| The Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7, as we know it, comes fitted with a storming 2700 CC, 155 bhp V6 that's high on performance, but a bit low on economy.
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| Elsewhere, the five-door Vitara has been available with a turbodiesel, and now the smaller three-door Vitara also gets a diesel option.
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| With its very off-road-capable packaging (separate chassis, low-ratio gearbox, shift-on-the-fly 4WD), and a new 1997 CC common-rail diesel that produces 107 bhp, the small Vitara could be just the thing for those looking at a nifty yet economical sport-ute.
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| It's not blindingly fast (0 to 100 kph in 13.3 seconds, and a 160 kph top speed), but the diesel Vitara is all-around capable. We think it looks like a likely CBU candidate for Maruti to bring to India. What say?
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| Porsche racer rules
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| Next up in the never-ending 911 saga is the GT3 RS. Built as a homologation special, the RS' purpose in life is to serve as a road-legal basis for GT-class motorsport.
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| And it makes its racing intent amply clear – the RS is a full fifty kg lighter than the current 911 GT3 Club Sport, and is fitted with an FIA-spec roll cage. The 3600 CC six-cylinder is potent as ever (how does 381 bhp at 7300 rpm grab you?), and can propel the car from 0 to 100 kph in a scant 4.4 seconds, and on to a top whack of 305 kph.
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| A close-ratio six-speed gearbox helps in keeping the engine on the boil, and suspension components have been optimised for the track. And just to make sure people don't stop gaping, there's a huge spoiler at the back, RS badging, and of course, a Rs 70 lakh price tag!
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| The 6 suffix
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| Ever since they went away in 1989, 6 Series BMWs have been missed. And now, at long last, they're slated for a comeback. Due to be launched at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the new BMW 645Ci Coupé promises an enticing blend of power and performance.
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| The car will feature a 4400 CC V8 (333 bhp), sequential SMG gearbox, and extensive use of lightweight materials. It will, reportedly, sprint from 0 to 100 kph in only 5.6 seconds, and go on to a top speed of 250 kph.
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| The car has near-perfect 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, and the now-ubiquitous Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) to make sure the driver doesn't go awry.
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| Now let's wait and see what Audi, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz have to say about the new 6 Series.
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| Cool blue
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| Though the Skoda Fabia is yet to put in an appearance here, it seems to be going places in other markets. There is now a new Fabia Silverline special edition doing the rounds, as is a new Blueline version.
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| And the Octavia is not left behind either – both special edition versions are available on the bigger car as well. What you get for the extra money is twin front airbags, 14-inch alloys, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, electric front windows, remote central locking and a CD stereo.
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| The Blue/Silverline Fabia is available in hatchback and estate variants, with the latter being marginally more expensive. The Octavia gets a whiff of Skoda's WRC magic – RS styling cues on a car that's otherwise sedate. You get 16-inch alloys, ABS, twin front airbags, leather trim, and six-disc CD autochanger.
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| Engines remain mild – choose between 102 bhp 1.6 MPI, and a 90 bhp 1.9 TDi (which powers the Octavia 1.9 sold in India) petrol and diesel units.
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| No, they won't be breaking any performance records, but both are frugal. Now let's see if any of these special edition Skodas find their way to our shores... |
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