Ducati set to launch new Monste

Ducati set to launch new Monster

By Ben Purvis

New bikes

18 May 2007 11:14

Ducati insiders have revealed that the firm will launch a new generation of Monster at the Milan show this November.

The bike, shown here as a computer-generated image, will feature evolutionary styling, but is the first completely new Monster since the bike was launched in 1992.
Powered by the air-cooled 1100cc engine from the Hypermotard, plus the 675cc motor of the smallest current Monster, it hopes to take the old bike’s place as the firm’s best-selling machine.

The styling is said to be instantly recognisable as a Monster, but with a more modern overall appearance. Twin high-mounted exhausts, one either side of the seat, and a sloping headlight similar to that on the Aprilia Shiver are said to be the main styling cues of the bike.

Ducati is concentrating on air-cooled versions of the Monster, so the current Testastretta-engined S4R is likely to be dropped, and eventually replaced by a sportier machine based on a stripped-naked version of the 1098.

Bologna Motor Show

Bologna Motor Show The Bologna Motor Show is Italy’s premier automobile exhibition and among the largest in Europe.

Bologna Babies
The Bologna Motor Show is Italy’s premier automobile exhibition and among the largest in Europe. This year’s event had a number of significant launches which were more than just eye candy.

Tata Motors chose the Bologna Motor Show to launch its much-awaited Safari 2.2-litre Dicor. The sign of a company that has truly gone global is when it launches a product in the international market before the domestic one. But the reason the European market received priority over India is because by January 2007, new legislation in Europe demands Euro IV emission standards. The 2179cc Dicor, though based on the block of the earlier 1.9 turbo-diesel, is essentially an all-new engine which, apart from being significantly cleaner, is also more powerful. This new 16-valve, twin-cam unit produces an impressive 142bhp and 32.6kgm of torque. It is around 70kg lighter than the existing 3-litre Dicor engine, which is antiquated in comparison. The lighter weight would have a positive rub-off on the Safari’s handling and braking. Peak power is produced at 4000rpm, which hints at the free-revving nature of this new diesel. We can’t wait for it to come to India but will have to for the next six months.
Also on show was the Indica Dicor, which uses the current model’s 1.4 block but has a completely new head and injection system.
However, the big launch at the Tata stand in Bologna was an all-new pick-up dubbed the TL Sprint. Based on the 207’s chassis, the Sprint is a brilliantly-styled, four-wheel-drive double-cab. A single-cab version is also available. The Sprint is powered by the same 2.2-litre common-rail diesel that powers the Safari but the Sprint TL will only be sold in Europe initially, in Spring 2007, by which time it will get a new name.
Tata’s strong presence in Bologna also signified the importance of the Italian market which, along with Spain, is the largest for the Indian auto giant in Europe.
The only other Indian vehicle manufacturer present in Bologna was Mahindra & Mahindra which also displayed its range of pick-ups. The Bolero pick-up is targetted at the bottom end of Europe’s pick-up market and is available in single- and double-cab configurations. The Goa pick-up, which is essentially the Scorpio pick-up, was also showcased as was the Goa, which is the Scorpio as we know it. M&M also displayed an Alpine Recovery Vehicle, ordered by a private motoring association to rescue stranded vehicles.

Logan strides in

Logan strides in The eagerly awaited Mahindra Renault Logan is launched at a stunnigly low price.

The much awaited Mahindra Renault Logan has finally been launched in India with a stunning price tag of Rs. 4.2 lacs (ex-Mumbai) for the base 1.4-litre petrol version. Also on offer are a more powerful 1.6-litre petrol model priced at Rs. 5.6 lacs and the frugal 1.5-litre common-rail diesel version which is priced from Rs. 5.4-lacs to Rs. 6.4 lacs for the base and top end versions respectively.

The Logan also marks the official entry of French carmaker Renault into India with Mahindra as its partner in this new venture. The Logan which is Renault’s world car has already been launched in over 50 countries worldwide and sold over 450,000 units so far. The new venture in India has a capacity of 50,000 cars per annum which would be increased over time. The car is aimed at those buyers who are looking to upgrade from hatchback models like the Indica, Getz and Zen and who want a spacious sedan without paying too much more money for their new set of wheels. The Logan is also aimed at C-segment buyers of cars like the Honda City who want a less expensive sedan that also offers the option of a diesel engine. The company plans to start taking bookings for the Logan in 10 major cities across India in the first phase with the car becoming available all-India from November

First Drive: Mahindra Legend

First Drive: Mahindra Legend With the Legend, what you see is what you get.

