Tata Motors has struggled hard to promote Tata Aria MPV, the first India crossover car. So far, the sales of Aria in India have not been impressive, the main reason being the high cost. The kind of features and gadgetry which Aria make the price point higher and make it difficult to cut on cost. The low end variant of Aria 4×4 was launched at a price of 12.91 Lakhs which is quite high for an Indian cost sensitive buyer.

No automaker wans low sales of a product designed with lots of hard work and innovative ideas. To pump up the sales of Aria, Tata is developing a 4×2 or a front wheel drive variant of Tata Aria. The new variant will offer similar features and gadgetry but cutting down on the power train from a 4-wheel drive to a front wheel drive. This will help Tata to cut down on the cost by as much as Rs. 1 Lakh.

Besides the 4×2, Tata will also make a stripped down variant of the Aria 4×2 which will offer some less features and gadgetry compared to the 4×4. The low cost variant will cost close to Rs. 10.5 Lakhs as against 12.9 Lakhs for the base variant of 4×4 with its features and gadgetry.

We are keeping an eye on the latest developments and will inform you of the official details as they arrive. To stray updated, sign up for our free email newsletter and like our facebook page.

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Tata Motors India News

Tata Aria Launch Details – Specs, Features, Pictures, Price

Tata Aria 4×2 and Low Cost Variants Launch In India by End of 2011 is a post from: Copyrights 2010 CarBlogIndia - All About Automobiles. All Rights Reserved. Copyright Policy

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Nissan Leaf, a relatively new launched and practical small electric car has been awarded the World Car of the Year from among the list of 35 nominated cars at the New York Auto Show 2011. The Leaf has been picked as winner by a panel of 66 judges consisting of automobile journalists from world over.

On this occasion, Nissan boss and EV evangelist CEO Carlos Ghosn quoted:

It is a great joy that the world's first mass-marketed electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf, has won the prestigious award of 2011 World Car of the Year. It validates Nissan's clear vision and the values of sustainable mobility that we want to offer to customers around the world.

This is a major win for Nissan not only because it has won a prestigious title, but also because it has proved that the electric cars can be really practical and useful in day-to-day life for an average commuter.

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Nissan Leaf Electric Car Is the –“World Car of the Year” 2011 is a post from: Copyrights 2010 CarBlogIndia - All About Automobiles. All Rights Reserved. Copyright Policy

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Toyota is likely to launch a new MPV which is smaller than Toyota Innova in Indonesia in July 2011 at the Indonesia International Motor Show 2011. The new MPV can be Toyota Avanza which already sells in many countries including Malaysia, Indonesia etc..

There is a also a potential of Toyota launching the Avanza MPV in India. The MPV falls in the segment which lies between the Toyota Etios Liva hatchback and the Toyota Innova MPV. It is not yet clear that the new Avanza will be placed along with the Innova or it will replace the Innova.

Looking at the dimensions of the existing Avanza and Innova, its quite clear that the Avanza is smaller in all the dimensions and may be launched in parallel to Innova and may compete head on with products like Mahindra Xylo MPV from Mahindra and Mahindra.

Dimensions of Toyota Innova vs. Toyota Avanza

NOTE: The above comparison is based on the existing model of Avanza sold in Malaysia and Indonesia. We need to wait and watch the developments that come up with time. Stay updated by signing up for our free email newsletter and liking our Facebook Page.

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Toyota Avanza MPV May Come To India In Late 2011 or Early 2012 is a post from: Copyrights 2010 CarBlogIndia - All About Automobiles. All Rights Reserved. Copyright Policy

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Maruti Suzuki is number one player in passenger cars in India and holds nearly half of the market share in the passenger cars in India. Specially the small cars segment which is the king of all automobile segments in India. Maruti Suzuki India limited has created a strong brand value over the past decades in India. The brand value and reliability of Maruti is one of the major factors of the success of Maruti. For any corporation to be recognized well, brand identity plays an important role. Maruti Suzuki has recently modified their official logo to a new modern looking logo without loosing on any of the elements of the old Logo. Below you can see the Maruti Suzuki India Ltd new and Old Logo.

