Tata Motors just debuted an electrified version of its Nano today at the Geneva Motor Show, promising no compromises in the way it drives compared to the regular 600cc Nano. The Tata Nano Electric Vehicle (EV) will be built on the existing Nano platform and still seats four adults, but adds “super polymer lithium ion batteries” to the mix. No word on power, but Tata does promise a range of 160 kilometers (99 miles) and acceleration of 0-60 kilometers per hour in under 10 seconds. Notice that’s 60 km/h, which equates to 37 miles per hour, so the Nano EV isn’t going to be one of those instant torque EV drag racers like the Tesla Roadster.

Tata plans to put the Nano EV into production and sell it alongside the company’s already launched Indica Vista EV, which goes on sale in Europe later this year. Development has also already begun on the Nano Europa, set to go on sale in Europe in a couple of years, so perhaps the Nano EV could join it in showrooms at launch. No word on pricing yet either, although we’re guessing it will be somewhere between the bargain basement price of the regular Nano in India and the DC Designs Nano we showed you a little while ago.

There is a press release after the jump with even more details about the EV as well as Tata’s other vehicles on display in Geneva, and also a live gallery from the show floor below.

Tata Motors displays Tata Nano EV at the 80th Geneva Motor Show

Tata Motors today presented at the 80th Geneva Motor Show the Tata Nano Electric Vehicle (EV), based on the award winning Tata Nano platform. When launched, it will expand the company’s electric vehicles portfolio, which already comprises the Tata Indica Vista EV.

Mr. Ravi Kant, Vice Chairman, Tata Motors, said, “Electrification will be an integral part of our initiative to launch environment-friendly vehicles. The Indica Vista EV will be introduced in select European countries, beginning this year. We will progressively introduce electric vehicles in all relevant markets.”

The Tata Nano EV offers the practicality of a real car, compromising nothing in the pursuit of providing environment-friendly personal transportation for the modern consumer.

It will seat four individuals comfortably in its spacious interiors, which the Tata Nano is known for. It will have a predicted range of up to 160 km and an acceleration of 0-60 kmph in under 10 seconds.

Tata Motors continues its innovative approach with the Tata Nano EV, using super polymer lithium ion batteries, as in the Tata Indica Vista EV, which provide superior energy density to conventional batteries.

The company has already displayed the Tata Nano Europa at last year’s Geneva Motor Show, and expects to launch it in select European countries in a couple of years. Meanwhile, in India, the Tata Nano, now being delivered to the first 100,000 chosen customers, has received rave reviews. It has won the 2010 ICOTY (Indian Car of the Year) Award, an award instituted jointly by six auto publications. It has also been individually declared as the Car of the Year by three other auto publications/television channels.

The Tata Indica Vista EV, based on the award-winning new generation Tata Indica Vista, is also a more practicable option for the consumer capable of carrying four individuals and adequate luggage space. Its super polymer lithium ion batteries provide a predicted range of up to 200 km and acceleration of 0-60 kmph in under 10 seconds.

Also on display are the Tata Aria, a mid-range Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with the all terrain assurance and premiumness of an SUV, premiered in January in India and first shown as a concept at the 75th Geneva Motor Show, and the Tata Indigo Manza, the recently launched new generation sedan.

The Tata Aria blends the functionality and comfort of a mid-range MPV with the all-terrain assurance and premiumness of an SUV. Its unique design and construction makes it robust, elegant and comfortable. The interiors, with three rows of theatre style seating, present a luxurious world of premium features comprising 3D surround sound, dimming roof lamps, in-dash built-in GPS, a state-of-the-art infotainment system, multifunctional steering wheel, dual air conditioning with automatic climate control and cruise control.

