porche 911 review car matrix

'Report – Porsche 911 Carrera Blu Edition to premiere in Frankfurt' plus 11 more

'Report – Porsche 911 Carrera Blu Edition to premiere in Frankfurt' plus 11 more

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• Report – Porsche 911 Carrera Blu Edition to premiere in Frankfurt
• Report – New Smart family to depend on the rear engine architecture for its USP
• Brazil – 2014 Chevrolet Agile facelift spied
• Land Rover begin real-world testing of Electric Defender; Pulls a 12-tonne train carrying 60 people!
• Spied – 2015 Hyundai i20 spotted testing in Germany
• Korea – 2014 Hyundai Elantra facelift gets teased, unveiling on August 24
• Official: BMW to show i8, i3, new X5 and 4 Series in Frankfurt
• Australia – Fiat launches Punto at 16,000 Australian Dollars
• UK – Fiat Punto gets updated with a new Sporting variant
• Maruti Alto 800 VXi with Airbag launched at INR 3.54 lakhs
• Spied – Audi A8 facelift caught testing in India, again
• Hyundai celebrates sales of the one millionth Santa Fe in the US

Report – Porsche 911 Carrera Blu Edition to premiere in Frankfurt Posted: 03 Aug 2013 10:29 AM PDT If these washed-out scans of a catalog from 911UK, a Porsche enthusiast forum, is not doctored, Porsche will unveil a limited edition 911 Carrera Cabriolet at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The Porsche 911 Carrera Blu Edition would be a markedly cheaper variant but restricted to 300 units. Limited to 300 units, the 911 Carrera convertible dubbed “Blu Edition” would undercut the Coupe variant by 9,500 Euros (7.71 lakh rupees) at an estimated price of 74,600 Euros (60.55 lakh rupees). The entry-level price could be achieved thanks to the de-spec’ed version of the 911 Carrera’s 3.4-liter flat-six engine that makes 50hp less (345hp total output). That would hurt the 0-100kph acceleration time by 0.6 seconds (5.4 seconds) and the top speed by 18kph (266kph). The engine is however mated to the same dual-clutch PDK gearbox. The budget Carerra’s fuel consumption is reported as 6.4 l/100 km (15.6 kpl) and its CO2 emissions is pegged at 152 g/km. The pick of the features on the austerity-driven Porsche include an idling-stop, a smart charging system, 18-inch wheels sporting a refreshed design, low rolling resistance tires and a removable soft top that is made of composite fabric instead of an electronically foldable roof. The overall weight loss compared to the regular Carerra convertible is almost 63kg. The 300 examples are earmarked for the US and buyers will be picked using a lottery system or sold to members officially approved by the Porsche club. [Source - 911uk.com]

Report – New Smart family to depend on the rear engine architecture for its USP Posted: 03 Aug 2013 10:04 AM PDT According to a report on Autocar UK, Mercedes-Benz would base its new family of Smart models on the rear-engined, rear-wheel drive platform developed with Renault. The first gen Smart ForFour, based on the Mitsubishi Colt, was discontinued in 2006 due to poor sales. The second gen would be supported by a platform developed by the Renault-Nissan-Daimler JV. In his interview to the British magazine, the head of the Mercedes Benz car division Dieter Zetsche confirmed that the USP of the Smart brand would be its Tata Nano-like drivertrain layout and squashed rumors of a more conventional front-engined front wheel drive platform for some variants. Smart plans to challenge the VW Taigun and Ford EcoSport through a psuedo crossover on its second generation ForFour model. The regular ForFour hatchback will premiere in the form of concepts at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show, so envisaging a crossover on this platform would be a lot simpler then. The report reads that the ride height would see an increased and all-around body cladding would provide the compact car with the flair of an SUV. The new Smart family, which will also feature a psuedo-SUV, uses a rear-engined, rear-wheel drive architecture. Zetsche refuses to rule out the chances of a Mercedes SUV below its A-Class, to rival the decently performing Mini Countryman. He says that the nature of the premium-class competition demands an SUV even at such a low-end of the market. Daimler appears to have no plans to launch the Smart brand in India in the immediate future. Its future business plan is based on entering lower segments with its commercial vehicles (Bharat Benz) and its passenger car range from Mercedes. [Source - Autocar.co.uk]

