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Chevrolet Spark facelift review

Our first impressions of the updated Chevy Spark.

When Chevrolet first rolled out the Spark in 2007, it made its intentions clear with the little hatchback. The Spark was destined to be a cheap and cheerful hatchback designed specifically to provide basic transport from point A to point B. And although we know that the little hatchback is good for its intended usage, it never seemed to click with those on a strict budget in India.

That said, Chevrolet isn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet, and has given its Spark a much-needed facelift. But is that enough to garner fresh interest? Chevrolet thinks so.

The majority of the Sparks restyle is at the front, where the original car’s simplistic styling has been replaced by something that’s a whole lot more ‘in your face’. Leading the list of changes here is the new two-part grille that extends onto the redesigned front bumper, linking the Spark to other cars in Chevrolet’s line-up. If anything, this should help give the Spark a more premium image. The chrome piping in the region of the grille and fog-lamp enclosures also adds a bit of flash. The clear-lens headlamps help establish this as the new Spark. Viewed from the side, it’s only the black plastics on the door sills that distinguish the updated Spark from the old one. Similarly, changes at the rear too are restricted to the addition of a black panel on the lower portion of the bumper.

The cabin, too, remains largely unchanged. The basic design of the dashboard is a carryover from the original Spark of 2007, but the plastics now come finished in a different shade of beige. A revised instrument cluster (with a digital tachometer) and new fabrics for the seats are the only other noteworthy changes. Sadly, Chevrolet has missed an opportunity to improve front-seat comfort on this update. As before, the seat base slopes slightly downwards and this can be quite uncomfortable on long drives. However, even so many years after launch, the Spark’s rear seat continues to impress with space and comfort, bettering the Alto on this vital count. Boot space though is quite compromised and you’ll be best off packing light.

Styling update and minor changes to the cabin apart, the new Spark is pretty much the same car as before. Chevrolet has not tinkered with any of the car’s mechanicals, so it drives just like the Sparks of old. What that means is you get a smooth and linear power delivery from its 63bhp, 1.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine. Sure, the Spark is not particularly fast, but overall performance is more than acceptable for a city car. Helping the Spark’s city car credentials is its feather-light clutch that is allied with an equally light, if slightly notchy, five-speed gearbox.

The Spark’s excellent manoeuvrability and its steering requires little effort to turn, which will make it very appealing for first-time car buyers. Ride quality and stability are also pretty impressive for a car of this class. In terms of economy, you can expect 12.3kpl in the city and 16.9kpl out on the highway. You also have the option of buying the Spark with a factory-fitted LPG kit. Interestingly, the Spark LPG is only available in the higher LS and LT trim levels. The base Spark (Rs 3.26 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi) is only offered in petrol guise. In terms of features and pricing, the Spark is at par with the competition. The top-spec LT model that costs Rs 3.81 lakh gets decent kit with power windows on all four doors, power steering, internally adjustable rear-view mirrors, rear defogger and an MP3 CD player with Aux and USB input. However, airbags are not offered even as an option.

So in conclusion, the new Spark holds on to its core strengths of being a city-friendly and easy-to-drive car with a comfortable back seat. It now has more flamboyant styling, it still offers good value, is fuel efficient and thanks to Chevrolet’s service incentives, should be cheap to maintain as well. All in all, the Spark maintains its status as one of the best hatchbacks to buy for those on a tight budget.

Fact File

Price Range (in lakhs)*

Ex-showroom price

Rs 3.26 lakh

Engine

Power

63bhp

Transmission

Type	front-wheel drive
Gearbox	5-speed manual

Dimensions

Length	3495mm
Width	1495mm
Height	1518mm
Wheel base	2345mm

Chassis & Body

Tyres

155/70 R13

Suspension

Front	MacPherson strut with anti roll bar
Rear	Torsion beam axle

Brakes

Front	Discs
Rear	Drums

Performance

0-100

15.93 sec

Acceleration in gear

20-80kph in 3rd gear

15.19 sec

SPECIFICATION HONDA CTX700 SERIES 2014

 

Honda CTX700 Series 2014 is a motorcycle the latest output motorcycle manufacturer Honda. Honda CTX700 Series  is a variation of the series NC700 the year 2012, which is designed as a reliable bike and cheap with features and modern designs.

