2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible
If you want the best, look no further than the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible.
Connoisseurs of street machines will be enthralled with this
convertible. It truly lives up to the name on the package and represents
everything that Shelby stood for when building their vehicles.
Ford has redesigned the SVT Cobra to the point that this surpasses
all others with the Shelby Performance package offered over the last 20
years. It is difficult to get the feel of this vehicle without seeing
all that it offers however you will be left breathless when you see it.
Performance
This twentieth anniversary model has come a long way from the days of
235 HP 5.0L engines as this baby packs a spectacular 650 horsepower,
leaving the competition in the dust. Do not let the new Mustang Shelby
GT500 Convertible scare you away.
This super charged 5.8 liter ragtop is as powerful as the hard top
coupe and considering the lighter weight, it exceeds all expectations
when it comes to performance and handling.
Handling
Right off the bat you will notice adjustable dampers that allow for
exceptional performance in combination by tuning the chassis with
different modes available at the touch of a button. Whether the road is
smooth or rough, you are assured that it will handle with pure
excellence.
More
This model has the most powerful engine in its class as well as 20
years of advances in engineering that have finally led to the perfect
SVT Cobra. From its muscle car looks to perfect handling and
performance, the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible is one to
consider and easily the foundation for a new generation of sports cars
and a collectible for any muscle car enthusiast
2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Twin-Turbo Concept
Since the debut of the Cobra Jet in 2008, it has been one of the most successful, production-based racing vehicles in the world.
The 2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Twin-Turbo Concept, is
turbo-charged technology at its best and is taken from the production
EcoBoost engines with the aim of enhancing performance.
This 2012 Concept comes with an improved suspension, revised interior, new design elements, and an upgraded engine.
Engine
Under the hood is a twin-turbo engine, revised from the 5.0 L V8
engine of Ford. A 2.9L supercharger is linked, drawing up to 100 hp from
the drive train to increase the power that can be used.
The engine is helped by a 3-speed C4 Auto Race gear-box, the
combination enables the Jet to produce 430 horsepower. This power is put
into use through the help of a drag race tire/titanium aluminized
wheels combination. Light-weight low-drag brakes help slow and stop this
Mustang.
Exterior
Initial details suggest that the car will be fitted with black
anodized wheels as well as new optional finishes of Grabber Blue, Race
Red and Winner White. However, the exterior will be offered in a
standard Crisp white finish combined with black and blue strips that
runs from the front bumper through the top of the car to the rear
bumper.
A graphics package is available as an option and includes: 5.4 Cobra
Jet hood graphics, Power-By-Ford fender emblems and Sweeping Snake side
graphics among others. The automaker will also fit the 2012 model with
an 8.50et NHRA certified roll cage for maximum safety of the occupants.
Other key features expected on the Twin-Turbo Concept include: Watson
engineering stainless-steel-headers, anodized and forged pistons with
Grafal-coated skirts, Livernois Motorsport valve springs and Manley
H-beam connecting rods.
The new Twin-Turbo is still in its concept stages; it is yet to be
tested and finalized before actual production takes place. However, with
the little information we know, this 2012 Twin-Turbo Concept may have
the competition quaking in their boots. It will face competition from
rivals like Nissan’s 370Z coupe, the Dodge Challenger and the Chevrolet
Camaro Coupe.
Most Expensive Cars In The World: Top 10 List 2012-2013
The 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe was sold for $8.7 million in
1987. That and many others won’t be included in this list, they are no
longer available in the market.
If you can afford it, you would probably invest a small fraction of
that on a bevy of supercars for your garage. Here are 10 of the most
expensive street legal production cars on the market (at least 2
available); concept cars are not included.
World's Most Expensive Cars:
1. Bugatti Veyron Super Sports $2,400,000.
This is by far the most expensive street legal production car available
on the market today (the base Veyron costs $1,700,000). Capable of
reaching 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds, the Veyron is the fastest street legal
car when tested again on July 10, 2010 with the 2010 Super Sport
Version reaching a top speed of 267 mph. When competing against a
Bugatti Veyron, you better be prepared!
