Motown India March 2015

VOL-5 • ISSUE-6 • MARCH 2015

50

INDIA

WWW.MOTOWNINDIA.COM

NEW LAUNCH

BMW i8 for `2.29 Crore

DRIVEN

FIRST DRIVE

NEW HYUNDAI VERNA

MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 200

INDIA BIKE WEEK 2015

MOTORSPORT SPECIAL PAGES 22 - 31

B2B SECTION Pages 67-82

National Engineering Industries Ltd., Khatipura Road, Jaipur – 302006 CIN: L29130WB1946PLC013643 | Phone: +91 141 222 3221 | Fax: +91 141 222 1926 | E-mail: neisales@nbcbearings.in

T

P. THARYAN he March 2015 issue of Motown India has loads of interesting reports that are bound to excite our young readers. We have a special report on Indian Motorsport. The report gives details of the advent of motorsport in India and the current happenings in the sport. Unlike cricket, motorsport involves big money and today a

lot of business houses are investing large amounts in order to give a chance to youngsters from ordinary backgrounds and families to discover their talents in motorsport events in the country. One company that needs to be applauded in its endeavour to promote motorsport in India is Dr. Raghupati Singhania controlled JK Tyre. JK Tyre’s Sanjay Sharma, who heads the company’s Motorsport division, is a legend who has helped nurture young talent in India and has ensured that JK Tyre has stayed in limelight for the last several decades.

Related to motorsport, we have reports on the Baja SAEINDIA 2015 held in Indore, the glamorous India Bike Week held in Goa and the Mahindra Great Escape hosted in Jaisalmer. While the Baja SAEINDIA is an annual event held to encourage engineering students of the country, the India Bike Week was a show of glamour and bikes. The event in Goa even had a Bikini Bike Wash area to ensure that the show had its fair share of sex appeal. Dune bashing in Mahindra vehicles is something that happens every year. The only thing to remember is that the show continues to maintain its charm and Dr. Pawan Goenka continues to host it with a great amount of enthusiasm.

This issue of the magazine also contains its usual reviews of vehicles and we have driven the new Hyundai Verna which seems to have just got better. As for the Mini Cooper D, we tested it on a go kart track and ended up having lots of fun. The Mercedes-Benz CLA 200, we drove, made us realise that this German company never compromises on the chic factor!

The B2B section of the magazine has its fair share of corporate news and technology developments. The cover report is on Tata Motors T1 Prima truck racing championship and how it is bound to promote truck racing in India in a major way. Like always, Tata Motors is ahead of the race in whatever it does!

March is the season of colours and I take this opportunity to wish my readers a wonderful Holi!

www.facebook.com/MotownIndia @MotownIndia

Editor

EDITOR P. Tharyan -----------------------------------News Coordinator Jisha P Senior Photographer Mohd. Nasir Correspondents Joshua David Luther, Rahul Kapoor S. Madhavan, Tripti Singh, Jasbeer Kohli Web Correspondents Avdesh Kumar, Seema Paul ------------------------------------------For Editorial contact editorial@motownindia.com editorial.motown@gmail.com ------------------------------------------For Marketing & Sales contact Jisha P - Head-Operations Joshua David Luther - Manager Business Strategy (advertising.motown@gmail.com / +91-9958125645, 9811097399) ------------------------------------------For Accounts Contact Ankit Sharma (ankit@motownindia.com / +91-9654005547) ------------------------------------------For Circulation & Subscription Contact Dalip Singh Bagdwal (subscription@motownindia.com / +91-9811305822) ------------------------------------------Editorial Delhi Office 145 B/9, First Floor, Kishangarh, Next to United Free Church, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070, Tel: 011-26122758/59, Tele Fax: 011-26122757 ------------------------------------------Distributed By Central News Agency, New Delhi ------------------------------------------EDITORIAL CONTENT The publisher makes every effort to ensure that the contents in the magazine are correct. However, he can accept no responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions. Any unauthorised reproduction of Motown India content is strictly forbidden.

------------------------------------------Motown India is printed, published, edited and owned by Punnoose Tharyan and published from 4058 / D-4, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110070.

Printed at Pearl Printers, C-105, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase 1, New Delhi.

------------------------------------------This issue of Motown India magazine contains 84 pages including both covers.

------------------------------------------Editorial Advisors Salil Sharma, Alexander .T & Annie Jacob

March 2015 I 3

Contents B2C SECTION

PAGES 6-66

22

MOTORSPORT SPECIAL

120TH EDITION OF MAHINDRA GREAT ESCAPE NEWS

MOTORSPORT

40

WHEELZ & ROADZ

10

Hyundai i20 Active crossover; First renderings revealed

31

Dakar Rally Champion enthralls Pune-ites

44

New Hyundai Verna

12

EXCLUSIVE: Mitsubishi Delica for India likely

32

BAJA SAEINDIA 2015

48

BMW Mini Cooper D

16

Limited Edition Suzuki Hayabusa Z for 16.20 lakh

34

India Bike Week 2015

52

Mercedes-Benz CLA 200

B2B SECTION NEWS

72

BMW India to source components from Indian suppliers

72

Force Motors expands plant capacity in Pune

73

Safexpress inaugurates new logistics parks across India

74

UNO MINDA ties up with Japanese Co. for alloy wheels

76

Audi develops chairless chairs in production plants

4 I March 2015

PAGES 67-82

67

COVER STORY T1 PRIMA TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP

71

UNION BUDGET 2015-16 HIGHLIGHTS

INDIA NEWS

BMW i8, a high performance plug-in hybrid to cost 2.29 crore

B

MW Group India finally introduced the new sub-brand BMW i in India with the launch of the BMW i8, the most progressive sports car of its time, at an exclusive event in Mumbai. Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar was present at the launch along with Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India. This first plug-in hybrid vehicle from the sub-brand BMW i, the BMW i8 will cost 2.29 crore (all India ex-showroom price) and will be available at BMW i dealerships in Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai as a CBU (Completely Built-Up) unit.

The BMW i8 is available in four variants : Ionic Silver

6 I March 2015

with BMW i Blue accent, Protonic Blue with Frozen Grey metallic accent, Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect with BMW i Blue accent and Crystal White Pearl Effect with BMW i Blue accent.

The BMW i8 features a completely new sports car design that includes comprehensive, sophisticated aerodynamics features and environment friendly materials. The extremely broad BMW kidney grille stretches over to the slim headlights, accentuating the width of the BMW i8 and its road-focused stance.

Highlights such as the handle-free ‘scissor’ doors and strongly expressive LED headlights reveal at first glance a compelling vision of the future – today.

The interior of the BMW i8 takes its cue from the fluid, dynamic exterior with a reprise of the layered surfaces that underpin the unique design of this car. Every feature in the cockpit is systematically focused on the driver. The centre console

is angled towards the driver at twelve degrees, putting all displays, instruments and controls in their direct line of sight.

The intelligent plug-in hybrid system in the BMW i8 combines the benefits of an electric motor and a petrol engine into an extraordinary driving experience: highest efficiency and maximum dynamics are simultaneously possible. The electric drive, a powerful 131 hp lithium-ion battery, is located on the front axle. The rear axle is driven by BMW TwinPower Turbo 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with 231 hp of peak performance.

The petrol engine combined with the electrical boost of the hybrid system guarantees typical BMW driving pleasure.

INDIA NEWS Premium pricing for new 4S FLUIDIC VERNA starts at 7.73 lakh Hyundai’s spanking new 4 S Verna sedan with its premium looks and feel is being offered at a price starting 7.73 lakh for the base petrol version. The price of the diesel car has been pegged at 8.94 lakh onward.

The company launched the all-new 4S Fluidic Verna in the Capital on February 18, 2015 in the presence of BS Seo, MD and CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL).

The new Verna will be available in 10 variants with choice of Manual Transmission and Automatic Transmission— Five variants in Diesel and 5 in Petrol. The 4S fluidic Verna will be available in 5 colours.

Given below are the prices (ex showroom Delhi) First introduced in the year 2006, Hyundai Verna is sold in 66 countries and has over 2.3 million customers across the world.

The all- new 4S Fluidic Verna Hyundai 4 S Verna

is targeted at the mid high segment car market and is a sophisticated, premium, stylish and safe World Sedan.

BS Seo, MD and CEO, HMIL said “The launch of the all- new 4S Fluidic Verna marks Hyundai’s success as a premium car manufacturer winning customers’ love and trust globally. We aim to be the most loved, trusted and caring car manufacturer in India offering class-leading Hyundai experience to the aspirational Indian customer. As the most caring brand, the new Verna is a result of human engineering to contribute to the brilliant moments of our customers’ life.

Alongside its stunning fluidic design and technological finesse

1.4

1.6 S

enhances driver and passenger comfort.”

The car has been tested in the harsh conditions of Death ValleyUSA to freezing conditions in Russia, to treacherous conditions of China to the Frozen Lake of Sweden. Qualifying the Global Safety Test, receiving high 5-star ratings from N-CAP worldwide, has made Verna the safest midsize car. 4S Fluidic Verna has also been rated “Good” by US government insurance institute

1.6 S (0)

1.6 S (0) AT

for Highway safety.

The new 4S fluidic Verna is equipped with the most powerful yet efficient powertrain and is available with a choice of 2 petrol (Gamma 1.4 & 1.6 MPI VTVT) and 2 Diesel (U2 1.4 CRDi & U2 1.6 CRDi VGT) engines.

The engineering excellence is achieved by the adoption of technologies like VGT, VTVT, and electronic throttle control, piston with diamond coating making the powertrain powerful and efficient.

1.6 SX

1.6 SX (AT)

Petrol

7,73,903

8,84,939

9,38,217

10,11,378

10,15,505

-

Diesel

8,94,910

9,99,900

10,59,241

-

11,46,581

12,19,720

8 I March 2015

INDIA NEWS

Hyundai i20 Active crossover; First renderings revealed With the crossover market becoming more and more competitive by the day, Hyundai has decided to go at it themselves now with the ‘i20 Active’. Hyundai Motor India has globally debuted the first renderings of the i20 Active which is set to launch in India in the month of March, 2015.

The crossover was designed at Hyundai Motor’s Design Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany based on Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture 2.0’ design language. Powered by the same 1.2L petrol engine and the 1.4L diesel the basic specifications of the i20 Active, we expect will remain sound from the Elite i20 which is currently in production in India.

Pricing will probably start around 6.5 lakh when compared to the competition. But for confirmation on more details, watch this space for a detailed review and the launch of the i20 Active soon.

New Volkswagen Jetta for 14.15 lakh onward Volkswagen has launched the new Jetta for the Indian market at a starting price of 14.15 lakh (ex showroom Delhi). The Jetta comes fitted with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) and six air-bags as standard equipment. The car comes with two engine options. These are the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, and a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit. The car is available in three trim levels—Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. The top-ofthe-line Jetta 2.0 TDI, in ‘Highline’ trim, comes fitted with a 6-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission. This transmission provides the best of both worlds – optimum engine performance for sporty driving, as well as high levels of fuel efficiency. In fact, the new Jetta’s 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, with its 140hp and 320Nm of torque, not only provides good performance, but also decent fuel economy at up to 19.33kmpl. The new Jetta’s 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 122 horsepower and 200Nm of torque, also returns 14.69kmpl and remains a choice for customers who insist on a responsive petrol engine. The new Jetta’s lines reflect the best of European design ethos – subtle, sophisticated and understated.

Mahindra XUV500 Xclusive edition for 14.48 lakh Indian SUV major Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), has launched an XUV500 Xclusive Edition built on its current top end variant, the W8. The vehicle is priced at 14.48 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai). The XUV500 Xclusive Edition comes packed with a host of premium, luxury features such as electric sunroof, convenient reverse camera, voice messaging system, sporty aluminium pedals, stylish grey alloy wheels, 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat (optional), illuminated scuff plates and anti- pinch driver window. Only 700 vehicles of this limited edition will be produced. The ‘XUV500 Xclusive Edition’ will be available on the W8 model of the XUV500 and it will continue to have the wide array of features of the W8 such as: PERFORMANCE: 140bhp (103Kw) mHawk engine with 330Nm torque and a 6-speed transmission, 5th Generation Variable Geometry Turbocharger Technology: 6” (15cm) touch screen Infotainment System with GPS, DVD, CD, MP3, FM, USB, iPod connectivity; Driver Information System, Micro Hybrid technology; Fully Automatic Temperature Control with dual HVAC; Static-bending projector headlamps with LED parking lights; Voice Commands, Cruise & Audio Controls on steering wheel; Smart Rain & Light sensors; Tyretronics (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System); intellipark (Reverse Parking Assist System); Power-foldable and adjustable ORVMs SAFETY: 6 Airbags (front, side and curtain), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Rollover Mitigation, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Hill Hold Control and Hill Descent Control

10 I March 2015

INDIA NEWS

Refreshed Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire (Diesel) gives 26.59 kmpl

Maruti Suzuki, known for their extremely fuel efficient cars for the mass market in the country, has unveiled the refreshed edition of its bestseller DZire with over 13pc improved fuel efficiency. The car is priced at 5,07,800 onwards. The new DZire is being introduced in four new body colours and will be available in both, petrol and diesel fuel options. The new DZire now returns a mileage of 26.59 kmpl on diesel, up by around 13pc. The petrol trim comes with a fuel efficiency improvement of over 9pc with a certified fuel efficiency of 20.85 kmpl ( as certified by Test Agency under Rule 115 of CMVR 1989).

Petrol Variants

Mitsubishi Delica for India likely SCOOP Mitsubishi Motors India along with their technical partners Hindustan Motor Finance Corporation (HMFC) is considering and also testing the Delica multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) for the Indian market to take on vehicles like the popular Toyota Innova in the MPV space. Though no firm confirmation has been made on its introduction, HMFCL Chief Executive Officer P. Vijayan hinted that the vehicle is being considered for the Indian roads. He refused to give details.

Built by Mitsubishi Motors since 1968, this vehicle got its name from ‘Delivery Car’, since the vehicle was more like a small pickup truck originally. The most recent version is the Delica D:5 which is a pure passenger vehicle on the lines of the Innova. Since January 2013 the vehicle is available with a clean diesel engine. The vehicle sold in Indonesia has an overall length of 4730mm, an overall width of 1795mm, a height of 1850mm and a wheelbase of 2850mm. The vehicle has a ground clearance of 190mm, something which hard core SUVs have. The vehicle has a kerb weight of 1685 kg and can seat seven people comfortably. It has a turning radius of 5.7metres.

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi has decided that it would only be focussing on the Indian Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment. Currently Mitsubishi has a technical collaboration with Hindustan Motors to manufacture Mitsubishi vehicles in India at the latter’s plant in Tiruvallur in Tamil Nadu.

12 I March 2015

Ex showroom Delhi prices (`)

Diesel Variants

Ex showroom Delhi prices (`)

LXi

5,07,883

LDi

5,99,523

LXi (O)

5,20,147

VDi

6,85,097

VXi

5,85,000

ZDi

7,81,000

ZXi

6,80,000

GM India to launch Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV in 2015, Spin MPV in 2016 GM India has announced that it will introduce the Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV in 2015 and Spin multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in 2016. The news was originally shared with GM India dealers during their annual meeting in Bangkok on February 13.

In a press release, Arvind Saxena, president and managing director, General Motors India noted that “GM India’s focus is on significantly expanding its presence in the Indian market by enriching its products, quality and the entire purchasing experience.” “Our dealers are a big part of ensuring that Chevrolet builds customers for life,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Trailblazer is currently being sold in some of the Southeast Asian countries, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. It is sold in Australia as the Holden Colorado. The vehicle is powered by a powerful Duramax Diesel engine. One is a 2.5 litre engine, while the other is a 2.8 litre engine. The SUV comes with a whole range of luxury features.

The Chevrolet Spin, on the other hand is a Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) engineered and produced by Chevrolet in Brazil, Indonesia and Thailand. In Thailand it is a full six-seater subcompact (B-segment in Thailand) MPV designed to offer space, comfort, versatility, efficiency and superior ride and handling in an edgy, contemporary and muscular package.

INDIA NEWS

Mercedes-Benz new C-Class diesel for 39.90 lakh

Mercedes-Benz India has launched the new C-Class in its diesel variant. MercedesBenz also commenced the local production of the new C-Class petrol at its plant in Chakan, near Pune in the state of Maharashtra.

The petrol variant of the new C-Class was introduced last year as a CBU in the country.

The new C 220 CDI Style diesel is priced at 39.90 lakh, and the new C 220 CDI Avantgarde diesel is priced at 42.90 lakh (prices ex-showroom Delhi) and available for sales in dealerships across the country.

The new C 200 Avantgarde petrol (CKD) is priced at 40.90 lakh (prices ex-showroom

Delhi) and available for sales in dealerships across the country.

The new C 220 CDI Avantgarde and the new C 200 Avantgarde (CKD) were launched by Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India and Piyush Arora, Executive Director, Operations, Mercedes-Benz India at Mercedes-Benz India’s Centre of Excellence in Pune. The diesel variants of the new C-Class will be available as completely built units only.

The new C-Class’ 4-cylinder diesel engine is the most fuel efficient in the segment with a fuel efficiency of 19.27 km per litre. It has a large fuel tank capacity of 66 litres. The engine

also boasts of ECO start/stop function which helps in saving fuel and reducing emissions.

The engine produces around 168 bhp at 3000-4200 rpm with a maximum torque of 400 Nm between 1400-2800 rpm, which is highest in the segment. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 233 kmph.

At a touch of the Drive Mode Selector, drivers can choose between Comfort, Economy, Sport, Sport+, or Individual driving modes. Parameters such as the engine, transmission and steering characteristics are adjusted according to the selected transmission mode. In

the ‘Sport and Sport+’ modes the driver can experience added agility and dynamism, thanks to a more direct characteristic steering curve, spontaneous throttle response and modified shift points, providing an exciting and engaging driving experience.

Kern said, “With the launch of the C 220 CDI we now present the complete portfolio of the new generation C-Class to our Indian customers. The commencement of the local production of the new C 200 Avantgarde petrol within three months of its India debut, reiterates our commitment of providing our customers fascinating products which are made in India.”

of Amaze has been specially tuned during production for CNG compatibility by way of optimising the suspension, application of CNG specific engine components

and specially prepared wiring harnesses to ensure high level of quality. The new variant will come with a 2-year warranty as standard value for all buyers.

Honda Amaze CNG kit for additional 54,315 Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL) has launched its CNG-ready variant of the Honda Amaze. The new variant Amaze 1.2 S MT Plus (i-VTEC) is modified petrol Honda Amaze which is compatible for CNG fuel option. While the price of the 1.2 MT Plus (i-Vtec) Honda Amaze is 5,99,585 ex-showroom Delhi, the cost of the CNG kit including installation is 54,315.

The Honda Amaze was launched in 2013 and to date has

14 I March 2015

sold over 1.30 lakh vehicles in the country and the new variant with bi-fuel option of Petrol/ CNG is being offered in the market to meet the needs of customers who are looking for an alternate fuel vehicle with high performance and low running cost. The Honda approved CNG kit will be fitted to the new variant 1.2 S MT Plus (i-VTEC) at Honda dealerships located in cities where CNG fuel is available in the country. This CNG ready variant

INDIA NEWS

Limited Edition Suzuki Hayabusa Z for 16.20 lakh Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL) will introduce limited units of its legendary superbike – the Hayabuza Z. The Hayabusa Z will be priced at 16,20,000 (exshowroom, Delhi) - only 25,000 higher than the regular model, as a special and limited period offer. The Hayabusa Z customers will also receive special gifts on purchase of the motorcycle. These include a scale model (1:48)

of the legendary Yoshimura Hayabusa X1 and a racing calendar acknowledging the biker’s passion. The Limited Edition will benefit from the legendary Yoshimura exhaust “Yoshimura Slip–On R-77J Carbon End Exhaust”. The limited edition motorcycle will be available in two colors – the Pearl Vigor Blue/Metallic Mystic Silver (ASU) and Pearl Bracing White/ Metallic Mystic Silver (ARA).

Biking aficionados will know what the Yoshimura Slip - On can do for their mean machine. It gives the superbike that defining competitive edge. It features a trapezoidal design, which allows a large volume of packing material and in turn delivers top performance.

The R-77 muffler’s front cap is MIG-welded, while the end cap is riveted, using high-end 304-L polished stainless steel rivets and bands.

HMSI new launches On February 04, 2015 Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) launched their new Activa 3G for 48,852 (ex-showroom Delhi). Alongside the Activa 3G were also three refreshed 2015 editions of the Honda Dream Yuga, Dream Neo and the Dio Moto-Scooter. HMSI also unveiled the updated version of the CB Shine which gets new styling and design.

Honda also announced its aggressive business strategy for the Indian market which they consider to be a crucial part of their global strategy. Keita Muramatsu, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “India’s contribution reached 25pc of global Honda motorcycle sales this year. India has been and will continue to be Honda’s priority market globally.” The company announced the introduction of 15 new models in just one year and has plans to invest approximately 1,600 crore for 2015-16. Yadvinder S Guleria, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, HMSI said, “Honda will surprise Indian customers across scooter and motorcycle segments in 2015. Starting with the launch of new CB Unicorn 160 in January’15, Honda has re-activated the Indian two-wheeler market with 6 new offerings in just 2 months. The new Activa 3G launched today takes the Activa legacy further with new generation styling while new CB Shine boasts of refreshed styling with new features like refined HET engine and CBS (Optional). We are also introducing additional collection of colour and graphics in Dream Yuga and Dream Neo mass motorcycles. Also getting trendy graphics and sporty logo is the Dio moto-scooter which will surely excite the youngsters and grab their attention.”

16 I March 2015

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GLOBAL NEWS

McLaren 675LT, a light weight champion The McLaren 675LT will make its world debut at the 85th Geneva Motor Show, with a clear focus on performance, light weight and ultimate levels of driver engagement – all key attributes of a McLaren ‘Longtail’. Offered as a Coupé only, the 675LT will be the most trackfocused, yet road legal, model in the McLaren Super Series, with a power to weight ratio that eclipses established rivals, said a press release from McLaren. The sprint from 0-100 km/h takes just 2.9 seconds, with controlled torque delivery ensuring optimised traction off the line. Acceleration continues at relentless pace with the 200 km/h barrier broken in 7.9 seconds, on to a top speed of 330 km/h.

The first images of the car demonstrate a more aggressive look for the McLaren brand than has been seen before. Styling cues run from the extended carbon fibre front splitter, through an extended door blade and additional cooling intake, to the circular twin titanium exhaust pipes, giving a hint to the performance available for the most powerful and lightest model in the McLaren Super Series. The active ‘Longtail’ Airbrake is 50 percent bigger than the one fitted to the 650S yet, due its carbon fibre structure, is actually lighter. This is just one of the enhancements that add up to a dry weight of just 1,230kg.

Aston Martin’s fire Audi presents second snorting Vulcan revealed generation R8 sports car Aston Martin has finally revealed their fire snorting, ear drum exploding, “track only” X-rated monster, the Vulcan. Aston will physically unveil the car for its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3, 2015. The Vulcan is Aston Martin’s “most intense and exhilarating creation” ever. Powered by an Aston Martin’s signature naturally aspirated V12 but with 7.0 litres at disposal, the engine will produce 800-plus bhp which makes it the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in the world. The Vulcan is made completely from carbon fibre. The Vulcan will be produced in limited numbers of only 24 examples worldwide.

CEO Dr. Andy Palmer said: “Aston Martin Vulcan is, by its very nature, a rare and thrilling supercar. Designed and engineered to deliver a genuinely bespoke driving experience that draws on our rich heritage, this car tailors its power and handling to both the capabilities of the driver and the characteristics of the track. A sports car for true sports car lovers, I believe the Aston Martin Vulcan – and the unique ownership programme that sits behind it – sets a whole new standard in the ultra-high luxury supercar class.” Palmer concluded: “We have already received strong interest from the customers we have spoken to about Aston Martin Vulcan. The cars will blend our traditional Aston Martin values of Power, Beauty and Soul with an unrivalled ownership experience.”

Inspired by motorsports and designed by Aston Martin’s design Director Marek Reichman with his team and styled entirely in-house, and the most powerful V12 engine in the world, mated to rear mid mounted Xtrac six-speed sequential shift gearbox was developed in conjugation with Aston Martin Racing, this front mid-engined, rearwheel drive sports car draws extensively on the company’s glorious GT motorsport experience.

18 I March 2015

At the Geneva Motor Show, Audi is presenting the second generation of its high-performance R8 sports car. The V10 mid-engine and a newly developed quattro drive ensure great driving performance with 610 hp, achieving 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.2 seconds. Its top speed is 330 kmph. A high-revving mid-engine with superior performance, a consistently lightweight construction concept and an extremely dynamic chassis with quattro drive system and fully variable torque control – this is what makes the R8 the sporty spearhead of Audi.

The 5.2 FSI is available in two versions: one with 540 hp and another sporting 610 hp. A 7-speed S tronic transmission and a newly developed quattro drive system transmit the power to the road.

The top model R8 V10 plus has a dry weight of 1,454 kilograms.

Despite a lot of extra equipment and greater rigidity, the new Audi R8 weighs up to 50 kilograms less than its predecessor. The multimaterial Audi Space Frame (ASF) ensures low weight and optimum axle load distribution. The combination of aluminum and carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) in the Audi Space Frame opens up new dimensions with regard to weight, rigidity and crash behavior. The aerodynamic underbody which integrates a long diffuser boosts downforce. The chassis, too, with its double wishbone suspension demonstrates how close the new Audi R8 is to motorsport.

A visual distinguishing feature which also provides enhanced safety comes in the form of the standard LED headlights. In the new Audi virtual cockpit, the displays are digital. The most important controls are grouped together in button clusters on the steering wheel, also known as satellites. In the interior, the driver has the impression of sitting in a race car.

