Saturday, 30 January 2016

Facelifted Ferrari FF to get February debut

The current FF is Ferrari's family car: a true four-seat load-lugger with iPads in the back to keep the kids distracted and a huge 651bhp 6.3-liter V12 at the front to keep the driver more than happy.

If you are an existing Ferrari client then you will have received an official invitation to a special event on February 15 that promises to show you a "Whole New World."
It can drag a family from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds and onto a top speed of 208mph (335km/h). It's also got a very clever four-wheel drive system so that more of that power can be used on the road, rather than simply on the track. And, more importantly, so that the car lends itself even more to being a classic European GT, one that can as confidently navigate snowy mountain passes as easily as it can sun-soaked Rivieras.

However, after five years in production it's starting to show its age  -- even if it was the world's first car to officially come with Apple's CarPlay -- and the new model is expected to keep the overall hatchback shape but with sharper lines and updated detailing that will bring it in line with the new 488 GTB and California T.

And, now that the company has launched an even more potent version of its F12 Berlinetta, the tdf, which offers a staggering 780hp on tap without help from turbochargers or hybrid systems, it has given itself enough breathing space to crank up the power on the FF's V12 too without stepping on any other model's toes.

The car is also expected to get a new eight-speed double-clutch gearbox and in terms of in-cabin toys and layout it will follow the California T's lead.

This week Ferrari announced a new Handling Speciale version of the California T convertible that makes the car much more aggressive and performance-oriented and there is speculation that the FF could become a two-model range with a V12 as its flagship and a twin-turbo V8 version acting as an entry-level, more fuel-efficient alternative.

But whatever the company's plans, fans and potential owners won't have long to wait. The car will be unveiled in just 21 days' time on the banks of Lake Como in Italy in the same picturesque spot where the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este is usually staged each spring.

Wednesday, 27 January 2016

BMW 3-Series Facelift Launched in India; Priced at 35.90 Lakh

Pulling quite a surprise, BMW India has launched the 2016 3-Series facelift in the country with prices starting at 35.90 lakh (ex-showroom), ahead of the expected launch at the 2016 auto expo. The automaker is currently offering its smallest luxury sedan only in the diesel trim, whereas the petrol variant will be launched later in the year. The automaker has also introduced the new M Sport trim on the 3-Series facelift.
BMW 3-Series Facelift Interior
The updated BMW 3-Series gets mild cosmetic changes featuring full LED headlamp clusters, LED fog lights and revised LED daytime running lights. The bumper gets subtle changes and the rear sports tweaked LED tail lamps to keep up with the new look. Also new are the 17-inch alloy wheels that now carry a different design. The interiors though witness more extensive changes and additional equipment as well.

The cabin retains its overall layout but gets new materials, chrome highlights, high gloss surfaces and ambient lighting. In terms of features, the BMW 3-Series facelift is updated with a Heads Up Display (HUD) unit with 3D graphics; Park Assistant feature that allows the sedan to parallel park automatically and the new Navigation system Professional (integrated GPS) with an 8.8-inch high-resolution display available in Sports Line, Luxury Line and M Sport variants.

Other features remain the same with the BMW ConnectedDrive, BMW Apps, Radio Professional, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, electrically adjustable front seats and a lot more. Talking about the powertrain, the new BMW 3-Series is currently available only with a single diesel engine with power coming from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with power updated to 190hp while developing 400Nm of torque between 1750-2500rpm and is paired to the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.

The new BMW 320d does the 0-100 km/hr in 7.2 seconds and has a top speed of 230 km/hr. The Bavarian automaker continues to offer five driving modes on the new 3-Series including ECO PRO, Comfort, Sport and Sport+; while features like Auto Start Stop, Eco Pro mode and Brake Energy Regeneration help achieve a decent fuel economy figure.

Coming to the new M Sport package on the BMW 3-Series, the sporty variant adds the M aerodynamic package, M leather steering wheel and upholstered seats. The 320d M Sport is available in an exclusive Estoril Blue metallic colour. The new 3-Series will be one of the showstoppers at the auto expo this year alongside the new generation 7-Series and X1. The model will continue to be locally assembled at the Chennai based facility with 50 percent of local content going in.

Ford Mustang to Be Launched in India Today

Ford Mustang, currently in its 6th generation, will finally be launched here today. While the classic American pony car is offered in two body types, fastback and convertible, across international markets, India will get the fastback model.

The 1962 Ford Mustang, the first of the family albeit a concept, was based on the second generation Ford Falcon's platform, a compact car. The original model then gave way to the 1964 Ford Mustang, the first production car of the family.

Fun fact: The 1964 Ford Mustang was nicknamed '19641/2' by fans of the car, thanks to its launch date - April 17, 1964.

To arrive here via the CBU (Completely Built Unit), the Ford Mustang will be offered with only one engine option - the 5.0-litre V8 that develops 435bhp along 524Nm of maximum torque. It will come mated to a 6-speed SelectShift automatic gearbox with steering-mounted paddle shifters in all probability.

Ford Mustang Rear
Other than the the signature long hood, shortened rear deck, and a galloping horse on the grille, the Ford Mustang will also get signature HID head-lamps, LED tri-bar tail-lamps with sequential turn signals, and dual exhaust pipes as standard. Inside, standard provisions will include bucket seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel with secondary audio and speed controls and tilt/telescoping steering column, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

As far as other features are concerned, the Ford Mustang will get 18" Magnetic Gloss painted/machined aluminum wheels, Intelligent Access with push-button start, adaptive cruise control, SYNC 3, BLIS with cross-traffic alert, etc..

The Ford Mustang, expected to be priced between 50 lakh - 60 lakh in India, will also be showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo next month.

Wednesday, 20 January 2016

Ford Mustang to be launched in India on January 28

Ford will launch its iconic muscle car, the Mustang in India on January 28. The American car maker will bring the Mustang through the CBU route. The new Ford Mustang was revealed at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show.
The international spec Mustang is powered by a 3.7-litre Ti-VCT V6 motor that makes 300PS of power and 380Nm of torque as well as a 2.3-litre EcoBoost motor that makes 310PS of power and 434Nm of torque.
The large displacement 5.0-litre V8 engine makes 435PS of power and 542Nm of torque. Ford will definitely launch the Mustang GT 5.0-litre with a six-speed automatic box and not the lower variants in India. This has been tested with 93-octane fuel.
This is also the first time that the Ford Mustang is offered in a right-hand drive configuration since its launch in 1964. The feature list in the Ford Mustang include a sync 3 infotainment system, automatic wipers, start/stop button and adaptive cruise control to name a few.
The Ford Mustang will also feature a track app that will offer launch control and also provide performance data on the 4.2-inch multi information display on the instrumental cluster. The 390 watt Shaker Pro Audio System is optional on certain models. The audio system includes an AM/FM stereo, single-CD/MP3 player and 12 speakers including an eight-inch sub-woofer.
n terms of safety, the Mustang comes equipped with BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) that uses radar to detect a vehicle at a blind spot and alerts with an indicator in the appropriate exterior mirror.