Scoop: 2013 Audi Q5 facelift spotted again linkedin share button

The Q5 facelift features subtle design changes and an improved range of engines.

Audi India will soon launch the facelifted Q5 SUV, which will be the carmaker’s first new model for 2013. Globally, the new Q5 made its debut back in April 2012 but come the 10^th of January, 2013, Audi India is expected to launch the 2013 Q5 which will replace the current model that has been around since 2009.
 

 The official launch indeed is just around the corner as the facelifted Q5 has been spotted yet again in Mumbai without any camouflage. The 2013 Q5 features an updated range of petrol and diesel engines, so we expect the India-bound models to come with same set of engines. Audi says this new model offers more performance and better fuel economy than the outgoing Q5.

As for the design changes, the 2013 Q5 gets a subtle makeover featuring a revised, six-point grille, updated headlights and a tweaked front bumper. While at the back, the only visible change comes in the form of updated taillights. The improvements inside the cabin are even more limited with a minor trim update and a revised steering wheel. 

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Pagani Huayra with chassis no.1 is up for sale!

The very first production version of the Huayra is now listed on James List; starting from 2 million euros. 

If 'owning a Pagani Huayra' is one of the things in your 'To Do Things in Life' list and you happen to have over 2 million euros in your bank account, then here is your chance to own the very first production model of the super exotic.

Currently listed on James List for 2 million euros, the Pagani Huayra features a two-tone exterior finish and has clocked only 1,000 ams on the odometer. Furthermore, it is also stated that the model on sale was originally tested by none other than Horacia Pagani himself! The Pagani Huayra with chassis no.1 is currently sitting in Germany waiting for it's new owner and the original listing on James List can be found here.

As a quick refresher, the Pagani Huayra is being powered by a Mercedes Benz AMG V12 engine with dual turbochargers that is able to produce 705PS of max power and 1,000Nm of peak torque. 0 to 100 km/h mark is achieved in less than 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 370 km/h. The super exotic is capable of withstanding 1.5G of lateral acceleration and its engine is mates to a seven-speed sequential transmission.

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Forget the Internet of Things: Here Comes the Internet of Cars

What if large groups of people could go beyond ridesharing – replacing traditional car ownership altogether through on-demand access to the cars they want: a convertible in the summer, an SUV for winter ski trips?
What if driving skills could be computed as a score that warned us of bad drivers nearby – real time, on the road – also enabling navigation systems to offer safer alternative routes? Imagine if we could get rid of traffic jams and accidents altogether. Or how about if our cars picked up our groceries on their own – and dropped us off at the airport like a self-contained limo service?
What if automakers could subsidize our car purchases by working with telecommunications and other companies that want to capitalize on the lifetime revenue opportunity of a connected driver? Consider also the possibilities for insurance providers to charge higher premiums (for those who drive their cars themselves), or for local governments to monitor personal CO2 usage (in exchange for not taxing or tolling public roads).
Whether you embrace or object to these scenarios, they’re not too far away. This isn’t just an evolution of technology-enabled, connected vehicles. This goes beyond self-driving cars. And it’s more than a simple sensor-network: This is the era of smart mobility — an Internet of Cars.

Basically, cars have become the “ultimate mobile device” and we, the people, are becoming “connected drivers”. These aren’t just buzzwords: As a longtime strategic adviser and analyst of this space, I’ve been using these terms since 1998 to describe this fundamental transformation of the automobile. And it’s coming within this decade. For example, by 2016, most buyers in mature automotive markets (U.S., Western Europe) will consider vehicles’ ability to access web-based information a key criterion when purchasing an automobile. For premium vehicle brand buyers, this tipping point will be reached even sooner: 2014. That’s just one year away.
The connected vehicle is leading the automotive industry to its most significant innovation phase … since the creation of the automobile itself.


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Skoda Yeti Laurin & Klement Edition revealed

The Special Edition Yeti has been named after company founders Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement. 

