Royal Enfield Desert Storm 500/Classic Chrome 500 in ICB’s comprehensive road test and review!
I consider myself somewhat of a Royal Enfield technology evangelist, more so since I just sold my Machismo LB500 weeks ago after experiencing the motorcycle for over a couple of years, across varied terrains. Every other day, we have a series of queries on IndianCarsBikes’ comments/Ask Experts section, asking for advice whether the new UCE engined Bullets are better than the cast iron or AVL engined ones and more often that not, I find myself directing the eager answer seekers to our comparison story, comparing the Cast Iron, AVL and UCE engines.
In a nutshell, UCE engines are vastly better than both CI and AVL engines, and no there are no two things about that. But if you want to read about my experience on a brand new Royal Enfield Desert Storm 500 for close to 1,000 kilometers in a no-holds-barred ICB comprehensive road test, you must hit the jump. Read more
Fiat confirms larger 5 seat 500 hatchback and calls it the 500L; 7 seat crossover to follow!
While Fiat 500 fans might bemoan the cutesy 500 giving way to larger variants, even as Fiat plans to take on the BMW Mini, the Italian automaker has now announced the name of the larger Fiat 500 model and along with it plenty of details on what to expect from the new model. The bigger Fiat 500 variant will be called the 500L and will be based on a completely different platform. Though it will retain the front end of the Fiat 500, the 500L will actually be based on a wider platform derived from the Punto hatchback.The Fiat 500L is expected to be unveiled at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.
India could become a manufacturing and export hub for South Korean SUV maker Ssangyong!
Days ago, we brought you a story in which we reported about Renault-Nissan planning to double capacity to 4 lakh units a year at its Indian manufacturing unit, mainly to cater to exports. This doubling of capacity will also add 500 new manufacturing jobs. The Renault-Nissan story is just one of the many indications that India is fast emerging as a top destination for automobile exports and low cost-high quality manufacturing. Read more
2012 Chevrolet Trailblazer to be General Motors India’s new flagship SUV?
If a report emerging today is to be believed, the 2012 Chevrolet Trialblazer SUV might be launched in India. On where it will be positioned is something that is unclear at the moment and here’s exactly why. At the 2012 Indian Auto Expo, General motors India showcased the 2012 Captiva SUV, and announced plans of launching this model in India in 2012. The Captiva which features a 2.2 liter turbodiesel engine will be available only with a 6 speed automatic transmission.
French driver Jules Bianchi signs up with Sahara Force India as reserve driver!
French driver Jules Bianchi signs up with Indian Formula1 outfit, Sahara Force India, as a reserve driver. The 22 year old Frenchman will take the reserve driver place which will also give him a minimum of 9 Friday practice sessions with the Sahara Force India F1 team. Jules Bianchi’s Formula1 career has included a stint at the Ferrari F1 team as a reserve and test driver for the 2011 season. Jules Bianchi has also finished as a champion in the 2007 French Formula Renault championship, winning wide acclaim for dominating the field and catching the eye of the Formula1 teams.
Rumor: 2014 debut for the Audi Q4 Crossover which will share parts with the Porsche Cajun!
Just weeks ago, the rumormills went on overdrive suggesting that the Audi Q1 crossover could see the light of the day. However, it turns out that the speculation is more smoke than fire with Audi dismissing talk about the Q1. Instead, 2014 will see a new Audi Crossover which will share plenty of parts with the Porsche Cajun crossover. Late 2013 or early 2014 could be when the Porsche Cajun sees the light of the day. The Audi Q4 will be shorter than the Q5 and is expected to measure well under 4.5 meters in length. Another model, the Q6 which will be longer than the Q5 at 4.80 meters in length.





