AutomobileEducation

Friday, 22 August 2014

Scania India introduces ethanol-fuelled city bus in NMC

Earlier today, Scania Commercial Vehicles India handed over India’s first ethanol-fuelled city bus to Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) for a trial run. The trial run spans three months and involves 5 buses during which Scania will bear fuel, staff and maintenance costs. Following a key hand over, the bus was flagged off by Shri Nitin Gadkari.

Anders Grundströmer expressed delight in venturing into this one of a kind project with NMC that works towards realisation of energy-efficient and sustainable public transportation solutions here. Scania’s expertise and experience with ethanol run buses spans over 20 years. The company views ethanol as the future for public transport. Ethanol as a vehicle fuel is a sustainable solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution.

Scania has also delivered ethanol buses for commercial service in Great Britain, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Norway and elsewhere. Ethanol reduces need to import oil and is a cost-effective biofuel. In terms of availability, infrastructure and accessibility, it’s not yet clear where ethanol will be sourced from in Nagpur.

Public transport based on ethanol buses is a cost effective method to reduce a city’s environmental problems. Scania is developing necessary preconditions without requiring major investments in new infrastructure. The new ethanol bus engine complies with Bharat stage 5 (BS V), thereby reducing emissions further.

Mr. Anders Grundströmer, Managing Director, Scania Commercial Vehicles India and Senior Vice President, Scania Group and Mr. Sivakumar V, Director – Sales, Scania Commercial Vehicles India handed over the bus keys to Shri Nitin Gadkari, Honourable Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Rural Development, Government of India in the presence of Shri Sanjay Gangopadhyaya, Jt. Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Prof. Shri Anil Sole, Mayor, Nagpur City and Shri Shyam Wardhane, Commissioner, NMC.

Read more at http://www.rushlane.com/scania-india-ethanol-fuelled-city-bus-nmc-12128397.html#z1z59ZY03t7TqWVR.99

BMW i8 US handovers at Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was where German automakers BMW presented first models of their i8 Sports Car. The first PHEV BMW i8 were delivered to customers among who were Roger Penske, racing magnate and Rick Hendrick, NASCAR Team Owner and Chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group.

Other recipients of the new BMW i8 Sports Car and who partook of an exclusive dinner at BMW Villa during Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance included Tony Fadell, founder and CEO of Nest, Michael Fux, CEO of Comfort Revolution, John Hendricks founder of Discovery Communications and Curiosity Project, Barry Klarberg, founder and CEO of Monarch Business and Wealth Management, Miles Nadal, Chairman and CEO of MDC Partners, Sam Nazarian, founder and CEO of SBE-hospitality and entertainment company and last but not least Patrick Wachsberger, co-chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.

These BMW i8’s handed over to the buyers will be unique 2014 BMW i8 Concours d’Elegance Editions which will be set apart due to its distinctive exterior paint in Frozen Grey metallic and interior updates. These special editions will also sport features and functions that will be seen exclusively in these models and will not be making their way into other BMW i8s.

This special edition also included the company’s advanced new laser headlights which have yet to be approved for road use in United States.

The production spec BMW i8 was showcased at last year’s Frankfurt Auto Show. It is powered by a 1.5 liter three cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine offering 231 hp power and 320 Nm torque. It is paired with a 130 hp electric motor and mated to a six sped automatic gearbox. In combo with the electric motor, power stands at 362 hp while torque goes upto 570 Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph is achieved in 4.4 seconds while fuel efficiency stands at 133 mpg. 2014 BMW i8 carries a price tag of$135,700 (INR 81,97,637).

Photo Gallery (5 images)

Read more at http://www.rushlane.com/2014-bmw-i8-concours-delegance-edition-12128362.html#SvGHzzazVB6AmyM1.99

Friday, 15 August 2014

World’s Fastest Camera Captures Chemical Reactions in Single Shot

: Developed by the University of Tokyo and Keio University, the world’s fastest camera uses new technology that it enables it to capture images that are basically impossible to visualize in a single shot.; The University of Tokyo

Two major Japanese universities have unveiled a camera that’s 1,000 times faster than existing high-speed cameras. With a multitude of applications in both the public and private sector, it can capture images that are basically impossible to visualize in a single shot, such as chemical reactions.

