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

Royal Enfield Fuel Injection engine

Royal Enfield unveiled the first product of its next generation engine. The 500cc UCE (Unit Constructed Engine) or integrated gearbox engine is equipped with Fuel Injection technology. The 500cc EFI will first feature in Royal Enfield Electra. The 500cc UCE still features pushrod operation of the two valves per cylinder but is otherwise very modern, with roller hydraulic lifters, crossover gearbox, and a gerotor oil pump. With the introduction of new bullet engine, royal enfield, signalled its decision to phase out older iron cast engines. In england, France and other european countries, the classic iron blocked, four speed bullet will be on sale until the end of 2008. From 2009 onwards all Bullets will be powered by unit construction electronic fuel injection (Euro III complyable) engine. Enfield is also believed to be studying the development of a large capacity parallel-twin motor for export markets. Indian market will soon get a 350cc UCE engine.

gone are the days…

Having a bike that you can tune, rebuild, repair, and maintain on your own at home really is a great thing. With the unit construction engine(UCE) and electronic fuel injection, the new Enfield will probably put an end to that, and it’ll be like a Honda, if anything breaks, you have to take it to the dealer, because there’s no way in heck that you can fix anything in it. Share your view on the new engine in vicky.in/forums

Mahindra Scorpio m-Hawk

Since eagle(brand name) is already registered, Mahindra and Mahindra will brand the scorpio with eagle engine as Mahindra scorpio m-Hawk when launched. The high speed direct injection, Common Rail m-Hawk engine develops 120 HP @ 4000 rpm. Mahindra developed the m-Hawk engine with inputs from AVL of austria. This m-Hawk engine will comply to the tougher euro IV emission norms. Mahindra plans to launch the m-Hawk engine powered scorpio across the globe. Though scorpio is a market leader in the SUV segment, it draws crticism for its poor handling and impractical interiors. Recently Mahindra replaced the leaf springs with coil but that too is insufficient. Hence for the new scorpio m-Hawk it is working on the suspension with great care. It is fine tuning the suspension. The reduced mass of the m-Hawk will also help in improvement of dynamics, the m-Hawk engine is built from aluminium alloy and hence it is 60kg lighter than the current 2.6L CRDe engine. Other than the m-Hawk engine, mahindra has refreshed the interiors of the scorpio. NVH((noise, vibration& harshness) is optimised and hence inside the new scorpio m-hawk, you can hear your favourite music peacefully. Audio controls will be mounted on the steerring wheel. Mahindra m-Hawk will also see some new (useful) features – rain sensing wipers and tyre pressure sensor to the scorpio. You can differentiate scorpio 2.2L CRDe and scorpio m-Hawk by noting the m-hawk badges. Mahindra scorpio 2.2L m-Hawk will be launched in a week time.(Probably November 30th)

the blips retained:

Small central console controls and buttons which are often inaccessible while driving the car. Air con vents in between the front seats and hence in effective cooling for rear passengers. Jump seats will continue, genuine third row seats still missiong.

update: watch the “perfromance anxiety beats other cars…again” mahindra’sm-Hawk teaser in http://www.mahindrascorpio.com/

Honda’s new CR-V with 2.0L engine

heart transplantation for Honda CR-V:

Indian Stock markets are facing correction(till november 22nd) after a long rally. Similar is felt in Indian SUV market. Tata Motors recently came up with a 2.2L DICOR which replaced the 3.0L engine. Mahindra and Mahindra’s 2.6L engine will pave way for the less displacing 2.2L m-HAWK engine to power the flagship scorpio. Following Tata and Mahindra, Honda will strap a 2.0L(already used in international markets) under the hood of the CR-V. The first Honda CR-V came to India in 2003, was powered by a 2.0L engine. In 2005, Honda launched the CR-V with the accord’s 2.4L engine. Last year Honda unveiled the third generation CR-V but with the 2nd generation K-series 2.4L engine. But the european market received the new third generation R-series engine and it is well receieved by the customers in the europe. Though similar is a case in india, Honda feels that a correction in price and with the next generation engine CR-V will be in a better position to take on the upcoming Chevrolet Captiva, Hyundai santa fe, volkswagen tiguan and automatic scorpio.

