Service Cars: September 2013

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Project Kahn’s New Range Rover Sport

The tuners over at Project Kahn have unleashed a new customized version of the Range Rover Sport called the Miyagi edition. According to the design house, the new special edition was created with “a view to aiding the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan”. And by that, Project Kahn means to raise awareness and have customers donate to the people of Japan through the company’s website.

The founder of Project Kahn, Afzal Kahn says the Miyagi edition is the last Land Rover to feature the company’s special Bali Blue hue. “With regards to the “Miyagi” edition, Land Rover’s decision to no longer offer the Bali Blue color affords A. Kahn Design an opportunity to build a bespoke vehicle that will hopefully be remembered for all the right reasons,” said Kahn.

Besides the Bali Blue color, the Miyagi edition sports a flat black finish for the roof, the central part of the hood and the exterior trim details such as the side air vents.

A ten piece Kahn body kit that includes a restyled front bumper with fog lamp surrounds in billet steel finish, a rear bumper replacement with exhaust diffuser, side skirts, side vents with double mesh, and rear quad stainless steel exhaust system by Cosworth along with the bespoke 22-inch RS Cosworth wheels complete the exterior modifications.

On the inside, the Miyagi editions features bespoke quilted leather upholsteries along with a new speedometer, rev counter and clock, plus contrasting silver stitching for the steering wheel and gear shift knob.

Project Kahn said the Range Rover Sport Miyagi Edition is available for order now with prices starting from £69,000 for the diesel model and £89,000 for the petrol version.

PHOTO GALLERY

Kias US Sales Increase by 36

Kia Motors’ global sales increased by 21% during the last quarter - that is from April to June- compared to the same period in 2010. South Korea’s second-largest carmaker sold 621,000 units in that period, largely due to the increase in US sales.

Kia’s progress in the American market was impressive as it recorded a 67% increase in profits and 36% in sales, largely due to the surge in sales of its new Optima sedan and Sportage SUV.
Japanese manufacturers’ shortages due to the production disruption brought by the March disaster that hit Japan may also be one of the reasons for Kia’s rise according to analyst at Seoul-based Dongbu Securities’ Yim Eun Young.
But as Japanese companies recover and Kia’s market share may shrink, Young notes that this doesn’t necessarily mean that Kias sales volume will drop as well.
And he may be proven correct, as Kia has a strong new range of products and last month increased its US target for 2011. It also announced that it will begin producing the Optima at its US plant in Georgia from September.

PHOTO GALLERY

New Premium SUVs for 2013

BMW X1 facelift

The launch of the Audi Q3 has seriously hurt BMW X1 sales in India. So you can be pretty sure BMW will step on the gas and bring in the facelifted X1 to India by January 2013. While the updated model retains the current X1’s basic design, it gets a more contoured front bumper with a completely redesigned lower section, as well as a slightly restyled rear bumper. Changes to the cabin are limited to a mildly reworked centre console, but higher quality materials should enhance the ambience inside. Let’s hope BMW also addresses the X1’s heavy steering with the update.

FACTFILE
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol, 2.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 150bhp/20.4kgm, 177bhp/35.7kgm
Kerb weight: 1500-1530kg
L/W/H: 4454/1798/1545mm
Expected: January 2013
Price: Rs 28-38 lakh*

Ford New Endeavour

The Endeavour that sells in India is essentially an SUV version of Ford’s Ranger pickup from the Thai market. With the new Ranger already on sale overseas, it’s only a matter of time before the new Endeavour breaks cover. In terms of design, the new Endeavour will look far more modern than the current model and even the cabin will benefit from a smarter design and better materials. Ford could also use the Endeavour as a launchpad for its new 148bhp 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine in India, and this motor could be offered with six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes. What is all but certain is that with the new model, the Endeavour will lose the current price advantage it has over its rivals.

FACTFILE
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/torque: 148bhp/38.2kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Late-2013
Price: Rs 22 lakh*

Honda New CR-V

First things first, the new Honda CR-V that is headed to India in January 2013 will not be available with a diesel engine, at least at the time of launch. If you are still interested, you should know that the latest CR-V looks like an evolution of the current car both inside and out. However, the easily identifiable shape is more aerodynamic and the cabin airier than before. Then there is the improved chassis stiffness that promises to enhance the CR-V’s already renowned dynamics, though the new electric power steering could be a dampener here. The powertrains are likely to be carried on from the current model. A word of caution here – since it’s a full-import like the current model, the new CR-V won’t be cheap with an expected price-tag of around Rs 28 lakh.

