2013 McLaren 12C Spider Convertible Sports Unveiled

The all new 2013 McLaren 12C Spider Convertible made its public debut for the first time at the Gooding & Company Auction preview at Pebble Beach this weekend, however it was shown digitally six weeks back.

The New 12C Spider is lightweight with a high-powered engine that churns out 616bhp, a unique Retractable Hard Top (RHT) folding roof system that can be lowered or raised on the move, and a carbon ‘MonoCell’ chassis identical to that of the ground-breaking 12C coupe. Aside from shared architecture, the 12C and 12C Spider share a unique combination of spectacular performance with remarkable usability.

The new 12C Spider will be priced from £195,500 in the UK and is now available to order from McLaren retailers across the globe. First deliveries to customers are planned for early next year. The 12C Spider, in new volcano yellow paint, was dramatically revealed with the drop of a Kabuki in front of a crowd of VIP guests attending Gooding & Company’s preview. McLaren received much more interest over the Pebble Beach weekend where the 12C Spider continued to be displayed along with the 12C GT3 Can-Am edition concept.

Performance

Having powered by the bespoke 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo engine mated to a 7-speed SSG dual-clutch tranmission, the new 12C spider boasts an impressive 616bhp output. Vehicle dynamics technology including Brake Steer, ProActive Chassis Control and the unique McLaren Airbrake combine to offer sublime comfort in all driving conditions; and yet deliver race car performance and handling on track. An overview of 12C Spider performance compared with the 12C is below:

	2013MP4-12C Spider (625 PS/616 bhp)	2013MP4-12C (625 PS/616 bhp)
0-62 mph	3.1 sec	3.1 sec
0-100mph	6.1 sec	6.0 sec
0-124 mph	9.0 sec	8.8 sec
¼ mile (400m)	10.8 sec @ 134 mph	10.6 sec @ 136 mph
V Max	204 mph	207 mph
CO2g/km	279	279

Technical specifications

McLaren is a carbon fibre pioneer. In 1981 McLaren gave a debut to a carbon fibre monocoque chassis in Formula 1 with the launch of the MP4/1 race car, and in 1992 the legendary McLaren F1 introduced the advanced composite technology to the world of road cars. It was natural then for McLaren Automotive engineers to apply its carbon fibre expertise when developing the ground-breaking one-piece molded chassis of the 12C. Its 165 lb ‘MonoCell’ requires no additional strengthening for it to feature in the 12C Spider. The result is a sports car almost identical to its fixed roof equivalent in performance terms, and weighing only 88 lbs more with the addition of a convertible roof system.

Behind driver and passenger sits a rear windscreen which may also be electronically lowered and raised. With the roof lowered this acts as wind deflector to minimise disturbance to the 12C Spider’s occupants. With the roof raised the rear window can be lowered, allowing the exhilarating noise of the 12C Spider’s V8 twin turbo engine to flood the cabin on demand at any time. With the roof raised the area under the tonneau can be used as an additional luggage area which provides useful storage space. Bespoke luggage (two soft bags) has been designed specifically to fit this space and is supplied as standard with every 12C Spider. The 12C Spider also features a passive Roll Over Protection System to maximise occupant safety. Each buttress contains a steel structure designed to absorb impact energy and protect both driver and passenger.

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Renault Scala Launching in 1st Week of September

The French carmaker Renault is ready to set the auto market on fire next month with the upcoming Renault Scala. Yes, the Renault Scala looks similar to Sunny but is much more premium looking in comparison. Along with a few similarities with Nissan Sunny, Renault Fluence can also be glimpsed in the upcoming Renault Scala.

What catches your eyes first and foremost is the front fascia. The front with the bulging and pushed up headlights that remind you of the wild and ferocious wolf. The styling is aggressive with the Renault diamond placed in the centre over the somewhat hexagonal nose. The rear also gets a pair of new and freshly designed tail lights making the rear end of the sedan very stylish and premium looking. On the outside the Scala gets a lot of chrome, especially at the waist line, adding to the classy-ness. Further, the Scala gets interesting looking 15inch alloys that further upscale the looks.

he specifications are very similar to the Sunny but with one major change being the petrol CVT engine mated to an automatic transmission, which is missing in the Nissan Sunny. The remaining options will be similar to the 1.5-litre diesel and petrol powertrains. Currently the mill used in Sunny diesel is capable of producing a power of 85bhp approximately and the petrol delivers 98bhp.

