Chevrolet Trailblazer to hit Indian market soon!!!

A year ago, at the Dubai International Motor Show, the world witnessed the unveiling of the new and revamped Chevrolet Trailblazer concept. Though the concept model was only a precursor, GM had claimed that the actual vehicle would be "as close as it gets". On the 21st of March, earlier this year, the prophesied reincarnation finally made its appearance at the special event held ahead of the 33rd Bangkok International Motor show in Thailand. The production is at full swing at the Rayong-based production facility in Thailand and GM claims, it will hit Indian shores early next year.

When taking the Indian scene into question, mileage is always a big deciding factor. Both the 2.5L and 2.8L versions have been confirmed to be diesel powered. Although the true mileage on Indian roads will have to be tested on the vehicle itself when it gets here, sources claim that the 2.5L version will have an average mileage of 13 km/l which is quite impressive for an SUV of its caliber. The 2.8L version also claims a surprising 12 km/l average. The base variant of the Chevrolet Trailblazer which will be assimilated with a 2.5 litre engine, will have the potential to generate a maximum power of 150 bhp and torque of 350 Nm. With decent mileage, the engine of Trailblazer attains a remarkable top speed of 170 kmph and will be able to smoothly take the car to 100 kmph from initial within a short span of time.




Chevrolet Trailblazer will be launched in the Indian industry from Thailand via Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits. These CKD kits will be assembled at the company’s production centre based in Halol, Gujarat. The procedure planned by General Motors will keep the price of the car quite competitive in the market and, thus, the car will be available between Rs. 17 and 21 lacs. Reportedly, the model will be placed against Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and Mitsubishi Outlander, which currently rule the premium SUV segment in India.

Chevrolet Trailblazer is a hotly anticipated car among Indian auto enthusiasts; however, the chances of this car hitting the roads in the country are still in doldrums. The main reason conceived behind this is said to be Chevrolet’s only SUV in India, Captiva. The revamped version of Captiva was showcased at 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo held in the national capital and the company has planned to assemble it in India, which will reduce its high price tag. Owing to this, General Motors is required to scratch the price of Trailblazer in order to place it below the new Captiva, whose price is currently fixed at Rs. 22 lacs. However, this will be considerably difficult for the company as Trailblazer is fitted with a much more powerful engine than the one incorporated in the new Captiva and is bigger in size than its higher priced sibling.

Trail Blazer Interiors

Chevrolet Trailblazer is a conventionally built SUV that is designed on a ladder chassis 

similar to that of Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner. This type of drive chassis enables any vehicle to support tremendous amounts of weight without any strain. Keeping in mind the constant hike in fuel prices, General Motors India will design the Indian version considering the fuel efficiency. The engine of the Trailblazer is assimilated with Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) technology, which will enable it to deliver high mileage and low carbon emissions.

Chevrolet Trailblazer will deliver stiff competition to the big players of premium SUV segment. The segment is currently ruled by Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and Mitsubishi Outlander. Toyota Fortuner is available only in a D-4D intercooler turbocharger, 4 cylinder, in-line diesel engine which has a displacement of 2982 cc. The 16 valve DOHC engine of Fortuner has the potential to churn out a maximum power of 168 bhp at 3600 rpm, whereas it attains peak torque of 343 Nm at a fairly low 1400-3400 rpm. In order to deliver a hassle free drive, the Fortuner is incorporated with a double wishbone suspensions in front and 4-link with lateral rod system at rears. Although the engine size of Fortuner is bigger than that of Chevrolet Trailblazer, it has relatively less output. However, both the cars offer ample space and can easily seat seven passengers.

Delhi Auto Expo 2014 to shift to Noida!!!

Noida is likely to take over from Pragati Maidan as the venue for the next Delhi Auto Expo in 2014.

The biennial event will now see cars, two-wheelers and trucks housed in neighbouring Noida (Uttar Pradesh), while Pragati Maidan will continue to play host to the auto components sector.

