New Toyota Fortuner’s chassis is lighter but stiffer; gets part time 4WD.

Toyota, it seems, is making good on its promise of producing ‘no boring cars’. How else can you explain the radical looks of the all-new, second-generation Fortuner, slated for an early launch towards the end of the year? Very different from the car it replaces, the new Fortuner is built on the new Toyota light truck platform. Thing is, unlike the current car, it looks nothing like the truck on which it is based.

The design language is now more in line with current-gen Toyota off-roaders sold internationally. Up front, the look of the car is characterised by the wedge shaped bonnet and the long, Camry-like headlights that are recessed well back. Big, fat chrome bars have been used to help define the V-shaped grille and there’s loads of chrome around the sunken fog lamps as well. Toyota has also used LED daytime-running lamps to help add ‘bling’ to the nose. 

Moving to the sides, the wheel arches now get a ‘square’ profile and are large enough to take the big 12-spoke alloy wheels. The sides are characterised by two design elements that stand out. The first is a ‘floating or pillar-less’ roof that Toyota has used to great effect. And then there’s that kink in the beltline that looks radical and really sets the Fortuner apart. It’s quite new-age from the rear as well. The pillar-less glass breaks up the mass quite nicely, the sleek tail-lights merge with the bar of chrome well and the wide rear bumper stops the SUV from looking too top heavy.

But though the new Fortuner looks much sleeker, it’s still a traditional body-on-frame SUV under the skin. The chassis, however, is new. Shared with the Hilux pick-up, it is lighter and stiffer, but Toyota says it is just as rugged as that of the earlier SUV. While the front suspension is similar to the new Hilux pick-up, the Fortuner gets a more passenger-friendly five-link coil spring suspension at the rear. The new Fortuner is, interestingly, built on the same 2,750mm wheelbase as earlier. The new car, though, is now not as focussed on off-road use. Ground clearance is lower at 193mm, versus the earlier car’s 220mm, the earlier Fortuner’s full-time four-wheel-drive system has now been replaced by a part-time system and the new Fortuner will be available in 2WD too. 4WD variants will get shift-on-the-fly tech as well. Four-wheel-drive cars will also get the option of a rear differential lock and hill descent control.

The other big change on the next-gen Fortuner will be Toyota’s new GD series engines. They comprise two diesels  – a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, expected to replace the current 2.5-litre diesel unit, and a 2.8-litre motor that will replace the current 3.0-litre unit. The new 2.4-litre 2GD-FTV motor is rated at 148bhp and 40.78kgm of torque while  the larger 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV is rated at 175bhp and 45.9kgm of torque. Transmission choices will include a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, depending on the variant.

Inside, the dashboard is also more modern soft roader than full-fat SUV. Similar to the current-generation Corolla Altis sold in India, it gets a mix of dark and light brown soft-touch materials and faux aluminium. The large infotainment screen sits at the centre and the controls for HVAC are placed below. On higher trims, the seven-seat cabin will get leather seats and a new four-spoke steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth controls.

The Toyota Fortuner is likely to come with features such as a rear-view camera, seven airbags, hill descent control, rear AC vents, touchscreen, 17-inch wheels, disc brakes front and rear, and a cooled glove box. Higher variants are likely to come with reverse parking sensors, keyless smart entry and start, downhill assist control, LED headlamps and LED DRLs.

Toyota is expected to bring the new Fortuner to India towards the end of the year or early next year, when it will compete with the likes of the new Ford Endeavour and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Since the new series of engines will be assembled and made in India, Toyota could launch the new Fortuner at a more attractive price, which could really shake the market up.

Courtesy : Autocar

Ford's first compact sedan, the Figo Aspire will be launched tomorrow to take on the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent and Tata Zest

Ford is all set to commence a major sales boost to the company, years after the EcoSport was launched with the new Figo Aspire. The Figo Aspire will launch tomorrow and will compete in the busy but fast selling compact Sedan segment. Cars like the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent and Tata Zest are top contenders in this segment.

The Figo Aspire, as the name suggests is a sedan version of the next generation Figo that is also due in the coming months. The Aspire is one of the best proportioned and designed cars going by the standards of this segment. Key design features are the bold chrome lined Aston Martin like grille and the prominent bonnet and waist line. The rear ends in a typically stubby but layered boot and bumper.

