RE 60: Bajaj Auto unveils first four-wheeler; plans to target over 5 mn 3-wheelers

NEW DELHI: The world's largest three-wheeler maker Bajaj Auto has unveiled its first four-wheeler, the RE60, a four-seater intra-city passenger vehicle. Fitted with a 200 cc petrol engine, RE60 is not a small car competing against the Tata Nano, but an urban passenger vehicle meant to compete with three-wheelers, Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj said. 

"As a marketing position, we are an anti-car company. Our core customers will be the ones who are the user of three wheelers," he said. 

The vehicle-which Bajaj Auto had announced last year after scrapping its ultra low-cost car project-will hit the road in 4-6 months. Bajaj Auto redefined urban public transport in the country with its three wheelers in the early 1960s. It now wants its four wheelers to replace many of the more than five million three wheelers in the urban India landscape. 

"The concept is not an incremental improvement but a dramatic one just like Pulsar replaced Chetak," Bajaj said. "Scooters were the roots of our success in the last century. Motorcycles defined our success in this century," he said, adding that the company expects such a change in city transport with the RE60. 

Designed in-house in accordance with intra-city duty cycles and safety requirements, RE60 will be sold through its network of three-wheeler dealerships. Bajaj sees huge potential for exporting RE60 to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and even Africa and Latin America where affordability levels are low. 

In fact, the company may first start selling RE60 in Sri Lanka. Bajaj Auto exports 10,000 three wheelers in a month to Sri Lanka and 90% of them are used for personal purpose, Bajaj said. "That in itself indicates the potential in Sri Lanka alone." 

Bajaj Auto has invited all its international distributors and government representatives of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Columbia to see RE60 at the Auto Expo and give their feedback. 

Experts said RE60 might run into some regulatory hurdles. "There is a big gray area as to how this vehicle will be defined in India," an analyst at a domestic broking house said. 

Abdul Majeed, automotive practice partner at Price Waterhouse, said Bajaj Auto will have to work along with regulatory authorities to get a suitable solution. "It is a new product, new segmenta¦ regulators should be able to clear it if there are no concerns," he said. 

RE60 will be built at Bajaj's three-wheeler plant in Aurangabad with initial capacity of 200 units a day. The firm plans CNG and the LPG variants soon. 

Bajaj Auto has posted highest EBIDTA in the industry of over 20% in the last nine quarters. 

'OPEN TO ALL TIEUP OPTIONS' 
The French-Japanese (Renault-Nissan) alliance partners, who have already seen the visual images of RE 60, will see the product in flesh at the Auto Expo, informed Rajiv Bajaj, MD of Bajaj Auto. "We will discuss the matters of co-operation only after Renault-Nissan sees the product in flesh." 

The RE 60 passenger vehicle platform is a flexible platform and different products can be derived out of it, he added. 

"If they wishe to use the same platform with small or big modification, they can. And if they are not interested, they can walk away. We are open to all the options," said Bajaj. Renault-Nissan inked JV deal with Bajaj in 200

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Toyota’s New Color-Changing Fun-Vii Car is a Social Network on Wheels

Toyota just unveiled their latest futuristic concept car – the Toyota Fun-Vii ahead of the Tokyo Auto Show. The innovative vehicle features a high-tech body embedded with a display that allows drivers to change the exterior to any image their heart desires. The interior also changes to match your mood – and the interactivity doesn’t stop there. The car talks to the outside world, keeps track of environmental conditions to avoid danger, and it brings social networking to the streets by allowing you to connect with friends who are driving nearby.

