Ferrari FF - Model Unveiled In India This Month End 31st Oct 2011 | Specification, Features & Price In India

Ferrari, one of finest sports car manufacturer, who has already made a debut in India is soon going to launch the most powerful car of its line-up in India, the Ferrari FF on 31st of October at its Janpath showroom. I know Ferrari fans must be excited after hearing this news but for all those who are unaware of the FF i am supposed to tell you that it is one of the most fascinating cars on earth and also the most radical from the Ferrari stable.

Now you must be wondering, if you know a little bit about the Italian manufacturer, that it will be a typical sports car with nothing unique except for a Ferrari badge. But the FF is not a traditional sports car but the first ever attempt from Ferrari that blends a conventional supercar into a grand tourer. In fact it is also the first Ferrari to feature a four wheel drive system and more significantly a design that is unique from all aspects, incorporating the extreme sports car performance with a GT design.

The FF stands for four wheel drive four-seater and literally every inch of this machine boasts of innovative technologies. Not only the design but on the technical front as well the FF is a benchmark. Its sports the a GDI V12 engine coupled with a  7-speed F1 dual-clutch gearbox.

The engine produces a whopping 666 BHP @ 8000 RPM of power and 683 Nm @ 6000 RPM of peak torque with 500 Nm available at 1000 RPM which is phenomenal.

There is no doubt about the performance of Ferraris and this one is no exception. FF covers a sprint of 0 to 100 km/hr in 3.7 seconds and offers a top speed f 335 km/hr.

Even the efficiency levels have seen a major improvement over the previous V12s. The new V12 has a fuel consumption of 15.4 Liters per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 360 g/km. The reason for this appreciable improvement is the HELE (High Emotions- Low Emissions) System which incorporates Stop&Start technology.

Ferrari FF Super Sports Car Technical Specifications

• Engine
  • Type: 65° V12
  • Total displacement: 6262 cc
  • Bore/stroke: 94 mm x 75,2 mm
  • Maximum power: 660 CV @ 8000 rpm
  • Maximum torque: 683 Nm @ 6000 rpm
  • Specific power: 77 kW/litre – 105 CV/litre
  • Maximum revs: 8000 rpm
  • Compression ratio: 12,3:1

• Dimensions and weight
  • Length: 4907 mm
  • Width: 1953 mm
  • Height: 1379 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2990 mm
  • Front track: 1676 mm
  • Rear track: 1660 mm
  • Dry weight: 1790 kg
  • Kerb weight: 1880 kg
  • Weight distribution: 47% front, 53% rear
  • Boot volume: 450 litres
  • Fuel tank capacity: 91 litres
• Wheels and tyres
  • Front: 245/35 ZR 20 8,5 J x 20″
  • Rear: 295/35 ZR 20 10,5 J x 20″
  • Rear (winter tyres): 285/35 ZR20 10,5 J x 20″
• Brakes
  • Front: 398 mm x 38 mm
  • Wheel: 360 mm x 32 mm

• Transmission and gearbox
  • 4RM (four-wheel drive) and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Electronic controls
  • 4RM control (full integration of all controls: F1-Trac, E-Diff and PTU); ABS/EBD; ESC
• Suspension
  • SCM3
• Performance
  • Top speed: 335 km/h
  • 0-100 km/h: 3,7 sec
  • 0-200 km/h: 11 sec
  • 100-0 km/h: 35 m
  • Weight/power ratio: 2,7 kg/CV
  • Consumption and emissions (ECE + EUDC combined cycle)
  • Consumption: 15,4 l/100 km
  • CO2 emissions: 360 gr/km

Ferrari FF Sports Car Price In India

The car is expected to be priced close to Rs. 4 Crore and will be unveiled at the Janpath showroom, near Connaught Place in Delhi.

Read more »

Posted in: Automobile Review

Mahindra XUV500 Vs Toyota Fortuner 2011 – Which One Compete The Indian Market As A SUV?