Developed by the University of Tokyo and Keio University, the world’s fastest camera uses new technology called Sequentially Timed All-optical Mapping Photography, or STAMP, which was introduced in Nature Photonics’ online edition on Sunday.

Researchers have even succeeded in photographing the conduction of heat, which is transmitted at a speed equivalent to one-sixth the velocity of light.

The STAMP camera’s optical shutter enables it to shoot images consecutively in less than one-trillionth of a second, outperfoming the one-billionth of a second that it takes between pictures from cameras using mechanical or electronic shutters.

A joint research team consisting of 12 researchers from the two universities has been developing the camera for three years, said Keisuke Goda, professor of physical chemistry at the University of Tokyo and a member of the research team. They will continue to work on making the camera–which is currently about one square meter in size–smaller for practical use in the next couple of years.

“It is a promising invention because these cameras can be utilized in various fields,” said Mr. Goda, adding that they could also provide basic technology to the private sector to put it into use.

He said, for example, the camera can be used in auto and semiconductor factories to help develop a better understanding of laser processing. In the medical field, it could also lead to advances in ultrasonic therapy, he added.

Wednesday, 13 August 2014

Bajaj Pulsar 375 SS to launch before 200 SS?

In the next six months, Bajaj is going to launch 3 motorcycles, out of which Super Sport Pulsar 375 could be one. However, it is unclear if Pulsar 400 SS will wait for launch of Pulsar 200 SS or race ahead.

Mr. Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Autos, disclosed to IndianCarsBikes at the launch of new Discover 150 that the company has planned three launches in next six months and a full faired model called Super Sport Pulsar is definitely one among them. Since he did not mention more about the SS Pulsar, it could be the 200 SS or 400 SS. Considering the expected launch date of KTM RC 390 launch to be 9th September 2014, Bajaj could drop Pulsar 375 into market soon as a more affordable alternative.

Case of Pulsar 400 SS will be a Déjà vu, as Bajaj will build the Pulsar 375 with majority of parts from KTM’s bin. Only slight mechanical changes would be presented. With increasing demand for full faired bikes, and popularity of Pulsar nameplate, Bajaj is expected to see good sales figures out of such products. While price of KTM RC 390 is expected to fall in Rs. 2.1 to Rs. 2.3 lakhs, Bajaj Pulsar 400 SS may be priced at around Rs. 1.8 lakhs, close to the cost of KTM Duke 390.

Thursday, 7 August 2014

Audi A3 sedan price, variant-wise features explained

Audi A3 sedan is launched at starting price of Rs. 22.95 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi which is astonishing as an Audi is now more affordable than ever in India. However, this is price of base variant A3; a C segment sedan would comfortably sit between this and price of top end Audi A3. Lets check out variants on offer and variant-wise features.

New Audi A3 sedan is offered in 4 variants, Attraction, Premium, Premium Plus and Technology. There are 2 engine choices. 2.0 litre 35 TDI engine in Audi A3 is available in all variants but 1.8 litre 40 TFSI sports in 3rd variant (Premium Plus) only.

Before going into difference between each variant of Audi A3, here is a list of what is available on all of them – Leather Multifunction 4-spoke steering wheel, illuminated vanity mirrors, smoking package front, centre arm rest between front seats, Audi Music Interface and Bluetooth connectivity.

Safety features such as side & head airbags on front & rear, space saver spare wheel, wheel bolts, tool kit and jack, first aid kit with warning triangle and electronic vehicle immobilisation device are also offered in all variants as standard features.

Audi A3 Attraction – Entry level variant gets 16 inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors and halogen headlights on exterior. Interior gets Inlays in form of monometallic or truffle beige, fabric seat covering (Black Rallye cloth), door sill trims in black plastic and folding rear seat back.

