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

Maruti’s SX4 hits the Indian roads

The much awaited A3 segment car from the country’s largest carmaker, Maruti udyog limited, SX4 Sedan has finally hits the indian roads today.

The company announced two variants of car Vxi and Zxi priced in the range of 6.18 lakhs to 7.24 lakhs. Maruti SX4 Vxi model is priced at 6.18 lakhs and SX4 Zxi model is priced at 6.89 lakhs. A higher end version of Zxi (with leather pack) is also be available for 7.24 lakhs. (ex-showroom, New Delhi). By setting this competitive pricing, the car is expected to be the tough competitor for the popular models lke Honda City and Ford Fiesta.

SX4 sedan comes with an advanced next generation M Series engine of Suzuki, which will produce a maximum power of 102 bhp and also has a high torque of 145Nm @4200 rpm. Its 4 valve, 1.6 litre engine will meet the stringent Bharat IV stage emission norms and is said to be compilent with the Euro IV and V norms in future.

Maruti Udyog has claimed that SX4 sedan is the tallest, widest and longest car in the class with enough headroom and legroom and with a highest ground clearence of about 190 mm. The company also claims it to have a localisation level of 79% and its engineers worked hard in the critical areas like suspension tuning, ground clearance, engine tuning, seat comfort and interiors to make it comfortable for the Indian market.

The company has already dispatched 1500 units of the car and is set to dispatch another 500 by tomorrow. But industrial sources says, this supply will meet only part of the demand. Hence as of now, only those who have booked well in advance may get the car in this first slot. Others has to wait for little time to drive their dream car.

Our detailed preview on the technoligical part of the car can be found here

For pictorial review on maruti SX4 click here

Shanghai MotoGP

Photos: the race/ stoner/rossi & stoner in podium

Ducati’s Casey Stoner saw off the challenge of Valentino Rossi to win the China Grand Prix and extend his MotoGP championship lead to 15 points.

The Australian took the lead from Rossi at the start of the second lap and his victory was assured when the Italian went wide around a corner on lap 16. The 21-year-old finished the 22-lap race in 44 minutes 12.891 seconds, more than three seconds ahead of Rossi.

American John Hopkins finished third for Suzuki and his first podium finish. Reigning world champion Nicky Hayden of the United States suffered a spectacular spin on the second lap, but recovered to finish 12th.

Stoner now tops the riders’ standings with 86 points to Rossi’s 71.

He said: “It was a very difficult race with a lot of pressure from Valentino behind.

“Then he made a mistake and I was able to hold on. It was another big day for us.”

Rossi, who started from pole and managed to pass Stoner several times on corners before being pegged back on the straights, insisted he was satisfied with second place.

“I tried to attack him,” said the 28-year-old. “I’m happy because this track was always going to be difficult for us and we have 20 points.”

Last year’s winner Dani Pedrosa of Spain won a duel for fourth place with fellow Honda rider Marco Melandri of Italy while Stoner’s Italian team-mate Loris Capirossi was sixth on the other works Ducati.

Spain‘s Toni Elias, fourth in the championship at the start of the race, also had a day to forget, crashing out after a wild lunge up the inside on the first corner.

In the 250cc race, world champion Jorge Lorenzo of Spain blew away his rivals for his third victory of the season.

Lukas Pesek took the first victory for a Czech in the 58-year history of the 125cc category, with Britain‘s Bradley Smith back in eighth.

China Grand Prix MotoGP, Shanghai.

1. Casey Stoner (AUS) Ducati 44:12.891
2. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Yamaha 44:15.927
3. John Hopkins (USA) Suzuki 44:19.554
4. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Honda 44:26.981
5. Marco Melandri (Ita) Honda 44:30.167
6. Loris Capirossi (ITA) Ducati 44:39.147
7. Chris Vermeulen (AUS) Suzuki 44:39.482
8. Randy de Puniet (FRA) Kawasaki 44:39.916
9. Alex Hofmann (GER) Ducati 44:40.999
10. Carlos Checa (SPA) Honda 44:45.848
11. Colin Edwards (USA) Yamaha 44:47.944
12. Nicky Hayden (USA) Honda 44:50.218
13. Sylvain Guintoli (FRA) Yamaha 45:03.596
14. Alex Barros (BRA) Ducati 45:08.155
15. Kenny Roberts Jr. (USA) KR212V 45:10.627