The Tata Indigo Manza is an altogether new car with a feline aggressive appearance. A complete new body on a new platform houses an all new interior. The spacious right inclination rear seats with a centre armrest, allow one to sit back and relax, in a living room like comfort and ambience. The tilt adjustable power steering with a height adjustable driver seat allows a comfortable driving posture. The driver information system on top of the central console provides information on fuel consumption and ambient temperature, while the sporty instrument cluster shrouded in the swoop of the soft-feel dashboard completes the styling statement. A 2 DIN Music System offers connectivity with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity through the Blue5.

Tata Motors is also displaying at Geneva this year the Tata Xenon Double Cab pick-up vehicle and the Tata Indica Vista. The Xenon Double Cab is available in Italy, Spain, Poland, Thailand, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and several countries in Africa. The Tata Indica Vista has already been launched in South Africa, and will be introduced in the company’s European markets. The other new generation cars of the company on display will also be launched in international markets in a phased manner.

About Tata Motors

Tata Motors is India’s largest automobile company, with consolidated revenues of $ 14 billion in 2008-09. Through subsidiaries and associate companies, Tata Motors has operations in the UK, South Korea, Thailand and Spain. Among them is Jaguar Land Rover, the business comprising the two iconic British brands. It also has an industrial joint venture with Fiat in India. With over 4 million Tata vehicles plying in India, Tata Motors is the country’s market leader in commercial vehicles and among the top three in passenger vehicles. It is also the world’s fourth largest truck manufacturer and the second largest bus manufacturer. Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and South America. (www.tatamotors.com )

Background Information

About the 80th Geneva Motor Show

The 80th edition of the Geneva International Motor Show will run from March 4 – 14, 2010. For the press days prior to the public opening, the exhibitors will be presenting a whole host of exciting World and European Premiers. More than 60 press conferences are planned for the day of March 2nd alone.

Due to this great demand it was necessary for the organisers to arrange the conferences to take place in parallel for the first time.

The Geneva International Motor Show is one of the most attractive shows in the world and ranks among the “Top 5 Worldwide” of the most important automobile exhibitions, alongside those in Detroit, Frankfurt, Paris, and Tokyo. It is the only one in Europe which takes place every year.

Tata Motors’ participation in the Geneva Motor Show
Tata Motors started participating in the Geneva Motor Show from 1998 in the 68th International Motor Show. The company that year unveiled two new models, the Tata Indica and the Tata Safari. The Tata Telcosport (Sierra) was also on show.

On display in 1999 were the Tata Safari in Left Hand Drive, a Tata Indica also in Left Hand Drive and a Tata Safari in full rally gear and livery. This Safari was the vehicle that had been driven in the rally from London to Capetown, completing the arduous 18,000 km journey crossing over 24 countries in just 39 days. The Tata Group also availed of the opportunity to unveil the new TATA Group corporate mark internationally.

Over the next two years, the Tata stand became even more exciting with new sporty car concepts such as the Aria Roadster and the Aria Coupe making a preview in Geneva. In 2000, Tata Motors’ elegant pavilion had a two-seater convertible concept car. The company used the occasion to announce the European launch of its B-segment small car, the Tata Indica.

In 2001, making their debut were a coupe and the 3-door Safari concept. Both these concepts attracted enthusiastic response from the international automotive media and auto enthusiasts alike. Built on the same platform as Tata’s current large-sized 5-door 4×4 offering, the 3-door Tata Safari modification had been carried out by Heuliez of France.

In 2002, the unveiling of the Indiva, a new 7-seater MPV concept styled by the Italian design house IDEA, also generated much excitement. Built on the same platform as Tata’s B-segment offering, the Indica, this MPV concept demonstrated the versatility of the Indica platform. Also on display were the other new offerings from Tata Motors, the mid-sized passenger car, the Tata Indigo sedan, also built on the Indica platform, and the sporty version of the Indica, the Indica Sport.

In 2003, Tata Motors unveiled the latest variant on the popular Indica platform, the Tata Indigo Marina. The Indigo Marina showcased features like Dual Airbags and ABS, leather upholstery on seats, leather trims on select interiors and also an in-car entertainment system.

