MINI launches its Cooper and Countryman model range

MINI has just inaugurated its first fully exclusive showroom in the country where it will display its entire range of Cooper models starting from Rs 25.5 lakh for the basic hardtop version all the way up to Rs 30.7 lakh for the resplendent Cooper Convertible. The iconic brand’s first ever 5-door crossover SUV model, the Countryman S is also on offer and will be available in two trim levels, priced between Rs 32.80 lakh – Rs 35.90 lakh (ex-showroom).

MINI’s first exclusive showroom under Infinity Cars in Mumbai is located at Linking Road and will have a 5 car display, 24 hour specialty restaurant with music, a showroom concept that according to MINI should make for a very unique customer experience.


The MINI Cooper and convertible models on display produce a maximum of 122PS @ 6,000 rpm and 160Nm of torque at 4,250 rpm, whereas the turbocharged Cooper S (Read : Frist Drive) gets a solid boost all the way up to 184PS @ 5,500 rpm with an equally impressive 240 Nm of torque @ 1,600-5,000 rpm. All three models are engineered to hit the 190 km/hr plus mark with the sporty Cooper S quite capable of nudging the needle all the way up to 223 km/hr mark.

Although longer, taller and much heavier than its Cooper cousins, the Countryman S is a brilliantly sculpted design that produces the same power but churns out 20Nm torque higher than the Cooper hatch and convertible models. The entire range on sale India will be powered by efficient petrol engines and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Speaking at the launch of its new range of MINI models in India, Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW Group India said, “With the launch of MINI, we have brought the world’s most exciting premium small car brand to India. MINI is more than just a car – it is a personality on wheels – a fashion statement – and a way of life. MINI expresses a whole generations approach to life – it is extrovert, open and full of zest in life. No other brand exhibits the attributes and essence of a modern urban lifestyle like MINI and there is no doubt that it is one of the world’s most emotional auto brands.”

The select MINI Cooper and Countryman S models will come to India as Completely-Built-Up (CBU) units. With India now becoming the 100th country in the world to get the mini brand, MINI India is bullish on its growth in 2012 and will establish two more exclusive outlets in the Indian market in the coming months; Deutsche Motoren and Bird Automotive in Delhi (NCR Region). But for now here are the ex-showroom prices of the new MINI cars that have made their way into India.

Porsche Cayenne GTS revealed

The new Porsche Cayenne GTS sports a 4.2-litre naturally aspirated, direct injection, V8 petrol engine from the Cayenne S that has been tweaked to deliver 426PS of power and 514Nm of torque.

The 2-tonne plus SUV goes from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 259km/h. The Cayenne GTS gets Porsche’s eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox and all-wheel drive system. Its chassis has been tuned for dynamic ability, which means a stiff ride that minimises body roll around corners.

The Cayenne GTS features Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) for tautness of the suspension. The ride height of the Cayenne GTS has been lowered by 24mm as compared to that of the Cayenne S. While the vehicle has been setup primarily for performance-oriented driving, its PASM system has three settings, namely, Comfort, Normal and Sport. On-board sensors monitor body movement, lateral acceleration, steering angle, brake pressure and engine torque. Based on the driving conditions the system automatically adjusts damping settings in a particular mode, enabling greater car control, comfort and safety.

Stopping power comes from internally ventilated discs all around featuring monobloc aluminium fixed callipers with six pistons for the front wheels and four pistons for the back wheels. Optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) technology is on offer for fade-free high performance braking.

On the outside, the GTS features wide air intakes in the bumpers, high gloss black window frames, bi-xenon headlamps, wider wheel arches, side skirts, unique twin-wing roof spoiler and sports exhaust system to enhance that savage soundtrack of its naturally aspirated performance engine. The vehicle also gets RS Spyder race inspired 20 inch wheels.

Inside, the Cayenne GTS gets bespoke interiors finished in alcantara and leather, eight-way adjustable sports bucket seats and sporty steering wheel with paddle shifters.

The Porsche Cayenne GTS will hit the UK market in July 2012 with an £67,147 (Rs. 54,82 lakh) price tag, though it’ll cost a lot more in India due to excise duty.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

South Korean company, Hyundai, brought out the Santa Fe SUV in 2001 and after twelve years on the market, it’s more than ready for its third generation. In the past few weeks, there have been plenty of spy shots of the new Santa Fe, but it’s time now to see it in real life. The new Santa Fe has made its debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show.

