'IAB Report – India-made BharatBenz 3143 mining truck concept & Fuso FJ 2528 R premiered at IAA 2014 Hannover' plus 10 more

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• IAB Report – India-made BharatBenz 3143 mining truck concept & Fuso FJ 2528 R premiered at IAA 2014 Hannover
• IAB Report – Technical highlights of the new Mahindra Scorpio
• Report – Maruti Ciaz’s variant-wise features list surfaces
• Video – Watch the new Mahindra Scorpio’s TVC
• IAB Report – New Skoda Rapid launched at INR 7.22 lakhs
• IAB Report – New Mahindra Scorpio launched at INR 7.98 lakhs [Update]
• Report – New Maruti Alto K10’s variant and colour details emerge
• IAB Report – Mahindra Gusto features a 109.6 cc engine
• IAB Report – Vespa Elegante limited edition launched at INR 78,999
• IAB Report – Mahindra releases one last teaser before the new Scorpio’s unveiling
• Spied – Rolls Royce Ghost Series II spotted in India for the first time

IAB Report – India-made BharatBenz 3143 mining truck concept & Fuso FJ 2528 R premiered at IAA 2014 Hannover Posted: 25 Sep 2014 06:22 AM PDT The BharatBenz 3143 is the most powerful local truck on the Indian market. At the ongoing IAA 2014 Hannover, the annual commercial vehicle expo, Daimler has world premiered the BharatBenz 3143 Concept and the Fuso FJ 2528 R, both made in India. Both the India-made models are based on Mercedes-Benz’s Axor HDT platform. The BharatBenz 3143 is based on Daimler India Commercial Vehicles’ (DICV) existing heavy duty Mercedes-Benz Axor platform. The truck which caters to the niche deep-mining segment is powered by a 12-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel engine which has a healthy power output of 430 hp. Daimler claims that the 3143, with a GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) of 48 tonnes, is by far the strongest local truck on the India market. The model will be made and sold in India, with the launch scheduled in the second half of 2015. The BharatBenz 3143 will be launched in India next year. The LHD Fuso FJ 2528 R is another made-in-India CV to debut at the IAA 2014. The 280 hp truck complies with the Euro 5 emission norms and is developed for emerging markets in Asia and Africa. With the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) as its prime mantra, DICV has been posting impressive growth in the Indian commercial vehicle market which is currently going through a rough patch. The company is gearing up to venture into front- and rear-engined bus segments in the coming months. Also read: BharatBenz surpasses 10,000 units sales milestone The Indian subsidiary of the world’s largest truck maker is also working on a second commercial vehicle platform codenamed ‘Thunderbolt’. DICV at IAA 2014 Hannover – Image Gallery DICV at IAA 2014 Hannover – Press Release [Head to Slideshare if you can't view the press release above]

IAB Report – Technical highlights of the new Mahindra Scorpio Posted: 25 Sep 2014 06:13 AM PDT Gets improvements in every department. The new Mahindra Scorpio is claimed to be technically much more advanced than the model it replaces. This article summarizes the technical highlights of the third gen SUV that were shared with the media in today’s press conference. Note that all claims below were made by the company. The new Scorpio is benefited by numerous technical improvements. The fuel efficiency of the 2.2-litre mHawk engine has been improved from 14.3 km/l to 15.31 km/l, thanks to various tweaks like improved combustion, reduced friction at the wheel end bearings, better aerodynamics and an electric cooling fan. The new generation 320 5-speed manual transmission facilitates better gear shifting experience. The steering system with a collapsible column has been re-engineered to reduce the turning radius from 5.7 m to 5.4 m. The system is claimed to offer a consistent feel and reduced steering effort. The new hydroformed chassis with increased front wheel track and optimized thickness has resulted in better longitudinal stiffness, reduced kerb weight and better crash worthiness. The maintenance free wheel end-bearings are sealed and fused. This has resulted in higher load and torque capacities along with a weight saving of 6 kg. Shift-on-the-fly 4WD system makes for reduced weight and ease of engagement and disengagement. Increased floor panel stiffness, optimized sound insulation package and torsional vibration package is said to have achieved better NVH characteristics. Watch the TVC of the new Mahindra Scorpio Competitors: Tata Safari Storme, Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano New Mahindra Scorpio – Image Gallery

