Toyota camry to hit Indian market

It has come to the knowledge that Toyota, globally famed automaker, is going to introduce a facelifted camry on 31st July in the Indian market and there shall not be many changes in the new model, since it happens to be a mid-life facelift.

It is a mid-size car, formerly a compact car manufactured by Toyota since 1980 and has been the best selling car for ten of the last eleven years starting in 1997, with the only exception being 2001, in USA. The model has a good following and sale in Australia, Canada along with a number of Asian markets, the foremost of them being Cambodia and in this country the bulk of cars are camrys.

What leads to the success of camry? It is owing to the car’s comfort-tuned suspensions, most models of the camry are regarded as less sporty than rival vehicles.

It should be taken into consideration that segment leader Honda did smarten the Accord with a V6 engine and Skoda’s launched the all new superb in India. How is Skoda’s superb petrol variant doing at the moment? It is, indeed, enjoying a good success right now and has also been able to earn good reviews from the critics. While Honda and Skoda are firing on all cylinder in order to entice the customers, Toyota is not lagging behind.

Toyota’s new camry is set to thwart the advent of these models till an all new model arrives in 2011.

Toyota Motor Corporation is a multinational corporation headquartered in Japan, and is currently the world's largest automaker employing approximately 316,000 people worldwide. Toyota has factories in most parts of the world, manufacturing or assembling vehicles for local markets. The company has manufacturing or assembly plants in Japan, Australia, India, Canada, Indonesia, Poland, South Africa, Turkey, Colombia, the United Kingdom, the United States, UAE, France, Brazil, Portugal, and more recently India, Argentina, Czech Republic, Mexico, Malaysia, Thailand, Egypt, China, Vietnam, Venezuela, the Philippines, and Russia.

Source: littleabout

First Tata Nano Delivered in Mumbai

When industrialist Ratan Tata had spoken about a ‘one-lakh rupee’ car, not many believed him. But when it was showcased at the 9th annual Auto

Expo in 2008, most of the critics were silenced. But the small car has surely come a long way, right from the unrests somewhat related to its plant in West Bengal to the selection process.

Now Tata Motors sends word that the first Tata Nano was delivered in Mumbai. Well, the first customer in India is Ashok Raghunath Vichare, who was handed over a lunar silver Tata Nano LX by Ratan N. Tata, who is also the Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors.

The Nano was delivered at Concorde Motors, which is a dealership of Tata Motors. Ratan Tata commented, “I hope the Tata Nano will bring motoring pleasure to those who will be buying their first car as also those who currently own cars but want a modern, contemporary, emission-friendly city car.”

Tata has informed that Tata Nano would be delivered in different towns and cities as planned. In fact, the production plant in Pantnagar has started to send out the cars to dealerships in line with the schedules informed to customers. Besides Vichare, Ashish Balakrishnan, who bought a sunshine yellow Tata Nano LX, and Kores India Limited, also got their cars. The latter also received a lunar silver Tata Nano LX.

Source: autotantra

Tata hands over keys of first Nano owners (Video)

Tata Motors is pleased to announce that Mr. Ashok Raghunath Vichare of Mumbai has become the first customer in India of the Tata Nano. Mr. Vichare received his choice, the Tata Nano LX (Lunar Silver), at the hands of the Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, at the company's dealership, Concorde Motors, today.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tata said, "I hope the Tata Nano will bring motoring pleasure to those who will be buying their first car as also those who currently own cars but want a modern, contemporary, emission-friendly city car."

Along with Mr. Vichare, two other customers, Mr. Ashish Balakrishnan (Tata Nano LX – Sunshine Yellow) and Kores India Limited (Tata Nano LX – Lunar Silver), also received their cars today.

As planned, Tata Motors has commenced deliveries of the Tata Nano this month to different towns and cities of the country. Despatches to dealerships have begun from the Pantnagar plant, where the car is being produced, in accordance with schedules informed to customers.

Source: Tata Press Release

Audi launched 2010 MY prices for A4, A5, Q5

* Early release of prices required as vehicles arrive to meet strong demand

* Audi A5 coupe adds efficient and powerful 2.0 TFSI powertrain with both manual and Tiptronic transmissions together with standard quattro AWD drivetrain

* Audi Q5 adds interior luxury appointments and simplifies tire pressure monitoring system

* Comprehensive A4, A5, and Q5 model year changes enhance product offerings

HERNDON, Va., Jul 17, 2009 - Audi today released pricing for the 2010 model-year Audi A4 sedan, Audi A5 coupe and Audi Q5 crossover vehicle, which are headed to authorized Audi dealerships to meet strong consumer demand.

Audi moved sales of the 2010 models ahead a few weeks following a successful sell-down of the previous model-year inventory. Sales of the 2009 Audi A5, for example, finished June 168% ahead of the sales pace set a year earlier. Demand for the all-new Audi Q5 has been exceptionally strong since its February introduction to consumers with sales hitting 5,701 so far this year.

