Bajaj Boxer is a name that you casually associate with something that is rugged, but not to Indian taste while it is powerful but never a success. But I was intrigued when I first saw the pictures of Bajaj Boxer 150 Café Racer.
Remember we saw the Hero Splendor Pro Classic Café Racer in the 2014 Auto Expo, which was also launched in the market to a lukewarm response. This was not where it all started though. The beautiful Continental GT from Royal Enfield was where it all started and suddenly everyone in India started to Bing! (siuya, scroogle) about Café Racers.
Then today I was looking around the net for the new Pulsar RS200, I came across this surprise. A Boxer 150 Café Racer! The first look at it and I said “wow” I didn’t know that. (more…)
The last time I sat in an Ambassador was in October 2009, after which I never had an opportunity. I am sure all of you already know of Ambassador as the grandpa of the cars.
Hindustan Motors recently announced that they are stopping production of this iconic car. Of course this created a flood of emotions, nostalgic reactions and everything. But one thing that hardly ever came out was anyone saying “Please dont!”.
I am being critical here, of course. Everyone agreed or rather accepted to was Amby had aged and it needed to go down the memory lane because only rare few (most among them them were for Taxi’s in Kolkata and Kerala, ironically states with common political tastes and labor unrests) were even buying it. (more…)
The news floated around last year (2012) when FIA conceived the idea of a racing series based on Formula 1, albeit with Electric engines. It spread to soon and many firms got immediate interest in setting up a team for themselves.
And one thing I personally loved of this development was there was an Indian team among them.
Mahindra Racing has been putting a commendable effort into the Moto3 series since 2011 and were the top 3 team. With their Indian bike business not starting off on the right note, Mahindra started to get involved in high-tech motorcycle races to get their R&D prowess in-house.
They also have a distinction of being the only Indian motorcycle manufacturer providing their vehicles to other racing teams. Like the Renaults and Ferrari’s of F1. For me, that definitely sounds volumes of how much Mahindra is dedicated to prove itself as a global manufacturer. (more…)
TVS Wego, the scooter of the year 2011. TVS Wego, my first ever vehicle.
The Chits
More than a year ago, I got my hands on this two-wheeler. I was confused between buying a Car and Bike, and was wondering what should I be doing. At home, along with Mom, Dad and my sis, we all made chits to decide what should I do. First chit was written “Bike”, second one had written “Car”, third one as “Car & Bike” and forth one as “None”.
Well you guessed it wrong, the chit that got picked was “Car & Bike”. Now to my amazement, I was finally able to buy both and the worrying bit was that I would need to look at financing both. I went to all possible Hatchback showrooms in Thane and checked almost every car under the budget of Rs. 3.5 Lakhs which got extended time and again as I was impressed by higher valued cars. One thing I was certain – which ever car I will buy it will have to be the top end model. (more…)
Timeless classic that it is, Maruti Suzuki’s Gypsy has been a hit with off-road enthusiasts. Based on Suzuki’s second generation Jimny, Gypsy has been one of the favorite vehicles of defense personnel and those who are into Rallying.
The reason why I am saying this is the recent success of Ford Ecosport. Not that Gypsy is anything like Ecosport, which is much modern and has all the latest gadgetry but an update Gypsy could bring in some cheer to enthusiasts and would find new buyers. One of the classic Mini SUVs that Maruti has in its stable, and still on sale.
Nissan is re-launching the Datsun brand and it starts with India, one of the most looked out for among the emerging markets for global car manufacturers. For those who do not know, Datsun has a rich heritage in Cars and racing, but the brand Datsun was replaced by what is now called “Nissan” way back in 1981.
It has been in news ever since last two years when it was first announced. The reason Nissan’s move has generated such a hype in media and among auto-enthusiasts is because of the brand they choose, and not what they are going to do with it. Datsun pretty much helped establish the Japanese car makes in the western world, particularly the United States. (more…)
Two of the most famous champions in F1 are Germans. And that speaks something about Germany. Both drivers dominated the world of Formula1 but never with a German teams. But outside of F1, some of the world’s best cars are also made by Germans.
While Michael achieved his record of 7 championships of which 5 were back to back, Seb has 3 back to back and currently leading the championship tables by 39 points. Commendable. Sebastian had seen Schumacher as his idol while growing up and even has competed against him, a feat very few of all Schumacher admirers have achieved.
Why am I writing about Germany and F1 now? Well, in a way it has to do with Mercedes’ recent improvement in performance and me liking towards Nico Rosberg. I liked Nico ever since he was at Williams, and the reason why I paid attention to Williams F1 was in part due to Royal Bank of Scotland’s sponsorship – my then employers – and followed him to Mercedes F1 team. I also started liking another German, Nico Hulkenberg, after he raced for Force India F1 (my current favorites). (more…)
Call it the Call of Duty or Meeting a Beast. You can pick one, but both, I did with pleasure.