First adjective that comes to your mind when looking at the Scala cabin is ‘neat and clean’. The dashboard has a no-nonsense feel to it with a compact panel for switches laid behind the steering which has the audio controls mounted over it

.From the overall looks of the Scala, it seems Renault will bite into the sedan segment in a big way, giving way to the French maker who have somewhat re-launched themselves after their break up with Mahindra & Mahindra in a rather interesting way with products like Renault Duster. The pricing here however, will play a major role especially because their cousin, the Nissan Sunny has been doing well in the Indian market.

Freelander 2 upgraded, coming to India soon

Land Rover has finally revealed the first images and details of the facelift version of its premium SUV, the Freelander 2, which will make it debut at the coming Moscow Motor Show. The new Freelander 2 now certainly gets better at comfort, convenience and driving pleasure. What makes it look more plush and attractive are some add-ons like sharper exterior design, new derivatives, vibrant colours, upgraded equipment levels, however the engine stays the same. This Freelander2's India launch date and pricing hasn't been revealed

Interior equipment levels goes to a new heights in the Freelander 2 with a host of fresh and exciting features including three new colour ways as part of a ‘Dynamic’ derivative, brand new centre console, 7-inch colour touch-screen with enhanced audio systems from Meridian and optional satellite navigation

Passive start replaces key dock and there’s a new ‘intelligent’ electric parking brake which adjusts brake force according to the slope the vehicle is parked on. ‘Say What You See’ - a voice activation system with visual prompts, and rear view camera capability are also both new to the Freelander 2

Exterior design details have been revamped for an integrated and co-ordinated appearance, including more contemporary lights front and rear using the latest LED technology and a new signature graphic in the front running lights. The XS model gains all-new 17-inch alloy wheels and an enhanced bodystyling pack.

“The Freelander 2’s equipment levels bring a more premium look and feel to the overall driving experience. In addition, our customers continue to benefit from our refined and economical range of diesel engines,” says John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

He adds: “It’s another step forward for the Freelander 2 where outstanding equipment levels, superb design, safety and all-terrain capability continue to set the standards in this class.”All these great new features are underpinned by the fact that the Freelander scores 5 stars in the coveted Euro NCAP for occupant safety.

As the most capable SUV in its class, the Freelander 2 offers the durability and sure-footed all-terrain breadth of capability both on and off road that only a Land Rover can provide.

Interior

New features and more convenient equipment options bring a host of improved benefits to customers looking for a modern, all-terrain, multi-purpose vehicle. The first thing you notice when entering the Freelander 2’s contemporary looking cabin is a brand new centre console.

The original Terrain Response® dial has been replaced by switches and a shutter reveals additional storage space. A new ‘Dynamic’ derivative becomes available, which comes in three new interior colours; Ebony, Ivory or Pimento, each with matching stitching and co-ordinated door casings to complete the look.

A crisp new instrument cluster with a 5-inch screen displaying primary vehicle-related information, such as temperature and fuel levels, gear positions and Terrain Response® mode, now sits between the dials across the Freelander model range, complemented with steering wheel toggle switches to operate the clearest of drop down menus and vehicle set-up details.Cabin space and safety are improved with the introduction of an intelligent electric parking brake which adjusts brake force according to the slope the vehicle is parked on.

The system is so intelligent it even takes into account whether the brakes are hot or cold. If hot, the system ‘wakes up’ periodically to ensure clamping force is not lost as the brakes cool down. Despite being operated by a single switch, the electric parking brake may still be used as an emergency brake, automatically selecting the most stable braking method by employing skid prevention techniques. An additional safety feature ensures the brake cannot be released unless the driving seat is occupied. More convenience comes in the form of Passive Start which replaces the key docking system, meaning that as long as the key is somewhere inside the car, the engine starts at the touch of a button. Another new feature for Freelander 2 is rear view camera capability. The view from the back of the vehicle is displayed on the Infotainment screen with dynamic lines representing the boundaries of the vehicle and your predicted path as you reverse. The system also incorporates ‘Hitch Assist’, a graphic superimposed on the camera showing the position of the tow ball.

