Chevrolet’s new Spark is coming to India!

If you ask around and mention the Matiz to anybody, the word cute is mostly blurted out instantly. The same holds true for its spiritual successor, the current Spark - even though General Motors India now runs the proceedings. And when GM decided to build the successor to the current Spark for the global markets, needless to say it will make it to India, but will co-exist with the Spark as we know it now.



This then is the new Spark. And before you ask how they will run Spark Sr and Spark Jr around at the same time, don’t fret. GM might just call it the Beat in India, since the concept at the 2007 New York Motor Show was called thus. And from what the specifications seem to suggest, it will take on cars like the Hyundai i10 Kappa and Maruti Suzuki’s upcoming Splash, nee Ritz, head on.

The Spark is GM’s global small car that will be sold not only in countries in Asia and Europe, but also become GM’s entry ticket into the growing small car space in North America. And the fact that the Beat concept was chosen from among three after 1.9 million people voted over the Internet means that the Spark is a good looking car. Keeping true to the concept, the Spark retains most of the lines, except that it now gains four doors. If you can’t spot the door handles for the rear doors, don’t worry, it had us stumped too. But as we spotted closer, we realised that the Spark has stolen a design cue from the famous Alfa Romeo 156. The door handles are hidden in the plastic cladding around the C-pillar. Neat indeed. Measuring in at 3640 mm, the Beat is some 75 mm longer than the i10. The new car of course can’t be called cute anymore, as it is rather aggressive and muscular.

On the inside, there are a few design elements that trace it back to the current Spark. Such as the encapsulated speakers on the dashboard or the AC louvers and even the manner in which the central console is designed. What is rather interesting is the way the instrument binnacle has moved from the centre console to the more traditional ‘behind the steering wheel’ position. It looks like it came off a space shuttle, sheathed in silver and a cleverly designed LCD interface. The funky blue centre console dials and the riot of colours make this a fairly lively place to be in. We suspect it will be comfortable too for four adults and their luggage.

Internationally, the Spark will be sold with a variant of the current 1.0-litre four-cylinder petrol that also powers the existing Spark and a new 1.2-litre four-cylinder double overhead petrol that probably traces back its roots to the U-VA mill. No power figures are available just yet, so expect a small bump in power for the 1.0-litre engine from the existing 65 bhp, while the 1.2-litre engine should make about 80-85 bhp. We expect the latter to be the engine of choice so that GM can differentiate between it and the Spark and U-VA. Given how the current Spark is a lightweight city scorcher, the new Spark too should be equally good around town with some ability to cruise on highways.

And cruise it will, but only after GM brings in the Cruze, its Honda Civic/Toyota Corolla competitor, sometime in May-June this year. This will be followed by a new small car before the end of the year, which we guess is nothing but the facelifted U-VA. With Europe being the first recipient of the new Spark in early 2010, we suspect India will be on the launch list of the Beat only by late 2010 or early 2011.

BMW 7 Series in India

BMW is working on new technologies to bring the best automobiles in India. The latest BMW 7 Series model, BMW 730d is an outcome of such technologies. The new 730D boasts of much more comfortable ride than before and much safer as well. The luxury car buyers in India are all set to get good value for money for their cars as they come laden with new technologies at the same price. BMW has launched only 750Li so far in India. It is yet to launch 730D and 740Li in the country. The 750Li and the 740Li are the longer wheelbase versions of the 750i and the 740i models.

The new 730d coming to India has more elegant style as compared to its predecessor that flaunted a sporty look in the western world. The features have been considerably toned down looking the customer likings in India. The company has specifically kept in mind the choices of the elite and selective class buyers who prefer the rear-seat comfort. The longer wheel base segment and rear seat comforts and accessories have been specifically designed keeping in these customer demands in mind.


The new BMW 7 Series models are all geared up to change the “driver’s cars” concept as is normally perceived about the BMW cars. It intends to compete head-on with Mercedes Benz S-class in the luxury car segment.

Fiat Linea

In case, you are aspiring to purchase a new car with comfort on top of looks, then Fiat Linea is just right for you. Fiat, the Italian automaker, has made this small family car, keeping people’s predilection in mind. In the international market, Linea is expected to replace Marea - another sedan in the range of Fiat. Designed by Fiat Style Centre, the compact vehicle is priced between around Rs. 6,50,000 - 8,50,000.



Based on the Fiat Grande Punto platform, Linea will also be manufactured in Turkey, China and Brazil, besides India. Regarding styling and engineering, the family car undoubtedly has an international look, though its elegant exteriors make it typically ‘Italian’. Fiat Linea could be aptly called a 4-door sedan which is sleek and stylish.

Engine
At Istanbul, Linea was launched worldwide with two petrol and two diesel engine versions. The diesel versions will accompany 1.3 multijet VGTdiesel engine in90 bhp tune,and an automatic gearbox variant, while the petrol versions will include a 1.4-litre, 100 bhp, and a 1.4-litre 120 bhp turbocharged mill. Linea will be found amongst the upper C-segment and the entry D-segment sedans, and is expected to contend with Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Skoda Octavia.



Exteriors and Interiors
Moreover, its generous dimensions boast of its class: Linea is 1.73 metres wide, 4.56 metres long, 1.5 metres tall, with a wheelbase of 2.6 metres and a 500 litre luggage compartment. Its interiors and interiors are well-aligned with each other, giving ample of room and superb comfort to the driver as well as passengers. Linea’s interiors are carefully designed and assembled, as regards the quality, comfort, practicality.

