Honda superbikes coming this year-end!

Japanese motorcycle giant Honda has confirmed to launch two sizzling new Superbike in India from its International range by the end the year end. These 1000cc and above bikes will come as Completely Built Units (CBU) and will be priced at Rs 10 lakhs approx.

There's more, Honda will also launch technically advanced 100cc bike this year, which is totally unexpected as the entry-level segment has not shown any significant growth in the recent past.

So, be prepared for several more Honda stunners!

My blog spotted in Mumbai Mirror!

Here's the scanned newspaper Mumbai Mirror (part of Times of India) featuring my Lewis Hamilton story...
Guess I'm on the right track. Thanks to all you guys who've made http://www.madsarmad.blogspot.com/ popular!
Three cheers to you!!!

Lewis Hamilton sets pulses racing in India

Current Formula 1 championship leader, Lewis Hamilton stopped in Mumbai as part of a promotional tour for Vodafone after his breathtaking win at Hockenheim last weekend. The champ made a few karting laps at the Hakone Go Karting circuit.

Lewis met his fans and signed autographs as the press went totally crazy. Press photographers were jumping on top of TV crew, who in turn were trying to dodge Lewis security personals for a closer shot of the F1 driver. Utter chaos... precisely the way I like it ;)

I braved all that to get you these precious pictures...

That Lewis... Ya, he's really fast... faster that my camera's lens!

Mahindra adds the 'Edge' to the Logan

Mahindra Renault launched the limited edition Logan Edge in the country. The jazzed up new Logan Edge is priced from Rs 5 Lakh onwards (ex-showroom New Delhi) and will be available in petrol & diesel engine options.

Both brand ambassador Kunal Kapoor and the special Mystique Purple colour Edge looked distinct, young and vibrant. Precisely what Mahindra Renault were trying to achieve.

Mahindra Renault Pvt Ltd Chief Operating Officer Nalin Mehta said, "The new Logan edge is based on extensive customer feedback and is part of our endeavor to offer our consumers the best."


Other new features:

• Jazzed up Body Graphics & Special Edition Mystique Purple Color.
• ABS (Antilock Braking System) + EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution).
• Parking Sensors.
• Wood finish central Console with Beige Leather Upholstery.
• New Chrome Muffler Cutter.
• Nomad Arm Rest at the backseat.
• State of the art Kenvood Music system with USB input and iPOD compatibility.

The prices list:

• Logan Edge 1.4 GLX petrol - Rs. 499990 (ex-showroom New Delhi)
• Logan Edge 1.6 GLS petrol - Rs. 558338 (ex-showroom New Delhi)
• Logan Edge 1.6 GLSx petrol (ABS) - Rs. 578337 (ex-showroom New Delhi)
• Logan Edge 1.5 DLS turbodiesel – Rs. 695319 (ex-showroom New Delhi)
• Logan Edge 1.5 DLSx turbodiesel (ABS) – Rs. 715319 (ex-showroom New Delhi)

F1 champ Lewis Hamilton coming to India!

Lewis Hamilton - McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 race driver is heading to India this week. Yup, and I will get you all the dope you need, even it means traveling from Kanyakumari to the Himalayas with a flat tyre!!

Watch this space!


Lewis debuted last season and finished 2nd in the World Championship. The world's first black F1 driver is battling once more for the Championship.
For now here's some EXCLUSIVE pictures of the McLaren Mercedes F1 car in India.

McLaren Mercedes F1 car


The steering with lever for gear shift & clutch


The sexiest nose in the business ;)

Lara Dutta steals the Fiat 500 launch

Lara dutta sparkles at the launch

Bollywood hottie Lara Dutta unveiled the cute Fiat 500 car in Mumbai last night. With a leaner look and fresh tan, she attrached as many shutterbugs as the new Fiat car.

Adding to the glam quotient was dancer turned actress Isha Sherwani, leaving the audience spellbound with her stupendous performance.



Master percussionist Taufique Qurashi & his gang enthralled the guests with their gig.

The evening also saw some off-beat art by new-age artist Jayesh Sachdev who drove the Rs 15 lakh and splashed colours to make the floor his canvas.

