Volvo mulling a long wheelbase, stretched version of the S60 sedan for China

Swedish automaker Volvo is now owned by Chinese automaker Geely. However, the Chinese ownership is yet to translate into success in the Chinese domestic market for Volvo and hence, the brand is now looking at different ways to reach out to prospective car buyers in China. One such was is through the tried and tested formula of stretching the wheelbase of its cars, a method that has been used to great success by a slew of brands like Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz. So, Volvo is mulling a stretched wheelbase version of its entry level S60 sedan for China.

2012 Volvo S60 Sedan used as an illustration

Share and Enjoy:

More details about the 2013 BMW 7 Series luxury saloon facelift emerges

Mercedes Benz is leaving no stone unturned to make the next generation S-Class luxury saloon, that is currently being developed, a comprehensive new model with a host of upgrades. The next generation S-Class platform will also replace the Maybach brand in Mercedes Benz’s portfolio with a stretched, limousine version. To take on the next generation S-Class, the world’s leading luxury car brand, BMW, has given its flagship 7 series car a facelift. The facelifted 2013 BMW 7 Series saloon is expected to be launched by the second half of 2012 and today, we have a few details about the changes that could make it to the facelift.

Current gen BMW 7 Series luxury saloon used as an illustration

Share and Enjoy:

May 16, 2012 | Filed under Cars · Tagged with 2013 BMW 7 Series Luxury Saloon Facelift, BMW India, Next Generation Mercedes Benz S-Class | Leave a Comment

2012 TVS Apache RTR180 Facelift Motorcycle First Ride Review

Team ICB’s long time reader, Dinesh Kumar, gets astride the facelifted TVS Apache RTR180 and comes back with a range of impressions. Here we go.

2012 TVS Apache RTR180 Headlamp

Hi there guys, I am here to give you a comprehensive review of the new RTR 180. Following a string of mixed responses before and after the launch of the new RTR series, and having tested the new RTR 160, I mustered up all the positivity within me to go ahead and check out the new RTR180. When the RTR 180 debuted a few years back, there was a lot of talk about it looking identically same as its younger sibling. Well, TVS has kept all these things in mind – all the feedback regarding the design, the ergonomics, and the engine vibrations while creating the new series. Read more

Share and Enjoy:

May 16, 2012 | Filed under User Motorcycle Review · Tagged with 2012 TVS Apache RTR180 Facelift Motorcycle Review, TVS Motors Limited | Leave a Comment

[Video] KTM Duke 200 with the underbody exhaust wading in knee deep water

The Indian monsoon has already made its presence felt in some parts of the country with most other parts of India all set to get their first rain showers of the season. During February 2012, KTM launched its first motorcycle for the Indian market, the Duke 200. The 2012 KTM Duke 200 features one of the most arresting and different designs amongst Indian motorcycles and one such design highlight is its under body exhaust muffler, whose main purpose is to aid handling through better mass centralization. However, there have been apprehensions as to how the KTM Duke 200 will handle water logged conditions when the exhaust is fully submerged.

2012 KTM Duke 200

Share and Enjoy:

May 16, 2012 | Filed under Auto Videos, Motorcycles · Tagged with Bajaj Auto Limited, KTM Duke 200, KTM Duke Water Wading Test | 1 Comment

Jay Leno adds the humble Tata Nano to his burgeoning car and motorcycle collection

Celebrity American TV host Jay Leno’s love for everything automotive is well known. From a motorcycle powered by a jet turbine to a range of custom built cars, Leno has one of the most eclectic automotive collection amongst celebrities. Now, Jay Leno has added the humble Tata Nano to his burgeoning collection of cars and motorcycles. The Nano, being Jay Leno’s latest acquisition is a 2012 model of the car, that was launched by Tata Motors late last year, as an upgraded version. Jay Leno isn’t new to buying vehicles made in India. Many months ago, Jay Leno bought a Royal Enfield 500cc G5 Deluze motorcycle.

Jay Leno with the 2012 Tata Nano

Share and Enjoy:

May 16, 2012 | Filed under Cars · Tagged with Jay Leno, Tata Motors Limited, Tata Nano | Leave a Comment

Rumor: Maruti Suzuki to scale down production in Gujarat

Maruti Suzuki setting up a million car per year production facility at Mehsana, Gujarat was seen as the crown jewel in the state’s auto sector as Maruti is the country’s largest car maker by a long shot. Also, Maruti setting up a plant in Gujarat was seen as a move by the company to establish a production facility in a more conducive environment as the automaker has been hit by a series of labour strikes over the past year at its Manesar plant in Haryana. Also, Gujarat’s proximity to well developed port infrastructure meant that Maruti’s exports could also benefit from setting shop in Gujarat.