Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com Autoblog Canada http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Porsche Macan to debut at LA Auto Show]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/29/porsche-macan-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/29/porsche-macan-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/29/porsche-macan-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Porsche Macan

Auto Express reports Porsche will unveil the upcoming Macan SUV at this year's LA Auto Show. Citing an unnamed "insider," AE says that the five-door will bow with engines, suspension and interior architecture that will help differentiate it from its Audi Q5 chassis mate. Big shocker there. We've been hearing the same line since we first caught word of the Macan back when it was still rolling around under the Cajun name. The report does shed some light on the model's pricing, however. That same insider says the Porsche Macan will carry a price tag of 36,000 pounds (CAD$56,345).

What does that mean for North American buyers? Do some quick math based on current conversion rates, and average UK and US prices, and we come up with a sticker of roughly CAD$50,000 here in the land of the free. That fits in line with the rest of the company's stable, with the larger Cayenne starting at CAD$57,500.

Still, we'll wait for more concrete word before jumping behind the AE report wholeheartedly. The 2013 LA Auto Show gets going in late November.

Continue reading Porsche Macan to debut at LA Auto Show

Porsche Macan to debut at LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 29 May 2013 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 la auto showla auto showmacan priceporscheporsche macanporsche macan msrp Wed, 29 May 2013 18:59:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20588038/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/29/porsche-macan-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/20588038/article-detail.xml 20588038 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/porsche-macan-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/porsche-macan-628.jpg <![CDATA[Audi passes BMW as top luxury brand... in India?]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/27/audi-passes-bmw-as-top-luxury-brand-in-india/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/27/audi-passes-bmw-as-top-luxury-brand-in-india/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/27/audi-passes-bmw-as-top-luxury-brand-in-india/#comments Filed under: , , ,



By the end of this decade, India is expected to be one of the top three car markets in the world, but automakers are already starting to duke it out for sales. In terms of premium brands, Automotive News says that Audi has jumped out to an early lead for sales in the country due in large part to the recent introduction of the popular Audi Q3 (shown above).

In 2012, Audi's sales increased 43 per cent, rising to 9,350 units and outselling rivals BMW (8,686) and Mercedes-Benz (7,015), both of which experienced a drop in sales last year of 9.5 per cent and 5.4 per cent, respectively. While none of these sales figures are particularly significant on a global scale, the article says that the market for premium cars in India is expected to quadruple by 2020 up to around 120,000 units. AN attributes Audi's lead to its offering of new SUVs while its rivals have been focusing on small hatchbacks.

Click here to watch a video on luxury car sales that are boosting BMW.

Gallery: Top 10 best-selling cars in wealthy neighbourhoods

BMW X5Toyota CamryHonda AccordHonda CR-VVolkswagen Jetta

Continue reading Audi passes BMW as top luxury brand... in India?

Audi passes BMW as top luxury brand... in India? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 27 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi q3indialuxury crossoverluxury suv Mon, 27 May 2013 18:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20577871/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/27/audi-passes-bmw-as-top-luxury-brand-in-india/20577871/article-detail.xml 20577871 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/2011-audi-q3-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/2011-audi-q3-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari F430 Scuderia owner arrested over video of underage boys joyride [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/ferrari-F430-scuderia-driving-kids-parents-charged-by-indian-police/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/ferrari-F430-scuderia-driving-kids-parents-charged-by-indian-police/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/ferrari-F430-scuderia-driving-kids-parents-charged-by-indian-police/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Young boy captured joyriding in father's Ferrari on video - screencap

Not too long ago, we showed off a frightening video of two very young boys driving a Ferrari F430 Scuderia on the street. To our shock, it was an adult filming the underage kids driving along a suburban street in the Kerala area of India while several others looked on. The risky stunt appeared authentic and quickly went viral but little was known until the incident until now.

According to the Toronto Star, a wealthy businessman let his son drive the rare Ferrari as a present for his ninth birthday. While us car guys are hating on this kid since we never did anything remotely as cool at this age, we realize this could have turned deadly real quick. Look at how close these kids are to the airbags and we don't see any seat belts in use either. And to to add to the reckless endangerment we see here, it is the mother of the boys who is filming the incident.

The boys' father, Muhammad Nizam, has been arrested and is facing several charges and possible impounded of the Scud. The successful real estate and tobacco mogul is said to own 18 exotic cars totally $4 million. The video still remains on YouTube despite the legal mess, which in our experience is rare considering the evidence is most certainly stacked against them.

If you missed the stupidity, we have the video posted after the jump.