Toyota is ruling the premium SUV segment with the Toyota Fortuner ever since the car was launched and in spite of its high pricing it is still able to get an appreciable average sales of 900 units per month. But soon it’s charm may get dull as now we have a cheaper alternative in the form of Mahindra XUV500.

There is a natural inclination of a car buyer towards a better value for money deal, which seems to be the Mahindra XUV500, but still lets ignore the price tag for a while and do a comparison more influenced by the character of the car and the features that come with the two.

Mahindra XUV500 Exteriors Vs Toyota Fortuner Exteriors:

Mahindra, as I have said before, has worked really hard on this SUV to make it the next most liked car and it is definitely moving towards it. The looks of the car are very impressive. The body lines, curves, overall aggressive styling is brilliant. The signature grille with nicely done headlamps give character to the car and flared wheel arches along with the the body lines enhance the same character.

The Toyota Fortuner is a fairly old model but in spite of this the aggression levels are well maintained. The body is quite compact yet bulky with nice curves and minimum body lines. The ground clearance which is quite good makes it look huge. The overall appearance of the Fortuner is of a typical traditional SUV with a solid built way better than that of XUV’s.

Make / Specification	Mahindra XUV500	Toyota Fortuner
Overall Length	4585 mm	4695 mm
Overall Height	1785 mm	1850 mm
Overall Width	1890 mm	1840 mm
Overall Wheelbase	2700 mm	2750 mm

In terms of proportions the Fortuner is better as it is longer, taller and also has a better wheelbase. The XUV is only ahead in width thereby leaving Fortuner a step ahead.

Mahindra XUV500 Interiors Vs Toyota Fortuner Interiors:

XUV is a modern car and this is expressed by the interior styling and features. The leather upholstery, two tone colour theme on the dashboard and door trims, latest gizmos etc. will leave you spellbound. In terms of features one would get Laptop storage compartment in the glove box, conversation mirror and sunglass holder, voice command activated control, a 6 inch touchscreen infotainment system with GPS navigation and iPod connectivity, 6 airbags, steering mounted buttons for audio control and Cruise Control, ABS with EBD, ESP with rollover mitigation, Hill Hold and Hill Descent control, foldable 2nd and 3rd row seats, premium leather upholstery, tilt and telescopic steering column etc. The plastic quality and the legroom in third row may not be impress you but overall it is very much acceptable.

Toyota has done a very disappointing job on the inside of Fortuner as they have modified the Innova’s dashboard, made it black and fitted the same into Fortuner. We certainly expected some innovative design but unfortunately the manufacturer has not amazed us as far as the interiors are concerned. On the features front it comes with GOA Body, SRS Airbags (Driver + Passenger), ABS, Back Sonar, Immobilizer, Dual Auto A/c (with Rear Air Conditioner Switch & Ceiling Vents for 2nd & 3rd Rows), Power Steering with Audio & MID Control Switches on Steering Wheel, Power Windows with Driver Side Auto Up-Down, Tilt Steering Column, 2 DIN 6CD Changer (MP3, WMA), AM&FM Audio System with 6 Speakers, Keyless Entry, Power Door Lock, MID (Multi Information Display), Optitron Combimeter with Illumination control, Chrome Inside Door Handles, Wood Finish Panels etc. The plastic quality is better and also the space in the third row is slightly more than XUV.

Mahindra XUV500 Diesel Engine Vs Toyota Fortuner Diesel Engine

Mahindra XUV Diesel Engine Specifications

• · 2.2 Litre mHawk Diesel Engine
• · Transverse CRDI Diesel Engine
• · Variable Geometry Turbocharger
• · Max power of 140 BHP @ 3750 RPM
• · Max Torque of 330 Nm @ 1600 to 2800 RPM
• · 6 Speed Synchromesh Cable Shift manual transmission
• · 4 Wheel Drive and 2 Wheel Drive Options
• · ARAI Certified mileage of 15.1 KMPL

Toyota Fortune Diesel Engine Specifications

• · Type: D-4D Diesel with Intercooler Turbocharger, 4 Cylinders In-line
• · Valve Train: 16 Valve DOHC
• · Displacement (cc): 2982 cm³
• · Fuel Supply System:  Common-Rail type
• · Max. Output: 170 BHP @ 3600 rpm
• · Max. Torque: 343 Nm @ 1400-3400 rpm
• · ARAI certified mileage of 12.55 KMPL