GLOBAL NEWS

The very last Veyron from Bugatti sold If you have a few million dollars or euros lying around the house and you have been contemplating on buying a Bugatti Veyron, we are sorry to tell you that it’s too late. The 450th… the very last Veyron has been sold to a man in the Middle East. It was a Grand Sport Vitesse.

Going back in time, it was on December 5, 2013 that Bugatti had sold its 400th Veyron. The production run of the Veyron and its variants was limited to just 450 models. Between December 2013 and February 2015, the company managed to sell the remaining 50 Veyrons. The 400th Veyron was a Grand Sport Vitesse and was again bought by

a customer in the Middle East.

When Volkswagen announced they will build a Bugatti which will have a thousand horse powers and will go to 400+kmph, how the world laughed and said it can never be done. Then in 2005 when Volkswagen introduced the Veyron and said it can’t be done but we did it anyway, the world was left awestruck.

With the help of two V8 engines mounted in the middle, the 8.0 litre, 16 cylinder engine with 10 radiators, 64 valves and 4 turbo chargers mated to a VW 7-speed DSG gearbox (developed by Ricardo) produced 200bhp. The acceleration from 0-100kmph of the Veyron was recorded to be 2.5 seconds and a world

record holding top speed of 431kmph for any production car to date. The final Veyron ‘chassis number 450’ named “La Finale” was ordered in the form of the Grand Sport Vitesse by a Middle Eastern rich bloke. The “La Finale” will be displayed at the Geneva Motor Show from March 5 to 15, 2015 alongside the first Veyron ‘Chassis no. 1’ that left the production line ten years ago.

“In the Veyron, Bugatti has created an automobile icon and established itself as the world’s most exclusive supercar brand,” says Wolfgang Dürheimer, President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. “An unprecedented chapter in automobile history has reached its climax,” he added.

The average price of the Veyron sold recently amounted to 2.3 million euros reports Bugatti and the last one will probably be the first car in history to appreciate in terms of value when it leaves the production line and is delivered. If only VW made a profit out if this entire exercise…

Since its launch in 2005, Bugatti till 2013 sold all coupés that were limited to 300 – the Veyron 16.4 with 1000 bhp and the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport with 1200 bhp. By February 2015, the company had sold the remaining 150 roadsters: the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport with 1,001bhp and the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse with 1200 bhp.

Chevrolet’s 2015 Colorado GearOn Special Edition In the US of A, Chevrolet has introduced the 2015 Colorado GearOn Special Edition, which blends the capability of the all-new midsize pickup truck with the versatility of the GearOn accessory system – and additional popular features.

The Colorado GearOn Special Edition is being offered on LT models in extended or crew cab configurations, with the long or short cargo bed and available 4WD. “Chevrolet Colorado answers the call for customers who have passions of all types and the GearOn accessory system enables them to bring more adventure wherever they go,” said Tony Johnson, Colorado Marketing Manager.

March 2015 I 19

GLOBAL NEWS

Now a G 500 4x4² from Mercedes-Benz The developers with the Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6x6 are now stepping up a gear with the G 500 4x4². So what’s the recipe? Simple, they take the superior all-wheel-drive powertrain including portal axles from the 6x6 – take away one axle – and blend it all with a newly-developed variable chassis and the series-production G-Class body. A large pinch of V8 power with massive 422 hp, a set of 22-inch 325/55 R 22-sized wheels, carbon-fibre body parts and then just gourmet ingredients from the seductive designo Exclusive range for the interior – and the 5-star menu for all offroad enthusiasts is ready.

A new addition to the extreme

20 I March 2015

G-Class model family: the G 63 AMG 6x6 has a model brother in the form of the G 500 4x4².

For off road enthusiasts, this is pure undiluted thrill. The series-production models of the G-Class supply the unshakeable foundations in the form of the body and laddertype frame, which compensate for the considerably increased performance of the G 500 4x4² without any problem and also without any type of reinforcements. The G 63 AMG 6x6 donates an amended version of the ruggedly determined permanent all-wheel-drive powertrain with portal axles. The engine compartment houses a completely new V8 engine with a

displacement of four litres, direct injection and biturbocharging.

Also new is the chassis with dual spring/damper struts and adjustable damping. Finally, in the interior, the G 500 4x4² occupants enjoy comfort and an ambience at par with a luxury saloon.

NEW ENGINE OFFERS V8 BITURBO POWER The 4.0 litre V8 biturbo engine in the G 500 4x4² stands out for its sublime power delivery, the targeted lightweight construction, as well as its high efficiency. The newly developed eight-cylinder features twin turbochargers which are not mounted on the outside of the

cylinder banks but rather inside the V configuration – what is known as the ‘hot inside V’. The advantages lie in the compact engine design, the optimum response and the low exhaust gas emissions. The piezo direct petrol injection used exclusively at Mercedes-Benz is responsible for the mixture formation. The spray-guided combustion process has been enhanced in the third generation to meet all future statutory requirements.

In series production, the highly efficient and economical 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine would meet the Euro 6 emission standard, including the maximum particulate emissions level that will not take effect until 2016.

GLOBAL NEWS

Yamaha introduces Special Edition Vmax Carbon It was way back in 1985 that the original Yamaha VMAX was launched. The VMAX then added a whole new dimension to the motorcycle marketplace. One could only admire its brutal drag-bike inspired styling and awesome acceleration. It offered customers the chance to experience a new level of performance. Not only that, but the VMAX was also instrumental in firing the imagination of a new generation of custom builders all over the world.

Now, to mark 30 years since the arrival of the original VMAX, Yamaha’s Sport Heritage range is strengthened with the introduction of the exclusive VMAX Carbon.

Based on the current 1,679cc 200bhp V4 model, this iconic special edition combines outstanding muscle bike performance with cutting edge style, a press release from Yamaha stated. For the time being, as expected, the bike will be available in the global markets and not in India.

JvB-moto celebrates 30 Years of VMAX with Yard Built ‘INFRARED’ The year 2015 is a very special year for the legendary Yamaha VMAX as it celebrates its 30-year anniversary. To mark the special occasion Yamaha has formed a new collaboration in the Yard Built world with cult German builder JvB-moto to create a fitting tribute to the iconic VMAX. And

boy, what a look, the VMAX has donned!

The Cologne based custom builder is a long-time fan of the VMAX, and credits the machine as one of the sparks that ignited his passion in motorcycles at the age of 15 in 1985. Starting at the front end, a custom-made

aluminium mudguard sits below a JvB-moto signature style custom carbon fibre headlight unit integrated into the front forks and Motogadget indicators above custom carbon wheel covers.

Modified aftermarket clip-on bars add the café racer element and the rider looks down on an

authentic American dragster rev counter by Autometer.

A beautiful custom carbon tank cover sits over a heavily modified airbox and electrics and is complemented by special air intake scoops crafted from stock aluminium units taken from the original 80’s VMAX.

March 2015 I 21

MOTORSPORT

MOTORSPORT IN INDIA

AN ARDUOUS JOURNEY Report: RAHUL KAPOOR / Photography: MOHD. NASIR & RAHUL KAPOOR Inputs: MOTOWN INDIA ARCHIVES & INTERVIEWS, FMSCI

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Motorsport legend late Sundaram Karivardhan (extreme right)

T

hough India has always been a cricketing nation ever since the sport was first documented in the country in 1918, motorsport too has had its share of fame and glory in the country. The first ever motorsport event was held in India in 1904. Despite this lead, motorsport has always lagged big time in the country while cricket has dominated Indian hearts, minds, offices and homes.

Ever since Karl Benz invented motorised transport in 1885, people have started racing their cars and soon it became a sport, more commonly known as Motorsport. Anything fitted with an internal combustion engine (now even electric motors) were used to race, be it cars, motorcycles, trucks, Go Karts or Shopping Karts!

Genesis of Motorsport in India Motorsport started off in India with a rally held by the Bengal Automobile Association in Calcutta on August 28, 1904. Following that a rally from Delhi to Bombay was organised between December 26, 1904 and January 2, 1905, with

the consent from Lord Cuzren, the Viceroy, by the Motor Union of Western India. The journey covered 1303 kms where only amateur drivers were allowed.They drove wooden Rolls Royce’s and old Fords which were owned by the Maharajas. Different class winners were awarded trophies and the car that arrived in Bombay in the best condition was given a special prize. All drivers were escorted by an observer who would record the number of stops made on the route. The driver with the least amount of unauthorised stops made was declared the winner.

In the early days there were no rules, no governing body, no safety regulations, no national competitions, no prize money, and no professional drivers. With World War I and II, motor racing was severely affected. But when the smoke from the cannons and guns cleared, a small light at the end of the tunnel was visible in the form of several abandoned airstrips in different parts of the country. These airstrips were then converted into race tracks.

Barakpur, Juhu, Sholavaram and Yellahanka all became well known racing tracks in India.

Experience Motorsport Thrills at

Vicky Chandhok (L) during his heydays Eventually many motorsport clubs were born around the country. The very first of them was the Calcutta Motorsports Club (CMSC) established in 1949, followed by the Madras Motorsports Club (MMSC) in 1952, the Mumbai Motorsports Club in 1954 and the Karnataka Motorsports Club (KMSC).

This was great for motorsport but eventually a stroke of lightning came down on the dreams of motorsport in India when in the 60s most of the airstrips which were converted for racing started to be taken over to become air bases for the armed forces. But somehow though, motorsport survived, especially in the southern and eastern part of the country.

But still the problem which annoyed all competitors who competed in rallies and races across the country remained.

Every motorsport club had its own set of rules and regulations and all of them had different requirements.

This posed a huge problem for competitors who prepared their car for one rally organised by a certain club but when they went to a different event organised by a different club, the cars didn’t

meet the new set of regulations or points systems. Then in 1971, the Madras Motor Sports Club, the Bangalore Motor Sports Club, the Calcutta Motor Sports Club, the Coimbatore Auto Sports Club and the Indian Automotive Racing Club decided to end this confusion and joined hands together to form the Federation of Motor Sports Club of India, better known as FMSCI. FMSCI became the first national governing body for motor racing and rallying in India and was registered as a private limited company. In 1979, the affiliation with the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) was concluded and the same with the Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme in 1986.

FMSCI is now recognised by the Government of India as the sole authority to control and conduct motorsport events in the country.

In 1972, an FIA sanctioned rally was held to commemorate the silver jubilee of India’s independence. The 7000km long All India Motor Rally based on the Monte Carlo rally attracted 120 entrants from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. The interesting bit was that they were

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motorsport

Hari Singh (L) all heading to Nagpur but no one knew the route from Mumbai to Nagpur barring three people.

In 1980, motorsport in India saw international participation with the Himalayan Rally. Sponsored by Air India, the Madras Motorsports club and IARC in collaboration with Nazir Hoosein and his experience from the East African Safari, the first Himalayan Rally was held. All didn’t go quite as they all hoped it would as the rally was organised in the midst of one of the darkest times in postindependence in India. Due to the elections and riots, the rally drivers along the route to the Himalayas were confronted with stones pelted at their cars. Nazir Hoosein requested Indira Gandhi, then Prime Minister of India, to kindly provide security to the competing drivers. After some persuasion, an agreement was made and security was provided after an incident where two women drivers were man-handled along the rally route.

The rally concluded safely and successfully with the presence of Indira Gandhi at the awards ceremony where she promised co-operation for the rallies in the subsequent years. After some years of the Himalayan rally, due to internal clashes between the organisers, the rally faded away.

Corporate involvement in Indian motorsport No sporting event anywhere in the world can progress without the active participation of business

Sanjay Sharma with Tutu Dhawan houses. The Indian motorsport space too attracted a lot of Indian corporates who loosened their purse strings to encourage motorsport in India. The names to reckon with include tyre majors like JK Tyre & Industries Ltd and MRF. Car companies like Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar, Mahindra & Mahindra, Volkswagen, Hyundai India, Tata Motors and Force Motors are among the several Indian corporates actively participating in different types of motorsport activity in India.

Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd says that JK Tyres involvement with motorsport in India began in 1980 with the advent of the Himalayan Car Rally also known as the Himalayan Raid which was organised those days with the help of the Indian Army.

Dr. Singhania had an agenda on his mind for JK Tyre. One was to bring motorsport to common people, the masses and the youth and to take Indian motorsport to the global stage, both which Dr. Singhania believes have been achieved.

The biggest hurdle for motorsport, according to Dr. Singhania was that it was perceived by people as a rich man’s sport and JK Tyre was adamant to correct that notion in India. When one talks of JK Tyre and its involvement with motorsport, one name comes to the fore, that of Sanjay Sharma, Head of Motorsport in the

company. Sharma a.k.a Hardy has been instrumental in guiding his company JK Tyre in motorsport, so much so that several Indian international drivers owe their success to Hardy’s efforts in encouraging them in their early stages of their racing careers.

In the 1970s and 1980s when

Hardy went rallying as a co-driver with RK Dhawan a.k.a Tutu (a former car rallyist and now a car restorer of repute and an auto industry expert), there were no sponsors. Later JK Tyre started sponsoring Hardy around 1980. At a time when no car manufacturer dared to venture into motorsport

Dr. Raghupati Singhania of JK Tyre

March 2015 I 25

motorsport in India, JK Tyre roped in Hardy for a venture that had no clue how to navigate through. In 1993, JK approached Hardy and started brainstorming on how to promote motorsport in the country.

Though the Himalayan Raid pulled down its shutters in 1992 due to internal politics, the Himalayan rally was ahead of its time for India as a sporting event.

The problem with the sport was that it did not touch the lives of a common man and unless it did, the sport could not have a large following in India. Cricket made its way because it was accessible to everyone, and did not require a loan from a bank to participate.

Picture courtesy: FIA Formula E

26 I March 2015

JKs mission was to bridge the accessibility to the common man.

But how that was to be done had to be planned meticulously Hardy along with three other key people planned a strategy.

The four consisted of late Sundaram Karivardhan, Vicky Chandhok and Hari Singh while Hardy was the guy with the money from JK Tyre. Karivardhan or Kari as he was called was a wealthy industrialist and is still a legend in Indian motorsport. The circuit in Coimbatore, the Kari Motor Speedway is christened in his honour. Apart from being a formula car racer, Kari was a technical person who designed

several race cars. Unfortunately, Kari was killed in a plane crash at the age of 41 in 1995.

Kari helped the team with technology. In 1992, he built the first single-seater Formula Maruti car called the FISSME (Formula India Single Seater with Maruti Engine). Vicky Chandhok had connections with people in and out of the country. Chandhok (a former rallyist and former FMSCI President, he is now with Madras Motor Sports Club) played a key role in making things accessible to the team alongside racing. Hari Singh was the rally driver who the team betted on and discovered his true potential as a driver.

The team thought it was best to start with rallying. From day 1 it was a company outfit. Cars were prepared, transported, maintained and serviced by the team. The driver just had to fly down, drive the vehicle with no accountability whatsoever. Practicing with international standards, JK Tyre and the team did this for six years and for all those six years, with Hari Singh at the wheel, the JK Tyre team was the Indian Rally Champion.

But then realisation dawned on them that somehow it wasn’t working as it was still not accessible to the common man.

The nuances in rallying are a bit

motorsport different. A rally starts from point ‘A’ in the morning and finishes at point ‘B’ in the evening. It can be another state or city. Then there is a cooling period of around two hours before provisional results were announced. By the time these results were announced it was well past 8 in the night. So technically speaking the Day 1 results were featuring on Day 3 in a newspaper. By this time the rally had moved ahead, a lot of things had happened. Also when a family would go to watch a rally at a particular venue there was no infrastructure that could be set up where the people could watch the rally at different stages.

One could not identify the driver except for the colour of the car.

One could not be part of the whole race and be involved and participate like the way one does whenthey go to watch a race or a soccer match or a cricket match. Rallying, thus had a limited following, because of these reasons.

At that point of time Hardy realised that no matter what they did, rallying could never become a viewer friendly and media friendly sport. The four men with JK’s mandate to bring motorsport to the masses shifted gears in the end of 1996 and discussed racing as an option.

The year 1997 was the birth year of the JK Tyre National Racing Championship which holds a world record of the longest running motorsport series by a single promoter. With 17 continuous years bagged, the 18th season is to begin soon in 2015. In the same year, JK Tyre introduced Go Karting in India by setting up seven circuits around the country to make it more accessible. One championship season had six rounds in a year.

It has various classes which run as part of these championships.

Earlier it used to run two classes: one was a single seater class known as Formula Maruti and

the other was a saloon class.

Both these classes in each round used to have two races each. The pattern has not changed. After 2005 more classes have come in.

The company started racing with cars made by Karivardhan that were powered by Maruti 800 cc engines. And it continued all the way till 2005. Saloon racing was also part of this because Esteems were part of this race, while Honda cars also came in later. There were two categories, one single-seater class and one saloon class. Single-seater had Formula Maruti cars. This went on till 2005. That year the company changed gears once again. That’s

March 2015 I 27

motorsport when it introduced three Formula cars. The car manufacturers joined in. Maruti upgraded their Formula Maruti to Formula Swift. Then there was Formula Hyundai. Then it had Rolon which was powered

by GM Chevy engines.

At the same time JK Tyre had its hands full promoting go karting in 1997 spending three years popularising this sport. The company encouraged families and kids to take part in this race.

It positioned this sport for anyone from eight years to eighty years.

That caught the fancy of a lot of people. Observations form Hardy led him to notice that every kid comes to the track escorted by someone or the other, be it their parents or grandparents, so Hardy also came up with a Senior Citizen category so they didn’t have to sit idle and could join in the fun.

Another observation by Hardy was that girls seemed to be lighter compared to boys which would make them faster around corners hence girls would always beat the boys.

The fruit of all that hard work to touch the lives of the common man finally came in 2008 when Saran Vikram, whose father was a mere humble mechanic, went on to win the National Racing Championship of India.

Meanwhile adventure sport has come up in a big way. Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalayas (a 7-day event), Suzuki Desert Storm (5-day event), Maruti’s Dakshin Dare (4-day event), two JK Tyre events, the Indo Bhutan Rally (5-day event), and the other is the JK Tyre Hornbill Rally (3-day event) which is held in Nagaland, all these have gained popularity in the country. These events have picked up big time. Here adventure takes precedence over speed. It

is all about how sturdy and strong your car is in some of the most demanding terrains of the country.

JK Tyre in 2014 also introduced a superbikes championship for the JK Tyre National Racing Championship series which was a major success. With Manmeet Singh winning the first ever championship at the Buddh International Circuit, the riders were allowed to use any motorcycle of any make as long as their riding gear is certified and motorcycles not specced up with more than 1000cc engines.

JK Tyre ropes in Volkswagen In 2011, JK Tyre as a part of their National Racing Championship

roped in Volkswagen to bring in their highly successful and international series the Polo Cup into India. Since then Volkswagen Motorsport under Sirish Vissa, a veteran of motorsport globally, has also brought about a huge improvement in motorsport in the country giving driver access to sponsors and helping in building drivers out of ordinary people.

The Polo Cup graduated to the Polo R cup which as of now has been discontinued after the 2014 season of the JK Tyre National Racing Championship.

From 2015 VW Motorsports has announced that the replacement for the Polo R cup will done by the more challenging and easier to drive Vento cars and it would be

called the Vento Cup. The overall champion of the VW series gets a fully sponsored season to drive in an international series hosted by Volkswagen.

Also in 2011, JK Tyre acquired Formula BMW in its entirety and brought the series to India, a full open wheel single seater series for young and aspiring drivers.

Powered by BMW motorcycle engines, the Formula BMW cars are identical just like the Polo and Ventos from Volkswagen. So only the best drivers who have the natural ability will progress and win.

MRF and motorsport: Motorsport has also been synonymous with MRF tyres in

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motorsport India. From rallying to racing to motocross or karting, MRF has been the pioneer for all forms of motorsport in India. MRF went all in, into the pot to offer facilities of international standards with the MRF Power House, a racetrack developed and owned by MRF. The modern racing facility was a boon to Indian motorsport especially for the ones who want to compete and see where they stand against international competition. MRF also uses the facility to test their tyres on the race track.

MRF has developed its own Formula car tyres, and has also developed world- class rally tyres for tarmac and dirt, motocross tyres and also FIA-CIK karting tyres. Today, the company caters to almost all segments of the tyre industry.

MRF Racing has two categories in India, Formula 1600 and Formula 2000. The Formula 1600 race car uses a 1.6L Ford Duratec petrol engine with a twin cam and 16 valves, producing 140bhp mated to a 5 speed sequential transmission.

The Formula 2000 car is another monster all together. Powered by 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder engines from Renault Sport developed in France, the engine produces 210bhp and 220Nm of torque and is limited to maximum rev of 7,500rpm mated to a 6 speed sequential gearbox. All mounted to a light weight carbon fibre chassis designed according to the FIA Formula 3 regulations.

Mahindra & Mahindra: With Gaurav Gill, the only Indian to compete and score points in WRC and APRC Champion, at the wheel, Mahindra has been victorious on numerous occasions in the Indian National Rally Championship. Team Mahindra Adventure using Super XUV500 rally cars secured the INRC title. But the real feather in the Mahindra motorsport cap is its involvement in the FIA Formula E Championship and the FIM MotoGP World Motorcycle Racing Championship.

Mahindra Racing is one of only ten teams - and the only Indian team - to compete in the inaugural FIA Formula E Championship. It was also the first Indian team to participate in the FIM MotoGP World Motorcycle Racing Championship series in 2011 and the Italian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (CIV) in 2012.

The newly developed Formula E series is the world’s first fully electric racing championship.

Commencing in September 2014 through to June 2015, it is being held in 10 of the world’s leading cities, including London, Beijing and Los Angeles. This revolutionary racing series will also serve as a framework for R&D around electric vehicles, accelerating general interest in these cars and promoting sustainability. Mahindra is the only

Indian car maker with a dedicated set up for electric cars. Mahindra Reva company manufacturers the Mahindra e2O car.

Mahindra Racing Formula E team is based at Donington Park in the UK. In 2014, Mahindra competed in its third year in the Moto3 class of MotoGP with its own 4-stroke, 250cc motorcycle: the Mahindra MGP3O, developed with Swiss firm Suter Racing Technology AG. Exciting Portuguese teenager Miguel Oliveira (19) was partnered in the team by Italian Andrea Migno (18), who replaced Australian Arthur Sissis after round 11 of 18.

The Mahindra MGP3O has taken three podium finishes in 2014, the first for Oliveira at the Dutch TT at Assen, while a customer Mahindra in the hands of South African Brad Binder finished third in Japan and second at the Sachsenring, a best ever result for the Indian motorcycle. The team´s historymaking first-ever podium came in 2013´s Malaysian Grand Prix.

Mahindra Racing recorded top-five finishes in 10 of the 17 rounds of the 2013 World Championship as well as a pole position, three circuit lap records and third in the Constructors´ rankings for

Mahindra.

In the competitive CIV Italian Championship, Mahindra Racing also enjoyed an impressive record having won the Constructors´ title in the 125 GP Class in 2012 and both the Constructors´ title and a one-two in the Riders´ championship in the Moto3 class in 2013.

Breaking new ground as an Indian constructor, Mahindra Racing supplied three ‘customer teams’ in the 2014 Moto3 World Championship.

Toyota TRD: Toyota’s TRD (Toyota Racing Development) has had huge success globally in motorsport since 1954 in Japan.

In 2013, while collaborating with MRF, Toyota decided to bring its TRD team to India and promote the sport and young drivers through Etios Motor Racing (EMR).

The EMR series is a single-make racing championship platform and the Toyota Etios cars are FIA qualified with racing parts supplied by TRD, and their technical expertise will be utilized throughout the series.

TRD works closely with Red Rooster Motorsports based out of Bangalore with former racing and rally driver Leelakrishnan as

March 2015 I 29

motorsport

mentor. Diljith TS was crowned the first EMR Champion in 2013 while Dean Mascanrenhas won the 2014 championship.

Tata Motors: In 2014, Tata motors upped the ante a little for Indian Motorsport when they introduced the T1 Prima Track Racing Championship in India.

A dream child of the late Karl Slym, Tata Motors invited drivers from the British Truck Racing Championship (BTRC) grid from UK featuring legends like Stuart Oliver and Matt Summerfield.

The event was held at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida and was a massive success.

In a few days from now, Season II of the race begins at the BIC.

Force Motors & RFC: Cougar Motorsport in 2014 brought along the international adventure rally, the toughest and the most gruesome Rain Forest Challenge (RFC) from Malaysia.

The first rally was held during monsoon in Goa and the Force Gurhka emerged victorious.

Cougar Motorsport confirmed that the RFC will return to Indian soil in July 2015.

Race tracks in India There are three major FIA regulated racing facilities in India for full throttle racing in India—two of them are in South India and one is at Great Noida, near Delhi, which is of course the mother of all circuits—the Buddh International F1 Circuit. Built in the 1980s the

30 I March 2015

Irungattukottai Race Track on the outskirts of Chennai is where the motor sport in India grew from.

The facility became India’s firstever FIA recognised race track and it was first used for racing in 1990 and has been the main breeding ground for the country’s top drivers including India’s only two Formula 1 drivers Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok.

With the full circuit laid out just over 3.7kms, featuring 12 turns, it hosts two major events at least every year. In November 2014, the Irungattukottai Race Track completed its renovation and gained an FIA Grade 2 mark to host events such as Indycar, World Endurance Championship, DTM and and GT Racing In 2003, in memory of the great S. Karivadhan, the Kari Motor Speedway was inaugurated. The second proper racing facility is located in Orratukuppai, Chettipalayam, Coimbatore and is trenched over 2.1kms based on a runway for power gliders. In 1990, the venue’s long straight was highly popular for drag racers with events organised by Spitfire Motorsports. The categories of races held on this facility are immensely diverse. Some major events like JK National Racing Championship, JK National Karting Championship, ROLON National Roadracing Championship, and Apex Racing Championship are held here. The facility is certified the CIK and FIA to host races up to Formula 3 category. A driver’s academy is also based out of Kari

Motor speedway with former F3 champion Akhbar Ebrahim while the track is also used by Tata Motors to test and develop their production vehicles.