Gallery: Ferrari LaFerrari: Geneva 2013

Continue reading Ferrari F430 Scuderia owner arrested over video of underage boys joyride [w/video]

Ferrari F430 Scuderia owner arrested over video of underage boys joyride [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bad parentsferrariferrari f430ferrari f430 scuderiaindiakids drivingparentingparenting failScuderiaunderage drivingvideo Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20553099/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/30/ferrari-F430-scuderia-driving-kids-parents-charged-by-indian-police/20553099/article-detail.xml 20553099 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/kids-driving-ferrari2_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/kids-driving-ferrari2.png <![CDATA[Kids driving Ferrari F430 Scuderia in India miraculously don't crash]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/kids-driving-ferrari-f430-scuderia-in-india-miraculously-dont-c/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/kids-driving-ferrari-f430-scuderia-in-india-miraculously-dont-c/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/kids-driving-ferrari-f430-scuderia-in-india-miraculously-dont-c/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Just when you thought you had the world's coolest parents, these lucky and unlicensed children in the Thrissur Kerala region of India are ready to prove you wrong! It seems the adult who filmed this shocking video simply handed over the keys to a Ferrari F430 Scuderia and let the "Ferrari Kidz" loose on the streets for an underage test drive in the Italian exotic. The video shows the kids ripping it around the neighbourhood and revving to show off their newly acquired six-figure-supercar to all their grade school friends.

As car enthusiasts, we kinda all wish our parents were this awesome, but as fellow drivers we can't help but think of the ways this dangerous joyride could've gone seriously wrong. Luckily, the children bring the high horsepower exotic back in once piece and somehow manage to avoid crashing the Ferrari during their lapping session on public roads.

While we have seen a 4-year-old in China operating a motor vehicle and an 8-year-old girl tearing up an icy stretch of road in Russia, we can safely say that this underage driving stunt is by far the wildest yet considering these kids are driving a Ferrari!

Click here to watch this unbelievable video footage for yourself as it's bound to go viral... fast!


Gallery: Car Crash Gallery

Continue reading Kids driving Ferrari F430 Scuderia in India miraculously don't crash

Kids driving Ferrari F430 Scuderia in India miraculously don't crash originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> childrenFerrariferrari f430ferrari f430 scuderiaFerrari KidsFerrari Kidzindiajoyridekidsunderage Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:10:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20537307/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/11/kids-driving-ferrari-f430-scuderia-in-india-miraculously-dont-c/20537307/article-detail.xml 20537307 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/kid-ferrari-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/kid-ferrari-2.jpg <![CDATA[Ford bondage ads reportedly trigger firings at Indian ad agency]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/ford-bondage-ads-reportedly-trigger-firings-at-indian-ad-agency/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/ford-bondage-ads-reportedly-trigger-firings-at-indian-ad-agency/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/ford-bondage-ads-reportedly-trigger-firings-at-indian-ad-agency/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Ford Figo India cartoon ad with Paris Hilton driving bound and gagged Kardashian family in trunk

You will probably remember the ads for the Ford Figo hatchback in India, the ones that showcased the extra large boot of the little hatchback by joking that you can fit three of your enemies in the trunk. One of the ads had Michael Schumacher in the front seat, obviously pleased about having Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso tied up in the back. But the other two had Paris Hilton and ex-Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi up front and three bound and gagged women in the back - in Hilton's case (shown above), it was the Kardashians.

This did not go over well, and Reuters reports that certain employees at JWT India have been fired over the matter. It is also reported that the images weren't actual advertisements, nor were they part of an actual campaign; JWT said they "were never intended for paid publication, were never requested by our Ford client." A JWT rep said the employees who created the ads did so on their own, Ford commented to Automotive News that the ads were "part of a creative exercise intended to test concepts for an advertising competition."

The problem, if the story is to be believed, is that the employees skipped the regular review protocols and uploaded their work to an ad industry site - they were found on Ads of the World. That page, like the employees, has been removed.


Gallery: Human Motorcycle

Continue reading Ford bondage ads reportedly trigger firings at Indian ad agency

Ford bondage ads reportedly trigger firings at Indian ad agency originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fernando alonsofordford figoford indiaford india sexist adsindiajwtkardashiankim kardashianlewis hamiltonmichael schumachersebastian vettelsexist adssilvio berlusconi Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:59:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20520423/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/27/ford-bondage-ads-reportedly-trigger-firings-at-indian-ad-agency/20520423/article-detail.xml 20520423 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fordfigoindiaad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fordfigoindiaad.jpg <![CDATA[Ford celebrity bondage ads start sexist controversy in India]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/ford-of-india-in-hot-water-for-figo-celebrity-bondage-ads/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/ford-of-india-in-hot-water-for-figo-celebrity-bondage-ads/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/ford-of-india-in-hot-water-for-figo-celebrity-bondage-ads/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Apparently sensibilities in India, at least in the case of some Ford marketing partners, are downright lascivious at times. Case in point are a new series of print ads, presumably touting the vast cargo capacity of the Ford Figo hatchback, that involve more than a whiff of T&A, S&M and other sexy abbreviations.

