Mercedez-Benz GT AMG

The new Mercedes-Benz GT AMG has entered the final stages of its development ahead of its expected reveal at the German Grand Prix in July.

 

Already described as being "the most beautiful car we've ever designed" by Mercedes' design chief Gorden Wagener, the GT AMG will replace the larger and more expensive SLS in Mercedes' line-up when it goes on sale internationally next year. Wagener said that those who have seen it have been comparing it to the Jaguar E-type, although he believes the GT AMG "has more timeless classical lightness to it".

 

Mercedes is said to have targeted the Porsche 911 Turbo for performance, meaning it'll be looking to beat that car's 0-100kph time of 3.4 seconds, as well as its top speed of 313kph. Mercedes sources have already hinted the firm may have already come close to those targets.

 

Powering the GT AMG is a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine with 493bhp and 66.4kgm of torque. That engine is also set to appear in the C63 AMG, and shares its architecture with the turbocharged 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder unit found in the A45 AMG and the CLA45 AMG. The engine is mounted low and well back inside the engine bay of the GT AMG, giving it better weight distribution.

 

Other features of the GT AMG include a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission mounted to the rear axle assemble, as well as a mechanical locking differential. The GT AMG's gearbox is essentially an upgraded version of the unit used in the SLS, although this time it includes an automatic stop-start function for extra fuel economy.

 

The GT AMG's predominantly aluminium structure, as well as other weight-saving materials, is said to have pushed its kerb weight down to around 1550kg, some 145kg less than the SLS.

 

In its search for class-leading driving dynamics, Mercedes has given the GT AMG a number of shared SLS components, but updated its geometry significantly. The new sports car includes an electro-mechanical steering system sourced from the new C-class, something which replaces the older hydraulic set-up of the SLS.

 

The GT AMG will be assembled on the same production line used for the SLS.

Volvo ERS technology

New energy recovery tech could result in a leap forward in fuel consumption, while also reducing production costs, with KERS-based systems set to be introduced around 2020

Volvo is testing its new energy recovery system on a test S60 saloon that will help reduce fuel consumption by more than 25 percent, while costing only a quarter of the factory price of a conventional battery-electric hybrid.

The British-designed flywheel energy recovery system, Flybrid KERS (Kinetic Recovery System) has been fitted to the rear axle of the test S60 sedan, and can be used to assist the petrol engine that drives the front wheels. It can be used to enhance performance, knocking 1.5 seconds off the 0-100kph time of the 254bhp S60 T5. The flywheel system is based on a conventional flywheel which runs at a maximum of 60000rpm and can deliver up to 80bhp. Kinetic energy is stored in the flywheel – which runs in a true vacuum – for 20 minutes before it begins to disperse. At full deployment, the S60 prototype gets a 10-second power boost.

However, Volvo says that conventional brakes develop such a huge amount of energy that even gentle braking for eight seconds will fully recharge the flywheel. A Toyota Prius hybrid would take three times as long to store the same amount of energy, the company claimed. This new system is more sophisticated than the previous flywheel systems because it drives the rear wheels through a continuously variable transmission built by Torotrack. Using a geared connection between the rear wheels and the flywheel also means that the flywheel can be spun up to speed more quickly than by direct drive from the rear wheels.

The core of the flywheel is made from steel and it is wrapped in a 10mm layer of carbonfibre. The flywheel runs in a vacuum and drives the Tototrack CVT – which uses tilting rotary discs to transmit the power. This, in turn, drives a series of gears slowing the drive output so it can then directly drive the car’s rear axle. The whole set-up in the prototype weighs around 60kg, far less than a battery-electric hybrid.

While this particular rear-drive set-up is unlikely to reach production, a future version will see the flywheel and Torotrack ‘box integrated into a front-wheel drive transmission. Volvo engineers told that “some form of KERS system” would be inevitable on production cars after 2020.

While most energy recovery systems work best in urban traffic – when the driver is using the brakes often – they are much less effective on motorways. However, Flybrid engineers said that, at motorway speeds, the flywheel could be re-charged while the engine is driving the wheels. 

Because it takes less than 30bhp to propel a car at a 113kph level cruise, the energy stored in the flywheel could be enough to continue driving the car at 113kph for almost a kilometer, opening the possibility of high-speed ‘engine blipping’, where the engine drives the car for about a kilometer, before the flywheel takes over for the next kilometer.

Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz will launch the AMG version of its full-size GL-class SUV called the GL 63 AMG in India on April 15, 2014.

The GL 63 AMG will join Mercedes’ high-performance AMG India line-up that includes the C 63 AMG, the G 63 AMG, the E 63 AMG and the SLK 55 AMG.