The Toyota Motor Company will be displaying a number of never before seen concept vehicles in Tokyo with the slogan, “Fun to Drive, Again” emblazoned on their booth. The Fun-Vii sure looks like a trip with flowers scattered across its hood – but imagine the possibilities for taxi ads and delivery vehicles. Forget about spraying on a logo or dealing with messy stickers – you just download an image and press go. Voila, your vehicle is transformed.
Toyota hasn’t unveiled any information about the tech specs, but we can picture this car of the future with a solar paneled roof on the outside and an electric motor on the inside. The designers envision that in addition to the car interacting with others on the road, drivers can interact with it when they’re not near the car. Certain features of the car can be manipulated remotely simply by whipping out a cell phone and chatting away

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Top small cars in india under 5lakhs

1) Maruti Suzuki Swift

The Swift's launch has been Maruti’s trump card, and since its launch in the country it has totally changed the scenario of the Nation’s car market for some time to come. It is an attractive upgrade for small car owners and the clever pricing makes it fantastic value for money. It is highly desirable, fun to drive, and very cool. The 1.3L engine generates 87 bhp in the petrol version and 75 bhp in the diesel version with estimated fuel economy as 11/13 km/l (city/highway). The cabin is well designed and controls are well laid out which gives the interior a classy look.Swift comes with a 5-speed manual transmission with cable-shift mechanism.

The Maruti Suzuki Swift LXi, VXi and LDi models range from Rs.4,17,000 - 4,78,000 approximately, ex. showroom Mumbai, while the higher end models can go upto almost Rs.6 lakh.

2) Chevrolet Aveo U-VA

The Chevrolet Aveo U-VA is the all-new hatchback that offers excellent comfort and great fuel economy. The cabin provides quite comfort and offers adequate space for passengers and cargo. Jewel type headlamps with full-chrome bezels and a huge horizontal grille are designed to grab attention. This small car comes in three variants in India - 1.2, 1.2 LS, and 1.2 LT with an option pack. All variants are powered by a 1.2-liter petrol engine that delivers 75 bhp. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard across all variants. Spacious interiors and comfortable seating with easy-to-access controls makes it a user friendly car.

The 1.2, 1.2 LS range from approximately Rs.4,24,000- 4,68,000 ex. showroom Mumbai, while the 1.2LT and 1.2 LT Option pack go up to Rs.5.5 lakh.

3) Hyundai i10

 
Compact cars being India's favourite, Hyundai has chosen the right place to launch it's i10 model. The wheels pushed out to the corners to maximize interior space. i10 is available in two major choices: iRDE and Kappa. This wide and smart small car steals the hearts of many car enthusiasts with its eye-catching design. The 5-speed manual transmission is standard with a choice of two engines: 1.1L iRDE I4 and 1.2L I4. i10. The car gives an impressive fuel economy of 12/15 km/L (city/highway). It offers a good number of convenience features, upscale interior, and superior technology that no other hatchbacks can offer at an affordable price. It also offers an optional anti-lock braking system for increased safety.

The price starts at Rs 3,41,000 (ex-showroom Mumbai)

4) Tata Indica Vista

Tata entered the car market in 1998 with the launch of the Indica. Earlier this model had some flaws and was notorious for breaking down, until Tata launched an improved version in the form of Indica V2 and the Xeta. Now it comes with an even newer face the Indica Vista. Indica Vista is a more powerful small car from Tata Indica segment with enhanced interiors, improved quality, and better performance is built on a completely new platform. This new model is available in 3 variant in India: Aqua, Aura, Terra, offering a choice of 3 engines : 1.4L TDI (Diesel), 1.2L Safire (Petrol) and 1.3L Quadrajet (Diesel). Versatile and roomy interiors with contemporary styling features like two-tone dash board, two DIN stereo system and the breakthrough central Instrument cluster assures utmost comfort.

The prices for the different variants range from Rs 3,53,000- Rs.4,99,000 (ex-showroom Mumbai)

5) Maruti Suzuki A-star

.The global compact car A-star is produced exclusively in India. It's available in 3 variants - LXi, VXi, and ZXi. A low wide grille, large hood, and eye-shaped headlamps add elegance to the car. A spacious cabin with an aero-dash and well integrated audio system are highlights of this global car. The sporty hatchback has a combination of current and futuristic design to leave viewers spellbound.

