Monday, August 31, 2009

A COMPARISON OF INDICA VISTA, FIAT PUNTO AND MARUTI RITZ









Which one is better? Fiat Punto or Maruti Ritz or Tata Indica Vista? A detailed comparison is given.



Design and Styling

Though these hatchbacks look smaller in size, there is enough interior space in all three of them. All of them have most modern styling and design. Where Punto and Vista have Italian Design, Ritz owes its design to the Japanese.

The Fiat Punto's grill is similar to that of Maserati cars. The sloping wind screen, entirely different bonet, mercury drop headlamp, the front quarter glass and the long bumper gives Punto a stylish look. Punto is a medium size car with 195-60 R 15 tyres and larger wheel arches. The suspension has been lifted a little for Indian models. The Fiat logo and vertical tail lamps at the rear captures everyone's attention. The higher models have ABS, airbags and automatic a/c.

The design of A-star has influenced the Ritz's design a lot. The design has similarities to that of A-star. But when closely examined, both can be distinguished quickly. The rear side of Ritz itself differs from that of A-star. The Ritz has a more sporty look. It is equipped with security features such as ABS and EBD. The diesel model doesn't have alloy wheels. New Ritz comes in 5 colours. The interior of Ritz has a blue-black colour coding.

The Tata Indica Vista comes in a new platform with Fiat engine. The new model is larger in size than its predecessor Indica. The smiling grill as in old Indica gives a similarity with the old model. The new vista has a compact design. The headlamps in new vista gives Vista a modern look. The tail lamps are same as that in old Indica. The Vista has body colour rub rails, door handle and wing mirrors. Vista comes in three variants-Terra, Aqua and Aura among which Aura is cuter. Vista hav larger interior spacing and comfortable interiors.

Comparatively, the Ritz has a more radical design. Punto has pure European design. The biege interior of Vista is also good. But vista doesn't have steering stereo controls.

Among the three cars, passenger cabin space is higher for Vista. The dicky space for the three is:

* Punto-280L

* Ritz -236L

* Vista -232L



Driving

The 1.3 multi-jet engine in the three cars gives different performance. The weight, suspension features, tyre size, gear ratio etc. influences the performance a lot.

May be because of the higher gear ratio of Punto, the power of Punto is above 2000 rpm. The Punto with 1190 kg has more weight among the three. As a result, there is a little lag. The 0-100km time is slightly greater. The topspeed is 155km. As it can be driven at 30km/hr even above 3rd gear, city driving is easier. 15 inch tyres increases road grip and road handling. All together, Punto has all comforts of an European car.

The Ritz which is built on Swift platform is larger in size than Swift. The larger size is reflected in the driving also. The Ritz weighs 1110 kg only. As a result, Ritz has highest performance among the three. The max. power is above 2000 rpm. Among the three, only Ritz has electric steering.

Vista is also heavier than Ritz. It weighs 1140 kg. As a result pick up has decreased a little. Larger size increases Vista's road grip. Light clutch and improved gear shift increases Vista's drivability. Vista is no.1 in travel comfort.



TECH SPECIFICATIONS



INDICA VISTA

FIAT PUNTO

MARUTI RITZ

ENGINE

1248 cc, 4 Cylinder, Quadrajet

1248 cc, 4 Cylinder DDiS

1248 cc, 4 Cylinder, Multijet

MAX. POWER

74 bhp @ 4000 rpm

74 bhp @ 4000 rpm

74 bhp @ 4000 rpm

MAX. TORQUE

190 Nm @ 1750 rpm

190 Nm @ 1750 rpm

190 Nm @ 2000 rpm

GEAR TRANSMISSION

5 Speed manual

5 Speed manual

5 Speed manual

SUSPENSION

Front:-Independent, Mac Pherson Struts, Coil springs

Rear:-Semi Independent, twist beam with coil spring and shock absorbers.

Front:-Independent, Mac Pherson Struts, telescopic Dampers, stabilizer bar Compound link crank axle

Rear:-Torsion beam axle

Front:-Independent, Mac Pherson Struts, Coil springs

Rear:-Torsion beam and Coil spring

BRAKES

Front:-Discs

Rear:-Drums

Front:-Discs

Rear:-Drums

Front:-Discs

Rear:-Drums

TYRES

175/65 R 14

195/60 R 15

165/80 R 14

L X W X H (mm)

3795 X 1695 X 1550

3987 X 1687 X 1495

3715 X 1680 X 1620

WHEEL BASE (mm)

2470

2510

2360

GROUND CLEARANCE (mm)

165

170

170

KERB WEIGHT

1140 kg

1190 kg

1110 kg

TURNING RADIUS

5 m

5.25 m

4.7 m

MILEAGE

15.15 km/L

15.6 km/L

17.35 km/L

PRICE

Rs.4.46 - 4.75 lakhs

Rs.4.92 - 6.18 lakhs

Rs.4.65 - 4.99 lakhs





Performance

0-100km time



* Punto-17.84 s

* Ritz -15.18 s

* Vista -16.36 s



Mileage



* Punto-15.6 km

* Ritz -17.35 km

* Vista -15.15 km



Price



* Punto-Rs.4.92 - 6.18 lakhs

* Ritz -Rs.4.65 - 4.99 lakhs

* Vista -Rs.4.46 - 4.75 lakhs



Verdict



For performance lovers, Ritz is the best option. For those who prefer brand and styling, Punto is no.1. For those who consider price, interior spacing and maintenance cost, Vista is the best choice.



