Mercedes reveals details of new AMG GT engine

At October’s Paris motor show, Mercedes plans to unveil its SLS AMG replacement; the AMG GT. Mercedes has now revealed details of the unit that powers this Porsche 911 rival. AMG CEO Tobias Moers has called the car “a beast” that delivers “insane acceleration, massive power and tremendously high torque.” Mercedes AMG has also released a video to tell us exactly what the “beast” is capable of.

The engine is a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 petrol engine that makes 503bhp and 66.3kgm of torque. Internally known as M178, the engine is a brand new replacement for the naturally-aspirated 6.2-litre V8 of the SLS AMG. It has two turbochargers that mounted inside the V configuration instead of outside the cylinder banks – called ‘hot inside V’. The new engine has dry sump lubrication, and hence can be installed lower to keep the center of gravity closer to the road. Merc and AMG also claim that the engine is the lightest in its segment, with a dry weight of 209kg.

Further technical and performance details are expected as the car’s debut draws closer.

Source : hindustantimes.com

Electric car owners may get subsidy under National Mission on Electric Mobility

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government is mulling offering a subsidy to car owners choosing to go electric. The move comes after the Centre offered a subsidy in this year's budget under the National Mission on Electric Mobility. These, however, are not aimed at e-rickshaws. 

"As part of the pilot project, the government will offer a substantial subsidy to those who want to switch to electric mode using a specialized conversion kit," said Kuldeep Gangar, special commissioner, transport department. The modalities of the amount of subsidy are still being worked out. These retrofitted hybrid-electric kits can be used on any vehicle not more than two or three years old. 

As per the Centre's proposal, "half of the retrofitment costs" for such hybridized vehicles can be borne by the government as a pilot basis. At present, only one company is manufacturing this kit, and it costs less than Rs 1 lakh. Gangar said the government hopes to have more manufacturers participate before it's taken up on a large scale. 

The government will also identify deployment points for public charging installations in places like parking lots, malls, cinemas etc, state the minutes of the meeting held earlier this month. 

"This has to be geographically spread out, so that, on an average, a public charging facility should be available within 2-3kms," add the minutes of the meeting. 

The government is readying a Rs 14,000-crore scheme to push green vehicles. The subsidy will be a proportion of the difference between the price of a car running on fossil fuel and that of a green vehicle, said sources. 

The heavy industry ministry, which has moved a proposal for clearance by the finance ministry, has suggested that the maximum subsidy of 35% should be given to pure electric vehicles; while a 25% benefit should be provided for plug-in vehicles that can travel at least 15km at one go. 

Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com

Audi bets big on A3 starts production in India before launch

NEW DELHI: German luxury car maker Audi is betting big on its upcoming sedan A3 to stretch its leadership in the Indian market and has started local production of the model from VW group firm Skoda's Aurangabad plant. 

The A3 will be the first model from the Audi stable to be locally produced before being launched in India. Other models, such as sedans A6 and A4; SUVs Q5, Q7 and Q3 which are locally produced now were imported as completely built units (CBUs) at the time of launch. 

"The local production of the Audi A3 Sedan in India is in continuation of our growth strategy and consistent focus on the Indian market," Audi Board Member for Production, Hubert Waltl said. 

The A3 is slated to be launched in the Indian market next month and will be available in both petrol and diesel variants. 

Explaining the reasons for producing the A3 in India even before it is launched, he said: "The market potential coupled with the world-class infrastructure in the plant, efficient working processes, qualified workforce and a well-developed logistics environment were the factors that motivated us to expand the product portfolio at the Aurangabad plant". 

The whole-year capacity at the plant for all Audi models is more than 14,000 units in a one-shift operation. 

Bullish on the potential of the A3, Audi India Head Joe King said: "We believe that the launch of this car would see us further consolidating our market share and strengthen our leadership position". 

In 2013 Audi sold 10,002 units in India, becoming the first luxury car maker to cross the 10,000 units milestone and stay as the number one ahead of German rivals Mercedes (9,003 units) and BMW (7,327 units). 

He further said: "The Audi A3 Sedan will be a game-changer for us in India, since it will open up the Luxury segment like never before...I feel that the Audi A3 sedan is just the right product for the Indian market". 

Globally, Audi A3 has been a huge success and was voted 'World Car of the Year' in 2014 overcoming 23 other rivals, King added. 

In India, the luxury car market has seen the likes of hatchbacks A Class and B Class from Mercedes and 1 Series from BMW that has improved the affordability range with prices starting just above Rs 20 lakh. 

The Audi A3 is also targeting aspiring customers as well as repeat buyers. 

"(With) Audi A3 Sedan, we will be creating a new segment, that of the compact luxury sedan, in India. The Audi A3 sedan will attract an entirely new customer segment," King said.

Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com