The 2.5-tonne, seven-seat GL gets the new 5.5-litre biturbo V8 engine, which sends 549bhp to the permanent, 40/60 front-rear biased four-wheel drive system.

A seven-speed 7G-Tronic AMG automatic gearbox is standard and helps the GL AMG to a 4.9sec (claimed) 0-100kph sprint. It has a 250kph limited top speed. Suspension comes via an ‘AMG ride control’ package of adaptive, self-levelling air suspension and active anti roll-bars.

The Mercedes GL 63 AMG will be a fully imported vehicle unlike the GL 350 CDI which is assembled in India. 

Maruti Suzuki Entender

Maruti Suzuki is all set to supply an undisclosed number of production-ready Swift hybrid hatchbacks, named Swift Range Entender, to the Indian government as a part of its pilot project. However, the due to upcoming elections, the dates are not yet clear. There would be more clarity on the project by the first quarter of the next financial year i.e (financial year 2015), he said.

Maruti Suzuki had showcased this ‘green’ Swift at the Auto Expo 2014. The company will provide the Indian government with these hybrid Swifts in financial year 2015.

He further added, “While the homologation process of the hybrid Swift is nearly completed, the team is expecting ARAI certification anytime now.

The new Maruti Suzuki Swift Range Extender will run on an inline three-cylinder, 658cc petrol engine (borrowed from Suzuki, Japan). It is also equipped with a front-axle mounted 55KW electric motor, which is powered by a 5kWh lithium ion battery.  According to company sources, while the production-ready model has been developed in India, all the major electric gear (such as the electric motor, battery and other components) required for this project were imported from Japan and other countries.

The Swift hybrid model is around 130kg heavier than its conventional petrol-engined counterpart currently sold in India, which weighs between 960-990kg (kerb weight). Maruti’s internal tests claim that the Swift Range Extender offers a combined fuel efficiency of up to 48.2km per litre, which includes a 25.5km run powered by the fully-charged battery. The battery, according to company data, takes nearly 90 minutes to get fully charged. While the company (along with other OEMs such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, TVS Motor Co and others) is eagerly waiting for the implementation of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020, it is known that the Department of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises has written to the Finance Ministry seeking a grant of Rs 230-300 crore to kick-start a series of pilot projects (public transportation through electric vehicles) from April 2014. Though the commercial production of the Swift hybrid hatchbacks would depend on the status of the said pilot project(s), the battery operated variants would be possibly seen on the Indian roads later this year. 

Nissan Murano

The third-generation Nissan Murano will make its world debut at the New York motor show next month. Nissan has confirmed the model, which is due to launch internationally early next year, will be seen at the show in a short preview video.

 

Described as a "halo vehicle for Nissan's expanding range of bold crossovers and SUVs", the new Murano "previews a new design language for future Nissan production vehicles".

 

Latest prototypes show that development on the new model is well underway.

 

The interior of the new Murano has also been caught on camera, although many of the interior details are still under wraps. Nissan has only said the new cabin of the Murano will feature a spacious, premium look with "advanced, purposeful safety and connective technology".

 

While little is known about the Murano's exterior styling, the headlights appear to draw inspiration from the Resonance concept shown at the Detroit motor show last year. That model was said to be 70 percent representative of how the Murano would look. The original Resonance concept also used a hybrid powertrain; it revealed at the Detroit motor show earlier this year and intended to show Nissan's future direction for both the Murano and the new Qashqai. Nissan says that, like the old Murano, the new model would sit at the top of its range as its flagship SUV.

Toyota i-Road

Trials of the Toyota i-Road three-wheeled personal mobility vehicle have started in Tokyo. The car maker says the first phase of real-world testing of the all-electric i-Road will determine how it copes in the urban environment.

 

A range of testers, including industry experts and the general public will run a fleet of ten i-Road vehicles, and will feed back information on what it's like to drive, how easy it is to use and driver satisfaction.

 

The i-Road is powered by two in-wheel electric motors, producing a combined output of 5.4bhp. It has a top speed of 45kph, with a range of just over 48km, if driven economically. Charging takes just over three hours from a standard domestic supply.

 

Measuring 2350mm long by 1445mm high and with a wheelbase of 1700mm, up to four i-Roads could be parked in a single standard car parking bay. The i-Road also includes Toyota's 'Active Lean' technolgy, which allows the vehicle to lean into corners according to information gathered from a gyro sensor.

 

A concept version of the i-Road was revealed at the Geneva motor show last year, but the test version has been adjusted to improve visibility and ease of use. Toyota says the 300kg i-Road should be "as nimble to handle in traffic as a scooter, but with car-like stability".

 

The company has confirmed up to 70 units of the two-seat i-Road will also begin testing in France later this year.

