Toyota Camry Facelift Launched!
Toyota has launched the facelifted Camry in the Indian market. The new Camry comes in 4 variants, W1, W2, W3 and W4 and features subtle changes to the interiors and exteriors both.
The Camry still remains a CBU which means that its still costly compared to the competition. The prices start from Rs 21.26 Lakhs going all the way upto Rs 23.43 Lakhs for the top end automatic. Everything remains the same mechanically which means that it still has the same suspension aggregates and the same 2.4 Litre 4 Cylinder VVTi engine.
Interiors:
* New Instrument Panel
* Optitron Meters With Multi Information Display Ala Corolla Altis
* 60/40 Split Rear Seats
* iPod Connectivity With AUX In ports.
* 6 CD/MP3 Changer
* Cruise Control (Only With Automatic Transmission)
* 8 Way Power Driver Sea
* 4-Way Power Passenger Seat
* Dual Zone Plasmacluster A/C
* Rear A/C Vents
* Auto Anti-Glare Mirror
* Auto headlmaps and Rains Sensing Wipers
Exteriors:
* New Chrome Grille
* Reprofiled Front Bumper
* Chrome Ringed Foglamps
* Multi-Reflector HID Headlamps With Retractable Washers
* LED Turn Blinkers Mounted On The Side Rear View Mirrors
* Moon Roof
* 10 Spoke 16″ Alloy Wheels
* Printed Antenna On The Rear Glass
* Aero Wiper Blades
With the facelift Toyota has also introduced some new colors for the Camry - Super White II, Silver Metallic, Black, Beige Mica Metallic, Dark Green Mica Metallic
[Via: CC]
Suzuki Kizashi unveiled in the US
Just three months away from its 100th birthday, Suzuki has unveiled the new Kizashi 'sport sedan' in the US. This is a major step for Suzuki, which, as a brand, is associated with smaller cars and motorcycles.
Built at Suzuki's brand-new manufacturing facility in Sagara, Japan, the 2010 Kizashi is equipped with a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine. This was to be expected since the bestselling Toyota Camry and Honda Accord - the Kizashi's main competitors - are also equipped with 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engines. Suzuki claims its engine is more powerful and fuel-efficient than the competition's offerings, though specific figures have not been quoted at this time. Also, Suzuki has announced that a hybrid version of the Kizashi will be launched soon.
The Kizashi comes with a choice of six-speed manual and CVT transmissions. Also, the car features Suzuki's i-AWD all-wheel-drive system, rather than front-wheel-drive which is the norm in this segment. The driver can choose to activate AWD while on the move and this will, according to Suzuki, provide improved roadholding and sure-footed handling, especially in tricky weather and on slippery roads. Suzuki claims the Kizashi has been engineered for the driving enthusiast and the chassis/suspension have been optimised for crisp, nimble handling combined with excellent stability.
[Via: indiaautomotive]
4th Environment Friendly Vehicles Conference 2009 in India
India is ready to host the 4th Environment Friendly Vehicles Conference 2009 in New Delhi. The conference will be held on November 23-24th 2009. The main aim of the conference is to promote fuel efficient and eco-friendly cars to sustain efficient road transport. Some of the main objectives of the conference are to take measures to prevent release of harmful substances in environment, reduction of greenhouse gases, improve the quality of air that we breathe in and reduction in traffic noise.
The Environment Friendly Vehicles Conference is quite a prestigious event and is taking place for the first time in India. The conference offers a unique platform for various government officials, industry leaders, key decision makers and academicians to come together to develop and promote environment friendly measures for public transport.
This conference is organized bi-annually and this time in India it is being hosted jointly by Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises and other stakeholders viz. Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas as well as Industry associations i.e. Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Auto Components Manufacturers Association (ACMA).
[Via: cartradeindia]
Cash for clunkers brings in the customers
According to a report in MSNBC, the government's scheme of giving cash for clunkers or old cars is bearing fruit in that people are exchanging their beaten down and old vehicles thanks to the discounted price offered by dealers. The fact that new cars come with warranties and even extended warranties in some cases, new car owners are getting good deals.
This will not only spur vehicle sales and help revive the economy but also help in cleaning up the air and reducing gas consumption as newer cars are more fuel efficient. While people are picking up all kinds of cars, the maximum discount they are getting is from Hyundai who is matching the government's offer in a bid to boost sales.
[Via: globalmotors]
Schumacher back in F1
In a turn of events that is set to eclipse every thing else that has occurred in F1 2009 , the recent BMW pull out news included, seven-times Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is to make a shock return to the sport at the European GP in Valencia.
The German will stand in for Ferrari's Felipe Massa, who is recovering in hospital after sustaining life-threatening injuries in a freak accident during qualifying for last weekend's Hungarian GP.
Schumacher had been linked with the return since it became Massa would not be able to return in time for the race, which takes place after F1's summer break, on 23 August. But as recently as yesterday, Schumacher's manager Willi Weber was denying that a comeback was being considered.
However, this afternoon, in a prepared statement, Schumacher said, "It is true that the Formula 1 chapter has long been closed for me. The most important thing first: thank God, all news concerning Felipe is positive, and I wish him all the best again.
"This afternoon I met with team principal Stefano Domenicali and Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe. As the competitor I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."
The carefully worded statement does not make specific reference to the number of races that Schumacher will contest, so it is conceivable that he will complete the remainder of the season in Massa's car, allowing the Brazilian to make a full recovery before deciding whether or not to return to the sport himself. Michael has implied that the final decision to race is dependent on the fitness tests and routine that he will carry out over the coming days.
Schumacher's return could be the former champion's greatest challenge yet; he has not tested this year's Ferrari F1 car and has not driven an F1 car at all since April last year. F1 fans across the world will be planning to head for the remaining grand prixs to make the most of the opportunity to see the master in action, one last time.
[Via: Autocar]