Tata Bolt

Carmakers generally follow the trend of introducing a hatchback into the market first, and then going on to offer a compact sedan that spawns from the same hatchback. With the new generation of their car in the Indian market, Tata followed the reverse approach. It introduced the Zest sedan a couple of months back and is now gearing up to launch, what’s essentially, its chopped-boot version, the Bolt hatchback.

Design

The Zest sedan was the beginning of a new design language for Tata cars. Not surprisingly, the Bolt follows suit. The face has the new grille that merges with the headlamps which are smoked projector units – a segment first. The Bolt’s front bumpers, lamp assemblies and fine creases give it a bolder, more stunning stance but retain the Tata ethos. The Blacked out C-Pillar gives the Bolt a floating roof look at the rear. Design elements on the inside are also inspired by the Zest.

Equipment

Like the Zest sedan, Tata is also expected to load the Bolt with adequate features. Some of the features on top-spec models include ABS, Front airbags, fog lamps, rear defogger, projector headlamps, remote central locking, 15-inch alloys, turn indicators on wing mirrors and a touchscreen-based infotainment system. In-depth information about the features will be available closer to the launch date of when the trim-wise breakup will be made available.

The Tata Bolt is expected in our markets in early 2015 and will be the carmaker’s renewed attempt to grab a chunk of the hotly-contested premium hatchback segment. It will be pit against the likes of the Maruti Swift, Volkswagen Polo, Fiat Punto and the Hyundai i20. 

Mechanicals

The Tata Bolt will come with both petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol model will be powered by the 1.2-litre Revotron turbocharged engine that also does duty in the Zest sedan. It makes 88.7 bhp and 14.3 kgm of torque, and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. This engine comes with the drive selector to choose between, Eco, City and Sport. The diesel engine is the tried-and-tested 1.3-litre Multijet, that makes 74 bhp and 19.4 kgm of torque. This engine too is coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox.

The Gallardo ‘FL2’ GT3 racer

ReiterEngineering's new Lamborghini Gallardo FL2 GT3 ‘Extenso' racer.

There's certainly more than a note of Vader about the Gallardo Extenso's haunches, you'll agree. And yes, we're aware that the Gallardo has been replaced by the Huracan, but Reiter Engineering is Lamborghini's official Gallardo GT3 partner, and is therefore tasked with keeping the ol' girl fit and fighty.

And anyway, says Reiter, with over 100 Gallardo GT3s built to date, boasting over 200 race wins and more than 400 podiums, it's still bloody quick and able, so ‘affordable evolutionary steps' is the key phrase here.

The FL2, then, gets a set of new front and rear lights, and a 13 cm wider rear axle with new carbon fibre rear quarter panels, replacing the old aluminium ones. The V10 engine too, has been tweaked; new race camshafts give it a better torque curve, while a set of Mahle pistons help reduce fuel consumption and better the reliability.

Then there's the noise, something Reiter was keen on improving. "Since the demise of the good old GT1 class," says Hans Reiter, "GT racing has lost emotion." There's no detail on what's been done to make it sound better, but we suspect a combination of exhaust tunery and harnessing of The Force.

Just ten Extenso Gallardos will be built, available in either carbon black or titanium grey, and each will cost €248,000.

Mercedes-Benz S-class wins Women's Car of the Year award

The winning cars for Women's World Car of the Year 2014 have been announced after women motoring writers from 15 countries voted for their favourite cars. These judges voted on 10 different criteria, which included elements such as design and function, style and appeal, comfort, storage and drive quality.

The Auckland, New Zealand office of international accountancy firm Grant Thornton received, collated and analysed the secret ballot. Four of the categories produced the closest voting seen in the five-year history of Women's World Car of the Year.

Paul McCormick, the Partner in charge of the process, said it was very interesting this year to see a common trend develop as votes were received. “This year, with more cars and more judges, the trend towards higher scores in the luxury and green car categories was evident very early in the voting. It was no surprise that the top three cars were in these categories in the final standings."

The Mercedes-Benz S-class was declared the 2014 Women's World Car of the Year, beating the Audi A8 by a tenth of a point. The Audi A3 sedan won the Family Car category, while the Audi S3 won the Sports Car category. The SUV category award was bagged by the Range Rover Sport, and the Honda Jazz (also known as the Honda Fit) won the Budget Car category. Tesla Model S was voted as the Green Car of the Year.

Another informal category, where the judges were asked to vote for their Dream Car - one that they would like to own themselves - was won by the Jaguar F-type coupé. 