Ford Endeavour

The next-gen Ford Endeavour SUV has been revealed in the form of the Everest concept at the 2014 Bangkok motor show. The first images of this concept had originally been released in august last year.

 

The Ford Endeavour's face is dominated by a bold, chrome-heavy, EcoSport-like trapezoidal grille, and swept-back headlights that sprout outwards from it. Beneath this, a matte silver skid plate livens up the bumper and extends into the fog lamp housings. On the sides, there are meaty wheel arches, chunky chrome-capped wing mirrors, and a faux vent just behind the front wheel arch. The window line rises subtly to meet a wraparound rear windscreen, beneath which sits a pair of wide tail-lamps in sculpted niches, joined by a chrome strip. The overall look of the SUV appears to be wider and more planted than the current Ford Endeavour's tall, boxy shape.

 

In production form, the new car will take on the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport when it comes to India. It will continue to use a body on ladder frame chassis with a seven-seat layout, and is expected to be powered by 2.2-litre and 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engines, with two- or four-wheel-drive and the option of manual and automatic gearboxes.

 

“The Ford Everest Concept shows the bold new direction that we envision for a mid-size, seven-seat SUV that has been designed for ASEAN and global markets,” said Matt Bradley, president of Ford ASEAN. He also stated that the production car will be manufactured in Thailand, but as with the current car, the next Ford Endeavour is likely to be assembled from CKD kits in India, so there's a chance Ford will price it very competitively.

Toyota Etios 2016

Toyota first launched the Etios sedan in the Indian market way back in 2011. Now, after close to four years on the market, the manufacturer has begun work on the next-generation model. The next-generation Etios is expected to be unveiled at the Auto Expo in India in 2016.

The response to the current-generation Toyota Etios in the Indian market has been disappointing and one of the prime reasons, according to the carmaker, is the boxy styling.

“Design is one issue and you will see that the new version will have a much better design,” said Hisayuki Inoue, CEO Asia-Pacific operations, Toyota. According to our sources, the next-gen Etios is expected to get the styling inspired by the new Corolla Altis and it may get the LED daytime-running lamps as well.

According to Toyota, the Etios' strengths comprise fuel efficiency, space and durability and the carmaker wants to portray these aspects in a better form with the next-generation Etios. There are various studies being carried out currently to gather feedback and customer preferences across the Indian market, which are to be taken into account for the next-generation Toyota Etios.

According to sources, the new Etios will come with a completely new ‘top hat’ and will bear little resemblance to the robust but boxy shape of the current model. We expect the current lot of engines, the 1.2- and 1.5-litre petrols and the 1.4-litre diesel to continue.

Toyota, along with the new Etios, is also looking at other body styles based on the same platform. According to sources, a compact SUV is under consideration, although it hasn’t been signed off yet.

The Etios Cross, which was shown at the Auto Expo this year, will test the response to a crossover concept once it is launched in May 2014, and is the first of a series of more stylish variants that can be expected on the Etios platform.

Audi A3

The Audi A3, which is slated to arrive in the Indian showrooms sometime this year, has just earned top honours in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the US crash test. The IIHS rated the Audi A3 compact sedan as Top Safety Pick+.

“The Top Safety Pick+ award for the A3 sedan impressively illustrates the importance Audi attaches to the issue of safety,” said Joachim Scheef, head of vehicle safety development at Audi AG.

The IIHS awarded the Audi A3 sedan the top score of 'good' in all crash disciplines rated. It also gave the A3 an 'advanced' rating for Audi pre-sense front. The system informs the driver when the safety interval to the vehicle ahead becomes too small. In critical situations, the electronic assistant warns the driver and initiates automatic emergency braking, if necessary. That reduces the speed at impact or, in the best case, helps to prevent an accident entirely.

Audi revealed the A3 sedan in India at the Auto Expo in February. While other luxury car makers in India like Mercedes-Benz and BMW have lowered the entry-point of their line-ups with luxury hatchbacks, Audi holds on to the belief that sedans still command more interest, especially in the luxury segment and has decided to introduce the baby sedan here this year.

The A3 sedan, as we saw at the Expo, is every bit an Audi in terms of fit and finish and quality levels but is not very roomy on the inside owing to its compact dimensions. When launched, it will come with the option of a 1.8-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel engine and all versions will be offered as front-wheel-drive models.

BMW X7

BMW has confirmed that it will produce a new, full-size X7 SUV in 2016. It will be the largest BMW SUV ever made, and will be built at the BMW plant in Spartanburg, North America.

Underpinning the X7 is an extended version of the architecture that forms the basis of the X5 and X6 models that are also built at the Spartanburg plant. The big new SUV is set to be a direct rival to the Mercedes-Benz GL-class; its relationship to the X5 the same as the GL’s is to the smaller ML on which it is based. The X7 will be a seven-seater with a proper third row of seats, unlike the X5's rather small third row that eats into luggage space, thanks to a longer wheelbase and extended rear overhang when compared to the X5.