Honda CTX700 Series first was introduced at the International Motorcycle Show 2013 event in Chicago, USA. Honda CTX700 designed to offers sensation of driving were comfortable. 

Honda CTX700 Series holding engine two cylinder parallel capacity of 670 cc, with fuel injection throttle version and four valves per cylinder. With this engine is only capable of producing up to 48 hp (36 kW) at  torque 6100rpm, CTX700 Series has a dry weight of about 500 lbs or 227 kg. Following complete specification Honda CTX700 Series 2014:

Engine :
Engine Type : 670cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin
Bore And Stroke : 73mm x 80mm
Induction : PGM-FI with 36mm throttle body
Ignition : Digital transistorized with electronic advance
Compression Ratio : 10.7:1
Valve Train : SOHC; four valves per cylinder 

Chassis :
Front Suspension : 41mm fork, 4.2 inches travel
Rear Suspension : Pro-Link single shock, 4.3 inches travel
Front Brake : Single 320mm disc with two-piston caliper
Rear Brake : Single 240mm disc with single-piston caliper
Front Tire :120/70-17
Rear Tire :160/60-17 

Dimensions :
Rake : 27.7°
Trail : 114.0mm (4.4 inches)
Wheelbase : 60.2 inches
Seat Height : 28.3 inches
Fuel Capacity : 3.17 gallons
Miles Per Gallon : 64 MPG 

Drivetrain :
Transmission : Six speed
Final Drive : Chain

Honda Grom 2014 Specification

 

Specification Honda Grom 2014, Honda Grom 2014 became the new flagship for the Honda United States. Honda Grom 2014 offers motorcycle with dimensions and engine compact stylish mini moto. He looks similar to the Honda MSX 125 is manufactured from Thailand. Introduced in January 2013, Honda says MSX for the global market.

 

Honda Grom looks sturdy and well built despite its small dimensions. Long handlebar models motors adventure. Lights rectangular model looks unique. Honda Grom has weight reached 102 kg.

Honda Grom armed with PGM-FI injection engine capacity of 125 cc powered 10 hp at 7000 rpm with torque of 10.9 Nm at 5500 rpm equipped with a 4-speed transmission and clutch. For braking system fitted hydraulic brakes front and rear. Honda Grom 2014 comes in two color choices are black and red and is priced at U.S. $ 2,999.

Specification Honda Grom :

Engine :
Engine Type :124.9cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore And Stroke :52.4mm x 57.9mm
Compression Ratio : 9.3:1
Induction : PGM-FI with automatic enrichment
Ignition : Electronic
Valve Train : SOHC; two valves per cylinder

Dimensions :
Rake : 25 deg.
Trail : 81mm (3.2 inches)
Wheelbase : 47.4 inches
Seat Height  : 29.7 inches
Fuel Capacity : 1.45 gallons
Curb Weight  : 225 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel?ready to ride)

Chassis :
Front Suspension : 31mm inverted fork; 3.9 inches travel
Rear Suspension : Single shock with steel box-section swingarm; 4.1 inches travel
Front Brake : Single 220mm disc with hydraulic dual-piston caliper
Rear Brake : Single 190mm disc with hydraulic single piston caliper
Front Tire : 120/70-12
Rear Tire : 130/70-12

Drive Train :
Transmission  : Four-speed
Final Drive  : Chain

Alfa Romeo 159

Alfa Romeo 159

Alfa Romeo 159

Alfa Romeo 159

Alfa Romeo 159

Alfa Romeo 159

Alfa Romeo 159

Mercedes Benz S class Autogadget Virtual Tuning

Mercedes Benz S Class is a luxury car produced by the German automaker Mercedes Benz. It was introduced in 1972. The S class is known as the worlds best car. Now Mercedes Benz released its latest generation S class - W222. We have tuned a 2005 model W221.

