Tuesday, 29 September 2015

Volkswagen emissions scandal




Switzerland has banned sales of Volkswagen diesel cars in the most severe step taken so far by a government in reaction to the emissions crisis.
The country has stopped the sale of any VW cars in the Euro5 category, which contains the majority of the cars that the company has admitted have defeat devices.

The move effects roughly 180,000 cars that are yet to be sold or registered, including 1.2-litre, 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesel engines for the VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda brands. However, the Swiss federal roads office, which announced the ban, said motorists who already own a VW diesel car will be allowed to continue driving.
Countries around the world, including Germany, US, and the UK, have launched investigations into diesel emissions since the scandal emerged and more could now ban cars from their roads.

VW has admitted that 11m vehicles, including 5m Volkswagen passenger cars, were fitted with defeat devices and set aside €6.5bn (£4.8bn) to pay for the costs of the crisis. However, it also faces the prospect of fines of up to $18bn (£11.8bn) from US regulators and one of the biggest legal claims in history from customers and shareholders around the world.
VW owners’ cars could face increases to their fuel bills of up to £100 a year if the Vehicle Certification Agency, the UK’s emissions testing watchdog, demands modification to affected pollution control systems, The Times reports.

Cars consume as much as 5% more fuel per mile if the systems are running correctly, meaning that owners of vehicles fitted with defeat devices have been using less diesel but at the same time breaking legal limits on air pollution.
They may also have to pay higher taxes because higher fuel consumption could alter their cars’ carbon dioxide rating.

The German government has said that 2.8m of the 11m cars installed with the defeat device were sold in Germany and that commercial vehicles were also involved. Documents have also emerged that showed EU offices knew two years ago that devices could skew emissions tests, and the US’s Environmental Protection Agency warned that it would step up its emissions test against all carmakers and that VW faced “massive fines”.


Disclaimer: All images, designs or videos in this page are copyright of their respective owners. We don’t own have these images/designs/videos. We collect them from search engine and other sources to be used as information for you. No copyright infringement is intended. If you have reason to believe that one of our content is violating your copyrights, please do not take any legal action as we are trying to spread the information.

Monday, 28 September 2015

RENAULT KWID




September 28, 2015 : Renault has launched the Kwid at Rs 2.56 lac ex-showroom Delhi. The Kwid was amongst the most awaited launches of 2015 due to many factors like its SUV like styling, competitive price and a mileage of 25.17 Kmpl. The car is Renault’s hope to capture the entry-level segment and increase its foothold in the country. The Renault Kwid bookings started much before the Kwid launch date and has received overwhelming response. Rivaling the Alto 800 is no easy task, but Renault seems to be well prepared with the segment’s first touchscreen infotainment system, a sporty all-digital instrument cluster and a wide range of add-on of accessories. The car features a 800cc engine that is capable of producing 54bhp and 74Nm of torque. It comes with many segment firsts that impose revolutionizing implications for the small car industry.



DIGITAL DISPLAY
  
INTERIOR



Disclaimer: All images, designs or videos in this page are copyright of their respective owners. We don’t own have these images/designs/videos. We collect them from search engine and other sources to be used as information for you. No copyright infringement is intended. If you have reason to believe that one of our content is violating your copyrights, please do not take any legal action as we are trying to spread the information.

Friday, 25 September 2015

DC Avanti





Three-and-a-half-years after it was unveiled at the 2012 Auto Expo in Delhi, Avanti, touted as the first 'Made in India' sports car, has been launched at a starting price of Rs 35.93 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune).

The two-seater sports car from Pune-based DC Design measures 4565mm in length, 2120 in width and has an overall height of 1200mm. The Avanti weighs 1580kg and comes with 155mm of ground clearance which way more than usual sports car. Considering Indian road conditions, the increased ground clearance will help Avanti to run on any terrain without scraping the under body.
The sports car is powered by Renault sourced 2.0-litre, four cylinder, turbo petrol engine that develops 250bhp at 5500rpm and 340Nm of torque at 2750-5000rpm. The engine is mated to six speed manual transmission. The sports car runs 0-100kmph in 6 seconds and has a top speed of electronically-limited 200kmph.

"We are proud of the fact that it is indigenously designed and developed in India for Indian customers and for Indian roads. It's now a car that the young can aspire. Usually when you're young, you can't afford a sports car. But with this, we are trying to reach out to the young aspirants to be able to afford a sports car because in other countries the sports car is a huge segment by itself," said Dilip Chhabria, founder and head of DC Design during the launch in Pune on Thursday.
The rear engine, rear wheel drive Avanti runs on 20-inch wheels and all the four wheels have disc brakes. Additionally, the vehicle has ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution for safety.
The sports car is available in standard red, white and silver shades with four upholstery shades - grey, tan, black and red. The Avanti is sold at DC Design dealerships in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Kolakata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, Raipur and Surat.


Disclaimer: All images, designs or videos in this page are copyright of their respective owners. We don’t own have these images/designs/videos. We collect them from search engine and other sources to be used as information for you. No copyright infringement is intended. If you have reason to believe that one of our content is violating your copyrights, please do not take any legal action as we are trying to spread the information.

Monday, 21 September 2015

Yamaha YZF R15-S



It has been the hallmark of Yamaha to innovate and introduce products that has a strong connect with its large customer base. "R15" has been a significant milestone in the company’s history; the product being the torchbearer to introduce the racing culture in India. The new variant will further help Yamaha to consolidate its position in the 150 cc segment. R15 has been a huge success for its spectacular engineering. It has liquid cooled, 4 stroke SOHC, 4 Valve engine, front and rear disc brakes along with a fuel capacity of 12 litres. Since the launch of R15 version 2.0 in 2011, the bike has gained immense popularity amongst the customers, especially youngsters. 

