Slumping Indian Car Market Spur Cheap Cars

There are ways that we can do for us not to sacrifice any of our needs and wants – like luxury items such as accessories, new car parts and cars. And we also do need to consider other things before we go on ahead and purchase what we want or need. For example, if you were to buy a car, you would consider stuff like budget, price, model, brand, features, and specifications.

In India, the slumping market they have right now is considered to be one of the factors to encourage buyers to go for cheap cars. Based from the report by the Agence France-Presse, Nissan-Renault, India’s Tata Motors and Global Automobiles are on their way to work on this potential strategy.

This approach will help out alleviate the recent situation of the Indian auto market. At the same time, they are looking forward to see more number of car buyers making a deal with Nissan-Renault and the other two carmakers. All companies are working hand in hand to be able to offer the latest car models by just paying $3,000 or less.

As consequence of the scheme, almost all Indians who own motorcycles who could by no means meet the expenses of owning a car however they will be given the chance to own one of those models that the companies will be introducing.

Nissan Renault, Tata Motors and Global Automobiles are the knights in shining armor of the Indian auto market. It has been recorded that the auto sales for the month of April and May has been accessing to a downward slope in the demand curve.

The first one will be Tata’s small car and this one will cost 100,000 to 125,000 rupees. Using the present dollar exchange that costs about $2,457 to $3,017 – this one will be manufactured in the communist-run state of West Bengal and accessible by next year.

Ajay Shethia, an analyst with Enam Securities, said that “the management has indicated that a prototype of the small car is ready. It could be a four-seater with an engine capacity of 630cc.”

Even though India has major road situations and air quality troubles, the said cars are perceived to be the cure for they have been created to meet the lower emissions’ standards.

The Nissan-Renault company broadcasted last week that they perceived small vehicle development as eye-catching and that they desire to manufacture a car in India in collaboration with Mahindra and Mahindra.

Anyway, if given the chance, the situation will be more advantageous for those companies to manufacture their vehicles in India because of low cost of production which is quite the same thing in Japan.

McLaren Victorious on USGP

For the second time, Lewis Hamilton has once again grabbed the first place in the recent US Grand Prix, making it his second F1 career victory. Fernando Alonso, Lewis’ teammate, was only behind by 1.5 seconds from Lewis notching the second place over-all. Certainly it was an exciting finish for the McLaren team! It was the team’s third one-two finish of the season at the historical Indiana Motor Speedway marking their third consecutive victory for team McLaren.

Let’s try to hear what the two McLaren drivers have to say after a successful campaign in the US Grand Prix at Indiana Motor Speedway. And before anything else, congratulations to Lewis and Alonso and also to the rest of team McLaren!

“It just keeps getting better and better – what an amazing week this has been. I can’t believe that I have won and am so incredibly grateful to the team who have worked to hard to continue the development which has seen us taking one-two here today. Everything went right; start, pitstops, strategy and I’m really happy,” expresses Lewis Hamilton.

“I was under pressure all the way from Fernando and we were both pushing as hard as possible. I made a good start to maintain the advantage but Fernando was right there. In the second stint Fernando managed to get really close when my tyres were graining, and he had a go at the end of the straight, but I was able to keep him behind. It’s been a long and hot day, but I have really enjoyed myself and the support from the fans,” Hamilton adds.

“I didn’t win but I finally managed to leave Indianapolis with a trophy. I think the race was decided after the first corner, and I didn’t manage to get past. All I could do was to stay as close to Lewis as possible. We were side-by-side on one occasion, but it was all fair and square and it was good racing. I was constantly in his slipstream and was getting all kind of dirt from the brakes on my overalls, the car and the helmet which was why I sometimes went slightly off line to try and get some clean air,” muses Fernando Alonso.

“The car was working well, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season. At the end of the day the team can leave Indianapolis having extended the gap to Ferrari in the Constructors’ battle and having eight points is better than none. I’m looking forward to going back to Europe and the rest of the season,” he concludes.

Saab Cars: 5 Years of Excellency

I think it’s about time to refresh ourselves and focus on other significant matters aside from a bunch of auto parts and accessories. Ok, so what do we have here? It’s the awards and highlights of Saab cars for the past five years. Pretty cool stuff, huh? Anyway, this will show us how great Saab is in building such quality cars. No wonder they always get the attention from all car enthusiasts around the world! See the facts for yourself!

Let’s start way back 2003 when they collected five awards.