At the dawn of the 21st centure the Calcutta Motorsports Club was in talks with the Formula 1 management team to bring Formula 1 to India.. Then in 2011, the Jaypee group inaugurated the first ever FIA certified Formula 1 race track in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh called the Buddh International Circuit to host the first ever Grand Prix on Indian soil.

Designed by Hermann Tilke the 5.13kms track has 16 corners, with Sebastian Vettel holding the lap record of 1.27.249 in 2011 while driving a Red Bull Renault Formula One car. Formula 1 arrived in India for the first time in October 2011 with Narain Kathikeyan for the first time racing on home turf in Formula 1. In the first year Formula 1 was a huge success. But due to monetary and tax issues, after signing a 5-year deal with the organisers of Formula 1, the track held its three grand prix in 2011, 2012, and 2013. While the Jaypee Group is still fighting to remove the taxes, the government refuses to exempt the sport claiming it to be an entertainment and not a sport.

The current rumours around the F1 Paddock say that F1 may just return to India in 2016.

Racing Academies in India With the help of racing academies across the country, many young

drivers have had the opportunity to train, and compete in motor racing in India and graduate to race internationally. Some of the most popular independent ones are for example Rayo Racing, mentored and owned by former Indian racing driver Rayomand Banajee. Rayo Racing has been the stepping stone to some of the youngest drivers such as Ameya Bafna and Nayan Chatterjee.

With academies in Mumbai and Pune, Rayo Racing has had the most success compared to other academies in the country.

Other great example of a racing academies in India are Darkdon Racing and Meco Racing both who compete against Rayo racing in LGB Formula 4 in the JK Tyre National Racing Championship.

Meco Motorsports based out of Chennai with camps in Coimbatore and Bangalore also has a 2 wheeler riding academy named Apex Racing Academy in Coimbatore.

Narain Karthikeyan the first Indian ever to race in Formula 1, started his own racing academy called Speed NK Racing Academy in 2006.

In 2014, Nissan’s Motorsports division ‘Nismo’ under Darren Cox, Nissan’s Director of global motorsport guidance, brought along the Nissan GT Academy to India. The GT Academy takes regular video gamers who compete against each other online in Grand Turismo, find the best from across the world, and build racing drivers out of them

motorsport at no cost to the participant at all.

The year 2014 saw the inaugural season of the GT Academy in India where six drivers were chosen to go to Silverstone for the Nissan GT Academy Race Camp where they were put through tough physical and mental tests.

The AMG drivers Academy from Mercedes–Benz utilizes the Budd International Circuit to train drivers for their academy for high speed road driving or aspiring racing drivers.

Force India Speaking of Formula One, in 2007, Indian liquor baron Vijay Mallya and Michael Mol purchased the

cash strapped Spyker F1 team and renamed it Force India.

Force India became the first ever Indian team with an Indian licence (though based out of UK) to race in Formula One. Starting from the back of the pack, Force India made its way through to the midfield of the pack. The highlight of the team was in 2009, when Giancarlo Fisichella finished 2nd at the Belgium grand prix behind Kimi Raikkonen’s Ferrari to score the first ever points and first ever podium for the team. The team has slowly and gradually been climbing up the ladder for the constructor’s title starting from last in their first season

to competing with McLaren for 5th place in 2014. Unfortunately McLaren piped Force India for the 5th place by the end of the season.

Since 1904, motorsport has come a long way in India. But compared to cricket as a sport, it lags far behind. As Hardy of JK Tyre once put it, “Cricket became cricket only because the common man gets to play the sport after spending a small amount of money for his bat and ball.”

Apart from the two who raced in Formula 1, India has Arman Ibrahim who drives for BMW, Ameya Bafna who has raced internationally for Volkswagen,

Gaurav Gill racing a Skoda Fabia and scoring points in the WRC (World Rally Championships) and APRC champion, Karun Chandhok for Mahindra racing in Formula E and many more to boast about. Indian motorsport at this point has strong foundations in karting, drag racing, touring cars, rallying, formula racing, superbikes, adventure rallies and endurance races. Events like the Baja SAEIndia only brings to the fore the engineering and racing capabilities of young university students. With over a 100 events on the FMSCI calendar in 2015, the only way now is up for Indian motor sport.

Dakar rally champion takes Pune-ites on Pajero Sport ride Mitsubishi Dakar rally champion Hiroshi Masuoka enthralled Puneites for three days with daredevil driving of his favourite Pajero Sport. For those who had the opportunity to be in the powerful SUV with Masuoka behind its steering, it was the experience of a lifetime.

The ride was part of the ‘Pajero Heart-in-Mouth with Masuoka’ event organised in Pune by Hindustan Motor Finance Corporation Limited (HMFCL) and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Japan, from February 13 to 15.

Over 120 Pajero customers, 50 dealers and their staff, Pajero fans and the local media participated in the event. (HMFCL has been manufacturing, marketing and selling Mitsubishi’s premium brands like Pajero, Lancer, Cedia, Outlander, Montero etc in India under a technical agreement signed by the two companies in 1998). The treacherous route around a hillock at Pethkar Motoring Grounds in Pune is a formidable terrain to traverse even on foot. But driving an all new Pajero Sport, 54-year-old Masuoka drove almost effortlessly, leaving many in awe of the driver’s calibre. “I am not doing anything special. I am just driving the car as

per the conditions,” said Masuoka when one took the ride in the back-seat with seat belts on and a helmet to boot.

For the entire ride through sharp downhill slopes with potholes, boulders and watery patches on the path, Masuoka had Pajero Sport on third gear and used no brakes. “The machine is designed to take all kinds of terrain,” he explained.

HMFCL utilised Masuoka’s visit to India to also promote safe driving. The company launched a booklet on safe driving on the occasion. HMFCL also announced the formal launch of Pajero Sport for the Maharashtra region at a meeting of its dealers at Pune on February 14. The company has sold 211 Pajero Sports in Maharashtra. Pune sales account for 79 units.

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Pune College of Engineering team wins BAJA SAEINDIA 2015 Report & Photography: RAHUL KAPOOR

T

eam Nemesis Racing from College of Engineering, Pune bagged the first prize in the 8th edition of the Baja SAEINDIA 2015 with the lightest weighing vehicle of only 160kgs.

Team Predators from D.Y Patil College of Engineering, Pune and Team Kshatriya from Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore were awarded 2nd and 3rd place respectively.

Around 74 teams from engineering colleges across the country were given a brief to build an off-road buggy. All 74 vehicles were put through a series of challenges, scrutiny and a gruesome endurance race on an off-road track in the middle of the Deccan plateau region in Pithampur, Indore. The vehicles were put through a 4.5 kilometre track with numerous obstacles from 60degree inclines to pits brimmed with water through volcanic deposit rock beds and booby traps for four hours under the boiling sun. With only around 20 odd teams finishing the race, Team Nemesis Racing from College of Engineering, Pune went home crowned the champions.

32 I March 2015

The highlight of event was the new track and with natural hurdles spread over 4.5kms. The track was designed in a manner to pose more challenges and test not only the success of vehicles but also of those driving that vehicle.

The 2015 Baja SAEINDIA sponsored by Mahindra & Mahindra featured for the first time an eBaja category in which 12 colleges participated. On day 1 of the event, only eight colleges competed in the endurance race.

Team Unblockabulls from KL University, Guntur was declared the first ‘Best eBaja Team’. The eBAJA initiative aims to provide a platform to leverage the onset of Electric Mobility in India.

About 323 teams had registered in the 8th year of Baja SAEINDIA series, out of which 122 teams had qualified for the finale. However, only 74 teams could make it to the Endurance round. This year was remarkable as 8000 students from different parts of the country had worked towards BAJA SAEINDIA 2015 theme ‘Beyond Boundaries’.

Dr. Pawan Goenka, Executive Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “It’s heartening

to see thousands of students coming together once again to celebrate the spirit of Baja.

This forum gives young engineering talent an opportunity to showcase their skills, innovate and acquire a real life experience posed with challenges which is critical to their success in the long term. Mahindra & Mahindra is delighted to be associated with Baja SAEINDIA 2015 as the title sponsor”.

Dr. Aravind Bharadwaj, President, SAEINDIA said, “Creation of industry ready skilled engineers is a prerequisite to achieve the targets that have been set forth in the Automotive Mission Plan 2016 for India.

BAJA is one such initiative from SAEINDIA that provides an opportunity for students to get hands on learning experience in vehicle design. The rapid increase in the number of teams from SAEINDIA clubs in colleges across the country and the unparalleled enthusiasm of everyone involved with this event is clear evidence that Baja SAEINDIA is making progress in the right direction” Rustamji Institute of Technology, Gwalior

MOTORSPORT

Overall winners Team Nemesis Racing from College of Engineering, Pune

bagged the Engineering Design award whereas SRM University, Chennai and Institute of Engineering and TechnologyDAVV, Indore won the Go Green- Emissions Award. Special awards like Dronacharya award was given to the team of Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering & Technology, Sangrur- Punjab and Venus International college of Technology, Gandhinagar. The Endurance award which assessed vehicles ability to operate at a speed over rough terrain was however bagged by College of Engineering, Pune followed by VIT University, Vellore.

The students walked away with not just a trophy but also a fair amount of prize money as well which was about 27,00,000/-.

The three-day event started with basic Static Evaluation round which comprised of Design Evaluation, Cost Evaluation and Marketing Presentation. In the final round, the teams showcased their prototype of a rugged single seat, off-road recreational

Dr. Pawan Goenka from Mahindra & Mahindra waving the chequered flag at the finish line of the Baja SAEINDIA 2015 endurance round. four-wheel vehicle and were evaluated on various parameters, including engineering design, cost and technology innovation.

The objective of the competition was to simulate real world engineering design projects and their related challenges.

Each team’s goal was to create a safe, easily transported, easily maintained and fun to drive prototype without any direct involvement from professional fabricators.

However, the teams were free to design their own transmissions with the only restriction being the speed limit to 60kmph.

The Dynamic Evaluation Round tested the vehicles for acceleration, speed, hill climb and manoeuvrability and the Durability Evaluation Round saw the vehicles undergo endurance tests. The Endurance Event assessed each vehicle’s ability to operate continuously and at a speed over rough terrain containing obstacles in any weather conditions.

Polaris partners with SAE BAJA 2015

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INDIA BIKE WEEK 2015

agator comes alive

34 I March 2015

MOTORSPORT

to roar of motorcycles Report & Photography: JOSHUA DAVID LUTHER

B

Dino Morea at the IBW 2015

Cricketer Yuvraj Singh with his X12 bike

An Indian motorcycle from the Polaris Group

arely 3 km from the bustling Anjuna beach, one of the first hippie jaunts of Goa, is the laid back Vagator Beach usually visited by backpackers from the western world. Indian tourists also come in droves to watch the sunset from its dramatic red cliffs.

On February 20, 2015, the Vagator beach came alive with the sound of roaring motorcycles of almost every shape, size and make. The occasion was the two-day third edition of India Bike Week (IBW) 2015.

As riders from every corner of the country poured into Vagator, you could sense the anticipation growing amongst the onlookers to examine the magnificence of the Harleys, Indians, Suzukis, Yamahas, Triumphs, Benellis, Vespas, Moto Guzzis… the list was endless. These bikers rode for miles together to make it and partake in IBW 2015. Finally when they arrived, the roar from their engines was like a victorious applause as they rode in loud and proud.

As the dust settled, all you could see at every corner were a set of two wheels supporting gleaming bodies. IBW is a biker’s paradise where all you will find are bikes, booze, music and women. Over 10,000 riders and bike enthusiasts congregated at Goa to celebrate the spirit and lifestyle of the Indian Biking Community. IBW was organised by the Seventy Event Media Group, television channel Fox Life, in association with HarleyDavidson and Shell Advance. Shell India had a special reason to be at IBW 2015, on the night of day 1 Alisha Abdullah along with Mansi Tripathy, CMO, Shell Lubricants India launched the new Shell Advance Ultra. The new Advance Ultra from Shell comes after 40 years of research on group 3+ base oils which seem to be the best in the industry and is manufactured from natural gas. The manufacturers have made three very big claims for this oil – an increase of almost 5km per litre of fuel, an increase in the ODI (Oil Drain Interval) from the traditional 3000km to 6000km and no dip in power throughout the ODI period.

March 2015 I 35

MOTORSPORT At IBW, every step you took was to a beat thanks to five music stages including the Red Bull Tour Bus, 20 live bands, DSK Benelli Rock Stage, Nucleya, OX7GEN Live, Babyhead and DJs like Uri. Biking enthusiasts from all parts of the country flocked to Shell Big Trip Cinema where festival goers got to hear stories from over 15 legendary Indian and international motorcycle travelers including Ace Café London’s Mark Willsmore. To quench your thirst organisers put up seven different bars including my personal favorite the Howling Dog Bar. IBW was not just to showcase bikes but also offered participants a chance at glory with competitions like the Howling Dog Quarter Mile Drag race powered

by Shell Advance, IBW Nation Stunt Championship, Loudest bike competition, IBW Burnout Challenge and last but not the least the Bike Build off Challenge which was won

by Reza Hussain of RH Customs.

Being a biker is not just about guts and glory, some of these riders are also passionate to donate for a cause and many participated in the GQ Gentleman’s Ride for Magic Bus by donating a sum of Rs. 10,000 each towards a charitable cause. Among these gentlemen were Dino Morea, Pankaj Dubey, MD and Country Head of Indian Motorcycles & Polaris India amongst others. This was without doubt the biggest bike expo the country had seen. If the bikes got too dirty riding into Goa one could even get a bike wash at the Bikini Bike Wash hut, where lovely ladies were washing up the dusty horses.

One of the highlights of day-2 was the 3rd India H.O.G. Rally which saw almost 300 riders atop their Harleys as they came together to celebrate five years of the brand in the country.

Another spectacle to ogle at was famous Indian cricket legend Yuvraj Singh. Yuvi had a special cause to be present at IBW, day-2 saw the launch of his bike the X12 designed

by Autologue which is headed by Mukul Nanda. The X12 is a modified KTM 390 which was auctioned to the highest bidder and the proceeds will go to Youwecan – the cancer foundation set up by Yuvraj Singh.

36 I March 2015

Benelli

Moto Guzzi

Custom Harley-Davidson Street 750

Stunt in progress

Bikini bike wash

YOUNGEST DRAG RACER IN THE WORLD If that would not be enough IBW was also host to the youngest drag racer in the world – Raheesh Khatri. Raheesh is just 6 years old and he started riding a bike when he was just two and half years old. He started racing at the age of 5 and has plans to represent India at the Asia cup at the age of 13 and the Moto GP at the age of 16.

MOTORSPORT Interview with MANSI TRIPATHY, CMO, Shell Lubricants India; Inputs: AKHIL JHA (AJ), VP –Technical, Shell Lubricants India; KARLO TUGAFF (KT), Global Associate Brand Manager – Shell Advance, Shell Global Commercial Report & Photography: Joshua David Luther What does a company like Shell expect from a show of this kind in terms of reaching out to the participants, visitors, etc.?

How are you able to convince a bunch of boisterous boys and girls to like or buy a certain kind of lubricant?

I think our primary objective to take part in an event like this is to be where a consumer is in terms of when they are exhibiting their passion points and are totally into the game. What we are finding is that it is very hard to get through to this side of the consumers through any other conventional media. They don’t read newspapers too often, they don’t watch too much of TV and maybe engage just a little bit through digital media. It is very hard to catch them, so when they are into the mode and mood of doing things, we felt that it would be best for us to be associated at those moments. That is why we got associated with this event. We don’t truly believe in hard selling, rather we believe in educating and telling our story on the kind of research and money which has gone into making our products and the kind of technical stories we have. We try and ensure that they try our product because we are so convinced that the moment anyone tries our product, they will fall in love with the product and the benefits it offers. We have enough data that once the consumer uses a shell product, it is a 100 pc conversion after that. So the real trick is to get them to try it and we use these kinds of events to build our awareness and engage a little bit longer to tell our story to them and tell them why to use our product.

Coming to Shell Advanced

Ultra that is being specifically launched here, technically speaking, how superior is this oil? Can this be used across the entire spectrum of twowheelers or is it meant for high performance bikes only?

The superiority of this particular product is linked to two things.

One is the active cleansing technology which it has and the pure plus technology. The pure plus technology is a patented shell technology which is based on gas to liquid conversion. So Shell is the only company anywhere in the world in the lubricants industry which has got this base oil. It comes from natural gas converting from pure base oil which has been categorised as a group 3+ plus base oil. It is the purest form of base oil. It cleanses your engine as it goes along and because of that it improves the power, so from the first time you put the oil into your engine till the 6000km mark, you use it and the power does not deteriorate as it would in other products. It improves the overall oil change interval which is traditionally from 2000 to 3000 km but with this product you can go up to 6000 km. It also improves the fuel efficiency of vehicles.

You get almost 5 km extra for every litre of petrol. That is where this technology which has been developed over the last 40 years is now coming to play in the Ultra product. From that perspective it is unique and going into the ultra part of our business it can be used across the range of bikes. While in the superbikes or power bikes this will really boost power and that is the key need of the consumer.

There are other benefits like a longer ODI (Oil Drain Interval), fuel efficiency, etc which can go across the spectrum. From a

payout perspective of a consumer, even if it is costing slightly more, just by the fact that you don’t need to replace it from twice of what you traditionally do and for fuel efficiency it is great value for money.

What drove Shell to create this product? Did you foresee a certain demand for this product in India with the changing dynamics in the two wheeler industry?

If you look at the entire 110 years of Shell’s history it has been a pioneer in its own way. Shell was the first company to introduce

the cleansing technology way back in 1968 and then it was the first one to come up with the new fuel efficiency norms. It was also the first one to achieve fuel efficiency. If you look at shells entire history it has been pioneering the next thresh hold.

In the lubricants industry the next threshold is what comes after group 3 base oils. There is so much of natural gas available, we were not able to put it to use and that was the underlined factor to think through. Where do we take these two points – there is so much of natural gas not getting used and after base 3 oils what

March 2015 I 37

MOTORSPORT do we do next? I think both these points converged and then scientists started this work around 40 years back in a small lab in Amsterdam.

They started experimenting and when it got some success with the hydrocarbon chains they put it to some commercial tests in Malaysia. Then it was commercially manufactured from the plant built in Qatar – the pearl project which has a huge capacity now and is fully commercialised.

I am sure a lot of R&D work has gone into making this oil, can you throw some light on it? Also, what kind of tests has this oil been put through and what were the results?

There have been a lot of tests on the technology itself. In Thailand there was an extensive field trial done over 13,000 Mansi Tripathy with her team at Shell Lubricants India km with regular checks in between on the engine health and liner back to the crank case. and the efficiency in terms of the lubrication and protection. In this If you watch some of our videos, performance. As a result we have case the oil will actually clean up we have done some perception got three big claims – the 5 km the deposit and form a film on the and experience trials in Thailand. increase in efficiency per litre, the clean parts. We have also done We had 26 bikes which ran for ODI from 3000km to 6000km and some tests on measuring the 13,000 km and it was more like a no dip in power as it goes through piston cleanliness by merit rating. blind trial. So people did not know the entire cycle. These three So we have seen the merit rating it was pure plus and advance ultra claims come directly from the on piston cleanliness increase by products in their engine. They felt extensive field trial tests done on 0.8 which is quite significant. that the engine was lighter, one of this product. the comments in the video was AJ – We have done an APS Most super bikes out there heat sequence 3G test, which is for up to the extent of burning your that the engine felt lighter and oxidation and deposit control. We thighs! Will this oil be able to smoother, they felt power in their have also done a test on volatility. effect a noticeable change in hands and the other observation A typical group 3 oil has a volatility keeping temperatures of the was that the gear shift is very of around 13-15 pc where as the engine under control? smooth, that they didn’t have to advanced ultra with pure plus the AJ –The engine heats up because change gears as many times. So if volatility is around 10 pc. So you the oil degrades and it does not you see these experiential benefits are getting oil which evaporates give you the lubrication needed. are coming from very technical slower by around 1-3 pc. You Therefore the direct metal to and tangible tests. One of the don’t have to top up oil, so that metal contact increases friction things is that the engine doesn’t also reduces oil consumption. and that results in frictional heat. over heat and it will not lead to The oil stays in grade for the So if the oil is able to lubricate so much of knocking inside. We entire cycle and viscosity is well, stays in grain and keeps haven’t measured it so it is more nearly stable throughout the drain metal parts separated, then it by experience and by technical period thus increasing the drain will lower the frictional heat. If oil reasoning behind it. interval period. The oil is also stays thinner it will be able to cool lighter and provides much better down better. The normal oil gets What kind of a market response protection. A normal mineral oil thick because of oxidization and are you expecting from this new will form deposits and the oil will thermal degradation, so it is not oil? And what kind of a response form a layer on top of the deposit. able to cool and transfer the heat have you got so far from So basically they don’t offer from the heating area like pistons promotion campaigns?

38 I March 2015

We are expecting that the Shell Ultra gets to at least 25 pc of the salience of our entire sales.

Because we don’t expect just the power segment or the super bikes segment to buy it, rather a larger spectrum of passionate enthusiasts who are present irrespective of which kind of bike they use and who really want to take care of their bikes. So we are really targeting that consumer irrespective of the kind of bike the person might be using. The testimony of this one is that India is the third market in which it has been launched and in the other two markets there is already a good amount of success coming about. We have launched a similar technology around Helix which is the car brand for us. We are getting some very good results behind it and actual consumer verbatim say that the product is working really hard for them. We are really confident that because of the product performance and the success which the technology has already got, that we will be able to get the same success here.

Initial promotion was launched

MOTORSPORT just yesterday, but even between the kind of responses which we got from our stall and just being with the media, I think people have been looking for the next revolution. It is not an evolution that you have a little bit of additive here and a change in viscosity there. This is a true revolution in the market and it is not often in this industry that a revolution happens. It took 40 years to create this technology, so it is not just another technology. I think people have an appreciation for the kind of work which has gone behind it and the response we are getting is just that. People are saying thank God it is here, they were actually looking for something better, more superior or costlier than what they can get their hands on because they really want to put their best in their bikes.

We got a lot of responses from the influencers segment. A lot of workshop mechanics like the bigger mechanics who visited the event, even they have shown a lot of interest for this kind of product as they want to be at the cutting edge of technology and what better can they offer to their

customers which can help them increase their business. We got tremendous inquires from the influencers as well, who want to use this product. They wanted to know the technical specifications and what they are putting in their engine. We feel the influencers are a key segment for us as they are also instrumental in converting modest customers. No matter how passionate you are about your bike, you also rely a lot on what your influencer talks about your bike as he is the so called doctor of the engine. So we are very happy to see the interest generated from them as well.

Will this oil be used by motorsports outfits as it is or do they use enhanced products?

KT-Currently it’s being used in the Shell Asia Talent Cup which is a racing series designed for 13 to 19 year olds specifically in Asia. It is being used there in collaboration with Honda racing and it is being tested now with Ducati racing. So the first Moto GP will be in Losail International Circuit in Qatar and hopefully we will have some good results there. For the Asia Talent

Cup the same oil which is being offered to customers will be used but not yet for the Moto GP. In India there are a large number of biking communities, will your company be directly addressing them too to generate interest among these set of users? How do you intend on doing that?

That is a very important insight for this segment. People like to be in communities and they like the concept of brotherhood when they go out on their bikes. So what we are trying to do to tap that opportunity is three things -- one on the digital media, what we realised is that before they plan their trips, they figure out where they want to rest, eat, fill and other such information is generated at that moment when long weekends and holidays coming up. We are trying to tap their path and as to how they plan their journey, so as they seek that information we are present at those moments to help them plan their journey much better. We are tying up with a couple of websites who are actually helping them and ensuring that when they are in that search

we also provide them with tips on road safety, when to change oil, how to change oil, problems which they can face in their engine and be there for them. So irrespective of where they are in the country we are a part of that digital search, we are helping them along the way and that is all about engagement to my mind. The second route which we are evaluating is that for some of these big communities and big clubs, how we can further insert our selves through events like IBW which is a good example.

We are sponsoring it for the first time and we will be closely evaluating it in terms of how it will serve the purpose and then see how we can expand that property.

Last but not the least for these big influencers who are leading some of these communities, you want to be directly in touch with them and share our stories so that they can influence their communities better.

So those are the three concrete things we are doing at this stage and I think there is a lot to learn and understand their psyche and what drives them and our whole endeavor is to help and not just sell our products.

Interview with PANKAJ DUBEY, MD & Country Head, Indian Motorcycles and Polaris How was your experience at India Bike Week 2015?

It is excellent, the biking culture is getting built up, what I saw two years back and now, it is at a bigger scale, a lot more participants, a lot more excitement around biking.

What has been the turnout here in terms of your motorcycles and how do you feel about your presence over here?

The presence is fantastic, we have about 8 bikes here we have given rides to people and they have really enjoyed it and after driving it they have got some very good comments about the bikes

which is very pleasant for us.

What about the gentlemen GQ ride, how was your experience riding in that?

It was great to ride with all the super bikers along with Dino Morea, Martin and everybody else. It was a very nice ride. We went some 30 km from here, we rode together and then we relaxed at the beach and had a good lunch. We had lots of fun and then we came back, it was a really nice experience.

We see a lot of biking communities like Harley Davidson has the H.O.G. Will

we soon be seeing something with Indian?

We are going to develop that,

presently we are working on it and soon you will see something from us.