For comfort, Audi A3 Attraction trim gets rear parking aid, basic air conditioning system and electric seat adjustment for driver seat & manual height adjustment for passenger seat. Infotainment system features passive Speakers, MMI radio and driver information system.

At ex-showroom Delhi price of Rs. 22.95 lakhs, Audi A3 Attraction surely packs basic amenities for entry into premium brand luxury car world.

Audi A3 Premium – Sitting on 16 inch alloy wheels made in different design compared to Attraction model, A3 Premium variant receives high gloss package for exterior, electrically adjustable, heated and electrically folding Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVM), same halogen headlights, light / rain sensor / interior mirror / insulating windshield, and panoramic sun roof as option.

Interior of Audi A3 Premium variant gets 3D-look Aluminium Inlays, lighting package plus, leather / leatherette (Black & Chestnut Brown) seat upholstery, door sill trims in black plastic and load-through facility. Comfort features include rear parking aid, delux automatic air conditioning with sun sensor, cruise control, storage package and electrically adjustable front seats (driver & passenger). Infotainment system features are same as Attraction’s except Premium trim gets colour display for driver information system.

Price of Audi A3 Premium trim is Rs. 25.95 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi.

Audi A3 Premium Plus – You get 17 inch alloy rims starting this variant, high gloss package similar to Premium model, electrically adjustable, heated and electrically folding exterior mirrors with anti-glare on driver side, Xenon plus headlamp, automatic headlight range adjustment, light / rain sensor / interior mirror / insulating windshield, S-Line exterior package, fog lamps and panoramic roof as option.

Same 3D look Aluminium finish Inlays are offered in Audi A3 Premium Plus trim. Chrome package in interiors is additional. Milano Leather (Black & Beige) seat upholstery is given in this variant, also door sill trims with S Line logo. Load-through facility is also available.

Parking aid plus is offered in Premium Plus in addition to all comfort features seen in Premium variant. Infotainment features are also similar to Premium variant, with extra Audi Sound System. Start / Stop system is provided in Audi A3 1.8 litre 40 TFSI petrol version only, not in any of 2.0 litre TDI diesel models.

Price of Audi A3 Premium Plus petrol model is Rs. 28.95 lakhs and diesel version is Rs. 29.95 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi.

Audi A3 Technology – There is only a few changes in list of features offered in this variant from Premium Plus. A3 Technology gets rear-view Camera, Audi Pre Sense basic and MMI Navigation plus & MMI Touch are those extra bells. Top of line Audi A3 Technology misses out MMI Radio.

Cost of top end Audi A3 Technology is Rs. 32.66 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi.

Audi A3 sedan is available in 6 body colours:

Glacier White, metallic
Florett Silver, metallic
Beluga brown, metallic
Scuba blue, metallic
Misano red, pearl effect
Brilliant black

Read more at http://www.rushlane.com/audi-a3-features-12127236.html#A0Eg2jIdB0xHix6l.99

Hyundai Elite i20 new spyshots – interiors, rear AC, seat, boot clicked

Hyundai Elite i20 spied yet again, seemingly at a dealership in Hyderabad, parked next to a Hyundai Eon. This time, a spy has managed to get shots of boot space, rear seat legroom, rear Air Con vents, backlit dashboard controls, backlit instrument cluster, lit front fog lamps and lit rear fog lamp.

Just like we saw in Fiat Punto EVO, Hyundai Elite i20 has light units at lower portion of rear bumper, one on left as reverse lamp and other on right as fog lamp. LED taillights of new Elite i20 are distinctive and sporty.

Behind the rear hatch door, boot space of Elite i20 looks marginally lesser than first generation model’s, but intel received so far suggests it will be of same volume on paper. Rear legroom grudging from spy shots seem to be increased from older i20, possibly as a result of extended wheelbase (by 45 mm).