Jayesh's work of art... that's what he said ;)

Ooops! Lara spontaneously hops on to the bonnet of the 500

Fiat 500 launched and there’s lots more to come

The cute round headlamp, the naughty moustache shaped logo & chrome lines on the nose and irresistibly bubbly overall appearance makes you feel like owning one. Yup, that’s the effect that Fiat 500’s timeless design has on most people.

Before I forget, the adorable two-door Fiat 500 is being launched in India today! Not that people here will be killing each other to buy one, simply because it will cost a whopping - Rs 15 lakhs. Yeah, it’s simply a repositioning effort by Fiat India to revive the company’s limping image. Seriously, the firm needs a strong dose of Viagra to give other carmakers a ‘stiff’ competition.

Fiat has a few more tricks up its sleeves, like two new world-class models --- the Bravo and more importantly the Linea. Fiat Linea is a mid-sized sedan, which should debut in September 2008. About 70 % of Linea will be locally produced which assures low cost & taxes. The sedan will sport Fiat’s tried and tested 1.3 multi-jet engines with 95 BHP. Following Linea’s footsteps will be the Grand Punto and already mentioned the Bravo.

Coming back to the micro sized Fiat500. Under the tiny little bonnet, you'll find one of these three powerful engines - a 1242cc, 69 bhp petrol, a 1368cc or 100 bhp twin-cam version of the same engine and the 1248cc, 75 bhp turbodiesel MultiJet, the same is use in the Maruti Swift diesel.
Believe it or not but you can customise the new 500 in as many as 500,000 different combinations, including body, interior and seat colour, stickers, wheel rims, bonnet trims, nudge bars and wing mirror cases. The car is 3.55 metres in length and features 7 airbags including a knee-airbag. The Fiat500 comes with a five star rating in EuroNCAP tests.

Despite all those features and the 500’s cuddlesome image and a price tag that could get you the recently launched Volkswagen Jetta or the Honda Civic, I think we’ll give it a miss for now…

More pictures from the launch coming your way soon... Visit www.fiat500.com

More European beauties take on Indian roads

John Abraham, Audi India Managing Director Mr. Benoit Tiers and Ravi Shastri at the new Audi A4 launch

Indian car enthusiast is beaming the biggest smile ever :D and this looks like just the beginning!
Last week Audi unveiled the gleaming new A4 sedan, with its distinct LED trimmed headlights in Mumbai recently. Apart from the A4 sedan, there were oodles of glam quotient added to the event with a special fashion show and celebrities like former cricketer Ravi 'Audi' Shastri and actor John Abraham gracing the occasion. Ravi shared his experiences of winning an Audi at the Cricket World Cup back in 1985 and of course admitted that he drives a Q7 now.

John Abraham in the new Audi A4

The Audi A4 buyers will be offered two powerful engines. The vigorous diesel engine 2.0 TDI priced at Rs 29 lakh and the refined petrol 3.2 FSI Quattro priced at Rs 36-lakh. Audi India commenced its business activities in 2007 and already has a set of drool-inspiring (OR super sexy) range of models – the Audi A8, Audi Q7, Audi A6, Audi A4 and Audi TT.


And now the Volkswagen Jetta is here as well. The Jetta will be assembled locally at VW's Aurangabad plant and will be available in India in three variants –

• The 1.6L Petrol priced at Rs 12.99 lakhs ex-showroom New Delhi.
• The 1.9L Diesel priced at Rs 14.22 lakhs ex-showroom New Delhi.
• The 1.9L Diesel with DSG Automatic transmission Priced at 16.67 lakhs ex-showroom New Delhi.

The Volkswagen Jetta - With doors wide open for India

The Volkswagen has some serious intention of kicking a$$ of the Japanese automakers. For Rs 12.99 lakhs ex-showroom New Delhi, the Jetta is targeted at the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and sibling Skoda Laura. We'll have to wait and see how deep can the Jetta bite into the Japanese pie ;)

Hyundai launches new 'i10' with Kappa engine!