Mr. Roy Kurian, Vice President- Sales & Marketing, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd shared, “Yamaha R15 is a pure sports vehicle designed especially for racing enthusiasts so that they can experience the power and passion that a sports bike has to offer. However, our research showed that a particular customer segment desired for a single seat version as it is more convenient for the pillion rider. Even so, the split seat version 2.0 will also continue to be in the market along with the new single seat variant. We, at Yamaha keep our customers first and hence this introduction was imperative. ”

YZF-R15 S (2015 Model)

September 2015
Rs. 114741/-
(Ex-showroom Delhi)
· Track white
· Adrenalin red
· Spark Green

The company is focused on constantly bringing further excitement and variety to its style conscious customers and is confident that these new variants will be instrumental in catapulting its sales to an all new level this year. This launch is targeted at the aspiring youth between the ages of 18 - 24yrs who are early adopters and continuously look for more stylish products to suit their ever changing fashion statement and personality.

The YZF-R series features a wide line-up, beginning with the YZF-R1 (998cc) super-sports flagship model, followed by recently launched YZF R3, YZF-R6 (599cc), YZF-R25 (249cc), YZF-R15 (150cc), and YZF-R125 (125cc).



Disclaimer: All images, designs or videos in this page are copyright of their respective owners. We don’t own have these images/designs/videos. We collect them from search engine and other sources to be used as information for you. No copyright infringement is intended. If you have reason to believe that one of our content is violating your copyrights, please do not take any legal action as we are trying to spread the information.

Friday, 11 September 2015

Skoda Octavia anniversary edition





Skoda has introduced an anniversary edition variant of its Octavia. The Style Plus gets the addition of a rear-side curtain airbags – a total of 8 airbags, push-start button, keyless entry and exit, a reversing camera with centre console display, a SmartLink infotainment system and paddle shifters on the 7-speed DSG gearbox. The exteriors remain visibly identical to the standard Octavia variants.

The Style Plus variant is available on the 1.8-litre TSI petrol and the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines; the smaller 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine misses out on the variant upgrade and comes equipped with the automatic transmission only. The powertrains remain technically unchanged.

The Octavia 1.8 TSI petrol Style Plus retails at Rs 22.84 lakh, while the 2.0l TDI diesel Style Plus is priced at Rs 26.02 lakh (All prices on road, Mumbai).



Disclaimer: All images, designs or videos in this page are copyright of their respective owners. We don’t own have these images/designs/videos. We collect them from search engine and other sources to be used as information for you. No copyright infringement is intended. If you have reason to believe that one of our content is violating your copyrights, please do not take any legal action as we are trying to spread the information.

Wednesday, 9 September 2015

CNG: Advantages And Disadvantages

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a fuel that needs no introduction. It is a cheap fuel to make and use, which is why it is so widespread in public transport. Not to mention the fact that the second hand car market is greatly supported by CNG kits. Vehicles like the Honda Civic, Accord and Toyota Corolla are favorites to be bought second hand for the same price as a hatch-back and then have green fuel kits used to make them easy on the pocket. With diesel deregulation soon to kick in, the prices of the oil will head north soon, so CNG seems like a good investment for those with regular usage. Here’s a brief look at the advantages and disadvantages of CNG:

Advantages:

  • The most obvious advantage of them all is the cost. Rickshaws, taxis and buses use CNG as it is a very cheap fuel and facilitates high running with lower costs. On an average CNG costs around half or 1/3rd the amount regular fuel. In fact, in a brief survey, a hatch-back like the Hyundai i10 running on CNG and an entry level sports bike like the Honda CBR250R have similar fuel costs for an average running of around 50 kms a day.
  • It is a greener fuel. The emissions and hydrocarbons that are released as a by product of CNG usage are lesser than those created by regular fuel. Carbon monoxide emissions are down by 70-85% while hydrocarbon levels are reduced by 40-60%.
  • The price fluctuation of natural gas is less. Look back over the past few years and you’ll notice that petrol and diesel prices have been on a roller coaster ride, but CNG has a relatively linear movement. This is mainly because of domestic production which has no dependency on international movements.
  • Engine life improves. Contrary to popular belief, CNG is actually a better fuel for improving engine life as the carbon levels are greatly reduced.

Disadvantages:

  • The performance of the car is reduced significantly. On an average CNG users experience a crash of about 10% in performance. Acceleration is slower so you may have to rev the engine more to get going. Essentially this is the reason why people believe CNG reduces engine life. The issue is, drivers expect petrol like performance from CNG and rev more to get it. This eventually results in more wear and tear.
  • The storage space is eaten up badly. CNG tanks are easily the size of a large bag, so boot space is reduced or removed entirely as the fuel storage tank takes up all the room.
  • Availability is not as widespread as regular gas stations. Within the city users probably have a list of stations that fall in their route, but beyond that it is an uncertainty. This is the reason why cars aren’t made to run exclusively on CNG.
  • Blocked injectors. Cars with CNG kits should always be started on petrol and run for a few kilometers before being switched to the green fuel. This warms up the engine better and gets the motor well lubricated. Petrol is expensive so drivers often chose not to use it. This causes the injectors to crust and get blocked. Not to mention the fuel laying in the tank ages and unlike wine, does not get any better.
  • Fuel range. Although CNG is a cheaper fuel, the actual range on just CNG is lesser than petrol. Not to mention, running on a close to empty tank reduces the pressure and increases the risk of the valves bursting. So, even if the car does use CNG, it is always wise to keep a regular flow of petrol both in the tank and in the engine usage.
  • It is important to note that CNG kits cost around Rs 30,000 to install. So, if you do plan on having a kit put in, be sure that you actually need it and have a high average running.

