Category Archives: Technology

Technology, Electric Vehicles, Market

Indian Auto Industry: What to Consider Before Buying Hybrid Cars In The Future

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The Indian auto industry is rapidly changing, and one of the major shifts in recent years has been the growing interest in hybrid cars. As consumers become more aware of their carbon footprint and the environmental impact of their actions, they are turning to hybrid cars as a way to reduce their emissions and promote sustainability. Hybrid vehicles are growing more popular in India as people seek more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly ways of transportation.

If you are considering buying a hybrid car in India, there are several factors to consider. In this blog post, we will discuss what to consider when buying hybrid cars in the future.

 

  1. Fuel Efficiency
    Hybrid cars combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. When comparing different models, consider the fuel efficiency and how it will impact your overall cost of ownership. Look for vehicles with high milage ratings and consider how often you’ll be driving in electric-only mode.
  1. Battery Life

    Battery Life is another important consideration when buying a hybrid car. The battery in a hybrid car is a critical component that powers the electric motor. It is important to consider the battery life when buying a hybrid car. The battery life can vary depending on the make and model of the car, and it is important to consider how often the battery will need to be replaced and the cost of replacement. Make sure to choose a vehicle with a reliable and long-lasting battery.

  1. Cost

    One of the most important factors to consider when buying a hybrid car is the cost. Hybrid cars are generally more expensive than their conventional counterparts, and this cost can vary depending on the make and model of the car. While the initial cost may be higher, hybrid cars are more fuel-efficient and can save you money in the long run. When considering cost, it is important to weigh the upfront investment with the potential long-term savings. Look for hybrid vehicles with a good balance of affordability and performance.

  1. Maintenance Costs
    Hybrid vehicles have unique components, such as the battery and electric motor, that require specialized maintenance. Research the maintenance costs for different models to see which ones offer the best value over time.
  2. Brand Reputation
    Consider choosing a hybrid vehicle from a well-respected brand with a good track record for reliability and customer satisfaction. Research customer reviews and ratings to get a better sense of how different models perform in real-world conditions.
  1. Warranty
    Look for hybrid vehicles with comprehensive warranties that cover the battery, electric motor, and other hybrid-specific components. This will help protect you from costly repairs in the event of a problem.

  2. Resale Value
    When buying a hybrid car, it is important to consider the resale value. Hybrid cars may have a higher resale value compared to conventional cars due to their fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. When making a purchase, consider the resale value and how it may impact your overall cost of ownership.

 

In conclusion, buying a hybrid car in India requires careful consideration of several factors, including cost, fuel efficiency, charging infrastructure, battery life, and resale value. As the Indian auto industry continues to evolve, hybrid cars are becoming an increasingly attractive option for consumers who want to reduce their environmental impact while still enjoying the benefits of owning a car. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when shopping for a hybrid vehicle in 2023 in India and choose the hybrid car that best meets your needs. With the right vehicle, you can enjoy improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and a more sustainable future.

 

Editorials, Electric Vehicles, Features, New Launches

Toyota BZ4X, An Electric SUV

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Electric vehicles are being discussed in India since the launch of Tesla cars. Customers are eagerly waiting for Tesla’s electric cars in the market. In such a situation, Toyota’s electric cars will have to compete with Tesla’s electric cars.

Toyota’s electric cars will need to compete with Tesla’s electric cars. Toyota took to Twitter to announce the announcement of its first electric SUV, the bZ4X, at the Shanghai Auto Show 2021. The company is working on an idea to present 15 electric vehicles by 2025, including 7 models of the “bZ” series.

The Japanese carmaker wants to become a totally electric vehicle company by subsequent 2025 and therefore the company plans to launch 15 electric vehicles by 2025. In this episode, the corporation has introduced its first electric SUV named bZ4X. The company has designed this electric SUV on the “e-TNGA” platform and it had been introduced on Monday during the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show.

Talking about the company’s e-TNGA platform, it has been specially designed by Toyota for electric vehicles and with its help, electric cars can be produced in less time. Its biggest feature is that this platform can also be used in vehicles of different sizes.

This compact SUV has been designed by the company like its popular car Rav-4 and it has been built on a completely new platform. This SUV is equipped with many amazing features and it has been given a distinctive yoke instead of the usual steering wheel. Apart from this, a special system has been given in it which charges the battery of this car with solar power also Toyota bZ4X was unveiled at Shanghai Auto Show 2021 where Toyota’s new concept car has introduced a solar charging system.

 In this, the “bZ” series stands for Beyond Zero which means vehicles with zero emission. The company’s bZ4X electric SUV will be the first car in the “bZ” series.

This time the most focus is on electric vehicles and that we are becoming to ascertain modern electric cars one after the opposite. Along with this, Volkswagen is additionally keeping an eye fixed thereon. If we talk about electric vehicles, even after being available in some markets, Tesla is at the top. In such a situation, Toyota is planning to launch new vehicles with a plan to capture this market.

Editorials, Features, New Launches, Self Driving

Review: Hyundai ALCAZAR Vs MG Gloster

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Hyundai Motors was founded in 1967 by Chung Ju-Yung. It is a South Korean Multinational Automotive manufacturer headquartered in Seoul. Hyundai Motors is offering the same type of cars with the same features at a more affordable price.

whereas

MG (Morris Garage) is a British Automotive manufacturer founded by Cecil Kimber in 1930. It is headquartered in Longbridge, Birmingham. It is known for its open two-seater sports car. It also produces saloons and coupes with engines up to three liters in size.

With the start of 2021 in the pandemic,

Hyundai introduced the Hyundai ALCAZAR premium SUV of 6- and 7-seater on 18th-June-2021 between a price range of Rs 16.30 Lakhs and Rs 20.15 Lakhs.

whereas

MG (Morris Garages) introduced MG Gloster (7-Seater SUV) on 9th-August-2021 between a price range of Rs 29.98 Lakhs and Rs 37.28 Lakhs.

Hyundai ALCAZAR has a Drive Mode Select (Comfort | Eco| Sports), Traction Control modes (Snow | Sand | Mud), 26.03 cm (10.25 inches) multi-display digital cluster, Bose Premium sound system (8-Speakers), Auto Healthy air purifier with AQI display, Front Row seatback table with rectangular cup holder and IT devise holder, Front row sliding sun visor, and Rear window sunshades.

whereas

MG Gloster has a 360 Degree Around View Camera, Electronic Gear Shift with Auto-Park, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System, Blind Spot Detection (BSD) System, Driver Fatigue Reminder System, Forward Collision Warning (FWC) System, and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) System.

Hyundai ALCAZAR has 4 powertrains which include a 2.0 L, Petrol MPi engine and a 1.5 L, Diesel CRDi engine with options of 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The 2.0 L, Petrol MPi engine with 6-speed manual transmission delivers acceleration of 0–100 km/h in 9.5 seconds. The 2.0 L, Petrol MPi and 1.5 Diesel CRDi engine provide fuel efficiency with 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

whereas

MG Gloster has a 75L fuel tank capacity with 8 Automatic Transmissions. The engine of MG Gloster provides a Maximum Power of 163/218 PS @ 4000 with a Maximum Torque of 375/480 Nm @ 1500-2400. It comes with a Dual Helix Independent Front Suspension and Five Link Integrated Rear Suspension.

Electric Vehicles, Features, Market, New Launches

REVIEW: Audi e-tron GT

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Electric mobility is becoming dynamic and fascinating, as the Audi e-tron GT proves. The four-door coupé, which will be introduced in the market as an RS model at the same time, reinterprets the classic idea of the gran turismo: Its design is highly emotional, the technology revolutionary. 

The 800-volt lithium-ion battery integrated into the flat underbody, offers extremely high performance – both when charging and when driving. In combination with the recuperation system, it provides a range of up to 500 km according to the WLTP measurement procedure. 

Battery from 5% to 80% charged in 

22.5 min 

  (270kW DC Charging) 

Charging system 

800 volt 

  Maximum charging capacity: 270 kWh 

Battery capacity (net) up to 

83.7 kWh 

Audi e-tron GT’s Performance 

Electrical output 

350kW 

Torque: 630 Nm 

Acceleration (0–100 km/h) 

4.1s 

Range (WLTP) up to 

500km 

One feature that not all the competition can match is the option of fully utilizing the drive’s acceleration potential several times in succession. While elsewhere the drive is switched to overdrive for thermal considerations, the Audi e-tron GT concept can provide the driver with the full potential of both motors and the battery thanks to its sophisticated cooling strategy. 

Depending on the driving situation, the aerodynamics can be actively adjusted, by way of two settings for the rear wing as well as the cooling air inlets at the front. 

Audi e-tron is loaded with some exciting features and Driving assistance. The top options include ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, heated-and-cooled front seats with massage functions, and more. Front-seat passengers sit low to the ground, which promotes a sporty driving position.  

e-tron GT features a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, connected car technology, shift-by-wire gear selector and a wide variety of driver assistance and safety systems.  