Category	Winner
Family car	Audi A3
Sports car	Audi S3
Luxury car	Mercedes-Benz S-class
SUV	Range Rover Sport
Budget car	Honda Jazz
Green car	Tesla Model S
Dream car	Jaguar F-type coupe

Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG extreme version coming in 2015

The Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6x6 and 4x4, when they were launched internationally, kicked up some considerable dust in the off-roading community. The German manufacturer is now following them with a new, more extreme 4x4 trim. The new model will be given the same engine and gearbox combination as on the 6x6 version. The chassis and differential might however, be tuned to further enhance its off-roading capabilities.

Mercedes insiders are calling the 4x4, the Green Monster based on the vivid green colour scheme on the prototype. It is said to be powered by the same 5.5-litre V8 direct-injection petrol engine that powers the 6x6. This engine produces 537 bhp and a massive 77.5kgm of torque. To perform the transmission duties, it uses AMG’s seven-speed wet-clutch Speedshift gearbox, a separate transfer case, offering both low- and high-range gearing and three separate differentials to four wheels.

The main difference comes in the form of a substantially re-engineered suspension. It has been raised considerably to match ground clearance of the G 63 6x6, which is a vast 460 mm and fording depth of 1000 mm.

It is still unclear whether or not the new 4x4 will use the same 37-inch wheels which come on the 6x6, although the prototype's widened wheel house cladding and other styling changes hint that it will wear something more substantial than the standard G63 AMG’s 20-inch rims and 275/50 tyres.

Mitsubishi to launch the Mirage and Attrage in India in 2016

Mitsubishi is a name in India that isn't synonymous with small cars. However,  come 2016, that perception of the Japanese manufacturer is set to change. At the launch of the Pajero Sport automatic, Mitsubishi confirmed that it has big plans for the Indian market post the end of its contract with Hindustan Motors in 2015. Mitsubishi said that it plans to bring in new SUVs next year while its bread and butter models will come in starting 2016. While the names of the SUVs weren't disclosed, Mitsubishi did reveal the names of the other smaller models – the Attrage and the Mirage.

The booted version of the Mirage hatchback is longer than 4 metres

It had been  reported earlier that Mitsubishi will be bringing in these cars to the Indian car market in 2015. However, it is now understood that the launch has been deferred till 2016. The Mirage is a hatchback which measures less than 4m in length and it will compete with the likes of the Nissan Micra, Maruti Swift and Hyundai Grand i10. The Attrage is the booted version and measures more than 4m in length. It will compete with the Sunny, Scala and Etios.

The all-black theme lends a sporty feel to the interiors

Mitsubishi is expected to launch the Mirage and Attrage with a 1.2 l petrol motor tuned to make 78 PS of power and 100 Nm of torque. A five-speed manual transmission will be standard while the company may also offer automatic as a option. There is also the probability of a diesel motor later in the pipeline.

The CVT gearbox could be an option in India

After its contract with Hindustan Motors ends, Mitsubishi will make Tamil Nadu its manufacturing hub where both the Mirage and Attrage will be manufactured. The company also plans to expand its dealer network in India by the end of 2015. However, looking at how the goal posts have moved with advancements in the hatchback and sedan segment in India since Mitsubishi announced its plans, the Japanese company may be swimming against the tide.

2016 Audi Q7 spied

Audi is keeping details of its upcoming Q7 under wraps. But, the India-bound 2016 Audi Q7 has been snapped undergoing testing, and the latest pictures of this forthcoming SUV have surfaced online. The spy shots hint that the second-generation Q7 will flaunt a sharper design language influenced by the Ingolstadt based carmaker's latest Audi facelifts.

The test mule’s thin vinyl cover makes several of its features including the small fog lamps, LED tail lamps, the hexagonal enlarged front grille, smaller third side window and a more subtle roof-mounted rear spoiler noticeable. Some previous spy shots that hit the web a while back gave us a sneak-peek into the SUV’s interior which includes four-spoke steering wheel, bigger touchpad, free-standing touchscreen display and analog dials which could be replaced with digital ones for the production-spec car.

The 2016 Audi Q7 will be powered by upgraded versions of Audi’s six- and eight-cylinder petrol engines. The diesel line-up could see a 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine offered in three states of tune. A plug-in hybrid variant is also expected to use the same 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine working in conjunction with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery to churn out 373 PS of power and 700 Nm of torque.

