Could be badged i5; BMW is in the final stages of deciding the type of model to add to its 'i' line-up.

BMW board member for sales and marketing, Ian Robertson, has revealed that the company has nearly confirmed a third ‘i’ model to slot in between the electric-drive only i3 and the i8 hybrid. Likely to be badged i5, the new car could either be a mini-MPV version of the i3 or a sedan that could rival the upcoming Tesla Model 3.

“You will see more i products,” said Robertson, “and we are in the final stages of deciding what the next car will be and when you’ll see it.” The unveiling of the new ‘i’ model is expected coincide with the German automaker’s centenary celebration in early 2016.

Robertson also revealed that while the i8 had been a success in the internationally markets, the i3’s modest sales were down to low demand for the model and not production-related problems that plagued the model at the time of launch. “We see lots of outside factors involved,” he said, “including range anxiety, incentives in some countries but not in others, and the price of fuel [in the United States]. But sales of the i3 are up 60% year on year and it’s the third best-selling EV in the world. We’re convinced the i steps have been right.”

Courtesy : Autocar

It looks like the S90 scale model spy shots didn't lie, as the Volvo S80's successor has been revealed and looks exactly like what we had imagined. In terms of design, the S90 can be safely called a sedan equivalent to the XC90, and after the SUV, this is the second car developed from scratch by Volvo since the takeover by Geely.

Unveiled at a special event in Gothenburg, Sweden, the S90 will share its powertrain options with the XC90 and will feature a host of 4-cylinder mills. The range will include the 2.0L, 4-cylinder turbocharged and supercharged T6, a turbocharged T5 variant and T8 Twin Engine (direct injection petrol) plug-in hybrid powertrain. A D5 diesel variant will also be offered in select markets, including India.

Like the XC90, the interior features a clutter free setup with key functions (including infotainment through a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, navigation and climate control) being controlled through the 9-inch central touchscreen display.

As expected from Volvo, safety has taken the driver's seat and the S90 gets features like lane keeping assist and an interesting safety feature called City Safety with large animal detection. The system is capable of detecting large animals such as elk, horses or moose, night or day. The technology offers an intuitive warning and brake support to help avoid a collision.

The S90 is set to be publicly unveiled at the NAIAS in Detroit, with details including the specifications and pricing expected as well.

Courtesy : Team BHP

CEAT and Pirelli have joined hands to distribute premium motorcycle tyres in India. Through the partnership, Pirelli is looking to take advantage of CEAT's distribution and dealer network. 

Pirelli has already been supplying tyres to Indian brands like Royal Enfield and Mahindra Two-Wheelers and this move has come in to take advantage of the rising demand for premium motorcycles in our sub-continent. This demand is expected to grow by up to 16% over the next five years.

The entire range of tyres will be available from the first week of December at select CEAT 

Courtesy : Team BHP

Last month, KTM unveiled an updated version of the RC 390 motorcycle. Now the bike is reported to have been spotted in India for the first time.

The refreshed RC 390 features redesigned mirrors, a larger front brake disc measuring 320 mm and a full size side mounted aluminium exhaust instead of an underbelly unit, which helps it comply with Euro 4 emission norms. It also gets a slipper clutch, ride by wire technology and adjustable front brake and clutch levers. KTM has also given the bike thicker seat cushion. The bikes brakes are supplied by Brembo.

The updated RC 390 uses the same 373.2cc, single-cylinder, liquid cooled unit as the outgoing model. It makes 43 BHP and 35 Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

KTM is expected to manufacture the new RC 390 at the Bajaj plant in Pune. It is expected to be launched in India in 2016. A hike in the price of the motorcycle can be expected as well.

Courtesy : Team BHP

Tata Motors has revealed the specifications of the upcoming Zica hatchback.

The Zica measures 3,746 mm in length, 1,647 mm in width and 1,535 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,400 mm and a ground clearance of 170 mm. The car has a fuel tank capacity of 35 litres and rides on 14-inch alloy wheels shod with 175/65 R14 section tubeless tyres.

To power the Zica, Tata Motors has used two new engines. The first one is a 1,199cc, 3-cylinder petrol unit from the Revotron family of engines. It can produce 84 BHP @ 6,000 rpm and 114 Nm of torque @ 3,500 rpm and comes with two driving modes - City and Eco.

The second engine used is a new 1,047, 3-cylinder diesel unit that puts out 69 BHP @ 4,000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque @ 1,800-3,000 rpm. This engine is from the company's new Revotorq family of engines and like the petrol, features two drive modes. Both engines are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

The Zica petrol has a kerb weight of 1,012 kg, while the diesel weighs 1,080 kg.

Courtesy :  Team BHP