Royal Enfield Bullet Classic to be launched in Two Variants in India – on 4th November, 2009

 

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The Royal Enfield Bullet Classic will be launched in two variants

a) 500cc Bullet Classic – This will be an EFi model. It’ll be priced between Rs 1.3 – 1.5 Lakhs. It’ll be available in only one color i.e green.

b) 300cc Bullet Classic – This would be a carbureted model. It’ll be priced between Rs 80-90 Thousand. It’ll be available in three colors – Red/Black/Silver.

Both the bikes have independent seats. (I’m not quite sure as to what that means, take a look at the picture to understand) and are sans kickstart i.e they’ll only have self-starting option.

Specs of the 500cc Bullet =

• Engine Type: Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, air cooled OHV
• Capacity: 499cc
• Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection
• Ignition: Digital Electronic ignition
• Starting: Electric start
• Maximum Power: 20.3KW (27.2bhp) @ 5250rpm
• Maximum Torque: 41.3Nm @ 4000rpm
• Clutch:    Wet multiplate (7 plates)
• Gear Box: Constant mesh 5 speed
• Battery: 12v, 14 AH
• Headlamp: 12V, 60/55W
• Suspension (front): Telescopic, hydraulic dampers
• Suspension (rear): swingarm with gas filled shock absorbers
• Brakes (front): Disc brake single 280mm disc with 2 piston caliper
• Brakes (rear): Drum brake (152mm)
• Overall Length: 2160mm
• Overall Width: 800mm
• Overall Height: 1050mm
• Wheel Base: 1370mm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 liters
• Weight: 187 kg (kerb)

Launch date - Acc to some sources the bike will be launched on Nov 4. The launch date in Chandigarh is Nov 10.

Delivery Periods for Indian Cars Rise High due to Increase in Demand

In March 2009, Ajay Shah (a Mumbai-based brokerage house employee), wanted to buy his first car. At that point in time, the car dealers in the vicinity were sparing no effort in luring him with freebies such as Music Systems apart from Cash discounts. But then the slowdown came & Mr Shah postponed his car plans.

Fast Forward to today – with a sense of optimism prevailing, Shah has zeroed in on a Maruti Ritz. When he went to the same dealer a few days ago, he was in for a surprise. That waiting period for Ritz was going to be atleast 45 days!

This is not an isolated case. These days most of the car manufacturers tell their prospective customers beforehand that they would have to wait for 20-45 days before they can give them the delivery of the car.

Various Cars and their waiting periods are given below (with special ref. to Mumbai)

• Hyundai i10, i20 and Verna – 20-30 Days
• Maruti Swift Dzire – 3-4 Months
• Maruti Ritz (Petrol) – 2 Months
• Maruti WagonR & Swift (Petrol) – 30-45 Days
• Chevrolet Cruze – 20 days
• Chevrolet Aveo – One month Month
• Fiat Linea (Emotion Variant) – One Month

Similar is the case with 2 wheelers. Activa - the best selling scooter from Honda is not available before January!

New Upgraded Yamaha YZF-R15 Coming Soon for India

Yamaha YZF-R15 is visually one of the sportiest bikes in India. But still, there are some things about the R15 which people don’t like. In order to address these issues, Yamaha is expected to launch a New R15 with the following features

• Split Seats
• LED Lamps
• Fatter Rear Tyre
• Cosmetic Rear-lift up

The question that is being asked is that will this be showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo Next Year? Well, we’ll have to wait and watch..

Bollywood helping Audi boost Sales!

With clients like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Bipasha Basu, German luxury car maker Audi has a vital target market in Mumbai-based film stars and is looking at a 50 per cent growth in India this year.

"Quite a few Bollywood stars have picked up Audi cars in India. Whether it is Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan or Katrina Kaif - each of them has one Audi parked in their garage," Martin Birkner, marketing head of Audi in India, said.

"I won't say they make a major market for us, but they certainly are an important market for Audi, at least in Mumbai."

According to Birkner, Salman is the latest to buy the car - he bought an Audi A8, while Neil Nitin Mukesh owns Q7, a recently launched SUV by Audi. A Q7 can cost anything from Rs 63 laks to Rs 76 lakhs. An Audi A8 ranges from Rs 71 lakhs to Rs 1 crore in India.

Among actresses, Bipasha pampered herself with the luxury vehicle, he said.

The company currently offers a bouquet of seven cars, including sedans, SUVs, coupe and sports cars. It is considering launching more models in the coming years.

To promote the brand, Audi India has been partnering with Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) for the last four seasons.

