Automobile Blog

Suzuki Swift Hybrid Revealed at the Tokyo Auto Show

Who needs competition? Japanese car makers are ruling the Tokyo Auto show and Suzuki surprised the onlookers on the second day with its Swift Hybrid model. Nissan GT-R was the show stealer on first day but Suzuki Swift Hybrid model had all the eyeballs on Day 2.

The Swift mainly uses its electric motor for short, low speed journeys. The petrol engine will then be used as a generator, so that as it runs it will charge the batteries. The Swift Plug-In is designed for short city trips with a petrol-driven generator in addition loading the battery of the electric engine. The battery can also be connected to an electric household socket for easy recharge. Suzuki has not yet revealed any official details about its performance, economy and fuel consumption but the car is expected to give a range of 20 km on one charge. (more…)

Porsche launches its fastest 911 yet

The new Porsche turbo is faster and friendlier to the environment.

Porsche has launched the fastest version yet of its iconic 911 sports car.

The all-wheel-drive Turbo variant is one of the last of the 911s to receive a mid-life update, and major mechanical changes have improved performance in every area.

The new Turbo goes on sale in Australia in February 2010 – again in both coupe and cabriolet form – fitted with the model’s first all-new engine since it debuted in 1974.

A 3.8-litre six-cylinder replaces the 3.6 unit of the previous Turbo model that arrived in new-generation form in 2006.

Effectively based on the 3.8 used in the Carrera S, the new engine features direct fuel injection, a modified exhaust system, uprated intercooler and revised version of the twin-turbocharger set-up with variable vane geometry. (more…)

New Droid TV spot happily rips Apple

There I was watching the Yankees suck yet another victory from the very duodenum of defeat, when along came a rather sweet Apple TV spot.

You know, music that makes you glad your lungs function even after a night on the tequila, and a white background with a soothing typeface telling you some simple things that Apple will do to make you even happier.

Then I put down my cup of green tea (Decaf, naturally. Only way to watch the Yankees) and realized that this was a rather vicious list of the iPhone’s alleged shortcomings: the inability to run simultaneous apps, for example. And the lack of 5-megapixel imagery. (more…)

Suzuki’s Hybrid Versions to showcase at Tokyo Show

Japanese auto-giant Suzuki is all set to showcase its Swift with Plug-in Hybrid system as well as a SX4 FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) in the forthcoming auto show in Tokyo, Japan, the land of the rising sun. Only two non-Japanese manufacturers, Alpina and Lotus will also showcase their products in the sprawling event in the Japanese capital.

The Swift Plug-in Hybrid, as per manufacturer, is useful for the customers who travel around twenty km every day i.e. for short travels. The car, supporting 660cc engine, is equipped with a generator to charge the lithium-ion battery.

A domestic plug-in socket has been provided for recharging to check drop in the capacity level.

The SX4-FCV, currently undergoing testing in Japan, would also be introduced by Suzuki at the auto show. The five-door hatchback, first shown at the 2008 Paris auto show, is loaded with highly efficient fuel cells by GM and high pressure tank from Suzuki for increasing its performance and enhancing energy recovery during breaking.

Full details including technical specifications of these cars will be provided at the Tokyo Motor Show 2009.

Read more: http://www.stockwatch.in/suzuki-s-hybrid-versions-showcase-tokyo-show-23917#ixzz0TiGEGoQj

Tata Motors to launch Manza sedan next week

Tata Motors, India’s biggest auto company, will look to strengthen its presence in the sedan segment with the launch of an all-new mid range sedan, Manza, next week. It will be priced in the range of Rs 5-7 lakh. The Manza is basically the sedan version of the indigenous hatchback, Indica Vista, launched by the company in August last year. The car is aimed at arresting the company’s dwindling performance in the sedan category.

Sources said Tata Motors will officially launch the car on October 14, though company dealers say it will be available in showrooms from October 10 onwards. The company has refused to comment on the launch.

Analysts say Tata Motors has timed the launch ideally, as it will allow them to cash in on the festive customers, as the launch will take place only three days before Diwali. (more…)

Ratan Tata to launch Tata Manza on October 14

TATA MANZA, a new and updated version of Tata’s Indigo vista is all set to be lauched on October 14, 2009 in Mumbai. Tata Group Chairman, Ratan Tata will unveil the new Tata Manza, built on Indigo vista technology.

The new Tata Manza will be equipped with a powerful engine sourced from fiat and will be available with two engine options – 1.4L petrol engine and 1.3L multi-jet engine, which would be capable of delivering 95PS power, whereas the 1.3L multi-jet engine will pump out power of 90PS. The Manza car has a very cool and spacious interior and would be equipped with all latest technologies.

The Tata Manza will have the instrument console in front of the driver and all the controls for the stereo and bluetooth connection system for mobile phones would be available on the steering wheel itself. (more…)

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…)