Tags:- Fiat Punto vs Maruti Ritz vs Tata Indica Vista, Fiat Punto, Punto, Indica Vista, Vista, Tata Indica Vista, Ritz, Maruti Ritz, Maruti Suzuki Ritz, Maruti Suzuki Ritz specifications, Maruti Suzuki Ritz specs, Maruti Ritz specifications, Suzuki Ritz specs, Maruti Ritz mileage, Maruti Ritz price, Maruti Ritz engine, Maruti Ritz features, Tata Indica Vista specifications, Tata Indica Vista specs, Tata Indica Vista mileage, Tata Indica Vista performance, Tata Indica Vista price, Tata Indica Vista features, Fiat Punto specifications, Fiat Punto specs, Fiat Punto features, Fiat Punto price, Fiat Punto mileage, Fiat Punto and Maruti Ritz comparison, Fiat Punto and Indica Vista comparison, Maruti Ritz and Indica Vista comparison

Sunday, August 30, 2009

TOP 5 ENERGY EFFICIENT AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGIES

Variable Valve Timing:-
Variable Valve Timing is a mechanical-electronic technology that enables the engine to have multiple camshafts. This system allows these camshafts to change timings of the intake or exhaust valves during the engines operation. Infact, the VVT is a generic term for an automobile piston technology.
The advantage of VVT is that the system can directly select valve timing and the valve lift corresponding to the operating speed of the engine.
Most of the Ferrari cars and Honda cars use this technology. HondaÅ› new city is equipped with this technology which offers outstanding performance and thrilling driving dynamics.
The major benefits of this technology are improved fuel efficiency and optimized performance over a wide variety of driving conditions.
Turbochargers and Superchargers:-
Turbochargers and Superchargers are technologies that are equipped in the engine to force compressed air into the cylinder. An increased amount of fuel and air is supplied to the engineÅ› cylinder. This increase power output and performance because more air-fuel mixture is used for combustion.
A turbocharger is driven by exhaust from the engine whereas a supercharger fan is powered by the engine itself.
Nowadays, most turbochargers and superchargers are intercooled. As a result the compressed air can be cooled once it comes out of the compressor. As the air is cooled the air becomes denser and puts less stress on the engine components, further improving performance.
Today, cars like Chevrolet Optra, Fiat Palio etc. are equipped with turbocharged diesel engine. The advantage is the amazing performance.
Direct Fuel Injection:-
Direct Fuel Injection is a Fuel Delivery technology. It was introduced in 2004. This aims at enabling the petrol engines to burn fuel more efficiently. As a result, the power output increases, emission reduces and fuel efficiency is improved. In a direct-injection system, the fuel is injected directly into the cylinder and the air enters through the intake manifold. This advanced technology allows more control over the amount of fuel injected and time taken for injection. This also helps in a more complete combustion that further helps to churn out more power from each drop of gasoline.
Today, many car manufacturers including Audi have incorporated Direct Fuel Injection technology. In India, cars like Indica V2, Indigo, Safari etc. uses this technology.
Continuously Variable Transmission:-
The Continuously Variable Transmission is a type of automatic transmission which brings out more usable power, improves fuel efficiency, and offers a smoother driving experience.
The CVT enables easy, efficient and quick change in gear ratios between maximum and minimum values. This enables the engine to run at its most efficient rpm (Revolutions Per Minute) over a range of speeds. This has the power to handle powerful engines and provide quicker acceleration while maintaining superior fuel efficiency.
Among the Indian cars, the Honda Civic hybrid and Mitsubishi Lancer use CVT.

Automated Manual Transmission:-
The Automated Manual Transmission technology combines the features of both manual and automatic transmission technologies. Its functioning is much similar to the manual transmission in the sense that it doesn´t require clutch actuation. This system is hydraulically/electronically controlled.
The key benefits are smooth and quick gear shifting and improved drivability.

Tags:- top energy efficient car technology, energy efficiency, energy efficient technologies, automobile technology, efficient automobile technologies, Variable Valve Timing, Automated Manual Transmission, Turbocharger, Supercharger, Direct Fuel Injection, Continuously Variable Transmission, VVT, AMT, DFI, CVT, top 5 technologies

Thursday, August 27, 2009

2010 Saab 9-5



General Motors unveiled the new 2010 Saab 9-5. The 2010 Saab 9-5 features includes an aircraft-inspired head-up information display (HUD); adaptive headlights (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; dual-zone climate control; dynamic parking assistance, and Saab XWD with eLSD: the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.