In all seriousness, the advertising campaign is taking some major heat in the Indian press for being outrageously sexist. All three images - which seem to be produced by a graphic artist with some Heavy Metal work in his/her portfolio - show bound and gagged people stuffed into the Figo's boot. With a tagline reads, "Leave Your Worries Behind." one version features a peace-sign throwing Silvio Berlusconi holding hostage three buxom and barely clad women, all wearing ball gags with hands and feet bound. Charming. Another version shows Paris Hilton ­similarly kidnapping a trio of Kardashians, while a third (tame in terms of the clothing at least), has Michael Schumacher toting Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, and Lewis Hamilton.

Clearly in bad taste, at least, the Indian source also questions the timing of these risqué Ford ads, as the follow by days new anti-rape legislation passed by the Indian Parliament. Ford has responded in a statement, that it and its advertising partner (JWT India) "deeply regret" the ads, and claim that they "never should have happened."

Click here to see all three ads for yourself.


Gallery: Danica Patrick Sports Illustrated Swimsuit photo shoot

Continue reading Ford celebrity bondage ads start sexist controversy in India

Ford celebrity bondage ads start sexist controversy in India originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> f1fernando alonsofordford figoford indiaford india sexist adskardashiankim kardashianlewis hamiltonmichael schumachersebastian vettelsexist adssilvio berlusconi Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20514757/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/22/ford-of-india-in-hot-water-for-figo-celebrity-bondage-ads/20514757/article-detail.xml 20514757 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ford-figo-sexist-print-ad-silvio-berlusconi-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ford-figo-sexist-print-ad-silvio-berlusconi-628.jpg <![CDATA[Django Django visits Well of Death for WOR music video]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/django-django-visits-well-of-death-for-wor-music-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/django-django-visits-well-of-death-for-wor-music-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/django-django-visits-well-of-death-for-wor-music-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Django Django WOR Well of Death music video

Django Django (apparently, the D is silent...) are a British rock group based in London, reports Wikipedia. Why do we care? One of their recent music videos is a mesmerizing look at the infamous Well of Death performance in Allahabad, India, and while the band itself never seems to make an appearance, a whole score of interesting daredevils more than makes up for that omission.

The Well of Death, in case you're not aware, is a bowl-shaped structure made from wood that stands about 7.6 metres (25 feet high) and 9.1 metres (30 feet) in diameter, inside which motorcyclists cavort with the drivers of miniature automobiles at death-defying speeds sufficient enough that centrifugal force keeps them from falling. Sound insane? Yep, that about sums it up.

Usually, spectators have to stand atop the spiral of death to get a glimpse at the action. Fortunately for you, a crew from Noisey captured it all on video for Django Django, so perhaps you should just scroll down below to see for yourself.

Continue reading Django Django visits Well of Death for WOR music video

Django Django visits Well of Death for WOR music video originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> django djangowell of deathwor music video Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20512532/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/20/django-django-visits-well-of-death-for-wor-music-video/20512532/article-detail.xml 20512532 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/django-django-wor_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/django-django-wor.jpg <![CDATA[Anti-DUI campaign puts the fear of god into drunk drivers in India]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/anti-dui-campaign-puts-the-fear-of-god-into-drunk-drivers-in-ind/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/anti-dui-campaign-puts-the-fear-of-god-into-drunk-drivers-in-ind/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/anti-dui-campaign-puts-the-fear-of-god-into-drunk-drivers-in-ind/#comments Filed under: , , ,



The Hindu religion is said to have something like 330 million deities - that's nearly as many gods as there are residents in North America. Another startling number is the amount of road fatalities in India attributed to drunk driving: 70 per cent.

Combining the former with the latter, a restaurant called Zara in Chennai worked with an ad agency to heighten awareness of leaving the bar after several too many and promote a designated driver service. When patrons got their cars back from the valet, they discovered someone else along for the ride - and in a country as sensitive to supernatural encounters as India, it was apparently the last god these motorists wanted to meet.

Check out the video below - it's worth a watch.

Continue reading Anti-DUI campaign puts the fear of god into drunk drivers in India

Anti-DUI campaign puts the fear of god into drunk drivers in India originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chennaideitiesdrunk drivinghinduindiapsapublic service announcementvideoyamazara Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:14:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20468099/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/19/anti-dui-campaign-puts-the-fear-of-god-into-drunk-drivers-in-ind/20468099/article-detail.xml 20468099 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/yamacampaign_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/yamacampaign.jpg <![CDATA[Motorcycle rider on ladder performs crazy stunt you won't believe]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/motorcycle-rider-on-ladder-performs-crazy-stunt-you-wont-believ/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/motorcycle-rider-on-ladder-performs-crazy-stunt-you-wont-believ/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/motorcycle-rider-on-ladder-performs-crazy-stunt-you-wont-believ/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Getting around town can be frustrating with large buses and trucks often impeding your view of the road ahead. Luckily, the acrobatic commuter shown in this viral video has found a wacky way to ensure he always has the best view... by attaching a wooden step ladder on top of his moving motorcycle?!

