ACCORD vs ALTIS

ACCORD vs ALTIS in no terms is HONDA vs TOYOTA. Saying that, I mean If you are planning to own any of the two, you can atleast for once give a thought to other also. I wont be saying which one is better because there is no comparison among the two in any terms let it be power, capacity and other car specifications but still both will make you a proud owner providing you luxury, comfort and all features and feeling of a sedan model.

Apart from making a big difference on your pocket, the two cars differs big time in their basic features. Honda Accord starting from around 17 lakhs pulling up the range with top most varient to around 25 lakhs make it a bit difficult to push this car in you veranda. Where as Toyota Altis starting from around 10 lakhs and top varient coming in an amount of 14 lakhs makes it fit in your pocket easily.

Starting with the mileage both stands at 8.5-9 kmpl not making much difference to go for either of the two. Both the car a full equipped with all the latest look, feel and control features like Air Conditioner, Power Windows, Power DoorLocks, Power Steering, Anti Lock Braking, Driver AirBags, Passenger AirBags, Immobilizer, Folding Rear Seat, Rear Wash Wiper, Alloy Wheels, Tubeless Tyres, Central Locking, Steering Adjustment, Tachometer, Child Safety Locks, Front Fog Lights, Rear Defogger, Leather Seats, Power Seats, CD Player, Boot_fuellid and AM/FM radio.

The difference will pop up when we dig into the car technical specification and these will be more than enough to justify the difference in the cost and coverage.

Specifications	Honda Accord	Toyota Altis
Engine Type	SOHC i-VTEC	1ZZ-FE, Gasoline, 4 Cylinder inline
Displacement	3471cc	1794cc
Power & Torque	275 PS @ 6200 RPM, 339 NM @ 5000 RPM	132 PS @ 6000 RPM, 170 NM @ 4200 RPM
No. of cylinder	6	4
Fuel System	PGM-Fi	Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
L/W/D/Wheel Base	4950/18451475/2800	4540/1760/1480/2600
Wheel Type/Size	225 / 50 R 17 (Radial, Tubeless)	195 / 65 R 15 (Radial, Tubeless)

But still HONDA ACCORD is HONDA ACCORD, TOYOTA ALTIS is TOYOTA ALTIS

BMW Z4 - Power Machine

Competiting directly with Porchse Boxter, BMW Z4 is a 2-door, 2-passenger convertible sports car, available in two trims, the sDrive30i and the sDrive35i.

New BMW Z4 is a true expression for joy. The classic proportions of the stretched bonnet and short overhangs are complimented by the low seats near to the rear axle to grant the driver a perfect feel for the road. Reddot design award winner of 2009 is expertly customised with asymmetrical centre console to the optimally positioned instruments and round control elements that echo the legendary BMW Z8.

The best part of new BMW Z4 is that there are three engines to choose from and all of them are straight sixes. The new 35is with twin turbo technology is the highlight though - the 4.8 seconds 0-62mph time is about all you could want for. The other engines are a 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre.

History going back to 2002 when first version of BMW roadster was brought to public and designated as E85. Since then BMW roadster have never looked back and manufacturing moved from South Carolina to Germany have bought in latest features like straight six-cylinder pertol engine, seven speed sport automatic double clutch transimission, aluminium front axle, dynamic driving and stability control and rigid body shell.

Specification for Z4 sDrive30i

Wheels

Tyre dimensions front 225/45 R 17 W

Tyre dimensions rear 225/45 R 17 W

Wheel dimensions front 8 J x 17 aluminium

Wheel dimensions rear 8 J x 17 aluminium

Engine

Cylinders/valves 6/4

Capacity in ccm 2,996

Stroke/bore in mm 88.0/85.0

Max. output in kW (hp) at 1/min 190 (258)/6,600

Max. torque in Nm at 1/min 310/2,600

Power-to-weight ratio (EU) in kg/hp 5.8

Weight in kg

Unladen weight EU 1,490 (1,505)

