CHEVY CAPTIVA

Chevrolet Captiva is launched. The SUV has a 1991cc, 4-cylinder, 16 valve, VCDi diesel engine which outputs maximum power of 150ps@4000 rpm and torque of 320Nm@2000 rpm. The Rs.17.73 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) Captiva is available in five colors.

Engine and Powertrain:
Captiva is available both in diesel and petrol versions internationally. For India diesel is expected to be launched first which will be followed by petrol. Captiva diesel will take on pajero, X-trail, tucson and endeavour, while the captiva petrol will take on the only petrol premium compact SUV Honda CR-V. The diesel is a brand new, state-of-the-art common rail diesel engine jointly developed by GM Powertrain and VM Motori. Chevrolets first ever diesel compact SUV is powered by 2.0L, 16-valve unit which offers 150bhp at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 310Nm at 2000rpm. This same dieselengine is expected to power the soon to be launched Chevrolet Optra. Chances are that Chevrolet will throw in an automatic transmission as an option as well with five speed manual for Captiva. The petrol engine is a 2.4 litre in-line 16-valve four-cylinder, delivering 142bhp at 5,200rpm and a torque maximum of 220Nm at 4,000rpm. As the Captiva destined to developing markets, both the variable geometry turbo (VGT) diesel and refined petrol engine is expected to deliver decent fuel efficiency figure.

Inside the Captiva…
The Captiva offers a commanding driving position very important for this kind of cars.
The ergonomically designed, matte black and brushed aluminum look dashboard makes driving the Captiva a joy. The driver trip computer which provides valuable feedback like average fuel and speed, range, compass and external temperature and electrically adjustable rear view mirror will make the Captiva easy to drive. The Captiva looks about the size of a Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara but offers an excellent storage space is, including a deep, wide glovebox, a two-tier front centre armrest, big door pockets, underfloor side compartments in the boot and a horizontal locker above the right rear wheel housing. There’s a sunglasses holder, too, plus cupholders and 12-volt power points. All models have alloy wheels, four electric windows but no auto-up facility because the required anti-trap mechanism is too expensive – the facility is to protect your fingers (nice facility but not found in Indian cars). A CD player and air con, plus the inevitable reminders for seatbelts and key in ignition. Storage for five-passenger car is 465 litres, rising to 930 litres when you lower the second row. However, if you use all seven seats, room for luggage is restricted to 85 litres. Whatever layout you choose, there is the benefit of opening rear glass, so you needn’t raise the entire tailgate to gain access to the boot.

Handling and Safety:
Like the CR-V, the Captiva is based on a car-like monocoque platform and comes with self leveling independent suspension, both at the front and rear wheels. With power steering aided by adjustable steering column (also telescopic on the diesel version), disc brakes on all wheels Chevrolet tag for this SUV is ‘Just like a car’. The main problem common among SUV’s is the traction control i.e. they fail at corners, however the suspension set-up of Captiva is said to give the vehicle a decent body control. Chevrolet claim the all-wheel drive model offers a safer and more secure drive in poor road conditions and it’s hard to argue with that contention, especially on our wet roads. The Captivas 4×4 set-up is an on-demand system, meaning that as driving conditions require, the rear axle is instantly selected via an electromagnetic coupling to give maximum traction through all four wheels. The set-up also seamlessly interacts with the ESP and ABS systems, enhancing driver control of the vehicle and safety margins. The ESP itself has additional functions like HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist), HDC (Hill Descent Control) and ARP (Active Rollover Protection). With these features I hope you can safely drive in muddy roads of your favourite touring place with Captiva.