B20 -> k20–> R20 engines for CR-V

The R20 engine is basically a stroked version of the R18 engine that powers the Honda Civic 1.8 liter model. The R20 is a SOHC i-VTEC engine, making 150PS at 6,200 rpm and 190Nm of torque at 4,200rpm. The engine is particularly fuel saving at cruising speeds because of Honda’s use of a drive-by-wire throttle. The new 2.0L engine uses the same ECU(Electronic Control Unit) as the Honda K-series engines. During low load conditions, the pumping losses caused by the small throttle butterfly opening are avoided by letting the throttle butterfly open wider than it normally would. To offset the larger amount of air coming in, the intake valve timing is delayed. This reduces pumping losses up to 16 percent.

The reduction in power means you can expect the Honda CR-V to be more frugal. The 2.0 – litre engine is also likely to be sold only in manual form. Since this will enable Honda to take on the Maruti Suzuki’s grand vitara. Honda CR-V 2.0L will be priced lower than the current CR-V.

Diesel punch for the CR-V:

What about Honda launching the CR-V with its sole 2.2 liter turbodiesel i-CTDi engine that makes 140PS in India? “For larger cars, with the 2.2 litre diesel, yes, we are seriously considering it,” Takedagawa added. We shall wait!

Tata – ISRO building india’s first hydrogen bus

Similar to China, nowadays india face the heat from global environment protectionist. India’s NTPC(National Thermal Power Corporation) rated as the world’s third largest polluting firm. Another similarity with china, india will ply fuel cell (ZEV-Zero Emission Vehicle) buses in coming years. Indian government already proposed 1 million vehicles running on alterante fules in 2020. Taking the initiative forward, Tata Motors and ISRO(Indian Space Research Organisation) plans to build a hydrogen bus by 2010(possibly before the commonwealth games). Tata and ISRO is already working on the project and a prototype is expected to be ready by December 2008. Tata Motors has contributed Rs5 crore to the project, while Isro is spending Rs1 crore in building the prototype. Tata Motors will build the frame and chassis while ISRO will provide expertise for handling(storing) liquid hydrogen. Fuel cell will be imported from canadian firm( possibly Ballard Systems ).

India’s first hydrogen bus will be a 60-seater proto-model. The bus will roughly cost Rs 80 lakh with per kg of hydrogen gas that will run it costing around Rs 120 per kg or more. A 40-kg cylinder will allow the bus to run 560 km, ie an entire day for a typical metro bus. “In short run it may be costly, but in long run when we are on the verge of hydrocarbon extinction, people will be willing to pay anything. We are working on a bus now because that will be more economical than a car as it would carry 60 people. In Phase II we will come out with a car with lower cost of hydrogen gas. Technological challenge of conversion of gas to electricity is immediate for ISRO now,’’ architect of the bus, V Vnanagandhi, programme director, ISRO, Ahmedabad, said.

Hyundai i10 automatic and CRDi in 2008

Hyundai which buoyed by the sucess of i10 (6500 bookings in first 15days of the launch) is planning to add more values to the car. The launch of i10 has increased the traffic in the Hyundai showroom by almost 30% Hyundai is really surprised not because of the response it received but due to indian’s passion for features like sunroof. Since most of the i10 on lookers are professionals, they opt for high end variants. Hence hyundai plans to add more values to i10 by offering an automatic transmission and by strapping an all new CRDi engine. Apart from the santro AT there are no small car with automatic transmission. Maruti Suzuki which tested the automatic with zen ditched it after a poor response. The new i10 automatic will have a more powerful engine compared to the the 1.1L engine(santro’s). The automatic i10 will launched first in western markets and then it will be introduced in india. Hyundai will also strap a new 1.1L CRDi engine under the hood of the i10 in 2008. Hyundai i10 CRDi will also be launched in 2008. Hyundai will display the i10 in Bologna motor show in December and will launched in europe soon after that. Rush to the Hyundai’s showroom, since Hyundai has already indicated that the current i10 price is the initial launch price and from January 2008 it may go in for an adjustment.

Royal Enfield Electra Woodsman 500

Royal Enfield will unveil the Woodsman 500, the latest in a long line of Bullet motorcycles. The Bullet has been in continuous production since 1949 and the Woodsman is inspired by the street scramblers of the late 1950’s that the company exported to the USA.

