Lamborghini Urus Concept

Having revealed the Urus concept for its new SUV at the Beijing Motor Show last month, Lamborghini hinted at going in for a forced induction V8 for the super SUV. The Italian automaker’s development chief Maurizio Reggiani wasn’t prepared to talk about powertrain options earlier, but in speaking with Automotive News, he’s now hinting of what to expect should the Volkswagen Group board give the project the green light.

As expected, the Urus would have to be based on the same platform that is slated to underpin the next Volkswagen Touareg, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and Bentley EXP 9 F in order to make good business sense. But to keep the weight down – Lambo is targeting 4,400 pounds as weight for the Urus – it would need to make other components out of carbon fibre rather than the traditional steel structure in the above mentioned SUVs.

Reggiani, still maintains that the company has yet to make a final decision about the powertrain. The last time Lamborghini made an SUV – the legendary LM002 “Rambo Lambo” –was powered by the  high-revving V12 as the Countach, lending to speculation that the Urus could incorporate the new V12 from the Aventador or the V10 from the Gallardo, but we at indimoto were sure that Lamborghini won’t be able to incorporate such big engines in the SUV due to space and carbon emission constraints. Reggiani indicates that the new twin-turbo V8 powering the latest Audi RS models and the Bentley Continental is a more likely choice, given that it would help keep weight down and provide more low-end torque than the naturally-aspired 10 or 12-pots the Raging Bull marque currently produces for its sports cars.

Customers will be able to avail of vehicle AC check-up, top-up of all vehicle fluids, assessment of vehicle condition, battery check and water wash. Labour and parts would also be provided at a discounted price if the vehicle is inspected during the summer camp and is brought for servicing latest by June 19, 2012. Special price will also be offered on car care products and additives.

However, HM did not include the new Pajero Sport in the Summer Camp 2012 as it has been newly launched and the deliveries have just begun. It naturally does not require servicing then, the company believes.

Honda Dream Yuga launched

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) has launched the 110 cc commuter motorcycle Dream Yuga at a starting price of Rs. 44,642 (Ex-Showroom, Delhi). The motorbike is powered by a refined 110cc Honda engine which delivers a healthy 8.5 BHP @ 7500 RPM coupled with the company claimed mileage of 72 km/litre.

Honda also claims that the bike’s engine is equipped with several cutting edge technologies like the ‘Honda Intelligent Ignition Control System’ which changes ignition timings to attain ideal combustion, leading to improved power output and efficiency. Dream Yuga is loaded with features like an impressive exhaust, black colour grab rail, graphics, realistic meter console, long seat, full gear lever, full chain case and tail light along with alloy wheels.

The tubeless tyres / tuff up tube options, viscous air filter and maintenance free battery in Dream Yuga significantly increase the durability of this mass motorcycle. Starting May end, Dream Yuga is available for sale in three variants- Kick/Drum/Spoke, Kick/ Drum/Alloy and Self/ Drum/Alloy. The motorcycle comes in 5 colours: Black, Monsoon Grey Metallic, Alpha Red Metallic, Force Silver Metallic & Maple Brown Metallic.

Peter Honegg, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India explains “At the start of this year we had promised to introduce exciting new models into the market. We are proud to present today the New M Class, built to perform with the highest precision and follows the Mercedes-Benz new design language. We are confident that the quality of drive and the luxurious experience it can deliver will be a big hit with the customers and it will be warmly received.”

The cockpit of the new M-class is a combination of ergonomic and practical design along with use of high-grade materials. It is dripping with technology that would help customized settings for engine performance, automatic transmission, anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Electronic Traction System all at the touch of the off-button on the console. It has nine strategically located air – bags that ensures the safety of its passengers upon collision / accident. Additionally it is built with a PRE-SAFE technology that help prevent such instances. No wonder it has been given a 5 Star EURO NCAP rating .

M.S. Dhoni was recorded saying, “As a young boy from a small town, I have spent a lot of time traveling on buses and have seen trucks and truckers at close quarters. I understand the importance of transport and logistics to the development of our country. It is a privilege to become a part of the Ashok Leyland family that with its products and services is helping people move to better lives.”

“Mahi’s choice was almost automatic for I cannot think of another person befitting the values of Brand Ashok Leyland so well. A true son-of-the-soil, a leader who is focused, straight-thinking, passionate and, most of all, humble, he will lead the numerous initiatives that are on the anvil” said Vinod K Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland.

Toyota Pixis Epoch Small Car

Toyota launched the “Pixis Epoch” in Japan, the second passenger minivehicle to be sold under the Toyota brand. It’s the fourth vehicle produced by the Daihatsu division but sold under the Toyota brand.