The Fortuner has a significantly bigger 3.0 Liter engine which is capable of producing 170 BHP of power and 343 Nm of torque in the range of 1400-3400 RPM. The gets a smaller 2.2 Liter engine capable of developing an appreciable 140 BHP and 330 Nm of torque. So Fortuner is definitely ahead but when it comes to mileage the XUV overtakes the former. XUV has a certified mileage of 15 KMPL as against Fortuner’s 12.55 KMPL.

Mahindra XUV500 Diesel Performance And Handling Vs Toyota Fortuner Diesel Performance And Handling

Mahindra needs an applaud for the brilliant engine and suspension it has put in the XUV which lets the same show its reflexes on all types of terrains. Whether its bumpy or curvy or a straight road XUV does all like a charm.

But the Fortuner is still the ruler in the off-road category. The real off-road feel of the Fortuner is excellent and the tough instinct is awesome. All in all though the XUV is just near, the Fortuner is still the leader in performance and handling.

Mahindra XUV500 Diesel Price Vs Toyota Fortuner Diesel Price

Mahindra XUV500 Price Ex-Showroom Delhi

• Mahindra XUV500 W6 4×2 is priced at Rs 10.80 Lakhs
• Mahindra XUV500 W8 4×2 is priced at Rs.11.95 Lakhs
• Mahindra XUV500 W8 4×4 is priced at Rs 12.88 Lakhs

Toyota Fortuner Price Ex-Showroom Delhi

• Toyota Fortuner is priced at Rs.20.45 Lakhs

No doubt the Fortuner is very pricy when compared with the XUV500 and there is no way it could be compared with the same in terms of pricing but we must remind you that XUV offers a number of great features which are not present in Fortuner making it much better value for money.

Read more »

Posted in: Automobile Review

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Weds Jetsun Pema On Oct 13th 2011| Bhutan Royal Wedding Net Worth 2011

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Weds Jetsun Pema

Read more »

Posted in: News

2012 Honda Civic Si Sedan–Specification & Features

The 2012 Civic Si is powered by a new 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that is the largest and most powerful of any Civic introduced in the United States. The dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine is an all-aluminum design that uses four valves per cylinder (16 valves total), a high-performance version of the i-VTEC® system and a specially tuned high-volume intake manifold.

The Civic Si produces 201 horsepower – up four horsepower from the 2.0-liter engine it replaces. The i-VTEC® “intelligent” valve-control system, new friction-reducing technologies and extensive weight control measures helps the Civic Si deliver exhilarating acceleration, improved fuel economy and low exhaust emissions.

The new larger displacement engine in the Civic Si delivers peak power at a more accessible 7000 rpm compared to the previous Si engine’s 7800 rpm power peak. The engine’s increased displacement results in a substantial 22-percent increase in peak torque. The new 170 lb-ft rating occurs at just 4400 rpm, 1700 rpm lower than the previous engine’s 139 lb-ft at 6100 rpm.

Even with its increase in displacement, horsepower and torque, the 2012 Civic Si has an estimated EPA city rating of 22 mpg (up 1 mpg compared to the 2011 Civic Si) and increases highway fuel economy with a rating of 31 mpg (up 2 mpg compared to the 2011 Civic Si). In addition, the Civic Si engine meets strict Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-2) emissions standards.

The Honda Civic Si is available exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter. Designed to be compact and lightweight, the 6-speed has also been engineered to provide quick and precise shift action. The Civic Si also includes a clutch with a torsion mechanism that enhances refinement in terms of engagement and feel.

