Maruti Ritz Genus Launched

The country's largest car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki will unveil a special limited edition 'Maruti Ritz Genus' tomorrow, to commemorate the first anniversary of Ritz model. 'Maruti Ritz Genus' will be available as an option on the Ritz VXi (Petrol) and Ritz VDi (Diesel) models. The price of Maruti Ritz VXi will be Rs 4,54,349 (ex-showroom Delhi) and Maruti Ritz Genus VDi will be Rs. 5,31,410 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The limited edition, 'Maruti Ritz Genus' retains the best attributes of Brand Ritz and adds several exciting features, which include: a brand new signature colour `Emerald Blue' The colour is accentuated through matching door handles and body colour rear view mirrors. Smart body graphics run all along the length to make the car distinctly appealing. Body side mouldings add character to the Genus's profile. The rear is enhanced with a back door garnish and graceful "Genus" decal.

The interiors are plush with a dual tone dashboard with blue-gray shades. For entertainment, the 'Maruti Ritz Genus' is equipped with Radio and CD with speakers and tilt-adjustable steering. Other customer-friendly features include keyless entry, rear wiper-cum-washer, and a rear parcel tray.

Speaking on the occasion Shashank Srivastava, Chief General Manager (Marketing) said, "Limited Editions are our way to bring excitement to the showrooms. We have excellent experience with Limited editions in the past. While they bring in incremental sales numbers, at the same time customer response to these special models have helped us for future product development and planning. I am confident that the Maruti Ritz Genus will find great appreciation with customers for its new add-on features."

In recent years, the company has brought in `Limited Editions' for its bestsellers like Maruti Swift, Maruti Estilo and Maruti Alto to bring vibrancy and excitement around its offerings.

Maruti Ritz, launched in May 2009, delivered the best ever first-year performance in the domestic automobile Premium A-2 segment by registering sales of a whopping 68,130 units in its first year of sales. Cumulatively, Maruti Ritz has sold over 86,400 vehicles till date.

Maruti Ritz has endeared itself to its customers for its superb fuel efficiency of 17.7 kmpl in petrol and of 21.1 kmpl in diesel, bold styling and excellent road handling.

Maruti Ritz is available in two power train options: 1.2-litre, four-cylinder K Series petrol engine with maximum power of 85 PS and the highly successful 1.3-litre, DDiS diesel unit that delivers a maximum power of 75 PS. The Ritz comes with Drive-by-wire technology in both petrol and diesel variants. This along with the 32-bit Engine Management System provides faster signal processing and quick response.

Maruti Ritz, developed on the successful Swift platform and positioned at the premium-end of the compact car market, has been specifically designed for India. Maruti Suzuki engineers worked with the Suzuki design team in Japan to co-design the car and carry out India-specific changes such as superior transmission, improved suspension and better ground clearance.

New Peugeot 308 RCZ

From conception to creation... The story continues

A daring concept car has become an even bolder reality. A car that replicates in production, the style and dynamics of the original concept, a vehicle that evokes strong emotions and marks a new chapter in the history of Peugeot.

The Emotions of Style - A triumph of style and technical prowess. The RCZ re-invents the original coupe structure with an innovative body type that is both sporty and elegant. The unique 'double bubble' roof contours being accentuated by polished aluminum arches that sculpt its profile.

An Expression of Modernity - A sensuous charisma marks out the exterior of the Peugeot RCZ. Sculpted sides, curved wings and aggressive rear create a compact and muscular silhouette. The sporty appearance is enhanced by many tiny details, from the contour of the bonnet, to the chromed twin exhaust pipes.

Extreme Seduction - The stylish fascia panel is covered with a stylish hi-tech material, or can be personalized with fine grain leather. Drivers will admire the distinctive metal inserts on the dials, inspired by the highest level of motorsport technology and unique to the RCZ.

Personal Space - Sports seats and a low, ergonomic driving position give you the feeling of being in harmony with the RCZ allowing you to appreciate the handling of the car. Take your place behind the wheel and your journey truly begins.

Sensations Like Never Before - A rare and exclusive coupe which attracts more than its share of admiring glances. It brings pleasure to driving, the passionate relationship between the road, the car and the driver takes on its full meaning here.

Refined Emotions - A range of modern powerful engines to complete the driving pleasure. Petrol engines with 156bhp or 200bhp, a diesel version producing 163bhp with 240ft/lbs of torque at just 2000 rpm. Environmentally friendly with emission starting at just 139g/km and mixed fuel consumption as miserly as 53.2 mpg thanks to Peugeot HDi Fap diesel technology.

The story of RCZ goes on. Amazing specification that can be personalized to your own taste, state of the art carbon fibre is available on the double bubble roof and mirror housings, several choices of interior finish, a wide choice of body colours and a range of wheels that will have something for everyone.