Colour - Midnight Black
Front bumper - Fab Design
Hoods - Custom

Sides Skirts - Auto Couture
Wheels - Alutec R19
Wings - Wald

Spoiler - lorinser
Rear lamps - Custom
Rear bumper - ART

All New Toyota Corolla 2014 More Expressive and Elegant

All New Toyota Corolla 2014 has finally revealed her new face with the view that more expressive and elegant. All-New Toyota Corolla is equipped with LED lights low-beam and adopted a five-point front grille the lower.

 

All New Toyota Corolla comes with three variants namely All-New Toyota Corolla L, All-New Toyota Corolla LE and All-New Toyota Corolla S. All three such variants use a 4-cylinder engine. For the Type New Corolla L would be filled 1.8-liter engine capable of producing 132 bhp (98 kW), while the type LE, with the same engine but is able to achieve 140 bhp (104 kW).  

 

 

For the gearboxes are available depending on the trim level, with a six-speed manual for the type L and S, seven-speed CVTi S for the LE, LE Eco and S and which four-speed automatic for the L models entry-level.  

 

All-New Toyota Corolla also features several standard equipment such as eight airbags, Bluetooth so that hands-free calling and connectivity audio streaming, together with other equipment (depending on the trim) as a back-monitor, power moonroof, touchscreen radio, smart key / push button start, Softex chair and applications can be accessed via the audio head unit.

2013 BMW X6 M SUV

BMW X6 M SUV

Introduction

Truly logical car purchasing results in the purchase of a modest minivan or unknown family automobile. It contains trade-offs and showing priority for things like mpg, cubic legs and recurring value. On lack of of the variety we look for the 2013 BMW X6 M, which takes logical car purchasing, stays it in a burlap bag, surpasses it with a crow-bar and brings it off a 12-story link into the patiently waiting oral cavity of ill-tempered crocodiles.

This bonkers-performance M edition of the BMW X6 sport-utility seats only four people in its conventional settings, and those in back will discover restricted headroom and a seatback that doesnt lie down. Moreover, the X6 Ms freight potential is not only greatly less than the routinely similar 2013 BMW X5 M, but also this automobile is actually less huge than lightweight SUVs like the Cars Tucson. Plus, the competitive mountain of its ceiling line creates it difficult to get that high TV box from Best Buy. Then theres the price. With an MSRP of nearly $100,000, the M6 M is a lot less expensive than the also-bonkers 2013 Mercedes Cayenne Turbocompresseur, but its still more expensive than any variety of sports vehicles or high-performance cars that generate more excitement and are just as incorrect.

Having said all that, the 2013 BMW X6 M is one of the most amazing achievements of automobile technical innovation sold today. Yes it is 5,300 pounds and has the impact of a midsize SUV, but with a 555-horsepower twin-turbo V8, the X6 M goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 a few moments. Thats faster than a Mercedes 911 and any variety of other wearing vehicles. However, any excellent old boy can things a too-big engine into something unsuitable and make it insane quick. So BMW also utilizes every technical and suspension-tuning tool in its comprehensive collection to generate outstanding managing. And not "stellar for a 5,300-pound SUV," but outstanding, period. On a wide-open monitor, the X6 M has a excellent taken of keeping up with those same M3s and 911s.

However, the idea of any SUV on a monitor seems patently absurd. Plus, the world isnt a wide-open monitor, and any restricted, twisting road complete with overgrown plants, ditches and stone surfaces will generate a feeling of paint-scraping anxiety. In other words, the X6 M is amazing theoretically, but youre unlikely to test its abilities.

Of course, the same could be said of SUVs like the Range Rover sport, which feature amazing off-roading abilities few suburb-dwelling owners will ever manipulate. That doesnt mean the 2013 BMW X6 M is practical, however, and we cant think about anything ever will. If youve dropped in love with the design, performance or the actual pleasure of such a automobile, then who are we to argue? Just be prepared to throw rationality to the crocodiles.

BMW X6 M SUV

Body Styles, Cut Levels, and Options

The 2013 BMW X6 M is a performance-oriented edition of the BMW X6. Four seats are conventional, but a back center seat is an option.