There is a tie for #2!
2. Aston Martin One-77 $1,850,000.
The name "One-77" says it all: beauty and power in One, limited to 77
units. With 750 hp, it is able to travel from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds
and reaching a maximum speed of 220 mph.
2. Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster $1,850,000.
One of the most exotic cars out there is also one of the most
expensive. It can go from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of
217 mph. 
We have another tie for 3rd place:
3. Lamborghini Reventon $1,600,000. The
most powerful and the most expensive Lamborghini ever built is the
third on the list. It takes 3.3 seconds to reach 60 mph and it has a top
speed of 211 mph. Its rare (limited to 20) and slick design are the reasons why it is expensive and costly to own.
3. Koenigsegg Agera R $1,600,000.
The Agera R can burn 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds, reaching a maximum speed
of 260 mph. It is equipped to reach 270 mph, but the supercar is
electronically limited to 235 mph. You will need to sign a waiver, only
then does the company unlock the speed limiter for a given occasion. 
4. Maybach Landaulet $1,380,000.
The Landaulet is the most expensive sedan on the market and it can go
from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds. It is one the most luxurious cars ever
made, this comes with a convertible roof that fully opens at the rear.
This Maybach is made especially for CEOs and Executives who have their
own personal driver.
5. Zenvo ST1 $1,225,000. Able to
reach 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 233 mph. The Zenvo ST1 is
from a new Danish supercar company that will compete to be the best in
speed and style. The ST1 is limited to 15 units and the company even
promised "flying doctors" to keep your car running.
6. Hennessey Venom GT Spyder $1,100,000.
What makes the 2013 Hennessey Venom GT Spyder is its price tag, a
compelling 1.1 million dollars. There is no other convertible in the
world today that can match-up with this car. Not to mention that it goes
from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds.
7. McLaren F1 $970,000.
In 1994, the McLaren F1 was the fastest and most expensive car. Even
though it was built more than 15 years ago, it still has an unbelievable
top speed of 240 mph and reaching 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Even today,
the McLaren F1 is still top on the list and outperforms other supercars.
8. Ferrari Enzo $670,000.
The most popular supercar ever built. The Enzo has a top speed of 217
mph and able to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Only 400 were
produced and it is currently being sold for over $1,000,000 at auctions.
9. Pagani Zonda C12 F $667,321. Produced
by a small independent company in Italy, the Pagani Zonda C12 F is the
8th most expensive car in the world. It promises to deliver a top speed
of 215 mph and go from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
10. SSC Ultimate Aero $654,400.
Don't let the price tag fool you, this American made car is actually
the 3rd fastest street legal car in the world with a top speed of 257
mph and reaching 0-60 mph in 2.7 seconds. It costs less than half as
much as the Bugatti Veyron, yet has enough power to compete against the
most expensive car. It is estimated that only 25 of this exact model
will be produced.
2013 G-Power BMW G1 V8 Hurricane RS
The 2013 G-Power BMW G1 V8 Hurricane RS is a modified version of the BMW 1 M Hurricane and the latest vehicle to be customized by G-Power.
G-Power is the leading supplier of supercharger systems for BMW
engines, and has tailor-made the supercharger for the M3 engine. They
have mounted the centrifugal supercharger from ASA, the T1-523, directly
on the engine.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe | Est. Market Price: NA |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 14 gallons (53L) | MPG: NA |
| Length: 172.2 in. (437.3 cm) | Wheelbase: 104.7 in. (265.9 cm) |
| Height: 55.9 in. (141.9 cm) | Width: 71 in. (180.3 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3362 lbs (1525 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 10.0 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 2+2 |
| Engine: Supercharged V8 | Displacement: 4.0 Liter |
| Horsepower: 600 HP | Torque: 428 lb-ft |
| Transmission: 6-Speed Manual | Top Speed: 205 mph (329 km/h) |
Engine & Performance
G-Power has replaced the standard BMW M1 engine and gearbox with the engine and gearbox from the BMW M3 that are bigger than those in the M1 model. In addition, they modified the M3 engine, and the end result is a supercharged engine that generates up to 600 horsepower, 428 pounds-feet of torque and can achieve a top speed of more than 205 mph, making it the fastest car in its class. From a standing start, the car can reach 125 mph in just under 13 seconds.
