Indian Autos blog

Solid as rock, the Chevrolet Cruze might cause rock slides in the D-Segment territory

The Chevrolet Cruze coverage on Indian Autos Blog has been very comprehensive. We have left no stone unturned in the Cruze chapter. Perhaps only a test drive report is missing from the picture, which will also be brought to you later this month.

At its launch event in Mumbai today, Vice President of GM India, Mr. P Balendran, who stressed that the Cruze is an very important vehicle for GM not only in India but all over the world left a few people in disbelief when he announced the price of the car.

Priced at 10.99 lakhs for the LT and 12.45 lakhs for the LTZ model, cars like the the Civic, Altis, Jetta and the Laura have no where to hide. Considering its the best seller in China and is fast climbing the sales chart the world over, the Indian consumer will also put India on that list, I think.

The launch function began with a small A/V presentation of the Cruze. Its features were highlighted and teaser videos were aired followed by a group of girls playing on their violins.

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BMW plans to sell 60 of these a year; At 59 lakh, how many numbers did you expect?

12 October 2009
BMW makes its debut in the roadster segment in India with the launch of the new BMW Z4.

Modern, Emotional, Authentic. The new BMW Z4 offers a pure driving experience that sets the pulse racing, resulting in an unforgettable roadster experience that none of its rivals can match.

Mumbai. The BMW Z4 Roadster was unveiled today at the India Couture Week in Mumbai.

The new BMW Z4 represents the re-birth of the roadster – powerful and stylish with a modern interpretation. It is the only vehicle in this segment to combine classic roadster proportions with a seating position close to the rear axle, rear-wheel drive and a fully-automatic retractable hardtop. Driving with the roof down, this two-seater offers a refreshingly intense experience of the sunshine and the wind rushing by – and driving with the hardtop closed, it provides all the comfort of a Premium Sports Coupé. The appeal of this two- seater lies in its unique combination of elegance, agility, and supreme comfort.

The new BMW Z4 will be available in the petrol variant – BMW Z4 sDrive35i – and will be available across India at an ex-showroom price of INR 59,00,000 (Ex-showroom price excludes RTO registration charges, tax, insurance, handling charges; Octroi and entry tax if applicable). Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Peter Kronschnabl, President, BMW India said, “The BMW Z4 outlines an expression of joy which epitomizes the qualities of the BMW brand by combining the ultimate driving experience with maximum sporting potential and distinctive design. More than anything the new BMW Z4 is an expression of sheer driving pleasure. With the new BMW Z4, we want to reach out to new target groups in India who appreciate a pure driving experience, high standards of elegance and value, and suitability for everyday driving and comfort.”

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The BMW Z4 convertible is yet another unique model in the Indian lineup

BMW India unveiled its 2-door Roadster Z4 here in Mumbai in a very stylish function conducted today morning at the ongoing India Couture Week.

The sexy and chic convertible model was showcased to select members of the press by Mr Peter Kronschnabl, President BMW India, who explained to us that the Z4 “outlines the expression of joy which epitomizes the quality of the BMW brand by combining the ultimate driving experience with maximum sporting potential and distinctive design.”

Available only with a petrol engine, the Z4 is strapped with a 3,000cc engine mated to a 7-speed auto transmission.

Questions were answered by the BMW President in a very witty manner – he said that BMW would bring the Mini brand here in the near future and as is the case with the BMW Motorcycle lineup. He said BMW is the number one luxury brand in India, not once, but thrice during the interaction.

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Chevrolet Cruze comes with

- 2.0-liter VDCi — 150bhp, 327Nm of torque

- 3 years/100,000 warranty package

Gas Mileage – 18.3kmpl ARAI certified

6 color options

20 percent of the Cruze manufactured in India would be exported

Cruze LT- 10.99 lakh – alloy wheels, power windows, LCD screen, follow-me headlamps, ABS, Airbags

Cruze LTZ – 12.45 lakh – LT + sun roof, leather seats, 6CD changer, park assist, cruise control, steering mounted audio controls

January 2010 – Speculated launch date of the automatic transmission variant

more details will follow, stay tuned

The U.K version shown here has alloy wheels and fog lamps

Buoyed by the success of the hatchback in Britain, Honda has started producing Jazz in Swindon, UK. This means, there is no more ‘Made in Japan’ Honda Jazz for UK and European customers.

Till this point, all European nations sold cars built in Japan. With rapidly falling sales in India, Europe could consider sourcing Jazz from the Indian stockyard.

Honda plans to build around 20,000 Honda Jazz units by March 2010 at the Swindon plant and also the plant will be responsible for the production of the top spec CR-V and Civic.

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The Red Bull F1 car covered the Bandra-Worli stretch in under 3mins

David Coulthard must have never imagined performing in front of such a huge crowd gathered at the Bandra-Worli sea link where he showed off his driving skills and the performance of a F1 car in the Red Bull Speed Link event yesterday.

The crowd began to flow in right from 11.30am for the scheduled 2pm drive. The centre of attraction was always the F1 car, which was prepared to race on the public road by the hard working RedBull F1 team.

At 2pm, DC arrived in racing overalls and sent the crowd into a frenzy. Everything was set and DC started the car to big cheers from the Mumbai crowd. Capable of head-spinning speeds, the Red Bull F1 car covered the Bandra-Worli stretch in less than 3mins!

Following the speed run, it was time to show the crowds some moves, and DC began doing donuts in front of the VIP stands. But the action came to an abrupt end as the 2nd round/lap had to be called off due to an overheated engine.

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We will be bringing you high quality images and information from both the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Cruze launches that happen back to back in Mumbai today.

The BMW Z4 launch function has begun already and information and expected shortly from Ritesh Madhok, who is busy jotting down the details discussed and clicking photographs which will be uploaded later on in the day.

Stay tuned as another exciting day full of exclusive content follows on IAB’s home page.

Cannot understand who would have such a complex fantasy

Here are a few images of a Bajaj Pulsar being modified into a Suzuki Hayabusa and a Honda super bike.

Although it seems to be a nice work of modification (just by the looks of the bikes) but one can’t imagine from where they can source the real power and the true sound of that of the original sports bike.

No matter how much they try, the engine of a Pulsar and an exhaust can will never provide the real grunt that define a performance motorcycle. I always feel that its just a fake way of satisfying ourselves of owning a sports bike and to make it look all cool to someone who is new to such bikes.

These mods do not cost less and you might have to shell out around 30-50k or even more depending upon the type of modification, quality of materials and the workmanship you are going for.

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