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MOTORSPORT

MAHINDRA GREAT ESCAPE

Dune bashing in a MAHINDRA MM550 DI NGCS (Army) vehicle Report: P.THARYAN / Photography: MOHD. NASIR

40 I March 2015

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I

t was the 120th edition of the Mahindra Great Escape. The morning sun was beginning to make its way through a hazy collection of clouds in the horizon. Even though we were in the sandy terrains of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, cold winds blew across the stone laid pathway overlooking the magnificent Suryagarh Hotel. We were waiting for the briefing to be over before we got our Mahindra vehicles to drive on the sand dunes of Jaisalmer. The spot that would see all the action was the Sam sand dunes, a few kilometres away from the hotel.

The brief morning session of “do’s and don’ts” ended with Dr Pawan Goenka, Executive Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd picking up the mike and wishing the drivers a safe and fun filled adventure. But then for once the man with mighty automotive experience went all wrong. He asked the crowd as to how many were driving the Mahindra Thar SUV. Several people raised their hands. He looked at them and said, “Those of you who are driving the Thar are more adventurous than the others because the Thar is a great vehicle to drive”.

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MOTORSPORT Dr Goenka, for once, I felt you were off the mark. I was given a choice to drive a Thar but then I chose an MM550 DI NGCS (Army). It was a very special vehicle. This vehicle never came into production. Can you believe that? I was driving a vehicle with a mysterious background! However, it is as close as one can get to the Army MM550s which were supplied till about 2005. The only

change was that this vehicle I drove had DI turbo engine while the army examples had XD3P. I had laid my hands on an R&D Army prototype! At its heart was the dependable DI turbo 2.5 litre engine, mated to a 5-speed NGT 520 gearbox with low ratio gearbox. It had solid front and rear axles with leaf springs and the axle ratio of 4.3:1 gave it better tractability.

Ambuj Sharma of Heavy Industries Ministry along with Dr. Pawan Goenka & others at the flag off

42 I March 2015

Adventure, Sir, begins with the unknown. The Thar is a proven modern day SUV. Driving a Thar is very predictable, it has to perform well and it will. But the MM550 DI NGCS, it’s like asking a man in his 50’s to run along with Usain Bolt.

And by jove! This one drove like a Bolt (no, not the Tata one!) and flew over dunes as if it had the power in every bit of its body. Sir, adventure does not begin and end

White Special Edition Thar

with only the Thar. It begins and ends with every Mahindra vehicle, because each has a DNA built on the principles of adventure, brute power, ruggedness and versatility.

The event saw around 70 Mahindra SUVs manoeuvering the challenging route on the expansive Sam sand dunes. The annual ‘Invitation Only’ Great Escape received an overwhelming response from invited dignitaries,

Lending a helping hand!

MOTORSPORT which included CEOs of domestic and international auto component companies and agencies. Ambuj Sharma, Additional Secretary, Department of Heavy Industry, Government of India was among the several eminent personalities at the event. Actress Gul Panag too participated in the rally with her husband.

The Mahindra SUVs negotiated an overall track of 60 km

comprising a 12 km off-road track of steep inclines, shifting slopes and undulating sand dunes, leaving everyone asking for more.

Participating vehicles included mainly the Mahindra Thar, Scorpio, Scorpio Getaway and Bolero, each representing the tough and rugged DNA of Mahindra vehicles.

The terrain was a challenge for the experienced and amateurs alike.

Through steep inclines, shifting

Jaisal Singh, Director, Group Supervisory Board, ‘Anand’. Chief Executive, SUJÁN (3rd from right) along with his wife Anjali Singh, Sandeep Balooja (Anand Group - extreme right) and others.

slopes and treacherous sands, these powerful SUVs stood their ground and emerged unscathed in the sandy terrain in and around the popular Sam Sand Dunes.

From going easy on the throttle to crawling in first gear and knowing when to let go on the slopes, every vehicle and the participants had their share of challenges.

Participants also got a chance to see the White Special Edition

Jaisal Singh posing for Motown India!

Thar, which was unveiled at the Annual Mahindra Great Escape.

On display, was also the 5 millionth vehicle, a Thar, that was rolled out from Mahindra’s manufacturing plant in Kandivali on January 5, 2015. The Mahindra Great Escape route was chalked out by the Mahindra Adventure team with the ‘With You Hamesha’ service team who ensured that participants enjoyed the rally unhindered.

Gul Panag added to the glamour quotient.

An exhausted Deepak Jain of Lumax

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WHEELZ & ROADZ A driving experience

FIRST DRIVE

4S FLUIDIC HYUNDAI VERNA

SPIRITED SEDAN Report: P.THARYAN / Photography: MOHD. NASIR

E

ver since the Hyundai Verna was launched in 2006, this compact sedan won the hearts of hundreds and thousands of customers in the country. The car simply got better in its looks and performance as the years went by. From the Verna Transform in 2010 and the Fluidic Verna in 2011, we now have the Fluidic Verna in 2015.

The 4S simply denotes how things have just got better with the car. The 4 S symbol denotes how this new car has got a better Styling, better Safety features, better Speed and better Sophistication. When I got the key of the 1.6 litre petrol 4S Fluidic Verna in Udaipur, Rajasthan, I could not resist comparing the car to the royal environs of this city. The car stood out like a smart prince in the crowd. The Fluidic inspiration continued to have its graceful aura both outside as well as inside the vehicle.

While there was no doubt that the car got better when it came to looks, it also got plusher interiors and some very robust riding qualities.

The car is being offered in two petrol engine options

44 I March 2015

and two diesel engine options. The petrol car will have an option of a 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre Gamma VTVT engine. The diesel car will have an option of a 1.4 U II and 1.6 litre VGT-CRDi engine. Both the petrol as well as the diesel cars will have an option of an automatic transmission in the 1.6 litre variant. Thus, depending on the power and torque you really want, one can opt for the right car.

It was a 1.6 litre petrol engine with a manual transmission that we got to drive at Udaipur. As we got out of the palace hotel gates, we hit innumerable pot holes. But the ride comfort immediately proved that this new Verna had a fantastically tweaked suspension. That actually seems to be the high point of this new Verna.

Every other car on Indian roads today goes fast, every other car on the Indian roads today accelerates fast and smooth and every other car on Indian roads today looks kind of good. But the Verna has much more than the every other car on the Indian roads. It scores high on the style front, it scores high on the safety front and it definitely scores high on the ride comfort front. This car is not about how low it is going to be eventually priced, this car is all about how much one needs to pay to enjoy

WHEELZ & ROADZ A driving experience

The 4 S symbol denotes how this new car has got a better STYLING, better SAFETY features, better SPEED and better SOPHISTICATION

Engine & Transmission 1591cc, Gamma VTVT Petrol / 5-Speed Manual

Power & Torque 121.3 bhp 155 Nm

Fuel Efficiency 17. 01kmpl

Tyres 195/55 R 16

Price 10,15,515 (ex-showroom Delhi)

March 2015 I 45

WHEELZ & ROADZ A driving experience

Hyundai has done a great job in ensuring that the car is a WINNER in every department, whether it is STYLING, SPACE, COMFORT or RIDE and HANDLING. its supreme qualities.

EXTERIOR & INTERIOR One look at the car and you realise that the fluidic design continues to be in vogue. The wing shaped front grille has a grand look about it while the projector headlamps and boomerang shaped fog lamps boosts its overall style appeal. The car stands of smart 16inches diamond cut alloy wheels which have its own sporty appeal. The rear too looks neat, especially with the concealed type exhaust which gives a clean look to the bumper. The elongated stylish wraparound tail lamp gives the rear an LED effect. The two tone rear bumper with reflectors enhances the sporty look of the

46 I March 2015

vehicle.

If the outside is stylish, the inside too is plush and comfortable. The seats come with adequate thigh support, sliding console arm rest with storage (for front passengers) and a rear seat arm rest for those at the back.

This comes with cup holders. So, if you have bottles, glasses, knick knacks, then there is plenty of storage space for you in the car. The glove box has cooling. Driver comforts include a height adjustable driver seat, tilt and telescopic steering and electronically adjustable and foldable outside rear view mirrors. Then there is the 2DIN Bluetooth audio system with 1GB internal memory and six speakers, along with USB and Aux input and a multi function steering wheel. Boy, this car is loaded big time with almost every practical feature you want. Talking of practical features, the list is actually endless‌ smart key with push button start, escort headlamps, auto lights and wipers (turns

WHEELZ & ROADZ A driving experience

turn on when you enter a dark tunnel suddenly during the day or the wipers come on when it starts to drizzle suddenly!)‌ SAFETY FEATURES The car is not only loaded with features that make your journey comfortable but also safe.

Yes, SAFE. There are loads of safety features in the car. First and foremost, this car has a rigid body structure with high tensile steel, six airbags: dual, side and curtain, anti lock braking, speed sensing auto door lock and impact sensing unlock‌.Let me pause there and explain what the latter means. Many a times when we start a car and speed up, we tend to forget to lock our doors. Here the car does this on its own as it gathers speed, keeping the occupants safe. Also on impact, the car doors unlock for your quit exit from the car. The car has a reverse parking camera, the inside rear view mirror has a camera display and it also has rear parking sensors. The car also has a driver safety window with anti pinch feature.

DRIVE AND HANDLING I must say the car impressed me with its great suspension. Technically speaking, the rear shock absorber comes with low velocity control valve that ensures appropriate damping force and the rear coil springs offer the right spring stiffness rate to counter a bumpy ride. This car also has a bump stopper that counters a thud noise. No wonder the bumps on the roads were of no consequence while driving

on the pot holed roads. Also, the motor driven power steering offered good steering response at all speeds.

Because of a smart engine and an electronic throttle control, one could get immense response at the mere tap of the accelerator.

Quick acceleration and a steady climb in speed coupled with great handling features, makes the new Hyundai Verna perfect in every department. It is not just the speed that is impressive, but how the car handles in corners at these speeds. It keeps itself steadily perched on the road with some excellent grip.

Even at these high speeds, the car is rock steady. This is one of the high points of this car.

I personally feel that Hyundai has done a

great job in ensuring that the car is a winner in every department, whether it is styling, space, comfort or ride and handling. And to know that is a safe car, well, that is very reassuring too!

The money you spend buying this car will be akin to a long term investment on the notorious roads we drive on.

March 2015 I 47

WHEELZ & ROADZ A driving experience

M G RIN MINI COOPER D

FIRST DRIVE

W

Report: RAHUL KAPOOR

/ Photography: MOHD. NASIR

hen the New Original MINI was launched, the boss of MINI said that the “New MINI handles like a go kart. It is a go-kart for the road.” So we set up a challenge and tried to find out if it was true.

Does a regular car with super rich features have the knack to kick some speed in some very tight corners?

Forget, for a moment, that you have ever watched the English movie “The Italian Job”, and forget everything the car did in that heist movie.

48 I March 2015

VS GO-KART

We at Motown India have always refrained from doing any kind of comparison car road tests. Because we always felt that just like any parent shouldn’t compare their child with another because everyone is an individual, it’s the same story with cars. But when MINI told us that the New Original MINI drives like a go-kart, we decided to put it to the test to see what they were talking about.

Let me give you a small history lesson. In the 60’s small cars were all the rage. Some of the greatest of the lot from Europe were the Fiat 500 from Italy, the Volkswagen Beetle from Germany, the Citroen 2CV from France and the MINI from British Leyland of Great

WHEELZ & ROADZ A driving experience

R E T S A M March 2015 I 49

WHEELZ & ROADZ A driving experience

Britain. The original MINI was actually called a MINI because it was a miniature car and it could fit a fully grown adult and more. To drive it was a peach as well. Because of its tiny little size and tiny wheelbase, the MINI actually won the fearsome Monte Carlo Rally three times and because of these characteristics people often said that it handled like a go-kart.

Since the MINI is being made by the Germans from BMW, they say the new one also handles just like it. But the recipe for the new one is nothing like the original at all. In fact it’s firstly not really a mini in size, nor is it cheap like the original was. It is built better with German obsession with quality which the original lacked being built in the British midlands, and the entire original car can sit quite comfortably within the wheelbase of the new one. So it really shouldn’t behave like a go-kart, or should it?

The folks at Wonder Speedway in Noida Sector 18 were kind enough to give us their entire and brilliant go-karting facility to us for this test our team had set up. Because MINI says that it is a “Go-Kart for the Road” it must be worthy of being a go-kart in the first place.

We decided to not compare it to a rival but a real go-kart itself.

Pre-requisitely we knew that the MINI will

50 I March 2015

obviously be quicker on the straight. It was a given fact. But could the massive girth of the entire car be able to match the agility of the go kart in the corners? That was the question we all were dying to know.

The challenge was set as one single driver had 10 mins of practice laps and 4 laps with a rolling start had to set the fastest time possible in the kart. Then the MINI had to match the same time with the same time duration of practice laps and 4 hot laps.

THE GO-KART & THE MINI The Go-Kart is a standard racing kart, fitted with a Honda GX 200 engine and produces 5.5bhp. This doesn’t sound much but it only weighs as much as a sack of potatoes and can be lifted in the air by just two people.

So it’s light, and light is good for racing.

Mechanically it has a solid differential at the back, connected to the rear wheels directly.

At the front is a steering wheel connected to the front wheels so no suspension at all. In the middle is plastic seat which seemed more comfortable to sit in with no padding than most luxury cars with leather seats. Right at the front are two pedals for throttle and brake on the right and left respectively connected by bicycle cables and that’s it.

Being this light, the Go-Kart is blisteringly fast, taking really hard corners at full throttle.

It just finds its grip from somewhere on the track. Feeling comfortable we were ready for the timed hot laps, I got into the kart and I just floored it. I could feel that with every lap, the kart was just getting quicker and quicker.

It was going to make it harder for the MINI, the quickest lap time in the kart was 44.69

Mini Cooper D Lap 1 Lap 2 Lap 3 Lap 4 Go-Kart Lap 1 Lap 2 Lap 3 Lap 4

Lap Times (seconds) 44.53 44.02 43.19 42.63 Lap Times (seconds) 48.42 46.16 45.44 44.69

WHEELZ & ROADZ A driving experience

seconds.

Then it was the turn of the MINI. Because of its size, some of the tight turns like turn 3, 4 and 5 had to be taken wider than one would in the Go-Kart which led to loss of time. The MINI Copper D is also the fastest accelerating Mini out there with a 0-100kmph time on 9.2 seconds. We knew the MINI was going much faster and was able to get to 85kmph on the straight which was probably quicker than the kart. But in the corners, could it go faster still?

A series of tight manoeuvring and full throttle straights, we had accomplished with the MINI what we had with the Go-Kart. Some would argue that the MINI won because of its straight line speed, but trust me on this, I have had hours and hours of experience in that very same Go-Kart and the MINI is the closest thing that comes to cornering to it. On the hottest lap which the Mini clocked the 42.63, braking early into the first corner resulted into massive oversteer, the only way the MINI could make up

time was in the corners and it did it perfectly.

It felt so much at home on the tiny little track with barely enough room to do a 3 point turn, in a car that weighs 1280kgs and sets a time faster than something that weighs less than a fraction of it.

Maybe it proved its point on the Go-Kart track, but in real world, the MINI is meant to lead a life on roads, transporting people in comfort and speed. The car interior looks gorgeous with all the lighting the lay out and all the gadgets that look like are taken directly from the Starship Enterprise, but some tit bits like the gear lever is just so long and the sequential gearbox is the opposite way around.

So when you want to shift up you push down and if you want to shift down you push up which needs some getting used to. The rear seats don’t have much leg room. But the only major drawback is the price. It’s just too expensive when you look at the whole picture-- 31.8 lakh

for the standard car and if you want your MINI fully kitted out, you’re looking spending around 40 lakh on just the car before taxes and registrations. But does any of that matter? No! Not one bit. Some things in life are precious and they are invaluable too. The MINI is one car that is definitely premium and you feel super cool driving one. Moreover, it doesn’t drive as good as a Go-Kart, its better!

GO KART TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Engine

Honda GX200D 4-stroke overhead valve single cylinder

Max Power

5.5bhp

Dry weight

16.1kg

Fuel Tank capacity

3.1 litre

It was going to make it harder for the MINI, the quickest lap time in the KART was 44.69 seconds

MINI COOPER D TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Engine

1.5 litre 3 cylinder TwinTurbo Diesel

Transmission

6-speed Automatic steptronic

Max Power

114bhp

Max Torque

270Nm

Tyres

175/65 R15

Price

On the hottest lap which the MINI clocked the 42.63, braking early into the first corner resulted into massive oversteer, the only way the MINI could make up time was in the corners ...

31,85,000/- (ex-showroom Delhi)

March 2015 I 51

WHEELZ & ROADZ A driving experience

FIRST DRIVE

MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 200

CLASSY SEDAN 52 I March 2015

WHEELZ & ROADZ A driving experience

Report: P.THARYAN / Photography: MOHD. NASIR

T

he more Mercedes-Benz India understands the Indian market, the more its products are getting so right and so perfect. The Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 is one such example. The latest from the German luxury car manufacturer, the CLA 200 comes with both petrol as well as a diesel engine. The models for sale include the CLA 200 CDI Style, the CLA 200 Sport and the CLA 200 CDI Sport. While the petrol one

Engine & Transmission 1991cc, Inline 4 cylinders Petrol / 7G- DCT

comes with a 1991 cc inline engine, the diesel one comes with a 2143 cc inline engine.

We got a petrol car for a short spin and we were truly stunned by its sheer looks, besides its performance. Gone are the days when a Mercedes-Benz brand used to intimidate the general public, both with its size as well as its price. Now with rising incomes among Indians and more affordable cars from the Mercedes stable, people with decent money are buying the Mercs like never before. And the company is making it easier for these

Power & Torque 181 bhp@5500 rpm 300 NM @ 1200-4000

Acceleration (0-100kmph) 7.8 seconds

folks as they make cars at the right prices, in the right sizes and with the right looks.

The CLA 200 is CLAssy. It’s as simple as that. There is something about its shape that gets you all weak kneed. I mean it’s so aerodynamic and so shapely. The company claims that this shape gives the car the lowest drag coefficient of any production car. I believe every word of it because when I got a chance to drive it full throttle on a long stretch of road, it cut through the air like a Swiss knife on soft butter. Oops, like a

Tyres 225/45 R 17

Price 35 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)

March 2015 I 53

WHEELZ & ROADZ A driving experience

German knife…

Like the A class, the CLA has got the beautiful diamond radiator grille with pins in high-gloss black, silver-painted louvre and chrome inserts.

That makes it great looking from the front. The bi-xenon headlights add to the mesmerising looks. The sides too look beautiful with the swooping lines with the rear shaping up like an elegant coupe. The rear bumper with insert in black plastic with chrome trim and the twinpipe exhaust system with rectangular, chromed tailpipes that peep out from under the bumper makes the derriere exciting!

Take a top angle view and there is the

54 I March 2015

panoramic sliding sunroof with automatic rain closing feature. Every which way you look, the CLA 200 simply inspires. The 43.2 cm (R17) 5-spoke alloy wheels painted in tremolite grey simply adds to the class. Now you get it when I say it’s a CLAssy sedan.

Just when you finish admiring the vehicle from outside, you are pleasantly surprised by what you have in store inside. The interiors again reminds you of the A class and the GLA. That’s okay in a way. Aren’t siblings meant to resemble each other in some way?

The 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel in black leather with perforated grip area has

WHEELZ & ROADZ A driving experience

wheel gear shift paddles, just in case you want to push it hard on a lonely road where cops are nowhere present. There is a fixed high-resolution 17.8 cm colour display screen. The audio 20 CD Multimedia system churns out your favourite numbers through the Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system. The driver’s seat as well as the passenger’s seat is an electrically adjustable one with memory packages.

As soon as I belted up and tweaked the key, the petrol engine fired up for the drive on the roads that Indians are so used to. As I went over bumps, I realised that this car has a decent ground clearance. It glided over obstacles without scraping its underbelly. This car, I felt, had been specially made for India.

I was impressed. Mercedes-Benz had got its act so right for the country. The engine was so perfectly mated to the 7-speed automatic transmission that speed and acceleration came so naturally without any interruption. One can drive in any of the modes: Economy, Sport or Manual.

I tried the different modes and felt that each had its own characteristics. The Eco start/stop function made things more economical as it helped reduce fuel consumption. In the few

hours of drive, we encountered long stretches of empty roads, and then had to face some crazy traffic at the end of it all. Good roads, bumpy roads or crowded roads, the CLA dealt with each in its own way. The suspension handled each terrain with considerable ease.

Though the CLA 200 boasts of a large boot space, I noticed that the spare tyre is placed in it. I found this slightly irksome because for your large suitcases to come in, the spare tyre would have to make its way out. Unless of course there are only two of you in the car and you have the luxury of folding your rear seats to create more space in the boot area. Another feature I found practically bothering was the little lever we are all so used to for opening the bonnet (in malls, high security zones etc). In the case of the CLA 200, it’s a plastic lever and one needs to really stretch your hand under the dash in the corner to nudge it.

For the few of us who have not being doing our daily stretches, this could be a bit of strain on the belly muscles! But then these are not major flaws. All in all, the CLA 200 is a good looking sedan priced so right! So is it time for us ordinary folks to raise the bar in our next purchase? Maybe, yes.

March 2015 I 55

FEATURES & TRAVEL

56 I March 2015

FEATURES & TRAVEL

A HOMESTAY IN THE UTTARAKHAND REGION

by JYOTI BALANI

L

ast month I received an email from Uttam Dave who has spent a considerable amount of his career working in the hospitality industry. The communication was in connection to his latest venture, a homestay in the Uttarakhand region.

Himalaica, a luxury Homestay and Estate Rental, which is reputedly the most outstanding homestay in the Kumaon Himalayas and is the vacation home of Shalini and Uttam Dave. This beautifully designed property started operating as a Luxury Homestay this year, and has already received a 5-star Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. Guest testimonials on their website speak highly of the vacation home and influenced by all this I decided to visit this unique property. An evening flight from Pune transported me to Delhi after which I was escorted to the Old Delhi railway station. I boarded the Train No. 15013 Ranikhet Express; which took me to Kathgodam. The train started at 10.40 in the night and reached its destination at 5 in the morning as per schedule. From the station, we were driven to the homestay in a car. The hour and a half drive took us through the Kumaon region.

Those who prefer to travel by road can drive from DELHI TO NAINITAL TO SHYAMKHET and this drive would take a good seven hours. The road from Delhi – Nanital – Shyamkhet is about 300 kms and a 7 hours drive inclusive of one halt. The route is Delhi – Nizamuddin Bridge – Ghaziabad – Hapur Bye pass – Dasna – Pilkhuwa – Babugarh – Garmukteshwar – Gajraula – Joya – UmriKalan – Moradabad Byepass – Suar – Bazpur – Choti Haldwani / Kaladungi – Khurpatal – Nainital. After crossing the Moradabad Bypass, continue through towards Rampur.

As you are approaching Rampur, you will cross first a railway over-bridge and thereafter a long flyover that goes over a river. As you get off the flyover / bridge, and come closer to Rampur, you will see two overhead billboards welcoming you to Rampur. Immediately after this, about 1.5 km down, keep your eyes open for a left turn, that is identified by a triangular island and a black and yellow rural tempo taxis standing at the corner. Take this left. This road goes to Suar (Soar). Keep on this road till you reach a round traffic island, take the first left here (Do not take the straight route that has a banner saying ‘Nainital’). Keep driving till you reach Bazpur. On reaching Bazpur, follow the signs for Haldwani, reaching Choti Haldwani / Kaladungi (passing through a jungle). On reaching Choti Haldwani (after crossing a small bridge and going 200 meters ahead) you will see a board pointing left for Nainital. There is a petrol pump at this junction – fill up here if necessary. After taking this left turn you will start climbing (after 5 kms) and now you are on the Nainital Road. Nainital is 30 kms from here on a beautiful drive. On reaching Nainital, you will go through a check-post, pay Rs. 50 here, and then drive through Nainital along the lake and on the Mall, and at the end of the market / road (you will see an intersection ahead, just after passing the Army Holiday Home on your left); make a sharp left turn to head down towards Bhowali. After about 9 kms you will meet another road coming from your right (this is another road coming up to Nainital) but continue

March 2015 I 57

FEATURES & TRAVEL

Surrounded by lush greenery and a well maintained garden that abounds with beautiful flowers, Himalaica boasts of a well thought of conservatory where guests can sip their early morning tea and enjoy the radiance of the sun’s rays.

straight till you reach Bhowali town. On reaching the main intersection at Bhowali town, you need to turn right towards Bhimtal (left goes to Ranikhet). About 1 km down you will see a left turn marked towards Ramgarh, just over a small bridge. Take this and drive exactly 2.6 km. At this point, on your left, you will see a large white government water tank, next to it a watercourse, and next to it a drive going up to “Himalaica’, with a name board for the property and the name ‘Dave’. Drive up and blow your horn gently for the gate to be opened.

Himalaica is nestled in a crook between the tall hills at Village Shyamkhet, on the Bhowali-Ramgarh road. A short drive up from the road leads to the Estate that is surrounded by protected forests with oak and pine trees to the East, North and West. Locals and tourists have occasionally spotted leopard, Ghoral mountain goat, wild boar, fox, jackal and porcupine, barking deer, amongst other small wildlife such as pine marten, civet cat, weasels and non-poisonous snakes.

The driveway up to Himalaica appears on the left of the BhowaliRamgarh road, alongside a small stream precisely 2.6 km from the turn-off over a small bridge as you enter Bhowali town from Bhimtal.

The landmark for the drive up is a large white arched water tank to the left. Shyamkhet village is located in the Ramgarh Block of Nainital District in the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand State. It is the last hamlet on the drive up to Ramgarh after which the drive is through thick Reserve Forests. Himalaica’s setting is ideal; it is located close to all the essential support of a major town and yet a guest can be on their own

58 I March 2015

if they wish to.