Watch as he manages to dangerously weave his way through traffic on a busy road and even avoid a few close calls. Obviously, this fearless rider seems to enjoy showing off his balancing act to other drivers around him, as the unbelievable stunt just doesn't look safe (so please, don't try this at home).

While the sky high clearance may prove itself to be useful at times, we question its effectiveness should a bridge or tunnel ever stand in its path. Hopefully he's got some quick reflexes.

Click here to watch this strange stunt for yourself.

Gallery: Text Stunt Motorcycle Rider

Continue reading Motorcycle rider on ladder performs crazy stunt you won't believe

Motorcycle rider on ladder performs crazy stunt you won't believe originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ladderladder stuntmotorcyclemotorcycle stuntriderstuntvideo Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20441463/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/05/motorcycle-rider-on-ladder-performs-crazy-stunt-you-wont-believ/20441463/article-detail.xml 20441463 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/rider_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/rider.jpg <![CDATA[Renault appoints Dacia Logan creator to head its Nano-rival program in India]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/renault-appoints-dacia-logan-creator-to-head-its-nano-rival-prog/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/renault-appoints-dacia-logan-creator-to-head-its-nano-rival-prog/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/renault-appoints-dacia-logan-creator-to-head-its-nano-rival-prog/#comments Filed under: , ,

Renault badge

After watching the Tata Nano post sales numbers smaller than its engine displacement, Renault gave up on its much publicized intention to build a truly inexpensive car to rival it. Then, a month ago, reports emerged that Renault was resuming work on a couple of low-priced cars for emerging markets, but this time it would work with its in-house partner, Nissan. That plan envisions an offering for €3,000 (CAD $3,950) and another for €5,000 (CAD $6,585), both of which would be more spendy than the Nano but might avoid the charge of being cheap - and nasty - and instead be considered affordable.

A report in Reuters talks to the man in charge, Gerard Detourbet, who has been in Chennai, India since at least August working on the program. Detourbet led the Dacia Logan project and is considered "Renault's low-cost car specialist" and "the father of entry-car programs." This one is reportedly codenamed A-Entry and will create a "'sub-entry' architecture" that will provide roominess beyond the vehicle's price and class, and use an engine with a displacement of 800 cubic centimeters.

It isn't aimed at the Nano, though - it means to take on the products that make up 45-50 per cent of India's car market, like the Maruti Suzuki Alto and Hyundai Eon. According to Reuters, out of the 2.6-million-strong Indian car market the Maruti Suzuki line-up alone nabs one million registrations annually. The Alto 800 begins at 244,000 rupees (CAD $4,430), the Eon at 300,000 rupees (CAD $5,449), the Chevrolet Spark at about 316,000 (CAD $5,740); if Renault can nail its price targets it will just about bracket those three and be right in the game.

Renault wants to get this car right and then ship it to other markets. Detourbet's wider mission is encapsulated in his assessment that "Once you've done battle with the world's best cheap car manufacturer, you can go into another country where there isn't a Maruti Suzuki and be relatively comfortable." Reports have said that we'll see it for the first time at the 2014 New Delhi Auto Expo.

Meanwhile, Tata has gone back to the idea well, and the bank, to work on restoring the good fortunes it hasn't had with passenger cars in India in a long while.


Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Tata Nano CX

Continue reading Renault appoints Dacia Logan creator to head its Nano-rival program in India

Renault appoints Dacia Logan creator to head its Nano-rival program in India originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 05 Jan 2013 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> altodaciaeongerard detourbetHyundaiindialoganmaruti suzukinissanrenaultsparksuzuki Sat, 05 Jan 2013 09:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20413983/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/05/renault-appoints-dacia-logan-creator-to-head-its-nano-rival-prog/20413983/article-detail.xml 20413983 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/renault-badge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/renault-badge.jpg <![CDATA[Harley-Davidson to produce an India-market bike for 2014]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/harley-davidson-to-produce-an-india-market-bike-for-2014/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/harley-davidson-to-produce-an-india-market-bike-for-2014/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/harley-davidson-to-produce-an-india-market-bike-for-2014/#comments Filed under: ,

Harley-Davidson

India remains one of the world's largest markets for motorcycles, and word has it Harley-Davidson may be preparing to take on the onslaught of low-cost, low-displacement machines popular with buyers there. The Indian automotive site Zigwheels reports the Wisconsin-based motorcycle manufacturer plans to develop and produce a new model in India for the country's buyers. The article says Harley-Davidson executives have already met with Indian vendors and dealers in early talks about establishing a dealer network, and word has it the new bike will debut at the 2014 New Delhi Motorcycle Show.

Details are somewhat scarce, but the report suggests the India-market motorcycle will boast a 400- to 500-cc V-twin engine and carry an MSRP of around US$6,300. Of course, that sounds like plenty of fun to us, but a foreign-built, small-displacement bike runs against the grain of the company's US operations. Currently, the smallest bike on the company's showroom is the 883cc Sportster.