Top sources who spoke to Business Line were almost unanimous that there is absolutely no space at Pragati Maidan and its creaky infrastructure is worrying. Noida is the best bet for an ideal location near the Capital,

Post the 2012 edition, companies had protested vehemently about the uncontrollable crowds, filthy toilets and messy food stalls. “It was absolutely disgusting and we had a terrible time right through the event,” a participant recalled.

Scarce attention has been paid to Pragati Maidan over the years and it is in dire need of a makeover.

Automakers see little sense in spending so much on hiring halls when they get so little in return. Yet, they did not have a choice as this was a big event which they could not give a miss.

Companies have also been intimidated by the huge crowds that throng each Auto Expo. “On some days, there would be thousands of people packed like sardines in some of the halls. We were worried to death about a stampede,” a company official said.

When participants thought they had seen the worst at the 2010 Expo, they were aghast to see things turn worse two years later.

“It was absolutely horrific for international visitors who had seen top-class shows in Shanghai, Geneva and Paris. Delhi was a complete mess,” the official added.

It now remains to be seen if the components industry will be content to stay isolated at Pragati Maidan, while the rest of their associates will be part of a swanky venue.

The expo is all about networking and it is not going to be the easiest of tasks working out the logistics from Pragati Maidan to Noida which is quite some distance away.

It is also not clear how the organisers of the Expo — CII (Confederation of Indian Industry), SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) and ACMA (Automotive Component Manufacturers’ Association) — will jointly plan the new business model. There are barely 15 months to go before the 2014 Expo.

10 Best Vehicles for the End of the World!!!

Let's see a list of vehicles that qualify for being your partner if the world comes to an end.

Nuclear winter. Worldwide economic collapse. Zombie takeover. We all have a favorite apocalyptic situation that we occasionally find ourselves pondering. One very important question: What vehicle do you want as your trusty steed?

Paramount Marauder

Sure, the Hummer-dwarfing Marauder starts at around half a million dollars. But for your megabucks you get a fully functional roving fortress. With room for a crew of two up front, plus eight in the back (in standard configuration), the Marauder is designed to withstand impact from mines or IEDs. It even took a C4 charge to its undercarriage in an infamous TV segment, so it's tough enough to survive the end of days. The Marauder is the perfect choice for those who fear coming under attack by the armies of the undead, as it can be fitted with a turret up top and has options for extra armor or provision capacity. The thing drinks gasoline, but if you can afford the Marauder, you can afford to keep it in gas in a dystopian wasteland.

Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ

Once service stations have become ghostly ruins and your local mechanic has joined the walking dead, reliability will be the name of the game. And the 1990s Grand Cherokee was hard to kill—ask anyone who has ever owned one. It wasn't particularly pretty or aerodynamic or quick, but the Grand was all kinds of tough. For well under $10,000 (and in many cases under $5000) you can grab one of these gems from the 1993 to 1998 model years. The ZJ is a cheap four-wheel-drive option that is easy to service and for which you'll have no trouble finding spare parts, as they are absolutely everywhere. They may not have the bulky, intimidating looks of the military-derived SUVs, but the Grand Cherokee will be there for you and treat you as well as you treat it. Scratch that—it'll treat you far better than you treat it.

Toyota Hilux, Fourth Generation

If you find yourself overseas when the bomb goes off or the dead rise to feast on the living, buy the first Hilux you can lay your eyes on. The 1984 to 1989 model-year Toyotas (sold under the supremely uncreative moniker of Pickup here in the U.S.) have proved to be some of the most willful runners ever made. When people rise up and dictators fall, the Hilux is there. Pay attention to news footage of war zones the world over—the Hilux is the field horse of the 20th and now the 21st centuries. This is especially true on the African continent; the fourth-generation Hilux was manufactured in South Africa until 1997, meaning there are plenty to go around, so you can get cheap, reliable transport with parts galore. If you can find a 1986 or later, snag a four-wheel-drive model with the transfer case. You never know.

