Michelin Pilot Experience: Photo Gallery

Podium Finish At the Michelin Pilot Experience at the Malaysian Sepang Formula 1 circuit. 

Images Sourced: Michelin

Mahindra Launches New Age XUV500 For Rs 11.12 lakhs

Mahindra launched the New Age XUV500 for Rs 11.12 lakhs in Mumbai. The New Age XUV500 will be available in 6 variants, W4, W6, W8, W8 AWD and the new W10 & W10 AWD with the top end model going as high as INR 15.99 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). 

Mr. Pravin Shah, President & Chief Executive – Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra with the New Age XUV 5oo at the launch of the SUV at an event in Mumbai.

The New Age XUV500 sports new exterior features, front grille with chrome inserts, static bending headlamps with stylish light guides, unique fog lamps with chrome bezel, premium window chrome lining, stylish new 43cm (17inch) alloy wheels and rear chrome appliqué. There are plenty of changes done in the interior section of the XUV, new electric sunroof, first in class logo projection lamps on ORVMs, 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, push button start, passive keyless entry, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with GPS, premium new  black and beige interiors, plush new beige leather seats. 

Pravin Shah, President & Chief Executive, (Automotive) Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said, "Right from the day of its launch, the XUV500 has become a trendsetter for the Indian automotive industry. It has done wonders by becoming the fastest selling SUV (in the premium Rs 10 lac plus category) to reach the 1 lac vehicles milestone in less than three years. Today as we launch a new avatar with the New Age XUV500, I am confident that the product will once again resonate with our customers and excite them, with upgrades in styling, infotainment, ride and handling".

The XUV500 was launched way back in 2011 and now it has got a major uplift in terms of interior and exterior styling. The engine remains the same. It is powered by the same turbocharged 2.2 litre 103 kW m-Hawk engine which produces power up to 140BHP and delivers 330 Nm of torque, allowing the XUV500 to surge from 0-60 kmph in just 5.4 seconds. The company claims it gives up to 16kmpl (ARAI certified) of mileage. We also see a change in suspension with McPherson struts up in front and the independent multilink suspension in the rear. The XUV500 has six airbags, two for front passengers, side curtain airbags as well as two for the second row passengers.

Prices (ex.showroom, Delhi):
2WD models:
W4: Rs 11.21 lakhs
W6: Rs 12.49 lakhs
W8: Rs 14.18 lakhs
W10: Rs 14.99 lakhs

AWD Models:

W8: Rs 14.99 lakhs
W10: Rs 15.99 lakhs

Nico Rosberg Of Mercedes Scores Hat-Trick At Monaco.

Nico Rosberg of Germany won the 2nd race of this season at the Monaco Grand Prix. THis was also his third staright win at this circuit. Lewis Hamilton who started from pole position was leading the pack till the 64th lap of the race with 25.7 seconds gap. The drama unfolded when Max Verstappen of Torro Rosso trying to overtake Romain Grosjean, hit the rear of his car and bang on to the Ste Devote wall. Lucky for Max, he escaped unhurt. Safety car was called out and Team Mercedes decided to call Hamilton for an extra pit stop. Hamilton emerged out of the pit lane only to find out out Rosberg was leading the race followed by Vettel behind the safety car.

When the race resumed with safety car pulled out, there were hardly few laps left and Lewis could hardly do much (despite his fresher tyres) to overtake the two drivers at the most difficult track in formula 1. Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull came 4th and 5th respectively followed by Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari. Force India's Sergio Perez finished 7th from where he started with Jenson Button taking the 8th slot and his 1st points of the season.

After round 6, Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes leads the drivers standing with 126 points. Team mate Nico Rosberg has 116 points and Sebastian Vettel a distance 98. In the Constructors Standings, Mercedes is placed at a comfortable 242 points with Ferrari and Williams at 158 and 81 points respectively. Good news for Force India as they jump to 6th position with 17 points. They were placed 8th before this race. Next, we move to Canada for the 7th race of this season and more excitement. Will Nico Rosberg continue his dream run with another victory?