Read more »

Posted in: Automobile Review

Top 10 Best Edible Natural Oil Around the World - 2011

Gone are the days when all you had to do was choose between sunflower or olive oil. Now it seems you can by the oil from just about every plant, nut or seed out there but should we be adding them to our stir fries or drizzling them over our salads? Lets Find out...
Top rated - Rapeseed oil

Rapeseed oil contains omegas 3, 6 and 9, essential fatty acids so it's great for heart health, brain health and joint mobility. It is also a rich, natural source of vitamin E � essential for healthy skin and a strong immune system. High in mono-unsaturated fats and with less than half the cholesterol raising, saturated fats of olive oil it is one of the few natural oils that can be heated to deep-frying temperature without its antioxidants, character, colour and flavour spoiling. In short, one of the best oils there is and what's more some of the very best rapeseed oils are produced right here in Britain.

Best all rounder – Olive oil

Olive oil is a great source of heart protecting, cholesterol lowering, monounsaturated fat as well as free radical fighting antioxidants known to protect the body against premature aging and cancer. It can be used to cook with up to temperatures of 180 degrees and is mild enough in flavour to be used with most dishes. However, extra virgin olive oil (the oil that is extracted from the first press) is not quite so stable so it is best used cold.

Best for tight budgets – Sunflower oil

Cheap, easy to find and a great source of the free radical fighting antioxidant - vitamin E. In fact, just 1-2 tablespoons contains all your daily requirement. It is also a good source of cholesterol reducing omega 6 polyunsaturates. However, it contains very few omega 3's so if you use sunflower oil regularly, you need to be sure you're getting enough omega 3s in your diet from other sources to balance things out. A chemically stable oil, it is suitable for deep-frying but don't be tempted to re-use the oil more than a couple of times as re-heating it to high temperatures can result in the formation of trans fatty acids known to raise cholesterol and increase the incidence of some cancers.

Best for high temperatures – Groundnut oil

Ground nut oil sometimes called peanut oil has a high smoking point making it ideal roasting, making Yorkshire puddings or frying. It is an excellent all-rounder and has a very neutral, light flavour perfect for use in oriental dishes that often combine quite delicate flavours. Do be careful though as this oil is made from peanuts so anyone with a nut allergy should steer well clear.

Best for adding flavour – Sesame oil

Another great source of cholesterol lowering omega 6 fatty acids light sesame oil can be used for deep frying and the dark or heavy sesame oil (made from roasted sesame seeds) adds a delicious rich flavour to stir-fried meats or vegetables. Used a lot in oriental dishes it's rich flavour works as a seasoning in itself.

Best for rice dishes - Avocado oil

Avocado oil has very little if any omega three fatty acids but it is a great source of monounsaturated fats and is also rich in skin enhancing vitamin E. It has a slightly nutty flavour that is delicious drizzled over salads or rice dishes. However, it can also be used to cook with as it has a higher smoking point than many oils so it's fine to grill, sautï or stir-fry with it.

Best oils for dressings and dipping - Walnut oil

A delicious, aromatic, nutty oil that is a good source of omega three fatty acids and tastes delicious (used as a dip along side a good balsamic vinegar) as a dip for freshly torn, warm breads for warm breads. It's also great for drizzling over salads and risottos and goes really well with white fish, meat, mozzarella and goat's cheese. However, this oil tends to become bitter when cooked and can go off very quickly so buy in small quantities and store in a cool, dark place.

Best for vegetarians – Linseed oil

Linseed oil is a much richer source of omega 3 than any other oil and a great choice for strict vegetarians who need to get omega 3 fatty acids solely from plant foods. Omega three fatty acids help to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, increase concentration (particularly in children), alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and they may also help prevent Alzheimer's. Linseed oil however, is not suitable for cooking as heat can make it taste bitter and it can quickly become rancid if it is not stored correctly (in a cool dark place). Studies show that if this happens the benefits are negated and possibly reversed.

Best for drizzling - Hazelnut oil

Hazelnut oil is a great source of Vitamin E which helps to maintain a heart health, good skin, a healthy reproductive system and a strong immune system. Fairly pricey and not so readily available as many other oils it is worth seeking out either from your local health food store or on line to drizzle over salads, rice dishes or fresh pasta adding a delicious, subtle, nutty flavour.

Read more »

Posted in: Top 10