Dimensions & Weights
Overall Length 4660 mm
Overall Width 1870 mm
Overall Height 1755 mm
Wheel Base 2705 mm
Ground Clearance 197 mm
Kerb Weight 1820 kg
No of Doors 5 door

Capacity
Seating Capacity 7 person


Engine
Engine Type/Model VCDi Diesel
Displacement 1991 cc
Power 150 PS @ 4000 rpm
Torque 320 Nm @ 2000 rpm
Valve Mechanism SOHC
Compression Ratio 17.5:1
No of Cylinders 4 cylinder
Cylinder Configuration Inline
Valves per Cylender 4 valve
Fuel Type Diesel
Fuel System CRDI


Transmission
Transmission Type Manual
Gears/Speeds 5 Gears
Clutch Type

Final Reduction Gear Ratio


Suspensions
Front Suspension
McPherson strut with Twin tube gas pressure strut
Rear Suspension
Multi link ,level ride with Twin tube gas pressure strut


Steering
Steering Type Rack & Pinion, Power-assisted
Power Assisted
Standard
Minimum Turning Radius 5.8 meter


Brakes
Brake Type
Front Brakes Ventilated disc
Rear Brakes Ventilated disc


Wheels & Tyres
Wheel Type Alloy
Wheel Size 7J X 17"
Tyres 235/60 R17 (tubeless)

Colors
-Arctic White
-Dark Denim Gray metallic
-Mercury Silver metallic
-Zest Metallic
-Chino metallic
-Silverstone Grey metallic
-Granada Black metallic
-Merlot metallic
-Midnight Blue metallic

HONDA JAZZ

The Honda Jazz / Fit is expected to be launched in a tweaked form in India to take advantage of the taxation structure, is most likely to come strapped with a diesel engine. The new Jazz will take on Swift and Getz. Given the competition from Getz and Swift, Jazz / Fit is likely to sport a price tag of Rs 5 to 6 lakh to draw big volumes in the segment.While Jazz / Fit will hit the Indian roads next year, another small car from the Honda stable, designed for the Indian market, will be launched in the country thereafter. This model would be launched one notch lower in the B-segment and would compete with the likes of Hyundai Santro, Tata Indica and Maruti Wagon R.The Honda Jazz / Fit is a five-door hatchback automobile produced by Honda of Japan, that was first introduced in June 2001. The vehicle is known as the Fit in Japan, China, and in both North and South America. It is called the Jazz in Europe, some parts of Asia, Australia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa.




The Jazz / Fit is equipped with either a 1.2, 1.3, or 1.4 liter i-DSI engine, or a 1.5 liter VTEC engine. All four engines are based on Honda’s L-series engine family. The 8-valve i-DSI (intelligent dual and sequential) engines use two spark plugs per cylinder, allowing gasoline to burn more completely; therefore, fuel consumption and emissions are reduced while maximum torque at mid-range rpm is maintained. The 1.5 L VTEC engine has the typical 16-valve configuration.





The car was the Japanese Car of the Year (In some year… i.e. when it was launched over there) and also had a national waiting list of 36000 orders at a time. The car was much applauded for its interiors, smooth engine, and city riding behaviors. The car was launched in UK, somewhere in 2002. So no new car is coming for India, but rather shall be customised for the country roads. I hope they don’t remove some good features from it in the process of customization. The car is being currently sold in Europe, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia.


































Technical specifications for Honda Jazz / Fit
1.2i S 5dr
Body:Hatchback
Engine: 4, 1246 cc
Fuel:Unleaded
Power, ps:77@5700
Torque, lb ft:82@2800
CO2 Emissions:129 g/km
Transmission:5-spdDriven
Top speed:106 mph
0 - 62 mph:13.7 seconds

Wheelbase, mm:2450
Length, mm:3845
Width, mm:1675
Height, mm:1525
Boot, litres:353/845 (seats folded)
Fuel Tank, litres:42
Dry Weight, kg:1015.0
Towing Limit, kg:1000

