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'Report – Mazda CX-3 (EcoSport rival) to launch within 2 years' plus 15 more

'Report – Mazda CX-3 (EcoSport rival) to launch within 2 years' plus 15 more

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• Report – Mazda CX-3 (EcoSport rival) to launch within 2 years
• Europe – Audi begins testing the A7 facelift; Will it receive the Matrix LED headlamps?
• Maruti Suzuki issues recall for A-Star, Swift, Dzire, Ertiga over faulty steering column
• Teased – Hear the Lamborghini (Cabrera) Gallardo successor’s engine
• Rendering – 2015 Ford Edge production version
• IAB Report – New Honda City Diesel gets a 6-speed manual gearbox
• Indonesia – Tata Super Ace introduced at 95 million Rupiah
• Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar production versions revealed
• Video – 2014 Range Rover L Autobiography Black
• Report – KTM is prepping a go-faster Duke 390 R
• Report – BMW i8′s first year production sold out!
• Nissan IDx Freeflow and IDx Nismo detailed [Video]
• Korea – 2014 Hyundai Genesis revealed, records 3,500 pre-bookings in one day
• Toyota FCV Concept in motion [Video]
• IAB Report – AMW introduces 3118 TM transit mixer at EXCON 2013
• Last Lamborghini Gallardo built..And sold

Report – Mazda CX-3 (EcoSport rival) to launch within 2 years Posted: 27 Nov 2013 07:15 AM PST Motoring.com.au has learned that Mazda will launch the CX-3 baby SUV within the next two years. Without revealing names, Mazda has announced five models by March 2016, of which the next gen Mazda2, CX-9 and MX-5 are reportedly part of. The CX-3 is the fourth launch in the line. The CX-3 is the fourth in the six launches Mazda has earmarked for its mid-term business plan. Mazda bosses are not forthcoming about the model yet, and stated at the Tokyo Motor Show last week that a decision to launch a crossover below the CX-5 has not been made or cannot be announced. At the Mazda stall at the Tokyo Motor Show, we asked some of the Japanese officials who were assembled about their next crossover. One official said the CX-3 “is the big secret” after observing an elongated pause when we popped the question. If Ford and Mazda had continued sharing platforms and engines, the CX-3 could have been a rebodied Ford EcoSport. The CX-3 is part of Mazda’s mid-term business plan that is dubbed ‘Structural Reform Plan’ covering the fiscal years of 2015 and 2016. The mini SUV will share its platform with the bigger CX-5 and would measure around 4m in length.

Europe – Audi begins testing the A7 facelift; Will it receive the Matrix LED headlamps? Posted: 27 Nov 2013 07:14 AM PST Audi has started testing a facelift of the A7 in Europe. Images shot by spy photographers show the car’s complete body dressed in tricky camouflage. Likely to be revealed next year, the A7 facelift could have the same design formula used in refreshing the A8 this year. This includes the incorporation of Audi’s Matrix LED headlights that permit the use of high beam without the risk of glaring oncoming drivers. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, the newly appointed R&D chief of Audi, told IndianAutosBlog.com at the Volkswagen Group Night on the eve of the Frankfurt Motor Show that more Audi models would use the Matrix LED lights in the future. The A7 facelift would be the next model to receive the technologies developed for the new Audi A8. The first spy images fail to show the front angle of the car, which, like other new Audis, is expected to host the majority of changes. A sculpted bonnet and revised bumper are sure-shot features in this lifecycle change. Audi had brought updates to the engines of the A8, improving their output and managing to reduce consumption, and as these engines are shared with the A7, expect a similar outcome. The interior changes on the A7 should include new trim and seat cover options, as well as an updated MMI system which debuted on the new A8.

Maruti Suzuki issues recall for A-Star, Swift, Dzire, Ertiga over faulty steering column Posted: 27 Nov 2013 03:01 AM PST Maruti Suzuki has issued a recall of a small number of vehicles over a possible glitch in the steering column. The company said today that 13 units of the A-Star, 592 units of the Swift, 581 units of the Dzire and 306 units of the Ertiga are affected by this recall. The 1,492 affected models were manufactured between October 19 and October 26, 2013. The recall doesn’t pertain to vehicles that have been exported in this range. You can check if your new Maruti is affected by the recall by using your VIN number on marutisuzuki.com. To fix the cars, Maruti will fit new steering columns through authorized workshops. To save time, the company has dispatched the part to service centers and is now calling customers who are driving the possibly faulty models. The fitment will be made free of charge. The Maruti website requests for the VIN number to verify if the vehicle is affected. The company is also urging new Maruti car owners to check themselves if their cars are concerned by the recall. The official website marutisuzuki.com today displays a field requesting doubting customers to type in the chassis number (a 13 digit number that is present on the vehicle ID plate or on the registration documents) to verify. Owners can also call their local dealerships to ascertain if their vehicle needs a new steering column.