A comfortable ride, great air-conditioning, quality interiors, good handling… these are some of our favourite things in a car. Manufacturers spend billions every year in getting these factors right. None of those billions have gone into the Legend, though. Here’s a vehicle that remains proudly traditional, that has no pretensions, and doesn’t strive to create any. What you see is what you get. It may be too basic and crude for regular use, but what’s your Merc for then?

The Mahindra Legend, built to celebrate 60 years of Mahindra Automotive, is based on an army-spec MM550 body, powered by Mahindra’s 3200MDI turbocharged direct injection diesel mated to a traditional four-wheel-drive gearbox with a transfer case.

A metal grille, heavy duty railway gauge metal bumpers that protrude from the super stiff chassis and a leaf spring suspension are what it proudly states as part of its character. The six extra lamps, 16-inch bling wheels, roll bar, heavy duty winch and Keshub Mahindra’s signature on the doors are what you get as standard. Oh, and it’s a limited edition version; just 60 will be built and sold by invitation, so you’ll be driving something that’s even rarer than a Ferrari Enzo. However, when it comes to how it drives, it as far removed from the Enzo as MS Dhoni is to Maria Sharapova. It believes that light power assisted steering systems are for fussy ‘Mama’s boy’ types and at low speeds; the Legend’s non-assisted steering is a highly recommended alternative for working your shoulders, chest and upper arms. Speed up and it lightens considerably, although you need to shuffle the steering in your hand several times to get the car to point in the right direction. Push the spring-loaded gearlever into first, ease off the heavy clutch, and the torque from the growling diesel jolts you forward with surprising eagerness.

On the road, it’s like an unhappy horse and the leaf springs have you bobbing over every expansion joint and ridge. This take-no-prisoners ride is certainly not for those with weak stomachs. It does have that a special mechanical feel to it, and there is very little isolation from the road; that makes you work — really work.

You can’t ignore the downside, though. The Legend is crude (a lot of vibration and noise), barely manages 100kph and talking to passengers when motoring at anything above 60kph is next to impossible.

This is the civilian version of the army Jeep, so it’s built to run through a hail of bullets and mines. And it certainly feels like it can. You sit high up and with a commanding view of the road and from here, proceed to scare the living daylights out of anything smaller than a BEST bus. Mahindra wants to portray it as a Saturday night cruiser, but the Legend would be a far more potent machine with a set of on/off-road tyres and lockable differentials.

At over Rs 6 lakh, it’s not cheap, or for that matter, value for money. The Legend is not an everyday car and if you do use it as one, you’ll probably end up being too tired after driving it to work. But then, it’s not meant to be one anyway. It believes in other things. It stands out in any company, looks great in the military green paint it comes in, and you get the complete open-top experience. And you are buying a slice of Mahindra’s history.

Ford's next big thing

Ford's next big thing Ford is planning to launch its upgraded Endeavour with a 2.5-litre common-rail diesel engine in India by early 2007.

Ford has officially unveiled the new Endeavour (Everest in other markets) in Thailand. It’s more than just a face-lift and claims it an all-new SUV with 75 percent new parts. The silhouette of the new Endeavour remains largely unchanged and the macho look is instantly recognisable. The straight and uncluttered lines have been softened a bit to ensure it doesn’t look overtly boxy. The new Endeavour hasn’t lost any of its butch appeal and it still looks as intimidating as before. In fact, the new Endeavour with a length of 5009mm is marginally longer than the earlier model though the wheelbase of 2860mm remains the same. A huge rectangular grille and a massive cowl dominate the front end, giving the SUV a truck-like look. The turn indicator and parking lamps in the headlight unit are more prominent and the sideview mirrors get integrated indicators, a trend that’s catching on with manufacturers.

The big change though is in the interiors. While the earlier model’s cabin scored high on space and solid build, it looked old-fashioned and utilitarian. Importantly, it lacked the essential upmarket feel expected from a product in its price range. Although Ford had spruced up the Endeavour’s interiors in 2006 by replacing the grey upholstery with beige, it didn’t have the desired effect. Expect that to change now. The dashboard is a combination of circular and rectangle design elements. The big circular gauges are clear and easy to read. The silver-finished centre console looks good on the black dashboard. Circular AC vents on the corners of the dash seem similar to the Fiesta’s. Overall, there’s an airy feel to the cabin and the extremely refreshing interiors are a huge step up from the current model. AC vents are present for both the rear rows as well. The seating configuration remains unchanged and that’s a bad thing for passengers in the third row who suffer from a complete lack of under-thigh support, besides needing an athletic ability to get in and out easily.