2008 KAWAZAKI NINJA 250R

One look at the new Ninja 250R tells everyone that this bike is the genuine article. With a new full-fairing similar to the Ninja ZX-6R and -10R supersport bikes, a single kicked-up muffler, UNI-TRAK® rear suspension, high-performance petal disc brakes and a dual seat, this is the most stylish performer in its category.
Compact size, exceptional personality and a low price tag highlight Kawasaki’s new Ninja® 250R quarter-liter performer. Considering how much fun it is to ride and the fact that it’s the only 250cc sportbike sold in the U.S., it’s no wonder the Ninja 250R has been a strong seller for over a decade. Its successful blend of a rider-friendly engine, easy-to-operate chassis and supersport styling worthy of its Ninja moniker, this model was developed to offer real world performance to riders of all skill levels and goes to show that good things do come in small packages.
At the core of the lightweight Ninja 250R is an engine that thrives on high-rpm excitement. The gutsy 249cc parallel twin has been retuned to spice up its smooth and predictable power delivery. It now offers more low- and mid-range torque thanks to revisions to its dual overhead camshafts and a new 2-into-1 exhaust system. A silky smooth six-speed transmission tops off the sportbike equipment list, enabling the 250R to exploit a powerband that’s sure to please riders with its beginner friendly low-end grunt and a lively top-end rush that’ll keep seasoned veterans satisfied. The coup de’ grace, is its ability to deliver excellent fuel economy. The 250R’s new fairing and windscreen not only look great, they deliver improved wind protection for a wide range of riding situations. This lightweight sportbike is loaded with even more rider-friendly features such as an easy-to-read instrument panel and positive neutral finder.
A natural riding position and comfortable ergonomics combined with its lightweight handling, easy controllability and improved throttle response make the 250R a pleasure to ride on city streets. Also new for 2008 are larger 17-inch wheels that offer great handling and improved stability. A larger 290mm front brake rotor is gripped by a powerful 2-piston caliper to provide a healthy dose of stopping power with a responsive feel at the lever. Like Kawasaki’s other sport models, the Ninja 250R is fitted with petal discs for efficient heat dissipation.
The simple formula of providing easy-handling agility, lightweight responsiveness, and low ownership costs make the Ninja 250R a force to be reckoned with in the entry-level sportbike category.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Type-Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin
Displacement-249 cc
Bore & Stroke-62.0 x 41.2 mm
Maximum Torque-21.7 lb-ft @ 10,000 rpm
Compression Ratio-11.6:1
Carburetor-Keihin CVK30 x 2
Ignition-TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission-6-Speed
Final Drive-O-Ring Chain
Cooling-Liquid
Frame-Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake/Trail-26°/3.3 in
Front Tire Size-110/70-17
Rear Tire Size-130/70-17
Wheelbase-55.1 in.
Front Suspension / wheel travel-36mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.5 in.
Rear Suspension / wheel travel-Uni-Trak® with aluminum linkage / 5.1 in.
Front Brake Type-Single 260mm hydraulic disc with two-piston caliper
Rear Brake Type-single 220mm Hydraulic disc with 2 piston caliper
Fuel Tank Capacity-4.8 gal.
Seat Height -30.7 in.
Dry Weight-333 lb.
Overall length-81.9 in.
Overall width-28.0 in.
Overall height-43.1 in.
Color-Lime Green, Ebony, Passion Red, Candy Plasma Blue
Warranty-12 months

YAMAHA YZFr15

SPECIFICATIONS

FUEL INJECTION With six-hole type injector.

ECU and sensors backed fuel mixture to maximize the combustion at any rpm

FRONT FAIRING Aero Dynamic Fairing

COOLING Liquid cooling with high efficient compact Radiator to maximize the Stability and Performance

HEAD LIGHT Flash surface dual Head Lights

FRAME High Rigidity Deltabox Frame

REAR SUSPENSION Link Type Monocross

BRAKES Front & Rear Disk Brake

VALVES 4 Valve Combustion Chamber Adopted

COMBUSTION CHAMBER Hemispherical Combustion Chamber with centered plug layout

Air Filter :- High flow paper filter

Handle Grip :- R1 Type Insert Mold Grips

Front Head Cowl :- a-30mm lower than Gladiator b-Aero Dynamic Design

Handle Bar :- a-Semi-Flat type with bar end b-Front Fork c-D.U. Metal (Special Material)