Maximum permissible weight 1,745 (1,760)

Permitted load 330

Permitted axle load front/rear 800/970

Performance

Drag (cw) 0.34

Top speed (km/h) 250

Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h (in s) 5.8 (6.1)

Acceleration 0 - 1,000 m (in s) 25.2 (25.6)

Acceleration 80 - 120 km/h in 4th/5th gear (in s) 5.3/6.8

Fuel consumption

EU urban (l/100 km) 12.4 (11.9)

EU extra-urban (l/100 km) 6.2 (6.2)

EU composite (l/100 km) 8.5 (8.3)

CO2 emissions (g/km) 199 (195)

Tank capacity in I (approx.) 55

For more information, visit BMW.

Detroit Auto Show - An Insight

Its once again time for an International North American auto show. Organized by NAIAS at Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan, its a 14 days long fest with more that 60 exhibitors from across the globe (click here for complete list) and millions of visitors.

Few picks -

Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept - After STS and DTS, Cadillac is back again with XTS platinum concept.As earlier, Cadillac once again loved to stick to their 'it's just a concept' mantra. The all-wheel-drive powertrain is motivated by a plug-in two-mode hybrid consisting of the brand's 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 coupled to an electric motor. Cadillac was tight-lipped on the power rating, hemming and hawing before saying around 350 horsepower when the XTS's probable direct competitor (Mercedes Benz S400 Hybrid) – makes 295 hp.

Audi e-tron - Electric vehicles have pitched-in in a majro fashion in this show. And how can brand like Audi lack behind in the race. So Audi is here with its slightly shorter yet just as wide as its predecessors, the Motown e-tron, a refined version of the concepts that came before it, with two electric motors driving the rear wheels and putting out a total of 204 horsepower and 1,955 pound-feet of torque. Comprised of an aluminum spaceframe coupled with a smattering of carbon fiber bodywork, the e-tron tips the scales at 2,976 pounds – split 40:60 and 550 pounds less than the previous concepts. With its reduced weight, more refined packaging and reworked drivetrain, the e-tron hits 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and – more tellingly – dispatches the run from 37 to 75 in 5.1 seconds. Audi claims the e-tron can run on a single charge for 155 miles after topping up from a 230-volt socket for 11 hours.

Audi A8...coming your way

What do you believe the AUDI A8 will be? Just a luxury car....a sedan model..... but no, AUDI A8 is more than that. Its a sportiest sedan model of a luxury car. Its light aluminum body, its powerful and highly efficient engines, the further improved MMI operating system, new driver assistance systems, the full LED headlights and an elegant interior with a craftsman's level of workmanship makes it a next generation fascinating vehicle with superior comfort equipped with all innovation features. 
New luxury sedan featuring its elegant and forceful aluminum body weighing 40% less and emotionally charged ambient lighting to the luxurious, power  adjustable seats in the rear definitely makes its a choice for next generation drivers. 

A brief look at Audi A8
Body - Lightweight and ultra-strong aluminum body
Body - Flowing design, full LED headlights on request
I & C - Luxurious and spacious interior, Craftsman-level workmanship, emotionally charged interior lighting
I & C - Advanced MMI operating system, MMI touch navigation system with pioneering operating concept
I & C - Seats with optional ventilation and massage functions, luxurious individual rear seats optional
Safety - Pre sense safety system for avoiding accidents and for minimizing their consequences
Driving Assistance - Navigation system of the next generation closely networked with the assistance systems; high-end audio systems and online services Driving Assistance - Night vision assistant with pedestrian marking, adaptive cruise control with stop & go feature and advanced driver assistance systems
Power - One gasoline engine, with direct fuel injection and 273 kW (372 hp) with 15% less fuel consumption
Power - New 8-speed tiptronic as standard, shift-by-wire control
Power - Standard quattro all-wheel drive, optional sport differential
Chassis - Lightweight wheel suspension, balanced axle load distribution Chassis - Audi drive select driving dynamic system including standard adaptive air suspension and adaptive damping, optional dynamic steering

Jaguar XJ - A new deifinition of luxury and style

Jaguar XJ Mark4 X351 launched on 9th july 2009, has its history going back in 1968. Since its original model XJ6, its been a full fledged luxury car.