After confirming six new models that will debut in 2013 earlier in the day, Skoda has now announced a new special edition model of it's compact crossover Yeti called the Skoda Yeti Laurin & Klement Edition. The Special Edition model has derived it's name after the company founders Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement.

The Laurin & Klement Edition upgrades the Yeti with a special 17-inch 'Annapurna' alloys, silver roof rails and bi-xenon headlamps. On the inside, the updates are limited to new gloss black trim, alloy pedals and new leather seats. There is also the 'Laurin & Klement' door sill plates as well as plenty of special badging. 

Skoda says that the engine options on the Yeti Laurin & Klement will be carried over from the regular model and the 1.2-litre TSI and the 1.6-litre TDI both will produce 108PS of max power.

The Skoda Yeti Laurin & Klement Edition will go on sale in the European market shortly. There is no official confirmation yet, suggesting if the said Special Edition Yeti will make it to the Indian shores anytime soon. 

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Honda Brio ships to South Africa

First batch of export includes 390 cars, to go on sale in South Africa in December.

Honda India has finally flagged off the first consignment of cars for the South African market. The first model to leave India's port is the Brio, which is planned to reach Honda South Africa's showrooms by December this year. 

The Brio exported from India is similar to the one we have in the market here, but with a few market dependent changes. Both Manual and Automatic versions of the small car are planned to be exported. The first consignment has a total of 390 cars, while they target to export around 1600 cars by March 2013.

Apart from announcing this significant move Honda India in presence of Mr. Hironori Kanayama, President and CEO of Honda Cars India Limited made a few other announcements too:

First, none of the current generation cars will get diesel power plants, which could only mean that a new car is on it's way. Don't even think that Honda's not bringing a diesel engine, because they have learnt about Indians' love for diesel the hard way and that's a lesson they will never forget.

Honda plans to bring the Brio sedan in the next fiscal year i.e. after March 2013. And like most of you must have guessed till now, the Brio based sedan will be the first car to get a Honda diesel engine in India. 

Honda also mentioned that only one engine will come to India, which means they might end up doing what Renault's doing with the 1.5dCI unit.

Unfortunately that's all we know at the moment. We shall update you soon on further developments.

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Tata Aria Pure LX 4x2 launched at Rs 9.95 lakh

Tata rolls out a new cut-price version of its flagship crossover to take on the Innova, again.

Last year, when Tata Motors launched the 4x2 version of the Aria crossover, the officials had told us that they had no intentions of entering the fleet operator segment with their flagship model. After all, the dominant presence of the Indica and the Indigo in the fleet car segment has backfired on the fortunes of the Vista and the Manza and therefore Tata has tried its level best to protect its poster-boy from this dreaded segment. However, it looks like the Tata is left with no option but to woo fleet operators now towards the Aria, as the crossover is unable to rake up numbers in the luxury segment. The result is a new cut-price variant of the Aria that is priced exactly similar to the base model of the Tata Safari Storme and aims to take on the Innova yet again.

Christened as the Aria Pure LX 4x2, the new variant is robbed off key features like airbags, dual-mass flywheel and ABS with EBD. At least the latter should have been left on, considering the enormous size of the vehicle. Thankfully, you still have disc brakes on all the four wheels. The interiors get a vinyl treatment for the seats and lose out on features like the audio system (including the steering mounted controls and the LCD screen), chrome garnish, roof mounted storage compartments etc. You still get the rear A/C vents and keyless entry. 

Last year, Tata had brought down the price of the Aria to Rs 9.99 lakh as a limited period scheme and the price point did help them in selling a considerable number of units. With the new cut-price variant, Tata might be able to garner some numbers for the Aria – but what good it does to the crossover’s image is something that remains to be seen.

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All you need to know - Tata Safari Storme

Although the Safari has been around for over a decade in pretty much the same shape, it still has its good old charm preserved in the new world. However, when compared to some the modern rivals that we have today, the Safari offers little in terms of features, real-world performance and overall appeal.