Supercharger
The supercharger features an air box manufactured from cast aluminum. This houses a large air filter along with a water based cooling system that allows the supercharger to function at optimal temperature.
The net result of fitting the supercharger to the engine is an increase of 40% in torque. The system also results in the engine running efficiently, thereby reducing fuel consumption.
Braking & Suspension
Capable of astonishing speed, it is vital to ensure that the tires, suspension and braking performance of the BMW G1 V8 Hurricane RS are able to cope with all that power.
G-Power opted for Pilot Super Sport tires developed by Michelin, its technology partner, and sourced its braking system to Movit.
The company worked closely with KW to develop a suspension package it calls Clubsport, specifically designed for the G1 V8 Hurricane RS. The task was to come up with a package that allowed for comfort and stability in normal driving conditions while at the same time providing the stability, comfort and control required on a race track, and they have succeeded in doing this in the 2013 G-Power BMW G1 V8 Hurricane RS.
Ford EcoSport
WHEN: Early 2013
HOW MUCH: Rs 9 - 11 lakh
ENGINES: 1.0-litre, 3-cyl turbo-petrol, 120 PS power, 170 Nm torque
COMPETITION: Renault Duster, Maruti XA Alpha
The Ford EcoSport is an exciting new car from Ford, and a very important one at that. Following on from the Figo and new Fiesta, the EcoSport is intended to take the Blue Oval to more and more customers, firmly establishing Ford as a maker of quality compact cars.
Make no mistake, the EcoSport is a compact SUV, intended more to be at home in an urban environment, and Ford itself acknowledges this. The compact dimensions are married to high ground clearance and a commandingly high seating position, which help in negotiating the urban jungle. Such considerations are especially important in India, and don’t we know it!
The EcoSport has been designed at Ford’s Camacari design studio in Brazil. Brazil, along with India, forms one of two production bases for the new EcoSport (a third site may be established later). The EcoSport is intended to be sold in over 100 markets worldwide, and Indian production will be exported to other markets in Asia and Africa. The styling echoes the Kinetic design philosophy, but with squarer, broader surfaces. A bold trapezoidal chromed grille forms the centre-piece of the face, flowing into a broad, ridged bonnet. The continuity in the design is emphasised by these bonnet ridges, which flow into the A-pillar, itself steeply-raked to give an impression of speed and agility. The big chrome grille is flanked by a pair of small fog lamps, which seem a little out of sorts with the overall design. The headlights are geometric too, with LED elements which may make production, but only on the higher variants.
The wheel arches are substantial, and accentuate the stance of the car. A bold line runs down the sides, highlighting the high belt line. The B-pillars have been blacked-out, as have the D-pillars. The small glass area at the rear is supported mainly by the C-pillars, and this design gives the roof a suspended look, further adding to the lightness of the design.
At the rear, the spare wheel mounted in the centre of the tail gate is the defining element of the design. The taillights bear resemblance to the new Fiesta’s, but are more angular, keeping in tune with the rest of the EcoSport’s look. Minus the spare wheel, the EcoSport just ducks under the 4 metre mark in length, which entitles it to an excise benefit. This no doubt will help Ford’s cause in pricing the new EcoSport competitively.
Ford has resorted to substantial plastic cladding all along the lower perimeter of the body. Not only does this lend the EcoSport a certain ruggedness, it is practical too. Dents and scrapes are inevitable in urban driving and parking, and the dark-grey plastic should prove more robust than shiny paintwork.