Hyundai India's second largest carmaker launched a new 'i10', powered by a 1.2 litre Kappa engine which can produce 80bhp and boasts an 4 speed Automatic transmission. The new i10 with all these goodies is priced from Rs 3.99 lakh ex-showroom onwards. What more do you want at that price?? The new i10 will definitely raises the bar of performance, fuel efficiency and emission.

According to Heung Soo Lheem, Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) Managing Director and CEO, “This engine is exclusively manufactured only in India, which shows Hyundai's commitment to the country and to make it a global small car hub,"

Hyundai Motor has become the fifth biggest carmaker in the world and the Indian operation contributes 12 per cent to its overall global sales, he added.

Lheem said the company has already received huge export orders for the new 'i10', but the quantum of exports would entirely depend on the domestic demand.

He, however, said the current 1.1 litre engine would continue to power both 'Santro' and 'i10', but the new Kappa engine would significantly raise the bar in this segment.

Since its launch eight months back, the company has sold 1.85 lakh units of 'i10', of which 75,000 units were sold in the domestic market.

THE WORLD’S BIGGEST MOTORCYCLE & IT RUNS!

Big boys love big toys... Ya, we like 'em big!
Don't get wrong ideas I'm not talking about the model in this picture was just talking about big bikes. GAWD! You guys are impossible!!

With its total length reaching over 11 feet (3.47 meters), the GUNBUS 410 is the most perfect combination of a tremendous performance potential and a well-balanced design. This monster is made of steel and aluminium.

The GUNBUS 410 sports the classical and elegant shape of a naked Sportsbike with massive 6728 CC, two-cylinder V-type engine... make you feel kinda tiny... but more importantly this beast promises to perform like no other. Sounds like your girlfriend, heh?GUNBUS terms such as size and performance have been given a completely different meaning.


SPEC
Engine:
* 2-cylinder; V-type arrangement
* Cylinder angle: 45°
* Stroke of piston: 176 mm
* Boring diameter: 156 mm
* Piston capacity: 6728 cm³, 410 cu inches
* Compression ratio: 8,7 : 1
* Maximum engine torque: 710 Nm at 1900 RPM
Transmission:
* 3-gear sequential transmission with reverse gear

Pics: motorcities.com

Harley Davidson buys MV Agusta & Cagiva!

American cruiser king Harley Davidson is set to buying the sexy Italian Superbike maker MV Agusta along with it's light bike manufacturing firm - Cagiva in an eye-popping $111 million (roughly Rs 476 crores) deal.

Earlier their were rumours were making the rounds about TATA Motors aiming to pick up stakes in MV Agusta, but probably Harley had a lot more to offer the Italian Super bike firm.
The MV Group is currently owned almost entirely by the Castiglioni family lead by Claudio Castiglioni. This multi-million dollar deal will transfer the ownership to Harley Davidson while Claudio Castiglioni will remain as chairman of the firm.

As long as there are no regulatory problems, the deal should be closed in a few weeks time and the priority for Harley Davidson is to speed up production after the recent months slowdown due to MV Agusta's financial problems.

MV fans should not despair as Design Chief Massimo Tamburini - the man responsible for the styling of many of the iconic Superbikes in recent years, will continue his current role so expect plenty more drool-worthy bikes from the Italian firm.

You guys have made my casual blog a super success!

I'm overwhelmed by your response and support. I never imagined you guys would make my blog a running success. And I promise to make this blog your favorite hang-out for all the latest and interesting biking buzz!

So loosen your tie, lay back on your chair and enjoy this very special treat... for your eyes only!

!! CAUTION !!
Make sure your old aunt is not sitting next to your while watching this video ;)

Hyundai introduces a No-Petrol LPG-Electric Hybrid car!

Hyundai is geared up to produce cars that won't need petrol! Now that's what I call news, specially with the 'speculating' prices of petrol and diesel. And it's the not so popular Elantra (at least in India) that gets the unique hybrid transformation.

The Korean auto major plans to start retail sales of its first LPG-electric hybrid car July 2009. The Elantra LPI Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) is the world’s first hybrid vehicle to be powered by liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and the first to adopt advanced Lithium Polymer (Li-Poly) batteries.

