Quickest Porsche Panamera estate gets turbocharged V8 paired to electric motor, delivering a combined 680hp; does 0-100kph in 3.4sec.

Porsche has taken the wraps off the fastest Panamera Sport Turismo model yet, the Turbo S E-Hybrid.

It is powered by the 550hp turbocharged V8 motor found in the Panamera but is paired with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that features a 14.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor producing 136hp. The total output of the Panamera Sport Turismo Turbo S E-Hybrid is 680hp and 850Nm of peak torque from just 1,400rpm.

The combined output is sent to all-four-wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission that helps the estate to hit 100kph from standstill in a claimed 3.4sec, which is 1.4sec quicker than the regular E-Hybrid Panamera. Porsche further claims a 0-198kph time of 11.9sec, a top speed of 310kph and a fuel efficiency of 33.33kpl.

The 14.1kWh lithium-ion battery can be recharged in 2.4 to six hours depending on the power outlet. The range-topping Panamera hybrid also has a 49km pure-electric range and a top speed limited to 140kph.

The addition of the battery back has seen boot space shrink by 95 litres with total boot space at 425 litres, which can be expanded to 1,295 litres thanks to the rear seatbacks that can be folded electrically in a 40:20:40 split.

As standard, the Sport Turismo Turbo S E-Hybrid comes with 21-inch alloy wheels, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control and torque vectoring. There’s also a rear, limited-slip differential and ceramic composite brakes, as well as adaptive three-chamber air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management.

The Turbo S E-Hybrid is the new range-topping Panamera variant and will rival the likes of the Audi RS6 Performance and Mercedes-AMG CLS 63 Shooting Brake in international markets.

Courtesy : Autocar

Refreshed S-Cross likely to continue with same set of engines.

Maruti launched the S-Cross, its flagship crossover for India, in mid-2015. The model is now due for a mid-cycle refresh for our market. The carmaker has begun road-testing for the updated S-Cross in India. 

Speaking to us at the 2017 new Maruti Suzuki Dzire launch, C.V. Raman, executive director - research and development, Maruti Suzuki India, confirmed that “the S-Cross will get refreshed and launch will take place around Diwali”.

Suzuki showcased the updated S-Cross for international markets last year at the Paris motor show 2016. The India-spec model is likely to get similar styling updates too. As reported earlier, the front end of the car features an all-new upright grille with vertical slats, a redesigned bumper with a larger radiator grille and new projector headlamps.

Globally, Suzuki sells the S-Cross with the options of a 1.6-litre petrol and a diesel engine. The updated car also gets Suzuki’s 1.4-litre Boosterjet petrol engine that powers the Vitara which is sold overseas. However, closer home, the facelifted S-Cross is likely to be sold with the same 1.3-litre and the 1.6-litre diesel engines currently used in the crossover. Along with the S-Cross, the carmaker is readying additional new car launches for our market. 

The S-Cross will continue to be sold via Maruti’s Nexa premium dealership channel which also sells models like the Ciaz, Ignis, the Baleno and the sporty Baleno RS. 

Courtesy : Autocar

The new Micra for India will look similar to the European model, but will be based on the low-cost CMF-A+ platform.

Nissan is planning to bring the all-new Micra to India by 2019. The India-bound Micra will get the same design as the one already on sale internationally. However, the car could get a minor facelift by then.

Unlike the Euro-spec hatchback (K14) that is based on Nissan’s V platform, the India-spec Nissan Micra will be underpinned by the far more cost-effective CMF A+ platform.

Heavy localisation will also play its part in keeping costs low. As the CMF platform will also be the base of the all-new Nissan Sunny that is due sometime in 2018, this will help bring down manufacturing costs considerably. In addition, the group’s new 106hp, 1.5-litre petrol unit launched recently on the Duster could also be used on the Micra and the Sunny.

While no diesel engine is expected with the new Micra, the X-Tronic CVT automatic gearbox will be offered as an option to a five-speed manual.

The Micra currently competes in the competitive hatchback segment, along with the Maruti Swift and the Hyundai Grand i10.  

Courtesy : Autocar

Jeep is all set to launch its first made-in-India model, the Compass, on July 31, 2017. Local production of the SUV commenced in early June and it has already gathered more than 1,000 bookings. Jeep will sell the model with two engine options – a 2.0-litre 172hp 350Nm diesel and a 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo-petrol. Now the equipment list has surfaced online, confirming that the Compass will be available in five variants. Here's what you'll get on each of the variants:

Jeep Compass Sport

• Petrol and diesel engine options
• Six-speed manual only
• 5.0-inch infotainment system (U-Connect)
• 16-inch steel wheels
• Halogen headlamps
• Dual front airbags
• ABS, EBD, stability and traction control
• Four-wheel disc brakes
• Power adjust and folding wing mirrors
• All-black interiors
• Electric parking brake

Jeep Compass Longitude

• Diesel engine only
• Front fog lamps
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Keyless entry and go
• Rear parking sensors
• Dual-tone interior

Jeep Compass Longitude (O)

• 7.0-inch infotainment system (U-Connect) with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Dual-zone climate control
• Projector headlamps
• Rear parcel tray

Jeep Compass Limited

• Petrol and diesel engine options
• LED tail-lamps
• Rear camera
• Grey leather upholstery
• Door sill guards
• SelecTerrain 4WD system
• Dual front, side and curtain airbags

Jeep Compass Limited (O)

• Petrol and diesel engine options
• HID headlamps
• Contrast black roof

Pricing and competition check
The Compass is expected to be priced between Rs 18 lakh and Rs 25 lakh. When launched, direct rivals will include the Hyundai Tucson, the Ford Endeavour, the Toyota Fortuner and the recently launched Volkswagen Tiguan.

Courtesy : Autocar

Rugged V90 Cross Country estate gets aggressive bodywork, 210mm ground clearance and a 235hp D5 diesel engine

Volvo launched the V90 Cross Country today in India at Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The model expands Volvo’s 'Cross Country' range in India, which includes the V40 Cross Country and the S60 Cross Country. The new estate is set apart from the standard S90 by a rugged-looking exterior, complete with aggressive bumpers and additional black cladding all around. 

The vehicle gets 20-inch wheels as standard and that raises ground clearance by 60mm to 210mm, and all-wheel drive, which gives it mild off-roading abilities when compared with the standard V90.

The V90 Cross Country gets roof rails and there’s also adaptive air suspension at the rear. Luggage space is at 560 litres but can be expanded to 1,526 litres with the second-row seats folded.

Unlike the S90, which uses the 190hp D4 diesel engine in India, the V90 Cross Country gets the more powerful 235hp D5 motor paired to the same eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The Swedish carmaker, which prioritises safety in its vehicles, has equipped the V90 Cross Country with a host of safety features such as collision mitigation support (front), park assist function with camera (front and rear), emergency brake assist and lane-keeping aid.

The cabin gets equipment such as a 12.3-inch driver display, seen in other Volvo models, nappa leather upholstery, power adjustable driver and passenger seat with memory, four-zone climate control and panoramic sunroof.

Courtesy : Autocar