i20: Even more photos...

Here are some more photos of the i20 in real life. The car however is left hand drive but it should give you an idea about the stuff you can expect in India.

VDO: NFS: Undercover gameplay

More images of i20 released

2009 Wagon R and variant

Suzuki has unveiled the 2009 range of Wagon R models in Japan. The cars follow the same K-car philosophy as the earlier models, but with a longer wheelbase and new fascia. The car is expected to hit India too with the same engine options as the current model. Expect the new Wagon R to hit India by mid-2009.
The Stingray (above) variant is targeted towards the male audience and may also make it to India.

2009 Suzukis...

Following the launches from Honda and Yamaha (and Kawasaki too, though we havent covered them yet |pl accept our apologies|), Suzuki has unveiled its 2009 line up too. New for the Supersport category in the GSX-R1000 with a new look, exhaust system and minor engine upgrade. The rest of the sports range get new paint schemes.

A significant launch however is the Gladius 650 street bike which is heading towards the Italian nakeds with its Japanese reliablity.

Photo Feature: Some of the best car keys

Cars are definitely a form of great artwork (there are exceptions though), and their sheer presence can make a person feel special. However, the keys to these timeless beauties seem more or less the same across various makes and model, but they still induce similar feelings as the cars themselves. 

Click here for selected images of such expensive key fobs...

Bajaj Launches Platina 125 DTS-Si

To gain further marke share in the commuter segement, Bajaj has launched the Platina 125 with the same mill that powers the XCD. Priced at an attractive 39,000 Rs., the Platina 125 is gunning for a major chunk off the current 100cc segment.

Features are as follows:
1 DTS-Si Engine
2 125cc
3 Mileage of 111 kmpl (yeah right!)
4 Electric Start
5 Maintenance Free Battery
6 Auto Choke
7 Anti-Friction DU bushes in Front-Fork
8 Ride Control Switch
9 SNS Suspension
10 ExhausTEC
11 Twin pilot Lamps

Honda Seil launches the new Honda City!

The class leader is back with a bang. The all new Honda City that has created such a big buzz around the Asian market has unveiled today in New Delhi by Honda Seil. While there is no word on the 1.3-litre variant that we expected, Honda Seil offers a 1.5-litre 118PS model in three trims - 1.5 E MT, 1.5 S MT and 1.5 S AT. The base model starts at an ex-showroom price of approximately 8-lakh, while the top end AT values close to 9.5-lakh.

The most significant aspect however is, the safety features like Airbags, ABS etc. are same across all variants - so no compromise on safety either.  For a complete list of features and lisitings, visit the Honda Seil site HERE.

Lambo releases another teaser

Lamborghini have realeased one more teaser image of the upcoming 4-door 4-seater GT concept which will most probably be christened the 'Urus'. Last week we showed you the teaser images that Lambo released prior to the one shown above. The concept will unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

Ferrari Motorcycle Concept

Any motorhead at some point of time is sweapt off his or her feet with the art, engineering or the form of a Ferrari! The same thing happened to a certain bloke called Amir Glinik, who actually went a step further to design his own Concept motorcycle based on the Ferrari lineage. 

To understand the philosophy behind his project and to take a look at more images, CLICK HERE.

Bikes Better than Girlfriends?

Accept it or not, many a times most bikers feel that their bike is much better to spend time and money on, than their girlfriend. Here are 50 reasons, why we think that the bike is better than the babe!

Once you are done reading the post, participate in the poll on the top right corner of 100 Octane.

Just a biker...

The following words were sent to me by a friend over email, and I sincerely feel that it makes a lot of sense. Direct as many people as you can to this post...let's hope it can change some minds.


I saw you;
hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line.
But you didn't see me put an extra £10.00 in the collection plate last
Sunday.

I saw you pull your child closer when we passed each other on the
sidewalk.
But you didn't see me playing Santa at the local Mall.
I saw you change your mind about going into the restaurant when you
saw my bike parked out front.
But you didn't see me attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.

I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by.
But you didn't see me riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.
I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children.
But you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to
the homeless.

I saw you stare at my long hair.
But you didn't see me and my friends cut ten inches off for 'Locks of Love'.
I saw you roll your eyes at our Leather jackets and gloves.
But you didn't see me and my brothers donate our old ones to those
that had none.

I saw you look in fright at my tattoos.
But you didn't see me cry as my children where born or have their name written over and in my heart.
I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere.
But you didn't see me going home to be with my family.

I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be.
But you didn't see me when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.
I saw you yelling at your kids in the car.
But you didn't see me pat my child's hands knowing she was safe behind me.

I saw you reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road.
But you didn't see me squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.
I saw you race down the road in the rain.
But you didn't see me get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time.
But you didn't see me trying to turn right.
I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in.
But you didn't see me leave the road.

I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass.
But you didn't see me. I wasn't there.
I saw you go home to your family. But you didn't see me.
Because I died that day you cut me off.
I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family. But you didn't
see me.
I hope you never lose someone that rides.
EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE US, RESPECT OUR RIGHTS TO RIDE WHAT
WE CHOOSE AND TAKE A FEW EXTRA SECONDS TO BE SURE WE ARE NOT
IN 'YOUR' WAY.

If you do find the original source of these words, please email me the link to rohit.paradkar@gmail.com

Lamborghini to unwrap THE Italian car

With the Paris motor show around the corner, a lot of exciting manufacturers are throwing sneak peeks at the enthusiasts. The buzz however right now are the two teaser images of the new Lamborghini sport/super car that will make a debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

From what we see, the car is loaded with carbonfibre, proudly wears the Italian flag on the side air scoop and is all set to provide us with a wonderful soundtrack through those trapezoidal twin-pipes. The trademark yellow Lambo brake calipers now seem to traded for gloss black ones.