Standard equipment contains 20-inch tires, performance tires, flexible dampers, effective backing cafes, a self-leveling back air revocation, bi-xenon front lights (automatic, flexible and auto-leveling), automated wipers, auto-dimming and power-folding showcases, a energy liftgate, front part and rear automobile parking receptors, back comfort cup and a sunroof. Inside you get vacation management, dual-zone automated heating and cooling, warmed 14-way energy front part seats with flexible increases and back, set furniture, the BMW iDrive gadgets interface, Wireless phone connection, a routing program, real-time traffic, speech manages and a 16-speaker speakers with a CD player, HD stereo, an reliable sound port and an iPod/USB sound interface.

The Cold Weather program contributes warmed back seats and a warmed rim. The Active Vented Seat program contributes air flow and rub performance to the top part seats. The Rear Environment program gets four-zone automated heating and cooling and guide back part sunshades. The Car owner Assistance program contributes a head-up display (available separately), rear- and top-view automobile parking camcorders and automated great supports. The Top quality Audio program gets satellite tv stereo (available separately) and an improved 16-speaker speakers.

Stand-alone choices include keyless ignition/entry, automated soft-close gates, a sideview automobile parking camera, LED front lights, prolonged internal set trim, a rear-seat enjoyment program, a six-CD/DVD filter and the BMW Applications package of iPhone incorporation features.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2013 BMW X6 M is operated by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 good for 555 hp and 500 pound-feet of twisting. A six-speed automated gearbox and all-wheel generate are conventional.

In Edmunds performance examining, the BMW X6 M achieved 60 mph from a dead stop in just 4.3 a few moments. This makes it not only the fastest SUV weve ever examined but also faster than many devoted activities vehicles. The BMW X6 M can also tow 6,600 weight.

The trade-off for so much performance is gas mileage -- the X6 M has EPA-estimated gas mileage scores of 12 mpg city/17 mpg street and 14 mpg mixed.

BMW X6 M SUV

Safety

Every 2013 BMW X6 M comes conventional with hold and balance control, antilock stopping system, automated stopping mechanism dehydrating, front part side protection bags, part layer protection bags and flexible stopping mechanism lighting. The latter display the taillights under fast excessive stopping as a caution to following motorists. Also conventional is the BMW Assist urgent devices system, which provides automated accident alert, thieved automobile restoration and on-demand curbside support.

In Edmunds stopping mechanism examining, the X6 M came to a stop from 60 mph in an extremely short 107 legs.

Interior Design and Exclusive Features

Besides unique M pieces which consist of special seats, badges and shade blends, the 2013 BMW X6 M seems quite acquainted. From the top part seats, it looks nearly similar to the X5 upon which it is based. Beyond that, the components are top-notch and the whole thing is put together magnificently in BMW style. There are also a number of available gadgets functions managed through the complex but personalized iDrive interface.

The big variations come into play behind the top part seats, mostly due to the sloping, coupe-style ceiling range that decreases back headroom by about 2 " wide. In conventional type, there are two individual back seats with a lasting center system, much as youd anticipate in a special traveling car. These seats are relaxed enough, but headroom is a tad restricted, there are no postioned improvements and a fifth traveler will obviously have to take a cab instead. An optionally available center seat at least manages the latter problem.

Besides restricted back burner headroom, the extraordinary ceiling range also decreases exposure and reduces into the freight box. Cargo potential is adequate for periodic transporting, with a reasonable 25 cubic legs with the seats up, but with the back seats stowed, the X6 maintains only 60 cubic legs (compared to the X5s 75 cubes). Thats less potential than youll get out of a Cars Tucson.

BMW X6 M SUV

Driving Impressions

The 2013 BMW X6 M is 5,256 weight. Its also a cross-over SUV, so its center of severity isnt exactly like a activities vehicles. So how does this monster manage to deal with like a activities car? Technological innovation -- lots of technology. Theres "Active" this and "Dynamic" that in just about every place of the X6 Ms function, a battalion of high-tech helps developed to keep the regulations of science at bay. The results are amazing. Our expert professional test-drivers are impressed by this large BMWs fairly neutral managing, vast hold and fitness personality. However, on a restricted street, no amount of athleticism will be able to cover up just how big the X6 M is.