Audi is also likely to introduce a range-topping Audi SQ7 model which is expected to use the same mechanical configuration as the RS5 TDI concept - a 3.0-litre V6 TDI twin-turbocharged engine teamed up with an electric turbocharger and a lithium-ion battery pack.

The 2016 Audi Q7 will be officially introduced at the 2015 Detroit Motor Show. This new SUV will make it to the Indian shores soon after its international launch.

Porsche 911 Targa to be launched early next year

The 911 Targa is one of the most recognizable body styles ever created within the 911 range. With its revolutionary styling and awe inspiring design elements, the newest generation 911 Targa, unveiled earlier this year will soon make its way to Indian shores very soon. Since its launch in 1965, the Targa has held a firmly established position within the Porsche 911 family as a worthy alternative to the cabriolet, representing about 13 percent of all 911 cars ever sold. The 911 Targa will join the coupe and the cabriolet bodystyles to extend the 911 range in the country.

The latest generation of the 911 Targa variant now combines the classic Targa concept with a highly advanced roof-activating mechanism. Just like the legendary original Targa, the new model has the characteristic wide bar instead of the B pillars, a moving roof part above the front seats and a wrap-around rear window without C pillars. Unlike in the older classic models, the roof panel is now opened and closed at the press of a button instead of being a separate piece as was always the case.

The roof system consists of two moving parts: a soft top and a glass rear window. At the press of a button, the glass rear window opens to the rear and tilts. At the same time, two flaps in the targa bar open and release the soft top. The soft top is unlatched, folds to the rear into a Z-shape during the opening movement and stows behind the rear seats. When the top is stowed, a wind deflector integrated in the cowl can be adjusted manually to prevent wind buffering inside the cabin. While the car is stationary, the roof can be opened or closed in about 19 seconds from controls on the centre console.

The Porsche 911 Targa will be available only with an all-wheel-drive drivetrain in the 4S guise and will be available with standard features like Porsche Active Suspension Management and Porsche Torque Vectoring that makes it more agile than past generations. The Targa 4S will feature a 3.8-litre straight six engine giving it 400 PS of peak power propelling it from 0-100 kmph in 4.4-s.The Porsche 911 Targa 4S should be priced around the ₹ 1.75 crore mark (ex-showroom).

Maruti Wagon R Stingray AMT coming soon

It’s the age of AMTs, and it shows. Maruti started the trend with the Celerio and was soon followed by Tata Motors with the Zest. The Manesar-based manufacturer they brought in the new Alto K10 with a AMT option. Now, it’s time to shift focus to the Wagon R Stingray. 

The Maruti Wagon R Stingray is powered by a 1.0-litre K10 petrol motor and will be mated to the same AMT unit that we have already seen on the aforementioned cars. Since the time of its launch, the Celerio has been quite a success in the Indian market. The idea of the convenience of an automatic and the efficiency of a manual transmission hit just the note manufacturers expected. 

Maruti sources nearly 3,500 units of AMT from Magneti Marelli but now with the Wagon R Stingray AMT on the cards, this number is expected to increase to 5,000 units. 

Currently, Maruti doesn't offer the AMT option in the top most variant of the Celerio, but that may not be the case with the Wagon R. The Wagon R Stingray is the highest spec variant of the model and comes with all the bells and whistles including front airbags, ABS and alloy wheels. 

The Maruti Wagon R Stingray AMT is expected to be launched at a premium of ₹ 30,000 – ₹ 50,000 over the current top-of-the-line variant. As on date, there is no news of when the car is expected to be launched, keep watching this space for more updates.

BMW i3 is the green car of the year

Adjudged by the jury of Green Car Journal, a magazine focusing on green and environment friendly vehicles, the BMW  i3 has won the 2015 Green Car of the Year title at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The i3 has also become the third best-selling all-electric automobile selling over 12,000 units within one year of its launch.

The award was based on the BMW i3’s zero emissions at the point of use, its innovative lightweight design and the high percentage of sustainably produced materials used in its manufacture.

The BMW i3 comes equipped with an electric motor which powers the rear wheels to churn out 170  PS of power and 240 Nm of torque. This all-electric car can sprint from 0-100 kmph in just 7.2 seconds. This zero emission vehicle offers a range of 160km when driven in the Comfort mode. 

Apart from the 2015 Green Car of the Year award, the BMW i3 has won many other awards which include the German Design Award, Automotive Interiors Expo Award, Green Steering Wheel 2013 award and the Fleet Hero Award.