Maruti Suzuki New Logo

Maruti Suzuki Old Logo

As you can observe, the new Logo has the previous elements of design and font retained with some more colors and new arrangement of the words. The new logo looks more refreshed and modern compared to the old one. What do you think? You like the new one better or the old one?

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Maruti Suzuki News India

Maruti Suzuki India Limited Updated Official Logo is a post from: Copyrights 2010 CarBlogIndia - All About Automobiles. All Rights Reserved. Copyright Policy

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Back in March, Firemint announced Real Racing 2 HD. Now, Firemint’s latest update to Real Racing 2 HD adds support for 1080p output. With the iPad2′s increased power it can throw racing to your HDMI TV and keep position, lap times and speed on its own screen (see pic). Video demo and requirements after the jump

Q. What do I need to play Real Racing 2 HD on my TV at full 1080p?

A. You’ll need the following:

• iPad 2 with Real Racing 2 HD (version 1.10 or later) installed
• Apple digital AV adapter
• HDMI cable
• HDMI compatible display (example: HDTV capable of full 1080p)

Q. How do I play Real Racing 2 HD on my TV at full 1080p?

A. Connect the Apple digital AV adapter to your iPad 2 via the 30-pin dock connector. Then, plug one end of the HDMI cable into the adapter and the other into a HDMI port on your HDMI-compatible display. Check that the correct channel or input mode is selected. Finally, turn on your iPad 2 and launch Real Racing 2 HD.

Note: You can seamlessly disconnect / reconnect the HDMI cable at any time during gameplay. You may briefly experience a blank screen on your display(s) as the game reconfigures itself. This is normal.

When disconnected / reconnected during a single-player race, Real Racing 2 HD will pause itself so you can quickly resume play when it is convenient. The game will not pause if you are competing in a multiplayer event.

Q. I can’t hear any audio, what should I do?

A. Toggle the mute switch on your iPad 2. If this doesn’t help, please close all other apps, reboot your device and try again.

Q. I disconnected the HDMI cable during the introductory cutscene and can’t see anything!

A. Touch the screen of your iPad 2 and the game will continue.
- Firement

Related posts:

1. Firemint Announces Real Racing 2 HD for iPad 2

Bugatti creates top-rate performing sports cars that are so unique in design and technique that they have been named pieces of art. The two latest masterpieces by this legendary European manufacturer will be on display at the Auto Shanghai 2011, an Asian debut for the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport. The Super Sport ranks as the highest performing car in existence with 882 kW (1,200 PS) and an electronically limited top speed of 415 km/h. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport, whose 736 kW (1,001 PS) makes it the most powerful convertible in the world, will also be showcased by the Alsace-based luxury brand in Shanghai. But today‘s Bugattis are more than the ultimate sports cars – the Veyron 16.4 has already become an exclusive collector‘s item and a prized investment.

A special edition Grand Sport for the Auto Shanghai 2011

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport will be unveiled in Shanghai is finished in matte white, with the same tone on the roof ‘s prominent air intakes. Blue carbon elements on the vehicle‘s lower section and blue finished alloy wheels in form a striking contrast. The blue color also dominates the super car’s interior, set off to perfection by white stitching on seats, steering wheel and gear lever and an aluminum console. This vehicle has been specially built by the Bugatti customization team to its destined owner‘s exact specifications

“This Grand Sport is an example of the versatile possibilities customers have when designing their unique Grand Sport in co-operation with the Bugatti team”, explained the President of Bugatti Wolfgang Durheimer at the Auto Shanghai. “We will continue to expand the design possibilities for the Bugatti brand.”

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport is the most powerful and fastest convertible in the world today. Just the three telling figures 736 kW (1,001 PS), 1,250 Nm torque and a top speed of 407 km/h (limited) make it clear that amongst convertibles this car is truly in a league of its own. When opened to the skies, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport reaches top speeds of 360 km/h leaving other convertibles standing in its dust.