That said, Harley-Davidson needs to grow and change if it plans to continue to be relevant moving forward, and a machine targeted at the motorcycle-hungry Indian market would be a great first step in that direction.


Gallery: 1929 Harley-Davidson Twin Jet motorcycle

Continue reading Harley-Davidson to produce an India-market bike for 2014

Harley-Davidson to produce an India-market bike for 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> harley-davidsonindiaindian harley-davidsonmotorcycle Fri, 28 Dec 2012 09:29:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20412732/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/28/harley-davidson-to-produce-an-india-market-bike-for-2014/20412732/article-detail.xml 20412732 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/harley-davidson-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/harley-davidson-628.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin scores bids from Mahindra and UK equity house]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/07/aston-martin-scores-bids-from-mahindra-and-uk-equity-house/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/07/aston-martin-scores-bids-from-mahindra-and-uk-equity-house/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/07/aston-martin-scores-bids-from-mahindra-and-uk-equity-house/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

2013 Aston Martin DB9 - front three-quarter studio view

Three weeks, ago Businessweek reported that Investment Dar, Inc. was looking to shed its majority stake in Aston Martin. The Kuwait-based financial firm is apparently seeking to restructure its debt load and has sought US$800 million for its 64-per cent share in the English automaker. That amount compares to the US$925 million that it took for a consortium, Investment Dar among them, to purchase 100-per cent of Aston Martin from Ford in 2007.

According to reports, bidding for the 64 per cent hasn't gone anywhere near that price, however. Bloomberg (parent company of Businessweek) reports that London-based private equity house Investindustrial has made a bid of nearly 250 million pounds ($401 million U.S.), with their overture trumped shortly thereafter by Indian automaking conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra. According to the report, a winner will be chosen from among those two companies, but instead of Investment Dar's entire 64 per cent stake, the winner will get 40 per cent equity and 50 per cent of the voting rights. Investment Dar will hold onto 24 per cent of Aston.

There's some confusion around some of the numbers, however. According to Financial News, though, the stake being offered is 50 per cent and Investindustrial, even with a lower bid, might still be the favorite. Investindustrial bought Ducati in 2006, then sold it to Audi for a 300-per cent gain in July of this year. Working with another German automaker this time around, it's said that Investindustrial has stressed its commitment to invest in new product, and both reports indicate that it has a tentative deal with Mercedes-Benz to provide Aston access to technology, engines, gearboxes and other parts from AMG. An announcement of the winning bidder could come as soon as this weekend.

News Source: Bloomberg, Financial News

Image Credit: Aston Martin

Continue reading Aston Martin scores bids from Mahindra and UK equity house

Aston Martin scores bids from Mahindra and UK equity house originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martinaston martin saleinvestindustrialinvestment darmahindramahindra and mahindra Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20387536/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/07/aston-martin-scores-bids-from-mahindra-and-uk-equity-house/20387536/article-detail.xml 20387536 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/astonmartindarstake_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/astonmartindarstake.jpg <![CDATA[Renault planning a Tata Nano rival. Again.]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/renault-planning-a-tata-nano-rival-again/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/renault-planning-a-tata-nano-rival-again/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/renault-planning-a-tata-nano-rival-again/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

renault

Four years ago, Renault confirmed that it would partner with India's Bajaj Auto to develop a rival to the Tata Nano. At the time, as everyone waited for the Nano to arrive, you could have used a Richter scale to measure the tremors the executive suites of any automaker with an interest in the low end of emerging markets. Then the Nano, still the cheapest car in the world, didn't sell so well - at the end of last year its sales were just six per cent of its most conservative projections - and everyone seemed content to let Tata spend the money to figure out if there really was a market for the cheapest car in the world.

Renault believes there is, kind of. Automotive News Europe reports that it will partner with Nissan to build two low-priced cars for emerging markets, one for €3,000 (CAD$3,755) and another for €5,000 (CAD$6,250). The price of the least expensive offering is nearly $1,400 more than a Nano, which costs $2,500, and that can't be considered a small sum in comparison. But one of the hindsight knocks on the Nano has been that even in emerging markets buyers don't want a car whose biggest lure is that it is cheap; they'd rather give their aspirations a bit more of a workout.

Renault's offerings are scheduled to hit the non-Western market in late 2014, which is coincidentally the same year that will see the return of the budget-minded and emerging-market-specific Datsun nameplate. They'll be built in Renault facilities in Chennai, India, with no mention made of Bajaj this time around.

Continue reading Renault planning a Tata Nano rival. Again.

