Ford EcoSport to be launched in February

US carmaker Ford is all set to roll out its first compact SUV EcoSport early next year from its manufacturing facility in Chennai.

   

According to a Tamil Nadu state government release, top Ford officials visited Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa to invite her to launch the vehicle scheduled to be rolled out in February or March next year.

   

The production version of the EcoSport doesn’t look much different from the concept model displayed at the Delhi Auto Expo, with the only changes being conventional headlamps and tail lamps instead of LED ones on the concept

   

The all-new Ford EcoSport was designed to combine best-in-class design, technology, quality and safety aimed at attracting a new generation of consumers in different global markets.

   

It sports key SUV cues such as the confident stance, command driving position and signature spare wheel mounted on a swing-gate at the rear of the vehicle.

   

The EcoSport’s hardy character and strong stance give it the appearance of a larger vehicle, while retaining the agility and practicality of a compact car. It features high ground clearance and integrated lower body cladding for robustness.

   

The windshield is steeply raked, and blacked out B-pillars unify the side glass into one elegant shape, conveying a clean, modern profile, complementing a shape honed in the wind tunnel for efficiency.

   

Modern, oblique headlamps frame a high-mounted trapezoidal grille which gives the vehicle an element of pride and a signature Ford face.

   

Despite its small capacity and proportions, the engine delivers power and performance that will rival a traditional 1.6-litre petrol engine while emitting less than 140g/km CO2.

   

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost delivers great low-speed responsiveness, power, torque and smoothness.

    

An advanced “split cooling” system reduces fuel consumption by warming the engine more quickly and – unique to the 1.0 engine –cast iron has been selected for the block, reducing the amount of energy needed for warm-up by up to 50 percent compared with aluminium.

   

Ford is bringing its global EcoBoost powertrain technology to India for the first time in the form of its newest and smallest-ever EcoBoost engine. With only three cylinders and 1.0 litre of displacement, the latest EcoBoost engine will provide fuel-efficient power for the all-new Ford EcoSport.

   

It will have 120 PS of power and be mated to a five-speed manual transmission, giving the Ford EcoSport a footprint that is small enough for urban driving yet robust enough for a trip out of the city.

    

Ford EcoSport at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo

   

    

Would you buy a bike for Rs 1.6 crore?

Several years ago, Donald Atchison, a road racer and engineer, wanted to build his idea of the ideal street bike.

                 

And so,in the spring of 2001, he set out to build his bike with inspirations from works of previous arts as diverse as Aston Martins and fighter aircrafts.

                   

Donald reckoned it was time someone built an equivalent machine in the motorcycle industry for those who appreciate attention to detail, superior craftsmanship, performance and exclusivity.

                    

ECOSSE Moto Works was formed with one thing in mind: to create distinctive, purposeful, memorable machines for discerning enthusiasts, and to provide them all in limited quantities.

                  

One of these models the Iconoclast Series which combines a highly engineered chassis, massive torque, sleek lines, exquisite detail and race-bred components.

                                             

But all at a price. The engine is a 2-liter, machined from solid billet aluminium, chassis is a 4130 Chrome-moly TIG welded by hand, custom Öhlins, fully adjustable forks and rear shocks, dual 6-piston front brakes with 12 individual brake pads and does 0 to 100 in 2.8 seconds.

                                               

In the US its sells for $300,000 and if you wanted to buy it in India, it would come up to 1.6 crore. Now that’s sure to burn a hole in your pocket. To add to the exclusivity, only 11 were built.

                                          

   

   

   

Fiat Panda 4X4 is coming to India

The new Fiat panda 4x4 – the only four-wheel drive model in the a segment – will make its debut at the forthcoming international Paris Motor Show. The successor to a bestseller which first appeared almost 30 years ago, today’s third-generation four-wheel drive Panda is a perfect interpretation of the spirit of the times, uniting consolidated off-road capabilities with a refined design and compact, efficient architecture. The Panda 4x4 is the superlative expression of the model’s great versatility, a genuine Super Panda, ready to tackle mountain mule tracks and the urban jungle in the same assured manner.

   

In addition to standard equipment capable of satisfying the most demanding of customers, from a technical point of view the new Panda 4x4 has been further improved to reassert its capacity to compete with off-road vehicles of much greater dimensions and higher prices. The 5-door Panda is 368 centimetres long, 167 centimetres wide and 160 centimetres high. The wheelbase is 230 centimetres and it has a front and rear track of 141 and 140 centimetres respectively.

   

The Panda 4x4 is equipped with a torque-on-demand transmission system with two differentials and an electronically controlled coupling. This is a permanent four-wheel drive system managed by an electronic control unit which, by analysing vehicle signals, distributes traction on the front and rear axle homogenously and proportionally according to road grip conditions. The advantages of this system are that it is entirely automatic in operation and requires no maintenance.

