The Niro hybrid SUV is based on an all-new hybrid-specific platform jointly developed with parent company Hyundai.

Korean automaker Kia has revealed an all-new hybrid SUV in the form of the Niro. Based on an all-new hybrid-specific platform developed with Hyundai, Kia has billed the model as a ‘Hybrid Utility Vehicle’, which means it combines crossover looks with hybrid technology.

A part of the company's plan to develop 11 hybrids by the end of the decade, the Niro is powered by a 102bhp, 1.6-litre Atkinson cycle engine paired to a gearbox-mounted 42bhp electric motor. The engine comes equipped with exhaust gas recirculation, direct-injection and what the company calls a 'long-stroke-narrow-bore specification'. There's also a exhaust heat recovery system that uses a heat exchanger in the exhaust system to help warm up the engine.

The electric motor is paired to a 1.56kWh lithium-ion polymer battery stored under the rear seats. Working in tandem, the petrol-electric hybrid powertrain develops 144bhp and 26.96kgm of torque. Power is channelled to the wheels via a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

In terms of design, the Kia gets a wide stance along with a long wheelbase and short overhangs to help maximise interior space. Exterior styling elements of the SUV include body cladding, the company’s signature grille, aggressively shaped headlights, flared wheel arches, roof rails and a rear skid plate.

The minimalist design of the cabin is in line with many modern hybrids. The Niro comes with the newest version of Kia’s infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen display.

To curtail noise, vibration and harshness, the Niro is fitted with specially designed engine mounts, equal-length driveshafts, and a damper inside the steering wheel hub. Other NVH measures include a special embossed foam under the carpet, and a dense insulating pad under the bonnet.
Besides giving the 12V battery a miss, Kia has also used high-strength steel, aluminium and light-weight seat frames to keep the crossover’s weight in check.

The Niro is also equipped with a host of safety and driver-assistance functions such as blind spot detection, cruise control, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking and a predictive energy control system that uses the cruise control and GPS to automatically adjust power output, determine when to charge the battery and when to use the battery charge.

The Niro will rival the likes of the Toyota Prius in international markets. Kia is also expected to develop a plug-in hybrid variant of the Niro, but at a later stage.

Courtesy : Autocar

The event saw the Formula E M2Electro, the MGP3O motorcycle and the rally XUV500 burn some rubber at the BIC.

A few years ago people would have laughed at the idea of a Mahindra racing day, but today the Formula E M2Electro and the Moto 3 bike, the MGP3O put on a stunning show of their capabilities and wowed the crowds with a drag race, burn outs and some hot laps.

At the event, Anand Mahindra, chairman, Mahindra Group, stated clearly that racing is a serious business for Mahindra and one that they intend to leverage on to further their technical prowess. While Pawan Goenka, executive director, Mahindra & Mahindra, quipped that the company has come a long way from making vehicles with a zero to sixty of 5 minutes to under 5 seconds now.

Moving over to the machines. The M2Electro is Mahindra’s entry into the FIA Formula E Championship in which stock cars are given to teams, who can then tweak the powertrain if required. Mahindra is one of the few teams to have done so. The M2Electro features a motor, inverter, transmission and rear suspension built to Mahindra-spec by partner Campos Racing. The electric car can sprint from 0 to 100kph in under 3 seconds.

The MGP3O motorcycle is the Mahindra contender in the Moto 3 class Championship. What’s interesting is Mahindra will supply the MGP3O to a works team and three other teams for the 2016 championship, and also to the Peugeot team who will run their version of the MGP3O. The bike boasts an impressive 0-100kph time of 3.1 seconds powered by the class-defined 250cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine.

While the donuts and burn outs by the machines were a treat for the spectators, the drag race between the Formula E car and the Moto 3 bike clearly showed just how quick the electric racing cars are off the line.

Mahindra also brought in two of their rally XUV500s and a host of road XUV500s, while also giving visitors a chance to ride shotgun. The Formula E racing simulator and a 270deg video experience was also set up.

It was a fun day at the tracks and the fact that it was all about Mahindra brought about some national pride. The highlight of the event for us, however, was an exclusive hot lap in a Reva E20 with Nick Heidfeld behind the wheel.

Courtesy : Autocar

Meet the new flagship of the BMW luxury line-up, the 7 Series M760Li xDrive with a massive 6.6-litre V12 churning out 600 horses

BMW fans over the globe have been crying themselves hoarse for some time now for a purebred M7, a blue-blooded M variant to BMW’s flagship 7 Series. BMW have never given them one, but now they can have this instead, the new BMW M760Li xDrive. While not exactly a full-fledged M car, but more of an M Performance variant much like the M235i and X4 M40i, it’s the closest thing we’re going to get to a proper M7 for now. It is a fair deal though, because this new car packs enough ammo to even rival proper sportscars on most parameters.