The new IndiBlogger meet in Mumbai had something never seen or experienced before at any previous meets. As with every IndiMeets, I set off on my trusted and abused TVS Wego from Dombivali to Andheri Chitrakoot Grounds via Mankhurd for a stopover at my in-laws. Oh yes guys, I recently got married to my love of my life.
Riding the Wego with Pillion for 36 Kilometers and then solo for the next 24.7 KMS was as always pleasure. For me, this was kind of an extreme drive (ride if you so wish) through horrible traffic as always. The longest I have ridden is for 125 kilometers, but more on that in an upcoming post.
The Backdrop stage
IndiBlogger has been an extended family for me. Almost all meets in Mumbai and you can expect me to be there, standing with the IndiTeam and running around. Well, you are forgiven to think I am part of the IndiTeam! I get those feedbacks from people about the meet thinking I am from the IndiTeam, even after I told them many times over in the past meets that I am not part of the IndiTeam itself.
Often when elections near, you get some cheer! Here, have some beer!
Beginning Wednesday, the price of petrol will fall in Delhi by Rs 2.22 a litre and by Rs 2.34 a litre in Mumbai.
It is not very clear from all explanations we have got why this price dip now? The Minister of State for Petroleum RPN Singh states that the dip is in line with the crude oil prices and not a political decision. Ever since de-control of petroleum prices, this is the first time ever all three PSU petroleum marketing companies have reduced prices. I still have my own reasons to believe that it is not the prices; it’s the votes that have forced the dip.
While last time around, the oil marketing companies had asked the media not to go by the international crude oil prices but see Indian crude baskets. The minister vehemently defended saying Oil companies have turned up to the media and have made it public that they will not make any profits. Pressure from all corners, including its strong ally, forced government to take this step.
According to a report by a leading Indian News channel, Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Petroleum sells most of its refined petroleum products out of India, which means its products, are exported rather than used for the domestic consumption. I am not sure about the authenticity of this news report, but if it is any true, I need to understand why?
Globally, crude oil prices have gone up to 110$ per barrel from 80$ per barrel last year. At the same time, Rupee has depreciated against $ to reach Rs. 50 per US Dollar. This hike is caused by reduction of crude oil supply from Libya and other factors. The linked excel sheet will give you a prospective about how the Crude Oil prices have fluctuated.
Now with decontrol is in place, we have to get used to see frequent changes in prices which will reflect (according to Ministry and Oil companies) true value of a one liter of petrol that goes into your vehicle.
Psychological Factor for our domestic market is any hike in fuel prices will in turn inflate prices of all essential commodities. Irrespective of the fact that hike might only be affecting Petrol. We all know that India’s transport sector relies on Diesel for transportation and any rise in petrol should never affect the prices for this sector. But eventually it does. Something I do not understand is how we can allow this to happen when diesel is still subsidized and we, the tax payers pay for it.
So finally, after receiving so much of the positive news at the Auto shows, Jaguar has decided to the build the incredibly sexy C-X75 Super Car. This time, in association with Williams F1.
The following is the press release from Williams F1.
Jaguar can today confirm that it will launch the remarkable C-X75 concept car as an exclusive hybrid supercar.
Jaguar C-X75 will become the British marque’s most advanced model to date. It will offer performance on a par with the fastest production cars on the market, while adopting cutting-edge technology that offers remarkably economical running. Jaguar expects this hybrid supercar to deliver incredibly low CO2 emissions of less than 99g/km while being able to achieve in excess of 200mph.
“People expect Jaguar to be innovators – that is when Jaguar is at its best,” said Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Brand Director. “The C-X75 received an incredible reception as a concept car.”
Project C-X75 will be the ultimate expression of Jaguar design and engineering innovation. This high-performance hybrid supercar will stay true to the initial concept design study that made its debut at the 2010 Paris motor show, while fulfilling requirements that allow it to be homologated for road use.
Jaguar C-X75
“This will be the finest looking and most innovative Jaguar ever produced. Even in the world of supercars, we can still produce the most beautiful” said Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars.
In an unprecedented move, Jaguar C-X75 will be developed in association with Williams F1 who will provide their engineering expertise in areas including aerodynamics, carbon composite manufacture and hybrid technologies. This association will be at the leading edge of British automotive engineering and innovation.
It also marks a new milestone in both company’s histories as Jaguar Land Rover and Williams F1 collaborate for the first time to produce one of the world’s highest performance and environmentally sustainable super cars. A direct technology transfer between elite motorsport and road-going production cars is key to C-X75’s success.