With its distinctive high level exhaust system, trials style bars and solo saddle the Woodsman looks every inch the classic British single, but is in fact powered by the company’s modern all-alloy Electra engine, with 5-speed gearbox and electric starter. The traditional pushrod design means that owners will experience the characteristic feel of a British single, with plenty of torque, combined with impressive fuel economy – the factory quotes 87mpg, which means a tank range of over 250 miles before switching to reserve.

The Royal Enfield Electra Woodsman is due in dealers’ showrooms in spring 2008 and is expected to sell for £3,895 On Road (DL version with chrome guards £3,995).

Mahindra relaunched scorpio in oman

a refreshed scorpio for oman

Mahindra and Mahindra which launched the Scorpio in Oman through Towell Auto Centre in 2005 has now introduced an upgraded scorpio there. Mahidra Scorpio is also sold in Qatar through Doha Motors & Trading Group of Companies. Scorpio in oman is powered by a 2Litre petrol engine developing a power of 121bhp. The Scorpio engine offers a 5-speed manual transmission. This eco friendly model comes with a lower NVH (noise, vibration& harshness) as well as low emissions and is high on fuel economy. ‘The Scorpio seems apt for Oman’s rough roads as well as the long drives to interiors. With space in abundance, the 7 seater is apt for a perfect family outing. Paying much attention to details the insides have multi storage features, essential for convenience. The interiors reveal elegance and comfort with stylish seats and upholstery. On the exteriors I really need not say much! It’s a fabulous SUV which one needs to see to believe,’ says Annurag Chawla, Brand Manager.
sophiscated scorpio in oman

The Scorpio’s has been refurbished inside as well. Providing the perfect balance between plush comfort and support; the scorpio (7 seater) takes care of your small needs too. It pays attention to your need for space with roomy interiors to the discreetly tucked away storage spaces with racks even for the smallest of things. New sliding middle row seats and 5 zone cushion suspension gives you more legroom and comfort than ever before. Adding on to this are its tubeless tyres to offset any hazards. Collapsible rear seats, mobile phone slots, bottle holders, cup holder, multi-utility bins are built-in storage features.
Colors and maintenance:

The Scorpio comes in 7 eye catching colors and is value for money with it’s affordable price range. Mahindra Scorpio is now available with an exciting offer during this season. In addition to free insurance, free registration, 2 years warranty or up to 50,000 kms, the customer also gets free service upto 25,000 kms with built in service at every 5000 kms interval.

Mahindra Scorpio First

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) on November 22nd said it has launched a new variant (customised version) of its utility vehicle Scorpio at the Autocar Performance Show in Mumbai. Autocar performance show 2007 which kicks starts today and will last till 26th November. The customised version of scorpio to be called as ‘scorpio first’ is specially designed and built in partnership with renowned automobile designer Dilip Chabbria. Scorpio First features most business class comforts. Scorpio First has leather interiors, motorised sofa arrangement, a bar, a coffee maker and a walkie talkie unit to converse with the chauffeur.

Besides the apparent new exteriors the Scorpio First highlights features such as leather interiors with custom colour coding of choice, motorized sofa arrangement for unparalleled comfort, private area divided by motor-operated glass partition, a bar within along with a chiller, a coffee maker as well as a walkie talkie unit to converse with the chauffer. Other comfort features in the new ‘scorpio first’ includes a DVD cinema and audio system with an LCD screen supported by world class speakers as well as a play station. The Sofa arrangement in the scorpio first also houses neatly stowed away folding tables and the roof lining is also complimented by diffused lighting and reading lamps on either side. Mahindra First also features a reverse camera with sensors and electronically controlled outside rear view mirrors.

Mr. Vivek Nayer, Vice President – Marketing, M&M speaking on the autocar show said, “The Scorpio First customized vehicle showcases the aspirations of our high end customers. It is a reflection of their success and rising lifestyle needs. Built on a regular Scorpio, the Scorpio First epitomizes luxury in every way. It represents Mahindra’s intent to offer customized concepts of a high specification and detailing for its high end discerning customers.”

more action in the autocar show

Fiat will exhibit the much expected grande punto hatchbackin the autocar show. Hyundai will exhibit its santa fe in mumbai. Already, Hyundai has said based on the customer reaction it will decide whether to launch the car in india. General Motors will also exhibit its Hummer H3 in the ongoing show. Yamaha will display th soon to be launched R1 in the show.