Tuesday, 8 September 2015

All new upcoming SUV's

2016 Toyota Fortuner






Toyota revealed the new Fortuner in Australia with a launch date set for the end of October. However, the SUV will arrive in India next year - at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo. Toyota will now offer the Fortuner in Australia with its new 2.8-litre direct-injection 4-cylinder turbo-diesel unit.
As far as transmission options on the new Toyota Fortuner are concerned, it will get a choice of a new 6-speed manual along with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The manual gearbox features 'intelligent' technology that promises smoother shifting by matching engine speed to transmission speed. The SUV also sports a part-time 4x4 system that can be accessed via a dial.

To be offered in 3 grades, namely, GX, GXL and Crusade, which will come fitted with trailer sway control, front and rear air-conditioning, large touchscreen audio displays, Toyota Link connected mobility, side steps, 17 or 18-inch wheels, disc brakes front and rear, and an air-conditioned compartment that helps keep drinks and food warm or cold.

2016 Ford Endeavour




New 2016 Ford Endeavour is expected on the market by the end of 2015. It is based on the concept of Everest, with some elements from other Ford models. It is primarily intended for the Indian market, but it is possible to export to other markets.This car will be driven to the front wheels or all four wheels. It will be made with two diesel engines:
2.5-liter four-cylinder Duratorq TDCi engine of 143 hp and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm) of torque. Consumption will be 18/24 mpg. This motor is drive through the front wheels, combined with a 5-speed manual transmission.
3.0-liter four-cylinder Duratorq TDCi engine of 156 hp and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm). The engine is combined with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Consumption will be at 21/29 mpg.
Both engines with direct fuel injection.2016 Ford Endeavour will be made at Ford T6 platform with five doors. Weight will be from 4142 to 4440 lbs (1879 to 2014 of kg). This model will be placed on 16-inch alloy wheels, with a wheelbase of 112.5 inch (2860 mm). Dimensions: length 199.3 inch (5062 mm), width 70.4 inch (1788 mm) and height 71.9 inch (1826 mm). Used when making aluminum, carbon fiber and high-resistance steels. Built a massive chrome trapezoidal grille, with two horizontal chrome plate. Noticeable is the company logo in the middle of the grid. Set a new flatter bonnet engine. Front and rear bumpers have been redesigned. Front lighting is the new sweptback headlights. Fog lights are integrated into the front bumper. Around the side windows were installed chrome frames. A new rear roof spoiler.


2016 Mitsubishi Pajero




The 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport/2016 Mitsubishi Montero Sport/2016 Mitsubishi Challenger is the second model to feature Mitsubishi’s “Dynamic Shield” front end, and doesn’t look like a Mitsubishi Triton with an SUV body style. It gets generous helping of chrome in the front fascia, sleek headlamps and LED daytime running lights, and a new bumper design. At the back, it features a striking pair of vertically-oriented taillight clusters (similar to the GR-HEV concept) and a re-designed lift gate.
The interior of the 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport borrows cues from the model it’s based on, the Mitsubishi Triton. However, it does features distinctive elements such as a new 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel, a flowing center console with sculpted silver embellishments on either side, silver door handles, and leather upholstery.
Powering the 2016 Mitsubishi Sport is a 2.4L MIVEC turbo diesel engine which comes paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission (first for a Mitsubishi model). Although power figures have not been revealed yet, reports suggest that it will deliver 181 PS and 430 Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels via a Super-Select 4WD-II four-wheel drive system with a new Off-road Mode and by Hill Descent Control (both firsts in a Mitsubishi).


2016 Hyundai Santa Fe




Hyundai's Santa Fe has been unveiled in its home market of South Korea this week, offering a first official look at the refreshed SUV.Styling updates are limited to a revised grille garnish and a new front bumper, while the rear gains a more premium LED lighting design, a subtly revised bumper and resculpted exhaust tips.
A significant update has occurred under the skin, however, with new High Strength Steel components now used in the chassis and body shell. This is likely a play to improve on the Santa Fe’s ‘marginal’ rating in the American IIHS overlap crash test.Key technology updates include a new autonomous emergency braking system, along with blind-spot monitoring, surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control and dynamic headlights that turn into corners.There’s also a new high- and low-pressure airbag deployment control system, which determines the necessary force for airbag release depending on the severity of a collision.
The engine line-up is expected to remain the same. The base option will be 3.3 liter V6 with 290 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. The 2016 Santa Fe will be also available with 2.4 liter inline-four with 190 horses and 181 lb-ft of max torque. The last option will be a turbocharged 2.0 liter Theta II I-4 engine, which output 264 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of twist. All variants could be paired with either 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.




Disclaimer: All images, designs or videos in this page are copyright of their respective owners. We don’t own have these images/designs/videos. We collect them from search engine and other sources to be used as information for you. No copyright infringement is intended. If you have reason to believe that one of our content is violating your copyrights, please do not take any legal action as we are trying to spread the information.

Sunday, 6 September 2015

Upcoming Suzuki Baleno hatchback





Suzuki has released the first official images of the Baleno hatchback. This new hatchback is set to slot in above the Swift in Suzuki’s line-up in India and internationally.
The Baleno’s overall styling is similar to the iK-2 concept unveiled at the Geneva motor show this March. At the front, the grille and headlamps are similar to those seen on the concept, although the headlamp units get different internal detailing on the production model. The front bumper has been redesigned with a narrower, less-aggressive air dam and fog lamps placed on either edge. On the flanks, the wing mirrors are also more in line with the production model, while the wheels are different from the concept.
There are no details about the dimensions yet, but expect it to be similar to the concept. Details of the interiors are also unknown, but it is likely that the Indian version will come equipped with Maruti’s SmartPlay infotainment system.
Powering the new Suzuki is a new 1.0-litre Boosterjet direct injection turbocharged unit, expected to be launched in the Indian car as well. The Indian version could also be powered by the 1.2-litre K-series petrol and 1.3-litre DDiS diesel motors.
The Suzuki Baleno is expected to launch internationally early next year.