Report – Maruti Ciaz’s variant-wise features list surfaces Posted: 25 Sep 2014 04:26 AM PDT Projector headlamps are standard on all variants. Autocar has revealed details about the different variants that the all new Maruti Ciaz will be available in, once it launches next month. The Maruti Ciaz will be launched next month. Under the hood, the Ciaz will be offered with a choice of two engines: a 92.45 PS (91.1 bhp) 1.4-liter Ertiga-sourced K-series petrol engine or a 90 PS (88.7 bhp) 1.5-liter Fiat-sourced diesel engine. The petrol engine is mated either to a 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic gearbox while the diesel engine makes do with the same 5-speed manual gearbox The Ciaz will be available in 4 different trims each with petrol and diesel powered units. The petrol Ciaz will be offered in VXi, VXi +, ZXi and ZXi+ trims while the diesel variants will be offered in VDi, VDi+, ZDi and ZDi+ trims. The base VXi and VDi trim will feature projector headlamps, keyless entry, electric-operated wing mirrors with integrated turn indicators, fabric seats with front and rear armrests, and an audio system with USB, Aux-in and memory card support as standard. Paying extra for the VXi+ or VDi+ trims will get you a driver-only airbag, climate control, Bluetooth functionality, steering mounted controls, reverse parking sensors, and ABS with EBD. Additionally, the 4-speed automatic gearbox will be optional for petrol variants above VXi+. The sedan is larger and more spacious than the outgoing SX4. The ZXi and ZDi trims add keyless entry with start/stop button, a front passenger airbag, reverse camera, a mix of fabric and leather upholstery, and 15-inch alloy wheels to the package, while the top spec ZXi+ and ZDi+ feature the Smartplay infotainment system, full leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and 16-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. Also read: 5 more things we already know about the Ciaz Maruti-Suzuki has already received 5000 bookings for the Ciaz and looks poised to take full advantage of the approaching festive season. Competitors: Honda City, Hyundai Verna, VW Vento, Skoda Rapid, Fiat Linea, Nissan Sunny Expected Price: INR 7.5-10.5 lakhs, ex-Showroom Launch Date: In October 2014 Maruti Ciaz – Image Gallery [Source: Autocar India]

Video – Watch the new Mahindra Scorpio’s TVC Posted: 25 Sep 2014 03:56 AM PDT Is no less flamboyant than the previous commercials. The new Mahindra Scorpio has been launched with a slew of improvements and here is the TV commercial of the popular native SUV nameplate’s third iteration. The tagline is “Nothing else will do”. [Head to Youtube if you can't view the press release.] Visually, the new Scorpio features a comprehensively reworked front and rear fascia along with a completely revamped dashboard.  The large angular headlamps sport LED daytime running lights and projector headlight elements. The edgy grille gets honeycomb meshing with chrome inserts while the new bumper gives a rugged appeal to the new Scorpio. In profile, the boxy silhouette has been retained while there are vents on the front fenders. At the rear, the redesigned tailgate has been clad with a prominent plastic element. The combination lights are full LED units. The new Mahindra Scorpio gets a comprehensive design makeover. The new dual-tone beige dashboard is full of angles and edges, complementing the front fascia. The steering wheel has been borrowed from the XUV 500 but the rest of the elements like AC vents, metallic Scorpio badge on the passenger side of the dashboard, centre console with a color display and the instrument console, are brand new. The latest Mahindra Scorpio is held together by a new hydroformed ladder frame chassis which is more rigid than its predecessor. The time-proven 75 bhp 2.5-litre m2DiCR (only in the base S2 variant) and the 120 bhp 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine have been retained but they are mated to a new gen 5-speed MT. New Mahindra Scorpio – Image Gallery