Front Fender :- Aero Dynamic Design 7) Lower Cowling :- Aero Dynamic Design Seat

Leather :- Dimple type/two tone

Grip End :- Race bred grip end

Rear Fender :- Aerodynamic

Muffler End :- Machine Gun Type

Chain Guard :- Half cover sporty looks

Shift Pedal :- Sport toe type Aluminum Shift Pedal

Drive Chain :- Long life sealed chain

Foot Rest :- Aluminum (Rider And Passenger)

Asbestos Free :- Environment Friendly

Tyres

Front - 80/90, Rear - 100/80 17inch tubeless tyres

Wheelbase 1290mm

Width 670mm

Length 1995mm

Height 1070mm

Ground clearance 160mm

BAJAJ LITE-another small wonder

The small car will be manufactured in collaboration with Renault and Nissan but Bajaj made it clear that it will not be for Rs 1 lakh. Although the product is ready in its prototype form the production version has a target date of 2010.The exact price and specifications are not known yet. The car is expected to be available with both diesel and petrol engines and would confirm to all the emission and safety norms. Considering the fact that Bajaj is known for having a good R&D with foucus on performance, reliability and economy, we can expect that the car will be both fuel efficient. The car is completely designed and developed by Bajaj and negotiation are on with Renault and Nissan for further technical inputs and support in the production of the car. Bajaj also expects to use their network to sell the car in overseas markets. The car will be manufactured at the Bajaj facility at Chakan.There is no news of any innovations or any patents for the small car yet ;-) We know that Tata Motors' Rs 1 lakh car will be having quite a few patents for the technology used. In couple of days at the Auto Expo we will see how the 2 cars compare to each other

TVS APACHE RTR E-FI

The new Apache EFI -TVS Motor Company is for the first time offering Electronic Fuel Injection technology in the 160cc category. The new technology, which consists of an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) made up of sensors, fuel pump and injector. ECU receives the data from sensors, processes them and delivers optimum fuel and ignition timing. The Electronic Fuel Injection technology offers better engine smoothness, faster throttle response, lower emissions, good cold start and recovery, better idle stability, good drivability, better fuel economy and performance consistency at various altitudes and environments. The Apache RTR EFI also offers instantaneous response throughout the rev range. Another first time offering in this segment would be the rear disc brake facility. According to the sources,it is expected to be launched in the first half of 2008 itself.



According to what i have read recently Tvs would be unveiling 2 performance upgrades of its current offering Apache RTR in 180 cc and 200 cc version. I don't have any picture or exact technical specification of the new bikes as of now. But after the Apache RTR e-Fi, it can be anybody's guess that the bikes would be very aggressively styled and extremely sporty, with all the latest features and technological advancements like fuel injection etc



TVS is all set to launch ABS (Anti Lock Braking System) on the new 200cc bike, a first of its kind for two wheelers in the country.TVS said "ABS is part of the 30 different technologies we are developing for our two -wheeler range". The ABS will help in avoiding skidding of two-wheelers and allow sure stopping on wet and slippery roads and help in reducing fatalities on two wheelers.


SPECS OF APACHE RTR WITH RACING PERFORMANCE KIT































Product specification of RTR Fi

Engine Displacement 159.7cc

Engine technology EFI, 4 Stroke

Max. Power (Kw@rpm) 11.54kw @ 8500 ( 15.7bhp @ 8500 )