FACTFILE
Engine: 2.4-litre petrol, 2.0-litre petrol
Power/torque: 185bhp/22.5kgm, 148bhp/19.6kgm
Kerb weight: 1500kg
L/W/H: 4528/1818/1654mm
Expected: January 2013
Price: Rs 28 lakh*

Hyundai New Santa Fe

Hyundai’s latest Santa Fe is out and it’s headed to India by mid-2013. Edgier, sharper and sportier, the new SUV’s design is a big departure from the current model’s tepid styling. It’s more of the same on the inside as well, with the new layered dashboard design among the highlights. The Santa Fe for India will sport an identical 2700mm wheelbase as the current model, but thanks to a larger rear overhang, space for third-row passengers will see an improvement. As before, the Santa Fe will be powered by a 2.2-litre diesel. While power and torque figures remain unchanged, the engine comes with tweaks for better efficiency and emissions. Hyundai could also bring in a smaller, 2.0-litre ‘R’ diesel engine to try and give the SUV a better entry price-point. With an estimated price of Rs 24-25 lakh, the new Santa Fe looks set to build on the outgoing car’s strengths.

FACTFILE
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/torque: 194bhp/42.9kgm
Kerb weight: 1820kg
L/W/H: 4902/1885/1690mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 24-25 lakh*

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Given the huge popularity of SUVs in India, it was only a matter of time before American SUV icon Jeep took the plunge into our market. The manufacturer, that is part of the Chrysler Group (now owned by Fiat), is studying the possibility of bringing in its line-up of SUVs to the country – starting with the attractive Grand Cherokee. Exterior styling carries the tough and rugged ethos of the Jeep brand, while its spacious cabin is quite attractive too. Powering the model for India will be a 3.0-litre common-rail V6 diesel engine that will come mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox. In keeping with its go-anywhere appeal, the SUV will also get a low-ratio transfer case as well as Jeep’s Selec-Terrain off-road electronics. Interestingly, the Grand Cherokee is built on the same monocoque platform as the Mercedes M-class owing to Daimler’s earlier ownership of Chrysler, and this should translate to good on-road dynamics too. Jeep officials are aware that importing the Grand Cherokee could price it out of contention, so don’t be surprised if it is assembled in India by Fiat and launched under Rs 40 lakh.

FACTFILE
Engine: 3.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 237bhp/56.1kgm
Kerb weight: 2272kg
L/W/H: 4821/1943/1760mm
Expected: End-2013
Price: Rs 40 lakh*

Volvo V40 Cross Country

Among the many international launches at last month’s Paris Motor Show was the Volvo V40 Cross Country, a model that will go on sale in India in March 2013. Volvo’s weapon against the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, the Cross Country crossover is based on the Swedish carmaker’s V40 hatchback. However, ground clearance has been raised to 173mm and the car has also been given a beefier body kit for a tough look. When it comes to India, the Cross Country is likely to feature the 163bhp 2.0-litre diesel D3 engine in a front-wheel-drive format. Internationally, all-wheel drive will only be offered with the petrol T5 engine that may make it here at a later stage. Volvo could price the V40 Cross Country at around Rs 30 lakh but is likely to brim it with equipment to make it more attractive than its German competition.

FACTFILE
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 163bhp/40.8kgm
Kerb weight: 1578kg
L/W/H: 4369/1802/1420mm
Expected: March 2013
Price: Rs 30 lakh*

* Estimated, ex-showroom, Delhi

2013 Acura MDX Review And Prices

The 2013 Acura MDX is one of the latest version of 2013 Acura. A 2013 Acura MDX is really a mid-size crossover Vehicle that competes within the luxury segment.Every 2013 Acura MDX versions crate standard features with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive and third-row seating.

