SRT Motorsports Debuts Latest Viper GTS-R Race Car for 2012 American Le Mans Series [New York Auto Show]

SRT Motorsports has announced the Viper will return to racing in the American Le Mans Series for 2012 and revealed the new Viper GTS-R race car at the New York auto show. The latest GTS-R made its debut alongside the new 2013 SRT Viper production car. The Viper has had a racing presence nearly as long as it has existed, so it’s good to see the latest iteration of the production car will uphold the tradition. (The GTS-R name stretches all the way back to the first factory-backed Viper race car from the mid-1990s.)

As you’d expect, the GTS-R is based on the 2013 Viper but gets completely overhauled for racing duty. Out back there’s the requisite big wing, while up front there are round fog lights in the fascia that recall past Viper production and race cars. SRT has paired up with race-car builder Riley Technologies to design and build the GTS-R. Two factory-backed Viper GTS-Rs will compete in the ALMS GT class, and SRT Motorsports has signed up four drivers for this coming season. We were already on the edge of our seats waiting for the chance to drive the latest Viper, but now we can also look forward to seeing the serpentine brute doing its thing on the track.

Mercedes Benz B-class review

Mercedes-Benz kicked off their Indian innings on a high-note, but eventually lost the race to their closest German rivals like Audi and BMW owing to their limited product portfolio. Despite a sizeable number of luxury sedans, convertibles, SUVs and even a van or two, Mercedes-Benz failed to make it "really large" in India. However, seems that the marque is keen to change all that now by expanding its coveted line-up of cars by adding a brand new Compact Sports Tourer. The premium-priced, practical hatch from the house of Mercedes-Benz definitely takes the game to the next level for this German auto major. Mercedes-Benz B-Class is the first-of-its-kind of a luxury compact Tourer to roll out of Merc's mill and certainly the most affordable and the most exciting so far.

Powertrain & Performance

The all-new B-Class is certainly an improvement on the old one. Under the hood, this tourer gets an all-new, direct-injection, transversely mounted, turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine that unleashes a modest 120bhp of power at 5000rpm and a mind-blowing torque of 200Nm at 4000rpm. A quick-acting, highly responsive seven-speed, dual clutch transmission gives this car an unfathomable sense of urgency sans the jerkiness that you normally experience with this kind of transmission. Its smooth motor makes more shove than revs.

As for the suspension, the B-Class comes with an optimized McPherson strut front axle and a specially designed four-link rear axle. The chassis, developed to suit your needs, offers greater driving stability and matchless ride comfort. The B-class is an impressive cruiser too, but again, has enough grunt for highway hauls. Overtaking is a cinch, thanks to the strong mid-range which makes this Compact Tourer feel quicker than it actually is.

So far the ride is concerned, the B-Class displays good body control, a reasonably direct steering and unmatched grip levels.

Build & Styling

The first thing that catches your attention about the new B-Class is its design. Apparently, it's the "most significantly changed Mercedes-Benz ever introduced". It comes with a wad of styling flourishes designed to create an impression of visual width ? the big grille, distinct nose, short bonnet and high roofline lends it a new identity. But it's the unswept flanks and lines and cuts that really holds your gaze. On the surface, the new B-Class bears an uncanny resemblance with the R-Class. But the similarity ends just there. This Compact Tourer is larger than it appears. It's way taller than the C-Class and comes with a noticeably longer wheelbase.

On the inside, the B-Class gets generous head and knee room. The rear legroom is particularly big. The seat base, however, is short and can cause discomfort to some. The boot space is suitably big though. The quality of the interiors is matchless. The nice, sporty three-spoke wheel, triple AC vents in the centre, and sheer quality of leather and plastic makes you feel that it's no ordinary hatchback. Plus, it has a practical cabin with plenty of storage spaces scattered across.

Mercedes-Benz is committed towards safety. The new B-Class Compact Sports Tourer comes with state-of-the-art safety facilities like Attention Assist, Adaptive Brake, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-Lock Braking System, Hills Start Assist with Hold function Acceleration Skid Control, Tyre Pressure Loss Warning System and more.

But if you thought the magic just ends there, hold your breath! The new and improved B-Class is more comfortable that you can imagine. The height-adjustable driver seat, 4-way lumbar support for driver, big luggage compartment and panoramic sunroof would leave your jaws dropped in awe.

And to top that all, this absolutely mind-blowing Merc comes in three stunning shades of Jupiter Red, Cirrus White and Polar Silver Metallic.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado was not an unknown model in the Indian SUV market before its launch in the late 2004. Politicians, film stars, industrialists and assorted celebrities in India were desperately waiting for a long time to get their hands on its wheels. Toyota crept into the Indian SUV market when it was burgeoning. The Land Cruiser Prado is an able competitor for the Mitsubishi Montero, Pajero, Ford Endeavour and Nissan X-Trail, with loads of hi-tech devices and safety features.