The biggest change, however, is under the hood. Ford plans to replace its mediocre 116bhp diesel with a new 2.5-litre TDCi engine developing 143bhp. What’s more, it develops a healthy 33kgm of torque (5kgm more than the earlier model). It would be safe to expect that the Endeavour’s new powerplant should also be a more responsive unit than the current engine. Refinement levels are expected to be higher as well.

The Endeavour’s ride quality was always stiff, the SUV riding well only on very smooth roads. We don’t expect that to change very much as the rear suspension still uses antiquated leaf springs. This power increment should also make the already good off-road abilities even better. And the massive tyres should go a long way in absorbing impacts and ensuring that the SUV feels as indestructible as ever before. The braking, which was always exceptional, will now be aided by ABS (expected to come as optional kit, as will airbags). Also, this SUV’s huge ground clearance makes it easy to take off-road.

With the new Endeavour, Ford has made an improvement on a proven package. The new model should help improve the company’s foothold in the SUV segment in India. But, as always, a lot depends on the increase in price and we expect it to cost around Rs 17-18 lacs which is Rs. 1.5- 2 lakh more than the previous model. But with an engine that now gives this mammoth SUV the power it deserves, the Endeavour promises to be equally good value.

The Harley Custom Harley-Davidson’s absence is making biking aficionados’ hearts grow fonder. So Rishad Cooper takes the custom route.

With the who’s who of the automobile world making a beeline to India, the question on every true-blue biker’s lips is: “Why isn’t Harley here?” It’s close to two years since Autocar India’s exclusive interview with Harley-Davidson’s vice-president Timothy Hoelter when he came India-visiting. He had said then: “We believe our motorcycles could be sold in India and be successful.” However, there were a couple of issues which needed to be solved, namely high import duty and emission norms for high-end bikes like Harley-Davidson. Though H-D conforms to emission norms in the US and Europe, there are no clear guidelines for such bikes in India. The relatively few Suzuki Hayabusas and Kawasaki Ninjas that are heard zipping across at night when traffic is sparse and at Autocar’s Speed Runs are usually imported at high cost.

Nevertheless, Harley’s continued absence in India continues to be a café table issue with avid bikers. A booming economy, increasing incomes and a penchant for wheels new, customisation of vehicles – both two- and four-wheeler – is notching new highs in the country.

While we must wait and watch how Harley’s Indian tryst unfolds, on foreign soil things have progressed further. Style and distinction are paramount to owners of a Harley-Davidson model. And several bikers who originally started down the road to Harley ownership got lost along the way when they discovered greener pastures that come with customising the original bike.

Enter Alistair Harley of AR Harley & Sons, a UK-based company which specialises in customising Harleys and supplying parts, engines and accessories for this iconic brand of massive V-twin-engined cruisers.
Custom motorcycles have grown in popularity abroad, directly proportional to the rise in Harley owners. These are built to satisfy the dreams of those people who didn’t want to be bound by the shackles of only the limited models HD offers. These hard-to-satisfy folks want their motorcycles flashier, lower, longer, faster, louder or some even quieter. Many riders even want their HD to tilt more towards the basic look. And that’s where customised bikes and AR Harley & Sons take over.

Check out the smashingly-styled custom bikes shown here. The designer/ builder of each motorcycle has brought together various parts and colours as an individual art design while creating something totally unique. These bikes are not just concepts, but ‘real’ street-ready motorcycles that can be ridden and enjoyed. They may not be as practical as a Royal Enfield Bullet in everyday use, but they do offer unmatched style and massive street presence.

Custom bike building is today an art form in its own right and should not be seen as just providing a means of transport. In Europe and the USA there are many competitions for custom bike builders. Engineering, styling and painting are the criteria used while functionality is not normally considered important. You might have bikes made with centre-less or glass wheels or forks so long that going around corners is done with your foot down as long as the style is fantastic.