As we stepped into the property, we were greeted by the three dogs Cyber, Raja and Lama who seemed thrilled to see us. All throughout the stay the three dogs accompanied us everywhere we went and it was heartwarming to see the unconditional love and warmth that these animals shower on guests. The couple has created this homestay with meticulous care over the past thirteen years and it shows in every nook and corner of the property. The architecture, the interiors and the gardens are built by local craftsmen; and the end result is a country style home equipped with modern comforts.

Surrounded by lush greenery and a well maintained garden that abounds with beautiful flowers, Himalaica boasts of a well thought of conservatory where guests can sip their early morning tea and enjoy the radiance of the sun’s rays. “While building the house, we made sure that sunlight would flow into all the rooms. Himalaica sleeps 10 comfortably, inclusive of children. STD, Wi-Fi Internet access, a washing machine to wash and dry your clothes is available too.” says

FEATURES & TRAVEL

Shalini. Bed warmers have been installed in all beds and there are heaters in all rooms to ensure that guests don’t feel uncomfortable due to the cold conditions especially during the winter months. For those who aren’t used to such weather conditions especially during winters, things can get really chilly! Dining at Himalaica is home-cooked meals by Basant, their super efficient caretaker. We were mostly served Indian cuisine and the caretakers used to make it a point to ask us our preferences for all meals. Those who prefer European food can request the caretakers to dish up a few dishes.

The caretakers also arrange for a food basket for picnics on request. The larder, fridge and deep-freeze are well-equipped with a large variety of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook items, with options for both savoury and sweet. Those who enjoy cooking will be delighted to see a well set up kitchen equipped with most raw materials and ingredients, both fresh and packaged, including seasonings and condiments. During suitable weather conditions it is a good idea to go out and explore the local area. There is lots to do while in Himalaica apart from admiring the natural scenic beauty of the surroundings, for example reading a book or watching a movie (they have a decent collection of movies) or just sitting near the fireplace and playing with the friendly dogs ! A stay in Himalaica is definitely a unique experience, well worth a visit!

HIMALAICA VILLAGE SHYAMKHET, 2.6 km on Bhowali-Ramgarh Road, Ramgarh Block, Nainital District, Kumaon Hills, Uttarakhand - 263 132 Landline: +91-11-(0)5942-220797 / 221097

March 2015 I 59

CAR PRICES

Buyers’ Guide * Prices (Ex-Showroom Delhi)

OFF-ROAD VEHICLE PRICES SEGMENT

MODEL

ENGINE (CC)

PRICE (RS.)

POLARIS

ATV & Youth Mode

Outlaw 50

49

2.64 (Lakh)

Phoenix 200

196

4.89 (Lakh)

RZR 170

169

5.29 (Lakh)

Sportsman 400 H.O

445

7.25 (Lakh)

Sportsman 500 H.O

498

7.67 (Lakh)

Sportsman 570 EFI

567

7.94 (Lakh)

Sportsman 850 H.O

850

14.72 (Lakh)

Sportsman Big Boss 800

760

15.35 (Lakh)

400

455

11.14 (Lakh)

Crew 500 EFI

498

13.97 (Lakh)

Crew 800

760

18 (Lakh)

Ranger Diesel

904

20.48 (Lakh)

Ranger

Ranger RZR Snowmobile

Ranger EV

NA

12.82 (Lakh)

RZR S 800

760

22.85 (Lakh)

RZR XP 900

875

21.13 (Lakh)

RZR XP4 900

875

24.10 (Lakh)

Widetrak LS

488

10.86 (Lakh)

CAR PRICES MODEL

VARIANTS

ENGINE*

FUEL*

FUEL EFFICIENCY*

PRICE*

* Engine in Litres | Fuel - Petrol (P), Diesel (D), CNG, LPG, Hybrid (H), Electric (E) | Fuel Efficiency in kmpl/kmpkg | Prices in lakh/Crore

ASHOK LEYLAND Stile

A4 LE - 8 Seater LS - 7 Seater LX - 7 Seater

1.5 1.5 1.5

D D D

20.07 20.07 20.07

7.49 8.49 8.99

Coupe Volante Rapide S V8 Coupe V8 S Coupe V8 Volante V8 N430 V12 S V12 Vanquish

6.0 6.0 6.0 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 6.0 6.0

P P P P P P P P P

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

2.90 (Cr.) 3 (Cr.) 3.50 (Cr.) 1.86 (Cr.) 2.20 (Cr.) 2.40 (Cr.) NA NA 3.85 (Cr.)

TFSI Premium Plus + Sunroof TFSI S Line Cabriolet TDI Attraction TDI Premium + Sunroof Edition TDI Premium Plus + Sunroof TDI Technology Pack + Sunroof TFSI Premium Edition TDI Special Edition TDI Standard Edition TDI Premium Edition TDI Premium Plus TDI Technology Pack TDI Quattro Premium Plus

1.8 1.8 2.0

P P D

16.30 16.30 20

30.05 44.75 22.95

2.0

D

20

27.05

2.0

D

20

31.05

2.0

D

20

33.05

1.8 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 3.0

P D D D D D D

15.64 17.11 17.11 17.11 17.11 17.11 14.94

31.30 29.45 30.10 35.45 37.71 39.74 55.02

ASTON MARTIN DB9 Rapide

Vantage

Vanquish AUDI

A3

A4

MODEL

60 I March 2015

VARIANTS

ENGINE*

FUEL*

FUEL EFFICIENCY*

PRICE*

* Engine in Litres | Fuel - Petrol (P), Diesel (D), CNG, LPG, Hybrid (H), Electric (E) | Fuel Efficiency in kmpl/kmpkg | Prices in lakh/Crore

A6

A8 L

Q3

Q5

Q7 RS5 RS7 R8

TDI Quattro Technology TFSI Premium Edition TDI Business Edition TDI Premium Edition TDI Premium Plus TDI Technology Pack TDI Quattro Premium TDI Quattro Premium Plus TDI QuattroTechnology TFSI quattro TDI quattro TDI quattro W12 TDI quattro TFSI TDI TDI Quatrro Premium TDI Quatrro Premium Plus TDI Quatrro Dynamic TDI Quatrro Premium TDI Quatrro Premium Plus TDI Quatrro Technology TDI QuattroTechnology TDI Quattro Premium TDI Quattro Premium Plus TDI QuattroTechnology TDI Quattro Technology TFSI Quattro TFSI Quattro V8 FSI V10 FSI

3.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 4.0 3.0 4.2 6.3 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 4.2 4.2 4.0 4.2 5.2

D P D D D D D D D P D D D P D D D D D D D D D D D D P P P P

14.94 NA 17.60 17.60 17.60 17.60 14.50 14.50 14.50 9.20 6 NA NA 9.89 17.3 15.73 15.73 15.73 14.10 14.10 14.10 13.20 12 12 12 11.30 9.20 NA 8 7.60

57.82 44.20 39.90 46.52 48.29 51.91 55.80 60.78 63.13 1.33 (Cr.) 1.14 (Cr.) 1.23 (Cr.) 1.81 (Cr.) 27.40 25.49 32.54 36.80 38.40 47.16 49.46 53.44 60.11 61.35 66.59 72.35 80.94 1.05 (Cr.) 1.33 (Cr.) 1.66 (Cr.) 1.95 (Cr.)

CAR PRICES * Prices (Ex-Showroom Delhi) MODEL

VARIANTS

ENGINE*

FUEL*

FUEL EFFICIENCY*

PRICE*

* Engine in Litres | Fuel - Petrol (P), Diesel (D), CNG, LPG, Hybrid (H), Electric (E) | Fuel Efficiency in kmpl/kmpkg | Prices in lakh/Crore

R8 Spyder S4 S6 TT BENTLEY MOTORS

Continental

Flying Spur Mulsanne BMW 1 Series

3 Series

5 Series

6 Series

7 Series

X1 X3

X5

M

Z4 i8 BUGATTI Veyron CHEVROLET

Beat

Captiva Cruze

Enjoy

Sail Hatchback

V10 FSI TFSI Quatrro TFSI Quattro TFSI Quattro S - Line

5.2 3.0 4.0 2.0

P P P D

7.70 10.30 NA 12.40

2.14 (Cr.) 52.64 89.95 55.15

GT W12 GT V8 GT Speed W12 GT V8 S GTC W12 GTC V8 GT Speed Convertible GT V8S Convertible Flying Spur V8 Flying Spur W12 Mulsanne

6.0 4.0 6.0 4.0 6.0 4.0 6.0 6.0 4.0 6.0 6.8

P P P P P P P P P P P

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 6.38 8 NA

NA 3.28 (Cr.) NA 3.54 (Cr.) NA NA 4.03 (Cr.) NA 3.21 (Cr.) 3.40 (Cr.) 5.55 (Cr.)

116i Prestige 118d Prestige 118d Sport Line 118d Sport Plus 320d Prestige 320d Sport Line 320d Luxury Line 328i Sport Plus 320d GT Luxury Line 520d Prestige 520d Modern Line 520d Luxury Line 525d Luxury Plus 530d M Sport 640d Convertible 650i Convertible 640d Coupé 650i Coupé 640d Gran Coupé Eminence 730 Ld Eminence 730 Ld Signature ActiveHybrid 7L 750Li Eminence 760Li Eminence sDrive20d Expedition sDrive20d Sport Line sDrive20d xLine xDrive20d Expedition xDrive20d xLine xDrive30d Expedition xDrive30d Design Pure Experience xDrive30d Design Pure Experience (7 Seater) M3 M4 Coupe M5 M6 Gran Coupé sDrive 35i sDrive 35i Design Pure Traction i8

1.6 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 3.0 3.0 5.0 3.0 5.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 5.0 6.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 3.0

P D D D D D D P D D D D D D D P D P D D D P P P D D D D D D

16.28 20.58 20.58 20.58 18.88 18.88 18.88 14.59 19.59 18.48 18.48 18.48 17.09 14.69 17.54 10.86 11.23 18.18 17.54 16.46 16.46 13.85 11.62 7.46 17.05 17.05 17.05 18.56 18.56 NA

22.65 25.60 28.55 32.50 34.30 37.90 37.90 42.50 42.75 46.90 49.90 49.90 55 59.20 NA NA NA NA 1.11 (Cr.) 1.03 (Cr.) 1.22 (Cr.) 1.35 (Cr.) 1.40 (Cr.) 1.87 (Cr.) 30.75 36 36 44.90 49.90 64.90

3.0

D

15.35

69.90

3.0

D

15.35

71.50

3.0 3.0 5.0 4.3 3.0

P P P P P

10.75 10.75 10.10 10.10 10.37

1.20 (Cr.) 1.22 (Cr.) 1.35 (Cr.) 1.75 (Cr.) 71

3.0

P

10.37

72

1.5

H

NA

2.29 (Cr.)

Veyron Grand Sport

8.0

P

NA

12 (Cr.)

PS LS LT LT Option PS LS LT LT Option LS LPG LT LPG LT LTZ LT (MT) LTZ (MT) LTZ (AT) LS - 8 Seater LS -7 Seater LT - 8 Seater LT - 7 Seater LTZ - 8 Seater LTZ - 7 Seater TCDi LS - 8 Seater TCDi LS -7 Seater TCDi LT - 8 Seater TCDi LT - 7 Seater TCDi LTZ - 8 Seater TCDi LTZ - 7 Seater PS LS LS ABS LT ABS

1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.2 1.2 2.2 2.2 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2

P P P P D D D D LPG LPG D D D D D P P P P P P D D D D D D P P P P

18.61 18.61 18.61 18.61 25.44 25.44 25.44 25.44 13.30 13.30 14.60 12.12 17.30 17.30 NA 13.70 13.70 13.70 13.70 13.70 13.70 18.20 18.20 18.20 18.20 18.20 18.20 18.20 18.20 18.20 18.20

4.01 4.27 4.68 5.17 4.82 5.10 5.52 5.94 4.53 4.97 23.75 25.85 13.79 15.28 16.30 5.86 5.88 6.41 6.44 7.21 7.24 7.11 7.13 7.55 7.58 8.25 8.27 4.46 4.94 5.15 5.82

MODEL

VARIANTS

ENGINE*

FUEL*

FUEL EFFICIENCY*

PRICE*

* Engine in Litres | Fuel - Petrol (P), Diesel (D), CNG, LPG, Hybrid (H), Electric (E) | Fuel Efficiency in kmpl/kmpkg | Prices in lakh/Crore

TCDi PS TCDi LS TCDi LS ABS TCDi LT ABS PS LS LS ABS LT ABS Sail Sedan TCDi PS TCDi LS TCDi LS ABS TCDi LT ABS BS4 OBDII LS BS4 OBDII Spark LT BS4 OBDII Neo 3 -10-BS3 Neo 3 Max -10-BS3 Neo 3 Max -7-BS3 Neo 3 LS-10-BS3 Neo 3 LS-7-BS3 Tavera * Neo 3 LS-7(C)-BS3 Neo 3 LT-9-BS3 Neo 3 LT-8-BS3 Neo 3 LT-7(C)-BS3 * Only available in BS3 cities.

DATSUN D D1 Go A T D D1 Go+ A T FIAT Active Fire Dynamic Fire Active Multijet Avventura Dynamic Multijet Emotion Multijet Active Fire Active T-Jet Dynamic T-Jet Emotion T-Jet Linea Active Multijet Dynamic Multijet Emotion Multijet Classic Fire Classic Multijet Linea Classic Classic Plus Multijet Active Fire Dynamic Fire Emotion Fire Active Multijet Punto Evo Dynamic Multijet Emotion Multijet Sport 93 PS FORCE EX 6 Seater LX-ABS 6 Seater Force One SX-ABS 6 Seater SX-ABS 5 Seater Hard Top (4x4) Soft Top (4x2) Gurkha Soft Top (4x4) FORD LXi Duratec CLXi Duratec Titanium Duratec Classic LXi Duratorq CLXi Duratorq Titanium Duratorq Ambiente M/T Trend M/T Titanium M/T Titanium A/T Titanium Ecoboost Ecosport Titanium (O) Ecoboost Ambiente (D) Trend (D) Titanium (D) Titanium (O) (D) 4x2 M/T 4x2 A/T Endeavour 4x4 A/T Ambiente Trend Fiesta Titanium LXi Duratec EXi Duratec ZXi Duratec Figo Titanium Duratec LXi Duratorq Sail Hatchback

1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5

D D D D P P P P D D D D P P P D D D D D D D D D

22.10 22.10 22.10 22.10 18.20 18.20 18.20 18.20 22.10 22.10 22.10 22.10 16.20 16.20 16.20 13.58 13.58 13.58 13.58 13.58 13.58 13.58 13.58 13.58

5.44 5.93 6 6.86 5.27 5.79 6 6.56 6.47 6.85 7.15 7.72 3.45 3.72 4 7.52 8.39 8.51 9.20 9.28 9.38 10.25 10.68 10.94

1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2

P P P P P P P P

20.63 20.63 20.63 20.63 20.63 20.63 20.63 20.63

3.23 3.26 3.59 4.05 3.79 3.82 4.15 4.61

1.4 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3

P P D D D P P P P D D D P D D P P P D D D D

14.40 14.40 20.50 20.50 20.50 15.70 15.70 15.70 15.70 20.40 20.40 20.40 14.90 19.50 19.50 15.80 15.80 15.80 21.20 21.20 21.20 21.20

5.99 7.05 6.89 7.65 8.17 7 7.45 8.54 9.03 8.17 9.29 9.74 5.88 6.86 7.40 4.71 5.12 6.71 5.42 6.21 6.83 7.20

2.6 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.6 2.6 2.6

D D D D D D D

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

9.38 14.02 12.41 12.49 8.51 6.27 8.36

1.6 1.6 1.6 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.4

P P P D D D P P P P P P D D D D D D D D D D P P P P D

14.09 14.09 14.09 19.68 19.68 19.68 15.80 15.80 15.80 15.60 18.90 18.90 22.70 22.70 22.70 22.70 12.67 10.70 10.70 25.01 25.01 25.01 15.22 15.22 15.22 15.22 19.99

4.89 5.58 6.36 6.20 6.67 7.36 6.46 7.31 8.27 9.29 8.66 9.19 7.44 8.17 9.17 9.71 20.32 21.76 23.54 7.99 8.83 9.57 3.87 4.41 4.72 5.11 4.83

March 2015 I 61

CAR PRICES * Prices (Ex-Showroom Delhi) MODEL

VARIANTS

ENGINE*

FUEL*

FUEL EFFICIENCY*

PRICE*

* Engine in Litres | Fuel - Petrol (P), Diesel (D), CNG, LPG, Hybrid (H), Electric (E) | Fuel Efficiency in kmpl/kmpkg | Prices in lakh/Crore

Figo

EXi Duratorq ZXi Duratorq Titanium Duratorq

1.4 1.4 1.4

D D D

19.99 19.99 19.99

5.38 5.70 6

E M/T EX M/T S M/T S MT Plus (i-VTEC) SX M/T VX M/T VX (O) M/T S A/T VX A/T E M/T EX M/T S M/T SX M/T VX M/T VX (O) M/T E M/T EX M/T S M/T V M/T VX M/T VX BL M/T VX A/T VX BL A/T E M/T S M/T SV M/T V M/T VX M/T SV CVT VX CVT EMT SMT SVMT VMT VXMT 2WD M/T 2WD A/T AWD A/T AWD A/T AVN E S V V (O) E S V V (O) RS RS (O)

1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.4 2.4 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

P P P CNG P P P P P D D D D D D P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P D D D D D P P P P P P P P D D D D D D

18 18 18 NA 18 18 18 15.50 15.50 25.80 25.80 25.80 25.80 25.80 25.80 19.40 19.40 19.40 19.40 19.40 19.40 16.50 16.50 17.80 17.80 17.80 17.80 17.80 18 18 26 26 26 26 25.10 13.70 13.70 12 12 17.30 17.30 17.30 17.30 24.20 24.20 24.20 24.20 24.20 24.20

5.19 5.55 5.94 5.99 6.48 6.87 7.32 6.95 7.78 6.20 6.52 6.97 7.39 7.75 8.20 4.21 4.43 4.78 5.12 5.51 5.99 6.31 6.78 7.53 8.19 8.78 9.37 10.34 9.81 11.42 8.75 9.40 9.94 10.55 11.53 20.85 21.85 23.48 24.96 6.75 7.80 9.06 9.75 8.19 8.93 10.09 10.77 11.19 11.87

S M/T SX M/T SX A/T L M/T S M/T SX M/T SX A/T D-Lite D-Lite+ D-Lite+ LPG Era+ Era+ Lpg Magna+ Magna+ LPG Magna+ Kappa Sportz Kappa Era Kappa Magna Kappa Magna (LPG) Kappa Sportz Kappa Asta Kappa Asta A/T Kappa Asta (O) CRDi Era CRDi Magna CRDi Sportz CRDi Asta CRDi Asta (O) Era Magna Sportz Sportz LPG Kappa Era Kappa Magna Kappa Sportz Kappa Sportz (O) Kappa Asta CRDi Era

1.8 1.8 1.8 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.0 0.8 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.4

P P P D D D D P P P/LPG P P/LPG P P/LPG P P P P P/LPG P P P P D D D D D P P P P/LPG P P P P P D

16.30 16.30 14.30 22.70 22.70 22.70 19.10 21.10 21.10 21.10 21.10 21.10 21.10 21.10 20.30 21.10 18.90 18.90 18.90 18.90 18.90 18.90 18.90 24 24 24 24 24 19.81 19.81 19.81 19.20 18.60 18.60 18.60 18.60 18.60 22.54

12.92 14.13 15.10 13.37 14.09 15.27 16.24 2.88 3.16 3.41 3.29 3.55 3.59 3.84 3.87 3.86 4.62 4.82 5.24 5.21 5.48 6.22 5.80 5.48 5.68 6.07 6.34 6.66 4.17 4.40 4.70 4.98 5.23 5.76 6.27 6.63 6.85 6.36

MODEL

Brio

City

CR-V

Mobilio

HYUNDAI

Elantra

Eon

Grand i10

i10

Elite i20

62 I March 2015

ENGINE*

FUEL*

FUEL EFFICIENCY*

PRICE*

* Engine in Litres | Fuel - Petrol (P), Diesel (D), CNG, LPG, Hybrid (H), Electric (E) | Fuel Efficiency in kmpl/kmpkg | Prices in lakh/Crore

Elite i20

HONDA

Amaze

VARIANTS

Santa Fe

Santro Xing

Sonata

4S Fludic Verna

Xcent

CRDi Magna CRDi Sportz CRDi Sportz (O) CRDi Asta 2WD M/T 2WD A/T 4WD A/T GL Plus GL Plus LPG GLS GLS LPG GDI M/T GDI A/T Base S S (O) S (O) A/T SX CRDi Base CRDi S CRDi S (O) CRDi SX CRDi SX A/T Kappa Base Kappa S Kappa S (O) Kappa SX Kappa SX (O) Kappa SX (O) A/T CRDi Base CRDi S CRDi S (O) CRDi SX CRDi SX (O)

1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 2.2 2.2 2.2 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 2.4 2.4 1.4 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.4 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1

D D D D D D D P P/LPG P P/LPG P P P P P P P D D D D D P P P P P P D D D D D

22.54 22.54 22.54 22.54 14.74 13.01 13.01 17.92 13.45 17.92 13..45 13.04 12.35 17.01 17.01 17.01 17.01 17.01 23.50 23.50 23.50 23.50 19.08 19.10 19.10 19.10 19.10 19.10 16.90 24.40 24.40 24.40 24.40 24.40

6.90 7.44 7.76 7.99 26.84 27.69 29.79 3.75 3.95 3.97 4.15 19.20 21.28 7.74 8.85 9.38 10.11 10.15 8.95 10 10.59 11.46 12.20 4.96 5.64 5.90 6.58 6.84 7.58 5.85 6.54 6.79 7.47 7.73

D-Max Single Cab D-Max Space Cab Flat Deck D-Max Space Cab Arched Deck BS4 4x2 MT BS4 4x2 MT HI Pack

2.5 2.5

D D

NA NA

5.89 6.09

2.5

D

NA

6.99

3.0 3.0

D D

12.08 12.08

19.99 21.95

F-Type Coupe F-Type S Coupe F-Type R Coupe F-Type V6 S Covertible F-Type V8 S Covertible XF XF Executive Edition XF XFR Premium Luxury Portfolio Premium Luxury Portfolio XKR Coupe XKR Convertible XKR - S

3.0 3.0 5.0 3.0 5.0 2.0 2.2 2.2 3.0 5.0 2.0 2.0 3.0 3.0 5.0 5.0 5.0

P P P P P P D D D P P P D D P P P

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 9.4 NA NA NA NA NA

1.22 (Cr.) 1.34 (Cr.) 1.82 (Cr.) 1.49 (Cr.) 1.75 (Cr.) 49.08 49.39 45.12 57.51 NA NA 93.76 92.62 99.21 NA NA NA

LP 700-4 LP 700-4 Roadster LP 610-4

6.5 6.5 5.2

P P P

6.3 6.3 NA

3.69 (Cr.) 4.77 (Cr.) 3.43 (Cr.)

V6 SE V6 HSE TD4 S BE TD4 SE TD4 SE Sterling Edition TD4 HSE TDV6 HSE TDV6 Vogue SDV8 Vogue SE SDV8 Autobiography V8 SC Autobiography TDV6 Vogue LWB SDV8 Vogue SE LWB SDV8 Autobiography LWB V8 SC Autobiography LWB Pure Prestige Dynamic Dynamic Coupe SDV6 S SDV6 SE SDV6 HSE SC Autobiography

3.0 3.0 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 3.0 3.0 4.4 4.4 5.0 3.0 4.4 4.4 5.0 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 5.0

P P D D D D D D D D P D D D P D D D P D D D P

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

1.05 (Cr.) 1.14 (Cr.) 39.74 43.38 44.92 48.72 1.73 (Cr.) 1.97 (Cr.) 2.35 (Cr.) 2.43 (Cr.) 2.50 (Cr.) 2.08 (Cr.) 2.44 (Cr.) 2.56 (Cr.) 2.63 (Cr.) 55.36 65.47 64.64 NA 1.10 (Cr.) 1.25 (Cr.) 1.43 (Cr.) 1.66 (Cr.)