This year they are displaying Q7 and sports car Audi R8, which is one of the most popular models, at the ongoing fashion and luxury event being held at Pragati Maidan here. A toy car, which costs Rs 11 lakh, is also catching people's fancy.

Birkner, who has come from Mumbai to attend the event, said WIFW provides an ideal platform for them to meet "right and influential" people who can become potential buyers.

"Such events provide a perfect platform to meet people who are interested in premium cars. So we get a chance to build the right contacts here," he said.

Earlier this month, Audi organised an amateur golf tournament called Quattro Cup. This was the second tournament sponsored by the company and the finals were held in Hyderabad and the winners will be taken to Sydney in December.

[via EconomicTimes]

Honda launches new Aviator with 110cc engine

Honda has launched the next generation of the Aviator scooter with a 110cc engine in India. The new aviator has a host of other new features to attract buyers. Previously, the aviator had a 102cc engine. The scooter has been launched in two variants - Aviator Standard, Aviator Deluxe priced at Rs 42160 and Rs 47160 Respectively.

Features At-a-Glance

• 15% more fuel-efficient than the previous Aviator
• max power output of 8bhp @ 7500 rpm
• Comb Braking System – Applies both the front & rear brakes when the left brake lever is pressed
• Telescopic front suspension
• 190mm front disc brake (in the Deluxe variant)
• New Viscous Air Filter – Increases engine life
• Maintenance free battery
• Tuff-Up (Puncture Resistant) Tube in Rear Tyre

Pulsar 200cc modified into Yamaha R1 !

This story has been imported from BikeAdvice as it is.

Fusion is something that not always generates good results, I am Vidit Kalra, a student of Delhi University. I have always loved the sound of great exhausts, Its the Yamaha R1 that got me into this love. The fact was that couldn’t afford an R1 for now. But I never let go of the hope that I would own a unique machine someday and guess what, Here I am. I’ve customized my 2007 Pulsar 200 with an R15 fairing to make it look like no other.

The new 150 and 180 Pulsars have, in my opinion, taken away the uniqueness of the looks of the 200. I decided that it was about time that I made some drastic changes. I had a concept in mind that my bike should look unique and different. I did not want it to look like an R15, I simply wanted the new look which combines the best bits of the Pulsar’s with the best bits of the R.

And so I started. I installed a custom front and rear mudguard along with a custom number plate mount. Also installed a clip on handle bar and the obvious front fairing from the R15. I have to admit that it was not an easy job from day one. I had to spent about 8 to 10 hours a day for about 3 weeks at the workshop while the bike was being transformed to get the results just the way I wanted. The final cost of the whole operation came upto 35,000. My machine has run about 20,000 KM till date and I usually travel about 100Km’s a day to and from the college. After the entire modification the mileage has remained the same at about 40Km/L

I have felt a lot of changes when on the saddle, the most significant one being the increase in weight; I have also felt a decrease in pickup. The people at Castrol bike zone felt that it was purely psychological. I also managed to achieve a top speed of 121 after the modifications.

I truly love the new look with the awesome paint combination of black and wild green. It used to be red in the beginning but not anymore. The new colour combination reminds me of a dark forest filled with wild grass, which I think is truly awesome. BikeAdvice asked what my dream bike is, well, I had only one answer, my custom Pulsar….

- Vidit Kalra

VW Polo Sedan (India Bound) Caught Testing

VW’s new Sedan based on the Polo hatchback was recently caught testing and this one can be expected in India as well. Acc to sources, the car is expected to be launched in 2010 end and some say it’ll be showcased at next year’s Delhi auto-expo.

The spotted test mule has many visual similarities with the hatchback version. The main attraction of this sedan is said to be the price. Sources say that it’ll be priced at a price range upwards of Rs 4 lakhs.

Lets see how this Polo Based Sedan news shapes up in future. We’ll keep our eyes on it. Stay tuned.

Happy Diwali Everyone!

Wishing a very Happy Diwali to all the readers of Gedi Junction. God Bless Everyone and Fulfill all your dreams, hopes and aspirations. If anyone from you has bought a new vehicle this festive season, do share your stories and photos with us gedijunction[at]gmail[dot]com We'll be glad to feature you on Gedi Junction.

Fiat-Chrysler to Bring Jeep Cherokee to India

Chrysler’s Jeep Cherokee may soon be hitting the Indian roads, though it is just a speculation at this point in time. The stake of Fiat in its partnership with Chrysler is expected to rise from 20% to 51% very soon. So, there is a good possibility of many Chrysler models coming to India. It is said that the jeep will be produced at Fiat’s Ranjangaon facility near Pune.