Brazil – 2014 Chevrolet Agile facelift spied Posted: 03 Aug 2013 09:11 AM PDT GM Brazil continues to test out the 2014 Chevrolet Agile in Brazil to unlock new life on the three year old model. The car was caught testing this month by our friends at Murruga Design. The prototype is in a completely camouflaged state but Brazilian car experts can see what will change. The Agile is a base car sold in select parts of South America since 2009. According to Murruga, the lifecycle operation would be about design corrections with slimmer headlights, a revisited twin-port Chevy grille inspired by the Onix, and new foglights. The car’s rear may not feature any major changes except for freshly detailed stoplights, though the camouflage suggests otherwise. A more powerful version of the current 1.4-liter engine producing 106hp is expected on the 2014 Chevrolet Agile. At present, the engine makes 102hp on ethanol and 97 hp on gasoline. Image slimmer headlamps, a redesigned grille resembling the Onix and BMW 5 Series-like foglamps. The Chevrolet Agile was conceived and engineered entirely by Brazilian design and engineering teams at GM’s Technology Center in Sao Paulo. When it launched in 2009, it featured many segment-first features such as cruise-control and an advanced on-board computer. Despite belonging to a base segment, it came with creature comforts like height-adjustable driver seat and tilt steering. The Agile is designed specifically to suit South American entry-level buyers which explains its absence outside of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. [Source - murrugadesign.wordpress.com]

Land Rover begin real-world testing of Electric Defender; Pulls a 12-tonne train carrying 60 people! Posted: 03 Aug 2013 05:42 AM PDT Land Rover showed us the Land Rover Defender Electric Vehicle at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. This wasn’t a concept as LR engineers said that the vehicle was a test prototype and actually worked in the real world. Electric motor of the Defender lugs 12 tonnes!! In an attempt to test the vehicle further, the Electric Defender is being used to transport visitors to the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK. No, when we say transport, its not like the visitors sit inside the car and are driven away. The Electric Defender is being used to pull a 12-tonne road train up a 6% incline! LR inform us that the electric vehicle is used to lug 60 passengers seated in four carriages. The electric SUV works during the day and is charged over the night. The approximate running cost has been estimated at 2 pounds/day (about INR 180). Electric Defender Research Vehicle was shown at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. When unhooked from the trailer and shown a flat surface, the electric Defender will hit a top speed of 70mph (112km/h). It has a range of 62.5 miles (100km) or 8 hours of low-speed off-road use. The lithium-ion batteries take 10 hours to charge fully while fast charge technology can reduce that to 4 hours. Jeremy Greenwood, Principal Engineer on the Electric Defender project, said - The car has been modified so it now includes a second battery. That will allow it to work a full day at the Eden Project, but also improves weight distribution and stability. In addition, we’ve linked the land-train’s air brakes to the foot pedal of the Land Rover, enhancing safety. Press release on Page 2.

Spied – 2015 Hyundai i20 spotted testing in Germany Posted: 03 Aug 2013 05:32 AM PDT Spies have caught the next generation 2015 Hyundai i20 (codename – IB) while it was testing outside Hyundai's technical center in Germany. Photographers report that the prototype was "slightly longer and a tad sportier" than the current i20. Fact that Hyundai is testing the new i20 is not breaking news as images of prototypes from South Korea were shown to you months ago. As luck would have it, Hyundai India is also taking part in testing the new premium hatchback on our roads. 2015 i20 is likely to be larger than the current model. The i20 is an important model for the Korean car maker, especially in India. It is Hyundai's second attempt at the premium hatchback segment (the first being the Hyundai Getz which never got the sales it deserved) and the Korean car maker has found a lot of traction with it. Hyundai India sold an average of about 6,800 i20s every month in 2013 and it must be mentioned that the i20 segment is de-growing, not only in India but abroad as well. Details on the next gen i20 are pretty sketchy at this point. We're sure to have a better idea on the styling and the equipment on offer once we observe the 2014 i10 (which debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show). The i20 has been an all-round player, bringing good profits and volumes for Hyundai in India and Europe. What puzzles us is the future Hyundai lineup. From what we understand, Hyundai India could sell the i10, the next generation i10, a compact sedan based on the new i10 and the new i20. Having multiple models in a close price range has been mastered by Maruti Suzuki, although not completely. Can Hyundai do it better? [View the spy images over at CarScoops.com]