Plus Non Ac BS4 Plus Ac BS4 Ex Non Ac BS4 Ex Ac BS4

2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5

D D D D

15.96 15.96 15.96 15.96

6.88 7.27 6.50 6.90

ISUZU D-Max

MU-7 JAGUAR

F-Type

XF

XJ

XK LAMBORGHINI Aventador Huracan LAND ROVER Discovery 4

Freelander 2

Range Rover

Range Rover Evoque

Range Rover Sport MAHINDRA Bolero

CAR PRICES * Prices (Ex-Showroom Delhi) MODEL

VARIANTS

ENGINE*

FUEL*

FUEL EFFICIENCY*

PRICE*

* Engine in Litres | Fuel - Petrol (P), Diesel (D), CNG, LPG, Hybrid (H), Electric (E) | Fuel Efficiency in kmpl/kmpkg | Prices in lakh/Crore

Bolero

Quanto

Rexton

Scorpio

Thar

Verito

Verito Vibe

XUV 500

XYLO

SLE BS4 SLX BS4 ZLX BS4 C2 C4 C6 C8 RX5 MT RX6 MT RX7 AT S2 S4 S4 / S4 4WD S6 / S6 PLUS S8 S10 / S10 4WD Thar DI 2WD / 4WD 4x4 CRDE D2 D4 D6 ABS D6 ABS EXECUTIVE D2 D4 D6 W4 FWD W6 FWD W8 FWD W8 AWD D2 BS IV D2 MAXX BS IV D4 BS IV H4 BS IV / ABS BS IV H8 ABS BS IV / ABS AIRBAG BS IV H9 BS IV

2.5 2.5 2.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.5 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.5 2.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.2

D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D

15.96 15.96 15.96 17.21 17.21 17.21 17.21 11.18 11.18 11.18 NA NA NA NA NA NA 18.06 18.06 20.08 20.08 20.08 20.08 20.08 20.08 20.08 15.10 15.10 15.10 15.10 14.88 14.88 14.88 14.02

7.30 7.82 7.99 6.41 7.28 7.75 8.26 19.83 21.87 23.17 8.69 9.29 9.70 / 10.83 10.48 / 10.79 11.68 12.32 / 13.45 5.03 / 5.53 7.68 6.72 6.95 7.65 8.13 6 6.27 6.89 11.19 12.46 14.06 15.05 8.07 7.86 8.49 8.96 / 9.20

2.2

D

14.02

10.23 / 10.62

2.2

D

14.02

11.47

E

NA

5.95

E

NA

6.82

MODEL

T01 e2o T2

Gypsy Omni

Ritz

Swift

Swift Dzire

WagonR

WagonR Stingray

Alto 800

Alto K10

Celerio

Ciaz

Eeco

Ertiga

Grand Vitara Gypsy

0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8

P P P P P P CNG

22.74 22.74 22.74 22.74 22.74 22.74 30.46

2.46 2.82 3.05 3.21 3.18 3.37 3.62

Alto K10 LX

1.0

P

24.07

3.13

Alto K10 LXI

1.0

P

24.07

3.29

Alto K10 LXI CNG

1.0

P

24.07

3.91

Alto K10 VXI Alto K10 VXI (O) Alto K10 VXI AGS Celerio LXI Celerio LXI AGS Celerio VXI Celerio VXI AGS Celerio GREEN VXI Celerio ZXI Celerio ZXI (O) VXi VXi Plus ZXi ZXi (O) VXi Plus AT ZXi AT VDi VDi Plus ZDi ZDi (O) Eeco 5 Seater Eeco 5 Seater Ac Eeco 7 Seater Eeco Flexi Green Eeco Green 5 Seater Non Ac Eeco Green 5 Seater Ac Ertiga LXI Ertiga LXI CNG Ertiga VXI Ertiga VXI ABS Ertiga VXI CNG Ertiga ZXI Ertiga LDI Ertiga VDI Ertiga ZDI Grand Vitara MT Grand Vitara AT King Soft Top

1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.3 2.4 2.4 1.3

P P P P P P P CNG P P P P P P P P D D D D P P P CNG CNG CNG P CNG P P CNG P D D D P P P

24.07 24.07 24.07 23.10 23.10 23.10 23.10 31.79 23.10 23.10 20.73 20.73 20.73 20.73 19.12 19.12 26.30 26.30 26.30 26.30 15.10 15.10 15.10 20 20 20 16.02 22.80 16.02 16.02 22.80 16.02 20.77 20.77 20.77 10.40 9.24 11.96

3.46 3.66 3.90 3.90 4.35 4.20 4.65 4.85 4.50 4.96 7.21 7.79 8.50 8.86 8.92 9.64 8.30 8.90 9.75 10.11 3.09 3.39 3.26 4.14 3.76 4.12 5.99 6.60 6.78 6.86 7.38 7.59 7.46 8.11 8.77 22.68 24.60 5.98

FUEL*

FUEL EFFICIENCY*

PRICE*

King Hard Top Omni 5 Seater Omni 8 Seater Ritz Lxi Ritz Vxi Ritz Vxi ABS Ritz Vxi AT ABS Ritz Zxi Ritz Mc Ldi Ritz Mc Vdi Ritz Mc Vdi ABS Ritz Mc Zdi Swift Lxi Swift Lxi (O) Swift Vxi Swift Zxi Swift Ldi Swift Vdi Swift Zdi Swift Dzire Lxi Swift Dzire Vxi Swift Dzire Vxi AT Swift Dzire Zxi Swift Dzire Ldi Swift Dzire Vdi Swift Dzire Zdi WagonR Mc Lx WagonR Mc Lxi WagonR Mc Lxi CNG WagonR Mc Vxi WagonR Mc Vxi ABS Stingray Lxi Stingray Vxi Stingray Vxi (O)

1.3 0.8 0.8 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

P LPG P P P P P P D D D D P P P P D D D P P P P D D D P P CNG P P P P P

11.96 10.90 14.70 18.50 18.50 18.50 17.16 18.50 23.20 23.20 23.20 23.20 20.40 20.40 20.40 20.40 25.20 25.20 25.20 19.10 19.10 17.40 19.10 23.40 23.40 23.40 20.51 20.51 26.60 20.51 20.51 20.51 20.51 20.51

6.13 2.51 2.49 4.38 4.73 4.98 5.97 5.33 5.46 5.79 5.97 6.38 4.58 4.65 5.26 6.11 5.76 6.21 7.20 5.02 5.64 6.57 6.54 5.99 6.75 7.59 3.61 3.93 4.47 4.18 4.50 4 4.28 4.55

Gran Turismo Gran Turismo Sport Gran Turismo MC Stradale Gran Cabrio Gran Cabrio Sport Gran Cabrio MC Quattroporte S Quattroporte S Q4 Quattroporte GTS

4.2 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 3.0 3.0 3.8

P P P P P P P P P

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

1.20 (Cr.) 1.30 (Cr.) 1.37 (Cr.) NA NA NA NA NA NA

180 Sport 180 CDI Style 200 CDI 200 Sport 200 CDI Sport 180 Sport 180 CDI 200 Avantgarde 220 CDI Style 200 CDI Avantgarde 200 CGI Avantgarde 250 CDI Avantgarde 350 CDI Avantgrade 200 CDI 200 Sport 200 CDI Sport 350 CDI 250 CDI 350 CDI 350 CDI 350 350 CLA 45AMG GLA 45AMG C 63 AMG E 63 AMG GL 63 AMG G 63 AMG ML 63 AMG SLK 55 AMG

1.6 2.1 2.1 2.0 2.1 1.6 2.1 2.0 2.1 2.1 2.0 2.1 3.0 2.2 2.0 2.2 3.0 2.1 3.0 3.5 3.5 3.5 2.0 2.0 6.2 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5

P D D P D P D P D D P D D D P D D D D D P P P P P P P P P P

15.50 20.06 17.90 15.04 17.90 14.91 18.98 14.74 19.27 19.27 13.82 14.21 NA 17.90 NA NA NA 14.80 8.70 NA 9.26 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 10.41 NA

26.56 25.64 31.50 35 35.90 28.87 27.75 40.90 39.90 42.90 46.33 48.47 58.50 32.75 36 36.90 74.90 54.80 65.80 1.09 (Cr.) 91.90 71.90 68.50 69.60 1.07 (Cr.) 1.29 (Cr.) 1.70 (Cr.) 1.85 (Cr.) 1.50 (Cr.) 1.26 (Cr.)

Cooper D Cooper D Cooper Convertible One Countryman Cooper D Countryman Cooper D Hightrim Cooper S

1.5 1.5 1.6 1.6 2.0 1.6 1.6

D D P P D D P

21.15 21.15 NA NA NA NA NA

31.85 35.20 34.80 26.55 28.55 31.40 38.75

Sport 4x2 A/T Sport Di-D 4x4

2.5 2.5

D D

13.5 13.5

24.98 25.28

Evalia XE Evalia XE+ Evalia XL Evalia XL Option Evalia XV

1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

D D D D D

19.30 19.30 19.30 19.30 19.30

9.14 9.67 10.51 10.77 11.22

MASERATI

Gran Turismo

MARUTI Alto 800 STD Alto 800 LX Alto 800 LXI Alto 800 LXI Airbag Alto 800 VXI Alto 800 VXI Airbag Alto 800 LXI CNG

ENGINE*

* Engine in Litres | Fuel - Petrol (P), Diesel (D), CNG, LPG, Hybrid (H), Electric (E) | Fuel Efficiency in kmpl/kmpkg | Prices in lakh/Crore

MAHINDRA REVA Electric Motor Electric Motor

VARIANTS

Quattroporte MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class CLA-Class B-Class C-Class

E-Class

GLA-class GL-class ML-class S-class CLS-Class SLK-class

AMG

MINI Mini 3-Door Mini 5-Door Mini Convertible Mini Countryman MITSUBISHI Pajero NISSAN

Evalia

March 2015 I 63

CAR PRICES * Prices (Ex-Showroom Delhi) MODEL

VARIANTS

ENGINE*

FUEL*

FUEL EFFICIENCY*

PRICE*

* Engine in Litres | Fuel - Petrol (P), Diesel (D), CNG, LPG, Hybrid (H), Electric (E) | Fuel Efficiency in kmpl/kmpkg | Prices in lakh/Crore

Evalia

Micra

Micra Active

New Sunny

Terrano

Evalia XV Option Evalia SV Micra XL Micra XL COMFORT Micra XV CVT Micra DCI XE Micra DCI XL Micra DCI XL COMFORT Micra DCI XV Micra DCI XV PREMIUM Micra Active XL Micra Active XV Micra Active XV S New Sunny XE New Sunny XL New Sunny XL CVT New Sunny XE D New Sunny XL D New Sunny XV D New Sunny XV D Premium Safety New Sunny XV D Premium Leather Terrano XL Terrano XE D Terrano XL D Terrano XL D PLUS Terrano XL D THP Terrano XV OPTION D THP Terrano XV OPTION D THP Premium

1.5 1.5 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

D D P P P D D D D D P P P P P P D D D

19.30 19.30 18.44 18.44 19.34 23.08 23.08 23.08 23.08 23.08 19.49 19.49 19.49 17.97 17.97 17.97 22.71 22.71 22.71

11.48 12.22 5.16 5.82 6.93 5.74 6 6.62 7.10 7.47 4.38 4.70 5.02 7.40 8.19 9.55 8.60 9.25 10

1.5

D

22.71

10.29

1.5

D

22.71

10.50

1.6 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

P D D D D D

13.24 20.45 20.45 20.45 19.01 19.01

10.15 10.13 11.17 11.45 11.64 12.60

1.5

D

19.01

12.92

Careera Careera S Careera 4 Careera 4S Careera Cabriolet Careera S Cabriolet Careera 4 Cabriolet Careera 4S Cabriolet GT3 Turbo Turbo S Targa 4 Targa 4 S Boxter S Cayenne Diesel Cayenne S Cayenne Platinum Cayenne S Diesel Cayenne S Hybrid Cayenne GTS Cayenne Tiptronic Cayenne Turbo Cayenne Turbo S Cayman S Turbo S Diesel Panamera Panamera Diesel Panamera 4 Panamera GTS Panamera Turbo

3.4 3.8 3.4 3.8 3.4 3.8 3.4 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.4 3.8 3.4 3.0 4.8 3.0 4.1 3.0 4.8 3.6 4.8 4.8 3.4 3.6 3.0 3.6 3.0 3.6 4.8 4.8

P P P P P P P P P P P P P P D P D D P P P P P P D D P D P P P

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 10.80 15.80 NA NA NA NA NA

1.29 (Cr.) 1.51 (Cr.) 1.42 (Cr.) 1.61 (Cr.) 1.47 (Cr.) 1.68 (Cr.) 1.57 (Cr.) 1.78 (Cr.) 2.14 (Cr.) 2.20 (Cr.) 2.67 (Cr.) 1.59 (Cr.) 1.78(Cr.) 92.02 79.06 99.92 86.50 1.02 (Cr.) 91.05 1.16 (Cr.) 71.17 1.60 (Cr.) 2.09 (Cr.) 94.51 1.09 (Cr.) 98.18 1.20 (Cr.) 1.23 (Cr.) 1.22 (Cr.) 1.61 (Cr.) 2 (Cr.)

GX GLX DX LX CRDi

1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2

P P D D D

15 15 13 13 20

4.71 5.16 5.64 6.10 6.70

RXE RXL 85 PS RXE 85 PS RXE Adventure 85 PS RXL 85 PS RXL Plus 85 PS RXL Option 110 PS RXL 110 PS RXL Adventure 110 PS RXL AWD 110 PS RXZ 110 PS RXZ AWD 110 PS RXZ Plus 110 PS RXZ Option E2 E4 4x2 MT 4X4 MT 4X4 AT RXE RXL RXZ

1.6 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.2 1.2 1.2

P P D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D P P P

13.24 13.24 20.64 20.64 20.64 20.64 20.64 19.01 19.01 19.72 19.01 19.72 19.01 19.01 20.04 20.04 17.15 16.26 14.56 18.06 18.06 18.06

7.86 9.12 8.70 9.26 9.69 9.99 10.93 10.80 11.91 11.89 11.39 12.99 11.86 11.91 13.99 15.49 22 25 26 4.46 5.19 5.77

MODEL

Boxter

Cayenne

Cayman Macan

Panamera

PREMIER

Rio

RENAULT

Duster

Fluence Koleos

Pulse

64 I March 2015

ENGINE*

FUEL*

FUEL EFFICIENCY*

PRICE*

* Engine in Litres | Fuel - Petrol (P), Diesel (D), CNG, LPG, Hybrid (H), Electric (E) | Fuel Efficiency in kmpl/kmpkg | Prices in lakh/Crore

Pulse

Scala

RXL RXL ABS RXZ RXE RXL RXL CVT RXZ CVT RXE RXL RXZ

1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

D D D P P P P D D D

23.08 23.08 23.08 16.95 16.95 17.97 17.97 21.64 21.64 21.64

6.16 6.99 6.99 7.24 8.02 9.70 10.61 8.35 8.86 9.75

Ghost SWB Ghost EWB Ghost V-Specification Phantom Phantom EWB Drophead Coupe Coupe Wraith

6.6 6.6 6.6 6.7 6.7 6.7 6.7 6.6

P P P P P P P P

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

2.50 (Cr.) 3.05 (Cr.) NA 3.34 (Cr.) NA 4.01 (Cr.) 4 (Cr.) NA

Active Plus MPI Ambition Plus MPI Elegance MPI Elegance MPI Active Plus TDI CR Ambition Plus TDI CR Elegance TDI Active TSI Ambition TSI Elegance TSI AT Active TDI CR Ambition TDI CR Ambition TDI CR AT Elegance TDI CR AT Active MPI Ambition MPI Plus Elegance MPI Elegance MPI Black Package Ambition MPI AT Plus Elegance MPI AT Elegance MPI Black Package AT Active TDI CR Ambition TDI CR Plus Elegance TDI CR Elegance TDI CR Black Package Ambition TDI CR Plus AT Elegance TDI CR AT Elegance TDI CR Black Package AT Elegance TSI MT Elegance TSI AT Elegance TDI CR AT Elegance TDI CR 4x2 Elegance TDI CR 4x4

1.2 1.2 1.2 1.6 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.4 1.4 1.8 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6

P P P P D D D P P P D D D D P P P P P P

16.4 16.4 16.4 14.8 21 21 21 16.80 16.80 14.70 20.60 20.60 19.30 19.30 15 15 15 15 14.30 14.30

5.03 5.43 6.29 6.60 6.24 6.65 7.51 14.68 15.68 18.98 16.31 17.31 18.31 20.21 7.22 8.32 8.72 8.85 9.30 9.68

ROLLS-ROYCE Ghost

Phantom Series II Wraith SKODA

Fabia

Octavia

PORSCHE

911

VARIANTS

Rapid

Superb Yeti

1.6

P

14.30

9.81

1.5 1.5 1.5

D D D

21.66 21.66 21.66

8.39 9.40 9.74

1.5

D

21.66

9.87

1.5 1.5

D D

21.66 21.66

10.50 10.84

1.5

D

21.66

10.97

1.8 1.8 2.0 2.0 2.0

P P D D D

13.10 13.70 17.20 17.72 17.67

20.91 22.48 25.39 18.99 20.53

2.2 2.2 2.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 0.6 0.6 0.6

D D D P P P P D D D D D D P/CNG P/CNG P P D D D P/CNG P/CNG P P P P P D D D D D P P P

15.05 15.05 15.05 17.57 17.57 17.57 17.57 22.95 22.95 22.95 22.95 25 25 NA NA 15.64 15.64 25 25 25 NA NA 13.70 13.70 13.70 13.70 13.70 21.02 21.02 21.02 21.02 21.02 25.34 25.34 25.34

10.42 12.56 15.43 4.45 5.16 5.40 6.06 5.50 6.11 6.35 6.99 4.44 4.85 3.90 4.16 4.93 5.21 5.38 5.57 5.95 4.88 5.15 5.97 6.20 6.61 7.59 7.61 6.16 6.93 7.59 8.58 8.51 2.04 2.30 2.06

TATA Aria

Bolt

Indica

Indigo eCS

Manza

Nano

Pure LX 4x2 BS IV Pleasure LX 4x2 BS IV Pride 4x4 BS IV XE Revotron 90PS XM Revotron 90PS XMS Revotron 90PS XT Revotron 90PS XE Quadrajet 75PS XM Quadrajet 75PS XMS Quadrajet 75PS XT Quadrajet 75PS ev2 LS BS IV ev2 LX BS IV emax GLS BS IV emax GLX BS IV GLX BS IV GVX BS IV LS LX VX emax GLS emax GLX Safire GLS Safire GLX Safire GVX Safire GEX Safire GEXL Quadrajet LS Quadrajet LX Quadrajet VX Quadrajet EX Quadrajet EXL Nano CX Nano LX Nano Twist XE

CARS/TWO WHEELERS * Prices (Ex-Showroom Delhi) MODEL

VARIANTS

ENGINE*

FUEL*

FUEL EFFICIENCY*

PRICE*

* Engine in Litres | Fuel - Petrol (P), Diesel (D), CNG, LPG, Hybrid (H), Electric (E) | Fuel Efficiency in kmpl/kmpkg | Prices in lakh/Crore

Nano Safari Safari Storme

Sumo Gold

Vista Xenon XT

Zest

Nano Twist XT Nano XM CNG Dicor EX BS 4 Dicor LX BS 4 Storme EX BS 4 Storme VX BS 4 (4x2 / 4x4) Storme LX BS 4 CX BS 4 CX - PS BS 4 LX BS 4 EX BS 4 GX BS 4 Quadrajet LS BS 4 Quadrajet VX Tech BS 4 XT EX 4x2 XT EX 4x4 XE Revotron 90PS XM Revotron 90PS XMS Revotron 90PS XT Revotron 90PS XE Quadrajet 75PS XM Quadrajet 90PS XMS Quadrajet 90PS XT Quadrajet 90PS XMA Quadrajet 90PS

0.6 0.6 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 1.3 1.3 2.2 2.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3

P P/CNG D D D D D D D D D D D D D D P P P P D D D D D

25.34 NA 11.57 11.57 14 14 14 15.30 15.30 15.30 15.30 15.30 16.70 21.12 13.49 13.49 17.57 17.57 17.57 17.57 22.95 22.95 22.95 22.95 22.95

2.43 2.52 10.20 8.90 11.60 13.02 / 14.35 10.41 6.56 6.74 6.83 7.28 7.93 5.28 5.97 9.96 10.99 4.85 5.48 5.69 6.27 5.87 6.54 6.75 7.31 7.25

A/T Hybrid JS G G (CVT) GL VL A/T D4-DJ D4-DJS D4-DG D4-DGL J PS G V VX D-4D JD D-4D GD D-4D VD D-4D VXD J PS G V VX TRD Sportivo D-4D JD D-4D GD D-4D VD D-4D VXD D-4D TRD Sportivo Cross G Cross V D-4D GD D-4D VD 4x2 M/T 4x4 M/T 4x2 A/T 4x4 A/T 4x2 M/T (TRD Sportivo) 4x2 A/T (TRD Sportivo) E Euro IV Non AC 8 Seater E Euro IV Non AC 7 Seater E Euro IV PS 8 Seater E Euro IV PS 7 Seater G Euro IV 8 Seater G Euro IV 7 Seater GX Euro IV 8 Seater GX Euro IV 7 Seater VX Euro IV 8 Seater VX Euro IV 7 Seater ZX Euro IV 7 Seater

2.5 2.5 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.2 1.5 1.4 1.4 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5

P P P P P P P D D D D P P P P D D D D P P P P P D D D D D P P D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D

12.98 19.16 14.05 14.05 15.22 14.05 15.22 21.45 21.45 21.45 21.45 16.78 16.78 16.78 16.78 23.59 23.59 23.59 23.59 17.71 17.71 17.71 17.71 16.78 23.59 23.59 23.59 23.59 23.59 17.71 16.78 23.59 23.59 12.55 12.55 11.88 NA NA NA 13.31 13.31 13.31 13.31 13.31 13.31 13.31 13.31 13.31 13.31 13.31

26.62 31.20 13.06 14.58 15.88 16.22 17.73 13.93 14.50 15.90 17.54 6.03 6.33 6.73 7.35 7.13 7.43 7.83 8.45 5 5.17 5.67 6.18 6.83 6.18 6.36 6.70 7.21 7.19 6.23 7.63 7.41 7.71 24.27 25.59 25.27 26.59 24.44 25.44 10.51 10.55 11.04 11.08 12.58 12.53 13.15 13.10 15.16 15.12 15.81

VX 200 Premium

4.5

D

9.65

1.19 (Cr.)

Parado VX-L

3.0

D

11.13

88.80

Z5 Z6

1.8 1.8

P P

23.91 23.91

38.10 39.80

TSI Trendline TSI Comfortline TDI Trendline TDI Comfortline TDI Highline TDI Highline A/T Trendline Comfortline Highline

1.4 1.4 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.2 1.2 1.2

P P D D D D P P P

14.69 14.69 19.33 19.33 19.33 16.96 16.47 16.47 16.47

14.15 15.67 15.31 17.24 19.14 20.17 5.33 5.95 6.47

TOYOTA Camry

Corolla Altis

Etios

Etios Liva

Etios Cross

Fortuner

Innova

Land Cruiser LC 200 Land Cruiser Parado Prius VOLKSWAGEN

Jetta

Polo

MODEL

VARIANTS

ENGINE*

FUEL EFFICIENCY*

FUEL*

PRICE*

* Engine in Litres | Fuel - Petrol (P), Diesel (D), CNG, LPG, Hybrid (H), Electric (E) | Fuel Efficiency in kmpl/kmpkg | Prices in lakh/Crore

Polo

Vento

Trendline (Diesel) Comfortline (Diesel) Highline (Diesel) GT TSI GT TDI Cross Polo Comfortline AT Highline AT Trendline Comfortline Highline Trendline Comfortline Highline Comfortline AT Highline AT

1.5 1.5 1.5 1.2 1.6 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

D D D P D D P P P P P D D D D D

20.14 20.14 20.14 17.21 19.78 22.07 16.93 16.93 15.04 15.04 15.04 20.34 20.34 20.34 21.21 21.21

6.68 7.30 7.82 8.48 8.48 8.37 9.85 10.45 7.77 8.57 9.26 9.03 9.85 10.42 11.05 11.53

D4 Kinetic D4 Summum D4 Summum R-Design D5 Summum D4 Summum D5 Summum D3 Cross Country D4 Kinetic D4 Summum D4 Summum R-Design D5 Summum D5 Summum

2.0 2.0 2.0 2.4 2.0 2.4 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.4 2.4

D D D D D D D D D D D D

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

32.65 35.70 40.55 38.70 42.90 46.90 32.50 42.70 45.95 51.90 49.90 56

VOLVO S60

S80 V40 XC 60 XC 90

TWO WHEELER PRICES MODEL

ENGINE*

FUEL EFFICIENCY*

PRICE*

99.27 102 94.38 102 124.6 124.6 144.8 144.8 144.8 134.66 149 178.6 199.5 220 219.89

90 96.90 91 84 76 76 NA NA NA 68.10 65 58.10 58 54.20 49.80

0.39 0.44 0.46 0.48 0.51 0.53 0.54 0.57 0.60 0.63 0.70 0.73 0.91 0.86 0.81

1170 1170 1170 1170 1293 1293 999 1170 1649 1649 1649

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

24.13 (Lakh) 29.73 (Lakh) 29.73 (Lakh) 25.96 (Lakh) 27.25 (Lakh) 29.41 (Lakh) 29.41 (Lakh) NA 34.35 (Lakh) 37.04 (Lakh) 44.79 (Lakh)

803 803 1078 1078 803 1078 1078 992 1198 1198 1198 1198 1055 1055 1198 1198 849 1198 1198

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

749 883 883 1202

NA 21.70 21.70 NA

4.32 (Lakh) 6.31 (Lakh) 7.21 (Lakh) 8.81 (Lakh)

* Engine in CC | Fuel Efficiency in kmpl/kmpkg | Prices in lakhs

BAJAJ AUTO Platina 100 Platina 100 ES Discover 100 Discover 100 M Discover 125 DTS-i (Drum) Discover 125 DTS-i (Disc) Discover 150 S (Drum) Discover 150 S (Disc) Discover 150 F Pulsar 135LS Pulsar 150 DTS-i Pulsar 180 DTS-i Pulsar 200 NS Pulsar 220 Avenger 220 DTS-i BMW MOTORRAD R 1200 R R 1200 GS ADV 0A02 R 1200 RT R 1200 X (RnineT) 0A06 K 1300 R K 1300 S S 1000 RR HP2 Sport K 1600 GT K 1600 GTL K 1600 GTL Exclusive 0603 DUCATI Monster 795 Monster 796 Monster 1100 Monster 1100 S Hypermotard 796 Hypermotard 1100 Evo Hypermotard 1100 Evo SP GT 1000 Multistrada 1200 Multistrada 1200 ABS Multistrada 1200 S Multistrada 1200 T Streetfighter Streetfighter S Diavel Diavel Carbon 848 1198 1198 S HARLEY DAVIDSON Street 750 Super Low Iron 883 Forty - Eight