Then theres the power. Turbocompresseur lag is nonexistent and speeding is at once awe-inspiring and giggle-inducing. Media the driver-programmable M key on the rim and the accelerator becomes more delicate, changes become more fast and the exhausts let out a gnarly debris during upshifts under full accelerator. The X6 M may not be a traditional performance device, but its certainly a huge range.

EnerNOC NASDAQ ENOC Stock Could Reward Traders With Almost 40 Gains

Did you ever wonder why a number of electric utilities hand out rebates for energy-efficient appliances? After all, youd think these firms want customers to burn more energy and rack up higher electric bills. Thats not the way they see it though.

A number of utilities aim to operate near capacity to best utilize their own infrastructures, and they dread summer heat waves or other periods of high power consumption that can push their systems to the limit. Building a buffer into their capacity means building costly new power plants, and utility companies would like to avoid yet another financial burden.

In response, many utilities, along with their biggest corporate customers, are working with Boston-based EnerNOC (NASDAQ: ENOC) to help modulate energy consumption during peak usage times.  (more)

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Volkswagen Cross Polo Launch on August 21

Volkswagen Cross Polo is the regular polo with some exterior body kits to make it look more muscular and SUV look. Volkswagen has been testing the cross polo very aggressively around different parts of India. Now Autocar India reports that Volkswagen could launch the Cross Polo on 21st August in India. There has been no official information yet.

Volkswagen has increased the ground clearance for the Cross Polo. Volkswagen has also added black cladding around the polo and also scuff plates in the front and rear with a dull silver finish to give an SUV look for the polo. Volkswagen would also give 16 inch alloy wheels. Volkswagen Cross Polo also gets roof rails, which can hold 75 Kg of luggage.

Volkswagen Cross Polo gets the same interiors from the Polo. Volkswagen will only offer the Cross Polo at the top end trim with all the features available in the top end Polo. There won’t be any increase in the interior space. But overall length will increase thanks to the added body kit. In 2014, Volkswagen will introduce a different version of Cross Polo with spare wheel mounted on the hatch door.

Volkswagen Cross Polo is powered by the same 1.2 L TDI engine which makes 75 PS of power. This engine is mated to 5 speed manual gearbox. Volkswagen Cross Polo has already received the ARAI certificate, which indicate the launch is not far away. Volkswagen will price the Cross Polo 70.000 – 80.000 RS more than the Polo TDI top end variant.

source : ACI

Age 26 years Moon Geun Young still cute school uniform

Talented actress Moon Geun Young recently showed the charm of her face and a cute baby-face. photo actress who is now involved in the SBS drama, Alice in Cheongdamdong posted in school uniforms.

According to the production team, the photo Geun Young was when he was filming a flashback scene when his character was in high school, where the character must contend with Yu So Hyun.

Representatives of the production team stated, "Moon Geun Young is one of the Korean celebrities who look good when wearing a school uniform," as reported by soompi.com.

In this drama, Geun Young will compete acting with the handsome actor Park Shi Hoo will be a love it interest. The actress who is idolized by Yesung Super Juniors debut in Endless Love drama as a young character Song Hye Gyo.

Source

Where Are Interest Rates Going

As we enter 2014 this is definitely one of the big things on my radar. From where I’m sitting, it just seems that everyone is convinced that rates are going higher. And maybe they are. But when everyone is this sure of something, I really enjoy taking a closer look at the other side.
Today we’re looking at 10-year yields. I don’t want to get into a whole philosophical conversation about QE or Bernanke or Yellen. I can’t worry about any of that stuff. In my opinion, we need to look at how the market feels about all of that. You see, a lot of people say a lot of things; there’s a ton of noise out there, but price is the only truth that I feel comfortable enough to trust.
Rates are at a very critical level right now. Take a look at the sentiment data, I’ve been talking about it here over the last month. The consensus view is that rates rise. That makes me wonder what would happen if they don’t….(more)