Accompanying the sheer thrill of driving with the top down is a quite extraordinary sonorous roar that no other automobile can match. The sounds of the 16-cylinder mid-mounted engine and the unmistakably intense inhalation from the air intakes as you release the accelerator forge an inimitable acoustic experience.

And should rain clouds appear, a textile canopy that is stowed in the trunk and functions in the same way as an umbrella can be fitted before the first drops fall. This soft top for passing showers remains securely in place up to 160 km/h. But with the transparent polycarbonate roof module back in place, the Grand Sport goes right on accelerating all the way to 407 km/h.

A Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport for China

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport presented in Shanghai comes completely in black visible carbon carbon. The details in the polished and anodized aluminum set an excellent contrast as the outer surfaces of the alloy wheels and the EB logos on wheel caps, fuel filler cap and rear lid. The interior of the Super Sport is draped in two-tone “Snow Beige” and “Beluga Black”. Carbon continues as a defining theme in the inside, sheathing the doors and inset in the central console. The rest is in highly exclusive “Snow Beige” leather. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport shown in Shanghai has already been sold to a customer in China.

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport is the fastest car worldwide

The Super Sport is based on the classic Veyron 16.4 but with an output of 882 kW (1,200 PS) is 146 kW (200 PS) more powerful. Bugatti pilote official Pierre-Henri Raphanel last year set a new world speed record for production vehicles on the Volkswagen test track in Ehra Lessien, achieving 431 km/h and an entry into the Guinness Book of Records. The production version is electronically limited to 415 km/h to protect the tires.

The power development of the 7,993 cm3 capacity 16-cylinder engine is made possible by the four enlarged turbochargers and intercoolers. The chassis has also been extensively redesigned, in order to handle the car‘s extreme dynamism with safety. With lateral acceleration of up to 1.4 g, the improved interaction between the tires and the intelligent all-wheel drive system enables perfect handling. At the same time all powertrain components have also been comprehensively reinforced, to transfer the acceleration of up to 1,500 Nm safely to all four drive wheels.

Instead of the air intakes above the engine, fresh air is fed in via two NACA ducts set into the roof. The Super Sport‘s front view is characterized by expanded, reshaped air intakes, with the lower one extending around the sides to the wheel arch to lend this supreme sports car an even more assured appearance. Meanwhile at the rear the Super Sport features a revised rear panel arrangement and engine cover, a new double diffuser and a centrally arranged exhaust system with two broad chrome exhaust tips. The modified rear and the redesigned roof both enhance the aerodynamics of this quintessential Bugatti.

Ettore Bugatti built the most fascinating cars of all time

The mystique of Bugatti came into being in the first half of the last century. Ettore Bugatti and later his son Jean designed vehicles which were far ahead of their time in styling and technology. Types such as the T 57 SC Atlantic or the many versions of the T 41 Royale were then, and still are, legends, and some of the most valuable automobiles ever made. But the mystique is not founded solely on those coupés, roadsters, convertibles and saloons which were driven by the beau monde of the 1920s and 1930s – it is also rooted in the racing victories of those decades.

Test driver Pierre Veyron, who between 1933 and 1937 raced at the wheel of a Bugatti 51A, earned perhaps the most renown for the marque. In this eight-cylinder compressor racer, which developed an output of 140 PS from a cubic capacity of 1,4933 and reached an epoch-making top speed of 210 km/h, Veyron and his team mates set nine international land speed records at the Montlhery circuit outside Paris. And it is in homage to this man that the first Bugatti of the modern era bears his name. Through his racing career Pierre Veyron established forever the legendary status of an automobile marque and a designer of genius: Ettore Bugatti, or simply EB.

-Bugatti

Related posts:

1. Bugatti presents the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport in Qatar

It’s known as racing’s golden age. The late 1960s and early 1970s featured a range of race cars known for their powerful engines, technical handling capabilities and dramatic car designs. Beginning April 26, racing enthusiasts can experience the intensity of the driver’s battle in some of this era’s most iconic cars in the SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED™ Legends content pack.