Number of model have been making their present felt in the market from there onwards and today what we have is simply rocking the market with its look, style and features. It is the car which have never lost its charm for the onwer in which ever model it is presented.

This new Jaguar XJ brings a daring new spirit to automotive luxury. With sleek, sporting and sophisticated design, it offers a seductive mix of striking features, breathtaking performance and engineering without compromise. Desinged with a panoramic glass roof is an integral part of the all new XJ’s concept, enabling the car to have a lower, more streamlined roofline, while dramatically enhancing the feeling of light and space inside. The long wheelbase offers rear seat passengers with an additional 125mm of legroom. All new XJ cabin blends elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and unmistakable sporting style of a Jaguar making is a symbol among the care ofits segment. The all new XJ’s beauty is more than just skin deep: constructed using Jaguar’s aluminium body technology, making the XJ lighter than its rivals. These technologies significantly improve performance, handling and economy while delivering increased strength, refinement and safety. The XJ benefits from the most advanced, powerful and efficient Jaguar powertrains ever – 5.0 litre 385 PS AJ-V8 Gen III naturally aspirated direct injection V8 petrol.

With 8/4 cylinders/Valves per Cylinder and 5000 cubic capacity, it generates maximum of 385 @ 6,500 rpm power PS and maximum 515 @ 3,500 rpm torque Nm. Transmission is 6-speed Automatic running on Petrol (No diesel variant).

Designed to cut through with extra length provided by long wheel base and elegance along with being light, spacious and stylish Cat claw LED lights reflects a vision that defied preconception and transforms the idea of luxury.

Manufactured by Jaguar Land Rover, new Jaguar XJ is all set to change your definition of owning a car!!

For more information and brochure, visit here.

ChevyBeat - Fitting into the pocket

Recently launched Cheverlot's BEAT is one of the initial launches of 2010 in India. Concept of this city car was first shown at New York Auto show in 2007 and after an online voting from 1.9 million people, its been elect to hit the road.

The company has launched only petrol variants of Chevrolet Beat with three variants. Powered with the same capacity, the range for the three variants starts from 3.34L to 3.94L, quite suitable for the Indian middle class pocket where 70% of the car buyers fall. The car will have a 1.2 L engine with efficient MPFI or Multi Point Fuel Injection Technology. It can deliver a maximum of 82 bhp. There will also be a three cylinder diesel engine variant having 1.0 L displacement and 57 bhp of maximum power.

Talking more on Chevrolet Beat LT, it is having direct competition with small segment cars like Maruti's Ritz and Hyundai's i10. To have a brief overview of Chevrolet Beat LT -

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi Rs.) - 394,990

Transmission Type - Manual

Engine Description - 1.2L 80bhp S-TEC II engine

Engine Displacement(cc) - 1199

Maximum Power - 80 @ 6200 rpm

Maximum Torque - 108 @ 4400 rpm

Mileage-City(kmpl) - 14.5

Mileage-Highway(kmpl)- 18.6

Fuel Type - Petrol

Fuel Tank Capacity(litres) - 50

Seating Capacity - 5

Chevrolet Beat LT standard features includes air conditioner, CD player, anti-lock braking system, power steering, power windows and central locking. Some of the highlights that make it stand apart in the class is its dynamic grill (black mesh), aggressive head lamps with bold fog lights, recessed rear door handle (hard to locate at first site :-)), sporty rear spoiler, stylish tail lamp, LCD digital tachometer with unique instrument cluster and auto AC.

With all the high end features mentioned above, the other primary selling point of the car will be its unique sporty and stylish looks and efficient engine performance and mileage adjusting in riders pocket because of its low-end price range.

For more detailed specification visit ChevyBeat