Unlike the X5 that, in some markets, has rear-wheel drive and a four-cylinder engine in base form, the X7 will be offered with four-wheel drive only and exclusively six- and eight-cylinder engines to reflect its premium positioning at the top of an extended range of BMW SUVs.

The announcement of the new X7 was made by BMW boss Norbert Reithofer at a celebration of 20 years of manufacturing at the Spartanburg plant. The ceremony coincided with the start of production of the new BMW X4, the fourth SUV to be built at the plant after the X3, X5 and X6. A new BMW X6 is due to be revealed this year, ahead of sales later this year. X5 M and X6 M models are also built in Spartanburg. To meet expected demand for the X4 and new X7 models, BMW is massively investing in the Spartanburg plant between now and 2016. Production capacity will increase from the current 3,00,000 units up to 4,50,000 units.

BMW has confirmed the X7 will be sold in all of its 'world markets', including Europe, but demand is expected to be strongest in the likes of North America and China. And with the increasing demand for big, full-size luxury SUVs in India, you can bet you'll see the BMW X7 in Indian showrooms not long after its global launch.

BMW 2-series Active Tourer

BMW has recently released pictures of the 2-series Active Tourer with its new M Sport package. BMW had unveiled the 2-series Active Tourer MPV, the carmaker's first front-wheel-drive car, shortly before the Geneva Motor Show.

      This version of the 2-series Active Tourer looks more aggressive than the standard car, with a blackened grille, sporty new bumpers front and rear, pronounced side skirts, a 10mm lower ride height thanks to a sport-tuned suspension, and smart looking 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels. All these changes give the Active Tourer a dash of much-needed styling flair.

The cabin adds a few sporty touches with a sports steering wheel, sports seats and anthracite roof lines. The BMW 2-series Active Tourer M-Sport will get the same three engine options as the standard car - a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol with 134bhp and 22.4kgm torque, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol with 228bhp and 35.7kgm of torque, and a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel with 148bhp and 33.7kgm of torque.

BMW is likely to bring the 2-series Active Tourer to India, but it is unlikely that this M Sport version will be offered.

2015 Toyota Camry

Toyota will showcase the 2015 Camry at the New York Auto Show that will “challenge conventional expectations of a mid-cycle model change”, the car maker has confirmed. There isn’t too much detail available about the Toyota Camry facelift, but the President of Toyota’s Calty Design Research had previously said that the car will have a “more emotional, more impactful design”. The facelift Toyota Camry will feature the same engines, including a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine making 178bhp, 23.5kgm torque, a hybridized 2.5-litre four-cylinder with a combines output of 200bhp, and a 3.5-litre V6 with 268bhp and 25.3kgm torque.

However, Toyota has recently launched the new Camry in India, so it will be a while before the facelift hits Indian grounds.

Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG coupé

The new Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG coupé has been revealed ahead of its public debut at next month's New York motor show.  The plush four-seater replaces the CL63 AMG at the upper end of the Mercedes-Benz line-up, where it aims to provide stiff competition for the Bentley Continental GT and Aston Martin Rapide.

Power for the hot new coupé comes from AMG’s twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 engine. With 577bhp at 5500rpm, the direct-injection petrol unit kicks out 40bhp more than the similarly configured engine used by the CL63 AMG. Torque remains the same as before, with a peak of 91.66kgm at 2250rpm.

The heady reserves are channelled through a standard seven-speed AMG Speedshift automatic gearbox. As with the recently introduced S63 AMG saloon, buyers can now choose between standard rear-wheel drive and optional 4Matic four-wheel drive.

Mercedes-Benz claims a 65kg reduction in overall weight over the old CL63 AMG, both for the rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive S63 AMG coupés, which are claimed to weigh the same 1995kg.

The identical weight is down to differing underpinnings. The rear-drive car has as standard AirMatic air suspension with optional corner tilt function, whereas the four-wheel-drive version receives a more conventional and lighter steel-sprung suspension.

The rear-drive S63 AMG coupé is claimed to hit 100kph from standstill in 4.3sec and return 11.9kpl. The S63 AMG coupé 4Matic can crack 0-100kph in 3.9sec and is rated at 11.6kpl. Each model has a top speed limited to 250kph.

As well as air suspension, the rear-wheel-drive S63 AMG coupé comes with Mercedes-Benz’s so-called Magic Body Control system. This consists of a number of different functions, including the road surface scanner and active body control system available on the S63 AMG saloon.

