Top 25 cars of the Auto Expo

Nissan GTR 

Despite its blistering performance, the new GT-R’s advanced all-wheel drive chassis means it can be driven fast and skillfully by anyone. The extraordinary Nissan GT-R is one of the fastest vehicles in the world, capable of lapping the fearsome Nurburgring race in Germany in under 7mins 30 seconds, making it one of the fastest road cars in the world. The figures are mind boggling. In its latest MY12 guise, the 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 engine develops a scarcely believable 550PS, to give a 0-100kph time of 2.84 seconds and a top speed near 320kph.

BMW M5 

The new BMW M5 is the fifth generation model, which will lure buyers with its sportiness, luxury and practicality. This sedan from BMW will showcase tremendous power as it is loaded with 4.4 litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. Engine of this luxury sedan is capable of generating 560 hp due to which it can attain top speed of 250 kmph. In 4.4 seconds, the car can attain speed of 100 kmph from stand still. It is possible for the car to break the barrier of 200 kmph in 13 seconds. Torque churned by the engine of this car is 680 Nm. As per the company, the car would be delivering mileage of 10.1 kmpl and its CO2 emission would be 232 g/km. With a price tag of INR 95,90,000 (ex-showroom), the new BMW M5 would soon be available for buyers.

Mini Cooper

While the new Maruti Suzuki Swift has many takers in India, now it would be interesting to see its original inspiration will gather how many customers though there are legion of fans waiting for the Mini Cooper’s arrival. BMW will bring in the entire range of the Mini - comprising its popular variants Cooper, Countryman, Clubdoor and the Cabrio. Prices will range from Rs 24.9 lakh to 31.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Audi Q3

Adding glamour to the already red hot Q3 on display, were Katrina Kaif and Lisa Ray. The car comes powered by a 6.0-litre 12-cylinder TDi engine that makes 368 kW (500 hp) and develops 1000 Nm of torque between 1750 and 3250 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed tiptronic transmission. As a true premium SUV, the Audi Q3 leads the way for the Four Rings to enter a new segment in India, with ever increasing customer groups demanding for premium mobility in a compact form.

Chevrolet MPV

The second model to be added to the Chevrolet line-up by mid-2012 is an MPV, which the company hasn’t christened yet. The MPV will initially be sold with a 94.6bhp, 1.4-litre petrol engine and a diesel engine will be available later.

Chevrolet Sail

The Sail hatchback, which will go on sale later this year, is built for the world’s emerging markets. The Sail hatchback’s exterior and interior design exudes Chevrolet’s sporty styling. The interior of the Sail hatchback is spacious, airy and bright, with Chevrolet’s dual-cockpit design. The sporty instrument panel with chrome-plated accents contains a radio, CD player and music Aux-in interface. As a family car, the Sail hatchback can seat up to five people in comfort. The Sail hatchback will be powered by GM India’s latest Smartech engines and both petrol and diesel engines will be offered.

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept 
The design and technology of this spectacular roadster are aimed at making the vehicle an integral part of a networked world. Comfort, safety and the infotainment experience in the vehicle can be precisely optimised by the innovative functionality, individually tailored to suit the requirements of both the driver and passenger. In addition to the dynamic charisma generated in typical BMW style by a long bonnet blending seamlessly with the windscreen, the long wheelbase and the seating positions set well back, the design of the concept vehicle visualises the fusion of exterior, interior and environment, made possible only by BMW ConnectedDrive.

Renault Duster

Duster will be part of a range of five vehicles launched between now and end-2012. Together, they will form the most youthful line-up on the Indian market. The Duster will be available in five variants, which include a base 1.6-litre petrol version at a price of approximately Rs. 7 lakh and the 1.5-litre diesel that currently powers the Fluence. Though Renault has a 4x4 Duster internationally, they may not offer the 4-wheel drive option in India.

GM EN-V 

EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow’s cities. EN-V is propelled by electric motors in each of its two driving-mode wheels. Dynamic stabilization technology empowers EN-V, giving it the unique ability to carry two passengers and light cargo in a footprint that’s about a third of a traditional vehicle. Power for the motors is provided by lithium-ion batteries that produce zero emissions. Recharging can occur from a conventional wall outlet using standard household power, allowing EN-V to travel at least 40 kilometers on a single charge.

EcoSport

Modern and innovative, the Ford EcoSport was made to combine best-in-class design, technology, quality and safety aimed at attracting a new generation of consumers in different global markets. EcoSport will be made at Ford India's plant near Chennai. The vehicle comes with a new one-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine with turbo charger and direct injection. The company says it will match the performance of a 1.6-litre engine, thanks to the EcoBoost technology. It will have 120 PS of power and be mated to a five-speed manual transmission, giving the Ford EcoSport a footprint that is small enough for urban driving yet robust enough for a trip out of the city.

Hyundai has showed their new concept MPV Hexa Space for the first time. The vehicle has a seating for eight passengers and all the seats are shaped hexagonally to create optimum space utilisation. It has been designed for urban customers in the 30-40 age group, the firm said. It is too early to say when it could come in the market but it will take three to four years," Arvind Saxena, director (sales and marketing), Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), informed.

Jaguar C-X16 

The Jaguar C-X16 concept epitomises Jaguar’s technological advancements and futuristic designs. The model has taken Jaguar’s traditional rear-wheel drive formula and front-engined engineering and has upgraded them for the 21st century. It has been developed on the theme of One plus One that gives a new direction for the alternatives of performance hybrid models for the future. The seductive and sensual look of the car reflects the new design theme being pursued by Jaguar for its sportscars.