Ex-Showroom Mumbai Price starts from Rs. 3,48,000 for the LXi to Rs.4,14,000 for the Zxi mode

6) Hyundai Getz Prime

The new premium hatchback, Getz Prime, is the inimitable fusion of sophistication, high-performance, appealing style, and incredible comfort. This car is labelled as India’s first true world car that meets global standards in terms of performance and comfort. The Prime comes with a 5-speed manual transmission and an estimated fuel efficiency of 12/15 km/l (city/highway). It is one of the most spacious cars in its segment. A tilt steering ensures easy maneuvering.

The prices start at Rs 3,80,000 (ex-showroom Mumbai).

7) Fiat Palio Stile

 

The Fiat Palio Stile is a blend of elegance, practicality, comfort, and safety. This car offers a choice of 7 variants in India with 3 engine choices. A refined 5-speed manual transmission is standard. All variants come with redesigned headlamps, bumper, and tail lamps besides a double-foldable rear seat and a rear parcel shelf. The interiors are well crafted with a sporty instrumentation cluster, comfortable seating, and ample storage area.

Prices range approximately from Rs.3,35,000- Rs.4,70,000 (ex. showroom Mumbai)

8) Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo

 

The new Zen Estilo hit the roads in India by replacing the decade old Maruti Suzuki Zen with an upscale roomy interior and a powerful engine. The fusion of style and urban chic imbibes an imposing feel with a luxurious fascia. This trendy and smart car is built on a Monoform Aerodynamic design that allows it to cut through air current. Available variants include the LX, LXi, and VXi. An ergonomic interior is coupled with a highly proficient cooling system, front and rear seat adjustable head restraints, and a front seat back pocket for added comfort.

Prices start at approximately Rs.3,02,000 (Ex-showroom Mumbai).

9) Chevrolet Spark

 

The Chevrolet Spark is a customized hatchback of the earlier Matiz from GM. The first striking feature in the Spark is its unconventional interior layout with a gracefully designed, clear, and easy-to-read instrument panel placed in the center of the dashboard. Flexible seating options with spacious head and leg room make the drive comfortable. It has four petrol variants in India: 1.0, 1.0PS, 1.0LS, and 1.0LT. This hatchback is powered by a 1.0L S-Tec I-4 engine that generates 63 bhp. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard across all variants. Its striking design, agility, and host of features distinguish the Spark from its rivals. Due to its compact size, it is easy to handle and best suited for city driving.

The starting price tag is from Rs.3,25,000 (ex-showroom Mumbai).

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Construction of an F1 car

The race-day performance of an F1 car has already been determined at the design stage. The design process is a path of evolution to enhance strengths and eliminate weaknesses, all with the goal of developing the finest F1 machine in the world.

Working under Keizo Takahashi, general manager of car design and development, Toyota's design department uses CATIA's state-of-the-art computer-aided design (CAD) software. An F1 car has about 3,500 separate elements, the majority of which have to be designed separately but must fit together with the utmost precision.
But long before any of the details have been designed, an F1 team determines the overall philosophy for their car. The team must balance potentially conflicting spatial requirements of the engine and gearbox, while the suspension and the aerodynamics must be reconciled into a package that is quick, but not unwieldy to actually produce and repair.
Although F1 cars must conform to a minimum weight limit of 600kg, the advantage of building the car underweight is that the engineers can optimize it to suit individual circuits by mounting ballast on different parts of the chassis.

Speeding up work with a lasersinter 

The designers look to make many changes during the course of a season, whether to try out new aerodynamic parts or to accommodate changes to the engine or gearbox. A more powerful engine, for instance, will generate more heat, so the designers will have to improve heat dissipation - perhaps by installing larger radiators, or by finding more clever ways to vent the hot air aft of the radiators without impairing the aerodynamics. Designers also need to produce several variations of certain parts to suit specific circuits, including larger brake ducts for tracks that require heavy braking. Modern technology enables the designers to produce prototype parts easily, quickly and accurately. The composites department has a lasersinter machine that can produce high-quality parts in only a few hours. The lasersinter is a high-accuracy laser that selectively fuses together a polyamide powder to create the component. They do not have the structural strength of carbon fiber, but can be used in the wind tunnel or as molds for composite parts.

