Startech Enhances Jaguar XJ

Startech enhanced Jaguar XJ

Startech offers a sport and accessories program for the Jaguar XJ model series. The product lineup includes an aerodynamic-enhancement kit, custom-tailored 21 inch forged wheels and custom refinement options for the interior.

The nose of the four-door car receives some added profile with the front attachment that is mounted to the production bumper. LED daytime running lights integrated into the side air inlets are added as well. At the sides the English luxury sedan received new front fenders with integrated air outlets. Design elements for the side sills attach in front of the rear wheel arches and complement the fender elements.

The rear has a new fascia with an integrated diffuser and two integrated ‘design’ panels. They are combined with two stainless-steel rear mufflers. A subtle rear spoiler lip on the trunk lid complements the kit.

The Startech XJ rides on Monostar J Diamond Edition wheels. The three-piece forged wheels are mounted in sizes 9.0Jx21 and 10.5Jx21. They feature mirror-polished surfaces and titanium-look sections. Wider high-performance tires in sizes 255/35 ZR 21 in front and 295/30 ZR 21 on the rear axle are fitted to the rims.

The show car features a black exterior and a contrasting cream-colored all-leather interior made from soft and breathable Mastik leather. Two heated power business seats offer maximum comfort in the rear. A new center console with integrated storage compartments is trimmed with the same leather used in the entire interior and features lights on either side that illuminate the floor in front of the rear seats.

The electronics specialists have developed a multimedia system centered on an Apple iPad. Electrically deployed tables feature custom-tailored recesses for the tablet computer and the Bluetooth keyboard from Apple. A 20 MBit/s GSM modem with an antenna that has been integrated into the vehicle hidden from sight provides a high-speed internet connection via EDGE, HSDPA or HSPA+ protocols. Several passengers can communicate online at any time using a WLAN network available in and around the car.


Source: GTSpirit & AutoEvolution

Tata Motors to launch "Tata Novus" and "Tata Starbus CNG" in Thailand

Tata Motors (Thailand) Co Ltd is driving its business growth in Thailand's large commercial vehicle segment with the introduction of the "TATA Novus" tractor trailer and "TATA Starbus CNG" bus.

The "TATA Novus" tractor trailer and "TATA Starbus CNG" bus will have their official product launchings in Thailand at the Bus & Truck 2011 event held at the Bitec center, Bangna during December 15-17, 2011.

"Tata may be a new brand for the Thai people but we are the world's 4th largest manufacturer of trucks and pickups, while we also rank as the world's 3rd largest bus manufacturer," said Abhichet Sitakalin, vice president for Sales, Marketing and Customer Care for Tata Motors (Thailand).

"The TATA Novus will definitely fit in as a good option with excellent quality and value for money for business owners and logistics operators in Thailand. The 'TATA Novus' is expected to set new standard in the logistics market in Thailand as the vehicle is designed to European standard".

The 1st generation TATA Novus was launched in 2004 through the joint development between Tata Motors and South Korea-based Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicles, shortly after Tata Motors acquired Daewoo's commercial vehicle unit. The "TATA Novus" enjoyed positive market gains in South Korea, and in 15 other export destinations. The Novus design delivers class-leading performance, comfort amenities, ergonomic design and functionality for the driver and enhancing safety and control of the vehicle.



"Tata Motors is committed to develop Thailand's large commercial vehicle market and provide excellent customer service" said Abhichet.

He added that Tata Motors, which entered the Thai market in 2008, is setting up dealership and service network in Bangkok, Saraburi and Rayong based on availability of CNG infrastructure. Plans are in place to provide efficient after-sales service coverage across the country.

Source: The Nation Multimedia

Chery and Jaguar Land Rover to jointly unveil new platform in 2016

Chery and Jaguar Land Rover's proposed joint venture is set to see results as soon as 2016, when the joint venture is scheduled to unveil its new automobile platform, Economic Observer News reported today.

Although the proposed cooperation between Chery and Alfa Romeo three years ago did not come to fruition, the Chinese manufacturer is not deterred in its quest to find a European partner. News of the upcoming automobile platform implies that the Chery-Jaguar Land Rover joint venture is going smoothly.

There have been several reports that the JV would create a brand new business model, with all intellectual rights to the model belonging to the Chery name. FAW, SAIC, Dongfeng and GAC have all attempted similar business models in the past, with varying degrees of success. This is something which both parties have refused to comment on.