The latest model is really a carryover, however, the 2013 Acura MDX was lately up-to-date having a more effective standard V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission in addition to interior and exterior tweaks. The 2013 Acura MDX also come with a brand new hard-drive-based Gps navigation system with music storage and a modified back-up camera having a directional view.

The 2013 Acura MDX having a 3.7 liter, 300 horsepower V-6 that’s probably the most effective standard engines inside a current-year crossover SUV. A 2013 Acura MDX considerably more effective, for instance, compared to Lexus RX350′s 3.5 liter, 275 hp V-6 and also the standard Audi Q5′s 211 horsepower 2.0 liter. They are features well far above what’s offered as well as obtainable in rivals models, on the top from the expected stuff for example front chair side-impact air bags, full-length curtain air bags, traction and stability control, ABS and so forth. The 2013 Acura MDX Prices soon will be revealed.

Suzuki unveils Regina concept

Suzuki has unveiled details and pictures of an all-new concept car christened Regina. Suzuki calls the Regina a city-car concept that will be placed below the Swift.

According to Suzuki, this concept represents the firms vision of "a next-generation global compact car with excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions thanks to lightness and superior aerodynamics".

There are no exact mechanical details revealed yet, but Suzuki says with a conventional petrol motor, this concept could return a fuel economy of at least 32kpl, which translates to a mere 3.1litres/100km.

The Regina concept, a 730kg four-seater, is 3550mm long, 1630mm wide and 1430mm tall and has a 2425mm wheelbase. Interior styling is rather minimalistic but is highlighted with all hues of green.

The Regina concept will be showcased at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show in early December.

Suzuki unveils Regina concept

2011 Aston Martin Rapide Price of 199 950

The 2011 Aston Martin Rapide is a latest version of 2011 Aston Martin. 2011 Aston Martin Rapide is a four-door sports car encapsulating the sensibleness of a car with additional doors. Which 2011 Aston Martin Rapide is fusing it with the trademark sports car dynamics equal with recent Aston Martins.

The 2011 Rapide has a starting price of $199,950 - $228,950. It will be the first sports car to be hand-built at the Aston Martin Rapide Plant in Graz, Austria. 2011 Aston Martin Rapide is predicting that about 2,000 Rapides will be produced in its first year.

The 2011 Aston Martin Rapide is raked translucent roof doesnt give back passengers much headroom, but they are treated to their own HVAC controls and infotainment systems. Aston Martin again joined with Bang & Olufsen to fit the car with a 15-speaker, 1000-watt audio system as standard equipment. The 2011 Aston Martin Rapide is now offered to order from the Aston Martin dealership network across North America. While DB9s are build at Astons factory in Gaydon, England, the 2011 Aston Martin Rapide will be assembled at Magna Steyrs facility in Graz, Austria and next year only 1500 will roll off the assembly line.

Suzuki S Cross Concept at 2012 Paris Motor Show

Suzuki has released new Suzuki S-Cross Concept a preview of a future compact SUV, which will soon go into production.

Starting in 2013 Suzuki launches a model offensive and each year brings new models to the market. A very specific view of the small Japanese cars and four-wheel specialist are here in Paris on a new compact SUV.

The Suzuki S-Cross Concept shows how a brand new off-roader could. The curved lines of the modern SUVs looks very sporty and gives the powerful four-wheel drive in a certain lightness.

With the modern design and efficient engines Suzuki wants to win new customers in the C segment. The new Suzuki model is when it comes to the market, are among the most fuel efficient in its class representatives.

Here is the 431 cm-long S-Cross can convince even with a very good space and a generous boot space. The production model of the Suzuki S-cross you will be able to expect next year, where you can also assume that the design of the production version of the concept car is the same.

Already at the Suzuki Kizashi has shown that the way in the study of the dynamics of the series need not be lost, but certainly a large part of the concept cars can find their way into the series.

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Specification and Prices

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Specification and Prices

GM has announced that the much anticipated 2011 Chevy Camaro Convertible will debut at the LA Auto Show in November. The 2011 Chevy Convertible will start at $30,000 when it arrives in showrooms in February 2011. "The Convertible will make the all-new Camaro, already a smash-hit, even more desirable to a greater range of drivers," says Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing.
The Camaro Convertible will be available with a standard 312-hp V6 or the 426-hp 6.2L V8.