For right-hand drive versions of the Linea, India is on the roster of Fiat’s manufacturing center. Tata Motors has teamed up with Fiat to take up manufacturing and retailing Linea in India. Ranjangaon plant in Maharashtra has been selected as the apt centre to produce the car. Linea would be exported to the countries like South Africa and Australia where right-hand drive markets is simply great. In conclusive terms, Fiat’s Linea, which is designed for sophisticated consumers, is swift and pleasurable to drive in every situation.


http://www.fiatlinea.in

The new Ford Fiesta 1.6S launched in India has now emerged as the ‘segment-winner’ with competitors having to spruce up their act. The model has lived up to its expectations with various car magazines and critics voting unanimously for the car.



“If you are choosing between these two cars to have the perfect ally for spirited motoring, then go for the Fiesta” – BS motoring, Dec 2008.

“Ford has created one of the most involving driver’s cars in India” – TopGear, Nov 2008

“That’s good value for the Fiesta S as you get a super competent car that gives you the best of both worlds – sport & comfort” – Times drive, June 2008.

The new Ford Fiesta certainly flaunts what it has got! You can experience a superb driving experience which redefines the meaning of world-class driving experience. This sedan comes loaded with a host of features that is sure to please the owner. Ford Fiesta 1.6S is the sports variant of the car that was launched last year. It accentuates the bumper treatments, sports body kit, new rear spoiler, 5-spoke 15” alloy wheel and much more. Its new suspension system offers higher level of machine and driver interaction for excellent maneuverability. On the whole, the car offers superb handling and stable on-road driving experience. The interiors of the car have been refurbished with ebony and jasper blue environment that expresses cool and refreshing look. Moreover, the car also sports a honeycomb instrument cluster, leather wrapped steering wheel that finishes with superb aluminum finish gears.

AutoCar India tags the Ford model as one of the best in its segment. “The best driver’s car in its class” – AutoCar India, Sep 2008

On the price front, the new Ford Fiesta 1.6S is genuinely a luxury car without the hefty price tag. With a price tag starting at Rs. 7 lakh, the car offers a great value for money and the critics offer their kudos and accolades to the car on that front.

“A great buy if you love driving and worth every rupee” – WhatCar India, July 2008.

“This is one of the best six figure driver’s cars money can buy” – AutoCar India, July 2008.

If you are looking for a good and reliable sedan that offers great mileage with best driving experience, the new Ford Fiesta 1.6S is surely a serious contender!

Porsche feels the global economic crisis

Porsche Automobil Holding SE, announced today that due to the global economic ciriss, the company’s sales have dropped by 14.3 per cent.

According to the President and Chief Executive Officer of Porsche Automobil Holding SE, Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking, the company “was not able to escape the general downward trend in the global automotive industry in the first six months of the current year of business 2008/09 (1 August 2008 - 31 January 2009) and will therefore show a decrease in revenues according to provisional figures of 14.3 per cent to approximately Euro three billion.

Outlook

The future development of the world economy holds many more risks than in previous years. In the US, the government and the Federal Reserve attempted to stabilize the economy by issuing tax rebates and lowering interest rates. The financial crisis expanded dramatically despite these efforts. The collapse of a major investment bank and the 700 billion dollar rescue package from the US government revealed the precarious state of the world economy at the end of 2008. Even if a long-term recession can be avoided in the US, 2009 will at best see the gradual recovery of the economy.

Apart from the US economy, the high price of oil proved a crucial factor in the development of the global economy. A further price shock could lead to new reductions in growth. After the record of 147 dollars for a barrel of crude oil in mid-2008, prices have fortunately begun to come back down. However, this also reflects the weakness of the world economy and the ensuing drop in demand.

Although eurozone countries were able to profit in the fall of 2008 from exports to the emerging economies of China, Russia and India, they are unable to escape the pending recession that is spreading from the US. This also applies to Germany. The rescue package totaling hundreds of billions of euros introduced by the EU in October 2008 with the aim of mitigating the financial crisis will do little to change this situation.

The German economy has a strong position in foreign markets thanks to its range of products. It offers premium consumer goods and capital goods that are in demand in the rich oil-producing countries as well as in China. Exports remain the most important engine of the economy. If the oil price and rate of inflation develop favorably private consumer spending could recover in 2009, while unemployment is expected to remain low. However, Germany will not be able to avoid an interruption in growth.

New 911 Carrera well received by customers With regard to the current 2008/09 fiscal year, Porsche Automobil Holding SE sees high demand for the new 911 Carrera models with direct fuel injection and Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK). The basic variant of the 911 Carrera was launched on the important US market on 20 September 2008. The 911 Targa models, the latest additions to the 911 family with reduced-emission drive systems, are to be launched onto worldwide markets on 25 October 2008. In spring, the product portfolio is to be made even more appealing by the reissue of the Boxster series mid-engined sports cars. At the same time, it is difficult to make reliable statements on the development of the entire current fiscal year in the current economic climate.

Porsche anticipates the next growth spurt in the subsequent 2009/10 fiscal year, with the market launch of the Panamera. As well as enabling Porsche to benefit from the growth in demand for luxury vehicles in the large emerging markets of China, the Middle East and Russia, the four-door, four-seater Gran Turismo will also make waves in the traditional sales regions of Europe, North America and Japan.

Force India to debut their 2009 season car in March

Force India has announced that they would launch their new car for the 2009 season in March.

They are already pretty late as most other teams have already launched their cars for this season.

Force India technical director James Key said in a statement: “It’s obviously very tight, because of what we’ve had to do. But the plan is to hit the last two official team tests before the season.”

The 2009 Formula-1 season starts on March 29 and they have little time left to get their new car ready.

The team has the same driver lineup for this season: Italian Giancarlo Fisichella and Germany’s Adrian Sutil.

Key added about the progress of the new car: “Some areas of the car matched very well with the new packaging requirements we had, while in other areas it was significantly different.”