4X4 track

M&M also inaugurated a 4X4 track. This is the first time in India that an automobile manufacturer has created a 4×4 track to give visitors a first hand experience of the vehicle’s capabilities. The entire track was created specially – interspersed by water bodies, slush and gravel to give enthusiasts a real time feel of off-road driving. This unique 4X4 track at the Autocar Performance show has been devised in line with M&M’s endeavour to reinforce its heritage & offroading equity. Mahindra & Mahindra has been at the forefront of manufacturing tough and rugged vehicles which can be taken off-road. Its heritage goes back to the days of when it used to manufacture the Jeep in India. From the eons of the MM 540 and the Classic, M&M has constantly kept the fun factor alive in its vehicles by paying tribute to the off-roading enthusiasm of its customers. Mahindra & Mahindra have been organizing the Great Escape event on a regular basis around the country in places like Rajasthan, Goa, Siliguri, Munnar etc. Meant to be a small get-together of Mahindra owners for a day out off-roading, this event has become an integral part of the Mahindra culture. These events have become off-roading jamborees with as much song and dance as mud, slush and sand.

Mahindra Scorpio and Tata Indica tests hydrogen

Tata’s indica and Mahindra Scorpio will soon be powered by hydrogen. Tata Motors and Mahindra and Mahindra is already working separately on hybrid and electric variants. The Ministry for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed a project under which MNRE, Society Of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) will work on hydrogen blend-powered vehicles. The Rs 6-crore project will focus on producing a commercially-viable hydrogen-CNG blended fuel by October 2009. The goal is to eventually have all new and existing CNG vehicles running on the new blend. Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Eicher Motors, Ashok Leyland and Bajaj Auto will provide one vehicle each for the project — an Indica, a Scorpio, two light commercial vehicles and one three-wheeler, respectively.

The consortium will first attempt to find the right blend of hydrogen and CNG (between 0 and 30 per cent of hydrogen), which is compatible to all the engines. These tests will also determine whether minor adjustments need to be made to the fuel injectors, timing mechanisms and other parts of the existing CNG engines. If the hydrogen-CNG blend proves successful, the government is expected to invest heavily to market the fuel. This is part of MNRE’s overarching goal to have 1 million(10 lakh) vehicles running on hydrogen-based fuels by 2020 — about 20 per cent of all vehicles expected to be sold by then. Currently, an experimental hydrogen-CNG fuel station is running in Delhi to test on-site blending of the two gases. This will show whether existing CNG pumps can be similarly modified. But the project will need hundreds of such fuel stations.

Tata ISRO’s hydrogen car

Tata goes green:

Yesterday only tata motors confirmed that it is developing a electric and hybrid variant of Indica and ace. Today, it moves ahead towards greener vehicles by signing an agreement with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Tata Motors and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will develop hydrogen fuel cells for cars using ISRO’s cryogenic technology. “As a spin-off of the cryogenic technology we have successfully developed for our advanced launch vehicles, we are trying to see how best we can use this technology for other applications such as transportation,” ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair said on the sidelines of a conference in the southern city of Bangalore. We have signed an agreement with Tata Motors to develop hydrogen- based fuel cells and build some automobile modules that can be put on road by next year,” Nair added. The prototype will be electric-driven without an engine. Hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen will combine in the fuel cell to generate electricity for driving the vehicle, which will be pollution-free,” Nair said, adding that the fuel would only emit water vapour. The car will also have hydrogen storage and regulatory control systems. There were several industries in India which produced hydrogen as a byproduct but it is not being utilized properly.

Delhi will first get the india’s first fuel cell car (hydrogen car) due to the CNG revolution that took place there. Currently, hydrogen-powered cars are being run in the research campus of Indian Oil Corporation. These cars will come out on the roads once the first hydrogen dispenser comes up in New Delhi. The vehicles running on CNG does not require any major modification as 10 per cent blend of hydrogen could be stored in the CNG cylinder. Additionally, Hydrogen burns nearly four times more efficiently than fossil fuels and only emits water vapour. Blending with CNG will be more beneficial.