IAB Report – New Skoda Rapid launched at INR 7.22 lakhs Posted: 25 Sep 2014 03:02 AM PDT Features a new 1.5-litre diesel engine and a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The Skoda Rapid facelift comes just a day after its sibling, the VW Vento facelift. The updated C-Segment sedan starts at INR 7.22 lakhs (ex-showroom New Delhi). Mr. Sudhir Rao, Chairman and Managing Director – SKODA Auto India – launching the Skoda Rapid with 7-Speed Automatic DSG Transmission. The highlight of the Rapid facelift comes in the form of a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine which replaces the old 1.6-litre unit. The powerplant also does duty under the hoods of the VW Vento and Polo facelifts. The Skoda Rapid facelift has no visual changes except for a dealer-level customization package. At 105 PS and 250 Nm of torque, the power and torque outputs stay identical to the outgoing motor but the efficiency is claimed to have improved by 3%. Another important feature addition is the 7-speed DSG automatic transmission (available only with the new diesel engine). The 1.6-litre petrol motor which is capable of 105 PS and 153 Nm of torque continues to be mated to a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The top-end elegance variant comes with cruise control, parking sensors and 15-inch alloy wheels. A new Toffee Brown exterior color option, launched yesterday on the Vento, will be added to the diesel variants next month. The diesel engine is a new 1.5-litre unit which is also available with a 7-speed DSG. Interestingly, Skoda has not made any visual changes to the exterior or interior of the car. However, a dealer-level customization package called the Elegance Black Package in on offer which provides black bezels for the headlamps and foglights, glossy black roof, grille, alloy wheels and ORVM covers. Skoda Rapid facelift – Prices (ex-showroom, New Delhi) Rapid 1.6-litre MPI petrol MT in Active, Ambition+, Elegance and Elegance Black Package variants – INR 7.22 lakhs – 8.85 lakhs Rapid 1.6-litre MPI petrol 6-speed AT in Ambition+, Elegance and Elegance Black Package variants – INR 9.14 lakhs – 9.81 lakhs Rapid 1.5-litre TDI diesel MT in Active, Ambition+, Elegance and Elegance Black Package variants – INR 8.38 lakhs – 9.87 lakhs Rapid 1.5-litre TDI diesel 7-speed DSG in Ambition+, Elegance and Elegance Black Package variants – INR 10.34 lakhs – 10.97 lakhs You can refer the documents below to get more details. Skoda Rapid Facelift with Elegance Black Package – Image Gallery Skoda Rapid facelift – Specification Sheet [Head to Slideshare if you can't see the document above] Skoda Rapid facelift – Press Release [Head to Slideshare if you can't see the document above]

IAB Report – New Mahindra Scorpio launched at INR 7.98 lakhs [Update] Posted: 25 Sep 2014 01:11 AM PDT Update – Gallery and Brochure added. Mahindra & Mahindra today launched the new Mahindra Scorpio in Mumbai featuring a new chassis, new steering system, new sound insulation package, new interior and exterior design, and many new features. Pravin Shah, Chief Executive – Automotive Division & International Operations, Pawan Goenka – Executive Director & President – Automotive & Farm Equipment Sectors, Rajan Wadhera – Chief Executive – Truck & Power Train Division, and Head – Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) and Anand Mahindra – Chairman & Managing Director – Mahindra & Mahindra, with the new Scorpio in Mumbai today. New Mahindra Scorpio prices Mahindra Scorpio S2 – INR 7.98 lakhs Mahindra Scorpio S4 – INR 8.60 lakhs Mahindra Scorpio S6 – INR 9.77 lakhs Mahindra Scorpio S8 – INR 10.84 lakhs Mahindra Scorpio S10 – INR 11.46 lakhs All prices ex-showroom, Mumbai. The new Scorpio comes with the following features: New Mahindra Scorpio exterior features Dual projector headlamps LED eyebrows New grille Bonnet scoop LED taillamps ‘Road Armour’ bumpers 17-inch alloy wheels Silver-finished fender bezel Two-tone applique on the rear door New Mahindra Scorpio interior features 6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with in-built GPS Navigation and support for Bluetooth, CD, USB, DVD and Aux Automatic climate control New instrument console with ‘3D Effect’ Sporty steering wheel Blue-Gray interiors New dual-tone dashboard Chrome-finished AC vents New Mahindra Scorpio mechanical features 2.2-liter mHawk CRDI engine with 120 bhp and 280 Nm output 5MT 320 new generation five-speed gearbox New suspension system with ‘Cushion Suspension Technology’ and ‘Anti-Roll Technology’ Micro-Hybrid technology (Start-Stop system) New Mahindra Scorpio Safety and convenience features Dual front airbags ABS Engine Immobilizer Reverse parking sensors Rain sensing wipers Light sensing headlamps Tyre pressure monitoring system  New Mahindra Scorpio Technical Specifications S2 variant – 2,523 cc engine that develops 75 bhp at 3,200 rpm and 200 Nm at 1,400 – 2,200 rpm. S4, S6, S6+, S8 and S10 – 2,179 cc CRDI engine that develops 120 bhp at 4,000 rpm and 280 Nm at 1,800 – 2,800 rpm. All variants are paired to a five-speed manual gearbox and Shift-On-Fly 4WD system is optional on S4 and S10 variants. Front suspension – Double wishbone and Independent front coil spring Rear suspension – Multi-link coil spring type with anti-roll bar Stay tuned for images and further details. New Mahindra Scorpio – Launch Image Gallery New Mahindra Scorpio – Image Gallery New Mahindra Scorpio – Brochure [Can't see the brochure above? Head to Slideshare]