Now though, Tata Motors have finally rolled out a modern-day alternative for the Safari loyalists. Called the Safari Storme, this new version is no mere update but an all-new car, although its design might suggest otherwise. 

Launched with a starting price of Rs 9.95 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi), the Safari Storme can be had in a total of four variants - LX, EX, VX, and VX 4X4. Under the hood sits a 2.2-litre, 'VERiCOR' diesel engine that produces 142PS of max power and 320Nm of peak torque. The engine comes mated to a 5-Speed manual transmission. The ARAI claimed fuel efficiency figure is 14 kmpl for the 4X2 variants and 13.2 kmpl for the 4X4 variant.

To know more on the variants, features, spec sheet and other details for the Safari Storme, browse through the following links –

Tata Safari Storme variants, prices, features and other details

Tata Safari Storme Photo Gallery
Interior
Exterior

Video Review
Tata Safari Storme Video Review

Tata Safari Storme versus its rivals –
Tata Safari Storme v/s Mahindra XUV 500 v/s Force Once (Base-spec variant)
Tata Safari Storme v/s Mahindra XUV 500 v/s Force Once (Top-spec variant)  
Tata Safari Storme v/s Mahindra XUV 500 (Top-spec 4WD variant)

Launch Report
Tata Safari Storme launch report 

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Toyota Fortuner TRD Sportivo Limited Edition

The Limited Edition model will be offered on sale till December 2012.

Toyota has lined up a dozen of special and limited edition models across its entire line up in India with the hope of driving sales during the festive season. And after introducing the Etios Liva TRD Sportivo, the Etios TRD Sportivo, the Corolla Altis Aero, the Toyota Innova Aero and another limited edition model of the Corolla Altis celebrating the model's 10th year anniversary - it was about time the special edition model of the Fortuner SUV saw the light of the day.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has introduced the Fortuner TRD Sportivo Limited Edition model in the Indian market today at Rs 21.75 lakh for the manual variant and Rs 22.60 lakh for the automatic variant. (Both prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi.)

The special edition Fortuner sports new aerodynamically designed front bumper spoiler, rear roof spoiler, a new rear bumper and the TRD Sportivo badging. The Toyota Fortuner TRD Sportivo will be offered in a choice of two colour options - Super White and Silver Mica Metallic and will be available on sale till the month of December 2012.

Mr. Sandeep Singh, deputy managing director of marketing said, “We have introduced a whole new range of limited edition vehicles to provide our customers something new and trendy for the festive season. Limited units of these vehicles are on sale till Dec, to provide exclusivity. The new range will bring about newness and product excitement during the festive season. We convey our best wishes and festive greetings to all our customers and hope to delight their families with the Toyota experience.”

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Nissan GT-R 'Usain Bolt edition' to be auctioned on eBay for charity

The world's fastest man helps Nissan create special edition GT-R laden with gold.

Apart from showing everyone how fast he is, Usain Bolt runs the Usain Bolt Foundation, which works for creating opportunities for children and youngsters in Jamaica. To benefit the foundation, Bolt has helped Nissan create a one of it's kind gold GT-R, which will be auctioned on eBay.

The R35 GT-R in question is embossed with his signature and interior fittings finished in real gold. Nissan hasn't announced any mechanical changes to the car, not that it needs any. 

Also, he'll work with Nissan to create a number of special edition GT-Rs, which will be available all over the world. He's already helped them create a bespoke "Bolt GT-R" for himself.

And it doesn't end there. Bolt will contribute to one of Nissan's global brand campaigns. The Gold GT-R goes on auction later this month, so in case you're interested, keep an eye on eBay. For now, enjoy the pictures!

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Honda Brio Automatic - First look

We bring you the first images of Honda's nimble hatch, the Brio that now has become even more convenient with an automatic gearbox. 

While, speculations turn into confirmations about the Brio diesel to grace the Indian market soon, Honda has decided to slip in the automatic version of its bread and butter hatchback. 