Renault planning a Tata Nano rival. Again. originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> datsunemerging marketsnanonissanrenaulttata Mon, 03 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20392586/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/03/renault-planning-a-tata-nano-rival-again/20392586/article-detail.xml 20392586 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/renault_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/renault.jpg <![CDATA[Redesigned Tata Nano to arrive in North America wearing price tag under $10k]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/redesigned-tata-nano-to-arrive-in-north-america-wearing-price-ta/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/redesigned-tata-nano-to-arrive-in-north-america-wearing-price-ta/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/redesigned-tata-nano-to-arrive-in-north-america-wearing-price-ta/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Tata Megapixel concept live on show floor in Geneva

Tata's much ballyhooed Nano isn't exactly selling as expected in its home market of India, especially after the well-publicized fires engulfing the several examples of the world's cheapest car. Despite that, the head of Tata Group, Ratan Tata, says his company remains intent on bringing an updated sub-$10,000 Nano to North America, and he intends to do so in three years.

While the Indian market gets a bare-bones Nano powered by a two-cylinder, 37-horsepower engine, Tata unsurprisingly says the North American version will have a larger engine, power steering and traction control.

"The Smart and the Fiat 500 have high sticker prices, and people buy them because they are small cars," Tata tells Automotive News. "But everyone knows you put a lot of money into it. We hope that the sub-$10,000 car has appeal."

With the US economy still slowly recovering, a car for under $10k could have plenty of appeal. But the Indian automaker has several obstacles to overcome first, not the least of which is building a dealer network for the Nano. Tata owns Jaguar and Land Rover, but that group's CEO, Andy Goss, says there has been no discussion about using those dealers to distribute the Nano.

Perhaps the updated US-bound Nano will be more like the Nano Megapixel concept (pictured above) we saw at the Geneva Motor Show back in March. That car had a longer, 138-inch wheelbase and a larger 325cc engine supplemented by two electric motors. It's safe to assume that if Tata wants to keep costs down so that it can offer the car below $10,000, the next Nano won't get a hybrid powertrain like the Megapixel, but perhaps it will pick up some of the car's size and styling cues.

News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.

Image Credit: Copyright 2012 / AOL

Continue reading Redesigned Tata Nano to arrive in North America wearing price tag under $10k

Redesigned Tata Nano to arrive in North America wearing price tag under $10k originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 tata nanonanoratan tatatatatata nanotata nano united statestata nano usworlds cheapest car Mon, 15 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20350643/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/15/redesigned-tata-nano-to-arrive-in-north-america-wearing-price-ta/20350643/article-detail.xml 20350643 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-tata-mega-pixel-live-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-tata-mega-pixel-live-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen incites negative buzz by including 'vibrator' in new print ad [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/volkswagen-incites-negative-buzz-by-including-vibrator-in-new/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/volkswagen-incites-negative-buzz-by-including-vibrator-in-new/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/volkswagen-incites-negative-buzz-by-including-vibrator-in-new/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Volkswagen isn't afraid to do ads that are a little different... or even a lot different; this is no secret, nor is it new. An ad in various national papers in India, though, including the Times of India, might have gone a black box too far in search of a buzz-worthy response. First, some context: two years ago VW ran a national, full-page ad in India for its Vento sedan (our Jetta), and attached to the ad was a little black plastic box. A light sensor in the box detected when the ad page was opened and a pre-recorded message began saying good things about the Vento. The voice stopped talking when the page was turned and things went dark again.

It got people's attention, making waves on ad blogs and in forums. Fast-forward to the present, and VW has gone back to its black-box routine. In a two-page ad for the Polo and Vento, the first page is bare but for the headline "Feel the shiver of excitement?" Turn to the second page, and the light-sensitive box - on the lower left in the picture above - goes to work again, only this time the box doesn't start talking, it just starts vibrating.

The ad has got people talking on Twitter and elsewhere, but they're using different words. Instead of "neat" and "innovative," this time it's "#Fail," "Volkswagen's vibrating Rowdy Rathore," "freaked me out!" and "I was wondering what the vibrator was doing in the [newspaper]." Then, only if readers focused on staying on message, which it seems most did not, it was easy to make the unsavory connection that neither shivering nor vibration is are things you're looking for in your car.

Still, did we mention that people are talking? So if "any press is good press," perhaps good press is now vibrating press. At least in India.

Click here to check out the vibrating print ad for yourself in this video clip.

Continue reading Volkswagen incites negative buzz by including 'vibrator' in new print ad [w/video]

Volkswagen incites negative buzz by including 'vibrator' in new print ad [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> advertisingindiajettapolotimes of indiaventovibratingvibratorvolkswagenvw Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20321769/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/12/volkswagen-incites-negative-buzz-by-including-vibrator-in-new/20321769/article-detail.xml 20321769 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/volkswagen-vibrating-ad-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/volkswagen-vibrating-ad-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota hacked by ex-IT worker, sensitive info stolen]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/toyota-hacked-by-ex-it-worker-sensitive-info-stolen/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/toyota-hacked-by-ex-it-worker-sensitive-info-stolen/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/toyota-hacked-by-ex-it-worker-sensitive-info-stolen/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

ToyotaSupplier.com home screen

According to Toyota, a former employee has hacked into its computer systems and stolen sensitive information.