Some of the other well-known Chrysler brands are Avenger, Caliber, Challenger and Viper, and it retails the Dakota and Sprinter in the truck segment.

Source – Economic Times

Coming Soon : Premier Rio, the Baby SUV from PAL

Remember Premier Auto Limited (PAL) ? It is the same company that used to sell the Premier Padmini in India till some years back. (See Picture)

After nine years, the company owned by the Doshis, is all set to make a comeback into the Indian Automotive scene by launching a mini SUV called the Rio by this year end. For this, PAL has tied up with a lesser known Chinese Auto Company - Zotye International which will be supplying Premier with the vehicle kits. Premier will then assemble the CKD version of the car at its Chinchwad facility in Pune.

The Rio (or Terra) is actually a first generation Toyota Daihatsu Terios which was produced between 1997 to 2005. But now it will be sold under the Premier Rio name.

Specifications
The baby SUV is expected to come with a four cylinder, 1.5 Litre Diesel Engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission with a power production of about 65bhp. It'll be having Rear Wheel Drive. The base model of the SUV will cost about Rs 5 lakhs, which makes it about 30% cheaper than the current cheapest SUV in India - the Mahindra Scorpio. The higher end version of the car with safety features such as the ABS and Airbags will come at a speculated price of about 7 lakh rupees.

Premier Auto hopes to sell 1000 units of the car initially. The company will be selling the car from its existing 30 dealerships accross the country, which will be expanded to 50 dealerships by year end.

BMW brings new Sportscar Z4 to India, Priced at Rs 59 Lakhs

German luxury car maker BMW today launched Z4 Roadster in India. The Sportscar is priced at Rs 59 lakh (ex-showroom).

The two-seater sports-car powered by a 2,979 cc petrol engine is being launched as a part of the company's move to strengthen its position in the Indian luxury car segment.

The company is targeting to sell 30-40 units of the Z4 Roadster in the first year.

The company is currently competing neck-to-neck with rival German luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz for the top slot in the Indian luxury-car market. During the first eight months (January- August) of 2009, BMW had sold 2,305 units against 2,026 of Mercedes.

Launched, Finally : Kawasaki Ninja 250 R in India – Details, Specifications

The much awaited pocket Superbike from Bajaj-Kawasaki, the Ninja 250R is finally here at a price tag that may not please many – Rs 2,69,970 i.e Rs 2.69 Lakhs.

Some details from the launch -

• Colors Available are only Green & Black
• It will be imported as CKD from Thailand and will be assembled at Bajaj’s plant at Chakan (an 11% CKD duty will be imposed on the bike)
• Ninja will be available exclusively across 22 PBK (probiking) showrooms across the country, with more to come. It’ll only be serviced at Probiking showrooms, which is quite obvious. First consignment of Ninjas, which contains 50 bikes, have already reached PBK Showrooms.
• The booking amount for the Ninja is Rs 40,000
• The Bike Produces a Power of 33ps @ 11000 RPM, 22NM @ 8200 RPM
• There is also a carburetted version of the Ninja, but it wont be coming to India
• Suspension: 37 mm forks, Uni-Trak rear with 5-way preload adjustment.
• The brakes at the front & rear are 290 mm & 220 mm discs respectively.
• Tyre Size for Front & Rear – 17 inch 110/70, 17 inch 130/70 Respectively
• Kerb weight is 172 kg
• Expected Mileage is 25-30 kmpl, no Official word on it, though.
• Six Speed Gearbox
• Bajaj plans to sell 800-1000 Ninjas by the end of this Fiscal.

Visit Kawasaki Ninja 250 R India Photo gallery Here

Photo Gallery : Kawasaki Ninja 250 R launched in India, Price 2.69 Lakhs

Affordable Porsche Coming Soon!

The fast, the classy Porsche Sportscars which have always been associated with the rich & famous would soon be available at affordable prices (please do not consider economy price, here)

Acc to the Head of Development at Porsche, the priority for the crisis-hit company was to produce a car significantly cheaper (read less expensive) than the current "bottom-of-the-range" Porsche Boxster that costs a mere $67 778 (Rs 30 Lakhs, approx)

Acc to the company, this will be possible primarily due to the company’s recent merger with volkswagon (VW).

Porsche said last month that sales had slumped by 24 percent in the financial year to July 31 but expressed optimism that the worst of the crisis was now a thing of the past.