The BMW i3 bagged the ‘2015 Green Car of the Year’ title by winning over the other finalists in the competition including the Audi A3 TDI, Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel, Honda Fit, and VW Golf. These finalists were honored with the Green Car Journal’s 2015 Green Car Product of Excellence.

Green Car Journal has been hosting the ‘Green Car of the Year Award’ annually at the Los Angeles Auto Show since 2005. 

Audi Prologue concept

Audi unveiled its Prologue concept car at the LA motor show recently. This concept is said to closely resemble the upcoming A9 - Audi's new flagship set to arrive in 2016. The A9 will be Audi's rival to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-class coupe.

The new design chief Marc Lichte and tech chief Ulrich Hackenberg are promising greater visual differences between future Audis. The concept also closely previews the next-generation Audi A6, A7 and A8 models.

Speaking at the LA motor show, Hackenberg said that the next-generation A8, due in late 2016, would kick-off the firm’s new era. The design for the new luxury sedan has already been signed off, and was designed alongside the next-gen A7 and A6, both of which have already been finalised.

Visible on the Prologue concept is the single-frame grille that has been redesigned to be significantly wider than that used on existing Audi models. Matrix laser beam headlights that provide adaptive functions, including automatic high-beam dipping when oncoming traffic is detected, also makes its way to the concept. It has an aluminium and high-strength steel body, and is 40 mm shorter and 70 mm lower than the current A8. Wheelbase is also 50 mm shorter. It also gets 22-inch wheels.

Power comes from Audi’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine that has been tuned to deliver 597 bhp and 71.34 kgm of torque. An eight-speed automatic gearbox and Torsen four-wheel drive system will be used with the transmission system.

The new Audi concept also provides clues to the advanced chassis, ready to be adopted by the new A8 and its more sporty A9 sibling; it uses a new five-link suspension with adaptive air springs capable of varying the ride height.

Inside, the dash incorporates a full-width instrument panel featuring an OLED display that enables digital interaction between the driver and front seat passenger.

BMW's new Power eDrive plug-in hybrid system

Car manufacturers are becoming increasingly conscious of their contribution towards preserving the environment, while maximising the level of comfort that they can provide their customers. In line with this, BMW has revealed an advanced new plug-in hybrid system called Power eDrive.

The new hybrid powertrain aims to provide the similar, smooth yet urgent performance qualities delivered by contemporary battery-powered electric drive systems, such as the one offered on the Tesla Model S. It in fact, forms a part of an extended range of modular hybrid powertrains being developed in a performance-based Efficient Dynamics engineering program at the R&D center in Munich.

BMW revealed its most powerful powertrain on a 5-series GT prototype, with a 228 bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine, in combination with two electric motors. These motors are a modified version of the unit used on the BMW i3. A 201 bhp motor is mounted up front in the space usually taken up by the torque converter in the car's eight-speed automatic transmission, while another, developing 268 bhp, is mounted within the rear axle assembly. In total, the system is claimed to produce over 670 bhp, along with a torque loading beyond 103.6 kgm.

“The electric motors provide approximately two-thirds of the combined output, with the combustion engine accounting for the remaining third,” said Franz Drescher-Kaden, BMW concept engineer for the new petrol-electric hybrid set-up.

To drive the motors, 20 kWh Lithium-ion battery packs are installed longitudinally at rear of the car's centre tunnel, and horizontally underneath the rear seat. The batteries can be charged via a wall socket, or on the run with the power produced from the combustion engine.

Transmitting power to the final drive is an eight-speed automatic gearbox; drive is nominally channelled to the rear wheels via the rear electric motor and the front electric motor. This operates through the eight-speed automatic in which it is housed, providing for an all-electric four-wheel drive. This is further enhanced by the combustion engine, which delivers its power to the front wheels.

The addition of the electric motors and the Li-ion battery pack has contributed to a significant increase in the overall weight of the car, however, BMW has held back the weight of the hybrid system itself. The company does claim though, that the car outperforms the 2070kg, 444bhp, twin-turbocharged, 4.4-litre, V8 550i GT in a straight line.

The Power eDrive is being developed as a scalable system with claimed power outputs ranging from 250 bhp to over 650 bhp. BMW says, the plug-in hybrid technology will be “a natural choice for use in upmarket vehicle segments". BMW has also indicated that Power eDrive could be offered alongside traditional petrol and diesel engine options in its upcoming X7 – a new range-topping SUV due for launch in 2017, as well as the next-generation 7-series, X5 and X6.