According to an Automotive News report, Toyota filed a complaint against former IT contractor Ibrahimshah Shahulhameed, who Toyota says was fired on August 23. According to the filing, Toyota indicates Shahulhameed logged on to its system the evening of his firing and downloaded and printed trade secrets.

One result of the filing is that Toyota has acquired a restraining order against Shahulhameed, prohibiting him from leaving the United States or disseminating the information that Toyota says is ill-gotten company property.

The specific area that was hacked was ToyotaSupplier.com, a site where the automaker's suppliers exchange highly sensitive information with Toyota about both current and future products.

Toyota states that they will continue to investigate the security breach and do not yet know exactly what has happened with the confidential information. There is the possibility that it may have changed hands, but according to a Toyota manufacturing spokesman, "It's too early to speculate on what-if's."

According to the court documents, Shahulhameed is an Indian citizen who was living in Georgetown, Kentucky, and was apparently about to leave for his native India.

News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.

Image Credit: Toyota

Toyota hacked by ex-IT worker, sensitive info stolen originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car hackinghackingibrahimshah shahulhameedit securityit securtysecuritysecurity breachsupplier informationtoyotatoyota hacking Tue, 28 Aug 2012 10:58:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20310756/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/28/toyota-hacked-by-ex-it-worker-sensitive-info-stolen/20310756/article-detail.xml 20310756 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/toyotasupplier.com-home-screen-1346163363_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/toyotasupplier.com-home-screen-1346163363.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki reopens India plant post-riot with police outnumbering workers]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/suzuki-reopens-india-plant-post-riot-with-police-outnumbering-wo/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/suzuki-reopens-india-plant-post-riot-with-police-outnumbering-wo/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/suzuki-reopens-india-plant-post-riot-with-police-outnumbering-wo/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Maruti Suzuki factory sign in India

Suzuki's plant in Manesar, India builds cars for Australia, specifically its Alto small car. Or at least they were building cars before violent worker riots forced the factory to close. The plant has been idled for five weeks as a result of worker violence that led to the death of one manager and 95 injuries. The riot was spurred over a labor dispute - specifically, a gulf in salaries between temporary workers and their salaried counterparts who earn triple the contract workers' wages.

According to reports, on Tuesday, the factory re-opened with more than 1,200 police officers stationed around the plant. The staff of actual workers at the plant numbers just 75 currently, meaning the police force greatly outnumbers Suzuki employees.

The number of employees will eventually grow to 300, and the officers will run in shifts of 100 at a time, but the initial disparity of workers to police is meant as a show of force to the more than 500 permanent and 500 temporary workers who were found to be involved in a July 18 riot.

As a result off the shutdown, Suzuki lost more then US$250 million in potential output. News of the plant's reopening boosted Maruti Suzuki (the Japanese automaker's Indian branch) stock 1.7 per cent. Up to this point, the stock had dropped four percent since the riot.

Reports indicate that Maruti Suzuki has fired all workers - permanent and temporary - that it has found to be connected with the riots. The company has also developed its own security force of 100, with another 40 guards specifically hired to protect managers and supervisors.

The plant is currently putting out 150 cars a day - nowhere near the 1,500 to 1,800 capacity, but according to Suzuki officials, output is scheduled to grow slowly.

News Source: GoAuto, Reuters

Image Credit: Manish Swarup / AP

Suzuki reopens India plant post-riot with police outnumbering workers originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auto workerslaborlabor strikemanesarmaruti suzukisuzukisuzuki riotworker riots Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20308780/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/24/suzuki-reopens-india-plant-post-riot-with-police-outnumbering-wo/20308780/article-detail.xml 20308780 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/maruti-suzuki-factory-sign_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/maruti-suzuki-factory-sign.jpg <![CDATA[Jay Leno examines the bonkers 1910 Brooke 'Swan Car' at Pebble Beach]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/jay-leno-examines-the-bonkers-1910-brooke-swan-car-at-pebble-b/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/jay-leno-examines-the-bonkers-1910-brooke-swan-car-at-pebble-b/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/jay-leno-examines-the-bonkers-1910-brooke-swan-car-at-pebble-b/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Jay Leno Swan Car

How much oddball can you squeeze into one car? We probably haven't reached the limit yet, but just after the turn of the 20th century a man did his best to find out. A wealthy Scottish engineer named Robert "Scotty" Nicholl Matthewson, living in Calcutta, bought a 30-horsepower Brooke sedan in 1910 England, and had a maker of steam-powereed fairground rides chisel a monumental and highly ornate wooden swan's body to cover the engine. Then he took it back to India.

He could win an award for weird right there, but that's only the beginning. In an era of awesomely expensive coachbuilt cars, a Brooke was more than thrice the cost of a Rolls-Royce. To make sure the Swan's other amenities befit the marque, Matthewson had a multi-note, exhaust-driven horn installed that he could play on a keyboard in the rear seat, but an even more startling way to clear the roads ahead was the swan's beak, which emitted a jet of scalding water onto anyone in the way. Other features: glowing eyes, Indian silk upholstery, plenty of gold leaf, brushes to keep the wheels clean while moving, and an "orifice" round back that would deposit whitewash on the roads. Because sometimes a swan's gotta go. The car was such a hit in town that it was bought by the Maharaja of Nabha, who had a miniature replica of it made called the Cygnet.

