarioCam Plus system has three operating modes - idle, half load and full load. Idle speed is optimised by switching the intake valve lift on a small 3.6-millimetre cam and retarding valve timing to minimise valve overlap. In order to reduce the throttle effect in the engine and cut back fuel consumption accordingly, it is ideal to run the engine under part

ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM !

An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a system on motor vehicles which prevents the wheels from locking while braking. An anti-locking braking system allows the driver to maintain steering control under heavy braking by preventing a skid and allowing the wheel to continue to forward roll and create lateral control, as directed by driver steering inputs. Most commonly, braking distances are shortened . Disadvantages of the system include increased braking distances under rather rare circumstances and the creation of a "false sense of security" among drivers who do not understand the operation and limitations of ABS.

Since it came into widespread use in production cars , ABS has made considerable progress. Recent versions not only handle the ABS function itself (i.e. preventing the wheel locking) but also traction control, brake assist, and electronic stability control, amongst others. Not only that, but its version 8.0 system now weighs less than 1.5 kilograms, compared with 6.3 kg of version 2.0 in 1978. Amazing right ?

AUDI ANNOUNCES IT'S NEW PRICE !!

The Audi car company has officially announced the pricing for the new Audi 2008 R8. The new Audi R8 with a six- speed manual transmission will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $109,000 when it launches this fall in the United States. Models equipped with the six-speed R -tronic automatic gearbox will starts at $118,000.

The R8 is the first mid-engine sports car Audi has ever produced. With a 420 hp V8 4.2L FSI engine and rear-biased quattro(R) all-wheel drive system, the R8 has the performance capabilities unlike any Audi before it. With a zero to 60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph, the R8 is the fastest Audi ever produced. The lightweight aluminum frame and body and 44:56 front-to-rear weight distribution give the R8 tremendous handling capabilities, with the balance expected of a mid-engine sports car.

Standard luxury features include Audi magnetic ride, automatic bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED taillights and LED engine compartment lighting. 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, power and heated leather/Alcantara sport seats, cruise control, Sirius(R) satellite radio, and nine-speaker audio system. An optional Convenience Package includes Audi parking system advanced with rearview camera, Audi hill hold assist, a six-disc CD changer, HomeLink(R), Bluetooth(R) phone prep, auto dimming exterior mirrors, and a storage package.

Stand alone options on the R8 include a 12-speaker, 465-watt Bang & Olufsen(R) sound system, Alcantara headliner, Audi navigation plus, an upgraded Leather Package, and Enhanced Leather Package which includes a leather covered dash and interior trim pieces, metallic or pearl effect paint, carbon fiber sideblades, body color sideblades, and the previously mentioned R tronic automatic gearbox. These options allow the R8 owners to personalize their sports car to make it an even more exclusive vehicle than it is right from the hand assembly plant in Neckarsulm, Germany.