In a first for the S63 AMG coupé, buyers can also add the German car maker’s new cornering tilt function, which automatically inclines the body by up to 2.5deg at speeds between 30kph and 180kph

New Audi R8 supercar under development

Development is well underway on the second-generation Audi R8 supercar, the new R8 is due to launch next year, and is the sister car to the new Lamborghini Huracán, which made its motor show debut in Geneva recently.

While this test mule is wearing heavy camouflage, new details including different front air intakes with a smaller front grille shape can be seen, alongside new headlight clusters. The rear profile of the R8 appears wider than the current model, with new exhausts and a large diffuser.

Audi bosses have already confirmed the new R8 follows the "same general layout" as the new Lamborghini, but includes wider tracks and a longer wheelbase. Like the Huracán, the new R8 will get an innovative new rear firewall and central tunnel made from a single carbon-fibre moulding, which weighs as little as 50kg. Like today's car, the rest of the R8's components will be made from aluminium, to save weight. That same structure will also be adapted for the recently confirmed Audi R8 e-tron.

Power for the new car will come in the form of carried over V8 and V10 engines, with the latter powerplant closely related to the 5.2-litre unit found in the Huracán. Like the new Lamborghini, the R8 will be available in all-wheel drive only and will be offered with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox.

Audi's technical boss Ulrich Hackengerg has hinted at better handling for the second-generation supercar, saying, "The suspension layout and geometry is different, so we can tune different characteristics."

However, the new R8 could also get the option of smaller-capacity turbocharged engines later in its life cycle. Hackenberg has admitted the R8 "will need a turbocharged engine" at some point, saying "In some countries, you need to reduce the capacity of engines also and we need to find solutions for those markets. So we're looking at smaller engines, yes".

Porsce Cayman and Boxter GTS

Porsche has topped its Cayman and Boxster line-ups with new GTS models. The Cayman GTS and Boxster GTS get more power and performance, revised styling and dynamic changes over the Cayman S and Boxster S models on which they are based.

Each is equipped with a 3.4-litre flat-six engine that now complies with the more stringent Euro 6 emissions regulations. They also have 15bhp more than the S variants, so the Cayman GTS produces 335bhp and the Boxster GTS 325bhp. Torque is also slightly increased, by 0.96kgm in each car, giving 38.71kgm for the Cayman and 37.60kgm for the Boxster.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on each car, with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto optional. Fitted with the auto, the Cayman GTS can crack 0-100kph in 4.6sec and the Boxster GTS takes 4.7sec. Top speed is higher in the manual-equipped cars, the Cayman GTS capable of 284kph and the Boxster GTS of 281kph.

A host of dynamic upgrades and packages feature as standard on the new models. These include the Sport Chrono package, which sharpens vehicle responses, and the Porsche Active Suspension Management system (PASM) that brings a lowered suspension and electronically controlled adaptive dampers.

The two-seat, rear-drive Cayman GTS and Boxster GTS are distinguished from S models by their revised front and rear bumpers, blackened bi-xenon lights and 20-inch Carrera S alloy wheels shod with 235/35 tyres at the front and 265/35 tyres at the rear.

Inside, the GTS models get sports seats and a leather interior with Alcantara trim. Sales of the pair are set to get under way in May. Both cars will make their public debut at the Beijing motor show next month.

Volvo S80

Volvo India has launched the updated 2014 S80 sedan in two versions.

Both versions of the S80 sedan come with diesel engines. There is no petrol engine on offer.

The base 2.0-litre 163bhp diesel D4 variant is priced at Rs 41.35 lakh, while the top-end 2.4-litre 212bhp diesel D5 variant costs Rs 44.80 lakh.

Volvo hasn’t significantly changed the car, just subtle tweaks to add to its appeal. The updated Volvo S80 sports a smaller grille, new headlights with daytime-running lamps and revised front and rear bumpers. It gets new alloys as well. There's also new equipment in the form of a new seven-inch touchscreen and in-car internet connectivity (by syncing via your mobile phone). The digital instrument cluster can be customised, like the one in the V40, to display information regarding fuel efficiency and performance.

Plus, like all Volvos, the S80 will continue to come loaded to the gills with safety kit.

Updated Polo and Vento

German carmaker Volkswagen is slowly but surely transitioning to a more Indian way of doing things. While its current models are more in line with international standards and western tastes, VW is realising that it needs to align itself better with the Indian customer.

The Volkswagen Polo facelift is launching soon and it will come with a whole new set of goodies like LED-equipped headlights, an integrated reversing camera and power folding mirrors that have turn indicators incorporated into them.

The big news, of course, is the new 89bhp 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine, specifically developed for India that will replace the unexceptional 1.2-litre three-pot diesel, which was one of the weaknesses of the car. To keep costs in check, VW will also manufacture the engine at its Chakan plant, which is a massive step towards the localisation of the car.