Aiding the transition from concept to production vehicle is the choice of powertrain. Jaguar continues to develop the use of the micro-turbine technology that was showcased in the original concept C-X75. Jaguar’s parent company Tata has taken a significant stake in Bladon Jets, and will develop this very advanced technology as a medium-term aspiration that will play a part in Jaguars of the future.
When C-X75’s motors and combustion engine combine, it will be one of the fastest production cars in the world, with a sub-three second 0-60mph time and a top speed in excess of 200mph. Crucially, this performance will be generated alongside incredibly low emissions, with a target of less than 99g/km CO2, thanks to Project C-X75’s lightweight construction and cutting-edge powertrain technology.
“Our new association with Jaguar Land Rover provides us with an exciting opportunity to work with one of the motoring world’s most famous and iconic brands,” said Sir Frank Williams, Co-Founder and Team Principal of Williams F1. “Williams has always considered itself an engineering company and so this project will allow us to combine our technical expertise to create something truly exceptional.”
Only 250 examples will be built, each costing between £700,000 – £900,000 depending on market and local taxes.
“Never before has the company launched such an ambitious, world-beating vehicle programme,” said Carl-Peter Forster, CEO Tata Motors. “This is the Jaguar of the future. The opportunity for innovation like this in the UK is part of the reason Tata Motors invested in Jaguar, and it’s fantastic that products like the C-X75 can become reality.”
What makes Jaguar C-X75 such an attractive prospect for the future of Automobiles.
Jaguar to launch C-X75 as a hybrid super car
Mixes internal combustion power with electric motors to achieve supercar performance and less than 99g/km CO2 emissions
Downsized highly boosted petrol engine with two powerful electric motors and four-wheel-drive
0-60mph in less than 3 seconds
0-100mph in less than 6 seconds
Top speed in excess of 200mph
All-electric running range in excess of 50km
True-to-concept, lightweight, all carbon-fibre chassis
Groundbreaking association with Williams F1 – built in the UK
Direct technology transfer from top-level Motorsport
Prices from £700,000 depending on local market and taxes
Exclusive limited volume hybrid supercar – only 250 will be built
Mahindra launched the much anticipated their own version of Renault Logan that company produced in a JV with the French company. What this means is a better version suited for Indian conditions. The chassis and engine remains the same however there are a few cosmetic changes on the exterior and interior. Remember that Mahindra has experience in re-badging other products and selling across India, most notable is the Jeep design.
As it was published earlier, Mahindra had disagreements with the French company about the cars characteristics which the French company refused to change which led to the break up. Mahindra also had a bad experience with Ford, when the later in partnership with Mahindra launced the Escort in India.
Logan Verito
Now equipped with several rugged and sporty styling elements, the car looks a bit different and sporty. The time bound Logan features will remain.
Mahindra Press release states that:
On the performance front, the Verito retains all the strengths of the Logan. The new Verito offers the sameRenault drive train with the option of a 1.5 DCi CRDi diesel engine or 1.4 MPFI petrol engine. Equipped withthis, the Verito offers an amazing 21.03 KMPL fuel efficiency (diesel mileage as per ARAI). The Verito remainsthe broadest car in its segment, offering unmatched cabin space. It also boasts of a spacious seating capacityand a boot space which is one of the largest, with 510 litre capacity
The competition might just hot up when Tata launches their Indigo CS with their 25kmpl C4 engine. Lets hope the Logan gets its due, at least its Indian version.
This is something I would have least expected from Tata Motors. Misleading customers.
If you carefully look at the image attached in the bigger font, they have written “Petrol Prices making you take the train?” and says out loud that at 25 kmpl, the Indica eV2 shown on the left is India’s most fuel efficient car.
When you closely look at the fine print at the bottom, its written that “ARAI Certified fuel efficiency of 25kmpl for the CR4 diesel engine“. If the Fuel Efficiency is 25kmpl for a Diesel engine, then why blare out and talk about Petrol?
Tata Motors campaign at Vashi station
This is nothing but a drive to make people think and go to Tata Motors. They should correct this at the earliest and make the amendments.
Narain on his twitterverse said that he is “Back in F1 in 2011. Signed a deal to race for HRT. I’ve always maintained that my time in F1 was not over and now making good on that promise”
F1 has been springing come backs after Micheal Schumacher made one last year.
This is a news that I was expecting very much since Bernie Ecclestone was so much pressing for an Indian on the grid during the inaugural Indian Grand Prix this year. Bernie also landed a seat for Karun Chandok, son of Vicky Chandok who ruled early Indian Motorsports, in HRT for 2010. However the youngster couldn’t compete in every race thanks for a financial backing crunch with his sponsors. Why Bernie was not keen on having a Korean on the grid where for the first time last year a F1 race was held is every one’s guess? F1 is surely going places in Asia and with a superb Singapore Night race, its all going to get more and more exiting for sure and by a great measure.