With an array of sensors, Audi pre sense front and rear monitor the surroundings of the Audi e-tron GT, giving it intuitive awareness on the road and allowing it to respond to unforeseen circumstances.  

The available Adaptive cruise assist works to give you peace-of-mind on the road. The Stop&Go function helps maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front by stopping when needed, while corrective steering provides further safety by ensuring your vehicle stays in its lane. 

Audi e-Tron GT will be launched in India on September 22, 2021. Audi is expected to price the e-tron GT on the higher side of the luxury EV spectrum, with prices likely to start upwards of ₹ 1.6 crore . 

Editorials, Features, New Launches, Self Driving

Review: The new 2022 Bentley Bentayga

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Bentley Motors Limited is a British manufacturer and marketer of luxury cars and SUVs. It is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group since 1998. It was founded by W.O. Bentley in 1919 in Cricklewood, North England. The company, Bentley Motors is located in Crewe, England.

Bentley Motors will be manufacturing the all-new 2022 Bentley Bentayga S which will be a combined version of Bentley Bentayga V8, and Bentley Bentayga Speed (W12).

Bentley Bentayga S (3rd angle view)

It comes with a 4.0 liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine which provides a horsepower of 542 and a torque of 568 lb-ft getting to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Bentley Bentayga S comes with Adaptive Cruise Control which helps to slow down while there is traffic to maintain a safe distance. In congested traffic, it will stop or move forward automatically according to the pace and motion of the vehicle.

It also comes with the Lane Detection System, which warns when to drift out of the lane without indication and can correct the course. It also provides haptic feedback through the steering wheel.

The Blind Spot Monitoring enables to overtake blindly and the Traffic Sign Recognition alerts to change the speed limit of the vehicle at any course of time.

Equipped with Bentley Dynamic Ride, a groundbreaking active anti-roll system that uses a 48-volt electric motor to minimize the body roll when the car is cornering to get in complete control. It has an All-Terrain Specification that provides 4 driving modes and is also called the responsive off-road settings.

It includes robust underfoot protection, luggage management system to ensure that the items in the boot are safely secured along with a specific window on the infotainment system that displays useful information.

Bentley Bentayga S (3rd angle view)

The vehicle consists of a 10.9-inch infotainment screen. An entertainment system consists of two 10.2-inch displays mounted to the front seat headrests. A 12-speaker stereo is also provided.

It consists of a black body accent, dark tint lights, the restrictive exhaust system that improves the sound of the Bentley. There are multiple color accents on the instrument panel, center console, door linings, steering wheel, and gear level. Like the other Bentleys, the vehicle can be selected from four, five, or seven seats.

  • Inside View of Bentley Bentayga S
Electric Vehicles, Market, New Launches

The most powerful car in AMG’s Lineup

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Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the much-awaited Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E performance coupe. The German Automakers claim this car to be the most powerful car in AMG’s Lineup. ‘E Performance’ badge means it gets the assist of an electric motor. 

 AMG is powered by a 4.0-litre-V8-Biturbo with 470 kW gains a powerful ally in the shape of the AMG GT 63 S E Performance.  

The electromotor, is exclusively developed by AMG with ultra-light and direct cooled high-performance battery, fully developed in-house, delivers power transmission directly to the rear axle. 

Lithium-ion battery was inspired by technologies that have been tried and tested under the most extreme conditions in the Formula 1 hybrid racing-car of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. Mercedes-AMG’s battery power is “inspired by technology from F1 and this shows that Mercedes never fail to disappoint its customer.  

The engine comes mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox, this ensures the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance can sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, and 200 km/h is reached in less than ten seconds. And it will not stop till 316km/h. 

AMG’s latest RIDE CONTROL+ suspension with new damping system and also the adapted AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system as standard along with the MBUX multimedia system with special hybrid displays.  

Unique touches like the graphics on the multimedia display that visualize the power flow of the entire drive system, rpm, output, torque and temperature of the electric motor, as well as the temperature of the battery.  

The rear-seat passengers receive information on the energy flow as well as the power and torque of the electric motor on their optional multimedia display. 

Mercedes-AMG is offering the GT 63 S E Performance with seven driving modes, including Electric, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, RACE, Slippery and Individual. Pricing for the AMG GT S E-Performance 4-Door Coupe isn’t out yet so, stay tuned to buzzluxorides  for more updates about this new beast which is going to rule the Electric car segment. 