Honda Dream Solar Car

No, there isn't much practicality in a vehicle that will barely accommodate its driver, let alone any supplies or passengers. But hear us out. In the event of some cataclysm, do you want to place your bets on the creaking electrical grid staying up and running? And how long do you think it will be before the gas starts running out? In a world where conventional engines have no fuel to burn, the solar car shall be king, and the slowest solar car must be quicker than the fastest zombie. Right?

Subaru Impreza WRX Hatchback

How could the rally-inspired Impreza not make the list? Subaru even went so far as to declare the WRX the "official vehicle" of the zombie apocalypse. Now, we think that's just being presumptuous, but the WRX's all-wheel-drive platform is competition-tested and can make quick getaways through varying weather and terrain conditions. We say: Give us a box of jerky, a baseball bat, some bottled water, and a WRX, and bring out your undead!

Volkswagen Microbus

Yes, the venerable Microbus, or Kombi. Whatever you call it, it's a great way to ride through the end of the world in style. The Microbus won't lead you out of any chase unscathed, and even the late-1980s models had frightening handling. But the trusty old bus isn't without its charms or advantages. If you're handy with a skillet, for example, you could travel from ghost town to ghost town, becoming a roving food truck cooking hot meals for those with the ingredients (and tradable goods) but not the means. A man could live a good life that way. Not that we've daydreamed about that, of course.

Buick Roadmaster Wagon

The modern American power wagon exemplar. The Roadmaster not only gives you that 5.7-liter V-8 for (eventually) quick escapes, but also has the advantage of rear-facing back-row seats with a hatch window that flips up. Being able to cover your "six" while traveling will be a luxury some day when the oceans overflow and threaten all of our urban centers; skilled tinkerers will find a way to unfix the Roadmaster's sunroof for even greater defensive coverage. The "wood" trim is pretty stylish too.

Porsche 911 Carrera S

We hear you snickering. Any excuse to choose a 911, right? Well, yes. But name one car with the combination of legendary performance and handling that you'd willingly drive in all conditions if your life depended on it. That's what we thought. When the apes rise up against us and the revolution is in full swing, we're going to want to be able to get out of town in a hurry, and with more reliability than the average one-percenter's hypercar is designed to provide. Hop into a 911, point it where you need to go, and mash the pedal on the right. Just hope that your primate pursuers don't opt for the Porsche as well.

Jeep Wrangler

Predictable? Perhaps. But the classic American off-roader can't be left off the list. For the survivor on the run who wants access to remote locations and isn't scared of a little dirt, the Wrangler can be a lifesaver. Whether it's traversing rocky terrain or tackling grades so steep that no rational person should even attempt them, the Wrangler is made for the post-apocalyptic world. If possible, though, try to acquire a hardtop Wrangler. We assume things that go bump in the night could probably tear through the traditional soft-top.

Local Motors Rally Fighter

When it all goes down, what we really want is to be behind the wheel of one of these bad boys. The Rally Fighter is made to get you out of just about anywhere in a hurry; with its adjustable suspension it can adapt to city or rural environments. Plus, if you buy one in the next 20 minutes, while civilization is still up and running, Local Motors can help you design almost any customizations for your Rally Fighter. Consider installing a rear deck to hold canned food and extra ammo. That said, the Rally Fighter isn't made to haul goods; it's made to tear through the wilderness faster than anything can chase you. Give us the keys and let the chase begin.

New Ferrari Enzo in market soon!!!

Ferrari’s new flagship, "packs more than 800bhp, weighs as little as 1.1 tonnes and promises to be as close to a true competition car as any road-legal vehicle yet made", according to company sources. The Enzo replacement — codenamed F150 — is due to make its public debut next spring.

Compared with the upcoming McLaren P1, the F150 is claimed by Ferrari to make more sophisticated use of carbonfibre in its construction. Ferrari also says the whole car — from the radical race-car driving position to the radical active aerodynamics — will take the driving experience even closer the fabled idea of a Formula 1 car for the road. There’s no news on the likely price, but it won’t be much less than £800,000.

