Thursday, December 10, 2015
Subaru embarks on STI push with NY performance concept
TOKYO -- Subaru took the wraps off its STI Performance Concept today at the New York auto show, previewing the brand’s expanding focus on tuner parts and performance editions.
The concept, based loosely on the body of the Subaru BRZ sporty coupe, encapsulates both Subaru Tecnica International’s parts and motorsports activities.
On the parts side, the car is decked out in STI carbon-fiber aerodynamic components including a rear spoiler. It also gets STI-tuned chassis, body and air intake-exhaust systems.
Under the hood, it showcases the engine Subaru deploys in Japan’s Super GT racing circuit: a horizontally opposed 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, double-overhead-camshaft, 16-valve turbocharged unit, generating 345 hp. Even though the concept is a turbo, Subaru says it has no plans for a turbo BRZ production model.
Toyota propels hydrogen fuel cells
The announcement was made at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It comes as Toyota prepares to launch the hydrogen-powered Mirai in a limited number late this year in California. The launch will be extended to the Northeastern United States next year. Toyota also has announced plans to support networks of fueling stations in each region to try to smooth consumer adoption. The Mirai has a 300-mile range on a tank of hydrogen, and it takes about five minutes to refill.
Toyota's patent giveaway seems to put it at a competitive disadvantage, or at least levels the playing field. But Lindsay notes there is very little competition right now, and without other players, hydrogen will never gain acceptance by consumers or get a viable infrastructure. By offering access to others, like suppliers, Toyota is actually supporting its own investment in hydrogen.
Renault Pulse and Scala relaunched in India
Over seven lac.vehicles have been recalled by a number of automakers since auto industry body SIAM started a voluntary vehicle recall for safety related issues in India in July 2012.
These automakers include bigwigs such as Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra, Toyota, Ford,Honda and General Motors.
BMW Experience Tour 2015 now in India
BMW has launched the second edition of BMW Experience Tour in Kolkata. After Kolkata, the tour will reach Raipur, Surat, Ahmedabad, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Mumbai, Pune, Indore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi and Lucknow.
Customers will get to drive the BMW 1-series, BMW 3-series, BMW 5-series and the BMW 7-series, as well as put these vehicles through a series of braking, slalom, corner braking and fast lap exercises. Similarly, the SUV such as BMW X3, BMW X5 and BMW X6 will be driven on ramps and other obstacles like articulation humps, steep hills and inclines.
The company will also set up a special recreation zone to ensure an entertaining time for the entire family. The section will have a special ‘Sony PlayStation Zone’ for kids where they can enjoy driving BMW cars in the virtual world with Sony PlayStation3.
Mercedes Benz launched AMG GT'S 10 th model
The hottest of all AMGs will be launched in India . The Mercedes-AMG GT S sportscar is the more powerful version of the AMG GT and takes over the baton from the highly successful SLS AMG. The GT S goes up against the Porsche 911 and the Jaguar F-Type.
The Mercedes-AMG GT S has been entirely developed by the AMG division and employs an all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 mill in a compact arrangement. This potent engine produces peak power of 510 PS at 6250 rpm and 650 Nm of torque between 1750 to 4750 rpm. All that power and torque lights up the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The AMG GT S can do the 0-100kmph sprint in just 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 310kmph. It’s not just outright acceleration that the GT S is good for though. Mercedes-AMG has done a splendid job to give the GT that handling prowess to rub shoulders with a 911.
The AMG GT S gets an aluminium space frame with independent double-wishbone suspension all round and adjustable damping as standard. Dry sump lubrication, ceramic brakes, forged wheels, dynamically adjusting engine and transmission mounts further make the AMG GT S track worthy.
The styling of the AMG GT will be a big draw too. The tapered front and rear bumpers give more than a peak of the tyres when viewed straight up. What adds to this muscular stance is the SLS AMG inspired wide haunches. The lights of the AMG GT aren’t the best part of the design though.
The best angle to view the AMG GT is definitely side-on. The tiny bubbled roof slopes in smoothly to the rear almost as neatly as the gorgeous Jaguar F-type and that’s saying something.