The new ‘Say What You See’ voice activation system will prompt the driver visually with the commands he or she needs to speak in order to control functions in the audio, optional satellite navigation, climate and phone systems. The prompts are displayed in an easy-to-follow ‘step by step’ format on the screen. The navigation system is enhanced with a faster hard drive-based system which comes with all the features the customer would expect such as ECO Route planning, Dynamic Zoom, Visual Lane guidance, POI (Point of Interest) management and repeat TMC guidance. You can also manage waypoints and store locations as well as POIs by name.

Infotainment moves up a level

For the first time on Freelander 2, the premium Meridian audio system is available with a choice of 380W or 825W. The outstanding Meridian sound system is delivered with a new 7-inch colour touch-screen and either the 380W, 11-speaker system for exceptional stereo sound quality or the impressive 825W surround sound 17-speaker system with Trifield technology to provide a natural, enveloping concert-like experience for all occupants. Both are equipped with subwoofers for a deep, bass sound and Audyssey MultEQ audio tuning system. A new and upgraded 80W 8-speaker unit with 5-inch colour display screen is also available at entry-level. Equipped with AM/FM and DAB radio tuners, the music players support CD, DVD, Virtual CD, iPod and USB. There’s also a 3.5mm aux jack input for music players and Bluetooth audio streaming to any supporting devices including headphones. The virtual CD comprises a hard drive which can store the equivalent of up to 10 Audio CDs identifiable using Gracenote.

Exterior

Three stunning new colours are added to the Freelander range, Aintree Green, Havana and Mauritius Blue, whilst an additional all new 17-inch alloy wheel design becomes available as standard on the XS derivative. Exteriors gain a number of new integrated design features resulting in a co-ordinated and premium appearance.

Boasting the latest in Xenon LED technology, the front and rear lamps have been revamped giving the Freelander 2 a sportier yet purposeful new look, set off with a new signature graphic in the front running lights.

The grille and fog lamp bezels now sport a bright finish and there are paint detailing changes to the front grille  surround, insert bars and fender vent to harmonise the different elements.

Ashok Leyland Stile coming First Quarter 2013- Exclusive

With the Nissan Evalia launch on 25th September, its local partner Ashok Leyland will introduce the Stile in the first quarter of 2013. The Ashok Leyland Stile is certainly based on the same platform, but the pricing of the car will be lesser than that of the Nissan Evalia. The Stile will be available between a price band of Rs 6-9lakh.

     
                

Ashok Leyland will target the private and the taxi segment. Changes are being made on the inside and the Estile will not get brownies like reverse parking camera. Even the interiors will be simpler. The Ashok Leyland engineers are likely to introduce sliding windows for the second row passengers.

Even the engine on the Ashok Leyland will be different. Evalia gets the 85bhp, Renault K9K mill. The Stile will get a 1.5-litre oil burner that powers the Dost. As per the latest news, this engine will churn out 130bhp. But it seems that Ashok Leyland could reduce the power to make it more fuel-efficient. The Stile is undergoing various tests and it will hit the Indian streets in 2013.

New Toyota Camry Launches at Rs. 23.8 Lakh

Camry, the word that is a synonym of Crown in the Japanese language, is all set to stand true to its name. The all new Toyota Camry launches today silencing a lot of critics with its newfound looks and upgraded engine at a price of Rs. 23.8 Lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi)for a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that is capable of delivering a power of 178.5bhp at 6000rpm and a torque of 233Nm at 4100 revs. The booking for the sedan starts at Rs. 50,000.

The drive of the Camry, with the DOHC and VVT-I technology under its hood, is very refined and power delivery is instantaneous which makes the sedan not just powerful but also very comfortable to drive. Further enhancing the ride quality are new suspensions that the new Camry gets

On the looks of it, the new Camry looks a little bigger than previous version, especially when viewed from the side profile, though there are very small differences in the figures. The new Camry is 4825 in length, is 1825mm wide and has a height of 1480mm whereas the previous model had an overall length of 4815mm and 1820mm in width and the height of the car was 1480mm. The 2012 Camry will be offered in White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Beige Metallic and Attitude Black.