The Vento will also get the same 1.5 TDi, but a more powerful version developing 104bhp, which is similar to the outgoing 1.6 diesel. The surprise is that a DSG transmission for the diesel engine will also be made available. The twin-clutch auto ’box is likely to be offered in the Vento sometime towards the end of the year, and this could be followed by the Polo 1.5 TDi automatic using the same transmission.

The Vento will also get feature upgrades, most of which are focussed on the rear seats. VW has confirmed that a rear-seat entertainment package will have individual screens in the front headrests, and is on the cards, as is a higher airbag count. VW India may also spice up the Vento with generous doses of chrome accents to appeal to Indian tastes. The Vento, which has VW’s typically understated looks, isn’t seen to be as exciting as cars like the Verna and City. 

2015 Hyundai Sonata revealed

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata sedan has been officially revealed in its home market of Korea. Based on an updated version of the current car's platform, the new Sonata boasts greater torsional strength (thanks largely to an increased use of stiffer, lighter high-strengh steel), and the car is also marginally longer and wider overall.  

The car's styling follows what Hyundai calls Fluidic Sculpture v2.0, and is an evolution of the manufacturer's popular design language. Overall, it appears a lot more restrained than the current car's dramatic lines, and borrows cues from the bigger Hyundai Genesis sedan. With the claimed structural changes, as well as a reworked suspension, Hyundai also says the new Sonata's driving dynamics are improved over its predecessor. The carmaker has stated that it has also worked on significantly reducing the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels in the cabin.

Speaking of the cabin, like the exterior, it adopts a cleaner, more sophisticated design, with a clear inspiration from bigger Hyundai cars, including the new Santa Fe. The carmaker has also said that it has used higher quality materials for the interior this time around.

Engine options for the new Hyundai Sonata sedan currently include a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder  petrol motor good for 165.7bhp and 20.5kgm of torque, and a 2.4-litre direct-injection, four-cylinder petrol engine putting out 190.4bhp and 25.2kgm. Power is sent to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.

The 2015 Sonata also gets new features like a lane departure warning system, auto-opening boot, rear-side window blinds, blind spot detection, radar-guided cruise control and automatic emergency braking, among others.

Volvo V40

The Volvo V40 will eventually be replaced by a new family of premium small cars, currently being co-developed with the Swedish firm's Chinese owner, Geely. The new range will include a five-door crossover, a hatchback and a sedan, with further models a possibility. The project will yield a range of similarly sized models for Geely, which sells a variety of brands in China. Having considered collaborations with other manufacturers, Volvo and parent firm Geely decided to collaborate themselves. 

 

The modular nature of the firm's architecture will allow for the development of a series of more affordable Geely-branded models employing less advanced engines, suspensions and convenience features. The project is likely to engineer as many as five grades of sophistication into a wide family of cars, all of them featuring a high level of component interchangeability. Joint venture boss Mäts Fagerhag characterises this as a ‘plug and play’ approach to engineering the project’s various sub-systems, and their ability to comply with a wide variety of regional safety and emissions regulations.

 

Volvo and Geely have set up a new engineering joint venture to develop their C-segment Modular Architecture (CMA) vehicle family. It is likely the first CMA family model will be launched around 2017.

 

Chevrolet Cruze update

Chevrolet Cruze has received a minor update after a refresh in October 2013. While the bumper and grille were redesigned last time, along with the addition of two more airbags (on higher variants), this time around, the change is minor, in the form of integrated turn indicators on the wing mirrors.

According to company claims, the efficiency of the automatic variant has also been improved in a bid to boost sales. The Cruze sedan is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine good for 165bhp. Both the automatic and manual versions use six-speed gearboxes.

The Chevrolet Cruze is available in three trims – LT, LTZ manual and LTZ automatic. Prices for the Cruze facelift are as follows:

LT - Rs 13.7 lakh

LTZ MT - Rs 15.19 lakh

LTZ AT - Rs 16.19 lakh

(All prices, ex-showroom, Delhi).

Renault Fluence facelift

Renault has launched a facelift of its Fluence sedan in India. The carmaker had shown the facelifted sedan at the Auto Expo 2014.

 

The Renault Fluence facelift is available in two trims, the E2 and E4, which are priced at Rs 13.99 lakh and Rs 15.81 lakh, respectively (all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi).

 

The facelifted Fluence gets a new grille with a large Renault badge, restyled headlamps and a new bumper with integrated foglamps. It also gets a new design for its 16-inch alloys.