Overall Standings (After 4 of 18 races)

1. Casey Stoner (AUS), Ducati 86 points
2. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Yamaha 71pts
3. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Honda, 49pts
4. Marco Melandri (ITA) Honda, 41pts
5. John Hopkins (USA) Suzuki, 39pts
6. Toni Elias (SPA) Honda, 35pts
7. Colin Edwards (USA) Yamaha, 31pts
8. Loris Capirossi (ITA) Ducati, 30pts
(tie) Nicky Hayden (USA) Honda, 30pts
(tie) Chris Vermeulen (AUS) Suzuki, 30pts

Source: BBC sport, official Motogp Site

TVS new Apache RTR 160

An upgraded Apache

TVS will launch an upgraded version of Apache and the new 160cc variant of Apache is named as Apache 160cc RTR (Racing Throttle Response). Unlike the other manufacturers this is truly an upgraded bike i.e. not only stickering. TVS has turned its ears to the customer’s complaint in some sense and it carries forward some of the boon of the existing Apache for its new offering.

What’s new in styling?

TVS designers have sculpted not designed the Apache. No changes are made as far the front fairing, fuel tank, tail piece and chain cover is concerned. Yet the unchanged tank and tail piece will come in a superb yellow, red, matte grey, silver and black. Let’s see what’s new?

• new engine cowl
• A neat racing stripe runs all the way from the top of the tail lamp to the tip of the front fender and also on the tacho.
• Design upgrades on levers, pedals, grips, bar-end dampers, lights, dash.
• Hero Honda Xtreme type split grab rail
• Bajaj Pulsar type LCD speedometer
• Apart from the LCD speedo, the new dash includes two trip meter, clock, odometer and fuel gauge and an analog tachometer.
• Aircraft type fuel tank lid
• Leaf shaped rear view mirror
• LED tail lamp
• New aluminum foot pegs and aluminum levers

Not just new design here’s new heart too..

The new Apache RTR is powered by a 159.7cc engine which develops maximum power of 15.2bhp at 8500 rpm (1.3bhp less than Pulsar 180cc) and a peak torque of 13.1Nm at 6000 rpm (little greater than pulsar 150cc and Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme). The new engine is not just an overbore of the Apache’s 150cc engine. The engine’s stroke was cut down to 52.9 mm and then the bore grew to 62 mm. Sadly, notchy and much complained Apache gearbox has been retained.

TVS claims the new Apache 160cc RTR can make a top speed of 118kph and can reach 60kph in 4.8s and 100kph in 17.7s.

Changes in the chassis:

Wheelbase is increased to 1300mm from the current 1260mm to accommodate 40 mm longer rectangular swingarm. This is to increase the stability of the bike. The bike gains 2kg (yet lighter than Unicorn and CBZ Xtreme) and the suspension is retuned. But whether the new apache 160cc RTR will have the superb agility possessed by its sibling has to be tested. The two-way adjustable clip-on handlebars are really a nice offering. TVS also joins the India’s first tag, Apache 160cc RTR features 270mm petal disc brake at the front.

Technology at a glance – new petal disc brake design:

The petal disc design is found mostly in dirt bikes. TVS must have inherited the petal design from its racing bikes for its new apache 160cc RTR. New petal disc design brakes provides better cooling and warp resistance, reduces unsprung weight (they are lighter than traditional disc brake) and its wave shape helps in easy cleaning of the brake pads. All of these results in more efficient braking and hence increased stopping power of the Apache. This kind of disc’s design is a proved one and it is also seen in sports bikes such as Kawasaki Ninja ZX – 10 R. Yet, the efficiency of petal design in wet conditions is questionable, if solid disc is offered as optional as in major sports bike it will be a welcome offer.

