Car News india, Bike scoops, Spy pictures, New launches, No 1 Car,Bike Blog In India

World set to feel the Indian Force

We are happy to witness the launch of India’s first Formula One F1 car. Here is few snaps from the glitzy launch event for your eyes.

1) Force India Formula One (F1) car: India’s first F1 team has rolled out its 2008 challenger. Force India will compete with mighty Ferrari and Renault for the 2008 F1 championship. Force India has made its voice heard in the Global Auto Sports with a glittery launch function. Mallya has chosen Gateway of India to launch his new car since he believes “This gateway is not just historical as we know it but I think it is a gateway to a new India and the face of modern India.”

2) Force India Formula One (F1) car: Force India’s calls the new car as VJM01 and it is powered by Ferrari Engine. This is almost the same car used by spyker for the 2007 championship except few aerodynamic changes. Force India has understood that it cannot expect big things unless it invest on R&D. Mallya has increased the budget to $120 million from $70 million hence the team will have atleast some money after racing. Force India recently made its main aerodynamic facility, a 50% scale wind tunnel in UK.

3) Force India Formula One (F1) car: The car will make is track debut in the upcoming Barcelona test and race debut in March 16th Australian Grand Prix. Fisichella (driver for Renault in 2007), Sutil and Luzzi will drive Force India’s F1 machine in 2008. Mallya says Indian driver might soon find a place in the team. Force India has also started a training program for the young champions to develop their talent. Motorsports Association of India (MAI) collaborated with continental motorsports bodies to form the Autosport Academy Asia in Johor Baru, Malaysia. “The MAI will identify deserving young Indian drivers who will be supported by Force India to undergo a driver training course at the academy,” Vijay Mallya told.

4) Force India Formula One (F1) car: What if Formula One or Kingfisher without girls. Celebrities like Lara Dutta, Shilpa Shamita Shetty and Sameera Reddy added glamour to the launch ceremony.

5) Force India Formula One (F1) car: Force India wishes to beat three to four teams in the current year. Mike Gascoyne, chief technical director of Force India Formula One, “I think there are three or four teams we can target and by the middle of the year maybe more than that.” “Super Aguri is definitely the team we target to beat,” he added. But the main objective for Mallya and Force India is to have a competitive car when India hosts its first grand prix in it’s history in 2010.

Force India rolls out India’s first F1 car

Its not about winning or losing
Its about Glory and Pride
Sometimes you do things only because you believe in them
Believe with me, I want to compete with the Best in the World
I want the World to know that India has arrived
I want the world to feel the force of a billion dreams
Join the FORCE !!!

This is what Mr Vijay Mallya believes and this is what Bollywood’s badshah Sharukh khan conveys to the world through Force India’s TV commercial. Calling it a “red letter day in the history of Indian motorsport”, Force India owner and liquor baron Vijay Mallya proudly unveiled Force India’s 2008 challenger which is named VJM01in Mumbai. The glitzy launch event at the backdrop of Gateway of India witnessed India’s first formula one car being rolles out in gold, tungsten and white with a red stripe. “Today is a memorable day not only for me as the owner of India’s first-ever F1 team, but also for millions of Indians who can today watch India occupy a place of pride as Force India becomes the first and only Indian Formula 1 racing team to compete with the best in the world, at the pinnacle of motorsport” Mallya said. The ‘global launch’ of the VJM01 was apparently attended by several eminent personalities, political leaders and a bevy of celebrities and corporate head honchos along with the leadership team of Force India and of course its drivers, Giancarlo Fisichella, Adrian Sutil and ‘third’ driver, Vitantonio Liuzzi.

Mallya who sponsored the Benetton team back in 1995, Toyota in 2007 has been actively involved in building a F1 circuit. He got the success last year when Indian Olympic association and FIA signed a MOU to host F1 race in India by 2010. In the mean time Narain Karthikeyan won India’s maiden victory in A1 GP and Karun Chandok won GP2. But what if world’s fastest growing nation doesn’t have its own team. Vijay Mallya established a joint-venture company with the Mol family from the Netherlands. Called Orange India Holdings (OIH), the enterprise finalised negotiations to purchase the Spyker Formula One Team from Spyker Cars N.V. in October 2007. Interestingly this is the same team which pulled out Narain for not bringing in enough dollars. Force India roped in Fisichella, Sutil and Luzzi for driving their 2008 challenger. To know the more about Force India and its drivers visit http://www.vicky.in/blog/force-india-f1-fact-file/

Force India’s VJM01:

The Ferrari-powered VJM01 has the same basic chassis as used by Spyker last year but has aerodynamic changes. Force India’s VJM01 will make its track debut at the next Barcelona test from February 25-27 and the car will mechanical updates till the first race begins. Force India will start with the 2008 Formula one challenge at the Australian Grand Prix on 16th march. Mike Gascoyne, chief technical director of Force India Formula One says “this car is mechanically very sound, a good basis. Aerodynamically it obviously needs improvement. We have made tremendous improvements since testing last winter”.