"Chery specifically needs experience with making luxury vehicles," an analyst (who wished to remain unnamed) who spent several years following the manufacturer's progress said. He added that without anything new to show, the venture will have a hard time gaining the National Development and Reform Commission's approval.

Source: Gasgoo - Global Auto Sources

Scoop: Tata Aria Left Hand Driver sans AT

Tata Motors’ flagship product, the Tata Aria Crossover is headed for markets abroad and here’s definitive proof as our roving eye in the sky, EarthFusion swooped down on an on-test Tata Aria LHD. The left hand drive version of the Aria however did not feature an automatic gearbox. So the same five speed manual gearbox might be what the export version of the Aria could feature although we do know for a fact that Tata is working on an automatic transmission for the Aria.

The Aria LHD’s interiors as well as the exteriors did not show any visible changes from the current Aria. Also, we expect the same 140 Bhp-320 Nm 2.2 Liter DICOR turbodiesel engine equipped with a dual mass flywheel to do duty in the Aria. The Tata Aria has been a sales dud in the domestic market and could do well if Tata repositions the Crossover with a price drop. Perhaps, the move to sell the Aria in developed markets will bring in the desired volumes for Tata Motors.

Talking about the export markets, both the Tata Safari SUV and the Tata Xenon pick up are decent sellers for Tata in export markets around the world and the Aria could follow in these vehicles’ tyre marks. The Tata Aria is now available with a discount of close to INR 2 Lakhs, which makes it a superb proposition for folks wanting a roomy and capable crossover which is extremely comfortable too.

This discounted price of the Aria, currently being called a December offer might extend into the next few months as the Aria is simply not selling at the original price it was positioned at. Al said, the Aria does have a lot of positives going for it like the  interiors, which is the best ever on a Tata car. The Aria feels better put together than other Tata cars and also comes with a range of features that are offered only in cars twice its price.

Source: ICB

Tata Ace DICOR Diesel Scooped; Same Engine to be used in Tata Nano Diesel!

Tata Ace DICOR Diesel

Nearly a year ago, we learnt that the Tata Nano Diesel could deliver a phenomenal 40 Kmpl. Naysayers had no option but to believe the unbelievable when a Bosch official involved in development of the fuel injection system for the Nano Diesel came along and made the following statement,

We have worked with Tata Motors for Nano’s petrol version and we are working with it for the diesel version too. The car has a two-cylinder, 700cc engine which develops healthy power without compromising on fuel economy. Although official test figures have not been revealed, we expect it to run 40 km on one litre of diesel.

Today, we have with us yet another scoop, this time of the Tata Ace DICOR diesel, but a scoop that could have more than a bearing on the upcoming Nano Diesel. ICB, has swooped another biggie hereby snapping up on-test Tata Ace DICOR diesel mini pick up trucks even as the drivers of these test vehicle stopped for a chai(tea) break.

While the DICOR (tata speak for common rail direct injection) turbo diesel engine for the Tata Ace was always in the pipeline, we have reliably learnt that a very similar engine will be what will power the upcoming Tata Nano diesel, the variant that could quite literally put the bang back in the Nano’s sales, doing what the V2 did to the Indica many summers ago. And this is why this scoop has more to it than just a new engine job on India’s largest selling mini pick up truck.

Tata Ace DICOR Diesel Mini Pick up Truck

From details ICB has managed to gather on the DICOR engine, the twin cylinder engine has been chopped off the 475 engine range, which in other words is the 1,405cc Indica engine. This has been done to keep development costs to the bare minimum while also ensuring that the spare parts remain common to that of the Indica’s engine for easy serviceability. The common rail direct injection system has been developed by Bosch. So, this engine on the Nano Diesel is something India will be keenly looking forward to.

Coming back to the Tata Ace DICOR, the mini pick up truck will use a 700cc twin cylinder engine whose power and torque output will be much lesser than the Nano diesel. The same goes for NVH levels too, which are expected to be higher than on the Nano due to the Ace being an out and out commercial vehicle. However, fuel economy could get a huge boost and with that, the Tata Ace DICOR might knock the wind off a certain Mahindra Maxximo mini pick up’s sales, which already is in the doldrums.

Source: ICB