FACTS
• World’s first LPI hybrid, first to use advanced Lithium-Polymer batteries
• Operation costs poised to be lowest of any hybrid in the market
• “Hybrid premium” cost can be recouped in two years through fuel savings
• Emits just 103g/km of CO2 and 90% fewer pollutants to qualify as Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
• Initial sales restricted to Korea. Now thats not a great news :(

However, we have our fingers & everything else crossed and hope to see India's second most popular car maker to launch the LPG-electric hybrid car here eventually.

Hyundai Elantra as we know it in India

TVS is gearing up to offer four new two-wheelers this fiscal.

The RTR is here in its Fuel Injected avatar powered by a 159.7cc fuel injected engine, a first in this category that can pump up 15.9 ps at 8500 rpm and a peak torque of 13.1Nm at 6500 rpm. The RTR FI is TVS's attempt to strengthen its position in the premium segment, nicely priced at Rs 64,990 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

Lots of goodies on this bike like a blue backlit speedometer that introduces data logging another first in the category. Data pertaining to the last three zero to sixty timings and the last three top speeds are logged and displayed on the speedometer. This is a nice touch for the speed junky. The bike's new retractive tank scoop and open chain case ad to the already lethal looks of the RTR.

The RTR FI features a microprocessor consisting of an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) made up of sensors, a fuel pump and an injector. The ECU receives the data from sensors, processes it and delivers optimum fuel metering and ignition timing. TVS claims that the bike can reach a top speeds at 120kmph, can zip to 60kph in 4.8s and 100kph in 17.7s.


With most Japanese motorcycle giants trying to out-do each other in the high-end performance segment in India, TVS is planning to concentrating on the entry class segment. The firm is planning to launching two new motorcycles in the 100cc and 125cc and two new scooters. “We will introduce a few models this year, let’s say two scooters and two motorcycles,” said H.S. Goindi, head (marketing) of TVS Motors. “As far as our sales strategy is concerned, we will focus on the lower segment, which will help generate volume. On the other hand, our portfolio will also consist of premium bikes,” said Goindi.

Theres a lot happening in the Indian motorcycle scene. It's a little late but definitely a welcome change. What say?

For more on the RTR click here.

SPY VIDEO of Mahindra Ingenio!

You saw the first few SPY pictures of Mahindra Ingenio right here. Now get a taste of the sought after SUV in the flesh.

Enjoy the FIRST SPY VIDEO of Mahindra's next SUV the Ingenio.

More Mahindra Ingenio

Australian Police cars on Indian roads?

When I saw this Police car I couldn't believe my eyes. I'm sure neither will you when I tell you that this is a Calcutta Police car. Yup, this spunky Tata Indigo is used by cops of Rajarhat (The new town of Calcutta).

These pictures are share by my good friend Hussain S. from Kolkata. Fab. Work dude!!

An Australian Police car and a US Police car (right)

The checkered design is inspired by the police cars of Australia and the US. And they sure look great. Hope our cops become equally efficient ;) What say?!

Hayabusa's coming to town!

There's great news from Japanese auto giant Suzuki this time round. The bike that made John Abraham and probably the most popular super bike in India. The bike also happens to be the world’s fastest motorbike ever – Suzuki Hayabusa is ready for its official debut in India real soon. Suzuki has confirmed plans to the Suzuki Hayabusa (GSX 1300R) this September. The super bike in current production has speed limited to 299 km per hour. Jesus!

The good times just don't end there, Suzuki will also launch a second superbike the GXR 1000cc by November this year. God! Aren't we blessed to be living in these times?! And you were cribbing about life the other day, silly boys!

The Hayabusa sports a sexy 1340cc and would cost around Rs 11 lakh! No wonder Suzuki doesn't expect the sales of these super bike to sky rocket anytime soon...