Challenges ahead:

Unlike the other sports F1 is very expensive (Toyota spends around Rs2000 crore every year for its F1 team) even Mallya may find it hard to survive. Only by 2010 Force India eyes podium finish but taming the Ferrari and Renault in not going to be easier even by that time. Force India recently made its main aerodynamic facility, a 50% scale wind tunnel in UK. Also for the first time Mallya is going to run behind the sponsors atleast initially. Mallya himself accepts the fact “In terms of getting sponsors, this is the first time that I find myself in this position. Generally, it is the other way around. However, I know what a sponsor looks for in terms of value and we will be able to deliver it,” Mallya said. Force India. Also for the cricket crazy nation the smell of the high octane petrol and racy sound may find strange and hard to accept. In India F1 has only 3.2million visitors which is very minuscule when compared to cricket. Mallya and his team has to market aggressively to create buzz for Formula one among Indian audience. With IPL and ICL lining up more matches other sports including the F1 will find it get sponsors. Mallya himself bought the Bangalore team for the BCCI’s upcoming Indian Premier League. So far ICICI Bank, Kanyan Capital, the Medion Group, Reliance Industries, Magnet Marelli and Dalmore have come on board to sponsor the Force India. But the amount of money these sponsors has not yet revealed. Finally but most importantly, Formula One is considered as a contest for the manufacturers to show their proweness injecting patriotism might be hard. The midas man says “There are 500 million people in India under the age of 25, many of them benefiting from our country’s economic boom. They want to mark themselves out from the crowd, to buy a pair of Hugo Boss jeans rather than a domestic brand. We are all clamouring for glamour in one form or another, whether we admit it or not. And Formula One is the high point of glamour in sport, something that can ignite the passion and pride of this country.” I’m not going to bet against the man who knows, we might see an Indian team possibly the Force India powered by Tata’s engine may race past the Ferrari to win the championship by 2015. Cheers for Force India!

Maruti Suzuki’s new Swift

Facelifted / upgraded Swift:

Maruti Suzuki has given its flagship hatchback Swift a face lift to make it contemporary. In modern days, as the competition has become very intensive, manufacturers all over the world rolls out limited edition or refreshes the product with some features. Ford Fiesta Fida edition and Honda city 10th anniversary edition are some examples of the character. This not only gives the manufacturers necessary volume but also it increases the life of the product. Suzuki has already done this swift in other markets in the form of Swift style. As Swift’s demand continue to outstrip the production there was no need for the Maruti to facelift the swift. Things has not changed much even now but as the new comers (especially the Fabia ) tries to lure the buyers. Maruti Suzuki wants to make this swift more attractive.

The new swift can be easily distinguished from the old one visually. Maruti Suzuki has added new attractive bumpers at the front and the rear. The new bumpers features a stylish fog lamps inserts which makes the chic eye pleasing. The redesigned grille extends the wow factor already associated with Swift. The new wheel cap adds charm to the alloy wheels in turn to the your favourite swift. Unlike the front and the side you can easily spot the new swift at the rear, the new attractive clear lens turn indicators embedded in the reddish tail lamp cluster which is really eye catching especially at night. Getting into the new swift, you can easily notice the new integrated audio system with controls mounted on the steering. Behind the steering is the new eye catching instrument cluster with chrome lining (not hooded). A digital clock also finds a place in the new swift. Fabric lining on the seats gives a rich feel to the interiors of the new swift. But most important additions to the swift are the new tilt steering which helps you vary the position of the steering and the new head rest for the rear passengers. The new head rest is not just a comfort factor but it is also a safety feature. Maruti Suzuki has also added double horn to the new swift. All these features has increased the swift price by Rs10000.

The new swift is more attractive and it is clearly a strong step from Maruti Suzuki to retain its customers from new comers.

Global Auto’s new 150cc scooter

We got more information from the Xenitis on its new 150cc scooter UFO 0150. Global auto a JV of Xentis Group and China’s Guangzhou Automobile Industry has rolled out a new 150cc scooter following the success of 125cc Xpression and 100cc Rock. UFO 0150 – Designed and developed completely by Global Automobiles R & D, targets urban youth males and females with a focus on students in India. UFO 0150 scooter is powered by a 150 cc , 4 Stroke Engine. According to the Global Auto, the scooter is powered by a powerful engine and will lure customers through its high instant pick up. UFO 0150 is also feature packed and it comes with disc brake, mobile indicator and electronic self start with metal bodied chassis and front end cover in ABS. UFO 0150 is available in four colour variants of Red, Black, Yellow and Silver. Similar to Xenitis other products, UFO 0150 scooter also comes at an aggressive price and it is priced Rs. 34,990 (ex-showroom Delhi).
Announcing the launch of UFO 0150 in India, Mr. Santanu Ghosh, Chairman & Managing Director, Xenitis Group said, “ We are entering the scooter market in India with UFO 0150. Global hopes to sell 15000 units of UFO 0150 by the end of this fiscal. We are eyeing 25% market share by 2010 with the help of our aggressive marketing strategy and pan India dealer network. Though the scooter segment constitutes only 15 per cent of the two-wheeler market, Global has chosen to enter this arena to win over the youngsters.”