2010 Ford F-250 Super Duty 6.8L 3-Valve Engine

A quick glance at the 2010 Ford F-250 Super Duty engine options reveals three potent power plants. The factory offers a 5.4L V8, a 6.8L V10, and a 6.4L turbo-diesel V8. For performance enthusiasts, the 6.8L V10 continues to provide exhilarating performance. Regardless of the success of this lineup, the selection within the truck series is about to change.

The 3-valve SOHC V10 was originally introduced in 2005. Initially, power output was rated at 310 hp and 425 lbs.-ft. torque. Over the last five years, continuous factory improvements increased maximum output to 362 hp and 457 lbs.-ft. torque. The original aluminum head design used three valves per cylinder that were actuated by a single overhead camshaft. Because of the success of the unique head design, current models continue using the same configuration.

According to factory representatives, production of the V10 power plant will be phased out later this year. The 6.2L Boss V8 will replace the legendary V10. The 6.2L Boss should produce approximately 500 hp. Perhaps the substitution is intended to regain dominance over the top-performing power plant available in the GMC 2500HD now rated at 360 hp.

The new 6.2L Boss will also be available in F-150 and F-350 series trucks. Because of the large horsepower increase, industry watchers anticipate record performance gains in all weight classes in 2011. Other 2010 Ford F-250 Super Duty engine options will remain unchanged next year. For heavy industrial use and towing, the 3-valve turbo-diesel delivers a stump-pulling 650 lbs.-ft. of torque.

Truck fans across the country regret seeing the V10 vanish. Nevertheless, full factory support is assured through all applicable warranty periods. In addition, the availability of aftermarket parts guarantees continued support for years to come. As always, as one champion disappears into history, a new champion appears to regain dominance.

Cadillac SRX in Review

Cadillac SRX is a luxury crossover SUV, a combination that mates the copious hauling and seating capacity of an SUV with ride, handling, and performance traits more like that of a typical sedan. For 2010, the SRX comes standard with a 3.0 liter V6 under the hood producing a rated 265 horsepower and 223 foot-pounds of torque. A 2.8 liter turbocharged V6 that produces 300 horsepower and 295 foot-pounds of torque is available as an option. SRXs with the standard power-plant under the hood can be had in all wheel drive or front wheel drive, while the turbocharged package is available with AWD only. Both varieties come with a six speed automatic transmission. EPA rated fuel economy is 17 miles per gallon city and 23 MPG highway. The car seats five.

The SRX boasts a very respectable collection of standard features. Included in the base model are dual-zone automatic climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, 60/40-split-folding and reclining rear seat-backs, and a Bose sound system with eight speakers. Higher levels of trim include every luxury you can think of and some you can't, including sunroof, powered lift-gate, leather seats, heated front and rear seats, xenon headlamps, hard-drive based nav system, and a backup camera. AWD models feature a sport tuned suspension with continuous variable dampening. Another nifty touch is rain sensing windshield wipers, which automatically adjust the frequency of wiper blade sweeps in relation to the intensity of the downpour. The on board navigation system has large clear screens and operates easily with voice commands. Like most GM products, the SRX comes with OnStar service, which includes such features as roadside assistance, remote opening of the doors should you lock your keys inside, automatic contact of the authorities when a crash is detected, and a theft recovery system.

The SRX's handling is quite sporty for an SUV; it is a pleasure in the corners. The 3.0 liter package is adequate but simply does not have the oomph for acceleration performance that throws you back in your seat. The turbocharged model is one notch better in this regard.

Most Popular Classic Car Models

Classic cars encompass all automobiles that satisfy certain conditions for it to be called as such. These conditions are generally vague, as people have different opinions on what may be considered classic. A car with a timeless, elegant design and powerful engine can be reasonably thought of as a classic, but all the same, rarity and demand are the biggest factors. Thus, the characteristics that determine this type of car are still hazy. That's why over the years, several groups have devised some ways to organize the seemingly ambiguous definition of these cars. While they are still unofficial, it helps to know the features common in these popular classics, and know what makes them a favorite among collectors.

The Factors that Help Define a Classic Car

Engine - These cars are usually powered by high-performance engines. However, there are some automobiles with relatively slower engines, which are recognized as classic.

Coachwork - Intricate coachwork is a common feature among classics.

Luxury accessories -

The accessories or optional parts that go with the vehicle are also a factor. These may include clutches and power brakes.

Year the Car was Manufactured - Age is always a consideration in determining whether an automobile is a classic or not. For a certain vehicle to pass as one, it has to be manufactured around the late 1940's to 1980's. Thus, a classic car's age should be 25 years or older.

An Example Of A Few Classic Cars

Here are some of the most popular classics that are widely recognized by not only car aficionados, but your everyday person as well:

Corvette - this classic sports car was the first one to come as a convertible, and while it didn't sell well at first, and had to undergo some restyling, it became an extremely popular classic among American consumers.

Chrysler New Yorker - this was Chryslers most popular model and helped them forge a brand name among American car manufacturers from the late 30s well into the next several decades.

Austin A40 - this was a popular mid-size car produced in Britain in the 50s and 60s, and was both reliable and classy looking.