AUTO SHOWS

INDIA DELHI  AUTO EXPO 2014

Tata Group Chairman Cyrus Mistry poses with Tata's Nexon concept car. Tata has been late in joining the small SUV bandwagon but with the Nexon, it has announced its arrival in a grand style. The Nexon is still in the conceptual stage and would be production-ready in 2015, when it will square up against the Ford Ecosport and Renault Duster.

A range of Vespa scooters on display at the Auto Expo. Vespa will add more models to its line-up, which at present consists of just one model.

Managing Director and CEO of Hero Motocorp, Pawan Munjal unveiling Hastur motorcycle. Hastur has been developed in collaboration with Erik Buell Racing, in which Hero has a 49% share. The bike sports a 620cc 80-bhp powerplant and it will seriously challenge the big boys like Kawasaki, Triumph, Yamaha and Suzuki.

Rear detail of an Audi R8 V10 sports car.

Cockpit detail of an Audi R8 V10 sports car.

Wheel detail of an Audi R8 V10 sports car.

A model stands next to a Hyundai HND-9 Venace concept car.

Triumph Daytona 675 which was launched on day two of the Auto Expo 2014. The Daytona is a track-focused bike, which is equally capable on the street.

Mercedes-Benz AMG car on display at the Auto Expo. AMG, the performance arm of Mercedes-Benz, will offer souped-up cars having scorching performance.

Renault KWID concept car. This futuristic ‘dune buggy’ has its own drone which will fly ahead of the vehicle and inform the driver of any obstacles or traffic jams

The interior and console of  Renault KWID concept car.

Renault KWID concept car.

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra poses with Jaguar Land Rover's Range Rover LWB.

Ratan Tata takes a look at the Jaguar project 7 car.

People look at the interiors of Piaggio's concept city car NT3. If it is launched in India, NT3 will most likely vie for market space with the soon-to-be-launched Bajaj RE60 quadricycle.

Sachin Tendulkar poses with the newly launched BMW i8, which is the most advanced car in BMW lineup. Powered by a hybrid system, which combines a petrol engine with a battery-powered electric motor, the revolutionary i8 will be launched in India in March and will cost around Rs 42 lakh.

A model sits on a TVS scooter. TVS has tied up with BMW to design and produce bikes with an engine capacity of less than 500cc, which is most happening segment in the country at the moment.

The quintessential American muscle car in its latest avatar boasts of a monstrous 6200cc V8 engine which churns out 450bhp and maximum torque of 610Nm. For the first time in its history, the Corvette will be available in a right-hand drive version, which makes it possible for the supercar to be sold in India.

Models pose with a Chevrolet 2014 Corvette Stingray.

A 3Honda Vision XS-1 concept car. The car can seat seven people but Honda is tight-lipped whether the car will make it to production.

A windscreen-equipped version of Harley Davidson's Street 750. The Street has been specially developed for emerging markets and the company hopes it will draw in more customers seeking to experience the Harley Davidson phenomenon .

Harley-Davidson Street 750 motorcycle made its India debut Auto Expo. The Street is the first all-new bike developed by Harley Davidson in 14 years and is squarely aimed at upcoming markets.

Yamaha R25 concept bike is based on Yamaha's MotoGP bike and will get a 250cc powerplant when it is production ready. Yamaha would like to build on the success of the R15 with a bike which offers more in terms of power, ride and handling and R25 is that bike.

Renegade’s made its India debut with the Commando model. The company is hoping to cash in on the demand for higher-end models and is planning to price its bikes very competitively to take on the likes of Enfield, Triumph and Harley Davidson among others.

Honda NSX concept car graces the Honda stand at the Auto Expo. Enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for the new NSX eversince the previous generation car was discontinued in 2005.

DETROIT 

Power brokers in Detroit: Performance and sports cars

Amid all the hype around fuel economy and being better to the environment, automakers are cranking out new high-powered performance cars at a brisk pace. From the long-awaited new Chevrolet Corvetteto the six-figure ultraluxury Bentley Continental GTConvertible to the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT sport utility, the sheer variety of speed machines is as impressive as their breakneck acceleration and triple-digit top speeds. Here is a roundup of 10 all-new performance and sports cars appearing at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit that will go on sale this year.

2014 Audi RS 7

If the 420-horsepower S7 simply isn't powerful enough for you, step on up to the new Audi RS 7. A twin-turbocharged V8 engine launches this sexy German beast to 62 mph in less than four seconds and on to a top speed of 189 mph. It will hit dealerships in the third quarter.

2014 Audi SQ5

This sportier version of the Audi Q5 compact crossover gets the supercharged V6 engine from other Audi S models. Here it makes 354 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The suspension has been stiffened for better handling. It will go on sale along with the RS 7 in the third quarter.

2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed convertible

Bentley says this new, more potent version of theBentley Continental GT convertible is the fastest drop-top in the world, maxing out at 202 mph. Its monster twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder engine puts out 616 horsepower and catapults this heavy 2-door to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Bentley has started taking orders for the Continental GT Speed convertible; deliveries will start in the summer. Pricing has not been announced.

2014 BMW Z4 Roadster

BMW made subtle changes to its fun little roadster, but everything we love about it remains unchanged. Like before, there are three versions, the xDrive28i with a 240-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, the xDrive35i with 300 horsepower and six cylinders, and the xDrive35is with 335 horsepower. The folding hardtop can now be raised and lowered at speeds of up to 25 mph and can be ordered in two contrast colors: black and silver. A Hyper Orange trim package offers a vibrant new color choice. The 2014BMW Z4 Roaster will hit showrooms in the spring.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe

The M6 Gran Coupe slots perfectly between the M6coupe and M5 sedan and is perhaps the ideal package for those who want the convenience of four doors but the lower center of gravity and sexier looks of a 2-door. Compared with the M6 coupe, it has an additional 4.45 inches between the front and rear wheels. All of the mechanicals are identical to the M6 coupe. It will come out this summer with final specs and pricing to be announced.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Easily the most eagerly awaited reveal at Detroit, the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is causing a stir with its angular new styling, filled with vents and grilles, all of which are functional and integral to the car's aerodynamics. The icon of American sports cars gets an all-new V8 engine that puts out 450 horsepower and 474 lb-ft of torque. It will have a starting price of around $50,000 when it goes on sale in the third quarter of 2013.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

This burly sport utility puts an emphasis on sport, thanks to its 470-horsepower Hemi V8 engine. An 8-speed automatic transmission is new for the 2014 model. Chrysler says it shifts more smoothly and improves fuel economy thanks to an Eco mode. Like before, the Grand Cherokee SRT has a sport suspension and bigger brakes. Towing capacity is up considerably, to 7,200 pounds.

2014 Maserati Quattroporte

Maserati's all-new flagship luxury sedan is larger and has considerably more interior and trunk space, but weighs nearly 220 pounds less than before, thanks to extensive use of aluminum in the chassis and body. The V8 engine has been downsized, but twin turbochargers boost output to 523 horsepower and 524 lb-ft of torque. It's good for zero to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds and an astounding top speed of 191 mph. The only other Maserati to exceed that top speed is the MC12 supercar. A new twin-turbo V6 engine derived from the V8 makes 404 horsepower and can be paired with all-wheel drive.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG 4Matic sedan and wagon

The previous E63 AMG was already insane. Now it is even more so. Its 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine cranks out 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque — up 6 percent and 3 percent, respectively. Zero to 60 mph whizzes by in 3.6 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph. The new S-Model is even more extreme. Enhancements to the 5.5-liter V8 boost output to 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. That's good for zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph on the S-Model sedan. All-wheel drive is now standard. It will go on sale this summer; pricing has not yet been announced.

Top concept cars at the 2013 Detroit auto show

With the automotive industry on an upswing after three years of digging out of the Great Recession, the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit had an air of optimism that hadn't been seen in years. Car sales,

 after all, rose 13.4 percent to almost 14.5 million in 2012. Several automakers demonstrated their hope for the future with exciting and stylish concept cars, more this year than in recent memory. Here we present our 12 favorites. Which do you most want to see on the road?

Acura MDX prototype

The Acura MDX concept is a thinly veiled look at the 2014 MDX 7-passenger crossover. Despite a lower stance, it features a longer wheelbase that increases interior space and improves rear-seat room. The chassis promises to be more rigid, which will improve handling, and Acura will now offer front-wheel drive instead of just all-wheel drive. Acura says an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine will improve torque and fuel efficiency, though no numbers are available. Look for it virtually unchanged this summer.

Acura NSX concept

Acura unveiled an NSX in Detroit a year ago, and this year it showed the next step in the car's evolution. This concept car features slightly tweaked styling, including a new grille and wheels. It also adds thickly bolstered sport seats and a Simple Sports Interface control system designed to reduce clutter. The car will be powered by a new midmounted 3.5-liter V6 engine and three electric motors, two of which will drive the front wheels. Watch for a production version, possibly as early as 2015.

Lincoln MKC concept

The MKC concept is a near-production-ready preview of a compact crossover due next year. It features an attractive and elegant exterior design and an interior replete with leather offset by metal-flake-infused wood trim. It's based on the Ford Escape, and we suspect it will share that vehicle's 2.0-liter 231-horsepower and 1.6-liter 173-horsepower EcoBoost 4-cylinder engines. Programmable ride control will enhance ride and handling, and drivers will control the transmission with push buttons

Ford Atlas concept

The Atlas concept represents a likely future design direction for the F-150 pickup. It also previews some future functionality. Ford's bed step now rises from the tailgate to act as a cradle for a roof storage system, and the bed has hidden ramps and 110-volt outlets. Under the hood, Ford says it features a next-generation EcoBoost engine, likely a version of the current 3.5-liter V6, but with stop-start technology. Look for a new F-150 in the next couple of years with features from the Atlas.

Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis concept

The HCD-14 Genesis concept provides a peek into the future of Hyundai's premium cars. It features a coupelike roofline with rear-hinged rear doors, a clean profile and a blocky grille. It's more impressive inside, where it uses eye-tracking and gesture-recognition technology to control the infotainment system. The next Genesis will likely be much tamer than this, but if this car is any indication, it will have a much bolder design than the current car

Volkswagen Passat Performance concept

Volkswagen introduced a new Passat for the 2012 model year, and now it is exploring the possibility of a sport model. The Passat Performance concept is powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that cranks out 250 horsepower. The suspension is lowered to improve handling, and the exterior features dual exhaust, 19-inch wheels and carbon appliques on the mirrors. Inside, it has carbon-style trim on the dashboard and seat inserts. We expect a Passat sport model will be offered in a year or two.

Volkswagen CrossBlue concept

With the CrossBlue concept, Volkswagen is exploring the possibility of adding a midsize SUV above the compact Tiguan and below the midsizeTouareg for the North American market. The most innovative aspect of the CrossBlue is the plug-in hybrid diesel powertrain that makes 305 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque while delivering an estimated 35 mpg, 14 miles of electric-only range and a zero-to-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds. We expect a 7-passenger production version of the CrossBlue in a couple of years, probably with conventional powertrains

BMW 4-Series Coupe concept

Other than some of the wilder design bits, such as the front and rear fascias, the mirrors and perhaps the side scoops, the 4-Series coupe concept looks production-ready. BMW says it will be more exclusive than the 3-Series coupe it replaces, which likely means more expensive. The car is lower, wider and longer than the last model, giving it an even more dynamic look. Expect 300-horsepower 435i and 240-horsepower 428i versions at launch late this summer, with an M4 to follow later

Honda Urban SUV concept

The "cute ute" began with the launch of the compactToyota RAV4 in 1996. Today, we are seeing the rise of the cuter ute, which is an even smaller, subcompact vehicle. The Honda Urban SUV concept fills that bill. It represents a new crossover for Hondathat slots in below the CR-V in size and price. Based on the Honda Fit, the Urban SUV concept will get a version of the CR-V's Magic Seat design that allows several seat configurations, including a fold-flat mode. No engine information is available.

Fiat 500 Abarth Tenebra Design concept

The Fiat 500 Abarth Tenebra isn't so much a concept car as a possible interior and exterior styling package. The diminutive 500 gets cloaked in matte gray paint with black chrome accents and gloss gray mirrors, side stripes and scorpion roof logo. Inside, it has black sport seats with gray piping and stitching and a racing harness pass-through. The flat-bottom steering wheel uses the same colors, and the dash is finished in matte carbon fiber. A Beats audio system with HD radio rounds out the feature set.

Toyota Furia concept

The Corolla has run into tough competition fromFord, Chevrolet, Hyundai and Dodge over the past few years, but the Furia concept unveiled in Detroit shows Toyota will soon fight back. The Furia reveals an aggressive design direction for the next Corolla — one that Toyota calls Iconic Dynamism. A company insider says the production car will look very similar, with changes likely for the front and rear fascias, 19-inch wheels and carbon-fiber rocker panels. The next Corolla will go on sale this fall.

Nissan Resonance concept

With the Rogue and Murano due for redesigns,Nissan is examining the future of its crossover styling. The Nissan Resonance concept represents one possible design path, coupled with a hybrid powertrain. Nissan says the design balances dynamic fluidity with pure edginess, and it calls the cabin a high-tech and inviting VIP lounge. The white leather, real wood and graphically layered digital displays create an upscale interior feel. We think the Resonance looks futuristic, but some of the lines could reasonably show up in future production vehicles.