The petrol-fed behemoth is a stunning SUV on road; it comes with a very powerful 4-litre V6 engine and is affordable only to a few. It is the largest and the most powerful SUV on the Indian soil; it has all the latest technologies available in a luxury car. The eight-seater Land Cruiser Prado is a completely built unit from Toyota's plant in Japan. The Prado has features like 5-speed auto-transmission, permanent four-wheel drive, dual zone air-conditioning, height control mechanism and the Electronic Modulated Suspension that Toyota is known for. Since its launch in 2005 globally, it has been the bestselling SUV. It is available in 2.7L and 4L variants globally, but in India, it is available in the 4L version only. The Prado is available in Black, Beige Metallic, Dark Red Mica, Silver Metallic and White colours.

Powertrain & Performance

The humongous SUV gets a monster engine; under the Prado's hood is a meaty 3,956cc (4-litre) V6, 24-valve, Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) engine that knocks out 232 bhp @ 5,200 rpm and generates 36.9kgm @ 3,800 rpm. The engine breathes through Toyota's Variable Valve Timing Intelligence technology (VVT-i), which controls the valve opening and closing timings at higher rpms for better fuel efficiency.

The powerful engine, without VVT-i, would have been a bigger gas guzzler. There is plenty of power at all rpms; most of it would be sparingly used under normal driving conditions. The Prado would just leave others trailing behind even on the highway; the monster sprints to 100 kmph in just 9.5 seconds and its top speed is 188 kmph. The 5-speed automatic is really soft and features full-time all-wheel drive with transfer modes. The automatic transmission shows no shift lags and is always in the right gear. The central differential distributes power to all wheels, based on the stress exerted on the wheels.

The electronic air suspension employed on the Land Cruiser Prado absorbs anything that comes its way. A double wishbone at the front and a 4-link type suspension with lateral rod at the rear adopts Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS) system. This gives the driver an option to switch between high, low and normal modes by means of a switch on the console. The computer for auto dampening in the Prado adjusts air suspension to retain parallel body position immaterial of the surface. The suspension height is also adjusted according to the speed of the vehicle; it lowers the height at high speed and vice-versa. To top it all, the Prado is a fun-to-drive, off-road SUV.

Build & Styling

It is huge, looks sturdy and gorgeous to sweep you off your feet. The Prado is a head turner in the city and leaves others trailing behind on the highway. It has beefy looks, yet is contemporary in design. It has huge wrap-around headlamps; the vertical slats grille is symmetrical with the fog lamps and air dam. The bulged fenders and side dressing give Prado that masculine look. It comes with a wrap-around taillamp on the huge C-pillar.

The rear lift gate also has those gracious curves, giving it a solid, planted feel. The 6-spoke alloy wheels adorn the car and just look striking. The interiors are no less than those of a luxury car; it has spacious seats and room for passengers of all sizes. The dash is nicely designed to provide convenience to the driver; all controls are easy to operate and gauges are easy to read. It is a bit awkward to get in but once you get nestled in the seat, you get a commanding view of road and exemplary feel of the ergonomically designed cockpit. The steering is quite grippy and with a little pressure on the pedal in city limits, you can zip ahead in no time.

All the three rows get AC ducts; distribution of temperature is uniform and individual controls are also available. The engine sounds as quiet as a baby from inside. There is absolutely no vibration inside the cabin. All features on the Prado are standard and it gets top-of-the-line safety features too.

Tata Indica V2

Tata Indica eV2 has the perfect blend of style, safety and comfort without compromising on the fuel efficiency. It is the most fuel efficient car in India with a mileage of 25 kmpl (certified ARAI).

Tata Indica eV2 comes with a revamped exterior that includes many new features like new stylish headlamps with amber blinkers, new triple step chrome tipped grille, new sporty rear spoiler with high-mount stop lamp and alloy wheels with improved disc brakes.

The variants available are L, LE, LS and LX in New Indica eV2 (Diesel) and GL, GLE, GLS and GLX in Indica eXeta eV2 (Petrol).

Tata Indica eV2 is avaiable in an array of the following colors sea blue, spice red, mint white, neo orange and jet silver. It is known for its fantastic handling, amazing ride quality and superior performance.