In 2004, Tata Motors displayed the Tata Indigo Advent, a Soft-roader. The Tata Indigo Advent was an extension of Tata Motors’ versatile compact car platform. With the handling characteristics of a car, the roominess of a minivan and the appearance/stance of a Sports Utility Vehicle, the Tata Indigo Advent demonstrated a family-friendly alternative to a larger SUV.

In 2005, Tata Motors unveiled the Tata Crossover, a “crossover” vehicle concept, which has in 2010 been launched as the Tata Aria.

In 2006, Tata Motors, unveiled the Tata Cliffrider, a “Multi-Utility Lifestyle Vehicle” Concept. Sporting a silhouette like a high-slung sedan, the Tata Cliffrider is a dynamic package that combines lifestyle and sporty usage with the practical functionality of a pick-up truck. The Concept showcased Tata Motors’ idea of how a utility product could evolve in future for the discerning customer through a truly multi-purpose, multi-terrain usage of a car.

In 2007, Tata Motors, unveiled Tata Elegante, a sedan based on an all-new platform. The Tata Elegante, larger than the current Indigo sedan, is conceptualised to incorporate 4 cylinder transverse petrol and diesel engines from 1.4 litres through to 2 litres and a compact V6 petrol power unit.

In 2008, Tata Motors showcased the Tata Nano, the People’s Car at the Geneva Motor Show.

In 2009, Tata Motors presented the Tata Nano Europa, intended for a future launch in select European markets. The company also displayed the Tata Prima, the concept luxury sedan designed by Pininfarina.

Tata Motors’ presence in Europe

Tata Motors began exports to Europe in 1992 with the Tata Telcoline, the 1-tonne pick-up truck.

Presently, Tata Motors exports the Tata Safari Sports Utility Vehicle (recently facelifted with a more powerful Direct Injection Common Rail engine), the Tata Xenon and the Tata Indica/Indigo range of passenger cars to Italy, Spain and Poland. Each market has a widespread network of dealers for sales, service and spare parts. In Italy, the Tata Xenon is the third largest selling pick-up with a market share of 12%.

Needless to say, all Tata products in the European market meet the prevalent regulations with respect to safety, emission and drivability. Today, 75,000 Tata vehicles on European roads bear testimony to Tata Motors’ capabilities to address stringent operating norms and consumer needs in highly competitive markets.

[Source:Autoblog]

We showed you a few leaked media pics of the facelifted 2011 Toyota RAV4 a couple of weeks ago, and now we have some live shots to go with them. Besides the FT-86 Concept, redesigned Auris and Prius plug-in hybrid we’re expecting at this week’s Geneva Motor Show, the Euro-spec RAV4 is a pretty big deal. Looking much like the extended-wheelbase JDM Toyota Vanguard, this is likely the new nose we’ll see on the 2011 Toyota RAV4 here in the States as well.

The redesigned front fascia benefits from a new grille, more angular headlamps, foglight surrounds and a sporty front lip. We still haven’t received the press release or full details, but early reports indicate that the 2.0-liter gasoline-powered four-cylinder will be tweaked to increase fuel efficiency and decrease CO2 emissions. This particular show car features Toyota’s D-CAT clean diesel that we doubt will make it to these shores. There is even talk of a hybrid in the mix. We’ll have more details as they become available but for now, check out the image gallery below.

[Source:Autoblog]

Mercedes-Benz and Cigarette Racing converged upon the 2010 Miami International Boat Show last week to unveil a new 46-foot custom racing boat inspired by the automaker’s SLS AMG supercar. In lieu of the Gullwing’s lone 6.2-liter V8 engine, which puts out a measly 563 horsepower, the Cigarette boat offers a pair of twin-turbocharged 552-cubic-inch Mercury Racing engines. Each mill cranks out 1,350 horsepower. Yep, that’s 2,700 total horsies. Giddyup.