Teased – Hear the Lamborghini (Cabrera) Gallardo successor’s engine Posted: 27 Nov 2013 02:14 AM PST The last ever Gallardo was made yesterday and is on its way to its owner. Even so, the Gallardo successor, which is being referred to as the Cabrera, has just been teased. No, Lamborghini haven’t released a teaser shot of the car, but have instead given us a teaser audio. A microsite called hexagonproject.com will give you the first taste of what to expect from the Cabrera. The website opens to the fighter jet inspired engine starter button that we see on the Aventador, and pressing it releases the rumored 600 horses that is expected from the same 5.2-liter V10 engine as the Gallardo. The Cabrera could be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. Lamborghini doesn’t have much to say about this, only informing us that this is the “roar of the new creature from Lamborghini”. We expect Lambo to show a concept or the production version itself at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in the first week of March. Given Lamborghini’s history with the Geneva Show, we can’t think of a better setting for the unveil. Early media reports indicate that the Cabrera will be inspired by the Sesto Elemento’s design and that the body will have a high content of carbon fiber ensuring an overall weight of under 1,500 kg. The same architecture will be used by Audi for the next generation R8 as well.

Rendering – 2015 Ford Edge production version Posted: 27 Nov 2013 02:05 AM PST Ford had unveiled the Edge Concept SUV at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. The concept previews the next gen Edge’s design and the new technologies that would be offered. One of the most important features to be shown was the fully-assisted parking system which enables the driver to park the car with just a push of a button, and this feat can be performed even with a remote control. The production version could be revealed sometime next year but we wouldn’t have to wait that long as X-Tomi Design have produced a rendering which showcases the production model. This rendering could be close to the model that hits the showroom as the concept’s exterior seemed almost production ready, save for the usual bits such as the headlights, mirrors, taillights and wheels. Ford Edge Concept The 2015 Ford Edge will be available by next year in United States, China, Europe and South America. When it goes on sale, it will feature many advanced technologies including the self-parking and obstacle avoiding system, adaptive cruise control, active park assist, a lane-keeping system, blind spot information, new EcoBoost engines and active grille shutters for better fuel efficiency. [Source - X-Tomi Design]

IAB Report – New Honda City Diesel gets a 6-speed manual gearbox Posted: 27 Nov 2013 01:49 AM PST The all-new Honda City had its world premiere in India a couple of days ago. Honda Cars India confirmed that the new City will be available with two engine options – a diesel and a petrol. The petrol engine is an improved version of the 1.5-liter i-VTEC, and though the specifications are unavailable, it should produce a power output in the region of 118 PS. This engine was already available with a 5-speed manual and automatic transmission on the predecessor, and it should remain the same. The City diesel on the other hand will make use of the Amaze’s 1.5-liter EarthDreams diesel engine. While the Amaze diesel gets a 5-speed manual box, the City diesel will feature a 6-speed manual transmission. The image of the diesel City’s gear knob shot at the launch clearly reveals so. On the outside, the new City measures the same as the old City in length and width, but is 10 mm higher and its wheelbase is 50 mm longer than the model it replaces. The New Honda City will be powered by a 1.5-liter petrol and diesel engine. While Honda haven’t discussed the variants and the features in depth, we know that the top-end ‘VX’ variant will sport an engine start-stop button, touch-panel auto AC, rear AC vents, an 8-speaker audio system with Aux-in, iPod, USB, Bluetooth, cruise control and a sunroof. The new City will have its market introduction in early 2014. Honda India is expected to reveal the prices then. Check out our complete coverage on the New Honda City H/T to eagle-eyed Indian Autos Blog reader Arvindhan!