Max. Torque (Nm@rpm) 13.1 Nm @ 6500

Gear Box 5 Speed constant mesh

Clutch Multi-Plate WetType

Bore x stroke (mm) 62x 52.9

Compression Ratio 9.5:1

Fuel system Electronic Fuel injection

Wheels & Tyre

Wheel Type Diecast Alloy

Tyre

Front 90 x 90 - 17, Rear 100 X 80 - 18

Brakes

Brake - Front Dia 270 disc brake, petal type

Brake - Rear Drum 130 dia, Optional Rear Disk brake

Suspension

Front Telescopic Hydraulic fork

Rear Mono tube 5 step adjustable Canister - Gas filled shock absorbers



Electricals

Head lamp 12V 35/35W Halogen HS1, Clear lens with MFR

Tail lamp 12V 0.5 W. LED-Twin triangle with prism on lens

Turn signal lamp 12V 10W

Battery type & capacity 12V, 9.0 Ah

Ignition system High energy IDI System

Dimensions

Height 1100 mm

Length 2020 mm

Width 730 mm

Wheelbase 1300 mm

Ground Clearance 180mm

Kerb weight 136 kgs

Fuel Tank Capacity 16.0

LitreFuel reserve (lts) NOT APPLICABLE

Performance

Max speed 120 kph

SKODA FABIA

The much-awaited Skoda Fabia was launched in India on Wednesday at the Auto Expo. With a starting price of Rs 4.99 lakh which goes up to Rs 7.88 lakh for the premium variants, the Skoda Fabia has everything for the Indian car buyer enamoured by the Skoda brand but found the Octavia out of reach.

The interiors in the Skoda Fabia are the best in class. The Fabia sports dual tone dashboard and multi textured fabric on seats and trim. The instrument cluster is modern, displaying exotic info like outside temperature, average speed, average fuel consumption and instantaneous fuel consumption. There is one-touch locking and unlocking of all doors from the driver's side.

The exterior rear view mirrors are stylish and have a heating function to top it. This, says Skoda, helps the Fabia driver get a better view during monsoons, bad weather etc. The mirrors are power-adjustable too.
As part of the music system comes an auxiliary audio output, which can be used to plug in your iPod. The electric sunroof has both slide and tilt functions. AC vents are present on both front and rear, with climatic temperature control.
On of the innovative additions in the Skoda Fabia is a reverse parking sensor, an added convenience which even many big size cars in India do not have. Parktronic gives an audio visual warning when the car reverses towards an obstacle.

The Skoda Fabia comes with a large number of small storage spaces, unseen in any other car. There is a twin storage illuminated compartment, besides thoughtfully created spaces under the armrest, below the roof and all around the doors. Its seems one will never run short of space to store maps, bottles, magazines and other knick knacks in a Fabia. To add to the multiple storage spaces, the Skoda Fabia also comes with a large 300 litre boot.
Skoda has also incorporated well-intentioned additions like height adjustable front driver and passenger seats, adjustable steering, anti-glare interior rear view mirror and the like.

To tackle the tough and unforgiving Indian roads, the Skoda Fabia has an underbody protection to save the vital parts. The car has anti-lock braking system (ABS) and dual SRS airbags in the front. Many of these features are still to make their way into many of the upmarket C segment cars in India.
The front grille of the Fabia is distinctly Skoda, with vertical fins and the prominent Skoda logo. Projector headlamps make the front look different from the earlier Fabia, which reminded an Octavia from the front. Front and rear lamps come in the higher variants. There is also a rear windscreen wiper and washer.

With the anti-theft features built into the Fabia, it would call for a Houdini to make away with the car. The car has remote locking and unlocking systems with keyless entry. There is s VIN code, a unique identification bar code that allows a reading device to automatically identify the vehicle. There is a floating code engine immobilizer which changes the code every time the ignition key is pulled out.
The Fabia comes in both petrol and diesel versions - a 1.4 litre TDI PD diesel engine generating 69 BHP and a 1.4 litre petrol engine generating 85 bhp. The five speed gearbox is manually operated.
The Skoda Fabia will be available in India in four variants - Active, Classic, Ambiente and Elegance. Six body colours are on offer - candy white, cappuccino beige, magic black, brilliant silver, satin grey, and corrida red.
The Fabia is built at Skoda's Aurangabad factory, which also assembles Audi and Volkswagen models for India.
With its price range, the Skoda Fabia takes on the upper class small cars like the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Chevrolet U-VA, and the Hyundai Getz. However, with the price tag a bit on the higher side for a smaller car, Fabia will have to slog it really hard to make a deep impression on the cost-conscious Indian car buyer.