The new Cigarette 46-foot Rider features hand-applied AMG ALUBEAM silver paint, as seen on the SLS AMG supercar. According to the automaker, its specially developed painting technique “covers body surfaces like a metallic skin, targeting light reflections to further emphasize exterior character lines and design details.” We’ll take their word for it.

Step inside the boat and you’ll be greeted with marine-grade upholstery that’s designed to resemble the two-tone porcelain and white Nappa leather offered on the SLS AMG. So far, there’s no word on how much this custom Cigarette will go for, but something with a six-pack of zeros is virtually a lock. Check out our high-res image gallery below along with the complete press release after the break.

SLS AMG Inspires New Cigarette Racing Boat

New Cigarette 46′ Unveiled at Miami Boat Show

February 15, 2010 - MIAMI BEACH — Two legendary performance brands – Mercedes AMG and Cigarette Racing – unveiled a custom Cigarette Racing boat and the SLS AMG, which inspired its design, at a special preview at the Miami International Boat Show on Thursday, February 11. Both the Cigarette Boat and SLS AMG are on display at the boat show until Monday, February 15, 2010.

While each brand’s playground is as different as asphalt and water, both AMG and Cigarette use their racing expertise to develop high performance machines for passionate enthusiasts.

Available this May, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was developed exclusively by Mercedes-AMG, the high performance and motorsports division of Mercedes-Benz. Featuring a lightweight aluminum spaceframe chassis, hand built 563-hp AMG V8 engine and signature “Gullwing” doors, the SLS AMG is sure to quicken the pulse of high-performance enthusiasts.

Founded upon mutual respect and product admiration, Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing have developed a long-standing professional relationship, allowing Mercedes-AMG to provide manufacturing expertise and materials to enhance one of Cigarette Racing’s top models, the 46′ Rider.

The new Cigarette 46′ Rider features hand-applied AMG ALUBEAM silver paintwork also available on the SLS AMG. This process, used exclusively by AMG, covers body surfaces like a metallic skin, targeting light reflections to further emphasize exterior character lines and design details. Showcasing the state of the art nanotechnology, this unique finish imbeds tiny pigments of color measuring just 30 to 50 nanometres. The ALUBEAM silver is contrasted with AMG Designo Mystic White metallic in a bold design echoing the Mercedes-AMG logo. Inside, the boat features marine-grade upholstery that resembles the two-tone AMG Designo porcelain and white Nappa leather offered on the SLS AMG.

While many of the influences of the SLS AMG can be seen in the exterior paint work and interior, the true benefits of the inspiration can be found below the surface. With more than 100 innovations on display, the all new 46′ Rider serves as a technology showcase for Cigarette.

From the propulsion system to the rigging, a clean sheet approach was utilized to build the all new 46′ Cigarette.

Powered by a pair of revolutionary twin-turbocharged 552 ci, 1350 HP Mercury Racing engines, the 46′ Cigarette is estimated to have a top speed in excess of 130 MPH.

More details on the Cigarette Racing “Inspired by AMG” 46′ Rider can be found online at www.cigaretteracing.com/legendary

About Cigarette Racing

Since 1969, Cigarette Racing Team has left an everlasting mark on the worldwide luxury powerboating industry. Its logo and iconic shapes are recognized throughout the world as the definition of custom high performance powerboating. The brand is renowned for its custom approach to building high performance luxury powerboats in which every customer’s personal touch can be seen. Cigarette’s long history and dedication to quality are on display all around the world being driven by presidents and enthusiasts alike. From 38′ to 50′ Cigarette Racing defines the industry of High Performance powerboating. More information can be found on Cigarette Racing at www.cigaretteracing.com.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. For more than 40 years, MBUSA has taken pride in its commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with outstanding customer support. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.

[Source:Autoblog]

A little over a year ago a stunt driver named Chris Morena took a Dodge pickup off a dealer lot, installed a roll cage, racing seat and metal bracing for the bed, then used it to jump over a slew of cars and through two fireballs. He was only trying to go 134 feet. Instead, he went 193 feet and set a jumping distance record in a pickup.