 

On the inside, there’s a new audio system, a soft touch dashboard, dual zone climate control, touchscreen infotainment system with integrated sat-nav, a digital instrument cluster and an electronic parking brake. There’s also other kit like a smart key with start-stop button, cruise control, parking sensors, four airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), EBD, ESP, rain sensing wipers, dusk sensing headlamps, rear sun blinds and rear air-con vents.     

 

There is no change under the skin and the Renault Fluence facelift retains the 1.5-litre diesel motor that comes mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

 

The facelifted Porsche Cayenne

The facelifted Porsche Cayenne looks that it will be in for a likely reveal at the Paris motor show in October.

 

The new Cayenne will get a new rear-end design, with slimmer tail-light clusters and the rear bumper has also been redesigned to look slimmer. Divided visually into sections, the lower part now encloses the twin exhaust pipes between a pseudo diffuser.

 

The re-profiled bonnet now stretches between both wing tops, with its leading edge running the full width of space between the new headlight designs. The new front bumper also appears to be a little deeper than that of the current model, with the main grille and side intakes subtly reshaped. Overall, the Cayenne’s chin will be lower, eliminating the ‘amphibious vehicle’ look of the current car.

 

Under the bonnet, a new-generation hybrid system based on the type used in the Panamera is expected, as well as a new 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine added to the engine line-up. 

 

The Porsche Cayenne SUV is now approaching its fourth birthday and thus is nearing replacement. The next-generation Cayenne will be based on Volkswagen Group's MSB platform. This is currently under development by Porsche but will also be used for the forthcoming Bentley SUV, which will launch in global markets in 2016.

 

The all-new third generation Porsche Cayenne is likely to follow the Bentley SUV's international launch, going on sale in late 2016.

Mercedes-Benz could buy Aston Martin

Rumors are growing that Mercedes-Benz could buy Aston Martin.

Mercedes chief Dieter Zetsche did not rule out the possibility that his company, which already owns five percent of Aston, might acquire the UK firm, although he did what he could to dampen the speculation that has been growing fast.

Aston has been short of powerful industry friends since it was sold by Ford several years ago - and the management knows it.

“This is a fantastic brand, and we are willing to support its further development,” Zetsche said cryptically. He added that Aston had offered the CEO’s job to three individuals and had been rebuffed by two but now had a third in prospect.

AMG will develop the new V8 engine that will be supplied to Aston for the next generation of the Vantage, and will manufacture it in Germany.

Aston will specify its requirements for the engine, but AMG will program the ECU and do the testbed trials. Aston will work on installing it into the new Vantage.

The capacity is still being kept secret, but most likely it will be a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, with about 480 bhp, which is under development for the new C63 AMG.

Mercedes has made no secret in the past of its wishes to extend the partnership with Aston, with insiders at both companies hinting that the initial deal to supply engines and electronic components could be extended to include platform sharing as well.

Such a move would open up new opportunities for Aston Martin, chiefly the resurrection of its Lagonda SUV, which would be based on the Mercedes GL.

Mazda Hazumi

Well, this is actually a concept called Hazumi that has been revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, but is extremely close to the upcoming Mazda2 production model.

Mazda says the new car was designed to look like a "small but rigorous animal" and that the Hazumi concept name means to "bound" or "leap up".

The 2 is effectively a concentrated version of the newly-released Mazda3, with dramatic body lines and a focus on the v-shaped grille that reaches up to the headlights. It takes on the company's ;attest design theme called Kodo, which has already been used for the Mazda6, CX-5 and Mazda3.

The rear end is punctuated by two centrally mounted exhaust pipes and a rear diffuser as well as a relatively small hatch tailgate. These elements, along with big alloy wheels and a low sitting front bumper raise hopes a sporty hot hatch version could be on the way.

For not it is just a preview of the next Mazda2 and there are not many details around specifications of the model. But Mazda has announced the Hazumi would be available with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel, the latest member of the SkyActiv engine family.

New Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata doesn't really feel long in the tooth, partly because it was only relaunched in India a little over two years ago, and partly because it still looks the business. However, it's easy to miss the fact that the current Sonata, in its sixth-generation, has been around since 2009. A fair amount of time has passed since, and now, Hyundai thinks, is the time to roll out the all-new Sonata.

The sketches that you see on this page preview the seventh-generation Sonata that will debut in Korea towards the end of this month. Yes, the 'Fluidic Sculpture' philosophy is at work here too, only this is Chapter 2.0. What that means is that though the new Sonata will retain the smooth, flowy design flourishes as seen on the Hyundais of today, it will sport an "easy-to-understand and pleasant design", part of which will be the Hyundai hexagon grille and "rich visuotactile colour", whatever that is.

It's more 'evolution' than 'revolution', this upcoming Sonata, and its mantra is 'Inner Force', stressing importance on how Hyundai has focused on perfecting every little detail about the car, right from the intuitive positioning of switches, enhancing the feel and quality of the materials used on the inside, to improving seat cushioning for added comfort.