TATA's NANO WONDER

The Tata Rs 1-lakh car is here! And it's called the Nano!
Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata on Thursday unveiled the Tata Nano at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi.

Details of the People's Car:
Ratan Tata, while unveiling the nano, said: "The car will meet all current safety norms and all emission criteria. The pollution it will cause will be lower than 2-wheelers."
The car, Tata said, is smaller than a Maruti, but has 21 per cent more volume or space inside than the 800. He said that the dealer price of the car will be Rs 1 lakh, plus value-added tax (VAT) plus transport charges.
The car will have a 624-cc petrol engine generating 33 bhp of power. It will sport a 30-litre fuel tank and 4-speed manual gearshift. The car will come with air conditioning, but will have no power steering. It will have front disk and rear drum brakes. The company claims mileage of 23 km per litre.
The car's dashboard features just a speedometer, fuel gauge, and oil light. The car does not have reclining seats or radio. The shock absorbers are basic.
Nano, the world's cheapest car, costs almost half of the cheapest car currently available anywhere in the world.
''Since, a promise is a promise the standard dealer version will cost Rs 1 lakh,'' said Tata Sons chairman Ratan Tata.
He informed that the car is 8 per cent smaller bumper to bumper, than the Maruti800 but at the same time 21 per cent larger in its interiors and can sit up to four people.
Dispelling myths that the car was not safe enough Tata said, 'The car has passed the full-frontal crash and the side impact crash''. He also side stepped emission concerns and said the car will meet Euro IV norms.
While critics had been sceptical throughout about the car meeting safety and emission norms, coming as it is at that price, Tata said he was happy to announce that Nano meets all norms as would a modern car.
The car is eight per cent shorter than Maruti 800 on bumper to bumper length, but is 21 per cent more spacious, claimed Tata.
Alluding to fears expressed by environmentalist R K Pachauri and green activist Sunita Narain that the car at that price would add more vehicles on the road leading to higher vehicular pollution, Tata said the 624 cc, 33 HP petrol engine meets Bharat Stage-III emission norms and can also meet the Euro 4 norms.
"Pachauri will not have a nightmare and Sunita Narain can also sleep," he quipped, while recalling that some people had suggested that the car should be called 'Pachauri' and some others said that it should be named 'Mamta' � probably referring to the position TMC leader Mamta Banerjee had taken against the setting up of the small-car project at Singur in West Bengal.
Commenting on the safety standard, he said the car has gone through a full frontal crash test as per norms.
The Nano will come in three variants -- standard and two deluxe models with AC. The standard car would be available for Rs 1 lakh (ex-showroom), while VAT and transportation costs are extra.
The Nano is expected to be commerically launched in the second half of 2008. News reports say that Tata Motors hopes to sell 500,000 units of the car, almost four times the number of Indicas it sells. Tata plans to focus on a market segment hitherto untapped.
Not since the launch of the Maruti 800 in 1983 has any car gripped the imagination of a nation and indeed car manufacturers the world over so intensely. If commercially successful, the Tata Nano can alter the passenger car market in India, and perhaps the world, beyond description.

Tata nano features

• a 624-cc, 2-cylinder petrol engine

• 33 bhp of power

• 30-litre fuel tank

• 4-speed manual gearshift

• front disk and rear drum brakes.

• seat belts, but no air bags

• top speed of just over 60 mph.

• a driver's side wing mirror

• just one windscreen wiper.

• 10 feet long, 5 feet wide.

• a mileage of 20 kilometers per liter (50 miles a gallon)

.• Maintain Euro 4 emission standards

MAHINDRA AXE-the Indian Hummer

The Mahindra axe is an Indian alternative to the American HUMMER. This vehicle from Mahindra & Mahindra, has undergone the necessary tests recently. The Mahindra Axe is being built as per Indian Army specifications. The vehicle is an IPR of the Mahindras and even an engine is being indigenously developed for it. Two prototypes have been developed for army testing, a report said quoting an M&M official, and will have both open and hard-top versions, capable of mounting artillery. The Mahindra Axe has been developed by a team consisting of Indian and Israeli designers. Some components of the Axe are being imported.