March 2015 I 65

TWO WHEELERS * Prices (Ex-Showroom Delhi) MODEL

ENGINE*

FUEL EFFICIENCY*

PRICE*

* Engine in CC | Fuel Efficiency in kmpl/kmpkg | Prices in lakhs

Night Rod Special Street Bob Fat Bob Fat Boy Heritage Softail Classic BreakOut Street Glide CVO Limited HERO MOTOCORP Pleasure Maestro HF Dawn HF Deluxe HF Deluxe Eco Splendor+ Splendor NXG Splendor PRO Splendor ISMART Super Splendor Passion Pro Passion XPro Glamour Glamour PGM - FI Ignitor Achiever CBZ Xtreme Hunk Impulse Karizma Karizma ZMR HONDA Dio DLX Activa DLX Activa i Activa 3G Activa 125 Aviator CB Twister Dream Neo Dream Yuga CB Shine CBF Stunner CB Unicorn CB Unicorn 160 CB Trigger CBR 150R CBR 250R CB 1000R CB 1000RR VFR 1200F VT 1300 CX Gold Wing- GL 1800 HYOUSUNG GT 250R Aquila 250 GT 650R GT 650N Aquila PRO ST7 INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Chief Classic Chief Vintage Chieftain Scout Roadmaster KAWASAKI Ninja 300 Ninja 650 R Ninja ZX 10R Ninja ZX 14R Ninja 1000 Ninja Z800 Ninja Z1000 ER-6n Z250 KTM KTM 200 Duke KTM 390 Duke KTM RC 200 KTM RC 390 LML NV SPL NV LS STAR EURO 150 STAR EURO 200 MAHINDRA 2 WHEELERS Kine Flyte Duro DZ Rodeo RZ Rodeo UZO Gusto

66 I March 2015

MODEL

ENGINE*

FUEL EFFICIENCY*

PRICE*

106.7 106.7 110

79.40 85.40 85.40

0.39 0.48 0.45

125 125 125 125

62 60 NA NA

0.67 0.71 0.75 0.79

346 499 346 346 500 346 499 499 499 535

53.40 NA 53.40 NA NA 53.40 53.40 39.35 39.35 NA

0.98 1.42 (Lakh) 1.10 (Lakh) 1.28 (Lakh) 1.63 (Lakh) 1.18 (Lakh) 1.51 (Lakh) 1.53 (Lakh) 1.60 (Lakh) 1.84 (Lakh)

124 112.8 124 112.8 124 149.5 154.9 250 1255 805 1783 1783 1340 999 1037

50.22 63 51 72 68.50 55.70 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

0.49 0.43 0.48 0.45 0.51 0.69 0.72 2.09 (Lakh) 10.75 (Lakh) 10.05 (Lakh) 15.95 (Lakh) 16.45 (Lakh) 15.95 (Lakh) 15.95 (Lakh) 14.95 (Lakh)

865 865 865 675 1050 675 675 800 1215 1699 1699 2294

18.12 18.13 NA NA NA 16.37 16.37 17.56 15.93 NA NA NA

5.99 (Lakh) 6.97 (Lakh) 7.18 (Lakh) 7.91 (Lakh) 11.06 (Lakh) 10.69 (Lakh) 12.14 (Lakh) 12.34 (Lakh) 18.75 (Lakh) 13.95 (Lakh) 16.19 (Lakh) 21.29 (Lakh)

87.8 87.8 109.7 109.7 99.7 109.7 109.7 125 159.7 177.4

65 65 62 62 87.70 83.90 62 67 NA NA

0.42 0.44 0.47 0.42 0.40 0.42 0.44 0.50 0.69 0.73

113 113 113 106 106 123 123 153 153 150 150 153 153 153 149 998 998 1498 1679

NA 53 53 75.74 70.03 71.50 NA NA NA NA NA 62.40 NA 50.81 NA NA NA NA NA

0.48 0.46 0.48 0.38 0.45 0.51 0.55 0.71 0.73 0.77 0.79 0.61 0.58 0.78 0.84 10.72 (Lakh) 15.60 (Lakh) 1.17 (Lakh) 25.65 (Lakh)

* Engine in CC | Fuel Efficiency in kmpl/kmpkg | Prices in lakhs

1247 1585 1690 1690 1690 1690 1690 1801

15.80 18.18 17.85 17.85 17.85 13.86 17.85 NA

21.87 (Lakh) 10.36 (Lakh) 13.02 (Lakh) 15.07 (Lakh) 16.44 (Lakh) 16.29 (Lakh) 29.71 (Lakh) 49.23 (Lakh)

102 109 97.2 97.2 97.2 97.2 97.2 97.2 97.2 124.7 97.2 109.1 124.7 124.8 124.7 149.1 149.2 149.2 149.2 223 223

49 50 80 80 80 81 81 81 NA 83.10 79 60 81.10 NA 52.40 68 65.10 65.10 55 48.50 51

0.43 0.51 0.38 0.40 0.44 0.43 0.43 0.44 0.47 0.51 0.45 0.47 0.53 0.59 0.57 0.58 0.66 0.66 0.69 0.78 0.97

109 109 109.2 110 124.9 109 109 109 109 124.7 124.7 149.1 162.71 149.1 149.4 249 998 999 1237 1312 1832

60 60 60 60 NA 60 70 74 74 65 NA NA NA NA NA 30 NA NA NA NA NA

0.45 0.46 0.44 0.48 0.53 0.47 0.48 0.42 0.44 0.47 0.56 0.63 0.69 0.66 1.17 (Lakh) 1.52 (Lakh) 11.81 (Lakh) 15.21 (Lakh) 17.63 (Lakh) 13.99 (Lakh) 28.50 (Lakh)

249 249 647 647 647 678.2

NA NA NA NA NA NA

2.89 (Lakh) 2.74 (Lakh) 4.63 (Lakh) 3.73 (Lakh) 5.08 (Lakh) 5.79 (Lakh)

1811 1811 1811 1131 1811

NA NA NA NA NA

25.50 (Lakh) 28.50 (Lakh) 32 (Lakh) 12 (Lakh) 37 (Lakh)

296 649 998 1441 1043 806 1043 649 249

26 33 14 18 15 18 15 NA NA

3.60 (Lakh) 5.14 (Lakh) 16.40 (Lakh) 17.66 (Lakh) 12.87 (Lakh) 8.13 (Lakh) 12.87 (Lakh) 4.78 (Lakh) 2.99 (Lakh)

200 373 200 373

NA NA NA NA

1.31 (Lakh) 1.81 (Lakh) 1.60 (Lakh) 2.05 (Lakh)

149.56 147.55 150.82 199.89

NA NA NA NA

0.40 0.45 0.47 0.53

71.5 124.6 124.6 124.6 125 110

63.25 40 56.25 59.38 59 63

0.34 0.41 0.49 0.47 0.48 0.45

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COVER REPORT

T1 PRIMA TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP

Tata Motors’ initiative may spawn truck racing championships in India with INDIAN drivers Report: P.THARYAN / Photography: MOHD. NASIR

March 2015 I 67

COVER REPORT

C

ommercial vehicles (CV) may not be a boring segment anymore, at least in India. Tata Motors’ initiative to host yet another round of the T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship in Greater Noida near Delhi seems to have spawned an interest among other CV players for truck racing championships in the country. Besides, even Indian truck drivers too may get a chance to take part in these races; thereby giving a chance to a section of society which has never in its wildest of dreams thought it could get so close to fame and glamour.

To begin with, the T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship may finally see Indian truck drivers racing at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida in 2016. Also, a similar truck racing championship could also be held in South India. This was disclosed by Gopal Madhavan, Chairman, Circuits Homologation, Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI). Madhavan is also the Founding member of the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC). The T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship is organised by MMSC and is being conducted under the aegis of FIA and FMSCI. The T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship race in 2015 saw only truck racing drivers from the UK participating and the Season 2 race on March 15, 2015 will also be an all-English affair.

In an exclusive interview with Motown India at the BIC, Madhavan also hinted that truck racing championships on the lines of the T1 Prima race is in the offing in south India. He said Tata Motors is expected to put a truck racing simulator in place in the country which is planned to be run by MMSC. A truck race in South India could be held at the Irungattukottai race track near Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu.

“We will start off with 200 odd players, and purely on psychological checks we would be able to knock off a few. Not everyone is destined to be a racing driver. Their reaction time and attitudes will be checked. Our idea is to get 20 to 25 drivers who would then be trained with simulators first and then the trucks. All this will also depend on how the Tatas want to get the Indian drivers in. We cannot continue to have drivers from abroad racing here. Definitely, next year there will be a racing for Indians. But before that we will have a shakedown kind of event in the south, if we can do it. MMSC will most likely do this because the track is ours and the largest number of people who are in the business of racing are in the south,” he says.

Immediately after this year’s race is over, the organisers will initiate the process of identifying Indian drivers for truck racing. The process has already started, he said. The driver training programme will also be a Tata Motors initiative which is planned to be run by MMSC. “We will take drivers from all over the country. The drivers will come from fleet owners who can nominate their best. Tatas want to keep this in their group as much as possible. They have some very good drivers in the factory itself. There are a lot of car rally racers who have got a little old for the regular racing. They can also shift to truck racing.

Vicky Chandhok (former FMSCI President, current Vice President MMSC) himself can drive a truck,” says Madhavan with a smile.

“The dynamics of truck racing could change if other manufacturers also come in. If somebody builds faster truck than

68 I March 2015

COVER REPORT

Gopal Madhavan, Chairman, Circuits Homologation, Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) this, then the Tatas will have to up the ante. I am pretty sure this will happen. Tata Motors has definitely stolen a march over others by introducing truck racing in India. They have certain benefitted.

Others may want to join the bandwagon. If that happens, then FMSCI will have categorised classes for the race. We are in the process of writing all the regulations,” he says.

This year’s Tata T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship will see six teams participating with a total of 12 Prima world trucks at the BIC. The six teams are: 1) Team Castrol Vecton 2) Team Cummins 3) Team Tata Technologies Motorsports 4) Team Dealer Warriors 5) Team Dealers Daredevils 6) Team Allied Partners In 2014, the country’s first truck racing championship saw Stuart Oliver winning the debut championship. Season 2 will see the Tata Prima 4038.S with 370 bhp @ 2100 RPM and an increased top speed of 130 Km/h over last years’ 110 Km/h. To make these Prima trucks fit for racing, key modifications were made to meet a mix of safety and performance as per the British Truck Racing Association guidelines. These included significant changes in fuel tank, brake cooling system, propeller shaft guards, racing seats and safety belts, exhaust, steering wheel

March 2015 I 69

COVER REPORT among others. The trucks have gone through multiple quality checks, with major testing being undertaken at the BIC and Tata Motors Jamshedpur’s testing facility, for high speed run and control.

“When we started last year, none of us had experience with trucks. We decided to leave the truck stock standard and that we will not fiddle with the engine, gear box or the rear axles and just try to make it as light as possible and as low as possible.

The whole concentration was on the safety aspects of the vehicle to make it completely compatible with Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)and British Truck Racing Association (BTRA) standards. We use BTRA standards because it is slightly easier to follow. From that point of view we had to completely rebuild the trucks and remove what was not necessary. We threw out a lot of unwanted parts and only the bare cab was left. That is what we did last year. The steering geometry also was stock standard.

We did not change it all,” recalls Madhavan.

After the feedback he and his team members got from Steve Horne, Organiser and Technical Advisor, BTRA and other drivers, they decided to go one step higher. “The engine has limitations because it is an engine built for load carrying. It is not a racing engine. It does not have the characteristics of a racing engine.

The gearbox is again a standard gear box. It is an overdrive gearbox, not ideal for racing. One thing we could do was the rear axle ratio. We have put in a much shallower rear axle ratio which means that with every revolution of the engine, the rear wheels spins a little faster. It is about 9pc faster than the previous ratio. We have also taken out a lot more weight than we took out last year. A lot more springs which were heavy we took it off. The fifth wheel coupling which was of heavy steel one has been removed and replaced with a fibre glass dummy one. One spring

70 I March 2015

has been taken off in the front. We tried to minimise the weight as much as possible,” he explains.

Madhavan also notes that Indian truck racing is still in the very nascent stage as compared to the ones held abroad. “More than just the speed, abroad in truck racing they have a 1000bhp truck. We are around 370bhp here for the moment. Besides, they are full blown racing engines. MAN in Europe supplies racing engines for these truck races abroad. The gear box is also a modified one abroad and they are not the typical load carrying ones like in India. Here it has got nine gears including a crawler gear. Here most of them use third and fourth gear to start, not bothering to use first and second gears. The overdrive gear box absorbs little bit more power than a direct gear box. Here in India the drivers have taken a standard truck and modified it a bit. Abroad, they build the truck around the engine,” he says.

Further he states that in American truck racing the truck engine is in front. In Europe it is behind the cab. “Here in India it is under the cab as the latter can be

tilted. We had to lock this cab. By moving the engine back we can set the cab straight on to the long members directly. So the whole thing becomes lower. The weight distribution is better because the weight of the engine gets shifted to the back. This year we have tried to shift the weight as much back as possible. The fuel tank

has been shifted back, the water tanks have been shifted behind the rear axle. The torque is so much that the rear wheel simply spins and that is the reason why we want more weight at the rear wheel for more traction. There was a 200 kg base at the back on which the trailer used to rest, that has been removed,” he points out.

(L-R) – R. Ramakrishnan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors; Ravindra Pisharody, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors and Dr. Ajit Jindal, Head Engineering Commercial Vehicles ERC, Tata Motors at the announcement of the T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship Season II

NEWS

Electric Motor scores over internal combustion engine in Union Budget 2015-16

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he Electric Motor seems to have scored over the conventional internal combustion engine in the Union Budget 2015-16. And rightly so!

The electrical vehicle industry has been bleeding profusely in the last few years because of lack of incentives from the government for this industry. Companies like Naveen Munjal controlled Hero Eco and Mahindra Reva of Mahindra & Mahindra which have been relentlessly and tirelessly trying to promote electric vehicles in the country will finally be seeing a bright light at the end of a dark tunnel.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presented the General Budget for the year 2015-16 in Lok Sabha on February 28, 2015. The Budget has no direct impact on the automotive industry. Though the industry had hoped for an excise relief, it did not happen. There were some minor duty reductions as the Excise duty on chassis for ambulances was reduced from 24pc to 12.5 pc.

Also, the concessional customs and excise duty rates on specified parts of Electrically Operated Vehicles and Hybrid Vehicles, at present available up to March 31,2015 was extended up to March 31, 2016.

The electric vehicle (EV) industry has got a shot in the arm with the Finance Ministry giving a nod for an interim National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) which would enable electric vehicle manufacturers to subsidise the sale of electric two-wheelers and cars.

In a press release, Sohinder Gill, Director- Corporate Affairs, Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV), noted the Society has welcomed the announcement on interim National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) towards promoting Electric Vehicles and supporting charging infrastructure and R&D investments.

“We would like to thank the

Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, Arun Jaitley (Blue jacket) departs from North Block to Parliament House along with the Minister of State for Finance, Jayant Sinha to present the General Budget 2015-16, in New Delhi on February 28, 2015. Picture courtesy PIB Central Government for clearance of National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP). The government has offered good support to EV’s however the variable VAT structure in states where in some states where VAT is as high as 14.5% may nullify the effect.

The government has given an incentive package worth Rs 14,000 crore to encourage demand and supply of electric and hybrid vehicles in the country. The package announced in the budget, aims to provide relief for technology development and research, create charging infrastructure and directly give a subsidy to the consumer for buying the vehicle,” he said.

“It’s like a life saver for the ailing companies who had invested into the environmentally friendly vehicles but were bleeding heavily because of the lack of government support. In addition to supporting the industry NEMMP will create a significant positive impact on the health index of country by promoting zero pollution electric vehicles and reducing the dependence on the fossil fuel.”

Gill believed that the biggest beneficiary of the NEMMP will be companies manufacturing electric two wheelers and small

electric cars, who have managed the road by 2020. Gill said that to survive through the difficult SMEV is confident that this figure years and have been still active in can be achieved if NEMMP is the market. NEMMP is also likely continued for its committed period to trigger the entry of many of of 6 to 8 years, state government the major automotive players to pitch in with their support and the start launching electric and hybrid manufacturers invest in technology vehicles, he felt. and capacity building.

“Now that the centre has cleared the roadmap for the growth of electric vehicles in India, SMEV expects states to join in to support this initiative. At present many states like UP, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra etc have been charging VAT as high as 14pc or more, road tax of 4 to 6pc, nullifying the NEMMP’s incentives. SMEV requests such states to immediately revert to 0 VAT and eliminate road tax for few years,” he noted.

The government has an ambitious target of putting five Sohinder Gill, Director- Corporate Affairs, Society of million electric and Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) hybrid vehicles on

March 2015 I 71

NEWS

BMW India partners with major component makers for engines, gear boxes

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MW India has partnered with major Indian auto component suppliers for sourcing of components for local production of its cars at BMW Plant Chennai. According to a BMW India press release, the suppliers are Force Motors, ZF Hero Chassis, Draexlmaier India, Tenneco Automotive India, Valeo India, Mahle Behr and Lear India.

Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India said, “BMW Plant Chennai is the heart of our India operations. Since 2007, BMW Group has strengthened its commitment to the Indian market and has continuously increased the number of its locally produced car models. With a strong portfolio of locally produced cars, it is now the appropriate time for us to partner with major Indian auto component suppliers who will play a significant role in the future

strategy of BMW Group in India.”

With the addition of these partnerships, the level of localisation at BMW Plant Chennai will increase to approximately 50 pc.

Robert Frittrang, Managing Director, BMW Plant Chennai said, “BMW Plant Chennai takes pride in producing cars that have the same international quality standards as any of the 30 BMW Group production and assembly facilities worldwide.

(L) Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India and Robert Frittrang, Managing Director, BMW Plant Chennai Highly skilled employees, advanced manufacturing processes along with state-ofnot only in quality standards but Axles from ZF Hero Chassis; the-art machinery and technology also in cost optimisation and value Door Panels and Wiring Harness provide all the necessary addition.” from Draexlmaier India; Exhaust ingredients to achieve these tough Some of the major auto Systems from Tenneco Automotive standards. We are confident that components sourced for local India; Heating, Ventilating, Airthrough our partnership with Indian production of cars at BMW conditioning and Cooling Modules auto component suppliers, we Plant Chennai are: Engine and from Valeo India and Mahle Behr will set even higher benchmarks Gearbox from Force Motors; and Seats from Lear India.

Force Motors plans new Pune engine plant with 50000 pa capacity

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une-based and Prasan Firodia controlled Force Motors Ltd has informed the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) that the Board of Directors of the Company has approved the establishment of a factory in Chakan, near Pune for manufacture of motor vehicles parts like engines, gearboxes, axles and others with annual capacity of 50,000 sets per annum.

Force Motors, when contacted, noted that they would make a formal announcement on this soon. The company had informed the BSE by Circular resolution as per the Circular dated February 07, 2015 wherein it stated that it had approved establishment of factory at Gat nos.330 (part), 331, 332, 333, 312/5/6/7 and 355,

72 I March 2015

Village Nanekarwadi, Chakan, Taluka Khed, District Pune The Company already owns the land and necessary steps to convert the use of the land and obtain necessary permissions for construction and establishment of such a factory are being taken, the circular to BSE noted.

The company was recently in the news when BMW India announced that it would be sourcing components from Force Motors plant in Pune. Picture for representation purpose only.

Force Motors for its Chennai plant. Force Motors has set up initial activity, which will be agreement. This supply is on a plant along with BMW India in ramped up over the next quarter, Principal to Principal basis,” Force Chennai to produce engines and the company informed.

Motors noted. gear boxes exclusively for the “Presently the products being In addition to this plant, the BMW cars to be made/ assembled manufactured at this factory company also makes engines and here in India. are for supply to BMW India axles for Mercedes-Benz out of The factory has already started Private Limited, under a supply their Chakan plant in Pune.

NEWS

Safexpress on massive expansion across India

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afexpress, India’s largest supply chain & logistics firm, recently set up an ultra-modern warehousing facility at Udaipur. This facility spans over an area of 4500 sq feet and is strategically located on NH 8. The launch is in line with the company’s strategy of developing 32 ultra-modern Logistics Parks at key industrial hubs in India. Over the last couple of years, Safexpress has already launched several Logistics Park across India. Earlier this year, the company has set up two of its state-of-the art Logistics Parks in Faridabad and Dhule. The Logistics Park in Udaipur is the company’s third successful launch within this year.

Pawan Jain, CMD, Safexpress said, “Udaipur, also known as the ‘Venice of East’, is a commercial hub of the world for handicrafts and marble mining. The important industrial minerals of the place are marble, emerald, lime stone and calcite, the transportation of which is very difficult. Udaipur holds vital importance due to its focal location.”

He further added that the supply chain and logistics have

a very vital role to play in the growth of numerous industries spread across India. To provide world-class warehousing and logistics infrastructure to large number of industries in Rajasthan region, Safexpress has developed an ultra-modern facility at Udaipur, which will serve as a trans-shipment hub as well as a warehousing facility, he informed.

“Safexpress, with its Logistics Park at Udaipur, will bridge the infrastructure gaps and serve the supply chain & logistics requirements of the entire region,” he said.

The Logistics Park at Udaipur has a column-less span of over 90 feet and enables loading/unloading of several vehicles simultaneously.

The Logistics Park has a floor load capacity of 6 metric tonnes per square metre and has a truck docking area width of over 40 feet.

The dedicated bays and docks at the Logistics Park in Udaipur provide an uninterrupted and unidirectional flow of inbound and outbound goods. To provide safe and smooth movement of goods within the Logistics Park, the company has installed high-tech equipment. “Moreover, to make

our Logistics Park eco-friendly, we have taken special go-green initiatives by investing in rainwater harvesting and developing special green zones,” he informed.

This Logistics Park will be operational 24x7, 365 days in a year to provide time-definite deliveries. Due to the company’s non-stop operations, it will be providing the fastest transit time for deliveries all across India to over 610 destinations from Udaipur.

On January 21 Safexpress also launched another Logistics Park in Dhule, Maharashtra. Spanning over an area of 12,50,000 sq feet, this Park is strategically

located on NH 8. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Rubal Jain, Director - Corporate Strategy, Safexpress noted “Dhule is an emerging city of Maharashtra.

The city comprises numerous small scale industries that fall under Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC).

Dhule is a hub for both agricultural and textile industries. A large number of edible oil manufacturing plants and food processing units are located in this belt. Raw materials for paper mills, cotton mills and readymade garment industry are also available from this region.”

Jumps Auto acquires Honasco of Germany

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n its maiden overseas foray, Gurgaon-based auto components manufacturer Jumps Auto Industries Limited acquired German firm Honasco Kunststofftechnik GmbH (Honasco) and its allied companies from the Joerg Schwarzbich Group.

Jumps is engaged in the manufacture of rotating electrical assemblies, including starter motors and alternators at its manufacturing facility in Gurgaon.

The company derives 90 pc of its sales from exports and has a footprint in 50 counties all over the world.

Germany’s Honasco is involved in design, development and

manufacturing of complex plastic components, including hybrid parts, thermosetting parts and filtration systems. The products of Honasco include headrest guides, bearing parts, lumbar support systems, linear guide rails, water pump casings, tolerance adjusters and filters. Established in 1960, Honasco, with employee strength of 130, has manufacturing facilities in Germany and Poland. Its sales turnover during 2013 was Euro 25 million. The major clients of Honasco include Johnson Controls, BSH, Rollax, Grammar, Volkswagen Group and Miele etc.

Commenting on the firstever foreign acquisition, Sanjay Malhotra, MD of Jumps

Auto, said, “Jumps Auto has been focused on acquiring a technology driven manufacturer of plastic parts for the last few years and this acquisition is a great opportunity to absorb contemporary technologies and grow the business. An additional manufacturing facility is also planned for India in the near future.”

Jumps is backed by technologically advanced production facilities in Gurgoan that combine best-in-class infrastructure with cuttingedge knowledge resources.

Jumps manufactures tried, tested and trusted products in strict conformity with global

benchmarks and stringent customer specifications and has enabled the company to build a formidable track record of being predominantly export-oriented, reaching out to discerning customers including automakers in highly developed European and North American markets.

The company also caters to the Indian OE segment and the aftermarket through a Pan-India distribution network of 120 Dealers. The Indian product portfolio includes ZEN Starter Drives, SCHUNK Carbon Brushes and NIKKO Heavy Duty Starters.

Jumps is certified under ISO/ TS: 16949: 2002 certification for over a decade.

March 2015 I 73

NEWS Uno Minda, Kosei Aluminum Isuzu Motors India trains ITI JV for alloy wheels trainers in Chennai

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irmal Minda controlled Uno Minda and Kosei Aluminum Co. ltd. a leading Japanese alloy wheel manufacturer have entered into a joint venture agreement to manufacture and sell alloy wheels in India. The JV ceremony took place at Kosei’s Head Office in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan. The JV agreement signed by N K Minda(CMD, UNO MINDA) and Shunkichi Kamiya(President & CEO, Kosei Group).

The aforesaid companies have an existing plant operating in Chennai since 2010. The new project will be set up with total investment of Rs 200 crore for first phase of production and with an equity share of 70 pc with Uno Minda and 30 pc with Kosei Aluminium Co. Ltd. The proposed name of the Joint Venture Company is Minda Kosei Aluminum Wheel Pvt. Ltd. and will be established in Bawal, Haryana. The JV Company is

to engage in the development, manufacturing and sales of aluminium alloy wheels for major OE car manufacturers. The start of production is planned from February 2016 with a capacity of 60,000 units per month(1st Phase).