14 classic cars:

• Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA (1965)
• Austin Mini Cooper S (1965)
• BMW 3.0 CSL Gr. 5 (1975)
• Ford Capri RS3100 Gr.4 (1974)
• Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600 (1971)
• Ford GT40 Mk.I (1965)
• Ford Lotus Cortina (1963)
• Jaguar E-Type Lightweight (1963)
• Nissan Fairlady 240ZG (S30) (1971)
• Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R (C10) (1972)
• Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 3.0 (1974)
• Porsche 914/6 GT (1970)
• SHELBY COBRA “DAYTONA” COUPE® (1965)
• Team Need For Speed Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 3.0

5 classic race tracks:

• Dijon-Prenois (1972)
• Hockenheim (1982)
• Monza (1958)
• Rouen-Les-Essarts GP (1966)
• Rouen-Les-Essarts Short (1952)
• Silverstone (1975)

In addition to the cars and tracks there is a whole new career branch & rival to beat as well as a bunch of new achievements / trophies to earn. This is classic racing!

Players can purchase the Legends pack for 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace or $9.99 on the PlayStation® Network.

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1. SHIFT 2 Unleashed: Dangerous Corners

The Continental Supersports Convertible ISR (Ice Speed Record) is the most potent and radically styled Bentley convertible ever. This new model, limited to just 100 cars worldwide, is a celebration of the Company’s world ice speed record for a convertible car set by Finland’s four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen in a Bentley Continental Supersports convertible.

Driving the all-wheel drive, biofuel-powered 6-litre, 12-cylinder Continental Supersports convertible on the perilous frozen Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland, Kankkunen achieved a speed of 205.48 mph (330.695 km/h) eclipsing his own ice speed record of 199.83 mph (321.6 km/h) set in 2007 in the Continental GT.

The new Supersports Continental Convertible ISR made its debut on the Bentley stand at the 2011 Geneva Show. Wolfgang Duerheimer, Bentley’s new Chairman and Chief Executive, said:

“Juha Kankkunen’s drive was a remarkable achievement and worthy of a very special car. The Continental Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’ is a true driver’s car that captures that unique Bentley spirit. It offers extreme performance, agility and an extrovert personality, while retaining the refinement, handcrafted luxury and comfort our customers expect.”

The new Bentley convertible is available in three distinctive colors, reinforcing its muscular styling, while its leather and Alcantara-lined cabin features high-gloss carbon fibre with a unique red weave. For an even more extrovert appearance, customers may specify the ISR Mulliner design package (available at no extra cost) with its bold ‘Supersports ISR’ graphics and red-accented detailing. The Supersports Continental Convertible ISR is now available to order at Bentley dealerships and is priced at £189,300 (inclusive of VAT).

Bentley’s most powerful 6-litre W12 engine with FlexFuel technology

The 6-litre, twin turbo-charged W12 engine, produces 640 PS (631 bhp / 471 kW) – the most powerful Bentley ever – and 800Nm (590lb ft) of torque. Paired with a Quickshift six-speed automatic transmission, it launches the convertible ‘Ice Speed Record’ model from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.0s) and reaches 100 mph from a standing start in only 9.5 seconds (0-160 km/h in 9.4s).

The additional engine power of the new convertible is the result of fine tuning of the engine to optimise the benefits of the new free-breathing air intake ducts, intercooler system and the exhaust system.

And true to the Bentley tradition of delivering instantly available and exhilarating performance in real world driving conditions, the ‘Ice Speed Record’ convertible will sprint from 50-75 mph (80-120 km/h) in just 2.5 seconds.

In common with its Continental stable mates, the new Supersports model runs on both petrol (gasoline) or E85 bio-ethanol or any combination of the two. Pioneered in the Supersports coupe, this FlexFuel technology offers a reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2 emissions on a well-to-wheel basis, a measure of a fuel’s net contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions. The on-board fuel supply system monitors the content of the fuel tank and ensures that power and torque remain constant regardless of the ratio of petrol to biofuel.