Pricing and the launch:

The 150cc Apache is the cheapest in its category and hence TVS has the advantage of pricing the new Apache 160cc RTR against other manufacturer’s 150cc products. The new Apache 160cc RTR is expected to be priced around Rs60,000. TVS may launch the new Apache in May itself.

update: here’s the TVS apache RTR 160 promo video

Xenitis new 125cc bike – the ‘Xpression’

Xenitis first motorcycle:

The first two-wheeler manufactured in West Bengal was rolled out on April 29th by the Xenitis Group. The 125cc motorcycle is named e’Xpression’.

Engine and Powertrain:

The ‘Xpression’ develops maximum power 10+bhp at 8500rpm and a peak torque of 8.4Nm at 7500rpm. According to the spec, the maximum power can be attained only at 8500rpm not a decent figure for Indian customers. And more importantly peak torque is not up to the 125cc standard and can be attained only at 7500rpm (no Indian motorcycle reaches peak torque at more than 6500rpm) this is miserable. The rotary gear, 5 speed constant mesh gearbox is mated to this engine.

Styling and Engineering:

Similar to the non automotive Chinese products, Xenitis ‘Xpression’ looks gorgeous with the traditional round type headlamp and sleek body graphics – extended from the tank to the rear panels. Rear view mirrors and bar end weight are given a steel touch. Passion plus type orange needle in white background is used and hence it ensures better readability of speedo.

Xpression’s dimension and tyre size are in line with other Indian bikes. Telescopic forks at the front and Yamaha type rear suspension helps to suspend this 120kg bike. The 15L fuel tank and 12V-6.5 Ah battery is new to the 125cc Indian customers. Tail lamp integrates rear indicators and a distinct luggage plate (if endurable) along with the die cast grab rail is a notable feature. At this cheap price, disc brakes at the front and alloy wheels are impressive offerings.

Pricing and the future:

Initially, the ‘Xpression’ will be available only in the eastern region and will be available nationally within six months. The Xenitis ‘Xpression’ is available in three colours and is aggressively priced at Rs39,900. However the quality and reliability issues are always associated with Chinese products. Like the electric bikes, availability of spares and service will remain a problem as the bikes are imported from china. Whether the Indian customers will prefer cheap bikes as Chinese pens and clocks has to be watched.

For the new ‘Xpression’ technical specification and to know more about Xenitis visit globalauto.in

Chinese bikes for India

Chinese 2^nd Endeavour:

They came, they saw, but they failed to conquer. And now, they are back again. Nearly half a decade after three Chinese bike makers announced mega strategies to ride into India and aborted plans mid-way, two new motorcycle makers from across the Great Wall are preparing to enter the burgeoning Indian two-wheeler market.

Interestingly, the Chinese new entrants — Guangzhou Motors Company and Zongshen Motorcycle Company — have zeroed in on communist state West Bengal for setting up their assembly plants. Zongshen has formed a joint venture — Mahabharath Motors — with Indonesia-based Salim group and NRI Prasun Mukherjee. Its bikes are expected to hit the roads by the end of 2007. Guangzhou tied up with an Indian infotech company Xenitis and their joint venture is named ‘Global auto’. Global auto launched its first product the 125cc ‘eXpression’ on April 29th

Not only cheap price tag..

Guangzhou and Zongshen entry marks the second coming of Chinese bikes in India, besides a shift in strategy. The new entrants seem to have learnt from the mistakes of their predecessors. Unlike in the past when the Chinese firms were banking only on cheap price tags, these firms will also use the technology plank to market their bikes in India. In the initial phase, the firms will import the bikes in a semi-knocked down state from China and assemble them in India.

The Major’s JV:

India’s manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is in talks with two Chinese firms — Lifan and Loncin — to set up parallel ventures, marking its foray into motorcycles. Chinese car maker Chery Automobiles manufacturer of QQ (General Motors sued ‘Chery’ for copying Chevrolet Spark) is likely to partner India’s International Cars & Motors Ltd (ICML) to roll out its small car in India next year. ICML is planning to launch a premium hatchback in the 300,000-400,000 rupees price range, which is the fastest-growing car segment in India. ICML currently offers ‘Rhino’ a Sports Utility Vehicle.