Race Results:

Pos.     Driver                             Team                       Time               
1          Nico Rosberg               Mercedes           1:49:18.420                
2          Sebastian Vettel           Ferrari                          4.486             
3          Lewis Hamilton            Mercedes                     6.053             
4          Daniil Kvyat                  Red Bull                      11.965            
5          Daniel Ricciardo          Red Bull                       13.608           
6          Kimi Räikkönen           Ferrari                          14.345            
7          Sergio Perez                Force India                  15.013            
8          Jenson Button             McLaren                       16.063             
9          Felipe Nasr                   Sauber                        23.626             
10        Carlos Sainz                Toro Rosso                    25.056             

Isuzu Motors Opens Third Dealership In Gujarat

Isuzu Motors opened its new dealership at Vadodora in Gujarat. The other two being at Rajkot and Ahmedabad. 

The Chennai based company Isuzu's D-MAX is built on a heavy-duty chassis. It has a large payload deck that can carry heavy loads without. The body of the D-MAX is made from high-tensile steel that ensure greater safety. The new ISUZU D-MAX Space Cab’s unique feature is its extended cabin space of 1.5 feet behind the drivers seat. It has features like Power steering, Power windows, Centralized door lock and AC with heater. The MU-7 inherits Isuzu’s diesel-engine expertise and is endowed with superior fuel efficiency and outstanding engine performance. A 3-metre wheel-base makes the MU-7 one of the longest SUVs available in India.

Mr. Shigeru Wakabayashi, Deputy Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India, said, "While we are strategically expanding our network across the country, we are also strengthening our presence in each market with more dealer outlets to increase our reach to our customers. Vadodara has been witnessing increased industrial activity from small and medium enterprises and we believe our product – ISUZU D-MAX will further add momentum to the businesses. We are happy to be partnering with "V.G ISUZU", as they are known for their superior sales and service support to the customers."

The MU-7 BSIII is priced from Rs. 21.43 lakhs onwards (ex-showroom, Vadodara) and the D-MAX range is priced from Rs.6.54 lakh onwards (ex-showroom, Vadodara).

Isuzu has plans to open 60 outlets across India by end of 2015-16. Isuzu currently has 20 dealership facilities in India.

Pole For Lewis Hamilton; Force India's Sergio Perez To Start 7th

Monaco F1 Grand Prix 2015 Qualifying: Reigning Formula 1 Champion Lewis Hamilton took pole position at the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix. This was his first ever pole at this circuit clocking 1:15.098. His last win in Monaco came way back in 2008 when he was a part of Team McLaren. Hamilton was marginally 0.342 seconds faster than Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg who joins him in the 1st row of the grid. Ferrari's Sebatian Vettel will start 3rd in the race. Good news for Red Bull as Ricciardo and Kvyat will start 4th and 5th respectively followed by Raikkonen on 6th. Force India finally had a good qualifying this year with Sergio Perez starting the grid on 7th place. Team mate Nico Hulkenburg will be hunting for points as he begins his race from 11th position. Lotus driver Romain Grosjean was penalized five places for a gearbox replacement and will be starting 15th.

Lewis Hamilton leads the table with 111 points with Team Mate Nico Rosberg 91 and Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel 80. In the constructors standing, Mercedes leads the pack with 202 points followed with Ferrari (132) and William (81). Red Bull is at a distance 4th with only 30 points. Force India is placed 8th with 11 points. If both the Force India drivers dominate in this race , the team has got a great chance to jump to 6th position. 

POS.     DRIVER          TIME
1 HAMILTON         1:15.098
2 ROSBERG          1:15.440
3 VETTEL              1:15.849
4 RICCIARDO        1:16.041
5 KVYAT               1:16.182
6 RÄIKKÖNEN       1:16.427
7 PEREZ               1:16.808
8 SAINZ               1:16.931
9 MALDONADO     1:16.946
10 VERSTAPPEN   1:16.957

Google's Self-Driving Cars To Hit Public Street

Advertising giants Google will begin testing self-driving cars on public roads this summer. A year back, the company had announced to build self-driven cars. However, it will need these control devices because California requires that self-driving vehicles have manual controls during testing.