Powertrain & Performance

Tata Indica eV2 is available with an option of 1396 cc diesel engine which churns out 69 bhp @ 4000 rpm with a maximum torque of 140 Nm @ 1800-3000 rpm and the 1193 petrol engine that churns out 64 bhp @ 5000 rpm with a maximum torque of 99.8 Nm @ 2700 rpm. The engine is mated to 5 speed manual transmission.

The suspension system comprises of independent wishbone MacPherson Strut in the front and independent, semi trailling arm coil spring at the rear which imparts comfortable ride even on bumpy roads.

The ground clearance of 165 mm and responsive power steering keep the drive quality high.

Build & Styling

Tata Indica eV2 flaunts of many new exterior features that impart an elegant new look to this hatch. The exterior features body colored bumpers, rear spoiler, motorised clear lens headlamps, clear lens side indicator lamps, chrome strip on grille, body colored outer rear view mirror with metal strip and stylish decals.

The interior is luxurious with premium wooden finish centre console, front cabin light with spot lights, 4 spoke elegant steering wheel, leather gear shift knob, storage pockets in the front door and new shadow beige interiors.

Tata Indica eV2 is equipped with many safety features that are child safety lock on rear doors, high mount stop lamp, fog lamps, collapsible steering and 3 point ELR seatbelts for front seat passengers.

The comfort features present in this hatch are air conditioner, front power outlet, fixed lumbar support for front seats, 2 way adjustable front seat headrests, remotely operated fuel lid opening, remotely operated tailgate opening and parcel shelf. The 60:40 flip flop rear seat option and power windows for all the 4 doors are available in the higher end variant. The music system with 2 speakers, USB and Bluetooth connectivity enhance the interiors.

Hyundai Neo Fluidic Elantra

Hyundai Neo Fluidic Elantra is the perfect amagamation of the world- class engineering, elegant design and unparallel craftmanship. It is loaded with many luxurious and innovative features. The fluidic design that creates the wind crafted phenomena is evident right from the front grille to the tail lamps. Even the side character lines display the same. The interior is superbly designed to create an aura of breathtaking refinement.

The Hyundai Neo Fluidic Elantra is available in the following variants - VTVT 1.8 S, VTVT 1.8 SX and VTVT 1.8 SX AT with petrol engine and CRDi 1.6, CRDi 1.6 S, CRDi SX and CRDi 1.6 SX AT with Diesel engine. The body colors available are Coral white, Sleek silver, Bronze, Phantom black, Maharajah red and Twilight blue.

Powertrain & Performance

The Hyundai Neo Fluidic Elantrais is available in two engine options- The splendid 4 cylinder, 16 valve, 1797 cc DOHC petrol engine churns out 147.4 bhp @ 6500 rpm and the flamboyant 4 cylinder, 16 valve 1582 cc diesel engine churns out 126.2 bhp @ 4000 rpm. The engines are mated with 6 speed manual transmission and 6 speed automatic transmission gear box. The suspension system comprises of McPherson Strut type with coil spring at the front and coupled torsion beam axle at the rear with gas type shock absorbers which provides comfortable ride even on rough terrains. It has disc brakes both in the front as well as rear.

Build & Styling

The Hyundai Neo Fluidic Elantra flaunts masculine body lines with sophisticated bends. It sits on 5 spoke 16 inch alloy wheels. The exterior features include the appealing front grille with chrome inserts, the sweptback headlamps that lend aggressive but elegant look, tail lamps that provide better visibility promoting safety driving, sporty trunk lid which lends it a coupe like appearance and also increases its aerodynamic efficiency, the fog lamps, chrome door handles and aerodynamically sculpted rearview mirrors.

The interiors are also beautifully designed that delivers what we demand. The cabin colors, textures and shapes have been precisily selected. The steering mounted audio and bluetooth controls, rear armrest with audio control, smart key with push button start and dual zone FATC are the other features that add to the luxurious interiors. The supervision cluster ahs enhanced clarity and readability. The glovebox on the Elantra has a vent that allows cool air to flow in keeping the contents cool. The sliding armrest has storage spaces and also helps to keep your arm comfortable during long drives. The outside rearview mirrors are heated electrically so that the visibility is maintained even in the extreme weather conditions. The solar glass protects against the harmful UV rays. It also insulates the cabin interior for better AC performance.

The Hyundai Neo Fluidic Elantra has advanced safety features that includes dual front airbags, Anti-lock Braking Sytem (ABS) and EBD, rear parking sensor, impact sensing door unlock, clutch lock, rear defogger with timer, electro chromic mirror, rear view mirror, automatic headlight control and speed sensing auto door lock. The safety escort headlamps present stay on after switching off the ignition in order to guide the passenger's way.