India’s got loads of biking- friendly weather and great lengths of wide and twisting highway winding around various types of terrain, all of which come together to form a perfect backdrop for comfy cruisers like Harleys.

What’s more, with work on the Golden Quadrilateral nearly complete and considerable progress in the North-South, East-West corridor project which is expected to be completed by 2009, the stage seems to be set for good times on the cruising front.

Full On Montero

Full On Montero The fourth-generation pajero is all set to roll out as the new montero.

Hindustan Motors (HM) is all set to introduce the new fourth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero Super Exceed as the new Montero in India in the second half of 2007. HM currently sells the third-generation Pajero as an import under the Montero moniker. While the all-new Montero is expected to replace the existing model, HM will continue producing the second-generation Pajero (marketed as the Pajero CRZ) at its Chennai facility as there is good demand for it.
Caught testing by our reader Tushar Atre in this spy shot, this lightly-disguised example clearly shows that the SUV will not be different to the one unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, and currently on sale elsewhere in the world. Instead of starting from scratch on a new platform, Mitsubishi took the third-generation Pajero (our Montero) and improved upon it, with the monocoque architecture being carried over, but made more rigid with better impact absorption. The basic silhouette remains largely the same, but there is a styling shake–up to give it a distinctive look from its predecessor. Borrowing heavily from the company’s multiple Dakar Rally-winning Evolution Rally/Raid trucks, the new SUV has an aggressive fascia, and like the Lancer, Mitsubishi will be hoping to play the rally heritage card for the Montero as well. The new headlamps are large double-stepped designed, with Xenon- incorporated main elements that below the bumper line, with wraparound winglets. The grille takes up most of the front, and sports bold double slats in chrome, broken by the Mitsubishi diamond logo in the middle. There is a thin crease that starts from the top of the logo and runs all the way to the windscreen – much like the comet tail trail in the Lancer Cedia’s grille. The current Montero’s coke-bottle wheel arch bulges have been diluted for a flatter surface. There is now a broad, flat band encompassing all the wheel arches, the macho wheel-well bulge on the bonnet gives way to a sharp belt line crease that runs around the front, diffusing under the rear windows and the heavy bulge on the rear wheel arch is also watered down, no longer running to the tail-lamps.
The rear receives more subtle changes, with the tail-lamps reduced in size and given the clear, chrome treatment. The door-mounted spare wheel is shifted to the centre and the numberplate now mounted on the spare wheel housing. The rear bumper had been reduced in size, and now comes with an integrated metal look protection plate. The rear window has been simplified, and now gently curves on the corners instead of the abrupt double cuts. The new rearview mirror with built-in indicators is the only change in the sides of the SUV, with the attractive flow of the side windows being retained.
Under the bonnet, the current 3.2-litre four-cylinder direct injection diesel will be replaced by an identical displacement 3.2-litre four-cylinder DI-D Common Rail engine, giving out about 160bhp. The new 3.8-litre V6 petrol with Mitsubishi’s version of variable valve timing — MIVEC — pushing out a whopping 250bhp, will probably still not make it to our shores as there is little demand for petrol- powered SUVs in India, even in this price bracket. Power will be transferred via a five-speed manual transmission mated to Mitsubishi’s ‘Super Select’ SS4-II all-wheel-drive system. An automatic option is on the cards as well. Electronic aids in the form of ASTC (Active Stability and Traction Control), ABS (antilock brake system) and EBD (electronic brake distribution) will help deliver the power with relative ease.
Inside the cabin, changes are understated. The basic dash configuration remains the same but subtle changes in shape give a modern outlook, especially with the wooden-look facia replaced with better-looking black plastics. Large blue-lit gauges set deep behind the steering are updates to instrumentation. The multi-function ‘RV meter’ will continue to adorn the central part of the dash.
Unlike the present Montero, a factory-fitted in-dash 6-CD MP3 changer should make it, with steering mounted controls, as should the automatic climate control, replacing the current manual controls. All these will feature cool blue-and-red illumination, a small effect that lends big to the overall cabin feel.
Safety will be taken care by ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor)- equipped seatbelts, dual-stage front airbags as well as side and curtain airbags.
The current Montero is a very capable and good-looking SUV. The new engine should solve the noise and harshness issues we found in the earlier model. The cosmetic upgrades will bring the SUV to current design trends and allow it to rival higher-priced contemporaries. With a price tag of around Rs 35 lakh, that should not be a problem.