Chassis Construction

To achieve the highest standard of quality and consistency, Panasonic Toyota Racing uses the most sophisticated measuring equipment available. The machines in Toyota's CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) department can mill the smallest of components to an accuracy of four microns - about 25 times less than the width of a human hair - from a range of materials that include aluminum and magnesium. This is the sort of precision that F1 demands. As well as producing suspension and gearbox components, the CNC workshop makes the majority of the engine and many of the patterns that are used in the composites department to create the bodywork molds. In the composites department, the car as you recognize it begins to take shape.

Most structural composite components have an aluminum honeycomb core bonded with several layers of carbon fiber.

Step 1: Cutting A computer-controlled ultrasonic cutting machine slices precisely measured sheets of resin-impregnated carbon fiber cloth. Until it is cut, the carbon fiber has to be stored at - 18 °C, because it begins to harden at room temperature. An ultrasonic cutting machine is not a luxury- its speed and accuracy are vital. Some detailed cutting work is also performed by hand.

Step 2: Molding The cut sheets are laid into molds of predetermined patters in a special air-conditioned clean room. This pattern of interwoven matting is what gives the finished component its strength. The material is then put in a vacuum bag.

Step 3: Autoclave Once the parts have been put in a vacuum bag, they are moved to the autoclave. The autoclave is a sealed vessel that applies pressure (between two and six times normal atmospheric pressure) and heat. The pressure, combined with the vacuum bag, ensures that components fit the molds exactly, while the heat (usually between 130 and 140°C) hardens the resin. Since this process is computer controlled, the design team can change the programs as necessary.

Step 4: Assembly When finished, the parts are sent to the assembly division for finishing. Even parts formed to such precise specifications must be detailed by human hands to fit properly. This ensures that all parts can fit together properly. If drilling or other machining is required, the parts are sent back to the CNC division.

Engine Technology

Only two other F1 teams (Ferrari & Renault) constructs both its own engines and chassis. The close coordination between these two technical departments confers an advantage because it enables Panasonic Toyota Racing's designers and engineers to envision the car as a whole from the very first concept drawings. The word "drawing" is something of a misnomer, since the engines and chassis are designed on computers using CATIA CAD software. It takes around 1500 detailed "drawings" to make a complete engine.

Luka Marmorini, General Manager of the Engine Division

"Our facilities are state-of-the-art. We have all the tools and people we need. We have hired some young engineers, some people from within F1, and we have people who have worked on Toyota's rally and Le Mans programs. It is a good mix of experience." Achieving the correct balance of performance, reliability and weight requires a methodical approach.

Exhaust pipes are created by hand. It takes one technician 50 hours to complete one pipe, and each pipe only has a life of one race.

The mechanics working in the engine workshop build and rebuild around 300 engines a year.The rebuilding process is not merely reassembly; around 40 percent of the 4,500 components will have to be replaced by new ones. All in all, it's a 200-hour job. The engine department has eight dynamometers that perform pre-race checks. These simulations use actual race data, which lets the engineers recreate realistic conditions for an engine without it ever leaving the factory.
Marmorini "Our goal is to make several performance leaps during a season. Of course, we cannot sacrifice reliability, which is why we take such pain-staking measures in production and testing."

Aerodynamics

Hilhorst's team has been working 16 hour days since Toyota's wind tunnel became operational in early 2002.

A wind tunnel experiment in progress

Toyota's wind tunnel is capable of simulating speeds in excess of 200mph on a half-scale model of a car. The steel belt "rolling road" accurately simulates the movement of a real road beneath the car - even though the car is stationary in the wind tunnel.