The all-wheel drive system provides outstanding traction in all weather conditions. The drive is transferred between the front and rear axles automatically via a Torsen centre differential. The standard 40 front/60 rear torque split provides optimum traction and modulation of line and attitude by ’throttle steering’ for more enthusiastic drivers.

The new exhaust system with reduced back pressure benefits gas flow while delivering a sporty baritone note under hard acceleration. On light throttle cruising, the new Supersports model remains impressively refined.

Large diameter (420 mm front, 356 mm rear), carbon ceramic brake discs, with eight-piston calipers at the front provide fade-resistant stopping power. This lightweight system also reduces unsprung and rotating mass, benefiting steering response and handling. As with all Supersports models the ‘Ice Speed Record’ is fitted as standard with Pirelli 275/35ZR20 ultra high performance tires.

Dramatically extrovert styling

Just 100 examples of the ISR will be built at Bentley’s Crewe factory. The Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’ is distinguished by its extrovert and muscular design cues that reinforce the uncompromising performance of this extreme Bentley convertible.

Bentley’s designers have selected three ‘stand-out’ exterior paint colors for the new convertible: Beluga, Quartzite and, fittingly, Arctica White. These colors are complemented by a Dark Grey Metallic soft top with Bentley’s refined three-ply composite construction.

The unique appearance of the soft top is created in the outer layer by a ‘grey’ acrylic fibre with a semi-transparent ‘metallic look’ in a twill weave construction. The car’s potent performance is further accentuated by 20” inch, 10-spoke Supersports wheels with a dark tint finish.

For those customers seeking to accentuate the high performance credentials of the car further, Bentley offers a special ISR Mulliner design package as a no cost option. The 20” 10-spoke Supersports wheels can be specified in a vibrant red paint with a diamond turned finish to produce a lustrous metallic contrast. The dual-louvered dark bonnet vents, unique to Supersports models, are complemented by red accent surrounds. The extrovert Mulliner design is completed with a set of bold of Supersports ISR graphics that run down both flanks of the car.

Contemporary luxury craftsmanship and advanced technology

The dramatic character of the four-seat Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’ continues in the cockpit in which traditional Bentley craftsmanship and fine detailing are given an even more bold interpretation.

Traditional leather hides sit alongside a range of contemporary materials for a distinctly sporting style. This includes diamond-quilted Alcantara to doors, quarter panels and seat facings, and ‘soft-grip’ leather on the steering wheel and gear lever.

Unique to the ‘Ice Speed Record’ model, the high-gloss carbon fibre on the dashboard, centre console and roof panel, features a red weave. The theme continues with Pillar Box Red piping to seats and doors, and Pillar Box Red contrast stitching to seats, door casings, steering wheel and gearshift paddles.

The front seats and floor mats also feature embroidered ‘Supersports’ legends while the signature Breitling dashboard clock also has a red accent.

The Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’, despite its ice racing pedigree, is clearly no ‘stripped out’ racer. Its highly specified interior has the highly-advanced touchscreen infotainment system from the new Continental GT that provides rich map imagery and a 30GB on-board hard drive.

An 8-inch screen displays the car’s audio system, telephone, ride and comfort settings as well as the very latest navigation system, which uses both an in-car hard-disc drive and a DVD player to access route data. It also utilizes dynamic navigation to avoid heavy traffic spots, locates destinations using geo-tagged photos from an SD memory card and is Google Maps-compatible for most markets.

The infotainment system, with 7-digit post-code entry, combines touchscreen controls and classic Bentley knurled rotary switches to offer instant usability. It is complemented by a new driver information panel (DIP) located in the main instrument cluster. The new wide-screen DIP employs TFT technology and enhanced graphics provide the driver with clear and easily accessible information about a wide range of car systems.

Related posts:

1. New images and video of the Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible