Archive for the ‘Wheels’ Category

2010 Jaguar XK

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

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Speed has never looked so seductive. Prepare to get bewitched by the sensuous aura that emanates from by an aluminum skin stretched taut over a body structure, which is sculpted with immaculate precision to cut through the air with aerodynamic efficiency. Even when Jaguar XK is at standstill, it conjures the sense of menacing speed, like any quintessential racing horse that is has been bred to scorch the racetrack under its mighty hooves. At the core of its being, the Jaguar XK carries an all-new supercharged 5.0 Litre V8 engine, featuring variable inlet camshaft phasing to develop 510PS and a peak torque of 625Nm. That is the kind of engine that you need to experience the adrenalin rush of acceleration that will take the vehicle from 0 to 60mph in just 4.6 seconds.

The sports car’s monocoque bodyshell has been designed using epoxy bonding and riveting techniques common in the aerospace industry. The result is a vehicle that is quite light and yet it is incredibly strong. The XK’s electronically controlled, six-speed transmission does a perfect job of letting you experience the smoothest gearshifts and the most optimum performance. Then there is the innovative system called Trac Dynamic Stability Control, which is designed to intervene by applying braking to individual wheels and reducing engine torque, whenever the driving situation turns too demanding. You can drive with exceptional agility and still expect the vehicle to come at a smooth stop at a moment’s notice.

The truth is that when you hop inside a Jaguar, you expect not just creature comforts and speed; you also expect state of the art entertainment. Enter Bowers and Wilkins 525W premium sound system. Entrance your senses with latest Bollywood music as you race down the highway. Some other technologies that you can expect from you Jaguar XK include touchscreen navigation, keyless entry with keyless start, a seven-inch video display, Bluetooth, front and rear park assist, and electronic parking brake. The Jaguar XK is clearly geared to transmogrify into the new X factor in your life. After all, who can resist taming such a powerful cat.

Audi Q5

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010
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One of the best vehicles to come out of 2009 includes the Audi Q5. This compact SUV features a bulbous rear end with an aggressive grille, made to look even meaner with the optional daytime running LEDs – just what you need to showcase the kind of panache that will make heads turn wherever you go. Scaled up from the platform of the Audi A4 sedan, the Q5 measures 182 inches overall, 74.8 inches wide and 65.2 inches high, but with an extremely large wheelbase of 110.5-inch, the Q5 is able to maximise passenger volume. Indeed there is 101.5 cubic feet of living space, with 29.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Just the right amount of space to allow you and your girlfriend to travel in superb luxury and comfort.

Incorporation of high-strength steel in the body structure means that the car is as tough as it looks. The hood and tailgate are made from aluminum to reduce weight, and aluminum is used extensively in the suspension as well. The supercharged engine under the hood is capable of delivering amazing horsepower, making it so easy to get peak output with effortless ease. Even the brakes are rock solid and the Q5 will come from 60 mph to zero in just 117 feet. This is just the kind of SUV that you would want to be driving when you head out to the uneven and unreliable Indian countryside. Potholes, no problem. And while you are driving your state of art SUV, you can enjoy your favorite Bollywood music on the Bang & Olufsen 505-watt 14-speaker sound system.

2010 Cadillac CTS-V

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

2010 Cadillac CTS-V
When you first glance at the Cadillac CTS-V, you don’t realize how powerful the engine is or how plush the interiors are. But once you step behind the wheel of this sexy cat and grab it by its tail, you will find it purring with excitement. This high performance sedan is practical, it looks good, and it is a thrill to ride. Powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged version of the Chevrolet Corvette’s V8 engine, this car has the potential to produce 556 hp of raw power. Embellished with GM’s Magnetic Ride Control suspension, the car uses sensors to monitor road conditions and adjust suspension tuning accordingly.

No matter what kind of terrain you are driving on, you can rest assured that your ride is going to be as smooth and comfortable as possible. A performance level of 14-mpg in the city and 19-mpg on the highway is quite impressive for a sedan of this size. The interior turns out to be lavish enough to inspire awe. The Recaro-brand seats come with 14-way adjustment. Even the shift lever and the steering wheel come embellished in fancy material that feels soothing to touch. The interior is so spacious that if the recession hit you badly just buy one of these and move into it. Just make sure your girlfriend doesn’t move in and start decorating.