The EcoSport will be powered by Ford’s new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost engine. EcoBoost is ford-speak for down-sizing and turbocharging, which is turning into a trend among global car-makers. With ever-tightening legislation, car-makers are forced to think green, and turbocharging seems a sure-fire way of achieving the objectives. The amazing aspect of the EcoBoost is that it produces power and torque similar to a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine, but consumes almost 40 % less fuel. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine in the EcoSport is rated at 120 PS and 170 Nm of torque, which are truly amazing figures indeed. Better still, Ford claims that the max torque will be available from as low as 1300 rpm!
The engine will be mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Theoretically, the Ecosport could also get Ford’s new 6-speed dual clutch automatic, but then it would price itself out of contention, especially in the Indian market.
For the time being, Ford has neither confirmed nor denied the possibility of a diesel EcoSport, but the model could be a distinct possibility, especially given the skewed fuel prices in India. The 1.5-litre Duratorq from the new Fiesta could fit under the bonnet of the EcoSport as well, but the development work would probably have to be done in India.
We don’t have any pictures of the interiors as yet, but we expect there could be elements of the new Fiesta evident in the interiors as well. The voice-activated controls for the HVAC and stereo are a possibility as well.
Sales of the EcoSport are likely to commence early next year. It will be built at Ford’s Chennai facility, with about 50,000 units scheduled for production. Ford has recently upgraded its Chennai plant to produce 200,000 units a year, which includes all its models. Pricing will be key, but as with the new Fiesta, don’t expect the EcoSport to come cheap. We expect prices will start around the Rs 9 lakh mark, but to begin with the EcoSport should manage to carve a furrow on its own.
Ford has a very clear target, to increase its global sales by 50 % by 2016. This translates to 8 million units a year, and ford believes the maximum growth will be from Asia and Africa. The EcoSport is a keystone car for Ford in that sense, and a lot of the company’ future success will be riding on it.
Audi A3 Pencilled Price
WHEN: 2012
HOW MUCH: Rs 16 – 20 lakh
ENGINES: 1.8-litre petrol, 2.0-litre diesel
The Audi A3 saloon is being readied for an Indian market launch, sometime in 2013. The pictures you see here are of the A3 saloon concept, first displayed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. This year, Audi previewed the hatchback version of the A3, which will be going on sale in Europe soon.
The Audi A3 will eventually span an entire range of body-styles, including a two-door coupe, cabriolet, and station-wagon, in addition to the more common hatch and sedan versions. The new A3 is based on Audi’s or rather the Volkswagen Group’s new ‘MQB’ platform, which will also form the basis of the new A4, due next year.
The A3 sedan will be approximately the same size as the VW Vento and the Skoda Rapid, but will understandably be far more plush, with a full multimedia suite on the inside and premium feel materials. Of course, you also get four rings on the grille rather than a simple VW logo. Audi is keen to point out that with the A3 it wants the brand to appeal to younger buyers, and so the full multimedia experience, along with large touch-screen interface, is a key part of the car’s features.
The A3 sedan will be approximately the same size as the VW Vento and the Skoda Rapid, but will understandably be far more plush, with a full multimedia suite on the inside and premium feel materials. Of course, you also get four rings on the grille rather than a simple VW logo. Audi is keen to point out that with the A3 it wants the brand to appeal to younger buyers, and so the full multimedia experience, along with large touch-screen interface, is a key part of the car’s features.
Whether the contrast upholstery makes it to the India model, or is even offered as an option, remains to be seen.
The new Audi A3 has been launched with three engines just now, which include the familiar 1.8 TFSI petrol and 2.0-litre TDI diesel motors. There’s also the 1.4 TFSI petrol in the base version. Later, Audi plans to introduce the 1.6 MPI and 1.6 TDI motors to the A3 as well. What’s significant is that these motors are already used in VW AG cars as sold in India. For India however, Audi may resort to the larger engines in the range to ensure that the car feels premium, and does not come across just as a stylised Vento.
