The 12th Auto Expo 2014 had been a major topic for quite a few weeks prior to its start, and it is living up to expectations every bit. Some amazing cars have been launched on day two too with some of the big shots showing off their mean machines. While majority of the concept cars were unveiled on the first day itself, the second day had its decent share of beautiful cars. The interesting part about the Auto Expo is the way they enable customers and automobile enthusiasts alike, to connect to the brands they love and adore.
With a lot of innovation going on in the automobile industry, it is pleasant to see the cars show up in large numbers. Some manufacturers brought in several cars which are already tried and tested internationally; others launched brand new vehicles in the country. While it is interesting to see innovation all around, it certainly is a treat for the eyes to watch iconic carmakers step in to flaunt their vehicles to the public. The customers no longer look at these iconic vehicles as a mere mode of convenience or commute; these four-wheelers are way more than that. They are a lifestyle symbol, priced possessions, and most often, source of pride.
Mini brought in its entire fleet of Mini Coopers. The event saw the display of Mini Cooper Convertible, Mini Cooper S Countryman and Mini Cooper S Hatch. The Mini Cooper S Countryman comes with a petrol engine and is capable of producing 184bhp and a maximum torque of 216Nm. The vehicle is capable of hitting a top speed of 210 kmph. The Mini Cooper D Countryman churns out a 112bhp output with the peak torque reaching 270Nm. With a top speed of 180kmph, the delightful Mini Cooper is an iconic vehicle, though it is not the fastest ot the most powerful or the most spacious one. ?
Another car, iconic in its own right, introduced at the event today, is the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C7. It is powerful and stunning. The car features a whopping 6.2 litre V8 engine which pushes the vehicle to generate a maximum power of 450bhp and a peak torque of 610Nm. It is the quintessential poster design of a supercar.
Representing the German automobile engineering, Audi launched an amazing fleet of five cars, ranging from the subtle Audi TT Quattro to Audi R8 V10 Spyder. The Audi R8 Spyder comes with a 5.2 litre V10 engine which is capable of generating 525bhp power with a peak torque of 530Nm. This seven speed Stronic dual clutch transmission vehicle is capable of hitting a 100kmph mark in just 3.8 seconds. The Delhi Auto Expo also saw Audi TT, depicting the Audi?s ?Quattro drive experience?.
Fiat launched the sportier performance subsidiary, Abarth in India. While Fiat will still keep manufacturing and releasing its actual line up, this will be a pure performance based range. These cars are expected to be priced comfortably, keeping the Indian consumers? price sensitivity in mind. Though the initial units will be imported, based on the success, the company may start manufacturing the vehicles locally, since it cuts down cost drastically compared to importing.
Toyota launched its first crossover, Etios Cross. While most of the vehicles launched at the event are expected to release anytime soon in the market, Etios Cross is already open for advance booking. This crossover comes with two engine options, a 1.2 litre engine and a 1.5 litre engine. The exteriors are beautiful and the interiors are elegant too.
Talking about Indian companies, Tata Motors Nano has been launched again with a slight variation. It has a boot now. The highly anticipated and internationally acclaimed common man’s car, Nano did not fully enjoy the success it deserved. Luckily, Tata Motors is not ready to quit, and is trying to analyse each supposed mistake one at a time. After improving the advertising frequency, the company has launched this new version with boot, making it officially one of the competitors of the already crowded hatchback segment. Instead of leaving it with the rear, Tata Motors did give slight tweaks to the design elements of the car as well.
Speaking of design, and leaving out DC Design is not justified. Hailed as a major powerhouse in customized automobile manufacturing, the company launched its futuristic Tia hatchback, which is a sub-compact Nano car. The curtains on this model were raised by Kareena Kapoor Khan, along with Dilip Chhabria. The company also launched an SUV named Eleron. Two days down, and the excitement in still not ready to subside.