Korea – 2014 Hyundai Elantra facelift gets teased, unveiling on August 24 Posted: 03 Aug 2013 04:03 AM PDT Hyundai Korea has just released this teaser image of the 2014 Hyundai Elantra/2014 Hyundai Avante. The 2014 Elantra would be a mid-life refresh that would rather take the route of mildly updating the car instead of comprehensively altering its well-accepted styling. IAB readers won’t see this as a big development as we’ve tipped them on a possible August 24th unveiling last week. The Elantra is badged as the Avante in Korea. From the image, we learn that there would a parking assistant with an option for 90-degree side-by-side parking. The most affordable car in India to feature the parking assistant feature is the VW Passat currently. We certainly hope Hyundai brings this feature for the Indian market and it funnels down into more affordable cars like the Verna. The taillights, though seemingly unaltered in this image, are mildly tweaked. Refer to the leaked image of the component to see the changes. As we said in the past, Hyundai is following the 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' policy with the new Elantra. The alloy wheels are also expected to be redesigned and there could be options for 16- and 17-inch wheels. The headlights are expected to include LED lights (maybe daytime running lights in a manner similar to the newer Audis). Design of the Elantra is expected to remain unchanged on the facelift. World Car Fans also reports that there would be a new diesel engine on the 2014 model. Currently in India, we see the Verna's 1.6-liter CRDi engine with the variable geometry turbo being used. Would the same engine be sold in a new state of tune? We would imagine Hyundai to show the updated Elantra outside Korea for the first time during the 2013 LA Auto Show given its fantastic reputation in the US. [Source - World Car Fans]

Official: BMW to show i8, i3, new X5 and 4 Series in Frankfurt Posted: 03 Aug 2013 03:47 AM PDT As the media days for the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show near, manufacturers are busy prepping their pride and joys for the unveiling. BMW have just confirmed what they would bring to the show. The BMW i8 will have its world premiere in Frankfurt and we are likely to see the production specification i8 in all its glory. Joining the i8 would be the recently launched i3. BMW say that they will construct a special track indoors for members of the press to experience the i3! BMW will also bring their 4 Series Coupé to the show. The replacement for the 3 Series Coupé, the 4 Series, is yet to commence deliveries though the launch has taken place. BMW will also show us the 2014 X5 SUV, which entered production in Spartanburg, USA, just a couple of days ago. The new model is the third generation X5. Concept Active Tourer Outdoor previews the 1 Series/2 Series GT. Finally, the Concept Active Tourer Outdoor will also be displayed at the show. This is a pretty important car is it previews the 1 Series/2 Series GT and a 7-seat MPV from the brand. Steven Althaus, head of Brand Management BMW and Marketing Services BMW Group, said - The IAA is one of the most important motor shows worldwide, where we present our latest products on an emotional level. The dynamic presentation of our vehicles on the track is unique and clearly underlines BMW´s brand promise "Sheer driving pleasure". Press release on Page 2.