Editorials, Electric Vehicles, New Launches

Audi e-tron, an Electric SUV

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German luxury car company Audi has launched its electric SUV e­tron and e­tron Sportback in the Indian market. Their price (ex-showroom) starts from Rs 99.99 lakh. In this, for e­tron 55 you will get Rs 1.16 crore, while for e­tron Sportback 55 you will get Rs 1.17 crore (ex-showroom). The booking of both these electric SUVs has been started only last month. If you want to bring it home, then you can book from the Audi dealership and company website with an amount of Rs 5 lakh.

Two electric motors are utilized in the Audi e­tron. The first motor fits in the front axle, which generates 309 Nm of torque. This luxury car produces a maximum value of power 408 BHP. It uses a 95 kWh lithium­ion battery that provides a variety of 400 km. These cars are often charged up to 80 percent in only half-hour. Its top speed is 200 KMPH

Audi is offering a spread of curated ownership programs on these luxury cars. This includes a special maintenance plan of 2 to 5 years, an extended warranty, and a buyout plan. Under this plan, if the customers want to sell the e­tron and e­tron Sportback within three years of purchase, as well as bring the future model home, then they will have the option to sell this car to the company. Under this, two years of standard warranty and eight years of high voltage or 160,000 km warranty will be available.

According to the company, these service plans will be available for four to five years under the schemes that the customers will select. These include service cost, maintenance of brakes, suspension, and extended warranty. Also, the Extended Warranty will be available for a period of 2+2 years or 2+3 years. Not only this, but the company is also offering five years of road assistance in case your vehicle breaks down in the middle of the road.

The Audi e­tron and e­tron Sportback SUV will compete with the Jaguar I­Pace apart from the Mercedes Benz EQC in India. These cars of Audi are expected to give more momentum to the electric segment vehicles in India.

Electric cars are rapidly entering the market. Audi has been postponing its electric offering for a long time, but now the e­tron electric SUV has finally arrived. It has two versions and which is the best depends on what you like best.

The e­tron SUV is quite large and when you look at it, you like it. It’s different, but not so much. At the front, you get a larger grid, which is usually in Audis while the wonderfully designed Digital Matrix LED headlights are also pretty enjoyable.

You can also see the futuristic-looking wheels (20­inches with orange brake calipers) while the rear looks quite clean which covers the entire width of the car along with the tail­lamps. Overall, the e­tron looks good. Wherever we took this car, everyone wanted to see this car again. This was also helped by its unique color.

The interior too is that of a typical Audi which means it gets double screens with digital dials. Let us tell you that Audi first started installing virtual dials in their cars so that they could master it. What you would expect from an Audi are its design and quality. The touch screen is very good to use. The space of the vehicle is impressive and is around the “big SUV” with lots of legroom/headroom in the rear seat.

In terms of equipment, it includes soft-closing doors, a four-zone climate control system, a 16-speaker audio system, ambient lighting, wireless charging, a head-up display, and a panoramic sunroof.

The real fun begins as soon as you drive the e­tron. Since it is electric, there is no noise in it. Although the e-tron makes a slight noise to warn the pedestrians, something like this can be seen in all-electric vehicles in the future. The ground clearance is also excellent and the e­tron feels too small to drive in traffic. It’s pretty fast as you’d expect. Its 55 Quattro version produces 408 HP and 664Nm at its fastest setting (with a 95 kWh battery). If you keep your feet down, the e­tron will put sports cars to shame.

The best thing about the e­tron is the comfort and ease. In the city, Comfort mode is more than enough for quick overtakes, Efficiency mode is also very fast, Dynamic mode brings out all the power but is too loud for city use.

The range on the display was showing 418 km, while the heavy city traffic, as well as a short highway run, giving it a range of around 360 km, which is impressive. You do not need to charge the e­tron once or twice a week for normal travel. Like all EVs, it gets regenerative braking and you can control it via the pedals behind the steering wheel. Audi will give you an 11 kW charger and it will charge the car in less than 9 hours (to reach 80 percent). A 22 kW charger will do this in 4.5 hours while a DC fast charger will reduce the time to just 30 minutes (150 kW).

Self Driving, Features

Are self-driving cars really a future?

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Self-driven cars would be hijacking over the manual ones in not so distant future. But the question is these automated cars good enough to sit back without being stressed about safety?

Let’s check out on that…A self-driving vehicle can sense its surroundings and control its movements without human intervention. The SAE has come up with six levels of self-driving vehicles.  Level 5 being the highest level.