The Figo Aspire is expected to come quite heavily loaded with features. Aside from the standard Bluetooth telephony, integrated infotainment system and steering mounted phone and audio controls, it comes with automatic climate control and height adjustable seats. All versions of the Aspire come standard with ABS and two airbags. The top of the line Aspire on the other hand comes with a staggering six airbags. This is the first time a car in this class comes with six airbags.

Ford will offer the Figo Aspire with a choice of three engines and two gearboxes. The petrol unit is a 1.2-litre Ti-VCT mill that delivers 88PS and 112Nm. The diesel engine is the 1.5-litre unit that also powers the Fiesta and EcoSport. It develops 100PS of power and 215Nm of max torque, about 10PS more than the Fiesta and EcoSport. Both come mated with 5-speed manual gearboxes. There is an a six-speed dual clutch automatic on offer. This gearbox comes mated to a stronger 1.5-litre petrol developing 110PS and 136Nm.

Courtesy : Zigwheels

The bespoke Wraith is the final car from a trilogy of special models which includes the Wraith ‘Inspired by Fashion’ and Wraith ‘Inspired by Film’.

Rolls Royce has revealed the last in a trilogy of bespoke Wraith models called the Wraith ‘Inspired by Music’. The previous two bespoke models from the trilogy were the Wraith ‘Inspired by Fashion’ and Wraith ‘Inspired by Film’.

As per the carmaker, the stand-out feature on the latest bespoke Wraith is the 1300W, 18-channel sound system with two bass speakers, seven tweeters, seven mid-range speakers and two exciter speakers which is currently available as an option on the standard Wraith. The exciter speakers are units fitted into the headlining to add to the experience. Rolls Royce says that it took two years to develop the system which it claims can UK Wrist Replica Watches Cheap Sale,Rolex Breitling Omega ... replicate the live music experience. The system also features microphones located around the cabin to monitor outside noise and adjust volume settings.

The Wraith gets a copper-themed paint scheme inside and out along with a new leather trim on the doors and floor mats. The speaker grilles also follow the exterior paint scheme with a copper theme along with the words ‘Bespoke Audio’ engraved into the units.

The Wraith remains mechanically unchanged with the 624bhp 6.6-litre V12 mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox carried over from the standard model.

The Wraith ‘Inspired by Music’ will be available for order in India with prices expected to be around Rs 6.8 crore ex-showroom.

Courtesy : Autocar

Maruti Suzuki has released a teaser video announcing that the YRA will be officially christened as Baleno. The new Maruti Baleno will be a premium hatchback and compete against the Hyundai Elite i20 and Honda Jazz. The new Maruti car will be unveiled on September 15th in Germany

The Maruti Suzuki S-Cross has received good response as more than 6,000 cars have been booked within a week of its launch. Now Maruti Suzuki is gearing up for its next onslaught which was codenamed YRA and showcased at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. It was rumoured that the Maruti YRA (internationally known as iK-2) would be christened Fronx but the manufacturer has announced that it will be named Baleno. The new Maruti Baleno will make its debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany scheduled next month.

The new Maruti Baleno will be a premium Hatchbackpositioned above the Swift, and just like the Maruti S-Cross will be marketed through Maruti's upmarket Nexa showrooms across India. The task on hand of the new Maruti Baleno is cut-out as it will rival the likes of the Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz and the Volkswagen Polo.

The Baleno name isn’t alien to Indian consumers as Maruti Suzuki had a similarly named Sedan in the Indian market before it was replaced by the Maruti SX4. But since the old Baleno sedan received luke warm response in the market, it will be interesting to see whether Maruti Suzuki would adopt the "Baleno" name again for the new hatchback in India.

It is expected that Maruti Suzuki will load the new Baleno hatchback to the brim with features. Expect the new premium hatchback from Maruti to get goodies like start/stop button, touch screen infotainment system, Bluetooth, climate control and the works alongwith cruise control to set it apart from its rivals. 

The new Maruti Baleno hatchback will get both petrol and diesel engine options. Expect the diesel engine to be the tried and tested 1.3-litre DDiS unit producing 90 PS of power. The petrol variant might get two engine options one of which would be the 1.2-litre displacement powerplant while it will be unveiling a new 1.0-litre dual-jet Booster jet engine. According to Suzuki the new 1.0-litre turbocharged motor is an all-new unit and all the details regarding the new mill will be unveiled at the e 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15th. ZigWheels will be present at the motor show in Germany and get you all the details regarding the new premium hatchback. Watch this space for more updates. 

