Report: Aston Martin to build Maybachs?

Aston Martin and Daimler are apparently becoming chummy right now. According to The Financial Times, the two automakers are chatting about a possible relationship centered around Daimler's super-luxe Maybach sedan. Aston Martin is reportedly looking to glean some powertrain knowledge from the German automaker (for a possible Lagonda revival?) and Daimler could use help reviving a car that few are buying.

An exotic luxury sedan crafted as a joint venture between the Brits and the Germans sounds like an intriguing concept. As a matter of fact it should sound intriguing because Bentley and Rolls-Royce figured out the formula a few years ago. Though few out there can actually afford any automobile in this category, it would be nice to see new life breathed into the Maybach nameplate.

Ford: Yes, Camaro will outsell Mustang this year

It's true. For the first time since 1985, the Chevrolet Camaro will outsell the Ford Mustang in 2010. Besides giving the Bowtie Boys something to crow about, it also makes us genuinely intrigued to watch how 2011 unfolds, considering that Chevy plans to unleash its convertible and Z28 Camaro editions.

Somewhat surprisingly, Ford doesn't seem too bothered. According to Ford sales analyst George Pipas, "If that was important, we wouldn't have taken a shift off at Flat Rock," which is where the plant that assembles the Mustang is located. That's a somewhat dubious statement, since building too many vehicles in one model year only leads to problems for the next... In any case, this is a trend worth monitoring.

Track Automobiles Using Automatic Vehicle Location System

Automatic Vehicle Location System refers to process of locating the geographical position of a particular automobile and to pass this message to the corresponding receiver. This manner any automobile could possibly be discovered easily irrespective of its location. Even if someone steals your vehicle and tries to flee from the place then this method can be very useful to catch both the thief and car. The tracking mechanism is done using the radio that is mounted in the car. The sign of it is found utilizing the satellite and the corresponding message is sent to the receiver where you may find the exact website of the vehicle. Automatic Vehicle Location System is extra influential because of its various helpful purposes. It might be used by cops to spot the thief. Automatic Vehicle Location System could be installed at any car like vans, emergency automobiles and even on buses, trains. The enterprise which includes many cars with numerous drivers and serving individuals on name, they can make the most advantage of this system. If a person calls up for service then the closest vehicle is found then it is rushed to the place as soon as possible for fast service.

THE BMW 6 SERIES CONVERTIBLE

One second and 28 metres. This is the time required to take your eyes off the road and read 100 km/h on the speedometer. The Head-Up Display projects the current speed or navigation instructions directly into your field of vision while your eyes stay on the road. 

The clear, distinct colours make it easy for you to recognise important information, such as the pedestrian warning from BMW Night Vision or the instructions from Lane Change Warning. If required, the currently applicable speed limit and route directions from the navigation system can also be displayed. Particularly helpful at complicated motorway exits or confusing junctions is the clear display showing the correct lane to take.

For the first time the information is projected onto the windscreen of the BMW 6 Series Convertible in full colour and is clearly legible in all lighting conditions. To ensure that the information is at the driver’s eye level, the height of the Head-Up Display can be adjusted. All in all, it enables you to register information much faster, without having to take your eyes off the road.

NISSAN MICRA

The Nissan Micra is an important car for Nissan in India and the company has a lot resting on the success of the Micra. Nissan India have gone to great lengths by doing a lot of marketing activity in shopping malls and key consumer touch points to promote not just the upcoming Micra, but to also spread awareness and visibility of the Nissan brand.
They have also managed to cross over a thousand bookings for the Nissan Micra last week and since Nissan India started production of the Micra in May earlier this year at their swanky facility in Chennai, they should be able to cope with the initial demand spike and deliver the cars quickly.
Now, Nissan will launch the sedan hopefully by the end of the current year. The Nissan sedan should be available with a diesel engine from the Renault stable, the same engine that was used on Logan.
Design: The Nissan sedan will be based on the same Micra platform and will have parts in common. We have seen the Indica/Indigo, Swift/Swift DZire, Polo/Vento hatch/sedans combinations. Now, even Nissan joins the bandwagon.
Power train: The Nissan Sedan will be powered by a 1.5-litre dCi, which is basically the same oil burner that powers the Renault Logan. Renault and Nissan have jointly invested in the Chennai plant, and the duo already have a joint venture and to share technology.
Nissan already uses Renault engines on its X-Trail. This diesel power plant is a 8-valve 1.5-litre dCi engine (code name K9K) and is Renault's top selling engine with almost 900,000 units manufactured in 2008 (only in Spain and Turkey) and this engine is available with several power ratings (65bhp to 110bhp) in other markets.
Renault claims the engine design to be simple, low friction and have a superior cost-to-performance ratio. The Nissan sedan dCi engine powering the Mahindra Renault churns out 65bhp and a torque of 160Nm@2000rpm.
Competition: The Nissan sedan will compete with the Mahindra-Renault Logan, Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire and the Tata Indigo Manza. All its competition are great value for money products, and are being offered in petrol and diesel variants.
Overall Evaluation: The Nissan sedan will be offered with a diesel engine. No questions can be raised on the efficiency of this engine, and the build quality of the Micra has been good. So, the sedan should be a great product to own if Nissan prices it correctly.

