India gets first Hybrid two-wheeler ET-120, Courtesy Eko Vehicles
India gets first Hybrid two-wheeler ET-120, Courtesy Eko Vehicles
Eko Vehicles Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore-based maker of electric vehicles has launched India’s first Hybrid two-wheeler called the ET-120. ET-120 model was developed in collaboration with U.S. and UK companies including U.S-based Emerging Vehicle Technologies and is anticipated to go on sale in May 2010.
ET-120 is the first hybrid two-wheeler, runs on a combined fuel of a 70cc petrol engine and an electric motor. The company claims that its hybrid scooter will give a fuel consumption figure of 120 kpl. This bike would be able to operate for around 20 miles on the electric motor. The top speed of ET-120 is 65km/hour.
ET-120 is expected to price between INR 40,000 to INR 42,000.
Apart form this; Eko Vehicle is also launching another scooterette ‘Strike’. The vehicle is priced at INR 22,000.
The zero-debt company is reportedly looking to raise Rs 37 crore to Rs 47 crore ($7.9 million to $10 million) by the end of January and had a turnover of Rs 12 crore in 2008-09.
World’s cheapest car Tata Nano goes green
World’s cheapest car Tata Nano goes green
India’s Tata Group says it is planning to produce hybrid versions of its Nano, billed as the world’s cheapest car.
Ratan Tata, the chairman of both Tata Group and Tata Motors – the biggest vehicle producer in India – made the comments on a visit to South Korea.
A hybrid vehicle typically uses two or more distinct power sources to move it, usually petrol or diesel and a battery.
Mr Tata also said that low-priced goods would drive sales faster than high-end ones in India. (more…)
Bugatti 16 C Galibier The world’s most powerful four-door?
Bugatti 16 C Galibier
The world’s most powerful four-door?
Bugatti’s new 16 C Galibier concept is the climax of the marque’s centenary celebrations, intended to be “the most exclusive, elegant, and powerful four-door automobile in the world.”
It is, according to Bugatti president Dr. Ing. Franz-Josef Paefgen, one of several concepts which the company is considering for the future of the Bugatti marque. (more…)
Electric Cars that May or May Not Ever be Built
Electric Cars that May or May Not Ever be Built
In addition to Renault’s four electric concept cars, lots of other car companies had electric concept cars on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show too. But will they have the nerve or commitment to go ahead with them? The answers are far from clear.
Renault is counting on the rising price of gas to make us turn electric. Other car dealers are betting on hybrid because the combination of gas plus electric will make buyers feel safer. But many still had an electric concept on show. Mini had this cutie on display, but stated flat-out that they had no intention of ever building it. More questions after the fold.
1. Electric Cars that will be built For Sure
Hyundai is working very hard on an electric car for the Korean market. They expect to have it ready for 2010 and it will have a range of 150 km. They are focussing on Korea because of the severe environmental problems there.
(more…)
Virtual test drive with Audi’s e-tron electric concept car
Virtual test drive with Audi’s e-tron electric concept car
Audi fans will be able to drive the e-tron concept car through PlayStation Home starting in late 2009. Audi is the first carmaker to develop its own virtual area there, known as the Audi Space. The Audi etron, a high-performance sports car with a purely electric engine, was introduced at the International Motor Show (IAA). Starting in December, it will be available in the Vertical Run driving game within the Audi Space.
Racing enthusiasts will soon be able to view the Audi drive concept of the future in PlayStation Home, a 3D social gaming service for the PlayStation 3 community. Four motors – one per wheel – power the e-tron when it drives along the three-dimensional racetrack in Vertical Run. The game will be available exclusively in the new Audi Space within PlayStation Home.
“Most young people gain their first driving experience from video games,” explains Kai Mensing, who is responsible for video games and virtual worlds in Online Marketing at Audi. “With the Audi Space, we can bring this target group into contact with our brand in a highly emotion-packed and interactive environment, and demonstrate our ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ with the virtual etron race.” (more…)
World’s fastest car Ultimate Aero to storm Indian roads
World’s fastest car Ultimate Aero to storm Indian roads
The Ultimate Aero – the world’s fastest car capable of reaching half the Electric and hybrid cars
Frankfurt Auto Show speed of a jetliner cruising at 30,000 ft – is set to Electric and debut in India with a price tag of over Rs 6 crore that will make it the costliest car sold in the country.
Its maker, the US-based Shelby Super Car (SSC), has decided to launch the car in Mumbai in the next few months and follow it up with a Delhi launch, said a person working on the launch who asked not to be named. An email query sent to the US firm on its India plans did not get a response.
India will be the third market where the car, with a recorded speed of 413 kilometres per hour (257 mph), is sold after the US and Russia. (more…)
Land Rover introduces the limited edition Range Rover Sport Autobiography
Land Rover introduces the limited edition Range Rover Sport Autobiography
TATA-owned auto maker Land Rover, has presented the limited edition Range Rover Sport Autobiography in Frankfurt, that is given a more luxurious treatment.
Upgrade highlights includes a duo-tone premium leather interior, revised grill and vents, the addition of 20-inch diamond turned finish alloy wheels as well as a new body kit.
Furthermore, the auto maker also announced that it is introducing electronically-controlled reclining rear seats.
The rear seat package comes with heated and cooled functionality, four-way adjustable lumbar support and airline-style winged head restraints. (more…)