Price – $60,720
2010 Cadillac CTS-V

2010 Porsche Panamera

Monday, October 19th, 2009

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With its 500-horsepower turbo V8 engine and all-wheel drive system, this 4-door luxury sedan, embellished with superb Porsche design elements all over its stylish body, is clearly the car to look out for in 2010. This is a highly energetic machine, one that will allow you to go above 170 mph without any problem at all. While you are enjoying your adrenalin pumping speed, you can also take satisfaction from the fact that you are being easy on the environment – the Panamera is built to offer a high degree of fuel efficiency. Hope you don’t get deluded by the extra-low and sleek coupe silhouette that the Panamera emphasizes, because the car’s interior offer an amazing amount of space for four passengers to chill out in luxury. And there is no scarcity of storage space capable of digesting ample amounts of luggage. Panamera seems to have found a lavish way of pampering its passengers with yards of leather, fine wood (or carbon fiber), aluminum trim, and high-quality plastics. Then there is the state of the art dashboard that makes driving a breeze. You also get an array of audio and video systems that can be used to make the ride even more joyous. But if you really want to enjoy the Panamera experience to its fullest extent, you have to go in for the Porsche’s Sports Chrono Package, which is capable of elevating the car’s performance at the touch of a button.

Price – Starting at $89,800

Lamborghini Reventón Roadster

Saturday, October 17th, 2009
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The veil has finally been lifted off from the latest beauty in Lamborghini’s ensemble – the ultra stylish Reventón Roadster. There are absolutely no disappointments, other than the price and the number of cars that are going to be manufactured. The Reventón Roadster can lighten your wallet by as much as $1.7 million, but you will have to be immeasurably lucky to bag one – less than 20 cars are going to be manufactured. That means there are more billionaires in the world than there are Reventón Roadsters. Billed as the most extreme car in the history of the brand, the Reventón is set to deliver the ultimate adrenalin rush of catapulting its riders from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of tunnel vision inducing 205 mph. The power for this kind of incredible speed comes from a 6.5 litre twelve-cylinder that generates 493 kW (670 PS). But state of the art technology is not the only aspect in which the Lamborghini scores, it also boasts of killer looks. Heads turn naturally to take a second peek at the stealth fighter-inspired angular bodywork, which is the result of multi-layered angular panels, crafted from carbon fibre. The stealth fighter influence extends to the cars lavish interior, which is embellished with exquisitely constructed aircraft style instruments. But the thing is that with only twenty being built, you are more likely to run across a stealth aircraft rather than a Reventón Roadster.

Lexus IS Convertible

Saturday, September 19th, 2009

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If you love long rides through the countryside then you are going the relish the 2010 Lexus IS Convertible. Imagine driving with the top down with fresh air blowing through your hair and soulful music coming out of the stereo system. Toyota is set to put two versions of the vehicle on the road – the IS 250C and the IS 350C. In both the sedans, thePowetrain choices are going to remain the same. What will change is the ultimate performance level that users get to experience, and that is because of the differences in the type of engines that these vehicles carry under their hood. The IS 250C is powered by a 2.4L V6 engine, which is capable of delivering 204 HP, while the IS 350C is geared to clock 306 HP thanks to its 3.5L V6 engine.

Both the sedans look equally handsome and conjure the right amount of menace on the road, because of their lowered stance, dished wheels and rolled exhaust tips. Constructed from lightweight aluminum, the three-panel roof structure in these sedans do a marvelous job of achieving smooth, quiet retraction; it also helps provide compact packaging and convenient luggage space. In fact, the top can disappear in just twenty seconds. Watching it fold away is half the fun. Every body panel, with the exception of the hood, has been designed to blend seamlessly with the roof.

When changing between coupe and convertible configurations, the novel exterior design is capable of leading you into dynamic and unique styling. The MarkLevinson Stereo Surround Sound Audio System is capable of adjusting the sound depending on whether the top is up or down. With novel features like these it’s no wonder that Lexus has such a huge fan following.

Price – Starting at $38,490
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Maybach Zeppelin

Monday, September 7th, 2009

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Rupees four crore can buy you a lot of things but if you’re super rich then why don’t you opt for the ultimate luxury car – the magnificent Maybach Zeppelin. If you can afford it that means you’ve truly arrived in this world.. The car comes with a dazzling paint finish, which accentuates its design by throwing up an array of contrasting colors. From whatever angle you look at it, the Zeppelin evokes character and style that is geared to appeal to all your senses. But it is the car’s interior that is embellished with luxuries that normal folk can only dream of.

How about the world’s first perfume atomizer, which comes in the form of an internally illuminated Plexiglas sphere affixed on the rear centre console. All you need to do is insert a vial of your preferred fragrance into this sphere, after that a regulator pump will gently direct a flow of air into the system and fan out the vial’s perfume molecules into the vehicle interior. This might not be the profound, life-changing experience, but it certainly falls in the category of an automotive first! One thing is for sure – you’ll never find a shortage of women who will want to jump in a car that smells so good.

Just because the car is luxurious, it does not mean it is not ready deliver the thrill of speed and power. Under its hood the Zeppelin packs a 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine that is capable of delivering 471-kW/640 hp (+ 28 hp) and 1000 Nm of torque. This loosely translates to a smooth and powerful ride, despite the sheer size and weight of these cars. If you’re thinking of purchasing one, you better hurry because only 100 are being produced.

Price – Starting at Rs. 4 Crore
Maybach Zeppelin

Jaguar XJ

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009

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If anything, the newly launched Jaguar XJ proves to be as capable of drawing neck-twisting stares as a Ferrari or Lamborghini. The traditional hallmarks of a Jaguar are splashed all over the XJ – you have the seductive looking wire grille, but its sides come straight down, which makes it better for aerodynamics. The panoramic glass roof at the top enables the car to have lower and a rather streamlined roofline that extends all the way to the trunk. That also proves conducive in enhancing the feeling of light and space.

But the thing is that the XJ’s beauty is more than skin deep, as the vehicle has been constructed using Jaguar’s aerospace-inspired aluminum body technology, which improves the aspects of performance, handling and fuel economy. Power comes from a 5.0-liter V8 engine, which is good for 385 horsepower. This Jag will go from 0 to 100 in a mere 5.7 seconds, which is quite awesome for thrill seekers.

The exquisitely designed interior evokes a very luxurious outlook. Instead of traditional analog instruments, cutting edge technology has been used for display and infotainment systems. There is a 12.3-inch high-resolution screen outfitted with virtual speedometer and tachometer. An 8-inch central LCD touch screen is meant to be used for controlling audio, navigation, and the phone system. You have the option to go in for a 1200-watt Bowers & Wilkins premium surround-sound system, which includes a media hub with two USB ports for iPods and other sources along with Bluetooth audio streaming.

However, the best thing about the Jaguar is that it is now an Indian brand, being bought by the Tata Group. In the years to come don’t be surprised to see many more Jags cruising along on Indian roads.

Price – Starting at $72,500

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Gotham Dream Cars

Monday, July 27th, 2009

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Photo by Daniel Coyle Photography

Here is a good way to pick up a fine set of wheels and ride through the streets of New York or Miami like a celeb. The guys at the helm of Gotham Dream Cars can hook you up with a blood red Ferrari F430 Spider for daily or weekly rentals. How about a Lamborghini LP640 Roadster for your driving needs? Maybe it is the immaculate Bentley Continental GTC that is geared to fulfill your driving fantasies. You can even try to emulate James Bond by soaring down the highway on a super Aston Martin. Cost varies depending on the make and model but expect to shell out several hundred to several thousand per 24 hours.

As of now Gotham Dream Cars is offering its super car rental facilities only in the New York tri-state area and in the sea-kissed landscape of Central and South Florida.. Luxury vehicles from the most exclusive manufacturers in the world, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, SLR McLaren, Aston Martin, Maserati, and many others are packed in the line up of this car-rental company. Whether you want to show off to a date, go to a business meeting in style, or simply indulge in your passion for driving, this is the place to go. Speed, power, and luxury. That is what this exciting range of super vehicles are meant to exude. Buckle up, it’s going to be one hell of a ride.

Website – www.gothamdreamcars.com
(PH) 877.2.GOTHAM

Mitsubishi iMiEV

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

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Join the green-bandwagon and do your part to save the planet. A really cool way of stopping global warming in its tracks is by investing in a tiny Mitsubishi iMiEV, which happens to be a zero emissions vehicle. This car may look small, like the newly released Tata Nano, but the iMiEV comes equipped with a 660cc turbo-charged engine, which is capable of pumping 47 KW for a max speed of 130 Kms/per hours. The range for a single charge of the battery turns out to be around 160 kms, which is quite sufficient for city travel. Incorporation of a highly efficient permanent magnet synchronous motor makes it easy for the vehicle to generate high torque from a low speed and give rise to a strong acceleration.

Even if you take into account the CO2 emissions at the power plants that perform the task of generating the power needed for charging the car, the iMiEV emits approximately 30% of the CO2 that any gasoline minicar would. But how do you recharge the car once the battery runs out? Just use one of those sockets at your house, the vehicle can be charged with a 100V or 200V power source. It takes about 11 hours for the battery to tank up fully on a 100V outlet. So if you put the car on charger during the night, then by morning you will be ready to set out on a pollution free ride. However, it needs to be said that with the lousy power situation in most cities, charging the iMiEV is going prove quite frustrating for drivers in India. Unless the power situation improves in our cities, electric powered cars like iMiEV are not going to become mainstream.

Triumph Daytona 675 Special Edition

Monday, July 20th, 2009

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The sense of release that the new Triumph Daytona 675SE is geared to provide can feel as good as sex. We’re obviously exaggerating there but at least you get the point. Cruising along in this two-wheeled speed demon, which shines under a sophisticated new pearl white color scheme, fills the driver a rush of thrill and rebellion. The distinctive Sparkle Blue frame,swingarm and subframe only serves the purpose of enhancing the bike’s aura as a truly race-bred machine with style. The circuit-developed machine gushes with 126hp of power from a critically acclaimed 675cc three-cylinder engine. The chassis technology turns out to be the latest, and there are adjustable suspensions on both the front and the rear. When you are yearning for the open road then this is the bike you need to hop on for experiencing unmatched speed and excitement.

Price – 7,739 GBP

Flying Cars

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

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Anyone who has been on Indian roads knows how chaotic it can be. Too many vehicles on too few roads lead to some frustrating scenarios. Fortunately, the concept of flying cars is taking shape. In the upcoming issue of Royal, novelist Anoop Verma delves into the possibility of flying cars in India.

Perana Z one

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

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At a time when the world is in throes of a severe economic crisis, how do you produce a state of the art super-car at the cost of about £53,000 and in record time! If you can get Zagato, the renowned Milanese Coachbuilders, to collaborate with South African Vehicle Manufacturer, Perana Performance Group, then anything is possible. Perana Z-one has already made a scintillating debut in the 2009 Geneva motor show and this super car turns out to be as as visually striking as it is menacing under the skin. What’s more, this low-slung, high-waisted coupé with the kind of raffish good looks is capable of going at a scorching speed of 200 mph.

There is no doubt that the car is somewhat retro in style and in proportion, but that could be one of the reasons why it appears so charming. The detailing is quite modern – there are the recessed exhausts, and the horizontal scallops behind the front wheels. The car itself is surprisingly light at only 1,195 kg, and under its hood it packs the power of a 6.2-litre V8 engine that is capable of developing 440bhp and 430 lb ft of torque. Perana is touted to be capable of going from 0 to 62 mph in under 4 seconds and from 0 to 100 in under 10 seconds. That is just the kind of speed that you need to impress your girlfriend. The car is a two-seater, but it is spacious enough to be a practical touring car.

Only 999 Perana Z-one’s are going to be made each year, so if you are planning to book one, you better hurry.

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Hummer Golf Carts

Monday, May 18th, 2009

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It is quite usual for golf courses to be equipped with golf carts that are meant to wheel players around. This white color, no nonsense vehicle has been around for ages, and it is about time that the system of transportation on golf courses had an upgrade. Enter Mini-Hummer. This souped up version of the traditional golf cart comes from a licensing arrangement with GM. The rugged looks, coupled with the small size, make for an interesting combination. And they pose as a very sensible vehicle for golf courses. As these vehicles are battery powered, they cause zero pollution and are quite light and come incorporated with a better weight displacement system, which is conducive for the green grass on which they are meant to travel.

It is also possible for you to get your golf buggy customized in different ways. You can pick the color or the shade. You can get sound systems of your choice installed. There are three models of the Mini HUMMER that you can go in for – the HI, H2 and H3. To change the speed at which these vehicles move you have to plug in with your laptop and alter the speed to suit your needs. And exactly how much does this cost? They definitely aren’t cheap with a starting price of $18,000 or 9 lakhs. With that kind of money you can buy a small army of Nano cars. But if you are ready to fork out that kind of money, you can easily make an extravagant statement by zipping around the course in your custom designed Mini-Hummer.

Zero S Motorcycle

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009

zero-sIntegrating revolutionary technology with innovative motorcycle design, Zero S is designed to be the ultimate green vehicle. It is an electric motorcycle with a range of up to 60 miles and a top speed of 60 MPH. Undoubtedly, the range and speed sound somewhat limited, but the bike can be recharged in less than four hours with an 110V or 220V outlet. Hey, think of the brighter side of the picture – you never have to stop at a gas station again! And your carbon footprint every time you zip down the road on your Zero S is nada. That is something that will definitely help you seduce an environmental chick.

The peak horsepower of 31 and a torque of 62.5 ft/lbs impart the Zero S with powers to execute optimal off the line performance, in sharp turns and navigating obstacles. The bike is quite light, at only 225 pounds, and it has a low center of gravity for better maneuverability and responsiveness. As far as styling is concerned, the bike’s aerodynamic body, embellished with custom injected molded plastics, looks extremely aggressive and futuristic. Just what you need to take your girlfriend on a whirlwind green ride, but before you set out, you need to make sure that the final destination is within a 30-mile radius. Basically this is a bike meant for inner city travel and maybe even a late night booty call.

Price – $9,950