• Saab 9-5 2003 model gets awarded a five star rating by the EuroNCAP in crash tests done.

• Saab 9-5 2003 model was awarded a five star rating by the US US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for side-impact crash tests for the driver position.
• Saab 9-3 sport sedan was given a 5-star Safety Rating by the IIHS.
• Saab 9-5 sedan gets 5-star Safety Rating from the IIHS.
• Saab 9-5 is given the distinction as the Safest Car in Sweden by Sweden’s Folksam insurance company.

2004

• Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is awarded the “Double Best Pick” designation by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It is the first passenger car to achieve this distinction.

• Saab 9-3 Convertible 2004 model is awarded a five star rating by the European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP) in crash tests done.
• Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is the first car ever to earn “double best pick” in the IIHS Side Impact Crash Test Results.
• Saab 9-5 Sedan is awarded the 2004 Car Book Best Bet by the Car Book in conjunction with the Center for Auto Safety.
• Saab 9-5 SportWagon is awarded the 2004 Car Book Best Bet by the Car Book in conjunction with the Center for Auto Safety.
• Saab 9-3 convertible is given a 5-star Safety Rating by the EuroNCAP.

2005

• The ethanol-powered Saab 9-5 2.0t BioPower has been honored with Popular Science magazine’s “Best of What’s New” award, 2005.

• The 2005 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan earned the IIHS’ “Top Safety Pick – Gold Award”, 2006.

2006

• 2.8 V6 Turbo powertrain 9-3 engine was named among the ‘10 Best Engines for 2006′ by the editorial staff of Ward’s Automotive Communications.

• The Saab 9-5 received a 5-star frontal crash test rating for front-seat passengers by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• 2006 Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year’ Award received in the best value, on-road category from Active.Com and the Gen-A Network, Saab 9-3 SportCombi.
• Red Dot Design Award from the German Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen.
• “Best in Show” award by AutoWeek Magazine at the 2006 Geneva Auto Show.

2007

• The Saab 9-3 Convertible: 2007 “Top Safety Pick” for open-top models by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

• “Top Safety Pick Award” for 2007
• 2007: Top Safety Pick
• 2006: Top Safety Pick- Gold Award
• 2005: Double Best Pick
• The Saab 9-7X SUV: “Best SUV for Resale” of any SUV in the US by Kiplinger.com.
• “First for safety in the $25-30k class” by Kiplinger.com.

Down To The Bare Necessities

“This is the Atom. What you see is what you get – if it doesn’t need it, it hasn’t got it.” That summed it up for the Atom according to its manufacturer, Ariel Motor Company based in Somerset, England. If there is a naked bike, then the Atom is a naked car.

The nakedness of the Atom is apparent the first time one looks at it. Check this out. The chassis of the car is its body. Yup! You read that last part right. It does not have any window or door or roof or body panels, it’s just a frame with an engine mounted at the back of the driver. Of course, it has the bare essentials – the steering and suspension systems, lubrication and other systems.

It looks like a Formula One car and it is inspired by those fast cars. You will not find entertainment systems in the Atom but it gives you one exhilarating ride. With its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, it can reach 60 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds from a standstill.

According to http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z10205/Ariel_Atom/default.aspx, here are the specs for this nimble naked racer.

Engine:

• Engine Configuration: I

• Cylinders: 4
• Engine: Honda iVTEC. Aluminum alloy block, cylinder head, sump. Chain drive
• Aspiration/Induction: Normal
• Displacement: 1998.00 cc | 121.9 cu in. | 2 L.
• Valves: 16 valves. 4 valves per cylinder.
• Valvetrain: DOHC
• Horsepower: 220.00 BHP (161.9 KW) @ 8200.00 RPM
• Torque: 196.00 NM (144.5 Ft-Lbs) @ 6100.00 RPM
• HP to Weight Ratio: 4.6 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
• HP / Liter: 110.0 BHP / Liter
• Redline: 8600
• Bore: 86.00 mm | 3.4 in.
• Stroke: 86.00 mm | 3.4 in.
• Fuel Type: Gasoline – Petrol

Standard Transmission:

• Gears: 6

• Transmission: Manual Aluminum alloy casing, Hydraulic clutch

Dimensions:

• Seating Capacity :2

• Length: 3410.001 mm or 134.3 in.
• Width: 1798.001 mm or 70.8 in.
• Height: 1195.001 mm or 47 in.
• Wheelbase: 2345.001 mm or 92.3 in.
• Front Track: 1600.001 mm or 63 in.
• Rear Track: 1600.001 mm or 63 in.