Jay Leno checked it out with Evert Louwman, the man who owns the museum in The Hague where the Brooke Swan Car is displayed, while at Pebble Beach.

You can click here to watch the story behind this bizarre build.

Continue reading Jay Leno examines the bonkers 1910 Brooke 'Swan Car' at Pebble Beach

Jay Leno examines the bonkers 1910 Brooke 'Swan Car' at Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> brookebrooke swan carjay lenojay lenos garageLouwman Museumpebble beachpebble beach 2012pebble beach concours deleganceswan carvideovideosyoutube Fri, 24 Aug 2012 13:29:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20308412/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/24/jay-leno-examines-the-bonkers-1910-brooke-swan-car-at-pebble-b/20308412/article-detail.xml 20308412 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/jay-leno-swan-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/jay-leno-swan-car.jpg <![CDATA[Ratan Tata hopes to restart Nano sales after fiery start [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/ratan-tata-hopes-to-restart-nano-sales-after-fiery-start-w-vide/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/ratan-tata-hopes-to-restart-nano-sales-after-fiery-start-w-vide/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/ratan-tata-hopes-to-restart-nano-sales-after-fiery-start-w-vide/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Ratan Tata and Nano

When India's Tata introduced the Nano in 2009 at about $2,500, it was a hot-seller. It was expected to set the world on fire with demand for cheap wheels. In fact, a year after its rollout, the Nano almost did set the world on fire after at least three units burned to a crisp. Sales plummeted to a record low of 509 in November, 2010.

Ratan Tata has run the company for 20 years and plans to retire at the end of this year. But before he leaves the company, he hopes to revive sales of the little car he helped develop.

"The Nano is something I would love to make successful because I don't think it's exploited its full potential right now," Tata said in an interview with Bloomberg TV India. "There has to be another push to make Nano what it can be."

Extended warranties for current Nano owners, as well as promises that the fires were only isolated incidents, were the first step at restoring confidence in the Nano. A new version of the Nano came out in November with a larger engine, and July sales totaled 5,485. In all of last year it sold 74,527. By comparison, Suzuki sold 491,389 examples of its competing Maruti brand.

In the this video, Ratan Tata talks a bit about the company's purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover and of his upcoming retirement.


Gallery: Tata Nano - Jay Leno

Continue reading Ratan Tata hopes to restart Nano sales after fiery start [w/video]

Ratan Tata hopes to restart Nano sales after fiery start [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> indiajaguarland rovernanoratan tatatatatata nano Fri, 24 Aug 2012 09:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20308388/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/24/ratan-tata-hopes-to-restart-nano-sales-after-fiery-start-w-vide/20308388/article-detail.xml 20308388 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/ratan-tata-interview-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/ratan-tata-interview-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Indian tuner turns Chevy Optra into Mustang 'Eleanor' replica]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/03/indian-tuner-turns-chevy-optra-into-mustang-eleanor-replica/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/03/indian-tuner-turns-chevy-optra-into-mustang-eleanor-replica/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/08/03/indian-tuner-turns-chevy-optra-into-mustang-eleanor-replica/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



If you are a big fan of automotive oddities, this may come as a little treat. If you are a Shelby or Mustang die-hard, prepare to have your sensibilities violated.

The master fabricators at BigDaddyCustoms are the minds behind what you see above. At first, it appears to be a slightly misshapen custom Mustang, modeled after "Eleanor" from Gone In 60 Seconds, but upon further examination, something appears to be amiss. In fact, the custom shop, based in India, has created an Eleanor replica grafted upon a lowly Chevrolet Optra. While it may take a second for the Optra to ring a bell, you should recognize its badge-engineered sibling, the Daewoo Lacetti, used on Top Gear.

We don't know what star would opt for the reasonably priced car in Shelby's clothing, but its clearly someone more concerned with the aesthetic than the performance credentials of this automotive mash-up.

This is not BigDaddyCustoms' first foray into aping a well-known automobile. The shop recently gained notoriety for constructing a Range Rover Evoque based on a Tata Safari. It's called the Moon Rover, and we're sure has the same all-looks/no-go formula as the "Elanor" project.

Click here to view the complete photo gallery.

News Source: BigDaddyCustoms

Indian tuner turns Chevy Optra into Mustang 'Eleanor' replica originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> big daddy customsbigdaddycustomschevroletdaewooeleanoreleanor mustangeleanor replicalacettioptra Fri, 03 Aug 2012 08:28:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20292668/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/03/indian-tuner-turns-chevy-optra-into-mustang-eleanor-replica/20292668/article-detail.xml 20292668 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/elanot-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/elanot-628.jpg -1 2