Built in Detroit by auto supplier Roush Industries, the prototypes will be equipped with removable steering wheels, brake pedals and accelerator pedals so test engineers can “take over driving if needed,” Urmson said in a blog post on Friday.

Engineers will operate 25 prototype vehicles designed by Google, which use the same software as Google’s self-driving Lexus RX450h sport utility vehicles that have been in operation for several months. 

Google said its self-driving cars have been driving about 10,000 miles a week and have completed nearly 1 million miles. 

Source: Indian Express

Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Launched In India For Rs 8.9 crores

Mercedes-Benz set a new benchmark by launching the new S 600 Guard. This is the armoured version of the standard S600. The flagship model is certified for the highest ballistics protection class VR9, which can withstand rifle fire and protection from grenades and explosive charges. It has bullet proof windows, AIRMATIC suspension, powerful V12 engine, intelligent driver assistance systems and unrestricted day-to-day suitability. The glasses are coated with polycarbonate on the inside for splinter protection. 

Mercedes-Benz has the world's widest range of special protection vehicles available today. The Mercedes-Benz Guard range currently has models from the S, E, M and G-Class, globally. 

Eberhard Kern, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India stated, "We are glad to introduce this ‘fortress on wheels’ for our exclusive set of high profile Indian customers, who require the highest levels of protection when on the move, and rely only on Mercedes-Benz special protection vehicles. With the launch of the new S 600 Guard, Mercedes-Benz India now provides a formidable range of special protection vehicles comprising the E-Guard and M-Guard, for the Indian market". 

Like the flagship S-Class model, the S 600 Guard excels with exemplary headroom and elbow room in the rear. The new S 600 Guard is available both as a 4-seater and as a fully-fledged 5-seater, and offers unrestricted day-to-day suitability by virtue of a 350-litre boot capacity and high payload.

The S 600 Guard delivers superior performance because of its V12 petrol engine, which now generates 530 hp and 830 Nm of torque. Standard equipment on the S 600 Guard includes Michelin PAX run-flat tyres with an additional tyre pressure monitoring system which allows to run a distance up to 30 km even with damaged tyres. 

Suzuki Launches GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F In India

GSX-S1000F

Suzuki Motorcycle India introduced two new motorcycles today – The GSX-S1000,a naked roadster and the GSX-S1000F,its fully faired version. Both GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F have inherited the engine of the GSX-R1000, advanced and lightweight chassis, switchable 3-mode traction control system, 43mm inverted KYB forks, radial mount monobloc brembo brakes and an easy to read instrument cluster displaying an array of comprehensive information.

"The GSX-S1000 is a naked roadster with an aggressive look, while the GSX-S1000F is its fully faired sibling. We are launching these models globally and in India at the same time so that Indian motorcycle enthusiasts can lay their hands on the latest, top of the line Suzuki products." said Mr. Atul Gupta, Executive Vice President, Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Ltd.

GSX-S1000

Both the models will be available in two colors – Candy Daring Red/Glass Sparkle Black – AV4 and Metallic Triton Blue. priced at Rs.12.25 lac and Rs.12,70 lac (Ex-showroom, New Delhi) respectively.

A Fast Track Version Of My Bio

Image Courtesy: Michelin

To read more about his Michelin Pilot Experience at the Malaysian Formula 1 Sepang circuit, please click here.

On the UTV news channel, Rajesh is featured for his podium finish at the Michelin Pilot Experience at Sepang Circuit in 2013.