Until a few days ago. That’s when race driver Jonny Greaves took his closed-course 2WD racing truck and jumped 301 feet and happily remained alive to talk about it. Employing a bit of Back to the Future precision, calculations had worked out that his truck had to be the end of the jump ramp going 105.5 mph and, managing to hit that, he went exactly 301 feet. It isn’t car launching, but it’s now the mark to beat for 2WD trucks.

Just as impressive, Greaves had been doing practice runs that went as far as 200 feet before the record-setting attempt, and he nailed those as well. Perhaps Travis Pastrana, who’s had slightly less luck on the run-up to his 270-foot New Year’s Eve stunt, might want to give Greaves a ring.

[Source: Race Dezert]

[Source:Autoblog]

RoboVault says its mission is “To protect your most valuable possessions from… Everything!” Run more like an automated shipping port than your typical storage unit, the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida-based company seems to have the kit to live up to its motto. First you pull your car onto the receiving pallet, then go through a host of security measures including retinal scans and a heartbeat detector. Once you’ve been approved by the system, a robotic arm comes for your car and removes it to your assigned steel mesh container in the bowels of the building.

Those 465 units are surrounded by a concrete-and-steel-reinforced building that can withstand bullets, fires, Category 5 hurricanes, and 200-mph winds. When the inevitable hurricane does come in for a landing, power outages are countered by RoboVault’s back-up generator, which maintains 100 percent of the building’s systems including the HVAC, motion and infrared detectors.

There are safe deposit boxes for smaller items, storage for 4,000 bottles of your finest hooch and a wine tasting operation if you have some time to kill after parking your exotic. And with all that, your Ferrari might be better prepared — and more comfortable — than you are the next time Mother Nature decides to bring the nasty.

[Source: MotoBullet]

[Source:Autoblog]

The same company that studied which cars are most likely to get you a ticket also determining which cars are most impervious to the police. Compared to the norm, the most XX sedan will put you at 60 percent less risk of a ticket, while the most resistant-to-the-law sedan will make you 89 percent less likely to be pulled over. That will practically turn you into a covert operative as far as the law concerned.

However, with four sedans, four SUVs, an MPV, and a pickup truck in the mix, you don’t have much chance of combining uninterrupted driving and looking good. Luckily the Jag XJ is on the list, and that’s good enough for us. Click the link to check out the rest of the cars too slippery for the long arm of Johnny law.

[Source:Autoblog]

This past weekend was a busy one for us, and it was for some of our local Marines as well. Our efforts were for a worthy cause, however, as we were busy collecting toys for needy children so they might have something to unwrap during the holidays. We also happened to be surrounded by some of the nicest people and coolest cars ever made at The 6th Annual Schnuerer Toys for Tots drive in Huntington Beach.

The event was highlighted by the surprise appearance of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Even parked amidst two classic gullwing SLs and beside a new SL65 Black Series, the neo-gullwing drew the lion’s share of the attention from the crowd. The car sounded fantastic and we had to admit we’d be hard pressed to choose between it, the Black Series, the nearby CLK DTM cabrio, the SLR or SLR Roadster as our favorite modern Mercedes. The Audi R8 V10 that was parked around back would probably be in the mix as well for most fun to drive. Follow the jump to read how the day played out – and don’t forget to check out the huge gallery by clicking any image below.

Gerhard and Rosemarie Schnuerer once again hosted this annual toy drive and car show co-sponsored by Mercedes-Benz USA. The Schnuerer collection of classic and new Mercedes, sidecar motorcycles and WWII military craft is quite spectacular. The couple regularly participates in local concours events and they’ve won more than a few trophies with these rides. All of their vehicles are restored and in good running order. Some say the Mercedes Classic Center was built in Irvine so they would be close to Gerhard, their best customer.

