Fiat Buys Chrysler Shares
In an interesting development FIAT Spa purchased 35 percentage shares in troubled Chrysler.The US number three is struggling to maintain it's existence.Now Fiat and Chrysler forming a joint venture to manufacture eco-friendly,fuel efficient cars,transmissions and engines in near future.Also this venture may offer small car as well.
Recently French government asked all automobile manufacturers to meet the committed outputs.This made all manufactures to look out for more and more effective measures to make the healthy environment. Chrysler had received a $4Million from US government,but was seeking more funds.Chrysler could get additional $3-4Million from this deal.The time making new alliances,let us wait and watch what is next.
[Via: wheelosphere]
Honda may launch VFR1000 in India
Honda plans to bring a new super bike in India, VFR1000 by the year 2010. It has already announced to launch two new international models as CBU in 2009. According to the industry sources, Honda may introduce CBR1000 and VR800 in India soon. The company has set its eyes on the super bikes market in the country and is assessing the market potential as well. It has admitted that it also plans to bring a higher capacity VFR bike to India next year.
"When we launch bikes in India, we started with smaller engine sizes to cater to the masses. Now we are planning to launch a new bike and by the end of this year when Honda launches the new 800cc bike for the Indian market," HMSI Sales and Marketing head N.K Rattani. The new VFR1000 will be powered by 5-cylinder unit with 3 cylinder facing the front and 2 cylinders at the rear end. The new VFR1000 will also sport Honda's new combined ABS system making its one of the safest bikes on the road.
VW Golf R Series Turbo: Coming to the US!
The VW Golf R Series Turbo is said to come to the US. Name might be VW Golf R20. Meet the new R-series Golf. It will feature basically the same direct-injection 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that you find in the GTI, tuned to an impressive 270 hp. Power will be transmitted to all wheels. Zero-to-60 times should be in the low- to mid-fives, and while the regular GTI tops out at a drag-limited 149 mph, the new R version will hit its governor at 155, with a theoretical top speed 10 mph or so higher.
Unlike the R32, the new R model will offer performance greater than the GTI's, with the slightly increased weight and resistance of the AWD system easily offset by the leap in power and torque. We expect a choice of manual and dual-clutch transmissions, each with six forward ratios. Essentially, the Golf R features the Audi S3's powertrain. We have driven that car extensively; think WRX performance combined with Audi refinement. It's worth noting that the new Golf MkVI, upon which this R version will be based, is more sophisticated than the Audi A3/S3.
[Via: germancarblog]