Price: It could come at a price tag of around Rs 7 lakh (Rs 700,000).

NEW FIAT LINEA T-JET

THE POWER TO GUARANTEE ADMIRATION

Fiat Linea is the perfect combination of dynamic styling and powerful performance. The mid-size sedan is much talked about in the international automobile industry and promises to stand up to the expectations of buyers in India. Based on Fiat's Grande Punto, Linea is an outstanding example of Italian design. It offers the customers a unique blend of luxury and comfort, with arresting looks and a powerful engine.

Engine
Fiat Linea comes with three engine options - 1.4L FIRE and 1.4L 16 V T-Jet and 1.3L 16v Multi jet. The engine delivers a maximum power of 78 PS @ 6000 rpm, with peak torque of 115 Nm @ 3000 rpm. The car promises to deliver a good mileage and top speed of 220 km/hour. Linea accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 14.6 seconds flat.

Design And Comfort
The elegant design of Fiat Linea is a definite crowd puller. The design team of 'Fiat Style' center has carved out this sedan to suit the specific needs of Indian buyers. The car sports smooth flowing body lines. Its fascia is adorned by large projector type headlights, muscular front grille and clear lens fog lamps. The rear side of Linea is dominated by a simple, yet attractive boot and sparkling tail lamps. The five-seater luxury sedan offers high level of comfort to its occupants.

Interiors
The interiors of Fiat Linea are as attractive as its exteriors. The cabin of the sedan is roomy, which offers its driver and passengers a comfortable environment. Top quality materials are used in its finely-toned interiors. A trendy instrument cluster is neatly integrated on the well-organized dashboard. Rear seats have headrests, for added comfort of its occupants.

Ride And Handling
Fiat Linea comes with one of the most advanced suspension systems in its class. The sedan promises to offer superior handling and drive easiness. The shock absorbers assure enhanced travel comfort, by absorbing impact from the unevenness of bumpy Indian roads. It is fun to drive Linea, mainly because the steering wheel is very responsive.

Variants, Price And Color
Fiat Linea is available in three variants - 1.4 L 8v, 1.4L 16v T-Jet and 1.3 Multi jet 16v. The dazzling color options for the sedan are Cool Jazz Blue, Tecno Grey, Flamenco Red, Lullaby Blue, Fox-Trot Azure, Minimal Grey, Rockabilly Black, Breakdance Green, Ambient White and Indie Ivory. The car is priced between Rs.7 and Rs 8 Lakhs.

MARUTI LAUNCHES NEW ALTO K10

Alto-K10 also comes with improved suspension, new cable-type transmission for gears, superior brake system and more knee-room for rear seat passengers. The ex-showroom Bangalore prices are Rs 3.08 lakh for Alto-K10 Lxi and Rs 3.21 lakh for Alto-K10 Vxi.  

On a three-city (Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore) launch press conference held through live teleconference, Maruti Suzuki India MD & CEO Shinzo Nakanishi, said: The Alto’s package of performance, fuel efficiency and attractive cost of ownership have together made it India’s most popular car. Now Alto-K10 will take this forward.”

Giving reasons why Maruti decided to launch more powerful Alto, Nakanishi said that there are a growing number of first time buyers who seek more power and performance at a reasonable price. 

The company claimed that Alto-K10 will offer fuel efficiency of 20 km per litre. The car produces peak power of 68ps@6200rpm and high torque of 90Nm@3500 rpm. In terms of size, Alto-K10 is longer by 125mm (compared to present Alto) to accommodate the bigger K-series engine. The car has  a new aggressive front, with differently styled combination of dynamic hood, bold eagle-eye headlamps. 

Briefing reporters in Bangalore, Maruti Suzuki Managing Executive Officer (Marketing & Sales) Mayank Pareek said the company has spent about Rs 75 crore and its vendors another Rs 25 crore in developing the new Alto.

On Maruti Suzuki’s royalty payment to its parent Suzuki Motor Corporation, Nakanishi said the royalty payment will continue at the present level of 5.5 per cent of net sales and it will not be raised. In quarter ending June 2010 Maruti paid Rs 423 crore as royalty denting its net profit figure for the quarter significantly.