Australia – Fiat launches Punto at 16,000 Australian Dollars Posted: 03 Aug 2013 03:30 AM PDT The Fiat Punto was launched in Australia on August 2, 2013. Fiat has opted to launch the updated and facelifted Punto, the model that is on sale almost all over the world except India. Australia gets a single engine option in the 1.4-liter four-cylinder petrol mill. This engine produces a peak power of 77bhp and churns out 115Nm of torque. Equipped with a Start-Stop technology for conserving fuel at traffic lights, Fiat claims an efficiency of 5.7 liters per 100km (17.54km/l). The Australian Punto comes in three trim levels – Pop, Easy and Lounge. The Pop receives steel wheels, denim inserts for the upholstery, a music system with Bluetooth and steering mounted audio controls, six speakers, six airbags and a start-stop system. The Pop is offered with a 5-speed manual or the Fiat 5-speed Dualogic automatic transmission. The Punto facelift saw an upgrade to the dashboard. We’re yet to see it in India. The Easy is available with the automatic transmission only and gets 15-inch alloy wheels, driver side knee airbag, a different dashboard design, leather steering wheel, cruise control, front and rear power windows and an USB port. The Lounge (which is also available with a 5-speed automatic only) gets 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, glossy covers for the wing mirrors, dual-zone climate control, leather seats, side skirts and a rear spoiler. Facelifted Punto gets different taillights and the Fiat badge doubles up as a boot release. Prices for the Fiat Punto in Australia are as follows: Pop 5-speed manual – AUD 16,000 (INR 8.71 lakhs) Pop 5-speed Auto – AUD 17,500 (INR 9.52 lakhs) Easy – AUD 19,300 (INR 10.5 lakhs) Lounge – AUD 21,800 (INR 11.86 lakhs) The Punto for Australia is not being exported from India.

UK – Fiat Punto gets updated with a new Sporting variant Posted: 03 Aug 2013 03:15 AM PDT Fiat UK has announced a new Fiat Punto Sporting trim apart from a comprehensive update to all its variants. Here is a detailed look. The Punto will continue in 3- and 5-door versions and gets a total of 5 engine options (all of them meeting Euro 5 norms) and is available in four trim lines namely Pop, Easy, GBT and Sporting. The earlier Lounge and TwinAir trim levels have been deleted. Sporting version of the Punto looks pretty good! Fiat hopes to catch the young car buyer’s fancy with this variant. That being said, the TwinAir engine is now present on the Easy and GBT variants. Before we talk about the trim levels, here are the engine options- 1.2-liter 8-valve petrol 69bhp 1.4-liter 8-valve petrol 77bhp 1.4-liter 8-valve petrol 77bhp Dualogic automatic transmission 1.4-liter 16-valve MultiAir petrol 105bhp 0.9-liter TwinAir petrol 85bhp 1.3-liter 16-valve MultiJet diesel 85bhp Now for the variants. All versions receive a new dashboard with "diamond embossing," body color door handles and ORVMs, and a driver knee airbag! Fiat Punto Pop – Available with the 1.2L 69bhp engine only in 3- and 5-door configurations. Gets remote locking, front power windows, driver passenger and window airbags, MP3 player, power steering and height adjustable driver's seat. Fiat Punto Easy – Available with all the 5 engine options (and 2 gearbox options) in 3- and 5-door body styles. Gets (in addition to Pop) upgraded and sculpted black color Castiglio fabric seats, front fog lights with cornering function, ambient lighting on dashboard and door. Also gets side airbags. Fiat Punto GBT – Apart from the Dualogic, you can have the rest of the engine options in 3- and 5-door. In addition to the Easy's equipment you get 16-inch 7-spoke two-tone 'Sportline' alloy wheels. Fiat Punto Sporting – Available with the 1.4LMultiAir and non-Dualogic transmission in 3- and 5-doors. Gets body colored rear spoiler, side skirts, gloss black roof, sports suspension, black colored ORVMs with heating function, black roof lining, leather for the steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake, darkened head lights and chrome exhaust tip. Contrast stitching for the seats and an upgraded dashboard are the interior changes. The Punto range now starts at 9,950 pounds (INR 9.29 lakhs) and extends to 13,995 pounds (INR 13.07 lakhs). These are on-road prices. Foglights have a cornering feature usually reserved for the more premium cars such as the Yeti and Laura. Press release on Page 2.

