Auto Expo 2014 Mahindra Reva lineup: Verito electric, upgraded e2O, XUV500 electric and Formula E car

Mahindra Reva will be unveiling some exciting electric models which should grab the attention of environmentalist and the carbon conscious customers at the Auto Expo 2014.

Mahindra’s portfolio at the expo will include showcase of Formula E racing car, unveiling of the improved e20, Verito electric sedan and the Maxximo electric light truck.

Further details about the Formula E racing car has not been revealed but its participation at the inaugural FIA Formula Championship that begins in September 2014 is likely.

Mahindra Formula E racing car

An updated version of the e20 which so far has received a lukewarm response in the Indian market will also be shown. The new variant will get an improved charging technology that will considerably reduce the charging period. This should help in making the e20 a more desirable vehicle. The launch of this small car will take place immediately after the expo.

The Verito will be the first electric sedan to hit the market when it is launched by the year end along with the Maxximo electric light truck. It is said that the electric Verito sedan will retain the USPs of the regular car but provide cheaper running costs. The year- end launch is aligned to avail the benefit of subsidies which is expected to be offered by the Indian government on EVs (electric vehicles) by then.

Apart from this, there are also talks that Mahindra will showcase the XUV500 in its electric avatar.

“We have been working a lot on next generation electric vehicle technologies, which we will be showcasing in the five products we will display at the Auto Expo,” Mahindra Reva Founder and CEO Chetan Maini was quoted as saying

2015 Mercedes V-Class unveiled, launch later this year

Mercedes has unveiled the new V-Class in Munich, Germany. This model will replace the ageing Viano. It is expected to go on sale later this year with Mercedes declining to mention the prices as of now. This is an MPV which focuses on luxury and maximum comfort.

The look is beefed up by protruding wheel arches and sculpted look continues with a sweeping shoulder line

The design takes cues from a variety of Merc models including the S, C and E Class. The front is dominated by a large chrome grille with the three pointed star featuring prominently.  LED infused headlights flank both sides of the grille.  The look is beefed up by protruding wheel arches and sculpted look continues with a sweeping shoulder line and an elongated taut lines along the side profile which begins from the wheel arches and rises slightly until it reaches the rear adding a touch of elegance.

Models can be equipped with Nappa leather for the seats, steering wheel and gear shift lever as well

The interiors are luxurious and highly customizable. Models can be equipped with Nappa leather for the seats, steering wheel  and gear shift lever as well. An optional Burmester surround system with a bass reflex speaker and 16 loudspeakers can also be ordered. Tempmatic climate control is the standard fitment while Thermotronic is the optional extra coming with focus, medium and diffused modes.

Active Park Assist which is an option is a useful feature considering the size of the vehicle, that makes parking easier

V-Class has been designed with practicality in mind and this is evident when you are loading or unloading your luggage. The large rear windscreen can be opened independently of the tailgate frame making it easier to load in tight parking spaces where the larger tailgate can pose a problem.

“Mercedes Benz intelligent drive” is available in the V-Class, which is a driver assistance system consisting of radar, camera and ultrasound sensors. The standard features are Crosswind Assist and Attention Assist. Crosswind Assist works to stabilize the car in strong crosswinds and Attention Assist warns the driver of inattention and fatigue. Active Park Assist which is an option is a useful feature considering the size of the vehicle, that makes parking easier.

The large rear windscreen can be opened independently of the tailgate frame making it easier to load in tight parking spaces

There are three engine choices all of which displace 2.1 litres in their four cylinder turbo-diesel forms. The base V 200 makes 138PS and 330Nm of torque. The midrange V 220 generates 165PS and 380Nm and the top of the line V 250 offers 193PS and 440Nm. Mercedes claims that the V 250 gives the same amount of torque as the previous V6 turbo-diesel engine while consuming 28 per cent less fuel.

Customization doesn’t  end with the interiors. The V-Class can be ordered in a short wheelbase (3,200mm) and a long wheelbase (3,430mm) version. Three different lengths are also on offer ranging from 4,895mm to 5,370mm.

Vardenchi to launch Moto Morini Scrambler and Granpasso at 2014 Auto Expo

Vardenchi, the Mumbai-based motorcycle customisation house, has confirmed that two iconic Moto Morinis will be launched in Indian at the Auto Expo 2014.

Last year, the custom house tied-up with the iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer to import and distribute its motorcycles in India. OVERDRIVE was the first to report the story.

It seems that Moto Morini’s initial focus in India will be limited to off-roading/adventure motorcycles with the Italian company choosing to leave its street bike Corsaro 1200 out of its Auto Expo lineup.  . The prices of both the motorcycles will be announced at the Auto Expo. By June-July 2014, the first lot of Morinis will be delivered to the customers.

Vardenchi Motorcycles founder Akshai Varde said, “I personally rode the Morini across Europe and instantly fell in love. These highly tuned beasts are genuinely the most fun motorcycles to have in your stable. I see this alliance as a initiator of a luxury segment in motorcycling that will prove to be a game changer.”

Bialbero Corscorta

All the three motorcycles will be powered by the same 1187cc V-twin that the company calls Bialbero Corscorta. This engine was designed by Franco Lambertini, a former engine designer for Ferrari, who was also responsible for the 1970s 31/2, perhaps Morini’s most famous model in history.

Moto Morini Scrambler

Moto Morini Scrambler is built for all-terrain crossover use, ably aided by the 19” front wheel and the tread-blocked tyres, be it asphalt, the cobblestones, or else the off-roads. The Scrambler is equipped with the Bialbero CorsaCorta 1187cc twin-cylinder that makes 120PS of power and and 102Nm of torque. The 21-liter tank is one of the most striking styling elements and has a sporty and ergonomic design which is not intrusive for the rider.

Moto Morini Granpasso

The Granpasso 1200 is Moto Morini’s answer to the BMW and KTM adventure series. It boasts a 1187cc V-twin oversquare engine which is good for 120PS of power and 103Nm of torque. The clutch is a multi-disc wet slipper one while the brakes are dual-Brembos. Typical to these class of motorcycles, the Granpasso has an oversize windshield and comfortable seats. Suspension duties are taken care by Marzocchi upside down units in the front and an Ohlins side-mounted monoshock with a piggy bank reservoir.