By Invitation : Driving the Tata Nano was splendid by Shrawan Raja

What would it be like to drive the world's cheapest car? Would it give me a real high or would it feel slow and unstable like the world’s cheapest hard disk? Would it feel flimsy and uncomfortable like a cheap Chinese mobile phone my friend brought last week? Hoping to be disappointed, I fixed an appointment with a Tata dealership in my city in Chennai to assess the world’s cheapest car. The turn of events proved quite the opposite. Come, let’s explore this little wonder.
I strolled towards the grey Nano parked at a distance in the shade of a tree, it began getting bigger. Get this - the Nano isn't a ‘small car' the way we all conceive it. Fine, it is shorter than the Maruti800 but due to its height and large glass area, it looks much bigger and well-built. From certain angles you could even call it the mini- Indica. Tata’s smallest creation is sure to attract eyeballs as we later found out during our drive.

for full story click here : Driving the Tata Nano was splendid

Force India's new package ready for Silverstone race - Interview with Dominic Harlow

As Force India gears up for its home race at Silverstone we talked to race and test engineering boss Dominic Harlow about preparations for the race and the new aero update package that will be on the VJM02.
What do you need from a car at Silverstone?‘It’s a typical medium/high downforce track. You need aero efficiency and good platform stability, as it’s quite bumpy, and it’s important to be able to deal with that. Balance is very critical. There’s always the compromise between the three sectors, you need to get a quick sector one and then the second and third are increasingly geared around your downforce and your medium speed corner performance.’

for full story click here : Force India's new package ready for Silverstone race

Mahindra launches Alfa Passenger 3-wheeler in Ahmedabad

“The new Alfa Passenger 3 wheeler is the first vehicle in its segment which is truly designed and developed by customers. The Alfa is based on extensive customer feedback and incorporates a host of special features which will ensure a smooth and comfortable ride for passengers as well as the driver. In fact, the latter will benefit the most as he often has to drive his vehicle for approximately 200 km a day which can be a very tiring experience,” said Vivek Nayer, senior vice-president, Marketing, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., at the launch of the Alfa Passenger.

for full story click here : Mahindra launches Alfa Passenger 3-wheeler in Ahmedabad

Nissan upcoming Chennai plant to be its global small car hub

Following its cues from other global auto biggies like General Motors, Hyundai, Suzuki, etc, Nissan Motor Company is all set to earmark Indian operations as its low-cost small car hub. Amidst its global restructuring plan, Nissan Motor Company has kept its investment plans for India unchanged and the production of its first compact cars in the country will begin by next year. It is to be mentioned that the Indian arm of the Japanese automaker is establishing a Rs. 4,500-crore car-manufacturing facility (on 640 acres) with Renault at Oragadam near Chennai, where it will be rolling out next-generation A-segment car- to be christened Micra or March. The Micra would be available in both petrol and diesel versions, with nearly two-third of its production earmarked for the overseas markets. The Indian arm of the Tokyo-based company has also firmed up plans to launch 4-5 models over the next four years with its first one being Micra or March, is slated to hit the market before summer 2010, a top company official said told PTI. After the Micra/March, Nissan plans to roll-out a sedan version of Micra by 2011.
for full story click here : Nissan upcoming Chennai plant to be its global small car hub

Bajaj to roll out 2009 variant of 220cc Pulsar bike on June 23, 2009

According to reports in the media, Bajaj Auto is all set to launch 2009 variant of its flagship product Pulsar 220cc, will replace the old model as it sports an all new DTS-i engine. Sources have revealed that the new pulsar 220cc is claimed to have a top speed of 140kmph (the current one being 125kmph) and will be priced closed to Rs. 70,000, which is Rs. 15,000 less than the current 220cc Pulsar. Apart from the engine change and price reduction (if true), the new pulsar 220cc will get contemporary black theme and carbon fibre diffuser. Once launched, it will be pitted against India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd’s R15 and FZ16 models.

for full story click here : Bajaj to roll out 2009 variant of 220cc Pulsar bike on June 23, 2009

Fiat's low-cost compact car in India likely by 2012-13

On the sidelines of launching its superhatch –Grande Punto- in Delhi, Fiat India, on 17th June, 2009, has revealed that they are working on bringing a low cost car, probably at the bottom of the B segment, to the Indian market in the coming 3-4 years. The car, which would be tailor-made for the Indian market, would be roll out of the Ranjangaon plant near Pune in Maharashtra.
for full story click here : Fiat's low-cost compact car in India likely by 2012-13

Honda Jazz to have Michelin 175/65 R15 84T Energy XM1 tyres

In its endeavor to provide an unparallel driving experience to consumers, Michelin India Tyres Private Limited, on 16th June, 2009, has announced that it will be the OE partner for the newly launched Honda Jazz with Michelin 175/65 R15 84T Energy XM1. With this partnership, Michelin has become the OE partner for all models of Honda produced in India. This is special as the tyre range chosen, fits into Honda's concern towards protection of environment.
for full story click here : Honda Jazz to have Michelin 175/65 R15 84T Energy XM1 tyres