Spy Shots of F150

The F150 advances the concept of the 2005 Enzo-based, track-only FXX, but has its roots in the Millechili technical concept of 2007, a 1000kg research programme that was revealed at Ferrari’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

The F150 is based around a compact central carbonfibre monocoque weighing just 70kg (20 per cent lighter than an Enzo’s). It is powered by a V12 engine and backed up by a small electric motor and lithium ion battery packs.

The V12 is a development of the 731bhp 6.3-litre unit used in the F12. No details have yet leaked, but it is expected that the new engine will be good for more than 750bhp. The electric motor should deliver about 100bhp and as much as 200lb ft of torque.

Although the F150 will not be able to travel solely on electric power, Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa says that the Hy-KERS hybrid system will give the F150 a “performance boost, knocking 10 per cent off the car’s 0-125mph sprint time”. Overall, the F150’s CO2 emissions are claimed to be as much as 40 per cent lower than would have been the case with the new V12 engine on its own. Felisa also said that the electric motor is integral to a new torque-vectoring system.

Spy Shots of F150

The carbon monocoque has roof-hinged doors like the Enzo and features a radical rethink of the way that the driver is packaged. Like an F1 car, the seat is fixed and will be moulded as a bespoke unit for the buyer. The driver sits upright and his feet will also be raised up, race-car style.

The car’s pedal box and steering wheel are adjustable and it’s believed that most of the controls are mounted on the steering wheel, F1 style. It’s thought that this uncompromising package saves as much as 90kg.

The V12 engine is packaged in the centre of the car, ahead of the rear axle line. It features a new dual-clutch gearbox and a differential design that appears to allow the transmission to be mounted low so that the heavy crankshaft is slightly below the centre of the rear wheels. The batteries are also sited low down, behind the driver.

It’s expected that the F150 will feature dramatic styling, driven by the project’s F1 influences. The bodywork in-board of the front wheels will be very low, as will the bonnet line. The cabin is also very tightly drawn around the occupants before flaring out dramatically around the radiators and rear wheels.

Spy shots show that the F150 has a very long tail. It may get a signature look where the cabin and rear window tapers almost to a point at the very rear of the car.

New Skoda Octavia revealed!!!

Skoda has unveiled the third-generation Octavia – the successor to the car we know as the Laura here in India. It is larger than before and the company claims that it provides class-leading interior space.

Based on a stretched version of the Volkswagen Group’s new MQB platform, the Octavia is now 4659mm long, an increase of 90mm over its predecessor. Width is up by 45mm to 1814mm, but the real gain is in the wheelbase, which has grown by 108mm to 2686mm. These figures better even the VW Jetta, which is currently one of the biggest cars in this class.

The new Octavia has what Skoda claims is class-leading interior space, with 1782mm of interior length, and increased head, knee and legroom for front and rear passengers. Boot space is also up, albeit by just five litres to 590.

The entry-level petrol engine will be a 1.4 TSI with 120bhp and 20.3kgm. There will also be a more powerful 1.4 with 138bhp and 25.4kgm of torque. The range-topping petrol model will be the 1.8 TSI, with 177bhp and 25.4kgm. A few months after launch however, a 2.0-litre turbo engine (borrowed from the VW Golf GTI hot hatchback) will be introduced in a new Octavia vRS.

The diesels kick off with a 103bhp 1.6, and there will also be a frugal 108bhp Greenline version of the 1.6. Two 2.0-litre TDIs will also be on offer, with 147bhp and 181bhp. However, which of the motor options will be brought to India still remains unclear.

The vRS will surface next July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. As with the outgoing car, both petrol and diesel vRS models will be offered, and it will be interesting to see if Skoda brings the diesel version to India instead of the petrol this time around.

Six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearboxes will be available, and it’s thought that the DSG has been redesigned to take higher torque outputs.  International markets will get estate and four-wheel-drive models, including a rugged ‘Scout’ version, at a later stage, but it’s unlikely that these will make it to India.