Saturday, 5 September 2015

When to replace your Clutch plates?

The clutch is one of the most important parts in a manual transmission car as it connects the engine with the gearbox, and is what provides motive force for the car. It is also one of the parts of the car that sees high wear and tear depending on a person’s driving style and the environment it is driven in.




Clutch wear symptoms
Slippage

One of the primary signs of a worn out clutch plate is when there is clutch slippage. You will begin to notice reduced pick up in the vehicle and the engine rpm will tend to rise further than necessary for a given speed before the vehicle matches up. This kind of slippage occurs when all the friction material on the clutch plates have worn out and it’s time to replace the clutch friction plate. A fallout of this kind of slippage problem is that the vehicle’s fuel economy will drop drastically.
How to check for slippage? Park the vehicle, switch off the engine and engage the handbrake tightly. Then start the vehicle, press the clutch, shift into third gear and gently begin to release the clutch without accelerating. If the clutch plates are intact the vehicle will try to move as the clutch engages and then stall. But if it does not stall even when the clutch pedal has been almost fully released, then there’s a problem with the clutch plate.

Shuddering
Another sign that there is a problem with your clutch is when there is excessive shuddering when you release the clutch pedal, especially at low speeds. This could be because of some contamination as well on the surface of the clutch plate like oil or grease (which shouldn’t normally happen), or even water and sludge if you have driven through water-logged roads. If the shuddering goes away after running for a while it’s not a serious issue, but if the shudder remains then it could mean that the clutch pressure plate is worn and not pushing the clutch friction plate against the engine flywheel properly. Sometimes a misaligned engine and gearbox due to a bad engine mount or gearbox mount also has a similar symptom.
Chirping or grinding noise
Sometimes when you press the clutch pedal and then release it you will hear a chirping noise coming from the engine/gearbox area. This sounds like anklets being jingled very faintly. When you press down the clutch pedal this sound usually goes away, but reappears as soon as you release the clutch. Sometimes you will get a deeper grinding or humming noise. This is a symptom indicative of a worn clutch release bearing. While just the clutch release bearing (CRB) can be replaced, if not checked in time this can lead to a bent clutch fork (the mechanism that pushes or releases the clutch inside the clutch housing), which can then lead to pressure plate problems (bent fingers on the plate) and ultimately a change of the entire clutch assembly.

Trouble with shifting gears

Another problem indicative of a clutch failure is when you have trouble shifting gears even after pressing the clutch. The gear will either refuse to move out of a given gear into neutral or refuse to move from neutral to another gear easily. Even if it does move, it will be accompanied by a gnashing or grating noise. This is because the clutch is not releasing fully even though you have pressed down on the pedal. This kind of problem is usually not related to the clutch plate failing, but instead it points to a bent clutch fork, leaking slave cylinder (in case of a hydraulic clutch system) or a badly adjusted clutch cable linkage in mechanical clutches. It can be sorted out by a simple adjustment in mechanical linkages or by checking and replacing the slave cylinder and clutch fluid in hydraulic clutch systems.


Want to replace if you have problem

Now that you know the symptoms of impending clutch problems, here’s what you need to know about what needs to be replaced. A car which is driven properly and in normal traffic conditions will usually not need any attention to the clutch for at least 100,000 Km. But a car driven by a driver who normally “rides the clutch”, which means driving with a foot on the clutch most times and using “half clutch” to crawl in city traffic, will see clutch replacements more frequently.
If you have clutch slippage occurring you will need to replace the entire clutch plate assembly. This usually costs Rs. 6000 for a small car. Of course, a lot of this cost also goes toward labor charges at the workshop as clutch replacement is “major repair” and incurs high labour cost.
If you have shuddering too you may need to replace the clutch friction plate assembly and pressure plate. You will incur similar charges as to a full clutch assembly replacement (which includes clutch bearing, fork, release spring, cable and fluid if applicable).
If you hear a chirping sound, then it could only be the clutch release bearing that needs changing. In such a situation, labor charges will be high as the whole gearbox needs to be separated from the engine to access the clutch assembly, but the part itself is not that expensive in most cars.
Trouble with shifting gears is usually minor repair. If it’s a cable operated clutch mechanism, just adjusting the linkage could sort out this problem. If it’s a hydraulic mechanism, check the clutch fluid level and replace fluid if needed. If there’s a leak near the slave cylinder, you may need to replace the slave cylinder – not a very expensive part, but labor charges again could be high depending on the car. In some cars the slave cylinder is outside the clutch housing and easy to access, but in some it’s inside the clutch housing, which will attract high labor charges.