According to the Xenitis, Global Auto has built a strong dealer’s network of 450 dealers spanning across the country. It has 150 dealers in North India, 125 in West, 100 in South and 75 dealers in eastern India. The company has set up 250 exclusive showrooms across the country.

Peugeot plans re-entry

Peugeot which is known for its ~~Padmini~~ 309 in mid 90’s plans a re-entry into Indian market again. Peugeot Citroen is negotiating with Hero Group for a possible alliance for passenger cars. Peugeot is also in talks with Argentum Motors – promoted by former Hyundai President, BVR Subbu for a global components sourcing JV. Peugeot might come to a conclusion by the end of 2008. Peugeot had entered India in 1995 through a joint venture — PAL-Peugeot Motors Limited — with the Bombay-based Premier Automobiles Limited (known for Padmini) for producing its famed Peugeot 309 cars. The manufacturing unit for the cars was set up in Kalyan, Maharashtra and Peugeot controlled a 32 per cent stake in the venture. The diesel version of Maruti Suzuki’s Zen used peugoet’s engine. However, owing to difference between the partners and labour unrest peugeot pulled out of the venture in 1998..

What’s new in Formula One (F1) 2008

A number of changes to both the Sporting and Technical Regulations have been made by the FIA for the 2008 Formula One season.

Traction and launch control

Traction control – systems which prevent the rear wheels spinning if a driver applies too much power – are no longer permitted. This will place more emphasis on driver skill and should lead to more overtaking, as drivers are more likely to make mistakes. Similarly, systems that help the driver hold the clutch at a specific point to ensure an optimal getaway at the race start, have been outlawed.

Electronic Control Units (ECUs)

From 2008, all teams must use a standardised, FIA-approved ECU to control their cars’ electronics. AS well as providing a more level playing field in this area of development, the new ECU – which must run FIA-approved software – will allow the FIA to monitor the cars’ performance more closely.

Engine changes

As in 2007, drivers must use the same engine for two consecutive events. If that engine fails in final practice or qualifying and has to be changed ahead of the race, the driver will be given a grid penalty – 10 places if the change was made before qualifying, or the back of the grid if it was made following qualifying.

However, in an amendment for 2008, each driver is allowed one ‘free’ change per season, unless that change takes place at the final round. In other words, he will not incur a penalty for his first engine failure of the year, as long it is not at the last event.

Gearboxes

In a bid to further improve reliability and cut costs, gearboxes must now last for four consecutive Grand Prix meetings. Every unscheduled gearbox change will require the relevant driver to drop five places on the grid at that meeting. If a driver fails to finish a race, he may start the next meeting with a new gearbox without incurring a penalty.

Qualifying

In a very slight tweak to the familiar knockout qualifying format, the duration of Q1 has been increased from 15 to 20 minutes, while that of Q3 has been cut from 15 to 10. Q2 remains 15-minutes long. Furthermore, cars participating in Q3 will no longer get back the fuel used in that session – they must now start the race with whatever fuel was left in the car at the end of qualifying, thus eliminating the need for the infamous ‘fuel-burning’ phase at the start of Q3.

Cockpit safety

One of the slightly more visible differences to the cars this season will be an increase in the height of the cockpit padding – and hence the cockpit sides – on either side of the driver’s helmet, a change that has been implemented to further increase head protection in the event of an impact.

Biofuel

As part of moves to make Formula One racing ever more environmentally friendly, the FIA has introduced a new rule governing fuel. From 2008, at least 5.75 percent of all fuel must contain biomatter and, as a result, all cars must be designed to be biofuel compliant.

Force India F1 fact file

Jordan (1991-2004)
250 races, 4 wins, 2 Pole,
213 retirements.
Engines
Ford (1991), Yamaha (1992),
Hart (1993-1994), Peugeot (1995-1997), Mugen-Honda (1998-2000),
Honda (2001-2002), Cosworth (2003-2004), Toyota (2005).

Midland F1 (2005-2006)
16 races, best finish 9th,
12 retirements.
Engine – Toyota Spyker
(2006-2007) – 20 races, best finish 8th, 16 retirements.
Engines – Toyota and Ferrari

Giancarlo Fisichella, 35, Italy.