Indonesia – Tata Super Ace introduced at 95 million Rupiah Posted: 27 Nov 2013 01:31 AM PST At the 2013 Indonesia International Motor Show this September, Tata not only showcased their passenger vehicles such as the Aria, Vista, Safari Storme and Indica, but also their LCVs, two of which had our attention. The first was the Super Ace Angkot, which is a passenger carrying version of the Ace, and the other was the Super Ace itself. The Super Ace is launched in two variants – DLS and DLE. The top-end DLE gets AC, power steering and power windows as standard. PT Tata Motors Distribusi Indonesia (TMDI), the Indonesian subsidiary of Tata Motors, launched the Super Ace in the city of Jakarta yesterday. To begin with, the Super Ace will be available in the following regions at these dealerships – Jawa Indi Motor (Central Jakarta), Gema Prima Indonesia (East Jakarta), Tata Mandiri Sentosa (Solo), Hanata Auto (Surabaya), Surya Tata Mobilindo (Cikarang). The Super Ace for Indonesia is powered by the same 1.4-liter diesel engine (making it the only diesel pickup in its category) which produces 70 PS at 4,000 rpm and 135 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm, giving the pickup a top-speed of 125 km/h. The Super Ace Angkot is the passenger version of the Super Ace (shown at IIMS 2013) which hasn’t yet been announced. Two variants of the Super Ace will be available in Indonesia – DLS and DLE. The DLS features power steering and costs 95 million Rupiah in Jakarta (INR 4.99 lakhs), while the DLE gets AC and power windows in addition to the DLS and is priced at 125 million Rupiah (INR 6.57 lakhs). The features mentioned in DLE are segment-first, says TMDI. Biswadev Sengupta, President Director TMDI, said - The Pickup segment has shown stable annual growths. In the last 10 years, the Pickup market has grown by 20-40%. We hope that our Tata Super Ace can compete and become the best choice for consumers and for TMDI to gain a share of the market. Tata Super Ace Launched in Indonesia – Press Release [Head to Slideshare if you're unable to view the document above.]

Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar production versions revealed Posted: 27 Nov 2013 01:26 AM PST The Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar will go on sale in July 2014. Volvo has partnered with race car specialist, Polestar, to come up with these performance versions. The cars will be available in Canada, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States as of now and will later move to other markets. Volvo will reveal the final production numbers next year. The cars are based on the latest models of the S60 and V60. A number of upgrades have been carried out in order to give the driver the best experience on all roads and in all weather conditions, says Volvo. The two models receive a new body kit, which enhances aerodynamic performance along with 20-inch alloy rims. The exterior is finished in a cool-looking sky blue shade. The interiors also feature the Polestar materials and color. Power comes from the upgraded six-cylinder T6 engine which produces 350 hp at 5,700 rpm and 500 Nm of torque from 2,800 rpm. This power is transferred to the wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters and the Haldex four-wheel drive system. The chassis has also been upgraded to increase the rigidity, and the springs are now 80 percent stiffer. The brakes are upgraded with 371 mm ventilated front discs and six-piston Brembo calipers. The cars can do the 0-100 km/h dash in 4.9 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 17.7 seconds and 80-120 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The top-speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. For more information, do refer the press release. Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar Image Gallery Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar Press Release [Can't see the Press Release? Head to SlideShare]

Video – 2014 Range Rover L Autobiography Black Posted: 27 Nov 2013 01:16 AM PST Land Rover showcased the 2014 Range Rover long wheelbase at the ongoing Los Angeles Auto Show. Along with the Range Rover L, the company also announced the range-topping Autobiography Black Edition. When you combine these two, you get the additional rear seat legroom of the LWB model, with the added luxury of the Black Edition, creating the S Class of SUVs. [Head to YouTube if you're unable to view the video above.] While the LWB Range Rover continues to use the aluminium architecture as the regular models, Land Rover engineers have lengthened the body shell (just in front of the rear wheels) to increase the rear seat legroom by a further 140 mm. The Range Rover Autobiography Black Edition (in standard wheelbase) was showcased at the Dubai International Motor Show last month. Image – Nitin Kumar. The rear seats can be customized as a bench or as individual bucket seats, but we suggest you take a look at the latter. With this configuration, the seat back can be reclined by 17 degrees (which is 8 degrees more than the standard Range Rover). Added to that, you also get a center arm rest with electrically deployable work tables (with integrated USB ports), and access to the climate control and the individual entertainment screen. The Black Edition features electrically-deployable tables with USB ports. Standard features on the Range Rover LWB include power door blinds and a panoramic sunroof. On the Black edition, Land Rover will offer two new, 7-spoke, 21- or 22-inch alloy wheels, and three exclusive color combinations.