Report – New Maruti Alto K10’s variant and colour details emerge Posted: 25 Sep 2014 12:48 AM PDT To be launched in the coming months. The Maruti Alto K10 facelift has been spied recently, revealing the exterior changes. Gaadiwaadi.com reports that the updated small car will be offered in 5 variants and 6 exterior color options. The variant lineup is reported to include Lx, LXi, LXi+ and Vxi trim levels. The colour options offered are expected as white, silver, grey, red, blue and brown. The new Maruti Alto K10 would be the most affordable automatic car in the country. The new Alto K10 is based on the body shell of the Alto 800 but incorporates distinguished front and rear fascias. The redesigned headlamps, chrome highlighted grille, new bumpers and a Celerio-like rear combination lights help identify the more powerful version of India’s best selling car. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder K-Series petrol engine which dishes out 68 PS (67.04 bhp) and 90 Nm of torque would continue as it is. While the 5-speed manual gearbox will be retained, recent spyshots of the new car indicated that an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) will also be on offer. Based on the Alto 800, the front and rear fascias receive a design makeover. The Alto K10 would be the most affordable automatic car in the country when launched, undercutting the Celerio which also uses the same powertrains. Also read: Maruti Swift Dzire facelift enters production Maruti is also reportedly working on a low-cost hybrid technology which would be available in the future cars starting from the Alto. Competitors: Hyundai Eon 1.0L, Datsun Go Expected Price: INR 3.2-4 lakhs, ex-showroom Launch Date: Coming months

IAB Report – Mahindra Gusto features a 109.6 cc engine Posted: 24 Sep 2014 11:22 PM PDT The all-aluminium 109.6 cc M-TEC engine develops 8 bhp and 9 Nm of torque. The Mahindra Gusto which was previously known by its codename G101 will be launched on September 29. Mahindra Two Wheelers has released the technical details of the motor through a tweet yesterday. Displacing 109.6 cc, the Gusto’s air-cooled engine delivers 8 bhp (6 KW) and 9 Nm of torque, and is mated to a CVT. The detailed specifications will be available at the time of the launch. The Mahindra Gusto gets an all-aluminium 109.6 cc M-TEC engine. The scooter which was spotted testing numerous times earlier, sports 12-inch wheels, a wheelbase of 1,275 mm and a ground clearance of 165 mm. Suspension is courtesy of a front telescopic fork and a rear single sided coil spring. The unisex scooter is designed in Italy and developed by the company’s technical centre in Pune. Mahindra says that the Gusto is equipped with stronger crankshaft and bearings, high inertia magneto, higher energy HT coil and a series regulator. The “global scooter” would be launched simultaneously in Nepal while exports to South Asia, Latin America and Africa would start in a few months’ time. In India, a phase-wise launch strategy would be adopted with northern and western parts of the country getting the scooter first. Also read: Mahindra Rodeo UZO 125 launched Competitors: Honda Activa, TVS Jupiter, Suzuki Let’s, Hero Maestro Expected Price: INR 40,000 – 45,000, ex-showroom Launch Date: September 29