Suspension:

• Double unequal length wishbones.

• Outboard adjustable rod ends.
• Inboard rubber bushes.
• Lightweight fabricated uprights.
• Adjustable suspension push rods.
• Aluminum bell cranks.
• Adjustable inboard.

According to its manufacturer, the Atom is on its way to the United States. I don’t know though if it would pass the safety standards of the country. So for those who, like me, are interested in an Atom, the time draw near that this naked car will grace US roads.

2007 Pontiac Solstice: The Car Everybody’s Craving For

What cravings do you have lately? You’ll probably say the best seafood cuisine ever and, of course, the 2007 Pontiac Solstice! I know you crave for this car as much as I do… As much as all we do! Oh yeah, you can feel the desire of every new car buyer longing to own this gorgeous ride!

The 2007 Pontiac Solstice is included in the Forbes Top Cars of 2007 which is definitely expected by the crowd. The exterior styling of the Solstice can be compared to chocolate – the more you stare at it, the more you long to eat it! It is way similar to the woman of your dreams – the first time you see her, you fall in love right then and there!

The 2007 Pontiac Solstice is everything we crave about. It definitely has the quality to be called as one of the most loved and most desired cars today.

Try to check out the 2007 Solstice’s features and know why this is one craving you should definitely grab!

Interior & exterior features courtesy of http://www.pontiac.com/solstice/index.jsp:

• Air bags, frontal, driver and right front passenger with passenger sensing system

• Heater, outside air, with fan
• Air conditioning, single-zone, manual
• Audio system, AM/FM stereo with CD player, includes seek-and-scan and digital clock and auxiliary input jack for MP3 players
• Audio system, AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback includes auxiliary input jack for MP3 players
• Audio system, AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD player/MP3 playback includes auxiliary input jack for MP3 players
• Audio system feature, 6-speaker system
• Audio system feature, Monsoon premium 7-speaker system with 2 – 6″ door speakers, 2 – 1″ A-pillar tweeters, 2 – 3.5″ rear speakers and 1 subwoofer
• Audio system feature, XM Satellite Radio With a wide variety of programming,
• Cruise control, electronic with set and resume speed
• Cup holders, 2 in rear center console and 1 on passenger-side of front center console
• Defogger, rear-window, electric
• Door locks, manual
• Door locks, power
• Driver information Center, cruise control, steering wheel accessory controls, monitors numerous systems depending on vehicle equipment
• Floormats, color-keyed and carpeted
• Convertible top, manual folding, cloth with rear glass window and integral rear defogger
• Daytime running lamps
• Fog lamps, front, halogen
• Glass, Solar-Ray light tinted
• Headlamps, halogen composite with automatic exterior lamp control and flash-to-pass feature
• License plate bracket, front (included on orders with ship-to states that require a front license plate)
• Mirrors, outside rearview, manual, body-color, folding
• Mirrors, outside rearview, power-adjustable, body-color, folding
• Spoiler, rear
• Wipers, front intermittent wet-arm, variable

Hottest Sports Cars in Forbes This 2007

Are you into sports cars? Well, I guess you have had enough of the CUVs and conventional sedans that now, I presume that you are in need of a speedy car that goes out of the race track. What do you think? However, thinking about buying a sports car is easier compared to choosing which model will definitely satisfy your hunger for speed.

Just as you think about buying a new sports car, Forbes.com recently released a list of the hottest sports cars for the year 2007. Sounds good to you, right? Now, you are given enough hints on which sports car is right for the choosy buyer that you are.

These sports cars are new cars with outstanding performance as tested by some of the high classified writers of Forbes.com. These cars are found to have an improved performance and they offer more exciting new specs than ever. The modern ones are retuned as well as the old one which received a huge amount of revamps to make it closer to perfection.

Here are the sports cars included on the hottest list of 2007:

Hottest Cars in Forbes this 2007:

• Bentley Continental GTC

• BMW Z4 Coupe
• BMW Z4 M Coupe
• Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
• Jaguar XK/XKR
• Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
• Pontiac Solstice GXP
• Porsche 911 GT3
• Porsche 911 Targa
• Porsche 911 Turbo
• Saturn Sky

Now, you have the list. The only thing you need to do is to choose which one is best for you.