Each of these models in the heart of the Audi lineup receives upgrades for the 2010 model year. A4 and A5 now feature LED tail lights in Premium Plus and Prestige lines, A5 gets the same fuel efficient 2.0 TFSI direct-injection engine offered in the A4, and Q5 Prestige offers an optional Luxury Package.

"Despite the economic headwinds that have affected all premium automotive brands this year, we see no signs of interest lagging in these three models," said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. "That's good news heading into the 2010 model year for our market share in the U.S., which has been hitting record levels. That's good news for our dealers, who are enjoying the enthusiasm the Audi brand is generating. We need to release these new models early because of our proactive management of unsold inventories and because Audi continues to bring new models to the freshest lineup in the luxury sector. Both trends will continue in the months ahead."

Audi expects to release 2010 pricing and model year changes for the remainder of its lineup within the next few weeks.

A4 sedan model year 2010 Pricing and Model Changes

(excluding $825 Destination Charge)

A4 2.0T FWD Sedan (Multitronic) Premium $31,450

A4 2.0T FWD Sedan (Multitronic) Premium Plus $35,000

A4 2.0T quattro Sedan (Manual) Premium $32,350

A4 2.0T quattro Sedan (Manual) Premium Plus $35,850

A4 2.0T quattro Sedan (Manual) Prestige $41,050

A4 2.0T quattro Sedan (Tiptronic) Premium $33,550

A4 2.0T quattro Sedan (Tiptronic) Premium Plus $37,050

A4 2.0T quattro Sedan (Tiptronic) Prestige $42,250

* Navigation models now equipped with 3rd Generation MMI with SIRIUS traffic

* LED tail lights on Premium Plus and Prestige models

* S4 launches with 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 with 333 hp / 325 lb-ft – August 09 launch

* S4 launches a new 7-speed S tronic (dual-clutch) automatic transmission (manual also available)

* Bluetooth and Homelink now packaged together as option on Premium model

* Premium Plus no longer includes autodimming mirrors/compass and memory function

* Premium Plus now includes Concert 1CD radio instead of Symphony 6CD radio

* Bang & Olufsen premium audio system now available as option on Premium Plus

* Prestige now includes Navigation (3G MMI) and Voice Control

* S line wheel changes to 7 double spoke (formerly 5 tri-spoke). 5 tri-spoke now on S4 only

A5 coupe model year 2010 Pricing and Model Changes

(excluding $825 Destination Charge)

A5 2.0T quattro Coupe (Manual) Premium $36,000

A5 2.0T quattro Coupe (Manual) Premium Plus $39,500

A5 2.0T quattro Coupe (Manual) Prestige $44,300

A5 2.0T quattro Coupe (Tiptronic) Premium $37,200

A5 2.0T quattro Coupe (Tiptronic) Premium Plus $40,700

A5 2.0T quattro Coupe (Tiptronic) Prestige $45,500

* 2.0 TFSI engine introduced with quattro AWD in manual and Tiptronic transmissions

* 3.2 manual transmission discontinued

* A5 coupe moves to Premium-Premium Plus-Prestige line structure

* 2.0T Premium now offers a lower A5 price point in the market, with a base MY2010 A5 2.0T manual model priced $4,700 lower than the previous MY2009 A5 3.2 manual

* Navigation models now get 3rd Generation MMI with SIRIUS traffic

* LED tail lights on Premium Plus and Prestige models

* New wheel design for A5 2.0T Premium

* New optional wheel available for S5: 5 tri-spoke design

Q5 3.2 FSI model year 2010 Pricing and Model Changes

(excluding $825 Destination Charge)

Q5 quattro (Tiptronic) Premium $37,350

Q5 quattro (Tiptronic) Premium Plus $41,400

Q5 quattro (Tiptronic) Prestige $48,850

* New Fine Grain Ash, Natural Brown decorative inlays (exposed grain, matte finish)

* New 20 inch five-segment spoke S line wheel (replaces five-double spoke wheel)

* Audi side assist now standard on Prestige model

* New Luxury Package for Prestige model -includes leather door armrests and instrument panel top, and ventilated front seats in Milano leather

* Bang & Olufsen Sound System now available as a stand alone option on Premium Plus model

* Dakar Beige removed from exterior color program (still available via Audi exclusive)

* Chrome trim outline on four-spoke multifunction steering wheel (standard)

* Indirect tire pressure monitoring system (uses ABS wheel speed sensors instead of wheel-mounted units to detect air loss.

Source: Audi Press Release

Spy Shots: Bugatti plans to reveal its new car.

As expected, Bugatti plans to reveal its new car at the Frankfurt Motor Show, coincidentally coinciding with the company's centennial celebration. Here's the first teaser of the new exclusive super car from an invitation to the super-party.