Report – KTM is prepping a go-faster Duke 390 R Posted: 27 Nov 2013 12:59 AM PST Bajaj have a lot in store for 2014 as it turns out. We’ll be seeing two new Pulsars launch by the end of this financial year, while KTM will introduce their RC series of fully-faired motorcycles. And let’s not forget the launch of the Kawasaki Z1000 which is slated for late next month. The Duke 390′s performance needs no introduction, the 390 R could take it one step further. Our friends at MotorBeam report that a KTM Duke 390 R is also underway. The 390 R will be the go-faster version of the already quick 390. The report says that KTM will be putting the already lightweight bike on a diet to get rid of a few unnecessary kilograms. This would be accomplished by altering the headlights, side panels and rear tail piece. Engine wise, the 390 R will be powered by the same 373cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine, though the report highlights that the power and torque outputs could be higher than the 43.5 PS and 35 Nm of the standard 390. The 6-speed gearbox could offer more responsiveness as well. A new black color was recently introduced for the Duke 390. Needless to say, the 390 R could offer a higher power-to-weight ratio than 300 PS per tonne. Would that translate to a quicker 0-100 km/h time (the standard 390 does it in under 7 seconds) and a 170+ km/h top-speed? KTM would be making the 390 R at the Chakan plant and exports to Europe would also take place from here. Most recently, a new black color was announced for the 390, though KTM has not made it available to India yet.

Report – BMW i8′s first year production sold out! Posted: 27 Nov 2013 12:02 AM PST The BMW i8 was world premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September this year. The hybrid-sportscar is yet to have its market launch, but as it turns out, BMW has sold out the entire 2014 production! Speaking to Reuters, Dr. Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG and Sales and Marketing head of BMW, confirmed that the company sold out the first year production, though he declined to share the sales numbers. The i8 had its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September this year. The i8 is powered by a 1.5-liter TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder petrol engine producing 231 hp and 320 Nm of torque. It is coupled to an electric motor which develops 131 hp and 250 Nm of torque. Combined, the i8 produces 362 hp and 570 Nm of torque, with the engine driving the front wheels and the electric motor spinning the rear wheels. Performance wise, the i8 hits 100 km/h from rest in 4.5 seconds, and onwards to an electronically limited top-speed of 250 km/h. The i3 has garnered over 10,000 bookings already. The i8 can also run on pure electricity for up to 35 km with a restricted top-speed of 120 km/h. In the hybrid mode, the i8 achieves a manufacturer claimed 40 km/l, while emitting fewer than 59g of CO2 per km. Dr. Robertson also said that the i3 had over 10,000 orders and that the first units began shipping to its owners in Germany last week. The market launch of the all-electric BMW was held in Munich on November 16.

Nissan IDx Freeflow and IDx Nismo detailed [Video] Posted: 26 Nov 2013 11:48 PM PST The Nissan IDx and IDx Nismo revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show last Tuesday demonstrates how old-fashioned sportscars remade with modern product features attributes the pulse of the younger generation. [Can't watch the video here? Head to Youtube] In this video, the designers of the two vehicles speak about the idea behind the creation of the cars, and who they are aimed at. IDx stands for ‘identification x’ – the combination of what individuals personally relate to a car, and a variable ‘x’ representing their dreams and values. Nissan IDx Freeflow Both models are based on the same architecture, and are aimed at the car buyer born after 1990. Nissan refers to them as “digital natives” and is positive about spinning off production models in the future. The design was finalized after engagement with a community of global youngsters. Nissan says the IDx is ideally the simplest compact sedan to the members of this age category, and despite looking like a retro model, it has no legacy influences. The cars have just the right amount of features to instill a sense of reliability. Nissan IDx NISMO The IDx Nismo was co-created with a group that grew up playing racing simulation games! Watch the video to learn more about these interesting concept cars.

