Auto Expo 2010 Image gallery showing hot cars and hot models.

Auto Expo 2010: MERCEDES-BENZ LAUNCHES THE GL 350 CDI AND THE S500 L IN INDIA

The S-class has long been the face of class, sophistication, and cutting-edge technology for Mercedes-Benz. For the latest S-class, this tradition has been continued with the addition of interior, exterior and under the hood refinements. While India only had this starry technomarvel in the 350 petrol and the 320 CDI guise, which was quite a step behind the 400 plus horsepower BMW's and Audi's as far as performance was concerned. The all new S500 is all set to change that.

With a 5.5 litre V8, this monstAr packs in 388 PS and a gigantic 530 Nm of torque. There are gadgets galore as well like the active cruise control, night vision camera Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and the Pre-Safe brake system linked to the proximity regulating radar, which intervenes autonomously before an impending rear-end collision. Other highlights include the Attention Assist driver drowsiness monitor and Active Body Control with automatic crosswind stabilization.

On the exterior front, the most noticeable change is the addition of daytime LED running lights fitted to the outer edges of the bi-xenon lamp units. The rear end is also accented with a total of 52 distinctively arranged LEDs in the two tail lights. The much awaited GL class has also been launched. The GL 350 CDI just like the recently launched E 350 CDI features BlueEFFICIENCY technology as well. Under the hood, the GL sports a 225 PS V6 with 500 Nm of turning force. The 7-seater GL is set to take the fight straight to the Q7 and the Porsche Cayenne. Priced at Rs. 64.9 lakh ex-showroom Delhi, the GL is priced on par with the competition. The S500 L has made its way in CKD form and priced at Rs. 95 lakh ex-showroom Delhi makes it the most expensive car to be made in India.

Src: TOI DT 

article by: Abhishek Nigam 

Auto Expo 2010: Chevrolet's Beat 1.2 L Price range and major Rivals

After loads of anticipation and a gazillion spyshots later, Chevrolet has finally launched its all new Beat. The Beat started life as one of a trio of Chevrolet's concept small cars which originally debuted at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. While it was designed by GM Daewoo in South Korea, the actual prototyping of the concept was done here in India. Apart from these minor changes, the Beat that has been launched is nearly identical to the original concept. That being said, this little Chevy looks significantly different from the glut of small cars that fill the Indian market. http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/
    With a 1.2 litre unit under the hood pushing out 79 PS, it's pretty nippy as well. The Beat is launched in 3 variants. 

• The base PS version equipped with power steering is priced at Rs. 3.34 lakh. 


• The LS with power windows and a spoiler comes at Rs. 3.54 lakh. 


• While the top of the range LT with climate control, integrated audio, ABS and optional airbags is priced at a bargain 3.94 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi). 


• The fully loaded version with ABS and two airbags will retail for Rs 4.3 lakh 

    In terms of pricing, the Beat has truly threatened the prevailing players in the 1.2-litre hatch space. Just to put things in perspective, the current champ of the segment Maruti Suzuki Ritz is priced between Rs 3.9 lakh for its base LXI version and the fully-loaded ZXI version goes for Rs 4.8 lakh, ex-showroom. The Beat undercuts it on both accounts by a massive Rs 50,000. The same goes for the comfy Hyundai i10 Kappa, which the Beat will now have squarely in its sights. The i10 has contributed majorly in fortifying Hyundai’s position in India, GM should hope that Beat will do the same for it in this lucrative segment. http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/
    While the Fiat Grande Punto 1.2 and the Tata Indica Vista Safire come much closer to the Beat in terms of pricing, both may be found lacking when it comes to performance and the visual excitement of the Beat's futuristic exteriors and interiors. 
    Truly then, a threat from GM India to Beat 'em all? Read a comprehensive road test of the car in the January issue of the ZigWheels magazine, and a comparison test with the best of the lot is on its way soon too! http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/

Chevrolet's Beat

THE BEAT’S 1.2-LITRE RIVALS:

Maruti Suzuki Ritz Price: Rs 3.9-4.8 lakh 
The most sprightly performer of the lot, the Ritz enjoys the top position of the lot thanks to its new K-series petrol engine and Maruti’s rock-solid reputation in India.

http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/

Hyundai i10 Kappa Price: Rs 3.9-4.9 lakh 
A great all-round city small car, the i10 yet retains its upmarket and luxurious appeal that have seen its sales soar. This will be the one the Beat will look to beat before the others.

http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/

Tata Indica Vista Price: Rs 3.4-4.2 lakh 
Tata Motors’ charge towards contemporary began with the Vista. It still offers one of the best combinations of space and value for money, but many may fall for the Beat’s glitz.

http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/

Fiat Grande Punto Price: Rs 4.0 lakh 
The largest and probably the best looking hatch of the lot, the 1.2-litre Punto was the hidden card in Fiat’s sleeve. Well-priced but underpowered, this is still a dark horse for the segment.

http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/

SRC: TOI DT

Auto Expo 2010 : TATA MOTORS display Nano, Indiaca Vista, Indigo manza and Jaguar and Land Rover.

Tata Motors will be giving visitors a treat with the new Xover on display alongside the Nano, Indica Vista and the Indigo Manza among others.

    That won’t be all, especially after Tata’s acquisition of the two legendary British marques. Expect a full house of models from the Jaguar and Land Rover range.



From the smooth new Jaguar XJ to the butch yet elegant Land Rover Discovery, there will be eye-candy for everyone in virtually every segment in the Indian automotive space!

src:TOI

10th Auto Expo 2010 at Pragati Maidan Delhi India showing Best and new launch of Toyota, Volkswagen and GM

It's the 10th showing of the Auto Expo in India and it promises to be a big one! Here’s the first installment of the preview of India’s own motor show

    Once every two years in the January chill of Delhi, India’s largest congregation of wheel lovers descends at the Pragati Maidan to celebrate what could be called India’s bi-annual festival of vehicles and the passion they incite.

    In its 10th iteration now, the Auto Expo has grown massively in its status, just like the Indian auto market. International manufacturers have been making a beeline to show off their products to equally eager audiences who throng the Expo with gusto. In part one of our preview, we take a sneak peek at the cars being shown by Toyota, Volkswagen and GM.

TOYOTA

Toyota will have one of the largest list of vehicles to show off at this year’s Auto Expo. The most exciting amongst these will be its global small car, the Etios, for which India will be the central manufacturing and export hub. Apart from that, the Japanese giant will be showing its recently launched Land Cruiser Prado, and will also launch the Prius hybrid.

VOLKSWAGEN

Volkswagen has massive plans for the Expo as well, the largest of which is the unveiling of its Polo hatchback. VW is betting big on India and ramping up its facilities with aplomb, and the Polo which happens to be one of its most successful international models is expected to generate massive excitement at the Expo. The Up! Electric concept will also make an appearance.

GENERAL MOTORS

India forms a big part of the new GM’s strategy, as we have already seen with the recent launches of the Cruze and the Beat. At this year’s GM stall, the company will be showing off its beacon for a green future, the Volt. A World Touring Car Championship version of the Cruze will also be on display.



src: TOI