    

The Panda 4x4 features an ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system with an ELD (Electronic Locking Differential) function as standard. This system provides additional assistance while driving and setting-off uphill on slippery terrain (snow, ice, mud etc.). More specifically, the ELD acts by braking the wheels with poor grip (or those slipping more than the others), thereby transferring the drive force to those which have more grip on the ground. This function can be activated manually by pressing a button behind the gear lever and operates below 30mph

    

Two engine versions of the Fiat Panda 4x4 will become available, both with Start&Stop: the new 85 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo and the 75 HP 1.3 MultiJet II diesel. Compared with the 1.2 Fire of the previous generation, the TwinAir Turbo has 40 percent more torque. In combination with a special six-speed gearbox with low-range first gear, it ensures better uphill starts, flexibility and pick-up. A similar improvement is found on the MultiJet II engine. The new car’s rear suspension is lighter than its predecessor and provides better ride and acoustic comfort, with the same off-road performance as before.

   

Elegant looks are combined with impressive off-road credentials. New Panda 4x4 is destined to be the benchmark in this particular market segment thanks to its refined style, attention to detail and comprehensive equipment. This is demonstrated by a complete and unique range of standard equipment: ESC with ELD, manual climate control system, CD/MP3 radio, 15" burnished alloy rims, 175/65 R15 M+S tyres, electric rear view mirrors, central locking system with remote control and rear head restraints. A vast range of optional equipment and accessories is available, to further enhance either its urban or off-road use, as required.

   

The interiors pick up the solutions adopted on 4x2 versions with some important innovations: a new green fascia variant framing the instruments and the large storage pocket, fabric seats with a special design in three colour variant (green, beige, orange) and eco-leather details, front and rear door panels also with eco-leather inserts and finally a high console over the central tunnel which adds a further storage compartment to the 14 already present on 4x2 versions.

  

For the look of the new Panda 4x4, Fiat Centro Stile designers started from the idea of consolidating its purely functional design features, adding small details that convey the image of an extremely sophisticated multifunctional mini SUV. Looks are strongly characterised by the marked geometric lines of the front and rear bumpers with aluminium colour cosmetic inserts to underline the presence of metallic protection under the body. Two body colours now complement the existing colour palette to enhance its 4x4 looks: Sicilia orange (pastel) and Toscana green (metallic).

   

Other features in Panda 4×4 include
175/65 15 inch tyres
Torque on Demand
Electronic Stability Control
Start & Stop System
6- speed Manual transmission

Other features in Panda 4×4 include
175/65 15 inch tyres
Torque on Demand
Electronic Stability Control
Start & Stop System

6- speed Manual transmission

  

Fiat-Chrysler chief executive Sergio Marchionne (L) and Fiat Chairman John Elkann (R) pose next to a Fiat Panda 4x4 model on media day at the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile September 27, 2012. The Paris auto show opens its doors to the public from September 29 to October 14. 

  

Fiat-Chrysler chief executive Sergio Marchionne (L) and Fiat Chairman John Elkann (R) pose next to a Fiat Panda 4x4 model on media day at the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile September 27, 2012. The Paris auto show opens its doors to the public from September 29 to October 14.

   

Killer car apps of the year

Backup Collision Intervention
Infiniti takes the now commonplace backup camera to new levels of complexity in its 2013 JX35 luxury crossover SUV. First, an Around-View Monitor with Moving Object Detection shows both a 360-degree image of the area outside the vehicle and delivers visual and audible warnings if the system “sees” moving objects crossing within the front or rear views when pulling out of a parking space or backing up. A new Backup Collision Intervention System adds another layer of safety to the system with the ability to automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision with vehicles and objects crossing its path while in reverse gear the driver either can’t see or isn’t reacting to quickly enough.

   

The new Infiniti IPL G Convertible made its global debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. With its advanced VQ37HR 3.7-litre V6 engine, the 2013 IPL G Convertible will become the second model in the Infiniti Performance Line lineup when it goes on sale at Infiniti Canada retailers in spring 2012 (CNW Group/Nissan Canada Inc.)

The new Infiniti IPL G Convertible made its global debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. With its advanced VQ37HR 3.7-litre V6 engine, the 2013 IPL G Convertible will become the second model in the Infiniti Performance Line lineup when it goes on sale at Infiniti Canada retailers in spring 2012 (CNW Group/Nissan Canada Inc.)