Interior of second generation i20, in this case 1.4 litre U2 CRDI powered diesel version top end Asta variant, gets dual tone beige and black dashboard, door panels and seat upholstery fabric, blue backlight for centre console and steering wheel mounted buttons, blue text colour on audio system LCD display, white backlight for speedo & tacho, and white text colour for Multi Function Display (MFD) between the last two equipments. Push Start / Stop button is also lit in blue.

Monday, 4 August 2014

Five most awaited cars for launch in August 2014

Here we compile information on 5 upcoming car launches in August 2014 that will be worth waiting. List includes facelifts and all new cars from popular auto makers.

Fiat Punto EVO – Slated to launch tomorrow the 5th of August 2014, Fiat’s upgraded product in premium hatchback segment is already admired and appreciated. Pricing of which is to decide the fate of Italian car in India, we expect in the range of Rs. 5 to Rs. 7.5 lakhs.

New front grille, new headlamps, new chrome detailing, new rear tail lights, new rear fog lamps and all other new features in Fiat Punto EVO’s exterior make it a desirable hatchback, not to mention new colours, Glitterati Gold, Tuscan Wine, Hip Hop Black, Exotica Red, Minimal Grey, Magnesio Grey and Vocal White.

Interiors get same dashboard and equipment seen in 2014 Fiat Linea in same rich quality. But absence of trendy features like automatic headlights, automatic wipers and lane change indicators may strike as bummer to some. Rest of usual equipment like bluetooth enabled audio system, steering mounted controls, voice commands, etc are loaded in 2014 Fiat Punto EVO; but there is another catch, bluetooth connectivity with smartphones does not support audio streaming, strictly for answering calls.

Fiat Punto EVO received same 1.3 litre MultiJet, in two power specs, 92.72 PS & 209 Nm and 76 PS & 197 Nm. We have driven Punto EVO Sports variant (diesel), check out review and photo gallery here. Also read detailed comparison review of Volkswagen Polo facelift and Fiat Punto EVO diesel here.

Audi A3 sedan – New entry level and what would be the most affordable Audi in India is about to launch on 7th August 2014 in Delhi. A3 sedan will be launched with both petrol and diesel engines, 1.8 TFSI pushing out 180 PS maximum power and diesel unit generating 143 PS, which have also done duty in Audi A4.

Showcased at Delhi Auto Expo earlier this year, new compact luxury car will come with roomy cabin with plenty of leg, head and shoulder room both in front and rear. Front seats can be electronically adjusted, and leather wrapped four spoke steering wheel can be tilted and pulled in or out (telescopic). Sporty two pod instrument console makes note of various driving parameters and Multimedia Infotainment System with 7 inch display on centre console will help keep jazz high in cabin. Sculpted dashboard features jet turbine inspired air vents with rotating aluminium inserts controlling air flow, also seen in Audi TT sports coupe. Learn more about upcoming Audi A3 sedan here. Also read, Audi A3 sedan production begins in India, launch on 7th Aug 2014, here.

Hyundai Elite i20 – Second generation premium hatchback from Hyundai will launch on 11th August 2014 in completely new guise. Spy shots surfaced online have revealed exterior and interior looks of new Hyundai Elite i20, latest one of which shows illuminated cabin controls.

Front fascia of new i20 gets triple air dam on new bumper, stylish headlamps and redesigned fog lamps, while rear end receives fresh tail lights, tweaked centre stop lamp, new bumpers and boot opener. Overall dimensions of Hyundai Elite i20 sees change; length is made shorter but width, wheelbase and ground clearance are increased, making it easier on Indian roads and traffic.

Second generation Hyundai i20 will be available with 5 speed and 6 speed manual transmission options in 1.2 litre petrol engine producing 83 PS, 114 Nm and 1.4 litre diesel unit generating 90 PS, 220 Nm respectively. There will be no Automatic variant in Hyundai Elite i20. Find more details on features, specifications and variants of upcoming Hyundai Elite i20 here. For visual comparison between Elite and older i20 head here.

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Read more at http://www.rushlane.com/august-2014-car-launch-12126837.html#QwVDPDhsixqlIH4M.99