Jaguar XFR

The Jaguar XFR comes in a stunning design, outstanding dynamics and performance to make the heart race. XFR is the new Jaguar that takes sporting luxury to a soaring new level of exhilaration. It's a sporting sedan with the ability to race from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds. That’s the uncompromised performance of the new XFR’s astonishing 503 hp supercharged AJ-V8 GEN III R engine with its acclaimed 6-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Combined with advanced technologies such as Adaptive Dynamics and Active Differential for exceptional traction and handling, the XFR unleashes an unforgettable experience.

Jaguar XFR is the most technically advanced of the Leaping cats. It comes with an engine that delivers staggering performance. Taken to a dramatic new level, ride and handling are optimized in Jaguar XFR. Jaguar's advanced adaptive dynamics system adjusts to the suspension hundred times every second. A new electronic active differential control increases traction through the curves when the ignition is engaged. Precise steering and outstanding agility and exceptional braking are some of the key features.

                                           The Jaguar XFR has a 5.0 litre supercharged V8 engine. This engine delivers thrilling performance to satisfy the most demanding drivers. Instant response, seamless power delivery and smooth refined performance characterise the new XFR V8 petrol engines, but without compromise to fuel efficiency.

The Jaguar XFR's lighting quick Sequential Shift System offers an exhilarating driving experience. Precise steering provides excellent feedback. The XFR takes this to another level with Adaptive Dynamics suspension allied with Active Differential control, delivering a balanced ride with impeccable high speed handling.

The Jaguar XFR comes with the combination of comfort and refinement of a luxury saloon with the grip, balance, responses and stability of a sports car. This car has the best aerodynamic performance compared to other Jaguar car. Its high tail, coupe-like roofline and subtle raised boot lid lip all contribute to impressive aerodynamics. The XFR's drag coefficient is just 0.29 and the front-to-rear lift balance is precisely zero. This results in less wind noise, improved fuel consumption, strong high speed stability and, of course ideal handling balance.

Ford Endeavour

Ford Endeavour is one of the most popular SUV (sports Utility Vehicle) in Indian market. Its stylish look, world class luxuries, advanced safety features with powerful, high performance engine makes it the most luxurious and safest power machine in its segment. Looks is the most important part of any SUV, and Ford Endeavour will not dissappoint you its aggressive front grille alon with muscular bumpers and new chrome covered fog lamps makes its overall front appearance very stylish.

The direct injection CRDi engine in the new Ford Endeavour is available with five speed manual transmission. The advanced active shift transmission of Ford Endeavour helps for easier shifting from either two wheel drive or to four wheel drive. Power steering, power windows and key-less entries makes the entry to the vehicle very appealing and impactious. Stylish looks are even very good, more space inside the car adds to the comfort to the passanger. In safety features Ford Endeavour is equipped with Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution system. Airbags, seat-belts and side impact beams are other safety features included in the the new Ford Endeavour.

Ford throws away the now available indirect injection engine and the new Ford Endeavour will get the necessary CRDi engine. The 2.5L CRDi engine generates 143bhp at 3500 rpm and a whooping torque of 330Nm at 1800rpm. This CRDi engine will make the new Ford Endeavour most powerful beast in this category. The all new Ford Endeavour will be packed with new 5 speed automatic transmission system though manual may be offered in India. The new five-speed automatic transmission system features an innovative Transmission Control Module (TCM) that can automatically detect and quickly adjust to the changing engine speed and driving condition. It keeps the transmission system always at its peak power band, thus making the vehicle more responsive. The new 4WD transmission system of Ford Endeavour is equipped with the world renowned Borg Warner transfer system and electronic Active Shift-on-the-Fly, allowing a driver to shift the driving mode from 2WD to 4WD at high driving speeds of up to 100 km/h.

New stylish instrument panel consists of illuminating needles on tachometer, speedometer and fuel indicator. Dashboard looks elegant in silver and black combination and plush leather upholsteries make interior a cool one. While power windows, power steering, keyless entry system eases Ford Endeavour to drive three-section split air conditioning, durable side foot step and rear defogger eases passengers to live. The engine is 3 liters with a larger bore. The Duel Overhead Camshaft technology remains the same as in the previous model. The engine has 16 valves and variable Geometry Turbo. The engine reaches from zero to hundred at a short time. The staggering 380Nm of torque is produced at a maximum rpm of 2,500 and 156bhp of power developed at a maximum rpm of 3,200. Thunder+ boasts on 4x4 transmission which makes it fitting for off-road rides. Ford has incorporated some active safety features like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) to add to the safety features of the new Ford Endeavour. Driver and passenger-side airbags, front seat-belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, front and side impact beams.