CFD Simulations Conducted First

Since minute changes can affect the flow of air across the entire surface of the car, the aerodynamicists must prioritize their ideas. Often they will use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to test the effectiveness of potential improvements before actually designing and making a new part. This not only saves money, it also minimizes the risk of spending days or weeks researching changes that do not result in an improvement.

Some aspects of a car's behavior are difficult to predict in software - pitch sensitivity, for instance, where the aerodynamics are adversely affected by the pitching of the car under acceleration and braking.

"CFD is useful," says a staff member, "but ultimately you must put your ideas to the test for real, either in the wind tunnel or out on track. If your preparation has been good, you will see the improvements."

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Bentley S3 E design concept

Bentley S3 E design concept

Bentley S3-based concept it’s an amazing car that melds 1960’s styling from the original Bentley S3 with new millennium technology. That it is possible thanks to the Bentley Boys USA, and specifically Arturo Alonso who is an engineer and automotive visionary.and they will call it Bentley S3 E Design Concept. This splendid concept car will use the original body and chassis but some modern additions like 4-headlamp layout design, vertical grille, dual air conditioning system and a deluxe interior with leather and suede trim for maximized comfort. The car stands on 20 X 9.5 inch forged wheels wrapped with 275/40/20 Continental Sport tires.
Under the long hood will be a 4.4-litre V8 engine borrowed from German automaker BMW mated to a 5-speed ZF BMW automatic transmission producing close to 300 horse power. The S3 is fitted with customised exhaust system consist of stainless steel exhaust pipe, 2 rear muffler and double tips.
Alonso and the guys from Bentley Boys USA decided to build only three of these special, extremely exclusive and unique vehicles and each vehicle it’s going to be built one at a time over a period of eight months. The Bentley S3 Concept will be priced at 150,000 american dollars. The producers will be targeting cashed-up buyers in the usual places, such as the Middle East, Russia the UK and North America.

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Lamborghini Reventon

Lamborghini Reventon

Born in Sant’Agata Bolognese

The Lamborghini Reventón has been entirely designed in Sant’Agata Bolognese, the original birthplace of the Lamborghini and the native home of every super car born under the sign of the bull. The design drawn up in Lamborghini’s Centro Stile (Style Centre) is fine-tuned in close collaboration with the Lamborghini Research and Development Department. Thus, the Reventón is not only “haute couture” but it also stands out for its elevated dynamism whilst being entirely suitable for every day use.

The Lamborghini Reventón is not destined to remain a one-off. A total of 20 Lamborghini friends and collectors will be able to own this extraordinary car and, naturally, enjoy the incomparable pleasure of driving it.

The name Reventón has been chosen according to Lamborghini tradition. Reventón was a fighting bull, owned by the Don Rodriguez family. It is included in the list of the most famous bulls ever and is known for killing the famed bullfighter Felix Guzman in 1943.

Inspired by the fastest airplanes

The present day Lamborghini models are distinguished by the clear language of their shape. The coherent proportions of the Murciélago and Gallardo highlight their power and dynamism. Sharp edges, precise lines and clean surfaces: these are ingredients of a style reduced to the essential. Each element is created exactly according to its function; ornaments and decorations are totally foreign to a Lamborghini.

With the Reventón the Centro Stile designers have coherently developed this philosophy, inspired by another sphere where speed and dynamism reign absolute: modern aeronautics, responsible for the fastest and most agile airplanes in the world. This has created an extremely precise, technically striking style with a new vitality: interrupted lines and contorted surfaces create a fascinating play of light, giving the car incredible movement.

Made of carbon fibre and precision

Although it is based on the extraordinarily successful Murciélago LP640, the exterior design of the Reventón is completely new. Just like the base model, the exterior is made of CFC, a composite carbon fibre material, which is as stable as it is light. The exterior components are glued and fixed to the body comprised of CFC and steel.