Courtesy : Zigwheels

A look at the new cars expected to make their debut at the Frankfurt motor show this September.

The Frankfurt motor show to be held in September will be a platform for major automakers to unveil or showcase their upcoming, new or updated models. Some of these automakers include Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Bentley, Porsche, Jaguar, Audi, Ferrari and Lamborghini. Here is a look at what to expect at the Frankfurt Motor Show:

Alfa Romeo Giulia - This BMW 3-series' rival made its debut in June this year, and is expected to be showcased at the event. The only information revealed by Alfa is that the car is to be powered by a Ferrari-sourced twin-turbo V6 though they may provide more at the motor show.

New Audi A4 - Audi debuted its new A4 earlier this year. The next-gen car is larger and lighter than its predecessor and gets a range of new or updated engines making the car more powerful and efficient.

Bentley Bentayga - Bentley is expected to showcase the production version of the Bentayga SUV. The company has already released teasers for this upcoming super-luxury SUV, so we
can expect the production version to make its debut at the show.

New BMW 7-series - Revealed earlier this year, the international launch of the 7-series is expected in a few months.

New BMW X1 - The new X1 will be offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive in international markets. The new car is based on the UKL platform that underpins BMWs sister- brand Mini, resulting in an altered silhouette.

Ferrari 488 GTS Spider - Ferrari has revealed its most powerful mid-engined convertible yet. The convertible gets the same features and options as the standard 488 along with the addition of a folding hard-top. The engine is the same 660bhp twin-turbo V8 as on the standard model. The Italian automaker will unveil the car at the motor show.

Fiat 124 Spider – Based on the Mazda MX5 sold internationally, the Fiat 124 Spider will share many styling elements with the roadster, and will also be built alongside it at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant. The engine though will be a different unit with Fiat expected to use a 1.4-litre motor instead of the 2.0-litre used on the MX5. Fiat is likely to showcase the car at Frankfurt, but it is not confirmed yet.

Hyundai’s Toyota Prius rival – Hyundai has been testing a rival to the Prius on international roads. The car, sharing a silhouette identical to the current-generation Prius, is powered by a hybrid powertrain developed by Hyundai’s sister brand Kia. Hyundai is expected to showcase a conceptual version of this new stand-alone hybrid which is expected to launch internationally in 2016.

Hyundai i20 1.0-litre turbo – Hyundai is expected to debut a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine under the hood of the i20 on sale internationally. The unit, based on the 1.0-litre three cylinder Kappa unit from the European i10, is expected to develop up to 118bhp. The 1.0-litre i20 is expected to launch sometime in 2016, and will likely be a part of a mid-cycle facelift.

Jaguar F-Pace - The car may have been part of the Tour de France as a support vehicle, but will make its officially debut here.

Lamborghini Huracan Spyder - Another Italian drop-top expected to make its debut at the show is the Huracan Spyder. With its international launch expected sometime towards the end of the year, it’s likely that Lamborghini will debut the car at the motor show.

Maserati Levante - The Italian automaker's first SUV is expected to make its debut here. The SUV is expected to go on sale internationally by end-2015 in left-hand-drive form while the right-hand-drive model is expected sometime next year.

Mercedes-Benz C-class Coupe - Mercedes has confirmed that it will be debuting the C-class Coupe. The three-door will look similar to the regular car from the front, but will get a differently styled rear. Mechanicals though will remain unchanged. Also debuting will be the AMG C 63 Coupe.

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Mercedes will be unveiling the new GLC-class at the motor show. Revealed prior to the event, the SUV is based on the MRA platform that underpins the new C-class and also shares its front end and interior styling with the sedan.

Mercedes GLS-class – Mercedes has been extensively testing the facelifted version of the GL-class, the GLS-class, on international roads. Recent images on the internet show a thinly camouflaged car, indicating a possible reveal at the Frankfurt motor show. The large SUV is expected to go on sale internationally by year end.

Porsche 911 facelift - Porsche is expected to showcase the facelifted 911 range and the models are expected to get styling changes and a new four-cylinder engine range.

Porsche Pajun Concept – Porsche is expected to showcase an all-electric concept car, that could become the precursor to the Pajun four-door sedan. The production Pajun sedan is not expected to launch before 2017, and will slot in below the Panamera. 

VW Tiguan Concept - The conceptual version of the second-generation Tiguan SUV could be displayed here. The SUV is expected to get both 5 and 7-seater layouts, with the 7-seater expected to come to India.

Courtesy : Autocar