About the Global auto:

Xenitis an indian based infotech company forayed into automotive business by venturing with Chinese fourth largest manufacturer Guangzhou Motors Company, an enterprise of the Chinese Government. The Guangzhou Group has tie-ups with global auto majors like Honda and Toyota of Japan. Xenitis – Guangzhou venture is titled as Globalauto. The assembly line unit of Global Auto is located in West Bengal and is made with an investment of around Rs300 crore. The two-wheeler unit, set up in a 25-acre plot of land, has the capacity to churn out 3.6 lakh two-wheelers annually. Xentis plans to roll out motorcycles and scooters nationally within the next six months. Xenitis has signed an agreement with Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) for setting up automobile service points at 350 IOC retail outlets across West Bengal.

Xenitis ambitious plans…

Soon, Xenitis will launch 100cc, 150cc bikes and gearless scooter. It plans to roll out motorcycles and scooters nationally within the next six months. Xenitis also plans to set up a four-wheeler manufacturing facility in Hooghly in collaboration with Guangzhou Motors. A bus and truck manufacturing facility is also proposed to be set up by 2008.

About the Mahabharath:

Zongshen’s partners Salim group to form Mahabharat motors. The duo has already bought around 70 acres of land near Kolkata for setting up the assembly unit. The firm intends to invest around Rs 1,100 crore to build a plant with a capacity to produce 150,000 motorcycles a year, which would later be hiked to 500,000 units a year. Its maiden product for India is expected to hit the Indian market by the end of 2007. Mahabharath Motors will roll out its bikes under the Arjun brand. For more visit http://www.mahabharatmotors.com/

Ford’s new Fiesta

Ford’s line up:

Ford wish to emerge as a serious player in India – a new small car, a refreshed Mondeo and a facelifted Fiesta is on the line. Ford has already launched the facelifted Fiesta in Brazil. India is one of the successful markets for the Fiesta and hence it is evident that Ford will not take much time for the launch of new Fiesta in India. In the creation of new Fiesta, the objective was not to change or to create a new car and yes, to keep the success of the car still more valuing the questions most important for the consumer. Fiesta is currently offered with three engines in six variants.

not just yet another Engine:

In addition to the existing 1.4L petrol, 1.6Lpetrol and 1.4 diesel the new Fiesta will feature a 1.6L Duratorq oil burner which will generate a power of 90PS@4000rpm (underpowered when compared to 110PS Hyundai verna). The new power unit is developed as part of the cooperative agreement in diesel engine development between Ford Motor Company and PSA Peugeot Citroen. The 1.6 TDCi engine features lightweight, all aluminium alloy construction, third-generation ultra high pressure common rail diesel injection and twin overhead camshafts. Ford claims the new 1.6L TDCi engine develops its peak 204Nm of torque from just 1,750 rpm and 90 per cent of peak torque is available from 1400 rpm to 3200 rpm. Nearly 170 Nm of torque is available from as low as 1,250 rpm. The result is stronger acceleration from standstill together with the sort of flexibility that can reduce the need for gearshifts. This 1.6L engine is already featured in Ford Fiesta Zetec Sport which is a clear indication that this engine is not those for one who is fuel efficiency conscious but for those keen on driving pleasure. 5 speed manual gear box will be mated to this 1.6L engine.[kml_flashembed movie="http://vicky.in/temp/fiesta ext.swf" width="350" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]requires flash player to view new Fiesta 360′ view

Design and Styling:

Ford Fiesta is the first one to load the new DNA of design called Ford “Kinetic” and the “Kinetic” means “He is as if the car was if moving, exactly stopped”, according to Ford. The main change of Fiesta 2008 is design of the front and intern. The new fiesta gets Ford’s signature honey comb grill and restyled hood also the new fiesta gets a wider body colour bumper which Ford might have borrowed from Fusion. Turn indicator lamps now sits on the top of the restyled headlamps (improved about 10% for the better vision of the driver) and thus with all these additions new Fiesta looks compact. The ‘B’ pillar is more inclined towards the rear, the inclined shoulder lines and lowered waistline not only will help you to ingress and egress easy in new fiesta but also makes new fiesta styled contemporary. “As the idea it was to renew the car without investing in such a way, we concentrate our attention in the front”, said Lucíola Almeida, manager of product of the Ford. In the rear, new tail lamp cluster and shorter tailgate are the new additions; ford would have done better in the rear.