The Pixis Epoch returns to the fundamental appeal of minivehicles: day-to-day transportation with high fuel efficiency at an affordable price. The Pixis Epoch has top-level fuel efficiency for a gasoline-fueled vehicle with a fuel economy of 30.0 km/L.

Power comes from a 660cc engine which is mated to a continuously variable transmission driving either just the front wheels or all four. In both configurations, the Pixis Epoch features a stop-start system that helps its emissions and fuel efficiency figures come in well below even the Japanese government’s stringent standards.

The compact body features a length of 3,395 mm, width of 1,475 mm and height of 1,500 mm enabling the Pixis Epoch to park in low-clearance parking areas, while the interior still allows plenty of space for four adults. Pricing is around $10,000. The real party piece is the turning radius of just 4.4 metres. Sounds like a small car superman for India, i.e. if it ever makes it here, which we expect it to, actually.

Aston Martin DBS Ultimate

The DBS Ultimate, as some of you may recall, is Aston’s way of saying goodbye to what has been its mainstay flagship model for five years now. It’ll feature special touches such as a painted rear decklid spoiler, carbon-fiber wing mirror caps, darkened grille, smoked taillamps, Zircotec-coated tail pipes, special badging, and a choice of yellow, black or red brake calipers.

Its interior has also been fiddled with red or silver diamond-quilted stitching on the leather seats and Alcantara headliner, and can be ordered in manual or automatic, coupe or Volante (convertible), and in one of three colors: Carbon Black II, Quantum Silver or Silver Fox.

Aston has also confirmed that only 100 examples will be offered globally, on a purely first come, first served basis, with no specific allotments for individual markets! Hence Indian customers will also have a chance of booking this black beauty. The order books are now opwn with production slated for early June. Official pricing in the Americas is $287,576 for the coupe and $302,576 for the Volante.

VW Motorsport Director Jost Capito

Volkswagen has decided to enter in Formula 1 in the near future as either an engine supplier or a full constructor. The group disclosed three years ago that an entry after 2014 was a big possibility as then the sport’s engine rules would have changed.

However, the new motorsport director Jost Capito said on Thursday that this was “not on the radar,” as its focus was instead fully on its entry in the World Rally Championship with the new Polo R WRC next year.

“I’ve got my hands full with the WRC right now and we have to focus on that. This is very much the main motorsport programme for us and the board is watching it very closely. I think that’s what we have to deliver” Capito said.

VW currently is gaining experience by fielding a pair of S2000-spec Skodas in the WRC so that the team can gain experience prior to their entry into the muddy world of WRC.

Bentley Continental GT V8 Front End

The Bently Continental GT with the W12 engine has a mileage rating at 12mpg city/19mpg highway on traditional premium fuel and a rating of 8 city/14 highway on E85 fuel. And if you have a heavy right foot, then you can forget even a 4. But sources confirmed that the official mileage rating could be around as high as 24 mpg on the highway, and that, even with the right-foot factor, would be a generous improvement over the 12 cylinder monster for sacrificing just 67 horsepower and almost nothing in performance.

As it turns out Bentley weren’t kidding around, the official numbers are a staggering 15 city/24 highway for the V8 Continental GT. According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 12 combined cycle mpg of the W12 is raised to 15 with the introduction of the V8. And as the V8 don’t require no fancy juice called premium fuel; owners can save much more in topping up their tanks to the brim. But the real icing on the cake for the Bentley is the fact that the V8 is roughly $18,000 less than the W12 in the US. So this is what we call a supercar fit for times of recession!

Sebastian Vettel with the Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Edition

Infiniti, the luxury car division of Nissan, has made a special Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Edition that will cost in excess of £100,000. Based on the Infiniti FX50 S, the car is all set to rip off tyres from its backside.

The Vettel edition has had the output from its 5.0-liter V8 upped to from 390 horsepower to 414 for a 5.6-second sprint to a 100 and a 300kph top speed. The company claims that Vettel himself has been involved in the development, and is believed to have specified its sporty chassis settings. His Red Bull Racing Formula One team designed the carbon fibre body kit, which is claimed to actually produce downforce and help lower drag by five per cent.

The only change from the concept car previewed earlier to the production version will be a more conventional pearl white paint job instead of the matte white of the show car. Just 50 units will be making it to Europe and most of the rest are likely to be heading to the Middle East. So far, the firm has confirmed nine orders from European customers, including Vettel himself who will be getting the first example off the production line.