“We have been associated with Kosei since 2010 and with this new joint venture, we are confident that this would further strengthen our association.

Also with technical support of Kosei we will be able to serve our customers with quality alloy wheels. We have confirmed business from Maruti Suzuki and are in advance stage of discussion with Mahindra & Mahindra,” reiterated Minda.

“We are confident that with Uno Minda having a strong customer base in India, we will be able to increase our footprints in growing Indian market and contribute to the development of the industry,” said. Kamiya.

L

eading manufacturer of pick up vehicles in India, Isuzu Motors India Private Limited has concluded the 2nd five-day training for ITI trainers on the best practices in automobile engineering and technology in Chennai (Tamil Nadu). The first training session was conducted in ITI Tirupati last year where Isuzu Motors India inculcated the trainers of the institute on various aspects of vehicle engineering and technology.

Isuzu Motors India which is setting-up its manufacturing facility at SriCity in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, held its first training session at ITI Tirupati where the company donated a Chassis model, an Engine and Transmission for training. This year, the company has planned to conduct three training sessions, the first being in Chennai and the remaining planned in Tirupati. The trainers who attended the training were

chosen by the Regional Director of Chittoor district in order create employment and impart knowledge for the deserving, in the region.

In a press release, Mashide Izawa, Vice President, After Sales, Isuzu Motors India, said, “With a growing automobile industry and increase in advanced technologies, there is a need for highly skilled manpower.

This training is expected to enhance skills of technical personnel that would help the industry. We at Isuzu Motors India, are excited and proud to impart training on best practices in the automobile industry. Isuzu is known for its manufacturing prowess and we intend to strengthen our commitment to India with more such activities.”

Japan based Isuzu Motors is a global manufacturer of light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, utility vehicles and diesel engines.

Tata Motors rolls out of 100,000th Tata Ace Zip

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ata Motors celebrated the roll-out of its 100,000th Tata Ace Zip at its Dharwad facility in Karnataka. The Tata Ace Zip Micro truck is the last mile cargo transport vehicle from Tata Motors. The Tata Ace Zip is the second highest selling variant of the Ace family with an average volume of 2,500 vehicles per month and enjoys an unparalleled brand equity in this segment.

In a press release issued by the company, Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors, said, “The Tata Motors’ creation of the Ace in May 2005 and subsequently the Ace Zip went on to create new vehicle categories in India and are a clear indication of our understanding of the customer needs and commitment to cater

74 I March 2015

to these with safe, cost-efficient transport solutions. Leading the segment with a large 78 per cent share, the Ace Zip micro-truck offers a safer, more lucrative cargo option for the cargo carrier businesses. It has found acceptability from first-time buyers and is seen as a successful selfemployment generation model.

Today, with the 100,000th roll out of this vehicle, we can confidently testify the value we offer to our customers”.

In May 2011, the Ace family Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors grew with the launch of the Micro truck - Tata Ace Zip, with It is suitable for short intra-city durability and performance. a payload of 600 kg for deepdeliveries, plying on narrow village Established with an investment penetration for door-to-door roads as easily as on long highway of over Rs. 900 crores, the goods movement. With a turning hauls, carrying small bulky loads or Dharwad facility, home to the Ace radius of 3.5 meters, the Tata Ace even a heavy cargo. This half-ton Zip is a green field project by Tata Zip proved to be a revolution in the truck is not only stylishly designed Motors for the production of this small commercial vehicle industry. but also lives up to the promise of Micro truck.

NEWS

Royal Enfield plans 2 new tech centres; To manufacture 450,000 units in 2015

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aving achieved the best ever sales of over 300,000 units for 2014, Royal Enfield, a division of Eicher Motors Ltd (EML) is planning to manufacture 450,000 units in 2015 with a view to becoming a leader in the global mid-sized motorcycle segment. This was stated by Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director & CEO, Eicher Motors Ltd while commenting on his company’s performance.

EML has reported total sales of Rs 8738.3 crore for calendar year 2014, as compared to Rs 6809.8 crore, an increase of 28.3 per cent. Profit after tax for the period stood at Rs 701.7 crore as compared to Rs 525.4 crore for the previous year, a jump of 33.5pc.

Royal Enfield business posted its best ever yearly performance in CY2014. The company recorded its highest ever total income from operations at Rs 3031.2 crores, a growth over 78pc from Rs 1702.5 crores in CY 2013. The company significantly improved profitability posting an EBIT of 22.5pc

bettering 16.6pc in CY 2013.

Lal further commented that “Eicher Motors 50:50 joint venture with Polaris Industries continues as per plans, meeting timelines and project milestones. The product will be launched in 2015.”

“Royal Enfield continues to grow at a phenomenal pace and this year we have achieved our best ever sales of over 300,000 units. In 2015, we plan to manufacture 450,000 units. With a view to become the leader in the global mid-sized motorcycling,

Royal Enfield will build two new technology centres. The larger one will be at a new 4.5 acre property that we have acquired on Old Mahabalipuram Road in Chennai, and will be operational by Q2 2016; a smaller satellite centre is being set up in Leicestershire, UK, and will be operational by the end of 2015. These technology centres will significantly enhance our capability to execute our long term product strategy. Our immediate business outlook is strong, and we are continuing to

invest in all strategic areas for long term growth” Royal Enfield continued with its strategic focus on international markets, strengthening its presence in key markets like UK, Europe, US and Colombia in 2014. Royal Enfield launched its first ever exclusive store in London in May 2014 and recreated the historic Top to Tip ride in UK on Continental GT’s, to mark the launch. Royal Enfield also participated in several classic events such as the Isle of Man Classic TT in August and Goodwood Revival festival in September 2014, previewing its despatch rider inspired gear collection in the latter. Even in Europe, Royal Enfield showcased its motorcycles and gear at key auto shows such as INTERMOT in Germany and EICMA in Italy. In addition, Royal Enfield announced KSR Group as its new distributor in Germany. In France, Royal Enfield participated at the Wheels and Waves festival in May that draws surfing and motorcycling enthusiasts across Europe.

Daimler Buses delivers first bus chassis from India to Egypt

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erman bus major Daimler Buses has started to export bus chassis from India. Hartmut Schick, Head of Daimler Buses, and Markus Villinger, Head of Daimler Buses India, came to the Egyptian capital of Cairo to celebrate the delivery of the first bus chassis to the company’s long-time business partner MCV. These are nine-ton bus chassis that MCV will equip with bodies in Cairo. Starting immediately, the finished vehicles will be sold as Mercedes-Benzbrand buses through MCV’s nationwide sales network. This was stated in a press release issued by the company.

“The export of bus chassis from India to Egypt is yet another demonstration of how we are successfully exploiting our global presence,” said Hartmut Schick, Head of Daimler Buses, at the festive handover of the chassis.

“Our global production network allows us to offer appropriate and competitive products for every market,” he added.

To this, Karim Ghabbour, the founder and Managing Director of MCV said: “We’re convinced that the chassis from India will ensure our buses’ high quality and at the same time expand our product range with a high-performance vehicle that will be offered at

attractive terms.”

The OF 9t bus chassis with front-mounted engines are manufactured at the Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) plant in the Indian city of Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu, and delivered from there to Egypt.

The chassis are technologically similar to those used in the medium-duty BharatBenz trucks, which also roll off the assembly line in Chennai. As a result, Daimler was able to begin with exports before the bus plant was completed at the

Chennai site.

The chassis from India are especially modified for use in buses. The chassis are competitive, high-quality products, due to their high degree of localisation and their incorporation in state-of-the-art production and logistics processes.

March 2015 I 75

TECHNOLOGY

Audi experimenting with chairless chairs in production plant

I

t’s getting easier to work in shop floors at Audi production plants. The German luxury car maker has built three prototypes in use on assembly lines in Neckarsulm. These chairless chairs ease many assembly activities. This high-tech carbonfibre construction allows Audi employees to sit without a chair.

At the same time, it improves their posture and reduces the strain on their legs.

According to an Audi press release, the health of its employees has top priority for the company. For this reason, at its plant in Neckarsulm, the company is testing a new technology that eases many assembly activities: the so-called “chairless chair.”

This high-tech carbon-fibre construction allows employees to sit without a chair. At the same

76 I March 2015

time, it improves their posture and reduces the strain on their legs.

“Audi has played a leading role in the field of ergonomics for a long time now. The chairless chair is one of many projects that we have implemented in our production processes in recent years. It helps us to enhance our employees’ well-being and maintain their health over the long term. At the same time, an ergonomically optimised working environment promotes more productivity and even better quality,” stated Audi’s Board of Management Member for Production, Prof. Dr. Hubert Waltl.

As the employees’ health will be improved by the use of the chairless chair, the Works Council is also in favour of the project.

“We must utilise our technological leadership also for the well-being of the workforce. Because

technologies that relieve people of stress are examples of how the future has to be shaped for the good of the employees,” explained the Chairman of Audi’s General Works Council, Peter Mosch.

The chairless chair, which Audi has further developed together with a Swiss start-up company, is an exoskeleton that is worn on the back of the legs. It is fastened with belts to the hips, knees and ankles. Two leather-covered surfaces support the buttocks and thighs while two struts made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) adapt to the contours of the leg. They are jointed behind the knee and can be hydraulically adjusted to the wearer’s body size and the desired sitting position.

Body weight is transferred into the floor through these adjustable elements. The chairless chair

itself weighs just 2.4 kilograms.

Dr. Stephan Weiler, the doctor responsible for ergonomic workplace design in Audi’s health department said, “The chairless chair is a clear demonstration that Audi places priority on attractive and well-designed workplaces. This construction reduces the stress and strain on our employees’ knees and ankles in an ideal manner.” While working, employees wear the chairless chair like a second pair of legs to provide support whenever needed. For many assembly operations, it allows employees to sit in an ergonomically favourable position instead of standing – even with short working intervals.

At the same time, this high-tech supporting structure improves posture and reduces strain on the legs.

TECHNOLOGY

Bosch reaches 5 billion production milestone for MEMS sensors

B

osch recently produced the five-billionth MEMS sensor at its plant in Reutlingen, Germany. MEMS sensors have been used in automobiles for 20 years, and in consumer electronics for 10 years. MEMS is an acronym for microelectromechanical system.

According to a press note from Bosch, MEMS sensors are the sensory organs of modern technical systems. These sensors are small, robust, intelligent, and energy-efficient and have a big impact because they save lives, increase driving comfort, help conserve energy, and are an essential part of consumer electronics.

“MEMS sensors are a key technology for the connected world,” says Dr. Dirk Hoheisel, member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH. “They deliver high performance, but are also small, robust, and extremely costeffective to manufacture in large volumes,” he notes.

Bosch developed the underlying semiconductor manufacturing process itself, and has been manufacturing the sensors in large-scale production since 1995.

“For 20 years, we have been developing smart technology for a growing number of different areas with real-life applications,” Hoheisel says. The first versions were used in motor vehicles to detect pressure and acceleration.

Now, 75 percent of all sensors are used in consumer electronics.

“Every second smartphone uses Bosch sensors,” Hoheisel says.

The company is the leading global manufacturer of MEMS sensors.

The start of large scale production at Bosch in 1995 laid the foundation for modern technology. The current portfolio comprises acceleration, yaw-

MEMS SENSORS MAKE NON-ELECTRONIC OBJECTS SMART

rate, mass flow, pressure, and environmental sensors, in addition to microphones. While it took 13 years to manufacture the first billion MEMS sensors, the Bosch Automotive Electronics division now manufactures the same quantity in less than one year at its production facility in Reutlingen, near Stuttgart. This is the result of skyrocketing demand. More than four million sensors are currently manufactured every day. These little helpers have an average thickness of between just one and four millimeters. If the five billion Bosch sensors were stacked on top of each other, the tower would be 12,000 kilometers tall; that is long enough to pass nearly all the way through the Earth, which has a diameter of 12,742 kilometers.

GAME CONSOLES, CARS, AND SMARTPHONES – ALL NEED MEMS SENSORS There are a wide range of uses for MEMS sensors. The SMI700 sensor, for example, records a vehicle’s rotational movements, lateral acceleration, and lean angle. It is at the heart of the ESP anti-skid system, which keeps the car more safely on course

during critical situations. Another sensor, the SMP480, ensures quieter engine operation and also optimizes the engine’s air-fuel mixture in changing environments.

This reduces fuel consumption, and provides for cleaner exhaust fumes.

In 2005, Bosch established the wholly-owned subsidiary Bosch Sensortec GmbH, which offers a wide range of MEMS sensors and solutions for applications in the consumer electronics sector, including smartphones, tablets, and wearables. Inertial measurement units (IMU) such as the BMI160 in the remote controls of game consoles are responsible for gaming fun, for example. They transmit the movements of the player in real time with extreme precision. The acceleration sensors in smartphones ensure that the display changes orientation when the cellphone is turned. At the beginning of 2015, Bosch Sensortec unveiled another global first: the BME680. In one housing, this environmental sensor measures air pressure, moisture levels, ambient temperature, and, for the first time, air quality.

The next major technological revolution has already begun.

In an increasingly connected world, things are learning how to communicate. MEMS sensors are an important technological component that is key to this process.

Bosch Connected Devices and Solutions GmbH, established in 2013, develops and markets connected, sensor-based devices, and custom solutions for the internet of things.

Programmed to be a smart technology and fitted with a microcontroller, miniature battery, and a tiny radio chip, MEMS sensors can process their readings and send them over the internet to a user’s smartphone, for example.

It is essential for sensors to be as small as possible, especially for smartphones, tablets, and similar devices. The reason for this is that such devices are called on to perform ever more functions – but have to do this in ever less available space. In consumer electronics, MEMS sensors are less than one millimeter thick. Some of the components inside sensors are a mere four micrometers (µm) thick – that is 17 times thinner than a human hair. These tiny parts are nonetheless robust and very powerful. They also have to be extremely energyefficient. An acceleration sensor for the alarm system in a motor vehicle, for instance, has to be ready for use at all times, yet draw as little power as possible from the car battery. And in consumer electronics, low energy consumption is just as important, since it helps a smartphone’s battery last as long as possible.

March 2015 I 77

TECHNOLOGY

Ricardo next-gen electric vehicle motor

R

icardo plc, a global multiindustry consultancy for engineering, technology, project innovation and strategy, has designed and built in prototype form a new electric vehicle (EV) motor. This is part of a collaborative research and development project, RapidSR (Rapid Design and Development of a Switched Reluctance Traction Motor).

Ricardo’s partners in this research include project leader Cobham Technical Services – which is developing its multiphysics CAE design software, Opera, as a part of the project – and Jaguar Land Rover. The research is being co-funded by the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK. In a press release, the company stated that by using a conventional distributed stator winding, the Ricardo synchronous reluctance electric machine is a highly innovative design that makes use of low-cost materials, simple manufacturing processes and uncomplicated construction.

It has a rotor made from cut steel laminations, which are used to direct and focus the flux across the air gap. By maximising this

flux linkage between the stator and rotor, performance can be optimised within a tightly packaged, low weight and rare earth element free design.

“As the market for electric vehicles grows globally, there is an imperative to explore alternatives to permanent magnet traction motors which require the use of expensive and increasingly difficult to source rare earth elements,” commented Paul Rivera, MD of the Ricardo hybrid and electric vehicle systems business. “The Ricardo prototype that we have announced today demonstrates what can be achieved by using the latest electric machine design processes in the creation of a high performing, compact, lightweight, and rare earth element free concept,” he added. Since its launch in 2012, the RapidSR project has been researching the design of next generation economic electric motors that avoid expensive and potentially difficult to source rare earth elements typically used in permanent magnets.

By developing effective CAE led design processes as well as prototype designs, the team has

created a framework for the future design and manufacture of electric vehicle motors that offer the performance, compact packaging and light weight required for EV applications, but at a significantly reduced cost compared to permanent magnet machines.

“By bringing together state-ofthe-art simulation technology with advanced electric machine design we have created a highly credible next generation EV motor concept

that shows considerable promise,” added Dr Will Drury, Ricardo team leader for electric machines and power electronics. “The Ricardo prototype is now built and will be rigorously tested over the coming weeks in order to validate the extremely positiveresults that it has shown in simulation, as a concept that provides an exceptional balance of performance, compact package, light weight and low cost,” he noted.

Laser headlights for the new Audi R8

W

hile the new Audi R8 will set new standards among high-performance sports cars, its lighting technology too would demonstrate a high. As an option, the latest car development by Audi can be equipped with a laser spot as the high-beam headlight. The special appeal of laser lighting is that it uses high-intensity laser diodes, which generate a lot of light energy from a very small component. Compared to LED high-beam headlights, laser high-beams attain nearly twice

78 I March 2015

the lighting range, says Audi in a report.

Audi is revealing the headlights of its new R8 as the first of a number of technology highlights of the top sports car. The R8 uses LED headlights which can be supplemented by a laser high beam lighting module as an option.

Each headlight contains one laser module that operates with four high-intensity laser diodes. This module bundles the four intense blue-light laser beams. Then a phosphor

converter transforms the blue light into pure white light. An identifying characteristic of the laser headlights is their blue light signature. Standard equipment in the new R8 includes an LED headlight system. All lighting functions are produced with 37 LEDs per headlight.

The laser spot for the high-beam light made its debut in the summer of 2014 in the Audi R8 LMX, a limited edition model of the previous R8 model series. Shortly before that, it was used in the Audi R18 e-tron quattro race car

at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The laser spot is the latest production technology in a long line of lighting innovations. Audi introduced LED technology to the market for the first time in 2004 – in the daytime running lights of the Audi A8 L W12. Lighting technologies such as LED daytime running lights, Matrix LED headlights and laser spot high-beam lights are prime examples of technology that visualise the core values of the Audi brand: progressiveness, sportiness and sophistication, the report added.

TECHNOLOGY

Top scores for Bosch wiper blades D

o you realise how important a car wiper blade is? Well, you get to know only when it rains and you pray for a clear vision. Bosch has in a press release stated that its Aerotwin Multi-Clip flat wiper blade has achieved a total evaluation of 2.0 (on a scale from 1 to 6 with 1 being the best possible result), winning this year’s ADAC wiper-blade test. With an overall result of 2.2, another Bosch wiper blade ranked second: the Twin Spoiler standard wiper blade.

The German automobile club ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher

Automobil-Club) tested a total of eight wiper blades from different manufacturers, all of them suiting a VW Golf IV. Among them were four conventional standard wiper blades and four modern flat wiper blades. Only three out of the eight tested wiper blades were evaluated as “good”.

Contributing 90pc to the overall result, wiping quality was the most important test criterion. At first, the wiper blades were tested in mint condition and then once again after 150,000 wiping cycles, exposure to artificial sunlight and continuous operation – at both

20°C above and 10°C below zero. The test winner Bosch Aerotwin Multi-Clip achieved the best results in almost all test categories. Only after being exposed to sunlight simulation and continuous operation, the second Bosch wiper blade, Bosch Twin Spoiler, obtained even better results. Moreover, the Aerotwin wiper blade was the only one to receive the rating of “good” under conditions of simulated winter operation as well. The Bosch Aerotwin achieves its excellent wiping results thanks to its custom-made Evodium spring

strip perfectly adapting itself to the curvature of the windshield.

This guarantees an even surface pressure and therefore enables perfect wiping performance at every point on the windshield.

Thanks to the aerodynamic profile the wiper blade does not lift up, not even at higher speeds, and causes less wind noise. The Twin dual-material wiper rubber is elaborately constructed with a flexible back, a wear-resistant edge and smooth-glide coating.

This design makes the wiper blade extremely resilient and ensures high wiping performance.

TOP LEVEL CHANGES IN MOTOWN ATULYA SHARMA has been appointed as the Chief Legal Counsel at Apollo Tyres Ltd. He will be based out of the company’s Corporate Office in Gurgaon, and will oversee the Legal and Corporate Secretarial functions. Atulya’s last assignment was with Deutsche Bank as Head of Legal, Indian Subcontinent and Mauritius, where he was responsible for all legal support in South Asia including Global Markets, Capital Markets Transactional Banking, New Funds and Infrastructure/ Project Finance related transactions.

RAJ BANERJI has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Apollo Tyres Ltd. He takes over from Sunam Sarkar. Sarkar was recently redesignated as the President & Chief Business Officer of the company and posted to Singapore. Raj’s last assignment was with one of India’s largest private companies, where he worked as Chief Financial Officer for the Refining business. Prior to that, he had a 20 year career with BP (formerly British Petroleum.

ASHUTOSH KHOSLA , who worked with Piaggio Vehicles, has come in place of Naresh Kumar Rattan who till recently was the Executive Director, Force Motors. The latter resigned from his post in January 2015 after spending three years in the Pune based firm. Khosla has joined Force Motors as its President, Sales & Marketing. Khosla in the meantime had been working as Director, Sales & Marketing, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. for more than 11 years. Before that he was the Assistant General Manager, Marketing, Kinetic Engineering Ltd from July 1999 to October 2003.

Force Motors manufactures a range of utility vehicles.

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. has announced that Chetan Maini, CEO, Mahindra Reva would be moving to a new and diversified role within the Group. The company has also announced the appointment of ARVIND MATHEW as the incoming Chief Executive Officer of its electric vehicle subsidiary, Mahindra Reva. Both the roles of Chetan Maini as well as Arvind Mathew would be effective May 1, 2015, stated a press release issued by the company. Mathew was the President and Managing Director of Ford India from 2005 to 2008. In his last role, he held the position of CEO, Tata Advanced Materials Ltd.

NARESH KUMAR RATTAN who was working as Executive Director, Force Motors has taken over Director, Sales & Marketing, Sonalika Group. The Sonalika Group, controlled by LD Mittal manufactures tractors under the brand name ‘Sonalika’ from its plant in Hoshiarpur in Punjab. These tractors are manufactured by International Tractors Ltd (ITL), the flagship company of the Sonalika group. Sonalika Group company International Cars and Motors Ltd (ICML) manufactures multi utility vehicles under the brand name Delite. It was earlier known as Rhino multi utility vehicle.

Incorporated in 1969, the Sonalika Group is among the top three tractor manufacturers of India and provides a complete product line including tractors, multi-utility vehicles, engines, farm machinery attachments, diesel gensets, auto components and pick & carry cranes.

Rattan who resigned from Force Motors in January 2015, spent around three years in the company. He has more than two-decades of diversified experience across automotive sectors which includes 12-year-long career at the Japanese two-wheeler major, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Ltd (HMSI).

Naresh had joined Force Motors in 2012 as Chief Operating Officer -Tractors & President Sales & Marketing - Commercial and Personal Vehicle Division.

March 2015 I 79

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW PASSENGER VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS IN INDIA

(Total Domestic Sales + Exports for the month of January 2015 = 2,11,085 Units) Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. (46.97)% Hyundai Motor India Pvt. Ltd. (21.15)% Honda Cars India Ltd. (7.82)% Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. (5.64)% Tata Motors Ltd. (5.60)% Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd. (5.23)% Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (3.55)% Ford India Pvt. Ltd. (1.59)% General Motors India Pvt.Ltd. (1.37)% OTHERS (1.08)% Skoda Auto India Pvt. Ltd. (0.61%) Fiat India Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. (0.30%) Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (0.12%) Renault India Pvt. Ltd. (0.05%)

UTILITY VEHICLES MANUFACTURERS IN INDIA

(Total Domestic Sales + Exports for the month of January 2015 = 64,821 Units) Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (31.15)% Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. (26.92)% Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (10.58)% Ford India Pvt Ltd. (8.79)% Tata Motors Ltd. (4.96)% Honda Cars India Ltd. (4.94)% Renault India Pvt. Ltd (4.76)% Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. (3.68)% General Motors India Pvt. Ltd (2.79)% Others (1.43)% Hindustan Motors Finance Corp (0.42%); Force Motors Ltd (0.35%) Fiat India Automobiles (0.35%); Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (0.21%); Ashok Leyland (0.05%); Isuzu Motors (0.03%); Skoda Auto India Pvt. Ltd (0.02%) 80 I March 2015

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW TWO WHEELER MANUFACTURERS IN INDIA

(Total Domestic Sales + Exports for the month of January 2015 = 15,08,319 Units)

Hero MotoCorp Ltd. (37.07)% Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (Pvt.) Ltd. (26.12)% Bajaj Auto Ltd. (16.37)% TVS Motor Company Ltd. (12.03)% India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. (3.22)%

Royal Enfield (1.92)% Others (1.06)% Mahindra Two Wheelers Ltd. (0.86%) Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. (0.15%) H-D Motor Company India Pvt. Ltd. (0.03%) Triumph Motorcycles (India) Pvt. Ltd. (0.01%) Kawasaki India (0.01%)

Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (2.21)%

THREE WHEELERS IN INDIA

(Total Domestic Sales + Exports for the month of January 2015 = 72,824 Units) Bajaj Auto Ltd. (57.39)%

Atul Auto Ltd. (4.99)%

Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. (19.82)%

Scooters India Ltd. (1.17)%

TVS Motor Company Ltd. (9.72)%

Force Motors Ltd. (0.30)%

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (6.61)%

March 2015 I 81

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS IN INDIA (Total Domestic Sales + Exports - January 2015 = 35,401 Units)

Tata Motors Ltd. (41.97)% Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (40.11)% Ashok Leyland Ltd. (7.35)% Force Motors Ltd. (4.49)% VECVs - Eicher (3.01)% Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. (1.51)% SML Isuzu Ltd. (1.27)% Isuzu Motors (0.29)%

MEDIUM & HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS IN INDIA (Total Domestic Sales + Exports - January 2015 = 24,007 Units)

Tata Motors Ltd. (52.89)% Ashok Leyland Ltd. (33.36)% VECVs - Eicher (9.14)% Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (1.95)% SML Isuzu Ltd. (1.35)% Asia Motor Works Ltd. (1.08)% VECVs - Volvo (0.23)%

82 I March 2015

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