The Sonata uses a lot more of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), which, according to Hyundai, is twice as tough as regular steel, but is about 10 per cent lighter. The new Sonata will be 51 per cent AHSS, compared to the current car's 21, so you know that it will not only perform a whole lot better at the crash tests, but it will also be lighter, translating to stronger performance and improved economy. To see just how well it performs, Hyundai even took it to California's Mojave Proving Ground, and to Captain Slow's worst nightmare, the Nürburgring.

Economy brings us on to the engines. There is not much wrong with the current 2.4-litre GDi petrol, so that should stay, but what we're really interested to see is if Hyundai will finally plonk that much-needed diesel into the hood of its D-segment fighter for the Indian market. Hyundai can use a 1.7-litre CRDi making 134bhp, or, if it can cram it in, the 2.2-litre, 194bhp, 436Nm powerhouse from the Santa Fe.

Hyundai promises that the seventh-gen Sonata will provide value "beyond customers’ expectations" (lots of kit for not a lot of money, that is), and says that the car will reach most markets by the end of 2014. That will be then, but we'll have more details as the month wears on. Stick around for the action, dotcommers.

Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge

A 500bhp GT-R powered Infiniti Q50 saloon could go on sale, based on the Eau Rouge concept shown at the Geneva motor show.

The firm has given the green light to an official engineering feasibility project to explore whether the car could be made. The Q50 Eau Rouge - named after the infamous corner on the Spa race circuit - was shown with a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 shoehorned under the bonnet.

"This is now an official project," said Infiniti boss Johan de Nysschen.

Infiniti plans to build at least one prototype to explore the engineering realities of fitting an engine designed for a four-wheel drive, transaxle-equipped coupé into a four-door saloon with a conventionally sited transmission.

“There are many things to look at, details like the different vibration harmonics that result when you take an engine designed for one application and fit it in another,’ said de Nysschen.

Infiniti will also test durability and the practicalities of manufacturing. "This is quite a complex process," he added.

New Toyota Corolla launch

Toyota has announced that it will officially launch the new Corolla in India on May 27, 2014 and dealerships have already started accepting bookings for Rs 50,000.

        The new Toyota Corolla Altis is expected to retail for around Rs 40,000 more than the price of the current car and the deliveries are likely to begin a week after launch.

The new Toyota Corolla Altis looks more stylish than its predecessor and gets a chrome grille up front along with LED headlamps (on higher variants) and tail-lamps. The interiors have also received design tweaks and cabin quality has improved as well. The cabin gets reclining rear seats, reversing camera with sensor, a push start-stop button and a 7.1-inch touchscreen audio system with navigation. Some of the other features include an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, rain sensing wipers, reading lamp, power socket and sunshade in the rear. The new Corolla will be offered with seven colour options.

The new, next-generation Toyota Corolla Altis – measuring 4620mm long, 1776mm wide and 1475mm tall – is longer and wider than the current car. The 2700mm wheelbase is a whole 100mm longer than in its predecessor.  

There are no mechanical changes to the new Toyota Corolla Altis and it will continue to be sold with the same 1798cc, 138bhp dual VV-I petrol and the 1364cc, 87bhp D-4D diesel engine that powers the current car. The petrol engine will offer buyers a six-speed manual and a seven-speed automatic transmission options to choose from while the diesel engine will come with only a six-speed manual transmission.

New Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Development on the new Mercedes-Benz C-class C63 AMG is entering its final stages ahead of its expected launch at the LA motor show in November.


This estate version of the C63 AMG was spotted winter testing, and it gives us the clearest look yet at the visual changes that will mark out AMG variants of the C-class from the standard car.

While still wearing a heavy disguise, a larger lower grille and side air intakes can be seen at the front of this test mule, with a more aggressively styled rear bumper and quadruple exhaust exits at the back. Bespoke AMG wheel designs are also visible.

As with the C63 AMG saloon, coupé and convertible variants, power for the performance estate will come from a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine with close to 500bhp. The saloon will launch first, likely at  the start of next year, with other variants rolled out over the next two years.

The new V8 engine replaces the current C63's naturally aspirated 6.2-litre petrol V8 unit, which puts out 451bhp in standard form. The direct-injection V8 engine, which should have around 480bhp available, plays a big part in AMG's future strategy, and shares its modular architecture with the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine found in the A45 AMG.

The use of forced induction in the new C63 AMG is also expected to boost torque beyond the 61.24kgm of today's car. Putting an end to the recent trend of offering AMG models in both rear and all-wheel-drive forms, the new C63 AMG will be offered in rear-wheel-drive guise only.