AUTO CAR NEWS

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Ralph Lauren garage was just photographed by Vanity Fair

See the whole gallery at http://www.vanityfair.com/style/features/2011/01/ralph-lauren-garage-slide-show-201101#slide=1 or read about it http://www.vanityfair.com/style/features/2011/01/ralph-lauren-garage-201101 via: http://stipistop.com/

A tour of Ralph Lauren’s car collection is up for auction for charity, and the estimated tour is $150,000. That’s right, $150,000 to look at–not to own–the vintage Ferraris, Porsches and a 1936 Bugatti Atlantic, which is valued at north of $30 million. As the bidding description states, “You and a friend will receive a tour of this extraordinary private collection of classic cars given by Ralph Lauren himself.” The day ends with a ride in the 1936 Bugatti. The winner also get a signed copy of “Speed, Style, and Beauty: Cars from the Ralph Lauren Collection.”

Having some quality car-talk time with Ralph would be an experience to remember. But for $150,000? For that amount, I think I would rather buy my own Porsche or Ferrari. This is, however, for a cause, and someone may well hit the estimate. Even if they don’t, the tour is likely to raise a large chunk of change. So far there have been four bidders and the top bid is $42,500
For more about it http://ultimate-luxury-community.com/category/luxury-addict/luxury-cars
and http://justacargal-s.blogspot.com/2011/02/ralph-lauren-car-collection.html

WANT !

from http://aircooled-village.blogspot.com/2010/12/t1-promotion-pisten-bulli.html via the great http://stipistop.com

One reason so few 1918 Harleys are around today

found on http://theborderlinesociopathicblogforboys.blogspot.com a blog with a good name, and great content

Maruti Suzuki to launch the Kizashi on 28th January

Maruti Suzuki is planning to launch its D-segment car, the Kizashi in India on the 28th of January 2011. The new car will initially be imported as a CBU, priced at around Rs 16lakh and MSIL will take a call on local assembly based on its success. The Kizashi is well received across the world and is doing decent numbers in some key markets. The company has been pitting the D-segment car against some of the entry-level luxury cars such as the C-class and Audi A4 in its latest ad campaign. Suzuki plans to keep the ‘Maruti’ badge out from the Kizashi branding, so as to make sure that their first venture into the D-segment is not seen an effort by a small car maker to make a bigger car.

The Kizashi internationally comes with 2WD and AWD, although we doubt whether Maruti Suzuki would introduce the AWD version in the price-conscious Indian market. Powered by a 2.4-litre four cylinder engine, the Kizashi is looking good on paper – we hope it’s good enough to tackle its key competitors such as the Honda Accord and the Skoda Laura. The car will be available with a 6 speed manual and a 6-speed CVT transmission.

Kizashi’s features list includes goodies such as ESP, eight airbags, a Rockford Fosgate sound system and 18 inch alloys. Here’s the technical specification chart for your ready reference.

Exterior Dimensions
Overall length (in.)    183.1
Overall width (in.)    71.7
Overall height (in.)    58.3
Wheelbase (in.)    106.3
Front tread (in.)    61.6
Rear tread (in.)    61.6
Ground clearance (in.)    5.7

Capacities
Seating capacity    5
Fuel tank capacity (liters/gallons)    63 / 16.6

Engine
Engine type    2.4 liter, DOHC, 16-valve, digital fuel injection
Number of cylinders    4
Bore x stroke (in.)    3.62 x 3.54
Compression ratio    10.0:1
Maximum output (horsepower @ RPM)    185 HP @ 6,500 RPM (MT)
180 HP @ 6,000 RPM (CVT)
Maximum torque (lbs.-ft. @ RPM)    230Nm @ 4,000 RPM
Fuel distribution    Multiport Injection
Emission standard compliancy    BIN 5 / LEV 2
Fuel    Gasoline

Transmission
Type    6MT    CVT
Final drive ratio    4.117    5.798

Chassis
Steering    Electronic power steering with rack & pinion
Suspension, front    MacPherson strut and coil springs
Suspension, rear    Multi-link
Brakes, front    Vented disc
Brakes, rear    Solid disc

Weight
Curb weight (min.) (lbs.)    3241    3329    3241
Gross vehicle weight (lbs.)    4409

Maruti Suzuki may drive in the Jimny to counter Mahindra Thar

Mahindra seems to have brought the compact, hardcore SUV segment alive. While the Premier Rio tried to have a shot at the segment, although sans a 4×4 option, it didn’t quite succeed. Now reports are rife that Maruti is planning to bring the Jimny compact SUV to offer competition to the Jimny 4×4. Currently the company is making the Gypsy king only against orders, a huge chunk of which comes from the armed forces. The Jimny will be a slightly more mainstream and comfortable option for the Indian market.

The Jimny, in its original form is a two-door off-roader. With its short wheelbase and light weight it’s a potent weapon off the tar. However, for the Indian market, MSIL may just add two more doors to make it more practical.
The Jimny in its stock form comes with a 1.3-litre petrol engine, with 80 horses and 130 Nm of torque. However, for the Indian market petrol engines don’t makes much sense, especially for the SUV segment. Maruti Suzuki may just replace the petrol mill with the fab 1.3 DDiS diesel power plant, which would endow the Jimny with more than enough grunt to take on any terrain.

The cabin comfort won’t be too great, but would still be better than the Thar with a permanent roof and A/C. The Jimny also will have a filly covered cabin unlike the Thar’s open rear. The suspension is not well suited for comfort and Maruti Suzuki will probably have to make some amends if the Jimny has to make for a reasonably comfortable ride quality for families.

The discussions to bring in the car are still in the embryonic stage. The estimated price and launch timelines still far from having been finalized. We will, however, let you know as soon as we get to know more details.