Interiors and Engineering:

Inside the new Fiesta it is only the cosmetic changes. The panel of instruments was redesigned and now it has marking of analogical temperature and fuel in addition to the regular ones. Angular forms with the new color almost black with details silver in dashboard are sweet touches. The plastics are made darker and gained new texture that suggests more smoothness to the touch. The lining of the ceiling was darkened, to resist the dirt better. The new Fiesta also gets new covering and fabric. Fiesta also gets new arrangement for door trim and better ventilation

Engineering begins with the new acoustic package that left the new Ford Fiesta quietest. Another prominence is the increase of the autonomy of propagates it. The tank increased of 45 liters for 54 and the new Fiesta becomes safer by adopting new lighthouses of double parabola that illuminate more.

Summing it up..

Overall the facelift for the Fiesta is average, also the advent of Mahindra – Renault Logan affected the legacy of Fiesta significantly. The new Fiesta has to be aggressively priced since an equally competitive car Mahindra – Renault Logan is available at very cheap price.

Note: We cannot even give the speculative Fuel efficiency and performance figures since in Brazil Ford’s new Fiesta is powered by an alternative fuel. Also for ride and handling characteristics of new Ford Fiesta, please wait till our test drive.

useful link: For more visit Ford’s new Fiesta Brazil site

Hot Photos – May 2007

1) Yamaha’s new Alba

2) All new Honda Shine

source:The Hindu

3) New Chinese Bike – The 125cc eXpression in India

4) Fiat’s Linea – the ‘C’ segment car launched in Turkey, expected in India by 2008

5) Bajaj’s new Discover 135cc

source: The Hindu

6) new Discover 135cc in blue stripes

7) Toyota’s new C segment car for India – ‘VIOS’

8) Toyota Vios will take on Maruti SX4 and Honda City

9) Photo of new TVS Apache RTR 160cc

10) Royal Enfield’s new offering Bullet Machismo

500LB

source:The Hindu

11) Maruti Suzuki’s new Wagon-R

12) May be called Wagon-R plus or Splash in India

13) Chevrolet optra diesel’s new front

source:autocar

14) Photo of new Hero Honda Splendor NXG

source:Hindustantimes

Ford’s new Mondeo

A much different customer

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Skoda’s Superb also Laura has welcomed Nissan’s Teana last week. This premium sedan segment is going to have more cars soon. Ford will re-launch its Mondeo sedan and General Motors will enter the segment with Chevrolet Epica. In India, Ford introduced the Mondeo in 2001 and in 2005 Ford launched facelifted version of Mondeo i.e. Mondeo Ghia. The advent of next generation cars such as Honda Accord and Toyota Camry made customers more demanding. Now, customers are expecting not only a aesthetic car but a car with advanced and hassle free technicals coupled with luxury. Ford will launch the new Mondeo in western markets in July 2006 and new Mondeo will head India soon after the launch in western markets.

Engine and Powertrain:

Ford offers 10 types of engines for its new Mondeo with 6 petrol engine option and 4 diesel engine option. But for India Ford may pick 2.0L Duratec – the petrol engine which makes 145bhp at 6000rpm and also a 3.0L petrol engine. 2.0L duratorq(diesel one first time in Indian Mondeo) which generates 130bhp@3500 rpm if launched will hit Skoda laura’s sales heavily. A 2.2L duratorq diesel is also possible to make way to India. Five or six speed manual is used to derive the power. If Ford brings the six speed automatic new Mondeo it will be a surprise gift. Whether its engine or the transmission offered will be based on How Ford is going to position Mondeo’s whether it’s against Skoda’s Laura only or Mondeo to take on the cars in the 20lakh club.

New Mondeo Design

With a powerful array of global resources and a pioneering team prepared to change everything about developing a new vehicle, Ford has achieved its first digitally created vehicle. The new Mondeo is the first product programme developed using the power of Ford’s intranet/extranet.