Octavia will have three variants. One variant will have a basic halogen bulb, while an HID bixenon will be offered on the next variant and top end model will sport LED headlamps. Besides these features the upcoming Octavia 2013 will also sport more luxurious features along with advanced safety and infotainment systems. A new panoramic sunroof, inbuilt camera to read road signs and guard against sudden lane departure along with adaptive cruise control will be available.
Inside, the new dashboard is much crisper than today’s. There’s a touchscreen multimedia system, keyless entry and go, and plenty of small, clever touches, such as rubbish bins in the doors and a reversible boot floor, with carpet on one side and rubber on the other. Higher equipment levels include a lane departure warning system and a pop-up bonnet to improve pedestrian safety.

The new Octavia will come to India next year.

Jeep all set for INDIA!!!

India has always been the land of SUV’s. Big on size, space and presence which is complimented perfectly by their ability to gobble up bad roads which make up the majority of the surfaces here in India, make them just the right vehicle for us. While we already have a horde of SUV’s here in India, we finally have the big daddy coming in. The American icon Jeep is all set to drive us SUV buffs crazy. 

Part of the Chrysler group, Jeep is being brought in by Italian giant, Fiat who now owns it since the last few years. While they have a range of vehicles in their portfolio, the ones slated for India are most likely the Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler.

The Grand Cherokee is now in its fourth generation and received a lot of updates for 2012. Muscle is what comes to your mind when you look at the Grand Cherokee. It’s a brilliant mix of classic styling cues and modern design. Look beyond the signature seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel arches and you’ll see thoughtful details that set Grand Cherokee apart.

The cabin follows suite with a handsome cabin with a cleanly styled dash, tight seams, high-quality materials and consistent textures from door to dash. Quality is expected to be on par if not better than its Japanese/German/Swedish rivals. Comfortable seating is courtesy the large plush seat which is designed for plus sized American. However, the only drawback is that the Grand Cherokee is offered as a five seater and not a seven. The current Grand Cherokee shares components with Mercedes-Benz's ML-Class, DaimlerChrysler owned Jeep during this vehicle's early development so its premium look and feel is no surprise.

It’s pretty loaded as well. Standard equipment includes automatic headlights, foglamps, cruise control, dual-zone air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. An optional package adds keyless entry, a power driver seat (including lumbar adjustment), and a USB/iPod interface. The Security and Convenience package includes remote engine start, Bluetooth, a cargo cover, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a USB/iPod interface. A back-up camera, a power passenger seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery and a nine-speaker premium sound system with digital music storage and a touch screen interface are also available. However, what kind of equipment the Indian version gets, is yet to be seen.

Amazing OMG Facts !!!

Some unbelievable facts about Automobiles.

First vehicle to move on its own power was built in 1769. It was used to haul cannons and weighed 8000 pounds.

It is illegal to slam a car’s door in Switzerland.

Goldman Sachs has predicted that by 2050

 India would have the largest number of cars 

surpassing the United States.

In Czech language Skoda means “Damage”, however it is also a Czech surname.

On an average there is 3000 ft of wiring in every car.

Chrysler built B29’s that bombed Japan. Mitsubishi built Zeros the AA cannons used to shoot them down. Both companies now build cars under a joint plant ‘’Diamond Star’’.

In 1916 55% of cars in the world were Ford Model T. It is the largest selling car of all times.

 

The city with most Rolls Royce per capita income is Hong Kong.

Most prestigious motorbike race of the world!!!

Isle Of Man TT

Satellite view of Isle of Mann

Considered as the most dangerous motorcycle race in the world Isle of Man TT is hosted every year on the Isle of Mann as self governed island in the United Kingdom. The Isle of Man TT Races became part of the TT Formula 1 Championship from 1977 to 1990 to preserve the event's racing status. From 1989 the racing has been developed by the Isle of Man Department of Tourism as the Isle of Man TT Festival.

The first race was held on Tuesday 28 May 1907 and had motorists from all around the world. The oldest motor-cycle racing circuit still in use is the Snaefell Mountain Course over which the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy races are run. Starting at the town of Douglas on the south-east coast, the course takes a wide sweep to the west and north to enter the town of Ramsey on the north-east coast and thence return to the starting point, each lap measuring 37¾ miles (60.7 km) and taking in over 200 bends while climbing from sea level to an altitude of over 1,300 ft (396 m). This circuit is the epitome of the natural road course, all the roads used being ordinary public highways closed for the racing and practice sessions.