Friday, 4 September 2015

Upcoming Bikes





Kawasaki Versys 650 Overview


Kawasaki, the Japanese two-wheeler company, has lately launched the Ninja H bike in India and is soon going to release Versys 650 as the company has already imported this touring bike to India for homogenization. It is the younger sibling of the more powerful Versys 1000 and offers a smooth performance. The design of this motorcycle is inspired from Versys 1000 and this edition sports dual headlights, LED tail lights, bigger fuel tank and many more impressive features. It is fairly comfortable to ride with raised handlebars and spacious looking stepped saddle that helps in achieving an upright riding position. It also offers height adjustable windshield that is also seen on Versys 1000.
The bike will offers a commendable performance to its powerful 649cc, parallel-twin , four-stroke, fuel injected liquid cool engine that would develop a maximum power of 71.08bhp and a peak torque of 64Nm. This engine is the same as that found on Ninja 650 and ER-6N model. The motorcycle has been tuned for both wilderness and regular tarmac. The front USD suspension along with the off-set rear monoshock offers a fairly smooth and comfortable ride. Night visibility is aided with the dual headlight unit. It sports dual pedal discs upfront and single rotor disc brakes at the rear for powerful braking. The 170mm of ground clearance makes it clear all the bumps with ease. It is comfortable for both the rider and the pillion and is fast enough for Indian roads. It would make for an excellent mid-level touring bike in India that would be perfect for both comfortable as well as fast for long distance travelling.
Kawasaki Versys 650 is likely to be launched by the end of this year.

Expected price: 5,00,000...5,50,000


Mahindra Mojo Overview

Mahindra's foray into premium sporty bike segment is a decent effort. While some might finds its looks a bit strange, and name a bit tongue-in-cheek, there is no denying the fact hat bike will grab attention. Mahindra is known for its robust vehicles, which can take a bit of knocking and yet are loaded to the gills. Expect nothing less from Mojo too, considering this is going to be the flagship of Mahindra's range. Check out the Duke 200 and 390, CBR 250R and Suzuki's new Inazuma before you bet your bucks on the Mojo.
The Mojo is powered by a single cylinder 300cc engine, good for a claimed 26bhp. Combined with a rather ok 160 kg weight, expect good pull. The engine should be smooth, but don't expect Japanese level smoothness. The transmission is up to the mark six speed unit. Should work seamlessly but again in terms of smoothness might not match up to the Suzukis and Hondas of the world.

Expected price: 1,40,000...1,80,000


Hyosung GD250R Overview

The Hyosung GD250R was showcased in the Auto Expo and had given a breathtaking visual treat to the audience. This could be one of the best makes of the manufacturer. With many riding enthusiasts fixed their eyes onto the launch of this model, it is time to know more about the technology behind it and stunning design that makes it outstanding than rest of the crowd.
The new GD250R is a street naked quarter litre bike and is powered by a liquid cooled 249cc engine producing 27bhp and 24Nm of torque. The engine unit is mated to a six-speed transmission. Design wise the GD250R is a stunning streetfighter and bears sharper cues and design than even the Duke 200. The manufacturer has indeed put in a lot of effort in making this piece a unique one.
This bike is ideal for all the long drives as well as daily city riding. It comes with the perfect ground clearance and a good seating makes the bike perfect to commute on daily. The GD250R also gets a decent suspension mechanism with 37 mm inverted forks up front and a mono shock at the rear.
Handling this bike is easy and it could be well managed. For braking it is equipped with petal disc brakes at both ends and the motorcycle tips the scales at 145 kgs. It is expected to be brought in through the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route in India. This bike is likely to be priced around Rs 1.6 - 1.9 lakh and has no competition in the segment at the said price range. There's lot of expectation about its performance amongst Indian consumers as it is a 250cc bike.

Expected price: 1,70,000...1,90,000


Benelli Tre K 1130 Overview

Benelli has ventured into the Indian automobile market with its distinct Italian styled motorcycle. The new upcoming model Benelli Tre K 1130 is the complete motorcycle and the best bike this Italian firm could offer. The riding of the bike is so comfortable that it could literally be considered as an all purpose bike.
The most interesting part about Benelli Tre K 1130 is that it is very versatile. Such a thing could hardly be seen any other high end bikes. It is bestowed with features that make you comfortable even when the ride is too long. It comes with an upright riding position, soft suspension, comfy seat and also has decent wind protection.
The Benelli Tre K is equipped with supple suspension mechanism that offers lots of control enabling safe and smooth riding. The vehicle is incorporated with an in-line-three-cylinder engine with 1030cc. A similar engine is in the Caf? Racer, TNT and Tornado but for the Tre K is retuned for mid-range usability.
There are a couple of other interesting features such as the swingarm making it look a bit funky. The braking mechanism in this bike is an efficient one with Marzocchi forks, Brembo brakes and an Extreme Tech rear shock come as standard. This bike has a tough competition from the Ducati Multistrada.

Expected price: 2,10,000...2,20,000


Hero Hastur Overview


Hero MotoCorp had proved that the latest event was quite happening -the 2014 auto expo wherein a lot of new launches were showcased. Thus had indeed left many onlookers surprised. One of the biggest attractions among them was the Hastur, a street fighter bike jointly engineered by Hero and its partner, EBR.
The Hastur gets a yellowish trellis steel tube chassis with an aluminum sub frame, extending the swing are giving a rough look to the bike. The tank is huge and complements the minimalist bodywork. The seating looks really comfortable and smooth.
The Hastur is powered by a four-stroke 620cc parallel-twin engine that generates 79bhp and 72Nm of torque. The liquid-cooled engine is skillfully mated to six-speed gearbox. Other features such as cartridge type transmission which enables efficient power transfer, controlled swirl injection and counter rotating crankshaft ensures the blend of EBR technology in the Hastur. Braking is managed by four-pot radial-mount discs in the front and a single-piston disc at the rear.
The Hastur is equipped with twin projector beam headlamps with LED DRLs and LED tail lamps. The bike will be locally produced and could be priced very competitively in the Rs 5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh. This vehicle would be competing against Hyosung GT 650N and the Ducati Monster 695.

