Chevrolet Debuts Sail Hatchback and MPV Concept at New Delhi Auto Expo

The 11th Auto Expo that takes place these days at New Delhi was the ground for the display of the Chevrolet Sail and MPV Concept, GM’s first products from its joint venture with China's SAIC.

The Sail is a five door sub-compact hatchback that has been developed at GM’s Technical Center in Bangalore to ensure that it will meet the needs of the Indian buyers.

On the outside, it sports the brand's family signature grille with the golden Chevy badge and vertical taillights at the rear. The cabin gets Chevrolet’s “double cockpit” design, along with chrome-plated accents, and an audio system with radio, CD-player and Aux-in connectivity (remember, the Sail is designed for emerging markets).

GM claims that the Sail can accommodate up to five people thanks to the placing of the fuel tank in the middle of the car and the short overhangs, which maximize interior space. It will be offered with both gasoline and diesel engines from GM India’s latest “Startech” line-up, though no further information was provided.

“The Chevrolet Sail hatchback will be a strong addition to GM’s mini-car portfolio in India”, said GM President and Managing Director Lowell Paddock. “It will bring a new sense of vitality to the biggest, fastest-growing and most competitive segment in the domestic passenger car market.”

The second tailor-made product for India, as well as other emerging markets, to be shown by GM and SAIC is a B-segment MPV study, which Lotus spent a year and a half cooperating with GM people to tune the chassis.

Chevrolet says that the roomy MPV Concept will be available in seven- or eight-seat configurations, both of which will feature the firm's so-called flexi-seating system.

“The Chevrolet MPV Concept is designed for those who want a spacious, comfortable and well-styled vehicle to enjoy life with their loved ones”, said Paddock.

Live photo credits: Motorbeam

 

CHEVROLET SAIL

CHEVROLET MPV CONCEPT

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Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

A version of show car sedan Cruze news will be the star attraction in the Chevy this year's Paris Motor Show, which begins on September 30. While GM uses "show car", the term, five-door hatchback version of the Cruze is almost ready to produce at least a show Bling-ground, such as blue dye in the headlights, larger wheels and lights LED daytime running.

Keeping the front and body lines stretched sedan model, the hatch nicely decorated and furnished with a sweeping roof and cut a single and back-end processing. GM has not released photos of the interior, but no changes are expected in four-door sedan.

According to the automaker, load capacity for the sedan Cruze is close to 400 liters and 60/40 split rear seats have.

The range of engines available will probably be identical to the sedan that is currently offered in Europe with two petrol engines, a 141HP 1.6-liter 113HP and a 1.8-liter and a 123HP 2.0-liter turbo diesel.

The new Cruze five-door hatchback goes on sale across Europe in the middle of 2011 with prices announced closer to launch date. More markets will get the car shortly after, but GM has not said if North America will be one of them.

Wayne Brannon, president and CEO of Chevrolet Europe, consider adding a hatchback version of the region will increase sales of the car.

"Backing Hatch play a crucial role in many markets," said Brannon. "The compact segment in Europe is about 4.8 million units a quarter of the total market, with tailgate which is about 65% of this amount. We therefore expect to see greater activity in several regions where there has sent a signal that Chevrolet is now a major player in public in Europe. "

The Cruze hatch is one of the four world Chevrolet in the Paris Salon and join the new Orlando MPV, SUV Captiva and the rise of the new Aveo.

 

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Pure-Electric Audi A3 e-tron Hatchback Debuts at the 2011 LA Auto Show

So far we have seen all sorts of EV concepts Audi with "e-tron" label on the A1 to the city of sub-R8 supercar. At the LA Auto Show 2011, the Ingolstadt company introduced another model of e-tron, this time based on the current Sportback A3 hatchback.

The new A3 e-tron is driven by a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. It produces 82HP continuously with a maximum power of 114HP and a maximum torque of 270 Nm (199 lb.-ft.), with power transmitted to the front wheels via a gearbox unique.

The electric motor is powered by a 300 kg (661 pounds), 26.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, which consists of a boot block, the rear seat and the center of the tunnel. It consists of 30 modules, which are cooled by the loss of energy used to heat the interior.

Audi says that at low temperatures, the system will help the electrical resistance of the PTC, is activated when the air conditioning when it's hot.

The A3 e-tron accelerates from 0-100 km / h (0-62 mph) in 11.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 145 km / h (90 mph), while recharging the battery takes about nine hours with a 230 home socket.

Audi says the A3 e-tron has a driving average of about 140 km (86.99 miles). It depends on the driver as well as he can choose between three modes of operation (efficiency, auto and dynamic) and four options on the degree of kinetic energy during braking or coasting.

Despite being based on a file A3 Sportback, A3 e-tron has a leather and Alcantara upholstery that is warmer than the skin pure and heated windshield, which the company says, is much more efficient than an air conventional conditioning condensation maintenance glass.

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IAA 2011: Ford Introduces New Focus ST in Both Hatchback and Station Wagon Flavors

Almost a year after appearing at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in concept form, Ford has lifted the covers off the production version of its new global performance model, the Focus ST. If you remember the showcar's looks and specifications, there is nothing surprising about the production version of the five-door hatchback.

What comes as a surprise though is the introduction of a station wagon body style of the Focus ST. However, unlike the hatch that will be sold across the globe, the Focus ST Wagon will be offered exclusively in Europe - at least for now.

Both the Focus ST hatch and Wagon sport the same 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine delivering a maximum output of 250-horsepower and a peak torque of 360Nm (265.5 lb-ft), matched to a 6-speed manual transmission that delivers power to the front wheels only.

Ford claims that the four-banger is more potent as well as more fuel efficient than the previous ST's Volvo-sourced five-cylinder unit, while Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles, says the it will deliver an equally exciting sound.

“People loved the sound of the previous Focus ST,” said Capito. “The physics and acoustics of a 5-cylinder engine compared to a 4-cylinder are very different, but like Beethoven and Mozart – both of whom created fantastic yet very different music – we believe the engine note of the new Focus ST will delight enthusiasts in the same way.”

Ford's engineers have uprated the ST's suspension and brake bits while the performance model also comes equipped with a more aggressive tuning of Ford’s Torque Steer Compensation (TSC) system and an enhanced version of the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with three modes to choose from.

The ST rides on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels shod in high performance 235/40R18 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tires. ST customers will also be able to opt for a ‘Performance Pack’ which offers the wheels in black with a high contrast red finish on the performance brake calipers.

On the outside, the ST gains a different front grille and an aero package with a front apron, side skirts, roof spoiler and a rear apron/diffuser, while interior parts include a set of Recaro sport seats and bespoke trim.

 

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