Let’s get the numbers out of the way first. Powering this behemoth is a massive 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12 putting out 600PS at 5,500rpm and peak torque of 800Nm at 1,500rpm, mated to a faster, M-tuned 8-speed automatic and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system modified to have a rear bias. This prodigious power is good enough to propel the M760Li xDrive V12 to 100kmph in 3.9sec - 0.8sec faster than the current range-topping 750i M Sport - before reaching a limited top speed of 250kmph.

For comparison, a Porsche 911 takes 4.6 seconds to complete the same sprint, although has a higher top speed at 295kmph. That said, the M760Li xDrive isn’t actually the fastest and most powerful 7-Series you can buy from a BMW dealership abroad, as that title goes to the Alpina B7 xDrive introduced earlier this week and which has a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 delivering 608PS and 800Nm for a 0-100kmph time of 3.7 seconds.

All M760Li xDrive feature an eight-speed automatic gearbox complete with steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters, and there’s even a launch control function to optimise acceleration away from the line. Suspension is the same ‘Executive Drive Pro’ suite as on the standard 7-series, uprated for the M-Performance variant. So you get air springs with Dynamic Damper Control and Dynamic Drive to reduce roll and increase comfort, or tighten things up when you need to fling yourself down a backlane. It also features cameras that actively scan the road ahead and precondition the suspension settings.

Visually, the M760Li xDrive can be distinguished from its more sedate 7 Series siblings by its 20″ wheels M light-alloy wheels in matte Cerium Grey metallic. That same Cerium Grey finish extends onto the kidney grille frame and the fronts of the grille bars, along with the front apron strip, the strips on the exterior door handles, Air Breathers, side door trim elements and boot lid handle, all add color accents.

Inside, we get Fineline black fine wood interior trim strips with high-gloss metal effect team up with high-quality deep-pile floor mats in the rear compartment and an Alcantara Anthracite headliner to generate a luxurious ambiance. Exclusive Nappa leather trim covers the seat surfaces, seat side sections, head restraints, door cards, center armrests and side armrests to round off the elegant atmosphere in tasteful style. The steering wheel has been redesigned too, resembling a sporting evolution of the 7 Series’ wheel. All of the same interior technologies on the standard 7er are present, including Gesture Control and inductive charging for mobile phones.

For customers looking to downplay the aggressive performance for something classier, the V12 Excellence option is also available as a no cost option. The package replaces the wheels with 20-inch BMW Individual light-alloy wheels in W-spoke 646 design with mixed-size tyres.

When launched, the BMW M760Li xDrive will internationally go up against the likes of the Audi S8 and the more expensive Mercedes-AMG S65. No word yet on when it will land in India, though. 

Courtesy : Zigwheels

It's good news for all petrol heads. Volkswagen has made a bold move an announced that they will launch the Polo GTI in India later this year.

1.) Engine:

Over the past few months, Indian automotive enthusiasts have got something to cheer about with the launch of the Fiat Punto Abarth and the Avventura Abarth. Volkswagen is about to bring more in that direction with the launch of the Polo GTI later this year. Powered by a 1.8-litre TSI petrol unit that makes the 180PS and 250Nm, the Polo GTI will be one of the most powerful hatchbacks in India. If these figures don’t give you an adequate perspective, picture this – it is the same petrol engine that works force on the likes of the Audi A4 and the Skoda Octavia hiding under the hood of this compact hatch. The Polo GTI employs a 7-speed DSG transmission.  

2.) Design: One of the biggest let down of the Polo GTI is its design. Apart from the 3-door design, it looks extremely identical to the regular Polo. Some vinyl stickers that flaunt the GTI badge, side skirts, and better looking bumpers would have been much appreciated. The 17-inch alloy wheels too could have sported a better design. 

3.) Unique Interiors: While much of the interiors of the regular Polo and the GT are identical, the same is not the case with the GTI. The car gets smart looking red accents on the steering wheel and the floor mats. The chequered fabric design also gives the Polo GTI a distinctive feel.  The Polo GTI also features a new touchscreen infotainment system. 

4.) For the enthusiast: With the Polo GTI, Volkswagen intends to fill the gap between the Punto Abarth and the Mini Coopers. In fact, the Polo GTI will be one of the first entry-level hot hatches in its true essence to be launched in the Indian market. The Polo GTI is the only 3-door offering to be sold in India apart from the Mini Coopers. With the Polo GTI, Volkswagen is not looking at the playing the numbers game completely aware of the fact that it is being targeted to a very niche market. 

5.) Price: Considering the fact that it will come to India via the CBU route, the Volkswagen Polo GTI will carry a heavy sticker price. Expect it to be in the range of Rs 20 lakh. However, if Volkswagen manages to produce the engine from the factory in Chakan and increase localistaion, the Polo GTI might just be launched at an extremely competitive price. 

Courtesy : Zigwheels