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Start of production Golf 7 in Mexico

• Mexican Secretary of Economy, Dr. Guajardo, and Volkswagen CEO, Prof. Dr. Winterkorn, inaugurate production of the new Volkswagen Golf at the Puebla plant
• The Volkswagen Group is investing US$7 billion in new products and modern production facilities in North America in period to 2018
• Volkswagen de México celebrates 50th anniversary

Production of the new Volkswagen Golf1 began today at the Volkswagen plant in Puebla, Mexico. The facility is to build further models from the Golf family for the North America region going forward. Dr. Ildefonso Guajardo, Mexican Secretary of Economy, Rafael Moreno-Valle, Governor of the State of Puebla, and Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, inaugurated Golf production on the occasion of the ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Volkswagen de México. 700 guests from politics and industry attended the celebrations.

“Volkswagen de México has a proud history and a promising future. One car in particular is a symbol of that: The new Golf,” Prof Dr. Martin Winterkorn said in Puebla. “The start of Golf 7 production will give Volkswagen a big boost in the North America region. And it underscores our commitment to Mexico as an automotive location. That is further confirmed by the US$7 billion our Group will be investing in North America in the period to 2018.”

The intelligent lightweight construction of the Golf, the “World Car of the Year 2013”, is based on the technological innovations of the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB), and the vehicle will be exported from Mexico to the USA and Canada. The new Volkswagen Golf will hit North American roads from mid-year as it continues its global success story. Volkswagen has invested some US$700 million in new production plant and modern infrastructure for the Golf in Puebla. The first Golf sedan to be built in Mexico is a red Golf GTI2. Production of further derivatives such as the Golf station wagon for the North and South America regions will begin during the course of the year. Golf production at the Puebla plant has a capacity of 700 vehicles per working day.

CEO of Volkswagen de México, Andreas Hinrichs, underscored the major significance of the Puebla location for Volkswagen: “Our Puebla factory is today one of the Group’s highest exporters and one of its largest plants worldwide. Over 10 million vehicles have already been shipped from here to customers all over the world.”

In addition to the new Golf, the Puebla plant also builds the coupé and cabriolet versions of the Volkswagen Beetle plus the Volkswagen Jetta. In terms of technology, these models also belong to the Golf class and are to be adapted to the structure of the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB) in the medium term. Furthermore, Volkswagen began manufacturing modern TSI engines at the Silao engine plant in early 2013. The Audi facility in San José Chiapa will strengthen the Volkswagen Group’s production network in North America from 2016.

The vehicles manufactured in Pueba and the engines produced in Silao are built in accordance with the state-of-the art environmental standards of the Volkswagen brand’s “Think Blue. Factory.” programme. This programme aims to optimise resource efficiency at all Volkswagen plants and to continually improve the environmental compatibility of the production process. 50 years of success unite Volkswagen and Mexico. Volkswagen began exports to Mexico back in 1954. 50 years ago, on January 15, 1964, the Wolfsburg-based company founded an import, production and sales company called “Volkswagen de México S.A.” The Beetle began rolling off the assembly line at the new plant in Puebla in 1967, with production of this model only finally coming to an end in 2003. Alongside the Bulli, the Beetle motorized Mexico for decades.

In 1997, Puebla became the only plant in the Volkswagen Group to build the New Beetle, exporting the model all over the world. Production of the fourth Jetta generation commenced at the same time. Both models lent key growth momentum to export business at Volkswagen de México. From 1964 to the present day, the Volkswagen Group has already invested a total of US$8 billion in Mexico.

Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Photo Gallery

Mercedes Recently Unveiled SLS AMG Black Series.This is a special edition model from Mercedes.Mercedes SLS AMG Black series is powered by 6.2 L V8 which gives 631 PS of power and 634 NM of torque.0-100 takes 3.6 seconds.Mercedes have tweaked the suspension and steering for better control.Here the photo gallery of the Beautiful SLS AMG Black Series.