Honda new CBF Stunner PGM-FI

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has launched its CBF Stunner PGM-FI in New Delhi today. Targeted mainly at youngsters in the age group of 18-24 years and promoted with the punchline ‘Absolute Sensation Reprogrammed’, the CBF Stunner PGM-FI has borrowed its ques from CBR1000RR image. Priced at Rs. 64,630 (ex-showroom-Delhi) and slated for first week of June, 2009 release for the market, it will be available in two colours - CBR Red and CBR Silver Metallic.

Powered with a 125cc air-cooled four-stroke self-start engine, the new model will deliver a power of 11.6 bhp@8000 rpm. The PGM-FI technology has greatly contributed towards increasing the efficiency, top speed and engine power and is expected to give a mileage of 65 km per litre as compared to 60 km per litre delivered by the earlier Stunner. Even the top speed of 100 km/hour can be enjoyed by biking enthusiasts.

Another new feature of the CBF Stunner PGM-FI is its environment - friendly approach as it will bring down the emission levels to one-tenth of the existing emission norms in India. According to the company, the New CBF Stunner PGM-FI requires less maintenance because of its viscous air filter and maintenance-free battery. Among the other attractive feature of CBF Stunner PGM-FI include: Bank Angle Sensor, Premium 3-D Emblem, Handle Weight and the premium key.

“We have always believed in delivering best products after thoroughly understanding the needs of customers. Honda has always aspired to be a company that the society wants to exist. With the launch of every new product, we aim to proceed ahead in our three core areas - Safety, Environment conservation & Expansion of Fun,” says Shinji Aoyama, president & CEO, HMSI.

“CBF Stunner is already established as the most affordable sporty bike for the youngsters. CBF Stunner PGM-FI will expand the fun-biking culture in the country & want to set new standards for bike enthusiasts. This bike will be available by 13th June, 2009 in all India. We plan to sell 1.25 lakh of CBF stunner in year 2009-10,” explained N.K. Rattan, Operation Head, Sales & Marketing, HMSI, in his presentation.

Aston Martin Plans to Sell Luxury Sports Cars in India

Aston Martin, the world renowned luxury car brand from Britain is gearing up to enter the Indian market. The luxury car brand is in talks with various dealerships across India, in a bid to appoint suitable dealers. The talks are still in a budding stage and a spokesperson from Martin’s headquarters in Warwickshire, England said, "We are actively looking at the Indian market."

Aston Martin is also considering options of models to be launched in India as the time is opportune, for the burgeoning luxury car market in India. Deepesh Rathore, managing director with business analyst IHS Global Insight said, "The luxury car market is tilted to fresh arrivals as the buyer in this segment, is always looking for exclusivity". He added, "Hence there will always be potential for a new player entering the market."

The year 2008, was a fruitful one for luxury car makers, as India was the only market that ended on a positive note with a promise of brighter prospects. 2009 was fairly successful too and Aston Martin intends to make hay while the sun shines on the Indian shores.

Refreshing or Revolting: 2011 Porsche Cayenne

Porsche's second-generation 2011 Cayenne SUV takes more than a few styling cues from the Panamera sedan.

From the exterior to the new interior, the 2011 Cayenne design team clearly used the new Porsche four-door as inspiration. Does the new SUV feature more appealing styling than the sometimes-awkward looking first-generation model? Let's take a look.

The headlights are rounder than before and show a resemblance to the Panamera. The three-part lower grille on the 2011 model more seamlessly integrates LED daytime running lights and isn't as imposing as on the 2010 Cayenne. That SUV had an off-putting grille, but from the side view, the changes aren't dramatic.

From the rear, it's more Panamera. The rounder LED taillights take up more space on the tailgate, which has a bar of chrome at its bottom plus a black lower fascia for more contrast.

Inside, we can't help but mention the Panamera connection when talking about the 2011 Cayenne's center stack of buttons (or the steering wheel). The dual grab handles for driver and passenger remain, but the air vents are vertical and now trimmed in silver. Overall, the look is modern and should hold up well aesthetically 5 to 10 years from now
.
Would you agree? What do you think about the Porsche Panamera's design? Tell us in the comments section below.

Last week, the 2011 Jaguar XJ met with mostly positive reviews except for the odd blacked-out C-pillar. "This car wears the new look better than the XF," said narebman. "I'm not sure about the C-pillar treatment. I'm sure there are some over-stuffed artsy types that could break it down for me but I just don't get it. It certainly wouldn't stop me from buying one though.

Zuleonreal liked it too: "If this car were a woman, I would ask for its number."

"Absolutely refreshing," said ktkof09, "except...the black C-pillar."

General Motors draws on global designers for the new Chevrolet Corvette

For the first time, General Motors studios across the world have submitted design studies for the next-generation Chevrolet Corvette.

Late last year, Ed Welburn, GM's vice president of global design, invited GM's 10 styling studios to submit design proposals.

Some "were absolutely phenomenal," Welburn said. "There is a lot to pick from. The direction that we take is very important, and the decision has not been made."

Global input on the Corvette's design is one of several steps GM is taking to attract buyers in Europe, where the car has little appeal, and young U.S. buyers who favor imports.

"We have challenges in the States with the Corvette," Welburn said in an interview at the Geneva auto show. "The average age of the customer is really rising."

The current average age of a Corvette buyer is 54, according to the Power Information Network, a unit of J.D. Power and Associates.

Corvette sales are in a tailspin. Last year 13,934 were sold in the United States, down 48 percent from 2008.

The current Corvette debuted in the 2005 model year. Prices range from $49,880 for the base coupe to $107,830 for the ZR-1. Both prices include shipping.

A redesign is due in two to three years, industry sources say.

Corvette critics often cite the sports car's size, saying it looks big. They also point to what they say is a cheap-looking interior.

Welburn admitted the interior has a problem: "The execution, materials selection--it's got to be a much better interior. Our customers desire that."

Welburn said today's Corvette is about the same size as the Porsche 911, but the styling makes it look bigger. "We have to develop a design that feels trimmer, meaner, to go along with the incredible performance that the car has," he said.

In addition to styling, content, pricing and marketing strategy are under discussion, he said.

"It is a key time in the development of the Corvette," Welburn said. "There is a lot of debate and a lot of study on the bandwidth of Corvette."

But, he added, "It can't mutate into something that gets so far away from Corvette that it is no longer a Corvette."

Maruti Cervo Priced Between Rs. 1.5 Lakh to 2 Lakh

Maruti 800 will soon be replaced with its revamped version - Maruti Cervo. Maruti Cervo will be viable for sale in India, after April 2010, when the new emission norms come into force. Maruti claims that the new car would give stiff competition to all the other existing and upcoming small car models in India.

The all new Maruti Cervo will have a 660 cc engine, embedded with 54 bhp, power. Maruti Cervo will be launched as a 5-door car model and it will be the cheapest offering from Maruti Suzuki. Maruti Cervo also features 4 speed auto gearbox, a K6A DOHC engine with VVT and Bluetooth capability. The interiors will resemble that of Maruti Swift with enough head space, leg room and comfy boot space. Maruti Cervo is likely to hit the Indian market in the second quarter of the year. And Maruti car lovers will have to wait while the company plans to release final pictures of the car and its interiors.

Priced at Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh, the all new Maruti Cervo is set to hit Indian roads and create ripples in the small car industry. It is slated to be the perfect challenger to Tata Nano; currently the cheapest car in the world.