Specification
It is muscular and capable of navigating through any terrain. The Axe will replace the Indian Army’s Mahindra Jeeps. According to Brigadier Khutub A Hai, CEO, Mahindra defence systems the Axe was designed with help from an overseas designer. An absolutely new platform is used for developing the Axe and it is developed to suit the Indian needs. Mahindra has developed a petrol version of the Axe for the special forces of a foreign country while the diesel one is for the Indian Army. Mahindra will initially import the engines for the Axe, later it will install its own engine into the Axe. Axe’s petrol version uses a more than 4 litre GM Votec engine while the diesel uses a 2.7 litre Ssangyong diesel.Mahindra has been testing the Axe ranging from 150hp to 400hp. The transmission system for the Axe is borrowed from Mercedes-Benz. According to Mahindra The diesel axe offers around 8-9 km per litre while the petrol axe offers 6/7 km per litre. The Axe has a payload of 120 kg with a 3500 GVW. Axe’s biggest USP is its suspension system (it’s an all-wheel independent suspension vehicle) which gives its extreme mobility. Mahindra has already received an order from a foreign army for 215 units of Axe of which 15 are being shipped right away. Mahindra is looking to export this axe to countries like Malaysia next year (diesel version) and for Africa, Gulf, UAE, Jordan.

Axe civilian version:
Mahindra has a long and successful record designing Jeeps and SUVs for military and civilian use. There’s a lot of visible commonality between the Axe and a several of Mahindra’s own SUVs.Hence not alone the Indian army is gifted, we too! Yes, Mahindra is planning a civilian version of the Axe.The civilian version of axe will be ready by 2009 with an automatic transmission. Axe’s civillian version will be homologated with styling and other changes. But it will use a Mahindra driveline. The basic characteristic of performance will be the same but the looks will be different like the Humvee and Hummer. For the civilian version of axe the engine displacement will be lowered and there will be cosmetic changes on the dashboard. But the Mahindra wants to keep the suspension and platform will be unchanged. Axe civilian verison will be only diesel and with automatic transmission. Mahindra will showcase the axe at the 2008 delhi Auto Expo. Mahindra’s commercial Axe is expected to be priced roughly between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 22 lakh.

TOYOTA FT-HS Hybrid-Sportz CONCEPT

The world’s first hybrid-powered sports car, the Toyota FT-HS Concept. This front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car is projected to accelerate from 0-to-60 in the four-second range. That impressive result is achieved through a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine coupled to a 21st century sports hybrid system. With this hybrid powerplant, Toyota is shooting for a total power output of about 400 hp. Other performance features include a lightweight, carbon fiber Kevlar roof which incorporates an aerodynamic longitudinal depression down its center, and a speed activated wing that elevates during high velocity driving.

The FT-HS’s styling is certain to cause a stir as Toyota refers to it as a combination of “perfect imbalance.” So-called “freeform geometrics” integrate fluid surfaces with hard corners, promoting airflow and reducing turbulence, which Toyota claims increases stability in high speed driving (translation: freeform geometrics is fancy terminology for functioning aerodynamics). “Integrated component architecture” is next in the design philosophy. This entails showing what needs to be seen–tail lamps spanning the width of the vehicle–and hiding what does not, al-la-retractable spoiler. Ultimately, the FT-HS styling goal is to achieve “subtractive mass”, which is a minimalist style that is not only lightweight but also looks lightweight, according to Toyota. The sharply sloped roof is actually a retractable hardtop, though rather than folding up, like metal origami, into the trunk, the roof slides back and then drops behind the front seats. That effectively turns the Hybrid Sports Concept into a two-seater.

The concept’s interior is said to be modeled after a driver’s cockpit , but also offers structural functionality. A carbon fiber beam replaces the space normally occupied by the instrument panel, offering structural rigidity as well as a place to suspend the driver’s controls. This beam adds to body stiffness, necessary when cruising with the open-top roof system stowed in the rear. Long live T-tops.