Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

The Ferrari 599 (internal code F141) is an Italian sports car produced by Ferrari. It was the brand's two-seat flagship, replacing the 575M Maranello in 2006 as a 2007 model, but was replaced for the 2013 model year by the F12berlinetta. Styled by Pininfarina under the direction of Ferrari's Frank Stephenson, the 599 GTB debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006. It is named for its total engine displacement (5999 cc), Gran Turismo Berlinetta nature, and the Fiorano Circuit test track used by Ferrari.

Hot rod

Hot rods are typically old, classic American cars with large engines modified for linear speed. The origin of the term "hot rod" is unclear. Roadsters were the cars of choice because they were light, were easy to modify, and could be bought for a low price. The term became commonplace in the 1930s or 1940s as the name of a car that had been "hopped up" by modifying the engine in various ways to achieve higher performance.

Ferrari 458

In Ferrari's first official announcement of the car, the 458 was described as the successor to the F430 but arising from an entirely new design, incorporating technologies developed from the company's experience in Formula 1.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a series of full-size luxury sedans produced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz, a division of German company Daimler AG.The S-Class has served as the flagship model for Mercedes for over fifty years in its various incarnations. The S-Class has debuted many of the company's latest innovations, including drivetrain technologies, interior features, and safety systems.

Jaguar XKR-S GT

Aren't there just. First, in 2006, there was the XK, then the XKR arrived with a supercharger to partner the 5.0-litre V8, then along came the XKR-S with yet more power and control, now this, the XKR-S GT. Which is something altogether different.

Showing posts with label New launched. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New launched. Show all posts

Monday 7 January 2013

Ferrari F12

14:09  ,  

Ferrari’s new supercar, the F12, looks to blend the comfort of a GT with the mind-numbing speed of a supercar. And, I’m here in Maranello to try and tame the 730 horses under the hood of Ferrari’s F12.
The F12’s hunkered down shape gets your attention immediately, it looks very purposeful in profile and there are some genuinely unique bits like the ‘Aero Bridge’ that tunnels through the fender for greater aerodynamic stability. What’s missing, however, is that supermodel-like, long-limbed elegance that earlier Ferraris like the Daytona, Dino, 308 or even the F40 possessed; Ferraris from an era when designer Leonardo Fioravanti was at Pininfarina. The F12, to me, seems almost too aggressive, large-mouthed and a bit overdone

This car may be lower than the preceding 599 for greater stability, and have a shorter wheelbase for increased agility, but it’s easily as plush and as comfortable in here as in a Bentley. The large, leather-lined seats may look like racing buckets, but they’re very supportive when the g’s build up.
As with many modern Ferraris, a large central tachometer takes pride of place; as it should. It’s redlined at 8700rpm – incredibly high for a large-capacity V12 – and the column-mounted gearshift paddles are big too. Ferrari has also made sure nothing obstructs the steering wheel and paddles. The turn indicator switches are mounted on the steering wheel to reduce clutter and there is no gear lever either

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Renault Duster

14:00  ,  1 comment

Showrooms flooded with potential buyers and, on the last count, 10,000 customers who have put their money down for the Duster is testament to the fact that Renault seems to have gotten it just right with its small SUV. The French carmaker has played its cards right with the Duster’s prices, which range from Rs 7.19 lakh to Rs 11.29 lakh. At this price, it appeals not only to large SUV buyers, but also to C-segment saloon buyers. And with three engine options – a 102.5bhp petrol, an 84bhp diesel and a 108.5bhp diesel, there’s a Duster for everyone. Clearly the potential for success is tremendous.
But for the Duster to really live up to buyers’ expectations, it has to deliver on the counts that made SUVs popular in India in the first place. It has to have the right image, be spacious enough to transport a family in comfort and, of course, be capable to take on the worst of Indian roads. We test the more powerful diesel to see if the Duster is all the SUV you’ll need

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Land Rover Freelander

13:10  ,  

This is the Land Rover Freelander 2, the one they will introduce in India in March 2013. Because this is a mid-life update, Land Rover has, predictably, chosen to give it subtle updates that make the car look and feel fresher, rather than go in for expensive sheet metal changes.
To that extent, there's new equipment, a restrained rework of the interiors and the mildest of facelifts.
To get into the details, the exterior changes are limited to headlamps that get LED daytime running lamps, tail lamps that get Land Rover's twin-circular theme, there are new alloy wheels and three new colours.
On the inside, Land Rover has uncluttered the dashboard with fewer switches, a tidied up dashboard and an electric emergency brake. Oh, and the rotary dial for the terrain response system has been replaced by an Evoque style switch. There's also a new feature on the reverse camera that makes it easier to hitch a trailer onto the tow hook, and there's keyless go as well.
There are no mechanical changes apart from a new structural undertray that strengthens the chassis. North America gets a new 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, but this won’t be offered in India. We get the same engines as before -- a 2.2-litre common-rail turbo diesel that makes 148bhp or 187bhp depending on which version you order. As before, both versions will come with a six-speed automatic transmission.
So, in the end, what you get with the Freelander is a car that, atleast in 187bhp trim has adequate grunt and one that is reasonably refined as well. It may not be the class leader when it comes to handling, but the Freelander has other strengths -- namely it's ride and it's off-road prowess. It is the best in class on the latter. In typical Land Rover fashion, it's easy to drive thanks to its high seats and low window line.
The Freelander is the best -selling Land Rover in India, but it isn't the class leader. This facelift and nip-and-tuck definitely go some way towards that. Expect the facelifted Freelander to cost marginally more than the current price when it gets to Indian showrooms.

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