As cool as the Schnuerer collection is to see in person, our favorite part of this event is the fact that they fire up several of the vehicles and take people for rides in them. Everything from the 1886 Benz Patent Motor-Wagen replica to the 1943 VW Kübelwagen. It’s a terrific event with about 550 guests enjoying holiday cheer along with some great German food served up WWII-Style in a Gulaschkanone Military Field Kitchen. This year’s event also featured live music, silent and live auctions and a series of raffles.

The live auction was emceed by TV automotive reporter, Dave Kunz, to raise money for Toys for Tots among other charities. Several prizes were auctioned ranging from pedal cars to a weekend rental of an AMG Mercedes-Benz SL63. Le Mans winner Justin Bell was even on hand to donate a special experience at the Jay Leno Show, where he serves as driving coach to the stars in the Green Car Challenge. Several thousand dollars were raised and approximately 1500 toys collected this year, easily surpassing last year’s total. While we’re glad there will be hundreds more kids getting gifts this year, we got ours just by being there.

[Source:Autoblog]

The position of the plastic fuel tanks in 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees makes them potential fireballs, argues the Center for Auto Safety. The nonprofit organization says that the fuel tank’s location makes the pre-2005 Grand Cherokees prone to catching on fire when involved in an accident. Located behind the rear axle and hanging down below the bumper, shorter vehicles can impact the tank directly, says the Center. The fuel filler neck has also sheared off during some of these incidents, leading to fuel spills and the increased potential for fires.

The Center is petitioning the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to open an investigation and recall some three million vehicles. Chrysler says the Grand Cherokee will come out of the study having met or exceeded any applicable standards. The organization also notes that NHTSA’s files reveal 1993-2004 Jeeps involved in 172 crashes with fires and 254 deaths, while just one post-’05 Cherokee has had a fatal fire incident. The defect petition got underway with NHTSA on November 6, and could take a while, though this isn’t the first time the agency has looked at problems with these Jeeps.

NHTSA’s “defect petition” process began earlier this month, but a resolution isn’t immediately forthcoming – such investigations can take many months – possibly years.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Yes, you read the headline correctly. BMW has filed a patent for a “Method for Systematically Identifying Technology-Based Solutions.” Broken down into non-lawyer speak, BMW thinks it has identified the ways in which technology can solve problems. In other words, they want to patent the methodology behind technological problem solving. Which is a bit like patenting the scientific method. Put another way, this is so loaded with high-on-their-own-supply corporate hubris we have a hard time swallowing, let alone believing.

Does the patent actually, you know, do anything? Hard to say, as we’re not patent attorneys (or even patent clerks) and the language is a little dense. But, we can point out that this particular patent was filed by BMW in August of 2008, while the 5 Series GT officially debuted at Frankfurt in September of 2009. Also, when did our X6 M review go live?

[Source:Autoblog]

Ah, yes. Automotive stereotypes… always good for a laugh or two, right? For instance, just who do you expect to see exiting a late-Seventies Chevy Camaro Z/28? Mullet city, of course. And what of the blacked-out Cadillac Escalade rolling on two-sizes-too-large wheels and tires? Professional athlete or someone who wishes they were. Finally, who’s that behind the wheel of the second-gen Toyota Prius with the anti-Hummer bumper sticker? Treehugger, natch.

So, these are all pretty obvious examples of automotive stereotypes, and naturally they don’t always apply (we’d totally rock the right Z/28, FWIW). What about the less conspicuous vehicular choices? San Diego-based market research outfit Strategic Vision has just released its New Vehicle Experience Study… and to be honest, the results aren’t terribly surprising.

Lexus owners are wealthy and well educated. Two-thirds of Buick owners are over the age of 55, though the 2010 LaCrosse is lowering that average… a bit. But there are also a few shockers, like the fact that 13% of Chevrolet owners have never used the internet. Seriously, never used the internet. Also, the average Toyota owner is 55 years old, which is why the Scion brand (average age: 37) was invented. Click here for the full breakdown.

[Source: Forbes]