The car will be unveiled on the 2nd of October at the Paris Motor Show. So if you aint out of your senses on the 'dry-day', then come back and check 100octane of the images!

Till then, click on the images for a larger view of the teasers...

Yamaha India launches the FZ16

The wait for India's most radical street bike is over! Yamaha India has finally unveiled the FZ16 at an ex-showroom price of 65,000. The specs are similar to what we revealed to earlier. Our contributor Rash will give you a first ride report soon...

Till then visit Yamaha's webiste for more info HERE.

Complete Specs HERE.

Hero Honda celebrates 25th Anniversary

The much hyped Karizma-ad has been a disappointment for people who were expecting the FI version,or a higher CC variant or whatever else. The ad has been nothing but a publicity of Hero Honda's 25th Anniversary. Anyway, Congrats Hero Honda!

And it bites the dust...

The Japanese are known for their aftermarket performance products - right from exhaust systems to modchips for the ECU. One of the most well-known names in this business has been 'Trust', better known outside Japan as 'Greddy'.

Sadly however, in recent times, where cheap Chinese knock-offs are plaguing almost every industry, Greddy too was faced the brunt. The company has now declared bankruptcy, after a five year decline in sales. We hope some investment firm or tuner makes an effort to revive the brand. However, knocking off the 60-million dollar debt wont be an easy task.

Image Source: www.dangeruss-industries.com

VDO: 2K9 Yamaha R1 Commercial

2009 Honda City Launched in Thailand

Thai Honda unveiled the 2009 Honda City eralier today. The car will only be available with a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine, however for India, Honda will also offer a fuel-efficient 1.3-litre variant. The car is expected to launch in India by Diwali.

Image Source: Thai Honda via Paultan

Earlier posts on the new Honda City: 

http://100octane.blogspot.com/2008/08/2008-honda-city.html

2009 Yamaha middleweights

Yesterday we revealed the 2009 YZF-R1 to all our readers. But for people who prefer the smaller, more agile 600cc bikes, Yamaha has not one but two bikes on offer. Though not heading for India, they are still a treat for the eyes. The YZF-R6 gets new colors schemes - the Halloween inspired orange-black looks the best according to me. But the schemes are no where close to the kick-ass jobs on the 2009 Honda CBRs.

For starters and learners, Yamaha has launched the FZ6R. Apart from the 'F-Z-6' letters and number, the bike doesn't share anything else with the FZ6 street bike. It uses a detuned version of the old R6 motor and mates it to a new chassis design and a low seating - making it an ideal choice for newbies and female riders. The bike boasts of killer paint schemes and comes at a price much cheaper than Yam's flagship R6.

For more pics of the YZF-R6, CLICK HERE

For more pics of the FZ6R, CLICK HERE

Technical Specs of the R6 and FZ6R, CLICK HERE

2009 R1 Unveiled!

Yamaha has unveiled the 2009 YZF-R1 and for people who expected a stunner of a looker - well

 you be disappointed! The bike has traded the 'high-beam' headlight units of the 2008 R1 for an air-intake and hence the only units providing illumination are the Projection Beams. Yamaha has also incorporated a host of new engineering to make the ride smoother and have a much better power delivery. Unlike its predecessor, the 2009 R1's console is much larger and incorporates a larger multi-information display as well. Building 

further on the YCC-T platrom, Yamaha now has three rider modes as well - A and B. The “A” mode lets the rider enjoy sportier engine response in the low- to mid-speed range, and the “B” mode offers response that is somewhat less sharp response for riding situations that require especially sensitive throttle operation. 

Unlike the competition, Yamaha has maintained the underseat

 exhausts and a redesigned tail-light. Expect this bike to be quiter than the earlier models, unfortunately because of all the stringent emission norms. The R1 is launched at a premium for 12500$. At 215kg, the bike is still heavier than arch-rival Fireblade, but only the full blown track tests will show what the bike is worth.

For more images, CLICK HERE

For Technical Specifications, CLICK HERE

Photo Feature: Mercedes Benz Museum

We bring you images from the one of the most exotic automotive institutions on earth - the Mercedes Benz Musem. Click the link below to view the breathtaking photographs:

The Mercedes-Benz Museum

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FIAT Linea spied again...

We scooped the Linea some time back. Our 'spies' have got into the act again. Pics attached..

Innova Facelift for India

The Toyota Innova has been doing well as a competant people carrier in India. With good styling and features to match, the Innova hasn't been written off as 'just another commercial vehicle'. But it high time the Innova got atleast a facelift, if not a replacement - thats thats exactly what Toyota's done. Changes include a new front/rear bumpers, grille, headlight and tail light. The interiors get new colors and twin-blower assisted A/C vents for all three rows. 

Check the pics..

2009 Honda Sports bikes uncovered!

(well Kawasaki, this is how greens are made!)

Honda has finally taken the wraps off the 2009 series of CBR Sports machines. As was told earlier, both the 600RR and the 1000RR now come with a CBS(Combined Braking System) variant and a variety of new kick-ass paint schemes. The CBR600RR now gets a new shape for turn indicators and added fairing panels that completely cover the engine - whether for cosmetic purpose or functionality, we'll find out soon. And whats more? The Repsol 1000RR is back!!

Click on the thumbnails for larger views:

CBR600RR:

CBR1000RR: