What does bhp mean ?

Brake horsepower(bhp) is measured by taking a drum filled with a fluid and attaching that to an engine. The power required to turn the drum is the brake horsepower - as the drum is ‘braked’ by the fluid.

Apparently they can do it via an electronic system now.

The maximum horsepower of an engine is determined by achieving a braking horsepower equal to the output of the engine.

The unit, horsepower, was originated by James Watt (1736-1819), the Scottish engineer who developed the first practical steam engine. When Watt offered to sell his steam engines to farmers and miners, he was probably asked how many horses they would replace.

He concluded that an average draft horse could steadily exert a 150 pound force while walking at a speed of 2.5 miles and hour. The horse thus performed work at the rate of 33,000 foot-pounds per minute, or 550 foot-pounds per second. Watt defined this rate as 1 horsepower.

Read More

The New DELHI Auto Expo 2008

The New Delhi Auto Expo was the biggest Auto Expo India has ever seen, conducted from Jan 10 to Jan 17 . The indian market has been on a steady upswing for some time now, and with the future looking even more promising. This auto show consists all, from the high-tech hybrids to Superb Sports Cars to Ultra low cost cars.

It serves as a platform to showcase Indian automobile and auto-component industry. Being organized for the past 18 years, this expo has on display all the automobile models that have been recently introduced in the market. The AutoExpo is organized by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, Auto Component Manufacturers' Association and the Confederation of Indian Industry.

Preliminary estimates indicate that the auto carnival attracted about 1.8 million visitors and generated business worth about Rs 20,000 crore at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.


Auto Expo plays a crucial role for India because the Auto Industry in India has come of age and the presence of leading global auto manufacturers; consistent growth in annual turnover and significant contribution to the Government through direct and indirect taxes have made the Indian auto industry, today a major driver of economic growth in India.

Read More

Chevrolet Cruze to replace Optra in India by 2010!

General Motors is now ready with the all-new Chevrolet Cruze, a mid-size sedan that is likely to replace the Chevrolet Optra or the Optra Magnum in the ASEAN market by mid-2010. The Cruze will make its official debut at the Paris Motor Show in October this year.

The Chevy Cruze is a very significant car for GM and will be sold in markets across the world. Although it will go on sale in March 2009 across Europe first. The engine options are going to be aplenty with entry level model featuring a 1.6 Litre 112 bhp petrol engine, a 140 bhp 1.8 Litre petrol and 2.0 Litre 150 bhp common rail turbocharged diesel. The car will come with either a 5 or a 6 Speed manual transmission.

The Chevrolet Cruze will use GM's revamped Delta 2 platform, an architecture that all GM small cars will use worldwide. In fact, the Cruze’s design language is also likely to be used on all chevy cars. If launched in India (and we’re sure that will happen!), the Cruze is likely to be available with 1.6- and 1.8-litre petrol and 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines, with the latter being very fuel efficient.


In India, GM could take on the new Corolla Altis and revised Honda Civic with the Cruze. The Optra may either be phased out, or GM may choose to continue with base-model variants as cheaper options for those who can’t afford a Cruze.

The car is expected to come to India late next year and given its combination of striking looks and the option of a powerful diesel engine, it looks like a winner already. We just hope GM prices it correctly.

Read More

2008 North American International Auto Show

The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu received NAIAS Car of the Year award.

The North American International Auto Show (previously called the Detroit Auto Show and often abbreviated NAIAS) is an annual automobile show that occurs every year in Detroit, Michigan.

The first auto show occurred in Detroit in 1907. It was renamed the North American International Auto Show in 1989. Since 1961, it has been held at Cobo Center where it occupies 1 million square feet (93,000 m²) of floor space. The show is particularly important because the Metro Detroit area is the location of the headquarters of the Big Three American automakers, Chrysler, Ford and General Motors.

The 2008 Mazda cx-9 received NAIAS Truck of the Year award.

The 2008 NAIAS welcomed 15,000 guests and raised $6 million for children's charities. The NAIAS marked a major milestone with the 2007 show: it broke the 1,000 mark for new model and concept car introductions since going international in 1989. The show ran from January 13 through January 27.

• January 13-15 — Press days
• January 16-17 — Industry days
• January 18 — Charity preview
• January 19-27 — Open to the public

Production Car Introduction:


























There were many cases of the use of carbon fiber accents on hoods, roofs and under-panels on cars. The Corvette ZR1 (shown below) has a carbon fiber roof.






























































CONCEPTS :


Dodge's Zeo concept (below) is a pure-electric four-seat sports car that employs rear-wheel-drive and boasts a claimed 0-60 time of under six seconds. Chrysler claims the lithium-ion battery pack gives the Zeo a range of 250 miles.

Fisker Automotive (below) was present and introduced a new all-electric car, beating the Chevrolet Volt to the market place. In addition, the Fisker model (Karma) had a novel solar panel roof to power accessories in the car and to help recharge the onboard drive batteries.













































Cold weather. A struggling Michigan economy. The absence of Porsche. Those are just some of the possible reasons for the slight dip in attendance at the 2008 NAIAS. This January, 72,814 people attended the auto show, down by 3.4% from 2007. Record attendance was set in 2003 when 810,699 people came.

With oil prices still volatile and political leaders looking to lessen the nation's dependence on foreign oil, the green theme is likely to continue next year.

Read More

2008 BMW Z4

A few years back, BMW offered a funky coupe version of its M convertible, with both models being based on the popular Z3. The BMW Z4 replaces the Z3 model back in 2002, offering a stiff chassis, powerful engine lineup and great looks.

Styling is sharp, with panels positioned to randomly intersect the Z4's various edges and planes. The Z3's side-vents are gone, replaced with round turn-signal indicators bisected by a propeller like slash on each side. This oddity is a shout-back to BMW's history in aviation and open-air motoring. The rear end has slightly recessed tail lamps, a mildly raised trunk-lid and dual outlet exhaust. It's a highly attractive machine from any angle- though some commented on the odd shape of the fascia. One person at a gas station even said it looked like a catfish.

The 2008 BMW Z4 is built two-seater, having 6-cylinder engines and come in convertible and hatchback coupe body styles. The base 3.0i convertible has 215 hp. The 3.0si coupe and convertible have 255 hp, while the high-performance M coupe and convertible have 330.

A manual transmission is standard on all. All Z4s have ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags. The 3.0i and 3.0si include run-flat tires. Convertibles have a fabric top with glass rear window; a power top is standard for the M version, optional otherwise. Other options include a navigation system and the BMW Assist system.



















Having to decide on a roadster is a nice problem to have- but it can leave buyers in a world of compromise. A two-seat drop-top is one of the least sensible modes of four-wheeled transportation around- though some are easier to live with than others. Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and four-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.

Read More

Toyota Altis to be launched in Sep 2008

Finally your wait for the new corolla will be soon over. Toyota has been delaying the new generation Corolla in India for sometime. The 10th generation Corolla made its international debut in October 2006. However the story will be soon over, Toyota will launch the car in September (2008).

The Toyota Corolla is a legendary car. Since the introduction of the first car sporting the Corolla name in 1966, over 30 million units have been sold. Everybody who knows what a car is, has heard of the name Corolla.

Toyota seem very keen to change the Corolla image with the 10th generation sedan. The design for the new Corolla is a dramatic departure from the succession of dull, anonymously styled models that we've come to expect. It is a Corolla with a personality of its own.

India will get the built-for-Asia Corolla Altis that is slightly larger than the compact-looking European model. The Altis has been styled keeping Asian tastes in mind and that means spicing up its looks. The Altis’ front with large wing-shaped headlights look quite striking and the rear gets a swoopy light cluster as well.















We expect the Corolla Altis to be priced a shade under the psychological Rs 10 lakh barrier. It’s a price that could seriously hurt the Honda City and Skoda Octavia, which are riding high with seemingly no competition.

The new corolla altis will be powered by a 1.8L engine developing around 140bhp. This engine is a carryover from the existing corolla but will be tweaked for better performance. A four speed auto box will be offered as optional. However the new Corolla altis won’t come with diesel engine atleast initially.

Read More

Bentley Azure 2008

The azure name is most notable for being convertible versions of already present Bentley sedans. Bentley convertibles have always been top-shelf items built to satisfy the self-indulgent demands of the well-to-do.

The 2008 Azure is a 2-door, 5-passenger luxury convertible, available in one trim only, the Convertible.

Upon introduction, the Azure is equipped with a standard 6.75-liter, V8, 450-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 9-mpg in the city and 15-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The current range ensures that four adults can be seated in great comfort. The cabin and the rear section are designed anew with a stunning interior and there is the seating area which reflects its status as a car. The folding roof is operated by the touch of a switch and there is 3-layer fabric which is elegantly stowed.


The 2008 Azure is a carryover from 2007.

Bentley’s two convertible models - Azure and Continental GTC - hit the Indian roads last year in 2007. According to industry reports, the Azure and Continental GTC were priced at Rs 3.80 crore and Rs 2.10 crore, respectively. Bentley has sold close to around 50 cars in the Indian market since its India re-entry.

The Bentley Azure is special because of its rear wheel drive, the twin turbo and a bespoke interior. Yet there are some people who feel that through the Bentley Azure stands well above the other cars due to some of its characteristics, but it falls back in the competition over some of its rivals when we consider the interior design and driving dynamics.

Read More

Aston Martin DB9 (2008 Model)

Tunning styling, sumptuous appointments, and a brawny V12 engine make the Aston Martin DB9 one of the most desirable cars in the world. The 2008 Aston Martin DB9 V12 luxury sports car is available in either of two packages:-

- Base Coupe (MSRP $162,050 - 166,750),
- Volante Convertible (MSRP $175,550 -
$180,250) version.

They compete with the Bentley Continental GTC and Ferrari F430. Both versions are available with a 449-horsepower, 5.9-liter V12 engine, either six-speed manual or six-speed shiftable automatic transmission, rear limited slip differential, and a rear-wheel drive system.

The Aston Martin DB9 is currently in its first generation. It was launched by the automaker in 2004 to supersede the Aston Martin DB7, which had already been discontinued. Production is limited to 2,000 units per year worldwide.

Basic Aston Martin DB9 V12 suspension and instrumentation features include four-wheel independent suspension, double wishbone front and rear suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, tachometer, clock, trip computer, and low fuel level warning indicator.

Aston Martin DB9 power, convenience, and comfort features include remote power door locks, power retractable mirrors, power windows and mirrors, heated mirrors, remote trunk release, audio controls on the steering wheel, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, speed-proportional power-dependent steering, leather and wood trims on the dash and center console, alloy and leather trims on the shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel, alloy, leather, and wood trims on the doors, front reading lights, and memorized settings for three drivers (includes settings for exterior mirrors and driver and passenger seats).

Entertainment and telematics features in the Aston Martin DB9 V12 include Linn premium brand stereo system, 128 watts stereo output, AM/FM in-dash 6 CD player stereo, element antenna, auxiliary MP3 audio input, DVD navigation system, and Bluetooth wireless data link for the navigation system.

Additional Aston Martin DB9 V12 features for the convertible version include a power convertible roof and glass rear window. Safety and security features in the Aston Martin DB9 V12 include two front and two rear integrated headrests, xenon high intensity discharge headlamps, 4-wheel Antilock Braking System, rear parking sensors, traction control, dual front side-mounted airbags, passenger airbag occupant-sensing deactivation, emergency braking assist, stability control, engine immobilizer, electronic brakeforce distribution, front fog and driving lights, and a tire pressure monitoring.

The all new DB9 ia be crafted at Aston Martin’s new Gaydon facility which is one of the most advanced of its kind in the world. Using the very latest in automotive technology and materials to create the DB9, Aston Martin spenda more than 200 hours hand-building each car.

Did You Know?
The car was named the DB9 — rather than the DB8 as logic would dictate, being the successor to the DB7 — because “DB8” might suggest that it packs only a V8 engine, rather than a V12.

Read More