1996 – F1 debut, Minardi, 8 races; 1997, 2002-2003 –
Jordan, 50 races; 1998-2001 – Benetton, 66 races;
2004 – Sauber, 18 races, 2005-2007 – Renault,
54 races Wins — 3 (2003 Brazilian GP, 2005 Australian
GP, 2006 Malaysian GP); Pole 3: Best finish in
championship — 4th in 2006, 72 points

Vitantonio Liuzzi, 27, Italy

2005 – F1 debut, Red Bull, 4 races
2006-2007 – Toro Rosso, 35 races
Best finish in race – 6th, 2006 Chinese GP
2004 – 1st in F-3000 series

Adrian Sutil, 25, Germany

2007 – F1 debut, Spyker, 17 races; Best finish in race – 8th, Japanese GP;
2006 – Japanese F3 champion; 2005 – Runner-up in F3 Euro series.

Bajaj launches kick start variant of XCD

Bajaj today launched a kick start variant of XCD. The kick start variant of XCD is cheaper cheaper by Rs 2,000 from the original electric start variant of XCD. The XCD kick start is priced Rs39000.
“We have introduced a new kick start variant of XCD. The self-start variant priced at Rs 41,000 still continues to remain in the market,” Bajaj Auto GM Marketing Amit Nandi told. Bajaj sold 50000 units of XCD within two months of its launch. But as the festive season comes to an end the sales have rationalised. Media reports says that Bajaj has only sold 20000 units of XCD in January which is no where near 75000 units as Bajaj expected. Bajaj hopes that this new variant with an attractive price tag will bring more customers to the showroom.

Change of Guard

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML) has announced that Shohei Kimura has been named Vice President, India Project, NML. He will be based at the company’s headquarters until his move to India. Kimura will be the head for Nissan’s business interests and activities in India. Kimura will eventually assume the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NMIPL. Kimura will work closely with Yoshie Motohiro, who will continue to oversee the marketing and sales function of Nissan India. Since its establishment in February 2005, Nissan Motor India Private Limited (NMIPL) has been engaged in import and distribution of Nissan vehicles namely the X-TRAIL and Teana, as well as sales promotion and market research in India. Together with its Alliance partner, Renault, Nissan is now in the process of establishing a plant in Chennai, extending NMIPL’s function to include manufacturing.

Force India to unveil its F1 car

Force India – India’s first F1 team is all set to unveil its F1 car for the 2008 championship. Vijay Mallya will take the covers off team’s latest car in front of the media at a ceremony in Mumbai on 7th February.The unveiling of the car will happen at the Gateway of India. The car would be powered with an engine supplied by Ferrari. Force India’s 2008 car is expected to be the same basic chassis as used by Spyker, last year with changes to the aerodynamic package. Force India has already confirmed Giancarlo Fisichella, Adrian Sutil and Liuzzi as its ’08 drivers. Giancarlo Fisichella, the ex-Renault driver, will be the lead driver, partnered by Adrian Sutil, who was actually with the same team — Spyker-Ferrari F1. Vitantonio Liuzzi moves from the Red Bull team to become the team test driver. Vijay Mallya’s joint venture company, Orange India Holdings (OIH), purchased the Spyker Formula One Team from Spyker Cars NV in October 2007 and branded the new company as Force India Formula 1. Team Spyker finished 10th in the overall 2007 championship.

Force India at the Barcelona test:

On the opening day of the three-day testing(1-3rd February), Force India’s lead driver Fisichella had a highly productive outing at the Circuit de Catalunya, where he completed 100 laps — most by a driver — and clocked his best lap of 1min 23.015 to finish behind McLaren’s Hamilton (1:22.263), Renault’s Fernando Alonso (1:22.889) and Robert Kubica (1:22.983) of BMW Sauber.

After the successful first day, the car unfortunately developed some mechanical issues on the 2nd day at the Barcelona circuit. Tonio Luzzi had a more difficult session as he ran through set-up and work on engine installation and cooling, however with a clutch and driveline problem interrupting running, the Italian struggled to find a good rhythm and match yesterday’s relative pace. He nevertheless completed 61 laps of the Spanish track with a best lap of 1min 24.263.

Adrian Sutil concluded the Barcelona test on the third day with a best lap of 1min 23.800. He completed just under 90 laps (out of 100 laps). The team ended the run after premature end the car had developed a minor mechanical issue towards the close.

What can we expect?

“I think there are three or four teams we can target and by the middle of the year maybe more than that.” Technical director for Force, Mike Gascoyne said.

“I do not for a minute underestimate the challenges,” “I know that the spotlight is on us and the expectation level is running high,“I have said we will not produce any miracles in 2008 but we will show that Force India is going in the right direction”, “My objective is that by 2010, the time of the first Indian Grand Prix, Force India will rightfully occupy a place on the podium Force India’s chairman Vijay Mallya said.

Vicky.in is specially invited to witness the launch of Force India’s 2008 Formula One car.