As we mentioned back in March, details are slim if not downright non-existent, but the rumors have been flying recklessly regarding what niche market the next Bugatti model will fall under. Having already accomplished their goal of creating the world's fastest, highest powered super car, it would only make sense for the VW-owned company to venture out into the ultra luxury market. The competition is becoming fierce, with an ever growing range of Rolls Royce Phantom models and with Bentley dropping their new 'Grand Bentley' upon the world in August at the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance, it seems like a likely guess that this is the route Bugatti will follow. Will Bugatti lean on Bentley, borrowing resources from the new 'Grand Bentley' or will they produce their own bespoke chassis?

Turning our attention to the dark, scanned teaser above, we see what appears to be the rear view of the new Bugatti showing off high-tech LED tail lamps and a vertically mounted LED CHMSL. The height of the CHMSL makes us believe our initial thoughts are correct; that this is indeed a sedan and we wonder whether it will be an evolution of the 1999 EB218 concept in design.

As September draws closer, so will the teasers and details and we'll be following along closely. Stay tuned. (Hat Tip To Wanda!)

Source: jalopnik

Blind Behind The Wheel Speeding Without Sight

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HT CHICK OF THE DAY - Panisa-Steel

A careful driver is one who honks his horn when he goes through a red light.

An accident can ruin your career... So Ride Safely & Carefully..Keep Visiting HighThrottle for New Exiting Posts.

Maarten Timmer VertiGO

Delft design graduate Maarten Timmer sees one problem with electric motorcycles: since they look just like their petrol-driven counterparts, potential customers compare the performance of electric with gas and come up nonplussed. It's a valid criticism, while bikes like the Zero S and Brammo Enertia are a lot of fun, it's hard to make a case for them in comparison to cheaper, faster internal combustion rivals. Maarten's solution is to take advantage of the electric drivetrain to create a dynamic look that'd be impossible otherwise.

While we see clear design influences from the Tucson BT550 Superlegerra in the front fairing and the Confederate Renovatio concept in the seat unit, the negative space in the middle of the "tank" and underneath the seat provide a significant differentiation to typical sportsbike design.

We'd have liked to see Maarten go one step further and rethink the relationship between bike and rider. While the faux tank looks great and should function well -- providing a grip for the rider's knees -- it's an unnecessary design anachronism for an electric bike. Small battery packs and motors that can be placed very low in the chassis offer the possibility of a Gurney Alligator-style feet-forward riding position that could provide an even more radical differentiation from gas bikes while offering significant performance advantages. It's that possibility of fundamentally altering the archetypal motorcycle shape that has us so excited about electrics.

Source: hellforleathermagazine

THE ALL NEW 2011 PEUGEOT RCZ - Will go on sale in Spring 2010.

In September 2007, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot unveiled a concept car which was the talk of the show: the 308 RCZ.

The exceptional levels of interest expressed at the show convinced Peugeot that they had to turn this concept car into a commercial reality. However, in doing so, the transformation from dream to reality would require real determination, daring and a lot of inventiveness.

Peugeot's stylists and engineers worked together to ensure that the final production vehicle was fully in keeping with the expectations created by the exterior styling of the concept car.

The first wish had always been to keep the purity of the original concept's styling, but also to ensure that the car would drive as well as it looks. In fact, some very ambitious targets were set in terms of driving dynamics and build quality, in order to give the car its own extremely strong identity.

The objective behind this compact 2+2 Coupé is for it to become an exclusive vehicle, full of emotion, aimed at enthusiasts who are particularly discerning with regards to driving enjoyment.

The choice of the name, RCZ, symbolises this special and unique position within the Peugeot range, as it is the first car which does not use the usual zero or double zero numbering system.

The RCZ, therefore, becomes an illustration of all of Peugeot's key values; values which move with the times but are still pure and always in keeping with today.

The final challenge faced by the project team was to complete the development of this new vehicle in a particularly short period of time. This was achieved as, just two years after the concept car was first shown, the RCZ will be revealed for the first time to the public in its final form at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The RCZ will go on sale in Spring 2010.

Source: Peugeot Press Release

The Tata Nano has passed current European front and side impact standard crash tests.

The Tata Nano has passed current European front and side impact standard crash tests.

The £1800 economy car was subjected to tests at the MIRA test centre last week under the supervision of an inspector from Britain’s Vehicle Certification Authority.

The tests were witnessed by several journalists, including Autocar’s Steve Cropley.

The crash tests included a 40 per cent offset and a 56km/h (35mph) frontal impact and are tougher than those that exist in India - currently the Nano’s only market - but they are due to be adopted in India in three years’ time.

By that time Tata aims to have 'Westernised' versions of the Nano ready for sale in both Europe and the US.

It intends to subject these cars to the NCAP testing, and is confident of a four-star rating.

Tata bosses are “delighted but not surprised” about the Nano’s successful crash tests at MIRA.

“We’ve conducted these tests in India already,” said Dr Clive Hickman, Tata’s head of engineering, “so we knew the car would pass. But it’s still a great moment.”

Source: Autocar