Many companies are trying to be the first ones to develop an autonomous car that can drive under all driving conditions. Major automobile manufactures and tech giants are looking for ways to get to the front of the race. They are performing a bunch of road tests with their self-driving cars and are collecting data from these tests which will help cars navigate the modern world where unpredictable things happen all the time. In order to manage situations like this, we might also need to set up designated lanes for self-driving cars during the transition period where both traditional cars and self-driving cars would be on the roads. We also need regulatory changes on the insurance policies so that the insurance companies can cover different types of vehicles. So, self-driving cars can be a huge test for not only automobile manufacturers but also for regulators. After all, the manufactures and regulators need to come together and update the laws that have been in place for decades to reflect the changes associated with self-driving cars. But to make it happen would require time and a lot of work.

There is no doubt that self-driving cars present many technological promises to our lives. But in order for us to truly take advantage and prepare for a future, we need everyone to step up and put their heads together towards a solution. However, until fully autonomous cars are on the road, people still need to be fully responsible while driving their vehicles and understand the limits of the technology in their vehicles.

It will take few more years for researchers to optimize autonomous driving. Those improvements can’t be rushed. So strap in and relax. You’ll be still holding that steering wheel for a while.

New Launches, Electric Vehicles, Features

Review: Volvo XC40 Recharge, an Electric SUV

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Volvo Cars, a luxury automobile maker which is headquartered in Torslanda in Gothenburg, Sweden. The company manufactures and markets sport utility vehicles, station wagons, hatchbacks, sedans, and compact executive sedans.

Volvo Cars is going to introduce Volvo XC40 Recharge, an Electric SUV that is based on Volvo’s Common Modular Architecture. It has a 78kWh battery pack mounted under the cabin floor with electric motors on each axle.

Volvo XC40 Recharge (3rd angle view)

When connected to a 150kW DC rapid charger, the “XC40 Recharge” can charge up to 80% in around 40 minutes. A full charge of the vehicle takes around 8 hours.

It has a maximum output of 402bhp and 660Nm of torque which the Volvo says is enough for a 0-62 mph time of 4.9 seconds. It offers a range of 259 miles due to the recent software update.

The electric powertrain of the Volvo XC40 Recharge is smaller than that required for a combustion engine. This creates an additional storage room of 31-liters under the bonnet which is compatible with carrying the charging cable.

The car has dual-zone climate control, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a 12.3-inch digital dash, and a 9-inch infotainment system which is powered by the new Google-developed software rather than Volvo’s in-house Sensus System.

Volvo XC40 Recharge on road

Volvo XC40 Recharge expected launch date and price in India

Volvo XC40 Recharge is predicted to be launched in India on Jan 2022 in a price starting from ₹50.00 to 55.00 Lakh.

Self Driving, Technology

Autonomous Cars Won’t Avoid Majority of Vehicle Crashes

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1986, the year when Ernst Dickmanns changed the whole automobile industry by unleashing a driverless Mercedes onto the roads of Europe and since then this technology hasn’t stopped and has been used by almost every car manufacturer in the world.

But how safe this technology is and will be in the coming years?

Consider the above scenario, you’re riding in your shiny new self-driving car and suddenly a group of people spills into the road and at this point the car has to make a decision, either swerve into the wall killing you or plow through the crowd saving your life but taking several others. While surveys show that most people would choose to sacrifice themselves for the crowd. Of course, this scenario would be exceedingly rare.

Computerizing our cars and adding modern technologies every launch will put lives in danger and automation will not end all car accidents. If for some reason system malfunctions or experience some unexpected glitch that causes the machine to act unpredictably or stop altogether. It can be dangerous when a self-driving car malfunction while traveling at high speed on a road.

According to two independent polls conducted in January and in late March/early April, the percentage of Americans thinking that autonomous cars are less safe than vehicles driven by humans increased from 36 percent to 50 percent.

According to my analysis it will be crucial for designers to prioritize safety over rider preferences if autonomous vehicles are to live up to their promise to be safer than human drivers before these autonomous vehicles gain widespread adoption. For the future of self-driving cars, there is a lot to think about. Laws, regulations, and development vary greatly, between states and countries. So, discussion between experts, law makers and countries will need to be had if we want to really make autonomous vehicles a reality and despite all the hype, self-driving cars will not be safer because robots are better drivers than our (computer-enhanced) selves, but I’ll leave you to decide if that’s a good thing or not.