Land Rover DC100 

Land Rover DC100 investigates the potential future direction of the iconic Defender. The Land Rover DC100 concept builds upon the essential elements of the car’s character and allows Land Rover to open the debate and inspire people to dream about the Defenders of the future. Production of a new Defender SUV is globally intended for 2015.

Ertiga

Maruti’s Ertiga MPV was arguably the most talked-about premiere at the 2012 Auto Expo. Powered by next generation K-series 1.4litre V V T engine, Ertiga will offer a mileage of 16.02 kmpl. This seven-seater will be available in diesel variant as well, powered by the 1.3 DDiS engine inherited from SX4. It will give a mileage of 20.77 kmpl. Built on an extended Swift platform, the Ertiga is said to be launched by the end of the first quarter and will slot in below the Innova and Xylo both in size and price.

XA Alpha

XA Alpha combines ruggedness and muscle - the traditional attributes of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) with elegance, a certain finesse and compactness. In XA Alpha, the ‘Alpha’ represents trendiness and newness that the youth connect to. The ‘A’ signifies that this compact, 4 metre long concept, is designed for customers wishing to enter the utility vehicle segment and the ‘X’ denotes cross-over category.

Mercedes Concept A-class

Designed with influence from the wind, waves, and aviation engineering, the Concept A-Class features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine based on the new M270 series and a dual clutch transmission driving the front wheels. The engine developes 208 bhp (155 kW / 210 PS). Other highlights include full-LED high-performance headlamps, Mercedes' BlueEFFICIENCY package and radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist.

Evalia

Evalia’s combination of space, style and practicality makes it an ideal vehicle for larger families. Evalia is 4.4m long, 1.88m tall and 1.69m wide, offering good interior space. Its design adopts many styling cues from Nissan passenger cars but adds a few unique features of its own.however, Nissan has been tight lipped about the specifications of the car.

Renault Pulse

Since Renault and Nissan are partners, it makes sense for them to share platforms. Which brings us to the Renault Pulse, which is a V platform car based on the Micra. As one walks around the car, the penny drops - the Pulse looks like very, very similar to the Micra because it is a face-lifted Micra with Bridgestone 175/60 R15 rubber fitted to a classy set of alloy rims. Moving on the rear, except for the centrally placed Renault and Pulse badges, a slightly differently rear bumper and slightly altered tail light lenses, the Pulse has 'Micra' written all over it! The interior is where Renault has missed a golden opportunity to differentiate the Pulse from the Micra – everything is the SAME!! However, the macho front end looks very nice and appealing and the engine's performance combined with the car's dynamics makes it a very nice car to drive. Text courtesy: Wheels Unplugged

Peugeot RCZ

The RCZ was originally planned as a simple concept car but it received critical acclaim, capturing the imagination of the public and professionals. The car's lines and style have remained very close to the original concept so as not to disappoint public opinion, however a series of changes were made to the central dual exhaust system which was replaced by a dual exhaust to the left of the rear bumper. The RCZ has double-bubble roof inspired by Zagato. It will be powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 163bhp diesel

Bajaj RE-60

The unveiling of the four-seater RE60 ended months of rumours that have buzzed around India's auto industry on the nature of the vehicle, which promises low carbon emissions and fuel efficiency. The vehicle resembles an over-sized hatchback with an elevated roof. With an expected top speed of not more than 60-70kph, the RE60 is meant primarily for cities.

Skoda RS 2000

For the first time in India, Skoda presented a concept for an especially sporty variant of the Fabia: the Fabia RS 2000. Skoda’s designers took the successful rally car Fabia Super 2000 and turned it into a unique roadster made for dynamics, sportiness and pure driving pleasure. With its motorsport-oriented super wide layout, the Fabia RS 2000 has room for four occupants, each of who will find access to the car easy. Low-slung windows all around do not just permit perfect 360° vision, but also a permanent experience of nature and freshness.

Ssangyong XIV1

The XIV-1 (for "Exciting User Interface Vehicle") is a premium crossover/SUV concept meant to show that the Korean automaker can compete with the best in the global automotive market. The concept car has no B-Pillar and comes with opposite-opening rear doors and seats that can be moved or turned by the occupant for a very open-space ambiance.

Pixel

Tata has unveiled Pixel city car concept at the Delhi Auto expo and it was definitely the star at Tata’s pavilion. The Tata Pixel, with ‘Zero Turn’ drive and an innovative diamond-shaped door system, is a new city car concept for Europe from Tata Motors. Based on the Tata Nano, the Pixel – at just over three metres in length – is the most package efficient four-seater in the world, comfortably accommodating four adults, unlike a typical city car which is either a two-seater or can accommodate two adults and two children only.

Safari Storme 

Conceptualized as ‘Merlin’, the Storme is not an all-new Safari but a comprehensively revised version of the SUV. The Storme features a 2.2-liter 16-valve common rail (DiCOR) engine (140 PS power; 320 Nm torque) with a variable geometry turbo, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. It comes with a new front grille, bulge in the bonnet and different side panelling, some changes on the handling front with new a 4-channel ABS with EBD, discs on all wheels and a new rack-and-pinion steering.

VW XL 1

Pioneering construction techniques, an advanced plug-in hybrid drivetrain and innovative packaging all play a part in allowing the XL1 to deliver an unbelievable 111kmpl. Powering the XL1 is a compact 800 cc TDI two-cylinder common rail diesel engine developing 48 PS. It’s linked to an electric motor producing 27 PS, resulting in a total of 75 PS – a modest output yet more than enough when the low kerb weight (795 kg) of the vehicle is taken into account.