Now, it wouldn't be wrong to ponder over why Honda is anxious to roll out a petrol powered Brio automatic instead of just giving the Indian customers what they need - a economical, efficient and reliable Brio diesel hatch.

Well, the company believes that the Brio AT could bring in above average sale numbers for the company in the budget automatics segment, which is currently not very crowded. 

- The Honda Brio AT hasn't recieved any external deisgn changes. Not that we were anticipating any major design changes, but the new variant deserves an 'AT' badge, atleast. 

The Brio Automatic will take on cars like the Hyundai i10 Automatic and the Maruti Suzuki A-Star Automatic once it goes on sale in the country on October 18.

Slated to go on sale across the country on 18 October, the Brio AT hatchback is expected to cost Rs 60,000-Rs 70,000 more than the regular manual version. 

Honda instead of using the CVT gearbox that is currently used in the Brio sold in the Thai market, the company has opted to use a conventional five-speed automatic transmission that is driven by a torque converter - similar to the one found in the Honda City. 

Other than the regular D mode, the transmission offered three more driving modes - the 'D3', '2' and '1'. In the 'D3' mode the gearbox shifts between 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear, while in '2' mode the gearbox stays in 2nd gear only and in '1' mode the gearbox doesn't go beyond 1st gear.

The new clock that features in the instrumentation panel now shows the selected mode for the auto-tranny. 

The AT version of the Brio to be offered in S(O) and V variants. 

Powering the nimble hatch is the same 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine that churns out 88PS of max power and 109Nm of max torque. However, the engine in the new variant has been tweaked to return a fuel effeciency of 16.5 kmpl.

The engine is mated to a first-in-class five-speed gearbox that is specifically tuned for the 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine.

-Rohit (Rash) Paradkar

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Fiat Linea and Punto 'Absolute' Edition launched

The LE models are being offered with a free festive accessory pack worth Rs 78,000 on the Linea and Rs 67,000 on the Punto.

Just last week we had reported that Fiat India was gearing up to introduce two limited edition models of its Linea and Punto cars called 'Absolute.' And today, at an event scheduled in New Delhi, the Itlalian carmaker has rolled out the Limited Absolute Edition for the Fiat Linea and Punto in India. These Limited Edition models come with a customized accessory pack that offers added value to customers at no extra cost. 

The Absolute edition pack includes features like, Touch screen GPS navigator with 3G tablet & smartphone functionality, reverse parking sensors, Linea and Punto branded door sill, contoured splash guards, carpets, boot chrome strip & ‘Absolute’ exterior branding. 

The touch screen GPS Navigator & 3G tablet comes with a 1.0-Ghz processor and runs on Android 2.3 OS. It offers house-level 3D maps and is equipped with phone functionality, multimedia and bluetooth.

Apart from a range of accessories, the company is also offering insurance at a discounted rate along with free road side assistance & an exchange bonus.

Mr Ravi Bhatia, head of business development, Fiat Group Automobiles India Private Limited said, “Fiat has exhilarating plans for this festival season. To celebrate and share the festivities with our customers, the launch of the Absolute Edition offers them additional benefits at the same price. India is an important market for us and this endeavour is an important step for FIAT in that direction. We came out with this celebratory offer keeping the consumers sentiments and their needs in mind where they can avail maximum benefits at no extra cost”.

Fiat Punto ‘Absolute’ Edition 

- Absolute Pack (accessories)

  Car Pad - Navigation & 3G Tablet Contoured Splash Guards

  Carpets – Grey colour 

  Door Sill - Punto branded

  Absoute branding 

- Free RSA

- Insurance at discounted rate through Future Generali

- Exchange Bonus

Fiat Linea 'Absolute' Edition

 - Absolute Pack (accessories)

  Car Pad - Navigation & 3G Tablet

  Reverse Parking Sensor

  Contoured Splash Guards

  Carpets – Beige colour

  Door Sill - Linea branded

  Absolute branding Chrome strip on the boot

- Free RSA

- Insurance at discounted rate through Future Generali

- Exchange Bonus

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