Expected price: 4,00,000...4,20,000


Bajaj Pulsar 400CS Overview


First unveiled at the Auto Expo in Delhi in 2014, Bajaj 400 CS, the concept cruiser from Bajaj is touted to be the first cruiser sports from the Pulsar Portfolio. It will be Bajajs largest displacement naked bike. With the rising trend of leisure biking in India, it is sure to please the customers as it comes with an affordable price tag.
Bajaj 400 CS will be based on 200NS silhouette but will be bigger in proportion. The bike has an aggressive front profile with a brand new headlamp. The tank of this beast would be muscular in looks and it will also come with a digital console along with gear shift indicator with white back light. It would be powered by a 375cc engine that is expected to churn out around 40bhp of power and feature fuel injection technology. The basis architecture of the engine would be shared with the KTM Duke 390. It will come with inverted telescopic chocks up front. The bike is likely to be available in both ABS and non-ABS versions.
Bajaj 400 CS is expected to be a big performance machine. The performance is expected to be highly reliable and it will also be easy to run and maintain. It will offer a relaxed driving position due to its conventional single seat , single piece handle bar and easily reachable foot-rests and it will be ideal for touring as well as city usage.
Bajaj Pulsar 400 CS will come at a premium price over the regular Pulsar models. It will be available between the price range of Rs. 1.7 lakh to Rs. 1.9 lakh and thus would be quite affordable.
Though nothing is confirmed form the company as yet, Bajaj 400 CS might burn the Indian roads by the end of first quarter of next year.

Expected price: 1,70,000...1,90,000



Thursday, 3 September 2015

History of Internal Combustion Engines



History of the Internal Combustion Engine - The Heart of the Automobile
An internal combustion engine is any engine that uses the explosive combustion of fuel to push a piston within a cylinder - the piston's movement turns a crankshaft that then turns the car wheels via a chain or a drive shaft. The different types of fuel commonly used for car combustion engines are gasoline (or petrol), diesel, and kerosene.

A brief outline of the history of the internal combustion engine includes the following highlights:
1680 - Dutch physicist, Christian Huygens designed (but never built) an internal combustion engine that was to be fueled with gunpowder.
1807 - Francois Isaac de Rivaz of Switzerland invented an internal combustion engine that used a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen for fuel. Rivaz designed a car for his engine - the first internal combustion powered automobile. However, his was a very unsuccessful design.
1824 - English engineer, Samuel Brown adapted an old Newcomen steam engine to burn gas, and he used it to briefly power a vehicle up Shooter's Hill in London.
1858 - Belgian-born engineer, Jean JosephÉtienne Lenoir invented and patented (1860) a double-acting, electric spark-ignition internal combustion engine fueled by coal gas. In 1863, Lenoir attached an improved engine (using petroleum and a primitive carburetor) to a three-wheeled wagon that managed to complete an historic fifty-mile road trip. (See image at top)
1862 - Alphonse Beau de Rochas, a French civil engineer, patented but did not build a four-stroke engine (French patent #52,593, January 16, 1862).
1864 - Austrian engineer, Siegfried Marcus built a one-cylinder engine with a crude carburetor, and attached his engine to a cart for a rocky 500-foot drive. Several years later, Marcus designed a vehicle that briefly ran at 10 mph that a few historians have considered as the forerunner of the modern automobile by being the world's first gasoline-powered vehicle.
1873 - George Brayton, an American engineer, developed an unsuccessful two-stroke kerosene engine (it used two external pumping cylinders). However, it was considered the first safe and practical oil engine.
1866 - German engineers, Eugen Langen and Nikolaus August Otto improved on Lenoir's and de Rochas' designs and invented a more efficient gas engine.
1876 - Nikolaus August Otto invented and later patented a successful four-stroke engine, known as the "Otto cycle".
1876 - The first successful two-stroke engine was invented by Sir Dougald Clerk.
1883 - French engineer, Edouard Delamare-Debouteville, built a single-cylinder four-stroke engine that ran on stove gas. It is not certain if he did indeed build a car, however, Delamare-Debouteville's designs were very advanced for the time - ahead of both Daimler and Benz in some ways at least on paper.
1885 - Gottlieb Daimler invented what is often recognized as the prototype of the modern gas engine - with a vertical cylinder, and with gasoline injected through a carburetor (patented in 1887). Daimler first built a two-wheeled vehicle the "Reitwagen" (Riding Carriage) with this engine and a year later built the world's first four-wheeled motor vehicle.
1886 - On January 29, Karl Benz received the first patent (DRP No. 37435) for a gas-fueled car.
1889 - Daimler built an improved four-stroke engine with mushroom-shaped valves and two V-slant cylinders.
1890 - Wilhelm Maybach built the first four-cylinder, four-stroke engine.
Further Reading - The Mechanics of Internal Combustion Engines - What is a 2-stroke? 4-stroke?

Engine design and car design were integral activities, almost all of the engine designers mentioned above also designed cars, and a few went on to become major manufacturers of automobiles. All of these inventors and more made notable improvements in the evolution of the internal combustion vehicles.

The Importance of Nicolaus Otto
One of the most important landmarks in engine design comes from Nicolaus August Otto who in 1876 invented an effective gas motor engine. Otto built the first practical four-stroke internal combustion engine called the "Otto Cycle Engine," and as soon as he had completed his engine, he built it into a motorcycle. Otto's contributions were very historically significant, it was his four-stoke engine that was universally adopted for all liquid-fueled automobiles going forward.

The Importance of Karl Benz
In 1885, German mechanical engineer, Karl Benz designed and built the world's first practical automobile to be powered by an internal-combustion engine. On January 29, 1886, Benz received the first patent (DRP No. 37435) for a gas-fueled car. It was a three-wheeler; Benz built his first four-wheeled car in 1891. Benz & Cie., the company started by the inventor, became the world's largest manufacturer of automobiles by 1900. Benz was the first inventor to integrate an internal combustion engine with a chassis - designing both together.