Mondeo’s indian cycle-photos:Old Mondeo/Mondeo Ghia/New Mondeo
The new Mondeo is striking and unmistakably a member of the Ford family. It is the latest and most advanced expression of Ford’s ‘kinetic design’. At the front, the model’s distinctive ‘face’ is characterized by its trapezoid-shaped lower grille. This is a ‘kinetic design’ element that is increasingly recognized as part of the new Ford identity. The distinctive front end has chamfered corners and a deep offset between the top of the bonnet and the front wings.

A muscular shoulder line runs through the side of the car to a high point at the rear. An innovative manufacturing technique known as ‘laser-brasing’ provides a way of joining the side and roof panels together, without the need for plastic or rubber trims running the length of the roof to cover the area where the panels meet. A strong undercut line runs from the bold front wing wheel lips through the side of the car. Under this, full surfacing extends down to strong rocker panels to ensure the vehicle maintains a dynamic road presence.

Distinctive rear lamps also feature carefully designed graphics that enhance the overall feeling of premium quality. Body-coloured ‘sacrificial panel’ covers the entire width of the lower portion of the bootlid Ford claims this as relatively simple solution for repair in the event of damage.

Luxurious Interiors:

The spacious interior shares the same ‘kinetic design’ exterior language as the exterior. The driver will enjoy the ‘cockpit’ driving position as the higher beltline and flow-through centre console combine to enhance the premium feeling for front seat occupants. CAVE – a special system to optimize the interior visibility is used for the new Mondeo and this ensures better all around visibility for the driver also easy ingress and egress. The Mondeo was always known for its legroom and comfortable rear seats; these are carried to new Mondeo as the spec shows.

New levels of craftsmanship are evident throughout. For example, careful use of ‘piano black’ interior styling accents creates interest and a pleasing feel to key touch areas. Soft-touch material is used extensively to emphasize the quality and refinement of the interior. Interior lighting enhancements include the use of ‘ambient lighting’ to provide a warm amber illumination to the centre console. Additional clear lighting adds a soft glow to the front foot-well areas to provide better visibility when getting into and out of the car.

Advanced Equipements:

Ford’s new Mondeo has four distinct series for the western markets: the Edge, which provides a high level of standard equipment essential for business and family needs; the contemporary Zetec series, and, at the top of the range, the Ghia and Titanium X models.

Advanced new driver-focused technologies are available in the new Mondeo. New Ford “Convers+” Human Machine Interface (HMI) instrument display – a 15cm color display screen which additionally gives visual control of the car’s multimedia and audio functions.

Keyless entry system is coupled with keyless start functions, which dispense with the need for a conventional mechanical key. Instead, the car uses three external antennae to detect the presence of the correct fob within a small boundary around the car’s body. Keyless start detects the key fob when the driver enters the car. The engine is then started with one press of the Power button.

Furthermore, this new Mondeo features Ford’s award-winning Easyfuel system. This guards against either petrol or diesel misfuelling at the filling pump as the fuel filler neck aperture has been specifically designed around the different sizes of fuel nozzles. Ford has engineered its system only to allow the nozzle that matches the corresponding fuel type of the car to enter the filler neck.

What are sorted out?

Poor ride quality and interior quality and luxury also the relatively poor price-to-value are the factors that resulted poor sales of the Indian Mondeo. But in the new Mondeo Ford has sorted out most of the issues. As we have seen interiors are made luxurious in the new Mondeo.

Now, we can see what Ford has made to improve the riding characteristics of the mondeo. Ford has optimized the front suspension design and the steering system. New rear suspension design using a isolated rear sub-frame is also added to the new Mondeo.

Refined Suspension System

Ford has specified the trusted MacPherson front suspension system for the new Mondeo incorporating features to enhance the Mondeo driving experience such as isolated sub-frames, control arm hydro bushings, S-shaped springs and dual path strut mounts. At the rear a new version of the proven multi-link rear suspension design also benefits from an isolated sub-frame mounting system.