Pricing will be important, but there are hints that this could well be a sub-20 lakh rupee car. Audi is mum on its exact plans for now, but the car is almost as good as confirmed for an India market launch. The proposed free-trade agreement or FTA with the European Union (EU) could help to ensure that the car’s pricing remains extremely competitive.
New Chevrole Cruze
WHEN: June 2012
HOW MUCH: Rs 12 - 14 lakhs
ENGINES: 2.0-litre, 4-cyl, diesel. 166 PS
Chevrolet India is gearing up to launch a refreshed version of its popular executive sedan, the Chevrolet Cruze. The new Chevrolet Cruze has an uprated engine, some minor styling tweaks and improvements to its NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels.
On the styling front, the new Cruze gets a revised front bumper, front grille, fog lamps and a new chin. It's still instantly recognisable though. The front two-part grille now has a deeper, more pronounced lower section, with horizontal slats replacing the earlier honeycomb mesh. The front fog lamps have been integrated into triangular nacelles, which together with more pronounced chin give the new Cruze a much more aggressive face.
At the rear, the tail lights will do away with the round elements within the lenses, replaced by more angular designs. New look aloy wheels complete the styling changes with a flourish.
GM has also upgraded the Cruze's engine, and power now jumps from 150 PS to a lofty 166 PS. Despite the increase in power, the company has worked hard to make the Cruze more drivable. While no doubt the Cruze has always enjoyed stonking performance, the huge turbo lag meant that accessing the power was tedious, especially in traffic, with a huge surge when the turbo spools up. Chevrolet assures us that the new car is much more drivable, and that its engineers have worked hard to address this criticism. Special attention has been paid to the Cruze's NVH characteristics, with new sound deadening material being used for the bulkhead and under the floor.
On the styling front, the new Cruze gets a revised front bumper, front grille, fog lamps and a new chin. It's still instantly recognisable though. The front two-part grille now has a deeper, more pronounced lower section, with horizontal slats replacing the earlier honeycomb mesh. The front fog lamps have been integrated into triangular nacelles, which together with more pronounced chin give the new Cruze a much more aggressive face.
At the rear, the tail lights will do away with the round elements within the lenses, replaced by more angular designs. New look aloy wheels complete the styling changes with a flourish.
GM has also upgraded the Cruze's engine, and power now jumps from 150 PS to a lofty 166 PS. Despite the increase in power, the company has worked hard to make the Cruze more drivable. While no doubt the Cruze has always enjoyed stonking performance, the huge turbo lag meant that accessing the power was tedious, especially in traffic, with a huge surge when the turbo spools up. Chevrolet assures us that the new car is much more drivable, and that its engineers have worked hard to address this criticism. Special attention has been paid to the Cruze's NVH characteristics, with new sound deadening material being used for the bulkhead and under the floor.
New engine produces more power and is more drivable as well.
Chevrolet will launch the new Cruze in the Indian market sometime in end June or early July. Prices will be revised slightly upward, to the tune of Rs 60,000 or so. Three variants will be available, which include the Cruze LT manual, Cruze LTZ manual, and the Cruze LTZ AT, with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Cruze currently enjoys a strong position in the Executive Sedan segment, considering it is the only diesel automatic at the price (the Laura AT is much more expensive) and Chevrolet India wants to milk this to the maximum.
Mercedes CLS 350 Specification
The long right-hander ahead stretches as far as I can see. Almost subconsciously, I pile a bit more pressure on the throttle. The suspension hunkers down, the rear wheels bite the tarmac a little bit harder and, apart from the increase in pace, everything remains completely calm inside the cabin. What’s immediately clear is that, though this car is based on the current E-class, the new CLS delivers a driving experience that surpasses its donor. The nearly 2.9-metre wheelbase and wide footprint give it amazing stability around longer corners, and once settled into the bend, the near-five-metre length and 1735kg kerb weight seem to somehow shrink. The Airmatic suspension lowers the ride height, the suspension gets a bit stiffer when you select Sport, and the already impressive body control tightens up even further.