Bio crafted by wordsmith Simona Terron

Tata Motors launches GenX Nano Starting At Rs 1.9 lakh ($ 3,120)

Tata Motors today announced the launch of all-new GenXNano range. The GenXNano comes with a starting price of Rs 1.99 lakhs, for the XE variant and goes upto Rs 2.49 Lakhs, for the XT variant, in Manual Transmission. The Company has introduced two variants – XMA and XTA with ‘Easy Shift’ Automated Manual Transmission. The XMA variant will be made-to-order and will be available for sales from August 2015. The XMA variant is priced at Rs 2.69 Lakhs and the top-end, XTA variant is priced at Rs 2.89 Lakhs Ex-showroom, Delhi. 

The Tata Nano's engine has the same 624cc two-cylinder MPFI petrol generating peak power of 37.5bhp. The company has added a new cylinder head and aluminium block to help the car run smoother than the earlier models. The new range comprises of five variants, three with a four-speed manual transmission (XE, XM, XT) and two variants (XMA, XTA) come equipped with a five-speed AMT gearbox.

The car offers new features such as Zest-inspired steering wheel, smoke headlamps,front power windows, amphistream music system with 4 speakers and Tata signature grille. The AMT variant offers boot space of 94 liters while the Manual Transmission offers 110 liter boot space. The car has a larger 24 liter fuel tank for longer driving range. The earlier models had capacity of 15 liters.

The GenXNano will be available for sale, across the country in over 450 Tata Motors sales outlets and will offer warranty of 4 years or 60,000 km (whichever is earlier). The GenX Nano XE and XT (manual transmission) will cost Rs 1.99 lakh and Rs 2.49 lakh. The Automatic version of GenX Nano Easy Shift XMA and XTA will be priced at Rs 2.69 lakh and 2.89 lakh respectively. The car will come in wide range of colors - Sangria Red (NEW), Persian Rose (NEW), Pearl White, Meteor Silver, Royal Gold, Dazzle Blue and Damson Purple.

Aditya Patel Bags Podium Finish At R8 LMS Cup In Korea

Audi India racing talent Aditya Patel put on a tough fight to finish on the podium in race two of the Audi R8 LMS Cup in Korea. The first race of the weekend was challenging for Aditya Patel. After qualifying a remarkable third place, Aditya got off to a flying start but was however hit from behind by another driver at the 5.6km track. This caused the Chennai lad to fall all the way down to 18th position. However Aditya fought his way up and finished  with a creditable 6th place on the track. He was later moved to 4th place after penalties were awarded to two drivers in front of him.

In race two, Aditya Patel started the race from sixth position and was soon in second place behind race leader, Jean-Karl Vernay. Vernay during his race, who had made contact with another car earlier, was trying hard to defend his position. This allowed Kyong Ouk You and Rahel Frey to catch up from behind and a heated battle ensued for the next few laps. In the end, Vernay was penalized for the incident and the race was won by Frey, followed by Kyong Ouk You and Aditya Patel who finished in 3rd. We head to the next round at Taiwan in July 2015.

“It was not the easiest weekend for me. The Korea International Circuit is probably one of the toughest circuits to learn, with almost twenty corners over a lap distance. Unfortunately, due to less practice time, I was definitely on the back foot going into the weekend. But in the end, it’s good to come away with a podium finish and many good points. The first race was a bit of a nightmare after being punted out on the start, but I really did enjoy making my way back up the field! I’d like to thank Audi India, JK Tyres and Jubilant motorworks for all their support as well,” said Aditya Patel after the race.

Swiss female driver Rahel Frey leads the championship table with 44 points. Aditya Patel has narrowed the gap and has closed in with 42 points. Thomas Fjordback of Denmark is third and has 36 to his credit. Alex Yoong of Malaysia who was leading the championship table in 1st round at China has slipped to 4th with 25 points. After round 2, Team Audi R8 LMS is joint 2nd with 42 points with Castrol Racing Team leading with 44 points.