The front is characterised by the acute angle of the central ‘arrow’ and by the powerful forward-facing air intakes. Although they do not supply air directly to the turbine like an airplane, bearing in mind the 650 hp, an abundant volume of air is necessary to cool the carbon brake disks and the six cylinder callipers.

Born to become a legend

Since its foundation, Lamborghini has been a creator of trends in the world of sports cars and has always manufactured cars with an absolutely unmistakable character. Models such as the Miura or Countach, for example, were veritable forerunners and rapidly acquired the status of timeless classic cars. From the moment they are launched, every new Lamborghini promises to become a legend, destined to become a sought-after and precious possession.

With the Lamborghini Reventón, Lamborghini has done it again; it has created an unequalled super car; the perfect synthesis between the exclusivity and appeal of a limited edition design masterpiece, and the dynamism and driveability of a standard sports car. Thus, the Lamborghini legend is further enhanced by another, stylish future classic.

Lamborghini Reventón – Technical data

• Frame
  • High strength tubular steel structure with carbon fibre components.
• Bodywork
  • In carbon fibre, except roof and door external panels (steel)
• Steering
  • Type: Mechanical (rack and pinion) power-assisted
  • Right-hand turning circle: 12.55 m (41.17 ft)
• Wheels and tyres
  • Front: 245/35 ZR 18
  • Rear: 335/30 ZR 18
• Engine
  • Type: 12 cylinders at 60°
  • Bore and stroke: 88 mm x 89 mm (3.46 in x 3.50 in)
  • Displacement: 6496 cc (396.41 in3)
  • Compression ratio: (11 ± 0.2):1
  • Maximum power: 650 HP (478 kW) at 8000 rpm (guaranteed through the engine selection)
  • Maximum torque: 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) at 6000 rpm
  • Engine position in vehicle: Longitudinal central-rear
  • Cylinder heads and engine block: Aluminium
  • Intake system: Variable geometry with 3 operating modes
• Performance data
  • Top speed: 340 km/h (211.3 mph)
  • Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 3.4 s (before: 3.8 s)
• Fuel Consumption (according to DIR 1999/100/CE)
  • Urban: 32,3 l/100km
  • Extra-urban: 15,0 l/100 km
  • Combined: 21,3 l/100 km
  • CO2 emissions: 495 g/km

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Paris 2010: Townpod EV concept continues Nissan's obsession with car as appliance

Paris 2010: Townpod EV concept continues Nissan's obsession with car as appliance

,

Nissan has revealed its Townpod EV concept, a sort of larger, more amorphous take on the Cube and Leaf. Singularly Japanese in feel, the Townpod is intended to bridge the world of private and commercial vehicles. According to the splendiforously indulgent press release (sample: "The innovative position of the headlights also allows a coupe-esque bonnet line, not dissimilar to Nissan Z, which feeds in to a visor-like wraparound, blue tinted glass house, reminiscent of Nissan Cube, while the galls to body proportions hark back to the rat-rods of the fifties."), the Townpod targets everyone from young entrepreneurs to first-time home builders and retirees looking to turn their hobby into a paycheck.

The barn-doored concept has a bizarrely characterful and friendly looking animated marshmallow-like face, with headlamps that feature blue 'petals' that change position depending on whether they are being used as marker units or headlights. The interior is a flexible space that's designed to accept third-party storage accessories and such, and it's complete with a display that according to Nissan is designed to coordinate with the owner's PDA (who uses a PDA anymore?).

Nissan says that the Townpod has been designed as an EV, though interestingly, it actually doesn't explain the motivational technology underneath the vehicle's sheetmetal. Its mystery powerplant is seemingly appropriate for such a blank-canvas concept, of course. After all, François Bancon, Nissan's general manager of its Exploratory and Advance Planning Department notes that the same blank-slate mindset is true of the car's intended audience: "What is more revealing is that Nissan Townpod users do not appreciate stereotypes or status symbols. For them, the ultimate status is to have no status.

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