Maruti Alto 800 VXi with Airbag launched at INR 3.54 lakhs Posted: 03 Aug 2013 02:49 AM PDT Maruti Suzuki has launched the Maruti Alto 800 VXi with an Airbag. In the month of June, Maruti had introduced the VXi range topping variant to the Alto 800 range. You can now specify this variant with a driver side airbag should you wish to. The Alto 800, launched in Diwali 2012, was the first Alto in India to offer an optional airbag. However the airbag could be specified only on the LXi variant, which was then the top-end variant. The prices for the Alto 800 VXi and VXi with Airbag are given below. Note that all prices are ex-Showroom, Mumbai. Maruti Alto 800 VXi Non-Metallic – INR 3.35 lakhs Maruti Alto 800 VXi Metallic – INR 3.39 lakhs Maruti Alto 800 VXi Non-Metallic with Airbag – INR 3.54 lakhs Maruti Alto 800 VXi Metallic with Airbag – INR 3.58 lakhs As you can see, an additional INR 19,000 is being charged for the single driver side airbag. The other features that the VXi variant comes with (in addition to the LXi version) are an integrated music system with a CD player, USB and Aux-in with two speakers, central locking, a rear spoiler, body side moulding, a left hand side wing mirror which is internally adjustable and a rear parcel tray. Driver’s side airbag makes the small car a lot safer. Should you not wish to opt for an airbag on the VXi, you can do so on the LXi variant. Prices for the LXi Airbag variant are specified below (ex-Showroom, Mumbai). Maruti Alto 800 LXi Airbag Non-Metallic – INR 3.38 lakhs Maruti Alto 800 LXi Airbag Metallic – INR 3.42 lakhs The Alto saw sales stoop to 16,411 units in the month of May 2013. In fact, Maruti sold more Dzires than Altos for that particular month. When we look at June 2013, things are beginning to appear usual with the Alto emerging on top with 20,077 units.

Spied – Audi A8 facelift caught testing in India, again Posted: 03 Aug 2013 02:34 AM PDT A 2014 Audi A8 facelift prototype has arrived in India and here are the second set of spyshots of it (you can check out the earlier set of images here) testing in Mumbai. Audi is readying the A8 facelift for a Frankfurt world premiere. The Ingolstadt based car maker has released a video teasing two new models (one of them being the 2014 A8) and an August 21 web premiere has been announced, in line with the global premiere plan. The new A8 will be the first Audi to incorporate the Matrix LED headlights. From what we understand, these are high powerful and intelligent headlights with safety being the utmost priority. On the one hand, the lights will illuminate the road (and highlight pedestrians on the on-board screen) with a "cryslline sheen", and on the other they would automatically dim themselves for the oncoming vehicles and as a result will not blind them. Also expect cosmetic changes to the bumpers, a few new interior bits and as the spy images suggest, a chrome strip on the bootlid. Audi India is expected to launch the updated A8 in early 2014 if not late this year. At about the same time, Mercedes India is expected to launch their flagship offering, the 2014 S Class. A shootout between these two should be interesting to watch. [Images from Autocar India]

Hyundai celebrates sales of the one millionth Santa Fe in the US Posted: 03 Aug 2013 01:51 AM PDT The Hyundai Santa Fe, as the name suggests (popular holiday destination in the US), is an SUV primarily conceived for the American market. Launched in 2000, it has built a steadily increasing reputation in the States to surpass the one million mark in sales today. The Storm Edge design did a world of good to the Hyundai Santa Fe. An example from the third generation Santa Fe launched at the New York Auto Show last year is the jubilee car. The crossover SUV’s Storm Edge design philosophy gets the proportions and the stance spot on and is offered in two different wheelbases (5- and 7-seater). The Santa Fe was originally manufactured at the company’s Montgomery plant in Alabama but the majority of the production was later shifted to the plant at West Point, Georgia. Commenting on the occasion, John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America said - When the 2001 Santa Fe launched in the United States 13 years ago, not only was it Hyundai’s first SUV, but it was one of the first compact crossovers on the market – just behind Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Santa Fe has played a significant role in Hyundai’s success and growth in the United States. Sadly, the long wheelbase version with a proper third row seating won’t make it to India.