Nico Rosberg Beats Lewis Hamilton At Spanish GP

Nico Rosberg cruised to victory at the Spanish Grand Prix with Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton taking second spot. The result means Rosberg has reduced Hamilton's advantage in the championship to 20 points, while Vettel is 31 points away in third place. Rosberg took advantage of his pole position into a lead at the first corner and simply cruised into the distance as Vettel held up Hamilton behind him. Mercedes had decided to give Hamilton some clear track, and told him that they would switch to a three-stop strategy and try to pass Vettel at the end of the race. But Hamilton did not need to overtake the Ferrari on track. Stopping on lap 32 to fit the slower 'hard' tyre, Hamilton immediately set the fastest lap of the race and proceeded to take huge chunks out of Vettel's advantage. Twenty seconds behind when he rejoined, Hamilton had cut Vettel's lead in half by the time the Ferrari driver made his second and final stop eight laps later. Vettel rejoined 13.5 seconds behind Hamilton, who continued to pull away until he was 23 seconds in front by the time of his final stop on lap 51, which was comfortably enough to allow him to rejoin in front of the Ferrari. Behind Vettel in the race, Bottas took fourth, fighting off a stern challenge from Ferrari's Raikkonen in the closing laps.

 
"Perfect weekend," said Rosberg. "The car has been awesome - all weekend."
Hamilton said: "I got a bad start, had lots of wheelspin but it was a good race. Nico did a fantastic job and I was just grateful I could get back up to second. This was a difficult weekend for me and I'll take this."

Result from the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Sunday:

1. Nico Rosberg (Germany) Mercedes 1:41:12.555
2. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes +00:17.551
3. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari 00:45.342
4. Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Williams-Mercedes 00:59.217
5. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari 01:00.002
6. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Williams-Mercedes 01:21.314
7. Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) RedBull - Renault 1 lap
8. Romain Grosjean (France) Lotus - Mercedes 1 lap
9. Carlos Sainz Jr (Spain) Toro Rosso - Renault 1 lap
10. Daniil Kvyat (Russia) RedBull - Renault 1 lap
11. Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Toro Rosso - Renault 1 lap
12. Felipe Nasr (Brazil) Sauber - Ferrari 1 lap
13. Sergio Perez (Mexico) Force India - Mercedes 1 lap
14. Marcus Ericsson (Sweden) Sauber - Ferrari 1 lap
15. Nico Huelkenberg (Germany) Force India - Mercedes 1 lap
16. Jenson Button (Britain) McLaren 1 lap
17. Will Stevens (Britain) Marussia - Ferrari 3 laps
18. Roberto Merhi (Spain) Marussia - Ferrari 4 laps
r. Pastor Maldonado (Venezuela) Lotus - Mercedes 21 laps
r. Fernando Alonso (Spain) McLaren 40 laps
(rank: r = retired, nc = not classified)
Fastest Lap: Lewis Hamilton,1:28.270, lap 54.

Armaan Ebrahim To Race In Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series

Indian star Armaan Ebrahim will be racing in Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series this year. Armaan will be driving for Dilango Racing, the most popular Sri Lankan racing team which is owned by racer Dilantha Malagamuwa. Armaan will be teaming up with partner Dilantha to compete at the wheel of a Lamborghini Huracan.

Armaan is looking forward to this challenge as he begins this season of racing.  “A few good results, coupled with the strong connection that Dilantha has with Lamborghini should see us in a good position for the future as well,” he remarked. When we got in touch with Armaan, he replied-"The deal is done. It's just a matter of signing the contract"

The six-round championship will be held starting from next month onwards with the 1st round at Fuji on June 20 and 21. The races will also be held at Shanghai, Sepang, Sentul and Okayama. The Super Trofeo World Final which is the 7th round will be held on 21/22 November at Sebring.

Armaan had raced in the Blancpain Sprint Series Cup last year driving for Fortec Motorsports team.

Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Championship 2015 Calendar:

Round 1 Fuji June 20-21
Round 2 Shanghai July 11-12
Round 3 Kuala Lumpur August 8-9
Round 4 Sentul September 5-6
Round 5 Okayama October 10-11
Round 6 Sebring November 19-20
Round 7 Sebring (Super Trofeo World Final) November 21-22

Source: Overdrive