Mercedes-Benz hoping for a Bright Future in India

Mercedes Benz on Saturday opened its new dealership in Jalandhar, Punjab. There are already two other Mercedes Dealerships in Punjab at Ludhiana & Chandigarh. The luxury car maker decided to expand its presence keeping in view the response for the Mercs in Punjab. This year alone, Mercedes sold 600 cars in Punjab.

At the event, Wilfried Aulbur, managing director and chief executive of Mercedes-Benz India said that they were optimistic about Mercedes’ future in India despite stiff competetion from Audi, BMW & Jaguar and that they are hopeful of gaining momentum in coming days.

Yamaha India’s sales rise Two-Fold this September

Yamaha Motor India’s sales have doubled to about 26000 units this September. It sold approx 10000 units in the same month last year.

Yamaha credits this rise in sales mainly to bikes like the FZ16 & FZS.

Acc to the company, Fazer, which was recently launched in July 2009, & the new R15 with cosmetic changes have been very well accepted by the people.

[Source - Economic Times]

Tata Indigo Manza to be launched on 14th October

Tata Motors is all set to launch the next generation Indigo which has been named the Indigo Manza on 14th October in Mumbai. The Indigo Manza is based on the extended Indica Vista platform and promises spacious interiors, even more refinement and a huge boot.

Features

• Better Boot
• Good Value for Money (VFM)
• Projector Headlamps
• Steering mounted controls
• Intrument Console shifted to front of the driver
• Better trimmings and fabric quality

Engine / Power / Price
Indigo Manza will be available in 2 engine options

• Petrol - 1.4 L 16 Valve DOHC (95 bhp)
• Diesel - 1.3 L Multijet (90 bhp)

The price range of the Indigo Mazda lies between 5.5 - 7.5 Lakhs

Modified Yamaha FZ-16s for Police in India

(Click on the Thumbnails to view Original Size)

The FZ model for Indian police has been finalized after consultation with the State Police HQs in India. This model has been designed keeping in mind the requirements of the police department. Acc to the sources, the model has been approved and you should soon see the cops showing off their stylish FZs.

Yamaha has completed the modification work on the bikes & as soon as the Police departments place orders for the bikes, the production will start.

[via IAB]

New Revamped Mercedes R-Class MPV Spy Shots

Mercedes is hoping for a boost in sales of the MPV by giving it a mid-life revamp. The car will officially be launched at Geneva Motor Show in March Next Year.

[via AutoExpress.co.uk]

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Diesel coming to India Next Year

Acc to sources, TKM (Toyota Kirloskar Motors) has confirmed the entry of Toyota Land Cruiser Prado diesel as a CBU (Completely Built Unit) in India next year.

The Prado diesel is expected to arrive with the same 3.0-litre D-4D turbo common rail diesel engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The UK spec model produces 171bhp at 3,400rpm and maximum torque of 410Nm between 1,600 and 2,800rpm, which could be slightly tweaked for the India version of the car.

[via IAB]

Porsche Panamera Officially Launched in India

(Please Click on the Thumbnails to See Original Size)

 

Porsche, yesterday, unveiled its ‘super luxury car’ Panamera at its Mumbai Dealership sensing India as an emerging hotspot for performance vehicles.

About the Car

The Panamera is a four-seater Gran Turismo carrying the Porsche crest and DNA. It offers the sporting agility of the 911 and the space of the Cayenne. Porsche engineers started work on the car in 2005 and it was launched globally earlier this year. The car zooms to the 100 kmph mark in 4.3 seconds thanks to its 911 genes. The Panamera, which is the first saloon in the History of Porsche, is a front engined, four wheel drive car with the best of Porsche technology on offer.

Variants / Price

Porsche has introduced three variants of the Panamera — S, 4S and Turbo — in the price range of Rs 1.41-2.01 crore (ex-showroom, New Delhi)

Panamera S:

Delhi : Rs. 1,41,74,000
Rest of India: Rs. 1,44,36,000

Panamera 4S:

Delhi: Rs. 1,47,11,000
Rest of India: Rs. 1,49,83,000

Panamera Turbo:

Delhi: Rs. 2,01,84,000
Rest of India: Rs. 2,05,58,000

Bookings

The Company Expects to sell 50 units of the Panamera this year (Porsche follows a Aug 1 – July 31 Year) with 13 units already booked before the launch!

Competetion

The Panamera Turbo is set to compete against the Mercedes S65 AMG while the 4S will take on the BMW 7 Series.

Expansion Plans

According to a top company official, Precision Cars, the official importer of Porsche in the country, is planning to increase its dealer network from the current two to six during the next year.