Traditionally held in the last week of May and the first week of June, the TT races create a carnival atmosphere. Picnicking crowds flanking the circuit are reminiscent of the community festivals that are part of another form of cycle racing in a different country – Le Tour de France.

During the TT Festival it is difficult to travel across or around the island because of the road closures. There is a TT access road in Douglas that gives access to the centre of the Mountain Course during the event.

The future of the TT is always in doubt with regard to the safety, especially "Mad Sunday" when any member of the public can ride the mountain section of the course which is open one way from Ramsey to Douglas (although since 2005 this section, the mountain road is one way during the entire fortnight from hairpin to creg-ny-baa). The TT races are extremely dangerous because of the high speeds on very narrow, twisting streets, roads and lanes flanked by stone walls and even buildings. Between 1907 and 2009 (at the end of 2009 TT races period) there have been 239 rider deaths during official practices or races on the Snaefell Mountain Course.

Corvette ''13.01.13'' roads will surrender!!!

2014 Chevrolet Corvette

(6.2L V8 7-speed Manual)

ENGINE TYPE :Gas

CAR TYPE :Coupe

TRANSMISSION :7-speed Manual

CYLINDERS :V8

TOTAL SEATING :2

Exterior Measurements

HEIGHT                                    4 ft. 1.1 in. (49.1 in.)

WHEEL BASE                          8 ft. 9.7 in. (105.7 in.)

Fuel

ENGINE TYPE                                       Gas	FUEL TYPE                             Premium unleaded (recommended)
FUEL TANK CAPACITY              18.0 gal.	RANGE IN MILES (CTY/HWY)              N/A

DriveTrain

DRIVE TYPE                               Rear wheel drive

TRANSMISSION                               7-speed manual

Engine & Performance

BASE ENGINE SIZE                             6.2 L	CAM TYPE                             Overhead valves (OHV)
CYLINDERS                                           V8	VALVES                                                16
VALVE TIMING                           Variable

Suspension

Double wishbone front suspension	Double wishbone rear suspension
Four-wheel independent suspension	Front and rear stabilizer bar

Features

Interior Features

Front Seats

6 -way power driver seat	Height adjustable driver seat
Premium leather	Bucket front seats

Power Features

Remote power door locks	Power mirrors
Heated mirrors	2 one-touch power windows

Instrumentation

Clock	Tachometer
Trip computer	External temperature display
Low fuel level warning	Compass

Convenience

Cruise control	Front console with storage
Front cupholders	Front door pockets
Remote trunk release	Retained accessory power
Speed-proportional power steering	12V front power outlet(s)
Tilt-adjustable steering wheel	Audio controls on steering wheel

Comfort

Interior air filtration	Dual zone climate controls - driver and passenger
Sun sensor	Cargo area light
Front reading lights	Alloy and leather trim on shift knob
Leather steering wheel	Front floor mats
Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror	Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

In Car Entertainment

Diversity antenna	7 total speakers
AM/FM in-dash single CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo	Sirius XM satellite radio
Adjustable speed sensitive volume control	Auxiliary MP3 audio input
3 Months of provided satellite radio service	Radio data system

Telematics

OnStar telecommunications service

Exterior Features

Roof and Glass

Variable intermittent wipers	Targa roof
Rear defogger	Removable hard top

Tires and Wheels

Painted alloy wheels

Run flat tires

Safety Features

4-wheel ABS	Dual front side-mounted airbags
Remote anti-theft alarm system	Front and rear ventilated disc brakes
Daytime running lights	Engine immobilizer
Front fog/driving lights	Auto delay off headlamps
Dusk sensing headlamps	Xenon high intensity discharge headlamp
2 front headrests	Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Front seatbelt pretensioners	Stability control
Traction control	Electronic brakeforce distribution
Front integrated headrests	Post-collision safety system
Tire pressure monitoring