IAB Report – Vespa Elegante limited edition launched at INR 78,999 Posted: 24 Sep 2014 11:13 PM PDT To be on sale only during the festive season. Shortly after the showcase of the Vespa Elegante, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. (PVPL) has launched the limited edition scooter at INR 78,999 (ex-showroom Delhi). The Vespa Elegante is exclusive for the Indian market. The Elegante, based on the VX 125, commands a premium over the standard model. The limited edition automatic scooter is on sale exclusively for the festive season. The vehicle is available in two special exterior color options Marrone Crete Senesi (brown shade inspired by the clay of Seina region) and Bianco Perla (white shade inspired by pearls of the sea). Other distinguishing visual elements include a chrome finished grille on the front apron, color coordinated leather finished split seat, an all-round chrome guard kit with a front bumper guard and an “Elegante” badge. The limited edition package also includes a color coordinated half-face helmet. Just like the VX, the Elegante features front disc brake, tubeless tyres, etc. The visual add-ons apart, the Vespa Elegante is nothing but the VX 125. The steel-bodied monocoque scooter is powered by a 125 cc 3-valve air-cooled engine which is mated to a CVT. The motor puts out 10 PS (9.85 bhp) and 10.06 Nm of torque. Also read: Vespa Esclusivo launched in India Competitor: Honda Aviator More details are available in the press release below the gallery. Vespa Elegante – Image Gallery Vespa Elegante limited edition launched in India – Press Release [Head to Slideshare if you can't view the press release.]

IAB Report – Mahindra releases one last teaser before the new Scorpio’s unveiling Posted: 24 Sep 2014 10:45 PM PDT Comes with a raft of changes, mechanically and visually. Riding on the 'third generation' chassis, the new Mahindra Scorpio will launch today at a ceremony in Mumbai. While several leaks in the past few days have revealed the feature quotient of the SUV, the front and rear of the car, and the variants on offer, the all-important prices will be only be known today. The Scorpio comes with several first-time features. Hours before the press conference, Mahindra have revealed another teaser of the SUV, showing the foglight of the car. To be offered with a 2.5-liter m2DiCr engine (in the base S2 trim) and the 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine (on other variants), the SUV gets a new 5-speed manual gearbox. Mahindra have given the SUV many firsts in features like LED daytime running lights, touchscreen system with GPS, 17-inch wheels and rear grab handles. The dashboard is fully revamped with an updated design, upgraded audio system, new instrument cluster, and a steering wheel borrowed from the XUV500. Despite its age and the arrival of new competitors, the Scorpio continues to enjoy market leadership in the SUV segment and has averaged 4,022 units monthly sales so far this year. Also Read: Mahindra Scorpio shows its revamped interior Rivals: Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano, Tata Safari Storme Expected Price: INR 8.5-13 lakhs, ex-showroom Launch date: Today (September 25)

Spied – Rolls Royce Ghost Series II spotted in India for the first time Posted: 24 Sep 2014 10:17 PM PDT Is the second launch for Rolls Royce in 2014. The launch of the Rolls Royce Ghost Series II in India, as per our earlier report, was set to take place during November, and already an example has been spotted for the first time on Indian roads, by Facebook user Abhijeet Tilekar. We assume that this unit will serve as a preview model for prospective customers before the price announcement. The Series II is a visual refreshment endowing the car with LED headlamps. Launched at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the Rolls Royce Ghost Series II is the mid-life refresh of the current Ghost. From first glance, the stand-out change is the redesigned headlamps outlined by LED daytime strips. Apart from that, it features subtle tweaks to its recognizable design, and minor updates to its infotainment system and features. The Series II update does not bring any mechanical changes. It’s powered by the same 6.6-liter V12 engine that produces 563 bhp and 780 Nm of torque, and wafts from 0-100km/h in 4.7-seconds, before hitting a top speed of 250km/h. The model world premiered at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The engine coupled to a GPS-aided 8-speed gearbox that first debuted in the Wraith. Using the onboard GPS signal and Maps service, the gearbox studies the road ahead and pre-selects the gear for smoother torque transfer and fuel-efficiency. Also Read: Next gen Rolls Royce Phantom will look less formal Competitors: Mercedes S Class, Bentley Flying Spur Expected Price: INR 2.5 crore (ex-showroom) Tentative launch date: Late 2014 Rolls Royce Ghost Series II at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show – Image Gallery [Source - Facebook.com]

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