Korea – 2014 Hyundai Genesis revealed, records 3,500 pre-bookings in one day Posted: 26 Nov 2013 11:05 PM PST Hyundai took the wraps off the all-new 2014 Genesis in South Korea yesterday. The new Genesis is described by Hyundai as their first premium rear-wheel drive sedan. Based on Hyundai's new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design, the Genesis was previewed earlier this year in January through the HCD-14 Genesis Concept that was shown at the Detroit Motor Show. The Genesis spans 4.99 m in length and is available with three engine choices, including a 5.0-liter V8. Dimensionally, the new Genesis measures 4,990 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, 1,480 mm in height and has a wheelbase spanning 3,010 mm. Hyundai targets to sell 62,000 units of the Genesis globally next year, 32,000 units in Korea and 30,000 units overseas. That should be pretty easy considering that the first day of pre-bookings saw 3,500 people queue up! Hyundai will offer four engine options on the new Genesis. Starting the range is a 3.0-liter V6 producing 257 PS and 31 kgm of torque. Next up is a 3.3-liter V6 capable of 282 PS and 35.4 kgm, and a 3.8-liter V6 with 315 PS and 40.5 kgm. At the top of the ladder, Hyundai will offer a range-topping 5.0-liter V8 producing 425 PS and 53 kgm of torque. With this engine, the Genesis will run from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds! Hyundai targets to sell 62,000 units of the Genesis next year. While the 3.0 V6 Genesis will hit 230 km/h, the other of the variants can touch 240 km/h. An eight-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox available, while customers can spec between rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Apart from the design, this Genesis is also the first Hyundai to sport the new HTRAC All-Wheel-Drive system. Further details are available in the press release below. 2014 Hyundai Genesis Image Gallery 2014 Hyundai Genesis Press Release [Head to Slideshare if you're unable to view the document above.]

Toyota FCV Concept in motion [Video] Posted: 26 Nov 2013 10:55 PM PST The Toyota FCV Concept (Fuel Cell Vehicle Concept) presented last week at the Tokyo Motor Show will orchestrate a production model in 2015, and here are two short video clips that show the car in action, and from its motor show unveiling. [Can't see the video here? Head to Youtube] The FCV Concept is powered by a compact fuel cell stack and two 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tanks that give it a range of 500 km. It takes only three minutes to brim the tank completely. The powertrain components are placed under the body, so as to accommodate four passengers. The sedan measures 4,870 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, 1,535 mm tall and sports a wheelbase of 2,780 mm. [Can't see the video above? Head to Youtube] The design of the car represents the transformation of air into water (the energy equation in a fuel cell vehicle to produce electricity), and the “powerful acceleration” produced by an electric motor which develops maximum torque from start. Toyota has designed large front air intakes, a sleek side profile and a fuel cap shaped like a wave-motif. The rear of the vehicle is a representation of a catamaran’s stern, with water flowing behind.

IAB Report – AMW introduces 3118 TM transit mixer at EXCON 2013 Posted: 26 Nov 2013 09:30 PM PST AMW Motors launched the 3118 TM transit mixer at the EXCON 2013 which concluded in Bengaluru this past weekend. AMW is India’s third largest heavy commercial vehicle manufacturer and about 2,500 AMW transit mixers are operational in the country. AMW say that the 3118 TM has the lowest transportation cost per cu.mtr, and is suited for longer lead distances with high speed. The 8X4 driveline chassis can be installed with transit mixer drums of 8-10 cu.mtr capacity, and comes with a 10 cu.mtr drum as standard. A 5.9-liter six-cylinder BS-III compliant engine producing 178 bhp @ 2,500 rpm and 675 Nm @ 1,500 rpm spins the wheels. It is matched to a 9-speed gearbox (with crawler gear, and features a CED coating to prevent corrosion). The frame features a 7+7 mm double flitch, a bogie suspension, and the greadability is 28%. Other features are its 240-liter fuel tank, 78 kph top-speed with 31-tonne load, 20 m turning radius and adjustable steering wheel. The vehicle measures 9.23 m long, 2.47m wide (including the cab) and 2.7 m tall (including the cab). The ground clearance at the front is 280 mm, and 270 mm at the rear. The new product is the first one in its segment to offer air-conditioning and sleeper birth as standard. The mixer drum is sourced from suppliers and the model displayed at EXCON (featuring a 10 cu.mtr capacity drum) had a slave engine to operate it in case the primary power source met with a failure. R N Rao, Director Marketing, AMW Motos Ltd. said - India is witnessing increase in penetration of the ready mix concrete in the growing infrastructure industry. Addressing this growth, we have expanded our transit mixer range with the introduction of all new 3118 TM at EXCON 2013, Bengaluru. Images sent in by reader Bairesh Raj.

Last Lamborghini Gallardo built..And sold Posted: 26 Nov 2013 09:29 PM PST Lamborghini have just announced that the very last Gallardo was made and sold to a private collector. The Gallardo in question was a LP 570-4 Spyder Performante painted in a “Rosso Mars” color. This was the 14,022th Gallardo to have been made, ever since production started over ten years ago in 2003. As a result, the Gallardo is (or rather was) Lamborghini’s best selling model till date. The last Lamborghini Gallardo was a LP 570-4 Spyder Performante painted in a “Rosso Mars” color.