The 2010 Saab 9-5 all-turbo powertrain line-up is the broadest ever offered by Saab, carrying forward Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy focusing on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient four cylinder turbo engines. There is a choice of three fuels – petrol, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km.

The 2010 Saab 9-5 will have its public debut at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show and will be available in three trim levels, Linear, Vector or Aero.






2010 Lotus Exige Cup 260



The 2010 Model Year Lotus Exige Cup 260 takes design clues and technical innovations from the Lotus Exige GT3 racecar and combines with class leading emissions of just 199 g/km CO2 and exhilarating performance of 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds.



The Lotus Exige Cup 260 comes with aerodynamic package which produces 42 kg of downforce at 160 km/h (100 mph) increasing grip and stability at higher speeds. With a top speed of circa 245 km/h (152 mph) and a zero to 160 km/h (100 mph) in circa 9.9 seconds, 0 to 100 km/h in circa 4.1 seconds (0 to 60 mph in circa 4 seconds), the MY2010 Lotus Exige Cup 260 is the perfect partner for the serious racer. Combined Fuel Consumption is 8.5 l/100km and the CO2 emissions 199 g/km. The supercharged and intercooled engine in the Lotus Exige Cup 260 has a maximum power output of 260 PS (257 hp) at 8000 rpm and a torque figure of 236 Nm (174 lbft) at 6000 rpm.





The 2010 Lotus Exige Cup 260 wheels are shod with Lotus specific LTS construction and compound Yokohama A048 tyres to maximise grip and achieve the ride and handling targets set by Lotus engineers. For GCC States Yokohama A048 LTS tyres are replaced with Toyo Proxes R888 tyres.

Recommended retail price (including VAT) for the UK is £45,000 and for the Euro Zone Countries is estimated at €52,899, not including taxes, transportation, and paperwork.



Wednesday, August 26, 2009

NEW FIAT BRAVO 2009 STILLS AND PHOTOGALLERY




Tags:- Fiat Bravo stills, Fiat Bravo Fiat Bravo photogallery, Fiat Bravo photos, Fiat Bravo gallery, Fiat Bravo pictures, Fiat Bravo pics, Fiat Bravo wallpapers, Fiat Bravo walls, Fiat Bravo images, Fiat Bravo launch, Fiat Bravo release, Fiat Bravo price, Fiat Bravo specifications, Fiat Bravo specs, Fiat Bravo features, Fiat Bravo colours, Fiat Bravo exterior, Fiat Bravo interior, Fiat Bravo dashboard, Fiat Bravo reviews, Fiat Bravo testdrive.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

TOYOTA FORTUNER WALLPAPERS, STILLS AND PHOTOGALLERY




Tags:- Toyota Fortuner release, Toyota Fortuner launch, Toyota Fortuner launch date, Toyota Fortuner release date, Toyota Fortuner specifications, Toyota Fortuner specs, Toyota Fortuner stills, Toyota Fortuner photos, Toyota Fortuner photogallery, Toyota Fortuner images, Toyota Fortuner gallery, Toyota Fortuner wallpapers, Toyota Fortuner walls, Toyota Fortuner engine, Toyota Fortuner price, Toyota Fortuner colours, Toyota Fortuner in india, Toyota Fortuner booking, Toyota Fortuner exterior, Toyota Fortuner interior, Toyota Fortuner 2009, Toyota Fortuner estimated price, Toyota Fortuner dash board, Toyota Fortuner SUV

2009 ABT Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10












The ABT Audi R8 V10 kit includes a new front grill, front and rear skirts, a rear spoiler and a sidebar. The ABT Audi R8 V10 sits on BR-type 20-inch wheels and comes with ABT 4-pipe exhaust system.

ABT Sportsline has unveiled their Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10 upgrade program. The ABT Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10 is powered by the standard 5.2 FSI V10 engine that has been modified to output 600 PS/441 kW. 75 extra HP or 55 more kW provides a powerful trust at all speeds as well as increasing the torque. The ABT Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10 accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, top speed of 322 km/h.

Monday, August 24, 2009

2009 NISSAN MURANO STILLS AND PHOTOGALLERY






Tags:- Nissan Murano stills, Nissan Murano photos, Nissan Murano images, Nissan Murano pictures, Nissan Murano pics, Nissan Murano photogallery, Nissan Murano gallery, Nissan Murano wallpapers, Nissan Murano walls, Nissan Murano specifications, Nissan Murano specs, Nissan Murano features, Nissan Murano exterior, Nissan Murano interior, Nissan Murano price, Nissan Murano showrooms, Nissan Murano booking, Nissan Murano colours, Nissan Murano testdrive, Nissan Murano engine, Nissan Murano dashboard