The Volvo XC40 small SUV will share its underpinnings with Geeley; will get the new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol motor.

As reported by us last year, Volvo is readying a new small SUV which is likely to be called the XC40.  This new SUV will be the third offering in Volvo’s global SUV line-up. The new Volvo XC40 will take on the fight against the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA small SUVs.

This SUV will be based on Volvo’s new modular CMA platform which is co-developed by Volvo and Geeley. It will also share its underpinnings with a similar offering from Geeley (codenamed NL-4). To be manufactured in China initially, the new SUV will share factory space with its Geeley equivalent.

This engine is being built to be used in Volvos employing CMA, and also the larger S60 and V60 models which are based on the SPA. It can function with both manual and automatic transmissions, and also be mated to four-wheel-drive and hybrid systems. The three-pot can be tuned to varying power outputs up to 180bhp. This new motor for the XC40 will be manufactured in-house at the same plant.

Furthermore, Volvo is likely to develop a new sedan and more variants on this platform. The carmaker is currently testing its S80 flagship sedan's replacement, the S90, on international roads. This long-awaited sedan is expected to make its official appearance next year. 

Courtesy : Autocar

The updated all-electric Camper van concept will be based on the Microbus; the launch is to strengthen VW's sales in the US market.

The zero local emission lithium-ion battery technology also featured in the Audi R8 E-Tron and the cheap rolex replica watches upcoming Audi E-Tron Quattro concept, is claimed to provide a range of up to 500km, depending on the driving conditions. The all-electric powertrain shall be offered alongside the conventional turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesel powerplants on the production Microbus.

VW engineers and designers were said to be working on a new Camper van concept, based on the popular Microbus using a small electric motor driving the front wheels and battery packs stored under the floor. This new model is said to follow the classic van's trademark styling cues: wide, solid, D-Pillar, the boxy centre section design and the short front overhangs. The unique front-end design was achieved thanks to an electric motor that allows for a much lower bonnet line, than other conventional petrol engines.

The resurrection of the Microbus is part of Volkswagen’s strategy to support and boost its sales in the US market. As a part of this strategy, Volkswagen also has a range of pickup trucks that will rival the Ford Ranger.

Courtesy : Autocar Rolex replica watches uk

Showcases JLR's plan for zero-emission and electric vehicles; production models could be released post 2020.

Jaguar Land Rover has previewed its upcoming electric vehicle technology with hybrid and EV versions of the Range Rover Evoque. The in-house developed electric motor will be seen on three of its zero-emission and electric vehicle concepts, that shall pave the way for future hybrid and electric vehicles.

Under development for the past two years, the battery designs allow for easy integration with any engine and transmission combination, or independent use in all-electric vehicles. Also, the batteries are capable of producing twice the torque as any currently in production.

The first car called the Concept e MHEV, is an Evoque that pairs a prototype three-cylinder, 89bhp diesel engine with a 48V lithium-ion battery pack. The second, a Range Rover Sport-based Concept e PHEV uses a 296bhp petrol motor  and a larger 150kW, 320V lithium-ion battery. The petrol engine uses a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox with a full-time four-wheel drive system.

The third concept based on JLR’s new aluminium platform packs a 70kWh lithium-ion driving a 145kW motor on the rear axle and an 85kW electric motor on the front axle. The electric drive module is deemed suitable for every vehicle architecture, and fits between the engine and the transmission. A two-speed transmission mated to the electric motors aids low-speed traction.

The company has also developed a low carbon-emission Evoque called 'Provoque'. It is powered by an electrically supercharged 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine coupled with a 48V mild hybrid system that also drives the supercharger for producing low-end torque.

JLR is yet to reveal the performance details of the vehicles. Production-ready cars based on the display concepts are unlikely to go on sale before 2020.

Courtesy : Autocar

Harley-Davidson has kick-started the Ultimate Test Ride competition which gives prospective clients to win their very own Dark Custom motorcycle designed and styled by the Harley-Davidson senior industrial designer – Dais Nagao

At the unveiling of the 2016 Dark Custom models, Harley-Davidson has announced a special Ultimate Test Ride competition for prospective clients. Winners of the contest get a unique opportunity to customise their dream bike. The Ultimate Test Ride competition will be an Asia Pacific wide competition. To enter this contest, all one needs to do is login into h-d.in/testrideandwin to locate your nearest Harley-Davidson dealer and book a test ride. Competitors will have to test ride any of the new Harley-Davidson Dark Custom range of motorcycles that includes the Street 750, Forty-Eight and Iron 883. One lucky winner will get the opportunity to build and design their custom Dark Custom Harley-Davidson bike. Making it more special is the fact that the bike will be styled and designed by Dais Nago, senior industrial designer at Harley-Davidson and the man behind the Iron 883. 

The winner will be flown to Milwaukee, USA, the home of the Harley-Davidson and at the headquarters Dias will design the bike with the lucky contestant. Once the design is finalised, the custom Harley-Davidson bike will be built at the local dealership. Other goodies in store for the winner includes a tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum, tickets to local sports or music events and a camera to record the memorable moments. If the winning entrant has already bought a Harley-Davidson Street 750, Iron 883 or Forty-Eight, after their test ride and during the promotion period (September 14th to December 31st 2015), Harley-Davidson will fully refund their purchase and Dais Nagao will customise their original bike.

Courtesy :  Autocar

Available only in the XMS trim, the Anniversary Edition Zest offers the option of a petrol or diesel variant.

Tata has launched a special-edition Zest to celebrate the first anniversary of the compact sedan. The Anniversary Edition Zest comes just in time for the festival season, and follows in the footsteps of Skoda, Honda and Renault that recently launched special editions of select cars.

Available only in the XMS trims in both petrol and diesel, the Anniversary Edition Zest gets minor cosmetic additions like a new white paint shade, body coloured front bumper, new wheel covers, wing mirrors finished in glossy black, special anniversary decals and badging.

On the inside, the anniversary edition gets a remote-operated rear windshield curtain, bottle holders and 'Anniversary Edition' embroidered on the upholstery.

The petrol variant of the Anniversary Edition Zest is priced at Rs 5.89 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the diesel variant costs Rs 6.94 lakh.

Courtesy : Autocar