The Importance of Gottlieb Daimler
In 1885, Gottlieb Daimler (together with his design partner Wilhelm Maybach) took Otto's internal combustion engine a step further and patented what is generally recognized as the prototype of the modern gas engine. Daimler's connection to Otto was a direct one; Daimler worked as technical director of Deutz Gasmotorenfabrik, which Nikolaus Otto co-owned in 1872. There is some controversy as to who built the first motorcycle Otto or Daimler.

The 1885 Daimler-Maybach engine was small, lightweight, fast, used a gasoline-injected carburetor, and had a vertical cylinder. The size, speed, and efficiency of the engine allowed for a revolution in car design. On March 8, 1886, Daimler took a stagecoach and adapted it to hold his engine, thereby designing the world's first four-wheeled automobile. Daimler is considered the first inventor to have invented a practical internal-combustion engine.

In 1889, Daimler invented a V-slanted two cylinder, four-stroke engine with mushroom-shaped valves. Just like Otto's 1876 engine, Daimler's new engine set the basis for all car engines going forward. Also in 1889, Daimler and Maybach built their first automobile from the ground up, they did not adapt another purpose vehicle as they had always been done previously. The new Daimler automobile had a four-speed transmission and obtained speeds of 10 mph.

Daimler founded the Daimler Motoren-Gesellschaft in 1890 to manufacture his designs. Eleven years later, Wilhelm Maybach designed the Mercedes automobile.

Wednesday, 2 September 2015

Honda BR-V





Honda has officially revealed the BR-V at the on-going 2015 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). The price of the BR-V in Indonesia will range from 230-265 Million Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) nearly Rs. 10.80-12.40 lacs. The bookings are open in Indonesia with deliveries slated for early 2016. Though Honda has not confirmed its launch in India, but it is expected that the company will reveal it at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo in Feb with a subsequent launch. In terms of engine options, it will be powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine producing 120 PS @ 6600 rpm and 145 Nm of peak torque @ 4600 rpm, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox along with a CVT automatic (Earth Dream Technology). However, for the Indian market they have to offer it with the 1.5-liter i-DTEC along with the 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol.

Tuesday, 1 September 2015

Petrol price drop


Petrol prices drop by Rs 2, diesel by Rs 0.50 per litre, Brent crude oil trades at USD 48.62 per barrel.



The fortnightly revision of petrol and diesel prices brought further relief to the consumers. Effective midnight, August 31/September 1, 2015, petrol will be slashed by Rs 2 per litre whereas diesel prices will be reduced by Rs 0.50 per litre. With the new prices in effect, a litre of petrol in Delhi will cost Rs 61.20 while the diesel will cost Rs 44.45 per litre.The price cut is a result of decrease in international prices of both petrol and diesel. Brent crude oil price was trading near $48.62 per barrel on Monday, August 31, 2015.“Since last price change (with effect from August 1, 2015), there has been a decrease in international prices of both petrol and diesel. The rupee-dollar exchange rate has, however, depreciated during this period. Combined impact of both these factors warrants a downward revision in prices, the impact of which is being passed on to the consumers with this price decrease,” Indian Oil Corporation said in a statement.Previous revisions in the petrol and diesel prices saw both the commodities becoming cheaper Rs 1.27/litre and 1.17/litre respectively. Revisions dated August 2015 saw the prices fall sharply by 2.43 per litre for petrol and Rs. 3.60 per litre for diesel.“Since last price change (with effect from August 1, 2015), there has been a decrease in international prices of both petrol and diesel. The rupee-dollar exchange rate has, however, depreciated during this period. Combined impact of both these factors warrants a downward revision in prices, the impact of which is being passed on to the consumers with this price decrease,” Indian Oil Corporation said in a statement.Previous revisions in the petrol and diesel prices saw both the commodities becoming cheaper Rs 1.27/litre and 1.17/litre respectively. Revisions dated Aug 1, 2015 saw the prices fall sharply by 2.43 per litre for petrol and Rs. 3.60 per litre for diesel.

Monday, 31 August 2015

Positive move by Supreme Court towards toll collection

The Supreme Court on Thursday questioned the Central government over collecting toll tax for using the National Highways despite some roads being in a very bad shape.
“Why should people pay the toll? Should they pay toll for bad roads? If the roads are bad, it is because of lack of will and policy of the government. They should do something. If concessionaires are not repairing the roads, then also the government should make sure the work is done,” observed a bench led by Justice T S Thakur.
Taking strong exception to the condition of roads along various National Highways, the bench said that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways needed to justify the imposition of toll tax by making sure the roads were in good condition.
“Can you ask people to pay money for bad roads? You should first see that roads can provide convenient travel and then only toll tax can be levied,” said the bench.

Sunday, 30 August 2015

Who invented the first motorcycle?




Who invented the first motorcycle?" It seems like a simple question, but the answer is a bit complicated.




Motorcycles are descended from the "safety" bicycle, bicycles with front and rear wheels of the same size, with a pedal crank mechanism to drive the rear wheel. Those bicycles, in turn were descended from high-wheel bicycles. The high-wheelers were descended from an early type of push-bike, without pedals, propelled by the rider's feet pushing against the ground. These appeared around 1800, used iron-banded wagon wheels, and were called "bone-crushers," both for their jarring ride, and their tendency to toss their riders.