“We will launch the bike in the first week of September,” said Atul gupta, vice-president, sales and marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India. “The demand for big bikes is actually more of a hype. Cumulatively these bikes sell only about 400 units per annum and we don't expect volumes as well. Alongwith the GXR we will probably do 150 units per annum.” Gupta reveals, “We are nevertheless launching the Hayabusa because it will showcase our strength as a bike manufacturer. Moreover these are already available in the grey market so we might as well legalise them.”
Great thinking sir! Bring 'em all on!

Scoop!! Yamaha FZ150 spy pictures!

First came the Yamaha R15 then the stunner from Honda – CBF 125 and now it time for the FZ150!! The Indian bike scene rocking like never before!

The FZ1 in the background...and the FZ150 with an International model astride.
Three beauties together is a sight ;)

The hunky beast FZ150 was caught being tested on road recently. Guess we don't have to wait for too long to see the FZ150 at our friendly neighbourhood Yamaha showroom.


When Yamaha FZ150 was unveiled during the Auto Expo earlier this year, it was love at first sight for all bike enthusiasts present there. After the launch of the superb R15 Yamaha is turning their attention on launching the FZ150.

Yamaha has nicely implemented the design elements of their popular naked bike FZ1 onto its miniscule cousin FZ15 . Probably the 'F' in FZ150 stands for 'Fabulous' as the naked bike with its muscular tank, chunky forks, wide rear tyre and stout exhaust, probably makes it the sexiest motorcycle ever manufactured in India.


The FZ150 will sport an engine (150cc) similar to the Yamaha's previous blockbuster the R15, but with a carburetor. Hopefully this would pump around 14 to 15 bhp, with amazing mid-range performance and should be priced around Rs 70,000.

The brilliant spy pictures of the FZ15 in action was taken by Ishaan from Team-Bhp.com.

Watch this space for more info.

Get ready for Honda CBR 1000cc!

The President and CEO, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt Ltd, Mr Shinji Aoyama, and the Operating Officer, General Manager, Planning Division Honda Motorcycle R&D Centre, Japan, Mr Kenji Kawaguchi, at the launch of Honda CBF Stunner motorcycle in New Delhi on Monday July 30th 2008.


Honda launched the CBF Stunner in New Delhi this Monday. The 125 cc bike will be priced from Rs 47,070 up to Rs 51,655 (ex-showroom Delhi). HSMI is also planning to introduce two more new models this year, a scooter and a motorcycle. Remember you got the news first on www.madsarmad.blogspot.com. There are more pictures of the CBF in my previous post... check them out as well.


So now the question is, will HMSI would eat into sibling Hero Honda’s market shares?
Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HSMI) said that it would not compete with its sister company, Hero Honda on volumes but by gaining recognition of its brand and customer satisfaction.

“Hero Honda is expanding and we are also expanding. I don’t think we can catch up with Hero Honda….There is no way. To us being number one does not mean scale in business or volumes, but getting recognised as an admired brand and through our customer satisfaction,” Mr Shinji Aoyama, President and CEO.

Honda CRB 1000 RR













This might sound like music to your ears... Honda is gonna tease and please you... the Japanese giant is all set to launch the CBR 1000 real soon. Better start saving!



Here are the specs. of Honda CBF Stunner
Engine type: 4 stroke, Air cooled OHC single cylinder
Displacement: 124.7cc
Price: Rs 47,070 up to Rs 51,655 (ex-showroom Delhi)
Max power: 11bhp @ 8000rpm
Max Torque: 11Nm @ 6500rpm
Starting system: Kick/self
Gear shift pattern: 1 Down - up
Headlamp: 35/35W 12V Halogen
Front suspension: Telescopic hydraulic fork
Rear suspension: 3 step spring loaded hydraulic shock absorver with recangular box type swing arm
Front tyre: 80/100-17″ 46p (tubeless)
Rear tyre: 100/90-17 55p (tubeless)
Front brake: 130mm drum (optional 240mm disc)
Rear brake: 130mm drum brake
Length: 2012mm
Width: 734mm
Height: 1113mm
Wheelbase: 1271mm
Ground Clearance: 173mm
Fuel tank capacity: 10 liters (2 liter reserve)
Kerb weight: 129kg

If you still ain't satisfies and need more details click on the link below:
HONDA CBF STUNNER