The direct, electromechanical steering is lacking in feel, but it is very precise and that makes it easy to place the immense CLS in a corner quite easily, even at triple-digit speeds. However, more weight and feedback would have been welcome. Through sharper corners, it becomes apparent that the CLS is no lightweight supercar. Push it hard and the rear-wheel-drive car understeers and the ESP cuts in rapidly. Get carried away and take your eyes off the clocks, and you’ll find yourself at speeds worryingly close to the two-tonne mark. Which is why more bite and feel from the first few millimetres of brake travel would have been nice too.
It may be called a 350 like the E-class, but this motor is different. Developing a much healthier 306bhp and 37kgm of torque this creamy-smooth, direct-injection engine has ample torque right from 1500rpm. In many cars, the message from the accelerator seems to pass through a government agency and a translation service before reaching the engine. But in the CLS the right pedal and the motor seem to be connected via ESP (Extra-Sensory Perception). A light dab of the accelerator sends the CLS rolling forward smoothly. Press down with greater urgency and the motor hauls you forward briskly, and like all very torquey motors, the resulting change often pins your head to headrest. The 7G-tronic gearbox, however, is a bit slow on the downshift and using the paddles can be a bit frustrating at times. All put together, the CLS manages 0-100kph in a claimed 6.95 seconds, which is plenty quick.
Back in 2004 I dismissed the first-generation CLS as unnecessary and frumpy. But that was only until I saw it in the metal. After that I promptly fell hopelessly and nonsensically in love with it. Mercedes’ second take on the four-door coupe design is also a bit hard to swallow. Although this time, I’m giving it a more patient hearing. The new C218 CLS is attention grabbing, albeit in a technical and futuristic manner. While the last CLS’ design could be represented with just a few light strokes, the new CLS has a frenzy of highlights and a barrage of hectic lines. There is plenty of muscle here and the low roof, tight-fitting boot and the LED lamps give it a presence you just can’t ignore, and that’s just what Merc wants. Taking it easy in the CLS is quite rewarding too. In Comfort mode, a thick carpet seems to cushion the ride and passengers are not tossed around. However, some thuds over deep ruts do reveal an underlying stiffness, but that is only to be expected.
Passengers won’t feel short-changed in the CLS either. It exudes a dignified ambience, the rear seats are sculpted to feel almost like bucket seats, and though there is space only for two in the rear, this is a genuinely usable backseat that offers great underthigh support. It doesn’t hurt that the CLS has almost the same amount of legroom in the rear as an S-Class either. However, headroom is in short supply and the low roof demands some dexterity when getting in or out.
While it can be argued that the new CLS can’t top its predecessor for sheer class, there is no doubt it is a much better car. It is very attractive to look at, very quick both in a straight line and around corners, and it is very comfortable and very refined as well. It is beautifully built, will stand out as something special in any parking lot and the Rs 71.1-lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) price isn’t too bad either, considering this car looks like it could cost upwards of a crore. Wish you could buy it with a diesel though.
Fact File
Price Range (in lakhs)*
| Ex-showroom price | Rs 71.1 lakh, (ex-showroom, Mumbai) |
Engine
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Installation | Front, longitudinal |
| Type | 6-cyls in-vee, 3498cc |
| Power | 306bhp at 6500rpm |
| Torque | 37.7kgm at 3500-5250rpm |
| Power to weight | 176.4bhp per tonne |
Transmission
| Gearbox | 7-speed automatic |
Dimensions
| Length | 4940mm |
| Width | 1881mm |
| Height | 1416mm |
Chassis & Body
| Weight | 1735kg |
| Tyres | 245/45R 17 |
Suspension
| Front | MacPherson |
Brakes
| Front | Vented discs |
| Rear | discs |
Economy
| Tank size | 89 litres |
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