   

  

Magic Vision Control

The all-new Mercedes-Benz SL has a super-innovative windshield wiper system named Magic Vision Control, which, instead of shooting water from the front hood deck, shoots warm water out of mini-jets built into the windshield-wipers.

  

This stops excess water from overshooting and missing the windshield and it also stops the driver from being temporarily blind as traditional jets shoot out windshield washer solution. The Magic Vision Control System is programed to behave differently under different situations.For instance in winter summer or depending on whether the cabriolet top is up or down, it will behave differently. The system automagically varies the amount of water output depending upon speed, ambient temperature, and current driving conditions which include ambient temperature.

   

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster

  

Front Center-Mounted Airbag

The redesigned 2013 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia seven-passenger crossover SUVs include the industry’s first center-mounted airbag. The tubular-shaped restraint deploys between the front seats and is designed to help protect the driver from injury in collisions on the passenger’s side when he or she is the only occupant. It’s also expected to provide additional protection to the driver and front passenger in a side-impact crash and help deliver additional safety benefits in rollover situations.

   

The front center airbag will be introduced on the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Chevrolet Traverse midsize crossovers in the 2013 model.

   

Hands-Free Power Liftgate

The latest twist on remote vehicle access uses neither a keyfob control nor a pushbutton. Rather, the 2013 Ford Escape compact crossover SUV allows those burdened with baggage to engage the available power-operated liftgate via a simple kicking motion with one’s foot under the rear bumper (provided the car’s keyfob is in a pocket or purse). The same process closes the hatch. Mercedes-Benz offers a similar system for hands-free opening and closing the trunk in its 2013 SL-Class hardtop roadster

   

Ford Escape SUV features a segment-first hands-free power liftgate that opens with a simple kicking gesture under the rear bumper and without the need to fumble for a key.

Ford Escape SUV features a segment-first hands-free power liftgate that opens with a simple kicking gesture under the rear bumper and without the need to fumble for a key.

   

 

Inductive Charging

In addition to added ways to connect with mobile phones and other devices, at least one car is able to keep such electronics charged without having to plug them in. Available on the 2013 Dodge Dart as a Mopar dealer-installed accessory is a new inductive wireless charging system allows driver to simply set electronic devices in a specified charging zone to keep the juice flowing.

   

 2013 Dodge Dart Will Offer Wireless Cell Phone Charging.

   

Pushbutton Gear Selector With many automatic transmissions now being electronically controlled, the old analog shift lever is fast becoming superfluous and is making way to alternative means of putting a car in gear. To that end, the midsize 2013 Lincoln MKX brings back the pushbutton gear selector – a feature the industry hasn’t seen since the early 1960’s. This new twist on an old concept frees up center console space by providing buttons to engage park, neutral, reverse and forward gears. Similarly, the 2013 Ram 1500 full-size pickup truck is the first vehicle this side of a Jaguar to offer a dial-in gear selector instead of a shift lever.

   

Lincoln MKZ Concept

  

Tactile-Warning Safety Seat The 2013 Cadillac XTS full-size luxury sedan affords a set-of-the-pants approach to accident avoidance with its new Safety Alert Seat that engages pulse patterns on the left or right side of the cushion when the car is, say, drifting beyond highway markers or when it’s in close proximity to other cars or obstacles while parking. Vibrations on both sides of the cushion would alert the driver to threats from the front or rear, such as when the car is coming up too quickly on traffic ahead. The system works in tandem with other visual alerts, and General Motors says its research demonstrates it can quickly and accurately focus the driver’s attention to the direction of impending hazards.

    

The all-new Cadillac XTS will be the industry’s first car to feature directional tactile sensation to warn drivers of potential crash threats.

    

Text Messaging Assistant With distracted driving now being a major cause of accidents, and cities/states banning use of handheld devices, automakers are looking at ways to help drivers remain connected, but as safely as possible. To that end, Nissan is debuting a Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant as part of the new NissanConnect smartphone connectivity system in the 2013 Altima. The system will read text messages aloud to users and enable them to respond, either by voice command or via a steering wheel-mounted button that sends preset text like “driving, can’t text,” “on my way” or “running late.”

   

2013 Nissan Altima Sedan

  

'Zero Gravity' Seats

As anyone who drives long distances can attest, sitting in a comfortable driver’s seat can make the difference between an enjoyable and intolerable journey.

    

To help reduce fatigue on road trips and grueling commutes, Nissan is introducing so-called zero-gravity seats on its 2013 midsize Altima sedan. With a design based on posture research from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the new seats utilize a unique articulated seat shape with continuous support from the pelvis to the chest and are said to help reduce muscular and spinal loads, and improve blood flow, thus reducing fatigue.

    

2013 Nissan Altima Sedan