While TVS Motor has confirmed the India launch of its Apache 200 for January 20, it has also teased the bike on its Indonesian website

Indian bike maker TVS Motor, who is also a big name in Indonesia has teased the upcoming Apache 200 on its Indonesian website. TVS has already confirmed that it will launch the highly anticipated and long overdue Apache 200 in India on January 20, and it seems the bike will be launched in Indonesia around the same time too. Indonesia is a market where entry-level performance motorcycles are the rage, and TVS already sells its Apache 160 and 180 there apart from other products. The teaser image you see here is on the Indonesian website for the Apache, and a dedicated TVS Apache Indonesia Facebook page. 

The image suggests that those who share it on social media stand a chance to ride the all-new TVS Apache 200 at the Sentul International Circuit in Indonesia. The image does not reveal anything about the motorcycle at all, which is appears to be covered in red, but has the words “Uncover the racer in you”. The Sentul International Circuit is a full-fledged race track that hosts international championships, and the allure of getting to ride the new Apache 200 on the circuit should help TVS garner a lot of interest for its new flagship product. 

The Apache 200’s engine is expected to be a high-strung motor producing close to 25PS of power, making it the most powerful TVS motorcycle yet, and will be mated to a six-speed transmission. Going by the sporty demeanour of the current Apache RTRs, we expect the 200 to be a light, sharp handling machine that should make it fun to ride on track. The social media campaign for Indonesia isn’t surprising since the country is one of the most important markets in Asia for several bike makers given Indonesian riders penchant for commuter and small capacity performance motorcycles. Big names like Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki jostle for space in these segments in the Indonesian market, apart from TVS Motor, who has made quite a name for itself there, especially with its step-thrus. 

Courtesy : Zigwheels

Ford’s all-new SUV is coming and will be a lot better than its predecessor

The all-new Ford Endeavour is set to be launched in India on January 20. The previous generation of the American SUV was quite a hit with Indian buyers given its imposing dimensions and butch design, and Ford has had us wait for a really long time for the new generation Endeavour. The new generation Endeavour has been tested extensively in India and abroad, and is expected to fare much better than its predecessor off tarmac, since off-roading was one of the grey areas of the previous generation Endeavour. 

Based on Ford’s T6 platform, the new Endeavour is in sync with current offerings in its segment thanks to the addition of the features and equipment one would expect of a new generation SUV, and of course, Ford has ensured it retains the muscular design that the Endeavour is known for. It still sports a boxy styling and gets generous helpings of chrome, but then that’s the kind of character American SUVs are known for, and also the design virtues that made the Endeavour a favourite. 

To improve its performance off tarmac the Endeavour also gets a new terrain management system, something that has become the norm with SUVs expected to go off-roading. The Endeavour is also a lot more luxurious inside, to pamper occupants who’d rather prefer being ensconced in the luxury of this spacious SUV rather than get mucky. 

The new Ford Endeavour will be launched with two engine options, a 2.2-litre diesel and a 3.2-litre diesel. The 2.2-litre diesel will be offered with a choice of two-wheel and four-wheel drive, while the 3.2-litre will be offered with four-wheel drive only. The 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel makes 160PS and 385Nm of torque, while the 3.2-litre makes an impressive 200PS, while also offering 470Nm of torque. Expect the new Endeavour to challenge the likes of the successful Toyota Fortuner and the recently launched Chevrolet Trailblazer. Pricing should be in the region of 23-28 lakh ex-showroom.  

Courtesy : Zigwheels

It’s barely two weeks into 2016, and Mercedes-Benz has already launched its first car, the GLE 450 AMG Coupé at Rs 86.4 lakh.

The crossover-coupe is based on the recently launched regular GLE SUV, and sports a distinctive swooping roof-line. The nose features a single-slat grille flanked by LED headlamps and an aggressive looking bumper, while the roofline terminates into an S-class coupé-like rear end. Plastic body cladding, splashes of chrome up front and at the rear, a dual exhaust system and 21-inch wheels complete the 2.2-tonne crossover’s aggressive design.

The coupé carries over the standard GLE’s interiors, but is more luxurious, given the generous use of perforated Nappa-leather all around the cabin. Other highlights of the interiors include carbonfibre trim, a sport steering wheel, sport seats, stainless steel pedals and the latest Comand infotainment system.

The 450 AMG is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that churns out 362bhp and 53kgm of torque, which enables the crossover to complete the 0-100kph dash in a sportscar-like 5.7 seconds. Power is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox that offers five driving modes – comfort, slippery, sport, sport+ and individual. Each mode modulates chassis, suspension, steering wheel and powertrain settings as per driving and terrain conditions.

The GLE 450 AMG Coupé will go up against the BMW X6 and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

Courtesy : Autocar