For the 2013 model year, the Santa Fe will be offered in three versions: Santa Fe, Santa Fe Sport, and Santa Fe LWB. Customers will also get to choose between three different engines: a 190 HP direct-injection 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a 264 HP turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a 290 HP 3.3-liter direct-injection V6. The three engines can be combined with a six-speed automatic transmission and an optional all-wheel drive system.

UPDATE 04/05/2012: This review has been updated with the official details and images of the Hyundai Sante Fe.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe</i>.

Exterior and Interior

Just like all of the other Hyundai models recently launched, the new Santa Fe is defined by the company’s latest ’Fluidic Sculpture" design language combined with a new design concept called Storm Edge, which captures the strong and dynamic images created by nature during the formation of a storm.

The new Santa Fe features a three-bar hexagonal front grille, LED accents, a low stance, rising beltline, black trimmed optional roof rails, and wraparound taillights. Hyundai is offering a chrome grille and door handle accents, bodycolor mirrors, rear spoiler, aggressive exhaust outlets, a lower bumper, wheel arches, and door trim in contrasting paints as part of the standard equipment package.

The interior gets heated rear seats, eight-way power driver seat, and a YES Essentials seat fabric treatment that provides soil-resistant, anti-odor and anti-static properties for added longevity and livability. The new Santa Fe also features an optional panoramic sunroof, which allows more natural light into the cabin, and premium window switch trim. Models will come in a three-row configuration with increased legroom (by 1.9 inches) and increased cargo capacity (by 5.6 cubic feet).

Hyundai Blue Link

Blue Link is offered in three packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.

Blue Link Assurance package:

• Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance
• SOS Emergency Assistance
• Enhanced Roadside Assistance

Blue Link Essentials package:

Convenience:

• Remote Door Lock/Unlock
• Remote Horn and Lights
• Panic Notification
• Remote Engine Start
• Alarm Notification
• Quick Tips
• Location Sharing
• Voice Text Messaging

Vehicle Diagnostics:

• Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code
• Maintenance Alert
• Recall Advisor
• Web Vehicle Diagnostics
• Service Link

Safeguard:

• Stolen Vehicle Recovery
• Stolen Vehicle Slowdown
• Vehicle Immobilization
• Valet Alert
• Geofence
• Speed Alert
• Curfew Alert

Blue Link Guidance package:

• Turn-by-Turn Navigation Service
• POI Search by advanced voice recognition system
• POI Web Search and Download
• Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition
• Traffic
• Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices
• Eco-Coach
• Restaurant Ratings
• Weather

Engine

The 2013 Santa Fe will be offered with a choice of either a 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct Engine (GDI) engine or a turbocharged 2.0-liter GDI engine - both previously used in the Sonata. The 2.4 liter engine delivers a total of 190 HP and lb-ft of torque. This engine has an estimated fuel economy of 23 city and 33 highway.

The 2.0 liter turbocharged engine delivers 264 HP and 269 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai’s 2.0-liter Theta turbocharged engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger that when combined with the GDI system, results in instantaneous power delivery.

The top version, the LWB Santa Fe, is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an output of 290 HP that is combined with a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control.

Prices

The new Hyundai Santa Fe will go on sale later in 2012. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

The list of competitors for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is long and includes models like the Ford Edge, the Kia Sorento, and the Toyota RAV4.

	2013 Santa Fe Sport (est.)	2012 RAV4 V6	2012 Equinox	2012 Edge	2012 Sorento
Engine	2.0-liter turbo GDI I4	3.5-liter V6	3.0-liter GDI V6	2.0-liter GDI turbo I4	3.5-liter V6
Horsepower	264	269	264	240	276
Specific output (HP/Liter)	132	78	88	120	80
Torque	269	246	222	270	248
Transmission	6-speed	5-speed	6-speed	6-speed	6-speed
Curb weight	3,602	3,529	3,825	3,998	3,781
Weight-to-power ratio	13.64	13.11	14.48	16.65	13.69
Fuel economy	22/31/25	19/27/22	17/24/20	21/30/24	20/26/22

2013 Porsche 911 GT3 To Come Standard With Manual Transmission

The rate at which manual transmissions are slowly being offered in fewer and fewer cars simply blows our minds here at TopSpeed. There are few driving pleasures which can match up to performing a picture-perfect upshift, or even better, performing a perfect downshift with some heel and toe action thrown in. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people are not petrol heads, and only use cars to get from point A to point B.