Daimler's wooden-framed "bone crusher"

Gottlieb Daimler (who later teamed up with Karl Benz to form the Daimler-Benz Corporation) is credited with building the first motorcycle in 1885, one wheel in the front and one in the back, although it had a smaller spring-loaded outrigger wheel on each side. It was constructed mostly of wood, with the wheels being of the iron-banded wooden-spoked wagon-type, definitely a "bone-crusher" chassis.
It was indeed powered by a single-cylinder Otto-cycle engine, and may have had a spray-type carburetor. (Daimler's assistant, Wilhelm Maybach was working on the invention of the spray carburetor at the time).
If one counts two wheels with steam propulsion as being a motorcycle, then the first one may have been American. One such machine was demonstrated at fairs and circuses in the eastern US in 1867, built by one Sylvester Howard Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts. There is an existing example of a Roper machine, dated 1869. It's powered by a charcoal-fired two-cylinder engine, whose connecting rods directly drive a crank on the rear wheel. This machine predates the invention of the safety bicycle by many years, so its chassis is also based on the "bone-crusher" bike.




S. H. Roper's 1869 Steam-cycle

Most of the development during this earliest of eras concentrated on three and four-wheeled designs, since it was complex enough to get the machines running without having to worry about them falling over. The next really notable two-wheeler was the Millet of 1892. It used a 5-cylinder engine built as the hub of its rear wheel. The cylinders rotated with the wheel, and its crankshaft constituted the rear axle.
The first really successful production two-wheeler though, was the Hildebrand & Wolfmueller, patented in Munich in 1894. It had a step-through frame, with its fuel tank mounted on the downtube. The engine was a parallel-twin, mounted low on the frame, with its cylinders going fore-and-aft. The connecting rods connected directly to a crank on the rear axle, and instead of using heavy flywheels for energy storage between cylinder-firing, it used a pair of stout elastic bands, one on each side outboard of the cylinders, to help out on the compression strokes. It was water-cooled, and had a water tank/radiator built into the top of the rear fender.




The Mother of all motorcycle engines - the DeDion-Buton






The 5-cylinder Millet of 1892


In 1895, the French firm of DeDion-Buton built an engine that was to make the mass production and common use of motorcycles possible. It was a small, light, high revving four-stroke single, and used battery-and-coil ignition, doing away with the troublesome hot-tube. Bore and stroke figures of 50mm by 70mm gave a displacement of 138cc. A total loss lubrication system was employed to drip oil into the crankcase through a metering valve, which then sloshed around to lubricate and cool components before dumping it on the ground via a breather. DeDion-Buton used this 1/2 horsepower powerplant in roadgoing trikes, but the engine was copied and used by everybody, including Indian and Harley-Davidson in the U.S.




First American production motorcycle - 1898 Orient-Aster


Although a gentleman named Pennington built some machines around 1895 (it's uncertain whether any of them actually ran), the first US production motorcycle was the Orient-Aster, built by the Metz Company in Waltham, Massachusetts in 1898. It used an Aster engine that was a French-built copy of the DeDion-Buton, and predated Indian (1901) by three years, and Harley-Davidson (1902) by four.

Saturday, 29 August 2015

NEW MAHINDRA TUV300






Mahindra has till now only revealed the name and has released a few teaser images of the TUV300. Speaking on the announcement of the new SUV’s name, Pravin Shah, President & Chief Executive (Automotive), M&M Ltd. said,” The TUV300 is one of the most eagerly anticipated launches of this year. Signifying a true ‘Make-in-India’ product, the design of the TUV300 is inspired by a battle tank. We are confident that this product launch will create excitement in the market as well as amongst our customers.
Mahindra & Mahindra has also released a teaser image of the TUV300’s instrument panel ahead of its launch on September 10, 2015. The image reveals the three-spoke steering wheel of the compact SUV that features audio system controls and contoured palm grips. While, the instrument cluster sports a Multi-information display (MID) in the middle, a speedometer on right and a tachometer on the left. It gets two large dials with chrome highlights that add more to its sporty appeal.
Since the Mahindra TUV300 will be slightly more upmarket product than the Bolero, it will be more expensive. The TUV300 has been designed at Mahindra & Mahindra’s Kandivli-based Mumbai office with inputs from Pininfarina. Whereas the research & development of the SUV was carried out at Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) in Chennai
Design
The Mahindra TUV300’s design is claimed to be inspired by a battle tank. With raised shoulders, high front nose, flat roof, straight bonnet and high ground clearance, the Mahindra TUV 300 is expected to have an aggressive styling. Based on the new ladder frame chassis, the Mahindra TUV300 will be more compact and lighter than the Bolero. It’s the same platform that underpins the new Scorpio


















                                                                 
                                                              TUV300 TEASER





Friday, 28 August 2015

THROTTLE 97 - One of the best supercar family in Mumbai

                            
Throttle 97 one of the best SuperCar families in Mumbai.






Throttle 97 -The family of super car was started in March 2015 by some of the supercar fans from Mumbai.
Aman suggested Throttle & 97 was suggested by Daman so its called as
THROTTLE97.
The family of Throttle97 was started by few cars initially – B.M.W 650i , Audi R8 , Supra & Mercedes c63 and than few add on like m3 , Jaguar xkrs etc.
The family is still growing bigger .
Car owners drive especially on Sundays, Followed by two routes.

  •  Meetup at bandra n head to town using sealink and than cars r parked at starbucks at fort n followed by  photo shoot & heads to esternexpress freeway.


  •  Meetup at BKC & head to Palm Beach road after driving few kms head towards Kharghar


The family also has its own professional photographers .


  The first ride of THROTTLE97
















A tribute to Mr Paul Walker by one of its fan 
belong to THROTTLE97



















The mighty Germans


















All lined up


















THROTTLE97 is family with cool guys & Hot cars

Official instagram page #throttle97