Reduced Noise, Vibration and Harshness and Improved Sound Quality

New Mondeo promotes stress-free, relaxed driving through low noise levels which enables easy communication inside the vehicle and optimum use of the internal audio equipment even at high speeds. Ford claims wind noise measured in ‘Ford’s state-of-the-art aero-acoustic wind tunnel’ proves noise in Mondeo is very low in its class, and reinforces the quality ambience of the interior.

For performance and Fuel efficiency also for ride and handling we have to wait till the launch. If the same Mondeo or slightly trimmed Mondeo comes to India I’m sure that it will woo many. As Ford claims it has sorted many issues to take on its peers. But whether the new Mondeo will have a ‘true value for money’?

Hot News – May 2007

* The high octane Forza Motorsport 2, eagerly awaited sequel to Microsoft’s Xbox 360 exclusive motor racing game, Forza Motorsport, is hitting Indian PCs on may 25th. Developed by Turn 10 of Microsoft Game Studios, the sequel is expected to build on the euphoria around Forza Motosport, and enhance overall gaming with Xbox 360. Forza Motorsport 2 sees more than 300 of the world’s hottest cars revving-up and racing it out on more than 45 tracks carved out of twelve environments, which include several real-world licensed racing circuits such as Silverstone, Tsukuba, and Laguna Seca. Add to this is the new real-world licensed circuits, an advanced Physics engine courtesy top automotive engineers and programmers, plus detailed camera effects like blooming, lens flare, heat shimmer, and crashing. Microsoft had spent nearly 40 million dollars and two years in upgrading the title for gamers globally. Microsoft were earlier selling titles for Rs 2,599 and have brought this popular title Fortza for just Rs 1,895. Microsoft is presently looking at bringing online gaming through XBox live in India soon. Microsoft is also planning to bring a top-end variant of its high-definition gaming console, X-Box Elite, in the Indian market by August.

* MRF is ranked the highest in customer satisfaction with original equipment tyres in India, according to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2007 India Original Tyre Customer Satisfaction Index (TCSI) Study. For a fifth time (tying in 2002 and 2003), MRF has ranked highest in the study, improving its overall performance to 840 points on a 1,000-point scale — up 18 points from the 2006 study. JK Tyre follows MRF in the rankings with 822 index points, while Apollo (812) improves by 34 points to rank third. In its seventh year, the study analyzes new-vehicle buyer perceptions of five critical factors regarding their original equipment tyres. In order of importance, they are: appearance of tyres, durability of tyres, ride quality, traction and handling. Among vehicle segments, small-car owners have greater satisfaction with their original tyres compared to those in other vehicle segments. However, the average kilometres driven on a small vehicle are nearly 10 percent less than the industry average.

*Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) will set up its second car manufacturing plant in India near Alwar in Rajasthan at an estimated investment of Rs 1,000 crore. Honda plans to manufacture two models from the plant – One model will be a new small car and the second will be from Honda’s existing line-up. But the new Honda’s small car won’t be cheaper as the Honda’s other cars the new small car will also be priced higher(relative to Maruti and Hyundai’s cars). For More

* Harley Davidson – the cult bike maker is unsure of its Indian foray because of high duty structure on import bikes. On the other hand Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of Honda Motor Company, is already moving ahead with plans to manufacture bikes in the sub-500 cc category and bring in high-end (including 800 cc) bikes as completely built units through the import route. The company plans to introduce two such bikes initially, which are expected to hit the market later this year or early next year. The other major Suzuki is not yet decided which models to be introduced. A third player, Yamaha, has not taken a final call due to problems in its India operations.

*Country’s largest car manufacturer Maruti Udyog Ltd (MUL) on Tuesday posted 17 per cent increase in domestic car sales for the month of April. Maruti’s volume in the domestic A2 segment, which includes models like Zen, Swift, Alto, sales grew by 20.3 per cent and in the C segment which houses Omni, Versa by 21.1 per cent last month compared to the same period in 2006. Meanwhile, in A1 segment, which comprises the popular M800 model, MUL posted a fall of 9.8 per cent growth and the A3 segment (Baleno, Esteem) sales recorded a downfall of 12.7 per cent, it added.