However, there is a silver lining in this seemingly never ending cloud of darkness. Sources very close to Porsche have leaked to Teamspeed that the upcoming 2013 Porsche 911 GT3 will come standard with a manual transmission, with the technologically-advanced, yet less satisfying, PDK transmission set to be available as an optional extra.

Automotive and Porsche enthusiasts all over the world, you may now take a deep sigh of relief. With some of Porsche’s main competitors including Ferrari and Lamborghini phasing out manuals, we only assumed Porsche would follow suit, but thankfully, we were mistaken.

Don’t get overly excited however, as manual Porsches will eventually be a thing of the past, and if this report holds water, the 2013 Porsche 911 GT3 may be the very last Porsche to come with three pedals. If demand is high enough for the manual, Porsche will likely also offer it in the 911 GT3 RS which would likely make a debut 12 to 18 months after the GT3.

So, the moral of the story. Well, if you’re looking for a new Porsche, don’t go with the boring old Carrera or Carrera S, wait for the 911 GT3 to come out and order it in a manual, as we cannot foresee a world without real drivers cars!

2013 Mercedes GL-Class

The Mercedes GL-Class entered production in 2006 and six years later, is still rolling around in its first generation. However, for 2013, Mercedes is launching a new generation of the SUV, with an improved exterior look and new, more fuel efficient engines. The new GL-Class made its world debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show and will go on sale in the U.S. in September 2012.

The new GL-Class has a more powerful and sporty appearance, thanks to its new upright radiator grille with a central star and new headlamps with LED technology. The daytime running lamps also feature LED technology and are integrated in a chrome insert in the bumper, while chrome insertions have been placed under the radiator grille.

The new GL-Class will be offered in three models: GL350 BlueTEC, GL450, and GL550. The base version is powered by a 240 HP V6, while the other two models are powered by V8 engines, with 362 HP and 429 HP.

UPDATE 04/05/2012: This review has been updated with the official details and images of the Mercedes GL-Class.

Hit the jump to read more about the Mercedes GL-Class.

Exterior

The new Mercedes GL measures 5120 mm in length, 2141 mm in width, and 1850 mm in height. The SUV has received a new upright radiator grille with central star and new headlamps with LED lights. The daytime running lamps also feature LED technology and are integrated in a chrome insert in the bumper, and beneath the radiator grille the generously sized chrome-look underguard completes the self-confident appearance of the front end.

At the rear, the GL received two-piece LED tail lights that feature fiber optics, a large roof spoiler, and a bumper in a contemporary "wing design" with a generously chromed underguard. The GL-Class also features an extensive AMG Exterior Sports package which is being offered for the first time. This package adds AMG front and rear aprons, special wheel-arch flarings, and 53.3 cm (21-inch) AMG 5‑twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.

Interior

For the interior, Mercedes has added fine materials and lovingly crafted details, optimum ergonomics, and a generous amount of space. The model has received new trims in various wood and aluminum variants, silver chrome controls, and upholstery crafted in breathable ARTICO man-made leather.

The new GL-Class now offers more room for the occupants on all three rows of seats. It also features an EASY-ENTRY system on both sides – also available with electric operation on request – for access to the third row of seats.

Engine Line-up

For 2013, the GL-Class will be offered in three trim levels: GL350 BlueTEC, GL450, and GL550. The base GL350 is powered by an extensively re-engineered V6 engine that delivers a total of 240 HP and 455 lb-ft of torque - or an increase of 30 HP and 55 lb-ft over the outgoing model.

The GL450 features a twin-turbo direct-injection V8 motor that delivers a total of 362 HP and 406 lb-ft of torque, or 27 HP and 67 lb-ft more than its predecessor. For the GL550, the V8 engine delivers a total of 429 HP and 516 lb-ft of peak torque - an increase of 47 HP and 125 lb-ft of peak torque over the previous model.

The engines feature direct-injection and are paired with the new seven-speed automatic transmission.

Prices

The 2013 GL-Class goes on sale in the U.S. in September 2012. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

The list of competitors for the GL-Class includes models like the Audi Q7 and the Land Rover LR4. The Q7 is preparing to enter its second generation for the 2013 model year. It will be lighter compared to the current model and will be offered with a new range of engines. The LR4 is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 375 bhp and 375 lbs/ft torque, which gives the LR4 a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.5 seconds.